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DigitalVision/Thinkstock(DALLAS) -- It was a frightening moment for the 130 passengers and six crew members on board an American Airlines flight Wednesday night.



American Airlines Flight 438, an Airbus A321, had just departed from Dallas-Fort Worth en route to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport when flames were seen shooting out of the back of the engine, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.



One passenger, who wishes to remain unnamed, shot a video from inside the plane showing emergency crews waiting on the tarmac. The plane made a hard landing, but all passengers and crew members are safe.



American Airlines spokesperson Ross Feinstein said the plane had a mechanical issue, more specifically the compressor within the engine.



The FAA echoed that explanation, saying an engine problem caused "compressor stalls." Compressor stalls are similar to an engine backfiring.



An Airbus A321 can perform safely with only a single working engine.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Students at Fremont Senior High School will get an extra lesson in geography this year when they welcome Tahiti, an international exchange student from Finland.

Tahiti will arrive in Fremont next month to live with a local host family and experience the American way of life for an academic year. Tahiti is sponsored by Aspect Foundation, a non-profit organization that strives to bridge cultures through international youth exchange.

Aspect Foundation is always seeking more families who want the experience of hosting an international student. Exchange students are aged 15 to 18, speak English, and have their own spending money and insurance. Volunteer host families provide room, board, and a loving home environment for a semester or academic year.

For more information about hosting an Aspect Foundation international exchange student, call Tara Jasinski at 402-540-6932, the Aspect Foundation national office at 1-800-US-YOUTH or visit http://www.aspectfoundation.org.
NEW YORK  Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump  I can't believe I wrote those words  gave a news conference Wednesday. Shall we first count the outrages or the lies?

I think we need to start at the top of the outrage column. Asked about the hacking of Democratic National Committee emails, which many experts believe was carried out by agents of the Russian government, Trump speculated that Russia might also have hacked into Hillary Clinton's private email server. Then he asked the Russians to release any deleted emails they might have found there.

Trump looked directly into the television cameras and said, "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press."

You read that right. The man one of our two major parties has nominated for president just encouraged cyberespionage by an adversarial foreign power against a former U.S. secretary of state.

We've become almost numb to Trump's wild and irresponsible declarations because there are so many of them. But this one, for me, was jaw-dropping. Fortunately, FBI Director James Comey said in his Capitol Hill testimony that there is no evidence Clinton's server was ever hacked by anyone.

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There is plenty of evidence, however, that Russia is behind the DNC hack, according to widespread news reports quoting U.S. cybersecurity officials. This did not seem to bother Trump in the least; nor did the release of hacked emails embarrassing to the Democratic National Committee on the eve of the convention. He reveled in the disclosures with undisguised glee.

What's the deal with Trump and the Russkies? He said he has never met Vladimir Putin, but once again he betrayed his man-crush on the Russian leader, saying he had better leadership qualities than President Obama.

Trump denied he had business interests in Russia  though it is known that he earned millions from staging his Miss Universe pageant there  and was vague about any possible involvement Russian oligarchs might have in Trump-related projects. Of course, it would be possible to know a lot more if Trump would release his tax returns, but he still won't.

That's the second outrage. All recent presidential nominees have released at least some tax returns  the actual returns, not cobbled-together summaries. (George W. Bush released only his Form 1040.) Trump claims he cannot release his because he is being audited. That's ridiculous  there is no such prohibition  and the real reason must be that he has something to hide. This is a big issue, and it should be a big red flag for voters in November.

The third outrage is that Trump called Obama "the most ignorant president in our history." Put aside, for a moment, the degrees from Columbia and Harvard Law, the presidency of Harvard Law Review, the two terms in the White House. Anyone who has ever heard Obama speak or spent five minutes with the man knows that whatever you might think of him, ignorant he is not.

Name-calling by Trump is not exactly news. But this one stands out because it shows such utter lack of respect for the dignity of the high office he seeks to hold. The words vulgar and ungracious come to mind.

As for the lies: He said that the Islamic State hasn't been mentioned at the Democratic convention; it has. He said there were no American flags on the convention dais; there are. He said Putin called him a "genius" (that bromance again); Putin said no such thing but did call Trump talented. Trump mentioned the Orlando massacre to justify his proposed Muslim ban; the shooter was born in the United States. He claimed he had inspired NATO to begin focusing on terrorism; the alliance was heading in that direction long before Trump opened his mouth.

I could go on, but why bother? Truth is irrelevant to Trump. All he wanted to do is steal a few hours of media attention in the middle of the Democratic convention. He got his wish  but thanks to his Russia comments, it's not the kind of attention he wanted.

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Eugene Robinson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the Washington Post.
I don't always agree with Barry Skolnick, but I was proud of his recent push for a review of the Rochester City Council's dinner meetings by the Rochester Ethics Commission. Barry is right that our city's processes need to be more transparent, not less.

A monthly dinner meeting without an agenda or minutes that is held at a different restaurant each time is confusing at best and antagonistic to the community at worst.

Dinner meetings at restaurants are difficult. How can everyone hear the conversation or conversations that are taking place? Restaurants are noisy and distracting places to have a public meeting. How can citizens know what discussions will take place at the meetings without a posted agenda or minutes?

I've been to multiple city council meetings where council members referred to conversations and decisions made earlier at the dinner meeting.

According to the Post-Bulletin, the city spends more than $4,000 per year on meals at these meetings. Wasteful, opaque and inaccessible. Being elected to the city council isn't a ticket to an exclusive club. Being elected is a serious responsibility to represent everyone in the community and to be as transparent and fiscally responsible as possible.

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These meetings must end immediately. If I'm elected to the city council, I promise to end opaque dinner meetings. Government transparency is one of my core values.

Sean Allen

Rochester
I missed President Obamas speech to the convention (okay, I skipped it), but watched Tim Kaines. I thought the speech was a tale of two halves.

The first half was mediocre. Much of it consisted of self-congratulation delivered with a certain smugness and no particular oratorical skill.

The only times Kaine came close to achieving lift off was when he spoke Spanish. The convention hall audience loved it.

Kaine was trying play the folksly, average Joe nice guy  in the manner of average Joe Biden  so as to connect both with skeptical (at best) Sanders supporters and the television audience. I thought he was trying a little too hard.

Moreover, Kaine probably lost credibility when he insisted that Hillary Clinton, who has flip-flopped on most of the major issues of our time from the Iraq war to free trade, is consistent. The alleged consistency apparently resides in the fact that she cares about children. Wonderful.

Kaine also failed the straight face test when he claimed that, as Secretary of State, Clinton stood up against thugs and dictators. Kaine named no dictators (he could have cited Qaddafi, but didnt for obvious reasons) and only one thug  Osama bin Laden.

Does agreeing with Obama that a military team should kill bin Laden constitute her standing up to him? I dont think so. And Kaines praise will ring false to anyone who remembers the Russian reset.

Kaine may also have lost credibility when he claimed that the modern Democratic party is the true party of Lincoln. Americans, a clear majority of whom dont consider Clinton truthful, will have a tough time with that comparison. The Democratic standard bearer is no Honest Abe. In fact, shes lucky not be facing a felony charge.

But Kaine rallied big in the second part of his speech by skewering the Republican standard bearer. He worked off of Donald Trumps standard line believe me, which Kaine imitated repeatedly. Kaine is no Frank Caliendo, but he got the bluster right, and thats the main thing.

Kaine then proceeded to show quite effectively why no one should believe Donald Trump. He did this by citing various groups he says (not without justification in at least some cases) Trump has stiffed  creditors, folks who believed he would build them condos, Trump University enrollees, etc.

With this, Kaine seemed to win over the convention. And I wouldnt be surprised if he moved the needle some with the television audience.

In my opinion, Kaine, no great speaker, could not have been half as effective attacking any of the credible candidates who opposed Trump. Had the GOP nominated such a candidate, Kaine would likely have stumbled along to the end of his speech with only a mixed reaction.

But in Trump, Republicans provided low hanging fruit and Kaine cut it down with a few deft swings. It didnt take a Bill Clinton or a Barack Obama. Just a middling speaker with a somewhat annoying demeanor.

The second half of Trumps speech provided the Democrats with something they havent had much of lately, either on the campaign trail or in Philadelphia  fun. For them, the fun may just be starting.
Donald Trump attracted a lot of attention of the negative variety with a statement during his press conference in Miami yesterday. Asked repeatedly about allegations that the Russian government is behind the hacked and leaked Democratic National Committees emails, Trump took the opportunity to touch on the related subject of Hillarys 30,000 deleted emails. Russia, if youre listening, Trump said, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing; I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.

The Clinton campaign immediately shifted into overdrive. One of its top policy advisors issued a statement asserting: This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent. The Star Tribune put this incendiary headline over the alarmed Washington Post story by Phil Rucker and Robert Costa: Donald Trump urges Russians to hack Hillarys email.

Democrats and their enablers promptly accused Trump of treason. Right and left, the commentariat appeared to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

What an epic display  in varying proportions, depending on who was doing the talking  of bad faith and stupidity.

The relevant facts relate to the private email server on which Hillary Clinton conducted official business as Secretary of State. Clinton had her lawyers delete 30,000 allegedly personal emails from the server. According to FBI Director James Comey, the emails have been irretrievably removed from the server. They are lost.

Let us first note that Clintons server was wiped years ago. It is not available to be hacked anymore. Trump did not call on the Russians to hack Clinton. If they did it, as they probably did, they did it long ago. Trump knows that, even if the political clowns and media hacks pretend not to.

Clintons official emails are also offline at this point. I know this is ancient history, but cmon.

It is incredibly touching, however, to observe the Democrats concerns about Russian hacking of Clintons server at this point. Would that it had been evidenced any time before yesterday, as the classified nature of the preserved emails came into view.

Trump was putting out an All Points Bulletin on the emails, enlisting the assistance of those who are most likely to have accessed and preserved them to cough them up. He was facetiously lending a hand to law enforcement.

Would the Democrats prefer that the Russians sit on the emails for their use at a later date?

And remember, these personal emails (allegedly) only dealt with mundane matters such as Madam Hillarys yoga lessons, stylists appointments, designer pantsuit measurements and the like. Trump didnt call on the Russians to release the truly compromising top secret materials that Clinton stored on her server in violation of the Espionage Act (Comey to the contrary notwithstanding).

As I say, its good to see the Democrats and their media adjunct purport to flip out over the national security implications of Clintons private server. Is Trump this good or are they this bad?
Marilyn Mosby burned most, if not all, of her bridges to Baltimores law enforcement community when she decided to prosecute and overcharge six Baltimore police officers and announced the decision with great fanfare. The fanfare brought her national celebrity including a Vogue magazine spread.

It also earned her the contempt of Baltimores police officers. The resulting demoralization of the police force has coincided with a steep increase in violent crime.

Yesterday, Mosby doubled down on attacking law enforcement. Having burned her bridges, she decided to flood the river.

Mosby held a press conference to announce the dropping of all remaining Freddie Gray charges. As Steve noted, she used the occasion to blast the police and the African-American judge who presided over the Gray trials and found several of the defendants not guilty.

This is bad form under any circumstances, but its almost criminal in Mosbys case.

Why? Because she remains the city prosecutor. Barring the unforeseen, Mosby will prosecute criminal cases through 2018 in a city where the violent crime, including homicide, is soaring.

To prosecute these cases, she will have to work with the police force. Washington Post reporters Bill Turque and Elise Schmelzer state the obvious when they suggest that Mosbys angry, defiant appearance before reporters will widen the breach with the police department  a breach that already was undermining her ability to work cooperatively with the force.

Why did Mosby opt for attacking the police rather than trying to make peace? Petulance is one answer. From all that appears, were not talking here about a mature individual.

Mosby may also be trying to save her political career. If she has a political future, surely its as the fighter who tried to bring justice for Freddie Gray, was undermined by the police, but refused to accept the unjust outcome.

Im no expert on Baltimore politics, but Mosby appears to be drawing to an inside straight. I agree with Warren Brown, a former assistant states attorney who worked in the office before Mosby arrived. He told the Post:

I dont think she can regain the trust of the white community, and the black community has been fractured. Their regard for her is fractured.

It should be fractured or worse. Mosby failed to convict any officer of anything in the Freddie Gray matter. Failure is failure, whether youre Black or White.

Former Baltimore mayor Kurt Schmoke takes a different view. He recalls becoming unpopular when he advocated legalizing illicit drugs, but turning the tide by patiently explaining his position:

The majority of citizens still disagreed with me, but they supported the fact that I didnt waffle and I didnt change my opinion. I think thats what opponents of Marilyn are going to face two years from now.

But Mosby doesnt seem to do patient explanations. Anyway, its one thing to explain a policy position and quite another to explain unsuccessfully prosecuting six police officers  some Black, some White  in the biggest case anyone in Baltimore can remember.
Ghanas Supreme Court on Wednesday sentenced two panelists on a political talk show on Accra-based radio station to four months imprisonment each for contempt.

Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, the panelists, and Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe, the host of the programme on Montie FM, were also fined 1.3 dollars each or serve additional one month in jail.

They are to pay the fine by the close of work on Thursday.

The court, presided over by Justice Sophia Akuffo, found them guilty of scandalising the court, defying and lowering the authority of the court and bringing it into disrepute.

The panelists issued death threats to judges of the Supreme Court while they were hearing the case brought before it by some opposition members.

The opposition members urged the court to delet the names of those who registered as voters using the National Health Insurance Scheme cards.

The owners of the pro-government Montie FM were also found guilty of contempt and fined while the company which owns the frequency was fined 30,000 Ghana cedis.

All the persons found guilty by the court apologised and their lawyers pleaded for mercy.

But the court insisted that the media and the radio panelists must learn valuable lessons from the judgment and stop unnecessary attacks on the courts and judges.

Justice Akuffo said that the panelists callously reminded the court of the gruesome murder of three High Court judges and an army officer in 1992.

She said that the court deserved utmost respect if the countrys democracy was to be safeguarded.

It added that any conduct that sought to interfere with the judiciary was an act against the community.

The court noted that the owners of the radio station appeared to have little or no interest in what transpired on their radio station.

It expressed hope that every media house owner would henceforth take keen interest in what is broadcast on their radio station.

In his reaction, Dave Agbenu, General Secretary, Ghana Journalists Association, described the jail term as a sad day for media practice in Ghana.

An Accra-based radio station, Starr FM, quoted him as saying: it shouldnt have come to this, it shouldnt have been here at all, its unnecessary.

We need deterrent but this is not the kind of deterrent we should use to cure the mischief that we intend to cure, Agbenu said. (PANA/NAN)
Nigerians drawn from various civil society groups on Wednesday protested alleged illegal recruitment and nepotism in some government agencies, questioning the anti-corruption effort of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The protesters  including popular activists, Aisha Yesufu; author, Chido Onumah; and members of Citizens of Impact, Enough is Enough, Youthup Africa  marched to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where they submitted their protest letter for onward transfer to Mr. Buhari.

All Nigerians must be given equal opportunity in employment, one of their placards read.

In his address, Daniel Olatunde, convener of Citizens of Impact, said the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigeria Prisons Service, embarked on illegal recruitment exercises and that some of the recruits paid huge amounts to get the jobs.

He recalled that one of the 909 persons recruited by the CBN through backdoor was a nephew of Mr. Buhari.

He added that FIRS Chairman, Babatunde Fowler, lied barefaced and was deceiving Nigerians that the body was going to recruit 1,250 people during a session with the Senate Finance Committee at a time he had already concluded the recruitment of children of his cronies including that of John Enoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

To cover its illegal recruitment exercise, Mr. Olatunde alleged that NPS backdated letters of appointment to 530 people.

No transparency as these exercises were done under the table, Mr. Olatunde said.

It is shocking the government has been loud in its silence. Nobody has investigated or reversed it.President Buhari came to power on thr crest of anti-corruption campaign.

In her address, Mrs. Yesufu said Mr. Buhari should be reminded that looting constitutes corruption, as well as nepotism and illegal recruitment of children of who is who.

The protesters demanded investigation of the exercises and their reversal, while heads of the concerned public bureaucracies be sanctioned.

If citizens come out to protest peacefully, they should be listened to. It is not only those who carry arms that should be listened to, Mrs. Yesufu said.

Special Assistant to Mr. Buhari on Policy, Development and Analysis, Ibrahim Bapitel, represented the SGF, Babachir Lawal.

Mr. Bapitel, after listening to the protesters and receving their letter, he said, I believe in the content of this letter.

I assure action could be taken.

He could not give a definite date for the protesters to get response, saying only the SGF could do so.

But PREMIUM TIMES gathered the protesters resolved to resume demonstration a week from now in case there is no response from government.
In his native Niger State, David Umaru, the All Progressives Congress senator representing Niger East Senatorial District is something of a folk hero.

He was a thorn under the skin of the immediate past administration of Governor Muazu BabangidaAliyu. He was an unwavering critic and soon gained the reputation of a whistleblower after be published series of advertorials in national newspapers exposing alleged corrupt practices by the Muazu Babangida administration.

But one aspect of his life Mr Umaru would hesitate to see on the pages of newspapers is his dealings in notorious offshore tax havens and his role in laundering money for the countrys most notorious dictator ever, Sani Abacha.

Documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES from the leaked database of now infamous Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca, revealed that Mr Umaru incorporated two shell companies in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a notorious offshore tax haven, and in tiny South Pacific Ocean country, Niue Island.

The first company, Yorkshire Investment Limited was incorporated on April 27, 1998 with a registered address at No2 Commercial Centre Square, Alofi, the capital of the Niue Island.

The company was incorporated by International Trust Company (ITC), a Niue-based registering agent. In other to conceal the true ownership of the shell company, ITC provided two nominee directors for the company  Melvin Scales (Chairman) and Ramses Owens.

But Mr Umaru was clearly named the true and lawful attorney of the company.

The appointment of nominee directors for shell companies is a common practice in tax havens. The practice involved the appointment of directors only by title. They have no real authority over the company which they supposedly represent and can only act according to the directives of the owners of the firm or that of the person with a power of attorney.

Know all men by these presents that on this 27th day of April, 1998, we, YORKSHIRE INVESTMENT LTD, whose registered ofce is situated at 2 Commercial Centre Square, Alofi, Niue (hereinafter referred to as the Company ) have made, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do hereby make, constitute and appoint Mr. David UMARU (hereinafter referred to as the Attorney) as our true and lawful Attorneyinfact for us and in our name, place and stead, to do, execute and perform all and every act or acts in law needful and necessary to be done in and about and in relation, but not limited to, the following matters:

To negotiate, conclude, sign, execute and deliver on behalf of the Company such conveyances, transfers, assignments, deeds, documents, licenses, authorities or agreements as said Attorney shall consider necessary or proper to enable it to dispose of or acquire any assets in any part of the world (hereinafter referred to as the assets) on such terms as the Attorney shall consider proper or desirable in his absolute discretion, the companys article of incorporation read.

Not satisfied by the incorporation of his first shell company, five months later, exactly on September 15, 1998, Mr. Umaru again went shopping for his second shell company  Darweng Holding.

This time he decided to incorporate it in the British Virgin Islands. Just like he did with Yorkshire Investment Ltd, Mr Umaru appointed Benerly Hunt and Darlene Bayne as the companys nominee directors while he retained a full power of attorney, which gave him absolute power to negotiate, conclude, sign, execute and. deliver on behalf of the Company such conveyances, transfers, assignments, deeds, documents, licenses, authorities or agreements as said Attorney shall consider necessary or proper to enable it to dispose of or acquire any assets in any part of the world (hereinafter referred to as the assets).

There is no evidence that Mr Umaru was no longer involved with the shell companies before he was elected a senator.

While not all owners or operators of such offshore entities are criminals, owning or maintaining interest in private companies while serving as public officials is against Nigerian laws.

Section 6(b) of the Code of Conduct Act says a public office holder shall not, except where he is not employed on fulltime basis, engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade.

This revelation makes Mr Umaru the fourth serving Nigerian senator, after Senate President Bukola Saraki, his predecessor, David Mark, and Senator Andy Uba, who have been shown to own shell companies in offshore tax havens in clear violation of the countrys law.

Abachas bagman

It is unclear what businesses Mr. Umaru transacted with his offshore companies.

But shortly before he ran the companies, Mr. Umaru, who is currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters, helped the Abacha family to move huge funds around.

An affidavit filed in November 18, 2013 by the US Department of Justice in a suit seeking the forfeiture of assets worth over $500 million stolen by Mr Abacha and hidden in various in bank accounts in various offshore jurisdiction, revealed how Mr Umaru acted as the official extortionist and money launderer of the Abachas.

As part of a ploy to extort money from foreign companies, the Abacha regime stopped paying foreign companies for contracts executed. One of sure companies was a French Civil Engineering firm, Dumez Group. The Abacha regime owed the company $469 million it refused to pay. In fact, even after the company nationalized and became Dumez Nigeria Limited, the junta still would not release the funds.

Enter Mr. Umaru. The senator, who was then a personal lawyer for the Abachas, approached the owners of Dumez and told them payment could be restarted if they agreed to a 25 per cent kickback of whatever they were paid to the Abacha family. The company agreed.

Mr Umaru then incorporated Allied Network Ltd for the sole purpose of collecting the kickbacks on behalf of the Abacha family. Listed as directors of the company were Mohammed Sani and Abba Sani, which were aliases of Sani Abacha and his brother, Abba Abacha.

In December 1996, Mr. Umaru opened an account on behalf of Allied Network Ltd at the Union Bancaire Privee (UBP) in Geneva, Switzerland, which was used to receive the payment of the kickbacks from Dumez and another account at the same bank which was used to receive the payment from the Nigerian government.

According to court papers, between August 16, 1996 and May 22, 1998, the Central Bank of Nigeria transferred $389,737,400 to Dumez account at UBP, Geneva. Of that amount $97,375,543 or 25 per cent of the original payment was transferred by Dumez to Allied Network Ltd account in the same bank.

In late 1997, Mohammed Abacha, the son of the late dictator, authorised the transfer of $11,114,983, being part of the kickback received from Dumez, to an account held by Mohammed Sani (Mohammed Sani is the preferred alias of the younger Mr Abacha). He used the alias repeatedly in most of the money laundering transactions involving his family, including the infamous Malabu Oil deal) at Midland Bank London (Now HSBC Bank Plc) with account number 38175076.

The money was later distributed into two accounts also held by Mohammed Sani in the US via a network of several financial institutions.

Mr Umaru did not answer repeated calls to his mobile number by this newspaper. He also did not reply text message sent to his phone for comment.
The Nigerian military on Wednesday announced it will launch a series of tactical drills in Enugu from weekend, days after threatening the use of force in neighbouring Niger Delta where militants have attacked oil and gas installations for months.

The announcement for the drills, codenamed Operation Crocodile Tears, came about 48 hours after the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, warned that the military would resort to force if talks with the militants failed.

Mr. Buratais warning in Port Harcourt on Monday was denounced by a bloc of militant groups in the region: the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State also deplored the threat of military action, saying it would not resolve the crisis. He urged sustained dialogue.

The Nigerian Army will from this weekend commence another training exercise code named EXERCISE CROCODILE SMILE in 82 Division and part of 2 Division areas of responsibility traversing the South-South geo-political region, the army announced on Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday.

The aim of the exercise is to practice our Special Forces and other units of the Nigerian Army in Amphibious and Internal Security Operations in riverine environment and also check criminal activities like kidnapping, militancy and piracy and other forms of criminal activities in support of the civil authority.

The general public is please requested not to panic on the sight of unusual movement of large number of troops, heavy military weapons and equipment in these areas.

A source in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday of massive movement of troops and equipment towards the south east and south south region.

The source, who pleaded not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the issue, said troops and equipment were moved through Benue State to Enugu on the way to the oil-rich region.

We have seen several trucks conveying soldiers and military hardware through Makurdi towards Enugu State and we suspect that they are being deployed to the Niger Delta region, the source told this newspaper.

It was not possible to count the number of truck that passed through Makurdi but we are afraid of what could happen if they are unleashed on harmless villages and settlements in the Niger Delta region.

We dont want what happened in Odi and Zaki Biam during President Olusegun Obasanjo to happen again because most of those who were killed were innocent people.

The director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubarkar, and his counterpart for the army, Sani Usman, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES request for comments.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last week said his administration was talking with Niger Delta militants through oil companies and law-enforcement agencies to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region.

But while speaking through the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, Ibrahim Atahiru, the army chief, Mr. Buratai, said the government was still committed to dialogue but could resort to other means if dialogue failed.

Government is still committed to dialogue and whereby this cannot go on, then, there could be resort to other means. The non-kinetic (force) means has always been the source first before government can make recourse to the kinetic means.

So, there is need for the Niger Delta Avengers to see reason and engage in dialogue with government, he said.
A Federal High Court siting in Abuja has nullified the national convention held by the Peoples Democratic Party on May 21 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

It was at that convention that the National Working Committee of the party led by former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff was dissolved and a caretaker committee led by former Governor Ahmed Markarfi was constituted.

Mr. Sheriff, a former governor of Borno State, has since then been challenging his removal and has insisted that he remained the legitimate leader of Nigerias leading opposition party.

But ruling in a fresh case brought before his court on Thursday, Justice Okon Abang said the May 21 convention was illegal and that Mr. Makarfis committee was unlawfully constituted.

Justice Abang gave the ruling while determining the rightful counsel to represent the PDP in the new case.

Mr. Sheriff is asking the court to determine whether his replacement by Mr. Makarfi was lawful or an abuse of court orders.

The Lagos division of the Federal High Court had issued a court order restraining the PDP from conducting election into the offices of its national chairman, national secretary and national auditor.

The ruling by Justice Ibrahim Buba was made sequel to an application brought by Mr. Sheriff and his colleagues who occupied those positions.

The application had intended to prevent elections of new party leaders at the May 21 convention.

But on May 21, the PDP held its convention in Port Harcourt where Mr. Makarfi was appointed to lead a caretaker committee, a development that sparked a fresh round of crisis in the party, with Mr. Sheriff insisting that he remained the legitimate chairman of the fold.

The two contenders sent two different lawyers to Justice Abangs court on Thursday, both claiming to represent the national chairman of the party.

The court listened to the two lawyers  Ferdinand Obi and Adeniyi Akintola  to enable it to determine who should be the legal representative of the PDP in the matter.

Giving his ruling, Mr. Abang ruled that in determining who should be the rightful counsel to the PDP, it was necessary to decide whether the caretaker committee led by Mr. Makarfi was rightly constituted or not.

The convention was unlawfully held and the caretaker committee was unlawfully constituted, the judge ruled.

If the Markarfi-led faction, as an apostle of impunity, missed its way to the Port Harcourt division of the FHC, the court cannot be said to have acted within its legal jurisdiction in entertaining the matter, Mr. Abang said.

He urged politicians to desist from creating confusion for judges.

Prior to his ruling, the counsel argued for over seven hours.

Mr. Obi, who represented the Makarfi faction, argued that it was illegal for the Deputy National Legal Adviser of the Sheriff faction , Bashir Maidugu, to file the suit and then also receive court processes on behalf of his faction.

The plaintiff has no authority to receive documents for PDP, whom he has sued as the second defendant, he said

He further cited a previous ruling by the Port Harcourt division of the Federal High Court, which ruled that the decisions taken at the May 21 convention were completely legal.

He added that the court held in that judgment that nothing in the decision of the convention amounted to an abuse of the law.

But responding, Mr. Akintola, who represented the Sheriff faction, said his client received the processes for the matter as part of his official responsibility as a legal officer representing the PDP.

I submit that the plaintiff has power to act in plural capacity. He is a lawyer and the legal officer for the PDP, Mr. Akintola said.

He added that the previous case cited by Mr. Obi did not make categorical statement as to who should represent the PDP, adding that the decision of his client to act in his statutory position should not amount to an abuse of law.

We urge the court to hold that we are counsel for the PDP and that my learned brother should cease to appear for the PDP, he said.

In his ruling, Justice Abang noted that there was an order restraining the party from conducting election into the offices of national chairman, national secretary and auditor pending the hearing and determination of a substantive suit at the Lagos decision of the Federal High Court.

Where the court in Port Harcourt had no jurisdiction for entertaining such matters, a court of coordinate jurisdiction has legal prerogative to nullify the decision reached at the Port Harcourt division of the court, he said.

Responding, Mr. Obi prayed the court for an adjournment, saying the issues raised were weighty and important for the determination of the matter.

They should therefore not be resolved hastily, he said.

Responding, Justice Abang said the May 21 convention was held despite the decision of the court, and that the Port Harcourt division wrongly assumed jurisdiction which led to the July 4 judgement that nullified the decision of the Lagos Division of the court.

He therefore ruled that the decision of Mr. Obi to ask for adjournment rather than respond to the question posed to him was not meritorious and therefore his prayer for adjournment refused.
Gunmen, on Wednesday night, stormed the home of the new Vice chancellor of the University of Jos, Sebastian Maimoko, shooting dead a private security man, and injuring a police officer and another private security guard.

The injured private security man was whisked away, and the rifle of the police officer seized, in the attack that occurred at Mr. Maimokos private residence.

A source said the vice chancellor, who assumed office in June, was out of the country at the time of the attack.

The spokesman for the university, Abdullahi Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Thursday morning, but said details would be released in an official statement by the university authority later.

A witness, Stephen Serki, said the incident took place at about 8:30 pm Wednesday.

A policeman was shot at the leg and his gun was taken away by the attackers. Two other security men of the university attached to the Vice Chancellor were also shot, one on the head, another on his chest; the one that was shot in the chest died on the spot, but another survived, Mr. Serki explain.

The police spokesperson for Plateau State, Terna Tyopev, said had not been informed about the incident.
The Commandant, National Defence College, Samuel Alade, says the Nigerian military has begun taking steps towards the manufacture of military hardware.

Mr. Alade, a Rear Admiral, said this in Abuja on Thursday while addressing journalists after he led the Course 24 of the college on a visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House.

According to him, the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in Kaduna was being strengthened to produce arms while the military industrial complex will produce heavy military equipment.

We have an institution that was established basically to help develop production of hardware.

That is the Defence Industry Corporation, which is located at Kaduna.

That institution is being strengthened; I believe that in the new dispensation a lot of things will start happening.

As we speak, they produce rifles and some other hardware.

But I can assure you that we have started.

Just recently we had a defence cooperation workshop with South Africa and that workshop was held at the Defence College and that is the beginning.

We want to develop our military industrial complex and within that framework we will be able to manufacture hardware and even the software as well.

In August 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Ministry of Defence to design a plan for the establishment of a military industrial complex for local production of weapons.

He gave the directive at the graduation of Course 23 of the National Defence College in Abuja.

Mr. Buhari had said that such weapons, when produced, would meet some of the requirements of the countrys armed forces.

He had described as unacceptable, Nigerias over-dependence on other countries for critical military equipment and logistics.

Mr. Alade said the group visited the vice president to submit some policy proposals to the Federal Government on how to effectively administer the country.

He said the proposal emanated from the recent workshop at the college with the topic Youth Bulge in Nigeria and its implication for National Security.

Mr. Alade said the presentation was a way of contributing to national development and national security.

According to him, the students made some useful suggestions on how to move the country forward especially on youth development.

He said the presentation would continue based on the directive of the presidency adding that the college was ready to conduct various researches to engender development.

On the battle against insurgency and militancy in the country, Mr. Alade expressed gratitude with the military for defeating Boko Haram.

Obviously, we are winning the war on insurgency; you are aware of what the military is doing in the North East.

Of course we can conveniently say that there is no more Boko Haram; we have defeated them.

When you talk of issue of insecurity in the Niger Delta, you are aware that discussions are on and the military, if called upon, will usually give their assistance to civil authority, he added.

(NAN)
The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, on Thursday said those indicted in the audit of funds and materials donated to tackle the countrys health crisis would be facing prosecution soon.

Mr. Adewole said a number of people had been quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after audit of donor funds from 2010 to 2015 uncovered widespread corruption.

Mr. Adewoles disclosure came when he joined President Buhari in the State House to receive Seth Berkely, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi and The Global Fund.

Earlier, the president had welcomed Mr. Berkley and expressed appreciation for his organisations efforts in Nigeria.

We thank you for deciding to re-engage with us, despite our inefficiencies. You decided to be here, not minding our shortcomings. There are other countries that would bring less problems. We appreciate your commitment, and we will do our best to put ourselves in the best shape to help us, Mr. Buhari said.

Mr. Buhari said Nigeria understood its lapses and efforts were underway to address them.

We are making genuine efforts to correct the lapses. We are very serious about people behaving themselves, and being accountable, the president said.

Mr. Berkley, who noted that the three focal points of the Buhari administration; security, economic development, and anti-corruption were critical to the future of Nigeria, raised issues over the way donor funds for health care were utilized in the past.

Mr. Berkley said Gavi and The Global Fund were disappointed when forensic audit revealed systemic weaknesses and corruption in the utilization of funds given in the past.

He said there is now a breath of fresh air under Mr. Buharis leadership and fight against corruption and they were willing to close the books of the past, and look into future support.
A group in the House of Representatives, the Transparency Group, on Wednesday demanded the investigation of Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged padding of the 2016 budget.

The lawmakers made this known in Abuja while briefing journalists.

They insisted that Mr. Dogara and other principal officers mentioned in the budget padding scam, and Abdulmumin Jibrin, former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, be investigated by relevant external government agencies.

Mr. Jibrin had alleged that the 2016 budget was padded by Mr. Dogara and other members.

Speaking on behalf of the Transparency Group, Musa Soba (APC-Kaduna), claimed that about 113 signatures had been collected from lawmakers from the six geopolitical zones and across party lines before Sallah break.

According to him, this is to compel the speaker to explain noticed discrepancies in the budget.

We call for an external investigation into the matter, to enable us know if our principal officers are guilty or not.

For this group, we say the budget was padded and as such, the budget being a document that belongs to all Nigerians, it is no longer an internal affair, Mr. Sabo said.

He called on the speaker to desist from making Mr. Jibrins allegations look like a problem of the house.

He maintained that henceforth, the speaker, the deputy speaker, the majority whip and the minority leader should confront the allegations made against them as individuals.

We urge the leadership of the House of Representatives to stop presenting the 2016 budget padding allegations as the problem of the entire house.

Let those at the centre of the controversy answer to all the allegations made against them individually and collectively in line with legal practice and our criminal justice system, Mr. Soba added.

(NAN)
A former Minister of Education, Tunde Adeniran, has joined the race to emerge as the next national chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Mr. Adeniran on Wednesday said he had committed himself to lead the PDP, and reclaim its national glory.

Ahead of the partys national convention in Port Harcourt next month, Mr. Adeniran a professor of Political Science, urged the delegates and leaders of the party to entrust him with the responsibility of being the national chairman to ensure its rebirth and the enthronement of good governance in the country.

Mr. Adeniran, who spoke through his media aide, Yemi Akinbode, said the task ahead of the PDP and Nigeria required fortitude and experience to help the party achieve its objectives.

A founding member of the PDP who has remained with the party since its inception and served in various capacities, Mr. Adeniran appealed to delegates to the forthcoming national convention to support his candidacy given his wealth of experience serving the party and the country meritoriously over the years.

Mr. Adeniran, who is also a former ambassador of Nigeria to Germany, said he was certain that as committed leaders of the PDP, you do appreciate the great need of the party for the wealth of experience and the dedication that I represent. We will work together and leave a legacy of honour, excellent party administration and good governance.

He said delegates should view the forthcoming national convention as a golden opportunity to reinvigorate and reposition the PDP and install a vibrant executive team that would reclaim the integrity of the party and its frontline position in Nigerian politics.

The convention will also throw up possibilities of how best to tackle the challenge facing our party and help our governments at various levels achieve the objectives contained in our partys manifesto, he said.

He urged the delegates to honour the commitment of the party to have the southwest zone produce the national chairman this time.

Since the birth of the PDP in 1998, only the southwest has not produced the partys national chairman either in substantive or acting capacity.
A new alliance of lawmakers, called Transparency Group, which emerged in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, has said its call for sweeping investigation in the House is not driven by politics.

The House is facing its latest scandal after the appropriation chairman, Abdulmumin Jibrin, who left office last week, revealed shocking details of alleged budget fraud against the speaker, Yakubu Dogara, and other key members.

The new group weighed in on Wednesday demanding that both sides be investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC We are not Gbajabiamilas group, the group said, referring to the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who contested but lost the speakership election to Mr. Dogara.

We are not Dogaras group; and we are not Jibrins group, the new groups spokesperson, Mohammed Soba (APC-Kaduna) told PREMIUM TIMES on phone Wednesday night. Our main purpose is that there is transparency in the House.

Mr. Soba said the group would push for an emergency resumption of the House to address the criminal matter of budget padding which he said could not be investigated internally.

The budget scandal in the troubled House involves counter accusations of corrupt practices and breach of public trust, especially during 2016 budget passage process.

Mr. Jibrin says the speaker worked with the Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun; Whip, Alhassan Doguwa; and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, to embed fictitious projects into the budget.

The spokesperson of the House, Abdulrazaq Namdas, has denied the allegations against the individuals, and in turn accused Mr. Jibrin of corruption and blackmail.

The so-called Transparency Group said Mr. Namdas should stop defending Mr. Dogara through the institution of the House.

Namdas should not speak on our behalf as far this controversy is concerned because the allegations are not made against the House. Jibrins allegations are directed at the Speaker and other Principal Officers, Mr. Soba said.

There is controversy over budget padding as a result of which chairman of appropriations committee was sacked, he was actually removed. Then he now came with allegations against the Speaker and some Principal Officers. So Dogara, the Speaker, is now using the House spokesman to speak on the issue against what Abdulmumin (Jibrin) is saying. And what we are saying Namdas should not.

The group demanded independent investigation into what it said was a criminal offence against the Nigerian people.

The group said the House Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee was not fit to entertain the matter because its chairman and members are appointees of Mr. Dogara.

We are demanding independent investigation into the allegations because this matter is purely criminal. Padding of the budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is criminal. So nobody should expect us to fold our arms to watch the appointees of the Speaker investigate the Speaker in the name of the Ethics and Privileges Committee, Mr. Soba said.

Asked to clarify what he meant by independent investigation, he said, investigation from outside the House, and replied Yes! When our correspondent suggested Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The issue of the budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is beyond the House. Its not an internal affairs of the House, he added, opposing Ethics Committee Chairman, Nicholas Ossais position that the budget scandal remained an internal affair of the House.

Also, Mr. Ossai had argued that it was wrong to say National Assembly padded budget; rather, he said the legislators only amended appropriation bill (proposed budget) like any other bill.

Transparency Group says it has 113 members who are cooperating to ask all those at the centre of the controversy to face the allegations in line with criminal justice system, Mr. Soba said.

Our next move is to put heat on the Speaker to reconvene the House immediately so that we discuss this issue of national importance. We then take decision on the floor of the House on what line of action to be taken, said Mr. Soba.

Asked to give names of some members of the Transparency Group, he mentioned, Abubakar Adamu (APC-Niger); Bashir Babale (APC-Kano); Ayo Omidiran (APC-Osun), Rotimi Agunsoye (APC-Lagos).
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Thursday said he would pursue defamation charges against PREMIUM TIMES for allegedly publishing a libellous material circulated by a former chairman of House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin.

Mr. Dogara said he gave this newspaper a seven-day grace period for it to retract and apologise for publishing the July 25 article which Mr. Jibrin said he distributed to media houses to throw more light on the unfolding budget padding scandal involving him, Mr. Dogara and other House principal officers.

In a letter dated July 27 and titled: Demand for Apology for a Libelous Publication Contained in the Front Page of Your Newspaper of July 26, 2016, Mr. Dogara quoted excerpts of the article and said their publication caused him public opprobrium, odium, scorn and ridicule.

Mr. Dogara and Mr. Jibrin had been locked in fierce political and media battle after the latter was removed as chair of the appropriation committee last Wednesday.

Mr. Jibrin, a lawmaker from Kano State, said Mr. Dogara colluded with his deputy, Yusuf Lasun, Chief Whip Alhassan Doguwa, and Minority Whip Leo Ogor to allot up to 40 billion to themselves in the budget.

The lawmakers denied the allegations and said Mr. Jibrin was angry because he lost his position as chairman of Committee on Appropriation.

Mr. Dogaras letter to PREMIUM TIMES was written by a law firm, Messrs. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) and Co., and was signed by Johnson Usman, a legal partner in the firm.

The personal references are obviously directed at our client and amount to a very serious libel, the letter said.

Take notice that in the event of your failure/refusal to unconditionally retract your false and defamatory statements within seven (7) days of the receipt of this letter, you will have left us with no choice but to proceed with legal action against you. In that event, we will pursue all options to undo the reputational injury caused by you including a claim for aggravated and exemplary damages, Mr. Dogaras lawyers said.

PREMIUM TIMES legal adviser, Jiti Ogunye, said this paper did nothing untoward in publishing Mr. Jibrins allegations, and said Mr. Dogaras threat was unwarranted and legally offensive.

Mr. Ogunye said Mr. Dogaras action was aimed at stifling the freedom of the press.

Indeed, it is a calculated but an unacceptable attempt to kill the right to freedom of expression and the press, Mr. Ogunye said. Section 22 of the Constitution imposes a duty on the press to hold the government accountable to the people. And what PREMIUM TIMES is doing is a very professional and responsible discharge of that constitutional duty.

The allegations and counter allegations from both sides are fairly reflected in PREMIUM TIMES reports and it is in the public interest that PREMIUM TIMES is upholding the right of the Nigerian people to know.

Mr. Ogunye said Mr. Dogara was trying to drag PREMIUM TIMES into the corruption scandal rocking the House in order to create a legal loophole for himself and others enmeshed in it.

A mischief is afoot because this threat to institute a civil action alleging defamation of character may just be a way to immediately deposit the allegations in a court so that they can say because the matter is already in court it can no longer be entertained before the House.

Mr. Ogunye said rather than threaten PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Dogara should preoccupy himself with relentless invitation to the EFCC and ICPC to come in and investigate the scandal, adding that PREMIUM TIMES would remain firm in its resolve to ensure that Nigerians remain abreast of unfolding developments in the scandal as well as other cases of sharp practices in public service.

PREMIUM TIMES cannot be intimidated by the Speaker or anyone else because the shield of PREMIUM TIMES is integrity and adherence to the highest professional standards in journalism, Mr. Ogunye said.
The MultiNational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF), on Thursday captured and occupied Damasak, a town in the North-East state of Borno, authorities said.

Damasak is a boundary town between Nigeria and Niger Republic and is located in Northern Borno. It is one of the last frontiers of the Boko Haram terrorists.

The Chief Military Public Information Officer and spokesperson of MNJTF, Muhammad Dole, in a brief statement to PRNigeria, said the troops also cleared the terrorists from the surrounding villages.

In continuation with clearance operation of the towns and villages by MNJTF, the troops of Sector 4 in Diffa, Niger Republic successfully cleared Sure village, captured and occupied Damasak town today by 1000hrs.

The forces are coordinating to stabilize the immediate environs. The gallant troops fought their way into the town with Close Air support by combined Air Operation from MNJTF member states.

Mr. Dole, a colonel, added, While Operation Lafiya Dole is conducting operation to link up with Sector 4 at the location, the troops morale remains very high.

The MNJTF is a combined multinational formation, comprising units, mostly military, from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. It is headquartered in NDjamena, Chad, and is mandated to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency.
The chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debts, Shehu Sani, on Wednesday called for the setting up of a special security and intelligence task force to combat the new wave of kidnapping of farmers and motorists in Kaduna State.

Mr. Sani, who represents Kaduna Central senatorial district under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the wave of kidnappings of citizens was becoming a serious national security situation that must not be ignored.

The rising cases of kidnap of farmers and motorists in Kaduna is gradually making the state become the kidnap capital of northern Nigeria, Mr. Sani said in a statement to PREMIUM TIMES.

In Kaduna state today,farmers now go to their farms in fear. Motorists ply Kaduna-Abuja road in fear.The incessant cases of kidnap in farms and along major highways is deserving of serious attention.As a nation we cannot achieve any meaningful economic targets or goal when our farmers are no more safe, he said.

The lawmaker, who is also the vice chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, said nowadays families in Kaduna and environs are forced to borrow and part with millions of naira to enable them pay for ransom in order to secure the freedom of their loved once.

He said diversification of the countrys economy would remain a mirage until order and security were guaranteed in all parts of the country.

As a nation, we must address the problem of rising poverty, mass unemployment and creeping hopelessness,budding disenchantment to avert a national discontent.Security for the rich is tied to the comfort of the poor.Until everyone is secure,no one is safe, he stated.

He criticised the government for always defending its officials for failing to provide security for the people, saying a special security and intelligence task force was needed to combat the menace as soon as possible.

Its unacceptable to continue to provide magical excuses by defending government officials elected to serve and to perform as non-magicians or non-miracle workers, Mr. Sani said.
The police on Monday handed over to the Ogun State Government, the nine-year-old boy, Korede Taiwo, who was chained for weeks by his father.

The police spokesperson for the state, Muyiwa Adejobi made this known to PREMIUM TIMES in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Mr. Adeboji also said that the boys father, Francis Taiwo, and stepmother, Kehinde, would soon be charged to court.

This is coming just as the Child Protection Network, an umbrella body of Non-Government Organisations in the state, expressed commitment to collaborating with the government towards taking care of the boy.

Korede was chained in a room for over a month by his father, Mr. Taiwo, who is the pastor in charge of the Key of Joy Parish of the Celestial Christ, Ajinwo, Ota area of the state.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Adejobi said the boy did not want to live with his parents after he was rescued by security operatives.

The police spokesperson also said the wife of Ogun State Governor, Olufunso Amosun, had indicated interest in taking care of young Korede.

The officer in charge has just taken over the case today and we assure you that the command will do proper investigation and we wont waste time on that, said Mr. Adejobi.

The man will be charged to court. The step mum is also a suspect in the case and so the command will charge two of them accordingly.

The command was not happy that the boy was chained by his father for more than a month. If you look at the weight of the chain; coupled with the weight of the padlock, you will know it was heavy for that boy.

The boy is a rugged person and I am very sure God has a purpose for sparing his life. By the time we rescued the boy, he couldnt stand. He was so weak and he was only able to stand after the DPO took him to hospital for treatment.

It is a terrible case. Apart from being criminal, it is also inhuman. The command condemns it in totality and the AIG has directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated.

We want to assure members of the public that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and we want to take the case very seriously because it must serve as deterrent to those who would want to do the same thing, he said.

An anti-human trafficking officer of the command, Oluwatoyosi Bello, handed Korede to officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

While receiving the boy on behave of the government, the Director of Social Welfare Services, Shotubo Olumide, assured that the ministry would take care of Korede.

In a confession, the boys father, Mr. Taiwo said he regretted his action, adding that he did not know the legal implication of his action.

I didnt know there is punishment for my action but now I know. I regret my actions. I want forgiveness from the government, he pleaded.

Similarly, the step mother, Kehinde, pleaded with the government to forgive her and the husband.

We used to advise him but because we didnt know the implication at that time, that is the reason we chained him. I want to beg the government not to be angry again, she pleaded.
Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, has called on the Federal Government to reopen investigation into the death of the businessman and politician, Moshood Abiola.

The group was reacting to President Muhmmadu Buharis directive that the murder of former attorney general, Bola Ige and Rivers State politician, Aminasoari Dikibo, be re-investigated.

Afenifere, at its meeting in Akure on Wednesday, commended the Federal government for reopening the political murder cases.

We welcome the gesture by FG under President Muhammadu Buhari to reopen investigation of killings that were not resolved in the past including that of our late deputy leader, Chief Bola Ige and Dikibo, said Yinka Odumakin, the groups spokesman.

This shows that at least we are still in a society that lays some premium on human lives.

We want the perpetrators to be brought to book and punished so that  there will be deterrence to other crimes.

We are also asking that the investigations should be holistic, it should not just be about two people; it must also be extended to the killers of MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Rewane, Funsho Williams, Marshall Harry and other high profile political murders that took place from the days of Abacha until recent times so that they can put a closure on these murders. 

Mr. Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, died in prison on July 7, 1998 under questionable circumstances.

His wife, Kudirat, was earlier murdered in June 1996 as she mounted pressure on the government in the effort to ensure her husband regained his presidential mandate.
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, Ahmed Illiyasu, on Thursday formally took over control of the command, assuring that the peace and security of the state will not be compromised.

He visited the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, immediately after assuming duties at the command.

Mr. Illiyasu was appointed and posted to Ogun State following the promotion of his predecessor, Abdulmajid Alli, as Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, which covers Ogun and Lagos States.

The new police commissioner assured that he would show total commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.

Mr. Illiyasu also commended the infrastructural drive of the governor, saying, I was in this state four years ago and I know how it was, but what I saw when I came now is a radical difference. I can see a serious difference.

Mr. Alli, who formally introduced his successor to the governor, said the new commissioner was very hardworking and a no-nonsense police officer.

The new AIG Zone 2 therefore warned hoodlums terrorizing the riverine areas of the state of an impending routing coming by the action of the new police commissioner.

We wont accept the present action of some criminal-minded people disturbing the people in villages near the waterways. I am issuing a red card to them. They should stay clear of Ogun State, Mr. Alli said.

He declared that his priority as the AIG in charge of Ogun and Lagos states was keeping our waterways safe for the people.

Governor Amosun said the state wont be a fertile ground for hoodlums and criminal-minded elements.

Mr. Amosun noted that the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the state wont be surrendered to hoodlums and criminal-minded elements disturbing the people located at the coastal areas.

I want to say Ogun State is still and would remain a no-comfort zone for criminals. We wont accept what some people are doing in the riverine areas presently, he said.

The governor praised the AIG for ensuring that Ogun remained peaceful, and saluted his professionalism and competence, stressing that the new AIGs promotion was well deserved.
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Turkmenistan is apparently having enormous economic problems. The country's system is so opaque that it is always difficult to know much about what is going on there. But the recent decision to scrap the two entities that were overseeing the oil and gas sector and to restructure the management of that industry give the impression that the authorities in Ashgabat are getting desperate.

The hydrocarbon sector, particularly natural gas, is critical not only to Turkmenistan's economy but to its authoritarian political system also. There have been large-scale layoffs in the sector this year.

What does the restructuring mean for Turkmenistan, a country with the fourth-largest gas reserves in the world, and why were changes necessary? How bad is the situation in the country's hydrocarbon sector? And is there a way out of this for Turkmenistan?

Those were some of the questions discussed at a Majlis, a panel, organized by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk.

Muhammad Tahir, soon to be RFE/RL's Washington-based media relations manager on Asian affairs, moderated the panel. Participating from Baku, where he was attending a conference, was legendary energy expert John Roberts, a resident senior fellow at Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center and Global Energy Center at the Atlantic Council. From Scotland, our extremely knowledgeable friend Dr. Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian Studies at Glasgow University, took part in the Majlis again. I would have been happy to sit back and just listen to those two but I need to earn my paycheck, so I said a few things.

Roberts started the talk by going to the heart of the matter, noting, "The only real source of income that Turkmenistan has is from gas." Anceschi followed that up by saying Turkmenistan has "essentially a mono-resource economy."

So the need for restructuring of the gas and oil industry, the major provider of revenue for the country, sends a signal that there are some serious concerns within Turkmenistan.

'Deck Chairs On The Titanic'

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov issued a decree on July 15 that abolished the Oil and Gas Ministry and the State Agency on Management and Use of Hydrocarbon Resources. The latter was the more important entity, being subordinate to the president's office.

But it is not clear what purpose the restructuring serves. Anceschi said the changes "probably won't affect [Turkmenistan's hydrocarbon industry] in any significant way." Roberts said, "I think you'll probably find that this is no more than moving the chairs around as the Titanic sinks. There isn't any real rational understanding."

The decree divided the state oil company, Turkmennebit, and the state gas company, Turkmengaz. It made them, as "legal successors" to the state agency, separate entities, vaguely under the control of the Cabinet of Ministers. But the decree also says "relevant work on international oil and gas projects [is] entrusted to the State Concern Turkmengaz."

Roberts explained Turkmengaz has the greater experience and has proven "in relative Turkmen terms" to be an efficient organization. This contrasts with recent problems at Turkmennebit. A multimillion dollar embezzlement scandal was recently uncovered at Turkmennebit and in late June there were reports that a reservoir tank at the Turkmenbashi oil refinery caught fire, killing at least several people less than two weeks after a new fire-fighting facility was commissioned at the refinery.

The basic functions of the former Oil and Gas Ministry now fall to the Cabinet of Ministers, specifically to Deputy Prime Minister Yashgeldy Kakaev, a veteran of Turkmenistan's gas sector. Anceschi recalled that, among the regular purges that occur in all sectors of the government and key industries, "Kakaev survived, [and] is still the man in charge of TAPI (The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline), is still the man in charge of many other projects, so it seems to me that we can consider him now the most powerful figure in the gas industry."

'Impossible Job'

Roberts said of Kakaev: "He thinks very carefully before he says anything and he is actually occasionally open to new ideas. It might be quite interesting now that he is no longer, as it were, one of the top two people, but is the undisputed person."

But Roberts cautioned, "[Kakaev] has got the most impossible job you could have in energy on his plate right now, which is mainly trying to find how Turkmenistan can break out of its energy isolation at a time when it has no cash and when international interest in Turkmenistan is probably at an all-time low."

Anceschi gave an example of what Kakaev has to deal with by noting, "revenues are actually decreasing quite drastically, whereas the amount of gas that they are selling is pretty much stable."

So barring the appearance of new gas customers, it seems there is little Kakaev, or the changes in the gas and oil industry, can do to stop Turkmenistan's economic decline.

The panel agreed that new ideas and policy changes are needed. Roberts pointed out that Turkmenistan's mentality toward gas sales needs to change.

"The Turkmen for two decades...kept wanting to think big, 30 [billion cubic meters] to India, Pakistan, and India, 30 bcm or maybe more, maybe 40 or 50, to Europe."

Roberts said Azerbaijan has approached Turkmenistan at least four times in the last two years to discuss sending "5 bcm, maybe as much as 10 bcm" but Turkmenistan appears to have shown little, if any, interest in the plan. The Turkmen government, Roberts said, "never understood that if things go bad, you need to think small."

Onshore Vs. Offshore

The subject of onshore contracts came up several times during the discussion.

Many large foreign companies have shown interest in investing in Turkmenistan but only if they could get rights to develop sites on the Turkmen mainland and share in the profits.

The Turkmen government has been loath to give any contracts to develop sites on its territory, but is less concerned at signing deals with foreign companies for exploration and development at Turkmenistan's offshore sites in the Caspian Sea. The sole exception is the China National Petroleum Corporation that works a gas field on the right bank of the Amu-Darya River.

Anceschi said, "Obstructing the entry of foreign actors to onshore development is no longer sustainable."

This would prove problematic for the isolationist Turkmen government, which obsessively controls its onshore sites and, more importantly, the opaque bookkeeping for the revenues.

Roberts suggested that granting onshore contracts might now be Turkmenistan's last hope for turning its unfortunate economic situation around, and at this point even that might not be enough.

"It's probably far too late, but should a major international company come to [President Berdymukhammedov's] attention with a suggestion for a combination of construction of a major external pipeline in exchange for a direct stake in the upstream sector, he should look very carefully and change, if necessary, whatever regulations would prohibit such an arrangement."

The panel discussed these topics in more detail and looked at other issues connected to Turkmenistan's gas and oil industry. And audio recording of the Majlis session can be heard here:
URBANDALE -- Eastern Iowa will play heavily in GOP plans to land the state in Donald Trump's presidential column and give Republicans control of the Statehouse by ending Democrats' 10-year grip on the Iowa Senate, Gov. Terry Branstad told a conservative group Wednesday.

Iowa Republicans are expecting Trump's visits to Davenport and Cedar Rapids on Thursday will fire up the party's base as well as draw support from independents and disaffected working-class Democrats who are feeling their party's elites have left them behind in a "rigged system" that has made Hillary Clinton their 2016 nominee, he said.

Also Thursday, Branstad's son, Eric, who serves as state director for Trump's Iowa campaign, told members of the Westside Conservative Club they can expect to see Trump and his vice presidential running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, back in Iowa very soon after this week's visit.

"Mr. Trump loves the state, loves Iowa. He's going to be spending a lot of time in Iowa," Eric Branstad said. "Iowa is important to the campaign. We are a battleground state and so they're certainly going to put the focus that's necessary and give Iowa what we deserve."

For his part, the governor said a number of the 2016 pivotal races for the fight to control the Iowa Senate the next two years are in eastern Iowa in districts where Republicans hold registration edges and have recruited strong challengers to take on Democratic incumbents.

"I'd like to see us have a Republican Senate to go with a Republican House because that would give us an opportunity to do some unbelievable things, including reforming and reversing the tax and regulatory burden in our state and moving forward with the pro-life agenda as well as water quality and a number of other things that could make Iowa the kind of growing, prosperous state that I want to see for the long run," according to the six-term Republican governor. "I really believe that we have an extraordinary opportunity and we don't want to miss it."

He said he believes GOP candidates will be aided by Trump's cross-over appeal to independents and Reagan Democrats who feel betrayed by a Democratic Party controlled by "the media elite, the money elite, the Hollywood elite and the D.C. elite" who have lost touch with working Americans, farmers and others.

"Even though the Democrats have a formidable machine, there's a whole lot of working people that have historically supported that party that have had it," the governor said. "They've had it with this rigged system and the fact that they've been left behind."

For that reason, he said he believes Trump will win in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Iowa as long as he stays focused on the issues and offers voters the "very clear choice" between his outsider's approach for restoring American greatness versus maintaining the status quo in Washington under Clinton.

Eric Branstad said the Trump campaign plans to open its headquarters in a Des Moines suburb next week and begin making some announcements that "are really going to turn heads" regarding staff additions, future visits and other developments.

"Everything that folks have been saying that they don't have the people, they don't have the A team, they don't have the organization," he noted, "we're going to prove them very wrong very quickly."

He said the interest, excitement and momentum among Iowans has been overwhelming.

"Over the last three days, I'm about 1,840 emails behind and I'm about 100 voice mails behind," he said. "This is the only campaign I've ever worked on where everybody is calling us. I've never felt that before, I've never seen that before and it's real. We are going to use that excitement and use that momentum and we're going to turn Iowans out and we're going to win Iowa come November," he said.

Kate Waters, Hillary for America's Iowa press secretary, said Trump has made statements that divide Americans, tear people down with "hateful rhetoric and bully those who disagree with him -- reminding Iowans of Trump's question: "How stupid are the people of Iowa?" during a stop in Fort Dodge during the caucus season.

"Iowans face a very clear choice between Hillary Clinton, who believes that Americans are stronger together and that this country is at its best when we lift each other up, and Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric, dangerous polices and erratic behavior," Waters said in a statement. "Hillary Clinton is a leader Iowans can count on while Donald Trump is a loose cannon they can't afford."
New Channels, and Visualization Tool, Empower Marketers to More Cohesively Connect Journeys Across the Entirety of the Customer Lifecycle

NEW YORK, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Appboy, the global leader in customer relationship technology for mobile marketers, today announced Canvas, a new product with a unified interface where marketers can create multichannel campaigns based on real-time analytics to shape steps in each customer's unique journey with their brand. Appboy also announced support for Facebook Messenger and Safari Web Push, two new channels in its extensive portfolio.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160219/335391LOGO

Launching on the heels of major technology conferences such as: F8, Google I/O, and WWDC, Appboy introduces these products and features as part of their efforts to continue to focus on the marketer and their evolving needs to satisfy today's changing consumer alongside major technology advancements. With these announcements, marketers can now:

Continue to bridge the gap between old and new channels along the customer journey, all while moving at the speed of mobile.

Harness the power of customer interactions happening in real-time, and action on them to offer contextual experiences for anyone engaging with their brand, wherever they happen to be.

Visualize and design multistep, cross-channel messaging strategies and analyze them as a whole unit.

"Appboy is a great partner. They have scaled with our growing needs to reach the connected customer, empowered us with the solutions that allow us to capture the who, what, when, and where aspects of lifecycle marketing, all while moving at the speed of mobile," said Amit Shah, senior vice president, 1-800-Flowers.com. "They continue to innovate to offer brands like us the ability to offer a great user experience wherever our customers happen to be."

Earlier this year, Appboy announced support for their existing web SDK (which offered in-browser messages and personalized news feed cards) with web push for Chrome and Firefox, furthering the ability for marketers to connect data between the desktop/mobile web and native app experiences. Today's announcement only continues to support Appboy's relentless mission to offer a technology solution that empowers brands to build better relationships with their customers by meeting them wherever they are in our increasingly connected world.

"Customer journeys are more unpredictable than ever before as the lines between apps, web, social, and the physical world increasingly blur," said Myles Kleeger, CRO of Appboy. "As a result, marketers need to understand cross-platform behavior and adapt their strategies with contextual messages that meet the customer wherever they are. Canvas is a holistic visualization and campaign orchestration tool that makes it easy for marketers to scale from the most simplistic to sophisticated lifecycle campaign, giving them the opportunity to influence real-time behavior oh each individual customer at scale."

To see these new features visit Appboy.com/demo

About Appboy

Formed to solve the unique challenges of today's mobile economy, Appboy is an intelligent customer relationship suite for mobile-first marketers. Our technology empowers brands to build better relationships with their customers through mobile and other digital marketing channels.

Built around holistic profiles that offer a single view of the customer, Appboy's robust audience segmentation and advanced multichannel messaging system allow brands to create and automate highly personalized lifecycle marketing campaigns in every relevant channel -- from push, in-app, and web to email, wearables, and emerging technologies.

Thousands of global marketers worldwide use Appboy to connect with over 500 million active users, with 85 billion real-time events and 2 billion messages processed through our platform each month. Appboy helps brands like 1-800-FLOWERS.com, Domino's, Tinder, iHeartMedia, Opera, and SoundCloud to better engage, retain, and monetize their customers. Appboy is venture backed with over 120 employees with offices in New York, San Francisco, and London. Learn more at Appboy.com.

Media Contact

Denise Welch

Denise@dottedlinecomm.com

508.339.2022

Related Links

http://www.appboy.com/



SOURCE Appboy
PUNE, India, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Global Atropine Sulfate Industry research report spreads across 150 pages, profiling 08 key companies and supported with 98 tables and figures. This is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Atropine Sulfate industry.

Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Atropine Sulfate market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions' development status. The complete report is available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/global-and-chinese-atropine-sulfate-cas-5908-99-6-industry-2015-market-research-report-market-report.html .

Secondly, this report states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.

Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. What's more, the Atropine Sulfate industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.

Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered. In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.

Order a copy of Global and Chinese Atropine Sulfate Industry, 2016 Market Research Report at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=406208 .

Other research titled Global and Chinese Atropine sulfate monohydrate (CAS 5908-99-6) Industry, 2016 Market Research Report is an exhaustive study on the present market scenario of the global Atropine sulfate monohydrate industry with a special focus on the China market of this industry. The report summarizes key statistics of the market and the overall status of the Atropine sulfate monohydrate manufacturers. The report is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.

The report initially provides a basic overview of the industry that covers definition, applications and manufacturing technology post which the report explores into the international and Chinese players in the market. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value and 2011-2016 market shares for each company. The report depicts the global and Chinese market of Atropine sulfate monohydrate industry including capacity, production, production value, cost and profit, supply and demand and Chinese import-export. The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application or type for the competitive landscape analysis. The report also estimates 2016-2021 market development trends of Atropine sulfate monohydrate industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Atropine sulfate monohydrate Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2021 global and Chinese Atropine sulfate monohydrate industry covering all important parameters. Comprehensive table of contents and more on the Global and Chinese Atropine sulfate monohydrate Industry, 2011-2021 Market Research Report is available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=610255 .

Explore more reports on "Diseases & treatment" market at

http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/reports/life-sciences/pharmaceuticals/diseases-treatment .

About Us:

RnRMarketResearch.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 100+ leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports.

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Maharashtra, India.

Tel: +1-888-391-5441

sales@rnrmarketresearch.com



SOURCE RnR Market Research
LONDON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

BAT has unveiled 2016 half-year results with the company reporting growing volumes and market share gains.

In a video interview Nicandro Durante, CEO, and Ben Stevens, FD, discuss the company's strong performance, in spite of adverse currency fluctuations, and the outlook for the full year.

The interviews and transcripts are available now on http://video.merchantcantos.com.

MerchantCantos produces in-depth interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you would like to contact us, please email prnsupport@merchantcantos.com or phone +44-207-936-1352.

SOURCE British American Tobacco Plc
App Marks DMI's Foray into the Cambodian Mobile Payment Market

BETHESDA, Maryland, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As mobility continues to transform economies, businesses and lives, companies around the world are finding new ways to serve their customers. Today DMI announced a collaboration with service provider Wing to provide mobile payments in Cambodia. The app enables Wing customers, both individuals and businesses, to transfer, deposit and withdraw money from anywhere in Cambodia via any mobile phone at a low cost. The Wing app is available to download for iOS and Android.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130731/MM56613LOGO

Mobile payments are having a transformative impact in certain parts of the world. The worldwide mobile payment revenue in 2015 was 450 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to surpass 1 trillion U.S. dollars in 2019. In the developed world it is designed to make consumers' shopping easier and allows cost savings for merchants, while mobile payment innovation in some Asian and African countries has largely been driven by services. These regions have taken the leap directly to mobile services in absence of the widespread availability of bank accounts, creating a positive impact on the local economies. For example, in Cambodia where the population is 15.5 million people, only 1.5 million are in possession of bank cards.

Click to Tweet

The app allows users to manage their Wing accounts via their mobile devices, promoting good money management as well as greater brand interaction and loyalty.

Easy functionality: Users can now pay their bills, top up their phone airtime, send money to other Wing users, donate money to a variety of charities, find the closest Wing Cash Xpress outlet and more, directly from within the app.

Users can now pay their bills, top up their phone airtime, send money to other Wing users, donate money to a variety of charities, find the closest Wing Cash Xpress outlet and more, directly from within the app. Developing exceptional experiences: DMI used its end-to-end mobility expertise to build native solutions for both Android and iOS, resulting in a quicker account setup experience and easier mobile payments. The company works with organizations to redefine the customer experience, then develop solutions that treat every interaction as an opportunity to serve, build loyalty and create experiences worth talking about.

Jojo Malolos, Wing CEO, said: "Wing continues to provide new and innovative solutions to the market. With the app, users can access Wing services on-the-go when they use their smart phones. What's more, it is available in both English and Khmer, making it very easy to use for our customers."

Daniel Karlstrom, COO  DMI International, said: "Following the launches of hundreds of mobile solutions all over the world, DMI is very proud to deliver a project in Cambodia for Wing. DMI is one of the leading technology companies in Cambodia and our collaboration has resulted in a world-class solution that is tailored for the Cambodian market and developed in-country by our Khmer team."

About DMI:

DMI, the world's first end-to-end mobility company, combines all the skills and services necessary to deliver mobile enterprise solutions. Built to reinvent business through mobility, DMI has expertise in mobile strategy, UX, web, and app development, omni-channel commerce, brand and marketing, big data management and analytics, and secure device and app management. The company's unique, integrated approach to mobility has resulted in dramatic growth as well as an expanding worldwide client base. Additional information is available at www.dminc.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

PR Contacts:

US

Kim Dearborn

Nadel Phelan, Inc.

831-440-2407

kim@nadelphelan.com

International

Laura Cahill

AxiCom

+ 2083924071

laura.cahill@axicom.com

Corporate

Alika Nagpaul

DMI

240-200-5852

anagpaul@dminc.com

Related Links

https://www.dminc.com



SOURCE DMI
LONDON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Innovise ESM Training, a leading independent consultancy and business enablement business, announced today that as part of the Engage ESM rebrand, it will be rebranding to Enable, effective immediately.

Engage ESM was first established in 2001 and the rebranding reflects the continued evolution of the company and its vision for the future. Enable is an integral business unit within Engage ESM and partners with IT Vendors and their Channel Partners to drive sustainable change, market growth, and increased performance.

"We've been planning the rebrand for some time and the new name, new look and feel, and new website will all work together to better communicate our value proposition and build on the global recognition we have achieved from our vendor partners. Enable offers something unique in the marketplace - we combine the consulting and leading technology expertise of Engage ESM with Enable's specialized knowledge of IT trends, sales and go-to-market expertise," said Francesca Beddow, Managing Director of Enable. She continued, "I'm immensely proud to be building on past, continued successes. Our ethos is all about exceptional customer and partner engagement to produce meaningful business outcomes - which is now reflected globally across our brand."

As well as the new name, a new visual look and feel will better communicate the people centric approach of the company. Alex Porter, Head of Marketing, Engage ESM commented, "There has never been a more exciting time to be part of an organization as innovative as Engage ESM. Our visual identity reflects our aspirations for the future of the brand. This is more than just a marketing exercise; there is a real buzz about the business right now and this is reflected by our continued success in the market place."

The new brand announcement follows the opening of new offices in the US and Poland (amidst continued UK expansion), and an ambitious growth plan that has seen Engage ESM investing heavily in specialist staff, professional development and the creation of intellectual property based on market trends and partner technologies.

"Employee excellence is at the core of everything we do - it has to be. So we take investing in our people seriously, as evidenced by our recent re-certification for the Investors in People Gold standard. Our people combine rich expertise in market trends and technologies with business and sales know-how. This enables us to create programs that deliver market success and growth for our customers in an ever changing Digital World," added Francesca Beddow.

Website: http://www.engage-esm.com/enable/

About Engage ESM, Enable

Engage ESM works with organisations to improve their ability to innovate and respond to the changing needs of their business. Whether the challenge is increasing revenues, taking on new services or entering new markets, Enable provides the impartial advice, expert skills and the best practice methodologies to enable IT organisations to manage continuous change. Key partners include Cisco, ServiceNow, Moogsoft, CliQr, HP and IBM.

SOURCE Engage ESM
A roundup of news items from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia:

RIVALRY AND UNITY: Democratic National Committee Vice Chairman R.T. Rybak of Minnesota told Iowa delegates he has huge respect for Iowa because Ive campaigned there a lot.

But theres a limit to political unity.

I agree with every single thing Iowa Democrats believe in except the Hawkeye-Gopher game, the former Minneapolis mayor said at the delegations Wednesday breakfast.

He also endorsed Iowas first-in-the-nation caucuses.

Iowa is very special. People ask me Why does Iowa deserve this special status? Rybak said. Well, frankly, because they just do it better than everybody else.

LOEBSACK TERM: Iowa 2nd District Rep. Dave Loebsack isnt running for re-election  at least not in 2038.

Loebsack, who is running for re-election to a sixth term this year, said hes ruled out a 34-year career.

Loebsacks comments were prompted by a question to Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pennsylvania, framed in such a way to suggest the 39-year-old might be the only one of the panelists still serving 24 years from now.

Boyle said he was sure  and hoped  Loebsack will still be serving with him.

Ill be 88, Loebsack said.

Later, he noted that Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley is 82 and Ive said Im not going to be serving with Im 82.

RIVALS UNITED: Unlike Republicans, Democrats already are showing signs of unity after a hard-fought campaign for the presidential nomination, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said the night after Hillary Clinton was nominated for president by the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

There was a little bit of friction at times between supporters of Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, said Booker, who delivered one of the prime time convention speeches Monday night, but we all were here.

Thats not happening in the GOP following its hard-fought battle for the nomination, he said.

You saw that Ted Cruz and Donald Trump couldnt bridge their differences, couldnt come along, Booker said. But on our side you saw two people who fought hard against each other  bridge their differences, come together and point a direction for our country.

Bookers biggest concern for the election isnt necessarily Trump, but turnout.

If we see a lot of folks come out, were going to have a vibrant democracy and the right thing is going to happen because I trust America, he said.

SEEING DOUBLE: Iowa Democrats couldnt be blamed for thinking they were seeing double Wednesday when Joaquin and Julian Castro dropped by their breakfast meeting.

Joaquin, a Texas congressman, joked that its easy to tell the identical twins apart because Julian, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is one minute older, but not as good looking.

Like other speakers who visit the Iowans, the Castros noted their connections to the state. Joaquin has been a guest at the Harkin Steak Fry and toured the Iowa State Fair. Julian mentioned he has visited the American Gothic House in Eldon.

-- Compiled by the Des Moines Bureau
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV:KTN) ("Kootenay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced brokered private placement (the "Offering") with Haywood Securities Inc. (the "Agent"). An aggregate of 12,937,500 units (the "Units"), including 675,000 Units issued as a result of the exercise in full of the Agents' over-allotment option, were sold under the Offering at a price of CAD 0.40 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for total gross proceeds to the Company of $5,175,000.

In addition, the Company has closed a concurrent non-brokered private placement of 2,135,790 Units at the Offering Price, which includes participation by Pan American Silver Corp. to maintain its pro-rata ownership position, for additional gross proceeds to the Company of $854,316.

The aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering and the non-brokered private placement are $6,029,316.

Each Unit consists of one common share and one-quarter of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price per Warrant Share of $0.55 until April 21, 2021. The Warrants have identical terms to the 23,103,969 listed warrants (the "Listed Warrants") of the Company currently outstanding and trading under the ticker 'TSXV: KTN.WT'.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund the exploration and development of the Company's La Cigarra project in Mexico and for general working capital purposes.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four month hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada, ending November 29, 2016. Subject to compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), the Company has received the TSXV's conditional acceptance to list the Warrants on the TSXV with the Listed Warrants, upon the expiry of the four month hold period.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Agent a cash commission equal to 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, and issued the Agent compensation warrants exerciseable to acquire up to 388,125 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.55 per share until July 28, 2017. In connection with the non-brokered private placement the Company paid to finders at arm's length, an aggregate finders' fee of $15,000 in cash and issued the finders' compensation warrants exerciseable to acquire up to 18,750 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.55 per share until July 28, 2017.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any State Securities Laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to the account or benefit of a U.S. person absent an exemption from the registration requirements of such Act.

About Kootenay Silver Inc.

Kootenay Silver Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the discovery and development of mineral projects in the Sierra Madre Region of Mexico and in British Columbia, Canada. The Company's top priorities are the advancement of the La Cigarra silver project and the Promontorio Mineral Belt, in Chihuahua, Mexico and Sonora, Mexico, respectively. The La Cigarra property is 26 kilometres from the historic mining city of Parral and boasts nearby power, good road access, gentle topography, and established infrastructure. La Cigarra currently hosts a resource estimate of 18.54 million tonnes containing 51.47 million ounces of silver in the Measured & Indicated categories grading 86.3 g/t silver and 4.45 million tonnes containing 11.46 million ounces of silver in the Inferred category grading 80 g/t silver. The mineralized system at La Cigarra has been traced over 6.5 kilometres and is defined at surface as a silver soil anomaly and by numerous historic mine workings. The La Cigarra silver deposit is open along strike and at depth and is approximately 25 kilometres north, and along strike, of Grupo Mexico's Santa Barbara mine and Minera Frisco's San Francisco del Oro mine. The Promontorio Mineral Belt includes the Company's La Negra high-grade silver discovery and its Promontorio Silver Resource. The Promontorio Mineral Belt is under option to Pan American Silver whereby they can earn a 75% interest in the project with US$16 million of expenditures and payments with Kootenay retaining a 25% carried to production interest (see news releases dated February 16 and March 4, 2016). The Promontorio Silver Resource currently hosts a resource estimate of 44.5 million tonnes containing 92 million ounces of silver equivalent in the Measured & Indicated categories grading 64.3 g/t silver equivalent and 14.6 million tonnes containing 24.3 million ounces of silver equivalent in the Inferred category grading 52 g/t silver equivalent. The Company's core objective is to create value by acquiring silver resources through discovery and acquisition and testing those resources with the ultimate goal of developing them into silver production if they are proven to be economically viable.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

The information in this news release has been prepared as at July 28, 2016. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms, and include, without restriction, Kootenay's planned use of the net proceeds of the Offering.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kootenay as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, Kootenay expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Kootenay's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Kootenay Silver Inc.: Jim McDonald, President / CEO, Phone: +1-403-880-6016, Email: info@kootenaysilver.com ; Ken Berry, Chairman, Phone +1-604-601-5652; +1-888-601-5650 or visit: http://www.kootenaysilver.com

SOURCE Kootenay Silver Inc.
RUEIL-MALMAISON, France, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Sagemcom will supply its "Advanced Meter Communication System (AMCS)" to a Styrian DSO Consortium

A cooperation of Austrian Grid Operators including Energienetze Steiermark, a subsidiary company of Energie Steiermark, Energie Graz, Energy Services and Feistritzwerke Steweag has selected the High-Tech-Group Sagemcom to provide an Advanced Smart-Metering-Infrastructure for the modernization of their electricity distribution grids. According to the Austria's regulation (Smart Meter Rollout Ordinance, promulgated on 24 April 2012), at least 95 percent of Austrian homes must be equipped with smart meters by the end of 2019.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150717/237924LOGO )



In this project framework Sagemcom will provide a complete IPV6 infrastructure with ITU G3- certified PLC smart meters and data gateways which is linked to the Sagemcom's Head End System. Sagemcom's LTE technology will complement the installation of G3-PLC smart electricity meters for the use in isolated areas. Furthermore, this enhanced and innovative solution will offer a future proof DLMS end to end security to address customers with privacy concerns.

Once more, Sagemcom as Full-Service Provider has demonstrated again its leading position in EMEA providing turnkey smart metering solutions with certified and interoperable ITU G3 PLC standard or Point to Point (GPRS/LTE), offering additional key features such as wireless multi-utility interface and customer interface for home applications.

Commenting on this overall project, Christian Purrer, CEO of Energie Steiermark: "Up to 150 million euros from this project goes directly to the Styrian economy, whilst the 3-year installation phase nationwide more than 200 jobs are secured. Also the "inner parts" of the smart meter has been developed in our state. The Sales in the coming years will be developing new products and tariffs for interested customers in order to offer more flexible options and as well to use jointly better alternative feedings possibilities. With the smart meters we go into a new area, it is not determined by suppliers and purchasers, but of a fair energy partnership. The previous test has been pleasing customers very positively about the new possibilities; we take security issues very seriously and in any case have therefore opted for the most advanced technology in this field."

Further Mr. Martin GRAF, Executive Director of Energie Steiermark states: "The cooperation of Energie Steiermark with regional utilities in terms of smart meters is a clear commitment to work together in order to implement the challenges of the new energy world together for Styria efficiently. A project of this magnitude requires a finely coordinated interaction. Although ostensibly the implementation stems from a legal requirement, we intend to use the dialogue and efficiency potential of the new meter together with our customers very intensely - in this context we will also work closely with AK and other Austrian consumer protection organizations. The examples from other federal states show that acceptance is enormous amongst customers, new transparency and self-control ensures a new energy-understanding."

Commenting on this award, Eric RIEUL, Deputy CEO of Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS, said: "With this second success in Austria, Sagemcom confirms the recognition of its expertise on the latest smart metering solutions as well as its capability to carry out dimensioning projects. Sagemcom is very proud to be a long term technology partner to Austrian power grid operators of Styria to support their goal of deploying smart meters with a view on increasing the ability of the end consumer to control his energy consumption and enhancing grid management capabilities."

About Energie Steiermark

Energie Steiermark focused as one of the largest service provider companies in Austria with main areas on energy efficiency and innovative service offerings in the fields of electricity, gas, heat and mobility. 1.700 employees dedicate their experience and expertise on a fair partnership with approximately 600.000 customers at home and abroad. In the production, the company relies exclusively on renewable energy from water, wind, solar and biomass. Total sales in 2015 amounted at 1119.9 million Euros. Majority owned by the federal state government of Styria.

http://www.e-steiermark.com

About Energienetze Steiermark GmbH

Energienetze Steiermark, a subsidiary of Energie Steiermark, is the largest Styrian electricity and gas network operator. The company sees itself as a major infrastructure contributor for Styria. Around 90 million Euros for the safe operation and the construction as well as for the maintenance of 27.000 kilometers of power- and 4.000 km of gas-pipelines are invested annually. 900 employees are 24 hours a day are at work for approximately 500.000 network customers.

http://www.e-netze.at

About Energie Graz

Energie Graz designes and ensures as an energy service provider a significant part of the infrastructure in the Styrian capital Graz. We provide the citizens of Graz with electricity, natural gas and district heating from a single source. With our telephone "around-the-clock service" and our "Service Center" we offer our customers the best possible service and personal advice on energy topics.

For the Energy supply fof our customers, we operate more than 4.000 km of cable networks - over 250 personell staff ensures the constant monitoring and maintenance of facilities and also for necessary extensions. Modern state of the art technology with the latest standards ensures the highest level of security of supply. We prove our environmental responsibility with the promotion of environmentally friendly district heating and natural gas heating systems. In addition, the production of renewable energy is an important topic for Energie Graz

http://www.energie-graz.at

About Energy Services Handels- und Dienstleistungs G.m.b.H.

Energy Services is a trading and IT services provider for energy supply companies. In this role, the Energy Services represents 26 medium and small DSOs (with a total of about 200.000 metering points) in the course of the joint procurement procedure and the project implementation.

http://www.energy-services.at



About Feistritzwerke Steweag GmbH

The Feistritzwerke Steweag GmbH is an Austrian power company with about 63 employees and its headquarter in Gleisdorf. Since 2011 Feistritzwerke are exclusively act as a distribution network operator and offers in the area of energy services energy engineering. The Feistritzwerke operates in its distribution network with a total area of approximately 1.300 square kilometers approximately 4.620 KM long pipeline system. Further operates 1.284 transformer stations, which are supplied via five substations. In distribution network of Feistritzwerke Steweag GmbH 40,000 customer installations (approximately 51.500 metering points ) are currently getting supplied.

http://www.feistritzwerke.at



About Sagemcom

A French high-tech group with international dimensions, Sagemcom operates on the broadband (digital home, set-top boxes, Internet routers, telephony and multimedia terminals), smart city (smart meter, smart grid, smart site, smart infra, smart services) and Internet of Things (founding member of LoRa Alliance) markets.

With revenue of around 1.3 billion euros, Sagemcom employs 4,200 people on five continents. Sagemcom aims to stay a world leader in communicating terminals with high added value.

http://www.sagemcom.com // http://www.facebook.com/SagemcomOfficial // https://twitter.com/Sagemcom

SOURCE Sagemcom
PARIS, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

If you are planning a summer family vacation in Europe, you face the classic challenge of keeping the kids entertained and engaged.

The popular Paris Pass sightseeing card is the perfect answer in the French capital city, featuring a number of exciting attractions which are ideal for younger visitors.

Newly-included on the Paris Pass for summer 2016 is the hugely popular Paris Aquarium. One of France's top family attractions, this site combines both an aquarium and a dual-screen cinema, and boasts more than 500 species from all over the world living in 3,500 square metres of water.

With cartoons, fish feeding and an array of different displays, Paris Aquarium offers plenty of highlights for children, among them a walk through a tunnel surrounded by 35 sharks and the chance to make friends with sociable sturgeon at the petting pool!Normally 20.50 for adults and 13 for kids, entry is included with the Paris Pass.

If your children prefer mixing with celebrities, head to the Grevin Wax Museum . Here they can get up close and personal with more than 300 different famous names - from musical legends Madonna and Michael Jackson to actors George Clooney and Brad Pitt. They can even 'meet' Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama!Normally 23.50 for adults and 16.50 for children, entry to Grevin Wax Museum is included with the Paris Pass.

A real piece of lunar rock and a spectacular scale model of the solar system are among the attractions at the Palais de la Decouverte , a fascinating science museum located within the stunning Grand Palais. Kids will love the scale models of the Spirit Martian rover and the Saturn V rocket, used to send men to the moon in the early 1970s. Coming back down to Earth, there is also a chance to walk through the geological changes to our own planet during its history - covering five million years with every step.Normally priced at 9 for adults, entry is included with the Paris Pass.

Paris' tastiest attraction, the Gourmet Chocolate Museum , is sure to tempt adults and children alike. The museum follows 4,000 years of the history of chocolate in words, images and most importantly, flavours! The demonstration kitchen gives visitors a chance to learn how chocolate tablets are made, followed by an all-important tasting. And on entry, kids aged between six and 12 are given a sheet of chocolate-themed stickers to complete in the correct order - with a delectable reward when they leave. Admission is normally 11 per adult and 8 per child, but is included with the Paris Pass at no further cost.

The Paris Pass is a sightseeing card designed to help visitors save money and time on their sightseeing in France's capital city. It includes more than 60 of the city's top attractions, such as the Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musee du Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. A Paris Pass includes a Metro pass, giving visitors unlimited travel on the Metro, buses and RER express trains within central Paris, discounts on meals and shopping and priority access at the busiest sites to avoid queues - plus a free guidebook.

A two-day Paris Pass is priced at 129 for adults, 79 for teens (between 12 and 17 years) and 44 for a child (between four and 11 years).

The Paris Pass is available at http://www.parispass.com. The Pass can be shipped to customers prior to travel or collected on arrival in the city.

High-resolution images are available at: https://www.dropbox.com/home/Paris%20Pass%20for%20Kids

SOURCE Paris Pass
PORTLAND, Oregon, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new market research report titled "World Cognitive Computing Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020", the global text analytics market has a potential to reach $6.5 billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 25.2% during 2014-2020. Predictive analytics is the most attractive application within text analytics, which provides insights on unstructured text and helps the companies to formulate business strategies accordingly. Retail sector largely uses text analytics software, which approximately contributes 1/3rdof revenue amongst all industries. Use of text analytics in Healthcare accelerates Health-Care research, which eventually adds to the rapid growth of the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229)



Comprehending the benefits of the text analytics in predicting and forecasting consumer behavior, the technology is gaining ground and helping corporations to strategically position themselves in the competitive market. The capability of the technology to deduce trends from the unstructured text and single out rationale is the driving force for the market. The upsurge in the adoption of social networking platforms for conversations, rising adoption of cloud computing technologies and the ability of text analytics to move beyond sentiment analysis are some major driving factors for text analytics industry. Nevertheless, despite the finer and profitable aspects, the technology has some vices posing as obstacles for the growth of the market. The expensive analytic software and lack of awareness among the stakeholders about the advantages of text analytics in the pivotal regions would impede the growth of the market.

Text analytics finds wide acceptance in regions such as North America due to the early adoption of big data analytics in the region. North American region approximately holds 40% of global text analytics market amongst all regions. Till 2012, North American region generated about 2.5 exabyte (2.5 million gigabytes) of data per day and the number is anticipated to double every 40 months. For instance, Walmart collect 2.5 petabytes of data from their customers' transactions. Therefore, the use of text analytics software to analyze customers' demands is on the higher side, as compared to other regions. Substantial amount of data is generated in the region on a daily basis, which is a gold mine for companies that understand the importance of historical data. Historical data trend is further used to forecast the trend of the market in the coming years. Therefore, predictive analytics is also increasingly used to forecast the market trend and formulate the business strategies.

To know more about the report, visit the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/text-analytics-market

Presently, On-premise deployment model is predominantly favored by the government organizations and small & medium business, as it offers higher level of security compared to cloud based deployment model. The use of on premise model for deployment of text analytic software would gradually subside and the market would be driven by cloud based deployment models in the near future. Operational cost cutting would contribute to the rapid adoption of Cloud-based model in the coming years.

Predictive analytics is gaining ground in the field of healthcare and Banking Financial Services and Insurance industries (BFSI). The ability of Predictive analytics application to track the incidences of diseases and forecast the reoccurrence in the future is a boon for the healthcare sector. On the other hand, financial forecasting is accomplished very effectively using text analytics. The forecast could assist BFSI's in tracking loan trends and gain insights on the potential client base that demand banking services in the future. Retail sector has large customer base and has sizable number of reviews on their products. Analyzing the voice of the customers helps the retail companies to improve their products, by considering the customer demands. Therefore, retail sector majorly uses text analytics software compared to other sectors.

Key findings of the study:

Global market for Text analytics deployment models is gaining prominence with cloud based models, which is the growing at a rapid rate for the forecast period (2014-2020)

Predictive analytics is the major application segment that uses text analytic software to forecast the market trend, which is growing at a CAGR of 21.3% during the forecast period

Based on the geographic examination, North America would be the highest revenue-generating region, confers the report

would be the highest revenue-generating region, confers the report Text analytics software is widely used in customer relationship management applications, where the analyzed information is prominently used to take strategic business decisions

Small scale enterprises still rely on onpremise model and is growing at a CAGR of 16.6% during 2014-2020

Continuous innovations in the text analytics industry is leading to upgrade the existing versions of text analytics software. Therefore, product launch is the major developmental strategy that is widely adopted by the text analytics market players. In June 2014, Linguamatics launched I2E Semantic Enrichment that uses natural language processing technology for analysis of text, and offer insights at a much faster rate. The report expounds on the strategies of top players such as IBM, Attensity, Microsoft, Clabridge, SAS, HP, Tibco Software, Oracle, Tableau Software and SAP.

Find all reports related to ICT at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/information-&-communication-technology-&-media-market-report

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:

Sona Padmanabhan

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR97220

United States

Direct: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 (U.S. &Canada)

Fax: +1(855)550-5975

E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com

Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/



SOURCE Allied Market Research
The development of renewable energy is an imperative if the country wants to overcome dwindling fossil energy resources and tackle environmental issues.

Tri Mumpuni - CEO of Institute of Public Business and Economic (IBEKA), attending the press launch of Renewable Energy Indonesia said: "The economic growth will boost domestic energy needs and this will in turn open up opportunities for public and private investments. The potential increase in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Indonesia is remarkable."

Tri Mumpuni added, "More than 60 million Indonesian children do not enjoy full access to electricity. Based on a survey conducted by IBEKA, around 33,000 villages in Indonesia are not yet connected to any grids. All parties should cooperate and support each other to improve the nation's energy production through renewable energy and especially in remote areas. In the process, a trade event such Renewable Energy Indonesia can definitively play a key role."

Christopher Eve, President Director, PT UBM Pameran Niaga Indonesia said: "We are proud to launch Renewable Energy Indonesia, which will be held at the Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran, on 29 to 31 March 2017. This exhibition aims to be a platform that brings together professionals, investors and stakeholders with a sharp and exclusive focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency in order to exchange knowledge, best practices, resources and information."

"Conference, seminars, workshops, debates and exhibitors' presentations will add into the mix, and will complement the 3 days together with a business matchmaking platform."

ABOUT UBM

Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organiser in China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global presence in 24 major cities with 32 offices and 1,300 staff.

UBM Asia was awarded 'Asia's Most Reliable Trade Show Organizer Award' in Hong Kong's Most Valuable Companies Awards (HKMVCA) 2016.

For more information contact:

Budi Sutrisno

Phone Number: +62-21-2930-5959

Mobile Number: +62-853-81558815

Email: budi.sutrisno@ubm.com

Riyan Haritama

Phone Number: +62-21-2930-5959

Mobile Number: +62-812-10750353

Email: riyan.haritama@ubm.com

SOURCE Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Indonesia - UBM
"While spending $8,000 or less won't get you the newest tech or the shiniest paint job, it can buy you solid, reliable transportation that will last for the next several years if you play your cards correctly," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "For those who feel a keen ache in their checkbook thinking about the prospect of a big monthly payment, this year's list of KBB.com's 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000 should provide some relief, because there are good used-car alternatives to a more expensive vehicle."

KBB.com's 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000 for 2016

Rank Vehicle 1 2006 Toyota Avalon 2 2007 Honda Accord 3 2010 Honda Civic 4 2008 Toyota Corolla 5 2008 Ford Crown Victoria 6 2006 Subaru Outback 7 2007 Nissan Maxima 8 2007 Subaru Impreza 9 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 10 2010 Kia Soul

To see KBB.com's full coverage of the 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000 for 2016, including editors' comments about why the vehicle made this list, vehicle photography, pricing details and editorial reviews, please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/best-used-cars-under-8000/2100000852/.

To discuss this topic, or any other automotive-related information, with a Kelley Blue Book analyst on-camera via the company's on-site studio, please contact a member of the Public Relations team to book an interview.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and get updates on Google+ at https://plus.google.com/+kbb.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book Trade-In Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new and used cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com ranked highest in its category for brand equity by the 2016 Harris Poll EquiTrend study and has been named Online Auto Shopping Brand of the Year for five consecutive years. Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, vAuto, Xtime and a host of other brands. The global company has nearly 33,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees. Cox Enterprises' other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160722/392304LOGO

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121108/LA08161LOGO

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book

Related Links

http://www.kbb.com


SAN DIEGO, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States District Court, Central District of California, has ruled in favor of Herring Networks, Inc. against AT&T in a Motion to Dismiss seven asserted claims by the family owned business, paving the way to trial. Herring Networks, Inc. owns and operates national cable network brands One America News Network and AWE.

Skip Miller, counsel for plaintiff Herring Networks, Inc, and a partner in Miller Barondess, LLP in Los Angeles states, "We are very pleased with this decision upholding all our claims and keeping the parent company, AT&T, Inc., in the case as a defendant. The business of our client has been egregiously harmed, by over 100 million dollars, and we look forward to putting the case on to a jury. In addition, we will be seeking punitive damages from AT&T based on our tort claims." The 30 page ruling, in its entirety, is available at: www.oann.com/decision

One America News Network offers 21 hours of live news coverage plus two nightly, political talk shows - The Daily Ledger and Tipping Point. OAN has higher ratings than many other news channels, such as Fox Business News, Bloomberg TV, BBC World News and Fusion, as measured on a leading MVPD across 65 markets and reported by third party comScore. Since its July 4, 2013 debut, One America News Network has grown its distribution to 15 million households with carriage by AT&T U-Verse TV, Verizon FiOS TV, GCI Cable, Frontier Communications, CenturyLink PRISM TV, Consolidated Communications, Duncan Cable, Buckeye CableSystems, GVTC and numerous additional video providers.

For Additional Information, Contact:

Skip Miller

Miller Barondess, LLP

1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1000

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Direct: 310-552-5251

Main: 310-552-4400

Fax: 310-552-8400

[email protected]

www.millerbarondess.com

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140408/LA99752LOGO

SOURCE Herring Networks, Inc.
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of the American Institute in Ukraine's (AIU's) efforts to focus greater public attention on noteworthy information concerning Ukraine, Moldova, and other countries included in the European Union's "Eastern Partnership," provided below are statements on a significant item by Thomas Fasbender that appeared online in the German publication HEISE "TELEPOLIS" (a political online magazine by the independent German media association IVW) and in edited form in the print edition of the conservative Berlin newspaper Junge Freiheit. The full English and German texts are available on the AIU Website: http://www.aminuk.org/index.php?idmenu=12&idsubmenu=499&language=en#.V5jVYGOWuCo

In his article "'Moldovan Maidan' with Ties to Germany  'Failed State' on the Edge of Europe," reporter Thomas Fasbender asks if a "failed state" threatens to come into being on the periphery of Europe. Fasbender reports Moldova's 3.1 million citizens are the poorest in Europe and that the United Nations ranks it 114 out of 187 countries on its Human Development Index, noting some politicians treat Moldova as a possible EU member, but that the country looks otherwise.

Fasbender points out that Moldova is a symbol for the failure of EU policy vis-a-vis the non-Russian European Soviet republics called the Eastern Partnership and writes the reason lies less in the 24-year-old frozen conflict in Pridnestrovie than in the failure of the Moldovan elite to bring a half-way functional state into being.

The Junge Freheit and "TELEPOLIS" reporter notes that most observers blamed the state of affairs on the Communists who had ruled the country since 2009, but also states there have been parties in power which have promoted pro-Western and pro-European policies.

Fasbender writes, "The high point of that period was a banking scandal of comparatively astronomical proportions. At the end of 2014 rumors emerged whereby the owners of three commercial banks had illegally sent a total of one billion US dollars abroad." According to multiple western media reports including the New York Times and BBC, this rumor resulted in street protests in Kishniev, a February 2015 run on the bank [Bankensturm], and the collapse of Moldova's currency by 40%.

As AIU deputy director James Jatras noted previously in a May 2015 press statement, "The Moldovan [bank] crisis involves the abuse of power by politicians of several partiesincluding those running the country's shaky pro-EU minority governmentfor the purpose of siphoning funds from a number of Moldovan banks, notably from Banca de Economii Moldova (BEM)."

Following this scandal Vlad Filat, Moldova's prime minister from 2009-2013, has been imprisoned and is awaiting trial since October 2015 and Pavel Filip of the pro-European Democratic Party of Moldova has been head of the government since 2016.

"In the days of the banking crisis, the civil society movement Dignity and Truth was founded in February 2015 in the capital of Kishinev," writes Fasbender in his article. Dignity and Truth, led by the former state prosecutor Andrei Nastase, organized a September 2015 demonstration against corruption and oligarch domination in Kishinev that attracted more than 100,000 people (two percent of the entire population). "In the West, [Dignity and Truth] became known as a 'Moldovan Maidan' after the Kiev protest movement of 2013-2014," according to Fasbender. The civil society movement later emerged as Moldova's Platform Dignity and Truth political party.

AIU warned in February 2015 that Moldova was headed for civil unrest if, like Ukraine, either a Western or Eastern uni-vectoral path was forced on Moldovans.

In his article, Fasbender further notes that the first reports began to emerge, according to which the presumed grass-roots movement was really a political tool of two unrelated oligarchs with the same last name  Topa  in a struggle with their archenemy Vladimir Plahotniuc. Fasbender writes "Both Topas  Viktor and Viorel  have lived for years in Frankfurt am Main. In their Moldovan homeland both were sentenced to 10 and 8 years respectively on charges of fraud. They were also accused of trafficking in guns and money laundering. In Germany, they were considered victims of political persecution. It is doubtful that their German hosts are unreservedly happy with them."

Fasbender's article also questions the Topas' role in sale of the German government's Airbus 'Theodor Heuss' to Iran through the Ukraine in 2011 and their denial that they had anything to do with the establishment and funding of Dignity and Truth, which has been an active player in the banking scandal.

"These denials are not widely accepted," comments AIU's Jatras, pointing to photos on Moldovan websites allegedly showing Viktor Topa with the group's leader, Andrei Nastase, in April 2016 in front of a Frankfurt bar, as well as of an S-class Mercedes with Frankfurt plates, which allegedly belongs to Nastase.

"Nastase is said to have been best man at Topa's wedding," writes Fasbender. "For the financing of the movement and the party, 200,000 euros were transferred from off-shore banks into the personal accounts of Nastase's mother and mother-in-law. Money from off-shore sources also finance Viktor Topa's Jurnal TV, which heavily promoted Dignity and Truth."

About the American Institute in Ukraine's (AIU's) "Eastern Partnership Initiative"

The "Eastern Partnership Initiative" (EPI) is an informational and educational program of the American Institute in Ukraine (AIU). The EPI program seeks to promote open discussion and analysis of the EU's Eastern Partnership (EaP) with former Soviet republics, including Moldova, and the social, economic, political, and security consequences for those countries, for Europe, and for the United States. As with AIU overall, EPI reflects the diversity of opinion that exists among Americans regarding issues relevant to the EaP countries and to their relationships with the United State and with their European neighbors. Such diversity allows for a better informed debate among the people of the EaP countries about the future of their countries, which benefits both them and the United States, as well as Europe. AIU is a privately funded U.S. nonprofit organization and neither receives, solicits, nor accepts funds from any government.

SOURCE American Institute in Ukraine

Related Links

http://www.aminuk.org


CONWAY, Ark., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Appointments are now available at the new Aspen Dental practice that is scheduled to open in Conway, Arkansas on Thursday, July 28.

Located at 1125 South Amity Road, the new practice is led by Dr. Paul Peek, who received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at Texas A&M University  Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr. Peek and his team will provide dental services ranging from dentures and preventive care to general dentistry and restoration.

The Conway office, located in Faulkner County, is one of seven Aspen Dental practices in Arkansas, a state where 64 of 75 counties have dental health professional shortage areas as designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

According to a study conducted in 2013 by Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management, each new Aspen Dental practice supports local community growth by contributing more than $1.3 million in positive economic impact through job creation and capital investment.

Aspen Dental practices offer patient-friendly programs and services that make it easier for thousands of people every day to get the dental care they need, including:

Personalized treatment and friendly service. Each patient receives a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan designed by the dentist with long-term oral and overall health in mind. Available services include hygiene, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work.

Each patient receives a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan designed by the dentist with long-term oral and overall health in mind. Available services include hygiene, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. Affordable care. Aspen Dental practices are committed to keeping prices low so that patients can get the care they need. The practice works with all insurance providers and handles the paperwork, saving patients time and hassle, and offers free new-patient exams and X-rays for patients without dental insurance. And since no one likes an unexpected bill, the practice offers a clear, detailed estimate on the cost of treatment to give patients peace of mind.

Aspen Dental practices are committed to keeping prices low so that patients can get the care they need. The practice works with all insurance providers and handles the paperwork, saving patients time and hassle, and offers free new-patient exams and X-rays for patients without dental insurance. And since no one likes an unexpected bill, the practice offers a clear, detailed estimate on the cost of treatment to give patients peace of mind. On-site denture labs and Denture Money Back Guarantee - Every Aspen Dental practice is equipped with an on-site denture laboratory, which helps facilitate quick turnaround for denture repairs, relines or adjustments. Patients choose Aspen Dental for the seven styles of full and partial dentures and have the comfort of knowing that the supportive dentists and staff will go above and beyond to ensure proper fit and comfort of their custom-crafted dentures. Getting used to dentures takes some time, but if patients are dissatisfied with their dentures for any reason  the practice will refund the cost of the dentures when patients return them within 90 days.

Every Aspen Dental practice is equipped with an on-site denture laboratory, which helps facilitate quick turnaround for denture repairs, relines or adjustments. Patients choose Aspen Dental for the seven styles of full and partial dentures and have the comfort of knowing that the supportive dentists and staff will go above and beyond to ensure proper fit and comfort of their custom-crafted dentures. Getting used to dentures takes some time, but if patients are dissatisfied with their dentures for any reason  the practice will refund the cost of the dentures when patients return them within 90 days. Convenient hours and location. The office will be open extended hours, including evenings and select Saturdays, so that patients can see the dentist at a time that works best for their schedule. Walk-in and emergency patients are welcome.

To make an appointment, patients can call (850) 238-3326 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL (800-277-3633), or visit www.aspendental.com.

About Aspen Dental Practices

Dentists and staff at Aspen Dental practices believe everyone has the right to quality, affordable oral health care. As one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of independent dental care providers in the U.S., local Aspen Dental practices  more than 550 of them across 34 states  offer patients a safe, welcoming and judgment-free environment to address their dental challenges. Every Aspen Dental-branded practice offers a full range of dental and denture services  including comprehensive exams, cleanings, extractions, fillings, periodontal treatment, whitening, oral surgery, crown and bridge work  allowing patients to have the peace of mind that they are taken care of and protected, so they can focus on getting the healthy mouth they deserve. In 2015, Aspen Dental-branded practices recorded more than 3.7 million patient visits and welcomed nearly 785,000 new patients.

About Aspen Dental Management Inc.

Aspen Dental Management Inc. (ADMI) is a dental support organization that provides non-clinical business support services to independently owned and operated dental practices in 34 states. This can include services and recommendations related to finding the right location, leasing, equipment, accounting and marketing. This model leaves independent, licensed practitioners free to concentrate on patient care.

To learn more about Aspen Dental practices and services, preview the Aspen Dental patient experience, get answers to general treatment questions, find a location, and schedule appointments, visit www.aspendental.com. To learn more about careers at ADMI and Aspen Dental practices, visit http://aspendentaljobs.com.

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SOURCE Aspen Dental

Related Links

http://www.aspendental.com


PHILADELPHIA  As Cory Booker left a room full of Iowa Democrats, shaking hands and snapping selfies as he went, a man approached him and declared, I hope to work for you in 2024!

During this weeks Democratic National Convention, Booker has helped his already-rising political star among Democrats, including from Iowa.

The U.S. senator from New Jersey gave a well-received address to the convention earlier this week, and on Wednesday morning he was similarly well received when he spoke to Iowa Democrats at their morning gathering.

Bookers political star has been rising for years on the national scene, starting with his work as mayor of Newark and then continuing in the Senate. Recent media reports included him in speculation of possible running mates for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Bookers various remarks and his reception among Democrats this week will only further speculation that he could run for president.

I think in those speeches he really stuck the landing, said Iowa delegate Zach Wahls of Iowa City. People in the (Iowa) delegation, (Bernie) Sanders and Clinton supporters both seemed to really resonate with what he had to say.  I expect you might be hearing more from Sen. Booker in the coming years in Iowa.

Wahls described Booker as an interesting blend of New Jersey, Southern preacher and social media guru. Booker is known for his Twitter account, which has more than 1.7 million followers.

Josh Hughes, a 19-year-old Iowa delegate, said Booker seems approachable.

If he would ever decide to come to Iowa  I certainly think that he would fare pretty well, honestly, Hughes said. He seems down to earth. Hes very much a very personable guy, and I think that matters to a lot of people.

Bookers convention speech Monday night, in which he drew on the famous Maya Angelou poem, I will rise, drew rave reviews from Democrats, although shortly after it was eclipsed by an even more roundly applauded address, by first lady Michelle Obama.

I feel like his speech kind of got overshadowed by Michelle Obama, who absolutely blew (her speech) out of the water, and its hard to compete with her, Hughes said. I think that when he spoke at the convention, he really put a lot of emphasis on the powers of unity and love as a country as opposed to fear and division. And I think thats a really powerful message, especially in 2016, and I think thats something where Democrats are going to really be able to do well and resonate. So I think that bodes really well for him.

One Iowa delegate apparently remembered well Bookers convention speech; he jumped Bookers closing line to the delegation Wednesday morning by interjecting, We will rise!

Booker noticed and joked about it.

If we do this, we will not just win an election, but we as a nation will do great things, Booker said. "And as they say in Iowa  where they steal my lines  we will rise."
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aytu BioScience, Inc. (OTCQX: AYTU) ("Aytu"), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on global commercialization of novel products in the field of urology, announced today that it has entered into a $10.5 million common stock purchase agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC ("LPC"), a Chicago-based institutional investor. Upon execution of the agreement, LPC initially purchased 133,690 shares of common stock for $500,000. Thereafter, and pursuant to a related registration statement being filed and declared effective, Aytu will have the right and the sole discretion to sell to LPC up to $10.0 million worth of shares over a 36-month period. Aytu will control the timing and amount of any future investment, and LPC will be obligated to make purchases in accordance with the agreement.

There are no upper limits to the price LPC may pay to purchase common stock from Aytu, and the purchase price of the shares will be based on the prevailing market prices of Aytu's shares at the time of each sale to LPC. LPC has agreed not to cause or engage in any manner whatsoever, any direct or indirect short selling or hedging of Aytu's shares of common stock. In consideration for entering into the agreement, Aytu has issued shares of common stock to LPC as a commitment fee. The agreement may be terminated by Aytu at any time, at its sole discretion.

"This commitment by Lincoln Park Capital provides Aytu BioScience with added balance sheet strength and flexibility to support our rapidly progressing commercial activities, including the recent launch of Natesto in the U.S. We are glad to have Lincoln Park expand its position as an Aytu shareholder," commented Josh Disbrow, Aytu's Chief Executive Officer. "Securing this access to capital enables the company to focus on building sales momentum with Natesto and growing our other products, ProstaScint and Primsol, while remaining opportunistic on the business development front."

Joseph Gunnar & Co., LLC and Fordham Financial Management, Inc. acted as Financial Advisors on behalf of Aytu.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in this offering, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer solicitation or sale are unlawful prior to registration or qualification under securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

About Aytu BioScience, Inc.

Aytu BioScience is a commercial-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on global commercialization of novel products in the field of urology. The company currently markets three products: Natesto, the first and only FDA-approved nasal formulation of testosterone for men with hypogonadism (low testosterone, or "Low T"), ProstaScint (capromab pendetide), the only FDA-approved imaging agent specific to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for prostate cancer detection, and Primsol (trimethoprim hydrochloride), the only FDA-approved trimethoprim-only oral solution for urinary tract infections. Additionally, Aytu is developing MiOXSYS, a novel, rapid semen analysis system with the potential to become a standard of care for the diagnosis and management of male infertility caused by oxidative stress. MiOXSYS is commercialized outside the U.S. where it is a CE Marked, Health Canada cleared product, and Aytu is conducting U.S.-based clinical trials in pursuit of 510k de novo medical device clearance by the FDA. Aytu's strategy is to continue building its portfolio of revenue-generating urology products, leveraging its focused commercial team and expertise to build leading brands within well-established markets. For more information visit aytubio.com.

About Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC.

LPC is an institutional investor headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. LPC's experienced professionals manage a portfolio of investments in public and private entities. These investments are in a wide range of companies and industries emphasizing life sciences, specialty financing, energy and technology. LPC's investments range from multiyear financial commitments to fund growth to special situation financings to long-term strategic capital offering companies certainty, flexibility and consistency. For more information, visit www.lpcfunds.com.

For Investors & Media:

Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.

Joshua Drumm, Ph.D.: [email protected]; (212) 375-2664

Janine McCargo: [email protected]; (646) 604-5150



Forward Looking Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this presentation, including statements regarding our anticipated future clinical and regulatory events, future financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are generally written in the future tense and/or are preceded by words such as "may," "will," "should," "forecast," "could," "expect," "suggest," "believe," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," or similar words, or the negatives of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. These statements are just predictions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual events or results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the ability of Aytu to meet ongoing conditions of the LPC agreement in order to access the financing under the agreement; the ability to have Aytu common stock listed on a national securities exchange; the potential future commercialization of our product candidates; the anticipated start dates, durations and completion dates, as well as the potential future results, of our ongoing and future clinical trials; the anticipated designs of our future clinical trials; anticipated future regulatory submissions and events; risks relating to gaining market acceptance of our products; obtaining reimbursement by third-party payors; our anticipated future cash position; and future events under our current and potential future collaborations. We also refer you to the risks described in "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of Aytu BioScience, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the other reports and documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

SOURCE Aytu BioScience, Inc.

Related Links

http://aytubio.com


SEATTLE, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TUNE (http://www.tune.com), the enterprise Software-as-a-Service for mobile marketing company behind the products TUNE Marketing Console and HasOffers by TUNE, today announced Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, as a new client. Baidu is leveraging the HasOffers by TUNE platform to manage their in-house performance marketing program for their international mobile ad platform, DU Ad Platform.

As the industry leader in mobile marketing measurement and attribution, the world's most successful ad networks trust TUNE to help them manage their businesses. Since integrating HasOffers with their DU Ad Platform, Baidu has seen strong performance growth from the ad network side of their international business.

"After many rounds of evaluation, HasOffers by TUNE has clearly demonstrated its industry-leading ability to help us drive performance for our in-house marketing programs," said Richard Lee, Director of Baidu's Global Business Unit. "Baidu firmly believes that HasOffers will enable DU Ad Platform to reach and impact the most customers globally, and succeed as a global network. HasOffers provides reliable, round-the-clock support and the scale to handle huge volumes of traffic, a must when establishing a rapidly-growing ad network. With TUNE's support and technology, we can ensure that we consistently meet and exceed our global advertisers' performance expectations. Since we began using HasOffers, our ad revenue has grown steadily, and we foresee consistent growth in the future."

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Baidu to the TUNE family," said Peter Hamilton, CEO of TUNE. "Being able to partner with the leading Chinese web services company is a testament to our service, scale, and commitment to driving performance for global clients. We look forward to being a part of their future growth and success as a global network."

Founded in 2000, Baidu Inc. is the leading Chinese language Internet search provider. As a technology-based media company, Baidu aims to provide the best and most equitable way for people to find what they're looking for. Baidu attended Postback'16, TUNE's annual conference, in Seattle on July 21-22.

Meet the HasOffers and Baidu teams who will be at Affiliate Summit East in New York City from July 31-Aug. 2 and located at booth #5000.

About TUNE

TUNE is the leading enterprise SaaS for marketers and their partners to measure results on mobile. Supporting more than 25 percent of the top 100 highest-grossing apps in iTunes and Google Play today, TUNE brings together measurement and attribution across paid, owned, and earned media into one TUNE Marketing Console. TUNE's HasOffers product (www.hasoffers.com) is the industry's leading performance marketing platform, enabling thousands of businesses around the world to track and manage their own publisher and affiliate relationships.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington with over 300 employees in nine offices worldwide, TUNE is the most widely adopted solution to measure mobile marketing performance and is trusted by brands such as Expedia, Flipkart, eBay and more.

For more information, visit www.tune.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Baidu

Baidu, Inc. is the leading Chinese language Internet search provider. As a technology-based media company, Baidu aims to provide the best and most equitable way for people to find what they're looking for. In addition to serving individual Internet search users, Baidu provides an effective platform for businesses to reach potential customers. Baidu's ADSs trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "BIDU". Currently, ten ADSs represent one Class A ordinary share.

SOURCE TUNE

Related Links

http://www.tune.com


DALLAS, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BenefitMall, a leading provider of employee benefits and payroll services, has been chosen as the administrator of the small business health insurance program offered through Maryland's state-based marketplace for health coverage.

With this new partnership, the BenefitMall team will be responsible for reviewing applications, determining benefit eligibility and additional aspects of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) for those small businesses working with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

"BenefitMall is extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange and to support small businesses in obtaining quality health care coverage for their employees," said Fran Guillott, regional vice president of BenefitMall. "With more than 35 years of industry experience in successfully supporting brokers and small businesses in the procurement of health benefits, we know that we will be a valuable contributor to the SHOP experience."

For Maryland businesses with 50 or less full-time-equivalent employees, SHOP provides easy management of their health insurance and benefits program. Eligible employers may choose qualified health plans from well-known providers, and their employees can choose the level of coverage and cost that best meets their needs. As of June 1, 2016, 119 small businesses are using the SHOP program to cover more than 1,000 individuals. Out of these 119 businesses, 83 percent of these employers have fewer than 10 employees and 12 percent of these employers have fewer than 20 employees.

"The program helps employers recruit and retain skilled workers in a competitive environment," said Carolyn Quattrocki, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. "Employers can also take advantage of free expert advice, greater coverage options for their employees and simplicity in paying for premiums."

Maryland businesses with less than 25 full-time-equivalent employees can also be eligible for a tax credit for plans purchased through the Maryland Health Connection SHOP marketplace for any two consecutive tax years dating back to 2014. Small businesses are even able to deduct premium costs that are not covered by the tax credit. For more information about this program, please visit www.benefitmall.com/Brokers/Additional/MD-Shop.

About BenefitMall

Headquartered in Dallas, BenefitMall partners with a network of 20,000 Brokers and CPAs to deliver employee benefits and payroll services to more than 200,000 small and medium-sized businesses. By combining payroll and benefits, BenefitMall empowers Trusted Advisors to develop the best employee programs while maintaining compliance with government regulations and Health Care Reform.

BenefitMall, the largest national General Agency merged with the second largest privately held payroll company, CompuPay. BenefitMall also operates HealthCareExchange.com, the leading online community for information regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. More information is available at www.benefitmall.com.

About Maryland Health Benefit Exchange

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) is a public corporation and independent unit of state government. It was established in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) and administers Maryland Health Connection. More information is available at marylandhbe.com.

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SOURCE BenefitMall

Related Links

http://www.benefitmall.com


NEW YORK, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Betterment for Business, the only turnkey 401(k) service that includes personalized investment advice for all participants, announced today that it has successfully added 200 plan sponsors to the platform in the last six months.

"The 401(k) space has been long overdue for an overhaul," said Cynthia Loh, General Manager of Betterment for Business. "There is broad agreement throughout the industry that the current solutions are not meeting the needs of most participants. Our clients needed a solution to improve not only the retirement readiness but the overall financial well-being of their employees. We are proud to be that solution by providing low-cost, transparent, and holistic financial advice to participants. Having more than 200 plans in just six months is a great indicator of the clear demand for what we're building."

Greenhouse Software -- a company that designs the tools that help companies source, interview, hire and onboard the right talent -- has signed up as a plan sponsor. Headquartered in New York City and with offices in San Francisco, Greenhouse has rolled out the Betterment for Business 401(k) offering to all of its employees.

"Our ongoing goal at Greenhouse is to provide our employees with the best benefits so that they don't have to worry about things like saving for retirement," said Jessica Pfisterer, Director of People Operations at Greenhouse Software. "As a technology-driven company, our employees expect the same level of great technology in an easy-to-use managed portfolio solution. Betterment for Business was an obvious choice."

MVP Anesthesia Associates, a physician group, has also signed up as a plan sponsor. "At MVP, we were looking for a 401(k) that was easy to use, low cost, and includes investment advice," said Bruce Novis, President of MVP. "After reviewing a number of providers to whom we could convert our plan, Betterment for Business was the clear winner due to the proven investment methodology strategy and advice tools for participants."

Participants enrolled on the Betterment for Business platform are invested in a globally diversified portfolio of index-tracking exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and benefit from personalized advice in a goal-based investing framework. The Betterment platform currently serves more than 175,000 retail customers. Participants will also be able to easily open and customize taxable investment accounts, traditional and Roth IRAs, and trust accountsand view all of them alongside their 401(k) accounts. The accounts will be intelligently managed, togethera service that few other providers in the market offer.

Consistent with Betterment's retail service, Betterment for Business aims to lower costs and offers a simple, easy-to-understand fee structure, with no upfront fee for plan sponsors with more than $1 million in assets, and an assets under management-based fee ranging from 0.10% to 0.60%.

Launched in 2010, Betterment manages more than $5 billion in assets for more than 175,000 customers. Betterment's platform includes a variety of features designed to provide personalized advice and a seamless experience, including RetireGuide, a retirement planning tool that helps to inform customers as to whether or not they are invested correctly for a comfortable retirement, and SmartDeposit, a feature that makes it easy for customers to automatically invest their excess cash without having to think about it.

To request more information on Betterment for Business, please visit www.bettermentforbusiness.com

Contact Info:

Joe Ziemer, [email protected], 212-228-1328

Arielle Sobel, [email protected], 646-836-9246

Betterment is the largest independent robo-advisor, helping people to intelligently manage and grow their wealth through smarter technology. With more than 175,000 customers and over $5 billion in assets under management, the service offers a globally diversified portfolio of ETFs, designed to help provide you with the higher expected returns for retirement planning, building wealth, and other savings goals. Betterment also helps customers get on track for a comfortable retirement with RetireGuide, a retirement planning tool that lets people know how much they should save and if they are investing correctly. Betterment was a CNBC Disruptor 50, FT 300 and Webby award winner, and it has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal. Betterment helps people work to achieve a smarter financial future with minimal effort and for a fraction of the cost of traditional financial services.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Determination of largest independent robo-advisor reflects Betterment LLC's distinction of having highest number of assets under management, based on Betterment's review of assets self-reported in the SEC's Form ADV, across Betterment's survey of independent robo-advisor investing services as of July 11, 2016. As used here, "independent" means that a robo-advisor has no affiliation with the financial products it recommends to its clients.

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SOURCE Betterment

Related Links

http://www.betterment.com


CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BioHiTech Global, Inc. ("BioHiTech") (OTCQB: BHTG), a green technology company that provides innovative data-driven solutions for food waste disposal, has partnered with Tusk Ventures, the nation's premier political, regulatory, and communications consulting firm. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Bradley Tusk, the firm will provide BioHiTech with both immediate and long-term guidance at the local, state and national level. Tapping into Tusk's expertise in New York and New Jersey, multi-state national campaigns, regulatory and government affairs, and strategic communications  coordinated by a highly specialized team of professionals  the partnership will focus on leveraging BioHiTech's innovative technologies and tremendous growth to create a smarter and more effective approach to waste management, both locally and globally.

"BioHiTech is known for our commitment to excellence, which is why we are pleased to partner with a premier firm like Tusk Ventures in order to accomplish the many goals we have as a company," said Frank E. Celli, CEO of BioHiTech Global. "Whether it's providing businesses around the world the ability to efficiently dispose of and track their food waste, or our expansion of facilities that will lead to significant landfill diversion, we are changing the landscape of an industry. Tusk's record of working with companies that are disrupting traditional industries is well-established, and together we look forward to continuing these efforts and building upon our company's own record of success."

"BioHiTech is providing a game-changing solution to address a global problem, so partnering with them was a no-brainer," said Bradley Tusk, Founder and CEO of Tusk Ventures. "Innovative companies are not rare. What is unique about a company like BioHiTech is that their vision is not only bold, but they have a clear understanding of what they must do to achieve it. Our experienced team will work closely to help guide this vision, ensuring a bright future for their business and, most importantly, a more sustainable planet for generations to come."

About BioHiTech Global

BioHiTech Global (OTCQB: BHTG), "The Company" headquartered in Chestnut Ridge NY, develops and deploys innovative and disruptive waste management technologies. The combined offerings of BioHiTech Global offer our customers a full suite of technology based disposal options capable of having a significant impact on waste generation while providing a true zero landfill environment. With options for both on and off site biological treatment of waste, BioHiTech Global is a leader in zero waste solutions for businesses and municipalities. For more information, please visit www.biohitechglobal.com.

About Tusk Ventures

Founded in 2015, Tusk Ventures specializes in helping companies analyze and navigate regulatory and political challenges at local, state and national levels. Tusk has executed a number of highly sophisticated campaigns that have made it possible for companies to overcome complex challenges. Clients include Uber, FanDuel, Lemonade, Nagare, AltSchool, and Handy. Tusk Ventures has offices in New York, Chicago and Miami. For more information, visit www.tuskventures.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this document contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of BioHiTech Global, Inc. to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. BioHiTech Global, Inc. assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation those set forth as "Risk Factors" in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). There may be other factors not mentioned above or included in the BioHiTech's SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. BioHiTech Global, Inc. assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by securities laws.

Media Contacts:

Rubenstein Public Relations

Contact: Kristie Galvani

Tel: 212-843-9205

[email protected]

Tusk Ventures

Contact: Patrick Muncie

Tel: 212-966-5161

[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

MZ North America

Ted Haberfield

President  MZ North America

Direct: 760-755-2716

Mobile: 858-204-5055

[email protected]

www.mzgroup.us

Sales Contact:



BioHiTech Global, Inc.

Lisa Giovannielli

Marketing Director

Direct: 845-262-1081

[email protected]

www.biohitech.com

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SOURCE BioHiTech Global, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.biohitech.com


By Malik Bahdari, Senior Staff Writer, Online Media Group, Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Throughout the past two decades, catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT), two conditions characterized by irregular heartbeat, has transitioned from a relatively unproven procedure to a common and important strategy for treating these complex arrhythmias. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that AF alone, affects as many as 6.1 million Americans, generating about $6 billion in direct and $26 billion in indirect costs.

Because catheter ablation is now a class I recommendation for AF in drug refractory patients and class II recommendation as a front-line treatment for AF, procedural volumes are increasing rapidly. This has created a great market opportunity for medical device maker BioSig Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: BSGM), underscored by the cardiac electrophysiology (EP) marketplace growing at a 12.1% compound annual growth rate, representing the fastest growing segment of cardiology.

Even with the advances in ablation procedures, the next evolution in technology is necessary to improve patient outcomes and contain costs. Due to a dearth of companies with innovative technologies to address the opportunity in a $4 billion market, premium valuations are being placed upon elite companies in the industry. This is exemplified by major acquisitions in the past 18 months, including Stryker Corp. agreeing to pay defibrillator maker Physio-Control International for $1.28 billion; Abbott buying Topera for $350 million and agreeing to pay $25 billion for St. Jude Medical; Medtronic spending $272 million for Cardio Insight; and AtriCure buying nContact for $149 million.

BioSig is an emerging player in the EP space with its PURE EP System, a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and intracardiac multichannel recording and analysis system developed to assist electrophysiologists in making clinical decisions in real-time, albeit diagnostic or during an ablation procedure. BioSig has methodically developed PURE EP System by building a impressive management and advisory staff comprised of industry and finance experts and through collaborations and partnerships with some of the world's leading EP institutions.

BioSig's PURE EP System is designed to improve upon today's devices used in AF and VT ablation procedures by using proprietary technology that, amongst other things, detects and displays high-fidelity cardiac signals that the company believes are currently undetectable with other recording devices, and reduces electrical noise to provide physicians with more precise cardiac signal data in real-time. The technology, which has been refined in studies at Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Mayo Clinic, Mount Sinai and UCLA with data presented at world-renowned conferences, has the potential to shorten procedure time and reduce the necessity for repeated procedures that are frequent with today's devices.

PURE EP System is a case of a truly disruptive technology that BioSig intends to apply to bring to market via a 510(k) pathway with the Food and Drug Administration in the first half of 2017. On Tuesday morning, the company provided shareholders with a comprehensive update on the status of development and strategic plan for PURE EP System, including ongoing research at Mayo Clinic, statistics on the market opportunity and an overview of the highly relevant experience of the leadership team. BioSig also detailed a recent $4.5 million private placement, in which insiders including members of the management and board of directors purchased $630,000 of BSGM stock as a demonstration of their conviction in the future of the company.

Investors interested in this exciting market segment are encouraged to read the complete shareholder letter at: http://biosigtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BioSig-Shareholder-Letter-July-11-2016_FINAL.pdf.

Online Media Group, Inc. is a strategic holding company. Through our brands, Online Media Group is a leading publisher of market news, commentary, proprietary research and videos from seasoned journalists, analysts and contributors covering the financial markets, specific industries and global economies. Leveraging our extensive distribution network and social media presence, we have cultivated a valuable audience of engaged market enthusiasts interested in all segments, which in turn delivers a variety of unique opportunities for industry partnerships, corporate communications and market exposure.

Legal Disclaimer: Online Media Group, Inc. is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority and does not provide, nor claims to provide, investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release to buy, sell or hold any securities. Investing intrinsically involves substantial risk and readers are reminded to consult an investment professional and complete their own due diligence, including SEC filings, when researching any companies mentioned in this release. This release is based upon publicly available information and, while vetted, is not considered to be all-inclusive or guaranteed to be free from errors. With respect to Section 17(B) of the Securities Act of 1933 and in the interest of full disclosure, we call the reader's attention to the fact that Online Media Group, Inc. may have received compensation from the companies mentioned in this release.

SOURCE BioSig Technologies, Inc.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannabase (OTCMKTS:HLIX) , a software and technology platform for the legal cannabis industry, and host of Cannabase Marketplace - the oldest and largest online wholesale cannabis exchange in the legal cannabis industry - announces its partnership with BioTrackTHC, a leading provider of cannabis seed-to-sale inventory tracking software systems for both government regulators and cannabis businesses.

Under this partnership, BioTrackTHC and Cannabase endeavor to integrate their systems and provide a seamless experience for cannabis supply-chain activities. Cannabis businesses using BioTrackTHC's enterprise system will be able to provide real-time confirmation of live inventory data to support the execution of realtime exchange transactions on Cannabase. This unprecedented relationship will solve key structural problems involved in the buying and selling of wholesale cannabis.

BioTrackTHC has been awarded 6 government contracts for regulatory seed-to-sale tracking and serves over 1,800 cannabis businesses that use BioTrackTHC for inventory management and point-of-sale. By connecting its user base to Cannabase's industry leading marketplace, this partnership will vastly accelerate the rate at which wholesale transactions can be completed in the nascent cannabis industry.

As the most mature marketplace in the cannabis industry, Cannabase is uniquely positioned to execute on the live exchange opportunity presented by the partnership with BioTrackTHC. As Patrick Vo, BioTrack's Chief Executive Officer, explains, "Seed-to-sale inventory tracking captures data, and that data is the lynchpin around which products and services can be made to provide even greater value to cannabis businesses. Having the ability to push BioTrackTHC data directly to the Cannabase wholesale exchange, and knowing that data from potential suppliers are also coming directly from their inventory management systems, cannabis businesses will be able to make data-driven wholesale buying and selling decisions efficiently. Cannabase's commitment to excellence mirrors our own, and we are excited to partner with them to create a platform that will support all of our shared customers in making their cannabis businesses more successful."

Currently, self-reporting on user-generated wholesale listings limits the thoroughness, accuracy, and traceability of listings in wholesale cannabis markets. As the wholesale market moves towards real-time, instantaneous execution and real settlement, these limitations will be out of compliance with market norms. By combining BioTrackTHC's large customer base and inventory management data to Cannabase's wholesale exchange, this partnership is poised to vastly accelerate the flow of wholesale product for cultivators, infused product manufacturers, and retailers nationwide.

"This partnership is transformative for cannabis wholesale markets nationwide," explains Jennifer Beck, Cannabase's co-founder and Managing Director. "Our mission is to maximize the capabilities of business owners navigating this complex industry through the development of cutting-edge integrated operating environments, and we are looking forward to partnering with BioTrackTHC in this critical component."

Zachary L. Venegas, CEO of Helix TCS, the parent company of Cannabase, echoed Beck and Vo's comments, stating that "We are proud to work with BioTrackTHC in this important endeavor for the evolution of the wholesale marketplace. As we further unveil the technologies, partnerships, and business lines that we have built, we will continue to provide our clients, partners, and investors with the real benefits that accrue from our focus on strategic innovation realized by rapid, disciplined execution."

About Cannabase

The Cannabase Platform was founded in 2013 with the goal of helping to connect the emerging cannabis industry (while collecting the data that drives it). With a suite of tools ranging from advertising services to an integrated dispensary finder and wholesale marketplace, Cannabase's suite of seed-to-sale marketing tools are utilized by over 72% of the cultivators, infused product manufacturers, and retailers in Colorado's licensed cannabis industry. Cannabase, a wholly owned subsidiary of Helix TCS (OTCMKTS:HLIX), will be expanding nationwide in 2016.

SOURCE Cannabase
Martin Luther King III , one of the founders of Bounce TV, will participate in the conversation, along with an invited audience representing a diverse and broad range of community and civic leaders. WAFB anchors Greg Meriwether and Lauren Westbroo k will moderate the discussion, set to take place in Baton Rouge. WAFB-TV is a Raycom Media station.

Bounce TV is carrying Where Do We Go From Here? as part of its new wide-ranging initiative to encourage de-escalation training, in which it has teamed with The Root, the premier news, opinion and culture site for African-American influencers, to support the effort. The Root's editorial outlining the call to action can be found by clicking here. People can stay connected with the initiative on social media by following Bounce TV's official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts (@bouncetv) and by using the official hashtag, #CallJustice4Peace.

Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network is available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African-American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. For more information, visit BounceTV.com .

Contact:

Jim Weiss

770-672-6504

[email protected]

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SOURCE Bounce TV

Related Links

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LA JOLLA, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) has been named among the 2016 "Rising Stars" in a new research report conducted by Nature. Calibr ranked 20th among a list of 25 institutions in North America that have increased their contributions to a selection of top academic journals from 2012 to 2015.

The Nature Index tracks journal authors and contributors from more than 8,000 scientific institutions around the world, including universities, national labs, institutes and other research-producing organization. The rankings, part of the Nature Index 2016 Rising Stars supplement, appear in the July 28 issue of Nature.

"For such a young institution, we are delighted to see it ranked #20 on Nature Index's list of "Rising Stars" alongside more established academic peers such as Stanford, Rockefeller and the Salk Institute," said Peter G. Schultz, who is the President of Calibr, as well as Chief Executive Officer of The Scripps Research Institute. "This ranking acknowledges both the productivity and innovation of Calibr's scientific efforts as it works to accelerate the translation of basic biomedical research into new medicines that address unmet medical needs."

Biomedical research efforts by Calibr scientists appearing in Nature Index journals during the studied period include the following:

Development of a "switchable" chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell platform technology method for harnessing the potent anti-cancer activity of CAR-T cell cancer therapy while minimizing the severe side effects associated with its use. This technology stands to lower the costs of this therapy and bring challenging diseases, such as solid tumors and heterogeneous blood cancers, into scope of treatment with CAR-T cells. Calibr is currently advancing this technology toward the clinic for the treatment of several disease indications.

Next-generation bispecific antibodies were developed using novel site-specific recombinant DNA technology that target T cells to the surface of cancer cells in novel ways to eliminate cancer with high efficacy. Calibr has developed a range of molecules targeting prostate cancer, breast cancer, acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma. The most advanced of these is currently in late preclinical development for prostate cancer with support from the Wellcome Trust.

A platform technology for generating functional antibody agonists, antagonist and ion channel inhibitors was developed to create therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of chronic diseases. Following on key structural studies reported in collaboration with The Scripps Research Institute , scientists developed a generalizable method for engineering the hypervariable loops of antibodies to endow them with new biological activities while maintaining their long-acting pharmacokinetics. One such molecule for the treatment of chronic heart failure is being advanced to the clinic in partnership with Pfizer, while a number of others are being developed for the treatment of such diseases as cystic fibrosis, Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.

, scientists developed a generalizable method for engineering the hypervariable loops of antibodies to endow them with new biological activities while maintaining their long-acting pharmacokinetics. One such molecule for the treatment of chronic heart failure is being advanced to the clinic in partnership with Pfizer, while a number of others are being developed for the treatment of such diseases as cystic fibrosis, Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Discovery of the FDA-approved anti-rheumatic drug auranofin as an anti-mycobacterial agent. The work is part of Calibr's ongoing commitment to identify low-cost treatments for neglected diseases that disproportionately affect developing nations. Calibr has partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop auranofin for the treatment of patients with tuberculosis, which remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases. Clinical studies are expected to begin in 2016.

More information about the Nature Index, including its methodology and the list of 68 top academic journals surveyed, can be found here: https://www.natureindex.com/faq.

About The California Institute for Biomedical Research

The California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) is an independent not-for-profit institute established in 2012 with the goal of accelerating the translation of basic research to new medicines that address unmet medical needs. Collaborations with researchers across the world expedite the translation of basic biomedical findings to new candidate therapeutics, while enabling commercial partnerships are formed to bring these new medicines to the public. Value created from these activities is reinvested in preclinical and clinical research at the institute to create a self-sustaining, 'evergreen' model for not-for-profit biomedical research.

Press Contact: Jim Schaeffer, [email protected], 858-242-1000

SOURCE The California Institute for Biomedical Research
PUNE, India, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

ReportsnReports.com adds "Cardiac Pacemakers - Medical Devices Pipeline Assessment, 2016" market research report that provides comprehensive information on the pipeline products with comparative analysis of the products at various stages of development. The report reviews major players involved in the pipeline product development. It also provides information about clinical trials in progress, which includes trial phase, trial status, trial start and end dates, and, the number of trials for the key Cardiac Pacemakers pipeline products.

Complete report on Cardiac Pacemakers Medical Devices Pipeline Assessment with 104 market data tables and 6 figures, spread across 125 pages is available at http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/624840-cardiac-pacemakers-medical-devices-pipeline-assessment-2016.html .

Cardiac Pacemakers Companies and Product Overview discussed in this research are Boston Scientific Corporation, Boston TransTec, LLC, Duke University, EBR Systems, Inc., Hadasit Medical Research Services & Development Ltd, InnerPulse, Inc., Kenergy Inc., Krisara Engineering, LLC, LivaNova PLC, Mathematical Bio-Solutions Inc., Mayo Clinic US, Medtronic plc, MicroPort Scientific Corporation, NDSU Research Foundation, NuVascular Technologies Inc, Perpetuum Ltd., St. Jude Medical, Inc., University of Bern, University of California, Los Angeles and University of Michigan.

Scope of this cardiac pacemakers market pipeline report include extensive coverage of the Cardiac Pacemakers under development, details of major pipeline products which includes, product description, licensing and collaboration details and other developmental activities, major players involved in the development of Cardiac Pacemakers and list all their pipeline projects, coverage of pipeline products based on various stages of development ranging from Early Development to Approved / Issued stage, key clinical trial data of ongoing trials specific to pipeline products as well as recent developments in the segment / industry.

Order a copy of this cardiac pacemakers market report @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/Purchase.aspx?name=624840 .

The report enables readers to :-

Formulate significant competitor information, analysis, and insights to improve R&D strategies

Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage

Identify and understand important and diverse types of Cardiac Pacemakers under development

Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies

Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying major players with the most promising pipeline

In-depth analysis of the product's current stage of development, territory and estimated launch date

Another newly published market research report titled Point-of-Care (POC) Analyzers - Medical Devices Pipeline Assessment, 2016 provides comprehensive information on the pipeline products with comparative analysis of the products at various stages of development. The report reviews major players involved in the pipeline product development. It also provides information about clinical trials in progress, which includes trial phase, trial status, trial start and end dates, and, the number of trials for the key Point-of-Care (POC) Analyzers pipeline products. Point-of-Care (POC) Analyzers Companies and Product Overview mentioned in this research are Akers Biosciences, Inc., Akonni Biosystems, Inc., ApoCell, Inc., Bio-Alternative Medical Devices Ltd, BioDirection, Inc., BioMedomics, Inc, bioMerieux S.A., Biopico Systems Inc., Boston University, Cepheid, Co-Diagnostics HBDC, Inc., Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, John Hopkins University , Magna Diagnostics GmbH, McKesson Corporation, Nanomix, Inc., OncoGenesis, Phoenix Biosystems Inc, PositiveID Corporation, Quanterix Corporation, Radisens Diagnostics Limited, Rapid Biosensor Systems, SenGenix, Inc., Thermal Gradient, Inc., University of Alberta, University of California, Wellstat Diagnostics, LLC and Xen Biofluidx Inc. Point-of-Care (POC) Analyzers Medical Devices Pipeline market research report of 64 pages is available at http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/624842-point-of-care-poc-analyzers-medical-devices-pipeline-assessment-2016.html .

Explore more reports on Medical Devices.

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SOURCE ReportsnReports
PHILADELPHIA -- A member of President Barack Obamas administration since the beginning, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Thursday that he supports Obamas call to elect Hillary Clinton as his successor to continue Democrats work in the White House.

Obama gave the keynote address to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, saying he is ready to pass the baton to Clinton, his former secretary of state.

But only one-fourth of Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in the country, according to recent Pew Research Center survey data.

Vilsack, the former Iowa governor, told reporters Thursday that despite those figures the president should not shy away from making the case for Clintons election as an extension of his administration.

I think its appropriate for (Obama) to make sure that people understand where we were (before he was elected in 2008). We were on the precipice of a serious economic collapse. He saved this country, Vilsack said shortly after speaking to convention delegations from Iowa and Wisconsin.

Vilsack also noted that while Americans may not be confident in the countrys direction, Obamas recent approval ratings have been solid: 50 percent of Americans approve of the way he is handling his job while 44 percent disapprove, according to Pew.

Obamas second-term approval average of 46 percent is on par with Ronald Reagans second-term average of 49 percent and below Bill Clintons (55) but above George W. Bushs (30).

I think the president did a great job (Wednesday) night of reminding people where we were in 2009, how far we have come and how we still have work to do. And its important and necessary that that work continue, Vilsack said. As he tells that story -- where we were, where we are and where we need to go -- I think it will be quite supportive for (Hillary Clinton).

Vilsack downplayed not being chosen as Hillary Clintons running mate; she instead chose Tim Kaine, a U.S. senator from Virginia. Vilsack also was in the running to be John Kerrys running mate in 2004.

As an old trial lawyer, my father-in-law, used to say, you celebrate your victories for 24 hours and you mourn your losses for 24 hours, Vilsack said. With the importance of this race, I only took 12.

Vilsack, whose duties as ag secretary will end with Obamas term in January, said he is focused on the election and not a possible role in a Clinton administration should she win.

I told people, Ill wash the dishes, Ill take the trash out. Ill do whatever we have to do, Vilsack said. Shes got to get elected.

Since only just more than a third of U.S. voters have a favorable opinion of Clinton, according to Real Clear Politics average of recent national polls, Vilsack said it will be crucial for those who have known and worked with Clinton to convey their support to voters.

Vilsack has known Clinton since she was first lady, when she helped his struggling 1998 gubernatorial campaign that ultimately was successful.

Its up to people that know Hillary Clinton. We need to make sure we get out and tell the story of Hillary. I have great confidence that if we tell that story, people are going to understand who she is and what he has done all of her life, Vilsack said. Im confident that over time were going to continue to see growing support.
DALLAS and FT. WORTH, Texas, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21 brand, announced today that Dallas/Ft. Worth-based CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, via an unparalled commitment to its people and the local markets it serves, has earned spots on three prestigious "Best Places to Work" lists in the last 12 months.

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company earned the No. 3 spot in the Dallas Morning News' "Top 100 Places to Work," ranked No. 35 in the Texas Association of Business and Texas Monthly Magazine's "Best 100 Companies to Work for in Texas" and was recently named in the Dallas Business Journal's "Best 100 Places to Work in North Texas," the rankings for which will be announced on September 15, 2016. CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company is the brand's top company in Texas with sales volume in excess of $1.2 billion for the past 12 months.

"The professionals at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company are outstanding brand ambassadors within the CENTURY 21 System," said Rick Davidson, president and chief executive officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "From the sales associates to Jim Fite and Jan Fite Miller and their entire leadership team, CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company is committed to serving its people, the home buyers and sellers in the local markets they serve and to helping build better communities for all Americans, as evidenced by its five year run as the System's No. 2 fund raiser for Easter Seals, the brand's philanthropic partner."

"This has certainly been a monumental year for CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company  one that would not have been possible without our incredible team of dedicated sales professionals," said Jim Fite, President, CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company. "I continue to be humbled by the people who are committed to accomplishing our mission of serving the community and providing the highest level of customer service. I can't thank our tireless sales staff and loyal clients enough for this unprecedented honor."

These accolades are another example of the company's focus on growth, recruitment and momentum. In July, CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company joined forces with Colleyville's, CENTURY 21 Tim Gauntt, resulting in a combined 850 sales associates and staff spread across 21 offices throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Established nearly 80 years ago by Judge B. Fite, the real estate company is no stranger to earning top honors. In 2015, CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company was named the No. 1 CENTURY 21 company in Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In addition, the company was ranked the No. 4 CENTURY 21 in the country and the No. 5 CENTURY 21 Company in the world based on units. Through the first half of 2016 CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company remains the No. 1 CENTURY 21 Company in Texas.

Century 21 Real Estate LLC first revolutionized real estate with the introduction to the industry of the franchisor/franchisee model by real estate brokers Art Bartlett and Marsh Fisher on July 28, 1971. Today, Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the most recognized name in real estate* and the brand that was selected as the leader in brand awareness in 2015 for the 17th year in a row* among consumers presented with a list of real estate agencies, is committed to making a difference in people's lives by delivering to market innovative tools and technologies, marketing support and the use of its iconic brand marks that help its independent brokers and affiliated sales associates provide a seamless experience to real estate consumers around the world.

Connect with Century 21 Real Estate

YouTube

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Google+

LinkedIn

Blog

Download the Century 21 Real Estate mobile app

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC

Century 21 Real Estate LLC is comprised of approximately 6,900 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 78 countries and territories worldwide with more than 101,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21Global.com, commercial.century21.com, century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com.

Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services.  2016 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21, the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

* 2015 Ad Tracking Study: The survey results are based on 1,200 online interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or, plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years). Brand awareness question based on a sample of 1,200 respondents. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. Recognition question based on those aware of brand. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/- 2.4%. The study was conducted by Millward Brown, a leading global market research organization,

from April 24- May 8, 2015.

Contact:

Peter Mosca

Century 21 Real Estate LLC

Phone: 973.407.5180

Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Century 21 Real Estate LLC

Related Links

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MIAMI, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ChenMed, the nation's leading integrated primary care practice for seniors, today announced a series of strategic executive leadership team additions to keep fueling the double-digit membership growth the innovative company has annually achieved since 2011.

"At-risk seniors and every Medicare Advantage health plan in America now have extra reasons to establish relationships with our rapidly growing medical practice," says Christopher Chen, MD, ChenMed Chief Executive Officer. "Dr. Jeffrey Kang joined ChenMed as President eight months ago, leveraging 30 years of extraordinary healthcare industry experience to accelerate our progress in transforming healthcare for some of the neediest populations. Now, with Jeff's help, we've scored additional game-changing talent for our growing executive team."

The most recent executive team find is Jason Barker, MHA, CPA who just joined Chen Senior Medical Center as Market President. Barker, now leads the innovative medical practice, where Medicare members annually enjoy an average of 54 percent fewer hospital sick days than the Miami average for seniors.

"Our South Florida primary care physicians and specialist doctors do an absolutely amazing job particularly for older adults living with multiple major and chronic conditions," explains Dr. Kang, former SVP at Walgreens and former Chief Medical Officer at CMS and CIGNA. "We know quality healthcare must be delivered locally; that exceptional care teams need a resourceful champion to achieve market dominance.

"Jason brings extensive professional experience, as well as a portfolio of previous achievements from prior healthcare executive leadership roles in a variety of settings and diverse operating environments. His collaborative approach, with physicians and healthcare leaders alike, has led to increased quality outcomes and satisfaction rates for patients, as well as improved market share and financial performance."

Well prepared for the highly competitive Florida market serving 4.0 million Medicare members, Barker will develop business growth opportunities; and nurture key relationships to help the multi-center practice achieve market dominance by delivering affordable care and superior service. Prior to joining ChenMed, Barker served as CEO of Prospect Medical Systems, a multi-state full-risk managed care organization based in Orange, California. Immediately prior, he was President of CareMore Health plans, a nationally recognized Medicare Advantage plan specializing in health management for frail elderly.

"My goal is to empower South Florida medical, operational, network and membership development teams to collaboratively drive growth -- while staying focused on delivering better health outcomes with unrivaled service to patients and partners," says Barker. "And, by stressing love and accountability, we'll keep making market inroads."

Since ChenMed operates 37 dedicated medical centers in six states (Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Virginia), while simultaneously providing operational support and risk focused end-to-end technologies to help more than 200 independent medical practices deliver superior outcomes for seniors with Medicare Advantage, the company also recently bolstered center of excellence expertise vital to further igniting membership growth.

Marke Dickinson, MBA, MPP now serves as ChenMed Chief Marketing Officer, and Juan Carlos Sanchez is Managing Director of Service Transformation.

"Our strongly collaborative medical and operational market leaders need expert counsel and industry leading support to achieve growth in fiercely competitive markets. We are blessed to have Marke and Juan Carlos reinforcing the tireless work of our amazing medical center teams," underscores Dr. Kang.

Responsible for building diverse ChenMed family of companies brands, Dickinson, a Harvard-trained MBA, brings over 20-years success in driving growth, reaching un-tapped market segments and boosting customer/ member acquisition and retention rates. He worked 13 years at AAA (American Automobile Association), where he achieved 21 percent growth in new membership subscriptions and retained 89 percent of membership accounts as Chief Marketing Officer.

Sanchez will help ChenMed operations and patient experience teams in six states keep improving patient experience at 25 JenCare Senior Medical Center and 12 Chen Senior Medical Center locations. Prior to joining ChenMed, Sanchez was Health President of StateTrust Life and Capital  Atlantica Seguros, where he developed International Health Products and was responsible for 12 operational departments. His more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience in operations, including at Leon Medical Centers, is reinforced by broad knowledge of capitation, FFS, DRG, and Per Diem based contracts.

The recent executive leaders join previously recruited industry stalwarts contributing to the ChenMed executive leadership team, including: Michael Redmond, ChenMed Chief Financial Officer (formerly CFO, Aetna Accountable Care Solutions, plus senior finance experience at CIGNA); Jennifer Thomas, ChenMed Chief Administrative Officer (formerly Senior Expert, Global Organisation Practice, McKinsey & Company, plus former senior executive leader at PepsiCo, CitiGroup, and Diageo); Federico Cerdeiro, MBA, ChenMed Chief Business Development Officer (Wharton MBA; formerly executive leadership positions at McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley and Unicredit); and Peter Lymm, ChenMed Chief Membership Officer (formerly SVP of Operations, Verisk Health, plus executive leadership positions with NEBCO, Samsung SDS Corporation, and Aetna).

Recognizing how the rapid and sustained growth that ChenMed enjoys creates additional executive team leadership demand, the company is actively recruiting JenCare Market Presidents in five states; and already broadened its bench of industry leading medical and operational team leaders (See sidebar).

Plus, each ChenMed market's multifaceted care team benefits from year-round center of excellence support from a robust network of proven subject matter experts.

ABOUT CHENMED

ChenMed is a privately owned medical, management, and technology company working to positively change American healthcare for the neediest populations. Led and inspired by ChenMed Chairman and founder, James Chen, MD, PhD, the company's medical practice model has been serving low-to-moderate-income seniors with multiple complex chronic conditions for nearly 30 years.

Read the Forbes story on how the physician-led business is a transformation agent to improve the broken, unsympathetic and fragmented care delivery system that many patients still experience today; or The Economist reporting that "Medicare patients at ChenMed spent nearly 40 percent fewer days in hospital than the national average."; or Medical Economics noting that ChenMed "may be the best primary care system in the U.S."; or The Commonwealth Fund Transforming Care (Mar. 24, 2016) saluting ChenMed and others for "patient-centric cultures that are built on empathy and learning."

You also could better appreciate the magic of the ChenMed medical model by watching the two-minute FOX Business segment (April 23, 2016).

SIDEBAR: RECENT CHENMED MEDICAL AND OPERATIONAL LEADER ADDITIONS/PROMOTIONS

Notable 2016 executive leadership team additions to keep improving ChenMed medical and operational capabilities as the company ignites growth include:

Susan Schayes, MD, MPH, FAAFP, is JenCare Regional Chief Medical Officer. Responsible for clinical outcomes and clinical performance at 12 JenCare centers in Atlanta, Louisville, and New Orleans, Dr. Schayes previously was the Division Chief and Residency Program Director at Emory University School of Medicine.

Sunil Sinha, MD, MBA, FACHE, is ChenMed Director of Clinical Quality and Patient Safety. Dr. Sinha, who most recently served as a JenCare Medical Director, works on improving HEDIS ratings, other quality outcomes measures, and patient safety. Previously a medical expert at Pfizer and CMS, Dr. Sinha is a recognized authority on medication adherence, primary care access, therapeutic substitution, patient centered medical home (PCMH), Medicare drug benefit, and SN programs.

Jason Lane, MD, is ChenMed Director of Care Team Enhancers, Programs and Policies. Dr. Lane oversees transitional care and case management, and also supports ChenMed's patient focused care teams. An infectious disease specialist, Dr. Lane trained at the National Institutes of Health and served on active duty in the United States Air Force for 11 years. He has been instrumental in the progression of ChenMed's transitional care program nationally.

Alex Khoo, MBA, MHA, is ChenMed Managing Director, Business Services. He is responsible for delivery of efficient administrative processes, tools, and services to address key business challenges; management of "back office" processes including payroll, accounts payable, and credentialing; efficient and effective billing and coding of patient encounters. Prior to joining ChenMed, Alex was Vice President Finance at Alameda Health Systems, Calif.

Contact: Jim Brown, ChenMed Public Relations Director, 305-310-7214 or [email protected]

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SOURCE ChenMed

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SINGAPORE, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- China Yuchai International Limited (NYSE: CYD) ("China Yuchai" or the "Company"), announced today that it will be releasing its unaudited second quarter 2016 financial results on Thursday, August 11, 2016 before the market opens for trading. A conference call and audio webcast for the investment community has been scheduled for 8:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time on August 11, 2016. The call will be hosted by the President and Chief Financial Officer of China Yuchai, Mr. Weng Ming Hoh and Dr. Thomas Phung respectively, who will present on and discuss the financial results and business outlook of the Company followed with a Q&A session.

Analysts and institutional investors may participate in the conference call by dialling +1-866-519-4004 (United States), +800-906-601 (Hong Kong), 400-620-8038 (China) or +65 67135090 (International), Conference Code: 50566156 approximately five to ten minutes before the call start time.

For all other interested parties, a simultaneous webcast can be accessed at the investor relations section of the Company's website located at http://www.cyilimited.com. Participants are requested to log into the webcast at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The recorded webcast will be available on the website shortly after the earnings call.

About China Yuchai International

China Yuchai International Limited, through its subsidiary, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Limited ("GYMCL"), engages in the manufacture, assembly, and sale of a wide variety of light-, medium- and heavy-duty engines for trucks, buses, passenger vehicles, construction equipment, marine and agriculture applications in China. GYMCL also produces diesel power generators. The engines produced by GYMCL range from diesel to natural gas and hybrid engines. Through its regional sales offices and authorized customer service centers, the Company distributes its engines directly to auto OEMs and retailers and provides maintenance and retrofitting services throughout China. Founded in 1951, GYMCL has established a reputable brand name, strong research and development team and significant market share in China with high-quality products and reliable after-sales support. In 2015, GYMCL sold 364,567 engines and is recognized as a leading manufacturer and distributor of engines in China. For more information, please visit http://www.cyilimited.com.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Dixon Chen

Tel: +646-726-6511

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE China Yuchai International Limited

Related Links

http://www.cyilimited.com


JACKSON, Mich., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today reported net income of $124 million, or $0.45 per share, for the second quarter of 2016 and $288 million, or $1.04 per share, for the first half of 2016. Earnings per share for the second quarter grew $0.20 compared to second quarter of 2015.

CMS Energy reaffirmed its guidance for 2016 adjusted earnings of $1.99 to $2.02 per share. (*See below for important information about non-GAAP measures). This is consistent with the company's 2016 plan of 5% to 7% annual adjusted earnings per share growth. Starting in 2017, CMS has increased its adjusted earnings per share growth guidance to 6% to 8% based on projected increases in capital investment.

In the first half of 2016, CMS Energy's business plan progressed with investments in its operations and a focus on safety, quality improvements, customer satisfaction and environmental stewardship.

Patti Poppe, CMS Energy's president and chief executive officer, said that CMS Energy's principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy, is making quality improvements in its service to customers, enhancing sustainability and contributing to Michigan's strengthening economy. "Serving customers and communities is why we exist," said Poppe.

"I'm pleased that during the quarter we made great progress on our Smart Energy program. We have now installed more than 1.2 million smart meters and modules, keeping us on track for full program execution by year-end 2017," Poppe said. "Smart Energy is a key driver for our quality program, essentially making estimated bills a thing of the past."

"We are committed to enhancing Michigan's quality of life with environmentally progressive strategies. Our carbon footprint is now reduced by 25% following the largest shutdown of coal plants by any investor-owned utility in the country, and all impacted employees were able to either retire or transition to another job at the company," said Poppe. "Many employees delayed their retirement to assure that our plants were shut down safely and they could fulfill their duties as power plant professionals."

As a further demonstration of the company's commitment to providing clean and affordable energy to the people of Michigan, Consumers Energy dedicated a new 3 megawatt (MW) solar power plant on the campus of Grand Valley State University, and a 1 MW solar power plant being constructed at Western Michigan University is scheduled for third quarter completion.

Michigan's economy continues to improve as the state's unemployment rate dropped during the quarter to 4.7%, below the national average. Unemployment rates were closer to 3% or lower in several West Michigan counties, where the company provides electric service.

Consumers Energy was recognized for its dedication to recruit and employ military veterans, being named a silver level Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

In addition to hiring, Consumers Energy has helped Michigan companies create jobs and enhance local communities. Consumers Energy is spending $1 billion a year through 2020 with Michigan-based suppliers for a total of $5 billion, as part of its commitment to Pure Michigan Business Connect.

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business and also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

CMS Energy will hold a webcast to discuss its 2016 second quarter results and provide a business and financial outlook on July 28 at 10:00 AM (EDT). To participate in the Webcast, go to CMS Energy's home page (www.cmsenergy.com) and select "Investor Meeting."

Important information for investors about non-GAAP measures and other disclosures.

*This news release contains non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (non-GAAP) measures, such as adjusted earnings. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, regulatory items from prior years, or other items detailed in the attached summary financial statements. Management views adjusted earnings as a key measure of the company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Because the company is not able to estimate the impact of specific line items, which have the potential to significantly impact, favorably or unfavorably, the company's reported earnings in future periods, the company is not providing reported earnings guidance nor is it providing a reconciliation for the comparable future period earnings. The adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in fully understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for the reported earnings.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk and other factors detailed from time to time in CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Investors and others should note that CMS Energy routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investor Relations section, www.cmsenergy.com/investor-relations, a channel of distribution.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at www.cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

CMS Energy Corporation SUMMARIZED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)











































































Second Quarter





First Half







(Unaudited)





(Unaudited)





2016

2015

2016

2015



















Operating Revenue $ 1,371

$ 1,350

$ 3,172

$ 3,461



















Operating Expenses 1,086

1,146

2,551

2,860



















Operating Income $ 285

$ 204

$ 621

$ 601



















Other Income 6

3

14

9



















Interest Charges 108

103

214

204



















Income before Income Taxes $ 183

$ 104

$ 421

$ 406



















Income Tax Expense 58

36

132

136



















Net Income $ 125

$ 68

$ 289

$ 270



















Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 1

1

1

1



















Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 124

$ 67

$ 288

$ 269





































Income Per Share















Basic $ 0.45

$ 0.25

$ 1.04

$ 0.98

Diluted 0.45

0.25

1.04

0.98





















CMS Energy Corporation SUMMARIZED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Millions)





June 30

December 31

2016

2015

(Unaudited) Assets





Cash and cash equivalents $ 385

$ 266 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 18

19 Other current assets 1,628

2,035 Total current assets $ 2,031

$ 2,320 Plant, property, and equipment 15,187

14,705 Other non-current assets 3,245

3,274 Total Assets $ 20,463

$ 20,299















Liabilities and Equity





Current liabilities $ 1,173

$ 1,347 Non-current liabilities 5,583

5,504 Capitalization





Debt, capital leases, and financing obligation (*)





Debt, capital leases, and financing obligation





(excluding non-recourse and securitization debt) 8,065

8,022 Non-recourse debt 1,109

1,098 Total debt, capital leases, and financing obligation 9,174

9,120 Noncontrolling interests 37

37 Common stockholders' equity 4,156

3,938 Total capitalization $ 13,367

$ 13,095 Securitization debt 340

353 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 20,463

$ 20,299







(*) Current and long-term





















CMS Energy Corporation SUMMARIZED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Millions)



First Half





(Unaudited)



2016

2015















Beginning of Period Cash $ 266

$ 207















Cash provided by operating activities $ 1,101

$ 1,262 Cash used in investing activities (910)

(782) Cash flow from operating and investing activities $ 191

$ 480 Cash used in financing activities (72)

(210) Total Cash Flow $ 119

$ 270















End of Period Cash $ 385

$ 477

















CMS Energy Corporation SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS Reconciliations of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

























Second Quarter





First Half









(Unaudited)





(Unaudited)







2016

2015

2016

2015





















Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 124

$ 67

$ 288

$ 269





















Reconciling Items:

















Discontinued Operations (Income) Loss *

*

*

(*)























Restructuring Costs and Other *

*

*

*





















Adjusted Net Income - Non-GAAP Basis $ 124

$ 67

$ 288

$ 269









































Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

















Basic 278

275

277

275



Diluted 279

276

279

276





















Basic Earnings Per Average Common Share



































Net Income Per Share as Reported $ 0.45

$ 0.25

$ 1.04

$ 0.98





















Reconciling Items:

















Discontinued Operations (Income) Loss *

*

*

(*)























Restructuring Costs and Other *

*

*

*





















Adjusted Net Income - Non-GAAP Basis $ 0.45

$ 0.25

$ 1.04

$ 0.98









































Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share



































Net Income Per Share as Reported $ 0.45

$ 0.25

$ 1.04

$ 0.98





















Reconciling Items:

















Discontinued Operations (Income) Loss *

*

*

(*)























Restructuring Costs and Other *

*

*

*





















Adjusted Net Income - Non-GAAP Basis $ 0.45

$ 0.25

$ 1.04

$ 0.98









































Note: Management views adjusted (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings as a

key measure of the Company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for

external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the Company uses adjusted earnings

to measure and assess performance. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations,

asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, regulatory items from prior years, or other items

detailed in these summary financial statements. Adjusted earnings should be considered

supplemental information to assist in fully understanding our business results, rather than as a

substitute for reported earnings.



















* Less than $500 thousand or $0.01 per share.





















SOURCE CMS Energy

Related Links

http://www.cmsenergy.com


EUGENE, Ore., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- College Choice, a leading authority in college and university rankings and resources, has recently released its 2016 ranking for the Best Master's in School Counseling Programs.

(http://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-masters-in-school-counseling/)

School counselors are a growing factor in a young student's school life, so the need for highly trained professionals in this field is expected to grow eight percent through 2022. School counselors who hold a Master's degree are often the best qualified to become part of a public or private school system, leading many professionals already in the field to search for a school that gives them the ability to become helpful partners in a student's life.

"Long-term job satisfaction for school counselors is overwhelmingly high. School counselors enjoy the flexibility of the school schedule (summers off!), and experience the full spectrum of interactions in a school environment, from students to parents to teachers. Although the job can be stressful at times, those who stay in the profession beyond two years report some of the highest rates of job satisfaction in any educational field," says Christian Amondson, Managing Editor of College Choice, said of the ranking.

The College Choice 2016 Ranking of Best Master's in School Counseling takes into account a school's academic reputation, affordability, student satisfaction, accreditation, and affordability. This information came from verified sources such as individual program websites, The National Center for Education Statistics and U.S. News and World Report.

Ohio State University tops this ranking, followed by the University of Maryland-College Park and the University of Florida.

The complete ranking is as follows (in alphabetical order):

Boston College, Boston, MA

College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

George Fox University, Newberg, OR

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA

Portland State University, Portland, OR

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

University of Georgia, Athens, GA

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Greensboro, NC

University of Texas, Austin, Austin, TX

Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA

Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR

University of Montana, Missoula, MT

College Choice is the leading authority in college and university rankings, searches and resources dedicated to helping students and their families find the right college. The site publishes rankings and reviews that make finding the best colleges for different interests easier and more fun, as well as resources to help students get into, pay for, and thrive at the college of their choice.

Contact:

Christian Amondson

Managing Editor, College Choice

Web: http://collegechoice.net

Email

Phone:(541) 255-3801

SOURCE College Choice
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- After a more than 250-mile road trip in a cleanroom-on-wheels, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivered DigitalGlobe's (NYSE: DGI) WorldView-4 satellite to Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The Lockheed Martin-built WorldView-4 was transported by truck in a special container that mimics the environment of the cleanroom where the satellite was manufactured. The route is planned by a vehicle outfitted with LIDAR technology that can detect low overpasses, branches and other hazards.

Before shipping, the satellite passed a full suite of environmental, functional and performance tests and was declared ready for integration with the rocket that will carry it to an altitude of nearly 400 miles in space.

The rocket, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 401 provided by Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, has a four meter fairing to safely hold the satellite as it accelerates to 17,000 miles per hour during launch  more than seven times faster than the top speed clocked by the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet plane ever.

WorldView-4 is the latest in a series of imaging and data satellites built by Lockheed Martin for customers around the world. The satellite is outfitted with a camera so accurate it can discern the make and model of a car, advanced star trackers to ensure precision pointing, and antennas that share the collected information back to Earth.

Once launched, the satellite will more than double DigitalGlobe's coverage of the world's highest-resolution imagery and increase the rate at which it grows its 15-year library of time-lapse high-resolution imagery. WorldView-4 will orbit Earth every 90 minutes, traveling 17,000 miles per hour and capturing more than 680,000 square kilometers of the Earth's surface daily (18 terabytes)  the equivalent of the land area of Texas.

Photos available here; for additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/commercialspace .

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Media Contact:

Lockheed Martin: Jill Krugman, +1 303-947-2930; [email protected]

SOURCE Lockheed Martin

Related Links

http://www.lockheedmartin.com


BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Patient Portal Technologies announces today that the MedEx program has delivered proven results in reducing readmissions at Crouse Hospital, Syracuse N.Y, working in conjunction with Rite Aid pharmacy.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393601

"We implemented bedside delivery for discharge medications as a benefit to our patients. In less than a year we saw a 15% reduction in readmissions in the study group. "Those that received delivery have found this to be an incredibly convenient and beneficial service, based on patient satisfaction surveys" stated Barbara Drapola, Director of Care Coordination Services at Crouse Hospital.

Patient Portal Technologies' internal study has also shown outstanding results in the area of patient satisfaction. Stated Kim Kinney, Director of Quality Assurance, "Our findings showed that patients using the MedEx service had an overall satisfaction rating of 98% percent; 97% percent of the patients found it helpful; 94% stated they would utilize it again; and 95% said they would recommend the service to others."

MedEx is the healthcare industry's first-ever bedside medication delivery service for hospital patients. It works by integrating community pharmacists into the coordinated care process both before and after the patient is discharged. The standard protocol includes an initial prescription delivery, personal regimen counseling, follow-up reminders, and virtual support. This streamlined process helps to proactively address patient medication concerns while also reducing hospital readmission rates.

"Our program was designed specifically to improve patient outcomes and to strength medication compliance, in turn lowering overall healthcare costs," explained Brian Kelly, CEO of Patient Portal Technologies. "It has since proven to be an extremely effective model and we look forward to offering it to more health systems and patients in the near future."

The MedEx program offers patients a number of free services, including:

 Bedside medication delivery service

 Pharmacist medication review and counseling

 Medical Concierge Portal: dashboard analytics, virtual concierge to help navigate and facilitate the process, optional on-site concierge specialist

 24/7 Pharmacist support via phone

Added Rite Aid's Manager of Clinical Initiatives Kristin McMahon, "Much like Crouse Hospital and Patient Portal Technologies, Rite Aid is focused on improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. We are pleased by the initial results, which demonstrates the power collaboration among healthcare providers has in delivering measurable results."

About Patient Portal Technologies

Patient Portal Technologies (PPT) is an innovation service provider that blends knowledge, technology, and creative thinking with today's healthcare digital ecosystem. A leader in patient flow management, PPT has built a comprehensive healthcare delivery platform and a personalized knowledge center that helps clients re-imagine the way consumers and care-givers engage. For more information visit our website: www.patientportaltechnologies.com or call 888-624-3914.

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Patient Portal Technologies

Related Links

http://www.patientportaltechnologies.com


IRVINE, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cylance, the company that is revolutionizing cybersecurity through the use of artificial intelligence to proactively prevent advanced persistent threats and malware, today announced that its Chief Scientist Matt Wolff and Senior Research Scientist Paul Mehta will be delivering sessions at Black Hat USA 2016, and that a reverse-engineering tool called Ablation will be made open-source during the conference. Black USA 2016 will take place July 30  August 4 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

"We developed CylancePROTECT to thwart endpoint cyber attacks by preventing malware execution, but another significant part of our commitment involves sharing threat intelligence and tools like Ablation with the security community," said Stuart McClure, president and CEO at Cylance. "All of us at Cylance are pleased that Matt and Paul will be presenting some of our recent findings and a very useful reverse engineering tool at Black Hat USA this year."

As a Black Hat USA 2016 sponsor, Cylance will be demonstrating its artificial intelligence-driven antivirus product CylancePROTECT in booth 1124. Cylance scientists will lead two learning sessions at the conference:

Augmenting Static Analysis Using Pintool: Ablation, led by Senior Research Scientist Paul Mehta on August 3, 2016 at 10:20 a.m.

on at Applied Machine Learning for Data Exfil and Other Fun Topics, presented by Chief Scientist Matt Wolff on August 3, 2016 at 11:30 a.m.

As Chief Data Scientist at Cylance, Wolff leads the research and engineering efforts for the company's artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve the security of computing systems and effectively defend them from malicious actors. A 10-year veteran of the fields of AI and security, Matt was previously a member of the NSA's TAO unit and was awarded a fellowship from the U.S. Department of Defense to research the capabilities of machine learning and its impact in the security domain.

In his role as Senior Research Scientist, Mehta focuses on original research in the area of static analysis, anti-exploitation, and reverse engineering. Mehta previously worked at Accuvant Labs and at Google, where he developed exploitation techniques and advanced memory protections.

About Ablation

Ablation is a tool developed by Mehta to extract information from a process as it executes. This information is then imported into the disassembly environment where it is used to resolve virtual calls, highlight regions of code executed, or visually differentiate samples. The goal of Ablation is to augment static analysis with minimal overhead or user interaction, and it could be used to identify undocumented features in a product given a sample set.

About Cylance Inc.

Cylance is the only company to offer a preventive cybersecurity solution that stops advanced threats and malware at the most vulnerable point: the endpoint. Applying a revolutionary artificial intelligence approach, the Cylance endpoint security solution, CylancePROTECT, analyzes the DNA of code prior to its execution on the endpoint to find and prevent threats others can't, while using a fraction of the system resources associated with endpoint anti-virus and detect and respond solutions that are deployed in enterprises today. For more information visit: www.cylance.com

Cylance and CylancePROTECT are registered trademarks or trademarks owned by Cylance Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions and may not be used without prior written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Black Hat

For more than 18 years, Black Hat has provided attendees with the very latest in information security research, development, and trends. These high-profile global events and trainings are driven by the needs of the security community, striving to bring together the best minds in the industry. Black Hat inspires professionals at all career levels, encouraging growth and collaboration among academia, world-class researchers, and leaders in the public and private sectors. Black Hat briefings and trainings are held annually in the United States, Europe and Asia. More information is available at: http://www.blackhat.com.

Black Hat is organized by UBM Americas, a part of UBM PLC (UBM.L), an events first marketing and communications services business. For more information, visit ubmamericas.com.

For More Information

Cylance press releases and news

Cylance events and Unbelievable Tour dates

Social Networks

Website: www.cylance.com

Blog: blog.cylance.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cylanceinc

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/cylanceinc

YouTube: www.youtube.com/cylanceinc

Press and Media Contacts

Cynthia Siemens

Director, PR and Communications

Cylance Inc.

+1(929) 242-9211

[email protected]



Jill Gerig

InkHouse PR

+1(916) 215-3286

[email protected]

SOURCE Cylance Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cylance.com


"With over 50 choices of mattresses from multiple USA-made brands, including their own factory-direct brand, Denver Mattress can custom fit you for a mattress and pillows, as their slogan says, 'so you have better tomorrows,'" the Santa Fe Reporter writes. Denver Mattress, one of Furniture Row's four specialty stores, constantly strives to have a wide selection and provide customers with their expert custom fittings, so the store is happy to see that locals are noticing the high standard of service.

Discussing the BOSF Award, Darrell Bain, the store's district sales manager says, "Denver Mattress upholds our strong values and our commitment to our customers, and when we receive recognition from a local choice award such as this one, it means a lot to us. It makes the team feel like we must be doing something right."

Other Denver Mattress locations in New Mexico include one store at 3550 NM 528 NW, Suite 104B, Albuquerque, NM 87114 and a Furniture Row Shopping Center at 3150 Menaul Blvd. NE, Suite C, Albuquerque, NM, 87107.

About Denver Mattress Company

Using the same high-quality materials as other leading brand name manufactures, Denver Mattress manufactures its mattresses in its Denver-based factory and is able to eliminate the middleman and pass the savings on by taking on the role of manufacturer, retailer, and distributor. Their single factory system allows Denver Mattress to maintain high quality control standards and deliver a more consistent product at a lower cost than multiple factory producers. A Better Tomorrow Starts Tonight. Visit www.DenverMattress.com.

About Furniture Row Companies

The specialty stores of Furniture Row (Denver Mattress, Sofa Mart, Oak Express, and Bedroom Expressions) provide home furnishings, mattresses, and linens all at one convenient location. Family-owned and operated with more than 330 stores in thirty states, Furniture row is one of America's largest furniture and bedding retailers. Real Furniture. Real Value. Visit www.FurnitureRow.com.

Furniture Row also owns and sponsors the #78 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota driven by Martin Truex Jr. Visit www.FurnitureRowRacing.com.

Contact: John Knippenberg | Furniture Row Marketing

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393838

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150304/179590LOGO

SOURCE Denver Mattress Company

Related Links

http://www.denvermattress.com


WASHINGTON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH), a leading medical advocacy group, is calling upon The Transplantation Society (TTS) to reconsider its plan to invite a high-ranking Chinese official to address the society's biennial transplant congress in Hong Kong starting Aug 18, 2016.

Despite mounting international concerns, TTS has booked China's leading transplant expert, Huang Jiefu, as a plenary speaker at the upcoming transplant congress. Huang previously stated that up to 90% of China's transplant organs were harvested from executed prisoners. Under his tenure as deputy minister of health, China's transplant numbers grew exponentially, coinciding with the nationwide outbreak of persecution and detention of prisoners of conscience after 1999, and reports of forced blood testing and medical examinations of detained Falun Gong practitioners targeted for their beliefs. Huang himself performed more than 500 liver transplants.

As the leading body of international experts in organ transplantation, TTS bears the professional responsibility to investigate credible allegations of forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China, especially in light of the U.S. House of Representatives' unanimous passage of House Resolution 343, and the European Parliament's adoption of Written Declaration 48.

A new report by independent investigators David Kilgour, Ethan Gutmann and David Matas concludes that the volume of annual transplants in China is larger than officially stated, indicating that transplant figures provided by Chinese officials are false and mislead the international community. This March, DAFOH estimated that more than 100,000 Falun Gong practitioners were subjected to forced organ harvesting over the past 16 years.

TTS has the professional and ethical obligation of due diligence, and a moral responsibility to respect international concerns. The Society should establish, beyond doubt, that no prisoners of conscience are being killed for their organs in China. It is indefensible that while athletes are being rejected from participating in the Olympic Games in Rio for unethical doping, transplant surgeons who are suspected of crimes against humanity and may have the blood of the innocent on their hands, are welcome at a transplant congress.

Therefore, DAFOH asks The Transplantation Society to consider the mass of critical evidence, adhere to the ethical standards of the Society, reconsider its decision, and retract the invitation of Huang Jiefu to address the plenary at the upcoming congress.

Contact :

Damon Noto, MD

Spokesperson, DAFOH

Tel: 1-917-912-4858 [email protected]

www.DAFOH.org

www.facebook.com/DAFOH

https://twitter.com/dafoh_org

SOURCE Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting

Related Links

http://www.dafoh.org


RURAL CARROLL COUNTY  A baby bald eagle rescued from a Meservey farm earlier this month is being nursed back to health.

Wright County Conservation captured the young female eagle at the Zieman acreage July 19. It was later taken to Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR), a non-profit Iowa organization dedicated to saving raptors.

Abby Zieman contacted the organization after the darkly-colored bird acted strangely for several days, sticking close to her home. Although it was too young for signature white plumage, her uncle had correctly identified it as a bald eagle.

SOAR Executive Director Kay Neumann said the eagle was not injured but had parasites and was very thin. The average weight for an eagle her age is 10 to 11 pounds; she weighed 8.5 to 9 pounds.

Were not sure exactly whats going on with her, but she is eating fantastically and progressing nicely, Neumann said. Its still a wait-and-see sort of thing.

Meservey family helps save young bald eagle MESERVEY  A Meservey woman found it odd a towering, darkly-colored bird was sticking close 

Its unknown why the eagle, who Neumann estimates is only a few months old, stayed close to the Zieman acreage.

Birds come from all sorts of situations, she explained. Its like when you have the flu; you really dont care whats going on around you.

Its possible her nest was located close to the acreage, Neumann added.

But its a good sign the raptor  who has been moved to a larger enclosure in Carroll County  is perching and continues to have an appetite.

The organization plans to finish her antibiotics and get her to a normal weight before moving her to a 100-foot flight pen. How soon she is released depends on her condition, Neumann said.

Hopefully we can get her out before the winter, she said. It would be nice to get her back where she came from, because maybe her family is hanging around.
DALLAS, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dogtailsdesign.com may be the company with the funny name, but they are serious about your brand, your business and building a great reputation for you!

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393612

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393613LOGO

Celebrating their entry into the Dallas-Fort Worth market, the company is featuring the "Dogdays of Summer Contest." There are businesses, groups and even individuals who want to have their own website but either cannot afford it or do not know where to get started. That's what Dogtails Design offers in their contesta way to get a 5-page website for free! It's easy to enter by visiting www.dogtailsdesign.com/contest. Tell us your story in 500 words or less why you need or want a new website. 1 entry per person. You can also enter through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+. There is no purchase required. Deadline: August 15, 2016. Grand Prize: (1) 5-page custom website (Value: up to $2500) will be awarded no later than September 1, 2016 (see the website for more details). Enter Today!

Bringing more than 10 year's business experience to Dallas, Dogtails Design Solution produces insightful, creative and effective design projects (web, marketing & print: digital graphics, videos, animations, branding, public relations, copywriting, celebrity endorsements, print materials, tradeshow graphics) for startups, businesses and various organizations. This team puts their talent and tools to the test every day!

So why Dallas? Founder, Mary Dauteuil explains, "While we work very well independently, we know online interactions do not always satisfy our client's desire to 'connect' with us. They want to meet us and discuss their projects and learn how to best promote their business at a reasonable cost. Dallas-Fort Worth gained 144,704 new residents from July 1, 2014, to July 1, 2015, bringing its population to more than 7.1 million. These numbers translate into great business opportunities for everyone, including our team." This is our "secret sauce" that makes us successful.

We Listen and Learn. We Research. To thoroughly understand our client's goals, purpose and long-term focus, we check on their competitors, confirm facts, verify print, marketing and web materials and evaluate its effectiveness. We Strategize. We deliver the most effective combination of advertising, branding, social media, website, online marketing, publicity, tradeshows, webcasts, videos, animations, copywriting, celebrity endorsements and photography that makes our clients' project successful. And, these are just a few tools of our trade. We Design & Implement An Integrated Solution. Our clients get the benefit and value of practical experience, extensive education, training and business expertise. Dogtails Design is fully vested in our client's success! We Thank Our Clients. Their trust in our professional judgment and methodology results in success, time and time again.

We operate under two rules: 1. Our customers come FIRST. 2. Our customers come FIRST.

Dogtails Design Solutions is a promotional firm that produces creative, high-quality digital campaigns for integrated marketing, public relations, print and online projects. The firm is presently headquartered in Incline Village, Nevada. The new Dallas Location is 8111 LBJ Freeway Suite 790 Dallas, Texas 75251. Senior staff members include graphic and web designers, coders, writers and editors, project managers, photographers and videographers, business and marketing professionals.

Media Contact:

Susan Kast

214-909-8803

Email

SOURCE Dogtails Design Solutions

Related Links

http://www.dogtailsdesign.com


NEW YORK, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Duetto, the market leader in hotel profit optimization technology, announced an agreement to implement its Revenue Strategy solutions for Dream Hotel Group, bringing new insights on pricing and demand to the company's Dream, Time, and Unscripted hotels totaling close to 2,000 rooms in urban and resort destinations in New York, California, Florida and Phuket, Thailand.

The agreement further accelerates rapid adoption of GameChanger, Duetto's cloud-based predictive analytics platform, which provides hotels and resorts the ability to independently yield rates by channel, segment and room type in real time. Utilizing new consumer-centric data, including web shopping regrets and denials that help hotels gauge their lost business, Duetto provides actionable insights into future demand and the ability to leverage them through a powerful pricing engine.

"We are very happy to announce this agreement with Dream Hotel Group to bring our Revenue Strategy solutions to its unique properties around the world," said Duetto CEO Patrick Bosworth. "Rapid change in today's marketplace makes it critical for hotels to be able to fully optimize revenue and manage distribution complexity, and Duetto's solutions bring the insight and flexibility to make it achievable. We are proud to partner with Dream Hotel Group, a leader and innovator in many areas of hospitality, to meet its diverse Revenue Strategy needs."

"Dream Hotel Group is an intrinsically entrepreneurial and forward-thinking hotel company in how it approaches just about everything," said Jay Stein, CEO, Dream Hotel Group. "As we strive to surpass the expectations of our guests and deliver unique on-property experiences, we are also excited to innovate in property management, revenue strategy and profit optimization."

"We believe Duetto provides tools that reach new levels of excellence and innovation," added Stein. "And we look forward to working together to transform our revenue strategy as partners."

About Duetto

Duetto delivers the most powerful Revenue Strategy solutions to the world's leading hotels and casinos, allowing them to better manage pricing, revenue and business-mix decisions with superior, actionable data. The unique combination of hospitality experience and technology leadership enables Duetto to provide new insights on pricing and demand as a true cloud-based software-as-a-service. With solutions that address the challenges of today's distribution landscape, Duetto's applications are a GameChanger  optimizing profit and guest loyalty. Thanks to rapid marketplace adoption, Duetto is expanding in key markets throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. More than 1,000 hotel and casino properties in more than 50 countries have partnered to use Duetto's Revenue Strategy solutions.

About Dream Hotel Group

Dream Hotel Group is a hotel brand and management company with a rich, 30-year history of managing properties in some of the world's most highly competitive hotel environments. Home to its Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels brands, Dream Hotel Group encompasses three business lines: Proprietary Brands, Hotel Management and Dining, and Nightlife. The Company is committed to the philosophy that forward-thinking design, service and guest experiences should be available across market segments. Dream Hotel Group is dedicated to offering travelers an authentic connection to their chosen destination through a truly original approach. www.dreamhotelgroup.com

Contact: Michael Frenkel, MFC PR  New York

For Duetto

(212) 808-6559

[email protected]

Contact: Katie Fontana, VP of Communications

For Dream Hotel Group

(212) 474-9890

[email protected]

SOURCE Duetto

Related Links

http://www.duettoresearch.com


For Work and Play Equipped with a quad-core Intel Atom-based processor and the latest Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System including Microsoft Office Mobile, the Nextbook Flexx 11A has everything a student needs to get schoolwork done. Mixing the best of both worlds, it gives students the utility of a laptop and the ease-of-use of a tablet. The keyboard detaches completely, allowing for quick versatility, while the touch screen gives students a better way to connect with content and many kinesthetic and visual learners will find it much easier to understand topics.

"Our new Nextbook Flexx 11A provides students with the technology to balance out school and relaxation," said Jason Liszewski, managing director and VP of sales for E FUN. "You can switch from writing a paper in Microsoft Word to playing Xbox games with just a few taps of your fingertip."

The Nextbook Flexx 11A comes with the Windows Store preinstalled, making games, music and videos accessible during a study break. Other apps such as Flashcards Pro and CamScanner HD make studying and organizing notes a breeze. And for those students studying away from home, a built in webcam makes it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family over Skype.

Other great features of the Nextbook Flexx 11A include:

Intel Atom CherryTrail Z8300 Quad-Core processor for optimal performance

2GB DDR3L of system memory, 64GB onboard storage memory, additional memory via microSD card slot

11.6" touchscreen, 1366 x 768 resolution, POGO keyboard

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth v4.0

Front and back cameras with built-in microphone

USB 2.0 port, microUSB 2.0 port, microHDMI port

G-sensor

Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery for ultimate portability

Pricing and Availability

During the Back-to-school season, the Nextbook Flexx 11A 2-in-1 is available online for $229. For complete product details, visit www.nextbookusa.com.

About E FUN

E FUN, a designer and marketer of mobile lifestyle products, entered the North American market in late 2010. Since then, E FUN has grown to be one of the leading tablet brands at retail, achieving top five market share by volume in 2013. Its ongoing product innovation and partnerships set E FUN apart from competitors and provide customers with unique out of the box experiences. Its product offerings include Android and Windows tablets, home automation devices, and wearables. E FUN is headquartered in West Covina, California.

For additional information regarding E FUN's Nextbook tablets, visit www.nextbookusa.com.

PR Contact:

Rita Lee

Copernio

(714) 891-3660

[email protected]

All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies.

 2016 E FUN. All rights reserved.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393925

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141020/153133LOGO

SOURCE E FUN
PALO ALTO, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of World Hepatitis Day 2016, Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in the development of therapeutics for hepatitis delta infection, announced today that it is partnering with the Hepatitis B Foundation to launch a hepatitis delta disease awareness and testing program. This dedicated hepatitis delta initiative marks the start of a first-of-its-kind effort by the Hepatitis B Foundation and Eiger BioPharmaceuticals to increase the awareness of and testing for hepatitis delta, the deadliest form of viral hepatitis. Expanded testing enables patients and their healthcare professionals to better understand disease progression and clinical management options.

"Hepatitis delta is the most severe form of viral hepatitis, yet many patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B are unaware of their risk for co-infection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV)," said Robert Gish, MD, Medical Director of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Professor Consultant Stanford University.

This partnership is supportive of the development and commercialization of quantitative HDV-RNA testing methodologies in order to make testing more accessible and reliable. "Current testing for hepatitis delta has been limited, and the only method to confirm presence of HDV infection has been HDV antibody testing. A lack of awareness and testing for HDV has been due in part to the lack of an FDA-approved treatment," said Eduardo Martins, MD, DPhil, Senior Vice President of Liver and Infectious Diseases Drug Development at Eiger. "The availability of a quantitative HDV-RNA assay would enable healthcare professionals to better diagnose and follow progress in HDV-infected patients. Quantitative HDV-RNA assays are in development at several US diagnostic laboratories."

"The Hepatitis B Foundation has played a critical role in educating and organizing the hepatitis B community for 25 years. Given advances in the development of drug candidates for hepatitis delta, the time is right to increase the awareness of hepatitis delta among patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B and the need for HDV testing," said Timothy Block, PhD, President and co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation. "We are happy to partner with Eiger in this undertaking. Over the past two decades the Hepatitis B Foundation has had great success in helping reduce the incidence of hepatitis B. In order to further our success, we must address the lack of routine testing for hepatitis delta. World Hepatitis Day 2016 is the right time to start raising awareness of hepatitis delta."

About the Status of HDV Testing

Hepatitis delta virus infection is mostly detected by hepatitis delta antibody testing where total HDV Ab, HDV IgG Ab or HDV IgM Ab is measured. A CE-certified, commercial quantitative HDV-RNA RT-PCR assay is available in Europe. No commercial quantitative HDV-RNA assay is available in the US. Quantitative HDV-RNA assays are now in development at several US diagnostic commercial laboratories.

About Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV)

Hepatitis delta (or Hepatitis D) is caused by infection with HDV and is considered to be one of the most severe forms of viral hepatitis in humans. Hepatitis delta occurs only as a co-infection in individuals harboring Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Hepatitis delta leads to more severe liver disease than HBV alone and is associated with accelerated liver fibrosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and higher risk of death and liver transplants. Hepatitis delta is a disease with a significant impact on global health, and due to migration, may affect up to approximately 15 million people worldwide. The prevalence of HDV varies among different parts of the world. Globally, HDV infection is reported to be present in approximately 5-6% of chronic Hepatitis B carriers. The prevalence of HDV in patients infected with chronic HBV is even higher in certain regions, including certain parts of Mongolia, China, Russia, Central Asia, Pakistan, Turkey, Africa, and South America, with an HDV prevalence as high as 60% being reported in HBV-infected patients in Mongolia and Pakistan.

About Eiger BioPharmaceuticals

Eiger is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to bringing to market novel products for the treatment of rare diseases. The company has built a diverse portfolio of well-characterized product candidates with the potential to address diseases for which the unmet medical need is high, the biology for treatment is clear, and for which an effective therapy is urgently needed.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation

The Hepatitis B Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization in the US solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. To learn more, go to http://www.hepb.org, read our blog at http://wp.hepb.org, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900.

Investors: Jim Shaffer, Eiger Bio, Inc., 919-345-4256, [email protected]

SOURCE Eiger Bio, Inc.
EL PASO, Texas, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- El Paso Electric and intervening parties, including representatives of the solar industry, have agreed to terms as part of the overall settlement in the El Paso Electric rate case. The settlement terms will continue to allow El Paso homeowners the ability to install rooftop solar without receiving a rate penalty associated with that choice.

The settlement removes the proposal by El Paso Electric to impose separate higher rates on homeowners who install rooftop solar. Homeowners with solar will continue to be billed the same rate as all residential homeowners.

The rate case was filed in August of 2015, and since then, negotiations over the rate case have drawn attention by concerned elected officials representing the El Paso area, including State Senator Jose Rodriguez, who publicly opposed El Paso Electric's original proposal for residential solar customers on several occasions.

After the settlement was announced, Senator Rodriguez stated, "I'm glad to see that El Paso Electric and the various interveners in this rate case have reached settlement terms that benefit all ratepayers, including customers with solar installed on their homes. Gone now are proposals for steep surcharges and segregated rate classes for solar customers. El Paso and far West Texas should lead the nation in solar energy development. We should encourage this growth, which is good for the electric system, helps create jobs, and provides consumer options. I trust the Commission will authorize the settlement terms without delay."

Catherine Webking from the Energy Freedom Coalition of America (EFCA), recognized the benefits to the residents of El Paso stemming from this settlement: "As a result of the settlement, the electricity rates in El Paso remain consistent with the current legislation introduced by Senator Rodriguez. This allows parity of rates so that customers who choose solar for their home are charged the same rate as all other residential customers for the electricity they consume."

The settlement is also consistent with testimony filed by the City of El Paso that recommended rejection of the disparate rates proposed by El Paso Electric for customers who made the choice to install solar for their homes.

The settlement requires the approval of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which could consider the settlement as early as August.

About EFCA

Energy Freedom Coalition of America is a national advocacy organization that seeks to promote public awareness of the benefits of solar and alternative energy through public advocacy.

SOURCE Energy Freedom Coalition of America

Related Links

http://www.energyfreedomcoalition.com


CHICAGO, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In simultaneous transactions, Ensono, a leading hybrid IT services company formerly known as Acxiom IT, has executed leases for 199,611 square feet of office and data center space, further demonstrating its commitment to west suburban Downers Grove, Ill. JLL provided tenant representation services for Ensono, and will direct the buildout of the reconfigured space.

Represented by Ben Erskine and Chris Rohrer, both Managing Directors at JLL, Ensono has leased 84,259 square feet of space at 3333 Finley Road and 115,352 square feet of data center space  the entire building  at 1501 Opus Place.

In reconfiguring and consolidating its space, Ensono gains considerable efficiencies over the space originally occupied by Acxiom IT at 3333 Finley Road. The new environment has been strategically designed to facilitate new standards for associate collaboration and client engagement, underscoring Ensono's vision, mission and values. The new look will be punctuated by flexibility, state-of-the-art technology and creative work settings.

"The new standards for our office space, and the world-class environment they promote, reflect our commitment to our associate and client experiences, further underscoring the evolution of our brand and identity. We are here to serve as a trusted leader and manage costly, labor-intensive IT operations so that our clients can focus on the strategic priorities to move their business forward," said Brian Klingbeil, COO, Ensono.

At 3333 Finley Road, Ensono will occupy floors 2, 3 and 4 in an open-plan space that fosters collaboration and provides for a variety of work styles. Features of the space, slated for completion this October, include:

An interactive client experience center to support business growth,

Modular workstations for employees including sit/stand and treadmill desks,

A large cafe for team gatherings,

30 conference rooms with room schedulers, video conferencing and display monitor technology,

195 touchdown seats (phone rooms, open huddle, cafes, hotel workstations),

Refreshed design elements such as concrete floors, open ceilings and LED lighting and

Inboard offices for senior leadership and huddle rooms for increased collaboration.

"Ensono's strategy in modernizing its space, and rolling out new workplace standards, will translate to a better workplace environment, enhanced employee productivity and business efficiencies," Erskine said. "This is an ideal outcome for Ensono's employees and clients and will surely be a catalyst for future business growth."

About Ensono

Ensono collaborates with clients to deliver progressive IT solutions to help them operate their infrastructure for today and optimize it for tomorrow. We specialize in supporting mission-critical workloads for the world's most successful companies. Ensono works across all platforms  mainframe to cloud, and everything in between. We are ranked by Information Week 500 for our technology innovation and by the Uptime Institute for 100% availability. Ensono has 700 associates and is headquartered in greater Chicago, Ill. Visit us at www.ensono.com.

About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a professional services and investment management firm offering specialized real estate services to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying and investing in real estate. A Fortune 500 company with annual fee revenue of $5.2 billion and gross revenue of $6.0 billion, JLL has more than 280 corporate offices, operates in more than 80 countries and has a global workforce of more than 60,000. On behalf of its clients, the firm provides management and real estate outsourcing services for a property portfolio of 4.0 billion square feet, or 372 million square meters, and completed $138 billion in sales, acquisitions and finance transactions in 2015. Its investment management business, LaSalle Investment Management, has $58.3 billion of real estate assets under management. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit www.jll.com.

SOURCE JLL

Related Links

http://www.jll.com/


CAESAREA, Israel, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Itamar Medical (TASE:ITMR), which develops and markets non-invasive diagnostic medical devices for sleep-related breathing disorders, received FDA clearance to expand the medical indication of WatchPAT for sleep apnea diagnosis. Under this approval, the use of WatchPAT in the USA is permitted from the age of twelve, expanding the previous indication for ages seventeen and older. The new clearance is expected to increase the target market for WatchPAT. Similar approvals were recently granted in Japan and Europe.

WatchPAT is a Home Sleep Test (HST) diagnostic device for sleep apnea. The product is a central pillar in Itamar Medical's strategy of providing a Total Sleep Solution (TSS), which includes diagnostics and treatment of sleep apnea.

"We are excited by the FDA's decision to approve an expanded age indication for our WatchPAT. This clearance is a testament to the solid scientific foundations of our product, as well as to the increasing demand for its use," said Gilad Glick, CEO of Itamar Medical.

The incidence of sleep apnea increased significantly in recent years, reaching alarming rates among adolescents. This is attributed, among other factors, to the increase in obesity and shifting in life styles in this age group.

In many cases, adolescents will suffer from various comorbidities, such as ADHD, that will not receive appropriate medical care as long as the underlying sleep apnea remains undiagnosed and untreated. Studies show that 25% or more of ADHD cases in adolescents can be attributed to untreated sleep apnea. Early diagnosis of sleep apnea not only enables appropriate and effective treatment of the problem, but also precludes unnecessary use of medication, hence optimizing patient safety and treatment outcomes.

Prof. David Gozal, a leading pediatric sleep physician and scientist at the University of Chicago and Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago, USA, and the President of the American Thoracic Society added that "the clearance of the WatchPAT for clinical use in adolescents is a welcome addition to the currently limited array of home-based diagnostic technologies for children suspected to suffer from sleep-disordered breathing, and should enable reliable and more timely detection of those patients in need for treatment".

About Itamar Medical Ltd.

Itamar Medical Ltd. is a publicly traded medical device company (TASE:ITMR) that develops and markets innovative diagnostic & therapy solutions for Sleep Breathing Disorders and cardiovascular conditions.

Over the last two years, Itamar Medical has signed a number of strategic marketing agreements for WatchPAT, including agreements with Medtronic in the US, and Philips Respironics GK in Japan.

Contact:

Gilad Glick

Chief Executive Officer and President

T: +972-4-6177000

[email protected]

SOURCE Itamar Medical Inc.
Tony Nuzzo, Chairman, President, and CEO of First Commons Bank, said, "We continue to be very pleased with our Net Income results. The second quarter of 2016 represents our third consecutive quarter of strong and increasing earnings. Further, our Net Income for the first two quarters of 2016 is more than double the Net Income for the first two quarters of last year."

Mr. Nuzzo also noted, "The bank's Efficiency Ratio as measured by Total Noninterest Expenses over Net Interest Income has significantly improved to 70% for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to 83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Additionally, our credit quality remains excellent."

Tangible Book Value on June 30, 2016 was $10.43 per share, with approximately $33 million in equity and a Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets Ratio for the quarter of 9.76%.

First Commons Bank's financial results are available on the FDIC's website at: https://goo.gl/65XOlJ.

About First Commons Bank

First Commons Bank, N.A., is a nationally chartered, FDIC-insured full-service community bank dedicated to serving the businesses and individuals of Newton, Wellesley, Waltham, and eastern Massachusetts. The bank opened for business on July 22, 2009. Locations include its headquarters at 718 Beacon Street in Newton Centre, Mass., and 161 Linden Square in Wellesley, Mass. Visit the First Commons Bank website at http://www.firstcommonsbank.com. Follow the bank on Facebook at http://facebook.com/firstcommonsbank and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/firstcommonsbnk.

First Commons Bank, N.A. Balance Sheet (Unaudited)



June 30, June 30,



2016 2015



(dollars in thousands) Assets





Cash and Due from Banks

$1,139 $1,587 Interest-bearing demand deposits with other banks

285 40 Money market mutual funds

154 162 Federal funds sold

35,900 29,700 Cash and cash equivalents

37,478 31,489 Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks

6,864 9,053 Investment in held-to-maturity securities

22,930 2,000 Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost

979 956 Federal Reserve Bank Stock, at cost

1,922 1,719 Loans, net

265,781 234,052 Premises and equipment

864 1,076 Accrued interest receivable

937 731 Deferred income tax asset, net

1,234 1,225 Other assets

346 293 Total Assets

$339,335 $282,594







Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity





Deposits:





Noninterest-bearing

$27,805 $23,997 Interest-bearing

267,680 216,422 Total Deposits

295,485 240,419 Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

10,000 10,000 Other Liabilities

1,286 1,196 Total Liabilities

306,771 251,615 Stockholders' equity





Common Stock, par value .01; authorized 10,000,000 shares; 3,122,122 and 3,120,122 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015 respectively

31 31 Paid-in capital

33,419 33,383 Accumulated deficit

-886 -2,435 Total Stockholders' Equity

32,564 30,979 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$339,335 $282,594

First Commons Bank, N.A. Statement of Income (Unaudited)



Six Months Ended



June 2016



2016 2015



(dollars in thousands) Interest Income:





Interest and fees on loans

$6,199 $5,275 Interest on securities

270 41 Other interest

119 41 Total interest income

6,588 5,357 Interest Expense:





Interest on deposits and borrowings

1,494 1,162 Total interest expense

1,494 1,162 Net interest income

5,094 4,195 Provision for loan losses

128 119 Net interest income after provision for loan losses

4,966 4,076 Noninterest Income:





Service charges on deposit accounts

52 32 Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities

0 0 Gain on sale of loans

151 92 Other income

156 95 Total noninterest income

359 219 Noninterest Expense:





Salaries and employee benefits

2,058 1,990 Occupancy expense

481 430 Equipment expense

105 94 Professional fees

255 215 Regulatory assessment

159 106 Other expense

634 665 Total noninterest expense

3,692 3,500 Income before income tax expense

1,633 795 Income Tax expense

652 334 Net Income

$981 $461

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Tony Nuzzo

ProfNet - https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=94827

SOURCE First Commons Bank

Related Links

http://www.firstcommonsbank.com


CHESTERFIELD, United Kingdom, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, today confirmed enrollment of the first patient in the company's Phase 3 clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of terlipressin (for injection) in subjects with Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) type 1.

"Patients diagnosed with HRS type 1 typically have a very poor prognosis, and there is a significant unmet need for an approved treatment," said lead investigator Thomas D. Boyer, M.D., Director, Liver Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine  Tucson. "I am excited to work with my colleagues in the hepatology community and with Mallinckrodt on this study of a potentially important therapy for U.S. patients."

Terlipressin is being investigated for the treatment of HRS type1, an acute, rare and life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization, with no currently approved therapy in the U.S. or Canada. Terlipressin is approved for use in countries outside the U.S., including several in Europe1,2,3,4.

"Mallinckrodt is committed to advancing therapies for patients with rare diseases and critical conditions who have limited treatment options," said Steven Romano, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President at Mallinckrodt. "Terlipressin is approved in many other countries for patients afflicted with this devastating condition. We are pleased to enroll the first patient in the CONFIRM trial, which will support the regulatory submissions for the use of terlipressin as HRS type 1 therapy in the U.S and Canada."

About the CONFIRM Trial

The Phase 3 study is titled, "A Multi-Center, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double-Blind Study to Confirm Efficacy and Safety of Terlipressin in Subjects With Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1 (The CONFIRM Study)." The primary endpoint of the study is verified HRS reversal in a period of up to 14 days. As is typical with sizeable rare disease clinical trials, the study is expected to take a number of years.

Find more information about the CONFIRM trial here on the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

About Hepatorenal Syndrome

HRS type 1 is characterized by a rapid, progressive renal impairment and has a very poor prognosis, with >80% mortality within three months. HRS is a rare syndrome of marked renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease and portal hypertension. At present, there are no approved drug therapies for HRS type 1 in the U.S. or Canada. The only curative treatment for HRS type 1 and the underlying end-stage cirrhosis is liver transplantation. However, many patients will not survive long enough to receive a liver transplant. Increased understanding of the pathophysiology of HRS type 1 has demonstrated that vasoconstrictive drug therapy may reverse HRS type 1.

About Terlipressin

Terlipressin is a synthetic vasopressin analogue in development for the treatment of HRS type 1 in the U.S. and Canada.

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT

Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products and therapies, as well as nuclear imaging products. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology and pulmonology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics and hemostasis products; and central nervous system drugs. The company's core strengths include the acquisition and management of highly regulated raw materials and specialized chemistry, formulation and manufacturing capabilities. The company's Specialty Brands segment includes branded medicines; its Specialty Generics segment includes specialty generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients and external manufacturing; and the Nuclear Imaging segment includes nuclear imaging agents. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

CONTACTS

Media

Rhonda Sciarra

Senior Communications Manager

314-654-8618

[email protected]

Meredith Fischer

Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs

314-654-3318

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Coleman N. Lannum, CFA

Senior Vice President, Investor Strategy and IRO

314-654-6649

[email protected]

1 Nadim, M., et al. Management of the critically ill patient with cirrhosis: A multidisciplinary perspective. Journal of Hepatology 2016, vol. 64, 717735.

2 Angeli, P., et al. Diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury in patients with cirrhosis: Revised consensus recommendations of the International Club of Ascites. Journal of Hepatology 2015, vol. 62, 968974.

3 Nadim, M., et al. Hepatorenal syndrome: the 8th international consensus conference of the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) Group. Critical Care 2012 16:R23.

4 European Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidelines on the management of ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome in cirrhosis. Journal of Hepatology 2010, vol. 53, 397417.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/167103LOGO

SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc

Related Links

http://www.mallinckrodt.com


AKRON, Ohio, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) today reported a second quarter 2016 GAAP loss of $1.1 billion, or $(2.56) per basic and diluted share of common stock, on revenue of $3.4 billion. The loss resulted from asset impairment and plant exit costs in the company's competitive business. Operating (non-GAAP) earnings* were $0.56 per basic share of common stock. Operating (non-GAAP) earnings exclude the effect of special items listed below.

These results compare to second quarter 2015 net income of $187 million, or $0.44 per basic and diluted share of common stock, on revenue of $3.5 billion. Second quarter 2015 operating (non-GAAP) earnings were $0.53 per basic share of common stock.

FirstEnergy is also providing earnings guidance for the third quarter and full year of 2016. The company expects third quarter GAAP earnings of $0.63 to $0.73 per basic share, and operating (non-GAAP) earnings of $0.65 to $0.75 per basic share. For the full year, FirstEnergy expects GAAP losses of $(0.75) to $(0.55) per basic share, primarily reflecting the asset impairment and plant exit costs recognized in the second quarter. Operating (non-GAAP) earnings guidance for the full year is $2.40 to $2.60 per basic share.

"We continue to make steady progress on our strategic initiatives, while positioning FirstEnergy for stable, predictable, and customer-service oriented growth," said Charles E. Jones, FirstEnergy president and chief executive officer. "At the same time, we have made difficult but necessary decisions to address the continuing impact of challenging market conditions on our competitive business."

The second quarter 2016 net loss reflects pre-tax asset impairment and plant exit costs of $1.5 billion, which were announced last week. This includes charges associated with deactivating W.H. Sammis Units 1-4 and Bay Shore Unit 1, an impairment charge associated with goodwill at the company's competitive energy services segment, and coal contract termination and settlement costs resulting from deactivated units. In addition, the company recorded valuation allowances against state and local net operating loss carryforwards of $159 million.

In FirstEnergy's Regulated Distribution business, second quarter 2016 earnings decreased compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to lower distribution deliveries, higher retirement benefit expense and lower commodity margin at regulated generating units, partially offset by the impact of new distribution rates at the Pennsylvania utilities that went into effect in May 2015.

Total distribution deliveries decreased 1.7 percent compared to the second quarter of 2015. Residential sales decreased 1.5 percent and commercial sales decreased 0.6 percent, primarily due to the use of more energy-efficient products. The impact of weather was essentially flat for the quarter. Deliveries to industrial customers decreased 2.7 percent, as continued growth in the shale gas sector was more than offset by lower usage from steel and coal mining activity.

In the Regulated Transmission business, earnings decreased compared to the second quarter of 2015, primarily resulting from increased net financing costs and lower transmission revenues that resulted from ATSI's and TrAIL's annual true-ups to their formula rates and a lower return on equity at ATSI that went into effect in January 2016. These were partially offset by a higher rate base related to the company's Energizing the Future program.

In the Competitive Energy Services segment, charges related to asset impairment and plant exit costs, as well as mark-to-market adjustments on commodity contract positions, more than offset stronger commodity margin compared to the second quarter of 2015. Commodity margin benefited from higher capacity revenues, increased wholesale sales, and lower purchased power and fuel expense, partially offset by lower contract sales related to the company's strategy to more effectively hedge its generation.

For the first six months of 2016, the company reported a GAAP loss of $761 million or $(1.79) per basic and diluted share of common stock, on revenues of $7.3 billion. Operating (non-GAAP) earnings in the first half of the year were $1.35 per basic share of common stock.

These results compare to GAAP net income of $409 million, or $0.97 per basic and diluted share of common stock, on revenue of $7.4 billion during the first half of 2015. Operating (non-GAAP) earnings were $1.15 per basic share of common stock during the period.















Consolidated GAAP EPS to Operating (Non-GAAP) EPS* Reconciliation

































Second Quarter

Year-To-Date

2016 Estimates









2016 2015

2016 2015

Full Year Third Quarter



Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share (GAAP)

$(2.56) $0.44

$(1.79) $0.97

$(0.75) - $(0.55) $0.63 - $0.73



Excluding Special Items*:























Regulatory charges

0.01 0.02

0.11 0.04

0.13 0.01





Trust securities impairment

 0.02

0.01 0.03

0.01 





Merger accounting  commodity contracts

0.01 0.02

0.02 0.04

0.05 0.01





Asset impairment/Plant exit costs

2.99 0.01

2.99 0.03

2.95 





Mark-to-market adjustments

0.11 (0.01)

0.01 (0.01)

0.01 





Impact of non-core asset sales/impairments

 0.02

 0.03

 





Retail repositioning charges

 0.01

 0.02

 





Total Special Items*

3.12 0.09

3.14 0.18

3.15 0.02





























Basic EPS - Operating (Non-GAAP)

$0.56 $0.53

$1.35 $1.15

$2.40 - $2.60 $0.65 - $0.75



























* Per share amounts for the special items above are based on the after-tax effect of each item, divided by the weighted average basic shares outstanding and includes the estimated dilutive impact of additional common stock in the second half of the year. The current and deferred income tax effect was calculated by applying the subsidiaries' statutory tax rate to the pre-tax amount with the exception of Asset impairment/Plant exit costs that included an impairment of goodwill, of which $433 million of the $800 million pre-tax impairment was non-deductible for tax purposes, and valuation allowances against state and local NOL carryforwards of $159 million. With the exception of these items included in Asset impairment/Plant exit costs, the income tax rates range from 35% to 42%.







































Non-GAAP financial measures

*Operating earnings exclude special items as described herein, and is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management uses operating earnings and operating earnings by segment to evaluate the company's performance and manage its operations and frequently references these non-GAAP financial measures in its decision making, using them to facilitate historical and ongoing performance comparisons. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measure of "operating earnings" provides a consistent and comparable measure of performance of its business to help shareholders understand performance trends. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's historical or future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). This non-GAAP financial measure is intended to complement, and is not considered as an alternative to, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Also, this non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities. Per share amounts for the special items above are based on the after-tax effect of each item divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the period.

Consolidated Report and Teleconference



FirstEnergy's Consolidated Report to the Financial Community, which provides highlights on company developments and financial results for the second quarter and first half of the year, is posted on the company's Investor Information website  www.firstenergycorp.com/ir. To access the report, click on Second Quarter 2016 Consolidated Report to the Financial Community. Also posted are supporting materials related to 2016 earnings guidance.

The company invites investors, customers and other interested parties to listen to a live Internet webcast of its teleconference for financial analysts and view slides associated with the presentation at 10:00 a.m. EDT tomorrow. FirstEnergy management will present an overview of the company's financial results, followed by a question-and-answer session. The teleconference and presentation can be accessed on the website by selecting the Second Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call link. The webcast and presentation will be archived on the website.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, while its generation subsidiaries control nearly 17,000 megawatts of capacity from a diversified mix of scrubbed coal, non-emitting nuclear, natural gas, hydro and other renewables. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "forecast," "target," "will," "intend," "believe," "project," "estimate," "plan" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the following: the speed and nature of increased competition in the electric utility industry, in general, and the retail sales market in particular; the ability to experience growth in the Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments; the accomplishment of our regulatory and operational goals in connection with our transmission investment plan, including, but not limited to, the proposed transmission asset transfer to Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC, and the effectiveness of our strategy to reflect a more regulated business profile; changes in assumptions regarding economic conditions within our territories, assessment of the reliability of our transmission system, or the availability of capital or other resources supporting identified transmission investment opportunities; the impact of the regulatory process and resulting outcomes on the matters at the federal level and in the various states in which we do business including, but not limited to, matters related to rates and the Electric Security Plan IV; the impact of the federal regulatory process on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-regulated entities and transactions, in particular FERC regulation of wholesale energy and capacity markets, including PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) markets and FERC-jurisdictional wholesale transactions; FERC regulation of cost-of-service rates, including FERC Opinion No. 531's revised Return on Equity methodology for FERC-jurisdictional wholesale generation and transmission utility service; and FERC's compliance and enforcement activity, including compliance and enforcement activity related to North American Electric Reliability Corporation's mandatory reliability standards; the uncertainties of various cost recovery and cost allocation issues resulting from American Transmission Systems, Incorporated's realignment into PJM; economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins such as a polar vortex or other significant weather events, and all associated regulatory events or actions; changing energy, capacity and commodity market prices including, but not limited to, coal, natural gas and oil prices, and their availability and impact on margins and asset valuations, including without limitation impairments thereon; the risks and uncertainties at the CES segment, including FES, related to continued depressed wholesale energy and capacity markets, including the potential need to deactivate or sell additional generating units; the continued ability of our regulated utilities to recover their costs; costs being higher than anticipated and the success of our policies to control costs and to mitigate low energy, capacity and market prices; other legislative and regulatory changes, and revised environmental requirements, including, but not limited to, the effects of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, Coal Combustion Residuals regulations, Cross-State Air Pollution Rule and Mercury and Air Toxics Standards programs, including our estimated costs of compliance, Clean Water Act (CWA) waste water effluent limitations for power plants, and CWA 316(b) water intake regulation; the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures that may arise in connection with any litigation, including New Source Review litigation, or potential regulatory initiatives or rulemakings (including that such initiatives or rulemakings could result in our decision to deactivate or idle certain generating units); the uncertainties associated with the deactivation of certain older regulated and competitive fossil units, including the impact on vendor commitments, such as long-term fuel and transportation agreements, and as it relates to the reliability of the transmission grid, the timing thereof; the impact of other future changes to the operational status or availability of our generating units and any capacity performance charges associated with unit unavailability; adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes with respect to our nuclear operations (including, but not limited to, the revocation or non-renewal of necessary licenses, approvals or operating permits by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or as a result of the incident at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant); issues arising from the indications of cracking in the shield building at Davis-Besse; the risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and like proceedings, including, but not limited to, any such proceedings related to vendor commitments, such as long-term fuel and transportation agreements; the impact of labor disruptions by our unionized workforce; replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or not fully hedged; the ability to comply with applicable state and federal reliability standards and energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates; changes in customers' demand for power, including, but not limited to, changes resulting from the implementation of state and federal energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates; the ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, the ability to continue to reduce costs and to successfully execute our financial plans designed to improve our credit metrics and strengthen our balance sheet through, among other actions, our cash flow improvement plan and other proposed capital raising initiatives; our ability to improve electric commodity margins and the impact of, among other factors, the increased cost of fuel and fuel transportation on such margins; changing market conditions that could affect the measurement of certain liabilities and the value of assets held in our Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts, pension trusts and other trust funds, and cause us and/or our subsidiaries to make additional contributions sooner, or in amounts that are larger than currently anticipated; the impact of changes to material accounting policies; the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with our financial plans, the cost of such capital and overall condition of the capital and credit markets affecting us and our subsidiaries; actions that may be taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect us and/or our subsidiaries' access to financing, increase the costs thereof, and increase requirements to post additional collateral to support outstanding commodity positions, letters of credit and other financial guarantees; changes in national and regional economic conditions affecting us, our subsidiaries and/or our major industrial and commercial customers, and other counterparties with which we do business, including fuel suppliers; the impact of any changes in tax laws or regulations or adverse tax audit results or rulings; issues concerning the stability of domestic and foreign financial institutions and counterparties with which we do business; the risks associated with cyber-attacks and other disruptions to our information technology system that may compromise our generation, transmission and/or distribution services and data security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information regarding our business, employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, business partners and other individuals in our data centers and on our networks; and the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, and other similar factors. Dividends declared from time to time on FirstEnergy Corp.'s common stock during any period may in the aggregate vary from prior periods due to circumstances considered by FirstEnergy Corp.'s Board of Directors at the time of the actual declarations. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy or hold securities and is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and risks that are included in our filings with the SEC, including but not limited to the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. FirstEnergy expressly disclaims any current intention to update, except as required by law, any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

Related Links

http://www.firstenergycorp.com


BRITT  Pit bulls wont be allowed in Britt as the City Council has directed law enforcement to enforce existing ordinance that bans the breed.

The council discussed the existing vicious animal ordinance at a meeting earlier this month.

City Administrator/Clerk Shell Anderson said at the July 5 meeting she had gotten questions about pit bulls being allowed in town. Anderson said the city ordinance bans breeds typically identified as pit bulls, but the ordinance wasnt being enforced.

If we have an ordinance, we need to enforce it, council member Curt Gast said.

Gast said hed only received input about the ordinance from people who didnt live in Britt.

Mayor Ryan Arndorfer said hed received emails but about 20 were from Canada.

I feel the ordinance is justified, Britt Police Chief Dan Cummings said. Im aware of two pit bulls in town. Ive told the owners they are illegal but I havent started the process (for removal).

The majority of the council said the ordinance was needed, but Arndorfer said he was uncomfortable with a breed-specific ordinance. Dogs known as pit bulls shouldnt be singled out, he said.

Another city official, Library Director Linda Friedow, who trains dogs, said singling out breeds typically called pit bulls isnt the best ordinance.

Friedow said she helped Fort Dodge write a vicious/dangerous dog ordinance about 30 years ago. Britt will likely need to do DNA testing on dogs if it keeps the breeds specific reference, she said.

Pit bull is not a specific breed but a term used to describe several terriers, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Cummings said hes accustomed to enforcing pit bull-related ordinances in other cities. Hes had to use DNA testing twice, and test results showed the dogs were pit bulls. Testing is about $60.

Friedow said there are other dogs that are bred for protection that could be considered dangerous or could bite, but owners are ultimately responsible for a dogs behavior.

Cummings said pit bulls tend to bite, bite, bite when they do bite. Its more of an attack, he said.
PITTSBURGH, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gateway Health is proud to announce a partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to offer a new program, the Telephonic Psychiatric Consultation Service (TiPS). TiPS will be offered by all HealthChoices managed care organizations (MCOs), including Gateway, to improve responsiveness and efficiency for pediatric psychiatric needs. TiPS provides real time resources to physicians who need immediate consultation and recommendations for children with behavioral health concerns.

Offering this program at a time when the movement is increasing the availability of peer-to-peer child psychiatry consultation teams to primary care providers (PCPs), medical specialists, and other providers who are prescribing psychotropic medications to children who are members of a HealthChoices plan allows Gateway to better serve members under the age of 18.

"In many situations when a pediatrician or primary care physician is treating a child with behavioral health issues, prescription drugs often become the preferred way to help a patient," said Gateway Health's Chief Medical Officer, Michael Madden, M.D. "Making TiPS available to our provider community now gives us additional and better options to treat patients by focusing on their specific needs and not simply prescribing a medication that may or may not address the issue. Practitioners are able to interact behavioral health professionals to holistically diagnose and treat the patient which can greatly improve efficacy."

The Pennsylvania HealthChoices MCOs selected one vendor to provide the TiPS program in each of five HealthChoices zones. In the Southwest and Northwest zones, Children's Community Pediatrics will serve Gateway members and the Penn State Children's Hospital will provide services to members in the Lehigh/Capital zone. Providers reach the TiPS team care centers in each specific zone at the following numbers:

Southwest and Northwest: Children's Community Pediatrics  (844)-972-8477

Lehigh /Capital : Penn State Children's Hospital  (800)-233-4082

The core model on which TiPS is built, centers on teams consisting of child psychiatrists, licensed therapists, care coordinators, and administrative support teams. These teams will help find and connect patients to the appropriate care they need, making it their focus to not simply prescribe medication as a first response solution.

"Gateway is proud and excited to have worked closely with DHS to develop and launch this much needed program," said Dr. Madden. "The TiPS teams consist of some of the most highly trained therapists, care coordinators and psychiatrists who specialize in child behavioral health and the unique needs of this population. These care teams will improve response times and provide consultations when help is needed and time is of the essence."

TiPS team members respond to a request for consultation within 30 minutes, many times immediately and provide support in a number of ways:

Answer the PCP's question(s)

Refer the patient to the team care coordinator to assist the family in accessing local behavioral health services such as therapy, specialty psychiatry, or neuro-psychological assessment

Refer the patient to the team therapist to provide transitional, face-to-face care or telephonic support to the child and family until the family can access local behavioral health resources

Refer the patient to the team or a local child psychiatrist for a face-to-face acute psychopharmacological or diagnostic consultation

The teams will help assist any PCP who sees children or adolescents covered by HealthChoices enabling Gateway Health's youngest and most vulnerable members to now have access to improved and prompt behavioral health care. TiPS core services that will be available to providers who see Gateway members will include, telephone and face-to-face consultation, care coordination as well as training and education.

About Gateway Health

Gateway Health is a nationally ranked managed care organization that focuses on providing the best possible healthcare to a growing number of Medicaid and Medicare Advantage consumers. Gateway Health serves the needs of at risk and vulnerable citizens including those facing chronic diseases and those who are Medicare eligible and low-income. The organization provides Medicaid services in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia and Medicare coverage in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio and North Carolina. Gateway members have benefitted from services such as disease management, health and wellness programs and preventive care. "A Better Way" is more than a tagline, but what Gateway wants for its members, providers, communities and partners. To learn more about Gateway Health, visit us online at www.gatewayhealthplan.com.

SOURCE Gateway Health

Related Links

http://www.gatewayhealthplan.com


BEIJING, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- General Steel Holdings, Inc. ("General Steel" or the "Company") (NYSE: GSIH), announced today that the Company intends to avail itself of its right of review and appeal the New York Stock Exchange's ("NYSE" or the "Exchange") recent decision to commence proceedings to delist its common stock -- ticker symbol GSI -- from the NYSE.

On July 18, 2016, the Company received notice from the staff of the NYSE stating that the NYSE has determined to commence proceedings to delist the Company's common stock, and that the Company's common stock would be suspended at the close of trading on the same date.

In the notice and in a public announcement distributed by the NYSE on July 18, 2016, the NYSE stated that the Company was previously deemed below compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standard requiring listed companies to maintain either (i) at least $50 million in stockholders' equity or (ii) at least $50 million in total market capitalization on a 30 trading day average basis. The NYSE noted that they had previously accepted the Company's 18-month plan to regain compliance with the listing standard. However, the NYSE stated that as of the expiration of the plan period on July 9, 2016, the Company was unable to demonstrate that it had regained compliance with the applicable continued listing standard. The NYSE also included in its public announcement that the Company was delayed in filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and its Form 10-Q for the quarter end March 31, 2016.

The Company intends to appeal the delisting determination and have such determination reviewed by a Committee of the Board of Directors of the NYSE by submitting a request for review in writing no later than August 1, 2016.

Prior to the NYSE notice and public announcement, the Company had presented to the NYSE the steps it intended to take to address the deficiencies raised by the Exchange. The Company reached an agreement with a number of its current debt holders to forgive existing debt and/or exchange debt for equity, which when completed, would have increased the Company's stockholders' equity to at least $50 million thereby satisfying the NYSE's continued listing standard. In addition, the Company anticipates that it will complete its filing with the SEC of its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and its Form 10-Q for the quarter end March 31, 2016 before the review date with the Committee of the Board of Directors of the NYSE. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its appeal and that the Company's request for continued listing will be granted.

About General Steel Holdings, Inc.

General Steel Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Beijing, China, and trades iron ore and steel products. To be added to the General Steel email list to receive Company news, please send your request to [email protected].

General Steel Holdings, Inc.

Phone: +86 10 5866 7723

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE General Steel Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.gshi-steel.com


SAN FRANCISCO, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce.org, the philanthropic arm of Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), today announced that Georgetown University has chosen Salesforce Sales Cloud and Community Cloud to power its new CRM strategy, Georgetown 360 (GU360).

GU360 is a new University-wide Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) strategy and solution, powered by Salesforce, designed to help Georgetown more effectively manage relationships and engage with key constituency groups, including prospective students, parents, faculty, staff, employers and alumni.

"There is no other single thing that we will do in the next 10 years that will more directly and significantly influence our ability to support the mission and ambition of the university than the Georgetown 360 project," said R. Bartley Moore, VP for Advancement at Georgetown University.

"Technology may be the enabler but our community will be the power behind this exciting project. Georgetown is uniquely positioned with the GU360 project to raise the bar in higher education through innovation and collaboration," said Judd Nicholson, Interim Vice President for Information Technology and CIO at Georgetown University.

Before implementing Salesforce, Georgetown's constituent information was dispersed across a variety of systems, spreadsheets and individual notes. These siloed solutions prevented Georgetown from achieving a complete view of their constituents. Now, with Salesforce Sales Cloud and Community Cloud, Georgetown will be able to share information, collaborate across departments and get a 360-degree view of each constituent, ultimately helping to improve fundraising, the student experience, research collaboration and community engagement.

"In this era where people are more connected than ever, it is essential for education institutions to create meaningful relationships with their constituentsfrom pre-enrollment to post-graduation," says Rob Acker, CEO of Salesforce.org. "At Salesforce.org, our vision is to make every education institution a truly connected campus. Using Salesforce technology, Georgetown will be able to put the constituent at the center of everything they do in order to help better prepare tomorrow's leaders today."

To assist in this important project, Georgetown selected Appirio, a global cloud services company, as its implementation partner. Appirio is tasked with developing an actionable strategy for a university-wide CRM, and successfully deploying Salesforce Sales Cloud and Community Cloud to replace Georgetown's legacy systems.

"At Appirio, we believe that any technology or business initiative needs to start with careful analysis and mapping of the customer journey," said Mark Koenig, Industry Lead, Nonprofits and Higher Education at Appirio. "We are excited for the opportunity to help Georgetown create a unique and personalized experience for its constituents. We are working closely with them to identify how students, parents, donors, faculty and staff stand to benefit from the new solution, understand current gaps in talent, processes and technologies, and deploy Salesforce Sales Cloud and Community Cloud in a way that delivers on its true potential for the university."

About Georgetown University

Georgetown University is one of the world's leading academic and research institutions, offering a unique educational experience that prepares the next generation of global citizens to lead and make a difference in the world. Established in 1789, Georgetown is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Georgetown today is a major student-centered, international, research university offering respected undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in Washington, D.C., Doha, Qatar, and around the world. For more information about Georgetown

University, visit http://georgetown.edu.

About Salesforce.org

Salesforce.org is based on a simple idea: leverage Salesforce's technology, people and resources to improve communities around the world. We call this integrated philanthropic approach the 1-1-1 model. Since 1999, Salesforce technology has powered more than 28,000 nonprofit and education institutions; Salesforce and its philanthropic entities have provided more than $115 million in grants; and Salesforce employees have logged more than 1.3 million volunteer hours throughout the world. For more information on Salesforce.org, please visit www.salesforce.org.

Salesforce, Salesforce Sales Cloud, Salesforce Community Cloud, Salesforce.org, and others are among the trademarks of salesforce.com, inc. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

 2016 salesforce.com. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Salesforce.org

Related Links

https://www.salesforce.org


BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthSouth Corporation (NYSE: HLS), one of the nation's largest providers of post-acute healthcare services, offering both facility-based and home-based post-acute services, today reported its results of operations for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016.

"The second quarter was another strong quarter for HealthSouth with volume, revenue, and earnings from our recent acquisitions complementing solid organic growth," said Jay Grinney, President and Chief Executive Officer of HealthSouth. "The quarter also was successful from a development standpoint with the announcement of four, new hospital projects, two of which will be in states where we currently do not have a hospital (North Carolina and Oklahoma) and two in existing states (Alabama and Missouri). With these newly announced projects, we have 11 inpatient rehabilitation facilities that are scheduled to come on-line over the next two to three years and contribute to future growth. Our home health partner, Encompass Home Health and Hospice, also added to its portfolio in the quarter with the acquisition of two home health agencies and two hospice agencies, as well as the opening of one de novo home health agency."

Consolidated Results



















Growth

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

Dollars

Percent

(In Millions, Except per Share Data) Net operating revenues $ 920.7



$ 764.4



$ 156.3



20.4 % Income from continuing operations attributable to HealthSouth per diluted share 0.65



0.47



0.18



38.3 % Adjusted earnings per share 0.69



0.59



0.10



16.9 % Cash flows provided by operating activities 152.2



102.9



49.3



47.9 % Adjusted EBITDA 204.3



169.5



34.8



20.5 % Adjusted free cash flow 115.3



94.5



20.8



22.0 %

Six Months Ended June 30,









2016

2015







Cash flows provided by operating activities 311.9



204.9



107.0



52.2 % Adjusted free cash flow 244.8



173.9



70.9



40.8 %

Revenue growth primarily resulted from strong volumes in both of the Company's operating segments and included the effect of the Company's acquisitions of Reliant Hospital Partners, LLC and affiliated entities ("Reliant") on October 1, 2015 and CareSouth Health System, Inc. ("CareSouth") on November 2, 2015. Revenue growth was the primary driver of the 20.5% increase in Adjusted EBITDA.

The increase in adjusted earnings per share primarily resulted from increased Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted earnings per share also included the impact of higher interest expense related to the financing of the Reliant and CareSouth acquisitions, higher depreciation and amortization related to acquisitions and capital investments, and a lower share count resulting from share repurchases.

Adjusted free cash flow also increased primarily as a result of the Company's growth in Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted free cash flow in the first half of 2016 included increased cash interest expense related to the acquisitions of Reliant and CareSouth and lower working capital primarily attributable to payroll-related liabilities.

See attached supplemental information for calculations of non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to their most comparable GAAP measure.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Segment Results











Growth

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

Dollars

Percent Net operating revenues: (In Millions) Inpatient $ 721.2



$ 618.7



$ 102.5



16.6 % Outpatient and other 31.4



26.6



4.8



18.0 % Total segment revenue $ 752.6



$ 645.3



$ 107.3



16.6 %

















(Actual Amounts) Discharges 41,365



36,408



4,957



13.6 % Same-store discharge growth











1.9 % Net patient revenue per discharge $ 17,435



$ 16,994



$ 441



2.6 %

















(In Millions) Adjusted EBITDA $ 204.1



$ 170.5



$ 33.6



19.7 %

Revenue - Revenue growth resulted primarily from same-store and new-store volume growth. Discharge growth from new stores resulted from the Company's acquisitions of Reliant ( October 2015 ) and Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital ( May 2015 ), the Company's joint venture with CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs, Arkansas ( February 2016 ), and the de novo opened in Franklin, Tennessee ( December 2015 ).



Growth in net patient revenue per discharge benefited by approximately 90 basis points from an approximate $5 million Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") adjustment that negatively impacted revenue in the second quarter of 2015.



The increase in outpatient and other revenues primarily was due to the acquisition of Reliant.



Revenue growth resulted primarily from same-store and new-store volume growth. Discharge growth from new stores resulted from the Company's acquisitions of Reliant ( ) and Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital ( ), the Company's joint venture with CHI St. Vincent in ( ), and the de novo opened in ( ). Growth in net patient revenue per discharge benefited by approximately 90 basis points from an approximate Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") adjustment that negatively impacted revenue in the second quarter of 2015. The increase in outpatient and other revenues primarily was due to the acquisition of Reliant. Adjusted EBITDA - Inpatient rehabilitation segment Adjusted EBITDA increased by 19.7% driven primarily by revenue growth. All operating expenses as a percent of net operating revenues were impacted in the second quarter of 2015 by the aforementioned SSI adjustment. Salaries and benefits in the second quarter of 2016 included the positive impact of $2.4 million in rebates associated with a contractual periodic pharmacy benefit reconciliation for 2014 and 2015. Hospital operating expenses (other operating expenses, supplies, and occupancy costs) as a percent of net operating revenues improved in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015 primarily due to continued supply chain initiatives. This improvement in hospital operating expenses occurred in spite of an increase in occupancy costs as a percent of net operating revenues due to the acquisition of Reliant. Bad debt expense as a percent of net operating revenues increased from 1.6% in the second quarter of 2015 to 1.9% in the second quarter of 2016 due to administrative payment delays at the Company's largest Medicare Administrative Contractor.

Home Health and Hospice Segment Results











Growth

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

Dollars

Percent Net operating revenues: (In Millions) Home health $ 157.1



$ 111.5



$ 45.6



40.9 % Hospice and other 11.0



7.6



3.4



44.7 % Total segment revenue $ 168.1



$ 119.1



$ 49.0



41.1 %

















(Actual Amounts) Admissions 25,753



16,862



8,891



52.7 % Same-store admissions growth











11.1 % Episodes 45,774



31,817



13,957



43.9 % New-store episode growth











31.5 % Same-store episode growth











12.4 % Revenue per episode $ 3,033



$ 3,082



$ (49)



(1.6)%



















(In Millions) Adjusted EBITDA $ 26.0



$ 19.0



$ 7.0



36.8 %

Revenue - Revenue growth resulted from strong same-store and new-store volume growth. Growth from new stores resulted from the acquisition of CareSouth and Encompass' other acquisitions throughout 2015.



Revenue per episode was impacted by the Medicare home health reimbursement rate cuts that became effective January 1, 2016 , a higher percentage of patients requiring therapy visits, and lower revenue per episode at CareSouth due to patient mix.



- Revenue growth resulted from strong same-store and new-store volume growth. Growth from new stores resulted from the acquisition of CareSouth and Encompass' other acquisitions throughout 2015. Revenue per episode was impacted by the Medicare home health reimbursement rate cuts that became effective , a higher percentage of patients requiring therapy visits, and lower revenue per episode at CareSouth due to patient mix. Adjusted EBITDA - Growth in Adjusted EBITDA resulted primarily from revenue growth. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was impacted by lower average revenue per episode, higher cost per visit driven by an increased percentage of therapy patients, merit and benefit costs increases, and expenses related to the integration of CareSouth.

Capital Structure Transactions

Repurchases of Common Stock

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company repurchased 287,672 shares of its common stock for approximately $11 million in the open market. During the first half of 2016, the Company has repurchased 602,204 shares of its common stock for approximately $22 million. As of June 30, 2016, the Company had a remaining repurchase authorization of approximately $137 million.

Redemption of Senior Notes

In May 2016, the Company redeemed $50 million of the outstanding principal amount of its 7.75% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes"). Pursuant to the terms of the 2022 Notes, this optional redemption was made at a price of 103.875%, which resulted in a total cash outlay of approximately $52 million. This redemption was funded using cash on hand and capacity under the Company's revolving credit facility. As a result of this redemption, the Company recorded a $2.4 million loss on early extinguishment of debt in the second quarter of 2016.

In July 2016, the Company issued notice for redemption of the remaining outstanding principal balance of $76 million of the 2022 Notes. This optional redemption will be made at a price of 102.583%. The Company plans to use cash on hand and capacity under its revolving credit facility to fund the redemption, which will close in September 2016. As a result of this redemption, the Company expects to record an approximate $3 million loss on early extinguishment of debt in the third quarter of 2016.

Dividend Increase

On July 21, 2016, the Company's board of directors approved an increase in the Company's quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share, or 4.3%, and declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.24 per share. The dividend will be payable on October 17, 2016 to holders of record on October 3, 2016.

"The strength and consistency of our free cash flow generation was again evident in the first half of 2016," said Doug Coltharp, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of HealthSouth. "Consistent with our established priorities, we used this cash flow to support year-to-date discretionary capital expenditures of approximately $57 million, an approximately $85 million reduction in funded debt (which together with our Adjusted EBITDA growth resulted in a decline in our leverage ratio to 4.1x), the repurchase of approximately $22 million of common stock, and the payment of approximately $42 million in cash dividends on our common stock."

2016 Guidance

Based on its results for the first half of 2016 and its current expectations for the remainder of 2016, the Company is increasing its full-year guidance ranges.



Full-Year 2016 Guidance Ranges

Previous Guidance

Revised Guidance

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) Net operating revenues $3,580 to $3,680

$3,600 to $3,700 Adjusted EBITDA $770 to $790

$775 to $795 Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to HealthSouth $2.37 to $2.49

$2.44 to $2.56

For additional considerations regarding the Company's 2016 guidance ranges, see the supplemental information posted on the Company's website at http://investor.healthsouth.com and the Other Information section below.

Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host an investor conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 29, 2016 to discuss its results for the second quarter of 2016. For reference during the call, the Company will post certain supplemental information at http://investor.healthsouth.com.

The conference call may be accessed by dialing 877 587-6761 and giving the pass code 38862905. International callers should dial 706 679-1635 and give the same pass code. Please call approximately ten minutes before the start of the call to ensure you are connected. The conference call will also be webcast live and will be available at http://investor.healthsouth.com by clicking on an available link.

An on-line replay of the conference call will be available after the live broadcast at http://investor.healthsouth.com.

About HealthSouth

HealthSouth is one of the nation's largest providers of post-acute healthcare services, offering both facility-based and home-based post-acute services in 34 states and Puerto Rico through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, home health agencies, and hospice agencies. HealthSouth can be found on the Web at www.healthsouth.com.

Other Information

The information in this press release is summarized and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 (the "June 2016 Form 10-Q"), when filed, as well as the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2016 (the "Q2 Earnings Form 8-K"), to which this press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. In addition, the Company will post supplemental information today on its website at http:// investor.healthsouth.com for reference during its July 29, 2016 earnings call.

The financial data contained in the press release and supplemental information include non-GAAP financial measures, including the Company's adjusted earnings per share, leverage ratio, Adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted free cash flow. Reconciliations to their most comparable GAAP measure, except with regard to non-GAAP guidance, are included below or in the Q2 Earnings Form 8-K. Readers are encouraged to review the "Note Regarding Presentation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included in the Q2 Earnings Form 8-K which provides further explanation and disclosure regarding the Company's use of these non-GAAP financial measures.

Excluding net operating revenues, the Company does not provide guidance on a GAAP basis because it is unable to predict, with reasonable certainty, the future impact of items that are deemed to be outside the control of the Company or otherwise non-indicative of its ongoing operations. Such items include government, class action, and related settlements, professional feesaccounting, tax, and legal, mark-to-market adjustments for stock appreciation rights, gains or losses related to hedging instruments, loss on early extinguishment of debt, adjustments to its income tax provision (such as valuation allowance adjustments and settlements of income tax claims), items related to corporate and facility restructurings, and certain other items the Company believes to be non-indicative of its ongoing operations. These items cannot be reasonably predicted and will depend on several factors, including industry and market conditions, and could be material to the Company's results computed in accordance with GAAP.

The Q2 Earnings Form 8-K and, when filed, the June 2016 Form 10-Q can be found on the Company's website at http://investor.healthsouth.com and the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)



Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2016

2015

2016

2015

(In Millions) Net operating revenues $ 920.7



$ 764.4



$ 1,830.5



$ 1,505.0

Less: Provision for doubtful accounts (15.4)



(10.9)



(31.9)



(22.5)

Net operating revenues less provision for doubtful accounts 905.3



753.5



1,798.6



1,482.5

Operating expenses:













Salaries and benefits 486.1



401.8



972.2



786.9

Other operating expenses 121.5



104.2



240.7



207.4

Occupancy costs 17.9



12.5



35.9



24.6

Supplies 34.4



31.7



69.4



63.1

General and administrative expenses 34.4



32.1



66.3



66.7

Depreciation and amortization 42.9



32.7



85.3



64.6

Government, class action, and related settlements 











8.0

Professional feesaccounting, tax, and legal 1.7



0.1



1.9



2.3

Total operating expenses 738.9



615.1



1,471.7



1,223.6

Loss on early extinguishment of debt 2.4



18.8



4.8



20.0

Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees 43.4



30.9



88.0



62.7

Other income (0.7)



(3.0)



(1.3)



(3.5)

Equity in net income of nonconsolidated affiliates (2.4)



(2.3)



(4.8)



(3.9)

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 123.7



94.0



240.2



183.6

Provision for income tax expense 42.4



32.2



82.1



62.5

Income from continuing operations 81.3



61.8



158.1



121.1

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.1)



(1.6)



(0.2)



(1.9)

Net income 81.2



60.2



157.9



119.2

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (18.6)



(17.3)



(37.3)



(33.8)

Net income attributable to HealthSouth 62.6



42.9



120.6



85.4

Less: Convertible perpetual preferred stock dividends 











(1.6)

Net income attributable to HealthSouth common shareholders $ 62.6



$ 42.9



$ 120.6



$ 83.8



HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Continued) (Unaudited)



Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2016

2015

2016

2015

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) Weighted average common shares outstanding:













Basic 89.3



89.8



89.4



88.4

Diluted 99.4



101.5



99.4



101.3

















Earnings per common share:













Basic earnings per share attributable to HealthSouth common shareholders:













Continuing operations $ 0.70



$ 0.49



$ 1.34



$ 0.96

Discontinued operations 



(0.02)







(0.02)

Net income $ 0.70



$ 0.47



$ 1.34



$ 0.94

Diluted earnings per share attributable to HealthSouth common shareholders:













Continuing operations $ 0.65



$ 0.47



$ 1.26



$ 0.91

Discontinued operations 



(0.02)







(0.02)

Net income $ 0.65



$ 0.45



$ 1.26



$ 0.89

















Cash dividends per common share $ 0.23



$ 0.21



$ 0.46



$ 0.42

















Amounts attributable to HealthSouth common shareholders:













Income from continuing operations $ 62.7



$ 44.5



$ 120.8



$ 87.3

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.1)



(1.6)



(0.2)



(1.9)

Net income attributable to HealthSouth $ 62.6



$ 42.9



$ 120.6



$ 85.4



HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)



June 30,

2016

December 31,

2015

(In Millions) Assets





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 70.3



$ 61.6

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $48.9 in 2016; $39.3 in 2015 420.6



410.5

Other current assets 168.6



126.6

Total current assets 659.5



598.7

Property and equipment, net 1,336.9



1,310.1

Goodwill 1,899.7



1,890.1

Intangible assets, net 414.2



419.4

Deferred income tax assets 115.5



190.8

Other long-term assets 206.8



197.0

Total assets $ 4,632.6



$ 4,606.1

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity





Current liabilities:





Current portion of long-term debt $ 36.5



$ 36.8

Accounts payable 67.1



61.6

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 355.5



328.0

Total current liabilities 459.1



426.4

Long-term debt, net of current portion 3,050.0



3,134.7

Other long-term liabilities 154.1



144.6



3,663.2



3,705.7

Commitments and contingencies





Redeemable noncontrolling interests 120.0



121.1

Shareholders' equity:





HealthSouth shareholders' equity 672.7



611.4

Noncontrolling interests 176.7



167.9

Total shareholders' equity 849.4



779.3

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 4,632.6



$ 4,606.1







HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)



Six Months Ended June 30,

2016

2015

(In Millions) Cash flows from operating activities:





Net income $ 157.9



$ 119.2

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.2



1.9

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities





Provision for doubtful accounts 31.9



22.5

Depreciation and amortization 85.3



64.6

Loss on early extinguishment of debt 4.8



20.0

Equity in net income of nonconsolidated affiliates (4.8)



(3.9)

Distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates 3.0



3.7

Stock-based compensation 13.1



15.6

Deferred tax expense 73.2



55.6

Other 6.9



11.0

Change in assets and liabilities





Accounts receivable (59.5)



(62.1)

Other assets (4.3)



(6.5)

Accounts payable 1.2



1.7

Accrued payroll 9.3



(23.6)

Other liabilities (1.9)



(10.7)

Premium received on bond issuance 



8.0

Premium paid on redemption of bonds (3.9)



(11.8)

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations (0.5)



(0.3)

Total adjustments 153.8



83.8

Net cash provided by operating activities 311.9



204.9



HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued) (Unaudited)









Six Months Ended June 30,

2016

2015

(In Millions) Cash flows from investing activities:





Purchases of property and equipment (71.4)



(46.3)

Capitalized software costs (15.2)



(15.2)

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (9.4)



(77.7)

Net change in restricted cash (11.5)



13.1

Other 2.0



(0.6)

Net cash used in investing activities (105.5)



(126.7)

Cash flows from financing activities:





Proceeds from bond issuance 



700.0

Principal payments on debt, including pre-payments (112.8)



(546.1)

Borrowings on revolving credit facility 165.0



270.0

Payments on revolving credit facility (145.0)



(442.0)

Debt amendment and issuance costs 



(13.9)

Repurchases of common stock, including fees and expenses (24.1)





Dividends paid on common stock (41.9)



(37.1)

Dividends paid on convertible perpetual preferred stock 



(3.1)

Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates (33.6)



(26.2)

Other (5.3)



(1.0)

Net cash used in financing activities (197.7)



(99.4)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 8.7



(21.2)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 61.6



66.7

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 70.3



$ 45.5

Supplemental schedule of noncash financing activity:





Conversion of preferred stock to common stock $ 



$ 93.2



HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Earnings Per Share



QTD

YTD

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

Q2 2016

Q2 2015

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) Adjusted EBITDA $ 204.3



$ 169.5



$ 396.4



$ 325.6

Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (43.4)



(30.9)



(88.0)



(62.7)

Depreciation and amortization (42.9)



(32.7)



(85.3)



(64.6)

Stock-based compensation expense (8.6)



(6.2)



(13.1)



(15.6)

Noncash loss on disposal or impairment of assets (0.2)



(0.8)



(0.4)



0.7



109.2



98.9



209.6



183.4

Certain expenses non-indicative of ongoing operations:













Government, class action, and related settlements 











(8.0)

Professional feesaccounting, tax, and legal (1.7)



(0.1)



(1.9)



(2.3)

Loss on early extinguishment of debt (2.4)



(18.8)



(4.8)



(20.0)

Transaction costs 



(3.3)







(3.3)

Pre-tax income 105.1



76.7



202.9



149.8

Income tax expense (1) (42.4)



(32.2)



(82.1)



(62.5)

Income from continuing operations (2) $ 62.7



$ 44.5



$ 120.8



$ 87.3

















Basic shares 89.3



89.8



89.4



88.4

Diluted shares 99.4



101.5



99.4



101.3

















Basic earnings per share (2) $ 0.70



$ 0.49



$ 1.34



$ 0.96

Diluted earnings per share (2) $ 0.65



$ 0.47



$ 1.26



$ 0.91



(1) Current income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $4.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively. Current income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $9.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively. (2) Income from continuing operations attributable to HealthSouth.

HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Adjusted Earnings Per Share



Q2

6 Months

2016

2015

2016

2015















Earnings per share, as reported $ 0.65



$ 0.47



$ 1.26



$ 0.91

Adjustments, net of tax:













Government, class action, and related settlements 











0.05

Professional fees  accounting, tax, and legal 0.01







0.01



0.01

Mark-to-market adjustments for stock appreciation rights 0.02













Transaction costs 



0.02







0.02

Loss on early extinguishment of debt 0.01



0.11



0.03



0.12

Sale of hospital (0.01)







(0.01)





Adjusted earnings per share* $ 0.69



$ 0.59



$ 1.30



$ 1.11



* Adjusted EPS may not sum due to rounding.

HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Adjusted Earnings Per Share



For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016





Adjustments





As Reported

Professional Fees - Accounting, Tax, and Legal

Mark-to-Market Adjustment for Stock Appreciation Rights

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

Sale of Hospital

As Adjusted

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) Adjusted EBITDA* $ 204.3



$ 



$ 



$ 



$ 



$ 204.3

Depreciation and amortization (42.9)



















(42.9)

Professional fees - accounting, tax, and legal (1.7)



1.7

















Loss on early extinguishment of debt (2.4)











2.4









Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (43.4)



















(43.4)

Stock-based compensation (8.6)







2.8











(5.8)

Loss on disposal or impairment of assets (0.2)















(0.9)



(1.1)

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 105.1



1.7



2.8



2.4



(0.9)



111.1

Provision for income tax expense (42.4)



(0.7)



(1.1)



(1.0)



0.4



(44.8)

Income from continuing operations attributable to HealthSouth $ 62.7



$ 1.0



$ 1.7



$ 1.4



$ (0.5)



$ 66.3

Add: Interest on convertible debt, net of tax 2.4



















2.4

Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 65.1



















$ 68.7

























Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations** $ 0.65



$ 0.01



$ 0.02



$ 0.01



$ (0.01)



$ 0.69

Diluted shares used in calculation 99.4























* See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA. ** Adjusted EPS may not sum across due to rounding.

HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Adjusted Earnings Per Share



For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015





Adjustments





As Reported

Professional Fees - Accounting, Tax, and Legal

Transaction Costs

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

As Adjusted

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) Adjusted EBITDA* $ 169.5



$ 



$ 



$ 



$ 169.5

Depreciation and amortization (32.7)















(32.7)

Professional fees - accounting, tax, and legal (0.1)



0.1













Loss on early extinguishment of debt (18.8)











18.8





Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (30.9)















(30.9)

Stock-based compensation (6.2)















(6.2)

Loss on disposal or impairment of assets (0.8)















(0.8)

Transaction costs (3.3)







3.3









Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 76.7



0.1



3.3



18.8



98.9

Provision for income tax expense (32.2)







(1.3)



(7.5)



(41.0)

Income from continuing operations attributable to HealthSouth $ 44.5



$ 0.1



$ 2.0



$ 11.3



$ 57.9

Add: Interest on convertible debt, net of tax 2.3















2.3

Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 46.8















$ 60.2





















Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations** $ 0.47



$ 



$ 0.02



$ 0.11



$ 0.59

Diluted shares used in calculation 101.5



















* See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA. ** Adjusted EPS may not sum across due to rounding.

HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Adjusted Earnings Per Share



For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016





Adjustments





As Reported

Professional Fees - Accounting, Tax, and Legal

Mark-to-Market Adjustment for Stock Appreciation Rights

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

Sale of Hospital

As Adjusted

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) Adjusted EBITDA* $ 396.4



$ 



$ 



$ 



$ 



$ 396.4

Depreciation and amortization (85.3)



















(85.3)

Professional fees - accounting, tax, and legal (1.9)



1.9

















Loss on early extinguishment of debt (4.8)











4.8









Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (88.0)



















(88.0)

Stock-based compensation (13.1)







0.5











(12.6)

Loss on disposal or impairment of assets (0.4)















(0.9)



(1.3)

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 202.9



1.9



0.5



4.8



(0.9)



209.2

Provision for income tax expense (82.1)



(0.8)



(0.2)



(1.9)



0.4



(84.6)

Income from continuing operations attributable to HealthSouth $ 120.8



$ 1.1



$ 0.3



$ 2.9



$ (0.5)



$ 124.6

Add: Interest on convertible debt, net of tax 4.8



















4.8

Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 125.6



















$ 129.4

























Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations** $ 1.26



$ 0.01



$ 



$ 0.03



$ (0.01)



$ 1.30

Diluted shares used in calculation 99.4























* See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA. ** Adjusted EPS may not sum across due to rounding.

HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Adjusted Earnings Per Share



For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015





Adjustments





As Reported

Government, Class Action, and Related Settlements

Professional Fees - Accounting, Tax, and Legal

Transaction Costs

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

As Adjusted

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) Adjusted EBITDA* $ 325.6



$ 



$ 



$ 



$ 



$ 325.6

Depreciation and amortization (64.6)



















(64.6)

Government, class action, and related settlements (8.0)



8.0

















Professional fees - accounting, tax, and legal (2.3)







2.3













Loss on early extinguishment of debt (20.0)















20.0





Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (62.7)



















(62.7)

Stock-based compensation (15.6)



















(15.6)

Gain on disposal or impairment of assets 0.7



















0.7

Transaction costs (3.3)











3.3









Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 149.8



8.0



2.3



3.3



20.0



183.4

Provision for income tax expense (62.5)



(3.2)



(0.9)



(1.3)



(8.0)



(75.9)

Income from continuing operations attributable to HealthSouth $ 87.3



$ 4.8



$ 1.4



$ 2.0



$ 12.0



$ 107.5

Add: Interest on convertible debt, net of tax 4.6



















4.6

Numerator for diluted earnings per share $ 91.9



















$ 112.1

























Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations** $ 0.91



$ 0.05



$ 0.01



$ 0.02



$ 0.12



$ 1.11

Diluted shares used in calculation 101.3

























* See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA.

** Adjusted EPS may not sum across due to rounding.

HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2016

2015

2016

2015

(In Millions) Net income $ 81.2



$ 60.2



$ 157.9



$ 119.2

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to HealthSouth 0.1



1.6



0.2



1.9

Provision for income tax expense 42.4



32.2



82.1



62.5

Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees 43.4



30.9



88.0



62.7

Professional feesaccounting, tax, and legal 1.7



0.1



1.9



2.3

Government, class action, and related settlements 











8.0

Loss on early extinguishment of debt 2.4



18.8



4.8



20.0

Net noncash loss (gain) on disposal or impairment of assets 0.2



0.8



0.4



(0.7)

Depreciation and amortization 42.9



32.7



85.3



64.6

Stock-based compensation expense 8.6



6.2



13.1



15.6

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (18.6)



(17.3)



(37.3)



(33.8)

Transaction costs 



3.3







3.3

Adjusted EBITDA $ 204.3



$ 169.5



$ 396.4



$ 325.6



Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax Expense



Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

Year Ended December 31, 2015

2016

2015

2016

2015



In Millions Total segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 230.1



$ 189.5



$ 449.6



$ 370.8



$ 774.1

General and administrative expenses (34.4)



(32.1)



(66.3)



(66.7)



(133.3)

Depreciation and amortization (42.9)



(32.7)



(85.3)



(64.6)



(139.7)

(Loss) gain on disposal or impairment of assets (0.2)



(0.8)



(0.4)



0.7



(2.6)

Government, class action, and related settlements 











(8.0)



(7.5)

Professional fees - accounting, tax, and legal (1.7)



(0.1)



(1.9)



(2.3)



(3.0)

Loss on early extinguishment of debt (2.4)



(18.8)



(4.8)



(20.0)



(22.4)

Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (43.4)



(30.9)



(88.0)



(62.7)



(142.9)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 18.6



17.3



37.3



33.8



69.7

Gain related to SCA equity interest 



2.6







2.6



3.2

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense $ 123.7



$ 94.0



$ 240.2



$ 183.6



$ 395.6



HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted EBITDA



Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

Year Ended

December 31,







2016

2015

2016

2015

2015

2014

(In Millions) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 152.2



$ 102.9



$ 311.9



$ 204.9



$ 484.8



$ 444.9

Provision for doubtful accounts (15.4)



(10.9)



(31.9)



(22.5)



(47.2)



(31.6)

Professional feesaccounting, tax, and legal 1.7



0.1



1.9



2.3



3.0



9.3

Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees 43.4



30.9



88.0



62.7



142.9



109.2

Equity in net income of nonconsolidated affiliates 2.4



2.3



4.8



3.9



8.7



10.7

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in continuing operations (18.6)



(17.3)



(37.3)



(33.8)



(69.7)



(59.7)

Amortization of debt-related items (3.4)



(3.0)



(6.8)



(6.3)



(14.3)



(12.7)

Distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates (1.3)



(1.8)



(3.0)



(3.7)



(7.7)



(12.6)

Current portion of income tax expense 4.0



3.4



9.0



6.9



14.8



13.3

Change in assets and liabilities 36.9



45.2



55.2



101.2



147.1



90.1

Net premium paid on bond transactions 2.0



11.8



3.9



3.8



3.9



4.3

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations 0.3



0.2



0.5



0.3



0.7



1.2

Transaction costs 



3.3







3.3



12.3





Encompass transaction costs 



















9.3

Other 0.1



2.4



0.2



2.6



3.2



1.9

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $ 204.3



$ 169.5



$ 396.4



$ 325.6



$ 682.5



$ 577.6



HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,





2016

2015

2016

2015

(In Millions) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 152.2



$ 102.9



$ 311.9



$ 204.9

Impact of discontinued operations 0.3



0.2



0.5



0.3

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 152.5



103.1



312.4



205.2

Capital expenditures for maintenance (22.9)



(18.2)



(40.6)



(36.5)

Dividends paid on convertible perpetual preferred stock 



(1.5)







(3.1)

Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates (18.0)



(13.0)



(33.6)



(26.2)

Items non-indicative of ongoing operations:













Net premium on bond issuance/repayment 2.0



11.8



3.9



3.8

Encompass transaction costs and related assumed liabilities 







0.5



17.7

Transaction costs 



1.6



0.3



1.6

Cash paid for:













Professional feesaccounting, tax, and legal 1.7



2.7



1.9



3.4

Government, class action, and related settlements 



8.0







8.0

Adjusted free cash flow $ 115.3



$ 94.5



$ 244.8



$ 173.9



For the three months ended June 30, 2016, net cash used in investing activities was $66.1 million and resulted primarily from capital expenditures. Net cash used in financing activities during the three months ended June 30, 2016 was $89.1 million and resulted primarily from the redemption of $50 million of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2022 in May 2016, cash dividends paid on common stock, distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates, and repurchases of common stock.

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, net cash used in investing activities was $81.0 million and resulted primarily from acquisitions of businesses, capital expenditures, and the net change in restricted cash. Net cash used in financing activities during the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $184.7 million and resulted primarily from the redemption of the Company's 8.125% Senior Notes due 2020.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, net cash used in investing activities was $105.6 million and resulted primarily from capital expenditures. Net cash used in financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $197.7 million and resulted primarily from cash dividends on common stock, distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates, common stock repurchases, and net debt payments

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, net cash used in investing activities was $126.7 million and resulted primarily from capital expenditures and acquisitions of businesses. Net cash used in financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $99.4 million and resulted primarily from cash dividends on common stock, distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates, and net debt payments.

HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release which are not historical facts, such as those relating to financial guidance and anticipated acquisitions, are forward-looking statements. In addition, HealthSouth, through its senior management, may from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning the matters described herein. All such estimates, projections, and forward-looking information speak only as of the date hereof, and HealthSouth undertakes no duty to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates based upon current information, involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and relate to, among other things, future events, HealthSouth's plan to repurchase its debt or equity securities, dividend strategies, effective income tax rates, HealthSouth's business strategy, its financial plans, its future financial performance, its projected business results or model, its ability to return value to shareholders, its projected capital expenditures, its leverage ratio, its acquisition opportunities, and the impact of future legislation or regulation. Actual events or results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those estimated by HealthSouth include, but are not limited to, the price of HealthSouth's common stock as it affects the Company's willingness and ability to repurchase shares and the financial and accounting effects of any repurchases; any adverse outcome of various lawsuits, claims, and legal or regulatory proceedings involving HealthSouth, including its pending DOJ and HHS-OIG investigations and any matters related to yet undiscovered issues, if any, at Encompass, Reliant, or CareSouth; any adverse effects on HealthSouth's stock price resulting from the integration of Encompass, Reliant, or CareSouth; potential disruptions, breaches, or other incidents affecting the proper operation, availability, or security of HealthSouth's information systems, including unauthorized access to or theft of patient, business associate, or other sensitive information or inability to provide patient care because of system unavailability as well as unforeseen issues, if any, related to integration of Encompass' systems; the ability to successfully integrate Encompass, Reliant, or CareSouth, including realization of anticipated tax benefits, revenues, and cost savings, minimizing the negative impact on margins arising from the changes in staffing and other operating practices, and avoidance of unforeseen exposure to liabilities; significant changes in HealthSouth's management team; HealthSouth's ability to successfully complete and integrate de novo developments, acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures consistent with its growth strategy; changes, delays in (including in connection with resolution of Medicare payment reviews or appeals), or suspension of reimbursement for HealthSouth's services by governmental or private payors; changes in the regulation of the healthcare industry at either or both of the federal and state levels, including as part of national healthcare reform and deficit reduction; competitive pressures in the healthcare industry and HealthSouth's response thereto; HealthSouth's ability to obtain and retain favorable arrangements with third-party payors; HealthSouth's ability to control costs, particularly labor and employee benefit costs, including group medical expenses; adverse effects resulting from coverage determinations made by Medicare Administrative Contractors regarding its Medicare reimbursement claims and lengthening delays in HealthSouth's ability to recover improperly denied claims through the administrative appeals process on a timely basis; HealthSouth's ability to adapt to changes in the healthcare delivery system, including involvement in coordinated care initiatives or programs that may arise with its referral sources; HealthSouth's ability to attract and retain nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals in a highly competitive environment with often severe staffing shortages and the impact on HealthSouth's labor expenses from potential union activity and staffing shortages; general conditions in the economy and capital markets, including any crisis resulting from uncertainty in the sovereign debt market; the increase in the costs of defending and insuring against alleged professional liability claims and HealthSouth's ability to predict the estimated costs related to such claims; and other factors which may be identified from time to time in HealthSouth's SEC filings and other public announcements, including HealthSouth's Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, when filed.

Media Contact Casey Lassiter, 205-641-1118 [email protected]

Investor Relations Contact Crissy Carlisle, 205-970-5860 [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150224/177409LOGO

SOURCE HealthSouth Corporation

Related Links

http://www.healthsouth.com


MONTREAL, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In proportion to the size of its population, Lebanon hosts the highest number of Syrian refugees in the world. Bookwitty, a new digital content and book discovery platform, in collaboration with the UNHCR's Save the Children, has donated books to supply a full mobile library in a refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley (https://youtu.be/gs2SUk5V5V0).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393622

"Books are very important for children: they expose them to a variety of topics and enhance their knowledge, and help stimulate their imagination. Reading books is also fundamental to motivate children to go to school and learn," says Save the Children Lebanon's Award Manager Ahmad Halablab, who is working with his organization to ensure that refugee children are not out of school for more than a month.

Over 800 books for children ages 6 to 14 were chosen by the UNHCR's Save the Children educational advisors from Bookwitty's extensive multi-lingual book catalogue to answer the pressing needs of a new mobile library. The mobile library concept is already present in other refugee camps in northern Lebanon, but there are none yet in the Bekaa Valley refugee camp.

The objective is to promote education and literacy by providing children, especially those who have not yet attended school, with a wide range of books. "We didn't have to think twice about helping the UNHCR launch a new mobile library considering that universal access to books is at the core of what we are about," says Cindy Carvalho, Marketing Director at Bookwitty.

Bookwitty has also used its digital content platform to bring awareness about the refugee crisis by posting personal stories, interviews and articles written by journalists, authors and refugees themselves. The posts showcase a more personal side to the situation that goes beyond just facts and figures.

"As avid readers, the entire team at Bookwitty recognizes the importance of reading, not just from an educational standpoint, but also to allow children to be momentarily transported somewhere else; giving them respite from their current situation."

Launched in 2015, Bookwitty.com is a unique knowledge-sharing platform that is centered around book discovery. It allows users to find, share and write content on books and a variety of topics, both specific and general. Through user generated-content, people can discover and purchase books, even the most inaccessible. It was named Official Content Platform in 2015 for both the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in London, as well as for Book Riot Live, an event for book lovers in NYC.

Related Images

image1.jpg

image2.jpg

Related Links

Bookwitty.com

Facebook Page

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs2SUk5V5V0

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Bookwitty

Related Links

https://www.bookwitty.com


NEWPORT BEACH, California, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Accelerize (OTCQB: ACLZ) (OTCBB: ACLZ) and its digital marketing software division CAKE, today announced that its CTO and Co-founder, Dave Stewart, will present with Kristen Pulver, Director of Affiliate Marketing of Horizon Media, the largest and fastest-growing privately held media services agency in the world, during Affiliate Summit East (ASE). The session titled "Affiliate Marketing: Why Data Matters" will offer insights into how data provides clarity into campaign performance and how to leverage data to make smarter digital investments with affiliate marketing programs. The presentation takes place on the first day of the event, July 31 at 4 p.m. EST.

ASE 2016 takes place July 31 to August 2 at the Marriott Marquis in the heart of New York City. Bringing together more than 5,500 attendees including merchants, vendors, networks and technology providers, the event offers three days of insightful tracks, three separate tradeshow areas and a multitude of networking events.

During the session, Stewart and Pulver will explore the role data plays from an agency, advertiser and affiliate perspective in optimizing their performance marketing activities, increasing ROI and understanding how data affects their long-term goals. In particular, attendees will gain insights on the following:

Leveraging data to make smarter decisions with your digital spend.

Collecting and analyzing demographic data, purchase acquisition information and campaign attribution.

Increasing transparency to combat fraud.

Implementing attribution to understand traffic patterns and consumer behaviors.

"Marketers have access to more data than ever. This is exciting, but can also be overwhelming at first," said Dave Stewart, CTO, CAKE. "The availability of real-time data allows marketers the opportunity to pro-actively source new publishers, gain a more accurate understanding of attribution and ultimately make better decisions for their clients. In our session at ASE, we will provide best practices on how to use data to increase profitability and the average lifetime value of customers."

CAKE will be exhibiting at Meet Market tables #211 and #212 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City on Sunday, July 31 from noon to 6 pm EST.

About CAKE by Accelerize

CAKE, a division of Accelerize Inc., provides a cloud-based solution to track and analyze the performance of digital marketing return on investment, in real-time. Bringing clarity to multi-channel marketing campaigns, we empower advertisers, agencies, publishers and networks from more than 30 countries worldwide with the insight to make intelligent marketing decisions. CAKE by Accelerize is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. with operations in London and New Delhi. For more information, visit http://www.getcake.com.

About Accelerize

Accelerize Inc. (OTCQB: ACLZ) (OTCBB: ACLZ) offers marketing technology solutions that revolutionize the way advertisers leverage their digital advertising data. For more information, visit http://www.accelerize.com.

Use of Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements from Accelerize Inc. within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and federal securities laws. For example, when Accelerize uses statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will" and similar expressions, Accelerize is using forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Accelerize only, and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; our technology may not be validated as we progress further; we may be unable to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products and services; unforeseen market and technological difficulties may develop with our products and services; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; or, loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition, which could cause the actual results or performance of Accelerize to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Accelerize undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risk and uncertainties affecting Accelerize, reference is made to Accelerize's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

# # #

Media Contact

Jill Hara

[email protected]

+1-949-548-2253 x 257



Investor Contact

Ascendant Partners, LLC

Fred Sommer

[email protected]

+1-732-410-9810



SOURCE Accelerize Inc.
FREMONT, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Intel announced the availability of its Rack Scale Design (also known as Intel RSD, and formerly known as the Intel Rack Scale Architecture). The Intel Rack Scale Design is the first framework to use and to be based upon the Redfish industry standard from DMTF for modern and secure management of scalable platform hardware in the modern datacenter. Additionally, the framework enables dynamic management of compute, memory, PCIe and storage resources and the pooling of those resources for more efficient utilization of data center assets. Leveraging Intel RSD technology, Inspur InCloudRack offers an innovative and agile rack-level solution, which allows modern data centers and cloud environments fast deployment time. The solution also reduces time to market, performs with exceptional serviceability, manageability, and reliability, and its unmatched energy efficiency also reduces cost - leading to lower OPEX, and higher ROI.

Powerful Solutions Enhanced by Strategic Partnership

The Intel Rack Scale Design accelerates service delivery through a software-composable system and rapid provisioning of applications. Inspur InCloudRack's modular design, complete with Intel RSD, combines centralized power, cooling, and management into a rack-level converged infrastructure -- revolutionizing how modern data centers and cloud environment can be built. Inspur has been a key partner for Intel through the years, and one of the first to integrate Intel RSD in its cutting edge rack-level hardware solution. More recently, Inspur has invested significant resources to integrate an orchestration layer along with the latest Intel RSD components PODM, PSME, RMM on top of the InCloudRack hardware platform, delivering an end-to-end Software Defined Data Center solution, which conference attendees can preview at the upcoming Intel Developer Forum (IDF), August 16-18 in San Francisco, California.

July 28, 2016 Availability

The official announcement of the availability of the Intel Rack Scale Design released by Intel is July 28, 2016. The Intel Rack Scale Design code is also available as open source and the code is ready to productize and incorporate into orchestration solutions. Download the code here: https://github.com/01org/intelRSD to begin exploring how to innovate with Intel RSD and Inspur InCloudRack. Visit Inspur's booth (#400) at IDF 2016 to see how InCloudRack featuring Intel Rack Scale Design can transform your datacenter solutions.

Founded in 1945, Inspur is one of the top 5 server vendors in the world and a leading cloud computing total solutions provider. With the annual manufacturing capacity of 1,000,000+ servers, Inspur has exported its hardware and software solutions to more than 102 countries, worldwide. Inspur is also #1 in Hyperscale Datacenter Deployments, Cloud Solutions and is the Top Software Brand in China. Learn more about Inspur InCloudRack at http://www.inspursystems.com/products/incloud-rack/.

Inspur and Intel Rack Scale Design are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Inspur and Intel in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, press only:

Lydia Young

510-727-5270

[email protected]

For more information on Intel Rack Scale Design:

http://www.intel.com/intelrsd

For Intel's Blog:

http://itpeernetwork.intel.com/

For more information on Inspur InCloudRack:

http://www.inspursystems.com/products/incloud-rack/

SOURCE Inspur Group Co., Ltd.
ATLANTA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Invesco Ltd. (NYSE: IVZ) today reported financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2016.

"Strong investment performance and a continued focus on helping clients meet their investment objectives produced long-term net inflows of $4.5 billion for the quarter," said Martin L. Flanagan, president and CEO of Invesco. "Invesco also returned total shareholder capital of $318 million during the quarter, and announced a second-quarter cash dividend of 28 cents. The solid results for the firm came in spite of increased volatility relating to the UK's vote to leave the European Union."



Q2-16

Q1-16

Q2-16 vs.

Q1-16

Q2-15

Q2-16 vs. Q2-15























U.S. GAAP Financial Measures



















Operating revenues $1,189.4 m

$1,148.7 m

3.5 %

$1,318.1 m

(9.8) %

Operating income $301.5 m

$274.4 m

9.9 %

$364.0 m

(17.2) %

Operating margin 25.3 %

23.9 %





27.6 %





Net income attributable to Invesco Ltd. $225.5 m

$161.0 m

40.1 %

$257.3 m

(12.4) %

Diluted EPS $0.54



$0.38



42.1 %

$0.60



(10.0) %













































Adjusted Financial Measures (1)



















Net revenues $856.6 m

$818.1 m

4.7 %

$936.6 m

(8.5) %

Adjusted operating income $330.4 m

$307.1 m

7.6 %

$390.2 m

(15.3) %

Adjusted operating margin 38.6 %

37.5 %





41.7 %





Adjusted net income attributable to Invesco Ltd. $233.0 m

$204.8 m

13.8 %

$271.4 m

(14.1) %

Adjusted diluted EPS $0.56



$0.49



14.3 %

$0.63



(11.1) %























Assets Under Management



















Ending AUM $779.6 bn

$771.5 bn

1.0 %

$803.6 bn

(3.0) %

Average AUM $784.5 bn

$747.5 bn

4.9 %

$810.9 bn

(3.3) %







(1) The adjusted financial measures are all non-GAAP financial measures. See the information on pages 8 and 9

for a reconciliation to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

Assets Under Management

Total assets under management (AUM) at June 30, 2016, were $779.6 billion (March 31, 2016: $771.5 billion), an increase of $8.1 billion during the second quarter. Total net inflows were $2.7 billion for the second quarter, as detailed below:

Summary of net flows (in billions)

Q2-16

Q1-16

Q2-15 Active

$



$0.5



$5.4

Passive

4.5



(1.8)



0.5

Long-term net flows

4.5



(1.3)



5.9

Invesco PowerShares QQQ

(3.8)



(2.6)



(0.3)

Money market

2.0



3.8



(2.6)

Total net flows

$2.7



($0.1)



$3.0

















Net market gains led to increases of $10.7 billion in AUM during the second quarter, compared to market losses of $3.0 billion in the first quarter 2016. Foreign exchange rate movements led to a $7.7 billion decrease in AUM during the second quarter, compared to a $2.6 billion increase in the first quarter 2016. The acquisition of the controlling interest in our Indian asset management joint venture added $2.4 billion to AUM during the second quarter. Average AUM during the second quarter were $784.5 billion, compared to $747.5 billion for the first quarter 2016, an increase of 4.9%. Further analysis is included in the supplementary schedules to this release.

Operating Results

This section discusses the company's second quarter 2016 results, as compared to the first quarter 2016, and comments on significant items that have impacted the company's results as presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Operating revenues increased $40.7 million (3.5%) to $1,189.4 million in the second quarter, from $1,148.7 million in the first quarter 2016. The change was primarily due to increased investment management fees. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter operating revenues by $8.7 million compared to the first quarter 2016.

Investment management fees increased $33.1 million (3.6%) to $946.7 million in the second quarter, from $913.6 million in the first quarter 2016. The increase reflects the higher average AUM during the second quarter compared to the first quarter 2016. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter management fees by $7.7 million when compared to first quarter 2016.

Service and distribution fees increased $5.7 million (2.9%) to $203.4 million in the second quarter, from $197.7 million in the first quarter 2016. The increase in service and distribution fees reflects the higher average AUM for products that receive these fees in the second quarter. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter service and distribution fees by $0.5 million when compared to first quarter 2016.

Performance fees were $8.9 million in the second quarter, compared to $14.5 million in the first quarter 2016. The second quarter performance fees include $5.1 million generated from bank loan products. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter performance fees by $0.1 million when compared to first quarter 2016.

Other revenues increased by $7.5 million (32.8%) to $30.4 million in the second quarter, compared to $22.9 million in the first quarter 2016, primarily due to increased transaction fees from real estate. Foreign exchange rate changes increased other revenues by $0.4 million in the second quarter when compared to the first quarter 2016.

Operating expenses increased $13.6 million (1.6%) to $887.9 million in the second quarter, from $874.3 million in the first quarter 2016. The increase in operating expenses includes a $6.1 million increase in general and administrative expenses recorded by consolidated investment products. Business optimization charges associated with our ongoing transformation initiative increased $3.5 million to $10.3 million in the second quarter of 2016, from $6.8 million in the first quarter 2016. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter operating expenses by $6.4 million when compared to the first quarter 2016.

Third-party distribution, service and advisory expenses increased by $1.2 million (0.3%) to $348.4 million in the second quarter from $347.2 million in the first quarter 2016. Foreign exchange rate changes increased third-party distribution, service and advisory expenses by $2.3 million in the second quarter when compared to the first quarter 2016.

Employee compensation expenses increased by $5.9 million (1.7%) to $350.3 million in the second quarter, from $344.4 million in the first quarter 2016. Employee compensation in the second quarter includes an increase in sales commissions and other variable compensation costs, a full quarter of higher base salaries following the annual merit increases that were effective from March 1, and an increase in deferred compensation expenses for the awards granted in the first quarter. These increases were partly offset by reduced payroll taxes. Additionally the first quarter included $5.4 million in compensation costs associated with the Jemstep acquisition. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter employee compensation expenses by $2.8 million when compared to the first quarter 2016.

Marketing expenses increased by $3.4 million (13.7%) to $28.3 million in the second quarter, from $24.9 million in the first quarter 2016 reflecting a seasonal increase in client events. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter marketing expenses by $0.3 million when compared to the first quarter 2016.

Property, office and technology expenses increased $2.4 million (3.0%) to $82.3 million in the second quarter, from $79.9 million in the first quarter 2016, the increase reflecting higher technology costs. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter property, office and technology expenses by $0.5 million when compared to the first quarter 2016.

General and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million (0.9%) to $78.6 million in the second quarter, from $77.9 million in the first quarter 2016. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter include a $6.1 million increase in expenses recorded by our consolidated investment products associated with product launch costs, a $10.9 million reduction in expenses pertaining to regulatory investigations as we recorded a settlement credit of $4.9 million in the second quarter (first quarter 2016: $6.0 million charge), and a $2.4 million increase in professional services fees associated with the business optimization initiative. Foreign exchange rate changes increased second quarter general and administrative expenses by $0.5 million when compared to the first quarter 2016.

Equity in earning of unconsolidated affiliates increased $16.8 million to $4.6 million in the second quarter from losses of $12.2 million in the first quarter 2016. The first quarter included a non-cash impairment charge of $17.8 million related to the investment in our Indian asset management joint venture. The charge related entirely to the devaluation of the Indian Rupee against the U.S. Dollar over the period since the 2013 purchase.

Non-operating other income and expenses in the second quarter also included a $37.9 million CIP gain attributable to market-driven gains of investments held by the consolidated funds. This compared to a first quarter 2016 CIP loss of $7.5 million.

Other gains and losses, net was a net loss in the second quarter of $4.2 million compared to a net loss of $4.7 million in the first quarter. The components and variances are included in the table below:

Summary of Other gains and losses, net (in millions)

Q2-16

Q1-16

Change Investment gains/(losses)

0.4



(1.9)



$2.3

Market valuation gains/(losses) in deferred compensation plan investments

3.6



(1.7)



5.3

Market valuation gains/(losses) on acquisition-related contingent consideration

(15.1)



3.5



(18.6)

Market valuation gains/(losses) on foreign exchange hedge contract

6.6



2.5



4.1

Foreign exchange gains/(losses) on intercompany loans

0.3



(7.1)



7.4





($4.2)



($4.7)



$0.5

















The acquisition-related contingent consideration gains and losses relate to the investment management contracts acquired from Deutsche Bank in the first quarter of 2015.

The effective tax rate decreased to 26.1% for the second quarter, from 31.3% for the first quarter 2016. The impact of the inclusion of non-controlling interests in CIP decreased our effective tax rate by 1.0% for the second quarter, compared to an increase of 0.4% for the first quarter 2016. First quarter 2016 included a 2.2% rate increase as a result of the non-cash impairment charge related to the 49% investment in our Indian asset management company. Second quarter 2016 included a 0.5% rate decrease as a result of adjustments related to changes in the fair value of contingent consideration discussed above. The remainder of the rate movement for the second quarter 2016 was primarily due to changes in the mix of pre-tax income.

Capital Management

As of June 30, 2016, the company's cash and cash equivalents were $1,446.2 million, with long-term debt of $2,072.7 million. The credit facility balance was zero at both June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016.

Dividends paid in the second quarter were $117.6 million. Today the company is announcing a second-quarter cash dividend of 28.0 cents. The dividend is payable on September 2, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 18, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of August 16, 2016.

During the second quarter the company repurchased $200.0 million of its common shares on the open market, representing 7.4 million shares at a weighted average share price of $27.14. This amount includes $120.0 million, representing 4.7 million shares, out of the $150.0 million accelerated share repurchase agreement announced on June 30, 2016.

On July 22, 2016, the company's board of directors authorized an additional $1.5 billion for the share repurchase program with no stated expiration date.

Headcount

As of June 30, 2016, the company had 6,796 employees, compared to 6,552 employees as of March 31, 2016. The headcount increase is primarily attributable to our purchase of our Indian asset management company, as mentioned below.

Business Acquisitions

On April 5, 2016, the company increased its ownership in its Indian asset management company, previously our joint venture in India, from 49% to 100%.

Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. NYSE: IVZ; www.invesco.com .

Members of the investment community and general public are invited to listen to the conference call today, July 28, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. ET by dialing one of the following numbers: 1-866-617-1526 for U.S. and Canadian callers or 1-210-795-0624 for international callers. An audio replay of the conference call will be available until Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. ET by calling 1-800-925-3886 for U.S. and Canadian callers or 1-203-369-3963 for international callers. A presentation highlighting the company's performance will be available during a live Webcast and on Invesco's Website at www.invesco.com .

This release, and comments made in the associated conference call today, may include "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements include information concerning future results of our operations, expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures, industry or market conditions, assets under management, geopolitical events and their potential impact on the company, acquisitions and divestitures, debt and our ability to obtain additional financing or make payments, regulatory developments, demand for and pricing of our products and other aspects of our business or general economic conditions. In addition, words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," and future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "could," "should," and "would" as well as any other statement that necessarily depends on future events, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements and urge you to carefully consider the risks described in our most recent Form 10-K and subsequent Forms 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may obtain these reports from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . We expressly disclaim any obligation to update the information in any public disclosure if any forward-looking statement later turns out to be inaccurate.

Invesco Ltd. Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited, in millions, other than per share amounts)





Q2-16

Q1-16

%

Change

Q2-15

%

Change Operating revenues:

















Investment management fees $946.7



$913.6



3.6 %

$1,055.7



(10.3) % Service and distribution fees 203.4



197.7



2.9 %

219.6



(7.4) % Performance fees 8.9



14.5



(38.6) %

6.7



32.8 % Other 30.4



22.9



32.8 %

36.1



(15.8) % Total operating revenues 1,189.4



1,148.7



3.5 %

1,318.1



(9.8) % Operating expenses:

















Third-party distribution, service and advisory 348.4



347.2



0.3 %

413.3



(15.7) % Employee compensation 350.3



344.4



1.7 %

347.2



0.9 % Marketing 28.3



24.9



13.7 %

29.7



(4.7) % Property, office and technology 82.3



79.9



3.0 %

74.8



10.0 % General and administrative 78.6



77.9



0.9 %

89.1



(11.8) % Total operating expenses 887.9



874.3



1.6 %

954.1



(6.9) % Operating income 301.5



274.4



9.9 %

364.0



(17.2) % Other income/(expense):

















Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 4.6



(12.2)



N/A



12.0



(61.7) % Interest and dividend income 2.5



3.6



(30.6) %

2.6



(3.8) % Interest expense (22.1)



(23.9)



(7.5) %

(19.6)



12.8 % Other gains and losses, net (4.2)



(4.7)



(10.6) %

(8.8)



(52.3) % Other income/(expense) of CIP, net 37.9



(7.5)



N/A



(1.9)



N/A

Other income/(expense) of CSIP, net 







N/A



5.1



N/A

Income before income taxes 320.2



229.7



39.4 %

353.4



(9.4) % Income tax provision (83.7)



(71.9)



16.4 %

(109.4)



(23.5) % Net income 236.5



157.8



49.9 %

244.0



(3.1) % Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities (11.0)



3.2



N/A



13.3



N/A

Net income attributable to Invesco Ltd. $225.5



$161.0



40.1 %

$257.3



(12.4) % Earnings per share:

















---basic $0.54



$0.38



42.1 %

$0.60



(10.0) % ---diluted $0.54



$0.38



42.1 %

$0.60



(10.0) %



















Average shares outstanding:

















---basic 418.9



418.7



0.0 %

431.9



(3.0) % ---diluted 419.1



418.9



0.0 %

432.2



(3.0) %

Invesco Ltd. Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited, in millions, other than per share amounts)





Six months ended June 30,





2016

2015

%

Change Operating revenues:









Investment management fees $1,860.3



$2,057.1



(9.6) % Service and distribution fees 401.1



433.0



(7.4) % Performance fees 23.4



53.5



(56.3) % Other 53.3



66.1



(19.4) % Total operating revenues 2,338.1



2,609.7



(10.4) % Operating expenses:









Third-party distribution, service and advisory 695.6



812.4



(14.4) % Employee compensation 694.7



708.1



(1.9) % Marketing 53.2



56.4



(5.7) % Property, office and technology 162.2



151.7



6.9 % General and administrative 156.5



179.0



(12.6) % Total operating expenses 1,762.2



1,907.6



(7.6) % Operating income 575.9



702.1



(18.0) % Other income/(expense):









Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (7.6)



23.8



N/A

Interest and dividend income 6.1



5.1



19.6 % Interest expense (46.0)



(38.3)



20.1 % Other gains and losses, net (8.9)



(6.1)



45.9 % Other income/(expense) of CIP, net 30.4



37.6



(19.1) % Other income/(expense) of CSIP, net 



14.5



N/A

Income before income taxes 549.9



738.7



(25.6) % Income tax provision (155.6)



(210.7)



(26.2) % Net income 394.3



528.0



(25.3) % Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities (7.8)



(11.1)



(29.7) % Net income attributable to Invesco Ltd. $386.5



$516.9



(25.2) % Earnings per share:









---basic $0.92



$1.20



(23.3) % ---diluted $0.92



$1.20



(23.3) %











Average shares outstanding:









---basic 418.8



432.0



(3.1) % ---diluted 419.1



432.3



(3.1) %

Invesco Ltd.

Non-GAAP Information and Reconciliations

We are presenting the following non-GAAP performance measures: net revenues (and by calculation, net revenue yield on AUM), adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income attributable to Invesco Ltd., and adjusted diluted EPS. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide greater transparency into our business on an ongoing operations basis and allow more appropriate comparisons with industry peers. Management uses these performance measures to evaluate the business and for internal management reporting. The most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures are operating revenues (and by calculation, gross revenue yield on AUM), operating income, operating margin, net income attributable to Invesco Ltd., and diluted EPS. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as substitutes for any measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following are reconciliations between the presented non-GAAP measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. These measures are described more fully in the company's Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Refer to these public filings for additional information about the company' non-GAAP performance measures. In addition, a reconciliation of adjusted operating expenses is provided below, together with reconciliations of the U.S. GAAP operating expense lines to provide further analysis of the non-GAAP adjustments.

Reconciliation of Operating revenues to Net revenues:

in millions Q2-16

Q1-16

Q2-15

Operating revenues, U.S. GAAP basis 1,189.4



1,148.7



1,318.1



Proportional share of revenues, net of third-party distribution, service and advisory expenses, from joint venture investments 10.5



11.1



21.4



Third party distribution, service and advisory expenses (348.4)



(347.2)



(413.3)



CIP 5.1



5.5



10.4



Net revenues 856.6



818.1



936.6



















Reconciliation of Operating income to Adjusted operating income:

in millions Q2-16

Q1-16

Q2-15

Operating income, U.S. GAAP basis 301.5



274.4



364.0



Proportional share of net operating income from joint venture investments 4.2



3.3



12.1



CIP 13.0



7.3



11.9



Business combinations 4.5



9.5



2.6



Compensation expense related to market valuation changes in deferred compensation plans 1.8



(0.2)



1.3



Business optimization expenses 10.3



6.8



(6.4)



Regulatory-related (credits)/charges (4.9)



6.0







Fund reimbursement expense 







4.7



Adjusted operating income 330.4



307.1



390.2

















Operating margin (1) 25.3 %

23.9 %

27.6 %

Adjusted operating margin (2) 38.6 %

37.5 %

41.7 %



Reconciliation of Net income attributable to Invesco Ltd. to Adjusted net income attributable to Invesco Ltd.

in millions Q2-16

Q1-16

Q2-15

Net income attributable to Invesco Ltd., U.S. GAAP basis 225.5



161.0



257.3



CIP, eliminated upon consolidation (8.0)



8.4



(0.4)



Business combinations:











Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration 15.1



(3.5)







Other-than-temporary impairment 



17.8







Other business combination-related adjustments 4.5



9.5



2.6



Deferred compensation plan market valuation changes and dividend income less compensation expense (2.0)



1.4



4.5



Business optimization expenses 10.3



6.8



(6.4)



Regulatory-related (credits)/charges (4.9)



6.0







Foreign exchange hedge (8.4)



(1.4)



6.2



Fund reimbursement expense 







4.7



Taxation:











Taxation on business combinations (1.7)



3.5



4.8



Taxation on deferred compensation plan market valuation changes and dividend income less compensation expense 0.7



(0.3)



(1.4)



Taxation on business optimization charges (3.2)



(2.3)



1.3



Taxation on regulatory-related (credits)/charges 1.9



(2.3)







Taxation on foreign exchange hedge 3.2



0.2







Taxation on fund reimbursement expense 







(1.8)



Adjusted net income attributable to Invesco Ltd. (4) 233.0



204.8



271.4

















Average shares outstanding - diluted 419.1



418.9



432.2



Diluted EPS $0.54



$0.38



$0.60



Adjusted diluted EPS (3) $0.56



$0.49



$0.63









(1) Operating margin is equal to operating income divided by operating revenues. (2) Adjusted operating margin is equal to adjusted operating income divided by net revenues. (3) Adjusted diluted EPS is equal to adjusted net income attributable to Invesco Ltd. divided by the weighted average number of common and restricted shares outstanding. There is no difference between the calculated earnings per share amounts presented above and the calculated earnings per share amounts under the two class method. (4) The effective tax rate on adjusted net income attributable to Invesco Ltd. is 26.5% (first quarter 2016: 26.5%; second quarter 2015: 28.7%).

Reconciliation of Operating expenses to Adjusted operating expenses:

in millions Q2-16

Q1-16

Q2-15

Operating expenses, U.S. GAAP basis 887.9



874.3



954.1



Proportional share of revenues, net of third-party distribution expenses, from joint venture investments 6.3



7.8



9.3



Third party distribution, service and advisory expenses (348.4)



(347.2)



(413.3)



CIP (7.9)



(1.8)



(1.5)



Business combinations (4.5)



(9.5)



(2.6)



Compensation expense related to market valuation changes in deferred compensation plans (1.8)



0.2



(1.3)



Business optimization (10.3)



(6.8)



6.4



Regulatory-related credits/(charges) 4.9



(6.0)







Fund reimbursement settlement costs 







(4.7)



Adjusted operating expenses 526.2



511.0



546.4

















Employee compensation, U.S. GAAP basis 350.3



344.4



347.2



Proportional consolidation of joint ventures 4.1



5.1



5.5



Business combinations (0.3)



(5.4)







Market appreciation/depreciation of deferred compensation awards (1.8)



0.2



(1.3)



Business optimization (4.4)



(4.0)







Adjusted employee compensation 347.9



340.3



351.4

















Marketing, U.S. GAAP basis 28.3



24.9



29.7



Proportional consolidation of joint ventures 0.7



0.5



1.0



Adjusted marketing 29.0



25.4



30.7

















Property, office and technology, U.S. GAAP basis 82.3



79.9



74.8



Proportional consolidation of joint ventures 0.9



0.9



1.0



Business optimization (0.4)



0.3



6.4



Adjusted property, office and technology 82.8



81.1



82.2

















General and administrative, U.S. GAAP basis 78.6



77.9



89.1



Proportional consolidation of joint ventures 0.6



1.3



1.8



Business combinations (4.2)



(4.1)



(2.6)



CIP (7.9)



(1.8)



(1.5)



Business optimization (5.5)



(3.1)







Regulatory-related credits/(charges) 4.9



(6.0)







Fund reimbursement settlement costs 







(4.7)



Adjusted general and administrative 66.5



64.2



82.1



















Invesco Ltd. Quarterly Assets Under Management



(in billions) Q2-16

Q1-16

%

Change

Q2-15 Beginning Assets $771.5



$775.6



(0.5) %

$798.3

Long-term inflows 45.8



42.8



7.0 %

52.1

Long-term outflows (41.3)



(44.1)



(6.3) %

(46.2)

Long-term net flows 4.5



(1.3)



N/A



5.9

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)



(2.6)



46.2 %

(0.3)

Net flows in institutional money market funds 2.0



3.8



(47.4) %

(2.6)

Total net flows 2.7



(0.1)



N/A



3.0

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 10.7



(3.0)



N/A



(6.2)

Acquisitions/dispositions, net 2.4



(3.6)



N/A





Foreign currency translation (7.7)



2.6



N/A



8.5

Ending Assets $779.6



$771.5



1.0 %

$803.6

















Average long-term AUM $681.8



$649.2



5.0 %

$706.1

Average AUM $784.5



$747.5



4.9 %

$810.9

















Gross revenue yield on AUM(a) 61.3 bps

62.1 bps





65.6 bps Gross revenue yield on AUM before performance fees(a) 60.9 bps

61.3 bps





65.2 bps Net revenue yield on AUM(b) 43.7 bps

43.8 bps





46.2 bps Net revenue yield on AUM before performance fees(b) 43.2 bps

42.9 bps





45.6 bps

(in billions) Total AUM

Active(e)

Passive(e) March 31, 2016 $771.5



$640.4



$131.1

Long-term inflows 45.8



33.5



12.3

Long-term outflows (41.3)



(33.5)



(7.8)

Long-term net flows 4.5







4.5

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)







(3.8)

Net flows in institutional money market funds 2.0



1.9



0.1

Total net flows 2.7



1.9



0.8

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 10.7



9.2



1.5

Acquisitions/dispositions, net 2.4



2.4





Foreign currency translation (7.7)



(7.8)



0.1

June 30, 2016 $779.6



$646.1



$133.5













Average AUM $784.5



$652.8



$131.7

Gross revenue yield on AUM(a) 61.3 bps

70.9 bps

14.6 bps Net revenue yield on AUM(b) 43.7 bps

49.5 bps

14.6 bps













By channel: (in billions) Total

Retail

Institutional March 31, 2016 $771.5



$507.7



$263.8

Long-term inflows 45.8



34.8



11.0

Long-term outflows (41.3)



(35.3)



(6.0)

Long-term net flows 4.5



(0.5)



5.0

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)



(3.8)





Net flows in institutional money market funds 2.0







2.0

Total net flows 2.7



(4.3)



7.0

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 10.7



7.8



2.9

Acquisitions/dispositions, net 2.4



0.4



2.0

Foreign currency translation (7.7)



(7.3)



(0.4)

June 30, 2016 $779.6



$504.3



$275.3















See the footnotes immediately following these tables.

Invesco Ltd. Quarterly Assets Under Management (continued)



By asset class: (in billions) Total

Equity

Fixed Income

Balanced

Money

Market (d)

Alternatives(c) March 31, 2016 $771.5



$359.5



$187.1



$46.8



$68.6



$109.5

Long-term inflows 45.8



20.5



12.0



3.2



1.0



9.1

Long-term outflows (41.3)



(27.0)



(6.4)



(3.0)



(0.8)



(4.1)

Long-term net flows 4.5



(6.5)



5.6



0.2



0.2



5.0

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)



(3.8)

















Net flows in institutional money market funds 2.0















2.0





Total net flows 2.7



(10.3)



5.6



0.2



2.2



5.0

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 10.7



3.5



3.4



1.6







2.2

Acquisitions/dispositions, net 2.4



0.4



1.6







0.4





Foreign currency translation (7.7)



(4.3)



(1.4)



(1.2)



(0.1)



(0.7)

June 30, 2016 $779.6



$348.8



$196.3



$47.4



$71.1



$116.0

























Average AUM $784.5



$357.0



$193.7



$47.7



$72.8



$113.3



























By client domicile: (in billions) Total

U.S.

Canada

U.K.

Continental Europe

Asia March 31, 2016 $771.5



$507.5



$22.9



$99.2



$74.9



$67.0

Long-term inflows 45.8



27.7



0.8



3.2



6.1



8.0

Long-term outflows (41.3)



(25.6)



(1.0)



(3.8)



(7.0)



(3.9)

Long-term net flows 4.5



2.1



(0.2)



(0.6)



(0.9)



4.1

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)



(3.8)

















Net flows in institutional money market funds 2.0



(1.1)



0.4











2.7

Total net flows 2.7



(2.8)



0.2



(0.6)



(0.9)



6.8

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 10.7



7.9



0.1



1.7



0.3



0.7

Acquisitions/dispositions, net 2.4



















2.4

Foreign currency translation (7.7)



(0.1)



(0.1)



(6.5)



(1.5)



0.5

June 30, 2016 $779.6



$512.5



$23.1



$93.8



$72.8



$77.4



























See the footnotes immediately following these tables.

Invesco Ltd. Year-to-Date Assets Under Management



(in billions) June 30, 2016

June 30, 2015

% Change Beginning Assets $775.6



$792.4



(2.1) % Long-term inflows 88.6



102.6



(13.6) % Long-term outflows (85.4)



(86.4)



(1.2) % Long-term net flows 3.2



16.2



(80.2) % Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)



(2.9)



120.7 % Net flows in institutional money market funds 5.8



(8.6)



N/A

Total net flows 2.6



4.7



(44.7) % Market gains and losses/reinvestment 7.7



12.0



(35.8) % Acquisitions/dispositions, net (1.2)



(0.7)



71.4 % Foreign currency translation (5.1)



(4.8)



6.3 % Ending Assets $779.6



$803.6



(3.0) %











Average long-term AUM $665.5



$695.5



(4.3) % Average AUM $766.0



$803.2



(4.6) %











Gross revenue yield on AUM(a) 61.7 bps

65.5 bps



Gross revenue yield on AUM before performance fees(a) 61.1 bps

64.1 bps



Net revenue yield on AUM(b) 43.7 bps

46.2 bps



Net revenue yield on AUM before performance fees(b) 43.1 bps

44.6 bps





(in billions) Total AUM

Active(e)

Passive(e) December 31, 2015 $775.6



$636.5



$139.1

Long-term inflows 88.6



66.4



22.2

Long-term outflows (85.4)



(65.9)



(19.5)

Long-term net flows 3.2



0.5



2.7

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)







(6.4)

Net flows in institutional money market funds 5.8



6.0



(0.2)

Total net flows 2.6



6.5



(3.9)

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 7.7



6.4



1.3

Acquisitions/dispositions, net (1.2)



2.0



(3.2)

Foreign currency translation (5.1)



(5.3)



0.2

June 30, 2016 $779.6



$646.1



$133.5













Average AUM $766.0



$636.7



$129.3

Gross revenue yield on AUM(a) 61.7 bps

71.5 bps

14.2 bps Net revenue yield on AUM(b) 43.7 bps

49.7 bps

14.2 bps













By channel: (in billions) Total

Retail

Institutional December 31, 2015 $775.6



$514.8



$260.8

Long-term inflows 88.6



67.9



20.7

Long-term outflows (85.4)



(71.1)



(14.3)

Long-term net flows 3.2



(3.2)



6.4

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)



(6.4)





Net flows in institutional money market funds 5.8







5.8

Total net flows 2.6



(9.6)



12.2

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 7.7



4.7



3.0

Acquisitions/dispositions, net (1.2)



0.4



(1.6)

Foreign currency translation (5.1)



(6.0)



0.9

June 30, 2016 $779.6



$504.3



$275.3















See the footnotes immediately following these tables.

Invesco Ltd. Year-to-Date Assets Under Management (continued)



By asset class: (in billions) Total

Equity

Fixed Income

Balanced

Money

Market (d)

Alternatives(c) December 31, 2015 $775.6



$370.9



$187.9



$48.1



$64.6



$104.1

Long-term inflows 88.6



40.9



21.7



5.2



2.0



18.8

Long-term outflows (85.4)



(51.6)



(16.5)



(6.6)



(1.8)



(8.9)

Long-term net flows 3.2



(10.7)



5.2



(1.4)



0.2



9.9

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)



(6.4)

















Net flows in institutional money market funds 5.8















5.8





Total net flows 2.6



(17.1)



5.2



(1.4)



6.0



9.9

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 7.7



(2.0)



5.4



1.0



0.2



3.1

Acquisitions/dispositions, net (1.2)



0.4



(1.1)







0.4



(0.9)

Foreign currency translation (5.1)



(3.4)



(1.1)



(0.3)



(0.1)



(0.2)

June 30, 2016 $779.6



$348.8



$196.3



$47.4



$71.1



$116.0

























Average AUM $766.0



$350.7



$189.5



$46.7



$70.0



$109.1



























By client domicile: (in billions) Total

U.S.

Canada

U.K.

Continental Europe

Asia December 31, 2015 $775.6



$510.7



$21.7



$104.2



$75.4



$63.6

Long-term inflows 88.6



52.1



1.8



7.4



12.7



14.6

Long-term outflows (85.4)



(52.3)



(2.2)



(8.8)



(15.2)



(6.9)

Long-term net flows 3.2



(0.2)



(0.4)



(1.4)



(2.5)



7.7

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)



(6.4)

















Net flows in institutional money market funds 5.8



3.9



0.4



(0.8)







2.3

Total net flows 2.6



(2.7)







(2.2)



(2.5)



10.0

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 7.7



8.2



(0.1)



0.7



(1.0)



(0.1)

Acquisitions/dispositions, net (1.2)



(3.6)















2.4

Foreign currency translation (5.1)



(0.1)



1.5



(8.9)



0.9



1.5

June 30, 2016 $779.6



$512.5



$23.1



$93.8



$72.8



$77.4



























See the footnotes immediately following these tables.

Invesco Ltd. Quarterly Assets Under Management - Passive(e)



(in billions) Q2-16

Q1-16

% Change

Q2-15 Beginning Assets $131.1



$139.1



(5.8) %

$143.0

Long-term inflows 12.3



9.9



24.2 %

9.0

Long-term outflows (7.8)



(11.7)



(33.3) %

(8.5)

Long-term net flows 4.5



(1.8)



N/A



0.5

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)



(2.6)



46.2 %

(0.3)

Net flows in institutional money market funds 0.1



(0.3)



N/A





Total net flows 0.8



(4.7)



N/A



0.2

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 1.5



(0.2)



N/A



(1.6)

Acquisitions/dispositions, net 



(3.2)



N/A





Foreign currency translation 0.1



0.1



 %



Ending Assets $133.5



$131.1



1.8 %

$141.6

















Average long-term AUM $95.1



$89.4



6.4 %

$104.9

Average AUM $131.7



$126.9



3.8 %

$144.2

















Gross revenue yield on AUM(a) 14.6 bps

13.8 bps





15.3 bps Gross revenue yield on AUM before

performance fees(a) 14.6 bps

13.8 bps





15.3 bps Net revenue yield on AUM(b) 14.6 bps

13.8 bps





15.3 bps Net revenue yield on AUM before performance fees(b) 14.6 bps

13.8 bps





15.3 bps

By channel: (in billions) Total

Retail

Institutional March 31, 2016 $131.1



$115.7



$15.4

Long-term inflows 12.3



11.3



1.0

Long-term outflows (7.8)



(7.7)



(0.1)

Long-term net flows 4.5



3.6



0.9

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)



(3.8)





Net flows in institutional money market funds 0.1







0.1

Total net flows 0.8



(0.2)



1.0

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 1.5



1.5





Acquisitions/dispositions, net 









Foreign currency translation 0.1







0.1

June 30, 2016 $133.5



$117.0



$16.5















By asset class: (in billions) Total

Equity

Fixed Income

Balanced

Money Market

Alternatives(c) March 31, 2016 $131.1



$87.1



$35.6



$



$0.1



$8.3

Long-term inflows 12.3



7.7



3.5











1.1

Long-term outflows (7.8)



(6.5)



(0.7)











(0.6)

Long-term net flows 4.5



1.2



2.8











0.5

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)



(3.8)

















Net flows in institutional money market funds 0.1















0.1





Total net flows 0.8



(2.6)



2.8







0.1



0.5

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 1.5



0.4



0.5











0.6

Acquisitions/dispositions, net 





















Foreign currency translation 0.1



















0.1

June 30, 2016 $133.5



$84.9



$38.9



$



$0.2



$9.5

























Average AUM $131.7



$85.4



$37.4



$



$0.1



$8.8



























See the footnotes immediately following these tables.

Invesco Ltd. Quarterly Assets Under Management - Passive(e) (continued)



By client domicile: (in billions) Total

U.S.

Canada

U.K.

Continental Europe

Asia March 31, 2016 $131.1



$126.7



$0.4



$



$1.8



$2.2

Long-term inflows 12.3



12.1



0.1







0.1





Long-term outflows (7.8)



(7.6)











(0.2)





Long-term net flows 4.5



4.5



0.1







(0.1)





Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (3.8)



(3.8)

















Net flows in institutional money market funds 0.1



















0.1

Total net flows 0.8



0.7



0.1







(0.1)



0.1

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 1.5



1.5

















Acquisitions/dispositions, net 





















Foreign currency translation 0.1



















0.1

June 30, 2016 $133.5



$128.9



$0.5



$



$1.7



$2.4



























See the footnotes immediately following these tables.

Invesco Ltd. Year-to-date Assets Under Management - Passive(e)



(in billions) June 30, 2016

June 30, 2015

% Change Beginning Assets $139.1



$141.4



(1.6) % Long-term inflows 22.2



18.9



17.5 % Long-term outflows (19.5)



(14.9)



30.9 % Long-term net flows 2.7



4.0



(32.5) % Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)



(2.9)



120.7 % Net flows in institutional money market funds (0.2)







N/A

Total net flows (3.9)



1.1



N/A

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 1.3



(0.2)



N/A

Acquisitions/dispositions, net (3.2)



(0.7)



357.1 % Foreign currency translation 0.2







N/A

Ending Assets $133.5



$141.6



(5.7) %











Average long-term AUM $92.2



$104.1



(11.4) % Average AUM $129.3



$143.5



(9.9) %











Gross revenue yield on AUM(a) 14.2 bps

14.3 bps



Gross revenue yield on AUM before performance fees(a) 14.2 bps

14.3 bps



Net revenue yield on AUM(b) 14.2 bps

14.3 bps



Net revenue yield on AUM before performance fees(b) 14.2 bps

14.3 bps





By channel: (in billions) Total

Retail

Institutional December 31, 2015 $139.1



$118.7



$20.4

Long-term inflows 22.2



21.2



1.0

Long-term outflows (19.5)



(17.9)



(1.6)

Long-term net flows 2.7



3.3



(0.6)

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)



(6.4)





Net flows in institutional money market funds (0.2)







(0.2)

Total net flows (3.9)



(3.1)



(0.8)

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 1.3



1.4



(0.1)

Acquisitions/dispositions, net (3.2)







(3.2)

Foreign currency translation 0.2







0.2

June 30, 2016 $133.5



$117.0



$16.5















By asset class: (in billions) Total

Equity

Fixed Income

Balanced

Money Market

Alternatives(c) December 31, 2015 $139.1



91.0



38.6







0.4



$9.1

Long-term inflows 22.2



14.8



5.6











1.8

Long-term outflows (19.5)



(14.8)



(3.3)











(1.4)

Long-term net flows 2.7







2.3











0.4

Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)



(6.4)

















Net flows in institutional money market funds (0.2)















(0.2)





Total net flows (3.9)



(6.4)



2.3







(0.2)



0.4

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 1.3



0.3



0.7











0.3

Acquisitions/dispositions, net (3.2)







(2.7)











(0.5)

Foreign currency translation 0.2



















0.2

June 30, 2016 $133.5



$84.9



$38.9



$



$0.2



$9.5

























Average AUM $129.3



$84.1



$36.4



$



$0.2



$8.6



























See the footnotes immediately following these tables.

Invesco Ltd. Year-to-date Assets Under Management - Passive(e) (continued)



By client domicile: (in billions) Total

U.S.

Canada

U.K.

Continental Europe

Asia December 31, 2015 $139.1



134.4



0.4







1.9



2.4

Long-term inflows 22.2



21.8



0.2







0.2





Long-term outflows (19.5)



(19.0)



(0.1)







(0.4)





Long-term net flows 2.7



2.8



0.1







(0.2)





Net flows in Invesco PowerShares QQQ fund (6.4)



(6.4)

















Net flows in institutional money market funds (0.2)



















(0.2)

Total net flows (3.9)



(3.6)



0.1







(0.2)



(0.2)

Market gains and losses/reinvestment 1.3



1.3

















Acquisitions/dispositions, net (3.2)



(3.2)

















Foreign currency translation 0.2



















0.2

June 30, 2016 $133.5



$128.9



$0.5



$



$1.7



$2.4



























See the footnotes immediately following these tables.

Invesco Ltd. Footnotes to the Assets Under Management Tables

(a) Gross revenue yield on AUM is equal to annualized total operating revenues divided by average AUM, excluding China joint venture (JV) AUM. For quarterly AUM, our share of the average AUM in the second quarter for our JVs in China was $8.6 billion (first quarter 2016: $7.6 billion; second quarter 2015: $6.9 billion). For year to date, our share of the average AUM for our JVs in China in the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $8.1 billion (six months ended June 30, 2015: $6.0 billion). It is appropriate to exclude the average AUM of our China JVs for purposes of computing gross revenue yield on AUM, because the revenues resulting from these AUM are not presented in our operating revenues. Under U.S. GAAP, our share of the net income of the JVs is recorded as equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Gross revenue yield, the most comparable U.S. GAAP-based measure to net revenue yield, is not considered a meaningful effective fee rate measure. The numerator of the gross revenue yield measure, operating revenues, excludes the management fees earned from CIP; however, the denominator of the measure includes the AUM of these investment products. Therefore, the gross revenue yield measure is not considered representative of the company's true effective fee rate from AUM.



(b) Net revenue yield on AUM is equal to annualized net revenues divided by average AUM. See the reconciliations of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Information on pages 8 and 9 of this release for a reconciliation of operating revenues to net revenues.



(c) The alternatives asset class includes absolute return, commodities, currencies, financial structures, global macro, long/short equity, managed futures, multi-alternatives, private capital - direct, private capital - fund of funds, private direct real estate, public real estate securities, senior secured loans and custom solutions.



(d) Ending AUM as of June 30, 2016 includes $63.1 billion in institutional money market AUM and $34.8 billion in PowerShares QQQ AUM. Ending retail money market AUM as of June 30, 2016, included in long-term AUM, were $8.0 billion.



(e) Passive AUM includes ETFs, UITs, non-fee earning leverage and other passive mandates. Active AUM are total AUM less Passive AUM.

Invesco Ltd. Investment Capabilities Performance Overview







Benchmark Comparison Peer Group Comparison



% of AUM Ahead of

Benchmark % of AUM In Top Half of

Peer Group Equities

1yr 3yr 5yr 1yr 3yr 5yr

U.S. Core 3 % 0 % 0 % 4 % 6 % 17 %

U.S. Growth 28 % 28 % 28 % 37 % 95 % 36 %

U.S. Value 30 % 34 % 35 % 33 % 33 % 33 %

Sector 1 % 3 % 3 % 6 % 5 % 16 %

U.K. 65 % 100 % 100 % 92 % 93 % 100 %

Canadian 29 % 21 % 48 % 21 % 21 % 46 %

Asian 93 % 90 % 89 % 77 % 78 % 78 %

European 51 % 77 % 100 % 54 % 79 % 74 %

Global 39 % 53 % 66 % 48 % 67 % 80 %

Global Ex U.S. and Emerging Markets 86 % 98 % 98 % 99 % 99 % 98 % Fixed Income















Money Market 96 % 68 % 68 % 97 % 98 % 98 %

U.S. Fixed Income 62 % 95 % 96 % 93 % 90 % 98 %

Global Fixed Income 23 % 43 % 54 % 18 % 16 % 65 %

Stable Value 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % Other















Alternatives 56 % 28 % 52 % 62 % 11 % 26 %

Balanced 56 % 54 % 59 % 40 % 95 % 100 %



Note: AUM measured in the one-, three-, and five-year peer group rankings represents 59%, 58%, and 57% of total Invesco AUM, respectively, and AUM measured versus benchmark on a one-, three-, and five-year basis represents 74%, 70%, and 68% of total Invesco AUM, respectively, as of 6/30/2016. Peer group rankings are sourced from a widely-used third party ranking agency in each fund's market (Lipper, Morningstar, IA, Russell, Mercer, eVestment Alliance, SITCA, Value Research) and are asset-weighted in USD. Rankings are as of prior quarter-end for most institutional products and preceding month-end for Australian retail funds due to their late release by third parties. Rankings for the most representative fund in each GIPS composite are applied to all products within each GIPS composite. Performance assumes the reinvestment of dividends. Excludes passive products, closed-end funds, private equity limited partnerships, non-discretionary funds, unit investment trusts, fund of funds with component funds managed by Invesco, stable value building block funds, and CDOs. Certain funds and products were excluded from the analysis because of limited benchmark or peer group data. Had these been available, results may have been different. These results are preliminary and subject to revision. Performance assumes the reinvestment of dividends. Past performance is not indicative of future results and may not reflect an investor's experience.

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SOURCE Invesco Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.invesco.com


Mubadala's investment strengthens Investcorp's shareholder base, which includes major institutional investors from the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, in addition to prominent individuals and family offices.

Mohammed Mahfoodh Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp, said: "Mubadala is one of the strongest and most respected investment companies in the GCC and globally, so today's development is a significant milestone in the institutionalization of our shareholder base. He further commented: "This investment is a validation of Investcorp's blue-chip brand, our human capital, and our vision for the future. This is a positive step for our stakeholders, including our shareholders, investors and portfolio companies."

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group CEO of Mubadala Development Company, commented: "We welcome the opportunity to become a shareholder in Investcorp. From an investment perspective, the stable and long term value-creation mission of Investcorp makes it a logical addition to Mubadala's diverse financial investment portfolio."

Founded in 1982 by Nemir Kidar, Investcorp provides clients with direct corporate investment (private equity) and real estate investment opportunities as well as a broad array of liquid Alternative Investment Solutions from its offices in London, New York, Bahrain, Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

About Investcorp

Investcorp is a leading provider and manager of alternative investment products and is publicly traded on the Bahrain Bourse (INVCORP). The Investcorp Group has offices in London, Bahrain, New York, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Investcorp has three business areas: corporate investment, real estate investment and global hedge funds. As at December 31, 2015, the Investcorp Group had $10.7 billion in total assets under management ('AUM'), including assets managed by third party managers and assets subject to a non-discretionary advisory mandate where Investcorp receives fees calculated on the basis of AUM. Further information, including our most recent periodic financial statements, which details our assets under management, is available at www.investcorp.com.

About Mubadala

Established and owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, the company's strategy is built on the creation of partnerships and on long-term, capital-intensive investments that deliver strong financial returns, contribute to the growth and diversification of Abu Dhabi's economy, and create opportunities for current and future generations in the United Arab Emirates.

Mubadala brings together and manages a multi-billion dollar portfolio of local, regional and international investments and partners with leading global organizations to operate businesses across a wide range of industry sectors. These include aerospace, semiconductors, metals & mining, oil & gas, renewables, information & communications technology, healthcare, real estate & infrastructure, utilities, and defense services.

For more information about Mubadala please visit www.mubadala.com.

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SOURCE Investcorp

Related Links

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CLEAR LAKE | A Mason City man accused of breaking into a Clear Lake garage to steal a bicycle has been charged with second-degree burglary.

Dustin J. Baltierra, 30, entered the garage of a residence in the 1400 block of South Lakeview Drive at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday with the intent to steal a GT bicycle, according to the Clear Lake Police Department.

He was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $10,000 cash or surety bond.

Second-degree burglary is a Class C felony.

Clear Lake Police Lt. Paul Chizek said if you have a valuable bike, "someone is going to try to steal it. That's a fact."

He advises citizens to lock up their bikes. He also said they should record the serial number and get a bike license to make it easier to recover the bike if it is stolen.

-- Mary Pieper
CHICAGO, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Joyce Foundation has awarded $13.7 million in grants to support organizations advocating for clean air and clean water in the Great Lakes region, sensible gun safety laws, and policies to help workers gain the skills they need for good jobs. The Chicago-based foundation also approved investments in two leading local institutions at its July Board of Directors meeting. Highlights of the July grant making include the following:

Environment: $3 million total (11 grants)

Environment Program grants included three awarded to independent, single-state environmental advocacy organizations: the Michigan Environmental Council ($1 million over 30 months); Ohio Environmental Council ($660,000 over two years); and Clean Wisconsin Inc. ($600,000 over two years). The grants support ongoing policy and advocacy work to protect and restore the Great Lakes and advance clean energy policy by advocating for increased energy efficiency requirements to reduce energy consumption.

Gun Violence Prevention: $1.3 million (8 grants)

Grants were awarded to organizations involved in research, coalition building and advocacy to reduce firearm violence. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington received a grant ($125,000, one year) to continue its work on engaging communities of color in developing locally based strategies to reduce gun violence and improve police-community relations. A grant to PICO National Network of Oakland, California ($150,000, one year) will support the Live Free Gun Violence Initiative, a series of local campaigns to highlight intersections between gun violence and mass incarceration and advocate for state gun safety agendas. Northeastern University in Boston received a grant ($540,000, two years) to conduct and disseminate research to expand scientific knowledge about firearms.

Employment: $3 million (8 grants)

Employment Program grants reflect Joyce's focus on building evidence about effective workforce policies and programs and sharing that evidence with federal policy makers and business groups to advance reforms. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce ($400,000, two years) will conduct research that integrates labor market information into education policy, planning and investment to make sure they reflect market demand.

Boston-based Jobs for the Future ($350,000 for two years) and the National Skills Coalition in Washington ($850,000 for two years) will use research findings to advocate for proven workforce development policies. Jobs for the Future will continue its management of the Congressional Staff Network for Workforce Development and Economic Security. The National Skills Coalition will engage in federal workforce policy advocacy, and provide technical support to state workforce reform coalitions.

Joint Fund for Education and Employment: $605,000 (3 grants)

The Joyce Foundation's Joint Fund for Education and Employment focuses on building pathways that connect high school, postsecondary education and work, and on improving the personal success skills of students and workers. This involves identifying and expanding policy and practice innovations to improve education and employment outcomes. One such innovation is research showing that brief, low-cost interventions can help students shift from negative mindsets ("college isn't for me") to more positive ones that can profoundly affect student achievement. Stanford University's Project for Education Research that Scales ($500,000 over three years) will support up to 100 colleges delivering mindset interventions to students and adjusting other policies that shape student experience. This project has the potential to increase post-secondary completion and employment outcomes for hundreds of thousands of people, while also yielding new insights on how colleges can structure the student experience to build learning mindsets.

Special Opportunities: $1 million (5 grants)

The Joyce Foundation's Special Opportunities Program supports important opportunities outside or across its core giving programs. Grants were awarded to two Chicago institutions, the Chicago Urban League ($200,000 over two years) and Chicago Public Media Inc. ($235,000 for one year). The Urban League will use the grant to develop a new research and policy center to inform its program development along with its advocacy and policy agendas to advance the economic, educational, and social progress of African Americans. The Chicago Public Media grant will support two distinct projects at WBEZ: in-depth reporting from the Illinois Statehouse and a series of personal stories focused on Chicago gun violence.

Other Grants

Joyce also awarded grants at the July meeting in its Education, Democracy and Culture programs, including the following:

$150,000 (one year) to Boston -based Teach Plus Incorporated, to train effective teachers from high-needs schools to advocate for policy reforms at the state level  specifically around education funding and the Every Student Succeeds Act.

(one year) to -based Teach Plus Incorporated, to train effective teachers from high-needs schools to advocate for policy reforms at the state level  specifically around education funding and the Every Student Succeeds Act. $150,000 (18 months) to the Roosevelt Institute of New York to build a coalition of Illinois -based grassroots and policy organizations to bring more young people into the policy process.

(18 months) to the Roosevelt Institute of New York to build a coalition of -based grassroots and policy organizations to bring more young people into the policy process. $50,000 (one year) to Chicago's South Side Community Art Center to build its internal fund-raising capacity.

More information on the July grants is available here.

Joyce works with grantee partners to improve quality of life, promote community vitality, and strive for a fair society. The independent, private foundation focuses much of its grant making in the Great Lakes region, while also partnering with public agencies, advocates and other funders to achieve broader impact. It has assets of $950 million and distributes approximately $45 million annually.

Contact: Lilly Athamanah, [email protected] / 312-782-2464

SOURCE The Joyce Foundation

Related Links

http://www.joycefdn.org


NEW YORK, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest gathering of clinical diagnostics companies and lab technicians, The American Association of Clinical Chemistry, is about to commence in Philadelphia. Kalorama Information will attend the clinical expo, where hundreds of in vitro diagnostic companies and suppliers will exhibit their new products and services. The healthcare market research firm will promote its IVD market research studies and subscription products. Kalorama will also provide interested readers with live information from the floor of the convention.

"We'll be watching for product trends, new menus, and issues such as cybersecurity, consumer IVD and Big Data," said Bruce Carlson, Publisher of Kalorama Information. "Emerging markets are another area of interest, and we'll be consulting vendors to find out - is the growth still there?"

Kalorama will tweet news from the conference floor - please follow Kalorama on Twitter @KaloramaInfo for news.

Kalorama says that trends they will be keeping an eye on are the increased use of molecular POC systems, liquid biopsy offerings, the status of LDTs, new automation technologies and more.

In addition to Carlson, several members of Kalorama's staff will attend the meeting, including analysts Emil Salazar and Shara Rosen, editor Bill Imbornoni and several sales representatives.

This year, the firm will promote its new relationship with The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland, OH-based firm recently acquired by Kalorama's parent company, MarketResearch.com. The group recently released a market study on IVD Packaging Markets.

"IVD Packaging is an important consideration for IVD products," said Carlson. "Reagents must be packaged appropriately to function well."

The meeting is being held in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA from July 31st to August 4th. Kalorama will be live tweeting at the event - their Twitter is @KaloramaInfo. Kalorama Information will promote its Knowledge Center database for IVD companies interested in up to date and comprehensive market data, and its new edition of The Worldwide Market for In Vitro Diagnostics.

Please link any media or news references to our reports or data to www.kaloramainformation.com.

About Kalorama Information

Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.

We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog at www.kaloramainformation.com.

Contact:

Bruce Carlson

(212) 807-2622

[email protected]

www.KaloramaInformation.com

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SOURCE Kalorama Information

Related Links

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LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning journalist and TV personality Katie Couric has launched her first podcast, "Katie Couric," on the Earwolf network. The podcast features the host in candid, unscripted conversations that go beyond sound bites and reveal what's really going on in American life and politics today.

Award-winning journalist and TV personality Katie Couric has launched her first podcast, "Katie Couric," on the Earwolf network.

Couric and co-host Brian Goldsmith, a political consultant at Yahoo News, interview the biggest names in news, politics and popular culture. Early episodes feature guests including Democratic senator Al Franken; public opinion guru Frank Luntz; sportscaster Bob Costas; author Rebecca Traister; author and The New York Times editor Jonathan Weisman; and Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

"I'm really excited to start my own podcast," said Couric. "It's a medium that rewards the in-depth interviews that I've loved doing my entire career. We're going to be talking to a wide range of guests  both bold-faced names and people with bold things to say. We're also going to bring in the voices of our listeners. Especially in this hyper-partisan environment, we want to talk to everyone and listen to everyone."

"Katie is superbly equipped to make the most of the opportunity podcasting offers for freedom of expression and depth of subject matter," said Chris Bannon, chief content officer for Midroll. "Listeners will be well-served by this veteran journalist, who brings so much skill, commitment and experience to her work. We have had a lot of fun in the studio already, and I am eager to share these conversations with her fans."

Couric is the Global News Anchor for Yahoo, where she reports on world events, anchors groundbreaking interviews with major newsmakers and cultural figures and examines the important issues of our time. In addition to her long career in broadcast and journalism, Couric is a cancer advocate, documentary film producer and New York Times best-selling author of "The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons From Extraordinary Lives."

The "Katie Couric" podcast is available for free streaming or download on iTunes, Stitcher or Soundcloud; more information is available at Earwolf.com.

About Midroll Media

Midroll Media is a leading podcast production company and advertising network that is changing the face of digital audio. It is the parent company of the Earwolf network and its top-ranked comedy podcasts; popular podcast listening platform Stitcher; the Howl premium subscription service, available at howl.fm and via apps for iOS and Android; and the Midroll advertising network, representing over 200 of the world's largest podcasts. With offices in Los Angeles and New York City, Midroll was founded in 2010 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393560

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company

Related Links

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ATLANTA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- When two brands with close to 231 years of combined history between them decide to team up  you can be certain that the results will be unforgettable. Such has been the case with two of the South's most famous brands The Krystal Company and TABASCO brand. The two brands partnered to create a special "Fired Up" menu featuring the hot and spicy flavors Southerners love to the Krystal sandwiches they can't get enough of.

In the spirit of this collaboration, The Krystal Company commissioned a piece of photo artwork as unique as the partnership itself. The 3D lenticular image showcases the legendary heritage of the brands in a contemporary format. The artwork, Southern Squared, will be one of the premiere pieces in the all-new TABASCO Museum. The unveiling will be held on Avery Island in Louisiana on Thursday, August 4, at 9:00 a.m. with a presentation from Krystal's Chief Executive Officer, Omar Janjua. The Krystal Cruiser will also be on hand at the event with a selection of tasty treats from the special "Fired-Up" menu which features classic Krystal products topped with cheese sauce infused with TABASCO Sauce. The TABASCO Museum is calling all Krystal and TABASCO lovers to join us at the unveiling to try the products, view the exhibit and witness history being made with these two iconic brands.

"TABASCO brand and Krystal both call the South their home," says Janjua. "The dedication of McIlhenny Company and how it has kept the brand within the family for generations is inspiring. We are proud to be a part of the impactful story of McIlhenny Company and are honored to be able to make a gift from Krystal to the museum."

Krystal's gift makes it the first entity to create an item specifically for display in the TABASCO Museum. This fascinating new museum is filled with McIlhenny family artifacts and original TABASCO products. It explains how the TABASCO brand got its start and how it evolved over its roughly century-and-a-half history. Krystal's hope is that its gift will become a milestone in the ongoing TABASCO story and an exciting element of the museum that both Krystal and TABASCO fans can enjoy.

About The Krystal Company

Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932, The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South. Its hamburgers are still served fresh and hot off the grill on the iconic square bun at more than 350 restaurants in 11 states. Krystal's Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 6,000 employees. For more information, visit http://www.Krystal.comor http://www.facebook.com/Krystal or follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @Krystal.

About McIlhenny Company

McIlhenny Company produces TABASCO brand products, which are sold in more than 165 countries and territories around the world and labeled in 22 languages and dialects. The 148-year-old company makes a line of pepper sauces, including its world-famous TABASCO Original Red, Green Jalapeno, Chipotle, SWEET & Spicy, Habanero, Buffalo Style, Garlic Pepper Sauces and now Sriracha Thai Chili Sauce. For more information, visit www.TABASCO.com or follow TABASCO brand on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube using the handle, @TABASCO.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393698LOGO

SOURCE The Krystal Company

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ATLANTA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Landis+Gyr announced another milestone for its industry-leading advanced electricity meters today, completing production of the 50 millionth unit at its North American manufacturing plant.

Landis+Gyr's award winning production facility produces advanced residential and commercial solid state meters for use in smart grid deployments, as well as higher function grid meters for distribution management that include advanced sensing, data collection and analysis.

"We're proud of this achievement and what it says about the quality of the product and processes over the past decade," said Aubrey Williams, Vice President of Product Delivery at Landis+Gyr. "It is a tribute to our employees that Landis+Gyr has been able to meet the very strong demand for what has become the leading product family in the industry."

In 2007, Landis+Gyr revolutionized advanced metering by introducing the E350 FOCUS AX-SD, an advanced electric meter with integrated service switch and metrology features previously found only in light commercial meters. The AX-SD went on to become the primary residential meter deployed at the largest advanced metering projects in the country.

Landis+Gyr's advanced metering portfolio complements a full range of energy management and capacity optimization solutions that include advanced analytics, load management, energy storage and consumer engagement.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is the leading global provider of integrated energy management solutions for the utility sector. Offering the broadest portfolio of products and services to address complex industry challenges, the company delivers comprehensive solutions for the foundation of a smarter grid including; smart metering, distribution network sensing and automation tools, load control, analytics and energy storage. Landis+Gyr operates in 31 countries across five continents as an independent growth platform of the Toshiba Corporation (TKY:6502) and is also 40% owned by the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ). With annualized sales of more than US$1.5 billion, the company employs 5,700 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better. More information is available at landisgyr.com.

SOURCE Landis+Gyr

Related Links

http://landisgyr.com


The event marked the official transfer of ownership of the final MH-60R SEAHAWK destined for the RAN from Lockheed Martin to the U.S. Navy. The ceremony was attended by officials from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the RAN and the Australian Embassy, as well as representatives from the Defense Contracting Management Agency, Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin.

"In late 2010, the Australian Government had not yet made a decision to acquire the Romeo, and yet here we are in mid-2016 accepting the 24th, and final, aircraft," said Royal Australian Navy Commodore Scott Lockey, Director General Navy Aviation Systems. "The Royal Australian Navy has formed the first three embarked flights, conducted the first Hellfire Missile shoot and conducted a highly successful 'DIPEX' against a Collins Class submarine. None of this would have been possible without the professional work conducted by everyone at Lockheed Martin involved in the Romeo program. The work done here at Owego has been of the highest quality and directly contributed to the most successful helicopter acquisition program undertaken by the Australian Defence Force."

The Commonwealth of Australia chose the MH-60R "Romeo" SEAHAWK helicopter in June 2011 to fulfill the Australian Defence Force's requirement for a fleet of 24 new-generation, multi-role naval combat aircraft. In addition to the MH-60R helicopter's primary mission areas of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, it also has the capability for secondary missions including search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation, and VHF/UHF/link communication relay. The new MH-60R helicopters are currently replacing the RAN's existing fleet of S-70B-2 SEAHAWK helicopters.

"This is a very exciting time for the U.S. Navy and Australia. Although today is significant in marking the last Seahawk delivery to the Royal Australian Navy, it also signifies a great opportunity to continue and grow our collaboration in advanced maritime operations," said Captain Craig Grubb, H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopter program manager. "I'm proud of the team's accomplishments and look forward to our continued partnership with the RAN."

The sale to Australia marked the first international sale of a U.S. Navy MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopter. The RAN took in-country delivery of its first mission-ready aircraft in 2014, and the MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopter training Squadron, 725 Squadron, was commissioned in Nowra, New South Wales in June 2015.

"This delivery is a testament to seamless teamwork between industry, the U.S. Navy and Australia's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, which has kept this program on-budget and on-schedule," said Lockheed Martin Director of Naval Helicopter Programs Tom Kane. "From aircraft delivery to training and long-term sustainment, we are honored to support the Australian Defence Force and ensure that the Romeo maintains superior capability and performance throughout its life."

In 2015, the Romeo Project Office in Australia's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group won a "Project of the Year" award for the RAN MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopter program from the Australian Capital Territory chapter of the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM). The AIPM award serves to recognize, honor and promote recognition of the program's outstanding achievements in program and project management.

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin support the RAN fleet through the Maritime Helicopter Support Company (MHSCo), which provides 'Through Life Support' logistics services to sustain peak flight readiness for the RAN SEAHAWK helicopters during the fleet's estimated 30-year lifespan.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/mh60r .

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin

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PORTLAND, Oregon, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Allied Market Research Logo (PRNewsFoto/ALLIED MARKET RESEARCH)

According to a new report by Allied Market Research titled "World Managed Security Services Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020", the global managed security services market is expected to reach$29.9billionby 2020, registering a CAGR of 15.8% during 2014-2020. The cloud-based managed security services (MSS) deployment model market would grow faster than the market for remotely monitored customer premises equipment MSS by 2020. Small- and medium-sized businesses would lead the adoption of cloud-based MSS due to cost constraints. North American region would continue to dominate the global market followed by Europe region in terms of market size by value.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



Executives consider incidents of data thefts and cybercrimes as the greatest threats to their organization's reputation. Lack of capital and skilled IT resources needed to manage the data security are the major hindrances in protecting the information. Managed security services have emerged as lucrative option for delivering security asset monitoring and management, threat intelligence research, detection and remediation, and risk and compliance management solutions on shared basis to multiple clients. The cost-effectiveness and effective data security have been gaining traction for the managed security market.

Among various data security applications, endpoint security application would grow at the fastest rate, with growing adoption of BYOD policy at workplace. Improvement in production efficiency and enhanced employee satisfaction through utilization of mobile devices for accessing corporate data anytime and anywhere would contribute the growth of BYOD trend. Secured Information and Event Management (SIEM), an emerging technology solution suitable for automatic collection, correlation and analysis of log and alert data, would be the next popular application.

To know more about the report, visit the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/managed-security-services-market

Growing regulatory compliances regarding protection of citizen's information globally, would stimulate the organizations to maintain the high data-security level. Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) and telecom and IT sectors would be frontrunners in employing managed security services. Hospitals and physician clinics are also outsourcing security tasks with growing trend of electronic health records for improving patient safety, productivity and save costs. Rising threats to intellectual property would demand the enhanced security infrastructure in manufacturing industry with time.

North American region currently leading the market as the region has stringent regulations regarding information security. Though, North American and European regions are the mature markets, they would continue to maintain their leading position during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets are gaining momentum with the formation of regulations regarding the data security. Big data analytics would be the critical for market growth across the world.

The global market for managed security services would grow due to growing complex cyber threats and cloud computing during the forecast period (2014-2020)

Endpoint security application market would grow at the fastest CAGR of 24.5% during 2014-2020.

Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector would continue to maintain its leading position through 2020

Cloud-based managed security services deployment model would overtake onpremise deployment model by 2016

Asia-Pacific region would emerge as one of the most lucrative markets, in terms of growth

Leading Managed Security Services Providers (MSSP) including IBM, Dell Secure Works, HP and Cisco launching advanced and customized security solutions to help the clients in facing sophisticated attacks from organized cyber criminals. Recently, IBM and AT&T have introduced new service including security network infrastructure with advanced threat monitoring and analytics. Delivery of customized solutions as per the organization size and structure would be the crucial factor driving the market.

See all reports related to ICT at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/information-&-communication-technology-&-media-market-report

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:

Dhananjay Potle

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Int'l: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)

E-mail: [email protected]



Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com



SOURCE Allied Market Research
IRVINE, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the announcement of the production of the one-millionth Mazda MX-5 Miata this past April, Mazda has been taking the vehicle on a worldwide appreciation tour to thank fans and owners for their loyalty toward making the MX-5 the best-selling roadster of all time, as well as the torchbearer of pure driving joy.

Mazda Announces Dates for Millionth Miata Celebration Tour

Now, the one-millionth MX-5 is coming to the U.S. on an 18-stop tour that begins at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the Monterey Motorsports Reunion from August 18-21. The car will travel the country, ending at the same venue October 1-2 for Miatas at Mazda Raceway. Along the way, thousands of loyal MX-5 owners and influential people in MX-5's early history and developmentas well as those helping write the next chapter in the MX-5 Miata's destinywill make the tour one to remember for a long time.

"Last year was the 'Year of the Miata' with the launch of the all-new 2016 MX-5, but even a year into the sales of the fourth-generation roadster, that momentum has continued," said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "From winning the 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year, to the introduction of the all-new 2017 MX-5 RF, to our one-millionth Miata milestone, the MX-5 continues to symbolize the innovation and spirit that propels Mazda. With the Millionth Miata Celebration, we're excited to give back to those who, like us, continue to believe that driving matters."

For the entirety of the Millionth Miata Celebration Tour, the one-millionth cara right-hand-drive Japanese-specification soft top equipped with a 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G enginewill be traveling with the progenitor of the line, the 15th Miata ever built. A Classic Red 1990 model that made its world debut at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, this 27-year-old classic is owned by Mazda North American Operations and is part of the company's Heritage Collection.

At each tour stop, the first 240 owners and fans will have the opportunity to sign the one-millionth MX-5, and approximately 400 attendees will receive a commemorative "Millionth Miata Celebration Tour" T-shirt at each tour stop.

Tour stops are as follows:

Date City Location August 18-21 Monterey, California Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 25 Boston, Massachusetts Quirk Mazda August 27 New York, New York Wayne Mazda August 28 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Young Mazda September 2 Cleveland, Ohio Classic Mazda September 3 Chicago, Illinois Autobarn Evanston Mazda September 6 Indianapolis, Indiana Tom Roush Mazda September 7 Columbus, Ohio Germain Mazda September 8 Charlotte, North Carolina Mazda of South Charlotte September 9 Atlanta, Georgia Mall of Georgia Mazda September 10 Jacksonville, Florida Duval Mazda at the Avenues September 17 Daytona Beach, Florida Daytona Mazda September 23 Houston, Texas Grandsport Speedway "MX-5 Experience" September 24 Austin, Texas Roger Beasley Mazda September 25 Dallas, Texas Globe Life Stadium September 27 Phoenix, Arizona Earnhardt Mazda September 28 Los Angeles, California Galpin Mazda October 1-2 Monterey, California Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Miatas at Mazda Raceway

Locations were chosen based on MX-5 sales history, as well as overwhelming enthusiasm from owners' clubs that expressed interest when MNAO announced the tour.

More information and updates will be distributed both via email to area MX-5 owners and through InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com, where visitors will be able to track the one-millionth MX-5. Fans can also follow the conversation on social media with hashtags #LongLiveTheRoadster, #MX5 and #Miata.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

Note: Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to change or cancel the dates or locations of "Millionth Miata Celebration Tour" without notice.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393679

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/MM28870LOGO

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Related Links

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DALLAS, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Small businesses play a vital role in creating jobs and driving economic growth in the United States. In fact, two out of every three new private-sector jobs are created by small businesses. Companies that support minority business development through supplier diversity efforts help to ensure continued growth for small businesses.

In recognition of those companies that help drive that growth through their staunch commitment to supply chain diversity, MBN USA magazine (www.mbnusa.biz) is pleased to announce its 2016 Corporate 101: Most Admired Companies in supplier diversity.

"The companies in our Corporate 101 recognize that having a diverse and inclusive supply chain is a social and economic imperative," said Jarilyn Fox, president and publisher of MBN magazines. "Their demonstrated commitment to developing and growing minority-owned enterprises is positively impacting the manner in which global business is conducted."

Don McKneely, chairman and CEO, MBN magazines (www.mbnusa.biz) added: "We honor the Corporate 101 for their steadfast commitment to global supplier diversity. The impact our Corporate 101 companies are making in the supply chain diversity arena is paving the way for diverse suppliers to realize an increase in purchasing opportunities, which will, in turn, produce more inclusive supply chains. We salute the supplier diversity teams at these companies on this well-deserved honor."

Methodology

In choosing the 101 honorees, the selection committee considered such factors as innovative supplier development initiatives, participation with regional minority supplier development councils and reported spend with diverse suppliers. The end result is a listing of companies that embody the essence of next-level growth in supplier diversity.

MBN USA proudly recognizes its 2016 Corporate 101: Most Admired Companies in supplier diversity. To view the list of honorees, please visit: www.mbnusa.biz.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393867LOGO

SOURCE MBN USA

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HOUSTON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BMC Software returns to SHARE 2016 in Atlanta as a sponsor for the twelfth year, highlighting its leadership in transforming mainframes for digital business. BMC will demonstrate next-generation solutions enabling customers to gain real insight, reduce MLC costs, and ensure 24x7 availability.

WHO: BMC, the global leader in IT solutions for the digital enterprise.

WHAT: SHARE, now in its 63rd year, is a renowned mainframe technical conference for IT management and end users. The conference delivers expertise, hands-on instruction, as well as important professional networking opportunities in mainframe technologies and trends.

As a Silver Sponsor at SHARE 2016 Atlanta, BMC will feature its industry-leading mainframe solutions, including demos of:

BMC representatives will host three sessions in Room L508 on Tuesday, August 2 at the event:

10am-11am EDT : "Improving XCF Performance to Keep Up with CPC Improvements," hosted by Donald Zeunert , principal software consultant at BMC.

: "Improving XCF Performance to Keep Up with CPC Improvements," hosted by , principal software consultant at BMC. 12:30pm-1:30pm EDT : "LUNCH & LEARN: In the Blink of an Eye  Has Your Job Changed in Mainframe Systems Management?" hosted by Jay Lipovich , principal product manager at BMC.

: "LUNCH & LEARN: In the Blink of an Eye  Has Your Job Changed in Mainframe Systems Management?" hosted by , principal product manager at BMC. 3:15pm-4:15pm EDT : "Challenges of MSU Capping Without Impacting SLAs," also hosted by Donald Zeunert .

For more information about BMC's presence at SHARE 2016 Atlanta, visit http://www.bmc.com/blogs/get-real-answers-mainframe-bmc-share-atlanta/

WHEN: July 31-August 5, 2016

WHERE: Atlanta Marriott Marquis

Booth #412

265 Peachtree Center Ave NE

Atlanta, GA 30303

About BMC

BMC is a global leader in innovative software solutions that enable businesses to transform into digital enterprises for the ultimate competitive advantage. Our Digital Enterprise Management solutions are designed to make digital business fast, seamless, and optimized from mainframe to mobile to cloud and beyond. BMC digital IT transforms 82 percent of the Fortune 500 and serves more than 10,000 customers worldwide.

BMC  Bring IT to Life

BMC, BMC Software, the BMC logo, and the BMC Software logo are the exclusive properties of BMC Software Inc., are registered or pending registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and may be registered or pending registration in other countries. All other BMC trademarks, service marks, and logos may be registered or pending registration in the U.S. or in other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright 2016 BMC Software, Inc.

Editorial contacts:

Brad Shewmake

BMC

D: 408.546.7236

M: 858.735.8748

[email protected]

Jenn Zimmer

Eastwick Communications

D: 415.820.4175

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160111/320997LOGO

SOURCE BMC

Related Links

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CLEAR LAKE  Guests were concerned when the Surf Ballroom and Museums iconic pineapples recently went missing.

For those locally, there were a lot of questions when the wall was a blank canvas over the weekend, said Executive Director Laurie Lietz.

The pineapples, a symbol of hospitality original to the building, are being repainted as part of a lobby renovation this week.

As layers of paint were peeled off, the original pineapple wall was visible but not restorable. Its update will mimic the original south seas beach club design, with a bamboo-like finish and pineapples stenciled in a checkerboard pattern.

The wall has not been redone since the Snyders, of Clear Lake, purchased the venue in the mid-1990s, Lietz said.

Sandra Quintus, owner of Artistic Walls in Ventura, is using stencils to repaint the pineapples. The Snyders previously found the woman who had the pineapple stencils. She helped the family recreate them.

Made from Mylar by a San Diego company, the Surf has one set to use for the renovation and another to save for future fixes.

The pineapples began making an appearance as Quintus and Deb Poland used the stencils and the theorem painting technique, which involves thick brushes and little paint. Quintus said the method allows the faux wood grain to be visible through the paint.

If one rectangular design gets damaged, Quintus said it can be easily repaired without fixing the whole wall.

Gerard Faton, a NIACC exchange student from Benin, West Africa, has also volunteered his time to help paint.

The painters plan to have the wall finished by Friday. A clear, protective coat will be added later.

The project, five years in the making, is costly but Lietz said its well worth it because the Surf wants it done correctly. She likes that the non-profit has a local working on the project, both as a neighbor and friend.

The carpet in the lobby has been replaced, blending the original 1940s carpet pattern and the color scheme of the carpet the Snyders put in. Lietz said the Surf also plans to bring back pieces of wicker and bamboo furniture.

The Snyders put in so much great work, Lietz said. We feel that its our job, too, to give back and invest in it for the future. 
Quinn stated, "I am thrilled that Donna has joined our Government Banking & Cash Management group. Her extensive knowledge of Massachusetts municipalities is indispensable to our team and will greatly benefit our government clients."

About Merchants Bank:

A Vermont-chartered commercial bank established in 1849, Merchants Bank is the largest Vermont-based bank. The bank's commercial, municipal, consumer, and investment customers enjoy personalized relationships, sophisticated online and mobile banking options, with 31 branches in Vermont and 1 location in Massachusetts, operating as NUVO, A division of Merchants Bank. American Banker ranks Merchants Bank a "Top 200" in America among 851 peers. For more information, go to www.mbvt.com. Where do you want to grow? (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender).

Contact: Anita Bourgeois

Merchants Bank, 275 Kennedy Drive, S. Burlington, VT 05403

802-865-1641, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393952

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160302/339656LOGO

SOURCE Merchants Bank

Related Links

http://www.mbvt.com


Andrea Wolak joined Merchants Bank in 2003 managing the Bristol branch. Prior to her promotion to Cash Management and Government Banking Officer she managed both Merchants Bank Vergennes and Bristol branches. She has nearly 20 years of banking experience and holds a BS from the University of New Hampshire.

From 2003 to 2008 Kristen Baggs held various positions within Merchants Bank and rejoined Merchants Bank in 2012 as a Cash Management Support Specialist.

Quinn stated, "I am thrilled that Andrea and Kristen are joining the Government Banking & Cash Management group. Andrea's extensive branch knowledge and Kristen's cash management expertise will enhance our already strong team."

About Merchants Bank:

A Vermont-chartered commercial bank established in 1849, Merchants Bank is the largest Vermont-based bank. The bank's commercial, municipal, consumer, and investment customers enjoy personalized relationships, sophisticated online and mobile banking options, with 31 branches in Vermont and 1 location in Massachusetts, operating as NUVO, A division of Merchants Bank. American Banker ranks Merchants Bank a "Top 200" in America among 851 peers. For more information, go to www.mbvt.com. Where do you want to grow? (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender).

Contact: Anita Bourgeois

Merchants Bank, 275 Kennedy Drive, S. Burlington, VT 05403

802-865-1641, [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393924

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393923

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160302/339656LOGO

SOURCE Merchants Bank

Related Links

http://www.mbvt.com


COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE: MTD) today announced second quarter results for 2016. Provided below are the highlights:

Sales in local currency increased 6% in the quarter compared with the prior year. Reported sales increased 5% as currency reduced sales growth by 1% in the quarter.

Net earnings per diluted share as reported (EPS) were $2.93 , compared with $2.73 in the prior-year period. Adjusted EPS was $3.22 , an increase of 15% over the prior-year amount of $2.80 . Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP measure and excludes purchased intangible amortization, discrete tax items, restructuring charges and other one-time items. A reconciliation to EPS is provided on the last page of the attached schedules.

Second Quarter Results

Olivier Filliol, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Sales growth in the quarter was strong as we continued to have good demand in the Americas and very good growth in Asia / Rest of World, including China. Europe growth was solid. We improved gross and operating margins which contributed to an excellent growth in EPS. Finally, cash flow in the quarter was strong."

EPS in the quarter was $2.93, compared with the prior-year amount of $2.73. Adjusted EPS was $3.22, an increase of 15% over the prior-year amount of $2.80.

Sales were $608.3 million, a 6% increase in local currency sales, compared with $582.1 million in the prior-year quarter. Reported sales increased 5% as currency reduced sales growth by 1% in the quarter. As compared to the prior year, local currency sales increased 6% in the Americas, 4% in Europe and 8% in Asia / Rest of World. Adjusted operating income amounted to $129.1 million, a 9% increase from the prior-year amount of $118.3 million. Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP measure, and a reconciliation to earnings before taxes is provided in the attached schedules.

Cash flow from operations was $115.5 million, compared with $105.2 million in the prior-year quarter.

Six Month Results

EPS for the six months was $5.32, compared with the prior-year amount of $4.91. Adjusted EPS was $5.68, an increase of 12% over the prior-year amount of $5.05.

Sales were $1.148 billion, a 5% increase in local currency sales, compared with $1.118 billion in the prior-year period. Reported sales increased 3%, as currency reduced sales growth by 2% in the period. By region, local currency sales increased 6% in the Americas, 2% in Europe and 6% in Asia / Rest of World as compared to the prior-year period. Adjusted operating income amounted to $231.1 million, a 7% increase from the prior-year period amount of $215.6 million. Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP measure, and a reconciliation to earnings before taxes is provided in the attached schedules.

Cash flow from operations was $151.2 million, compared with $163.8 million in the prior-year period.

Acquisition to Expand Secondary Brand Offering and Market Position in Weight Calibration

The Company announced that it intends to complete the acquisition of Henry Troemner, LLC ("Troemner"), a leading supplier of lab equipment, weights and weight calibration, in the third quarter of 2016. The Company stated that the acquisition will expand the offering of basic lab products which are sold through indirect distribution under the Company's secondary brand, Ohaus. In addition, the Company will become a global leader in weights and weight calibration through the combination of Troemner's U.S.-based business with the Company's European business. Troemner is based in the Philadelphia area.

Outlook

The Company updated its outlook for 2016 and noted that forecasting remains challenging. The Company also noted that the updated outlook includes the estimated impact of the Troemner acquisition.

Based on today's assessment, management anticipates that local currency sales growth in 2016 will be in approximately 5% and Adjusted EPS is forecasted to be in the range of $14.40 to $14.50, an increase of 11% to 12%. This compares to previous guidance of local currency sales growth of approximately 4% and Adjusted EPS in the range of $14.25 to $14.35.

For the third quarter 2016, management anticipates that local currency sales growth will be in the range of 5% to 6% and Adjusted EPS is forecasted to be in the range of $3.65 to $3.70, an increase of 12% to 13%.

Adjusted EPS excludes purchased intangible amortization, discrete tax items, restructuring charges and other one-time items. While the Company has provided an outlook for Adjusted EPS, it has not provided an outlook for EPS as it would require an estimate of non-recurring items, which are not yet known.

Conclusion

Filliol concluded, "We saw improved momentum in our business during the quarter but our outlook for the rest of the year remains cautious given the uncertainty in the global economy. While we are guarded about economic factors that are outside our control, we are very encouraged with factors within our control  namely our strategic initiatives and ability to execute them. Specifically, our new product introductions, Field Turbo investments, Spinnaker sales and marketing programs and various productivity improvement measures are yielding tangible results. With strong execution, we believe we can continue to gain share."

Other Matters

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its quarterly results today (Thursday, July 28) at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To hear a live webcast or replay of the call, visit the investor relations page on the Company's website at www.mt.com/investors. The presentation referenced in the conference call will be located on the website prior to the call.

METTLER TOLEDO is a leading global supplier of precision instruments and services. The Company has strong leadership positions in all businesses and believes it holds global number-one market positions in a majority of them. Specifically, METTLER TOLEDO is the largest provider of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. The Company is also a leading provider in analytical instruments for use in life science, reaction engineering and real-time analytic systems used in drug and chemical compound development and process analytics instruments used for in-line measurement in production processes. In addition, METTLER TOLEDO is the largest supplier of end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging for food, pharmaceutical and other industries. Additional information about METTLER TOLEDO can be found at www.mt.com/investors.

Statements in this press release which are not historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our businesses' actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please see the discussion on forward-looking statements in our current report on Form 8-K to which this release has been furnished as an exhibit. All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under the captions "Factors affecting our future operating results" and in the "Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recently completed fiscal year, which describe risks and factors that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in those forward-looking statements.

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(amounts in thousands except share data)

(unaudited)









































Three months ended











Three months ended

















June 30, 2016



% of sales

June 30, 2015



% of sales



































































Net sales



$608,286

(a)

100.0



$582,057





100.0





Cost of sales



260,710





42.9



259,145





44.5





Gross profit



347,576





57.1



322,912





55.5









































Research and development



30,701





5.0



29,794





5.1





Selling, general and administrative



187,798





30.9



174,808





30.1





Amortization



8,655





1.4



7,634





1.3





Interest expense



6,872





1.1



6,942





1.2





Restructuring charges



2,205





0.4



1,720





0.3





Other charges (income), net



8,173





1.3



(33)





0.0





Earnings before taxes



103,172





17.0



102,047





17.5









































Provision for taxes



23,584





3.9



24,490





4.2





Net earnings



$79,588





13.1



$77,557





13.3









































Basic earnings per common share:

































Net earnings



$2.99











$2.79













Weighted average number of common shares



26,631,015











27,843,905



















































Diluted earnings per common share:

































Net earnings



$2.93











$2.73













Weighted average number of common



27,143,284











28,460,336













and common equivalent shares







































































Note:

































(a) Local currency sales increased 6% as compared to the same period in 2015.

















































































RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES TO ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME















































Three months ended











Three months ended



















June 30, 2016



% of sales

June 30, 2015



% of sales









































Earnings before taxes



$103,172











$102,047













Amortization



8,655











7,634













Interest expense



6,872











6,942













Restructuring charges



2,205











1,720













Other charges (income), net



8,173

(b)







(33)













Adjusted operating income



$129,077

(c)

21.2



$118,310





20.3











































Note:

































(b) Other charges (income), net includes a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $8.2 million related to a lump sum settlement to former employees of our U.S. pension plan.





(c) Adjusted operating income increased 9% as compared to the same period in 2015.







METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (amounts in thousands except share data) (unaudited)









































Six months ended













Six months ended















June 30, 2016



% of sales



June 30, 2015

% of sales

































































Net sales



$1,147,960

(a)

100.0





$1,117,758



100.0



Cost of sales



500,477





43.6





496,041



44.4



Gross profit



647,483





56.4





621,717



55.6







































Research and development



59,674





5.2





58,255



5.2



Selling, general and administrative



356,719





31.1





347,846



31.1



Amortization



17,079





1.5





15,162



1.4



Interest expense



13,452





1.2





13,667



1.2



Restructuring charges



3,085





0.2





2,627



0.2



Other charges (income), net



7,889





0.7





(850)



(0.1)



Earnings before taxes



189,585





16.5





185,010



16.6







































Provision for taxes



44,323





3.8





44,402



4.0



Net earnings



$145,262





12.7





$140,608



12.6







































Basic earnings per common share:































Net earnings



$5.42













$5.03









Weighted average number of common shares



26,781,154













27,978,814













































Diluted earnings per common share:































Net earnings



$5.32













$4.91









Weighted average number of common



27,283,012













28,611,637









and common equivalent shares



































































Note:































(a) Local currency sales increased 5% as compared to the same period in 2015.















































RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES TO ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME









































Six months ended













Six months ended















June 30, 2016



% of sales



June 30, 2015

% of sales





































Earnings before taxes



$189,585













$185,010









Amortization



17,079













15,162









Interest expense



13,452













13,667









Restructuring charges



3,085













2,627









Other charges (income), net



7,889

(b)









(850)









Adjusted operating income



$231,090

(c)

20.1





$215,616



19.3







































Note:































(b) Other charges (income), net includes a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $8.2 million related to a lump sum settlement to former employees of our U.S. pension plan.



(c) Adjusted operating income increased 7% as compared to the same period in 2015.





METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (amounts in thousands) (unaudited)











































June 30, 2016



December 31, 2015



















Cash and cash equivalents



$114,646







$98,887

Accounts receivable, net



407,972







411,420

Inventories



234,006







214,383

Other current assets and prepaid expenses



143,636







138,125

Total current assets



900,260







862,815





















Property, plant and equipment, net



514,312







517,229

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net



558,280







561,536

Other non-current assets



88,895







75,059

Total assets



$2,061,747







$2,016,639





















Short-term borrowings and maturities of long-term debt



$20,945







$14,488

Trade accounts payable



131,888







142,075

Accrued and other current liabilities



438,275







438,564

Total current liabilities



591,108







595,127





















Long-term debt



693,263







575,138

Other non-current liabilities



285,414







265,917

Total liabilities



1,569,785







1,436,182





















Shareholders' equity



491,962







580,457

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity



$2,061,747







$2,016,639























METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (amounts in thousands) (unaudited)

























Three months ended

Six months ended





June 30,

June 30,





2016

2015

2016

2015



















Cash flow from operating activities:















Net earnings

$ 79,588

$ 77,557

$ 145,262

$ 140,608 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to















net cash provided by operating activities:















Depreciation

7,994

8,357

16,116

16,658 Amortization

8,655

7,634

17,079

15,162 Deferred tax benefit

(5,548)

(1,011)

(8,852)

(2,681) Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements (5,347)

(837)

(11,152)

(1,278) Non-cash pension settlement charge

8,189

-

8,189

- Other

3,569

3,590

7,148

7,070 Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in















operating assets and liabilities

18,425

9,899

(22,565)

(11,754) Net cash provided by operating activities

115,525

105,189

151,225

163,785



















Cash flows from investing activities:















Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

83

85

218

127 Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(14,510)

(17,384)

(28,858)

(35,923) Acquisitions

-

(100)

(4,329)

(300) Net hedging settlements on intercompany loans

(1,053)

(4,427)

1,075

(12,811) Net cash used in investing activities

(15,480)

(21,826)

(31,894)

(48,907)



















Cash flows from financing activities:















Proceeds from borrowings

163,147

342,454

392,560

493,450 Repayments of borrowings

(145,217)

(236,437)

(269,684)

(313,923) Proceeds from exercise of stock options

8,056

8,192

13,965

17,738 Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

5,347

837

11,152

1,278 Repurchases of common stock

(124,997)

(123,728)

(249,997)

(247,473) Other financing activities

(555)

(854)

(680)

(854) Net cash used in financing activities

(94,219)

(9,536)

(102,684)

(49,784)



















Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(1,775)

123

(888)

(1,048)



















Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

4,051

73,950

15,759

64,046



















Cash and cash equivalents:















Beginning of period

110,595

75,359

98,887

85,263 End of period

$ 114,646

$ 149,309

$ 114,646

$ 149,309







































RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW



















Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 115,525

$ 105,189

$ 151,225

$ 163,785 Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

5,347

837

11,152

1,278 Payments in respect of restructuring activities

2,461

1,216

4,302

2,022 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

83

85

218

127 Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(14,510)

(17,384)

(28,858)

(35,923) Free cash flow

$ 108,906

$ 89,943

$ 138,039

$ 131,289

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC. OTHER OPERATING STATISTICS



















































SALES GROWTH BY DESTINATION (unaudited)

































Europe

Americas

Asia/RoW Total





























U.S. Dollar Sales Growth (Decrease)























Three Months Ended June 30, 2016



5%

5%

4%

5%





Six Months Ended June 30, 2016



2%

5%

1%

3%





























Local Currency Sales Growth























Three Months Ended June 30, 2016



4%

6%

8%

6%





Six Months Ended June 30, 2016



2%

6%

6%

5%























































RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED EPS AS REPORTED TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS (unaudited)





























Three months ended

Six months ended



June 30,

June 30,



2016

2015

% Growth

2016

2015

% Growth

























EPS as reported, diluted $2.93

$2.73

7%

$5.32

$4.91

8%

























Restructuring charges, net of tax 0.06 (a) 0.04 (a)



0.09 (a) 0.07 (a)

Purchased intangible amortization, net of tax 0.04 (b) 0.03 (b)



0.08 (b) 0.07 (b)

Non-cash pension settlement charge, net of tax 0.19 (c) 0.00





0.19 (c) 0.00





























Adjusted EPS, diluted $3.22

$2.80

15%

$5.68

$5.05

12%

























Notes:





















(a) Represents the EPS impact of restructuring charges of $2.2 million ($1.7 million after tax) and $1.7 million ($1.3 million after tax) for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, and $3.1 million ($2.3 million after tax) and $2.6 million ($2.0 million after tax) for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which primarily include employee related costs.



(b) Represents the EPS impact of purchased intangibles amortization, net of tax, of $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, and $2.1 million and $1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(c) Represents the EPS impact of a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $8.2 million ($5.1 million after tax) related to a lump sum settlement to former employees of our U.S. pension plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.

SOURCE Mettler-Toledo International Inc.

Related Links

http://www.mt.com


WASHINGTON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The median annual income and number of sales transactions of National Association of Realtors commercial members decreased slightly as the number of new commercial members significantly increased in 2015, according to the 2016 NAR Commercial Member Profile.

The median annual income and number of sales transactions of National Association of Realtors commercial members decreased slightly as the number of new commercial members significantly increased in 2015, according to the 2016 NAR Commercial Member Profile.

The number of commercial members with less than two years of experience nearly doubled to 9 percent in 2016, from 5 percent in 2015. The annual study's results represent Realtors, members of NAR, who conduct all or part of their business in commercial sales, leasing, brokerage and development for land, office and industrial space, multifamily and retail buildings, as well as property management.

"As the U.S. economy continues to experience strong, steady recovery, NAR has seen more and more members choose to specialize in commercial real estate," said NAR President Tom Salomone, broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida. "Realtors who practice commercial real estate help build and improve the economies of our local communities, so as a community's commercial real estate market grows and improves so does the local economy."

The median years of experience in real estate dropped to 15 years in 2016 from 20 years in 2015, as did the median years of experience in commercial real estate, down from 25 years to 20 years.

The median gross annual income for commercial members in 2015 was $108,800, down from $126,900 in 2014. Brokers and appraisers reported the highest annual gross income at $145,800 and $130,800 respectively while sales agents reported the lowest at $$67,300, which is in line with last year's results. Those with less than two years of experience reported a median annual income of $43,400 in 2015, down from $67,200 in 2014; and those with more than 26 years of experience reported a median annual income of $165,385 in 2015, up from $162,800 in 2014.

"The slight drop in annual income appears to be associated with a substantial number of new commercial members entering the industry," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. "The report tells us that the more years of experience in commercial real estate a member has the more revenue they take in."

The increase in new commercial members has been predominately new sales agents and as a result led to a shift in license type. Forty-seven percent of NAR's members who practice commercial real estate are brokers, down from 59 percent last year, while licensed sales agents made up 31 percent of commercial members, up from 24 percent. Additionally, 17 percent of commercial members have a broker-associate license and 5 percent hold an appraisal license.

The median sales transaction volume among commercial members who had a transaction was $2,931,000 in 2015, an increase from $2,916,700 in 2014. Eight percent of commercial members reported not having a transaction at all, likely due to the influx of new members in commercial real estate.

Thirty-five percent of commercial members were involved in international transactions in 2015, up from 32 percent in 2014. Commercial sales agents had the most experience with foreign clients with 45 percent reporting an international transaction. Nineteen percent of all respondents saw an increase in international clients, while only 1 percent reported a decrease.

The median lease transaction volume in 2015 among members who reported at least one transaction was $600,000. While those members who manage properties typically managed 50,000 total square feet representing 17 total spaces in 2016, down from 75,000 square feet and 20 spaces managed in 2015. Those who manage offices typically manage 20,000 square feet representing five total spaces.

Forty percent of members who practice commercial real estate have a commercial designation. Twenty-seven percent of members have a designation with the CCIM Institute, 8 percent with the Institute of Real Estate Management, 7 percent are Certified International Property Specialists and 4 percent are Society of Industrial and Office Realtors.

Seventy-three percent of commercial members are male, down from 75 percent in 2014, as more women continue to enter the industry. The median age remained the same as last year at 60 years old. Sixty-nine percent of members have a bachelors' degree or higher.

The 2016 NAR Commercial Member Profile was based on a survey of 2,048 members. Income and transaction data are for 2015, while other data represent member characteristics in 2016. Approximately 80,000 commercial real estate professionals are members of NAR, making it the largest commercial organization in the industry.

The National Association of Realtors, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the "News, Blogs and Videos" tab on the website. Statistical data in this release, as well as other tables and surveys, are posted in the "Research and Statistics" tab.

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SOURCE National Association of Realtors

Related Links

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Bafalis' 30 years of leadership in the clean technology and energy fields ranges from Fortune 500 Companies to starting his own private equity-backed renewable energy company in Houston, TX, to running a Silicon Valley clean tech startup in the algae space. With project development, construction, financing and operations experience in 17 countries during his career, Bafalis has successfully closed over $2 billion in project financings and raised over $250 million in venture capital and private equity funding for a wide array of startup companies.

DeWitt Thompson, V, PHGE's board chairman, said, "Greg's extensive business and energy background will be invaluable for PHG Energy. His experience with startup companies in clean technology as well as with large Fortune 500 companies brings a new dimension to PHGE. We are positioned for growth, and he complements our team with an impressive package of skills to guide the future for PHGE," Thompson said.

"Working with startup companies and new technologies has always been a passion for me," Bafalis said. "The current environment is ideal for this type of waste-to-energy business, and the value we can bring to customers and investors is substantial. The deployment of sustainable and renewable energy production is a critical and ongoing need in today's world."

Bafalis' previous accomplishments include:

Raising $168 million in funding as CEO of Green Earth Fuels, and growing the company from zero revenue to over $250 million in under three years

in funding as CEO of Green Earth Fuels, and growing the company from zero revenue to over in under three years Directing construction of a 90 million gallon-per-year biodiesel production facility along with an 8,000-acre palm oil plantation to supply the Green Earth Fuels plant

Securing capital, permitting and construction contracts for algae-to-fuel demonstration facilities in Karratha, Australia , and Harlingen, Texas

, and Managing development of more than 2,000 megawatts of power generation capacity and over 1,500 miles of gas pipelines in Brazil

Serving with Mission Energy as Executive Director for the Brooklyn Naval Yard cogeneration facility, a 380 megawatt gas fired plant constructed in NYC

Overseeing operational and financial aspects of 14 power plants and two pipelines in 11 countries as Senior Managing Director (Americas and Europe ) for El Paso Corporation

) for El Paso Corporation Developing waste-to-energy and waste wood-fired energy projects for Waste Management, Inc.

PHGE has deployed 13 gasifiers to date, and currently has two facilities under contract utilizing the company's patented technology to convert biomass-based material into clean synthetic fuel gas. The newest installation in Lebanon, TN, is scheduled for completion this fall.

Aries Energy, PHGE's solar subsidiary based in Knoxville, TN, was recently awarded contracts for a 1.3 megawatt community solar array near that city and is expected to bring the system on line in 2016. This innovative concept allows individuals to share ownership, and benefits, in a large solar installation that is not on their property.

PHG Energy, LLC, is owned by a Nashville family that has operated a multi-state Caterpillar dealership for 72 years. For more information about the company visit: www.phgenergy.com

Media Contact

Nancy Cooper at [email protected] Phone: 615-471-9093

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SOURCE PHG Energy

Related Links

http://www.phgenergy.com


COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BroadStreet Partners, a top-20 national insurance brokerage, announced the addition of $195 million to its bank facility, which fuels the growth of its partner independent insurance agencies throughout the United States.

The bank facility grew to $445 million which funds agency acquisitions and perpetuation.

"Our independent agent partners are strong entrepreneurs growing their businesses through organic growth and acquisitions," said Rick Miley, CEO and president of BroadStreet Partners. "Our bank facility gives them immediate access to capital to fund new acquisitions, and continue the growth of their independent insurance agencies."

Since its founding 15 years ago, BroadStreet's core partners have grown their agencies through the acquisition of 250 smaller agencies.

"Our bank facility creates an advantage for our partners: they never have to worry about where the money is going to come from when an opportunity arises to make an acquisition," Miley said. "It doesn't matter if the opportunity is a book of business or a multi-location agency, they have our support as a stable and reliable capital partner."

The bank facility is a collaboration between BroadStreet Partners, Inc. and a syndicate of twelve stable and conservative banks with Royal Bank of Canada as Administrative Agent and Lead Arranger, and Sun Trust Bank, Bank of America, N.A., ING Capital LLC and The Bank of Nova Scotia as Joint Lead Arrangers. The Credit facility is now $445 million and can be increased by an additional $120 million. In 2016 BroadStreet Partners, Inc. executed a $195 million upsizing of the credit facility, increasing it from $250 million to $445 million.

BroadStreet has a unique business model, investing in high-performance independent insurance agencies with agents who want to continue to grow their businesses. These agents maintain an ownership interest and continue to run their businesses with control over their operations.

Since its founding in 2001, BroadStreet has grown to become the 15th largest insurance broker in the United States, and among the top 10 privately held brokers. Based in Columbus, Ohio, BroadStreet has approximately 2,300 colleagues nationwide.

BroadStreet's majority investor is the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, the largest single-profession pension plan in North America with over $190 billion under management.

Website: BroadStreetcorp.com.

Media Contact: John Millen, The Reputation Group, (614) 344-1975

SOURCE BroadStreet Partners

Related Links

http://www.broadstreetcorp.com


Nestle Waters North America is the leading U.S. provider of bottled waters offering consumers many choices for healthy hydration. The new Consumer Engagement Center will empower Nestle Waters' employees and partners to deepen their relationships with consumers across all digital channels, foster community and deliver more personalized experiences. It offers a real-time view of the consumer journey with well-known bottled water products such as S. Pellegrino, Poland Spring and Nestle Pure Life brands.

"Every conversation about beverages on a social platform represents an opportunity for us to engage with our consumers," said Antonio Sciuto, Chief Marketing Officer, Nestle Waters North America. "We are moving beyond building databases to cultivating communities by delivering personalized content based on the specific needs of our consumers to deepen their engagement and advocacy."

"Smart companies like Nestle Waters North America understand that effective marketing is moving from batch and blast campaigns to intelligent customer journeys," said Stephanie Buscemi, EVP, Product and Solutions Marketing, Salesforce. "The Salesforce Customer Success Platform provides Nestle with a transformative way to holistically manage the customer experience and connect the dots across sales, service, community and marketing."

Using the power of Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Nestle Waters North America will leverage its new digital center to understand thousands of brand and topical conversations per month. Doing so will allow the company to participate in social conversations with its communities and provide branded content most relevant to its consumers, leading to deeper, more lasting relationships.

"For us, digital marketing is no longer simply about reach and frequency. Marketing is evolving into personalized consumer experiences, and our mission in this new reality is to better understand consumer needs, behaviors and trends so we can delight them on every single occasion. We use analytics and modeling to find other people with similar interests. We want to invite them into the conversation and continuously improve our marketing effectiveness," continued Sciuto.

"Digital command centers are intelligent nerve centers that let brands quickly track digital moments and respond appropriately  For an increasing number of CMOs, such a center delivers actionable insights to improve market research, better support customers, and drive sales," wrote analyst Clement Teo.1

Connect with Salesforce

Like Salesforce on Facebook: facebook.com/salesforce

Follow @Salesforce and @marketingcloud on Twitter

Connect with Nestle Waters North America

Follow @NestleWatersNA on Twitter

About Nestle Waters North America

Nestle Waters North America provides people with an unrivaled portfolio of bottled waters for healthy hydration. Brands such as NESTLE PURE LIFE, POLAND SPRING, PERRIER and S.PELLEGRINO have driven Nestle Waters North America to be third largest non-alcoholic beverage company by volume in the U.S. Based in Stamford, Connecticut with 7,500 employees, Nestle Waters is dedicated to continually improving sustainability across operations. As a natural resource company, Nestle Waters sustainably manages about 40 spring sites, as well as nearly 14,000 acres of watershed as open space. The company is also committed to creating shared value and being a good neighbor in the 140 communities where it operates in the U.S.

About Salesforce

Salesforce, the Customer Success Platform and world's #1 CRM company, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: http://www.salesforce.com.

Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase Salesforce applications should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Salesforce has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM." For more information please visit http://salesforce.com, or call 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." All statements other than historical facts included in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the timing and the closing of the transaction, the financing for the transaction, the expected benefits of the transaction, prospective performance and future business plans, and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown, or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the parties' expectations and projections. These forward-looking statements reflect Salesforce's expectations as of the date of this press release. Salesforce undertakes no obligation to update the information provided herein.

 2016 salesforce.com, inc. All rights reserved. Salesforce, Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, AppExchange, Salesforce Platform, and others are trademarks of salesforce.com, inc. Other brands featured herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

1 "The Digital Command Center: The New Must-Have For CMOs", an April 2015 Forrester Blog Post by Clement Teo.

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SOURCE Salesforce

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VANCOUVER, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Nevsun Resources Ltd. (TSX:NSU)(NYSE MKT:NSU) ("Nevsun" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. Unless otherwise noted, with the exception of earnings per share and realized price and cost per pound figures, all financial results are in millions of US dollars.

Second quarter 2016 highlights

Continued first quartile safety performance at Bisha

Completed the acquisition of Reservoir Minerals Inc. at a purchase price of $512.5 million

Completed the acquisition of significant additional exploration licenses in the Bisha District

Delivered the Bisha Zinc Expansion Project on time and under budget

Produced 21.6 million pounds of copper at C1 cash costs (1) of $0.92 per payable pound sold

of per payable pound sold Total 2016 supergene copper production of 55.8 million pounds at a C1 cash cost (1) of $1.04 per payable pound sold significantly better than guidance

of per payable pound sold significantly better than guidance Sold 30,000 gold equivalent ounces from stockpiles for a YTD sales total of 50,000 gold equivalent ounces

Generated earnings per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders of $0.04 , and $34.9 million in operating income

, and in operating income Ended period with working capital of $237.9 million , including $240.3 million of cash

, including of cash Paid quarterly dividend of $0.04 per share

"The Reservoir transaction is truly transformational and creates immediate diversification to our valuation. We now have two tremendous assets and a strong debt-free balance sheet. Nevsun is positioned as a leading mid-tier base metal company with production and growth. We have hit the ground running in Serbia with drilling already underway and ambitious plans to move the Timok Copper-Gold Project to pre-feasibility no later than the end of 2017," commented Cliff Davis, CEO of Nevsun.

Financial Review









Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,

2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue $ 79.2 $ 104.2 $ 171.6 $ 221.4 Operating income

34.9

38.6

67.8

81.2 Net income

18.0

19.2

33.6

42.2 Net income attributable to Nevsun shareholders

9.6

9.4

17.1

22.0 Basic earnings per share attributable to Nevsun shareholders

0.04

0.05

0.08

0.11 Working capital

237.9

498.6

237.9

498.6

















Copper price realized, per payable pound sold

2.11

2.59

2.16

2.53 C1 cash cost per payable pound sold(1) $ 0.92 $ 0.97 $ 1.04 $ 1.12 (1) C1 cash cost per pound is a non-GAAP measure  see page 18 of the Q2 2016 MD&A for discussion of non-GAAP measures

Operating review



Key operating information  Bisha Mine:

Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,

2016 2015 2016 2015 Ore mined, tonnes(1) 964,000 771,000 2,301,000 1,428,000 Waste mined, tonnes 2,448,000 2,605,000 4,476,000 6,122,000 Strip ratio, (using tonnes) 2.5 3.4 1.9 4.3 Ore milled, tonnes(2) 471,000 429,000 1,055,000 870,000 Copper feed grade, % 2.5 4.2 2.8 4.4 Recovery, % of copper 82.9 82.5 85.2 83.2 Copper concentrate grade, % 21.2 24.9 22.2 24.9 Copper in concentrate produced, millions of pounds 21.6 32.4 55.8 70.4 Copper in concentrate produced, tonnes 9,800 14,700 25,300 31,900 Payable copper in concentrate sold, millions of pounds 22.9 33.6 57.8 81.0 Payable copper in concentrate sold, tonnes 10,300 15,200 26,200 36,700 Payable gold in concentrate sold, ounces 4,500 5,500 10,500 12,400 Payable silver in concentrate sold, ounces 192,000 329,000 418,000 698,300

(1) Ore tonnes mined for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 included no oxide ore (three and six months ended June 30, 2015 

43,000 and 54,000 tonnes, respectively), 133,000 and 865,000 tonnes of supergene ore, respectively (three and six months ended June

30, 2015  462,000 and 980,000) and 831,000 and 1,436,000 tonnes of primary ore, respectively (three months ended March 31, 2015 

266,000 and 394,000). (2) The supergene phase of the Bisha mine ceased on June 2, 2016. The processing figures presented in this table consist of the processing

of supergene ore only.

Cliff Davis commented on Bisha, "Bisha continues to produce cash for its shareholders. We exceeded our guidance on supergene production and cash cost expectations. Our cost-cutting efforts have been sustained. Strong gold and silver prices from our Direct Ship Ore stockpiled material also helped the bottom line. Pre-commercial production is underway with our first sale of zinc concentrate likely to occur in August. The zinc concentrate market remains very tight and we are very pleased to see zinc prices in excess of $1.00 per pound."

Cliff Davis went on to say, "Our confidence operating in Eritrea, supported by the positive exploration drill results, has lead us to make an additional investment in Eritrea. This twenty-fold increase in our exploration licensed areas, with more advantageous relinquishment terms, was acquired in exchange for a portion of the amount receivable from our partner, the Eritrean National Mining Corporation."

Conference call details

The Company will hold a conference call on Friday, July 29, 2016, at 8AM Vancouver / 11AM Toronto, New York / 4PM London, to discuss the Q2 2016 results. Please call in at least five minutes prior to the conference call start time to ensure prompt access to the conference. Dial in details are as follows:

North America: 1 888-390-0546 / +1 416-764-8688 / +1 778-383-7413

UK: 0800 652 2435 (toll free)

Other International: +1 416-764-8688 / +1 778-383-7413

The conference call will be available for replay until August 5, 2016, by calling 1 888-390-0541 / +1 416-764-8677 and entering passcode 889772#.

About Nevsun Resources Ltd.

Nevsun Resources Ltd. is the 60% owner of the high grade Bisha Mine in Eritrea. Bisha has 9 years of reserve life, generating revenue from both copper and zinc concentrates containing gold and silver by-products. Nevsun has a strong balance sheet with over US$200 million cash, no debt and pays a peer leading quarterly dividend. Nevsun is well positioned to grow shareholder value through exploration at Bisha and the newly acquired Serbian assets that include the high-grade copper-gold Timok Project.

Forward Looking Statements

The above contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "hopes", "intends", "estimated", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "wil", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are statements concerning the Company's current beliefs, plans and expectations about the future including but not limited to statements and information made concerning: the Company's acquisition of Reservoir, statements relating to the business, prospects and future activities of, and developments related to the Company, anticipated developments in operations, commercial production, estimated future production, future costs of production and capital expenditures, mine life of mineral projects, the timing and amount of estimated capital expenditures, costs and timing of exploration and development and capital expenditures related thereto, operating expenditures, and related cash flows, success of exploration activities, estimated exploration budgets, currency fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, limitations on insurance coverage, the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, the timing and possible outcome of regulatory and permitting matters, goals, strategies, future growth, planned future acquisitions and explorations activities, the adequacy of financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future, and are inherently uncertain. The actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, the risks that: (i) any of the assumptions in the historical resource estimates turn out to be incorrect, incomplete, or flawed in any respect; (ii) the methodologies and models used to prepare the resource and reserve estimates either underestimate or overestimate the resources or reserves due to hidden or unknown conditions, (iii) exploration activities or the mine operations are disrupted or suspended due to acts of god, internal conflicts in the country of Eritrea or Serbia, unforeseen government actions or other events; (iv) the Company experiences the loss of key personnel; (v) the Company's operations or exploration activities are adversely affected by other political or military, or terrorist activities; (vi) the Company becomes involved in any material disputes with any of its key business partners, suppliers or customers; (vii) the Company is subjected to any hostile takeover or other unsolicited attempts to acquire control of the Company; (viii) the Company is subject to any adverse ruling in any of the pending litigation to which it is a party; (ix) Reservoir's PEA is preliminary in nature and it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves; and other risks are more fully described in the Company's and Reservoir's Management Information Circulars dated May 18, 2016 with respect to the proposed arrangement between Reservoir and Nevsun and the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements.

Further information concerning risks and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and our business can be found in our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015, which is available on the Company's website (www.nevsun.com), filed under our profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) under cover of Form 40-F.

NEVSUN RESOURCES LTD.

"Cliff T. Davis"

Cliff T. Davis

President & Chief Executive Officer

SOURCE Nevsun Resources Ltd.
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) announced today that a consensus statement addressing the role of the neurologist in transitioning children to the adult healthcare system has been published in the July 27, 2016 online edition of Neurology. The content, which was solely developed by the Child Neurology Foundation, included input from an independent panel of 13 interdisciplinary experts based on a review of research literature. Entitled "The Neurologist's Role in Supporting Transition to Adult Healthcare: A Consensus Statement," the recommendations were endorsed by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), Child Neurology Society (CNS) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The project was co-sponsored by Eisai Inc., a company dedicated to advancing epilepsy care (www.advancingepilepsycare.com/transitions-of-care).

Transition of care, defined as a fluid process for young adults to maintain access to medically- and developmentally-appropriate care in order to attain life-long functioning and well-being, has become increasingly important. According to the Department of Health and Human Services' Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), transition of care is a necessary step in order to create a comprehensive system of services for children with special healthcare needs. However, for one in six children living with a neurological disorder, resources to help guide the transition process have been historically limited.

"With so many patients, caregivers and healthcare providers struggling with the current system, it is imperative that healthcare professionals and patients have tools in place to help facilitate dialogue and maintain optimal treatment," said Lawrence Brown, MD, Chair, CNF Transition Project Advisory Committee and Authoring Panel. "We're hopeful that the consensus statement outlined in Neurology will help ensure that all patients receive and maintain high-quality, comprehensive care during this important transition phase."

A decline in health and healthcare (e.g., adherence, lapses in insurance coverage) during the transitional phase has been well-documented. A recent report found that only 40 percent of patients and caregivers are currently discussing transition with their healthcare teams.

A clinical report, "Supporting the Health Care Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood in the Medical Home," was published in 2011 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Physicians in Pediatrics, highlighting a need for better transitions of care from primary care providers for all youth. The report called for subspecialists to respond to this guidance by providing consensus on their subspecialty-specific needs for successful transitions. The neurology community is the first subspecialty to formally respond to this call for action with the publication of this consensus statement.

The consensus statement includes a neurology-specific review of literature and discussion, common principle recommendations about responsibilities of the child and adult neurologist, discussion of co-management between primary care providers and specialists, as well as five disease-specific vignettes illustrating implementation of the core principles. The five neurological disease states featured in the report's vignettes are:

generalized epilepsy,

muscular dystrophy,

fragile X,

tuberous sclerosis complex and

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

"As a company dedicated to advancing epilepsy care, Eisai's co-sponsorship of this consensus statement aligns with our corporate human health care mission of helping to improve the lives of patients living with neurological conditions," said Timothy Clark, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Policy, Eisai Inc. "This consensus statement provides critical information to the healthcare community, including patients and caregivers, to help make improvements in the transition of care."

Members of the consensus statement authoring panel and child and adult neurology leaders met in August 2015 to begin discussions about how to appropriately distribute and implement the consensus statement's findings in order to optimally affect change for the neurology community. This extensive group is currently in the process of making plans to provide resources to the larger community to address the issue of transition of care.

For more information about the consensus statement, please visit www.childneurologyfoundation.org or www.advancingepilepsycare.com.

About the Child Neurology Foundation

Established in 2001, the Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) 501(c)(3) is a national nonprofit organization created to serve pediatric patients and their caregivers through advocacy, education, research, and support initiatives. The Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of children with neurologic disorders by strengthening connections between patients and their families, physicians and other healthcare professionals, and advocacy and industry partners.

For more information on the CNF, please visit www.childneurologyfoundation.org.

About American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 28,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest-quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.

For more information on the AAN, please visit www.aan.com.

About Child Neurology Society (CNS)

The Child Neurology Society is the preeminent non-profit professional association of pediatric neurologists in the United States, Canada, and worldwide devoted to fostering the discipline of child neurology and promoting the optimal care and welfare of children with neurological and neuro developmental disorders. These disorders include epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, learning disabilities, complex metabolic diseases, nerve and muscle diseases, and a host of other highly challenging conditions.

For more information on the CNS, please visit www.childneurologysociety.org/.

About American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 64,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

For more information on the AAP, please visit www.aap.org.

About Eisai Inc.

At Eisai Inc., human health care (hhc) is our goal. We give our first thoughts to patients and their families, and helping to increase the benefits health care provides. As the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., we have a passionate commitment to patient care that is the driving force behind our efforts to discover and develop innovative therapies to help address unmet medical needs.

Eisai is a fully integrated pharmaceutical business that operates in two global business groups: oncology and neurology (dementia-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases). Each group functions as an end-to-end global business with discovery, development, and marketing capabilities. Our U.S. headquarters, commercial and clinical development organizations are located in New Jersey; our discovery labs are in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and our global demand chain organization resides in Maryland and North Carolina. To learn more about Eisai Inc., please visit us at www.eisai.com/US.

Media Inquiries





Laurie Landau Amy Miller Eisai Inc. Child Neurology Foundation (201) 746-2510 (214) 789-7316 [email protected] [email protected]

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http://www.eisai.com


SAN FRANCISCO, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Spaceknow is launching new product on Bloomberg terminal. African Night Light Index (ticker: SPCK - name of the country) is available immediately to all Bloomberg customers.

In general, African countries suffer from a lack of publicly available macroeconomic data. Countries that provide some economic indicators, including the GDP release, usually do so with significant delays. The goal of Spaceknow Africa Night Light Index is to provide reliable economic indicators for African countries that are not influenced by any political or commercial interests.

Description of methodology:

Spaceknow Africa Night Light Index is based on the light intensity measured by satellites and then aggregated according to individual countries.

Although images are available on daily basis, some regions are negatively influenced by frequent cloud coverage. Here, Spaceknow is taking into account only regions with negligible cloud cover. Images are composed into monthly aggregations and further processed.

Due to the high seasonality of the light intensity in Africa, Spaceknow compares the light intensity against the same period a year ago. Spaceknow works only with regions that have at least two Example of Spaceknow Africa Night Light Index and GDP data for Egypt and Cameroon

Example of Spaceknow Africa Night Light Index and GDP data for Egypt and Cameroon

Following graphs contain two curves:

1. Green line represents quarterly GDP data from http://www.tradingeconomics.com/

2. Blue line represents quarterly data from Spaceknow Africa Night Light Index

Countries already processed by Spaceknow

Countries for which monthly and quarterly data is available (low cloud coverage)

Algeria

Botswana

Burkina Faso

Egypt

Gambia

Ghana

Kenya

Libya

Mauritania

Morocco

Mozambique

Namibia

Niger

Nigeria

Senegal

South Africa

Sudan

Tanzania

Tunisia

Countries for which quarterly data is available (high cloud coverage)

Angola

Benin

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Congo

Cote d'Ivoire

Djibouti

DRC

Ethiopia

Madagascar

Togo

Uganda

Zambia

Zimbabwe

About Spaceknow:

Founded in 2014, Spaceknow brings transparency to the global economy by tracking global economic trends from space through their products. The company develops these products for monitoring economic activity for a wide variety of both consumer and enterprise clients. www.spaceknow.com

PR Contact: [email protected] or 415-3491576

SOURCE Spaceknow

Related Links

http://www.spaceknow.com


MASON CITY  NAMI North Iowa is hosting free Mental Health First Aid training Aug. 29 and 30 in Mason City.

The training will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day at the North Iowa Area Community College Activity Center.

Mental Health First Aid teaches individuals how to help those experiencing mental health challenges or crises.

The training is open to anyone who wants to learn more about mental health and how to offer mental health first aid.

Registration is limited to 30 participants. Attendance on both days is required to complete the training.

Those who want to attend should send their name, address, email and phone number to naminorthiowa@gmail.com.

Those who secure one of the training spots will receive a confirmation notice.

NAMI North Iowa is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Their book, Student Success in Higher Education: Developing the Whole Person through High Impact Practices, gives specific examples of the model for professionals working in five critical student success functional areasacademic advising, career services, counseling and psychological services, faculty teaching, and student engagement. The model helps colleges and universities develop psychologically healthy and self-aware students as a part of their educational mission.

Drawing upon over 30 years of professional experiences as higher education leaders, teachers, and counselors, the authors provide three research-based, high-impact practices that empower students to create their own pathways to success in college and in life:

Integrated Self Model (iSelf)  a framework to understand the whole person through self-system and positive psychology attributes

a framework to understand the whole person through self-system and positive psychology attributes Self Across the Curriculum (SAC)  a pedagogy to teach self-knowledge through curricula

a pedagogy to teach self-knowledge through curricula Success Predictor (SP)  a student success assessment instrument and intervention tool

"When the self becomes the lens through which students learn, students can balance cognitive with non-cognitive factors to become happy and whole people who are equipped to create a positive life and make contributions toward a better society," said Dr. Brzycki. "The need is clear for a new integrated student success model that places wellness at the center, and moreover empowers students to define success for themselves."

In addition to their own model, the authors provide examples of promising student success practices from a number of institutions of higher education across America  from community colleges to Research I Universities. The book also includes a discussion about professional competencies from leading student affairs organizations that directly relate to student success.

This important new book is available in print and eBook formats from Amazon, and Barnes and Noble booksellers. Dr. Brzycki heads The Brzycki Group, a human development and learning research and education organization, Elaine Brzycki heads The Center for the Self in Schools, a non-profit initiative to impact the well-being of students located in State College, Pennsylvania. Inquiries can be made at:

http://www.brzyckigroup.com

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Dr. Henry G. Brzycki at 814-753-2505 or Email.

Contact:

Dr. Henry G. Brzycki

Telephone: 814-753-2505

Email: Email

Website: www.Brzyckigroup.com

SOURCE Elaine and Henry Brzycki
ORANGEBURG, N.Y., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PDI, a leader in infection prevention products and solutions, announces the appointments of Keith St. John to Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Debra Hagberg to Director of Clinical Affairs. Both roles will support PDI's Infection Prevention business, including PDI Healthcare and Sani Professional divisions, serving to further elevate the Company's position as a trusted resource for infection prevention.

Meet the new members of PDI's clinical affairs team

"I am thrilled to welcome Keith and Debra to PDI's growing clinical affairs team," said Matt Gattuso, President, PDI Infection Prevention. "Together, they bring more than half a century of valuable infection prevention experience to PDI. These appointments further demonstrate our commitment to reinvest in our mission to Be the Difference in the fight against preventable infections and ultimately help save lives."

In his new role, Keith will focus on developing and maintaining relationships with government agencies, industry associations and key opinion leaders. He joins PDI with significant experience managing programs at teaching institutions, hospitals and specialty care centers. As an acclaimed thought leader, Keith has authored 25 scientific abstracts, 10 journal articles and several educational book chapters. In his previous role at Wolters Kluwer Health, Keith served as a Clinical Epidemiologist and Clinical Program Manager.

Debra, a former member of PDI's Medical Science Liaison team for nine years, returns to develop PDI's clinical strategy aimed at delivering high-impact educational programs and establishing evidence-based protocols. She will also serve as the corporate medical affairs contact for customers. Prior to returning to PDI, Debra served as Clinical Program Manager, Infection Prevention, at Wolters Kluwer Health.

Keith holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Microbiology from Thomas Jefferson University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from University of Delaware. He is a past President of CBIC, a past President of the Delaware Valley-Philadelphia APIC Chapter and served eight years on the USP Expert Compounding Committee. Keith is also a long-standing member of APIC and SHEA. Debra earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. Both hold certifications in infection control (CIC) and medical technology (ASCP).

About PDII

PDII helps reduce preventable infections, control associated costs and, ultimately, save lives by delivering a broad range of evidence-based, market leading environmental hygiene, patient care and food safety solutions in the community and healthcare environments. PDII has three divisions, PDI Contract Manufacturing, Sani Professional and PDI Healthcare. Visit wearepdi.com.

Media Contact:

Lindsey Schmidt

Kwittken

212-352-6537

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393570

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150318/182910LOGO

SOURCE PDI Healthcare

Related Links

http://pdihc.com


LONDON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This report provides all the information you require to better understand Pfizer and its partnering interests and activities since 2010. The Partnering Deals and Alliance since 2010 report provides an in-depth insight into the partnering activity of one of the world's leading life sciences companies.



On demand company reports are prepared upon purchase to ensure inclusion of the most up to date deal and company data.



The report will be delivered in PDF format within 1 working day of receipt of order. If the CD-Rom version purchased, the report will be sent by courier using express service.



One of the key aspects of partnering is finding those companies that are potential candidates for the development and commercialization of the next generation of therapies. A lot of resources are spent on finding partners, identifying their interests and making contact to initiate discussions.



Using this report, dealmakers will effectively and efficiently target their partnering activities to deliver the company's business development objectives.



The initial chapters of this report provide an orientation of deal making and business activities. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the report, whilst chapter 2 lists the top companies partnering with the company since 2010. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the leading partnering and M&A deals since 2010 to present date based on headline value.



Chapter 4 provides details on how to approach biopharma companies with partnering opportunities whilst chapter 5 lists forthcoming partnering events and conferences where biopharma companies will be present to discuss opportunities face to face.



The main body of the report is provided in chapter 6 providing a infographic visual summary of the company's partnering activity since 2010 according to deal type, industry sector, phase of development, and therapy area.



The deals are listed by deal type, stage of development and therapy focus, allowing easy access to deals and alliances of interest. Every deal record links to an online, live version of the deal record at the Current Agreements deals and alliances database. Where available, deal records also include the contract document as disclosed at the SEC.



One of the key aspects of partnering is conducting due diligence on a partner to determine under what terms a prospective partner agrees to a partnering relationship.



Understanding the flexibility of prospective partners' negotiated deals terms provides critical insight into the negotiation process in terms of what you can expect to achieve during the negotiation of terms. Whilst many smaller companies will be seeking details of the payments clauses, the devil is in the detail in terms of how payments are triggered  contract documents provide this insight where press releases and databases do not.



In addition, contract documents provide the answers to numerous questions about a prospective partner's flexibility on a wide range of important issues, many of which will have a significant impact on each party's ability to derive value from the deal.



Each contract document is accessible through a link to an online version of the actual contract document as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission. Analyzing actual company agreements allows assessment of the following:



o What is actually granted by the agreement to the partner company?



o What exclusivity is granted?



o What is the payment structure for the deal?



o How are sales and payments audited?



o What is the deal term?



o How are the key terms of the agreement defined?



o How are IPRs handled and owned?



o Who is responsible for commercialization?



o Who is responsible for development, supply, and manufacture?



o How is confidentiality and publication managed?



o How are disputes to be resolved?



o Under what conditions can the deal be terminated?



o What happens when there is a change of ownership?



o What sublicensing and sub-contracting provisions have been agreed?



o Which boilerplate clauses does the company insist upon?



o Which boilerplate clauses appear to differ from partner to partner or deal type to deal type?



o Which jurisdiction does the company insist upon for agreement law?

Partnering Deals and Alliances since 2010 report provides the user with the following key benefits:



Partnering interests and therapy focus revealed

Partnering activity since 2010  number of deals per year

Partnering activity for 2010-present

Activity by deal type

Activity by phase of development

Activity by therapeutic area

List of recent partner companies

Detailed listing of all partnering deals since 2010

Comprehensive access to actual contracts entered into by the company and its partners*

Insight into the terms included in a partnering agreement

Understand the key deal terms the company has agreed in previous deals

Undertake due diligence to assess suitability of your proposed deal terms for partner companies



*Subject to being published via regulatory requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3605616/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com

For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com


NEW YORK, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Princess Grace Foundation-USA (PGF-USA) has announced the winners of the 2016 Princess Grace Awards. The Annual Gala will continue the legacy of Princess Grace (Kelly) of Monaco, who helped emerging artists pursue their artistic goals during Her lifetime. In total, the Foundation is awarding over $1 million to artists in theater, dance, and film. In the presence of Their Serene Highnesses The Prince and The Princess of Monaco, this year's Gala will be held at Cipriani 25 Broadway on October 24, 2016. The evening will be co-chaired by Lisa and Richard Plepler, Sidney and Katia Toledano, and Gillian Murphy and Ethan Stiefel. Major Gala supporters include: Christian Dior Couture, as Presenting Sponsor and Mrs. Lily Safra as Crown Sponsor.

Toby Boshak, Executive Director of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA shared, "We are thrilled to welcome this year's incredibly talented Award winners into the Princess Grace Foundation-USA family. Each year we enthusiastically support a passionate new group of emerging talents who will one day be at the forefront of the arts. We look forward to watching them grow as artists in the same way we have watched this year's Statue Award winners, Leslie Odom Jr. and Camille Brown, evolve. We are incredibly proud of all of them."

For the eighth year in a row, celebrated artist Alex Soldier, known for his mastery of precious miniatures, has created an objet d'art to represent the Princess Grace Awards. The Award symbolically combines the three art forms lauded by the Foundation: theater, dance, and film by using precious metals and Swarovski crystal accents. Presented as a distinctive sculpture to the Prince Rainier III Award honoree, this creation is transformed for each recipient to wear as a pin, a special reminder of their Award for the world to see.

Past winners of the Awards for theater, dance and film who distinguish themselves in their artistic disciplines since receiving their initial Princess Grace Awards are eligible to for the Foundation's Princess Grace Statue Award. This year, Leslie Odom Jr, who starred as Aaron Burr in Broadway's hit musical Hamilton for which he received a 2016 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, and 2016 Bessie-nominated choreographer, Camille A. Brown, will each receive Princess Grace Statue Awards. In addition to a $25,000 unrestricted cash gift, Leslie and Camille will be presented with a bronze statue of Princess Grace created by the Dutch artist Kees Verkade. To date, sixty-three artists have received this Award.

This year's Princess Grace Award winners are: For Theater and Playwriting :

Tanya Orellana/California institute of the Arts (Theater Scholarship, Faberge Theater Award), Lucius Robinson/ Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre (Theater Scholarship, Grace Le Vine Theater Award), Keith Wallace/ University of California, San Diego (Theater Scholarship, Gant Gaither Theater Award), Bruce A. Lemon/Cornerstone Theater Company (Theater Apprenticeship, Robert and Gloria Hausman Theater Award), Christopher Murillo/Playwrights' Arena (Theater Fellowship, Pierre Cardin Award), Dawn Monique Williams/Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Theater Fellowship), Emma D. Stanton/New Dramatists (Playwriting Fellowship); Honoraria: Eric Berryman/The Wooster Group, Inc., Modesto Jimenez/Bushwick Starr).

For Dance Performance and Choreography : Tyson Clark/Boston Ballet (Dance Scholarship, Chris Hellman Dance Award), Riley O'Flynn/the Juilliard School (Dance Scholarship) Marc Crousillat/Trisha Brown Dance Company (Dance Fellowship), Jeffery Duffy/Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (Dance Fellowship), Paige Fraser/ Visceral Dance Chicago (Dance Fellowship), Tamisha Guy/ Abraham.In.Motion (Dance Fellowship), Danielle Agami/ Visceral Dance Chicago (Choreography Fellowship), Penny Saunders/ Whim W'him (Choreography Fellowship); Honorarium: Chrystyn M. Fentroy/Dance Theatre of Harlem.

For Film : Beryl Allee/Pacific Northwest College of Art (Film Undergraduate Scholarship, Cary Grant Film Award), Langston Sanchez/Hampshire College(Film Undergraduate Scholarship), Gordon Straub/California Institute of the Arts (Film Undergraduate Scholarship), Nellie Kluz/ University of Illinois, Chicago (Film Graduate Scholarship) Candy Guinea/ San Franscisco State University (Film Graduate Scholarship, John H. Johnson Film Award), Cameron Quevedo/ University of Texas at Austin (Film Graduate Scholarship); Honoraria: Ben Neufeld/ California Institute of the Arts.

Special Project, Works in Progress Residencies at the Baryshnikov Arts Center and the Choreography Mentorship Co-Commission (CMCC) Awards are grants available to past Princess Grace Awards and Honoraria recipients for uniquely significant projects that advance their artistic development. This year's winners are:

Special Project Awards : Kyle Abraham, Marjani A. Forte, Rachel Israel, Ciara L. Lacy, Mitch A. McCabe and Jennifer Reeves.

Works in Progress Residencies : Jiehae Park, Victor Quijada, Evan Yionoulis.

Choreography Mentorship Co-Commission (CMCC) Award: Camille A. Brown.

ABOUT THE PRINCESS GRACE FOUNDATION  USA

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA is a non-profit, publicly-supported foundation, headquartered in New York City and founded 34 years ago by Prince Rainier III of Monaco to honor his wife, Princess Grace's [Kelly] legacy. The Foundation's mission is dedicated to identifying and assisting emerging talent in theater, dance, and film by awarding grants in the form of scholarships, apprenticeships, and fellowships. Since the Foundation's inception, nearly 800 recipients have been awarded more than $13 million. Some notable Princess Grace Awards recipients in Film include: Emmy winner Cary Fukunaga, director of "True Detective", Jane Eyre and Beasts of No Nation; Greg Mottola director of Superbad, "Arrested Development", and the upcoming Keeping up with the Joneses; Stephen Hillenburg, creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. Theater recipients include: Tony Award winner for Best Direction of a Play, Anna D. Shapiro; Pulitzer and Tony Award winning playwright Tony Kushner; Golden Globe Award winner Oscar Isaac; and Academy Award winner Eric Simonson. Dance/Choreography recipients include: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle; American Ballet Theatre's Gillian Murphy and Isabella Boylston and New York City Ballet's Tiler Peck and Maria Kowroski; as well as choreographers Kyle Abraham and Michelle Dorrance.

For more information about the Princess Grace Awards program, please visit www.pgfusa.org

SOURCE Princess Grace Foundation-USA

Related Links

http://www.pgfusa.org


MILPITAS, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. today announced receipt of a Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant from the National Institute of Heart and Lung Diseases of the National Institutes of Health. The award, Number HL132702-01A1, supports preclinical research aimed at discovering and optimizing lead molecules as novel peptide mimetics of the natural hepcidin hormone. Protagonist aims to develop these mimetics as potential injectable treatments for iron overload disorders, such as beta-thalassemia and hereditary hemochromatosis.

Protagonist's research has shown that hepcidin mimetics discovered using the company's peptide technology platform can lower serum iron when administered subcutaneously in animal studies. This award will help further the company's efforts to translate these preclinical proof-of-concept findings into a potential human therapeutic for patients characterized by anemia and organ iron overload.

"This new SBIR grant will support our efforts to use our technology platform to create novel peptide drugs," said David Y. Liu, Ph.D., Protagonist Chief Scientific Officer. "Through this award, the reviewers also recognize the considerable benefit which could be provided for the treatment of iron overload disorders through therapeutic targeting of the hepcidin-ferroportin pathway, which is the master regulator of iron homeostasis."

"The NIH SBIR program plays a vital role in helping companies develop new technology and products that serve important U.S. health care needs," Dr. Liu concluded.

The content of this press release is solely the views of its authors and does not represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

About Protagonist Therapeutics

Protagonist Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a proprietary technology platform focused on discovering and developing peptide-based new chemical entities to address significant unmet medical needs. Its primary focus is on developing first-in-class oral peptide drugs that specifically target biological pathways also targeted by currently marketed injectable antibody drugs. Compared to injectable antibody drugs, Protagonist's oral peptides offer targeted delivery to the gastrointestinal (GI) tissue compartment, potential for improved safety due to minimal exposure in the blood, improved convenience and compliance due to oral delivery, and potentially an opportunity for earlier introduction of targeted therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Protagonist's initial lead product candidates, PTG-100 and PTG-200, are based on this approach, and the company believes they have the potential to transform the existing treatment paradigm for IBD, a GI disease consisting primarily of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

PTG-100, a potential first-in-class oral alpha-4-beta-7 integrin specific antagonist peptide product candidate that is being developed initially for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis, has now completed a phase 1 clinical trial in normal healthy volunteers. PTG-200, a potential first-in-class oral Interleukin-23 receptor antagonist that is being developed initially for moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease, is currently in IND-enabling studies.

The company has a peptide technology platform that enables the discovery of oral and injectable peptides that can be utilized against a diverse set of targets and diseases including, but not confined to, GI targets and diseases. In addition to PTG-100 and PTG-200, the company is engaged in the discovery and development of injectable hepcidin mimetics, including one lead compound from this program, PTG-300, which is currently in pre-clinical development. These mimetics have potential utility for the treatment of iron overload disorders, such as transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia, hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and sickle cell disease (SCD), each of which may qualify PTG-300 for orphan drug designation.

Protagonist is headquartered in Milpitas, California with its pre-clinical and clinical staff in California, and discovery operations both in California and in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. For further information, please visit http://www.protagonist-inc.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130501/MM06086LOGO

SOURCE Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.protagonist-inc.com


PUEBLO, Colo., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Radial announced today its plan to hire an additional 150 workers in Pueblo, Colorado to support the 10-fold increase in demand during the upcoming holiday season. Radial helps retailers and brands meet their customers' needs while delivering a seamless shopping experience.

Radial operates a customer care center in Pueblo that is in need of workers to help support its retail clients. Through peak season and everyday interactions, Radial employees will be trained to represent brands and retailers of all sizes, and cultivate a base of loyal, happy customers. This includes:

Leveraging technology that defines the gold standard of customer care, from phone to chat

Handling customer issues that drive sales, as well as satisfaction

Keeping response times short and customer satisfaction scores high

Achieving higher customer satisfaction scores than competitors and industry benchmarks

To learn more about job openings in Pueblo, visit www.radial.com/jobs.

"The holidays are a highly anticipated time for families and the busiest time of year for retail. Radial works behind the scenes to ensure our clients are exceeding their customers' expectations year round, and particularly during the holiday season," said Ricardo Layun, General Manager, North American Customer Care at Radial. "We're adding thousands of workers across our network so consumers get their orders when and where they want, and get the service they expect of a seamless shopping experience. Radial is focused on service and customer convenience, and we're looking for people who are excited about working with some of the world's favorite brands."

In April, eBay Enterprise and Innotrac joined forces to become Radial, the leader in omnichannel commerce technology and operations. Radial leverages a global network of technology professionals to deliver and service cloud-based commerce platforms for leading retailers and brands. It operates 26 distribution centers and six call centers in the United States, Canada and Europe, and employs more than 7,000 people globally. Over the next few months, Radial plans to add more than 20,000 additional workers globally to help retailers this holiday season.

About Radial

Radial is the leader in omnichannel commerce technology and operations, enabling brands and retailers to profitably exceed retail customer expectations. Radial's technical, powerful omnichannel solutions connect supply and demand through efficient fulfillment and transportation options, intelligent fraud, payments, and tax systems and personalized customer care services.

Hundreds of retailers and brands confidently partner with Radial to simplify their post-click commerce and improve their customer experiences. Radial brings flexibility and scalability to their supply chains and optimizes how, when and where orders go from desire to delivery. Learn how we work with you at www.radial.com.

Media Contact

Ned Tadic

Finn Partners for Radial

312-329-3979/[email protected]

Logo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160711/388554LOGO

SOURCE Radial

Related Links

http://www.innotrac.com


THE HAGUE, Netherlands, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc ("RDS") (NYSE : RDS.A) (NYSE : RDS.B) today announced an interim dividend in respect of the second quarter of 2016 of US$0.47 per A ordinary share ("A Share") and B ordinary share ("B Share"), equal to the US dollar dividend for the same quarter last year.

RDS provides eligible shareholders with a choice to receive dividends in cash or in shares via a Scrip Dividend Programme ("the Programme"). For further details please see below.

Details relating to the second quarter 2016 interim dividend

It is expected that cash dividends on the B Shares will be paid via the Dividend Access Mechanism from UK-sourced income of the Shell Group.

Per ordinary share Q2 2016 RDS A Shares (US$) 0.47 RDS B Shares (US$) 0.47

Cash dividends on A Shares will be paid, by default, in euro, although holders of A Shares will be able to elect to receive dividends in pounds sterling.

Cash dividends on B Shares will be paid, by default, in pounds sterling, although holders of B Shares will be able to elect to receive dividends in euro.

The pounds sterling and euro equivalent dividend payments will be announced on September 5, 2016.

Per ADS Q2 2016 RDS A ADSs (US$) 0.94 RDS B ADSs (US$) 0.94

Cash dividends on American Depository Shares ("ADSs") will be paid, by default, in US dollars.

ADS stands for an American Depositary Share. ADR stands for an American Depositary Receipt. An ADR is a certificate that evidences ADSs. ADSs are listed on the NYSE under the symbols RDS.A and RDS.B. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares, two A Shares in the case of RDS.A or two B Shares in the case of RDS.B. In many cases the terms ADR and ADS are used interchangeably.



Scrip Dividend Programme

RDS provides shareholders with a choice to receive dividends in cash or in shares via the Programme.

Under the Programme shareholders can increase their shareholding in RDS by choosing to receive new shares instead of cash dividends, if approved by the Board. Only new A Shares will be issued under the Programme, including to shareholders who currently hold B Shares.

In some countries, joining the Programme may currently offer a tax advantage compared with receiving cash dividends. In particular, dividends paid out as shares by the Company will not be subject to Dutch dividend withholding tax (currently 15 per cent), unlike cash dividends paid on A shares, and they will not generally be taxed on receipt by a UK shareholder or a Dutch shareholder.

Shareholders who elect to join the Programme will increase the number of shares held in RDS without having to buy existing shares in the market, thereby avoiding associated dealing costs.

Shareholders who do not join the Programme will continue to receive in cash any dividends approved by the Board.

Shareholders who held only B Shares and joined the Programme are reminded they will need to make a Scrip Dividend Election in respect of their new A Shares if they wish to join the Programme in respect of such new shares. However, this is only necessary if the shareholder has not previously made a Scrip Dividend Election in respect of any new A Shares issued.

For further information on the Programme, including how to join if you are eligible, please refer to the appropriate publication available on http://www.shell.com/scrip.

Dividend timetable for the second quarter 2016 interim dividend Announcement date July 28, 2016 Ex-dividend date RDS A and RDS B ADS August 10, 2016 Ex-dividend date RDS A and RDS B shares August 11, 2016 Record date August 12, 2016 Scrip reference share price announcement date August 18, 2016 Closing of scrip election and currency election (See Note) August 26, 2016 Pounds sterling and euro equivalents announcement date September 5, 2016 Payment date September 19, 2016

Note

Both a different scrip and currency election date may apply to shareholders holding shares in a securities account with a bank or financial institution ultimately holding through Euroclear Nederland. This may also apply to other shareholders who do not hold their shares either directly on the Register of Members or in the corporate sponsored nominee arrangement. Shareholders can contact their broker, financial intermediary, bank or financial institution for the election deadline that applies. A different scrip election date may apply to registered and non-registered ADS holders. Registered ADS holders can contact The Bank of New York Mellon for the election deadline that applies. Non-registered ADS holders can contact their broker, financial intermediary, bank or financial institution for the election deadline that applies.

Taxation - cash dividends

Cash dividends on A Shares will be subject to the deduction of Dutch dividend withholding tax at the rate of 15%, which may be reduced in certain circumstances. Based on a policy statement issued by the Dutch Ministry of Finance on April 29, 2016, and depending on their particular circumstances, non-Dutch resident individual shareholders may be entitled to a full or partial refund of Dutch dividend withholding tax.

Furthermore, in April 2016, there were changes to the UK taxation of dividends. The dividend tax credit has been abolished, and a new tax free dividend allowance of 5,000 introduced. Dividend income in excess of the allowance will be taxable at the following rates: 7.5% within the basic rate band; 32.5% within the higher rate band; and 38.1% on dividend income taxable at the additional rate.

If you are uncertain as to the tax treatment of any dividends you should consult your own tax advisor.

Royal Dutch Shell plc

The Hague, July 28, 2016

CAUTIONARY NOTE

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release "Shell", "Shell group" and "Royal Dutch Shell" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. ''Subsidiaries'', "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this release refer to companies over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as "joint ventures" and "joint operations" respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as "associates". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''could'', ''estimate'', ''expect'', ''goals'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''objectives'', ''outlook'', ''plan'', ''probably'', ''project'', ''risks'', "schedule", ''seek'', ''should'', ''target'', ''will'' and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. All forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (available at http://www.shell.com/investor and http://www.sec.gov ). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward looking statements contained in this release and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this release, July 28, 2016 Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this release.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thank you, everyone. I speak to you tonight as the proud son of two New Jersey cops; as a veteran of 39 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and of 25 years in the United States Navy. And as a former NASA astronaut who flew four missions to space.

My decades as a pilot, military officer, and astronaut gave me a unique perspective. From above, I saw our country at its best. I also saw humanity at its worst. I saw us lead an international coalition against the illegal invasion of Kuwait. I also saw the devastating human effects of war itself.

From orbit, I saw our planet as a perfect blue marble. But I also saw shrinking glaciers and rainforests. At war and in space, I saw American leadership on display. But I was always frustrated to return to a country that struggles to address some of our biggest problems here at home.

Just as Hillary is prepared to defend America, our values, and our freedom, Hillary is ready to take on one of our country's greatest moral failures here on our soil: the gun violence that is tearing so many of our communities apart.

We have to do better  and Hillary knows we can. Hillary knows that we save lives by doing more to keep guns out of the wrong hands. We know that as President she'll do the responsible thing: She'll stand up to the Washington gun lobby that works to protect the shameful status quo.

So if you want our legacy to be that we left our kids and grandkids a country with less gun violence  not more  then we need to make Hillary our President!

Now, I want to introduce you to someone who is working every day to do just that. Someone who has taught me to deny the acceptance of failure. And someone who believes, like Hillary does, that we are all Stronger Together.

My wife.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When I was Philadelphia Police Commissioner, we mourned eight officers killed in the line of duty. After the attacks on police in Dallas and Baton Rouge, an entire nation mourned eight more. After 47 years in law enforcement  in Chicago, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia  I've mourned far too many officers killed by guns. And as a nation, we've mourned far too many people who have fallen victim to gun violence.

I'm here to say we need more than grieving. To protect our law enforcement and to serve those heroes who have fallen, we need commonsense measures to reduce gun violence. Police need these commonsense measures. And a leader who will fight for them.

I grew up in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The haze of gun violence hangs heavy there. My brother's best friend was murdered 50 feet from our house. He had refused to join a gang. A few years later, a Chicago police officer was shot dead in almost the same spot. He had been filling out a report in his patrol car.



Gun violence isn't unique to Englewood. It continues to visit neighborhoods across the U.S. During my years in policing, I've seen the crime scenes. I've seen the grieving families. I've seen the costs of gun violence. Now more than ever, we need a strong and steady leader to stop the bloodshed, protect our officers from being outgunned by weapons of war, and rebuild the bonds between police and communities. That's why I'm with Hillary Clinton.

Hillary Clinton is the strong leader to protect our cops and communities from gun violence. She has stood with our first responders when we needed her most. In the days after September 11th. In making sure they got the benefits they had earned. And today, she supports comprehensive background checks and the assault weapons ban. Those who aim to do harm shouldn't get a handgun, let alone an assault rifle.

Hillary Clinton is the steady leader to shepherd us through this critical time. The bonds between law enforcement and communities are frayed. We can't play to America's worst fears. We need to champion our greatest hopes.

Hillary will. She'll bring police and communities closer together. She'll support those who feel forgotten in challenged areas like the South Side of Chicago, Southeast DC, and North Philadelphia. And she'll support dedicated police officers working to improve their communities. Important as ever, Hillary Clinton will build bridges between communities and cops. That's better than building walls.

Hillary Clinton is the right person to become the 45th President of the United States of America. She will work to strengthen bonds of trust between police and the communities they serve. That's why she has my vote.

May God bless all of you, may God bless all the men and women of law enforcement, and may God bless America.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The question was simple. Megan Andrade, a student at the University of New Hampshire, asked Donald Trump about his plan to fight climate change. Trump mocked her, like he's mocked so many others. But climate change is no joke. From floods in Miami, to droughts in California, to forest fires in Colorado, and rising sea levels in Virginia, it's clear. Climate change is here, and it's having a devastating impact.

I'm Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters. Our very top priority this year is electing Hillary Clinton the next President of the United States!

The stakes could not be higher.

Climate change is happening now. Yet Donald Trump calls it  and I quote  "a hoax!"

And more than just deny it, his policies would make climate change worse. His energy "plan" would mean more pollution in our air, more poison in our water, and more public lands stripped for private profit. That may be good for the Koch brothers and Big Oil. But Trump's policies would be terrible for our families or our future.

That's why today we're naming Donald Trump to our Dirty Dozen list  I can't imagine anyone more deserving!

And it's why we must elect Hillary Clinton our next President.

We proudly endorsed Hillary last November: the earliest in our history. Why? Hillary is a proven leader with a vision and plan to combat climate change and to make America the clean energy superpower of the 21st century.

Her solutions are win-win-win-win  good for our economy, our security, our health, and our planet.

And she's not just a leader on climate change and clean energy. She called attention to the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and has ambitious plans to rebuild our aging infrastructure and fight for environmental justice.

So this November, the question is simple.

Are we going to protect polluter profits? Or protect public health?

Are we going to go backward on our policy successes? Or continue forward?

Are we going to elect a climate denier? Or a climate champion?

We're Stronger Together! Let's show Megan Andrade, and millions of young people like her, that we're fighting for their future!

Let's act on climate and elect Hillary Clinton! Thank you very much!

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ROCKFORD  Hoping to help recruit workers, North Iowa Fabrication will donate a virtual welding machine to Rockford-Rudd-Marble Rock High School.

The Rockford-based company recently purchased the $50,000 machine it hopes will give interested high school students a jump start on learning the trade.

The Lincoln Electric Vrtex 360 is a piece of equipment the company does not have, said owner Steve Sliger, preferring to train its welders with real equipment.

We are always looking for qualified workers throughout the years, he said. The machine might produce some qualified people that show up you dont have that learning curve.

Basically, what you are going to learn is welding positions, how to set your welder, what gasses you should be using, he said.

Sliger said he is waiting for a final confirmation from RRMR before it goes to the school.

They thought it would be a great learning tool for their kids, he said. Not many high schools are going to have one of these.

This is going to help somebody thats maybe in school figure out if they want to do it without getting dirty, he added.

RRMR agricultural teacher Jym Hansen said the welder should arrive by the beginning of the school year.

Whats really nice about it for students is no safety risk, he said.

For a high school to get one (due to the cost) is almost impossible, unless you have a business thats willing to help out like North Iowa Fabrication did, Hansen said. I dont know too many schools that have this much support.

The pending donation to RRMR comes as other area schools have expanded real-life welding training.

This year in Osage, a class of high school and adult students has been receiving instruction at the high schools welding room.

NIACC also hosted an advanced manufacturing camp called Minds On! Hands On! last week with the goal of introducing young women to career and education opportunities.
PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As a billionaire preaches nostalgia for the past, it's worth remembering our past.

In 1948, a 10-year-old girl in Orangeburg, South Carolina, had to drag bags of cotton. That girl was my grandmother. Millions of other Americans lived separate, unequal lives.

In 1960, a college student was arrested in Orangeburg for protesting that unjust system  and in jail, met his future wife. That student was Jim Clyburn.

Thanks to him and countless other marchers, Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Johnson correctly predicted Democrats would lose the South for a generation as a result.

But to paraphrase JFK, now the torch has been passed to a new generation of southerners  diverse, progressive, and fed-up with Republicans' failed governance and dangerous divisiveness.

When this generation hears Trump claim that America was only great in some bygone era, we know painfully well we can't go back to the old America and the Old South.

Democrats believe in a New South because no matter your race, immigration status, income, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, we all have the same aspirations for high-quality education, jobs, neighborhoods, health care, and retirement.

These aspirations were my grandmother's, who now sees her grandson as the first black party chair in South Carolina.

These aspirations were Jim Clyburn's, who became Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Only Democrats can help all Americans fulfill these aspirations.

After the horrific massacre at Emanuel AME Church, South Carolinians united to take down the Confederate flag.

But we can't pat ourselves on the back for taking down the flag until we take down the barriers to education and health care. We can't pat ourselves on the back for being polite until we do right.

Hillary Clinton, who followed her heart to Arkansas, understands that the American Dream extends beyond the Mason-Dixon line and that South Carolina's motto, "While I breathe, I hope," applies to all. She is strongly supporting all of our state parties with a 50-state strategy because we are Stronger Together, and only together will we more truly become one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Good evening. My name is John Hutson, and unlike Donald Trump, there are two things I know an awful lot about: law and order. For 11 years, I was a law school dean. And for 30 years, I served proudly in the United States Navy, including as Judge Advocate General.

Donald Trump calls himself the "law-and-order candidate," but he'll violate international law. In his words, he endorses torture "at a minimum." He'll order our troops to commit war crimes like killing civilians. And he actually said, "You have to take out their families." And what did he say when he was told that's illegal? He said our troops "won't refuse, believe me." This morning, he personally invited Russia to hack us! That's not law and order. That's criminal intent!

Donald Trump would abandon our allies and let more countries get nuclear weapons. He lies about donating to our veterans and called the military I served in a "disaster." It's embarrassing enough that he's the face of one of our political parties. The real disaster is what would happen if we let Donald Trump become the face of the country we love.

More than 120 Republican national-security leaders recently warned that Donald Trump would, in their words, "make America less safe." He even mocks our POWs, like John McCain. I served in the same Navy as John McCain. I used to vote in the same party as John McCain. Donald, you're not fit to polish John McCain's boots!

But America, we have a better choice. Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who knows how to work with our allies and who has a specific plan to defeat ISIS. She is smart and steady. She has the experience, temperament, and spine to be a superb Commander-in-Chief. She knows what makes us the envy of the world. It's not our abundant natural resources, our resilient economy, or even that we have the strongest military on earth. Our strength comes from who we are, our humanity. If we lose our humanity, we lose the battle and the war.

ISIS and other radical Islamic groups have no humanity. That is their weakness. Our enemy can't defeat us militarily. Victory won't be found on the battlefield. For them, victory is to make us more like them: people who torture, who destabilize the international order, who target innocents because they don't look like them or don't pray like them. Donald Trump is a walking, talking recruiting poster for terrorists. That's not hyperbole. ISIS literally used Trump in a commercial.

You know, you can tell a lot about a person by whom they admire. Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, Dorothy Rodham  these are Hillary Clinton's heroes. Donald Trump admires Donald Trump and Saddam Hussein and Kim Jong-un. And of Vladimir Putin, he said, and I quote, "in terms of leadership he's getting an 'A.'"

I taught national security law. Praising dictators is an automatic "F" in my class. In the 2008 election, as the dean of the University of New Hampshire School of Law School, I invited each presidential candidate to talk about terrorism with me and other retired admirals and generals. Of all the candidates we met with, Hillary Clinton was by far the best prepared and most knowledgeable. She listened carefully and tested our arguments. We had more than 500 years of collective experience, and we learned from her. This was before she served as our Secretary of State. Before she brokered a cease-fire in Gaza, rallied the world to sanction Iran, advised President Obama to take out bin Laden, and restored our reputation in the world.

Anyone who's served with the young men and women of our armed forces knows how serious it is to send them into harm's way. When you're a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine, you don't get to choose your commanders. But when you're a citizen  you have the responsibility to choose the Commander-in-Chief who will keep us safe, strong, and secure. Choose Hillary.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- I'm here tonight because of my passionate commitment to our amazing democracy, as an American deeply concerned about my family's future, indeed, our nation's shared future. And, I'm particularly concerned about the climate crisis.

You see, when we talk about greenhouse gases and warming temperatures, deadlier droughts, and more devastating storms, we're not talking just about the weather, but how the weather affects the economy and, thus, our people. They're the people you'll see in a few moments, people affected by climate change right here in America, right now. They are us.

A rancher in Texas losing his herd because the cows have no grass to eat. A farmer in Kansas whose crops are dying because there's no rain. A mom in New York who lost her young daughter in a flood made worse by rising sea levels.

Can Donald Trump look these people in the eye and say climate change is, "a hoax?" That there's nothing we can do? This is a moment when we, as a nation, have to decide whether we'll ignore the truth and allow real people to continue to suffer, or whether we will put aside our differences, and come together to do what's right.

Hillary Clinton gets it. She cares. She's committed. She understands that taking a stand against climate change is not about politics. It's about our moral obligation to one another, to our children, and to the generations that will one day inherit this earth.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- I come from a family of pioneers. My grandparents took on the elements, lived through the Great Depression, survived poverty and family tragedy, and made a place for themselves in New Mexico before it was a state.

There, they tilled their land, raised their crops, protected what they had, and tried to help others. I grew up on that small farm. I spent my childhood turning dirt, stacking wood, feeding animals. We didn't have much, but we had each other. We had familia.

My dad was a union ironworker  Local 495. My mom had a job with the local school district. They were married for 53 years before Dad passed. Dad's parents before him, Celedon and Nestora, were married even longer: 74 years. Grandpa Celedon, the sheepherder who first put down roots in New Mexico, was born in the era of the horse and buggy  but he lived to see the space shuttle soar into the heavens.

My mom's dad, Grandpa Luis, was a union carpenter who went off to serve in World War II while his wife, Cleotilde, raised the family and was expecting their seventh child. He earned a Bronze Star for his heroism. When I was young, Grandpa Celedon and Grandma Nestora helped care for us. When I was older, Grandpa Luis and Grandma Cleotilde were hurt in a car crash, so we helped care for them. Because that's what families do.

Those are the values I learned growing up. That's why I'm here today. I know I may not look like your typical member of Congress. And, it's true, I haven't really gotten the bolo tie look to catch on.

But the story of my family is the story of millions and millions of other families. It's the story of the great American family. Carpenters and ironworkers, sheepherders and soldiers: Generations of Americans have worked hard and looked out for each other, serving and sacrificing for the next generation.

We all gather together to celebrate the good times. We all rally around each other in times of hardship and tragedy. We all try to leave things a little better than we found them. And these values hold true no matter who you are or where you come from.

As Democrats, we believe that everybody in America should have the same opportunity my grandparents and parents had: to work hard, to have a place of your own, to build some real economic security that you don't have to worry will disappear overnight, to pass something on to your kids and grandkids. Those are the values that built our party.

And for a century, we have led the fight for Social Security and Medicare, for Pell Grants and the GI Bill, for universal health care, for inclusion, and for quality and opportunity for all.

We are proud of our accomplishments. But now it is our turn to continue that tradition. We, too, must work to leave things better than we found them. And Hillary Clinton is the President who will lead us.

But she needs a Congress that will work with her. For nearly six years, Republicans have held the majority in the People's House. But clinging to that majority is the only thing they've accomplished. For nearly six years, House Republicans have put party over country. For nearly six years, they've been afraid to stand up to the birthers and bigots and conspiracy theorists  like the one they just nominated for President.

Millions of Americans who don't consider themselves Democrats have now joined us in rejecting Donald Trump's bullying, his racism, and his attempts to divide our American family.

Growing up, my grandparents shared with me the age old wisdom: Dime con quien andas, y te dire quien eres. Tell me who you walk with, and I'll tell you who you are. For me, the choice is easy. I'm for real leadership, someone with character and values. I'm proud to walk with Hillary Clinton.

If your member of Congress is supporting Donald Trump instead, ask yourself this: What does that say about their leadership? Their character? Their values? If they won't even stand up to Donald Trump, what makes you think they'll stand up for you and your family?

It's time for new leaders who will put families first. Leaders who will keep our nation and our neighborhoods safe. Leaders who will help every American family build a more secure financial future. Leaders who will fight to level the playing field, and put the people's voice back in the People's House. I'd like you to meet some of those leaders.

Securing our nation, securing our democracy, securing our future: Democrats are focused on what matters most. And the fresh faces we'll elect this November will join a team of Democratic leaders in Congress who, like Hillary Clinton, have spent their lives working to improve the lives of others.

Together, we'll work to create jobs and raise wages, secure equal pay for women and paid leave for every family, and make it easier to pay down student debt and possible for every American to attend public college debt-free. If there is one thing you can count on, it's that House Democrats will always be in the fight.

Tonight, Democrats are united. We are passionate. We are fearless. And we are ready to get to work alongside the next President of the United States of America: Hillary Clinton!

And if you are ready to get to work alongside us, then stand with us tonight. Go to DCCC.org/Stronger, and stand with us all the way to November. Because when we stand together, and work together, we win together.

Now, let's get to work!!

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PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 2016 Good evening. Buenas noches.

It's great to be here from Los Angeles, a city with such a huge, thriving Latino population that we expect Donald Trump to build a wall around us .

When I have traveled through this country, from the Midwest, where my wife grew up, to the Deep South, where I became a Navy officer, to towns across the Southwest I visited during this campaign, I heard Americans anxious about their future. And after last week's convention in Cleveland, I can understand why. There, instead of ideas, it was insults. Instead of policy, it was polarization. Instead of hope, there was hatred.

As a mayor, I'm here to tell you: America's cities don't have time for theatrics. America's cities have urgent problems to solve. Local leaders across America support Hillary Clinton because she understands that, and we are prepared to confront and solve these problems together, just as we are in my hometown.

In Los Angeles, we looked at America's crumbling infrastructure and started fixing it  putting more than 500,000 people and $50 billion to work repairing our roads and building our port, airport, and railways.

In Los Angeles, we saw too many Americans living in poverty, so we became the biggest city in America to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, inspiring other cities and states to do the same.

In Los Angeles, we saw too many lives lost to gun violence, so we banned high-capacity magazines and we are taking illegal guns off our streets.

In Los Angeles, we saw too many high school dropouts and too many graduates in debt, so we are making community college free.

We didn't do any of this by finding a common enemy. We found a common purpose. America doesn't need a political pyromaniac for president.

Donald Trump has no vision for our country and no genuine answer to our challenges. His voice is loud, his language is coarse, and his politics has a darkness that would not only stop, but reverse the march of progress toward the greater, more prosperous, more equal America we can and must become.

Elect Donald Trump and get empty promises and no plan for our country.

Elect Hillary Clinton and put $500 billion and more than 6 million Americans to work rebuilding our infrastructure.

Elect Hillary Clinton and raise the minimum wage across the country.

Elect Hillary Clinton and reduce gun violence on our streets.

Elect Hillary Clinton and make college debt-free.

We did it in L.A.; we've done it as Democrats across America's cities; now let's do it for the entire country. That's Hillary Clinton's vision  a united America working together. And that vision makes it possible for me to be here tonight.

I'm just your average Mexican-American Jewish Italian, but my ancestors, faced with war and persecution, crossed oceans and rivers to come to this improbable, miraculous democracy.

My grandfather, Salvador, was carried over the border in his mother's arms, during the Mexican revolution. My other grandfather, Harry, was the son of Russian Jews fleeing persecution. They and their wives, Juanita and Julia, a meatpacker and public school teacher, made lives here.

And after Pearl Harbor, one of my grandfathers answered his nation's call and manufactured uniforms for GIs.

The other put that uniform on, crossed an ocean not knowing if he'd ever come back to fight for the only country he knew, and as a result earned his citizenship.

Today, their grandson is the mayor of the biggest city in the biggest state in this union, humbled to stand before you.

America works best when every strand is woven into our national fabric. Some of us make the uniforms. Some of us wear the uniforms. But we all have a role to play.

When we mock immigrants, women, Indians, or people with disabilities, we mock our own history. This is a country where Navajo code talkers, and mothers on assembly lines, and Japanese-American GIs whose families were in internment camps, won a war led by a president who couldn't walk.

That is the great work that lies ahead  together, to build a nation stronger than the one we inherited.

That is the great work that Hillary Clinton will lead us in as the next President of the United States.

Hermanos y hermanas, juntos somos mas fuertes.

We are Stronger Together.

Thank you.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- My Fellow Democrats, and hello, South Carolina!

As the father of three daughters and grandfather of two adorable granddaughters, I am proud to stand before you as we prepare to offer the American people an opportunity to smash through the ultimate glass ceiling in our nation by nominating for President of the United States a person who is more qualified  by education and training, experience and temperament  than anyone who has ever offered for the job. And when it comes to current pursuers, it ain't even close.

The changes we seek for our great country will not come easy. To achieve a stronger and better America, we need a leader who is willing and able to fight for the dreams of all Americans. If there's one thing I know about Hillary Clinton it is this: She is a fighter. And she fights with her head and her heart.

In my home state of South Carolina, we often say, "you can best tell what a person will do by looking at what he or she has done." When she graduated from law school, Hillary Clinton came to South Carolina to help reform our juvenile justice system and traveled across the region to help make the 1965 Voting Rights Act real in the lives of all Americans.

In Arkansas, she fought to reform education. As First Lady, she fought for universal health care and succeeded in helping secure the Children's Health Insurance Program that provides health care for millions of children and laid the groundwork for the Affordable Care Act.

As a Senator and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton always worked to advance our nation's "pursuit of a more perfect union." Hillary Clinton knows we must take effective action on the issue of income inequality. She has embraced the Congressional Black Caucus's 10-20-30 plan to target federal resources into areas of persistent poverty. Hillary Clinton's first policy speech in this campaign was on criminal justice reform. She will work to get rid of mandatory minimums, mass incarcerations, and private for-profit prisons.

Hillary Clinton does not fear getting outside of her comfort zone. She knows that we are stronger as a nation when we work together. She embodies our nation's motto, E Pluribus Unum, out of many one.

John F. Kennedy challenged us to reach for the moon, and we did. Lyndon Baines Johnson courageously tackled poverty and inequality in America; his achievements continue to lift our communities and sustain our citizens. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pointed us to the mountaintop, and although we are not there yet, we are still climbing. And with President Hillary Clinton, America will rise even further.

My standing before you tonight is a testament to the strength of our party, the goodness of our people, and the greatness of our nation. Our nation is strong, but we can be stronger. Americans are good, but we can be better. America is great, but it can be greater.

My fellow Democrats, America's brightest days are yet to come. We have bigger and better things to achieve. But achieving bigger and better things requires working harder and working together. Let's emerge from Philadelphia working together to make our nation stronger, Americans better, and America greater by electing Hillary Rodham Clinton the next President of the United States.

God bless you and God bless these United States of America.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As we just saw, climate change is unlike any other threat we humans face. It is overarching and affects the entire earth and all living things. It is slow. It is relentless. And it is subject to irreversible tipping points and vast unknowns.

Combating climate change, the existential threat of our time, will take heroic effort on the part of many people and many nations. Make no mistake, climate change is REAL.

The vast majority of world leaders and climate scientists, like those at NASA and the Department of Defense  indeed, almost anyone who chooses to think  believes in the science of climate change and sees the moral imperative to take action. But you wouldn't know it by listening to Donald Trump.

Last week at the Republican Convention, for 76 long and painful minutes, Trump conjured up a host of dark threats, but never once mentioned the words "climate change" or "global warming." What do you expect? Trump represents a party with officials that have banned state employees from even using these words in Florida, and who knows where else.

Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud. Trump says there's no drought in California. I say Trump lies. So, it's not surprising that Trump chose as his running mate a man who denies that there's such a thing as evolution.

Rarely in American history have two parties diverged so profoundly. Even the Know-Nothing, anti-immigrant party of the 1850s did not stray this far into sheer ignorance and dark fantasy as have the Republicans and their leader Donald Trump.

Our candidate, Hillary Clinton, couldn't be more different. While Trump talks, and talks, and talks, Hillary gets stuff done. She fights for us on big issues. As Secretary of State, she paved the way for the historic Paris Climate Agreement, an agreement which 200 nations, including China and India, enthusiastically embraced. And Mr. Trump, he says: The world be damned; I'm tearing it up.

Hillary is the one who launched the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, a group of nations taking action to reduce black carbon and other super climate pollutants, which cause severe lung and heart damage. And from her first day in office, President Hillary Clinton will do what's needed to combat climate change and lead the clean energy revolution.

We know something about this in California. We have solar, wind, zero-emission cars, energy efficiency, and yes, a price on carbon. We're proving that even with the toughest climate laws in the country, our economy is growing faster than almost any nation in the world.

Mr. Trump and those who live in climate denial say otherwise. They tell us we have to choose between saving the economy and saving the planet. Donald Trump and the climate deniers are dead wrong  dangerously wrong.

What America needs today are not deniers, but leaders. Not division, but common purpose. Not bombast, but bold action. That's why we need Hillary. And that's why the American people will choose her as the next President of the United States.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In 1922, my grandmother came to Texas from Mexico. She wasn't a rapist or a murderer. She was a six-year-old orphan. As a girl, she walked past storefront signs that read "No Dogs or Mexicans Allowed." Her life wasn't easy. And she didn't always feel welcomed. But she never stopped believing in America's sacred promise that her sacrifices would be rewarded with opportunity for herself and her family. She kept up her part of the promise by working her whole life: babysitting, cooking, and cleaning houses.

And the fact that her grandson is standing here on this stage is proof that America kept its promise, too.

My brother, Julian, and I know that our story isn't unique. This room is filled with proud Americans who can tell similar stories. Great-grandchildren of Irish immigrants who saw signs that said "No Irish Need Apply" and just worked harder. Grandchildren of Americans who suffered in World War II internment camps  the same camps Donald Trump has defended  and grew up to be business owners, war heroes, and public servants. Children of immigrants who have contributed to our country as doctors, police officers, and  guess what  impartial judges.

Their story is our story. It's America's story. And make no mistake: The hero of that story is never the one who sides with hate. The hero of that story will never be Donald Trump. Americans know that the choices he offers are false ones.

Prosperity is not a zero-sum game. We can create millions of new jobs and raise the minimum wage. National security is not a zero-sum game. We can keep America safe and still welcome the next generation of immigrants without a religious litmus test. Justice is not a zero-sum game. We can back our brave men and women in blue and still believe that Black Lives Matter. These aren't zero-sum games. They aren't games at all.

But do you know how many plans Donald Trump has to accomplish these things? Zero!

While Donald Trump is talking about building walls, Hillary Clinton is working to build an infrastructure of opportunity  a way for Americans to get where they want to go in life: great schools to prepare us for college and career, a strong health care system, and an economy where no one who works full time lives in poverty.

Republicans would have you believe creating opportunity means giving tax breaks to corporations and the super wealthy. Well, I've met a lot of Americans in my life. And not one of them has ever told me that their family came to this country looking for the lowest corporate tax rate.

The promise of America is much bigger than that. And there's room in it for everyone. Donald Trump isn't going to keep that promise. He's not even going to try. But Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine will.

That's why I'm asking all of you to go to "IWillVote.com." Make sure you're registered. Make sure you know where to go. Make sure the next chapter of our great American story is written by us!

My grandmother believed America was the greatest nation in the world.

And I'm with Hillary so our grandkids will believe that, too.

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PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Good evening. As the Mayor of Atlanta, a city that burned to the ground and rose again from the ashes; which became the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the home of the Civil Rights Movement; and because we were the "city too busy to hate," we are now the economic center of the South. I am here today because I believe in our future.

I believe we have a responsibility to one another, and to the next generation, to ensure that our opportunity is limited only by our imagination. I share this belief with Hillary Clinton: That our achievements are limited only by what we can dream and do.

You see, Atlanta is a city of dreamers, but when I became Mayor, our city was struggling through the worst recession in 80 years. We were broke. Crime was up. I looked around our city, and I saw that the way forward was to lean on one another, to turn to one another, and to make an agreement: That if a young woman was willing to learn, we would put a book in her hands. If a young man was willing to work, we would put a job and a paycheck in his hands. If you're willing to step up, then we will meet you half way and, together, we would put your future back in your hands.

We turned our city around, and at the same time President Barack Obama was turning America around. Today we are stronger, and we will grow stronger still when President Hillary Clinton builds an economy that works for everyone.

Fellow Democrats, tonight we choose diversity over division. We choose a steady-handed Commander-in-Chief over a loose cannon. We choose a leader who would rather be in the trenches securing healthcare for eight million children than in a suite putting his name on a tower.

We choose something different tonight, because Americans are ready to get to work to make the possible real. Hillary Clinton is the leader to take us there.

President Harry Truman once said there are a small number of people in America who have the power, the prestige, and the connections to make sure their interests are looked after. But for everybody else, there's the President. More than sixty years later, that still holds true.

Tonight, we have someone who will look out for all Americans, and will do so every day of her presidency, with all of her heart. Ladies and gentlemen, we have Hillary Clinton.

And now, I am honored to introduce someone who has been a friend and mentor to me during my time as Mayor.

Michael Bloomberg has articulated an optimistic, performance-driven vision for New York City that has also lifted up other cities around the world, thanks to his purpose-driven philanthropy.

Please join me in welcoming a man whose commitment to America transcends politics  the three-term Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg!

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PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last week, a speaker at the Republican convention called equality a "distraction." "Who cares?" he asked. Well, I care. My husband Randy and our three children care. These LGBT leaders standing with me care. The authors of our nation's Declaration of Independence, signed right here in Philadelphia, cared. Americans at Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall  they cared. And Hillary Clinton cares, too.

On June 26, 2015, I was walking past the Supreme Court. A crowd was gathered, awaiting the Court's marriage decision. The news hit like a thunderclap. Some wept. Then, spontaneously, hundreds joined together to sing our national anthem. I called Randy. I could barely speak. You see, Randy and I have been together for 24 years, 23 of them raising kids.

Our family is different, but we read bedtime stories the same, tie shoes, and check homework the same. We dream and comfort the same. But until that day, we weren't the same, not in the eyes of the law. So, as I listened to our national anthem, I realized that our family, our love was no longer less than. We were now equal.

It's a beautiful thing when your country catches up to you. When your basic rights and your very family are on the line, it matters what happens in those beautiful buildings with marble columns. It matters who's leading our country. It matters if they care.

America, we have a choice. Donald Trump doesn't care about some families. He's against marriage equality. He wants to go back. When I first met Hillary Clinton in Manchester, New Hampshire 24 years ago, I was nobody. I was some queer kid sleeping on a couch. I was scared to death that who I was meant that no one would ever care about me.

Here was this woman, about to be First Lady. She cared. Over the last 24 years she has kept on caring about me, my husband, and our kids. Hillary Clinton cares about all of our families. And that's why we must all care about this election.

Now, I want to introduce Sarah McBride. Sarah is a courageous young leader, and the first trans person ever to address a national convention. Sarah, it's an honor to make history with you, because we are Stronger Together.

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John Allen Stewart

MARBLE ROCK  John Allen Stewart, 63, of Marble Rock, died Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Roseville, rural Greene, Iowa, with the Rev. Msgr. Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, Marble Rock.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Roseville School Gym, where there will be a public scripture service at 7 p.m., and will continue one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Memorials may be sent to the John Stewart Memorial Fund, Box 54, Marble Rock, IA 50653.

Retz Funeral Home, Marble Rock, is in charge of arrangements.
PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 2016 Twelve years ago, I was copiloting a Black Hawk helicopter over Iraq. A rocket-propelled grenade ripped through our cockpit, and I'm here tonight because of the miracles that followed. Some I can explain, like the bravery of my crew, determined not to leave me behind. Some I can't, like the shrapnel from the explosion passing through the spinning rotor blades without destroying them, allowing us to land.

What I do know is that I started that day doing what I loved. I ended it knocked down. Surviving only because my buddies refused to leave me and wouldn't stop, even as they struggled to carry my body, with its missing limbs. Eleven days later, I woke up with a debt I can never repay. And I still wake up every morning trying to be worthy of them and their struggle, of this miraculous second chance.

My family and I had been knocked down before. My dad, a proud Marine, lost his job in his fifties. For a time, Dad did odd jobs; Mom took in sewing; I got a minimum-wage job. We relied on food stamps to help us get by. The summer before I started college, my parents walked everywhere instead of taking the bus. Once a week, they would hand over $10 to the university housing office, a deposit so I could move into the dorms in the fall.

Thanks to Pell Grants, work study, affordable student loans, and lots of waitressing, I fulfilled my dream of college. I worked hard, but I had a lot of help from my community and country. And my story is not unique.

It's a story about why this is the greatest nation on earth, a nation that so many are willing to die defending. A nation that says if you keep working hard, we won't abandon you.

Of course, in Donald Trump's America, if you get knocked down, you stay down. By the way, Donald Trump, I didn't put my life on the line to defend our democracy so you could invite Russia to interfere in it. You are not fit to be Commander-in-Chief.

My fellow Americans: We can choose a different path.

Ten years after my helicopter was shot down, almost to the day, I got my most important job: I became a mom. We named our little girl after Abigail Adams, who urged her husband to "remember the ladies" as he and his colleagues first declared our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness  just a few miles from this very spot.

My Abigail already knows women can fly helicopters in combat. And in 102 days, when we elect Hillary, my daughter's first memories of a President will be of a woman.

Democrats, tonight, let's go forward with confidence and pride in who we are and what we believe. We're Democrats because we stand up for the most vulnerable among us. We embrace the notion that lifting one another up doesn't cost nearly as much as leaving other Americans behind. We stand up for immigrants and people with disabilities. And we defend the basic values that have made, and will keep, America the greatest country in the world.

May God bless you. May God bless our troops. And may God bless the United States of America.

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SAN FRANCISCO and WASHINGTON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Electricity use by computers can be cut in half using off-the-shelf technology with no impact on performance, and at negligible cost, according to a new Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) analysis released today. Also, a broad coalition of groups led by California Delivers urged the California Energy Commission (CEC) to move ahead with a strong version of the nation's first energy efficiency standards for computers and monitors.

The energy and climate stakes are high: Roughly 300 million computers in the U.S. spend from 50 to 77 percent of their time "on but inactive" and devour $10 billion a year worth of electricity, the equivalent of 30-large power plants spewing 65 million metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution that contributes to climate change, according to the NRDC report online at https://www.nrdc.org/resources/slashing-energy-use-computers-and-monitors-while-protecting-our-wallets-health-and-planet. The statement from California Delivers is available online at http://www.cadelivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CADeliversEnergyEfficiencyStatement.pdf.

The NRDC analysis notes: "Using current technology to make all computers and monitors just 30 percent more energy efficient could save U.S. consumers $3 billion annually and avoid the need to generate 29 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each yearmore than is consumed by all the households in Indiana, or Los Angeles and Phoenix combined. It also will keep 20 million metric tons of carbon pollution out of the air, all with zero impact on computer performance or user convenience." (The 30 percent energy-reduction target was proposed by the California Energy Commission in March 2016.)

NRDC worked with the electronics power management expert firm Aggios and California investor-owned utilities to develop a demonstration prototype computer, and found some efficiency improvements would cost manufacturers "only pennies per computer," according to the report.

Pierre Delforge, director of high tech sector energy efficiency, NRDC, said: "This is good news for consumer wallets and also the planet in terms of mitigating a real driver of climate change pollution. The technology is already available to significantly slash the energy use of computers and it is affordable. What we need is for the California Energy Commission to proceed with the same kind of common-sense and do-able energy efficiency standards that we already have in place for many household appliances."

California's clean energy policies specifically direct state agencies to ensure they address the needs of low-income communities. The computer standards can be an important step in that direction.

Stephanie Chen, energy & telecommunications policy director, Greenlining Institute, said: "Access to cost-effective computing technology is a great equalizer. The Greenlining Institute urges the CEC to consider the needs of low-income households as they move forward with this standard. Low-income households often spend a higher proportion of their income on electricity costs and are more likely to own older, inefficient models of desktop computers. Low-income families deserve efficient technologies in the future, and we hope that's exactly what this standard will deliver."

Adrianna Quintero, director, Voces Verdes, added: "The fact that the costs of owning a computer can be reduced is good news for all households, particularly those headed by lower-income Latinos. By reducing the cost of operation, energy efficiency standards put money back in computer owners' pockets, including those of low-income households who spend a disproportionate share of their income on electricity bills, and businesses who use the majority of desktop computers."

Other business users also are weighing in on the importance of efficiency standards for computers.

"Of the 4,000 network members of the Sierra Business Council, 80 percent are small businesses that are constantly searching for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their offices," said Steve Frisch, president, Sierra Business Council. "Small businesses want to save energy, sure, but they need to save money. That's why our members are watching closely for energy efficiency standards that will contribute to their bottom line, no matter what model they choose."

The CEC rule-making process is significant since California is home to one out of eight US consumers. Manufacturers are likely to implement energy-saving measures for all computer models, rather than maintain a separate inventory to be able to sell computers and monitors in the Golden State. The federal government likely would build on the California energy-efficiency standard.

Computers, and the monitors connected to them, rank among the biggest energy guzzlers in the electronics category in America's home and businesses. Failing to reduce their energy use has large negative impacts nationally. Computer and monitor electricity consumption in U.S. homes and businesses is estimated to total 95 billion kilowatt-hours annually, more than the electricity use of all the households in the state of California each year.

When it comes to energy consumption desktop computers are the worst offenders. Typical desktop and monitor consume roughly four times as much energy as the average notebook computer (also commonly referred to as a laptop) and 40 times as much as a tablet.

The prototype computer developed for the analysis used the latest generation Intel i7-6700k CPU, 16 gigabytes of memory, and a 1-terabyte disk, which places it in a relatively high performance category. One challenge was to find a power supply capable of providing up to 300 watts of power to allow the more-efficient computer to operate at full throttle when needed, while still being relatively energy efficient when idling at 7.7 watts internal, which represents only 2.5 percent of the power supply's maximum power. The alternate power supply that was developed would cost less than $1 extra for the additional material involved. The overall power consumption of the optimized desktop was 11.4 watts, roughly half of the 22.4 watts of today's typical desktop.

Pierre Delforge's blog on the new NRDC analysis can be found at https://www.nrdc.org/experts/pierre-delforge/new-report-computer-energy-use-can-easily-be-cut-half.

California Delivers also is making available a "Journalist's Guide to California's Title 20 Standard for Computers/Monitors" at http://www.cadelivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Journalist-Guide-Energy-EffIciency_FINAL.pdf.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 2 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.

California Delivers (www.cadelivers.org) is a broad coalition of businesses, public health professionals, working families, equity organizations, consumer groups, community and faith leaders, environmental organizations, public officials and other individuals focused on protecting, implementing and extending the benefits of clean energy and transportation policies that benefit all Californians.

Voces Verdes (www.vocesverdes.org) is a national, non-partisan network of Latino business, public health, academic, community leaders and organizational partners who advocate for sound environmental policy to combat climate change and support clean, renewable energy.

The Greenlining Institute (http://greenlining.org) is a policy, research, organizing, and leadership institute working for racial and economic justice. Founded in 1993 and based in California, we work on a variety of major policy issues, from the economy to environmental policy, civic engagement and many others, because we recognize that economic opportunity doesn't operate in a vacuum.

The Sierra Business Council (http://sierrabusiness.org) pioneers and demonstrates innovative approaches and solutions to increase community vitality, economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social fairness in the Sierra Nevada region. It has been working in the region for over 20 years and served over 2,500 businesses.

SOURCE Natural Resources Defense Council
THE AGREEMENT MARKS THE ICONIC BRAND'S FIRST FORAY INTO SOUTHEAST ASIA

OAKVILLE, ON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") (TSX/NYSE: QSR, TSX:QSP) has announced the establishment of a master franchise joint venture company, TH Coffee Services Philippines Corporation, with a group of investors in the Philippines. The joint venture company will be the master franchisee of the TIM HORTONS brand in the Philippines and marks the Canadian coffee chain's opportunity to develop and grow the iconic TIM HORTONS brand in the Philippines.

"This agreement signals an exciting era of growth for the TIM HORTONS brand internationally and particularly in Southeast Asia," said Daniel Schwartz, CEO of Restaurant Brands International. "The master franchise joint venture model has been a successful strategy for the BURGER KING brand and we expect it will continue to help us drive growth and build scale for the TIM HORTONS brand over the long-term."

"In Canada, the TIM HORTONS brand has reached an iconic status and now we're looking to further expand our global footprint by bringing our signature coffee and products to the Philippines," said Elias Diaz Sese, President of Tim Hortons. "We are working with partners who have a deep understanding of the Philippines, which we believe will position them well for success in developing and growing the brand in the region."

"We are proud to introduce the TIM HORTONS brand to the Philippines, which is home to approximately 100 million people today," said Enrique Y. Yap, Jr. CEO of TH Coffee Services Philippines Corporation. "Canada's favourite coffee will be a welcome addition to the market and we look forward to serving our Guests across the Philippines."

"The Embassy of Canada welcomes the entry of TIM HORTONS, one of Canada's iconic food sector brands, to the Philippines," said Canada's Ambassador to the Philippines, Neil Reeder. "This expansion in the commercial relationship is another testament to the robust ties that bind our two countries. We see this new Canadian investment in the Philippines as a platform that will create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and offer more jobs and opportunities for Filipinos."

The development agreement entered into with the joint venture company is the most recent by RBI in its plans to develop and grow the TIM HORTONS brand internationally. TIM HORTONS opened its first restaurant in Canada in 1964 and in the U.S. in 1984. Today, the brand maintains a strong base of restaurants across Canada, the U.S. and the Middle East.

About Restaurant Brands International

Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with approximately $23 billion in system sales and over 19,000 restaurants in approximately 100 countries and U.S. territories. Restaurant Brands International owns two of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands  TIM HORTONS and BURGER KING. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees, and communities for over 50 years. To learn more about Restaurant Brands International, please visit the Company's website at www.rbi.com.

About TIM HORTONS

TIM HORTONS, part of Restaurant Brands International, is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, TIM HORTONS appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of March 31, 2016, TIM HORTONS had more than 4,400 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and the Middle East. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

About TH Coffee Services Philippines Corporation

TH Coffee Services Philippines Corporation is a joint venture company established in partnership with a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. to develop and grow the iconic TIM HORTONS brand in the Philippines. As the master franchisee, it is set to build TIM HORTONS restaurants and provide exemplary service and valuable products that are relevant and customized to the needs and tastes of the local market.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions and reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements include statements about: RBI's belief that this agreement signals an exciting era of growth for the TIM HORTONS brand internationally and particularly in Southeast Asia; RBI's expectation that the master franchise joint venture model will continue to help RBI drive growth and build scale for the TIM HORTONS brand over the long-term; RBI's belief that it will further expand our global footprint by bringing TIM HORTONS signature coffee and products to the Philippines; and RBI's belief that its JV partners are well positioned to succeed in developing and growing the brand in the region. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from RBI's expectations are detailed in filings of RBI with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and on the securities regulatory authorities in each province and territory of Canada, such as its annual and quarterly reports and current reports on Form 8-K and include the following: risks related to RBI's ability to successfully implement its domestic and international growth strategy; and risks related to RBI's ability to compete domestically and internationally in an intensely competitive industry. Other than as required under U.S. federal securities laws or Canadian securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, change in expectations or otherwise.

SOURCE Restaurant Brands International
ATLANTA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Software (www.rocketsoftware.com) today announced that its mainframe team will showcase the "mainframe for everyone" initiatives, including tools to let users program mainframes without using COBOL. This will take place at SHARE July 31-August 5 in Atlanta. In addition, nine Rocket engineers and several customers will present their insights on mainframe-related topics, including data virtualization and an upcoming integration of the R programming language into mainframe environments.

WHO: Rocket Software WHERE: SHARE Atlanta

Atlanta Marriott Marquis

Booth 413 WHAT: Presentations on Mainframe Technologies and Solutions WHEN: July 31-August 5

The scheduled list of presentations includes:

TITLE SPEAKER How BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Automated and Streamlined Their Backup, Recovery, and DR Robbie Rhodes (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) Database Encryption on z/OS for IMS and DB2 Thomas Hubbard Introduction to ICF Catalog Tuning Techniques Janet Sun; Stephen Branch (IBM) SDSF Enhancements and Product Direction Gary Puchkoff (IBM); Steve Bice What Security Access is Really Required to Perform My Job as Storage Administrator? Chris Taylor; Marty Hasegawa Take Your DB2 Analytics Accelerator to DB2 and Beyond Tim Willging; Anthony Ciabattoni Doing More for Less with Cloud Storage Janet Sun; Kevin Shaw Mainframe Data Virtualization on z Systems : Moving from Systems of Records to Systems of Insight Bryan Smith (Rocket CTO) DB2 Recovery on Steroids! Develop Your Recovery Muscles Tim Willging

Rocket will also be present in the SHARE expo hall at booth 413 to answer questions and showcase Rocket Software products for the mainframe. The company will also host a board game, and winners will take home gift cards if they can spot their Rocket mainframe products.

About Rocket Software

Rocket Software (www.rocketsoftware.com) is a technology company that helps organizations in the IBM ecosystem build solutions that meet today's needs while extending the value of their technology investments for the future. Thousands of companies depend on Rocket to solve their most challenging business problems by helping them run their critical infrastructure, business processes, and data, as well as extend those assets to take advantage of cloud, mobile, analytics, and other future innovations. Founded in 1990, Rocket is based in Waltham, Massachusetts with locations in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

CONTACT: Richard Berman

PHONE & EMAIL: [email protected]; 415 359 4906

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED RESULTS Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 %[1] 2016 2015 % Income attributable to 1,175 484 3,986 -71 shareholders 1,659 8,416 -80 Current cost of supplies (CCS) adjustment for (936) 330 (625) Downstream[2] (606) (294) CCS earnings attributable 239 814 3,361 -93 to shareholders[3] 1,053 8,122 -87 (806) (739) (399) Identified items[2],[4] (1,545) 624 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding 1,045 1,553 3,760 -72 identified items 2,598 7,498 -65 Of which: 868 994 1,403 Integrated Gas 1,862 2,894 (1,325) (1,437) (469) Upstream (2,762) (664) 1,816 2,010 2,961 Downstream 3,826 5,607 Corporate and (314) (14) (135) Non-controlling interest (328) (339) Cash flow from operating 2,292 661 6,050 -62 activities 2,953 13,156 -78 Basic CCS earnings per 0.03 0.11 0.53 -94 share ($) 0.14 1.29 -89 Basic CCS earnings per ADS 0.06 0.22 1.06 ($) 0.28 2.58 Basic CCS earnings per share excl. identified 0.13 0.22 0.60 -78 items[4] ($) 0.34 1.19 -71 Basic CCS earnings per ADS excl. identified items[4] 0.26 0.44 1.20 ($) 0.68 2.38 0.47 0.47 0.47 - Dividend per share ($) 0.94 0.94 - 0.94 0.94 0.94 - Dividend per ADS ($) 1.88 1.88 - 1. Q2 on Q2 change 2. Attributable to shareholders 3. CCS earnings are defined in Note [3] and CCS earnings attributable to shareholders in Definition [A]. 4. See page 5 and Definition [C]. Comparative information has been restated.

Following the acquisition on February 15, 2016 , BG Group plc ("BG") has been consolidated within Royal Dutch Shell's results.

, BG Group plc ("BG") has been consolidated within Royal Dutch Shell's results. Royal Dutch Shell's second quarter 2016 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders were $0.2 billion compared with $3.4 billion for the same quarter a year ago.

compared with for the same quarter a year ago. Second quarter 2016 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items were $1.0 billion compared with $3.8 billion for the second quarter 2015, a decrease of 72%.

compared with for the second quarter 2015, a decrease of 72%. Compared with the second quarter 2015, CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items were impacted by the decline in oil, gas and LNG prices, the depreciation step-up resulting from the BG acquisition, weaker refining industry conditions, and increased taxation. Earnings benefited from increased production volumes from BG assets.

Second quarter 2016 basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items decreased by 78% versus the second quarter 2015.

Cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2016 was $2.3 billion , which included negative working capital movements of $2.5 billion .

, which included negative working capital movements of . Total dividends distributed to shareholders in the quarter were $3.7 billion , of which $1.2 billion were settled by issuing 50.5 million A shares under the Scrip Dividend Programme.

, of which were settled by issuing 50.5 million A shares under the Scrip Dividend Programme. Gearing at the end of the second quarter 2016 was 28.1% versus 12.7% at the end of the second quarter 2015. This increase mainly reflects the impact of the acquisition of BG.

A second quarter 2016 dividend has been announced of $0.47 per ordinary share and $0.94 per American Depositary Share ("ADS").

Royal Dutch Shell Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden commented:

"Downstream and Integrated Gas businesses contributed strongly to the results, alongside Shell's self-help programme. However, lower oil prices continue to be a significant challenge across the business, particularly in the Upstream.

We are managing the company through the down-cycle by reducing costs, by delivering on lower and more predictable investment levels, executing our asset sales plans and starting up profitable new projects. At the same time, integration of Shell and BG is making strong progress, and our operating performance continues to further improve.

We are making significant and lasting changes to Shell's working practices and cost structure. Shell is firmly on track to deliver a $40 billion underlying operating cost run rate at the end of 2016.

Looking through the cycle, our investment plans and portfolio actions are focused firmly on reshaping Shell into a world-class investment case through stronger, sustained and growing free cash flow per share."

SUMMARY OF CCS EARNINGS EXCLUDING IDENTIFIED ITEMS Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 %[1] 2016 2015 % CCS earnings attributable 239 814 3,361 -93 to shareholders 1,053 8,122 -87 Of which: 982 905 1,335 -26 Integrated Gas 1,887 2,474 -24 (1,974) (1,350) (561) -252 Upstream (3,324) 839 -496 1,717 1,700 2,746 -37 Downstream 3,417 5,260 -35 1,490 1,294 2,243 -34 Oil Products 2,784 4,357 -36 227 406 503 -55 Chemicals 633 903 -30 Corporate and (486) (441) (159) -206 Non-controlling interest (927) (451) -106 (806) (739) (399) Identified items[2] (1,545) 624 Of which: 114 (89) (68) Integrated Gas 25 (420) (649) 87 (92) Upstream (562) 1,503 (99) (310) (215) Downstream (409) (347) (78) (339) (155) Oil Products (417) (278) (21) 29 (60) Chemicals 8 (69) Corporate and (172) (427) (24) Non-controlling interest (599) (112) CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding 1,045 1,553 3,760 -72 identified items 2,598 7,498 -65 Of which: 868 994 1,403 -38 Integrated Gas 1,862 2,894 -36 (1,325) (1,437) (469) -183 Upstream (2,762) (664) -316 1,816 2,010 2,961 -39 Downstream 3,826 5,607 -32 1,568 1,633 2,398 -35 Oil Products 3,201 4,635 -31 248 377 563 -56 Chemicals 625 972 -36 Corporate and (314) (14) (135) -133 Non-controlling interest (328) (339) +3 1. Q2 on Q2 change 2. See page 5. Comparative information has been restated.

SECOND QUARTER 2016 PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENTS

Integrated Gas

During the quarter, Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), a joint venture between BG Asia Pacific Holdings (a Shell subsidiary) and GAIL (India) Limited, completed an initial public offering (IPO) for 25% of the equity for a total of around $154 million (Shell share $77 million). The IPO was an obligation under the original approval/ licensing permits granted by the Government of India's Foreign Investment Promotion Board in 1994. Immediately prior to the IPO, the Government of Maharashtra increased its interest to 10% as a result of the conversion of the Compulsory Convertible Debentures resulting in a dilution for each of Shell and GAIL to 45%. After completion of both transactions, Shell and GAIL each hold a 32.5% interest in MGL (previously 49.75% each), with a 10% interest held by the Government of Maharashtra (previously 0.5%) and 25% held by public shareholders (previously 0%).

During the quarter, the Maui joint venture (Shell interest 83.75%) completed the sale of the Maui onshore natural gas pipeline in New Zealand, to infrastructure funds managed by First State Investments for a consideration of $0.2 billion.

In July, the LNG Canada joint venture announced that the joint venture participants - Shell, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation and Kogas - decided to delay final investment decision on the LNG Canada project (Shell interest 50%) that was planned for the end of 2016.

Also in July, Shell decided to delay final investment decision on the Lake Charles LNG project (Shell capacity interest 100%) that was planned for 2016, in the United States. The Lake Charles LNG project is proposed to convert the existing Lake Charles LNG regasification facility owned by Energy Transfer to a liquefaction facility.

Upstream

Shell had continued success in its exploration programme with 2 discoveries in Oman and the United States. This included a notable oil discovery in the United States with the Shell-operated Fort Sumter well (Shell interest 100%) in the Gulf of Mexico. The initial estimated recoverable resources for the Fort Sumter well are more than 125 million barrels of oil equivalent.

In July, the non-operated ML South development (Shell interest 35%) in Brunei reached first production. The expected peak production from this development is around 35 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day ("boe/d").

Also in July, the non-operated Lula Central production system was started up with the interconnection of the first production well to FPSO Cidade de Saquarema (Shell interest 25%), the eighth FPSO in the Santos Basin pre-salt offshore Brazil. FPSO Cidade de Saquarema has a processing capacity of 150 thousand barrels of oil and compressing capacity of up to 212 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

Downstream

During the quarter, Shell announced a final investment decision to build a major petrochemical complex, comprising an ethylene cracker with polyethylene derivatives unit in Pennsylvania, USA. Main construction will start approximately 18 months from the decision date in order to manage capital spending, with commercial production expected to begin early in the next decade.

Shell announced that it has completed the sale of Dansk Fuels in Denmark for a consideration of $0.3 billion. Dansk Fuels comprises retail, commercial fuels, commercial fleet and aviation businesses, and products trading and supply activities associated with those businesses.

In the United States, Shell Midstream Partners, L.P. acquired additional interests in Zydeco Pipeline Company, Colonial Pipeline Company, and Bengal Pipeline Company for $700 million from Shell Pipeline Company. The acquisition increased Shell Midstream Partners' ownership interest in Zydeco from 62.5% to 92.5%, in Colonial from 3% to 6%, and in Bengal from 49% to 50%.

Shell also completed the sale of an additional 3.59% interest in Shell Midstream Partners, L.P. to public investors via the issuance of an additional 12,075,000 LP units for net proceeds of $398 million.



KEY FEATURES OF THE SECOND QUARTER 2016

Second quarter 2016 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders were $239 million , 93% lower than for the same quarter a year ago.

, 93% lower than for the same quarter a year ago. Second quarter 2016 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items were $1,045 million compared with $3,760 million for the second quarter 2015, a decrease of 72%.

compared with for the second quarter 2015, a decrease of 72%. Basic CCS earnings per share for the second quarter 2016 decreased by 94% versus the same quarter a year ago.

Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items for the second quarter 2016 decreased by 78% versus the same quarter a year ago.

Cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2016 was $2.3 billion , which included negative working capital movements of $2.5 billion , compared with $6.1 billion for the same quarter last year.

, which included negative working capital movements of , compared with for the same quarter last year. Capital investment (see Definition [C]) for the second quarter 2016 was $6.3 billion . Half year 2016 capital investment was $65.3 billion , which included $52.9 billion related to the acquisition of BG. Organic capital investment for the full year 2016 is expected to be $29 billion , compared with combined capital investment of $47 billion in 2014.

. Half year 2016 capital investment was , which included related to the acquisition of BG. Organic capital investment for the full year 2016 is expected to be , compared with combined capital investment of in 2014. Divestments (see Definition [D]) for the second quarter 2016 were $1.0 billion .

. Operating expenses (see Definition [G]) for the second quarter 2016 increased by $1.7 billion versus the same quarter a year ago, and included $1.4 billion related to redundancy and restructuring charges and $0.4 billion related to a provision for onerous contracts. Compared with the second quarter 2015, operating expenses excluding identified items decreased by $0.9 billion before the increase of $1.0 billion due to the consolidation of BG. Operating expenses are trending towards an underlying run rate of $40 billion by the end of 2016.

versus the same quarter a year ago, and included related to redundancy and restructuring charges and related to a provision for onerous contracts. Compared with the second quarter 2015, operating expenses excluding identified items decreased by before the increase of due to the consolidation of BG. Operating expenses are trending towards an underlying run rate of by the end of 2016. Total dividends distributed to shareholders in the second quarter 2016 were $3.7 billion , of which $1.2 billion were settled by issuing 50.5 million A shares under the Scrip Dividend Programme.

, of which were settled by issuing 50.5 million A shares under the Scrip Dividend Programme. Return on average capital employed on a reported income basis (see Definition [E]) was a negative -1.4% at the end of the second quarter 2016 compared with 6.3% at the end of the second quarter 2015. Return on average capital employed on a CCS basis excluding identified items was 2.5% at the end of the second quarter 2016 compared with 7.6% at the end of the second quarter 2015.

Gearing (see Definition [F]) was 28.1% at the end of the second quarter 2016 versus 12.7% at the end of the second quarter 2015. This increase mainly reflects the impact of the BG acquisition including 1.6% related to the recognition of associated finance leases in the first quarter of 2016.

Global liquids realisations were 29% lower and global natural gas realisations were 28% lower than for the same quarter a year ago.

Oil and gas production for the second quarter 2016 was 3,508 thousand boe/d, an increase of 28% compared with the second quarter 2015. The impact of BG on the second quarter 2016 production was an increase of 768 thousand boe/d. Excluding the impact of divestments, curtailment and underground storage utilisation at NAM in the Netherlands , a Malaysia PSC expiry, PSC price effects, the Woodside accounting change (see page 12), and security impacts in Nigeria , second quarter 2016 production increased by 30% compared with the same period last year, or 2% excluding BG.

, a Malaysia PSC expiry, PSC price effects, the Woodside accounting change (see page 12), and security impacts in , second quarter 2016 production increased by 30% compared with the same period last year, or 2% excluding BG. LNG liquefaction volumes of 7.57 million tonnes for the second quarter 2016, of which BG contributed 2.42 million tonnes, were 39% higher than for the same quarter a year ago.

LNG sales volumes of 14.25 million tonnes for the second quarter 2016 were 52% higher than for the same quarter a year ago, mainly reflecting Shell's enlarged portfolio after the acquisition of BG.

Oil products sales volumes for the second quarter 2016 were 1% higher than for the second quarter 2015.

Chemicals sales volumes for the second quarter 2016 decreased by 2% compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Supplementary financial and operational disclosure for this quarter is available at http://www.shell.com/investor.

SUMMARY OF IDENTIFIED ITEMS

With effect from 2016, identified items include the impact of exchange rate movements on certain deferred tax balances, as set out in Definition [B]. The comparative information in this Report has been restated following this change.

CCS earnings attributable to shareholders for the second quarter 2016 reflected the following items, which in aggregate amounted to a net charge of $806 million (compared with a net charge of $399 million for the second quarter 2015), as summarised below:

Integrated Gas earnings included a net gain of $114 million , primarily reflecting the impact of some $580 million following a change in accounting classification for Woodside (see page 12), from an associate to an investment in securities. As a consequence, SEC proved reserves of 103 million boe at December 31, 2015 , have been de-booked and production decreases by 25 thousand boe/d. Earnings were also impacted by divestment gains of some $200 million . This was partly offset by redundancy and restructuring charges of some $250 million , a charge of some $220 million related to the impact of the weakening Australian dollar on a deferred tax position, and a net charge on fair value accounting of certain commodity derivatives and gas contracts of some $190 million . Integrated Gas earnings for the second quarter 2015 included a net charge of $68 million .

, primarily reflecting the impact of some following a change in accounting classification for Woodside (see page 12), from an associate to an investment in securities. As a consequence, SEC proved reserves of 103 million boe at , have been de-booked and production decreases by 25 thousand boe/d. Earnings were also impacted by divestment gains of some . This was partly offset by redundancy and restructuring charges of some , a charge of some related to the impact of the weakening Australian dollar on a deferred tax position, and a net charge on fair value accounting of certain commodity derivatives and gas contracts of some . Integrated Gas earnings for the second quarter 2015 included a net charge of . Upstream earnings included a net charge of $649 million , primarily reflecting redundancy and restructuring charges of some $570 million , other items including a provision for onerous contracts of some $240 million , impairments of some $140 million and a net charge on fair value accounting of certain commodity derivatives and gas contracts of some $80 million . These charges were partly offset by a gain of some $360 million related to the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position. Upstream earnings for the second quarter 2015 included a net charge of $92 million .

, primarily reflecting redundancy and restructuring charges of some , other items including a provision for onerous contracts of some , impairments of some and a net charge on fair value accounting of certain commodity derivatives and gas contracts of some . These charges were partly offset by a gain of some related to the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position. Upstream earnings for the second quarter 2015 included a net charge of . Downstream earnings included a net charge of $99 million , primarily reflecting redundancy and restructuring charges of some $250 million and impairment charges of some $50 million , partly offset by other tax-related credits of some $150 million . Downstream earnings for the second quarter 2015 included a net charge of $215 million .

, primarily reflecting redundancy and restructuring charges of some and impairment charges of some , partly offset by other tax-related credits of some . Downstream earnings for the second quarter 2015 included a net charge of . Corporate results and Non-controlling interest included a net charge of $172 million , mainly reflecting the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real on deferred tax positions related to financing of the Upstream business. Earnings for the second quarter 2015 included a net charge of $24 million .

Identified items for the first quarter 2016 and 2015 can be found on page 27.

EARNINGS BY SEGMENT

INTEGRATED GAS Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 %[1] 2016 2015 % Integrated Gas earnings 868 994 1,403 -38 excluding identified items 1,862 2,894 -36 982 905 1,335 -26 Integrated Gas earnings 1,887 2,474 -24 Integrated Gas cash flow 2,730 2,657 1,444 +89 from operating activities 5,387 3,978 +35 Integrated Gas capital investment excluding BG 1,153 1,051 1,313 -12 acquisition impact 2,204 2,614 -16 Integrated Gas BG-related - 21,773 - capital investment 21,773 - Liquids production available for sale 219 224 199 +10 (thousand b/d) 222 200 +11 Natural gas production available for sale (million 3,831 3,532 2,350 +63 scf/d) 3,682 2,398 +54 Total production available 880 833 604 +46 for sale (thousand boe/d) 856 613 +40 LNG liquefaction volumes 7.57 7.04 5.46 +39 (million tonnes) 14.61 11.63 +26 LNG sales volumes (million 14.25 12.29 9.40 +52 tonnes) 26.54 19.21 +38 1. Q2 on Q2 change

Second quarter Integrated Gas earnings excluding identified items were $868 million compared with $1,403 million a year ago. Identified items were a net gain of $114 million, compared with a net charge of $68 million for the second quarter 2015 (see page 5).

Compared with the second quarter 2015, earnings excluding identified items were impacted by the decline in oil and LNG prices, and increased depreciation including a step-up resulting from the BG acquisition. The consolidation of BG resulted in higher operating expenses. This was partly offset by higher LNG and liquids production volumes, related to the contribution of BG assets.

Second quarter 2016 production was 880 thousand boe/d compared with 604 thousand boe/d a year ago. Liquids production increased by 10% and natural gas production increased by 63% compared with the second quarter 2015.

LNG liquefaction volumes of 7.57 million tonnes increased by 39% compared with the same quarter a year ago, mainly reflecting the impact of the acquisition of BG, including an increase associated with Queensland Curtis LNG in Australia and Atlantic LNG in Trinidad and Tobago.

LNG sales volumes of 14.25 million tonnes increased by 52% compared with the same quarter a year ago, mainly reflecting Shell's enlarged portfolio after the acquisition of BG.

Half year Integrated Gas earnings excluding identified items were $1,862 million compared with $2,894 million for the first half year 2015. Identified items were a net gain of $25 million, compared with a net charge of $420 million for the first half year 2015 (see page 5).

Compared with the first half year 2015, Integrated Gas earnings excluding identified items were impacted by the decline in oil and LNG prices and the Malaysia LNG Dua JVA expiry. The consolidation of BG resulted in higher operating expenses and a step-up in depreciation. This was partly offset by increased production volumes mainly as a result of the contribution of BG assets and higher uptime at Pearl GTL in Qatar, and lower well write-offs.

Half year 2016 production was 856 thousand boe/d compared with 613 thousand boe/d for the same period a year ago. Liquids production increased by 11% and natural gas production increased by 54% compared with the first half year 2015.

LNG liquefaction volumes of 14.61 million tonnes were 26% higher than for the first half year 2015, mainly reflecting the impact of the acquisition of BG, including an increase associated with Queensland Curtis LNG in Australia, partly offset by lower feedgas availability and the expiry of the Malaysia LNG Dua JVA.

LNG sales volumes of 26.54 million tonnes increased by 38% compared with the first half year 2015, mainly reflecting Shell's enlarged portfolio after the acquisition of BG.

UPSTREAM Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 %[1] 2016 2015 % Upstream earnings (1,325) (1,437) (469) -183 excluding identified items (2,762) (664) -316 (1,974) (1,350) (561) -252 Upstream earnings (3,324) 839 -496 Upstream cash flow from (297) 448 648 -146 operating activities 151 2,243 -93 Upstream capital investment excluding BG 3,700 3,907 4,603 -20 acquisition impact 7,607 9,245 -18 Upstream BG-related - 31,131 - capital investment 31,131 - Liquids production available for sale 1,526 1,557 1,233 +24 (thousand b/d) 1,541 1,287 +20 Natural gas production available for sale 6,395 7,373 5,184 +23 (million scf/d) 6,884 6,075 +13 Total production available 2,628 2,828 2,127 +24 for sale (thousand boe/d) 2,728 2,335 +17 1. Q2 on Q2 change

Second quarter Upstream earnings excluding identified items were a loss of $1,325 million compared with a loss of $469 million a year ago. Identified items were a net charge of $649 million compared with a net charge of $92 million for the second quarter 2015 (see page 5).

Compared with the second quarter 2015, earnings excluding identified items were impacted by the decline in oil and gas prices and depreciation step-up resulting from the BG acquisition. This was partly offset by increased production volumes, mainly from BG assets and improved operational performance. Operating expenses and exploration expenses were lower, as steps taken by the company to reduce these costs more than offset the increases due to the consolidation of BG.

Second quarter 2016 production was 2,628 thousand boe/d compared with 2,127 thousand boe/d a year ago. Liquids production increased by 24% and natural gas production increased by 23% compared with the second quarter 2015, driven by the impact of BG.

New field start-ups and the continuing ramp-up of existing fields, in particular the Corrib gas field in Ireland, and Erha North ph2 in Nigeria, contributed some 53 thousand boe/d to production compared with the second quarter 2015.

Half year Upstream earnings excluding identified items were a loss of $2,762 million compared with a loss of $664 million for the same period a year ago. Identified items were a net charge of $562 million compared with a net gain of $1,503 million for the first half year 2015 (see page 5).

Compared with the first half year 2015, earnings excluding identified items were impacted by the decline in oil and gas prices, and increased depreciation mainly related to a step-up resulting from the BG acquisition. This was partly offset by increased production volumes mainly from BG assets. Exploration expense and operating expenses were lower, as steps taken by the company to reduce these costs more than offset the increases due to the consolidation of BG.

Half year 2016 production was 2,728 thousand boe/d compared with 2,335 thousand boe/d for the same period last year. Liquids production increased by 20% and natural gas production increased by 13% compared with the first half year 2015.

New field start-ups and the continuing ramp-up of existing fields, in particular Erha North ph2 in Nigeria, the Corrib gas field in Ireland, and North American shales, contributed some 58 thousand boe/d to production compared with the first half year 2015.

DOWNSTREAM Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 %[1] 2016 2015 % Downstream earnings excluding identified 1,816 2,010 2,961 -39 items[2] 3,826 5,607 -32 Of which: 1,568 1,633 2,398 -35 Oil Products 3,201 4,635 -31 248 377 563 -56 Chemicals 625 972 -36 1,717 1,700 2,746 -37 Downstream earnings[2] 3,417 5,260 -35 Downstream cash flow from 571 (1,434) 3,816 -85 operating activities (863) 5,370 -116 Downstream capital 1,389 1,092 1,085 +28 investment 2,481 1,934 +28 Refinery processing intake 2,648 2,645 2,944 -10 (thousand b/d) 2,646 2,908 -9 Oil products sales volumes 6,595 6,225 6,531 +1 (thousand b/d) 6,410 6,423 - Chemicals sales volumes 4,248 4,050 4,326 -2 (thousand tonnes) 8,298 8,518 -3 1. Q2 on Q2 change 2. Earnings are presented on a CCS basis

Second quarter Downstream earnings excluding identified items were $1,816 million compared with $2,961 million for the second quarter 2015. Identified items were a net charge of $99 million, compared with a net charge of $215 million for the second quarter 2015 (see page 5).

Compared with the second quarter 2015, Downstream earnings excluding identified items were mainly impacted by weaker refining industry conditions, increased taxation, and lower Chemicals margins. Downstream earnings benefited from lower costs, including the impact of favourable exchange rate effects and divestments.

Oil Products

Refining & Trading earnings excluding identified items were $459 million in the second quarter 2016 compared with $1,313 million for the same period last year. Second quarter 2016 earnings were impacted by lower realised refining margins, reflecting the weaker global refining industry conditions due to oversupply and high inventory levels, and weaker operating performance, and increased taxation.



Refinery intake volumes were 10% lower compared with the same quarter last year. Excluding portfolio impacts, refinery intake volumes were 9% lower compared with the same period a year ago. Refinery availability decreased to 89% compared with 95% in the second quarter 2015, mainly as a result of increased maintenance.

Marketing earnings excluding identified items were $1,109 million in the second quarter 2016 compared with $1,085 million for the same period a year ago. Second quarter 2016 earnings benefited from lower costs and stronger underlying unit margins, offsetting the impact of adverse exchange rate effects and divestments.

Oil products sales volumes increased by 1% compared with the same period a year ago, reflecting higher trading volumes partly offset by lower marketing volumes.

Chemicals

Chemicals earnings excluding identified items were $248 million in the second quarter 2016 compared with $563 million for the same period last year. Second quarter 2016 earnings were mainly impacted by weaker base chemicals industry conditions in the United States and the impact of unit shutdowns at the Bukom chemical site in Singapore , partly offset by recovery at the Moerdijk chemical site in the Netherlands .



Chemicals sales volumes decreased by 2% compared with the same quarter last year, mainly as a result of weaker intermediates demand and reduced availability driven by unit shutdowns at Bukom, partly offset by recovery at Moerdijk. Chemicals manufacturing plant availability decreased to 85% from 86% in the second quarter 2015, mainly reflecting unit shutdowns at Bukom, partly offset by recovery at Moerdijk.

Half year Downstream earnings excluding identified items were $3,826 million compared with $5,607 million for the same period a year ago. Identified items were a net charge of $409 million, compared with a net charge of $347 million for the first half year 2015 (see page 5).

Compared with the first half year 2015, Downstream earnings excluding identified items were mainly impacted by weaker refining industry conditions, increased taxation, and lower Chemicals margins. Downstream earnings benefited from lower costs, including the impact of favourable exchange rate effects and divestments.

Oil Products

Refining & Trading earnings excluding identified items were $1,121 million in the first half year 2016 compared with $2,575 million for the same period last year. Half year 2016 earnings were impacted by lower realised refining margins, reflecting the weaker global refining industry conditions due to oversupply and high inventory levels, and weaker operating performance.



Refinery intake volumes were 9% lower compared with the first half year 2015. Excluding portfolio impacts, refinery intake volumes were 7% lower compared with the same period a year ago. Refinery availability decreased to 89% compared with 95% for the first half year 2015, mainly as a result of increased maintenance.

Marketing earnings excluding identified items were $2,080 million in the first half year 2016 compared with $2,060 million for the same period a year ago. Half year 2016 earnings benefited from stronger underlying unit margins and lower costs, offsetting the impact of adverse exchange rate effects and divestments. Earnings were impacted by increased taxation.

Oil products sales volumes were in line with the first half year 2015.

Chemicals

Chemicals earnings excluding identified items were $625 million in the first half year 2016 compared with $972 million for the same period last year. Half year 2016 earnings were primarily impacted by weaker base chemicals industry conditions in the US and the impact of unit shutdowns at the Bukom chemical site in Singapore , partly offset by recovery at the Moerdijk chemical site in the Netherlands .



Half year Chemicals sales volumes decreased by 3% compared with the same period last year, mainly as a result of weaker intermediates demand and reduced availability driven by unit shutdowns at Bukom, partly offset by recovery at Moerdijk. Chemicals manufacturing plant availability increased to 86% from 85% in the first half year 2015, mainly reflecting recovery at Moerdijk, partly offset by unit shutdowns at Bukom.

CORPORATE AND NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 Corporate and Non-controlling interest (314) (14) (135) earnings excl. identified items (328) (339) Of which: (234) 69 (41) Corporate (165) (124) (80) (83) (94) Non-controlling interest (163) (215) Corporate and Non-controlling interest (486) (441) (159) earnings (927) (451)

Second quarter Corporate results and Non-controlling interest excluding identified items were a loss of $314 million, compared with a loss of $135 million for the same period last year. Identified items for the second quarter 2016 were a net charge of $172 million, and earnings for the second quarter 2015 included a net charge of $24 million (see page 5).

Compared with the second quarter 2015, Corporate results excluding identified items mainly reflected higher net interest expense and adverse exchange rate effects, partly offset by higher tax credits.

Half year Corporate results and Non-controlling interest excluding identified items were a loss of $328 million, compared with a loss of $339 million for the same period last year. Identified items for the first half year 2016 were a net charge of $599 million, and earnings for the first half year 2015 included a net charge of $112 million (see page 5).

Compared with the first half year 2015, Corporate results excluding identified items mainly reflected favourable exchange rate effects, offset by higher net interest expense and costs, and lower tax credits.

OUTLOOK FOR THE THIRD QUARTER 2016

Compared with the third quarter 2015, Integrated Gas earnings are expected to be negatively impacted by a reduction of some 15 thousand boe/d associated with the impact of maintenance.

Compared with the third quarter 2015, Upstream earnings are expected to be negatively impacted by a reduction of some 35 thousand boe/d associated with sabotage incidents and repairs in Nigeria. Earnings could be further impacted if the security conditions continue to deteriorate.

Refinery availability is expected to marginally increase in the third quarter 2016 as a result of lower planned maintenance compared with the same period a year ago. Chemicals manufacturing plant availability is expected to increase in the third quarter 2016 driven by the planned restart of the Bukom chemical site in Singapore compared with the third quarter 2015, which was heavily impacted by unit shutdowns at the Moerdijk chemical site in the Netherlands.

As a result of divestments in Denmark, Norway and France, Oil products sales volumes are expected to decrease by some 200 thousand barrels per day compared with the third quarter 2015.

Compared with the third quarter 2015, the BG purchase price allocation is expected to increase depreciation by up to $0.3 billion.

Following the completion of the BG acquisition, the sensitivities to earnings have been updated:

Integrated Gas - around $2 billion per annum for every $10 per barrel movement in Brent

per annum for every per barrel movement in Brent Upstream - around $3 billion per annum for every $10 per barrel movement in Brent

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Third quarter 2016 results and third quarter 2016 dividend are scheduled to be announced on November 1, 2016. Shell will host a North America Investor Day on November 8, 2016 in New York City.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 58,415 48,554 72,402 Revenue[1] 106,969 138,108 Share of profit of joint ventures 946 789 1,136 and associates 1,735 2,541 910 389 412 Interest and other income 1,299 2,147 60,271 49,732 73,950 Total revenue and other income 110,003 142,796 40,362 33,286 52,441 Purchases 73,648 99,866 Production and manufacturing 8,076 6,765 6,506 expenses 14,841 13,161 Selling, distribution and 3,227 3,106 3,076 administrative expenses 6,333 5,970 243 243 252 Research and development 486 505 535 457 964 Exploration 992 1,764 Depreciation, depletion and 6,097 6,147 4,673 amortisation 12,244 9,277 770 370 466 Interest expense 1,140 842 59,310 50,374 68,378 Total expenditure 109,684 131,385 961 (642) 5,572 Income/(loss) before taxation 319 11,411 (319) (1,097) 1,458 Taxation charge/(credit) (1,416) 2,760 1,280 455 4,114 Income/(loss) for the period[1] 1,735 8,651 Income/(loss) attributable to 105 (29) 128 non-controlling interest 76 235 Income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc 1,175 484 3,986 shareholders 1,659 8,416 0.15 0.07 0.63 Basic earnings per share[2] 0.22 1.34 0.15 0.07 0.62 Diluted earnings per share[2] 0.22 1.32 1. See Note 3 "Segment information" 2. See Note 4 "Earnings per share"

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 1,280 455 4,114 Income/(loss) for the period 1,735 8,651 Other comprehensive income net of tax: Items that may be reclassified to income in later periods: - Currency translation (434) 2,319 1,668 differences 1,885 (2,531) - Unrealised gains/(losses) (128) (12) (129) on securities (140) (264) - Cash flow hedging (538) 324 133 gains/(losses) (214) 124 - Net investment hedging (863) 136 - gains/(losses)[1] (727) - - Share of other comprehensive income/(loss) of joint ventures and (77) 8 (25) associates (69) (18) (2,040) 2,775 1,647 Total 735 (2,689) Items that are not reclassified to income in later periods: - Retirement benefits (2,795) (1,634) 5,496 remeasurements (4,429) 4,180 Other comprehensive (4,835) 1,141 7,143 income/(loss) for the period (3,694) 1,491 Comprehensive income/(loss) (3,555) 1,596 11,257 for the period (1,959) 10,142 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to 96 4 161 non-controlling interest 100 224 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch (3,651) 1,592 11,096 Shell plc shareholders (2,059) 9,918 1. See Note [1] "Basis of preparation" CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET $ million Jun 30, Mar 31, Dec 31, 2016[1] 2016[1] 2015 Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets 21,093 21,327 6,283 Property, plant and equipment 242,907 245,133 182,838 Joint ventures and associates[2] 33,850 35,654 30,150 Investments in securities[2] 5,709 3,474 3,416 Deferred tax 15,812 15,311 11,033 Retirement benefits 1,645 3,108 4,362 Trade and other receivables[3] 11,030 11,047 8,717 332,046 335,054 246,799 Current assets Inventories 20,626 17,396 15,822 Trade and other receivables[3],[4] 49,547 47,872 45,784 Cash and cash equivalents 15,222 11,019 31,752 85,395 76,287 93,358 Total assets 417,441 411,341 340,157 Liabilities Non-current liabilities Debt[5] 79,466 73,005 52,849 Trade and other payables[3] 4,393 3,917 4,528 Deferred tax 15,904 16,677 8,976 Retirement benefits 15,882 13,516 12,587 Decommissioning and other provisions 31,825 32,710 26,148 147,470 139,825 105,088 Current liabilities Debt 10,863 7,868 5,530 Trade and other payables[3],[4] 52,669 51,069 52,770 Taxes payable 8,291 10,387 8,233 Retirement benefits 392 401 350 Decommissioning and other provisions 5,250 3,777 4,065 77,465 73,502 70,948 Total liabilities 224,935 213,327 176,036 Equity attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders 190,670 196,521 162,876 Non-controlling interest 1,836 1,493 1,245 Total equity 192,506 198,014 164,121 Total liabilities and equity 417,441 411,341 340,157 1. See Note 2 "Acquisition of BG Group plc" 2. During the second quarter 2016, management concluded that a change in Shell's level of involvement over Woodside's financial and operating policy decisions resulted in no longer having significant influence. Its classification was therefore changed from an associate (carrying amount: $2,144 million) to an investment in securities (carrying amount at fair value: $2,442 million). The consequential revaluation and related release of cumulative currency translation differences were reported in interest and other income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. 3. See Note 7 "Derivative contracts" 4. The amounts at March 31, 2016 have been reduced by $4,963 million in order to appropriately reflect certain contracts on a net basis which were previously presented gross. 5. During the second quarter 2016, debt of $9,246 million was issued under the US shelf registration and EMTN programme.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Equity attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders Share Shares Other Non- capital held in reserves Retained controlling Total $ million [1] trust [2] earnings Total interest equity At January 1, 2016 546 (584) (17,186) 180,100 162,876 1,245 164,121 Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period - - (3,718) 1,659 (2,059) 100 (1,959) Dividends paid - - - (7,411) (7,411) (69) (7,480) Scrip dividends 9 - (9) 2,717 2,717 - 2,717 Shares issued for the acquisition of BG Group plc[3] 120 - 33,930 - 34,050 - 34,050 Repurchases of shares - - - - - - - Share-based compensation[4] - (168) 266 133 231 - 231 Capital contributions from, and other changes in, non-controlling interest - - - 266 266 560 826 At June 30, 2016 675 (752) 13,283 177,464 190,670 1,836 192,506 At January 1, 2015 540 (1,190) (14,365) 186,981 171,966 820 172,786 Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period - - 1,502 8,416 9,918 224 10,142 Dividends paid - - - (5,957) (5,957) (45) (6,002) Scrip dividends 2 - (2) 731 731 - 731 Repurchases of shares (1) - 1 1 1 - 1 Share-based compensation - 634 - 39 673 - 673 Capital contributions from, and other changes in, non-controlling interest - - - (98) (98) 222 124 At June 30, 2015 541 (556) (13,285) 190,087 176,787 1,221 178,008 1. See Note 5 "Share capital" 2. See Note 6 "Other reserves" 3. See Note 2 "Acquisition of BG Group plc" 4. Includes a reclassification of $534 million between Shares held in trust and Other reserves, with no impact on total equity, in order to appropriately reflect the carrying amount of Shares held in trust at cost.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 Cash flow from operating activities Income/(loss) for 1,280 455 4,114 the period 1,735 8,651 Adjustment for: 119 753 1,753 - Current tax 872 4,700 - Interest expense 671 272 395 (net) 943 698 - Depreciation, depletion and 6,097 6,147 4,673 amortisation 12,244 9,277 - Net (gains)/losses on sale of non-current assets (535) (175) (247) and businesses[1] (710) (1,859) - Decrease/(increase) (2,474) (3,909) (1,588) in working capital (6,383) (1,960) - Share of (profit)/loss of joint ventures and (946) (789) (1,136) associates (1,735) (2,541) - Dividends received from joint ventures 964 688 1,071 and associates 1,652 2,148 - Deferred tax, retirement benefits, decommissioning (533) (1,755) (90) and other provisions (2,288) (1,593) (346) (292) 255 - Other (638) 349 Net cash from operating 4,297 1,395 9,200 activities (pre-tax) 5,692 17,870 (2,005) (734) (3,150) Tax paid (2,739) (4,714) Net cash from operating 2,292 661 6,050 activities 2,953 13,156 Cash flow from investing activities (5,796) (5,324) (6,205) Capital expenditure (11,120) (12,420) Acquisition of BG Group plc, net of cash and cash equivalents - (11,421) - acquired[2] (11,421) - Investments in joint (216) (332) (208) ventures and associates (548) (617) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and 516 46 206 businesses 562 2,409 Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and 23 16 165 associates 39 169 93 136 59 Interest received 229 115 (70) (37) (80) Other (107) (159) Net cash used in (5,450) (16,916) (6,063) investing activities (22,366) (10,503) Cash flow from financing activities Net increase/(decrease) in debt with maturity period 1,870 873 1,072 within three months 2,743 817 Other debt: 9,472 264 10,045 - New borrowings 9,736 10,797 (972) (1,969) (2,188) - Repayments (2,941) (2,818) (725) (534) (317) Interest paid (1,259) (726) Change in non-controlling 397 422 424 interest 819 419 Cash dividends paid to: - Royal Dutch Shell plc (2,436) (2,258) (2,294) shareholders (4,694) (5,226) - Non-controlling (34) (35) (27) interest (69) (45) - - - Repurchases of shares - (409) Shares held in trust: net sales/(purchases) 6 (4) (5) and dividends received 2 (45) Net cash from/(used in) 7,578 (3,241) 6,710 financing activities 4,337 2,764 Currency translation differences relating to cash and (217) (1,237) 417 cash equivalents (1,454) (43) Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash 4,203 (20,733) 7,114 equivalents (16,530) 5,374 Cash and cash equivalents at 11,019 31,752 19,867 beginning of period 31,752 21,607 Cash and cash equivalents at end of 15,222 11,019 26,981 period 15,222 26,981 1. Includes the increase to fair value in the carrying amount of Woodside in the second quarter 2016 (see page 12). 2. See Note 2 "Acquisition of BG Group plc"

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of preparation

These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements ("Interim Statements") of Royal Dutch Shell plc ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "Shell") have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted by the European Union, and on the basis of the same accounting principles as, and should be read in conjunction with, the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (pages 120 to 125) as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition to those accounting policies, following the acquisition of BG Group plc, Shell accounts for net investment hedges where the effective portion of gains and losses arising on hedging instruments that are used to hedge net investments in foreign operations are recognised in other comprehensive income until the related investment is disposed of.

The Directors consider it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these Interim Statements.

The financial information presented in the Interim Statements does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006 ("the Act"). Statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2015 were published in Shell's Annual Report and a copy was delivered to the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales. The auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain a statement under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Act.

2. Acquisition of BG Group plc

On February 15, 2016, the Company acquired all the voting rights in BG by means of a Scheme of Arrangement under Part 26 of the Act for a purchase consideration of $54,034 million. This included cash of $19,036 million and the fair value ($34,050 million) of 218.7 million A shares and 1,305.1 million B shares issued in exchange for all BG shares. The fair value of the shares issued was calculated using the market price of the Company's A and B shares of 1,545.0 and 1,538.5 pence respectively on the London Stock Exchange at its opening of business on February 15, 2016.

BG's activities mainly comprise exploration, development, production, liquefaction and marketing of hydrocarbons, the development and use of LNG import facilities, and the purchase, shipping and sale of LNG and regasified natural gas. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Shell's growth strategy in global LNG and deep water. It is expected to add material proved oil and gas reserves and production volumes, and provides Shell with enhanced positions in competitive new oil and gas projects, particularly in Australia LNG and Brazil deep water.

Goodwill of $9,024 million was recognised on the acquisition, being the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired as set out below. The net asset value, in line with accounting standards, is determined by reference to oil and gas prices, as reflected in the prevailing market view on the day of completion. Oil and gas prices are based on the forward price curve for the first two years, and subsequent years based on the market consensus price view.

The fair values of the net assets, and therefore the resultant goodwill, are provisional.

FAIR VALUE OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED (PROVISIONAL) $ million Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets 6,178 Property, plant and equipment 58,444 Joint ventures and associates 4,702 Deferred tax 2,432 Other 2,181 73,937 Current assets Inventories 417 Trade and other receivables 4,202 Cash and cash equivalents 6,803 11,422 Total assets 85,359 Liabilities Non-current liabilities Debt 18,949 Deferred tax 8,393 Decommissioning and other provisions 6,401 Other 665 34,408 Current liabilities Debt 1,345 Trade and other payables 3,926 Other 670 5,941 Total liabilities 40,349 Total 45,010

Acquisition costs of $391 million were recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Income in production and manufacturing and selling, distribution and administrative expenses ($47 million in 2015 and $344 million in the first quarter 2016).

The acquired activities of BG are now significantly integrated with those of other Shell entities and therefore it is impracticable to identify separately either the amounts of revenue and income since the date of acquisition that BG has contributed to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, or the revenue and income of Shell for the half year 2016 as though the acquisition date of BG had been as at January 1, 2016.

3. Segment information

Segmental reporting has been changed with effect from 2016, in line with a change in the way Shell's businesses are managed. Shell now reports its business through the segments Integrated Gas (previously part of Upstream), Upstream, Downstream and Corporate. Comparative information has been reclassified.

Integrated Gas is engaged in the liquefaction and transportation of gas, and the conversion of natural gas to liquids to provide fuels and other products, as well as projects with an integrated activity from producing to commercialising gas. Upstream combines the operating segments Upstream, which is engaged in the exploration for and extraction of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, the transportation of oil and wind energy, and Oil Sands, which is engaged in the extraction of bitumen from oil sands that is converted into synthetic crude oil. These operating segments have similar economic characteristics because their earnings are significantly dependent on crude oil and natural gas prices and production volumes, and because their projects generally require significant investment, are complex and generate revenues for many years.

INFORMATION BY SEGMENT Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 Third-party revenue 5,373 5,679 4,807 Integrated Gas 11,052 10,756 1,711 1,922 1,489 Upstream 3,633 3,306 51,315 40,929 66,082 Downstream 92,244 123,998 16 24 24 Corporate 40 48 58,415 48,554 72,402 Total third-party revenue 106,969 138,108 Inter-segment revenue 896 743 1,167 Integrated Gas[1] 1,639 2,144 6,049 5,037 7,507 Upstream[1] 11,086 14,301 1,993 1,455 271 Downstream 3,448 633 - - - Corporate - - CCS earnings 982 905 1,335 Integrated Gas 1,887 2,474 (1,974) (1,350) (561) Upstream (3,324) 839 1,717 1,700 2,746 Downstream 3,417 5,260 (423) (456) (68) Corporate (879) (239) 302 799 3,452 Total CCS earnings[2] 1,101 8,334 1. Inter-segment revenue for the first quarter 2016 has been amended for Integrated Gas and Upstream to include revenue previously accounted for as intra-segment revenue. 2. See pages 5 and 27 for a summary of significant items, including redundancy and restructuring charges, impacting segment earnings. RECONCILIATION OF CCS EARNINGS TO INCOME FOR THE PERIOD Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 302 799 3,452 Total CCS earnings 1,101 8,334 Current cost of supplies adjustment: 1,158 (398) 765 Purchases 760 413 (323) 120 (219) Taxation (203) (117) Share of profit/(loss) of joint 143 (66) 116 ventures and associates 77 21 1,280 455 4,114 Income/(loss) for the period 1,735 8,651

4. Earnings per share

EARNINGS PER SHARE Quarters Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 Income attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders ($ 1,175 484 3,986 million) 1,659 8,416 Weighted average number of shares as the basis for: Basic earnings per share 8,000.0 7,173.4 6,304.6 (million) 7,586.7 6,298.4 Diluted earnings per share 8,053.3 7,230.4 6,383.9 (million) 7,641.8 6,380.5

5. Share Capital

ISSUED AND FULLY PAID Sterling Ordinary shares of EUR0.07 each deferred shares Number of shares A B of GBP1 each At January 1, 2016 3,990,921,569 2,440,410,614 50,000 Scrip dividends 116,249,778 - - Shares issued for the acquisition of BG Group plc[1] 218,728,308 1,305,076,117 - Repurchases of shares - - - At June 30, 2016 4,325,899,655 3,745,486,731 50,000 At January 1, 2015 3,907,302,393 2,440,410,614 50,000 Scrip dividends 23,430,143 - - Repurchases of shares (12,717,512) - - At June 30, 2015 3,918,015,024 2,440,410,614 50,000 1. See Note 2 "Acquisition of BG Group plc" NOMINAL VALUE Ordinary shares of EUR0.07 each $ million A B Total At January 1, 2016 340 206 546 Scrip dividends 9 - 9 Shares issued for the acquisition of BG Group plc[1] 17 103 120 Repurchases of shares - - - At June 30, 2016 366 309 675 At January 1, 2015 334 206 540 Scrip dividends 2 - 2 Repurchases of shares (1) - (1) At June 30, 2015 335 206 541 1. See Note 2 "Acquisition of BG Group plc"

The total nominal value of sterling deferred shares is less than $1 million.

At Royal Dutch Shell plc's Annual General Meeting on May 24, 2016, the Board was authorised to allot ordinary shares in Royal Dutch Shell plc, and to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into ordinary shares in Royal Dutch Shell plc, up to an aggregate nominal amount of 185 million (representing 2,643 million ordinary shares of 0.07 each), and to list such shares or rights on any stock exchange. This authority expires at the earlier of the close of business on August 24, 2017, and the end of the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2017, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied by Royal Dutch Shell plc in a general meeting.

6. Other reserves

OTHER RESERVES Accumulated Share Capital other Merger premium redemption Share plan comprehensive $ million reserve reserve reserve reserve income Total At January 1, 2016 3,398 154 84 1,658 (22,480) (17,186) Other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders - - - - (3,718) (3,718) Scrip dividends (9) - - - - (9) Shares issued for the acquisition of BG Group plc[1] 33,930 - - - - 33,930 Repurchases of shares - - - - - - Share-based compensation - - - (268) 534 266 At June 30, 2016 37,319 154 84 1,390 (25,664) 13,283 At January 1, 2015 3,405 154 83 1,723 (19,730) (14,365) Other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders - - - - 1,502 1,502 Scrip dividends (2) - - - - (2) Repurchases of shares - - 1 - - 1 Share-based compensation - - - (421) - (421) At June 30, 2015 3,403 154 84 1,302 (18,228) (13,285) 1. See Note [2] "Acquisition of BG Group plc"

The merger reserve and share premium reserve were established as a consequence of Royal Dutch Shell plc becoming the single parent company of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and The "Shell" Transport and Trading Company, p.l.c., now The Shell Transport and Trading Company Limited, in 2005. The increase in the merger reserve in the first half year 2016 in respect of the shares issued for the acquisition of BG represents the difference between the fair value and the nominal value of the shares. The capital redemption reserve was established in connection with repurchases of shares of Royal Dutch Shell plc. The share plan reserve is in respect of equity-settled share-based compensation plans.

7. Derivative contracts

The table below provides the carrying amounts of derivatives contracts held, disclosed in accordance with

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.

DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS $ million Jun 30, 2016 Mar 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Included within: Trade and other receivables - non-current 1,143 1,250 744 Trade and other receivables - current[1] 9,188 12,297 13,114 Trade and other payables - non-current 1,742 1,369 1,687 Trade and other payables - current[1] 9,493 11,026 10,757 1. The amounts at March 31, 2016 have been reduced by $4,963 million in order to appropriately reflect certain contracts on a net basis which were previously presented gross.

As disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, presented in the Annual Report and Form 20-F for that year, Shell is exposed to the risks of changes in fair value of its financial assets and liabilities. The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities are defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values at June 30, 2016 are consistent with those used in the year ended December 31, 2015, and the carrying amounts of derivative contracts measured using predominantly unobservable inputs have not changed materially since that date.

The fair value of debt excluding finance lease liabilities at June 30, 2016 was $83,367 million (March 31, 2016: $71,903 million; December 31, 2015: $53,480 million). Fair value is determined from the prices quoted for those securities.

DEFINITIONS

Earnings on a current cost of supplies basis attributable to shareholders

Segment earnings are presented on a current cost of supplies basis (CCS earnings), which is the earnings measure used by the Chief Executive Officer for the purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. On this basis, the purchase price of volumes sold during the period is based on the current cost of supplies during the same period after making allowance for the tax effect. CCS earnings therefore exclude the effect of changes in the oil price on inventory carrying amounts. The current cost of supplies adjustment does not impact net cash from operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The reconciliation of CCS earning to net income is as follows.

Quarters $ million Half year Q2 Q1 Q2 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015 Earnings on a current cost of 302 799 3,452 supplies basis (CCS earnings) 1,101 8,334 Attributable to non-controlling (63) 15 (91) interest (48) (212) Earnings on a current cost of supplies basis attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc 239 814 3,361 shareholders 1,053 8,122 Current cost of supplies 978 (344) 662 adjustment 634 317 (42) 14 (37) Non-controlling interest (28) (23) Income attributable to Royal 1,175 484 3,986 Dutch Shell plc shareholders 1,659 8,416 105 (29) 128 Non-controlling interest 76 235 1,280 455 4,114 Income for the period 1,735 8,651

B. Identified items

Identified items are shown to provide additional insight into segment earnings and income attributable to shareholders. They include the full impact on Shell's CCS earnings of the following items: Divestment gains and losses, impairments, fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (see below), and redundancy and restructuring. Further items may be identified in addition to the above.

Impacts of accounting for derivatives

In the ordinary course of business Shell enters into contracts to supply or purchase oil and gas products as well as power and environmental products. Derivative contracts are entered into for mitigation of resulting economic exposures (generally price exposure) and these derivative contracts are carried at period-end market price (fair value), with movements in fair value recognised in income for the period. Supply and purchase contracts entered into for operational purposes are, by contrast, recognised when the transaction occurs (see also below); furthermore, inventory is carried at historical cost or net realisable value, whichever is lower.

As a consequence, accounting mismatches occur because: (a) the supply or purchase transaction is recognised in a different period; or (b) the inventory is measured on a different basis.

In addition, certain UK gas contracts held by Upstream are, due to pricing or delivery conditions, deemed to contain embedded derivatives or written options and are also required to be carried at fair value even though they are entered into for operational purposes.

The accounting impacts of the aforementioned are reported as identified items in this Report.

Impacts of exchange rate movements on deferred tax balances

With effect from 2016, identified items include the impact on deferred tax balances of exchange rate movements arising on:

The conversion to dollars of the local currency tax base of non-monetary assets and liabilities, as well as losses. This primarily impacts the Integrated Gas and Upstream segments.

The conversion of dollar-denominated inter-segment loans to local currency. This primarily impacts the Corporate segment.

The comparative information presented in this Report has been restated for this definition change. The following table sets out the impact of the definition change on the identified items for the year 2015.

RESTATED IDENTIFIED ITEMS BY SEGMENT $ million Quarters Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Identified items as previously reported Integrated Gas 15 (117) (878) (347) Upstream 1,849 (146) (7,340) (479) Downstream (132) (215) (136) 978 Corporate and Non-controlling interest (217) 4 464 (137) Impact of definition change Integrated Gas (367) 50 (469) 227 Upstream (254) 53 (292) 30 Downstream - - - - Corporate and Non-controlling interest 129 (28) 155 (4) Identified items as restated Integrated Gas (352) (67) (1,347) (120) Upstream 1,595 (93) (7,632) (449) Downstream (132) (215) (136) 978 Corporate and Non-controlling interest (88) (24) 619 (141)

C. Capital investment



Capital investment is a measure used to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. It is defined as the sum of capital expenditure, acquisition of BG, exploration expense (excluding well write-offs), new investments in joint ventures and associates, new finance leases and other adjustments. The reconciliation of Capital expenditure to Capital investment is as follows.



Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 Capital investment: 1,153 22,824 1,313 Integrated Gas 23,977 2,614 3,700 35,038 4,603 Upstream 38,738 9,245 1,389 1,092 1,085 Downstream 2,481 1,934 42 21 49 Corporate 63 99 6,284 58,975 7,050 Total 65,259 13,892 Capital investment related to the - (52,904) - acquisition of BG Group plc (52,904) - Investments in joint ventures and (216) (332) (208) associates (548) (617) Exploration expense, excluding (336) (224) (643) exploration wells written off (560) (1,145) 9 (414) (18) Finance leases (405) (24) 55 223 24 Other 278 314 5,796 5,324 6,205 Capital expenditure 11,120 12,420

D. Divestments



"Divestments" is a measure used to monitor the progress of Shell's divestment programme. This measure comprises proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and businesses, joint ventures and associates, and other Integrated Gas, Upstream and Downstream investments, adjusted onto an accruals basis, and proceeds from sale of interests in an entity while retaining control (for example, proceeds from sale of interest in Shell Midstream Partners, L.P.).

Quarters $ million Half year Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 2016 2015 Proceeds from sale of property, 516 46 206 plant and equipment and businesses 562 2,409 Proceeds from sale of joint 23 16 165 ventures and associates 39 169 Other (in Cash flow from investing (70) (37) (80) activities) (107) (159) Proceeds from sale of interests in 398 421 298 Shell Midstream Partners, L.P. 819 298 135 39 93 Other[1] 174 129 1,002 485 682 Total 1,487 2,846 1. Mainly changes in non-current receivables included within Other (in Cash flow from investing activities), which are not considered to be divestments.

E. Return on average capital employed



Return on average capital employed (ROACE) measures the efficiency of Shell's utilisation of the capital that it employs and is a common measure of business performance. In this calculation, ROACE is defined as the sum of income for the current and previous three quarters, adjusted for after-tax interest expense, as a percentage of the average capital employed for the same period. Capital employed consists of total equity, current debt and non-current debt.

$ million Jun 30, 2016 Jun 30, 2015 Income for current and previous three quarters (4,716) 13,494 Interest expense after tax 1,139 1,033 Income before interest expense (3,576) 14,527 Capital employed - opening 230,949 230,235 Capital employed - closing 282,835 230,949 Capital employed - average 256,892 230,592 ROACE -1.4% 6.3%

Return on average capital employed on a CCS basis excluding identified items is defined as the sum of CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items for the current and previous three quarters, as a percentage of the average capital employed for the same period.

$ million Jun 30, 2016 Jun 30, 2015 CCS earnings excluding identified items for current and previous three quarters 6,546 17,474 Capital employed - opening 230,949 230,235 Capital employed - closing 282,835 230,949 Capital employed - average 256,892 230,592 ROACE on a CCS basis excluding identified items 2.5% 7.6%

F. Gearing



Gearing, calculated as net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) as a percentage of total capital (net debt plus total equity), is a key measure of Shell's capital structure.

$ million Jun 30, Mar 31, Dec 31, Jun 30, 2016 2016 2015 2015 Current debt 10,863 7,868 5,530 7,366 Non-current debt 79,466 73,005 52,849 45,575 Less: Cash and cash equivalents (15,222) (11,019) (31,752) (26,981) Net debt 75,107 69,854 26,624 25,960 Add: Total equity 192,506 198,014 164,121 178,008 Total capital 267,613 267,868 190,748 203,968 Gearing 28.1% 26.1% 14.0% 12.7%

G. Operating expenses



Operating expenses comprise production and manufacturing expenses; selling, distribution and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The principal risks and uncertainties affecting Shell are described in the Risk Factors section of the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (pages 8 to 12) and are summarised below. There are no material changes in those Risk Factors for the remaining 6 months of the financial year.

We are exposed to fluctuating prices of crude oil, natural gas, oil products and chemicals.

Our ability to deliver competitive returns and pursue commercial opportunities depends in part on the robustness and, ultimately, the accuracy of our price assumptions.

Our ability to achieve strategic objectives depends on how we react to competitive forces.

The acquisition of BG Group plc exposes us to integration risks and other challenges.

Following the acquisition of BG, we seek to execute divestments in the pursuit of our strategy. We may not be able to successfully divest these assets in line with our strategy.

Our future hydrocarbon production depends on the delivery of large and complex projects, as well as on our ability to replace proved oil and gas reserves.

The estimation of proved oil and gas reserves involves subjective judgements based on available information and the application of complex rules, so subsequent downward adjustments are possible.

We operate in more than 70 countries that have differing degrees of political, legal and fiscal stability. This exposes us to a wide range of political developments that could result in changes to contractual terms, laws and regulations. For example, the outcome of the United Kingdom's (UK) recent referendum to leave the European Union (EU) could have a material effect on us depending on the impact of future changes in UK and EU laws and regulations. In addition, we and our joint arrangements and associates face the risk of litigation worldwide.

(UK) recent referendum to leave the European Union (EU) could have a material effect on us depending on the impact of future changes in UK and EU laws and regulations. In addition, we and our joint arrangements and associates face the risk of litigation worldwide. Our operations expose us to social instability, civil unrest, terrorism, piracy, acts of war and risks of pandemic diseases that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

A further erosion of the business and operating environment in Nigeria could have a material adverse effect on us.

could have a material adverse effect on us. Rising climate change concerns have led and could lead to additional legal and/or regulatory measures which could result in project delays or cancellations, a decrease in demand for fossil fuels and additional compliance obligations, and therefore could adversely impact our costs and/or revenue.

The nature of our operations exposes us, and the communities in which we work, to a wide range of health, safety, security and environment risks.

The operation of the Groningen asset in the Netherlands continues to expose communities to earth tremor risks.

continues to expose communities to earth tremor risks. Our future performance depends on the successful development and deployment of new technologies and new products.

We are exposed to treasury and trading risks, including liquidity risk, interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, commodity price risk and credit risk. We are affected by the global macroeconomic environment as well as financial and commodity market conditions.

We have substantial pension commitments, whose funding is subject to capital market risks.

We mainly self-insure our risk exposure. We could incur significant losses from different types of risks that are not covered by insurance from third-party insurers.

An erosion of our business reputation could have a material adverse effect on our brand, our ability to secure new resources and our licence to operate.

Many of our major projects and operations are conducted in joint arrangements or associates. This could reduce our degree of control, as well as our ability to identify and manage risks.

We rely heavily on information technology systems for our operations.

Violations of antitrust and competition laws carry fines and expose us and/or our employees to criminal sanctions and civil suits.

Violations of anti-bribery and corruption laws and anti-money laundering laws carry fines and expose us and/or our employees to criminal sanctions and civil suits.

Violations of data protection laws carry fines and expose us and/or our employees to criminal sanctions and civil suits.

Violations of trade controls, including sanctions, carry fines and expose us and our employees to criminal sanctions and civil suits.

The Company's Articles of Association determine the jurisdiction for shareholder disputes. This could limit shareholder remedies.

FIRST QUARTER 2016 PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENTS

During the quarter, Shell completed the acquisition of BG for a purchase consideration of $54,034 million. This includes cash of $19,036 million, and the fair value ($34,050 million) of 1,523.8 million shares issued in exchange for all BG shares. Following completion of the acquisition on February 15, 2016, BG was consolidated within Shell's results. For practical purposes, this includes February and March 2016, as the impact for the first half of February is deemed immaterial.

The consolidation of BG resulted in an increase to first quarter 2016 cash flow from operating activities of $0.8 billion and an increase to CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items of $0.2 billion.

Goodwill of $9,024 million was recognised on the acquisition, being the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired (see Note 2).

Shell completed the United Kingdom office footprint review announced during the final stages of the BG combination. The outcomes of the review are subject to appropriate engagement with employees and employee representatives. The review recommended a consolidation of all Shell's London and South East based operations into Central London with the intention to close the Thames Valley Park office in Reading by the end of 2016. The review also recommended that all Aberdeen-based onshore operations move to the Shell Aberdeen Tullos office, with BG's offices at Albyn Place closing by 2016 and the closure of Shell's Brabazon House office in Manchester by the end of 2017.

Integrated Gas

During the quarter, first LNG production was achieved at the non-operated Gorgon project (Shell interest 25%) on Barrow Island, offshore Australia. Subsequent to first LNG cargo delivery, LNG production was temporarily halted due to mechanical issues with the propane refrigerant compressor on Train 1.

In Australia, the Browse Joint Venture participants (Shell interest 27%) decided not to progress with the development concept being studied for the resource as it did not meet commercial requirements for a positive final investment decision ("FID"), considering the current economic and market environment.

In Indonesia, INPEX as operator of the Abadi field (Shell interest 35%) received a notification from the Indonesian government authorities instructing to re-propose a plan of development based on onshore LNG for the Abadi LNG project. Shell and INPEX remain committed to work together with the Government of Indonesia to ensure that the Abadi project moves forward to optimally develop the Abadi gas reserves in a manner that benefits all.

Upstream

In Brazil, Shell announced the start of oil production from the third phase of the deep-water Parque das Conchas BC-10 development (Shell interest 50%) in the Campos basin.

Also in Brazil, the seventh non-operated FPSO, Cidade de Marica, (Shell interest 25%) reached first oil in the BM-S-11 block of the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. The FPSO has a production capacity of 150 thousand barrels per day.

Shell announced that it has decided to exit the joint development of the Bab sour gas reservoirs (Shell interest 40%) with ADNOC in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and to stop further joint work on the project. This reflects the economic climate prevailing in the energy industry.

In the United Kingdom, Shell has agreed to sell its 7.59% interest in the Maclure oil and gas field in the North Sea for a purchase consideration of some $24 million. Completion is subject to necessary approvals.

Shell had continued success in its exploration programme with 10 discoveries and appraisals in Brunei, Egypt, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, and the United States. This included a notable oil discovery in the United States with the non-operated Kepler North well (Shell interest 50%) in the Gulf of Mexico, and a notable gas discovery with the non-operated Jerun-1 well (Shell interest 30%) in Malaysia.

Upstream divestments totalled some $38 million for the first quarter 2016 and reflected, among others, the first tranche of the sale proceeds of the Anasuria development in the North Sea.

Downstream

During the quarter, Shell announced a conditional agreement for the sale of its 51% shareholding in the Shell Refining Company in Malaysia for $66 million. The transaction is expected to complete in 2016, subject to regulatory approval.

In the United States, Shell announced that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to divide the assets of Motiva Enterprises LLC. The Motiva joint venture was formed in 1998 and has operated as a 50/50 refining and marketing joint venture between Saudi Arabian Oil Company and Shell since 2002. In the proposed division of assets, Shell will assume sole ownership of the Norco, Louisiana refinery (where Shell operates a chemicals plant), the Convent, Louisiana refinery, nine distribution terminals, and Shell branded markets in Florida, Louisiana, and the Northeastern region. Saudi Refining Inc. will retain the Motiva name, assume sole ownership of the Port Arthur refinery in Texas, retain 26 distribution terminals, and have an exclusive licence to use the Shell brand for gasoline and diesel sales in Texas, and in the majority of the Mississippi Valley, the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic markets.

Also in the United States, Shell completed the sale of an additional 4.66% interest in Shell Midstream Partners, L.P. to public investors via the issuance of an additional 13,400,000 LP units for net proceeds of $421 million.

Shell announced FID on a project to expand China National Offshore Oil Corporation ("CNOOC") and Shell Petrochemical Company's ("CSPC") existing 50/50 joint venture in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China. Subject to regulatory approvals, Shell and CNOOC have agreed that CSPC will take over CNOOC's ongoing project to build additional chemical facilities next to CSPC's petrochemical complex. The project includes the ongoing construction of a new ethylene cracker and ethylene derivatives units, which will increase ethylene capacity by more than 1 million tonnes per year, about double the current capacity. It will also include a styrene monomer and propylene oxide plant.

In May, Shell announced that it completed the sale of Dansk Fuels in Denmark for a consideration of $0.3 billion. Dansk Fuels comprises retail, commercial fuels, commercial fleet and aviation businesses, and products trading and supply activities associated with those businesses.

FIRST QUARTER SUMMARY OF IDENTIFIED ITEMS

With effect from 2016, identified items include the impact of exchange rate movements on certain deferred tax balances, as set out in Definition A. The comparative information in this Report has been restated following this change.

CCS earnings attributable to shareholders for the first quarter 2016 reflected the following items, which in aggregate amounted to a net charge of $739 million (compared with a net gain of $1,023 million for the first quarter 2015), as summarised below:

Integrated Gas earnings included a net charge of $89 million , primarily reflecting a gain of some $400 million related to the impact of the strengthening Australian dollar on a deferred tax position, offset by a net charge on fair value accounting of certain commodity derivatives and gas contracts of some $170 million , asset impairments of some $130 million , and other items including a litigation provision. Integrated Gas earnings for the first quarter 2015 included a net charge of $352 million .

, primarily reflecting a gain of some related to the impact of the strengthening Australian dollar on a deferred tax position, offset by a net charge on fair value accounting of certain commodity derivatives and gas contracts of some , asset impairments of some , and other items including a litigation provision. Integrated Gas earnings for the first quarter 2015 included a net charge of . Upstream earnings included a net gain of $87 million , primarily reflecting a gain of some $360 million related to the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position, partly offset by asset impairments of some $300 million . Upstream earnings for the first quarter 2015 included a net gain of $1,595 million .

, primarily reflecting a gain of some related to the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position, partly offset by asset impairments of some . Upstream earnings for the first quarter 2015 included a net gain of . Downstream earnings included a net charge of $310 million , primarily reflecting the net impact of fair value accounting of commodity derivatives of some $240 million and impairments of some $190 million , partly offset by gains on divestments of some $130 million . Downstream earnings for the first quarter 2015 included a net charge of $132 million .

, primarily reflecting the net impact of fair value accounting of commodity derivatives of some and impairments of some , partly offset by gains on divestments of some . Downstream earnings for the first quarter 2015 included a net charge of . Corporate results and Non-controlling interest included a net charge of $427 million , mainly reflecting a charge of $266 million related to the payment of stamp duty in the United Kingdom for the acquisition of BG, and a charge of some $190 million related to the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real on deferred tax positions related to financing of the Upstream business, partly offset by $100 million for the non-controlling interest share of an impairment of a Downstream asset. Earnings for the first quarter 2015 included a net charge of $88 million .

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

It is confirmed that to the best of our knowledge: (a) the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union; (b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule (DTR) 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months of the financial year, and their impact on the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements, and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year); and (c) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties transactions and changes thereto).

The Directors of Royal Dutch Shell plc are shown on pages 62-64 in the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015.

On behalf of the Board Ben van Beurden Simon Henry Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer July 28, 2016 July 28, 2016

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO ROYAL DUTCH SHELL PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by Royal Dutch Shell plc to review the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended June 30, 2016, which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Income, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and Notes 1 to 7. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to Royal Dutch Shell plc in accordance with guidance contained in the International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Royal Dutch Shell plc, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

The annual Consolidated Financial Statements of Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the European Union (EU). The condensed set of financial statements included in the half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the IASB and as adopted by the EU.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to Royal Dutch Shell plc a conclusion on the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland), "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended June 30, 2016 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as issued by the IASB and as adopted by the EU and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Ernst & Young LLP

London

July 28, 2016

The maintenance and integrity of the Royal Dutch Shell plc website (http://www.shell.com) are the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements since they were initially presented on the website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

All amounts shown throughout this announcement are unaudited. All peak production figures in Portfolio Developments are quoted at 100% expected production.

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement "Shell", "Shell group" and "Royal Dutch Shell" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. "Subsidiaries", "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this announcement refer to companies over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as "joint ventures" and "joint operations" respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as "associates". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "goals", "intend", "may", "objectives", "outlook", "plan", "probably", "project", "risks", "schedule", "seek", "should", "target", "will" and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this announcement, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. There can be no assurance that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (available at http://www.shell.com/investor and http://www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this announcement and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement, July 28, 2016. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.

This Report contains references to Shell's website. These references are for the readers' convenience only. Shell is not incorporating by reference any information posted on http://www.shell.com

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this announcement that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website http://www.sec.gov. You can also obtain this form from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

This announcement contains inside information.

July 28, 2016

The information in this Report reflects the unaudited consolidated financial position and results of Royal Dutch Shell plc. The information in this Report also represents Royal Dutch Shell plc's half-yearly financial report for the purposes of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority. As such: (1) the interim management report can be found on pages 2 to 10 and 21 to 27; (2) the condensed set of financial statements on pages 11 to 20; and (3) the directors' responsibility statement on page 28 and the auditors' independent review on page 29. Company No. 4366849, Registered Office: Shell Centre, London, SE1 7NA, England, UK.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Contacts:

- Michiel Brandjes, Company Secretary

- Investor Relations: International +31(0)-70-377-4540; North America +1-832-337-2034

- Media: International +44(0)207-934-5550; USA +1-713-241-4544

SOURCE Royal Dutch Shell plc
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SomaGenics Inc. today announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Rubicon Genomics, Inc. for commercialization of SomaGenics' RealSeq-AC library preparation technology for sequencing small RNAs, including micro-RNAs and small fragments of large RNAs. Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The RealSeq-AC platform is a novel technology that dramatically reduces sequencing bias compared to standard methods for preparing libraries for small RNA sequencing. RealSeq-AC allows detection and discovery of many small RNAs that are often underestimated by up to 104-fold of their true abundance.

"We are excited to commercialize our RealSeq-AC technology with Rubicon Genomics, given their impressive product portfolio and market position in the area of next generation sequencing sample preparation," said Brian Johnston, Ph.D., President and CEO of SomaGenics.

Rubicon Genomics is a leading worldwide provider of pre-analytical library preparation kits that increase the accuracy, efficiency and speed of genomic analysis. It offers a diverse product line including ThruPLEX DNA-seq kits, ThruPLEX Plasma-seq kits, PicoPLEX DNA-seq and WGA kits and TransPLEX C-WTA kits.

Rubicon CEO James Koziarz, Ph.D., commented, "We are very pleased to add SomaGenics' technology to Rubicon's proprietary suite of products as they nicely complement and expand our RNA offerings. We currently sell TransPLEX kits as a component of Agendia's FDA-cleared MammaPrint breast cancer assay and ThruPLEX through our OEM relationship with Clontech for their RNA-seq Low Input Library Prep kit. The RealSeq-AC technology allows us to further expand our RNA library preparation line with a product that offers performance superior to existing technologies. SomaGenics' exceptional development work on the technology will enable our product development and commercialization teams to move towards a smooth and timely launch."

About SomaGenics, Inc. SomaGenics, Inc. is a privately held biotech company located in Santa Cruz, California. It specializes in developing innovative technologies that focus on RNA as therapeutic agents, targets and biomarkers as well as on RNA research and molecular diagnostic tools. Besides Real-Seq-AC, the company's technologies include miR-ID and miR-Direct, novel circularization-based RT-qPCR methods for small RNA detection; ResQ, a method for quantifying fragmented RNA from FFPE samples; and short synthetic hairpin RNA-based therapeutic candidates for wound healing and hepatitis delta virus (HDV). For more information visit somagenics.com.

About Rubicon Genomics, Inc.

Rubicon Genomics develops innovative, high quality, nucleic acid library preparation and companion products for research applications that enable easy, reliable, and highly sensitive analysis of samples. Rubicon is committed to teamwork and continuous improvement to provide excellence to our customers, shareholders, and employees. Privately-held Rubicon is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, visit rubicongenomics.com.

SomaGenics Contact: Anne Scholz, Head, Business Development, Email (831-426-7700 x20)

Rubicon Genomics Contact: Jamie Wibbenmeyer, VP Business Development, Email

SOURCE SomaGenics, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.somagenics.com


LONDON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Biometric market hype is shifting away from consumer electronics and toward biometric banking technologies that appeal to millennials, finds ABI Research. A mix of agile startups and powerful leading payment card players are integrating biometrics into mobile payment services, smart cards, and ATMs to improve banking security and authentication through innovative form factors.

"This market shift is occurring faster than initially anticipated, with global revenues for biometric banking technology expected to top $4 billion by 2021," says Dimitrios Pavlakis, Industry Analyst at ABI Research. "North America alone accounts for almost $8 billion in payment card fraud, a statistic that suggests the need for greater transaction security."

The new biometric banking applications specifically target millennials, with many in this generation quick to adopt the new technology. Ease of transaction, increased security, and greater user experience are the top tier features that attract customers to biometric banking.

Mastercard has already integrated facial biometrics into its arsenal allowing users to pay using selfies, while banks worldwide are adopting fingerprint, voice, and facial recognition for personal banking. And it is not just banks and payment card players getting in on the actionJapanese vein recognition market leaders Fujitsu and Hitachi honed their technology over the past years to develop an intuitive vein recognition solution for ATM applications. Vascular biometrics authenticates a user by identifying the unique patterns made by his or her veins.

Given the market appeal, pioneering startups were quick to follow suit. Atom Bank is testing the limits of mobile services through its biometrically-fueled, online-only banking approach. And Diebold and Eyelock recently partnered to deliver an iris recognition ATM that leverages NFC and QR technology via the users' smartphone devices.

Though the market is experiencing rapid adoption of these new biometric banking applications, vendors still struggle to tend to the ever-increasing vulnerabilities. Sensor and device manufacturers, algorithm designers, SDK and app developers, and information security providers will face significant challenges moving forward. Some aspects that will need addressing include leveraging and upgrading the existing infrastructure, interoperability issues, and data security.

"Security flaws are always a concern, and even more so when customers' biometric data is involved," concludes Pavlakis. "Banks and banking service providers will need to assure their clients that their data is being stored and managed efficiently."

These findings are from ABI Research's Biometrics Applications in the Financial and Banking Sectors (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/1022302-biometrics-applications-in-the-financial-a/). This report is part of the company's Digital Security sector (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/practice/digital-security/) and Enterprise IT & OT Convergence sectors (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/practice/future-enterprise-it-and-ot-convergence/), which include research, data, and analyst insights.

About ABI Research

ABI Research stands at the forefront of technology market research, providing business leaders with comprehensive research and consulting services to help them implement informed, transformative technology decisions. Founded more than 25 years ago, the company's global team of senior and long-tenured analysts delivers deep market data forecasts, analyses, and teardown services. ABI Research is an industry pioneer, proactively uncovering ground-breaking business cycles and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info: Mackenzie Gavel Tel: +44.203.326.0142

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276887LOGO

SOURCE ABI Research

Related Links

http://www.abiresearch.com


LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent broker dealers (IBDs) and wirehouse firms experienced net asset outflows of two percent for actively managed mutual funds in the first half of 2016, according to data released today by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) via its Fund Distribution Intelligence. Much of the outflows of actively managed funds from broker dealers appeared to move to passively managed mutual funds and ETFs. During the first half of 2016, net new assets for passively managed funds and ETFs increased by nine percent and one percent for IBDs and wirehouses, respectively.

Mutual fund and ETF asset distribution Q4 2015 to Q2 2016

"During the first half of 2016, net new assets for passively managed mutual funds increased by $37 billion, or 14 percent, for the retail distribution channels, while actively managed funds were down by $24 billion, or 0.6 percent," said Frank Polefrone, senior vice president of Broadridge's data and analytics business. "With pending regulatory changes related to appropriate share class usage and the Department of Labor's new fiduciary rule, we expect the growing use of passively managed funds by advisors, along with the increasing popularity of ETFs to continue to accelerate."

The bulk of the $35 billion of net outflows from actively managed mutual fund accounts held at IBDs moved to ETFs, which recorded an increase of net new assets of $34.9 billion. The shift to passive ETF products by IBDs increased the overall share of passive products from 19.5 percent at the end of 2015 to 21 percent of total fund and ETF assets managed by IBDs. The wirehouse channel experienced net outflows of $21 billion from actively managed funds, but only increased assets of passively managed funds and ETFs by $5.2 billion. As a result, wirehouses experienced net outflows of long-term funds and ETFs of $13 billion in the first half of 2016, and lost overall market share to other retail channels.

The shift from active management to passive products for other retail channels was not as pronounced during the first half of 2016, primarily because these channels already have a larger portion of fund and ETF assets invested in passive products. The registered investment advisor (RIA) channel, which has 33 percent of its assets in passively managed products experienced virtually no change in total mutual fund assets in the first half of 2016, while ETF net new assets increased by 2.4 percent during the same period. The discount channel, which is dominated by Vanguard and Schwab discount brokerage operations, was up significantly in both net mutual fund and ETF assets. The channel has 55 percent of assets held in passively managed funds and ETFs.

In the first half of 2016, overall net new assets for ETFs increased by 1.2 percent to $2.2 trillion. Of the $24.8 billion of net new assets, $22.5 billion, or 91 percent of the increase, came from passively managed ETFs. Net new flows for long-term mutual funds showed a similar pattern, with net new assets also increasing by 1.2 percent to $7.4 trillion of assets from third party financial intermediaries. Of the $84.7 billion of net new long-term mutual fund assets, $30.6 billion, or 36 percent of the increase, came from passively managed mutual funds.

Additional key findings include:

Net new assets of ETFs for retail channels  RIA, IBD, wirehouse and discount B/D  were up by $61.3 billion in the second quarter, while net new assets for institutional channels  private bank, bank and trust  were down by $30.4 billion .

in the second quarter, while net new assets for institutional channels  private bank, bank and trust  were down by . Net new assets for retail long-term funds were up by $12.8 billion , while institutional long-term fund net flows increased by $71.7 billion .

, while institutional long-term fund net flows increased by . Net new assets of passive products for the retail channels increased across major US product categories - US large cap (+13 percent), US mid cap (+11.6 percent), and US fixed income (+20 percent).

Net new assets of active products for the retail channels decreased for US large cap (-2.7 percent), US mid cap (-6.7 percent), US small cap (-0.4 percent) and increased for US fixed income (+5.7 percent), high yield income (+4.8 percent) and US municipal (+11.7 percent).

Broadridge's Fund Distribution Intelligence comprises the most complete sales and asset data collection in the industry, creating transparency into more than $9 trillion of long-term mutual fund and ETF assets across a majority of mutual fund distributors.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) is the leading provider of investor communications and technology-driven solutions for broker-dealers, banks, mutual funds and corporate issuers globally. Broadridge's investor communications, securities processing and managed services solutions help clients reduce their capital investments in operations infrastructure, allowing them to increase their focus on core business activities. With over 50 years of experience, Broadridge's infrastructure underpins proxy voting services for over 90 percent of public companies and mutual funds in North America, and processes on average $5 trillion in fixed income and equity trades per day. Broadridge employs more than 9,000 full-time associates in 14 countries.

For more information about Broadridge, please visit www.broadridge.com.

Media Contacts:





Linda Namias Maggie Nolan Broadridge Financial Solutions Brainerd Communicators, Inc. +1 631-254-7711 +1 212-986-6667 [email protected] [email protected]

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SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.broadridge.com


TORRANCE, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- sixthreezero Bicycle Company provides an innovative bicycle experience and has recently released a new line of bikes including its "EVRYjourney," an innovative new hybrid cruiser bike that is ideal for the recreational bike rider. The company focuses on producing bikes that empower people one bike and one ride at a time. The company was formed in 2005 when the company's CEO and founder Dustin Gyger began selling bikes out of a modest Hermosa Beach garage. Later, the company moved to a warehouse in Torrance, California where it remains today.

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To date, sixthreezero has sold tens of thousands of their various models of bicycles across the country. sixthreezero offers a range of bike styles in single, three, and seven speeds for both men and women. Bikes are also available for any purpose whether a customer is looking for a beach cruiser, hybrid bike, a bike for the trail or for city use, sixthreezero offers something for everyone.

It's more than just a bike they are selling though. The founder himself is immersed in the cruiser bike lifestyle and community. Through Gyger's experiences, he found that nothing seemed to matter when he was on his bike. He smiled and laughed and just enjoyed life more. Dustin started sixthreezero to share these experiences with his customers. Blending his love of bikes with a keen interest in fashion and pop culture, the goal was also to design bikes that had never been seen before.

"Bikes have always been a hobby of mine, and in the early 2000s, my love of bikes was taken to another level when I was swept up in the amazing Southern California beach culture," says Dustin. "Living in Hermosa Beach, I found myself always on top of cruiser bicycles, and I quickly grew to love, understand and embrace the cruiser bike culture and accompanying lifestyle. I want to share that same feeling and experience across the country."

Always looking toward the future and an eye on constant improvement, the company 100 percent stands behind their bikes and excel in customer service. The bikes are affordable and range from $299 to $399. To view their selection and learn more about the company, visit sixthreezero.com.

About sixthreezeroBicycle Company

Based out of Torrance, California, sixthreezero Bicycle Company aims to create really cool, simple cruiser bicycles for the everyday rider. Whether it's a trip to the beach or a city commute, sixthreezero bikes are comfortable, durable and reliable. To learn more, visit sixthreezero.com.

Contact Information

sixthreezero Bicycle Company

Office: (310) 982-2877

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://sixthreezero.com/

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This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE sixthreezero

Related Links

http://www.sixthreezero.com


SAN JOSE, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Intacct, the customer satisfaction leader in cloud ERP software, today announced that it is expanding its corporate headquarters to accommodate the continuous growth in new employees. Intacct is adding a fourth floor at Riverpark II in downtown San Jose. In a separate release, Intacct also announced today that the company grew new bookings by more than 40% year over year for its 2016 fiscal year, ended June 30.

Intacct's corporate headquarters offers an open floor plan with ergonomic desks and sweeping views of downtown San Jose and the surrounding hills. The company offices also boast a bevy of perks for employees  including a game room, several spacious kitchens with company-sponsored snacks, plenty of meeting rooms, and great informal collaboration areas.

"Intacct believes strongly in providing a work environment that promotes employee excellence and enables employees to thrive in their careers," said Marc Linden, CFO of Intacct. "We have seen explosive growth in recent quarters, both in our hiring and financially. This additional office space will allow Intacct to continue to hire the best and the brightest in the Bay Area and provide a welcoming and comfortable work environment for everyone."

Intacct has repeatedly been recognized as a great place to work. Most recently, Intacct received two additional top workplace distinctions: Fortune magazine named Intacct one of the country's 50 Best Workplaces for Recent College Graduates, and The Bay Area News Group named Intacct one of its Top Workplaces in the Bay Area for 2016. This was the sixth year in a row making the Bay Area Top Workplaces list.

To learn more about current job openings at Intacct, please visit the Intacct Careers Page.

About Intacct

Intacct is the customer satisfaction leader in cloud ERP software. Bringing cloud computing to finance and accounting, Intacct's innovative and award-winning applications are the preferred financial applications for AICPA business solutions. In use by more than 11,000 organizations from startups to public companies, Intacct is designed to improve company performance and make finance more productive. Hundreds of leading CPA firms and Value Added Resellers also offer Intacct to their clients. The Intacct system includes accounting, cash management, purchasing, vendor management, financial consolidation, subscription billing, contract management, revenue recognition, project accounting, fund accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting applications, all delivered over the Internet via cloud computing.

Intacct is headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information, please visit www.intacct.com or call 877-437-7765. Connect with Intacct on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube.

Intacct and the Intacct logo are trademarks of Intacct Corporation. All other company and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120123/SF39551LOGO

SOURCE Intacct
MASON CITY  Local law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics came to the North Iowa Youth Center Wednesday evening so the kids could get to know them better.

The children and those in uniform played ping-pong, foosball and other games together. The kids received stickers resembling badges.

Free pizza, chips, punch and desserts were served.

Regan Banks, director of the North Iowa Youth Center, said the goal of the event was to show the kids that officers are friendly and are there to help them.

They are protecting us so we are safe in our home, at work, in the community and around the world, he said.

Those in uniform seemed to be having just as much fun as the kids, according to Banks.

Look at those guys playing foosball, he said with a smile.

The event was called Unity for the Community.

Wednesday evening was the first such event for the youth center but it wont be the last. Banks wants to hold a similar event every three months and have different officers come to each one.

He said he wants to meet every law enforcement officer, firefighter and paramedic in the community so he can get to know them and they get to know who we are.

Every kid is important, he said. All lives matter.

Jared Arbegast, a motor vehicle enforcement officer with the Iowa Department of Transportation, said events like the one at the North Iowa Youth Center are important because they show young people we are caring individuals just like they are.

Ty Lucas, 11, Mason City, said he hadnt spoken to a lot of officers before Wednesdays event, but one of them gave him a tour of his car once.

They are very generous people, he said.
CARMEL, Ind., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- New evidence has emerged showing that head lice have developed resistance to two types of insecticides that are commonly used in over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for lice infestation, according to a landmark study published in Journal of Medical Entomology (JME)1, as reported by ParaPRO. Findings from the 48-state study showed that, on average, 98 percent of head lice in at least 42 states have developed gene mutations that make them resistant to various pyrethrins and pyrethroids, including permethrin, which is the active ingredient in popular treatment formulations for pediculosis (Nix (permethrin 1%)). Click here to read the journal article in full.

"This newly published data supports what we've been seeing in our offices and clinics: an increase in treatment-resistant super lice," said Chris Belcher, M.D., Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN. "It's important that parents contact a clinician if they suspect their child has head lice. There are effective, non-pyrethrin, non-pyrethroid-based prescription agents that can be used if treatment with over-the-counter products such as Nix has been unsuccessful."

Patient self-diagnosis and misuse of over-the-counter treatment options have contributed significantly to the increase in treatment-resistant head lice. Studies have shown that when self-treating with OTC products, as many as 69 percent of people admit to using more than the recommended dose in an attempt to increase effectiveness. For example, most OTC products recommend two applications for treatment of head lice; however, some data suggest that patients self-treat an average of five times before seeking care from a healthcare provider.2 OTC lice medications are safe when used properly, but misuse could result in side effects such as skin rashes, asthma-like symptoms, and respiratory reactions like rhinitis, swelling of the mouth and larynx, coughing and wheezing.3,4

About the Study

The study, Expansion of the Knockdown Resistance Frequency Map for Human Head Lice (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) in the United States Using Quantitative Sequencing, was designed to determine the extent and magnitude of the knock-down resistance (kdr)-type mutations responsible for the increasing prevalence of head lice resistant to common treatment formulations. Between July 22, 2013 and May 11, 2015, lice were collected from 138 collection sites in 48 U.S. states and analyzed by quantitative sequencing. Previously published data were used to compare changes in the frequency of the kdr-type mutations over time. The overall mean percent resistance allele frequency (mean % RAF) (+/-SD) for all analyzed lice was 98.3 +/- 10%. Forty-two states (88%) had a mean % RAF of 100%. The frequencies of kdr-type mutations did not differ regardless of the human population size. The study correlated the loss of efficacy of the Nix formulation (Prestige Brand, Tarrytown, NY) from 1998 to 2013 to the increase in kdr-type mutations. The results demonstrated a parallel increase of kdr-type mutations in lice over time, which provide a plausible reason for the decrease in the effectiveness of permethrin in Nix.

About ParaPRO

ParaPRO is a specialty pharmaceutical company committed to partnering with health care providers to address data-driven medical issues involving parasites, including the impact they have on clinical practices and the lives of patients. The company is leading ongoing research into new antiparasitic formulations that address the public health, economic, and personal impacts caused by current treatments for parasite infestation. For more information, visit www.parapro.com.

References

1.KJ Gellatly, S Krim, DJ Palenchar, K Shepherd, KS Yoon, CJ Rhodes, SH Lee, JM Clark, Journal of Medical Entomology, Expansion of the Knockdown Resistance Frequency Map for Human Head Lice (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) in the United States Using Quantitative Sequencing, 2016.

2.TL Meinking, L Serrano, B Hard, et al. Archives of Dermatology, Comparative in vitro pediculicidal efficacy of treatments in a resistant head lice population in the United States, 2002;138:220-224.

3.MJ Ellenhorn, Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology, Williams and Wilkens, Baltimore, MD, 1997.

4.DP West, American Journal of Managed Care, Head Lice Treatment Costs and the Impact on Managed Care, September 1, 2004. Accessed June 2016 at http://www.ajmc.com/journals/supplement/2004/2004-09-vol10-n9suppl/sep04-1894ps277-s282/P-

Nix is a registered trademark of Prestige Brand, Tarrytown, NY.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393676LOGO

SOURCE ParaPRO
TORONTO, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) will release its second quarter 2016 financial results on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, after markets close. The Company will hold its earnings conference call and audio webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET the following day.

Date: Thursday, August 11, 2016

Time: 10:00 a.m. ET

To listen to the live webcast and view the presentation slides, visit www.sunlife.com/QuarterlyReports 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation. An archive will be available on the website following the event.

To listen via telephone, please call 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time as follows:

Participant Dial In (Toll Free): 1-877-201-0168

Participant Dial In (International): 647-788-4901

A replay of the conference call will be available from Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. ET until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 25, 2016 by calling 404-537-3406 or 1-855-859-2056 (toll free within North America) using conference ID: 39520138.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $861 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.
In this role, Tabatha will support the company, its distributors, salon owners and stylists with strategic business planning and guidance on an ongoing basis. She will contribute to building digital assets that will be accessible to all members of the Matrix community, and leverage her knowledge and experience across social media platforms. Known as an advocate for achieving excellence, Tabatha will also lend her voice to the training, education and sales staff members of Matrix to help communicate the brand's innovative offerings and renowned educational programs across the globe.

A native of Australia, Tabatha was an accomplished stylist, salon owner and educator when she was named "Fan Favorite" on BRAVO's Shear Genius. That led to her successful runs with Tabatha's Salon Takeover and Tabatha Takes Over. She has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including stints as TV Guide Channel's red carpet correspondent for the Academy and Grammy Awards, and guest spots on The Talk and Good Morning America. She's also the author of a memoir--It's Not Really About the Hair: The Honest Truth About Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty. In January, Tabatha was a guest educator at Matrix Destination, sharing her business insights with more than 3,000 beauty professionals from around the world.

"We're thrilled that Tabatha has joined our team," comments Schiraldi. "We're always seeking means and experts that can help our Matrix community achieve their goals and dreams. With a beauty and business extraordinaire like Tabatha, whose roots are firmly planted in the professional salon community, we have an incredible resource for growth."

MATRIX, the leading professional haircare and hair color company in the United States, is part of L'Oreal USA's Professional Products Division. Founded in 1980, MATRIX is committed to the development of the salon professional and offers a wide range of products including: Biolage, Biolage Advanced, Biolage Cleansing Conditioner, Biolage ExquisiteOil, Biolage Styling, COLORGRAPHICS, COLORINSIDER, ColorSync, Logics, Oil Wonders, SOBOOST, SOCOLOR, Style Link, and Total Results (MATRIX professional products are available only in salons and can be guaranteed authentic when purchased from authorized retailers.) Visit Matrix.com for hairstyle and hair color inspiration as well as MATRIX trends and tips! Professionals visit www.matrix.com/professional for techniques, formulas, salon resources and much more!

To connect and chat with MATRIX go to http://www.facebook.com/matrix; http://www.instagram.com/matrixusa; http://www.youtube.com/matrix; http://www.twitter.com/matrixfamily; http://www.pinterest.com/matrixfamily

Visit StyleSeat.com/Matrix to book an appointment or buy authentic Matrix products from your local salon.

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SOURCE Matrix

Related Links

http://www.matrix.com


TAMPA, Fla., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the fourth consecutive year, Tampa General Hospital has been named one of the nation's Most Wired Hospitals by the American Hospital Association's (AHA) Health Forum.

Technology is improving the efficiency of the delivery of care and patient interactions, according to the 18th Annual Health Care's Most Wired survey, released by the AHA Health Forum. The survey and benchmarking study measures the use and adoption of information technology among hospitals nationwide. It's published annually by Health & Hospitals Networks.

The survey showed Most Wired hospitals are using technology to build patient engagement with the individual's lifestyle in mind, which includes electronic access to their patient care team.

According to the survey, 26 percent of Most Wired organizations offer E-visits through a mobile application.

Earlier this year the hospital launched TGH Virtual Care that allows people to use an app on their smartphone, tablet or computer to link live to a Florida-licensed and board-certified physician any time day or night. It provides medical services to patients using a secure online video under an agreement with American Well, a telehealth technology services company. Common medical conditions treated include sinusitis, sore throat, cough, the flu, rashes, allergies, pink eye, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and asthma. Doctors review the patient's clinical information, devise a treatment plan, prescribe medications, and suggest follow-up care. To access the service, download the app from the iTunes or Android app store or from the TGH website https://www.tgh.org/services/virtual-care.

The hospital's new mobile app, TGH GO, went live in May. It allows consumers to conveniently access information like finding a doctor, locations for getting care, and how to find their destination inside the hospital. The app also includes access to TGH Virtual Care, MyChart, TGH Health News, and classes and events.

Contact:

John Dunn

Public Relations Director

Tampa General Hospital

(813) 844-7357

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SOURCE Tampa General Hospital

Related Links

http://www.tgh.org


"It's an exciting time for Techstars Atlanta as we announce our first class," said Techstars Atlanta's Managing Director Michael Cohn. "I am thrilled to connect the founders with leaders from across Cox and throughout Atlanta, who have volunteered to share their expertise with these startups. These are amazing entrepreneurs, and we are going to drive incredible innovation and growth over the next 90 days."

Last December, Cox announced its partnership with Techstars and invited startups to apply for the first-ever Techstars Atlanta Accelerator program.

"Techstars Atlanta brings new ideas, people and passion to our city and region," said Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Alex Taylor. "I'm so pleased that Cox will be supporting and mentoring these startups and their founders as they seek to launch and scale innovative products and services. Tapping into these bright, entrepreneurial thinkers is good for our company and good for our city."

The participation response was overwhelming with applications from 69 countries and six continents. Of the applications, these 10 companies were selected to participate in Techstars and embed themselves in Atlanta for the program.

Techstars Atlanta's 2016 Class (Company's Founding Location):

Bark (Savannah, Georgia): Bark protects children by detecting messages that contain cyberbullying, sexting and signs of depression or suicidal thoughts without invading their privacy.

Drizzle (Los Angeles, California): Drizzle gives website owners an incredibly easy way to let their visitors pay for premium content. Users can choose to charge a-la-carte for content or offer subscription access.

Fitspot (Los Angeles, California): Fitspot lets users book one-on-one sessions with certified fitness trainers when and where they want. Plan ahead or start in as little as 30 minutes.

Joonko (Tel Aviv, Israel): Identify and solve gender bias in your workplace, as it happens.

LaaSer (Atlanta, Georgia): Thousands of lives are lost each year due to incorrect location information being sent to 911 operators over existing mobile phone network technology. LaaSer prevents calls from being routed to the wrong jurisdiction and incorrect address, latitude and longitude information being shared.

Preesale (Brussels, Belgium): Preesale helps multiply sales channels by increasing tickets sales on Facebook. Easily connect apps to a Facebook page, create tickets in less than five minutes and sell to targeted customers.

Real Meal Delivery (Atlanta, Georgia): Skip the stress of meal planning and grocery shopping. Fresh, made-from-scratch meals are prepared daily by Real Meal Delivery's chef. Families order by 4 p.m. and enjoy hot, fresh food delivered to their door.

Sequr (Atlanta, Georgia): Sequr is the first-ever visitor management system for communities using call boxes. They increase security by replacing permanent PIN codes with dynamic, time-sensitive PIN codes. Sequr can complete remote setup on any callbox anywhere in the world.

Splitty (Tel Aviv, Israel): Choose travel destination and dates, and Splitty's "split and match" technology combines different reservation types to find the cheapest hotel stays for the dates provided.

UCIC (Waterloo, Canada): Ask and see a live photo or video from anywhere in the world, right now.

Each of the startups founders will relocate to Atlanta for the duration of the program. They will work in Techstars Atlanta's space at Ponce City Market. Demo Day, the program's culmination, takes place the evening of Nov. 1 at the Tabernacle and coincides with the 2016 Venture Atlanta Conference.

Social Media:

@techstars

@coxenterprises

#tsatlanta

Multimedia: Download company logos at https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/JnDpa

About Cox Enterprises:

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America.

To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.

About Techstars:

Techstars is a global ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to market wherever they choose to live. With dozens of mentorship-driven accelerator programs and thousands of community programs worldwide, Techstars exists to support the world's most promising entrepreneurs throughout their lifelong journey, from inspiration to IPO. Techstars provides access to tens of thousands of community leaders, founders, mentors, investors, and corporate partners, allowing entrepreneurs to accelerate the pace of innovation and do more faster. Techstars supports every stage of the entrepreneurial journey  from early stage grassroots community development to more formal opportunities that provide education, experience, acceleration, funding, and beyond.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391838-INFO

SOURCE Cox Enterprises
DALLAS, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The sale of the W.T. Waggoner Estate Ranch to Kroenke Ranches has been recognized by the editors of the Magazine of the American Landowner as the Deal of the Century.

"The heirs of Dan and Tom Waggoner have shepherded this matchless legacy for more than 160 years," said Editor Eric O'Keefe. "They couldn't have chosen a better steward going forward than Stan Kroenke and Kroenke Ranches."

Bernard Uechtritz and Sam Middleton represented the sellers. Joel Leadbetter of Hall and Hall represented Kroenke Ranches.

Other notable transactions honored included the 2015 Deal of the Year: the sale of South Dakota's Standing Butte Ranch to Ted Turner. Tom Metzger of Hall and Hall represented the sellers, the Houck family.

The 2015 Timberland Deal of the Year recognized the merger of the Weyerhaeuser Company and Plum Creek Timber Company, which created a 13-million-acre behemoth, the largest private landowner in the United States.

The 2015 Ranchland Deal of the Year featured the sale of Colorado's JE Canyon Ranch by Jerry Wenger to The Nature Conservancy, with Ken Mirr of Mirr Ranch Group and Corwin Brown representing the seller and Mirr the buyer.

The sale of prime farmland in California's Palo Verde Valley earned 2015 Agriculture Deal of the Year honors. John Osborne represented both the buyer and the seller.

The 2015 Conservation Deal of the Year featured the sale of Georgia's Greenwood Plantation by the Whitney family to Emily Vanderbilt Wade with Jon Kohler of Jon Kohler & Associates representing both the seller and the buyer.

About The Land Report

The Magazine of the American Landowner is an award-winning quarterly publication and website focused on America's greatest resource  the land. For more information, visit www.LandReport.com.

SOURCE The Land Report

Related Links

http://www.thelandreport.com


AUSTIN, Texas, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Self Lender is delighted to announce the top three finalists for our second annual Scholarship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs. Founded on the principle of helping people take control of their financial health, Self Lender knows how difficult it is to start a business; people should have the support of the entire entrepreneurial community. That's why co-founders James Garvey and Anthony DiChiara want to help the next generation of future pioneers. The winner of this year's scholarship will be announced August 1 and will receive a $1,000 check.

This year's participants were asked to discuss their experiences with credit. Here's what they had to say:

LaTonya Ervin

Franklin University

Undergrad, Business Administration

Columbus, Ohio

"I repaired my credit score twelve years ago. It was not easy but it was necessary for me to accomplish the plan of owning my own home After, going to a real estate service to see about my qualifications for a mortgage, I was denied for a low credit score (about 500). I contacted Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for my credit report, and I decided to investigate and make plans to build my credit score. After I came to an agreement of my charges, I contacted each company to make payment arrangements, while also disputing any fraudulent charges. After paying off my debt a year later, my credit score increased significantly which brought positive changes towards my ability to buy a home for my family."

"[As an entrepreneur,] there are numerous things that my credit will decide, such as renting or owning the building, insurance, credit lines for supplies, and so on. [My goal of starting a nonprofit, after-school tutoring center] will benefit the community by helping every student who comes through our doors, in an effort to decrease juvenile detention center enrollment. The organization as a whole will assist students in core courses such as math, English, and science."

Jacob Tolman

University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business

Professional Masters of Business Administration Program

Salt Lake City, Utah

"Several years ago, I enrolled in a nine-week personal finance course for the purpose of increasing my fiscal knowledge and improving my budgeting practices. While I found the program to be beneficial and enlightening in many ways, I felt at odds with the information that was presented concerning credit. The course strongly pushed the idea that all debt and the borrowing of money for any reason was a bad thing, something that must be avoided at all costs. They claimed that by living frugally and saving up enough money in cash, you would never have the need to borrow money or go into debt. This was one principle that didn't quite sit well with me. As a result, I began a journey to uncover for myself what I believed was a good, and assuredly more realistic, approach to credit.

"Credit is a tool. Similar to many other tools, credit has the potential to build something strong and durable, but it also has the power to cause destruction and damage. It all depends on who is wielding the tool and what knowledge and expertise they have concerning the use of the tool I look forward to the edge that understanding credit will give me as I move ahead not just in my personal life, but in my professional life as well."

Shantrisse Broughton

Georgia State University

Undergrad, Computer Science

Atlanta, Georgia

"When planning for one's financial future while young and inexperienced, it is important to try to become knowledgeable about money. This applies to credit as much as any other part of one's finances. My method of building credit depends a lot on the learning process that I have taken on to become financially literate. One part of that process is reading articles and other resources... I often hear about things concerning credit that intrigue yet frighten me, like people who have terrible credit because they made a mistake or have been taken advantage of in some way. I like to use these types of experiences to inspire new topics for me to read about."

"Being able to afford a comfortable life for myself and my loved ones in the future is important to me, and the fact that I have already borrowed a large amount of money in student loans makes me even more determined."

About Self Lender

Officially offered to the public in February 2016, Self Lender provides credit-builder loans to Americans with limited or no credit. Co-founded by CEO James Garvey and Anthony DiChiara, Self Lender gives consumers the tools and knowledge to establish a credit history in a safe and responsible way. Self Lender is a venture-funded financial technology startup backed by Silverton Partners, Kickstart Seed Fund, Techstars, and Galvanize Ventures. For more information, please visit www.selflender.com.

CONTACT: [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393647LOGO

SOURCE Self Lender, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.selflender.com


Tri Mumpuni - CEO of Institute of Public Business and Economic (IBEKA), attending the press launch of Renewable Energy Indonesia said: "The economic growth will boost domestic energy needs and this will in turn open up opportunities for public and private investments. The potential increase in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Indonesia is remarkable."

Tri Mumpuni added, "More than 60 million Indonesian children do not enjoy full access to electricity. Based on a survey conducted by IBEKA, around 33,000 villages in Indonesia are not yet connected to any grids. All parties should cooperate and support each other to improve the nation's energy production through renewable energy and especially in remote areas. In the process, a trade event such Renewable Energy Indonesia can definitively play a key role."

Christopher Eve, President Director, PT UBM Pameran Niaga Indonesia said: "We are proud to launch Renewable Energy Indonesia, which will be held at the Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran, on 29 to 31 March 2017. This exhibition aims to be a platform that brings together professionals, investors and stakeholders with a sharp and exclusive focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency in order to exchange knowledge, best practices, resources and information."

"Conference, seminars, workshops, debates and exhibitors' presentations will add into the mix, and will complement the 3 days together with a business matchmaking platform."

ABOUT UBM

Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organiser in China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global presence in 24 major cities with 32 offices and 1,300 staff.

UBM Asia was awarded 'Asia's Most Reliable Trade Show Organizer Award' in Hong Kong's Most Valuable Companies Awards (HKMVCA) 2016.

For more information contact:

Budi Sutrisno

Phone Number: +62-21-2930-5959

Mobile Number: +62-853-81558815

Email: [email protected]

Riyan Haritama

Phone Number: +62-21-2930-5959

Mobile Number: +62-812-10750353

Email: [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160726/393301

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121014/HK92339LOGO-d

SOURCE Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Indonesia - UBM
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. In 1989, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) of the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 is the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Population

56.6 million

The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2015, making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or racial minority. Hispanics constituted 17.6 percent of the nation's total population.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2015/PEPASR6H?slice=hisp~hisp!year~est72015

1.2 million

The number of Hispanics added to the nation's population between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015. This number is nearly half of the approximately 2.5 million people added to the nation's total population during this period.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2015/PEPASR6H?slice=hisp~hisp!year~est72015



2.2%

The percentage increase in the Hispanic population between 2014 and 2015.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2015/PEPASR6H?slice=hisp~hisp!year~est72015

119 million

The projected Hispanic population of the United States in 2060. According to this projection, the Hispanic population will constitute 28.6 percent of the nation's population by that date.

Source: 2014 National Population Projections, Table 10

www.census.gov/population/projections/data/national/2014/summarytables.html

63.9%

The percentage of those of Hispanic or Latino origin in the United States who were of Mexican origin in 2014. Another 9.5 percent were Puerto Rican  3.7 percent Cuban, 3.8 percent Salvadoran, 3.2 percent Dominican and 2.4 percent Guatemalan. The remainder was of some other Central American, South American or other Hispanic or Latino origin.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B03001

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B03001

States and Counties

10.7 million

The estimated population for those of Hispanic origin in Texas as of July 1, 2015.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2015/PEPASR6H/0400000US48?slice=hisp~hisp!year~est72015

9

The number of states with a population of 1 million or more Hispanic residents in 2015  Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Texas.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=PEP_2015_PEPSR6H&prodType=table

54.5%

The percentage of the Hispanic population in the United States that lived in California, Florida and Texas as of July 1, 2015.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2015/PEPASR6H?slice=hisp~hisp!year~est72015

15.2 million

The Hispanic population of California. This is the largest Hispanic population of any state.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2015/PEPASR6H?slice=hisp~hisp!year~est72015

4.9 million

Los Angeles County had the largest Hispanic population of any county in 2015.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2015/PEPSR6H/0500000US06037?slice=Hisp~hisp!Year~est72015

49,000

Harris County in Texas had the largest numeric increase of Hispanics from 2014 to 2015.

Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates

http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=PEP_2015_PEPSR6H&prodType=table

Families and Children

16.2 million

The number of Hispanic households in the United States in 2015.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements, Households, Table H-3

www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/households.html

47.7%

The percentage of Hispanic households that were married-couple households in 2015. Among all households in the United States, 48.2 percent were married-couple households.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements, Table H-3

www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/households.html

57.6%

The percentage of Hispanic married-couple households that had children younger than age 18 present in 2015, whereas for all married-couple households it was 64.3 percent.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements, Table H-3

www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/households.html



66.8%

The percentage of Hispanic parent/child family groups that included two parents in 2015, whereas for all parent/child family groups, it was 69.5 percent.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements, Table FM-2

www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/families.html

46.0%

The percentage of Hispanic married couples with children under age 18 where both spouses were employed in 2014, whereas nationwide it was 59.7 percent.

Source: Families and Living Arrangements, Table FG-1

http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2014FG.html

Spanish Language

39.3 million

The number of U.S. residents age 5 and older who spoke Spanish at home in 2014. This is a 126.3 percent increase since 1990 when it was 17.3 million. Those who hablan espanol en casa constituted 13.1 percent of U.S. residents age 5 and older. More than half (58 percent of all Spanish speakers and 57 percent of Hispanic Spanish speakers) spoke English "very well."

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table DP02

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/DP02

Language Spoken at Home by Ability to Speak English for the Population 5 Years and Over (Hispanic or Latino)

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B16006

73.1%

The percentage of Hispanics age 5 and older who spoke Spanish at home in 2014.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B16006

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B16006

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance

$42,491

The median income of Hispanic households in 2014.

Source: Income and Poverty in the United States: 2014, Table 1

www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2015/cb15-157.html

23.6%

The poverty rate among Hispanics in 2014.

Source: Income and Poverty in the United States: 2014, Table 3

www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2015/cb15-157.html

19.9%

The percentage of Hispanics who lacked health insurance in 2014.

Source: Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2014, Table 5

www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2015/cb15-157.html

Education

65.3%

The percentage of Hispanics age 25 and older that had at least a high school education in 2014.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B15002I

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B15002I

14.4%

The percentage of the Hispanic population age 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher in 2014.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B15002I

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B15002I

4.4 million

The number of Hispanics age 25 and older who had at least a bachelor's degree in 2014.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B15002I

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B15002I

1.4 million

The number of Hispanics age 25 and older with advanced degrees in 2014 (e.g., master's, professional, doctorate).

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B15002I

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B15002I

16.4%

The percentage of students (both undergraduate and graduate) enrolled in college in 2014 who were Hispanic.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Tables B14007I and B14007

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B14007 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B14007I

24.0%

The percentage of elementary and high school students that were Hispanic in 2014.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Tables B14007I and B14007

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B14007 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B14007I

Foreign-Born

35.0%

The percentage of the Hispanic population that was foreign-born in 2014.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B05003I

http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_14_1YR_B05003I&prodType=table

64.3%

The percentage of the 10.3 million noncitizens under the age of 35 who were born in Latin America and the Caribbean and are living in the United States in 2010-2012.

Source: Noncitizens Under Age 35: 2010-2012, American Community Survey Brief

www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/acsbr12-06.pdf

Jobs

67.1%

The percentage of Hispanics or Latinos age 16 and older who were in the civilian labor force in 2014.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table S2301

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/S2301

20.4%

The percentage of civilian employed Hispanics or Latinos age 16 and older who worked in management, business, science and arts occupations in 2014.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B24010I

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B24010I/0100000US

Voting

8.4%

The percentage of voters in the 2012 presidential election who were Hispanic. Hispanics comprised 4.7 percent of voters in 1996.

Source: The Diversifying ElectorateVoting Rates by Race and Hispanic Origin in 2012 (and Other Recent Elections), Population Characteristics, Table 3

www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/p20-568.pdf

7.3%

The percentage of voters in the 2014 congressional election who were Hispanic.

Source: Who Votes? Congressional Elections and the American Electorate: 1978-2014, Population Characteristics, Figure 5

www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2015/demo/p20-577.pdf

Serving our Country

1.2 million

The number of Hispanics or Latinos age 18 and older who are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, Table B21001I

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/14_1YR/B21001I

Business

3.3 million

Estimated number of Hispanic-owned firms nationally in 2012, up from 2.3 million or 46.3 percent from 2007.

Source: 2012 Survey of Business Owners-Hispanic Owned Firms: 2012

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/SBO/2012/00CSA01

91.3%

The estimated percentage of the 3.3 million Hispanic-owned firms that had no paid employees. Of all U.S. businesses, 80.4 percent were nonemployer firms.

Source: 2012 Survey of Business Owners- Hispanic Owned Firms: 2012

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/SBO/2012/00CSA01

$78.7 million

The estimated sales/receipts reported by Hispanic firms owned by women in 2012. Male-owned Hispanic firms reported sales of $359.1 million.

Source: 2012 Survey of Business Owners-Hispanic Owned Firms: 2012

http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/SBO/2012/00CSA01

Following is a list of observances typically covered by the Census Bureau's Facts for Features series:

African-American History Month (February)

Super Bowl (1st Sunday in February)

Valentine's Day (Feb. 14)

Women's History Month (March)

Irish-American Heritage Month (March)

St. Patrick's Day (March 17)

Earth Day (April 22)

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (May)

Older Americans Month (May)

Mother's Day (2nd Sunday in May)

Hurricane Season Begins (June 1)

Father's Day (3rd Sunday in June)

The Fourth of July (July 4)

Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26)

Back to School (August)

Labor Day (1st Monday in September)

Grandparents Day (1st Sunday after Labor Day)

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15)

Unmarried and Single Americans Week (3rd week of September)

Halloween (Oct. 31)

American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month (November)

Veterans Day (Nov. 11)

Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)

The Holiday Season (December)

Editor's note: The preceding data were collected from a variety of sources and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error. Facts for Features are customarily released about two months before an observance in order to accommodate magazine production timelines.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is releasing its new Pulse Health Monitoring System (HMS), a lightweight, scalable vehicle health management system designed to enable real-time evaluation of an aircraft's condition.

Pulse HMS uses a remote sensor interface, diagnostic and prognostic analytics software modules, and wireless communication capability to perform data collection of the overall health and performance of an aircraft. The data collected can be processed on-board or transferred off-board for storage and further analytic processing.

Pulse HMS ties seamlessly to existing UTC Aerospace Systems Pulse Ground Stations. These stations provide ground analytics solutions that can be loaded onto laptops and tablets for maximum flexibility for both operators and maintenance teams. Together the system and the station offer users a suite of tools that can be used individually or collectively to measure an aircraft's performance.

"This is like monitoring systems found in modern automobiles that evaluate tire pressure, fuel consumption, oil condition, drivetrain performance or other aspects, and they provide the driver or mechanic with the necessary information to assist in keeping the vehicle well maintained," said David Larsen, Prognostics and Health Management Systems Program Chief Engineer at UTC Aerospace Systems.

The Pulse HMS is undergoing flight trials as part of a U.S. Air Force (USAF) contract awarded to Metis Design Corporation. UTC Aerospace Systems licensed the MD7-Pro structural health monitoring system from Metis on July 14, 2016, to further expand its aircraft health management solutions. During the flight trials, Pulse HMS and the MD7-Pro will be used to evaluate the airworthiness of sensing systems aboard the USAF's C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The C-5 Galaxy is one of the largest aircraft in the world and the largest airlifter in the USAF's inventory, having a greater cargo capacity than any other airlifter with a maximum cargo rating of 270,000 pounds, according to the USAF.

"Our Pulse Health Monitoring System can be scaled up or down through the placement of modules on aircraft to accommodate a customer's needs for different sensors within mission systems and avionics," said Kevin Hawko, manager of Sensors & Integrated Systems, Aircraft Health Business Development at UTC Aerospace Systems. "We are proud to work with Metis Design and to offer flexible and affordable technologies like these which take the industry to higher levels of performance and safety."

The capability to wirelessly collect, process, and transfer data through the Pulse HMS is designed to allow customers tailored options to pull and analyze selected data. Measured data can be processed as a snapshot in time or as part of a continuous performance monitoring process. This flexibility extends from monitoring a single aircraft up to an entire fleet to determine trends.

Production and aftermarket support of the Pulse Health Monitoring System will take place at UTC Aerospace Systems' facility in Vergennes, VT.

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base, with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities. Follow the company on Twitter: @UTCAeroSystems.

United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website at www.utc.com or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

SOURCE UTC Aerospace Systems

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PHOENIX, July 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Viad Corp (NYSE:VVI), announced today that it will host a teleconference with investors and analysts to review second quarter 2016 results on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Viad will issue a press release outlining its financial results and forecast on that date and will also post it on Viad's Web site at www.viad.com prior to the call.

Steve Moster, Viad's president and chief executive officer, and Ellen Ingersoll, Viad's chief financial officer, will comment on the company's results and respond to participants' questions.

To join the live teleconference dial toll-free (888) 810-6751 passcode "Viad" or access the webcast through Viad's Web site. A replay will be available for a limited time at (888) 567-0437 or (203) 369-3441 (a passcode is not required) or visit the Web site and link to a replay of the webcast.

Viad (NYSE: VVI) generates revenue and shareholder value through two distinct business groups: the Marketing & Events Group (GES) and the Travel & Recreation Group (T&R). GES is a global, full-service live events company offering a comprehensive range of services to the world's leading brands and event organizers. T&R is a collection of iconic destination travel experiences that showcase the best of Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Viad is an S&P SmallCap 600 company. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.viad.com.

Sajid Daudi

Investor Relations

602-207-2681

[email protected]

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SOURCE Viad Corp

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AMSTERDAM and ARMONK, N.Y., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- VU University Medical Center Amsterdam in the Netherlands today announced it is teaming with IBM (NYSE: IBM) to deploy analytics-driven IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps, designed to better coordinate and communicate data across healthcare teams. The Message for Healthcare app will be the first of a suite of IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps that VU University Medical Center Amsterdam will implement to help improve collaboration between members of their healthcare teams.

VU University Medical Center Amsterdam is adopting a suite of IBM MobileFirst for iOS healthcare apps to enhance collaboration among its medical staff. Message for Healthcare will be the first app the Dutch healthcare organization will roll out to its employees.

''As a University hospital with a strong emphasis on research and education, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam has always had a natural focus on stimulating innovation and spreading new technologies and methods," said Wouter Bos, chairman VU University Medical Center Amsterdam . "During the last two years VU University Medical Center Amsterdam and VU University have made a joint effort with our internationally recognized successful Mobile Learning Initiative, to enable all students and teachers to be truly mobile. Our next step is making our healthcare professionals more accustomed to a working environment where mobile is the standard."

IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps transform how healthcare employees manage their work as they care for patients, putting critical data at their fingertips in a security-rich mobile environment. With a sleek, easy-to-use interface and functionality powered by analytics, Message for Healthcare is designed to help VU University Medical Center Amsterdam staff using iPhone communicate more effectively, to help improve their responsiveness to patients.

"In integrating Apple and IBM solutions, medical organizations are seeing the possibilities and impact of the mobile shift in the healthcare workforce. VU University Medical Center Amsterdam will be at the forefront to help drive this innovation with a mobile-led strategy that will empower our employees and enhance how we care for all of our patients, enabling a more value based healthcare," said Marc Koster, Director of Strategy & Innovation of VU University Medical Center Amsterdam .

Other IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps that could strengthen this collaboration in the future and simplify how patient information is shared are:

Hospital Lead: enables charge nurses and care managers to access real-time information so they can quickly organize, prioritize, and monitor individual activities for an entire unit

Hospital MD: provides doctors access to more comprehensive patient data and effective task management tools for more effective coordination with their care teams

Hospital RN: keeps nurses and care teams continually connected, while allowing nurses to tap into critical patient information from integrated systems of record the moment it's needed for more efficient care delivery.

"IBM is working closely with organizations to design and deploy made-for-business apps to lead their digital transformation," said Mahmoud Naghshineh, general manager, Apple partnership, IBM. "We teamed up with VU University Medical Center Amsterdam to empower healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses with apps that provide access to critical information and insights in an efficient, consumable way so they can deliver the best possible care to patients."

For more information regarding IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps and services please visit www.ibm.com/mobilefirst/us/en/mobilefirst-for-ios.html or www.apple.com/business/mobile-enterprise-apps/ .

About VU University Medical Center Amsterdam

VU University Medical Center is the university hospital affiliated with the VU University Amsterdam. VU University Medical Center Amsterdam got rated as the best academic medical center in The Netherlands in terms of patient care, education and research. At the end of this year the planned merger between the two university hospitals in the city of Amsterdam will build the largest hospital in The Netherlands, containing 1.730 beds, 15.000 employees and a turnover of $1.7bn.

Media Contact

Marisa Conway

IBM Media Relations

1-212-671-9408

[email protected]

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SOURCE IBM
Walter O'Brien's life story served as an inspiration for over 1000 competitors from California middle schools and high schools. At the age of 9, O'Brien was designated a child prodigy after scoring 197 on an IQ test. He started Scorpion Computer Services at the age of 13 to service local businesses and financial institutions. He helped them navigate their introduction to analytics, computerization, and the internet. By the time he was 18, Walter was ranked the 6th fastest programmer in the world.

A computer-security expert, Walter O'Brien has worked with the Federal government, international heads of state, the United States Navy, Air Force and Fortune 500 firms to design, implement and maintain computer security and information-technology systems.

Ron Rohovit Ed.D. Deputy Director of Education at the California Science Center said, "We truly appreciate Walter's contribution to this year's Science Fair. Walter made it a memorable experience for the student competitors, some of California's best and brightest young science scholars."

Walter O'Brien said of the competition: "The California Science Center is a cornerstone in California's push to educate and encourage students to reach their full potential and to pursue careers in science and engineering. I'm proud to be part of the fabric that inspires the next generations to remain curious and remember that 'smart is cool.'"

ABOUT WALTER O'BRIEN

Walter O'Brien is the founder and CEO of Scorpion Computer Services, Inc., and CEO of Scorpion Studios. He is the Executive Producer and the inspiration behind the hit CBS television drama, Scorpion, with over 26 million viewers. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has certified Walter O'Brien as being a person of national interest to the United States and granted him an Extraordinary Ability EB 1-1 Visa. He has worked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, plus Navy and Air Force systems to deploy artificial intelligence that protects American military personnel. In addition he has worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies including the world's largest mutual fund, Fujitsu, Trados, Oracle Corporation, Baltimore Technologies and Critical Path. O'Brien serves as chairman or board member for Strike Force Solutions, Talentorum Alliance, Houston Technology Center and Lawloop.

O'Brien regularly donates his time to charities and the community in general to encourage all generations to celebrate intelligence. He is a frequent media commentator, public speaker and radio show guest. O'Brien provided the seed funding for TaxiWatch Kilkenny, a suicide prevention program that has saved 75 lives since its inception in 2015. Also in 2015 O'Brien contributed to the next XPRIZE selection as part of XPRIZE Visioneering.

ABOUT SCORPION COMPUTER SERVICES, INC.

Scorpion Computer Services is the internationally recognized problem-solving consultancy led by computer-security expert and hacker "Scorpion" Walter O'Brien. For over two decades, Scorpion Computer Services has contributed to the greater good by managing geniuses as they transform Scorpion client ideas into reality. From national security to rescuing failing businesses, Scorpion Computer Services acts as the brainpower behind solving global issues, proving "smart is cool."

Scorpion Computer Services also offers its services to the general public through ConciergeUp.com, a global think-tank-for-hire that provides on-demand intelligence as a concierge service for any funded need.

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BROOMFIELD, Colo., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Webroot, the market leader in next-generation endpoint security and cloud-based collective threat intelligence, today announced that Webroot senior director of security architecture David Dufour will speak at Black Hat USA 2016. Webroot is a Platinum Plus sponsor of the event, which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from August 2-4 at Mandalay Bay.

On Wednesday, August 3 at 1:50 p.m. PDT in Business Hall Theater B, David Dufour will host the "Threat Intelligence Across the Enterprise: Providing a Holistic Security Solution" session. Dufour will explore how organizations can utilize a collective threat intelligence platform that classifies and shares cybersecurity intelligence from millions of devices and sensors, and billions of Internet threats emanating from IPs, URLs, files, and mobile applications. This can improve an organization's ability to recognize and stop new threats at the endpoint, the perimeter and in the system on a chip.

"Cybercriminals have mastered the art of defeating traditional security solutions," said David Dufour, senior director of security architect at Webroot. "As the cybercrime ecosystem continues to thrive, real-time threat intelligence and machine learning will be required to improve the security posture of enterprise networks."

During the conference, CTO Hal Lonas, security intelligence director Grayson Milbourne, and other Webroot thought leaders will host live booth presentations on the current threat landscape, as well as the importance of contextual analysis and sophisticated machine learning.

For more information about Webroot at the show, visit booth #316 in the Business Hall.

Join the conversation, discover new threat stats from Webroot research and view live coverage of Black Hat USA 2016 by following #WebrootBHUSA and Webroot activity on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

About Webroot

Webroot delivers next-generation endpoint security and threat intelligence services to protect businesses and individuals around the globe. Our smarter approach harnesses the power of cloud-based collective threat intelligence derived from millions of operational devices to stop threats in real time and help secure the connected world. Our award-winning SecureAnywhere endpoint solutions and BrightCloud Threat Intelligence Services protect tens of millions of devices across businesses, home users, and the Internet of Things. Trusted and integrated by market-leading companies, including Cisco, F5 Networks, Aruba, Palo Alto Networks, A10 Networks, and more, Webroot is headquartered in Colorado and operates globally across North America, Europe, and Asia. Discover Smarter Cybersecurity solutions at www.webroot.com.

Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook

2016 Webroot Inc. All rights reserved. Webroot, SecureAnywhere, Webroot SecureAnywhere, Webroot BrightCloud, BrightCloud, and Smarter Cybersecurity are trademarks or registered trademarks of Webroot Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

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CHEVY CHASE, Md., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WeddingWire, Inc., the global leader for online wedding planning, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest, custom wedding resource for social media, WeddingWire Snapchat Geofilters. The WeddingWire Snapchat Geofilters are exciting, innovative designs that allow couples and their wedding guests to personalize Snapchats with a unique filter to be used throughout all wedding celebrations. WeddingWire continues to lead the industry having been the first-to-market wedding brand on Snapchat and Facebook Live, while also creating social media tools for couples to customize their weddings from custom wedding hashtags to creative monograms.

WeddingWire has created eight beautiful filters for couples that match Snapchat's required design specifications. Additionally, WeddingWire is excited to partner with the iconic resort wear brand Lilly Pulitzer to feature exclusive beach wedding geofilters. The custom hand-painted designs are perfect for destination weddings, and honeymoon travels.

"Today's couples want their wedding to reflect their personal style, and WeddingWire's new Snapchat Geofilters will help them do just thatwhile staying on the cutting edge of social media," said Kim Forrest, Editor and Trends Expert, WeddingWire. "Snapchat is the newest form of social media to take the wedding world by storm, and we love seeing the creative ways that couples and their guests tell a wedding's story via this exciting app."

"Lilly Pulitzer celebrates Resort dressing 365 days a year and we love when one of those days includes a beach wedding or special event," said Janie Paradis, SVP of Marketing & Creative Communications, Lilly Pulitzer. "Working with WeddingWire to exclusively share co-branded Snapchat On-Demand filters is a colorful, happy way to celebrate a very important day in someone's lifeeveryone loves a party with print."

To use the WeddingWire Snapchat Geofilters, couples simply select and download their favorite design(s) directly from WeddingWire, then visit the Snapchat On-Demand center where users are asked to pick a time and set a geofence for the selected Geofilter (fees apply.) Couples and their guests will have access to apply the custom filters once the dates and locations are approved by Snapchat. Couples are encouraged to add WeddingWire on Snapchat and send in pictures of their wedding day using one of the WeddingWire Geofilters (Snapchat: WeddingWire.)

For more information about the WeddingWire Snapchat Geofilters and the "dos and don'ts" of Snapchat at a wedding, please visit the WeddingWire blog and follow WeddingWire on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest in inspiration and wedding planning tips.

About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire, Inc. is the leading global online marketplace connecting consumers with event and creative professionals. Operating within a $200 billion industry, WeddingWire, Inc. hosts 10 million monthly unique users across its mobile and web platforms. Consumers are able to read over 2.5 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a database of over 400,000 businesses. Globally, it provides these businesses the technology they need to serve their clients through advertising, marketing and business management tools such as websites, payment processing, invoicing and contracts. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio of sites serves couples and businesses across 15 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, making it the worldwide leader in weddings with brands including Bodas.net, Casamentos.com.br, Matrimonio.com and more. The company employs more than 800 and maintains global headquarters in Washington, DC and international headquarters in Barcelona, Spain.

Contact:

Lauren Hartman

WeddingWire

[email protected]

301.231.9473

SOURCE WeddingWire, Inc.

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SHELTON, Conn., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/-- Wet Ones, America's #1 Hand Wipe**, knows that some of the messier moments in life create the best memories, especially when it comes to being in the kitchen with your kids. However, according to a study conducted by Wet Ones Hand Wipes, 91% of moms say they have stopped their child from participating in an activity because it was too messy*. To help parents embrace the mess this back-to-school season, the brand has partnered with Siri Daly to bring the fun back into the kitchen because Wet Ones hand wipes are there to help clean up hands before and after the mess!

"As a mother and food blogger, I love cooking with my children, but sometimes I feel like I miss out on great moments with them because I'm so concerned with cleaning as I go," says Siri Daly. "Even getting my kids to wash their hands after making a mess is a struggle! Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes are a convenient 2-in-1 way to wipe away dirt and messes when soap and water aren't readily available."

"We know that while the majority of moms, like Siri, try to avoid messy moments, 84% of moms also admit that making a mess while cooking is one of the most fun activities they can do with their kids*," says Christina Saikus, Wet Ones Brand Manager, Edgewell Personal Care. "We want to encourage parents to embrace family memories by letting their little ones help make messy PB&Js for their lunchbox and sloppy joes for family dinners - because with Wet Ones hand wipes you're always covered!"

The Messiest Kid in America Contest

To celebrate messy moments this back-to-school season, Wet Ones Hand Wipes is searching for the messiest kids in America! Wet Ones Hand Wipes believes the messier the meal, the better, and now your little one's mealtime messes may result in a reward.

Here is how to participate:

Snap a pic of your child age 2 to 17 years old at their messiest. Post it to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #WishIHadaWetOnes & #contest. Or Upload a picture of your messy kid at www.wishihadawetones.com and we'll do the rest. You Could Win: One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 plus a year's supply of Wet Ones products. Five (5) First Prize winners each receive a $2,500 Visa Prepaid Card.

See below for Contest details.

Wet Ones Hand Wipes Keep Hands Clean So You Can Enjoy Messy Moments in and out of the Kitchen!

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes are the convenient 2-in-1 way to wipe out dirt and messes and kill 99.99% of germs when soap and water aren't readily available. Wet Ones Hand Wipes are formulated to be tough on dirt and germs, but gentle on skin.

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes clean better than hand sanitizer gels, wiping away dirt and messes without drying out skin. They are hypoallergenic and contain aloe and lanolin, making them easy on skin for even the littlest of hands. Now available with NEW Wet Lock seal technology in the brand's 20-count travel packs, proven to help the wipes retain 15 percent more moisture, ensuring they remain fresh on-the-go so you're never left without a convenient way to wipe out dirt and messes!

Wet Ones Hand Wipes are available at mass, drug and grocery stores nationwide and come in three convenient sizes so you can keep them at home, in the car, and in purses and backpacks. For more information, visit www.WetOnes.com.

About Wet Ones Wipes Products

Wet Ones is a registered trademark Edgewell Personal Care. Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes kill 99.99 percent of germs and clean better than hand sanitizers.

About Edgewell Personal Care

Edgewell Personal Care (NYSE: EPC) manufactures and markets a diverse range of personal care products in the wet shave, skin care, feminine care and infant care categories with well-established brand name products such as Schick and Wilkinson Sword men's and women's shaving systems and disposable razors; Edge and Skintimate shave preparations; Playtex, Stayfree, Carefree and o.b. feminine care products; Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic sun care products; Playtex infant care products and gloves; Diaper Genie and Litter Genie disposal systems; and Wet Ones moist wipes. 2016 Edgewell. The Playtex trademark is used under license.

*The Wet Ones Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 500 U.S. moms of children ages 7 and under between July 14th and 19th, 2016, using an email invitation and an online survey.

**#1 claim based on scan data for 52 weeks ending 1/23/16.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 21 and older. Photo must show your child/children (2-17 years) at their messiest. Entry contingent upon Sponsor approval of Photo. If entering via Twitter/Instagram, include #WishIHadAWetOnes and #Contest in the Photo caption. Void where prohibited. Contest begins at 12:00:01 pm ET on 8/1/16 and ends at 11:59:59 am ET on 9/30/16. Subject to Official Rules. Visit www.WishIHadAWetOnes.com for Official Rules, how winners will be selected and how to enter without photo upload to social media. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by: Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC, 6 Research Dr., Shelton, CT 06484. Not sponsored by Twitter or Instagram. Visa trademark is used for prize identification purposes only; no sponsorship, endorsement or authorization is intended or implied by such use. Visa Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

Media Contact:

Leah Martin/ Edelman

212.738.6087

[email protected]

SOURCE Edgewell Personal Care

Related Links

http://www.WetOnes.com


WILTON MANORS, Fla., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In comparison to 2014, the City of Wilton Manors' overall crime rate dropped 14.7 percent in 2015, according to the 2015 annual report released by the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) of Broward County. The data is calculated based on a comparison of population and the number of crimes.

"We must be reminded that this accomplishment is the result of not just the diligent work of the Wilton Manors Police Department, but also our partnership with our vigilant community," said Chief of Police Paul O'Connell.

This new crime data comes during a tumultuous time as occurrences of tragic violent acts increase across the state, nation and the world.

"I want to thank the residents of Wilton Manors for their support, as well as the steadfast commitment of the Wilton Manors Police Department for striving to keep our City safe," said Mayor Gary Resnick.

To advocate further for public safety, on June 28, 2016, City Commissioners unanimously passed Resolution 2016-55, brought forth by City Commissioner Justin S. Flippen. Resolution 2016-55 calls upon federal and state legislators to enact gun control legislation to prevent mass shootings and large scale human loss of life and suffering from mass shootings in America.

"This decision is about protecting our residents' safety and welfare as we advocate for stricter gun control," said Commissioner Flippen. "Public safety in our community and those we travel to, partner with, and do business in remains a top priority. Together we can, should, and must work collaboratively to better ensure a safer society."

To connect with the City of Wilton Manors visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS

Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]

SOURCE City of Wilton Manors

Related Links

http://www.wiltonmanors.com


Zimmerman's campaign  ("FOBO") was developed from the research behind the cultural anxiety commonly known as FOBO. 69% of Millennials currently experience feelings of fear that better options may exist elsewhere (Compare Metrics and e-tailing group, 2014).

"FOBO is the perfect frame to express our client's commitment to having unmatched selection, price, and service experts that help consumers make the very best decision, any where, every time," says Jim Heidelberg, Chief Client Officer of Zimmerman.

According to Pryia Parker, founder of Thrive Labs, there's also a strong link between those who disproportionally suffer from FOBO and those who lack an internal vision for their decision-making. Furthermore, 80% of shoppers look online for appliance information before they walk into a store to purchase, according to Synchrony Financial Study, June 2015. Consumers who are left with very few products to choose from online to making their selection in the store are often leaving stores in debilitating remorse, wondering if they saw all possible options.

"The insights we collected solidified the consumer connection with what we have to why it matters," says Michael Angelovich, Chief Strategy Officer of Zimmerman. "hhgregg's huge selection addresses consumers' angst of making the wrong decision for a high ticket price item."

Because the insight is based on a real emotional sense, this 1:50 piece of content (extension of overall campaign) is in the form of an OTC/DTC parody which aims to "cure" FOBO by offering consumers the largest selection of appliances compared to any other competitor on the market. See the "What is FOBO" spot here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLKZvsssNcw

The initial campaign video ran in May and has already gained 1.4 million views on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFAtSPt42Co

"Retailers who offer more carry more of a competitive advantage," says David Nathanson, Chief Creative Officer of Zimmerman. "This campaign brings that into light and shows how hhgregg is the ultimate provider of appliances, both online and in the store.

"This work not only pushes the boundaries of where appliance advertising has gone in the past, but also paves the way for greater growth within the category," added Jordan Zimmerman, Founder and Chairman of Zimmerman.

In 2007, hhgregg named Zimmerman as lead agency for the brand's creative, media planning and buying. After a brief stint at Leo Burnett, the client returned to Zimmerman with an even greater commitment to growth and appliance leadership.

Agency Credits: Michael Angelovich, Chief Strategy Officer, David Nathanson, EVP/Chief Creative Officer, Jesse Potack, VP Lead Creative Director, Chad Garcia, VP Creative Director, Dan Gitlitz, VP Creative Director, Scott Katz, Sr. Copywriter, Drew Umland, Sr. Editor/Designer and Richard Nez, EVP Director of Broadcast Production and JSM Music.

About Zimmerman Advertising

Zimmerman Advertising, an Omnicom Group company, is the leading integrated, retail agency in the country. Zimmerman's clients represent some of the most prominent retail brands in the country, including hhgregg, Nissan, Party City, Dunkin' Donuts, Tire Kingdom, AutoNation, Boston Market, Advance America, Five Below, Smokey Bones and Michaels. Headquartered in South Florida, the agency has retail service offices throughout the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Nashville. For information on the agency, visit http://www.zadv.com.

About Omnicom Group

Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLKZvsssNcw

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFAtSPt42Co

SOURCE Zimmerman

Related Links

http://www.zadv.com


New Delhi, July 25 : Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of calling Punjab Police to arrest a party legislator in a Quran desecration case, the AAP on Monday said it will move the Delhi High Court against the arrest of its legislators in "false" cases.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also accused the Centre of using the Delhi Police as a "political tool" and said police had failed to control the rising crime against women in the national capital.

"The AAP will file a writ petition in the Delhi High Court against the unnecessary arrest of our legislators by the Delhi Police in false cases. We will inform the court that our MLAs are being framed in false cases," said AAP lawmaker Rajendra Pal Gautam.

AAP legislator Amanatullah Khan was arrested on Sunday on charge of threatening a woman. The same day, another AAP MLA, Naresh Yadav, was arrested by the Punjab Police in a Quran desecration case in that state.

Gautam added: "You (Modi) called the Punjab Police to Delhi to arrest Naresh Yadav. Why not call the Gujarat and Goa Police also to arrest other MLAs?"

He said the AAP was not scared by these tactics.

Meanwhile, AAP leader Dilip Pandey said the AAP's youth and women wings will meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday to apprise him of what he termed as the "rising lawlessness in the national capital".

"Crime against women is increasing every day in the national capital. The Delhi Police has failed to perform its mandated duties because it is being used as a political tool," Pandey said.

Pandey said the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) had recommended to the central government to form a high-level committee for women's safety but to no avail.

He asked the Home Minister to reveal the steps the central government took to ensure the safety of women in Delhi and across the country.

"The rape incident in Burari area of Delhi was heart-rending. The issue of women's safety should be above politics and police should make all-out efforts to stop such incidents and take strictest action against the perpetrators," Pandey added.

A 14-year-old Dalit girl, who was raped at Burari in north Delhi, died of her internal injuries in a hospital here on Sunday.
Bengaluru, July 25 : Karnataka on Monday unveiled a booster kit to nurture start-ups in the state with funding and hand-holding till they flourish.

"The booster kit provides software tools, cloud credits, access to mentors, legal and consulting accountants and access to government funding and government supported incubators," state IT & BT Minister Priyanka Kharge told reporters here.

Announcing Rs.400 crore funding over the next four years as grant or equity for start-ups, micro and small IT and BT (biotech) enterprises, he said the Karnataka Biotechnology and IT Services (KBITS) would also help them in marketing and promotion.

"The KIBITS will sponsor participation of start-up entrepreneurs to attend networking events at national and international levels, administer tax incentive and assist them in patent filing," Kharge said.

The new minister also said he plans to hold an open house event every month for start-ups to interact with department officials for addressing issues related to their operations.

The first open house will be held on August 16 at the state-run 10,000 start-ups warehouse in this tech hub.

"Bengaluru is the second fastest-growing start-up ecosystem in the world and the only Indian city to be ranked among the best 15 start-up ecosystems the world over," Kharge said.

The state government has also set up a cell in KBITS to implement policy initiatives and provide incentives for incubating start-ups.

"A start-up portal (www.startup.karnataka.gov.in) will soon be launched to educate prospective entrepreneurs on our policy and benefits being offered under the booster kit," Kharge added.

In partnership with the IT industry's representative body Nasscom, the state government has set up 725 seats to support incubators in the warehouse, in which 325 seats are available at subsidised rate for setting up start-ups.
Islamabad, July 26 : The Pakistani government has intensified diplomatic efforts for saving a national, Zulfiqar Ali, who is facing imminent execution in Indonesia after being convicted of drug-related charges.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, who is in Laos for an Asean (Association of SouAtheast Asian Nations) Regional Forum meeting, has sought a meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on the issue, according to officials.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador Iwan Suyudhie Amri was summoned to the Foreign Office over the expected execution.

"Indonesian ambassador in Islamabad was also called in by the ministry and asked to convey the government of Pakistan's concern to his authorities," Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakariya told Dawn online.

After languishing in jail for 12 years, Ali is set to be executed in Indonesia.

The Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), a human rights law firm, has requested President Mamnoon Hussain to take up the matter with the Indonesian government to save the life of "an innocent Pakistani".

Ali, 52, was arrested in November 2004 in connection with a 300-gram heroine case in Jakarta. A co-accused in the case, Gurdip Singh, retracted his statement against Ali, saying the confession had been coerced from him.

The JPP said the Indonesian police had been unable to bring forward any material evidence to support their charge against Ali.

"Despite this, the Pakistan embassy in Jakarta has received a notification that Ali will be executed in the near future and that the family will be given a 72-hour notice," Dawn online quoted JPP as saying.

Ali was arrested at his home without a warrant in Indonesia's West Java province. For three days, he was "kicked, punched and threatened with death" by the Soekarno-Hatta Airport district police until he was forced to sign a "self-incriminating confession".

Ali was rushed into an emergency stomach and kidney surgery due to the severity of the physical torture he was subjected to. He remained in the hospital for 17 days, for which the expenses had to be borne by his family, the JPP said.

It said Ali had been denied fair trial and his only legal recourse now was to apply for clemency with the Indonesian president.

Ali's wife, Siti Rouhani, has pinned her last hopes on the government.

"If I get some support from Pakistan, something may happen and my husband may be saved," Dawn online reported citing Siti as saying.
Panaji, July 26 : A history sheeter, Ashpak Bengre, was stabbed to death in Goa's Colvale prison on Tuesday while being taken to a court, Inspector General of Prisons Elvis Gomes said.

Gomes told IANS that the deceased was stabbed by a sharp object after a fight with another inmate at around 9 a.m.

"The body has been sent for post-mortem. We have started an enquiry into the incident," he said.

Bengre had a series of crimes registered against him including extortion, murder, drug running and assault.

In the state assembly, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said a sub divisional magistrate enquiry had been ordered into the killing.

Opposition legislator Vijai Sardesai said the incident proved that the law and order machinery had failed not just on the streets of Goa but also in prisons.

"We see this in movies like Prakash Jha's 'Gangajaal'. People are not safe in Goa, both on the streets and in prison," Sardesai said.
Vientiane/New Delhi, July 26 : Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh met Myanmar State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi in Vientiane, Laos, on Tuesday.

"When Act East and Neighbourhood First converge. MoS @Gen_VKSingh w/ State Counsellor & Myanmar FM, Aung San Suu Kyi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson V.K. Swarup tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders.

Singh met the Nobel peace laureate on the sidelines of the Sixth East Asia Foreign Ministers Meeting in the Lao capital.

On Monday, Singh attended the 14th Asean-India Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane.
To the Board of Supervisors of Wright County:

It is my understanding that Prestage is not interested in locating this slaughterhouse in their home state because North Carolina has a moratorium on building more CAFOs.

I fear the slippery slope of multiplying hog confinements because our state is wide open with wimpy regulations, thanks to Gov. Branstad. So the slaughterhouse may not be directly responsible for environmental pollution, but with the high death count (10,000 per shift) the industry will be always hungry for more conveniently located pigs.

I also object to Prestage tapping into the Jordan Aquifer. It is not an endless supply of water and it belongs to the public, not to Prestage Farms. I have have learned that most of the workers will be migrants from as many as 18 different foreign-speaking groups. This will have a disastrous effect on Wright County schools. The school administrators who are claiming that our schools can handle this influx of traveling worker's children are themselves transients who tend to move from one school district to another every few years. They do not have the same vested interest in our communities that long-term, permanent residents have.

Prestage is handing us promises that sound OK to a public that is not informed of the hidden costs. I don't think that three men should make a decision that may have horrible consequences for a large population and a widespread geographical area. This should be voted on by the entire population of Wright County.

Let us vote. No public money for Prestage.

Please add this statement to your files.

Luanne Krabbe, Belmond
New Delhi, July 27 : AAP legislator from Narela Sharad Chauhan was questioned by the Crime Branch on Wednesday over party worker Soni's suicide, police said.

"Our team has questioned Aam Aadmi Party legislator in the case," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Ravinder Yadav told IANS.

Soni allegedly committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance at her house in outer Delhi's Narela village on July 19.

Earlier during the day, the police arrested AAP volunteer Ramesh Wadhwa on charge of harassing Soni.

Wadhwa was arrested by the Crime Branch, which took over the case from local police after Soni allegedly committed suicide on July 19.

Soni, mother of two daughters, left behind a self-shot WhatsApp video in which she claimed "I was denied justice".

According to police, in her video clip the woman accused Wadhwa, Amit Kumar and Rajni Kanth of torturing her to withdraw a sexual harassment complaint she filed against Wadhwa on June 2.

Wadhwa was arrested on June 3 but granted bail the very next day.

The case was registered under Sections 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code, police said.

In her police complaint, Soni had alleged that Wadhwa harassed her continuously and asked for sexual favours. She even raised the matter within the party but no action was taken against him, she said.
Rome, July 28 : Italian President Sergio Mattarella said that his country should not enter the age of anxiety, after the latest spate of terrorist attacks in Europe.

The president made the remarks a day after the French church attack in Rouen, in which a priest was killed by armed men. "We must prevent the victory of fear. We cannot allow our country, and the whole of Europe, to enter the age of anxiety," he said during a ceremony here on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Italian Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti on Wednesday said special forces of the army were collaborating with parts of the Carabinieri (national gendarmerie) and police in order to prevent terror actions in Italy. These units have carried out four drills and they have plans for the worst scenario in every city, Pinotti told a press conference for the national security.

"We are working, anyway, mainly to prevent this from happening. Then, as I have always said, no country is risk-free, it is evident from the manner in which these actions are performed," she said.

The defense minister also said people living in Italy must know the state is working for them. Law enforcement agencies, the army, intelligence services and the judiciary are doing everything possible to guarantee the safety and peace of those living in the country, she added.

Pinotti said Italian police had arrested two alleged Islamic fundamentalists.

"This proves the work of our security forces, who pay attention to every signal. In that case, a photo had been published on the web through a cell phone, showing an Islamic fighter with his gun. I highlight this to say that every signal is taken into consideration in order to do the preventive work," she said.
Tokyo, July 28 : A Hawaiian Airlines plane with 248 people on board made an emergency landing at Tokyo's Narita International Airport on Wednesday night, the airline announced on Thursday.

The Honolulu-bound Boeing 767 aircraft, which departed from Chitose, on the island of Hokkaido, at around 8 p.m., had to make an emergency landing at the airport due to a hydraulic problem.

The plane landed at around midnight after the pilot detected a problem in the oil pressure system, a spokesperson of the airline told EFE news.

None of the 236 passengers nor the 12 crew members aboard flight HA442 were hurt.

This is the second time this month that a Hawaiian Airlines airplane has made an emergency landing in the Japanese capital.

On July 18, an Airbus A330 returned to the Haneda Airport in Tokyo shortly after take-off after detecting a hydraulic problem.

None of the 293 passengers aboard the aircraft were injured but one of the four runways of the airport, the busiest by passenger traffic in Japan remained closed for nine hours, leading to the cancellation of 14 domestic flights and affecting around 2,000 passengers.
Kabul, July 28 : At least 18 militants were killed and 17 others injured when security forces raided Taliban positions in Afghanistan's Dasht-e-Archi district, an official said on Thursday.

According to the official, the security forces backed by aircrafts attacked Taliban hideouts on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Over 20 militants were also arrested in Saripul Province, the official added.
New Delhi, July 28 : In her eight-year-long journey in the Hindi film industry so far, Anushka Sharma has tasted success with commercial hits like "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi", "PK" and the latest, "Sultan" -- and also faced failure with "Bombay Velvet" and "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola". But the actress-producer says neither success nor failure affects her dedication.

" 'Bombay Velvet' was a big disaster I have faced. But the kind of person I am, I don't take success to my head or failure to my heart. I feel that is important because I feel in an industry which is so fickle, you realise that soon," Anushka told IANS over the phone from Mumbai.

She is all of 28, but she believes she is a very "aware kind of person" and "practical about things".

"When you realise that something in this industry is such a fickle thing -- you don't hold too strongly to anything. So I feel because of that, I have managed to stay above the surface.

"It is important to have that sense of reality (that) you will have successes and you will have failures and you will have to lie somewhere in between," she added.

Anushka is currently riding high on the success of her latest release "Sultan", which saw her share screen space with superstar Salman Khan. Salman is the third big Khan of Bollywood that Anushka has worked with.

She had made her debut with the Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and later starred with Aamir Khan in "PK".

How has it been to work with the three superstars -- a feat that not many actresses achieve?

"I have never really thought about all these things happening to me. I never thought about 'I'll get to work with all the three Khans'. It really wasn't something that ever occurred to me in my mind. But I feel humbled and happy... The contributions that I have had in the films is what makes it special for me," Anushka said.

She also feels "fortunate" because they are huge superstars of the country and have phenomenal reach, which helps her work to get through to other people.

"Their reach is phenomenal and because of their reach and their fan following, my work gets through to so many other people... So I feel happy, humbled and loved by the people for the appreciation I am getting for Aarfa's character (in 'Sultan')," she said.

Anushka has also worked with some formidable directors during her career. From being a part of late legend Yash Chopra's last film "Jab Tak Hain Jaan" to working with Karan Johar, who has directed her in her forthcoming "Ae Dil Hain Mushkil", she has also worked under the direction of names like Rajkumar Hirani, Zoya Akhtar and Ali Abbas Zafar.

She says her journey has always been about her own choices -- "whether it means producing a film at the age of 25 or it means not doing that many films".

"Somewhere in my life, I have always been a bit of risk-taker in that I have never listened to things people have told me or things that have preceded in terms of what other people have done, what are other actresses doing or what is the right way of following the career. I have not paid much attention to those things," added the actress, who turned producer with the gritty drama "NH10".

Whatever she does, she follows her gut.

"I feel sometimes when you follow your gut and instinct and you don't feel afraid, I think god blesses you... It is said that luck follows those who follow their instincts and I have just followed my instincts."

Coming from an army background, Anushka had absolutely no Bollywood backing. She wasn't even dreaming about being an actress when she landed a role in a Shah Rukh Khan starrer, produced by Yash Raj Films.

She also credits filmmaker Aditya Chopra for making her one of the top actresses today.

Being an outsider turned out to be an advantage for Anushka, who feels she didn't come with any "pre-conceived notions about the way you have to do things".

(Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in)
Srinagar, July 28 : A militant the army caught on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir is a Pakistani who has been involved in militancy for nearly two months, officials said on Wednesday.

The militant, caught on Tuesday during a gunfight in Kupwara district, had told police that he belongs to Lahore and his name is Bahadur Ali.

He said he crossed over to the Kashmir Valley two months back and had been operating under the nom de guerre Saifullah.

He also reportedly said that after crossing into India from Lepa Valley in Pakistani Kashmir, he had been receiving groups of militants from Pakistan.

"Some crucial disclosures made by the militant have not been made public because of their operational importance," a police source told IANS.

The Pakistani militant has been flown to Delhi after being taken on transit remand by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), police sources said.
Shimla, July 28 : The population of the golden mahseer, a popular freshwater sport and food fish, is going to prosper in the rivers of Himachal Pradesh, with the state fisheries department succeeding in breeding it in captivity for the first time.

Besides its rehabilitation and conservation, the breeding technology will turn out to be a major feat in commercial aquaculture too, say experts.

More than 7,000 hatchlings have been recovered from the eggs at a newly set-up Rs 6 crore ($900,000) hatchery at Machhial near Jogindernagar town in Mandi district.

"The first hatchling took place this week and it's a major breakthrough in evolving the breeding technology of the golden mahseer that is otherwise believed to be tough to breed in controlled conditions," fisheries director Gurcharan Singh told IANS.

The breeding took place on July 21 and the hatchlings occurred in the next four to five days.

Singh said in 2012 the department started collecting fries of the golden mahseer from nature. They were later raised to the brooder stage at the farm itself.

"We are expecting to raise more than 20,000 hatchlings this year," a beaming Singh added.

The artificial fertilisation of mahseer eggs in the private sector was carried out for the first time in 1970 at the Tata Power Company's farm at Lonavla in Pune in Maharashtra.

Fish biologist S.N. Ogale, a former Tata biologist, has been assisting the state in developing protocols for the mahseer's artificial propagation and hatchery management.

Being a game fish, the mahseer is also an angler's delight.

Studies conducted by the fisheries department say the population of the golden mahseer is declining in the state for various reasons, including construction of dams, barrages, pollution, indiscriminate fishing of brood and juvenile fish, introduction of exotic species and habitat deterioration.

It has been declared endangered by the Washington-based International Union of Conservation of Natural Resources.

The mahseer, the longest-living freshwater fish, is native to mountain and sub-mountain regions. It belongs to the Tor genus.

The Pong Dam reservoir, around 250 km from state capital Shimla and 190 km from Chandigarh, supports an ample population of the golden mahseer.

It migrates upstream for spawning during the southwest floods. After spawning, it returns to the original feeding grounds. It thrives at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres above sea level and is purely carnivorous.

Fisheries Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri told IANS that after the captive breeding the next step would be ranching -- the release and recapture of fish -- a milestone in aquaculture.

He said more than 6,000 families in the state are directly depending upon capture fishery.

He said the depleting fish stocks in the rivers would be increased by releasing hatchery-reared juveniles into nature.

Officials said in nature, fish stocks are multiplied to a great extent by releasing hatchery-reared juveniles. They can be harvested when they grow to table size.

Principal Secretary Sangay Gupta said another mahseer hatchery would be set up at Naggar village in the Sunni area of Shimla district this year.

"This hatchery would help stocking mahseer in the newly constructed Kol Dam reservoir," he added.

Himachal Pradesh is aptly termed the storehouse of aquatic biodiversity. The state's water bodies are home to 85 fish species, including rohu, catla and mrigal and trout, both brown and rainbow.

The fisheries department says the overall fish production in the state has increased by 9.2 percent in the last fiscal.

A total of 11,798 tonnes of fish valued at Rs.109.80 crore was harvested from the state's rivers and reservoirs in 2015-16, 1,062 tonnes higher than the previous year.

Of this, trout constituted 417.23 tonnes -- 61.03 tonnes higher than the previous year.

The state aims to set up 106 trout units this fiscal, besides setting up hatcheries for trout and carps and storing seeds in reservoirs for big fish.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
New Delhi, July 28 : As the rain started lashing his house in south Bengaluru, Ujjawal Kumar, 42, found that a big pipe had burst, causing the water to seep through the tiles and the walls of his house. Fortunately, help was at hand via a home-services provider, who also conducted a leakage audit to prevent further damage.

"The civil engineer from OTJ247.com found that the water pipeline between the living room and the bathroom had burst causing seepage. Everything was repaired in just a week's time," Kumar told IANS.

The firm has been receiving constant queries for conducting leakage audits.

"Till date we have received around 30-40 queries for leakage audits and these figures are expected to go up to 100-150 by the end of this monsoon season," OTJ247.com Founder & CEO Prashant Rai told IANS.

The 10-months-old firm recently launched its mobile app for the Android version and the iOS version is expected soon.

Like Kumar, Hiran Bhuyan, 56, living in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, got worried after she noticed a leaky tap in her home. With the monsoon around, she didn't want this to snowball and so opted for a leakage audit.

Bhuyan immediately approached UrbanClap -- another home-services provider -- and was much relieved after a professional visited her home, replaced the leaky tap and inspected the entire network.

"The leakage check was for free drive from UrbanClap. However, for the tap that needed to be changed, the plumber went to a hardware shop, bought another tap and replaced it," Bhuyan told IANS.

Founded in November 2014, UrbanClap proved to be a saviour for Bhuyan. An easy-to-use mobile app, it offers services across more than 80 categories, with leakage audit being highly used during monsoon.

"Our professionals are equipped to handle a thorough audit of water leakages in a home. Starting from the main water pipe, they carefully check each fixture for leaks and come up with the right solution for any damage," UrbanClap co-founder Varun Khaitan told IANS in an e-mail interview.

Timesaverz is another player in the market that helps people ease their problems, especially during the rains.

Based in Mumbai, Timesaverz came into existence in April 2013 and has since then been dealing with problems like leakages, dampness of walls and drainage problems during rainfall, among others. The firm has been primarily active in six cities -- Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. It is now planning to expand in Ahmedabad and Chennai as well.

One can avail of their services over a call or through their website or even the mobile app.

"We offer multi-platform customer-touch points in the form of app, website and call-to-book for ease of booking services. However, the app available on both Android and iOS devices is the most preferred mode of booking," Timesaverz.com Co-founder Debadutta Upadhyaya told IANS.

Leakage audit involves a thorough inspection of home spaces for services like water proofing and plumbing. As monsoon is here, many are opting for this practice to safeguard their homes.

In case you also suspect any leakage at your home, don't worry. The solution is handy. Pick your phone and take a smart decision today.

Get a leakage audit done before the rains hit you hard.

(Akanki Sharma can be contacted at akanki.s@ians.in)
Leh, July 28 : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has reached Leh in Jammu and Kashmir to spend about a month during which he will take rest and deliver lectures, his aides said on Thursday.

The Dalai Lama, 81, will offer teachings from August 11 to August 21 in two sessions, an aide told IANS.

The two-day teachings from August 11 will be held at the Thiksey Monastery, located on top of a hill in Thiksey village, 19 km east of Leh in Ladakh.

He will also deliver teachings at Shewatsel Teaching Ground here from August 19 to 21.

Over 10,000 followers of the Dalai Lama from aboard and India are likely to attend his teachings, the Tibetan government-in-exile in Himachal Pradesh said.

The Dalai Lama's sermons on ethics, non-violence, peace and religious harmony have made him one of the 20th century's most revered gurus.

After a day of rest on Tuesday, the Dalai Lama arrived at the main market of Leh where hundreds were waiting to catch a glimpse of him.

En route, a foreign tourist held out his hands and greeted the Dalai Lama and informed him that he was from Nice in France.

At the Jokhang Temple, the Dalai Lama said: "In the present world, in places like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, there is much violence and killing in the name of religion.

"As believers, it is morally wrong to remain indifferent to this suffering," he said.

Later, Muslims in Leh hosted reception for the Dalai Lama. He walked to a Sunni mosque built in 1666-67, a post on his official website said.

Touching on conflict within the Muslim community, the Dalai Lama said: "It's very unfortunate to see that in many Muslim countries there is conflict between Shias and Sunnis. This is very sad."

The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet during a failed uprising in 1959.
Damascus, July 28 : Syrian government troops and allied fighters on Thursday recaptured Bani Zaid in Aleppo city from the rebels.

Bani Zaid was once a staging ground for rebel attacks on government-held Aleppo, Xinhua news agency reported.

In July, over 70 persons were killed in Aleppo in rebel shelling from Bani Zaid.

Over the past week, the Syrian Army effectively cut off the Castello road, the last rebel supply route connecting rebel-held areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo with the eastern districts.

On Wednesday, military helicopters dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on Aleppo, urging the rebels to surrender and the civilians to cooperate with the Syrian Army.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad declared an amnesty on Thursday, offering pardon for rebels who surrender within three months and kidnappers who release their victims within a month.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian Army and the rebels.
HOUSTON, July 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) ("Targa" or the "Company") will report its second quarter 2016 financial results before the NYSE opens for trading on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. The Company will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time (10:30 a.m. Central Time) to discuss second quarter results.



The conference call can be accessed via webcast through the Events and Presentations section of the Companys website at www.targaresources.com, by going directly to http://ir.targaresources.com/events.cfm or by dialing 877-881-2598. The conference ID number for the dial-in is 56393706. Please dial in ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A replay will be available approximately two hours following completion of the webcast through the Investor's section of the Companys website. An updated investor presentation will also be available in the Events and Presentations section of the Companys website following the completion of the conference call.

About Targa Resources Corp.

Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America. Targa owns, operates, acquires, and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary midstream energy assets. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and selling natural gas; storing, fractionating, treating, transporting, and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; gathering, storing, and terminaling crude oil; storing, terminaling, and selling refined petroleum products.

The principal executive offices of Targa are located at 1000 Louisiana, Suite 4300, Houston, TX 77002 and their telephone number is 713-584-1000. For more information please go to www.targaresources.com.

Contact investor relations by phone at (713) 584-1133.

Jennifer Kneale

Vice President - Finance

Matthew Meloy

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
New Delhi, July 28 : Myanmar State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi has expressed her desire to visit India during a meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh.

"Aung San Suu Kyi enquired about EAM's (External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's) health and mentioned that she is looking forward to visiting India," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing here on Thursday.

Giving details of the meeting that was held on July 26 in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of various Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-related meetings, Swarup said that Suu Kyi and Singh spoke about India's assistance to Myanmar in various areas.

"The Minister of State conveyed Government of India's willingness to strengthen democratic institutions in Myanmar particularly with respect to training parliamentarians and to share our experience on federalism, centre-state relations, distribution of power and resources between centre and state and political reconciliation," he said.

He said that they also discussed the Myanmar government's support for India's development projects such as the Kaladan multi-modal transport project and the Asian trilateral highway.

"There was a specific discussion on India providing help to Myanmar on rubberised roads for which a concept paper has been shared," the spokesperson said, adding that Suu Kyi conveyed Myanmar's interest in development projects and the role of Indian consultants in these.

"She also conveyed an interest in learning from India's experience in solar power and use of technology for using recycled waste matter in construction of roads," Swarup said.

Suu Kyi led the National League for Democracy to a majority victory in the first openly contested elections in 25 years in November last year.

On April 6 this year, the 70-year-old Nobel peace laureate assumed charge as State Counsellor as she was constitutionally barred from the presidency after becoming the country's first female foreign minister on March 30.
Chandimandir, July 28 : Lt. Gen. Jagbir Singh Cheema, GOC Vajra Corps, has been appointed the officiating General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command, a defence spokesman said here on Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Cheema will assume charge on August 1.

The move comes as the Defence Ministry has not made a regular appointment to the post in place of outgoing army commander Lt. Gen. K.J. Singh, who will retire on July 31 after a distinguished military career spanning almost four decades.

The frontier Western Command looks after the country's borders on the western frontier with Pakistan and some parts of the India-China border.

"This is an interim arrangement till a permanent incumbent is posted. With this arrangement, there will be no vacuum in the functioning of the Western Command Headquarters and the chain of command will be intact," the spokesman said.

Lt. Gen. Cheema has been commanding the frontline Vajra Corps since August 2015.

Lt. Gen. K.J. Singh on Thursday presided over a high-level video conference with the Corps Commanders and principal staff officers wherein the working modalities and response strategy were deliberated and finalised.

"He emphasised on maintaining high operational preparedness and swift response system to meet any contingency in the Western Theatre. He appreciated the high morale of the troops in the service of the nation," the spokesman said.
Kolkata, July 28 : Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen on Thursday condoled the death of eminent writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi and remembered the litterateur's support during "bad times."

"Mahasweta Devi died. Stood by me during my bad times," Nasreen tweeted.

Nasreen, who has been living outside Bangladesh for many years, said the Ramon Magsaysay Award winner wanted to see West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as India's Prime Minister.

"The socially committed writer was later involved with TMC (Trinamool Congress) & wanted to see Mamata (Banerjee) as PM," Nasreen tweeted.

Eminent author Amitav Ghosh described Mahasweta's passing away as a "terrible loss for literature."

"RIP Mahasweta Devi. A terrible loss for literature. A great writer and extraordinary activist; a woman with a warm, generous heart," Ghosh tweeted.

Mahasweta Devi passed away at a Kolkata nursing home on Thursday following prolonged illness. She was 90.
New Delhi, July 28 : India is ready to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan but in an atmosphere free of terrorism, the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday.

"We want a peaceful, cooperative relationship with Pakistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing here.

"We are prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan but in an atmosphere free of terror and violence," he said.

"It is incumbent upon Pakistan to create the right conditions for that political dialogue to take place."

However, Swarup said that issues like cross-border firing and fishermen straying into each other's waters were important to both India and Pakistan.

"Humanitarian issues will always be important to us and, in fact, important to both countries and any mechanism, institutions which promote cooperation on humanitarian issues must be pursued," he stated.
Benglauru, July 28 : Karnataka is setting up a non-profit company to spur investments in diverse areas with industry participation, state Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande said on Thursday.

"The company will have six to nine directors on its board from the industry and profits will be used to promote its objectives, with no dividend to the board members," Deshpande said at a two-day summit here.

The firm will be set up under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

As per the specific law, the company will be registered for charitable or not-for-profit purpose with the Corporate Affairs Ministry.

"We are keen on setting up a grand convention centre near the airport at Devanahalli on the city's outskirts and building elevated roads, subways and flyovers to improve infrastructure," Deshpande said at the 12th India Innovation summit, organised by the Confedration of Indian Industry, with 'Spirit of Innovation -- Celebrating the Entrepreneur' as its theme.

Exhorting the industrialists to invest more in research for high quality, competitiveness and customer satisfaction, the minister said innovation would make the country stronger, richer and a super power.

"Karnataka is the first state in the country to implement a start-up policy to foster entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation. The central and state governments and the industry should support a good start-up in the interest of building a strong country," Deshpande claimed.

Asserting that the state government would ensure Bengaluru retained its lead position as the country's start-up and innovation hub, the minister said Karnataka was the world's largest tech capital after Silicon Valley in the US and London in Britain.

Addressing the members of the CII, Accenture India managing director Rekha M. Menon said India was transitioning into a society, facilitating innovation and entrepreneurship by design.

"The government is pushing policy frameworks to promote innovation.A Open Innovation will be the platform on which organisations can leverage to promote guided disruption. They must work with start-ups and niche technology firms," Menon stressed.

In a special address,AUS Trade Representative Office deputy ambassador Robert W. Holleyman said India contributed significantly to global innovation, which accounts for 8 per cent of its GDP.

"Though entrepreneurs are drivers of innovation, governments have a major role to play in ensuring there is an opportunity for innovators to grow. Information Technology (IT) has been a key component in the growth of India and the world over," Holleyman noted.

Setting the theme, Infosys co-founder and summit chairman S. Gopalakrishan said though 80 per cent of start-ups fail, entrepreneurs were not failures.

"The industry needs to encourage them by sharing learnings and experiences so that more start-ups are fostered. The government is supportive on ease of doing business and regulative policies but a lot more needs to be done," Gopalakrishnan added.
Gurgaon, July 28 : Hundreds of commuters, including women and children, were stuck on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway for many hours after heavy rain left the Hero Honda Chowk here inundated.

There was a massive traffic jam as all kinds of vehicles -- cars, two-wheelers, buses and other modes of public transport -- remained stuck for six to seven hours, especially on the Delhi-Jaipur stretch.

The Badshahpur drain, which carries stormwater, breached, leading to several feet of waterlogging in the area.

Several people, oblivious of the lurking danger at several inundated places, fell into ditches but were saved due to timely help from other onlookers.

People stuck at the spot lamented that no official, particularly those connected with disaster management, were available to alleviate their miseries. They said they had been left to fend for themselves by the government.

"@mlkhattar sir for more than 4 hrs we r in jam to pass just 2 km at sohna rd near Subhas chk Gurgaon. This is not good for happening haryana," tweeted a commuter, Satya Prakash Gupta.

"Total failure of administration in GURGAON, hero Honda chowk standstill from last 3 hrs," tweeted another commuter, Pradip Agarwal.

However, Gurgaon Police Commissioner Navdeep Singh Virk said the entire traffic and district police force was on roads to help commuters.

"Waterlogging on several roads in Gurgaon has led to a gridlock in parts of the city. Entire traffic police is on road trying to do the best," tweeted Gurgaon Police.

Over four feet deep water was witnessed inundating some places near the expressway.

Earlier report said the excessive flooding was caused by overflowing of the Badshahpur drain due to the downpour that began around 4.30 p.m.

Kanwarias (Lord Shiva's devotees bringing Gangajal from Uttarakhand), vehicles of NSG commandos, Central and state officials were also stuck in the rainwater under which the expressway and other arterial roads disappeared.

Traffic was disrupted at the Hero Honda, Jharsa, Iffco and Shankar chowks (intersections).
Panaji, July 28 : The Goa opposition on Thursday walked out of the assembly after angry exchanges with Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar over government's alleged support to the casino industry.

The opposition members led by Congress Legislative Party leader Pratapsing Rane walked out shouting anti-government slogans, after Parsekar accused the opposition legislators of trying to "misuse" the assembly proceedings.

"We won't do what you say. We have been elected for five years to run the administration. Some MLAs are misusing the assembly for their own benefit," Parsekar said during a discussion on Home Department affairs. Casinos in Goa are licensed by the department.

Following Parsekar's comment, opposition legislator demanded that the Chief Minister name the legislators who were "misusing the assembly" over the issue of casinos.

"You have to name the MLAs who are misusing the assembly or else do not indulge indulge in loose talk," Independent MLA Naresh Sawal said.

The altercation between Parsekar and Sawal reached a feverish pitch, after the chief minister said that he would come to the latter's constituency and make public certain questionable business transactions between "certain casino owners and businessmen".

"Just because we are listening, they think they can talk whatever they want to and get away with it. We will not take this lying down. Either you give us answers or we are going to go from here. We have no interest in your stories," Sawal said in his heated exchange with the Chief Minister, after which the Leader of Opposition Rane led the walkout.

The controversy surrounding the arrival of a fifth offshore casino and the opening of India's largest onshore casino has been a point of heated debate in the monsoon session of the assembly.
Bengaluru, July 28 : Violent protests over the rejection of Karnataka's interim plea for sharing the Mahadayi river water with Goa by a tribunal disrupted normal life across cities and towns in north Karnataka on Thursday.

"A shutdown was observed at Hubballi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri and Belagavi in the region with schools, colleges, shops and offices closed. Incidents of stone-throwing, burning of tyres and effigies and blocking of roads and highways by thousands of farmers, students and pro-Kannada activists were reported," an official told IANS here.

The Mahaydai Water Disputes Tribunal, headed by J.N. Panchal, on Wednesday rejected the state's petition for 7.6 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water from the river, citing various grounds, including ecological damage the project may cause.

With farmers' associations and pro-Kannada organisations staging demonstrations and protest rallies against the verdict, additional police forces were deployed in cities and towns across the region to maintain law and order and contain the agitation.

"The shutdown affected road transport by state-run and private buses, trucks and other vehicles on the intra-state and inter-state routes. Buses to Goa across the border have been suspended till normalcy returns," the official said.

At Navalgund in Dharwad district, police fired teargas and resorted to caning near a bus depot to disperse an angry mob from torching state-run buses parked in the bays.

Besides the ruling Congress government in the state, leaders of national and regional political parties were criticised for failing to ensure drinking water from the river to the affected region, which has been reeling under severe drought over the last two years.

The project to supply drinking water to Hubballi-Dharwad, Gadag, Bagalkot and Belagavi districts from the river through Kalsa-Banduri canals in the Malabrabha basin has remained incomplete due to standoff between the two states since a decade.

Protests were also held at Ballari, Bengaluru, Mandya, Ramanagaram against the verdict, which deprived drinking water supply to the affected cities, towns and villages of five north-west districts in the state.

As the 77km-long Mahadayi flows into Goa from Karnataka on the west coast into the Arabian Sea, the former has been objecting over sharing its water, as 52 km of its stretch is in its state and is a lifeline for its people.

"We have been trying to convince Goa over the years that our project does not affect the river flow into its state, as about 200 tmcft of water is going into the Arabian Sea every year unutilised," the official recalled.

According to a central water commission study, of the total (197-220 tmcft) water in the river basin, the yield in the state's catchment area is 44-53 tmcft. The state plans to use around 37 tmcft of its water for drinking water and hydel power generation.
CLEARWATER, Fla., July 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the 17th of August, the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization will host 140 members of non-profit organizations in the historic Fort Harrison for the bi-monthly Charity Coalition Luncheon.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5b8060f-3310-45d1-8629-edac05cef4d9

The Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking (FCAHT) will be the spotlight charity.

Founded in 2004, FCAHT provides assistance to the victims of human trafficking, as well as giving educational seminars to help the general public spot signs of human trafficking.

Florida is third in the United States in terms of human trafficking, said Dylan Pires, Community Affairs Officer for the Church of Scientology and chairman of the Coalition. The Tampa Bay area has a high rate of human trafficking  victims of which bring with them a whole host of issues, such as drug addiction, malnutrition and posttraumatic stress. By having FCAHT featured, it will provide our other partnership charities the opportunity to see how they can use their own resources to help.

On average, representatives from 40 different charities attend the luncheons, offering programs that tackle homelessness, illiteracy, drug addiction and environmental issues. Included in the program, which starts at 11:30am, is time to network and collaborate on projects.

For the educational portion of the luncheon, St. Pete Clearwater Film Commissioner Tony Armer will present a short workshop on utilizing YouTube and other digital media formats to promote ones non-profit. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater currently offers free classes in creating content for YouTube, which Mr. Armer will also discuss.

The Charity Coalition luncheons began in 2014 to bring like-minded groups together, continued Mr. Pires. Our Churchs founder, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that A community that pulls together can make a better society for all, which is what this luncheon is all about.

One hundred and seventy eight non-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay area have participated in the Charity Coalition since its inception.

To RSVP for the August 17th Charity Coalition luncheon, please contact Dylan at dylanpires@churchofscientology.net or call 727-467-6860.

About the Church of Scientology:

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 165 nations. Scientologists are optimistic about life and believe there is hope for a saner world and better civilization, and actively do all they can to help achieve this. The Church of Scientology regularly engages in many humanitarian programs, such as anti-drug campaigns, human rights campaigns and global education programs. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org

About the Fort Harrison

Constructed in 1926, the Fort Harrison has served as the international religious retreat for the Church of Scientology since 1975. Providing guest facilities for Scientologists from all over the world, the Fort Harrison also makes its ballroom and auditorium facilities open to non-profits for their events, meetings and fundraisers.




Average housing rents in Abu Dhabi have fallen for the first time in three years, driven by thousands of job cuts and an increase in the cost of living.

The first signs of long expected falls in housing rents in Abu Dhabi started to appear in the second quarter, according to new reports from property brokers JLL and CBRE.

Residential property rents in Abu Dhabi have fallen for the first time in three years at a time when jobs are being cut and the cost of living is increasing.

The average rental price of a prime two bedroom apartment fell by 2% in the second quarter of 2016 compared with the first quarter, according to the latest report from real estate services firm JLL.

The latest report from property firm CBRE also shows that there was a 2% fall in apartment rents in the second quarter of the year while it adds that villa rents fell by an average of 1%.

While supply remains stable, the reduction in demand has now started to cause vacancy rates to nudge upwards, indicating we have now reached a tipping point with rents declining for the first time in three years, said David Dudley, head of JLLs Abu Dhabi office.

The firm believes that plans by the state owned oil company Adnoc to cut 5,000 jobs by the end of the year, and staff cuts at other government companies, means fewer people are attracted to the emirate and apartments are left empty.

JLL is forecasting that rents will fall further this year as more expats and their families are expected to leave as their tenancies expire at the end of the academic year. We expect the impact of these job cuts and reduced incomes to become more pronounced over the summer, as some people look to either leave or downsize. This will push vacancy rates up further and cause rents to decline, explained Dudley.

The CBRE report also points to a drop in incomes as being behind demand falling for rental apartments with tenants looking for cheaper lets due to a combination of falling wages, a reduction in allowances and benefits, the removal of fuel and water subsidies and a new 3% municipality fee on Abu Dhabi expat rentals.

With economic challenges expected to continue in the short term, we anticipate further deflation of high end luxury rates as reduced corporate demand creates a more tenant led market, said Matthew Green, head of research in CBREs office.

He believes that with just 14,500 new homes expected to come to the market over the next two and a half years, around 5% of the current housing stock most of which will be aimed at the upper end of the market, rents for more affordable homes are likely to remain fairly flat.

With limited stock against current requirements, rental rates for affordable units have remained steady with minimal fluctuation recorded against the general slowdown observed in the upper segments, he added.

But Dudley does not think there will be a sharp decline in rents, rather a soft correction due to economic factors. However, he warned that while the Abu Dhabi governments prudent approach to re-prioritising spending in the current period of low oil prices if it continues the market could enter a more damaging downward spiral.

The extent to which a down turn can be mitigated depends on the return of domestic government spending in spite of a reduction in oil revenues, he added.
Albany, NY, July 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The top five providers of wearable medical devices held over 47% of the market in 2014, finds Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new study. Key companies  such as Medtronic Plc., OMRON Corporation, Fitbit, Inc., and Polar Electro  have helped strengthen this otherwise fragmented market. Through a strong presence in wearable medical devices meant for home healthcare, OMRON Corporation had held one of the largest revenue shares of close to 11% in 2014. Their product emphasis is particularly high on pedometers, blood pressure monitors, and similar home healthcare medical devices. Another key player, Fitbit, Inc., has made its mark in consumer electronics through its widely popular wearable fitness devices series.

Download Research Brochure at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1733

According to TMR, the large number of regional players makes for a highly competitive landscape. Smaller players are constantly pushing innovative boundaries in order to gain market share, while the larger names enjoy a greater amount of consumers trust and have a strong distribution chain.

High Innovation Rate and Growing Patient Pool Drive Wearable Medical Devices Sales

The two key drivers that players in the wearable medical devices can latch on to are the giant scope of innovation and the growing number of people that need these devices, states a TMR expert. Market penetration is, however, easier said than done, due to the large number of players that already exist on regional and global scales. But despite these numbers, the right kind of innovative effort can bring about major success for new entrants in wearable medical devices.

Companies are generally providing devices for two types of customers. The first is the wealthy, tech-savvy consumer who is highly conscious about his/her health, and the second type comes from a lower economic bracket and is looking for cheaper devices that provide basic utilities. Targeting both audiences can prove to be successful with the right kind of products and concepts, and will additionally depend on the region in which a player wishes to hold base.

At the same time, the sales of wearable medical devices are consistently driven by a growing global population that comes with a higher percentage of the elderly and patient pool with chronic diseases. Those suffering from issues such as diabetes are showing a high demand for fitness trackers and other wearable medical devices that can help them keep track of their physical health.

Asia Pacific Diabetics Count Rises, Results in Higher Demand for Wearable Medical Devices

As mentioned before, the patients suffering from chronic diseases are the ones showing the highest demand for wearable medical devices. The World Journal of Diabetes has stated that over 60% of the total diabetics in the world were located in Asia Pacific. Studies have shown that Asians are prone to falling prey to Type II diabetes. Additionally, the OECD, over 90 mn people from China alone are suffering from diabetes, while over US$75 bn has already been spent on diabetic patient care throughout Asia Pacific in 2011, stated the TMR expert. It is expected that these high numbers are set to pose a growing demand for wearable medical devices in the near future.

Research Blog on Wearable Medical Technology: http://www.tmrblog.com/2016/07/wearable-medical-technology-market.html

About Us:

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S. based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.
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The product portfolio includes: ODU MEDI-SNAP- a plastic circular connector solution available now in 48 hours, ODU MINI-MED a compact and cost efficient preassembled plastic connector with break-away function, ODU MINI-SNAP- a reliable Push-Pull circular connector with high mating cycles, ODUMAC- an advanced modular connector and ODU-MAC ZERO- a versatile hybrid connector with plastic housing.

ODU-USA supplies custom and standard medical connector solutions that respond to an extended number of requirements such as: high mating cycles, reliable data transmission, various locking systems, touch protection, non-magnetic, sterilizable and autoclavable, chemical resistance, maintenance free operation and easy to clean housing and surfaces.

ODU-USA is vertically integrated and provides in-house molding and custom connector capabilities, cable assembly integrated solutions, competitive lead time, rapid prototyping and product development, local one-on-one engineering support, factory direct.

For more product information go to: http://www.odu-usa.com/applications/medical.html

ODU Group: global representation with perfect connections

The ODU Group is one of the worlds leading suppliers of connector systems, employing 1,650 people around the world. In addition to its company headquarters in Muhldorf am Inn (Germany), ODU also has an international production and distribution network throughout Europe, North America and Asia. ODU combines all relevant areas of expertise and key technologies including design and development, machine tool and special machine construction, injection, stamping, turning, surface technology, assembly and cable assembly. The ODU Group sells its products globally through its eight subsidiaries in Denmark, England, France, Italy, Sweden, the US, China and Japan, as well as through numerous international sales partners. ODU connectors ensure a reliable transmission of power, signals, data and media for a variety of demanding applications including medical technology, military and security, eMobility, energy, industrial electronics, and measurement and testing.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Dana Stoica - Head of Marketing, North America

Phone +1 (805) 484-0540 Fax: +1 (805) 484-7458

Email: dana.stoica@odu-usa.com
TuWay Communications (TuWay) is proud to announce its joint venture with Computing Technologies, LLC (CTL) to better serve the needs of the regions businesses. Through this partnership and the implementation of an on-premise Network Support Center, both TuWay and CTL significantly improve their capability to monitor and secure IT infrastructures.

For 65 years, TuWay has been a Motorola Authorized Service Center monitoring and maintaining critical wireless Public Safety 911 infrastructures. TuWay currently holds Motorolas highest designation of Premier Service Partner. CTL specializes in the monitoring, securing and maintenance of corporate networks. By combining forces, TuWay and CTL have dramatically enhanced their capabilities - both wireless and wired. At the heart of the offering is an advanced rapid-response Network Support Center (NSC). This manned facility provides real-time monitoring and immediate response capability to network or equipment degradation, network alarms, and detected security breaches. Additionally, customers can initiate a service ticket via a dedicated customer service phone number, web portal, or e-mail. Through secure data connections to the customers location, engineers and technicians can remotely diagnose and, in many instances, resolve minor issues before they escalate into major outages. With a fleet of service vehicles, when required, someone can be on site usually within 2 - 4 hours to work on resolving the problem.

In addition to event response, the combined offering includes preventative maintenance and security services which include automated software patch implementation, centralized virus and malware protection, automated off-premise data back-up, and general administration and end-user support. The solution utilizes products from leading hardware and software vendors such as Dell, HP, Cisco, Barracuda, and AlienVault, and all plans are customized to each customers needs and budget.

TuWay Communications is an integrated communications systems provider based in Bethlehem, PA, helping businesses and public safety agencies improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. TuWay utilizes technology to develop advanced long-term solutions built to the organizations needs. From companies upgrading their current technology to those in search of a new communications approach, TuWay can design, engineer, install, and maintain a flexible solution. For additional information, visit http://www.tuway.com.

Computing Technologies, LLC (CTL) is an IT Managed Service Provider specializing in hardened and high-uptime environments. In addition to the design, engineering and installation of secure and redundant information systems, CTL employs an advanced real-time monitoring system allowing truly proactive response to the majority of issues. Combined with general network administration, vendor management and end-user support, CTL helps businesses achieve higher uptime, greater system resilience and increased productivity. Find their complete offerings at http://www.ctlit.com.
Tim Everitt "I have really enjoyed working for GRx these past 10 years. It's been a real pleasure to work with so many outstanding people in Pharmacy during the last decade. It makes the years fly by." Tim Everitt Past News Releases RSS Pharmaceutical Returns Provider,...

Pharmaceutical Returns Service...

Pharmaceutical Returns Provider,...

Guaranteed Returns would like to offer their congratulations to Tim Everitt on celebrating his 10th year anniversary with the company.

Tim joined Guaranteed Returns, founder of the pharmaceutical returns industry, in July 2006 as a Regional Service Executive in the Region. Throughout the years, Tim has proven to be consistently reliable and efficient in providing exceptional on-site pharmaceutical returns in his Philadelphia, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware territories. At his career milestone, Guaranteed Returns values Tims outstanding work, commitment and company loyalty. He is a great asset to the company and to his customers.

Tim has been a tremendous asset to the Northeast team in his 10 years of service. He has developed strong relationships with his clients and has shown his expertise in the pharmaceutical reverse distribution industry. Thanks for your hard work and continued dedication Tim. Its greatly appreciated! Tammy Wallace, Regional Director

About Guaranteed Returns

For over 25 years, Guaranteed Returns has provided pharmaceutical return services to hospital, government, independent retail, chain-store, LTC, Mail-Order and clinic pharmacies. Local GRx on-site service representatives are highly valued by customers for their professionalism, trustworthiness and for "going above and beyond." Business review consultations, inventory management assistance and unbeatable customer service are just a few of the attributes that customers say sets GRx apart.

Contact Guaranteed Returns at 1-800-473-2138, or on LinkedIn.
We all know that the copper infrastructure in New York City simply cannot keep up with modern IP requirements, says Alan Levy Co-Founder and CEO, Xchange Telecom & Skywire Networks.

Xchange Telecom, a diversified, New York City-based telecommunications company, announced today that it has just lit its 250th building, The Zipper Building at Austell Place in Long Island City, Queens. This is a major milestone in the companys mission of bringing ethernet access to NYCs underserved areas. The Brooklyn-based company also announces the launch of Skywire Networks (http://www.skywirenetworks.com), the business division of Xchange Telecom. Currently, more than 90% of commercial buildings in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan do not have access to gigabit speeds and are reliant on poor quality connections and services solely from Verizon and the cable companies.

This announcement of lighting its 250th building follows Xchanges recent partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and its broadband expansion in Industrial Business Zones -- a program known as Connect IBZ -- to deliver business class data and voice services to currently underserved areas. We all know that the copper infrastructure in New York City simply cannot keep up with modern IP requirements, says Alan Levy Co-Founder and CEO, Xchange Telecom and Skywire Networks. Skywire Networks is singularly focused on solving this access problem for non-fiber buildings in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. Just look around the city, all you see are construction cranes. There is so much real estate development going on, especially in Brooklyn and Queens, and there simply isnt enough supply of affordable, fast, commercial ethernet to satisfy demand. Skywire Networks, with our 14 hubs and 24,000 NYC near-net buildings is uniquely situated to address this demand.

The Zipper Building at Austell Place in Long Island City historically lacked any connectivity, which is necessary for growing businesses in todays marketplace, says George Karnoupakis, Vice President of Vanbarton Group LLC, which owns the property. Skywires fixed wireless product has been a formidable, relatively low cost telecommunications option, helpful in attracting tenants to our redevelopment.

Skywire Networks delivers business-class broadband ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps as well as advanced voice systems to businesses in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens where, until now, high-speed internet has been unobtainable. Its solution, Skywire HQ, gives small- to mid-sized businesses a complete, robust and affordable Business Connectivity Platform with enterprise-class internet, adaptive voice, and personalized service. Skywire Networks becomes the much-needed telecom department that most SMBs cannot afford, enabling them to leverage an enterprise-class communications infrastructure without having to manage it themselves.
Tax Point Advisors' Refreshed Logo Tax Point Advisors works with CPAs and businesses across the country in identifying and capturing their maximum federal and state tax credits.

To highlight its position as a leading expert in research and development (R&D) tax credits and specialty tax services, Tax Point Advisors has refreshed the firms brand identity with a new website, revised logo and new tagline: National Experts. Local Touch.

While Tax Point Advisors is recognized nationally for its R&D tax credit expertise, the revised logo better reflects the additional specialty tax services offered by the company, including:



New Tagline Emphasizes Hands-On Approach

The new brand identity reveals the tagline around which the firm will position itself: National Experts. Local Touch.

Our new tagline emphasizes our deep industry knowledge, national footprint and technical capabilities, as well as our ability to understand each local market so that we can fully maximize tax advantages for clients, explains Tax Point Advisors Founder and Managing Shareholder Jeffrey Feingold. It also speaks to the highly interactive, collaborative approach that we take to build the trust our clients need to have in us. National expertise doesnt have to come at the cost of an impersonal, fly-in, fly-out relationship.

Website: More Robust Industry/Service Information

Tax Point Advisors also launched a new website, http://www.taxpointadvisors.com, to provide clients with more detailed information about the tax credit qualification process, as well as new pages about the firms specialty tax services. Additionally, the site includes industry success stories, blogs and e-books provided by Tax Point Advisors team of CPAs, engineers and tax professionals.

Less than 33 percent of companies that qualify for R&D tax credits actually apply for them, said Feingold. Through its blogs, e-books and related thought leadership, our new website makes it easy for CPA firms and businesses to understand which industries and activities qualify for valuable credits and incentives.

Tax Point Advisors works with CPAs and businesses across the country in identifying and capturing their maximum federal and state tax credits. With experts placed nationally, they conduct local, thorough on-site assessments for every studythen, write a bullet-proof, audit-defensible study.

For more information on Tax Point Advisors, please call 800-260-4138 or visit taxpointadvisors.com.
This is a unique opportunity to dialogue around some of the most relevant legal topics today. Given the speed of change, its critical that we create access to the most advanced thinking in the field, and that is the primary goal here

Legal Talk Network and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law are pleased to announce the debut of Planet Lex: The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Podcast. Planet Lex is a series of conversations about the law, law and society, law and technology, and the future of legal education and practice. In other words, a bunch of interesting stuff about the law.

In the debut episode of Planet Lex, Defending Brendan Dassey of Making a Murderer, host Dan Rodriguez, Dean of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law speaks with Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Clinical Professor of Law Steven Drizin and Clinical Assistant Professor of Law Laura Nirider about youth interrogation, false confessions, and their representation of Brendan Dassey. Steve shares that he was contacted by a friend in the Wisconsin state appellate defenders office to represent Brendan and that because of the Wisconsin appellate process they had to do two years of intensive investigation before filing their appeal with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

Upcoming episodes will discuss the evolution of copyright in music, STEM focused education and law, and handling sexual misconduct on campus with guests Peter DiCola, Emerson H. Tiller, Leslie Oster, and Deborah Tuerkheimer, all of whom are professors at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

This is a unique opportunity to dialogue around some of the most relevant legal topics today. Given the speed of change, its critical that we create access to the most advanced thinking in the field, and that is the primary goal here, said Dean Rodriguez.

We are delighted to partner with Northwestern Pritzker School of Law for the Planet Lex podcast. In addition to being an amazing institution, our new friends at Northwestern have made this such a rewarding endeavor, Legal Talk Network Executive Producer Laurence Colletti said. Their abilities to communicate and attract top minds will enable us to deliver content that both entertains us and arouses our intellect. "

The podcast can be subscribed to on iTunes, Google Play Music, RSS, Stitcher, on the Legal Talk Network iTunes app and the Android app, or by email.

About Legal Talk Network

Legal Talk Network is changing the way legal professionals consume content. The network features podcasts by award-winning hosts and some of the most well-known industry thought leaders and organizations, including the ABA Journal, American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, Robert Half Legal, and Above the Law. Legal Talk Networks shows cover the important tools, technology, and events that shape the industry featuring high-profile guests and legal experts. Legal Talk Network is owned and operated by LAWgical, specializing in marketing, software and media for the legal industry. Follow on Twitter @LegalTalkNet.

About Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law is one of the country's leading law schools. Founded in 1859, Northwestern Law advances the understanding of law and prepares its graduates to excel in a rapidly changing world. Northwestern Law prides itself on its interdisciplinary research faculty, low student-faculty ratios, and collegial culture. Its downtown Chicago location in close proximity to courts, commerce, and public interest activities enables students to experience the practice of law, as well as its theory, in one of the most vibrant legal and business communities in the world.
AFT is truly an inspiring and innovative organization. We are honored to be hosting this outstanding event to increase awareness of the mission behind the cause  healing through art. -- Ben Larson

With a commitment to community, premium lifestyle real estate brand, Engel & Volkers South Bay is teaming up with Artists for Trauma to host the Adaptive Artists Multi-Media Group Art Show at their shop this August.

Founded in 2011 by trauma survivor Laura Sharpe, the concept behind Artists for Trauma (AFT) was inspired by Sharpes road to recovery, during which she connected with the world of art as a source of healing. The organization offers a creative portal for patients to process all of the after-effects of their traumatic experiences, expediting recovery through artistic expression, in order to positively reconnect with themselves, their families, and their communities.

AFT is truly an inspiring and innovative organization, says Ben Larson, Co-Owner of Engel & Volkers South Bay. We are honored to be hosting this outstanding event to increase awareness of the mission behind the cause  healing through art.

The three-day event begins on Friday, August 5th, with a Red Carpet Opening where guests will enjoy refreshments while browsing the positive and compelling art for sale. The show continues through the weekend with an art exhibition featuring Adaptive Artists specializing in photography, film, sculpture, painting, digital drawing and more. The official event flier is attached for additional information such as location and times. For further questions or to RSVP, please contact info(at)artistsfortrauma(dot)org.

About Engel & Volkers

Since its beginning in 1977 as a specialty boutique providing exclusive, high-end real estate services in Hamburg, Germany, Engel & Volkers has become one of the worlds leading companies specializing in the sale and lease of premium residential and commercial property, yachts and private aviation. Engel & Volkers currently operates a global network of over 7,000 real estate advisors in more than 700 brokerages spanning 37 countries across five continents, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services. It established its North America corporate headquarters in 2007 and opened its first brokerage in the same year. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and tools; multiple platforms for mobile, social and web; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Engel & Volkers is an active supporter of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

# # #

For more information please contact:

Sheela Shouhed

Director of Communications

Sheela.Shouhed(at)evusa(dot)com
nitya34 wrote:

Abolish taxes, and real taxpayers would find that their disposable incomes have increased. Abolish taxes, and public employees would find that their incomes have disappeared.



Which one of the following is a logical conclusion that depends on information in both of the statements above?



(A) Public offices should be abolished so that disposable incomes will rise.

(B) The only real taxpayers are those who would have more to spend if they did not pay taxes.

(C) Public employees are not real taxpayers.

(D) Public employees incomes should not be taxed since they come from taxes.

(E) If there were no taxes, then public employees could not be paid.

E is very close but the question is very tricky, so take into account this:It is true that E can be logically derived from the second statement. The issue here is that the question is asking for a logical conclusion that depends on both statements. E only depends on the second statement and the first does not provide any informations relevant to conclude EC on the other hand is a conclusion that depends on both statements:(Please excuse my english, these are not formal logic procedures but they provide a general idea)Lets suppose real tax payers are public employeesSupposition: x is a real tax payer x is a public employeeTaxes are abolished -> y is a real tax payer ^ y has its disposable income increasedTaxes are abolished -> z is a public employee ^ z has its income dessapearLets take the person A, A is a real tax payerTaxes are abolished then:A is a real tax payer ^ A has its disposable income increasedA is a public employee ^ A has its disposable income increasedBut alsoA is a public employee ^ A has its income dessapearSo A has its disposable income increased ^ A has its income dessapearSince we reached a contradiction we conclude that real tax payers cannot be public employees since disposable income cannot increase if the income dissapears.We reach a contradiction that depend on both statements to proof. Answer E is also right, but it is not what the question is asking, be careful with tricky questions.RegardsRegards
Some proposed mechanisms for the abiotic production of TAA and MTA in hydrothermal settings. The thick line represents a mineral surface (e.g., a metal sulfide or oxide). estimates of the ubiquity of suitable environments for the origin of life in and beyond our solar system may be somewhat overestimated, if these compounds are indeed crucial for jumpstarting early metabolism

Kinetic and thermodynamic considerations reported by researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology suggest that thioesters at the heart of many theories on the origin of life are unlikely primordial contributors. The research is reported in Scientific Reports, 21 July 2016.

How life emerged from a primordial soup of simple chemicals remains unknown. However, scientists have proposed several possible schemes for the origin of life, many of which rely on chemistry involving thioesters such as thioacetic acid (TAA) and methylathioacetate (MTA). Now results of kinetic and thermodynamic considerations reported by Kuhan Chandru and his colleagues at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Earth-Life Science Institute: ELSI), question the likelihood of these schemes.

Many of the reactions that form biological matter require enzymes that would not have existed in prebiotic times. However, the high temperatures in hydrothermal vents can overcome reaction barriers without the need for enzymes, making them widely considered likely sites for the origin of life. With this in mind, Chandru along with colleagues led by Jim Cleaves - a researcher affiliated with Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton  studied the reaction kinetics in the conditions found in hydrothermal vents.

The researchers used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study the reversible hydrolysis of TAA and MTA in a range of possible pH, temperature and concentration conditions common to hydrothermal settings. They conclude that TAA and MTA differ significantly in terms of their stability and reactivity as a function of pH and temperature, though both are implausible prebiotic reagents for different reasons in different contexts.

The researchers also add that the results suggest estimates of the ubiquity of suitable environments for the origin of life in and beyond our solar system may be somewhat overestimated, if these compounds are indeed crucial for jumpstarting early metabolism.

Background

The role of temperature

Chemical reactions can involve the release (exothermal) or absorption (endothermal) of energy. Many of the reactions that produce organic matter in organisms are highly endothermal. They are achieved in living organisms despite the presence of a large energy barrier to product formation thanks to enzymes, which provide a pathway with a lower energy barrier. In prebiotic Earth such enzymes would not be available so very high temperatures, like those found in hydrothermal vents, may have been needed.

TAA and MTA hydrolyze to form acids and thiols. While this reaction is reversible, the equilibrium concentrations of TAA and MTA in the conditions that exist in hydrothermal vents are extremely low for schemes that base the origin of life on these chemicals.

The role of concentration

The exact conditions during the emergence of life on primordial Earth are unknown. However, what is known of the ancient oceans during the Archaen period (~4-2.5 x 109 years ago, when life is thought to have begun) constrain concentrations of hydrogen ions (that is, pH) as well as iron, carbon and sulphur to levels similar to those found in hydrothermal vents. These concentrations are all problematic for the generation of TAA and MTA.

The origin of reactants

The product of the hydrolysis reactions is acetic acid. Isotopic measurements to date all point to biological origins of the acetic acid that exists in hydrothermal vents, which leaves questions over its existence in the primordial conditions present during the emergence of life.

Reference



Kuhan Chandru1, Alexis Gilbert1, Christopher Butch1, Masashi Aono1, H. James Cleaves II1,2,3,4*, The Abiotic Chemistry of Thiolated Acetate Derivatives and the Origin of Life, Scientific Reports 6, on line 21 July 2016

doi:10.1038/srep29883

1. Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8551, Japan

2. Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ 08540

3. Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 1515 Gallatin St. NW, Washington, DC 20011

4. Center for Chemical Evolution, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332

About Tokyo Institute of Technology

Tokyo Institute of Technology stands at the forefront of research and higher education as the leading university for science and technology in Japan. Tokyo Tech researchers excel in a variety of fields, such as material science, biology, computer science and physics. Founded in 1881, Tokyo Tech has grown to host 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students who become principled leaders of their fields and some of the most sought-after scientists and engineers at top companies. Embodying the Japanese philosophy of monotsukuri, meaning technical ingenuity and innovation, the Tokyo Tech community strives to make significant contributions to society through high-impact research.

Website: http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/
Will not only be felt by the UK or the European Union, it will affect any holder of intellectual property rights in the region

iGERENT, a company specialized in offering intellectual property services worldwide, has analyzed the key aspects of the new intellectual property landscape created by the Brexit victory in the UK, heralding the end of the United Kingdoms membership to the European Union. European Union trademarks will be the most affected.

Victoire Bauvin, trademark consultant in iGERENT, states that Brexit will not only be felt by the UK or the European Union, it will affect any holder of intellectual property rights in the region. She also added that the exact consequences will be determined during the long negotiation process between UK and the rest of the European Union that will define the modalities of the effective Brexit. Among possible consequences, the following issues have to be considered:

The European Patent Office and the Unitary Patent

The United Kingdom is a signatory of the European Patent Convention, which is the treaty providing the legal framework according to which European Patents are granted, and establishing and regulating the European Patent Office. The EPC (and therefore the EPO) is separate from the European Union, and memberships are different.

Consequently, the UK leaving the European Union has no impact on the EPC, and as such there will be no changes to the European Patent process, says Bauvin.

However, she notes, an agreement that was signed by the European Union member countries, including UK, for the creation of a Unitary Patent and a Unified Patent Court could clearly be affected. The president of EPO, Benoit Battistelli, recently stated that he expected that the UK and other member states would reach an agreement to implement it, which sums it to the list of numerous issues that will need to be resolved at the negotiation table.

European Union Trademarks

In the case of trademarks, the situation is more complex, Bauvin points out. The European Union Trademarks Office works under EU law and is a EU agency, and its European Union Trademarks grant protection in the current members of the European Union. According to the current legislation, the moment the UK leaves the European Union, European Union Trademarks will cease to grant protection in that territory, she states.

Although the European Union has made provisions for the case of one of its members leaving, as detailed in Article 50 of the 2009 Lisbon Treaty, they do not include the regulations in terms of intellectual property, which leaves much uncertainty as to how Brexit will affect EU trademarks.

Although we cannot predict the outcome of the negotiations between London and Brussels, Bauvin describes three possible scenarios:

1. An agreement is reached that allows the United Kingdom to remain part of the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

It would mean a re-write of European Union IP laws, which makes it highly unlikely.

2. No agreement whatsoever is reached, and EU trademarks lose all validity in the UK the moment it formally exists the EU.

This would mean all holders of a European Union trademark with interests in the UK would have to immediately register their trademark locally in order to maintain effective protection.

3. An agreement is reached that allows a smoother transition. There are various possible options in this case, among which for instance:



A system in which already registered EU trademarks would still have validity in the UK, but future applications would not.

A system in which owners of registered EU trademarks would have to re-register a UK trademark based on the EU trademark, via an accelerated or automatic process; this would help avoid an overload of the UK Intellectual Property Office by a rush of trademark applications.

To sum up, Victoire Bauvin advises holders of intellectual property rights interested in safeguarding their interests in the United Kingdom that it is worth taking a closer look at [their] interests and strategy in order to anticipate whatever changes are ahead. In any case, when it comes to intellectual property, anticipation and planning are always best. In iGERENT we have a team of expert professionals to advise our clients through this transition, she concludes.

*ABOUT iGERENT:

iGERENT is a company that specializes in providing global intellectual property services. It provides cost-effective solutions for its clients trademark, patent, copyright and domain name dispute related needs.

iGERENTs team of experts has extensive experience in dealing with intellectual property matters worldwide.

http://www.igerent.com
The Dynamics SL User Group Fall Conference is always a great opportunity for us to connect with our SL clients and other SL users to learn how we can help them drive more value from their systems.

SBS Group, a leading information technology services and consulting firm, has announced they will be a sponsor at the Dynamics SL Users Group Fall Conference 2016. SBS Group will be an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Gold Sponsor at the annual conference.

The Dynamics SL User Group Fall Conference 2016 will be held at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA on September 28  30, 2016. The three day event will feature training sessions, demonstrations and deep dive sessions with all topics focusing on Microsoft Dynamics SL. The Dynamics SL User Group is an association of professionals interested in the development and optimized use of Microsoft Dynamics SL. The association is independent of Microsoft and meets on a regular basis, online or face-to-face, to discuss best tips and other Dynamics SL knowledge.

As an ISV Gold Sponsor, SBS Group will be present throughout the duration of the conference. SBS Group will present at one of the Sponsor Sessions as well as be featured during the various Sponsor Expos. SBS Group has over 25 years of experience implementing and consulting on SL solutions for small and medium-sized businesses nationwide. A Microsoft Master VAR, SBS Group has the most Gold Certified Dynamics SL consultants of any US-based partner.

The Dynamics SL User Group Fall Conference is always a great opportunity for us to connect with our SL clients and other SL users to learn how we can help them drive more value from their systems, said James Bowman, President and CEO of SBS Group. This year, the conference is even more meaningful, as Microsoft introduces Dynamics 365, I am sure SL users will be interested to learn more.

Learn more information about the Dynamics SL User Group Fall Conference 2016 and register here.

About SBS Group

SBS Group is a national Microsoft master VAR (Value Added Reseller) with Gold level competency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM). Over the past 30 years, they have been recognized as Microsoft Partner of the Year, Inner Circle Member and Microsoft President's Club member multiple times. The company is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey and operates offices across North America. For more information, please visit SBS Group's website at http://www.sbsgroupusa.com. Follow us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/sbs-group, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/sbsgroup and find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SBSGroupUSA.
USHEALTH Group, Inc. has earned the prestigious Gold status in the Golden Bridge Awards, as Company of the Year, for Accounting, Banking, Financial and Insurance. The coveted annual Golden Bridge Awards program encompasses the worlds best in organizational performance, innovations, products and services, executives and management teams, women in business and the professions, best deployments, product management, public relations, marketing, and customer satisfaction programs from every major industry in the world. Organizations from all over the world are eligible to submit nominations including public and private, for-profit and non-profit, largest to smallest and new start-ups.

Winners will be honored in San Francisco on Monday, September 12, 2016 during the annual SVUS Red Carpet Awards Ceremony Dinner.

Throughout 2015 USHEALTH Group Inc. continued its remarkable growth trajectory by focusing on sales of its health products in the under-65 individual health market. Moreover, while in this high-growth period, the time-service on claims payments has actually improved by 1 full day, giving USHEALTH Group Inc.'s insurance companies historically high marks for customer service and claims payments. USHEALTH Groups Company of the Year honors come just days after its President and CEO Troy McQuagge was named CEO of the Year for Insurance in the 2016 CEO World Awards.

Its an honor for our company to receive such esteemed industry and peer recognition by the Golden Bridge Awards," said Mr. McQuagge. USHEALTH is committed to providing value to our customers and a remarkable opportunity for our captive career agents. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication required by our officers, employees and agents, to fulfill that commitment. While I am certainly proud of this achievement, I am most proud of the way we did it - by helping and serving our customers in the marketplace.

About the Golden Bridge Awards

Golden Bridge Awards are an annual industry and peers recognition program honoring best companies in every major industry from large to small and new start-ups in North America, Europe, Middle-East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin-America, Best New Products and Services, Best Innovations, Management and Teams, Women in Business and the Professions, Case Studies, Customer Satisfaction, and PR and Marketing Campaigns from all over the world. Learn more about The Golden Bridge Awards at http://www.goldenbridgeawards.com

About USHEALTH Group, Inc.

USHEALTH Group, Inc. is an insurance holding company based in Ft. Worth, Texas focused on providing innovative health coverage for self-employed individuals and small business owners. The goal of USHEALTH is to combine the talents of its employees and agents to market competitive and profitable insurance products, while providing superior customer service in every aspect of the companys operations.
Our Members Only program gives loyal guests who book direct with us an opportunity to get more for their stay in New York City, from additional amenities, to upgrades, to perks at local shops and restaurants.

Triumph Hotels, who own and operate seven distinct hotels in New York City, have announced a new Members Only program that will benefit guests of their hotels. Guests who sign up now will receive up to 40% off their stay at one of Triumphs seven hotels, along with other amenities such as free Wi-Fi and complimentary neighborhood walking tours. Travelers to Triumphs seven hotels will receive additional benefits throughout the year; which can include gift cards to local stores, welcome amenities presented on arrival, and other seasonal perks.

Were excited to offer guests this unique program, says Nicole Ferrer, Our Members Only program gives loyal guests who book direct with us an opportunity to get more for their stay in New York City, from additional amenities, to upgrades, to perks at local shops and restaurants. Were excited to bring New Yorks vibrancy and culture to guests at our seven unique New York City hotels.

Guests who wish to stay at any one of Triumph Hotels seven hotels can sign up on that hotels Members Only section on the hotels web site. Guests will receive email alerts and perks that pertain to that specific hotel and its neighborhood in Manhattan. Triumph, owns and manages hotels in TriBeCa, The Upper West Side, Flatiron, NoMad, Midtown, Times Square, and The Theater District, and each of their hotels has an individual design and style.

Signing up for Triumph Hotels Members Only program is free. Users simply visit the Members Only section of the hotels web site and input their email address. From then on, theyll have access to Triumph Hotels current offers, and Triumph will notify them of new offers via email.

About Triumph Hotels

Triumph Hotels operates seven historic and unique hotels in Manhattan, along with one restaurant and cocktail salon both located in The Iroquois New York, Triomphe, a French cuisine restaurant and Lanterns Keep a pre-prohibition style cocktail salon.



Cosmopolitan Hotel-Tribeca

The Evelyn

Hotel Chandler

Iroquois New York

Hotel Edison

Washington Jefferson Hotel

Hotel Belleclaire

To learn more about Triumph Hotels and their seven boutique hotels in Manhattan, please visit triumphhotels.com.
The only thing that gives a more lucrative result is to directly rob the banks, something that happened to the Central Bank of Bangladesh, where hackers were able to successfully transfer 81 million dollars.

PandaLabs, Panda Securitys anti-malware laboratory, has published their latest quarterly report. PandaLabs reviewed the 18 million new malware samples that were discovered this quarter, an average of 200,000 samples every day. Trojans maintain their position at the top of the list of captured malware, highlighting the rise of ransomware attacks in this category. Ransomware has become an international business that costs billions of dollars each year.

Ransomware and Information Theft

Money is always the main motivation for cybercrime. We have seen how this can be done in a variety of ways: through Ransomware, by stealing information from businesses and users, and sometimes by specifically targeting banks.

Team Skeet, a website that distributes pornographic videos and belongs to the Paper Street Media network, recently suffered an attack where data belonging to 237,000 users was stolen including physical addresses; this sensitive information is being sold on the black market for an excessive price, $400 per credential, a total value adding up to almost $95 million dollars.

In another incident of information theft, contact information for 1,100,000 users was stolen from the website beautifulpeople.com, leaving users information exposed. Acer also fell victim to an attack on their ecommerce site where data was stolen from 34,500 of their users. The most serious point about this case is that their site was compromised for nearly a year without their knowledge. All of these attacks have something in common: a large payment to recover stolen information without a guarantee that everything will be returned.

A Rise in Attacks against PoS Terminals and Financial Entities

Another widespread and popular theft tactic is through Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, such as PunkeyPOS. Pandalabs discovered this malware that infected more than 200 restaurants in the United States and stole information from credit cards used in those establishments.

The only thing that gives a more lucrative result is to directly rob the banks, something that happened to the Central Bank of Bangladesh, where hackers were able to successfully transfer 81 million dollars. Subsequently, two similar cases occurred: one against a bank in Vietnam and another against a bank in Ecuador.

Security Breaches in Mobile Devices and the IoT

It seems like Google has gone full throttle when it comes to patching all security holes in its operating systems, with monthly updates that fix all newly discovered vulnerabilities. Even so, the improvements made by the technology giant cannot prevent Android from becoming a dangerous ecosystem as attacks increase exponentially.

At the same time, PandaLabs predicts that businesses will gradually increase spending on the Internet of Things (IoT). The consultant Gartner publicized an interesting report on security in the IoT. In this document, they predicted that 25% of the attacks suffered by businesses will involve IoT devices by 2020. It is expected that in 2016, 6.4 billion of these devices will be connected to the net (30% more than 2015) and in 2018 they calculate that the number of these devices will be over 11.4 billion.

The Advancing Cyberwar

When we are discussing cyberwar in the majority of these occasions, we are talking about attacks that are probably sponsored by different countries, even though it is rare to find evidence that confirms who is responsible for the attack. However, the United States went on the offensive and acknowledged that they are launching cyberattacks against ISIS.

We learned of another cybersecurity incident in the month of June, when South Koreas police department publicized an attack from North Korea. It seems that the attack began over a year ago, focused on 140,000 computers belonging to organizations and government agencies, as well as defense contractors. This attack was not discovered until this February. According to police, more than 42,000 documents were stolen in which 95% of them were defense-related, for example the plans and specifications of the American F15 fighter planes wings.

About Panda Security

Founded in 1990, Panda Security is the world's leading cloud-based security solutions company. Based in Spain, the company has a direct presence in over 80 countries, products translated into more than 23 languages and millions of users worldwide. Its mission is to simplify the complexity by creating new and better solutions to safeguard the digital life of its users.

For more information, visit http://www.pandasecurity.com/
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is pleased to announce that it has partnered with ESTECO to offer AMA members free ESTECO Academy memberships. ESTECO will sponsor AMA members and offer free academic modeFRONTIER licenses for students and Ph.D. researchers. Usually, these academic licenses cost $120 per year and $240 per year respectively.

ESTECO develops software for multidisciplinary optimization. Its flagship product, modeFRONTIER, is used worldwide in many industries to integrate simulation processes, conduct trade-off studies, and find optimal designs.

AMA members who are students and who use simulation software in their studies can now leverage the advanced capabilities of ESTECO optimization technology to identify the best design configuration. A free ESTECO Academy Student Membership will be granted to verified AMA members who include their AMA registration numbers in the project description field of the ESTECO Academy registration form.

To learn more about AMAs newest educational partnership visit http://www.amaflightschool.org/partners/ESTECOacademy.

###

About AMA

The Academy of Model Aeronautics, founded in 1936, continues to be devoted to national airspace safety. It serves as the nations collective voice for approximately 190,000 modelers in 2,400 clubs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, AMA is a membership organization representing those who fly model aircraft for recreation and educational purposes.

About AMA Flight School

AMA Flight School is an intriguing, easy-to-use, and interactive educational resource that answers the question, How Do I? Flight School offers do-it-yourself activities, educational resources, outreach information, and lots of video content. It is a user-friendly experience for members, clubs, teachers, and anyone wanting to know more about aeromodeling. For more information, visit http://www.amaflightschool.org.
As a Director of Training and Organizational Development for SPS, I have a responsibility to rethink our traditional structure of how we empower employees to meet client needs and what they need to do to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Swiss Post Solutions, a world-class provider of outsourcing services and industry employer of choice, joined a panel of Human Resource experts at a recent conference hosted by JobsFirstNYC and the Young Invincibles, two highly established employment assistance organizations. Chief People Officer, Russ Cusick represented SPS on the panel, which also included hiring executives from other companies and organizations.

The Adapting to the Future of Work Conference convened employers, employer intermediaries, trade associations, local philanthropic organizations and young prospective employees to address how businesses can adapt to advances in technology, changing economic trends and demographic shifts by creating cost-effective talent development processes for young employees.

The conference allowed industry leaders to share innovative strategies that are being used to increase both business productivity and young peoples access to meaningful employment opportunities. The event facilitated discussion among professionals about how to respond to the unprecedented challenges that young employees face in todays workforce.

As a Director of Training and Organizational Development for SPS, I have a responsibility to rethink our traditional structure of how we empower employees to meet client needs and what they need to do to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world, said SPS Paul Ortega on the conference.

SPS executives shared how the companys employee screening, onboarding and training processes have allowed it to remain a leader in the development of people within the outsourcing industry, which enables SPS to boast a 98% monthly employee retention rate. SPS ability to adapt its methods to attract and retain top employees has provided the company with a notable competitive advantage.

Russ Cusick, SPS Chief People Officer, spoke at the Conference on behalf of SPS. He has been in the outsourcing and staffing industry since 1998 and oversees the companys Human Resources and People Services. A true advocate for job applicants and employees alike, Russ has been recently awarded a Gold Stevie Award as HR Executive of the Year, and under Russ direction, the SPS North America People Office was awarded a Bronze Stevie Award as HR Department of the Year through the 2016 American Business Awards.

Contact SPS to learn more about SPS people-based solutions, and how they can work for your business.

About SPS

Swiss Post Solutions (SPS) is a leading outsourcing provider of solutions for paper-based business processes and innovative services in document management. SPS' 7,500 employees support business clients in the areas of insurance, banking, legal, higher education, telecommunications, media, retail, energy supply and travel & transportation in the digital transformation. Part of the Swiss Post group, SPS is headquartered in Zurich and Berne (Switzerland) with an active presence in all important international economic regions.

Swiss Post Solutions (SPS) North America (NA) offers a comprehensive suite of business process outsourcing solutions and document management services including the transformation of key business applications from paper to digital documents, enabling improved workflow and enhanced efficiencies. In the field of outsourced office services, SPS NA leverages its focus on process innovation to provide mailroom management, managed print services, reprographic services, IT helpdesk support, front office and reception services. Headquartered in New York City, SPS NA has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC and Toronto, and operates secure document processing centers in Long Island City and Toronto.
Jeff VanDyke joined HNTB Corporation as senior project manager. He is based in the firms Atlanta office. His understanding of Atlantas infrastructure needs along with complexities of the region will enable HNTB to work with transportation agencies in the region to help solve our tremendous transportation challenges

Jeff VanDyke joined HNTB Corporation as senior project manager. He is based in the firms Atlanta office.

VanDyke has more than 30 years of comprehensive transportation experience, with 14 years in private-sector consultation and 16 years in the public sector at the Georgia Department of Transportation.

In his new role, VanDyke serves as the primary point of contact for large projects in the Office of Innovative Delivery, and coordinates with GDOT to develop alternative delivery packages. He also is responsible for all aspects of project management, including staffing, quality control and scope of work determination on Design Build projects.

Jeff joins HNTB with considerable relationships in the industry and significant experience with Georgia transportation projects, said Dustin OQuinn, PE, CPESC, HNTB senior project manager and HNTB department manager. His understanding of Atlantas infrastructure needs along with complexities of the region will enable HNTB to work with transportation agencies in the region to help solve our tremendous transportation challenges.

VanDyke has worked on a variety of transportation projects throughout his career including, interstate projects urban and rural widening projects, bridge replacements, and intersection improvements. This experience includes planning, design and preparation of construction plans; utility coordination; and right-of-way plans and acquisition coordination.

Prior to joining HNTB, VanDyke served as a senior project manager and GDOT client manager for another consulting firm.

VanDyke is a member of the American Society of Highway Engineers and is active in the American Council of Engineering Consultants. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University and is a registered Professional Engineer.

Combining both national and local expertise in the design of innovative transportation solutions, HNTBs Atlanta office has worked on a number of significant projects since the opening of a design office in 1968. Major projects include the I-85/I-285 Interchange, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Dunwoody Station and various aerial and underground line sections throughout the MARTA system, Atlantas streetcar system, the Georgia 400 Toll Plaza, and the Wall Street Viaduct replacement. Current projects include the I-75 South Metro Express Lanes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport General Engineering Consultant services, and support for Georgia Commute Options.

About HNTB

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving public and private owners and contractors. With more than a century of service in the United States and nearly, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management. For more information, visit http://www.hntb.com.
KnowBe4 available in 26 languages Employees are the weakest link in your network security and you need effective security awareness training to keep on top of furiously innovating cybercrime.

KnowBe4 Inc., the most popular integrated platform for security awareness training and simulated phishing tests, released its Kevin Mitnick Security Awareness Training in twenty-six language versions. The interactive, on-demand computer-based training covers high-risk topics and how to identify red flags such as the current ransomware epidemic, the W-2 scam and CEO email fraud which are costing the economy billions of dollars.

The released languages include Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Polish, Finnish, Hungarian, Norwegian, Arabic and multiple dialects of key languages.

An updated FBI alert issued in June, 2016 warned of a massive increase in CEO fraud to the tune of 3.1 billion dollars, up from 2.3 billion noted in April, 2016. Companies are now realizing they cannot keep doing the same old annual awareness training, as threats are evolving much faster.

KnowBe4s CEO Stu Sjouwerman stated, Employees are the weakest link in your network security and you need effective security awareness training to keep on top of furiously innovating cybercrime. The new features we are announcing were previously out of reach for IT managers with limited budget, and we have worked hard to make effective training and frequent simulated phishing affordable for these companies.

KnowBe4s Chief Hacking Officer Kevin Mitnick stated "Our new EZXploit feature truly assesses whether your business can be exploited by the bad guys. Just clicking on a link sent in email alone doesn't mean your business can be successfully phished. The true test is to determine whether the user can be exploited. EZXploit allows you evaluate that risk."

The new advanced features include:

EZXploit: Includes patent pending functionality that allows an internal, fully automated "human pentest". By launching a simulated phishing attack, which when clicked, comes up with a secondary ruse like a Java popup that the user is further social engineered to click on. No malicious action is performed but the process allows IT to see which data is accessible and users most prone to click by scanning info such as user name, IP address, a user's workstation and Active Directory info.

USB Drive Test: A customer can download a special, "beaconized" Microsoft Office file from the KnowBe4 admin console onto a USB drive which can then be dropped at an on-site, high traffic area. If an employee picks up the USB drive, plugs it in their workstation, and opens the file, it will "call home" and report the fail.

GEO-location was added by KnowBe4 to its phishing templates, allowing an admin to see where simulated phishing attack failures are on a map, with drilldown capability and CSV-export options. This is highly useful for multi-site offices and road warriors alike.

KnowBe4s program provides a comprehensive new-school approach that integrates baseline testing using mock attacks, engaging web-based training and continuous assessment through simulated phishing, vishing or smishing attacks to build a more resilient and secure organization. KnowBe4 also provides "double-random" message delivery with hundreds of highly realistic phishing messages, spread over time. Every employee receives a different phishing email at a different time, eliminating the prairie dog effect.. Automated phishing campaigns with unlimited usage and community templates help keep IT efforts current.

The strong demand for KnowBe4s training has fueled unparalleled growth for 12 straight quarters.

For more information, visit http://www.KnowBe4.com

About KnowBe4

KnowBe4 is the worlds most popular integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform. Realizing that the human element of security was being seriously neglected, KnowBe4 was created by two of the best known names in cybersecurity, Kevin Mitnick (the Worlds Most Famous Hacker), and Inc. 500 alum serial security entrepreneur Stu Sjouwerman, to help organizations manage the problem of social engineering tactics through new school security awareness training. The company maintains a top spot in the Cybersecurity 500, the definitive list of the worlds hottest and most innovative companies in cybersecurity. More than 4,000 organizations use KnowBe4s platform to keep employees on their toes with security top of mind. KnowBe4 is used across all industries, including highly regulated fields such as finance, healthcare, energy, government and insurance.
ttar wrote:

Certain genetically modified strains of maize produce a powerful natural insecticide. The

insecticide occurs throughout the plant, including its pollen. Maize pollen is dispersed by

the wind and frequently blows onto milkweed plants that grow near maize fields.

Caterpillars of monarch butterflies feed exclusively on milkweed leaves. When these

caterpillars are fed milkweed leaves dusted with pollen from modified maize plants, they

die. Therefore, by using genetically modified maize, farmers put monarch butterflies at

risk.

Which of the following would it be most useful to determine in order to evaluate the

argument?

A. Whether the natural insecticide is as effective against maize-eating insects as

commercial insecticides typically used on maize are

B. Whether the pollen of genetically modified maize contains as much insecticide as

other parts of these plants

C. Whether monarch butterfly caterpillars are actively feeding during the part of the

growing season when maize is releasing pollen

D. Whether insects that feed on genetically modified maize plants are likely to be

killed by insecticide from the plantas pollen

E. Whether any maize-eating insects compete with monarch caterpillars for the

leaves of milkweed plants growing near maize fields

not important

not important

if they eat, they die, or if they don't eat, they will not die.

we are talking about catepillar rather than insects.

not important

go for C.A. Whether the natural insecticide is as effective against maize-eating insects as commercial insecticides typically used on maize areB. Whether the pollen of genetically modified maize contains as much insecticide as other parts of these plantsC. Whether monarch butterfly caterpillars are actively feeding during the part of the growing season when maize is releasing pollenD. Whether insects that feed on genetically modified maize plants are likely to bekilled by insecticide from the plantas pollenE. Whether any maize-eating insects compete with monarch caterpillars for theleaves of milkweed plants growing near maize fields
Dr. Angela Cotey Now Accepts New Patients for Clear Braces in Mount Horeb, WI

Dr. Angela Cotey, trusted general dentist, is now accepting new patients for clear braces in Mount Horeb, WI, without requiring a referral. Traditional orthodontics may require years of treatment, but the 6 Month Smiles system aligns crooked teeth in a significantly shorter time. The brackets and wires are virtually invisible because they match the color of the teeth, allowing patients to quickly straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their smile.

People who are self-conscious about crooked teeth may prefer to keep their mouths, limiting their facial expressions. Many individuals desiring to improve their quality of life turn to orthodontics to correct misaligned teeth and enjoy a greater sense of self-confidence. Having silver brackets and wires for two to three years may seem even worse of a problem to some, including the ongoing expenses of the visits that occur for the duration of this method. When weighing the benefits against the challenges, these factors often lead patients to determine traditional braces are not worth the trouble.

Dr. Cotey understands these real concerns, which is why she offers 6 Month Smiles at her practice. Fewer visits and shorter appointments reduce the expense of the process, and those with clear braces in Mount Horeb, WI, are able to avoid the many years of pain and hassle from traditional metal brackets. The shorter timeframe also reduces the risk of tooth enamel damage and discoloration that sometimes occurs due to the placement of the brackets over a long period of time.

People who live in Mount Horeb, WI, interested in clear braces no longer need a referral to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cotey for 6 Month Smiles. More orthodontics information is available on her website at http://www.villagesmilecare.com.

About the Doctor

Dr. Angela Cotey is a general dentist offering personalized dental care to patients in Mount Horeb, WI. Dr. Cotey and her entire team take pride in offering the latest advancements in dentistry and dental technology to ensure each patient enjoys a comfortable experience with long-lasting results. Dr. Cotey combines advanced dentistry with a fun and friendly style. She is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association and the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry. To learn more about Dr. Cotey or the services she offers, please visit her website at http://www.villagesmilecare.com or call (608) 433-2102 to schedule an appointment.
Class of 2016 Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Thanks to Fund II Foundation and UNCF, with the opportunities afforded through this award, Ill be able to make my dream a reality. - Calen Robinson

With grant support from Fund II Foundation totaling approximately $48 million, UNCF today announced its first class of Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM scholars (STEM Scholars). The 100 top-performing African American high school seniors, selected from across the nation, will each receive a total award package of up to $25,000 that includes scholarships and a stipend for STEM internships over five years. In addition, the program will provide wrap-around support critical to students academic success. The award will enable the students to pursue a bachelors degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields at the college or university of their choosing while learning about innovation and startup tech entrepreneurship.

UNCF and Fund II Foundation President Robert F. Smith have been focused on diversity and inclusion efforts, respectively, and in particular in the software industry. With African Americans making up less than five percent of the science and engineering workforce, and less than one percent of all tech startups, Fund II Foundation and UNCF joined together to address this challenge. The Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program will create a robust pipeline of African American students well prepared to have careers in the tech industry and to become the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

We are thrilled by the selection of the first 100 Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars, said Linda Wilson, Fund II Foundation executive director. These young scholars offer so much hope and excitement for the future as technology is transforming the economy at lightning speed.

Applications opened in November 2015 and closed in February, with more than 2,300 students applying for the coveted awards. The inaugural class of 100 STEM Scholars comprises 50 men and 50 women with an average grade point average (GPA) of 3.83. With regard to their academic aspirations, 44 percent of the scholars plan to pursue a degree in the sciences; eight percent will pursue technology; 45 percent, engineering; and three percent, mathematics.

One STEM Scholar, Calen Robinson, is a standout student from Brookhaven, PA, with a 3.94 GPA. He graduated as a home-schooled student, supplemented by dual enrollment classes at Widener University and Delaware County Community College. He plans to attend Carnegie Mellon University this fall and study computer engineering. Aspiring to become a chief technology officer, Calen understands the importance of protecting the integrity of a companys information technology and data infrastructure.

Protecting a companys data and the data entrusted to it by its clients is an important task. Without security, there would be no trust in clients, and profits would decrease in any business model, Robinson said. Thanks to Fund II Foundation and UNCF, with the opportunities afforded through this award, Ill be able to make my dream a reality. My work will have a far-reaching benefits for everyone who uses the network.

Over the next four years, the Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program will continue its nationwide search to identify 100 more of the most highly motivated and academically talented African American high school students each year who are committed to pursuing STEM majors in college and careers in STEM industries. In addition to scholarships, the program will support their academic progress through mentoring and career development with internships that will help prepare them for the tech workforce.

The program also will expose students to the principles of startup tech entrepreneurship and offer them a unique opportunity to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures upon graduation. Scholars will receive $2,500 per academic year as freshmen and sophomores, $5,000 a year as juniors and seniors, an additional $5,000 for students whose academic programs require a fifth year, and a $5,000 stipend based on a STEM-related project/internship of the students interest.

We are excited to welcome the inaugural class of Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars, said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF president and CEO. These students will set the bar in demonstrating that African American students from various backgrounds who are rich in talent can excel at the highest levels in any of the nations colleges and universities they choose to attend. We look forward to the positive impact the program will have on the lives of these new STEM Scholars and, in turn, how they will enhance their respective industries, their communities and the global economy in the years to come.

This years cohort represents 29 states, with Georgia, Maryland and Texas having the highest number of scholars per state with 14, 10 and eight respectively. Florida, North Carolina and Virginia have seven scholars each. The scholars will attend 71 different elite colleges and universities, including 12 scholars who will attend seven historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Of those, five are UNCF-supported HBCUs: Morehouse College, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, Wilberforce University and Xavier University of Louisiana. Thirteen scholars will attend seven of the nations eight Ivy League institutions.

The inaugural class of STEM Scholars will meet for a leadership summit July 29-31 in Atlanta, where they will meet one another, map out academic and career goals, and hear from African American experts within the STEM fields, including Dr. Ebony McGee, assistant professor of diversity and urban schooling at Vanderbilt University, and Dr. Karl Pendergrass, a UNCF Merck postdoctoral fellow who is director of medical affairs for the cardiovascular and metabolic disease team at Merck. Fund II Foundation executive director Linda Wilson will also welcome the scholars at the summit.

Click here to view the Class of 2016 Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars listed by last name

Click here to view the Class of 2016 Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars listed by home state/U.S. territory

View photos from the inaugural Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars orientation, with photo credit to Johnathon Henninger for UNCF

UNCF annually awards more than $100 million via 10,000 scholarships each year. Of the 400 scholarship, internship and fellowship programs UNCF annually offers, 12 percent are STEM-related. The $48 million grant by Fund II Foundation marks the largest donation in UNCFs 72-year history granted by an African American-led foundation.

###

About Fund II Foundation

Fund II Foundation is a charitable foundation, at the heart of which is a deep commitment to advance social change, create opportunity, respect and protect the environment, and preserve our culture. Fund II Foundation is focused on improving lives and opportunities for African-American and other vulnerable populations. Fund II Foundation makes grants to 501(c)(3) public charities in five areas: 1) preservation of the African-American experience; 2) safeguarding human dignity by giving a voice to the voiceless and promoting human rights; 3) improving environmental conservation and providing outdoor education that enables people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the numerous benefits of the great outdoors; 4) facilitating music education, particularly in primary and secondary schools, to nourish both the mind and the soul; and 5) sustaining the uniquely American values of entrepreneurship, empowerment, innovation and security. For more information on Fund II Foundation, visit http://www.fund2foundation.org.

About UNCF

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nations largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Learn more at UNCF.org. For continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter, at @UNCF and #Fund2UNCFSTEMScholar.
Bay Area Parent Best of the Best Gold Medal Susan Asay, founder and CEO of PROaupair: Most of our host families have children with special needs and these awards demonstrate the importance our families place on our program and our professional au pairs.

PROaupair, a boutique au pair agency specializing in live-in professional childcare, announced today it has received four Gold Awards for Best Special Needs Resource and Best Nanny Agency in both San Francisco/Marin and the East Bay, as part of Bay Area Parent Magazines 2016 Best of the Best readers selection contest. In addition, it received a Silver Award for Best Nanny Agency and a Bronze Award for Best Special Needs Resource in the San Francisco Peninsula.

We are so pleased and honored to have been awarded these four gold awards from Bay Area Parent magazine  for the second year in a row! said Susan Asay, founder and CEO of PROaupair. Most of our host families have children with special needs and these awards demonstrate the importance our families place on our program and our professional au pairs.

PROaupair has been placing professional au pairs with American host families throughout the Bay Area and the United States since 2008 and is the only au pair agency that specializes in both professional au pairs and au pairs for families with special needs.

Bay Area families appreciate the high quality care that comes from professional, live-in childcare  whether they have children with special needs or not, continued Asay. PROaupair hand selects all of our au pairs, mostly from Germany, and our selection process ensures that only the highest quality candidates join our program.

All of PROaupairs professional au pairs have professional degrees and training in such fields as pediatric nursing, occupational and physical therapy, early childhood education, and special education. Au pairs can work up to 45 hours per week and live with their American host family for up to two years. Bay Area families interested in more information can contact PROaupair at 844-787-6566 or by visiting http://www.proaupair.com.

About PROaupair

Founded in 2008, PROaupair is a boutique au pair agency designated by the U.S. Department of State and the only au pair agency specializing in live-in professional childcare. PROaupairs professional au pairs all have degrees and/or significant experience in fields such as pediatric nursing, occupational and physical therapy, and early childhood education. PROaupair places au pairs with families in the U.S. and Australia and maintains offices in the U.S., Australia and Germany. For more information about PROaupair, please call 844-787-6566 or visit http://www.proaupair.com.
Top 10 Rising Costs JPEG The findings illustrate the financial hit to retiree incomes when healthcare costs climb but Social Security cost  of  living adjustments (COLAs) remain flat, says TSCL Chairman Ed Cates.

Medicare costs are taking an increasing share of the Social Security benefits of retirees far more quickly than experts predict, according to a new survey from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). Forty-one percent of survey participants said they spent more than one-third of their Social Security benefits on Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket healthcare costs in 2015. The number of those who say their healthcare costs took more than one-third of their Social Security benefits has jumped 12 percent from 29 percent just two years ago.

The trend appears to be occurring far more rapidly than government experts expect. The Medicare Trustees recently estimated in their 2016 report that average premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D, as well as out - of - pocket costs, would take about one - quarter of the average Social Security benefit this year, an amount they estimated will increase to one  third of the average Social Security benefit by 2090  74 years from now.

The findings illustrate the financial hit to retiree incomes when healthcare costs climb but Social Security cost  of  living adjustments (COLAs) remain flat, says TSCL Chairman Ed Cates. This trend has big implications for whether the financial resources of todays older Americans will be sufficient to last a 25 - or - 30 year retirement, Cates says. Social Security provides more than half of total income for 61 percent of beneficiaries, according to the Social Security Administration.

Rapidly rising Medicare costs are a major reason for expanding Social Security benefits now to provide modestly higher benefits and greater retirement security, Cates says. TSCL believes more adequate retirement benefits will be needed by a majority of people at or nearing retirement. A number of national studies indicate that millions of older Americans are entering retirement without the financial resources to cover longer retirements. A 2015 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office says about one - half of households 55 and older have no retirement savings, and many of those that do run the risk of falling short of income.

TSCL supports legislation that would expand Social Security by providing modestly higher monthly benefits and more fair and accurate COLAs. To pay for this, TSCL surveys indicate that a majority of older voters support raising the taxable maximum cap on wages. Currently, high earning people pay no Social Security taxes on earnings over $118,500. Social Security can be made solvent for another 50 years, and retirements more secure, if everyone paid their fair share,  Cates says. To learn more and to participate in TSCLs surveys, visit http://www.SeniorsLeague.org.

###

With 1.2 million supporters, The Senior Citizens League is one of the nations largest nonpartisan seniors groups. Its mission is to promote and assist members and supporters, to educate and alert senior citizens about their rights and freedoms as U.S. Citizens, and to protect and defend the benefits senior citizens have earned and paid for. The Senior Citizens League is a proud affiliate of The Retired Enlisted Association. Visit http://www.SeniorsLeague.org for more information.
Rigaku XtaLAB mini II benchtop chemical crystallography system

X-ray scientific, analytical and industrial instrumentation manufacturer Rigaku Corporation has announced the next generation Rigaku XtaLAB mini II benchtop chemical crystallography system.

The XtaLAB mini II system is a research grade, compact single crystal X-ray diffractometer designed to produce ready-to-publish 3D structures with exceptional quality, exceeding IUCr publication standards. This next-generation instrument expands the capabilities of the XtaLAB mini by the addition of a low-noise, state-of-the-art hybrid pixel array detector as well as the full-featured CrysAlisPro software from Rigaku Oxford Diffraction for instrument control and data analysis. To the user this means that poorly diffracting samples can now be measured more accurately and the set of software tools will be the same as with the top of the line diffractometers.

Positioned to be an ideal addition to any synthetic chemistry laboratory, the XtaLAB mini II enhances research productivity by offering economical structure analysis capability. New compounds can be rapidly analyzed as they are synthesized in the lab.

The newly developed detector is based on hybrid photon counting technology (HPC) and the low noise, high dynamic range and fast frame rate allow highly precise, shutterless data collection, a technique that is effective at reducing data measurement time.

The X-ray tube lifespan is extended by running at 600 W. To countervail running at lower power, a special curved monochromator is used to produce usable X-ray flux comparable to a standard X-ray system and provide the same quality data as a larger 3 kW X-ray system.

The system features the latest version of the CrysAlisPro software from Rigaku Oxford Diffraction. CrysAlisPro is a combined instrument control and data processing package that links seamlessly to the popular Olex2 small molecule structure analysis program.

CrysAlisPro combines automated crystal screening, the fastest, most accurate strategy software available, concurrent data reduction and automatic structure solution to give the operator visual feedback in the shortest possible time. In addition to its automatic routines, CrysAlisPro includes a full complement of comprehensive and effective tools and functions for dealing with non-standard or problematic data.

About Rigaku

Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on general-purpose analytical instrumentation and the life sciences. With hundreds of major innovations to their credit, Rigaku companies are world leaders in X-ray spectrometry, diffraction, and optics, as well as small molecule and protein crystallography and semiconductor metrology. Today, Rigaku employs over 1,400 people in the manufacturing and support of its analytical equipment, which is used in more than 70 countries around the world supporting research, development, and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial communities.

For further information, contact:

Michael Nelson

Global Marketing Coordinator

Rigaku Corporation

Phone: (512) 225-1796

michael.nelson(at)rigaku(dot)com

###
ProMIS Neurosciences (ProMIS or the Company), a company focused on the discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced results in two presentations on its recent therapeutic developments at the Alzheimers Association International Conference on July 27th, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Our results presented at the AAIC meeting indicate that multiple monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against five novel AD targets are viable therapeutic candidates, as they showed selective binding to the oligomeric forms of Amyloid beta (A), with little or no binding to A monomer stated ProMIS CSO, Neil Cashman, adding We look forward to final validation of therapeutic candidates in cadaveric brain tissue from AD patients to select those that show no binding to plaque, but bind specifically and uniquely to the prion-like strains of A (soluble oligomeric forms), a widely recognized root cause of AD.

The first presentation, entitled A Computational Method to Predict Disease-Specific Epitopes in A, and Its Application to Oligomer-Selective Antibodies for Alzheimers Immunotherapy, is a poster authored by Dr. Steven Plotkin (et al.), the Companys Chief Physics Officer. The authors, using one of the Companys unique, proprietary discovery platforms, Collective Coordinates, predicted five distinct epitopes on pathogenic prion-like forms A. Results of the predictive methodology indicate that these oligomer-specific epitopes are conformationally distinct, in other words shaped differently from the same primary sequences in either A monomer or fibrils, the latter representing the main constituent of A plaque. ProMIS has now raised over 300 antibody clones designed to be oligomer-selective; yielding about 50 lead antibodies, roughly 10 for each epitope.

The second presentation entitled Novel Amyloid- Oligomer-Specific Epitopes: A Hypothesis Driven Approach to Alzheimer's Immunotherapeutics, is a poster authored by University of British Columbias Dr. Judith Silverman (et al.), whose work was conducted in the lab of Dr. Neil Cashman, the Companys Chief Science Officer.

The authors describe the screening process for initial identification of mAb therapeutic candidates and demonstrated that they selectively bind to the previously mentioned five novel AD targets. Reactivity (binding) to A oligomers was evident for mAbs targeting all five epitope targets, while reactivity to A monomer was virtually absent for mAbs directed against three of five epitopes, and significantly reduced for the mAbs targeting the other two epitopes.

About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.

The mission of ProMIS Neurosciences is to discover and develop precision medicine therapeutics for effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimers disease and ALS.

ProMIS Neurosciences proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two, complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platformsProMIS and Collective Coordinates  to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique "precision medicine" approach, ProMIS Neurosciences is developing novel antibody therapeutics and specific companion diagnostics for Alzheimers disease and ALS. The company has also developed two proprietary technologies to specifically identify very low levels of misfolded proteins in a biological sample. In addition, ProMIS Neurosciences owns a portfolio of therapeutic and diagnostic patents relating to misfolded SOD1 in ALS, and currently has three preclinical monoclonal antibody therapeutics against this target.

The information in this release may contain certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. 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.

For further information please consult the Company's website at:

http://www.promisneurosciences.com

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on LinkedIn

NATIONAL Equicom

Michael Moore: mmoore(at)national(dot)ca

Abby Garfunkel: agarfunkel(at)national(dot)ca

or contact

Dr. Elliot Goldstein

President and Chief Executive Officer, ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

Tel. 415 341-5783

Elliot.goldstein(at)promisneurosciences(dot)com
I see myself as a strategic counselor in the most important investments, and family decisions, most of my clients will make.

Judy Bogard-Tanigami of Alain Pinel Realtors Los Altos office was named one Americas top real estate professionals by Real Trends, as advertised in The Wall Street Journal. She is now a member of The Thousand Top Real Estate Professionals, a prestigious national awards ranking sponsored annually by Real Trends and advertised in The Wall Street Journal. Bogard-Tanigami is now ranked in the top one half of 1 percent of the more than 1.1 million Realtors nationwide.

The Thousand real estate professionals was announced on June 24, 2016, with four separate categories honoring the top 250 residential agents and agent teams for excellence in:



Individual Sales ProfessionalsSales volume

Individual Sales ProfessionalsTransaction sides

Team ProfessionalsSales volume

Team ProfessionalsTransaction sides

For the second year, REAL Trends has added two new categories to The Thousand ranking based off of average sales price. This new category is broken down into the top 50 residential agents and agent teams for excellence in:



Individual Sales Professionals  Average Sales Price

Team Professionals  Average Sales Price

According to The Thousand, Bogard-Tanigami had sales volume totaling $98,612,528.27, ranking her 128th in the nation among real estate professionals.

Becoming a member of such an elite group as The Thousand is an incredible accomplishment in any market, but what Bogard-Tanigami did during these challenging times is impressive on so many levels, said Marti Gallardo, vice president of classified advertising for The Wall Street Journal. Her efforts topped 99.99 percent of more than 1.1 million Realtors nationwide.

Having lived and worked in the Bay Area for more than 40 years, I have built a wide-ranging network that has helped me earn this prestigious ranking and I am honored to receive this recognition, said Bogard-Tanigami. I see myself as a strategic counselor in the most important investments, and family decisions, most of my clients will make. I strive to give the best guidance, not only on how to execute the transaction, but also on what to buy, when to sell, which issues are important and which are not. Doing all that I can to give my clients a winning edge is what matters most to me.

Rainy Hake, COO of Alain Pinel Realtors, agreed.

Judy has many talents as a real estate professional, but I think one that serves her clients best is her high-quality network of connections, said Hake. Networks such as the one Judy has built give clients an edge when buying and selling a home. Judy brings vast expertise to the table  her own and others - while creating a close relationship with her clients. We are happy to see her talents and achievements recognized through this national ranking.

The ranking of The Thousand can be found at: http://www.thethousandrealestateprofessionals.com.

About Alain Pinel Realtors

Alain Pinel Realtors (APR) is the fifth largest residential real estate firm in the United States and the largest privately-owned residential real estate company in California based on its closed-sales volume. The firm has 1,400 agents in more than 30 offices throughout Northern California. Celebrating a quarter century in Bay Area real estate, APR was founded in 1990 by CEO and President Paul L. Hulme, and is based in Saratoga, California. Visit us at apr.com, china.apr.com, facebook.com/AlainPinelRealtors, and @AlainPinel.

About The Thousand

This awards program was developed jointly by WSJ. Custom Studios (and is not affiliated with the Editorial Department) and REAL Trends, a leading source of analysis and information for the residential real estate brokerage industry. REAL Trends The Thousand honors Americas elite real estate professionals and their companies and is compiled and analyzed by REAL Trends with a special ad section included in The Wall Street Journal.
All Hands Volunteers Ecuador The health and safety of our volunteers is absolutely paramount, said Tanya Glanville-Wallis, Director of PR & Communications for All Hands Volunteers.

All Hands Volunteers, the worlds leading disaster relief organization powered by volunteers, immediately rallied teams of volunteers and flew into Ecuador's zone of destruction. The non-profit organization addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disaster by engaging and leveraging volunteers, partner organizations and local communities.

All Hands were on the ground within 60 hours of the event and have been in the ManabI province ever since, demolishing unsafe structures, building temporary and permanent homes, and rebuilding hope for the some of the worst affected communities.

While both a humbling and transformative experience for all involved, it is easy to forget that volunteering in a disaster zone can also be precarious work. For, as is the case in Ecuador, not only is a volunteer entering an active seismic zone, but is also putting him or herself at risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases that may be prevalent in the area.

The health and safety of our volunteers is absolutely paramount, said Tanya Glanville-Wallis, Director of PR & Communications for All Hands Volunteers. But other than the obvious tactics such as mosquito nets and insect repellent, it has been difficult to prevent outbreaks and we have been looking for a way in which to generate peace of mind as our volunteers perform this important recovery work.

Indeed, unlike Malaria for instance, for which preventative measures can be taken, there is no vaccine for diseases such as Zika and therefore prevention of mosquito bites is critical in an area where the virus is rife.

Enter Insect Shield, an organization specializing in repellent technologies, who has partnered with All Hands in a bid to provide a much needed additional layer of protection. The Insect Shield process binds a proprietary permethrin formula tightly to fabric fibersresulting in effective, odorless insect protection that lasts the expected lifetime of apparel. Proven to effectively protect from the day biting Aedes mosquito, transmitter of the Zika virus, this product has now been applied to the t-shirts worn by All Hands Volunteers in the field.

This partnership is invaluable to our staff on the ground in Ecuador, our incoming volunteers and the local communities we are doing our best to assist, says Erik Dyson, All Hands Executive Director and CEO. By adding this extra layer of cover, our hope is to help prevent the spread of disease, therefore allowing us to continue our work uninterrupted and enabling us to continue to reach the communities that need us most.

About All Hands Volunteers:

Since its inception following the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in 2004, All Hands Volunteers has responded to 66 disasters worldwide, engaging over 35,000 volunteers and donating 180,000 days; including Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and last years devastating earthquakes in Nepal. Philanthropic leaders say the organization is known for being nimble, collaborative, and professional in its response to the immediate and long term needs of those suffering in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

More Information:

Support All Hands Volunteers efforts in Ecuador by making a donation at http://www.hands.org/donate

For more about All Hands Volunteers, visit http://www.hands.org

About Insect Shield Technology:

Insect Shield Repellent Apparel and Gear are revolutionary products designed to provide long-lasting, effective and convenient personal insect protection. The durable protection provided by Insect Shield is the result of years of research and testing. In July 2003, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel was registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Insect Shield Technology is utilized by leading lifestyle brands, work wear distributors and International relief organizations across the globe to provide effective protection against insects and the diseases they can carry. Insect Shield is an approved vendor of the US Army and US Marine Corps. http://www.insectshield.com

Insect Shield Global Health & Humanitarian Efforts

http://www.insectshield.com/AboutUs/GlobalHealth.aspx

Where to buy Insect Shield protective clothing:

Insect Shield Online store

How to get your own clothes treated with Insect Shield protection:

Insect Shield Your Own Clothes

###

CONTACTS:

Tanya Glanville-Wallis

Director of PR & Communications

All Hands Volunteers

tanya.gw(at)hands(dot)org | http://www.hands.org

US: 843-485-1917

France: +33 987-889-652

Janine Robertson

Marketing/PR

Insect Shield Repellent Technology

janinerobertson(at)insectshield(dot)com

http://www.insectshield.com

Ph: 206 354-9093
Customer Immersion Experience eventsCIEsare a great way for project and portfolio managers to roll up their sleeves and learn hands-on how Microsoft PPM can help them meet their productivity goals.

Sensei Project Solutions Inc., a global leader in Microsoft Project and Portfolio Management (PPM), proudly announces that its CEO, Kenneth Steiness, was awarded the Customer Immersion Experience  FY16 US Facilitator of the Year by Microsoft. Named during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference held in July, Steiness was selected from a national field of top subject matter experts.

Customer Immersion Experience eventsCIEsare a great way for project and portfolio managers to roll up their sleeves and learn hands-on how Microsoft PPM can help them meet their productivity goals, said Steiness. Project Online is a powerful tool, and I enjoy facilitating CIEs around the country, helping PPM professionals experience ways that they can take project management to the next level.

Steiness explains that Microsoft has invested heavily in PPM for Office 365, and the CIE hands-on workshops are an excellent opportunity for PPM professionals to take a guided tour of the next generation of Microsoft Project. Using Surface Pro Tablets connected to a best practices configuration, Steiness walks participants through the Building Blocks of PPM, which include project intake and prioritization, resource capacity/demand management, budgeting and cost tracking, project planning and collaboration, project status and portfolio reporting, and PMO governance.

CIE participants learn about different Day in the Life of scenarios experienced by portfolio managers, project managers, resource managers and other roles critical to successful project management.

As a Gold Certified Microsoft PPM Partner, the Sensei team has helped thousands of clients deploy Microsoft Projectenabling instant productivity. Sensei works with organizations interested in participating in CIEs, as well as other training events tailored to the organizations needs.

About Sensei Project Solutions

Sensei Project Solutions, a Finalist for the 2015 Microsoft Project and Portfolio Management (PPM) Partner of the Year, focuses on bringing Instant Productivity to your team. Our mission is to help individuals and organizations be more productive so that they can achieve their greatest potential. As a Gold certified Microsoft Partner and Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) with the Project Management Institute (PMI), Sensei offers a complete set of services and products for a successful Microsoft PPM deployment. Our guiding principles for Proactive PPM follow best practices and industry standards aligned with the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Gartner, enabling organizations to manage resource demand, obtain business intelligence that facilitates better decision making, increase business effectiveness by easily connecting people, and become self-sufficient with PPM processes and solutions. In short, Sensei helps organizations achieve Instant Productivity.

For additional information: Monique McCarroll, Director of Marketing, w: 602-317-2723

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
PacketSled, the company that democratizes security investigations and response by providing its customers with automated network visibility, detection, incident response and forensics in the cloud, announced today that it has completed a $5 million Series A round of financing. Keshif Ventures led the investment with participation from existing and new investors from Blu Ventures and JHS Ventures. The investment will allow PacketSled to aggressively expand its sales and marketing initiatives while continuing to grow the engineering and operations components of the business in both San Diego and Seattle.

The Series A financing builds on an exceptional year for PacketSled, which saw a rapidly growing roster of new customers, key executive appointments, and market momentum in the cybersecurity sector. PacketSled appointed industry veterans from Splunk and Rapid7 to its executive ranks, and its client roster grew to include major organizations from financial services, government, healthcare, defense and aerospace, and online services.

"PacketSled enabled us to obtain immediate visibility into a series of extremely advanced cyber attacks on our infrastructure, identifying the nature of the problem. We now use the PacketSled platform to continuously monitor our environment to keep the city, its citizens, and employees safe," said Gary Hayslip, CISO, City of San Diego.

PacketSled is solving serious cybersecurity challenges in the enterprise, including talent shortage, security alert fatigue, and a massive communication barrier between security operations and the rest of the business, said Taner Halicioglu, General Partner at Keshif Ventures. Being able to show customers instantaneous security value - within minutes of using our product - is something that simply wasnt possible until recently. PacketSled presents an extremely compelling platform for executives to get visibility into governance and compliance issues while also providing incident responders with the ability to investigate, hunt, and validate anything in their environment.

The PacketSled platform provides ultimate visibility and context into network traffic, telling the real story of how cybersecurity threats are operating within the enterprise. At the heart of PacketSleds solution is its IRES (Incident Response Expert System) technology, which utilizes expert systems to automate the process of threat hunting, validation, and incident response. PacketSled enables its customers to:

Deploy and gain visibility into their network in minutes.

Continuously monitor all environments for security and compliance issues.

Democratize and automate the art of detection and response across the market.

Simplify security incidents and compliance metrics in a manner that can be understood by anyone in the business.

Customers have real problems getting the visibility and context that they need in order to make informed decisions about how to handle security incidents. By automating the hardest parts of the investigative process and visualizing the problem for customers, were enabling the business to understand their risk at a level that they have previously been unable to obtain, said Matt Harrigan, PacketSleds CEO. This investment will enable us to make additional key hires in sales, engineering, and operations while we take on new marketing initiatives.

About PacketSled

PacketSled fuses immutable network truth,with expert knowledge to provide continuous monitoring, automated detection, and response capabilities. PacketSled enables compliance and governance organizations to deeply understand areas that need attention, in real-time and historically. The company is privately funded, with offices in San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington. To learn more about PacketSled, visit https://packetsled.com

About Keshif Ventures

Keshif Ventures is a San Diego based investment firm that partners with entrepreneurs to build companies that take advantage of economies of scale in cloud, big data, and analytics with verticals ranging from cybersecurity to social media, marketing, and energy.
HOWDIEEEE.. to anyone who reads this...!!Now I have a very specific situation (thats what i think ) so i am submitting my info to which i would love to hear from anyone who has the adequate knowledge to address my concernsHeres my BACKGROUND10th grade=> 73%12th grade => 74% (a science student)Then i took an year off as i did not get into the a decent engineering college..Trust me here- i got into many colleges but all of them were Pretty much CRAP (sorry for the curse but i am being bluntly honest here)In the mean time I assisted my father during the day and studied during night..I am not sure that experience will count for business schools nevertheless i am very proud that i did that as at an early age i got to understand as to how someone who runs an industry actually functions..The Gap year proved fruitful as i got into GGSIPU Delhi plus i got a pretty good and a decorated college in the Capital city..Engineering was Good in fact great ..Aggregate=> 71%(B.Tech In Information tech)Now to be honest with you guys i was working with my father during my engineering years as well ..I would literally pick up documents and do other chores for him (Yes He Paid Me too)Here is the real problem why i wrote this piece =>My age is 23 years and 330 daysI will be 24 next month..!!I graduated in June 2015..And from DAY 1 i have been working with my father in our Family business..Initially i was hesitant to join him as i was an IT engineer and my family is into Footwear business. Then I started to love my JOB [Common we make shoes and other footwear's for a living. Who would not love that rightNow almost an year later i feel like i need to grow my business outreach..Trust me when i say this - Work is Fine..But the glitch is => "i want to take my family Business to places" Actually i want that to be Awesome instead of just Fine (sorry for the choice of words )Hence i need an MBA..And to much of my surprise my father stands right by me in this decision..! In fact He told me that its a very mature move..!!I know most of you might think its too early for an MBABut honestly guys Waiting for another 2 or 3 years will not take my business anywhere .It will be in a stand still.Plus i think i have the added advantage of working with my father in my initial GAP year where i assisted him if it counts.So it goes without saying => I DON'T ONLY WANT AN MBA ; I NEED AN MBA..!!secondly i am a bit confused about this work experience thing ..!!Most of the business schools require 2 years of work experience in there applicants ..What does 2 years mean?till the program actually starts or till the time you fill out your applicationIf i apply in 2016 for fall 2017 admissions then by the time i actually start my school in September i will be having 2 years and 2 months of experience.. I guess that would do..???WHAT ARE THE SCHOOLS I CAN TARGET ???Top 20 can i get in ?Okay Top30?Top40?i am flexible as long as it in the Top 40-45Common Guys Help me get into top 40 at-least..!!!! I don't want to wait ..!!I am into manufacturing shoes and other footwear so anything related to MARKETING AND ADVERTISING would be Fabulous ..Plus i like Advertising.Now if (only if) i wait another year( which probably would not do any good to my industry ) then will it increase my chances of getting admitted..GMAT => Appearing this October..I think i can get a good score..i will try for 700 maybe ..I will Dig that (i have started preparing)now to the most important part=>Community services => I am an active part of an Organisation which rescues street dogs and treats them until they are healthy..I have been a part of this organisation from my engineering days ..the reason i do it it i honestly believe in the work we do..We organise dog shows too..Positions held => "I am not given any designations actually .. I am responsible for marketing and supply ..Plus sometimes manufacturing too. Family business comes with several added responsibilities tooThe Post MBA goals => " I WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO MY HOME COUNTRY THE DAY AFTER I GET AN MBA . Off course i would like to do an internship however..But apart from that i have one any only one vision that is to Do Justice to my family business and take it to a level it deserves"ANYONE WHO READS THIS Please Feel free TO POST any suggestions You guys Have for me... It will be really helpful..Love and respect to everyoneStone ColdP.S => Don't let my user name mislead you ..!! I am an indian candidate_________________
ListingDoor.com Whites and similar neutrals let potential buyers imagine their style, not yours.

When it comes to staging a home to sell, for sale by owner (FSBO) leader ListingDoor.com seeks out design ideas and trends from a variety of sources, including Pinterest, home design publications and websites, and more to provide staging ideas to attract buyers.

In a new blog titled, Top 10-Plus Paint colors for Dressing Up Your Home for an FSBO sale, ListingDoor.com co-founder Sissy Lappin reveals 2016s top interior paint colors for home staging in 2016.

Staging is one of the most important elements in selling a home, and design experts who work in real estate know that choosing the right paint colors is an affordable and effective way to dramatically impact a homes appearance. Paint can freshen up every room in the house and wow buyers when the color palette is trendy and has wide appeal among buyers.

In 2016, the most popular paint colors are both muted and bold, according to Lappin. Clear winners include the off-whites, light grays, intense jewel tones, muted earth tones, and pastels.

Whites and grays get the nod for neutral shades. Benjamin Moores color palette trends web page shows seven shades of white, with pretty names like Paper White, Ice Mist, Simply White, Mascarpone, Ballet White, and White Heaven from a collection of more than 250 whites. The company picked Simply White as their color of the year. Sherwin Williams chose Alabaster White. Behrs pick was Ivory Keys White, Glidden focused on a creamy Cappuccino White, and Houzzs on-trend pick is the off-whites in general.

According to Lappins blog, published July 26, 2016, white and shades of white are traditional favorites among home sellers, as they maximize space.

Whites are light, clean, and make spaces appear larger, Lappin says. They wont distract buyers with someone elses style. Whites and similar neutrals let potential buyers imagine their style, not yours.

Some homeowners are expanding their spaces even more by painting moldings the same color as the wall to give the illusion of higher walls. Plus, white offers possibilities. It gives buyers some room to be creative without having to repaint the entire house, such as applying a trim in a favorite color to give the house a personal touch.

Gray has become popular over the last few years and is still going strong. Decorators like it for its ability to add sophistication to urban spaces. Darker shades of gray can make a bold statement or enhance sleek modern and colorful furnishings and accents.

In more traditional homes, light grays bring out a feeling of coolness, similar to the calming effects of blue. Gray is especially appealing in bedrooms and living areas.

Other popular neutrals based on gray this year are colors taken from natural materials: alabaster, marble, warm grays, khaki. These shades make one think of sand, nomads, and a desert oasis. They can work in many situations including bathrooms.

Earth tones are enjoying a renewed appeal in many homes this year as well. Theyre warm, inviting, and relaxing with their flat, muted tones. Earth tones work well with most other colors and complement rooms with a lot of wood, stone, metal or glass. Living and dining rooms are good places to use soothing earth tone colors, which include not only browns, grays, and tans, but greens, blues, oranges, and some reds.

Primary colors are trending too, particularly jewel tones like ambers, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and amethysts for warmth, depth, and saturation. House and Home chose Emerald Green as its color of the year, but according to Lappin it is best used sparingly, in small spaces. Green can be cheery and cozy in a room with white trim. Deeper shades of green complement natural stained or finished cabinets in the kitchen or a sitting room.

The dining room has been experiencing a revival due to the fact that more people are staying at home to eat, cook, and entertain. Behr recommends dark colors for dining areas to create the illusion of depth, with pops of tropical colors to stimulate the senses.

According to House Beautiful, the 10 hottest paint colors are muted shades of blue, gray, purple, and green:



Aqua Chiffon, for freshness

Oceanside Teal Blue, mysterious and sultry

Cathedral Gray, for a natural wood and linen feel

Forsythia Blossom, a high-energy yellow

Organic Garden, a balance between a warm and cool gray

Grape Hyacinth, a gray purple thats soft but not intense

Clear Blue Sky, clean and airy

Cedar Green, restful, balanced, and goes with anything

Turquoise, a sparkling hue like the sun on water

Sea Kiss, a watercolor, refreshing and airy

The best approach is to plan your palette and apply any of these beautiful shades so they bring out the best in each room of your home, and complement your furnishings and accents, Lappin says. Buyers will take notice and be impressed.

For more tips on home staging for the FSBO seller, visit the ListingDoor website, email Amy(at)listingdoor(dot)com or call 713-306-9104.

About ListingDoor.com:

Founded in 2012 by husband and wife realtors Sissy and Mark Lappin, ListingDoor.com is a website showcasing the Lappins innovative FSBO strategies and making them available to the public. ListingDoor.com earned recognition from Forbes Magazine in Dec. 2014 when it was named a top contender to become The Next Uber for real estate sales.

ListingDoor.com aims to set new standards for the real estate industry by providing a smart, cost-effective alternative to traditional home sale strategies that allow homeowners to decide on the best approach for selling their homes.

Although FSBO is not new to the American real estate landscape, ListingDoor.com provides the tools and strategies to help individual homeowners save tens of thousands of dollars in commissions and fees by selling their own homes and sidestepping realtor commission fees.

Veteran real estate broker, author, and for sale by owner (FSBO) champion Sissy Lappin introduced her simple and sold philosophy of real estate innovation to help homeowners master the art of selling their homes without a realtor. Her groundbreaking FSBO guidebook, Simple and SOLD, first published in 2012, achieved #1 best seller status on Amazon.com with more than 15,800 copies downloaded in ebook form. Lappin is the founder of Lappin Properties, one of Houstons most successful real estate brokerage firms. She earned her claim to national fame with the publication of Simple and SOLD.

###
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Update below

A Flatbush pastor is facing manslaughter and other charges in connection with a 2014 fire that killed a man in the illegal apartments above his unpermitted storefront church. The Daily News reports that Luckner Lorient, 78, was cuffed on Tuesday night at Miami International Airport as he was returning from a trip to Haiti.

The November 19th, 2014 fire at 1434 Flatbush Avenue left 23-year-old security guard Jeff Frederic dead, and injured 14 others. Lorient's family and iterations of his church, Eglise Baptiste Clarte Celeste, have owned the building since 1980, according to property records. The city cited them as far back as the early 1990s for running an unsanctioned public gathering place, and for subdividing the two apartments on the second and third floors.

Two months prior to the fire, inspectors ticketed Lorient for building two illegal apartments in the basement of the building, and for subdivided apartments upstairs, fining him $12,000 for the former. Lorient currently has 99 open building violations in all, including ones for un-permitted facade work and an unlit sidewalk shed following the fire. He owes the city $84,330 in unpaid fines for 30 Buildings Department violations, and a great deal more for 69 open Department of Housing Preservation and Development violations.

Lorient was arraigned this afternoon on charges of manslaughter, negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was held on a $2 million bond, and faces as many as 15 years in prison on the manslaughter charge.

At the time of the fire, Lorient blamed his tenants for subletting, claiming one tenant had moved in 21 people.

"Some people who are not tenants of his basically took over the property," Steve Okenwa, lawyer for Lorient told the News. "He was trying to evict them. They would not allow him access to the apartments."

Lorient's wife Marie called the arrest "shocking," and told the tabloid she knew nothing about it.

Victims of the fire and their families are suing Lorient, and they say he is at fault.

A lawyer representing one survivor told the News that the building lacked fire escapes, alarms, and extinguishers, as well as insurance, and an attorney for Frederic's family said that the heating and electrical systems were faulty, and that a portable heater sparked the blaze. In March of 2014, records show that a 311 caller complained of illegal electrical work in the building that left exposed wires, caused a "loud electrical pop," and disrupted the functioning of the boiler.

A woman who answered the phone at a number listed for the church said, "I don't know, the person, she's not here," and hung up.

On Facebook, a parishioner wrote, "French Speaking Baptist Church and friends, our very own Pasteur Luckner was arrested yesterday!!!! It has to do with the fire in 2013 that claimed the life of one of his parishioners. I cannot believe he's guilty of anything. Just can't!"

Update 4:20 p.m.:

The Brooklyn DA's Office sent this in a press release:

The second and third floor apartments were designed to be one-family railroad apartments, but had allegedly been illegally converted by Lorient into SROs (single-room occupancy), with six separate rooms on the second floor and five separate rooms on the first floor. A total of 23 tenants occupied those 11 rooms.

[...]

It is alleged that Lorient filed false documents asserting he was no longer operating the building as an illegal SRO, but after inspections [confirmed] his assertions he quickly converted the building back to the illegal SRO.

Furthermore, it is alleged, because of the conversion there were power strips and multiple extension cords in every room, and stretched into hallways, and electrical outages due to overloads were a common occurrence - which Lorient knew because of notices of violations received from HPD. In fact, according to the investigation, nearly every room had a television and refrigerator and many had air conditioners, space heaters, microwaves, cell phone chargers, laptops and hot plates - seriously comprising the electrical system. A tenant on the second floor had an electric water cooler. The overloaded system caused a wire to the water cooler to overheat and erupt.
A 22-year-old Staten Island woman was showering at home Tuesday when a man broke through her bathroom's locked door and tried to rape her. According to police, 30-year-old Miguel Felipe sexually assaulted the woman, threw her to the floor, and began to choke her before she was able to convince him to let her out of the bathroom, at which point she fled down the hall and out of the apartment.

The assault took place at approximately 9:15 a.m. Tuesday. Witnesses told SI Live the woman ran naked out of her building near Ebbitts Street and Hett Avenue and was shielded by two passers-by as Felipe ran out after her. Felipe then fled the scene and is still being pursued as a suspect, police say. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital, treated, and later released.

Felipe is a friend of the victim's family, and had been living with her in the same apartment before he tried to rape her, sources told the Daily News. Police describe him as 5'4", 150lbs and known to some as "Tino" or "Constantino."

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
A Florida teenager was arrested at Port Authority Bus Terminal on Wednesday afternoon after he allegedly alluded to killing police officers and opened his bag to reveal a gun. Port Authority Police eventually searched the teen's bag and recovered a loaded revolver.

The Port Authority says that the suspect, 18-year-old Hunter Taylor, did not confront or threaten officers directly.

A witness told Port Authority Police that Taylor was "making statements in reference to killing police officers" on Wednesday afternoon, specifically "let's off some cops," according to Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo. Taylor also allegedly opened his bag to show the witness his revolver.

The Post identified the witness as one George Pugh, who was allegedly smoking weed with Taylor when the alleged threats were made. "I was hanging out with the guy. He told me he wanted to shoot a cop," Pugh told the tabloid. "I didn't believe him. Then he showed me the gun."

Accord to Pentangelo, Taylor and Pughwho reportedly lives in a Brooklyn homeless shelterdid not know each other prior to yesterday's interaction.

Port Authority police arrested Taylor around 4:00 p.m., and obtained a search warrant for his bag. Around 8:30 p.m. they recovered a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and a small bag of alleged marijuana.

Hunter, who lives in Groveland, Florida, has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, making a terroristic threat, and unlawful possession of marijuana.
Two former Dalmatian Press and Bendon Publishing executives, Beth Peters and Chad Wiggins, have started a new publishing company, Retail Centric Marketing, and a new childrens imprint, Dreamtivity. The Franklin, Tenn.-based press is rolling out two initial product lines  a series of book-plus-craft-supply kits and a range of color-and-create canvases  under license from Crayola. Both are focused on the tween market.

Retail Centric Marketing was formed after Wiggins, who had launched a rep services business, came into contact with a Canadian publishing company, Flowerpot Press, which had a design office in the Franklin area. He suggested that Peters get in touch with Flowerpot co-founder Patrick Hayes.

It was this little publishing company with an awesome design office 10 minutes away, said Peters, who served as director of licensing for Dalmatian, and then in a similar role at Bendon after its acquisition of Dalmatian in 2013. Immediately the creative juices started to flow, and we dreamed up an incremental arts and crafts product line thats could be licensed. The essence of Crayola makes so much sense with the product were doing, and the tween space is an area Crayola has never played in in a big way.

Each kit in the inaugural book-plus series, branded under the My Style name, features a book that teaches craft skills through activities, along with relevant art supplies, including some Crayola products. The first four titles are My Writing Style, with a focus on fonts; My Party Style, for invitations and party planning; My Deskorate Style, to inspire desk and personal space decor; and My Selfie Style, centered on creating backdrops and props for selfie-taking. The kits are priced at $17.99.

The company and its products came together quickly, from the concept in November 2015 to having achieved vendor status with retailers including Target, Books-a-Million, Toys R Us, and Five Below as of this summer. Toys R Us and Target will introduce some canvases this fall, and the full line will debut in spring 2017. I think weve hit on a unique product line that has taken us pretty far, pretty fast, Peters said.

Retail Centric partnered with Flowerpot Press to provide creative and production services; in turn, Retail Centric is handling some sales functions for Flowerpot.
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In addition to party loyalty, a big motivation for Obama's robust support is deep concern that Republican Donald Trump can win in November and unravel the president's eight years in office.

"Anybody who goes into campaigns not running scared can end up losing," Obama said ahead of his address at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia.

For several hours, Trump stole the show.

He touched off a firestorm by encouraging Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign  even as he dismissed suggestions from Obama and other Democrats that Moscow was already acting on the Republican's behalf.

On the heels of reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said, "Russia, if you're listening," he'd like to see Moscow find the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state. At about the same time, Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, declared there would be "serious consequences" if Russia interfered in U.S. politics.

To Obama and Clinton, Trump's comments only fed their contention that the billionaire businessman is unqualified to be commander in chief. Trump has no national security experience and few ties to the norms that have governed U.S. foreign policy under presidents from both parties, including standing by NATO allies threatened by countries including Russia.

"This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent," said Clinton adviser Jake Sullivan.

Wednesday night's Democratic lineup was aimed at emphasizing Clinton's own national security credentials, a shift from two nights focused more on re-introducing her to voters as a champion for women's issues, children and families. Among those taking the stage is former Pentagon and CIA chief Leon Panetta, who served alongside Clinton in Obama's Cabinet.

Vice President Joe Biden will deliver his valedictory, and Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, gets his turn in the spotlight, too.

In a move aimed at broadening Clinton's appeal, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg  an independent who considered launching a third party bid for president  will endorse the Democratic nominee.

Clinton's campaign believes Trump's unorthodox candidacy will turn off moderate Republicans, particularly women, who worry he's too unpredictable to take the helm in a turbulent world. They recognize that Republicans, as well as many Democrats, have questions about Clinton's character but hope to ease those concerns.

Still, the core of Clinton's strategy is putting back together Obama's winning White House coalition. In both his campaigns, Obama carried more than 90 percent of black voters, the overwhelming majority of Hispanics, and more than half of young people and women.

That coalition was vividly on display in the first two nights of the convention in Philadelphia. Women lawmakers were prominently featured, along with young activists, immigrants, and mothers whose black children were victims of gun violence or killed during encounters with law enforcement.

The base-boosting strategy has some Democrats worried Clinton is ceding too much ground to her opponent. Her convention has made little mention of the economic insecurity and anxiety that has, in part, fueled Trump's rise with white, working-class voters.

Trump has cast himself as the "law-and-order" candidate and promised to get tough on terrorists. Democrats have little noted the threat of terrorism or the Islamic State group, though both were expected to be more relevant in Wednesday's program.

Speaking on MSNBC Wednesday morning, Biden said his party had indeed failed to talk enough about the concerns of white, working-class voters.

The party has "done the right thing" for those voters, said Biden, but it hasn't "spoken to them."

"We've been consumed with crisis after crisis after crisis," he said.

Clinton's convention has been awash in history, with energized delegates celebrating her formal nomination as the first woman to ever lead a major political party in the general election. Some supporters of Clinton's primary rival, Bernie Sanders, continued to voice their displeasure with the pick, but there was nothing they could do to take the nomination away from Clinton.

"As of yesterday, I guess, officially our campaign ended," a teary Sanders acknowledged during a meeting with New England delegates.

Clinton's campaign hopes Sanders' supporters refrain from protesting her running mate Kaine when he takes the stage Wednesday night. Liberals are unhappy with Kaine's support for so-called "fast track" authority for a Pacific Rim trade pact, though Clinton aides say he now opposes the deal in its final form.
Rescue teams are still searching for victims under the rubble of the buildings hit by the attack, the sources added.

Earlier reports said that 55 people were killed and more than 160 wounded in what activists said was a powerful blast that rocked Qamishli, which is near the Turkish border.

The number keeps increasing as lots of victims are still buried under the debris. Many of the injured are listed in critical condition, Qamishli National Hospital Director Omar al-Qaqoub said.

Kurdish news agency Rudaw said the explosion was the result of a double attack. The first was caused by a truck loaded with explosives that targeted a center run by the Kurdish police force.

A second blast hit a street in the east of the town that is home to the local defense administration, Rudaw said.

Rami Abdel-Rahman, the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said the resulting blast was the worst seen in Qamishli.

Syrian state television meanwhile aired footage showing huge damage reportedly from the area where the blast took place.

In the footage, panicking people are seen rushing to help those trapped under the rubble. Women are also seen running and shouting for help.

Hospitals across Qamishli have put out urgent calls for the donation of all blood types in the wake of the attack.

Qamishli, which is predominantly inhabited by Kurds, has been targeted by recent bombings, many claimed by Islamic State.

The al-Qaida splinter group also said it was behind Wednesday's attack.

An Islamic State fighter managed to reach a number of buildings of the Kurds via his explosives-laden truck, blowing himself up among them  destroying their buildings  killing over 100 and injuring dozens, according to an alleged online statement by the militant group.

It added that the attack was to avenge the killing of men, women and children in Islamic State-controlled Minbij city in northern Syria.

The authenticity of the statement could not be verified by dpa.

In May, Kurdish-led Syrian forces, backed by U.S.-led airstrikes, started a major attack to dislodge Islamic State from Minbij and have since gained ground against the radical group.

The Minbij onslaught is aimed at cutting Islamic States last link with the outside world and isolating its de facto capital in Syria, al-Raqqa, which lies south-east of Minbij.
Clarks Unstructured Leather Slip-on Shoes - Un.Loop is rated 4.4 out of 5 by 1822 .

Rated 5 out of 5 by Marcia9644 from My Favorite Shoe! I had previously bought this shoe in brown and just loved it! I wear a narrow width shoe, which is often hard to fine. This shoe was available in a narrow width in black. I just had to buy another pair. It is so comfortable for all day wear. I have other Clarks shoes, but this is by far my favorite.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Sally35 from Comfortable I have purchased this shoe in the past. I stand all day at work and these shoes are comfortable. Unfortunately, I need it in a wide width and it is not available to purchase.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Suzie M from Just the Best! This is my third pair and what can I say? The UN.LOOP is an excellent walking shoe, fun-enough looking to not be considered dorky, with superb fit, comfort and quality.

Rated 5 out of 5 by meck from Best Shoes Ever I am on my second pair only because my foot grew a half inch. They are the most comfortable shoes ever. Years back they were not considered very attractive but styles have changed and everyone is going for this look now with ankle pants. I walked miles around NYC in these shoes with no socks and they didn't rub at all and my feet which normally sweat stayed fresh and dry. Please do not discontinue.

Rated 5 out of 5 by capecod63 from Best Shoes Very pleased with this purchase. Comfortable and true to size.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Kr100 from Still my favorite shoes! I just ordered my third pair of these shoes and they are just as comfortable as the first two. These have been my go-to shoes for 10 years. They have good support, are comfortable and look like new after years of wear.

Rated 5 out of 5 by suz3781 from THIS SHOE IS THE BEST This particular shoe is the most comfortable and lasts forever. I am on my second pair. I've had foot surgery and this shoes by far is the one I can wear to shop for hours. You can't go wrong with this shoe!!!
Rated 3.8 out of 5 by 25 reviewers.

Rated 3 out of 5 by proshop2 Just Okay I bought this as a lunchtime special in size XL in macrame. I think it's too wide at the bottom to be in slub knit. It's really Aline. I would like this style better in a softer fabric. 09-24-16

Rated 5 out of 5 by Dolcezza PERFECT IN EVERY WAY FOR PLUS/TALL SIZE! All that was left in a 2X was a cream color and I REALLY do not like to wear light colors since I have gained so much weight since the loss of Mother. ... I digress....This is a beautiful garment - made well, very lounge casual and stylish for a nice Autumn day. It is great with a LOGO tank underneath right now and leggings, shorts or jeans and it actually looks pretty good on me in the light color. (Something I rarely say!) The SLEEVES ARE ACTUALLY LONG ENOUGH and LOGO items never are long enough in sleeves. I am 5'10" but not overly long arms and this covers my caboose, but is not too long - comes in at the right places and not like a tent. I am size 20 TALL in real world sizing and I like my clothing slightly loose to loose. This is a WINNER! Lori and Q have most LOGO items WAY OVERPRICED for the content and work involved, yet we all still purchase them and I have tons of it and wear it constantly. PLEASE GIVE US LOYAL LOGONISTAS A PRICE BREAK!!! THANKS! HAPPY SHOPPING AND GOD BLESSINGS! HAPPY SHOPPING AND GOD BLESSINGS! BE A BLESSING AND PASS A SMILE ON! 09-14-16

Rated 5 out of 5 by BestMickey Nice! I purchased the Macrame color and love this top. It's a lightweight material. I found the material to be soft and comfortable next to my bare skin. 09-13-16

Rated 2 out of 5 by donnadeelee Poor Fitting Top I received this hoodie today. It is a big disappointment. The fabric seems scratchy. The style is blah. It is too tight in the tummy, accentuating my excess weight in that area. It is too flowy in back. I ordered it in my regular size of 2X. The macrame color is bland, very pale pinkish tone. This is going back. 08-20-16

Rated 5 out of 5 by shelley411 perfect This top was a pleasant surprise. I bought two on clearance day and wish there had been more colors. It is a very flattering top and being big busted I am very picky about them. Definitely close to 4 season even though it is long sleeve. The fabric is lightweight and the sleeves can be pushed up. Absolutely perfect for a cool summer evening. One of Lori's best tops. Clearance day was fantastic, amazing bargains. 07-29-16

Rated 5 out of 5 by Puddin1950 SO VERY SOFT WOW, I WAS NOT EXPECTING TO LIKE THIS , BUT IT IS SO SOFT AND COMFY. PERFECT FOR GOING FORWARD. IT LOOKS LIKE THE FABRIC WOULD BE ROUGH, BUT IT IS JUST THE OPPOSITE. 07-15-16

Rated 5 out of 5 by graciesmom Perfection This style is so flattering, the fabric is substantial but not heavy and the length is just right...long enough to wear leggings if you desire. I've washed and there was no shrinkage. I ordered in my usual size in all three colors and would order more if there were additional colors! Love, love, love! 07-15-16

Rated 5 out of 5 by JRAE Beautiful color the Macrame, cute style This top by comparison is a little small through the chest and full on the bottom. Depending on what you are looking for it is not a layering piece in my opinion. Keeping it because of the color and trying to get some travel pieces lined out. 07-10-16
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The link will be built in two phases, firstly from the city of Dakar to Diamniadio (36km), and then from Diamniadio to the new Blaise Diagne International Airport (19km).

CSE, a local company, Turkish company Yapi Merkezi and Eiffage, France, will work as a consortium for the FrCFA 330bn ($US 550m) civil works contract.

The line will have 14 stations, a maximum speed of 160km/h, an estimated ridership of 115,000 passengers, is expected to be completed in 2019. The estimated journey time from Dakar to Blaise Diagne International Airport is 45 minutes, and works are expected to begin this year.

There will be three tracks, two of which will be standard gauge for passenger trains, and one metre gauge for freight transport.

It is part of the Emerging Senegal restructuring plan launched by Senegalese government in 2014 to increase the countrys social and economic development.

Alstom was awarded the rolling stock contract for the project in May.
The extension comprises the 25.9km Light Red Line (Bang Sue-Phaya Thai-Makkasan-Hua Mak) and the Dark Red Line (Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong) which are scheduled to open in 2020.

Mr Kobsak Phutrakul, assistant minister to the Prime Miniters office, said the two Red Line routes would help to solve traffic problems for commuters travelling into Bangkok.

Construction of the suburban rail lines will include elevated, at-grade and underground stations, with the bids expected to be called next month. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2017 and be completed in 2019.

The projects are expected to generate an economic internal rate (EIRR) of 34% and a financial internal rate of return (FIRR) of 13.5%.

State Railways of Thailand (SRT) is responsible for the Red Line project, while the Budget Bureau and the Finance Ministry were assigned by the cabinet to provide loans for construction.

The extensions will connect to the 15km Bang Sue-Taling Chan Light Red Line which is already completed but not in operation, and the Bang Sue-Rangsit segment of the Dark Red Line which is under construction.
At the Warsaw 2016 NATO Summit on 8th and 9th July, NATO agreed to establish a permanent rotating presence of its troops in the three Baltic countries. The move is seen as an important gesture, as it highlights NATO's readiness to defend its Eastern member states against any Russian aggression. The Warsaw decision may be interpreted as NATO's acknowledgement of its Baltic members and a commitment to take their concerns seriously.

Last year's request of the Baltic states for a permanent rotational NATO force in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania would comprise a diplomatically significant yet militarily negligible positioning of troops in an attempt to involve all allies in times of crisis. Indeed, with the increased security concerns in its eastern flank, NATO has found itself returning to the tripwire deterrence of the 1950s, whereby relatively small forces are planted in strategic locations to activate retaliation in the event of an attack.

The decision to station more allied troops in the Baltic states has not come easily and taken several years to come to fruition. NATO has been careful in changing its previous policy of reassurance to the Baltic states to this latest policy of deterrence. The Baltic states, which have participated in NATO security missions outside their borders, now find themselves needing enhanced security assistance at home during a time of constrained spending on defence and differing threat perceptions among the members of the alliance especially with regard to Russia.

The commitment from NATO also is an acknowledgement of the deployments from the Baltic states to allied international operations; such as participation in the International Security Assistance Force, a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan, and other missions that were viewed as important to international security. It was understood that NATO support would be offered to the Baltic states in light of these deployments.

Increasing security along NATO's eastern flank began following the Wales NATO Summit in 2014. This led to the hosting of the NATO Air Policing mission out of the Estonian Amari air base (in addition to the already existing Baltic Air Policing base in Siauliai, Lithuania), the establishment of NATO force integration units and the enhancement of the NATO Response Force through the creation of the Very High Readiness Task Force and a strategy on dealing with hybrid threats.

In May 2015 the Chiefs of Armed Forces of the Baltic states called for a permanent presence of NATO troops in their territories, which is what led to the latest commitment from NATO. This was a reaction to the increased Russian air and naval activity in the region, the establishment of military infrastructure near their borders and Russian aggression in Ukraine.

A recent RAND report on reinforcing deterrence on NATO's Eastern Flank concluded that about seven brigades, including three heavy armoured brigades  adequately supported by airpower, land-based fires, and other enablers on the ground would be needed in the event of actual Russian aggression against the Baltic states. Even with the renewed NATO commitment, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are still far from this target and might require further support from their allies.

It is worth noting that progress in defence has been made by all three Baltic states, notably the commitment to increase their defence budgets to two per cent of GDP. Estonia already reached this goal in 2014, while Latvia and Lithuania are planning to reach it in 2018 and 2020, respectively. The Baltic states are also boosting their air surveillance, land forces and national guards with more efficient infrastructures and procurement of infantry fighting vehicles, anti-tank systems and air-defence systems. However, host nation support (HNS) infrastructure is a key investment that is required to make the most of allied support. Due to limitations in their current HNS infrastructures, the Baltic states are only able to host three battalions from NATO.

Despite some perceived limitations, NATO's commitment seems to tick two vital boxes. It is a symbolic indication of potential reaction and sacrifice on behalf of the allies in case of Russian aggression against the Baltics states, while the multinationalism of the battalions indicate support from a number of NATO member states in the defence of the region, as well as the commitment to Article 5 in the event of a crisis.

The decision, however, is not a significant military challenge for Russia. Indeed, it appears that a greater commitment of NATO forces to the Baltic states and further development of the defence capabilities of the Baltic states might be required in the future. At the moment, the decision resembles a trooping of NATO's colours in Eastern Europe and it remains to be seen whether the decision is a significant act of deterrence.

Marta Kepe is an analyst at RAND Europe in the defence, security, and infrastructure team. She previously worked for the Latvian Ministry of Defence, where she worked on armaments issues within the European Defence Agency and NATO. She writes here in a personal capacity.

This commentary originally appeared on European Geostrategy on July 27, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform William Shakespeares Richard III and The Comedy of Errors during its upcoming summer tour.

Area performances include "Richard III" at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 31, in Townsend's Heritage Park; and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the fairgrounds in Boulder. Helena performances are at 6 p.m. in Pioneer Park with "Comedy of Errors" on Monday, Aug. 8 and "Richard III" on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

The company features 10 professional actors selected from national auditions who tour without technical assistance to bring live theatre to mostly rural communities. This summer, 66 percent of the communities reached by the troupe have populations of 5,000 or fewer.

We are very much looking forward to producing both plays this summer, said Kevin Asselin, executive artistic director. This will be the first time in MSIPs 44-year history that well bring Richard III to our stage. Richard will fit right into what is already an active political year, reminding us how Shakespeare stays relevant even 400 years after his death.

Asselin will direct Richard III, while Chris Duval, a University of Utah professor with many credits at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, will direct The Comedy of Errors, which the company has not performed since 2002.

All performances, with the exception of those at Bozemans Sweet Pea Festival, are free and open to the public. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early with chairs, blankets and picnics.

For more information on the plays and a complete tour schedule, visit the companys website: www.shakespeareintheparks.org.
Multiple US cable operators are testing UltraHD 4K content across the fully-managed SES Ultra HD platform.





SES has signed UltraHD trial agreements with Cable America in Missouri, Golden West Telecommunications in South Dakota, MTC Cable in New York, Sjobergs Cable TV in Minnesota and ATMC in North Carolina. The MSOs are receiving HEVC 4K IP set-top boxes in preparation for UltraHD subscriber trials into US households later this year.Using the multicasting capability of the DOCSIS 3.0 transmission standard and traditional digital TV to deliver a wide range of 4K programming to subscriber homes, SES is enabling smaller cable operators to be among the first in North America to provide linear and live UltraHD. Unlike Internet-delivered 4K offerings, SESs managed solution, delivered over dedicated bandwidth, helps manage buffering and network congestion. SES is carrying four UltraHD channels on satellites serving every cable system and nearly 100 million homes across North America, including Fashion One 4K, NASA TV UHD, and High 4K TV. The fourth choice on SESs regional 4K dial is SESs own UHD1 channel, a venue for up-and-coming 4K content producers creating great UltraHD material with an eye toward ultimately launching their own Ultra HD channels.UltraHD has arrived in Minnesota, as we prepare to deliver 4K content to subscriber homes this year, said Richard Sjoberg, president and CEO at Sjoberg, which serves 33 towns in Northwest Minnesota. Along with high-speed broadband, were seeing an increasing demand for UltraHD across our subscriber base, and together with SES were on the leading edge of technology, with a simplified solution that will make the transition to Ultra HD far faster and more efficient. Were looking forward to being among the first in the country to deliver game-changing television to our customers.
Russian court acquits Far Eastern Guerilla gang members

Context Far Eastern Guerilla gang members convicted by jury of police violence

MOSCOW, July 28 (RAPSI)  The Primorsky Krai Court has acquitted five men in the criminal case of Far Eastern Guerillas, proclaiming them innocent of several murders and robbery, RIA Novosti reported on Thursday.

Last week, after a retrial, a jury found the evidence presented by the prosecution not convincing and acquitted the defendants. The retrial was conducted with regard to the murder of four people, who were also robbed of valuables and drugs they had on them, in the Kirov area of the Primorsky Krai.

Defendants Alexei Nikitin and Vadim Kovtun were released in the courtroom while Alexander Kovtun, Vladimir Ilyutikov and Maksim Kirillov were kept under arrest as they were to serve their time in relation to two other criminal cases.

The prosecutors in the case are going to appeal the jury verdict in the Supreme Court of Russia.

The group gained notoriety after a series of assaults on civilians and law enforcement officers in 2010 left six dead.

The Far Eastern Guerilla gang was tracked down in a flat in the city of Ussuriysk in June 2011, and surrounded by law enforcement officials.

Two policemen were injured in a shootout with the gang members, two of whom committed suicide, according to the forensic medical examination.

On February 4, 2014 five of the defendants were found guilty by the jury of having participated in a criminal gang, while one was acquitted. Four were convicted for the murder of police officers, and five were convicted for the murder of civilians.
ECHR dismisses complaints against Ukraine and Russia from East Ukraine residents

MOSCOW, July 28 (RAPSI)  The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) declared inadmissible on Thursday a complaint which had been filed by three residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, who claimed their rights violated due to hostilities in Eastern Ukraine and demolition of their houses.

Anton Lisnyy, Svetlana Piven and Volodymyr Anokhin complained against both Ukraine and Russia stating that their lives had been put at risk as a result of the shelling of the villages where they lived after the two regions had announced their independence and the authorities in Kiev launched a military operation there. According to the applicants, since their property had either been destroyed or damaged they relied on Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 (protection of property) of the European Convention on Human Rights (Convention).

The applicants also complained about the fact that the operation of all state institutions in eastern Ukraine, including the courts, had been paralyzed and these institutions had been relocated to areas controlled by the Government of Ukraine.

The applicants alleged that their rights were also violated under five articles of the Convention, including Article 2 (right to life), Article 6  1 (right to a fair trial), Article 8 (right to respect for private life), Article 10 (freedom of expression) and Article 13 (right to an effective remedy).

The Strasburg-based court has unanimously declared these applications inadmissible having found that the applicants failed to sufficiently substantiate their complaints by not presenting at least titles to property or of residence. The Ukrainians have submitted only copies of their passports, photographs of destroyed houses with no proof of ownership, and a general description of the situation in the region.

Meanwhile, there are about 3,000 individual claims pending in the ECHR against Ukraine and the Russian Federation concerning Crimeas breakaway from Ukraine and the fighting in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Besides, ECHR is to consider three inter-state applications.
Moscow court uphold detention of Russian student charged with attempting to join ISIS

MOSCOW, July 28 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  The Moscow City Court has upheld the ruling of a lower court extending the detention of Varvara Karaulova (Alexandra Ivanova), a student, who stands charged with attempting to join the Islamic State militants in Syria, till September 27, RAPSI learned from the courts press-service.

Ivanova said that she made a silly and naive mistake. Ive not committed a crime. I really wish to fix my mistake. All of this is causing great suffering to my family. I wont hide. I dont know if there is any need to keep me here, she told the court.

Earlier, it had been reported that Ivanova was found sane by the psychiatric evaluation.

As previously reported the second-year student of the Moscow State Universitys Faculty of Philosophy, allegedly decided to join the Islamic State and secretly started off for Istanbul on May 27.

On June 4, she was arrested near Turkey's border with Syria along with 13 other Russian citizens when attempting to cross into the territory occupied by Islamic State militants. On June 11, she returned to Russia under escort of Interpol employees.

In October, Karaulova, who had changed her name to Alexandra Ivanova, was again arrested in Moscow and put in jail.
Appeal against acquittal of prominent Russian art expert Basner postponed to August 11

ST. PETERSBURG, July 28 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  The St. Petersburg City Court has postponed the review of an appeal against acquittal of a prominent Russian art expert Yelena Basner in a fraud case to August 11, RAPSI learned in the courtroom on Thursday.

Appeal was filed by St. Petersburg prosecutors and the plaintiff in the case, art collector Andrei Vasilyev. The review of the appeal was postponed because Vasilyevs lawyer Semyonov could not participate in the hearings.

Semyonov is a former investigator in Basners case who became Vasilyevs lawyer.

On May 17, the Dzerzhinsky District Court of St. Petersburg declared Basner not guilty to fraud. Basner was investigated over a painting, In restaurant, attributed to Boris Grigoryev, a well-known Russian artist of the first half of the 20th century. The painting, which was allegedly examined by Basner in 2009 and sold for $250,000, was proven to be a fake in 2011.

Basner, a former employee of the Bukowskis auction house as well as the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, was arrested on January 31, 2014. She was charged with large-scale fraud. On February 5, 2014, she was placed under house arrest. In January 2015, a court in St. Petersburg released Basner from house arrest.

According to investigators, in summer 2009 Mikhail Aranson, who is now wanted by police, in collaboration with unknown co-conspirators invited Basner to the criminal conspiracy of selling the fake painting. Investigators allege that Basner made up a sham story about the paintings history and found the buyer, a publisher Leonid Shumakov. He, convinced of the paintings authenticity, proposed his close friend, St. Petersburg art collector Andrei Vasilyev, to buy the painting.

Eventually, Vasilyev bought the fake painting for  180,000 (13.2 million rubles), whereas its real price was 12,000 rubles ( 163).

Prosecutors earlier asked the court to sentence Basner to 4 years in prison, impose a fine of 500,000 rubles ($7,600) on her and order to pay the collector 16.5 million rubles ($250,000) in compensation.
Resignation of Russias Customs Service Head accepted  PM

MOSCOW, July 28 (RAPSI)  The resignation of Andrey Belyaminov, the head of the Russias Federal Customs Service (FCS), has been accepted, an order of the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev reads.

Vladimir Bulavin was appointed to the post.

On July 27, the Moscow Basmanny Court ruled searches in the apartment of the FCS ex-head to be lawful in the framework of a probe into illegal large-scale deliveries of alcohol beverages and neglect to pay mandatory customs duties, Yunona Tsareva, the courts press secretary, told RAPSI.

Searches were carried out, among other places, in the offices of Andrey Belyaminov, the FCS Head, his deputies Davydov and Strukov, as well as in Belyaminovs apartment, Vladimir Markin, the Russias Investigative Committee spokesperson, had state earlier.

Besides, investigators raided the office and apartment of Sergey Lobanov, CEO of Arsenal insurance company and founder of no less than 15 firms, whose activities are closely related to the FCS.

Objects and documents material to the investigation of the criminal case were seized in the course of searches, according to Markin.

The Investigative Committee has informed that in the framework of this criminal case charges were pressed against billionaire Dmitry Mikhalchenko, CEO of Forum Holding Company, and several other suspects.

Mikhalchenko, CEO of Forum Holding Company, has been charged with alcoholic products trafficking and arrested yet on March 29. According to media sources, searches have been repeatedly conducted at the billionaire's office and country house. However, operational procedures have been held in connection with embezzlement at Russias Ministry of Culture.

Forum Holding Company established in 2011 is one of the largest multibusiness companies in Saint-Petersburg.

The company has united several dozens of the citys enterprises and organizations. Forum Holding consists of industrial enterprises, such as "Spinning Mill named after S.M. Kirov", oldest textile industry enterprise in Russia, "Izmeron" factory, one of technological leaders of Russian downhole equipment market, according to the companys website.
As we see a surge in inflation globally, it is now critical that everyone is aware of the implications this will have along every step of the insurance and reinsurance value chain.
Bowlers, film buffs, Lebowski-ites, jazz enthusiasts and Myrna lovers -- this is your weekend.

Come together at one of your favorite Helena haunts and rub shoulders with other Helenans who love a good time, as well as indie and foreign films and the performing arts.

The Myrna Loy Center turns 25 and is aging not only gracefully, but gaining a whole new revitalized vigor. Second Story Cinema turns 40. Founder Arnie Malina is on hand this weekend to share tales of the Myrnas much-storied history. (See companion story in todays YourTime about the Myrnas history and more.)

Yo slackers! Thursday is the time to don your bowling shirts and bathrobes, grab your ferret and head down to the Myrna for the second annual Big Lebowski Brew & View.

Its complete with a street party, costume contest, bowling trophies, brewskis and of course -- the cult classic film.

The Dudes dead ringer scored the costume trophy last year, but there was some hot competition from a Valkyrie maiden Maude and a jumpsuit-clad Jesus.

The street partys at 6 p.m. and film at 8. Tickets are $20 with three drink tickets, or $12 with no alcohol. And news flash -- Lewis and Clark Brewing Company brewed a special beer for the festivities, "The Dude Abides," a session pale ale "that is sure to please."

Friday night, Myrna film lovers get to hear from two guys who helped start it all -- Second Story Cinema -- 40 years ago.

Its Second Story Cinema night with Malina and long-time film program director Les Benedict talking at 6 p.m. about the films they showed over the years, before the 7 p.m. showing of acclaimed Sundance hit, Swiss Army Man.

Malina, musician Alexandra Swaney and friend Jay Tieger each pitched in $2,000 to start Second Story Cinema in 1976, and Malina will talk about the impact that small start has had in Helena  and some of the funny stories that happened along the way.

Almost everyone has a great story to tell about Second Story Cinema, Malina said. Like our story of origin, when we were going to open Second Story with King Kong, but the movie didnt arrive on the bus so we showed Anna Karenina instead.

So sit back and quaff your beer and munch your freshly popped popcorn at 6 p.m., while you hear about Helenas 40-year indie film tradition. At 7 p.m. Benedict will introduce, Swiss Army Man.

Next on tap, is Saturdays 25th anniversary celebration, starting at 4:30 p.m. and featuring a community-wide street party with lawn games, sidewalk chalk art, and events inside and out.

Archival materials from Second Story and from the early years of the Myrna will be on exhibit.

Well be showing archival footage that Helena filmmaker Martin Holt shot of the jail becoming an arts center, said Krys Holmes, Myrna executive director. He was a builder and an artist, and he put thousands of days into this organization. His images are just fascinating.

In true Myrna Loy fashion  bringing together a broad variety of events  artist Linda McCray will also host an exhibit of paintings, drawings, and prints entitled Five Decades of Art in the Jailhouse Gallery.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, MJ Williams on trombone and vocals, Bob Packwood on piano, Ken Nelson on bass and Michael Gillen on drums take the stage to perform Life in the Key of Alex, a concert of little-heard pieces composed by pianist/composer and Second Story co-founder Swaney. A folklorist with the Montana Arts Council from 1997-2006, Swaney was a founding member of two well-known Montana bands: Cheap Cologne and The Jane Finnigan Quintet.

The best way we can honor Alexs contributions to the creative life of Helena and Montana is to present some of our most outstanding musicians playing her music, Holmes said.

The concert will be preceded by an onstage conversation (6:45-7:15) between the Myrnas two most visionary leaders  Malina and Ed Noonan, who was executive director from 2000-2014.

There is not a rural town anywhere in the country that has a place like the Myrna Loy Center, Holmes said. Our Myrna is recognized and valued across the performing arts field nationally, and it all started with a tiny 88-seat film house on the second floor of a downtown building, and a guy like Arnie who never gave up.

That is something to celebrate.
So the European Commission announced that Spain and Portugal will not be punished for breaching Europes Growth and Stability Pact. The decision lands yet another blow on the credibility of the European project. How many more punches can it take? And will the political turf wars of European politicians make matters even worse?

Spain and Portugal violated the rules of the Growth and Stability Pact, which stipulates that EU countries may not have budget deficits and national debts in excess of 3 per cent and 60 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, respectively. Spain and Portugal are both wildly off the mark.

The two countries, hit hard by first the financial crisis and then the eurocrisis that started with Greece, have been fighting hard to climb back out from the abyss. Unemployment numbers in the countries are sky-high, while economic growth is still lackluster and by no means sufficient to lift the unemployed out of poverty.

And so Spain and Portugal were penalized. They were handed fines -- penalties easy enough to pay, though. Indeed, the fines levied were 0 and 0. According to sources cited by EurActiv, this came after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble called some European commissioners from his Christian-Democratic European Peoples Party and asked them politely to get Spain off the hook.

Spain is incidentally still run by the Partido Popular, which in Europe is part of Schaubles EPP. Spain has held two national elections in the past six months; the Partido Popular has not been able to win back a majority. There is no doubt that a hefty fine would have reflected badly on the staunchly pro-EU Christian-Democrats, while a third national election is a serious possibility.

Could there have been a trade-off? Spains caretaker government consists of Christian-Democrats. The other country that was let off the hook, Portugal, is run by Socialists. Could that have been the calculation -- you get to save your Socialist friends, we get to save our Christian-Democratic friends?

Yes, its speculation, but this mechanism is played out nearly daily in the European Union, where the Christian-Democrats of the EPP, the Socialists of the Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, and the Liberals of the Alliance of the Liberals and Democrats Europe stare each other down in an endless Mexican standoff.

Knowing that these party politics often force tough decisions, the spotlights will move to Rome at the end of this week. There, center-left Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is in a tough spot.

Several large Italian banks seem destined to fail stress tests to be published on July 29. The results are expected to show that, among other banks, Monte dei Paschi di Siena is loaded with debts it cannot repay. Many of these are loans taken out by Italians themselves. Unfortunately, banks like Monte Dei Paschi financed the loans disbursed by taking out loans from other banks, such as French banks. Italian banks are thought to be in the tank for billions to their foreign counterparts.

Until recently, national governments would pick up the tab. Spain is a prime example. There, billions in non-performing loans were stashed in a so-called bad bank, Sareb, which now holds mortgages and the like from nationalized banks.

Sareb is backed by Spanish government funds. This is no longer allowed.

One recurring event that has seriously ticked off voters throughout the European Union has been the rescue of failing banks using taxpayer money. Europes leading politicians realized this very negative sentiment was starting to eat away at the popularity of the European cooperation project as a whole and so they decided on a new policy of so-called bail-ins.

Instead of governments bailing out failing banks -- and then those governments being bailed out by aid from other countries using money from taxpayers -- those holding the bad loans would have to bleed first.

So companies and citizens will pay up to 8 percent of the outstanding loans, after which a government is allowed to step in.

The Italian prime minister is in a tough spot: With Italian banks teetering, Renzi is not allowed to engage in a classic bail-out while also not allowed to somehow funnel money from the governments coffers to the banks -- that would mean a breach of the Stability and Growth Pact.

He has already lost local elections, some in large cities. He is facing more such elections and on top of that a national referendum on the reform of the Senate, which he also made a referendum on his own leadership by announcing that he would resign if he loses.

If Renzi is forced to confront voters with the bill for bailing in Italian banks, he is sure to face voter fury.

At the end of this week another such blow awaits, when those stress tests tomorrow reveal the financial health of Italian banks.

European Socialists don't want to lose their man in Rome. The question is what they have to trade in order to save him.
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Both of Americas primary political parties are contemptible.

Both pursued the policies of easy credit and housing incentives which led to the real estate bubble burst in 2008, both continue outdoing one another in expanding the national debt and both treat individual rights (albeit different sets of them) as if they are subject to public opinion and majority vote.

But in the absence of a serious third party challenger, one or the other will have their nominee occupy the Oval Office in 2013. As such, it does well to pay attention to what they are saying.
Anyone who knew me six months ago would be shocked to know that I am now planning to vote for Hillary Clinton. I was (and still am) a proud me
But in the hyper partisan atmosphere that is 2016 politics, Kaine passes as a centrist amongst a sea of politicians that live on the far left or far right of the old paradigm.
The policies the department follows are the foundation for all of its operations and actions, said Police Chief Scott Freeman. The police department is partnering with Daigle Law Group to soundly rewrite its policies.
Dale Greene, the dean of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, was not specific about the consequences the professor would face for sending the inappropriate email out to the school's listserv, but said they have met and talked about the situation.
Delaney Gover delivers a lunch order at the San Francisco Deli, a Redding landmark since 1977.

SHARE Hearty minestrone soup, a daily special The popular french dip sandwich

By Marc Beauchamp

A week ago I met a friend for lunch at the San Francisco Deli, a landmark on Athens Avenue since the late 70s. He was smart to make it for 11 a.m., to beat the lunchtime crowd.

He ordered his regular french dip sandwich. I hesitated. I recalled a memorable hot pastrami sandwich from several years ago but in the end I opted for a large bowl of minestrone soup (with bread and butter).

A few minutes later Delaney Gover, a friendly young woman, delivered the order to our table.

I asked her about her favorites on the menu. I eat the french dip too much, she said with a smile.

The Luntey family has owned the business since the early 90s. They moved it from its original location in Cypress Square to its larger digs at the intersection of Athens Avenue and Locust.

Brenda Luntey is proud of the high-quality meat. Were the No baloney deli, he told me several years ago.

Three days later I tried the San Francisco Delis online ordering system. It was easy to navigate and my order was ready exactly when promised.

The takeout flier urges patrons to call orders in or order online especially during the lunch rush. Good deli sandwiches, its worth remembering, can take a bit of time to create.

And the San Francisco Deli has earned a loyal following with their regular favorites.

On Yelp.com, one fan wrote: Im having withdrawals from their turkey, bacon and avocado with smoked cheddar on sourdough.

On Fridays and Wednesdays they barbecue hand-rubbed tri-tip over oak. They sell the meat whole or sliced by the pound. A tri-tip sandwich is $9.50.

On my second visit of the week I sat at a table next to the window facing Athens Avenue. I tried to remember some of the major businesses back in the day, when Athens Avenue was sort of Reddings second downtown  Montgomery Ward, Wonder World, etc.

Before leaving I took a closer look at some of the decor at the San Francisco Deli. It includes large black and white photographs of San Francisco in the 40s and 50s  cable cars on Eddy Street, Coit Tower, Aliotos restaurant. And my favorite (though not taken in San Francisco): The incomparable Willie Mays, number 24, and his astounding over the shoulder catch of Vic Wertzs drive in the 1954 World Series.

go now 

San Francisco Deli

Address: 2395 Athens Ave., Redding

Phone: 244-1449

Hours: Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Website: sfdelibbq.com

Social media: Facebook

Owners: The Luntey family

Established: 1977



Sample menu items:

Hot pastrami $9.75

French dip $9.39

Ruben sandwich $9.99

Tri-tip sandwich $9.50

Daily soup (large) $4.99

Chef salad $8.50
SHARE Photo by Dan Meyer

By Jon Lewis

When she gets on stage, which she does with regularity these days, Sami Jo is a little bit country.

At home, shes a little bit rock n roll. Actually, its classic rock n roll. Even more specifically, its the Beatles.

The 21-year-old Redding resident, who will be performing this evening at Market Street Faire, said her inclination toward country goes back to the music her mother would always play. Fortunately, her mother had good taste and Sami Jo now counts classics like Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Merle Haggard among her influences.

Sami Jo was a freshman at Liberty Christian High when she noticed the guitar in her brother Matthews room. It was kind of for decoration so I picked it up one day and looked up some YouTube videos and learned a few songs. I kind of taught myself, she said.

As she became proficient on the guitar, she also focused on her songwriting. For writing inspiration, she said she turns to collection of Beatles albums. They are my favorite band; I listen to them all the time.

Sami Jo continued to write throughout her high school years and while completing her associate degree at Shasta College. Writing songs is my one and only way to fully express my thoughts, she said on her web site. Just as a young girl confides in her diary, I confide in my guitar.

She played her first open mic five years ago in Hayfork, where her grandparents reside, and enjoyed it so much that she started looking for more opportunities to perform. In addition to Market Street Faire, shes a regular performer at California Brewing Co. in Palo Cedro, Vintage Wine Bar & Restaurant in downtown Redding, the French Gulch Hotel and at the Mosquito Serenade in Anderson. Lately shes been accompanied by her brother on bass and Steve Cheek on harmonica.

Last November, she was invited to perform a couple of songs as part of the Sunday Writers Night program at the small but prestigious Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Sami Jo played three of her originals, Someone Remind Me, Movie Star and I Cant Speak. It was a really good experience, she said.

In addition to her performing schedule, Sami Jo works as a server at the Airpark Cafe and from 8 to 9 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month, she joins her friends Ruby Tuesday, Analog Man and her accompanist Cheek to host the Strictly Vinyl program on community radio station KKRN (88.5 FM) in Round Mountain.

go now 

What: Sami Jo

Info: www.samijo.me

Upcoming shows:

6-8:30 p.m. today at Market Street Faire

7-9 p.m. Saturday at Oberons Tavern in Ashland

8 p.m. Aug. 5 at Vintage Wine Bar & Restaurant

7-10 p.m. Aug. 6 at Dry Creek Station
FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2016, file photo, Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl arrives for a pretrial hearing at Fort Bragg, N.C. An Oscar-winning filmmaker has asked a judge to prevent the military from forcing him to turn over interviews with Bergdahl, adding Hollywood intrigue to the soldier's prosecution on desertion accusations. Attorneys for screenwriter Mark Boal filed a complaint Wednesday, July 20 in a California federal court seeking to block a subpoena from North Carolina-based military prosecutors. The complaint says the prosecutors intend to issue their demand on Friday for 25 hours of audio recordings of Boal and Bergdahl. (AP Photo/Ted Richardson, File)

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By JONATHAN DREW, Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  An Oscar-winning filmmaker has asked a judge to prevent the military from forcing him to turn over interviews with Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, adding Hollywood intrigue to the soldier's prosecution on desertion accusations.

Attorneys for screenwriter Mark Boal filed a complaint Wednesday in a California federal court seeking to block a subpoena from North Carolina-based military prosecutors. The complaint says the prosecutors intend to issue their demand on Friday for 25 hours of audio recordings of Boal and Bergdahl.

Boal won two Academy Awards in 2009 as producer and screenwriter for the Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker." He interviewed Bergdahl starting in 2014 as research for a possible film project, and excerpts of their discussions formed the basis for the second season of the "Serial" podcast.

Bergdahl faces charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy after walking off his post in Afghanistan in 2009 and winding up in enemy captivity for five years. The latter charge is relatively rare and carries a punishment of up to life in prison.

Lawyers for Boal argue that the recordings are covered by a legal principle known as the reporter's privilege, a journalist's right to maintain the confidentiality of sources and other information. Boal is a longtime reporter who covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Boal's complaint says the interview recordings reference confidential sources and include other unpublished material that Boal may use in a future documentary, feature film or nonfiction book.

"The Subpoena would invade Boal's right to gather and publish newsworthy material," the complaint states.

A draft of the subpoena by Army Maj. Justin Oshana, a prosecutor on Bergdahl's case, demands the complete, unedited audio recordings of the conversations between Bergdahl and Boal. Failure to cooperate could lead to fines or imprisonment.

Asked for comment on Boal's legal filing, Army spokesman Paul Boyce said the military is focused on ensuring "fairness and impartiality" in the high-profile case against Bergdahl.

The disagreement over access to Boal's audio recordings represents the latest fight over information in the Bergdahl case. Bergdahl's defense attorneys recently won access to emails about the case sent and received by top Army commanders, and there have been disputes about access to classified documents.

The trial is scheduled to begin in February 2017.

Colby Vokey, an attorney for Boal and retired U.S. Marine Corps prosecutor, said military and law enforcement officials have already spent hundreds of hours doing their own interviews with Bergdahl after his release from captivity. The Obama administration was criticized by Republicans for swapping Guantanamo Bay detainees for Bergdahl.

"They have had every opportunity in the world to ask this stuff and now they want confidential material that a reporter has gathered. It's ridiculous," he said.

When the second season of "Serial" debuted in late 2015, excerpts of Boal's interviews gave the public its first glimpse of Bergdahl's reasoning for walking away from a remote observation post in Afghanistan. The soldier, who's from Hailey, Idaho, told Boal that he intended to create a crisis that would catch the attention of top commanders so that he could voice concerns about how leadership decisions were affecting him and his comrades.
FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2015 file photo, Bruce Bennett folds a blanket in a room that he makes available to rent in he and his husband's home in San Francisco. Supervisors in a city nearly synonymous with the internet say an ordinance requiring Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms to list only legal units or face steep fines is a simple change to existing law. Airbnb, however, says the new regulation challenges the heart of what makes the internet the flourishing, free-wheeling frontier it is: that internet platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, cannot be sued or punished for the content posted by third-party hosts. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)

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By JANIE HAR, Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  San Francisco wants people who rent out their homes through Airbnb and other online platforms to follow some rules, and it wants the platforms to advertise only those rule-abiding listings  or face steep fines.

That means Airbnb and others must stick to advertising San Francisco hosts who have registered with the city and haven't exceeded the number of nights they're allowed to rent. The penalty? Platforms can be fined up to $1,000 a day per violation.

Now, Airbnb is suing its hometown, arguing that it's not responsible for making sure hosts follow city rules and that San Francisco, the place that birthed some of the world's most innovative startups, is undermining a bedrock principle that allowed those companies to flourish in the first place.

In its federal lawsuit filed in June, Airbnb states San Francisco's ordinance violates a federal law that has long shielded websites such as Facebook and YouTube from responsibility for information posted by users. In this case, it's the legality of vacation listings.

Legal experts say Airbnb has a good shot at prevailing in court, but that government also has a legitimate interest in regulating health and safety, which includes housing in a city that's among the most expensive in the country.

"This is going to be the first of many kinds of legal battles around the platform economy. I'm sure that other companies are going to mount similar kinds of defenses when they're in regulatory crosshairs," said Vivek Krishnamurthy, assistant director of the Cyberlaw Clinic at Harvard Law School's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society.

"At some point," he said, "governments are going to have to be able to regulate these things."

Airbnb faces challenges elsewhere, including New York where legislators last month approved a bill making it illegal to advertise online entire homes for less than 30 days. Last month, the Anaheim City Council voted to phase out and ban short-term rentals in the home of Disneyland. This month, the city council in Berkeley voted to penalize landlords who list multiple units for less than two weeks.

Eric Goldman, co-director of the High Tech Law Institute and law professor at Santa Clara University, said he's not surprised the issue is playing out in San Francisco, a city with a massive housing shortage and little room to expand.

"It's easy to see how the combination of scarce housing units and the health and safety issues associated with short-term rentals, or short-term tenants, leads to San Francisco potentially being at the vanguard of regulatory efforts," he said.

Airbnb, the world's largest short-stay online rental company, makes money by taking a cut of peer-to-peer rentals. It says it's an intermediary connecting hosts and travelers.

Advocates of San Francisco's ordinance, however, say the new regulation is no different than requiring car rental agencies to verify that a driver has a valid license.

Critics of Airbnb have long complained that the business model encourages landlords to take rentals off the market for short-term use. Airbnb supporters say they couldn't continue to live in San Francisco without the extra money they make renting out space.

San Francisco started requiring hosts in 2015 to register, but more than a year later, only 1,500 people have done so out of thousands of listings. The Board of Supervisors approved its latest regulation in June.

The company filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court of Northern California, claiming the ordinance not only violates its First Amendment rights but is pre-empted by the federal Communications Decency Act of 1996.

The section of law cited by Airbnb states that "no provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider."

Legal experts say the provision is why Amazon can offer user reviews, blogs can post comments and Facebook can repeat defamatory remarks without fear of being sued.

Supervisor David Campos, a longtime Airbnb critic, said it's ridiculous to paint Airbnb as a passive intermediary, when the company actively recruits hosts to populate its service.

Still, he introduced amendments this month to make sure the city prevails. If approved by the board, the revised ordinance would levy a fine on hosting platforms only after they accept a fee for booking an unregistered unit.

"They can't get away with this illusion and fantasy that all they do is put out stuff on the website," he said, "because that's not the business model."

A spokeswoman for Airbnb issued a statement saying that the changes "still wouldn't resolve the legal shortcomings that were raised in our complaint."

At some point, said Krishnamurthy of Harvard Law's Cyberlaw Clinic, a court somewhere may decide that the broad protections provided by the Communications Decency Act "cannot swallow the entire world" so that online speech is immediately shielded.

"It can't trump everything in our society," he said. "It's not the only value in our society."
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By Joe Szydlowski of the Redding Record Searchlight

Two local fire departments are eyeing action at the ballot box to help pay for a new firehouse in Cottonwood and routine costs in Anderson while a third opted against going before voters this year.

The Anderson Fire Protection District, which is separate from city government, has been weighing whether to pursue a ballot measure or use a process involving property values to bring in some much needed cash, Fire Chief Rick Wiegle said.

"It has to be something that's not just another tax forced down everyone's throat,'" Wiegle said. "Without that revenue source, this fire department is not sustainable."

Upon taking the helm in 2014, Wiegle said he discovered the department was dipping into its reserves to pay a $400,00 budget gap. That deficit has fallen to about $300,000 out of a budget of around $1 million to $1.2 million, still paid via dwindling reserves, he said.

"I have to go to the board and say, 'In two years, we're not going to have any money to transfer out of reserves," said Wiegle, who notes Measure A's public safety sales tax doesn't allocate money to the fire department. "We share zero of that half-cent public safety tax."

The district has eight full-time personnel and has two firefighters per engine, below the national standard, he said.

At its most recent meeting, the district board voted to explore both a sales tax, which voters would have to approve, and a special benefits assessment, in which an engineer evaluates properties and determines a fair amount for the owner to pay relative to services rendered.

The latter would require a public hearing with property owners, he said. But it also could more evenly spread the burden among them, he said

"Let's say you have a house in Anderson, you pay the $20 parcel fee. So does Wal-Mart. Does that seem fair?" he said. "Wal-Mart generates a large amount of calls per year. They need to share in that responsibility."

He added that the per-parcel fee in the Cottonwood Fire Protection District is more than three times Anderson's $20 flat fee.

The Shasta Lake Fire Protection District, however, postponed a public safety tax it had been exploring, Fire Chief Dennis Beck said.

While the budget has been balanced, in part by eliminating positions, Beck said the department desperately needs more firefighters even with its volunteers.

"Right now we have one paid person on, and then volunteers who volunteer for shifts," Beck said. "... The recommendation's three folks on an engine. I can only guarantee one."

Fire season and the election's filing deadlines derailed attempts to place the measure on the November ballot, but Beck said he hopes to place it on the June 2017 ballot.

He commissioned a community survey that found almost 60 percent approved the tax. Though a majority, that falls short of the two-thirds needed to pass, he said.

A 2017 election would give supporters more time to sway undecided voters, Beck said.

Meanwhile, the Cottonwood Fire Protection District is once again seeking a $4 million bond measure for a new fire hall to replace the department's home of 80 years.

Measure C has qualified for the ballot, the only one besides the city of Redding's public safety tax, Measure D. The district tried to pass similar bond measures in 2014 and 2013 that fell short of the two-thirds majority requirement.
Doctors diagnosed Kasey Locke with autism at 3 years old, and by the time she was ready for kindergarten, her parents Jeff and Rebecca had decided Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) was the best approach for educating their child.

Unfortunately, Kaseys new teachers struggled with the techniques. They couldnt really ever bake the whole ABA stuff into the cake, Jeff said. We did look into private schooling, but there was no way we could financially reach that.

The Locke family (who is lucky enough to live in Arizona) applied for an Educaiton Savings Account (ESA), and with a new school, they continued educational therapy. Kasey is now thriving. Her father said the program has been a huge success for his family, and even Kaseys longtime therapist noticed a difference in her demeanor and performance in the classroom.

I believe, and I think most Montanans believe, that children with special needs deserve to go to a school that meets those needs, a school that helps them to thrive like Kasey. In 2015, Governor Steve Bullock had a chance to help families with special needs children by empowering those who need it with an ESA. This would have allowed qualifying students to utilize 95 percent of the funding their public school would have spent on them and apply it to qualified education options that would have better served them. Yet, after the bill passed both the House and Senate, Governor Bullock chose to veto the bill instead.

That was a mistake. It was just one of two school choice bills to make it to his desk last session. The other was a Tax Credit Scholarship Program (TCS) to help kids get scholarships for private education. While the governor did not sign this bill, he also did not veto it, and so it became law. It was a victory for school choice, but it only serves to further illustrate the need for greater public education on school choice.

Thats why I am proud to announce the launch of the Montana School Choice Coalition, comprised of eight organizations that would like to see broad and comprehensive school choice reform enacted in Montana. Our coalition exists to educate Montanans on the benefits of education choice and to advocate public policy reform.

The truth is, not all children learn the same way  especially those with special needs. The public school system, while well-meaning, at times doesnt provide the best environment for every student. Alternative schools and particular educational methods can cater to the unique needs of some Montana students; however, many families simply cannot afford the tuition.

School choice could change this. The programs our coalition supports will empower families to find the school that satisfies their childrens needs and help families afford the tuition or pay for other services, such as tutoring or textbooks.

Choice in education breaks down barriers to success for students, empowers them to perform better in school, and improves the performance of the public schools themselves. In fact, a 2016 meta-analysis of 31 different school choice studies found that school choice improves the public school system.

At the end of the day, our children need schools that empower them to succeed. With only half of all Montana families reporting that their current public school is the best fit for their child, reform is crucial for our state. Thats why the Montana School Choice Coalition is working to educate the public on the importance of school choice legislation that will empower our children  and all our schools  to succeed.

Next years legislative session is an excellent opportunity for Montana to establish ESAs and to unlock the potential of a better functioning tax credit scholarship program. Every one of our children deserves a quality education, and education choice is the vehicle to get there.

David Herbst is the Montana state director of Americans for Prosperity Montana and is writing on behalf of the Montana School Choice Coalition for this guest column.
Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight

Patty Mayer and her daughter Giuliana Mayer, 6, stand at the park where a Free Little Library that the Mayers used and helped establish was stolen.

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By Staff Reports

At the end of June, Giuliana, 6, and her mother, Patty Mayer, returned from vacation to find the small neighborhood Dr. Who police box, filled with free children's books and cared for by Giuliana, had vanished, apparently stolen from its post in Northridge Park.

Now, a month later, they have a new Little Free Library, part of a child-literacy program that places small boxes with books in neighborhoods around Shasta County. The Mayers' new library resembles a microwave with books available to the community  and they're planning a grand re-opening Aug. 6.

Giuliana has cared for and restocked the little library since it originally went in May 2015 and is already excited about the new one, Mayer said.

"She's doing great, she loves the new free little library," Mayer said. "She's super excited about the party and for all the kids to see the new library."

They'll also have a chance for some swag, Mayer said. Besides face-painting, refreshments, a bubble station and storytelling, the first 20 kids to show up will receive a free Dutch Bros. travel mug, Mayer said. The first 20 children to donate three books to the library will get a free book and a voucher for a free drink at Dutch Bros.

"Anything and everything (is welcome)  just a book that they've outgrown and wantsto pass on,"

The party runs from 8 to 10 a.m. Aug. 6 at Northridge Park, soff Constitution Way in north Redding.
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LAS VEGAS (AP) - Social media is lighting up with reports from Nevada, Utah and California of a small fireball streaking across the sky.

Officials from Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada tell KTNV-TV that the light seen Wednesday night was a meteor breaking up.

However, U.S. Strategic Command Spokeswoman Julie Ziegenhorn said that it was a Chinese rocket re-entering the atmosphere near California late Wednesday night.

She referred all other questions about the rocket to the Chinese authorities.

People were tweeting photos and videos of the small fiery dot in the sky from northern and southern California as well as Nevada and Utah.

Locally, Teresa Garcia-Broom, who lives on Happy Valley Road, said she was outside watering about 9:30 p.m. when she saw what looked like a ball of fire with a long trailing tail.

"As it descended it split into two balls that traveled side by side until I could no longer see them. It did not look like a shooting star but was much larger and then split into two," she said.

"Very unusual and beautiful," Garcia-Broom added.

The rocket and its long, bright tail got residents in Palo Cedro, Redding and Trinity County talking and sharing videos on Facebook.

Some posted being scared. Others were in awe of the sight. The sight caused confusion at first. A few said they thought they were seeing an airplane.
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10 guns taken from Anderson residents

Anderson police said they seized 10 guns Tuesday from people barred from owning them.

The citywide sweep concentrated on those with known federal prohibitions from gun ownership.

Police didn't name the gun owners but said reasons for the individual bans can include:

A felony conviction or indictment.

Being a fugitive.

Illegal drug use or drug addiction.

A court determination of mental incompetence.

A domestic violence restraining order.

Convictions for certain misdemeanors, including domestic violence crimes.

Anderson's Problem Oriented Policing Unit conducted the sweep, officers said.

Fire officials warn of inspection scam

The Redding Fire Department is warning residents of a scam that involves a bill being sent out for a fire-safety inspection.

The department became aware of the scam after someone was charged for an inspection that was never done.

Uniformed fire inspectors do conduct inspections throughout the city, but any bills or documents from these services would come from the city of Redding, said Fire Inspector Patrick O'Connor.

Business owners should use credible vendors to inspect sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and fire alarms.

Any payments for an inspection should be verified by a business owner, especially if the person cannot verify where the inspection took place or who provided that service.

Cougar possibly seen at college

Shasta College public safety officials said a mountain lion may have been spotted early Wednesday morning near the school's horse arena.

Campus Safety Director Lonnie Seay said people at the college should be aware of their surroundings and call his department at 530-242-7910 if more mountain lions are spotted.

There also is a section on the school's website about safety precautions in such situations, Seay said.

Red Bluff, Corning have cooling centers

Cooling centers now are open in Red Bluff and Corning amid the heat wave baking the North State.

The stations will provide ice water and air conditioning, and will be open through Friday at the Red Bluff Community Center and at the Senior Center and Transportation Center in Corning.

The Red Bluff center at 1500 South Jackson St. will be open from noon to 9 p.m., while the senior center at 1015 4th St. is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the transportation center at 1081 Solano St. is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tehama County Health Services officials said the centers may remain open into next week if the heat continues.

For more information about the centers, call the Tehama County Sheriff's Office at 530-529-7900.

If you have questions about the relationship between extreme heat and health, call a local public health nurse at 530-527-6824, 530-824-4890 or 800-655-6854.

Nine arrested on Most Wanted list

Redding police said law enforcement agencies have arrested nine members of Shasta County's Most Wanted over the past two weeks.

Two were arrested by departments outside Shasta County.

Those arrested were:

Robert Lee Croninmills, 25, of Shingletown, on July 16 by Redding police.

Richard Price Burger, 43, of Redding, on July 17 by Redding police.

Kaila Mae Covert, 27, of Shasta Lake, on July 17 by the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.

Marc Anthony McClendon, 30, of Anderson, on July 20 by the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.

Dylan Andrew Fravel, 25, of Redding, on Sunday by Anderson police.

John Edward Teran, 26, of Redding, on Monday by the Shasta County Probation Department.

Merum Matthew Choate Jr., 33, of Redding, surrendered to the Shasta County Jail on Monday.

Savannah Marie Walker, 31, of Redding, was arrested in Stanislaus County.

Blake Andrew Peterson, 30, of Anderson, was arrested in Butte County.

Shasta's Most Wanted is a program that publicizes those who have repeatedly skipped their court hearings. They are held in the Shasta County Jail until their next court date.

A reward of up to $250 is offered for information leading to the arrest of a member of Shasta's Most Wanted. Tips can be submitted at 243-2319 or www.scsecretwitness.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

To date, 656 wanted offenders have been arrested through Shasta's Most Wanted.
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The Redding Fire Department is warning residents of a scam that involves a bill being sent out for a fire safety inspection.

The department became aware of the scam after someone was charged for an inspection that was never done.

Uniformed fire inspectors do conduct inspections throughout the city, but any bills or documents from these services would come from the city of Redding, said Fire Inspector Patrick O'Connor.

Business owners should use credible vendors to inspect sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and fire alarms.

Any payments for an inspection should be verified by a business owner, especially if the person cannot verify where the inspection took place or who provided that service.
Zoe Lofgren

SHARE Megan Kerr

By Bartholomew Sullivan, USA TODAY

PHILADELPHIA  Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose sat with the California delegation at the Wells Fargo Center waiting for the president to speak Wednesday night and reflected on how far the country has come in nominating its first woman from a major party for president.

Its really an amazing evolution for our country, she said. I remember I didnt expect to be excited when Geraldine Ferraro was nominated to be vice president (in 1984). I surprised myself: I was just overwhelmed that that could happen. Of course she lost.

Now, here we are, not that long later, and the most qualified person for president is a woman. And the fact she is a female is not a barrier, she said.

This is a big step forward as a country and Im proud of the United States.

* * *

The speakers' lineup Wednesday included several Californians -- Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Gov. Jerry Brown and former congressman, White House chief of staff, defense secretary and CIA director Leon Panetta.

A lot of good speakers from California, said state Assemblyman Luis Alejo of Salinas.

Its the right message of unity, inclusion and diversity, he said, adding, its historic to be able to vote on our next vice president, the nominee Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

The convention would also hear from Vice President Joe Biden and President Obama on the third night of the four-day gathering.

* * *

Rarely in American history have two parties diverged so profoundly, Brown said in his prime-time remarks. Even the Know-Nothing, anti-immigrant party of the 1850s did not stray this far into sheer ignorance and dark fantasy as have the Republicans and their leader, Donald Trump.

Brown added that Trump was dangerously wrong in denying climate change.

* * *

Terry Schanz, 38, of Sacramento, the chief of staff to state Sen. Isadore Hall of Compton, was also soaking in the history, he said, as a representative of the LGBT community.

Sometimes people get to read about history and sometimes people get to be involved in history, he said. Its amazing to be able to be here and see something thats never before happened in history.

* * *

Megan Kerr of Long Beach, vice president of the Board of Education of the Long Beach Unified School District, said the experience of being in Philadelphia and seeing Clinton nominated has been overwhelming. Tuesday nights roll call vote was something I felt in my body, she said.

I called my 15-year-old daughter (Emma) at home and I said, We did this, she said. I love our progressive men in office but it matters to me that shes the most qualified person for the job.

Shes so proud that I got to be a part of this on her behalf, she said, and is sharing observations from Philadelphia on Snapchat.

* * *

Mary Jane Sanchez of Palm Springs went to Barack Obamas inauguration four years ago and credits the Affordable Care Act for helping many of her students at the College of the Desert, where 75 percent receive some form of financial aid. She said she was eager to see his endorsement of Clinton.

* * *

Harpreet S. Sandhu, a former postal worker and Richmond City Council member, said he was honored to be a delegate when President Obama was nominated in Denver in 2008. This is very important, he said of Clintons nomination. I have two daughters.

One of them, Tanisha Sandhu, 31, of Vallejo, a nurse practitioner, is also a delegate.

I was a delegate at the age of 18, she said, for John Kerry in Boston in 2004, when her father was a Howard Dean delegate.

Im just excited that shes putting more cracks in the glass ceiling, she said. As a nurse practitioner, I think everyone should have access to health care.
SHARE Shasta College Logo

By Damon Arthur of the Redding Record Searchlight

Shasta College officials are asking voters to approve a $139 million bond measure in November to pay for building job training and veterans services facilities, as well as remodel classrooms.

The money would pay for four general projects, said Shasta College President Joe Wyse. The projects consist of a regional public safety training facility for fire, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel. The college also plans to build a veterans support center for military personnel and veterans.

College officials also want to construct a new career technical education building for training students in advanced manufacturing, welding, automotive and computer science. The fourth project would to remodel and upgrade the college's science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) labs, he said.

"This bond will allow Shasta College to provide the facilities needed for the state-of-the-art education and training our students must have to obtain living-wage jobs and transfer to four-year colleges and universities in their pursuit of higher education, particularly in the STEM fields," Wyse said in a statement.

Much of the construction would occur in the northeast corner of the college's main campus in east Redding. There would also be additional space on the Tehama campus for veterans services, he said.

Remodeling for STEM upgrades would occur in other classroom buildings on campus.

Some parts of the campus are about 50 years old, and classrooms and other buildings need upgrades such as new floors, ceilings and heating and air conditioning, he said.

The bond measure would need 55 percent approval from voters throughout the college district, which includes Shasta, Tehama, Trinity, Lassen, Humboldt and Modoc counties.

The bond would be repaid by property owners in the college district at a rate of $19 per $100,000 in valuation per year, Wyse said.

The college is still paying off a $34 million bond approved by voters in 2002. There is still $24.1 million in outstanding principal on that bond, said Sherri Jenkins, managing accountant auditor in the Shasta County Auditor-Controller's Office. Property owners in the district are paying $5.10 a year per $100,000 in property value on those bonds, Jenkins said.

With the $34 million bond, the college built an early childhood education center, a Health Sciences and University Center in downtown Redding, upgraded science labs and built facilities at the Tehama and Trinity campuses. It also partially paid for remodeling the college's theater, Wyse said.

Selling bonds to pay for school construction is common in California. In Shasta County, there are 17 school bonds that property owners are paying off, Jenkins said. Homeowners and other property owners are billed only for bonds in the school district they live in, Jenkins said.

The outstanding principal on all 17 bonds is $167 million, she said.
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U.S. Department of Justice officials said a Montague woman has been sentenced to two years in prison for an identity-theft scheme that included stealing mail from a slew of Siskiyou Couty post offices.

Stacy Miranda Phillips, 29, was sentenced today by Judge Troy L. Nunley and also ordered to pay $2,163 in restitution to the U.S. Postal Service over the aggravated identity theft, said Office of the United States Attorney Eastern District of California Spokeswoman Lauren Horwood.

Horwood said Phillips conspired with others between September and December 2015 to steal from Siskiyou County banks and merchants by taking mail and property to get personal information.

Phillips stole mail from post offices in Hornbrook, Grenada and Montague in the process, Horwood said.

After obtaining victims' signatures, PINs, account numbers and more, Phillips got cash from their accounts and also tried to open a credit card under the identity of a Weed victim, Horwood said.
SHARE Mary Sanchez

If there were any doubt left that Donald Trump is a narcissistic, demonizing spinner of half-truths and outright lies, the case has been rested.

Closing arguments came in stunning performance by the 2016 GOP presidential candidate himself, live and televised. The Republican Party's choice for the next occupant of the White House intends to seize upon people's fears and transform the nation into an isolationist country, inwardly focused and always on the lookout for scapegoats. Trump fancies himself as some sort of dictatorial leader at the helm.

"I am your voice," he declared, addressing the "forgotten men and women" of America. Then he proceeded to tell them who they can blame for their woes: immigrants, foreign countries and, of course, Hillary Clinton.

Thursday night's address to the Republican National Convention was the most scripted, controlled, practiced and vetted speech from Trump so far. And it dug deeply into a philosophy that is antagonistic to the values our nation was founded upon. Trump showed a disturbing lack of insight and respect for the ideals carved in stone at the nation's landmarks and ingrained into our laws and constitution.

The creepiest part of Trump's speech was watching him seemingly struggle to read his own children's names off the teleprompter. It wasn't that he doesn't love his family, or is forgetful. Rather, Trump was on lockdown.

He didn't dare stray too far from the prepared remarks, which were leaked ahead of time to media. Trump rogue wasn't going to be allowed at the convention closing. No matter. What he delivered was the truth of how he sees America and how he believes himself to be the superhero that will rectify the nation's woes.

Zap! Flash! Bam! After his coronation on January 20, 2017, violent neighborhoods will suddenly begin to be safe, millions will be employed and prosperous, crime will plummet, gangs will be no more and terrorism will be obliterated. Oh, and those awful undocumented immigrants, they will be sent packing, and Trump will slam the door in the face of anyone he deems to endorse violence, hatred or oppression.

Sometimes, the more a person talks about an issue, the more apparent it becomes how little he understands it  or, in this case, how little he understands the people he claims to care about. For example, Trump listed some statistics on black and Latino unemployment and then blamed illegal immigration for the disproportions.

He mentioned the shooting deaths of 49 people at a gay club in Orlando, vowing to protect the LGBTQ community from terrorism and violence. But he made no mention of the problem they face daily  namely, the type of discrimination that so many Republicans show when fighting same-sex marriage and other civil rights protections.

For Trump, unity is a matter of finding a scapegoat, some person or group we can all hate together. That makes it so much easier to avoid the messy complexities and moral ambiguities that inform actual policy making.

Yet leadership is about good policy. Any candidate can condemn the recent murders of police. It's something we all concur with. But what are you going to do about police training and oversight? How are you going to rebuild broken trust with communities? What are you going to do about entrenched poverty, addiction, child abuse, domestic violence and the myriad other factors that feed crime and despair? How are you going to reassure African-Americans and Latinos and poorer people of all races that they will be treated with the same consideration and justice as white people?

Trump doesn't say  a good indication he doesn't care.

To him, our nation's problems don't need collective solutions. Unity, solidarity and common burden aren't necessary. All we need is a strong leader. We're going to be so dazzled by the way he humiliates and punishes our enemies, he seems to tell us, that we don't need to worry about the details. "Believe me!"

Now it's onto the Democratic convention in Philadelphia and Hillary Clinton's moment to formally accept her party's nomination.

Clinton, for sure, has her own problems with authenticity and appeal. But she's never been possessed with a penchant to cast herself as a savior. And she's not standing atop a party platform that seeks to sort the nation into those who are inherently more worthy and those who are not. Maybe voters will decide that that makes Clinton too much of the same-old, same-old.

But that is also the point. America's problems are possible to tackle. Democracy is set up to function that way. If we want a better future, Americans must commit to honesty and diligence and common cause  not to the strongman fantasy Trump is selling.

Email Mary Sanchez at msanchez@kcstar.com.
While Lollapalooza sweeps over the city this weekend, check out three more fests: Jeff Fest, Fiesta del Sol and Chicago Margarita Fest.

Jeff Fest

When: 610 p.m. Friday, 210 p.m. Saturday and 28 p.m. Sunday

Where: Jefferson Memorial Park

How much: $5 at the gate (free with an ID if your name is Jeff)

The skinny: The Jefferson Park arts and music festival features a weekend of tribute bands at the main stage including 97Nine with rock classics (6 p.m. Friday), The Who's Who with The Who covers (4 p.m. Saturday), Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir (3:30 p.m. Sunday) and more. Catch original tunes from rock band The Gingers and acoustic rockers Little Egypt (2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, respectively). New this year is a wine tasting where festgoers can sample up to 15 varietals for $20 (36 p.m. Saturday and Sunday).

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The Loaded Chicagoan ($9) at Franks n Dawgs. (Lenny Gilmore / RedEye)

Lollapalooza

When: 11 a.m.10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday

Where: Grant Park

How much: General admission is sold out. VIP passes for Friday and Sunday ($650) are still available.

The skinny: Back this year with an additional day, the city's largest music festival with 178 performers on eight stages is headlined by Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Red Hot Chili Peppers and J. Cole. More than 30 restaurants serve up local eats in Chow Town, including newbies Pork & Mindy's, MAD Social and more. Check out 11 must-try eats at the fest here and RedEye music reporter Josh Terry's schedule here. If you didn't snag tickets this year, click to browse dozens of after-shows. Follow along with all RedEye coverage of the fest at redeyechicago.com/music/lollapalooza.

Fiesta del Sol. (Photo courtesy of Jay Dunn)

Fiesta del Sol

When: 510 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.10 p.m. Sunday

Where: 1400 W. Cermak Road

How much: Free

The skinny: Billed as the largest Latino festival in the Midwest, the Pilsen event celebrates its 44th year with food, art, music and dance. Grab grub from 27 vendors, including El Campeon, Zacarelli's Pizza and Churro Factory. Along with traditional music and dance performances, catch fest-within-a-fest House of Sol with dozens of house DJs such as DJ Hyperactive (9:30 p.m. Saturday) and DJ Heather (7 p.m. Sunday). Along with arts and crafts vendors, see a poetry slam and other performance art at the Art & Culture Pavilion.

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Chicago Margarita Festival

When: Noon8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore Drive)

How much: Sold out

The skinny: What's better than one margarita? Two, of course. Those who snagged tickets to this booze fest celebrate the tequila concoction with margs, live music, food truck bites and outdoor games.

@OhItsHeather & @redeyeeatdrink on Twitter | Instagram

For more Eat & Drink news, click here.
National Chicken Wing Day, a champagne bash and more things to do in Chicago this weekend, July 29-31.

EAT

Advertisement

Riot Fest Crawfish Boil

Moxee

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724 W. Maxwell St. 312-243-3660

The University Village bar serves crawfish by the pound ($15.95) with corn, potatoes and pints of Mad Mouse Brewery's new Gris Gris IPA ($6) and gives away tickets to the music festival. Zydeco Voodoo performs at 8 p.m. 6-11 p.m. Saturday. No cover. Reservations recommended.

Chicago Fire Takeover

Nando's Peri-Peri

1005 S. Delano Court 312-204-7151

Chicago Fire players man the grills at the South Loop restaurant, which will be donating all of the day's sales to the Chicago Fire Foundation's efforts to help local disadvantaged youth. 1:30-7 p.m. Saturday.

National Chicken Wing Day at MAK: Modern Asian Kitchen

National Chicken Wing Day

MAK: Modern Asian Kitchen

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1924 W. Division St. 773-772-6251

The Wicker Park restaurant celebrates by serving a small order of their signature crispy fried Chicken Wangs with your choice of beer for $7.29 ($10 value). 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday.

Summer Cookout

Kimski

960 W. 31st St. 773-890-0588

Rekenekt Cuisine teams up with the Bridgeport restaurant for a meal including an entree, side, dessert, beer and live music. The Greater Chicago Food Depository receives 25 percent of proceeds. 2-7 p.m. Sunday. $20. Tickets: ticketbud.com

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Trattoria Siciliana at Eataly

Trattoria Siciliana

Eataly

43 E. Ohio St. 312-521-8700

The pop-up restaurant, which runs through Aug. 7, serves Sicilian wine, specialty cocktails and food including squid ink pasta with uni butter ($17) and orange salad with shaved fennel ($9). 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday. No cover.

DRINK

Cocktails & Dreams

Left Coast

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2878 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-880-5338

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Crafthouse Cocktails co-founder Charles Joly hosts a tasting of his line of bottled cocktails on the Lakeview spot's patio, which includes passed bites and music from DJ Kareem. 3-5:30 p.m. Sunday. No cover.

Veuve Clicquot Journey Tour

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

11 E. Walton St. 312-646-1300

The champagne company brings its 21-city tour to the hotel's courtyard where you can sip $12 glasses of Yellow Label and $16 glasses of rose paired with bites including marinated olives ($6), cheese and charcuterie ($21) and pommes frites ($7). 2-4 p.m. No cover.

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DO

'Confessions from the D-List'

Under The Gun Theater

956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440

The cast of the improvised comedy, which runs through Aug. 27, reads from a different celebrity autobiography each week and then performs scenes based on the book. 9 p.m. Saturday. $12. Tickets: underthegun.theater

HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAY

Blue Line Lounge and Grill (1548 N. Damen Ave. 773-395-3700) offers $5 specialty martinis from 4-7 p.m. Friday.
Greg Gianforte recently announced that if elected governor, he will donate his salary to a scholarship fund. I am disappointed to see that there has been some harsh criticism of that announcement, as if it's a way to "buy the election."

As an employee at RightNow Technologies where Greg had been the CEO, I can attest that it was commonplace for him to encourage us to be a part of our community -- the company paid us to volunteer and our personal monetary charitable donations were matched. We set aside time in our meetings to discuss local giving and volunteering. The companys success benefitted the Bozeman area in more ways than just job creation.

When Greg says he will donate his salary and wants to be a public servant who can help fellow Montanans prosper, I take that at face value. He has been doing that already. We as citizens ought to commend any politician, regardless of party affiliation, who is willing to make such a noble pledge.

Ryan Bresnahan

Senior Quality Assurance Manager at Oracle RightNow
Hopewell Brewing Co. collaborated on a sour beer with The Whistler. (Photo courtesy of James John Jetel)

Catch an early screening of 'Jason Bourne,' taste a Hopewell Brewing Co. collaboration with The Whistler and more things to do in Chicago on Thursday, July 28.

EAT

Eye Eaters Society Dinner

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Mott St

1401 N. Ashland Ave. 773-687-9977

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Dress all in black for this supper club-style four-course dinner where each dish is inspired by a picture taken by Chicago photographer Paul Octavious. 6 and 9 p.m. $65. Tickets: eyeeaters.com/tickets



DRINK

Break Bread

The Whistler

2421 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-3530

Buy a $6 glass of a new sour beer created through a collaboration with Hopewell Brewing Co. and you'll get a serving of food from Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits including a brisket biscuit with beer-infused sauce, sides, sweets and pies. The party on the Logan Square spot's back patio also features music from Brasstax. 6-9 p.m. No cover.



DO

Out and Proud! A Rainbow Celebration

Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret

1383 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-278-1830

Vocalist Melissa Young presents a history of the gay rights movement through song and comedy to raise money for the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida. 8-9 p.m. $20 plus a two drink minimum. RSVP: reservations.davenportspianobar.com



'Jason Bourne' Premiere

The New 400 Theaters

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Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

6746 N. Sheridan Road 773-856-5977

Catch an early screening of the Matt Damon thriller at the Rogers Park theater. A $10 ticket package sold only at the door includes your choice of popcorn, soda or one of three themed cocktails. 9:30 p.m. $7.50-$10. Tickets: thenew400.com

I Shit You Not hosts Michael Sanchez (left) and Seth Davis.

I Shit You Not!

Township

2200 N. California Ave. 847-452-1447

The comedic live lit series and podcast ends its four-year run with a show featuring stories from stand-up comedian Zach Peterson, iO Chicago performer Catharine Savage and others. 8 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m. $5-$10. Tickets: ishityounot.brownpapertickets.com



HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAY

Tuscany on Taylor (1014 W. Taylor St. 312-829-1990) offers $3 domestic beers, $4 import beers and $5 craft beers from 4-6 p.m.

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For more Eat & Drink news, click here.
Public sector banks are supposed to raise Rs 1.1 lakh crore of the Rs 1.8 lakh crore that they need over the next four years.

The only positive thing about the governments decision to provide Rs 22,915 crore (Rs 229.15 billion) of capital to 13 public sector banks is that the process has been frontloaded, meaning funds are being infused early in the financial year instead of the past practice of giving them in the latter half of the year, which used to make such an exercise meaningless.

The move is also in line with the Reserve Bank of Indias requirement that Indian banks must fully conform to the higher Basel-III capital adequacy ratios by March 31, 2019, and no government would like to be seen as a shareholder that does not bring in money even to ensure regulatory compliance.

But there are several problems, too.

To begin with, it is not clear why the government moved away from its earlier approach, made public at the time of announcing the Indradhanush scheme on the eve of the Independence Day in 2015, that only well-managed banks would get capital.

Hence, the capital allocation process in which only 25 per cent of the amount is tied to efficiency parameters looks arbitrary and discretion-based.

The governments rationale that the capital infusion was based on an assessment of need, banks projections of credit growth and an objective assessment of the growth potential of each PSB just doesnt wash.

Also, the assertion that 75 per cent of the amount is being released now to provide liquidity support for lending operations as also to enable banks to raise funds from the market is questionable.

First, as State Bank of India Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya has said, loan growth is not dependent only on capital; it is also a function of the external economic conditions.

Even without the fresh infusion, SBIs capital adequacy was in excess of 13 per cent and the reason why lending didnt take off was the lack of bankable projects.

Second, public sector banks are supposed to raise Rs 1.1 lakh crore (Rs 1.1 trillion) of the Rs 1.8 lakh crore (Rs 1.8 trillion) that they need over the next four years.

The problem is these banks are unlikely to gain access to the capital markets for equity capital.

Listed PSBs, except State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda, are now trading at a significant discount to their book value, severely limiting their ability to attract external capital.

The other problem is of course the limitation of the government holding not falling below 51 per cent.

With its shareholding below 60 per cent in as many as nine PSBs, the scope for any significant dilution of governments ownership in many of these banks is limited by existing laws.

In that context, the latest exercise on capital infusion seems to be a half-hearted measure.

Given the fact that it is only a temporary breather for PSBs, the government now needs to look at the harder options.

The Indradhanush scheme, for example, talked about empowerment, accountability and governance reforms.

As the Banking Boards Bureau is only an interim measure, the government must fast-track the setting up of a non-operative holding company for all banks to minimise its role in managing the affairs of PSBs.

And since infusion of adequate capital is a problem given fiscal limitations, the government should also look at a narrow or limited purpose banking model for weak PSBs, since closing them down could be a politically explosive move.

Image: A bank. Photograph: Reuters
Top Congress sources said they would not hold up the Bill, report Aditi Phadnis and Archis Mohan.

The empowered committee of the finance ministers of states on Tuesday, July 26, reached an agreement that the revenue-neutral rate would not be specified in the Goods and Services Tax Constitution amendment Bill, raising hopes that it would be passed by the Rajya Sabha next week.

Also, according to a source, once the Bill is passed, "there will be a significant reduction of taxes on the common man which will be reflected in a tax rate and structure that protects the existing levels and trends of revenue between the Centre and the state."

No finance minister, including those of states ruled by the chief Opposition party the Congress, insisted on a cap on the rate of taxation and agreed that this could be revisited later.

Armed with this consensus, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to tell the Congress that the finance ministers of states, where it is in power, are on board on the Constitutional amendment Bill.

Jaitley made no bones about the fact that he was extremely keen to get the Bill passed and showed a great flexibility in creating consensus, a state finance minister, who did not want to be named, told Business Standard.

Top sources in the Congress said they were not happy with the development, but would not hold up the Bill.

Neither Gujarat nor Maharashtra nor Tamil Nadu -- all three states that had raised objections to one or other aspect of the Bill -- demurred on the formulation.

To cement this consensus, Jaitley met with other political parties on GST on Wednesday, July 28.

He met the Nationalist Congress Party's Praful Patel and is likely to meet the Left parties on Thursday.

Government strategists said talks with the Congress would continue.

They said the GST Constitution amendment would not be possible without key states such as Congress-ruled Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, since the amendment has to be ratified by at least half, that is 15, of the state legislatures.

'I am doing this in good faith. You have to believe me,' was Jaitley's heartfelt and fervent appeal to his counterparts from the states.

There was an initial flutter at the meeting because of a letter received by West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra from the revenue secretary that the minutes of the 25 June meeting at Kolkata -- that Mitra had recorded -- were inaccurate.

This issue related to the states getting exclusive rights to levy GST on businesses with a turnover of Rs 1.5 crore (Rs 15 million) or less.

The revenue secretary wrote to Mitra that the Union finance ministry did not agree on this.

However, this problem was sorted out with the committee accepting and passing the minutes.

Finance ministers of states pointed out that traders would have to face harassment by the central government because the CBEC did not have the bandwidth to levy and collect the taxes. When this issue was raised in Kolkata, Jaitley had said: 'This can be done.'

When the Union finance ministry raised the issue, he told the state ministers: 'This is small matter. What I really want is a sense of what the states are feeling.'

That set the tone for the rest of the meeting on which there was some quibbling over language and wording, especially relating to 'full compensation,' but all finance ministers were finally on board.

At the empowered committee meeting, Jaitley said: 'I request all of you to use your good offices and convince all political parties to pass this Bill.' Again, the Congress did not contest this.

Elsewhere in Parliament, too, this spirit of consensus was evident.

The government and the Congress reached a rapprochement in the Rajya Sabha, after intervention by Chairman Hamid Ansari.

The Rajya Sabha transacted business normally after two days of disruptions by Congress members.

The House also took up the compensatory afforestation Bill, and it is likely to be passed on Thursday.

THE CENTRE-STATES DIALOGUE

Answering the concerns of the states, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley managed to bring almost all of them on board, clearing the decks for the GST:

States: What about tax levied on businesses below Rs 1.5 crore?

Centre: This is a small matter... You can have it.

States: We want 'full compensation'. In the Bill, 'may be shared', should be replaced with 'shall be shared.'

Centre: The words may vary, but the Bill will encapsulate the sense.

States: Revenue neutral rate should be significantly reduced.

Centre: Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian and Haseeb Drabu (Jammu & Kashmir finance minister) will draw up the phraseology.

Final formulation: 'There will be a significant reduction in taxation on the common man, which is reflected in a tax rate and structure that protects the existing levels and trends of the revenue of the states and the Centre.'

States: How about signing memoranda of understanding with every states on the rate, and whether it should be floating or a band?

Centre: We can talk about that.
Honda has finally plunged into the fast growing urban crossover segment in India with the newly minted BR-V seven-seater SUV.

The timing, pricing and the prestigious upright 'H' badge give this Honda a lot of appeal, writes Indian automobile website MotorBeam.

The Honda BR-V is without any doubt a very important car for Honda's present as well as future in India.



The company is currently in dire needs of a fast selling product as both the best selling cars from its stable are being outgunned by its counterparts from Japan and Korea.



Thus when Honda decided to step into the hotly contested urban crossover segment, we had to look at the car with a sharp eye and judge its impact on the Indian roads.

Upon approaching the car from the side, it is very hard to miss the Mobilio silhouette due to the omnipresent kink in the window-line.

Other than that, it has got a heavily revised front, spruced up side profile and a new look for the rear as compared to other cars from the Brio family.



The obligatory faux silver skid plates, tall roof rails, 210 mm of high ground clearance and plastic cladding make up for the SUV look of the car.

The interior of the BR-V are definitely a welcoming experience.



The car shares the same dashboard design as that of the facelifted Amaze and three-spoke steering wheel is borrowed from its siblings.



An automatic climate control system is present, along with rear AC vents.

But notable shocking omissions from the equipment list is the touch-screen infotainment system, rear parking camera and rear parking sensors, which makes manoeuvring the car this big, very challenging.

The seats are supportive up front and there is great legroom for the second row passengers.

The USP of the vehicle is the third row of seats which is also pretty usable for average sized adults, though they will start complaining too after some time.



Cargo space is expansive as the second row seats offer one touch tumble along with 60:40 split.

The Honda BR-V is powered by the same engines as that of the Mobilio.

The diesel engine produces 100 PS of power at 3600 RPM while mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

There is negligible turbo lag after which performance is quite linear.

Honda has added some insulation to the engine compartment thereby making the NVH levels mildly better, but it is nowhere near Hyundai levels.

The petrol engine on the other hand is available with a smooth shifting CVT or a 6-speed manual gearbox and churns out 119 PS of power at 6600 RPM.

The manual variant has an ARAI certified fuel economy of 15.4 km/l, it should return around 11 km/l in the regular driving cycle.

The CVT feels quite good for city driving, offering the comfort and convenience of an automatic.

However, give it the beans and the rubber band effect rears its ugly head. In theory, this CVT is more fuel efficient than the manual at 16 km/l.

Since the car itself is just a Mobilio in disguise, thus it felt like a pure urban vehicle with sedan like characteristics, albeit with some controlled body roll due to higher ground clearance.

We did take the BR-V off tarmac on many occasions and it felt upto the task most of the times.

Brake bite is quite good and the Michelin tyres on our test car did the job quite well.

Also, the steering feel is good and it weighs up well with very predictable handling.

The Honda BR-V is a sturdy urban SUV with an added advantage of useful third row of seats.

The car looks handsome and is paired with motors that offer great drivability, but the NVH package is the real chink in its armour, along with the missing gadgets which should be present in a million rupees car.

The Honda BR-V makes good sense for those who want a compact SUV with oodles of practicality.

Powered by
Manufacturing toys is a big business.

Those associated with the industry keep pace with the rapidly changing society and provide youngsters with appropriate playthings that cater to their creativity and imagination.

Toys provide children with the tools that help them relate to the world they live in.

In India, toy business is huge and is expected to touch Rs 14,000 crore (Rs 140 billion) by end of 2016, according to industry data.

Take a look at some amazing toy factories across the globe.

IMAGE: Workers make stuffed dolls which are to exported to Europe and north America, at a factory in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China. Photograph: Reuters



IMAGE: A box is filled with parts of dolls at Jinhua Partytime Latex Art and Crafts Factory in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province. Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters



IMAGE: Lego bricks are pictured in a production line at the factory of Danish toy company Lego in Billund, March 1, 2016. Photograph: Fabian Bimmer/Reuters



IMAGE: A worker attaches a toy gun and toy grenade onto a pinata depicting the drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman at a workshop in Reynosa. Photograph: Daniel Becerril/Reuters



IMAGE: Daruma dolls, which are believed to bring good luck, are stored at a studio of Daruma doll shop 'Daimonya' in Takasaki, northwest of Tokyo. Photograph: Yuya Shino/Reuters



IMAGE: An employee arranges doll heads inside the toy factory owned by Norberto Garcia in Buenos Aires. Photograph: Marcos Brindicci/Reuters



IMAGE: An employee works in the assembly section at the Playmobil Malta factory in the Hal Far Industrial Estate outside Valletta. Photograph: Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters



IMAGE: Belgian artist Beatrice Van Landeghem adjusts the hair of Sofia, one of her life-like 'Reborn Baby' dolls, at her workshop called 'La nurserie des Tis Lous De Bea' in La Louviere, southern Belgium. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters



IMAGE: A worker assembles toy cars at a production line inside a factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, China. Photograph: China Daily/Reuters

IMAGE: Plastic Santa Claus toys are seen at Christmas shop in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, China. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters
Modi government expects cargo traffic at its ports to jump by two-thirds by 2021 as India ramps up exports of goods including cars and other machinery.

IMAGE: Govt to grant Gautam Adani $240 million funding to help the new port at Vizhinjam

Indian conglomerate Adani Group has started building the country's first transshipment port, conceived 25 years ago, and the government will construct another $4-billion facility nearby to create a shipping hub rivalling Chinese facilities in the region.

New Delhi will grant billionaire Gautam Adani Rs 16 billion ($240 million) in so-called "viability gap" funding to help the new port at Vizhinjam in Kerala win business from established hubs elsewhere in Asia.

Once Vizhinjam is operational the central government will start building the port of Enayam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, said a senior shipping ministry official. Enayam alone will save more than $200 million in costs for Indian companies every year, he said.

India's 7,500-km (4,700-mile) coastline juts into one of the world's main shipping routes and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to capitalise on that proximity by developing ports that can shift freight on to huge vessels capable of carrying up to 18,000 20-foot containers.

By bringing onshore cargo handling now done at entrepots in Sri Lanka, Dubai and Singapore, Modi's government expects cargo traffic at its ports to jump by two-thirds by 2021 as India ramps up exports of goods including cars and other machinery.

The lack of an Indian domestic transshipment port forces inbound and outbound containers to take a detour to one of those regional hubs before heading to their final destination.

New Delhi expects the new ports to save Indian companies hundreds of millions of dollars in transport costs, as well as ease concerns over the growing strategic clout in South Asia of rival China, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Sri Lankan ports at Colombo and Hambantota.

Adani wants the Vizhinjam port, which an arm of his Adani Group is building at a cost of around $1 billion, to be operational in 2018.

The port lies hard by the Gulf-to-Malacca shipping lane that carries almost a third of world sea freight.

"The port can attract a large share of the container transshipment traffic destined for, or originating from, India which is now being diverted primarily through Colombo, Singapore and Dubai," said an Adani Group executive who declined to be named.

But officials acknowledge that it would be difficult for the new ports to win international clients unless they offered discounts.

"A major part of transshipment is happening at nearby ports. We can win some of that business," said A.S. Suresh Babu, who heads a government agency set up by Kerala to facilitate the construction of Vizhinjam.

"There's a viability issue in the first few years. Already the Chinese are operating there. So unless you give some discount you can't attract these ships. So that's why the government ofIndia has approved the viability gap funding."

CHINESE THREAT

India is worried about China's expanding reach in the region through port investments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives.



China is also developing Pakistan's Gwadar seaport as part of a $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China had also wanted to partner with an Indian company to build the Vizhinjam port, but its proposal was rejected by the government on grounds of national security.

India has not banned Chinese firms from investing in its ports, but takes a cautious approach as most ports are also used for "strategic purposes", said the shipping ministry source.

That is a euphemism for dual-use port facilities that could also be used by naval vessels.

The docking of a Chinese nuclear submarine at Colombo's commercial port in 2014 shocked India's security establishment and has added urgency to New Delhi's push to strengthen its port infrastructure.

Vizhinjam port will have dedicated berths for India's navy and coastguard, according to a government note seen by Reuters.

India is also seeking to extend its commercial and strategic reach as it tries to catch up with China, pledging up to $500 million to develop the Iranian port of Chabahar to give it trade access to Iran, Afghanistan and the hinterlands of Central Asia, now largely blocked by Pakistan.

"We want Indian ports to compete with the best ports in the world in various parameters like turnaround time, efficiency, last-mile connectivity, infrastructure etc," India's Shipping Ministry said in a statement to Reuters.

But analysts remain sceptical that India can complete the transshipment ports, given that it has taken a quarter of a century to get the Vizhinjam port plan this far after legal disputes and lack of security clearance from the federal government delayed previous attempts to build it.

"Very few days or weeks pass without news of a new hub port proposal in Southern India," said Andy Lane, a partner at maritime and port consultant CTI Consultancy.

He added that, as Colombo was a "low cost and highly efficient" port, container shipping lines were unlikely to easily consider a switch to India.

($1 = Rs 67.3420)

(Additional reporting by Keith Wallis in Singapore)
Seven months down the line, not much progress has been made, except that the scheme is still being fine-tuned, report Ishan Bakshi and Nitin Sethi.

Launched in January this year with a planned corpus of Rs 10,000 crore (Rs 100 billion), the government's ambitious Startup India scheme was expected to help generate 1.8 million jobs and reduce red tape.

Seven months down the line, not much progress has been made, except that the details of the scheme are still being fine-tuned while the start-up fund itself has received a meagre Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) from the government so far.

It now transpires that the Rs 10,000 crore (Rs 100 billion) will be released for the start-up fund over a period of 10 years, by 2025, 'subject to progress of the scheme and availability of funds.'

This year, it expects to infuse another Rs 600 crore (Rs 6 billion) to the fund, which is being managed by the Small Industries Development Bank of India.

This fund will not invest directly in start-ups. Instead, it will invest in existing venture capital funds (alternate investment funds registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India), which in turn will invest in start-ups.

These start-ups need not be the ones the government registers with the department of industrial policy and promotion under the Startup India scheme.

The scheme, as announced in January and detailed in June, has several components.

According to a government release, the plan includes 'providing funding support through a Fund of Funds with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore, a credit guarantee fund for start-ups, tax exemption on capital gains invested in Fund of Funds, and tax exemption to start-ups for three years'.

These were some of the fiscal benefits.

There are other benefits such as ensuring easier entry and exit, ease of registering intellectual property rights and simplifying norms for selling goods or services to the government.

According to the government plan, start-ups are to register with the DIPP. Only those that have been created in the past five years, have a turnover of less than Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million), and are certified by an incubator, are eligible to be registered.

For those registered with the DIPP, restrictions regarding turnover and years of experience for applying for government tenders are waived off along with ease of filing intellectual property rights.

There is also an additional wall to climb to avail tax benefits.

For availing tax benefits, start-ups have to get an approval from a three-member inter-ministerial board.

This board comprises the joint secretary in the DIPP who is in charge of start-ups, a senior officer in the Department of Science and Technology, and a director in the Department of Biotechnology.

A start-up becomes eligible for tax benefits only if the three-member board is convinced that the business 'involves innovation, development, deployment or commercialisation of new products, processes or services driven by technology or intellectual property.'

Additionally, the start-up must necessarily be formed after April 1, 2016.

"There was some initial confusion that tax benefits would be available starting from 2016-17 to any start-up incorporated earlier. But the finance ministry clarified that the benefit will only be available to start-ups set up after April 1, 2016," explained H K Mittal, member of the inter-ministerial board, and a member of the investment committee for the start-up fund under Sidbi.

The income tax waiver for three consecutive years can be availed only if the entity's turnover is below Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) in any year up to 2020-21.

This tax exemption would be available only to start-ups registered between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2019.

DIPP did not reply to a detailed questionnaire sent on the issues raised in the story.

Officials, however, met Business Standard informally to explain the scheme.

So far, the DIPP has received 728 applications. It has registered and recognised 180 start-ups.

Of these, the inter-ministerial board has appraised 33 start-ups for tax benefits.

Only one has been approved so far. Another has been approved only for IPR benefits. Ten have been rejected, while the decision on others has been deferred.

Only those entities that have been incorporated after April 1 this year can avail of tax benefits.

So, the number of eligible applications is likely to increase in the future.

"Initially, we got too many applications from entities incorporated in previous years," said a source.

The support for IPR benefits includes a rebate of up to 80 per cent on IPR filing and not having to pay agents who facilitate the process of registering patents and trademarks.

The cost for these agents would be borne by the government up to Rs 25,000 in a successful case.

But even approval from the inter-ministerial board does not guarantee government funding. The fund, managed by Sidbi, is to invest in VC funds.

However, these VC funds are free to invest in any start-up they find appropriate.

They need not invest specifically in the DIPP-registered start-ups.

"It is best that the market takes the decision and not the government," says Kshatrapati Shivaji, chairman and managing director, Sidbi.

"So far, the investment committee of the start-up fund has screened 20 proposals for investment. Collectively, these proposals would require a funding of Rs 867 crore (Rs 8.67 billion). At the moment, these proposals are undergoing due diligence at Sidbi.

In total, these venture capital funds are expected to mobilise Rs 5,690 crore (Rs 56.9 billion)," says Shivaji.

"The government's exposure to the fund is usually 15 to 20 per cent of the total corpus of the venture capital funds," he adds.

But this money is yet to be disbursed by Sidbi.

VCs will first lock in the entire investment for their corpus and then hunt for start-ups to invest in.

The cycle should take four-and-a-half years.

ACTION PLAN FOR START-UPS

Providing a simple compliance regime for start-ups based on self-certification

Creating 'Startup India Hubs' for handholding of start-ups

Providing legal support and fast-tracking patent examination at reduced costs

Relaxed norms of public procurement for start-ups and faster exit for start-ups

Harnessing private sector expertise for setting up incubators n Setting up of seven new research parks modelled on the Research Park at IIT-Madras

Setting up a credit guarantee fund for start-ups, with a corpus of Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) per year for the next four years

Image published only for representational purposes.
India imported $62 billion of Chinese goods last year.

Alarmed by issues such as supply of sand, stones, salt, bricks and even mud in lieu of chemicals, silicon carbide, aluminium ingots, plastics and polymers, the Indian embassy in Beijing has issued a trade advisory for dealing with Chinese companies after a gap of over three years.

There had been about 200 instances of disputes with Chinese companies in the intervening three years, officials said. China is the only country against which India has issued trade advisories.

According to the ministry of commerce, India-China trade fell 2 per cent to $71 billion in 2015-16.

India imported $62 billion of Chinese goods last year.

Chinese companies have been accused of supplying substandard goods, diverting payments into unassociated bank accounts, declining to pay, and refusing to take delivery of consignments.

The advisory is meant to enhance commercial cooperation between India and China by drawing attention to some of the risks faced by Indian companies, said the warning issued by the Indian embassy in Beijing.

A list of checks has been released, including running the credentials of Chinese companies past the embassy or consulates in China.

In case of large transactions, consult a business service company that can provide a report on the business transparency, financial health, reputation, reliability and credentials of the company, said the advisory.

The US often issues advisories for conducting business in India, Pakistan, China and elsewhere.

The embassy also warned against transacting on business-to-business platforms.

Exporters or importers of a particular commodity or service can be accessed by sending trade queries to the embassy and the consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

Earlier trade advisories issued by the embassy in Beijing were in December 2010, September 2011 and April 2013.

The latest one is based on complaints brought to the notice of the embassy by the commerce ministry.

It does not substitute in any way the companys own actions or responsibility, said the advisory.

The embassy recommended site visits for large transactions.

Take photos of the company and the factory during such visits. Check whether products are produced by the company and whether the packages belong to the target company, said the advisory.
For me, Arundhati (Chukku) Ghose was the last word on multilateral economic issues when we worked together in the ministry of external affairs on UN affairs.

If her disarmament persona had not made her a celebrity in that area, she would have been known for the work she did in economic matters in different capitals.

She was highly respected for her views and no one wanted to be seen on the opposite side of the argument with her. But she was always patient in explaining her position and in accommodating different perspectives, says Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Image: A file picture of Ambassador Arundhati Ghose. Photograph: Courtesy, MEA on Flickr.

India will never sign this unequal treaty, not now, nor later!"

These words of Ambassador Arundhati (Chukku) Ghose, which reverberated in the UN General Assembly Hall in New York on September 10, 1996, turned out to be the words that diplomatic dreams are made of. They became legendary in the annals of the global disarmament negotiations. (In some versions of her speech, she is reported to have said, "Not now, not ever").

The speaker also became a legend not just because of these words alone, but because of the tenacity, clarity and determination with which she articulated India's position throughout the negotiations. She made an effort to forge a consensus on the idea of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which was first proposed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, making constructive suggestions and leaving no one in doubt that India would never accept a discriminatory regime on the lines of the NPT. But finally, she declared in no uncertain terms that India would not sacrifice its national interest and sovereign right to join a "flawed and eternal treaty."

The speech in which Ambassador Ghose announced India's rejection of the CTBT in the shape in which it was presented was a masterpiece.

"Mr President, General Assembly resolutions are the expression of the will of nations in which multilateral treaties can find their sanction. General Assembly resolutions by definition cannot support violations of international law. The text circulated by the sponsors contains a provision in its Article 14 on Entry into Force, which is contrary to the fundamental norms of international law. This provision, which makes ratification by India and 43 other countries essential for Entry into Force of this treaty, was introduced after India had clearly stated that it was not in a position to subscribe to this treaty in its present form.

Customary international law lays down that no obligations can be imposed on a country without its specific consent. We had indicated that we would withhold our consent to the treaty text unless our concerns were addressed. We did not want such a provision on Entry into Force to be included in the text and repeatedly urged the Conference on Disarmament to change this article, so as to enable those countries who wanted the Treaty, flawed though it was, to achieve it, if that was indeed their intent, though it would have been without India's signature.

We could have prevented, Mr President, the present sad turn of events in which a text which runs contrary to customary international law has been brought for adoption to the General Assembly of the UN.

Mr President, I would like to declare on the floor of this august Assembly that India will never sign this unequal treaty, not now, nor later. As long as this text contains this article, Mr President, this treaty will never enter into force."

When Ambassador Ghose passed away recently, a grateful nation paid rich tributes to her for her diplomatic skills, firmness and grit, which served India well, whether it was in Mujib Nagar, where she nurtured the fledgeling Bangladesh government-in-exile, in innumerable international economic forums, in Egypt or in the Republic of Korea.

When I heard about the sudden and sad demise of Ambassador Ghose, I searched out a book, The Final Test, a history of the CTBT negotiations, presented to me by Ambassador Jaap Ramaker, my colleague in Vienna, who had played a major role in the negotiations. The book has a tongue in cheek inscription: To Ambassador Sreenivasan, whose country's Prime Minister was the first to express the idea to prohibit nuclear test explosions.

I wanted to know how he may have described Ambassador Ghose, who must have given him the greatest headaches in Geneva. Though he quotes her in several sections of the book, he has refrained from making any observations on her in what is essentially an objective account of the negotiation. But I remember that he was full of praise for her for her "feisty" defence of India's interests with unfailing charm.

In fact, the two attributes that describe Ambassador Ghose are her unfailing charm and her uncompromising insistence on quality. The latter gave her a formidable image, but her kindness, generosity and sympathy became evident soon enough to her colleagues.

For me, she was the last word on multilateral economic issues when we worked together in the ministry of external affairs on UN affairs. If her disarmament persona had not made her a celebrity in that area, she would have been known for the work she did in economic matters in different capitals. She was highly respected for her views and no one wanted to be seen on the opposite side of the argument with her. But she was always patient in explaining her position and in accommodating different perspectives.

Ambassador Ghose's writings, speeches and interventions in debates after her retirement were indispensable for the foreign policy narrative in Delhi and elsewhere. She was my guest at a major international conference in Thiruvananthapuram and a couple of days she spent afterwards in our home were most enjoyable intellectually. She patiently explained the intricate issues of disarmament and economic negotiations in a free wheeling interview on Asianet and in many private conversations in Kerala.

An eminent journalist, Kumar Chellappan, expressed surprise "to note that the diplomatic community is silent about the passing away of Arundhati Ghose, former Indian representative to the Disarmament Conference at Geneva. I replied, "IFS is not silent at all. The tributes being paid to her are not in the public space, but they are rich, poignant and intense. She was one of our best."

The Foreign Service is unanimous in its view that she has done our nation proud. She will be remembered with respect and affection.
'Atrocities on Dalits get political support.'

'Dalits do the dirty jobs, yet they are tortured and humiliated publicly.'

Protesting against the attacks by cow vigilantes against scheduled caste youth in Una, Gujarat, which have deeply upset the Dalit community all over the country, Dalit writer Amrutlal Makwana on July 27 returned his Dasi Jeevan Shreshth Dalit Sahitya Kruti award presented to him by the Gujarat government in 2012-2013.

Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf spoke to Makwana, author of the Kharapat Nu Dalit Lok Sahitya.

Why did you return the award?

I am a Dalit writer, I have always highlighted the atrocities on Dalits through my writings.

The happenings in Una, where Dalits were beaten publicly (by cow vigilante groups) hurt me. I felt, as a writer, that I must protest and highlight my anguish. Therefore, I decided to return the award.

But the attack in Una was the only instance of atrocity on Dalits in Gujarat...

This was not the only incident. The Una issue got highlighted thanks to social media.

In every village in Gujarat, Dalits are not allowed to enter temples. What is this?

There are many Dalit sarpanches in Gujarat villages, and they are being suspended on some pretext from their posts.

Have the atrocities against Dalit increased of late?

The difference today is that the atrocities on Dalits are getting political support.

Do you have any proof of this?

I will give you an example. The Dalits who were beaten up (allegedly for skinning dead cows) were tied behind cars and paraded in Una. What does this show?

The police and the administration were watching this act helplessly. No one said anything.

These four Dalit boys were later admitted to Rajkot hospital and then discharged in a hurry. When they went back to their villages these boys started vomiting blood. Now their health condition is so serious that they have been brought to Ahmedabad.

Who allowed them to be discharged from hospital?

Dalits in Gujarat are now refusing to dispose off dead cattle.

A Dalit revolution has begun in Gujarat, the outcome of which is yet to be known. Dalits do the dirty jobs, yet they are tortured and humiliated publicly. All over the world, people who dispose of dead cattle are not treated this way.

We have to change this mentality; therefore Dalits are revolting in Gujarat. India will see a Dalit revolution.

What has gone wrong in Gujarat after Narendra Modi left for New Delhi in 2014?

The role (governance) model of Modi's Gujarat was always wrong.

You come to Gujarat and see the reality. And this reality will be exposed in the 2017 Gujarat assembly elections.

What is the role of the Dalits in the cow economy?

The Dalits who stay in cities in Gujarat are either in service or small businesses.

The ones who stay in the villages are still living in bad condition. They are employed to clean dead cattle, but are, at the same time, exploited by the upper castes.

They (the Dalits) are also traditionally involved in the leather business. However, the Gau Rakshaks (cow vigilantes) are beating them up now because they are Dalits.

When I met the victims of Una they told me that these Gau Rakshaks target Muslim butchers. They extort money from them.

Gau Rakshaks run a mafia business in Gujarat. They want to create tension between Dalits and Muslims.

How?

They want Dalits to implicate Muslims. They want Dalits to be witnesses in the cases against Muslims. That is their gameplan.

But all these are allegations. Do you have any evidence?

I am a non-political person. Whatever I know, I am telling you. I do not have proof. I am a writer and I write. I am into literature. I am only telling you what is happening in society as an observer.

There are 200 Dalit writers in Gujarat and only you seem to have been affected by the Una attacks. Why haven't other Dalit writers returned awards?

There are many Dalit writers in Gujarat who are government employees. They cannot say anything openly because they are scared of the government.

I am not a government servant. I work for a small firm in Surendranagar and earn Rs 5,000 per month.

And still you returned Rs 25,000 to the Gujarat government.

Rs 25,000 has no meaning for me if the atrocities against Dalits go on in Gujarat. I did not have Rs 25,000 with me.

I said this to my friends and believe me, my Dalit friends came together and gave me Rs 25,000 which I returned to the Gujarat government.

Don't you think you send out a wrong message and bring a bad name to Gujarat by returning your award?

You tell me, what is the Gujarat government doing to stop atrocities against Dalits?

I expressed my anguish against the government which is failing to do its duty.

I was given this award in the presence of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.

After the Mohammed Akhlaq murder case occurred, 38 writers returned awards. Why did you not return your award then?

I did this now because this has happened in Gujarat. The Akhlaq case was far away for me. I am a small man from Gujarat.

Will it make any difference to the Gujarat government if you return the award?

Of course, it will make a difference. They will feel the pain of Dalits like I have felt.

Did anyone from the Gujarat government speak to you about not returning the award?

Nobody from the Gujarat government spoke to me. Only Gujarat BJP president Vijaybhai Rupani said such awards must not be returned. No minister has spoken to me till date.

The Dalit vote bank in Gujarat is just 7 per cent. Will the Una incident matter as much to the BJP in Gujarat?

I am very weak in politics. I don't know about all these things. I only feel that in the 2017 elections, the BJP will suffer because of the Una incident.

IMAGE: Cow vigilantes on the prowl. Photograph published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Allison Joyce/Getty Images
POLSON  The owners of a dog kennel between Charlo and St. Ignatius whose website says they raise our puppies in the most loving, humane, clean environment possible are facing a potential felony charge of aggravated animal abuse.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said 11 of the more than 120 dogs at the kennel were seized Tuesday after deputies arrived at LDR Kennels with a search warrant after receiving a complaint.

The kennel is owned by Larry and Nadene Latzke, who were cited for aggravated cruelty to animals.

The Lake County Attorneys Office will decide what, if any, charges will be formally filed against the Latzkes, Bell said, after veterinary reports on the seized dogs are completed and prosecutors can review them.

The rest of the dogs remain at LDR Kennels, located off U.S Highway 93 on Dublin Gulch Road.

***

Bell said his office received a complaint asking for a welfare check on the dogs.

Deputies Taylor Bleazard and Clay Shoemaker were told there was a terrible smell coming from the kennel and that they had seen one dog with its hair matted and smelled like urine, and the dog did not look in good health, Bell said.

Bleazard did some digging, according to Bell, and discovered that the Sheriffs Office had received previous complaints about the kennel.

In the past the owners of the kennels would not let the officers check the dogs, the sheriff said.

Armed with that history, this time the deputies applied for, and were granted, a search warrant.

It was served at 7:53 a.m. Tuesday.

***

Life Savers Animal Rescue of Polson accompanied the sheriff, undersheriff and deputies to the location, and assisted with evaluating the 120-plus dogs at the kennel.

Some of the 11 seized for further evaluation and treatment were later returned, but others were not, Bell said.

The LDR Kennel website says Nadene Latzke has been raising puppies for 25 years, and Larry Latzke began working with her in 2002.

The website offers Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds for sale. It claims the dogs are definitely loved and socialized.
Writer and activist Mahashweta Devi, who passed away after a prolonged illness on Thursday, authored more than a 100 novels and 20 collections of short stories. She was not only a celebrated writer but also firebrand social activist, who strongly raised voice against the industrial policy of West Bengal government.

Her prolific work had fetched her many awards, including the Sahitya Akademi in 1979, the Padma Shri in 1986, the Jnanpith in 1997 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2006.

Here are 10 things you need to know about her:

1. Mahashweta Devi was born in 1926 in Dhaka and her family migrated to India after partition.

2. Her parents were also writers. Her father was related to Kallol movement, one of the most influential literary movements in Bengali literature. Film-maker Ritwik Ghatak was her uncle.

3. After completing her MA in English from Calcutta University, Devi married famous playwright Bijon Bhattacharya, one the founding fathers of Indian People's Theatre Association. Their son Nabarun Bhattacharya, also went on to become a writer. Devi divorced Bhattacharya in 1959.

4. Her social activities involved working for the tribals of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh and Gujarat. She opposed acquisition of farmers' lands and selling it to corporates by the West Bengal government. She also edited a tribal magazine called Bartike.

5. Her work in support of the Sabar tribe earned her the title The Mother of the Sabars.

6. Her writings often depict the oppression of tribals and untouchables by upper-caste landlords and lenders. She used to say, Real history is made by ordinary people.

7. Some of her most famous works are Jhansir Rani (1956), Hajar Churashir Maa (1975), Aranyer Adhikar (1977) and Rudaali (1993).

8. She left her teaching career in 1984 to dedicate time to writing and activism.

9. She had a deep respect for tribal life and culture. She would often say, 'The tribals are more civilised than us', highlighting the absence of the caste and dowry systems and discriminations in their society.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Thursday said America does not feel great to the millions of Americans living in poverty and despair, rebutting US President Barack Obamas criticism of him that the country was already great.

Our country does not feel great already to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair, Trump said in a tweet after Obamas address to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Obama earlier told his party delegates, leaders and supporters that America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump. In fact, it doesnt depend on any one person. And that, in the end, may be the biggest difference in this election -- the meaning of our democracy.

In a statement, the Trump campaign said that Democratic party leaders did not offer any vision for America during their address in the convention.

Tonight was a sad night for the Democratic Party. They offered no solutions for the problems facing America -- in fact, they pretended those problems didnt even exist, said Stephen Miller, senior policy advisor to the Trump campaign.

They described a vision of America that doesnt exist for most Americans, including the seventy per cent of Americans who think our country is on the wrong track. Never has a party been so disconnected from what is happening in our world, he said.

Instead of dealing with reality, they spoke in cheap, petty terms beneath the dignity of a convention. Their entire message could be summed up as: things are perfect, lets not change a single thing, he said.

So they resorted to the politics of fear, trying to convince Americans not to vote for change -- they spoke on behalf of the big banks and the big elites, not on behalf of suffering Americans. They want to keep the system rigged for their donors. Period. Rigged trade deals, a rigged economy, and open borders that benefit the few at the expense of the many, Miller said.

The Trump campaign, Miller said, offers a bold, exciting, detailed vision for the future.

Tonight, the Democrats offered only more rewards for the rich, powerful and well-connected, and more angry, demeaning, sniping attacks against all decent Americans who want change for their families, he said.

The Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus said that in an election year when voters are eager to get rid of a rigged system which puts Washington first, Democrats have gone all in for unprincipled flip-floppers who have spent years embracing pay-to-play politics and unchecked cronyism.

Americans have had enough of out-of-touch career politicians taking care of their own instead of the American people, but that is exactly what the Clinton-Kaine ticket and the Democrat Party represents, he said.

Image: California delegate Joy Neugebauer holds a sign in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images
As last minute efforts, India has reached out to Indonesia to save an Indian man from execution in a drug peddling case, requesting the country to exhaust all legal resources before the death penalty was carried out.

Gurdip Singh, 48, was found guilty by an Indonesian court of trying to smuggle in 300 grams of heroin and was handed death penalty in 2005. He is among death row convict who are likely to be executed on Friday.

Minister of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Indian Embassy officials in Jakarta are reaching out to the Indonesian foreign office and the senior leadership of the country on the issue.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said government was making last minute efforts to save Singh.

"Afdhal Muhammad, the legal representative of Singh was of the view that he can file for Presidential clemency under the relevant law before the President of Indonesia. The embassy sent a note verbal to the Indonesia's foreign ministry requesting that all legal recourse should be exhausted before the death penalty is carried out," Swarup said.

Singh, who hails from Jalandhar in Punjab, is among 14 people who are facing execution after the authorities decided to resume implementing death penalties. The decision was criticised by human rights organisations.

The 14 convicts to be executed include persons from Indonesia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

Singh was arrested on August 29, 2004, at the Soekarno Hatta airport on charges of drug trafficking. The Tangerang court awarded him capital punishment in February 2005, against the prosecutors' request for 20 years imprisonment.

His appeal against the death penalty was turned down by the high court of Banten in May, 2005. He then appealed to the Supreme Court which also upheld his death penalty. He is presently detained at Nusakambangan Pasir Putih, Cilacap.

"As we speak, our embassy consular officials are camping in Cilacap and have met Shri Gurdip Singh," said Swarup adding the officials are also in constant touch with Singh's wife and brother in India and keeping them informed of the current situation.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday had said government was making last minute efforts to save Singh.

Image: A woman holds a placard which reads "Clemency for Merry Utami", a death-row prisoner, near the gate to the ferry port for the prison island of Nusa Kambangan island in Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia. Photograph: Darren Whiteside/Reuters
The Congress is set to hold a grand meet in Lucknow, where Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address over 50,000 workers from all 403 assembly constituencies in the state ahead of the state polls. Sharat Pradhan/Rediff.com report from Lucknow.

Having established itself as a player on the 2017 Uttar Pradesh poll turf, the Congress is taking the next major step by organising a huge convention of its grassroots workers here on Friday.

Besides several top party leaders, what is going to make it a mega show was the participation of party vice president Rahul Gandhi, who is scheduled to have an open house with over 50,000 registered party workers expected to converge from different corners of the state to Lucknow.

This is going to be the first such exercise of its kind in the 27 years that Congress has been out of power in the state, which it had earlier ruled for four long decades.

Sources in the party describe this as a part of a revival plan scripted by political strategist Prashant Kishore, who is credited with Narendra Modis sweep in 2014 as also Nitish Kumars rise to power in Bihar in 2015.

Significantly, this comes at the conclusion of a 600 km yatra undertaken from Delhi to Lucknow by newly appointed UP Congress president Raj Babbar and the partys chief ministerial nominee Shiela Dikshit, essentially to highlight how UP had suffered during the 27 years of non-Congress rule.

With 27 saal -- UP behal or 27 years -- UP dismayed as the main focus of the yatra which concludes here on Friday, the party is desperately trying to impress upon the people of the state that the Congress alone could rid the state of the casteist and communal politics which it says is symbolised respectively by the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Each participant at Fridays event will not only be formally registered by filling up a form but also be entitled to spell out questions they wish to ask Rahul Gandhi.

Fifty questions picked out of the list will be answered by the Congress vice president at the event itself and subsequently put up on the social media too.

Prashant Kishores gameplan is to tap that chunk of the voter from different sections of society who is completely disillusioned by the three parties -- the SP, the BSP and the BJP -- which led different governments here since 1989.

The projection of Raj Babbar and Shiela Dikshit has already led these three parties to now consider Congress as a potential player in the 2017 game, for which it was not even counted earlier.

Dissentions in the Congress had also been contained through active involvement of other key leaders who have been assigned specific roles for next years battle of the ballot.
IMAGE: CRPF personnel move towards their camp as curfew was lifted in Srinagar. Photograph: PTI Photo



Curfew was lifted on Thursday from across Kashmir, barring Anantnag town, following improvement in situation, a day after it was re-imposed in parts of the Valley to thwart a separatist march to Kulgam district.

There is no curfew anywhere in the Valley except Anantnag town of south Kashmir, a police official said.

He said the restrictions on movement of people have been lifted in view of the improving situation.

The situation throughout the Valley remained peaceful and under control yesterday (Wednesday). There was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the Valley, the official said.

On Wednesday, the authorities re-imposed curfew in entire Kulgam district and Anantnag town as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

Curfew had also been imposed in five police station areas of Srinagar city -- Khanyar, Rainawari, Maharaj Gunj, Safa Kadal and Nowhatta -- while restrictions were imposed on assembly of four or more persons in jurisdiction of Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations.

However, the official said, there were no restrictions in the city on Thursday.

The postpaid mobile telephony services have been restored across all networks in the Valley where 47 persons have died in violent clashes between protesters and security forces following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

The incoming facility on prepaid connections has also been restored, but the outgoing calls are barred on such numbers, the official said.

He said no decision yet has been taken on the resumption of mobile internet services in the Valley.

Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed for the 20th consecutive day on Thursday in view of the strike called by the separatist camp.

Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed due to the strike while public transport remained off roads. Attendance in government offices was very thin, the official said.

Two policemen were among those killed in the violence while 5,500 people, including over 3,000 security personnel, have been injured.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is a fraud, a liar and a hypocrite, top Democratic leaders and speakers at the party's national convention said as they lashed out at the billionaire from New York.

A delegate wears a "Trump Wall" hat at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Phootgraph: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Former CIA chief and Defence Secretary Leon Panetta lambasted Trump for encouraging Russia to find Hillary Clinton's missing emails -- a move seen as sanctioning cyber spying by a foreign power, saying such a man cannot be the commander-in-chief of the US.

"As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyberattacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be this irresponsible. Donald Trump cannot become our commander-in-chief," Panetta said in his address to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Arguing that this was no time to roll the dice and gamble with America's national security, Panetta said in an unstable world, the country cannot afford unstable leadership.

"We cannot afford who believes America should withdraw from the world, threatens our international treaties, and violate our moral principles. We cannot afford an erratic on our nuclear weapons," Panetta said in his address.

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta attempts to quiet the crowd during his speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center. Photograph: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images

"He asked the Russians to engage in American politics. Think about that for a moment. Donald Trump is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States to affect our election," he said.

Referring to Trump's comments that he gets his foreign policy from watching TV and running the Miss Universe Pageant, Panetta said the situation was deadly serious. "Donald Trump asks our troops to commit wars, endorse torture, spurns allies from Europe to Asia, suggests more countries to have nuclear weapons, and praise dictators from Saddam Hussein to Vladimir Putin," he said.

Panetta said Hillary is determined to defeat those who threaten the United States  be it Al Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, or al-Shabab.

"Terrorists who pervert the teachings of Islam to kill innocent people going about their daily lives, people travelling through airports in Brussels and Istanbul...These murderers must be stopped," he said.

He said Clinton is the only candidate who has laid a comprehensive plan to defeat and destroy ISIS and keep America safe. "She is smart. She is principled. She is tough and she is ready. Hillary is the single most experienced and prepared person who has ever run for president."

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center. Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Raising questions on Trump's business acumen, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said: "I am a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one!" to loud cheers from the audience.

"Trump says he will punish manufacturers that move to Mexico or China, but the clothes he sells are made overseas in low-wage factories. He says he wants to put Americans back to work, but he games the US visa system so he can hire temporary foreign workers at low wage. He says he wants to deport 11 million undocumented people, but he seems to have no problem in hiring them," Bloomberg said.

"Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy. He wants you to believe that we can solve our biggest problem by deporting Mexicans and shutting out Muslims. He wants you to believe that erecting trade barriers will bring back good jobs. He is wrong on both counts," he said.

The former New York Mayor said that though Hillary Clinton may not be the "perfect candidate", there is "no doubt" in his mind that she is the right choice.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (Center-L) stands with California Governor Jerry Brown (Center-R). Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty Images

California Governor Jerry Brown also laid into Trump, calling him a fraud and a liar.

"Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud. Trump says there's no drought in California. I say Trump lies. So, it's not surprising that Trump chose as his running mate a man who denies that there''s such a thing as evolution," he said.

Brown said while Trump only talks, Clinton gets things done.

"As Secretary of State, she paved the way for the historic Paris Climate Agreement, an agreement which 200 nations, including China and India, enthusiastically embraced. And Mr Trump, he says: The world be damned, I'm tearing it up," he said.

"Trump and those who live in climate denial say otherwise. They tell us we have to choose between saving the economy and saving the planet. Donald Trump and the climate deniers are dead wrong  dangerously wrong," Brown said.

Kristen Kavanaugh, leader of the Military Acceptance Project and former Marine Captain from San Diego, delivers a speech. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Kristen Kavanaugh, co-founder of the Military Acceptance Project, said Clinton understands the importance of a strong military and diplomacy.

"She knows we're stronger when we work with our allies to keep us safe, and she has a specific plan to defeat and destroy ISIS. She has the experience, temperament, and steady hand to lead," she said.

"I don't trust Donald Trump. The military is defined by discipline. Leadership. Integrity. Those are the qualities that drew me to serve. And those are the very qualities that Donald Trump lacks. He suggests abandoning our closest allies. He praises dictators who've killed Americans. He says we should allow more countries to get nuclear weapons," Kavanaugh said.

Former Gov Martin OMalley (D-MD) delivers his remarks. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley lashed out at Trump saying he has been a bully his whole life.

"But here's what I learned on playgrounds in Catholic school: all bullies are cowards in disguise. But unlike that immigrant-bashing, carnival barker, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton actually knows the enduring symbol of America is not a barbed wire fence. It is the Statue of Liberty!" he said.

O'Malley, a former presidential aspirant, also targeted the real estate mogul's assertions on climate change.

"Donald Trump doesn't believe in science. He says, 'the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese.' If the Chinese were really capable of designing some kind of diabolical farce to hurt America, they wouldn't invent global warming. They'd invent Donald Trump," he said.

He said Trump insults people who disagree with him and makes his followers fearful. "He feeds off of a deep-seated and dangerous anger."

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta attempts to quiet the crowd during his speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center. Photograph: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said: "When Trump decided to run for President, he probably said to himself: I'm an egomaniac. I don't believe in science. I think women are inferior. Where would I feel at home?"

Rear Admiral (retd) John Hutson expressed fears Trump would abandon allies and let more countries get nuclear weapons.

"He lies about donating to our veterans and called the military I served in a disaster'. It's embarrassing enough that he's the face of one of our political parties. The real disaster is what would happen if we let Donald Trump become the face of the country we love," he said.
French prosecutors have identified the second man involved in the killing of a priest in a Normandy church on Tuesday as 19-year-old Abdel Malik Petitjean.

The prosecutor's office said that Petitjean was listed on France's "Fiche S" of people posing a potential threat to national security in June after trying to reach Syria from Turkey.

Petitjean, whose face was disfigured after being gunned down by police, had been harder to identify than his accomplice Adel Kermiche, 19, and investigators confirmed his identity after a DNA match with his mother.

The two young jihadists were shown pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group in a video sometime before they stormed a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen in Normandy on Tuesday and slit the 86-year-old priest's throat at the altar.

The government has faced tough questions as it emerged both church attackers were on the radar of intelligence services, and had tried to go to Syria.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve is facing fresh calls of resignation.

"If the government is not responsible for the wave of terrorism, it is guilty of not having done everything to stop it," said Laurent Wauqiez, the deputy leader of the right-wing Republicans party in an interview with Le Figaro newspaper.

"Manuel Valls and Bernard Cazeneuve must go because they refuse to take vital measures to fight Islamism. We need a new government, determined to act".

President Francois Hollande confirmed on Thursday the creation of a National Guard to be made up of reserve forces, after the government earlier urged "patriots" to sign up to become reservists.

Hollande said parliamentary consultations on the formation of the force would take place in September "so that this force can be created as fast as possible to protect the French".

The attack came as the government was already facing a firestorm of criticism over alleged security failings after the Bastille Day truck massacre that left 84 dead two weeks ago.

Image: French CRS police stand guard in front of the church. Photograph: Pascal Rossignol/Reuters
In a bid to control the damage over continuing protests, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the security forces were not aware of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani's presence during the raid at his hideout in which he was killed.

Mehbooba also indicated that had the security forces known about Wani's presence the situation could have perhaps been controlled better.

She said had the security forces known about Wani being present inside the house in Kokernag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district, it would have been possible to keep the situation "from turning to what it is today."

"I feel if they knew, perhaps we would not have such a situation when the overall situation in the state was improving, so it could have been a chance," she told reporters.

The statement from the chief minister came immediately after opposition National Conference Provincial President Nasir Wani said the chief minister was aware of the operation and had also rewarded the officials who led the operation in which 22-year-old Wani was killed on July 8.

"How can one know everything about every encounter?"

"As far as I know, what I heard from the police and the army, who said they only knew that there were three militants inside the house but did not know who they were," she told reporters.

The statement comes nearly three weeks after Wani along with two others were killed at Kokernag in South Kashmir.

Additional Director General of Police S M Sahai had told reporters after the operation that the chief minister was aware about the operation.

The police and intelligence agencies are saying that they did not know who was there, Mehbooba said.

The chief minister said the government did not get enough time to make arrangements to contain the situation, unlike when Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged in 2013.

"When Afzal Guru was hanged, (then chief minister) Omar (Abdullah) knew, so he made all the arrangements beforehand. We knew nothing and we came to know suddenly. But, despite that, we tried to impose curfew so that children do not come out," she said.

Violence has rocked the Valley since July 8, when Wani was killed in an encounter, leaving 47 people dead. At least 5,500 people, including 3,000 security personnel, have also been injured.

Mehbooba said an atmosphere should be created in the state for peace and dialogue and the government would do "everything" to provide relief to the people affected by the violence.

"An atmosphere should be created in Jammu and Kashmir where there is dialogue, transparency like in (former Prime Minister Atal Behari) Vajpayee's time when a peace process was started and there was ceasefire with Pakistan," Mehbooba said.

Image: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti addresses a press conference. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com
India along with the G4 nations said it is unfortunate that momentum could not build up over the issue in the current session.

Indias push to achieve urgent reforms of the UN Security Council this year and secure a permanent seat has suffered a setback when the general assembly decided to roll over discussions on reforming the world bodys top organ to its next session.

India along with the G4 nations said it is unfortunate that momentum could not build up over the issue in the current session.

Brazils envoy to the UN Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, speaking on behalf of the G4 groups of Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, lamented that the UN had not been able to push forward and achieve success in implementing the long-pending reform of the 15-nation powerful Council.

There was huge expectation that time had arrived for us to move into concrete negotiations, It is unfortunate that the 70th anniversary of the UN was not able to build up momentum with a view to reaching an agreement on this important item, Patriota said in the General Assembly on Wednesday.

India has been pushing for completing reforms of the UN Security Council in the 70th session of the General Assembly, which will end in September this year.

Taking consensus action on Wednesday, the General Assembly adopted an oral decision paving the way for Member States to continue discussions on reforming the Security Council during its 71st session, which will commence in September.

In giving effect to that technical rollover, the assembly reaffirmed its central role on the issue of Security Council reform, known formally as the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council.

Speaking for the G4, the Brazilian envoy described Security Council reform as one of the most pressing issues still pending on the General Assemblys agenda.

It was crucial that member states engage in real, text-based negotiations if the process was to have any meaning, he said.

While the elements of convergence on two of the five key issues pertaining to the reform process could be considered useful to the extent that they identified some already-known trends on the positions and proposals of Member States, other important patterns on the remaining three clusters were regrettably not reflected as leading towards convergence.

He added that it was obvious that a growing majority of Member States supported the Councils expansion in both membership categories, but that had not been registered in writing.

Member States had also argued that the under-representation of developing countries should be addressed, yet that suggestion had also not been captured.

The longer we postpone a decision on the reform of the Security Council, the greater discredit brought upon the United Nations in its core function of promoting peace and security, he said adding, We can no longer go around in circles on Security Council reform.

The Brazilian envoy stressed that people expected from bold leadership and a commitment to change from the world body in the wake of the unprecedented crises and threats to security being faced across the world.

Most of have already understood that holding on to status quo cannot be an option, he said adding that not having text-based negotiations is not a sustainable state of affairs and the reform must be completed within a fixed time frame.

The assembly also decided that its upcoming discussions would build on the positions and proposals made by Member States and reflected in the decision and its annex -- circulated on 31 July 2015 -- and use the elements of convergence circulated on 12 July 2016 to help inform its future work.

India had been strongly pushing for completing the long-pending reforms of the Security Council by the end of the 70th anniversary of the UN this September.

Indias former Ambassador to the UN Asoke Mukerji had last year noted that India was among the first to seek to conclude the UNSC reform process by the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.

It is our hope that with the adoption of this decision, we will now move purposefully towards concluding our negotiations during the 70th session, so that we fulfil the unanimous mandate given by our leaders in the World Summit of 2005 for early reform of the Security Council to make it ...more broadly representative, efficient and transparent and thus to further enhance its effectiveness and the legitimacy and implementation of its decisions, he had said.

In May, the G4 nations had decried the out of date structure of the UN Security Council, saying the problem of imbalance of influence in the Council cannot be corrected if only non-permanent members are added to the powerful UN body as part of its reform and expansion in both categories is essential to achieve equilibrium that reflects current global realities.

Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had said it is evident from the positions submitted in the text circulated by the former UNGA president in July 2015 that an overwhelming majority of member states support expansion in both categories.

In all, 129 member states out of a total 152 or about around 85 per cent support expansion in both categories.

We do believe that the problem lies in the imbalance of influence within the Security Council between the permanent and non-permanent members. Expanding only in the non-permanent category is not going to solve the problem.

It will actually widen the difference between permanent and non-permanent members even more, tilting further the scales in favour of a dispensation that was valid in the special situation in 1945 but is no longer now, he had said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will go to Nagpur to attend a 10-day vipassana session in first week of next month.

An Aam Aadmi Party functionary said the Delhi chief minister will be in a meditation centre in Nagpur and will not have access to newspapers, television or any other media.

The CM's plan to go for vipassana comes nearly one-and-a-half year after he had gone for the same session after hectic campaign for Lok Sabha elections in May 2014.

"Delhi chief minister will take a break from work for ten days as he will fly to Nagpur to attend vipassana session from August 1 to August 10 there," said a senior government official.

His deputy Manish Sisodia will be in charge of the government then.

Kejriwal is known to be an ardent practitioner of Vipassana. After a hectic campaign after the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and Delhi assembly polls in 2013, the AAP chief had taken a break for practising vipassana.
The 91-year-old, who died on Thursday, went beyond her role as a writer to help tribals in organising themselves in groups so that they could take up development activities in their own areas.

A litterateur with the zeal of an activist, Mahasweta Devi used creative expression as a tool to fight for the rights of the indigenous people and marginalised sections.

With the sincerity of an activist and the passion of a writer, the Bengali writer was the voice of the oppressed in her novels and short stories, which won her a number of awards including the Padma Vibhushan, Magsaysay, Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith.

All her acclaimed works like Hajar Churashir Ma, Aranyer Adhikar, Jhansir Rani, Agnigarbha, Rudali, Sidhu Kanhur Daakey, etc give us invaluable insights into the lives of the oppressed class.

A number of her works have been adapted for the silver screen. Govind Nihalanis 1998 Hindi film Hazaar Chaurasi ki Ma is based on her Bengali novel on the emotional struggles of a mother who tries to understand the reasons behind her sons involvement in the Naxalite movement.

In 1993, Kalpana Lajmi also made the award-winning Rudaali on her novel by the same name chronicling the life of professional mourners upon the death of upper-caste males in Rajasthan.

Italian director Italo Spinelli also made the multi-lingual Gangor based on her short story Choli Ke Peeche about the rights of women.

Going beyond her role as a writer and journalist, Devi also helped tribals and the rural dispossessed in organising themselves in groups so that they could take up development activities in their own areas.

She founded several grassroot level societies for the welfare of tribals.

Despite enjoying celebrity status in her home city, Devis lifestyle was simple and modest.

Born in 1926 in Dhaka to middle-class parents, her father Manish Ghatak was a renowned poet of his time and uncle was filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, one of the front runners of parallel cinema movement in India.

She studied at Rabindranath Tagores university in Santiniketan and married eminent playwright Bijon Bhattacharya, one of the founding members of the Indian Peoples Theatre Association. The couple divorced later on.

Their son Nabarun, who passed away in 2014, was also a well-known poet and novelist who won the Sahitya Akademi award.

During her lifetime, the writer-activist also taught English literature in a college and also wrote for newspapers on topics related to rural India.

In one of her speeches, she had remarked that social activism was the driving force of all her literary activities, be it literature, newspaper columns or the journal she edited.

For her novels and short stories, she travelled deep into rural areas to research the oral history of tribal communities especially in adjacent Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal.

Her historical fiction Aranyer Adhikar for which she won the Sahitya Akademi award, Indias highest literary accolade, in 1979 is about the life and struggles of tribal leader Birsa Munda and the famous Munda rebellion against the British in the late nineteenth century.

In Agnigarbha, a collection of four long stories about the Naxalite tribal unrest, and in the novel Bish-Ekush (1986), she chronicled untold stories about the Naxalite movement.

Other notable works of the prolific writer include Chotti Munda 0 Tar Teer, Subhaga Basanta and Sidhu Kanhur Daakey.

Photograph: Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
Gorgeous galaxies and stunning stars make up this selection of pictures from the shortlisted entries for this years Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.

The competition, which is run by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in association with Insight Investment and BBC Sky at Night Magazine, is now in its eighth year.

The winners will be announced on September 15, and an exhibition of the winning images will be displayed in a free exhibition at the Royal Observatory Greenwichs Astronomy Centre from September 17.

Please click on the photos to view hi-resolution images.

A fork, a spoon and a moon

A Royal Spoonbill sits atop of a branch basking in the glow of the nearly full moon in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Photograph: Andrew Caldwell/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Seven Magic Points

The rusty red swirls of the circular, iron sculpture Seven Magic Points in Brattebergan, Norway mirror the rippling aurora above. Photograph: Rune Engeb/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Pickerings Triangle

The luminous tangle of filaments of Pickerings Triangle intertwines through the night sky. Located in the Veil Nebula, it is one of the main visual elements of a supernova remnant, whose source exploded around 8,000 years ago. Photograph: Bob Franke/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Northern Lights over Jokulsarlon, Iceland

A couple takes in the awe-inspiring sight of the Northern Lights streaking across the night sky over the lagoon at Jokulsarlon, Iceland on Valentines night of 2016. Photograph: Giles Rocholl/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

M8: Lagoon Nebula

New stars are formed in the undulating clouds of M8, also commonly referred to as the Lagoon Nebula, situated some 5,000 light years from our planet. Photograph: Ivan Eder/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Flash Point

The Perseid Meteor Shower shoots across the sky in the early hours of August 13, 2015, appearing to cascade from Mount Shasta in California, USA. The composite image features roughly 65 meteors captured by the photographer between 12:30 am and 4:30 am. Photograph: Brad Goldpaint/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Frozen Giant

The celestial curve of the Milky Way joins with the light of a stargazers headlamp to form a monumental arch over the Cimon della Pella in the heart of the Dolomites mountain range in northeastern Italy. Photograph: Nicholas Roemmelt/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Painted Hills

With very little light pollution, the glimmering stars of the Milky Way bathe the colourful layers of the Painted Hills of Oregon in a natural glow. Photograph: Nicholas Roemmelt/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Celestial Veil

The natural light of the Milky Way battles with the light pollution over the fishing village, or kelong, in Batu Pahat, Malaysia. In the lower right hand corner, there is also bioluminescence in the waters at the bottom of the kelong. Photograph: Yuyun Wang/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Between the Rocks

Our galaxy, the Milky Way, stretches across the night sky between two of the imposing rocks at Pfeiffer State Beach, near Big Sur, California. Photograph: Rick Whitacre/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Aurora Bird

The vivid green Northern Lights resemble a bird soaring over open water in Olderdalen, Norway. Photograph: Jan R Olsen/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Venus Rising

During the seldom-seen alignment of the five planets in February 2016, Venus, Mercury and the Milky Way rose an hour before sunrise, and appear to be fleeing its early glow, overlooking Turrimeta Beach, Australia. Photograph: Ivan Slade/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Wall of Plasma

A searing solar prominence extends outwards from the surface of the Sun. The wall of plasma is the height of three times the Earths diameter. Photograph: Eric Toops/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

Moon Reflection

The brilliance of the Moon illuminates the night sky, and is reflected in the expansive water of the Paraty Bay, Brazil. Photograph: Rafael Defavari/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016

The Diamond Ring

The dramatic moment that our star, the Sun, appears to be cloaked in darkness by the Moon during the Total Solar Eclipse of 9th March 2016 in Indonesia. The Sun peers out from behind the Moon and resembles the shape of a diamond ring, caused by the rugged edge of the Moon allowing some beads of sunlight to shine through in certain places. Photograph: Melanie Thorne/Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016
Under fire for asking Russia to find the missing emails of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Thursday said that he was "kidding" when he made the statement.

His remarks on these lines during a news conference in Miami on Wednesday was considered by the top Democratic party leadership as seeking Russian intervention in the United States election system and a national security issue.

The Clinton campaign issued a statement condemning Trump.

Later, several speakers, including the former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, slammed the Republican presidential nominee for asking the Russians to find out the missing 33,000 emails of Clinton and released them.

"I'm being sarcastic," Trump said in an interview to Fox News.

"But you have 33,000 e-mails deleted, and the real problem is what was said in those e-mails from the Democratic National Committee. You take a look at what was said in those e-mails, it's disgraceful. It's disgraceful," Trump said.

"They talk about religion, they talk about race, they talk about all sorts of things, including women, and what they said in those e-mails is a disgrace," he said.

"You have to be kidding," Trump said in response to another question.

The Republican presidential nominee reiterated that the Russian President Vladimir Putin is a better leader than his American counterpart Barack Obama.

"I said he's a better leader than Obama. I said he's a better leader than Obama, because Obama's not a leader, so he's certainly doing a better job than Obama is, and that's all. Now look, you have to understand, Putin -- if we could get along with Russia, I think that would be a good thing, not a bad thing. We don't get along with Russia. We practically don't get along with too many," he insisted.

Trump said he would not tell what he would be doing with Russia when he is the president.

"I'm not going to tell you what I'd do. Why would I tell you a thing like that? Wouldn't that be crazy, to tell you what I'd do? You react at the time," he said.

"Part of the problem with this country is they go and they say, we're going to do this, we're going to attack here, we're going to send this many men -- no, no. You've got to keep it a little bit secret, got to keep it a little bit secret. You got to have it to yourself a little bit," Trump said.

Image: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Toledo, Ohio, US. Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters
Government said people not having Aadhaar have been asked to get them in next three months after which their LPG subsidy will be parked separately.

IMAGE: A villager in Rajasthan goes through the process of a fingerprint scanner for the Unique Identification database system at an enrolment centre. Photograph: Mansi Thapliyal/Reuters



A united Opposition on Thursday disrupted Rajya Sabha proceedings, protesting against making Aadhaar card mandatory for availing government benefits like subsidised liquefied petroleum gas, public distribution system supplies and pensions, forcing its adjournment thrice since morning.

The House was first adjourned till noon, then for about 15 minutes and once again till 2 pm as the Opposition uproar continued unabated.

Opposition Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal and Samajwadi Party had given notices for suspension of business to take up the issue which also found support from the Left parties and the Congress. The notices were rejected by the chair.

While the government clarified that the unique identification number or Aadhaar card issued to citizens was not mandatory for availing government benefits and necessary instruction to this effect were being issued, dissatisfied opposition members trooped into the Well, raising slogans, forcing adjournment of proceedings till noon.

Soon after the House assembled and listed papers laid, Naresh Agarwal (SP), Derek OBrien (TMC) and Dilip Tirkey (BJD) said they had given notices under rule 267, but Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said their motion has not been permitted.

Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said the Centre has issued instructions to state governments to stop ration card benefits, pensions and subsidised LPG to those not having Aadhaar card.

As much as 40 per cent of the population does not have Aadhaar card and the move will hit the poor hard, he said.

OBrien said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government talks of cooperative federalism but takes decisions without discussing with states. Making Aadhaar mandatory will have serious repercussions across the country, he said.

Tirkey said with 20 per cent of the population in Odisha doesnt having an Aadhaar card, the instruction by the Centre will only create problems for the poor.

In his response, Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu said the Act passed by Parliament provides that government benefits can be availed through Aadhaar cards.

The government, he said, has taken note of the concerns raised by members. It (Aadhaar card) is not compulsory. If necessary, instructions will be issued, he said.

The Direct Benefit Transfer -- the scheme of paying government benefits directly to users, was started by the previous United Progressive Alliance government, he said, adding, DBT is need of the hour as it helps eliminate corruption, middlemen and leakages.

IMAGE: Members protest in the Rajya Sabha during the monsoon session. Photograph: PTI Photo



Observing that Aadhaar will not be made mandatory till the entire population gets such cards or UID numbers, he said, I will ensure necessary clarification is issued at the earliest.

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said people who have not got Aadhaar have been asked to get them in next three months after which their LPG subsidy will be parked separately. It is not being cut, he said.

Stating that 85 per cent population have got Aadhaar card, Pradhan said the penetration can be pushed only with the effort of the state government.

Sharad Yadav (Janata Dal-United) said decisions impacting poor should be taken with utmost sensitivity.

Observing that DBT is not just about having Aadhaar card but the benefit has to go into bank accounts of beneficiaries, Tapan Kumar Sen (Communist Party of India-Marxist) said the issue is linked to opening accounts and bank branches.

Agarwal said the Centre has sent three departmental orders asking state governments to stop supply under the PDS to those ration card holders not having Aadhaar card, terminate their pension and subsidised LPG to those not having these cards.

Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC) asked if the government was aware of the October 2015 order of the Supreme Court that Aadhaar should be voluntary and not compulsory.

While the Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act grants exemption to those who have applied for Aadhaar but not got it yet, will the same exemption apply to a person who has failed to apply for the card due to ignorance or poverty, he asked.

Rajeev Shukla (Congress) said 68 per cent of the population were issued Aadhaar cards when the UPA was in power but the process has slowed down during two years of National Democratic Alliance rule. Till the cards are issued, people should not be deprived of benefits, he said.

Naidu said the process of issuing Aadhaar cards has to be hastened. Till now 100 crore Aadhaar cards have been issued and some remain. The process of issue of Aadhaar to those left out has to be completed early. We will do it, he said.

But the members were not satisfied and trooped in to the Well of the House raising anti government slogans.

Kurien termed the situation as very unfortunate and said, You (Opposition) raised relevant points. (The) minister responded. Now what is the need for this obstruction? This is unfair.

In the din, Pradhan said exemption for Aadhaar based transfer of benefits was given to Assam and a similar request of Mizoram, where only 55 per cent have got Aadhaar cards, is under consideration. He also alleged that a group of middlemen was against issue of Aadhaar cards to all beneficiaries.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is unelectable and would make the country less safe, US Vice President Joe Biden said as he launched an unprecedented scathing attack to prevent the real estate billionaire to enter the White House next January.

Similar views were expressed at the Democratic Presidential Convention in Philadelphia by US Senator Tim Kaine, declared the Democratic vice presidential candidate earlier in the day, who urged his countrymen they "better not" vote for Trump whose 'believe me' rhetoric promises great things without ever explaining how.

US Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images

"The times are too uncertain, to elect Donald Trump as President of the United States, now let me finish. No major party, no major party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less has been less prepared to deal with our national security," Biden told an electrifying audience at the Democratic National Convention.

Making a strong pitch for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, Biden said the US can not elect a man who exploits fears of IS and other terrorists.

"Who has no plan whatsoever to make us safer. A man who embraces the tactics of our enemies, torture, religious intolerance, you all know. All the Republicans know, that's not who we are. It betrays our values. It alienates those who we need in the fight against ISIS," Biden said.

"Donald Trump, with all his rhetoric, would literally make us less safe. We cannot elect a man, who belittles are closest allies, why embracing dictators like Vladimir Putin. No, I mean that," he said.

"A man who seeks to sow division in America for his own gain, and disorder around the world. A man who confuses bluster with strength. We simply cannot let that happen as Americans, period," Biden said amid applause from thousands of Democratic party delegates, leaders and supporters, which was being viewed nationally by millions.

Biden said country should really think about Trump before going to polls in November.

"His cynicism is unbounded. His lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up in a phrase that I suspect he's most proud of having made famous, you're fired," he said.

"But I know why we're strong. I know why we have held together. I know why, we are united. It's because there's always been a growing middle class. This guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class, not a clue," he said.

"Folks, let me tell you what I literally tell every world leader I've met with and I've met them all. It's never, never, never been a good bet to bet against America," he said.

"We have the finest fighting force in the world. Not only, do we have the largest economy in the world, we have the strongest economy in the world. We have the most productive workers in the world. And given a fair shot, given a fair chance, Americans have never, ever, ever, ever, let their country down. Never," he asserted.

He said the US had candidates before attempted to get elected to appealing to the fears, but they never succeeded.

"Because we do not scare easily. We never bow, we never bend, we never break when confronted with crisis. No, we endure, we overcome and we always, always, always move forward," he said.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Tim Kaine speaks on the third night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Photograph: Mike Segar/Getty Images

Tim Kaine, the 58-year-old senator from the battleground state of Virginia, mocked the 70-year-old reality TV star's often cited remarks "believe me", amid applause from the audience.

"The guy promises a lot. But you might have noticed, he has a habit of saying the same two words right after he makes his biggest promises. You guys know the words I mean? 'Believe me. It's gonna be great  believe me!'" Kaine said.

"He never tells you how he is going to do any of the things he says he is going to do. He just says, "believe me". So here is the question.

"Do you really believe him? Donald Trump's whole career says you better not," he added.

Kaine, who has been a strong advocate of India US relationship, said it is Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton who is ready to take over as the next US president.

"Now Hillary is ready. Ready to fight, ready to win, ready to lead," Kaine said amid cheers and applause from thousands of party delegates, leaders and supporters.

Kaine lashed out at Trump for his policy rhetoric.

"Any party that would nominate Donald Trump for president has moved too far away from his party of Lincoln.

"And I'll tell you, if any of you are looking for that party of Lincoln, we have got a home for you right here in the Democratic Party," he said amid applause.

Trump has a passion, "it's himself", Kaine said.

"With Hillary, it is not just words, it's accomplishments. She delivers. As senator, after 9/11 I got my New Yorkers right here and my Virginians right here. She battled -- she battled congressional Republicans to care for the first responders who went in to the Towers, who went in to the Pentagon and saved the victims of those terrorist attacks.

"As secretary of state, she implemented tough sanctions against Iran to pave the way for a diplomatic breakthrough to curtail a nuclear weapons programme. And she wasn't afraid, she wasn't afraid.

"She was not afraid to stand up against thugs and dictators, and as a key part of the Obama national security team, they decided to go to the ends of the earth to wipe out (Al Qaeda chief) Osama bin Laden," he said.
Writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi breathed her last on Thursday afternoon.

Winner of the 1996 Jnanpith and 1997 Ramon Magsaysay Awards, Mahasweta Devi firmly believed that 'real history is made by ordinary people.'

The noted writer, who dedicated her life for the cause of the tribals, spoke to Rediff.com quite a few times.

In an interaction with Indrani Roy Mitra/Rediff.com in December 2012, the winner of the 1996 Jnanpith Award and the 1997 Ramon Magsaysay Award voiced her grievances with the Trinamool regime in Bengal.

She said: "When the people of Bengal took to the streets against the Left's misrule, they had asked for better governance. By that, they had meant an improved state of healthcare, education, law and order... Take a look at these three sectors now -- crib deaths are rising to an alarming proportion; the healthcare system is in shambles; anarchy is haunting the education system. As far as the law and order situation in Bengal is concerned, the least said the better. The literacy drive too has taken a backseat."

"But if the TMC too goes the Left's way, it won't be long before the people decide to go against it."

Read that interview HERE

In another interview to Indrani Roy Mitra/Rediff.com in May 2009 just before the Weest Bengal elections, the eminent writer spoke about West Bengal's politics, its ills and a possible cure.

In the interview, she said: "Without a change, the state (West Bengal) will be doomed. For 32 long years, the Left leaders have dragged the state back to the dark ages. There has been no improvement whatsoever in the field of education or literacy, health or infrastructure."

Read that interview, HERE

In December 1997, Mahasweta Devi spoke to Archana Masih/Rediff.com about her work with the tribals, the government's attitude towards denotified tribes.

In the interview she said: "Tribals are not thinking of a revolution. We always expect to live in comfort ourselves, and expect the naked and the poor and the starving people to do the revolution. That is not correct. I have seen many changes. Politics bhi dekha, politics ka social-anti social nexus bhi dekha. Now it is very difficult to isolate who is the anti-social and who is the politician. In these days it is better to keep silent. I don't believe in talking much, specially politics which I refuse to understand. I believe in work alone.

Read that interview HERE

Earlier in July 1997, director Govind Nihalani who was then adapting on screen Mahasweta Devi's Hazaar Chaurasi ki Ma recalled his association with the Bengali novelist and asserted that she was one of the finest writers we had.

He said, "Her concern with the essential human being and his fight against the system forms the backbone of her work. In most of her works, her underlying belief in the concept of protest, the concept of fighting for your rights, for your survival, for your dignity.

"She does not stop with merely shedding tears over the plight of the tribal community, she goes beyond that to explore, to implant the seeds of protest and struggle. In this sense, her works are valuable -- I do not think any other writer in our country has dealt with such themes with such depth, such literary style and substance."

Read more HERE
Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Zimbabwe

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Zimbabwe, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa4524.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Court bans agricultural workers' union leader from farm: A High Court judge has barred leader of the Zimbabwe Horticulture Agro-industries and General Agricultural Workers' Union (Zhagawu), Mr Raymond Sixpence, from holding labour meetings at Tavistock Estates in Beatrice. The court made the ruling after the farm owner, Cristopher Hawgood, took Sixpence to court on allegations of interfering with the farm's operations and accusing him of underpaying his employees.

Justice Maxwell Takuva granted the peace order at the end of February 2016 and barred Sixpence from visiting or "making nnecessary meetings to Tavistock Farm without police permission or Tavistock's consent". Documents reveal that Zhagawu has been at loggerheads with Tavistock Farm over the welfare of workers and alleges that the white farmer is refusing to allow his labourers to join the union, a charge denied by the farm owner.

Police beat up protesters for demanding salaries: On 4 January police blocked a street march through central Harare by a handful of protesters demanding the immediate payment of outstanding salaries to civil servants.

The placard waving protesters, led by the Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (RTUZ), managed to evade police attention from Harare's busy Market Square bus terminus while heading for New Government Complex. This was the place where they intended to present their petition to the Finance and Public Service Ministries. Nevertheless, a group of anti-riot officers blocked them when they were nearing the legislative building: RTUZ secretary general Obert Masaraura and activists Robson Chere and Pride Mkono were beaten up by the police and then taken to Harare Central police where they were later released without any charges against them. Rutendo Kawadza, an activist with the Zimbabwe Activists Alliance (ZAA) who joined the march as well, was left hospitalised for injuries sustained during the ordeal.

Supreme Court authorises selective punishment of employees: In January 2016 the Supreme Court's ruling authorised the selective punishment of employees. This means that the employer can arbitrarily decide who to charge if a group of employees commit an offence. It is clear that such ruling leaves space for selective punishment/firing of trade union leaders inside the enterprise who might be the victims of acts of retaliation to discourage trade union activity in the enterprise.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Zambia

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Zambia, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa4e7.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Judiciary unionist fired for claiming rights to the President of Zambia: On 13 January 2016, the Judicial Service Commission fired Chairman of Judiciary and Allied Workers Union of Zambia Copperbelt, Mr Paul Chilosha. Chilosha had declared that judiciary workers intended to make their voice heard in 2016 and that the President Edgar Lungu would not have it easy if he refused to increase salaries by a reasonable amount. Following these statements Chilosha received a letter of termination of his employment by the Judiciary Service Commission on behalf of the President Lungu.

Six Workers of the Zambia post service arrested while protesting: Police picked up six workers at Zambia post service, ZAMPOST, during a demonstration held at their post office in Lusaka. Workers, protesting for unilateral salary deductions and cuts at retrenchment packages, were taken in police vans by officers from Lusaka Central Police who called the protest illegal. "Illegal" was the definition of the protest given also by ZAMPOST's Area Manager for Lusaka, Henry Zimba, who stated the legitimacy of police action to pick up workers, since "the Post Office is a public place and no one is entitled to protest anyhow".

Hotel New Fairmount in Livingstone does not allow trade unionism: The General Secretary of Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Cosmas Mukuka, spoke at the Quadrennial Conference of the Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO), held at the New Fairmount Hotel. In his speech he called attention to the fact that no future trade union meeting should be held in such a hotel because its management does not permit workers to belong to a labour movement of their choice and fired all but one member of staff interested in unionism. Mukuka appealed to ZUNO leadership to engage the hotel management in order to sensitise them towards the issue of free trade unionism at the workplace.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - United Kingdom

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - United Kingdom, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa4f6.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Trade unionists bring a case against construction firm over illegal blacklisting in front of the High Court: A decades-long controversy between construction workers and the firms that blacklisted them was brought in front of the High Court. Eight major construction firms have been facing legal action for compensation from 700 people represented by GMB, Ucatt and Unite unions. It was only last year that the firms admitted use of blacklisting tactics although the use of blacklisting in the construction industry was uncovered in 2009. It was at that time that offices of The Consulting Association (TCA) were raided by the Information Commissioner's officers. They retrieved personal files on over 3,000 workers, activists and trade unionists blacklisted because considered "trouble-makers". The target was often directed against those active in trade unions or political campaigns, or those who raised health and safety issues on site.

The eight leading construction firms had issued an apology at the High Court in London for their involvement in the blacklist scheme. In February this year construction companies were ordered to pay out millions of pounds in compensation to 71 workers who had been illegally blacklisted.

The Trade Union Bill: In March 2016, the Trade Union Bill was before the Parliament adding further requirements to the labyrinthine procedure that unionists must follow before taking a strike action. Its key provisions included the following: new ballot thresholds  a minimum 50 per cent turnout in all strikes and, in important public services, a requirement that at least 40 per cent of the members eligible to vote are in favour of the strike (clauses 2-3); detailed notice requirements about strikes (clause 4); a shorter period during which strikes can be held (clause 8); additional constraints on picketing, requiring a supervisor at every picket (clause 9); new rules restricting members' contribution to union political funds (clauses 10 and 11); restrictions on unions' facility time  the time union officials spend on union duties  in the public sector (clauses 12 and 13); a prohibition on the deduction of union subscriptions direct from wages, known as check-off, in the public sector (clause 14) and linked changes, in separate regulations, allowing employers to employ agency workers to replace striking workers. Despite harsh opposition from trade unions and different sides of the political arena (from Conservative backbenchers to Labour Party MPs) and critics from the ILO Committee of Experts, only minor amendments have been made to the Bill.

Lloyds Bank to "derecognise" its staff's biggest union: LLoyds Bank "derecognised" its biggest trade union: "Lloyds Trade Union". The union, born more than a century ago, represents more than 25,000 staff at Britain's biggest retail bank. The decision of excluding the trade union from formal negotiations over pay and conditions at the bank was taken after the LTU strenuously opposed changes to the Lloyds pension scheme, calling an industrial ballot and after winning millions of pounds for 10,000 female staff following a lengthy legal battle. According to LTU general secretary Mark Brown, "Lloyds is paying us back for being a thorn in their side, but we are going to continue to be a thorn in their side", qualifying the Bank's decision as an act of retaliation against trade union activity.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Ukraine

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Ukraine, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa509.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Draft law seriously weakens collective bargaining rights: A draft law "About Collective Bargaining Agreements" considerably narrows the scope of collective bargaining agreements. A copy of the law, issued by the Ministry of Social Policy, was sent by the Joint Representative Body (JRB) to the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU) for approval. The KVPU was not consulted during the preparation of the draft Law.

If the new law is adopted, national and territorial collective agreements will be liquidated, which could result in less protection for workers. The new bill also states that collective bargaining agreements are not obligatory measures, enabling the employer to reduce obligations and guarantees. Furthermore, the draft gives the employer the right to suspend implementation of a collective agreement for an uncertain period of time. The bill does not contain measures to hold anyone to account in the event of violations of a collective agreement.

Furthermore, it introduces language to weaken existing laws. For example, part 7 Art 65 of the Industrial Code of Ukraine is to be changed from "must conclude the collective agreement" to "can conclude".

Assault on mine workers' leader: Anatolyi Mukhamedzhanov, the head of the Primary Trade Union at the Novovolynska mine was beaten up in the office of the mining company's director, on 3 February 2016. The Independent Trade Union of Coal Miners of Ukraine (NPGU) believed the purpose of the attack was to intimidate the leader of the independent miners' union, following protests against planned closures and privatisation.

Striking miners sacked and facing possible treason charges in Donetsk: Miners in Kremlin-backed militant-controlled Makiyivka were facing possible trial for 'treason' after going on strike on 13 January 2016 over unpaid wages.

According to a local newspaper, the 'authorities' of the self-styled 'Donetsk People's Republic' ['DNR'] had identified the organisers of what they called 'sabotage' and were carrying out a criminal investigation.

Some of the miners were paid a part of their outstanding wages, but reports on social networks said that 132 of the strikers had been sacked. In a similar incident at the Chaikino Mine miners who went on strike on 29 December 2015 were also paid part of their wages but many were reportedly sacked According to social network reports, an order was issued to not take the striking miners on at other mines.

The city administration's official website reported on 23 January 2016 that the so-called 'DNR energy ministry' had stated that: "a war is waging and no sabotage is therefore acceptable and can only be viewed as treason". The Ministry acknowledged that there were problems with wage arrears but asserted that these were temporary.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Turkey

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Turkey, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5111.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Hugo Boss factory continues attacks on textile union: At the beginning of March 2015, the Turkish Union of Textile, Knitting and Clothing Industry Workers (TEKSIF) reported that management at the Hugo Boss factory in Izmir was continuing to sack union members and supporters. The attacks on the union began shortly after it started to organise workers three years earlier.

Long drawn-out court processes proved 20 trade union supporters sacked between 2011 and 2014 had been illegally dismissed. A further eight cases were still pending in court in early 2015. After the High Court of Appeals confirmed that those workers were dismissed by HUGO BOSS because of their union membership and ordered their reinstatement, however, management opted to pay them extra compensation instead.

The sackings didn't stop. Management dismissed three more key union supporters in February 2015. At no stage throughout the process did the Izmir management of HUGO BOSS accept offers from TEKSIF to resolve the issues through social dialogue, and there was no intervention from international management either. When Industriall, the global union to which TEKSIF is affiliated, contacted the HUGO BOSS CEO in August 2014 to request his intervention to ensure an end to the violations and the start of constructive social dialogue at the plant, the response was to threaten legal action and to deny all responsibility.

Leather workers who wanted to join union faced intimidation and dismissal: The handbag manufacturer, SF Leather, which produces mainly for luxury handbag brand Mulberry, sacked fourteen workers for joining the Deriteks union in March 2015. Deriteks had just begun organising workers at the factory, located in the Aegean Free Zone in Izmir.

SF Leather then began suing workers and Deriteks, claiming that its "commercial interests" had been damaged by the union's organising tactics and the workers' protest rallies calling for the reinstatement of their sacked colleagues. The company also got a local court to impound a banner appealing to Mulberry to respect workers' rights, and to order a news blackout of the union protests on Turkish websites. In the meantime, it continued to exert pressure and intimidation over workers not to join the union.

Further to union pressure, including the support of the Industriall global union, SF Leather later announced it would reinstate the dismissed workers  but only on condition that they withdraw their trade union membership. When Deriteks refused this condition, SF Leather launched a smear campaign against the union with fabricated allegations.

Agreement was finally reached between the union and management on 14 October. SF Leather would not reinstate the dismissed workers, but it did agree to pay them compensation. It also agreed to allow the union to organise at the factory, and both sides agreed to drop their court cases (the union had also brought a court case into the rights violations at the factory).

Tear gas and arrests for May Day protesters: Turkish police used water cannon and tear gas on hundreds of protesters on May Day after the demonstrators attempted to march on Taksim Square in central Istanbul.

The Square has symbolic meaning for the Turkish left. Over 30 people were killed in 1977 when suspected nationalists opened fire on May Day participants, and it had become the traditional site for Labour Day celebrations. The Governor of Istanbul announced, however, that Taksim Square would be closed on 1 May, citing security reasons.

Istanbul police decided to deploy around 10,000 officers to enforce the ban, cancelling all leave and bringing in officers from outside the city. It also planned to have water cannon at the ready. All roads leading to the square were closed, as were public transport links surrounding the area.

The May Day Organising Committee, consisting of the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK), the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) and the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), protested at the decision to block access to the square and urged the authorities to lift the ban, to no avail. They called on union members and the public to go ahead with May Day rallies in the city centre.

The rallies turned into a protest, leading to the use of water cannon and tear gas. The Contemporary Lawyers' Association's (CHD) reported that 479 people were detained and 20 people were arrested and charged, some for violating the law on meetings and demonstrations and others for "making propaganda for a terror organisation". Lawyers who later went to the Court House to assist those arrested were beaten by riot police, and 16 of them were injured.

Police disrupt public sector workers march: The police disrupted a march on 3 August 2015 by the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK) members who were on their way to the Labour and Social Security Ministry. Collective bargaining had begun on public servants' wages, but the union wanted the process to be suspended until the interim government had been replaced by a permanent government. Police used teargas and shields to stop the march, but did eventually allow it to continue after it was agreed the demonstrators would remain on the pavement.

Bomb attack on peace march by unions and CSOs: Around 100 people were killed and hundreds injured in two suicide bomb attacks on a rally called by trade unions and civil society organisations in Ankara on 10 October 2015.

A "Work, Peace and Democracy" rally and mass meeting had been organised by four organisations, DISK (Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions), KESK (Confederation of Public Employees), TMMOB (Union of Turkish Cambers of Engineers and Architects) and TTB (Union of Doctors of Turkey).

Two explosions, apparently from suicide bombers, took place in quick succession, as marchers sang and danced and held banners demanding an end to the violence between the Kurdish separatist PKK militants and the Turkish government. The protestors were also calling for the rights of the unemployed and the poor to be respected.

In the aftermath of the bombings, as the survivors rushed to the injured, the security forces blocked access to medical services for the victims, and used teargas to disperse the peaceful demonstration.

The authorities were equally heavy handed in dealing with a planned demonstration three days later to protest at the mass killing. KESK, DISK, TTB and TMMOB wanted to hold a march on 13 October to protest against the bombing and commemorate the victims of the massacre. Permission was refused, however, because the route went through "places citizens use frequently," and because of "the sensibility of the current period."

Police reportedly attacked people trying to reach the planned demonstration routes, and initially refused to allow people to board the Kadkoy-Eminonu ferry between the Asian and European side of the city on the morning of 13 October, on the grounds that the march was illegal. Plainclothes policemen were filmed violently pushing ferry users to the ground in an attempt to detain them. Elsewhere riot police and water cannon were used to deter people from joining the protest.

Protests against the massacre were also held in cities across the country. Police used teargas to attack a group of around 30 lawyers and another 150 people who came to support them in front of the courthouse in the Alanya district of Antalya.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Tunisia

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Tunisia, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5215.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Nobel Peace Prize against backdrop of severe social and economic crisis: On 9 October, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Tunisian "Quartet", which was set up on the initiative of the UGTT, alongside the Union Tunisienne de l'Industrie, du Commerce et de l'Artisanat (UTICA), the Ligue Tunisienne des Droits de l'Homme (LTDH) and the Ordre National des Avocats de Tunisie. Together, these four organisations were rewarded for negotiating the country's transition to democracy and the adoption of a Constitution based on fundamental human rights, as well as for their role in preventing the bloody confrontations that befell other countries during the course of the Arab Spring. The country was in a deadlock in 2013 when the four organisations launched this celebrated "national dialogue".

But the struggle is not over yet. A 2015 report on social dialogue in Tunisia sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation established an inventory of the obstacles to be overcome to allow for far reaching reform. In its conclusions, it stressed the need for education and training to be adapted to the existing productive system and for improved governance of public and private institutions.

The country is in the throes of a severe economic crisis. Tourism, one of the pillars of the economy, is in shambles as a result of terrorism. Since the Revolution, purchasing power is reported to have fallen by 40 per cent in four years, and the number of people living in poverty is reported to have risen by 30 per cent. The unions are demanding increased wages, and protests and strike actions are on the rise. A few days after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded, an important meeting on the resumption of social dialogue was cancelled due to the absence of the employers' organisation UTICA. The UGTT has been the target of violent attacks in the media. In response, it stressed the importance of uniting national efforts, each according to their abilities, while refusing that workers be made to bear the full brunt of the repercussions of the crisis.

Journalists faced with precarious employment and threats: In addition to threats against the freedom of the press, the Syndicat National des Journalistes Tunisiens (SNJT) fought an uphill battle defending its members against their employers. Scores of journalists were arbitrarily dismissed in 2015. According to the SNJT, journalists are faced with high levels of job insecurity, not to mention the repression and other dangers they encounter. Nearly three quarters of journalists in the written press are not covered by collective agreements and do not have a clear employment contract.

Oppressive antiterrorist decree: Following the terrorist attack in Sousse, on 4 July, the Tunisian president imposed a state of emergency for one month. Human rights organisations and the UGTT feared that the decree could entail further restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association, as well as on trade union rights, as it would allow the executive to impose bans on strikes or protest actions considered a threat to public order and to prohibit any meeting likely to incite or harbour unrest. At the end of July, the state of emergency was extended by two months. In the meantime, the Parliament adopted a new antiterrorist law that has been criticised by civil society as it could lead to further curbs on freedoms.

In this context of heightened security, on 1st September in Tunis, security forces brutally attacked protestors, including at the UGTT headquarters. The demonstrators were violently dispersed. Some were beaten up, others arrested, including Lasaad Yakoubi, general secretary of the secondary school teachers' union Union des Ecoles Secondaires, and Nejib Sellami from the UGTT. Both leaders were released after being detained for an hour at a police station. The demonstrators were protesting against a bill on economic and financial reconciliation that would grant amnesty to business people who profited from Ben Ali's regime. The draft legislation has been condemned by the UGTT. The worst incidences of police brutality took place in Sfax on 6 September. The state of emergency was lifted on 2 October and then re-established on 24 November following a new attack in Tunis in which 12 officers of the presidential guard were killed. In Tunis and the neighbouring areas, the measure was accompanied by a curfew between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Thailand

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Thailand, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5315.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Airline tries to destroy union by suing for damages over collective agreement: On 10 August 2015, four union leaders from Thai Airways International Union (TG Union) were ordered to pay over nine million US dollars in damages to Thai Airways, in a case involving peaceful protests in 2013 that resulted in a collective agreement.

The collective agreement was signed by the union and management in January 2013, after a two-day protest oversalaries and job security. The agreement granted increased pay and benefits not only for the workers but also for management level workers  including the airline's then acting president. A year later, however, in January 2014, Thai Airways filed a damage suit of USD 9,281,349 against four of the union's leaders who had signed the collective agreement with its management. The courts found in the airline's favour in August 2015.

In January 2016 the TG union together with the State Enterprise Workers Relations Confederation (SERC) and the International Transport Workers' Federation lodged a complaint with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) about the government of Thailand's failure to protect workers' rights.

Specifically, the complaint noted that the principle of freedom of association was not enshrined in law.

New law used to repress peaceful union protest and intimidate leaders: On 6 January 2016, three police units backed up by military forces were used to break up a protest rally by 500 locked-out workers at Japanese-owned auto-part supplier Sanko Gosei outside the Ministry of Labour in Bangkok. The government invoked new powers under the Public Assembly Act 2015, which carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison for causing a disturbance or disruption of public services.

More than 600 Sanko Gosei workers, all union members, were locked out from their factory on 20 December 2015 after negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement and bonuses broke down. The company claimed that it was unprofitable. In the meantime, however, casual workers were brought in to replace the locked out workers. The Sanko Gosei Workers Union accuses the company of using the dispute to bust the union and replace permanent workers with subcontractors.

After the rally was broken up, two union leaders, Chalee Loysoong, Vice President of the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) and Amorndech Srimuang, President of the Sanko Gosei Workers Union, were questioned by the authorities for about four hours. During this time their phones and ID cards were temporarily confiscated and they were escorted at all times, even to the bathroom. The union leaders had taken part in mediation negotiations with Sanko Gosei and the Ministry of Labour during the day, as the rally was taking place outside.

The intimidation continued the next day when Wilaiwan Saetia, the President of the TLSC, was followed from the factory to her house by four or five military officers both in uniform and plainclothes. Yongyut Mentapao, Vice President of the TLSC, also reported that he had been followed by military and police officers from unidentified units.

The following week, on Wednesday 13 January 2016, five military officers visited Wilaiwan Saetia at the office of the Om Noi/ Om Yai Labour Union in Samut Sakhon Province at around 8.00 p.m. At the discussion, which lasted until about 11.00 p.m., the officers cited their authority under Section 44 of the Interim Charter, which gives officers absolute power to maintain security, and informed the TLSC leader that henceforward she had to inform the military first before making any political moves.

Organising prevented in both law and practice: Thai law denies the majority of the country's 39 million workers their trade union rights. Restrictions on organising make it very difficult for temporary workers to join a union  and half of the workers in Thailand's industrial workforce are temporary. The use of contract labour is also rife, heavily limiting unionisation, while foreign migrant workers  about ten per cent of the workforce  are prohibited by law from organising or holding union office. This situation and a string of labour rights abuses led the global union Industriall to file a complaint with the ILO on 7 October 2015, World Day for Decent Work, for violations of freedom of association and the right to organise. Industriall points out that the law fails to provide the basic rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining to about 75 per cent of the workforce of 39 million people. As a result, Thailand has the lowest unionisation rate in southeast Asia, at 1.5 per cent.

The complaint lists 18 cases of abuses of fundamental trade union rights, including many cases of workers being sacked simply for belonging to a trade union. In one case, the employer sacked 60 per cent of the workforce and replaced them with migrant labour to prevent the formation of a trade union. It is difficult for workers to seek redress. Even when the courts have declared worker dismissals illegal, little is done by authorities to enforce the rulings. Companies are allowed to carry on excluding and intimidating trade union leaders.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Switzerland

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Switzerland, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5415.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Switzerland fails to amend its labour legislation in order to prevent anti-union dismissals: Swiss labour law does not provide reinstatement in case of discriminatory dismissal of trade unionists, and the only legal remedy provided is compensation. In the case of unfair and discriminatory dismissal, Swiss law provides up to six months' wages compensation, although on the average it varies from around one to three months' wages. All things considered, the compensation due according to Swiss law is very likely to be considered by enterprises as a cost worth to be paid in order to get rid of troublesome individuals, being so low that it has no deterrent effect on discriminatory dismissal. For such reason SGB/USS trade union presented its complaints to the Government asking for an amendment in the law. In January 2011, in response to a trade union request, the Swiss government drafted a bill for a partial review of the Code of Obligations, increasing from six to twelve months' wages the maximum penalty for anti-union termination of contract. Nevertheless, following attacks by employers, the Government suspended the bill, and Swiss workers have been stuck since more than ten years in this "limbo" of lack of protection against anti-union dismissal.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Swaziland

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Swaziland, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa564.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Union leaders arrested after march to demand pay review publication: Mcolisi Ngcamphalala, a member of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) and Mbongwa Dlamini, Chairperson of the Manzini regional branch of SNAT were arrested on 4 February, after a march by civil servants to deliver a petition to the Prime Minister's office the previous day. Some 300 civil servants took part in the march, to demand the much delayed publication of the report of the public service pay review, which had been completed in October 2015.

Civil servants held pickets every Wednesday to protest at the secrecy surrounding the pay review. Civil servants in Swaziland are banned from organising protest demonstrations and therefore resorted to more flexible and small-scale ways of highlighting their demands, such as pickets. Finally they decided to go to the Prime Minister's office to deliver the petition.

Officers from Swaziland's serious crimes unit, also known as the Swazi anti-terrorism squad, raided Mcolisi Ngcamphalala and Mbongwa Dlamini's homes on 4 February 2016. The two were charged with contravening the Public Order Act for obstructing the road to the Cabinet offices and were held in custody before being granted bail of E1,000 (USD 60) each pending their trial.

Civil servants from the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU), National Association of Public Servants and Allied Workers (NAPSAW) and Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP) tried again to deliver their petition, by marching to the official opening of parliament on 12 February, but were turned back by police.

Police block public service union representatives from attending court case: The government made an urgent application to the High Court on 24 November to prevent the Public Sector Associations (PSA), composed of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Swaziland National Association of Civil Servants (SNACS), Swaziland Nurses Association (SNA), and Swaziland National Association of Government Accounting Personnel (SNAGAP), from visiting Ministry premises. The PSA had planned to go to the offices of the Ministry of Public Service to demand the release of a salary review report. The Ministry made the urgent application because it considered their planned visit to be a form of protest action.

When representatives of the four organisations  all cited as respondents in the case  arrived at the High Court for the application to be heard, however, they were prevented from entering by the police. The Judge issued an interim order in favour of the government restraining the public sector unions from proceeding with their protest action.

The PSA's action stemmed from frustration over repeated delays. A consultant had been engaged to conduct a salary review for civil servants at the beginning of September following commitments made by the Government Negotiations Team at the Joint Negotiations Forum with the PSA. Although the report was ready, and there had been a commitment to release it by 25 October, the government claimed the unions could not see it because it had not been submitted to Cabinet. The unions felt the government was treating them and the negotiating process with contempt.

Unions in the public sector are technically not allowed to join bargaining councils or conciliation and mediation boards, and therefore have to call themselves "associations". Civil servants are not permitted to engage full-time in trade union activities and are often denied the right to travel abroad for international trade union activities.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
The state found a total absence of evidence to support an accusation that former Missoula County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg swiped files from a secure storage area on May 3, according to a letter released Wednesday.

Missoula County Attorney Kirsten Pabst said in a press release in May that Van Valkenburg was suspected of stealing a box of unknown, original files and/or property from an area where confidential criminal justice information is kept.

Van Valkenburg said the box he found in the basement file room of the Missoula County Administration Building contained personal photos, birthday cards, bank statements, campaign finance reports, travel receipts and personal legal education material.

Van Valkenburg said he found the items, which he said were boxed up when he swapped offices years ago, while looking for research about the history of past Missoula County attorneys.

After the Missoula Police Department investigated the incident, the case was passed along to the Division of Criminal Investigation. When Pabst declined to comment in May she said, "I will let the investigation, when complete, speak for itself."

After reviewing the DCI's findings, Assistant Attorney General Brant Light said in a letter dated July 18, and released Wednesday, that it does not appear a crime took place.

The investigation did not reveal anything other than Van Valkenburgs personal items being removed from the secure file room, Light said.

The DCI found that before entering the storage room, Van Valkenburg and Karol Jedrykowski received permission from the Missoula County Facilities Manager Larry Farnes, Light said in the letter. Farnes first consulted a legal advisor for the Missoula Board of County Commissioners.

A building supervisor escorted Van Valkenburg and Jedrykowski into the room, where the supervisor said Van Valkenburg grabbed a box with his name on it. He showed the supervisor what was inside before leaving with Jedrkowski and, according to the letter, the items appeared to be personal.

Pabst wrote in an email Wednesday that We have not seen the completed investigation so we cannot comment on it contents."

In May, Van Valkenburg said he suspected Pabsts accusation was in response to Van Valkenburgs request to appear as a friend of the court in the Cody Marble case, which Pabst had filed a motion to dismiss.

Marble was originally sent to prison in 2002, during Van Valkenburgs time as county attorney, for raping a 13-year-old boy while they were in custody in a Missoula juvenile facility. Marble's accuser later recanted his testimony, and then recanted his recantation. In August 2015, the Montana Supreme Court remanded the case back to Missoula County District Court, asking it to re-examine retired Judge Douglas Harkins decision to deny Marble a new trial. Marble was released April 21.

Van Valkenburg did not respond to a voicemail seeking comment.
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Spain

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Spain, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa57c.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Supreme Court acquitted Airbus 8 workers from criminal charges: The eight trade unionists, members of the industrial branch of the national centre Confederacion Sindical de Comisiones Obreras (CC.OO. de Industria) and the Metalworkers and Construction Industry branch of the Union General de Trabajadores (MCA-UGT), faced a trial with the accusations of "acting with violence" and "attacking the right to work" during a general strike on 29 September 2010. The proposed and disproportionate punishment was of eight years and three months of imprisonment for having allegedly picketed in Getafe, Madrid. The eight workers, namely Tomas Garcia, Enrique Gil, Rodolfo Malo, Jose Alcazar, Raul Fernandez, Armando Barco, Jeronimo Martin and Edgar Martin, were charged under article 315.3 of the Spanish Penal Code, a provision dating back to the Franco regime, stipulating prison sentences for engaging in picketing.

After vehement solidarity protests by Spanish trade unions and the international labour movement, the eight Airbus workers were acquitted for "lack of evidence" on 18 February 2016.

This positive ruling arrives after a season of harsh repression of trade union activities: among others five workers of the steel company ArcelorMittal, affiliated to MCA-UGT, were condemned to 31 years of detention in total for the trade-union activities carried out during a general strike in 2012.

Ryanair sues its Spanish staff for strike action: Workers of Ryanair's baggage handling service at Madrid Airport went on strike against pay cuts and working conditions, interrupting the service for a few days.

At the beginning several unions took part in industrial action, namely CTA, UGT, CCCO and CGT. CTA was the only one that continued with the action because it could not reach an agreement with the enterprise. In response to such protracted industrial action, Ryanair sued its striking workers because, according to a spokeswoman for the company, "the unions failed to provide the legally required minimum service levels". The company is well known all over Europe for its anti-union policies and has had several convictions from various European Labour Courts, including France and Denmark.

International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) oppose media restrictions in Spanish Public Security Law: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its regional organisation, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), joined their Spanish affiliates FAPE, FESP, FSC-CC.OO. and ELA-Gizalan in criticising the Public Security Law, also known as "Ley Mordaza" (gag law), which came into force on 1 July 2015. The law makes "any unauthorised use of images or personal as well as professional data concerning police officers which may put at risk the safety of the officers or their families" a criminal offence arbitrarily limiting the people's right to assemble and exposing photojournalists to prosecution for taking pictures featuring law enforcement agents at public events. Journalists' organisations in Spain denounced the motives for the new law, including the government's effort to ban protests against budgets cuts. The approved text will affect mainly regional media and community media, thus severely undermining media diversity and pluralism in Spain.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Saudi Arabia

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Saudi Arabia, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5837.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Exploitation of migrant workers: Approximately 8.3 million migrants are legally employed in Saudi Arabia. They make up 90 to 95 per cent of the private sector workforce. Many are victims of various forms of exploitation in conditions akin to slavery. In many cases migrant workers are abused by the recruitment agencies who promise them far more than they can actually earn in Saudi Arabia.

The kafala (sponsorship) system links the worker's work permit to the employer's goodwill. A migrant cannot change employer or leave the country without the written consent of their original employer or guarantor. The system lends itself to abuses such as the confiscation of passports by employers, forced labour, non-payment of wages etc. This sponsorship and the slowness of legal proceedings mean that a migrant who is in dispute with his/her employer is at an impasse: he/she cannot continue to work nor can he/she return home. Some run away despite having their passport confiscated and seek refuge at their embassy.

No collective bargaining: Wages are fixed by employers, based on the nature of the work and the nationality of the worker. Even in big multinational companies, Saudi and Western employees are paid at least 30 per cent to 50 per cent more than workers from other parts of the world.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Serbia

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Serbia, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa58c.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Lack of access to judicial remedy: Access to judicial protection in case of labour rights violations is restricted by the high court and legal fees imposed by the Act on Court Fees and the Law on the Bar tariff, in combination with the lack of possibility for a worker to be represented by a representative other than a lawyer (such as a trade union representative). Court proceedings, especially on labour issues, are extensively long. First instance proceedings take on average four years, but in many cases the length exceeds to as long as eight years. Exhaustion of remedies at all instances takes on average around seven years. NEZAVISNOST has already appealed to the Government to establish separate labour courts and procedures in order to speed up access to justice but so far with no results. In addition, there are many concerns relating to the lack of an independent character of the judiciary and its links to the Government.

Negotiations in bad faith: There are frequent cases of the Government negotiating in bad faith, either at the national level or at the company level (in its capacity as the employer). This was the case during negotiations in the Republic Geodesy Institute following the strike action. The Government formed a Working Group to draft a Reform Programme for the Institute, which was supposed to determine the optimum number of jobs in this institution. The drafting was to take place within an agreed time frame. Information about the arrangement and solving the collective dispute has been spread by the Government through the media. In practice however, contrary to the Government communications, the Working Group was unable to fulfill its task, as its Government members refused to schedule a meeting and plan the work according to the time frame. Similar manipulation of public opinion through the state-controlled media took place during the dispute over the draft law on the salary system in the public services, deemed unacceptable by the unions. Two representative trade union confederations announced a strike alert. Contrary to the facts, several Ministers and the Prime Minister announced in the media that the Government accepted all trade union demands. The information created considerable confusion for the public and trade union members, while the Government continued with the legislative process.

Negotiations are often prolonged without a reason at the sectoral or company level, leading in practice to the impossibility to conclude an agreement. This was the case during negotiations of the Sectorial Collective Agreement for kindergarten workers in Belgrade by the City of Belgrade (as employer) as well as during negotiations of the Sectorial Collective Agreement for preschools and employees in higher education institutions in the Republic of Serbia.

Interference in trade union organising in the military sector: Although the law regulates the right to organise in the military sector, in practice it is very difficult for the unions to make use of this right. The decrees that deal with the right to organise in the army prescribe that trade union activities can take place at the level of a brigade and issues should be solved at the level of the brigade command. Unions with a different structure that is not compatible with the army organisation, such as NEZAVISNOST, face serious problems in their organising work. Visiting some units is possible only with the approval of the superiors and at the time when the command determined that organising will not interfere with military affairs. These discretionary criteria are often misused by the command. During the trade union organising campaign that took place in front of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry intervened directly and prohibited the dissemination of the trade union leaflets, arguing that they revealed classified information (i.e., information about the material situation of employees in the Army of Serbia).

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Philippines

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Philippines, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5b9.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Union members laid off in bank merger: On 30 December, 11 messengers and janitors were dismissed by the Planters Development Bank, recently merged with China Bank Savings Inc., during negotiations for a new collective agreement. Their union, the Planters Development Bank Employees Association (PDBEA,) had sought security of tenure for the workers, most of whom were themselves union officials. The Ecumenical Institute for Labour Education and Research, Inc. (EILER) believed the reason behind the dismissals was to undermine the collective bargaining process and weaken the union. The aim was apparently to replace the dismissed workers with contract labour.

Banana company interferes in choice of union and stalls collective bargaining: The Association of Democratic Labour Organisation (ADLO), a federation of the national centre Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), was faced with what it described as a "vilification campaign" against the KMU at the hands of the Japanese banana exporting company Sumifru . The association was formed in October 2014 to represent its workers at the cold storage unit at the AJMR Sumifru Port in Davao City. The campaign against it appeared to be an attempt to still collective bargaining, and included calls to the union's individual members instructing them to withdraw their support for the union.

Sumifru favoured the "yellow" union, Southern Philippines Federation of Labour (SPFL), but workers turned their back on it and chose to disaffiliate on 6 August. A month later they formally affiliated to ALDO-KMU, from whom they had been seeking advice and support for the last three years.

On 14 September 2015 the union submitted its proposal for a collective agreement to Sumifru. By law the employer is supposed to send a counter-proposal within ten days. Instead it did nothing until 9 October, when it questioned ADLO-KMU's right to represent the workers in the negotiations.

It was clear management had no intention of bargaining and finally, on 16 October, the workers held a protest picket to demand that the company present its counter proposal and begin negotiations.

The union was also concerned because Sumifru had begun to hire new workers surpassing the operation's manning requirement. The move suggested a prelude to their replacement at the workplace, bearing in mind Sumifru's history of rights violations and union busting.

Carlo Olalo, spokesperson of KMU Southern Mindanao, said that Sumifru has a long and notorious history as a union buster and workers' rights violator. By the end of the month there had still been no progress, leading to further protests.

Violent repression of striking distillery workers: Striking distillery workers faced violent repression when they set up a picket line. Contract workers at the Tanduay distillery organised under the banner Tanggulan, Ugnayan, Daluyan ng Lakas ng Anakpawis ng Tanduay Distillers Inc. (TUDLA) launched a strike on 18 May 2015 in protest at being effectively dismissed for organising. They set up a picket line outside the Tanduay compound at the gates of the Asia brewery complex.

On the first day, management attempted twice to disperse the workers using water cannon. This followed attacks on the picket line by a combined force of company security guards and the police hitting the strikers with truncheons, and throwing stones and bottles at them. The following day security guards threw bottles and rocks at the picket line, hitting and strikers in the process. The area became littered with shards of glass, and at least 50 strikers were injured.

The contract workers had asked to be placed on permanent contracts. On 22 June the regional office of the Department of Labour and Employment (DoLE) issued an order directing Tanduay Distillers Inc. to regularise the striking contractual workers. The company countered by filing an appeal. On 25 August, the DoLE national office issued a decision affirming its regional office's order.

The company failed to comply with the order, and on 22 September TUDLA organised another strike and protest demonstration. Management again responded with violence. When the marching strikers arrived at the brewery, they were greeted with rocks thrown by the company's security guards, while an Asia Brewery fire truck blasted them with water. A police vehicle at the rear of the march reportedly tried to run demonstrators over. A video released by the Ecumenical Institute for Labour Education and Research, Inc. (EILER) showed the police car arriving at the company gate in full throttle, turning around and getting dangerously close to the protesting workers. One of the police officers also fired two gunshots as warning on striking workers.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Peru

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Peru, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5cc.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Camposol refuses to honor collective agreement: Camposol, Peru's largest agro-export company, hires the vast majority of its workforce of over 13,000 on various forms of temporary contracts. Company management routinely retaliates against workers who join a union or lodge complaints by placing them on "temporary leave" or refusing to renew their short-term contracts. In 2013, the company refused to honour an existing collective bargaining agreement and even filed frivolous legal charges against union leaders for exercising their right to strike.

Anti-union tactics by Agricola Viru: Agricola Viru, one of the largest Peruvian agro-exporters, employs over 8,000 workers largely on temporary and seasonal contracts. According to a recent report, the company has used a wide range of anti-union tactics to deny workers their right to freedom of association, including the harassment of union members and leaders with the threat of layoffs and dismissals. In 2013, the company filed criminal defamation charges against a union leader for speaking on a local radio show about the poor working conditions in the agricultural sector.

One dead in Nazca iron mine strike: One worker was killed and some 200 reported injured when police fired on striking miners blocking a highway near the Shougang Hierro Peru iron mine at Marcona, Nazca province, in Peru's coastal region of Ica on May 25. At least one other worker suffered a bullet wound. Videos aired on media in Peru show workers chanting "no disparen, no disparen" (don't shoot, don't shoot) at the National Police troops. The strike was called by the FNTMMSP union federation to oppose the layoff of more than 80 workers by subcontractor Coopsol. Strikers were also pressing community demands for reduced electricity rates and a potable water project. All 963 workers at the mine took part in the strike, and the company has not brought contract workers to replace them while talks with the FNTMMSP are ongoing. The FNTMMSP on May 18 called a national strike to protest government decrees that allow greater use of subcontractors in the mining sector. The FNTMMSP called off the national strike on May 27. The Marcona complex, Peru's biggest iron mine, is owned by China's biggest iron producer, Shougang Group. The mine was also paralysed by strikes in 2009 and 2007.

Striking Peruvian workers attacked: Several thousand workers at Northern Peruvian asparagus and artichoke company, Sociedad Agricola Viru (SAV), stopped work on April 22, 2015, in protest at what they believed was fraud by their employer.

For the third year running the company declared a financial loss to revenue authorities, but the union believes this was just accounting manipulation to prevent them from sharing profits with workers.

At least two workers were injured when police in riot gear were called by the company and responded to striking workers with rubber bullets.

General secretary of the SITESAV union, Genaro Quispe Ventura, said two workers were being treated at the local clinic for their injuries. He regretted that the company responded with repression rather than dialogue. Police, claiming they had only acted in legitimate defence, denied opening fire on protesting workers.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Paraguay

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Paraguay, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5dc.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Anti-union measures at DINAC: In June 2015 a strike organised by the National Civil Aviation Authority's (Direccion Nacional de Aeronautica Civil  -DINAC) Trade Union Organisation led to retaliatory measures by the Paraguayan government and the airport authorities.

The president of DINAC, Luis Aguirre, dismissed three of the trade union leaders, who have protected status because of their trade union role, and ordered the transfer of over 20 civil servants for taking part in the strike.

Furthermore, one of the trade union leaders, Justo Alfonso, was charged with "obstructing air traffic" and another ten workers were charged with "disturbing public peace".

Finally, a labour judge declared the strike illegal, violating due process and authorising the presentation of proof beyond what was initially required. The ruling was riddled with irregularities, which led the workers' defence team to request that it be declared null and void.

Drivers dismissed for forming a union: In June 2015, the transport company La Limpena SRL, Line 49, dismissed 51 drivers who formed a union to improve working conditions for all the workers. Some days later, the dismissed drivers crucified themselves with nails and staged a hunger strike in front of the company's workshops to demand a response to their labour grievances.

Anti-union persecution at Citibank: In July 2015, the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) denounced the abuses perpetrated by Citibank against Oscar Ricardo Paredes Durrling, an ex-employee of Citibank N.A. in Paraguay and former Executive Committee member of the Citibank employees' union Sindicato de Empleados del Citibank Paraguay.

According to the TUCA, Citibank did everything in its power, over a number of years, to force Paredes Durrling to resign, deploying a range of illegal and unconstitutional strategies. As a result, the trade unionist is now receiving no pay and no retirement pension, after 34 years of service, and is currently fighting a legal battle to assert his rights through the labour courts.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Pakistan

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Pakistan, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5e9.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Power loom workers denied right to negotiate: Two and a half months after an agreement was signed assuring power loom workers in Faisalabad that negotiations on wages and workers' rights would begin, not a single meeting had been held. The Labour Qaumi Movement (LQM) staged a long march on 18 September 2015 to highlight their grievances, and called it off after assurances had been given that their issues would be addressed. By December, the factory owners had still not consented to a meeting. The only penalties imposed on the employers by the district authorities were small fines.

Workers jailed for protesting against illegal terminations at Philip Morris: Thirty-five workers were arrested in the city of Mardan on 6 January 2016 for peacefully protesting against the sudden dismissal of 141 employees at the Pakistan subsidiary of tobacco giant Philip Morris International. Workers were informed of the mass terminations on 21 November 2015 when they arrived at work.

With the support of the local union, whose president Abrar Ullah was among those arrested, workers launched a continuous round of protests at the factory gate after management refused to discuss the terminations and began pressuring workers to accept the illegal dismissals. To add to the pressure, police were called to the factory gate when the protest began.

On 6 January workers gathered with their union officers to present a Charter of Demands to management. The police arrived and arrested 35 protestors under the Maintenance of Public Order law, which allows for up to 90 days detention without charges.

A solidarity delegation from the Pakistan Food Workers Federation (PFWF) demonstrated outside the police station following the mass arrests. The arrested workers were then shifted to Bannu Jail, some 250 kilometers from Mardan and notorious as a prison for incarcerating Taliban activists.

Thanks to an urgent action campaign coordinated by the International Union of Food and Allied Workers' Associations (IUF) the 35 workers were released on 10 January.

Workers' representatives dismissed for demanding rights: Eighty-eight workers of the Denim Clothing Company (DCC)  a factory that manufactures clothes for international brands such as H&M and Primark  were sacked in the last week of November 2015 for demanding their rights.

The workers had no social security, no insurance, no medical facilities and low salaries that came on no specific date, and decided to take up their concerns before the management. On 26 November, the workers held a meeting at which they chose five representatives to hold talks with the management. At noon, the team went to the manager's chamber. They never returned to their stations. They had been fired on the spot.

In solidarity, 83 of their colleagues went to management to demand the reinstatement of their five representatives. They were also dismissed on the spot.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - New Zealand

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - New Zealand, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa5f25.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Legislative barriers to promotion of collective bargaining: Changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000 which came into effect in 2015 create several new barriers to collective bargaining including the right of employers to opt out from bargaining for multi-employer collective agreements when sent a notice of initiation (s 44A-44C of the Employment Relations Act 2000). Employers need not to give a reason for doing so. Effectively, this change blocks the ability of unions to bargain at any level above the enterprise.

Exclusion of film industry workers from the right to bargain collectively: Changes to the Employment Law introduced as a result of the dispute between the Actors Equity and the Film industry backed by the film giant Warner Brothers removed the right of workers in the film industry to challenge their employment status. As a result, film workers are now deemed contractors and miss out on collective bargaining rights: they have no right to take industrial action in pursuit of a collective agreement or access to various mechanisms intended to help the parties to come to an agreement. Individually, contractors are denied protections against unfair disadvantage and unjustified dismissal, minimum statutory terms and conditions (such as minimum wage rates) and several protections implied into employment contracts such as good faith and fair dealing.

Refusals to negotiate: A national chain of hardware stores  Bunnings  unilaterally changed working hours and introduced the obligation of on-call work with no guarantee of stable hours. The changes were unjustified in the view of the company's recorded profits. In addition, the changes have been introduced regardless of the ongoing Parliamentary legislative debate to outlaw the zero-hour contracts. The company refused to negotiate changes with the unions.

AFFCO introduced several unfavourable changes to employment terms and conditions (including no obligation for the company to re-hire workers after seasonal lay-offs, cuts in wages, etc.) and either refused to meet with unions or proposed impossible-to-agree-to new clauses, with an apparent lack of intention to conclude an agreement.

The Talley's Rangiuru Plan refused to negotiate planned lay-offs despite an obligation under the collective agreement and despite several requests for discussion from the part of the trade union. As a result, around 100 workers were laid off, all of them trade union members with security rights over workers with much shorter service.

Fresh Max company (fresh food supplier) had persistently refused to negotiate a collective agreement aimed at protecting workers, despite ongoing serious violations of fundamental rights, such as sexual harassment and assault and the use of child labour. The issue was finally solved only when the FIRST trade union went to the Countdown, the source company for Fresh Max, and demanded to put pressure on the basis of the Countdown's ethical supply chain obligations and policies.

There were also cases of refusal to bargain amounting to anti-union discrimination. The employer in the private education sector, when faced with an invitation to bargain from the part of the union covering teachers in the private sector, threatened workers with the immediate reduction of salary rates if the union insisted on bargaining. As a result, the threatened workers left the union and the bargaining collapsed.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Nepal

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Nepal, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa60e.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Court restrictions trade union activities to collective bargaining only: On Friday 10 April 2015 the Supreme Court of Nepal barred trade unions from being involved in political activities, and ruled that trade unions would have to limit their activities to collective bargaining.

The court's ruling on the role and activities of trade unions was a response to a petition filed by advocate Arjun Kumar Aryal on 8 April 2015, demanding that all trade unions affiliated to political parties be declared illegal and a single authoritative trade union be formed. Aryal had claimed that political activities by trade unions had tarnished the image of government offices.

Nepal's Interim Constitution of 2007 allows civil servants and industry-based workers to form trade unions to protect their collective rights. The 1993 Civil Service Act also allows civil servants to form trade unions.

Limitations or ban on strikes in certain sectors: Legislation denies the right to strike to employees providing essential services. In recent years, the government has used that legislation to ban strikes in many sectors, including banking, telecommunications, electricity, water supply, road, air and sea transport, the print industry, the government, press, and hotels and restaurants.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Morocco

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Morocco, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6136.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Social dialogue trampled underfoot in energy sector: The government has repeatedly shown contempt for social dialogue regarding the process of privatising the National Electricity and Water Company, ONEE. Around 9000 workers from the Federation Nationale des Travailleurs de l'Energie (FNTE, affiliated to the UMT) held a nationwide strike to denounce the authorities' breach of the framework agreement secured after long and painstaking negotiations with the Federation. IndustriALL supported its Moroccan affiliate and expressed deep concern over "the escalation and the lack of social dialogue and negotiation with workers' representatives".

Trade union victory in call centres: After years of fighting, victimisation and dismissals (see 2014 article on Total Call), a few dozen trade unionists, many of them women, were successfully elected during the trade union elections in the call centre sector in June. It marked a great victory for the UMT, which led the campaign. Eleven companies were unionised and almost 20,000 workers out of the 70,000 in the sector are now covered by collective bargaining. By definition, however, working conditions continue to be precarious in these offshore outfits. On 11 June, the employees of SFR subcontractors staged a strike in protest at rumours that the French telephone operator was planning to move the Moroccan hotline to Madagascar.

Two new unions harshly repressed in August: The formation of UMT-affiliated unions in at least two companies sparked very hostile reactions from the employers. In August, the management at Maghreb Steel, near Casablanca, suppressed industrial action by suspending 13 strikers. Also in August, the employer at Med Paper near Tangier, after having fired the leaders of the new union, dismissed every single worker that had taken part in the strike held in support of the trade union representatives. A delegation from Union Network International (UNI), which was on a mission to Morocco at the time, was able to bear witness to the suffering of the workers dismissed from Med Paper. In December, when workers renewed strike action at Maghreb Steel, the management called in the security forces to evacuate the strikers occupying the plant. In both instances, the employers tried to justify their actions by claiming that the strikers were a potential threat to the other workers, and that they had damaged and sabotaged the production unit. The management at Maghreb Steel announced, in a press release, its intention to punish "these criminal acts", and also spoke of "manipulation by outside forces".

In July, the Organisation Democratique du Travail (ODT) reported the repression faced by an affiliated organisation at Honda-Seat in Rabat. The union's general secretary was dismissed and two other leaders were threatened.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
The wrongful death case of a man who died from injuries sustained in a crash that happened after a high-speed chase will be heard after the Montana Supreme Court reversed the lower courts decision.

In an opinion issued Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that the 22nd District Court in Big Horn County improperly dismissed the case in December 2015. The case will go back to the District Court to determine if the county is liable in the death of Kenneth R. Woody IV, who was 21.

Woody died on Dec. 16, 2011, after a crash that ended a high-speed chase near Hardin. He was a passenger in the pickup, which was driven by 23-year-old Dustin Wegner.

Wegner was later convicted of vehicular homicide.

On Sept. 11, 2014, Woodys estate submitted a claim letter to Big Horn County commissioners, alleging that the county was responsible for the man's death. The estate requested $750,000 for wrongful death and survivorship damages, according to court documents.

The commissioners acknowledged that they received the letter but didnt respond. On March 3, 2015, the estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Big Horn County and the Big Horn County Sheriffs Office.

Later that month, attorneys for Big Horn County filed a motion to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the three-year statute of limitation had expired by the time the lawsuit was filed. A district judge agreed and dismissed the case on Dec. 10, 2015.

Woodys estate appealed to the Montana Supreme Court, which reviewed the case law. The decision to reverse the lower courts dismissal was unanimous.

While the statute of limitation was three years, other actions can postpone that deadline. In this case, it was a lack of action. The Supreme Court ruled that because Big Horn County commissioners failed to respond to the estates original claim letter, the limitation deadline was postponed.

The District Court erred in concluding that the estate failed to file its complaint within the applicable limitations period, Justice Beth Baker wrote in her opinion.

Attorneys representing Woodys estate and Big Horn County did not respond to calls from the Gazette on Wednesday.

On the night of the crash, a Big Horn County sheriffs deputy had spotted the pickup and attempted to pull it over. Wegner fled and a chase ensued, reaching speeds of 100 mph on Secondary Highway 313. When Wegner lost control, the truck flipped several times in the crash, throwing both men from the vehicle.

Woody was found pinned beneath the truck. He died the next day at a Billings hospital.

Wegner had a blood-alcohol level of 0.28 percent that night. At the time of the crash, he was already on probation for a previous DUI that injured four people. He was arrested and later convicted of vehicular homicide.

His sentence in January 2013 was five years in prison, but hes currently out on probation.
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Montenegro

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Montenegro, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6211.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro calls international support against the Bankruptcy Law allowing limitations of workers' rights: The Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro (UFTUM) called attention to the Montenegrin Law on Bankruptcy. According to the current law, in fact when a receivership procedure begins in the enterprise, employees can be subject to a series of serious limitations of their individual and collective rights. The issue has become one of compelling importance during the last five years, considering that in such a short amount of time 2,363 Montenegrin enterprises started bankruptcy proceedings.

Workers of these companies see their rights undermined despite the express recognition they have in Labour Law and other regulations. Employees of bankrupt companies seem to have no choice but to bear discriminatory conditions in comparison with the ones applied to the rest of their Montenegrin colleagues. In particular, with respect to what concerns individual rights, they do not enjoy the right to annual leave; the right to paid absence due to temporary inability to work; the right to paid overtime; the right to occupational health and safety; the right to a 40-hour working week; and the right to days-off during weekend. Furthermore, they are discriminated against on a salary-base: in accordance with the Law on Bankruptcy, trustees can pay the minimum wage for full-time work, thus not having to enforce collective agreements' and laws' provisions regulating salary in the sector. In addition to individual rights' limitations, when in bankruptcy, the enterprise can also limit collective rights: a trade union cannot organise nor can it act in such companies and the workers do not enjoy the right to freedom of association.

Police clashes at a strike of bankrupt mine workers: Workers of bankrupt Bauxite Mines Company in Niksic protested for their unpaid wages. Workers, worn-out by three unsuccessful tenders, manifested their disapproval with respect to management's decision to reject an offer of EUR 4.4 million from the local Neksan Company because it was considered insufficient for the buy-out of the enterprise. In response to this umpteenth standby to sale procedure that could have finally granted workers their salaries, about 200 employees decided to take to the streets heading towards Niksic. Policemen clashed in the demonstration and stopped them, but miners succeeded in blocking the streets. They declared  through the voice of union leader Borisav Bojanovic  that they would remove blockades if the meeting with the government were successful and if the Commercial Court that declared the mine's bankruptcy in 2013 approved the sale of the company.

Workers strike in Shipyard Bijela for unpaid wages: On the 30 June 2015, 126 workers out of the total 392 employed by Adriatic Shipyard Bijela were dismissed, following a Commercial Court's decision to launch bankruptcy proceedings after the failure of four tenders. Workers responded through a strike, demanding a five-year service gap and unpaid salaries due from March to June. A meeting between representatives of the Shipyard and the Government was organised; workers announced that if the meeting didn't produce a successful outcome, they would radicalise their protest preventing ships from leaving or entering the shipyard. This strike was only one of a series declared by Montenegrin Workers in 2015 against unpaid wages and undermined rights following the opening bankruptcy procedures. Other strikes occurred, amongst others, at Metalac, at Kolasin local self-government as well as at Podgorica Tobacco Company.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Mexico

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Mexico, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa63e.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Mexican workers strike against Arcelor Mittal: IndustriALL Global Union affiliate, Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalurgicos y Similares (SNTMMSRM), also known as 'Los Mineros', has launched a strike against Arcelor Mittal at its steel plant in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan in western Mexico.

IndustriALL extends its total support to some 3,500 workers who began the strike on 4 March 2016 in response to dismissals and violations of their collective agreement by the company.

The workers scheduled the strike to begin at midday on 4 March. However, one hour before midday, the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Board (JFCA) informed them it had ruled the strike to be inadmissible. This opened up the possibility that the JFCA might declare the strike to be null and void.

The workers organised a march along the city's main street to the offices of Arcelor Mittal to denounce more than 300 unfair dismissals since 2015 and violations of the collective agreement.

Freedom of association denied to workers in Juarez: In November 2015 in Ciudad Juarez across the border from El Paso, Texas, maquiladora workers in several factories began a series of protests that continued into the new year. Juarez has 330 maquiladoras employing some 225,000 workers, about 13 percent of the national maquiladora industry workforce. Just 17 of the largest factories owned by U.S., Japanese, and European capital employ 69,000 workers.

Workers at Foxconn, Lexmark, ADC/Commscope, and Eaton demanded better pay, improved working conditions and freedom of association. The workers handed out leaflets, marched in the streets, picketed in front of industrial parks, participated in hunger strikes. Workers' base pay was typically about USD 50 per week plus another USD 40 in bonuses in a high cost of living border city.

The protests in December focused on Lexmark, a multinational company that produces printer cartridges, paying workers 70.10 pesos or USD 4.03 per day. Workers are demanding an increase to 120 pesos or USD 7.00 per day. On December 8, some 700 employees stopped work to raise that demand, as well as insisting on the annual holiday bonus, required under Mexican law, which the company had withheld.

On December 28, the Local Labor Board (JLCA) denied the Lexmark workers' petition to create and register a labour union. As 2016 began, workers at Lexmark and some other workplaces continued their sit-ins while working to organise and win recognition for independent labour unions.

Violent police attack on teachers: The National Gendarmerie and the Mexican army violently attacked education workers, trainee teachers and citizens taking part in a protest held in the municipality of Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, on 8 December 2015, against the punitive assessment of teachers in Chiapas. David Gemayel Ruiz Estudillo, a member of Section 40 of the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educacion (SNTE), was killed in the attack, during which various activists were injured and arrested.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Mauritania

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Mauritania, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa64c.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Dock workers' strike repressed: In early April 2016, the police in Nouakchott repressed a rally and a march held by striking dock workers. Two trade union representatives, including the secretary of the local branch of the CGTM, Seyedna Ould Mohamed, were arrested and held in police custody. The dock workers at the Port of Nouakchott launched a strike on 4 April. They also managed to thwart the port management's attempts to impose a trade union they did not support and that was opposed to the strike as a negotiating partner.

Anti-slavery activism severely repressed: On 27 January 2016, the local authorities of Dar Naim prohibited the holding of a rally organised by the Confederation Libre des Travailleurs de Mauritanie (CLTM) with the support of the Spanish agency for international development cooperation, AECID. They claimed that the decision had been taken due to the "political" nature of the rally, although it was simply intended to mark the launch of an awareness-raising campaign on slavery. The country continues to be severely affected by this scourge, both in its traditional and its contemporary forms. During 2015, the trade union centres received daily complaints from Mauritanian women returning from Saudi Arabia, where they had been the victims of human trafficking. The trade unions also alerted the ITUC and other international trade union organisations that hundreds of Mauritanian women continue to be trapped in forced labour in Saudi Arabia. A vigorous trade union campaign was therefore launched. Although Mauritania has continued to strengthen its legal arsenal designed to fight slavery  it was among the first countries to ratify the ILO Protocol of 2014 against forced labour  in practice, the exploiters are rarely troubled. By contrast, three well-known anti-slavery activists were arrested in November 2014 and condemned, in 2015, to two years in prison.

Negotiations abandoned at SNIM, police repression at union meeting: On 6 November, in Zouerat, the authorities tried to stop SNIM workers from holding a general meeting. As the workers made their way to the place where the meeting was due to take place, the police stood in their path. According to the Confederation Generale des Travailleurs de Mauritanie (CGTM), the police barricade was not able to stop the workers from reaching the trade union office. The police, however, continued with their acts of provocation, using teargas bombs in the room where the meeting was being held. At the beginning of 2015, the SNIM had seen the longest strike in its history. It had ended on 3 April with a commitment from the management to hold negotiations on the workers' demands, but at the beginning of November it had still not honoured its pledge. The general meeting had been organised to enable the workers' representatives to report on their frustrated attempts to move forward with the negotiations and to decide what action to take.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Mali

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Mali, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa656.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Harassment of two union leaders: Two trade union leaders, Dr Loseni Bengali, a member of the Syndicat National de la Sante, de l'Action Sociale et de la Promotion de la Femme (SNS-AS-PF, affiliated to the UNTM) and general secretary of the branch union at the Gabriel Toure hospital, and Youssouf Fofana, former general secretary of the Syndicat de la Police Nationale (SNP, affiliated to the CSTM), were targeted by their employers throughout 2015. Dr Bengali had been transferred in 2013, arbitrarily, according to his union, which staged several strikes during the year to press for his reappointment to his former post. Fofana, who was unfairly suspended in 2013 on account of his trade union activities, was the object of unrelenting harassment.

Former strikers still awaiting justice in mining sector: The Malian justice system's excessive slowness in dealing with cases involving trade union rights violations, some dating back several years, contributed to poisoning relations between trade union organisations and the authorities, which, evoking the separation of powers, shirk all responsibility, repeatedly responding that the judicial proceedings must follow their course. The mining sector is the worst affected. The trade unions once again denounced mining companies, recruitment agencies, the National Directorate of Geology and Mines and the Chamber of Mines for the failure to reinstate unfairly dismissed workers, many of whom are trade union activists, and for the non-payment of monies owed to them.

In some cases, verdicts have been pronounced but the employers refuse to implement the court decisions, with total impunity. In 1999, Analabs-Morila, for example, had been ordered to pay a wage increase but still has not done so. Nor has it respected the agreement on overtime signed between workers' representatives and the company.

The trade union rights violations at the LTA-Mali mining company, where workers have been on strike since 2011, have already been documented by the ITUC. The authorities in Kayes had validated the dismissal of 27 trade unionists on grounds of their abusive exercise of the right to strike and clear resolve to damage the company. The support provided to the strikers by the Federation Nationale des Mines and de l'Energie (FENAME) failed to prevent the dismissal of 30 additional strikers. On 25 October 2015, the 57 workers still awaiting justice launched a sit-in in the courtyard of the Confederation Syndicale des Travailleurs du Mali (CSTM). The sit-in was still underway at the end of the year.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Malaysia

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Malaysia, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa66c.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Timber company continues to deny workers union recognition: Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) filed a judicial review on 14 May 2015 seeking to quash a ministerial order on the eligibility of its employees to vote in a secret ballot on whether they wanted to be represented by the Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU). SFI workers had been battling for 24 years for union recognition, but had been thwarted at every turn by the company's legal manoeuvres. Two previous attempts to file for recognition, in 2003 under the now defunct Sabah Forest Industries Employees Union and in 2010 as STIEU, had ended with SFI management successfully filing for judicial review. Yet STIEU's 2010 secret ballot results following its claim for recognition revealed it had the support of 85.9 per cent of SFI workers.

Sadly, a stark reminder of the need for a union to protect workers' welfare came on 12 July 2015 when Yiki Janing, aged 51, died at the chip mill division at the SFI's plant in Sipitang while operating machinery. SFI was accused of failing to install a fence on the conveyor machine, which caused the death of Mr. Yaning. In December 2015 the company was formally charged with failing to ensure its workers' safety, health and welfare.

By the end of 2015 STIEU had still not achieved recognition. In the meantime, STIEU reported that SFI was trying to revive the defunct in-house union, and to urge some employees to file cases against STIEU leaders before the Trade Union Activities Department, in an effort to divide members and harass leaders.

Meanwhile, further to complaints filed by the Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), the company is under investigation by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Compliance Advisory Ombudsman of the World Bank for its anti-union practices and failure to comply with ILO Conventions 87 and 98 as required in certification systems and Performance Standards.

Suspected union-busting tactics at Malaysian Airlines: In June 2015 Malaysian Airlines Systems Berhad (MAS Bhd) transferred their assets and airline business to a newly created separate legal entity, Malaysian Airlines Berhad(MAB). The 20,000 MAS Bhd employees lost their jobs, and only 14,000 were taken on by MAB, the new company that took over the Malaysian Airlines, leaving 6,000 out of work. At the same time, the in-house trade unions that existed in MAS Bhd effectively ceased to exist, leaving MAB free of trade unions. Both the former MAS and the new MAB are government owned.

The National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (NUFAM) duly applied to the new employer MAB for recognition in a letter dated 11 September 2015. However, MAB did not respond to that application within the 21 days stipulated by law, to either grant recognition or notify it of the grounds for refusing recognition.

NUFAM then reported the matter in writing to the Director General for Industrial Relations on 6 October 2015, again as required by law, in order that the authorities take such steps or make such enquiries to ascertain the " the competence of the trade union of workmen concerned to represent any workmen or class of workmen." in MAB. Over 40 days later, the DG for Industrial Relations had not responded to NUFAM.

NUFAM feared that the government-owned airline was mimicking the union-busting behaviour of private-sector companies. Companies have been known to in the past form a new separate legal entity, and then transfer assets and business from the existing company to the new entity, thereby killing off existing unions  forcing workers to start all over again to form, register and get recognition of their unions in the new entity. This strategy has also been used to get rid of workers' leaders and union activists who stood up against exploitation.

Proposed legislative changes will weaken unions: The Secretary General of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) N. Gopal Kishnam warned that the legislative changes proposed under the "11th Malaysia Plan" announced in June 2015 would weaken industrial workers' ability to collectively bargain with their employers.

The text of the 11th Plan states that amendments will be made to the Employment Act 1955, Trades Union Act 1959 and Industrial Relations Act 1967. Those amendments would "address the rigidity of existing dismissal processes" and "increase flexibility in working hours and registration of trade union membership".

The Human Resources Ministry, tasked with amending the laws, had not yet announced what these specific amendments would be, but the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) set out its proposals for what they should contain.

The MTUC expressed concern about several of the MEF's proposals, especially on the reclassification of dismissals. In the case of in so-called voluntary separation schemes (VSS), for example, workers have to choose between two unpalatable options. Gopal cited a case where workers at a factory were given two choices: either sign up to a new employment agreement where they will no longer be union members or take the company's VSS. "Staying on with the company is even worse because there will be no union to protect their interests and their welfare will not be covered by a collective bargaining agreement.".

The MTUC suspects that companies are resorting to more and more coercive VSS and Mutual Separation Schemes (MSS) in order to shed workers or bring down salary costs. "Unlike a retrenchment scheme, you don't have to inform and justify your reasons to the ministry with a VSS and MSS scheme." "The end result with such practices is that more and more workers are forced to give up their rights to unionise", said Gopal. "It's union-busting."

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Madagascar

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Madagascar, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa67c.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Dismissal of two trade union leaders at Rio Tinto subsidiary: On 5 November, after a three-week strike, over 100 Rio Tinto security guards won the dispute with their employer Pro'Tech Security. The workers were calling for the reinstatement of two of their representatives, also leaders of the Confederation Generale des Syndicats des Travailleurs de Madagascar (FISEMA). Eugene Chretien, general secretary of the FISEMA, underlined the power of solidarity. He also paid tribute to the management at Pro'Tech Security for correcting its attitude to dialogue and negotiations. IndustriALL, which supported its affiliate, underlined the urgency of campaigning at global level against Rio Tinto's excessive use of subcontractors and the ill-treatment suffered as a result.

Canadian giant Sherrit's contempt for its workers and their representatives: On 3 June, the mining group Sherrit International, which employs 3,000 direct workers and 6,000 others via subcontractors, suspended 900 workers from its Ambatovy extraction site (nickel and cobalt) for six months. Fifteen trade union representatives were among them, despite the protection conferred on them by the posts. The decision was taken suddenly and without consulting the works council. Many of the workers laid off without pay heard the news on 5 June, in the morning when they turned away at the entrance of the mine. Distressed, one of the workers committed suicide. Aside from the fall in the price of nickel, the management also referred to the two-week strike that had been staged earlier that year and had supposedly led to a fall in profits. Assisted by the Global Union IndustriALL, the trade unions soon showed these pretexts to be false. The financial results for 2014 and the first quarter of 2015 had been deemed excellent. Just months earlier, moreover, Sherry had made a donation of a million dollars to the Defence Ministry, a gesture considered unethical by IndustriALL. The unions affiliated to IndustriALL (FESATI, FSTEM, SVS and SEKRIMA) saw the mass layoff as a way for Sherrit to crush the nions, with the complicity of the government, given that the mining group subsequently refused to furnish proof that the layoffs were financial justified. The employer was suspected of having infiltrated the unions, provoking international disputes, divisions and a climate of suspicion, weakening the unions. This strategy also led to tensions, fear and resentment among the workers and the local population. In December, IndustriALL condemned the mining group's "total arrrogance", following its refusal to mediate with the trade union leaders on the invitation of the authorities and the suspension of the works council. Sherry, it should be noted, has continued to hire expatriate employees, migrant and local contract workers. At the end of the year, the group announced that only 10 per cent of the workers laid off could resume work.

Right to strike hampered at national water and electricity company: On 18 September, in the capital, the authorities arrested and imprisoned Oliva Andrianalimanana, president of the Union des Syndicats Autonomes de Madagascar (USAM), affiliated to the ITUC and president of the Intersyndicale del la Compagnie Nationale d'Eau et d'Electricite (JIRAMA). A portion of the 5,800 employers at JIRAMA had been on strike since 10 August. They received support from ITUC-Africa and IndustriALL Global Union.

The trade union leader was accused of forgery and the use of forgeries in an old and rather tenuous case with no relation to the labour dispute. For the strikers, the unions and many observers, the digging up of an old file was above all a way for the authorities to muzzle the trade union leader and to break the strike. The management at JIRAMA forbid demonstrations on the company's sites, on the pretext that a handmade explosive device had been found a few weeks earlier at its headquarters in Ambohijatovo Avaratra. On 23 September, the Intersyndicale, substantially weakened, was forced to bring the strike to an end. On 11 November, Oliva Andrianalimanana and another striker accused as part of the same case were given a 14 month suspended sentence. They were also dismissed.

Criminalisation of trade union action, arrest and dismissal of four activists: Labour grievances at Air Madagascar over the company's poor management, wage discrimination (nationals/foreigners) and the surplus of non-agreed leave came to a head at the beginning of June when the employer initiated disciplinary proceedings against trade union activists guilty of having publicly expressed their grievances. The trade unions, gathered within an inter-union grouping, launched a strike on 15 June, in compliance with the labour law. Rather than listening to the workers' grievances, the management reacted by declaring the strike illicit and demanding the requisitioning of the staff, which only served to reinforce the strike action. On 27 June, seven strikers were called in by the economic police following at complaint at the Ministry of Tourism for "economic sabotage, destabilisation of the state and criminal association". Briefly held in detention whilst the police searched his home, Rado Rabarilala, the trade unionist leading the strike action, then learnt that he had been dismissed, along with three other workers' representatives. A breakthrough was finally made following the director's resignation and government's appointment of a new board of directors. On 17 July, the strike was called off following a pledge to reinstate the four trade union activists. At the end of 2015, however, they had not yet been reinstated.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Lebanon

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Lebanon, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa68c.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The trade union of domestic workers is not recognised by the Ministry of Labour: On 25 January 2015, six Lebanese workers submitted a request to the Labour Ministry to form a union for domestic workers, who are currently excluded from the protection of the Lebanese labour code. The proposed union would include domestic workers and others who provide care in homes for the elderly and those with disabilities, those who provide cleaning services in homes and offices, and some other similar categories.

On 25 January 2015, with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the Federation of Trade Unions of Workers and Employees (FENASOL) in Lebanon, approximately 350 domestic workers of various nationalities gathered for the union's founding congress. But union members said they had received no response to their request, and the Labour Minister Sejaan Azzi denounced the union as illegal, media reports said.

The 1946 Lebanese Labour Code specifically excludes domestic workers, both Lebanese and migrants, denying them protections afforded other workers. Families in Lebanon employ an estimated 250,000 migrant domestic workers, primarily from Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Nepal. Under article 92 of the Labour Code, all foreign workers are also explicitly denied the right to elect or be elected as representatives of a union.

As a result, thousands of workers have been denied the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, and there are inadequate legal safeguards for migrant workers and some Lebanese labourers, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

The most common complaints documented by the embassies of labour-sending countries and nongovernmental groups include mistreatment by recruiters, non-payment or delayed payment of wages, forced confinement to the workplace, a refusal to provide any time off, forced labour, and verbal and physical abuse. Despite repeated public announcements by Lebanese officials that they would improve conditions for migrant domestic workers, reforms have been insignificant.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Korea, Republic of

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Korea, Republic of, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6911.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

KCTU leader arrested in wave of repression as many more trade unionists faced possible charges: A warrant was issued in November for the arrest of Han Sang-kyun, the leader of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), for organising marches and rallies to call for justice for the victims of the ferry disaster and to protest against proposed labour reforms.

The police tried to arrest him as he addressed a meeting shortly before the 14 November rally, but union members blocked their way and Han Sang-kyun got away. Nine people were taken into custody for helping prevent the arrest, 126 faced charges of aiding the KCTU leaders escape or taking part in the "illegal" protests, and a further 450 people were warned they faced police questioning over the same issues.

Two days after the 14 November rally, Han Sang-kyun took refuge in the Jogye Buddhist temple, explaining that he owed it to the country's workers to resolve the issue of the pending labour reforms first. He finally left the temple on 10 December after the police launched an operation to remove him, clashing with temple officials. Han-Sang-kyun decided he did not want the people at the temple to suffer any further disruption. He called for a further protest against the government's reforms to be held on 16 December, and said he would expose the authorities' fierce repression of labour.

Han was held at the Namdaemun Police station in Seoul, awaiting trial. When Noriuki Suzuki of the ITUC-Asia Pacific asked for a meeting with him, the police turned down his request, citing concerns he might "destroy evidence".

In addition to charges of organising "illegal" rallies, the police asked for the KCTU leader to be charged with sedition, the first time in 29 years that such a charge had been brought.

Tower crane union members in custody: Five officials from the tower crane branch of the construction union KCWU found themselves in custody, awaiting trial, at the end of the year. Kim Myung-uk, President of the Seoul-Gyeonggi Tower Crane Operators' Branch of the KCWU, was arrested with four other members on 27 November 2015 accused of blackmailing a tower crane rental company (Junkeyung Tower Crane). The other four were Jeong Min-ho, Vice President, Tower Crane Operators' Division; Lee U-seong, President, Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang Tower Crane Operators' Branch; Ko Beom-seok, Organising Manager, Seoul-Gyeonggi Tower Crane Operators' Branch; Hwang Seong-yong, Organising Manager, Seoul-Gyeonggi Tower Crane Operators' Branch. They were actually seeking a collective agreement.

Government bans mass rally, arrests participants and raids trade union offices: When plans for a mass rally on 14 November were announced, the government declared it was illegal and issued stern warnings against taking part. The rally was called to protest against the controversial labour market reforms, the state-authored history textbooks, the falling price of rice, and youth unemployment. "We will track down and bring to justice those who incite illegal protests and engage in violent acts," said Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong.

When the rally went ahead, with an estimated 100,000 participants, the authorities' responded with tear gas and water cannon. They also set up a police bus blockade to prevent protesters marching to the president's office, even though the use of police buses as a barricade was ruled illegal by the Constitutional Court in 2011. The police made 51 arrests and the KCTU estimated that some 500 people had been injured as a result of what it described as excessive police violence. Twenty-nine people required hospital treatment. The police said it had mobilised about 22,000 police officers, 700 police buses and water cannons to shut Gwanghwamun Square from the protestors.

The following day the Justice Minister vowed that stern action would be taken against protestors who led what he called "violent, illegal" rallies.

The following Saturday, 21 November, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency raided 12 offices of eight unions, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), looking for evidence of participation in the rallies. The police confiscated union documents and digital forensic agents copied files from their computers.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Kenya

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Kenya, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6a11.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Teachers negotiating rights denied, strikers threatened with sack: Kenya's Supreme Court ruled in August 2015 that state teachers should get a pay rise of between 50 to 60 per cent, in line with the demands made by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). The government, however, argued that it did not have money to fund the pay rise, and refused to pay. The unions had been struggling for over 18 years to get a pay rise, facing repeated broken promises by governments, and decided to call their members out on strike if they did not get their salary increase by the beginning of the school year on 31 August. There was no pay rise and the strike went ahead, with over 280,000 teachers taking part.

On 4 September a Nairobi court declared that the strike, which officially began on 1 September, was "unprotected", meaning that any teacher boycotting work was not shielded from disciplinary action. It stopped short of declaring the strike illegal.

On 14 September the striking teachers were given an ultimatum to report to work by Friday or face the sack. Their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), also said the striking teachers would not to be paid for the days they had not worked. The teachers were not sacked, but 245,000 out of 288,060 teachers missed their September salaries. The TSC paid only 42,973 of them, mostly principals, their deputies and heads of departments, who are not eligible to join the unions and who stayed in school during the strike.

Finally, on 25 September the Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Nelson Abuodha directed the teachers' unions to suspend the strike for 90 days. Conciliation and arbitration would take place during that time, at the end of which either party would be at liberty to declare a trade dispute if the conciliation failed. The judge also declined to declare the strike illegal. Teachers resumed work at the beginning of October.

In November a Kenyan appeals court rejected the pay rise of up to 60 per cent previously awarded to the country's teachers by an industrial court. The court found that the labour and employment court lacked jurisdiction to rule on the matter. The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) took the case to the ILO in November, explaining that "The Kenya government blatantly said it won't pay and never will it honour nor negotiate with Kenya National Union of Teachers and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers."

The TSC had still not begun pay talks by the beginning of January 2016 and had not deducted union dues for October, November or December, starving the union of funds.

Striking dockers sacked: On 4 July 2015 East Africa's biggest port in the Kenyan city of Mombasa summarily dismissed 28 workers for organising a strike that paralysed operations for two days. Over 2,000 workers went on strike on 1 and 2 July in protest against higher deductions for the government's national health insurance scheme, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), without an increase in wages. The port's management promptly threatened to fire them, and advertised their positions. On 3 July the government obtained a court order blocking the strikes.

At a nearby college owned and run by the port, at least ten people were injured in a stampede on the morning of Saturday 4 July, as thousands turned up for the advertised interviews to replace the striking workers.

Acting Transport Minister James Macharia then reversed the dismissals. Despite this decision, however, the Kenya Ports Authority went ahead with the sackings, and on Sunday 5 July port security guards and the police forcibly evicted the 28 sacked employees from KPA houses. Those sacked include shop stewards and members of Dock Workers' Union (DWU) executive board.

The following day the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Mombasa ordered Kenya Ports Authority to allow the 28 sacked workers to return to their staff houses pending the hearing of their case. Justice James Rika said the workers were illegally evicted from the houses for participating in the countrywide strike over NHIF deductions.

Striking health workers sacked: The Busia County Government sacked over 1,000 health workers on 23 November after they had been on strike for a week. The strike was called by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPPDU) after talks with county officials broke down. The health workers' grievances included delays in payment of salaries, lack of promotions and the shortage of drugs.

After issuing the dismissal letters, the county government went to court to have the strike declared illegal.

Finally, the strike ended with a 7-point negotiated agreement signed on 3 December, and all the strikers were allowed to return to work with a promise that nobody would be victimised for taking part in the strike.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Iran

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Iran, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6b13.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Union leader dies from ill-treatment in prison: Shahrokh Zamani, a member of the Founding Board of the Syndicate of Paint Workers of Tehran and the Committee to Pursue the Establishment of Workers Organisations, was found dead on 13 September 2015 in Gohardasht (Rajai Shahr) Prison in Karaj.

Shahrokh Zamani was originally arrested in June 2011 and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment for the crime of "spreading propaganda against the regime and forming socialist groups" and "endangering national security". He was an active trade union leader, organising workers and defending their rights.

Shahrokh's cellmate found his body, with blood in his mouth and nose, when he tried to wake him up in the morning. The authorities claimed his death was from natural causes.

Mr. Zamani had no health problems before entering prison, according to his daughter, but became increasingly unwell as a result of his treatment in prison. One year into his sentence, Shahrokh Zamani wrote a letter to labour and human rights organisations, describing the physical and mental torture he was subjected to. He also expressed concerns that his and other political prisoners' lives were in danger. He staged hunger strikes in protest at his ill-treatment. Despite suffering occasional loss of consciousness due to his ill-treatment and torture, he was denied medication and had to wait a year to be sent for an MRI scan. He was also denied visitors, and suffered from the knowledge that his family faced endless harassment from the government.

More prison sentences handed down to teachers: Esmail Abdi, General Secretary of the Iranian Teachers' Trade Association (ITTA-Tehran) was sentenced to six years in prison by branch 15 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court, presided over by the notorious Judge Salavati. The verdict was announced on 22 February 2016 , following a trial which began on 31 January. The charges against Esmail Abdi included "gathering and colluding with intent to harm public order" and "propaganda against the system". The real reasons for his arrest and imprisonment, said his union, were his trade union activism as the general secretary of the ITTA (Tehran) and his leading role the teachers' protests.

Mahmoud Beheshti Langroodi, a spokesperson for the ITTA, Mohammad Reza Niknejad and Mehdi Bohlooli, both former board members of the ITTA (Tehran), were sentenced on 7 March 2016 by the Islamic Revolutionary court in Tehran. Each was sentenced to five years in prison by the trial court which is subject to review in the appeals court. Mahmoud Beheshti Langroodi was already serving a nine year prison sentence, which was ordered by Judge Salavati in a trial that last only a few minutes. Mohammad Reza Niknejad and Mehdi Bohlooli had been released on a three hundred million toman bail on 29 September 2015, following their arrest on 31 August.

Mine workers arrested for protesting at layoffs: Twenty workers at the Khatoonabad Copper Mine Complex in Kerman were arrested on 26 January 2016 for taking part in protests. The workers were arrested after they gathered to protest against unpaid wages and the dismissal of 130 contract workers, after a series of tests announced back in September 2015. On 13 February 2016, 23 of those arrested were released on bail.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Indonesia

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Indonesia, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6c11.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Assaulted and injured workers have to face legal action: Twenty-three workers  including the general secretary of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) Muhammad Rusdi, a student and two Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) officials  have been named suspects in relation to the 30 October 2015 demonstration. This collective action took place against Government Regulation Number 78/2015 on wages and ended up with police attacking workers. Despite being the ones assaulted and injured, the demonstrators are now qualified as provocateurs by the Metro Jaya regional police and for such reason are facing criminal charge under Article 216 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) for allegedly disobeying police orders during the rally. This raises big questions about why the workers, who were the ones that suffered aggression, having their command vehicle damaged and fired on with tear gas and then being injured and arrested, are the ones named suspects while no action has been taken against the police who committed the assaults. LBH Jakarta public defender Maruli Tua believes that the naming of the activists is a form of criminalisation by police adding itself to the long list of earlier cases that befell various leaders of civil society organisations in order to discourage freedom of speech.

American Phillips Seafood Company in Lampung dismisses unfairly and creates fake trade union to obstruct free trade unionism: US-based company Phillips Seafood  with a chain of seafood restaurants on the East Coast, outlets in airports and casinos and which markets processed seafood products  has its largest centre of production in Lampung, Indonesia. During 2015 the Company showed anti-union behaviour on more than an occasion: 205 workers were fired with a text message in order to outsource most of the jobs to isolated private homes working for half the price of regular workers. Out of the 205 fired workers, only 50 were allowed to come back  as casual workers contracted on a daily basis  on condition that they were not trade union members.

In order to further discourage and impede trade unionism inside the enterprise, Phillips Seafood created a fake union and then threatened and harassed workers to join it if they wanted to be called to work. Phillips Seafood then conducted a "union vote", instructing workers to choose between the real union and the newly created management union. Two local labour department officers were brought in to make the proceedings look official. Deliberately misleading workers into believing the verification was legitimate, while making threats about job security, management forced workers to vote on November 25 and 26. A final vote was planned for December 16 and 17, but with the support of the Federation of Lampung Workers' Unions (FSBL), workers refused to vote. The provincial labour department confirmed that the verification was unlawful because a private company cannot conduct a union vote without oversight. The role of the two labour department officials, and that of Phillips Seafood in the arrangement, is now under investigation.

Harassment and intimidation of union leaders: Further to the 30 October arrests during the minimum wage protests, several trade union leaders found themselves the target of harassment and intimidation. Muhamad Rusdi, General Secretary of the Indonesian trade union confederation Konfederasi Serikat Pekerja Indonesia (KSPI), was summonsed for questioning. Shortly after the demonstrations, the branch office of KPBI (Komite Politik Buruh Indonesia) in North Jakarta was occupied by police, the central KSPI Office and all branch offices of the metalworkers' federation Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (FSPMI) were guarded by police and other authorities, and a trade unionist in East Java was beaten by police. Several union leaders also reported that their private cars had been damaged.

Violence and arrests at minimum wage demonstration: When three national trade union centres  the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (Konfederasi Serikat Pekerja Indonesia  KSPI), the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (Konfederasi Serikat Pekerja Seluruh Indonesia  KSPSI) and the Confederation of Indonesia Prosperity Trade Unions (Konfederasi Serikat Buruh Sejahtera Indonesia KSBSI)  organised a second round of peaceful demonstrations against the minimum wage reforms from 24 to 27 November; the demonstrations were declared illegal by the government. The Ministry of Labour, employers and the police threatened sanctions and penalties.

When the demonstrations went ahead, the police used tear gas and water cannons against the demonstrators. A number of trade union activists were detained but later released by the police.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - India

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - India, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6d15.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

200 childcare workers arrested following protest over unpaid wages: Up to 200 hundred Anganwadi (childcare) workers were taken into custody in December 2015 for taking part in protests to urge the government to implement the pay rise they were supposed to have received. Many reported that they had not been paid their low wages for over four months. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), which helped organise the protests, condemned the arrests, saying the women were fighting for their legitimate rights. The workers were also helping pay for the upkeep of the childcare centres out of their own pockets. The government did subsequently meet some of the workers' demands, including one month's paid medical leave, and the release of funds to build new centres.

Protestors detained in long-running pay dispute: On 31 December 2015 police detained union activists employed as contract workers under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) schemes. They were protesting outside the secretariat of the state government to express their frustration over low pay. They had had many meetings with the Rural Development Minister and other senior officials over the past seven years, but their situation had not been resolved. Furthermore, there had been advertisements for vacant posts at higher salaries, yet the contract workers who had been employed for years had not been offered regular contracts. Police tried to move the protesters on to the children's park  out of the way of the Ministry and irrelevant to their protest. When the protestors refused, they were taken to the local police station and detained until reports had been filed.

Government's labour reforms set to undermine workers' protection and trade union rights: In April 2015, the National Democratic Alliance government proposed integrating three labour laws  the Trade Unions Act 1926, the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946  into a single code for industrial relations. The unions protested that they had not had sufficient involvement in the preparation of the laws, which would undermine trade union rights and workers' protection.

The draft code significantly altered how trade unions can be formed in factories and registered with the government. Under existing laws, seven members of a union could apply for registration irrespective of the establishment's size. The draft bill proposed that at least ten per cent of the total employees or 100 workers would be needed to form a trade union.

The new draft also modified the definition of a strike to include "casual leave on a given day by the 50 per cent or more workers employed in an industry".

The new law contained no provisions to promote collective bargaining, putting the emphasis instead on arbitration. Several provisions of the bill referred to either recognised or certified negotiating agents without providing for procedures for the recognition of such agents. Furthermore, the bill provided that all office bearers of a registered trade union would have to be actually engaged or employed in the establishments or industry with which the trade unions is concerned, restricting a union's freedom to choose its own officers.

Another provision would allow companies employing up to 300 workers to lay off staff without government permission, as against 100 workers previously. In India 85 per cent of manufacturing firms employ less than 50 workers, and around half of these workers are kept on short-term contracts and earn just USD 5 or USD 6 per day. The government's proposals would deprive them of vital legal protections leaving them in even more precarious circumstances.

In September India's central trade unions, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, UTUC and LPF, called a nationwide strike in protest at the proposed reforms. Tens of millions took part in the strike. The trade unions had presented a charter of 12 demands, which in addition to opposing the labour law amendments included a new minimum wage, the end to contract labour in permanent perennial work and payment of the same wages and benefits for contract workers as for regular workers for similar work, strict enforcement of all basic labour laws, universal social security cover for all workers, compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days from the date of submitting applications, as well as immediate ratification of ILO Conventions 87 and 98.

In response to the protests, the government constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee and assured the unions that reforms will be based on consultations. No reforms had been passed by the end of 2015.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Honduras

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Honduras, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6e1ed.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Fyffes workers abducted for forming a union: Fourteen women workers of SURAGROH, a Fyffes subsidiary melon plantation in Honduras, were hospitalised in December 2015 after being poisoned by the noxious chemicals they were forced to handle without any personal protective equipment.

Workers report that the company does not fulfil its legal obligations with regard to minimum wage, overtime payments, public holidays or Sunday double time. Social security quotas are deducted from pay but not passed on to the government departments, thus depriving employees from accessing the health system or being paid benefits to which they are entitled.

The company also illegally charges workers for transport to the fields, and when they formed a branch of the STAS agricultural workers union at the end of January 2016, four members of the new Executive were abducted, threatened and held incommunicado for a day until they renounced their membership.

University trade union leader killed: On 17 June 2015, Hector Orlando Martinez, president of Branch 6 of the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Universidad Autonoma de Honduras (SITRAUNAH) at the Pacific Coast Regional University Centre (CURLP-UNAH) in the city of Choluteca, was killed.

The trade unionist was killed on his way home from work at the university. According to the reports, he was attacked by two individuals on a motorbike who fired at his vehicle and shot him 12 times. The incident reportedly took place after a human rights commission had begun investigating the complaints filed by Hector Orlando Martinez.

On 19 May 2015, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) had requested that precautionary measures be taken to protect Hector Orlando Martinez and his family in light of the threats and acts of intimidation he was being subjected to as a direct result of his activities as a SITRAUNAH representative.

Forced disappearance of university trade union leader: Donatilo Jimenez Euceda, former president of branch three of the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras (SITRAUNAH) disappeared on 8 April 2015 whilst working at the CURLA University (Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Atlantico) in La Ceiba. The trade unionist was in charge of organising the coming union elections to be held by SITRAUNAH.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Haiti

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Haiti, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa6fc.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Creation of a union close to the government, works councils in export processing zone, unions discriminated against and crushed: In 2016, the Confederation des Travailleurs des Secteurs Public et Prive (CTSP) sent a report to the ITUC denouncing the collusion between the government and the Front Syndical Haitien (FSH). According to Jean Bonald Golinsky, head of the CTSP, the authorities orchestrated the formation of the so-called Front, in a bid to prevent other unions from making their voice heard. During the transport strike in February 2015, Joseph Montes, the coordinator of the FSH, strongly criticised the action being led by a platform of trade unions from the transport sector, maintaining that the strike was politically motivated. Joseph Montes is also a director of the state transport company Service Plus, from which he reportedly dismissed a large number of workers in the past, including all the trade union representatives. The head of the CTSP also reported that the nine members of the Post Office trade union committee dismissed in 2012 had not yet been reinstated despite the demand of the Citizen Protection Office (OPC), an independent institution, although set up by the state. He points out that anti-union discrimination is the rule in Haiti, particularly in private sector companies, such as the BRANA brewery, in the banking sector and in the export processing zones, where works councils have been set up  often by the employers  despite the presence of trade unions.

Continued repression at BRANA brewery: Leaders of the Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses de BRANA (SYTBRANA) were threatened and two members were dismissed in August 2015. On 1 September, another employee, Wilson Celine, suffered the same fate. At the beginning of 2015, he had been given permission to take part in a trade union workshop organised by the Canadian union Teamsters, but also received barely-disguised threats from a manager that his safety was at risk. Not long after, he narrowly escaped serious injury when one of his superiors restarted a bottle washing machine while he was conducting maintenance work on it. On 1 September, Wilson Celine was dismissed. Two managers deigned to justify the decision by telling him that his profile no longer met the company's needs (although he had been working there for ten years) and that, no doubt, the complaint he had filed against his superior following the accident at the plant had not helped. At international level, the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations (IUF) sent a mission to investigate the situation at the brewery. The Canadian union Teamsters and a number of other unions put pressure on the brewing giant Heineken to ensure respect for trade union rights at its Haitian subsidiary BRANA.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Guatemala

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Guatemala, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa709.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Anti-union dismissals in Purulha: On 17 Februay 2016, following the arrival of the new mayor, Sebastian Castro Garcia, the municipal authorities of Purulha, in the Baja Verpaz department, proceeded to unfairly dismiss 106 workers, including members of the union and its Executive Board, ignoring the legal protection covering union leaders.

Anti-union dismissals in San Rafael: On 12 February 2016, following the arrival of the new mayor, Carlos Alfonso Mazariegos Ramirez, the municipal authorities of San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta in the San Marcos department unfairly dismissed 15 workers, including the union's Social Welfare Secretary.

Anti-union dismissals at Palo Gordo sugar mill: The Palo Gordo sugar mill in Guatemala has launched a series of selective dismissals targeting unionised workers, undermining the trade union organisation and the collective bargaining agreement. The dismissals were staged as follows: 10 workers were dismissed on 28 February 2015, 10 more on 15 October 2015, another five on 6 November 2015 and 10 more on 20 November 2015. Membership of the trade union at the company, the Sindicato de Trabajadores del Ingenio Palo Gordo, fell from 283 to just 203 in November 2015. The company is waging a campaign to stop workers from joining the union and has set up a subdivision to block trade union action.

Trade unionist from Japala assassinated: On 24 September 2015, trade unionist Mynor Rolando Ramos Castillo, a member of the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Municipalidad de Jalapa (SITRAMJ), was murdered. The municipal worker had been dismissed on account of his trade union activities and took part in the mobilisations to press the Mayor of Jalapa, Elmer Leonidas Guerra, to comply with the labour court ruling ordering the reinstatement of unfairly dismissed workers.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Georgia

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Georgia, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa71e.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Anti-union discrimination continues at RMG Gold: Anti-union discrimination and intimidation continued at RMG Gold in Kazreti, following the company's attempts to destroy the union by forcing nearly 1,000 individuals to leave, as reported in the Survey in March 2015.

On 30 September 2015 representatives of the Georgian Trade Unions Confederation (GTUC), along with leaders of the Metallurgy, Mining and Chemical Industry Workers' Trade Union, visited Kazreti to meet with local employees, to investigate reports of continued intimidation and to try to rebuild the union. The town itself is virtually controlled by RMG Gold, with most of the population employed by the company.

On an earlier visit to the town by two GTUC staff members, RMG Gold security guards followed them around taking pictures. The residents were scared to speak to them in case the company decided to retaliate by firing them or their family members. During the second trip on 30 September, the union representatives spoke to many people in the town, who talked of problems ranging from low wages to serious health hazards. On the first night of their visit, an RMG director tried to intimidate the union volunteers who were talking to workers at a bus stop. He also denied any health hazards or environmental pollution, claiming the cyanide used in mining gold is not the kind of cyanide that is harmful.

The second day of the visit was marred by serious interference. A public meeting had been organised to address the major problems faced by the workers and to correct the false stories spread about the union by RMG Gold. A representative from RMG Gold management, Lia Ajiashvili, disrupted proceedings before the meeting even began, honking a small horn outside the meeting venue. Later, inside the meeting, she shouted every time the union representatives tried to speak, effectively preventing them from conducting the meeting. Many of those who had come to take part left the meeting. On the previous day the workers and townspeople had aired their grievances against the company, and said they wanted to organise to improve their working conditions, but faced with the aggressive stand by the RMG representative, they no longer dared air those views to a wider audience.

Attempt to undermine independent union: Georgia Railway has been giving bonuses to workers who join the employer-supported yellow union. For example, Zurab Nasaria received a much higher bonus than other workers in April 2014. Managers openly encourage workers to revoke their membership from the Railway Workers New Trade Union (RWNTUG). Due to the pressure by management, many workers have left the union. Management has also sought to undermine the union by delaying or overcomplicating the remittance of union dues.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - France

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - France, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa729.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Illegal use of temporary staff during strike, trade union representative dismissed: In February 2016, Frederic Willemain, CGT trade union representative at temporary employment agency Start People, was suspended. The company has initiated the procedure to dismiss him on grounds of gross misconduct. He is accused of having prevented temporary employees from entering the Post Office of Rivesaltes (Pyrenees-Orientales), on 16 December 2015, and of having assaulted the director of the Post Office, which the trade unionist firmly denies. The CGT had sent him there to support the Post Office workers on strike and to inform the temporary employees, illegally hired to replace them, of their rights. A labour inspectorate inquiry had, moreover, acknowledged the illegal use of temporary workers to replace strikers.

Discrimination and anti-union repression: In 2015, following legal proceedings lasting several years, the justice system condemned the national rail company SNCF and the Air Liquide group to pay heavy fines for discriminating against trade union members, be it in terms of pay or promotion. Agence France Presse (AFP) was also found guilty of discriminating against a member of the Syndicat National des Journalistes (SNJ-CGT), whose applications for promotion were repeatedly turned down without any explanation or objective cause. The case reflects a negative trend in France: trade union representatives are less likely to be promoted than their work colleagues and are paid ten per cent less, on average, than colleagues with the same characteristics (age, qualifications, years in service, etc. In addition, 40 per cent of trade union representatives say their role has affected their career. Many employees, moreover, avoid joining a union for fear of reprisals. It should be noted that the new law on social dialogue passed in 2015 includes provisions to prevent workers' representatives from being "penalised in their careers".

In August, Mediapart, an online media site, revealed that a human resources director at IT services giant Atos sent instructions to managers of the group regarding the filling of posts, asking them not to select trade union representatives, people aged over 55 and people with disabilities.

In its latest report, France's Trade Union Discrimination and Repression Observatory covers the other facets of trade union repression: blackmail, intimidation, disciplinary action, harassment and dismissal. To quote a just a few examples, in September, McDonald's was condemned, on appeal, for having dismissed a CGT representative who had taken part in trade union training during working hours. His request for leave had not been accepted. McDonald's had dismissed him for arriving "two hours and 13 minutes" late. On 22 September, Julien Sanchez, mayor of Beaucaire (Gard), a member of the extreme-right party Front National, was condemned for hate speech targeting a trade unionist from the CGT. In mid-December, 18 delivery drivers employed at the central canteen of Sodexo in Marseille were dismissed for abandoning their posts on 25 November, whilst they were striking for the second day in a row.

Right to strike violated at Sodexo and ID Logistics: On 25 November 2015, the management at the central canteen of Sodexo in Marseille suspended 23 delivery drivers, who were on strike at the time, for "abandoning their posts" and "gross misconduct". After two days of strike action, an agreement ending the strike was concluded between the management and the majority of the workplace representatives. These 23 employers had, however, denounced the agreement, considering the wage concessions they had been granted to be totally inadequate. Despite having been informed that the 23 workers were continuing with the strike, Sodexo's regional director did not hesitate to sack them. By mid-December, 19 of them had received their letter of dismissal, and the other four had been rehired on the condition that they withdraw support for the strike. In January 2016, amid the media uproar and the announcement of renewed protest actions, the management of Sodexo France negotiated an agreement directly with the CGT to end the dispute and to reinstate 11 of the 19 strikers.

On 17 December 2015, police broke up a picket line organised by the inter-union grouping CFDT, CGT, FO and CFTC in protest at the undermining of the bonus scheme at ID Logistics in Lisse in the department of Essonne. Meanwhile, the employer initiated the procedure to dismiss 35 of the strikers, including 11 trade union representatives.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Fiji

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Fiji, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa739.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Employment Relations Amendment Act approved: After the approval of the new Employment Relations Amendment Act (ERP) 2016, an act of retaliation happened in Nadi: a worker was suspended for handing out forms to his fellow workers to join a trade union. The company concerned, Tolls Construction Fiji Ltd, stated that the worker, Manueli Yawayawa, had breached company policy by not informing management of his intention to form a trade union. Manager Luke Mataika said Mr Yawayawa had also interfered with work being carried out on the Vunabaka project on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Group. According to the enterprise those were the actions that led to Mr Yawayawa's expulsion from the island.

Tripartite agreement between the Government, Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Fiji Trades Union Congress: Following the ILO mission, the Fiji Government, Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Fiji Trades Union Congress signed an agreement to sign off on a Joint Implementation Report to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Agreements signed provided among other things: the restoration of the Check-Off facilities; the reduction of the notice period for strike from 28 days to 14 days; invitation to the ILO to provide technical assistance and expertise to determine the list of essential services and industries; removal of all references to bargaining units in the ERP (as amended by the Act); and allowing workers to freely join or form a trade union (including an enterprise trade union).

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Egypt

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Egypt, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa7411.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Major manoeuvres against independent trade unions: Although the 2015 report of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association requests that "the draft labour law be adopted as a matter of priority, giving clear legislative protection to the numerous newly formed independent trade unions and ensuring full respect for freedom of association rights", the attacks against these organisations have since been stepped up.

At the end of 2015, the Centre for Trade Unions and Workers' Services (CTUWS) denounced a renewed attempt to muzzle independent trade unions. In an official document, the Presidency recommended that his ministers hold monthly meetings with ETUF representatives, in the presence of the media, to highlight the government's supposed resolve to defend workers' rights.

As part of the surge to quash trade unionism, on 1 March, a government directive gave all state institutions instructions not to recognise independent trade unions nor to deal with them, and to invalidate any seals appearing on their documents. These organisations are also fighting for their survival in the courts. A critical verdict is awaited in 2016 in the court case pitting an official trade union against an independent union in the finance sector.

Finally, at political level, during a cabinet reshuffle on March 2016, the post of Manpower Minister was given to Mohamed Saafan, who was formerly vice-president of the ETUF and who has never concealed his hostility towards independent trade unions. The appointment of a leading figure from the official trade union centre marks the return of a long tradition that had been left behind for five years.

On 8 April, the ILO, through its director-general, Guy Ryder, expressed its grave concern over the threats against human and trade union rights in a country that has ratified Conventions 87 and 98. A few days earlier, the ILO Workers' Group had already issued a declaration in this respect. It denounced the "systematic attacks" led by the Labour Ministry against independent trade unions. The ETUF reacted by describing these criticisms as "unwarranted interference in Egyptian affairs".

Murder of Giulio Regeni: On 3 February, the body of this young Italian PhD student, who was researching the independent trade union movement in Egypt, was found in a ditch on the outskirts of Cairo. He had disappeared on 25 January, the anniversary of the "Egyptian revolution". He has just published an article on the Nena News site on strike action in Egypt and the search for trade union unity. His murder sparked international outrage. In a protest letter, the ITUC underlined, "It is clear from the intensification of measures hostile to freedom and the freedoms of trade unions in particular, that Giulio was considered a threat to the Egyptian government." At the end of March, the authorities announced that police had shot down five men identified as the perpetrators of the crime, but, for many, the murder bears the hallmark of the Egyptian security services. According to human rights organisations, hundreds of Egyptians were the victims of forced disappearances during the last few months of 2015 alone. In the best of cases, they reappear days or weeks later. Many, however, do not have this good fortune and are left to rot or die in high security prisons.

Doctors' union activist imprisoned: On 14 January 2016, in the run-up to the fifth anniversary of the "25 January revolution", Dr Taher Mokhtar, a member of the Egyptian doctors' union, and two of his friends were arrested in their home in Cairo for possession of subversive documents. They were, in fact, leaflets denouncing the health conditions in prisons, an issue the trade unionist had been actively working on at the request of his organisation. On 2 March, despite an international campaign, the three men were detained for a further 45 days.

It should be noted that the trade union had defied the ban on demonstrations, on 12 February, when several thousand doctors gathered in front of their union head office to protest against police violence and, more particularly, the assault by two police officers on two doctors in a hospital.

Public sector unionists threatened and virtually muzzled: On 10 August, in Cairo, thousands of workers challenged the authorities and the very harsh restrictions on freedom of assembly by gathering in front of the headquarters of Egypt's Press Syndicate, historically a focal point of social protest as, by definition, it implies that the protests it hosts will be given press coverage. The demonstrators, public sector workers (finance, social insurance, railways, etc.) affiliated to independent trade unions were protesting against the new Civil Service Law that came into force in late July without any labour consultation and that, as many feared, was set to push down wage levels. The new law also places the six to seven million public sector workers in a weaker position relative to their employers. A ban was imposed on a similar demonstration planned for 17 August. September 5 was therefore set as the new date for the public protest against this law.

The context surrounding the 5 September protest speaks volumes about the state of freedom of expression and assembly in Egypt in 2015. The organisers were denied authorisation to carry out their action on Tahrir Square or in front of the offices of the Press Syndicate. They were forced to fall back on Fustat Park, one of only two locations authorised by Cairo's governor, both quite isolated, difficult to access and well out of public view. According to eyewitnesses, busloads of protestors, some of whom came from the provinces, were blocked and turned away by the police. At the location itself, security forces denied access to demonstrators under the pretext that maintenance works were underway. This was later denied. After negotiating for an hour, they were finally granted access through a secondary entrance. In the days leading up to the protest, countless attempts were made by the authorities, the official trade union centre and pro-government media to intimidate the organisers and anyone planning to take part in the demonstration.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Colombia

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Colombia, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa7512.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Health sector trade unionist murdered: On 12 April 2016, the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) denounced the killing of Oswaldo Hernandez Gutierrez, president of the San Sebastian de Buenavista branch of the Sindicato Nacional de la Salud y Seguridad Social (SINDESS), in the department of Magdalena.

The attack took place on the night of Thursday 7 April when the trade unionist was about to enter his home. He was shot several times in the head and neck. Seriously wounded, he was taken to a hospital in the city of Valledupar, where he received surgery but subsequently died from his injuries in the early hours of Sunday 10 April.

The trade unionist worked as a sanitation technician at the E.S.E. Hospital Rafael Paba Manjarrez in the municipality of San Sebastian. He worked relentlessly, in his capacity as a trade union leader, to defend the rights and interests of the health sector workers in Magdalena.

Violent repression of court workers' protests: On 1 February 2016, about 300 men from the Mobile Anti-riot Squad (Esmad) violently attacked judicial workers who were protesting outside the the civil and family courts in central Bogota.

The civil servants were protesting against Agreement 10445 of the Higher Council of the Judiciary (CSJ) whch created Service Centres for for civil and family courts.

During Esmad's attack, blows were struck and electric pistols were used, leaving several people injured, including a pregnant woman.

Murder of ADES trade union leader: On 20 November 2015, the Colombian trade union centre Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) denounced the murder of Marceli Mendez Bertel, president of the Sincelejo branch of the teachers' union Asociacion de Educadores de Sucre (ADES). The incident took place in the afternoon of 17 November when the union leader was entering her home in the municipality of Sincelejo. She was attacked by armed individuals, who shot her several times.

SEATECH violates right to strike: On 30 October 2015, the tuna fish company Seatech International halted production and closed its plant in Cartagena, Colombia, for two weeks, leaving its staff of over a 1000 people, mostly women breadwinners, without work or income during that time.

In protest at the situation, a group of 125 women, members of the food industry union Union Sindical de Trabajadores de la Industria Alimenticia (USTRIAL) decided to stage a peaceful sit-in at the factory. Three days later, the Mobile Anti-Riot Squad, called in by the management, forcibly ousted the workers, using tear gas.

Threats against USO trade union leader: On August 2015, the ITUC was informed of the continual threats and harassment faced by Hector Sanchez Gomez, vice president of the Community Action Board in Rubiales (municipality of Puerto Gaitan, department of Meta) and trade union leader affiliated to the Union Sindical Obrera (USO).

According to the reports received, on 1 June 2015, at 17.30, whilst Mr Sanchez was visiting the offices of the "Jose Alvear Restrepo" Lawyers' Collective (CAJAR), he received a call from a member of the Santa Helena community in Puerto Gaitan, warning him that he had been offered nine million pesos to kill him. The same man advised Mr Sanchez not to go back to his home region given the risks he faced.

In addition, on several occasions during the months of April and May 2015, Mr Sanchez was followed and photographed, while carrying out his trade union work, by individuals recognised by the community as plainclothes officers of the Criminal Investigation Branch of the National Police (SIJIN).

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - China

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - China, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa76c.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Unfair dismissal and police arrests: In December 2014, workers at Shenzhen Artigas Clothing and Leatherware factory staged a strike to demand the mandatory social insurance and housing insurance and overtime compensation in arrears as the employer was planning to relocate to a new site. Lately, senior workers above 50 years old were pressured to quit their jobs. They were insured only from 2003 onward and would not be qualified to pension entitlements which require 15 years of continuous contribution by law. On 4 December 2014, workers complained to the labour bureau about arrears in social and housing insurance payments and requested a response from management. Not having gotten a reply, workers decided to go on strike on 10 December in order to compel management to negotiate. However, before any negotiations could start between workers and management, police stormed the workplace and arrested 23 workers, including elected workers' representatives. Other workers were barred from leaving the workplace and were asked to return to work.

In May 2015, management attempted to reemploy workers in a newly registered company under a different employment contract. A third of the workers did not agree to the changes and demanded negotiations over this issue. The negotiation meeting was rejected by the management, and on 9 June 2015 Wu Weihua, a workers' representative who previously refused bribes, was dismissed and barred from entering the workplace. When she tried to enter the workplace, management called police, who arrested her. Workers who went to the police station to demand Wu's release were also detained by the police. The local government intervened and set up a negotiation meeting between management and workers on 11 June 2015. However, police were also present intimidating workers who then refused to attend the meeting.

Management tried to undermine collective demands by attempting to negotiate with workers individually, but no agreements could be reached.

Six workers' representatives at New An Lun Lamp (SZ) were sacked for leading a strike and detained by police: From early 2015, New An Lun Lamp started outsourcing its production and paying workers not more than the statutory minimum wage. On 13 April 2015, the whole workforce went on strike. They elected 53 representatives and demanded a negotiation with the management before 25 April. Workers demanded compensation for their unpaid overtime and incentives, social and housing insurances and paid leave. They also protested against high production quotas and unfair penalties as well as harsh factory rules such as toilet break restrictions. The management postponed the negotiation meeting until 28 April. During the negotiation meeting, the management posted a notice threatening to dismiss all workers who participated in strike action.

When negotiations broke down, workers went on strike organising a sit-in in front of the warehouse. On 13 May, six elected workers' representatives were sacked for leading the strike. On the same day, public security came to the factory and took away nine striking workers including three elected representatives for administrative detention. The sacked representatives are appealing to the intermediate court regarding their unfair dismissal and arrest.

Workers at Wuyang Iron and Steel sacked for provoking a strike and re-election: Two workers from the state-owned Wuyang Iron and Steel Co. Ltd in Henan province  ZHAO Xiaoming and WANG Shangyau  were sacked by the company on 13 March 2015 for instigating a strike and provoking workers to establish a new enterprise union. Workers were warned by management and had to sign letter stating they would not join the new union and would refrain from criticising the company in order to keep their jobs.

On 2 February 2016, almost ten thousand workers put down their tools and took to the street to demand a wage increase. Zhao and Wang, amongst others, were arrested and charged for obstructing traffic and disturbing the public order.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Cameroon

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Cameroon, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa784.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Chinese employer's contempt for workers' demands at major construction site: On 11 and 12 July, police brutally supressed a strike launched by employees at the Menve'le dam building site. According to the strikers, police fired teargas and live ammunition at the crowd. Ten strikers were reportedly hospitalised, including two women, and several arrests were made. On 17 July, the press covered renewed violence. The striking workers, backed by the Confederation Camerounaise du Travail (CCT), denounced the abuses suffered at the hands of the employer, the Chinese company Sinohydro, including sexual harassment, corruption, unfair dismissals, poor working conditions, etc. According to the employer, only a minority of the 1,448 workers were at the root of the dispute. This show of force nonetheless prompted the Labour and Social Security Minister to intervene personally to secure a pledge from the employer to establish social dialogue and better working conditions.

Anti-union repression in education and health sectors: Health and education sector trade unions denounced the authorities' use of threats, intimidation and repression. In Yaounde, for example, strike action initiated at two hospitals in June was supressed by the police. In July, Education International (EI) condemned the attacks orchestrated by the gov-ernment against its affiliated organisations. According to the Syndicat National Autonome de l'Enseignement Secondaire (SNAES), the authorities are dismantling education trade unions with strong foundations in order to replace them with more malleable organisations.

Delays in transferring dues to union: The Free Trade Union Confederation of Cameroon, USLC, says employers often delay transferring unions dues, deducted through the check-off system, to the unions, thereby starving them of funds. It also says there has been interference and manipulation in union elections by employers, affecting most recently health workers in Mfoundi, and construction workers employed by Chinese companies.

Anti-union harassment at bank: The USLC reported that members of the financial workers' union FESYLTEFCAM at the multinational ATTIJARIWAFA bank regularly suffer verbal harassment by management, and that there had been several cases in which the union representative had been moved to a different post, without informing the labour inspector. The harassment has been so persistent that the union is thinking of withdrawing from the next union representation elections due to be held in January 2016.

The USLC also reports that there is blatant discrimination in the banking sector in general, with employers usually preferring to deal with only one union and ignoring the rest.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Belarus

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Belarus, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa792b.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Independent trade union activity suppressed: The authorities desire to prevent any independent trade union activity was underlined by the United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Miklos Haraszti. Speaking during the presentation of his latest report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 24 June 2015, Haraszti warned that the "systematic violation of human rights, in particular civil and political rights, continues." He confirmed that labour rights continued to be denied, and independent labour unions were suppressed.

These views were echoed at a sub-regional meeting of IndustriALL's affiliates in the CIS region in Moldova on 3-4 September. Union leaders from Belarus emphasised the urgent need for the Belorussian unions to get recognition of trade union rights and freedom of association. For several years, unions in Belarus were not allowed to organise events to celebrate 7 October, the World Day for Decent Work, since the state authorities had never approved their requests. (Unions were allowed to mark World Day for Decent Work Day in 2015, however). Union organising as it works in other countries in the region is not possible in Belarus, the leaders emphasised. They also spoke about the vicious system of short-term employment contracts affecting the majority of workers, and about the recent legal reduction of notification of dismissal from one month to one week, making it easier to remove independent trade unionists.

Bobruisk Tractor Plant and Components Company dismisses striking worker and deputy chairperson of SPB union: On 30 June 2015 the management of Bobruisk Tractor Plant and Components Company dismissed Sergey Pichugov, a young professional instrument worker. His contract was terminated with only one-day notice rather than the one month required by legislation. In March 2014 he was among the SPB members who went on hunger strike at their workplace: this gives reasonable ground to think that his dismissal was of a discriminatory nature because of his affiliation to the SPB trade union and because of the strike action he became involved in. The same company is not new to anti-union behaviour: only two months after Mr. Pichugov 's contract termination, the same fate happened to the deputy chairperson of the SPB company union, Mrs Oksana Kernozhitskaya. On 21 August Mrs Kernozhitskaya was dismissed despite local authorities' and Members of Parliament's attempts to persuade the company. No explanation of the grounds justifying the dismissal was provided by the enterprise, making it clear once again that the reasons behind her dismissal laid in her affiliation to an independent union and her active position in advocating for workers' rights and interests. This was a new wave of anti-union dismissal in the company that followed the one of 2014.

Authorities seek to impose official unions in private enterprises: In late May 2015, at the Congress of the pro-government Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) held in Minsk, President Lukashenko ordered that (official) trade unions be established at all enterprises by mid-2016. At the beginning of June, he signed Decree No 4, which introduced amendments to Decree No 2 of 26 January 1999 regulating the activities of political parties, trade unions and other public associations. The decree aims to simplify the creation of trade unions at all enterprises, regardless of ownership.

According to an article that appeared in Belarus Infocus on 9 June 2015, "The main role of the FTUB is to control employees, ensure their integration and freeze protest activity among workers. De facto, official trade unions do not respond to significant deterioration of workers' situation, including delays of wage payments, underemployment, reduced working hours and mass layoffs." The FTUB represents about 90 per cent of the economically active population in Belarus  about four million people. However, the share of workers employed in the private sector has increased recently; hence, the authorities want to create official trade unions in private companies in order to have additional control mechanisms over the private sector, and stifle dissent.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Benin

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Benin, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa796.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Teachers complain of harassment over pay protest: On 17 March teachers represented by the national federation of education unions, the Federation des Syndicats de l'Education Nationale (FESEN), went on strike to demand the payment of the 25 per cent index rise granted to other civil servants, rather than the monthly bonus of 10,000 Cfa francs offered by the government. Their demands also included the lifting of threats against teachers and unfair transfers for their part in the protests. During an earlier strike that ended in May 2014, the union had also complained of threats against teachers' union leaders.

Teachers' protest march and strike action repressed: On the morning of 12 February 2015, police and gendarmes in the town of Abomey prevented a march by unions representing primary school teachers from going ahead. The march had been organised by the umbrella group "Forum des travailleurs et des peuples" (the Peoples' and Workers' Forum) to demand, amongst other things, the payment of six years' worth of social security benefits. As soon as the march began, the protesters found themselves surrounded by uniformed police officers and gendarmes, who were there on the orders of the head of the local administration, the "Prefet", Armand Maurice, who claimed their action was illegal. Faced with the intimidating presence of so many uniformed officers, the protestors turned their march into a sit-in.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Bangladesh

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Bangladesh, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa7a15.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Mobile phone company union denied recognition: Employees at Grameenphone, owned by Norwegian company Telenor, have spent over two years struggling for the recognition of their union. The Grameenphone Employees Union was formed in June 2012 after over 200 employees lost their jobs. The government has repeatedly turned down their application for registration over technicalities. After prolonged court proceedings, the Labour Appellate court ordered the Director of Labour to register the union. The government refused to issue formal recognition of the union and the company filed a writ with the High Court, to stay the decision of the appellate court, which was granted. The government then issued new rules broadening the definition of "supervisory officer" to render workers with any supervisory function ineligible to join union. Furthermore, the new rules would declare mobile phones an essential public service, which would enable the government to intervene to limit or ban strikes and demonstrations.

Union leaders attacked and dismissed for raising safety concerns: On 2 April 2015 management at the D&D garment factory ordered anti-union workers to physically attack several union leaders, including the president. The attack was in retaliation for a complaint submitted by the union on 16 March to the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh alleging that the company had failed to maintain building safety practices. An Accord inspection on 19 March confirmed that the factory was not in compliance.

The factory union, affiliated with the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers' Federation (BGIWF), received its registration in December 2014 and on 14 January 2015 submitted a charter of demands for collective bargaining. Over the next three months, management continually relocated union leaders, threatened rank-and-file workers with retaliatory increases in production targets if they talked to any of the union leaders, formed a bogus management-controlled union at the factory, and forced many workers to sign a petition denouncing the union's demands. Union leaders also received anonymous phone calls threatening violence.

After the 2 April attacks management demanded that nine union leaders resign from D&D. When they refused, management called the police, who threatened to arrest those who did not agree to resign. Most did, except the union president, who was forcibly removed from the factory and threatened with violence. Complaints and demands for reinstatement to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMA) were to no avail. It took months of pressure from buyers, urged by the accord, to convince D&D management to reinstate the union leaders, which they finally did on 15 December 2015.

Chevron sacks union organisers: In May 2015 US-based oil and gas giant Chevron responded to its workers' decision to create a union by sacking the organisers.

Chevron Bangladesh employed 463 workers but only 37 of them had permanent contracts, with the rest remaining on rolling temporary contracts, in some cases for 20 years. This is against the Bangladeshi labour law that limits temporary employment to three months. The management ignored repeated verbal and written requests from the workers over many years, calling for changes to their unacceptable conditions of employment. After years of intimidation, the workers decided to form a workplace union, following the legal process. The new Chevron workers' union filed for official registration with the labour authorities on 14 April 2015. Out of the workforce of 463, 218 workers joined. On 20 May 75 employees filed cases at the Labour Court claiming their right permanent employment status.

Management reacted to the workers' union registration aggressively. On 26 May management mobilised police and security forces to blockade the union office. Workers defied the police and demonstrated in front of the office. The following day, 27 May 2015, Chevron dismissed 17 workers, posting a list of their names outside its office. The list included all the newly elected leaders of the new union, notably president Saiful Islam, Kamaluddin, General Secretary, and Hasanur Rahman Manik, Organising Secretary.

In response to demands by the Bangladesh Chemical, Energy and Allied Workers' Federation (BCEAWF) to reinstate the workers, make their jobs permanent and allow them to form a trade union, Chevron argued that they were not responsible for the workers' mistreatment, saying a third party labour broker was their employer.

40 workers hurt in clash with police: At least 40 workers from an Otobi furniture factory were injured during a clash with police on the outskirts of the capital on 5 May 2015. The workers were demonstrating in front of their factory to demand the payment of two months' salary arrears. Repeated calls for payment had been in vain. As the workers grew more agitated, reportedly throwing projectiles, the police responded with force, firing rubber bullets and releasing tear gas canister. At least 40 of the workers required treatment at local hospitals.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Argentina

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Argentina, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa7b15.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Workers repressed on International Women's Day: On 8 March 2016, a demonstation by the Minority and Education Labourers and Employees Union, composed mainly of school cafeteria cooks and porters, was violently repressed outside the General Directorate of Schools in La Plata. The union was demanding a pay rise of a minimum of 10,000 pesos, by not performing certain tasks and through peaceful demonstrations.

Repression of teachers' march in Santiago del Estero: On 7 March 2016, teachers from Santiago del Estero, affiliated to the Santiago Circle of Middle and High School Teachers (Cisadems) took part in a march to demand an increase in their basic salary, the lowest in the country. When the march was nearing its end, it met with fierce repression that left several wounded, and two people were arrested.

The General Secretary of Cisadems, Ana Blanco, explained that there had been a huge police operation to try to prevent the Santiago teachers' march, which began early in the day. Several union members from outside the town were intercepted and their vehicles impounded en route by the police to prevent them reaching the march.

Leader of CTA Autonoma arrested: On 26 January 2015, Rodolfo Aguiar, general secretary of the public workers' union Asociacion Trabajadores del Estado (ATE) and the Rio Negro branch of CTA Autonoma, was arrested for taking part in the protest action against the dismissal of 12 subcontracted workers from the University of Comahue in Fisque Menuco (General Roca). The Federal Court of Rio Negro had already prosecuted Aguiar in October 2015 for roadblocks that had been set up in August and December 2013.

Police brutality against workers in La Plata: On 8 January 2016, CTA Autonoma denounced the police brutality against striking municipal employees in La Plata, which left six workers seriously injured. The strike had been called following the mayors' decision to dismiss 4500 workers.

Repression of Cresta Roja workers' protest: On 22 December 2015, the public workers' association Asociacion Trabajadores del Estado (ATE) denounced the police repression of the protest being staged by employees of the Cresta Roja poultry company to demand the payment of their wages and the preservation of their jobs.

The ATE questioned the action taken by members of the Gendarmerie, on the orders of the National Security Secretary, Eugenio Burzaco, to forcibly remove the employees who were staging a partial roadblock on the highway leading to Ezeiza airport. The workers were dislodged despite having already come to an agreement with the National Security Secretary that vehicles would be allowed to circulate freely.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Algeria

Publisher International Trade Union Confederation Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as International Trade Union Confederation, 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index - Algeria, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799aa7c15.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Contract teachers' protest violently suppressed: On 21 March 2016, in Algiers, a sit-in being held by contract teachers in front of the Education Ministry was violently dispersed by the police. The teachers were responding to the call of the Comite des Enseignants Contractuels et Vacataires (Committee of Contractual and Replacement Teachers). The teachers, some of whom have been in their jobs for 10 to 15 years, have been demanding permanent posts for several years. The demonstrators who refused to move were beaten. According to Human Rights Watch, two women teachers were kicked by police officers. The ITUC, which lent its support to the demonstrators, reported that one of them, Fullah Jalal, had suffered a fracture to her leg. Around thirty teachers who had taken refuge at the Maison des Syndicats and spent the night there were arrested on 22 March, at dawn, and taken to the police station in Mohammedia. They were released at the end of the day.

The protest movement spread. In the Kabylie region, hundreds of contract teachers rallied in Bejaia, from where they began a march to Algiers on 27 March. Many others joined them on route. After over 200km, there were between a thousand and two thousand marchers. But on 4 April, in Boudouaou, on the outskirts of Algiers, the police forced the teachers to end their march. A number of them subsequently embarked on a hunger strike.

These actions were strongly supported by the most active teachers' unions.

Several trade unionists and human rights activists arrested at the Maison des Syndicats: On 6 February 2016, at around 10.30 a.m., on the orders of the Wali (governor) of Algiers, several hundred police officers surrounded the Maison des Syndicats in Bab Ezzouar, to the east of Algiers, to prevent the holding of a meeting to discuss the country's social, economic and political situation. Several people were arrested, including Lofti Allam, president of the Syndicat National du Transport (SNATT), and human rights activists, Salah Dabouz, president of the Algerian human rights defence league, LADDH, and Hacene Ferhati of SOS Disparus (SOS Disappeared).

Relentless repression of social protest in industrial sector: During a strike at the end of April at ArcelorMittal Pipes and Tubes Algeria (AMPTA), two trade union representatives were suspended and then dismissed for "incitement to violence and illegal strike action". The management's refusal to reinstate Lofti Farah, general secretary of the UGTA-affiliated union, and Abdelghani Atil, president of the participation committee, led to a deadlock in the dispute that continued unresolved at the end of 2015.

During a strike initiated on May Day in Oran, two trade unionists (UGTA) were dismissed by the management of the tramway company SETRAM, linked to the French transport group RATP. The strike subsequently spread to Algiers and Constantine and led to the dismissal of a third trade unionist in the capital. The Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH) and the International Transport Federation denounced these practices violating the labour law and trade union rights.

In June, six workers on strike at the national gold mining company, ENOR, in Tamanrasset, were dismissed.

During the first half of 2015, workers' representatives at Peugeot-Algeria reported the many tactics used by the management to obstruct the exercise of trade union rights. The local UGTA branch, after receiving no response to two requests to hold a general meeting of workers, finally held the meeting outside the company's premises on 14 March, the day prior to the election of a "participation committee" supported by the management. Acting in breach of the national legislation on labour rights as well as the provisions of the PSA group's global framework agreement on social responsibility, it also dismissed one of the workers' representatives.

In October, the management at transport company ETUSA suspended nine workers, including four trade unionists (UGTA), during a protest.

On 1 December, during a protest at the industrial vehicles company SNVI in the Rouiba industrial zone, anti-riot police repressed demonstrators, injuring several of them and detaining 12 workers, including one trade union representative, for several hours.

Following the establishment of a union (UGTA) in mid-November at SNC BAPIVA, the company in charge of the Tizi-Ouzou cable car project, the management sacked three trade union representatives.

Copyright notice:  ITUC-CSI-IGB 2010
Bali Declaration on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime

Publisher Regional Treaties, Agreements, Declarations and Related Publication Date 23 March 2016 Cite as Regional Treaties, Agreements, Declarations and Related, Bali Declaration on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime, 23 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5799ef3c4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Comments The Sixth Ministerial Conference of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

1. We, Ministers and representatives of member states and organisations of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, note with concern the growing scale and complexity of irregular migration challenges, both within and outside the Asia Pacific region. We are particularly concerned by the tragic loss of life at sea, and by the abuse and exploitation of migrants and refugees at the hands of people smugglers and human traffickers. We also acknowledge that irregular migration poses social, economic, and security concerns for affected countries, with implication for regional and global stability.

2. We welcome the important contributions of member states and the support provided by member organisations in addressing the challenges posed by irregular migration. We welcome regional efforts to date, particularly by the most affected countries, in responding to the irregular movement of persons in the region, including in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean. We note the decline in irregular movement of persons in these waters in the second half of 2015, attributable to the resolute actions by affected countries to disrupt smuggling networks, among other factors.

3. While recognising the sovereign rights and legitimate interests of states to safeguard their borders and determine their migration policies, consistent with relevant international law, we underline that the transnational nature of irregular migration requires a comprehensive regional approach, based on the principles of burden sharing and collective responsibility. We reaffirm our commitment to our respective international legal obligations and encourage members to identify and provide safety and protection to migrants, victims of human trafficking, smuggled persons, asylum seekers and refugees, whilst addressing the needs of vulnerable groups including women and children, and taking into account prevailing national laws and circumstances.

4. We underline the need to address the root causes of irregular movement of persons and forced displacement, and the frequent linkage between the breakdown of good governance and the ease of people smuggling and irregular migrant ventures. Our collective response should promote good governance, rule of law, full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, a sense of security and belonging, inclusive economic growth, livelihood opportunities, access to basic services, social tolerance and understanding, and measures to prevent and reduce statelessness, consistent with relevant international instruments. We note with appreciation the humanitarian and development assistance offered by partner countries through bilateral, regional and multilateral arrangements towards at-risk communities, and we encourage continued, inclusive development cooperation within the region. We recognise the need to enhance safe and orderly migration pathways, including for migrant workers, to provide an alternative to dangerous irregular movement.

5. We acknowledge the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing irregular migration by land, air and sea, including victim-centered and protection-sensitive strategies, as appropriate. We recognise the need to grant protection for those entitled to it, consistent with relevant international legal instruments and in all cases, the principle of non-refoulement should be strictly respected. Against a backdrop of increasingly mixed migratory movements, we welcome efforts by member states to improve identification of those with protection needs, including through effective and efficient screening processes, paying particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups. We encourage states to work to identify more predictable disembarkation options. We welcome efforts by members to strengthen information sharing to provide accurate data on the whereabouts of migrants and vessels stranded at sea. We encourage further capacity building of the relevant agencies in search and rescue operations.

6. We encourage member states to explore potential temporary protection and local stay arrangements for asylum seekers and refugees, subject to domestic laws and policies of member states. We acknowledge the need for adequate access to irregular migrants wherever they are, by humanitarian providers especially the UNHCR and the IOM, as appropriate. We encourage member states to explore alternatives to detention for vulnerable groups.

7. We acknowledge the importance of civil registration in providing identity and basic protection for individuals, as well as helping states track migration flows. We recall the 2014 Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Asia and the Pacific which proclaimed a shared vision that, by 2024, all people in Asia and the Pacific should benefit from universal and responsive civil registration and vital statistics systems. We therefore encourage members to continue working towards this target.

8. We are deeply concerned by the activities of transnational organised criminal groups that profit from smuggling and trafficking of human beings and continue to put lives at risk. We recognise that although people smuggling and trafficking in persons are distinct crime types, they often overlap. We encourage members to effectively criminalise people smuggling and trafficking in persons, in accordance with relevant international law, and regional instruments. We acknowledge the need for robust mechanisms that promote international cooperation, including law enforcement cooperation, mutual legal assistance and extradition, if applicable, to facilitate timely investigation and prosecution of offenders. We recognise that trafficking in persons constitutes a serious violation of human rights and that trafficking victims should be provided with assistance and protection. We encourage further law enforcement capacity building to combat people smugglers and human traffickers, and to target the financial incentives of related transnational crimes.

9. We recognise the need for comprehensive and long-term solutions for mixed migration flows, which by definition can include refugees and irregular migrants, and the collective role of countries in the region in finding solutions. We welcome provision of resettlement places which allow refugees to start new lives in safety, subject to the domestic laws and policies of member states. We also welcome appropriate local solutions.

10. We recognise that timely, safe and dignified return of those found not to be entitled to international protection is an important element of orderly migration. We acknowledge that while voluntary return is preferred, a comprehensive and balanced approach to migration management may include involuntary return of those found not to be entitled to international protection, consistent with human rights and humanitarian laws. We encourage members to ensure that all returns are carried out in full respect of human rights, and recognise the responsibility of states to accept the return of their nationals. We should improve cooperation on sustainable return and reintegration strategies, including supporting source countries' initiatives to enhance their absorption capacity particularly through community-based investments in return areas, and by sharing information and good practices.

11. We recognise that the large flows of people in the Asia-Pacific provide both challenges and opportunities for governments in the region. We therefore welcome efforts and initiatives by member states to expand safe, legal and affordable migration pathways and reduce migrant exploitation, including by regulating and legalising labour migration flows, ensuring transparent and fair recruitment processes and exploring viable temporary migration schemes.

12. We recognise the need to engage constructively with the private sector to expand legal and legitimate opportunities for labour migration and to combat human trafficking and related exploitation, including by promoting and implementing humane, non-abusive labour practices throughout their supply chains.

13. We intend to scale up public information campaigns to raise awareness of the risks of irregular migration, the existing regular migration pathways, and the serious determination of law enforcement authorities to bring smugglers and traffickers to justice.

14. We reaffirm the value of the Bali Process as a voluntary, inclusive, non-binding forum for policy dialogue, information-sharing and capacity building, and we are committed to have a mechanism of the Bali Process to facilitate timely and proactive consultation to respond to emergency situations. We underline the need to translate political commitments into concrete actions. We acknowledge the tangible efforts by governments and also welcome the work of the Regional Support Office in this regard. We acknowledge the role that international organisations, the private sector and civil society play to help address the challenges caused by human trafficking and irregular migration, and encourage members to engage with them accordingly. We also recognise the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination among members, and with other ongoing regional and global initiatives.
Turkey: In call with Foreign Minister, Ban seeks update on current probe into attempted coup

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Turkey: In call with Foreign Minister, Ban seeks update on current probe into attempted coup, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0a2a40c.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

27 July 2016 - In a telephone call with the Turkish Foreign Minister today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sought an update on current investigations and measures to hold those responsible for the attempted coup to account, and reiterated his expectation that Turkey adhere to its international human rights obligations.

"Heartened by the Government and opposition rallying around upholding the Republic, the Secretary-General trusts that the Government and people of Turkey will transform this moment of uncertainty into a moment of unity, preserving Turkey's democracy," the Secretary-General said in a statement issued by his spokesperson's office.

During the phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Mr. Ban expressed his solidarity and sympathies to the Government of Turkey and the families of the victims of the 15 July coup attempt.

"While recognizing the extraordinary circumstances prevailing in the country following the coup attempt, the Secretary-General expressed his expectation that Turkey adhere to its international human rights obligations, upholding fundamental rights and universal principles, including the freedom of expression, freedom of movement and peaceful assembly, independence of the judiciary and of the legal profession, right to fair trial and strict adherence to due process," according to the statement.

The Secretary-General also expressed his concern over the extent of the recent governmental decree regarding the implementation of the state of emergency, which enlists a number of measures restricting the full exercise of individual rights.

While welcoming the announced release of 1,200 military detainees, the Secretary-General referred to "worrying reports" of mistreatment and abuse of some of those who are still in custody and their detention conditions.

He also underscored his deep concern about the scope of continuing widespread arrests, detentions and suspensions, which reportedly cover many segments of Turkish society and Government institutions.

"Credible evidence on those under investigation has to be presented swiftly to the judicial system so that legal determination could be made before the court of law," the statement said.

Last week, Mr. Ban urged Turkish authorities to ensure that constitutional order and international human rights law are fully respected following the declaration of a three-month state of emergency as a result of the attempted military coup.

According to media reports, thousands of soldiers have been arrested and hundreds of judiciary members removed since the uprising, which left at least 290 people dead and more than 2,000 injured following a night of violence.
Root causes of Boko Haram threat in Lake Chad Basin must be tackled  UN political chief

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Root causes of Boko Haram threat in Lake Chad Basin must be tackled  UN political chief, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0a8340b.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

27 July 2016 - To bring an end to the Boko Haram threat in the Lake Chad Basin region, affected countries must address the root causes that contributed to the emergence of the group, including the social, economic and political grievances of marginalized communities, the top United Nations political affairs official said today.

"A military approach, while essential, will not bring end to the Boko Haram threat," Jeffrey Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told the Security Council in his briefing on peace and security in Africa.

He said the Boko Haram crisis must be addressed holistically and beyond "an exclusively security lens" and that Lake Chad Basin countries - Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria - need international support so that military operations are followed by stabilization measures and restoration of state authority.

Attacks by Boko Haram continue, mainly in north-eastern Nigeria and southern Niger, and to a lesser extent, in northern Cameroon and the Lac region of Chad, he said. Terrorists persist in targeting innocent civilians, including through suicide attacks, often using young children. Despite commendable regional efforts, the group continues to threaten regional stability, as illustrated by the 3 June attack on a military base in Bosso town, south-eastern Niger.

The regional offensive involving Chadian, Cameroonian, Nigerian and Nigerien troops operating under the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has recaptured 80 per cent of areas once under Boko Haram control, freed thousands of captives and prevented terrorist attacks.

Mr. Feltman said, however, that Lake Chad Basin countries have expressed their growing impatience over delays by international partners to support the MNJTF financially, as the Force's success depends on timely and actionable intelligence as well as specialized counter-terrorism skills and equipment, given the evolving tactics of Boko Haram.

The UN and the five countries from the Sahel - Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger - will together produce the outline of a capacity building framework for counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, including concrete regional projects, he said.

The Second Regional Security Summit for the Lake Chad Basin held on 14 May in Abuja, reaffirmed the need to address the root causes. Among the noteworthy recommendations was the need to utilize the services of community and religious leaders to discourage impressionable youth from being radicalized and to lead de-radicalization programmes.

Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, briefs the Security Council at its meeting meeting on the humanitarian, protection and security situation in the Lake Chad Basin in Africa. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

On the human rights front, Mr. Feltman said the UN has received reports of increased incidents of sexual and gender-based violence among the displaced. States must adopt measures to protect civilians and respect due process when dealing with persons arrested for Boko Haram-related charges. Children used by Boko Haram should be treated as victims and dealt with in accordance with international standards for juvenile justice.

The Boko Haram crisis has devastated the region's economy, he went on. Economic growth dropped sharply with the decline of oil prices and other commodities. Decreasing resources affects the states' ability to deliver basic social services and to pay the salaries of security forces and civil servants.

Insecurity has disrupted trade routes between Chad and Nigeria, interrupting the supply of basic goods and producing price hikes. Youth unemployment is at a worrisome high, providing recruitment ground for Boko Haram, Mr. Feltman noted.

Also briefing the Council was Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, who stressed the need to urgently strengthen international attention on the "neglected" situation in the Lake Chad Basin, which hosts Africa's fastest growing displacement crisis.

Across the Lake Chad Basin, the UN estimates that over nine million people need humanitarian assistance, he said. About 2.8 million of these people have been displaced, fleeing violent attacks in their towns and villages. Children are particularly vulnerable, especially the 1.7 million children who have been displaced across the Lake Chad Basin.

Nigeria is bearing the brunt of the crisis, he noted. Nigeria accounts for seven million of the nine million people in need across the Lake Chad Basin. Last month, the Nigerian authorities rightly declared a nutrition emergency for Borno state. Direct reports from the field indicate that affected communities are rapidly running out of food.

"We have no time to lose: the lean season, which puts millions in this region at real risk of hunger and malnutrition each year across the Lake Chad Basin, has already started," Mr. O'Brien said. "If we do not act now, the human suffering will only get more extreme."

In Niger, one single attack by Boko Haram left over 70,000 people displaced in Bosso town in June this year, bringing the total number of displaced people in the Diffa region to over 160,000. Niger is the poorest country in the world; yet despite living on virtually nothing, families there have welcomed the displaced into their homes, and shared their meagre supplies of food and water with the newcomers.

The UN humanitarian chief also said that needs are also dire in Chad's Lac region, where there are over 60,000 registered displaced persons, and tens of thousands who have not yet been registered.

In the Far North region of Cameroon, which has been under a state of emergency and lock-down for security reasons, the number of people in need of immediate food assistance has quadrupled since June 2015, to over 200,000 today, and the total number of internally displaced persons has increased in the same period to around 190,000.

Humanitarian actors have been scaling up their assistance, despite a dangerous operating environment. It is urgent to complement their efforts with increased development assistance.

"We all know that the humanitarian response in itself is insufficient to re-establish people's lives and livelihoods," he said, stressing the need to move from delivering aid to 'ending need,' a crucial outcome for the World Humanitarian Summit. That means that, in parallel to providing life-saving assistance and protection, political actors must address the root causes of the violence, and development partners must address the drivers of vulnerability across this region.

The means to support the humanitarian response in northeast Nigeria, and throughout the Lake Chad Basin, does not match the staggering scale of need, he said, noting that the 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan for Nigeria is only 28 per cent funded, while those of Niger, Cameroon and Chad are similarly under-funded. He appealed again to Member States to increase their contributions to the ongoing humanitarian operation "rapidly, now."
UN experts urge Dominican Republic to protect women's rights to reproductive health

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN experts urge Dominican Republic to protect women's rights to reproductive health, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0acb40b.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

27 July 2016 - Expressing serious concern over the proposed penal code amendment that would criminalize abortions, United Nations human rights experts today urged the Dominican Republic's President and legislators to protect women's rights to sexual and reproductive health in the Caribbean country.

We urge Dominican authorities to repeal all restrictive legal provisions regarding abortion, especially in cases of risk to the health, including mental health, of the woman or girl, of rape and incest and of fatal impairment of the foetus, they stressed in a press release.

The experts' call comes at a time when the Dominican Senate will debate the reform of the Penal Code, which was adopted by the Chamber of Deputies and promulgated by the President in 2014. The code partially decriminalized the access to abortion services under three circumstances, including when the life of a pregnant women or girl was at risk, when the foetus could not survive outside the womb and when the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest.

The proposed text of the Criminal Code establishes that women who induce the termination of their pregnancy will be liable to two to three year-imprisonment sentences. Health professionals who perform abortions under any circumstances other than risk to the pregnant woman or girl's life will be liable to four to 10 years in jail. Under the proposed amendment, terminating a pregnancy is only available in one case: when there is a risk for the life of the pregnant woman or girl.

In comparison with the text of the Criminal Code adopted in 2014, the new proposal to amend the Dominican Criminal Code constitutes a clear regression in women's and girls' rights, especially to access safe healthcare services, the experts said.

Reducing access to such health services violates women's and girls' right to be protected against gender-based discrimination and from torture and ill-treatment, they said.

The Dominican Republic did not seize this key moment of legislative amendment to reaffirm its commitment towards the elimination of gender discrimination in its legislation and to advance women's and adolescents' sexual and reproductive rights but, rather, is attempting to remove crucial rights to reproductive health, the experts deplored.

They urged President Danilo Medina and its government to take all necessary measures in accordance with their international human rights obligations, to ensure that women and girls have effective and safe access to all necessary healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive services.
Yemen: Amid rising tensions in Taiz, senior UN official calls for humanitarian pause

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Yemen: Amid rising tensions in Taiz, senior UN official calls for humanitarian pause, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0b5740d.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

27 July 2016 - Extremely concerned by reports of rising tensions in Yemen's Taizz governorate, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the crisis-gripped country has called for a "humanitarian pause" to protect civilians.

"I call on all parties to agree immediately to a humanitarian pause in order to protect civilians and work with the UN and humanitarian partners to facilitate the treatment and evacuation of the war wounded and the delivery of urgently needed medicine and other life-saving assistance," said Jamie McGoldrick in a statement issued yesterday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The Humanitarian Coordinator said he is particularly concerned about the reinforcement of the closure on Taizz city as well as the escalation of hostilities in the area of Al-Sarari.

"I remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation under international humanitarian law to allow sustained and unconditional humanitarian access to all people in need of assistance," said Mr. McGoldrick.

"It is unacceptable to hold civilian populations hostage and deprived of humanitarian assistance in pursuit of political and military gains. All parties who violate international humanitarian law must remember that they could be held to account," he added.

The cessation of hostilities declared on 10 April to end nearly 16 months of conflict in Yemen has continued to provide relief from violence in many parts of the country, but serious violations have occurred in Marib, al Jawf, Taiz and in the border areas with Saudi Arabia.
UN rushes to ramp up support for South Sudan's battle against cholera outbreak

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN rushes to ramp up support for South Sudan's battle against cholera outbreak, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0bcc40b.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

27 July 2016 - The United Nations and its partners are rushing to ramp up support for South Sudan's fight to contain a cholera outbreak through measures, including an oral vaccination campaign to reach over 14,000 people and the creation of treatment and rehydration centres.

Across the country, 271 cholera cases have been reported, including 14 deaths since 12 July 2016.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that causes massive loss of body fluids and can be deadly within hours if not adequately treated, Dr. Abdulmumini Usman, Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) for South Sudan, said in a press release.

WHO is taking all the necessary control measures to support the Ministry of Health to respond to the situation urgently, and put an end to this outbreak, he added.

With the conditions favourable for transmission of cholera due to increased population displacement, overcrowding, poor hygiene and sanitation, this outbreak could further exacerbate an already weak health system which is also battling malnutrition, measles and malaria.

The risk of further spread of diseases is a major concern. With the coming rains, it is realistic to expect an increase in malaria and water-borne diseases. Consequently, we can expect medical needs to increase in an environment where WHO and partners are already working hard to keep up with existing health needs, says Dr. Abdulmumini.

A National Cholera Taskforce, comprising the Ministry of Health, WHO, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and other partners, has been activated and is providing oversight and coordination for the response to the cholera outbreak.

Treatment centre, rehydration points established

WHO, with support from partners, has established a cholera treatment centre capable of treating 100 patients at Juba Teaching Hospital, while strengthening disease surveillance and comprehensive disease investigation, including following up on people who may have come into contact with the disease.

To improve access to timely rehydration, UNICEF supported the establishment of eight oral rehydration points.

WHO, along with the Ministry of Health and partners, was set to launch an oral cholera vaccination campaign from Tuesday at various sites including communities in Gorom and Giada and special populations such as internally displaced people in Tomping, in order to reach over 14,000 people.

Additionally, WHO and partners are supporting social mobilization and community engagement activities. The media is currently airing cholera prevention messages and a toll-free phone line to report cholera cases has been activated.

WHO and partners have delivered supplies including tents and cholera kits that provide treatment for 400 people. To improve case detection and treatment of cholera, WHO has also distributed cholera preparedness and response guidelines.

More funds needed

With 4.4 million people in need of health assistance, funding is urgently needed to respond to the rising needs. The South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan launched earlier this year requests $110 million, of which $31.3 million, or 29 per cent, has been received.

Of this amount, WHO requires $17.5 million for this year, of which only $4.3 million has been received.

We have this opportunity to save, improve and protect the health of millions of people before it gets worse, said Dr. Abdulmumini. WHO is committed to containing the cholera outbreak in South Sudan but, without urgent funding, we cannot implement most of the planned interventions. We need donors and partners to urgently fund our operations.
Indonesia: UN rights chief urges region's 'most prolific executioner' to end practice

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Indonesia: UN rights chief urges region's 'most prolific executioner' to end practice, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0beb411.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

27 July 2016 - The United Nations human rights chief today expressed alarm at reports that up to 14 people face imminent execution in Indonesia, most of them for drug-related offences, calling on the authorities of the most prolific executioner in Southeast Asia to immediately reinstate a moratorium on the death penalty.

The executions will reportedly be carried out later this week at a high security prison on Nusa Kambangan island in central Java. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed its deep concern about the lack of transparency throughout the process and compliance with fair trial guarantees, including the right to appeal.

The increasing use of the death penalty in Indonesia is terribly worrying, and I urge the Government to immediately end this practice which is unjust and incompatible with human rights, said High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein Zeid.

I find it deeply disturbing that Indonesia has already executed 19 people since 2013, making it the most prolific executioner in Southeast Asia, he said.

I find it deeply disturbing that Indonesia has already executed 19 people since 2013, making it the most prolific executioner in Southeast Asia

The UN opposes the use of capital punishment in all circumstances.

Indonesia suspended a four-year de facto moratorium on the death penalty in March 2013, in a decision that runs counter to an international trend towards the abolition of the death penalty. Several of the individuals put to death in Indonesia since 2013 have been executed for drug-related offences.

Mr. Zeid stressed that under international law, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Indonesia has ratified, the countries which have not abolished the death penalty may only use capital punishment for the most serious crimes.

Drug-related offences do not fall under this threshold of most serious crimes, which have been interpreted to mean only crimes involving intentional killing, he said.

Zeid acknowledged the challenges faced by Indonesia in combatting drug-related crimes, but stressed that the country's response must be rooted in international human rights law.

The death penalty is not an effective deterrent relative to other forms of punishment nor does it protect people from drug abuse, he said, adding that the focus of drug-related crime prevention should involve strengthening the justice system and making it more effective.
Indonesia: Indicted General Unfit for Cabinet Post

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 28 July 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Indonesia: Indicted General Unfit for Cabinet Post, 28 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0cd74.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo should reverse his decision to appoint a former general indicted for crimes against humanity as his new security minister, Human Rights Watch said today.

The former general, Wiranto, was chief of Indonesia's armed forces in 1999 when the Indonesian army and military-backed militias carried out numerous atrocities against East Timorese after they voted for independence. In February 2003, he was indicted for crimes against humanity by the United Nations-sponsored Special Panels for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court and named as a chief suspect by the Indonesian Human Rights Commission. The charges against Wiranto are so serious that in 2004 the United States placed Wiranto and five others accused of crimes in East Timor on a visa watch list that could bar them from entering the country.

"President Jokowi's decision to appoint Wiranto to his cabinet is a slap in the face to Indonesians seeking accountability for past atrocities in Indonesia," said Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Wiranto's alleged complicity in murder, arson, and mass forced expulsions in East Timor in 1999 entitles him to a fair criminal trial, not a seat in the cabinet."

When East Timor voted for independence in September 1999 in a UN-administered referendum, the Indonesian military and pro-Jakarta Timorese militias went on a campaign of killing and other abuses. An estimated 1,000 to 2,000 East Timorese civilians lost their lives in the months before, and days immediately after, the vote. Approximately 500,000 people were forced from their homes or fled to seek refuge.

On February 24, 2003, the UN-sponsored East Timor Serious Crimes Unit filed an indictment for crimes against humanity against Wiranto and three other Indonesian generals, three colonels and the former governor of East Timor. The charges included murder, arson, destruction of property and forced relocation. The indictment covers crimes committed before and after East Timor's referendum on independence, and the Serious Crimes Unit submitted 1,500 pages of evidence in support. However, Indonesia's then-foreign minister, Hasan Wirajuda, said the government would "simply ignore" the indictments by the UN-sponsored tribunal. In addition, the Indonesian Attorney General's office ignored the recommendations of its own national human rights commission that Wiranto be put on trial, allowing Wiranto to remain free from criminal prosecution.

Wiranto ran as candidate in the 2004 presidential election for the Golkar party.

"By offering Wiranto a cabinet position, President Jokowi is undermining his own important efforts to obtain accountability for the terrible abuses of Indonesia's past," Kine said. "The United Nations, along with the US, Australia and EU countries, among others, should urgently communicate to Jokowi their concern and revulsion that an individual implicated in crimes against humanity is now the country's security chief."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Senegal: New Steps to Protect Talibes, Street Children

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 28 July 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Senegal: New Steps to Protect Talibes, Street Children, 28 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0d1c4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Senegalese government's recent initiative to remove children including those forced to beg by their Quranic teachers from the streets is an important step in reforming a deeply entrenched system of exploitation, Human Rights Watch and the Platform for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (PPDH), a coalition of 40 Senegalese children's rights organizations, said today. The groups urged authorities to sustain the momentum with investigations and prosecutions of teachers and others who commit serious violations against children.

During the first half of 2016, at least five children living in residential Quranic schools died, allegedly as a result of beatings meted out by their teachers, known as marabouts, or in traffic accidents while being forced to beg. In 2015 and 2016, dozens of these children, known as talibes, have also been severely beaten, chained, and sexually abused or violently attacked while begging. The deaths and other abuses highlight the urgency with which the government should penalize those responsible for abuse and regulate the traditional Quranic schools, known as daaras.

"Talibes have suffered abuses and dangers that no child should ever have to face," said Corinne Dufka, West Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "While the government's recent actions are commendable, removing talibes from the streets will not lead to long-term change unless Quranic schools are regulated and offending teachers are held accountable."

On June 30, 2016, Senegalese President Macky Sall ordered that all street children should be removed, placed in transit centers, and returned to their parents. Anyone forcing them to beg would be fined or imprisoned, he warned. By mid-July, authorities had removed more than 300 children  including many talibes and runaway talibes  from the streets of Dakar. According to local activists and media, several other regions have also begun the initiative, which authorities plan to extend nation-wide.

Though arrests of abusive marabouts have increased slightly over the past year, courts in Senegal have prosecuted only a handful of cases, most involving deaths or the most extreme abuse; forced child begging is almost never prosecuted. Human Rights Watch and PPDH also noted an urgent need for accessible legal services to help talibe victims obtain access to justice.

Among the cases Human Rights Watch documented in 2016:

In January, a man in Diourbel allegedly lured four talibes to his home and raped them.

In February, a 9-year-old talibe was beaten to death by his Quranic teacher in the city of Louga. Around the same time, a talibe in the Colobane neighborhood of Dakar was allegedly violently attacked by a stranger in the streets.

Also in February, a marabout in Diourbel, arrested for shackling the legs of more than a dozen talibes, was released without charge.

In March, a Quranic teacher allegedly attempted to bury a talibe in Dakar's Thiaroye cemetery without legal authorization.

Also in March, a talibe was allegedly abducted from the streets of Dakar; his whereabouts remain unknown.

Two talibes died after being hit by cars while begging in the streets of Saint-Louis, in March and April.

In April, a marabout's assistant allegedly beat a 7-year-old talibe in Saint-Louis to the point of critical condition.

In June, a 13-year-old talibe died in the Parcelles Assainies borough of Dakar, allegedly after his marabout severely beat him with a rubber whip for failing to memorize a verse of the Quran.

Human Rights Watch obtained the figures for 2015 and 2016 through detailed analysis of credible media reports on talibe cases, as well as interviews with Senegalese non-governmental organizations, activists, child protection experts, and government officials involved in social services, child protection and anti-trafficking.

From a very young age, tens of thousands of talibe children in Senegal are sent by their parents to live and study at Quranic schools  a practice grounded in religious and cultural tradition. Over the past decade, many Quranic teachers have taken advantage of the unregulated system to exploit and mistreat the children in their care.

Living and sleeping environments in the offending daaras are cramped and unhygienic. Many talibes suffer from severe malnutrition, diseases, and untreated wounds. Long hours on the streets begging put the boys at risk for physical and sexual abuse. Many Quranic teachers regularly administer corporal punishment, and numerous children have died as a result of abuse or neglect, including nine in a 2013 daara fire.

"The death of talibe children as a result of corporal punishment and abuse by some Quranic teachers must no longer remain unpunished," said Mamadou Wane, president of PPDH. "These killings and other acts of child abuse are the consequences of failing to prosecute perpetrators and imposing weak criminal penalties."

Human Rights Watch and PPDH have researched and reported on abuses against talibes in Senegal since 2010, documenting scores of cases of forced begging, physical abuse, neglect, and deprivation of their rights to basic health care and education, recreation, and protection against the worst forms of child labor.

Senegal has ratified all major international conventions on children's rights, and child exploitation and abuse are criminalized under its Penal Code and a 2005 anti-trafficking law. However, the government's failure to consistently enforce existing law or to pass legislation regulating the Quranic school system has appeared to embolden abusive Quranic teachers.

Despite the recent steps by the Senegalese government and the efforts of local activists, non-governmental organizations, some religious teachers, and the National Task Force Against Human Trafficking (Cellule nationale de lutte contre la traite des personnes, CNLTP) under Senegal's Ministry of Justice, abuses against talibes remain pervasive. In the 2016 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report, which ranks countries on their efforts to combat modern-day slavery, Senegal was downgraded from Tier 2 to Tier 2 Watch List. (Countries are ranked from Tier 1, the highest ranking, to Tier 2, Tier 2 Watch List, and finally Tier 3, the lowest and most serious ranking.)

"It should not be only the most extreme cases of talibe deaths that shake the nation and wake up political leaders to the gravity and scale of suffering," Dufka said. "All children have the right to quality education, a nourishing and healthy environment, a life free from abuse and exploitation, and redress in the case of abuse."

Senegal should prioritize adoption of the currently stalled draft law to regulate Quranic schools, which would impose universal standards and eliminate begging. The government should also increase training of law enforcement and the judiciary in children's rights, increase enforcement of existing law, and take steps to address the lack of legal support services for talibe victims, Human Rights Watch and PPDH said.

As the operation to remove the talibes from the streets is carried out, the Senegalese government should ensure that transit centers meet international standards, that the children's rights are respected at all times, and that efforts to reunite children with their families are adequately supported. Steps should also be taken to guarantee the children's right to education, including in the transit centers.

"The first priority is enforcement of child protection law; the second is the passage of the draft daara regulation law," Wane said. "People talk about 'socio-cultural factors,' but no culture accepts that children should be treated like slaves."

State of the Talibe System

Tens of thousands of talibes  typically boys between 5 and 15  are exploited and mistreated across Senegal. In 2010, Human Rights Watch estimated that at least 50,000 children lived in exploitative and abusive Quranic schools across Senegal's 14 regions. A 2014 daara mapping by the national anti-trafficking unit found more than 1,000 daaras and 54,000 talibes in the Dakar region alone, of whom more than 30,000 were forced to beg daily. A mapping of Senegal's northern Saint-Louis department in 2016 counted more than 200 daaras and 14,000 talibes, with more than 9,000 compelled to beg, a researcher involved in the mapping reported to Human Rights Watch, just before President Sall's June order to halt forced begging.

By no means is every daara exploitative. A number of Quranic teachers champion the movement to improve the system and protecting talibe rights. However, many others have operated as businesses under the pretext of teaching the Quran.

Many Quranic teachers set up these "schools" in abandoned or run-down buildings, typically in conditions of extreme squalor. Most talibes sleep on the floor, unprotected from malaria-carrying mosquitos. The children's days consist of Quranic studies alternated with up to 10 hours of forced begging on the streets for "alms"  food or money. Few talibes receive health care or education beyond memorizing the Quran. Lessons are often punctuated by corporal punishment, and failure to bring back daily quotas of money from 500 to 2,000 francs CFA (US$1 to US$4) can result in severe beatings.

According to a UN expert on human trafficking in Senegal, the estimated 30,000 talibes begging in Dakar alone have generated an estimated 5 billion francs CFA (US$8 million) per year for Quranic teachers.

"We haven't collected enough money yet, so we can't go back [to the daara]," two young talibes, wandering late at night on the streets of Dakar, told Human Rights Watch in early 2016. The boys, who did not know their ages, were from the far-south region of Kolda and could not explain why they had been taken north to Dakar.

While the vast majority of talibes in the country are Senegalese, many are sent to live with Quranic teachers in cities far from their home community or region. Hundreds are also trafficked by marabouts to Senegal each year from neighboring countries. From March 2015 to May 2016, local groups and media reported instances in which more than 200 talibe children were found in other countries or intercepted while attempting to cross borders. They included more than 100 Senegalese talibes found in the Gambia, as well as at least 50 children from Guinea-Bissau and 60 from Guinea traveling to Senegal.

In addition, some 90 of the more than 300 children, including talibes, removed from the streets of Dakar in early July 2016 were from other countries including Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, and Mali, according to local groups.

While local children's rights activists believe the number of talibes subjected to forced begging continues to increase, they also note a greater willingness by local residents and the media to report cases of abuse, and by the police and government officials to initiate investigations.

"Today, even if the State doesn't want to advance definitively, the population will denounce and say that we can no longer mistreat the talibe children with impunity," said Abdou Fode Sow, member of PPDH and coordinator for Senegal's Departmental Child Protection Committee (Comite Departemental de Protection de l'Enfant, CDPE) in Pikine, Dakar. "More and more Quranic teachers are being brought to the police stations. Now, anywhere there is a CDPE in Senegal, if a child is mistreated or beaten to death, the CDPE will bring the case to the prefect or sub-prefect."

Issa Kouyate, a child rights activist who runs a shelter called Maison de le Gare in the northern city of Saint-Louis, also noted improvement at the police level. "There has been a change," said Kouyate. "They used to see children sleeping in the streets and did nothing; now they call me all the time."

Following the president's recent ban on begging, Senegalese activists and media reported that fewer talibes appeared to be begging in the streets of Dakar and Saint-Louis. However, some warned that a number of Quranic teachers are now simply altering the times they send talibes out to beg, in order avoid police patrols.

Serious Abuses Against Talibes

In addition to the ubiquitous forced begging, Human Rights Watch documented 20 cases during 2015 and 2016 in which talibe children were hurt, mistreated, or killed. These include cases of physical abuse, attacks, rape, traffic accidents, and death due to assault or battery. Seven talibes are known to have died during this period.

In 10 cases, teachers allegedly committed the abuse, including four cases in which talibes died allegedly as a result of severe beatings. Six cases involved chaining or physical abuse of at least 15 boys.

The remaining 10 incidents occurred outside the school while the boys were begging, or in one case when a stranger entered a Quranic school. These include five cases of rape or sexual abuse; two violent attacks on talibes, one leading to the child's death; two car accidents in which the talibes were killed; and one alleged abduction from the streets of Dakar.

The majority of incidents took place in the Saint-Louis and Dakar regions, followed by some in Diourbel and Louga.

Beating, Chaining, and Deaths

In the most recent documented case of abuse in a Quranic school, in June 2016, police officers in Saint-Louis discovered a 12-year-old talibe chained to the wall.

"The police called me, and they were in the middle of breaking the chains when I arrived," said Kouyate, the shelter director. "I saw the boy with his two feet chained, facing the wall, holding a Quran. He said he was chained because he hadn't found money, and he had also run away before. The marabout's assistant did this so he could no longer run away." The police investigation was dropped after the assistant fled the daara. The head marabout was not arrested.

Also in June, a 13-year-old talibe from the Parcelles Assainies borough of Dakar died after his teacher severely beat him with a rubber whip, twice in one day, for failing to memorize a verse of the Quran. The teacher, who had attempted to take the child's body to Touba for burial, was intercepted by the Touba police and arrested.

In April 2016, a 7-year-old talibe in Saint-Louis was severely beaten with a rubber whip, allegedly by the marabout's son, who served as his assistant. The head marabout was not held accountable, and police released the assistant with instructions not to beat children any more, a local activist told Human Rights Watch.

In April 2016, a Quranic teacher was arrested after illegally burying a talibe in Dakar's Thiaroye cemetery in March with a falsified death certificate. The child's father, who participated in the burial, later reported his son's death to the police, noting that he had seen blood in the mouth and marks on the child's body suggesting abuse. The body was then exhumed by order of the prosecutor, an autopsy was performed, and the teacher and gravedigger were arrested and referred to the prosecutor. Investigation is ongoing.

In February 2016, the police rescued about a dozen children with their legs shackled by iron bars from a daara in Diourbel, 140 kilometers from Dakar. The boys, from 6 to 14 years old, were taken to the police station, where metalworkers were called to remove the bars. A local journalist who witnessed the scene provided a photo of the shackled children to Human Rights Watch.

However, the prosecutor ultimately dropped the investigation. "After his arrest by the Diourbel police, the marabout was released following intense lobbying by certain key figures, religious and non-religious," said Mamadou Ndiaye, head of the Diourbel CDPE.

Earlier in February, a teacher beat a 9-year-old talibe to death in Louga, 180 kilometers from Dakar. A medical certificate identified the cause of death, and the Quranic teacher was arrested, tried, and sentenced to two years in prison.

In late 2015, two cases of abuse by Quranic teachers occurred in Saint-Louis. In November, the police found a talibe with his feet chained; in August, a teacher horribly beat a talibe no older than 8. Both cases resulted in arrests, convictions, and several months in jail. Kouyate, who was called to help in both incidents, described what happened to the younger talibe:

He had left to go beg, but he fell asleep waiting for food. He woke up very late and it was morning, and he was afraid to return to the daara... When he did return, they beat him with a rubber whip made from a tire. It gave him serious infections on his back. After three days of rest, the marabout sent him back out to beg. He was sick and in terrible shape, but they sent him out to beg anyway, because he had to reimburse the days he had run away and the days he had rested at the daara.

Rape and Attacks

In 2015 and 2016, five cases of rape or sexual abuse were reported by AEMO social services coordinators, child rights activists, and the media. In all of the cases, begging in the streets left the children vulnerable to sexual offenses and attacks.

In January 2016, four talibes were allegedly raped by a man in Diourbel who lured them to his home with promises of food and money. Throughout 2015, four other known cases occurred. In December, a man approached several talibes at the bus station in Saint-Louis, took them to his home, and sexually abused them, according to a local social worker. In September, a 13-year-old talibe was reportedly raped by a stranger in Diourbel. In July, a man allegedly took four talibes, ages 10 to 14, to his home and raped them in Mbour, 69 kilometers from Dakar. In June, the media reported the sexual assault of a talibe in Dakar by a man in the street.

In March 2016, a talibe was allegedly abducted while begging in Dakar; in February 2016, the media reported that a man attacked a talibe in Colobane, Dakar by smashing his head against a table, causing serious injury. In August 2015, a knife-wielding man crept into a daara and stabbed three talibes, killing one.

Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents are also a danger to the thousands of talibe children forced to spend their days begging in the streets. In March and April 2016, two talibes died after being hit by cars in Saint-Louis.

Baye Ndaraw Diop, who works with Kouyate at the Maison de la Gare shelter in Saint-Louis, said that the talibe killed in March "was in the street begging and was hit by a car  many talibes run towards vehicles to get money. They brought him to hospital, but before arriving he was already dead."

The Challenge of Prosecution

Many of the 20 cases involving serious abuses against talibe children in 2015 and early 2016 were reported in the local media, demonstrating increased public attention to the issue. More than half resulted in arrests and prosecutions, a positive trend over prior years, but only some of those arrested have been convicted.

Out of the 10 cases of abuse allegedly committed by Quranic teachers or their assistants, two investigations were dropped by the police; one investigation was dropped by the prosecutor; three teachers were arrested and await trial for talibe deaths; and four were convicted. One is serving two years in prison for abuse leading to a talibe's death; the other three served three to six months for child abuse. Among the other 10 cases of rapes, attacks, and car accidents by people not connected to the Quranic schools, though some resulted in arrests and prosecutions, none resulted in investigations or sanctions against Quranic teachers for neglect.

Senegal's existing laws clearly forbid exploitation and abuse of talibe children. Article 298 of the Penal Code criminalizes child abuse and willful neglect, with penalties of up to five years in prison and up to 200,000 francs CFA (more than US$400) in fines. Law no. 2005-06, known as the anti-trafficking law, bans human trafficking and related practices. Article 3 specifically prohibits anyone who "organizes the begging of another in order to benefit," punishable by two to five years in prison and up to 2 million francs CFA (more than US$4,000) in fines.



Although hundreds of talibes beg in plain sight in cities across Senegal, Human Rights Watch and PPDH are not aware of any convictions under the 2005 law since 2014. Prior to 2014, the last known convictions for forced begging occurred in 2010.

Many people have characterized forced begging as a blind spot for local authorities and law enforcement, given the overwhelming numbers of talibes begging throughout the country. Nevertheless, officials have a duty to report all criminal abuses against children irrespective of the action taken as a result, and authorities have an obligation to investigate abuse and neglect they are aware of even when it is not formally reported to them.

Several children's rights activists, social services (AEMO) coordinators, and human trafficking experts noted an encouraging improvement in the willingness of the police to investigate abusive Quranic teachers, and a handful of prosecutors have regularly pursued justice for talibes in court. However, they noted a continued lack of motivation among numerous other prosecutors. Sow, coordinator for the CDPE in Pikine, Dakar, told Human Rights Watch:

Today, we have identified three steps to achieving justice for talibes. The first step is the local neighborhood. The population used to say that cases of mistreatment were not serious if nobody died, but now everyone denounces them. Second step, at the police level: previously they would call the Quranic teacher and discuss with him, saying it must have simply been an accident. But today, each time a child is mistreated or beaten to death, the prefect is notified and he asks the police to pursue the case. Now the prefecture and the police work together to advance justice. The third step is the prosecutor, but he is not always comfortable interpreting the law due to the pressure he experiences. The challenge now is, how to give the judiciary more liberty to freely carry out its duties?

A social worker for a region in southern Senegal echoed the concern about a lack of response from many local prosecutors.

I see many, many instances of mistreatment  children less than 5 years old in the streets, with injuries or sicknesses, dirty and not well dressed. Every day I denounce this; I speak of it in meetings, to the police, I speak of it everywhere I go. I send reports to the prosecutor each week, but the cases are not pursued.

Representatives of the Justice Ministry's anti-trafficking task force, CNLTP, also spoke to Human Rights Watch of their concerns about what they characterized as the unwillingness of some prosecutors to initiate investigations and prosecutions against Quranic teachers, for both abuse and forced begging. One representative said CNLTP is often "surprised" at the number of times abusive Quranic teachers are released or acquitted, despite strong cases against them.

The CNLTP representative urged prosecutors to be more proactive in protecting children. "It's the prosecutor who should pursue [the case], if he sees something abnormal," she said. "He should not have to wait for non-governmental organizations to denounce a case."

Wavering Political Will

After the spate of abuses against talibes were reported in the Senegalese media in early 2016, several political leaders denounced the practice and took measures to address it. In May, President Macky Sall made a statement before the Council of Ministers reiterating the need to accelerate passage of the draft daara regulation law. This followed statements made by mayors of two Dakar districts, Medina and Gueule-Tapee-Fass-Colobane, publicly banning begging and exploitation of talibe children. A third mayor from the Thies region urged religious leaders to "serve" their talibes rather than exploit them.

Most recently, in late June, President Sall announced the order for the removal of all street children, beginning with Dakar. He stated that those forcing the children to beg would be fined or imprisoned.

The rhetorical attention to the problem, while positive, was reminiscent of the promises that followed the 2013 deaths of nine talibes in Dakar, locked in their Medina daara overnight when a fire burned it to the ground. Though the incident sparked national outrage and led to a number of government promises, few have been fulfilled. There were no prosecutions following the Medina fire.

That said, the Senegalese government has taken several steps over the past year to address the issue, including the current initiative to remove children, including talibes, from the streets, a draft bill that would create an independent Children's Ombudsman, and the finalization of a draft Children's Code soon to be submitted to parliament. In late 2015, the Interior Ministry announced that, in addition to the sole existing Juvenile Justice Unit (Brigade des Mineurs) at the central police station of Dakar, special offices to handle cases involving children would be installed in all other police stations.

In addition, the national anti-trafficking task force periodically trains police and members of the judiciary on how to prevent human trafficking. The task force has also developed a database to collect information on trafficking-related cases around the country, though training of judicial personnel on use of the database is progressing slowly.

However, there has been slow progress in ensuring a much-needed regulatory framework for Senegal's Quranic schools. A law drafted in 2013 would require all such schools to adhere to minimum standards, submit to state inspections, and eliminate begging. Due to an extended amendment process, the law has yet to be presented to the National Assembly. The law is currently under review by the Ministry of Education and the national federation of Quranic teachers.

Senegal is party to the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and all major international and regional treaties guaranteeing protections against child labor and trafficking. International law also affords children the rights to health, physical development, education, and recreation. The state, parents, and any de facto guardians are obligated to fulfill these rights.

In January 2016, Senegal went under a periodic review by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which noted a number of concerns regarding talibe children. In mid-2015, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) had concluded that Senegal had violated numerous provisions of the African Children's Charter.

Both bodies issued strong statements on the need to enforce existing laws, investigate and prosecute those accused of abuse, and remove talibes from detrimental and abusive environments.

Need for Legal Aid Services

Senegalese child rights activists consistently identified the lack of legal support services for the children and their parents as a major barrier to justice for talibe who suffer abuses.

Talibe victims have three main options to seek justice. State prosecutors can open an investigation; parents can file a complaint; or a non-profit or social services institution can file a complaint on the child's behalf, in the absence of family members.

Few prosecutors open such investigations on their own initiative. In a number of major cases, notably those involving talibe deaths, parents have filed complaints with the police and pursued the case in court. However, thousands of talibes live in Quranic schools far from home, often out of touch with family. Only occasionally will a complaint be filed on their behalf by the regional offices of the Justice Ministry's social services agency, AEMO, and much more rarely by local non-governmental groups.

Unfortunately, AEMO offices for social services  present in Senegal's in regional capitals and often staffed by just two or three people  lack the capacity to handle a high volume of cases, local activists say. As a result, only the most severe cases are pursued.

While the AEMO representative for Saint-Louis said he has encountered and reported a number of recent cases of abuse, the coordinator for another region said that he has only handled cases of about 15 runaways and not abuse.

Many non-governmental and non-profit organizations lack the legal training or funding to regularly provide legal support. A report by the anti-trafficking unit after a visit to Saint-Louis stated that most groups do not make use of the opportunity offered to them by law to file complaints on behalf of victims in order to allow prosecutors to open criminal investigations.

Considering the gap in legal services for talibes, Human Rights Watch encourages donors and the Senegalese government to fund increased personnel and training for AEMO social services offices, as well as to develop and fund legal clinics in each region of Senegal to help talibe child victims file judicial complaints and appeals.

The lack of consolidated documentation of police incidents, court cases, and illegal border crossings involving talibes also undercuts activists' efforts to highlight the urgency of passing the draft daara regulation law. Without updated, comprehensive information that is widely shared, the scale of the problem will remain unclear to authorities.

Recommendations

To the Senegalese Government

On the Application of Laws Against Forced Begging and Abuse

As the initiative to remove children from the streets is carried out, ensure that their rights are respected during the transition, that the transit centers are monitored and adhere to international standards, and that children are swiftly reunited with their families;

Enforce the anti-trafficking law (no. 2005-06) by ensuring that police, prosecutors, and social services report, initiate, and pursue cases of children forced to beg; and

Enforce article 298 of the penal code, which criminalizes the physical abuse and neglect of children, by investigating and holding to account all those who physically abuse talibes, including Quranic teachers.

On the Regulation of Quranic Schools

Accelerate and conclude review of the draft law for regulating Quranic schools, in order to submit the law to the National Assembly as soon as possible;

Increase funding for the Daara Inspectorate within the Education Ministry, with a view to shutting down schools that violate children's rights and supporting placement of children from abusive schools in temporary shelters while their families are traced; and

Implement the Interior Ministry's plan to install offices dealing with children and minors in each regional police station, and ensure that each office has adequate funding and personnel trained to protect children to fulfill its mandate.

On Coordination Among Actors Working on Talibes

Consider creating a national talibe working group, headed by the anti-trafficking task force and the Ministry of Family, Women, and Children, to include other relevant government ministries, representatives of Quranic teachers' organizations, activists and non-governmental groups, and UN and other international organizations;

To all groups and entities listed above: Share information to avoid duplication of efforts, particularly in regard to mappings of Quranic schools, which are being carried out in the same locations by multiple parties; and

Consider supporting relevant authorities, such as the national anti-trafficking task force and the Directorate for the Protection of the Rights of Children and other Vulnerable Groups within the Ministry of Family, Women, and Children, to begin periodically collecting information to document regional police and court cases involving talibe children, including physical abuse and sexual assault. This would build on the anti-trafficking unit's database of human trafficking cases, which does not include other abuses against talibes. Information collected should be shared among all actors.

To International Partners and the Senegalese Government
Morocco: 2 Jailed for Homosexuality

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 28 July 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Morocco: 2 Jailed for Homosexuality, 28 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a0ecf4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Moroccan authorities imprisoned two men on charges of homosexual activity, the latest in a series of such cases, Human Rights Watch said today. Parliament is preparing to examine revisions to the penal code and should remove from the draft the provisions that leave intact criminal charges for same-sex "deviant acts," with possible prison terms of up to three years.

The Agadir Court of Appeals on June 30, 2016 upheld the conviction of the two men, from the southern city of Guelmine, who gendarmes said they had caught in the act in a car parked in a remote location on May 20.

"If legislators want to harmonize Morocco's laws with its 2011 Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy, they should decriminalize the intimate lives of consenting adults," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

Morocco has repeatedly imprisoned men under penal code article 489. In this case, according to the judgment by the Guelmine Court of First Instance, the gendarme approached a parked car on a remote location away from the road outside the city and found the two men engaged in sex. In custody, the two men confessed to the police. During their brief trial on May 26, J., 23, affirmed his confession while A., 46, repudiated his statement and said he was innocent. For reasons that are unclear, neither had a lawyer during the trial.

The court convicted the two, saying that A.'s repudiation of his confession was "nothing but a means of evading criminal responsibility and escaping punishment, belied by the fact that his confession [to the police] was detailed and not proven to be false." The court sentenced each of the men to six months in prison and a fine of 500 dirhams (US$50) on a single charge of homosexual acts.

The Agadir Appeals Court affirmed the verdict but reduced sentence to a month and a half for J. and three months for A. The court did not explain the disparate sentences.

J. recently left prison after serving his term. A. is due to be released on August 20 from Ait Melloul prison in Agadir. Mohamed Charef, president of the Regional Commission of Human Rights in Agadir, visited A. in prison on July 22 and told Human Rights Watch that A. continued to insist on his innocence.

On June 9, the Council of Government approved and sent to Parliament a draft overhaul of the penal code that maintains the punishments, which include prison terms, for prohibited consensual intimate relations between adults, including homosexuality (article 489), sex outside marriage (article 490) and adultery (article 491). The draft law increases the fines that accompanies the prison term that a judge can impose under article 489, to a maximum of 20,000 Dirhams (US$2,000).

At least 20 nongovernmental organizations in Morocco have called for the repeal of penal code article 489.

Criminalizing consensual, adult homosexual conduct violates international human rights law. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) bars interference with the right to privacy, which Morocco's constitution protects in article 24. The United Nations Human Rights Committee, international experts who interpret the covenant, has condemned laws against consensual homosexual conduct. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has held that arrests for consensual homosexual conduct are, by definition, human rights violations.

"If parliament, in updating the penal code, is supposed to harmonize it with Morocco's 2011 constitution and the rights it provides, then it should decriminalize homosexual conduct," Whitson said.

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Fighting hunger to fight hunger

Publisher IRIN Author James Jeffery Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as IRIN, Fighting hunger to fight hunger, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a10dd4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In the middle of a blistering June afternoon on the busy docks of the Port of Djibouti, Aouleed crouches down on his haunches in the shade of a lorry, arms outstretched resting on his knees; his head, wrapped in a wet rag, lolling. He hasn't had anything to drink or eat since the sun rose around 6 a.m.

Ramadan, which began on 6 June with the sighting of the new moon, is a religious obligation for all Muslims. The fast lasts a month, from dawn until dusk. It's a testing time for all involved, but for Aouleed, a port worker in Djibouti - a major trade hub on the southern tip of the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes - it's really tough.

The work is constant: much of it to and from Djibouti's landlocked neighbour, Ethiopia. Not only is the demand from Ethiopia's strengthening economy never ceasing, but due to its ongoing drought - the worst in decades - ships filled with food aid also need to dock.

"We still have a lot of ships carrying humanitarian cargo and fertiliser waiting," says Aboubaker Omar, chairman and CEO of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority. "The bottleneck is not because of the port, but (because of) the inland transportation," he explained. "There aren't enough trucks for the aid, the fertiliser, and the usual commercial cargo."

As of 23 June, 16 ships remained at anchorage waiting to unload about 609,000 metric tons of wheat, barley, sorghum, and fertiliser, according to the port's website. Four ships carrying about 128,000 metric tons of wheat, sorghum and fertiliser are currently docked and being offloaded.

With drought-caused crop failures ranging from 50 to 90 percent in parts of the country, Ethiopia, sub-Saharan Africa's biggest wheat consumer, has been forced to seek international tenders and drastically increase wheat purchases to alleviate its mounting food shortfall.

In addition to the bottleneck of ships, the port authority has faced the dilemma of which ones to allow through first.

"If you give priority to food aid, which is understandable, you are going to face a problem with the next crop if you don't get fertilisers to farmers in time," Omar says.

Hot, hard work

Once ships have berthed, however, there remains the challenge of unloading them.

"I honestly don't know how they do it," port official Dawit Gebre-ab says of workers toiling away in temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius, which, with humidity of 52 percent, feels more like 43 degrees. "But the work has to continue."

The port's 24-hour system of three eight-hour shifts mitigates some of the hardship of Ramadan for those working outside, beyond the salvation of air conditioning: but not entirely.

"It's hard with Ramadan,"admits Agaby during the hottest afternoon shift, a luminous vest bound around his forehead as a sweat rag, standing out of the sun between trucks being filled from conveyor belts with bags of food aid destined for Ethiopia. "We feel pain everywhere. For sure, it's a struggle."

The occasional worker says he's not fasting due to the pressures of working in such heat, but the vast majority of dockside labourers appear to adhere to the strictures of Ramadan.

"Everyone here is fasting," says Osmah in the lee of a ship offloading wheat. His whole T-shirt is soaked through, whether with sweat or water - the one permissible use of water to help cool frying bodies during the Ramadan fast - is impossible to tell. "We just hold on until sundown, as we're doing our fast for God."

Railway relief

The new 756-kilometre railway running between Djibouti and Ethiopia was brought into service early in November 2015 - it still isn't actually commissioned - with a daily train that can carry about 2,000 tons of food aid to alleviate pressure on the port, Omar says.

Capacity will increase further once the railway is fully commissioned in September and becomes electrified, allowing five trains to run carrying about 3,500 tons each.

The jam at the port has highlighted for Ethiopia, not that it needs reminding, its dependency on Djibouti. Already about 90 percent of Ethiopia's trade goes through the port - in 2005 this amounted to two million tons and now stands at 11 million tons. During the next three years, it is set to increase to 15 million tons.

Hence, Ethiopia has long been looking to ease its dependence on Djibouti, strengthening bilateral relations with a self-declared independent Somaliland, to the east, through various Memorandum of Understandings over the past couple of years.

The most recent of these stipulated about 30 percent of Ethiopia's imports would shift to Berbera Port, which this May saw Dubai-based DP World awarded the concession to manage and expand the underused and underdeveloped facility for 30 years. The project is valued at about $442 million and could transform Berbera into another major Horn of Africa trade hub.

But even with Berbera as a docking option in the future, the problem of not enough trucks to cope with demand would lead to the same dilemma as now, Omar says.

It's estimated that 1,500 trucks a day leave the Port of Djibouti for Ethiopia and will increase to 8,000 a day by 2020, even with the new railway.

However, so many additional trucks - an inefficient and environmentally damaging means of transport - might not be needed if the turnaround time for the current fleet could be improved.

"From Djibouti City to Addis Ababa is a 36- to 48-hour journey, but it's taking trucks 10 days to make deliveries due to customs," says Omar. "We're discussing with Ethiopia about how to smooth the process and minimise customs procedures."

Ethiopians are not famed for their alacrity when it comes to paperwork and related bureaucratic processes. Drought relief operations have been delayed by regular government assessments of who the neediest are, according to some aid agencies working in Ethiopia.

Horn of Africa integration

While the food aid bottleneck at the port has highlighted logistical frictions, the overall trend of increasing trade and strategic links between Ethiopia and Djibouti - which include further train lines and an oil pipeline in development - are serving to bring much-needed change to the region.

"Ethiopia's projection of soft power, including trade relations with its neighbours, the development of cross-border economic infrastructure and sharing of services, is helping to bind these nations more closely together and demonstrate in tangible ways the benefits of integration," says Matt Bryden, a Horn of Africa political analyst and executive chairman of Sahan Research, a Nairobi-based think tank.

Speak to some of the numerous Ethiopian businesspeople working in Djibouti City and they say they feel quite at home. They compare it to the eastern Ethiopian cities of Dire Dawa and Jijiga, while talking of the two countries basically operating as one.

"There's infrastructure integration between the two, lots of trade, and the governments are working towards a common agenda for developing, and a long-term vision," say Samir Aden, advisor to Djibouti's Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry.

As the sun sets over Djibouti City, port workers finishing their shifts assemble outside the entrance to catch buses back to their accommodation. Across the city locals congregate on streets in groups for iftar, the breaking of the day's fast with dates, samosas, and pieces of fruit.

Meanwhile, beyond the city's rooftops, arc lights dotted across the ports are turned on, continuing to blaze away as offloading continues, and throughout the night loaded Ethiopian trucks set out westward into the darkness.
South Sudan refugee influx overwhelms Ugandan reception centres

Publisher IRIN Author Samuel Okiror Publication Date 25 July 2016 Cite as IRIN, South Sudan refugee influx overwhelms Ugandan reception centres, 25 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a11784.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Uganda has received 30,000 refugees in just three weeks and reception facilities are overflowing. Recent fighting in South Sudan has caused a new wave of arrivals, putting pressure on its southern neighbour, which was already hosting half a million refugees.

"The new refugee influx of South Sudan refugees is a huge burden to the government. We are constrained in terms of providing social services to these new refugees," Titus Jogo, a refugee official at the Ugandan prime minister's office, told IRIN. "We are looking for additional resources to provide them with social services like medical care, water, shelter and other basic necessities."

By early December 2015, Uganda had become home to almost 511,000 refugees and asylum seekers, making it the third largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, after Ethiopia and Kenya.

As of 24 July, more than 30,000 refugees had crossed into Uganda to flee uncertainty and fighting in South Sudan between government troops of President Salva Kiir and forces loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. Humanitarian agencies say the sudden influx has severely stretched the resources and capacity of refugee collection points, transit centres and reception centres in the northwestern part of the country.

Interview: Felix T*, 15-year-old unaccompanied child from Juba

"At the time when the fighting started in Juba, my brother and I were playing with our friends. We heard bullets. We all got confused. I held my brother's hand and told him to run. There was no way we could go back home. I don't know whether our parents are alive or dead. I have been trying to call my dad's telephone number, but it has been off. I don't know what could be the problem? I still don't know what caused the fight. We spent two days running and walking to Jabelem. We were so tired.

I thought we would have some rest at Jabelem. But it was unfortunate. It was another terrible experience and nightmare. The day when we arrived there the soldiers started shooting and beating people. We had no option but to hit the road again, running. We had no food to eat. We spent another two good days to get Gore. My younger brother was tired and kept crying. I kept encouraging him, for us to move for our own safety and security.

As we were stranded, some driver helped us out. He put us in his car and dropped us in Nimule. We walked from Nimule to here [Elegu] on foot. My legs are in pain. I am hungry. I haven't eaten. I have nothing to give my brother. I don't know who is going to help us out when we reach the settlement. I don't know how we can get in touch with our parents.

We hear there is still some fighting in Juba. I hope the fighting will stop so that we [can] go back home and study."

"Our collection points and reception centres are severely over capacity. This is a significant challenge as we've received nearly as many refugees in the last week as we had done in the first six months of 2016," Charles Yaxley, associate external relations officer at the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, told IRIN.

On 22 July, when IRIN visited Elegu collection point on the South Sudan-Uganda border, it had more than 10,000, ten times its 1,000 person capacity. Heavy rains were further hampering registration efforts.

The sanitation is poor and the site is littered with garbage. The pit latrines can't handle the numbers, forcing thousands to defecate in the open nearby.

"The situation is much worse: alarming and appalling. The numbers are overwhelming. Yet the number of humanitarian agencies on the ground to provide critical aid is small," John Bosco Komakech, executive director of the Catholic charity Caritas in Gulu archdiocese, told IRIN at Elegu.

"The influx was not expected to be this big and, as it stands now, it has burst the resources available, especially at Elegu refugee collection point," Justine Abenaitwe, humanitarian manager for Save the Children Uganda, told IRIN.

The visibly tired and hungry children and women, who compose 90 percent of the new influx, said they had only received biscuits provided by humanitarian agencies.

"The children are crying for food to eat, but we can't provide anything," Jovin Bako, a refugee from Torit in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State, told IRIN. "We are tired of running. We appeal to President Kiir and his vice [president] to consider the plight and suffering of the innocent civilians. We need peace and security in our country. We are tired of violence and war," she said.

Nyumanzi transit centre in Uganda's northwestern district of Adjumani was built in early 2014 to hold some 2,000 people for no more than two weeks. It now has more than 20,000 refugees. Kuluba collection point is hosting about 1,500 refugees, compared to its 300-person capacity.

Susan Keji: 'I told my kids: let's run"

We were seated at home near UNMISS [UN Mission in South Sudan] compound in Juba. We started hearing gunshots. The shooting intensified. After about 30-45 minutes, armed men surrounded our home. They shouted and shot in the air. We got scared. They ordered us to get out of the house immediately. We accepted to come out. They told us to run. We took off.

Unfortunately, these people killed my husband and two sons, 16 and 13 years old. The man first shot my husband before turning his gun to my two sons. They died in cold blood. I survived with the two kids by God's mercy. I am still wondering why they killed the three. What wrong did they do?

I told my kids: let's run. They might kill us. We ran and ran. We slept that night in the bush. We were all terrified. We spent five days moving from Juba to Nyarabanga, south of Rajaf. We were hungry and thirsty.

When we arrived at Nyarabanga, we got some Good Samaritan who helped us out. A driver of a trailer stopped and picked us from the road side. He gave us a lift. It saved us from more walking.

It's still hard to believe they are gone. I will continue to mourn my husband and children. I will never see them again. There was no decent burial for them. I am told their bodies were picked and buried in a mass grave.

This is the fourth time I am fleeing into Uganda. We have suffered a lot. Can't these people sympathise with innocent people? We have never enjoyed peace. We are tired of continued violence and wars. I can't do anything to stop the fighting. I can't risk to go back home again."
Can language classes deter violence?

Publisher IRIN Author Adam Ramsey Publication Date 26 July 2016 Cite as IRIN, Can language classes deter violence?, 26 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a12104.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

For Ismail Jamaat, a science teacher at Tanjung primary school, going to work can feel like entering a war zone. Over the past decade, his government school has three times endured firebomb attacks. In 2013, Ismail, along with scores of schoolchildren, had to witness the murder of his friend and colleague Cholathee Charoenchol by masked gunmen in the school cafeteria.

Tanjung is one of more than 1,200 government schools in Thailand's so called 'Deep South', where a deadly sectarian conflict between ethnic Malay Muslims and their Thai Buddhist countrymen has left more than 6,500 dead since 2004. With nearly 200 teachers assassinated and 300 government schools razed over the past decade, education in the region is a critical issue.

Its segregated nature also taps into the deep-rooted grievances that fuel the conflict. Four in five of the 1.8 million people living in the Deep South identify as Muslim, in a country that is more than 93 percent Buddhist overall.

"When you have this feeling that government schools belong to the Thai, and [Islamic schools] are for Patani [the ethnic Malay Muslim population], then what do you think happens?" Ismail asked rhetorically.

He is not alone in believing that the consistent attacks on government schools and their staff are, at least in part, down to the growing divide in the Deep South's education policy, one in which the perception of threatened Patani identity has stretched to incorporate the language of the classroom.

In an exhaustive 2012 report into the conflict in southern Thailand, the International Crisis Group highlighted the "marginalisation of [Deep South] culture, history, religion and language" as a major force fuelling the violence.

The education policy has long embittered the majority Patani-Malay speaking community of Thailand's four southernmost provinces. As well as consistently producing some of the poorest literacy scores in the country, families in the south see the enforced Thai-language curriculum as an attempt to further marginalise a key facet of their own identity: their own language.

Mixing it up

Suwilai Premsrirat, a professor of linguistics at Thailand's Mahidol University, hopes the pilot programme she launched 10 years ago will provide the long-term solution. The idea itself is simple: integrate the Patani-Malay languages, spoken (at least at home) by 83 percent of the Deep South population, into the classroom.

Written in an alphabet based on Arabic script, Patani-Malay languages are completely different from Standard Thai. And unlike in Malaysia, nobody in Thailand is required to learn Standard Malay, making the gulf between Thai and Patani-Malay speakers even wider.

With nearly a decade's worth of research from 16 schools, the results from Premsrirat's programme, which finished in March, are encouraging. "We consider it a success," she told IRIN. "We want to make it [clear] we respect [Patani-Malay language and culture]."

By Grade 1 (age six to seven), the research showed that on average (across the schools) 58 percent of the children were scoring 70 percent or higher in areas of bilingual comprehension, compared with just 18 percent scoring similar marks in control schools.

Resistance

By intermingling the various dialects, languages and scripts of the Deep South, Suwilai found herself at the heart of the region's identity conflict. Immediately, she encountered problems from both Muslim communities and the central government.

"Some [in the Muslim communities] think this is a way to destroy their Islamic identity," Suwilai said, referring to the use of Thai characters for Patani-Malay words in kindergarten.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Thai government, which originally asked Suwilai to research a programme, became sceptical of her approach once Arabic script was introduced to the curriculum. She recalled an irate call from a man she believed was from the Ministry of Education. "I got a phone call he talked a lot, complaining and saying 'this is not a good idea'."

But Suwilai and her team are determined to use the promising research to lobby officials so the programme is rolled out more broadly. "They cannot deny the results," she said.

For the professor, the biggest obstacle will be whether the capricious politics of Bangkok can remain stable long enough for her team to make their case.

The ruling military junta in Thailand has promised elections in 2017 but the country is being torn apart by a bitter political schism. On one side are the royalist elite, Bangkok's bourgeoisie, the judiciary and the military, while on the other are loyalists of two former premiers (siblings Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra) from an emerging provincial middle class, supported by the working class, rural voters, and the police.

Missed opportunity?

If the politicians and the military are not careful, Suwilai worries that the usual machinations in Bangkok will mean a big opportunity is missed to address the ills of the Deep South.

Less than an hour's drive from Tanjung School sits Banbuengnamsai primary school. Palm trees sway outside the windows while in one class a child nervously reads her text out loud to her schoolmates, who occasionally giggle at any mistake. At first glance, it looks like any other government school in rural Thailand.

But as one of the first schools to accept the pilot programme curriculum, the difference with Banbuengnamsai lies in the classroom. In one class the children practise their handwriting, but instead of Thai, the script is Arabic. Above the whiteboard, a photo of the Thai flag is flanked on one side by the obligatory portrait of the Thai King, but on the other by a photo of the Ka'ba, the holiest site in Islam.

Mrs Hareena, a teacher at the school for 11 years, said the change was a shock, at least initially.

"At first, I felt so strange to include [Patani-Malay]! Before, we just taught Thai."

But it didn't take long for Hareena to realise the benefits of the new system. "You can see [the students] are understanding better now," she told IRIN.

Now that the programme is officially over, none of the 16 schools from the pilot are obliged to continue with the curriculum, but Hareena is adamant that they should.

"I want to continue from this point on... We should all continue on."
China's dangerous double game in the Sudans

Publisher IRIN Author Jared Ferrie Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as IRIN, China's dangerous double game in the Sudans, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a12a94.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Weapons manufactured by China and sold to Sudan have been funnelled to rebels in South Sudan, where two Chinese peacekeepers were recently killed.

The London-based Conflict Armament Research group has told IRIN that in May it documented 1,300 boxes of ammunition captured by the government military, which is still referred to by its civil war-era name, the Sudan People's Liberation Army. Government forces captured the ammunition from a rebel faction of the military known as the SPLA in Opposition, or SPLA-IO.

The ammunition was discovered in northern Unity State, which borders Sudan, and the boxes had been painted to obscure shipping information that showed they originated in China, said Justine Fleischner, CAR's South Sudan researcher.

"Despite these efforts, CAR identified that the materiel was part of a 2014 consignment to Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service," she told IRIN. "The consignment date also suggests that the materiel was very quickly diverted to the SPLA-IO in Unity State, presumably by NISS."

The discovery highlights China's complicated relationship with both countries, as a long time ally of Sudan as well as a supporter of newly independent South Sudan, where it has major investments in oil. The find also suggests recent - and potentially ongoing - support to rebels in South Sudan by Sudan, which would be particularly egregious as Khartoum has pledged troops to a proposed African Union peacekeeping force for its neighbour.

"Sudan is playing every card in its hand to ensure it has influence in South Sudan," said Luke Patey, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies and author of a book about Chinese and Indian oil investments in the countries.

"China is still struggling to coordinate its policy between different actors in the Sudans," he told IRIN.

China's Foreign Ministry in Beijing did not respond to questions about arms deals and its continued commitment to the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, where it has 1,059 soldiers.

Border wars

South Sudan declared independence from Sudan in 2011 after fighting a decades-long civil war (the second, after an earlier 1955-1972 iteration), during which China sold weapons to the government and China National Petroleum Corp invested heavily in oil production. A disputed border drawn at independence put three quarters of the oil reserves in South Sudan, while most processing facilities and the pipelines to the coast remained in Sudan.

China was then in the awkward position of having to work closely with both countries while border clashes erupted sporadically and Sudan continued to back anti-government militias in the south. That relationship became even messier when South Sudan descended into its own civil war.

In December 2013, tensions within South Sudan's ruling party boiled over and it split into two factions, roughly along ethnic lines. President Salva Kiir, from the Dinka ethnic group, remains head of the government, while Riek Machar, who is Nuer, leads the breakaway SPLA-IO.

A peace process brokered by the AU stumbled along as both sides committed atrocities against civilians, including rapes and mass murder. Kiir and Machar finally signed a peace agreement and Machar returned to the capital, Juba, but the short-lived deal broke down this month.

Hundreds were killed when fighting erupted in Juba just weeks ago, including two Chinese peacekeepers who died when government forces shelled their position outside the UN mission in South Sudan.

Machar fled back to the bush, and his own fractured party has nominated a new vice president who Kiir now says he recognises. Once again, the country teeters on the brink of all-out war.

Back to the future

The recent discovery of Chinese arms captured from Machar's forces in oil-rich Unity State is only the latest example of China's complicated weapons dealing in Sudan and South Sudan.

Last June, CAR released a report documenting Chinese ammunition and rifles that had been airdropped to SPLA-IO forces in eastern Jonglei State. The ammunition was "identical to ammunition supplied by Khartoum to South Sudanese rebel forces in 2012", the conflict arms monitoring group said.

The Sudanese government in Khartoum was not only providing anti-Juba militias with Chinese weapons in 2012; Sudan also used Chinese rockets against South Sudan when the countries engaged in a brief border war. South Sudanese forces overran oil fields in the the disputed border region of Heglig and Sudan launched airstrikes in Unity State.

In 2014, China was selling arms to both countries, and it was the largest supplier to South Sudan that year, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

After Chinese arms sales to South Sudan in the midst of the civil war were exposed, Beijing stopped shipments, abrogating the contract between Juba and its state-owned arms manufacturer, China North Industries Group Corp, or Norinco.

CAR's documentation in May of Chinese arms supplied to Sudan, which apparently then provided them to the SPLA-IO, shows that China is still struggling to come up with a coherent policy in the region.

"China appears unwilling to intervene too deeply in Sudan's affairs, and unwilling or unable to rein in Chinese arms dealers, such as Norinco," said Patey.

What now?

China isn't the only country attempting to negotiate its role in the region.

"China is a close partner to Sudan, while the US has held economic sanctions over Sudan for two decades," said Patey. "But in actuality both China and the US struggle to exert any control over Sudan or South Sudan's behavior."

Likewise, African efforts to impose peace have so far been stymied.

When war broke out in South Sudan, neighbouring Uganda provided military backing to the government, thus ensuring that the rebel SPLA-IO would never see it as an honest broker. With Sudan providing arms to the rebels, Juba's long history of distrust has only deepened. Kiir has categorically rejected the proposal by the AU to send troops - potentially including Sudanese soldiers - to bolster the UN mission.

It's hard to see a way out of the morass that South Sudan has become, but Patey said one way forward would be for the AU and the UN to provide more support to civil society and political groups that are not involved in the fighting.

"Over and over again only those carrying arms gain political respect from the international community," he said. "It's a worrying signal to send."
Gambia: Pre-electoral climate darkens as opposition leaders are jailed

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as Article 19, Gambia: Pre-electoral climate darkens as opposition leaders are jailed, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a14e94.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

ARTICLE 19 is gravely concerned by the ongoing attacks on civic space, the imprisonment of opposition leader, Ousainou Darboe, two of his family members, and 25 opposition party supporters, and by allegations of torture and violence ahead of presidential elections.

On 14 April 2016, protests demanding fair electoral reforms, led by Ebrima Solo Sandeng, then National Secretary of the United Democratic Party (UDP), were violently repressed. It has been reported that Sandeng died as a result of torture he suffered during detention, dozens of people were arrested, and women were beaten, abused, and threatened by security forces.

Ousainu Darboe and dozens of other members and supporters of the UDP who subsequently protested on 16 April to demand justice after Sandeng's death in custody, were later arrested and sentenced to prison under charges of unlawful assembly among other.

"The imprisonment of Ousainou Darboe and UDP members is a serious and deliberate violation of the right to protest and to freely participate to the electoral process," said Fatou Jagne Senghor, Director of ARTICLE 19 West Africa.

"This sentence suggests that any hope of having a free, inclusive, and peaceful presidential election is misplaced. The detention and imprisonment of opposition party members is a crackdown on free expression and even further limits the space for dissent in a country which has silenced so many voices these past 22 years," added Jagne Senghor.

The trials in the capital, Banjul, and in Mansakonko located (around 113 miles/182km from the capital)have been marked by serious and gross violations of the rights of the accused persons and total disregard of constitutional and international obligations of Gambia.

The many irregularities led the defence lawyers to walk out of the trials on 8 June. However, despite this, the courts sentenced Ousainou Darboe and 25 other members and supporters of the UDP, as well as two of Darboe's family who were not involved in protests, to three years imprisonment on 20 July and 21 July.

A third group of about 17 people, who attended the court hearing to support those accused were arrested on 9 May under various charges and it is expected that they will also be sentenced to imprisonment soon.

"Ousainou Darboe, and all those detained as a result of protesting for electoral reforms and the death of Ebrima Solo Sandberg, should be immediately and unconditionally released. We are gravely concerned that in the case of Sandeng, the police and judiciary did not investigate the events that led to his death, despite information at their disposal on the allegations of torture", stated Jagne Senghor

International Standards

Protest enables all people to individually and collectively express dissent and seek to influence or strengthen political decision-making processes. Freedom of assembly is guaranteed by Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The exercise of this right can only be restricted by law when "necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals, or the protection of therights and freedoms of others." This right is also guaranteed by Article 11 of the African Charter of human and people's rights.

ARTICLE 19 believes that governments have the positive obligation to guarantee people their rights to protest. This obligation includes the setting up of mechanisms allowing all individuals suffering from discrimination and violence to have access to redress and protection including judicial assistance. However, the Gambian justice system tends to target protesters instead of protecting them, despite the violence inflicted and crimes committed by the security forces against those in detention.

Background Notes

On 20 July 2015, President of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, promulgated without a political dialogue a law amending the electoral code increasing the deposit from 10,000 Dalasis (approx. $230USD)to 500,000 Dalasis (approx. $11,500US Dalasis)and restricting the conditions of participation for candidates in the elections. This reform has created a climate of tension ahead of the presidential election.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the United Nations, other institutions and governments have condemned the repression against peaceful protesters and called for an independent investigation into the death of Ebrima Solo Sandeng. The President rejected these calls to investigate Ebrima Solo Sandeng's death.

Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
Georgia May Become a Key Destination for North Caucasians if EU Grants It Visa-Free Entry

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Valery Dzutsati Publication Date 27 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 136 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Georgia May Become a Key Destination for North Caucasians if EU Grants It Visa-Free Entry, 27 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 136, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a15e44.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Migration from the North Caucasus, specifically from Chechnya, to Europe has increased this year. In the first six months of 2016, the number of migrants from Russia to Germany rose two-fold compared to the same period in 2015, and over 80 percent of those migrants came from Chechnya. Nearly 5,300 Russian citizens applied for political asylum in Germany from January to June 2016, and over 4,400 of them identified themselves as Chechens. The numbers were lower than in record-breaking 2013, when 90 percent of the 15,500 Russians seeking asylum in Germany-about 14,000 people-were Chechens, but they were still quite large for a presumably peaceful republic (Kavkazsky Uzel, July 15).

Among the reasons for the migration of Chechens and other North Caucasians to Europe are political and economic factors. A majority of migrants travel via Poland to the countries of Western Europe. The outflow of Chechens to Europe has been steady since the start of the second Russian-Chechen war in 1999, despite Moscow's declarations that the Chechen problem has been solved and reassurances given by Chechnya's governor, Ramzan Kadyrov.

The European Union's border controls have become stricter, especially after the Middle Eastern refugee crisis hit. The conditions for asylum seekers have also worsened, due to the large influx of refugees. Hence, some North Caucasians have started to seek safe havens elsewhere, closer to home. Georgia has been the destination of political refugees from the North Caucasus for some time. Under the previous president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, Tbilisi developed strategic cultural and educational programs for the North Caucasus that were designed to bolster ties to the region and develop soft power to undermine Russian domination of the region. After the Georgian Dream Coalition came to power in Georgia in 2012, most of those programs stopped. However, North Caucasians continued to regard Georgia as a safe haven, buying property and settling there (Onkavkaz.com, June 26).

North Caucasians' interest in Georgia especially increased as the country's talks with the EU on easing visa restrictions progressed. Liberalization of the visa regime between the EU and Georgia is part of a larger process that also includes easing restrictions between the EU and Ukraine. Large European countries like Germany and France have been struggling to open their borders to two more countries in the east at a time when migration is already a significant political problem (Civil Georgia, June 6). The initial plan to grant Georgia, Ukraine and Kosovo visa-free access to the EU by summer 2016 has failed to materialize. Now, it appears that such a deal might be signed in October 2016 at the earliest (Civil Georgia, July 12).

For many North Caucasians, visa-free travel from Georgia to the EU would turn the South Caucasus country into an attractive alternative to Russia. Georgian citizenship laws are relatively liberal, requiring that a person reside continuously in the country for five years; knows the language, history and culture; has financial means; and has property in Georgia. Besides its attractiveness as a "gateway" to the EU, Georgia has other advantages over Russia. Georgia is far less corrupt than Russia. It is easier to do business in Georgia. It has a liberal legislation for business owners, which makes it an attractive alternative to Russia for many North Caucasians, especially for those who have the means to open their own businesses. Besides, Georgia is geographically and culturally proximate to the North Caucasus, which makes it much easier for North Caucasians to move to Georgia than elsewhere (Onkavkaz.com, July 15). It is also possible that if Georgia becomes more integrated into the EU, its government institutions will strengthen, which will have a positive impact on the rule of law in the country and make Georgia an even more attractive destination for the North Caucasians.

Russia has fiercely opposed Georgia's integration into European and transatlantic organizations. However, due to multiple other challenges, such as the Kremlin's involvement in Ukraine and Syria as well as Western economic sanctions against Russia, Georgia may now have a relatively easy path forward for entering the EU visa-free regime.

It is hard to foresee all the consequences of the EU lifting its visa restrictions for Georgia, but they are likely to have a major impact on the North Caucasus. Apart from becoming an attractive destination for North Caucasian immigrants who want to do business there, Georgia will also send a subtler message across the Caucasus. In particular, Georgia's proximity to the EU will turn it into an important hub and set an example for the other territories in the region. Thus far, Moscow has remained the only "intermediary" between the North Caucasus and Europe. If Georgia is granted visa-free entry into the EU, Tbilisi will become a much closer alternative to Moscow in terms of geography, and culturally as an intermediary player between the North Caucasus and Europe. In a way, Georgia having visa-free access to the EU will make the latter closer to the North Caucasus, which might reduce violence and, at the same time, increase the demand for political reforms in a region that has been plagued by neglect and repression for decades. Another ancillary effect is that the ray of hope of the EU is a much better alternative than the battlefields of jihad in Syria and Iraq. It could halt or at least lessen the flow of North Caucasian fighters to the Islamic State as well.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
NATO-Georgia: The Open Door Policy's Failing Test (Part Two)

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Vladimir Socor Publication Date 27 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 136 Related Document(s) NATO-Georgia: The Open Door Policy's Failing Test (Part One) Cite as Jamestown Foundation, NATO-Georgia: The Open Door Policy's Failing Test (Part Two), 27 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 136, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a16734.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

It was a summit of modest expectations and modest results for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Warsaw on July 8-9. These results are of an interim nature: building-blocks for further decisions at upcoming ministerial meetings, not waiting until next summit. The Warsaw results do not, as yet, correlate with the growth in Russia's capacity to threaten, intimidate, or subvert the Alliance generally and its eastern-now "frontline"-member countries in particular.

While Georgia actively participates in NATO operations in other theaters, NATO all along tolerated Russia's unlawful "peacekeeping" monopoly in Georgia's own territories. NATO did not raise that issue in NATO-Russia relations; the North Atlantic Alliance recused itself from any peacekeeping role in its own neighborhood; and did not attempt to secure Georgia against the threat of Russian "peacekeeping" troops becoming an invasion force.

Politically, approval of a Membership Action Plan (MAP) demonstrates NATO's willingness to accept the aspirant country into the Alliance, once the MAP process is completed. In Georgia's case, however, there is no internal consensus in NATO on whether the Open Door policy applies to Georgia in practice rather than rhetorically. On this issue, NATO's internal debate has shifted in recent years.

Back in 2008, Germany had vetoed a Georgian MAP, and Russia cashed what amounted to an indirect Russian veto on NATO's Open Door policy. Since then, the balance of power, balance of interest, and balance of will in NATO's eastern neighborhood has shifted in Russia's favor to the extent of blocking Georgia's access to NATO membership-or a membership track, called MAP or otherwise-for the foreseeable future.

Eight years ago, the United States strongly supported a MAP for Georgia; the Alliance seemed about to follow the US lead, until Germany blocked NATO's decision (the French position was wait-and-see, at that time). After 2008, from summit to summit, a growing number of Western European countries have preferred to keep Georgia on the outer side of the theoretically open door, mostly for fear of antagonizing Russia. The United States stopped pressing for Georgian membership or a Georgian MAP (nor has it offered a bilateral US-Georgia defense and security relationship) during the Barack Obama administration's two terms in office.

Georgia's remaining supporters realize like everyone else in NATO that a major decision to integrate Georgia could provoke a Russian military intervention, which NATO or the US could not counteract after having allowed the Alliance's eastern neighborhood to remain a security vacuum. Russia's assault on Ukraine since 2014 has, if anything, confirmed that logic within NATO. The Alliance has introduced some long-overdue policy corrections vis-a-vis Russia since 2014, but those have not translated into a strategic offer to integrate Georgia, or at least train and equip the Georgian army for homeland defense.

The Warsaw Summit's final communique contains a catch that recurs at each summit (this time also included verbatim in the NATO-Georgia Commission's own communique from Warsaw): "At the 2008 Bucharest summit, Allies agreed that Georgia will become a member of NATO, with a Membership Action Plan [MAP] as an integral part of the process. Today we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions. We welcome the significant progress realized since 2008. Georgia's relationship with the Alliance contains all the practical tools to prepare for eventual membership" (Nato.int, July 9, para. 111).

That the MAP is "an integral part," yet is never approved, reflects Germany's long-held position: namely, that MAP is a required stage on Georgia's path to membership, but NATO (for various political reasons) cannot yet approve a MAP for Georgia. The next formulation, that the Georgia-NATO relationship already contains all the practical tools to prepare for eventual membership," implies that Georgia should do without a MAP-the missing instrument that another sentence in the communique describes as "integral to the process."

Largely by default, NATO has allowed its stalling of Georgia to become a chronic problem for the Alliance's credibility. It reflects Russia's intimidating power, the special relations between some of the most influential NATO countries and Russia, and some Allies' (including the US's) own Middle Eastern predicaments, which, although partly self-inflicted, inspire them to solicit Russia's "help" (Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, terrorism, migrations). This decade-long tendency had seemed to fade in the wake of Russia's assault on Ukraine, but has crept back in recent months; it will probably grow further in the run-up to the US, German, and French elections.

Ahead of NATO's Warsaw Summit, the Georgian government had campaigned all-out diplomatically for Allied approval of a Georgian MAP. By April or perhaps somewhat later, however, it became clear that this goal could not be attained at this summit either (see EDM, July 18). Nevertheless, on the summit's eve, a joint declaration of Georgia's political parties across their dividing lines reaffirmed Georgia's national goal to join NATO. And after the summit, assessing its results, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili affirmed the government's belief in the "inevitability of Georgia's [NATO] membership" (Civil Georgia, July 26).

In the summit's wake, Georgia and the Allies plan to focus on the possible development of non-MAP instruments. At Warsaw, however, NATO's Open Door policy (which NATO's communiques write in capital letters) failed the most relevant test-that of Georgia.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
NATO-Georgia: The Open Door Policy's Failing Test (Part One)

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Vladimir Socor Publication Date 27 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 136 Related Document(s) NATO-Georgia: The Open Door Policy's Failing Test (Part Two) Cite as Jamestown Foundation, NATO-Georgia: The Open Door Policy's Failing Test (Part One), 27 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 136, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a16f54.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

It was a summit of modest expectations and modest results for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Warsaw on July 8-9. These results are of an interim nature: building-blocks for further decisions at upcoming ministerial meetings, not waiting until next summit. The Warsaw results do not, as yet, correlate with the growth in Russia's capacity to threaten, intimidate, or subvert the Alliance generally and its eastern-now "frontline"-member countries in particular.

NATO's summit in Warsaw declared: "We reaffirm our commitment to the Open Door Policy, one of the Alliance's great successes" (Nato.int, July 9, para. 110). "At the 2008 Bucharest Summit, Allies agreed that Georgia will become a member of NATO, with a Membership Action Plan as an integral part of the process. Today we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions." The NATO-Georgia Commission, meeting during the summit at the foreign ministers' level, used identical language (Nato.int, July 9, para. 111).

Eight years after the April 2008 Bucharest decision, however, the Warsaw Summit gave Georgia neither an invitation to accession negotiations, nor a timeframe for implementing the Bucharest decision, nor even a Membership Action Plan (MAP) that would, in time, prepare Georgia to receive an invitation to join NATO.

The Warsaw Summit's communique, and the NATO-Georgia Commission meeting during the summit, did fully acknowledge Georgia's long-standing contributions to NATO-led operations, past and ongoing. The Summit and the Commission welcomed Georgia's advances in preparing for eventual membership using NATO's existing instruments. "Georgia is doing its part in allocating significant resources to this effort," the Summit and the Commission both ascertained. These acknowledgements could have been much more convincing had they not been relegated to an even lower place in the final communique than had been the case at previous NATO summits: Georgia's efforts are recorded in paragraphs 111 and 112, out of 139 paragraphs this time.

For all the acknowledgments, the corresponding political decisions to allow Georgia through the "open door," or at least to straddle the threshold, were not made in Warsaw and do not seem likely to be made any time soon. Georgia has long had a strong footprint in NATO's out-of-area operations, but does not have a foot in NATO's open door.

NATO has, in the last few years, accepted or invited countries with far lesser credentials than Georgia to join the Alliance. The accessions of Albania and Croatia (both in 2009), Montenegro (officially invited by the Warsaw Summit to join the Alliance), and Macedonia (with a standing invitation to begin accession negotiations), undoubtedly are historic achievements of these countries, and net gains for NATO.

In Warsaw, the Georgian delegation welcomed Montenegro's imminent accession as a "demonstration of NATO's commitment to the Open Door Policy" (Civil Georgia, July 9). Undoubtedly, Georgia would be a more convincing case for a merit-based open-door policy. But NATO is not providing that demonstration in the case of Georgia. This country is undeniably the most deserving among the aspirant countries knocking at NATO's open door for the last decade. Yet Georgia is left outside, always at the end of the queue, each time overtaken by other, less meritorious applicants.

Georgia contributes troops to NATO-led operations in Afghanistan continuously since 2005. On a per capita basis, Georgia is the single largest troop contributor among all countries involved in NATO's Afghanistan operations. Georgia deployed 1,560 soldiers with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and currently 860 with the Resolute Support Mission (the ISAF transitioned into the far smaller RSM in 2014). In absolute numerical terms, Georgia's 860-strong contingent is the third largest in RSM, just behind Germany's 980-strong contingent from a population twenty times larger than Georgia's. The Georgians fought in ISAF's most dangerous zone, Helmand, without restrictions on combat missions ("national caveats"), incurring 31 killed and almost 500 wounded (from the estimated total of 10,000 Georgian troops that served in Afghanistan over time).

It is not without irony that Germany, which had led the opposition to Georgia's NATO MAP, contributed incomparably fewer troops on a per capita basis, deployed them to the relatively safer Kunduz, introduced multiple national caveats nonetheless, and incurred incomparably fewer combat casualties than Georgia. Such discrepancies stemmed from differing priorities: Germany doubted the validity of NATO's Afghanistan intervention as conceived and conducted, while Georgia regarded ISAF and now RSM as opportunities to validate its own credentials as a NATO aspirant and partner of the United States.

Georgia had also contributed 2,200 troops to the US-led operation in Iraq until 2008 (not a NATO, but a coalition-of-the-willing operation), as well as several hundred troops to NATO-led peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. It has also pledged one infantry company to the evolving NATO Response Force (NRF) potentially for operations under Article Five.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Since there is no Democrat party anymore, shouldn't the name be removed from the dictionary? Yes it's true that the weird abomination looking thing way, way out there in left outer space was once called the Democrat party.

Thinking back on it the Democrat party, it seems to me at least, started its slide more than 50 years ago. One needs to look no farther than Springfield/Chicago to see what a deranged, sleazy, crooked thing it has become. Mr. Madigan, head dictator of the socialist/communist, formerly Democrat party has succeeded in turning this formerly proud state into a bankrupt quagmire.

Of course the mostly left-leaning press and other media place the blame on our Governor. At least he has done what he can to keep Madigan from doing more ridiculous, idiotic things. Now, Madigan has found some lefty judge to stop the redistricting map from going forward.

When it comes to the national election, I can think of a no better candidate for president than Hillary Clinton. She meets all the qualifications for the socialist/communist, formerly Democrat party. She seems incapable of telling the truth and has proved to have zero regard for the lives of our military because of the way she put undercover agents in jeopardy by having an unsecured email system. She must be totally incompetent as she proved with the way she and our poor excuse for a president allowed four Americans to be killed in Benghazi. They ordered our military to stand down when it's been proved they could have probably been saved. Yes she has all the qualifications for the socialist/communist, formerly Democrat party.

Robert Jenkins, Macon
Defense Minister Shoigu Reports on Russian Military Modernization

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Roger McDermott Publication Date 20 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 131 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Defense Minister Shoigu Reports on Russian Military Modernization, 20 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 131, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a17bc4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

In the fourth year of leading the Russian Ministry of Defense, Sergei Shoigu has demonstrated a unique style of leadership, marked by routine snap inspection exercises, enhancing the image of the Armed Forces, and restoring the confidence of the officer corps, while pushing ahead with military modernization. Reflecting on the modernization achievements of the second quarter of 2016, and fresh from mass firings of the top brass in the Baltic Sea Fleet (see EDM, July 6, 19), Shoigu's message is one of rising defense capability. While there are certainly reasons to lend credibility to his assertion that Russia's defense capabilities are increasing, there are also grounds to be cautious that his approach as defense minister is necessarily having the level of success claimed at official levels (Interfax, July 16).

A key part of Shoigu's message of military modernization remaining on course was couched in the statistic of reaching "40 percent" of the annual modernization plan. In turn, this permitted the defense minister to extol the virtues of the defense industry, with a near roll call of the items delivered to the Armed Forces in the second quarter. Whether intentional or not, Shoigu listed chief among these achievements deliveries of a brigade set of the operational-tactical missile complex Iskander-M, a regimental set of the advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) system S-400, followed by low-scale deliveries to the Navy, Army and Air Force. Deliveries to the Army mainly centered upon various types of tanks and armored vehicles, communications equipment, as well as ammunition. According to Shoigu, the elite Airborne Forces (VDV) were supplied with 18 units of the BMD-4M infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). In addition to boosting air-defense capabilities by providing more S-400s, he listed more modernization centers for repairing existing aircraft, new and refurbished helicopters, new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms, as well as additional modernization airlift capability. The Navy saw the introduction of a new patrol ship, with its assets including up to 47 Kalibr cruise missiles. The Northern Fleet, according to Shoigu, can anticipate receiving new icebreakers to boost the Russian military footprint in the Arctic Circle (Krasnaya Zvezda, July 17).

The defense ministry plans to procure five regimental sets of S-400s in 2016, following its largest supply of this asset to date last year, marked by handing over three sets. Although the gradual introduction of the advanced SAM system is portrayed as cause for celebration, there is no clear agenda on its more advanced successor, the S-500. According to its manufacturer, Almaz-Antey, the S-400 is tasked with destroying aircraft-jammers as well as a range of air targets, including aircraft and operational-tactical and ballistic missiles (RIA Novosti, July 6).

The procurements to which Shoigu refers are part of an ongoing and long-term effort to modernize Russia's Armed Forces. But by no means does this imply that the domestic defense industry has entirely freed itself from deep-rooted problems and challenges. On July 8, President Vladimir Putin certainly referenced this issue, when he delivered a clear warning and message to the defense industry, noting that it has achieved success in working with ready-made weapons systems, but remains vulnerable to competition from the United States. In Putin's view, the next task is moving to a "new level," which means addressing the issues of technology and its component base. This will also include greater innovative efforts to stay competitive in the international arms market and to boost the levels of revenue from this trade (Voyenno Promyshlennyy Kuryer, July 12).

According to an article in Voyenno Promyshlennyy Kuryer, Anatoly Sokolov and Oleg Falichev believe that a potential growth area for state contracts for Almaz-Antey will be the development of space-based assets. This will especially relate to developing further existing capabilities to detect, track and destroy potential enemy satellites. The authors argue that sufficient expertise exists in the defense industry, drawing upon experiments during the Soviet period, to design and perfect space-based capabilities, in order to target enemy satellite weapons, but this will demand answering the question as to whether Moscow wants to develop super-heavy space-launch vehicles, or place anti-satellite laser-based systems in orbit. Either way, the authors conclude that the militarization of outer space is in full swing (Voyenno Promyshlennyy Kuryer, July 5).

However, in the meantime, Shoigu's unusually upbeat message on the progress of the military modernization is also tied to his internal fight to stamp out false reporting from the top brass during his so-called "snap inspections" of the Armed Forces. His high-profile dismissal of naval top brass, including most of the command of the Baltic Fleet, reportedly resulted from them providing exaggerated results of the readiness levels based on a snap inspection. Although Shoigu acted ruthlessly against these officers, presumably with presidential support, it implies there exists a more systemic proclivity for commanders and senior officers in the Armed forces to artificially boost how well their units perform in snap inspections. His sacking of more than 50 naval officers in the Baltic Fleet for their alleged misreporting of readiness levels, certainly demonstrates Shoigu's serious commitment to raising standards in the military. But the extent and scope of the false reporting must raise alarm bells in the General Staff about how accurate is their present system for judging readiness levels in the Armed Forces. It also marks the biggest scandal in the Russian Navy since the sinking of the Kursk in 2000 (Voyenno Promyshlennyy Kuryer, July 5).

Shoigu's military inherited the key challenges and dilemmas that faced his predecessor's "New Look" reforms-namely, an institution in transition, with elements of new or advanced features and hallmarks of the old system. Some analysts argue that Russia's Armed Forces are "unrecognizable," and use this as the basis to inflate the threat Russia poses to its neighbors. However, there is more within the existing Russian military system that is recognizable than new, and a reappearance of the tendency by senior officers to exaggerate their performance reporting will not cause Shoigu too much surprise. But, despite the progress toward re-equipping the military with new or modernized weaponry and equipment, there is much that serves to inhibit its performance, especially in terms of the creation or development of some hypothetical expeditionary capability.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Top Brass Snubs Kremlin Initiative for Military Reserve Training of University Students

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Aleksandr Golts Publication Date 27 July 2016 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Top Brass Snubs Kremlin Initiative for Military Reserve Training of University Students, 27 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a18194.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Considering the profound militarization of Russia over the past few years, one might expect the country's Armed Forces to play an increasingly significant political role domestically, to have their own agenda and to try to achieve its implementation. However, at first glance, nothing like this appears in the offing. The top brass is not publicly squabbling with or revolting against the civilian leadership, as was more typical during the 1990s and early 2000s. After the dismissal of former defense minister Anatoly Serdyukov (in office 2007-2012), criticism of the Kremlin's military policies is essentially nonexistent. It seems as if President Vladimir Putin's authoritarian regime has closely approached the Soviet ideal of civil-military relations, whereby the military obediently carries out any and every order from the Kremlin without asking for anything in return. It is even more surprising that Putin has achieved such apparent full obedience without having to resort to the use of totalitarian structures like the old Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

But in truth, such apparent full military obedience is only an illusion. In fact, the generals are not afraid to correct President Putin's and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's decisions, when the military sees fit to do so. A case in point is the current state of military training for Russian students-an initiative that has been significantly scaled back by the Armed Forces compared to the civilian leadership's initial plans for this program (Echo Moskvi, July 16).

In recent months, the Ministry of Defense has raised considerable noise around the program of military training for university students, which subsequently allows these Russian youths to join the reserve forces as privates or sergeants. The first 11,000 students are undergoing practical as well as specialized training right now, at military camps specially created within regular units (Krasnaya Zvezda, June 21). The official propaganda presents this program as evidence that young intellectuals are willing to fulfill their patriotic duty. A similarly well-publicized initiative has been Shoigu's plan to establish the "Unarmie" ("Army of the Youth")-a children's military organization, which, as in Soviet times, is designed to foster patriotism by teaching teenagers to shoot with Kalashnikov rifles (TASS May 28).

Yet, particularly the university student reserve training program does not match the Kremlin's original policy commitments. Three years ago, in his address to the Federal Assembly (parliament), Vladimir Putin announced his intention to carry out a true revolution in the organization of the military: "We have to think [about] how to create highly trained reserve forces. There is another suggestion in this regard: keeping [conscription] deferrals for students and changing the very system of military training offered by institutions of higher education. This will enable all students to study [and simultaneously] receive military training for their next military assignment and a particular area of military specialization. This mechanism will allow us to train the right amount of reservists for the most needed, primarily technical military specializations, while not drafting them into the Armed Forces" (Kremlin.ru, December 12, 2013).

According to this proposed initiative, university students would devote one day a week to military education over the course of one and a half to two years. Upon completion of the course, they would need to pass a three-month summer boot camp. At that point, they would be signed up within the reserves as privates and sergeants and avoid having to spend a year in the active conscript service. The idea was strongly supported by the Russian defense minister. "We really want you to think of this as a good opportunity for easy learning without interrupting your educational process," Shoigu earnestly tried to convince students in 2013. He added, "And for this purpose we will create worthy training centers. You will spend one day a week on theoretical education-it is not that hard. After the theoretical course, you will have to pass a three-month-long training regimen. We have enough units, training grounds and equipment to do this. And believe me, we will try to do all this under humane conditions. But, of course, we will require complete output. We expect to recruit 80-100 thousand people a year into the reserves" (Krasnaya Zvezda, December 19, 2013).

From the beginning, Shoigu was particularly interested in the success of this new reserve training program for university students. If this initiative became implemented as designed, he would have a chance to formally comply with Putin's order to raise the number of Armed Forces personnel back up to one million servicemen. Under Russia's current demographic situation, this demand is only possible to meet through bureaucratic manipulation. Indeed, one such possibility would be for the defense ministry to record all of the country's male university students (approximately 2.3 million-Gks.ru, accessed July 27) as members of the Armed Forces (reminiscent of the 17th century tsarist practice of enlisting noble-born babies as members of guards regiments). The size of the Armed Forces presently tops out at around 700-800 thousand troops, so the rest of Putin's one-million-man army would have to be members of a paper "student army."

Predictably, the military top brass did not like this idea. Specifically, the enrollment of all students with military training into a mobilization reserve force would deprive supporters of a mass mobilization army of their main argument that only universal conscription is able to provide the Armed Forces with sufficient reserves. The Russian military annually calls up (with great difficulty) about 300,000 conscripts. And 10-15 percent of these draftees are university graduates, thus the military did not want to lose them to a newly structured reserve force. As a result, the presidential initiative from 2013 was obstructed and delayed by the military leadership tasked with carrying it out. According to initial plans then announced by Shoigu, military training was supposed to be mandatory for all male students in the country by 2016. But today, only 22,000 students are permitted to participate in the training program. The representative of the defense ministry's Main Directorate for Personnel, Colonel Ruslan Milyaev, offers a fundamentally different approach to military training for students than the one that Shoigu announced three years ago: "It all depends on the defense ministry's needs for specific specialists in particular regions; and of course it may not be for everyone. Besides, there is an issue of the cost for the state" (Echo Moskvi, July 16). So it seems that Putin and Shoigu-who are normally sensitive to any attempts by subordinates to ignore their orders-have been willing to overlook cases of the military top brass disregarding the Kremlin's initiatives.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
A Revival of the Mongolian-Russian Friendship?

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alicia J. Campi Publication Date 26 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 135 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, A Revival of the Mongolian-Russian Friendship?, 26 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 135, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a18964.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

On the eve of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's visit to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for the 11th Annual Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit (July 15-16), an article appeared in the Russian media entitled, " 'An Old Friend is Worth Two New': It's time for Russia to turn towards Mongolia" (Fort-russ.com, July 9). The piece examined the weakened state of Russian-Mongolian relations in the post-Communist era and called for Russia to return to its position of influence in a country once firmly tied to the Soviet sphere and often called the Soviet Union's 16th republic.

In 2016, already there have been signs that the Russian government is moving in this direction: in February, Moscow decided to grant Mongolia $1.3 billion in new loans to import Russian fuel (The UB Post, February 5); in March, the Russian Federation wrote off Mongolia's $174 million debt after a one-off payment of $3.8 million (The UB Post, March 2); on June 23, Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj's "Economic Corridor" initiative was finalized at the Russian-Mongolian-Chinese trilateral meeting on the sideline of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tashkent (Mongol Messenger, June 24); and on June 28, Russian-owned shares in the Erdenet copper mine and mining firm Mongolrostsvetment were suddenly mysteriously sold off to a newly formed Mongolian company (Mongol Messenger, July 1). Such warming trends in Mongolian-Russian relations are likely to accelerate, particularly following the June 29 election of a new Mongolian government, which saw the return to power of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP)-a political faction with socialist-era roots as the country's Soviet-supported Communist party.

Earlier this year, Mongolia asked the Russian Federation for $1.3 billion in loans over a 36-month period to meet its domestic fuel demands, especially in the mining industry. This deal would finance the purchase of 1.3 million tons of fuel annually and decrease domestic price fluctuations for retail fuel, while stabilizing prices for staple goods and resolving pressure on Mongolia's foreign currency reserves. In June, the Russian VTB Bank, supported by the Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance (EXIAR), issued the first $65.4 million of a $300 million line of credit to the Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM), under governmental guarantees of Mongolia's Ministry of Finance (Mongol Messenger, July 1).

Mongolia's outstanding $174 million debt to Russia-which has now been forgiven-had been an impediment to deeper investment cooperation in Mongolia's construction and mineral production markets. A 2010 deal between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar took six years for the Russian legislature to approve (Sputnik News, January 31, 2016). Another looming problem since 2009 involved the terms of an intergovernmental agreement for rail transportation of Mongolian exports via Russia (Mongol Messenger, June 24, 2016). The draft was finalized by the outgoing Mongolian cabinet and signed by Russian and Mongolian officials at the Tashkent Summit as part of the trilateral Russian-Chinese-Mongolian "Economic Corridor" program.

The economic integration of the major infrastructure projects in Northeast Asia-Mongolia's Steppe Road, China's One Belt and One Road Initiative, and Russia's trans-Eurasian transit corridor-is considered by Ulaanbaatar to be the first concrete outcome of the past three years of tripartite talks. After 17 working group meetings, a total of 32 selected projects were divided into 13 categories: railway infrastructure, the AN-3 Asian auto road network and eastern auto road, airlines, industry, energy, the renovation of border checkpoints, trade, specialized customs inspections and quarantine measures, environmental protection and ecology, scientific and technical partnerships, humanitarian cooperation, agriculture, and medicine. Although funding must still be clarified, the three sides agreed to establish a co-financed Investment and Projecting Center. Further studies will also be conducted regarding the construction of a Moscow-Beijing high-speed railway line through Mongolia; establishing an economic zone through Heilongjiang, Russia, Mongolia and Inner Mongolia; and renovating the Russo-Mongol electrical network. All these projects are designed to deepen trilateral economic cooperation and regional economic integration, increase trade flows, maintain trade competitiveness, as well as enhance trans-border transportation. This plan will also establish trans-border ecological corridors to enhance tourism, including a "Triangle of Great Lakes" involving Mongolia's Khuvsgul Lake, Russia's Baikal Lake and China's Hulun Lake, and create a "Great Tea Road" tourism brand (Mongol Messenger, July 1).

The day before Mongolia's election, then-prime minister Chimed Saikhanbileg announced that Russian Rostec had sold its 49 percent share in the Mongolrostsvetment and Erdenet joint ventures. The latter is a giant ore mining/processing site that produces 530,000 tons of copper concentrate and 4,500 tons of molybdenum concentrate per year. The sale, estimated at $500 million, was to Mongolian Copper (Mongoliin Zes), a new private company funded by Mongolia's Trade and Development Bank (TDB). Because the details were not released, the sale was immediately decried by the MPP as evidence of governing party corruption and an issue of national security. Some independent Mongolian economic analysts, such as Dugar Jargalsaikhan (a.k.a. Jargal de Facto), opined that the non-transparent transaction was repudiated by the Mongolian people and may have provoked the MPP's unexpected landslide victory. It was claimed that the address of record for the purchasing corporation was the same as for Bloomberg TV News Mongolia, which is a partnership between Bloomberg Media Group and TDB (Mongolianbusinessdatabase.com, July 13). Purportedly, despite the strong opposition of some in the Russian foreign ministry, President Vladimir Putin himself was persuaded to allow the deal to go forward (Ocnus.net, July 14).

This sale could also have been part of a Russian maneuver to compensate Mongolia after Moscow (in June) successfully pressured China to withhold Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) funding for Mongolia to construct the Egiin Goliin Hydropower Plant. Russians believe this dam would threaten Lake Baikal, 580 kilometers downstream. At the Tashkent Summit, President Putin said the proposed hydroelectric plant would create "serious risks" to the water supply in the Irkutsk region, but he proposed "increasing the supply of energy" to Mongolia, which annually relies on $25 million worth of electricity imports from Russia (Bloomberg, July 11).

New Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat, a former finance minister and governor, met, on July 15, with Medvedev on the sidelines of the ASEM summit to discuss boosting the Mongolian-Russian strategic partnership in the medium term (Montsame.mn, July 16). The new government and parliament, solidly in MPP hands, will likely try to shift the ownership of Erdenet to a different entity, one not closely connected with the former ruling coalition, as well as seek other international funding options for the Egiin Goliin Hydropower Plant. However, the MPP, known for its pro-Russian leanings, will certainly welcome a more active Moscow as a partner in the Mongolian-Russian-Chinese trilateral format and in a revived bilateral relationship.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Moscow Seeks to Put Ukraine's Smallest Nationalities in Play Against Kyiv

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Paul Goble Publication Date 26 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 135 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Moscow Seeks to Put Ukraine's Smallest Nationalities in Play Against Kyiv, 26 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 135, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a18f54.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The ethnic-Ukrainian share of Ukraine's population is now greater than the ethnic-Russian share of the Russian Federation's population-and significantly larger if one does not include Russian-occupied Crimea and Donbas in the Ukrainian estimation. Despite that, Moscow continues to try to play the ethnic card in Ukraine, not only with ethnic Russians in the east but with smaller ethnic communities elsewhere. Russia's earlier failed efforts to mobilize Ukraine's 150,000 ethnic Hungarians and 150,000 Romanians attracted some attention in the past largely because of their proximity to Hungary and Romania, respectively. But now Moscow is seeking to put two other and smaller groups-the 32,000 Gagauz (a Turkic-speaking people who mainly belong to the Christian Orthodox Church) and the 140,000 Bulgarians-in play in Odesa oblast in a transparent attempt to destabilize that southern Ukrainian region and Ukraine more generally (see EDM, April 9, 13, 2015).

This latest Russian effort began immediately after June 28, when Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko proposed giving the Crimean Tatars the right to self-determination within Ukraine. Many Ukrainians support this policy for the Crimean Tatars as an effective wedge issue against the Russian occupation of Crimea. But at the same time, others have opposed it because of concerns about the precedent this might set for ethnic Russians or other ethnic minorities throughout Ukraine. Those fears may be justified given that following Poroshenko's announcement, Moscow-based commentators immediately complained that Kyiv was not offering a similar right of autonomy to Ukraine's ethnic Russians (Vz.ru, June 28). In addition, reports soon appeared in Russian outlets that the Bulgarian and Gagauz communities in Ukraine had begun campaigns to demand autonomy for themselves.

Within a week of Poroshenko making his proposal, Moscow media outlets were filled with reports that the Bulgarians of Ukraine had asked the Ukrainian president to grant them autonomy in Odesa and Kherson oblasts. These Russian reports cited Yury Palychev, who was identified as a leader of the Bulgarian community, to the effect that Poroshenko's proposal had "essentially changed the constitutional field of Ukraine and created an important precedent." Therefore, he reportedly said, "the Bulgarians of Ukraine living on specific territories also [should] receive autonomy" (Vz.ru, July 4).

But less than a day later, Palychev spoke to the Ukrainian press and denied what Moscow was reporting: "I officially declare that I have never appealed to Ukrainian President Petro Alekseyeviuch Poroshenko. Moreover, I have never called on anyone to offer territorial autonomy to the Bulgarians in Odesa and Kherson oblasts. I have always stood on the principles of the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, and I stand on those principles now" (Golos.ua, July 5). Palychev's statement was confirmed by other Bulgarians in Ukraine and received prominent coverage in Sofia newspapers, thus giving Moscow another black eye there (Bnr.bg, July 6).

The Bulgarian "demand" turned out to be nothing more than the latest example of Russian disinformation. But the situation with regard to Ukraine's Gagauz may be more significant not only because it appears that its leaders appear to really want some specific form of autonomy but also because Russian outlets are promoting it far more heavily than they did the Bulgarian "falshivka" (falsity) (Korrespondent.net, Lenta.ru, Gagauzinfo.md, RT, July 18).

Using its VKontakte page, the Union of Gagauz of Ukraine issued a statement that none of its leaders or members have so far disowned. After Poroshenko's speech, the Union said that "unfortunately many Gagauz are forgetting their language and being transformed into part of a uniform social mass. At one point, the lands of southern Ukraine were given to us, Gagauz, because of our fidelity to Orthodoxy. [Because of that heritage,] we have the complete right to call ourselves the indigenous residents of these places. But we do not have our own territorial autonomy" (Vz.ru, July 18).

According to the Gagauz Union declaration, until Poroshenko's proposal regarding the Crimean Tatars, any talk of autonomy was denounced as separatism, "but the times are changing," and Poroshenko's proposal represents "a powerful domestic political breakthrough" that gives the Gagauz and others "real prospects for the autonomization of the country while preserving its territorial integrity We need autonomy for self-preservation and further development. [And] our Union of the Gagauz of Ukraine is appealing to President Poroshenko and the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian parliament] to take up this issue" because its adoption will represent "the triumph of justice and democracy in Ukraine" (Vz.ru, July 18).

Three reasons exist for why Moscow likely believes that it will be more successful with the Gagauz than with other minority groups. First, Moscow has long experience working with and even manipulating the Gagauz minority in Moldova, where the Russian authorities have been able to coordinate Gagauz actions with those of separatist Transnistria against the Moldovan state. Second, the Gagauz minority in Ukraine is small and thus easier to control than larger ones. It is unlikely that any statement that the Gagauz Union puts out will ever be denied, regardless of whether it is genuine or not. And third, precisely because this Turkic-speaking but Russian Orthodox group is so little known, Moscow can disseminate the kinds of declarations it needs with little fear that they will be contradicted by outsider observers.

Such Russian special operations will have to be watched closely. What appears to be a minor issue now could blow up into a major one if it is coordinated in Ukraine in the same way the Gagauz have been coordinated with Transnistria in Moldova.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
From Syria With LoveColonel-General Aleksandr Dvornikov Takes Over Russia's Southern Military District

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Jorgen Elfving Publication Date 26 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 135 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, From Syria With LoveColonel-General Aleksandr Dvornikov Takes Over Russia's Southern Military District, 26 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 135, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a19694.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The operation in Syria is Russia's first experience of expeditionary warfare-beyond what Moscow calls its "near abroad"-since Soviet forces left Afghanistan in 1989. The ongoing campaign in Syria, along with Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, have highlighted Russian military capabilities that were absent during the war with Georgia in 2008. These newly developed capabilities are the result of military reforms initiated immediately after the Russian-Georgian war. According to Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Armed Forces were able to carry out the operation in Syria due to "the efforts of the country's leadership" to modernize "the army and fleet" (Mil.ru, July 15). Judging from Shoigu's positive remarks, the Syria campaign is clearly seen in Moscow as a success, and its experiences will have an impact on the continued development of the Russian Armed Forces (Mil.ru, TASS, July 15). However, the operation also revealed shortcomings in terms of Russia's military equipment. The chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, ordered these problems to be fixed by the end of year, but without mentioning any details (RIA Novosti, July 15).

The heretofore success of the Russian operation in Syria in large part was due to the leadership of Colonel-General Aleksandr Dvornikov, who was awarded the title "Hero of Russia" on March 17, 2016. Dvornikov headed the Syria campaign since September 30, 2015, but on July 1, he was reappointed to command the Southern Military District (MD) (Mil.ru, July 1). This appointment as well as the "Hero of Russia" award shows that the political and military top brass in Moscow were pleased with his role in Syria and have trust in him (Kremlin.ru, March 17). Since this past March, Dvornikov has also lost his anonymity and become a public figure, particularly following his March 23 interview in Rossiyskaya Gazeta (Rossiyskaya Gazeta, March 23). This increased public scrutiny may not be entirely to his liking, since according to those who know him, he reportedly prefers to remain behind the scenes (Ok.ru, accessed July 26).

Aleksandr Dvornikov was born in 1961 and was commissioned into the military in 1982. He has a solid background in the Ground Forces, where he served in positions from platoon commander to army commander and in most military districts (Mil.ru, accessed July 26). In April 2012, he was appointed chief of staff/first deputy commander in the Central MD, and since September 2015, he had commanded the Russian forces in Syria. This might seem somewhat odd considering Colonel-General Dvornikov's background in the Ground Forces: at first glance, an air force officer should have been more suited to head the Syria operation, which overwhelmingly looks like a bombing and air support campaign. In fact, however, the operation in Syria is not just an air operation. It is more a combined-arms operation, which is why Dvornikov was a logical choice due to his experience at the head of the Joint Strategic Command headquarters of the Central MD.

The Russian Armed Forces' operational procedures may also help explain why Dvornikov was chosen to command the campaign in Syria. Notably, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad asked for Russian military support in July 2015, whereas Russia's involvement did not officially materialize until September 30 of that year. And what took place in the meantime besides political deliberations? Among other things, in September Russia held the exercise Tsentr (Center) 2015 in the Central MD. This exercise can almost certainly be assumed to have been carried out in preparation for and as a dress rehearsal for the subsequent operation in Syria (Ng.ru, September 25, 2015). Evidence pointing toward this conclusion includes the large number of aircraft participating in Tsentr 2015; the number and specific character of the air operations carried out during these massive drills (and in particular during the final phase of the exercise); as well as the building of a temporary airfield prior to its start-something done by the Armed Forces for the first time in 30 years (TASS, September 18, 2015; Hodor.lol, August 28, 2015). As chief of staff of the Central Military District, Colonel-General Dvornikov was undoubtedly deeply involved in both the planning and the execution of the Tsentr 2015 exercise; therefore, he became an obvious candidate to command the Syrian operation itself.

Dvornikov's recent promotion to head the Southern Military District is, thus, far from surprising. The Southern MD is directly responsible for the Black Sea region and Crimea, an area currently being given high priority from a military point of view (see EDM, March 4, June 24). The Southern MD is also involved in preventing the infiltration of terrorist groups from the North Caucasus; and the MD will host the exercise Kavkaz (Caucasus) 2016 in September. In this context, Dvornikov is well suited to be the commander of the military district. As one Russian source notes: "To cope adequately with the assigned duties [requires] a strong military leader with great command and combat experience [and] having the trust of the nation's leading persons. General Aleksandr Dvornikov is just such a military commander, who has the invaluable Syrian experience of commanding forces in complex modern warfare" (Ok.ru, accessed July 26).

Dvornikov recently visited most of the units subordinated to the Southern MD in order to become better acquainted with his new command. Additionally, he stated that his most important tasks in the near future will be to prepare for and execute the Kavkaz 2016 exercise as well as to build up the infrastructure needed to commence combat training of the western-facing 150th Mechanized Division currently being formed in Rostov oblast (Stavropolye.tv, July 5).

The experience of leading the Syrian operation earned Dvornikov the highest Russian decoration as well as command of one of Russia's most strategically important military districts. It will be valuable to watch whether this signifies that Dvornikov is becoming one of the new rising stars within the Russian military hierarchy.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Belarus: Change Is in the Offing

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Grigory Ioffe Publication Date 22 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 133 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Belarus: Change Is in the Offing, 22 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 133, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a1a994.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The evolving political dynamics of Belarus are causing an unprecedented shift in policy stances and viewpoints that were heretofore considered immovable. Thus, some of the opinions that used to be routinely associated with the West-friendly opposition are today often being embraced by the government itself. Such policy reversals include the upcoming parliamentary elections, major external events like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Warsaw Summit (July 8-9), as well as economic reform.

The first phase of preparations for the elections (scheduled for September 11, 2016)-i.e., the formation of regional and local electoral commissions and the registration of the so-called initiative groups (IG) to promote candidates-has come to an end. The non-governmental organization (NGO) "Human Rights Watchers for Free Elections" observed in its report that the overwhelming number of the IGs on behalf of the members of the opposition have been registered (Tut.by, July 12). Considering that the Belarusian House of Representatives (lower house of parliament) has 110 seats, on average four candidates will compete for one seat (Belarus Segodnya, July 9).

"The European countries have made some concessions to Belarus," the chairwoman of the Central Electoral Commission, Lidiya Ermoshina, uncharacteristically observed. "But they are temporary and contingent on the parliamentary elections. And that means that the future of our country and the future of our national economy depend upon how well we carry out this campaign, as all financial projects have been postponed until September 11" (Tut.by, July 14).

On the radical side of the opposition, the usual dilemma is whether to participate in the elections at all. This time, the non-participation appeal was authored by Pavel Usov, in whose opinion, under the current situation, "the elections are imbued with lies, and so participating in them is to allow these lies to strike their roots" (Belorusskii Partizan, July 11). Usov's view was confronted by an even more prominent opposition-minded pundit. According to Valer Karbalevich who is based in Minsk but works for Radio Liberty, Usov unduly assumed the role of a moral preacher more appropriate for clergy than for someone who dispenses his advice to politicians. There are no politics without compromises. So calling upon the opposition to reject any compromise with the authorities is an absurdity. To be sure, the problem is that the powers that be themselves do not want compromise, but that is a totally different matter, remarks Karbalevich (Svaboda.org, July 13).

The latter assertion, however, may also be called into question. Cases in point are the way in which the NATO Warsaw Summit has been commented upon by the major Belarusian daily, Belarus Segodnya, as well as the most recent appraisal of the reform-minded members of the government in Minsk. As for the former, the article in Belarus Segodnya reflects a surprisingly evenhanded assessment of the confrontation between the North Atlantic Alliance and Russia: "NATO accuses Russia of aggravating the situation, whereas Russia accuses NATO. The rhetoric they use is the same, and the references are the same as well: for example, to the fact that the military exercises are carried out on their respective territories. The same words are pronounced to the effect that they were not the initiators of a new cold war, but now they have to [build up their defenses], and the like" (Belarus Segodnya, July 12). At the same time, in their discussion of the possible consequences of the NATO summit for Belarus, the opposition-minded commentators observe that President Alyaksandr Lukashenka does not fulfil the direct commands from the Kremlin and that attachment to Russia is not a matter of his choice; rather it is contingent on Belarus's economic imperatives. After all, Russia is the principal market for Belarus's machine-building, while alternative markets are lacking (Svaboda.org, July 10).

By the same token, Minsk's willingness to compromise may rather be endorsed on the basis of Artyom Shraibman's article for Moscow's Carnegie Center. It is provocatively titled "Why does Lukashenka need a reform-minded government?" Shraibman, affiliated with the Minsk-based privately-owned news portal Tut.by, avers that the leading positions in the government are held by liberal economists such as the head of the National Bank Pavel Kallaur, vice premier Vassily Matyushevsky, and deputy chair of the Presidential Administration Nikolai Snopkov. They and the now former economic advisor to President Lukashenka, Kirill Rudyi (who has just been appointed ambassador to China), have managed to stabilize the currency market by conducting a rigid monetary policy and introducing a floating exchange rate for the Belarusian ruble. They have been, so far fruitlessly, prodding Lukashenka to begin the key phase of structural reform, that is, to curtail subsidizing the loss-making state-run industrial giants and to privatize them. The parallels between the reformers in today's Belarus with the Chicago Boys under Chile's Augusto Pinochet (1970s-1980s) and a liberal economic team under Francisco Franco in late-1950s Spain suggest themselves. But these parallels have one flaw: unlike Pinochet and Franco, Lukashenka is a devout socialist, so he keeps on scolding his government for proposing the ideas whose implementation is fraught with negative social outcomes. So why does Lukashenka keep those people as well as the leading figures in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who are succeeding in their pursuit of an even-handed foreign policy? Shraibman's response is that all of them are true professionals, whereas the attempts to resolve Belarus economic problems by resorting to the "old Marxists from the economic departments of Belarusian colleges" have failed. These professionals can also use the same professional language spoken by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Shraibman observes that although the current political elites of Belarus are more cohesive and united than in Central Asian autocracies, the continuing degradation of the economy and the fact that economic liberals are younger than their well-entrenched dirigiste counterparts may be a sign of the future rift within the elite (Carnegie.ru, July 13).

Regardless of the potential splits, however, Minsk's readiness to embrace multifaceted change already seems to be a fact of life. Only inertia and a reliance on outdated stereotypes may prevent an accurate assessment of this situation. The current Belarus policies of the United States and the European Union have, in part, responded to that readiness. But even more definitive and fine-tuned responses are called for.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Oscillating Between Israel and Iran, Will Georgia Tilt Toward the Islamic Republic?

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Devi Dumbadze Publication Date 20 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 131 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Oscillating Between Israel and Iran, Will Georgia Tilt Toward the Islamic Republic? , 20 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 131, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a1d354.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming trip to Azerbaijan (APA, July 6) highlights his country's growing interest in the nearby South Caucasus region. And indeed, the Republic of Georgia often boasts of its own strategic relationship with Israel. Just this past May, Georgia's industrious Minister of Economy and Development Dimitry Kumsishvili was in Jerusalem to discuss plans with the Knesset's Deputy Speaker Hilik Bar on "further political, trade and economic development" between the two countries (PNG, May 27). A day earlier, at the parliament in Tbilisi, Bar was himself visiting with the "Georgia-Israel Friendship Group" (Parliament.ge, May 26). The Georgians thanked the Israeli delegation for the country's 2014 visa liberalization and requested the introduction of additional working visas for Georgians overstaying them. Bar congratulated the country on its 25 years of independence.

Notably, on April 7, the Israeli company Elbit Systems Cyclone closed the construction deal for a civic aviation plant near Tbilisi with the state-owned investment firm "Partnership Fund" (Facebook.com/PartnershipFund, April 7). Minister Kumsishvili had inspected the company's assets in March, greenlighting a project estimated at $85 million (Commersant.ge, March 8). Yet such activities remain low profile. Even as the National Tourism Administration attempts to drive up visits by Israelis with an advertising campaign (IPN, May 26), Israeli exports to Georgia remains largely insignificant: reaching only $22.6 million in 2015, down from $70.9 million in 2009. Meanwhile, Israel's regional nemesis Iran increased its exports to Georgia from $29.2 million (2009) to $122.7 million by 2014, with a slight dip to $92.3 million in 2015 (Geostat.ge, July 15); Iranian exports are expected to grow further following the nuclear deal. Moreover, the numbers of Iranian tourists to Georgia already registered a five-fold surge in the first six months of 2016 (Civil Georgia, May 3).

Georgia's relations with Israel fall drastically short of the soaring promises announced by then-Georgian prime minister Ivanishvili on his first official visit to the country, in 2013. At that time, Ivanishvili raved of his "dream of Israel as a strategic partner" (Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2013). However, despite persistent assurances of the "26-century-old friendship" between the two nations (Parliament.ge, November 5, 2015), not much can be reported on the ground. Most notably, no military and security cooperation have been reintroduced. Is the proclaimed "dream of a strategic partnership" with Israel just another wishful promise made by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) coalition?

Ivanishvili had declared mending fences with Israel his foreign policy priority after relations between the two countries-most dynamic prior to the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, and including highly demanded military supplies and training-had stalled in the war's aftermath, only to completely deteriorate in the following years. In mid-2011, then-president Mikheil Saakashvili of the United National Movement (UNM) staged a media-event arrest of Israeli businessmen Rony Fuchs and Zeev Frenkiel, not bereft of some anti-Semitic cliches (Netgazeti, April 6, 2011). An Israeli construction company saw its contracts in Georgia prematurely terminated the year before (Resonancedaily, August 17, 2010); payments for Israeli drones delivered to Georgia were canceled (Civil Georgia, April 9, 2011). In response, an Israeli delegation of military experts visited Abkhazia for consultations (Civil Georgia, April 14, 2011), although no weapons were sold to the breakaway territory. Shortly after Ivanishvili's visit to Israel, Saakashvili accused that country of secretly providing the Russian aggressor with "data-link codes" to Georgia's Israeli-made reconnaissance drones (Civil Georgia, July 6, 2013). The Israeli government conducted an investigation rebutting these claims, which appeared to be based only on Wikileaks wires (Netgazeti, December 16, 2013).

The GD government simultaneously proclaims its commitment to "normalizing relations with Russia" and deepening integration with the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Such easy espousal of apparently contrary policy directions helps explain why Ivanishvili in Jerusalem also embraced the notion of a possible nuclear deal with Iran (Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2013)-a country that, arguably, poses a grave existential threat to Georgia's presumed "strategic partner." Since the passage of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program, Georgian top-ranked officials have jumped into the fray of "economic cooperation" with the Islamic Republic (Civil Georgia, May 20, 2015). Although Iran is a prolific sponsor of radical Islamic terrorism throughout the region and an ally of Bashar al-Assad's ruthless regime in Syria, some Georgian officials are also considering cooperating with Iran on issues impacting Georgia's "security dimension" (Civil Georgia, August 9, 2015). For centuries, Iran has viewed Georgia as its domain of influence. With Russia having joined the pro-Assad coalition and increasingly tightly cooperating with Iran, while Iran's other regional adversary Turkey appears in danger of distancing itself from NATO, Tehran evidently sees a welcome opening.

It was after his 2013 visit to Israel that Ivanishvili reintroduced a visa regime for Iranian citizens traveling to Georgia. Yet, less than a year after the passage of the JCPOA, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvil lifted visa requirements (Netgazeti, February 8), well-prepared for this by a series of meetings with high-level Iranian officials (GPB, January 25, 2015; PIA, May 18, 2015). While the government in Tbilisi is mainly focusing on cooperation in tourism (Commersant.ge, February 10) and energy transit (Tabula, April 13), parts of the GD coalition, represented by Deputy Speaker Gubaz Sanikidze of the pro-Russian National Front party, welcome a "new era" with Iran. Sanikidze envisions that the "rapprochement between the West and Iran will create very significant levers for the Georgian system of security" (Parliament.ge, August 9, 2015).

One of the main negotiators with Iran, Sanikidze in the past saluted Fareydani Georgians for having "two homes" in Iran and Georgia, thus invoking Iran's "brotherly support," while praising the Islamic Revolution as an act of liberation from the West (YouTube, February 3, 2015). Seconded by Speaker Davit Usupashvili, who thanked Iran for its contribution to "the sovereignty and integrity of the Georgian state" (GPB, January 25, 2015), Iran could eventually be welcomed in Georgia as a security guarantor, a role that Iran's leaders themselves have repeatedly urged (FP, September 20, 2010). For the pro-Russian GD faction, Moscow rather than NATO is the more desired provider for Georgian sovereignty, and its recent ally Iran is, therefore, evidently more valued as a potential military partner than Israel.

So far, Georgia is eagerly expanding economic ties to Iran, but it is also gingerly considering possible security collaboration with the Islamic Republic. Israel's economic involvement, on the other hand, remains, at best, moderate, while no military cooperation is even on the agenda. If the GD wins the upcoming elections in October-with its last pro-Western wing, the Republican Party, having already departed the coalition-the pro-Russo-Iranian preference in Georgia's regional politics may further gain steam.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Rights Activists: Police Zeal in Prosecuting Suspected Rebels Violates Laws and Common Sense

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Valery Dzutsati Publication Date 20 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol North Caucasus Analysis Volume: 17 Issue: 14 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Rights Activists: Police Zeal in Prosecuting Suspected Rebels Violates Laws and Common Sense, 20 July 2016, North Caucasus Analysis Volume: 17 Issue: 14, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a1db44.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Rights activists of Kabardino-Balkaria have challenged official estimates of the number of militants from the republic believed to be fighting in Syria. In April, Kabardino-Balkaria's Deputy Interior Minister Kazbek Tatuev stated that 130 residents of the republic, including 28 women, were fighting in the Middle East. He also said that 96 of the Kabardino-Balkarian militants fighting in the Middle East were under 30, and that 20 of the militants had been killed since the start of the conflict in Syria. It is worth noting that Tatuev said the Russian authorities had launched only 60 criminal investigations against Kabardino-Balkarian militants in Syria (Kavkazsky Uzel, April 6).

A well-known rights activist in Kabardino-Balkaria, Valery Khatazhukov, dismissed the official's figures, saying that the Kabardino-Balkarian Ministry of Interior's claim that 130-150 republican residents are fighting in Syria "to put it mildly does not correspond with reality." Khatazhukov, who used to head the Kabardino-Balkarian human rights center "Za Prava Cheloveka" ("For Human Rights") before he was forced to shut it down, added: "We receive many reports from citizens that they are actually in Europe or Turkey, but they are put on the international wanted lists, because the authorities believe they are in the territory of ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-former name for the Islamic State]. One has lived in Belgium for six years, and we have spoken on the phone with him. He is also on the wanted list. Several dozen such individuals are in Turkey. There are also many cases when residents of the republic who intended to go to Syria met members of the Circassian diaspora in Turkey and were convinced to drop such intentions. Those people constantly get in touch with us. They are prepared to return to Kabardino-Balkaria and answer all questions" (Zapravakbr.com, July 8).

It is not for the faint of heart to return to Kabardino-Balkaria once the individual has been put on the list of suspects. Khatazhukov recalled the story of Aslan Konov, who went to Turkey with the intention of joining the militants in Syria. However, after meetings with the members of the Circassian diaspora, he rejected his plans, returned to the republic, met the Federal Security Service (FSB), and was released. However, six months later, the Center for Combatting Extremism (notoriously known as Center "E") detained Konov. "After the case of Konov, two people who we were having negotiations with about their return refused to do so"-Khatazhukov said.

The political regimes in all of the North Caucasian republics are on average more rigid than in the ethnically Russian regions of the Russian Federation. However, even among the North Caucasian republics, Kabardino-Balkaria is known for stringent police controls, which has led some observers to call the republic a "police state." The situation probably became worse after a former top Russian police official, Yury Kokov, was appointed governor of the republic in 2014 (Onkavkaz.com, September 3, 2015).

Kabardino-Balkarian police reportedly came up with the policy of "prophylactic registration," which consists of registering all suspected individuals and then using the lists to harass them. The head of the Mothers of Kabardino-Balkaria for Human Rights organization, Maryam Akhmetova, claimed a first grader who was the child of a slain militant was automatically put on the police's "prophylactic list." The family of Eduard Mironov, who was sentenced to life in prison, was forced to send his children to Europe to save them-in the literal sense-from the police. "They were forced to leave because the police constantly threatened them," Akhmetova said. "The boy was 13, and after a year, the authorities could have prosecuted him legally under the new laws and no one could have proven that he is innocent." Reports of Kabardino-Balkarian police using torture and other illegal interrogation methods are ubiquitous, according to the Memorial Human Rights center. So far, however, not a single investigation regarding such reports has been launched (Zapravakbr.com, July 8).

The latest "innovations" of the Russian State Duma make abuse of power by the police especially likely. With the Russian parliament's passage of legislation introduced by State Duma security and anticorruption committee chair Irina Yarovaya, people as young as 14 years old can be legally prosecuted for not reporting the criminal intentions of individuals. Under the new law, religious missionaries must have a special mandate from the authorities to carry out religious work, and such activities must be confined to inside registered religious premises only. The new law thus essentially recreates the Soviet system of control over religion, and, as usually happens in Russia, it will almost certainly be applied selectively: Muslims will be the first to feel the brunt of the new rules while the Russian Orthodox Church is unlikely to be unaffected by it for now (Onkavkaz.com, July 2).

Despite a notable fall in the number of rebel attacks in Kabardino-Balkaria, tensions are still running high in the republic. Even if the stringent policing succeeds in rooting out religious radicals, this overly zealous approach, combined with declining standards of living, are unlikely to produce peace and stability in the republic.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Chechens in Syria May Quit Islamic State After Death of Umar Shishani

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Mairbek Vatchagaev Publication Date 21 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 132 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Chechens in Syria May Quit Islamic State After Death of Umar Shishani, 21 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 132, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a1e104.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

People in Georgia's Pankisi Gorge have been going quietly, one by one, to Tengiz Batirashvili, the younger brother of Umar Shishani (Batirashvili), to express their condolences in connection with Umar Shishani's death. Unlike his brothers Umar and Tamaz, Tengiz Batirashvili did not go to the Middle East, opting instead to remain home in Georgia (Ick.ge, July 16).

The burial rites in connection with Umar Shishani are unusual because people from across the valley are not gathering for a funeral, as they would customarily do. Many Pankisi residents condemned Umar Shishani for luring young men from the gorge to the Middle East, where two or three dozen Pankisi Chechens have been killed. The oldest Pankisi militant killed in Syria was 30-year-old Ruslan Machilakishvili, while the youngest was 18-year-old Beso Kushtanashvili. According to various estimates, 50 to 100 militants from Pankisi are fighting in Syria (Onkavkaz.com, January 25).

Thus, the losses among the Pankisi Chechen militants in the Middle East are quite significant. Given that Pankisi has about 10,000 residents, every militant from there killed in the Middle East affects nearly the entire area. Umar Shishani had been reportedly killed up to 20 times over the last two years, but this time his death was confirmed by members of his family. Umar Shishani held an important position within the Islamic State (IS) hierarchy. People were curious about him, and many rumors and legends surrounded him. For example, some sources claimed he was part of the United States' training program for the Georgian military, but that is not true, given that the US training program ended in 2004 and Shishani joined the Georgian military in 2007. It is also not true that he was part of the insurgency during the Russian-Chechen wars, given that Shishani never visited Chechnya. Some claimed that Shishani was a radical Muslim prior to going to Turkey in 2013, while others said he was nearly a Christian. Neither of these claims is true. In fact, Umar Batirashvili grew up not as a particularly remarkable person. He started going to mosque at a fairly early age, but he never expressed any particularly radical or unusual beliefs. In any case, people are likely to make up more stories about him that bear no relation to reality.

Umar Batirashvili's older brother, Tamaz Batirashvili remains in Syria, where he adopted a new name, Abdurakhman. Tamaz Batirashvili was reportedly close to his famous brother. According to some sources, Tamaz is responsible for reconnaissance in the Islamic State terrorist organization, which means that he is probably an important figure in the entourage of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Some people claimed that the older brother Tamaz dominated Umar and turned him into the kind of figure he became. No grounds exist for such a claim, however, as Tamaz Batirashvili had neither the power nor the authority to control Umar, who was the military minister for the IS.

Some Russian analysts believe nothing will change among the North Caucasians in the IS as a result of Umar Shishani's death (Kavkazsky Uzel, July 15), but this is also unlikely: indeed, people who have followed him into the IS will likely start quitting the organization after his death. Neither the reputation of Umar Shishani's brother Tamaz nor the reputation of his aide, Abu Jihad al-Shishani (an ethnic Karachay a.k.a. Islam Atabaev) will stem the outflow of the North Caucasians to other Chechen commanders. The Chechen militants who quit the IS will rejoin the groups they left. The majority of Chechens who followed Umar Shishani into the Islamic State came from three groups: Jund ash-Sham, under the leadership of amir Muslim Shishani (Murad Margoshvili); the Caucasus Emirate in Sham, which is under the leadership of amir Salaudin Shishani (Paizulla Margoshvili); and Ajnud al Kavkaz, which is under the leadership of amir Abdulkhakim Shishani (Rustam Azhiev). In December 2015, amir Al Bara Shishani (Ceasar Tokhosashvili) joined the IS along with his group. Without Umar Shishani, other North Caucasian leaders in the IS will likely be relegated to secondary roles and become subordinate to Arab amirs, which they will not like. Moreover, in the absence of Umar Shishani amir Muslim Shishani and amir Salaudin Shishani will receive the chance to attract new recruits to Syria. On the other hand, many potential recruits outside Syria will drop their plans to go to the Middle East, given that their hero Umar Shishani is no more.

Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told the government newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta that since the start of Russian military operations in Syria, more than 2,000 "bandits" from Russia have been killed, including 17 field commanders (Rossiiskaya Gazeta, July 15). Given that Russia's armed forces officially launched operations in Syria in the fall of 2015, and that the North Caucasians fighting for the IS, including Chechens, suffered their main losses in the second half of 2014 and in the first half of 2015, Shoigu may have underestimated the number of North Caucasian militants killed in the Middle East by 1,000. For example, Umar Shishani asserted in a 2015 speech that 500 of his North Caucasian subordinates died in the battle of Kobani alone. Thus, the number of North Caucasian militants fighting in Syria may have been significantly reduced due to significant battlefield losses. The defection rate among the North Caucasian militants is also quite high. Various areas of Istanbul are now home to former North Caucasian militants who fought in Syria.

In any case, Umar Shishani's death will change the behavior of the Chechens as well as other North Caucasians and Russia militants fighting in the Syrian war. It is likely that the structure established by Umar Shishani inside the IS may crumble. This will mark the end of Umar Shishani's epoch, and it is unlikely that somebody else of his caliber will replace him in a meaningful way.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
URBANA  After deliberating for 27 minutes Wednesday, jurors in U.S. District Court convicted a 44-year-old Indiana man of sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography, for causing a Macon County minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which he photographed.

Shawn Shannon was indicted by a grand jury May 6, 2015, after an investigation showed that the victim, a 13-year-old boy and family friend of Shannon's, had nude photos of himself on his cellphone.

The photos, taken about two months earlier, were posed at the direction of Shannon, said a probable cause affidavit by Ron Borowczyk, Decatur police detective and task force officer with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Shannon, who is in federal custody, was convicted of 19 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, for producing child pornography at a Decatur motel, and one count of distribution of child pornography for sending an image he produced to the victim.

He is due in court for his sentencing hearing Jan. 9. The guidelines for each count of sexual exploitation are 15 to 30 years in prison; for child pornography distribution, 5 to 20 years. A fine of up to $250,000 can be imposed on each count.

In his criminal complaint for an arrest warrant, Borowczyk presented the details surrounding the investigation of the case.

On March 17, 2015, the victim's mother went to the Decatur police headquarters to report she had found nude photos of her son on his cellphone. She said she routinely checked his phone to find out some of his activities and acquaintances.

She told police the images she discovered of her son had been produced by a subject she knew as Shawn Shannon, a family friend of theirs that is in a gospel singing group called The Shannons.

After informing her family members of the situation, they told her the images were produced at Shawn Shannon's residence in Muncie, Ind., the detective wrote in his statement.

She told police the images she saw were of her son lying on a bed, private parts fully exposed. She had been told these photos were taken in Shannon's bedroom.

During a forensic interview with the teen at the Macon County Child Advocacy Center, Borowzcyk showed him hard copies of the photos he knew that his mother had seen, printed from images on his cell phone. He said that the images were produced by Shawn, who had him pose for them and directed him when they were taken.

The 13-year-old victim said he received the images from Shannon, after requesting them from him.

He then identified several other photos found on his phone which were also produced by Shannon. He said they were produced in a hotel room in Macon County.

Borowczyk served a grand jury subpoena for hotel records at a Decatur motel. The motel manager gave the detective records indicating that Shannon checked into the motel Feb. 28, 2015, checking out the following day.

The prosecutors were assistant U.S. attorneys Elly M. Pierson and Maureen C. Cain. Shannon was represented by Kevin P. Bolger of Chicago. U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce presided at the trial.

The case was investigated by the Decatur Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. It was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, led by U.S. attorneys offices nationwide.
DepopulationInvisible Threat to Latvian Security

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Olevs Nikers Publication Date 21 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 132 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, DepopulationInvisible Threat to Latvian Security, 21 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 132, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a1e534.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Latvia experienced a population decline of 8.7 percent in the last year. From among the 28 members of the European Union (the United Kingdom has not yet officially left), only Lithuania has had a larger drop in the number of its residents (11.3 percent). Of the three Baltic States, Estonia alone boasted net population growth last year, equal to 2.0 percent (TVNET, July 8).

According to statistical data, around 1.9 million people lived in Latvia at the beginning of 2016-which is about one-fifth less than in 1989. The number of inhabitants has increased only around the biggest cities in central Latvia as well as in the capital, Riga. Meanwhile, throughout most of the other parts of this Baltic republic, and particularly in the eastern border regions, the population has continued to shrink. The fastest declining counties (novads-municipalities) are in Latgale-the country's eastern-most region (Csb.gov.lv, May 27, 2015).

In 1989, just before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Latvia's population totaled around 2.5 million people: it consisted of 1.4 million ethnic Latvians, nearly 1 million Russians, 119,702 Belarusians, 92,101 Ukrainians, 60,416 Poles and less than 50,000 other minorities, including Lithuanians, Estonians and Jews, among other nationalities (Csb.gov.lv, 2011). Most of the ethnic Russians came to Latvia during the Soviet occupation period, along with military and large-scale manufacturing industries, which were installed in all three Baltic States by the Communist regime in Moscow.

After the restoration of Latvian independence in 1991, the subsequent decline in population can be divided into three major phases. In the first phase (1991-2000), the Latvian population decreased when nearly half of Latvian Russians emigrated to Russia or other former Soviet republics. This first wave significantly reduced the prospect of serious ethnic tensions between Latvians and Russians, who became a much smaller minority. The next biggest portion of the Latvian population left the country after Latvia's accession to the European Union in 2004, which allowed Latvian citizens, regardless of their nationality, to search for better paying jobs and higher living standards in Western Europe. The third phase began after the global economic crisis of 2008. By 2011, another 190,000 Russians left Latvia (Csb.gov.lv, 2011); today, those who are left make up a bit over 500,000 individuals. The collapse of the financial markets in 2008 sparked widespread emigration among Latvian nationals. In 2009, the average monthly salary in Latvia was approximately 700 euros (then, around $990), and many of those who lost their jobs or fell into debt found better lives in the UK, Ireland, Germany or Norway (Nra.lv, December 1, 2009).

Latvian state officials understand that impoverished and hopeless people, especially in the eastern regions, can be easy targets for Russian propaganda and various "hybrid war"-type techniques. And recently, the Latvian authorities officially recognized that depopulation represents a national security concern. The State Defense Concept, prepared by the Ministry of Defense and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in May 2016, states: "Depopulation enhances internal vulnerability to external threats" (TVNET, February 29). Moreover, the document suggests that economic hardship promotes social inequality, which is among the main factors contributing to population decline. In order to strengthen national defense, it is necessary to promote self-confidence among the Latvian people and their desire to protect the country, thus creating favorable conditions for everyone in order to prevent further migration to the richest countries of the EU.

A member of the Latvian national conservative party "For Fatherland and Freedom" ("Tevzemei un Brivibai"), Imants Paradnieks, recently suggested, that among the measures against further emigration, the state should adopt a "third child" policy, providing special financial support for larger families with at least three children (TVNET, April 8). Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis is also seriously concerned about those who departed-the longer these Latvians stay abroad, the smaller the chance that they will return to Latvia, he said in a recent interview (TVNET, July 18).

President Vejonis has admitted that the Latvian government currently cannot offer its citizens much in the way of higher salaries and better jobs, so it would be irresponsible to call everybody back home right now. But at the same time, the head of state emphasized that one of the essential tasks for the government is to encourage economic development at home so that well-paying jobs can be generated as quickly as possible, thus raising Latvian salaries to levels comparable to Western Europe (TVNET, July 18).

If present rates of population decline continue essentially unchanged into the future, the impact on Latvia will be profound. A team of students and researchers at the University of Latvia modeled such a scenario last year. And their conclusion is that by 2065, half of all Latvian regions will be essentially entirely emptied of their populations (Nra.lv, November 6, 2015). If population trends from 2008 to 2015 are extended out at the same level, then by 2049, the Latvian counties of Strenci, Baltinava, Vilaka, Kraslava and Ergli (spread across northeast, central and eastern Latvia) will lose all their residents to emigration or mortality. From 2050 to 2055, according to current population decline rates, the city of Rezekne (Latgale region) will become a ghost town; and the counties of Daugavpils, Valka, Auce, Broceni, Aglona, Dagda and Aluksne (northeast and eastern Latvia) will empty out as well. By 2060, large parts of Kurzeme, Zemgale and Vidzeme will be uninhabited. According to the study, by 2065, the remaining Latvian population will cluster in the vicinity of Riga city, the central part of Zemgale region and in the country's southwest, near the Gulf of Riga.

Experts at the University of Latvia conclude that the country's periphery has already exhausted its migration resources and there are few people left there willing or capable to leave-areas outside the larger cities are inhabited mainly by the elderly and the poor. The proportion of children to retirees in the Latvian countryside is one to three. Thus, by 2045, most of those currently older than 60 will have passed away, while the number of younger people entering adulthood will be replacing only a third of the outgoing generation. Even if it were conceivable to stop all migration within and out of Latvia, it will be close to impossible to reverse the demographic collapse occurring in most Latvian counties located more than 70 kilometers away from Riga.

These figures suggest that, if such trends are not sharply reversed, Latvia's eastern adversary can afford to be patient, do nothing for several decades, and then simply take over pretty much the entire emptied-out country without a fight.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Nice Attack Spotlights French Jihadist Recruiter

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alexander Sehmer Publication Date 22 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Nice Attack Spotlights French Jihadist Recruiter, 22 July 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a1f8b4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The Bastille Day terror attack in the French city of Nice, which saw 84 people killed when a Tunisian truck driver ploughed through crowds on the Promenade des Anglais, has refocused attention on the Senegal-born French jihadist recruiter Omar Diaby, also known as Omar Omsen.

Born in Senegal, Omsen lived in Nice from the age of five and had several spells in prison there before moving to Syria in 2013. Although his death had been announced on Twitter in August 2015, he recently reemerged, allowing a film crew to film him for a documentary aired on French television in June (France 2, May 30). His death had remained unconfirmed and he claims to have staged the announcement so he could undergo "major surgery" in a neighboring country (Le Figaro, May 30).

No established connection exists between Omsen and Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, the Tunisian truck driver behind the Nice attack, a man who appears to have been a relatively new convert to Islam and who still had images him engaging promiscuous activity saved on his phone (BFM-TV, July 17). But Omsen's influence in Nice is strong. His string of propaganda videos, named "19HH" as a references to the 19 attackers who took part in the 9/11 attacks, have been watched by tens of thousands of people (Le Monde, May 12, 2015). The 19HH website has since been shut down, but the videos continue to circulate.

Omsen and his propaganda videos are at least partly responsible for turning Nice into a hotbed for jihadi recruitment. About 10 percent of all French jihadist recruits abroad are thought to have come from Alpes-Maritimes, the French administrative department of which Nice is the capital. By the end of 2015, French authorities there had at least 236 individuals under surveillance and were tracking five new potential jihadists each week (Reuters, July 15)

Despite the success of Omsen's recruitment videos in enticing French jihadists to venture abroad, he appears to have little connection to domestic terror attacks, such as the Nice attack or the attack on the offices of the satirical Charlie Hebdo newspaper in 2015.

In Syria, Omsen's group is linked to Jabhat al-Nusra; and judging from the France 2 documentary, his sympathies lie more strongly with Syria's al-Qaeda affiliate than with Islamic State. The documentary's portrayal of Omsen and his camp - he describes waking up to coffee and cornflakes in the morning - also possibly bears out earlier assessments that the group engages only infrequently in the fighting in Syria and derives its legitimacy from Omsen's online presence (al-Jazeera, November 30, 2014). Nonetheless, it is this that has made Omsen a security concern for France. As the threat of 'lone wolf' attacks in Europe increases, security services will be monitoring his activities closely.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Mali: AQIM Exploits Ethnic Grievances

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alexander Sehmer Publication Date 22 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Mali: AQIM Exploits Ethnic Grievances, 22 July 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a201f4.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) announced the death of one of its leaders in northern Mali. According to a July 17 statement posted by the group on Twitter, Abu Bakr al-Shinqiti, said to be Tunisian, was killed during a raid on a Malian army barracks near the border with Burkina Faso. His death, in truth, will likely have little impact on the situation in Mali, which is set to deteriorate further unless local grievances are addressed. It was unclear from the announcement in which engagement al-Shinqiti was killed, but Mali has faced a spike in attacks recently from various militant groups. The most significant recent attack occurred in central Mali, on July 19, when 17 soldiers were killed and 35 wounded in an attack on a base in Nampala, close to the border with Mauritania (Maliweb, July 20). Malian authorities described a coordinated attack, with at least two sets of attackers setting fires and using billowing smoke to cut the base off from its outposts (Maliweb, July 20). The militants appear to have briefly held the base before the Malian troops regrouped and recaptured it. The attack was claimed by Ansar Dine and the National Alliance for the Protection of the Peul Identity and the Restoration of Justice (ANSIPRJ), a newly formed group that is ethnically Fulani (Peul). A Malian military spokesman also included AQIM among the groups that staged the attack (al-Jazeera, July 20). Such coordination would not be unusual. Ansar Dine frequently operates as a liaison between AQIM and Fulani fighting groups, and several attacks have been jointly claimed (see Terrorism Monitor, March 3). However, ANSIPRJ, headed by a former schoolteacher named Omar al-Janah, only came into being on June 18 and casts itself as specifically political rather than jihadist (MaliActu, June 19). The Nampala attack, however, would suggest it has already been co-opted by the Islamists. That is not entirely surprising as the Malian military is a shared enemy for both groups, but the easy alliance between al-Qaeda-linked and Fulani groups is indicative of a wider problem that will ultimately threaten Mali's stability. June 20 marked the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Algiers Accord, which brought an end to the conflict in northern Mali between the government and separatist Tuareg rebels. Thus far, there is little evidence of the promised institutional reforms and economic development initiatives in the north. Furthermore, the agreement had virtually no input from the central region, and problems there will only increase. As they do, the situation in Mali will become more complex and the Algiers Accord more difficult to implement. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda has shown itself adept at exploiting local grievances in Mali and it will be looking to do so again.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Islamic State's Iraq 'Caliphate' on the Brink of Defeat

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Wladimir van Wilgenburg Publication Date 22 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Islamic State's Iraq 'Caliphate' on the Brink of Defeat, 22 July 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a20a84.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Islamic State's self-styled caliphate in Iraq has been standing on its last legs since June 26 when the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Shia Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) secured Fallujah. Even more significantly, the ISF forces seized the Qayyarah Airfield West base on July 9, linking up with ISF forces coming from Tikrit. Qayyarah will be the launch pad for Iraqi forces to seize Mosul - the de-facto capital for IS in Iraq.

Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, the chief spokesman for IS, appeared to concede the group's future territorial defeat in Iraq in a statement in May, when he confirmed Mosul, Sirte in Lbya, and even Raqqah in Syria could fall and force IS forces to go underground. [1] That, however, will take time.

Fall of Mosul

IS seized the city of Mosul in June 2014, after the Iraqi army disintegrated and fled, and quickly took over most of the provinces Sunni Arab cities under the slogan "remaining and expanding." However, the major losses faced by IS in both Syria and Iraq over the last six months show the group is now neither expanding nor remaining. Instead, IS is trying to divert attention away from its losses by carrying out large-scale attacks both in the region and in the West (Niqash, July 12).

The first operations to liberate parts of the Nineveh Governorate and its capital started on March 24 (NRT, March 2015). The goal was to capture Qayyarah airfield, but the unwillingness of local Iraqis to join the fight meant it took at least four months to finish the first phase of the Nineveh operation.

Morale has since improved. The coalition-trained 15th and 16th brigades in Qayyarah have been joined by the 9th armored division and Counter Terrorists Units (CT), which succeeded in taking Shirqat from IS on July 12 (Twitter, June 18). IS also suffered a major setback with the loss of its most famous military commander, Shaykh Umar as-Shishani, who was killed in the Mosul campaign in the town of Shirqat (Amaq, July 13). An additional 560 US troops, due to be based in the airbase of Qayyarah, will also be welcomed, but it's possible more will be needed.

These recent battlefield successes, however, do not mean the Mosul operation will be over soon. The city needs to be surrounded from all sides, and the IS supply lines between Iraq and Syria need to be cut. A great deal of manpower will be needed - it will be necessary for more than just US-trained Iraqi troops to play a role. Kurdish forces, fighters from Sunni Arab Tribes, the Iraqi Army, and Iranian-backed Shia paramilitary groups will all need to be included.

Retaking the City

It is possible, then, that Kurdish forces will launch an operation in southern Shingal, while the Iraqi security units push into western Anbar to control the Syrian border gate of al-Qaim and then move towards al-Ba'aj (Rudaw, July 13). [2]

Shia-led PMU forces will most likely clear out the rest of Kirkuk province, possibly in coordination with the Kurds. Although, such an operation could come after Mosul city is secure. They will also play a role recapturing the mixed Shia-Sunni Turkmen town of Tal Afar, where many joined IS after the group took Mosul. That could be a joint ISF-Peshmerga operation, or it could be a PMU operation joined by ISF forces. Either way, taking Tal Afar is important since the town is thought to be home to a number of IS leaders and their families (Defense.gov, March 16).

According to the coalition commander Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland, the idea is to envelop Mosul from the north and the south, and then collapse IS control over the area, as has been done in cities such as Hit, Rutbah, Fallujah, and Ramadi (Defense.gov, July 11). Clearing Mosul is expected to be a major headache. As Major General Gary J. Volesky commented, it took about six months to clear Ramadi, while IS have occupied Mosul, which is three times larger, for two years, giving them time to prepare (ARAnews, May 18). Kurdish Colonel Masoud Salih, an instructor at Zakho Military Academy, suggests the Mosul operation could be one of the toughest battles in Iraq since 2003 (Rudaw, February 17). He suggests a three-stage approach: a pre-planning stage involving the training of Sunni Arabs and ISF forces, the cutting of supply lines, and an operation to take Mosul from three directions - east, south, and west of the city. Each front in the attack on Mosul would require 10,000 soldiers, and the battle could take up to ten months. Sunni Arabs are already fleeing towards Syria in anticipation of the Mosul operation.

Unless large groups of IS fighters desert and give up the fight, it is unlikely that any operation will be complete this year. The battle in the Syrian town of Manbij and the slow progress in fighting near Makhmour show that most likely IS will try to fight back. The advantage for IS is that fewer fighters are needed to defend a town than are needed to attack. This was evident when IS failed to take the town of Kobani in September 2014 with what they assumed was overwhelming force, a strategic error that cost the group over 4,000 fighters (Daily Beast, November 15, 2015).

Possible Tensions in the Aftermath

Due to the different groups that will contribute to the Mosul operation, once the city has been re-captured there could be more tensions between the various groups. As a consequence, top Kurdish officials, such as security chief Masrour Barzani, have called for an agreement to be in place before the liberation of Mosul (Twitter, November 28).

The Peshmerga forces will play an assisting role and clear out large parts of the Nineveh plains in the east and north of Mosul. They will be backed by Arabic tribes, Christian militias and with support from the Turkish army based in Bashiq camp from Telskuf and Bashiqa.

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Peshmerga forces will also play a role in clearing out the south of Sinjar, and they may even play a role in the capture of Tal Afar. Then the Iraqi army, federal police, and Sunni Arab tribal forces - possibly supported by Kurdish units as part of the ISF or Peshmerga forces trained for urban warfare - will take the city.

Mosul's Sunnis oppose the use of Shia paramilitary forces in operations to take Tal Afar and areas surrounding Mosul, but the PMU will doubtless play a role. Sajad Jiyad, a Baghdad-based Iraqi analyst, told Jamestown: "I'm sure they [the PMU] will be involved in the clear and hold operations required before the battle of Mosul begins. I cannot see a role for the PMU inside the city itself [but] there will likely be some terrain to retake elsewhere in northern Iraq after the city is secured and that will mean PMU involvement as well." [2]

Political Settlement Essential

The battle for Mosul will most likely take another seven to ten months and will not end this year. Once the IS 'caliphate' has been defeated on the ground, however, serious difficulties will likely remain. IS is unlikely to fully disappear, and the group, which has greatly expanded its recruitment base, will go underground and continue to carry out attacks.

Furthermore, once IS is defeated, Iraq will need to handle the return of displaced civilians, as well as competition between the Kurdish, Iranian-backed PMU forces, Iraqi forces, and Turkish-backed Arab tribes. Sectarian tensions evident in the past are still prevalent, and indeed have strengthened with the empowerment of Iranian-backed PMU forces.

It's likely that PMU forces will even play a security role in Sunni areas in the future, and this will be a source of tension. Thus, a need exists for a more robust Sunni force to hold Mosul and a need for a political agreement on the future of the Sunni territories, which will most likely want greater decentralization from Baghdad.

A pre-Mosul liberation settlement appears essential if Mosul is to be effectively liberated, but political tensions in Baghdad will make this a difficult agreement to achieve.

NOTES

[1] Abu Muhammad al-Adnani as-Shami, "And Those Who Lived [In Faith] Would Live Upon Evidence," audio statement published on May 21, 2016, URL

https://pietervanostaeyen.com/2016/05/22/abu-muhammad-al-adnani-as-shami-and-those-who-lived-in-faith-would-live-upon-evidence/

[2] Author interview with Sajad Jiyad, an analyst at the al-Bayan Centre for Planning and Studies in Baghdad (July 14, 2016).

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Gulf States Bolster Security Initiatives to Confront Islamic State Threat

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Niamh McBurney Publication Date 22 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Gulf States Bolster Security Initiatives to Confront Islamic State Threat, 22 July 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a21484.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made clear in an audio recording two years ago that the group intended to include the Gulf States among its targets, in particular Saudi Arabia. Despite al-Baghdadi's claims, however, up until October 2015 incidents involving IS in the Kingdom, which has a complicated history with extremist networks and more than a decade of experience battling domestic terrorist movements, remained relatively few-and-far between. Likewise, Saudi Arabia's Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbors - Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - have experienced fewer incidents than might have been expected, given their strong partnership with Saudi Arabia and position as U.S. allies.

While the GCC States each have their own distinct domestic policies that have helped alleviate the terror threat, there have also been unprecedented efforts to counter the threat of IS on a regional level, efforts that might have been considered unlikely several years ago.

Saudi Arabia

Of all the Gulf States over the last three decades, Saudi Arabia has battled most prominently and most frequently, with radical Islamists. The early 2000s saw the Kingdom, its institutions, security personnel, and foreigners, targeted by a local branch of al-Qaeda. A fledgling counter-terrorism initiative that featured an extensive rehabilitation program was launched. Although the attempted assassination of Muhammad bin Nayif, now the crown prince, during Ramadan in 2009 by a supposedly reformed member of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) cast some doubts on its effectiveness.

The presence of IS in Saudi Arabia dates back to November 2014. The attack on a Hussainiyah, a Shia prayer hall in the village of ad-Dawlah, in the Eastern Province sparked a fear among the local Saudi Shia population that they would be the target of a new wave of terrorist attacks. That fear was justified days later when al-Baghdadi announced the establishment of IS "provinces" in Saudi Arabia - Wilayat Najd, Wilayat Hijaz, and Wilayat Bahrain (Terrorism Monitor, March 6, 2015).

By focusing the majority of its energies in the Eastern Province, the group has taken advantage of an unfortunate nexus, exacerbating already difficult social relations while simultaneously scoring points with supporters. By targeting the Shia, a maligned sectarian minority in Saudi Arabia, the group hopes to play on sectarian divisions already present in Saudi society.

In May 2014, the interior ministry announced the discovery of a 62-member, well-armed cell with links to AQAP, IS, and other unnamed groups (Arab News, 6 May 2014). Suggestions have been made that the group is building on dormant AQAP and Salafist donor networks within the Kingdom to construct a more secure presence, similar to its establishment in Iraq and Syria. Given the amount of time such efforts would involve, this may account for its apparent operational limitations to date.

Certain violent incidents have been used to suggest the group's influence may be growing. However, whether a burst of enthusiasm from local supporters will develop into viable planning and execution of an attack is unclear (Arab News, 24 June).

The key targets in incidents so far are security personnel and members of the Shia community, most often around prayer times. There has been little evidence so far of the highly armed and well-coordinated attacks carried out by al-Qaeda between 2002 and 2004. The extent of the group's command-and-control capabilities either within the Kingdom, or communicating from a neighboring country with a proven presence such as Yemen, remains unclear, but is likely poor at the moment.

Bahrain

Despite its well-documented domestic security troubles, Bahrain has yet to experience an IS attack. An incident targeting the Shia community in Bahrain, however, could produce an enormous victory for the group. The social tension and likely unrest could see a repeat of the violence in 2011 and 2012, and would further undermine the ruling Al Khalifah family.

The fact IS has classified Saudi Arabia's Eastern province as within its Wilayat Bahrain operational area indicates the extent to which the group views the two Shia communities as one. Although linked through a shared religious sect, regional history, and aspects of culture, such an assumption demonstrates a lack of understanding of the subtle differences that define each of those local communities. It could account in small part for the lack of interest in Bahrain to date.

The pervasive nature of the security forces may also help explain why IS has not yet carried out an attack on the country that is home to a sectarian majority that it regular targets elsewhere. The government, with its Gulf allies and Jordan, has been able to efficiently isolate IS most attractive target, undermining the group's potential to further damage social cohesion.

The Shia neighborhoods and villages that ring Manama, and which have seen the most consistent civil unrest since 2011, are effectively cut-off from the rest of the country (Revolution Bahrain, 17 July). Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) block entrances, restrict exit and entry for local residents, and prevent movement entirely during periods of heightened tension (Revolution Bahrain, 17 July). While to keep local Shia residents in, this may also be keeping more threatening entities out.

IS also has more limited room for maneuver socially within Bahrain. With a total population of 1.3 million people, the country's Sunni minority has largely been co-opted - whether willingly or not - by the state. The state's extensively developed intelligence agencies, which are largely focused on uncovering suspected Iranian subterfuge, provide some default defense against IS infiltration. None of these things fully mitigates the risk of an attack, but they do help explain why there have as yet been no reported incidents.

Kuwait

The most notable recent attack in Kuwait, and the most notable in the region outside of Saudi Arabia, was the bombing in June 2015 on the Imam Jafar al-Sadiq mosque (al-Watan, 26 June, 2015). The attack, claimed by IS later the same day, came as a shock to Kuwaiti society (Reuters Arabic, June 26, 2015).

Kuwait's political system is considered the most open in the region. Its supposed liberalism, however, belies a well-organized network of conservative charities and Salafist clerics working, often unofficially, to finance causes to which some of its allies are averse (State Department, 2015). The government has made considerable efforts to tackle this fund-raising, however it will undoubtedly continue.

Despite the risks associated with domestic fundraising and cash transfers to armed radical groups, Kuwait has so far avoided the problems experienced by Saudi Arabia. Kuwait's intelligence services also reportedly continue to uncover IS plans for attacks in the country: one was discovered immediately in the wake of the Imam Jafar Sadiq mosque attack, and others were announced as recently as two weeks ago (BBC Arabic, 30 June 2015; BBC Arabic, July 4). Beyond continued intelligence sharing with its neighbors, there seems little to reduce the risk to Kuwait in the months and years ahead.

United Arab Emirates

The most prominent Gulf country by reputation, largely due to the ubiquity of its second city Dubai, the UAE has not yet experienced an IS attack. The best known incident to date was carried out by an Emirati national of Yemeni-origin, Alaa Badr al-Hashimi, who stabbed a Hungarian-American school teacher to death in a bathroom of the Boutik Mall on Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. An hour later, a small homemade IED exploded at the front door of an American-Egyptian doctor (The National, June 29, 2015).

During her trial, al-Hashimi explained that she carried out the attacks after her husband was taken in for question by the security services for suspected links to unspecified terrorist groups. Although the UAE is considered at high risk of an IS attack, the country has built up an increasingly overt security infrastructure (The National, July 13). Built on human intelligence and extensive data mining, it is likely to continue to prove an effective bulwark against attacks.

Qatar

Qatar, like Kuwait, juggles a relationship with conservative Islamists and economic wealth, a combination that could leave it open to attack. However, despite maintaining a regime-led adherence to what some consider to be the traditionally quietest form of Wahhabism, Qatar has experienced none of the turmoil seen in Saudi Arabia and has seen only a single terrorist attack in the last decade and a half.

Oman

Oman's quietly effective security services and military have long used a creative border management policy to limit the potential for the movement of extremists from Yemen into Oman. By local Yemeni tribesman training, equipment, and financial backing, Oman has effectively enabled the tribesmen to police their own border as efficiently as Oman would like, making the country possibly the least likely of the Gulf States to experience an IS attack.

Omani society, although maintaining a strong affiliation with local identities, perceives itself as homogenous in a manner that is arguably distinct within the region (Terrorism Monitor, May 27) An IS attack in Oman would bring little benefit to the group. The key conflict risk Oman faces is how to navigate whatever vacuum develops in the event of the death of its ruler Sultan Qaboos. At present, however, it seems unlikely IS would be in a position to take advantage of that.

Regional Security

The threat from IS has refocused GCC officials on regional security as never before. GCC ministers' meetings, so often dominated by rows over the possible location for a central bank for a joint currency that is unlikely to ever be established, have become fundamental to intelligence sharing efforts. These meetings led to the establishment of a region-wide equivalent of Interpol, GCC-POL, in November 2015 (Gulf News, April 27).

The cooperation agreements now in place would have been considered almost impossible a few years ago, as the GCC neighbors jealously guard their domestic security. Yet in certain areas security remains a challenge. The GCC's visa waiver system for Gulf nationals, for example, may have contributed in part to the June 2015 bombing in Kuwait. The perpetrator, a Saudi national, transited from Riyadh through Bahrain to Kuwait without arousing any suspicion, even though records showed the journey was the first he had ever made by plane (al-Jazeera English, June 28, 2015).

The Gulf, in particular Saudi Arabia, faces security threats from multiple groups, and the presence of both IS and AQAP in Yemen will undermine Gulf security for years to come (Jamestown, August 7, 2015). As IS comes under pressure in Iraq and Syria, it has threatened to resort to guerrilla-style tactics, and if it does so the GCC states could present a greater target.

Although attacks in the Gulf so far indicate IS has a less sophisticated regional network than its rival al-Qaeda, these are early days for a group that has had its plans for a region-wide state under sharia halted in part by an alliance that includes the GCC states.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Pakistan's LeJ Baluchistan Operations Ready for Resurgence

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Farhan Zahid Publication Date 22 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Pakistan's LeJ Baluchistan Operations Ready for Resurgence, 22 July 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a21934.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Sectarian violence in Pakistan's troubled Baluchistan province dropped dramatically with the death of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi's (LeJ) leader Usman Saifullah Kurd in 2015. Attacks, however, have continued under the group's new leader, Dawood Badini, and LeJ appears as intent as ever on targeting members of the Hazara-Shia community in Quetta.

Although LeJ is a product of Pakistan's deep-rooted Shia-Sunni sectarian conflict, its anti-Shia operations in Baluchistan were not the organization's original focus. Formed in the late 1990s, it was primarily a Punjab-based group dominated by ethnic Punjabis; it was named after Haq Nawaz Jhagnvi, the founder of LeJ's parent organization Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan. While Afghanistan was under Taliban rule, LeJ militants received training at al-Qaeda-run training camps in Afghanistan and developed links with al-Qaeda.

During Operation Enduring Freedom and the US invasion of Afghanistan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, LeJ militants fought alongside Taliban fighters against US forces and Northern Alliance troops at Mazar-e-Shariff, and after 2001 some of the earliest terrorist attacks on foreigners in Pakistan were launched by LeJ fighters.

LeJ in Baluchistan

After Pakistan joined the US "war on terror," the LeJ deliberately decentralized its structure. It divided into cells operating in different parts of Pakistan, including Baluchistan where a number of ethnic Baluch LeJ commanders came to prominence by carrying out successful attacks.

LeJ's Baluchistan chapter targeted NATO supply convoys passing through Baluchistan to Afghanistan and launched attacks against Hazaras in Baluchistan as reprisals against Hazara-Shias who were part of the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance (and whose fighters were among the first to march into Kabul in December 2001).

Usman Kurd was behind much of LeJ's success in Baluchistan. He modeled LeJ's Baluchistan branch on the organizational structure in Sindh and Punjab provinces and ensured the LeJ's original objective - to transform Pakistan into a Sunni Islamic state with Shias designated as kafir (infidels) - remained. In a statement issued after a January 16, 2013 terrorist attack, a LeJ spokesperson called it a "religious duty to kill all Shias, and to cleanse Pakistan of this impure nation" (al Jazeera, January 18, 2013).

Up until his death in 2015, Kurd masterminded at least 36 high profile terrorist attacks against the Shia community in Quetta. His success led the Baluchistan government to put a Rs 5 million ($47,700) bounty on his head (News International, February 17, 2015). His death, in clash with police in February 2015, was hailed by Pakistani law enforcement as an end to a "reign of terror" in Baluchistan (Geo TV, February 16, 2015).

Kurd had received training in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001 and remained close to top leaders of LeJ, such as Malik Ishaq and Riaz Basra, both of Punjab province, and Shafiq ur Rehman Rind of Sindh (The News, February 17, 2015).

He was arrested by police in Karachi in 2006 and handed over to the authorities in Quetta, but managed to break out of the high security Quetta prison in 2008 and resumed his activities.

Reign of Terror

Under Kurd's command LeJ was responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Baluchistan. The worst occurred between 2012 and 2013, with LeJ responsible for two consecutive bombings at Alamdar Road, a Shia-Hazara neighborhood in Quetta, which killed 93 people and wounded 169 others (Dawn, January 11 2013). Another bombing, less than a month later, killed 80 people and wounded another 200 (Express Tribune, February 17, 2013).

LeJ also assassinated the deputy commissioner of Quetta, opening fire on him and his bodyguards while they visited the scene of a bomb blast that had killed 14 female nursing students at Bolan Medical College. Altogether 25 people lost their lives in multiple attacks (Dawn, June 16, 2013).

The deteriorating security situation in Baluchistan province and vocal protests by members of the Hazara-Shia community led then-Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to dismiss the Baluchistan provincial government and appoint Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi as governor, giving him a mandate to re-impose law and order (Dawn, January 13, 2013). Magsi had a good deal of success and there was a sharp decline in sectarian attacks, with the army called in to help the governor restore order.

Dawood Badini

Although Kurd was killed in 2015, he had already appointed Badini, a nephew of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, as his naib emir (second-in-command). Badini has strong family ties to terrorism. His cousins include Abdul Basit Abdul Karim (a.k.a. Ramzi Yousaf), the mastermind of first 1993 World Trade Centre bombing, and Amr al-Baluchi, a Guantanamo Bay detainee responsible for the attack on the US consulate in Karachi and husband of convicted al-Qaeda terrorist Aafia Siddiqui (Express Tribune, May 1, 2011).

Like Kurd, Badini was arrested by paramilitary Sindh Rangers in Karachi on June 12, 2003. He confessed to planning and executing major terrorist attacks in Quetta and was handed over to the Baluchistan authorities, but he escaped from custody (The News, January 15, 2013).

LeJ has continued its attacks under Badini, albeit they have been on a less ambitious scale. Gunmen killed five people in an attack on two teashops in June 2015 (Newsweek Pakistan, June 8, 2015). Three members of Hazara-Shia community were killed in an attack on July 6, 2015, and another two killed in targeted killing in downtown Quetta in November 2015 (The Nation, July 6, 2015; Express Tribune, November 7, 2015).

Possibility of Resurgence

LeJ's links to al-Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban meant that, in the wake of the US invasion of Afghanistan, much of its energy was diverted to events there.

Under Kurd, however, LeJ continued to carry out lethal attacks against the Hazara-Shia community in Baluchistan. Arguably its greatest success was to bring down the Baluchistan government in 2013, paralyzing it to such an extent that the central government had to step in and appoint Governor Magsi.

Although the situation in Baluchistan has subsequently improved, Badini, now at the reins of what is left of LeJ, has the experience and operational legitimacy to revive LeJ in Baluchistan. With the slow drawing down of US troops in Afghanistan, Pakistani law enforcement in Baluchistan would do well to act now and take the remnants of LeJ to task in order to avoid a LeJ resurgence.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Non-Chechen Candidates from Moscow Plans to Run for Seats Representing the North Caucasus in Upcoming Parliamentary Elections

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Mairbek Vatchagaev Publication Date 22 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol North Caucasus Analysis Volume: 17 Issue: 14 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Non-Chechen Candidates from Moscow Plans to Run for Seats Representing the North Caucasus in Upcoming Parliamentary Elections, 22 July 2016, North Caucasus Analysis Volume: 17 Issue: 14, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a22364.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

On September 18, 2016, Chechnya along with the rest of Russia will vote in the elections to the Russian State Duma. Chechens will also elect the governor of their republic, where the only plausible candidate is Ramzan Kadyrov. The three alternative candidates for Chechnya's governor - Sultan Demilkhanov of the Just Russia party, Idris Usmanov of the Party of Businessmen, and Gairsolt Bataev - have no possibility of winning even 1 percent of the votes. That same day, Chechens will also elect the new Chechen parliament. Again, anybody who is not on Ramzan Kadyrov's team and not a member of United Russia will have no chance of being elected. In the single-mandate constituency of Chechnya, one of Kadyrov's closest associates, Adam Delimkhanov, is destined to win. Kadyrov's friends, including Magomed Selimkhanov, and Shamsail Saraliev, are also running on party lists. Another Chechen, Buvaisar Saitiev, will run for a seat in the Russian parliament from Dagestan.

Although no surprises are expected in Chechnya, some of the candidates were unexpected. The Yabloko party, under the leadership of veteran Russian opposition figure Grigory Yavlinsky, put forward Svetlana Gannushkina as the party's candidate for the Russian parliament from Chechnya. Gannushkina is a long time human rights activist who has defended the rights of minorities and migrants. She heads the civic organization Grazhdanskoe Sodeistvie and is a board member of the Memorial human rights group (regnum.ru, July 13). Gannushkina is arguably one of the leading and most respected rights activists in Russia, but that means little for the Chechen leadership. At a rally organized by the republic's government, she was called the "enemy of the Chechen people" (openrussia.org, July 13).

Thus, Gannushkina will be unable to be physically present in Chechnya to launch her campaign. Why did the activist, a recipient of multiple awards around the world, including France's Chevalier of the Order of the Legion of Honor, agree to campaign to be elected from Chechnya? Gannushkina said that she did not expect anything from the voters. "Voters are scared and do not dare open their mouths; they go to public squares in support of Ramzan Kadyrov and hear that we are proclaimed to be the enemies of the Chechen people," she said. "My nomination is more of a message to the people than an actual attempt to be elected to the State Duma" (kavkaz-uzel.eu, July 8).

Gannushkina's refusal to campaign inside Chechnya indicates how grave the challenges are to those from Moscow who attempt to engage in human rights activities in the republic. Gannushkina's nomination is only an attempt to draw attention to what is going on in Chechnya.

Muscovites are joining the political fray in other North Caucasian republics. The well-known journalist and member of the Russian president's human rights council, Maksim Shevchenko, unexpectedly decided to run for a Russian State Duma deputy seat representing Dagestan. Shevchenko picked Dagestan's Southern Electoral District, which is the most difficult one in the republic and is known for its volatility. The Islamist threat, the problem of the divided Lezgin people, conflicts between clans and between followers of competing Islamic teachings are all present in southern Dagestan. Unlike the situation in Chechnya, the outcome of the elections in Dagestan cannot be easily predicted. While Kadyrov has 100 percent support among Chechens, the governor of Dagestan, Ramazan Abdulatipov, has only 10 percent support among his fellow Dagestanis (chernovik.net, July 15).

Thus Shevchenko, the Moscow candidate in Dagestan, has some chances to be elected and, unlike Gannushkina, plans to campaign inside Dagestan and offer his solutions to the republic's problems. Locals in Dagestan do not welcome external candidates, and they will have to choose between their own Lezgin or Tabasaran candidates and a Muscovite. Shevchenko evidently overestimates his influence in the North Caucasus. The Moscow journalist is one of the few who criticizes Moscow's policies in the North Caucasus and defends those persecuted for being followers of certain Islamic sects and teachings. However, allegiance to clans normally trumps everything else in Dagestan. Dagestani analysts have divergent opinions about Shevchenko: some consider him a supporter of the Salafists, while others say that he has made a deal with Abdulatipov. All Dagestani observers agree that he will face an uphill battle in the Dagestani elections, especially given that elections in the republic are always accompanied by fraud allegations (regnum.ru, July 19).

Candidates from Moscow running for State Duma seats representing Chechnya and Dagestan will not lose out, whatever happens. On the contrary, their status will increase among the locals, as the latter will become hopeful that they might someday be able to vote for someone they actually want. The appearance of candidates from the Russian capital in Chechnya and Dagestan will make the elections somewhat more intriguing, and not as dull as in previous years.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Circassians Divided Over Turkish Coup Attempt and Its Aftermath

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Valery Dzutsati Publication Date 25 July 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 134 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Circassians Divided Over Turkish Coup Attempt and Its Aftermath , 25 July 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 134, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/579a22b04.html [accessed 28 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Many from Turkey's North Caucasian diaspora supported President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the failed July 15 coup. At least some North Caucasians, however, have doubts about extending their support to the Turkish president. The Circassian activists are divided over how much Circassians should be involved in Turkey's political struggle. People originally from Chechnya, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria, who now reside in Istanbul's Basaksehir district, told the Kavkazsky Uzel news agency that they rallied in support of Turkey's incumbent government on the night of the attempted coup. A student from Chechnya, Ibragim Umarov, told Kavkazsky Uzel that despite differences between the North Caucasians, they all were opposed to the attempted coup. Earlier waves of immigration to Turkey from the North Caucasus were reportedly more secular than the most recent waves of immigrants. Hence, earlier immigrants show greater support for secularism and the Turkish maverick religious leader Fethullah Gulen, while immigrants from the latest waves show more support for Erdogan, who is thought to be more religious (Kavkazsky Uzel, July 17).

According to the Circassian organizations in Turkey, eight Circassians were killed in the protests sparked by the coup attempt. The Association of Circassian organizations of Istanbul said in a statement: "Enemy elements that took root in the Turkish national army staged a military coup, which failed because of the united action of the people. We, as the association of Circassians in Istanbul, curse all the organizers of the coup and those who facilitated its implementation. We are proud to declare that we are fully on the side of the Turkish government, its parliament, and democracy." Among those Circassians killed were a prominent advertiser who advised Erdogan on public relations, Erol Olcak, and his 16-year-old son Abdullah. They were killed during the standoff at the bridge over the Bosphorus. Advocates for the Circassian cause, however, appear to be indifferent to the dramatic events in Turkey because they say that the Turkish government did not support Circassian repatriation to the North Caucasus. They believe that now, after Erdogan won the standoff with the coup proponents, his negative attitude toward Circassian repatriation will become even stronger (Natpressru.info, July 22).

In the North Caucasus, Circassian activists are more divided over what attitude Circassians should have toward the coup in Turkey and its aftermath. A prominent Circassian leader, Ibragim Yaganov, said that Turkey welcomed the Circassians after Russia expelled them from their homeland in the 19th century and that Circassians in Turkey should support its existing government.

"Turkey accepted them after the expulsion from their homeland country, and they cannot ignore the fact that a coup is happening in their current host country," Yaganov said. "As a powerful and influential diaspora in their current country of residence, they can be useful to their historical homeland. Whether they should go out in the streets to protect Erdogan or not-it is their personal right, and we cannot change that."

Ruslan Kesh, a well-known Circassian activist in the North Caucasus, expressed surprise over "the alacrity of some Circassian activists to support Erdogan." He said that Ankara treats Circassians somewhat worse than the other diasporas and that Circassians should not be involved in Turkey's domestic political conflict. According to Kesh, "the policy of forced assimilation of Circassians in Turkey, bans on the use of their native language, [as well as] changing names to Turkish ones has meant that the Circassians survived in Turkey in spite of, rather than because of the government policies." He added: "There is evidence that the activity of some Circassian activists in support of Erdogan is happening because they are more concerned about their personal interests than the interests of the Circassians." Kesh called on Circassians to think about the interests of their people, starting with the expansion of the use of the Circassian language, and to avoid being "puppets of the ruling regimes."

Almir Abregov, a long time Circassian activist in Adygea, said that for the Circassians living in the diaspora, returning to their historical homeland remains "a mirage, something that they cannot achieve." The failure to repatriate Syrian Circassians is instructive for many Circassians living in the diaspora, according to Abregov. Russia did not permit the mass repatriation of Syrian Circassians despite the war raging in Syria. Even those who were allowed to resettle in Adygea are living at the edge of physical survival due to a lack of employment and other life opportunities, according to Abregov (Kavkazsky Uzel, July 17).

The political crisis in Turkey has raised questions about the Circassian diaspora and its role in the North Caucasus. The latest events in Turkey and the Circassians' reaction to them suggests that the Circassian community is deeply divided. However, if the Circassians want to make progress on their demands of repatriation, they will have to resolve their divisions.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
MONTICELLO  Jamie Stoerger knew the stream would become a problem.

Running through the rural Piatt County property where Stoerger raises cattle, the water was cutting into soil beneath the bank, carving out as much as 2 feet.

It cut more and more into the pasture, said Stoerger, 40. Sooner or later, it was going to take out that corner, and then it would eventually take out the fence between me and the neighbor.

So when he found out that funding might be available to help pay for a fix, Stoerger immediately contacted the Piatt County Soil and Water Conservation District.

The district and the Piatt County Farm Bureau collaborated on securing grant funding to help Stoerger and two other property owners with streambank problems. Stoerger ended up paying about a fifth of the roughly $19,000 cost to stabilize the stream.

Without the grants, we wouldn't have been able to do this project, he said.

The Illinois Farm Bureau provided a nutrient stewardship grant, and the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District helped with an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency grant.

On Wednesday, other farmers got a chance to see the improvements for themselves and ask questions at a streambank restoration field day hosted by the Piatt County Conservation District and Piatt County Farm Bureau. About 20 farmers attended, with the conversation continuing over lunch.

We were very happy with the turnout, and happy that it's people too who are asking a lot of questions, said Emily Zelhart, manager of the Piatt County Farm Bureau.

Preventing erosion reduces the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous entering the water supply, said Jonah Totten, resource conservationist for the Piatt County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Erosion from land within the 925 square miles of Lake Decatur's watershed area can ultimately end up in the lake. Sediment buildup is an expensive problem to have, as the city is currently in the middle of a six-year, $91 million dredging effort.

The big thing with streambanks is sediment reduction, said Megan Baskerville, watershed specialist for the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District, who also spoke Wednesday. You know every time you're stopping a particle of sediment that has nutrients tied to it, (they are) also staying in place.

Wayne Kinney, a streambank specialist with Midwest Streams Inc. who is retired from working for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, designed the projects exhibited Wednesday. The other one shown involved arranging large rocks in the stream in such a way as to keep it from cutting deeper over time.

Streams are dynamic, he said. Stabilizing them is not as simple as planting vegetation or dropping rocks in a creek.

In fact, while many people think trees can help with erosion, they aren't real solutions, he said. If the stream is unstable, it will undermine the trees and take them in.

In the case of Stoerger's stream, contractors lined the end of roughly 300 feet with large rocks. They also dug deep trenches beneath the bank, filled those with rocks and covered them with about a foot of soil.

When the water is rushing downstream, it will move soil but it won't move big rocks, Kinney said. We put the big rocks there that it can't move in order to protect the soil on either side.

Economics drive many of the property owners who end up seeking help, he said.

If they have a house sitting 50 feet from the stream when they built it and now it's only 10 feet from the stream, I get calls on those kinds of things, he said. Farmers, obviously, if they start losing crop land at $10,000 an acre or whatever it's worth, they get excited about that.

Another bonus to streambank stabilization projects is that they often create more habitats for fish, said Trent Thomas, a stream biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

We'll see benefits all the way downstream for this projects, Thomas said. Stoerger piped up from the back, remarking that he had just seen two river otters in his stream for the first time that morning.

Thomas also pointed out that the projects are highly engineered by Kinney and others with expertise.

If you don't invest in that engineering, it can go terribly wrong for you in a hurry, he told the farmers.
CHICAGO  Lately, it seems as though white bashing is a socially acceptable norm.

Imagine if media outlets ran headlines describing a large gathering of African-Americans as "a sea of black faces." Or one like this, "Republicans: In Your Black Faces, Young Democrats of America!!!" How about this one: "Dem Convention Full of 'Angry' 'Old' 'Black People' "?

It's difficult to envision this going over well, though no one thought twice to write headlines like these about whites.

So if everyone knows that treating ethnic and racial minorities as stereotypes is disrespectful, mean-spirited and divisive, why is it OK when it comes to whites?

The hatin'-on-white people of the world had their latest day of fun last week when Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan posted what U.S. News & World Report gleefully labeled, "Possibly the least-diverse selfie, ever." The story went on to repost some pretty puerile race-based putdowns.

Many publications joined in the taunting. "Paul Ryan Posts a Selfie with a Whole Bunch of White Interns," said Slate. "You'll Be Blinded by the White in Paul Ryan's Capitol Hill Intern Selfie," said an Esquire post.

Until very recently, I had rarely heard people of nonwhite races or ethnicities talk such smack about white people as a whole. But as racial tensions rise, it's becoming more common.

It's not just the tacky headlines over what is really a bit of distraction: Republicans have mostly young white people on staff, stop the presses! (And what would have happened had there been a few brown and black faces in that picture? Any number of tweeters, Facebook posters and others would complain that those few nonwhite people were "Uncle Toms," self-hating, etc., etc.)

The real problem is people who tear down whites as a general group in response to the few whites who are aren't tolerant or inclusive of minorities aren't doing anyone any favors.

It is true that there are real race problems in America and that many of them are due merely to the fact that the power structure has been built around a historically larger population of whites (61.6 percent today) than of other races and ethnicities.

This dramatic shift doesn't make it all right for those of us who care about racial equality to paint with too broad a brush and start acting as though all white people are angry bigots looking to oppress people based on the color of their skin.

And I say "those of us who care about racial equality" and not "people of color" because as far as I can tell, some white people seem to feel even more aggrieved about their fellow whites' whiteness than anyone else.

Michael Moore published "Stupid White Men: ... And Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation!" back in 2001. Chapter Four states: "White people scare the crap out of me" and lists steps  white people should not be hired for jobs, white people should not marry each other  for how to "correct our race problem."

(Moore needn't have worried about that last one. Our demographic changes are in no small part a result of the historically high levels of interracial marriage in this country. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2013, 6.3 percent of all marriages were between spouses of different races, up from less than 1 percent in 1970.)

"Stuff White People Like," the blog that lampooned "affluent, environmentally and socially conscious, anti-corporate white North Americans, who typically hold a degree in the liberal arts," came along in 2008.

These days BuzzFeed makes money through viral posts like "21 Things White People Ruined in 2015," "28 Simple Things All White People Just Love To Do" and the "quiz" "How Stereotypically White Are You?"

I repeat, vehemently: There are undoubtedly some racist white people out there, and the number of Ku Klux Klan chapters more than doubled from 2014 to 2015. But let's take a reality check here: They do not represent the vast majority of white people. And even if they did, vilifying whites isn't going to get us any closer to fixing America's race problems.

When we choose to reduce anyone to their race, ethnicity or hair, skin or eye color, we really degrade each other and ourselves.
Nelsonville, WI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/28/2016 --Alchemy Concrete, full-service concrete provider in central Wisconsin, was honored for two recent projects at the 34th annual Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association Concrete Design Awards.



The company, based in Nelsonville, received recognition in the category of Decorative Residential for its work in commissioning a 2,500 square-foot backyard pool project that featured a rock outcropping, staircase, slide and waterfall within a strict timeframe of less than three months.



The company also received an award for its work on the residence of Bob and Mary Berard. The complex project called for installing a heated driveway to replace asphalt, and featured controllers to monitor temperature and moisture.



"We are thrilled to have received these awards from the WRMCA, the premier organization that oversees quality in our industry throughout the state of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula," said Judah Haas, owner of Alchemy Concrete. "We strive to be creative as we take on these types of projects, and the hard work and dedication of our team is reflected in these awards."



For the past 12 years, Alchemy Concrete has created innovative and decorative designs for backyards, pools, patios and various other projectsfor both residential and commercial property owners. Its services include custom countertops, stamped and textured concrete, stained concrete, pervious concrete, patios, walkways and polished floors, along with decorative elements such as water features and planters. Although it serves customers throughout North America, the company's primary areas of service are central and northern Wisconsin.



This is not the first time Alchemy Concrete has been recognized for excellence. In 2012, the company received an honor at the World of Concrete, an annual event at which those in the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries showcase various products, new technologies, machinery and equipment. Alchemy also received an award from WRMCA in 2012.



"We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their support over the years," said Haas. "Without the strong relationships we have formed, none of these awards would have been possible. It is a true honor to serve clients throughout Wisconsin and beyond."



To see the completed projects, watch the 2015 WRCMA Concrete Design Awards presentation provided by the Wisconsin Ready Made Concrete Association, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaRzXNAVPQo&feature=youtu.be&t=11m39s.
THURSDAY

4-H horse show

The Texas State 4-H Horse Show will continue with general riding at 6 a.m. at the Taylor County Expo Center. Working cow horse prelims and hunter showmanship prelims will begin at 8 a.m. Other events include hunter showmanship finals, stock horse horsemanship prelims and both prelims and finals for team roping, breakaway roping, calf roping, hunter under saddle and hunt seat equitation. For more information, including a full schedule, go to http://animalscience.tamu.edu/livestock-species/equine/state-4h-show.

Book signing

Charlie Dromgoole, president of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce from 1988 to 2002, will sign copies of his book, 'Chamber Stories That I Can Tell (and some that I probably shouldn't!),' from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Texas Star Trading Company, 174 Cypress St.

Genealogy workshop

A two-part genealogy workshop will conclude with a session from 6-8 p.m. at The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. Admission is free.

Run for the Blue

The Run for the Blue, benefiting the families of police officers killed and injured in Dallas, will begin at 7 p.m. at Nelson Park. Registration will begin at 6 p.m., and is by donation.

Dance

COLORADO CITY  The Mitchell County Senior Citizen Dance will be 7-10 p.m. at the Colorado City Civic Center, 157 E. Second St. Admission is $5. Participants are asked to bring a covered dish.

Other ...

Chronic Pain and Depression Group, 11 a.m. to noon, Mental Health Association of Abilene, 333 Orange St., 325-673-2300.

Abilene Founder Lions Club, 11:30 a.m., Al's Mesquite Grill, 4801 Buffalo Gap Road.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene, noon, Beehive Restaurant, 442 Cedar St. 325-695-0092.

Mental Illness Open Support Group, 1-2 p.m., Mental Health Association of Abilene, 333 Orange St. 325-673-2300.

Blood drive, 1-6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Baird.

Abilene 42 Club, 6 p.m., Rose Park Senior Center.

Teen Recovery Group, 6-7 p.m., Mission Abilene, 3001 N. Third St.

Free certified nurturing parent class (all ages), 6-8 p.m., Mission Church, North Third and Mockingbird streets. 325-672-9398.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 6:30 p.m. Brook Hollow Christian Church. Weigh-in begins at 5:30 p.m. 325-665-5052.

Free swim class for people with multiple sclerosis, 6:30 p.m., YMCA, 3250 State St.

Gambler's Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., Unity Spiritual Living Center, 2842 Barrow St. 325-338-2575.

Round Dancing, 7 p.m., Wagon Wheel. 325-829-1517.

South Pioneer Al-Anon Group, 8 p.m., 3157 Russell Ave.

Unity Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St.

FRIDAY

4-H horse show

The Texas State 4-H Horse Show will continue with general riding at 6 a.m. at the Taylor County Expo Center. Stock horse showmanship prelims will begin at 8 a.m. Other events include stock horse showmanship finals, ranch sorting, stock horse trail and working cow horse finals. For more information, including a full schedule, go to http://animalscience.tamu.edu/livestock-species/equine/state-4h-show.

Other ...

Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Abilene State Supported Living Center, 2180 Maple St.

Abilene Chinese Corner, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Abilene Christian University library. lld09a@acu.edu.

Mid-City Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First Christian Church. 325-670-4304.

SATURDAY

4-H horse show

The Texas State 4-H Horse Show will continue with general riding at 6 a.m. at the Taylor County Expo Center. Stock horse pleasure finals will begin at 11:30 a.m. Other events include stock horse horsemanship finals and reining finals. For more information, including a full schedule, go to http://animalscience.tamu.edu/livestock-species/equine/state-4h-show.

Car show

LAWN  A car show benefiting On the Way Home Ministries will begin with registration from 8-10 a.m. in downtown Lawn. Registration is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. To register, call 325-201-2108.

Swimming for dogs

Doggie Splash Day will be open from 10 a.m. to noon at the Rose Park Pool, 2642 S. Ninth St. Admission is $3 per dog.

Sinatra tribute

A presentation of 'Dave Halston's Tribute to Frank Sinatra' will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, and proceeds will go to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. For tickets, or for more information, go to WestTexasRehab.org or call 325-793-3512.

Dance Under the Stars

The Friends of Abilene State Park will conduct 'Dance Under the Stars' at 7:30 p.m. at Abilene State Park. Muddy Creek will perform. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

'Rocky Horror Picture Show'

A shadowcast of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'will open with live music at 8 p.m. at Play Faire Park, 2300 N. Second St. A costume contest and ceremonies will begin at 10:45 p.m., with the film starting at 11 p.m. Admission is $8, with a $5 cooler charge. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Other ...

Overeaters Anonymous, 10 a.m., Shades of Hope, 402A Mulberry St., Buffalo Gap. 800-588-4673.

Abilene Society of Model Railroaders, 10 a.m. to noon, 2043 N. Second St.

SUNDAY

Out & About Group LGBT AA Meeting, 6 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, Lower Level Parish Hall, 602 Meander St.
The Abilene City Council, city staff, a developer and residents reached a compromise Thursday on a disputed rezoning case on Antilley Road, near Wylie High School.

The council held a public hearing on the rezoning request during its meeting Thursday. The issue was tabled at the last council meeting.

The area will be zoned for patio homes and neighborhood offices, with restrictions on multifamily homes.

Residents who live near the undeveloped property said at previous public hearings that rezoning the property under the original plan would have devalued their property and increased traffic in front of the high school.
Today in history: On July 28, 1945, in heavy fog, a B-25 bomber crashes into the Empire State Building, killing 14 and causing $1 million in damage. Two pilots and a passenger were aboard the aircraft that was flying from New Bedford, Mass., to LaGuardia Airport in New York City that Saturday morning. The plane was diverted to Newark Airport but the route took it over Manhattan. It swerved to avoid the Chrysler Building but hit the 79th floor of the Empire, causing fire and parts went everywhere.
Gary Tyler, Abilene

Holding his homemade sign proclaiming himself to be a Hispanic leader, Samuel Garcia made his pitch why he is backing Hillary Clinton for president.

Does he really think she is qualified to be president? Does he not understand what a disaster she and Obama have made of the Middle East and that they are the direct cause of the rise of ISIS? Does he not know of her dismal failure in Libya and her total dereliction of duty to the ambassador and staff in Benghazi? Does he not care that she has lied to the American people and Congress about Benghazi, stating it was attacked by a mob angry over an anti Islam video?

How about the lies to all of us over her email and putting our top secrets on her personal highly unsecured server endangering lives and national security? She takes millions from big banks for speaking fees and dubious contributions from foreign governments like the Saudis and many others, yet preaches about stopping influence peddling. Her list of lies and scandals go back 35 years to Whitewater and continue today.

I am not crazy about Donald Trump but I will vote for him, because I am sick of lying crooked politicians like Hillary. It amazes me how anyone could vote for her that loves this country!
June Greenway, Abilene

I moved to Abilene two years ago from Brownwood because Brownwood Regional Hospital closed the pool at the physical therapy building. I have been walking in water since 1977.

In 1975, after having a head-on collision with someone passing on a hill, I had to be put back together by doctors in Lubbock. I was in bed for almost seven months wearing a brace. When I was dismissed in 1977 by my doctors, I was told that they did the best they could, but I would never be the same again. The best thing I could do for myself was to exercise in water. I came home to Snyder from Lubbock and started exercising in the pool at Western Texas College.

When I moved to the Midland/Odessa area in 1992, I went to Odessa Physical Therapy to exercise in the water. I was there until we retired to Brownwood in 2008.

After the pool in Brownwood closed we moved to Abilene in January 2014. I use the Hendrick Medical Center pool a lot and my husband uses the small gym close to the pool. We have a lot of handicap parking close by. The health club does not have much handicap parking.

There are signs hanging in the hall that say Hendrick delivers high-quality health care with compassion consistent with the healing of Jesus Christ. It is not compassionate to change the pool hours and close access to the small gym.

Editor's Note: Officials at Hendrick Medical Center said the hours to the Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation pool have changed. Water exercise classes have been added, and new hours have been designated. The gym referenced in the letter is for Hendrick's rehab patients, and is transitioning back to use for current rehab patients only. Those affected by the change have been offered access to Hendrick Health Club.
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This just in...
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Locally heavy thunderstorms during the morning will give way to partly cloudy skies this afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 76F. SSE winds shifting to WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 54F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph.
Features

It's so much more than just a "truly f**ked up ride".
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Sam Rainsy was found guilty Thursday of defaming a leading lawmaker in a trial the opposition leader told RFA was based more on politics and corruption than an impartial judicial review.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Sam Rainsy of defaming National Assembly President Heng Samrin in a closed-door session that lasted less than an hour. Heng Samrin is also a senior leader in the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP).

While Sam Rainsy did not attend the trial, Heng Samrin and his attorney Ky Tech did. Sam Rainsy was fined 10 million riels (U.S. $2,439) and ordered to pay Heng Samrin 150 million riels (U.S. $36,586) in compensation.

Speaking live on RFAs Khmer Service call-in show on Thursday, Sam Rainsy said he is unconcerned by the decision, calling it is unjust because the court decision in Cambodia is based on politics and corruption rather than based on law, judicial conduct and regulations.

CNRP senior official Eng Chhay Eang also dismissed the verdict.

Sam Rainsy did not hire any defense lawyers because he knew it is politics, he said.

Heng Samrin sued Sam Rainsy for defamation over a video the CNRP president posted on Facebook in 2015 that shows former King Norodom Sihanouk giving a speech with the words: We remember that the regime born on 7 January 1979 used their court [system] to sentence [late] King Norodom Sihanouk to death on the accusation of being a traitor.

Heng Samrin was president of Cambodia from 1979 to 1992, leading a government installed following an invasion by Vietnam that ended the four-year rule of the bloody Khmer Rouge regime. Heng Samrin contended the Facebook statement negatively affected his reputation.

Norodom Sihanouk was King of Cambodia between 1941 and 1955 and from 1993 to 2004. He died in 2012 of a heart attack and was succeeded by his son, Norodom Sihamoni.

Sam Rainsy has been living abroad since he was stripped of his parliamentary immunity in 2015 because of a warrant issued for his arrest in another defamation case in which he accused Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong of running a prison for the Khmer Rouge.

After Sam Rainsy left the country, the CNRP named Kem Sokha its acting president.

The verdict comes as political tensions between the CPP and the CNRP have grown worse in recent months as the government has sought to arrest Kem Sokha in an attempt to force him to appear in court in connection with an affair he is alleged to have had with a young hairdresser.

A National Election Committee member and four staffers with the rights group ADHOC, along with a U.N. worker, are facing bribery or accessory charges after being accused of attempting to keep the woman quiet about her alleged affair with Kem Sokha.

CNRP supporters and many civil society organizations contend the cases are politically motivated as the ruling CPP attempts to tighten its grip on power before the 2017 and 2018 elections. Although Hun Sens CPP has retained its three-decades-long hold on the government, the ruling party suffered a dramatic drop in support during the countrys last election in 2013.

The verdict also comes less than a month after popular government critic Kem Ley was murdered in an execution-style killing.

A Cambodian court charged a former soldier named Oeuth Ang with premeditated murder in the killing. While authorities have said that Kem Ley was killed over an outstanding $3,000 debt, few in Cambodia believe the story.

Reported by Sonorng Khe for RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Yanny hin. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
Security guards stand in the elevator lobby (front L) and inside the South Korean consulate (rear C) in Hong Kong where a North Korean student is seeking asylum, July 28, 2016.

Authorities in Hong Kong have tightened security around the South Korean consulate in the city amid reports that a teenage member of a visiting North Korean math team has defected there, local media reported.

Police have stepped up patrols around the building housing the diplomatic mission in Hong Kong's Admiralty district after the city's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that an 18-year-old male had sought political asylum there.

The defector was part of an eight-member delegation to the 57th International Mathematical Olympiad at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

The group had consisted of six students and two teachers, but the teachers had taken the rest of the group back across the internal immigration border into China with one student missing.

An official who answered the phone at the South Korean consulate on Thursday declined to comment.

"There is no spokesperson, and no department, who wishes to make a statement on this matter at this time," the official said.

China's foreign ministry said merely that it was "following the relevant reports," while calls to the headquarters of the Chess Olympiad rang unanswered during office hours on Thursday.

Standing guard

Local media showed armed officers standing guard at the entrances to the Far East Finance Center building, which houses the South Korean mission.

According to the SCMP, the young man went missing some time between late evening on July 16 and early morning on July 17, after the closing ceremony of the math competition.

The rest of the North Korean delegation left Hong Kong at the Lo Wu border checkpoint on July 19, the paper said.

"It was subsequently revealed that the missing student had defected and was seeking asylum," it said.

The competition website listed the student competitors as gold medal winners Ri Myong-hyok and Jon Kum-song and silver medalists Choe Un-song, Han Yu-song, Kim Il-jin and Ri Jong-yol.

At least three of the group had previously traveled outside the isolated Stalinist state, it said, citing a source close to the group as saying they all spoke fluent English.

Hong Kong journalists were shooed away from the consulate lobby on Thursday, while South Korean Consul General Kim Kwang-dong and his officials declined to comment.

Repeated attempts to make contact with the North Korean mission by phone or in person yielded no result, although the consular office appeared to be staffed, the SCMP said.

In South Korea, a foreign ministry official told Reuters that it is official policy not to comment on the status of North Korean defectors in order to protect them from reprisals.

The defectors aim

Steve Chung, North Korean specialist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the defector's aim is likely to be settlement in a third country, rather than impinging on Hong Kong.

"Those who are able to get to Hong Kong are usually members of the political elite from the cities, perhaps with a high-ranking official background," Chung said. "At that point, their claim to political persecution looks somewhat different."

"They need to select an appropriate country and then seek asylum at the consulate of that country," he said.

Chung said Hong Kong's role in events would be very limited.

"Actually, there is very little that Hong Kong authorities can do about this, because this is a diplomatic matter," Chung said.

"However, the South Korean consulate may, if they believe there is enough of a threat, call the police for assistance."

Authorities in North Korea typically retaliate against the families of defectors, and offer rewards and promotions to anyone who reports people smugglers and defection attempts.

Pyongyang has also instituted an intensive ideological education program designed to stop its citizens working in China from defecting to South Korea.

According to South Koreas Ministry of Unification, some 2,700 defectors entered South Korea in 2011, falling to 1,396 in 2014.

Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.
Authorities in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou are pulling out all the stops ahead of the city's hosting of the G20 summit in early September, shutting down business and industry across the city, issuing baffling English phrasebooks, and sending its citizens off on vacation.



Day-rental hotel rooms, internet cafes, public meeting venues, and other businesses have also been ordered by municipal authorities to close from late August to Sept. 10, according to a document detailing security protocols seen by RFA's Mandarin Service.



Street food-stalls and other vendors will be banned from operating for a full month from Aug. 10, while property-related businesses like realtors and remodeling firms will be similarly shut down.



Security measures in office buildings and residential compounds will be tightened, while public video and display screens on tall buildings will be shut off from Aug. 26 to Sept. 10, the notice says.



And in a bid to render the skies a clear "G20 blue" in the manner of Beijing's "APEC blue," air-polluting factories within a 150 km radius of Hangzhou have been ordered to close, sparking concerns among Taiwan-invested electronics factories, the Digitimes website reported.



It said the government is also considering extending the ban to a 300 k.m. radius, if the pollution doesn't clear.



Forced 'vacations'



Rights activists in the city, home to prominent activists in the banned opposition China Democracy Party (CDP), are being taken on forced "vacations" by state security police, they said.



"A lot of rights activists are being detained, one by one, I don't know where," Hangzhou activist Zou Wei told RFA. "There is no news of them. They have been taken on vacation."



"Others have been informed that they must leave town at the start of August."



He said the authorities are also calling on regular citizens to take vacations of up to 12 days around the time of the summit.



"A lot of employers have given their employees leave during that time, to encourage them to go away," Zou said. "They have packages including entry fee waivers [to attractions]."



Tour companies were also being banned from bringing tour groups into Hangzhou ahead of the summit, he said.



Hangzhou residents will be offered free entry to 55 major tourist attractions in the vicinity, including Huang Shan in neighboring Anhui province, while major state-owned employers are giving their staff the week off, local media reported.



And the stronger security measures are already visible on the city's streets, Zou said.



"There are security checkpoints set up on all roads leading into the city," he said. "I was detained for five hours at one of them because it wouldn't let me through when it read my card."



"They didn't let me go until officers from my local police station had come to take a statement."



Creating panic



Fellow Hangzhou resident Xu Guang said it is unclear why the authorities are taking such drastic measures.



"I can't figure it out, whether this is on orders from higher up, or whether it's the local government's idea," Xu said. "I don't think it's really necessary. They are creating panic."



"Security wasn't even this tight for the Beijing Olympics," he said, adding: "But there is always the possibility that they heard somebody was planning something."



Xu said police are stopping random passersby and asking to see their ID.



"The police stopped me and checked my ID when I was driving into my own residential compound, where I own a home," he said.



Meanwhile, local officials have issued an English "phrasebook" which approximates certain English phrases using Chinese characters, the Cankao Xiaoxi news website reported.



"On Weibo, Chinese netizens couldn't help but poke fun at the guidebook with some Chinese-style English of their own," the Shanghaiist blog reported, adding that some said the phrases sound more like the language of aliens than English.



Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.




United Wa State Army soldiers stop a truck at a checkpoint in the Wa region of Shan state in a file photo.

Leaders from Myanmars United Wa State Army (UWSA) and Mongla Army will meet with State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and military chief General Min Aung Hlaing in the countrys administrative capital on Friday to try to build trust among the parties prior to the governments major peace conference.

Only top-level leaders from the UWSA and Mongla groups will meet with Aung San Suu Kyi and the military chief, said Zaw Htay, spokesman of the Presidents Office, adding that his office would provide further details on the first day of the meeting.

The two-day meeting is an important step for Aung San Suu Kyis 21st-Century Panglong Peace Conference scheduled for late August and a way to build trust among the parties, he said.

They will discuss the inclusion of appropriate representatives in the 21st-Century Panglong Peace Conference, so they can hold it successfully and work together for peace, he said.

The USWA and Mongla Army have already decided to participate in the peace conference.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars de facto national leader, is leading efforts for the conference to try to achieve permanent peace between armed ethnic groups and the national military after decades of civil war.

In the original Panglong Conference in 1947, her father, General Aung San, promised equal rights and self-determination to ethnic minority groups. It failed after his assassination later that year.

The first group of USWA representatives, led by senior leader Pao Yu Yi, arrived in Naypyidaw on Wednesday and was welcomed by Thein Zaw, vice chairman of the governments peace commission, and Khin Zaw Oo, a former army lieutenant general who is the organizations secretary.

The group of Mongla Army leaders led by Sai Lin, from what was known as the Mongla special region No. 4 of Shan state prior to 2008 when the countrys current constitution came into effect, arrived in the capital on Thursday.

Shans mountain regions

The Wa and Mongla ethnic minorities live in a mountainous region of eastern Myanmar's Shan state on the border with China and have strong cultural links with the country.

Their armed groups made up most of the China-backed Communist Party of Burma, before it collapsed in 1989 and splintered into various ethnic armies that signed cease-fire agreements with Myanmars former junta, which granted them a degree of autonomy.

The UWSA was among the armed ethnic groups that refused to sign a nationwide cease-fire agreement (NCA) brokered by the administration of former president Thein Sein last October, arguing that the pact should be all-inclusive.

In June, Tin Myo Win, the new peace envoy for the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, met with leaders from the UWSA to get them to agree to a sit-down meeting in the run-up to the peace conference.

Leaders of the USWAMyanmars largest ethnic army with an estimated 25,000-30,000 troopsdid not make it to the summit that 17 armed ethnic organizations are holding this week in the town of Mai Ja Yang in northern Myanmars Kachin state to hammer out the formation of a democratic federal union that includes ethnic minorities.

Summit participants are also discussing security and defense issues and a framework for political dialogue.

The UWSA arranged its own meeting with government officials before it received the summit invitation and may have had difficulties choosing a delegation of leaders to attend the summit, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported, citing Khu Oo Reh, chairman of the summit organizing committee.

Reconciliation and unity

Aung San Suu Kyi said on Tuesday that she expects reconciliation and unity to be the outcome of the armed ethnic group summit, which ends Friday.

She also told reporters at press conference in neighboring Laos, where she was attending an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, that the organizations member countries will become stronger if they are united, and that Myanmar will get stronger as well if there is unity in the country.

But not all armed ethnic groups appear ready for reconciliation and unity.

The Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) did not sign the NCA with the previous government and is not participating in this weeks summit.

Its troops have clashed periodically with the Myanmar army in northern Shan state during the past year, as well as with another ethnic army, the Shan State Army-South.

TNLA hostilities in Pyin Oo Lwin township of Mandalay region on Monday forced 160 residents of Painpyit village to flee their homes and seek refuge in a monastery in Mogok township, said state lawmaker Saw Thaung Tin.

Mogok locals have donated food to the refugees, he said.

People are afraid to stay in the village, and most of them have moved out to Mogok, said village official Lwin Ye. Only a few people who are not able to move are staying here.

Painpyit villagers also believe that TNLA soldiers forcibly recruited 30 ethnic Palaung (Taang), residents to serve them.

Although ethnic Palaung, Lisu, Gurkha, Shan, and Myanmar people live in the village, the soldiers only took the Palaung people, they said.

We cant confirm it yet and are still verifying it, said TNLA spokesman Colonel Tar Aik Kyaw. The TNLA has never recruited in this township before, and we usually recruit in Namhsan, Manton, Namkan, and Kutkai townships.

Reported by Zarni Htun and Wai Mar Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A Tibetan man freed under supervision three years ago after serving more than 20 years in prison was released this month from an additional two months of detention during which he was beaten and tortured, Tibetan sources said.



Lodroe Gyatso, aged 55 and also known as Sogkar Lodroe, was released on July 22 from jail in Driru (in Chinese, Biru) county in the Tibet Autonomous Regions Nagchu (Naqu) prefecture, a source in Tibet told RFAs Tibetan Service.



He was severely beaten and tortured during the two months and six days he was held at Tsamthak jail in Driru, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



He lost about 15 pounds while in detention, and remains in poor and frail physical health, the source said.



Gyatso had previously spent 21 years behind bars and was sentenced originally for 15 years for killing a man in a fight in 1991, but had his sentence extended two years later for engaging in political activism while incarcerated, sources said in earlier reports.



Following his release under police supervision in May 2013, Gyatso had recently criticized what he called Chinas oppressive policies in some of the eastern counties of Nagchu prefecture, RFAs source said.



He pointed out to higher officials the discrepancies in their implementation of local Chinese policies, adding that this had resulted in harsh and unfair treatment of Tibetans that was contrary to national and international standards of law.



He was also critical of local Chinese authorities insistence that Tibetans wear traditional clothing lined with fur, a practice discouraged by exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and abandoned by local Tibetans some time before.



For all these reasons, the Chinese authorities took him into custody again on May 14, he said.



Bravery, patriotism



Gyatso, a native of Tsadrok township in Nagchu prefectures Sog (Suo) county, was previously a member of the Sog Performing Arts Troupe and had a reputation among his former fellow prisoners for physical strength, bravery, and patriotism, RFAs source said.



In an article written last year titled The Earth and Me, Gyatso had called for the protection of Tibets natural environment, he said.



He is married and has six siblings, including one younger brother and five sisters.



Sporadic demonstrations challenging Beijings rule have continued in Tibetan-populated areas of China since widespread protests swept the region in 2008.



A total of 145 Tibetans living in China have now set themselves ablaze in self-immolations since the wave of fiery protests began in 2009, with most protests featuring calls for Tibetan freedom and the Dalai Lamas return from India, where he has lived since escaping Tibet during a failed national uprising in 1959.



Reported by Pema Ngodup for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney.




The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan has said that five U.S. soldiers were injured in a battle against militants in eastern Afghanistan who call themselves Islamic State (IS).

U.S. Army General John Nicholson said the U.S. troops were injured during a mission with Afghan special forces against IS militants in Nangarhar Province.

Nicholson said two of the U.S. soldiers had returned to duty and the other three were evacuated but were "in good spirits."

President Barack Obama in June reversed a policy that prohibited U.S. forces from engaging in military operations against militants in Afghanistan except in exceptional situations.

U.S. forces are now allowed to use air strikes and other military assets against Taliban fighters and other militants if it is in support of Afghan government security forces.

IS militants have seized territory and built up strongholds in parts of Nangarhar Province since Taliban commanders in the area splintered into rival factions -- with some declaring loyalty to IS and fighting against Afghan Taliban as well as Afghan government troops.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa
YEREVAN -- Desperate times call for desperate measures -- or so a surprising number of Armenians seem to think.

Since an armed band took over a Yerevan police station on July 17, killing one officer and briefly taking several hostages, thousands of locals have rallied around the gunmen, urging the government to negotiate and make concessions.

"These guys are right," one elderly man told RFE/RL's Armenian Service on July 26. "All of them are veteran fighters [of the 1990s war in Azerbaijan's Armenian-majority Nagorno-Karabakh region]. They served in the army and they fought for the homeland. They did everything for the people."

"I definitely support these people," a young woman added, "because in our country such actions come as no surprise. These people are doing it for us. Everyone should -- and I will -- support them in every way possible."

It is a watershed moment in a country that has failed to develop a peaceful system of transferring political power or mechanisms by which public discontent can be converted into meaningful political change.

For this reason, says Yerevan-based political analyst Hakob Badalyan, the public's reaction may seem strange but is actually "a logical consequence of the situation" in the country.

"Society has lived for so long in the face of governmental indifference and disregard that the first reaction of a substantial part of it to any form of extremism directed against the government is to at least refuse to condemn it," he adds. "This somewhat paradoxical situation where the public supports [the gunmen] despite their extremism stems from the situation that has been created in Armenia by the current administration."

WATCH: Thousands of Armenians again took to the streets in support of an armed group that has been holed up in a police station since July 17, calling for the resignation of President Serzh Sarkisian. (RFE/RL's Armenian Service)

Others, however, are not so quick to downplay the violence that took the life of one police officer and has left others on both sides seriously injured.

"[The gunmen] shouldn't have done things this way," one elderly woman said. "They should have held protests to present their demands. They must stop occupying this building."

'War Heroes'

The gunmen are members of the Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sassoun) movement, a radical offshoot of the opposition Founding Parliament political organization. They are supporters of jailed opposition leader Zhirayr Sefilian, who was arrested last month on weapons charges and suspicion of plotting the armed overthrow of the government. Like Sefilian, many of them are veterans of the Karabakh war.



Those occupying the Yerevan police station are demanding the release of Sefilian and several of his comrades, as well as the resignation of President Serzh Sarkisian and the holding of new parliamentary elections.

The public's tolerance for the violence of the gunmen is conditioned by the widespread admiration Sefilian enjoys, both as an ethnic Armenian hero from the Karabakh conflict and as a steadfast opponent of the current governing system who has been arrested repeatedly.

"They should release Sefilian," one elderly woman who preferred not to be identified told RFE/RL. "He is a hero. [The government] has no respect for anyone."

Another passerby described the Sasna Tsrer members as "representatives of the people."

"It is a pity there was no alternative," she added.

'No Other Way'

Protest has become an entrenched part of post-Soviet Armenia's political culture. Most of its elections have been accompanied by mass demonstrations and allegations of fraud.

In the summer of 2015, thousands of Armenians took to the streets in a sustained protest against rising utility rates that was dubbed Electric Yerevan. After weeks of round-the-clock protests and sit-down strikes, the public managed to extract a few concessions from the government but its demands were largely rejected.

"We are now witnessing a situation that we have warned about for years," human rights activist Vardan Harutiunian says. "And it shows that people are so embittered and desperate that they will resort to such means and even worse."

Harutiunian contrasts the current situation with a protest in 2013 in which opposition activist Shant Harutiunian and 13 others attempted to take over the presidential palace. Those activists were all arrested and Shant Harutiunian is considered by many a political prisoner.

"The sticks that Shant Harutiunian and his supporters had in their hands [in 2013] have morphed into machine guns today," says analyst Harutiunian, who is not related to Shant.

As the standoff drags on and nears its third week, Sasna Tsrer supporters are urging the government to resolve it peacefully. One told RFE/RL that if the government can negotiate with Azerbaijan, they should be able to negotiate with the gunmen.

"The resolution to this crisis," one woman said, "is in the hands of [President Sarkisian]. If he wants to find a way out, we will."

Robert Coalson contributed to this report from Prague
"It would not be the end of the world if I do not form a government," Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic quipped while speaking to reporters this week. It's been three months since he comfortably won the elections, and yet Vucic has yet to name his cabinet. Vucic failed to give a clear explanation for this, but hinted that unnamed forces may be at work behind the scenes.

It seems there is no pressure coming from within his party, or from his coalition partners. And Vucic is as popular as ever, and has plenty of political capital to spend following his election victory. Yet he says he does not want to put together a government he cannot stand by. How could one form a government that is not to one's liking? Perhaps if somebody is handing that individual a list of unacceptable names.

"It goes without saying that there are many who would like to have a major influence on the [composition of the] Serbian government," was the cryptic explanation Vucic gave in his July 25 press conference.

Who, then, is putting pressure on the Serbian prime minister?

It is known that, immediately following the April elections, Vucic was in Moscow. After his meeting with Vladimir Putin, there was a statement on the Russian president's official site that made it clear that Putin wanted -- or expected -- to see individuals appointed who would contribute to "improving Russian-Serbian relations."

That's the root of Vucic's quandary, according to Serbian journalist Bosko Jaksic:

"After his May visit to Moscow it was clear to me that pressure was coming from that direction, and has only increased since then, since there is no one here [in Serbia] who could wield that kind of influence," Jaksic explained in an interview with RFE/RL in Belgrade on July 25.

"There is no one in the Progressive Party of Serbia," Jaksic said of Vucic's party. And if the Socialists -- coalition partners in the previous government -- "are putting any pressure [on Vucic], they can only do so with Moscow's help," Jaksic argued, "because on their own they do not have the bargaining power or political clout."

"It therefore seems obvious to me that word is being sent down from Moscow," Jaksic concluded.

Western Influence?

On the other hand, political analyst Dragomir Andjelkovic, who is considered close to the Progressive Party, believes that the pressure on Vucic is coming from the West, as Brussels might feel emboldened to interfere in Serbian domestic politics since the opening of chapters 23 and 24 of the EU-accession process.

Jaksic does not rule out Western influence, but would consider it merely a reaction to Moscow's meddling in Serbian affairs.

"The pressure coming from the East is the aggressive sort, which comes with concrete demands, and wants to dictate the shape of the new government," Jaksic said. "We only need to go back to Putin's statement. There is certainly pressure from the West, too, but more in the form of a warning: 'Vucic, do not let Moscow tailor your cabinet, because you will find yourself on a collision course with us.'"

Jaksic added that Vucic is partly responsible for the situation, "because he's been enthusiastically offering himself to both sides, encouraging the expectations of both [Europe and Russia], even though Euro integrations are nominally the priority."

Vucic, meanwhile, has suggested that the task of forming a government might soon be out of his hands if he fails to resolve his doubts. "There is no pressure, but if I cannot form a government by the first half of August, someone else will."

Who, precisely? More cryptic messages, it seems. But Putin's friendly arm around Vucic seems to be growing heavier by the day.


U.S. President Barack Obama has praised Hillary Clinton as an exceptionally qualified candidate for the presidency, saying the "choice isnt even close" in her race for the White House against Republican nominee Donald Trump.

"There has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill [Clinton] -- nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States," Obama told the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia as the crowd cheered.

In a speech brimming with optimism, Obama laid out a bright vision of the country's future that Clinton will deliver if she wins the November 8 election.

He called Clinton, who formally accepted the Democratic nomination a day earlier, "fit and...ready to be the next commander in chief" of the United States, saying her long record of public service -- including as secretary of state and a U.S. senator -- made her uniquely qualified for the White House.

"Nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office," Obama said. "You can read about it. You can study it. But until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war. But Hillary's been in the room; she's been part of those decisions."

Clinton electrified the crowd when she walked on stage as Obama concluded his speech, embracing the president on a night that included speeches by Vice President Joe Biden, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and her running mate, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia.

"This year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me -- to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what's best in us, to elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States," Obama said as he wrapped up his remarks.

The president and other speakers sharply criticized Trump, a wealthy businessman and former reality-TV star who has never held public office, as a fear-monger who makes empty promises and has a dark vision of the country.

WATCH: Obama Says America 'Already Great' Without Trump

Biden called Trump "a man who seeks to sow division in America for his own gain, and disorder around the world" and "a man who confuses bluster with strength."

Trump scorned the optimistic tone of the convention's third night, writing on Twitter that the country does not feel "great to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence, and despair."

Taking 'Russia's Side'

Several speakers during the evening accused Trump as being overly friendly toward Russia, whose relations with Washington have plunged to Cold War-level lows since Russia's forcible annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and its backing of separatists fighting Kyiv's forces in eastern Ukraine.

The criticism follows last week's massive leak of e-mail correspondence among Democratic officials that the party has suggested was orchestrated by the Russian government. The leak triggered outrage from supporters of Clinton's rival for the nomination, Senator Bernie Sanders, after the e-mails showed that ostensibly neutral party officials favored Clinton.

Trump drew scorn from Democrats for saying earlier on July 27 that he hopes Russia would be able to find "the 30,000 e-mails that are missing," a reference to correspondence that Clinton said she deleted from the private server because she considered them personal.

The FBI has investigated whether Clinton violated laws in her handling of classified materials, calling her "extremely careless" but saying last month that she would not face charges.

Former U.S. Defense Secretary and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief Leon Panetta told the convention that Trump was "once again" taking "Russias side" by suggesting that Moscow should track down Clinton's e-mails.

"Donald Trump, who wants to be president of the United States, is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States of America to affect an election," Panetta said.

"As someone who was responsible for protection our nation from cyberattacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be that irresponsible," he added.

Trump has said he would seek to improve ties with Moscow if elected. He also suggested on July 27 that if elected, he would consider recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and lifting sactions that the United States imposed on Russia in reponse to its seizure of the peninsula from Ukraine.

"We'll be looking at that. Yeah, we'll be looking," he said when asked whether he would recognize Crimea as Russian territory and lift the sanctions if elected president.

Biden, meanwhile, portrayed Trump as sympathetic to "dictators," citing positive statements the Republican nominee has made about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Adding that Trump would make the United States "less safe," Biden said, "We cannot elect a man who belittles our closest allies, while embracing dictators like Vladimir Putin."

Clinton made history at this week's convention, becoming the first woman to be chosen to lead a major U.S. political party's bid for the White House.

She is set to formally accept the nomination at the convention on July 28.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
Former U.S. Defense Secretary and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief Leon Panetta has accused Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump of "once again" taking "Russias side" by suggesting that Moscow should hack the e-mails of his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Panetta said in a speech to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27 that Trump "is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States of America to affect an election."

"As someone who was responsible for protection our nation from cyberattacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be that irresponsible," said Panetta, who served both as the CIA and Pentagon chief under President Barack Obama.

Trump said earlier in the day that he hopes Russia would be able to find "the 30,000 emails that are missing," a reference to correspondence that Clinton said she deleted from the private server because she considered them personal.

The FBI has investigated whether Clinton violated laws in her handling of classified materials, calling her "extremely careless" but saying last month that she would not face charges.

Trump's comments follow last week's massive leak of e-mail correspondence among Democratic officials that the party has suggested was orchestrated by the Russian government.


A major reformist Iranian daily has created controversy by altering an iconic image of a prominent deceased cleric to remove a cigarette he was holding.

The cleric, Ayatollah Mahmud Taleghani, a key figure of the 1979 Islamic Revolution who became Tehran's first Friday Prayers leader after the revolution, was a known chain smoker who wasn't shy about his habit.

So, when the daily Sharq posted one of Taleghani's most famous pictures on its front page alongside a story marking the anniversary of the cleric's first Friday Prayers sermon, the missing cigarette did not go unnoticed.

Social-media users criticized the move, with many posting the original photo showing a pensive-looking Taleghani holding a cigarette in his right hand.

Some questioned whether the content of a daily that publishes doctored photos could be trusted.

Others poked fun at Sharq's airbrushing by posting memes in which Taleghani is seen holding various things in place of the missing cigarette.

The doctoring job has cast attention on media censorship in the Islamic republic, where publications face tough state restrictions while at the same time practicing self-censorship in order to prevent being shut down by the authorities.

Taleghani's son, Mehdi Taleghani, blasted Sharq's doctoring as "a clear example of censorship."

"It means portraying people to society the way we want, and removing the parts we don't [like]," he added.

The deceased cleric's son noted that his father appears in dozens of other photographs with a cigarette. "Some see [smoking] as a bad habit, but my father wasn't trying to hide it," he said.

"I don't understand how a media outlet allows itself to remove this aspect of Taleghani," he told the news site Nasimonline.ir.

The author of the photo, Iranian-born Magnum photographer Abbas, also criticized Sharq for censoring his work, saying in an open letter published on Iranwire.com that he was sure Ayatollah Taleghani would not appreciate the daily depicting him as a "nonsmoker."

"I noticed you published my photo of Ayatollah Taleghani without my permission. I am aware there are no copyright laws in Iran, but the least you could do was to publish the photo whole -- with the cigarette in Taleghani's right hand," Abbas wrote in a letter to Sharq.

"One starts by erasing a cigarette and ends up erasing Trotsky! (in case you do not know, this refers to the famous photo of Trotsky -- standing next to Lenin --which was erased.)"

"For your information, I also have a photo of Ayatollah Khamenei smoking a pipe," Abbas added.

The photo alteration was also mocked by Sharq reporter Mehdi Ghadimi, who posted an anecdote on Twitter about Taleghani's smoking habit as recounted by deceased senior Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Montazeri, who shared a prison cell with Taleghani in 1977.

"One night [Taleghani] was smoking nonstop. I told him: 'We're choking from the smoke. Why don't you go to sleep?'"

Sharq editor in chief Mehdi Rahmanian suggested that the daily had airbrushed the cigarette out of Taleghani's hand in order to avoid promoting smoking. "The photo of Ayatollah Taleghani with a cigarette is, in a way, a promotion of cigarettes," Rahmanian told the Mizan news agency. "We didn't want this to happen."

He highlighted written and unwritten censorship rules publications face in the Islamic republic. "I'm not sure if a photo with a cigarette is banned by law or not. But as far as I know it faces some restrictions, meaning that media are not allowed to [publish] it," Rahmanian said.

Photographer Arash Ashourinia weighed in on the controversy by writing about his experience as a former photo editor of a number of publications and highlighting the plight of editors, who often have to second-guess the outcome of their editorial decisions.

"This is not a permanent and predictable issue," Ashourinia wrote on Facebook. "Based on whether the subject is a cleric or not, political or not, based on the political atmosphere in the country, the stances of the daily or magazine, its circulation, ...such a picture can easily lead to the closure of a daily."

The photographer added that what Sharq did and what many other Iranian publications do on a daily basis is wrong. But he reminded readers that their main criticisms should target the "system of censorship in the Islamic republic and the self-censorship that results from it."

(For a photo gallery of a sample of photographs censored in Iran, click here)
Hundreds of oil industry workers have staged a two-hour strike in the western Kazakh town Zhanaozen protesting what the organizers described as impending pay cuts.

The organizers say some 700 workers of the Burgylau oilfield service company took part in the protest on the morning of July 28.

The protesters say the Burgylau company has announced plans to shorten working hours that would result in significant salary cuts.The company has cited the drop in the global oil prices as the reason behind the measure.

"Our working hours are being reduced," Akylbek Nurlybaev, a worker who attended the rally said. "Besides, the employers fired 66 people in the first half of the year."

The strike dispersed after the head of the company Askhat Sariev and several high-ranking city officials and trade union representatives came to the scene to negotiate with the protesters.

Sariev said the rumors that the company would fire the activists behind the strike are baseless.

It remains unclear whether the company withdrew plans to reduce working hours.

The officials called on the workers to hold talks later to discuss the protesters' demands.

Zhanaozen, located in Kazakhstans oil-rich Mangistau region, was the scene of deadly clashes between striking oil workers and government forces in 2011.


Iran's promotion of its brand of Shi'ite Islam across the Middle East has been obvious for decades, but such activities in Europe largely managed to fly under the radar.

But its Balkans-centered efforts have come under scrutiny in recent years, leading to an Iranian cleric in Kosovo being charged with financing terrorism and money laundering through a nominally nongovernmental organization he operates. Kosovar authorities claim Hasan Azari Bejandi, charged on July 26, ran five Shi'ite organizations with links to Tehran.

Bejandi is the most high-profile Iranian cleric to be accused in the predominantly Muslim country, potentially cutting off a rare avenue of influence for Tehran in Europe, where charities believed to be tied to Iran also operate in Albania, Macedonia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The charges against Bejandi come amid a recent crackdown by authorities on foreign-funded Islamic organizations, which the government blames for the radicalization of Kosovar youths and the high numbers of people who have joined extremist groups in Syria and Iraq.

But Tehran is heavily involved in the fight against Islamic State (IS), and it is unclear what Bejandi's alleged involvement in terrorism might be, particularly considering that terrorism in Kosovo is usually linked to IS.

Anti-Western Propaganda

Iranian charities launched their activities in Kosovo soon after the war ended in 1999. The organizations built schools and mosques, but also brought with them a conservative brand of Shi'ite Islam. The groups also spread anti-Western and anti-Semitic propaganda, and are seen to be tied to Tehran's long-standing effort to export its Islamic Revolution.

"Iran's activities in Kosovo were more or less underground," says Visar Duriqi, an investigative journalist for Kosovo's Gazeta Express news website. "Their activities didn't cause too much attention. But that changed when authorities found out that the NGOs were hiding their sources of income and the purposes of their spending."

Bejandi was the head of the Qur'an Foundation of Kosova, an alleged umbrella group for five Shi'ite organizations operating in Kosovo that have been shut down in recent months. State prosecutors say Bejandi has been charged with laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars in undeclared cash between 2005 and 2015.

Naim Rashiti, an analyst with the Balkan Policy Research Group, a Pristina-based think tank, says Iran is a relatively minor player in the competition for Islamic influence in the Balkans, where Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states dominate.

"The first NGOs established here were related to Wahhabism and Saudi Arabia," Rashiti says. "The Iranians came a little later and were fewer in number. Their pull was not as strong as [that of] the Arabs."

Many Kosovars support the government's close ties with the United States, owing to NATO's bombing campaign in the former Yugoslavia that ended the Kosovo war and also Washington's support for Kosovo's independence.

Rashiti adds that Iranian NGOs in Kosovo have been under greater surveillance and monitoring by the authorities compared to other foreign organizations. "The Iranian NGOs were an additional issue because of the political connotations," he says.

Iranian Connection

Journalist Duriqi, who has spent a year investigating Iranian charities in Kosovo, says the Qur'an Foundation of Kosova is linked to Ikballe Huduti-Berisha, one of the leaders of the small Shi'ite community in southwestern Kosovo. Her daughter, Zehra Huduti, caused a stir when she announced on Iran's web-based Nasr TV during a visit to Tehran three years ago that she wanted to "fight Israel and America."

The umbrella group appears to be affiliated with the Al-Mustafa International University headed by Ayatollah Alireza Aarafi, a member of Iran's Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and a Friday Prayers leaders in the holy city of Qom. The university claims that Bejandi is its representative in Kosovo.

The university has branches in a number of countries, including in Kosovo.

Mehdi Khalaji, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who studied Shi'ite theology in Qom, has written that Al-Mustafa International University is owned and run by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Al-Mustafa International University says on its website that it is the only Iranian center active in Kosovo since 2000. It is alleged by Kosovar authorities to be active under five institutions in two major cities -- the Qur'an Foundation of Kosova that was set up in Prizren in 2002; the Ibn Sina Institute for Human Sciences launched in 2012 in Pristina; the all-female NISA charity based in the capital; the Pristina-based Bregu I Diellit group; and the Ahle Beyt Institute set up in 2007 in Prizren.

Al-Mustafa International University claims on its website that it has been active in teaching the Koran and the Persian language, and has also organized conferences, events, and published religious texts.

Crackdown On Islamic Charities

Since late 2014, Kosovar authorities have closed dozens of foreign-funded charities -- mostly Saudi-backed -- in a bid to address Kosovo's radicalization problem.

The government estimates that more than 300 Kosovars have traveled to the Middle East to join Islamic militants fighting in Iraq and Syria. That makes this predominately Muslim country of under 2 million people, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, Europe's biggest contributor per capita of foot soldiers for the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

Islamic charities often run schools, dormitories, and welfare programs. But they also push a hard-line agenda. The groups are accused of brainwashing youth and recruiting them for extremist causes abroad. Under a new law, Kosovo can jail citizens for up to 15 years if they participate in foreign wars.

Kosovo's authorities say around 50 homegrown jihadists have been killed in fighting in Syria and Iraq, and around 120 have returned to Kosovo. More than 100 people in Kosovo have been arrested or are under investigation for recruiting or fighting abroad on behalf of IS.

* This story has been corrected to clarify that Hasan Azari Bejandi has been charged but not arrested.

Golnaz Esfandiari contributed to this report
Russian President Vladimir Putin says the world faces the most dangerous decade since World War II and predicted that the historical period of the West's "undivided dominance over world affairs" is coming to an end.

Speaking on October 27 at a conference of international policy experts in Moscow, Putin said the decade ahead is "probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and, at the same time, important...since the end of World War II."

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Putin laid the blame for the situation at the feet of Western countries, which he said have cast aside the norms of international affairs in order to maintain dominance and hold down countries they see as "second-class civilizations."

The Russian leader also said he had no regrets about sending troops into Ukraine and sought to explain the conflict as part of the efforts by Western countries to secure their global domination.

Putin claimed in his speech to the Valdai Discussion Club, a think tank, that the West had helped incite the conflict and also seeks to stoke a crisis over Taiwan in an attempt to enforce global dominance.

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, triggering the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II and driving relations with Western countries that back Ukraine and its drive to be part of the European Union and NATO to their lowest depths since the Cold War.

Putin cast the conflict in Ukraine as a battle between the West and Russia for the fate of the second-largest Eastern Slav country. It is partly a "civil war," he said, as Russians and Ukrainians are one people. Kyiv has flatly rejected both of those ideas.

The goal of what Russia refers to as a "special military operation" is to take the eastern Donbas region, Putin said, adding that in his view the region would "not have survived" on its own had Russia not intervened militarily in Ukraine.

WATCH: A local official told Russian conscripts "You are not cannon fodder" in a video published online recently. The men responded by angrily shouting that, actually, that's exactly what they are.

But the war has gone far beyond the Donbas region, with Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and other nonmilitary structures, killing tens of thousands of Ukrainians across the country.

Putin used the speech largely to rail against the West, saying it has nothing to offer to the world "except its own domination," and the goal of globalization "is neocolonialism to dominate the world." He said Russia is only trying to defend its right to exist in the face these Western efforts.

Putin also asserted that more and more nations refuse to follow Washington's demands and Russia will never accept the West's attempts to dominate the world.

Citing gay pride parades and the acceptance of transgender people in Western countries, Putin also defended "traditional values" and said "nobody can dictate to our people how to develop and what society we should build."

He also said Russia has never considered the West an enemy and has many things in common with it but will continue to oppose the diktat of Western neoliberal elites.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Putin's speech presented no new ideas.

"We don't believe that Mr. Putin's strategic goals have changed here. He doesn't want Ukraine to exist as a sovereign, independent nation state," Kirby said.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Putin's speech can be described as "for Freud," referring to psychoanalysis founder Sigmund Freud.



"The person who invaded a foreign country, annexed its land, and committed genocide accuses others of violating international law and the sovereignty of other countries? One truth: The person who started a wind will get a storm. The storm is coming," he said on Twitter.

Answering questions from journalists after his speech, Putin reiterated the Kremlin's assertion that Ukraine plans to use a so-called dirty bomb on its own territory. The claim has been dismissed as false by Ukraine and its allies, who say Russia may have raised the matter because it plans to use such a bomb in Ukraine as a pretext for escalation.

"It was me who ordered [Defense Minister Sergei] Shoigu to inform by phone all his colleagues about it," Putin said, adding that Russia does not need to use dirty bombs in Ukraine.

Putin also said he supported plans by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit Ukraine's nuclear power plants for inspections.

"It must be done as soon and as openly as possible because we know that Kyiv authorities are now working to cover up such [dirty-bomb attack] preparations," Putin said, without giving any exact information proving the claim.

Ukraine invited IAEA inspectors to visit its nuclear facilities after the Kremlin made its unsubstantiated claim about the preparation of a dirty bomb -- which would use the explosion of a conventional warhead to spread radioactive material or chemicals over a wide area.

Ukraine said it would welcome inspections because it had "nothing to hide."

According to Putin, Russia has never talked about the use of nuclear weapons in the war with Ukraine despite his own promise to defend Russian territory with any means at our disposal" and saying his words were "not a bluff."

"We see no need for [using nuclear weapons in Ukraine]," Putin told reporters. "There is no sense for that, neither political, nor military."
Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan ordered an investigation into the death of a British-Pakistani woman whose husband claims she was killed for marrying against her family's wishes.

The ministry said Khan on July 27 asked police to speed their investigatation of the death of Samia Shahid, 28, who died while visiting her family in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Police said Shahid's family reported finding her dead in her room with fluid coming out of her mouth on July 20. The exact cause of Shahid's death is not clear and police are still questioning suspects and awaiting a post-mortem report.

District police chief Mujahid Akbar told AP that police have detained two family members for questioning.

"Nothing can be ruled out. It can be a case of honor killing, but right now we are waiting for reports of medical tests done on her body," he said.

Police are also trying to track down Shahid's first husband, who is also her cousin. Akbar said Shahid's husband in England told police that his wife angered her family by divorcing her cousin two years ago to marry him.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
MOSCOW -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has abruptly reshuffled several regional leaders and dismissed the ambassador to Ukraine in a substantial shake-up that also included the removal of the country's longtime customs chief.

Putin replaced four governors and appointed new presidential envoys to three of Russia's sprawling "federal districts," drawing heavily on former top security-services personnel in what analysts saw as a continuation of a push to tighten his grip on power since he returned to the Kremlin in 2012.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev accepted the resignation of Federal Customs Service chief Andrei Belyaninov, a former KGB officer who served alongside Putin in 1980s East Germany and fell under the spotlight when his home was searched as part of a corruption probe on July 26.

Belyaninov was named as a witness in an investigation into the smuggling of high-end alcohol, but photographs of his opulent residence featuring bundles of cash laid out in piles had been leaked to local media, prompting speculation of his imminent dismissal or arrest.

The official is seen by analysts as a casualty of intensifying rivalry between government agencies -- particularly those that oversee lucrative business -- as they battle for control of shrinking resources amid Russia's longest recession in decades.

Putin replaced the governors of Kirov Oblast, Kaliningrad Oblast, Yaroslavl Oblast, and Sevastopol, a naval port city in Russian-annexed Crimea, and appointed new presidential envoys in the Northwestern, North Caucasus, and Siberian federal districts.

Putin formally dismissed Nikita Belykh, the jailed governor of Kirov Oblast, citing a "loss of trust." Belykh, once a liberal opposition leader of the Union of Rightist Forces party, was arrested in June for allegedly taking a bribe -- allegations he vehemently denies and has protested by going on a hunger strike.

Putin also abolished the Crimean federal district and folded the peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014, into the Southern Federal District under the helm of powerful presidential envoy and former Justice Minister Vladimir Ustinov.

And he fired Mikhail Zurabov, Russia's ambassador to Kyiv since January 2010 -- a ruinous period for mutual relations in which a Moscow-backed Ukrainian president was pushed out by pro-Western protesters. Russia responded by taking over Crimea and backing separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Several Russian media outlets called the shake-up the "largest in years," while Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, described it as a "normal rotation."

Election Planning

As the stream of appointments and dismissals emerged one-by-one in terse statements on the Kremlin website, photographs began to circulate of a casual, outdoor breakfast meeting Putin held with workers in a field in Tver Oblast on July 28 -- images that appeared aimed to show that Putin was in control, conducting business as usual and taking care of ordinary Russians.

The reshuffle came ahead of September parliamentary elections that will set the stage for a 2018 presidential vote in which Putin -- in power as president or prime minister since 2000 -- could seek a new six-year term.

Speaking to RFE/RL's Russian Service, Vladimir Milov, an opposition politician and former deputy energy minister, linked the reshuffle directly to the upcoming vote, saying Putin replaced governors in regions where the ruling United Russia party is polling particularly badly.

Sergei Toropov was appointed interim ambassador in Ukraine. Peskov told journalists that Zurabov's successor would be chosen soon and said the reason for his dismissal was that Zurabov had served an unusually long term as ambassador -- seven years.

Moscow-based analyst Nikolai Petrov, however, said the move could indicate an intention to change policy toward Ukraine. "If there is to be a shift in relations with Ukraine, it is pretty logical to start by replacing the guy who was responsible for [implementing] the politics of the previous stage," he said.

Writing on Twitter, Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalny criticized the series of appointments, noting the prevalence of high-ranking former members of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Interior Ministry.

Medvedev appointed Vladimir Bulavin, who holds a colonel general's rank in the FSB and until now was Putin's representative in the Northwestern Federal District, to head the Federal Customs Service. Putin appointed Yevgeny Zinichev, the head of the FSB branch in the western exclave of Kaliningrad, to be its governor. And Dmitry Mironov, a lieutenant general in the Interior Ministry, was named governor of Yaroslavl Oblast.

Peskov defended this trend, saying: "This was specifically a personal decision of the head of state. In this way, he has shown his faith, and, in the opinion of the head of state, it is precisely these people who have the required potential to continue to develop these regions."

Petrov had a different explanation, suggesting that Putin must pick from a shrinking circle of candidates for top posts because his top-down rule has not produced a vibrant field of talented politicians and administrators.

"When you don't have public politics, you are very limited looking for possible candidates to appoint," he said.
A Russian soldier, who was convicted of killing a 22-year-old Tajik woman at a Russian military base near Dushanbe, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, his defense lawyer and the victim's family said on July 28.

Ivan Sherbakov, 27, was also ordered to pay 1.5 million rubles (about $22,500) to the family of the victim as compensation, they said.

The lawyer, who didnt want to disclose his name, said Sherbakov was found guilty of the premeditated murder of Shoira Jabborova in a trial by a Russian military court.

The three-day trial that began on July 19 was held behind closed doors inside the Russian military base near Dushanbe, he added.

Navruz Sultonov, a relative of the victim, said Jabborova's family is satisfied with the court ruling. Sultonov said he attended the trial along with the victim's mother and sister.

Sherbakov was stationed at the base when he was arrested in connection with Jabborova's killing in November 2015.

Jabborova was reportedly invited by Sherbakov, a lieutenant, to an officer's dormitory on the base where she was found dead on November 5. Her body was found in a garbage can.

The murder sparked widespread condemnations in Tajikistan.The Tajik government protested the killing in a diplomatic note and demanded that Moscow "take the necessary measures to ensure similar actions by servicemen at the Russian military base" do not occur.

In August 2015, two Russian soldiers at the same base were sentenced to prison sentences of 17 and 13 years by a Russian military court for murdering a Tajik taxi driver in Dushanbe in 2014.


Thousands gathered in Yerevans Liberty Square last night in a sign of solidarity with the armed group Sasna Dzrer and to show that they wouldnt be intimidated by police who have tried to stem a rising tide of opposition to the current regime lead by President Serzh Sargsyan.

The demonstrators then marched to Khorenatsi Street, where a police building is still being held by members of Sasna Dzrer, and staged a sit-down.

Police calls for the crowd to disperse went unheeded. Demonstrators remained at the site until 2 a.m., promising to return in bigger numbers tonight.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has backed down from his suggestion that Russia should hack the e-mails of his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, saying on July 28 that he was "being sarcastic."

The explanation follows comments a day earlier in which Trump also said that if elected, he would he consider recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and lifting the sanctions Washington imposed on Moscow for its annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.

"I will tell you this: Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 e-mails that are missing," Trump told a July 27 news conference, referring to correspondence that Clinton said she deleted from a private server because she considered them personal.

The FBI has investigated whether Clinton violated laws in her handling of classified materials, calling her "extremely careless" but saying last month that she would not face charges.

The Clinton campaign called the remarks by Trump, who has said he would seek a rapprochement with Moscow if he is elected to the White House, a "national security issue."

Clinton's senior foreign-policy adviser, Jake Sullivan, said it was "the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent."

Trump walked the comments back in a July 28 interview with Fox News, however, saying, "Of course I'm being sarcastic."

The controversial Republican's remarks follow last week's massive leak of e-mail correspondence among Democratic officials that the party has suggested was orchestrated by the Russian government.

Trump has gleefully mocked Democratic infighting over the e-mails, which triggered outrage from supporters of Clinton's rival for the nomination, Senator Bernie Sanders, by showing that ostensibly neutral party officials favored Clinton.

The Kremlin on July 28 told the United States itself to get to the bottom of the hacking scandal involving Democratic Party e-mails.

It denied any role in hacking the e-mails of the Democratic National Committee, saying the accusation was motivated by anti-Russian sentiment.

The Kremlin also said Trump's remarks about Crimea did not change what the Kremlin described as a "neutral stance" on U.S. presidential candidates.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa, TASS, and Interfax
The name means more than just an oil town in western Kazakhstan. To people in Kazakhstan, especially government officials, Zhanaozen is synonymous with civil unrest, protest, and bloodshed.

Which is why the news that hundreds of oil workers went on strike on July 28 must surely be generating concern in the halls of government in Astana. The complaints of these workers are likely to resonate widely in Kazakhstan during these hard economic times in the country.

Zhanaozen was a little-known backwater until 2011, when oil workers went on strike demanding wage increases. The workers said they were paid less than foreign employees, mainly Chinese workers, who were performing the same tasks.

The protest lasted more than six months until on December 16, Kazakhstan's Independence Day, unrest erupted at celebrations in Zhanaozen and police fired on the crowd. At least 16 people were killed in what was at the time the most violent episode in Kazakhstan's brief history as an independent country.

In the aftermath, Kazakh authorities first worked to defuse the situation, rehiring fired workers, promising better pay and benefits, and chastising and often dismissing local officials, both from the government and the oil companies, for failing to appreciate the seriousness of the situation in western Kazakhstan.

The government then moved to weaken labor unions that had played a large role in the protest, and also tightened laws on holding unsanctioned demonstrations, rallies, and protests.

So the fact that so many oil workers decided to hold a brief, two-hour strike on July 28, in defiance of rules against unsanctioned demonstrations and illegal strikes, is a disquieting development. The workers from the Burgylau company, which engages in drilling operations, are objecting to plans to reduce working hours, effectively making them part-time employees with the accompanying decrease in salaries.

The protesters also complained about 66 of their fellow workers being laid off earlier this year and demanded the dismissal of Burgylau general director Askhat Sariev, whom employees accuse of orchestrating dismissals and the reduction in work hours.

And, the protesters said they have no confidence in the union representing them and demanded their choice to lead the union, Saduakas Bekkaliev, be appointed as its head.

RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq, reported that Bekkaliev was not at the protest in Zhanaozen on July 28. Some of the protesters said he was being questioned by the police, although he appeared later as the protest was winding down. Bekkaliev said a written statement of the workers' demands had been presented to the Burgylau leadership and the local government administration.

The deputy mayor of Zhanaozen, Isakhan Sagimbaev, and officials from labor unions in the Mangistau region, where Zhanaozen is located, met with the protesters. Azattyq reported they had a heated discussion with the workers, the latter accusing the officials of failing to pay sufficient attention to their plight.

The workers then boarded buses and went to work.

Kazakhstan's economy is based on oil exports. The strike in 2011 cost the government a lot of money but the price of oil back then was high enough that the authorities were able to keep the country running without much noticeable effect.

The situation now is very different and as a result, Kazakhstan has already slashed many state programs, including funding for housing and education. A strike now like the one in 2011 would have a significant effect on the country's already ailing economic situation.

The government also cannot afford to sit and watch as the situation escalates. Already this year there have been unsanctioned protests against planned land reforms. And separately, violence has broken out twice, leaving more than 30 people dead.

That said, Kazakhstan's government has tried to avoid mass layoffs, which is why workers in Burgylau are being moved to part-time shifts rather than solving the problem by cutting back on the workforce. Akylbek Nurlybaev, a representative of the Zhanaozen protesters, told Azattyq that 66 Burgylau employees were fired in the first half of 2016, but Azattyq reported there are some 2,200 employees at Burgylau.

Similar processes have been under way in many sectors in Kazakhstan, with the government opting to move people from full-time to part-time employment to prevent mass dismissals that would likely lead to further unrest.

There is little more that Kazakh authorities can do as long as world oil prices remain low but the specter of events in Zhanaozen in 2011 has now risen again and Kazakh authorities will need to neutralize it quickly in a way that does not stoke popular unrest.

Worse may be yet to come. In a separate report on July 28, Azattyq noted that Deputy Energy Minister Aset Magauov said at a meeting in Astana that 36 of the country's 60 companies involved in oil production ended 2015 in the red. Magauov said work would be cut back at about half the drilling operations at the country's oil fields this year, meaning more layoffs or reductions in work hours can be expected.

Based on reporting by Azattyq
Europe Before World War I Vs Today

When Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, on June 28, 1914, few could have known it would reverberate for four years of brutal war, leading to the fall of three European empires and revolution in what would become the Soviet Union. The past 100 years have seen another world war and the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, but much of present-day Europe is based on the lines drawn following the conflict sparked by Princip's bullet.

1914

2014

(Pull cursor to the right from 1914 to see 1914 map and to the left from 2014 to see the modern map)
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Nikolay Baghdasaryan, lawyer for jailed Founding Parliament member Alek Yenikomshian, says his client, who is blind and has one arm, is being kept in conditions deleterious to his health.

Yenikomshian cannot eat or move about normally. The conditions at the detention center are bad, said Baghdasaryan, who visited Yenikomshian one hour ago.

Arrested yesterday, Yenikomshian has yet to be officially charged and Baghdasaryan believes the opposition activist was arrested merely to stop him from leading demonstrations that have begun surrounding the seizure of a Yerevan police building by the armed Sasna Dzrer group on July 17.

The lawyer has called on Armenia's Human Rights Defender to intervene.
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A Dinwiddie County jury on Thursday found Russell E. Brown III guilty of capital murder in the March 2013 shooting death of master trooper Junius A. Walker, rejecting defense claims that Brown was psychotic and legally insane at the time of the killing.

After eight hours of deliberation over two days, and on the 14th day of the trial, jurors found that Brown had the mental capacity to appreciate the consequences of his actions when he shot Walker four times in his police cruiser off Interstate 85.

Finally, justice for Walker, Elizabeth Walker, the troopers widow, said minutes after the verdicts were read, her eyes red with tears.

Brown, 31, bowed his head as the court clerk began to read the jurys six verdicts, revealing he was found guilty on all counts. One of his attorneys rubbed Browns back to console him.

After consulting with attorneys, Dinwiddie Circuit Judge Paul W. Cella adjourned the proceeding for the day, instructing the six-man, six-woman jury to return today to begin the sentencing phase of the trial. Both sides plan to call witnesses.

Dinwiddie Commonwealths Attorney Ann Cabell Baskervill said she will seek the death penalty but declined further comment until after todays sentencing hearing. Brown also could be sentenced to life in prison.

To obtain the death penalty, prosecutors must prove there is a probability that Brown would commit future criminal acts that would constitute a continuing threat to society, or that his conduct in committing the crime for which he was convicted was outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible or inhuman in that it involved torture, depravity of mind or an aggravated battery to the victim.

The jury also found Brown guilty of attempted capital murder of trooper Samuel Moss and attempted murder of truck driver Thomas Hales, along with three firearm counts for each of the murder or attempted murder charges.

In a frenetic gunbattle, Brown exchanged shots with Moss after killing Walker, and fired several rounds at Hales in his truck after he saw Walkers cruiser in the woods and stopped to investigate. Neither Moss nor Hales was hit.

As other officers began to arrive at the scene, Brown fled into the woods, dropped his .308-caliber Saiga semi-automatic rifle and began to disrobe, leaving behind all his clothes. He was found a short time later hiding naked in the back of a vehicle in a salvage yard between U.S. 1 and I-85.

Walkers cruiser caught fire after rolling into the woods, and officers risked their lives trying to recover the troopers body under what they believed was a continuing threat of gunfire. Brown could not be seen and police initially were unaware he had fled.

Browns defense team  composed of deputy capital defender Karin Kissiah, assistant capital defenders Seth Shelley and Shameka Hall, and private defense attorney Jacqueline Reiner  had no immediate comment on the trials outcome.

Brown had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Two forensic psychologists  one hired by the defense, the other by the prosecution  issued opinions that Brown was insane at the time of the March 7, 2013, killing.

The more prominent of the two, Dr. Evan Nelson  who performed a second-opinion sanity evaluation on Beltway sniper Lee Boyd Malvo, as well as Ricky Gray, who with a companion killed Bryan and Kathryn Harvey and their daughters in Richmond  said Brown suffered from bipolar disorder with psychotic features that included delusions, and believed he was on a religious mission from God when he encountered Brown off I-85 and shot him.

In closing arguments to jurors Wednesday, Reiner called Nelson the best in his field. Baskervill largely dismissed insanity as the reason for Browns actions, calling him crazy like a fox.

Insanity defenses are considered rare, and experts say only 1 in 10 cases reviewed by sanity evaluators such as Nelson meet the criteria for an insanity defense.

The defense had a lower legal burden of proof than the prosecution.

Virginia law requires the defense to prove their case by whats called a preponderance of the evidence, which means just enough evidence to make it more likely than not that Brown was insane, or greater than 50 percent.

In contrast, the prosecution must prove the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which means there is a great likelihood that the defendant willfully, deliberately and with premeditation committed capital murder for the purpose of interfering with the performance of the troopers official duties.

Jurors had the option of finding Brown guilty of capital murder, guilty of a reduced count of first-degree murder, not guilty by reason of insanity or not guilty.

The jurors so far have devoted nearly three weeks of their time since being called for jury duty with scores of other Dinwiddie residents on July 11. After an exhaustive jury selection process took six days, a 12-person jury, with four alternates, was seated July 19, and testimony and presentation of evidence got underway.
Richmond police are searching for a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman Thursday morning on Broad Street.

Around 4 a.m., officers responded to the 00 block of West Broad Street for the report of a sexual assault. Police said a woman reported she was walking home when she noticed an unknown black man following her. Later, the man approached her and allegedly assaulted her.
Police are looking for 26-year-old Richmond man in connection with a July 20 shooting on Midlothian Turnpike.

Corey E. Young is wanted on charges of malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, police said Thursday.

Officers were called to the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike on July 20 shortly after 7:30 p.m. for the report of a person shot. Officiers found a man inside an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound, police said. He was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Young is described as a black male, six feet tall, weighing around 153 pounds. He has a dark complexion, black hair and brown eyes. He also has Cory tattooed on his right arm.

Young is considered armed and dangerous and shouldnt be approached. Anyone who sees him is asked to call police immediately.

Anyone with any information about this individual or his whereabouts is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Janet Mills at (804) 646-6734 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word ITip followed by your tip or submit a tip online at www.7801000.com.
Thirty homes will be built near the site of a historic 540-acre farm in Hanover County.

A rezoning request from developer Rogers-Chenault Inc. for the Silver Oak subdivision was unanimously approved by the Hanover Board of Supervisors at its meeting Wednesday. The subdivision will be situated on the south side of Rural Point Road about 1,300 feet from Chamberlayne Road.

After the meeting, developer Todd Rogers said the development is the first subdivision in Hanover from the developer that consists of single-family detached homes and includes yard maintenance from the homeowners association.

Theres a good ... demand for this type of housing, he said, adding that the homes are targeted at empty nesters or people nearing that point. Its going to be an amenity-filled housing style.

More than 15 acres was rezoned from an agricultural district to single family residential district for the subdivision.

The development will be located just southeast of the Totomoi farm, an 18th-century plantation listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

Pedestrian benches, bird houses and a multipurpose field, as well as a 50-foot street buffer along Rural Point Road, are planned. Rogers has previously said homes will range from $450,000 to $750,000.

Similar to the Planning Commission meeting where the project won the endorsement of that panel, no community members showed up in support or opposition of the subdivision.

***

In other business, the Board of Supervisors signed off on a permit that allows Shalom Baptist Church to move forward with plans to relocate.

The panel granted the churchs request for a conditional-use permit for the location at Walnut Grove Road about 1,400 feet south of Mechanicsville Turnpike. The church is currently on Mechanicsville Turnpike.
To: President Serzh Sargsyan, Republic of Armenia

Date: July 28, 2016

Dear Sir:

We have learned with great concern of the detention by the National Security Service on July 27 of life-long patriot, Ara Alec Yenikomshian. Mr. Yenikomshian has for decades been engaged in charitable work in Armenia and with the improvement of a country he loves more than anything else. He has devoted life and limb to the benefit of the Armenian homeland, and he was one of the closest and most trusted comrades of your former comrade-in-arms, Armenian national hero Monte Melkonian. Despite suffering great physical wounds in the process of his patriotic activities, Alec continues to work for the good of Armenia. Mr. Yenikomshian is an extraordinary patriot, conscientious and dedicated to civil debate and to the lawful, peaceful improvement of the countrys institutions. We join our voices to the many others who request that he be released immediately from police custody.

Respectfully,

Maile Melkonian

Markar Melkonian

Marcia Melkonian

Seta Kbranian-Melkonian

Suzy Mahseredjian-Melkonian
An instructional assistant in Henrico County with an extensive business background has emerged as the sole nominee to fill an open seat on the Hanover County School Board.

Ola Hawkins, who lives in the Kings Charter area, nominated herself for the Ashland District seat during a public hearing at the Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday night.

She said she was compelled to work in education to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

I did not always know that I wanted to be in a classroom. However, I did always know that there were teachers in my life who impacted my life, she said.

Now, being in a classroom, knowing how they impacted my life, I have developed a passion, I have developed compassion for teaching and for helping our children reach their individual potential.

During her remarks to the board, Hawkins also highlighted her more than 28-year career in corporate America, which was spent with Verizon and included management and training positions. The Richmond native started as an instructional assistant in 2011 in Henrico, where she focuses mostly on remedial math and reading skills at Maude Trevvett Elementary School.

I can bring my diverse experiences and my commitment to quality education to my service on the Hanover School Board. I believe my experiences at Verizon, in the classroom and my volunteer work will help me to be an effective, contributing member of the School Board, she said.

Hanover School Board members are appointed by the corresponding Board of Supervisors member who represents the district on an alternating basis.

Ashland District Supervisor Faye O. Prichard is expected to make her appointment, which will be followed by a full vote by the supervisors, at the groups August meeting.

An appointment for the post was delayed after two previous nominees withdrew themselves from consideration because of personal reasons, forcing the county to publicly advertise for nominations for a second time.

The Ashland seat was left empty after Henry C. Hank Lowry Jr. stepped down this year once his four-year term concluded.

The only other spot that was up for consideration  the Chickahominy District seat  will again be filled by Robert L. Hundley Jr., whom the supervisors unanimously reappointed to the School Board.
PHILADELPHIA - Sen. Tim Kaine, the newly minted Democratic vice presidential candidate, will return to Richmond Monday for what is being called a "homecoming rally."

Exact details for the public event have yet to be released. It will be Kaine's first trip home since leaving town Tuesday to accept the nomination.

The senator will accompany Clinton on a weekend bus tour of swing states Pennsylvania and Ohio before splitting to head south to Richmond, where his political career began as a Richmond city councilman.
PHILADELPHIA  Tim Kaine, the guy next door from Richmond who never expected to be here, on Wednesday night accepted the Democratic Partys nomination for vice president of the United States.

The senator from Virginia offered a robust defense of Hillary Clinton and an unsparing attack on the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, in his address to the Democratic National Convention.

And he extended a direct invitation to moderate Republicans turned off by Trump to support the Democratic ticket. Kaine highlighted the politics of his father-in-law  former Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton  a Republican who in 1970 enrolled his own children in Richmonds desegregated inner-city schools.

Lins still a Republican. But hes voting for a lot of Democrats these days, Kaine said. Because any party that would nominate Donald Trump for president has moved too far away from his party of Lincoln.

And if any of you are looking for that party of Lincoln, weve got a home for you right here in the Democratic Party, said Kaine.

The former governor and Richmond mayor recognized his family and extended family at the beginning of his speech. Relatives present included Kaines wife, Anne; their daughter, Annella; his parents, Al and Kathy; and in-laws, former Gov. and first lady Linwood and Jinks Holton.

Kaine also gave a shoutout to his oldest child, Nat, a Marine Corps officer who deployed two days ago.

Semper fi, Nat! he said.

Kaine took his opportunity on the national stage to tell his story and introduce himself to a television audience of millions who, outside of Virginia and the Capital Beltway, might know little of his personal or political history.

He told about helping out his father in his small business, a union ironworking shop in Kansas City. He said his time at a Jesuit boys school is when his Catholic faith became vital, a North Star for orienting my life. And I knew that I wanted to fight for social justice.

He told of how, after graduating from the University of Missouri with an economics degree, he took a year off from Harvard Law School to volunteer as a Catholic missionary in Honduras, where he learned Spanish and got a firsthand look at a system  a dictatorship  where a few people at the top had all the power and everyone else got left out.

He detailed how he settled in Richmond with a fellow Harvard classmate, Anne Holton. He said he became a civil rights lawyer advocating for fair housing, and he and his wife raised three children, sons Nat and Woody and daughter Annella.

Kaine said Richmond was divided and discouraged and plagued by an epidemic of gun violence.

People were pointing fingers and casting blame instead of finding answers, he said. I couldnt stand it. So I ran for City Council.

Kaine told of how he was elected mayor, then lieutenant governor and governor, serving from 2006-10, in the midst of the worst economic turndown since the Great Depression.

I was a hard-times governor, he said. But tough times dont last; tough people do.

In explaining his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Kaine shifted his remarks to a defense of his running mate.

And heres a funny thing, he said. I spend time with a lot of Republican senators who, once theyve made sure nobodys listening, will tell you how fantastic a senator Hillary Clinton was.

Kaine said his personal journey has convinced him that God has created a rich tapestry in this country.

Kaine shared that belief by flexing his Spanish fluency on four occasions.

Hillary Clinton and I are companeros del alma  or soulmates, he said at one point. We share this belief. Do all the good you can.

On another occasion, he said: Somos Americanos todos. In other words: We are all Americans.

At one point in the speech, the audience cheered: Si, se puede, a Spanish translation of Barack Obamas 2008 slogan: Yes, we can.

Kaine began with a folksy tone, but built into attack intensity and hit his stride when he turned to the Trump portion of his speech  the bulk of his remarks.

He hit on the theme of Trumps credibility, derisively imitating the billionaires voice and repeating his words, Believe me.

Kaine said he trusts Clinton because shes consistent, and passionately fights for children and the underprivileged.

Donald Trump has a passion, too, Kaine said. Its himself.

Kaine also said Clinton knows how to conduct the affairs of the nation on the international stage, something he does not trust Trump to do.

The guy promises a lot, said Kaine, but you might have noticed, he has a habit of saying the same two words right after he makes his biggest promises. You guys know the words I mean? Believe me.

 Its gonna be great  believe me! Were gonna build a wall and make Mexico pay for it  believe me!

The Trump campaign  in coordination with a Republican National Committee satellite office set up in Philadelphia not far from the Wells Fargo Center, where Democrats convened  responded with a series of email counters to Kaines candidacy.

Kaine promoted higher taxes as governor, was the theme of one email blast. Another accused him of being a utility player of the establishment.

Another email praised Kaines Republican rival for vice president, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, as being a job creator, while saying Kaine presided over a doubling of the states unemployment rate and lacked a signature achievement during his term as governor.

Following the speech, Kaine was greeted on stage by his wife.

Kaine will also be on hand today, when the convention concludes with Clintons acceptance of the Democratic presidential nomination.

On Friday, the Democratic ticket will kick off a weekend bus tour through swing states Pennsylvania and Ohio with a rally at Independence Hall.

Clinton and Kaine will campaign in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Youngstown and Columbus before parting ways on the trail.

Kaine will return to Richmond on Monday for what the campaign has billed as a homecoming rally.

Scotts introduction

Rep. Robert C. Bobby Scott, D-3rd, introduced Kaine, calling him a person of substance, passion, principle and integrity.

Even as hes risen from City Hall to the governors mansion to the U.S. Capitol, I still see in Tim the same sense of purpose  the fundamental goodness  that led him to become a civil rights lawyer: listening to his neighbors concerns and fears, fighting for the underserved and unrepresented, and finding solutions to make his community better and more fair, Scott said.

The Bible calls on us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly, Scott continued. There are few people who live that creed as fully and as completely as Tim Kaine.

Clintons campaign and the Democratic National Convention Committee introduced Kaine in a 3-minute video that traced his life and career.

The piece began with a quote from President Harry Truman that Kaine repeated Saturday in Miami when Clinton introduced him as her running mate: America was not built on fear. It was built on courage, on imagination and on an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.

In describing Kaines early years, a narrator says: A life built on selfless, humble service had a Midwestern start in a working-class home in Kansas City.
PHILADELPHIA Bob Pierce met Tim Kaine in the late 1990s at a Democratic fundraiser in a farmhouse near Purcellville, a quiet, sylvan corner of Loudoun County, the politically decisive outer suburb of Washington.

This was a time when the candidates would show up and didnt have the staff hustling them around, said Pierce, a part-time contractor whose wife, Denise, is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Then preparing to run for lieutenant governor in 2001, Kaine had a buck-private assignment that evening: handing out the door prize, a six-pack of Guinness stout that Pierce would win. Kaine completed his task without complaint, never letting on it was another of those horrible things politicians have to do, said Pierce.

Kaine, now the Democratic nominee for vice president, has done a lot of stoop work during a political career that began in 1994 with his victory for Richmond City Council.

Over 22 years and eight elections, all of which he won, Kaine cobbled a multihued, metropolitan area-anchored network of supporters, who  as he begins his first national campaign  arent just voters; theyre validators. Among them: Bob and Denise Pierce.

Denise Pierce and others said they have been cornering Bernie Sanders holdouts who grouse that Kaine is insufficiently progressive, trying to convince them otherwise.

They cite his record as a civil rights lawyer who took on insurance companies, his battles with the gun lobby after the mass slayings at Virginia Tech and his support for workers  a stance spotlighted by his announcement, hours after Hillary Clinton picked him, that he opposes the Pacific trade deal for which he had voted to give President Barack Obama fast-track authority.

Its an example of a Kaine constant: an ability, rooted in a capacity for calculation, to sheath the objectionable in the nonthreatening.

The Virginians in Philadelphia are advocates for Kaine, not just because they recognize unity is essential for a Democratic victory in November, but because of their emotional investment in him  one thats easy to understand.

Speaking to the Virginia delegation about 13 hours before accepting the vice presidential nomination, Kaine expressed slightly giddy excitement over his selection, biting disbelief over Republican Donald Trumps immigrant bashing and tear-choked sadness over the sudden death of the Filipino-American who was his liaison to Asians, Hispanics and other New Virginians in the D.C. suburbs.

Alan Diamonstein, a former state legislator from Newport News whom Kaine defeated in a three-way contest for the lieutenant governor nomination 15 years ago, still marvels over a Kaine skill that has helped him forge deep bonds with so many: a capacity for detail-rich, extemporaneous speech  authoritative, empathetic and, occasionally, even sneering.

I never saw him take out a piece of paper, said Diamonstein, recalling the primary debates in 2001. Everything came out of his head  and his heart.

History alone makes this a powerful moment for a state that has been home to the Minnesota-born, Kansas-raised Kaine for over three decades and has attracted more people like him. Just over half Virginias residents moved to the state from somewhere else, hastening its diversity and helping remake it as a battleground state.

Kaine is the first Virginian in 100 years selected for a major partys national ticket. The last was the Staunton-born governor of New Jersey, Woodrow Wilson, the Democratic presidential nominee in 1912 and 1916.

Kaine is the first Virginian nominated for the vice presidency on a major-party ticket since 1840, when John Tyler of Charles City County was paired by the Whig Party with a Virginia-born Indian fighter-turned-Ohio farmer, William Henry Harrison. In 1841, he died about a month into his term, lifting Tyler to the presidency.

Elevating Kaine to the vice presidential nomination  and perhaps beyond  has been eight years in the making, stirring the enthusiasm of home-state Democrats and ratcheting up Virginias political competitiveness.

In 2008, Barack Obama considered Kaine, then Virginias governor, for his running mate. He chose, instead, Joe Biden because of his foreign policy credentials. That close call  and Kaines election to the Senate in 2012  only enhanced his appeal, Democrats said.

After Tim was elected to the Senate, it made him more credible, said U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, a prospect to run for Kaines Senate seat should Gov. Terry McAuliffe get the chance to appoint an interim successor.

In the Senate, Kaine  long focused on strengthening the social safety net  moved beyond his comfort zone, branching into issues of war and peace and doing so in league with Republicans.

As politics has become more tribal, Kaine has remained steadfast that theres nothing wrong with talking with your enemies, supposed or actual.

He joined with Sen. John McCain, the Arizona Republican defeated by Obama in 2008, to require a congressional declaration of war for military campaigns carried out by executive fiat, such as the one in Syria.

It opened a rare rift between Kaine and Obama, though the president would later side with his former fellow community organizer.

Kaines conciliatory style, one nonetheless paired with an intellectual steeliness, is evident as well to the Virginia activists whove known him longest and are hoping the nation will buy it.
The Bernie Sanders legions may have preferred Elizabeth Warren or Rosa Luxemburg for vice president, but Hillary Clinton chose wisely when she picked Tim Kaine as her running mate. Last night the nation met the Virginia senator during his prime time speech at the Democratic Convention. The event reached far more people than his Saturday afternoon introduction in Miami. The delegates previously had nominated him by acclamation. His acceptance speech met the first goal of vice presidential candidates: It did no harm. Indeed, it likely helped the Democratic ticket  although the entire week has boosted the party.

Virginians cheered the politician they elected lieutenant governor, governor and U.S. senator. He did not disappoint. Kaine spoke before President Barack Obama. The schedule prepared him for the vice presidencys supporting role. Kaine describes himself as boring. In fact, he presents a pleasing presence. He will prove an asset during the fall campaign. The symbolism of delivering his acceptance speech in Philadelphia  where the nation was born  followed personal precedents. In 2006 he was sworn in as governor of Virginia in Colonial Williamsburg. Jamestown celebrated its 400th anniversary during his governorship.

Last night Kaine paid extensive tribute to his father-in-law, Linwood Holton, Virginias first Republican governor since Reconstruction. He cited Holton as an example for Republicans dismayed that the GOP is no longer the party of Lincoln. And he described experience in local government as worthy preparation for national office. He praised Hillary Clinton  and Bernie Sanders. From time to time he slipped into Spanish.
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A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Congressman Morgan Griffith's office shares his e-newsletter from Washington for the week of July 25.

Landmark anti-opioid abuse bill now law

In my most recent column, I wrote that legislation to combat the devastating opioid epidemic plaguing our communities  the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (S. 524)  had cleared both chambers of Congress and was heading to the Presidents desk for consideration. The Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I am a member, has tallied it up and reported that this bill includes more than a dozen bills passed by our committee.

I am pleased to report that this legislation has been signed into law. Democrats and Republicans alike came together and, while we will continue our efforts to help save lives and fight this epidemic, help is on the way.

McAuliffe order ruled unconstitutional

The April executive order of Governor Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) to restore voting and other rights to felons was followed by revelation after revelation of errors or oversights made by the Governors office, as well as numerous questions about its constitutionality. As I have said before, while I believe in redemption for all, I also have agreed that the Virginia Constitution is clear: the facts and circumstances of each individual must be reviewed by the Governors office.

On July 22, however, the Supreme Court of Virginia issued its opinion regarding constitutionality, and ruled that the Governors decision violates the Commonwealths constitution.

Never before have any of the prior 71 Virginia Governors issued a clemency order of any kind  including pardons, reprieves, commutations, and restoration orders  to a class of unnamed felons without regard for the nature of the crimes or any other individual circumstances relevant to the request, Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons wrote in his majority opinion. To be sure, no Governor of this Commonwealth, until now, has even suggested that such a power exists. And the only governors who have seriously considered the question concluded that no such power exists.

In a statement issued soon after the Supreme Court released its ruling, Governor McAuliffe indicated he would work to restore the rights of those felons on an individual basis, as is proper under the commonwealths Constitution. He, then, is clearly responsible for knowing exactly who these felons are, what theyve done, and whether theyve reformed themselves.

Not only did Governor McAuliffe bend or break the rules in order to achieve a goal  this is happening in Washingtons executive branch as well.

While Republicans have occasionally done this, often to their detriment, the current cast of Washingtons Democratic officials seems to be running rampant.

Examples of this that come to mind include the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and reported delays in basic medical screenings at VA hospitals or clinics, the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding Solyndra, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scandal in which the agency targeted conservative organizations for their political views, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its regulations already adjudicated by the courts to be improper such as the Mercury and Air Toxics (MATS) rule, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding Obamacare, parts of which have been ruled improper by the courts, etc.

This behavior seems to be not only limited to the Democrats policies, but seems to be a part of their politics as well, with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) apologizing to Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VA) for inexcusable remarks made over email regarding his campaign for president. In one instance, DNC staff discussed using Senator Sanders religious beliefs to undermine or discredit him.

In the wake of those email remarks, the head of the DNC is resigning her post. But other officials in Washington  including bureaucrats of the VA, the DOE, the IRS, the EPA, HHS, etc.  also ought to be held accountable for their agencies misconduct which was clearly done negligently or intentionally in violation of the law.

In Congress, I have been fighting to hold agencies accountable when they break the rules, do something harmful, or are way off base. Administration bureaucrats must be held responsible, and this fight will continue.

Submitted by Andie Pivarunas
Sen. Tim Kaines more aggressive tone in his speech Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia overshadowed some of the personable qualities he conveyed Saturday in Miami, when Hillary Clinton introduced him as her running mate, according to longtime analysts of Virginia politics.

Kaines speech to a TV audience of millions was a little more of an evening message, which was to strip the bark off (Donald) Trump, said Bob Holsworth, a longtime Virginia political analyst, formerly at Virginia Commonwealth University.

It was Kaine doing a little more of the vice presidential role, Holsworth said. Saturday, at Florida International University, was a little less formal.

In his speech Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center, Kaine thanked his family, recited his biography and praised Clinton. He also ripped Trump, mocking the Republican presidential nominees trademark phrase, Believe me.

Holsworth said he had never seen Kaine  a former Richmond mayor, lieutenant governor and governor  go to such lengths to impersonate his opponent in a mainly sarcastic way.

Holsworth said he thought Kaine did a good job overall in introducing himself to the country and telling his back story.

When Kaine returns to the campaign trail, the tie is not going to be on, Holsworth said. The senator will ad lib a bit more, and audiences will get a sense of the inviting, welcoming nature of Tim Kaine.

Kaine brings a personal openness and self-assuredness that counters the defensiveness Hillary Clinton has exhibited in public over the years, Holsworth said.

Bob Denton, head of the department of communication at Virginia Tech, said he was surprised last night by the mocking tone of Kaines speech. In my mind, it diminished him a bit, Denton said. He went from a statesperson to a political operative.

On Wednesday night, it was hard to see a difference in his comments and some of the things said by Trump and his supporters, Denton said. I was disappointed.

Denton said he thinks the approach that Kaine took Saturday in Miami would have worked better in Philadelphia.

Until the Nov. 8 election, every day he wakes up, Kaine will have to defend Clinton and attack Trump, Denton said. He said that some of Kaines approach on the trail could hurt the favorable impression he has developed as a hard-working, congenial senator working with both sides.

Kaine doesnt need a manuscript, Denton added. He praised the heartfelt remarks Kaine, then-governor, gave without notes in 2007 at the Virginia Tech memorial service after a gunman killed 32 students and faculty members.

Last Saturday, in Miami, there was a genuineness about him, a conversational style, Denton said.

If Clinton needs him to appeal to no-college, blue collar voters, Kaine would do better to apply his trademark empathetic and personal approach, Denton said. He does listen.

Quentin Kidd, a political analyst at Christopher Newport University, gave Kaine good reviews on his speeches in Miami and in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, Kaine was tasked with introducing himself and laying out a Clinton-Trump contrasting case, Kidd said.

Hes not really trying to be anyone he isnt, Kidd said. He is who he is.

Larry Sabato, head of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, is in Philadelphia for the convention.

Tim Kaine is a natural at extemporaneous speaking, he said. Hes less effective with a prepared text.

Sabato thought Kaine seemed very tense last night, perhaps because there were rumors in the hall that Bernie Sanders supporters would boo lustily when Kaine took the stage.

Kaines voice was hoarse because of his series of speaking engagements in recent days, Sabato added.

Overall, I thought he did fine, Sabato said, noting that Kaine spoke on a night that featured speeches by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Nobody is going to come close to President Obama, Sabato said.

Kaine had so many things to do in his speech, Sabato added. He had to reintroduce himself to the national audience, mindful that comparatively few people would have seen his speech Saturday in Miami. He also had to defend Hillary Clinton and attack Donald Trump, Sabato said.

Thats a lot to do in one speech.

Kaine will have the opportunity to find his voice again, when hes back on the stump, Sabato said.

The presidential candidates  Clinton and Trump  will dominate the coverage for the rest of the campaign, Sabato said. He noted that the next time the klieg lights hit Kaine he will be on home turf in October during the vice presidential debate at Longwood University in Farmville.

That speech on Wednesday night, was the most pressure hell be under for the rest of the campaign, Sabato said.
PHILADELPHIA  Earlier this month, when Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe asked Anne Holton to join her in Philadelphia at a child hunger awareness event during the week of the Democratic National Convention, Holton didnt think she could make it.

At the time, Holton was Virginias secretary of education. She told McAuliffe that she had a lot to do back in Richmond and wasnt sure she would even get to the convention.

Needless to say, my plans changed, said Holton, spouse of Tim Kaine, the Virginia senator who accepted the Democratic Partys nomination for vice president Wednesday night.

So there was Holton, two days removed from resigning her state education post, back in a classroom and on the campaign trail  talking about hunger and nutrition and learning at a Philadelphia day care called Childrens Village.

During a breakfast speech to the Virginia delegation Wednesday, Kaine praised Holton as my best friend, my political partner, my most astute critic, my most energetic enthusiast, my lover, my girlfriend, my wife of 32 years, the great mother of my great three children.

Its a partnership Hillary Clintons campaign wants to deploy over the 104 days to Election Day.

They said, Tim, we love you, but we really love Anne, Kaine told the delegation. We want every last minute that she can give us, he added, ticking off Holtons resume as an educator, legal aid lawyer, juvenile court judge and former first lady of Virginia.

At the day care event, McAuliffe and Holton sat in child-size seats at a kids table with Pennsylvanias Secretary of Human Services Ted Dallas and representatives of the day care and the Coalition to End Hunger.

They talked about helping kids by getting them accustomed early on to eating healthy foods , such as fruits, vegetables and fish.

McAuliffe said that only 13 percent of children eligible to receive free and reduced school lunches get one in the summer. She said that highlights the need for resources to expand food programs to keep kids healthy when school is not in session.

Education is the ticket to opportunity, and it is a fundamental part of our belief about ourselves, Holton said. Children learn better when theyve got a full stomach.

After the presentation, Holton and McAuliffe joined a classroom where children were eating lunch, sandwiched between a phalanx of television cameras on one side and a team of Secret Service agents and Virginia State Police on the other side.

McAuliffe and Holton could be overheard explaining to the curious kids what the attention was all about. But the Clinton campaigns latest Virginia surrogate stuck to the message at the event, and security whisked her away before reporters could ask questions.

Weve had some fun together, Holton said during the presentation, referring to the Kaine-McAuliffe interaction in public service.

Were going to have some fun together in a new context. I loved my job  I did not give it up lightly, she added.

But I am going to have a good time doing the next most important job.  And I wont talk politics today except to say that its going to be fun.
The results of a closely watched national test show math and reading scores declined this year in Virginia, as they did around the country. Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday that the results were catastrophic." The Republican governor held a news conference in Richmond highlighting Virginias performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The test is often known as the nations report card. It was administered to hundreds of thousands of 4th and 8th graders across the country this year. Scores were lagging even before the pandemic, but the new results show decreases on a scale not seen before.
Diamcor more than doubles Q2 revenue Diamcor generated gross revenues of about $3 million from its operations in the interim period ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1,4 million for the same period in the previous year. The company is still conducting trial mining exercises at its...

IBJA commits to Declaration of Responsibility & Sustainability Principles The Indian gold industry has signed a Declaration of Responsibility and Sustainability Principles, convened by the LBMA and the World Gold Council, which expresses a commitment to operate responsibly and sustainably, based on a clear set of shared goals...

De Beers boosts Q3 output, maintains production guidance De Beers rough diamond production rose 4% to 9.6 million carats, mainly due to the treatment of higher grade ore at both Orapa in Botswana and South Africa as well as continued strong performance in Namibia, according to its parent company, Anglo...

Hong Kongs major jewellery fairs are set to return in 2023 An announcement from Informa Markets Jewellery indicates that the industrys two biggest B2B sourcing events will be back in action in Hong Kong in 2023 following a three-year forced pandemic break.
Singaporean contemporary jewellery brand Luvenus Jewellery announced on Tuesday that it had opened its first overseas outlet at Hong Kong International Airport to showcase its designs to the millions of travelers that pass through the airport each year.

Launched in 2012, Luvenus is an award-winning company specialising in pure 22-karat and 24-karat gold jewellery with diverse and unique product designs. It also carries a collection of fully certified diamond jewellery.

Parthiban Murugaiyan, Managing Director-Luvenus, said that the newly opened store at Hong Kong International Airport is the brands fourth outlet worldwide and first outside Singapore. Luvenus has been recognised for its quality service and has received several awards from Singapores Changi Airport. Having a retail outlet at Hong Kong International Airport is part of our strategic plan for expansion into the Mainland. We will be using Hong Kong as our regional base from which to grow our business and better serve the needs of our customers, he added.

Luvenus Jewellery hopes to expand further in Hong Kong and the Mainland market and would consider various models including franchising.

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Dr. Jimmy Chiang said, Hong Kong International Airport is one of the worlds busiest airports in terms of international passenger traffic. It is an excellent showcase for retailers. I wish Luvenus Jewellery every success in our city and look forward to its continued expansion from Hong Kong.

Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished






Mariinsky Theatre gave concert in Yakutsk with financial support from ALROSA

29 july 2016 News

ALROSA, the worlds top diamond producer by carat weight, has become a partner to the concert performance of the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra under Valery Gergiev playing Sergey Prokofiev's "Betrothal in a Monastery" in Yakutsk. The concert, which took place yesterday in Yakutsk on the stage of the State Theatre of Opera and Ballet of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) was held with financial support rendered by the diamond mining company.

The proceeds from the concert will be used to preserve a famous historical and cultural site of federal significance in Yakutia, which is St Nicholas Church in the Village of Cherkeh located in the Tatta Municipality, which was built in 1912. As part of the new model of social responsibility being implemented in Yakutia and designed to provide vital services in its outlying regions, ALROSA continues the tradition to offer socially focused services in the areas of its presence not only through paying taxes and fees, but also through supporting various projects in the field of culture and art.






Pangolin Diamonds has commenced a percussion drill programme at its wholly-owned Motloutse Diamond Project in Botswana.

It said in a statement that the programme was expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

The kimberlite targets are inclusive of AGA-01, an aeromagnetic and gravity anomaly associated with positive sub-angular kimberlite indicator minerals recovered at surface and MG-08 with an anomalous concentration of positive kimberlite indicator minerals recovered at surface, it said.

The Motloutse Diamond Project covers the area where the first diamonds in Botswana were recovered in 1959 and it also includes the location where De Beers discovered its first diamonds in Botswana in 1962.

Meanwhile, Pangolin said that its wholly-owned Malatswae diamond project, also in Botswana, where 13 diamonds were recovered at surface, was scheduled to be drilled in the second half of 2016.

The company's treasury is fully funded and in the budget to complete this drill programme, it said.

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Anglo American said De Beers profit increased 2 percent to $585 million during the first half of 2016 from $576 million, a year earlier as a result of higher revenues from stronger rough diamond demand, tight operating cost control and favourable exchange rates.

De Beers total revenue was up 8 percent to $3.3 billion during the period under review from $3 billion, a year earlier, mainly driven by higher rough diamond sales, which increased by 11 percent to $3.1 billion.

The increase in rough diamond sales was due to the midstream restocking from low inventory levels, coupled with steady consumer demand in key markets.

Consolidated sales volumes rose 29 percent to 17.2 million carats during the first half of the year compared to 13.3 million carats that was recorded the previous year.

Rough diamond sales are generally higher in [the first half] due to restocking trends, De Beers said in a note to Rough & Polished.

This trend is likely to more pronounced this year due to the strong first half and continuing midstream caution.

Meanwhile, Anglo said De Beers rough diamond production dropped 15 percent to 13.3 million carats during the first half of 2016 compared to 15.6 million carats, a year earlier, reflecting the decision to reduce production in response to prevailing trading conditions in the second half of 2015.

Debswana, a joint venture between De Beers and the Botswana government, registered a 9 percent decrease in output to 10.5 million carats, due to weak output at Orapa while Damtshaa (a satellite operation of Orapa) was placed on care and maintenance from 1 January 2016.

In Namibia, output at Namdeb Holdings also fell 17 percent to 700 000 carats, with reduced output at Debmarine Namibia as a result of the Mafuta vessel undergoing extended planned in-port maintenance and lower grades at Namdebs land operations.

De Beers Consolidated Mines South Africa recorded a 20 percent dip in production to 1.8 million carats, mainly due to the completion of the sale of Kimberley Mines last January.

In Canada, production dropped 69 percent to 300 000 carats owing to Snap Lake being placed on care and maintenance in December 2015.

Anglo said construction of the Venetia Underground Mine in South Africa continued to progress, with the decline advanced to more than 1,550 metres.

It said first production from the underground operation was scheduled for 2022.

De Beers was also expected to invest more than $100 million this year in Forevermark and was looking to repeat category marketing to grow consumer demand in key markets.

It was also continuing with the construction of the multi-billion dollar production projects at Jwaneng Cut-8 in Botswana.

The $1bn Gahcho Kue project in Canada, said to be the largest diamond mine under construction anywhere in the world, was due to begin production in the third quarter of the year providing around 4.5 million carats per year.

De Beers was also increasingly investing in smaller pilot projects to establish their commercial and economic viability.

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished






One night after former president Bill Clinton painted a human picture of his wife, the current man in the White House outlined the professional credentials of Hillary Clinton.

Speaking on the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Barack Obama sang the praises of his former secretary of state as she pursues the nation's highest office.

Saying that no one has ever been more qualified for the job, Obama entreated voters not to sit on the sides - to make a difference.

"The choice isn't even close," Obama said.

Democrats stepped up their attacks on Republican candidate Donald Trump - particularly hammering him for effectively inviting the Russians to try and hack into Clinton's email earlier in the day.

Read Admiral John Hutson, former CIA director Leon Panetta and Vice President Joe Biden were particularly outspoken, calling Trump thoroughly unqualified to lead the country.

Wednesday night also afforded vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine to introduce himself to the country. He, too, took the opportunity to rip Trump.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg made an impassioned plea - as an independent, speaking to other independents - to vote for Clinton, out of love for country.

Planners also made a firm pitch to address gun violence, featuring: Christine Leinonen, mother of an Orlando shooting victim; Felicia Sanders and Polly Sheppard, two of the three survivors of the Mother Emanuel Church, SC shooting; and Erica Smegielski, whose mother was killed at Sandy Hook.

Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey called for stricter gun laws by keeping assault rifles off the streets, and asking for better relations between police and communities.

Retired astronaut Mark Kelly and former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords - adamant gun control advocates since Giffords was almost killed in a shooting - also spoke.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
RELX Group (REL.L), a professional information company, reported that its reported net profit for the six months ended 30 June 2016 rose 20 percent to 558 million pounds from 464 million pounds last year. Earnings per share rose to 26.9 pence from 21.0 pence last year.

Adjusted net profit for the half year was 705 million pounds or 34.0 pence per share, compared to 638 million pounds or 30.1 pence per share in the year-ago period.

Revenue for the period rose 10 percent to 3.26 billion pounds from 2.96 billion pounds last year. On an underlying basis, revenue rose 4 percent.

RELX Group announced an interim dividend increase of 39 percent to 10.25 pence for RELX PLC and 6 percent to 0.122 euros for RELX NV.

The company noted that the larger than usual difference in growth rates between the two dividends reflects movement in the pound/Euro exchange rate since July 2015, and the elimination of the 10 percent UK tax credit gross up earlier this year. The company added that its total full year dividend policy is unchanged.

RELX Group Chief Executive Officer Erik Engstrom said, "As we enter the second half of 2016, key trends across our are unchanged, and we are confident that, by continuing to execute on our strategy, we will deliver another year of underlying revenue, profit, and earnings growth in 2016."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Sweden's unemployment rate in June remained unchanged from the previous month, defying expectations for an increase, figures from Statistics Sweden showed Thursday.

The jobless rate was 7.6 percent, same as in May. Economists had forecast a higher figure of 8 percent. In April, the rate was 7.3 percent.

The number of unemployed totaled an unadjusted 414,000 persons, down 42,000 from a year ago.

The number of employed rose by 116,000 year-on-year to 5.02 million.

The youth jobless rate, which applies to the 15-24 age group, was 23.2 percent in May, 3.9 percentage points less than last year.

On a smoothed and seasonally-adjusted basis, the number of unemployed was 359,000, corresponding to a jobless rate of 6.8 percent. The youth unemployment rate was 18.4 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Pfizer Inc. (PFE) announced top-line results from Oral Clinical Trials for tofAcitinib in ulceratiVE colitis Sustain, the third Phase 3 study of XELJANZ (tofacitinib citrate) being investigated in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. The company said top-line results from the OCTAVE Sustain study showed that the proportion of patients in remission at week 52, the primary efficacy endpoint, was significantly greater in both the tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID groups compared to placebo.

The OCTAVE global clinical development program includes three Phase 3 studies, OCTAVE Induction 1, OCTAVE Induction 2, and OCTAVE Sustain, as well as a long-term extension trial, OCTAVE Open. Pfizer expects these four studies will form the submission package to regulatory authorities for a potential ulcerative colitis indication.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Benelli Imperiale 400 BS6 prices apparently shot up due to high US dollar exchange rates

Indias automotive industry will make a shift to BS6 emission standards by 13 May 2020 with adherence to the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown protocols. The deadline to meet BS6 norms was previously set as 1 April 2020 but the Supreme Court of India recently extended this date on a conditional basis. However, this might not be of much help to struggling dealerships who have got a vast inventory of unsold BS4 units.

Considering the current state of affairs, several automakers in India, as well as outside, have started focusing on online platforms to make sales or host important events. Owing to this, we have witnessed a range of products being unveiled online over the past few weeks. Certain launches have also taken place rather silently. Now, the prices of Benelli Indias upcoming Imperiale 400 BS6 have been leaked online. Sources tell that the figures have gone up by almost Rs 40,000 to hit Rs 2.20 lakh ex-showroom.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 (read our review) hit the Indian market back in October 2019 as a strong rival to Royal Enfields Classic 350 and the new-gen Jawa siblings. Prices initially started at Rs 1.69 lakh ex-showroom and the classic motorcycle instantly proved to be a good choice. In February, the company had introduced a price increase of about Rs 10,000 (twice as high for certain colour choices).

However, a hike of Rs 40,000 is unreasonably high if an update to higher emission norms is the only change for 2020MY. Reports state that high US dollar exchange rates are the reason behind such a substantial price jump. Benelli India is expected to roll out its BS6 Imperiale 400 units in about a months time after the nationwide lockdown measures are withdrawn.

In its outgoing BS4 format, the Benelli Imperiale 400 is powered by an air-cooled FI SOHC 374cc single-cylinder engine. Output figures stand at 20.7bhp and 29Nm of torque while mated to a 5-speed transmission. With BS6 update, these figures could see a minor difference (the trend is usually downwards).

On the international market, Benelli is planning an aggressive product strategy. The popular TNT600i inline-4 naked sports motorcycle could be replaced by the all-new Benelli 600N, with fresh styling, more features and better performance characteristics. In fact, Benelli is also working an Imperiale 530 model  which, as the name suggests, might sport a 500cc single-cylinder engine (also air-cooled). Could this price hike apply for an India-bound BS6 Imperiale 530 model?

Source
Popular Youtuber Jasminder Singh of JS Films has done what very few bikers have ever done before. He has not only managed to ride a Suzuki Hayabusa to worlds highest motorable road, but has also completed the Leh circuit  Delhi  Srinagar  Kargil  Leh  Nubra  Pangong  Leh  Manali  Delhi.

This is the third time Jasminder has been to Leh, Ladakh region. He was also part of the group in 2016, which became the first to reach Khardung La on a Hayabusa. At that time, it was biker Naveen Jangid who rode to Khardung La on Hayabusa.

In 2018, it was Jasminder who was on a Hayabusa. He did this along with 4 other bikers, in all there were 5 in the group. Two were riding KTM Duke 390, while other two were on Bajaj Avenger and Pulsar. The ride started on 24th June.

The 1340cc Suzuki Hayabusa was put to the real test as this bike is not built to tackle such terrain or such high altitudes but proved its stance over the road trip. Jasminder was told by friends that the Hayabusa was not a bike to be taken on this treacherous journey. However he stood by his decision and prepared the bike for set off with sufficient fuel and supplies.

The 12 day ride started from Delhi. After crossing Chandigarh, the team headed towards Srinagar, and from there to Kargil and finally Leh. Next day the team headed out towards Nubra Valley, but not before crossing one of the highest motorable roads in the world  Khardung La, located at over 18,000 feet above sea level.

At Khardung La, people took photos and danced with joy at the achievement of Jasminder, proving that the Hayabusa can actually take on the most challenging of terrains and weather conditions without any hitch.

From Khardung La, the team headed towards Nubra valley, where the plan was to do the old silk route. Here, on the Agham Shyok road the team faced everything from bad roads to smooth roads from no roads to a gigantic river crossing. Jasminder also performed a wheelie on this road, which is located at over 14,000 feet above sea level  making it probably the highest superbike wheelie in the world. Watch the video below.

Jasminder met with a host of bikers from across India who were amazed to see the Hayabusa superbike in action in a region that is otherwise tough for normal bikes, and complete the journey without any major breakdowns.

In an email to Rushlane, Jasminder shares a brief description below 

I am really glad to share with you all that I have accomplished the feat of becoming the first person on a Hayabusa to complete the Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi circuit. (Navin rode Hayabusa from Jammu to Khardung La and back to Jammu).

Stops

Day 01: Delhi to Jammu

Day 02 Jammu (Sightseen and Dukes Service)

Day 03: Jammu to Srinagar

Day 04: Srinagar to Kargil

Day 05: Kargil to Leh (challenge: full day ride in the rain)

Day 06: Leh (exploring the city: magnetic hill and gurudwara pathar saheb)

Day 07: Leh to Nubra via Khardunga Top

Day 08: Nubra to Pangong via Agham Shyok Road ( massive river crossings, Highest wheelie)

Day 09: Pangong to Leh

Day 10: Leh to Jispa ( Snowfall at tanglang la, All fogged out (zero visibility) at baralacha la)

Day 11: Jispa to Manali ( full of slush and broken roads after keylong and before rohtang pass, one of the most difficult stretches of the trip.. due to thick slush approx 1 feet of slush at some points)

Day 12: Manali to Delhi
Toyota has made a few failed attempts to bring its Lexus luxury brand to India but this time, it no not going to fail. Lexus India is going to kick start its operations from 24th March 2017. In the first phase, they will launch three cars, 2 SUVs and 1 sedan. These include RX450h Hybrid SUV, ES300h Hybrid sedan, and LX450d/LX470 SUV.

The recent initiatives by the government which made import and sales of hybrid cars more attractive has prompted Toyota to introduce Lexus. The Japanese luxury brand comes into picture just as its parent company is uncertain about its future plans in India owing to the recent diesel ban debacle. The Lexus hybrid cars will also benefit from the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and hybrid vehicles) schemes subsidy which stand at INR 1.38 lakhs for large hybrid cars.

Lexus RX450h

Lexus cars will be retailed at exclusive Lexus dealerships, which will first be opened in major Indian cities. The first such dealership  Lexus Boutique is to be opened in Mumbai at the Taj Hotel in Santacruz. All Lexus cars which will be on sale in India, will be on display at this boutique which will adhere to global Lexus standards.

Speaking about the three cars, Lexus RX450h is a hybrid SUV. It is one of the best selling Lexus SUVs in the world. Powered by a 3.5 liter V6 petrol motor and mated to a hybrid system from Toyota, this SUV delivers combined output of 308 hp via a CVT gearbox. It will be priced from INR 1.2 crore.

The second SUV on offer would be their flagship offering  Lexus LX450d and LX570. The diesel 450d is powered by a 4.5 liter V8 delivering 269 hp and 650 Nm while the petrol LX570 is powered by a 5.7 liter V8 generating 383 hp and 546 Nm. Price of both will start from INR 2.34 crore.

The most affordable Lexus offering for India will be the ES300h hybrid sedan. To be priced from INR 60 lakh, it will come with the same engine transmission option as seen on the Toyota Camry hybrid in India. In fact, the Lexus ES300h is based on Toyota Camry Hybrid. The 2.5 liter petrol motor along with Toyota Hybrid system delivers peak output of 160PS and 213Nm.

Refinement, better efficiency and smoother drive would be the strong selling points. Initially, all will be sold as CBUs. Toyota Kirloskar Motor also has the option of setting up a CKD operations at one of its Bidadi plants in the future if its necessary.

Lexus RX450h  Photos
Hardly a few weeks after the high profile high speed crash of Mercedes G 63 AMG which resulted in the death of two, comes yet another shocking incident. The latest accident took place in Madurai.

As per eye witness, the car was being driven by a probably customer who had just taken the car from a Nexa showroom in Madurai for a test drive. Apparently the driver of the car was driving at high speed, which resulted in him losing control of the car.

Once out of control, the car thrashed into a tree on the side of the road. The impact of this was such that the car got split into two parts. Sadly, two people inside the car died on the spot in this mishap. The Nexa executive, who was sitting in the rear seat, has survived. He is currently battling for life in a hospital.

Watch the video of the aftermath below.

This is not the first time a high speed crash has resulted in the death of occupants. A few months ago, 6 college students all aged between 18-24 were killed when their car crashed at high speed.

The students were apparently returning from Mumbai, in the early hours of the morning when the driver lost control causing the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in which they were travelling to turn turtle. The accident took place on the Mumbai  Pune expressway.

The 6 youngsters have been identified as Aditya Deepak Bhandarkar (18), of Bavdhan in Pune, Abhishek Arunkumar Roy (21), of Pashan, Yash Ajay Shirali (18) of Bavdhan, Akshay Dattatray Bhilare (20), of Kothrud, Jokim John Samuel (19), of Punawale in Mulshi and Umesh Girish Patil (24), of Kothrud.

The accident took place at Kamshet while initial examination of the vehicle found traces of color from another vehicle indicating that the Ciaz grazed past another vehicle, got out of control and somersaulted a few times before coming to a halt.

Five of the six occupants were declared dead when they were shifted to a health center while the sixth person was shifted to Lokmanya Hospital in Nigdi where he succumbed to his injuries. Investigations into the cause of the accident do not point to any of the 6 occupants being under the influence of alcohol or any narcotic substance.

Accidents across the Mumbai-Pune Expressway have been increasing in frequency. It is noted that a large percentage of these accidents occur in the early hours of the morning when drivers tend to be drowsy or when visibility is low.

A proposal for speed regulations during the night is in the offing. Time taken to travel between two toll booths will be ascertained and if time taken is less than that prescribed, the drivers will be fined heavily. More rumblers along the route to keep drivers awake, parking bays and refreshment centers are also being planned.
There is a high possibility that Honda SUV RS which is teased for Indonesia, will make it to India as well
By SA Commercial Prop News

Arrowhead Properties proposal to acquire Emira Property Fund has been rejected. File Photo: Geoff Jennett CEO or Emira and Gerald Leissner CEO of Arrowhead.



Emira Property Fund has rejected Arrowhead Properties expression of interest to acquire all of its issued share capital on the basis that it has no benefit to its shareholders.

On Monday, Arrowhead announced a tentative advance towards its struggling peer Emira, mulling to buy out the company.

The move, was seen as what could have signalled the beginning of a period of consolidation for South African listed property, in which these companies have struggled to find well-priced acquisition opportunities.

Also read: AUCTION  Corporate disposal to hit the auction block

In a statement released on Thursday, SA Commercial Prop News learnt that the offer had been rejected by the Board of Directors of Emira labeling it unsolicited, non-binding, and highly conditional expression of interest.

Arrowhead, a diversified fund that has been growing mostly through acquisitions since it listed five years ago, recently acquired 10.5% stake in Rebosis Property Fund, 11% stake in Dipula Income Fund, and it listed SAs first pure residential property fund Indluplace Properties in 2015. It has a market capitalisation of about R8.6bn, while Emira has one of about R7.4bn.

Redefine Properties, one of the top five Reits on the JSE, already owns about 11% of Emira.

Also read: Arrowhead Properties + Emira Property Fund = Opportunity

The Board has considered Arrowheads conditional expression of interest and we believe its clearly not in the best interests of our shareholders, says Ben van der Ross, Chairman of Emira.

There are many reasons for this. The proposal is highly opportunistic. The very low share swap ratio proposed represents a discount to Emiras current price and Emira has also traded at a premium to the ratio for the vast majority of the last 12 months. Fundamentally, the ratio is also at a substantial discount to Emiras net asset value, he said.

Arrowheads chief financial officer, Imraan Suleman, said if the deal were successful, Arrowhead would grow to have a market capitalisation of about R16bn, which would attract larger investors than it had in the past, and get it onto the radar of foreign investors.

Also read: Emira Property Fund sees little Cheer

Last month, Emira became the first real estate investment trust (Reit) to forecast negative distribution growth in the coming results season. It forecast a negative growth in its dividend per share, one of the key metrics investors typically use to judge a property companys performance and investment case on, of about 2% for the year to June 30 2017.

The company said the decline reflects the cumulative impact of numerous occurring factors, including higher vacancies in its office portfolio, rental reversions, financing costs and a lack of activity in the property market.

Geoff Jennett, Chief Executive Officer of Emira commented not only is the proposal opportunistic but it would also leave our shareholders receiving shares in Arrowhead, an entity with a portfolio that Emira itself would not invest into. We believe there would be limited, if any, synergies between the two companies, their assets or their strategies. We are very different businesses, focussing on different sectors of the property market.

Also read: Brexit decision shocks Rand-Hedge Real Estate Counters

Statement by Emira's Board

The statement further states that: Emira was established in 2003 and has a diversified portfolio of South African commercial real estate, and a offshore investment in Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ), with a total asset value of R14 billion. In addition, the fund has a much larger average rand value per property, a meaningfully higher portfolio and a significantly greater total asset value.



In contrast, Arrowhead listed in 2012 and has a complex structure with several piecemeal minority stakes in local counters, limiting its diversification. In its own portfolio, Arrowhead has a meaningful exposure to smaller lower-grade office buildings. We understand Arrowhead intends moving a large portion of these smaller assets into a separately listed vehicle with further non-core office assets of other funds. However, Arrowheads investors would still be exposed to the economics of the lower quality office building sector through a significant interest in the new entity.

A transaction with Arrowhead would be completely counter to this strategy, and it believes that increased exposure to the office market is inappropriate at this time given the forecasted continuing weakness in the office market, the Board said.
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Jul-27-2016 22:53 TweetFollow @OregonNews Sailor Killed When Car Crashes Into Truck Pulling Loaded Horse Trailer Tragedy included one fatality and injuries to 3 people and 2 horses.

Photo: GoFundMe

(AURORA, Ore.) - Police are still investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles that collided at the intersection of Ehlen Road NE and Butteville Road NE, Sunday morning. A passenger car was north on Butteville when it failed to stop at the Ehlen Road intersection, causing a collision with a truck pulling a horse trailer westbound on Ehlen Road NE, according to Police. The driver of the passenger car was seriously injured and life flighted to a Portland hospital. The passenger died on scene. She has been identified as 25-year old Stephanie Stover. She was in the Navy and stationed in Everett, Washington on the USS Gridley. The truck's occupants were both taken to area hospitals and are expected to live. The trailer contained two horses that were attended to by a veterinarian on scene. Then, they were emergency transported to Oregon State University Vet Hospital to be treated. Members of the Marion County Crash Team and Oregon State Troopers were on scene investigating and the intersection was closed in all directions for several hours. One of the horses owners has explained the tragic chain of events, which continues for everyone involved. She is raising money to help pay bills for the horses. Two days ago a person's worst nightmare happened, began Kayla Marie Weiner of Battleground, Washington. Sunday, I loaned my horse, Cali, out to my friend Sierra for a rodeo drill team practice as a backup. I was working, so she and her boyfriend Joel came and picked Cali up with Tucker in the trailer and were driving an hour and a half away to Yamhill County Fairgrounds for practice. On the way there, a driver ran a stop sign going very fast and smacked into the side of their truck, on my friends side. This caused the trailer to disconnect from the truck, break the tow chains, and flip over, while the truck continued to roll. To get the horses out crews had to cut the top of the horse trailer off. They had to use the jaws of life to get my friend out of the truck. She was life-flighted to the nearest hospital. She has fractures in her upper back, and a lot of cuts and bruises, and Joel broke his wrist and cut his hand, Kayla Marie Weiner wrote on her GoFundMe page. Both horses have lacerations on their right hind legs, in places they go down to the joint. Cali had to have surgery for that and an 8 inch laceration on her stomach that is prone to a hernia. The tendons and joints aside from being exposed look in-tact, and if everything goes well and without infection, she may only come out of this with concern for arthritis in her joints. Tucker is in similar condition with his leg. Cali is going to be at the college hospital for a week to ten days minimum as long as everything goes perfect from here on out, and I imagine Tucker will be down there for a similar amount of time. We do not know yet whether our horses will be covered by insurance or if they are, if it will even cover it all. Answers are pouring in very slowly, the process is going to be drawn out for a long time and we have estimates on Cali for $6000-8000 at this point and a similar amount for Tucker, wrote Kayla Marie Weiner. If anyone would like to help offset these veterinary costs, please go to: GoFundMe. Any money will be used to help pay these bills. I intend to split this money for Sierra's family for equal use on both of our horses. Any little bit will help as we are being asked to pay this money before we pick up our poor horses. The crash investigation is ongoing and Yamhill County says they don't anticipate another release of information for at least a couple weeks. Sources include: News Releases from Marion Co. Sheriff's Office; Yamhill County; Facebook; GoFundMe _________________________________________

Traffic | Accident | Oregon | Fatal | Most Commented on





Articles for July 26, 2016 | Articles for July 27, 2016 | Articles for July 28, 2016
If Dajuan Harris Jr. is underrated, its not by those at Kansas
The University of the South Pacific will open its gates to the public for its annual Open Day Festivities on Friday 19 August 2016.

The Open Day is part of an educational awareness initiative for the public to bear witness to the Universitys facilities, resources, services and find out for themselves the numerous educational opportunities offered at the campus.

The blend of activities will commence with an official opening with the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Leauatea Schmidt the keynote speaker.

The Cultural concept this year will introduce a new initiative whereby all the 12 member countries will be represented in a Pageant of Culture and traditions.

This will encompass the beauty of each island and the appreciation of what they all represent respectively.

Students from around the country and the community will be engaged with campus staff and guided by student tours around various sections of the campus. They will have the opportunity to witness a satellite feed, be advised on distance opportunities, view the I.R.E.T.A. farm in addition to quality displays and interactive activities which will be all showcased on the day.

Similar activities will be provided for the students in Savaii where the members of the public as well as the College students are all warmly invited to attend the Savaii EXPO 2016 on Friday 5 August at the U.S.P. Savaii Centre.
Our leaders have been saying lots of wonderful stuff lately. They are promises and feel good statements that should motivate us all to do exceedingly well.

Take for example Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaois vision for Samoa to improve its exports. During the recent validation workshop of the Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study Update Tuilaepa made it clear that he wants to increase exports, commercial investments and take advantage of opportunities offered through labour mobility.

Wonderful. Who doesnt want that?

Now lets talk about the word vision. The scriptures tell us explicitly that without a vision, people will perish. Which means that if there is a vision, we can at least be sure theres something to look forward to. There is hope.

Tuilaepas and the governments drive for more exports is without a doubt a wonderful vision that should help improve livelihoods and change lives for the better. Who doesnt want an improved quality of life anyway? Why do we want mediocrity when there is a better life to be lived? To be sure, who doesnt get excited about the possibility of a brighter future?

As mere mortals, there is always that longing to be better. So we go about our daily lives making the best out of every minute. We work until we drop and we push boundaries to the limit. Many of us give our all day after day to whatever career paths we have chosen until we cannot give any more.

Setbacks though are aplenty. That is a given. We know that in todays constantly evolving global society, disturbing social acts of an unusual nature are to be expected from time to time.

But we are a determined lot. History lives to remind of mankind as a group of overcomers. In other words, we do not give up easily. We try; sometimes we fail but we get up again. We live to fight another day.

In Samoa today, its fair to say were not problem-free, far from it.

You only need to flick through the editions of your newspaper during the past few months to find the truth about life in Samoa. Whereas the threat of civil differences escalating continues to hang over this country especially in some villages, hostility and lawlessness has claimed precious lives, leaving many people sad and downhearted.

Still, Prime Minister Tuilaepa  as any other government  are determined to push on with what needs to be done.

Speaking of the Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study launched some six years ago, it must be said that it is a wonderful document. It was produced with the overarching goal of increasing the competitiveness of Samoas economy.

Today, we believe there are questions that must be answered. Among them are these: what were the lessons learnt during the past six years? And will those lessons be applied as we look to the next six years with the idea of improving the state of the economy?

We ask these questions because if we want to move forward, we need to look back and learn from our mistakes. Looking at life in Samoa today, the state of the economy is extremely worrying.

You only need to look at the standard of living for some people in the villages to know that many of them have become unacceptably poor. They mainly rely on remittances and hand-outs to get by. Its difficult to imagine what this country will become when remittances stop.

The unemployment figures in Samoa are scary. Whats worrying is that when you drive through the villages on any given day, you would see abled-bodied men roaming around doing nothing.

Agriculture continues to be a problem area. While there has been much talk about working the land, development has been slow. And because of that, our export figures are not even worth thinking about. Which makes Tuilaepas export dream an extremely difficult task.

Elsewhere, the government continues to pin its hopes on tourism as the mainstay of the economy. And yet if you talk to many tourism operators out there, theyre bleeding quite badly. The most common reaction is that theyre not getting the numbers they need to be able to make money and expand their businesses. So what has the government been doing to attract tourists to Samoa?

What about businesses? Is the environment enabling them to flourish and grow? How about Health? Education? Basic utilities? How have they improved during the past four years? These are key questions.

It is one thing to have a vision but its quite another to commit to it and do whats necessary to ensure that vision is realised.

There is absolutely no doubt that Prime Minister Tuilaepa and the governments vision to improve exports is sound.

But how that could be achieved is the key question. And is the government willing to put money where its mouth is?

One of the solutions and this will be a challenge for Prime Minister Tuilaepa is to relate this vision to the people so that they can take ownership of it as theirs.

If people dont share or agree with the vision, the government will find it very difficult to move forward with it. That much is guaranteed.

The point is that everyone has a role to play. The government has a job to do and we  as members of this community  also have a contribution to make.

And now that Prime Minister Tuilaepa has made it succinctly clear that his governments focus is on increasing exports, they need to walk the talk. Start by coming up with new ideas about how to bottle the juice from all those wonderful and exotic fruits of our land we see rotting every where on a daily basis?

Folks, feel good statements and promises mean nothing if they are only made for the sake of saving face. We live in a critical time where we really need leaders who walk the talk. What do you think?

Have a great Friday Samoa, God bless!
The Australian High Commissioner Sue Langford and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance, Tupaimatuna Iulai Lavea signed a Direct Funding Agreement for the Samoa Civil Society Support Program (C.S.S.P) at the Central Bank building on Wednesday.

The agreement lays out the terms for Australias A$4 million ($7.6m) support to Phase 2 of C.S.S.P over the next four years.

The C.S.S.P is Australias primary programme of support to civil society in Samoa.

It provides a single point of contact for funding requests from civil society organisations seeking support for community projects and services.

Since its inception in 2010, the C.S.S.P has funded more than 327 projects to improve community water supplies, provide education and training opportunities, sustainable energy projects, income generation through agriculture and fisheries projects and improvements in health and community welfare.

A call for proposals will soon be made to civil society organisations to submit proposals for projects in areas including skill development, income generation, climate resilience at the community level and improving health services.

Ms. Langford said Australia is pleased to be able to strengthen civil society organisations through the C.S.S.P.

Australia recognises the important role of civil society in providing services to support the most vulnerable in the community. Improving the effectiveness of civil society organisations makes a real difference to peoples lives.
The youngest survivor of the bus crash that claimed one life and left many more in hospital is a 3-year-old baby.

Niko Malaki was with his parents to do some shopping in Apia when they took the Queen Patsy bus on their way home.

Nikos mother, Alofa Malaki, said it is a miracle her son survived. In fact, she says its a miracle that they all survived.

Mrs. Malaki said another woman was holding her son before they left town but she took him back and sat him on her lap.

It was a nightmare, she said, recalling the moment the driver lost control of the bus. I thought we were all going to die but I am grateful to God that I am still breathing.

Mrs. Malaki said they didnt know the bus would take the Tiavi route. She said they got on it because they thought it was going to Safata through the Aleisa route.

I only found out that we were going through Tiavi when we stopped in front of the ANZ bank.

He said to us that day that hes taking over the Siumu trip because he needs to come back to take his 5:30pm trip to Safata.

Mrs. Malaki said that when the bus stopped at Lynns, she saw that the driver was fixing something under the bus. It took him a while before they left the supermarket.

The bus was speeding because he was in a rush to take us and come back before 5:30pm,added Mrs. Malaki.

We heard a weird noise from under the bus and suddenly I saw smoke coming from where the driver was sitting. I started to get scared when the driver overtook several vehicles and he was speeding.

At that moment, Mrs. Malaki said she held on tight to her son and she started praying.

Alofas husband Ogenoa Malaki Teo said the bus was stopped three times by a Police officer and despite the fact it was overloaded, none of the officers ordered anyone off the bus.

The last police officer who pulled us over, I thought he will remove most of the passengers because it was already full, but he didnt, said Ogenoa.

The Police should have made the right decision that day because none of this would have happened. We are so lucky to be alive.

Ogenoa said the crash happened so quickly.

I saw people flying around, it was lucky we crashed into a taro plantation and there were no rocks, he said.

I found my wife lying next to the driver and my son was sitting on her crying.

I was afraid that the bus might explode, I grabbed them and used the first car that stopped to offer help and they brought us to the hospital.
Samoa is hosting the Japan Trade and Investment Mission this week.

The objective of the mission is to exchange information and promote trade and investment opportunities in both Samoa and Japan.

The mission will focus on business matching, developing key contacts and business networking between the two countries private sector businesses and government ministries.

The delegation of Japan is led by Masakazu Hamachi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and includes twenty-four representatives from the private sector and government officials.

The private company representatives from Japan are in the areas of hotels, tourism, restaurant, services, car export, indoor agriculture, research, beauty and cosmetics.

Samoas private sector businesses, manufacturers and exporters have been scheduled to meet the visiting delegation in the hope of broadened commercial opportunities.

Other issues to be discussed during this mission include market access requirements in Japan for Samoan exported products as well as tariffs and duties at the border.

Samoas Ambassador to Japan, Faalavaau Perina Sila-Tualaulelei is also in Apia undertaking meetings with key business stakeholders with the view of facilitating and offering support to promote trade and investment opportunities between Samoa and Japan.

The mission includes a business matching session and visits to local companies.

The business seminar will be held today at 9am at the Taumeasina Island Resort Conference Room. The seminar will be officially opened by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Champion boxer Lupesoliai Joseph Parker is back home.

After recently making Samoa proud through a knock out fight against Solomon Haumono in Christchurch New Zealand, the country welcomed the boxer with all smiles.

Digicel L.T.E. put up a tent yesterday to give Team Parker fans a chance to meet the star.

People of all ages lined up for a chance to get autographed pictures, their shirts signed, L.T.E shirts and caps and of course not forgetting the selfies.

Messages from fans were relayed over the speakers to encourage Parker and to also show that Samoa is behind him all the way.

You are the best Joseph, you can beat them all, said one fan. Go Joseph Parker, keep making Samoa proud.

Parker is in the country for a holiday.
A Fijian company that supplies the Farmers Style Corned Beef has admitted using chicken hearts as a flavour enhancer when the product is made (pictured).

This was revealed by the Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri yesterday.

During an interview with the Samoa Observer, Leausa said he is meeting with a representative from the company to verify other issues.

Leausa made the comment when he was asked for an update on their investigation into the product, which the Ministry recalled last month.

They have admitted they are using chicken hearts for a flavour enhancer, he said.

We have told them this does not fit the ingredients they have given (on the label) because obviously there is something else other than beef.

They have assured us that with the other (corned beef) they make they will not do that again.

According to Leausa, the claim from the company has left them suspicious. He explained that their main concern is the safety of members of the public.

We want to make sure there is no long term effect that will trigger another disease (from the corned beef), he said.

Those are the issues and we are not rushing our decision. We are following the revised Food Bill.

Although the company has admitted that the unusual meat is chicken, Leausa said there are no excuses for what happened.

Maybe they did it thinking that it wasnt harmful but I dont know. If they had said that the chicken is for flavour advancer then that shouldve been there (on the label) and the choice is then for the consumer to make whether to buy the product or not

Since the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa in Vailima and the hospital laboratory cannot verify the tissues, Leausa said samples are being sent to New Zealand for testing.

In the meantime, the recall notice on the product stands.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Fijian company.

According to the Farmers Style Corned Beef label under ingredients, it states beef, water, salt and sodium nitrite.

The label also says the beef is from New Zealand but it is processed and packed by a Fijian company.

The Food Act 2015, Part 2 Section 7, False descriptions of food highlights that;

(1) A person must not falsely describe food intended for sale.

(2) A person must not sell food that the person ought reasonably to know is falsely described or is likely to cause physical harm to a person who relies on that description

(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding 8,000 penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three (3) years, or both.
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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
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Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/28/2016 -- The report "3D Cell Culture Market by Technology (Scaffold Based, Scaffold Free) by Application (Cancer Research, Stem Cell Technology, Primary Cell Research, Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicines, Human Cell Lines, Tumor Xenografting, Drug Discovery, and Others) by End-Users (Research Laboratories, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Industries, Hospitals and Diagnostics Centers and Others) - Global Forecast to 2021", The global 3D cell culture market size is expected to reach USD 1345.2 Million by 2021, at a CAGR of 23.6% during the forecast period of 2016 to 2021.



Browse 66 market data Tables and 72 Figures spread through 158 Pages and in-depth TOC on "3D Cell Culture Market"

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The global 3D cell culture market is steadily progressing owing to various factors, such as increasing research in 3D cell culture, investments done by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in 3D cell culture, initiatives undertaken by governments for implementing research in 3D cell culture, and rapid increase in the need for organ transplantation.



North America accounted for the largest share of the global 3D cell culture market, and was dominated largely by the U.S. Increasing number of organ transplantation and increasing demand of research especially in cancer is driving the U.S. market. Europe is the second-largest market for 3D cell culture with Germany leading the market in the region. The limitations of the global 3D cell culture market are huge investments required in 3D cell culture and lack of professionals in this field.



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Major companies operational in the 3D Cell Culture market are 3D Biotek LLC (U.S.), Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Corning Incorporated (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.), Global Cell Solutions, Inc. (U.S.), Kuraray Co. Ltd. (Japan), Lonza Group (Switzerland), Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.), Sigma Aldrich Corporation (U.S.), Reinnervate Ltd, (a subsidiary of ReproCELL) (U.K.), and others.



The research study is aimed at identifying emerging trends and opportunities in the global 3D cell culture market along with detailed classifications, in terms of revenue. It provides a comprehensive competitive landscape and identifies the key players with respect to market size and market share. The research study also includes a detailed segmentation of the global 3D cell culture market on the basis of technology type, application type, end-user, and geography.



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Apart from the market segmentation, this report also provides an in-depth analysis of the market by providing a detailed process flow diagram and market dynamics, such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global 3D cell culture market.



About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. 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.



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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/28/2016 -- Automobile gears (or cogs) are rotating machine part having cut teeth, or cogs which mesh with another toothed part in order to transmit torque. The arrangement of two or more gears forms automotive transmission system. Automotive gear oil can be petroleum or synthetic based, used especially for lubricating automotive gears for all class of vehicles. It provide high transmission efficiency, reduce engine heating, provides proper clutch friction, insure better oxidation and protects gear teethes from corrosion.



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Automotive gear oil generally has high viscosity level in comparison to transmission fluid and automotive engine oil. This is necessary for better performance and protection of gears. The high viscosity level provides better transmission of lubricant throughout the gear trains. Devices requiring heavy oil do not have to use extra force to transfer the oil, since only a fraction of the lowermost gears are covered in an oil sump. Gear oils have extreme pressure or EP stabilizer and anti-wear stabilizer to deal with the sliding action of gears. Based on technology, gear oils can be broadly categorized as synthetic gear oil and petroleum-based gear oil. Synthetic gear oils are superior to petroleum-based gear oil as they provide superior resistance to shear breakdown and reduce energy consumption due to its low friction coefficient.



The gear oils are standardised by American Petroleum Institute (API STANDARDS) based on the viscosity level and their use in automatic and manual transmission based vehicles. The different classification of the API includes GL-1, API GL-2, API GL-3, API GL-4, API GL-5 and API GL-6 and, SAE 75W-90, SAE 75W-140, SAE 80W-90, SAE 85W-140 and LS- for limited slip. For maximum transmission efficiency, gear oils must lubricate, cool and protect complete gear systems. It also supposes to transfer damaged particles away from the contact areas, guarantee protection against extreme pressure and temperature and reduce noise in the transmission operation.



North America is the largest market for automotive gear oil mainly attributed to large volume of motor vehicle in this region, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The market is witnessing an escalating growth in Asia Pacific region. China, in recent years, has become the global hub for the automobile industry. Some of the other region in Asia Pacific such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines have emerged as the largest small cars markets in the world.



Growing middle class, rising disposable income, developing surface transportation infrastructure, growing aspiration of owning private vehicles, increasing mobility due to development of satellite township near megacities and increase demand of goods carriers from micro, small and medium size enterprises are fueling the market for automotive gear oil in Asia Pacific region. Growing automotive aftermarket and do it yourself (DIY) culture in North America and Europe is fueling the growth of automotive gear oil in retail sector in these two region.



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Some of the major players operating in the automotive gear oil market include Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Total S.A, Gazprom, ROSNEFT, LUKOIL oil company, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Exxon Mobil Corporation, BP p.l.c, Statoil, Chevron Corporation., Sinopec Lubricant Company, JIANGSU LOPAL TECH. CO.,LTD and Ashland Inc.



Key points covered in the report



Report segments the market oAutomobile gears (or cogs) are rotating machine part having cut teeth, or cogs which mesh with another toothed part in order to transmit torque. The arrangement of two or more gears forms automotive transmission system. Automotive gear oil can be petroleum or synthetic based, used especially for lubricating automotive gears for all class of vehicles. It provide high transmission efficiency, reduce engine heating, provides proper clutch friction, insure better oxidation and protects gear teethes from corrosion.



Automotive gear oil generally has high viscosity level in comparison to transmission fluid and automotive engine oil. This is necessary for better performance and protection of gears. The high viscosity level provides better transmission of lubricant throughout the gear trains. Devices requiring heavy oil do not have to use extra force to transfer the oil, since only a fraction of the lowermost gears are covered in an oil sump. Gear oils have extreme pressure or EP stabilizer and anti-wear stabilizer to deal with the sliding action of gears. Based on technology, gear oils can be broadly categorized as synthetic gear oil and petroleum-based gear oil. Synthetic gear oils are superior to petroleum-based gear oil as they provide superior resistance to shear breakdown and reduce energy consumption due to its low friction coefficient.



The gear oils are standardised by American Petroleum Institute (API STANDARDS) based on the viscosity level and their use in automatic and manual transmission based vehicles. The different classification of the API includes GL-1, API GL-2, API GL-3, API GL-4, API GL-5 and API GL-6 and, SAE 75W-90, SAE 75W-140, SAE 80W-90, SAE 85W-140 and LS- for limited slip. For maximum transmission efficiency, gear oils must lubricate, cool and protect complete gear systems. It also supposes to transfer damaged particles away from the contact areas, guarantee protection against extreme pressure and temperature and reduce noise in the transmission operation.



North America is the largest market for automotive gear oil mainly attributed to large volume of motor vehicle in this region, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The market is witnessing an escalating growth in Asia Pacific region. China, in recent years, has become the global hub for the automobile industry. Some of the other region in Asia Pacific such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines have emerged as the largest small cars markets in the world.



Growing middle class, rising disposable income, developing surface transportation infrastructure, growing aspiration of owning private vehicles, increasing mobility due to development of satellite township near megacities and increase demand of goods carriers from micro, small and medium size enterprises are fueling the market for automotive gear oil in Asia Pacific region. Growing automotive aftermarket and do it yourself (DIY) culture in North America and Europe is fueling the growth of automotive gear oil in retail sector in these two region.



Some of the major players operating in the automotive gear oil market include Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Total S.A, Gazprom, ROSNEFT, LUKOIL oil company, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Exxon Mobil Corporation, BP p.l.c, Statoil, Chevron Corporation., Sinopec Lubricant Company, JIANGSU LOPAL TECH. CO.,LTD and Ashland Inc.



Key points covered in the report



Report segments the market on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc (as applicable)



The report covers geographic segmentation



North America

Europe

Asia

RoW



The report provides the market size and forecast for the different segments and geographies for the period of 2010 to 2020



The report provides company profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the market



The report also provides porters five forces analysis of the market. n the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc (as applicable)



The report covers geographic segmentation



North America

Europe

Asia

RoW



The report provides the market size and forecast for the different segments and geographies for the period of 2010 to 2020



The report provides company profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the market



The report also provides porters five forces analysis of the market.
Brooklyn, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/28/2016 -- AltruVistas, a San Francisco Bay Area leader of socially responsible tourism, together with anti-trafficking policy organization ECPAT-USA, are partnering to lead a tourism initiative that goes beyond the journey. This Thailand journey focuses on giving participants a glimpse at how modern day travel is combating modern day slavery and ending the commercial sexual exploitation of children.



"The journey gives participants an educative perspective about the issue of human trafficking," remarked Sarah Porter, ECPAT-USA's director of development and partnerships. This trip is open to participants who want to learn more about the issue, while focusing on socially responsible travel and tourism. The journey will include visiting ECPAT International's headquarters, based in Bangkok where participants will gain an invaluable perspective on the issue of sex trafficking and exploitation.



Participants begin their journey by meeting with advocates from other organizations, international aid groups, and policy makers to develop a better understanding of the scope of the issue, along with the socio-economic factors that contribute to sex trafficking and exploitation in Thailand. The itinerary highlights the progress being made on the ground and the work of the NGO sector, such as vocational training, public awareness campaigns, and other preventative services. Additionally, the journey will include several cultural excursions and travel to the beautiful countrysides of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The trip is geared towards travelers who want a more purposeful and educative travel experience.



"We're excited to offer people from all walks of life a socially responsible trip that provides them with an opportunity to experience Thailand in a way that's meaningful, enjoyable and educational," said Porter. Last year, Maritz Travel sent two employees on this same journey to Thailand as part of its ongoing commitment to the cause. "The more people that become aware of this situation, the more people that are educated to see the signs and to know that this happens everywhere you go, the better we're going to be able to fight it", said Laura Pilkington, Manager of Guest Services, for Maritz.



According to Janet Nester, Meeting and Event Manager, the group met with administrators who were working directly with these people. "What we heard were personal stories of why people came to fight for this cause," she added.



When asked why he chose to send two employees to Thailand, Maritz Travel CEO David Peckinpaugh responded "...to have our staff members serve as catalysts for change." According to Peckinpaugh, by giving his employees the experience, they are able to share their stories, thus helping bring the issue even more to life. "It's amazing to me how many people and organizations are not aware of the extent of human trafficking. It's not a Thailand issue  it's a U.S. issue, a St. Louis issue, a Chicago issue, a New York issue. It's in your backyard."



Advocacy tour operator, Altruvistas, signed the ECPAT Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct, an internationally recognized set of guidelines travel and tourism companies can sign to demonstrate their commitment to fighting the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Altruvistas founder Malia Everette explains, "For those of us with open eyes and a social advocacy lens, it is impossible not to acknowledge the real and horrific underbelly inherent in the tourism industry. By signing The Code, Altruvistas is taking a proactive stand. We recognize that we have an obligation to support each traveler to travel consciously."



For more information about this journey or for more on ethical travel opportunities, visit http://altruvistas.com/upcoming-journeys/ or http://www.ecpatusa.org/journeys.



About Altruvistas

Altruvistas supports and promotes sustainable philanthropic tourism to benefit livelihoods, support local communities and conserve the world's natural and cultural heritage. Its staff is made up of experienced travel professionals with a shared commitment to sustainability and a passion to ensure the benefits of responsible tourism globally. http://altruvistas.com/



About ECPAT

ECPAT International is a network comprised of over 80 organizations, represented in 74 countries and recognized as one of the primary organizations focused on ending child exploitation. ECPAT-USA is the American affiliate of the international ECPAT network, working to create a world where no child is bought, sold, or used for sex. ECPAT-USA undertakes policy and legislative advocacy, private sector engagement, research, training, and raising awareness about the issue of children being commercially sexually exploited here in the US. http://www.ecpatusa.org/
Little Falls, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/28/2016 -- The Montessori instruction method started back over one hundred years ago when Dr. Maria Montessori decided to take a unique approach to schooling young children in Italy. Since then, the trend has gradually made its way across the globe to the United States, and it is currently trendier than ever. Many attribute the open-mindedness of parents to the explosion of readily available information due to internet advances and social media sharing. Today, parents believe in Montessori's freedom-based method that allows children to learn with others at their own pace. Teaching no longer centers on memorization and strict curriculums, and children from New Jersey to California are reaping the benefits of this innovative approach.



Monarch Montessori, an exclusive Passaic County (NJ) daycare that embraces this modern method, experienced an enrollment influx due to the volume of the positive reviews from parents in the area. Their company vision is to "nurture and support the physical, intellectual, and emotional growth and transformation of young children in a beautiful, safe, clean, and engaging learning environment." The school accomplishes this by utilizing multi-age classrooms to encourage children of all ages to work together. This tactic teaches leadership, teamwork, and boosts confidence among the group.



The six weeks to six year age range is commonly considered the most critical years of child development. Fewer parents are buying into same-aged classrooms, assigned seats, and sedentary learning. Children need to reach their potential by being active. The teachers at Monarch Montessori are more of a guide than a disciplinarian. Montessori instructors supervise the children but allow them to learn at their own pace without scolding the students. For more information on this innovative Passaic County daycare, visit http://monarch-montessori/ or call 973-928-3605.



About Monarch Montessori

As an Associate Member of the American Montessori Society, Monarch Montessori is a school and daycare providing education to children between the ages of six weeks and six years old. Located in Little Falls, NJ, the school operates out of a state-of-the-art facility and follows the guidelines based on the Montessori philosophy. They offer extended care programs, multi-age grouping classrooms and a summer program for their students. Children are treated to advanced digital technologies, an eco-friendly environment and an outdoor play area.



For more information, please visit http://monarch-montessori.com/.
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/28/2016 -- The report "Offshore Drilling Rigs Market by Type (Jackup, Semi-Submersibles, Drillships), by Application (Shallow Water, Deepwater, Ultra-Deepwater) & Geography (North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa, ROW) - Global Forecast to 2019" defines and segments the global offshore drilling rigs market, with an analysis and forecast of the revenue. The offshore drilling rigs industry is expected to grow from an estimated $65.77 billion in 2014 to $102.47.2 billion by 2019, at a CAGR of 9.27%.



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The progress of the offshore rigs market largely depends on growing exploration activities across the globe. The recent discoveries of oil and gas reserves in remote areas, along with increasing technological advancements in terms of equipment have made drilling operations more feasible and cost-effective. However, recent oil spill incidents in the offshore arena and stringent environment regulations on drilling activities would restrain the growth of this market.



The growth of the offshore drilling rigs market in these regions is propelled by factors such as growing offshore activities in the harsh environmental conditions of North Sea and depleting oil and gas reserves in the U.S. The CAGR of the European region is determined by growing offshore activities in the North Sea.



Transocean (Switzerland), COSL (China), Nabors (Bermuda), Ensco plc. (U.K.), Diamond Offshore Drilling (U.S.), KCA Deutag (U.K.), and Maersk Drilling (Denmark), are the major players that constitute a significant share of the global offshore drilling rigs market. These players are concentrating on growing markets and are investing heavily to meet the demand from these markets and to reduce contract backlogs.



Latin America: Largest market for offshore drilling



Latin America is estimated to be the largest market in the offshore drilling industry, followed by Asia-Pacific. The Asia-Pacific market is projected to lead the offshore drilling rigs market by the year 2019, with an estimated market size of $20.7 billion, followed by Latin America with $20.38 billion, and Africa with $19.62 billion.



The report analyzes and projects the offshore drilling rigs market size, by type, applications, and geography. The offshore drilling rigs market includes contract-drilling services with respect to type of offshore rigs such as jackups, semi-submersibles, and drillships. The report also contains market estimations on the basis of regions, namely Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, Latin America, and Rest of the World (RoW). Offshore drilling activities are also analyzed in terms of shallow, deep, and ultra-deepwater activities.



This report also includes market share, value-chain analysis, Porters Five Force Analysis, and market metrics such as drivers, restraints, burning issues, winning imperative, and opportunities. In addition, it presents the competitive landscape and company profiles of 15 players in the market, including major companies providing contract-drilling services.



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MarketsandMarkets is world's No. 2 firm in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. 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.



M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" 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. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.



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[MANCHESTER] Local mistrust is slowing take up of simple innovations that use sunlight to disinfect water, a UK conference has heard.

Researchers working on low-cost, low-tech water purification systems for developing countries are struggling to convince local people that their solutions work, the EuroScience Open Forum heard yesterday.

We do not think enough about this. Thats why solar disinfection remains among the least-used technologies in this field. Kevin McGuigan, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland

This is because most communities prefer to use known technologies, such as ceramic filters and chemicals, to clean their water and make it safe to drink, scientists said.

Kevin McGuigan, a researcher at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, has developed and tested a solar water disinfection (SODIS) technique that involves filling a clear plastic bottle with water.

The suns heat and ultraviolet rays kill all harmful pathogens in the water in just a few hours, he told the event. But many people who could benefit from the technology are sceptical about its use, he said.

Scientists need to ask themselves: Where can the end users get information from and how can we address scepticism? he said. We do not think enough about this. Thats why solar disinfection remains among the least-used technologies in this field.

McGuigan urged engineers and innovators to work with social scientists to address such issues. We cannot only rely on [disinfection] science, he said. We must also consider the social factors to sell our technology.

His colleague Pilar Fernandez-Ibanez, a researcher at the Plataforma Solar de Almeria, a solar research centre in Spain, told the conference how a lack of information about the markets for solar disinfection had caused scientists to incorrectly focus on efficiency rather than cost.

Work on using curved mirrors that focus sunlight to amplify its power had become overly complicated as researchers tried to make improved collectors that tracked the sun, she said.

Using movable collectors improved efficiency, but made the technology much more expensive, she said. In the end, we went back to working on static collectors that can be manufactured in series at a small cost.

The scientists on the panel said that solar technologies are ideal for water purification as countries with the greatest need for cheap ways of disinfecting water usually have plenty of sunshine. Solar power is also relatively cheap to install and simple to maintain, the panel agreed.

To ensure that such technologies get taken up, scientists should think about hybrid solutions that address scepticism among users and improve on existing technology, the audience heard.

For example, we are now trying to combine our solar disinfector with a ceramic filter, McGuigan said.
Scientists are continually searching for signs of life on the planet Mars. The Curiosity Rover is helping them in their search. Recently, they have been studying the rocks on Mars to look for hints of life on the Red Planet.

Kenneth Farley, the Caltech Mars 2020 project scientist, said that they believe, aside from Earth within the solar system, Mars is probably the most habitable place. NASA is also dispatching the Mars 2020 rover to the planet to aid in accomplishing the goals of the scientists. The rover has a laser that could study rocks in the near distance and a robotic arm to examine rocks up close.

Rocks on mars, photographed by oppportunity rover pic.twitter.com/C9qzYmqRrw  World and Science (@WorldAndScience) July 24, 2016



Farley explained that the laser is mounted up on the rover's mast and it fires high-energy laser light at the rock and actually causes that rock to vaporize. Once the vapor cooled down, it emits light that comes back to the rover and tells the scientists what minerals are present and what elements are visible. This will lead to deeper understanding of the geologic environment around the rover, according to NASA.

The rover is also capable of identifying and mapping the distribution of any organic molecules that might be visible. Farley further explained that this is significant because the organic molecules are produced by, among other things, life. This is then the way that the scientists can identify signs of ancient life on Mars.

According to Christian Monitor, the Mars curiosity rover detected large amounts of the element manganese in a piece of rock in 2013. Today, the analysts said that the discovery could be proof of a once-oxygenated Martian atmosphere.

The researchers also discovered that Mars was once abundant in surface water. Nina Lanza, a researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory said that if they could peer onto Mars millions of years ago, they see a very wet world. She further said that that they didn't think Mars ever had enough oxygen to concentrate manganese--- and that's why they thought that the data from Caribou must have been an error.

Lanza explained that amounts of manganese basically exist in basalt, which is a building block of all planets. She further explained that to get a rock with as much manganese as Caribou has, the manganese must be concentrated. The rock has to be melted in liquid water that also contains oxygen dissolved in it.

She added that if the conditions are right, the manganese can then precipitate as manganese oxide minerals. On the planet Earth, the dissolved oxygen in groundwater comes from the atmosphere.

Dr. Lanza also said that Mars has evolved very differently that they thought it did. She concluded that they need to start looking for different types of minerals and other evidence about Mars's past.
A new study indicates that Jupiter's Great Red Spot is the reason of the massive high-temperature atmosphere that Jupiter is experiencing right now.

CNN reported that the atmospheric temperature on Jupiter range from around 930 degrees Celsius to 1,330 degrees Celsius. The said temperature is described as hotter than a molten lava.

The Great Red Spot on Jupiter is a hurricane the size of two Earths and is active for 150 years. #UniverseToCamila pic.twitter.com/klkf9gM4Id  venus (@jaurers) July 19, 2016

The findings of the study were printed in the journal Nature on July 27, 2016. The study was led by James O'Donoghue from Boston University's Center for Space Physics and other colleagues.

The researchers mapped the temperatures above Jupiter's cloud tops using observations from Earth. They examined the data from the SpeX spectrometer at NASA's Infrared telescope Facility (IRTF) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. They discovered the temperatures to be much higher in particular latitudes and longitudes in Jupiter's southern hemisphere, in which the great red spot is located, according to NASA.

O'Donoghue explained that the extremely high temperatures spotted over the storm appear to be the 'smoking gun' of this energy transfer. He further explained that this tells humans that planet-wide heating is a probable explanation for the 'energy crisis,' a problem in which upper-atmospheric temperatures are gauged hundreds of degrees hotter than can be explained by sunlight alone.

The results of the study show that the storm in the Great Red Spot creates two kinds of turbulent energy waves that collide and heat the upper atmosphere. The heating in the upper atmosphere 500 miles (800 kilometers) above the Great Red Spot is due to a combination of these two wave types that are crashing, like ocean waves on a beach.

The Great Red Spot on the planet Jupiter is the continuing anticyclonic storm that has kept for at least 186 years and could be longer as 351 years or more. It has been discovered in the 17th century. It has the swirl of reddish hues and about two to three times as wide as the planet Earth. Most people perceive it as a "perpetual hurricane."
In a long, overdue move, the World Health Organization is now making a move to declassify transgender identity as a mental disorder in its list of medical conditions.

According to The New York Times, there had been a new study that supported the proposal of deleting it from its decades-old designation. The change had been approved by each of the committees that have already considered it so far, and it is already under review for the next edition of the organization's code book, which classifies diseases and influences the treatment of patients nationwide.

The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, said that the social rejection and violence that many transgenders experience is the primary source of their mental distress - not the other way around. Fox News said that in simpler terms, the distress that transgender people feel is from being treated with prejudice, not because of their inherent transgender identity. This distinction matters because of the implication of how transgender people are treated in a healthcare setting, as well as how they are viewed in society.

The research found that 76 percent of the 250 participants they interviewed reported to have experienced social rejection, and 63 percent said that they have been victims of violence as a result of their gender identity - and these even occurred in their own homes and within their own families.

The authors of the study said that if transgender people are viewed to have mental illness, they will be forced to seek psychiatric care rather than the physical one that they actually seek. They could also be denied "decision-making authority" to them in matters ranging from changing legal documents to child custody, and even reproduction.

Rebeca Robles, the lead author of the study said that the importance of the study is to reduce stigmatization and victimization of these people, and hopefully, "the removal of transgender diagnoses from the classification of mental disorders can be a useful part of those efforts."
FLORENCE, S.C.  A forum hosted by Florence pastor and businessman Tony McElveen will be held this evening to talk about killings involving police.

The outdoor forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Rooms R Us furniture store at 131 Pamplico Highway in Florence.

McElveen said the purpose of the forum is to discuss the recent police-involved killings across the nation and be proactive to insure the images seen on TV dont happen in Florence. Recent incidents have occurred in Louisiana, Minnesota and Dallas.

A panel of community leaders including Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler, representatives from the Florence County Sheriffs Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a municipal judge and clergy members will speak at the forum.

I thought it was important to have our law enforcement present just to give us an opportunity to express our concerns and what theyre feeling across our country, McElveen said last week.

People who attend will be given an opportunity to address their concerns and ask questions.

McElveen said he wants to have such forums regularly.
FLORENCE, S.C. Florence School District One has announced dates for registration for the 2016-2017 school year. High school students will register August 1-5; middle and elementary school students will register August 3-4.

Schools will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. for elementary and middle school registrations.

Students attending South Florence and West Florence High Schools can register at their respective schools between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Seniors should register on Monday; juniors on Tuesday; sophomores on Wednesday and freshman on Thursday. Friday, August. 5, will serve as a make-up day for students who could not make it on the day corresponding to their class.

Wilson High School students separate hours and days. Wilson seniors can register from 2 to 7 p.m. on Monday; juniors and sophomores register Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Freshman registration is Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The make-up registration at Wilson is Thursday starting at 8:30 a.m. Parents who cannot make it to the date and time specified for their students registration should contact the school.

Students must be registered at the school in their designated zone.

Proof of residency must be provided before a student can be registered.

To provide proof of residency, a legal guardian or parent must provide both a South Carolina drivers license or identification card and a utility bill from the last 30 days.

They must also provide one of the following: current vehicle registration, house property tax notice, Medicaid paperwork, mortgage payment from the last 30 days, lease/rental agreement showing all occupants, Section 8 agreement with all occupants listed, a copy of house deed.

If residing with a parent or guardian in the home of another person, a license or ID and a utility bill of the homeowner must be presented at registration. The homeowner must also be present.

Anyone who is unable to provide the proof of residency requirements should visit the Attendance and Zoning office Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. The office is located at 412 S. Dargan Street in Florence.

For more information, contact the Office for Attendance and Zoning at 843-673-1164. The first day of school for students in Florence One is August 15.
Fifteen activists and community leaders filed civil rights complaints Thursday with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney, seeking investigations into the arrest of Genele Laird by Madison police on June 21, and into use-of-force practices of the Madison Police Department.

In an arrest that was captured on video that spread quickly over the internet, Laird, 18, was seen struggling with police before she was subdued using punches, knee strikes and a Taser. Police also put a mesh spit hood over her head because she was allegedly spitting at officers.

Laird was arrested outside East Towne Mall after officers went there to investigate a call that Laird was out of control and threatening employees at the mall with a knife after she said her cellphone had been stolen.

The struggle with officers began when Laird tried to walk away from police but was told she needed to stay.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil, the group  which includes former Urban League of Greater Madison CEO Kaleem Caire, Young, Gifted and Black leader Brandi Grayson and other local activists  is asking that the Justice Department conduct a criminal investigation into the treatment of Laird by Madison Police Officer Andrew Muir, one of the officers who helped subdue Laird.

It is our position that there is NO JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS and that this display of unbridled and unsolicited violence by an officer upon an unarmed citizen and child meets a criminal standard, one of the letters to Vaudreuil reads. We do not trust our police department to conduct an objective, impartial, independent investigation, nor do we trust the (Dane County) Sheriffs Department to reverse the decision by the Madison Police Department to render a de facto decision to hold Genele accountable for her treatment by the MPD officers who brutally arrested her before the sheriffs investigation is even complete.

The group is also seeking a more general investigation of Madison police deadly force practices, citing the recent shooting deaths of Tony Robinson and Michael Schumacher.

The letter also cites Lairds treatment.

This was a textbook case of excessive use of force, but the chief of police says that their behavior was standard practice, the letter reads. We believe that the Madison Police Department has established a set of standards and practices that are detrimental to the health of African-American citizens and other citizens of color.

Laird was jailed for two days but then referred to the Dane County Restorative Court program, in lieu of criminal charges. If she completes the program, District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said, she will not be charged with a crime for her actions at East Towne.

Vaudreauil is out of the office this week. Spokeswoman Myra Longfield said that complaints like this are generally forwarded for review to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington.

Madison Police Captain Brian Ackeret said the city has not received the complaints and cannot comment at this point.
A three-vehicle crash in the town of Rutland Wednesday has now claimed a second life.

Benjamin Blum, 93, of Madison, died at UW Hospital where he had been taken by Med Flight, the Dane County Sheriff's Office said.

Blum was injured in the crash on Highway 14 that killed a 72-year-old Oregon woman.

It was initially reported by the Sheriff's Office that Blum was the driver of the SUV struck by the Oregon woman's car, but he was a rear seat passenger. The SUV was driven by Raphael Shunk, 79, of Madison.

The name of the Oregon woman has not been released pending an autopsy by the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office.

The crash happened at about 8 a.m. Wednesday on Highway 14 just south of Highway A. The Oregon woman was northbound on Highway 14 and crossed the center line, hitting the southbound SUV head on. A second northbound car then struck the Oregon woman's car.

Four people in the SUV, including Blum, were injured, while the driver of the second northbound car, Jared Bland, 26, of Crystal Lake, Ill., was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.
The Dane County Sheriffs Office has released surveillance video camera images of a suspect believed to have broken into 10 vehicles at an auto repair shop.

The break-ins happened at Dutchs Auto Service, 202 Regas Road in Blooming Grove, the Dane County Sheriffs Office said.

The vehicles were all parked outside in the lot of the repair shop. Deputies believe the break-ins happened between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Thursday.

The suspect broke at least three car windows to gain access, while some vehicles had been left unlocked, said spokeswoman Elise Schaffer.

Deputies are contacting the owners of the vehicles to determine what items were stolen.

The investigation is continuing.

The suspect broke at least three car windows to gain access, while some vehicles had been left unlocked. Elise Schaffer

Dane County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman
N-KOM, the shipyard subsidiary of Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), has signed a five-year MoU with Houston-headquartered engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) services provider McDermott.



McDermott will serve as prime contractor to customers and lead engineering with its teams based at Jebel Ali in Dubai as well as its Global Engineering Centre in Chennai, India, where necessary. It will also lead procurement and installation with vessels mobilised from its 13-strong global marine fleet.



N-KOM, a joint venture between Nakilat and leading offshore rig constructor and ship repairer Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd, will serve as subcontractor and perform fabrication from its Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan Industrial City 80km north of Doha.

We are pleased to partner with McDermott, one of the leading EPCI contractors in this region, to enhance our standing as a premier marine and offshore service provider in Qatar, said Eng. Abdullah Fadhalah Al Sulaiti, md of Nakilat. N-KOM has delivered several offshore construction projects, including a newly built liftboat. This agreement will add value to our services in this area to better support the local oil and gas industry in Qatar.

With a fleet of 63 LNG carriers, Nakilat transports some 77m tons of LNG annually for state-owned gas producers RasGas and Qatargas to global markets from Qatars North Field - worlds largest non-associated gas field with approximately 15% of the worlds proven reserves. McDermott, meanwhile, has fabricated more than 80% of the North Field gas infrastructure.

Through this exclusive agreement, McDermott and Keppel build upon our long-standing relationship to combine each companys strengths to benefit our clients in Qatar and increase Qatari local content, said Linh Austin, McDermotts vp, Middle East.

With both our Dubai- and Saudi-based facilities, McDermott is well positioned to address the continued growth for the entire Middle East market. And now with this cooperative agreement, we have an even higher level of capacity and availability.
The agreement announced on Thursday will see REM Offshore merging with a subsidiary of Solstad and REM chairman and controlling shareholder Age Remy becoming a key shareholder in Solstad.

The merged companies will operate a combined total of 62 vessels. The combined fleet of the two companies of CSV vessels will be operated by Solstad from its head office, while the combined fleet of PSV vessels will be operated from the current REM head office.

"The offshore service vessel (OSV) industry is undergoing a period of great uncertainty," says Lars Peder Solstad, ceo of Solstad.

Reduced spending across the upstream value chain has contributed to the current overcapacity, adversely impacting dayrates and utilisation. The OSV industry's fragmented structure is further compounding these negative effects. Solstad and REM both see the need to create larger entities with financial and operational strength to weather the downturn.

Solstad added there remained a strong rationale for further consolidation.

REM Offshores Remy said he was satisfied that substantial activities would allocated to the companys workforce of nearly 500.

Move comes after REM bondholders rejected a restructuring plan on 21 July with key bondholder Aker Capital not supporting the proposal.

yvind Eriksen, president and ceo of Aker said: "Solstad and Aker have put forth an industrial solution for the restructuring of Rem Offshore. The merger is a necessary structural measure in today's offshore service vessel (OSV) market, which will enable the combined company to achieve significant synergies through more efficient operations and a lower cost base.

The combination of Solstad's, REM's and Aker's industrial expertise, M&A capabilities and financial strength will provide a strong platform through Solstad for further development of the OSV industry," he added.

The two companies said a formal plan for the merger would be published shortly after both release their interim results. Shareholders are expected to be held on 1 October, with completion of the merger targeted for the start of December.
A Wisconsin police officer has resigned following an internal investigation that showed he had sex nearly 100 times while on duty and violated numerous department policies and procedures, according to a report from the Hudson Star-Observer.

Hudson Police Chief Marty Jensen confirmed to the Associated Press on Tuesday that Officer John Worden stepped down in May, after first being placed on administrative leave.

"I screwed up," he told the newspaper. "I'm sorry, and I'm not that person anymore  and I lost my job for it. It was a mistake. I hurt a lot of people, and it's ruined my life."

Worden could not immediately be reached for comment.

Police said that over an eight-month period, Worden spent about four to six hours during each workday making personal calls from his department-issued phone, fabricated his work logs 146 times, lied to a supervisor about what he did during work hours and had sex on the job about 98 times, according to documents obtained by the Hudson Star-Observer. Worden had been on the force since 2008.

Hudson Police Chief Marty Jensen told The Washington Post that the investigation into Worden's actions stemmed from a complaint from a woman who claimed she had been in a relationship with Worden for months, the Star-Observer reported.

"On April 15, 2016 the Hudson Police Department received a citizen's complaint alleging officer misconduct against Hudson Police Officer John Worden," Jensen said in a statement. "Because of the seriousness of the complaint an internal investigation was initiated and Officer Worden was placed on administrative leave that same day. Based on the findings of the internal investigation Officer Worden was asked to resign from the Hudson Police Department. His resignation was effective May 13, 2016."

Jensen did not speak further about the issue.

The woman told investigators she had been involved with Worden from June 2015 to February 2016 and that the two would have sex in Worden's police SUV as well as at her home, according to the Star-Observer.

She said she filed a complaint partly because she was upset by how the relationship ended and partly because she was worried Worden would use his position to "really make her life miserable," according to the report.

Hudson Police Lt. Geoff Willems, who helped investigate the allegations, wrote in the report that before the woman came forward, Worden had told him that he was being stalked by a woman "thinking the two of them could be involved in a romantic relationship," according to the report. Weeks later, a woman contacted police, accusing Worden of officer misconduct.

Willems reviewed Worden's daily work logs from June 2015 to February 2016 and had data pulled from the department-issued phone he used. Several thousand text messages and phone calls were found each month that were placed to four numbers. Willems noted that "there was minimal activity" on the squad cellphone during days Worden wasn't working.

"Thinking back to my conversations in early March with Officer Worden regarding (the woman), these phone records did not support his claims that she was stalking him," Willems wrote in the report.

Worden, accompanied by the Hudson Police Union president and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association business agent, was interviewed April 20.

In the interview with Willems, Worden admitted to having a sexual relationship with the complainant  and made clear the activity did not occur on his personal time.

"I only saw her or spoke to her while I was on duty," Worden said to Willems, the report states, noting that he exclusively used police equipment "to avoid getting caught" by his significant other.

Worden's statement to Willems largely corroborated the allegations laid out by the woman about sex on duty. He said he did not enter his time with the woman on his work log, but considered the interludes part of his break time.

Worden told the Star-Observer he was sorry for his actions but he did not believe they should be publicized in the news media.

"I don't think it's fair," he said, "and I don't get to know who did that to me."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
It's been another busy month for development news in metropolitan Detroit. Let's catch up on some more development stories from the past four weeks.The formerin downtown Ferndale will be demolished, and the Ferndale Haus Lofts will be built in its place. The mixed-use development will include approximately 90 market-rate apartments and 10,800 sq. ft. of office/retail space. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved $2,241,384 in local and school tax capture for the project. According to a release by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the mixed-use development will generate $17.9 million in local investment and create 14 full-time jobs.experienced a 30 percent drop in tax-foreclosures since last year. 318 parcels were foreclosed for non-payment of taxes for 2013 and the years prior, a drop from last year's total of 449 parcels. The county launched a Keep Macomb Your Home campaign in early March, and Macomb officials say there was a sharp increase in taxpayers contacting the treasurer office upon its release.The 125-acresite in Plymouth is closer to being demolished and eventually redeveloped, with the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority awarding a contract to ATC Group of Novi for preliminary environmental analysis of the property. The building has been vacant since 2004 and is largely characterized as an eyesore. Demolition could begin before the end of 2016.The Ferndale restaurantis expanding, taking over part of a neighboring restaurant the Daily Dinette. Both restaurants are owned by Kramer Restaurant Group. Owner Brian Kramer says expanding Pop's is required because of a new brunch service, demand for large party seating, and the need to prepare fresh pasta and pizza dough daily.Voting for Michigancomes to a close July 30. The program celebrates placemaking projects throughout the state. Past winners include the Westland City Hall Retrofit, Ironwood Railroad Depot Park, and Cops & Doughnuts Bakery in Clare. Vote online today Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith
Local historic preservationists won a significant victory this April when the new

But

"Many of the buildings that are now included in the Cass Park Historic District are ripe for redevelopment and rehabilitation," Bilobran says. "Our advocacy efforts relating to that part of the city will continue as we encourage and advocate for the thoughtful inclusion of existing structures into the comprehensive arena district development."

For Bilobran and numerous other preservationists across Metro Detroit, protecting local historic structures is a near-Sisyphean task. Take for example the





Macomb County Historical Society director Kim Parr. Photo by Nick Hagen. "It's a wood frame structure, so the restoration never ends, inside and out," says the organization's director, Kim Parr.

For Preservation Detroit, the most robust preservation organization in the metro area, those challenges are multiplied. Bilobran says the topic of preservation has become more relevant than ever as Detroit

"We're talking about valuable structures that, maybe from an ornamentation standpoint, aren't deserving of preservation, if you will," she says. "They're much more vernacular. But those are the lifeblood of the city, where people lived and worked and immigrated."

Protecting the vernacular

Last year in Farmington, a brand-new preservation organization formed to protect a group of architecturally notable homes that may fall more on the "vernacular" side Bilobran describes. Farmington residents Jena Stacey, Maria Taylor and Marilyn Weimar founded

"They're always going to be under threat, regardless of whether a developer uses them in conjunction with the Maxfield Training Center," Stacey says. "They're located right in the central commercial district downtown. They're low-density. Farmington doesn't really have any areas to expand, so to increase density, that would be a place where they would tear down the historic buildings."

Since its formation, Preservation Farmington has worked to educate citizens on the homes' significance and launched a

Preservation Farmington isn't solely dedicated to that single project, however. The organization has also launched a

"When you're part of the commission appointed by the city government, your ability to express your opinions isn't quite as far-reaching," Stacey says. "You have to be a little more diplomatic, and we wanted to be able to get out there and interact in a way that we felt was more in keeping with advocating for the buildings."

Modest goals, modest resources

For some metro-area preservation operations, goals are even more modest than the physical protection or rehabilitation of even one entire building. George Purdu, president of the





George Purdu, president of the Wyandotte Historical Society. Photo by Nick Hagen. "We're not large enough to be able to say, 'Okay, we're going to take over a building and keep that and try to preserve that,'" Purdu says. "I think what we try to do is focus on what is there, what we can preserve and let people know about."

One of the key challenges facing local preservation organizations is a lack of financial support for their work. Local preservationists interviewed for this story agreed that they receive plenty of moral support from other area preservation organizations, as well as guidance from statewide bodies like the

Parr notes that in 1976 when the Crocker house stood in the way of a planned road widening project near the house's original location on Gratiot, a state grant helped to save the house from demolition and relocate it. These days, she says, that probably couldn't have happened.

"It's very, very hard," Parr says. "There's a lot of competition for grants because grantors want to put their name on something larger. They don't want to put their name on a little Crocker House Museum. They want to put their name on a Henry Ford Museum to get the exposure."

So it falls to the metro area's preservationists to rally more individuals to their cause. Bilobran says she's particularly interested in breaking the stereotype of preservationists as "old, gray-haired ladies." Preservation Detroit has pursued that goal by leading

"There are many, many, many different individuals that identify with saving cultural and architectural heritage...but they may not identify as a preservationist," Bilobran says. "I think one of the interesting movements, if you will, in the preservation community right now is making sure that historic preservation is seen as an inclusive movement."

and the metro area in generalrethink and redevelop their neighborhoods. In that process, Bilobran says, structures of historical significance tend to get left outand not just major landmarks like the Masonic Temple. Preservation Farmington to advocate for the protection of a row of Queen Anne houses on Grand River Avenue. The structures date back to between 1900 and 1915. Despite the homes' good condition and historic status, they lie outside of Farmington's established historic district, and the Farmington Downtown Area Plan proposes demolishing the houses to develop the Maxfield Training Center, an abandoned Farmington Public Schools property that lies behind them. petition asking city government to preserve them. Two responses to an initial RFP on the site last year were rejected. Stacey says she'd like to think Preservation Farmington had a hand in that, but it's hard to say. A second RFP is underway. then-and-now photo column and produces a series of workshops and lectures related to preservation. Stacey, who stepped down from the Farmington Historical Commission along with Taylor and Weimar to form Preservation Farmington, seems to be enjoying the greater freedom she now has to pursue preservation work. Wyandotte Historical Society , says the society's efforts are mostly dedicated to commemorating existing historical structures by installing informational plaques. Over the past five years, the society has started a "Museum on the Streets" program that presents a guided route of 20 to 25 such structures. A main plaque for the program will be installed soon on Biddle Avenue. State Historic Preservation Office and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network . But funding is hard to find. public historical tours in Detroit, and members are currently working to develop a preservation-related curriculum in an effort to get their message into public schools. Bilobran says there are more preservationists out there than most would think.
Joe Sobieralski has been named Interim President and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU). Sobieralski joined BCU in December of 2015, as Vice President.Appointing Joe will allow for a seamless transition as we (the Board of Directors) start the search process for a permanent President and CEO, says John Gallagher, BCU Board Chair.Gallagher goes on to says: With Joes past experience, strong leadership qualities, and proven relationship building skills, which he has already demonstrated since his arrival at BCU, we are confident BCU is in good hands."Sobieralski will work with the current staff of BCU in partnership with the City of Battle Creek to Battle Creek as a premier location for companies and their employees.No timeline has been established for the appointment of a new President and CEO.Sobieralski's past economic development experience includes leadership positions with a variety of organizations as a past Executive Director and City Manager. Sobieralski also has worked in Southwest Michigan to build public and private sector partnerships.Sobieralski earned a BA in Public Administration from Michigan State University and an MPA from Western Michigan University with a Local Government concentration. Sobieralski also earned credits in the leading industry designation for economic developers: Community Economic Development Certification (CEcD).Battle Creek Unlimited is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development organization for the City of Battle Creek.Source: Battle Creek Unlimited
At least 480 acres of property that are of high priority to the protection of the Battle Creek River Watershed can now be conserved as a result of a matching grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and Kalamazoo River Watershed Council have been awarded a two-year $530,000 matching grant that the Land Conservancy will use to purchase conservation easements to protect the most significant property in the watershed. The funds also will be used for outreach to property owner and education efforts regarding the protection of the watershed.The Battle Creek River Watershed encompasses 307 square miles and consists of primarily agricultural land. Its headwaters area has large tracts of undeveloped forests and wetlands.The natural headwaters area includes Ackley Creek, Big Marsh Lake, Wanandoga Creek, Waubascon Creek, and Clear Lake, all of which flow downstream into the Battle Creek River.The identification of the property that most needs to be preserved started out with the Kalamazoo River Watershed Conservation Plan. Work on the plan, undertaken by SWMLC, the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council and a group of graduate students from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources, finished up in 2015. The plan identified parcels of land that were the most important to protect in order to maintain the best possible water quality within the entire 2,020 square mile watershed."The Conservation Plans mapping analysis showed large clusters of high priority parcels in the headwaters area of the Battle Creek sub-watershed, which is exactly the type of land that we are looking to conserve, says Emily Wilke, SWMLCs Conservation Projects Manager. "And these large clusters of high priority parcels were of equal interest to the DEQ, providing the best results for protecting priority waterbodies and effectively using nonpoint source pollution grant funding.The DEQ grants are intended to help restore impaired waters and protect high-quality waters by reducing or preventing nonpoint sources of sediment, nutrients, and other contaminants.Nonpoint source pollution is runoff that picks up both natural and human contaminants as it moves across the ground and eventually runs into waterways as pollution."One parcel in particular I am excited to be working toward permanently protecting with this grant is a very large property, with forested and prairie uplands, about 140 acres of wetlands, and 4,300 feet of frontage on Ackley Creek, says Wilke. "The permanent conservation of this large property will help ensure the long-term sustainable water quality of Ackley Creek and the Battle Creek River downstream.Source: Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
Kalamazoo's newly formed chapter of Black Lives Matter (BLM) had its first rally and shut-down action last Friday, amid tension that included social media threats in the week leading up to the event. The rally at Bronson Park and the shut-down staged on the Kalamazoo Mall was one of a string of events that have taken place across the country, especially since the recent deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile Shutting down roadways and interstates has become a widely used tactic of the movement. An article in the Washington Post explains the significance of the maneuver this way:"Block a highway, and you upend the economic life of a city, as well as the spatial logic that has long allowed people to pass through them without encountering their poverty or problems. Block a highway, and you command a lot more attention than would a rally outside a church or city hall  from traffic helicopters, immobile commuters, alarmed officials."BLM Kalamazoo didn't shut down a highway. Unlike a lot of other metropolises, the heart of downtown Kalamazoo sits miles away from the nearest Interstate. So instead of blocking the Interstate, the group of hundreds, marched from Bonson Park to the Kalamazoo Mall, where they occupied the street for the remainder of the rally.And while shutting down Mall traffic doesn't disrupt the economic life of a city the way blocking highway traffic does, it does command attention to a movement from people who may have otherwise had the luxury of not having to pay attention at all.Black Lives Matter has taken criticism from (mostly white) people who challenge everything from the way the movement centers on the needs and voices of Black people to denouncing specific protest tactics. But the Black Lives Matters movement is built around peaceful tactics and resistance to violence.After a Dallas shooter killed four police officers in the wake of the murders of Sterling and Castile, the BLM website released the following statement:"Black activists have raised the call for an end to violence, not an escalation of it. Yesterdays attack was the result of the actions of a lone gunman. To assign the actions of one person to an entire movement is dangerous and irresponsible. We continue our efforts to bring about a better world for all of us."The BLM event, on Friday, July 22, was headlined by a number of prominent leaders including Joanne Mundy of ERACCE, Kalamazoo City Commissioner Shannon Sykes, and Jacob Pinney-Johnson from SHARE: Society for History and Racial Equity, to name just a few.The social media threats and controversy did not deter Commissioner Sykes, who, following a song by Mundy, opened the rally through tears, with, "It is so touching to see so many people advocating for Black lives."Sykes used her time to address misconceptions about BLM, saying, "Let me be clear: If you thought this group was radical and angry, look around." Here she scanned the diverse crowd of hundreds. "This," she went on, "is a representation of who we are, collectively."After the rally, Sykes told me that as an elected official, she has a heightened awareness that her actions and words will be scrutinized. "It's certainly in the back of my mind," she says, "the question of, 'how does this sound as an elected official?' But, in situations like these, I don't give much thought to it...the purpose of me running was to work toward social justice and so you can't not show up for this just because you're an elected official, especially not when that's the reason you ran in the first place."Ironically, while the challenges lobbed at the BLM movement hinge on the supposed "violence" in the BLM movement, the only threats of violence leading up to and during last Friday's Kalamazoo event came from opposition to the movement.The Kalamazoo event was described on its Facebook event page as "a space for healing in action," where slain Black people would be honored, and where the stories, emotions and truth of the Black community would be heard and embraced. White and other non-Black allies were encouraged to attend in solidarity, ready to listen.Organizers went on to note, "the goal of this demonstration is not to get arrested or to drum up media hype. This demonstration is for visibility of Black bodies in action, to uplift Black voices, to have a space to mourn, to celebrate and to impact change."The need for the message that this movement brings--that Black Lives Matter--was never more evident than in witnessing the push back via social media and during the event. Here are a handful of examples: One man lost his job after his employer received numerous complaints about a Facebook post that said he would "play bowling" with his truck and BLM activists. St. Joseph County Commissioner, Allen Balog, got media attention after he posted a video on Facebook , showing an angry motorist who drove through the protestors blocking a packed roadway. Balog's accompanying commentary said, "I have said all along that is what I would do. It is an interstate for motor vehicles not for pedestrian protestors. All of the cars should have started moving." Balog is up for re-election in the fall. One event organizer said he received more than a dozen death threats leading up to the event. (Expletive) N-word!"--yelled by a White man out the passenger door of an SUV at the crowd, who were walking on the sidewalk between Bronson Park and the Kalamazoo Mall.Armed Open Carry proponents circled the park in their vehicles.After more than an hour and a half of stories, poems, and sharing experiences at the rally, the location of the shut-down action--the Kalamazoo Mall--was disclosed. An organizer informed the crowd--many of whom had not noticed the circling vehicles--that open carry proponents were surrounding the park and that they were armed. He went on to tell attendees that this was a time of "calculated risk," and that there was no shame in leaving for folks who couldn't afford to take the risks involved in moving forward to the Mall.People exchanged nervous glances. It was tense. Some families and people with small children dispersed. But not many. Mostly, people were not deterred. Older people, younger people, people of every shade of skin color stood close together. There was a lot of hand-holding, a lot of hugging as the crowd waited for instructions on how they would move forward. In a strange way, it seemed as though the crowd grew--though this was likely the mere perception of moving a large crowd from a large park into a seemingly endless line onto narrow sidewalks."White folks, form a protective barrier around your Black brothers and sisters," came the announcement from the stage as the march prepared to get underway. In the middle of downtown Kalamazoo, with the backdrop of the Bronson Park statue--the locally erected symbol of racism that depicts a Native American bowing down in front of a White man with a rifle--White people held hands in an emotional barricade around their Black friends, strangers, and community members.The crowd moved, five to six deep on the sidewalk, as a handful of laid-back police officers on either end of the park and what appeared to be several federal agents in suits stood by. Chants of, "Black Lives Matter!" and "No Justice, No Peace!" reverberated for blocks as the activists wound their way across Rose street, down Michigan Avenue, and onto the Mall.Stopping just before South Street, organizers rallied the crowd once more, listing the reasons--in call and response form--for the shut-down. "For Black Kalamazoo," the organizer prompted, and the crowd responded, "WE SHUT IT DOWN!" The chants echoed off of the brick buildings.At this point BLM Kalamazoo unveiled its demands. Jacquis Robertson, a board member of the local BLM chapter, says that although they had open communication with KDPS about rally, they did not offer the demands to KDPS prior to the event."We wanted the first time they heard them to be the day of the event," says Robertson. "We wanted the shock value, (and) we didnt want them to be able to manifest a response prior to us releasing the demands to the public."On Monday, BLM Kalamazoo sent the demands to KDPS. (See the video here .)The demands include:1. Disciplinary action be taken against KDPS officers Derek Nugent and Eric Shaffer for their actions during the arrest and subsequent death of James Dunigan while in police custody. (Dunigan had gone to Bronson Hospital to be treated for chest pain and was released. He refused to leave because he was still unwell. Police were called to remove him and dashcam video shows police telling him he was faking his illness. He died shortly after arriving at the police station.)2. That KDPS eliminate the Broken Windows approach to policing and enforcement that has led to continued racial profiling, discriminatory enforcement and disproportionate policing of the North, East, and South sides of Kalamazoo. (Broken Windows policing is based on the discredited theory that policing low-level offenses prevents more serious crimes.)3. That Chief Jeffrey Hadley, Deputy Chief Karianne Thomas, Deputy Chief Donald Webster, Assistant Chief Ryan Tibbets agree to attend a community led forum addressing racial profiling, discriminatory enforcement, and police brutality, and submit a report on the immediate action they will be committing to eradicate racial profiling.4. That City commissioners, Mayor Hopewell, and Vice Mayor Don Cooney agree to attend a community led forum addressing racial inequity and discrimination within the city and develop a plan of action.Chief Hadley says that the internal investigation on the death of James Dunigan is complete and that action regarding the two officers can be expected in two weeks. He adds, "I'm the public safety chief, the discipline of my officers is under my purview and we'll handle it in a responsible and reasonable way, and we'll communicate as such once we're done."On Broken Windows policing and a heightened presence in certain neighborhoods, Hadley says that KDPS does not advocate a heightened police presence in specific parts of the city, but he adds, "there are people in those neighborhoods (North, East, and South sides) who need us--there are victims in those neighborhoods that need us, there are people that ask for us to be there to address problems and to address their quality of life issues, and I'm very emphatic about that."Chief Hadley says he is willing to meet and discuss any issue at any time and points to the work KDPS has done, already. He's talking about the racial profiling study and action steps that the department has worked on since. "I think there's a lot we are doing and continue to do every single day in this community that centers around building trust and building relationships with the community that they may or may not truly know or understand or appreciate," he says.Commissioner Sykes says that "KDPS has certainly worked to make improvements--and I think we all appreciate that. But I also know that myself, and fellow-commissioners, and definitely community members know that there's more work to be done."Sykes agrees that Broken Windows policing needs to go. She explains Broken Windows policing like this: "if we keep an eye out for any little thing... any little public nuisance, it will lead to catching people in bigger crimes. Problem with that is that it tends to contribute to more racial profiling."She says these tactics are used predominately in lower income communities and communities of color. And, she adds, "the research is out on this--there's no question it's a broken policy--it doesn't work, it leads to more profiling and more problems. It's time for us to update our policies."Sykes says that she is committed to action--and as importantly, to listening. "It doesn't make sense for us to drag our feet on issues as important as these. I'm looking forward to having some good conversations. I think it's incredibly important that this conversation be community led...people who are actually living in these realities need to be heard first."Robertson says, "It was so moving to see so many people standing for and with Black Lives in the midst of threats, in the midst of harassment, in the midst of intimidation. When it was all said and done I was simply left speechless by the beauty of it all."She says the fact that it's still common to hear the response "All Lives Matter" simply means there is a lot of work to do as a city, as a state and as a nation. "Its because of these retorts along with the intimidation tactics of White supremacists that we exist. Were here and were not going anywhere till we get justice for Black, Brown, Native, Cis, Trans and, LGBTQ lives!"Anyone can be involved with the Kalamazoo chapter of Black Lives Matter. The best way to keep in contact with them is to join its Facebook page . Robertson says, "Given the emergence of groups that are centered around White supremacy we are not in a position to discuss meeting locations and things of that sort at this time. But, there will be more events to come in the near future."Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer, living in Kalamazoo. You can find her at her website, kathivaleii.com
Club Soda Reunion



Saturday, Aug. 6, Old Dog Tavern, 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave. Minimum donation $7,

to benefit the Kalamazoo Academy of Rock.



Lineup

Vegetable Soul, 9:15 p.m.;

Melt, 10:15 p.m.;

Edgerton Pen Conspiracy,

11 p.m.;

Circus McGurkis, 11:45 p.m.;

Black Spring, 12:15 a.m.;

Darcy Wilkin and Friends,

1 a.m.

It was a smokey, dank, dark club. The bathrooms were nasty. Carpeting on the stage risers were so sticky with spilled substances that "your shoes would come off," Paul Toth says.Yet there were a lot of great Kalamazoo music memories made at the Club Soda. To remember and reunite, Toth has organized a Club Soda reunion show at the Old Dog Tavern Saturday, Aug. 6.Full disclosure: My first time seeing music at any bar was there, 1985, the WIDR New Music Night 18-and-up show with an edgy punkish girl group from Detroit, The Vertical Pillows . I and my other 18-year-old farmboy friends were thrilled to leave the boonies of Galesburg to see young women rock out, and to be in a crowd of Kalamazoo's freakiest haircuts.Toth's first time there was when "I saw Koko Taylor, and I was just absolutely blown away that I was sitting only 15 feet away from a legendary blues artist in Kalamazoo."He became a bartender, then a booking agent and manager at the club, from the '80s into the '90s, so he has a lot of memories. Like in 1989, when an obscure band from Seattle played, called Nirvana, "I think paid admission was about 50 that night, and I know at least 700 people that claim they were there," he says.From 1983-2007, the Club Soda was a major venue for live music from national and local acts. Especially so in the '80s-'90s, when live music elsewhere tended to be from cover bands.On one night, Kalamazoo's shock rockers The God Bullies could be doing something unmentionable, the next night classic reggae or blues artists would be on stage, and on the weekend a national hip-hop or Detroit R&B act would fill the club."On any given night you'd go down there and see a very different crowd, a very different style of music. And yet sometimes those crowds would mix, you'd go down on a Monday night and there'd be all kinds of punk kids, but there'd also be a few business guys hanging around enjoying the show. It was always a really mixed crowd."It felt uniquely Kalamazoo, a culture where a diverse community could gather around diverse sounds."I'd have to agree," Toth says, adding that this culture infected the variety of Kalamazoo's summer festivals, "another opportunity to see that diversity happen.... That's the great thing about music, it brings people together."Now the space on East Michigan Avenue is Newman's Bookshoppe , a Catholic bookstore whose carpets aren't at all sticky. Regular Soda bands rarely play anywhere, busy with life, families, careers. The old Soda sign hangs inside the Old Dog Tavern, which also has the Soda's old bar.Toth tries to catch local bands from the olden days when they do reunion shows. Every time, people suggest that it "feels like a reunion" of Soda regulars. He floated the notion of a Soda reunion on the "Club Soda Rocked!" Facebook Page, "and I was blown away by the reaction" coming from as far away as California and Sweden.It wasn't easy getting bands together for a Saturday, but Toth's talent, he says, is in "organizing things. I've never played an instrument, but I've always been good at herding musicians and putting these things together."The lineup includes the area bands primarily out of the '90s: Black Spring, Circus McGurkis, Edgerton Pen Conspiracy, Melt, and others."It's pretty much going to be a rock'n'roll show," Toth says, with styles ranging from post-punk Circus McGurkis to "probably the heaviest of any of the acts," Black Spring.Photos of the Soda's past will be on a slideshow loop at the show. It's all to "celebrate the community," Toth says -- and to keep the local music alive, proceeds will go to the Kalamazoo Academy of Rock Mark Wedel has been a Kalamazoo-based freelance journalist since 1992, and doesnt get out to the punk rock shows as often enough as he should these days.
The asphalt has just been laid on the newest section of Portage's non-motorized trail network. And an older section of the Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail, between I-94 and Milham Ave., is getting moved over in keeping with a previous agreement.A 1.6-mile trail through the Eliason Nature Reserve is now a gently curvy, moderately hilly bike ride through a 140-acre chunk of forest and wetlands. It's also an important connection for those who like to travel through Portage's busy commercial area to the suburbs and farmland south of Osterhaut Avenue without worry about motorized traffic.Or from the Portage suburbs to the edge of Kalamazoo. "You can go all the way from Osterhaut to Kilgore now, just on non-motorized (paths), which is pretty unique," Kendall Klingelsmith, Portage parks director, says.From the north, one can ride, or walk, jog, rollerblade, along the Portage Creek Bicentennial Park Trail, to the trail alongside Shaver Road which follows south down Portage Industrial Drive. The new trail through Eliason is at the southeast corner near the road's end. To find the trail, look for a sign promising the "future trail"--the future is today.From the south, look for the new parking lot west of Schrier Park. Klingelsmith is focused on the next agenda item, putting finishing touches on a parking lot and trailhead at the Osterhaut end. The lot is completed, but barriers are needed to keep cars from driving onto the trail. The trial is open for use, but the official opening will be scheduled when that's done, likely by the end of July.(For a ride on the trail via video, please click here .)"There are always the final details," Klingelsmith says. The parks department is also applying for Michigan DNR grants for future restrooms and benches at the trailhead.The Eliason family donated the land to Portage in 2011 with the requirement that it be kept a nature preserve.To reach Osterhaut, the city purchased 17 additional acres. Klingelsmith says Portage is now seeking funds to lay nature trails to connect Eliason to neighboring Bishop's Bog Preserve and Schrier Park."We're constantly looking at other ideas to expand the trails." Eventually, trails will "connect over 300 acres of parkland, which I think is really cool.... You can bike on it, you can hike on it, you can learn on it. It's a real gem over there."Klingelsmith says it's all part of a long-range plan to connect Portage to Kalamazoo, Vicksburg, Texas Corners and other local communities with non-motorized trails. The health and recreation benefits are worth the funds, not to mention the attraction the trails hold for "the Millennial and Gen-X generations," he says.Trail users may have wondered what's happening to part of the Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail where, over the summer, a path has been cut through the trees and soggy ground close to Portage Creek.The new cut is along the east edge of where the older trail makes large right angle and "S" curves.This is to "straighten out" the trail there, Klingelsmith says. Its construction is also due to American Village Builders ' claim on the land.Some of the land the trail is on is "an industrial park.... Now the economy has picked back up there's some interest in putting some businesses back there," Klingelsmith says.Curt Aardema, AVB Director of Development, after consulting with AVB President of Commercial Construction Jack Michael, says, "they're working on a couple different plans (for the land), but nothing's been formalized yet, nothing's official and nothing's ready to announce at this point. But we have been working on these projects, and as these projects progress, we might be able to give you some updates."Right now, AVB is in "early stage conversations about the property." Aardema says.When the city was planning the trail at the end of the '90s, the parks department had a state grant for the project. But at the time the city didn't own any of the land on the east side of AVB's tech park, which then included private lots and homes on the creek.The city needed to use the grant before the state took it back, Klingelsmith says. AVB had "given the city an easement to put the existing trail on (AVB property), with the understanding that when the properties to the east were purchased by the city... then the city would relocate the trail."In 2006, the city acquired the lots to the east of AVB land, as part of the 2006 Lovers Lane widening project. So this year Portage decided to move forward with the relocation and take advantage of a surplus in its "rainy day fund--this was a project that the city decided it's time to do."But there's one mystery: In the map of property lines that Klingelsmith sent Second Wave, the section of trail that's being moved doesn't appear to be directly on AVB property. However, the part of the trail that isn't being moved, in the section leading to the pedestrian/bike bridge over Milham, is entirely within AVB borders.Chris Barnes, Portage transportation and utilities director, and city engineer on the original trail project, clarified.The old length where the trail is being moved may look to be on the borderline on a smaller map, but it's actually "all on their (AVB's) property," on the city's map of lots, Barnes says. There are lengths where "it gets to about two feet of where the city now owns" to where it's "probably within a foot all on tech park property."In the portion close to Milham leading up to the pedestrian bridge, that's all within AVB property, he says. But, "They gave us a permanent easement down there. They're not going to be able to develop anything close to that bridge, the property narrows down," Barnes says.AVB will never reclaim that land?"The easement for the bridge and the trail there, it's a permanent easement, there's no caveat that it could be moved whenever the property is available," he says.The new section will be ready for asphalt, Barnes hopes, early to mid-August, capping what's been a "long process" of squeezing a non-motorized trail through the crowded area.Mark Wedel has been a Kalamazoo-based freelance journalist since 1992. Hes also a long-distance bicyclist working on a book on the subject. For more info visit here Photos and video by Mark Wedel
PHILADELPHIA  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind faced a row of TV cameras, surrounded by a small band of fellow Democratic rebels resolved to make their voices heard.

Kind, D-La Crosse, had just finished addressing Wisconsin delegates Wednesday morning at the Democratic National Convention.

Kind started speaking to reporters when about a dozen protesters encircled him, waving signs and heckling him for supporting the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Andrew Walsh, a delegate from Appleton for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, yelled about how the deal would affect Wisconsin union workers.

No TPP! No TPP! Walsh chanted, others joining him.

Kind, his voice lost in the din, smiled, shook his head and walked away from the cameras.

Opposition to TPP, a proposed free-trade deal with Pacific Rim nations including Japan and Vietnam, was a key issue in the primary campaign for Sanders and his supporters.

It has become a key fault line within the party at this convention. The TPP deal was put forth by President Barack Obama and is supported by some congressional Republicans.

Hillary Clinton, who became the Democratic nominee at the convention Tuesday night, has wavered on TPP. She initially spoke favorably about the deal, then came out against it last year as Sanders campaign was ascending.

While many Sanders supporters have fallen in behind Clinton at this convention, a small, vocal band of Sanders die-hards repeatedly and loudly have registered objections to Clinton and the views she and her allies hold.

The No TPP! chant has been one of their rallying cries, heard intermittently at places in and around the convention site, including on the convention floor Monday.

Whether enough of those Sanders backers support Clinton could determine if she beats Republican Donald Trump in November.

Wisconsin, with its large manufacturing base, is a state in which trade issues resonate. The state tilts Democratic in presidential years, but often is close enough that it could be up for grabs if Democrats are divided.

Kind, a 10-term Democrat from La Crosse, has been one of Obamas top allies in trying to steer the deal through Congress.

In the Aug. 9 Democratic primary, Kind faces a opponent, Myron Buchholz, who has emphasized his support for Sanders and opposition to TPP.

Matthew LaRonge is a Sanders delegate from Stevens Point who said he has worked on behalf of Buchholz. LaRonge said Wednesdays protest escalated when Kind promoted TPP in his speech, then declined to speak with protesters about their concerns.

He literally was trying to shove the TPP down our throats as we were eating breakfast, LaRonge said.

LaRonge, like many TPP critics, say it will lead to more U.S. jobs being outsourced.

Speaking to the Wisconsin State Journal after Wednesdays fracas subsided, Kind said TPP is poorly understood  in part because its supporters havent done enough to explain its benefits.

Obama has portrayed the deal as vital for the U.S. as it jockeys with China for influence over trade rules in East Asia.

Kind said the deal contains enforcement triggers to sanction member nations if they fail to abide by labor, human-rights and environmental standards  a point contested by its critics.

Theres confusion; people are conflating trade with trade agreements, Kind said. The trade thats going on absent trade agreements has not worked well for us. China, Brazil, India: We dont have trade agreements with those countries.

But when most people think of the adverse effects of trade, they think about those countries.

Kind said military leaders have expressed support to him for TPP on diplomatic and national security grounds.

Kind declined to say if he would support a congressional vote on the deal during the lame-duck session of Congress. Such a vote has been floated by supporters of the deal as possibly its only path forward, since both Clinton and Trump have come out against it.

Meanwhile, Walsh, a union bookmaker, was asked if hell vote for Clinton in November.

Walsh responded that he wants to see how Clinton handles TPP and whether she pressures Kind and other Democrats against it.

She wants to have our backs? Walsh said. This is her chance.

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For the last 163 years, the president of the United States has been either a Democrat or a Republican. No third-party candidate has come within shouting distance of the presidency. Why is that? Shouldn't we be worried?

Reporting from the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Trace Dominguez examines America's two-party system by rooting through the strangeness of U.S. electoral history, in this strangest of election years.

Polls suggest that voters don't much care for either major party candidate this year, and yet the vast majority of us will vote for one or the other. The reason we're stuck with this two-party system has to do with how U.S. congressional and presidential elections work. America's plurality electoral system -- or first-past-the-post (FPTP) -- means that each state has a set number of electorates, and whichever candidate gets the majority of votes wins them all.

Since there is no reward for second place, there's little incentive to create or back a party that will get some of the votes, but not the majority. Over time, the system encourages the dominance of two massive political parties. The U.S. is one of just a very few countries that uses this FPTS system.

RELATED: How Does Money Affect The U.S. Elections?

Most other democracies use proportional representation to elect officials, rather than a winner-take-all system. This results in multiple political parties sharing duties. Japan, for instance, has five major political parties along with several smaller parties. In Israel, ten different parties of affiliates are represented in the national legislature.

So why have political parties at all? Actually, we didn't use to. During the first presidential election, there were no political parties and in fact George Washington won without even campaigning. Many of the early Founding Fathers were skeptical of political parties and Washington publicly warned of their dangers.

Nevertheless, U.S. politics were quickly dominated by two major parties. Each went through various incarnations, but by the mid-19th century we had the Democratic and Republican parties as we know them today.

Many critics contend that the two-party system is unjust, limited voters' options at the polls. The system also leads to corrupt practices like gerrymandering. But the situation is not likely to change any time soon. The reason is simple enough: Democrats and Republicans dominate the legislatures that make the very laws that govern elections. And they like the status quo just fine.

-- Glenn McDonald

Learn More:

Britannica: Two-Party System

PBS: Two-Party System

CNN: Washington (George) got it right
Being a professional ninja might sound like a little kid's fantasy, but in Aichi, Japan it's a very real job you can have as an adult. Aichi is the birthplace of the Samurai warrior and there are still many places in the city related to Samurai history, from castles to battlegrounds, that people can visit. The ninjas serve as publicists for these sites in order to help boost tourism.

When the Aichi government put out an ad looking for professional ninjas, there were 235 applicants and 200 of them were foreigners -- only 35 were Japanese. Chris O'Neill is one of those foreigners who made the cut. In fact, he is the first American to ever become a salaried foreign ninja. He now performs all over the world in a group called Hattori Hanzo and the Ninjas, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a professional ninja.

RELATED: How Powerful is Japan?

O'Neill told Seeker he wasn't nervous about the acrobatics part of the audition, but he was nervous about the interview because it was all in Japanese. "I have no anxiety to do acrobatic tricks and audition that way. But the interview section was going to be all in Japanese. So I was so, so nervous to get up and speak. It was a challenge," O'Neill said.

Emi Yamada is also part of Hattori Hanzo and the Ninjas and is the only female in the group. Even though ninjas are typically thought of as male, there were actually many female ninjas known as kunoichi, who worked as spies and assassins in medieval Japan. Yamada is the most popular ninja among children and the elderly in particular and she told Seeker ""The ninja's image is very male-oriented, but women are not inferior by any means. We have girl power!"

When Chris O'Neill was growing up, people used to make fun of him for wanting to be a ninja, but he worked hard and he finally got his opportunity. His excitement about his job is palpable. He told Seeker, "I'm so excited to be the first gaikokujin ninja. I think it shows people that no matter what anybody says, anything is possible."

-- Molly Fosco
Photo: The Navy's USS Independence (LCS-2) arrives at Mole Pier on March 29, 2010 at Naval Air Station Key West, in Florida. Credit: US Navy file photo/Getty Images U.S. military bases along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico will be increasingly vulnerable to floods and power-packed storms as the planet warms, researchers said Wednesday.

The report by the Union of Concerned Scientists spanned 18 military bases, and found that many risk losing land and strategic assets in the coming decades due to sea level rise.

RELATED: Pentagon: Climate Change Poses Immediate Security Risk

"By 2050, most of these sites will see more than 10 times the number of floods they experience today," said lead analyst Kristy Dahl, UCS consulting scientist and report co-author.

"In 2070, all but a few are projected to see flooding once or twice every day. Shockingly, these aren't even the worst-case scenarios."

The analysis was based on two different projections of sea level rise and how it may affect U.S. bases from Florida to Maine.

The first, "intermediate" assessment "assumes a moderate rate of ice sheet melt that increases over time and projects an ultimate rise of 3.7 feet (1.13 meters) above 2012 levels, globally, by the end of this century," said the report.

RELATED: Military Strives to Shrink Carbon 'Boot Print'

The other scenario, assumed a "more rapid ice sheet loss and projects an ultimate rise of 6.3 feet (1.9 meters) above 2012 levels" across the planet by the year 2100.

Scientists say global sea level has already risen about 8 inches (20 centimeters) since 1880, and that the East and Gulf Coasts are seeing some of the fastest rates of sea level rise, in part because the land there is also sinking.

Even though U.S. military bases have been built out of reach of high tides, this means that as oceans swell, flooding will become more common and storm surges more devastating to bases, which are home to strategic training and testing grounds, infrastructure and housing, the study said.

Land loss

When it comes to land loss due to daily floods, the most severely affected installations are expected to be Naval Air Station Key West in Florida, Joint Base Langley-Eustis and NAS Oceana Dam Neck in Virginia, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) on Parris Island in South Carolina, said the report.

RELATED: A Forecast First: Warmer Temps Favored Across Entire US



"These military installations lose between 75 and 95 percent of their land area, including utilized land and developed areas, by the end of the century in the highest scenario."

By the year 2100, "nearly half of the sites studied lose 25 percent or more of their land area to the sea in the intermediate scenario and lose 50 percent or more in the highest scenario," said the report.

Many of the bases should anticipate more severe storms, to the extent that a Category One storm today would be felt as if it were a Category Two storm in 80 percent of the bases study by the end of this century.

Some bases are already working to adapt to sea level rise.

For instance, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia has installed floodwater pumps and built a shoreline seawall to protect some of its buildings.

"The Pentagon knows it has a problem, and some bases are already making an effort to reduce their exposure," said Erika Spanger-Siegfried, lead author of the report and senior analyst in the Climate and Energy program at UCS.

"But there's a big gap between what's being done and what's needed."

WATCH VIDEO: What Happens If Climate Change Speeds Up?
Late on Wednesday night, a fireball lit up skies over Western US states, but this wasn't just any old meteor. It wasn't even connected with the Delta Aquarid meteor shower that is expected to peak tonight and Friday. It was a large piece of space junk from a Chinese rocket that was launched in June. RELATED: An Orbital 'Pac-Man' to Chomp Through Space Junk? As the object tumbled through the upper atmosphere, its slow progress was spotted from California, Nevada and Utah, igniting a flurry of social media reports and eyewitness video. An especially cool video was captured by a visitor to Griffith Park Observatory, who had an astronomer guide present to describe what was going on:

From these handy eyewitness accounts, conclusions as to the origin of the disintegrating object could quickly be made by astronomers. This was no space rock, it was a chunk of space junk:

Other Twitter users pointed out that there was a predicted reentry of a Chinese rocket upper stage -- the Chang Zheng (Long March) 7, or CZ-7, that was launched on June 25 -- so that was the most likely cause of the tumbling object that visibly broke up in two before fading away.

This has now been confirmed by the U.S. Strategic Command's spokesman Lt. Colonel Martin L. O'Donnell who said the highly visible meteor was caused by a Chinese CZ-7 rocket which reentered the atmosphere over North America near California at 9:36 p.m. PDT. O'Donnell told the LA Times that there have been no reports of damage by any debris that may have reached the ground. RELATED: Mystery Space Debris to Make Fiery Return to Earth As videos of the rocket reentry started to go online from California and Nevada, a surprise was in store for Kevin Anthony who was hunting for Pokemon with his son in Utah. "My son and I ... found something unexpected. We were hoping for maybe a Zapdos, but this is cool too," Anthony said in the description of this spectacular reentry video:
By definition, startups have to start somewhere. But in order to really gain traction, small businesses must reach second level to create jobs and contribute to the economy on a bigger scale.

A standard lightbulb uses 10 percent of its energy to create light. The other 90 percent creates heat.Carla Walker-Miller may be intimately familiar with this energy fun fact . As president and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services she might even agree a lightbulb functions much like Michigans economy: small percentage corporate, much larger percentage small business.In fact, more than 98 percent of all employers in the state of Michigan are small businesses, according to data from business coalition New Detroit Small businesses are the engines in our economy, Walker-Miller says. They drive economic development in a way that is not incidental to wealth or to the growth of the economy, but foundational.By scaling beyond the startup stage, second level small businesses create jobs and power Southeast Michigans economy, she says.And she should know.Walker-Miller Energy Services helps people and the environment by reducing energy waste in the residential and commercial buildings where we live and work. In making our structures healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to operate, Walker-Miller Energy stimulates the local economy and advances sustainable energy solutions, now and for the future.The 16-year-old Detroit-based firm has grown exponentially in the last year, doubling its workforce to 80 employees, and boosting annual revenue to about $27 million, up from just $7 million in 2015. Through existing business and a project with DTE Energy, Walker-Miller has catapulted her business to the second level.And that feels wonderful, she says.Going for new business was like a dog chasing a car. Once you catch it, you have to figure out what to do with it. In reality, it was a dog chasing a rocket ship, Walker-Miller says. Im proud we were able to move a lot of jobs into Detroit and earnings into the pocketbooks of Detroit residents.Diverse hiring was top priority for Walker-Miller, as it should be for all successful companies, she says. Leaning out to hire people who dont look like you ultimately will change the workforce for the better.If you believe in fairness and equality, there should be a larger, more diverse pool considered for just about any position there is, she says. Too many dont accept that this needs to change. Any rational discussion on economic development and the good of the country or the city or town or neighborhood would reveal the need to change the dynamics of workplace hiring. Its something I deal with every day.To support second level, we need to recognize the reality of entrepreneurship is not the 25-year-old guy who develops an app, Walker-Miller says. Entities that I mentor know there is a lot of excitement as well as isolation and pain because no matter how passionate you are about your product, if you have no money, you are living a difficult life, she says. While the entrepreneurial ecosystem focus has matured from startup to sustained growth, investors need to begin stepping up.The startup area is replete with training and opportunities, but for second stage, once you reach a certain level and continue to grow, the requirement for more investment to finance the growth becomes larger, she says.Even for businesses that lay a rock-solid foundation and get through the initial startup phase, second-level funding can be elusive, agrees Maureen Krauss, senior adviser of economic development for the Detroit Regional Chamber . (Walker-Miller sits on the chambers board of directors and in 2015 received its Leadership Detroit Moving the Needle Award for transformational leadership.)Funding of that second stage is still a big gap, Krauss says. Second stage needs to be more structured. Funders want more structure, customers want more structure, and growth cycles need more structure to be successful.As a black woman business owner, Walker-Miller is part of a growing group, yet shes one of only a few large enough to have employees. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2016 the number of black female-owned businesses in the country rose nearly 67 percent from 2007 to 2012 and account for around 59 percent of black-owned businesses; only about 12 percent of all women-owned businesses have employees, according to 2012 figures.So what does it take for women to scale job-creating businesses? Access, Walker-Miller says. Unfortunately, in Detroit, access belongs to the few.Use any large project as an example, Walker-Miller says. Someone knew three years ago there would be the [Little Caesars] arena project. Those with access made investments in property, in relationships, and positioned themselves, possibly at some risk, three years ago. Then, years later, programs are created to introduce a diverse set of contractors.Too little, too late, according to Walker-Miller. The way I look at it, those opportunities are at the end of the deal flow, and the largest opportunities were at the beginning when people were discovering what was going to happen, she says. There should be an initial effort to bring a wider, more diverse group of businesses, of people, into the early part of the deal flowfor all deals, not just the arena.For small businesses to really grow, the power holders, typically white men, must lean out and pull diversity closer, Walker-Miller says. Those in power need to make themselves available to people who dont look like them or live like them, she says. All of our lives would be richer if we all did that.Change is slow. For now, Walker-Miller rejuvenates by immersing herself in business events for women and minority entrepreneurs, like the inaugural United State of Women summit in June in Washington, D.C. She recently participated in Southeast Michigan Startup's #HighGrowthHappyHour , offering advice on how businesses can scale.It is coming off the battlefield to spend time with people like me, with the same interests, Walker-Miller says. This is coveted time to lick her wounds and talk about issues relevant to women, not just women in business. Its so positive and so real about the barriers and challenges, and possibilities," she says. "Where you get love and encouragement in a very diverse group. Its quite a blessing.
Press Release

July 28, 2016 Senator Gatchalian Calls on PNP to Suppress Vigilante Killings On Thursday, Senator Win Gatchalian called on the Philippine National Police to undertake drastic efforts to suppress vigilante killings of suspected drug pushers, whose mangled bodies are often dumped in the streets with cardboard signs proclaiming their alleged crimes. "The PNP needs to work double-time in investigating the murder of Filipino citizens by lawless elements who have decided to take the law into their own hands. These vigilantes must think they are noble crusaders like Batman, but in reality they are merely vicious criminals who need to be brought to justice," said Gatchalian, who has previously spoken out against the growing violence surrounding the Duterte administration's war on drugs. Appealing directly to PNP Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, whom the senator described as "an honest and dedicated public servant," Gatchalian urged Dela Rosa to personally ensure that the PNP would mount the proper investigations and anti-vigilante operations to restore order in the streets. Gatchalian expressed confidence that Dela Rosa was up to the challenge, especially since the popular police chief has already revealed publicly that he has reliable information concerning the escalating violence, which he said is the work of rival criminal syndicates killing one another. "Director General Bato has to take control of the situation by making sure that these vigilantes can't just murder people in the streets with impunity. Only the police force and the judiciary should have the power to punish criminals for their crimes. Criminals shouldn't be able to punish each other," Gatchalian explained. Hundreds of drug-related killings have been reported since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office on June 30. While some have occurred during official police operations, many of these murders have been committed by unidentified hitmen, leaving grotesque scenes of bloodshed for the public to see across the entire country. Gatchalian reiterated his position that the PNP, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and other law enforcement and executive agencies should have the first opportunity to conduct investigations into the killings because the work falls squarely into their jurisdiction. However, Gatchalian added: "If lawlessness and violence continue to escalate without any answers or action coming from our law enforcement officials, then I will have to consider supporting a Senate investigation into the matter. We need to do everything we can to restore peace and order in the streets."
Turnout in Wisconsins fall primary election on Aug. 9 is expected to be 16 percent, or more than 711,000 voters, the state elections commission announced Thursday.

Thats down from 19.45 percent in the 2012 fall primary, which featured a competitive Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Since 1948, voter turnout in a fall partisan primary has ranged from about 9 percent in 2008 to 38.9 percent in 1952.

This year Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson faces a potential general election rematch against former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, a Democrat. Johnson is running unopposed in the Republican primary, while Feingold faces Kenosha Democrat Scott Harbach in the primary. The Kenosha News described Harbachs campaign as a long-shot bid.

Several congressional seats feature primary contests, including a three-way Republican primary for an open seat in northeastern Wisconsin being vacated by U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble. The winner faces Democrat Tom Nelson. Also House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, faces a feisty primary challenge from businessman Paul Nehlen.

A handful of state legislative races will be decided on the Aug. 9 ballot because only one party fielded candidates. That includes a three-way Democratic race for an Assembly seat in Monona.

There is also a Democratic primary race for Dane County District Attorney, with incumbent Ismael Ozanne facing a challenge from former Kenosha County District Attorney Bob Jambois, who for the past year has worked as an assistant district attorney in Dane County.

Wisconsins open primary system does not mean voters have to declare a party affiliation. However, they can only vote for candidates from one party. The states voter ID law will be in effect for the primary.
Fitchburg officials are exploring whether to expand boundaries of a special tax district so the city can provide Sub-Zero Group another $1 million for a larger-than-expected expansion of the companys manufacturing plant.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to have the citys financial consultant, Ehlers Inc., review Sub-Zeros amended plans and project costs for tax incremental financing (TIF) eligibility.

Last summer, the maker of high-end kitchen appliances chose to more than double the size of its Fitchburg plant to build its new Cove dishwashers and to expand production of Wolf ranges.

Facing competition for the plant from Richmond, Kentucky, the city created a TIF district around the factory in June 2015 to allow new tax revenue from Sub-Zeros expansion to help pay for infrastructure improvement costs such as utility extensions. As part of a development agreement, the city committed to reimburse the company $2.25 million of the $62 million project.

A little more than a year later, Sub-Zero is nearing completion of the manufacturing addition, which will increase the factorys size from 355,000 square feet to 755,000 square feet. Production in the new space will begin sometime later this year.

But now, Sub-Zero wants the city to expand the districts boundaries to include a 6,000-square-foot training center, and staff has recommended the city contribute an additional $1 million in TIF to compensate for significantly higher than anticipated project costs.

The new training center, which was not part of the original project plan, is currently being built on a 5-acre plot just west of the factory.

Sub-Zero declined to comment on changes to the manufacturing project, but Fitchburg city administrator Patrick Marsh said the companys additional expenses stem from the companys decision to put its entire dishwasher production business in Fitchburg. The company had initially planned to manufacture in some capacity elsewhere, he said.

Marsh said no formal TIF request has been submitted to the city, but that the company is working on a draft to present to staff.

Changes to Sub-Zeros plans are expected to increase the number of new jobs from 300 to 350, and increase the assessed value of the completed project from $11.1 million to $18.8 million. Marsh expects the training center to be assessed at $3 million to $4 million.

Like the original $2.25 million, the additional $1 million would be paid through a developer-financed TIF, meaning Sub-Zero would front the money for the project and Fitchburg would pay back its commitment using increased tax revenue from the development.

Staff initially projected a 12-year payback period, but even with the TIF grant increased to $3.25 million, Marsh said, the payback period would likely be shortened because of the higher-than-anticipated tax revenue from the project. Once the TIF is paid back, the full assessed value of the project would return to the tax rolls.

Changes to the TIF district are not completely under Fitchburgs control. Should the city approve an amendment, a TIF joint review board consisting of the city, county, school district and technical college district also must approve the changes.

Marsh expects the amendment would reach the joint review board sometime in September.
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Khizr Khan zoomed down the freeway headed to his northern Virginia home, praying the military chaplains who had called him at work were mistaken.

Mr. Khan, the chaplains had said on the phone that day in the summer of 2004. We want to tell you that your son, Capt. Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq.

They must be wrong, he thought. Humayun S.M. Khan, 27, was a careful and deliberate young man. Khan couldnt comprehend it  his son would not leave his family or his fellow soldiers like this. He drove in stunned silence to his home, where the chaplains sat waiting with his wife.

More than a decade later, Khan hasnt gotten over the loss. But Thursday evening he will have the opportunity to share the story of his son  a Muslim American who died serving his country  during a prime-time speech at the Democratic National Convention. He will also stand as a symbol of the stark difference between the two major-party candidates running for president.

In inviting Khan, the Democrats appear to be showing a vivid example  the father of a Muslim American war hero  against Donald Trumps characterization of Muslims, which indicates to many that theyd be treated as second-class citizens under a Trump presidency.

This is our country too, Khan, 65, said in an interview. This is not only Donald Trumps country. He is an ignorant, divisive manipulator, and through my message I wish to convey to him and to all Muslim Americans: This is our country too.

Contrast with Trump

Khans speech comes months after Trump said he wanted a complete ban on Muslims entering the United States. In recent days, Trump has said hed widen the ban and has shifted the focus to geography, saying hed target visitors from certain parts of the world.

People dont want me to say Muslim. I prefer not saying it, frankly, myself. So were talking about territories, Trump said in an interview on Fox News Channel Monday.

Khan, who now lives in Charlottesville, Va., and works as a legal consultant, was born in Pakistan. In 1980, the Khan family moved from the United Arab Emirates to Boston, where Khizr Khan attended a masters program in law at Harvard University.

The family then moved to Maryland, where Humayun Khan went to high school before attending the University of Virginia and enrolling in the ROTC program. Humayun, described as an affable and driven young man, graduated with a degree in psychology and later joined the Army and was deployed to Iraq.

He quickly climbed the ranks to captain. He served as a counselor to soldiers and planned to attend law school following his military service and become an advocate for veterans.

On Mothers Day in 2004, Humayun called home. His mom, Ghazala Kahn, doing what mothers do, told him to be safe and to avoid trying to be a hero in a war zone.

He said, Mother, I promise I will be safe. I promise no harm will come my way, but I have a responsibility to my soldiers and I cannot leave them unattended, Khizr Khan recalled.

Weeks later, on June 8 at around 8 a.m., Humayun Khan and other soldiers were inspecting the front gates of their camp in Baquba, Iraq, when he noticed a speeding car blazing toward them. As soon as he saw the vehicle, Humayun ordered the soldiers to hit the ground. Local Iraqis waiting outside the gate also dropped.

As the car sped toward him, he took 10 steps toward it and kept his right hand in front of him signaling for the car to stop, his father said. The car, loaded with more than 200 pounds of explosives, blew up.

Capt. Khan was killed, but his unit was saved by his courageous act, Hillary Clinton explained in a December campaign speech nearly two weeks after Trump announced his Muslim ban. Capt. Khan was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

We are Americans

Its time to stand up and say: We are Americans, she continued. We will not turn on each other or turn on our principles. Thats what we do here. Thats who we are. Thats how we will win.

The pain of his sons death is still with Khizr Khan. Officials have told him that his sons actions helped save the lives of hundreds of American soldiers.

I still have not been able to put my arms around the sadness and the loss after all these years. Those words still ring in my ears. I wish I would not have heard them, he said.

More than 12 years later, Khan is preparing to speak in a high-profile time slot Thursday night  just before Chelsea Clinton introduces her mother as the Democratic nominee.

Khan is admittedly nervous and has been practicing the speech repeatedly, but knowing that his sons spirit will be with him on the stage gives him confidence. He will not be using the teleprompter but will instead speak from the heart.

I am honored and humbled, he said. Nowhere but in the United States is it possible that an immigrant who came to the country empty-handed only a few years ago gets to stand in front of patriots and in front of a major political party. ... It is my small share to show the world, by standing there, the goodness of America.

As for what hell speak about on stage, Khan will have a simple message to the American people: Together we can solve the problems, and the solution is in joining hands, not building walls. Together we are stronger. The leader for us to move forward is Hillary Clinton.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
The African American communitys contribution to fashion  from the appropriation of zoot suiting and hip-hop styling to traditional African textiles and draping techniques  is frequently overlooked. In the first installment of a two-part series, photographer Henny Garfunkel showcases black style in the Bay Area in all its beauty and diversity. Her first shoot, shown here, took Style to the opening night of The Black Woman Is God at SOMArts (through Aug. 17). Curated by Karen Seneferu and Melorra Green, the exhibition presents work that, in their words, celebrates the black female presence as the highest spiritual form and challenges viewers to do the same. In the days before the July 7 opening night, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were shot by police officers, which sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the country. Although the exhibition was a celebration, a memorable procession of women dressed in white and carrying pictures of black men and women killed by police began the evening, reminding participants of the work that still needs to be done.

 Tony Bravo, tbravo@sfchronicle.com
It's not commonly known, but if you lived in Monterey, California during the 40s, you might have encountered Salvador Dali and his famous curled mustache about town.

This summer, the artist's wild spirit returns to the city with the revamping of the Museum of Monterey into the renamed Dali17 Museum. Thanks to the donation of more than 580 of the painter's etchings, lithographs and sculptures by Pebble Beach real estate mogul (and UC Berkeley grad) Dmitry Piterman, Monterey will be the permanent resident of the incredible collection.
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A bulldozer operator who died helping battle a wildfire raging in the Big Sur area was identified as a 35-year-old Fresno County father of two children, officials said Thursday afternoon.

Robert Reagan III, a privately contracted heavy-equipment operator from the Sierra foothills town of Friant, died after rolling his earthmover in a remote area while helping fight the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County, officials said.

Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with Roberts family, friends and firefighting community as they navigate through this difficult time, Cal Fire, the states firefighting agency, said in a statement.

Reagan is survived by his wife and two young daughters. Relatives have established a Gofundme page online to raise money to help his family. Nearly $30,000 in donations had been made to the family by Thursday afternoon.

Reagans sister, Hannah Cunnings, said her brother was the type of person who was always looking for ways to help people.

One of the strongest men Ive ever known died doing what he does, Cunnings said in a Facebook post Thursday. My brother Robert helps others. A giver a fighter, a protector, a provider  Robert Reagan.

Earlier Thursday, officials said the blaze grew overnight to 27,326 acres and was 10 percent contained.

The Soberanes Fire, which started Friday in Monterey Countys Garrapata State Park, also has destroyed at least 34 homes and is threatening an additional 2,000, according to Cal Fire. The blaze prompted the evacuation of hundreds of people.

Lynne Tolmachoff, a spokeswoman for Cal Fire, said warm weather in the area Thursday made battling the sprawling blaze challenging to the firefighters. Low humidity and warm temperatures in recent days have helped fuel the fire burning in steep canyons and ridges.

The governors office has issued a state of emergency in Monterey County, freeing up resources elsewhere in the state to help combat the fire.

The Palo Colorado community has been evacuated while those living on Robinson Canyon Road from San Clemente Trail to White Rock Gun Club have also been forced out. The communities around Old Coast Road, Bixby Creek Road, Corona Road and Riley Ranch Road were forced to flee as well.

An evacuation center has been set up at Carmel Middle School while more than 3,000 firefighters combat the blaze.

Popular campgrounds in the region, including Pfeiffer Big Sur and Andrew Molera state parks, were also shut down indefinitely because of the fire.

Meanwhile, the Sand Fire in Southern California has burned 38,346 acres and was 65 percent contained Thursday.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
Youree Dell Harris, whose Jamaican-accented character Miss Cleo was the face (and voice) of ubiquitous psychic hotline commercials in the late 1990s before the company was fined by the federal government, died on Tuesday in Palm Beach, Fla. She was 53.

The cause was cancer, William J. Cone Jr., a lawyer for Ms. Harris, said in a statement.

Ms. Harris first entered the pop culture zeitgeist in the late 90s, arriving with a humble set of tools built for late-night TV audiences: a deck of tarot cards, a skeptical facial expression and an oft-uttered catchphrase  Call me now!

As a vividly colored background swirled or candles burned, Miss Cleo sat and provided counsel to often-sheepish callers. Many of the commercials followed a cheating-lover theme:

Who asked you to go out of town, the stupid young one or the married one? she asked a caller in one commercial.

The married one, the caller answered.

Thats what me thought, Miss Cleo said with a knowing nod.

Psychic star

The commercials made her a star of the Psychic Readers Network. The Miss Cleo character also inspired spoofs on late-night TV and gave Ms. Harris other business opportunities, including a book, Keepin It Real: A Practical Guide for Spiritual Living. She voiced a character in a 2002 video game, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

But her fame also led to questions about her past. In 2002, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer published an investigation that revealed she had a list of aliases and a longer list of former colleagues on the local theater scene who said they had been cheated out of money and questioned her Jamaican background.

She had no Jamaican accent  she was born and raised in L.A., a former castmate told the paper. (A copy of a birth certificate posted by BuzzFeed in 2013 showed that Ms. Harris was indeed born in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 1962.) Information on her survivors was not immediately available.

Targeted by suit

In 2002, the Psychic Readers Network and Access Resource Services were the subject of a federal lawsuit that ordered the companies to forgive $500 million in customer fees. The networks agreed to stop selling their services over the phone, and, according to the Federal Trade Commission, the companies agreed to pay a $5 million fine.

Though the commercials eventually faded, Miss Cleo remained an object of cultural curiosity. In 2006, she came out as a lesbian in an interview with the Advocate, but also took the opportunity to address her lasting popularity.

People give me mad love, sweetheart, she said. Theyll say: Do you see anything? Where do we find you? When are you coming back? We miss you. I get a lot of love.

Tony Shaff, who worked as a psychic reader on Miss Cleos hotline for about six weeks in 2001 and interviewed her for Hotline, his 2014 documentary about telephone relationships between strangers, said that although she was not charged with a crime, she was hurt that her reputation had been harmed by the lawsuit.

In an interview for Hotline, Miss Cleos Jamaican accent remained as she broke into tears. Those people are not the bad guys, even if they werent great psychics, she said of herself and other hotline workers, who she said made between 12 and 24 cents a minute.
A Google search for presidential candidates early Wednesday had a couple of big (or relatively big) names missing from the top bar: Republican Donald Trump and Libertarian Gary Johnson, above. The Verge reported that Google quickly fixed the error, but some critics called it evidence of left-wing bias. Google told the Verge that a glitch omitted those parties because they had already chosen their nominees.

Top tweet

In 1995 Walmart pulled Someday a woman will be president T-shirt from shelves, saying it offended family values.

Rutgers University Professor Nick Kapur, who in other tweets included a link to the Associated Press article about Walmarts decision, along with the offending T-shirt, which featured a drawing of Margaret from the Dennis the Menace comic.

Rewards from the

Ice Bucket Challenge

When the Ice Bucket Challenge came along two summers ago, social media embraced it, raising over $115 million for the ALS Association, which fights the often-fatal illness also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. Two-thirds of the money ended up going to research, and this week the association announced a significant development: the discovery of NEK1, which scientists say is associated with 3 percent of ALS cases. The discovery, published in Nature Genetics, is the result of a global gene-sequencing effort involving 11 countries and 80 researchers, called Project MinE. The challenge money allowed the association to invest $1 million in Project MinE, and initiated the U.S. arm of this international effort, association spokeswoman Carrie Munk said.

The Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techbriefing
The Tor Project, a nonprofit digital privacy group, said Wednesday that an internal investigation had confirmed allegations of sexual misconduct against a former employee who was the public face of the organization.

The group, which has risen to prominence at a time of controversy over government surveillance, had been grappling for months with allegations against Jacob Appelbaum, a top figure in the Internet privacy debate. Appelbaum resigned from the Tor Project in May.

The allegations have divided Internet privacy advocates and have raised questions about management of the project, which promotes the use of software that helps Internet users mask their online identities and whereabouts.

One result was the replacement of the groups entire board this month.

On Wednesday, the group said that a seven-week investigation into the allegations involving Appelbaum determined they were accurate. Appelbaum, who is the only U.S. member of the antisecrecy group WikiLeaks, has denied the allegations and has said they are entirely false.

Shari Steele, executive director of the Tor Project, said in a statement that the investigation found that many people inside and outside the Tor Project have reported incidents of being humiliated, intimidated, bullied and frightened by Jacob, and several experienced unwanted sexually aggressive behavior from him.

The investigation was conducted by a private investigator hired by the nonprofit group. Steele added that new allegations were made over the course of its investigation, and that two members of the larger Tor community had also been involved in the incidents. The two individuals were not named, and Steele said they were no longer part of the Tor community.

Appelbaum was preparing to address the results of the investigation after the release of Tors statement, said a person who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Appelbaum has been celebrated as an Internet privacy hero for his contributions to WikiLeaks and Tor and for his work in releasing several classified NSA documents with Der Spiegel, a German newsmagazine. Appelbaum, who lives in Berlin, was also seen as a close ally of Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor, and Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks.

Appelbaum has accused the U.S. government of spying on him and his companions and of breaking into his Berlin apartment in 2013.

The misconduct allegations against Appelbaum first surfaced in a number of online postings, the majority of them made anonymously.

In June, two women, Isis Agora Lovecruft and Alison Macrina, stepped forward to say they had written two of the posts. Nick Farr, who is active with privacy groups, also described allegations of censorship and abuse by Appelbaum in an online post to Medium.

That same month, a dozen women, including human rights activists, journalists and lawyers, posted a statement in support of Appelbaum online.

Appelbaum did not participate in the Tor investigation, citing concerns with the way the findings would be communicated and the security of the investigation, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity. Appelbaum had asked that Tors investigators speak with him in person or through encrypted means and declined to take part when those requests were not met, this person said.

Steele said the group did everything in our power to treat Appelbaum fairly, and we determined that the allegations against him appear to be true.

The Tor Project brought in Steele in December partly to help reorganize the group. Apart from dealing with the allegations over Appelbaum and replacing the board, Steele has hired new directors of human resources and administration and moved the groups base of operations to Seattle from Cambridge, Mass.

In an interview late Tuesday, Steele said the Tor Project is taking steps to change its culture and behavioral policies. Those policies were set to be released Wednesday.

We want to make it clear to everybody that we wont tolerate this behavior anymore, Steele said. Now, hopefully, it will be a safe place and people will be able to contribute in ways that they were not before.
PHILADELPHIA  Eight years ago, President Barack Obama energized a young, multicultural coalition that helped elect him to two terms in the White House.

Now that Obama has passed the baton to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton this week at the Democratic National Convention, its up to Clinton to court those same voters if she wants to replicate Obamas victories.

Clinton accepted her partys nomination in a speech to Democratic delegates here Thursday night. Then, both major parties conventions will be done, shifting the focus to Clintons general election battle with Republican nominee Donald Trump.

The 2016 electorate is expected to be the most diverse in U.S. history, creating an opening for Clinton to again tap the so-called Obama coalition of young and minority voters.

But its far from clear if Clinton can match Obamas appeal to those groups.

Clinton faces at least three challenges: getting Obama coalition voters to support her by the overwhelming margins that they did Obama, making sure they come to the polls, and capturing supporters of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, many of whom are millennials.

Wisconsin Democratic delegates who spoke to the Wisconsin State Journal at the convention this week offered several prescriptions for Clinton: Use surrogates with diverse backgrounds, show more compassion and humanity, and acknowledge Sanders influence in shaping her agenda.

Some said Clinton and her allies must stress that such voters have little choice but to back her when Trump is the alternative.

Marcelia Nicholson, a fourth-grade teacher from Milwaukee, acknowledged Clinton must overcome a perception that shes inauthentic. Nicholson was a delegate to the national convention who supported Sanders.

There are lot of young people and people of color who are upset that Bernie was not the nominee, Nicholson said. If (Clinton) can just get through that, and understand that if she opened her arms, remains compassionate ... Im sure in time that she could unite us all and build that trust with us.

Hillary needs us

Speaking to the convention Wednesday night, Obama urged Americans to reject what he characterized as Trumps authoritarian rhetoric, fear, divisiveness and misplaced nostalgia. Obama called on voters to support Clinton because of what he described as her experience and tenacity.

It was the sort of message that helped Obama assemble his coalition eight years ago. In addition to minorities and millennials, that coalition also included secular voters and highly educated whites.

Wooing the same pack of voters who backed Obama is not Clintons only path to victory. She could assemble her own coalition. But the surest and most direct path would be to draw on one thats already constructed.

One of the challenges for Clinton or any candidate in reanimating Obamas coalition is that two of its key groups, Latinos and young voters, have an uneven history in showing up to vote.

Jaime Alvarado, a national convention delegate from Milwaukee supporting Sanders, said he is working to change that.

Alvarado, a community organizer with the liberal group Citizen Action of Wisconsin, said Clinton may have missed a chance to help her cause by selecting a running mate who is a person of color.

Clinton picked U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. Others who reportedly were considered included Latinos such as U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro.

State Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa, D-Milwaukee, represents Wisconsins largest concentration of Latino voters. Zamarripa, a national convention delegate supporting Clinton, said the campaign should use surrogates with diverse backgrounds to reach voters of color.

In her own work as a Clinton surrogate, Zamarripa said she expects to emphasize the candidates colossal divide on immigration policy. Clinton supports a path to citizenship for immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, while Trump has vowed to build a wall with Mexico and create a massive deportation force to drive immigrants out.

These minority constituencies are very organically going to gravitate toward Hillary Clinton if theyre not already there, Zamarripa said. There is no other major presidential candidate for this coalition.

Hillary needs us, and I believe that we absolutely need her too.

The Trump alternative

Democratic pollster Paul Maslin said the fact that Clinton is facing Trump could be her biggest asset in wooing Obamas coalition.

What she may lack in her ability to excite those people, the fear of Trumps policies and Trumps strongman tactics may produce, Maslin said.

Sanders, I-Vt., built his surprisingly potent presidential bid on what many voters, including millennials, saw as his authenticity and emphasis on pocketbook issues. His support for raising the minimum wage and making college free appealed to young voters disproportionately affected by those issues.

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, a Clinton supporter, said Sanders supporters need to get their fellow travelers on board with Clinton.

For Moore, that admonition is personal as well as political. Her son, Supreme Moore Omokunde of Milwaukee, was a national convention delegate supporting Sanders.

My constant refrain to him is: You have a tremendous responsibility as a strident Bernie supporter to make sure that millennials and others who were Bernie supporters come into the fold and really do the work thats necessary to win this election in November, Moore told reporters.

Clinton recently has moved on some issues in an apparent effort to court those in Sanders camp. Shortly before the convention, she issued a proposal to eliminate tuition at in-state public colleges and universities for families making $125,000 or less per year.

Nicholson, as a young African-American woman, said the issues of police use of force and racial disparities are crucial. She felt Sanders addressed them more directly than Clinton.

I think it was something that Hillary Clinton was very political about, Nicholson said. If she admits that it was (Sanders) leadership in that area that opened her eyes and helped her to realize that theres a set of people that have been ignored for a very, very long time  then I think we can start to build that trust.
Strand Releasing

The Kind Words, an Israeli film about three siblings who try to uncover a mothers secrets, flirts with several genres (drama, comedy, mystery) and several themes (family dysfunction, Jewish identity, marital commitment). Its mostly engaging, even if the proceedings get a tad burdened with awkward tonal shifts and subplots.

After a sexy yet sad flashback from Algeria during the 1960s, we move forward more than 50 years to Jerusalem, where the caustic but caring Dorona (Rotem Zissman-Cohen, very good) is about to receive a bombshell from each of her parents: Her mother is seriously ill with a tumor, and her father reveals that hes not of the biological variety.
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Little Leo is seriously ill  he is in the hospital with an unnamed illness (he has lost his hair), and his life hangs in the balance. Suddenly, his soul has the power to leave his body, and on his nighttime prowls, he finds that the fate of New York is similarly in peril.

Leos soul joins forces with a cop and a reporter to battle a supervillain in Phantom Boy, the delightful, though slight, animated film from Jean-Loup Felicioli and Alain Gagnol, the directors of the Academy Award-nominated A Cat in Paris.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  A drug used to sedate elephants and other large animals, 100 times as potent as the fentanyl already escalating the countrys heroin troubles, is suspected in spates of overdoses in several states, where authorities say theyve found it mixed with or passed off as heroin.

The appearance of carfentanil, one of the most potent opioids known to investigators, adds another twist to the fight against opioid painkillers in a country already awash in heroin and fentanyl cases.
Donald Trump all but called for Russia to jump into the 2016 presidential race Wednesday, suggesting its hackers should find and release tens of thousands of missing emails Democrat Hillary Clinton kept on her private computer system.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump said during a news conference in Florida. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.

The emails Trump referred to were among some 60,000 Clinton kept on her own server when she was secretary of state. She deleted what she said were personal emails before releasing the rest as part of an FBI investigation into her use of the private server rather than the State Departments more secure system.

Trump shrugged off suggestions that inviting a longtime adversary to dig into a former U.S. officials computer records is not necessarily a good thing.

They probably have her 33,000 emails. I hope they do, Trump said. They probably have her 33,000 emails that she lost and deleted, because youd see some beauties there. So lets see.

Trumps startling suggestion came days after the release of 20,000 emails taken from the Democratic National Committees computer system by hackers apparently working for Russian intelligence agencies.

WikiLeaks disclosure

The emails, dropped by WikiLeaks just before the start of the Democratic convention, provided embarrassing evidence that DNC staffers had backed Clintons campaign over that of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. The disclosure angered both Sanders and his backers and forced Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the DNCs chairwoman, to announce her resignation.

But Trumps statement that it gives me no pause if Russia or any other country has hacked into U.S. computer systems changes the focus of the DNC email release.

This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent, said Jake Sullivan, a senior policy adviser to Clinton. Thats not hyperbole, those are just the facts. This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue.

There have been plenty of suggestions that the email dump was designed to help Trumps campaign by tarnishing Clinton.

What we do know is the Russians hack our systems, not just government systems, but private systems, President Obama said in an NBC News interview Tuesday. But what the motives were in terms of the leaks and all that, I cant say directly, but what I do know is that Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for (Russian President) Vladimir Putin.

Trump said Wednesday the suggestion that the Russians are backing his presidential run is one of the most far-fetched Ive ever heard, but the incident shows how weak we are, it shows how disrespected we are.

He also declined to attack Putin for any involvement the Russian leader might have had with the DNC hacking.

Im not going to tell Putin what to do. Why should I tell Putin what to do? he asked. Putin already did something today where he said dont blame (the Russians), essentially, for your incompetence.

Some GOP leaders were less forgiving.

Russia is a global menace, led by a devious thug, Brendan Buck, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. Putin should stay out of this election.

Even Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, had some tough talk for the Russians.

The FBI will get to the bottom of who is behind the hacking, he said in a statement Wednesday. If it is Russia and they are interfering with our election, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure that there are serious consequences.

But Harmeet Dhillon, vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party, said Trump was making a point about what the FBI has said was Clintons careless handling of classified documents when she was secretary of state.

It was a somewhat inflammatory way of drawing attention to a very important national security issue, she said.

Tone causes concern

But for many people, Republicans and Democrats alike, the concern is less about what Trump said than how he said it  making an important statement that could have international repercussions as an apparent off-the-cuff remark.

Diplomatic niceties and nuance are lost on Trump, said David McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University. He hasnt been serious ... and hasnt been held to account for his world view.

But Trump being Trump, as shown in Wednesdays long, rambling news conference, has been a winning political recipe, McCuan said, giving voice to a growing number of disaffected Americans and completely overshadowing the more tightly reasoned arguments of his opponents in both major parties.

Trump, when he shoots from the hip, can take over the narrative, he said. While the Democrats are holding their convention, Trump is who people are talking about.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
A federal appeals court in San Francisco revived a challenge to extradition Thursday by a Mexican man who said the evidence against him was obtained by torture, in a ruling written by a judge best known for approving torture of suspected terrorists during the George W. Bush administration.

Evidence produced by torture is inadmissible in legal proceedings, even in the streamlined hearings held to determine whether to extradite someone to a foreign country to face criminal charges, the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco said in a 9-2 ruling. The court told a federal magistrate in Los Angeles to reconsider the case of Jose Luis Munoz Santos and decide whether his allegations of torture are credible and, if so, whether any other evidence supports his deportation to Mexico.

A coerced statement is not competent evidence, Judge Jay Bybee said in the majority opinion, which reversed rulings by a federal judge and a three-judge appellate panel upholding Munozs extradition.

Bybee, whom Bush named to the court in 2003, was the Justice Department official who approved an August 2002 memo concluding that waterboarding was not torture and that the president had the constitutional power to authorize torture during wartime.

The author of the memo, Justice Department attorney John Yoo, is now a UC Berkeley law professor. Bushs Justice Department later repudiated the memo, and President Obama expressly barred waterboarding and other torture methods after taking office in 2009.

Munoz was living in Southern California when he was arrested in 2006 and held for extradition to Mexico, which accused him of ordering the ransom kidnapping of a woman and her two young daughters from their home in the state of Nayarit in August 2005. He was released on bail for several years but has been back in custody since June 2011.

Two alleged accomplices, one of them Munozs partner in a clothing business, told Mexican judges that they were following Munozs orders in seizing the victims. One of the girls died during the ordeal.

However, both men submitted statements several months later recanting their admissions and saying they had been coerced. They said their captors had beaten them and threatened to harm their families unless they signed statements that police handed them, and one man said he had a bag tied over his head and water poured into his nose and mouth, treatment similar to waterboarding.

When Munoz challenged his extradition, however, a U.S. magistrate refused to consider the torture allegations. He cited court rulings that prohibited immigrants facing extradition from presenting evidence that contradicted the governments factual assertions, because such disputes can be resolved only at a trial, in the foreign country, that tests the credibility of the competing claims.

Extradition proceedings, the courts have said, are less formal and test only whether the government has offered adequate evidence.

But the appeals court said Thursday that evidence of torture does not merely contradict the governments account of a confession but potentially obliterates it as grounds for extradition. U.S. courts must review such claims and decide whether the proposed extradition is based on coerced confessions, Bybee said.

In dissent, Judge Consuelo Callahan said the ruling would convert an extradition proceeding into a mini-trial and give U.S. courts powers that the law reserves to immigration officials and foreign governments. She was joined by Judge Sandra Ikuta.

If the court had ruled the other way, said Munozs lawyer, Deputy Federal Public Defender Matthew Larsen, it would have tacitly encouraged other countries to keep on torturing and keep on seeking extradition.

The U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles declined to comment.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
After hearing pleas from city officials and residents, the U.S. Postal Service will keep its post office Downtown when it permanently moves from the landmark Madison Municipal Building, which is closing for a $30 million renovation this fall.

The Postal Service this week signed a five-year lease to relocate to 3,800 square feet on the first floor of the Manchester Building, 2 E. Mifflin St., on Oct. 1, city officials and the building manager confirmed on Wednesday.

Its a done deal, city real estate agent Kris Koval said, adding that all current postal services and post office boxes will be relocated to the new site on Capitol Square. Were keeping them in the Capitol area.

Mayor Paul Soglin said the agreement is good news for residents, international students and faculty at UW-Madison and hundreds of Downtown businesses that use the central post office every day to send or pick up documents, packages and make other transactions.

This has worked out nicely, he said.

Don Brumm, a manager for the Manchester Building, said the post office will have a separate entrance on Mifflin Street and patrons will have access to parking behind the structure. It seemed like a good fit for them, he said. Its probably the most accessible part of the Square. Were glad to do it.

Initially, the Postal Service targeted its relocation to the QTI Group building on the 700 block of East Washington Avenue, but city officials protested and presented two Downtown alternatives  the Manchester Building and the former AT&T building, 315 W. Washington Ave.

Downtown Ald. Mike Verveer, 4th District, had said of the potential move: I certainly dont consider the 700 block of East Washington Avenue to be Downtown. It would be a tremendous inconvenience. And symbolically, the Downtown of a state Capitol deserves a post office.

Verveer was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

We are thrilled that the post office will remain in the Downtown business district, Jeff Vercauteren, president of Capitol Neighborhoods Inc., said on Wednesday.

The Municipal Building, built in the late 1920s, was initially a federal courthouse and post office and acquired by the city in 1979.

It is home to multiple city services. In 2005, the U.S. Congress designated the post office there as the Robert M. La Follette Sr. Post Office.

The $30 million, two-year renovation, which will also require relocation of city offices to other Downtown sites, is scheduled to begin in the late fall.

The city will move all city agencies during the renovation to rented space at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum building, 30 W. Mifflin St., and the former AnchorBank annex building at 126. S. Hamilton St.

The Madison Credit Union will leave during renovations but return when the Municipal Building reopens.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  A judge on Wednesday dismissed a manslaughter charge against a Florida deputy who claimed self-defense in the 2014 fatal shooting of a 33-year-old black man carrying what turned out to be an air rifle.

Circuit Judge Michael Usan ruled in favor of suspended Deputy Peter Peraza of the Broward Sheriffs Office under Floridas Stand Your Ground self-defense law that eliminates a requirement to retreat  for civilians and law enforcement officers  when facing a dire threat.

The now-dismissed manslaughter charge carries a potential 30-year prison sentence. Prosecutors immediately said the decision will be appealed.

Peraza, 37, a white Hispanic, testified during a hearing that Jermaine McBean initially refused commands from him and other deputies to drop the authentic-looking weapon and then turned and pointed it toward the deputies in July 2014. Peraza fired three shots, killing him.

Ive never been so scared in my life, Peraza testified.

In his 36-page order, the judge called the shooting a tragedy and noted the ongoing national debate involving the shootings by police officers of black people and the hostility and threats sometimes directed at police.

But Usan said that debate has no place in this courtroom concerning this case and said Perazas use of deadly force was justified under Florida law.

This case involves the tragic death of one man and the liberty of another. To allow the conflicting agenda of supporters of either side to invade this legal process would be a far greater injustice, he said.

Peraza attorney Eric Schwartzreich praised the decision and said the deputy should never have been charged.
BALTIMORE  Prosecutors on Wednesday dropped all remaining charges against the three Baltimore police officers who were still awaiting trial in Freddie Grays death, blaming police for a biased investigation that failed to produce a single conviction.

The decision means that no one will be held criminally responsible for the death of Gray, a 25-year-old black man whose neck was broken while he was unrestrained in the back of a police van in April 2015.

A judge had already acquitted three other officers, including the van driver who prosecutors considered the most responsible and another officer who was the highest-ranking of the group. A mistrial was declared for a fourth officer when a jury deadlocked.

Grays death added fuel to the growing Black Lives Matter movement, set off massive protests in the city and led to the worst riots that Baltimore had seen in decades.

The case also led the Police Department to overhaul its use-of-force policy. All officers will soon be equipped with body-worn cameras, and the U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into allegations of widespread abuse and unlawful arrests by police. The results are expected soon. The officers also face an internal investigation.

Shortly after the announcement that charges would be dropped, a defiant States Attorney Marilyn Mosby held a news conference, saying there was a reluctance and an obvious bias among some officers investigating Grays death.

We do not believe Freddie Gray killed himself, she said, standing in the neighborhood where Gray was arrested, a mural of him on a wall over her shoulder. We stand by the medical examiners determination that Freddie Grays death was a homicide.

Grays mother, Gloria Darden, stood by Mosby, saying police lied. I know they lied, and they killed him, she said.

Attorneys for the officers said justice had been served and praised the police departments thorough investigation. The officers have sued Mosby, saying she intentionally filed false charges against them.

The comments made today about our officers by Ms. Mosby were outrageous and uncalled for and simply not true, said Gene Ryan, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3.

Ivan Bates, an attorney for Sgt. Alicia White, said everyone wanted to know what happened to Gray.

The Baltimore city police, they did the investigation and they said it was an accident, he said. The Baltimore states attorney had the opportunity to do an investigation and they did not. It is the Baltimore city states attorneys office that denied justice to the Gray family and to these officers.

Grays family received a $6.4 million settlement from the city.
Ask any 5-year old and they can instruct you in the correct and safe way to cross a street. But most 5-year olds don't yet possess the magnetic pull of smartphone ownership. Once that tiny screen takes over, the practice of looking both ways before one crosses the street goes out the window.

The Austrian Road Safety Board is currently offering formal workshop instruction (for adults) in how to properly cross a street without distraction. Snapchat and Pokemon Go aren't entirely to blame for this phenomenon. While certainly inspired by the need of many to maintain permanent eye contact with their phones, the workshops also instruct pedestrians how to cross a street while prioritizing safety over food or cigarettes.
Motorists will share streets with canoes and kayaks in Downtown Madison Saturday morning, during the running of the 37th annual Paddle & Portage event.

Participants will paddle their craft on Lake Mendota, then portage across the isthmus to Lake Monona, paddling to an Olbrich Park finish line.

The Madison Traffic Engineering Division said streets won't be shut down, but police will direct traffic at streets intersecting the Paddle & Portage route when the participants are on land, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday.

Streets affected are North Hamilton Street, Pinckney Street, King Street, East Wilson Street and South Blair Street, with the portage starting at James Madison Park and ending at Law Park.

Drivers should expect delays when traveling Downtown during the time participants are portaging between the lakes.

Historical note: Portage, a city north of Madison, got its name from French fur traders who considered the lowland between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers "le portage," a place where it was possible to carry canoes between the rivers.
John Sebastian Russo/The Chronicle

Social media lit up with photos and video late Wednesday as Americans from Sacramento to Las Vegas reported seeing a pair of burning objects slowly trailing across the night sky.

Conspiracy theories about the objects, which were first spotted around 9:40 Pacific Time, ranged from a damaged plane to your standard UFO invasion.
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Their political fates now entwined, President Obama is imploring voters to elect Hillary Clinton to the White House, appealing to the women, minorities and young people who powered his rise and are now crucial to hers.

In addition to party loyalty, a big motivation for Obamas robust support is deep concern that Republican Donald Trump can win in November and unravel the presidents eight years in office.

In excerpts released Wednesday ahead of his speech to the Democratic convention, Obama acknowledged the economic and security anxieties that have helped fuel Trumps rise, but he argued that they dont define the country.

The America I know is full of courage and optimism and ingenuity, Obama said.

For several hours on Wednesday, Trump stole the show.

He touched off a firestorm by encouraging Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign  even as he dismissed suggestions from Obama and other Democrats that Moscow was already acting on Trumps behalf.

Clashing GOP messages

On the heels of reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said, Russia, if youre listening, hed like to see Moscow find the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state. At about the same time, Trumps running mate, Mike Pence, declared there would be serious consequences if Russia interfered in U.S. politics.

To Obama and Clinton, Trumps comments fed their contention that the billionaire businessman is unqualified to be commander in chief. Trump has no national security experience and few ties to the norms that have governed U.S. foreign policy under presidents from both parties, including standing by NATO allies threatened by countries including Russia.

This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent, said Clinton adviser Jake Sullivan.

Wednesday nights Democratic lineup was aimed at emphasizing Clintons own national security credentials, a shift from two nights focused more on reintroducing her to voters as a champion for womens issues, children and families. Among those taking the stage is former Pentagon and CIA chief Leon Panetta, who served alongside Clinton in Obamas Cabinet.

Obama, too, was vouching for Clintons national security qualifications, recalling their work together during trying times.

Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect, he said in speech excerpts. And no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits.

Vice President Joe Biden will deliver his valedictory, and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Clintons running mate, gets his turn in the spotlight, too.

Reassurance to liberals

Facing a backlash from the left, Kaine is expected to affirm his liberal credentials in his first prime-time speech as candidate for vice president. Kaine hasnt been enthusiastically embraced by liberals, who pined for Clinton to select Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a champion of tougher restrictions on Wall Street and other liberal causes.

Addressing his home-state delegation Wednesday morning, Kaine called the campaign a civil rights election, panning Trump for mocking people with disabilities and using demeaning and offensive language about women. The next president is going to be the one celebrating 100 years of women getting the right to vote, Kaine said. Is it too much to ask that it be a woman rather than somebody who offends women every time he opens his mouth?

Much of Kaines critics unhappiness has centered on his vote in 2015 to support whats called fast track authority, allowing the president to put forward the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Pacific Rim trade pact has been promoted by Obama as a way to increase U.S. influence in Asia and act as a counterweight to China.

In a move aimed at broadening Clintons appeal, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg  an independent who considered launching a third-party bid for president  will endorse the Democratic nominee.

Clintons campaign believes Trumps unorthodox candidacy will turn off moderate Republicans, particularly women, who worry that hes too unpredictable to take the helm in a turbulent world. They recognize that Republicans, as well as many Democrats, have questions about Clintons character, but hope to ease those concerns.

Still, the core of Clintons strategy is putting Obamas winning White House coalition back together. In both his campaigns, Obama carried more than 90 percent of black voters, the overwhelming majority of Hispanics, and more than half of young people and women.

Forces for Clinton

That coalition was vividly on display in the first two nights of the convention in Philadelphia. Female lawmakers were prominently featured, along with young activists, immigrants, and mothers whose black children were victims of gun violence or killed during encounters with law enforcement.

The base-boosting strategy has some Democrats worried that Clinton is ceding too much ground to her opponent. Her convention has made little mention of the economic insecurity and anxiety that has, in part, fueled Trumps rise with white, working-class voters.

Trump has cast himself as the law-and-order candidate and promised to get tough on terrorists. Democrats have made little mention of the threat of terrorism or the Islamic State group, though both were expected to be more relevant in Wednesdays program.

Speaking on MSNBC Wednesday morning, Biden said his party had indeed failed to talk enough about the concerns of white, working-class voters.

The party has done the right thing for those voters, said Biden, but it hasnt spoken to them.

Weve been consumed with crisis after crisis after crisis, he said.

Clintons convention has been awash in history, with energized delegates celebrating her formal nomination as the first woman candidate of a major political party in the general election for leader of the free world. Some Bernie Sanders supporters continued to voice their displeasure with the pick, but they could do nothing to take the nomination away from Clinton.

As of yesterday, I guess, officially our campaign ended, Sanders acknowledged.
Nick Ut/Associated Press

If the word Manson was not attached to Leslie, she would have been out 20 years ago, attorney Rich Pfeiffer told me about his client, convicted Manson family killer Leslie Van Houten, who is serving a life sentence for her role in two 1969 murders. On Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown reversed a parole board recommendation to parole Van Houten, 66, because she is remorseful, has accepted responsibility for her crimes and no longer poses a danger to society. As our Supreme Court has acknowledged, Brown wrote, in rare circumstances a crime is so atrocious that it provides evidence of current dangerousness by itself.

To people my age, Charles Manson, now 81, is best remembered as the deranged cult leader who led followers to kill five people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate, at the Los Angeles home she rented with her husband, director Roman Polanski, in August 1969 The next night, Manson brought Van Houten and others to the home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, who later were found dead with the words Death to pigs and Rise scrawled in blood on their walls. These killings were brutal, premeditated acts of terrorism designed to spark Mansons envisioned race war between black and white. Manson called the coming war Helter Skelter.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska  Two ships heard the Coast Guards emergency call to help a sinking fishing boat and rushed to rescue 46 crew members who had hopped into life rafts off Alaskas Aleutian Islands.

There were no reports of injuries as the vessels plucked the crew from the Bering Sea on Tuesday evening, Coast Guard Petty Officer Lauren Steenson said. The ships then began a 13-hour voyage to a port in Adak, Alaska.

When the 220-foot Alaska Juris started taking on water, all crew members donned survival suits and got into three rafts. An emergency beacon alerted the Coast Guard to the sinking ship.

The Spar Canis and the Vienna Express rushed to the scene in response to the agencys emergency broadcast for help, as did two other merchant vessels.

The Good Samaritans willingness to respond ... was paramount to getting the Alaska Juris crew to safety, said Lt. Greg Isbell, Coast Guard District 17 command duty officer.

Video footage showed one of the bright orange life rafts floating some distance from the stricken boat, while another appeared tethered to it. The Coast Guard footage shot from an aircraft also showed a merchant ship in the distance, apparently headed toward the boat.

The agency diverted a cutter and dispatched two C-130 transport planes and two helicopters to the sinking ship near Kiska Island, which is about 690 miles west of Dutch Harbor, one of the nations busiest fishing ports.

It wasnt immediately known what caused the fishing boat to begin taking on water, and that will be part of the Coast Guard investigation, Steenson said. Conditions on the Bering Sea were calm, but there was low visibility because of heavy fog.
ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA  Hillary Clinton has a couple of steep challenges when she takes the podium Thursday night to accept the Democratic Party nomination for president.

First, shes got to follow a blockbuster lineup of speakers who vouched for her this week  including First Lady Michelle Obama, President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden  all of whom are more popular than she is, according to a Gallup poll.


Tammy Duckworth addressed the 2012 DNC Convention

PHILADELPHIA - Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate Tammy Duckworth will be addressing a national audience Thursday night just before the party's 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton gives her acceptance speech in Philadelphia.

But back home, Illinoisans will be buzzing about the workplace retaliation lawsuit Duckworth will be facing August 15th. The two ladies that sued Duckworth for her actions while she was heading the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs say they were "insulted" by the Duckworth campaign smearing them by saying their lawsuit was "frivolous."

As a result, they rejected Duckworth's proposed settlement and are proceeding with the lawsuit.

The Daily Herald reports:

Plaintiffs Denise Goins and Christine Butler told the Daily Herald Wednesday they were insulted by the Duckworth campaign's June 24 response to the settlement, with deputy campaign manager Matt McGrath releasing a statement describing the suit as "a frivolous workplace case" that dragged on for more than eight years. "Within an hour of leaving the courthouse, her campaign decided to swing us through the mud again," Butler said. "So we emailed our attorney to let him know we want to proceed to trial." The women say they received no pressure from the Kirk campaign to reject the settlement offer. "We are both nonpolitical people. When we initiated the very first formal complaint, we had no idea she had political aspirations," Butler said. "We would have been happy to be done with it years ago."

The case dates back to 2007, when Goins and Butler, two longtime employees of the downstate Anna Veterans Home, made ethics complaints about their boss.

The rest of the Daily Herald story is HERE.
PHILADELPHIA - Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-04) started his speech before the Democratic National Convention Monday night with a smile, but in his trademark manner, shifted quickly to a scowl as he railed against Donald Trump as a "bully."

"My parents were born American citizens, but when they moved along with half a million other Puerto Ricans in the 1950s, they were greeted with scorn and discrimination.

"Politicians called them criminals. They said my parents were dangerous, diseased and would ruin the country. Sound familiar to you tonight? Nobody spoke up against the bigotry and hatred my parents endured."
WASHINGTON - Voters over age 65 that didn't attend college like Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton by 49 to 33 percent, a new poll released Thursday by Morning Consult says.

Trump once said, I love the poorly educated, and according to the survey, they favor him, too. Among the entire population of those who did not attend college, Trump led Clinton by only 1 point during the survey period, 41 percent to 40 percent.

More than three-quarters of voters  77 percent  without college degrees said the country is on the wrong track, the highest percentage among all income levels. About a third of them (31 percent) list economic issues as their top concern.
Donald Trump just cant seem to help himself. Even after securing the Republican nomination for president of the United States, the real estate mogul and reality TV star continues to cross the bounds of outrageousness in a way not seen in modern times from a candidate with even a remote chance of winning, let alone from one who is leading in national polls.

His latest blast of irresponsibility came Wednesday with his invitation to Russian hackers to find the more than 30,000 emails that were deleted from the private email server Hillary Clinton used while she was secretary of state.

Trump speculated that there might be some beauties in there. Russia, if youre listening I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, he said during a news conference in Florida.

He later reiterated his call on Twitter: If Russia or any other country or person has Hillary Clintons 33,000 illegally deleted emails, perhaps they should share them with the FBI!

Trump might not bother to pause to consider the ramifications of his words, but Americans should.

This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent, said Jake Sullivan, a Hillary for America senior adviser.

House Speaker Paul Ryans office immediately distanced itself from Trumps comments, saying Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug. Putin should stay out of this election.

Newt Gingrich, a Trump supporter, dismissed the media attention on what he took as a joke. Perhaps it could have been written off as a joke if not for the suspicions that Russians were behind the hacking of the Democratic National Committee emails that were released just before the partys convention.

Or perhaps it could have been laughed off as a joke if not for Trumps myriad other displays of contempt for the rule of law: from his advocacy of torture to his call to ban Muslims from entering the U.S.

And perhaps it could have been forgiven as a momentary gaffe if not for his follow-up tweet.

Donald Trump seems to crave attention at any cost. And there are costs when an American leader openly advocates a lawless act by a foreign power.
Imperial Valley News Center

USDA Seeks Applications for Funding to Help Develop Advanced Biofuels and Biobased Products

Washington, DC - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications for funding to help support the development of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products.

"The bioeconomy is a catalyst for economic development in rural America, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farmers and ranchers," Vilsack said. "Investing in the businesses and technologies that support the production of biofuels and biobased products is not only good for farm incomes. The whole economy benefits from a more balanced, diversified and consumer-friendly energy portfolio, less dependence on foreign oil and reduced carbon emissions."

Funding is being provided through the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, formerly known as the Biorefinery Assistance Program. Congress established the program in 2008 to encourage the development of biofuels that use renewable feedstocks. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program to include renewable chemicals and biobased product manufacturing. The program now provides loan guarantees of up to $250 million to develop, construct and retrofit commercial-scale biorefineries and to develop renewable chemicals and biobased product manufacturing facilities.

USDA has provided $844 million in loan commitments to 10 businesses in the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program since the start of the Obama administration. Companies receiving these commitments are projected to produce 159 million gallons of advanced biofuels.

In 2011, under this program, USDA provided Sapphire Energy a $54.5 million loan guarantee to build a refined algal oil commercial facility. Sapphire's "Green Crude Farm" in Columbus, N.M., is an example of how USDA funding and partnerships with the private sector are helping to support the development of biorefineries.

The plant opened in May 2012 and is producing renewable algal oil that can be further refined to replace petroleum-derived diesel and jet fuel. According to the company, more than 600 jobs were created during the first phase of construction at the facility and 30 full-time employees currently operate the plant. After Sapphire received additional equity from private investors, it repaid the remaining balance on its USDA-backed loan in 2013.

USDA is helping to develop the bioeconomy, which has the potential to spur unprecedented growth in the rural economy by creating opportunities for the production, distribution and sale of biobased products and fuels. For example, USDA has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Navy to create advanced drop-in biofuels that will power both the Department of Defense and private-sector transportation throughout America. Over the course of this Administration, USDA has invested $332 million to accelerate research on renewable energy ranging from genomic research on bioenergy feedstock crops, to development of biofuel conversion processes and cost/benefit estimates of renewable energy production. For more information on how renewable energy factors into USDA's work to reduce greenhouse gases, visit the latest chapter of USDA's Medium entry, How Food and Forestry Are Adapting to a Changing Climate.

The Department has also taken steps to support biobased product manufacturing that promises to create new jobs across rural America  including adding new categories of qualified biobased products for Federal procurement and establishing reporting by Federal contractors of biobased product purchases. The more than 2,200 products that have received certification to display the USDA Certified Biobased Product label are creating and increasing consumer and commercial awareness about a material's biobased content as one measure of its environmental footprint. A 2015 USDA study of the bioeconomy found that the biobased products industry generates $369 billion and 4 million jobs each year for our economy. Biobased products industries directly employ approximately 1.5 million people, while an additional 2.5 million jobs are supported in other sectors.

For this announcement, USDA will seek applications in two cycles. Applications for the first funding cycle are due October 3, 2016. Applications for the second cycle are due April 3, 2017. For more information, see page 48377 of the July 25, 2016, Federal Register. Application materials can be found on USDA's Rural Development website.

In October 2015, Rural Development implemented a redesigned two-phase application process. This new process helps the Agency identify the projects that have made the most progress in the development stage and have the greatest capacity for implementation and loan closing. The first two application cycles under the new process yielded complete applications from projects producing biogas, biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol, biobased lubricants and oils, lignin cake and syrup, and fertilizers.

Eligible borrowers include individuals, corporations, federally-recognized tribes, units of state or local government, farm cooperatives and co-op organizations, associations of agricultural producers, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, rural electric cooperatives, public power entities  or a consortium of any of these borrower types. Entities that receive program financing must provide at least 20 percent of the funding for eligible project costs.
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The professional website of Melania Trump, wife of the Republican presidential nominee, has performed a Houdini act.

The website with her biography suddenly vanished on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Huffington Post, and occurred as the media was questioning whether she earned an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Ljubljana in Melania's native Slovenia.

In her online biography, Melania claimed she completed her degree, but this fact was questioned when Melania Trump: The Inside Story: From a Slovenian communist Village to the White House, an unauthorized biography of the potential first lady, hit bookshelves this year.

The book says she left university after a year to start a modeling career.

Padding Melania's educational achievements "was almost certainly done in consultation with Trump and his advisors, as they were desperate to give off the impression that the Slovenian model was not just beautiful, but also smart and well-educated," a passage in the book reads.

Questions about Melania's education started to arise when it became apparent that passages from her speech at the Republican National Convention were lifted from First Lady Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.

SFGATE reached out to the Donald Trump campaign for comment and hadn't heard back at the time of publishing this story.
1 Iraq attacks: Militants unleashed a series of attacks Wednesday in and around Baghdad, killing at least 18 people, officials said. South of the Iraqi capital, a provincial council approved a decision allowing authorities to demolish homes of convicted militants and banish their families from the province. The deadliest attack killed three policemen and three civilians when a suicide bomber on foot blew up his explosives-laden vest at a police checkpoint in Baghdads Shiite neighborhood of Shula. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, which bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State group. The Sunni militant group has claimed previous such attacks against security forces and public places, mainly in Shiite-dominated areas.

2 Deadly ambush: Israeli forces tracked down a group of suspects behind the deadly ambush of a family car in the West Bank earlier this month and killed the man who pulled the trigger in that attack in a shootout Wednesday, the military said. The July 1 attack killed Miki Mark, a 48-year-old father of 10 children, and wounded his wife and two teenage children. The military subsequently sent hundreds of troops to the area of the attack to search for the perpetrators in what was the largest operation in the territory in two years.
New Zealand shares gained in relatively subdued trading ahead of earnings season. Comvita and A2 Milk rose while Steel & Tube Holdings dropped.

The S&P/NZX 50 Index rose 4.44 points, or 0.1 percent, to 7,306.34. Within the index, 30 stocks rose, 18 fell and three were unchanged. Turnover was $124.4 million.

Comvita led the index, up 4.1 percent to $10.78. The stock has gained 23 percent this year but dropped to a 3-month low of $10.35 on Tuesday. Mark Lister, head of private wealth research at Craigs Investment Partners, said there may be some bargain hunting coming into the stock after it dropped for a few weeks.

A2 rose 2.6 percent to $1.95, while Metro Performance Glass gained 2.2 percent to $1.90, and New Zealand Refining Co was up 2.1 percent to $2.45.

Mainfreight advanced 0.9 percent to $17.10. The transport and logistics group held its annual meeting today.

"The share price reaction is pretty muted. The stock's up marginally," Lister said. "All they really said was current trading conditions are better than last year and they should have a stronger first-half result, but it's pretty short commentary on the outlook and doesn't give us a lot of direction, hence the share price is relatively unmoved."

Steel & Tube Holdings was the worst performer, down 4.1 percent to $2.09.

"I think they've still got a few issues to work through - all of those challenges they've been facing with their product in terms of their accreditation, I think there's still more headwinds for them on that front, and the stock did have a pretty good rally at the end of last month," Lister said. "It was $1.86 at the start of the month and went up to $2.23, so it's probably fair that some of the heat has come out of it - I think it's a case of ongoing question marks which will take a bit of time for people to get clarity around."

Genesis Energy dipped 2.2 percent to $2.18. The chief executive Marc England, who took up the role in May, has announced an overhaul of his management team with three executives departing and Chris Jewell confirmed as chief financial officer.

Xero dropped 1.8 percent to $19.58 and Chorus fell 1.8 percent to $4.46.

Investore Property declined 0.6 percent to $1.64. The Stride Property offshoot, which has a large format retail properties portfolio, said today that the Woolworths announcement on Monday that it expects to close six Countdown supermarkets will not affect Investore. The property investor owns 26 Countdowns and is in the process of buying 8 more.

Outside the main index, Energy Mad dropped 3.3 percent to 5.8 cents. The energy efficient light-bulb maker says it made an unaudited operating profit of $348,000 in the first three months of its financial year 2017, hailing a modest "turning of the corner" as it focuses on meeting demand driven by state-supported schemes in Australia.

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State-owned China Animal Husbandry will take a 72 percent stake in Mataura Valley Milk in exchange for funding construction of a $200 million milk powder manufacturing plant in Gore.

Work on the plant will start in October and follows eight years of work to get the project at McNab, north of Gore, off the ground. It will create at least 100 new jobs, the company said.

China Animal Husbandry Group will be the major investor while some 20 percent of the company will be held by Southland dairy farmers, 5.6 percent by Hamilton-based dairy business BODCO, and the remainder mostly by New Zealand investors.

Mataura Valley first mooted the plant in 2008, but plans stalled in 2012 as the company couldn't find the right investor following the global financial crisis. Progress was made in 2014 with the Gore District Council refreshing its memorandum of understanding with Mataura about the project, but were delayed last year when milk prices collapsed.

"Anything this size and scale does take a significant investment of time and money to find a partner," Mataura director Aaron Moody told BusinessDesk. "There have been a number of discussions over the years - I think they were very close in 2008, but I understand at the time the GFC had an impact on the partner they were working with then."

Moody said Mataura Valley had been very keen to find local investment money but unfortunately there hadn't appeared to be the appetite within New Zealand for a project this big.

"We have a great partner now - China Animal Husbandry Group - who are state owned, and while they bring capital they also bring invaluable distribution channels and knowledge of the Chinese market," Moody said.

The plant will produce infant formula, UHT cream and some skim milk powder, but is really focussed on the international infant formula market which it said was worth $57 billion in 2013 and is expected to be worth $38 billion in China alone by 2017.

"The appetite for nutritional powders is huge with Chinas imports of infant formula growing by 51 percent in the 12months to February 2016," Moody said in Mataura's release. "Importantly, the price for infant formula and growing up milk powders is less reliant on the global commodity dairy price."

BODCO, a minority shareholder, will can and distribute many of the products, and Moody said that company's existing brands in China would be helpful, though it's also looking to build a brand outside of China.

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Genesis Energy chief executive Marc England, who took up the role in May, has announced an overhaul of his management team, with three executives departing and Chris Jewell confirmed as chief financial officer.

England, previously an executive for new energy at AGL Energy, replaced Albert Brantley, who left after seven years running New Zealand's biggest electricity and gas retailer. England said the executive changes will help ensure the company "has the right structure and capabilities in place to develop deep and enduring relationships with its customers" in a rapidly evolving energy market.

Jewell, who was named interim CFO in May after Andrew Donaldson accepted a job at Television New Zealand, has been confirmed in that job effective immediately. His previous role as general manager portfolio management has been combined with general manager generation, with Tracey Hickman to stay on in the expanded job of executive general manager generation and wholesale. England said the combined role signalled "greater integration and operating efficiency between generation and trading".

England also announced the appointment of Jen Cherrington-Mowat, a Kiwi who has held various executive roles in the UK, to the new position of executive general manager technology and digital.

Genesis's general manager retail, David Goadby, will leave the company - his role disestablished and replaced by two new positions - executive general manager product marketing and executive general manager customer operations. The company has begun a recruitment drive for the two new roles, it said.

Dean Schmidt, the current general manager strategy and corporate affairs gets a wider role as executive general manager corporate affairs and transformation, and will establish a strategic project management office.

Legal and company services will report to Schmidt and, as a result, the roles of general counsel and company secretary have been disestablished and Maureen Shaddick, who has held the roles since 2003, will leave the company in October.

Genesis will also disestablish the position of general manager corporate services, held by Andrew Steele, who will depart the company in September. The company is now recruiting for a new role of executive general manager people and culture.

"This executive team focus is the first phase of a longer-term plan to reshape Genesis Energy into an agile and adaptive organisation that will focus on optimisation and developing engaging products and services, England said.

Genesis shares fell 0.9 percent to $2.21 and have gained about 30 percent in the past 12 months. In February the company said annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and fair value movements would be similar to 2015's $345 million.

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The New Zealand dollar slipped below 71 US cents as investors prepare for the Bank of Japan's policy review today which is expected to inject even more stimulus into the world's third-biggest economy.

The kiwi fell to 70.77 US cents from 71.11 cents late yesterday and was little changed at 74.53 yen from 74.50 yen.

Bank of Japan governor Haruhiko Kuroda is expected to deliver more stimulus to the Japanese economy at the conclusion of the bank's policy meeting today, adding to the government's 28 trillion yen fiscal package announced this week. Japanese policy-makers have been trying to invigorate the economy, although Kuroda has rejected the prospect of using 'helicopter money', where the central bank directly funds the government.

"Expectations are widespread that the BoJ will deliver a reasonably comprehensive easing, possibly including additional rate cuts and more QE," ANZ Bank New Zealand chief economist Cameron Bagrie said in a note. " A higher USD/JPY overnight shows that markets are looking for something big and bold."

The Bank of Japan policy review follows one from the Federal Reserve, which said near-term risks to the US economic outlook had diminished and the labour market had improved, suggesting it will raise rates later this year. Still, markets took the message that the Fed isn't in a rush to hike rates, which meant the kiwi dollar remained well supported, with expectations that New Zealand's looming rate cuts won't be deep enough to diminish the appeal of the yield on offer.

ANZ's Bagrie said looser monetary policy in New Zealand only "knocks off the topside" and that "until we see the tenor of the data turn or something major offshore, the NZD will remain elevated."

The local currency slipped to 94.27 Australian cents from 94.42 cents yesterday and fell to 4.7089 Chinese yuan from 4.7366 yuan. It dropped to 63.89 euro cents from 64.25 cents yesterday and decreased to 53.76 British pence from 53.93 pence. The trade-weighted index declined to 75.71 from 76.02 yesterday.

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Westland Milk Products, the Hokitika-based dairy cooperative, has appointed Toni Brendish as its new chief executive.

Brendish will start work on Sept. 5, replacing Rod Quin who will leave on July 31 after seven years in the role.

The Australian has spent a large part of her career with dairy group Danone. She was previously managing director of Nutricia Australia and New Zealand and managing director of Danone units in Malaysia and Indonesia.

She is currently the vice president of DKSH (Thailand), a consumer goods distribution business in Bangkok, where she lives.

In a statement, Westland said that she would live in Christchurch alongside her husband Mark, who is a New Zealander.

Chairman Matt O'Regan welcomed her appointment, adding her focus would be both domestic and abroad.

"Toni is committed to spending a good proportion of her time on the West Coast to get to know our region, shareholders, staff and facilities well," O'Regan said. "But we also expect that she will be spending a fair amount of her time overseas directly leading Westlands international marketing outreach."

When his exit was announced in March this year, outgoing chief executive Rod Quin warned that New Zealand farmers would need to return to low-cost pasture-based farming in order to weather the changes to global supply and target added-value, high-end products, rather than bulk commodity items. He added that he expected the downturn in dairy prices to last for another two seasons.

Westland was founded in 1937 and is the nation's second-largest dairy cooperative, a distant second to Fonterra. Its annual report shows it has 430 farming families who supply it with milk and turnover of $639 million.

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It was no magic school bus ride for Rebecca Bryant, 82nd Training Wing faculty development instructor and native of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In fact, Bryant worked tirelessly to achieve her Bachelors degree in English from Cameron University in 1994, and again for her Masters in Behavioral Science in 1999; achievements she believes to be some of her greatest accomplishments.

She completed her Community College of the Air Force Instructor Certification category I, II and III, which is given at the 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 instructional hour mile-mark. After category III, they stop counting; a testament, Dr. Lynn List said, of her impressive achievement.

In an interview with Dr. List, a long-time friend, colleague and now 82nd Training Wing director of training operations, she spoke about just how significant Bryants contributions to the Wing really are.

Not many military instructors reach the category III, milestone, said Dr. List. Its a little more common for civilian instructors to reach three thousand hours, but most people look for promotions, or other career advancements and never make it as far as Mrs. Bryant. She devotes her life to teaching and is very passionate about being in the classroom. She has had the same opportunities as me to advance, but she just simply loves to teach. Mrs. Bryant is one of the most humble people Ive met, she said. If you ask her about it, shell tell you it is no big deal and there are so many other people on the base with the same accomplishment, but thats simply just not the case.

Recently, Bryant reached a new milestone  logging more than 10,000 hours of teaching with FACD. Their mission supports three training groups and nine training squadrons covering 1,006 courses at 54 locations worldwide and 60,400 students graduate annually from all branches of the service, to include international students. Their vision is to develop superior servant warriors to support, standardize and train the worlds greatest Air Force.

Bryant is qualified to teach a variety of courses with FACD such as technical writer; training development; training management; analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation; and the basic instructor course. She has subject matter tested 79 times since 2005, and earned the awards, master instructor recognition, Instructor of the Quarter, three times; Civilian of the Quarter, Category II; and Civilian Instructor of the Year 2014.

I really enjoy teaching, Bryant said. Ill be up here until I die  Id like to teach here as long as I can, it keeps me young and keeps me engaged. I like talking to the students because you learn things from them  I like the interaction, being engaged and learning from the other folks.

As far as those hours are concerned, whenever Ive taught Ive never considered well, am I at 900 hours or 800 hours, she said. I never think about how many hours Ive taught; I think of the years Ive taught  10,000 hours is great, but if I could reach one million teaching hours, that would be awesome.

According to the technical training management system of record, in the 15 years Bryant has been teaching the basic instructor course, more than 36,000 students have graduated the course. Today, Bryant continues to teach with FACD providing highly-trained and qualified instructors for the United States Air Force.
There is no better place to find nationalism rearing its ugly head than in cyberspace, where reasoned debate often gives way to an outpouring of slurs and invective.

Thus it is no surprise that with tempers running high over the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines, a war of words has been raging between netizens in the two countries.

Some Chinese have reportedly called for an import ban on products such as bananas and mangoes from the Philippines, while some in the Philippines have used the provocative hashtag "Chexit", a pun on Brexit, on social media networks.

Such outbursts of emotion have not only put in jeopardy the good feelings between the two peoples that have been built up over the centuries, but also risk holding sway over the two countries' leaders in their policymaking, leaving them with little, if any room for diplomatic maneuver.

Yet there has been no historical grudge between the two peoples in their hundreds of years of friendly exchanges.

In fact they have much in common, both countries were victims of colonialism by Western powers, and both were invaded by Japanese militarists during World War II. Both are peace-loving people. Actually the Philippines is a country where ethnic Chinese are not discriminated against and are allowed to prosper through hard work.

Former Philippine president Corazon Aquino, the first female president elected in Asia, always openly appreciated her Chinese origins.

So Sino-Philippine relations should not be defined by the maritime dispute. The mistake made by the administration of former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III should not become a political burden on its new leader Rodrigo Duterte, who has spoken positively about restoring healthy ties with China.

It is time for reason to reign in cyberspace.

--China Daily
NEW DELHI: India today signed an over USD 1 billion deal with American defence and aerospace major Boeing for procuring four additional 'Poseidon-8I' long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.



The contract is a follow-on order to eight P-81 planes already bought by India in a direct deal with the firm worth USD 2.1 billion, defence sources said.

The contract was inked during the ongoing visit of US Under Secretary for Defence on Acquisition Frank Kendall, and is seen as a sign of growing Indo-US defence ties, they said.



India had last year signed a USD 3 billion contract with the US through Foreign Military Sales route for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook helicopters.



With today's deal, the total value of defence deals signed with the US in the last one decade comes to around USD 15 billion.



India is also working on a deal to get 145 pieces of M777 light-weight howitzers from the US, the sources said.



The acquisition of additional 'P-8I' will be a shot in the arm of the Indian Navy as the country has been building up its naval surveillance capabilities.



Armed with deadly Harpoon missiles, lightweight torpedoes, rockets among others, the Navy is extensively using the P-8I to keep a strict vigil over the Indian Ocean, which has seen numerous Chinese submarine forays, including docking of a nuclear sub in Sri Lanka.



The Navy will also be able to drop and monitor sonobuoys, being used in the search for the missing AN32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, they said.



Incidentally, India was 'P-8''s first international customer and was also Boeing's first military sale to India.



The P-8I fleet is based at the Naval Air Station Rajali in Tamil Nadu. The long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft has an operational speed of 450 miles per hour and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.



The planes will provide strategic blue water and littoral undersea warfare capabilities as well as armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the navy, the defence sources added.



Based on Boeing's Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that the American defence has developed for the US Navy.

(Reopen Del 47)



During Kendall visit from July 25-28, he took part in



the semi-annual Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) and had fruitful meetings with his counterparts at the Defence Ministry here.



Kendall and his delegation met with Secretary, Defence Production Ashok Gupta and his team to discuss and review progress on current DTTI efforts, as well as to determine the way ahead for the new Pathfinder Projects and Joint Working Groups that were agreed to during Secretary Carter's visit to India and Prime Minister Modi's visit to the U.S.



The next DTTI meeting will be held in Washington in January 2017.

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BENGALURU: Entered into a definitive agreement, Verizon Communications has finally acquired Yahoos operating businessJuly 25, 2016for approximately $4.83 billion in cash on. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer confirms that it connects and entertains more than 1 billion monthly active global audience.

Following the acquisition, the Verizon is authorized to access Yahoos advertising technology tools such as BrightRoll and Flurry, assets such as Search, Mail, Messenger as well as real estate. The deal will get closed completely by early 2017.

Marissa Mayer, most likely, would not be joining Verizon and will receive a package of $57 million for her severance, according to compensation research firm Equilar, quoted in the New York Times. The merger is expected to create one of the largest portfolios of owned and partnered global brands with extended distribution potentialities. AOL and Yahoo, united, will have more than 25 brands in their portfolio as a scope of nonstop investment and growth.

The sale or the deal does not include Yahoos cash, its shares in Alibaba Group Holdings (Yahoo still owns 15 percent of Alibaba Group Holdings.), its shares in Yahoo Japan, Yahoos convertible notes, certain minority investments, and Yahoos non-core patents (called the Excalibur portfolio). Post Alibaba going public, Yahoos 15 percent holdings worth $31 billion will still remain with Yahoo.

Yahoo Japan Corp formed as a joint venture between Yahoo and Softbankin which Yahoo own a 35.5 percent stake, is also not a part of the deal. Set up in 1996, Yahoo Japan Corporation is Japanese Internet Company, which is its biggest shareholder. Yahoo Japan is one of the most popular sites in Japan and operates severally of Yahoo.

These assets will continue to be held by Yahoo, which but the company will have to change its name at closing and become a registered, publicly traded investment company.

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May congratulating her on her assumption of office and discussed with her "stronger and closer" bilateral ties, including in trade and defence.



During the telephonic conversation yesterday, Modi also appreciated the UK's consistent support to India in various global fora, the MEA spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Thanking Prime Minister Modi, May said she looked forward to working closely with him for developing stronger bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in tackling pressing global challenges.



Modi also recalled his memorable visit to the UK last November.



Downing Street said that trade and investment formed the central feature of the discussions between the two leaders during their conversation.



"Trade and investment featured strongly in the conversation with Prime Minister Modi who expressed his hope that the relationship would become even stronger and closer in the future, particularly given the shared values and common interest," a Downing Street statement said.



May took over after the resignation of David Cameron following the UK's vote to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum on June 23.



She sought to highlight London and the UK's continued importance within the India-UK relationship during her first official conversation with Modi.



"The Prime Minister [May] pointed out that the launch next month of the first rupee-denominated bond in London is a concrete example of our close and growing economic cooperation and underlines that the city remains a global hub for innovative finance," Downing Street said.



"The Prime Minister also emphasised the UK's continued commitment to our defence and security partnership and support for India's increasing role in international fora. Finally, both welcomed the valuable contribution of the Indian diaspora to the UK," the statement added.

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BENGALURU: 19th June 2016, another day in Rajya Sabha; only an important decision was to be taken, to pass a bill that would amend the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986. The bill was finally passed and was presented in the Lok Sabha on Monday for a clause-by-clause vote following a five-hour-long discussion.

Lok Sabha passed child labour Bill despite strong opposition, with Varun Gandhi, BJP MP voicing strong reservation against many of its clauses. The question of whether it is leniency or lunacy was raised by the MP. (Good to see an MP raising questions against his own partys decision).

Recent development has seen India come under criticism after its parliament approved several controversial amendments to the country's child labour bill as reported by BBC.

According to the Central government, the law will help poor families earn a living and will offer a chance to acquire skills for children, but the UN children's agency UNICEF have criticized the bill. With child labour rates highest among tribal and lower caste communities at almost 7 percent and 4 percent respectively, UNICEF said the changes could have an adverse impact on these especially marginalized and impoverished communities. "Under the new Child Labour Act, some forms of child labour may become invisible and the most vulnerable and marginalized children may end up with irregular school attendance, lower levels of learning and could be forced to drop out of school," said UNICEF India's Chief of Education Euphrates Gobina.

Other intellects criticizing the amendment includes Indian Nobel peace prize winner Kailash Satyarti who said that the bill was a "missed opportunity" for India. "The definition of family and family enterprises is flawed. This Bill uses Indian family values to justify economic exploitation of children. It is misleading the society by blurring the lines between learning in a family and working in a family enterprise," explained Satyarti.

According to the new bill, children under the age of 14 will be prohibited from working in the industries but can work if asked to work in the family businesses. The act has also reduced the number of industries falling under hazardous for children category from 83 to 3.

The question still lingers that if government is so sure that the act will only help the poor, why oppositions are coming from different sects? May be they are all pseudo-intellects, and pro-Pakistan dove! After all thats the latest trend set! Isnt it?

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PHILADELPHIA: Continuing his outreach with American political leadership, Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh has met top Democratic lawmakers, including officials of the Hillary Clinton campaign, to underline the importance India attaches to the bilateral ties.



At a time, when the entire Democratic leadership is camping here to prepare for the crucial November general elections, the top Indian diplomat was given rare access to the top leadership of the party, reflecting the importance the party, its lawmakers and the Hillary campaign attaches to the India-US relationship.

He met Senator Patrick Leahy, Ranking Member of Senate Judiciary Committee, who is also Ranking Member of the crucial Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.



John Podesta, chair of Hillary Clinton's Campaign and former Counsellor to US President Barack Obama met the Indian Ambassador, indicating the significance a Clinton Administration would attach to India-US ties.



Singh had interactions with top Democratic lawmakers Nita Lowey, Frank Pallone, and Joe Crowley, who is Vice Chair of Democratic Caucus and former Co-Chair of House India Caucus.



The Ambassador had a meeting with Congressman Ami Bera, the only Indian American lawmaker in the US House of Representatives.



Top Indian American community leaders attending the four-day national convention held a reception for Singh, "Chai and Chaat" which among others was attended by Senator Corry Booker, Ranking Member of Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guards.



In his address, the Ambassador underscored the important role being played by Indian American community in strengthening India US ties.



Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for House of Representative race in Illinois, Raj Goyle, former Democratic Member of Kansas House of Representatives, were present at the event.



It was also attended by a number of politically connected Indian Americans -- Sunil Puri, Deepak Raj, Mahinder Tak, Anurag Verma, Priya Dayananda, Mini Timmaraju and Shekhar Narsimhan.



Singh also addressed another event titled "South Asians for Hillary".



He also attended a diplomatic reception by American Jewish Committee (AJC) and made brief remarks.



On the sidelines of the convention, the Indian Ambassador met Kesha Ram, Vermont State Representative, who is running for the position of State Lt Governor.



The Indian Ambassador had made a similar outreach with the Republican leadership during last week's Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

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Source: PTI
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Most teenagers are spending their free time this summer relaxing with their friends, tanning at the beach, and going on vacation with their family. This isn't the case for some Notre Dame Academy students.



Earlier this month, 22 rising juniors and seniors from Notre Dame Academy packed up four cars to spend a week with Habitat for Humanity in Appalachia, Tennessee. Six parent volunteers, Sister Eileen Good from St. John Baptiste, and Sister Anne Seeley, the Campus Administrator at NDA, joined the girls on this exciting trip.



Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization aiming to help the less fortunate people in the world achieve the American dream by building brand new houses, from start to finish, for them. With the help of volunteers, this organization has built, renovated, and repaired a countless number of houses for the homeless and poor worldwide since 1976.



"At Habitat for Humanity, we build. We build because we believe that everyone everywhere should have a healthy, affordable place to call home. More than building homes, we build communities, we build hope and we build the opportunity for families to help themselves." (Habitat.org)



This annual volunteer trip, coordinated by Sister Anne Seeley, has gotten more popular over the years at NDA, which is demonstrated by this year's massive group of student and parent volunteers.



Sr. Anne Seeley shared, "At Notre Dame Academy, we are focused on "Transformation" -- in ourselves and in society. Our annual Mission trip to Habitat for Humanity does BOTH of these. And each year we go, the transformations vary. We go with the hope of helping others less fortunate than ourselves to have a home, and we come away feeling blessed by the simplicity and gratitude of the people we meet."



Giving back to the community is an essential component of Notre Dame Academy's mission. Volunteer opportunities, like the Habitat for Humanity trip, are a vital part of the emotional development of each student.



"The Habitat for Humanity experience is extraordinary because it grounds each of us as participants/workers in the reality of people from another part of America with whom we don't often have the privilege to rub elbows. Besides a little manual labor is good for the soul and body," said Sr. Eileen Good, Bursar at St. Jean Baptiste and Trip Chaperone.



At the end of each day on this trip, the students and parent chaperones came together, talked about, and reflected on their experience and work they did that day.



"The Habitat trip was an eye opening experience for the girls as well as the chaperones. The poverty they witnessed was a rude awakening and made them appreciate what they have. The girls learned how to work together to get a job done," explained parent volunteer, John Hood.



Every person on this trip discussed how rewarding and eye-opening this experience has been for them.



"As I hammered every nail, I could feel a family that much closer to having a home. To witness these young ladies selflessly immerse themselves into this project was truly awe inspiring," mentioned parent volunteer Thomas Carrera.



This service trip was a nice break from the volunteers' daily lives and a good chance to see those less fortunate and realize all that God has blessed them with.



"Taking a week from our normal everyday lives left us with an amazing experience and a true understanding of the constant hardships that those less fortunate face on a daily basis. To step outside of our comfort zone for just one week, we were able to have a hand in uplifting another person's life. Being able to give someone a home, something we take for granted everyday, was a feeling unlike any other and one that I will never forget," explained NDA student volunteer, Jenna Hood.



Houses are not the only thing that the girls built that week. They formed and strengthened bonds with other classmates and with the generous individuals that the houses were being built for. A group effort was an essential factor to successfully build these houses.



"We realize how very comfortable and rich our lives are in New York...The images of our girls and adults working passionately as a team with the truly inspiring Habitat staff on building, painting, cleaning, etc. are clear reminders of how much we can accomplish when we work together for justice," explained Sr. Anne Seeley, Campus Minister and Trip Facilitator.



This Habitat for Humanity volunteer trip wouldn't have been possible without Sister Anne Seeley, the Campus Administrator and Trip Facilitator. Her love for service radiates and inspires everyone around her to be a little more humble and grounded.



"Sister Anne has started a tradition that demonstrates the true meaning of doing God's work. As if being a Nun wasn't enough, her dedication to this program has earned her a spot in Heaven," shared Thomas Carrera, parent volunteer.



These NDA student and parent volunteers returned home on July 9. Although they spent such long and tiring days working in the scorching heat, they were inspired by the cause and would definitely come back.



"They worked extremely hard in 90 degree heat to make a family's dream come true of owning a house. I couldn't be more proud of the girls," shared parent volunteer John Hood. "One girl simply put it 'we came down here to build a house, at the end of the week we realized we where building a home.' Would I go back again? In a New York minute."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you were one of the dozens of Staten Islanders who had a bucket of ice water dumped over your head as part of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge two summers ago, you may be happy to know your moment of discomfort has produced results.

According to the ALS Association, the $220 million raised worldwide through the social media-driven Ice Bucket Challenge funded the largest study of inherited ALS ever, and has identified a new gene, dubbed NEK1, which scientists say is among the most common genes that contribute to the disease.

"Global collaboration among scientists... made possible by ALS Ice Bucket Challenge donations, led to this important discovery," said researcher John Landers of the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

The neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS), also called Lou Gerhig disease, causes a rapid breakdown in a person's ability to control muscle movement.

Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed and eventually die.

The full results of the gene research study are reported in the journal Nature Genetics.

Brian Frederick, executive vice president for communications and development for the ALS Association, told the New York Times that gene research funded through donations would continue.
Dimming down the lights to save energy?

According to a new study by Wallethub, New York was the third worst city for renters.

(AP/Mark Lennihan)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Some people might say you don't need a study to tell you that rent prices across New York City are rising. In fact, many New Yorkers are finding it hard to find an affordable apartment.

A new study by Wallethub, confirms this. New York is the third worst city for renters, according to the study.

"New York is the third worst city for renters due to mainly its scarce rental affordability," said Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzalez.

"In terms of rental affordability, it ranked 139th, with a fairly low median household income at $52,737 per year and a high rental cost for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,571 per month. Also, the rental vacancy rate is low, at almost 4 percent, ranking 137th. There are just not enough available units to go around. New York has the 6th highest cost of living in the country, so it's understandable why residents there have a hard time renting," she added.

STUDY FINDINGS



With family moving season historically peaking in July, the share of U.S. renter households increased in 2015 to more than 36 percent -- the highest since the 1960s, according to Wallethub.



To help prospective renters get the most bang for their buck, WalletHub's analysts compared the 150 largest cities based on their rental attractiveness and quality of life. In making such a comparison, Wallethub examined each city across 15 key metrics, ranging from historical rental-price changes and cost of living, to jobs availability.



The study findings were as follows:

Renting a Home in New York City (1=Best; 75=Avg.)

139th - Rental Affordability

137th - Rental Vacancy Rate

145th - Cost of Living

114th - Number of Paid-Relocation Jobs per Labor-Force Participants

34th - Safety

71st - Renter Households Spending at Least 50% of Income on Housing

117th - City Satisfaction Ranking

114th - Historical Rental-Price Changes

90th - WalletHub "Jobs Availability" Ranking

STATEN ISLAND RENTS

Despite some encouraging employment trends, Staten Island's largely middle class population continues to struggle in an economy where rents are rising while salaries are, at best, sluggish.

Realtors admit that rents on Staten Island appear to be rising at a higher rate than the city average, due to lack of rentals for the many residents who need apartments.

While the median asking monthly rent on Staten Island is estimated to be $1,817 by StreetEasy -- less than the citywide average of $2,690 -- it's not cheap, especially for low and middle wage earners. In fact, StreetEasy estimates that borough residents need to spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The city's "fix" for its high rental prices comes with Mayor Bill de Blasio's affordable housing plan.

Officials are currently reviewing public comments on the proposal to reshape a 45-acre area that includes the so-called "Bay Street Corridor."

Early plans call for adding as many as 2,569 apartments and nearly 600,000 square feet of commercial space, bringing some 6,900 new residents, according to a draft scope of the work from the city.

As many as 1,039 of the new units would be for low- to moderate-income tenants through the city's new "mandatory inclusionary housing" policy.

What do you think about renting in NYC? Tell us in the comments section below.

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GOP 2016 Trump

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Lackawanna College, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Scranton, Pa. (Jake Danna Stevens/The Times & Tribune via AP)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Trump gonna' Trump.

"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump said. "I think you'll be rewarded mightily by our press!"

Democrats have accused Trump of having ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He's since called his email comment sarcastic in response to the backlash from his statements on the hack. On Thursday morning, the Republican candidate reiterated on Fox & Friends that Putin is a better leader than Obama.

His initial remarks predictably spawned harsh criticism and back-and-forth between Trump supporters and detractors. The split reaction and heated debate was no different than the fallout from other controversies that spawned from Trump's words -- the prisoner of war thing, the Megyn Kelly thing, the disabled reporter thing, etc.

Among some of the responses -- including within the 140 comments on SILive -- was a familiar word: Treason.

goodforus

Mikeyy1289

OMGGrandma:

Following Trump's comments, Vox said Merriam-Webster reported the number of users looking up the definition of treason nearly doubled.

The publication also dismissed any possible connection to the word:

... all of this only matters if the US and Russia are actually at war. They are not. As such, any accusations that Trump committed treason are completely baseless.

Hillary Clinton's email server scandal has also prompted the same accusations of treason, and they've been discussed by our readers throughout the presidential campaign.

What's your reaction to all of this? Did the public overreact? Did Trump's words touch upon treasonous thoughts? Does any of this matter? Will it hurt him -- or help Clinton?

Or is this just another ho-hum chapter in Trump's run for president?
Update: Police have determined the victim suffered a puncture wound and was not shot. It was unclear how he sustained the injury. Click here for more.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A man who was found injured on the lawn on Beach Street in Stapleton on Thursday morning was bleeding and appeared to indicate that he had been shot, according to a witness.

Alex Fakih, who works in the neighborhood, said he spotted the man on the lawn in front of a commercial building on Beach Street at the corner of Union Place.

"I saw this guy sitting like he's in pain," Fakih said, motioning to a spot on the lawn where there was a discarded food wrapping paper that had what appeared to be blood stains on it.

The victim was using his right, uninjured hand to eat food and was moaning.

"You could see he was in pain," Fakih said.

Fakih approached the man and saw a hole in the victim's left forearm and blood dripping down onto his pants.

Fakih asked the man how he was wounded. The victim, who spoke Spanish, said "boom" and used hand gestures which seemed to indicate that he had been shot with a gun. The man didn't answer when Fakih asked who fired the weapon.

The victim said that he had been shot previously and showed what appeared to be healed wounds.

The man indicated that he was thirsty and asked for money, so Fakih gave him $1.

Fakih asked the man if he wanted him to contact police, and the victim seemed to agree. However, as Fakih was calling 911 at 10:14 a.m., the man stood up and walked away on Union Place and then made a left onto Bay Street.

The police responded in less than a minute and quickly found the man, Fakih said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When District Attorney Michael McMahon first unveiled the innovative Overdose Response Initiative -- a program designed to investigate overdose deaths -- some expressed concern that it would criminalize addiction and even deter some from calling for help.

But the D.A. was clear that the approach was focused on identifying the dealers and suppliers who peddle heroin, cocaine and pills around the borough and putting them behind bars.

McMahon also emphasized that victims' families would be approached "in a sensitive and caring manner."

The D.A. said community advocates would also help families obtain whatever social services they might need.

With the overdose rate at a frightening level, Mr. McMahon formulated a strategy where police and prosecutors would respond to a fatal OD and begin gathering information on the victim, including the type of drug he or she used, where and when the death occurred and who discovered the deceased.

A detective, prosecutor and community advocate would reach out to the next of kin to gain further insight into their loved one's activities.

If a cell phone was found on the deceased, for example, investigators could check it for numbers and other information related to drug deals.

While efforts to stem to heartbreaking tide of deaths needs to continue on many levels, the D.A.'s initiative was a creative and comprehensive tactical move that has yielded some satisfying results.

"As we all know, Staten Island is facing loss to overdose deaths at an alarming rate," Mr. McMahon said in February when the plan was unveiled. "Simply stated, our loved ones are dying. ... My office is determined and committed to hunting down drug dealers, aggressively prosecuting them and sending them to prison."

It's been five months since the Overdose Response Initiative was launched, and Mr. McMahon recently outlined how it spurred the takedown of a drug-dealing network.

After announcing the arrests, Mr. McMahon told the Advance that investigators developed information from their probes into two overdose deaths earlier this year to zero-in on six drug dealers who peddled heroin and cocaine, primarily on the North and East shores.

"They were purveying poison on Staten Island," said McMahon. "The drug scourge on Staten Island has grown to epidemic, if not plague, proportions."

In addition, six other suspects were arrested on drug charges based on search warrants executed in several locations, including Dongan Hills, Midland Beach, Port Richmond and West Brighton, the D.A. said.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.

Mr. McMahon said he's aware of 57 drug-overdose deaths on Staten Island since the beginning of the year.

Another 22 individuals have been saved by the anti-overdose drug naloxone, he said.

But Mr. McMahon said those totals could be 30 percent lower than the actual numbers because not every overdose death or save is reported to law enforcement.

The actual number is likely much higher, and with each comes friends, colleagues, parents, brothers, sisters and children whose hearts are torn by grief.

Perhaps these arrests, and more that will come as a result of the initiative, put only a dent in the borough's deadly drug-dealing network.

But even a dent can save lives.

And we should also acknowledge that Mr. McMahon's Overdose Response Initiative has been so effective that police in Brooklyn have adopted the strategy.
Analysis: How UK leaving the EU would increase climate targets for others

Posted on 28 July 2016 by Guest Author

This is a re-post from Carbon Brief by Simon Evans

The European Commission has laid out proposals on dividing up 2030 emissions reduction goals for buildings, transport and agriculture.

The proposed 2030 Effort Sharing Regulation would allocate binding annual targets to each member state for sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Countries would have to cut non-ETS emissions in 2030 by between zero and 40%, against 2005 levels.

Though uncertainty shrouds the UKs future within the bloc following the Brexit vote, the proposal still includes the UK. It will also hand binding targets to Norway and Iceland, both non-EU member states.

Carbon Brief runs through the key points of the proposal and analyses what would happen if the UK were no longer part of the 2030 effort-sharing targets.

2030 targets

The EU has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by at least 40% below 1990 levels. The ETS sector, including power stations and industry, will cut emissions in 2030 by 43% below 2005 levels (note the confusingly inconsistent base year). Non-ETS sectors, such as buildings and transport, will cut emissions in 2030 by 30% below 2005 levels.

The EU maintains that its 2030 target is in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep temperature increases well below 2C. However, it has not changed its goal since Paris and Climate Action Tracker, a group of scientists and policy experts, says the EUs pledge is not yet sufficient to be considered a fair share of global ambition.

Todays proposal sets out how the 2030 non-ETS target of 30% below 2005 levels should be divided between the EUs 28 (current) member states. The division of labour ranges from a 0% cut on 2005 levels for Bulgaria to a 40% reduction for Luxembourg and Sweden (see chart, below).

Proposed 2030 non-ETS emissions reduction targets for each EU member state, and the EU average. The reductions are relative to 2005 emissions. Source: European Commission. Chart by Carbon Brief.

Effort is shared out using two factors: first, countries with higher per-capita GDP are expected to do more; and, second, for those with above-average per-capita GDP, contributions are adjusted to reflect their cost-effective emissions-reduction potentials.

Broadly speaking, this division of labour means that the EUs richest nations, including Sweden, Germany and the UK, are at the top end of ambition within the EU, while eastern European member states including Poland and Bulgaria, are at the bottom end.

When the non-ETS targets for 2020 were handed out, only GDP per-capita was taken into account. The 2020 targets are shown below.

Non-ETS emissions reduction targets for 2020 for each member state, and the EU average. The reductions are relative to 2005 emissions. Source: European Commission. Chart by Carbon Brief.

The new adjustment for cost-effective reduction potentials reduces the effort required by Ireland, Spain and Finland while increasing it for Germany. Changes in relative GDP since 2009 mean some countries, particularly Greece, will have less stringent targets for 2030 than they do for 2020.

Differences between proposed 2030 emissions reduction targets and what would have been expected if the 2020 division of labour had been repeated. Source: Carbon Brief analysis.

Its important to note that the proposal sets annual limits for each year 2021-2029, in addition to the final-year target for 2030. These annual limits start in 2021 at the level of average emissions during 2016-2018, and then decline towards the 2030 goal along a linear path.

Flexibilities

Countries can bank over-achievement in one year, to be used against targets in future. They are also allowed to meet under-achievement by borrowing up to 5% of the next years allocation. Member states can trade up to 5% of a years allocation with other countries.

Todays effort-sharing proposal introduces two new flexibilities, again designed to make it easier to meet the targets. The first allows nine member states, including Ireland, Finland and Denmark, to count up to 100m surplus carbon credits from the EU ETS against their non-ETS targets.

Where these credits are used, they must be cancelled. EU ETS campaigners have long called for some credits to be cancelled, in order to reduce a huge surplus that has held down CO2 prices.

The second new flexibility allows all member states to credit emissions reductions from land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) against the non-ETS targets. This is a particularly controversial decision because of doubts over whether LULUCF reductions are permanent, and additional to what would have happened otherwise.

The main beneficiaries of these new flexibilities include Ireland, Denmark and Finland. All have large agriculture and forestry sectors.

Proposed non-ETS emissions reduction targets for each EU member state, and the EU average. Allowances for ETS and LULUCF flexibilities are shown where applicable All reductions are relative to 2005 emissions. Source: European Commission. Chart by Carbon Brief.

The Commission proposal says:

The new flexibilities from the ETS and the LULUCF sectors need to be limited to ensure that real additional action is still taken in the non ETS sectors in line with the long term reduction objectives.

NGOs go further and say that these new flexibilities are loopholes that will water down overall EU ambition. In a June letter, also pointing to loopholes, seven members of the European Parliaments environment committee wrote:

In the context of the Paris Agreement and the on-going vehicle emissions scandal it would be extremely damaging to the EUs credibility if the Commission were to propose a climate law that, already at its inception, is undermined by loopholes and poor compliance mechanisms.

Fern, an NGO specialising in forests, says the flexibilities weakens the EUs 2030 target, watering it down from a 40% to a 39% reduction on 1990 levels.

Sandbag, an NGO covering EU climate policy, says the proposal amounts to no more than business as usual. It says that the 30% non-ETS target for 2030 is too low, with cost-effective savings amounting to a 50% cut. EU emissions are already comfortably below the 2020 target.

Brexit context

Todays proposal arrives at a time of great uncertainty for the EU, triggered by the UKs vote to leave the bloc. If the UK leaves the EU, it may still be bound by the 2030 effort-sharing decision, similarly to Norway and Iceland.

If the UK moves outside the 2030 target, however, its above-average share of effort will have to be divided among those that remain, or the target will have to be weakened.

Carbon Brief analysis suggests a UK departure would leave a 29m tonne hole in the non-ETS target of a 30% cut in 2030 emissions, against 2005 levels.

If shared equally, this emissions gap could be made up with a slightly more than one percentage point increase in targets: for instance, a 36% goal would increase to around 37%. In the absence of raised ambitions, the rest of the EU would have to water down its non-ETS goal to 29%.

The uncertainty over the UKs future adds to the expected wrangle over the proposed 2030 targets.

Jonathan Gaventa, a director at E3G, a climate and energy policy thinktank, tells Carbon Brief:

Its essentially a zero-sum game. Governments will be trying to get others to pick up effort as much as possible.

However, he adds that the fight over 2020 effort sharing appears to have diminished in importance, given that most member states are well ahead of their 2020 goals. As a result, six member states will be able to increase their non-ETS emissions between 2014 and 2030, according to Futureproof, a consultancy.

Todays proposed 2030 effort-sharing decision is not final. Member state governments ministers and the European Parliament will have the chance to suggest changes, and must agree any amendments with the Commission.

Discussions had been expected to conclude during the second half of 2017, when the UK was to hold the rotating six-month presidency of the EU Council of Ministers. However, the UK has said it will not take up this role.

Paris Agreement

The process could also affect EU ratification of the Paris Agreement. Some member states, including the UK, had said they wanted to see the 2030 effort-sharing proposal before ratifying Paris. Now that the initial proposals have been published, it is possible the UK could move to ratify.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe, minister in the newly-formed Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, told parliament this week:

I can confirm that this government remains committed to ratifying the Paris agreement, which was agreed last year by 195 countries, as soon as possible.

Alongside todays effort-sharing proposal, the Commission published a strategy for low-carbon mobility. It says the EU needs to accelerate the transition towards low- and zero-emission vehicles.

The strategy notes that vehicle batteries could become an integral part of electricity networks and that hydrogen and other synthetic fuels could be produced from electricity when prices are low, creating a form of energy storage.

The Commission also published consultations on monitoring, and eventually regulating emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, as well as on tightening standards for light-duty vehicles.

Notes: Carbon Brief analysed the impact of a UK departure using updated 2005 baseline emissions calculated by Futureproof, a consultancy. The updated baselines use the latest figures on overall emissions from the European Environment Agency and on ETS emissions. These baseline figures differ from those used for the 2020 effort-sharing decision, largely because the scope of the ETS has changed.
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Happy Thursday. The Secret Service gives a code name to every one of its top protectees like President Barack Obama (Renagade) and first lady Michelle Obama (Renaissance) and we now know the secret names for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Mike Pence. Businessman Trump is referred to as "mogul," while Pence, the Indiana governor, is "Hoosier." Hillary Clinton, a longtime fixture in American politics is "Evergreen" and her former president husband, Bill Clinton, is "Eagle."[&lt;a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/27/politics/donald-trump-mike-pence-secret-service-codenames/"&gt;CNN&lt;/a&gt;]
Shots were fired into a Kambah home this month, ACT Policing have revealed nearly two weeks after the event.

Police say no one was injured in the incident, which took place on Saturday, July 16 about 9pm.

The incident is believed to be bikie gang related, police say, noting the victim has "chosen not to cooperate" with them at this stage.

It is one of two recent incidents related to an outlaw motorcycle gang that police are investigating, having also published CCTV footage of attempted arson in Fyshwick this week.

The shooting also comes after another incident of shots being fired into a home in Kambah in April this year. It is not known whether that was bikie gang-related, nor if any of the incidents are connected.
The Australian Medical Association says the government's back-down on liquor reforms lacked courage and leadership and was a missed opportunity to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence.

Controversial reforms to dramatically hike fees for clubs and pubs open past 3am were dropped on Tuesday, after Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury voiced opposition in cabinet.

AMA president Dr. Stephen Robson said the back-down on controversial aspects of liquor reform was "disappointing", and showed a lack of political courage. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Mr Barr had already ruled out Sydney-style lockouts, but the fee hikes were dubbed "lockouts by stealth" by clubs, who said it would no longer be viable to stay open past 3am.

The government this week promised that changes to closing times, last drinks, or dramatic post-3am fee increases would not be pursued, now or in the future.
Authorities will investigate whether guards properly monitored Indigenous inmate Steven Freeman in his cell prior to his death in May.

A pending inquest into Mr Freeman's death also appears to be closely focussed on why Mr Freeman, not a known heroin user upon admission, was able to access the methadone program from April.

Julie Tongs says Aboriginal prisoners are going from a life-threatening juvenile system to a life-threatening adult system and it needs a national response. Credit:Melissa Adams

It is also taking expert evidence on the impacts of opioid toxicity, an avenue suggesting high levels of an opioid drug were found in his system.

Mr Freeman was found dead in his cell in the Alexander Maconochie Centre in late May, roughly a year after the remandee was placed with sentenced prisoners and almost immediately subjected to a near-fatal bashing.
Honeycomb the alpaca, famous for riding in the back of his owner's little red Mazda 121, but more importantly offering some joy and comfort to the sick, dying and lonely, has passed away.

The pet therapy alpaca would have turned 13 in October, passing away this week due to ongoing complications from a fall while visiting the Canberra Hospital five years ago.

Nils Latzke of Giralang is grieving the recent death of his famous pet alpaca Honeycomb but is kept company by fluffy youngster Hercules. Credit:Karleen Minney

Described as Canberra's most famous alpaca, Honeycomb was just a few weeks old when he started visiting Clare Holland House, the city's hospice, bringing a smile to those facing the end of their days.

He also visited the homeless, young people, the blind and people who had suffered torture in other countries, via Companion House. In 2011, he was almost as big a drawcard as Queen Elizabeth as he waited by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin for the monarch to sail by.
The Stuart Flats resident accused of helping his neighbour clean a suspected murder weapon and fabricate a story of self-defence has had the charge against him dismissed.

Trevor John Hobbs, 48, was charged with being an accessory after the fact to the murder of Jason Hollingshed, 46, whose body was found at the Stuart Flats in Griffith on February 29.

The court has previously heard that Mr Hobbs lived next to the alleged killer Scott Jamie Cole, 40, while the victim lived on the floor below.

Police allege Mr Cole inflicted stab wounds to Mr Hollingshed's neck, back, and arms during a violent confrontation over money owed.

Mr Hobbs was accused of running up the stairs after hearing the fight, to find Mr Hollingshed on the ground and making gurgling sounds.
Confidence among Canberra's business owners has surged in recent months despite waning support for the Barr government sparked by growing concerns over excess red tape, a survey has revealed.

The latest Sensis data showed the number of small to medium business owners in the ACT who felt positive about their prospects for the next year rose from 55 per cent to 61 per cent, above the national average of 60 per cent, in the last quarter.

ACT businesses posted strong results for sales, prices and profitability in the last quarter. Credit:Erin Jonasson

That was compared to 12 per cent who were pessimistic, below the national average of 16 per cent, and meant Canberrans were among the most positive in the country, second only to NSW, as overall business confidence reached its highest level since the start of 2011.

The index, which reflects the views of 1000 small to medium business owners across Australia, showed 20 per cent of ACT business owners thought the economy was slowing, while 18 per cent believed it was flourishing.
AMP has left the door open to launching a new China fund after unit-holders voted on Thursday to wind up the ASX-listed AMP Capital China Growth Fund following pressure from a Hong Kong-based investor.

The $450 million AMP China fund had traded at a persistent and sizeable discount to its worth, which prompted the Hong Kong-based LIM Advisors to pressure for change, or for the fund to be wound up.

AMP remains committed to China despite winding up an ASX-listed China fund. Credit:Bloomberg

After considerable discussion, AMP Capital put forward proposals to try to narrow the discount, with LIM Advisors putting forward a proposal for the fund to be wound up, which was supported by the fund's investors.

AMP Capital chief executive Adam Tindall said there were lessons from the episode.
Hundreds of disgruntled AirAsia customers have slammed the airline on social media for failing to refund their flights after cancelling a Melbourne to Bali route in early June.

Some have taken to the airline's Facebook page to threaten legal action after waiting for more than two months for a response.

Passengers are still seeking refunds after AirAsia cancelled a Melbourne to Bali route in early June.

Melbourne couple Patrice Lade and Joshua Williams had booked 14 return AirAsia flights for their wedding in Bali in September.

They said they were informed on June 2 the route had been cancelled and they should apply for a refund online.
Macquarie Group says it has a contingency plan to handle Britain's decision to leave the European Union, but it remains too early to say what impact Brexit may have on its business.

After reaffirming the bank's full-year profit guidance for this year on Thursday, chief executive Nicholas Moore said the investment bank was still assessing the potential effects of last month's vote in favour of Brexit.

Macquarie Group chief executive Nicholas Moore expects this year's profits to be broadly in line with last year's. Credit:Daniel Munoz

Analysts view Macquarie as having a significant exposure to the UK, but Mr Moore said so far, its businesses in Europe and Britain were performing well and there was little impact "on the ground" from the vote.

"Obviously the whole Brexit story has got a long way to play out," Mr Moore told journalists.
Specialist fees will be published and consumers will review their quality of care in a new rate-my-doctor website likely to anger the medical profession.

Health insurance companies NIB, Bupa and HBF have joined forces to publish customer feedback and gap fees for individual doctors, following rising disgruntlement among members about price gouging by specialists.

The website  an expanded version of NIB's health provider directory Whitecoat  will initially publish prices, customer reviews and allow customers to book and pay for their appointments online.

Whitecoat currently covers GPs, dentists, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals, but not specialists.
Guvera has shut down its Australian music site after it raised just $4.7 million of the $20 million it needs to survive and pay back creditors.

The distressed music streaming service and its subsidiaries owe $14 million to creditors, including staff, the Australian Taxation Office and musicians.

Creditors will vote on Monday as to whether Guvera will be liquidated or continue under a proposed arrangement.

Two of Guvera's subsidiaries, Guv Services and Guvera Australia, entered voluntary administration last month.

Guvera said wages for its 60 sacked Australian staff were paid until the end of June but that staff would not receive redundancy and superannuation entitlements until September.
Food delivery services Deliveroo and Foodora are facing the threat of a landmark court case alleging their couriers are grossly underpaid and illegally hired as contractors instead of employees.

Law firm Maurice Blackburn said preparations were under way for a test case claiming the two burgeoning "disrupter" companies  valued at hundreds of millions of dollars  are exploiting their food delivery drivers and cyclists, some of whom earn as little as $10 an hour.

Fairfax Media has also found that the Australian Business Register has suspended some Deliveroo contractors' ABNs, after questioning them about the nature of their work and relationship with the company.

The looming test case, alleging breaches of the Fair Work Act, will be the first in Australia to contest the legality of contracting arrangements in the so-called "sharing economy", where companies use self-employed workers rather than having them on the payroll.
For a case study in white privilege, look no further than the brats who this week booed a dignified Bernie Sanders at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia when he said the time had come to back Hillary Clinton for president.

The Sanders supporters  who, as we know, are overwhelming young and overwhelmingly white  not only booed, but some protesters outside broke into the signature taunt of the Donald Trump campaign, "lock her up".

Senator Bernie Sanders gestures on stage during the Democratic National Convention. Credit:Bloomberg

Sanders sought to calm the ill-disciplined, self-righteous mob after the Wikileaks release of internal emails from the Democratic National Committee, in which some officers plotted against Sanders' candidacy, reignited (highly contestable) claims that the primaries race was rigged against the Vermont Senator.

Comedian Sarah Silverman upbraided the Sanders supporters for being "ridiculous". The real story, or at least the intriguing, apparently plausible, story arising from the Wikileaks dump is that it may be the work of Russian intelligence keen to boost Trump's electoral chances. The idea that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be rooting for Trump with such sinister enthusiasm ought to alarm even the most Hillary-hating progressives. But the bigger picture obviously eluded them.
"If a senior executive of one of Australia's largest banks has to write to Column 8 to complain about a service problem with ATMs (C8), then perhaps we have discovered why the Australian public has so much trouble dealing with the banks," suggests Alynn Pratt, of Killara.

"Well, Dean Gillespie, which bank? Presumably, out of loyalty, the one you work for. Surely you should just send off a stiff memo to the relevant colleague? Actually, the Commonwealth Bank does NOT do this, nor St George," challenges John Christie, of Oatley.

"It may be time for Mr Gillespie to change jobs and seek employment with a sane bank," kind regards,Gino DeBono, Collaroy Beach.

"I'm not a senior executive at one of Australia's largest banks like Dean Gillespie, but my main ATM gripe is the alacrity with which the notes have to be removed before said ATM ingests them again," says Peter Bower, Naremburn.

Moving on ... "To my surprise, I heard on ABC radio news yesterday that many Volkswagen customers will be 'illegible' for compensation," writes James Moore, of Kingsgrove. "Nevertheless, I still think they would be wise to get something in writing."
For more than two years Islamic State has waged war on the religious mosaic of the Middle East. It has slaughtered all those they consider apostates in increasingly lurid fashion, targeting Christians, Yazidis, Shia Muslims, and countless Sunnis, too.

As the jihadists' war extended into Europe, they chose methods  such as the butchery of Nice  that even Osama bin Laden had rejected as indiscriminate. But if Isil's target list is broad, it is not without priorities. In his speeches, IS's so-called caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has repeatedly picked out Christians and Jews as enemies of particular note. Isil adherents have already deliberately killed Jews on European soil, starting with the attack on the Jewish Museum of Belgium in May 2014. The only surprise is that churches have escaped violence for so long.

"Minister of war" Omar al-Shishani stands next to an IS spokesman among a group of fighters. The US said he was killed in March. Credit:AP

A war on Christians has for decades been part of the cocktail of fascist, fanatical and fundamentalist ideas that make up Islamist extremism. In 1998 an infamous fatwa by Bin Laden declared jihad against Jews and "crusaders". In the 2000s, as Iraq fell apart and violence spread, the historic presence of Christianity in the Middle East came under attack. Christians made up 14 per cent of the region's population in 1910; they comprise just 4 per cent now. Thousands of churches have been attacked, and more than 100,000 Christians fled from Iraq alone.

The killing of Father Jacques Hamel in Normandy earlier this week, kneeling in his church, was foreshadowed in countless such acts outside Europe, such as the 16 Ethiopian Christians beheaded on a Libyan beach last year.
Lake Burley Griffin is often referred to as the jewel in the crown of Canberra's setting. If one thinks of the iconographic imagery this evinces of a precious stone and a crown, then surely it means seeing the stone in the context of its setting. The stone is enhanced by its setting and the setting is enhanced by the stone: a synergy between the two where their combined effect is greater than the sum of their separate effects. Any jewellery aficionado of the Antiques Roadshow can attest to this.

Relating this analogy to LBG anticipates the acceptance that the open space setting around the water body is critical to the idea of the lake as Canberra's jewel. Equally significant in the city's sense of place as the city in the landscape is the lake's large scale spatial and visual relationship to the defining hills and ridges, the National Capital Open Space System.

The Lake Burley Griffin Guardians, including convener Juliet Ramsay, are concerned about the redevelopment of parts of the foreshore. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Views across the lake to the hills and ridges and views back to the lake are quintessential elements in the city's dramatically exquisite stage-like setting: Judith Wright's "tawny basin in the ring of hills". The visual sweep of green space effortlessly continuing the surface plane of the water then transcends the distances of Canberra's landscape views, linking with surrounding landscape components. It is all rather akin to the related parts of an elegant symphony.

In addition to the invaluable setting for the lake creating visual harmony what other use does the landscape surround serve? Expressed simply what we have is an extensive linear space that serves as doing space and seeing space. We can physically occupy the doing space: walk, run, cycle and so on. But equally important is the symbolism of the seeing space role of LBG. Indeed for many people it will be more important and not just for Canberrans, but for national and international visitors to the city.
Forrest E. Mars jnr, a billionaire scion of the reclusive family that satisfied America's sweet tooth with the Milky Way candy bar and M&M's and who helped build Mars Inc into the world's largest confectionery company, died on Tuesday in Seattle. He was 84.

The company, which he inherited with his brother and sister in 1973, said the cause was a heart attack.

Forrest Mars Jr. Credit: Mars Inc

Mr Mars and his brother, John, were co-presidents of the company, which sold about $1 billion worth of candy when their father turned over control. By the time Forrest Mars jnr retired from active management in 1999, it was an $18 billion-a-year company selling Snickers, Uncle Ben's Rice and Pedigree pet food. Since its acquisition in 2008 of the Wm. Wrigley jnr Company, the chewing gum manufacturer, Mars reports sales of $35 billion a year and has 80,000 employees worldwide.

Mr. Mars played an early role in the company's global expansion, was group vice president for confectionery operations and became co-president with his brother in 1975 as Mars tapped new markets from Africa to Russia.
Bill Clinton made the case that his wife is "the best darn change-maker I've ever met my entire life" at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night. In fact, he made this point over and over and over again. Whereas Melania Trump, in her speech to the Republican National Convention last week, merely asked voters to take her word that her husband is an all-around good guy, Bill Clinton provided detail after detail showing what he meant about his wife.

But the speech still had a gaping hole.

By Bill's telling, Hillary, self-possessed in her early 20s, introduced herself to him at Yale Law School. From there, she exposed segregated academies getting improper government aid. She helped register Mexican-American voters. She started Arkansas Advocates for Families and Children. She took on the doctors lobby, using nurse practitioners to extend primary care to rural Arkansans. She was the architect of his political rehabilitation after he lost the governor's mansion. She pushed through a major education reform as first lady of Arkansas. In the Senate she served on the Armed Services Committee and brought money to upstate New York. As secretary of state she persuaded a diverse group of countries to sanction Iran. And so on.

Bill Clinton's painstaking, year-by-year history was whitewashed. He offered only oblique references to her handling of his sex scandals or the spectacular failure of her universal health-care bill early in his presidency.
Along the fence line of a grassed enclosure at Canberra's zoo, staff are keeping a watchful eye out for every chuffing noise, scent marking and smooch exchanged through the mesh.

Those are signs a crucial matchmaking operation between two new Sumatran tigers is going to plan as the zoo plays a significant role in preserving the critically endangered animals.

Baru is one of four new tigers settling in at Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

The National Zoo and Aquarium has welcomed six-year-old male Aceh, from Melbourne Zoo, and eight-year-old Ndari, from Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, as part of an Australasian breeding program.

The species' population  estimated at roughly 400 animals in the wild  has been whittled down as their habitat continues to be destroyed and degraded, poachers hunt them down and traders flog animal body parts on the illegal market.
ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie says she wants the ABC to strive harder to appeal to all Australians, not just children and older audience members, and ensure it is not affected by "unconscious bias".

Ms Guthrie, who took over from Mark Scott in May, also vowed to make the organisation more diverse and champion ABC personalities from non-Anglo backgrounds.

In her first major speech since taking over from Mark Scott, Ms Guthrie said: "I have heard it said in the past that the ABC has captured the hearts and minds of every pre-school and aged-care facility.

"It a joke about the corporation's strong popularity within these demographics.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has fuelled speculation cabinet will sink Kevin Rudd's bid to lead the United Nations, rejecting Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's central argument in favour of the nomination.

In an interview ahead of Thursday's cabinet meeting, which will make a decision on the matter, Mr Turnbull argued the government's nomination of the former Labor prime minister would amount to support.

Ms Bishop, the main backer of Mr Rudd in cabinet, recently told the Coalition party room that a "nomination is not an endorsement" but the former Labor leader has not attracted the support of other senior ministers.

Treasurer Scott Morrison, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, Industry Minister Greg Hunt and several backbenchers have publicly questioned the former Labor leader's merit and suitability to be secretary-general of the powerful international organisation.
Brian Ross Martin was introduced on Thursday afternoon as the man who would lead the royal commission into juvenile justice in the Northern Territory.

Mr Martin was described by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as an "eminently qualified" person who would bring "a wealth of legal experience".

"He has a deep understanding of the legal and justice systems of the Northern Territory, and a deep familiarity with issues arising from the engagement of Indigenous people with the criminal justice and penal systems," Mr Turnbull said.

Mr Martin has had a long and distinguished career since he began practising law in Adelaide in 1970, including serving as a Crown Prosecutor in the state, before he was appointed as a Queen's Counsel in the 1980s.
A culture of racism, brutality, and official cover-up in the Northern Territory's discredited juvenile justice system will be centrally examined by a royal commission that will see politicians, including territory ministers and their senior bureaucrats, compelled to give evidence.

The inquiry, to be led by former NT Supreme Court chief justice Brian Ross Martin, will probe the failings of the Northern Territory's youth detention systems since 2006 and has been tasked with discovering who knew what, and why previous reports and allegations detailing criminal violence by prison officers against vulnerable minors, went unaddressed.

The Turnbull government, which signed off on the inquiry at its first Cabinet meeting since the election, resisted calls to exclude the embattled Adam Giles-led CLP government from the joint design and administration process of the commission.

Mr Giles had failed to sack his Attorney-General, John Elferink, amid the crisis, merely relieving him of his correctional services responsibilities. Mr Giles has also been embarrassed this week by previous harsh comments favouring brutal treatment of young offenders.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will personally decide whether Australia should nominate Kevin Rudd to become United Nations secretary-general, with an announcement expected on Friday.

Mr Rudd's request to be officially nominated by the government was discussed in a lengthy and polarised cabinet meeting in Canberra on Thursday, in which ministers shared their views on the former Labor leader's suitability for the prestigious role.

Cabinet resolved to hand responsibility to Mr Turnbull alone, who said he would communicate the decision to Mr Rudd in a phone call to Brisbane.

After weeks of speculation and resistance from senior Coalition members, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was expected to argue for Mr Rudd's suitability, while his nomination was opposed by some senior ministers, including Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton.
There's no other store like David Jones but there's nothing like the kiwi sense of humour as showcased at the department store's New Zealand store launch.

Prime Minister John Key was the star of the show in Wellington ahead of Thursday's opening, mocking chairman Ian Moir and threatening to increase the GST the South African-owned Australian retailer may have to pour into his government coffers.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key with David Jones ambassador Jessica Gomes. Credit:Norrie Montgomery

"We know that you'll be tremendously successful here in Wellington and the really good news is that it's good for you and it's good for me. It's good for you because you sell a hell of a lot of stuff and it's good for me because you have to pay me 15 per cent. I'm like the New Zealand mafia, I do it legally, I passed the law and if you're not nice to us, I'll just make it more. Your $25 million is in the ground here now baby so bring it on," Key said.

While Key, whose nine-year run as leader of The Land of the Long White Cloud looks set to continue after next year's general election, is popular with his constituents, he'll be keeping David Jones executives happy too when stocking up before embarking on foreign tours.
A baby boy has been taken into care after he allegedly was repeatedly assaulted on a train travelling between Sydney and the Central Coast overnight.

Police have praised the actions of passengers on the train, who alerted officers at Woy Woy train station just before 8.30pm on Wednesday after allegedly seeing a 22-year-old man assaulting the 10-month-old boy throughout the journey.

The officers boarded the north-bound train and approached a man and a woman travelling with the boy, who was strapped into a pram.

Superintendent Danny Sullivan said the child was "distressed" and had injuries to his head.
A Sydney greyhound owner and trainer has been hit with an interim suspension pending an investigation into luring and baiting after "what appears to be a rabbit carcass" was found on his property.

Harry Sarkis, who gave evidence at the Special Commission of Inquiry in to the NSW Greyhound Racing Industry, faces disqualification for up to 10 years if he is found guilty.

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) said in a statement that "what appears to be a rabbit carcass" was found on Mr Sarkis' property on Wednesday during a planned kennel inspection.

The investigation will examine whether Mr Sarkis is guilty of breaching Rule 86B, which prohibits use or possession of live animals or carcasses which is "likely to be used as bait, quarry or lure to entice or encourage a greyhound to pursue it".
The head of British armed policing has told the Lindt cafe siege inquest he would have been "screaming out" for a tactical assault plan to be approved and ready for final authorisation.

The NSW police did not approve such a plan during the 17-hour siege.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, who led a British review of the NSW response, said on Thursday that all tactical options had been high risk.

"This incident would have challenged any police service anywhere in the world," Deputy Chief Constable Chesterman said. He said the officers who stormed the cafe after Man Haron Monis killed cafe manager Tori Johnson displayed "great courage".
A jury has retired to consider its verdict for a man accused of strangling, stripping and burying a South Korean national in a Brisbane backyard in 2013.

Sanghyun Hwang, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Min Tae Kim, 28, in December 2013 but guilty to interfering with a corpse on the first day of his trial last week.

Victim Min Tae Kim who was killed in Brisbane in 2013. Credit:Facebook

A Brisbane Supreme Court jury retired shortly after 11am on Thursday, having heard allegations Hwang killed the man after organising a currency exchange online.

AAP
A manhunt is underway after a woman was viciously attacked in her home north of Brisbane on Wednesday evening.

A woman, 32, had returned to her home on Paul Street, Kallangur when she was attacked by a man about 7pm.

Neighbours heard the woman screaming and called police to the home.

One of the woman's neighbours, David, had sat with her, reportedly near the front door of her home, until emergency services arrived.
A man has been found guilty of the murder of a South Korean national whose body was found buried in a shallow grave in a Brisbane backyard three years ago.

Sanghyun Hwang, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Min Tae Kim but guilty to interference with a corpse on the first day of his trial last Monday.

A Brisbane Supreme Court jury heard allegations Hwang killed the man after they organised a currency exchange online.

A Brisbane Supreme Court jury retired shortly after 11am on Thursday, having heard allegations Hwang killed the man after they organised a currency exchange online.

Members of Mr Kim's family wept in the public gallery after jurors returned at about 3pm to convict Hwang of the 28-year-old's murder.
It's been a year peppered with bad news stories and depressing debate about immigration and refugees.

"What we so often hear is that migrants and refugees are coming here and taking our jobs," says SBS executive producer Whitney Fitzsimmons.

"All I want viewers to do is smile at the end of the show"  Ricardo Goncalves of Small Business Secrets with Whitney Fitzsimmons.

"But what we know for a fact is that they're the most entrepreneurial, that they often actually create businesses that employ people and they take risks. As the show mentions, they make up around 30 per cent of sole traders."

Fitzsimmons's new show on the public broadcaster is called Small Business Secrets. Hosted by Ricardo Goncalves, the show will focus on everything from start-ups to franchises and established family businesses.
LastPass pushed out an update on Wednesday fixing the problem. At the same time, it also acknowledged an issue that similarly exposed user passwords and was disclosed to LastPass by security researcher Mathias Karlsson last year.

Tavis Ormandy, a member of a Google team that hunts for unknown software bugs, discovered the LastPass problem on Tuesday  calling it a " complete remote compromise ." A distant attacker could potentially take over users' LastPass accounts and gain access to their troves of passwords  at least, if they visited a website designed to exploit the vulnerability while using the LastPass browser extension with Firefox, according to a blog post from LastPass.

LastPass remembers all your passwords so you can use a different one with each online service.

But a major vulnerability in one of the most popular password managers, LastPass, shows how even the tactics users hope will protect them online can still leave them vulnerable  and just how hard it is to keep up with what technology to trust.

Millions of people count on password managers to safeguard their accounts and help them keep track of their passwords. By serving as a sort of master-key for their accounts, password managers can encourage good digital hygiene, such as using long, complex and unique passwords.

The company fixed the problem Karlsson discovered back when he told them about it, but it wasn't made public until Wednesday when Karlsson published a blog post explaining the bug. Industry best practice is for researchers to wait until after problems have been fixed to talk about them, but companies don't always publicly announce when they've made major fixes.

This isn't the first time password managers have had security problems. Back in 2014, researchers uncovered security problems in LastPass and four other password managers. Just last year, researchers were able to sneak a malicious program into the Apple App Store that could steal passwords from iOS and OSX's built-in Keychain password management tool, as well as from popular password manager 1Password.

Earlier this week, a US government agency also waved developers away from another common account security strategy: Using SMS text messages to deliver two-factor authentication codes. Two-factor authentication is one of the best, basic steps people can take to secure their accounts - it works by having a user verify their identity by using another method beyond a password, most often by entering a unique code sent to them via text message.

But new draft guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology argues using SMS texts for two-factor authentication shouldn't be considered secure because the number associated with an account might change hands or the code might be intercepted if sent to a number registered through an online service, including Skype or Google Voice. Instead, the guidance suggests alternatives such as using secure apps for two-factor authentication, a method already offered through Google, Microsoft and some other services.

Both the LastPass issues and the US government's concerns about SMS texts for two-factor authentication show why it's so hard for people to stay on top of their online security: Best practices are always changing, and what was once considered the gold standard can quickly become obsolete.
A Sunbury man who shot a kangaroo in the head with a crossbow may be jailed for animal cruelty.

James Johnathon Calleja, 34, faced Bendigo Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentencing.

James Johnathon Calleja, 34, who shot kangaroo in the head with a crossbow, leaves court on Thursday. Credit:Noni Hyett

The kangaroo, known as "Spot", lived with the arrow in his head for almost a month after the shooting near Woodend on August 12 before wildlife officers were able to tranquilise him and perform surgery.

Spot  a 75-kilogram male eastern grey kangaroo  died of shock on September 12, three days after the surgery, the Bendigo Advertiser reports.
Melbourne Express: Friday, July 29, 2016

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A woman from Hong Kong, accused of murdering her former lover in Bacchus Marsh, will remain in jail after failing to show she knew nothing about the crime.

Yu Tung Lo factory reset her phone the morning after her former lover was shot and killed, police allege.

Paul Hogan died after he was shot while parked outside his house in Labilliere Street. Credit:Penny Stephens

The 26-year-old was refused bail in the Victorian Supreme Court on Thursday and will remain in custody indefinitely, until there is a trial.

Ms Lo has been charged with murdering Bacchus Marsh man Paul Hogan, who was allegedly shot dead by her alleged friend Daniel Duhovic on May 24.
The future of horse-drawn carriages in Melbourne's CBD is under a cloud and are expected to be pushed out of their Swanston Street base.

They have come under fire from animal rights groups and Yarra Trams after a horse put its head through a tram window, but objections from the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority look like they might have reined in the carriages.

A horse drawn carriage passes one of Melbourne's best-known landmarks. Credit:Simon O'Dwyer

The authority confirmed it has told Melbourne City Council the carriages would present a safety risk during construction of the tunnel and station works in Swanston Street.

On July 14 a carriage horse driven by an unlicensed operator smashed its head through the window of a Swanston Street tram. The horse sustained minor injuries including a cut face.
Tony McNamara qualifies as what the US Census Bureau defines as an "extreme commuter": someone who travels 90 minutes or more to work, one-way.

His two-hour commute from Torquay to Melbourne's CBD is significantly better than when he worked as an IT manager in Preston.

Extreme commuter Tony McNamara. He commutes by car three days a week from Torquay to Melbourne. Credit:Wayne Taylor

"On a good day then, it would take me two hours each way," the father of two says. "Some days to beat the traffic I would get up at 4.30am." Worst commute? "One day the drive took me five-and-a-half hours one way."

Mr McNamara's commute now, four hours a day has become the norm for a growing number of city workers.
Darren Mooney is reportedly helping Sano Taskforce with its investigation. Credit:Courtesy of ABC "Normally we would interview someone towards the end of an inquiry." Cardinal Pell has rejected the allegations, claiming that Victoria Police leaked the information to the ABC and compromised the judicial process. The old St Alipius primary school in Ballarat. Credit:Simon O'Dwyer He also demanded an investigation into the matter.

However, Mr Ashton said he didn't believe there was a leak in the force. He said that it was clear that the sources for the 7.30 story were the alleged victims, not Victoria Police. Damian Dignan was a pupil at St Alipius primary school in Ballarat. Credit:Courtesy of ABC "You can see the emotion in their voices and see it in them last night. They're highly traumatised by what they say has happened to them," he said. Mr Ashton said any request for an inquiry from Cardinal Pell would be referred to IBAC. Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton says he wants all police employees to feel safe at work. Credit:The Age

An earlier demand by Cardinal Pell for an inquiry into police leaking was dismissed by the corruption watchdog, Mr Ashton said. "It won't be the police investigating the police on this, it will be looked at independently," he said. Lyndon Monument talks about Cardinal George Pell on the ABC. Credit:Courtesy of ABC The ABC obtained eight police statements from complainants, witnesses and family members who are reportedly helping the taskforce with its investigation. One complainant, Darren Mooney, spoke publicly: "He'd throw us off his shoulders ... he would grab you from  have his hands on your backside and then he'd push you off," Mr Mooney said.

Another alleged victim, Lyndon Monument, described the abuse as: "his hand touching your genitals and stuff on the outside of your bathers or shorts. And then that slowly became hand down the front of the pants or your bathers or whatever you call them." "[He would] grab you ... around the testes, around the anus ... very forceful around the anus," a third complainant, Damian Dignan, told the program. All three men were pupils at St Alipius. Other allegations aired on the program included: that Cardinal Pell would touch the genitals of children while swimming in a public pool in Ballarat in the late '70s.

that he was naked in the change rooms on a regular basis in front of children.

that he exposed himself to three young children in another change room, at the Torquay Surf Club in 1986 or 1987.

Cardinal Pell's office issued a furious statement and said he rejected all the allegations aired by the program. "The ABC has no licence to destroy the reputation of innocent people and Cardinal Pell, like all those who have allegations against them that have not been tested by the Courts, is entitled to the presumption of innocence  not immediate condemnation," the statement said. But his anger was not just reserved for the media. "It seems there has been leaking of information and allegations by elements of the Victorian Police to the ABC," the statement said. "This is consistent with previous patterns of improper and illegal disclosure of information from such sources to a variety of media outlets. Such information has in the past repeatedly been demonstrated to be inaccurate and unfounded.

"In a context where police themselves have suggested, accurately or otherwise, that the making of charges is under review by relevant authorities, these disclosures and consequent publicity by the ABC clearly are apt and calculated deliberately to influence and compromise relevant judicial and prosecutorial processes. "The Cardinal calls for an investigation to assess whether any actions of elements of the Victoria Police and the ABC program amount to a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. "The Cardinal has co-operated in the past and will continue to co-operate through the proper and appropriate civil authorities. "I bear no ill will and have no desire to cause them harm but what they say about me is not true. "I have done nothing wrong."

In response to Cardinal Pell's comments, an ABC spokesperson said Victoria Police was not the source of the story broadcast on 7.30. "The report was the result of our own on-the-ground journalism over the course of months, which included finding people who would be willing to talk to us on camera," the spokesperson said. "There is a clear public interest case for reporting on this matter. "Cardinal George Pell is a significant public figure, a senior figure in the Catholic Church, and he also has had direct responsibility for the Church's response on the issue of child sex abuse." Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart said Cardinal Pell deserved to go through the "usual lawful processes without being compromised or sensationalised by the media".
An artist's impression of the Eagles' new home at Lathlain Park. Residents have also asked for a detailed assessment of the trees on-site, an independent assessment of impacts to the black cockatoo population nesting there, and a new site heritage assessment. They want the lease agreement revisited and a new design minimising tree loss. The earthworks proposal is to remove 98 trees (those in the southern portion of the site). Credit:Nearmap "Councillors have a duty to at least claw back five per cent of the trees because it is just an abomination to clear all of them," said local Urban Tree Network spokesman Peter Melrosa.

One rather cheeky motion read: A towering redgum at the site. Credit:Peter Melrosa "... if the Town of Victoria Park proceeds with the two oval plan, thus ignoring the concerns and objections of the residents, then the Town of Victoria Park should be requested to change their logo to remove the tree, and either leave it blank and barren, or replace it with a dollar sign." Mayor Trevor Vaughan, who has long championed the project, was not present at the meeting. being on approved leave, with deputy Brian Oliver assuming his duties. The Eagles did not attend, despite the Town's invitation, and West Coast has sent letters to residents saying works will begin soon with the "widespread support" of the community.

Town of Victoria Park chief executive Anthony Vuleta said the Council would consider all motions raised next time it met. "We are also moving into a period of extensive community engagement to develop a management plan for the development of Lathlain Park," he said. "The plan will define how the recreation and community areas  zones one, two and three  within the precinct will be developed and managed. "The community is being given an opportunity to get involved, not just to have a say on the outcomes, but to help shape the management plan itself  particularly in Zone two, the Community Activity Zone via the formation of a Community Reference Group, several planned community workshops, and ways to have a say online." He asked residents to visit www.yourthoughts.victoriapark.wa.gov.au/LPRP.

There is a curious back-story to public sentiment on the project. The Town received 118 submissions when it put out the feelers on the plan in 2011, with the public response overwhelmingly positive. "Retention of the existing trees is an imperative, but detailed design stage will consider this issue," officers wrote in response to the submissions. In stark contrast, the Town received 135 submissions on the earthworks proposal this June, with the public response overwhelmingly concerned. Strangely, the consultation on the land transaction in late 2013, which appears to have sealed the trees' fate, attracted little comment.

"Given the scale of the proposal and the extent of community engagement undertaken by the Town on the project over the past few months, the number of submissions received (39) is quite small," officers noted at the time. Residents have speculated the reason for the odd lack of response at the crucial moment was because the comments period was very close to Christmas. "One perspective of this situation could be that the proposal is generally acceptable to the community, not giving rise to a 'backlash campaign' or a flood of unsupportive submissions," the officers concluded when considering the matter on December 18. They wrote that though this small set of submissions did raise concerns, the town could "through powerful legislation" mitigate any concerns raised through design, planning and approvals stages. "The decision to proceed, then, must be guided by Council's level of comfort that these impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level through [the] terms of the lease ... conditions of planning, building and environmental health approvals ... site and landscape designs," they wrote.
A Perth teenager charged with organising an out-of-control party at a vacant house allegedly asked a man to trespass onto the Mirrabooka property to reconnect the power before the gathering, a court has heard.

Rebecca Ah Hong made a brief appearance in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, accused of organising an out-of-control party at a Yokine address on June 17 and procuring a man to trespass and reconnect the power at another residence in Mirrabooka on June 24 where another wild party was held.

Rebecca Ah Hong, has admitted to helping organise out-of-control parties at vacant houses in Perth. Credit:Heather McNeill

The 18-year-old Ballajura woman was not required to enter a plea.

Another teenager, a 17-year-old boy from Mirrabooka was also charged in relation to the two parties.
WA Police have uploaded dash camera footage of an alleged robbery in a suburb of Albany.

The footage showed a car following a man running down a street with a black lap top bag in hand.

"Do you recognise this male?" the post said.

"Albany Police are investigating a stealing that occurred on Albany Highway, Orana on Thursday 21st July, close to 2.55pm."
Cilacap: Family members of 14 death row prisoners wept and one was close to collapse after learning the largest mass killing of convicted drug felons in Indonesia would take place on Thursday night - 24 hours earlier than expected.

Lawyers and embassy staff were also grim-faced as they emerged from the prosecutor's office in Cilacap on Thursday after being informed the deaths of the eight Nigerians, four Indonesians, one Indian and one Pakistani were just hours away.

The executions were proceeding despite nine of the condemned filing last-minute clemency pleas and pressure to postpone the executions amid growing evidence that some of those facing the firing squad could be innocent.
Philadelphia: This is not about me, US President Barack Obama kept telling his closest advisers in recent weeks as he laboured over one of the last major addresses of his presidency.

But he could not avoid the subject. And as he took the stage on Wednesday night to rally Democrats around Hillary Clinton, Obama's diagnosis of the nation's current political failings inevitably called to mind the promise of reconciliation and unity that propelled his improbable rise - the Shepard Fairey poster image of "Hope" - but which seems even more out of reach today.

"We get frustrated with political gridlock and worry about racial divisions; we are shocked and saddened by the madness of Orlando or Nice," Obama said. But he added: "What I have also seen, more than anything, is what is right with America."

Obama's eyes welled with tears as he spoke of his faith in the American people and urged voters to transfer their trust in him to his chosen successor. "Time and again, you've picked me up and I hope, sometimes, I've picked you up, too," he said. "Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me."
New Delhi: One of India's most prominent human rights activists made a surprising announcement this week, saying she would end a 15-year hunger strike against a law shielding the armed forces from prosecution.

"I will end my fast on August 9 and contest elections," the activist, Irom Chanu Sharmila, said on Tuesday outside the courthouse in Imphal, the capital of the northeastern state of Manipur.

Irom Sharmila is the face of the fight against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958. Credit:AP

The brevity of the announcement belied its import, nowhere more keenly felt than in fractious Manipur, on the border of Myanmar, where multiple insurgencies fighting for independence have been met by heavy military crackdowns.

Sharmila, 44, has been the face of the fight against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958, a law that shields the armed forces from prosecution in the state and other conflict-ridden parts of India. Her fasting lent credence to critics of the law, who say it allows widespread human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.
Washington: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday tried to quell the furor over his call for Russia to find Hillary Clinton's deleted emails, saying he was being sarcastic.

In Moscow, meanwhile, a Kremlin spokesman pointedly told Washington to solve its own email problems.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally on Wednesday. Credit:AP

Mr Trump on Wednesday invited Russia to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Ms Clinton's time at the US State Department, prompting Democrats to accuse him of urging foreigners to spy on Americans.

Later, he dismissed concerns raised by Ms Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook that his comments raised national security concerns.
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French Quarter and Grand Case closed for several days to accommodate Marigot Post Office.

MARIGOT: --- Workers at all the Post Office on the French side down their tools and began industrial action on Wednesday morning. Vanessa Chatou representative of the SUD-PTT-GWA union told SMN News that the postal workers were forced to take industrial actions for several reasons. She said that the Post Offices on the French side are understaffed, and they are working in deplorable conditions, stress and a lack of training to use the Espace Service Client (ESC).

Chatou said that the union representative met with the Manager of the Post Offices on St. Martin Madame Roche who promised to fill the vacancies of at least two of the workers who are no longer in service. That meeting she said was held on July 22nd 2016 but by July 25th the manager annulled her decision without giving the union any reasons for her decision. Chatou said that while they are lacking at least seven workers, those that are working are under severe stress because they have to close the Post Offices in French Quarter and Grand Case in order to provide services at Marigot Post Office that was renovated and now has a new system in place.

Chatou said that while the workers are asked to guide the clients to use the ESC services they themselves did not get the proper training to use the services properly. She said the postal workers were supposed to travel to Guadeloupe for training but instead two personnel from Guadeloupe travelled to St. Maarten on July 19th and gave the workers about two and half hours of pro-training.

Chatou said prior to the strike the Post Office in French Quarter had to close for three days leaving those districts without services, and when they opened the fourth day the manager forced the workers to close and return to Marigot to work. She said that this causes some confusion because the clients in those districts that were inside the Post Offices did not take the decision lightly. Chatou said the manager told the union and the workers she does not know where she is going to find workers to fill the vacancies at the Post Office. She said St. Martin supposed to have 24 postal workers for the Grand Public (tellers) but at the moment they only have 17.

Chatou said another issue they have is that the manager wants to eliminate the services of the security and leave the workers' work unprotected, this she said cannot happen.

She said the union is asking for the vacancies to be filled, they want to secure the services of the security for the Post Offices and they are also asking that all sanctions against the workers be removed. Chatou said that each time the workers take action they are sanctioned even though they are in their rights.

Asked if the manager met with the union on Wednesday now that all the Post Offices are closed, Chatou said that the manager called the union in Guadeloupe after midday on Wednesday and asked to meet with them on Thursday. She said the SUD-PTT- GWA representatives is expected to travel to St. Martin on Thursday and meeting will be held during the day on Thursday. She said all Post Offices will remain closed until an agreement is reached with the union.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Several invited dignitaries and members of the business community attended the long-awaited launching of the camera surveillance system that would assist the police in solving crimes on St. Maarten. Those in attendance include Governor Eugene Holiday, Acting Governor Reynold Groenveldt, Prime Minister William Marlin, Minister Silveria Jacobs, Minster Angel Meyers, MP Frans Richardson, MP Sarah Wescot William, MP Maurice Lake and others.

The ceremony was held at the Captain Hodges Wharf in Philipsburg on Thursday. Speakers include Prime Minister William Marlin, Minister of Justice Edison Kirindongo, Elma Etnel from TELEM Group of Companies and Chief of Police Carl John.

In his address Prime Minister Marlin gave credit to MP Frans Richardson whom he said insisted that the camera surveillance system must be made a priority when they were holding discussions to form the current coalition government. Marlin also credited the Minister of Justice Edison Kirindongo for getting the job done and the hard work he and his team placed into getting the camera surveillance up and running.

Marlin said this topic was discussed by many for years but it took his government who only got nine months in office to get the much-needed system up and running. He said that all the people of St. Maarten got was empty promises, and excuses while the island especially Philipsburg is plagued with crime and even took the life of a police officer.

Marlin spoke of the some of the other achievements his government managed to achieve during their short stint in office.

Minister of Justice Edison Kirindongo elaborated on the importance of having such a system in place. He said that many would ask why now or why only now, but one must remember that St. Maarten is a young country which is just six years old and the country needs space to grow. He did emphasize that every country has to protect its economy or the chicken that lays the golden egg for St. Maarten he said that is tourism which needs to be protected. He said that the cruise lines rates countries by the level of crimes and security measures that are in place before those cruise lines decide to send their ships to that destination. The Justice Minister said that alone would show the importance of the system in Philipsburg it gives a sense of security. Its a measure of preventing crimes such as robberies and vandalism.

Minister Kirindongo said that having such a system in place will greatly assist the police when it comes to solving crimes, while it would also give the prosecutors office crucial pieces of evidence when prosecuting cases. The camera system will be monitored 24/7 which would give the police to time act in a timely manner.

The Minister of Justice said while working on the project he also did research on the negative aspects of such a system in place. He said while doing that research the first question one would ask is the privacy of people. He said when that question was posed the response, was what type of privacy anyone would want to have in public and if someone does not have anything to hide then they just have to feel safe.

He further said that by having the camera surveillance system in place St. Maarten has reached another milestone and the people of this country has recognized the importance and the need for safety and security on St. Maarten especially that such system is very useful not only to solve crimes but to keep people and their properties safe.

Elma Etnel from TELEM Group of companies said that for now, they have committed themselves to phase one of the projects which are the Philipsburg area since such a system and service is very costly. Etnel said that when TELEM invested in the fiber optic cabling which cost the company USD 70M from Puerto to St. Maarten and have to cable underground they were laughed at, but today one could see the use of the fiber optic cabling. She said she assured the Minister of Justice that she will assist in marketing the product in order to get large businesses and or people on board to cover the cost of the project.

Chief of Police Carl John in his address said that the camera surveillance system is a good tool for the police but he made clear that the police would have to work longer hours, the crime figures will go up because police will be able to solve more cases. However, this he said might not be good news for the Minister of Justice, however, it is the reality and over time those crime figures will go down.

Another launching of the camera surveillance system will take place on Friday in the Cole Bay area.

The project SMN News understands cost is NAF 2M for the first phase.

Frans: Police now has a new essential tool to fight crime

The leader of the United St. Maarten Party (USP) MP Frans Richardson said after years of talk, surveillance cameras in Philipsburg is finally a reality. Phase 1 of the project was unveiled on Thursday at the Captain Hodge Wharf in Philipsburg.

Phase 1, budgeted for this year, covers the Philipsburg area until and including the outer-skirts (until the roundabouts). Phases 2 and 3 which extends out to cover the entire Dutch side will get underway as of next year. The system will be monitored 24 hours by the police force. There will also be informative signs placed throughout Philipsburg to warn the public and visitors alike that cameras are in place and the area is being monitored.

We are proud today to be able to give the police force another tool to be able to fight crime. Surveillance has been spoken about for quite some time but we were determined to stop the talk and finally get this very important project off the ground. Our people and our visitors depend on us to keep them safe. Our police force depends on us to give them the tools to keep people safe. This was a priority for the USP and the Minister when we assumed responsibility for the Justice Ministry, putting our people first, Richardson said.

He stressed that the main benefit of surveillance cameras in public spaces is also the increase of public safety. Additionally, crimes can be deterred before they even begin in some cases. If a suspicious individual or individuals or items are seen in an area, the authorities can move into the area before any damage is done or any crime is committed. Peoples fear of crime can also be reduced, while their sense of security is enhanced. MP Richardson also explained that surveillance camera footage could possibly be used in court as evidence against a culprit.

This is also important for our tourism sector upon which we depend. Will cameras prevent crime? No. But its a step in the right direction in serving as a deterrent in some cases and in giving the police another weapon to fight crime with. Our party congratulates the Minister of Justice who continues to work hard for St. Maarten and the Council of Ministers for getting this done, MP Richardson said. MP Richardson would also like to thank the TelEm Group of companies who is essential for ensuring that the right infrastructure is in place for the project and the Police Force who is key is making sure that cameras are strategically located including along what the police know to be used escape routes in Philipsburg. The area surveys continue and it is expected that the amount of cameras for phase 1 could range between 40 and 80. It should be noted that numbers can and most probably will change as the project moves ahead. The approximate cost for Phase 1 is NAf 2 million.

Click here to see photos of the official launching of the Camera Surveillance for Philipsburg.
Sandra "Susan" Merritt and David Daleiden cleared of charges in State of Texas

Susan Merritt and David Daleiden were both members of an anti-abortion group called Center for Medical Progress (CMP). Posing as representatives of an actually-fictional company they called Biomax, the pair met with Planned Parenthood officials

Charges were dismissed for both defendants in the Planned Parenthood surreptitious video incident. Both Sandra "Susan" Merritt and David Daleiden had been charged by the state of Texas with trafficking in human organs. The charges were dismissed by Judge Diane Bull on July 26.

Merritt and Daleiden were both members of an anti-abortion group called Center for Medical Progress (CMP). Posing as representatives of an actually-fictional company they called Biomax, the pair met with Planned Parenthood officials in a supposed effort to purchase fetal tissue. According to CMP, the videos they released during 2015 show Planned Parenthood personnel willing to accept money for fetal tissues, allegedly in order to compensate for the cost of harvesting it.

The CMP claim the videos show, among others, Dr. Deborah Nucatola, a Senior Director of Medical Services for Planned Parenthood, discussing her method of abortion over lunch with Merritt and Daleiden. "We've been very good at getting heart, lung, liver," Nucatola told them, "because we know that, so I'm not gonna crush that part, I'm basically gonna crush below, I'm gonna crush above, and I'm gonna see if I can get it all intact."

Susan Merritt and David Daleiden were both members of an anti-abortion group called Center for Medical Progress (CMP). Posing as representatives of an actually-fictional company they called Biomax, the pair met with Planned Parenthood officials.

In another video, a former employee of StemExpress, Holly O'Donnell, claims she was told by her managers to encourage women to sign consent forms for their fetuses to be harvested for medical research. She claims that even when consent was not given, fetuses' tissue was gathered and donated. Meanwhile, the New England Journal of Medicine implicitly implicated Planned Parenthood by applauding their "efforts to channel fetal tissue" toward medical research.

Spokespeople for Planned Parenthood deny all allegations and claim the videos were either heavily edited or falsified. Nevertheless, in October, 2015, Planned Parenthood announced they would no longer accept reimbursement costs for fetal tissue.

While the released videos stimulated widespread public outcry and calls for the federal government to investigate the methods of Planned Parenthood, Texas decided to charge the pair of undercover videographers criminally in January, 2016.

Upon dismissal of the criminal charges, Matt Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, legal representative for Sandra Merritt, said, "The indictment was politically-motivated and should never have been filed in the first place."
Center for Inquiry Condemns DNC Staffer's Suggestion to Attack Sen. Sanders for Atheism

A womann who has "turned her back on God." Atheism is, in the broadest sense, the absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is the rejection of belief that any deities exist. In an even narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities. Atheism is contrasted with theism, which, in its most general form, is the belief that at least one deity exists.

Atheism is, in its broadest sense, the absence of a belief in the existence of deities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism.

This weekend, Wikileaks released e mails suggesting some at the top of the Democratic party, considered labelling Sen. Bernie Sanders an Atheist, in order to lessen his primary chances. Organized atheists reacted to this news story today, as follows:

We found it appalling that anyone within the Democratic National Committee would casually suggest attacking a candidate for their alleged atheism. Entertaining such a cynical and bigoted line of attack violates any number of basic American principles: It presumes a religious test for holding office, something expressly prohibited in the Constitution. It pits the majority against a marginalized minority group, intensifying the country's already escalating divisions. It exacerbates the gross stereotype of atheists as second-class citizens or somehow less moral than believers, a stereotype atheists have been tirelessly battling for generations. Perhaps most importantly, it sends the unmistakable signal to atheist Americans that despite all of our hard-won progress for equal treatment, atheists are still not welcome, not "one of us," not American.

Let us be clear: Atheists are Americans. Atheists are Democrats, as well as Republicans and independents. We are as integral a part of the fabric of this country as any other group. Atheists have fought, struggled, and died for this country and its values alongside friends, family, and neighbors of all beliefs. At every turning point for social progress, atheists, humanists, and other nonbelievers have been on the front lines, helping to lead the charge for civil rights, women's equality, and LGBTQ rights.

The religiously unaffiliated, which includes atheists and other nonreligious Americans, are the largest voting bloc in the United States. And despite whatever "points" DNC staffer Brad Marshall thought could be gained among his "Southern Baptist peeps," the religiously unaffiliated are now the largest belief group among Democrats. Aside from the intolerance and narrow-mindedness expressed in Mr. Marshall's suggestion, it would also be a very effective way for the Democratic Party to alienate one of its largest constituencies.

Need we even point out that had the suggestion been made to attack a candidate for being Jewish, Mormon, or of any other minority faith, the resulting scandal would have been an all-consuming conflagration?

Mr. Marshall has reportedly apologized for embarrassing the DNC, but there has been no apology, no admission of wrongdoing, to the people he sought to defame. We believe he should resign his position with the DNC. The Democratic National Committee must make immediately clear that it finds Marshall's line of thinking unacceptable, and that it will not countenance party operatives proffering attack strategies based on this kind of anti-atheist bigotry. It would do well for the Clinton campaign to do the same.

Atheism is, in the broadest sense, the absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is the rejection of belief that any deities exist. In an even narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities. Atheism is contrasted with theism, which, in its most general form, is the belief that at least one deity exists.

Atheists, humanists, "nones," and all others who have rejected traditional religious belief will no longer be silent when institutions of power attempt to reinforce pernicious stereotypes about the nonreligious. We matter, we have a powerful voice - and a vote - and we will use it.

Robyn Blumner, CEO of the Center for Inquiry

Edward Tabash, Center for Inquiry Board Chair

Ronald A. Lindsay, President of the Center for Inquiry

Tom Flynn, Executive Director of the Council for Secular Humanism

The Center for Inquiry (CFI) is a nonprofit educational, advocacy, and research organization headquartered in Amherst, New York, with executive offices in Washington, D.C. It is also home to both the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, the Council for Secular Humanism, and will soon be home to the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science. The mission of CFI is to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. Visit CFI on the web at http://www.centerforinquiry.net.
UPDATE  Mirantis Collaborates With Intel and Google to Enable OpenStack on Kubernetes

Posted by Publisher Hardware

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA  (Marketwired)  07/27/16  Mirantis, the pure-play OpenStack company, today announced a collaboration with Google and Intel to evolve the architecture of the leading purpose-built lifecycle management tool for OpenStack, Fuel, and related OpenStack projects, to enable for use of Kubernetes as its underlying orchestration engine. The companies will work with the OpenStack community to package OpenStack into Docker containers to be managed by Kubernetes. The companies will jointly discuss the details of this collaboration at the upcoming on August 9-10.

The resulting software will give users fine grain control over the placement of services used for the OpenStack control plane and the ability to do rolling updates of OpenStack, make the OpenStack control plane self-healing and more resilient, and smooth the path for the creating of microservices-based applications on OpenStack.

With the emergence of Docker as the standard container image format and Kubernetes as the standard for container orchestration, we are finally seeing continuity in how people approach operations of distributed applications. Combining Kubernetes and Fuel will open OpenStack up to a new delivery model that allows faster consumption of updates, helping customers get to outcomes faster.  Mirantis CMO, Boris Renski

As part of the Intel Cloud for All initiative, our collaboration with CoreOS, Google and Mirantis to integrate OpenStack and Kubernetes will help to accelerate the deployment of tens of thousands of new clouds. Our joint efforts will marry two complementary and powerful open source communities, making it simpler for enterprises to manage private clouds.  Intel Vice President and General Manager, Software Defined Infrastructure, Data Center Solutions Group, Jonathan Donaldson

To further support Kubernetes on OpenStack, Mirantis will become an active contributor to the Kubernetes project, aiming to become a top contributor over the next year. Mirantis has also joined the , a Linux Foundation project and organization dedicated to advancing the development of cloud native applications and services, as a Silver member.

Learn more:

Read Intels blog, .

Sign up for the webinar, on August 23 at 11 am. ET.

Join Google, Intel, and Mirantis in discussing the convergence of the OpenStack and Kubernetes communities at .

, delivering all the,,, and support needed for running OpenStack. More customers rely on Mirantis than on any other company to get to production deployment of OpenStack at scale. Mirantis is among the top three companies worldwide in contributing open source software to OpenStack, and has helped build and deploy some of the largest OpenStack clouds in the world, at companies such as AT&T, Saudi Telecom, Shenzhen Stock Exchange, Symantec, Telstra and Volkswagen. Mirantis is venture-backed by August Capital, Dell Ventures, Ericsson, Goldman Sachs, Intel, Insight Venture Partners, Sapphire Ventures, Siguler Guff & Co., and WestSummit Capital, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California. Follow us on Twitter at .

Sarah Bennett

Mirantis PR Manager

Natasha Woods

The Linux Foundation
Raise Production Inc. Provides Operational Update

CALGARY, ALBERTA  (Marketwired)  07/27/16  Raise Production Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RPC) (Raise or the Company) is pleased to provide an update to its shareholders on recent activities related to the Horizontal Wellbore Production System (the System).

The current deployment of the System has been successful in a number of ways including the collection of significant, valuable, and practical knowledge. Since the Company has learned as much as it can from this deployment, as of the end of this month the Company has decided to end the current field trial. Raise believes that the knowledge achieved, when combined with its method-based patents for multi-pump completions, makes the Company ready to begin the final steps toward commercialization. Raise continues to enhance its industry leading position in horizontal artificial lift technology.

This deployment has confirmed the following information:

Over the next 30 to 60 days, the Company will continue to analyze the information collected, and strategize over which modifications to the System will be selected for the next deployment. At this time, the Company believes the System has proven to be robust enough to target substantially higher production wells. This will require electronic activation to enable much faster cycle times.

Eric Laing, President and CEO, is quoted as saying It has become apparent that we have built a robust and reliable system. It is unique to the industry and functions even better than we had envisioned. However, the current activation system will need to be altered. We have much of the preliminary work done on the electronic activation in anticipation of this need for deeper longer well bores and we believe that this can be accelerated quite quickly. We have our patent in place covering multiple pumps in the horizontal wellbore. We have pumps that work together in series like we want them to in the horizontal section. Im optimistic that we will be able to adapt the current System to utilize electronic activation that will enable commerciality. This step will allow Raise to move our technology forward for the betterment of the industry, employees and our shareholders.

About Raise Production Inc.

The Company is an innovative oilfield service company that focuses its efforts on the production service sector, utilizing its proprietary products to enhance and increase ultimate production in both conventional and unconventional horizontal oil and gas wells.

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 news release.

Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain or can be identified by statements that include words such as anticipate, assume, based, believe, can, continue, depend, estimate, expect, forecast, if, intend, may, plan, project, propose, result, upon, will, within or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the ability of the Company to obtain required capital to finance its new product development, the successful completion of further product development and testing within predicted timelines or at all, the ability to commercialize products and operations, the ability to adequately protect proprietary information and technology from its competitors; the ability to obtain partnering opportunities; the ability to attract and retain key personnel and key collaborators; and the ability to successfully compete in targeted markets.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable Canadian securities law. Forward-looking statements are based upon the current opinions, estimates, projections, assumptions and expectations of management of the Company as at the effective date of such statements and, in some cases, information supplied by third parties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and that information received from third parties is reliable, it can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statement will not occur. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the possibility that testing, deployment and commercialization of the System may not be successfully completed for any reason (including the failure to obtain the required approvals from regulatory authorities) and regulatory changes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance upon the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and such forward-looking statements should not be interpreted or regarded as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Companys continuous disclosure filings that are available at .

Contacts:

Raise Production Inc.

Eric Laing

President and Chief Executive Officer

(403) 699-7675

Raise Production Inc.

Scott Riddell

Business Development

(403) 699-7675

Raise Production Inc.

2620-58th Avenue S.E.

Calgary, Alberta T2C 1G5

(403) 699-7675
How The Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel Release Has Changed The Face Of Beauty

Precious 1 has reviewed the Beauty world since it announced the launch of Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel back in 6/15/2016. Precious 1s Aloe Vera Gel was promised to shake things up and 2 months later, facts are in.

Previously, with even a passing glance, a person would notice Real Aloe Vera has a thick and sticky feel to it for a few second until it is rumb in well, most Aloe Vera Gels have been water down or try to cover up the scent. 100% Aloe is used in this product. . The CEO at Precious 1, says provide refreshing soothing experience in a jar like no other., makes a point of saying things were always going to change when we launched Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel.

Providing a refreshing soothing experience in a jar like no other. continues Where youll likely always see our competitors doing the same old thing, company donate a percentage of our profits to the childrens hospital.. We do this because we believe It has a thick so use will use like and make it easy to mix with other natural ingredients.. Ultimately we knew it was going to be of huge benefit to our customers because This is going to benefit our customers because it is not water it will last you a lot longer.. We actually hope others follow suit.

Precious 1 was established in 06/01/2016. It has been doing business since 2013 and it has always aimed to innovate in any large or small way it can, due to the firm belief that innovation drives progress and greater happiness.

Currently, the closest thing to Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel is Aloe Vera plant itself., but Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel improved on this by not changing the true texture of true Aloe Vera Gel. This alone was enough to make Precious 1s Aloe Vera Gel more popular with customers in the Beauty space, quickly.

Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel is now available to buy and review at My product is available at http://amazo.me/4k8xTo find out more, the place to visit is [https://www.amazon.com/Moisturize-Regenerating-Treatment-Psoriasis-Repairing/dp/B00TVEQ56O](http://amazo.me/4k8x)

For further information about Precious 1, this can be discovered at https://www.amazon.com/Moisturize-Regenerating-Treatment-Psoriasis-Repairing/dp/B00TVEQ56O
Puppet Announces PuppetConf 2016 Keynote Speakers and IT Leader Track

PORTLAND, OR  (Marketwired)  07/28/16  , the standard for automating the delivery and operation of the software that powers everything around us, today announced the keynote lineup and IT Leader track for (San Diego, CA, 20-21 October). PuppetConf 2016 is a two-plus day conference that includes in-person training, more than 80 education sessions, the opportunity to connect with more than 100 expert speakers, 1,700 people, and practical strategies and techniques attendees can use to thrive in todays software-driven world.

This years exciting keynotes will cover the future of Puppet, digital transformation, and offer real-world examples of how organizations use Puppet to optimize the cloud and adopt technologies like containers. For the second consecutive year, PuppetConf will feature an IT Leader track focused on emerging trends in IT, the state of DevOps, security and compliance, next-generation technology, and real-world examples of how IT teams are driving digital transformation within their organizations.

 Luke Kanies, founder and CEO of Puppet, will kick off PuppetConf on Thursday 20 October, with a visionary keynote on the changing role of operations in todays technology climate. Following Luke, Sanjay Mirchandani, president and COO of Puppet, will discuss the state of Puppet, recent momentum, and whats next for Puppet. Jamie Hull, VP of Product at Puppet, will also share the latest product innovations.

 Mike Wittig, senior director of Nike Consumer Digital Infrastructure Services, will discuss Nikes digital transformation, showing how IT has pushed the business forward and made a measurable impact.

 Scott Coulton, a solution architect at Healthdirect and author of Puppet for Containerization, will talk about how Healthdirect leveraged Puppet to drive adoption of containers and move to the cloud.

 Jeffrey Snover, a technical fellow at Microsoft, will talk about Microsofts latest offerings, including Azure Stack and Nano Server, and demonstrate how Puppet can help enterprises adopt these technologies today.

 Join us for a special panel discussion moderated by Nigel Kersten, CIO of Puppet, with the authors of the forthcoming DevOps Handbook: Gene Kim, co-author of The Phoenix Project; Jez Humble, author of Continuous Delivery and Lean Enterprise; and John Willis. This panel discussion will focus on the state of DevOps today.

Taking place on Thursday, 20 October from 11:15 a.m.  5:30 p.m. PT, the IT Leader track is designed for managers, executives and individuals interested in elevating their careers and the role of IT within their organizations. A lineup of expert presenters and panelists will cover:

How companies are enabling digital transformation.

Whats next for DevOps, plus successes and lessons learned from organizations that have adopted DevOps practices.

Approaches to ensure security and compliance without sacrificing agility.

Strategies for adopting next-generation technologies such as containers, schedulers, and orchestration tools.

Tips for CIOs and IT leaders on the most effective ways to build high-impact teams.

Puppet will be joined at PuppetConf 2016 by its including: Arista, Cisco, CloudBolt Software, Column Technologies, Cumulus Networks, DigitalOcean, EMC, Example42, LogicMonitor, Onyx Point, Inc., Ooyala, PagerDuty, QA Consulting, Red Hat, SignalFx, Splunk, Stack IQ, VictorOps, and more.

To see the full PuppetConf 2016 agenda visit:

to save 20 percent on PuppetConf registration.

To sponsor PuppetConf 2016, vst .

Relive some of the great .

Follow PuppetConf on Twitter: .

Puppet is driving the movement to a world of unconstrained software change. Its revolutionary platform is the industry standard for automating the delivery and operation of the software that powers everything around us. More than 33,000 companies  including more than two thirds of the Fortune 100  use Puppets open source and commercial solutions to adopt DevOps practices, achieve situational awareness and drive software change with confidence. Based in Portland, Oregon, Puppet is a privately held company with more than 400 employees around the world.
Intelligent Point of Sale embraces Star Micronics new Cable-Free Printing Solutions

Posted by Publisher Hardware

High Wycombe, UK, 28 July 2016  Intelligent Point of Sale has introduced the latest version of its electronic point of sale app, intelligentpos Version 4.0, and embraced Star Micronics new range of cable-free mPOS printers including the TSP143III Wireless LAN (WiFi), TSP143III Bluetooth as well as the unique combined Bluetooth printer and cash drawer solution mPOP.

Intelligent Point of Sale proudly announced that it has listened to its 1,000 plus customers by developing a sophisticated online product and user management service alongside enhanced analysis and reporting. Having developed the UKs first cloud-based iPad EPOS application, the company has gone from strength to strength with the latest version of its app, according to the company, rivalling the features of the market leaders.

Offering a new level of online management and two-way synchronisation, hospitality operators can create, edit and manage products, prices and categories remotely either via an iPad or their Backoffice while automatically publishing these to any other terminals in the business. All of the upgrades to 4.0 are the direct result of Intelligent Point of Sales Feature Vote which is an online forum that allows customers to participate in the companys product development plans. The increased robustness of the technology platform that has been built into Version 4.0 also means that new features can be added quickly and efficiently.

With Version 4.0 supporting the latest additions to the TSP100 futurePRNT series from Star, users can not only benefit from enhanced software but also the flexible, cost-saving advantages of installing high speed Bluetooth and WiFi mPOS printing solutions. The TSP100 series also includes the convenience of an internal power supply along with a vertical mount kit in the box and offers compatibility with major operating systems including Android, iOS, Linux, Mac OS and Windows.

The TSP143III Wireless LAN provides easy pairing thanks to a simple WPS connection offering straightforward wireless setup while the TSP143III Bluetooth model features an autoconnect function for iOS after power on or an out-of-range situation thus ensuring functionality at all times. Users can also take advantage of the futurePRNT software tools available with the entire TSP100 series and, in particular, the setup tool that provides simple web based configuration from any operating system and native setup utilities for iOS and Android.

Beyond the TSP100 series, Stars unique combined Bluetooth printer and cash drawer solution mPOP provides a low cost, lightweight solution that is just 10cm high and 30cm wide with a sleek design. Available in black or white, mPOP can be purchased with a plug and play scanner or this can be added as a later option. To complete the solution, the new POPPack option includes a high quality black or white tablet stand and metal plate with alternative colours available if required. A black or white PED (pin entry device) stand is also available for card payment. The universal tablet frame that is attached to the mPOP metal plate has a sponge inner sleeve to accommodate 10 inch tablets and can be turned 180 degrees to allow the customer to view the transaction. Simple to set up, the tablet stand and plate option adds the finishing touch to mPOP to create a stylish, portable mPOS station.

The POPPack design provides a flexible option with the extra security required within a busy retail / hospitality environment, whilst retaining the mobile element. This makes the solution ideal for pop up outlets, micro merchants as well as larger scale operators who benefit from the ability to securely store or transport the mPOS station at the end of trading.

Paul Walton, co-founder of Intelligent Point of Sale and CTO, said: We are impressed with the robust performance of Star printers and were pleased when Star launched the TSP143III Wireless LAN as an entry-level WiFi printer. Given that it is notoriously difficult and expensive to install traditional EPOS in an hospitality environment, the TSP143III Wireless LAN provides the ideal low cost solution for many of our customers when combined with our iPad EPOS solution. With Version 4.0 also supporting the LAN and Bluetooth models of the TSP100 series as well as the mPOP from Star, we are ideally positioned to provide our diverse customer base with a solution that precisely meets its needs.

Andrew Calzetti, Chief Marketing Officer, Intelligent Point of Sale, adds: Star Micronics has been a long-standing, loyal partner of ours and their products have been successfully and reliably powering our customers businesses in the UK and around the world. We are confident that the new evolution of our EPOS software combined with the latest Bluetooth and WiFi printers from Star represents the ideal set-up for every small and medium business, and we look forward to helping new and existing businesses out there sell more, generate loyalty, increase profits and grow.

Having partnered with Intelligent Point of Sale for a number of years we are pleased that Version 4.0 supports the latest versions of our successful TSP100 futurePRNT series and unique mPOP solution, states Annette Tarlton, Marketing Director, Star Micronics EMEA. We look forward to seeing more successful installations from this innovative mPOS company that actively listens and responds so well to its customers needs.
Dealnets New Funding Capacity Exceeds $100 Million

TORONTO, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  07/28/16  Dealnet Capital Corp. (Dealnet or the Company) (TSX VENTURE: DLS), is pleased to announce the expansion of its credit facilities and an update with respect to the exercise of the Companys common share purchase warrants.

Credit Facilities

Today the Company closed a securitization facility with a major Canadian life insurance company providing $75 million in funding for the Companys lease and loan products.

The Company also closed a $20 million funding facility with another financial institution.

The Company renewed an existing securitization facility with a Schedule 1 Bank. The Company typically securitizes $3-4 million per month under this facility.

This new underwriting capacity provides for a current blended funding cost below 4%. With the addition of this underwriting capacity, the Company is well positioned to execute on its growth strategy over the coming year. The Company continues to target prime quality originations through numerous outlets including direct to dealer relationships and partnerships with OEMs.

Common Share Purchase Warrants

Since April 1, 2016, the Company has received cash proceeds of approximately $5.6 million as a result of the exercise of approximately 18.9 common share purchase warrants. Included in this amount is 4.6 million warrants exercised by management and the board. The exercise of warrants increases equity that can be leveraged to support the Companys portfolio growth plans.

The expansion of our credit facilities is clear recognition of the strength of the Companys platform for delivering high quality consumer loans to the market. Building quality relationships with our funding partners is a continuing priority for the Company and we look forward to expanding these relationships by adding further capacity in line with our business plans, stated Michael Hilmer, Chief Executive Officer. The Company has demonstrated success across the three key elements of any finance business being: low cost and significant underwriting capacity, substantial high quality origination volume, and equity additions to support our leverage covenants.

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities law including statements regarding the Company, new funding capacity, funding under existing facilities and the future exercise of common share purchase warrants. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, may, will, would, potential, proposed and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Companys Managements Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

About Dealnet Capital Corp.

Dealnet is an engagement enabled consumer finance company that is initially focused on home improvement finance solutions including heating ventilation and air conditioning financing and leasing. Dealnet leverages its large scale customer service and engagement technology platform to attract home improvement dealers by providing front and back office services to support dealer operations leading to origination growth.

For additional information please visit .

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Dealnet Capital Corp.

Michael Hilmer

CEO

+1-416-420-5529

Dealnet Capital Corp.

Nicole Marchand

Investor Relations

+1-416-428-3533
Lawmakers want to lower health care costs. How is the tricky part.

Legislative committee hears hours of testimony but arrives at no proposals to address high costs of health care in Indiana.
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TESS will look at the nearest, brightest stars to find planetary candidates that scientists will observe for years to come.

NASA's next planet-hunting mission will take a census of Earth's cosmic neighborhood.

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS), which is scheduled to launch to Earth orbit in 2017 or 2018, will observe at least 200,000 relatively nearby stars during its two-year mission, and it should end up finding thousands of alien worlds, NASA officials said.

"The cool thing about TESS is that, one of these days, I'll be able to go out in the country with my daughter and point to a star and say, 'There's a planet around that one,'" TESS project scientist Stephen Rinehart, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said in a statement. [Gallery: The Strangest Alien Planets]

That's noteworthy, because most of the 3,400-odd exoplanets discovered to date lie thousands of light-years away, in the tiny patch of sky studied by NASA's Kepler space telescopeduring its initial planet hunt from 2009 through 2013. (Kepler is still searching for alien worlds, but on a more limited basis as part of a new mission called K2.)

TESS, by contrast, will observe stars located within a few hundred light-years from Earth, in all parts of the sky, NASA officials said. One of the major goals is to find potentially habitable worlds close enough for follow-up investigation by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope(JWST), which is scheduled to launch in late 2018.

The $8.8 billion JWST, which is billed as the successor to NASA's famous Hubble Space Telescope, will be able to search for oxygen and other possible "biosignature" gases in nearby exoplanets' atmospheres, agency officials have said.

Like Kepler, TESS will hunt for alien worlds via the "transit method," searching for the tiny brightness dips that planets cause when they cross, or transit, the faces of their host stars.

Based on the nature of these dips, TESS scientists will be able to tell how big the newly discovered exoplanets are, and how long they take to orbit their parent stars. Other information about these worlds could conceivably be gleaned by JWST or powerful ground-based instruments, NASA officials said.

TESS will cover most of the sky during its two-year mission, by studying 26 different swathes known as "tiles."

"The spacecraft's powerful cameras will look continuously at each tile for just over 27 days, measuring visible light from the brightest targets every 2 minutes," NASA officials said in the same statement.

"TESS will look at stars classified as 12th apparent magnitude and brighter, some of which are visible to the naked eye," the officials added. "The higher the apparent magnitude, the fainter the star. For comparison, most people can see stars as faint as sixth magnitude in a clear, dark sky, and the faintest star in the Big Dipper ranks as third magnitude."

Though TESS will be a planet hunter first and foremost, the satellite will also observe black holes, supernovas, and a variety of other cosmic objects and phenomena via a "guest investigator" program.

"We hope the broader science community will come up with many unique science ideas for TESS, and we hope to encourage broad participation from the larger community," said Padi Boyd, director of the Guest Investigator Program Office at NASA Goddard.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
This graphic shows all of the potentially hazardous asteroids (and their orbital paths) around Earth (not to scale). As of 2013, scientists had counted over 1,400 of these potentially hazardous asteroids.

Earth is hit every day by small bits of space dust. Slightly larger chunks burn up colorfully in the atmosphere, causing the shooting stars you see in the sky. Occasionally even bigger rocks hit our atmosphere; they are known as fireballs, because the light from them burning up is particularly bright. These tend to smack the Earth a few times a year and may produce a few fragments for rock-hunters to find.

NASA and other organizations do regular scans of the sky to catalog any small bodies that are at risk of crashing into our planet. No imminently threatening bodies have been found yet, but it's clear that sooner or later Earth will be struck by something big. The organizations are actively researching the best ways to protect Earth from asteroids, meteoroids or comets that may come crashing down. NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies and the International Asteroid Warning Network list recent "close calls."

Asteroids refer principally to small, rocky bodies. Comets contain more ice and can also pose a threat to Earth. Before fragments enter our atmosphere, they are known as meteoroids. During their path in the atmosphere, they are called meteors. If any of these pieces reach the ground, those pieces are called meteorites. The best hunting ground on Earth for meteorites is Antarctica because the ice makes it so easy to see the fragments, and the ground is not disturbed as much as a typical urban area or forest.

The difference between a meteoroid and an asteroid is a little vague. In 1961, The International Astronomical Union (the official body for naming objects in space) said a meteoroid is much smaller than an asteroid, but bigger than an atom. A 2010 Meteoritics and Planetary Science paper led by Alan Rubin, a geophysicist at the University of California, Los Angeles, suggested that the limit for meteoroids be about 1 meter in size. It's common for smaller bodies to escape notice until they are right beside the Earth, or slamming into it, because Earth's telescope network is designed for spotting asteroids of a much larger size. This is why in June 2018, for example, an estimated 6-foot (2-meter) rock called 2018 LA was found only a few hours before incinerating in the atmosphere.

Keeping track of these bodies is also difficult, due to their size and low reflectivity  as well as limited telescope time. In mid-May 2018, astronomers with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics lost roughly 11 percent  or 900 near-Earth asteroids  of the over 17,000 candidates identified between 2013 and 2016, according to Newsweek. In other words, after the initial sighting, scientists lost track of where these asteroids moved next.

In 2017, scientists confirmed the first interstellar asteroid, which was known 1I/2017 U1 'Oumuamua. The interloper quickly zoomed through our solar system, showing its origins by its unusual path as it traveled by Earth at a safe distance. Scientists continue follow-up studies on the data, such as this 2018 study showing that 'Oumuamua is tumbling.

A 65-foot-wide (20 meters) asteroid exploded without warning over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk in February 2013, blazing a superbright trail across the winter sky. (Image credit: Neuromainker via YouTube/Screenshot by Irene Klotz for Discovery News)

Characterizing the threat

It is clear that even small bodies can pose a threat; the asteroid that broke up over without warning over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013 was roughly 56 feet (17 meters) across, shattering glass and injuring hundreds of people. In 1908, an estimated 130-foot (40-meter) object exploded over Siberia and flattened trees over 825 square miles (2,137 square kilometers). Around 50,000 years ago, before human civilization began, a rock about 150 feet wide (46 meters) smacked into what is now called Arizona. It left behind Meteor Crater, which is roughly 0.7 miles (1.2 kilometers) wide today.

Even bigger collisions happened far in the past. The dinosaurs were wiped out 66 million years ago by an object about 6 miles (10 km) wide, which left behind a 110-mile (180 km) crater in Mexico known as Chicxulub. But that's nothing compared to evidence of another impactor found in 2014. A rock formation in our planet's crust pointed to a possible impactor 23 to 36 miles (37 to 58 kilometers) across that smacked into Earth 3.26 billion years ago, just a few million years after life evolved.

NASA began tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs) in the 1970s. Its goal is to find objects that are at least tens of meters in size, "which could cause significant harm to populated areas on the Earth if they were to strike without warning," NASA stated in 2014.

Congress directed NASA in 1994 to find at least 90 percent of potentially hazardous NEOs larger than 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) in diameter, which NASA fulfilled in 2010. Congress also asked NASA in 2005 to find at least 90 percent of potentially hazardous NEOs that are 140 m (460 feet) in size or larger. That's supposed to be finished by 2020; multiple media reports indicate NASA will miss that deadline due to funding challenges, although NASA points out its pace of discovery is accelerating due to better observatories NASA created a Planetary Defense Coordination Office in 2014  a year after Chelyabinsk  to better coordinate its efforts, in response to an Office of the Inspector General report. Other space agencies such as the European Space Agency also have their own offices, and the different nations regularly collaborate with each other. NASA does regular "tabletop" exercises with its partners (such as this 2017 one) to simulate threatening asteroids and an appropriate response.

An artist's concept for the Asteroid Impact & Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission led by the European Space Agency to intentionally strike an asteroid and test deflection capabilities that could protect Earth. (Image credit: ESA)

Scanning the sky

NASA works with several sky surveys to maintain a list of potentially hazardous objects. These include the Catalina Sky Survey (University of Arizona), Pan-STARRS (University of Hawaii), Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research or LINEAR (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Spacewatch (University of Arizona). These observatories are constantly upgrading their capabilities to try to catch fainter asteroids.

Asteroids are also observed from space by several telescopes, but the one most regularly used for NEO searches is called NEOWISE. It's the new mission of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) telescope, which launched in 2009 and was revived from hibernation in 2013 to search for asteroids. The telescope is expected to keep operating until 2018, when the angle from the sun in its orbit will be too bright to search for asteroids. In April 2018, the mission released a fourth year of survey data, including information on 788 near-Earth objects and 136 comets. A follow-up mission called Near Earth Object Camera (NEOCam) was proposed for 2021, but it lost out to other missions. NEOCam received another year of funding and may compete in future mission proposals. NASA acknowledges that with roughly two-thirds of the near-Earth asteroid population unknown, a NEOCam-like mission would be helpful.

There are other NASA missions that are looking to get up close to asteroids to better characterize their composition. Some recent examples: The Dawn mission visited asteroid Vesta between 2011 and 2012, and has now been at Ceres (a dwarf planet) since 2015. OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) departed for asteroid Bennu in 2018 for a sample-return mission, which will come back to Earth in 2023. Additionally, NASA uses data available from other space agency missions that visited asteroids, such as the Japanese Hayabusa (completed) and Hayabusa 2 (in progress).

Some planned missions would have taken even more daring steps at asteroids. NASA previously worked on concepts for an Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) that would have a robot move a small body into the moon's orbit, for astronauts to study. ARM was abandoned in favor of long-term space exploration policies for the moon and Mars. Another mission would have seen NASA, the European Space Agency and other partners are planning a mission called AIDA, or Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment. The goal is to change the path of a small moon orbiting the asteroid Didymos using a kinetic impactor. ESA announced its part of the mission wouldn't be funded in 2016 to make more budgetary room for ExoMars (a rover), but NASA continues study of its part of the mission. (ESA has also expressed the hope it will participate in some form later on.)

A kinetic impactor (perhaps with a nuclear bomb inside) would deflect the orbit, tugging the asteroid slowly using a spacecraft, redirecting it with solar heat, or blasting it with a laser. That is just one idea. There is ongoing research as to what sort of asteroid deflection technique would be best. The best approach depends on many factors, such as cost, the composition of the asteroid, time to impact and technology maturity. Studies are ongoing in these fields; in 2007, NASA said that non-nuclear kinetic impactors had the most mature technology. In 2018, a group of U.S. scientists and engineers proposed an early-stage mission called HAMMER that would use a nuclear warhead to disintegrate large asteroids or move them off course.
"A mesmerising lunar halo forms around our natural satellite, the Moon, in the night sky above Norway. The halo, also known as a moon ring or winter halo, is an optical phenomenon created when moonlight is refracted in numerous ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere."

It's that wonderful time of year again, when the Royal Observatory Greenwich releases the shortlist of entries into the Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.

While we expected these photos to be just as stunning as the entries from previous years, it's impossible to anticipate the way these snapshots take our breath away. This year's entrants include views of objects in deep space, snowy landscapes under starry skies, and glowing green auroras lacing through the atmosphere.

To see all 30 of the shortlisted entries, check out our full gallery here. In the meantime, here are a few of our favorites:

The Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year is run by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in association with Insight Investment and BBC Sky at Night Magazine. This is competition's eighth year, and it received "a record number of over 4,500 spectacular entries from enthusiastic amateurs and professional photographers from over 80 countries spanning the globe," according to a statement from the observatory.

The photo titled "Crystal Brilliance," taken by Tommy Richardsen of Norway, captures a scene that almost looks supernatural. The ring of light around the moon is a lunar halo.

"The halo, also known as a moon ring or winter halo, is an optical phenomenon created when moonlight is refracted in numerous ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere," the caption reads. Richardsen snapped the photo in Norway.

We always love a photograph of the elusive northern (and southern) lights, which are highly hypnotic no matter what they're up to.

But photographer Jan R. Olsen from Norway captured something truly astounding in his photograph "Aurora Bird." The caption reads, simply, "The vivid green Northern Lights resemble a bird soaring over open water in Olderdalen, Norway."

"The vivid green Northern Lights resemble a bird soaring over open water in Olderdalen, Norway." (Image credit: Copyright Jan R. Olsen)

Photographer Lee Cook from the U.K. snapped a photo of a lonely hut at the foot of snowy mountain, while using a long exposure to also capture the rotation of the celestial sphere overhead. He titled the piece "Alone."

"With temperatures close to -15 degrees, its not surprising that the photographer was the only soul in the vicinity of Plateau Hut in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand. The lonely hut, dwarfed by the snowy mountains of the park, contrasts with the abundance of star trails seemingly encircling the peaks of the Anzac." (Image credit: Copyright Lee Cook)

"With temperatures close to -15 degrees [Celsius, or 5 degrees Fahrenheit], it's not surprising that the photographer was the only soul in the vicinity of Plateau Hut in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand," the photo caption reads. "The lonely hut, dwarfed by the snowy mountains of the park, contrasts with the abundance of star trails seemingly encircling the peaks of the Anzac."

Looking beyond Earth-bound landscapes, photographer Leonardo Orazi from Italy took this colorful photo, "M82: Starburst Galaxy with a Superwind."

"About 12 million light years away from our planet, lays the starburst galaxy M82, also known as the Cigar Galaxy. In a show of radiant red, the superwind bursts out from the galaxy, believed to be the closest place to our planet in which the conditions are similar to that of the early Universe, where a plethora of stars are forming." (Image credit: Copyrght Leonardo Orazi)

"About 12 million light-years away from our planet, lays the starburst galaxy M82, also known as the Cigar Galaxy," the photo caption reads. "In a show of radiant red, the superwind bursts out from the galaxy, believed to be the closest place to our planet in which the conditions are similar to that of the early Universe, where a plethora of stars are forming."

In what looks like a whimsical cosmic game of tag, seven sparkling sisters (the Pleiades) trail behind the glowing green dot of a comet. "The Joy of Seven Sisters" was taken by Jose Francisco Hernandez Cabrera of Spain.

"Comet Lovejoy flashes through the darkness of the Solar System, passing near the open star cluster of the Pleiades or Seven Sisters. The Pleiades glow blue due to their extremely hot nature, and are the most obvious star cluster to the naked eye in the night sky." (Image credit: Copyright Jose Francisco Hernandez Cabrera )

"Comet Lovejoy flashes through the darkness of the Solar System, passing near the open star cluster of the Pleiades or Seven Sisters," the photo caption reads. "The Pleiades glow blue due to their extremely hot nature, and are the most obvious star cluster to the naked eye in the night sky."

And who could resist throwing in another photo showing a wintertime scene: "Frozen Giant," by Nicholas Roemmelt of Germany, captures a gorgeous geologic feature crowned by the bright band of the Milky Way.

"The celestial curve of the Milky Way joins with the light of a stargazers headlamp to form a monumental arch over the Cimon della Pella in the heart of the Dolomites mountain range in northeastern Italy." (Image credit: Copyright Nicholas Roemmelt)

"The celestial curve of the Milky Way joins with the light of a stargazers headlamp to form a monumental arch over the Cimon della Pala in the heart of the Dolomites mountain range in northeastern Italy," the caption reads.

It's truly amazing what astronomy photographers can capture with modern equipment. To see some of the astounding astronomy photographs sent to us by readers, check out our gallery of the best night sky photos of 2015.

Editor's note: If you have an amazing night sky photo you'd like to share for a possible story or image gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com.

Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
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Karber noted, however, that Pakistan and Poland would not make any deliveries without informal US approval. Furthermore, Warsaw would only be willing to help if its deliveries to Kiev were replaced with new, state-of-the-art weapons from NATO.

Karber concluded his letter with a warning: "Time has run out." Without immediate assistance, the Ukrainian army "could face prospect of collapse within 30 days."

"Stark," Breedlove replied. "I may share some of this but will thoroughly wipe the fingerprints off."

In March, Karber traveled again to Warsaw in order to, as he told Breedlove, consult with leading members of the ruling party, on the need to "quietly supply arty (eds: artillery) and antitank munitions to Ukraine."

Much to the irritation of Breedlove, Clark and Karber, nothing happened. Those responsible were quickly identified. The National Security Council, Obama's circle of advisors, were "slowing things down," Karber complained. Clark pointed his finger directly at the White House, writing, "Our problem is higher than State," a reference to the State Department.

Sights on Germany

Breedlove and his fellow campaigners also had the German federal government in their sights early on. In April 2014, Clark sent a mail to Nuland and Breedlove and wrote that Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev had implied there was a "problem with German attitude" concerning its "sphere of influence."

Efforts by Merkel and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis were portrayed by hardliners as a readiness in Berlin to let Russia bully Ukraine.

In order to build up pressure for the desired weapons aid, Clark and Karber began painting grim scenarios. If the West were to abandon Ukraine, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Clark prophesized, China would then be encouraged to expand its sphere of influence in the Pacific. It could also lead to NATO's collapse. The situation could only be prevented with the help of military aid, they argued. On November 8, 2014 Clark sounded the alarm internally after talks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, his advisers and senior military and intelligence officials. The Ukrainians were expecting an attack as early as the end of the month.

Breedlove answered, "I will focus on this immediately." He also wrote, "One of our biggest problems" is that one of the United States' allies had been denying the findings of its intelligence. The remark was aimed at Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency, which had been much more reserved in its assessment of the situation -- a position that in retrospect would prove correct.

'The Front Is Now Everywhere'

Karber's emails constantly made it sound as though the apocalypse was only a few weeks away. "The front is now everywhere," he told Breedlove in an email at the beginning of 2015, adding that Russian agents and their proxies "have begun launching a series of terrorist attacks, assassinations, kidnappings and infrastructure bombings," in an effort to destabilize Kiev and other Ukrainian cities.

In an email to Breedlove, Clark described defense expert Karber as "brilliant." After a first visit, Breedlove indicated he had also been impressed. "GREAT visit," he wrote. Karber, an extremely enterprising man, appeared at first glance to be a valuable informant because he often -- at least a dozen times by his own account -- traveled to the front and spoke with Ukrainian commanders. The US embassy in Kiev also relied on Karber for information because it lacked its own sources. "We're largely blind," the embassy's defense attache wrote in an email.

At times, Karber's missives read like prose. In one, he wrote about the 2014 Christmas celebrations he had spent together with Dnipro-1, the ultranationalist volunteer battalion. "The toasts and vodka flow, the women sing the Ukrainian national anthem -- no one has a dry eye."

Karber had only good things to report about the unit, which had already been discredited as a private oligarch army. He wrote that the staff and volunteers were dominated by middle class people and that there was a large professional staff that was even "working on the holiday." Breedlove responded that these insights were "quietly finding their way into the right places."

Highly Controversial Figure

In fact, Karber is a highly controversial figure. During the 1980s, the longtime BDM employee, was counted among the fiercest Cold War hawks. Back in 1985, he warned of an impending Soviet attack on the basis of documents he had translated incorrectly.

He also blundered during the Ukraine crisis after sending photos to US Senator James Inhofe, claiming to show Russian units in Ukraine. Inhofe released the photos publicly, but it quickly emerged that one had originated from the 2008 war in Georgia.

By November 10, 2014, at the latest, Breedlove must have recognized that his informant was on thin ice. That's when Karber reported that the separatists were boasting they had a tactical nuclear warhead for the 2S4 mortar. Karber himself described the news as "weird," but also added that "there is a lot of 'crazy' things going on" in Ukraine.

The reasons that Breedlove continued to rely on Karber despite such false reports remain unclear. Was he willing to pay any price for weapons deliveries? Or did he have other motives? The emails illustrate the degree to which Breedlove and his fellow campaigners feared that Congress might reduce the number of US troops in Europe.

Karber confirmed the authenticity of the leaked email correspondence. Regarding the questions about the accuracy of his reports, he told SPIEGEL that, "like any information derived from direct observation at the front during the 'fog of war,' it is partial, time sensitive, and perceived through a personal perspective." Looking back with the advantage of hindsight and a more comprehensive perspective, "I believe that I was right more than wrong," Karber writes, "but certainly not perfect." He adds that, "in 170 days at the front, I never once met a German military or official directly observing the conflict."

Great Interest in Berlin

Breedlove's leaked email correspondences were read in Berlin with great interest. A year ago, word of the NATO commander's "dangerous propaganda" was circulating around Merkel's Chancellery. In light of the new information, officials felt vindicated in their assessment. Germany's Federal Foreign Office has expressed similar sentiment, saying that fortunately "influential voices had continuously advocated against the delivery of 'lethal weapons.'"

Karber says he finds it "obscene that the most effective sanction of this war is not the economic limits placed on Russia, but the virtual complete embargo of all lethal aid to the victim. I find this to be the height of sophistry -- if a woman is being attacked by a group of hooligans and yells out to the crowd or passersby, 'Give me a can of mace,' is it better to not supply it because the attackers could have a knife and passively watch her get raped?"

General Breedlove's departure from his NATO post in May has done little to placate anyone in the German government. After all, the man Breedlove regarded as an obstacle, President Obama, is nearing the end of his second term. His possible successor, the Democrat Hillary Clinton, is considered a hardliner vis-a-vis Russia.

What's more: Nuland, a diplomat who shares many of the same views as Breedlove, could move into an even more important role after the November election -- she's considered a potential candidate for secretary of state.
Contributed photo / Stamford Public Schools

STAMFORD  The Board of Education has unanimously approved the appointment of Abbie Lareau as director of school improvement and professional development for the districts secondary schools.

Lareau will be responsible for directing the school improvement planning process, helping secondary schools meet their improvement goals and setting professional development plans for teachers and administrators in the district.
A Stamford man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on three counts of making on-line threats.

Kendall J. Sullivan, 50, posted numerous statements on the Internet forum Metalthrone.net in which he threatened to injure or kill several people and religious groups, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly said Thursday.

Sullivan has been in custody since July 15, when the FBI and Stamford police used federal and state warrants to search the suspects home, where they seized more than two dozen firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and additional firearm components.

The suspect was charged in state court on July 15 with unlawful possession of unregistered high capacity magazines.

The federal indictment alleges that on May 26, Sullivan stated on the forum: Israel, God and Synagogues. I will kill them. I have a few Houses of Satan in my Town If these Jews truly believe in their god Satan, I will upset their world. I will slaughter them and burn their Synagogue to the ground . . . kids, goldfish, old folks Shove money down their throats. These Jews of 2016. They think they are safe.

Then on June 10 he allegedly told a user:, I am going after YOU..Your Family, Wife, kids, Grandkids, Gold Fish . . . I am warning YOU, I will go after YOU. As I get older, I just dont give a damn . . . I will meet you in Westport at the Carvel! And then I will shoot or run over you . . . it is not just YOU, but your fellow Satanists I want to track down and kill.. I will use YOU to find othersAnd Kill them . . . You are a [expletive] JEW! . . I want to kill you . . . If only that . . . Name a place . . . You are Satanic and must be destroyed. Wifes [sic], kids, Dogs, Cats, Goldfish . . . . All destroyed.

Sullivan allegedly posted on July 5: [I] Am prepared to shoot YOU on sight! And shove Money down your dead [expletives]Hole. Humans who define their entire existence thru that price tag - They are not human beings but Demons and must be destroyedI am looking forward to my death thru Jesus Christ. I will be Free. I will be understood. Afterall, I am a Warrior of Jesus Christ and want to be his Soldier.

Daly stressed that an indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt, and that defendants are presumed to be innocent.

Threats of violence against any religious or ethnic group cannot be tolerated, and when threats are made in violation of federal law, our office stands ready to prosecute those who make them,Daly said. I thank the FBI and Stamford police department for investigating this matter and helping to ensure the safety of our community.

We are confident that our efforts and the collaboration with all law enforcement partners may have averted a horrific hate crime from occurring, said Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs New Haven bureau. We will continue to respond quickly and investigate those responsible for spewing threats against all members of our community.

.
B ritish Gas owner Centrica has admitted it had lost 399,000 customers in the first half of the year as households sought better deals elsewhere.

The drop came amid much tougher competition for customers as thousands came to the end of fixed-term contracts and jumped ship.

British Gas, which has also been hindered by problems with the introduction of a new billing system, managed to stem the decline in June by offering cheaper rates.

Earlier this month it also offered its existing customers free electricity on either Saturdays or Sundays for those who installed smart meters. Profits from British Gass energy supply business alone dropped 7% to 516 million.

The fall in customers contributed to a difficult first half for Centrica, whose power-generation business is also battling against lower energy prices in a climate of uncertainty over the post-referendum environment.

Underlying profits fell 12% to 853 million, while overall revenues dipped 13% to 13.4 billion.

Chief executive Iain Conn, who today welcomed RSA Insurance chief executive Stephen Hester to the board as a senior independent director, said negotiating a Brexit would be like a bomb-disposal exercise.

But the shares jumped 2%, or 4.8p, to 246.8p as Conn said he would be sticking to the plans laid out in February, delivering some 300 million in cost savings alongside 3000 job losses.

Oil major Royal Dutch Shell flopped badly in the City, however, as a 73% slump in underlying profits to $1 billion for the April-to-June quarter hugely missed forecasts.

The fall for Shell, still absorbing the $54 billion BG acquisition completed in January, was even worse than BPs disappointing results on Tuesday amid oil prices lingering below $50 a barrel.

UBS analyst Jon Rigby noted the absence of any obvious progress in earnings or cashflow as the shares sank 55.5p to 1988.5p.
D rinks giant Diageo has called for one of Britains most lauded exports  Scotch whisky  to be protected from the Brexit fallout.

Chief executive Ivan Menezes said the Government needs to create the conditions to keep what truly is one of the jewels of businesses in the UK and Scotland healthy and thriving.

Finance chief Kathryn Mikells told the Standard that it is important the UK continues to benefit from open access to the EU as well as favourable international trade agreements.

Diageo posted a 2.8% rise in group sales to 10.5 billion in the year to June 30.

It was helped by a 4% jump in sales in the UK, where Brits indulged in buying Ciroc vodka and Guinness.

Sales of Baileys in Britain also rose.

The firm said it is confident of achieving its target of mid-single digit top line growth in the current financial year.

The shares advanced by 19p to 2157p.
T he UKs biggest standalone asset manager Schroders received a headline 30 billion boost to funds after the pounds slump to a 31-year low, despite rockier sales beneath the surface.

Assets under management rose to a record high of 344 billion because of the deep decline in sterling after the June 23 EU vote.

The figure was calculated on June 30, when its first-half results were drawn up using the exchange rate at the time.

The venerable fund giant saw less new money for the half year  700 million in total, down from 8.8 billion in 2015 after Brexit wobbles saw customers pull 2 billion from funds in the final three months.

The pull-back was the sting in the tail for the group, which managed to cushion the fall by diversifying away from the UK and Europe. The juggling act left profits better than analysts had expected, down at 282 million from 290 million.

There are so many moving parts in the world and the key for me is balance, chief executive Peter Harrison said. You need to be riding lots of different horses in this race.
O ur opinion poll findings today showing that more than half the public believe that Labour is failing to provide a proper Opposition to the Government, and that a majority would prefer Owen Smith to be the partys leader, are troubling not just for those on the Left, but for the nation more widely. That is because the poll, carried out for this newspaper by BMG Research, also shows that most Labour supporters still back Mr Corbyn and appear willing to support him even if he continues to perform poorly in Parliament and appears likely to lead the party to a general election defeat in 2020.

Such an outcome would, no doubt, be welcomed by some Conservatives. But further years of feeble opposition would be bad for our democracy. The prospect, therefore, of Labour continuing with a leader who offers neither the policies nor the personal authority to challenge the Government is worrying. On this, Owen Smith, for all the clumsiness of his call for Labour to show more vitality and strength to smash Theresa May back on her heels, was correct. His own avowedly socialist agenda, including tax rises and the repeal of anti-strike legislation, appears unconvincing at best, however, and seems far from the centre ground which Labour occupied during its years of electoral success. It is thus unsurprising that todays poll shows that despite preferring Mr Smith as Labour leader, only five per cent of people would actually be more likely to vote for the party as a result.

Here lies not just Labours dilemma but the publics too. Labours moderates have lost control of their party and appear unable to seize it back. The answer now is for the public to help by making its views even clearer, both on the doorstep and, when the opportunity arises, in polling booths. A sensible Opposition is essential. The publics voice should help Labour become one.

More science, please

That London is a global centre for life-sciences research is beyond doubt and, as Mayor Sadiq Khan says today, it is imperative that this doesnt change following Britains exit from the European Union. He made his remarks, appropriately enough, at the Francis Crick Institute, which opens in November and will be Europes biggest biological research facility.

In fact, Londons scientific excellence extends beyond biology and medicine. The city boasts top talent in mathematics, physics, engineering and advanced computer technology too. That is why the Standards Progress 1000  our annual list of influential Londoners  this year has a particular focus on those fields. We must not lose sight of their importance to our citys future success.

It is notable that the Crick Institute will be a base for scientists from around the world; a reminder of the need to keep attracting the best people from abroad, as well as producing home-grown talent. For that reason, yesterdays news that plans for the expansion of London City Airport have been given the go-ahead are welcome. Good transport links are a key part of keeping London open for business. Next we need a decision on the Heathrow/Gatwick conundrum, please.

All the worlds stage

Maintaining the momentum of the #LondonIsOpen campaign, stars of the West End have now joined the post-Brexit drive to attract international talent and investment to the city. Londons position as the worlds theatre capital is plain: the West End attracts bigger crowds than Broadway and is a pull not only to audiences here but also to tourists from around the UK and abroad. Its openness to the world will ensure it remains centre-stage.
T he elderly priest, Fr Jacques Hamel, was old even by the standards of the French church, where the official retirement age for priests is 75; he was 86. Ill work till my dying breath, he promised. He did too. He died on his knees at the altar of the church where he had said mass, his throat slit in the presence of the eucharist.

The mass is, among other things, a memorial of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. So he died pretty well a perfect death in Christian terms: murdered for his faith, bearing witness to it. He died quite literally a martyr, and in a church dedicated to the first Christian martyr: St Etienne, or Stephen. His attackers were also seeking a martyrs death but of a very different kind.

Obviously, priests and nuns are vulnerable as the public face of Christianity for Islamists seeking to attack Christians, as is drearily commonplace throughout the Muslim world, not just in those parts of Iraq and Syria under the control of Islamic State but in aggressively Muslim societies such as Pakistan.

In a video released by IS, the 19-year-old boys who carried out the killing in Rouen, Normandy, said they were obeying calls to target countries of the Crusader coalition. So far so standard; this is the third IS video in nine days.

But for a priest to be killed at the very altar of the church, the place of sacrifice, is symbolically significant even after recent horrors. The last similar take on Murder in the Cathedral was when El Salvadorean soldiers assassinated Archbishop Oscar Romero in his own cathedral in 1980.

For these young Islamists, the method of execution  throat-slitting or decapitation  is a return to those employed in the earliest period of Islam. Not medieval so much as seventh-century, with the 21st-century twist that they forced an elderly parishioner to film the killing on his phone before stabbing him. Actually, one distinguished historian of the Crusades, Jonathan Riley Smith, observed tartly to me that the murder of priests strikes him as more modern than medieval; the obvious precedents being modern conflicts such as the Spanish Civil War or, even more obviously, the present conflict in Syria and Iraq.

Fr Hamel wasnt sectarian. His last Easter reflection was about mercy; he would have forgiven his attackers very readily. As one of the nuns with him during the attack said: He was a priest who loved everyone, who loved much.

Pope Francis reflected on the death that the world is at war because it has lost the peace. Rather hastily, he added that he didnt mean war between religions because religions seek peace but other wars including war for the domination of peoples.

The Pope is wrong. IS does seek the domination of peoples but for a clear religious objective: the establishment of a Muslim caliphate. Its activities, including Fr Hamels murder, are only comprehensible in ideological terms. Its one thing to observe that IS is repugnant to the great majority of Muslims, quite another not to acknowledge it is grounded in a particularly unpleasant Islamic ideology, which has surfaced at other times in history.

President Hollande, who attended mass for the priest in Notre Dame, does not often echo the Pope but he too declared we are at war with the jihadists. The French Republic has historically, to put it mildly, a fraught relationship with the Catholic church. It would be remarkable if the Islamists were to bring them closer together.
Review at a glance









M ichael Berkeleys Violin Concerto is a memorial to his wife, the literary agent Deborah Rogers, who died suddenly in 2014. As such it not surprisingly contains some personal elements.

Less predictable is the nature of those elements, which include Hendrix-style breaks on an electric violin, inspired by a Nigel Kennedy gig at Ronnie Scotts, and riffs on a tabla, as relished on an Indian trip the couple undertook.

The still centre of the concerto is a movingly elegiac waltz, beautifully scored, sweeter in harmony than Berkeleys usual style. But then the soloist, here the accomplished Chloe Hanslip, picks up an electric violin and unleashes the KennedyHendrix onslaught.

One assumes this to be an eruption of visceral anger obtruding on a more civilised expression of grief. Its uningratiating, even alienating, but I guess thats the point. Diego Espinosa Cruz Gonzalez provided the tabla contributions and vocals.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, alert and polished under Jac van Steen, produced sensual textures in Dukass Poeme Danse La Peri and an invigorating Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet suite that, unlike Tybalt, never quite landed a knockout blow.

Proms 2016: Highlights to watch out for 1 /14 Proms 2016: Highlights to watch out for Proms 2016: Highlights to watch out for Browse the gallery to find out what not to miss. BBC Prom 2, July 16 Bryn Terfel will take the title role in Modest Mussorgskys Boris Gudunov, leading an illustrious cast. Brian Tarr Prom 6: Gospel Prom, July 19 This is only the second Gospel Prom, after it arrived on the programme for the first time in 2013. Michelle Williams will feature in a lineup that includes handpicked singers from gospel groups, brought together to make an elite superchoir. Proms 8: Strictly Prom, July 21 Strictly finalist Katie Derham will guide the audience through the sounds of the ballroom, with the BBC Concert Orchestra playing tangos, waltzes, and Charlestons. BBC Prom 19: David Bowie Prom, July 29 A celebration of David Bowies life will see musicians re-imagine the music legends back catalogue, including Berlin-based collective s t a r g a z e. BBC Proms at The Chapel, Greenwich, August 6 The first of the Proms relocations will see the BBC singers perform Rossinis Petite Messe Solenelle in the stunning setting of the Old Chapel of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. thedpc Proms at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, August 13 The Proms will celebrate Restoration Theatre Music in the Globes intimate Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. It will allow the audience to be close up during performances of Purcell, Blow, Locke and Draghi. Pete Le May Prom 38, August 13 John Wilsons orchestra will pay tribute to one of Americas most celebrated songwriting duos, George and Ira Gershwin, including a performance of the ballet music from An American in Paris. Sim Canetty-Clarke Prom 44, August 18 This Prom will explore Shakespeares range of characters, with an all-British first half of classical music, and a second half devoted to American musicals such as West Side Story and Kiss Me Kate. Michael Lutch Prom 49: Quincy Jones Prom, August 22 The man himself will make an appearance during a celebration of the jazz giant Quincy Jones, with special guests collaborating on new arrangements of his hits. Gerg Gorman Prom 51, 24 August The Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra pay a visit in the year that the Olympics go to Rio de Janeiro. A celebration of Latin American music will include a performance of the work of South American composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. Adriane White Proms at Bold Tendencies Multi-Storey Car Park, September 3 The Proms will go on the road to Peckham, with Christopher Starks Multi-Storey Orchestra making their Proms debut in a car park. They will perform a number of the works of Steve Reich. Ambra Vernuccio Proms in the Park Hyde Park, September 10 The Proms in the Park ends the two-month series of concerts and is Britains largest outdoor classical music event. It brings together pop and classical, and this year Tim Minchin, Frankie Valli and Rick Astley join the Royal Choral Society and the BBC Concert Orchestra. As well as a tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan, the concert will celebrate Roald Dahls centenary year with a performance from Matilda the Musical. BBC Prom 75: Last Night of the Proms, September 10 Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez will be the star soloist of the evening in a concert that includes works by Vaughan Williams, Britten and Elgar.

The BBC Proms (bbc.co.uk/proms) continue until September 10

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O n Monday evening, director Kenneth Branagh was worried that he had a real tragedy on his hands  one outlandish even by Shakespeares standards. Sir Ken is directing Romeo and Juliet at the Garrick Theatre, and by the beginning of this week, just over two months into the plays run, he had lost not one but two male leads. To lose one tragic hero may be regarded as misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. How had it happened?

Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden was cast originally as the male lead, but was forced to take a break from the show last week after hurting his ankle while out running. He is undergoing physiotherapy and has been advised by doctors to rest. Understudy Tom Hanson, who had been cast as Paris, duly replaced him  and then hurt his own leg, and also had to withdraw. In the bathetic understatement of the week the theatre said it was an unfortunate set of circumstances. Presumably, there is a plague on both their houses.

But the show must go on  the balcony scene really loses its potency if Juliet is hollering wherefore art thou Romeo towards an empty spotlight. Accordingly, it was announced on Monday evening that 27-year-old Freddie Fox would be the next replacement.

A press release affected calm. Freddie Fox will be sharing the role of Romeo with Richard Madden, it reported. Madden continues to make a good recovery after injuring his ankle. Fox would join the company from Tuesday 26 July, following a period of intensive rehearsals... over the last 48 hours.

I am really pleased to be joining Lily, Derek, Meera and the company, Fox said. I look forward to continuing the exciting work that Richard and Tom have created in this wonderful production, and to bringing my own experience and passion for the role of Romeo.

We were also assured that Fox had recently played the role of Romeo in a production that ran at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre, for which eggheads know he won third prize in the 2015 Ian Charleson Awards.

But ticket holders were sceptical. Third isnt first, some thought waspishly. Others were baffled: how would he have had time to perfect the lines again? Granted, the words dont change but the staging of this production would be totally different. Some who had booked to see Game of Thrones actor Madden had been disappointed by the first replacement, and were despondent by this second.

Moreover, rapport between the leads is crucial to the success of the play: luckily Fox and Lily James, who is playing Juliet, are drama school friends  but pints and parties are different to co-starring in a Shakespearean tragedy on the West End stage. While some kindly observed that Foxs boyish looks would play well opposite Jamess beautiful Juliet  especially in a production that employs Vespas and electropop  purists pointed out that Romeo is meant to be older than his bride. Plus, surely, the pressure would overwhelm the young lad?

Apparently not. Tuesdays performance was unilaterally agreed to be a triumph. The tweets started during the interval. For a man whos stepped in at the last minute Freddie Fox is unbelievably slick. Awesome sword play!! #IntervalTweet, tweeted one user. By the curtains fall, others were fangirling over his performance. Freddie Fox didnt just have to learn the lines in 48 hours. He had to learn the blocking, the stage combat, everything. Hes a powerhouse, tweeted another user. Freddie Fox was wonderful, said yet another, attaching a besotted heart-eyes emoji. Some used all caps: FREDDIE FOX WAS AMAZING AS ROMEO OMFG.

Others in the audience were impressed by the harmony between the leads (Lily James and Freddie Fox nailed it last night in Romeo & Juliet. What a performance), while some fans suggested Fox deserved an award for his performance. One effusive message crowned him a hero.

The cast and crew were similarly impressed. James, covered in fake blood (spoiler alert), leapt into his arms at the end of the show. Director Branagh delivered a speech in which he paid testament to his agile cast and crew, who had responded calmly and professionally to the upheavals. He singled out Fox for his hard work and talent.

Hats off to Freddie Fox, Branagh told the Standard last night. The atmosphere was electric on Tuesday, and he did a supreme job. I am very proud of him and indeed the whole company.

Fox gave a strong, passionate and vulnerable performance, confirms trainee psychotherapist Kate Robertson, who saw the show on Tuesday. He and Lily James complemented each other beautifully. He was a true professional. She says the atmosphere in the theatre was warm, full of excitement and anticipation, and that Branaghs speech was very funny and apologetic.

One devoted theatregoer called it the most lucid and sensual production of the play that Ive seen in 30 years of concerted theatre-going.

The happy ending is just the sort of cheering tale we need in a summer of relentless horror. That it comes, indirectly, from such a morbid play  one which crescendoes into a double suicide  makes the pleasure all the more poetic.

Furthermore, happily, the story denies the usual nasty narrative about Theatreland, which is all too often presented as a jealous, envious environment where actors compete to mistreat each other, or to disrespect the crew. Usually, there are whispers about sworn enemies and backstage misadventures, or waspish comments leaked to gossip columns about poor performances or unprofessionalism on set. But Foxs new castmates have been encouraging. Meera Syal, who is playing the bawdy nurse, retweeted the announcement that he was to take over from Hanson, in a show of support. It is a testament to Branaghs production, and also a pleasing example of how a cast and crew can think fast, and as one brain.

Of course, it helps that Shakespeare runs in both Londons and Foxs blood. Earlier this month the actor hosted an evening of Shakespeare readings on the terrace at Marks Club alongside Morfydd Clark, who played Juliet in his previous run of the play. His parents, actors Edward and Joanna Fox, presented an evening of Shakespeares sonnets at the Senate House Library last month.

On a similar note, the upheavals come at a time when London understudies are seeing their star moments, attesting to the number of talented actors waiting in the wings of the capitals theatres. Noma Dumezweni stepped in for lead Kim Cattrall in Linda  just in time to get her noticed for the Hermione casting for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. And Sheridan Smiths understudy, Natasha Barnes, got rave reviews after she stepped into her lead role in Funny Girl. Perhaps this will push Fox up a rung on the showbiz ladder?

Meanwhile, his fans are in paroxysms (and are presumably hoping that Madden recovers slowly). On Tuesday night one fan Instagrammed a picture of herself and Fox, captioned, on the way to the Garrick, I met Freddie Fox, and died. He said my name properly, suggesting Fox could be ascending to the heights of stars like Benedict Cumberbatch, whose performance as Hamlet at the Barbican last year pulled in hordes of delirious superfans. They term themselves the Cumberbitches  could Fox have the Foxcubs?

Though hell be sharing the role with Madden until the end of the shows run on August 13, its uncertain how the role will be split going forward, and audiences are assured that Madden is recovering well. Perhaps Foxs moment in the spotlight will be brief  though endorsement by Branagh is priceless in terms of his own reputation. Hed better not break a leg.

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Review at a glance









S ean OCaseys play, often hailed as his masterpiece, caused a riot when it premiered in 1926  thanks to its unromantic depiction of the rebels involved in the Easter Rising of 1916. Revived to mark the centenary of that event, it has topical resonance as a portrait of poverty and domestic turbulence set against the background of political upheaval.

Howard Davies and Jeremy Herrin have shared directing duties, accentuating the contrast between lofty idealism and everyday desires. On a series of detailed sets by Vicki Mortimer that evoke a decaying Dublin, the inhabitants of a dingy tenement block lose themselves in impotent bickering.

The play is an ensemble piece, and every character has a moment in the spotlight. But some of the droll minor ones seem caricatures, and the drama takes too long to exert its grip.

Still, Judith Roddy impresses as energetic Nora, desperate for her new husband Jack not to take part in the uprising.

Theres fine work, too, from Justine Mitchell as aggressive yet charitable Bessie Burgess, and Stephen Kennedy as carpenter Fluther, at his best when returning blind drunk from a spree of opportunistic looting.

Until October 22, National Theatre

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A female cyclist was grabbed by three men and raped in a park in the early hours of this morning, police said.

The woman, in her 30s, was pushing her bike near Dublin, at around 3am when she was approached by three men.

She was attacked and dragged into a nearby park where she was allegedly raped.

Ireland's police force, Gardai, said only one of the men is believed to have committed the sexual assault.

The victim was taken to Rotunda Hospital for treatment following the attack.

The scene has been sealed off with a forensic examination due to take place later today.

Gardai in Ronanstown are investigating.

A spokesman said: "Gardai at Ronanstown are investigating an alleged sexual assault of a female which occurred at approximately 3.20am this morning in the Newlands Road area of Clondalkin.

"No arrests have been made and gardai are appealing for witnesses or any person with information to contact them at Ronanastown Garda Station on 01 666 7700."
A 26-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a stabbing in Hoxton.

Police reported that a man was stabbed at an address on Wenlock Road on Saturday.

The following day, Mohammed Gilani, from Wenlock Road, was charged with attempted murder.

Gilani appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates' Court on Monday and is due to appear at Wood Green Crown Court on August 22.

Police did not release any information about the male victim.
A teenager is facing a lengthy jail term after he brutally attacked, robbed and raped two strangers in broad daylight

Dylan McDonald, 19, of St Anne's Road, Tottenham, was found guilty of four counts of rape; two counts of robbery; one count of causing grievous bodily harm, and one count of actual bodily harm. at Wood Green Crown Court.

The court heard how McDonald, who was just 18-years-old at the time of the horrific attacks, targeted his first victim, a woman in her 50s, in Tottenham in the afternoon of Friday, March 11.

He held a knife against her, using it to force her to nearby stairwell where he stole her two mobile phones, camera and watch, before demanding sex and raping her twice at knifepoint.

After the sexual attacks, McDonald repeatedly punched the terrified woman in the face before fleeing the scene.

His victim then managed to raise the alarm and was rushed to hospital, where she was treated for her injuries.

Three days later, McDonald attacked his second victim, a woman in her 30s, in the park grounds of Alexandra Palace.

In the afternoon of Monday, March 14, McDonald cycled towards the woman before producing a 30cm knife.

He then grabbed her and demanded her rucksack, but when the terrified victim struggled to remove her bag, McDonald became impatient and stabbed her in the leg.

As she fell to the ground in pain, McDonald stole her watch and took her mobile phone, money and house keys.

As his victim lay injured, he then proceeded to drag the woman into the undergrowth, where he raped her twice at knifepoint.

After contacting police, the woman was taken to hospital, where she was treated for her injuries.

Attack: the second victim was set upon in the grounds of Alexandra Palace / Rex

Detectives from the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command (SOECAC) found that the description of the attacker, the knife used, and the robbery and rape motive closely matched the first incident.

McDonald was arrested just after 10.30pm on the day of the second attack at his home address in Tottenham.

A search of his bedroom uncovered substantial amount of evidence, including blood-stained clothing, and a pair of blood-stained jeans, which had a tear to the left leg as described by the second victim.

The first victim's stolen property was also found at his house, along with two silver kitchen knives.

Forensic tests that were carried out later matched the blood on one of the knives to the second victim.

McDonald, who had no previous convictions and just one caution, refused to cooperate with investigators and remained silent throughout interview, but was charged in the early hours of March 16.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, McDonald pleaded not guilty and subjected both traumatised victims to a week long trial before he was found guilty on Tuesday.

Investigating officer DC Daryl Gibbs of (SOECAC) said: "The victims's courage and bravery when faced with a truly traumatic experience has resulted in a dangerous offender being brought to justice and removed from the streets of London.

"In my experience as a detective this amounts to one of the most horrific investigations I have undertaken."

DI Mark Rogers of (SOECAC) added: "These were truly horrific attacks by an 18-year-old male who had no previous for sexual offending.

"McDonald has shown no remorse and targeted lone females going about their daily lives.

"It must be noted that stranger rapes are extremely rare and with the strength and determination of the two women this dangerous individual has been brought to justice. He is likely to receive a substantial custodial sentence."

McDonald will be sentenced on October 7.
A man shot dead at a mansion in a quiet Surrey village had been cleared of gun charges two years ago, it emerged today.

Ricardo Hunter, 34, was killed at a pool party in Headley, near Epsom, in the early hours of Monday.

Today it emerged Mr Hunter had been cleared of possessing a firearm in 2014 following an Old Bailey trial. He had been accused of being one of three men who fired indiscriminately into a crowd during a party at the Crossways Church, in Homerton, in 2013.

The Crown Prosecution Service today confirmed Mr Hunter was found not guilty alongside another man, while the prosecution offered no evidence against the third defendant.

Tributes to Mr Hunter were made on social media this morning, with one friend writing she was speechless.

Another posted on Facebook: Dont see you for a long time but miss him... gone too soon.

A 38-year-old London man was arrested on suspicion of murder and was being questioned by Surrey detectives today. A 30-year-old woman, also from London, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been bailed until September.

DCI Paul Rymarz, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: We know there were several hundred people at the pool party in Church Lane ... and although we have spoken to a number of witnesses we intend to speak to everyone who was at the party.

I would therefore ask anyone who was at the event and may have seen what happened or with any footage or information to come forward as a matter of urgency.
T his is the moment a man attacked two police officers at an airport check-in desk in an apparent rage over delays to his flight.

Mobile phone footage posted on social media shows the man unleashing high kicks and punches on the officers during the attack amid boos and jeers from a huge crowd of onlookers.

The fight broke out at Frankfurt Airport on July 23, after the passenger, who is said to be British, became angry over cancellations to flights due to bad weather.

He punches both officers to the ground despite their attempts to restrain him.

The violent brawl only comes to an end when the man is suddenly drops to the floor as police and two other women are stood over him.

A still image taken from footage of a man brawling with police at Frankfurt airport

Frankfurt Police issued a statement on its Facebook page about the assault, which happened in front of the large crowd of passengers near a Lufthansa airline check-in desk.

It said: Due to the bad weather in the night from Friday to Saturday, several thousand passengers were stranded at the airport.

A 38-year-old English passenger, who wanted to fly to England, had at the info desk launched verbal attacks and threatened employees.

The brawl ended when the man suddenly dropped to the ground

The statement went on to say that officers tried to calm the situation without success before the fight broke out.

Police added the incident was not related to terrorism and that it shared the video on its Facebook page to clarify what happened.

Officer said false messages about the footage could lead to anxiety and terror.

Both the officers and the passenger sustained minor injuries and an investigation is ongoing.
A Romanian man believed to have gone on the run with a teenage girl is being hunted by police in Spain.

Elena Ciochina, 15, was last seen at 7pm on Saturday when she left her Newham home, Scotland Yard said.

Detectives believe she is with 27-year-old Ionut Gheorghe, who was spotted on CCTV taking 250 from a cash machine in Enfield earlier that afternoon.

Police believe the pair left the UK together on Saturday evening to travel to Europe, and officers think they are now in the Guadalajara area of Spain, near Madrid.

Wanted: police are looking for Ionut Gheorghe / Metropolitan Police

Gheorghe is wanted under a European Arrest Warrant for abduction.

Elena, who is 5ft 9in and has waist-length black hair, was wearing a black T-shirt, black jogging bottoms and black plimsolls when she was last seen.

She is also Romanian and is thought to have a national identity card with her.

Gheorghe is white, about 5ft 7in, heavily built and has short, light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark shorts and dark flip flops.

Anyone with any information should call police on 0208 217 5820.
A man has been interviewed under caution after an 11-year-old girl was allegedly groped in London's most famous toy shop.

The alleged victim was with her family watching a magic show at Hamleys on Regent Street when she was approached by a man.

A man is then said to have indecently assaulted her before leaving the store.

Police issued CCTV of a man they wanted to speak to after the incident on November 8 last year.

Officers from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Team today confirmed they have interviewed a man under caution in connection with the assault.
T he step-father of murdered Ade Afariogun said his son was turning his life around before his death "snatched" him away, as a jury found his teenage attacker guilty.

Mr Afarioguns step-dad, Kay Oluwa, said his son had completed qualifications and was due to start a new job just days after he was stabbed to death by Kaleb Amponsah.

Amponsah, aged 18, was today found guilty of murdering 27-year-old Mr Afariogun after knifing him in the stomach in an east London park.

In a family witness statement, Mr Oluwa, wrote: "Ade was a great big brother to my two younger boys.

The victim, Ade Afariogun / Metropolitan Police

"He had committed crimes but he had done his time and was moving forward with his life. He has been snatched away from us and for what?"

Mr Oluwa said his son had been imprisoned for horrible crimes but that he had used his time in prison to study and focus on his career, after telling his parents he wanted to change his life.

He added: He was due to start work the Monday after he was killed. I can never explain to you what it is like as a family to receive a call like the one that we got on January 29 and I truly hope none of you ever have to experience it.

"My wife has been emotionally destroyed; she cannot process what has happened and we cant talk to each other about it.

Brutal murder: Kaleb Amponsah stabbed the victim twice in the stomach / Metropolitan Police

"The strain on our marriage as a result is huge. Neither of us are emotionally strong enough to cope and this trial has been devastating and placed a new cloud over us.

"My younger two sons are numb, upset and angry all in one. I have had to be strong for them but I am finding it hard.

"We may never know the true reason but I do know that Kaleb Amponsah has shown no remorse, shows no understanding of what he has done to our family and is a danger if he can kill someone over something so minor as a wrong look."

Mr Amponsah of Robertson Road, Newham, approached the victim on Friday, January 29 as he left Plaistow Park with three friends.

Plaistow Park: The victim was in the east London park with friends when he was stabbed / Google Maps

Amponsah started an argument and the two men got into a fight.

Friends tried to break up the men but Amponsah produced a knife from his waistband and stabbed the victim twice in the stomach.

Amponsah then fled the scene, leaving the victim bleeding to death on the ground, and hid the knife in his mattress.

The attack was so brutal that Mr Afariogun was left with a 12cm wound in his abdomen.

He was rushed to hospital in a coma and underwent multiple operations, but died three days later.

On February 5, Amponsah was arrested at his home.

Detective Sergeant Perry Benton said: "Five months after the original charge, Amponsah admitted being responsible for the fatal stabbing but claimed he had acted in self-defence after the victim attacked him.

"Thankfully the jury saw through this unlikely scenario, recognising this for the needless and cold-blooded murder it was.

"The park where this took place is well used by a wide range of borough residents and the local community should feel reassured that this type of attack is an extremely rare occurrence.

"Ade was in the park with friends when he was killed for reasons that we have been unable to ascertain. He was well loved by his family and friends, who miss him very much."

Amponsah will be sentenced at the Old Bailey in the week commencing August 15.
A London couple ended up in court after leaving their two young children sleeping in a hotel to go on a holiday drinking session into the early hours.

Police became suspicious when they saw the brake lights on the couples car flashing intermittently as they drove through Saint Helier, the capital of the island of Jersey, at 2.45am on Monday.

The 28-year-old man driving was found to be almost three times over the alcohol limit, the islands magistrates court heard.

Police legal adviser Lawrence ODonnell said that when the husband and his wife were questioned it became clear their two daughters, aged five and eight, had been left unaccompanied at the Beachcombers Hotel in the seaside town of Grouville.

They were later found asleep by officers on a sofa-bed in the familys hotel room. The court heard the eight-year-old had been left with a phone and told to use it in case of any problems.

The husband is a top dance music DJ from London and is a regular performer at some of the biggest clubs around the world.

He had gone clubbing on Saturday night, leaving his wife and daughters asleep at the hotel.

The couples lawyer, Michael Haines, said it was the husband  who cannot be named for legal reasons  who wanted to go out for a drink in the early hours of Monday and managed to persuade his wife to go with him.

Mr ODonnell told the court the family had flown to the Channel island for a weeks holiday and had stayed in their room until 1.10am before going out for a drink.

The two youngsters were taken into care by the islands childrens service until the court hearing, at which their father pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

He and his wife, 30, from Stratford, both admitted recklessly exposing children to a risk of harm and were banned from the island for three years.

The father was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service and banned from driving for two years  although this will apply only in Jersey.

The court was told that authorities in Newham would oversee the community service order and also carry out an assessment of the conditions of their 425,000 terrace home.

Mr Haines said the husband was a first-time offender who works part-time. The family are understood to have arrived back in London last night.
A fundraising page set up to pay for treatment for a beloved station cat who was hit by by car smashed its target in just an hour.

Fanny the cat is well-known to commuters who travel through Gipsy Hill station, where she can often be found sitting on passengers' laps or offering herself up for a stroke.

Although the black-and-white cat has a loving home, the friendly feline likes to spend her days mingling with commuters at the south London station.

But last night the alarm was raised when Fanny failed to return home from Gipsy Hill as usual.

This morning, she was found injured close to the station, and was rushed to a vet, who said she had been hit by a car.

Fanny's owners were told that their pet had a ruptured diaphragm, and would need surgery costing in the region of 2,000.

Upon hearing the devastating news, Fanny's fans set up a fundraising page to pay for treatement for the moggy, who was not insured.

An appeal on the fundraising site reads: "Fanny the cat is most often found seeking and offering cuddles at Gipsy Hill station. She has brought a smile to so many faces young and old.

"Sadly, on Wednesday, July 27 Fanny was hit by a car close to the station.

"After a frantic night of worry she was found on Thursday morning. She is a fighter, but very poorly - the vet has diagnosed her with a ruptured diaphragm.

"Fanny's humans have launched a fundraiser to pay for her vet bill if the operation goes ahead. It's expected to cost a couple of thousand pounds and Fanny isn't insured."

The fundraising site was set up on Thursday afternoon, and had reached its target within just an hour.

By 7pm the page had surpassed its fundraising goal, with 2,500 in donations to help the popular cat, who even has her own Twitter account.

Organisers have said that any extra money with be donated to South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL).

Tonight Fanny's owners, Alex and Amy, said she was stable, and it was hoped the surgery would go ahead tomorrow.

Amy told the Standard: "We are overwhelmed by the love and support shown by the public.

"The account was set up by one of her Twitter followers and when I saw how many people had donated I literally had tears in my eyes. Amazing.

"And I am glad that any surplus funds will go to SNARL who are a local rescue centre heading up the London Cat Killer investigation. Fingers crossed that Fanny is better soon."
L ondon is not among the five most expensive cities in the UK for students, a study has shown.

Those in higher education face paying more to live in places like Oxford, Southampton, Plymouth and Sheffield, according to the research.

Despite London's reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world, Edinburgh was instead named as the least affordable for students, according to Natwest's student living index.

The capital came in as the seventh most costly after other southern cities including Southampton, Cambridge, Oxford and Plymouth.

Most expensive cities in the UK for students 1. Edinburgh 2. Southampton 3. Cambridge 4. Oxford 5. Plymouth 6. Sheffield 7. London 8. Bristol 9. Leeds 10. Glasgow

Portsmouth was listed by the index as the most cost-effective city, followed by Liverpool and Newcastle.

The index surveyed 2,500 students across the UK to determine the most and least affordable places to study of 25 university cities.

The survey took into account a range of factors, including living and accommodation costs and average incomes for students.

It also looked at how much students spend on going out and how much time they spend studying.

It found that above-average weekly rent of about 112 and significantly lower than average term-time income of about 995 combined to make Scotland's capital the least affordable place to study.

The affordability of Portsmouth, Liverpool and Newcastle was boosted by students in all three cities having the highest term-time incomes of around 1,515, 1,425 and 1,421 respectively.

The three cities also have lower weekly rent costs than the UK average of 109, contributing to their affordability.

Dan Jones, Natwest's head of student accounts, said: "Making the most of university can be expensive and there is a massive difference in the costs students face depending on where they choose to study."
A renowned musician today appealed for the return of her treasured violin after it was snatched as she returned home from a BBC recording session.

Krysia Osostowicz, 56, who was taught by Yehudi Menuhin alongside conductor Sir Simon Rattle, said losing the 18th-century Francesco Goffriller violin was like losing her voice.

She was on the way back from a studio session at Radio 3 when she set the instrument in its case on the pavement to unlock her bike at Brixton Tube station at 7pm on Tuesday. Ms Osostowicz, who founded the award-winning Dante Quartet and is a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, said: I put it down for a moment while I was rummaging through my bag, I looked up and it was gone.

I panicked and I started running around looking for a police officer. Theres normally plenty around the station but I couldnt find one anywhere, I was desperate.

A close-up of the violin

She reported the crime at the nearby police station and was horrified to learn the CCTV camera covering the spot where the snatch took place had been switched off.

Ms Osostowicz, who has recorded more than 30 albums and is due to tour Japan in the autumn, said: Its been like losing my voice. It has been the source of my livelihood for over two decades and Ive played it every day for many hours, I love it.

The mother-of-two added: I keep getting this dreadful sensation that it is out there without me playing it. I got it just before my first child was born.

The violin was snatched outside Brixton Tube station

Its by no means the most expensive kind of violin, nothing like a Stradivarius, but it has my sound  another violin just wont be the same. The instrument was in its brown case with three bows and a shoulder rest.

Ms Osostowicz posted an appeal on social media which has been shared by thousands of friends and fellow musicians. She said: If theres anyone out there that picked it up thinking it was a computer or something valuable it can be returned. That would be incredible, like getting a lost child back. I would never let it out of my sight again.

Anyone with information on the instruments whereabouts can email findmyviolin@hotmail.com or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A superfit kickboxer who was left paralysed after a motorcycle accident is suing for millions in compensation.

Lukasz Sowicz, 27, of Hanwell, was in a coma for more than a month after the crash on the North Circular and is still only able to move his right hand.

His hotel worker wife Kamila has been fundraising online to pay for physiotherapy, and has now launched a High Court claim against the motorcycle driver she blames for his injuries.

Mr Sowicz was the pillion passenger on June 27 last year when, according to the writ, the driver of the 600cc Honda hit the back of a Ford Fiesta at the junction with the A40 at the Hangar Lane Gyratory in Ealing.

Mr Sowicz was airlifted to hospital after the crash and remains at the specialist head injuries unit at Hillingdon Hospital in a minimally conscious state.

He was completely paralysed when he came out of a coma, but the writ says he has regained some voluntary control in his right hand and elbow.

On his wifes Facebook page, he gives a thumbs up to show his progress. Mrs Sowicz praised her strong man on the page, adding: As long as you fight, you are a winner.

She is seeking compensation to pay for a very significant level of care and rehabilitation for life, as her husband is fed through a tube.

The motorcyclists defence to the action was not available from the court and the contents of the writ have yet to be tested in evidence before a judge.
S atirical posters encouraging members of the public to join Islamic State have been plastered across east London.

The posters, which invite people to join the Islamist terror group, appeared in Leytonstone this week.

They have been spotted at the Red Lion pub, as well as tacked to trees on the High Road.

Although many of the posters have been taken down, more have appeared, one local councillor said.

The notices feature a picture of black-clad extremists in front of a set of burning drums, and invite members of the public to sign up to Isis at Leytonstone's Walnut Tree Pub - a branch of Wetherspoons - on Tuesday.

Spoof: posters appeared in the Red Lion pub

The posters read: Ever wanted to see the world, fight against rock music and get paid for the pleasure?

Come and join Isis. We have a strict policy of denying membership to the following: real Muslims, Christians, atheists, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews and members of the LGBT community.

"We will consider exemptions if membership of the Conservative Party or employment in the financial sector can be proven.

"Due to propaganda opportunities we are currently offering a free bonus wife for any caucasians who join.

"Beards must be home grown, no patches."

'Dangerous': several of the posters have been taken down

The posters have been condemned by community leaders, who have branded them "dangerous" and "wrong".

Yusuf Hansa, the chairman of Noor Ul Islam mosque in Leyton High Road, told the Guardian series: The poster is a prank but it is wrong.

One should not do this in this day and age especially. It is dangerous.

However, one man who spotted the posters said the humour in them was clear.

He told the Standard: "I thought it was intelligent, if not, ridiculous satire.

"Very funny, a shame if it was taken literally, because it obviously was not meant to be taken in that fashion."

Deputy leader of the Waltham Forest Labour Group, Clyde Loakes, who represents Leytonstone, said authorities had been removing the posters and had been conducting visits to make staff in public places aware of them.

He told Asian Image: "As soon as we were made aware of this spate of flyposting our neighbourhood officers took immediate action to get them removed from all locations.

However in some locations they were put up again.

We are continuing to monitor for them and have also visited Leytonstone Tube Station and other local public premises to make staff aware of them, this has also included local pubs.

We have also been able to obtain CCTV footage of someone putting up one of these posters which we are following up on, working in partnership with local police."

The posters claim to have been created with the support of partners including the Daily Express newspaper, the fictitious digital industrial company Lexcorp, and Canadian goat farming organisation Ontario Goat.

Jennifer Haley, executive director of Ontario Goat said: "Ontario Goats logo is being used without permission or our authorisation.

Ontario Goat is not affiliated with any of the organizations listed on the poster and we take this matter seriously.

A spokesman for Weatherspoons said: "Obviously this poster is in very poor taste.

"Any right-minded person will be aware that this has nothing to do with Weatherspoons whatsoever.

"Our staff are fully aware of the poster and if it causes problems we will contact the police."

The Met's Chief Inspector of Neighbourhood Policing Jon Simpson: said, "We are aware of the posters and would urge local people not to be unduly concerned.

"We have spoken to the premises involved and also local people in an effort to reassure and an investigation is underway to consider possible offences".
A London teenager who hatched a "naive" plot to join IS fighters in Syria has been locked up for three and a half years.

Cubeyda Hassan Jama, 19, packed his bags and headed for the war-torn region in February, but was stopped at Stansted Airport as he boarded a plane to Romania.

The teen had a rucksack of equipment in preparation for joining IS, but the Old Bailey heard he had not contacted the terrorist group, taken enough money to get there, or worked out how he was going to join.

Judge Gerald Gordon today sentenced Jama, of London Road, Thornton Heath, to three and a half years in a young offenders' institution, after he had admitted engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts.

He was sentenced today at the Old Bailey (Shutterstock I) / Shutterstock

The judge said the teen's father had forced him into a "nomadic lifestyle" growing up, moving from his native Finland to Somalia and then an aborted move to Egypt before settling in London.

"While in Somalia you had memorised the Koran, you spoke Somali and Arabic but here you had to learn English from scratch", he said.

"No doubt that made you somewhat isolated and with time on your hands."

The judge agreed with a psychiatrist's assessment of Jama as "naive", noting: "You were at obvious risk of radicalisation, be it self-radicalisation via the internet, radicalisation through others or a combination of the two.

"That is exactly what happened."

Police found beheading videos and radical speeches on electronic devices seized from Jama when he was arrested on February 5.

He was planning to travel on to Turkey and then into Syria, though had made no specific travel plans beyond Romania.

"If you did achieve your aim of joining Daesh, you would have had no option but to do whatever was required of you", said the judge.

"You were not travelling with any developed specific terrorist activities in mind, such as fighting, and in light of your comparative lack of funds, lack of detailed onwards travel planning, and apparent lack of necessary introduction to obtain acceptance into Daesh, your chances of having actually succeeded in your aim was low."

Jama will served half his sentence before being considered for release, and will spend an extra year on licence once he is free again.
J eremy Corbyn suffered a blow today as a new poll showed his rival Owen Smith soaring into a commanding lead on which of them would make the best Labour leader and Prime Minister.

The survey for the Standard found that 57 per cent of the public favoured Mr Smith as party chief, against 43 per cent for Mr Corbyn.

On the question of who would make the best premier, the findings by BMG Research were exactly the same.

More than half of adults  57 per cent  also believe that Labour under Mr Corbyn is failing to provide a proper opposition to hold the Government to account, with just 16 per cent saying it is.

But the findings are in stark contrast to those for Labour supporters, suggesting Mr Smith has a huge task to win over enough party followers to become leader in September.

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Three quarters of people intending to vote Labour at the 2020 general election say Islington North MP Mr Corbyn would make the best party leader  and PM  while just a quarter name Pontypridd MP Mr Smith.

57 per cent of people prefer Owen Smith to Jeremy Corbyn, a poll has found

This is despite 44 per cent of Labour backers believing that the party is failing to provide a proper opposition to the Tories, compared with 38 per cent who think it is doing so.

Michael Turner of BMG Research said: All the evidence suggests that Labour would be far more electable under Mr Smith.

Who is Owen Smith? A look at the possible future Labour leader

People who currently would not vote for the party but say they may consider it are far more in favour of a party led by him.

He is also more attractive to current Liberal Democrat and Ukip supporters. But Mr Corbyn is still hugely more pop- ular among current Labour backers.

Mr Turner also described Labour as being in a bizarre state of cognitive dissonance, given the strong support for Mr Corbyn despite the recognition that the party is failing to challenge the Government.

TODO: define component type apester

Dozens of MPs have resigned from Mr Corbyns shadow ministerial team, urging him to stand down.

Mr Smith was little known outside of Westminster until a few weeks ago but his combative style has shot him into the media spotlight, with strong attacks on Mr Corbyn  though some comments have backfired. He was forced to apologise yesterday after suggesting Labour should smash Prime Minister Theresa May back on her heels.

In his bid to be leader, he proposes a new wealth tax, bringing back the 50p top rate of income tax, reversing cuts to inheritance tax, more NHS spending, an end to the public sector pay freeze and outlawing zero-hours contracts.

Mr Corbyn has pledge new policies to deal with inequality and austerity.

The poll also showed that if he is still leader in 2020, nearly a third of adults would be either less likely or far less likely to vote Labour, compared with 21 per cent for former shadow work and pensions secretary Mr Smith.

But 52 per cent of Labour supporters said they were more likely or far more likely to vote for the party with Mr Corbyn at the helm  far more than the 28 per cent for his challenger.

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More than a third of the public believe Mr Corbyn is putting his own interests first by clinging on as Labour leader despite a motion of no confidence in him by party MPs. Among Labour supporters the figure is just 19 per cent.

BMG Research interviewed 1,551 UK adults online between July 22 and 26. Data are weighted.
T heresa May was today set for tough face-to-face meetings as she tried to win over Eastern European leaders for positive talks on a future Brexit deal.

Her whirlwind tour to meet prime ministers and presidents took her to Poland and Slovakia, two states determined to maintain free movement.

Todays meetings come despite EU Commission demands that Brexit discussions do not take place until the UK formally begins the departure process.

Mrs May, pictured, is hoping to use the visits to lay the ground for open discussions. Slovakia, which holds the presidency of the EU Council, and Poland have voiced concern over free movement and the refusal so far of Mrs Mays government to guarantee the rights of EU nationals already in the UK. Her meetings follow others with the leaders of Ireland, Germany, France and Italy.

The former EU commissioner Michel Barnier, who will lead Brexit talks, said no discussions should occur until the UK starts a formal departure by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

Mr Barnier, once dubbed the scourge of the City for his views on financial regulation, was appointed yesterday by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. But after speaking with Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi yesterday, Mrs May said preparations for an orderly departure had begun. She is not expected to trigger Article 50 before the end of the year.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson will also meet French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault today. Brexit may be among the issues discussed.
A cat survived a 60C spin cycle after falling asleep inside a washing machine.

Nine-month-old Bobby stowed away under blanket before the hot wash began.

Thankfully, the miraculous moggy avoided catastrophe when owner Lisa Keefe heard a loud banging sound  and spotted her beloved pet spinning around inside.

The terrified puss was on the verge of collapse when he was freed from the machine.

Vets told his owner he was lucky to be alive.

Ms Keefe, 47, from Nottingham, told the Sun: I had taken Bobby outside, but he snuck back in when my back was turned.

I rushed to the machine and could see the colour of his fur mixed in with the quilt. I was petrified.

Bobby used up one of his nine lives after getting stuck in the washing machine / PDSA/PA

I think Bobbys learned his lesson the hard way. He doesnt go anywhere near the washer anymore.

Bobby was treated for shock and required IV fluids during an overnight stay at the pet hospital.

Vet Tamsin Thomas added: Ive certainly never heard of a cat surviving a wash machine cycle.

Bobby has been nominated for a PDSA pet survivor award.
A lifeboat crew was scrambled after three teenage girls hunting for Pokemon were spotted heading into the sea.

The girls had gone down to the beach at Hastings, West Sussex clasping their phones as they played Pokemon Go, the augmented-reality game that has become a global phenomenon.

Alarmed onlookers watched as the three fully-clothed girls headed towards the water close to the pier at 9.30pm last night.

Eye-witnesses called police and told officers the girls were standing in the water with their phones and were in serious danger.

The RNLI were called and a lifeboat crew was being scrambled when police intervened and rushed down to the beach.

They called the girls, thought to be holidaymakers, and advised them not to hunt for Pokemon in such a dangerous location.

Steve Warne, the coxswain at Hastings RNLI, said: The girls had apparently gone right down to the water and onlookers were very, very worried.

We were scrambled and we were just about to launch the lifeboat when police called us and we were stood down.

He said: The Pokemon craze has swept the nation and there have been other incidents where children are getting too close to cliff edges and suchlike.

Explainer: The Pokemon Go craze

They need to remember to be safe, especially close to the seashore and they should always respect the water.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: Police responded to a report of three girls standing in the sea near Hastings Pier at 9.23pm on Wednesday.

The caller was concerned as the sea was quite rough and the girls appeared to be fully clothed.

Officers attended and established that the girls were looking for Pokemon. They were advised not to go into the water.
T hree people have been arrested after a drugs raid in a Surrey village turned into an armed police stand-off with a suspected gunman.

A woman in her 40s is being held on suspicion of drug-related offences and two men - one in his 20s and a teenager - were detained for allegedly obstructing police.

Police initially thought there was an armed man holed up in the property but following an extensive search no one was found.

Surrey police swooped in on the village home in Careys Wood, Smallfield at about 6am on Thursday.

Armed response: Police at the scene in Surrey / Steve Parsons/PA

Surrounding roads were cordoned off and a helicopter scrambled when a man was spotted with what is believed to be a gun inside the house.

Neighbours were told to stay inside their homes while others were stuck outside the police cordon for hours when they tried to return.

Firearms were seized at the property and Surrey Police named 57-year-old Paul Hodge as being wanted on suspicion of drugs and firearms offences.

They asked the public to call police urgently if they spot him.

Paramedics were on standby outside the police cordon as armed officers stood by the property. Locals also reported seeing a drone being sent up.

A local businessman who lives nearby told the Standard he was woken up by the sound of helicopters circling above his home.

He said: "I left my home at about 8.30am and I saw police coming up the road and a blacked-out people carrier at the end of Careys Wood.

Raid: Police executed a drugs warrant at 6am this morning(Steve Parsons/PA ) / Steve Parsons/PA

"I wondered if people were targeting several locations judged by the amount of police cars but then I heard about the siege.

"I was a bit shocked to see that in Smallfield."

Captain of the Smallfield Manor cricket club, Keith Howard-Smith, said: "The helicopter was up from about 7.30am until 11am just hovering above one site in the village.

"People were advised to stay indoors. At around 12pm the helicopter came back and swept the village again.

"It was a pretty unusual sight for Smallfield."

While another man said: "I've seen about four or five police vehicles go past my house and heard helicopters over head. We've had all sorts."

Emergency response: A police officer with a dog at the scene (Steve Parsons/PA ) / Steve Parsons/PA

One resident said the man who lives at the property at the centre of the raid was "well known" in the neighbourhood.

She said: "This village is not what it used to be. We have had cars damaged and tyres slashed.

"Young kids shoot out people's windows for fun and they don't realise it's us that has to pay the damage.

"Enough is enough."

Shortly before 4pm police said they had "stepped down" their response in Smallfield.

Raids were carried out at 15 other properties in East Surrey as part of an operation to dismantle the supply of Class A drugs.

Ten people in total were arrested.
A teacher faces being been banned from the classroom after a disciplinary panel found that he had inappropriately touched male pupils and told a boy he loved him.

He also called another boy son and allowed the boy to call him dad, the panel found.

Prean Naidoo, 50, who taught English at the Globe Academy in Elephant and Castle, was found to have sent flirtatious text messages after exchanging phone numbers with a high-achieving student, drunkenly telling him: You know I love you. Do not leave me.

He later invited the underage teenager to his flat in south London, where he rubbed his chest, traced his finger on his bare leg and offered to buy him a pint at a pub on a trip to the cinema.

The South African-born teacher was found to have sent the child messages on WhatsApp including references to the link between the size of a mans feet and his penis, and statements such as: You are a big boy.

The boy was one of five pupils or recent pupils to whom Mr Naidoo was found to have had behaved inappropriately following a hearing of the National College for Teachings professional conduct panel this week.

Mr Naidoo, 50, taught English at the Globe Academy in Elephant and Castle

The panel heard Mr Naidoo targeted vulnerable and destitute students and offered to buy one boy an iPhone for good behaviour. He also carried photographs of students in his wallet.

He invited a fifth student, whose parents were abroad, to his flat where he told him: I get happy when you call me dad.

In its report, the panel said Mr Naidoo was breaking down the teacher-pupil relationship over the time the students were at the academy particularly towards the end of the students last year.

It added: On the balance of probabilities, the panel considers this was to continue their contact with the potential to develop a sexual relationship once the students had left.

It says his behaviour demonstrated a consistent pattern of conduct in that he sought to gain favour with and get close to potentially vulnerable pupils, and gradually built on that position of trust to cross professional boundaries and introduce sexually motivated conversations and conduct.

Police were called in by the school, run by the Ark academy chain, after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were reported to the academys principal in 2012.

But the CPS chose not to press charges, leading the school to launch an internal disciplinary investigation which led to his dismissal in November 2013.

Mr Naidoo met with former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott during a visit to the Globe Academy in 2009. David Cameron took US President Barack Obama to the school during a state visit in 2011.

Mr Naidoo, who lives in a Victorian mansion block in Pimlico, did not give evidence to the hearing at which he was found guilty of unacceptable professional misconduct.

The panel will now consider what sanctions to bring against Mr Naidoo, who did not attend the misconduct hearing, including an option to ban him from teaching in the UK for life.

Its decision will be published next month and Mr Naidoo will have the right to appeal. He was not present in person at the hearing and was not represented.

According to Mr Naidoos LinkedIn profile, the Durban University graduate was politically active during anti-apartheid South Africa and held office following the first democratic elections in the country.

At his home Mr Naidoo, who has launched MyFlo, an e-learning company, declined to comment on the findings of the hearing, saying: I just cant talk about it.

The Globe Academy declined to comment.
T wo girls accused of trying to kill their 12-year-old classmate in an attempt to please fictional character Slender man should be tried as adults, a Wisconsin appeals court has ruled.

The youngsters were 12 when they allegedly stabbed Payton Leutner 19 times after luring her to a park in Waukesha, about 20 miles from Milwaukee, in 2014.

The second district appeals court yesterday affirmed a lower courts decision that it was reasonable to try the girls, who are now both 14, as adults due to the serious nature of the alleged crime.

The court said that if the girls were found guilty in the juvenile system they would be released aged 18 with no supervision or mental health treatment.

Anyone 10 or older charged with first-degree attempted homicide is automatically considered an adult under Wisconsin law.

The pair, who face 65 years behind bars if they are convicted, could lodge an appeal with the Wisconsin Supreme Court against the ruling.

Slender Man is described in fictional stories as an unnaturally tall, thin, demon-like figure that lacks facial features. He is said to live in a mansion in a forest.

Authorities say the girls intended to sacrifice their victim and hoped to live with Slender Man in that fictional home as a result.
G un sales in parts of Switzerland are soaring amid fears they will be the next country targeted by jihadis.

Sales of guns and ammunition in Switzerland soared by nearly 50 per cent, according to official figures, after last years mass shooting at the Bataclan in Paris and the March bombings in Brussels.

Following the recent atrocities in Nice and Germany, gun sales have spiked again with people flocking to arm themselves against a terror attack.

Swiss gun shop owner Daniel Wyss told USA Today: The demand for pistols, revolvers and pump-action guns rose by 30 per cent to 50 per cent after this months attacks in Nice and Munich.

According to the Small Arms Survey, around one in four Swiss people own a gun.

Any member of the public wanting to buy a firearm in the country must pass tests to obtain a weapon acquisition permit.

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index.

IS terrorists have claimed responsibility for the lorry driver who killed 84 people in Nice, the brutal murder of a catholic priest in Normandy and an axe attack in Germany, all happening this month.
T he mother of one of the Islamic State fanatics who butchered a French priest at the altar of a church told police hunting the terrorist before the attack: Hes a good Frenchman.

French intelligence services received a warning that a terror suspect was preparing an attack four days before Abdelmalik Petitjean, 19, and an accomplice murdered Father Jacques Hamel, 86, in a Normandy town on Tuesday.

The authorities received an image of the suspect after an anonymous tip-off on July 22 and confirmed Petitjeans identity before circulating his ID and image to police stations. The teenager was put on the terrorist watch list on June 29th after trying to get to the Isis caliphate in Syria via Turkey.

On seeing the photo received by counter terror police, Petitjeans mother told officers: Yes, thats him. Hes a good Frenchman. Hes soft. I know my kid. I know by son. Hes not implicated in any of this.

After the priest was slaughtered Yamina Petitjean denied her son could be involved, telling BFM TV: I didnt produce a devil.

She said: Hes not at all the monster that people want us to believe. No, no its impossible.

She said that she had spent the weekend with Petitjean at home in Aix-les-Bains, and she thought he had gone to stay with a cousin in Lorraine, another region of France.

Police revealed that her son had been shot in the face repeatedly, and was so impossible to immediately identify. DNA confirmed who he was.

Video: an Isis-affiliated news agency claim this is Kermiche and Petitjean

The anonymous tip-off included a colour photograph of Petitjean but not his name and said he was preparing to take part in an attack on national territory.

The warning went on: Hes already in France, and is preparing to act alone, or with others.

Petitjeans image was not released to the media at the time. Some French media organisations have adopted a new policy of not publishing photographs of people responsible for terrorist killings, to avoid glorifying terrorists.

Both Petitjean and his accomplice, Adel Kermiche, also 19, were also on terrorist watch lists, and should technically have been under surveillance.

Kermiche even wore an electronic tag, but it was switched off for four hours every morning to allow him a break from probation conditions set when he left prison in March.

Police sources said the warning about Petitjean was received by Uclat, their counterterrorism coordination unit.

One source said: It was being acted upon, and everything was being done to track the terrorist down. Officers across the country were engaged in the race to find this suspect, but he evaded capture.

An identity card belonging to Petitjean was found at Kermiches family home, which is close to the church. It is not known how the pair knew each other.

Survivors of the attack in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, near Rouen have told how one was forced to film the gruesome murder the Catholic priest.

An 87-year-old parishioner was forced to video the crime on a smartphone before he too was stabbed. He survived by playing dead and is recovering in hospital.

Both terrorists were shot dead by police special forces commandoes as they tried to escape from the church.

President Francois Hollande and senior ministers have faced calls to resign over security failures in the run-up to the atrocities which have caused up to 250 deaths in France in the last 18 months.

Many were suspects were known to police and had travelled to and from Isis terrorist camps in Syria.

Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that around 4,000 members of the Sentinel military force are to patrol Paris, backed by tens of thousands of police officers and reservists.
T he Vaticans treasurer is under investigation over claims he abused children, police announced today.

Cardinal George Pell is accused of multiple offences dating from the Seventies to the Nineties in his home country Australia.

The cleric, one of the worlds most senior Catholics, branded the allegations a scandalous smear campaign.

He has been under investigation for more than a year, it was revealed, after a TV documentary by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation detailed abuse claims during interviews with alleged victims.

The channel said it has obtained eight police statements from complainants, witnesses and family members who were helping the inquiry.

Two men, now in their forties, from Cardinal Pells home town Ballarat said he touched them inappropriately by grasping them around the groin to hurl them into the air while swimming.

Additionally, a man said he found it very odd to find the cardinal standing naked in front of three boys in a surf clubs changing rooms.

Another complaint involved two teenage choirboys, one of whom has since died, ABC reported. Cardinal Pells office said he does not wish to cause any distress to any victim of abuse.

But it added: Claims that he has sexually abused anyone, in any place at any time in his life, are totally untrue and completely wrong.

He denies the allegations absolutely and says they and any acceptance of them by ABC are nothing more than a scandalous smear campaign which the channel appears to be champion.

Victoria State Police Commissioner Graham Ashton today said his force has been investigating accusations against the cardinal for more than a year. He added that the allegations have been passed to the public prosecutors office for advice on whether to prosecute.

Cardinal Pell became archbishop of Melbourne in 1996 and of Sydney in 2001. He took his Vatican role in 2014.
T his is the moment Pope Francis tumbled to the ground as he arrived to give Holy Mass broadcast to millions of people across the world.

The leader of the Catholic Church was walking towards an altar to give his sermon in Poland when he tripped and fell to the floor.

A group of senior Clergy members rushed to the 79-year-olds aid and pulled him to his feet in front of thousands of onlookers and cameras streaming the event to millions around the world.

Despite the fall, the Pontiff continued with the mass at the Black Madonna shrine of Czestochowa to mark the 1,050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland.

He arrived in the country yesterday and will tour religious and cultural locations until Sunday before being taken back to Rome.

Pope Francis appearance came following the horrific slaughter of a Catholic priest in France at the hands of ISIS.

He said yesterday that this and a string of other attacks were proof the "world is at war".

Pope Francis is helped up by priests after falling to the floor in Poland / Gregorio Borgia/AP

He later clarified he was not referring to a war of religion, saying: There is a war of interests. There is a war for money. There is a war for natural resources. There is a war for domination of peoples. This is the war.

Pope Francis takes a fall during a mass at the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, Poland / AFP/Getty Images

The Vatican issued a statement paying tribute to Father Jacques Hamel, who was murdered in Normandy today, as religious leaders call for solidarity across all faiths.

It said: "We are particularly struck because this horrible violence has occurred in a church - a sacred place where we pronounce God's love - with the barbaric murder of a priest and worshippers affected."
H eath Ledgers father has opened up about the last conversation his son had before he died.

Kim Ledger, who has launched new campaign to raise awareness of prescription drug abuse, has revealed that his son reassured the family that he was fine just hours ahead of his death.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about his sons decision to take a cocktail of drugs including oxycodone, hydrocodone and diazepam, he said:

It was totally his fault. It was no one else's - he reached for them. He put them in his system. You can't blame anyone else in that situation.

That's hard to accept because I loved him so much and was so proud of him.

Revealing that Ledgers final conversation was with his family before he passed away on January 22 2008, Kim said: His sister was on the phone to him the night before telling him not to take the prescription medications with the sleeping tablets.

He said: "Katie, Katie, I'm fine. I know what I'm doing." He would have had no idea.

Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You with Julia Stiles

Kim has recently launches ScriptWise, which warns against the dangers of mixing prescription drugs after research found that more than half of Australians would be afraid to admit an addiction to prescription painkillers.

Ledger was just 28 when his body was found by his housekeeper and masseuse at his Manhattan apartment back in 2008.

He had previously discussed how roles in Im Not There and The Dark Night had taken his toll on him and that, as a consequence, he found it difficult to sleep.

In an interview with the New York Times, he said: Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night. ... I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going.
P ixie Lott, Sheridan Smith and the cast of Guys And Dolls today led the West End in backing a drive to keep London open to international talent and investment.

Actors and actresses from 38 of the biggest shows in theatreland threw their support behind the #LondonIsOpen campaign by simultaneously releasing photos of themselves holding banners on stage.

Beverley Knight of The Bodyguard at the Dominion, Michael Crawford in The Go-Between at the Apollo, Jenny Seagrove from How The Other Half Love at the Duke of Yorks and Rebel Wilson from Guys And Dolls at the Phoenix Theatre were among the stars encouraging visitors and businesses in the wake of the EU referendum result.

Other shows backing the campaign include Breakfast At Tiffanys, Les Miserables, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, The Book Of Mormon, The Lion King and Wicked.

Mayor Sadiq Khan joined the cast of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane along with Jonathan Slinger, who plays Willy Wonka, and producer Caro Newling. Mr Khan said:

Few, if any, cities can rival London for arts and culture. Our shows are an enormous draw for visitors and talent from around the world.

Together we are sending the message loud and clear that London is open. We are open to the worlds performers, to businesses, to people and ideas, and I encourage everyone to join us in reminding the world that London is the greatest city on Earth.

London is Open promotional video

Newling, president of the Society of London Theatre, said: London theatre has never been so vibrant, attracting audiences with the finest writers, directors, actors and producers.

"The industrys spirit of cultural collaboration provides an unmatched experience.

London can claim to be the worlds theatre capital, with the West End attracting a 14.7 million audience last year against Broadways 13.3 million. Theatre also raises more than 100 million in tax for the Treasury.

The #LondonIsOpen logo will be displayed at attractions and venues this summer. Jude Law, Jessie Ware, Tinchy Stryder, Sir Richard Branson, Google, Hilton and the City of London are among the campaigns backers.

Buy tickets for West End shows with Evening Standard Tickets
There is a tiered system for immigration in America and it begins the moment you set foot in this country.

If you have millions of dollars for investment, skip to the front of the line. If you dont, but can afford a lawyer, your lawyer attends most of your immigration hearings. Then, there are the rest of us. We wait at the back of the line and are expected to do as were told. Be thankful we even let you in.

Last week, I met a group of women who read Bart Schanemans column about his experiences thus far with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It sparked a conversation about the process and treatment of people who want to legally become residents or citizens.

My experiences with immigration is one of the more distasteful things Ive been through. I grew up learning were all equal. We want immigrants. They help our country grow, be diverse and we learn about their cultures through knowing them.

When my husband, Paul, who is from England, went through the process, immigration employees were unhelpful, rude and treated immigrants as if they were unequal to Americans. In speaking to these women, none of the problems we encountered have changed.

Immigration provides short notification for attending a hearing. Each time we were summoned, we had seven to 10 days notice. My employer required a minimum of two weeks notice for a day off, but he was sympathetic every time we received a letter.

Each trip cost $70 to take the train into New York City and a days pay each because our jobs didnt offer vacation time. Required forms ranged from $75 to $725. If you dont show up or reschedule, its a bad mark against the person seeking to stay in the country. And youd better show up with your spouse or questions will be asked.

When we went through the process, there was an 800-number to call for questions. You could spend hours pushing buttons on the phone and never have your concerns resolved. We often had no choice but to make an appointment to appear in person to try to solve things.

We dreaded going in the winter because we would wait in line with hundreds of other individuals outside in temperatures below zero for hours. Once inside, you were treated with contempt and disgust. On one visit, we were trying to find out why Paul had not moved along in the process in over a year. Once inside, we snaked through one line, traveled to another floor, got in another line, then spoke with an immigration officer.

I asked if we could find out what was going on with Pauls application. Youre in section 504, he replied (Its not 504, but its been 18 years. I forget the exact number). I asked what 504 was. I cant tell you, was the reply from the unhelpful gentleman.

Why not?

Because its section 504.

Where is 504?

Its on the seventh floor.

Can we go there?

No.

Why not?

Because its section 504.

I informed the unhelpful gentleman how idiotic his statements were. I tried to explain that the more than 500 people in the room with me were just trying to do the right thing, but are treated like human garbage and made to fear deportation while they are mired in a system that is unhelpful, unfriendly and obtuse. My husband tugged at my arm to drop the matter and leave. I wasnt having any of it.

The unhelpful gentleman finally threatened to take my citizenship away. I called him a moron. My husband shoved me toward the door.

At another meeting in Long Island, a three-hour drive from our home, we were scheduled for an 8 a.m. interview. At 4:15 p.m., after not eating or drinking anything all day, we were told wed have to come back. Someone didnt transfer Pauls file over from Manhattan. I calmly said, no. It was not our fault the file wasnt there. I explained my congressman and the media might be interested in the situation. They relented and a messenger brought the file over.

Here, I learned another way the system divides people. I had made Paul memorize things about me to pass this stage. We were told we didnt need to because, Youre from a first world country, so were pretty sure your marriage is legitimate.

Every time we dealt with immigration, they were the antagonizers. They made immigrants feel unworthy. It made me sick.

This entire process took six years. When Paul took his citizenship test, I was glad I was not allowed in the room. The man proctoring the test thought it was dumb to give a guy from England an English test. But you shouldnt get special treatment because of your country of origin. If youre going to go through the process, it should be fair for all.

I recently spoke to a Mexican immigrant about the multiple background checks and fingerprinting required when applying for citizenship.

And then you have to go through a background check and have more fingerprints taken when you do apply, she said. We laughed uncomfortably. Bart was right. The immigration system is broken. It has been for a long time and we really need to fix it.
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Guangdong Province-based Chinese steel pipe manufacturer Panyu Chu Kong Steel Pipe (Zhuhai) Co.,Ltd (PCK) has announced that it has inked a supply agreement with Malaysia state-owned petroleum company Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).

Accordingly, PCK will supply about 40,000 mt of steel pipe for Petronas RAPID project - a large refining and chemical integration project in Malaysia to be built with a planned investment of $20 billion.
Hebei Province-based Chinese steelmaker Hebei Iron and Steel Group Co. (Hebei Steel Group) has announced that it has inked a strategic agreement with Beijing-based state-owned financial company China Great Wall Asset Management Corporation (Great Wall Asset Management).

Accordingly, the two sides will deepen their overall cooperation and establish a strategic partnership in the fields of investment and mergers, assets reorganization, and other finance services. In particular, the two sides will jointly set up a transformation and development fund for Hebei Steel Group to push forward supply-side reform in the steel industry in Hebei Province and China
Thursday, 28 July 2016 10:49:38 (GMT+3) | Istanbul

In its financial results according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the first half of the current year, Russian steelmaker NLMK Group's net profit decreased by 49.6 percent year on year to $242.9 million. The company's sales revenues amounted to $3.44 billion, down 20.8 percent year on year, due to the fall in average sales prices that was partially offset by a two percent year-on-year increase in sales.

In the first half this year, NLMK Group's EBITDA was $132 million, down four percent year on year. The increase in sales volumes coupled with control over production costs and operational efficiency gains partially offset the decrease in product prices, and accordingly the companys EBITDA margin increased to 52 percent compared to 46 percent in the same period of 2015.
Thursday, 28 July 2016 16:25:30 (GMT+3) | Istanbul

Due to the political and economic turmoil in Turkey following the coup attempt on July 15, demand for domestic merchant bar in the country has remained at low levels during the past two weeks. In the same period, domestic merchant bar prices in the Turkish market have moved up slightly due to the Turkish lira losing significant strength against the US dollar.



Domestic merchant bar prices in the Turkish market depending on size, thickness and region are at the following levels:



Equal Angle Prices:

Region Prices (TRY/mt) Price change (TRY/mt) 14.07.2016 Denizli Region (30-100 mm) 1,340-1,350 ($444-447/mt)  10 Karabuk Region (30-100mm) 1,300-1,320 ($430-437/mt)  20 Iskenderun Region (30-100 mm) 1,265-1,295 ($419-429/mt)  15 Izmir Region (30-100 mm) 1,310-1,320 ($434-437/mt)  10

Flat Bar Prices:

Region Prices (TRY/mt) Price change (TRY/mt) 14.07.2016 Denizli Region (30-100 mm) 1,370-1,380 ($454-457/mt)  10 Karabuk Region (30-100mm) 1,330-1,350 ($440-447/mt)  20 Iskenderun Region (30-100 mm) 1,295-1,325 ($429-439/mt)  15 Izmir Region (30-100 mm) 1,340-1,350 ($444-447/mt)  10

NPI-NPU Prices:

Region Prices (TRY/mt) Price change (TRY/mt) 14.07.2016 Denizli Region (30-100 mm) 1,340-1,350 ($444-447/mt)  10 Karabuk Region (30-100 mm) 1,300-1,320 ($430-437/mt)  20 Iskenderun Region (30-100 mm) 1,265-1,295 ($419-429/mt)  15 Izmir Region (30-50 mm) 1,310-1,320 ($434-437/mt)  10

All prices are ex-works, on actual weight basis, for August delivery and excluding VAT.



It should be considered that offers below the prices ranges in question may be available, depending on the buyer and on the method of payment.



$1 = TRY 3.02
By MARK EVANS mevans@stegenherald.com Bloomsdale will probably host a major fireworks display. The pyrotechnics will not take place until 2024, however. During the Oct. 12 board of aldermen meeting, Kevin Wehner and city officials again discussed the possibility of a July 4 fireworks display at the youth soccer fields on land leased by the city
The NATO multinational brigade to be established in Romania will be built around an already existing Romanian brigade with a very high training level as per NATO standards, and equipped with modern war technology, Minister of National Defence Mihnea Motoc said on Thursday at the Victoria Palace of Government. "The multinational brigade will be built around a core represented by an existing Romanian brigade. I cannot reveal its location to you, but it exists. Moreover, the currently more than 3,000-strong force boasts a high training level as per NATO standards and is also equipped with modern combat hardware," Motoc told a press conference delivered jointly with Foreign Minister Lazar Comanescu on Romania's commitments after the NATO Summit in Warsaw.

Motoc said there had been an increased interest by the allies to participate in this brigade. "Speaking of the number of allies who could (...) be interested in the multinational brigade, during Brussels ongoing talks, I noticed a high interest for (...) the security force in the south of the eastern flank. (...) There is also a growing interest as to Romania's position as a protagonist in strengthening allied security in the south of the eastern flank. Evidently they realize we are serious, predictable and carry through the undertaken commitments. All this will certainly translate into a real multinational structure of the brigade," Motoc said.

According to him, apart from Poland and Bulgaria, talks are afoot with at least another four allies to participate in this brigade. "Speaking only about the multinational brigade, as the President of Romania has already said, there are clear signals of interest from at least six allies; I say at least six, because some with whom we started discussions have so to say electoral deadlines in the immediate future and the talks begun still need confirmation. But there are six allies, two of whom are already known to you, with their announced contributions, namely Poland with which we practically exchange companies - we participate in the combat group there, they contribute a company in our multinational brigade - and Bulgaria that promised up to 400 troops. Serious talks are underway with another 4 allies who expressed a clear interest and willingness to join our multinational framework brigade," said Motoc.

Agerpres
By India Today Web Desk: NEXA, the new automotive sales channel of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), has completed one year of operations.

ALSO READ: NEXA milestone: 100th showroom inaugurated today

NEXA, one of the most important initiatives by Maruti Suzuki in its journey of transformotion, has redefined the car purchase experience in India. Launched in July 2015, NEXA has enabled Maruti Suzuki to attract new categories of customers to its fold. At present, the cars sold through NEXA are: premium cross-over, S-Cross and premium hatchback, Baleno .

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R S Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales said, "NEXA has been created to address the needs of a new and growing segment of Indian customers. These customers are well travelled, digitally savvy and frequently experience five-star hospitality. They value personal touch and pampering in their purchase and ownership experience. Over half (51 per cent) of the customers who bought cars at NEXA were not customers of Maruti Suzuki at that point, indicating that through NEXA, we are able to attract new categories of customers."

ALSO READ: Maruti Suzuki expects 15 per cent of total sales to come from Nexa by 2020

He added, "To further enhance the purchase and ownership experience, we plan to provide customers enriching experiences beyond the showroom as well. We will curate new experiences around fashion & lifestyle, music and travel. These experiences will touch the lives of customers through international music festivals, fashion/styling sessions and long distance drives. Rather than limit ourselves to selling cars, our aim is to forge relationships over the period of ownership."

NEXA has rapidly grown to 150 showrooms across 94 cities. Over 100,000 cars have been sold through NEXA. This is about 10per cent of Maruti Suzuki's total domestic sales.

ALSO READ: NEXA gets its second offering: The new Baleno

Maruti Suzuki plans to expand the number of NEXA outlets to 250 by March 2017. NEXA is expected to contribute 15 per cent of MSIL sales by 2020.



--- ENDS ---
On World Hepatitis Day, let's understand this liver disease better and help understand it as well.

By India Today Web Desk: World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year on July 28 to turn the world's focus on a group of one of the infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The goal of this day is to eliminate viral hepatitis by the year 2030. The day is one of the eight public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization.

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What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a liver disease or infection generally characterised by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissues of liver. It generally has no symptoms but the virus can lead to jaundice. It can also lead to acute liver failure. It is caused by a variety of various viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.

Let's understand this liver disease better and let others make it understand too for a better world:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus or HAV is transmitted through intake of contaminated food/water or through direct contact with an infectious person. Poor sanitation and hygiene can also lead to HAV. Hepatitis A is rarely fatal and doesn't cause chronic liver disease.

Source: netdoctor Source: netdoctor

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic disease. It is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. This virus can also lead to liver cancer. Hepatitis B is an occupational hazard for health workers but can be prevented by using safe and effective vaccine.

Source: Linkbeaver

Hepatitis C

Caused by the hepatitis C virus, hepatitis C can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis infection. The infection can range from mild to lifelong illness such as liver cancer. Antiviral medicines can reduce the risk of death from liver cancer but access to the medicines and its treatment is very low.

Source: media.npr

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D virus or HDV requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its reproduction. It is generally known as super infection as if a person has hepatitis B, the risk of getting infected by D virus increases. The virus D is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. There is no treatment of hepatitis D but can be prevented hepatitis B immunisation.

Source: meddean.luc

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV). It can lead to acute liver failure. The transmission of hepatitis E can happen via contaminated water. It is found worldwide but its prevalence is high in South Asia. As per WHO, the vaccine to prevent hepatitis E is only available in China.

Source: vtm.e15 Source: vtm.e15

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To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail to education.intoday@gmail.com

--- ENDS ---
The New York Times Co. reported its second quarterly loss in a row as print and digital advertising sales declined.

Print ad revenue fell 14.1 percent, the eighth straight quarterly decline. Digital ad revenue, which accounts for about a third of total ad revenue, dropped 6.8 percent, the second straight quarterly decline.

The Times posted a net loss of $211,000 attributable to shareholders for the second quarter ended June 26, compared with a profit of $16.4 million the year-earlier quarter.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned 11 cents per share from continuing operations, matching the average analysts' estimate, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

"Advertising was tougher in the quarter, particularly on the print side," Chief Executive Mark Thompson said in a statement on Thursday.

"In digital, we saw very strong growth in mobile, video and virtual reality, branded content and programmatic advertising."

However, this was not enough to offset declines in traditional web display, which led to an overall decline in digital advertising, he said.

"We expect that situation to improve in the second half of the year; in fact, we are already seeing a marked turnaround in July," he said.

Like other newspaper and magazine publishers, the Times has found it difficult to cope with a steady decline in print ad revenue in recent years.

In an attempt to overcome this, the company has been pushing into digital offerings with investments in technology and initiatives such as distributing Google Cardboard virtual reality headsets to subscribers.

The Times has said that 2016 would be "an investment year" and that it would invest more than $50 million over the next three years to strengthen its digital presence outside the United States.

The company's shares, which closed at $12.79 on Wednesday, were untraded before the opening bell. The stock has fallen about 5 percent since the start of the year.
Major SABMiller shareholders have signaled they favor Anheuser-Busch InBevs revised $100-billion-plus takeover offer as the board prepares to meet in the coming days to vote on whether it supports the deal, according to people familiar with the process.

Investors including Allan Gray, Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Elliott Management are among those prepared to back the offer, said the people, who asked not to be named because the details arent public. Many shareholders view the takeovers potential collapse as a larger risk than accepting an offer that falls short of their expectations after A-B InBev said its improved offer is final, the people said.

A-B InBev this week raised its cash offer by one pound a share to 45 pounds and also increased the amount of cash for shareholders who choose a cash-and-stock alternative. SABMiller managers asked employees to halt integration work, knitting together the makers of brands including Budweiser, Becks and Aguila, while they review the new offer. Chief Executive Officer Alan Clark said in an internal memo that there should be no contact with A-B InBev with immediate effect.

It seems that A-B InBevs improved and final bid has led others to recognize there was value in the price offered, Tom Russo, who manages $10 billion for Gardner Russo & Gardner, including $800 million worth of A-B InBev stock, said in an interview. I think the combination can release a significant amount of cost overlaps; theres an industrial argument and a commercial argument behind the transaction.

SABMiller needs the approval from holders of 75 percent of its shares if the board recommends the offer. Representatives for A-B InBev and SAB declined to comment.

SABMillers American depositary receipts gained as much as 3.1 percent. Shares of Molson Coors Brewing Co., which will buy SABMillers stake in their joint venture as part of the A-B InBev tie up, rose 4.4 percent to $97.52 at 1:42 p.m. in New York. The shares earlier jumped as much as 6 percent, the biggest intraday gain since October.

TCI Fund Management, Davidson Kempner and Elliott Management had asked SABMiller to reconsider A-B InBevs bid in the aftermath of the U.K.s decision to leave the European Union last month, saying it was much less attractive following the pounds plunge, people familiar with the matter said previously.

SABMiller shareholder Aberdeen Asset Management has said the revised offer undervalues the company and remains unacceptable. But Altria Group, SAB Millers largest shareholder, said in a conference call Wednesday that it remains excited about the proposed transaction.

If the deal doesnt close, A-B InBev would need to book a loss of about $10 billion based on the fall of the pound, according to Susquehanna International Group analyst Pablo Zuanic. If SABMiller walks away, it loses a breakup fee of $3 billion.

SABMillers shares could also fall below 40 pounds if the deal collapses, from about 43 pounds Thursday, according to analyst estimates.
Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg) is a New Yorker to the core, but hes also ambitious in a way that the city cant accommodate. Fortunately, Bobby has a connection that might be useful: his uncle Phil (Steve Carell), a high-powered Hollywood agent who has thoroughly mastered multitasking even though its the 1930s.

At first, Phil isnt too keen on welcoming his nephew into his world. But he slowly comes around, and its not long before his assistant Vonnie (Kristen Stewart) is acting as Bobbys guide to Tinseltown. Vonnies charms  and her lack of pretension  are such that Bobby finds himself falling in love despite her gentle attempts to discourage him.

Bobby is so persistent, however, that Vonnie has a change of heart. But she also has a secret that thwarts their romance  and prompts Bobby to return to New York, where he joins his gangster brother Ben (Corey Stoll) in running a nightclub that soon becomes the place to be for the rich and famous.

Time goes by, and Bobby and Vonnie become quite different people than they were when they met. But one night, as hes attending to guests in his bustling nightclub, he sees a familiar face.

Cafe Society is among writer-director Woody Allens better films of recent years  deeper than Midnight in Paris (2011) and funnier than Blue Jasmine (2013). Superficially, the new film is reminiscent of Bullets Over Broadway (1994), which was set in the 1920s and also featured a criminal element. But whereas that story was mostly played for laughs, this time Allen achieves a poignancy that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

In his best performance since The Social Network, Eisenberg is perfectly cast as the neurotic Bobby. But the film truly belongs to Stewart, who brings to Vonnie a haunting luminousness.

A love story drenched in nostalgia, Cafe Society is a film of rare beauty.
The Weezer/Panic! At the Disco concert that was rained out on July 19 at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre will not be rescheduled after all.

The band's busy schedules won't allow for a new date to take place.

Tour producer Live Nation released a statement that read:

"Due to the busy touring schedules of Weezer and Panic! At The Disco, a new date cannot be found to reschedule the postponed show from July 19th at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.

The concert is officially cancelled. Refunds are available at the point of purchase."
By PTI: Peshawar, Jul 27 (PTI) At least 14 people, including five children, were killed and several others injured today in rain related incidents and road accident in northwest Pakistan.

A spokesman for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Disaster Management Authority said three children were killed when roof of their house collapsed in Abbottabad district.

Separately, two children drowned due to flood in the River Panjkora near Warai area in Upper Dir district.

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The body of one child was recovered while search was going on to recover another.

Similarly, bodies of a man and a woman were recovered from Shakhel Khwar in District Batagram.

At least seven persons were killed in a road accident in Upper Dir district after a passenger vehicle plunged into deep ravine. The rescue teams and police rushed to the accident site and retrieved the bodies and injured persons.

The ill-fated vehicle was going from Shireen Ghar to Lamotai area, when it plunged into deep ravine. PTI CORR ZH

--- ENDS ---
ST. LOUIS  The race for the Republican nomination for Missouri governor began 18 months ago under the shadow of tragedy. It ends Tuesday, atop an unprecedented mountain of money.

The four candidates who will square off on the Republican primary ballot Tuesday have spent a combined total of more than $22 million during the long campaign, much of it provided by a handful of well-heeled donors, according to a Post-Dispatch analysis of records. It appears to be a Missouri record for combined spending in a primary (though not a general election).

A lot of conservative Republicans had hopes that (GOP) supermajorities in the Legislature would have been able to get more done on things like tax cuts and right-to-work legislation, said Dave Robertson, chairman of the political science department at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Theyre finding that the governors office in Democratic hands is an obstacle. The stakes are so high that you can understand why big contributors would want to put money in.

That money has fueled one of the most bitter contests in modern memory, with publicly aired personal grudge matches, anonymous internet attacks, secretly recorded phone calls, a lawsuit, a state ethics complaint and the creation of two shadowy federal super PACs.

In hindsight, the high-dollar, bare-knuckled campaign seems to confirm the fears of the late Missouri state Auditor Tom Schweich.

Schweich kicked off his own campaign for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in January 2015, with a warning that Missouris no-limit political system could allow someone to buy a governor, and that the tone of politics had descended too far.

I understand Missouri government  the good, the bad, the ugly, said Schweich, who promised to rein in the states mostly unregulated campaign finance system.

A month later, Schweich took his own life, after complaining about what he believed were underhanded tactics by fellow Republicans.

In the months following Schweichs Feb. 26, 2015, suicide, the primary race settled out with four candidates: businessman John Brunner; former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens; former Missouri House Speaker Catherine Hanaway; and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

The winner of Tuesdays GOP primary will run in the Nov. 8 general election, mostly likely against Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, who is seeking the Democratic nomination against three little-known challengers.

That is the more typical scenario in state primaries. Part of what has driven the heated rhetoric and record spending in the Republican gubernatorial primary is the unusual dynamic of having four viable, well-funded candidates, any one of whom could conceivably win.

Its a volatile mixture: high stakes, flowing money, big ambitions, an incredibly tempting opportunity, in the midst of a political party that is really turbulent across the board, said Robertson, adding, Theres a lot of personal acrimony  between Greitens and Brunner in particular.

BAD BLOOD

Disputes between Greitens and Brunner have provided some of the more heated moments in the campaign.

It included a remarkable phone conversation, secretly recorded by Brunners campaign, in which Greitens seems to come close to physically threatening Brunner over an anonymous internet attack that he believed Brunner was behind.

It wasnt the only time things have gotten personal. With no real policy differences among the four candidates  all of whom are anti-abortion-rights, pro-gun-rights, anti-tax, pro-police  they have focused on their backgrounds and other issues to differentiate themselves.

Hanaway is getting most of her funding from St. Louis investor and conservative activist Rex Sinquefield, a fact that the others in the field have repeatedly highlighted.

Greitens has gotten even more grief for his acceptance of $1 million from a California venture capitalist who was later accused in a civil suit of sexually abusing a female acquaintance for years. Brunner accused Greitens in one televised debate of taking money from the owner of a teenage sex slave  though the woman didnt allege in her suit that she was a teenager, or a slave. The donor filed a defamation suit against Brunner, which is pending.

Meanwhile, Greitens was hit recently with a state ethics complaint for accepting almost $2 million from a federal super PAC that hasnt revealed its donors. The complaint  which was rejected by state ethics officials because it was filed too close to the election  was initiated by a Hanaway donor.

The jabs have gotten personal as well. In a debate this month, Kinder alleged that Greitens money from the California venture capitalist is the dirtiest money that has ever been brought into any Missouri campaign. Greitens responded that Kinder is the last person on this stage who should be talking about men hanging out in strip clubs, a reference to a 2011 controversy over Kinders prior relationship with a stripper.

MILLION-DOLLAR DONORS

Missouri, with no limits, has seen donations of a million dollars or more from several different entities to the GOP candidates:

 Sinquefield, who has given Hanaway a total of some $4.48 million, either directly or through committees he funds. He is providing almost 70 percent of her funding  an issue Schweich was hammering at before his death.

 The federal super PAC Navy SEALS for Truth this month donated $1.975 million to Greitens, the single-largest campaign contribution to an individual Missouri candidate from any source. The group hasnt yet revealed who provided that money  and neither federal nor state election officials can force disclosure because of the way the group has straddled the federal and state political systems.

 Kinder has received $1.5 million in donations from David Humphreys, CEO of Joplin-based TAMKO Building Products, and his sister Sarah Atkins, a consultant at the company.

 Brunner, who spent about $8 million of his own money in his failed 2012 bid for the U.S. Senate, is self-funding this campaign as well, and has put in more than $6.6 million to date, records show.

Of the roughly $22 million the candidates have spent in the past 18 months, about $10 million has been spent in July alone, largely on television commercials and other media.

Walker Moskop of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Clint Schoellman and Destin Williams are eyeing the honey mustard and fresh lemon juice they just whisked together in a stainless-steel mixing bowl. They are debating how much olive oil to add.

Clint, 14, has his hands on his head. Im a little bit stressed out and nervous, he says. Destin, if we didnt come in first, would you be OK with that?

Thirteen-year-old Destin pushes down on the brim of his ball cap, thinks a minute. Yeah, Id be OK with first or at least second.

The boys have only 15 minutes left to finish making their turkey burgers, fried green tomatoes and slaw before judging starts.

The competition will be tough. There are three other teams  all members of a youth program called Dig In  taking part in the Kitchen Stadium challenge at Companion Bakery in Maryland Heights on a recent Saturday afternoon.

This is their fourth day of Dig Ins food adventures. The morning was spent discussing food myths and marketing and watching episodes of Iron Chef at the Thomas Dunn Learning Center in the Dutchtown neighborhood of St. Louis. Then the group headed to Companion to tour the bakery, have lunch and compete.

LaTia Thomas, 31, is helping 12-year-old Keegan Crowe cook chorizo for their teams crostini with cherry compote.

Thomas, a program coordinator at Thomas Dunn, started Dig In this year as an offshoot of Plenty STL, a nonprofit that provides meals for organizations serving the homeless.

Dig In has a more ambitious goal.

Our food system is broken, says Thomas. Having access to high-quality, nutritious food is scarce. We want to make these kids change agents within the food system.

The group met for nine full-day sessions over the summer  visiting local grocers, planting herbs, making meals for their families and for the community, and dissecting the reasons some people lack access to nutritious food.

America needs to become more healthy, says Bryana Harmon, 14. She and Gabrielle Briggs, 12, are chopping zucchini and fennel for a veggie skillet with mozzarella and fresh bread crumbs. Earlier in the day, while talking about processed foods, all but one of the kids had said they know someone who has diabetes.

Healthy eating is important because your body will shut down on you, Gabrielle offers. If you eat too much sugar, youll get diabetes.

Thomas recruited her group of seven with fliers at community centers in the neighborhoods around Thomas Dunn, an area with a high concentration of young people living in low-income households.

She secured a $10,000 grant from the Incarnate Word Foundation for activities such as field trips to pick cabbage and strawberries at Urban Harvest Rooftop Farm and shopping at Soulard Farmers Market. The kids make meals together and take home ingredients so they can show off what they learned to their families.

Its been interesting to see how theyre willing to try new things, says Jackie Lock, a Dig In volunteer.

Things like avocados, focaccia, garbanzo beans. And tomato jam.

It was weird, says Autumn Putnam, 13, of the no-sugar-added ketchup alternative. I kind of liked it.

Autumn, a self-described brownie cook at home, has retained enough knowledge from her visit to the farmers market that she can identify leeks among a rainbow of vegetables the Kitchen Stadium teams can use in their dishes. The kids grab shallots, purple potatoes, cheddar cauliflower and sunburst squash.

They are required to incorporate protein, starch, dairy and vegetables or fruit into their entrees. The final score is based on taste, presentation and timeliness.

Autumn and her partner, volunteer LaTonja Thomas, are creating a BET, a breakfast sandwich of bison bacon, egg and tomato, spread with fresh pesto.

Autumn is carefully arranging the strips of bacon atop a slice of bread. A hashtag! she says of the woven pattern. LaTonja Thomas laughs and slides an egg, sunny side up, on top.

The display pushes them ahead of Destin and Clints turkey burger and Keegans crostini, which tie for second. Bryana and Gabrielles slightly sloppy sauteed veggie hash has the best flavor  spot on, according to the judges  but loses points on appearance.

After the winners are announced, the teams talk about their cooking methods and ingredient choices as they wander between tables sampling one anothers plates.

Its the kind of collaboration that LaTia Thomas loves to see. Theyre teaching each other, she says. I want them to recognize what they put in their bodies and see how food affects their community.

Learn more about Dig In

Founder LaTia Thomas is working to secure funding so the Dig In students can meet monthly throughout the school year. Next summer, she wants to expand the program, with more participants and a bigger focus on the inequalities of the food systems in the United States. For more information, email plentystl@gmail.com or visit the Plenty STL Facebook page.
A St. Louis-area man pleaded guilty Wednesday to using a kickback scheme to embezzle more than $350,000 from his employer from 2012 to 2015.

Adam Bernaix, 35, of Edwardsville, admitted to a fraud and money laundering scheme involving false invoices submitted to his employer on behalf of a shell company he created, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Albus said in a new release. Bernaix turned himself into federal authorities in March.

Bernaix was a project manager at Albert Arno, a local commercial HVAC contractor, with the authority to select subcontractors and "authorize" their bills.

He organized a company named Trident Management Solutions LLC through a relative, billed subcontractors for "management services" and inflated their bills to pay for sham services.

Bernaix was able to mark up the invoices of Trident's clients to Albert Arno so that his employer provided the extra money needed for Trident's clients to pay their Trident bills, Albus said in the news release.

Trident's bills were only paid to keep work coming from Bernaix's employers.

From June 2012 to February 2015, Bernaix made more than $350,000 through the scheme.

Bernaix pled guilty to felony counts of mail fraud and two felony counts of money laundering Wednesday. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the two mail fraud counts and up to 10 years imprisonment for each of the two money laundering counts, in addition to fines of up to $215,000.

Bernaix's sentencing has been set for October 25.
Rick Dorsey fiddled with the old-fashioned tape recorder sitting in front of him in the eighth-floor conference room of the Lawrence K. Roos County Government Building. He wondered aloud if he still could operate such ancient technology as his fellow members of the Boundary Commission made small talk.

It was a little after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and five commissioners were in the room, one short of the quorum needed to conduct a meeting.

I move we approve a merger between the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County, joked commissioner Ben Uchitelle. A few minutes later, commissioner Kathleen Schweitzer walked in and the quorum was established.

We have a quorum  barely, said Dorsey, the commission chairman, as he called the meeting to order.

A few minutes later, the meeting was over, but not before the Boundary Commission did something it had never done before. It approved a merger between two of the 90 municipalities in St. Louis County, the city of Vinita Park and the village of Vinita Terrace.

The two North County communities border each other on Page Avenue, mostly west of North Hanley Road. Like most municipalities in St. Louis County, they are small, with 1,880 people living in Vinita Park, and 277 living in Vinita Terrace, as of the 2010 Census. They share many services, and, frankly, struggle to exist as stand-alone municipalities.

Earlier this year, their leaders did what Dorsey expects will be happening more frequently in coming years. They decided to start the process to become one.

The Boundary Commission normally hears matters when one city wants to annex land in the unincorporated part of the county. It had never before heard a merger.

With its vote on Tuesday, the two municipalities now will put the issue before their voters in November. In a St. Louis region that has been increasingly reaching a consensus that its massive government division and duplication gets in the way of economic growth and often feeds racial division, a historic merger might set the tone for others to come down the pike.

Sadly, it almost didnt happen for the most irresponsible of reasons.

The Boundary Commission is running out of members.

By law, the commission is made up of 11 members. Four appointments are made by the county executive, four are made by the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis, and three are made jointly between the county executive and the Municipal League.

There are currently four vacancies, all of which have some connection to the fact that County Executive Steve Stenger hasnt made a single appointment since he took office in January 2015. Two commissioners, Schweitzer and T.R. Carr, are serving on expired terms but continue to stay on the commission because otherwise, it couldnt get its work done.

The lack of appointments from Stenger is worrisome, Dorsey said.

I realize were not the most important commission, he said. But its difficult for us to make a quorum.

Stengers director of operations, Glenn Powers, said that no appointments had been made to the Boundary Commission because it was a low priority because of its low volume of business this time of year.

For the June meeting in which the commission took the first vote on the Vinita Park merger, Dorsey and another commissioner had to call in on the phone from a Rotary dinner where Dorsey was being installed as president of the club, just so the meeting could take place.

The newest member of the commission, Uchitelle, was appointed by the Municipal League four months ago. It would be helpful for (the county executive) to appoint some good people, Uchitelle said after Tuesdays meeting. The boundary commission is important.

It might become much more so in coming months.

Dorsey said city leaders or residents in Kinloch and Berkeley, and Glen Echo Park and Normandy have raised merger possibilities. Increasingly, the research work of nonprofit Better Together, which for the past couple of years has studied the duplication and costs inherent in having a region with too many municipalities, police and fire departments, and municipal courts, is becoming a fabric of daily conversation in St. Louis.

Starting next month, another nonprofit called St. Louis Strong is planning community roundtable discussions across the region to build on Better Togethers work and discuss potential solutions to the regions government divisions, including possible mergers of cities.

For years the Boundary Commission has been mostly an afterthought, grabbing headlines only when one citys appetite for growth through annexation earns the ire of its neighbors.

Now, one merger might set the tone for a new spirit of cooperation.

The county executive could help this process. If only hed appoint some people to the commission that holds the key.
KANSAS CITY  A judge has rejected conspiracy allegations against Missouri Highway Patrol commanders named in a federal civil lawsuit over the 2014 drowning of a handcuffed Iowa man at Lake of the Ozarks.

U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey said Wednesday in a ruling that lawyers for the family of Brandon Ellingson failed to prove that 11 commanders and patrol officials conspired to cover up the cause of Ellingsons death at Lake of the Ozarks, The Kansas City Star reported.

In May, Laughrey ruled that a jury could consider allegations that the trooper who arrested Ellingson had violated the mans civil rights.

Wednesdays ruling means that all counts against individual commanders have been dismissed and wont proceed to trial in federal court.

That ruling let everyone off the hook, said Craig Ellingson, Brandon Ellingsons father.

One count against the state of Missouri and the patrol is still active. Also still active and headed for federal trial in mid-October are several counts against Trooper Anthony Piercy, including negligence and a civil rights violation.

Piercy arrested Ellingson on May 31, 2014, on suspicion of boating while intoxicated. As Piercy transported Ellingson by boat to a field office for testing, Ellingson fell from the troopers watercraft. His life vest, which wasnt properly secured around his handcuffed body, came off and he drowned.

The Ellingson family filed the civil lawsuit on Dec. 5, 2014. The original lawsuit was against the patrol, Piercy, the state of Missouri and several commanders.

The lawsuit came three months after a jury in a Morgan County coroners inquest found Ellingsons death to be an accident. In that inquest, Piercy said he wasnt properly trained for what hed encountered the day Ellingson died. Piercy was charged with involuntary manslaughter last year. The criminal case is pending.

Craig Ellingson said he was disappointed by Wednesdays ruling. He added that because individual commanders wont have to stand trial in civil court, he fears little will change in the way the patrol operates.

Some have said a 2011 merger of the states water patrol and the Highway Patrol made Missouris waterways less safe.

The patrol declined to comment Thursday on pending litigation.
East St. Louis firefighters rescued a man from fire in a two-story apartment building in the 4000 block of State Street on Wednesday night.

Firefighters responded to a call of a man trapped in the brick building about 11:29 p.m., according to East St. Louis Assistant Fire Chief Derrick Burns.

Firefighters arrived on the scene and quickly learned that the man was trapped on the first floor. They found the man, 44, in a rear bedroom of an apartment.

The man was unresponsive and unconscious, Burns said. Firefighters pulled the man from the building and started CPR. Paramedics arrived and took over, and the man regained consciousness, Burns said.

He was taken to a hospital, where his condition was not available.

Burns said the fire started in a clothes dryer in the basement and was contained in that area. It appears the man was asleep at the time of the fire and was overcome by smoke and fumes from the fire.

He said there was a lot of toxic smoke but the living quarters were not damaged. The smoke was cleared out and there was no major damage to the building.

Six adults including, including the injured man, lived in the building, along with 13 children. Everyone else escaped safely. The American Red Cross was assisting the families who lived in the apartments.
ST. LOUIS  The mother of a teenage murder suspect has been accused of orchestrating two follow-up murders to eliminate witnesses against her son.

Latashia Mopkins, 38, is among five people, including her son, who are charged with multiple counts of murder, conspiracy and other offenses in three murders that took place between September 2013 and April 2014. The charges are listed in St. Louis Circuit Court grand jury indictments that were made public Wednesday against the defendants, all of whom are held in jail without bail.

Mopkins, of the 4100 block of Delor Street, is accused of two counts of murder, tampering with a witness to a felony and other offenses.

The complicated tale begins with the murder on Sept. 27, 2013, of Chauncey Brown, 16, who was found shot to death the morning after a confrontation outside a youth club on Martin Luther King Drive. At the time, police said Brown and a few others left the club and were followed by five people in a car who opened fire.

Mopkins son, Tyrell Davidson, then also 16, later was charged as an adult in the murder of Brown, with whom he had been feuding.

Within seven months of that murder, two potential witnesses in that case were gunned down. In October 2015, after other witnesses declined to testify, prosecutors had to drop charges against Davidson and release him from jail.

The indictments allege that Mopkins enlisted her brother, Cortez McClinton, 36, and a nephew, Frederick Mopkins, 25, to silence the witnesses, and that those two men recruited Travon Knighten, 26, to their scheme. The grand jury also reinstated the murder charge against Davidson, now 19, in the killing of Brown.

The indictments were issued last week and suppressed until Wednesday after police rounded up Latashia Mopkins, Davidson and Knighten. The two others were already in jail on other charges.

The indictments say Knighten, McClinton and Frederick Mopkins have felony records for offenses ranging from drugs to theft. McClinton was found guilty of second-degree murder, kidnapping and other charges earlier this year after his accomplice in a June 2014 robbery was fatally shot by the robbery victims father. He was sentenced to 36 years in prison.

Latashia Mopkins has no criminal record.

Murder after murder

The case unfolded as follows:

 On Sept. 28, 2013, Brown, of the 2900 block of Keokuk Street, was found shot to death behind the 4700 block of Cote Brilliante Avenue, two blocks away from the 187 Club at 4729 Martin Luther King Drive, where he and Davidson had argued the night before.

 On Oct. 22  less than a month later  James Moore, 16, of the 5800 block of Selber Court, was chased by a gunman from a school bus stop and murdered on a ball field in Barrett Brothers Park at St. Louis Avenue and Goodfellow Boulevard. Moore had been with Brown on the night of Browns killing.

 Nov. 14, Davidson, already a suspect in the Brown murder, was certified as an adult in the murder case.

 On April 22, 2014, the body of Noah Barnes, 16, was found on the street in the 1900 block of Clara Avenue. Both he and Moore were potential witnesses against Davidson in the Brown murder. The indictment alleges Barnes was in the car with Davidson when Brown was shot.

Beth Orwick, chief trial assistant to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, said Brown, Davidson, Moore and Barnes all knew each other. Orwick said Latashia Mopkins had a police report on the Brown murder that included a list of potential witnesses. Orwick declined to say how Mopkins obtained it.

This case highlights to us how dangerous this information can be, Orwick said. We believe she used that report to confirm who was cooperating with the police.

Joyces office is in litigation over its effort to keep some personal information from police files away from defense lawyers.

The multiple charges against the five defendants are:

 Latashia Mopkins: two counts of first-degree murder or, in the alternative, two counts of murder conspiracy; two counts of armed criminal action; witness tampering and assisting a felon.

 Cortez McClinton, of the 3100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue: first-degree murder, armed criminal action and conspiracy to commit murder.

 Frederick Mopkins, of the 9900 block of Dunnideer Drive in north St. Louis County: two counts of first-degree murder, two of armed criminal action and one of conspiracy.

 Travon Knighten, of the 3500 block of Lawn Avenue: one count each of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and conspiracy.

 Tyrell Davidson, also of the 9900 block of Dunnideer: one count each of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and witness tampering, all in the original murder.

Orwick said investigators did not believe Latashia Mopkins was present for the murders of Moore and Barnes, but conspired with the others to carry them out.

The charges allege that Frederick Mopkins and Knighten murdered Moore, and that Frederick Mopkins and McClinton murdered Barnes.

Orwick praised members of the prosecutors crime strategies unit for continuing to work on the case after the original charge against Davidson was dropped.

We hated having to drop that charge, she said. There is no statute of limitation on murder, and we are never going to give up.

Orwick urged citizens to contact her office or the police if they have additional information on the murders.

These five people are locked up with no bond, she said. We want people to have confidence they can come talk to us.
BALLWIN  Three weeks after one of his officers was shot while on duty and left paralyzed, Ballwin Police Chief Kevin Scott opened the doors of his department for anyone to walk in.

He says hes never heard of a police department exposing itself like that after such an attack on an officer.

But he needed to do it. Not only so that Michael Flamion, the injured officer, knows that people care about him, but so that the rest of his officers could heal after the tragedy rocked their department by meeting and thanking people who have shown them support.

I need Mike Flamion and his family to know how much the community loves him, Scott said. I needed these people to come in here. I needed to embrace them.

Hundreds of Ballwin and area residents came to Scotts open house.

A line of people snaked through the police station on Park Drive, where Scott and his officers said thanks for an outpouring of support. That support has taken form in cards, food donations and contributions toward the cost of Flamions care, which now total at least more than $311,000 on a GoFundMe account.

Many residents and police officers say that although the shooting was a tragedy, the morale of the city has never been as high, or as evident.

Weve all been closer than ever, Officer Amanda Maragini said at Wednesdays open house. Everyone is just coming up to you and saying, Stay safe. 

Wednesday was an evening of high spirits, with people sharing chocolate chip cookies and police officers hugging and chatting with visitors who came to support them. Children wore Ballwin police badge stickers, took pictures with police officers and scoped out the inside of a police car.

Flamions wife, Sarah Flamion, was there, too, smiling at the open house guests. People took turns greeting her, holding her hands and telling her they are praying for her and her husband.

Ballwin resident Katie Pratt, 41, made sure her two young children got a picture with two police officers and bought a T-shirt that said #BallwinStrong, the proceeds from which go to Flamion.

Pratt said she brought her children to let them know that police are OK, that they wont hurt us, they help us. She wants to teach them values to show support to police.

Other residents said they came to tell police they appreciate them, during a time when they say the nation is in turmoil.

I appreciate all they do. Its a shame you have to have a tragedy before you recognize it, said Ballwin resident Gene Bestgen, 78, who wore a blue ribbon at the open house that said Michael strong. We should never forget Officer Flamion. Hes almost paid the ultimate price.

There are multiple fundraisers upcoming for Flamion:

 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, West County EMS and Fire will hold a pancake breakfast at 223 Henry Avenue.

 Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, West County Lanes at 15727 Manchester Road will donate all of its proceeds to Flamion.

 Noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 6, the Museum of Transportation will host a benefit at 2933 Barrett Station Road in Kirkwood.

Also, 50 percent of proceeds of tickets bought using the special code BALLWINPD for the Aug. 1 soccer match at Busch Stadium will be donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation. The foundation, which builds adapted homes for wounded military veterans, has promised to build an adapted home for Flamion, Scott said.
A St. Louis man has started a Facebook page for people to share positive stories about police officers.

Karl Lund, a former U.S. Army police officer, said he and a friend were inspired to start the Facebook page Positive Police Stories St. Louis to commemorate the good deeds of officers after hearing a local talk radio host request similar submissions from listeners.

The page's first post was on July 18. More than 1,000 people have liked the Facebook page so far.

"This page was created so that the positive police stories can be told," reads the site's description page. "The positive police stories outnumber the negative ones 100,000 to 1."

Now the vice president of sales at a St. Louis printing company, Lund also spends his time as a freelance photographer for military groups such as USO of Missouri, Little Patriots Embraced and honor flights that take veterans to visit memorials in Washington D.C.

"Through these organizations, I hear all these amazing stories," Lund said. "I just wanted to make sure other people hear and see these stories."

Lund said he also witnessed a lot of positive actions from his father, once a police officer.

Some posts on the page feature photos of the ice cream truck run by the St. Louis Police Department as well as the video of the man escaping his car engulfed by flames after being hit head-on by a car being pursued by police. Officers can be seen extinguishing the flames on the man.

Lund said people can make public posts and upload photos and videos showing police officers doing positive things. People can also email their stories.
26/11 key plotter Abu Jundal and others found guilty in 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case by MCOCA court in Mumbai.

By Vidya , Virendrasingh Ghunawat: Twelve people, including LeT operative and 26/11 key plotter Abu Jundal, were convicted while 10 others were acquitted today by a MCOCA court in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case.

The MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) special court said the arms haul was part of a "larger conspiracy to eliminate" the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and VHP leader Pravin Togadia in the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots.

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HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CASE:





The case pertains to the May 8, 2006 operation by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad in which three terror suspects travelling in a car were nabbed on the Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad. The ATS recovered from them 30 kg RDX, 10 AK-47 army assault rifles, 3,200 rounds of ammuniton and other things, which were reportedly intended for carrying out terror strikes in the country. Another suspect vehicle managed to give the slip to the ATS. It was believed to have been driven by Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, who escaped to Pakistan. After Abu Jundal was nabbed in 2013, he revealed to the ATS another hideout from where they recovered 13 kg RDX, 1200 cartridges, 50 hand grenades, 22 magazine rounds. The court said the convicted had intended to strike terror in Maharashtra and Gujarat, calling their plans a 'jihad'. It accepted the prosecution's contention that the arms were brought in from Pakistan. The 12 have been convicted under various sections of the arms act, explosives act including Zaibuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal who is also facing trial in 26/11. Among the 10 acquitted in the case is Feroz Deshmukh, who worked as a librarian in controversial preacher Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation. The confessional statement of Deshmukh, now in a wheelchair, was rejected by the court. Earlier, the trial had been stayed by Supreme Court after one of the accused had challenged the constitutional validity of certain provisions in the MCOCA invoked on the accused. The stay was lifted in 2009. In 2013 the ATS filed a charge-sheet against all the accused for plotting various terror strikes since 2006.

ALSO READ | Terror factory: The making of Abu Jundal and the genesis of 26/11

--- ENDS ---
ST. LOUIS  A disgraced former St. Louis prosecutor was sentenced Thursday to 18 months on probation and 140 hours of community service for helping cover up a city police detectives beating of a handcuffed man.

Bliss Barber Worrell pleaded guilty in October to misprision of a felony, or helping conceal a crime. She admitted failing to tell supervisors and a judge what she knew about the attack, and also admitted helping file a bogus charge against the victim.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors recommended probation if she testified truthfully in court. On Tuesday, she testified against the former officer, Thomas A. Carroll, in a two-day hearing. He was sentenced Wednesday to 52 months in federal prison.

Worrell said she was repeatedly told by Carroll that he had beaten Michael Waller and stuck a gun in his mouth, possibly chipping his teeth. It happened at a police station in 2014, after other officers caught Waller with a credit card stolen from Carrolls daughters car.

Worrell would later help file charges against Waller, including attempted escape. Those charges were dropped after other prosecutors approached supervisors with concerns that the case was bogus, according to court testimony.

On Thursday, Worrells lawyer, Paul DAgrosa, urged U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey to follow the recommendation for probation, saying that she cooperated with investigators early on. Her law license was suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings by the Missouri Supreme Courts Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, he pointed out.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Fara Gold, one of the prosecutors on the case, also recommended probation but said that she struggled with it and didnt want to condone Worrells conduct.

Gold said that no one in the case  including police and former prosecutors, both criminally charged and uncharged  seemed to understand the gravity of what occurred.

But, she said, by the time she met Worrell, in the fall of 2015, the accused lawyer was a completely different person, who told investigators what she knew about Carroll and other officers and seemed to be visibly distressed by her actions.

We think shes been sufficiently punished, Gold said.

Worrell, who appeared to be wiping away tears during the hearing, declined to say anything on her own behalf.

Autrey, a former circuit attorney himself, said that the case had been soul-wrenching and heart-wrenching, and had gone against everything were supposed to support and defend.

He called the case troubling because it showed that there was something wrong in the hearts, minds and souls of some people who come into the profession, are given great power, and who are then supposed to do battle for justice.

In what we do, Ms. Worrell, there is nothing more important than justice  the Constitution  and the rights of the citizens of the United States, he later told her.

The judge said that he was not as certain of her epiphany as DAgrosa and Gold, and read to her the oath she had taken when she was sworn in as a brand-new attorney.

The law license of Katie Dierdorf, another former prosecutor who, according to court testimony, lied to supervisors about what she knew, is listed as inactive in Missouri and active in Colorado, where she is a public defender.

Dierdorfs lawyer, Jeff Jensen, said Thursday that, Katie Dierdorf was told early on in the investigation that she was only a witness. Clearly, she did not even have enough relevant information for the government to want to call her into these hearings.

Senior staff at the circuit attorneys office told the Post-Dispatch Wednesday that they were planning to file disciplinary complaints against Worrell, Dierdorf and former prosecutor Ambry Schuessler at the conclusion of the criminal case. Schuessler, who now practices family law, lied to supervisors, internal affairs investigators and even the FBI about what she knew about the attack.
PHILADELPHIA  Over breakfast Thursday, we got our closest look yet at the Missourian who might be Americas next vice president.

As the final day of the convention began with our daily breakfast meeting, we heard rumors that someone big was going to be talking to us. Then vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine came in, and the room just erupted.

Kaine  who grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from the University of Missouri  had given his first national speech the night before. He talked to us about what we need to do to win in the fall, the knocking on doors, the talking to people.

He stressed that tone will be important, that we dont want to approach people too aggressively. And he talked to us about his Missouri roots, which was inspiring.

Gov. Jay Nixon addressed the delegates as well, thanking us for our support as he completes his second and final term. He gave special thanks to organized labor, which was represented strongly in the room after the United Auto Workers sponsored a late-night party for the Missouri delegation following Wednesday nights speeches.

The party was fun. Getting there wasnt.

While it might not be evident on television, the protests of Bernie Sanders followers are still simmering here, especially outside the convention center. We tried to get on the subway to head back to our hotel but were unable to because of the protests. We ended up having to walk to a different subway station, navigating the protesters and heavy security.

Hey, were Democrats; were not going to agree on everything.

At this writing, were preparing for Thursdays final night of the convention, and Hillary Clintons speech. Everyones looking forward to it. I am, too, but Im also thinking ahead.

Most delegates will be leaving Friday, but Im staying in Philadelphia until Saturday. Ive been so busy here that theres been no time to explore this most American of cities.

I want to get that feeling that every American gets walking into Independence Hall.

If it wasnt for that document, none of us would be here.

Missouri delegate Amanda Kelley of St. Charles is sharing her thoughts from the floor of the Democratic National Convention this week. She is a St. Charles County Democratic committeewoman.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri Veterans Commission Director Larry Kay has been placed on paid administrative leave after a former employee won a discrimination lawsuit against him last week.

The move follows an emergency closed-door meeting of the commission on Monday, after which members said they were consulting with attorneys before making any permanent decisions.

Jurors awarded Pat Rowe Kerr, the commissions former outreach director, nearly $3 million in damages. She testified that Kay fired her in 2009, when she was 56, because he had a problem with older, successful women.

Kay attributed her dismissal to budget cuts.

As first reported by The Jefferson City News-Tribune, Deputy Director Bryan Hunt will serve as acting director until further notice.

Kerr alleged in her complaint that Hunt showed discrimination of his own, saying he made comments about trying to weed out older employees.

The director of the commission earns $105,300, overseeing 1,750 workers and an annual budget of approximately $125 million.

Sen. Scott Sifton, an Affton-area Democrat who serves on the nine-member commission, has already called for Kay to step down.

The Missouri Veterans Commission cannot countenance discrimination or harassment. The commissions employees provide vital services to our veterans. They need and deserve a work environment free from the kind of hostility the jury found occurred, he said in a statement.

A review of recent payouts from the states legal fund shows that Kerrs award would be the largest since 2013. She was awarded $1.3 million in actual damages and $1.575 million in punitive damages.

Kurt Erickson of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Updated at 6:20 p.m. with McCaskill remarks

WASHINGTON  Sen. Claire McCaskill described Hillary Clinton as the most knowledgeable, most experienced, most capable leader to run for President, maybe ever in a short speech Thursday evening at the Democratic National Convention.

McCaskill, D-Mo., was one of a dozen Democratic women senators to a appear together on stage and praise Clinton, a former senator from New York. It was part of the Democrats four-day effort in Philadelphia to burnish Clintons policy and personal image. CNN and CBS polls taken on the eve of the convention this week revealed that 55 and 56 percent of respondents, respectively, had unfavorable views of the Democratic presidential nominee.

McCaskill told a personal story, recounting that Clinton called her several times earlier this year when McCaskill was being treated for breast cancer.

Her words gave me strength during one of the toughest tests of my life, McCaskill said. She didnt do it because I was a senator.There are thousands of people across the country who could tell you this same story I am telling you tonight.

McCaskill added that Clinton has the intelligence, she has the work ethic, but most importantly, she has the heart to lead this country.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, described Clinton as a policy maker with an activist heart.

Democrats in Philadelphia this week have stacked the stage with testimonials like this in an attempt to counter Clintons trustworthiness problems that show up in polls, and to deflect Republican presidential nominees attacks on Crooked Hillary.

McCaskill and Hillary Clinton had a rocky relationship after McCaskill told an interviewer in 2006 that Bill Clinton was a great leader, but I dont want my daughter near him.

McCaskill endorsed then-Sen. Barack Obama over Clinton in the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.

But McCaskill was one of the first to endorse Hillary Clinton for the 2016 nomination, announcing her support in June of 2013. McCaskill, who is up for re-election in 2018, has been a frequent surrogate for Clinton, appearing frequently on MSNBCs Morning Joe to push Clintons candidacy.
(c) 2016, The Washington Post.

Donald Trump's campaign has denied press credentials to a number of disfavored media organizations, including The Washington Post, but on Wednesday, the campaign of his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, went even further.

At Pence's first public event since he was introduced as the Republican vice presidential candidate two weeks ago, a Post reporter was barred from entering the venue after security staffers summoned local police to pat him down in a search for his cellphone.

Pence's campaign expressed embarrassment and regret about the episode, which an official blamed on overzealous campaign volunteers.

Post reporter Jose A. DelReal sought to cover Pence's rally at the Waukesha County Exposition Center outside Milwaukee, but was turned down for a credential beforehand by volunteers at a press check-in table.

DelReal then tried to enter via the general admission line, as Post reporters have done without incident since Trump banned the paper from his events last month. He was stopped there by a private security official who told him he couldn't enter the building with his laptop and cellphone. When DelReal asked if others attending the rally could enter with their cellphones, he said the unidentified official replied, "Not if they work for The Washington Post."

After placing his computer and phone in his car, DelReal returned to the line and was detained again by security personnel, who summoned two county sheriff's deputies. The officers patted down DelReal's legs and torso, seeking his phone, the reporter said.

When the officers - whom DelReal identified as Dep. John Lappley and Capt. Michelle Larsuel - verified that he wasn't carrying a phone, the reporter asked to be admitted. The security person declined. "He said, 'I don't want you here. You have to go," DelReal said.

The security person wouldn't give his name when DelReal asked him to identify himself. He also denied DelReal's request to speak to a campaign press representative as he escorted the journalist out.

Officials of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department were unavailable for comment Wednesday night.

Trump has banned nearly a dozen news organizations whose coverage has displeased him, but reporters have generally been able to cover his events by going through general admission lines.

The incident involving DelReal marks another in a series of run-ins between the press and the campaign.

In June, Politico reporter Ben Schreckinger was ejected from a Trump event in San Jose, California, by a campaign staffer and a private security guard after he tried to cover the rally without the campaign's permission. In February a photojournalist from Time magazine, Christopher Morris, was roughed up by a Secret Service agent as journalists rushed to cover a protest at one of his rallies. And Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski yanked and bruised the arm of a reporter for Breitbart News, Michelle Fields, when she tried to question Trump after a speech in March.

DelReal's experience on Wednesday elicited a rebuke from Post executive editor Martin Baron.

"First, press credentials for The Washington Post were revoked by Donald Trump," he said. "Now, law enforcement officers, in collusion with private security officials, subjected a reporter to bullying treatment that no ordinary citizen has to endure. All of this took place in a public facility no less. The harassment of an independent press isn't coming to an end. It's getting worse."

Officials from the Pence campaign initially said they were unaware of the Waukesha incident when asked for comment Wednesday night. But after a cursory investigation, one official, who declined to go on the record, said that no members of the campaign's staff were involved. He said volunteers went too far.

"It sounds like they misinterpreted what they were supposed to be doing," he said. "This is not our policy."
As of now 6 Dalit families in Karur have converted to Islam, while another 50 have expressed interest.

By Rohini Swamy: The growing differences between the Dalits and a section of the upper caste has reached a flashpoint where 250 Dalits have declared that they will convert to Islam. As of now 6 families in Karur have converted to Islam, while another 50 have expressed interest.

BASIC RIGHTS IN JEOPARDY



In the tiny towns of Vedaranyam and Karur , the families who made this announcement say that they have been denied their basic rights.

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From participating in the Vedaranyam temple festival to denial of entry into the Mahashakti Amman temple, they feel that their basic social rights have been stripped off them.

FAMILIES SEEKING LIFE OF DIGNITY



When India Today spoke to Abdul Rehman, the General secretary of the Tamil Nadu Tauhid Jamaat, he said that as of today a total number of 6 families have already converted to Islam.

Another 50 families have expressed interest in converting to Islam.' 'They are looking for a life with no discrimination. All that we are saying is that we will provide them a life of dignity and equality and one that will safeguard their human rights.'

NOT ALLOWED TO STEP ON OWN LAND



Meena, who is one of those who converted to Islam said 'We are raising the complaint that Maha Sakthi Maria man temple was constructed with the help of our ancestors but today we are not allowed to take part in temple rituals. Nobody has come forward to help us, so we've decided to convert to Islam. Nobody forced us.'

Nearly 200 families in Pazhangallimedu village in the district of Nagapattinam have raised their voices against not being able to participate and conduct the annual Aadi festival at the bhadrakali amman temple.

The flashpoint remains that initially the temple was built on Dalit land and it was only after floods in that area several years ago that the temple location was shifted, thus they allege giving the higher caste a way to show their highhandedness.

One of those working as a pro-Dalit functionary said that of the five days that the temple festival is held, they are asking for 'madangapadi' rights on one day during the festivities.

HOW HISTORY DOESN'T PERMIT THIS RESTRICTION



Going back in history, the Dalits from Malaikovilur say that the Mahashakti Amman temple was built using their contribution and in no way they could be denied entry to it.

Nagapattinam's BJP unit along with some right wing organisations have said that they will try and resolve the issue after holding talks with the Dalit leaders.

In 1981, a similar flashpoint was seen in Thirunelveli and there were mass conversions to Islam in a village called Meenakshipuram.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/250-ostracised-dalit-families-tamil-nadu-threaten-convert-islam/1/726428.html



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Also read:

BJP faces Dalit siege in UP, NDA allies eye opening in Assembly elections



--- ENDS ---
A St. Louis County Police pursuit that left two dead and an innocent bystander critically injured last week demonstrates  again  the need for a regionwide pursuit policy. Police also owe the public answers when a high-speed chase ends in death and mayhem.

Three days before the July 21 pursuit, authorities watched a live-streamed social media video showing the cars occupants and two other men flourishing handguns. Why they chased the car into the city three days later remains unclear. The two men in the car were killed. The innocent driver of the SUV struck by the fleeing car suffered massive burns.

Was there an immediate risk or threat that justified the risk to officers and the public? A week later, county police say only that the matter is under investigation. County Police Sgt. Shawn McGuire told the Post-Dispatchs Ashley Jost and Nassim Benchaabane that authorities have not determined whether it was a good pursuit but that a higher-ranking officer approved it.

Police Chief Jon Belmar must step up. We live in a post-Ferguson culture. The blue wall of silence must come down.

County policies restrict pursuits to cases in which a suspected felon is considered a greater threat to the public than a pursuit. The citys police pursuit policy says few policing activities are as potentially dangerous to officers and others as pursuits. Even when the July 21 chase crossed into the city, city officers did not join it.

Missouri law prohibits a felon from carrying a firearm, and one of the men being pursued was a felon. Police must exercise judgment and restraint in determining the dangers of a high-speed midafternoon chase against those posed by a felon with a gun whom they have been watching for three days.

If confidence is to be restored between police and the community, authorities must be clear about what else the officers saw on the video that prompted a bulletin calling for officer safety, based on the number of guns in the video.

Police tried to stop the car in Jennings before the pursuit but the driver sped away. Authorities wont say what happened during or after the attempted traffic stop that led to the pursuit. Belmar must know that his silence wont help the cause of building trust in his department.

Police understandably have been on high alert following the sniper shooting deaths of eight officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., and the near-fatal shooting of a Ballwin police officer during a traffic stop. But a high-speed chase through busy streets in St. Louis in the middle of the day can only be justified in extraordinary circumstances posing immediate threat to public safety.

Excessive force, whether by a gun or vehicle, raises questions. Chief Belmar must answer them.
If a program is proved effective at reducing teen births and demand for abortions, shouldnt anti-abortion activists be the first to get behind it? The results of separate programs in Colorado and among nearly 10,000 women in a Washington University study indicate that easing access to long-range, reliable contraception can dramatically reduce unintended pregnancies.

Missouris Republican legislators owe it to their constituents to pay attention to these examples. Its one thing to spend money and energy on high-profile anti-abortion crusades, but low-cost, effective contraception is an abortion alternative that actually works.

Colorados teen birth rate was cut nearly in half during the past seven years while women had access to free long-acting reversible contraceptives, through a $25 million donation. The teen abortion rate also dropped by about half, and repeat teen births were down 58 percent. When the donation ran out, Colorado Republican legislators killed a bill to provide public funding to continue it. The legislature reversed itself this year.

Unintended pregnancies can lead to millions of dollars in state expenses for support services. No ones interest is served by killing a program proved to be effective.

There are sensible reasons to promote this approach: the quest for healthier pregnancies and healthier babies, controlling family size and ensuring that parents have the financial means to care for their children. Unintended pregnancies threaten those outcomes.

Pregnant teens often drop out of high school, further diminishing their job prospects and hurtling them into a cycle of poverty. Their ability to obtain anything beyond minimum-wage employment is dramatically reduced when they have to juggle job and mothering responsibilities at the same time.

Colorados experience belies the argument that freely available contraception leads to riskier sexual behavior. The state found no increase in teen sexual activity or sexually transmitted infections.

Reproductive experts say long-acting reversible contraception can be expensive, up to $1,500 for a device and insertion, putting it out of financial reach for many teens and low-income women. Thats why funding is needed.

This type of contraception is available in two forms. One is an intrauterine device, an IUD, which works by making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg. It is the most common form of birth control in use worldwide, but only about 12 percent of American women use it. The other type is a hormonal implant, which prevents eggs from leaving the ovaries and keeps sperm from getting to the eggs.

The medical community insists that neither form causes abortions because at no point does an egg become fertilized.

Abortion must remain the last resort for an unwanted pregnancy, and the best way to reduce that outcome is for women to have better access to effective birth control  and for the Legislature to reduce hurdles for poor people to have access to it.
LONDON MARKET OPEN: Amazon drops 13% as US tech earnings disappoint

Friday, October 28, 2022 - 09:19

Big tech became a growing source of concern for stock market investors as a week of US earnings drew to a close, with European markets falling at the open on Friday after a discouraging update from e-commerce platform Amazon.

Following sharp share slumps for Alphabet, Microsoft and Meta Platforms earlier in the week, this time it was Amazon's turn to upset.

Its shares sunk 13% in after-hours trade in New York, as the company reported a decrease in quarterly net income on foreign exchange headwinds, but did note a rise in sales.

Apple fared better after its own quarterly results, the stock rising 0.4% in the after-hours session.

The FTSE 100 index was down 61.43 points, or 0.9%, at 7,012.26 early Friday. The mid-cap FTSE 250 was down 226.95 points, or 1.3%, at 17,854.97, and the AIM All-Share was down 4.58 points, or 0.6%, at 804.88.

The Cboe UK 100 was down 0.8% at 701.18, the Cboe UK 250 down 1.2% at 15,346.29, and the Cboe Small Companies down 0.3% at 12,368.06.

In European equities on Thursday, the CAC 40 in Paris was down 0.8%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt was 1.0% lower.

In the US on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 0.6%, but the wider S&P 500 closed down 0.6% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite ended 1.6% lower.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde sounded tough on inflation on Thursday, but a slight 'dovish tweak' to the central bank's monetary policy statement has sent the euro below dollar parity.

The euro traded at $0.9947 early Friday, down from $0.9984 late Thursday.

The ECB said interest rates would need to be raised "further" - a slight change in language after it previously said rates would need to be hiked over the "next several meetings".

As expected, the Frankfurt-based central bank lifted its key policy rates by 75 basis points on Thursday.

The ECB has now hiked by 200 basis points over the past three meetings. Lagarde told reporters the ECB "still has ground to cover".

"ECB rate hike pricing took a tumble, with 25bp being priced out over the upcoming six meetings. This means that the expected terminal rate has declined from 2.80% to 2.54%," Rabobank commented, explaining: "The easiest way of viewing this is the market now thinks it more likely than not that there will no hike at the March meeting where previously it thought it more likely than not that there would be a 25bp hike."

Turning to Japan's central bank, the Bank of Japan stuck to its ultra-loose monetary policies on Friday, even as the yen comes under pressure from aggressive tightening by the US Federal Reserve and other central banks.

The stark contrast between Japanese and US monetary policy has caused the yen to plummet to 32-year lows against the dollar, prompting the government to intervene to prop up the currency.

The dollar was quoted at JP146.91 early Friday in London, up from JP145.90 late Thursday. The Japanese Nikkei 225 index gave back 0.9% on Friday.

In London, NatWest was at the bottom of the FTSE 100, losing 7.2%.

The bank reported strong income growth in the third quarter, boosted by both increased lending and higher interest rates, but it warned it is keeping a close on eye on any change in behaviour from its customers.

In the three months to September 30, operating profit before tax rose to 1.09 billion from 976 million a year before.

Putting a cap on the bank's profit, NatWest set aside 247 million in the quarter to cover an expected increase in bad loans, which is reversed from a 221 million gain the year prior.

"At a time of increased economic uncertainty, we are acutely aware of the challenges that people, families and businesses are facing up and down the country. Although we are not yet seeing signs of heightened financial distress, we are very conscious of the growing concerns of our customers, and we are closely monitoring any changes to their finances or behaviours," Chief Executive Alison Rose said.

Peers Barclays and Lloyds were down 2.8% and 2.3%, respectively.

British Airways-parent International Consolidated Airlines lost 1.4%, despite posting a positive quarter.

IAG swung to profit in the third quarter, as revenue improved on pre-pandemic levels, despite lower capacity. It swung to a pretax profit of 1.01 billion from a loss of 714 million a year before. Revenue nearly tripled year-on-year to 7.32 billion, from 2.71 billion.

Passenger revenue saw the strongest recovery, growing to 6.42 billion from 2.00 billion. Compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, it was 22% higher.

Davy Research said IAG's third-quarter operating profit of 1.21 billion was above market consensus of 814 million and its own estimate of 826 million.

Glencore fell 3.3%.

The miner saw a drop in production in the first nine months of 2022 across most of its metals, with the exception of strong growth from cobalt and nickel, forcing the miner to lower its annual guidance.

In the nine months to September 30, copper production was down 14% year-on-year to 770,500 tonnes, while gold was down 15% to 504,000 ounces.

Chief Executive Gary Nagle said: "Operational performance over the third quarter was impacted by a range of events including extreme weather in Australia, industrial action at nickel assets in Canada and Norway - since resolved - and the emergence of significant supply chain issues in Kazakhstan stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war. Full-year 2022 production guidance has, accordingly, been reduced for those affected commodities."

Glencore said its commodities trading Marketing arm will make a significantly reduced by still above-average contribution in the second half.

Peers Anglo American, Rio Tinto and Anto were down 3.2%, 2.9% and 2.1%, respectively.

Elsewhere in Asia, the Shanghai Composite lost 2.3% and the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong was 4.1% lower in late trade.

The S&P/ASX 200 stock index in Sydney closed down 0.9%.

Sterling was quoted at $1.1517 early Friday, down from $1.1573 at the London equities close on Thursday.

Gold was priced at $1,653.10 an ounce early Friday, lower from $1,662.60 on Thursday evening in London. Brent oil was trading at $93.82 a barrel, down from $94.75 late Thursday.

The economic calendar has a GDP and CPI reading from Germany at 0900 BST and 1200 BST, respectively, before the personal consumption expenditures inflationary gauge from the US at 1330 BST. Core PCE is the Fed's preferred inflationary measure.

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
By PTI: Kathmandu, Jul 28 (PTI) Floods and landslides in Nepal have killed at least 77 people while hundreds of others were forced to flee their homes as torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc in the country, prompting deployment of the army for rescue and relief operations.

Heavy rains have caused massive floods and landslides in in many parts of the country, putting thousands of lives at risk.

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Scores of houses and bridges have been swept away in several parts of the country as incessant rains have swelled rivers.

Since Monday, at least 77 people have been killed in floods and landslides, the Kathmandu Post reported.

Nine persons are still missing.

The worst-hit district was Pyuthan, where at least 36 have died and dozens of houses have been swept away.

Around 200 families have been displaced due to floods and landslides, officials said.

Floods have also swept away four micro-hydropower projects, police said.

Most of the affected people were earthquake victims who were living in quake-damaged houses after repair, police said.

Tens of thousands of Nepalese are still living in tents following the last years devastating earthquakes that killed nearly 9,000 people.

Government authorities scrambled to put in place a disaster management system.

Army personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in 14 flood affected districts.

Soldiers and volunteers used rubber boats to rescue people marooned by the flooding, while helicopters are being used to drop food supplies.

Over 600 flood victims who were stranded since Monday night due to flooding in Rapti river in Chaupheri village in Banke were rescued yesterday.

Water levels in Narayani River crossed the danger mark yesterday.

Residents living in the surrounding areas have moved to higher grounds. All the floodgates of the Gandak Barrage bordering India have been opened.

However, water levels were now slowing receding in Koshi river. PTI PMS AKJ PMS

--- ENDS ---
Harish Dulani, the driver of Khan's Maruti Gypsy during his 1998 hunting trip in Jodhpur, told India Today TV that Salman Khan and others had hunted down the blackbucks.

Actor Salman Khan was recently acquitted in the 1998 case of hunting endangered animals in Rajasthan.

By Sharat Kumar: Barely days after Bollywood star Salman Khan was acquitted from the 1998 poaching of endangered animals in Rajasthan, a key witness emerged out of obscurity Wednesday to publicly state that the actor had shot the black bucks. "I gave my statement to the court 18 years ago and stand by it," Harish Dulani, the driver of Khan's Maruti Gypsy during his 1998 hunting trip in Jodhpur, told India Today TV that traced him in the state.

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In his initial court statements, Dulani had insisted that Khan and others had hunted down the chinkaras.

The star, one of Bollywood's most bankable, and seven others were charged with killing a gazelle and two antelopes over two days in Rajasthan back then. One of the animals, the prosecution said, was killed at Bhawad on the outskirts of Jodhpur on September 26, 1998 and the others at Ghoda Farms two days later.

DRIVER HARISH DULANI DENIES CLAIMS

On Monday, the Rajasthan High Court overturned his conviction and acquitted Khan of the charges, citing inadequate evidence. In his interview to India Today TV on Wednesday, the driver denied claims he had gone missing from Jodhpur.

"I haven't gone anywhere. I stay in Jodhpur and have been living here for years," Dulani said.

He, however, alleged that his father had received death threats, but did not elaborate.

"The verdict is given by the court. I respect it and don't want to say anything on this matter," Dulani maintained.

WITNESS STANDS BY HIS 18-YEAR-OLD TESTIMONY

But the driver reiterated that he stood by his 18-year-old testimony, based on which the whole trial was launched. The witness was examined by the court of the chief judicial magistrate on January 20, 2002, lawyers say.

He appeared again two months later, but Khan's counsels were not able to cross-question him that day, according to lawyers.

After that, he allegedly went missing in further sittings.

Case lawyers say he didn't appear even after numerous summons. On April 4, 2005, the court stopped calling him, finally.

A year later, the magistrate convicted Khan. The court also ordered prosecution proceedings against Dulani and another witness.

Dulani is regularly attending the court dates in connection with the countercase against him.

WHO KILLED THE ENDANGERED ANIMALS?

The next hearing is scheduled on August 10. Meantime, the superstar's acquittal has met with widespread shock, disbelief and sarcasm, with many wondering if the wheels of justice would ever turn against the rich and the powerful.

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In a pun-laced post, Khan's Hum Aapke Hain Kaun co-star Renuka Shahane wrote on her Facebook "who killed the endangered animals if not the actor".

ALSO READ:

Salman Khan to shine brighter; Being Human to venture into jewellery, says sister Arpita



--- ENDS ---
In today's Herald Stratford College continues to make the headlines  and this time it's the students who are hitting out.

Read about their criticisms of the management style and 'negative atmosphere' in our special latest report and exclusive interviews.

There is also unrest following Stratford's eleventh hour withdrawal from the Britain In Bloom contest this week. Organisers have blamed Stratford District Council for not doing their bit to maintain the town's flower beds.

Meanwhile, the local police have also come under attack after a senior councillor questioned their ability to investigate complaints of hate crime. Find out how they force responds. . .

Did you watch or take part in the Wellesbourne and District Lions Raft Race on Sunday? Check out our full page picture special.

Plus, find out why the Stratford to Honeybourne rail line plans have hit the buffers again and why younger visitors are suddenly flocking to Stratford's Holy Trinity Church!

It's also that time of the month where we bring you all the latest news from the new Cancer and Eye Hospital fundraising efforts.

In our packed Arts section read Gill Sutherland's previews, among other things, the Making Mischief Festival at the RSC and Compton Verney's BBC Faces of Comedy exhibition.

And in sport read our exclusive interview with Andrew Pozzi after officially becoming the fourth fastest British 110 metres hurdler of all time. And we hear from new Stratford Town signing Mike Taylor who debuted for the team on Saturday with a hat-trick performance.

Plus, there are two fantastic ways to win this week. To help keep the kids amused in the summer holidays we are offering readers the chance to win an annual family pass to Hatton Adventure World near Warwick. There are also five Gastro Goodibox food and drink hampers to give away, each worth 80!

And, as if all that wasn't enough. . . this week we launch our new promotion The Hot Summer Six in conjuction with Stratford Leisure centre and Everyone Active. Week One offers readers HALF PRICE FAMILY SWIMMING - for two adults and up to three children - which normally costs 10.

All this - and so much more - for just 65p! Don't miss out.
A view of an oil refinery off the coast of Singapore March 14, 2008. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash/File Photo

By Barani Krishnan

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices settled down nearly 2 percent on Thursday, hitting April lows and with U.S. crude headed for its biggest monthly loss in a year, on growing worries that the world was pumping more crude than needed.

Surplus barrels of gasoline already have made the glut developing in oil this year more worrisome to some than the crude oversupply of the past two years that had halved prices. U.S. Gulf Coast gasoline stocks hit record highs last week for the month of July while East Coast inventories reached all-time peaks, government data showed on Wednesday.

Market intelligence firm Genscape added to the bearish sentiment on Thursday, reporting a build of nearly 328,000 barrels at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub for U.S. crude futures during the week to July 26, traders who saw the data told Reuters.

U.S. crude's West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures settled down 78 cents, or 1.9 percent, at $41.14 a barrel. WTI earlier fell to $41.04, its lowest since April 20. It also has lost 20 percent since hitting a 2016 high of $51.67 on June 9, technically placing it in bear market territory.

Brent crude futures fell 77 cents, or 1.8 percent, to settle at $42.70, after falling earlier to $42.56, the lowest since April 18.

With just one session to go for July, both benchmarks were poised to end the month down 15 percent. For WTI, that would be the sharpest monthly loss since July 2015, and for Brent, the biggest slide since December.

Oil prices are still up about 60 percent from 12-year lows of $26-$27 in the first quarter. But the rally has faded since they breached $50 in May."Our price target right now is $38 for WTI," said Matthew Tuttle, chief executive of Tuttle Tactical Management in Riverside, Connecticut. "We think there's more to go on the downside because the move that we saw up to $50 was fundamentally driven but that created more supply."

Oil companies have also reported lower earnings lately, hit by weak refining margins.

Energy major Royal Dutch Shell reported a more than 70 percent fall in quarterly profit on Thursday, well below analysts' estimates. Rivals BP (NYSE: BP) and Statoil (NYSE: STL) have also reported worse-than-expected second-quarter results.

Some have a more optimistic view on oil.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs forecast a $45-$50 price range through mid-2017, based on their forward assessment supply-demand.

"It is important to emphasize that while timespreads weakened as oil prices declined last month, the recent move lower in oil prices has occurred alongside relatively stable timespreads," Goldman's analysts said in a note.

(Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in LONDON; Editing by William Hardy and Marguerita Choy)
Brown-Forman Corporations (NYSE: BF-A) (NYSE: BF-B) shareholders met today at the regularly scheduled annual meeting of stockholders and voted to amend the companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of the companys Class A common stock from 85 million to 170 million. This action was necessary to implement the previously announced two-for-one stock split of its Class A and Class B common stock that was approved by the companys Board of Directors on May 26, 2016.

The record date for the stock split is August 8, 2016. Each shareholder of record as of the close of business on August 8, 2016 will receive one additional share of Class A common stock for each share of Class A common stock they hold. Likewise, each shareholder of record as of the close of business on August 8, 2016 will receive one additional share of Class B common stock for each share of Class B common stock they hold. The new shares will be distributed as a stock dividend on August 18, 2016. Brown-Formans common stock began trading in 1933 following the repeal of Prohibition, and this stock split will be the 13th since the original listing.

At the annual meeting, stockholders also elected the slate of directors recommended by the Board of Directors as submitted in the companys 2016 Proxy Statement.

Geo. Garvin Brown IV, chairman of the Board of Directors, presided over the annual meeting. He thanked the companys shareholders for their continued support and congratulated Brown-Forman Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga, his leadership team, and all other Brown-Forman employees for their contributions to another year of outstanding results in fiscal 2016.

In remarks at the annual meeting, Paul Varga told stockholders that the company experienced another year of record results in fiscal 2016, culminating a 20-year performance that easily surpassed its industry competitive set. He also highlighted the important strategic changes in the companys portfolio over the last several years, noted Woodford Reserves impressive growth since its introduction in 1996, and underscored the remarkable success of Jack Daniels in the 60 years since Brown-Forman acquired the brand. This year we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery around the world, introducing more consumers to this important brand, said Varga.

With Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester, Brown-Forman has a stable of authentic brands perfectly positioned to capitalize on the continuing consumer thirst for American whiskey, added Varga. And this year we made significant long-term investments in both our portfolio and facilities to enable enduring growth.

In a subsequent meeting, the Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of 17 cents per share on the split-adjusted Class A and Class B common stock. Stockholders of record on September 1, 2016, will receive the cash dividend on October 3, 2016. With this dividend, Brown-Forman will have paid regular quarterly cash dividends for 71 consecutive years and will have increased the regular cash dividend for 32 consecutive years.

For more than 145 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniels & Cola, Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, and Chambord. Brown-Formans brands are supported by nearly 4,600 employees and sold in approximately 160 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/.
The Cayman Islands Government has strengthened its efforts to protect residents and visitors from Zika, dengue and chikungunya with the launch of additional mosquito controls today (28 July 2016).

The public health programme was delayed by two weeks due to legal action by an objector to the initiative. However, a court ruled earlier this week that there were no grounds for the action and lifted the temporary "stay", a legal proceeding to delay the release, which was imposed on 13 July 2016.

"It is important that we are able to get on with the job as there is an urgency from the public health perspective," said Dr. Bill Petrie of the Cayman Islands Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU). "We need to get the project back on track and put in place the preventative measures we have planned to reduce the risk of local transmission of mosquito-borne diseases."

Three cases of imported Zika have recently been confirmed in Grand Cayman, contracted by residents who travelled to countries experiencing an outbreak of the virus.

Known as the "Friendly Aedes aegypti Project", operational roll-out of the pioneering technique using genetically modified mosquitoes began this morning in West Bay. The area is a hotspot for Aedes aegypti, the non-native species of mosquito that transmits Zika, dengue and chikungunya as well as yellow fever.

Zika can cause the birth defect microcephaly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed, and the virus is also linked to other serious medical conditions such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can lead to total paralysis. Dengue and chikungunya are a serious threat to public health, with young children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions most at risk.

The operation in West Bay is being carried out by MRCU in collaboration with biotechnology company Oxitec.

"The technique is recommended by the World Health Organization as a tool to fight Zika," said MRCU Director Dr. Bill Petrie. "One of the overarching responsibilities of the Ministry of Health is to protect the health and well-being of residents and visitors to the Cayman Islands. As a government agency, MRCU is tasked with controlling the dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquito population, using the best arsenal at our disposal, to ensure this happens."

As well as the roll-out in Grand Cayman, Oxitec is currently deploying the technique operationally in an area of 65,000 people in Brazil, a country severely affected by the Zika virus.

The safety and efficiency of the technique was demonstrated through field releases in East End, Grand Cayman, in 2009 and 2010, as well as Brazil and Panama. The Aedes aegypti population was reduced by more than 90 per cent in the areas where these releases took place.

"The operation we are launching today in West Bay is the deployment of a tested technique," said Dr. Petrie. "It is a public health imperative that we control the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and that is exactly what we are undertaking to do."

The genetic modification technique developed by Oxitec has also undergone exhaustive safety testing and evaluation by teams of scientists around the world.

Earlier this year, WHO recommended pilot deployment of the Oxitec technique, under operational conditions, to respond to the Zika crisis which, in February, was declared an international public health emergency.

In the Cayman Islands the initiative was reviewed by the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and the National Conservation Council, and official approval granted.

A proactive measure to prevent the local transmission of mosquito-borne viruses, the genetic-modification technique is being integrated with existing MRCU control methods which include the use of chemical and bacterial insecticides to kill Aedes aegypti.

The treatment area in West Bay comprises 300 acres between Watercourse Road, Powell Smith Lane, Rev. Blackman Road and Hell Road. A hundred to 200 pots, each containing approximately a thousand genetically modified, non-biting male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, will be released around three times a week.

"The 'Friendly Aedes aegypti' males will seek out the wild female Aedes aegypti and, when they have offspring, the progeny will die before reaching adulthood," explained Dr. Renaud Lacroix, Oxitec's on-island project manager. "This limits the population of Aedes aegypti, helping to reduce the risk of viral transmission among people living in the area."

Aedes aegypti differs from other breeds of mosquito in Grand Cayman as it is the only one that carries Zika, dengue and chikungunya, and bites only during the day. Swamp mosquitoes cause the most nuisance to residents and visitors, and are active after dark.

Working alongside MRCU staff, three Caymanians and a scientist married to a Caymanian, have been hired to work on the project.

Kenroy Millwood, Giselle Johnson and Heidi Groves, all from West Bay, along with Isavella Evangelou, joined the Oxitec team a couple of months ago and are an integral part of the laboratory and fieldwork team.

"We are very excited to start this project and help make a difference in our community," said Kenroy.

The treatment phase in West Bay is expected to last around nine months and then be rolled out to other areas of Grand Cayman, subject to the relevant approvals. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are not affected by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

How the technique works

The "Friendly Aedes aegypti" is a genetically modified male mosquito that cannot bite or transmit diseases. When it mates with a local female Aedes aegypti mosquito, the offspring die before being able to reproduce. Hence, with successive releases, the population of the Zika, dengue and chikungunya mosquito is reduced.

Further information

Diseases spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito
Halcon Resources Corporation (NYSE: HK) and certain of its subsidiaries, today announced that they had filed voluntary petitions under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to pursue a prepackaged plan of reorganization in accordance with its previously announced comprehensive balance sheet restructuring efforts.

Under the Restructuring Plan, the Company will eliminate approximately $1.8 billion in long-term debt and will reduce annual interest expense by more than $200 million. The Restructuring Plan also provides that existing holders of Halcon common stock will receive 4.0% of the common stock of the reorganized Company (subject to dilution set forth in the Restructuring Plan).

The bankruptcy filing follows Halcons successful solicitation for support of the Restructuring Plan from the Company's 13.0% 3rd Lien Notes due 2022 (the 3L Notes), its three tranches of senior unsecured notes comprised of its 9.75% Senior Notes due 2020, its 8.875% Senior Notes due 2021, and its 9.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (collectively, the Unsecured Notes), its 8.0% Convertible Note due 2020 (the Convertible Note) and its 5.75% Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the Preferred Equity, and together with the 3L Notes, Unsecured Notes and Convertible Note, the Affected Stakeholders). This solicitation resulted in overwhelming support for the Restructuring Plan with the Company having received acceptances from more than 95% in number and over 99% in aggregate amount of claims and interests in each Affected Stakeholder class that voted on the Plan. In addition, as previously announced, Halcon also reached an agreement with holders of more than 51% in aggregate principal amount of its 8.625% and 12.0% 2nd Lien Notes due 2020 and 2022 regarding certain amendments to the indentures governing such notes in exchange for the commitment of such holders to support the Restructuring Plan.

On July 25, 2016 the Company partially drew down its revolving credit facility and therefore currently has $359 million in cash on hand. On July 27, 2016, Halcon received a commitment from certain lenders in its existing reserve-based credit facility, led by JP Morgan and Wells Fargo, to provide the Company with a $600 million debtor in possession credit facility (the DIP) with $500 million of availability once the interim order approving the DIP is received from the bankruptcy court. Halcon plans to repay outstanding amounts due on its existing revolver once the DIP is approved by the court. The DIP facility will convert into a reserve-based revolving credit facility (the Exit Facility) with availability of $600 million upon emergence from bankruptcy. Halcons current cash on hand in addition to the commitment for the DIP and Exit Facility provides the Company with ample liquidity both during and after the restructuring process.

The Company has been in contact with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and anticipates the continued listing of its common stock on the NYSE throughout the bankruptcy process so long as the Company continues to meet the minimum continued listing standards set forth by the NYSE.

The Restructuring Plan is expected to conclude in approximately 45-60 days. The Company plans, subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court, to continue to pay vendors, royalty owners and other parties in ordinary course throughout the bankruptcy process.

Halcon filed its voluntary chapter 11 petitions and prepackaged plan in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington. Information about the cases can be found on http://dm.epiq11.com/Halcon. The Company has also posted FAQs and other restructuring information on its website at http://www.halconresources.com.

PJT Partners is serving as Halcons financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Company in relation to the Restructuring Plan.
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

BOSTON (Reuters) - Bridgewater, the world's largest hedge fund, described its culture as a "real idea meritocracy" on Thursday and said it had made clients $1.3 billion so far this year in a rare public defense of its performance and operations.

The rebuttal was sparked by a story in The New York Times this week about a lawsuit filed by a former Bridgewater employee, who described the atmosphere at the $154 billion firm as a "cauldron of fear and intimidation."

Bridgewater's unconventional management style - where meetings are videotaped and employees openly challenge each other and give themselves continuous performance feedback - is driven by founder Ray Dalio's belief that "radical transparency" produces better investment ideas.

But a former employee, Christopher Tarui, said the culture silenced employees who did not fit in. In a complaint filed with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Tarui said his male supervisor sexually harassed him for about a year and after he complained, several Bridgewater top managers pressured him to drop the claims.

Tarui did not respond to Reuters' attempts to contact him.

'CULTURE OF OPENNESS'

Bridgewater declined to discuss Tarui's complaint but in a two-page memo, the firm said it has an anonymous "complaint line" for employees and there was an Employee Relations team that handles issues of a personal nature in a confidential manner.

"While we acknowledge that this culture of openness is not for everyone, our employees overwhelmingly treasure this way of operating," the firm said in the memo.

Turnover at the Westport, Connecticut-based firm is known to be relatively high, with an estimated 25 percent of staff departing during the first 18 months of employment.

In the memo, Bridgewater said it scored 4.4 out of 5 when it asked staff to rate the statement, "I believe that Bridgewater's culture and principles are key to its success," in a recent anonymous survey.

Bridgewater also denied that it had lost billions of dollars for investors as a result of mixed performance over the past two years.

"In 2015, our Pure Alpha fund had its 15th consecutive year of positive returns. This year, year-to-date, we have made $1.3 billion for our clients across our strategies," the firm said.

The firm said this was less than it expected. Still, it said clients had faith in the firm and had invested "$12 billion in new assets over the last seven months."

A spokeswoman for the New York Times did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The firm's flagship Pure Alpha fund was off roughly 8 percent this year after having gained 4.7 percent last year, a person familiar with the number said. Its All Weather fund, meanwhile, is up more than 10 percent this year after having lost 7 percent in 2015, the person said.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Bernadette Baum)
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 27 (PTI) A two-member CBI team visited Italy recently and collected details in the AugustaWestland VVIP Helicopter deal case from key police and legal officials there who had probed the graft allegations there. As part of its investigations, the agency is focussing on money trail of a suspected 50 million Euros bribe amount spread across eight countries.

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When asked whether CBI has also recorded the statements of former Finmeccanica Chief Giuseppe Orsi and former CEO of Bruno Spagnolini, both convicted by an Italian court, in connection with its probe, CBI officials today maintained silence but they said the visit has given a "new impetus" to the probe.

The case is now being probed by a SIT headed by an Additional Director of the agency.

The sources, however, said the two-member team did visit Milan on a four-day visit during which they met legal and police authorities who were probing the case in their country.

They have said that all the details sought by the agency from the Italy were provided through the Letters Rogatory which was the only country among seven others which has provided complete details.

The sources did not respond as to why the team visited Italy when CBI has received all the details through LR,

They said the agency is focussing on the money trail of suspected kickbacks of over 50 million Euros (about Rs 369 crore at present exchange rates) believed to have been moved across eight countries.

CBI had sent Letters Rogatory (judicial request from an Indian court seeking investigation in a foreign entity through investigation agencies of that country) to eight countries--Italy, the United Kingdom, British Virgin Island, Tunisia, Switzerland, Singapore, the UAE and Mauritius.

While Italy had completely complied with the LR, Tunisia, British Virgin Islands, Switzerland and the UK have partly responded. CBI has sent them a reminder for furnishing the information.

Mauritius, Singapore and the UAE have not responded to the request, the sources said.

CBI had registered a case against former IAF Chief S P Tyagi along with 13 others including his cousins and European middlemen in connection with alleged bribery in the 2010 deal of 12 AgustaWestland helicopters for VVIPs.

The allegation against the former Air Chief was that he reduced flying ceiling of the helicopter from 6,000m to 4,500m (15,000ft)which put AgustaWestland helicopters in the race for the deal without which its choppers were not even qualified for submission of bids.

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Tyagi has denied allegations against him claiming innocence and that the change of specifications, which brought AgustaWestland into contention, was a collective decision in which senior officers of Indian Air Force, SPG, NSA and other departments were involved. PTI ABS GSN

--- ENDS ---
Currencyshares Japanese Yen Trust (NYSE: FXY) July weekly call option implied volatility is at 51, August is at 17, September is at 14; compared to its 52-week range of 7 to 17 into Bank of Japan started a two day policy meeting today with some investors expecting an additional injection of fiscal and monetary stimulus.
Businessman David Koch arrives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala 2015 celebrating the opening of "China: Through the Looking Glass," in Manhattan, New York May 4, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo

By Michelle Conlin

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A group of at least six wealthy Republican donors is urging the billionaire Koch brothers to step off the sidelines of the U.S. presidential election to back Donald Trump, arguing they will want influence with the New York businessman they have harshly criticized if he wins the White House in November.

The financiers, prominent members of the sprawling 700-member Koch donor network, have been making their case in emails and phone calls to Charles and David Koch ahead of their bi-annual donor seminar, which begins Saturday in Colorado, according to four donors involved in the loosely-coordinated effort and advisers representing two others.

An endorsement from the Kochs would be a radical departure: The industrialist brothers have railed against Trump's "monstrous" rhetoric and protectionist policies on immigration and trade. They have said they will not get involved in the presidential election and will instead focus on Senate races.

All the while, Trump has blasted the donor class and vowed not to become a "puppet" of outside interests as he campaigns to win the Nov. 8 election.

But there is room for a detente.

Trump's vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, has long been a darling of the Koch network, and Trump's fledgling campaign finance operation could use a cash injection as it faces a $1 billion general election battle against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

"I dont think its impossible, or beyond the realm of possibility, that at some point the Kochs are going to get involved," said Doug Deason, a member of the Koch network.

Deason, who has met with Trump and his confidantes, said he and his father, the billionaire Darwin Deason, had proposed to Charles Koch in an email that he meet the Republican nominee in person.

"We think its really important that Donald convince Charles hes the right guy, and for Charles to influence Donalds policies," said Deason. Charles Koch "indicates hes taking a wait and see approach. Hes not completely writing if off."

An adviser to another major Koch network donor added: "Some of the Koch donor class this weekend is surely going to say, 'Hey, guys, get on board.'"

A spokesperson for Trump, who is scheduled to hold two campaign events in Colorado on Friday, did not respond to a request for comment. James Davis, a spokesman for the Kochs political operation, Freedom Partners Action Fund, declined comment.

The billionaire donors eyeing Trump stress they believe it is urgent for the Koch brothers' conservative thinking to start to influence Trump before the election while he is still fine-tuning policy and considering possible Cabinet picks.

MIX OF OPINIONS

The Koch network, made up of the wealthiest conservative families in America, rivals both the Republican and Democratic parties in both its resources and scope. Membership requires a payment of at least $100,000 per year.

But it is by no means a monolithic group.

At their donor summit last January in Palm Springs, California, most donors seemed vehemently opposed to Trump among the large field of other Republican options. But now that Trump has won the nomination, vanquishing 16 opponents in the primaries, some see little option but to back him.

Broadcast magnate Stanley Hubbard, who had opposed Trump earlier in the year but now wants the Kochs to support him, said he was most concerned by the prospect of a Democrat nominating people to vacancies on the Supreme Court.

"A lot of us are giving a lot of money to the Kochs, and what we would expect is that they would do all they can to see to it that the right Supreme Court justices are selected," Hubbard said. "Supreme Court justices will last a lot longer than any president.

He said he hoped the weekend confab in Colorado would persuade the Kochs to rethink Trump.

"If nothing else, the Kochs better ask for a show of hands," said Hubbard, "and I think most people in the room this weekend will say, 'Yes, you need to get involved.'"

(Editing by Richard Valdmanis, Alistair Bell and Leslie Adler)
Acquisition Will Substantially Strengthen Digital Footprint Worldwide

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) announced today that it has reached agreement with the Board of Directors of Premier Farnell plc (Premier Farnell) on the terms of a recommended offer for Premier Farnell by Avnet or one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The all-cash offer of 1.85 per share represents an equity value of approximately 691 million and a 12.1% premium over the previous offer of 1.65 per share by Datwyler Technical Components UK Limited. Headquartered in Leeds, United Kingdom, Premier Farnell is a global distributor of electronic components and related products delivering engineering solutions to the electronic system design community utilizing multi-channel sales and marketing resources. The transaction is intended to be effected by means of an English court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement and is subject to satisfaction or waiver of several conditions, including the approval of Premier Farnell shareholders and the court, receipt of regulatory approvals in the European Union, United States and Israel, and other customary conditions.

This acquisition will significantly strengthen Avnets digital footprint worldwide. The convergence of Premier Farnells innovative online services with Avnets world class supply chain will create customer service unparalleled in the industry, said William Amelio, interim Chief Executive Officer of Avnet. The talented team of people at Premier Farnell will allow Avnet to enhance our customer experience and accelerate our global growth.

The terms of the proposed acquisition are further described in the announcement released today in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the UK Takeover Code and available on Avnets website at www.ir.avnet.com. Avnet has received undertakings to vote in favor of the transaction from Premier Farnell shareholders representing 15% of the issued shares (such undertakings will lapse if a higher offer is announced that Avnet does not match within 21 days). Upon completion, the transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings even before considering positive effects from any synergies realized, and supports Avnets return on capital goals.

Premier Farnell will bolster our strategy to provide a differentiated digital experience from product ideation through its lifecycle. Premier Farnells customers gain access to an extensive suite of supply chain services allowing them to ramp new products to production volumes. Our customers will be able to do more technical research online through the services provided by Premier Farnell, said Gerry Fay, President of Avnets Electronics Marketing, Worldwide Bringing these two companies together allows us to capture market share earlier in the design process.

Fay further added, In addition to deepening our customer base, this acquisition will enhance our go-to-market strategy as we target the industrial Internet of Things with edge-to-enterprise products and solutions.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisor and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP acted as legal counsel to Avnet in connection with this transaction.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on managements current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in facts and circumstances. The forward-looking statements herein include statements addressing future financial and operating results of Avnet and may include words such as will, anticipate, intend, estimate, forecast, expect, "feel," believe,, should, and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussions of future operating or financial performance, business prospects or market conditions. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: the Companys ability to retain and grow market share and to generate additional cash flow, risks associated with any acquisition activities and the successful integration of acquired companies, an industry down-cycle in semiconductors, IT hardware or software products, declines in sales, changes in business conditions and the economy in general, changes in market demand and pricing pressures, any material changes in the allocation of product or product rebates by suppliers, and other competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting the businesses of Avnet generally.

More detailed information about these and other factors is set forth in Avnets filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Companys reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Except as required by law, Avnet is under no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Avnet, Inc.

From components to cloud and design to disposal, Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) accelerates the success of customers who build, sell and use technology globally by providing them with a comprehensive portfolio of innovative products, services and solutions. Avnet is a Fortune 500 company with revenues of $27.9 billion for the fiscal year 2015. For more information, visit www.avnet.com. (AVT_IR)

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727006712/en/

Avnet, Inc.

Media Relations Contact

Christine Dotts, 480-643-8075

[email protected]

or

Investor Relations Contact

Vincent Keenan, 480-643-7053

[email protected]

or

onechocolate communications

For UK and Europe Media Relations

Stacey Thorpe, +44 (0) 7968 966 408

[email protected]

Source: Avnet, Inc.
CHICAGO, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With job prospects improving, workers are looking to greener pastures, but simple mistakes in the application process may be holding them back from landing a new opportunity.

The national survey was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder between May 11 and June 7, 2016, and included a representative sample of 3,244 full-time workers in the private sector across industries and company sizes.

INFOGRAPHIC: https://cb.com/JobSeekerMistakes

"Workers realize that the job market is stronger than it has been over the last eight years, and technology is allowing them to pursue new opportunities faster and more efficiently than ever," said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder. "But, just because they are able to submit an application easier, doesn't mean candidates can skip basic steps  or requirements  like submitting a cover letter or customizing their resumes. These items get the attention of recruiters and hiring managers, and leaving them out of the process can hurt a job seeker's chances of securing a new job."

Most Common Job Seeker Mistakes

Candidates need to take extra care when it comes to all aspects of the hiring process. According to Haefner, avoiding these simple mistakes will get you closer to that job you're pursuing;

54 percent of job seekers don't customize their resume for each employer  Employers can spot all-purpose resumes from a mile away. Tailor your resume to match the job description by inserting key words used in the job posting that match your experience. Not only will this catch the eye of the hiring manager, but it can move your resume to the top of the pile if an automated tracking system is scanning resumes for potential candidates.

 Employers can spot all-purpose resumes from a mile away. Tailor your resume to match the job description by inserting key words used in the job posting that match your experience. Not only will this catch the eye of the hiring manager, but it can move your resume to the top of the pile if an automated tracking system is scanning resumes for potential candidates. 84 percent of job seekers don't find out the hiring manager's name and personalize the application  Applying directly to the hiring managers increases your chances of getting noticed and shows you've gone that extra step and invested time in getting to know the company.

 Applying directly to the hiring managers increases your chances of getting noticed and shows you've gone that extra step and invested time in getting to know the company. 45 percent of job seekers don't include a cover letter with their resume  Cover letters allow a candidate the opportunity to sell themselves beyond the typical listing of work experience and skills in a resume. Use a cover letter to introduce yourself and showcase your credentials in a relatable way.

Cover letters allow a candidate the opportunity to sell themselves beyond the typical listing of work experience and skills in a resume. Use a cover letter to introduce yourself and showcase your credentials in a relatable way. 37 percent of job seekers don't follow up with an employer after they applied  Recruiters can sometimes be overwhelmed by candidate applications for certain open jobs. Circling back with a recruiter or hiring manager after submitting a cover letter and resume can help job seekers standout among the competition.

 Recruiters can sometimes be overwhelmed by candidate applications for certain open jobs. Circling back with a recruiter or hiring manager after submitting a cover letter and resume can help job seekers standout among the competition. 57 percent of job seekers don't send thank-you notes after an interview  This can be one of the most important steps in a candidate's pre-hire journey as it enables you to reiterate why you're the best fit for the job. Most recruiters and hiring managers expect a thank-you note in some form or another (email or handwritten), so neglecting this action will make you stick out like a sore thumb. Thank-you notes should be sent after phone screening calls, as well.

Additional Advice to Help Get the Job

Haefner also shared a few additional tips aimed at keeping job seekers informed and improving their chances on the career hunt.

Join an employer's talent network or talent community  Stay up to date on the latest job opportunities from ideal employers, so you can continue to show interest in working for the company.

 Stay up to date on the latest job opportunities from ideal employers, so you can continue to show interest in working for the company. Social media can be an asset to job seekers, not a weakness  Recruiters using social media to screen candidates have reached an all-time high, but job seekers can use it to their advantage, too. Find out who you know at a potential employer and ask for a referral, or learn about latest company news to make for a more engaging conversation in an interview.

 Recruiters using social media to screen candidates have reached an all-time high, but job seekers can use it to their advantage, too. Find out who you know at a potential employer and ask for a referral, or learn about latest company news to make for a more engaging conversation in an interview. Practice your conversation skills with as many people as possible prior to an interview  Excellent written and verbal communication skills are quickly becoming the most sought after talents in job seekers across all industries. Look for ways to highlight these skills in your cover letter, resume and interviews.

Join Rosemary Haefner on July 29th at 10:30 a.m. CST for a Facebook Live presentation on how to improve your personal brand. Visit cb.com/facebooklive.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder among 3,244 employees ages 18 and over (employed full-time, not self-employed, non-government) between May 11 and June 7, 2016. With a pure probability sample of 3,244, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 1.72 percentage points.

About CareerBuilder

As the global leader in human capital solutions, CareerBuilder specializes in cutting-edge HR software as a service to help companies with every step of the recruitment process from acquire to hire. CareerBuilder works with top employers across industries, providing job distribution, sourcing, workflow, CRM, data and analytics in one pre-hire platform. It also operates leading job sites around the world. Owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), Tribune Media (NYSE: TRCO) and The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, South America, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

Media ContactRob Zaldivar312.698.1042[email protected] http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160726/393108-INFO

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160726/393109LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/careerbuilder-survey-reveals-five-common-job-seeker-pitfalls-that-will-hinder-any-career-search-300304908.html

SOURCE CareerBuilder
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CDR  the "Company") announced today that the underwriter of its previously announced common stock offering exercised in full its option to purchase an additional 750,000 shares. As a result, the Company will issue a total of 5,750,000 shares on a forward basis in connection with the forward sale agreements described below, which will result in approximately $45.1 million of gross proceeds (assuming such forward sale agreements are physically settled in full) before any underwriting compensation and offering expenses. The offering is expected to close on August 1, 2016, subject to customary closing conditions.

BofA Merrill Lynch acted as sole bookrunner in the offering. In connection with the offering of shares of common stock, the Company has entered into forward sale agreements with Bank of America, N.A. (the "forward purchaser"), under which the Company has agreed to issue and sell to the forward purchaser (subject to the Company's right to cash settle or net settle the forward sale agreements) the same number of shares of common stock sold by Bank of America, N.A. to the underwriter in the public offering. The forward purchaser is expected to borrow from third parties and sell to the underwriters 5,750,000 shares of common stock at the close of the public offering.

Pursuant to the terms of the forward sale agreements, and subject to its right to elect cash or net share settlement, the Company intends to issue and sell, upon physical settlement of such forward sale agreements, 5,750,000 shares of common stock to the forward purchaser.

The Company expects to physically settle the forward sale agreements in full, which is expected to occur on one or more dates no later than approximately 12 months after the date of the prospectus supplement relating to the offering.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement, a copy of which may be obtained, when available, from BofA Merrill Lynch, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department, Email: [email protected].

About Cedar Realty Trust

Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. is a fully-integrated real estate investment trust which focuses on the ownership and operation of primarily grocery-anchored shopping centers straddling the Washington D.C. to Boston corridor. The Company's portfolio (excluding properties treated as "held for sale") comprises 62 properties, with approximately 9.6 million square feet of gross leasable area.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance and outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others: adverse general economic conditions in the United States and uncertainty in the credit and retail markets; financing risks, such as the inability to obtain new financing or refinancing on favorable terms as the result of market volatility or instability; risks related to the market for retail space generally, including reductions in consumer spending, variability in retailer demand for leased space, tenant bankruptcies, adverse impact of internet sales demand, ongoing consolidation in the retail sector and changes in economic conditions and consumer confidence; risks endemic to real estate and the real estate industry generally; the impact of the Company's level of indebtedness on operating performance; inability of tenants to meet their rent and other lease obligations; adverse impact of new technology and e-commerce developments on the Company's tenants; competitive risk; risks related to the geographic concentration of the Company's properties in the Washington D.C. to Boston corridor; the effects of natural and other disasters; and the inability of the Company to realize anticipated returns from its redevelopment activities. Please refer to the documents filed by Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. with the SEC, specifically the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as it may be updated or supplemented in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Company's other filings with the SEC, which identify additional risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cedar-realty-trust-inc-announces-exercise-in-full-of-common-stock-offering-option-300305690.html

SOURCE Cedar Realty Trust, Inc.
AGF Investments Inc. to be appointed as additional manager for the Primerica ConcertTM Allocation Series of Funds

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PFSL Fund Management Ltd. (PFSL), the investment fund manager and trustee of the Primerica Concert Allocation Series of Funds (the Concert Funds), announced today that it has appointed AGF Investments Inc. as additional portfolio manager for the Concert Funds. The appointment is effective on or about August 29, 2016, subject to the receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals.

Morneau Shepell Asset & Risk Management Ltd., as a portfolio manager, will continue to provide advice to PFSL in establishing fund specific investment policies for and making recommendations on the specific underlying funds to be invested by each Concert Fund.

AGF Investments Inc. (AGF), in its capacity as a portfolio manager to Concert Funds, will advise on daily trades required to implement the specific underlying fund recommendations of Morneau Shepell Asset & Risk Management Ltd. in respect of each Concert Fund.

About PFSL Fund Management Ltd.

PFSL, manager of the Primerica Concert Allocation Series of Funds, is an investment manager affiliate of Primerica Financial Services (Canada) Ltd. The Primerica family of companies, including PFSLs parent company, PFSL Investments Canada Ltd., a mutual fund dealer and member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada, and Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada, has become an increasingly important participant in the Canadian financial services sector.

About Primerica, Inc.

Primerica, Inc. is the parent company of PFSL Investments Canada Ltd. Headquartered in Duluth, GA, Primerica is a leading distributor of financial products to middle income households in North America. Primerica representatives educate their Main Street clients about how to better prepare for a more secure financial future by assessing their needs and providing appropriate solutions through term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. In addition, Primerica provides an entrepreneurial full or part-time business opportunity for individuals seeking to earn income by distributing the companys financial products. We insured more than 5 million lives and have over 2 million client investment accounts at December 31, 2015. Primerica stock is included in the S&P MidCap 400 and the Russell 2000 stock indices and is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PRI.

About AGF Investments Inc.

AGF is a leading independent global asset management firm with offices in Toronto, Boston, Dublin, Beijing and Hong Kong. Founded in 1957, AGF serves more than one million investors with offerings across the wealth continuum. Four principles anchor the firms approach to investing: shared intelligence, disciplined processes, innovative thinking and a people-first culture.

About AGF Management Limited

AGF Management Limited is one of Canada's premier independent investment management firms with offices across Canada and subsidiaries around the world. AGF's products include a diversified family of mutual funds, mutual fund wrap programs and pooled funds. AGF also manages assets on behalf of institutional investors including pension plans, foundations and endowments as well as for private clients. With over $33 billion in total assets under management, AGF serves more than one million investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. The statements that are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728006200/en/

PFSL Fund Management Ltd.

Jeff Dumanski, 905-813-5329

or

AGF Investments Inc.

Amanda Marchment, 416-865-4169

Manager, Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Source: Primerica, Inc.
PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As we just saw, climate change is unlike any other threat we humans face. It is overarching and affects the entire earth and all living things. It is slow. It is relentless. And it is subject to irreversible tipping points and vast unknowns.

Combating climate change, the existential threat of our time, will take heroic effort on the part of many people and many nations. Make no mistake, climate change is REAL.

The vast majority of world leaders and climate scientists, like those at NASA and the Department of Defense  indeed, almost anyone who chooses to think  believes in the science of climate change and sees the moral imperative to take action. But you wouldn't know it by listening to Donald Trump.

Last week at the Republican Convention, for 76 long and painful minutes, Trump conjured up a host of dark threats, but never once mentioned the words "climate change" or "global warming." What do you expect? Trump represents a party with officials that have banned state employees from even using these words in Florida, and who knows where else.

Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud. Trump says there's no drought in California. I say Trump lies. So, it's not surprising that Trump chose as his running mate a man who denies that there's such a thing as evolution.

Rarely in American history have two parties diverged so profoundly. Even the Know-Nothing, anti-immigrant party of the 1850s did not stray this far into sheer ignorance and dark fantasy as have the Republicans and their leader Donald Trump.

Our candidate, Hillary Clinton, couldn't be more different. While Trump talks, and talks, and talks, Hillary gets stuff done. She fights for us on big issues. As Secretary of State, she paved the way for the historic Paris Climate Agreement, an agreement which 200 nations, including China and India, enthusiastically embraced. And Mr. Trump, he says: The world be damned; I'm tearing it up.

Hillary is the one who launched the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, a group of nations taking action to reduce black carbon and other super climate pollutants, which cause severe lung and heart damage. And from her first day in office, President Hillary Clinton will do what's needed to combat climate change and lead the clean energy revolution.

We know something about this in California. We have solar, wind, zero-emission cars, energy efficiency, and yes, a price on carbon. We're proving that even with the toughest climate laws in the country, our economy is growing faster than almost any nation in the world.

Mr. Trump and those who live in climate denial say otherwise. They tell us we have to choose between saving the economy and saving the planet. Donald Trump and the climate deniers are dead wrong  dangerously wrong.

What America needs today are not deniers, but leaders. Not division, but common purpose. Not bombast, but bold action. That's why we need Hillary. And that's why the American people will choose her as the next President of the United States.

Media contact: [email protected] Phone: 215-398-5252

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/357779LOGO

SOURCE 2016 Democratic National Convention Committee
VANCOUVER, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Ritchie Bros., the world's largest industrial auctioneer (NYSE & TSX: RBA), announces that Rob McLeod, Chief Business Development Officer, has made the decision to retire from the Company, effective September 30, 2016.

After 23 years with Ritchie Bros., in numerous geographies and roles, most recently as Chief Business Development Officer and prior to that Chief Financial Officer, Rob is looking to begin a new phase of his career. He will continue his board involvement with not-for-profit organizations, while seeking opportunities to share his global experience sitting on public and private company boards. He is also planning to launch a consulting practice, of which Ritchie Bros. will be one of his first engagements.

"Rob has been an excellent business partner and a very smart and capable executive, who is highly regarded in the company as a true team player. He has made significant contributions to Ritchie Bros. throughout his career. We wish him the very best in the future," said Ravi Saligram, CEO of Ritchie Bros.

About Ritchie Bros.Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. (NYSE and TSX: RBA) is the world's largest industrial auctioneer, and one of the world's largest sellers of used equipment for the construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, mining, forestry and other industries. Ritchie Bros.TM asset management and disposition solutions include live unreserved public auctions with on-site and online bidding; EquipmentOneTM, an online auction marketplace; Mascus, a global online equipment listing service; private negotiated sales through Ritchie Bros. Private Treaty; and a range of ancillary services, including financing and leasing through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services. Ritchie Bros. has operations in 19 countries, including 44 auction sites worldwide. Learn more at rbauction.com, EquipmentOne.com, mascus.com, rbauction.com/privatetreaty and rbauction.com/financing.

SOURCE Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rokkan (www.rokkan.com), a full-service creative and media agency, today announces exciting new leadership in its Los Angeles office. Brian Veasey will head up the West Coast office as its General Manager and New Business Director. He will be joined by Rokkan Creative Directors Bill Carlson and Billy Veasey, who moved from Rokkan's New York headquarters to lead and grow the agency's creative capabilities.

Previously, Brian served as Director of Business Development for SK+G. As General Manager of Rokkan Los Angeles, Brian is charged with growing Rokkan's creative offering on the West Coast and developing local client relationships. In recent months, Rokkan Los Angeles has won new partnerships with REI, Pantone and Eyeconic by VSP and has been instrumental in producing groundbreaking new digital work for Cadillac.

"Rokkan's 'partner for brave change' approach really struck with me," said Brian. "With a background in business development, I've seen a lot of brands play it safe because they're afraid of change. Rokkan finds the brands that are willing to take risks and partners with them to create work that matters. I wanted to be a part of that journey."

Heading to Rokkan Los Angeles with Brian are Rokkan Creative Directors Bill Carlson and Billy Veasey. Bill and Billy were part of the creative team behind the recent "Daring Pursuits" web films produced for Cadillac as part of its "Dare Greatly" brand platform. Rokkan is Cadillac's Social Agency of Record.

Bill and Billy also led creative and production for a new digital film for REI. "Make Home in Yosemite Valley," promotes diversity and acceptance, and is part of REI's ongoing national #LetsCamp campaign. REI is one of Rokkan Los Angeles' latest wins and newest relationships.

Commenting on the rapid growth of Rokkan Los Angeles, John Noe, CEO & Co-Founder, Rokkan, said: "The momentum we're seeing in Los Angeles is just the beginning of what we anticipate for Rokkan as we look ahead. We've made giant strides to re-imagine what it means to be a digital agency in a digital world, and we're thrilled to see how an LA version of our NY hub will stretch our potential."

Rokkan's development in Los Angeles, as well as the recent opening of its Singapore office, represents a transformative year for the Publicis Groupe agency. The agency's expansion follows an unprecedented rate of growth so far this year, with nearly 20 new brand partners joining its client roster. Major new wins for the agency include Cadillac, Cafe de Colombia, Hallmark, Veuve Clicquot, William Grant & Sons, and many more.

About Rokkan

Rokkan, a partner for brave change, takes its name from the Japanese word for "the sixth sense," bringing intuition to research and strategy to help brands create data-driven and highly creative storytelling, social engagement, customer experience and e-commerce. Founded in 2000, Rokkan has grown from a three-person startup into an innovation outlier within the Publicis Groupe. With offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Singapore, Rokkan leverages a unique and nimble approach that blends strategy, storytelling, and technology for outstanding results. Clients include American Express, Cadillac, Hallmark, JetBlue Airways, Purina Nestle, Samsung and Veuve Clicquot.

For more information visit www.rokkan.com, or follow us at @Rokkan, on FB and Instagram.

Media Contact:Amelia VerebSweeneyVesty[email protected] 212-226-5105

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393759

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rokkans-west-coast-operation-flourishes-under-new-leadership-300305595.html

SOURCE Rokkan
GREENVILLE, Wis., July 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- School Specialty, Inc. (OTCQB: SCOO) (School Specialty, SSI or the Company), a leading distributor of supplies, furniture and both curriculum and supplemental learning resources to the education, healthcare and other marketplaces, is pleased to announce its collaboration with the United Way of Richland County, Ohio, to help support local-area students and teachers in getting the materials they need for the new school year. In their commitment to advancing the common good of the Richland community, School Specialty and United Way have teamed-up for the 2016 back-to-school season with an exciting crowdfunding campaign on the GoFundMe platform, which encourages all residents to work together to raise much needed dollars for their neighborhood schools.

Leveraging the Power of Community to Support EducationAs the new school year approaches, many children in communities across the country do not have adequate supplies to start the year. In order to provide assistance, their teachers often have to provide these supplies out of their own funds. To address this issue, the GoFundMe campaign sponsored by United Way and School Specialty will provide a means by which all residents of Richland County could support area schools of their choice. Each schools GoFundMe campaign will be housed on a single Richland County landing page on the GoFundMe website. Starting August 8th through August 19th, the community can access this page via the United Way of Richland Countys website to make a donation to the school of their choice.

For every $100 raised through the campaign, School Specialty will match with $100 (issued as a promo code for shopping on SchoolSpecialty.com). At the conclusion of the campaign, School Specialty will match, dollar-for-dollar, each schools community donations up to $1,000 in merchandise credit. This will ensure that elementary students in the area have the exact supplies they need as they start the school year.

United Way is proud to partner with School Specialty on this project to ensure that our communitys children have all the necessary supplies during the coming school year, stated Dan Varn, Executive Director. We recognize the need is great, with student supply lists continuing to grow each year and educators all too often spending their own money to meet the basic supply needs of their young learners. We were thrilled when School Specialty approached us to work together on this fundraiser and are excited to help engage our community members for the initiative! School Specialtys involvement in this process was critical to getting this project off the ground and we are so appreciative of their generosity in support of the Richland Community.

Were honored to team-up with United Way in helping our students and their teachers get the high-quality and innovative learning resources they need for the new school year, commented Holly Stoots, Account Manager for School Specialty in Mansfield, OH. The GoFundMe initiative for Education is especially important to us based on our mission to help educators engage and inspire all learners, not to mention our closeness to the Richland community being a long-time member. We were excited to jump at the call to support the United Way and give back to our fellow residents who have given so much in return to School Specialty over the years. We look forward to a productive fundraiser that will help empower our kids as they get ready to go back to school.

Join a Public Meeting and Submit Your Schools Profile for GoFundMe To kick this program off and inform the community at large, the School Specialty and United Way teams will be hosting a public meeting/press conference on August 3rd at School Specialtys facility, 100 Paragon Pkwy, 2nd floor, Mansfield, OH 44903 beginning at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to attend, including teachers, PTAs and any other interested parties, to get the word out and help in the fundraising efforts for local school districts!

Participants are also encouraged to help in creating their schools profile on GoFundMe. This is a great opportunity to tell your schools story on a specific need the community can help fund. To build a GoFundMe campaign page, a short write-up about your schools needs along with a photo or two of your school, classrooms, teachers/staff, etc. would be needed. This information should be sent to Holly Stoots at [email protected] by August 3, 2016.

About United WayUnited Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. In 2008, United Way World Wide initiated a 10-year program designed to achieve the following goals by 2018:

Improve education, and cut the number of high school dropouts  1.2 million students, every year  in half.

Help people achieve financial stability, and get 1.9 million working families  half the number of lower-income families who are financially unstable  on the road to economic independence.

Promote healthy lives, and increase by one-third the number of youth and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors.

Locally, the United Way of Richland County funds 56 critical programs in 20 agencies throughout the Richland Community. These programs touch thousands of lives per year.

For more information about United Way of Richland County, visit www.unitedwayofrichlandcounty.org.

About School Specialty, Inc.School Specialty is a leading distributor of innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to the education marketplace. The Company designs, develops, and provides educators with the latest and very best school supplies, furniture and both curriculum and supplemental learning resources. Working in collaboration with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential. Through its SSI Guardian subsidiary, the Company is also committed to school, healthcare and corporate workplace safety by offering the highest quality curriculum, training and safety and security products. Finally, through its SOAR Life Products brand, the Company offers thousands of products that sharpen cognitive skills and build physical and mental strength in fun and creative ways. From childhood through adulthood, they help individuals live life to the fullest  engaged, happy and well. SOAR Life Products is a customized offering for hospitals, long-term care, therapeutic facilities, home care, surgery centers, day care centers, physician offices, and clinics. For more information about School Specialty, visit www.schoolspecialty.com.

@SchoolSpecialtyConnect with School Specialty on social media; search School Specialty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. For Ideas and resources, educational trends and inspiration for todays educators  visit the Schoolyard blog.

Company Contacts: Dan Varn Executive Director, United Way of Richland County Tel: 419-525-2816 Email: [email protected] Tim Dove Human Resources Manager, School Specialty Tel: 419-589-1875 Email: [email protected] Media Contacts: Glenn Wiener and Dionne Manchester GW Communications (for School Specialty) Tel: 212-786-6011 / 212-786-6068 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Source: School Specialty, Inc
Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism against India was yet again exposed after Bahadur Ali told officials that he crossed into India from Leepa Valley in Pakistani Kashmir two months ago.

By Ashwini Kumar, Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: In a major blow to Pakistan, Saifulla Bahadur Ali, the terrorist who was nabbed during a gunfight in Kupwara district on July 25, today confessed before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he is from Lahore.

Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism against India was yet again exposed after Ali told officials that he crossed into India from Leepa Valley in Pakistani Kashmir two months ago and was operating under the nom de guerre Saifullah.

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The 21-year-old, who was airlifted to the National Capital today for further interrogation, said that he was trained by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and he had infiltrated into India with two others to take advantage of the unrest in Kashmir.

Sources told India Today Television that the captured terrorist belonged to Jahama village near Raiwind area of Lahore. Ali had entered India with Saad bhai and Darda bhai.

While Saad bhai was an ameer of the LeT and had reportedly undergone Daur-e-Khas training, Ali was trained in a terror camp in Chela Bandi in Muzaffarabad. He also attended the Daur-e-Aam training after he learnt of the atrocities on Kashmiris in India.

Revealing further information, officials said that the trio entered India with the help of a guide to the country. According to Ali, Saad and Darda bhai were killed in an encounter with security forces in mid-July.

Ali, who was carrying UBGL, 9 grenades and AK 47, hid his weapons in Manasbal forest. A radio set was also recovered from him.

"Some crucial disclosures made by the militant have not been made public because of their operational importance," a police source said.

With the above revelations, India is now set to hand over a fresh dossier to Pakistan, consisting of evidence of Pakistani terrorist Bahadur Ali.

Watch full video: Nabbed LeT terrorist exposes Pakistan, sent to India to create unrest in Kashmir



--- ENDS ---
By Trevor Hunnicutt

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Janus Capital Group Inc on Thursday said it plans to launch its first bond exchange-traded fund this year, shifting legendary bond investor Bill Gross' co-manager into a new role.

The Janus Short Duration Income ETF, which will be actively managed in part by Kumar Palghat, will aim to deliver returns of 2 to 3 percent above the benchmark three-month London interbank offered rate.

Palghat is stepping down from his role as portfolio manager of the Janus Global Unconstrained Bond Fund, which he has run with Gross since July 2015, Janus said in a statement. Palghat joined Gross' team after Janus took a majority stake in his prior company, Kapstream Capital Pty Ltd.

The planned fund launches Denver-based Janus into a fast-growing segment of the ETF industry that builds bond portfolios. The company made a splash in 2014 by hiring Gross from the company he co-founded, Pacific Investment Management Co. Palghat and Gross had previously worked together at Pimco.

Janus made forays into ETFs and similar products the same year, acquiring the company behind VelocityShares, known for their "leveraged" funds, some of which aim to triple the day's returns in the oil, gold or other markets.

Since then, Janus has launched a suite of its own ETFs, including some that aim to profit on the markets for long-term healthcare, combating obesity and organic food consumption.

Pending regulatory approvals from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Janus expects to list the new bond fund around October.

Short-duration funds focus on bonds and other debt securities that will be repaid soon and are relatively resilient to rising rates, which erode a bond's value.

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark overnight lending rate in December for the first time in nearly a decade and had been expected to continue tightening monetary policy in 2016. The U.S. central bank has so far this year held rates steady.

U.S.-listed bond ETFs have grown 26.7 percent over the last year, counting cash inflows but not market performance, through the end of June, according to fund researcher Morningstar Inc. That is faster than the overall industry's 9.8 percent growth rate during that period.

Popular short-term offerings already on the market include the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF, Pimco Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF and iShares Short Maturity Bond ETF.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Leslie Adler)
The Dow Chemical logo is displayed on a board above the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shortly after the opening bell in New York, December 22, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

By Swetha Gopinath

(Reuters) - Dow Chemical Co (NYSE: DOW) reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit as lower costs helped boost margins and the company indicated that it would exceed its cost-cutting target for the year.

The company said on Thursday that it had realized $90 million of its full-year cost savings target of $300 million in the second quarter.

It would be "reasonable to assume" that Dow will exceed its cost-savings target for the year, Chief Financial Officer Howard Ungerleider said in an interview.

Dow and DuPont (NYSE: DD), who are expected to close their $130 billion merger this year, have been slashing costs by laying off employees and keeping a tight lid on expenses.

The merger is being scrutinized by regulators in the United States and Europe, and the companies have offered concessions in a bid to allay EU antitrust concerns

"We remain really good on our timeline to close the transaction before the end of the year," said Ungerleider.

"No discussion we have had with the European Commission takes us off of that view."

Dow's second-quarter operating margin expanded by 160 basis points to 21 percent on an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) basis.

The company's strategy of focusing on high-margin products by shedding volatile commodity businesses such as its century-old chlorine business are also paying off.

EBITDA at the company's Consumer Solutions and Infrastructure Solutions units surged in the quarter ended June 30, helped by Dow taking full control of Dow Corning, its venture with Gorilla glass maker Corning Inc (NYSE: GLW).

The company's plastics unit reported 12 percent volume growth, and demand continues to be strong, with supply growth being restricted as polyethylene projects get delayed or pushed out, executives said on a post-earnings call.

"Dow's continued ability to deliver above-GDP growth despite macro uncertainty highlights renewed focus on cost, and strong consumer-driven portfolio," Nomura analysts wrote in a note.

DuPont also reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday, and forecast a 50 percent jump in third-quarter operating earnings as it steps up cost cutting.

Dow's net income attributable to shareholders nearly tripled to $3.12 billion, or $2.61 per share, in the quarter.

Excluding gain related to the Dow Corning deal, the company earned 95 cents per share, much higher than the average analyst estimate of 85 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Sales fell 7.4 percent to $11.95 billion, but beat the average estimate of $11.24 billion.

The company's shares were nearly unchanged at $53.90 in morning trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Swetha Gopinath in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey and Sriraj Kalluvila)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem said on Wednesday that he was disappointed with the European Commission's decision not to levy fines against Spain and Portugal for failing to bring their budget deficits below the EU cap.

"It is disappointing that there is no follow up on the conclusion that Spain and Portugal did not take effective action to consolidate their budgets, Dijsselbloem said in a statement.

"It must be clear that despite all the efforts already taken, Spain and Portugal are still in danger."

He said he would wait for the EU executive to clarify its decision and also discuss the issue with other euro zone countries.

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski, writing by Foo Yun Chee)
SEOUL (Reuters) - Malta has denied visa extensions for North Korean workers, effectively expelling them, due to a diplomatic campaign by South Korea and human rights groups, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

South Korea has been pressing the few countries that have ties with North Korea to push for changes in the isolated state, which has been criticized for its human rights record and for channeling wages earned by its workers abroad back to the North.

Malta has denied visa extensions for about 20 North Korean workers who had been employed at a construction firm and a clothing maker there, Yonhap reported, quoting unidentified sources in the Malta government and the companies.

All of the workers had since left Malta and returned to North Korea, Yonhap reported.

A diplomatic source in the capital, Valletta, said Malta had taken the move after a push by South Korea and human rights groups that raised concerns about the conditions faced by the North Korean workers, according to Yonhap.

Officials at Malta's consulate in Seoul could not be reached for comment.

North Korea has come under growing diplomatic pressure since its January nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to a new U.N. Security Council resolution in March tightening sanctions against Pyongyang.

South Korea has been making diplomatic efforts to engage North Korea's old allies to press for change in the isolated state.

Earlier this year, Namibia halted ties with two North Korean state-run companies that had built a munitions factory and were involved in projects for its military to comply with U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang, according to Namibian media and the South Korean government.

Poland has not issued new visas for North Koreans this year in reaction to the North's nuclear test and rocket launch at the beginning of the year amid concerns that Pyongyang may be subjecting its workers to conditions that violated their rights.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Paul Tait)
Table of Contents United States Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of July 2016 Vale S.A. Avenida das Americas, No. 700  Bloco 8, Sala 218

22640-100 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil (Address of principal executive office) (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.) (Check One) Form 20-F x Form 40-F o (Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1)) (Check One) Yes o No x (Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7)) (Check One) Yes o No x (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.) (Check One) Yes o No x (If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b). 82- .)

Table of Contents Press Release LISTED COMPANY CORPORATE TAX CODE (CNPJ) No. 33.592.510/0001-54 BOARD OF TRADE REGISTRATION (NIRE) No. 33.300.019.766 EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING On July 27, 2016, at 9:30 am, met, ordinarily, at Av. dos Portugueses S/N, Auditorio dos Ferroviarios, Praia do Boqueirao, Sao Luis, MaranhaoMessrs. Gueitiro Matsuo Genso  Chairman, Dan Conrado, Marcel Juviniano Barros, Fernando Jorge Buso Gomes, Alberto Ribeiro Guth, Eduardo Refinetti Guardia, Lucio Azevedo, and the alternates Messrs. Eduardo de Oliveira Rodrigues Filho and Yoshitomo Nishimitsu, and also Mr. Clovis Torres as secretary, having unanimously resolved upon the following: RESIGNATION AND NOMINATION OF MEMBER OF THE VALES BOARD OF DIRECTORS  The Board of Directors hereby acknowledges the resignation letter delivered by Mr. Tarcisio Massote de Godoy to his position as Effective Member of the Board of Directors of Vale, the Board of Directors expressed its gratitude to Mr. Tarcisio Massote de Godoy for the services rendered to the company. Immediately thereafter approved the nomination of Mr. EDUARDO REFINETTI GUARDIA, Brazilian, married, economist, bearer of the Identity card #11.329.884-5 issued by SSP/SP, enrolled at Brazilian Taxpayer Registry (CPF/MF) under #088.666.638-40, with commercial address at Ministerio da Fazenda, Esplanada dos Ministerios, bloco P, 4 floor, room 428, Brasilia, DF, as Effective Member of the Vales Board of Directors. The Director appointed herein, whose term shall last until the next Shareholders Extraordinary General Meeting to be held after the one who was convened on 07.11.2016, present at the meeting, declared to be free and clear to serve in such position according to article 147 of the Brazilian Corporate Law (Law # 6.404/1976). Then, the Statement of Consent of Senior Managers to the Corporate Governance Level 1 Listing Agreement of BM&FBovespa and its respective Listing Regulation was duly executed by the new Director and, thereafter, he accepted his position. Besides that, it was presented as an information item, the following subject: RESIGNATION OF MEMBER OF THE VALES BOARD OF DIRECTORS  The Board of Directors hereby acknowledges the resignation letter delivered by Mr. Luciano Galvao Coutinho to his position as Effective Member of the Board of Directors of Vale, the Board of Directors expressed its gratitude to Mr. Luciano Galvao Coutinho for the services rendered to the company. I hereby attest that the items above were excerpted from the Minutes taken from the Registry of the Minutes of the Board of Directors Meetings of the Company. Sao Luis, 27 th July, 2016. 3

Table of Contents LISTED COMPANY CORPORATE TAX CODE (CNPJ) No. 33.592.510/0001-54 BOARD OF TRADE REGISTRATION (NIRE) No. 33.300.019.766 Clovis Torres Secretary 4
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 28, 2016 (July 28, 2016)

New Media Investment Group Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 001-36097 38-3910250 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105 212-479-3160 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants principal executive offices) Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

 Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Section 2  Financial Information

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On July 28, 2016, New Media Investment Group Inc. (the Company) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second quarter ended June 26, 2016. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 , which is incorporated herein by reference.

Certain financial information and results for the Company may be disclosed by Fortress Investment Group LLC and Newcastle Investment Corp. in annual and quarterly reports and other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as in, earnings releases and conference calls. These disclosures may occur prior to the release of this information by the Company.

The information furnished pursuant to this Current Report on Form 8-K (including the exhibit hereto) shall not be considered filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be incorporated by reference into any filing by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, unless the Company expressly sets forth by specific reference in such filing that such information is to be considered filed or incorporated by reference therein.

Section 9  Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

99.1 Press Release dated July 28, 2016

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC. Date: July 28, 2016 By: /s/ Michael E. Reed Michael E. Reed Chief Executive Officer and President

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Number Exhibit 99.1 Press Release dated July 28, 2016

Exhibit 99.1

New Media Announces Second Quarter 2016 Results and Dividend of $0.33 per Common Share;

Announces the Acquisition of the Fayetteville Publishing Company

NEW YORK, N.Y. July 28, 2016  New Media Investment Group Inc. (New Media or the Company, NYSE: NEWM), one of the largest publishers of locally based print and online media in the United States as measured by number of publications, today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 26, 2016.

Second Quarter 2016 Financial Summary

 New Media declares a cash dividend of $0.33 per common share

 Total revenues of $314.8 million, an increase of 5.1% to prior year, and a decrease of 3.2% on a same store basis, the fourth consecutive quarter of improving same store revenue trends

 Digital revenue of $31.2 million, an increase of 6.7% to prior year on a same store basis

 Operating income of $16.7 million

 Net income of $9.4 million

 As Adjusted EBITDA of $40.1 million*

 Free cash flow of $29.1 million*

 Liquidity, consisting of cash on the balance sheet and undrawn revolver, of $100.7 million

Second Quarter 2016 & Subsequent Business Highlights

 Acquired substantially all of the assets of Journal Multimedia, a multi-title publishing, events, media, and research company for $18.0 million in cash in Q2

 Reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of the family-owned Fayetteville Publishing Company for $18.0 million in cash, which is expected to close in Q3

 The Columbus Dispatch was named the Best Daily Newspaper in Ohios Best Journalism contest

Summary of Second Quarter 2016 Results ($ in million) GAAP Reporting Revenues $ 314.8 Operating income $ 16.7 Net income $ 9.4 Non-GAAP Reporting* As Adjusted EBITDA $ 40.1 Free cash flow $ 29.1

* For definitions and reconciliations of Non-GAAP Reporting measures, please refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Note and reconciliations below.

Michael E. Reed, New Media President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, Im excited to announce that our second quarter results mark the fourth consecutive quarter of improving same store revenue trends, increasing nearly 200 basis points sequentially. Over the last several quarters, New Media has been committed to investing in both print and digital initiatives to drive its topline, and the improvement in our Q2 revenue trend indicates that we are building momentum towards achieving organic revenue growth by year-end 2017.

1

Im also pleased to announce that subsequent to the quarter, New Media reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of the family-owned Fayetteville Publishing Company for $18.0 million in cash and importantly, this acquisition met all of our stated operational and financial criteria. The Fayetteville Observer (the Observer), is the flagship newspaper of the Fayetteville Publishing Company, and has a long history as the dominant source of local news and information in Cumberland County, NC. First established in 1816, the Observer is the oldest newspaper still being published in North Carolina, and today has a daily and Sunday circulation of approximately 36,000 and 45,000, respectively.

Over the years, the Fayetteville Publishing Company has been able to grow its array of products and services while continuing to maintain its community roots and produce award-winning journalism. We are honored the extended Lilly family entrusted New Media to carry on its tradition of providing quality news coverage and editorial content, and we are excited to welcome the Observers employees and community into our growing company.

Given the out of favor and fragmented nature of the local media market, we believe there continues to be a compelling opportunity for New Media to acquire great assets at attractive valuations within this sector. With our print and digital initiatives contributing to our improving revenue trend, identified expense savings to be realized over the second half of the year, a strong and growing pipeline of potential acquisitions, and significant recurring cash flow from our core newspaper business, New Media remains well positioned to create substantial value for our shareholders.

New Media anticipates the acquisition of the Fayetteville Publishing Company will close in the third quarter of 2016 subject to customary closing conditions; however, there can be no assurance as to the timing or the occurrence of the closing.

Second Quarter 2016 Financial Results

New Media recorded total revenues of $314.8 million for the quarter, an increase of 5.1% when compared to the prior year, and a decrease of 3.2% on a same store basis. Q2 represents the fourth consecutive quarter of improving same store revenue trends, or a near 200 basis point trend improvement vs. last quarter. Total Print Advertising revenue decreased 10.2% on a same store basis primarily driven by anticipated softness in Preprints, Local Print Advertising, and Classified Print which decreased 11.2%, 10.8%, and 7.8% respectively.

Digital, our consistently growing revenue category, increased 6.7% on a same store basis to $31.2 million for the quarter. The primary driver of our strong revenue performance was our digital marketing services platform, Propel Marketing, which generated $12.0 million this quarter, an increase of 53.0% to prior year on a same store basis.

Circulation, our largest individual revenue category, performed strongly and increased 2.0%, on a same store basis, driven by promotions and redesigns to our newspapers and websites that have improved the consumer and advertiser experience. Lastly, Commercial Print and Other revenue increased 11.2% to prior year, on a same store basis, driven by strong commercial print and distribution performance, as well as the benefit from new business initiatives, such as events revenue.

Operating income of $16.7 million decreased $2.8 million to prior year, and net income of $9.4 million decreased $1.8 million to prior year.

2

As Adjusted EBITDA of $40.1 million was negatively impacted by $2.0 million of larger than expected healthcare claims in the second quarter that we do not believe to be recurring, and $1.2 million of new expenses tied to revenue growth initiatives that we believe will benefit future quarters. To compensate for these, the Company has identified and implemented incremental expense savings to be realized over the second half of the year.

Similar to As Adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow of $29.1 million was negatively impacted by the same expenses in the second quarter. We do not expect this additional $3.2 million in expenses to be present in the second half of the year.

Second Quarter 2016 Dividend

New Medias Board of Directors declared a second quarter 2016 cash dividend of $0.33 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on August 18, 2016 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 10, 2016.

The declaration and payment of any dividends are at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, which may decide to change the Companys dividend policy at any time.

Additional Information

For additional information that management believes to be useful for investors, please refer to the presentation posted on the Investor Relations section of New Medias website, www.newmediainv.com and the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which will be available on the Companys website. Nothing on our website is included or incorporated by reference herein.

Earnings Conference Call

New Medias management will host a conference call on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time. A copy of the earnings release will be posted to the Investor Relations section of New Medias website, www.newmediainv.com .

All interested parties are welcome to participate on the live call. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-877-601-8827 (from within the U.S.) or 1-918-534-8645 (from outside of the U.S.) ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call; please reference New Media Second Quarter Earnings Call.

A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be available to the public on a listen-only basis at www.newmediainv.com . Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website and download any necessary software required to listen to the internet broadcast.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will also be available approximately two hours following the calls completion through 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 11, 2016 by dialing 1-855-859-2056 (from within the U.S.) or 1-404-537-3406 (from outside of the U.S.); please reference access code 46153141.

About New Media Investment Group Inc.

New Media is focused primarily on investing in a high quality, diversified portfolio of local media assets, and on growing existing advertising and digital marketing businesses. The Company is one of the largest publishers of locally based print and online media in the United States as measured by our 125 daily publications. As of June 26, 2016, the Company operates in 530 markets across 36 states. New Medias portfolio of products, as of June 26, 2016, include 630 business and community publications and 530 websites, serve more than 200,000 business advertising accounts, and reach 20 million people on a weekly basis.

3

For more information regarding New Media and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.newmediainv.com .

Same Store Results

Same store results take into account material acquisitions and divestitures of the company by adjusting prior year performance to include or exclude financial results as if the Company had owned or divested a business for the comparable period. The results of several acquisitions (tuck-in acquisitions) were funded from the Companys available cash and not considered material.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company strongly urges stockholders and other interested persons not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business. In addition, because Adjusted EBITDA, As Adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, these non-GAAP measures, as presented in this press release, may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA, As Adjusted EBITDA, and Free Cash Flow

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit), interest/financing expense, depreciation and amortization, and non-cash impairments. The Company defines As Adjusted EBITDA as Adjusted EBITDA before transaction and project costs, merger and acquisition related costs, integration and reorganization costs, gain/loss on sale or disposal of assets, non-cash items such as non-cash compensation, and Adjusted EBITDA from non-wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company defines free cash flow as As Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures, cash taxes, interest paid, and pension payments.

Managements Use of Adjusted EBITDA, As Adjusted EBITDA, and Free Cash Flow

Adjusted EBITDA, As Adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to income from operations, net income (loss), cash flow from continuing operating activities or any other measure of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. New Medias management believes these non-GAAP measures, as defined above, are useful to investors for the following reasons:

 Evaluating performance and identifying trends in day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no significance on the Companys day-to-day operations; and

 Providing assessments of controllable expenses that afford management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieving optimal financial performance.

We use Adjusted EBITDA, As Adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow as measures of our deployed revenue generating assets between periods on a consistent basis. We believe As Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow measure our financial performance and help identify operational factors that management can impact in the short term, mainly our operating cost structure and expenses. We exclude mergers and acquisition, transaction, and project related costs such as diligence activities and new financing related costs because they represent costs unrelated to the day-to-day operating performance of the business that management can impact in the short term. We consider the loss on early extinguishment of debt to be financing related costs associated with interest expense or amortization of financing fees, which by definition are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. Such charges are incidental to, but not reflective of our day-to-day operating performance of the business that management can impact in the short term.

4

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding pursuing and completing future acquisitions and strategic opportunities, the availability of such opportunities, the ability to source and identify such opportunities and the benefits associated with such opportunities, expected revenue trends and our ability to continue to grow our dividend and deliver shareholder returns, our ability to leverage our scale to lower expenses, our ability to identify, implement and realize expense savings, growing our digital services business and revenues, and improving revenue trends driven by investments in digital and print initiatives. These statements are based on managements current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, such as continued declines in advertising and circulation revenues exceeding what we have seen in the past 12 months, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, competition from other media companies, the possibility of insufficient interest in our digital business, technological developments in the media sector, an ability to source acquisition opportunities with an attractive risk-adjusted return profile, inadequate diligence of acquisition targets, and difficulties integrating and reducing expenses at our newly acquired businesses. These and other risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. The Company can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the risks and other factors detailed from time to time in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause its actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Companys expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Contact:

Sara Yakin, Investor Relations

[email protected]

(212) 479-3160

Source: New Media Investment Group Inc.

5

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

June 26,

2016 December 27,

2015 (unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 60,689 $ 146,638 Restricted cash 3,200 6,967 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,810 and $4,479 at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively 125,566 136,249 Inventory 17,033 15,744 Prepaid expenses 19,307 14,549 Other current assets 18,286 11,763 Total current assets 244,081 331,910 Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $107,745 and $85,038 at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively 371,718 384,824 Goodwill 214,270 171,119 Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $32,797 and $23,122 at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively 350,830 303,575 Other assets 7,926 5,692 Total assets $ 1,188,825 $ 1,197,120 Liabilities and Stockholders Equity Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 13,509 $ 3,509 Accounts payable 11,395 9,571 Accrued expenses 74,759 100,173 Deferred revenue 72,798 62,294 Total current liabilities 172,461 175,547 Long-term liabilities: Long-term debt 340,100 350,266 Long-term liabilities, less current portion 11,819 9,192 Deferred income taxes 5,121 3,988 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 26,359 11,054 Total liabilities 555,860 550,047 Stockholders equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000,000 shares authorized at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015; 44,911,003 and 44,710,497 issued, at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively 445 445 Additional paid-in capital 606,495 605,033 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,117 ) (3,158 ) Retained earnings 29,495 44,753 Treasury stock, at cost, 30,422 and 0 shares at June 26, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively (353 )  Total stockholders equity 632,965 647,073 Total liabilities and stockholders equity $ 1,188,825 $ 1,197,120

6

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

Three months

ended Three months

ended Six months

ended Six months

ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Revenues: Advertising $ 174,153 $ 177,344 $ 337,791 $ 321,140 Circulation 104,094 91,763 207,971 172,814 Commercial printing and other 36,583 30,386 69,172 56,156 Total revenues 314,830 299,493 614,934 550,110 Operating costs and expenses: Operating costs 172,557 160,360 347,010 301,073 Selling, general, and administrative 106,029 99,667 206,113 188,797 Depreciation and amortization 17,258 17,387 33,349 33,088 Integration and reorganization costs 1,409 1,656 2,335 3,583 Loss on sale or disposal of assets 831 925 2,351 1,470 Operating income 16,746 19,498 23,776 22,099 Interest expense 7,524 7,623 14,878 16,615 Other income (90 ) (19 ) (254 ) (18 ) Income before income taxes 9,312 11,894 9,152 5,502 Income tax (benefit) expense (71 ) 699 (5,198 ) 373 Net income 9,383 11,195 14,350 5,129 Income per share: Basic: Net income $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.32 $ 0.12 Diluted: Net income $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.32 $ 0.12 Dividends declared per share $ 0.33 $ 0.33 $ 0.66 $ 0.63 Comprehensive income $ 9,400 $ 11,218 $ 14,391 $ 5,175

7

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

Six months

ended Six months

ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 14,350 $ 5,129 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 33,349 33,088 Non-cash compensation expense 1,237 515 Non-cash interest expense 1,392 1,391 Deferred income taxes (5,527 ) 299 Loss on sale or disposal of assets 2,351 1,470 Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations (973 ) (657 ) Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net 20,494 6,467 Inventory (1,166 ) 713 Prepaid expenses (3,087 ) (172 ) Other assets (2,763 ) (1,301 ) Accounts payable (1,164 ) (12,237 ) Accrued expenses (28,693 ) 17,260 Deferred revenue 268 (2,111 ) Other long-term liabilities 756 1,333 Net cash provided by operating activities 30,824 51,187 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment (5,443 ) (3,886 ) Proceeds from sale of publications and other assets 3,076 717 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (82,819 ) (425,534 ) Net cash used in investing activities (85,186 ) (428,703 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payment of debt issuance costs  (525 ) Borrowings under term loans  122,872 Borrowings under revolving credit facility  84,000 Repayments under term loans (1,755 ) (1,381 ) Repayments under revolving credit facility  (60,000 ) Payment of offering costs  (1,343 ) Issuance of common stock, net of underwriters discount  150,866 Purchase of treasury stock (353 )  Payment of dividends (29,479 ) (28,008 ) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (31,587 ) 266,481 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (85,949 ) (111,035 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 146,638 123,709 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 60,689 $ 12,674

8

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

As Adjusted EBITDA

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Three months ended Three months ended Six months

ended Six months

ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Net income $ 9,383 $ 11,195 $ 14,350 $ 5,129 Income tax (benefit) expense (71 ) 699 (5,198 ) 373 Interest expense 7,524 7,623 14,878 16,615 Depreciation and amortization 17,258 17,387 33,349 33,088 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations 34,094 36,904 57,379 55,205 Non-cash compensation and other expense 3,750 2,904 7,113 7,406 Integration and reorganization costs 1,409 1,656 2,335 3,583 Loss on sale or disposal of assets 831 925 2,351 1,470 As Adjusted EBITDA 40,084 42,389 69,178 67,664 Interest paid (6,696 ) (6,675 ) (13,469 ) (10,802 ) Net capital expenditures (2,855 ) (2,194 ) (5,443 ) (3,886 ) Pension payments (913 ) (328 ) (973 ) (657 ) Cash taxes(1) (549 ) (83 ) (1,604 ) (263 ) Free Cash Flow 29,071 33,109 47,689 52,056 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 44,528,457 44,465,646 44,505,991 43,612,661 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 44,912,694 44,877,752 44,890,922 44,068,851

(1) Cash paid, net of refunds.

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Same Store Revenues

(In thousands)

Three

months ended Three

months ended Six months

ended Six months

ended June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 June 26, 2016 June 28, 2015 Total revenues from continuing operations $ 314,830 $ 299,493 $ 614,934 $ 550,110 Revenue adjustment for material acquisitions(1)  25,815  91,401 Same Store Revenues $ 314,830 $ 325,308 $ 614,934 $ 641,511

(1) Material acquisitions include Halifax, Stephens (less Las Vegas), Columbus, Dolan, and Erie.

9
86-year-old elephant, Dakshayani, is right now in the custody of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

By Revathi Rajeevan: With wrinkled skin and droopy eyes, Dakshayani is made to eye the Guinness Book of World Records. At 86, this elephant is said to be the world's oldest captive Asian elephant. But this does not give her the privilege to live life queen size. She will continue to be paraded for temple festivals.

Dakshayani is in the custody of the Travancore Devaswom Board which manages several temples including the famous Shabarimala temple. The board has written to the Guinness Book authorities to confer upon her the title of the "World's oldest elephant". But animal activists are not happy.

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"The wildlife protection act 1972 specifically states that every captive elephant above the age of 65 must be kept out of any elephant parade for any celebration. Such an elephant is a retired elephant which must be kept inside a forest like place without subjecting to scorching sunlight or downpour and must be kept away from tarred road or concrete floor. They have been flouting all norms," said Venkitachalam VK, secretary, Heritage Animal Task Force.

Dakshayani has no children and has been with the Travancore Devaswom Board for more than half a century now. Considering her age, her parading has now been limited to Thiruvananthapuram alone.

"Elephants will continue to be paraded. It is part of temple customs and traditions. Dakshayani is one of our 33 elephants," said Prayar Gopalakrishnan, president, Travancore Devaswom Board, after honouring her with the "Gajamuthashi"(the granny elephant).

Her mahout boasts about how well she has been taken care of. "She is not taken outside the city considering her age. She has also turned slightly blind in the right eye," said Muralidharan Nair, her mahout.

When her owners begin their retirement plans at half her age, Dakshayani is not allowed to retire yet.

Save our jumbos



--- ENDS ---
After Kris Gethin, this super trainer helps Hrithik Roshan get in shape. And his Aztec push-up will convince you that you need a trainer just like him.

By Nikita Bhalla: A few days back, actor Hrithik Roshan posted a couple of pictures after returning home from Africa with his kids and team including his personal trainer Mustafa Ahmed. These pics were bound to get viral--and they did. A few days later the handsome hunk also posted a picture of a delicious chocolate-protein cake to celebrate Mustafa's birthday.

Celbrating @mustafaahmed84 bday wth a delicious chocprotein cake made by his wondrful wife.Ty @Fitness_Bakery#repost pic.twitter.com/6d7HYMnSd5 Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) July 19, 2016

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This piqued our curiosity about Mustafa, and we decided to peek into his life to learn a little more about him. After all, it's a known fact that Roshan Jr is a fitness enthusiast and the person who's making the superstar look so good has to be special, as Hrithik's tweets show.

So this is who he is. Mustafa has been training Hrithik for Mohenjo Daro and is one kicka** fitness trainer who first slays it at the gym and then pampers himself (and his clients) through his health food venture called Fitness Bakery. One look at his social media account and you'll be floored.

So, watch this first: Keep pushing and challenging yourself. There is no limit to ones ability. #HRX #pushyourextreme pic.twitter.com/0RHcQET6GD

mustafa ahmed (@mustafaahmed84) May 9, 2016



Closer and similar to the Aztec push-ups are these daring Superman push-ups and Mustafa is nailing these too:

Never satisfied. Always strive to be better and stronger. Some superman pushups in my @hrxbrand shoes. Love these. pic.twitter.com/xEiUE47Axo mustafa ahmed (@mustafaahmed84) May 3, 2016

Isn't he such a pro at doing those kill-me-before-you-do-that-again kinda push-ups?

Yes, they are called Aztec push-ups and are way ahead of the usual (again pretty tough) push-ups where one is supposed to not only do a push-up but also lift your entire body high enough in the air so as to touch the toes with your fingers, and all of that has to be extremely quick. This kind of a push-up is often touted to be a complete upper body exercise where you put to work all upper body muscle groups like the pectorals, deltoids, and triceps.

Also read: Hrithik Roshan's trainer Kris Gethin is all set to train India



And hey, that's not his only game; he does so many other freak-me-out workouts like a cakewalk.

Here's a glimpse of some of his workouts that would make you want to train under him, ASAP.



Watch the videos here:



Nothing wrong with failing as long as u don't quit. But quitting is not an option. PR in power clean. 265lbs/120kg. pic.twitter.com/3gsBk9GqqM mustafa ahmed (@mustafaahmed84) May 16, 2016

Some days u just have to go for it. 537lbs/244kg deadlift. @hrxbrand shoes felt better for lifting than my lifters. pic.twitter.com/RF29tAcOyz mustafa ahmed (@mustafaahmed84) July 13, 2016

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We get it that you may already be inspired by now, but you know what--DO NOT try this at home without any professional supervision or without Mustafa standing next to you.

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By India Today Web Desk: Come October and Sultan Salman will be back to rule the small screen again. The fresh season of popular reality show Bigg Boss 10 will in most likelihood start airing from October on Colors. In fact, if recent reports are to be trusted, Salman has already shot for the promo on July 27, before heading to Ladakh for Kabir Khan's next Tubelight.

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Though the megastar will be hosting Bigg Boss for the seventh time in a row, he feels that the tenth edition will be most stressful, as it will feature commoners as well as celebrities. It will be interesting to see how celebs and commoners, coming from different backgrounds, will live under one roof. "This year Bigg Boss is going to be the most stressful one for me. This season is going to have celebrities, stars and also the common man. It is going to be very challenging as people from different sectors are going to be a part of it," Salman had told TOI.

Also read: It'll be stressful this time: Salman Khan opens up about hosting Bigg Boss 10

Pakistani model Qandeel Baloch, who got murdered by her brother few days back, was also considering Bigg Boss this time. Also, the man who got slapped by Govinda--Santosh Bateshwar Ray--has apparently been approached by the producers of Bigg Boss.

Also read: Bigg Boss 10: The man who got slapped by Govinda might star on the show

The first season of the controversial reality show was hosted by Arshad Warsi, the second season was taken over by Shilpa Shetty while the third season was hosted by none other than Bollywood Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan. Sallu has been hosting the show from the fourth season onwards.

Also read: Qandeel Baloch on Bigg Boss 10: Is Pakistan's Poonam Pandey all set to make her Indian TV debut?

Till now, only the promos featuring 'aam aadmi' have aired. Are you excited about the Salman-starrer Bigg Boss 10 promo?



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By Rakesh Ranjan: In wake of recent attacks on armed forces, the Centre has begun a massive exercise to overhaul the road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Identifying broken roads as a major hurdle during movement of security forces, redevelopment of 50 roads have been taken up in the state. Experts said potholed roads particularly the highways slow down the troops and thus making them vulnerable to terror attacks like the one in Pampore on June 25, where militants attacked a CRPF convoy killing 8 personnel. There have been six attacks on Indian armed forces in the last 8 months in Jammu and Kashmir.

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CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS WILL COST RS 450 CRORE

According to the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, work is in progress for redevelopment of 50 roads, including some in the sensitive areas. The cost of the work is nearly Rs 450 crore. Some of these roads fall in areas like Akhnoor, Samba, Budgam, Tral, Sopore, Shopian and others. A transport ministry official said construction of these roads is being taken under Central Road Fund (CRF) scheme. According to the government, more than Rs 165 crore has already been disbursed for the projects.

BRO TO EXPEDITE CONSTRUCTION OF 70 ROADS

In another development, the Centre has also directed that Border Road Organisation (BRO) to expedite construction of nearly 70 roads in the Jammu and Kashmir. An official said the Centre has also taken up the matter with the state government by setting up an empowered panel to oversee the execution of these projects. Officials said these road projects along the international border in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have mainly been delayed due to problems over forest and wildlife clearance, limited working season, difficulties in the availability of construction material and delay in land acquisition.

Sources said the construction of roads in the state would pick up pace given the BJP-PDP alliance government in Jammu and Kashmir. The centre has been aggressively pushing for road infrastructure in bordering areas particularly Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and the north eastern states.

STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT ROADS

Some of these projects are in the strategically crucial Ladakh region where faceoff between the Indian and the Chinese troops have become rather frequent in recent times. Sources said the security establishments have often raised concerns over the issue.

These road projects are crucial keeping in view the preparedness of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) which guards the Indian territory in the region. These projects become all the more important during winters when a number of ITBP posts get disconnected due to heavy snowfall.

ALSO READ:

Kashmir: Amid tensions, govt begins student admissions under PMSSS



--- ENDS ---
According to the data available with Ministry of Tourism, as many as 96,856 foreigners have visited India on Medical Visa till June this year.

By Neetu Chandra Sharma: Owing to quality medical services coming at a cheaper price, India is witnessing a swelling number of patients from other countries each year boosting medical tourism. According to the data available with Ministry of Tourism, as many as 96,856 foreigners have visited India on Medical Visa till June this year.

INDIA EMERGES AS NEW DESTINATION FOR MEDICAL TOURISTS

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In 2013, 56,129 foreigners visited India on Medical Visa that increased from 7,5,671 in 2014 to 1,34,344 in 2015 with largest number of patients thronging from Bangladesh. "India is receiving a huge number of patients from other countries because doctors and medical services in India are astoundingly great and can be availed at a cheaper price. Cosmetic procedures like lasers, Botox and skin surgeries such as facelift and nose jobs etc are very costly in other countries. There is an array from patients running towards India, especially from Bangladesh and Afghanistan because these kinds of surgeries are not covered in any kind of insurance," said Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a noted Dermatologist based in New Delhi.

"I receive 30 to 40 patients every month who come on Medical Visa from other countries. I also get many patients from Europe because in India we use European machines that are otherwise very costly in other countries and definitely attract patients to rush for availing these services," she said. Rehana from Korea has recently got a nose job, control depth peel and multivitamin concoctions for skin whitening (cosmetic skin treatments) done at Dr Bhardwaj's clinic that would have cost her over Rs 60,000 to 70,000 in her country. In India she availed the services for Rs 35,000 only with good results.

PRIVATE HOSPITALS WITNESS ROBUST GROWTH

Majority of private hospitals in Delhi receive good number of patients from other countries, hospitals in NCR are also swarmed with patients on Medical Visa.

"Besides metros, multispecialty hospitals in NCR like Faridabad and Gurgaon have been witnessing a robust growth over the years in terms of international patient footfalls. On an average we have 2000 international patients visiting our hospitals for their medical needs. Majority of our overseas patients are from the Middle East countries, Afghanistan, South Africa, Nigeria and others," said Neha Pandey, Director, International Marketing, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, adding "overseas patients are coming for treatments like cancer, neurosurgery, cardio vascular, knee replacement, bariatric and aesthetics. But in the last two months there has been a dip in the footfall s as they are finding it difficult to get their medical visa."

ALSO READ:

If doctors are not available, run mobile hospital van: Bombay HC to Maharashtra govt



--- ENDS ---
The family would like to thank all the well-wishers who have sent so many messages of love and support, they are finding this a huge comfort at this time, says Diana.

No further details will be released and the family will make no future comment and ask that their privacy be respected.

James was seriously injured in a crash on State Highway 35 near Opotiki on Tuesday night, a Bay of Plenty District Health Board spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.

Police say when officers arrived at the scene of the crash the 19-year-old actor was trapped in a vehicle which had struck the Otara bridge on the eastern side of Opotiki shortly before 10.30pm.

After being freed from the vehicle, James was stabilised at the scene by BayTrust Rescue Helicopters specialist on-board paramedic before being airlifted to Tauranga hospital for further care.

Another person who was an occupant in the vehicle at the time of the crash also suffered minor injuries.

James was catapulted to fame playing Alamein in the 2010 film Boy, as well as starring alongside Cliff Curtis in the critically acclaimed movie The Dark Horse in 2014 and action movie The Dead Lands.

The actor is also well known for his involvement with Tauranga charity Homes of Hope.

Polices serious Crash Unit is currently investigating the crash.
A special parade will take place in central Wellington next Monday, August 1, to celebrate 75 Years of Women in Policing.

The parade, led by Commissioner Mike Bush, Minister of Police Judith Collins and victims advocate and NZ Police wing patron Louise Nicholas, will feature around 800 police officers and police staff from across the country, retired staff, the NZ Police Pipe Band, women dressed in replica uniforms from across the decades, police dogs, puppies, old style police cars and much more.

The event is a culmination of a national torch relay which began its tour of the country from Cape Reinga and Bluff on June 24.

Since then the relay has passed through all twelve Police Districts, travelling down the North Island and up the South island and involving many staff and the communities in which they serve.

The two halves of the torch will be joined together as one and carried in the national parade by one of the first women police officers in New Zealand, Marie Storey, who joined in 1943, and one of our newest women recruits.

The 75th Anniversary of Women in Policing is a national celebration to acknowledge retired and current women staff who have been an integral part in shaping New Zealand Police into the organisation it is today.

The parade will start from Civic Square at 12:15pm and will travel down Mercer Street, onto Willis Street then down Lambton Quay to Parliament, where it will be welcomed by the NZ Police Kapa Haka group.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush says a parade is a fitting way to end the national relay and an opportunity for the public to join in the celebrations.

Seventy five years is a significant milestone and I will be immensely proud to walk alongside just some of the many fantastic police staff, both men and women from around New Zealand.

Over the last couple of months many staff have been engaging with their communities in activities to mark the 75th anniversary, they are passionate advocates for police and have showcased police as a great career choice for women.

I know we will recruit even more capable women into our organisation in the future, says Commissioner Bush.

The New Zealand Police invite retired staff who would like to participate in the Parade to join them at Civic Square at 11:30am.

They also invite the public and family and friends of police staff to come along on Monday and enjoy the parade.

The public are also advised that road closures will be in place for the parade and some traffic delays are likely.

SOURCE: New Zealand Police
The Government must urgently launch a Ministerial inquiry into surgical mesh after more than 500 patients have lodged claims of complications with the ACC, say Labours Health spokesperson Annette King.

This is the most widespread crisis involving surgical devices in health and the Ministry of Health has adopted a hands off approach.

The quality and safety information was not reviewed by Medsafe beforehand with disastrous consequences for patients. There are only a few specialists who are trained in removing surgical mesh, and patients are struggling to get their faulty implants removed.

Nothing is being done by the Government in terms of setting up a registry to track the use of mesh or to ensure a consistent monitoring approach. Its been left up to district health boards to how they use and monitor surgical mesh. There is caution around these devices but it has come seven years too late.

The use of the mesh, which is used to repair vaginal prolapses, has been left in the hands of District Health Boards. Some, like the Auckland DHB use the mesh, others dont use it all.

The Auckland DHB revealed in an Official Information Act request that 42 of their 192 patients reported complications. But they claimed this compared favourably with international complication rates.

Overseas, Scotland has suspended the use of mesh and the European Union is now investigating a reclassification of the device.

Jonathan Coleman needs to look at why there is no check on the quality and safety of devices like surgical mesh before they are used on Kiwis.

Patients have simply been left in the dark over whether mesh is safe and its clear there is no clear consistency in how and where it is used.

The Minister is ignoring women who are suffering from mesh complications. They have been told to go away. A Ministerial inquiry is now their only answer, says Annette King.

SOURCE: Office of Annette King
The Electricity Authoritys (EA) proposed pricing regime will have a hugely detrimental effect on businesses and on regional New Zealand, says New Zealand First.

Under the proposed changes, Employers and Manufacturers Association members (EMA) will be among those who will be particularly hard hit, says Spokesperson for Energy Fletcher Tabuteau

In their submission to the authority, the EMA has also highlighted the fact those needing high voltage connections such as schools or hospitals may be paying an additional $22,000 per annum.

This is just one area; businesses in regions already struggling with the downturn in the global dairy price cannot be expected to take price rises.

"It is also a disgrace that these proposed price changes would also take more out from areas such as Northland than the government provides in economic development initiatives.

The government needs to step in and demand fair prices across the country.

Theres money from grid owner Transpowers profit last year of $194 million to do just that, Mr Tabuteau says.

SOURCE: Office of letcher Tabuteau


If elected, a Labour Government would transform careers advice in high schools to ensure every student has a personalised career plan, says party leader Andrew Little.

This week Labour announced a $30 million plan that would see schools partner with business and training providers to deliver up-to-date and relevant careers advice that prepares young people for the future.
By PTI: Panaji, Jul 28 (PTI) A Chennai-bound Oman Air flight from Muscat today made an emergency landing at Goa International airport in Dabolim after a woman passenger was taken ill.

"There was (an) emergency landing due to a medical reason at 7 AM today. Oman Airways flight that was flying to Chennai from Muscat had a woman passenger who reported sick mid-air," Dabolim Airport director, Bhupesh Negi told PTI.

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The passengerwas later declared dead by doctors, he said.

The flight later took off to its scheduled journey.

Meanwhile, Goa Police, which lodged a case in this regard, said the woman passenger was referred to government- run Cottage Hospital at Chicalim, near the airport.

"She was declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital," a police official said.

Details of the passenger were awaited. PTI RPS ARSChennai-bound Oman Air flight makes emergency landing in Goa

Panaji, Jul 28 (PTI) A Chennai-bound Oman Air flight from Muscat today made an emergency landing at Goa International airport in Dabolim after a woman passenger was taken ill.

"There was (an) emergency landing due to a medical reason at 7 AM today. Oman Airways flight that was flying to Chennai from Muscat had a woman passenger who reported sick mid-air," Dabolim Airport director, Bhupesh Negi told PTI.

The passengerwas later declared dead by doctors, he said.

The flight later took off to its scheduled journey.

Meanwhile, Goa Police, which lodged a case in this regard, said the woman passenger was referred to government- run Cottage Hospital at Chicalim, near the airport.

"She was declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital," a police official said.

Details of the passenger were awaited. PTI RPS ARS AAR

--- ENDS ---
The Royal Humane Society of New Zealand will present three Hamilton Police officers with bravery awards at Fridays ceremony.

The awards are in recognition of their efforts during three separate rescues from the Waikato River.

Acting District Commander Inspector Greg Nicholls will be attending the ceremony, along with a number of other Police representatives:

Despite these rescues involving a team effort from all emergency services, Constables Cvitanich, Harrison and Polglase had just moments to make the decisions they did during these rescues.

Constable Roger Cvitanich

Constable Roger Cvitanich will receive a Bronze Medal for his actions in rescuing a woman from the Waikato River near Cobham Drive Bridge late one evening in winter 2014.

Constable Cvitanich entered the water when he heard a splash and swam out under the bridge, into the dark, fast-flowing river, which was in flood.

Guided only by the torchlight coming from his colleagues above, he found her and towed her to the eastern bank of the river.

Due to the bush terrain, he was unable to climb out of the water and he had to remain there semi submerged trying to keep her conscious until the Police boat arrived.

Constable Mark Harrison

Constable Mark Harrison will be presented a Bronze Medal for his actions rescuing a teenage girl from the Waikato River near the Fairfield Bridge in February 2015.

In response to an emergency call, Constable Harrision made his way down to the waters edge near the walkway on River Road, where he could hear a girl in the water struggling to stay afloat.

When he saw the girl submerge and feared she would not resurface, Constable Harrison removed his protective vest and then jumped, fully clothed, into the water.

With a torch in his mouth, he swam towards her.

Just before he reached her, she went under again and began to sink.

He had to pull her up to the surface by her hair and other officers waded into waist deep water to assist pulling both of them to the bank.

She had shallow breathing, was semi-conscious, coughing up water and going into shock.

She was unable to answer any questions and was mumbling incoherently.

Fire rescue staff were called to assist with retrieving the girl and ambulance staff transported her to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Constable Christopher Polglase

Constable Christopher Polglase will receive a Certificate of Merit in acknowledgement of his actions to rescue an elderly man who fell in to the river from Whitiora Bridge in December 2014.

When notified, Constable Polglase went down to a park area downstream, and located the man floating face down in the water.

Removing his safety vest, he entered the water and swam out to him.

He supported the man who was unresponsive and showing no signs of life.

They had drifted 250 metres downstream before Constable Polglase was assisted in pulling the man to the shore.

Sadly, the man was confirmed dead at the scene by a doctor walking nearby.

Conditions in the Waikato River are hazardous and unpredictable, with deep water and strong currents, posing a significant risk to any person attempting a rescue.

Nicholls says: In choosing to risk their own lives by entering the dangerous local waters, two lives were saved, and two families were saved from the grief of losing a loved one.

I am very proud of the actions of all three police officers and its an honour to witness them being recognised for their bravery.

The Royal Humane Society of New Zealand was established in 1898 with the principle function of recognising and rewarding those who risk their own lives to save the lives of others.

Nominations are made by members of the public, the Fire Service, Coroners, Police and other local authorities.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker will present the awards on Friday, July 29, ceremony, which will be held in the Hamilton City Council chamber at 1pm.

SOURCE: New Zealand Police
Failing to give way was the cause of a two car crash at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Cameron Road shortly after 1pm on Wednesday afternoon.

The driver of one of the vehicles was taken to hospital for observation, and it was a simple failing to give way scenario, says Western Bay of plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion.



Two cars collided when one driver didnt give way to the right on Wednesday afternoon. Photos: Chris Callinan

Just not following the rules, says Ian.

The 85 year old driver of one of the vehicles pulled out of Second Avenue into Cameron Road and collided with an oncoming vehicle. He was taken to hospital for observation.

Ian says since the right hand rule was restored in New Zealand in 2012, most intersection crashes are "gap selection issues" caused by drivers not being able to assess the speeds of vehicles, or trying to select a gap that is simply too small for them.
Tourist spending in the Bay of Plenty was an estimated $1.6 billion for the year to June 2016, according to new data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Figures from the latest MBIEs Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates released today shows tourist spending was up by seven per cent when compared with the year to June 2015.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman is calling on clinicians to submit innovative ideas on healthcare.

Clinicians have an insiders view of where innovation can be applied to improve healthcare services, says Dr Coleman.

Each year the Clinicians Challenge encourages health professionals to find ways technology can solve problems they face in their day to day practice, as well as making a difference to the health of New Zealanders.

Effective use of information and technology solutions can also enable patients to be more involved in their own healthcare, and can ensure clinicians have access to a fuller range of information, helping to improve patient care.

Last years winner in the active project category, the oDocs Eye Care initiative, was a world-first innovation that can be used on a smartphone to diagnose people with sight-threatening conditions. It has now been successfully released commercially and makes basic ophthalmology services accessible and affordable to people living in remote areas.

This years Clinicians Challenge has two categories  for a new idea yet to be developed, and an innovative system or solution already in place thats having a positive impact on patient care.

The winner in each category will receive a grant of $8000. The results will be announced at the 2016 Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) conference in November.

The Clinicians Challenge is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Health and HiNZ. Entries can be submitted at www.hinz.org.nz until September 12.

SOURCE: Office of Jonathan Coleman
For two crewmen on board the Anzac Frigate HMNZS Te Mana, the ships visit to its home port is also the visit to their home port.

Midshipman (MID) Matthew Barnett, 20, and Able Communications Warfare Specialist (ACWS) Michael Simpson-Woods, 23, both attended Tauranga Boys College and joined the navy for similar reasons.
UPDATE 1.25PM: Police have named the 29-year-old man who was killed in a accident at a Waihi mine on Thursday night.

Western Bay of Plenty man Tipiwai Stainton, 29, died following a work place accident at OceanaGolds Correnso Mine at about 6.30pm.

Operations at the mine have been suspended following the death and police have handed the scene over to Worksafe New Zealand and are assisting them with their inquiries.

Officers are also continuing investigations on behalf of the Coroner.

OceanaGold says its the first fatality in its 25-years of operations in New Zealand, reports Fairfax.

The mines general manager Bernie OLeary told a media conference this morning it was too early to speculate about what might have happened.

He confirms Tipiwai had been void-filling - which is back-filling waste rock - about 200m below the surface in the 300m-deep mine.

Fairfax reports Bernie didnt want to be pressed on how anyone was alerted to the accident, saying it would come out as part of the investigation.

EARLIER:

A 29-year-old man died following a work place accident at an OceanaGold mine in Waihi last night.

The man was killed after the 50 tonne front end loader he was in rolled down a stope in the Correnso mine about 6.30pm.

A stope is a step-like underground space produced by mining.

An underground mine rescue team carried out a search for the man and his body was found in the early hours of this morning in the loader.

WorkSafe and Police are at the scene and are investigating the circumstances of the death.

Area Commander Inspector John Kelly would like to thank all those involved in the rescue operation and also offers his sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased man.

Police, emergency services and mine rescue staff were called to the Corresnso underground mine last night.

An earlier release stated the large front end loader with one person on board roll down a shaft.

While the rescue operation was carried out all mining activities in the area were stopped.

The mine is the Correnso mine which is a working between 350 and 130 metres below the streeets of Waihi.



A schematic of the Mine
By PTI: Panaji, Jul 28 (PTI) A Chennai-bound Oman Air flight from Muscat today made an emergency landing at Goa International airport in Dabolim after a woman passenger was taken ill.

"There was (an) emergency landing due to a medical reason at 7 AM today. Oman Airways flight that was flying to Chennai from Muscat had a woman passenger who reported sick mid-air," Dabolim Airport director, Bhupesh Negi told PTI.

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The passengerwas later declared dead by doctors, he said.

The flight later took off to its scheduled journey.

Meanwhile, Goa Police, which lodged a case in this regard, said the woman passenger was referred to government- run Cottage Hospital at Chicalim, near the airport.

"She was declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital," a police official said.

Details of the passenger were awaited. PTI RPS ARS AAR DK

--- ENDS ---
Major General Wang Xiaojun - the Military, Naval and Air attache at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, articulated his country's tough dispute on the South China Sea dispute.

By Smita Sharma: China today continued to display its aggressive stand on maritime sovereignty.

Major General Wang Xiaojun - the Military, Naval and Air attache at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, articulated his country's tough dispute on the South China Sea dispute.

China will never accept any kind of dispute settlement by third party and will not accept any idea thrust upon it, he said.

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Speaking on the occasion of the 89th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army, Major General Xiaojun stressed that China will continue to talk to relative parties with respect, on historical facts and under international laws.

He added that Beijing respects international law and "sincerely hoped that relations between Indian and China continue to progress and there is everlasting friendship between the two forces."

China had recently rejected the ruling by an international tribunal on the South China Sea maritime dispute and called the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague as 'a puppet of external forces'. The ruling had favoured petitioner Philippines saying the country's sovereignty had been breached by the dragon.

Chinese military announced on Thursday that China and Russia will hold joint military drills in the South China Sea in September, which could further add to the existing tensions between US and Beijing.

ALSO READ:

Uttarakhand border incident: China's PLA says troops 'will not cross LAC'

With eye on China, Modi govt gives Adani Rs 16 billion to build India's first transshipment port



--- ENDS ---
American Sniper

In this image released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Bradley Cooper appears in a scene from "American Sniper."

(The Associated Press)

Newsflash, America: Bradley Cooper is not Chris Kyle. He just plays him

on television

in a movie.

The "American Sniper" actor came under fire Wednesday when he was spotted in the audience at the 2016 Democratic National Convention with his girlfriend, Russian model Irina Shayk. Cooper was a trending topic on Twitter as social media users were apparently surprised to discover he's not really a Republican after playing Kyle, a conservative hero, in Clint Eastwood's movie about the late Navy SEAL sniper.

wow Republicans turn on American hero Chris Kyle pic.twitter.com/kMyysc81LM  Matt Binder (@MattBinder) July 28, 2016

People are upset that Bradley Cooper who played Sniper Chris Kyle is a democrat  pic.twitter.com/brxNyaZOPP  Yukio Strachan (@boldandworthy) July 28, 2016

Realllll disappointed to see Bradley Cooper at the DNC. But, oh well.  mrs. spooky (@rachelcrawf0rd) July 28, 2016

Cooper, 41, was nominated for an Academy Award for the 2014 role because he's a good actor, but he was also nominated for acting Oscars in "American Hustle" and "Silver Linings Playbook," played a quail-hunting preppie named Sack Lodge in "Wedding Crashers," enhanced his intellectual abilities with a dangerous pill in "Limitless," partied hard in three "Hangover" movies, and voiced a talking raccoon in "Guardians of the Galaxy."

The Daily Beast reports the former "Sexiest Man Alive" has been a longtime Democrat who donated to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in 2008. He's also a native of Philadelphia, where the DNC is being held.

The publication added that most Hollywood stars lean left, as evidenced by the celebrity lineup supporting Clinton. Speakers this week have included Meryl Streep, Eva Longoria, Lena Dunham, America Ferrera, Alicia Keys and Elizabeth Banks.

Famous Republicans include Jon Voight, Gary Sinise, Kid Rock, Adam Sandler and Eastwood, who addressed an empty chair at the 2012 Republican National Convention. Speakers at this year's RNC included Scott Baio, Antonio Sabato Jr. and "Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson.

People being upset Bradley cooper who played the American Sniper is not a republican is like me being upset he is not a real space raccoon.  Stephen Williams (@siavm) July 28, 2016
Tom Thumb crash.JPG

Chloe E. Calhoun, 18, of Auburn, was killed Wednesday night on East Lake Road in Owasco after another vehicle struck her SUV from behind near Tom Thumb Drive In.

(Charley Hannagan|channagan@syracuse.com)

OWASCO, N.Y. -- An 18 year old died Wednesday night after her vehicle was struck from behind in Cayuga County.

Chloe E. Calhoun, of Auburn, drove out out of the Tom Thumb Drive In's parking lot at 9:41 p.m., said Lt. Michael Wellauer, of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office. Tom Thumb, an ice cream stand and restaurant, is at 6143 E. Lake Road in Owasco.

Calhoun had just pulled out of the parking lot when her 2005 Ford Escape was struck from behind, Wellauer said.

Her car was struck by a 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche driven by Dain R. Schneider, 33, of Owasco, who was driving north on East Lake Road, Wellauer said.

Calhoun was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, Wellauer said. She was rushed to Auburn Community Hospital in Auburn and later airlifted to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where she died, he said.

Calhoun graduated from Auburn High School last month.

Schneider was transported to Upstate with non life-threatening injuries, Wellauer said.

East Lake Road (Route 38A) is a two-lane road that runs along Owasco Lake. The speed limit in the area where the crash happened is 55 mph.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Wellauer said investigators are currently looking at "all possible factors."

Deputies asked anyone who witnessed the crash or saw either vehicle before the accident to call (315) 253-3545.

In addition to deputies, members of Cayuga County 911, the Cayuga County District Attorney's Office, the Cayuga County Emergency Management Office, the Cayuga County Critical Incident Stress Management Team, the New York State Police, the Owasco Fire Department, Owasco Ambulance, the Fleming Fire Department, Fleming One Ambulance, American Medical Response Ambulance and Mercy Flight responded to the accident.
DANNEMORA, N.Y. -- The prison at the far northeast tip of New York has drawn a lot of media attention over the past year.

Two inmates at Clinton Correctional Facility escaped in June 2015, with one later killed by police and the other recaptured. The state Inspector General's Office blamed the escapes on systemic failures and staff complacency.

Two weeks ago, inmates staged a coup attempt in a recreation yard inside the massive prison walls in Dannemora. The prison was on lock-down because of the incident until last week.

Clinton has its share of well-known convicts. There's Joel Rifkin, a serial killer who murdered nine women in New York City and Long Island from 1989 through 1993.

Julio Gonzalez murdered 87 people in 1990 when he set fire to the Happy Land social club in the Bronx.



Maksim "Mad Maks" Gelman murdered four people in a 2011 shooting spree in New York City.

The prison, which has 2,610 inmates, includes Central New York convicts John Jamelske, Karl Karlsen, Kevin Schaus and Gary Thibodeau.

The prison has the fourth-highest number of murderers in the state, with 460. It also houses 190 men convicted of manslaughter, 118 convicted of attempted murder, and 31 convicted of kidnapping or attempted kidnapping.

Green Haven state prison in downstate New York has the most murderers with 746.

Search the database below by inmate name or crime to see who's at Clinton and for what. You can search by type of crime to see everyone housed at Clinton for that offense.

to load this Caspio

by Caspio
ITHACA, N.Y. -- An investigation into a mobile meth lab in Ithaca turned into a hazardous material cleanup when crime scene investigators discovered an unknow "highly acidic" chemical, according to Ithaca police.

Officers arrived at the 100 block of Cherry Street in Ithaca regarding a "mobile meth lab". Officer Jamie Williamson, the department spokesman, described the lab as a "motor vehicle" and said a large amount of unknown liquid had spilled from inside it.

New York Environmental Conservation officers ultimately arrived on scene after it was determined that the liquid was hazardous and volatile but not associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine, Williamson said.

Officers were unable to determine exactly what the liquid was but determined it to be "highly acidic". Police also discovered the vehicle was full of garbage and refuse, and a clean-up crew was called to decontaminate the area.

An Ithaca resident, whose name was not immediately released, was charged with "Putting Noisome or Unwholesome Substances Or Maintaining Noisome Business On Or Near Highway," a misdemeanor, Williamson said.

Police are still working to determine exactly what the liquid was.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man arrived at a Syracuse hospital Wednesday night after being shot repeatedly.

But aside from stating he was shot on the city's North Side, the man would not tell officers where the incident happened, said Sgt. Richard Helterline, a spokesman for the Syracuse Police Department. The man refused to give investigators any additional information, he said.

The man, 32, was brought to St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center in a private vehicle at 9:35 p.m., Helterline said. He was shot in the abdomen, arms and leg, he said.

The man was transferred to Upstate University Hospital. He is listed in serious condition, but is expected to survive, Helterline said.

On Wednesday evening, a 48-year-old man was shot in the back in the 600 block of Gifford Street, according to Syracuse police. He was in serious condition, but he's expected to survive.

A second shooting victim, 30, arrived at Upstate University Hospital in a private vehicle at about the same time with a gunshot wound to his left leg, police said. His injury was not considered life threatening, police said.

Police asked anyone with information about the shootings to call (315) 442-5222 or submit tips anonymously through the SPD Tips app.
By PTI: Hyderabad, Jul 28 (PTI) Telangana CID, probing the leak of Medical EAMCET-II question paper, today arrested two persons and found that two sets of the paper were leaked prior to the examination conducted earlier this month.

The agency has also identified some suspected middlemen during the investigation.

"In the investigation conducted so far, some brokers and sub-brokers belonging to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru and other places have been identified," a CID release stated.

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The duo, identified as Vishnudhar alias Vishnuvardhan and Thirumal alias Thirumal Rao, were arrested from Hyderabad.

"Vishnuvardhan and Rao allegedly contacted students, parents and took about 25 of them to Bengaluru where one Rajagopal Reddy arranged practice of questions and answers to them (before appearing for the exams)," the release said.

On July 25, the CID had registered a case under relevant sections of IPC and other provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractices and Unfair means) Act, 1997, after it found in its preliminary inquiry that there was prima facie a case for registering an FIR.

As part of its investigation, CID had yesterday taken three persons into custody, who it said came together, took out the question paper and trained some students who appeared for the exams and subsequently got more marks.

"During the course of investigation, suspected students were secured by the CID and were thoroughly examined. It was established that Telangana State EAMCET-II-2016 (Medical) question papers (two sets) were leaked before the date and time of exam," the agency said.

Investigation also revealed that students appearing for TS EAMCET-II-2016 (Medical) examination from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were taken to camps set up in at least at five cities about two to three days prior to the exam and were given practice with the leaked copies of two question papers consisting of 320 questions with correct answers, CID said.

The Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test (EAMCET-II) was conducted on July 9 and the results were declared on July 14. The examination was conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad.

Following reports about the leak of the question paper ahead of the examination, the JNTU officials had requested Telangana DGP Anurag Sharma to look into the issue, who in turn ordered a preliminary inquiry by CID on July 20.

According to reports, few candidates who got a rank in thousands in Andhra Pradesh EAMCET had got a rank below 500 in Telangana EAMCET-II. PTI VVK NSKN SMJ RDS

--- ENDS ---

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The DCW chief alleged Barkha Singh rarely came to the office and she has left a terrible amount of pendency in the Commission which the present team is trying to clear by working day and night.

The DCW has turned into a wrestling ring with Swati Maliwal (right) and Barkha Singh clashing over it.

By Baishali Adak: Responding to a scathing complaint filed by Congress leader Barkha Singh to Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Wednesday issued an equally stinging press note.

Rejecting all charges of complacency, the DCW chief said: "All allegations made by Ms Barkha Singh are utterly false, baseless and laughable to say the least. It is extremely sad that during Ms. Singh's tenure as DCW Chairperson of 8 years, she did only 1 case. The present chief, Maliwal, on the other hand, has resolved over 400 cases since only 2015."

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The note added: "Ms Singh rarely came to the office. She has left a terrible amount of pendency in the Commission which the present team is trying to clear by working day and night."

CLASH OF TITANS



The DCW has turned into a wrestling ring with two strong personalities - AAP appointee Swati Maliwal and Congress leader Barkha Singh - clashing over it. In a string of face-offs, the latest flashpoint is the rape and death of a 14-year-old girl from Burari.

Barkha has also aggressively taken up the issue of an AAP activist, Soni, committing suicide after harassment from another alleged AAP leader, Ramesh Wadhwa.

Swati is accused of revealing the Burari rape victim's identity. The Delhi Police have also become embroiled in this controversy with Maliwal accusing it of not arresting the rapist of the Burari victim, and taking her medical condition lightly, leading to her death on July 24.

ALSO READ:

DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal visits mothers in old age homes on Mother's Day



--- ENDS ---
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TUESDAY'S SPECIAL EVENTS

Fitness Boot Camp: 6 a.m. July 19-Aug. 11. Tues. & Thurs. Sebastian Karate a Fitness & Self Defense Center, 13248 U.S. 1, Sebastian. Ages: 17+. $100. Register: 772-538-1753.

Cat Adoption Event: July 23-Aug. 7. Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, 6230 77th St., Vero Beach. Ages: 18+. 772-388-3331.

radKIDS Class: Vero Beach Police radKIDS Personal Empowerment and Safety Education Class. 9-10:30 a.m. ages: 5-7; 2-4 p.m. ages: 8-12, July 25-29. Vero Beach Police Department, 1055 20th St., Vero Beach. Register: 772-978-4649; acarden@vbpd.org.

Friends of the Library Used Book Depot: 4 for $1 fiction sale continues, Christmas in July featured. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25-30. 1670 14th Ave., Vero Beach. 772-562-0043.

Boys in the Boat Documentary: Documentary about the 1936 U.S. men's rowing team. 7 p.m. July 26. Majestic Theater, Vero Beach. www.indianriverrowingclub.com.

TUESDAY'S RECURRING EVENTS

DANCE

Ballroom Dance Class/New Season: 6:30 p.m. 2369 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Ages: 16+. $9 pp. per class. Register: 772-529-3325; sdancer516@aol.com.

EXERCISE/HEALTH

Intermediate Qigong and Tai Chi: Next level qigong exercises with linking form Tai Chi. 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Cloudwalker Place, 703 17th St., Vero Beach. All ages. $15 per class/$80 per month. 772-217-2887; www.thecloudwalker.com.

Knock Out Parkinson's: 11 a.m. Sebastian Karate Fitness & Self Defense Center, 13248 U.S. 1, Sebastian. $185/10 Classes. Register: 772-538-1753; Trainhard@att.net.

Massage Therapy Consultation: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Advanced Motion Therapeutic, 2965 20th St., Vero Beach. Reservation: 772-567-8585; Info@amtvero.com.

Orthopedic Rehabilitation Consultation: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Advanced Motion Therapeutic, 2965 20th St., Vero Beach. Reservation: 772-567-8585; Info@amtvero.com.

Pickleball University Open Play: 8:30 a.m. Pocahontas Park, 2140 14th Ave, Vero Beach. All ages and Levels. $2/annual membership $24. 772-50-15685; vbpickle@gmail.com Facebook: Pickleball University.

Pilates Reformer Group Class: Reform your body, strengthen your core. Joseph Pilates Techniques. 5:30 p.m. The Club at Spine and Sport, 1345 36th St., Vero Beach. Adults. $90 for 6 weeks. Reservation: 772-559-0866; namaste5@yahoo.com.

Silver Sneakers Chair Yoga with Carmen: 9 a.m. The Cloudwalker Place, 703 17th St., Vero Beach. All ages. $10 per class. 772-217-2887; www.thecloudwalker.com.

Yoga with Carmen: 8 a.m. The Cloudwalker Place, 703 17th St., Vero Beach. All ages. $10 per class. 772-217-2887; www.thecloudwalker.com.

GAMES

ACBL Certified Duplicate Bridge Games: Open and 0-199 games. 1 p.m. Vero Beach Bridge Center, 1520 14th Ave., Vero Beach. $7 for members, $9 for guests. 772-562-3008; verobridge.com.

Bar Bingo: 1 p.m. Sebastian Eagles Aerie 4067, 9606 Trade Center Drive, Sebastian. Adult. $1 per card. 772-589-6573; empresslp234@gmail.com.

Duplicate Bridge Club: Duplicate Bridge: ACBL sanctioned, stratified, friendly Duplicate Bridge Games. 12:30 p.m. Vero Beach Community Center, 2266 14th Ave., Vero Beach. Ages: 18+. $6. 772-589-3741; nch143@aol.com.

NATURE

Adventure Kayaking: Naturalist guided kayak/ paddleboard tour on the Indian River Lagoon. 9 a.m.-Noon. Round Island Park South Highway A1A, Vero Beach. $25-$50. Reservation: 772-567-0522: paddleflorida.com.

Group Eco-Tours: Your choice, kayak/ SUP. Snack/water provided. 9 a.m. McWilliams Park, Vero Beach. Please call for details. Reservation: 772-299-1286; www.orchidislandbikesandkayaks.com/.

Motorized Kayak Adventures: A relaxing evening on the lagoon in a motorized kayak. 1 hour before sunset, Daily. Round Island Park, 2201 Highway A1A, Vero Beach. All ages. $35. Reservation: 772-380-6815; www.motorizedkayakadventures.com.

Tours through the Mangrove Forests: Motorized Kayak Adventures. Varies based on tides, daily. Stan Blum Boat Launch, 613 North Causeway Drive, Fort Pierce. $48-60; Group discounts offered. Reservation: 772-380-6815; motorizedkayakadventures.com.

OTHER

Adventures in Meditation: 7-8 p.m. Aug. 2. Radiance by Misty Dawn, 805 Sebastian Blvd. Suite 3, Sebastian. $7. RSVP: radiant.spirit@yahoo.com.

Off-Leash Dog Park Small Dog Orientations: 3 p.m. Dogs For Life, Inc., Off-Leash Dog Park, 1230 16th Ave., Vero Beach. Ages: 6 months +, dogs must be inoculated, neutered & social. $100. Register: 772-567-8969; dogsforlifevb.org.

Pre-School Story Time: Story time pre school. 11 a.m. IRC Main Library, 1600 21st, Vero Beach. Ages: 3-5 yrs. old. 772-770-5060; www.irclibrary.org.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): Come and See how to lose weight sensibly and affordably. 6 p.m. First Christian Church of Vero, 1927 27th Ave., Vero Beach. $32 dues per year/$5 per month. 772-562-8148; www.tops.org.

WEDNESDAY'S SPECIAL EVENTS

Feisty Fido: Instructor approval required to help your socially challenged dog. 5:30 p.m. July 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24. Humane Society of Vero Beach, 6230 77th St., Vero Beach. $75. Register: 772-978-7863; www.bestbehaviordogtraining.org.

iPhone & iPad Basics 102 Course: 3-week course. 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 227. Island Images Studio, 2036 14th Ave., Suite 101, Vero Beach. $127-$150. Register: 772-231-3515; www.refreshfotos.com.

WEDNESDAY'S RECURRING EVENTS

CHILDREN/TEENS

Capoeira for Children: Ancient Brazilian Dance Martial art form done to music. 5 p.m. The Cloudwalker Place, 703 17th St., Vero Beach. Ages: 4 +. $80. 772-217-2887; www.thecloudwalker.com.

Karate and Qigong for Children: Japanese Go-Ju Karate and Chinese Qigong and Kung fu. 6 p.m. The Cloudwalker Place, 703 17th St., Vero Beach. Ages: 5-15 years old. $80 per month, Scholarships available. 772-217-2887; www.thecloudwalker.com.

CLUBS

Exchange Club of Indian River: Men's and women's service club working for child abuse prevention. Noon-1 p.m. Culinary Capers, 737 22nd St., Vero Beach. Adults. $15 for lunch. 772-766-5722; www.exchangeclubofindianriver.org.

Indian River Model Sailing Club: Remote control model sailboat racing. 1-3 p.m. Hobart Lake, 77th St., between 58th Ave. and Dixie Highway, Vero Beach. 772-581-8300.

DANCE

Beginner Line Dancing Class: 10-11:30 a.m. American Legion Post, 807 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian. 772-589-8445.

EXERCISE/HEALTH

Balance and Gait Therapy Consultation: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Advanced Motion Therapeutic, 2965 20th St., Vero Beach. Reservation: 772-567-8585; Info@amtvero.com.

Capoeira Executives: Brazilian dance martial art form practice rhythmically to music. 4 p.m. The Cloudwalker Place, 703 17th St., Vero Beach. Ages: 35+. $80 per month. 772-217-2887; www.thecloudwalker.com.

The Cloudwalker Place: Breathing and Movements to stretch and massage the body. 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Cloudwalker Place, 703 17th St., Vero Beach. All ages. $10 per class. 772-217-2887; www.thecloudwalker.com.

Martial Arts for Executives: Japanese and Chinese internal arts training for therapeutic benefits. 7 p.m. The Cloudwalker Place, 703 17th St., Vero Beach. Ages: 15+. $90 per month. 772-217-2887; www.thecloudwalker.com.

Massage Therapy Consultation: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Advanced Motion Therapeutic, 2965 20th St., Vero Beach. Reservation: 772-567-8585; Info@amtvero.com.

Senior Strength Training: Group class using basic strength building exercises. 7:30 a.m., 8:40 a.m. Leisure Square, 3705 16th St., Vero Beach. Ages: 50 +. $5. Reservation: 772-321-6003; jasfitness.com.

Vero Beach Pickleball University: Pickleball Lessons, Pickleball 101 Equipment provided. 5:30 p.m. Pocohanas Park, 14th Ave., Vero Beach. Ages: 50+. Register: 772-501-5685; vbpickle@gmail.com; Facebook: pickleballuniversity.

Water Aerobics: Water workout in the pool. Aerobics, resistance and flexibility. 10 a.m. Leisure Square, 3705 16th St., Vero Beach. $5. 772-321-6003; jasfitness.com.

Yogalates: Strengthen, Stretch and Tone the entire Body. 4-5 p.m. Bethel Creek House, 4405 North A1A, Vero Beach. $6 drop in fee. 772-216-3051; exerciselady@comcast.net.

GAMES

Bingo: Benefits all Elks charities. Noon Sebastian Elks Lodge, 731 S. Fleming St., Sebastian. 772-589-1516.

Bridge Classes: Basic bidding review class. Open to public. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Vero Beach Bridge Center, 1520 14th Ave., Vero Beach. $15. 772-562-3008; verobridge.com.

Duplicate Bridge: Stratified Open Pairs game. 1 p.m. Vero Beach Bridge Center, 1520 14th Ave., Vero Beach. $7-$9. 772-562-3008; verobridge.com.

Vero Beach Bridge Center: 0-499 Stratified Pairs game. Masterpoints awarded. 9 a.m. Vero Beach Bridge Center, 1520 14th Ave., Vero Beach. $7-$9. 772-562-3008; verobridge.com.

MEALS

Dinner: Pizza, pasta and more. 4:30-7 p.m. Italian American Club, 1600 25th Street, Vero Beach. Open to the public. Meals starting at $7. 772-778-1522.

Dinner and Karaoke: 6-10 p.m. Vero Beach Elks Lodge, 1350 26th St., Vero Beach. 772-562-8450; veroelks.com.

NATURE

Adventure Kayaking: Naturalist guided kayak/ paddleboard tour on the Indian River Lagoon. 9 a.m.-Noon. Round Island Park south Highway A1A, Vero Beach. $25-$50. Reservation: 772-567-0522: paddleflorida.com.

Motorized Kayak Adventures: A relaxing evening on the lagoon in a motorized kayak. 1 hour before sunset, Daily. Round Island Park, 2201 Highway A1A, Vero Beach. All ages. $35. Reservation: 772-380-6815; motorizedkayakadventures.com.

Tours through the Mangrove Forests: Motorized Kayak Adventures. Varies based on tides, daily. Stan Blum Boat Launch, 613 North Causeway Drive, Fort Pierce. $48-60; Group discounts offered. Reservation: 772-380-6815; motorizedkayakadventures.com.

OTHER

All About Coloring: All About Coloring-the latest stress-reducing activity. 2-3 p.m. Brackett Library, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach. Adults. 772-226-3080; www.irclibrary.org.

Karaoke: 7-10 p.m. Vero Beach Elks Lodge, 1350 26th St., Vero Beach. 772-562-8450; veroelks.com.

LaPorte Farms: Self guided tours, pony rides. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. LaPorte Farms, 7700 129th St., Sebastian. Donations. 772-633-0813; laportefarms1@aol.com.

Wednesday Open Mic Nights: 8:30 p.m.-Midnight. Kilted Mermaid, 1937 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach. 772-569-5533; KiltedMermaid.com.

LOOKING AHEAD

Vero Beach Christian Business Association: Quarterly member networking luncheon. 11:30 a.m. July 28. The Plaza, 884 17th St., Vero Beach. $15-$20. Reservation: lunch@vbcba.org.

Jiggleman: 10:30 a.m. July 28. North IRC Library, 1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian. 772-589-1355; www.irclibrary.org.

School supply drive for Dasie Hope: Bring supplies to Vero Beach Christian Business Association luncheon. 11:30 a.m. July 28. The Plaza, 884 17th St., Vero Beach. www.vbcba.org.

Indian River Photo Club Meeting: Monthly meeting. 6:30 p.m. July 28. Vero Beach Community Center, 2266 14th Ave., Vero Beach.

Caladiums & Cow Pies!: 24th Caladium Festival & lunch at Cow Pies Country Store in Lake Placid. 8 a.m. July 29. IHOP Restaurant, State Road 60 West, Vero Beach. Ages: 12+. $90. Register: 772-569-8372; www.daytrippintours.com.

Adult Dance Masterclasses at Riverside Theatre: Intermediate classes with professional dancers from the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. 10-11:30 a.m. July 29, Aug. 5. $50 both classes/$30 for one class. Riverside Children's Theatre: 772-234-8052.

Adult Dance Masterclasses at Riverside Theatre: Advanced classes with professional dancers from the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. July 29, Aug. 5. $50 both classes/$30 for one class. Riverside Children's Theatre: 772-234-8052.

Paleo Discoveries: 10:30 a.m. July 29. IRC Main Library, 1600 21st Street, Vero Beach. 772-538-7558; www.irclibrary.org.

American Women Love TRUMP: Dinner/film/meeting. To support Donald Trump's Candidacy for President. 6 p.m. July 29. The Plaza, 884 17th St., Vero Beach. $15 per person. Reservation: 772-234-3883; AWLTRUMP@aol.com.

Wanda's Karaije: 7-11 p.m. July 29. Vero Beach Veterans Club, 2500 15th Ave, Vero Beach. 772-778-1299; verobeachveterans.com.

Vero Beach Pirate Festival: July 29, 30, 31. Among the Oaks at Riverside Park, Vero Beach.

Christian movie Do You Believe: 7 p.m. July 29. First Baptist Church of Wabasso, 4720 86th St., Wabasso. 772-589-5256; firstbaptistwabasso.org.

Saving & Organizing Your iPhone Photos Class: 9:30-11:30 a.m. July 30. Island Images Studio, 2036 14th Ave., Suite 101, Vero Beach. $42-$50. Register: 772-231-3515; www.refreshfotos.com.

Pirate Art Festival: Pirate Art Show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 30. Royal Palm Point, 2 Royal Palm Point, Vero Beach.

Christmas in July at Vero Beach Veterans: 6 p.m. July 30. Vero Beach Veterans Club, 2500 15th Ave., Vero Beach. Adults. Call for price of dinner. Reservation: 772-778-1299; verobeachveterans.com.

Sons of the American Legion Sunday Breakfast: 8-11 a.m. July 31. Post 189, 807 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian. $2-$5.

Sunday Breakfast: 8-11 a.m. July 31. American Legion Post, 807 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian. $2-$5. Salsquad189@gmail.com.

AUGUST

Hair Cuttery Back-to-School Share-A-Haircut Program: HC will donate haircuts to a child in need. 9 a.m. Aug. 1-15. All Hair Cuttery locations, 12th St. Plaza, Vero Beach.

Family Dog Manners: Learn to train your dog to be a great companion. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Humane Society of Vero Beach, 6230 77th St., Vero Beach. $75. Register: 772-978-7863; www.hsvb.org.

Bankruptcy and Fair Debt Collections  Know Your Rights: Clinics on Bankruptcy and Fair Debt Collections. 2:30 p.m. Aug. 1, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 7, Dec. 5. Indian River Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room, 2000 16th Avenue, Vero Beach. Register: 772-466-4766; www.FRLS.org.

Jim Sawgrass: 10:30 a.m. Aug. 4. North IRC Library, 1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian. 772-589-1355; www.irclibrary.org.

Mulligan's 12 Weeks of Summer: 10% of the evening's proceeds go to Dogs For Life. 5-8 p.m. Aug. 4. Mulligan's Beach House Bar & Grill, 1025 Beachland Blvd., Vero Beach. www.dogsforlifevb.org.

Mr. Harley: 10:30 a.m. Aug. 5. IRC Main Library, 1600 21st Street, Vero Beach. 772-538-7558; www.irclibrary.org.

The Well Armed Women Indian River County Chapter: Grand Opening. 1st Meeting National Organization of The Well Armed Women IRC. 9 a.m. Aug. 6. Indian River County Shooting Range, 10455 102nd Terrace, Sebastian. Ages: 21+. RSVP: 772-473-1800; www.twawshootingchapters.org.

RT Star's Back To School Party: A free community event at Riverside Theatre. 10 a.m. Aug. 6. Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach. 772-231-6990; www.riversidetheatre.com.

Back to School Physicals, Immunizations Backpack Brigade: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 6. Whole Family Health Center, 981 37th Place, Vero Beach. 772-257-5785.

One Pulse Extravaganza: Benefits the One Pulse Fund; live music from Collins and Company, DJ music, a cash bar. 7-11 p.m. Aug. 6. Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave., Vero Beach. $20. 772-713-5520.

Theatre-Go-Round Dinner Theatre: "From Sea to Shining Sea". 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7, 21, Sept. 18. Quilted Giraffe Restaurant, 500 South U.S. 1, Vero Beach. Reservation: 772-252-9341; theatregorounddinnertheatre.com.

Video Bible Study: Do You Believe. 6 p.m. Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28. First Baptist Church of Wabasso, 4720 86th St., Wabasso. 772-589-5256; firstbaptistwabasso.org.

Transcendental Meditation: Introductory presentation on the Transcendental Meditation technique  all questions answered. 7 p.m. Aug. 12. The Center for Spiritual Care, 1550 24th St., Vero Beach. 772-480-0047; www.tm.org.

V.B.E PTA Indoor Sale: 8 a.m.-noon Aug. 13. Cafeteria, 1770 12th St., Vero Beach. Rent a table $15 call 564-4611. RSVP: 772-564-4611; james.batory@indianriverschools.org.
SHARE

THURSDAY'S SPECIAL EVENTS

Coffee With A Cop: McDonald's and the Martin County Sheriff's Office are hosting. 8-10 a.m. July 28. McDonald's, 2900 S.W. Martin Downs Blvd., Palm City.

THURSDAY'S RECURRING EVENTS

Art/Crafts

Alizarin Crimson Art Studio: Over 30 years of Fine Art Instruction Painting Classes-All Levels. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Cedar Pointe Plaza, 2611 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. All ages. 772-287-7030; Alizarincrimsonstudio.net. Professional Teaching Staff: Georgia Abood, Kate Wood & Jennifer Pollack.

Imaginative Drawing Class: 4:30-7:30 p.m. The Artists Nook, 43 S.E. Kindred St., Stuart. Ages: 15+. $30-$360. paradigm_shiftin@mac.com.

Rendering in Mixed Media: Learn to Draw colorfully with more than just a pencil. 7:30-10:30 p.m. The Artists Nook, 43 S.E. Kindred St., Stuart. Ages: 16+. $30-$360. paradigm_shiftin@mac.com.

Watercolor Classes: Class taught by two award winning area artists. 1-3 p.m. MCP&R Log Cabin Senior Center, Langford Park, 2369 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Multigenerational. $15. 772-334-2926; zcarter@martin.fl.us.

CHILDREN/TEENS

"Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 27-60 months. 9:30-10:30 a.m. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575.

"Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Siblings. 10:45-11:45 a.m. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575.

"Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 3-11 months. Noon-1 p.m. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575.

"Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 12-18 months. 1:15-2:15 p.m. The Children's Museum, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. 772-225-7575.

CLUBS

Hobe Sound Port Salerno Rotary Club: 5:45-7 p.m. Pirates Cove Resort, 4307 S.E. Bayview St., Stuart. Ages: 22+. A la carte snacks, drinks meals. 775-263-0529; HSPSRotaryclub.com.

Treasure Coast Civilian Club: 5:30 p.m. Southern Pig And Cattle Restaurant, 2583 S.E. U.S. 1, Stuart. Sgazella@aol.com.

DANCE

Adult Summer Dance Camp: Classes and Social Parties for Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country Dance. 4-10 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Ages: 18+. $100 to $300 per month per person. Register: 609-356-2973; gloriana@jensenbeachballroom.com.

Belly Dance with Helia: A complete workout. 5:45 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Ages: 14+. $11-$45. 772-460-7971; www.movingharmonies.com.

Dance Classes: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country and Club group and private classes. 1-9 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Discounts available. Register: 609-356-2973; www.JensenBeachBallroom.com.

Group Dance Lessons: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country. 6 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. $10 per person. 609-356-2973; jensenbeachballroom.com.

EXERCISE/HEALTH

Basic Yoga for Inner Peace: One hour of yoga poses and half-hour of guided meditation. 10-11:30 a.m. Unity of Stuart, 211 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. Adults. $10. Register: 772-214-0892; www.unityofstuart.org.

Gentle Chair Yoga: 11:15 a.m.12:15 p.m. Kane Center, 900 SE Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 55+. $8/$10. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Hip Pop Fitness: Dance your way to fitness. River Walk Center, 600 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce. 6:30 p.m. Ages: 18+. 772-224-4506; chrystalismoments16@gmail.com.

Senior Fitness: 1-2 p.m. Class using weights, balls & stretch bands. Kane Senior Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 55+. $4-$6. 772-223-7807; www.kanecenter.org.

Tai Chi for Arthritis: 10-11 a.m. April 21. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 60+. $8/$10. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance: 9-10 a.m. MCP&R Log Cabin Senior Center at Langford Park, 2369 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Multigenerational. $3 per class. Register: 772-334-2926; zcarter@martin.fl.us.

Total Body Workout: 4-5 p.m. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $4/$6. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Zumba Gold: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $4/$6. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

OTHER

MC Genealogical Society: 5:45-7:45 p.m. Nov. 5. Research assistance available. Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. Ages: 12+. 772-220-1638; mcgensociewty.org.

Piano Instruction: Beginners to concert level. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Shirley Heifetz, Jensen Beach. Ages: 8+. Registration: 772-934-6812.

FRIDAY'S SPECIAL EVENTS

What's In Our Wetland?: Program exploring the preserve area. 10:30 a.m. July 29. Peter & Julie Cummings Library, 2551 S.W. Matheson Ave., Palm City. 772-288-2551; www.library.martin.fl.us.

The Jiggleman Show: The Jiggleman show is high-energy and fun for all ages. 3 p.m. July 29. Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart.

FRIDAY'S RECURRING EVENTS

ART

Alizarin Crimson Art Studio: Over 30 years of Fine Art Instruction Painting Classes-All Levels. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Cedar Point Plaza, 2611 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. All ages. 772-287-7030; Alizarincrimsonstudio.net. Professional Teaching Staff: Georgia Abood, Kate Wood & Jennifer Pollack.

Art Classes: Impressionism to realism oil painting classes with Kate Wood. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1-4 p.m., weekly. Alizarin Crimson Studio, 2611 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Adult. $35. Register: 772-287-0835; fineartrestorers.com.

Intuitive Watercolor Class: Express your inner self in watercolor to create beautiful artwork. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Artist Nook, 45 Kindred St., Stuart. $30. Register: 772-692-4733; sferina222@yahoo.com.

Youth Art Classes: Oil painting for young students with instructor Kate Wood. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Alizarin Crimson Studio, 2611 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Ages: 12+. $25. Register: 772-287-0835; fineartrestorers.com.

CHILDREN/TEEN

"Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 27-60 months. 9-10 a.m. Florida Arts & Dance Studio, 938 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. 772-288-4150.

"Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 12-18 months. 10:15-11:15 a.m. Florida Arts & Dance Studio, 938 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. 772-288-4150.

"Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 19-26 months. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Florida Arts & Dance Studio, 938 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. 772-288-4150.

"Music & Movement": Parent/child classes designed to enhance child's growth and development. Ages: 3-11 months. 12:45-1:45 p.m. Florida Arts & Dance Studio, 938 S.E. Central Parkway, Stuart. 772-288-4150.

DANCE

Adult Summer Dance Camp: Classes and Social Parties for Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country Dance. 4-10 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Ages: 18+. $100 to $300 per month per person. Register: 609-356-2973; gloriana@jensenbeachballroom.com.

Broadway Style Tap Dance Classes: 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dance Academy of Stuart, 333 Tressler Drive, Stuart. 772-286-9671; rbetteboo@aol.com.

Dance Classes: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country and Club group and private classes. 1-9 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Discounts available. Register: 609-356-2973; www.JensenBeachBallroom.com.

Friday Dance Party: Music mix is Smooth, Latin, Swing and Country. 7-10 p.m. Jensen Beach Ballroom, 881 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. $12 per person. Reservation: 609-356-2973; www.JensenBeachBallroom.com.

EXERCISE/health

Aerobic Sitting Exercises: 9-10 a.m. MCP& R Log Cabin Senior Center, Langford Park, 2369 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Ages: 50+. $2. 772-334-2926; zcarter@martin.fl.us.

Zumba Gold: 9-10 a.m. Kane Center, 900 S.E Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $4/$6. 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

GAMES

St. Luke's Bingo: 9:30 a.m. St. Luke's Parish Hall, 5150 S.E. Railway Ave/Corner of A1A /Cove, Stuart. Ages: 18+. 772-286-5455; stlukes@stlukesfl.org.

OTHER

Food Truck Extravaganza: A gathering of food trucks in Port Salerno. 4-8 p.m. St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5150 Railway Ave., Port Salerno.

Ladies Night with DJ Turn UP and DJ Beatnox: 8 p.m. 360 Tiki Bar and Lounge, 1200 Southeast U.S. 1, Stuart. 772-287-6917; Kathleenickes@gmail.com.

Piano Instruction: Beginners to concert level. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Shirley Heifetz, Jensen Beach. Ages: 8+. Registration: 772-934-6812.

Reggae with the Floridan Band with Steel Drums: 6-9 p.m. Mulligans Beach House, 2019 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. www.thefloridianband.com.

Seniors Vs. Crime: Group to assist senior citizens. 9 a.m.-noon. St. Lucie West Courthouse Annex, 250 Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie. 772-871-5350; SeniorsVsCrimePSL@gmail.com.

Social Bridge: Very friendly group for rubber bridge. 1 p.m. PSL Community Center, Airoso Blvd. & PSL Blvd., Port St. Lucie. All ages. $2. 772-332-8200; PSLSocialBridge@gmail.com.

LOOKING AHEAD

Dog Foster/Adoption Showcase: Foster or adopt; dogs of all sizes ready for love. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 30. Pet Supermarket, 2595 S.E. U.S. 1, Stuart. 772-203-7485; nalasrescue.org.

Community Dinner: Free dinner, free personal care items, free laundry supplies, worship. 5 p.m. July 30. Trinity United Methodist Church, 2221 N.E. Savannah Road, Jensen Beach. 772-334-3404; www.trinityjb.org

Sensory Friendly Day: For children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Sensory Processing Disorders. 10 a.m.-noon July 31. The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. Register: 772-225-7575; www.ChildrensMuseumTC.org.

AUGUST

Bankruptcy and Fair Debt Collections  Know Your Rights: Clinics on Bankruptcy and Fair Debt Collections. 6 p.m. Aug. 1, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 7, Dec. 5. Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place, Port St. Lucie. Register: 772-466-4766; www.FRLS.org.

Line Dancing: 5-6 p.m. Aug. 3. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $30/$36. Register: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Photography Class: Photography Class. Noon-1 p.m. Aug. 4. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 21+. $90-$100. Register: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Writing Artist Statements, Bios and More: Part of Arts Council Summer Series for Artists. 9:30 a.m.-noon Aug. 5. Court House Cultural Center, 80 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. $20 for Arts Council members; $25 for nonmembers. Reservation: 772-287-6676; www.martinarts.org.

Dinner/Dance Fundraiser: Dinner/Dance Fundraiser for Adult Day Program. 5-7 p.m. Aug. 5. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. $12. Ticket: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Back to School Bash: The festivities will include video game demos, a dance performance, goody bags with samples and offers, giveaways, and a variety of vendors providing service. Noon-4 p.m. Aug. 6. Treasure Coast Square, JC Penney Courtyard, 3174 U.S. 1, Jensen Beach.

Great Back Pack Give Away: Free fully stocked back packs for children K-8. 8-11 a.m. Aug. 6. St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5150 S.E. Railway Ave. Cove Road A1A, Port Salerno.

Back To School Fair: 400 free Backpacks, Lunch, Kid's Haircuts, Eye Exams, Clothing, etc. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 6. Trinity United Methodist Church, 2221 N.E. Savannah Road, Jensen Beach. 772-334-3404; www.trinityjb.org.

Back-to-School Bash: Noon-4 p.m. Aug. 6. Treasure Coast Square, 3174 N.W. U.S. 1, Jensen Beach.

Pup Crawl: Begins at Spoto's and then heads to Sneaki Tiki, Crafted Keg and then ends at Terra Fermata; dogs must remain on lead. 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Spoto's Oyster Bar, 131 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart. $20. Ages: 21. Benefits the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. 772- 600-3211.

2nd Annual Pup Crawl: Pup Crawl to benefit HSTC Shelter Pets. 5:30-10 p.m. Aug. 6. Downtown Stuart starting at Spoto's Oyster Bar, 131 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart. Ages: 21+. $20 per person. Ticket: 772-600-3211; czanetti@hstc1.org.

Barn Theatre Auditions: Barn Theatre Auditions for "The Haunting of Hill House". 7 p.m. Aug. 7, 8, 9. The Barn Theatre, 2400 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. www.barn-theatre.com.

Biologist Beach Walk: Public insight into LMC's research department. 6:45-8:30 a.m. Aug. 8.-Sept. 30. Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. 1 Juno Beach. Ages: 8+. $12. Ticket: 561-627-8280; www.marinelife.org/beachwalk.

Backpack & School Supplies Distribution: Free Backpacks and School Supplies. Noon-2 p.m. Aug. 10. The Salvation Army of Martin County, 821 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Stuart. Grades: K-8. 772-288-1471; Maria.McGowan@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Jazz Dance Class: 1-2 p.m. Aug. 10. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 50+. $30/$35. Register: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Coffee With A Cop: McDonald's and the Martin County Sheriff's Office are hosting. 8-10 a.m. Aug. 11. McDonald's, 3600 S.W. U.S. 1, Wedgewood Commons, Stuart.

Tales from the Archives: Learn historical research & new findings from our Museum's collection. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 17. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, 500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter. RSVP: 561-7478380; www.jupiterlighthouse.org.

Estate & Long-Term Care Planning: Estate & Long-Term Care Planning. 3 p.m. Aug. 18. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 60+. RSVP: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch: Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic Pre-party and fundraiser. 5 p.m. Aug. 18. Guanabanas Waterfront Restaurant, 60 N. Highway A1A, Jupiter. Donation. RSVP: 561-737-5311; www.furryfriendsadoption.org.

Lighthouse Moonrise Tour: View the Full Moon from atop the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. 7:15 p.m. Aug. 18. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, 500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter. Children must be at least 48" to climb tower. $20 or $15 for Members. Reservation: 561-747-8380; www.jupiterlighthouse.org.

Beach 2 Beach 5k: Run/walk to benefit South Fork High's cross country team. 6:45 p.m. Aug. 19. Jensen Sea Turtle Beach, 4191 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Jensen Beach. $18-$25. Register: 772-521-3548; www.active.com/jensen-beach-fl/running/distance-running-races/beach-to-beach-5k-2016?int.

Hearts at Home: Hearts at Home, Congestive Heart Failure-Focused Care. 10:30 a.m. Aug. 22. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 60+. RSVP: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Hearing Health Event: Get your free hearing checked out by an expert. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 23 & 25. Professional Audiology Associates, 1045 Southeast Ocean Blvd., Ste. #4, Stuart. Reservation: 772-220-8354; www.hearinghealthusa.com/event/free-hearing-health-event-stuart-fl/.

Human Trafficking Coalition of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee: Guest Speaker: Representative Gayle Harrell. 10-11 a.m. Aug. 23. Martin County Sheriff's Office, 800 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart.

Brain Boosting Workshop: Four Week Brain Boosting Workshop. 3-4 p.m. Aug. 24. Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Ages: 60+. RSVP: 772-223-7800; www.kanecenter.org.

Club Scrub River Paddle II & The End of Summer: Fundraiser that will benefit JDSP Camp Murphy Mountain Bike Trails. 8 a.m. Aug. 27. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Swim Beach River Area, S.E. U.S. 1, Hobe Sound. Clubscrub.org.

Treasure Coast Yard Sale: Community yard sale & auction. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 27. Martin County Fairgrounds, 2616 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart. All Ages. $0-50. Register: TreasureCoastYardSale.com.
Philip McManis

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By Eve Samples of TCPalm

I. The Dream

"What if the ocean paid us to save it?"

Philip McManis was peddling a dream when I met him.

It's what he does. He's been doing it for years.

It's easy to see why so many people have believed in him.

The sandy-haired son of a Kansas City pipe-organ builder has a soft voice and calming disposition.

His smile looks more like a minister's than salesman's.

He lives the way many of us have wished we could ? by casting off the trappings of daily life to follow a passion.

When I agreed to sit down with McManis in January, he told me he had an idea nobody had attempted before.

It would change the way people think about our oceans, he claimed.

He didn't back off when I got skeptical. Instead, he made his pitch.

McManis said he was raising millions of dollars to search for sunken treasure along the length of the Gulf Stream.

What made his venture different from those of famed treasure hunters such as Mel Fisher was the way he intended to pay for it ? with what he called "crowd financing."

Through his website, Oceanographica.com, McManis was selling "search areas" for 10,000-square-meter plots of the ocean floor.

The starting price: $15 each.

"What if the ocean paid us to save it?" he asked, rhetorically, on the website.

If McManis found treasure on a plot, the buyer could get a piece of it, he promised.

Oceanographica would air live video footage of the venture, something McManis hoped would spur interest in the ocean's ailing ecosystems. He said he would invite academics to tag along ? just as soon as he raised enough cash to secure a submarine for the search.

"We're selling shovels to the gold rush, basically," McManis, now 64, said the afternoon we met in Stuart.

He had no partners. No institutional investors.

Yet people were giving him money.

He received thousands of dollars from individuals he had befriended, some of them retirees he met in Martin County.

Their instinct was to trust McManis.

Could his vision become a reality?

"You can't have a dream unless you believe it's possible," he told me.

II. The Believers

"The dream cannot be contemplated without the capital."

Diane Riesgraf was looking for companionship when she met McManis at a Stuart waterfront bar and restaurant in 2010.

The Palm City resident's husband had died four years earlier, and she was ready to date again. After age 65, it was not easy terrain to navigate.

McManis was living on a 51-foot sailboat behind the restaurant, Sailor's Return.

Riesgraf liked him from the start. He was fun and charming; easygoing and kind.

Her interest piqued when McManis told her about a company he ran, Oceanus International Yacht Club.

"I was supposed to be able to meet a lot of people, a lot of singles and go out on boat trips, etcetera," recalled Riesgraf, a retired chemist who spent much of career working for the international consumer products company Colgate Palmolive.

So she joined the club.

Riesgraf wrote a check for $8,400 in November 2010 to cover her membership fee and annual dues for Oceanus, of which McManis listed himself president. It was separate from the treasure-hunting venture, Oceanographica, though McManis cross-promoted the two companies.

"Then I made my bigger mistake," said Riesgraf, now 69.

McManis told her he wanted to buy a larger boat for the club's outings. Ten days after she joined the yacht club, Riesgraf wrote another check for $30,000.

In exchange, she received 4,000 Oceanographica claims, which McManis later stopped referring to as claims, opting for the less binding term "search areas."

McManis never bought the boat, he confirmed. The promised sailing adventures didn't materialize for Riesgraf either.

When she asked for her money back in September 2011, McManis replied via email that he could repay her "as sales occur" of Oceanographica claims.

"Every couple months I would ask him about it, there was something that wasn't quite ready," Riesgraf said.

She told me she has not yet received a penny.

"I never asked her for the money," McManis responded when I inquired about Riesgraf.

He said he thought she was satisfied with their arrangement.

As recently as last week, the website for Oceanus International Yacht Club still included this message from McManis:

"To begin our ?pursuit of happiness,' we must believe the resources or capital exist to allow the dream to unfold. The dream cannot be contemplated without the capital."

-------------------------------

The boat McManis was living on when he met Riesgraf ? the Southern Cross II ? was financed by another retired woman he had befriended.

Regina Khorassandjian, a resident of the Mediterranean island-country of Cyprus, met McManis on the Internet about seven years ago, when he was living in Germany.

The retired schoolteacher found McManis captivating.

The two got to know each other via the video chatting website Skype. They met for a weekend in Germany, and the friendship grew.

It wasn't romantic. It was supportive and lighthearted.

"I thought he was the most wonderful person ever because he's quite charismatic," said Khorassandjian, 66, when she contacted me about McManis this year.

She was enchanted with his treasure-hunting vision, too. She spent 400 euros, about $520, on Oceanographica claims.

But that wasn't the big hit for Khorassandjian.

In 2008, she had sold a flat she owned in London and was looking for a place to invest the proceeds. She could have parked the money in a savings account.

Instead, she agreed to loan McManis 65,000 British pounds ? the equivalent of about $102,000 ? to buy the Southern Cross II.

They inked a mortgage that promised Khorassandjian yearly payments with 6 percent interest.

Four years later, she had not received any principal payments, according to a complaint filed in the 19th Judicial Circuit in Martin County.

By then, McManis had moved the Southern Cross II from the marina behind Sailor's Return to docks at the Fish House Art Center on the Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno. He was living on it there.

After Khorassandjian filed the lawsuit, he agreed to return the boat to her as part of a settlement.

"He moved his stuff off and walked away," said Jody Foster, an attorney with the Stuart firm Guy Yudin & Foster who represented Khorassandjian.

McManis told me he was "strong-armed" into giving back the boat. He said the mortgage ? which he had written in the first person ? allowed him to add any missed payments to the principal.

"She needed the money immediately," McManis said. "I couldn't give it to her."

After she sold the boat and paid marina fees and legal costs, Khorassandjian recouped less than half her money ? some $42,000.

"It was my life savings," she said. "I worked very hard for that money."

She felt stupid for trusting McManis.

"You feel like a silly old woman," Khorassandjian said. "But after that, anger kicks in. You know, ?How dare he do this?'"

-------------------------------

McManis managed to persuade two other people with Martin County connections to put money into his ventures.

Sue and Tom Hamman, retired educators from Phoenix, were living a dream of their own when they met him. They had bought a 42-foot trawler and were trying to live on it.

In 2012, they docked next to the Southern Cross II, which McManis was living on in the Manatee Pocket.

It didn't take long for them to strike up a conversation.

"This happens all the time when you live on a boat," Sue Hamman said.

They shared spaghetti dinners ? which Sue cooked and hosted ? and told each other their life stories.

She asked McManis what he did for a living.

"He said treasure hunting," Sue Hamman recalled. "I said, ?Oh really ? that's different.'"

He seemed credible.

McManis was on one of the first manned dives to the German battleship Bismarck, which sank in 1941. He touted the expedition on the websites for both companies, Oceanographica and Oceanus International Yacht Club.

I checked with one of the participants, Capt. Fred McLaren, a former nuclear submarine captain, who confirmed McManis was on the logs for a June 2001 dive to the Bismarck. It cost $45,000 to participate and McManis had paid, according to McLaren.

With credentials like that, how could the Hammans doubt McManis?

In the days after they met, McManis invited them on a cruise to Turkey, Sue Hamman said.

All they had to do was join Oceanus International Yacht Club, which offered members a chance to share adventures by bartering trips and other services.

The Hammans, who loved traveling, paid $2,000 to join.

Then the cruise to Turkey got canceled, purportedly because the boat ? which apparently belonged to another yacht club member ? needed maintenance, according to Sue Hamman.

All they got for their money was Oceanographica plots.

"It was selling the dream," Sue Hamman said.

III. The realities of treasure hunting

"... seduced by a dream."

McManis promised his hunt would begin as soon as he raised enough money to rent a submersible from Vero Beach-based Triton Submarines LLC.

He estimated he needed about $6 million. By this May, he said he had "several hundred thousand dollars" after raising money for more than five years. He told me he keeps the money in an offshore account.

Marc Deppe, the vice president of sales and marketing at Triton, confirmed he spoke to McManis last year. He, too, was excited about the idea.

Deppe said McManis would be better off buying than renting a submarine and estimated it would cost $3.6 million. He estimated McManis would need about $50,000 a day to operate it and a support vessel.

"The challenge you have, as I see it with that type of a venture, is you have to get a lot of money in fast," Deppe said.

Apart from the startup costs, there are serious questions about McManis' business model.

Foster, the Stuart attorney who handled Khorassandjian's case, said her first red flag was that McManis' companies were not registered to do business in Florida.

Both the yacht club and Oceanographica list addresses in the British Virgin Islands ? yet he has collected money here.

"I made a mistake, perhaps," McManis conceded when I confronted him with those facts.

He added that he never intended to break any rules.

Foster's bigger concern was about the treasure hunt itself.

Even if McManis raised $6 million and started his hunt, there would be no guarantee he could keep any treasure he found.

"He's supposedly selling these squares of the ocean floor, where there's all this Spanish treasure," Foster said. "So if there's all this Spanish treasure there, it belongs to Spain."

The Tampa-based firm Odyssey Marine Exploration had to give up about $500 million worth of treasure after a federal judge ruled a sunken warship and its contents must to return to Spain.

McManis claimed he would avoid a similar fate by sticking to international waters and focusing his search on nonmilitary ships.

"If it's not a military vessel, it applies to normal international salvage law," he said. "People can make a claim. It takes about a year, and it's divvied up. It's pretty much standard stuff."

James Goold, a Washington-based attorney who represented Spain in its legal dispute with Odyssey, said he wouldn't recommend anyone invest in what McManis is proposing.

"You might as well just stand on the beach and throw the money in the ocean," Goold said when I reached him by phone.

The country of origin would be likely to make a claim to any treasure, even if it was found in international waters, Goold explained.

It doesn't matter if the Oceanographica claims are only $15 each, he said. It doesn't mean they are going to pay off.

"Golly, I could also buy a lot on the moon from somebody," Goold said.

Statistically, the odds are against McManis.

Of 52 annual reports filed by publicly traded shipwreck-recovery firms since 1996, only five showed a net profit, according to The Economist. During that period, Odyssey ? the largest of the companies ? has reported losses of almost $150 million.

As Goold put it:

"The treasure in treasure hunting comes almost always from the savings of investors who get seduced by a dream."

IV. Defending his dream

"Not knowing that it's going to work doesn't mean it's not going to work."

McManis never wavered from his vision when I confronted him with what Riesgraf, Khorassandjian and Sue Hamman told me.

He didn't back off when experts questioned his venture.

"When you get an awful lot of people involved, you're always going to have a certain cross-section of people that are and aren't happy," McManis said.

He told me he simply needed more time to make it happen.

"I feel good about this," he said. "Not knowing that it's going to work doesn't mean it's not going to work."

I asked how he felt about his former friends' beliefs that they had been conned.

He said he didn't force anyone to participate. He just told them what he was doing.

"And they signed the papers," he said.

Khorassandjian and Riesgraf, along with another Martin County woman who did not want to be named, took their story to the Stuart Police Department earlier this year.

There is no active investigation because the complaints appear to be a civil issue, said Officer Brian Bossio, spokesman for the department.

The three women shared their stories in an attempt to prevent others from giving money to McManis.

"I've trusted countless people before in my life, and they never let me down, but this one did," Khorassandjian said.

One of the last times I spoke with McManis, he told me he was in California taking care of his ill sister and her autistic son.

I asked him where his plans for Oceanographica stood.

"Marketing, marketing, marketing," he replied.

He said he was working on a deal with another country that could prove to be a big break. He wouldn't name the nation.

"This is not a fly-by-night thing," he said. "I've worked hard on this for years."

For those who gave him money and have yet to see returns, time has run out on his dream.

"In retrospect," Sue Hamman said, "it's amazing that we could have thought any of this was true."
The people arrested are allegedly part of a global hawala syndicate and the money, after changing hands in Bangkok, was moved elsewhere, sources said.

Delhi airport authorities have arrested five people, including two women, who were trying to smuggle euros worth Rs 1.25 crore by stuffing the cash in their ctums.

By Ankur Sharma: This gives "dirty money" a whole new meaning. Delhi airport authorities have arrested five people, including two women, who were trying to smuggle euros worth Rs 1.25 crore by stuffing the cash in their rectums.

The seizure made by the customs department is one of the biggest in the last five years, sources said.

PART OF GLOBAL HAWALA SYNDICATE



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The people arrested are allegedly part of a global hawala syndicate and the money, after changing hands in Bangkok, was moved elsewhere, sources said. "They were to meet a person in Bangkok and hand over the cash to him," said a customs officer. "A free trip to Bangkok along with Rs 30,000 is what they were promised for the job."

Hawala transactions are used by politicians, underworld gangsters, terrorists and even those wanting to park their unaccounted wealth abroad. Thousands of crores are diverted from the country through such connections every year. For a fee, a hawala dealer provides the foreign currency equivalent of any amount and transfers it anywhere in the world - bypassing normal banking channels and leaving no paper trail.

ACCUSED WERE TRAINED TO HIDE MONEY



All five of the carriers held were trained to conceal the currency notes in their rectums, officials said. "During investigation, we came to know that they got proper training for two-three weeks. They initially used pencil cell batteries and put them in their rectum. Once they got trained, a local trader handed over the money. The process takes almost three to four hours," said a customs officer.

All the accused are from Punjab and have been identified as Rinku (29), Rahul Madan (27), Lovish Kumar (21), Rajpal Kaur (31) and Shalu Rani (29). According to the custom departments, female carriers hiding huge amounts of cash in their rectum is unusual.

"On Tuesday, five passengers were intercepted after they had boarded the flight. Their detailed personal search resulted in the recovery of euro 1.64 lakh, worth Rs 1.25 crore. The said currency was concealed in the rectum of all the five passengers," said Sanjay Mangal, customs commissioner. "Recovered foreign currency has been seized under section 110 of Customs Act, 1962. The passengers have been placed under arrest under the provisions of section 104 of the Customs Act, 1962."

The recovery of the money is difficult in such cases, particularly if it's in the form of currency notes, an officer said, adding that they have to wait for the accused to defecate.

"Our officials record this whole process so that it can help us as evidence in the case," he said.

The customs department says it has encountered instances of gold being hidden in the rectum, but cash recovery is very rare.

HAWALA SYNDICATES LURED ACCUSED



"During investigation, the accused revealed that the person who is in Bangkok told them that each of them will get Rs 30,000 along with a free trip to the city. It is an eight-hour job for them, including the flight. Sometimes, a few carriers also take sedatives so that they can easily conceal things in their rectum for longer periods without experiencing pain," sources said.

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Hawala syndicates spot those who want to visit abroad and youths in Punjab are often targeted, said officials.

The amount paid varies according to the number of successful trips a carrier has made. While Rs 30,000 is on offer for firsttimers, the reward can go up to Rs 60,000-70,000.

ALSO READ:

Mumbai credit-card racket busted, 4 arrested



--- ENDS ---
Algae blooms seen on June 24 in the St. Lucie River estuary in Martin County. (ERIC HASERT/ TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

SHARE Water samples taken from Outboards Only marina on Saturday, July 9, 2016 in Rio contained very high concentrations of blue-green algae. Martin County is having samples from five locations tested for toxicity. (MOLLY BARTELS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

By Tyler Treadway of TCPalm

FORT PIERCE  Basing Lake Okeechobee discharges on outgoing tides would help keep blue-green algae blooms out of the St. Lucie River, scientists said at a symposium Wednesday.

Constant, voluminous discharges allow lake water to be in the estuary a long time, and the longer the "residence time," the more algae has a chance to grow and bloom, according to Ian D. Walsh, an Oregon-based oceanographer who studied data gleaned from remote-control water monitors in the river.

By timing discharges to coincide with outgoing tides, water would flush through the estuary faster, said Brian Lapointe, a research professor at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce. "When you're discharging on an incoming tide, the water has to work against the tide and ends up staying in the estuary longer."

GO WITH THE FLOW

Since early July, the Army Corps of Engineers has reduced lake discharges from more than 1 billion gallons a day to an average of about 425 million gallons a day. And water is released in weeklong "pulses"  with high discharge rates the first couple of days followed by a gradual reduction that ends with two days of no discharges at all.

The results: The thick, noxious algae blooms have mostly disappeared from the main body of the estuary. Also, salinity in the estuary has increased, which helps thwart future blooms and is necessary to the survival of oysters and sea grasses.

Timing discharges on a daily rather than a weekly schedule would help clean out the estuary even more, Lapointe said.

Corps officials arent sure if the logistics of a tide-based discharge system can be worked out.

Our operations division is aware of the idea and is reviewing it, corps spokesman John Campbell said Wednesday evening.

RESEARCH FROM AFAR

Walsh also recommended installing another of Harbor Branch's water monitors in the lake and one in the upper North Fork of the St. Lucie River to track the sources of nutrients  nitrogen and phosphorus  and how they flow into the estuary to feed algae blooms.

Harbor Branch has a system of 10 Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory monitors, or LOBOs, spread throughout the Indian River Lagoon, with five of them in the St. Lucie River paid for with a grant from the Florida Legislature.

Fort Pierce-based Ocean Research and Conservation Association also has a network of remote-controlled water sensors, called Kilroys, in the lagoon and St. Lucie River.

Walsh, director of science and senior oceanographer at Sea-Bird Scientific and WET Labs Inc. in Philomath, Oregon, conducted his study based purely on real-time information from the LOBOs.

"I did this from 3,000 miles away," Walsh said, while sharing his findings with government officials, other scientists and students at Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch. "And there are also people in Shanghai looking at this data."

RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS

The algae crisis in the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon and at times Atlantic Ocean beaches has sparked research by various organizations to learn more about the blooms. Here are a few:

Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne)

FIT researchers want to know why algae eaters aren't grazing fast enough to prevent a bloom, said Kevin Johnson, an associate professor of marine and environmental systems. So they are studying what kinds of microscopic plankton feed on the algae, how fast they graze and why.

They also are studying muck dredging and hope to study what would happen if seawater was pumped into the lagoon to increase salinity and thwart algae blooms.

Ocean Research & Conservation Association (Fort Pierce)

ORCA researchers hope to obtain money to study how the algae makes its way through the food chain and into drinking water.

"We need to be paying more attention to the effects because of this enormous bloom," said president and lead scientist Edie Widder.

Florida Oceanographic Society (Stuart)

Researchers, who have been testing river water since 1998 and researching the restoration of oysters and sea grass for about a dozen years, are trying to determine toxic algae's effects on river and lagoon life.

"We're not sure how much of the microcystin toxins from the algae is being deposited within the animal itself," Executive Director Mark Perry said. "That's the concern: how that comes into the animal and stays there."

They've sampled invertebrates in oyster reefs in the lagoon and in the river off Flagler Park in downtown Stuart.

"Hopefully, we can indicate it's harmful in a lot of ways to a lot of different marine life," Perry said. "Then we'd need to make a recommendation on how to correct it."

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (Fort Pierce)

Researchers are trying to determine the best way to keep water moving to prevent algae blooms, said Fraser Dalgleish, the director of Ocean Visibility and Optics Laboratory. They are observing the flow of water in the estuary and trying to determine how long it takes water to get flushed out of the lagoon. They have used drones that measure currents and water speed to study ventilation rates of the lagoon through the Fort Pierce Inlet since 2014.

Also, James Sullivan, the principal investigator of phytoplankton dynamics, has been documenting the algae's characterization to determine the cause and origin of the bacteria.

University of Florida Water Institute (Gainesville)

Researchers specializing in harmful algae blooms plan to visit Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River estuary to study the blooms' changing nature, toxicity and longevity, said Karl Havens, director of Florida Sea Grant.

"It is important to understand how these things keep growing once they get going because it can eventually predict how long the bloom will last," Havens said. "We know this one is still going strong, and there are a number of things that could affect it."

UF also plans to fund a project on the algae's effect on human health.

Smithsonian Marine Station (Fort Pierce)

Scientists have focused their research on the north lagoons algae blooms, said Laura Diederick, the public programs specialist.

Staff writer Nicole Wiesenthal contributed to this story.
SHARE Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum speaks during day three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEBSAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

By Michael Collins, USA TODAY

PHILADELPHIA  Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum used his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday to call for national unity and pledge that with the right leadership, Americans' trust in each other can be restored.

"I believe with every fiber of my being that Hillary Clinton is the leader we need," Gillum said to loud applause during a nationally televised address to delegates gathered in the Wells Fargo Center.

His speech, part biography and part call to action, lasted just more than five minutes. The mayor used that time on the national stage to say the values he learned from his parents and grandparents are the values of the Democratic Party and Clinton, the party's nominee for president.

As he prepared for his address, Gillum said, he thought back to the path that led him to his moment on the stage.

Gillum, born in Miami, was the fifth of seven children. His father, Charles, was a construction worker and his mother, Frances, a school bus driver. Both worked their entire lives to provide their children with greater opportunities than they had enjoyed, he said.

"They dared us to fly higher than they could ever see  and they always provided us an opportunity and a path to always pay it forward," he said. "I can still hear my grandmother's voice telling me, 'Baby'  she said it just like that  'go to school, mind my teachers, get my lesson and one day bring that education home.' "

His grandmother urged him to get an education not only for himself but for his brothers, baby sister and the kids down the street, he said.

"It was a reminder," he said, "that if we were going to get anywhere, we would get there together."

Drawing parallels between his personal story, his party and the presidential race, Gillum said Clinton "has shown us her heart, her strength, her passion for this country's future  a future, quite frankly, which means more to me now than it ever did before."

Gillum noted he and his wife, R. Jai, are raising 2-year-old twins, Jackson and Caroline. He said he intends to take them into the voting booth with him in November "because I want them to know that I'm not just casting a vote for Hillary Clinton and my fellow Democrats, I am casting a vote for them."

"Ensuring the future they deserve will require leadership that will unify and inspire us, that can build on this country's best instincts for inclusion and optimism," he said. "The world can seem scary enough without so-called leaders leading with fear for political gain."

Gillum called for healing between the black community and police officers.

Every day, black parents send their sons out with a deep sense of anxiety, hoping they will return safely, and police officers kiss their loved ones heading to work  holding that same hope and fear in their hearts, he said.

"In these times of anger and fear, we can't afford retreat to our respective corners," Gillum said. "We can't let this animosity grow and get stronger."

The nation has seen examples of communities and law enforcement coming together during a crisis "to grieve together and help each other heal," Gillum said.

"That is exactly how it is supposed to work  and it's on all of us to make that a reality in our communities," he said. "Because in the end, we're all in this together."
FILE PHOTO Vero Beach Power Plant. (ERIC HASERT/ TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)



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By Colleen Wixon of TCPalm

INDIAN RIVER SHORES  Some 3,500 residents here could end up paying millions of dollars to help Florida Power & Light Co. buy a part of their electric-power provider  Vero Beach electric.

The Town Council Thursday voted 4-0 to kick in $3 million toward FPL's potential purchase of the Vero electric customer base within Indian River Shores. But it won't be the town paying up.

If FPL's $30 million offer  for the Shores customers and some transmission lines  is approved, FPL would lay out the cash, then assess Vero electric customers in the Shores a surcharge over the next three years., totaling $3 million. Current FPL customers within Indian River Shores would be unaffected.

Vero Beach is expected to consider the offer at its Aug. 16 City Council meeting.

Indian River Shores Mayor Brian Barefoot, who attended the meeting by phone, abstained from voting but said he favored the plan. Shores customers of Vero electric would pay less if they were served by FPL, even with the surcharge, Barefoot said.

FPL's offer is the equivalent of about $10,000 per customer. A typical buyout offer is closer to about $5,000 per customer, said Shores Vice Mayor Gerry Weick.

"It seems like a very generous offer," Weick said.

Vero Beach officials, however, have said the offer is about $17 million short.

Vero Beach previously valued the Indian River Shores portion of its operation at $42.4 million. The city also has to consider about $5 million in contingencies, such as a change in the price of gas or if something happens to the Florida Municipal Power Agency projects, City Manager Jim O'Connor has said.

The two municipalities have been embroiled in legal battles for years. Indian River Shores has sued Vero Beach, claiming Vero has no legal right to force Shores residents to be on its electric grid after the Shores' franchise agreement with Vero Beach ends in November. For its part, Vero Beach maintained in its countersuit the state Public Service Commission has given it authority to set its service area boundaries. The suits have since been dropped.

"Hopefully, (Vero Beach) will approve, and we can end this litigation," Barefoot said Thursday.

BY THE NUMBERS

3,500: Number of Vero Beach electric customers living in Indian River Shores

$30 million: Florida Power & Light Co.s offer for that part of the system on Tuesday

$13 million: FPLs previous offer

$42.4 million: Vero Beachs estimated value of the Indian River Shores portion of its electric system

BY THE NUMBERS

3,500: Number of Vero Beach electric customers living in Indian River Shores

$30 million: Florida Power & Light Co.s offer for that part of the system on Tuesday

$13 million: FPLs previous offer

$42.4 million: Vero Beachs estimated value of the Indian River Shores portion of its electric system
SHARE William Blanchard

By Staff Report

PORT ST. LUCIE  An 82-year-old man who was reported missing on Wednesday was located and is in good health, Master Sgt. Frank Sabol, public information officer for the Port St. Lucie Police Department, said in a news release early Thursday.

William Raymond Blanchard, of the 100 block of Northwest Royce Avenue, suffers from a mild cognitive disorder and displays Alzheimers-like symptoms.

Blanchard was last seen at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the McDonald's at 5435 N.W. St. James Drive in Port St. Lucie. Police detectives verified Blanchard was at the McDonald's, then left the area in his car traveling in an unknown direction.

Sabol reported that at around 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, the Brevard County Sheriffs Office located Blanchard at a rest stop on Interstate 95 in Brevard County.
Water flows out of the St. Lucie Lock and Dam on June 17 near Stuart. (FILE PHOTO)

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By Mark Miller

In 1972, Congress passed what became known as the Clean Water Act to protect the navigable waters of the United States. The law prohibits discharging pollutants into those navigable waters without a permit or exemption.

The water the Army Corps of Engineers discharges into the St. Lucie River contains pollutants. The Treasure Coast has known about this pollution for years, but the entire country came face-to-face with it this summer because the green slime befouling our river brought us unwanted national media attention.

Neither the corps, nor any other governmental agency, secured a permit for these pollutant discharges.

Likewise, the Clean Water Act contains no exemption for the corps' discharges. Yet the so-called Environmental Protection Agency and the corps apparently excuse themselves from following the law that you and I must follow, premised on the false argument that they have no other choice.

We have navigable waters, and the federal government pollutes these navigable waters every day.

So where are the consequences?

Regular Americans face legal consequences for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act all the time. Why are the federal bureaucrats in charge of these apparent violations not facing similar consequences?

These violations of the Clean Water Act would lead to prosecutions if private citizens were the polluters, and in fact the government has tried to prosecute much less in the past.

For example, in 2012, a Wyoming farmer named Andy Johnson erected a small dam on a stream that ran across his property to create a stock pond to provide more reliable and safer access to water for his animals. Wetlands sprang up around the pond. The stock pond provided a scarce, quality habitat for fish and a water source for wildlife, including a bald eagle. By allowing the water to pool before proceeding downstream, the pond cleaned the water that passed through it.

For Johnson's trouble of creating a small pond, the feds threatened him with fines of up to $37,500 per day because the EPA contended the way he constructed the pond on his property amounted to a discharge into waters of the United States, and he did not have a permit to do so. By the time he got to court, Johnson faced millions of dollars in fines.

Meanwhile, here on the Treasure Coast, the corps pollutes the St. Lucie River with an overloaded amalgamation of phosphorous, nitrogen and toxic algae-laden water, killing plant life, animal life and businesses that call the St. Lucie River home. The corps does this without a permit, yet faces absolutely no consequences. And that's just one comparison.

A few years before the Johnson case, John Rapanos, a businessman and land owner in Michigan, faced prison because the federal government accused him of discharging into waters of the United States without a permit in violation of the Clean Water Act.

According to the feds, he violated the act by clearing land he owned more than 20 miles away from the nearest navigable body of water. Despite that distance, the government said his property clearing amounted to a discharge of pollutants into navigable waters without a permit.

In both the Johnson and Rapanos cases, Pacific Legal Foundation fought the government to protect the rights of these Americans. In the Rapanos case, we fought the feds all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States and won. In the Johnson case, the government dismissed any claim against him after we sued.

So what is our federal government doing about the man-made, environmental disaster created by Army Corps of Engineers bureaucrats who every day approve discharges of polluted waters directly into the St. Lucie River?

These officials have actively destroyed our river by choice. Their actions violate the Clean Water Act.

Unlike the Andy Johnson case, they did not create a pond. They poisoned a river.

Unlike the John Rapanos case, the bureaucrats did not clear land miles away from the nearest body of water. Rather, they knowingly discharged nitrogen-laden, phosphorous-overloaded, toxic algae-filled waters into the St. Lucie River.

The EPA says it protects the environment. It's there right in the name of the agency: environmental protection. Why isn't this agency stopping these non-permitted discharges?

It's time for the federal government to abide by the Clean Water Act and stop the daily discharges of polluted water from the C-44 Canal into the St. Lucie River. It's time for legal consequences if they don't.

Mark Miller is the president of the Martin County Bar Association and managing attorney of Pacific Legal Foundation's east coast litigation headquarters, based on the Treasure Coast. His views are his own.
Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., cheer during a protest near City Hall on July 27 in Philadelphia during the third day of the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

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By Paula Dockery

As I've been watching this bizarre presidential campaign for the past year, I've been fascinated with the Bernie Sanders campaign and how it's been able to amass an army of volunteers, a jaw-dropping war chest and start a movement that evokes incredible emotion and passion.

In May 2015, Sen. Sanders, a little-known Independent from Vermont, announced he was running for the Democratic nomination against what seemed to be an invincible Hillary Clinton. He was widely written off as the longest of long shots.

But the grumpy, frumpy 74-year-old self-described democratic socialist became the darling of the millennial generation. He held huge rallies and raised an unbelievable $180 million in what he described as small individual contributions averaging $27.

The campaign was well-organized, well-managed and well-marketed with clever slogans and perhaps the best political ad of the campaign, using populist images with the Simon and Garfunkel song "America".

Sanders attracted a few veteran politicians, celebrities and activists, but his growing movement was primarily comprised of political newcomers, the working class and millennials. He called it a political revolution and proposed sweeping reforms primarily addressing income and wealth inequality.

Supporters became revolutionaries. They were loyal, enthusiastic and viewed everything through the lens of victimhood. The establishment rigs the system for the wealthy, and the Democratic National Committee rigs the nomination process for Hillary.

The revolutionary army was energized and combative. They interrupted Donald Trump rallies, demonstrated in Chicago, protested in front of CNN for its lack of coverage and became confrontational in Nevada over what they believed was rigging of the delegate process.

They become known as Bernie Bros. on social media because of their aggressive tactics. They started the rumor that Sanders won California  it went viral. Clinton won 56-43 percent.

When Clinton reached the necessary delegates, some Sanders delegates would not accept defeat. Sanders smartly used his newfound influence and power to extract platform positions that reflected his campaign priorities.

He endorsed Clinton and tried to bring his supporters along. Many were happy to support her, some were warming to the idea and then there was a vocal group that refused to accept the Democratic Party's outcome taking a "never Hillary" stance.

The Trump camp tried to stoke their anger by fueling their belief that Clinton's victory was rigged or otherwise illegitimate. A well-orchestrated leak of Democratic National Committee emails on the eve of the party's convention hurt the unity effort  as intended.

Some of Sanders' hard-core revolutionaries ramped up their vitriol at Clinton and the DNC, even though the party chair had stepped down. Philosophically they had more in common with Clinton's positions than Trump's. Sanders urged those at the convention to unify to beat Trump. Some booed him.

Their goal was to disrupt, and they weren't through disrupting. On the first night of the convention, last Monday, pockets of rebel delegates jeered speakers, including U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren.

Comedian Sarah Silverman, a Sanders supporter, said what many of us were thinking: "You Bernie-or-bust people are being ridiculous."

Sanders took the stage to thunderous applause and delivered a unifying message while hitting his consistent themes. The camera scanned to numerous Sanders loyalists sobbing uncontrollably. It was a very powerful and heartfelt exhibition of their admiration and grief.

After Day 1, the protests were fizzling out and unity and acceptance were starting to take hold. Sanders' speech and the full roll call vote would prove to be cathartic to the vast majority of his supporters.

Some groups went rogue by ignoring Bernie's call for unity and planned to disrupt the convention, get media attention and continue the revolution. To them, unity was selling out.

When you get people fired up  particularly those politically engaging for the first time  it's hard to get them to lay down their arms.

Paula Dockery is a syndicated columnist who served in the Florida Legislature for 16 years as a Republican from Lakeland. She can be reached at PBDockery@gmail.com.
Upon entering the Walking Tree Brewery, you immediately understand all the effort that went into creating this full service craft brewery.

This vast renovated space  transformed from a WWII-era warehouse to a gleaming craft brewery  has finally opened after issues with the city and airport. It features shiny vats and aged barrels, and is staffed by a friendly bunch of employees and owners who are willing to speak about everything craft beer.

The name Walking Tree reflects the philosophy of their business and their commitment to the environment. It's a tribute to the mangrove, which lives with one 'foot' on land and one in the water. They're expansive and deeply rooted, as well as native to this area  just like the brewery's owners.

'We are so excited about being open to the public. The opening event was very successful and I cannot thank the volunteers enough,' said co-founder and owner Alan Dritenbas. 'For the most part, they were scheduled for two hour shifts and they stayed all day and gave their time. Really the whole town came together to make this a special event.'

The brewery will be open 7 days a week. The owners want to make sure that there are plenty of family friendly things to do as well as other activities that bring people together. Due to zoning restrictions, the brewery can only host three outdoor festivals, such as their grand opening, with tents and bounce houses.

'Walking Tree Brewery is like an old-style German beer hall,' he said. 'We are not about 15 TVs and no one interacting. We want to bring the community together. With my experience running downtown Friday and my father with the beer fest on Royal Palm Point, I think we have a pretty good idea of how to do that.'

The grand opening was a family-friendly event with plenty of activities for all ages, including a large waterslide, bounce houses, checkers, darts and a large, wooden Jumanji setup, which attracted quite a bit of attention.

There were food trucks, which will continue to be at the brewery on weekends. More games will be added and they hope to offer Wi-Fi so their customers can drop in for a craft brew and still get some work done  or chase a Pokemon. And just to make it more Zen-like, they offer yoga on Sundays.

For more information, visit www.walkingtreebrewery.com or call 772-217-3502.
Thank you for reading!

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By Indo-Asian News Service: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during a live TV press conference asked a female reporter to "be quiet" following a heated discussion.

The incident occurred at the press conference in Florida on Wednesday, during which NBC News' correspondent Katy Tur asked the real estate mogul whether he had "any qualms about asking a foreign government, Russia, China, anybody, to interfere, to hack into a system of anybody in this country," the New York Magazine reported.

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She pressed him, reading back one of his own quotes, to which he replied, "Well, they probably have (the emails). I'd like to have them released."

As Tur continued talking, Trump said, "You know what gives me more pause? That a person in our government - crooked Hillary Clinton - be quiet," the New York Magazine added.

The NBC News correspondent asked no further questions.

On Wednesday, Trump was at the centre of an uproar after he said that Russia should help find Clinton's missing emails on the personal server that she used to conduct official business as secretary of state but deemed private and did not hand over to the State Department.



Also read: Donald Trump's Reddit AMA: My plan is to keep crooked Hillary Clinton out of the White House





--- ENDS ---
Samsung's Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are considered two of the best smartphones available today. The devices have proved so popular, they've helped Samsung achieve its most profitable quarter in two years.

The Korean tech giant has reported an operating profit of 8.14 trillion won ($7.22 billion) on revenue of 50.94 trillion won ($45.2 billion) for Q2 2016. The figures show an 18 percent year-on-year profit increase and a five percent annual revenue increase.

More than half of Samsung's revenue came from its mobile division, which, despite the global slowdown in smartphone shipments, was bolstered by sales of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.

The new flagship devices have sold better than their Galaxy S6 and Edge variant predecessors, with the more expensive S7 Edge making up more than half of all Galaxy S7 sales in Q2.

It wasn't just Samsung's high-end phones that contributed to the healthy figures; the firm's mid- to low-end models - the Galaxy A and J series - also sold well, adding to the 78 million smartphones the company shipped in the last quarter.

Samsung predicts that the rest of the year will be equally positive, thanks to increasing demand for its components, such as OLED panels, and continuing growth in the UHD TV market. The upcoming unveiling of the next Galaxy Note is also expected to increase revenue across the remainder of 2016.

"Looking ahead to the second half of 2016, the company expects its solid performance to continue compared to the first half, mainly driven by earnings increase in the component business," Samsung said in a statement.

Image credit: JPstock / Shutterstock
Although early rumors suggested that actress Calista Flockhart would not appear on Supergirl after its move to The CW, producer Sarah Schechter confirmed that Flockhart and her character, Cat Grant, are part of the show's second season.

There were rumors early on that Flockhart didn't want to leave Supergirl's previous shooting location in Los Angeles for Vancouver, which is where The CW films most of its shows. However, it seems that those rumors just aren't true.

Still, Cat Grant will appear less on the series, but that has more to do with what happened in Supergirl's CBS season finale than anything else. In that final episode, Kara got a promotion, which changes her position at CatCo.

"You'll definitely see Cat Grant but she was very effective by her interactions with Supergirl last year," Schechter said to Slash Film. "Also Kara not being her assistant, you wouldn't see her as much. It's that weird thing when you get promoted and you see your old boss less. There is still Cat Grant. She is not going anywhere."

Things will get a lot busier around CatCo, too: fans will see a few new employees, including Felicity's Ian Gomez. However, don't expect to see Jeremy Jordan's Winn Schott hanging around the company as much: he's got a new gig with the DEO.

"Winn becomes more involved with the DEO which means we get more scenes of David Harewood and Jeremy Jordan together which is to me endlessly entertaining," Schechter said. "Nobody annoys Hank Henshaw more than Winn Schott."

The second season of Supergirl will also feature Tyler Hoechlin as Superman. There's still no word on just how big (or small) his role is, but he'll probably serve as a supporting character since the production has always been adamant about how Supergirl is Kara's show.

As if that wasn't exciting enough, the series also tapped former Wonder Woman Lynda Carter as the President of the United States.

"My personal hope is that it's a good foretelling of things to come with our own presidency," Schechter said. "Lynda Carter is amazing and her role as Wonder Woman was, for a long time, the only female hero that a generation of people had to look to. We want to honor that even as we expand the idea of what a female superhero can be. I think there's going to be some very surprising turns. I think people are going to be really excited. She has some fun stuff to do."

Season two of Supergirl airs on The CW on Oct. 10.

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They don't breathe fire, nor do they fly.

But two new ant species in Papua New Guinea bear some strange resemblance to the mythical dragons in Game of Thrones: the ants possess spiny barbs along their shoulders and backs.

Because of this uncanny likeness, researchers have gotten inspired to name the insects after Khaleesi's dragons. It's as if these ferocious beasts came to life in insect form, experts say.

Identifying New Ant Species

Taxonomy  or the scientific process of identifying, documenting and classifying new species  is one of the most archaic and most basic tasks in biology. Traditional methods require the new species to be described with drawings, verbal descriptions or photographs.

In the new study, scientists from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) employed cutting-edge 3D imaging technology for taxonomy, together with some conventional techniques.

The OIST researchers, which comprised of Dr. Eli Sarnat, Professor Evan Economo and Dr. Georg Fischer, had discovered several new ant species in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea.

With the help of a technique called X-ray microtomography, a technology that is similar to hospital CT scans, scientists were able to examine smaller objects such as ants at such a high resolution.

Professor Economo, the head of the Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit of the team, says their research is the first of its kind to use micro-CT in ant studies. As soon as the ants are micro-CT-scanned, the insects become "virtual specimens" that exist in 3D, allowing it to be archived, dissected and even shared with other experts from across the world.

Fischer, a postdoc scholar in the same unit with Economo, says anyone can download the virtual ant, create their own measurements and compare it to the specimen they are trying to study.

Dragon Ants And Their Spiny Barbs

Researchers used 3D imaging to describe the two groups of ant species and then produced 3D galleries for each of them. They also took advantage of the technology to examine the spines of major worker ants to understand their function.

In the end, scientists found that the two newly discovered insects appear dragon-like because of their unique characteristics, including their large and distinctive spines.

And although the most obvious function of the ants' spines is to act as defense against predators, the spines were actually filled with muscle, making the ants stronger and more robust compared with non-spiny ants.

One of the two ant species was designated Pheidole viserion, after Daenerys Targaryen's red orange-winged dragon. The other species was called Pheidole drogon, which was named after the most aggressive and largest of three Targaryen dragons.

Sarnat, lead author of the research, suggests that the presence of the muscles could mean that the spines may be crucial in holding up the ants' gargantuan heads. He says one problem is how the spines evolved that way in the first place.

"A little spine won't help as a defense mechanism," says Sarnat.

He suggests that there might have been another use for the spine that would have given the ants an advantage. The spines in the back did not have muscles like the shoulders, but the latter may act as a skeleto-muscular support for the head in soldier ants.

Meanwhile, James Traniello, an expert from Boston University and was not involved in the research, says it is interesting to consider that the spines may serve a different function. However, he believes further investigations must be done to test the theory. Sarnat agrees.

Details of the new study are published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Watch the video below.

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There is only one "true" wolf species in the North and it is the gray wolf (Canis lupus), according to new research.

After analyzing the genetic ancestry of wolves in North America, a team of scientists from New Jersey and California have found that the western wolf is the only genetically purebred species in the continent.

In fact, the remaining wolves  including the red wolf and Eastern wolf  are hybrids with a mix of coyote and gray wolf DNA, and are not evolutionary distinct, the group's study concluded.

However, the report highlights a fundamental problem in wildlife conservation: under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), how should threatened animal hybrids be addressed? And should gray wolves be removed under protection?

Wildlife Conservation For Wolves

Populations of gray wolves once flourished across much of the United States, until the animals were hunted down to near extinction in the late 19th and early 20th century.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the gray wolf as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This was done because the animal's geographic range once encompassed the Great Lakes region and 29 eastern states.

Researchers from Princeton University and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) say the populations of gray wolf species have since rebounded thanks to reintroduction, protections and natural repopulation. This made the wolf recovery in the U.S. one of the most successful under the ESA.

Along with the gray wolf, the red wolf species is also under the ESA protection, but the Eastern wolf is not.

Authors of the new study say the USFWS will decide this fall whether to remove the gray wolf under protection of the ESA.

This proposal has drawn attention to the discord between ranchers, conservationists, hunters and other people who see the predator either as a danger or as part of a rather healthy ecosystem.

The agency says the gray wolf should be removed from the list because the supposed distinct species of eastern wolf lived in the eastern states and the Great Lakes region.

The presence of the eastern wolf in the eastern U.S. would also mean that the gray wolf's original listing could be annulled, they say.

No Distinct Evolutionary Line

In the new study, researchers examined the complete genomes of 12 pure gray wolves, three pure coyotes, six eastern wolves and three red wolves.

The pure gray wolves were taken from areas with no coyotes; the pure coyotes were taken from areas without gray wolves; and the eastern wolves were taken from the Great Lakes region.

In the end, scientists found that the red wolves and eastern wolves were not evolutionary distinct species but were the result of recent interbreeding.

In fact, eastern wolves had 25 percent coyote DNA and 75 percent gray wolf DNA, while red wolves contained 75 percent coyote DNA and 25 percent gray wolf DNA.

"These results suggest that arguments for delisting the gray wolf are not valid," says Princeton Assistant Professor Bridgett vonHoldt, the report's lead author.

Furthermore, VonHoldt and her colleagues suggest that the Endangered Species Act should also cover endangered hybrid species because interbreeding is common in the wild and is not harmful.

Full details of the new report are published in the journal Science Advances.

Photo: USFWS - Pacific Region | Flickr

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The Tor Project's investigation into accusations that former employee Jacob Appelbaum manifested "sexually aggressive behavior" toward people from within the organization came to a result.

The organization, which is mostly famous for its online anonymity software, affirms that it has multiple confirmations that the events happened "as reported."

Tor's CEO, Shari Steele, clarified the issue in a recent blog post.

Tor started the inquiry into Appelbaum's conduct at the end of May, in the wake of multiple complaints from members of the company and outsiders who said that he had behaved inappropriately.

"Many people inside and outside the Tor Project have reported incidents," Steele notes.

Most victims were "humiliated, intimidated, bullied, and frightened by Jacob" and a few of them accused Appelbaum of "unwanted sexually aggressive behavior." According to Steele, Tor's investigation revealed that a number of people who had not come forward were also involved in similar transgressions.

Appelbaum quit his job at Tor in May, but responded to the allegations in June by deeming them "entirely false." According to this website, Appelbaum currently works as adviser for the Centre for Investigative Journalism.

As Tor pushed onward with its internal investigation, it discovered that two more employees behaved in unprofessional ways toward their peers. They are no longer working with Tor either.

In her blog post, Steele sent out a strong thank you to those who "broke the silence around Jacob's behavior." She adds that the courage to speak up is commendable and is the only way to resolve such condemnable situations.

As the investigation ended, Tor will start to implement a new set of policies that target harassment. The company says that a process for submitting complaints is in the works, with all complaints receiving thorough follow-up and review. The new approaches will be put into practice this week.

No sooner than last month, Tor unveiled that it plans to replace its directors' board. At the time, members of the existing board pointed out that the decision has to do with making sure that the Tor Project gets creme of the crop leadership.

Appelbaum is known to the public as one of the most vocal advocates of the Tor Project, which makes it a priority to offer citizens the possibility to roam freely around the internet outside of authorities' surveillance. Appelbaum, who lives in Berlin, is also the only American citizen involved in the WikiLeaks scandal.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Ford and MIT partnered up for a project to assist electric shuttles gauge current levels of demand among pedestrians and better understand which locations may score top demand of their services.

The EVs will be packing image recording technologies such as inexpensive cameras and LiDARs and will hit the road on public city streets after being tested at MIT's Cambridge campus.

The fleet of electric vehicles will not only rival Lyft and Uber's already running operations, but also aid the research on pedestrian traffic and the improvement of future self-driving cars.

The first phase of the MIT-Ford project will debut in September, with students being able to hail the tiny electric cars from their mobile devices. The vehicles are small enough to make their way through sidewalks without disturbing the existing pedestrian traffic.

One reason why the cars are able to move seamlessly between people is that the research team collected data on pedestrian levels and patterns over the past five months. The team used LiDAR sensors resembling those on self-driving cars to gauge the foot traffic levels.

The gathered data, coupled with other pieces of info such as class schedules, present weather conditions and "the dynamic habits of students and professors across different semesters," allows the researchers to determine where to route and position the vehicles throughout the day.

On one hand, the project will enable the creation of an autonomous ridesharing system, which could prove very useful in campuses, while on the other it will provide Ford with advanced know-how on pedestrian detection. The automaker should make use of the knowledge in its self-driving car projects.

By refining the performance of LiDARs, autonomous vehicles should be able to use fewer cameras while also improving the way in which they cross densely populated pedestrian areas.

"This program is gathering good information, and experimenting with various ways to use less resolution in LiDAR to detect pedestrians," says Bryan Goodman, Ford's Manger and Technical Leader of Autonomous Vehicle Analysis.

Goodman also notes that the current phase of the project should last until the year's end, but Ford and MIT are already working on what the next phase might look like. Regardless of their ongoing cooperation, Ford has one important purpose in mind: to take further steps in its Smart Mobility program, such that electric shuttles driven by human drivers will be replaced with fully autonomous models.

Meanwhile, rival manufacturer Mercedes already deployed an autonomous bus that makes regular driverless trips to the Amsterdam airport.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Drag And Drop To Create Apps Via Deluge By Zoho | TechTree.com

Zoho announced 4 new products on Wednesday, July 27 -- Zoho Marketplace, Zoho Developer, Zoho SalesInbox, and Zoho CRM.

The event also showcased the company's very own programming language, christened as 'Deluge', which is basically a drag-and-drop solution for all developers, allowing them to create custom applications on Zoho products via Zoho Developer and then publish it on the newly launched Zoho Marketplace.

According to Hyther Nizam, VP - Product Management, Zoho Corp, Deluge can save over 80 per cent of the developer's coding time (writing boilerplate codes), which he can later use to focus on the actual business logic. He also added that there are over 15,000 developers worldwide who are currently using Deluge.. and over 200 million codes have already been written for Zoho customers.

He also added that a sixteen year old boy was able to learn 'Deluge' within 2 weeks and develop apps on his own. Also, it seems that the company is in talks with colleges to offer Deluge as an elective programming language.

Rajendran Dandapani, Director of Engineering, Zoho added that, Zoho's very own programming language is capable of giving developers a scroll back option which they can use to go through their app's previous versions in real time, which is pretty much not possible with any other programming language.

With 'Deluge' in hand, companies can now create small apps which are required for some specific purposes like Employee Login and Food Rating, pretty easily, without actually contacting a full time app developer and spending months together writing the code. However, developers can only create custom applications on Zoho products as of now, but the company's plan is to make the programming language 'open-sourced' eventually.

TAGS: developer program, Mobile App, Zoho
By PTI: passenger

Mumbai, Jul 28 (PTI) An IndiGo flight from Dubai to Kozhikode made an emergency landing at the Mumbai airport today following alleged unruly behaviour of a passenger, who was offloaded along with his brother travelling in the same flight.

Islamil (24) from Kannur in Kerala, offloaded along with his elder brother, is said to be "mentally disturbed" and the airport officials are verifying his "medical report" and other personal details, police said.

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"An IndiGo flight from Dubai to Kozhikode made an emergency landing at Mumbai airport at 0915 hrs due to unruly behaviour of a passenger. After offloading them, the flight took off to its scheduled destination at 1050 hrs," a Mumbai airport official said.

He said the passenger did not raise any pro-ISIS slogans, as suggested by some reports.

In a statement, IndiGo airlines said its Dubai- Kozhikode flight was diverted to Mumbai this morning on grounds of unruly behaviour by a passenger on board.

A little before landing, a passenger seated on 5D (who was accompanied by his brother) suddenly started misbehaving with the crew. He jumped on the forward cart (which is used for food and onboard merchandise) and sat on it. The crew immediately informed the Captain-in-command and the lead crew.

The crew politely requested the passenger to step down from the cart and he obliged. After stepping down from the cart, the passenger suddenly got violent and started physically abusing the co-passenger, IndiGo said.

Taking precautionary measure, the Captain immediately informed the Air Traffic control (ATC) and the ground security staff about the situation onboard.

The flight made the precautionary landing at the Mumbai airport where the passenger concerned was handed over to the CISF for further investigations. The matter is now with the local authorities, the airline further said.

According to police, Ismail and his brother are working in a super mall in Dubai. Ismail was being taken home since he has been showing signs of mental disturbance since the past few days, a senior police official said.

The official discounted the chances of a police case being registered against the passenger.PTI BEN AVI GK NM GSN

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Apple Sells Its Billionth iPhone; Tim Cooks It Up | TechTree.com

A day after Apple surprised the stock markets with better than anticipated third quarter earnings, its CEO, Tim Cook, has followed up the hype with some more of it by celebrating the sale of its one billionth iPhone, and claiming that it was as a major milestone for the company.

Cook made the announcement at an all-staff meeting in Apples Cupertino office yesterday morning. The iPhone has become one of the most important, world changing and successful products in history. Its become more than a constant companion truly an essential part of our daily life and enables much of what we do throughout the day, Cook said after holding up the billionth iPhone.

Of course, true to form, the Apple head honcho kept silent about the declining iPhone sales, especially of the new models that the company launched last September  the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus.

In a statement published on Apples website (read it here) Cook said, We never set out to make the most, but weve always set out to make the best products that make a difference. Thank you to everyone at Apple for helping change the world every day.

Thank you Tim for sharing this celebration with users of the iPhone, however muted and false it may sound. For barely 24 hours earlier, Cook had told investors that iPhone sales had fallen for the second successive quarter (Q3) after recording uninterrupted growth since its introduction in 2007.

Apple had sold 40.4 million iPhones during the quarter ending June 25, down 15 per cent from the same period last year. (Read the full story) The decline underscored the challenges that Cook and his team faces in the wake of globally saturating smartphone markets and heightened competition from cheaper brands.

An article published in the Sydney Morning Herald (read it here) questions Cooks euphoric reaction by juxtaposing the data that he shared a day ago. Cook had told investors that Apples revenues from its services such as Music, App Store, Apple Pay and iCloud was growing faster than its product sales.

Sales from digital services grew 19 per cent over the past year and 33 per cent of the past two years to USD 5.9 billion, making it a bigger business now than all the hardware sales. In fact, Cook touted this segment as a future Fortune 100 company all by itself.

TAGS: Apple, Apple iPhone, Tim Cook
A 40 anos de Malvinas

"Revisar el pasado es pensar el futuro". La frase de la presidenta de Telam, Bernarda Llorente, resume el espiritu del documental coproducido entre la agencia de noticias y el canal publico de TV sobre la cobertura que los medios de comunicacion hicieron del conflicto, plagada de censura y mentiras. Una autocritica necesaria para mirar hacia adelante en un (ya viejo) contexto de fake news y negocio informativo.
In an open letter entitled "Letter to the Brazil of tomorrow," former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2011) promised on Thursday that if elected, he would... | Read More
As part of its investigations, the agency is focusing on money trail of a suspected 50 million euros bribe amount spread across eight countries.

By Mail Today Bureau: The CBI claims to have collected crucial information from key police and legal officials of Italy in its ongoing probe in the AugustaWestland VVIP Helicopter deal case. A two-member CBI team visited Italy recently and got some new information that can give fresh leads to investigators.



CBI FOCUSES ON MONEY TRAIL

As part of its investigations, the agency is focussing on money trail of a suspected 50 million euros bribe amount spread across eight countries.

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When asked whether CBI has also recorded the statements of former Finmeccanica Chief Giuseppe Orsi and former CEO of Bruno Spagnolini, both convicted by an Italian court, in connection with its probe, CBI officials did not comment but said the visit has given a new impetus to the probe.

CBI'S TWO-MEMBER TEAM OBTAINED DETAILS

The case is now being probed by a SIT headed by an Additional Director of the agency. The sources, however, said the two-member team did visit Milan during which they met legal and police authorities who were probing the case in their country.

They have said all the details sought by the agency from the Italy were provided through the Letters Rogatory which was the only country among seven others which has provided complete details. The sources did not respond as to why the team visited Italy when CBI has received all the details through LR, They said the agency is focussing on the money trail of suspected kickbacks of over 50 million Euros (about Rs 369 crore at present exchange rates) believed to have been moved across eight countries.

CBI AWAITING RESPONSE FROM 8 NATIONS

CBI had sent Letters Rogatory (judicial request from an Indian court seeking investigation in a foreign entity through investigation agencies of that country) to eight countries - Italy, the UK, British Virgin Island, Tunisia, Switzerland, Singapore, the UAE and Mauritius.

While Italy had completely complied with the LR, Tunisia, British Virgin Islands, Switzerland and the UK have partly responded. CBI has sent them a reminder for furnishing the information. Mauritius, Singapore and the UAE have not responded to the request, the sources said. CBI had registered a case against former IAF Chief SP Tyagi along with 13 others including his cousins and European middlemen in connection with alleged bribery in the 2010 deal of 12 AgustaWestland helicopters for VVIPs.

ALSO READ:

Modi government to corner Sonia Gandhi in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam



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By Revathi Rajeevan: Controversy surrounding Gita Gopinath's appointment as Pinarayi Vijayan's Economic Advisor refuses to die with the latest objection from Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader VS Achuthanandan.

Achuthanandan today wrote a letter to CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury to review the decision. Sources close to the veteran leader told India Today that he found Gopinath's appointment vary of party's Leftist ideology.

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"Gita is a supporter of neo-liberal economic policies which is not in lines with that of the party's policies. The appointment is against the party's stance," said the source.

VS has asked the central leadership to intervene in the matter and withdraw the decision if possible.

The Harvard professor's appointment had raised eyebrows across the state with leaders from all parties questioning the stance of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his reason behind such a choice.

Amidst the controversy, Gita Gopinath released a statement from Cambridge on Tuesday saying that she was honored to have this opportunity and clarified that her role was confined to providing advice to the Chief Minister and it was up to him to consider the advice.

With the party leaders at the state level remaining mum on this decision, the ball has now been moved to the court of central leadership.

Also Read

Harvard professor Gita Gopinath appointed financial advisor to Kerala CM, Marxists see red



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Researchers at a Belgian University have come up with this 'sewer brewer' that will transform waste into beer.

Would you give this new and recycled urine beverage a try? Photo: Reuters

By Shreya Goswami: Yes, you read the headline right.

Despite the age-old suggestion that drinking urine is fine, and in fact, in the case of cow urine, pious and virtuous, we haven't really taken to the idea.

Of course, scientists have repeatedly told us that urine is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. It is, supposedly, safe enough to drink, especially when drinking water isn't available (say, when you're travelling and your water supply stops).

Gomutra is now more readily available in Indian markets for Ayurvedic and naturopathy treatments. Picture courtesy: Instagram/blahblahbloopee

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We've even had a Prime Minister, Morarji Desai, who believed in and promoted urine therapy. In recent times, Gomutra has been made more readily available in the Indian markets for ayurvedic and naturopathic treatments.

And yet, we find the very idea disgusting. Forget about drinking our own urine, we can't even imagine drinking cow urine even if it means we might be ailment-free for the rest of our lives!

Also read: Gross: Would you care to try whale vomit beer?



But now there's another drink in the delicious-urine spectrum you can be grossed out about: A group of scientists at the University of Ghent, Belgium, have created a solar-powered machine that converts urine into drinkable water and, wait for it, beer!

Jokingly referred to as the 'sewer brewer', this machine is apparently going to revolutionize how we treat and recycle sewage or waste. How does it work? According to a Reuters report, the urine is "collected in a big tank, heated in a solar-powered boiler before passing through the membrane where the water is recovered and nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus are separated."

The research team from Ghent recently deployed their first machine at a theatre and music festival recently, collected the urine of attendees, and recovered 1,000 litres of water from the waste. They now plan on deploying larger machines in rural areas with a shortage of water supply, and use their machine to make drinkable water and a new variety of Belgian beer.

While we don't know yet if the new Belgian beer will be available in India, we do know that we have a history with urine unlike any European country. Given that Gomutra isn't distilled at all, this Belgian product might seem like a better option. Would any of you be willing to give this new drinkable urine a try?



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A year after the Housing Law was amended; allowing foreigners to buy houses and apartments in Vietnam, the segment specifically catering to this new group of customers in Ho Chi Minh City has seen major changes.

Surveys showed that foreign buyers mainly favor projects that come with infrastructure advantages and available services, like those developed by Phu My Hung. Statistics showed a steady increase in the company's sales since the beginning of the year.

Le Jardin is among a few projects with outstanding performance as its ratio of foreign customers, after just one period of sale, has almost reached 30 percent, which is the limit set by the new housing law. Many foreigners have chosen the project to be near a green park of nearly five hectares. Beautiful nature adds extra value and the project is only several hundred meters from Canadian, Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese schools. It is not far from the Commercial & Financial District if one takes Nguyen Luong Bang Street.

According to Phu My Hung, their new project Riverpark Premier has also received positive responses from foreign customers after it was officially launched last week.

Riverpark Premier is the last riverside residence at the most busiest area of Phu My Hung

Many foreigners from different countries visited the project on the first day.

Chang Gim Thye from Singapore was every excited as he shared his intention of buying Phu My Hung real estate.

Ive been in Vietnam for 10 years and I have already spent six of them in Phu My Hung, which won me over with its environment and scenery. I am really impressed with the design of Riverpark Premier, especially the condos with stunning riverview. Units like these are very rare even in Singapore.

He said environment is a very important factor. For a premium condo, we do not want to live in an area that is too noisy or crowded. We prefer a peaceful place that all family members can enjoy. And at a riverside project like this, our family can take a walk together along the river every night.

Chang said the projects location is also convenient for all members in his family. His children can go to the nearby Saigon South International School. This project is a perfect choice for our family, even when compared to those in Singapore.

The advantage of a project with fewer units

Many foreigners share Changs point of view, that a high-end residential project should have a limited number of condos and should be designed in a way that is relaxing to its residents, like a top-notch resort, with a lot of green space and good connection to nearby infrastructure and service facilities.

On-site amenities are designed in a way that is relaxing to residents with a lot of green space and good connection to nearby infrastructure and service facilities as a top-notch resort.

Explaining the huge success of Riverpark Premier, a Phu My Hung representative said it is a new, upgraded edition for the high-end condo model first introduced by the company eight years ago.

The project stands inside the busy Hillview District on Nguyen Duc Canh Street, which is one of the two main routes for commercial activities and services in the neighborhood. Next to it is the Saigon South International School for multinational students. The project is surrounded by large parks and is one a few in Phu My Hung that stands by a river.

According to the representative, the project stands out also because of its low rate of construction, only 48 percent, for 268 condos while the total land area of 14,509 sqm. The rest is given to green space and common services, including an infinity swimming pool of nearly 500 square meters, riverside parks, clubhouse, yoga deck, community room, etc.

The number of amenities and the large greenery area make the project look completely like a luxury resort. It is even better than a resort as it is located within an urban area with fully developed social and technical infrastructure. People living in the project will be able to enjoy high-quality urban services and the safety brought by the around-the-clock security service.

Choosing your neighbors

Customers interested in this project will have to send the company a letter of proposal before selecting their condos through a lucky draw. The method gives customers chances to do proper research of the project and have time to full consideration before making decision. It also helps create a community which shares common values and lifestyle. The users themselves will help set the high standards for the project. Initial figures showed a large number of experts and businesspeople among those interested in the project, including many foreigners even living overseas.

According to the investors, many customers also welcome the payment method that allows them to pay in installments until the project is finished in 2018. This policy is particularly favorable for foreign buyers.
Nearly 45,000 people came down with dengue fever across Vietnam in the first seven months, a 260 percent increase from a year ago, local media reported on Wednesday, citing new data released by the health ministry.

At least 14 people were killed and infections were recorded in 46 out of 63 cities and provinces, Tran Dac Phu, chief of the ministry's General Department of Preventive Medicine, told news website Saigon Times Online.

The department has urged local governments, especially provinces with outbreaks such as Bac Lieu and Dak Lak, to take measures for killing mosquito larvae and spraying insecticides.

Local clinics have also been ordered to provide appropriate and urgent treatment for patients to limit fatalities, he added.

Vietnam recorded nearly 82,000 dengue infections last year, including 52 deaths, according to official figures.
Nguyen Khanh Thuong, or Thuong Nguyen Sobey, died on Tuesday at the age of 32, after more than two years of battling against breast cancer. Photo credit: Yenny Tran

Nguyen Khanh Thuong, a breast cancer patient famous among the Vietnamese community for promoting awareness for cancer, died on Tuesday. She was 32.

Thuong, who founded the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam in March 2013, was announced to pass away in Brisbane, Australia, where she lived with her Australian husband since 2012.

She is now resting in peace but the work is still continuing, the Network said on its Facebook page on Tuesday, Millions of teenagers, volunteers and other young people throughout Vietnam and all over the world will definitely be following in her footsteps to fulfill her unfinished journeys.

Those journeys would never stop and we will keep going on living like warriors, said the network, founded with hopes of increasing the rate of early detection and increasing life quality for women with breast cancer.

The network usually posts cancer-related information, organizes free yoga classes for women with cancer in Ho Chi Minh City, and presents wigs to cancer patients.

Thuong, known as Thuong Nguyen Sobey after getting married, was diagnosed with final-stage breast cancer in October 2012, just three days after her engagement ceremony.

The former teacher at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi often asked women with breast cancer not to be hopeless.

"If you're in the first, second or third stage, keep hope and trust in the treating process. Even if you're in the final stage, you can still live your remaining days meaningfully," Thuong once said.

Early last month, she published a series of photos of herself which, she said, carry the shared message "Not Beyond Us" of World Cancer Day, February 4.
A file photo of Dau Thi Huyen Tram at the K Hospital in Hanoi. Photo: Minh Chien

She gave birth to a boy earlier this month when fighting lung cancer

A 25-year-old mother who had delayed cancer treatment to save her pregnancy died at home in Ha Tinh Province on Wednesday, less than three weeks after giving birth to a boy.

Dau Thi Huyen Tram, a lieutenant of Ha Tinh Police Department, was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer when she was 19 weeks pregnant.



Doctors at the K Hospital in Hanoi recommended an abortion to start treatment, but Tram decided to delay chemotherapy to keep the baby.

She gave birth to a boy weighing 1.2 kilograms in week 29 earlier this month at the National Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology. The baby is in special care and doctors say his conditions have improved.

Le Thi Lan, Trams mother, said she had mostly stayed in bed due to breathing difficulty.



Tram always thought for others. She always hid her pain, trying not to make us worry about her, she said.
Nguyen Ngoc Sang and Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh are questioned for trying to smuggle gold on a Vietnam Airlines flight from Hanoi to Incheon on July 26, 2016. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre

Police in Hanoi have arrested three including a Vietnam Airlines technician for trying to smuggle three kilograms of gold on a flight to Incheon in South Korea on Tuesday night.

Customs officers found the gold hidden under the seat of one male passenger, Nguyen Ngoc Sang, while checking the aircraft before it took off.

They found out the man, 30, was attempting to smuggle it into South Korea with the help of another female passenger. The woman, Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh, 34, works as a flight attendant for a local carrier.

The technician, whose identity has not been revealed, reportedly passed them the gold after the duo completed security and customs check.
Palm weevil larvae served at the Mai An Tiem restaurant in the southern province of Ben Tre. Photo credit: Mau Truong/Tuoi Tre , considered a delicacy in southern Vietnam, as local authorities began to enforce a new decree on protecting plants from insects. A restaurant in Ben Tre Province has become the first to be fined for serving sago worms

Pham The Hien, owner of the restaurant Mai An Tiem, was ordered to pay VND6 million (US$26.8) for violating the ban on sale of "harmful creatures," local media reported.

Earlier on July 21, agricultural inspectors and police checked the restaurant and caught it serving larvae of the palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, also known as sago worms, to some customers.

Hien said he bought them from local residents and sold each worm for VND10,000.

The new decree, which came into effect on June 25, does not list particular insects among the "harmful creatures" that must be controlled.

It is believed that Ben Tre officials try to ban sago worms to curb demand and supply.

Vietnam has about 200,000 hectares of coconut trees. Ben Tre, known as the country's coconut capital, is home to the largest area with more than 68,000 hectares.
A Ho Chi Minh City court has sentenced a businesswoman and former beauty queen to 15 years in prison for swindling millions of dollars with a real estate project nearly a decade ago.

Truong Thi Tuyet Nga, 55, must return more than VND31 billion (US$1.38 million) to Duong My Linh and hand over a land plot of 2,909 square meters to Tran Van Muoi, the court said Tuesday.

Nga, a doctor, won the "Successful Lady" title at the 2009 Mrs Vietnam beauty pageant and was the first runner-up at Mrs Vietnam Global 2012.

She was the director of Vu Anh International General Hospital and Vu Lan Construction and Investment Company, both in HCMC.

According to the indictment, Ngas construction company in 2007 planned a residential and commercial project of 30,000 square meters (7.4 acres) in the city's District 2.

The authorities rejected the project because it was located at the site of a planned railway station.

However, Nga successfully convinced Linh to invest in the project.

She also sold 2,909 square meters in the project to Muoi. Since then he has failed to obtain the land title because the property was put up as collateral for a VND131 billion loan from Dai Tin, now Vietnam Construction Bank.
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are planning a VND360 billion (US$15.92 million) project to upgrade one of the main canals to help prevent Vietnam's biggest airport Tan Son Nhat from being flooded during torrential downpours.

In its recent proposal, Tan Binh District, where the airport is located, said upgrading the 745-meter long canal will solve the flooding issue that once threatened to shut down the airport, news website VnExpress said on Thursday.

The Japanese canal, as it is officially known, together with many others, have been reportedly blocked by waste and houses illegally built near the airport.

The Vietnamese aviation authority first warned of flooding risks at Tan Son Nhat, which handles an average of 630 flights a day, in 2013.

Last year the airport was hit by severe flooding in August and then in October when some of its areas were up to 20 centimeters under water and the power station of its traffic control tower was at risk of being shut down.
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. REUTERS/U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

China's Defence Ministry confirmed on Thursday that it was pressing ahead with anti-missile system tests after pictures appeared on state television, amid anger at South Korea's decision to deploy an advanced U.S. anti-missile system.

An announcement by South Korea and the United States this month that they would deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) unit has drawn protests from China, which warned that the system would destabilize regional security.

The decision by the United States and South Korea is the latest move to squeeze increasingly isolated North Korea, but China worries the system's radar will be able to track its military capabilities. Russia also opposes the deployment.

Pictures broadcast this week on Chinese television were the third time since 2010 that China has publicly indicated tests of its own anti-missile system, state media said.

"To develop suitable capabilities for missile defense is necessary for China to maintain its national security," Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular monthly briefing, when asked about the footage.

"It will improve the self-defense capability of China and is not targeting any specific country and will not affect international strategic stability," he added, without elaborating.

South Korea and the United States have said THAAD would only be used in defense against North Korean ballistic missiles and they have tried to assuage Chinese concerns, without apparent success.

A senior U.S. administration official said on Tuesday, at the end of a visit to China by U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice, that the decision to deploy THAAD did not threaten China's security.

Yang repeated that China would consider taking unspecified measures to maintain strategic balance, and dismissed assertions that THAAD was no threat to China.

"As for the technical excuses from the United States and South Korea, experts can easily see how believable this is," he said.

North Korea has launched a series of missiles in recent months, the latest last week when it fired three ballistic missiles in what it said was a simulated test of preemptive strikes against South Korean ports and air fields used by the U.S. military.

China's military is undergoing an ambitious modernization program that has included tests of anti-satellite missiles.
Chinese and Russian naval vessels participate in the Joint Sea-2014 naval drill outside Shanghai on the East China Sea, May 24, 2014. Photo: Reuters/China Daily

China and Russia will hold "routine" naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, China's Defence Ministry said on Thursday, adding that the drills were aimed at strengthening their cooperation and were not aimed at any other country.

The exercises come at a time of heightened tension in the contested waters after an arbitration court in the Hague ruled this month that China did not have historic rights to the South China Sea and criticized its environmental destruction there.

China rejected the ruling and refused to participate in the case.

"This is a routine exercise between the two armed forces, aimed at strengthening the developing China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership," China's defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular monthly news conference.

"The exercise is not directed against third parties."

China and Russia are veto-wielding members of the U.N. Security Council, and have held similar views on many major issues such as the crisis in Syria, putting them at odds with the United States and Western Europe.

Last year, they held joint military drills in the Sea of Japan and the Mediterranean.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims.

China has repeatedly blamed the United States for stoking tension in the region through its military patrols, and of taking sides in the dispute.

The United States has sought to assert its right to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea with its patrols and denies taking sides in the territorial disputes.

Russia has been a strong backer of China's stance on the arbitration case, that was brought by the Philippines.

Yang said China and Russia were comprehensive strategic partners and had already held many exercises this year.

"These drills deepen mutual trust and expand cooperation, raise the ability to jointly deal with security threats, and benefit the maintenance of regional and global peace and stability," he said.
The Goods and Services Tax Bill is likely to come up for discussion in Rajya Sabha next week

By Javed M. Ansari : In a major breakthrough, the long-stalled Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill is likely to come up for discussion in Rajya Sabha next week after differences with various political parties, including the Congress, were sorted out by the government.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is holding a series of talks today with opposition leaders from the Congress, the Left and other parties in order to reach a consensus on the crucial reform bill which seeks to replace a slew of central taxes in 29 states, thereby implementing a uniform tax regime.

Sources in the government have told India Today TV the GST Bill is likely to come up for discussion on Monday or Tuesday next week. To end the stalemate, Jaitley today met senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram and Anand Sharma in Parliament. While both sides remain tight-lipped on the outcome of the meeting, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said his party was waiting for a draft from the government. However, senior Congress leaders have indicated that the two sides are close to hammering out a compromise. "It's nearing fruition now," said a senior leader of the party. The Finance Minister is also meeting Sitaram Yechury of the Left and leaders from smaller parties today ahead of the crucial debate next week. The political negotiations come on the heels of the Union Cabinet's decision to do away with the additional 1 per cent tax by producing states - one of the Congress demands. The Congress on its part has decided not to insist on fixing 18 per cent as the GST tax in the Constitution. Government sources say it will probably be a part of the GST Bill. Though the numbers in Rajya Sabha for the BJP are more favourable than they were earlier, the GST is a Constitution amendment bill and requires the nod of at least 163 MPs in the 245-member Upper House. The NDA has 72 MPs; it also has the support of the SP with 19 MPs, BSP with six, JD(U)'s 10, NCP's five, RJD's three, TMC's 12, and the BJD's eight. However, the 60-member Congress and the AIADMK with 14 members is still holding out. The Left with nine MPs is also opposed to the bill, although Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has hinted at a compromise.

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The government does not want to take any risk and hence, it has shown a willingness to accommodate the Congress's demands in order to ensure the GST's passage in the Rajya Sabha. Once the consultations are over, the government will draft the amendments to the bill, incorporating the changes, and the bill will be taken in the Upper House next week.

ALSO READ | Exclusive: Hopeful of GST Bill passage in August, says MoS Finance Arjun Meghwal

--- ENDS ---
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The latest remarks from the terror icon not only negates Pakistan's position on Kashmir protests, it also exposes the hypocrisy of its foreign ministry at an international level.

By Ankit Kumar: In a major embarrassment to Pakistan, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed on Wednesday claimed that a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant was leading the processions following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter in Srinagar.

"Have you seen the pictures of procession when lakhs of Kashmiris came to the streets? Did you see a man who was being carried on shoulders by the crowd? Do you know the man who was leading the procession? He is an 'ameer' of Laskar-e-Taiba (LeT)," Hafiz Saeed said.

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Hafiz's statements come at a time when Pakistan is trying hard to gain solidarity with the people over the unrest in Kashmir.

The latest remarks from the terror icon not only negates Pakistan's position on Kashmir protests, it also exposes the hypocrisy of its foreign ministry at an international level. It confirms the involvement of Pakistan-based militant groups in anti-India protests in Kashmir.

"Several people from Faisalabad went to Kashmir, many of them even sacrificed their lives," Hafiz Saeed said.

Reiterating Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's speech, he said, "Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir and by God's grace, Kashmir will become a part of it someday".

"One day the world would witness India splitting into pieces," he added.

Upping his ante against the Indian media, Saeed expressed his anger over visa denial to a group of Pakistani doctors who wanted to visit Kashmir.

"The media keeps showing my pictures on TV while screaming Bombay, they will gain nothing by doing so," he said, referring to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Hafiz Saeed's latest disclosure brings light to the ongoing debate over the use of force against protesters in Kashmir. While few civil right groups have questioned the imposition of restrictions in the Valley.

India has always maintained the role of Pakistan in the protests and the statements by the JuD chief only validates India's position on Kashmir.

--- ENDS ---
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"Outlander Kitchen: The Official Outlander Companion Cookbook" by Theresa Carle-Sanders

Delacorte Press, $35

336-page hardcover

Are you a fan of Outlander, Diane Gabaldons best-selling series which features a 20th century heroine who travels back in time to the 18th century Scottish Highlands?

I must admit I wasnt familiar with it, which is rather surprising since it has sold in the millions since the first of its eight books was published in 1991.

Then, I received the new Outlander Kitchen: The Official Outlander Companion Cookbook by Theresa Carle-Sanders and discovered the cookbook has a Louisiana connection. Baton Rouge blogger Lori Zachary contributed its recipe for Peppery Oyster Stew.

Zachary met Carle-Sanders in 2012 in a small closed online group dedicated to the Outlander book series (now also a television series on Starz). After realizing they were both trained chefs  Zachary is a 1990 graduate of the former Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana in Baton Rouge  they began talking about food, too.

Shes the reason I have my blog, littlewhiteapron.com, Zachary said last week.

Carle-Sanders had already started her popular food blog, outlanderkitchen.com, and was doing recipe development. Their friendship blossomed, and Carle-Sanders asked Zachary to help test recipes for her official Outlander companion cookbook, Outlander Kitchen.

The cookbook, published by Delacorte Press of the Random House Group, features recipes inspired from Gabaldons fictional world. Some first appeared on Carle-Sanders blog and 50 new recipes were developed for the cookbook, Zachary said.

In the cookbooks introduction Carle-Sanders points out that Outlander Kitchen isnt a Scottish or historical cookbook, but an Outlander cookbook. That means its recipes explore three centuries and several countries as the book series characters move in time and place.

She writes that as she developed the recipes, she tried to balance historical accuracy with modern tastes, ingredients and time constraints. She also includes a few modern recipes, such as Sweet Tea-Brined Fried Chicken, and she uses baking soda and baking powder.

Theresa lives in Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada, but doesnt like oysters, Zachary said. I like oysters and live in Louisiana where oysters are readily available.

So it seemed logical for Carle-Sanders to have Zachary develop the Peppery Oyster Stew recipe. Oyster stew is mentioned during a pivotal moment in the series third book, she added.

Zachary recently returned to Baton Rouge after going with Carle-Sanders to North Carolina where they taught cooking classes and attended the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Now that shes home, Zachary plans to begin teaching cooking classes in private homes and, of course, keep up with the Outlander world.

Zachary has shared a recipe from her blog since the cookbook publisher doesnt want her to release the oyster stew recipe.

The book opens with information on the Outlander pantry and equipment. Its recipes begin with the basics like chicken stock and pastry, then move into breakfast, soups, appetizers, main dishes and side dishes, breads, desserts, drinks, preserves and condiments.

Fans of the Outlander book and television series who like to cook will definitely want to get Outlander Kitchen so they can taste what Claire Beauchamp Randall ate as she journeyed from post-World War II Britain to 18th century Scotland and France.
The fictional madness of Alice in Wonderland now seems to have become reality to some people in high places.
A protest-related lawsuit, filed eight days after a Baton Rouge police officer shot Alton Sterling to death and four days before three local law enforcement officers died in an ambush, won't be the focus of a two-day federal court hearing this week as originally planned.

U.S. District Judge John deGravelles postponed the hearing, which was set to start Thursday, at the joint request of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana and local organizing groups, and the Baton Rouge-area law enforcement agencies they sued.

"The parties agreed to continue the hearing in light of the events surrounding the tragic deaths of the Baton Rouge police officers," Marjorie Esman, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, said Wednesday.

Baton Rouge lawyer Preston Castille Jr., who represents the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, Louisiana State Police, and State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson in the suit, said he agreed with Esman's explanation and would join her in her statement.

Sterling was fatally shot July 5 outside the Triple S Food Mart , triggering huge protests around the city.

Was Alton Sterling shooting appropriate use of force? Experts analyze video for Washington Post The two Baton Rouge police officers who shot and killed Alton Sterling early July 5 outside 

The lawsuit on behalf of protesters was filed July 13. Two Baton Rouge police officers and an East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff's deputy were shot to death July 17, not far from police headquarters on Airline Highway, by a lone gunman from Missouri who was then killed by police. Three other law enforcement officers also were wounded, one of whom remains in critical condition.

The lawsuit claims the Police Department, Sheriff's Office and State Police violated the constitutional rights of protesters who took to the streets of Baton Rouge to voice their displeasure over Sterling's fatal shooting. The suit alleges those law enforcement agencies used excessive force, physical and verbal abuse, and wrongful arrests to break up the protests.

The suit seeks a federal court order prohibiting law enforcement from interfering protesters' constitutionally protected right to gather peacefully in the future.

East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III announced July 15 that more than half of the 185 protesters arrested in the days following Sterling's death won't face prosecution. Those who won't be prosecuted were arrested on misdemeanor counts of simple obstruction of a highway, he said.

About 100 protesters arrested in BR won't be prosecuted, DA says More than half of the protesters arrested in the days following the shooting death of Alton 

Joining in the motion to postpone this week's hearing on the requested court order were North Baton Rouge Matters; Black Youth Project 100; New Orleans Workers' Center for Racial Justice; ACLU of Louisiana; Louisiana chapter of the National Lawyers Guild; City of Baton Rouge; BRPD; Police Chief Carl Dabadie Jr.; state Department of Public Safety; State Police; Edmonson; East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux; and Mayor-President Kip Holden.

DeGravelles has scheduled an Aug. 4 telephone status conference with attorneys in the case.
A liquefied natural gas tanker passes through the Panama Canals Agua Clara Locks, carrying LNG loaded from Cheniere's Sabine Pass terminal in Cameron Parish. The facility is contributed to a doubling of exported LNG from the U.S. in the first half of the year.
According to the US radio channel, Voice of America, former Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed is now overseeing attacks by Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Afghanistan.

Hafiz Saeed has been listed by the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee and is also on the US rewards for Justice Program. (Photo: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Former Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed is now overseeing attacks by Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported quoting the US radio channel, Voice of America.

The revelation on Saeed - wanted by India for the Mumbai attacks - was made in a statement released by the Afghan Defence Ministry during the trilateral high-level military meeting between Afghanistan, Pakistan and NATO officials.

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Earlier this month, the US had expressed serious concern over Saeed's free movement in Pakistan despite his being designated as a terrorist by the United Nations.

Saeed has been listed by the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee and is also on the US rewards for Justice Program.



HAFIZ SAEED: WANTED BY INDIA

India also recently named Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin - Pakistan-based terror heads - for fuelling the ongoing tension in Jammu and Kashmir following the July 8 killing of Burhan Wani.

Saeed, who carries a $10-million bounty on his head, is also wanted by India for planning the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists.

"PAK SHOULD STOP DEALING WITH CRAZIES LIKE SAEED"

On Wednesday, former Pakistan Ambassador to US Husain Haqqani had warned his country that its "obsession" to match India in military strength and efforts to equalise the field with "crazies" like Hafiz Saeed, would only create hatred which will bite it back.

"What is this obsession about being equal and trying to equalise the field with?crazies like Hafiz Saeed because he will only create?hatred, which will only bite us back," Haqqani said in Bengaluru during the launch of his book, 'India vs Pakistan - Why Can't We Just Be Friends'.

"The circumstances in Pakistan are not conducive because extremists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar are still free and open to operate. I think the normalisation (process) will not be easy between the two countries," he added.

Also Read:

Protests in the Valley after Wani's death were fuelled by LeT, says Hafiz Saeed



Doctors, nurses from Hafiz Saeed's JuD apply for Indian visa 'to help Kashmiris'

--- ENDS ---
A former city-parish worker arrested last summer and accused of stealing $15,000-plus in parking meter money can't be charged at this time because there is no direct evidence that he misappropriated the cash, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III said Wednesday.

Bryant Keith McConnell, 27, of Baton Rouge, was fired from his post in the Revenue Division of the city-parish Finance Department after the money went missing over a five-month period ending in March 2015.

Moore said there was probable cause to arrest McConnell, but prosecutors need more than the available circumstantial evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

"We are unable to exclude the reasonable possibility that other individuals who had access to the coins after they were removed from the parking meters committed the theft," the district attorney said.

The probe into missing parking meter money began when bank employees reported they received and stamped four deposit slips, but they had only three money bags in the March 30, 2015, deposit, Moore said.

Bank surveillance video shows McConnell making the deposit that day, he said, but the video doesn't show how many bags were in the bin that he handed to bank personnel.

The coins are counted off-site by another company, according to bank procedure, Moore said.

The city-parish Finance Division discovered additional discrepancies with the daily coin deposits prior to this incident, he noted, and Finance Division charts that reflected a "significant drop" in parking meter revenue during McConnell's employment also showed "an even more significant drop" in revenue after his firing.

Moore noted that prosecutors have four years from the date the misappropriation was discovered to file formal charges. He encouraged anyone with information to contact his office or the Baton Rouge Police Department.

An independent audit report prepared by the accounting firm of Postlethwaite & Netterville and released Monday by the Legislative Auditor's Office indicated the city-parish Finance Department now requires that two employees be present at all times during the counting and deposit process.
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Gov. John Bel Edwards named nine members to a panel Wednesday to recommend changes in public school polices, which could spark controversy on how the state complies with a new federal education law.

State education leaders on Tuesday launched eight public hearings statewide on possible changes under a 2015 federal measure called the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA.

Bid to trim student testing may spark political tug-of-war A push is underway to cut testing in public schools, and the issue is shaping up as a possi

State Superintendent of Education John White said a tentative plan will eventually be crafted, put up for public comment and a final version submitted to the U.S. Department of Education next year.

Edwards, who differs with White on key education policies, issued an executive order in May creating the 15-member Governor's Council on the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Panelists named Wednesday includes several members who often disagree with White on key education issues, including Scott Richard, executive director of the Louisiana School Boards Association; Debbie Meaux, president of the Louisiana Association of Educators and Debbie Schum, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Principals.

Meaux said last week she expects the advisory panel to make recommendations that differ with those of the superintendent.

Louisiana kicks off review of public school policies LAFAYETTE -- The state should take a new look at its public school testing policies, the val

Richard has said the state needs to trim the number of tests given students.

How many and which ones could also spark arguments even though reductions of some sort have wide appeal.

Richard said Wednesday he does not see any conflict between the review by the state Department of Education and the advisory council.

He said it makes sense to have more stakeholders tackling an issue "that affects just about every citizen in Louisiana."

White said in a text message, "All ideas must be evaluated based on a simple question: will the proposal benefit the children of our state? I look forward to an open dialogue and to learning of any and all proposals that meet that high bar."

Others on the advisory council so far are Shawn Fleming, deputy director for the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council; James Melohn, chief financial officer of the St. Charles Parish School Board and Jordan Thomas, a teacher in Caddo Parish.

Also, Walter Brown, an administrator in the Caddo Parish school system; Leslie Birdon, a teacher and department head in the Ouachita Parish School Board and Thomas Spencer, an administrator in the Lafayette Parish school system.

The rest of the panel will be named later, a spokeswoman for Edwards said.
Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, MD, who is engaged in a family practice and sports medicine, asks a question of former East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Greg Phares and former Baton Rouge Police Chief Pat Englade who were there to discuss the recent shootings in Baton Rouge that have occurred in the past three weeks as part of a speaker series put together by the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish Tuesday July 26, 2016.
By Devarsi Ghosh: 14 years ago, a new star emerged down south and what a star he was! With back-to-back hits - Kasthuri Raja's Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002), his debut film and Selvaraghavan's Kaadhal Kondein (2003), Dhanush established that he was a star of the masses who could act as well. Over the next years, individualistic directors like Selvaraghavan and Vetrimaaran found their muse in this rangy man, with an un-heroic but mass face who had the energy of a thousand suns, and made cult classics with the man in the centre of them.



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ALSO READ: Dhanush gets on a wild train journey in Thodari trailer

ALSO READ: Vijay Sethupathi will play an extended cameo in Dhanush-starrer Vada Chennai

ALSO READ: Dhanush croons in Telugu for Sai Dharam Tej-starrer

The entire nation became suddenly aware of Dhanush with his single Why This Kolaveri Di? from the 2012 film 3, directed by his wife Aishwarya R Dhanush. Immediately, cinemawallahs in Bombay stood up and took notice of this strange man from South India. Aanand L Rai, fresh from the success of Tanu Weds Manu (2011), began shooting a Benaras-based tragic love story Raanjhanaa with Dhanush in the lead. The actor played a role similar to his image that he had developed because of his Tamil roles.

The film released in 2013. It was a rage throughout the country, and, well, the rest is history.

Today (July 28), the National Award-winning actor turns 33. We take a look back at some of his best works since his 2002 debut; films that have not only won the hearts of critics but also the masses and for good reason.

Kaadhal Kondein (2003)

Dir: Selvaraghavan

Dhanush excels in the role of a mentally deranged, near-psychopathic but consistently sympathetic hero Vinod. Mentally and physically abused as a kid, Vinod grows up to have a complicated relationship with women. Things get awry when he gets obsessively infatuated with Divya (Sonia Agarwal), his classmate, which leads to much blood and mayhem. Dhanush's performance was highly appreciated, and this role went on to dictate the kind of characters he would be known for in the future.

Pudhupettai (2006)

Dir: Selvaraghavan

Selvaraghavan reunites with Dhanush in this dark, gangster drama which etched the director and hero's reputation in gold in the annals of Kollywood. Dhanush stars as the cold-blooded gangster Kokki Kumar who is remorseless and perhaps, a little dead inside. The film is noted for its rich detail and uncompromising portrayal of physical and psychological violence.

Aadukalam (2011)

Dir: Vetrimaaran

The film that got Dhanush his first and only National Award for Best Actor (He won two more National Awards, but in the capacity of a producer) was more than a passion project for writer-director Vetrimaaran. He had already delivered a generic but above-average hit with his directorial debut - 2007's Polladhavan starring Dhanush.

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For Aadukalam, Vetrimaaran went to Madurai and researched the subculture of cockfighters for two years. A lot of heart, soul and sweat went into the script and throughout the rather difficult production of this film, Dhanush stuck with his director even as other actors continued to leave the project thereby delaying it. The film went on to gross double its budget and won six National Awards include Best Direction, Best Actor, Best Screenplay (Original) among others.

Raanjhanaa (2013)

Dir: Aanand L Rai

Raanjhanaa stars Dhanush as Kundan, a Benaras-based loafer who falls for the unattainable girl Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) - a throwback to his archetypical roles in Kollywood, except this time he was a North Indian. There was much speculation before the release of the film as to whether the Hindi belt would accept this dark-skinned boy as a hero. But a star is a star for a reason, right? All doubts fell flat in front of Dhanush's performance that won hearts of critics and audiences - men and women alike. Quite naturally, Dhanush won the Best Male Debut award at the Filmfare awards. If it would have been somebody else, there would have been riots.

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Maryan (2013)

Dir: Bharat Bala

Yet another passion project, Maryan is veteran ad filmmaker Bharat Bala's feature-length debut. The director of AR Rahman's iconic Vande Mataram video chose Dhanush to play the titular role - a fisherman from Tamil Nadu who is separated from his love when he is employed as a contract worker in Sudan for two years. When he completes his tenure and is set to return, he and his co-workers are kidnapped by Sudanese terrorists. The rest of the film involves Maryan's efforts to escape the foreign land and return to the arms of his beloved. Though the experimental (by Kollywood standards) film did not earn much, the direction, craft, and of course, Dhanush's performance was highly appreciated by critics.



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The Ranamok Glass Prize was always a highly-anticipated event in the Canberra arts calendar. It brought together glassmakers from Australia and New Zealand and showcased some of the best in studio glass. Stepping into the breach is the Hindmarsh Prize, a Canberra-based initiative that is a commendable example of private patronage and government support. The prize is open to artists from the ACT and region. The brief, in the words of Aimee Frodsham, the curator of the Hindmarsh Prize exhibition, is "to support this thriving local industry by telling the story of the makers, their skills, their ideas and retain the inherent breadth of knowledge for future generations of makers". The judging panel this year goes further afield to include the director of the National Gallery of Australia, Dr Gerard Vaughan, Ewan McEoin from the National Gallery of Victoria, Julie Ewington, an independent Sydney curator and writer, Eva Czernis-Ryl from the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, Sydney and Magda Keaney from the Australian War Memorial.

Masahiro Asaka is the winner of the inaugural Hindmarsh Prize. His work Surge 19 from 2015 commands attention with its startling whiteness, its crystalline structure and its beautifully folded spiral form. This cast glass form is part of the Surge series that the artist has been working on for some years. The artist cites the snow covered mountains of his native Japan as his initial inspiration for this series. Surge 19 has the same fascinating ambiguity of frozen ice in being seemingly solid yet liquid, translucent yet opaque, absorbing yet reflecting light. The crystalline surface looks soft and yielding but is in fact brittle and very sharp. In a nice twist, another work, Surge 12 from the same series, won the 2011 Ranamok Prize.

Masahiro Asaka, Surge 19, 2015 in the Hindmarsh Prize 2016 exhibition at Canberra Glassworks. Credit:Adam McGrath, HCreations

Other artists in the exhibition maintain a similarly high standard. There are a surprising number of works where the artists use the properties of glass to create optic illusions of form and space. Where once artists created optical effects in paint  think of the Op art movement of the 1960s  artists in glass are using the special optic properties of glass as revealed by light to recreate the illusion of endless space and three dimensional forms on flat surfaces. Richard Whiteley, Brian Corr, Mel Douglas, Judi Elliott and Ruth Oliphant have work where this aspect of glass is developed.

Brian Corr's work Sombra and Richard Whiteley's Stacked Ellipse are almost a reverse of Asaka's form. Where Asaka has a solid carved round spiral form cast in glass , both Corr and Whiteley create this same kind of form in absentia giving the illusion of it by the clever use of space and reflective light within a cube-like glass form. Ruth Oliphant gives a more literal interpretation of receding space by creating the illusion of perspective in her corridor of light. Oliphant's work has progressed markedly since her earlier more tentative investigations into creating in a glass structure the illusion of space within an architectural framework. Judi Elliott's Black Box is a clever and accomplished work. Elliot creates the effect of a three-dimensional open box on a flat plane of glass. This clever manipulation of spatial optics is only one aspect of this dazzling and exuberant work. Equally accomplished is Mel Douglas' contemplative form called Bifold 11. Douglas has finely and painstakingly etched a flat half moon shaped plane of glass so that it takes on with conviction, the monumentality of a larger three-dimensional form.
Police don't know much else at the moment but we're chasing further details.

Jardine Street, from Highgate Lane to Giles Street, will be closed in both directions between 9am-4pm on periodic days from Wednesday until November 30 for building construction work associated with the Kingston Plaza refit.

If you see any accidents or have any info on the morning commute, let us know whenever it is safe to do so. Email morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes.

Streets of Papunya at ANU Drill Hall Gallery presents the new generation of painters from the epicentre of Western Desert art. Until August 14.

Calling all Dr Who fans, a Canberra collector is trying to break the Guinness World Record with his collection. The Bigger on the inside: Collecting Dr Who is on at the Canberra Museum and Gallery until November 20. Free entry.

The ultimate foodie festival, the Canberra Region Truffle Festival continues for another year until August.

Come to the National Archives and explore exquisite garments, sleek fashion shoots, designers, retailers and bloggers in Faith, Fashion, Fusion - Muslim Women's Style in Australia. Until September 4.

Touch or click through for more David Pope

Today: Partly cloudy. Patchy fog and patches of light morning frost early this morning. Light winds. Max 12.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Areas of morning fog. Light winds. Min 1, max 14.

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the afternoon. Min 3, max 14.
Val Jeffery, elected as Canberra's newest politician on Thursday, said his biggest focus for his 2 months in the ACT Parliament would be addressing the neglect of rural Canberra.

"If I can get something back for the rural side of the ACT, in particular Tharwa, which has been kicked in the guts since we had self-government and hasn't been helped one little bit, I would just really be very very proud and satisfied ... even if it's only to fix the bloody old water supply," he said.

Liberal leader Jeremy Hanson and Val Jeffrey, the party's newest parliamentarian. Credit:Kirsten Lawson

"You can start off in Tharwa dealing with the hooning and drug-dealing episodes and things like that, just picking rubbish up off the road."

Mr Jeffery, 81, for 38 years a captain of the local bushfire brigade and also a critic of the response to the 2003 bushfires, is still deeply concerned about Canberra's bushfire readiness, saying there isn't even a formal line of command for "us fellas on the ground".
Virgin Australia says its full-year net loss more than doubled from a year ago, hurt by the one-off costs of a restructure to cut capacity amid stiff competition.

Australia's second-biggest airline will post a $224.7 million loss next month due to the cost of overhauling the airline, it said in a trading update to the Australian stock exchange. That compares with a $93.8 million loss in 2014/15.

The Richard Branson-backed airline, which competes with larger rival Qantas, is cutting capacity, taking on a new major shareholder, eyeing flights to China and seeking to raise capital to help shore up its margins.

Its fourth-quarter and annual results released on Thursday included previously announced charges related to efficiency initiatives "with a focus on the simplification of the group's fleet through the removal of surplus" capacity and aircraft. They are aimed at saving up to $300 million per year in costs by the end of the 2019 financial year.
Virgin Australia has gone deeper into the red over the past year, as it spends money on refurbishing its planes and other measures to try to turn around its business.

Australia's second largest airline revealed a $224.7 million full-year loss on Thursday, compared to last year's $93.8 million loss.

Virgin earnings took another hit due to the costs associated with its business overhaul. Credit:Glenn Hunt

But in a silver lining for the company, passenger numbers appear to be improving.

Virgin had previously flagged it would have to spend money to overhaul the airline by cutting capacity, refurbishing planes, taking on a new major shareholder and drawing up plans to fly into China.
Myer's newest store reveals how the grand old dame of department stores plan to tap into the suburban psyche with its first investment in a property outside its flagship stores.

The Werribee store showcases about half the brands in one of Myer's big city stores but the range features a number of high-profile youth labels, showcased across a flexible floor space that blends the clean lines of contemporary design with the service efficiencies of the discount operators.

The new store features 80 new brands, including TOPSHOP and TOPMAN as well as MAC Cosmetics, homeware favourites KitchenAid and Dyson with just two cashier counters at either end of the shop floor.

Myer deputy chief Daniel Bracken said the collection of brands as well as the design was carefully crafted to fit with the young demographic of the surrounding suburbs, in one of Melbourne's biggest growth corridors.
Looking back on the changes in office design over the past 30 years, it is easy to see why some employees feel as if they have been subjects in a giant ongoing experiment.

For decades the office has moved from private, to open plan and more recently, no desk at all. These changes have been driven almost simultaneously by the push to reduce real estate cost and to also increase collaboration among employees.

While savings in real estate costs appear to have been achieved, the negative effects of the open-plan office on employees have now been well documented. A large body of research shows these offices are noisier; employees have difficulties concentrating and are unable to hold private conversations.

The promise of increased collaboration in open plan appears to have very little evidence to support the idea. A study of more than 42,000 employees found that open-plan office environments did little to increase interaction.
Rosemary O'Brien Georges Hall George Pell's call for an inquiry into the Victorian Police regarding sex-abuse claims against him is disappointing. Surely someone of the Cardinal's self-importance should accept nothing less than a Royal Commission into the Royal Commission! John Byrne Randwick Catholic Archbishop Cardinal Pell ACl has demanded a full police investigation of the claims aired on the ABC. Yep, we should have a full police investigation into this . in 36 years' time the same amount of time that it took for police to investigate the claims of child abuse against him. Doug Steley Heyfield

Cardinal Pell should return to AustralIa, face the evidence and clear his name, if he can. If his health is still an issue there are Medivac flights available, and if money is an issue the Catholic Church can afford to pay. It is worth it to the Cardinal and the Church to see the accusations settled one way or the other. Lin Sinton Killarney Heights Cardinal George Pell appears all the more desperate as a man who has something to hide by accusing Victoria Police and the ABC of collusion to pervert the course of justice. It draws into question the controversial statement he made at the 2002 World Youth Day in Toronto, when he attracted worldwide condemnation for declaring abortion to be a greater moral evil than sexual abuse by clergy. Given these current allegations, we could reasonably assume that Pell was seeking not only to minimise the harm clergy abuse had brought upon the Church, but also that he set out to ease his own conscience. Until he returns to Australia to prove his innocence, many more such disturbing questions will remain unanswered. Rev Dr Vincent Zankin Rivett (ACT) Will George Pell excommunicate the ABC and the police?

Thos Puckett Ashgrove Decades-long failure lies behind detention scandal It would take a royal commission with impossibly wide parameters to target the source of youth detention and to understand the long chain of cause-and-effect leading to incarceration. (Letters, July 28.) Of course, the prison culture of meeting violence with violence must be addressed, as must less humiliating methods of avoiding infection than spit hoods, less barbaric ways to prevent self-harm than stripping prisoners naked and strapping them to chairs. The qualifications, selection, training and monitoring of prison staff certainly require investigation.



However, youth in detention are troubled, damaged, angry individuals, often from fractured and dysfunctional backgrounds. They have committed crimes of violence against person and property, which must have consequences (most assuredly not of the sickening kind uncovered by Four Corners). But how did these teens land in a prison cell in the first place? Who is prepared to truly address why such rehabilitation initiatives as may exist haven't worked? Who will tackle a decades-long failure to provide effective social, cultural, health, education and employment support which might have protected these kids from the sorry mess of drugs, alcohol, petrol-sniffing, family violence and lack of self-worth in which their crimes are rooted?



A commission which fails to address the underlying causes of the problems will be mere political window-dressing, but I fear it's all we'll get from federal and territory governments shamed into hasty action by graphic TV images and the community outrage they deservedly evoked.



Kim Hatherly Gymea Have the courage of one's convictions Even before the chair, the hood or the brutality of the guards, the shock for me came with the facilities (Letters, July 28). An architect designed those cells with no windows and insufficient ventilation, a builder executed the plans and a building inspector signed off on them apparently with no qualms. How can this be when the designs must have breached building codes? And no drinking water - even battery hens have access to drinking water. I think we can all imagine how those guards would have responded to requests for water.

Joan Harvey Austinmer The Prime Minister thinks Royal Commissions that go on for years are "disappointing". Perhaps he would like to comment on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse established in 2013 by the Gillard government, stepping in to take over form a Victorian government commission. It is still going and still uncovering information that needs to be brought to light.

The Prime Minister has sought to contain the damage rather than sought the truth and it shames him. Contrast to Julia Gillard's fearless decision to get to the bottom of a national disgrace. Come on Malcolm  find some courage.

Peter Leonard Tweed Heads South Sadly, I have little confidence that Mr Turnbull's limited and compromised royal commission into abuse of children in the Northern Territory youth justice system will result in any meaningful change.

Even when the perpetrators of violence were charged, one Darwin magistrate called the brutal restraint of a 13-year-old by an 115-kilogram guard "reasonable." Then on appeal a Supreme Court Justice found this despicable act to be "reasonably skilful and swiftly executed ('Lawyer tells territory to keep it independent, July 28')."

As WA Premier Colin Barnett recommended, shut the place down, bring in the federal police and install an administrator- now.



Mark Paskal Clovelly

Different course of action

Mercifully I was not involved in the Lindt cafe tragedy; however I have taken a keen interest in the reports of the inquest and reports of comparable incidents overseas. ("Tactical officer accused of lying in cafe siege evidence," July 28.) Notwithstanding conflicting or perhaps self-serving statements from some of the police officers involved in the Sydney siege, one thing seems very clear to me: the longer a siege is allowed to drag on, the more likely it is to end badly (for the hostages). I just cannot accept that a better outcome would not have been achieved if action had been taken in the first hour rather than after many hours during which groups of hostages "sneaked out", and the gunman quite possibly became more enraged and/or irrational as tiredness set in.



Martyn Yeomans St Ives Shattered by glass ceiling It is a shame that the prevailing customs of the time impeded a true democrat, Eleanor Roosevelt, from seeking election to political office ("History", July 28). Customs have changed for the better and now a very creditable candidate is running for president, and her gender is no impediment. Therefore, if gender is irrelevant (and clearly it is irrelevant) then the more that journalists harp on Hillary Clinton's gender, the less chance there is of Hillary being viewed as a creditable presidential candidate, having regard only to her character and policy stance.



Pasquale Vartuli Wahroonga Hillary is carrying the flag for women and consorts, but Michelle Obama's spirited speech to the Democrats confirms that she could have prospects for a repeat of "triple-O", an Obama'-Oval-Office and of the w and c bit. Impressive, with a solid apprenticeship of eight years in the milieu and contacts-perhaps Hillary until 2024, then "triple O". Surely Donald has misread which suit is trumps!



Colin Booth Narrabeen

Abbott's turf war

Gracious I can't believe that I agree with Tony Abbott. ("In tragedy of war, we must not deny soldiers' victory," July 28.) But he is correct, let's turn our attention away from Gallipoli and ponder on our successes particularly at Le Hamel where General Monash captured a German salient in 93 minutes - three minutes more than he planned - using the combined arms of infantry, tanks and aircraft for the first time with great success. So impressive was his victory that French Premier Georges Clemenceau cancelled an inspection of his own forces and instead met with Monash who was later knighted in the field by King George V.

Field Marshal Montgomery in his book The History of Warfare, considered Monash the best general on the Western Front. And ponder this: Monash's loyalty to the war effort was initially viewed by the army hierarchy with suspicion as his parents were of Prussian descent.





Rodney Crute Hunters Hill It's a pity that Tony Abbott didn't resign before the last election. He could have sought nomination from the Coalition government to be the next Secretary-General of the UN. (Letters, July 28.) What an opportunity for shirt-fronting world leaders it would give him.



John Lees Castlecrag Gas mix-up avoidable Presumably fatal mix ups with gases in hospitals could be avoided if different threaded connectors (or different types of connectors) were used to connect the different gas outlets to the respective tubes and masks clearly marked "oxygen" or "nitrous oxide" or whatever. (Letters, July 28.) This simple change would make accidents like the recent ones impossible.





Malcolm Paterson Greenleigh

What to really worry about at the Olympics

Aquatic Olympians in search of the girl from Ipanema should put aside their fears of muggings, mosquitos, substandard accommodation and doped Russians. There's obviously a lot more crap to worry about than that. ("Rowers finally tip the scales to women in Olympic teams," July 28.) Crispin Walters Chapel Hill Shutdown delay a puzzle More than three months ago, Australia's gulag on Manus Island was ruled illegal in the PNG Supreme Court ("Australia's dirty policy deal finally comes unstuck", July 28). Why the delay in shutting it down? Steve Cornelius Brookvale

Disproportional representation Something appears to be unproportional when Aboriginals are about 30% of the Northern Territory population yet the children make up 97 per cent of those in juvenile detention there. (Letters, July 28.) Con Vaitsas Ashbury A fitting ferry name I think this ferry nameathon has almost run its race, however, whatever names are decided, one vessel must be named "Roxy Music" and Bryan Ferry can be invited to the launch and do the honours (Letters, seemingly days).
Cardinal Pell has consistently maintained his innocence and following the 7.30 program has released not only a robust rebuttal, but an accusation, which he wants officially investigated, that Victoria Police and the ABC are guilty of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. The ABC says its sources are witnesses and survivors of abuse, not the police, a claim backed by the police. Whatever the case, the allegations are consequential and Cardinal Pell's guilt or innocence must be established. The statement from his office said "there has [sic] been no requests made by the [Sano] Taskforce to interview the Cardinal".

Cardinal Pell, who lives in the Vatican and was previously the Archbishop of Sydney and, before that, of Melbourne, must be presumed innocent unless and until he is proved guilty. The accusations against him are receiving heightened attention following a report on the ABC's 7.30 program on Wednesday evening, in which fresh allegations were aired, including by two men who claim he serially sexually abused them in Ballarat decades ago.

Cardinal George Pell, the third highest-ranking leader of the Catholic Church, is accused by a number of people of child sexual abuse, for which he has been under investigation for more than a year by Victoria Police's Taskforce Sano, established following the state parliamentary inquiry that was a precursor to the federal Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Cardinal George Pell, speaking in Italy last year. Credit:Getty Images/Marco Di Lauro

Cardinal Pell has on more than one occasion testified before the royal commission, including via video from Rome when ill-health prevented him from travelling. His testimony has been almost exclusively about his and the church's response to evidence of the widespread rape and sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests over many years.

The Age finds it strange that in an investigation that has been running for more than a year the police have not interviewed the accused. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton, in response to Cardinal Pell's statement, said criminal charges might be laid and that detectives were waiting on an opinion from the Office of Public Prosecutions. He also said it was not unusual that those accused were not interviewed until the final stages of an investigation. We urge that such an interview take place as soon as possible. Optimally, Cardinal Pell should return to Australia to face police questioning. However, should he again argue he is too unwell to travel, Victoria Police should send detectives to Rome.

There is ample precedent in public life that demonstrates that the presumption of innocence does not preclude, and nor is it undermined by, accused people standing aside from powerful and influential leadership roles pending the outcome of police investigations or official inquiries. The Age has consistently argued that Cardinal Pell has failed in his duty of care to the survivors of some of the most terrible crimes imaginable. Rather than leading a purge of his church of paedophile priests, he presided over an organisation that covered up their crimes and was more interested in its own reputation and finances than the victims. The internal mechanism Archbishop Pell then put in place to ostensibly support survivors was grossly inadequate; it has spent twice as much on lawyers than on reparations to survivors.

Cardinal Pell is entitled to the presumption of innocence, but there is a strong argument he should stand aside, or be stood aside by the Pope, pending the outcome of the investigation. And we urge Victoria Police to expedite the investigation in the interests of natural justice for all involved.
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Philadelphia, Jul 28 (PTI) Hillary Clinton will mark a new chapter in American political history tomorrow when she delivers acceptance speech of her nomination as a first woman presidential candidate by a major political party in the US.

In her speech, she is expected to lay down her vision of America and what she intended to accomplish in the next four years if she is elected as the next president of the US in the November general elections.

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Clinton, 68, is the first woman to be nominated as a presidential candidate by a major political party ? this breaking into the penultimate glass ceiling of the American political system.

She is facing a tough challenge from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

On January 20, 2017, she could be the first woman to be sworn in as the president of the US.

The Democratic National Convention said Clinton would be introduced by her daughter Chelsea Clinton.

Former US President Bill Clinton would be here inside the Wells Fargo Center when his wife, the former First Lady and the former US Senator from New York, delivers her acceptance speech.

For the past several decades in her public life, Clinton has been a strong advocate of women rights, children and down trodden not only in the US but also across the globe.

She was the first to say "womens rights is human rights".

Her relationship with India and Indian Americans is well known.

As US Senator from New York she founded Senate India Caucus ? the only country-specific caucus in the Senate.

As the Secretary of State in the first term of the Obama Administration, she launched the first ever India-US Strategic Dialogue, thus institutionalising the India-US ties.

Clinton has been a frequent traveler to India and she has several Indian Americans in her campaign staff playing key role in her election strategy and policy making. PTI LKJ UZM ZH UZM

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New wind farm guidelines are expected to impose tough requirements on developers to limit their visual impact in a move that proponents say will put NSW at a disadvantage to other states.

The proposed guidelines, requiring developers to prepare visual impact assessments according to the height of turbines, were disclosed by the planning department to a select group of prospective wind energy developers on the sidelines of a two-day clean energy summit in Sydney on Thursday.

Fairfax Media understands proponents were told a sliding rule would apply, with the tallest wind turbines  reaching as much as 200 metres at the full extent of the blade tips from the ground  required to be located no closer than 2.7 kilometres from the nearest dwelling.

Visual amenity surveys would have to take into account factors such as the dwelling's orientation and whether there were screening hills or woodlands between it and the turbine towers.
Ming Long is the first to admit she is not an extrovert. But to climb the corporate ladder, the senior business executive of Chinese-Malaysian descent was forced to behave otherwise.

"If I ask you to close your eyes and visualise a CEO, you don't see an Asian woman," says the respected former fund manager for the $2.5-billion Investa Office Fund.

Ming Long, who until recently was group executive fund manager of Investa Office Fund. Credit:Steven Siewert

"[People] expect you to be very meek and mild, that you come into the room, sit in the background and don't say much.

"I've had to learn how to become an extrovert at work because that's how they would accept me as being an effective leader."
Darwin: Thirty-three teenagers and young boys incarcerated in Darwin's now notorious Don Dale Detention Centre are to be moved to a former immigration centre that has been slammed for being "completely inappropriate for children".

The Wickham Point Detention Centre, deemed by the Australian Human Rights Commission to be completely inappropriate for children when it was used to hold the flood of people seeking asylum by boat, lies around 50 kilometres south of Darwin.

With the Northern Territory-ruling Country Liberal Party government coming under extreme attack following Monday night's ABC Four Corners report on brutal practices at Don Dale, the Department of Correctional Services moved to address the controversy by shutting the old, outdated centre.

As federal dabinet discussed the terms of reference for the royal commission into youth detention, NT Chief Minister Adam Giles met Correctional Services Commissioner Mark Payne and the Department of Children and Families chief executive to discuss youth detention.
French President Francois Hollande has confirmed a National Guard, comprised of police and military reservists will be formed as part of the government's response to the string of terror attacks that have shaken France. 2,500 people have previously offered to enlist. France has not had a national guard since 1872. [France 24] 3. Turnbull chooses worst option available Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Photo Nic Walker. Seriously slow clap.

Cabinet, yes the "adults in charge" recently re-elected to make the toughest of decisions for the good of the nation, can't make decide on whether or not to formally nominate Kevin Rudd for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Attorney-General George Brandis argued strongly in favour of Rudd. Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton (who on one of his last trips abroad made a lame joke about climate-change on-camera and near a boom mic), led the charge against. [Fairfax] I guess we can be grateful for the fact that this isn't a big and urgent decision needing to be made So the decision has been hand-balled to Malcolm Turnbull for a "captain's call". So now Turnbull is in the worst position possible. He either looks petty, juvenile and just like the hyper-partisan politician he promised not to be when he took the job by using the defence "the politics inside my party are too hard" and rejects Rudd's bid, or he approves Rudd's bid and utterly infuriates "the base" over a truly non top-order issue. In sum, Turnbull is "caught whatever way he goes" [Michelle Grattan/The Conversation] and has made this all about his leadership. [Philip Coorey/Financial Review] In other politics news:

Greens Leader Bob Brown has told The Monthly he thinks the NSW division needs a clean-up. That's a not-so-subtle hint to Lee Rhiannon to move along now. [Jared Owens/The Australian] One of Australia's most successful migrants, billionaire and Westfield owner Frank Lowy has reprised former Liberal Prime Minister John Howard's infamous 'we will decide' line and said immigration should be controlled and a government should be able to control its borders. [Turi Condon, Caroline Overington/The Australian] Dylan Voller is hooded and strapped to a restraining chair. Credit:ABC The Economist leads with photograph that sparked a royal commission into the treatment of juveniles in detention in the Northern Territory - "Australia's Abu Ghraib". [Read] 4. Trump: 'I was being sarcastic'

From a political point of view you have to marvel at Trump's ability to break all the rules and get away with it. After sounding one giant dog whistle by urging Russia to find Hillary Clinton's missing emails, deleted from her private server she unwisely established for her time as Secretary of State, Trump now says he was being sarcastic! [Fairfax] In Philadelphia at the Democratic Convention - Day 3's rockstar billing didn't disappoint. Obama gave the best (recycled) line of the convention so far when he told the audience reacting to the mention of Donald Trump "Don't boo - Vote!"

Vice-President Joe Biden and Obama both hammered at what is probably Trump's biggest Achilles heel - the pretence that a billionaire can stand for workers given his own track record and neatly turning The Donald's catch cry "you're fired" into a testament as to how he really views the middle class. [Kyle Cheney/Politico] And is just me or is there always some dust in your eyes whenever Gabby Giffords, the US congresswoman shot in 2011, speaks. (I actually cannot stop watching this) Today the Clinton women are up. Chelsea will introduce her mother who, after Day 3, needs to deliver a home-run on closing day. [Eric Zorn/Chicago Tribune] 5. Corbyn enjoys court victory ahead of leadership showdown

Jeremy Corbyn has enjoyed a win in the High Court where a judge has ruled the Labour leader can be automatically included on the ballot for the leadership contest which is due to be finalised on September 24. Corbyn is up against just one contender - Owen Smith. [BBC] 6. 'Apocalypse Now' No, not a Walking Dead reference I promise! My last point this week is a piece that I came across which really encapsulates what we are all thinking these days - "is the world going mad?" It feels like the tectonic plates are shifting and not in ways seen before in my (short) lifetime. When I told my hairdresser this week the reason I had to cancel last week was because I went to Nice, "the world is going mad" was his immediate response.
Without much fuss, big listed or private for-profit companies are taking over the residential aged-care industry.

But all this is under threat, as not-for-profit aged-care homes like Kalyna face the pinch of competition and reduced government funding.

The traditional eastern European dumpling, often served with cabbage, is part of the identity of many residents at the Delahey home formerly known as the Ukrainian Elderly People's Home.

"Eighty-five per cent of aged care, disability and mental health care will be privatised over the next five years," predicts Michael Goldsworthy from not-for-profit representative group, Better Boards Australia.

Kalyna's chief executive Darren Leech fears that a privatised model will make this kind of unique "European ambience" - with higher level of care and a choice of two meals every day - impossible to sustain.

"For-profit [homes], they've got lower levels of staffing, which mean increased profits. We've got the higher level of staffing that means reduced profits," he says.

The consequence of thinner financial margins is that, unlike the big private companies, Kalyna cannot put up the nice new buildings and afford the slick marketing campaigns that attract the families of new residents.

Even the representative of the big private companies agrees. As the chief executive of the Aged Care Guild, Cameron O'Reilly represents the nine big profit players, including Bupa, Regis Aged Care, Japara Healthcare and Estia Health. He acknowledges that the government is handing the bulk of new bed licences to private operators.
The Liberal Party is a "party of lobbyists in search of a policy" according to a long-standing party official and City of Sydney councillor who has defected to a rival ticket.

Edward Mandla, the party's candidate for lord mayor at the last City of Sydney elections, quit the party this week and declared it has "lost its way" under the influence of faceless lobbyists.

Angela Vithoulkas is trying to unseat popular independent Clover Moore as Sydney lord mayor. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Cr Mandla will instead run as the second candidate on independent councillor Angela Vithoulkas' "Sydney Matters" ticket in the September council elections.

His comments about the culture of access and influence in the state party will spotlight tensions in an organisation riven with factional animosity.
A man who bashed his aunt to death with a brick while naked and high on ice had only been released from prison a day earlier, a Sydney court has heard.

Jamie Edward May, 40, murdered the woman who had once "treated him like a son" outside a Redfern unit block in April 2014, repeatedly battering her in the face and head with a brick.

Ice led to Jamie May's state, the court found. Credit:Fairfax Media

In a sentencing hearing in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, the court heard that May had a criminal record peppered with drug, violence and driving offences and had been released from prison only the day before the attack.

May had used cannabis and ice, and was "significantly intoxicated" when he approached his aunt, Judith Townsend, from behind as she walked with a neighbour along Morehead Street.
Allegations about shoddy construction began nearly as soon as the first sod was turned nearly 200 years ago on Sydney's first general hospital. It was financed with rum, soon earned a reputation as the 'Sidney Slaughter House', and a stash of gold and silver coins buried in its foundation stone went missing, creating a mystery that has never been solved.

Despite its murky past, two wings of the original hospital - now housing the historic Mint and the NSW Parliament on Macquarie Street - have survived 200 years of continuous use as Sydney's oldest surviving public buildings.

The Mint is Sydney's oldest surviving public building. Credit:Brook Mitchell

This weekend the past and the future of these two public buildings will be celebrated with a symposium in Saturday by Sydney Living Museums.

Like many of Sydney's most controversial buildings, the Rum Hospital's beginnings had its roots in ambition and greed.
A cyclist has been rushed to hospital after his race bike collided with a bush turkey in the Gold Coast Hinterland early Thursday morning.

A man, 45, was riding downhill along Tomewin Mountain Road at Currumbin Valley when he hit the bird about 6.20am.

A rider suffered life-threatening injuries after colliding with a bush turkey on the Gold Coast. Credit:Orlando Chiodo

The man was thrown from his bike a considerable distance, police said.

He was transported with life-threatening injuries to Gold Coast University Hospital.
A 36-year-old man remains in custody as police continue to investigate a stabbing north of Brisbane that left a woman critically injured in hospital.

Neighbours called emergency services to Narelle Venn's Kallangur home after hearing screams about 7pm Wednesday.

The 32-year-old was reportedly found slumped on the front step, slipping in and out of consciousness and covered in stab wounds to her face chest and legs.

She was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a critical condition but was later upgraded to stable, police said.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has spent crores on acquiring and housing eight Humboldt penguins in Byculla zoo.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: The Congress is not very happy about Byculla zoo being home to Humboldt penguins.

Two days ago eight Humboldt penguins were brought from Chile and Peru and a separate quarantine section was created and a team od doctors appointed to supervise the penguins in Brihanmumbai Corporation's Byculla Zoo.

"We have taken adequate measures for them. They have been kept in quarantine where right now no one is allowed except the doctor and a person who feds them. This breed of penguins doesn't require too cold temperature," said Dr Sanjay Tripathi, Director Zoo.

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW



Rs 45 crore has been spent to bring the penguins to Mumbai and make arrangements in the zoo.

There are three males and females Humboldt penguins, are one to three years old and weigh around 1 to 2.5 kg.

Humboldt penguins are captive breed of birds



FLAK FROM THE CONGRESS

Congress leader Nitesh Rane feels the penguins can't survive in hot and humid atmosphere of Mumbai, and there was no need to spend such huge amount on them.

"In south America these Penguins are found only along the Pacific coast. How can they survive in Mumbai? Who will be responsible if something happens to them? It was taxpayer money which was used to purchase these penguins," Nitesh Rane said.

Yuva Sena Chief Aditya Thackeray clarified in a Facebook post saying, "Humboldt Penguins are NOT meant for the Antarctic or Artic temperatures. They live in warmer weather of the Humboldt current. Humboldt Penguins are in 133 Zoos across world... Mumbai being India's first, Asia's 21st and the world's 134th Zoo. Singapore has it in an outdoor enclosure.. they don't need frigid temperatures.# These cute Penguins"Blush" in 42c and up temperatures.. it's their cheeks that go red to naturally keep cool."

The zoo will open doors to see the penguins in three months after the government issues a clearance.



--- ENDS ---
Federal member for Moreton, Graham Perrett, has taken umbrage to an advertising campaign for a new film.

The film, Bad Moms, features Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn, who star in the movie, flipping the bird in the direction of the camera.

Member for Moreton Graham Perrett with the offending poster for Bad Moms.

Their hands are pixilated but Mr Perrett feels the poster is still in bad taste and should be removed.

"It's not appropriate for the public," he said.
Six kittens were rendered deaf for a year and killed as part of a medical study by the University of Melbourne and the Bionics Institute.

Eight healthy marmosets, or small monkeys, became brain dead and were killed by an overdose of Nembutal during a Monash University study on brain injury.

Six greyhounds were given dental implants under general anaesthetic and kept alive for three months before being euthanised at Melbourne University's dental school.

Rats were placed under chronic stress for 15 weeks before they were decapitated in a study evaluating risk factors for psychiatric disorders at the University of New South Wales.
Two prison officers are in hospital after they were allegedly attacked by an inmate who'd refused to leave his cell.

A source at the jail  Loddon Prison in Castlemaine  told Fairfax Media that one of the guards involved in Thursday morning's alleged scuffle had lost six front teeth, had his nose broken and received a "significant gash" to his face.

Loddon Prison, near Castlemaine. Credit:The Age

The other guard sustained minor injuries.

The prison officers approached the inmate to conduct an "enter and extract" after he refused to leave his cell, according to the source.
A violent underworld figure has died following an attack on two prison guards at Loddon Prison, north-west of Melbourne.

Hizir Ferman, 34, was found dead in a unit at the medium-security prison on Thursday afternoon, a prison source said.

Ferman had barricaded himself in the room after seriously assaulting the guards about 11am at the facility near Castlemaine.

The Coroner has been called and is expected to investigate if the man had a reaction to tear gas or capsicum spray.
Vice-President Joe Biden dismissed Trump's "malarkey" in a blistering speech. Credit:AP They seemed to pull it off. If the Republican convention in Cleveland last week was slapstick, the Democratic show in Philadelphia is polished. More importantly, Trump's failure to offer anything vaguely hopeful or uplifting left the Democrats a broad canvas on which to paint more optimistic, promising "We the people" solutions to the crises of contemporary American life than Trump's unexplained, undetailed, uncosted "only me" offering. "I know a con when I see one": Michael Bloomberg trains his guns on Trump. Credit:Bloomberg Sure, Obama and Biden are gifted speakers. But their lucky break, in the eyes of observers, was that Trump's obsessive personality cult has unhitched him from the Republican Party and from broadly held American beliefs and values, thereby allowing the trio at the Democratic convention to go after the candidate, not the GOP.

In the modern American political tradition, the Republican Party parades the uplifting, Reaganesque image of the US as a "shining city on a hill" and it has been the Democrats who have dwelt on flaws and fractures. Vice-President Joe Biden with his wife Jill. "Middle-class Joe" was keen to reach out to voters who might be tempted by Trump's anti-elites rhetoric. Credit:AP Obama wondered about the GOP jamboree: "It wasn't particularly Republican and it sure wasn't conservative. There were no serious solutions to pressing problems - just the fanning of resentments and blame and hate and anger." All this is knife-edge stuff. The Democrats have not won three consecutive elections since World War II; Trump is rising in polls; voters are restive; and promises that sound like more of the same will have to be sold with a campaigning verve that to date has eluded Clinton, whose best asset is that she is not quite as unpopular as the very unpopular Trump. Hillary Clinton signalled to voters that her first term will in effect be Barack Obama's third. Credit:Bloomberg

Hence Wednesday's three-man act. And as they spoke, there was an indication they might be getting it right - Tony Fratto, a deputy press secretary in the George W. Bush White House, tweeted in seeming disbelief: "Watching Democrats talk about America the way Republican candidates used to talk about America." As they took apart Trump's character and generosity, his judgment and business acumen, his sense of himself and of the world, Obama declared: "Our power doesn't come from some self-declared saviour promising that he alone can restore order. We don't look to be ruled." Illustration: Ron Tandberg And of Clinton, who he defeated in a bitter struggle for the nomination in 2008, the President said: "There's never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America."

Praising Clinton's "unbelievable work ethic" and "tenacity", Obama insisted: "She'll finish the job - and she'll do it without resorting to torture or banning entire religions from entering our country." Going straight to the question of Clinton's perceived untrustworthiness, Obama invoked the classic Teddy Roosevelt quote about the citizen "who is actually in the arena  who strives valiantly; who errs [but] who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement". Obama sought to assure Americans and, in particular, supporters of vanquished Vermont senator Bernie Sanders: "Hillary Clinton is that woman in the arena ... you can't afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. You've got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isn't a spectator sport." In a sharp contrast to Trump's bleak and blood-soaked depiction of a failed US, Obama argued: "The America I know is full of courage and optimism and ingenuity. The America I know is decent and generous. "We've still got more work to do," the President continued. "More work to do for every American still in need of a good job or a raise, paid leave or a decent retirement; for every child who needs a sturdier ladder out of poverty or a world-class education; for everyone who hasn't yet felt the progress of these past 7 years."

Denouncing Trump as "a man who confuses bluster with strength [and someone who] doesn't have a clue about the middle class", Biden pitched to his people who could become Trump's people  working-class voters. "[Trump's] cynicism is unbounded," he said. "His lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up in a phrase I suspect he's most proud of having made famous: 'You're fired.' I'm not joking; think about that. "I know I'm called middle-class Joe, and in Washington that's not meant as a compliment. It means you're not sophisticated. But I know why we're strong. I know why we have held together. I know why we are united. It's because we've always had a growing middle class. This guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class - not a clue." Biden continued: "No major-party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or has been less prepared to deal with our national security." Addressing independent voters, Bloomberg pleaded: "The bottom line is: Trump is a risky, reckless and radical choice, and we can't afford to make that choice. Trump says he wants to run the nation like he runs his business. God help us!
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's appearance on Reddit for a Q&A session ended with the billionaire answering just a handful of questions in a chat that was controlled by staunchly pro-Trump moderators.

Many users took to Twitter to complain that their questions had been deleted and that they had been banned from viewing the thread.

The popular content aggregation site regularly hosts 'Ask Me Anything' (AMA) sessions with celebrities, but Trump's much-hyped appearance (hosted on subreddit r/The_Donald) saw him respond to users just 12 times.

AMAs are an increasingly-popular way for candidates to open dialogue with younger voters - and have been used both in Australia and abroad by many well-known politicians; including Scott Ludlam, Rand Paul, Bernie Sanders and current United States President, Barack Obama.
By PTI: Agartala, Jul 27 (PTI) Border guards of India and Bangladesh have decided to set up more border outposts (BOPs) to check trans-border movement of terrorists, smuggling and infiltration.

While India will construct 508 new BOPs, besides existing 1200, Bangladesh will set up 50 more in addition to its existing 35 BOPs.

This was announced today at a joint press conference following a three-day meeting between BSF Inspector General and Commander Bangladesh Border Guards here.

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Of the 50 new BOPs of Bangladesh, 35 would be constructed along Tripura and Mizoram border, said Brig Gen Md Habibul Karim, Commander of BGB Chittagong division, who led a 20-member delegation for the meeting.

Karim said, "Of the new BOPs, six would be constructed by using Indian roads and India has given permission for it."

He said Bangladesh has also constructed 17 new BOPs along the Myanmar border last year.

IG of Meghalaya P K Dubey, who led the BSF delegation, said, India has 1200 BOPs along the Indo-Bangla border which covers Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram and additional 508 BOPs would be constructed.

Both Karim and Dubey said border crimes like smuggling, infiltration and cattle lifting had come down drastically following better coordination between the two border guards.

"International border has sliced many houses forcing two brothers of a family to live in separate countries and we are also discussing how such problems could be sorted out," Karim said.

The barbed wire fencing is constructed 150 yards away from the zero line of the border to adhere to the border management agreement signed between the two countries in 1975.

To a question, Karim said, "Due to complication of the border, BSF raised the issue of erecting fencing on the zero line in some cases and we are thinking how to go forward and make the problem simple."

Dubey said eight places were identified where fencing should be constructed on the zero line. Of these, five are in Tripura and three in Meghalaya and Mizoram. PTI JOY NN TIR

--- ENDS ---
India was short of more than half a million police officers in 2015, making the country's police-population ratios one of the lowest in the world.

By IndiaSpend: India was short of more than half a million police officers on January 1, 2015, the last date for which nationwide data is available, the Lok Sabha was told on Tuesday.

According to the home ministry, there were 17.2 million police officers across 36 states and union territories, when there should have been 22.6 million.

A government-mandated ratio called "sanctioned strength" dictates there should be an officer for every 547 Indians, but the number is one for every 720.

Here's how it matters India has one of the lowest police-population ratios in the world. In the US, there is an officer for every 436 people, in Spain one for every 198 and in South Africa, one for 347. A 2014 report from the Bureau of Police Research and Development said up to 90 per cent Indian police officers were working more than eight hours a day. It said 68 per cent officers reported working 11 hours a day and 28 percent reported 14-hour work days. Nearly half the police officers reported being called to duty 8-10 times a month during offs. According to UN standards (quoted in the South Asian Terrorism Portal), there should be an officer for every 454 people. By these standards, Bihar needs more than three times as many police officers. In fact, even using Indian standards, the state needs 2.7 times the number of police it currently has. According to a 2010 UN report on Drugs and Crime, India ranked second from the bottom, better only than Uganda, in a list of 50 countries. That year, there was a police officer for every 775 Indians, so the figure presented to the Lok Sabha represents a slight improvement. While it appears logical that a favourable police-population ratio is correlated with a lower crime rate globally, studies on the relationships are inconclusive, even contradictory, according to a 2010 American study. In India, insurgencies and other extreme examples of lawlessness in some states push up crime rates, despite seemingly adequate police staffing. For instance, Chhattisgarh -- a state wracked by a Maoist insurgency -- has a police officer for 574 people, not far from the Indian standard.

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--- ENDS ---
For Dogs, its Trick and Treat Its almost Halloween, a great time to teach your dog a trick and give him a treat. Most trainers are fans of trick training. Its not as silly as it...

Muzzle is not a bad word If you see a dog in a muzzle, you immediately think the dog is aggressive. Right? Well, this is not always true. Unfortunately, seeing a dog in a muzzle carries...
Could the Supreme Court swing the Senate? New data says yes.

Studies released today at the Democratic National Convention reveal significant voter disapproval of the Senates refusal to give a hearing to Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, especially in vulnerable Republican states. In 10 states with vulnerable GOP incumbents, 41 percent of voters said they were less likely to vote for senators who opposed giving Garland a hearing, with about 24 percent more likely to do so.

Even accounting for the 35 percent who had no opinion, that is a stunning spread.

The obstruction is a major liability for Republicans in the Senate elections, said Geoff Garin of the left-leaning Hart Research Associates.

Garin also noted that 2016 is different from 2012 and 2008 in terms of how much voters care about the Supreme Court in general. In the last two elections, only about 30 percent of voters said the Court was a very important consideration to them. This year, that number is 50 percent.

Moreover, Garin said, the partisan gap on the issue is closing. Traditionally, Republicans have cared more about the Supreme Court, he said. But this cycle, Democrats care as much.

Garin cited the Garland obstruction, as well as cases like Citizens United and Shelby County, which eviscerated the Voting Rights Act, as reasons for the shift. While Republicans have long focused on the Supreme Court because of social issues like abortion, Democrats are now becoming more aware of it as well.

At the DNC event focused on the new data, sponsored by liberal groups People for the American Way and the Alliance for Justice, Congressman Keith Ellison, an outspoken supporter of Bernie Sanders who now strongly endorses Hillary Clinton, gave a poignant example. What happened to Freddie Gray, he said, is a direct result of the Supreme Court limiting the Fourth Amendment  At one point, the Court wouldve said there was no reason to stop him. Now, theyve put a legal veneer over it.

Tom Jensen, director of Public Policy Polling, released his own set of data that showed that 65 percent of Americans favor giving Judge Garland a hearing81 percent of Democrats, 56 percent of Independents, and 55 percent of Republicans.

Jensen also noted that several Republican senators have extremely low approval ratings, with senators John McCain, Kelly Ayotte, Rob Portman, Ron Johnson, and Pat Toomey all hovering in the low 30 percent range. And in each of those states, voters associated their senators with obstructionism.

By far the least popular politician in the country, Jensen said, is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has an abysmal 15 percent approval rate and 66 percent disapproval rate nationally. That -51 percent net favorability rating dwarfs Hillary Clintons, whose net favorability hovers between -10 and -15 percent.

McConnell, Jensen said, is seen as the face of Republican obstructionism, with the Garland nomination playing a central role.

Might the Supreme Court matter in the presidential election as well? Here the data is more mixed.

On the one hand, Jensen emphasized how little voters trust Donald Trump to select Supreme Court justicesonly around 38 percent, the same as Trumps core base of support overall.

Hilariously, Public Policy Voting even asked voters who they trusted more to pick justices, Donald Trump or various celebrities. The result? Tom Hanks wins by 12 points, Peyton Manning by 12, and Taylor Swift tied. Yup, when it comes to appointing Supreme Court justices, voters trust Donald Trump and Taylor Swift equally.

And thats after the Kanye debacle.

On the other hand, its not at all clear how much these preferences will really swing moderate voters. Surely, most of the 50 percent of voters who say the Supreme Court is a very important consideration have already made up their minds. Its quite possible that the Court is just one more issue that confirms peoples existing preferences.

But when it comes to the Senate, the data is sharperand more worrying for Republicans. In the states with close elections, even Republicans favor hearings for Judge Garland. Thats true even in Iowa, where the once-untouchable Charles Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is now up only 7 to 10 points.

Marge Baker, executive vice president of People for the American Way, provided perhaps the best summary of the new data. Its not just that the election matters for the court, Baker said. The court matters for the election.
India will confront Pakistan with a dossier on Lashkar-trained militant Saifulla Bahadur Ali was captured during a gunfight in Kupwara on July 25.

By Jitendra Bahadur Singh, Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: India will confront Pakistan with a dossier on Lashkar-trained militant Saifulla Bahadur Ali when home minister Rajnath Singh will meet his Pakistan counterpart next week to discuss cross-border terror among other issues, official sources told India Today.

Ali, in custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was captured during a gunfight in Kupwara on July 25.

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What we know about Saifulla Bahadur Ali In his confession to the NIA, he admitted he was from Lahore. Ali had crossed into India from the Leepa valley in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The 21-year-old told investigators that he was trained by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Highly-placed sources said that Ali infiltrated into India with two other accomplices, Saad Bhai and Darda Bhai, in June. Ali belongs to Jahama village near Raiwind area of Lahore. He was trained at a terror camp at Chela Bandi in Muzaffarabad, NIA sources said. Ali is a grade-3 school dropout. Ali and his two accomplices entered India with the help of a guide. Ali told investigators that Saad Bhai and Darda Bhai were killed in a shootout with security forces in mid-July. The captured Pakistani terrorist who was carrying a UBGL, nine grenades and an AK-47, hid his weapons in Manasbal forest. Security forces have also recovered a radio set from him.

Home minister Rajnath Singh is due to visit Lahore on August 3-4 to attend a SAARC meeting of interior ministers.

On Sunday, he cautioned Islamabad for its interference over Kashmir.

"Pakistan's role isn't 'Pak (pure)' in relation to Kashmir. It needs to change its approach on Kashmir," the home minister said while addressing a news conference in Srinagar.

Also Read: Arrested terrorist Bahadur Ali confesses he is from Pakistan



Watch full video: Nabbed LeT terrorist exposes Pakistan, sent to India to create unrest in Kashmir





--- ENDS ---
Ask Me Anythingabout how wonderful I am.

Donald Trump held an Ask Me Anything session on his central subreddit, The_Donald, on Wednesday night, during the Democratic National Conventions prime-time programming.

The premise of these things is, well, that the subject gets asked about anything under the sun. Its where Bill Murray told his fans about the best party hed ever crashed (the Subway Party in the 70s in New York) and where CNN anchor Don Lemon said his namesake cocktail would consist of a lil vodka, some lemonade, a splash of sparkling water for bubbles and Id stir with one of my fingers.

But The_Donalds moderators, who refer to him as God Emperor and regularly participate in mysogynist and white nationalist Reddit communities, made sure no probing or challenging questions or even mild criticism made it onto the thread.

The result was a production so tightly controlled youd think Trump was running for president of North Korea.

Hello The_Donald readers and the entire Reddit communitythis is going to be SO huge and Im looking forward to answering your questions, Trumpor more likely a member of his staff speaking for himsaid.

Im doing this in flight to visit the great people of Toledo, OH, so Internet connection might be spottyI promise you, Ill answer all the questions I can. I want to do BIG things for America and as your President, I WILL Make America Great Again!

Questioners referred to the Republican nominee as Mr. Trump.

Mr. Trump, What is your favorite Meme of yourself? one asked.

Mr. Trump, Im very excited to see you as our 45th President of the United States and I truly believe this will be the case. Your views, while strong, are what this country needs to steer us away from an otherwise bleak and politically correct future, another said.

The_Donalds moderators are famous for quashing all dissent.

Theyve banned users for statements as innocuous as Companies will be incentivized to move 100% offshore.

A pro-Trump user once asked anti-Trump users to provide factual data to back up their opposition to the Republican nominee. All those anti-Trump facts, more than 100 of them, were quickly deleted, and many of the users who posted them banned. Despite the immediately visible paper trail, the community took a victory lap, since no one was able to provide a factual reason to oppose their preferred candidate.

When The Daily Beast asked on Wednesday: Why wont you release your tax returns? Your claim that its improper to do so because youre under audit has been widely debunked by tax experts. If youre as wealthy as you claim and you truly have no financial ties to the Russian government, what do you have to lose? the question was deleted within 15 minutes.

The moderators of the Q&A once put out an open call for more help maintaining the subreddit, and the questionnaire provided to potential applicants included queries such as Is white supremacy different than white nationalism? Use cuck in a sentence, and Was 9/11 an inside job?

Trump gladly answered their questions.

I have been very concerned about media bias and the total dishonesty of the press. I think new media is a great way to get out the truth, he responded when asked, How will you, as president, tackle this protected class of media elites without stepping on the first amendment rights of average Americans?

Asked why Clinton doesnt hold press conferences, Trump said, Crooked Hillary Clinton will not do press conferences because she cannot explain her illegally deleted 33,000 emails, or her disaster in Libya, or her role pushing TPP (which she would 100% approve if she got the chance), or her support for a 550% increase in Syrian refugees, etc.

The Daily Beast reached out to moderators for the subreddit asking if and why they intend to delete comments and ban usersespecially while supporting a candidate who rails against political correctness. In the past people have actually ignored responses that dont support their story so we are not answering media inquiries outside of formal channels any longer, wrote a moderator named Pancakees. That moderator then referred The Daily Beast to a formal email address. The questions went ignored at press time.

But even softballs seemed too hard for the Republican nominee. Asked a five bullet-point question by one user, oldie101, Trump could only answer two bullet points.

Oldie10, who identified his- or herself as a Trump supporter, wanted to know, Question 1: We firmly believe Hillary will try and steal this election through vote fraud, especially given recent events. What is your campaign doing to ensure that we have a fair election? Question 2: What role should NASA play in helping to Make America Great Again? Question 3: How do you feel about WikiLeaks? Does it change your opinion on Snowden? Question 4: What is your opinion on Net Neutrality? Question 5: Has your campaign ever gotten any ideas from the_donald? Thank you for taking the time to join us today and we look forward to continuing to Make America Great Again with you.

Trump replied, 1 - Voter fraud is always a serious concern and authorities must be vigilant from keeping those from voting that are not authorized to do so. 2 - Honestly I think NASA is wonderful! America has always led the world in space exploration.

In the end, like so many things in this election, Wednesdays AMA could be summed up by user jebisatotalmesss commentary: LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP LOCK HER UP
On Wednesday, noted misogynist Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for President of the United States, made a plea: The raccoon-haired real estate heirand ex-reality TV hostcalled on Russia to hack former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 [Hillary] emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press. Lets see if that happens, thatll be next, he said to a stunned group of journalists during a particularly unhinged presser.

Trump was, of course, referring to the recent DNC hack, wherein WikiLeaks published a cache of over 19,000 emails stolen from the computers of the Democratic National Committeean act that exposed exchanges suggesting they offered Clinton preferential treatment over Bernie Sanders, and that subsequently led to the resignation of DNC honcho Debbie Wasserman Schultz. U.S. officials and top researchers believe that Russia is behind the hack, and conducted it to tip the U.S. presidential election in Trumps favorsince Trump is a yuge fan of Vladimir Putin, has a 30-year business history with Russia including a stable of moneyed Russian investors, and his campaign aides (and surrogates) harbor direct links to the Kremlin.

The Donald was also referring to the 30,000-plus emails that Clinton deleted from the private email server shed used while Secretary of State, alleging they touched on personal matters unrelated to issues of state. Clinton was cleared of any wrongdoing in emailgate by the FBI, though Trump and his supporters remain unconvinced.

Now that weve got all that out of the way, on Wednesday nights post-DNC live edition of Real Time, comedian Bill Maherwho is no fan of Trumpscriticized Trump for asking Russia to commit cyberterrorism against his general election opponent (which, by the way, may be a felony).

The part of this scandal that was actually a scandal was that the Democratic National Committees emails were hacked by Russia, and Trump today was calling on Russia to now hack Hillarys emails, said Maher during his monologue. A U.S. presidential nominee encouraging Russia to commit espionage? Donald Trump: the voice of treason. It just looks so crazy, he continued. First of all, Trump is always talking about how much he loves Putin. He said today he wont tell Putin what to dohe tells everybody else! He takes Russias side against NATO. I mean, fuck! What is all this? Hes always taking Russias side. Plainly, Trump is a Russian agent. I mean, I dont know it for a fact, but a lot of people are saying it Oh yes, Donald Trump: the spy who loved himself. But, you know, being president is not a joke. If this doesnt prove that, I dont know what does.

The HBO host addressed the Trump-Russia connectionand his treason-adjacent askagain during the panel portion of the show, pointing out that if Hillary Clinton had done the same, requesting that a hostile foreign actor commit cyberterrorism against her opponent, shed be absolutely crucified and potentially be branded a traitor.

I dont think Ive ever seen what Donald Trump said today, which was he is encouraging a foreign country to commit cyber espionage and hack into the political opponents [sic] of one team here in the United States, said a stunned Maher. What if Hillary did that? What if Hillary had said, You know what, weve been trying to get Donald Trump to release his tax returns and he wont. Hey, Russia, if youre listening, would you hack him?

Needless to say, the GOP would not be pleased. Maher then made a plea of his own, calling on the Republican Party to denounce their volatile nominee before its too late.

Where are the other Republicans to condemn this? These Vichy Republicans? asked Maher. How many things does [Trump] have to do? I mean, every week its something else, and one week is worse than the other.
ADDIS, Louisiana  On Sunday, July 17, Damarcus Alexander stopped at Walmart so his best friend could buy a white shirt for church.

They left Dallas, Texas, at 4 a.m. bound for Belle Rose, Louisiana, a small town an hour south of Baton Rouge, so his friend could sing at a church. They entered the Walmart outside of Baton Rouge, changed into their church clothes, and continued driving.

They didnt know it but someone had just called 911 describing two black men entering the store and changing clothes just after Gavin Long shot six law enforcement officers across the river.

One of the three dead was Alexanders cousin, Montrell Jackson. He was my big cuz, Alexander said, adding that their families had vacationed together many times. He saved me from drowning once.

When he and his friend were changing at Walmart, Alexander hadnt heard what had happened to his cousin yet, but a few miles down the road, police stopped their car and it wasnt for condolences.

Hey, you were just in the Walmart changing, right? an officer asked them, according to Alexander. You know what just happened in Baton Rouge? We already got the guy who did it, but we think that he probably didnt work alone so were looking into you two. Police said their car fit the description of Longs car at the scene. (It didnt.)

Soon after they were pulled over, more than a dozen vehicles with officers from every nearby police department had pulled up. All of them were white.

Fortunately, Alexander had proof that they hadnt been involved in the shooting, because they had stopped at a gas station over 100 miles west of Baton Rouge to buy coffee and snacks at 8:43 a.m., according to the receipt still in the bag. That was three minutes after Long started shooting.

It wasnt enough for the officers, who still viewed them as suspects.

Alexander said they were handcuffed and locked in the back of a police car without being read their rights. When we were detained, we asked for phone calls, he said. We were not given phone calls.

The Louisiana State Police and Baton Rouge Police Department did not respond to a request for comment.

Instead police confiscated their phones by intimidating them. They made us sign a consent form, he said. When Alexander asked questions about this, police began cursing at him. If he wants to be a dick about it, just put his ass back in the car, he said a plainclothes officer yelled. Hell be here for another four hours to wait for a court order to search his phone.

They also forced Alexanders friend to pee in a bottle in the back of a police car.

Meanwhile, Alexander still didnt know who had been killed, but he had seven family members in Baton Rouge law enforcement, including his father, aunt, and uncle, along with Jackson. He was worried too, and kept asking to call his family.

I dont know if one of them was shot and killed, he said. I was ignored. He only found out it was his cousin who had been murdered after police released him around 7 p.m.

Alexander and his friend were taken to holding cells at a Louisiana State police station in Baton Rouge. By that time, Alexander, a diabetic, said he needed to take his diabetes medicine.

Get away from the door, little bitch, Alexander said one jailer yelled at his friend when he knocked on his cell door.

Rather than giving Alexander medicine, he said police called EMS, who just confirmed that his blood sugar was high and he needed medicine soon.

Instead, for hours theyre bringing me cookies, and peanuts, and crackers, and juice, Alexander said. Thats the exact opposite of what I need. Officers were worried that he was lying about the medicine to commit suicide.

What if you die in the back of my car? he said one officer asked him, citing another time where he had an arrestee try to take an entire bottle of pills.

After several hours, Alexander said he became semi-comatose and was taken to Baton Rouge General Hospital.

By this time, police had finally obtained footage from the Alexandria convenience store and realized Alexander hadnt been involved with the shooting. They released Alexanders friend from jail to go pick him up from the hospital.

I felt helpless, Alexander said when he was pleading for medicine in the cell.

Im really thankful that I wasnt another hashtag, he said.
JUBA, South Sudan  The young woman well call Mary, for her protection, says she was raped by four South Sudanese government soldiers while United Nations peacekeepers stood less than 100 meters away.

On July 8 fighting broke out between government soldiers of the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), which is loyal to President Salva Kiir, and the forces of rebel leader Riek Machar, who was dismissed as vice president on Monday.

According to multiple interviews conducted by The Daily Beast, soon after the fighting began, government soldiers began to rape civilians living in UN protection of civilians sites while they were traveling to collect food. According to community leaders from one section of the UN camp that holds 15,000 people, some 100 women were raped or reported missing on a single dayJuly 18.

The UN blocked access to journalists for two weeks after the fighting began in Juba, and when reporters finally were able to visit the camp women described being gang-raped while United Nations peacekeepers were in full view.

UN peacekeepers in South Sudan are mandated to use force to protect civilians, but once the women are outside the camps, that mandate seems to be annulled or ignored.

I tried to run to the UN gate and passed some of the shops, but when I almost reached I was captured, said Mary. I was less than 100 meters away and I saw the [private security guards], and even the UN police at the main gate.

Five soldiers chasing Mary grabbed her cellphone and started beating her. Mary tried to run away, but the soldiers caught up with her and dragged her to the side of the road. Four out of the five soldiers then raped her.

If the UN find a person being raped, they should intervene, she said. Two vehicles passed me while I was being raped near the UN compound and they didnt say anything,

Many civilians living in this camp fled there for protection years ago when the last civil war began in December 2013. That war killed tens of thousands and took on ethnic undertonesmany Dinka supported Kiir, and many Nuer supported Machar. Around 29,000 people in total live in this camp, and most are part of the Nuer tribe.

The SPLA view me as the people of Dr. Riek Machar, and thats why I was raped, said Mary. I am not viewed as South Sudanese.

Just three months after Kiir and Machar formed a unity government to put their warring past behind them, things have gone disastrously wrong.

At least 500 people died in the initial fighting, much of it centered around this UN complex. One man inside the camp showed The Daily Beast the frame of what is likely the projectile from an RPG-7, an anti-tank weapon, that destroyed his home and killed one child.

You can assume that we were targeted, said Shantal Persaud, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan spokesperson.

Every woman that The Daily Beast interviewed said that the lack of food in the camp continues to force them to make the dangerous trek to the market and risk being raped. Most men refuse to travel, saying its not their role to collect food.

The low food supply is a direct result of the fighting. The UN was unable to move freely in the days after the shooting started because government soldiers blocked them, and a planned food distribution was delayed for roughly 10 days. A UN agency warehouse with millions of dollars of food was looted by otherwise unidentified armed gunmen. Food supplies to Juba have also been delayed because rebel forces aligned with Machar have cut off some land routes to the capital.

The World Food Program started to distribute food on July 22, but civilians who fled to the camp during the recent fighting have still not received rations because the UN has not yet registered them. And even those women who have received food still make the dangerous journey to buy food at the market.

The women want to stock food because they are not sure what will happen next, said a field monitor with WFP who was helping to distribute food to women with children. The WFP food was looted, so in case the same thing happens they have nowhere to go.

Most of the rapes happen along a stretch of road that is roughly one mile long, which leads to the UN compound. The winding, uphill journey begins at a taxi standdrivers dont dare go farther for fear of the government soldiers lurking ahead.

Hordes of women wearing colorful dresses walk on the edge of the road balancing bags of food on their head. SPLA soldiers zip back and forth in pickup trucks or sit lazily under trees. The Daily Beast saw one soldier start to beat a woman on this stretch.

The stomach-churning journey comes to an end among a series of shops and homes at a place called, simply, Checkpoint, which is immediately outside the UN base. It was here that a girl well call Sara, who is 15 years old, was gang-raped by six soldiers on July 18.

Two soldiers grabbed Sara out of a pack of women, and took her to a small house inside Checkpoint. There, four more soldiers waited. Thats where I was raped, she said, and all six took part.

Persaud, the UN spokesperson for South Sudan, said that the mission has reinforced protection for women as they travel to collect firewood, another vulnerable trek.

These latest incidents come after earlier reports of UN peacekeepers failing to use force to protect civilians. An investigation by The Daily Beast found that peacekeepers fled their posts when government soldiers attacked a UN base in Malakal.

Its unclear if government soldiers rape women because of their ethnicity.

Elizabeth, whose name weve changed, says she is not sure if the government soldiers raped her because she lives in the UN camp, or because they just wanted to do it.

If you were a Nuer, we would have killed you, a government soldier said to Elizabeth after he and others raped her. They asked me, Why are you staying in the [UN] compound? Everyone in the compound deserves what we have done to you.

The UN peacekeepers who were up [in the guard tower] could see me when they were raping me.

Nobody came to her rescue, she said.
Between Patricia Arquettes rousing 2015 Oscar acceptance speech and the Sony hacking scandal, which revealed that Jennifer Lawrence was paid less than her male co-stars, Hollywoods perceived gender problem has become a political lightning rod, with actresses, producers, and directors decrying an industry where women still play second fiddle to men.

Last year, The New York Times ran a magazine cover story about sexism in Hollywood with personal anecdotes and troubling statistics: In 2013 and 2014, for example, only 1.9 percent of directors in the 100 top-grossing movies were women. Even the feds are investigating gender discrimination in the industry.

Hollywoods Kathleen Kennedys and Kathryn Bigelows are anomalies. Talking about the issue raises awareness, but how do you actually change the narrative?

One way is to rewrite it yourself.

Thats what Sarah Megan Thomas and Alysia Reiner did when conceiving Equity, a thriller about female executives on Wall Street that is released this Friday. Its arguably the first movie since Working Girl (1988) to feature a woman on the rise in the notoriously male arena of finance.

In recent Wall Street films like The Big Short and The Wolf of Wall Street, women are mostly trophy wives, bit players, and playthings.

The women in Equity, by contrast, are hotshot investment bankers who command boardrooms and land deals. Theyre professionally ambitious and they like money, as Equitys protagonist, Naomi Bishop, declares early in the film.

I am so glad that its finally acceptable for women to sit and talk about ambition openly, Bishop, played by Anna Gunn of Breaking Bad, says while speaking at her alma mater. But dont let money be a dirty word. We can like that, too.

Thomas and Reiner, both producers and co-stars in Equity, sought out some two dozen powerful Wall Street womenpast and presentto finance the film and provide much of its material: stories about the challenges of being a woman in an alpha male industry.

Working with Thomas and Reiner, screenwriter Amy Fox and director Meera Menon rounded out the films all-female creative team.

Equity follows Bishop (Gunn), a top-tier investment banker in her 40s, as she woos a tech firm to secure their big IPO, keeping her eye on the prize despite sexist slights at every turn. She also has to contend with self-doubt on the heels of a recently botched deal.

Bishop knows shes talented and focused enough to get it right this time around, but her gender works to her disadvantage in the predictable ways we hear about it working against other women in the workplace.

Early in the film, when she approaches her male boss about a promotion, he dismisses her: This doesnt look like its going to be your year. The perception is that you rubbed some people the wrong way.

Its the kind of remark that Barbara Byrne, a vice chairwoman of banking at Barclays who rose to prominence as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers in the 1980s, still deals with as an industry veteran.

Weve all had that experience of being a person who is rubbing someone the wrong way, said Byrne, a co-producer of Equity, during a panel discussion after a screening this week. Just a few weeks ago, I was told after a meeting that Id been overbearing, she continued. I said, Is that because I had an opinion or because I was correct?

The audience laughed at this shrewd retort.

We use humor to diffuse the situation, Byrne said, but its not really funny when [those comments] are otherising you. Im turning 62 next month and am vintage in this industry. I would have never thought when I started in 1980 that we would still be having this conversation today.

Sallie Krawcheck, another Wall Street vet who consulted on the film and has held top jobs at Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, and Bank of America, spoke about the likability factor for high-powered women and female bosses, particularly in male-centric industries.

She cited Hillary Clintons likability issues, along with research that found likability and success were positively correlated in men, but inversely correlated in women.

Its funny how unlikable I was when I was running Merrill Lynch but how likable I was after I was fired, Krawcheck said during the panel discussion.

Marissa Mayer, once the darling of the media when she started out at Yahoo in 2012, echoed Byrne and Krawcheck in a post-mortem interview with the Financial Times, having agreed to sell Yahoo to Verizon for $4.8 billion on Monday.

We all see the things that only plague women leaders, like articles that focus on their appearance, like Hillary Clinton sporting a new pantsuit, Mayer said. I think all women are aware of that, but I had hoped in 2015 and 2016 that I would see fewer articles like that. Its a shame.

One wonders if her criticism of the medias gender-charged reporting was a reference to, among other things, how her very brief maternity leave was debated ad nauseum in the press.

Equity broaches the career-and-motherhood balancing act with Bishops younger protege, an opportunistic vice president named Erin Manning (played by Thomas). She successfully conceals her pregnancy from everyone but Bishop, who denies her a promotion before she discovers that Manning is knocked up.

Their mentor-mentee relationship becomes increasingly strained from that moment: Manning suspects being pregnant makes her even less likely to get the promotion. Her husband is beaming by her side during her first ultrasound, but shes so singularly focused on climbing the corporate ladder that she scrambles for her buzzing iPhone.

In one darkly comic scene, Manning sighs while reading Why Women Still Cant Have It All on her phone in a town car, moments after the tech CEO makes an aggressive pass at her. Has she been handling him gently, as Bishop advised, or leading him on? Either way, he makes it clear that he never respected her for her work: He could have met with Bishop if I wanted to talk business, he tells her.

The fantasy of having it all may be elusive for most women, but Byrne said being a successful banker enabled her to have four children. It is a very high-paying profession, even if you werent paid as much as the guys because they thought you might leave at any moment, she told the panel audience.

Regarding harassment and gender discrimination on Wall Street, Krawcheck is hopeful that certain behaviors are less acceptable now than when she started her career in 1987. She recalled being in her early 20s and turning around in a meeting to see a male colleague miming a sex act behind her.

Looking back on her career and the gender biases female Wall Streeters have endured, Krawcheck acknowledged these are first world problems.

Shes suffered career setbacks, just as Bishop does in the film, but shes never been at risk of going hungry. She, too, likes making moneyfor herself and for others. Were pretty fortunate to be able to make a difference in peoples lives, she said.

Krawcheck has made it her mission to help close what she calls the gender investing gap with Ellevest, a female-focused digital investing platform that she launched in May, having raised $10 million from blue-chip investors like MasterCard CEO Ajay Bangaand and former PIMCO CEO Mohamed El-Erian.

We talk a lot about the gender pay gap in this industry, but the gender investing gap can cost women [in finance] even more, she said, referring to the fact that men are more likely to invest their money than women are. If we think of our retiring savings crisis as a womans crisis, the fact that this industry isnt helping to solve that problem in a growth fashion matters to us beyond the fact that women should have equal opportunities.

Despite what Bernie Sanders would like you to believe, Wall Street isnt all greed and corruption. It drives the economy, of course, and investment banking allows people to grow their own assets.

Equity provides no tidy, happy endingswhich makes it more realistic. For a film about the challenges of being a high-flying woman in Wall Streets boys club, it deftly avoids cliches and melodrama. Sexism in Equity is pervasive but subtle: The men demean women, but they dont mime sex acts in the boardroom. Theres plenty of backstabbing, corruption, and personal failure in Equity, but theres also integrity in Bishops character.

You dont see any films about women on Wall Street, let alone films about women on Wall Street with honorable characters, Krawcheck said later, speaking to The Daily Beast on the phone. This is a pretty important film from that perspective.

Byrne also expressed a sense of optimism about women advancing not just on Wall Street but all over the professional world.

Things are changing, she said, noting that many of the most elitist schools in the countryHarvard and Princeton, for examplehave had female presidents in recent years. And while a woman has yet to be CEO of a major investment bank, shes more likely to fill that leadership role now than ever before.

Our last bastions are Wall Street and Hollywood, Byrne said. The importance of this movie isnt just the story thats being told, its the fact that as an investor, weve made it possible for women to tell the story, for women to direct the story, write the story, conceive the story, act the story. It has that tone. To me, that is really the gem of what were doing here.
Despite what you may have heard, Key and Peele did not break up.

Nearly one year after Key & Peele ended its five-year run on Comedy Central, fans are still coming up to Keegan-Michael Key and telling him how sad they are that he broke up with his longtime comedy partner Jordan Peele. We did not break up, he tells The Daily Beast. We just ended the show.

They may still be part of each others professional livesincluding in the somewhat disappointing yet financially successful film Keanu earlier this yearbut Key has made a point to branch out on his own as well. This month, he stars in Dont Think Twice, the second film written and directed by comedian Mike Birbiglia.

In Dont Think Twice, Key plays Jack, who gets plucked out of his New York City improv group The Commune by a late-night sketch comedy show called Weekend Live that is essentially Saturday Night Live with a different name, complete with a smarmy Lorne Michaels stand-in played by TV vet Seth Barrish. Currently 45 years old and well into a thriving comedy career, this meant Key had to transport himself back to a time in his life when he was a lowly improv performer at Second City in Detroit.

The wonder and the excitement and the dynamism of that chapter in your life, its infectious when you get to revisit it, Key tells The Daily Beast over breakfast at the Nerdist Improv School in West Hollywood, where young aspiring comedians come in hoping to become as successful as he is today.

Key says there was a heavy sense of competition among members of his comedy group when he started out. I think the movie really accurately represents the underlying tension of what was happening, he says. Because everyone is looking at each other with forced smiles and good for you and so glad you got the job. Just like his character in the film, Key found himself in that enviable position when he was cast on MADtv midway through that Fox shows ninth season in 2004.

Early in Dont Think Twice, the group gets word that representatives from Weekend Live will be in the audience for one of their last shows before the theater they perform in each week is shut down for good. Birbiglias character Miles warns Jack not to hog the spotlight, but he cant help himself. Keys character breaks into his spot-on Barack Obama impression out of nowhere and in turn violates the sacrosanct rules of improv that say all members of the team must work in support of each other.

Back in his Second City days, when TV executives would show up to recruit performers, Key recalls a real sense of the energy in the room getting jacked up to a 12. He adds, So, ideally every night youre going to perform somewhere between an eight and a half and a 10. But then if you find out that Lorne Michaels is there13.5. It jumps up.

When Key nails his Obama impression in Dont Think Twice it is the first time that many of his fans will have seen him do that particular character. Thats because the role of Americas first black president went to Peele on their show together, even though Key had played Obama briefly on MADtv, where they first met. Key describes that fateful decision as the only time there was serious competition between the pair.

They were at an impasse when Peele, who Key calls a masterful problem solver came up with the idea for Luther, Obamas Anger Translator, who ultimately became one of Key & Peeles most iconic characters. What has to happen is you have to throw your ego out the window for the betterment of the show, Key says. Because if this Obama-Luther thing, if this dynamic works, it might go someplace. And letting my ego go in that particular situation was the right thing to do.

Key got the last laugh on that one, appearing alongside the real President Obama as Luther at last years White House Correspondents Dinner. It was an experience that he now calls one the great thrills of his life. It was surprisingly easy, because I didnt expect the president to be so good, he says of Obamas comedy chops. I always feel horrible for whoever has to host that evening, he adds, because they have to follow a genuinely funny president.

This year, for Obamas final nerd prom, that role went to The Nightly Show host Larry Wilmore, who caused some controversy when he ended the speech by referring to the president as my nigga. It was a move that Key says he wouldnt have made.

I personally would have excised that moment from the speech, Key says. I probably would have cut that, ended with the last joke and then done something super sincere and then just gone over and hugged him. Maybe done some sort of dap with the president. But hindsight is 20/20, what are you going to do?

Obama isnt the only political figure who Key impersonates in Dont Think Twice. At the very beginning of the film, the cast trades Donald Trump impressions when they find out that a Trump building might be replacing their improv theater. At the time they shot that scene, Trumps 2016 campaign was still a long way from being taken seriously.

Key says he had no idea that Trump would get as close to the presidency as he has, joking that Birbiglia was very prescient to insert what would become such a timely joke in the movie. It was not a possibility. He wasnt going to get the nomination, Key says in disbelief nearly a year later. We werent even thinking about it and its become this very relevant moment in the film.

Just last week, Key and his fellow Second City alum Stephen Colbert collaborated on a bit for The Late Show in which he played Trumps only black delegate at the RNC. In sketches like that one and another piece on police brutality in which he appeared with comedian David Cross on Netflixs W/ Bob and David last year, Key has found ample opportunity to explore the type of provocative comedy that he and Peele popularized on their Comedy Central show.

Does he miss having a platform like Key & Peele to comment on important news stories through comedy?

Oh yeah, when I talk to Jordan, sometimes well say, Oh my God, can you imagine if wed done this or that? he says. But at the same time, thats probably 15 percent of the time. Mostly, Im so glad were done. I feel like it ended just right, just when it should have ended. People want more of it. Its had some sort of impact or resonance. I got to perform with the president! Weve reached every pinnacle we ever wanted and I feel like we explored things within the art form. Weve done it. So I dont miss it terribly.

But that doesnt mean we wont see more of Key and Peele together in the near future. Being deliberately coy, Key says, Theres some stuff brewing. You may see us sooner than later. In a reference that most of their younger fans will not understand, he says they are on the Pryor-Wilder program.

We do one, go away for a few years, come back and do another one, he explains. Well always have each other.
The first thing I noticed about Barack Obamas electrifying speech Wednesday night were the first words he spoke. Hello, America, he said first, and only after that, Hello, Democrats.

You may not listen for that sort of thing, but I do. The point of a convention is not to speak to partisans. Its to speak to America. And yet so few speakers talk to America. They talk to Democrats or delegates. That Obama said hello first to America reflects the fact that hes been the president of all the people for eight years, but it also puts emphasis on a clear awareness on his part that Hillary Clinton cant win the presidency with partisan Democrats alone. So his message wasnt just to Democrats. It was delivered, with force, to all of America.

Who else has been thinking over just the last few months that theyre really going to miss this guy? He did some things very well, and some things not so well. I have my critique of his highs and lows, as we all do. But heand Michellehave dignified and ennobled the White House and our country. Theyve taken so much insane artillery from the other side and never once sunk to anywhere near the level of their attackers. When they went low, as Michelle said, the Obamas went high. Were going to owe them a lot, and people will know that next January, when they fly off.

Michelle still holds the belt for the heavyweight speech of this convention, but Baracks was a great speech that was deceptively complex. For example, that Hello, America thing, which Im sure made independents tuning in listen differently from the start, even if they may not have not have known it. Another example: Obamas decision to place Donald Trump outside the trajectory of contemporary Republicanism. What we heard in Cleveland last week wasnt particularly Republican and it wasnt conservative, he said.

Now most liberals (like me, say) would tell you that Trump is the logical end point of todays crazy conservatism. His heterodox trade position is nothing compared to his embodiment of the GOP id. But Obama said no, Republicans, Im saying he isnt an extension of you. Hes a perversion of you. That line we dont look to be ruled got massive applause, and it was obvious what, and whom, it was about.

In doing all thatand this is the second thing I noticedhe claimed the center. But he claimed it in a very different way from the way Democrats used to try to claim the center 20 years ago. Then, Democrats used to try to claim the center by implicitly conceding that the Republican nominee spoke for normal Americans but insisting Hey, see, were normal too! But now, Obama claimed the center by saying, Your nominee is a freak. Our nominee represents the center.

And yet, even as he did that, and here was the third thing, he threw several important bouquets to the left, too. Thats rightfeel the Bern! he said at one point. His praise of Bernie Sanders, and even of Sanders supporters, and his odes to progressive goals werent enough for the dead-enders, because what would be, but they were more than enough for everyone else, and the everyone elses vastly outnumber the dead-enders.

And fourth, he sang Hillarys praises better than Bill did. She knows that sometime in those 40 years, shes made mistakes just like I have, just like we all do, he said. Thats what happens when we try. But he then invoked the Republican Teddy Roosevelt to speak of the leader who strives valiantly, who errs, but who in the end knows the triumph of high achievement... Hillary Clinton is that woman in the arena. You gotta get in the arena with her. Were gonna carry Hillary to victory this fall because thats what the moment demands. It was as strongand sincerean endorsement speech for a successor as Ive heard in my quarter-century of covering these things.

And fifth and last was the way he spoke about America. The taking on of Trumpism as a philosophy, as GOP consultant but anti-Trumper Steve Schmidt put it on MSNBC after the speech. It was this kind of rhetoric that made Obama a star in the first place, indeed that made him president, going back to the speech at the 2004 Boston convention, delivered 12 years ago Wednesday night.

Trumps America is a junkyard, or an Escape From New York dystopia where dog is set against dog. Obamas America is the exact opposite. Ironic that the dark America is the one on offer from the white guy who inherited a million dollars, back when that was real money, and the optimistic America is the one put forward by the guy whos black and who felt, by his own earlier account, no small amount of anger when he was young. But he transcended, while Trump descended. People watching both speeches may not quite be able to articulate this dichotomy, but they can feel it in their bones.

And besides those five points, theres a sixth one: He has so embodied the office. Watching that intro film took us back to 2009, when he was sometimes unsure of himself. But man, has he grown into the position. He is a good man, and he is what a leader is supposed to be. Weve been lucky to have him, and Hillary will be lucky to have him this fall.
Stephen Colbert made a big announcement Wednesday night about his alter ego Stephen Colbert.

Last week, during the Republican National Convention, the conservative pundit character made his first public appearance since saying goodbye to the world on the finale of The Colbert Report more than a year ago. But while Stephen Colbert said he really enjoyed the return of his old friend, he added, You know who didnt enjoy it so much? Corporate lawyers.

Because, and this is true, immediately after that show, CBSs top lawyer was contacted by the top lawyer from another company to say that the character Stephen Colbert is their intellectual property, which is surprising, because I never considered that guy much of an intellectual. He didnt need to say the name of that corporation: Comedy Central parent company Viacom.

So it is with a heavy heart that I announce that, thanks to corporate lawyers, the character of Stephen Colbert, host of The Colbert Report, will never be seen again, he said to groans from the crowd.

But he wasnt finished. What can I do? he asked. The lawyers have spoken. I cannot reasonably argue I own my face or name. So with that, he introduced, live via satellite from Philadelphia, Stephen Colberts identical twin cousin, Stephen Colbert.

After clarifying that he was not the same guy who had a television show for a decade, Stephen Colbert accepted his new role as a permanent part of the Late Show team, which means well be seeing more of him in the futurewhether Viacom likes it or not.

In a further slap in the face to his former bosses, the real Colbert then introduced a new segment on his show called not The Word but instead, The Werd. Tonights topic was The Lesser of Two Evils, in which the host used his classic format to examine the historically low approval ratings of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Colbert likely thought he was done feuding with Viacom after leaving his Comedy Central show. Most notably, the company, which also owns MTV, once blocked him from hosting the band Daft Punk on his show because they were scheduled to make an exclusive appearance on the VMAs later that month.

That legal fight was suspected of being a publicity stuntand perhaps this is, too, given The Late Shows lagging ratings. But if it means the permanent return of Stephen Colbert and a host that is willing to take the types of risks he took on his Comedy Central show, it can only be a good thing.
ISTANBUL, Turkey  As evidence mounts that Russia is deliberately targeting civilians in Syria with cluster bombs and other anti-personnel weapons, what has long been a nagging question about Washingtons policy has now taken on real urgency: Why is there no comment from the U.S. government is to confirm or refute the allegations of war crimes?

A Human Rights Watch report out Thursday documents how Russian aircraft dropped cluster bombs on an informal fuel market outside Termanin, a village in Idlib province, on July 11, killing 10 and wounding more than 30 people. The victims were all civilians and included two who were first responders.

According to HRW, three fighter aircraft, two of them SU-34s flown only by Russia, and an SU-24 thats in both the Russian and Syrian air force, launched eight attacks: the first two of them using cluster bombslarge canisters containing dozens of tiny bomblets that scatter through the air and across the ground. Many do not explodeat first, but may kill and maim days, months, even years later.

HRW noted that cluster bombs are inherently indiscriminate, and repeated strikes on the target even after first responders arrived make the attack unlawful.

Russia is not a party to the international accord banning cluster munitions, but it is party to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which list indiscriminate attacks as a grave breach. So are the U.S. and Syria. The conventions not only require their signers to uphold the stated rules, but to see to it that they are upheld by others.

The report provides meticulous backup for witness accounts on the role played by the SU-34s. There are videos shot at the time of the attack, and Russian websites say Russian aircraft carried out the attacks.

The evidence raises questions. Was the U.S. government, which has extensive airborne surveillance capacity in the region, aware of the Russian role in the bombings, and if so why hasnt it said anything?

One full day before HRW issued its latest report, The Daily Beast asked the State Department what it knows about Russias role:

Were Russian aircraft bombing in the area that day? Have they dropped cluster munitions on civilians there or in other locations? Has the U.S. representative raised this incident at the U.S.-Russian forum monitoring a declared cease-fire, and if so, what was the response? How many other such incidents has the U.S. raised with the Russians?

Twenty-four hours later, there was no answer.

Anticipating a non-response, The Daily Beast asked the State Department how the U.S. expects to bring Russia into compliance with the conventions ban on indiscriminate attacks if it doesnt publish or otherwise inform the public of its intelligence findings.

There was no response.

One reason for U.S. silence about Russian violations is that the Obama administration has classified its intelligence findings in order to protect sources and methods of collection. Making that information public would also set a precedent of the U.S. reporting on foreign military activity, a senior administration official told us earlier this year. Where do you draw the line?

But that leaves open the question of whether the U.S. government has raised the issue with Russia and how Russia responded. It also raises the larger question of whether international law as drafted after World War II will be respected when a major power violates the laws of armed conflict with impunity and theres no public protest from the United States.

Ever since Russia began its bombing campaign Sept. 30, the U.S. response has been largely hands-off.

Despite public pleas by Syrias moderate opposition and private urging by neighboring states like Turkey, the U.S. has not stepped up aid to moderate rebel forces already receiving U.S. military support, nor has it threatened the use of force or any other measures that would raise the price for Russian intervention.

Instead, the administration has sought a cease-fire through what it calls diplomatic means, which it hopes will lead to a negotiated settlement of the Syrian conflict.

Secretary of State John Kerry has been negotiating nonstop with Russian officials in hopes that together they might bring an end to hostilities and the resumption of negotiations as early as Aug. 1.

But the Russian and Syrian governments in the past month instead have gone for the kill in Aleppo, Syrias biggest city, and now the timetable for negotiations appears to be put off until the end of August.

Syrian forces, augmented by Iranian ground troops and the Lebanese Hezbollah milita and Russian air power, cut the last road to the rebel held enclave July 10. Besides surrounding the eastern part of Aleppo, which has a population of at least 300,000, the regime-led forces destroyed four of the eight hospitals and the only blood bank and forensic lab. They also dropped barrel bombs and other munitions on residential areas.

But the Obama administration has yet to draw attention to the biggest siege since Serb forces surrounded Sarajevo from 1992 to 1995.

Throughout the Russian intervention in Syria, the administration has refused to clarify whether Russia or Syria is responsible for the destruction of hospitals, schools, mosques, and infrastructure protected by international law.

In early May, after airstrikes destroyed a camp for displaced persons in northern Idlib province, Russia rejected charges that its aircraft were responsible. After Russia and the Syrian regime were accused of bombing several major hospitals in rebel-held Aleppo, a hospital in regime-held Aleppo came under attack also in early May. The government blamed rebel forces, but those forces said they didnt have weapons that could have reached the target and said the government had launched the attack in order to claim that the rebels were a criminal force.

The State Department continually ducked all questions on who was really responsible for any of these attacks.

Given that the U.S. intelligence gathering capabilities in the region are extensive, especially where warplanes are concerned, Washington almost certainly knows who is doing what from the air. But there are none so blind as those who will not see, and the official refusal to acknowledge culpability undermines the efforts of those organizations and journalists who are trying to get at the truth.

Early in June, after repeated requests for clarification, a State Department official sent a formal response. On background, I looked into this with our Syria team, and the assessment into these incidents have not been definitely concluded, he said.

That was it. No clue was given as to what that assessment might be.

Increasingly, it appears that the administration has written off Aleppo and with it the popular rebellion against Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad. Whatever criticism the U.S. may have stated when Russia began its armed intervention, officials now rationalized it as Moscows rescue of a longtime ally.

In March, a senior U.S. official said that Russia had intervened because rebel forces were advancing so fast that they threatened the survival of the Assad regime. There was great concern in Russia about potential catastrophic success under which Assad collapses, but so do all the Syrian state institutions.

The Russian intervention has returned Syria to the stalemate, the official said.

On Wednesday, the State Department cast the Russian intervention in the context of Moscows long-term alliance with Damascus.

Russia has a historic defense relationship with Syria that goes well back before the current conflict, department spokesman John Kirby told reporters. Theyve had basing there. Theyve had troops there. Theyve had a presence there. So it came as a shock to no one in the State Department that as the civil war progressed in Syria, that they would have interest in how things were going, he said.

The question of the moment, however, is why Washington seems to have no interest in the war crimes Russia commits as part of that interest in how things were going.
According to Mumbai Police, two persons have been detained for unruly behaviour and being interrogated.

By Anindya Banerjee: An IndiGo Airlines flight from Dubai to Kozhikode had to be diverted to Mumbai after a man was accused by his co-passengers of making pro-Islamic State (ISIS) slogans.



According to Mumbai Police, two people have been detained for unruly behaviour and being interrogated. They have not been identified yet.

The Mumbai airport police, however, is not sure if pro-ISIS slogans were raised on the flight. "Two passengers have been detained after the airlines complained of passengers fighting on board. We can't confirm ISIS slogans right now," Airport Police DCP told ANI.



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"A case will be lodged against them on the basis of statements made by the detained passengers and crew members," a police official said.

IndiGo has also not hinted at any terror link to the incident. "A passenger suddenly started misbehaving with the crew, jumped on the forward cart (used for food and on board merchandise), and sat on it," the airline said in a statement.



The IndiGo Flight 089 from Dubai to Kozhikode had to make the emergency landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai at around 9.15 this morning.

The flight left for Kozhikode after the two were detained.



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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai now facing a major hurdle in its investigation beacuse of State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB).

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai which had unearthed a major coal scam where at least 40 energy companies, both public and private, and traders were involved in alleged over-invoicing of imported coal is now facing a major hurdle in its investigation because of State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB). Both banks has declined to share banking details of over-invoicing to DRI and Department of Revenue (DoR).

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Details available with IndiaToday.in indicates that on May 2016, Revenue Secretary Dr Hasmukh Adhia wrote a letter to SBI's Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya seeking "cooperation in the matter of great importance" and had asked SBI to submit the required documents to DRI, at the earliest.

Dr Adhia explained in the letter, "The documents for the sale/purchase of Indonesian coal between the Indonesian supplier and the invoicing agent based either in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai were negotiated by foreign branches of a few Indian banks including State Bank of India."

"During investigation, DRI had made request to all such Indian banks for sharing the documents negotiated for the sale and purchase of Indonesian coal. The State Bank of India is yet to do the same citing legal constraints. To bring the investigation to a logical end documents negotiated by SBI are required by the DRI. As a public sector bank your Bank's cooperation is the matter of great importance", Dr Adhia requested in the letter.

In reply to this confidential letter, on May 24 2016, SBI's chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya replied back citing reasons why the Bank could not share these details with the investigative agency. "Section 47 of the Banking Secrecy Act does not allow the Bank to disclose Singapore customer information directly to foreign government authorities unless specific permission has been granted by the customer himself. You may wish to seek permission from the customer to release the information", Bhattacharya replied.

In her letter, Bhattacharya concluded that in view of the decision conveyed by Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and in the absence of any mandate from the customer, SBI is unable to share the documents with DRI, Mumbai.

WHAT IS COAL IMPORT SCAM

It is a case of over-invoicing of imported coal prices started from 2008 onwards. The DRI smelled a huge scam in coal imports from Indonesia, from where almost 80-90 per cent coal is imported to India.

In December 2014, the DRI had carried out series of search-and-seizure raids across 80 locations in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala and Odisha. The raids were carried out on coal importing companies, shippers, intermediaries and laboratories.

During the probe, it was noticed that even though the ships carrying coals directly from Indonesia to India, the bills were routed through fictitious and benami firms in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and British Virgin Islands.

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The major allegation is that the importing Indian companies with the layers of benami shell companies inflated the prices of coal and sold it to the power projects (mostly belongs to its own subsidiary companies). "The objective of over-valuation appears to be to siphon off money abroad and to avail higher power tariff compensation based on artificially inflated cost of the imported coal", one of the investigator said.

Currently, 40 companies (public and private) are under DRI's radar for importing coals at inflated prices. It has been noticed that value of coal was inflated to more than 250 per cent by these companies. "Ultimately, the impact of inflated coal prices (between 2010 to 2015) has to be burnt by the common man in India, who lands up paying extra tariff for the electricity consumed", the source within the agency said.

ROLE OF BANKS



The investigators found that the major banks involved in the money transfer and over-invoicing in this scam are State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda (BOB) and ICICI Bank's branches in Singapore.

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"Almost 85 per cent of the fraudulent over-invoicing done by these companies took place through SBI's Singapore. Bank of Baroda's foreign branches handled around 10 per cent and ICICI Bank handled around 5 per cent", the source said. The agency is investigating this case with an assumption that these sham transactions is around Rs 29,000 crores.

Soon, DRI issued notices to SBI, Bank of Baroda and ICICI Bank seeking details of over-invoicing that took place in foreign branches. "But despite notices, SBI and BoB were reluctant to share anything citing secrecy laws of foreign land, whereas, ICICI Bank was quite supportive and provided the data", the source said.

The agency approached the Department of Revenue to interfere and instruct the public sector banks to reveals the details. Under the instruction of Finance Ministry and Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Revenue Secretary Dr Hasmukh Adhia decided to write himself and requested SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya to support DRI's investigation.

But it did not happen. SBI reluctance and its reasoning not only shocked the Department of Revenue but have almost brought the entire DRI investigation on standstill. Queries sent by Indiatoday.in to Dr Hashmukh Adhia still remained unanswered.

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SBI'S COUNTER

In its official statement to Indiatoday.in, SBI cited reasons of Singapore's banking secrecy laws for not sharing details with the agency. SBI said, "The DRI had requested us to provide documents relating to banking transactions undertaken by certain clients of our Singapore branch. We have conveyed to the DRI that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), pursuant to a written clarification requested by us, has asked our Singapore branch not to share the required information without client's consent as the same is prohibited under Singapore's banking secrecy laws. Client consent was sought and refused. We have also requested the DRI to obtain the information required by them from Singapore authorities through the appropriate government channels, which they are entitled to do."

"Compliance with laws of all jurisdictions we operate in is of paramount importance to SBI, as it should be in all organizations with operations in various jurisdictions. SBI follows the highest standards of governance and has always extended full cooperation to all investigative agencies within the ambit of its powers", SBI's release concludes. However, similar queries sent to Bank of Baroda (BoB) remain unanswered.

These developments leave us with few important questions, that is why SBI and BoB are not pressurizing Singapore authorities to relax the secrecy laws and spill the beans; and who is getting benefitted out of it?

WHAT BANK OF BARODA SAID

While replying to IndiaToday.in queries, Shailendra Singh, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), Bank of Baroda, confirmed that the bank has not received any communication from the office of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) advising them to submit information about shipping of coal from Indonesia to India by any account holders at its overseas branches, other than at its Dubai branch.

"In regards to submission of information and documents in respect to any account holder at Dubai, law of the land (under provisions of Article 379 of the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987, of UAE Penal Code) does not permit the bank to share the information of their customers with any authority outside UAE unless a consent is given by the customer for the same", Singh clarified.

Bank of Baroda claims to have taken up the matter with the regulators of Dubai branch (Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE)), who have advised them that such requests "should be routed through diplomatic channel."



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Three organic tequilas launched by El Consuelo

Produced in the village of Atotonilco el Alto, El Consuelo tequila is claimed to be made the way tequila was meant to be made: chemical and additive free with the purest ingredients, using methods passed down through generations of Mexican farmers.

Launched in early 2016, El Consuelo is USDA Certified Organic and available in three varieties: un-aged blanco; reposado, aged for six months; and anejo, aged for 12 months.

The resposado and anejo are both aged in cognac barrels, giving them their rich, golden colour, full body and hints of barrel wood, which compliment the delicate agave flavours.

El Consuelo is created with USDA certified blue weber agaves sourced from Jalisco in the Mexican region of Tequila, a region with unique climatic characteristics that yield a larger, fruitier agave  resulting in superior tequila. In addition to being organic, El Consuelo is also kosher, gluten free and produced with social consciousness to support the Mexican farmers and the communities in which they live. Every step in crafting El Consuelo is done by the hands of dedicated farmers using proprietary yeast blends used only in El Consuelo tequila. The process is then completed using a family owned distillery and exclusive bottling process resulting in the spirits pure, smooth, and flavourful taste profile.

The team behind El Consuelo recognizes that the farmers, the community in which they live and the estate owned farms they tend to are the lifeblood necessary to produce the best tasting Tequila possible. They pride themselves on the fact that they are independent, small-batch producers, which allows them the opportunity to stay true to respected production methods revered by the local farmers and family owned distillery. The commitment to doing things the right way is very important to the El Consuelo production. Simple practices such as taking the time for natural fermentation rather than adding heat and using habanero peppered water to ward off insects rather than pesticides are just some of examples of the production process that might not be the most efficient, but what El Consuelo feels leads to a product in a league of its own.

El Consuelo tequila is 80 proof and in 750ml bottles with an RRP of: blanco US$49.50, reposado US$54.50, anejo US$59.50. Available in NY, NJ, CA & FL and nationwide online: https://store.passionspirits.com/el-consuelo-tequila-certified-organicblanco-750ml.html

28 July 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Senior IAS officer B K Prasad, who probed the Ishrat Jahan missing files case and was at the centre of a row after a report alleged he was tutoring a witness, today got a new Secretary-level posting for a two- year period. Prasad, who was appointed as Secretary, National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Tribes, had got a two-month extension ending this Sunday after he was due to retire on May 31 after completing 60 years of age on superannuation. He is working as Additional Secretary in Home Ministry. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved appointment of Prasad to the new post for two years, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said. The Commission, which works under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was constituted in 2005 to study various developmental aspects of De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic tribes in the country. Prasad, a 1983 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, had rubbished the allegations of tutoring a witness while probing into missing papers relating to the Ishrat Jahan encounter case, contesting that he had conducted a fair inquiry and that all officers inquired by him are fully capable of answering questions relating to the probe on their own. "No evidence has been produced establishing that Mr Ashok Kumar testified being tutored during my alleged conversation," he had said. The government had earlier appointed Maharashtra cadre IAS officer Bipin Bihari Mallick as his replacement in the Home Ministry. In the aftermath of the controversy surrounding the issue of missing papers from the file dealing with the filing of affidavit in Ishrat Jahan case, the Home Ministry had ordered an enquiry by Prasad on March 14, this year. The panel has submitted its report on June 15. 19-year-old Ishrat Jahan and three others were killed in an alleged fake encounter in Gujarat in 2004. The Gujarat Police had then claimed those killed were LeT terrorists and had gone there to assassinate the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The papers, which disappeared from the Home Ministry, include the copy of an affidavit vetted by the then Attorney General and submitted in the Gujarat High Court in 2009 and the draft of the second affidavit vetted by the AG to which changes were made by the then Home Minister P Chidambaram.PTI AKV GSN GSN

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Merging the environment and energy portfolios is a strategy to shush dissenting voices from the climate sceptic right. But, environmental advocates and climate scientists see linking the environment with energy as a sideward step in addressing climate change and protecting the Reef.

The new Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg is nicknamed Mr Coal' because of his past support for the mining industry. Critics say the Minister can't be objective with 50% of his job reducing emissions to address climate change whilst simultaneously supporting increasing carbon emissions from new coal mines.

Turnbull's outward vision is that the two portfolios will complement each other in reaching a renewable energy target (RET) of 23.5% by 2020. Australian Labor Party wants a target of 50% by 2020. RET investment will come from an emissions reduction fund put in place by market fund mechanisms and supported by a $10bn clean energy finance corporation.

Greenpeace Australia, Senior Climate and Energy Campaigner Nikola Casule thinks the PM's strategy shows contempt for the Australian environment. Casule says "For Malcolm Turnbull to appoint a minister who still believes that there is still a strong moral case for coal even during the worst coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef's history is a clear show of contempt for the Australian public".

Turnbull is attempting to keep the conservative sceptics onside, including former PM Tony Abbott; and pacify Labor on renewable targets. With the balance of power down to a single seat, Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull faces pressure to support the mining industry over renewable energy targets.

Labor's position strengthened this week with the remaining federal election seat of Herbert going their way. Herbert has been a Liberal National stronghold for 20 years and is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. With Labor seizing the seat by just 35 votes, any future mining applications that come up in Parliament will pile on the pressure.

Can Australia really move to clean energy?

Australia isn't the first country combining environment and energy portfolios. The Republic of Maldives and Sweden hold similar positions. But, it is the first country with a heavy reliance on the mining industry for economic stability, and to have a Minister who advocates for coal export and nuclear power. Australia is a nuclear-power free zone, yet it holds the world's third largest uranium deposits after Kazakhstan and Canada.

Frydenberg is holding all the cards on future mining licenses, and already ruling out a U-turn on the world's second largest coal mine, the Galilee Basin Mining Project. He's adamant that mining and renewables can be symbiotic and help preserve the World Heritage status of environmental icons including the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park and Tasmanian Forests. He says, "In 2004, 70% of Australia's electricity generation came from coal, today it's just above 60%". The coal market is declining, and electricity sources will need to come from elsewhere. Over the last two years, prices for high quality metallurgical coal, thermal coal and iron ore has shrunk by 7.4% at ($9.4bn) to $118.3bn. The export Price Index has fallen to 23% in the last three years.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with two other AAP leaders flew down to Amritsar today to appear before a city court in the defamation case.

By Ankit Tyagi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with two other AAP leaders flew down to Amritsar today to appear before a city court in the defamation case. Punjab's Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Manjithia had filed the case in the May against Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Ashish Khaitan for tarnishing his reputation.

Kejriwal reached Amritsar in the evening and headed straight to Circuit house where he met senior leaders of his party. Delhi CM and other AAP leaders are expected to appear before the Court of Civil Judge Gurpartap Singh at 11am on Friday. AAP sources said through the way from the Circuit house to the court, thousands of volunteers and members of AAP Punjab unit will join Kejriwal's convoy in a massive show of strenght.

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WHAT IS THE CASE

Manjithia in May had alleged that Kejriwal and others have tried to damage his family name by levelling false, baseless and malicious allegations. AAP leaders in the last few months have been aggressively campaigning in Punjab and have targeted the Badals repeatedly. AAP leaders have alleged that Manjitha is the king pin of the flourishing drug trade in Punjab.

Drug meance is a major political issue in the state where a large number of youth are struggling with the issue. AAP which is eyeing victory in the state in the upcoming assembly elections in 2017 has launched a vigourous campaign on this issue.

Kejriwal will fly back to Delhi on Friday evening itself. This is Delhi CM's second visit to Amritsar in this month itself. On July 18, AAP national convenor washed utensils at the Golden temple to repent the disrespect his party had to religious scriptures including Guru Granth Sahib while releasing party's youth manifesto.

An act of penance? Kejriwal, AAP leaders do 'sewa' at Golden Temple



--- ENDS ---
As you envision what the future holds, I hope you see visions of achieving great things for God. However, with your visions of greatness, be sure to appreciate the small steps that lead to the completion of the full vision.

Last week, I shared about how we should make our steps count by letting God direct our path. When we do so, we'll find that even the smallest steps can become significant.

I'm mindful of an account in the book of Zechariah in which God encouraged His people to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem that had been destroyed years earlier. They had begun rebuilding under the leadership of a man named Zerubbabel.

However, after a while they faced opposition, grew discouraged, and stopped their work.

While Zerubbabel had taken the first steps to obey God when he laid the foundation of the new temple, he faced a huge task in completing the plan. Still, when God encouraged Zerubbabel to continue the work on the temple, He instructed, "Do not despise these small beginnings" (Zechariah 4:10, NLT).

Before Zerubbabel heard those words, he may have thought to himself, "There's no use working on the temple again! The only thing completed is the foundation, and there's still too much left to do!" However, God saw something different; God saw Zerubbabel's "small start" as a huge first step!

Zerubbabel needed to appreciate and celebrate the progress he had made so far, even though it was small. By doing so, he would be encouraged to take more small steps until his dream was eventually fully realized.

We're the same way! We need to appreciate every victory God has given us, even the "small" ones. Very rarely do "great" things happen all at once. Instead, they are usually achieved through a series of small steps over a long period of time.

So, don't be discouraged if you've seen only a little progress toward fulfilling the vision God gave you. Celebrate what He has done for you, and keep stepping in the direction of your dreams. Step by step, you'll see them come to pass.

Also, don't feel like you have to have a monumental gift before you can be used by God. When you offer the little that you have, God can make something great out of it.

There's a story in the Old Testament about a widow who owed a debt she could not pay. She cried out to the prophet Elisha for help, claiming the creditor was coming to take her two sons as slaves. When Elisha asked her what she had in her house, she answered, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil" (2 Kings 4:2, NKJV).

Interestingly, Elisha told her to borrow as many empty vessels as she could find and to pour her jar of oil into the vessels. When she started to pour out her jar, the oil continued to flow until all the vessels were filled. She was then able to sell the oil, pay her debt, and provide for her sons.

Sometimes, we're like the widow in that we think we have nothing to offer. However, if we will pour out the little bit we have, God can make it great.

We may not preach a sermon, but we can offer a co-worker a word of encouragement. We may not be able to pay someone's debt, but we can offer a meal to someone in need. Don't discredit the power of a small step taken for the glory of God.
A century ago the Little Jersey Dairy run by W.J. Smith was the only local dairy out of 17 that did not contain high levels of bacteria in its milk. This is the horse and buggy the dairy used to deliver its products. Photo provided by the late Bertha Hartung via the Henderson County Public Library.

Got E. coli?

If you drank milk from local dairies 100 years ago there was a good chance you were getting a teeming dose of bacteria with every guzzle.

"Milk that is unfit for human consumption is being sold in Henderson," The Gleaner reported Aug. 4, 1916. "Cream that is unfit is being sold to confectionary establishments for ice cream."

Henderson had 17 dairies a century ago, and a majority of them were unsanitary.

"Ten out of 17 samples taken from Henderson dairymen contained colon bacteria. Many samples contained a high bacteria count  so high that the milk would be dangerous to drink."

At that time state regulations banned the presence of E. coli in milk products, and required levels of other types of bacteria to be no more than 100,000 per cubic centimeter.

Seven of the local dairies had bacteria counts of 100,000 or less. Others, however, were at alarmingly high levels. Otto J. Hoffman's milk had 636,000 E. coli per cc, while its level of other bacteria exceeded 7.6 million per cc.

Thomas Drake, however, had total bacteria levels of more than 57 million per cc.

N. Minton Gregor, state dairy inspector, was particularly concerned about cream used locally, "stating frankly that ice cream made from such cream was dangerous, being an absolute menace to health."

Pasteurization, which we take for granted these days, was just starting to be used in commercial dairies, according to milkfacts.info at Cornell University. Here is what its website has to say on the matter:

"As society industrialized around the turn of the 20th century, increased milk production and distribution led to outbreaks of milk-borne diseases. Common milk-borne illnesses during that time were typhoid fever, scarlet fever, septic sore throat, diphtheria, and diarrheal diseases.

"These illnesses were virtually eliminated with the commercial implementation of pasteurization, in combination with improved management practices on dairy farms. In 1938, milk products were the source of 25 percent of all food and waterborne illnesses that were traced to sources, but now they account for far less than 1 percent of all food and waterborne illnesses."

The Gleaner reported a second round of tests in its Aug. 17 issue. Things were worse. Only W.J. Smith of Little Jersey Dairy provided milk free from E. coli; his total bacteria levels were 5,000 per cc. The Gleaner noted Smith "was recently winner in a national contest for pure milk."

Two other dairymen  M.D. Robinson and J.A. Drury  had milk that contained less than 100,000 bacteria per cc. Other milk providers' scores for total bacteria in the second round of tests were dismal, ranging from 170,000 per cc for Ben Posey to 4.45 million per cc for George Gabe, who also took the record for most E. coli at 248,000.

Otto J. Hoffman went so far as to brand his milk as pasteurized, but you certainly wouldn't suspect that from his test results: 38,100 per cc for E. coli and 2.54 million total bacteria per cc.

The most "startling information," according to The Gleaner, were results from testing ice cream at local dispensaries. Apparently you could not buy a bowl of ice cream anywhere in Henderson that did not contain E. coli.

"Colon bacteria comes from but one source and that is intestinal discharges  in other words, manure," dairy inspector Gregor said. "The presence of this type of bacteria in milk is especially alarming because summer complaint can be traced directly to colon bacteria."

The most-contaminated ice cream locally was from Southern Cream Co. at 576,700 per cc. Pargny's Confectionary on Main Street was the second-highest at 400,600, followed by Cottingham's Drug Store at 32,700 and Grasty's Drug Store at 3,400.

Southern Cream Co. also had the highest total bacteria count of any of the ice cream dispensaries at 9.5 million per cc, although Pargny's wasn't far behind at 8.9 million. Grasty's was 2.5 million, while Cottingham's Drug Store was 760,000.

The story didn't end there. On Aug. 29 The Gleaner carried a brief story about Dr. W.W.W. Wilson being sued for slander by Otto Hoffman, who maintained the doctor's statements about his milk had harmed his business to the tune of $5,000.

The suit alleged that Wilson had "asserted that milk from the dairy of the plaintiff Hoffman was the direct cause of sickness in certain families some months ago. It will be remembered that some time ago several cases of acute illness were reported, and the cause was attributed to some impurity in the milk drank by those affected."

The case didn't get very far, though. When it came before Circuit Judge S.A. Dixon he dismissed it on summary judgment. Not only that, he required Hoffman to pay the doctor's costs in defending the case, according to The Gleaner of Oct. 4.

The controversy didn't resolve the problem. Henderson had another outbreak of milk-borne illness in the summer of 1924, when about 100 people fell ill between July and mid-September. Ten of them had typhoid fever, resulting in at least one fatality.

Authorities first suspected the water system, which caused the waterworks superintendent to resign. But the state Board of Health determined that was not the source. The inspector traced the illness to a particular dairy, which seven of the typhoid victims had been using, but refused to name the dairy. He noted the city and county health boards were responsible for overseeing dairies.

75 years ago

The primary of 1941 saw some of the youngest major county officials ever elected in Henderson County prepared to take office, according to the issue of Aug. 6.

What was particularly noteworthy was the election of Fred Crooks Jr., who at 26 was the youngest county judge or judge-executive ever to hold office here. He served through 1946.

50 years ago

Several unidentified flying objects were seen in the vicinity of Baskett by three different people, according to The Gleaner of Aug. 3, 1966.

One unnamed observer said he'd seen four lights, and one of them was red.

Two other people, John Williams and Susie Brooks, both of Baskett, said they saw only three white lights moving in a straight line. All agreed, however, that none of the objects had blinking lights such as an aircraft would use.

25 years ago

About 400 acres of pasture, brush and trees burned in the Providence area, The Gleaner of Aug. 1, 1991, reported.

Forestry officials and Webster County firefighters spent most of the day combating the fire off Kentucky 120.

Frank Boyett can be reached at YesNews42@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @BoyettFrank.
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By Gleaner Staff

A pair of Henderson County principals have begun a yearlong executive level leadership training course usually reserved for the nation's top CEOs.

A.B. Chandler Principal Brandy Haley and Spottsville Elementary Bethany Watson were selected in April to participate in the Kentucky Chamber Foundation's Leadership Institute for School Principals by an advisory board made up of business leaders and school superintendents, according to a news release.

Haley, Watson and other selected principals began attending classes this summer at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina, a top-ranked global provider of executive education founded in 1970 that established an education and nonprofit section in 1988. The principals will also attend follow-up sessions in the fall and early next year in Kentucky.

"I'm so excited to be given this opportunity to become part of the Kentucky Leadership Institute for School Principals where I will grow and develop into a more effective leader that positively impacts student and school performance," said Haley.

Elementary, middle and high school principals from across Kentucky representing both public and private schools applied for the institute, which is supported by generous donations from businesses across the state. So far, more than $2.5 million has been spent on nearly 300 principals from 68 Kentucky counties since the program began in 2011.

"We are proud of the fact that Kentucky is the only state in which the business community has made this kind of investment in its principals," said Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson. "Employers understand the positive impact of strong leadership in the workplace, and the same is true of schools. That's why we think it is important Kentucky principals be given executive-level training similar to that provided for corporate leaders."
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By Laura Acchiardo, laura.acchiardo@thegleaner.com

When a 13-year-old girl from Henderson watched the news recently, she worried for her future.

She feared her future son would not come home one day due to senseless violence.

With her anxiety building, the 13-year-old felt powerless and texted her mother, who posted the conversation online.

The conversation sparked the idea for a forum where young people can discuss their feelings, fears and concerns about the recent violence and killings across the United States.

To make that a reality, the Henderson Police Department and a group called Hear My Voice are partnering to host the first Hear My Voice youth forum at Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church, 937 Washington St. on Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.

"We want to start this, so children don't have to be afraid," said Glenda Dixon, a member of Hear My Voice and secretary at Norris Chapel Baptist. "Not every police officer is a corrupt officer. We want to build a relationship between the youth and the police department."

Along with their parents, young people of all ethnicities and backgrounds between the ages of 5 and 21 are invited to attend and participate in the forum.

The forum will split up into age groups with a panel of leaders who will guide the discussion and listeners who will take notes. Educators and counselors will take the roles as leaders and listeners. Those who attend will have the opportunity to speak with Henderson police officers at the event as well.

"Here we have a better relationship between our community and the police force," said Dixon. "The officers are people who participate in community events. Even though we haven't experienced those issues here, she explained, it still affects our community when children see a negative imaging of police in the media."

Refreshments will be served and the Rev. Charles Johnson of Norris Chapel Baptist will speak and give a closing prayer.

Those wanting to participate must register for the forum by calling or texting 270-577-5935 with their name, phone number and age.
Winter is coming. Here's what you can do to prepare.

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Delhi Chief Minister who is Amritsar for a defamation case hearing will utilise his stay to visit a Dalit family who was thrashed by cops in Jalalabad town of Fazilka District.

By Ankit Tyagi: With eyes firmly set on Punjab in the Assembly, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal continues his Dalit outreach in the state. AAP sources informed India Today, Delhi Chief Minister who is Amritsar for a defamation case hearing will utilise his stay to visit a Dalit family who was thrashed by cops in Jalalabad town of Fazilka District.

After the court hearing Kejriwal will head to meet the Dalit family before flying back to Delhi. On Monday a video clip went viral that showed the Dalit family being thrashed by Punjab policemen. According to the local media, cops slapped a girl from this family and when the family intervened they too were brutally thrashed. No action has been taken against the cops so far.

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AAP is eyeing the lucrative Dalit vote bank in Punjab. Dalits and backwards constitute about 35 per cent of the vote share in the state. To woo these voters, AAP is already planning to come up with a separate Dalit Manifesto to address specific issues of the community. Apart from this, Kejriwal has already promised formation of Special Investigation Team to probe atrocities against Dalits if AAP comes to power in Punjab.

Kejriwal has been on an over drive to ensure that the AAP is seen as a Dalit and backward friendly party. Before this, Kejriwal went to Gujarat to meet Dalit youths who were brutally assaulted by Cow Protection Vigilantes in Una town of the state.

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STAMFORD  Democrats are having email problems.

They began last year with an FBI investigation of the partys presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, for using her private email account to conduct official, sometimes classified, business while secretary of state.

The problems continued Sunday, when the head of the Democratic National Committee, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, resigned after hackers divulged emails showing that her staff tried to undermine the campaign of another party presidential contender, Bernie Sanders, to bolster Clinton.

Now email problems are plaguing the state Democratic Party and its leader, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

The U.S. Attorneys Office has begun a federal criminal investigation into how the party raised money for Malloys 2014 re-election campaign. U.S. prosecutors are issuing subpoenas to people who worked for the campaign, and others, and convening a grand jury.

Leigh Appleby, spokesman for state Democrats, has said the party is cooperating.

News of the U.S. attorneys investigation came last week, a month after Democrats settled a dispute with state election regulators who were trying to get them to turn over documents that included party bank records and emails exchanged between Malloy and his top campaign aides.

Republicans had charged that Democrats bypassed clean-elections laws and illegally spent money to re-elect Malloy, a Stamford native and longtime fixture in city politics, including 14 years as mayor.

So for a year and a half regulators with the State Elections Enforcement Commission looked into it, requesting documents Democrats refused to release. Then they reached a deal  Democrats would pay $325,000 into the states general fund and regulators would abandon their effort to obtain party documents.

Now federal prosecutors have taken up where state regulators left off.

Republicans charged that the documents must have been damning if Democrats were willing to pay all that money to keep them secret.

But the documents could yet end up in the public domain if a grand jury indicts anyone for violating Connecticuts clean-election laws, designed to stop a practice known as pay to play, in which donors give to state candidates campaigns to better their chances of obtaining business, jobs and grants from the state, or laws that benefit their industry.

Clean-election laws prohibit campaign contributions from companies that have construction or service contracts with the state. But Republicans alleged that Democrats spent money donated by such contractors to help Malloy get re-elected.

Democrats used a loophole created by conflicts between state and federal campaign finance laws, Republicans alleged.

The conflicts are considerable. In Connecticut, candidates may obtain public financing for their campaigns by agreeing to accept donations of no more than $100 and keeping to certain spending limits. In 2014, for example, Malloy received $6.5 million in public financing.

But, under federal law, state political parties can accept up to $10,000 a year from a donor and spend unlimited amounts on their candidates.

And though state contractors cannot donate to state campaigns, there is no such ban under federal law. So contractors can give money to the state partys federal account. Party officials are supposed to separate state and federal accounts.

A Hearst Connecticut Media review last year of Federal Election Commission records showed that between January 2013 and October 2015, state Democrats raised $4.8 million for their federal account, and $1.1 million  nearly a quarter  came from businesses and individuals on the states list of outlawed contributors.

If that sounds cloudy, consider the really murky part. Under federal law, state parties may use the money in their federal accounts for get-out-the-vote efforts during federal election years. But federal election years overlap state election years.

Thats where Connecticut Democrats got in trouble. Party officials in 2014 used money from the federal account to send out mailers touting Malloy. It was OK, they said, because the mailers helped get out the vote by listing when polls would be open, and voters going to those polls could cast ballots for national as well as state candidates.

Theres no way thats legal, said Republicans, who filed a complaint with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

Democratic Party officials responded that they keep track of what money goes into which account, and no contractor donations were used on the Malloy mailings.

SEEC regulators said there was no way to verify that and subpoenaed party documents.

Democrats refused to turn them over. The SEEC sued the party. Democrats sued the SEEC back, saying the agency has no authority to investigate their federal account because it is governed by federal law.

Then, just as a Superior Court judge was about to decide whether Democrats had to give up the emails, the party and the SEEC settled.

SEEC officials said they accepted the deal because it ended all the legal action, came with new accounting rules for separating state and federal donations, and set guidelines that resolve the conflict between state and federal campaign laws.

Democrats liked it because the $325,000 is not considered a penalty, they did not have to admit any wrong, and they did not have to turn anything over.

Since then Republicans have complained that the deal gives the impression that the state can be bought.

Now they will have to watch for the outcome of the investigation, led by Deirdre Daly, U.S. attorney for Connecticut. Dalys federal investigators have more power than SEEC regulators to obtain emails exchanged between Malloy and his top political aides, to see what they were writing about how to solicit donations from whom.

Malloys emails, like those of Clinton  which are being reviewed by the State Department before their release  and those of Wasserman Schultz, which WikiLeaks released, may not be private for long.

angela.carella@scni.com; 203-964-2296; stamfordadvocate.com/

angelacarella.
Karin Lazarus knows how to talk up her treats, and she especially loves her Keylime Kickers: White chocolate truffles made with key lime oil and rolled in graham cracker crumbs, she says. Its our most popular product.

Oh, and its cannabis-infused. But so is everything she makes.

Lazarus owns Sweet Mary Jane Edibles, a wholesale bakery she launched in 2010, and it has since become an industry favorite. Back when we were just starting, landlords would hang up on me when I told them what I wanted to do, she says. It took a while to find a landlord who was open-minded to the cannabis industry. But today, Boulder is the go-to spot for entrepreneurs dealing in legal pot. The county government is welcoming (You feel like theyve got your back, Lazarus says), and so is the community.

The industry even has its own local accelerator, called CanopyBoulder, which is laying a foundation for the fast-growing world of weed. Cofounder Micah Tapman is optimistic that the cannabis business can boom; in the past year alone, Colorado saw a 40 percent industry growth rate. The next challenge: He wants to attract people with solid business bona fides, rather than just a passion for the plant. We need better entrepreneurs, better skills -- MBAs, JDs, people with years of experience at Fortune 500 companies, he says.

Ideally, that will speed up the professionalization of the industry, says Roy Bingham of BDS Analytics, a firm that analyzes cannabis sales data. This industry will hit $30 billion in a matter of years, and mainstream business is tuning in, he says, though he understands their initial hesitation. Bingham is a former investment banker who was first encouraged to work in cannabis by two of his friends (who just happen to be the cofounders of CanopyBoulder). It took them months to persuade me that it wasnt career suicide, he says. But then I realized the tremendous growth opportunity.

Other local startups are now carving out old-school niches in this New Age industry. Adistry helps navigate compliant advertising, and Tradivs marketplace connects cultivators and dispensaries. (Both are graduates of CanopyBoulder.) We dont grow anything, says Meghan Larson, CEO of Adistry. But we can help people figure out the topics that arent always sexy but are important.

Why set up shop in Boulder when Denver is just 25 minutes away? Ive lived in Boston, London, Chicago, Rhode Island, Bingham says. Ive never known a community as energized around new businesses as Boulder is. Larson echoes the sentiment: Its the Boulder bubble, she says. Theres a lot of support for people who quit cushy jobs to try to change the world. But for all the blue skies, yoga and, well, weed that Boulder has to offer, the city isnt some hippie utopia -- and the business guys here can feel comfortable being business guys. Im as boring as Ive always been, Bingham says. People look at me and its like, Whos this stiff?

Related: Entrepreneur Magazine's 50 Best Cities for Entrepreneurs

Related:

Why This VC Says Boulder is a Perfect Storm for Startups

Entrepreneur Magazine's Best Cities for Entrepreneurs

What's Taking Boulder's Pot Industry to Great Heights



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
By PTI: Bhubaneswar, July 28 (PTI) Former minister K V Singhdeo was today named as the Leader of the BJP legislature party in Odisha Assembly.

Singhdeo, a five-time MLA from Patnagarh assembly segment in Bolangir district, said he would take up the job with all sincerity.

Singhdeo had, however, earlier opined that the leader of the BJP legislature party be given to any new person.

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But BJP President Amit Shah recommended his name for the post.

The MLA from Patnagarh, Singhdeo had been the leader of BJP legislature party in the 14th Assembly.

The BJP has 10 MLAs in the 147 member House. PTI AAM SUS SMJ

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Last week, our family headed to Branson, Mo., where we shopped, ate dinner on a showboat and tooled around Table Rock Lake on Jet Skis. Lastly, we headed to Silver Dollar City for rides, funnel cake and a magic show.

It was Saturday, crowded and 105 degrees in the shade. After a long hike from the free lot, we lined up for Marvel Cave, the first attraction promising cool air.

Before the tour began, our guide mentioned 700 steps and occasional tight quarters. If we were afraid of the dark, he warned, wed best reconsider. Then he promised that people who feared heights would find this cave terrifying.

At this last remark, my husband ribbed me.

Well? he asked.

Noticing that our three beautiful daughters were blocking the chicken exit, I just glared.

I can handle it, I replied.

He leaned in, put his hand over his mouth and whispered, Are you sure?

Truth be told, I wasnt at all sure. In 10 minutes of listening to our tour guide yammer, Id experienced the most unpleasant feelings of deja vu.

Of course, Im sure, I retorted. Besides, Ive been here before.

What I didnt tell my husband was that, when Id visited the cave as a 10-year-old, I was so terrified I had to be dragged by my father the entire way.

Suddenly, we were moving, and my memories were materializing. The first 500 steps are still a straight shot down a steep, slippery staircase from the top of what they call the Cathedral Room (deep enough to sink the Statue of Liberty) to the bottom. As I negotiated said stairs, I gripped the rail, fixed my eyes and concentrated on not hyperventilating. My tongue thickened and I saw spots, but the dark haunting my daughter was at least hiding my trembling legs.

By some miracle, I made it. If the cave werent known for a vast production of bat guano, Id have kissed the floor. Instead, I faced my next challenge: remaining calm as the tour guide pointed out sleeping bats. With. His. Flashlight.

This is also when he told us that Marvel Cave (originally named the Devils Den) was discovered in the 16th century by Osage Indians after a bear they were chasing ran into it and plunged to its death. As the curious hunters peered into the caves mouth, screeching, black-winged creatures erupted into the sky. Recognizing evil spirits immediately, the hunters marked the surrounding area so no other tribes would stumble upon this portal to hell.

According to our tour guide, no Indian artifacts have ever been found in the cave. Nevertheless, the cave changed hands among explorers and businessmen throughout history, at last becoming the main tourist attraction around which all of Silver Dollar City was built.

The hourlong tour was punctuated with a rickety ride to safety via a 1957 cable train. For all its lurching and groaning, I was consoled by thousands of pounds of steel separating me from a horrific hole in the universe. Missouris best heat and humidity never felt so good.

My elation at making it through the cave was missed by my children, who were also strangely giddy, but it put me in fantastic spirits for the remainder of the day. I even dared a few roller coasters. As we headed back to the condo, I couldnt wait to call my mom.

I made it through Marvel Cave without the hysterics of 81! I blurted.

Hysterics? Why dont I remember that? she wondered.

Really? Dad practically had to carry me!

Sorry, she replied. I was fighting my own demons.

Huh. I dont remember that, I said, because, well, I didnt.

Then it hit me: Parenthood is all about big-girl panties and brave faces. Even if our outward calm isnt immediately contagious, we trust it will set into the subconscious parts of our children, who, years later, will swallow their own deepest, darkest fears in an effort to show their children the world  even the places no one wants to see.

In fact, Id go as far as to say thats the secret of good parenting  and the only reason Marvel Cave exists today.
The newly established Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council has announced its first board of directors.

The regional trade and investment council was formed in September 2015. It elected its first slate of officers this summer: David Kniepkamp, Smart Controls LLC, as president; Herbert Roach, SW IL SCORE, as vice president; Paul Toskin, Commerce Bank, as treasurer; and Erick Dahl, St. Louis Downtown Airport, as secretary.

The Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Councils purpose is to raise awareness of global exporting and foreign direct investment as an opportunity for economic stability and growth in Southwestern Illinois. Identifying and forming strategies to address barriers that discourage or limit exports from the region and/or foreign direct investment are additional objectives of the council, as is encouraging existing and potential global exporting support regionally.

Kniepkamp, president of Smart Controls LLC in Fairview Heights, said the council is an entity that has been needed in Southwestern Illinois for years. The Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council presents an important resource to connect the overwhelming opportunities that already exist in our region, said Kniepkamp.

The International Trade Center at SIUE has been a flagship to businesses expanding into the international market. This council will serve as an important advocate to reach out and help expand the foundation that has already been created in so many areas related to international trade. Our region is poised to become a game changer in the international market.

David Kniepkamp has been a fine client of the International Trade Center for a number of years, and it is a privilege to work with him and his team at Smart Controls, in support of their international projects, said Silvia Torres Bowman, director of the International Trade Center at SIUE. The new executive board members are bringing renewed energy and direction to the Council. The ITC is honored to work with them, focusing on the Councils immediate priorities that will make important contributions to Southwest Illinois.

Kniepkamps responsibility is overseeing his firms international sales. Smart Controls provides commercial building automation controls to a global market, he said. We have been involved in international trade since the beginning of our company and currently sell into Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and Japan markets. Our current efforts are to expand into Latin America. The timing for establishing this council could not have been better. Opportunities for international trade are tremendous, and the best part is that theyre open to both large and small businesses, established companies and even start-up firms.

An overriding goal of the council, according to its first board president, is to guide and support companies of all sizes that wish to begin exporting. The hardest part for a company is asking the right questions to get started, and then dedicating the resources and efforts to make it happen, Kniepkamp added. It is the goal of the Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council to be there for the success of these companies.

A total of 25 members - including eight ex-officio members - are already participating in the trade organization. Subgroups including a research directory team, a website development team and an outreach team are also part of the trade councils makeup.

The trade council plans to meet quarterly at a minimum. The latest meeting was held on July 20 at Americas Central Port in Granite City.

Dahl, who works as director of St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, said he is happy to serve as the new trade councils board secretary.

The Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council fulfills an essential role in our region which has previously not been addressed, Dahl said. Our primary objectives right now are to collect and collate information on how our local businesses can reach their customers worldwide.

Through resource books, educational materials and business outreach, our organization hopes to increase the number of companies that conduct business throughout the world. As an airport director, I add another piece to the infrastructure puzzle, adding expertise in airport logistics, leases, operational rules and regulations, and how one mile of runway can take you anywhere in the world.

The International Trade Center at SIUE serves businesses in Southern Illinois by providing individualized, export consultation to Illinois businesses; identification of foreign buyers, agents and/or distributors through trade leads; international market analysis and more.

The ITC strives to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. It is a service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. To learn how these no-cost services can help your business, contact the ITC at (618) 650-3851, International-Trade-Center@siue.edu or www.siue.edu/business/itc.
William A. Brown, 62, of Granite City, was charged today in Madison County Circuit Court with felony charges of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and Aggravated Unlawful use of a weapon as well as a misdemeanor charge of Aggravated Assault, according to a news release from the Madison County Sheriff's office.

On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at approximately 7:46 p.m. the Madison County Sheriffs Office responded to a home in the 1000 block of St. Thomas Road, in rural Granite City, Illinois, in reference to a familys dog having been shot by a neighbor. Deputies met with the dogs owner, who told them his neighbor, William A. Brown just shot his 6 year old, American Bulldog, named Donte, according to the release.
President Barack Obama says 'deeply pessimistic vision' of America at GOP convention is 'not the America I know'

By India Today Web Desk: President Barack Obama painted an optimistic picture of America's future in a speech aimed at giving full-hearted support to Hillary Clinton to help her defeat Republican rival Donald Trump and become the first woman elected US president.

"There has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill (Clinton) - nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States," Obama said to cheers.

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Speaking to the Democratic Party convention in Philadelphia, Obama offered an alternative to businessman Trump's vision of the United States as being under siege from illegal immigrants and terrorism and losing its way in the world.

"I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before," Obama told cheering delegates at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Democratic president laid out what he said were a series of advances during his two terms in office, such as recovery from economic recession, the Obamacare healthcare reform and the 2011 killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Nodding to voters' concerns, Obama said he understood frustrations "with political gridlock, worry about racial divisions" and the slow pace of economic growth.

"There are pockets of America that never recovered from factory closures; men who took pride in hard work and providing for their families who now feel forgotten," Obama said.



HERE IS WHAT HE SAID:

- Hillary's strength is her unbelievable work ethic.

- The America I know is decent and generous, we have created history.

- America's promises don't come with a price tag.

- In midst of crisis, Hillary keeps her cool. She has real plans to break down barriers.

- Hillary knows that we can work through the racial divide in this country.

- The democracy doesn't work if we constantly demonise each other.

- We all need to get out and vote for democrats and hold them accountable until they get the job done.

- Democracy deosn't work during the election time, it works all year long.

- There has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill, more qualified than Hilary to serve as US President.

- No matter how much people try to knock her down,Hillary Clinton never, ever quits,that's the Hilary I know.

- Donald Trump calls US military a disaster. He doesn't know men and women who make up strongest fighting force in World.

- No matter how much people try to knock her down,Hillary Clinton never, ever quits,that's the Hilary I know.

- Obama says 'deeply pessimistic vision' of America at GOP convention is 'not the America I know'

- Obama says he's "more optimistic about the future of America than ever before."

- The president says the nation has been tested by war and recession but he's more optimistic about the country's future.

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- With inputs from AP and Reuters





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Linkedin Alexander Senaputra and Roy Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Newmont Mining Corporation announced on its website last month its agreement to sell 48.5 percent of its shares in PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PT NNT) to PT Amman Mineral Indonesia (PT AMI) for US$1.3 billion.



This is a part of larger deal, in which PT AMI, which is controlled by PT Medco Energi International (Medco), will purchase an 82.2 percent stake in PT NNT.



Some analysts were surprised at the sale because NNTs Batu Hijau mine has been largely profitable for Newmont.



In its glory days, Batu Hijau mine generated $600 million in pre-tax income for Newmont, as seen in its consolidated financial statements, more than any other mine they own.



However, since then, there have been days when operations had to be halted, such as in 2014, when the Indonesian government and NNT were not able to agree on the issue of increased royalties and export duty, resulting in NNT temporarily losing its export permit.



Since no sales could be made for months, Newmont suffered a loss that year from its Batu Hijau operations.



This is why Newmont, in its 2015 annual report, mentioned that Batu Hijau was vulnerable to political and economic risk.



There were too many uncertainties that could be encountered, from regulatory changes to labor strikes and losing the right to manage the mine if it was no longer the majority shareholder.



This last leads to the risk of operations falling below Newmonts global safety, environment and social standards. This could backfire on Newmont after decades of building its reputation as a sustainable mining company. For those who are aware of this, the takeover sounds less shocking.



The transaction is reportedly to be completed by September. Newspapers praise the synergy between Indonesian conglomerates, the Arifin Panigoro-led Medco Group, AP Investment and three national banks: state banks Mandiri, BRI and BNI, which have provided a syndicated loan of $2.6 billion.



The head of AP Investment, Agus Projosasmito, is a veteran banker and a well-known name in the merger and acquisition world; he is the same person who helped local companies take-over Conoco-Phillips rig in Natuna and Credit Suisses Wayang Windu geothermal well. When the transaction is finalized, it will be another major milestone for our extraction industry.



Personally, we see this as a significant move that needs to be followed by another big move(s): building a copper smelter and exploiting the untapped potential  which are interrelated.



The current pit is claimed to be able to supply ore only until 2023. Seven years will likely be too short to achieve break-even from this mega deal and the required spending to build a copper smelter, as legally required now.



Another untouched deposit, Elang, is located under the same Contract of Work (CoW) area and has much higher copper and gold resources than those left in the current pit.



Exploiting this deposit will lengthen the mines operational life and make the copper smelter construction more feasible. This is why the two factors are said to be interrelated.



However, opening another minefront is not cheap and it could be another billion-dollar expense. Post-sale conditions are therefore as important as sealing the deal itself.



In addition to the billions that have to be spent, operational excellence has to be retained, as well as corporate social responsibility, from which thousands of local residents have benefitted through infrastructure building, health improvement, education and economic empowerment programs.



Transparency is also something that not many mines offer, but Newmont Batu Hijau has invited a group of about 20 people every year to personally see, gain insights and spread what they have witnessed through social media profiles. This openness deserves credit.



These values must be maintained, if not improved. We have seen enough local mining companies leave countless scars on the face of Borneo after the coal boom ended, or when mine shares were re-sold to foreigners for the sake of profit.



We all expect this not to happen with Batu Hijau and that Medco Group can dig out the maximum potential deposits at Batu Hijau to continue delivering maximum benefit to the nation.



Success in managing the Batu Hijau operation will be the long-sought proof that local companies are capable of running, and not ruining, big mines.



This is important when several other foreign-owned contracts of works will expire, opening the possibility for local operators to run the mines.

***

Alexander Senaputra holds a PhD in mineral processing from Curtin University and Roy Simanjuntak is a master student in the Planning & Public Policy Program at the University of Indonesia.

---------------

We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Julia Suryakusuma (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Would you like to get a hug from Barack Obama? Well, heres one way to do it: contract Ebola, but make sure you recover from it.



That was how Nina Pham got her much publicized bear hug in October 2014 from the US president, in no other place than the Oval Office itself.



So whos Nina Pham? Shes a Texas nurse, the first person to contract the disease on US soil after treating a Liberian patient. The hug she got from Obama was not any ordinary hug  it was a politically symbolic hug, as Ebola was a metaphor for a threat that comes from outside of American shores.



The hug was meant to give a message of protection and security, in addition, in the case of the Obama-Pham hug, a congratulatory: Yaaay, we beat this alien threat! After all, cross-country infectious diseases are as much a security threat as, say, a missile attack.



I bet Obama wished he could have hugged his mother, Ann Stanley Dunham, upon recovery from uterine cancer.



Unfortunately, in 1995 she succumbed to the illness after having first been diagnosed with appendicitis at a hospital in Jakarta. After her appendectomy, she told me she still was not feeling well and returned to her native Hawaii to get a second opinion. The second opinion she got stopped her in her tracks: she never returned to Indonesia and died in Hawaii about a year after she received her cancer diagnosis.



One of Obamas personal motivations in pushing for Obamacare was his mother. In a speech in 2009 to the American Medical Association, he spoke about how she fought cancer in her final days, spending time worrying whether her insurer would claim her illness was a pre-existing condition.



What he was also probably thinking but did not say, was how on earth could she have been diagnosed only with appendicitis in Indonesia when the reality was that she had fourth stage uterine cancer?



Which brings me to the quality of healthcare in my country. Giving the right diagnosis is obviously critical to fixing someones health. Unfortunately mistaken diagnosis as well as malpractice in Indonesia is not uncommon. Another lamentable fact is that doctors often overprescribe medication because they are bribed by pharmaceutical companies.



In a Democratic Party debate in January, Hillary Clinton said that the Affordable Care Act is one of the greatest accomplishments of President Obama, of the Democratic Party, and of our country. So lets forget Obamas drone war for now shall we, and focus on the accomplishment of his presidency, which we can be inspired by.



Indonesias record of health care is not exactly what one could call stellar. Its been dotted with crises, the most recent one being the fake vaccine scandal. It is obviously caused much concern among parents, and even panic to the point that a doctor was attacked in Jakarta.



What is significant is that it points to deep-seated problems in the countrys health system. Indonesia may be the biggest Southeast Asian country, and even dubbed as the superpower of ASEAN, but its health system is one of the worst in the region.



Government expenditure on health is currently a low five percent. Healthcare infrastructure is sparse: less than 2,500 hospitals with just over 300,000 beds. This means 0.9 beds for every 100,000 people. About 900 of these hospitals are state-owned and over 1,500 private, however most are in urban areas.



At least there are over 9,700 community health centers (Puskesmas) that provide comprehensive healthcare, and where both modern and traditional health practices are used.



According to the Patients per Doctor Map of the World, the ratio of doctors to patients in Indonesia is 1:7,700  below Yemen (1:3,000), Myanmar (1:2,800) and Pakistan (1:1,400). The WHO standard is 1:1000. Then of course there is the distribution whereby more doctors are in urban areas, and much more sparse in the regions.



Government officials often mention Indonesias demographic bonus, due to the fact that 29 percent of the population is aged under 15. This means that in 2020 to 2025, the majority of the population will be of productive working age. But is that enough?



A friend of mine recently commented that he thought the demographic bonus was public relations spin for a nation with an inadequate health-care system, high levels of pollution, lack of education regarding proper health and nutrition and workplace and roadway safety, widespread corruption and an alarming rate of smokers, all of which contribute to the drop-off rate of Indonesias aging population.



Exactly. Healthcare does not exist in a vacuum. There are so many factors that contribute to it: poverty (28 million below the poverty line), inadequate education and unsafe drinking water, which is a major cause of diarrhea, contributing to the death of 31 percent of children between one month to one year old and 25 percent of children between one and four years. It is also been suggested that one third of children under five have stunted growth due to malnutrition. So much for demographic bonus, huh?



Incidences of both degenerative as well as infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, dengue fever, dengue haemoragghic fever (DHF), malaria, avian flu and other animal to human diseases are still high and continue to pose a significant threat to human health in Indonesia.



Furthermore, government policies are also inconsistent. Take tobacco for example. The bill on tobacco control is still seen as being on the side of the tobacco industry and 400,000 die each year from smoking-related diseases (see The new Marlboro country and a generation lost in smoke(s)? in The Jakarta Post, April 27).



The government says it intends to increase its health expenditure to 12 percent, reaching US$46 billion per year by 2019. It is also true that since 2010, about 56 percent of Indonesians have had some sort of health coverage, and in 2014 the Jaminan Kesehatan Masyarakat (JKN) was launched to implement universal health care.



But unless it does not improve the overall conditions that my friend mentioned, it will be money and effort poorly spent.



Now that Obama is nearing the end of his eight-year presidency, perhaps we could ask him to come to the land where he spent four years of his childhood, to help with Indonesias health system.



In fact, maybe he could be an informal vice-president to his pal and lookalike (!) Joko Jokowi Widodo to help run the country  minus drones of course! We would welcome him with all the hugs that he wants and they would not be politically symbolic!

***

The writer is the author of Julias Jihad.

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We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Michael Liedtke (Associated Press) San Francisco, United States  Thu, July 28, 2016

Facebook is once again getting pushy about how people message one another.

Two years ago, the social-media giant forced its users to adopt its Messenger app for direct communication, a change it enforced by deactivating messages in the main Facebook app and steering users to the app. There was an uproar ; some users thought Messenger violated their privacy, while others just resented having to add yet another app.

Still, the plan worked; more than 900 million people use the app, roughly four times the number in 2014. But some continued to resist, exploiting a loophole to avoid Messenger. All they had to do was log into Facebook's mobile website using a smartphone browser like Safari or Chrome.

Now Facebook is coming after those holdouts. In some markets, the company has already blocked mobile browser access to messages on Android phones. In others, opening messages on Facebook's mobile website gets you a warning that "your conversations are moving to Messenger" and a link to download the app. The company will extend the ban to all markets and to iPhone users in the upcoming months, it says.

Facebook insists it only wants "to bring the best experiences we can" to users. The Messenger app provides more reliable notifications about incoming messages and runs more quickly, the company says.

MORE FREE STUFF, LESS CONTROL

This might not seem like a big deal to many users, particularly anyone who's long since made their peace with Messenger. But it's emblematic of a central dilemma in the modern age: We have free  as in unpaid  access to an ever-expanding array of software and services, but less and less control over how we use them.

That rankles people who have no interest in Messenger. Michael Kampfer, a St. Paul, Minnesota, construction contractor, says he doesn't have enough storage space on either of his Android phones to install Messenger alongside the other apps that he needs for his job while traveling.

"I have a problem with the company telling me what's the best experience is for me," Kampfer, 65, says. "I have a browser on my phone, so why should I be forced to get Messenger?"

Kampfer is far from alone. In the U.S. alone, nearly 149 million people visited Facebook's website on a smartphone or tablet during April, according to the research firm comScore. The firm doesn't compile worldwide data for mobile browser traffic.

(Read also: Facebook successfully tests first full-scale internet drone)

BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS

From a business standpoint, Facebook's move makes great sense. Planting Messenger on more phones corrals a bigger audience for advertising and other moneymaking opportunities. The company doesn't comment on such plans, and Messenger is currently ad-free. But analysts think the app could generate billions of dollars in advertising revenue within just a few years.

The Menlo Park, California company is thriving, mostly from ads on its main Facebook app. Its second-quarter revenue soared 59 percent from the same time last year to $6.4 billion, resulting in a $2.06 billion profit, the company announced Wednesday.

Facebook wants more of its users on Messenger because it can gather more personal data and introduce new features that could yield even more revenue, says eMarketer analyst Debra Aho Williamson. She expects ads to start appearing before the end of this year.

Even if some users don't like that, "Facebook has a way of changing things to make people interact with Facebook the way Facebook wants," Williamson says.

Facebook executives say Messenger is now moving into "phase two" of its evolution, although they still aren't ready to say how the company intends to profit from it.

REMOTE CONTROL

Facebook has a long history of pushiness. A decade ago, it began circulating the status updates that users posted on their personal pages throughout the social network. The concept, known as a "news feed," is now the foundation of modern Facebook, even though it initially triggered protests about exposing too much personal information.

Kevina Cromwell of Philadelphia already tried the Messenger app and didn't like it. So she uninstalled it and the Facebook app a couple of years ago, and read her private messages on her on her phone's mobile web browser until the company started blocking her recently.

"It's really annoying," Cromwell, 22, says. "I see what they are trying to do, but I still don't understand why they are tying your hands and not giving you any options at all."

FUTURE OF MESSENGER

Messaging is huge in the tech industry now; Google and Apple are pouring resources into their own apps to ensure their services remain a vital part of people's lives. A few years ago, Facebook also paid $21.8 billion for the WhatsApp messaging service, which has more than a billion users. So far, it remains entirely separate from Messenger.

Facebook keeps spiffing up the Messenger app. Its latest look, which is still rolling out to users, now shows friends' birthdays, lists of favorite people and a thumbnail of who's online at any given moment. Facebook is also promoting the app as a way for merchants to interact with their customers, which could transform the service into a sort of digital call center.

Some Android phone owners say Facebook has gotten so aggressive about Messenger that visiting the mobile website for their texts now takes them directly to an app-download page, with no explanation why they were sent there. "It's almost like they're trying to trick you," says Jeni Tehan, who lives in Brighton, England.

People who still want to shun Messenger can still send and receive messages via the Facebook site, though only if they're on a full-fledged computer, not a phone or tablet. It's small consolation for some.

"The users are the product, not the customer, which I'm generally resigned to because of the usefulness of the service," Mel Campbell of Melbourne, Australia, says by email. "But I'm not going to cave to every single bad decision the company wants to push on us."
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Linkedin Intan Tanjung (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Indonesian literary magazine Horizon has stopped publishing its printed publication and will instead produce only online content.

The announcement was made Tuesday at an event in Jakarta to mark on the magazines 50th anniversary.

In order to embrace advanced technology, Horizons print publication has become Horizon Online as of today, one of the magazine's co-founders, Taufiq Ismail, told tempo.co on Tuesday.

Taufiq said the print magazine was very expensive to publish and the readership was not as big as it was online. He pointed out that such conversions were happening not only in Indonesia but also globally.

(Read also: From science to literature, YouTube channels you should follow right now)

Horizon Online started up a few years ago. The idea to establish it came from Amin Sweeney, a linguist of the Malay language. Taufiq said he did not fully understand publishing online at the time and was not too excited about it either. But Sweeney assured him that publishing online was important for the future.

We therefore created Horizon Online. Its been developed and keeps developing until today, said Taufiq.

Sweeney led the editorial team of Horizon Online until he passed away, after which the website was idle until Sastri Sunarti took the helm.

Horizon magazine was first published in 1966 and was founded by Mochtar Lubis, PK Ojong, Arief Budiman, Zaini and Taufiq Ismail.

Renowned Indonesian poet and Muslim scholar Emha Ainun Nadjib, who attended the anniversary event, said the editorial team had taken the right step in converting to an online publication to expand readership and engage with the millennials as they were the ones currently dominating the culture. Theyre IT-addicts, he said. (kes)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, July 27 2016

The government expects the upcoming operation of Soekarno-Hatta International Airports new Terminal 3 to help boost the countrys tourist industry, as it can serve as a cultural showcase to encourage more international travelers to make stopovers in various local tourist destinations.



Slated to open in mid-August, the new terminal is expected to double Soekarno-Hattas ideal capacity of 26 million passengers per year, as it has been deemed as operating at overcapacity with a record of 54.2 million passengers last year.



State-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura (AP) II, which manages the airport, hopes the operation of the new facility will place the countrys busiest airport on par with Singapores Changi and Seouls Incheon international.



Boasting 422,804 square meters, the terminal will pamper travelers with a wide range of luxury lounges, restaurants and retail outlets.



Its commercial area, slated to reach up to 70,000 sq m, will also be home to around 180 tenants, providing travelers with a long list of options for places to shop or just kill time before departure.



The new terminal will also entertain travelers with its artistic interior, which will feature various traditional and contemporary artwork by local artists, including Eko Nugroho, Angki Purbandono, Nursalomo and art trio Tromarama.



In a visit to the terminal on Tuesday, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said the facility would serve as the Indonesian tourist gateway.



The airport is the face of our nation, as 75 percent of foreign tourists enter the country by air transportation, while 24 percent by sea and only 1 percent by land, he told reporters.



President Joko Jokowi Widodo is pushing for a boost in tourism, with the government waiving visa fees for citizens of 169 countries visiting Indonesia for up to 30 days in a bid to attract 20 million foreign tourists by 2019, double the figure seen last year.



While neighboring Singapore has been superior in the trade sector, Arief said Indonesia should utilize its potential to boost its tourist industry.



This country already has competitive advantages in its cultural and natural resources, particularly compared to Singapore. Hence, it is relatively easy to beat the [popularity of] Changi Airport by showcasing our cultural resources, he said.



This year, Changi has been voted the Worlds Best Airport for the fourth year in a row, according to an annual Skytraxs survey, which involved 13 million travelers across 106 nationalities and 550 airports worldwide.



AP II initially scheduled June 20 as the first day of operation for Terminal 3, which was constructed with some Rp 7 trillion (US$532 million).The launch, however, has been delayed to fulfill technical requirements set by the Transportation Ministry.



AP II president director Budi Karya Sumadi recently said that his firms had foreseen that the number of transit passengers at Soekarno-Hatta would quickly reach 15 million, up from 12 million today. The airport operator hopes that 10 to 30 percent of the transit passengers will spur tourism in Indonesia.



We have to change the orientation of Jakarta as a transit city. We have to provide the best services, best facilities, on par with other foreign airports, he said, adding that Soekarno-Hatta had until now only connected the country with 30 destinations abroad. (vps/est)

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Linkedin Agus Maryono (The Jakarta Post) Cilacap, Central Java  Thu, July 28, 2016

Seventeen ambulances, 14 of which carried coffins, arrived on Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, on Thursday morning.

With the arrival of the ambulances, it is deemed highly likely that the executions of 14 death-row drug inmates will be conducted early Friday. It has been a long-standing tradition on Nusakambangan that ambulances are readied to pick up bodies of the condemned from the prison less than 24 hours before the executions.

In an earlier statement, Attorney General M Prasetyo said the executions of the 14 death-row inmates would be conducted early Friday. He said all technical and legal aspects of the executions had been fulfilled.

(Read also : Nusakambangan waters cleared ahead of executions)

No list of those to be executed has been released as yet. However people to face firing squads reportedly include Indonesians Freddy Budiman and Merri Utami, Pakistani Zulfiqar Ali, Indian Gurdip Singh and Nigerian Onkonkwo Nonso Kingsley.

Earlier on Thursday, hundreds of military and police personnel, including National Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) agents, were deployed in several areas around the Wijaya Pura Dock complex in Cilacap. They are securing and monitoring the area ahead of the executions.

It has been jointly decided by the security team that we have to clear the Wijaya Pura area from all kinds of visits that are not related to the condemned [...], said Banyumas Police spokesperson Adj. Comr. Bintoro, the only police officer authorized to make statements on the executions. (ebf)
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java  Thu, July 28, 2016

Around 20 members of a Semarang-based civil society group staged a peaceful rally to convey their rejection toward the planned execution of death row inmate Merri Utami on Thursday.

Supporters of the Civil Society Movement against the execution of Merri Utami called on President Joko Jokowi Widodo to give a presidential pardon to the drug convict, claiming that a criminal syndicate had duped her into acting as a courier.

Merri is a victim of an international drugs syndicate. She wasnt aware that she had been trapped. She was asked to bring luggage, which apparently contained heroin, rally coordinator Nur Laila Hafidhoh said during the demonstration on Jl.Pahlawan in Semarang, Central Java.

Merri is a mother of two from Singopuran subdistrict, Kartasura district, Sukoharjo regency, Central Java. Following her divorce, Merri had to support her two children and raise enough money to seek medical treatment for her oldest child who suffered from a heart problem by working in Taiwan in 2000.

In Jakarta, Merri was acquainted with a Nigerian man, who promised to marry her. Merri was then invited to go with him to Nepal. Merri stayed alone in Nepal as the man preceded her to return to Indonesia. Merri was asked to follow him but before she departed for Indonesia, two friends of the Nigerian entrusted a bag to her.

Apparently, Merris luggage contained 1.1 kilograms of heroin. She was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Oct.31, 2001, and sentenced to death at the Tangerang District Court. Her second case review request was rejected on March 14.

On Sunday, Merri was moved from the Tangerang Womens Penitentiary to Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, for an execution, reportedly to be conducted on early Friday. (ebf)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Heru Budi Hartono, a potential running mate of Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, on Thursday congratulated the governor for his decision to take part in the 2017 gubernatorial election on a political-party ticket.

"Alhamdullilah, Ahok has found his way," Heru said at City Hall on Thursday.

Ahok appointed Heru as his running mate in March when the governor decided to run as an independent candidate and Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) began to collect photocopies of identity cards of Jakarta voters for the pair to be able to run on an independent ticket.

On Thursday, however, Ahok changed his mind by announcing his decision to run with a political party after garnering support from three political parties  the Golkar Party, NasDem Party and Hanura Party.

Ahok said on Thursday that he would meet with Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri in the hope that the party would support his candidacy. If the party supports Ahok it opens the way for him to pair with Djarot Saiful Hidayat, his current deputy governor.

Heru, who is head of the Jakarta Financial and Asset Management Board (BPKAD), praised incumbent Djarot as the ideal running mate for Ahok. Ahok and Djarot seem to work well together. Djarot also has some qualities and experiences that I dont have, Heru said.

Djarot is a former mayor of Blitar in East Java and current deputy chair of the PDI-P, responsible for expanding the partys membership base. (bbn)
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Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands  Thu, July 28 2016

State air navigation firm AirNav plans to build new towers and other supporting navigation infrastructure this year in anticipation of the governments plan to take over flight information control in the Upper Natuna area from neighboring Singapore.



Upper Natuna refers to an area covering Singapore, the Malacca Strait in Malaysia and the southern part of Borneo, whose flight information region (FIR) is currently managed by Singapore.



A FIR is a specified region of airspace in which flight information and alert services (ALRS) are provided. Singapore has been managing the FIR over the Riau Islands area since 1946. Indonesia has been trying since 1993 to take over the airspace without success.



Singapore controls the airspace that reaches 110 nautical miles from its position, covering Batam, Dumai and the Natuna islands.



Taslim, the AirNavs district manager for the provincial capital of Tanjung Pinang, said the company planned to soon add new air navigation infrastructure ahead of negotiations between Indonesia and Singapore in September regarding the takeover.



Currently, the company provides navigation services for flights within 60 nautical miles from Tanjung Pinang, with a maximum height of 3,048 meters.



We plan to expand our services to those flying up to 24,500 feet, he said recently.



The planned takeover of the bordering airspace, which has also been used for military training by the Indonesian Air Force, is in accordance with Law No. 1/2009 on Aviation, which stipulates that airspace above Indonesia must be controlled by the government and that the country must take back airspace controlled by foreign parties within 15 years of the law being enacted.



AirNav plans to disburse at least Rp 100 billion (US$7.5 million) to its facility at Tanjung Pinang to prepare the technology to manage the FIR after the anticipated takeover. Around a third of the budget will be allocated to build a new air traffic control (ATC) tower as an upgrade to the existing one. It is slated to operate next year.



The infrastructure upgrade is also necessary to accommodate increasingly busy air traffic in the region.



AirNav, for instance, manages up to 4,700 flight movements monthly for the Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam, Riau Islands biggest city, and up to 2,000 flight movements in Tanjung Pinangs Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport.



If we can expand the airspace, we will be able to manage flights from the south, west and east heading to Singapores Changi Airport, AirNav air traffic service (ATS) operation junior manager Mukhcis Sampurna said.



Mukhcis also said the company would increase the number of personnel in its ATC tower in Tanjung Pinang from 23 to 64 to anticipate such expansion.



AirNav is also preparing to manage the airspace in southern Java after the government announced a plan to find an alternative route to ease congestion in the skies over the northern part of Java, the countrys most populated region.



Northern Java itself has been cited as the one of the busiest flight track routes in the world, especially for Jakarta to Surabaya, East Java, which sees 150 flight movements daily, and was recorded as the ninth busiest flight route this year according to data from air travel intelligence company OAG.



The Air Force, which has been using the airspace in southern Java exclusively for military activities, recently sealed an agreement with the Transportation Ministry regarding the plan. Air Force spokesperson Wiko Sofyan said both institutions were now in talks to discuss the technical aspects of the operation.



Flights connecting Jakarta and Surabaya currently take 90 minutes. It takes two hours to fly between Jakarta and Denpasar, Bali, located next to the eastern tip of Java. The opening of the new flight path will help air passengers experience a shorter flight duration.

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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Indonesia has reiterated its insistence that the death penalty is an acceptable punishment under international law and a necessary method to address the intensifying drug crisis across the nation, an official has said.

"I need to emphasize here that all the legal rights and legal procedures related to the death-row convicts have been fulfilled," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir announced on Thursday.

Arrmanatha was addressing reporters' questions related to the concerns of foreign governments and institutions on the imminent executions, expected to be carried out within hours.

(Read also : EU calls on Indonesia to halt all executions)

The spokesman reiterated that the death penalty did not violate international law. In Indonesia, Arrmanatha continued, capital punishment did not violate the right to life in the context of the 1945 Constitution.

The death penalty is applied only to traffickers, who are considered responsible for the proliferated spread of illicit drugs in the country, while abusers are given rehabilitation, said Arrmanatha, adding that Indonesia had rapidly turned from being a transit country to a destination country and a main market in the Asian region.

"As Indonesia always respects applicable laws in other countries, we also hope that every country will respect laws that are applicable in Indonesia," Arrmanatha said.

Attorney General M. Prasetyo said on Wednesday that 14 people, most of whom are foreigners, including convicts from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe, had been put in isolation on Nusakambangan prison island off Cilacap, Central Java, and would be executed this week. (bbn)
Travel to Maharashtra this monsoon by availing attractive travel packages offered by the state tourism board; all at highly prices.

By India Today Web Desk: Monsoons are usually considered to be an off season for travel in most parts of India. The airlines offer attractive discounts, while the hotels woo travellers with affordable deals. Then why not take advantage of these offers and simply travel? Well, most of us actually run out of ideas on where to travel.

But Maharashtra is one state which travellers can't afford to ignore in this season. Rains actually bring out the best of Maharashtra's natural beauty. While the home of the Western Ghats is carpeted by a layer of fresh green and the hills are brought back to life with their verdant charms, the lakes, the rivers and the sea along with their surrounding landscapes make for breathtaking views.

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And guess what, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is inviting travellers with open arms to experience all of that, literally. The state tourism board is offering four travel packages that are so affordable that it's seriously hard not to get tempted.

Starting at a price of as low as Rs 990, these travel packages are valid from the beginning of August till the end of September. The destinations covered in these special offers include Lonavala, Bhandardara, Malshej, Nashik and Shirdi. All the trips would start from Mumbai and the price of each package will cover all expenses of transportation, overnight stays at hotel, breakfast and dinner.

Given below are the four packages to choose from:

Mumbai-Lonavla-Mumbai (2N/3D)

One can visit the lush green mountains, experience gushing waterfalls, get immersed in its rich greenery and savour its famous chikki with this short trip. The package includes a two-day trip to Lonavala and includes a pick up from Dadar (8 am) and Thane (8:30 am) to Lonavala, local sightseeing of the place, stay at a private hotel, breakfast, dinner and drop back in Mumbai. The departure dates are for the trip are Aug 5, Aug 13, Aug 19, Aug 26 and Sept 9. Cost details mentioned below:

Cost per person on twin sharing basis: Rs 6,793 plus taxes; Rs 7,838 plus taxes (Deluxe).

Cost per person on triple sharing basis: Rs 6,243 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 7,288 plus taxes (Deluxe).

Child between 5-11 years with extra bed: Rs 5,033 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 6078 plus taxes (Deluxe).



Mumbai-Bhandardara-Mumbai (1N/2D)

Lying amidst lush greenery, high hills and water, Bhandardara is the perfect monsoon getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The bus will depart from Dadar TT (7 am) and Thane (8 am) and the tourists will be taken to see the key sights like Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Umbrella falls and Radha Falls at Bhandardara. After a dinner and stay overnight at the hotel, the bus will leave for Mumbai next morning. The package includes dinner, breakfast and transportation cost. The departure dates for the trip are Aug 6, Aug 14, Aug 20, Aug 27, Sep 13. Cost details mentioned below:

Cost per person on twin sharing basis: Rs 3,933 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 4,950 plus taxes (Deluxe).

Cost per person on triple sharing basis: Rs 3,685 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 4,400 plus taxes (Deluxe).

Child between 5-11 years with extra bed: Rs 3,685 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 4,400 plus taxes (Deluxe).



Mumbai-Nashik-Shirdi-Bhandardara-Mumbai (2N/3D)

This 2-night/3-day trip from Mumbai to Shirdi and Bhandardara gives an experience of a monsoon trip as well as a devotional visit. The bus will depart from Mumbai from Dadar TT (7 am) and Thane (7:30 am) for Nashik. After reaching Nasik and overnight stay at the hotel the tour will proceed to Trimbakeshwar to see one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and then to Shirdi to visit the infamous Sai Baba temple. After dinner and overnight stay at the hotel, the tour will proceed for Mumbai next morning. The departure dates for the tour are Aug 5, Aug 13, Aug 19, Aug 26 and Sep 9. Cost details mentioned below:

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Cost per person on twin sharing basis: Rs 5,665 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 6,710 plus taxes (Deluxe).

Cost per person on triple sharing basis: Rs 5,115 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 6,160 plus taxes (Deluxe).

Child between 5-11 years with extra bed: Rs 4,455 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 5,500 plus taxes (Deluxe).



Mumbai-Malshej-Mumbai (Day tour)

The tour begins from Dadar TT (7:30 am) and Thane (8 am) in Mumbai straight to the monsoon traveller's abode, Malshej. This one-day tour includes a bus ride from Mumbai to Malshej, breakfast in the vehicle and visit to some serene waterfalls of this little paradise on earth. Tourists enjoy and return back to Mumbai the same day. The departure dates are Aug 7, Aug 13, Aug 14, Aug 15, Aug 21, Aug 27 and Aug 28. Cost details mentioned below:

advertisement

Cost per person on twin sharing basis: Rs 990 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 1,100 plus taxes (Deluxe).

Child between 5-11 years: Rs 935 plus taxes (Standard); Rs 1,045 plus taxes (Deluxe).



--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Attorney General HM Prasetyo has remained silent about the details of the executions of the drug convicts held on the Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, although he confirmed their imminent deaths.

He refused to answer journalists questions, such as about the total number of inmates who would face the firing squad, or the exact time of the executions, except by saying the public should just "wait and see".

"This matter is related to people's lives, so please don't make speculations about it," Prasetyo told the journalists on Thursday.

He further said that although the convicts were "big" criminals, they should still be respected as human beings. He made assurances that the Indonesian government had implemented fair judicial procedures before imposing the death penalty on the inmates.

Security in the Nusakambangan area has been tightened since earlier this week following reports of the imminent executions. As many as 1,500 police, as well as Indonesian Army and Navy personnel, have been deployed to secure the prison island. (ebf)
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Thu, July 28 2016

The executions that have been planned for this week have triggered a response from the family of a Bali Nine member, Myuran Sukumaran, who was executed on Nusakambangan prison island last year. The mother of Sukumaran, Raji Sukumaran, sent an open letter to President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Wednesday, pleading with the President to stop the executions.

Myuran Sukumaran was shot to death in the Jokowi administrations second round of executions in April last year, along with his fellow Bali Nine member Andrew Chan and the others convicted of various drug-related crimes. Sukumaran and Chan had been detained in Kerobokan Penitentiary for almost 10 years before their deaths. They were two of nine Australians, the Bali Nine, convicted of attempting to smuggle more than 8 kilograms of heroin from Bali to Australia in 2005. The other members of the Bali Nine were variously sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and to life and are now serving their sentences in several penitentiaries on Bali and Java.

I desperately wanted to write to you as I have been hearing that you are ordering the death of more people. I dont know these people or their crimes. I dont know their family, friends, or children. I do know my son, who you brutally took from me last year as he was executed in the most horrible way, Raji Sukumaran wrote in the letter she sent to Jokowi via the Indonesian embassy in Canberra and shared with the media.

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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Twitter hashtag #BalikinKTPgue or #ReturnmyIDcard trended hours after Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama announced his decision to drop his much-praised independent bid and run as a candidate of political parties in the upcoming Jakarta gubernatorial election.

Twitter user Oky Eendra Wiguna with handle @eendracool wrote, Lesson learned. In politics, no independence, no consistency, only drama #BalikinKTPGue.

Another Twitter user with the handle @sismustassem said it was a new era in which people could be duped before an election because being tricked after an election is just too mainstream.

Hindra Liu, 33, said he had pledged support for Ahok by giving a copy of his ID card to Teman Ahok, a volunteer group that supported Ahoks independent bid. He said Ahoks decision, announced on Wednesday at Teman Ahok's headquarters, was upsetting as the main reason he had supported him was that he did not trust political parties.

Im so disappointed by Ahoks decision. But I respect it. I hope he can do his best if hes elected, Hindra told The Jakarta Post.



Ahok, however, did not seem bothered by the backlash, saying, Those who are disappointed [by my decision], I want to ask you: did you give [your] ID card so that I can be governor again or so that I can fight against all political parties?

Ahoks running mate, Heru Budi Hartono, said that 1 million copies of ID cards were vote pledges and therefore those who gave them could still vote for Ahok in the election.

Teman Ahok spokesperson Singgih Widyastono downplayed the hashtag, saying it was orchestrated by Ahoks rivals.

The tweets have no substance whatsoever, Singgih said. (ary)
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Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28 2016

The return of World Bank managing director Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister, replacing Bambang Brodjonegoro, has boosted confidence across all stakeholders in the nations economy, including one former foe, business tycoon and senior politician Aburizal Bakrie.

With Sri Mulyani as finance minister, the countrys economy can be managed better, Aburizal, who played a major role in forcing her resignation as finance minister in 2010, said.

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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

An observer has said the Cabinet shake-up announced on Wednesday aims to reaffirm President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's vision and mission for the remainder of his term, as lack of coordination among ministers had slowed down the first two years of his leadership.

Muradi, a political, defense and security analyst with the University of Padjadjaran in Bandung, West Java, said the Cabinet reshuffle was not an easy task because there were effectively only two years left for the Jokowi administration, during which most of the remaining time would be used for preparations for the legislative and presidential elections.

Therefore, the analyst said, the new ministers should be able to take measures to affirm whether the government agenda would be effective and to implement all government programs to meet public expectation.

"The names appointed by Jokowi should be able to bridge political interests and public expectations," Muradi said.

On Wednesday, President Jokowi appointed 12 new ministers in the second Cabinet reshuffle since he took office. In his remarks, President Jokowi said he wanted the new Cabinet to work solidly.

The spirit of the Working Cabinet reshuffle is to strengthen the governments performance, said Jokowi in a press conference after the announcement of the Cabinet reshuffle at the State Palace in Jakarta. (ebf)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Olivier cafe employee Marwan Amir, alias Iwan, testified as a witness in the murder trial of suspect Jessica Kumala Wongso on Wednesday at the Central Jakarta District Court. Iwan said he had unintentionally thrown away the straw after tasting the leftover Vietnamese iced coffee.

Jessicas lawyer Otto Hasibuan previously asked prosecutors to deliver the straw that was used by Wayan Mirna Salihin to sip the iced coffee at the cafe on Jan. 6 that was believed to have caused her death.

Otto said it was not impossible that the cyanide entered the coffee through the straw. I threw away the straw after I used it to taste the coffee. I didnt realize that it would be an important piece of evidence, Iwan said.

Iwan tasted the coffee by transferring a drop from straw onto his palm. After tasting the coffee, his tongue was paralyzed and he felt nauseous.

Iwan, who was afraid that he would swallow the substance directly, spat the coffee out from his mouth and rinsed his mouth out with water. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

The Constitutional Court questioned on Wednesday the grounds for the challenge to the Tax Amnesty Law by the two groups and two individuals that have submitted a request for a judicial review, and who claim the law will assist money laundering practices.

What losses will you suffer because of this law? It is not clear. You should provide explanations about that so we can be sure that this law will harm you in any way, justice Aswanto said.

The petitioners should also explain the weakness of the law, which could be demonstrated by the experiences of other countries that have applied such a regulation, he added.

The amnesty law, which was passed on June 28, offers benefits to participants, including low fines for tax evaders who report their wealth to tax authorities, and confidentiality, which makes it impossible to track the source of the wealth.

Hence, civil advocate groups One Justice Foundation and People's Struggle Union, and two individuals officially filed requests for a judicial review of the law on July 13.

Sugeng Teguh Santoso, the chairman of One Justice Foundation said that he would revise the challenge as soon as possible as suggested by the court, which gave them until August 9. (wnd)
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Linkedin Agus Maryono (The Jakarta Post) Cilacap, Central Java  Thu, July 28, 2016

His execution drawing near, condemned man Freddy Budiman has sought a last-minute reprieve from President Joko Jokowi Widodo, though the hope appears forlorn.

Freddys lawyer Untung Sunaryo said his client had expressed regret and sought a pardon from President Jokowi in a letter he wrote personally.

He mentioned the names of the President, the National Police chief and the attorney general [in the letter]. He said he wholeheartedly wanted to apologize for all of his mistakes. He also said he truly repented and asked God for forgiveness, Untung told journalists after visiting Freddy at Batu Prison on Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, on Wednesday afternoon.

There appears, however, to be little chance of Freddy escaping execution, the Attorney Generals Office (AGO) confirming on Wednesday that all legal requirements for the executions of the 14 condemned had been fulfilled.

Even so, Untung said, Freddy remains resolved to filing a clemency request to President Jokowi. He wrote the letter himself and said he would accept wholeheartedly whatever the result was, he said.

Untung was scheduled to depart for Jakarta on Thursday to hand the clemency request letter to Jokowi.

The lawyer said his client had been placed in an isolation cell at Batu Prison. Regarding his execution, he said he entrusted the matter to God. He also said he had conveyed his taubatan nasuha [serious atonement], said Untung, speaking from Wijaya Pura Quay in Cilacap.

He further said that should he be executed, Freddy wanted to be buried in Surabaya, East Java. He is arek Suroboyo [a son of Surabaya], so he wants to be buried there." (ebf)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28 2016

JAKARTA: The government announced on Tuesday that it had recorded Rp 989 billion (US$75 million) of declared assets in its tax amnesty program.

Of the amount, Rp 735 million came from domestic declarations while Rp 253 million was from offshore assets declarations, said Finance Ministry head of policy harmonization and analysis Luky Alfirman.

As much as Rp 23.7 billion of penalty payments were booked from the declarations while 82 tax amnesty statement letters were submitted to tax offices. However, there has been no asset repatriation as yet, Luky told journalists.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

The EU has called on the Indonesian government to halt all executions and to consider joining a large community of more than 140 states that have abolished the death penalty entirely or have adopted a moratorium.

The EU made the statement in a response to the planned executions of up to 14 convicts in Indonesia.

The EU is opposed to capital punishment without exception and has consistently called for its universal abolition, it said in a statement on Thursday.

The death penalty is a cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.

Also on Thursday, the US-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it opposed the death penalty in all circumstances because of its inherent cruelty. Indonesias use of the death penalty is contrary to international human rights law, statements of UN human rights experts and various UN bodies, it said.

Citing Law and Human Rights Ministry data, HRW revealed 133 people were on death row in Indonesia as of January 2015. They included 57 who were convicted of drug trafficking, two for terrorist offenses and the remaining 74 for murder or robbery.

HRW says human rights law upholds every human beings inherent right to life and limits the death penalty to the most serious crimes, typically crimes resulting in death or serious bodily harm.

Indonesia should join the many countries already committed to the UN General Assemblys Dec.18, 2007 resolution calling for a moratorium on executions, a move by UN member countries toward abolition of the death penalty. (ebf)
By Devarsi Ghosh: Eminent author and social activist Mahasweta Devi is no more. After battling with illness since June last year, the 90-year-old Ramon Magsaysay Award-winner passed away on Thursday (July 28) afternoon at a private hospital in Kolkata.

ALSO READ: Mahasweta Devi, legendary writer-activist dies at 90

ALSO READ: Mahasweta Devi was a voice of the oppressed

The Padma Vibhushan-winner began writing in the mid-60s and since then, has written a number of notable novels, mostly dealing with the subjugation of the marginalised and the subaltern, such as Hajar Churashir Maa (Eng: Mother of 1084), Aranyer Adhikar (The Occupation of The Forest) and Titu Mir.

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Besides writing, she has been a vocal social activist. She played an active role, among Kolkata's intellectuals, in spearheading the grassroots movement that brought the CPM (Communist Party of India) government down in the 2011 state assembly elections of West Bengal, following 2007's Nandigram violence and the Singur Tata Nano controversy.

A large number of filmmakers, both Indian and international, over the years, have been inspired by and adapted Mahasweta Devi's works. Here are some of the notable few:



Sunghursh (1968)

Dir: Harnam Singh Rawail

Based on short story Layli Asmaner Ayna, Sunghursh starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Balraj Sahni and Sanjeev Kumar is a story of revenge set amongst a Kali-worshipping thuggee cult in Varanasi. Rawail was very particular about the costumes and look of the film which was set in the 19th century. The film became a commercial success upon release and today is best known for its compelling dialogues by Gulzar and Abrar Alvi, and its music by Naushad.

Rudaali (1993)

Dir: Kalpana Lajmi

Rudaali was an exceptional character study starring Dimple Kapadia in the role of Shanichari, which won her the National Film Award for Best Actress. The film was, again, based on a short story by Mahasweta Devi, and once again, Gulzar was involved with the screenplay - this time, as the screenwriter. Set in a small village in Rajasthan, the film revolves around the life and ordeal of Shanichari as a professional Rudaali or "weeping woman" - women of lower caste who publicly grieve for people of higher caste/status when an upper caste male dies.

Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998)

Dir: Govind Nihalani

The adaptation of Mahasweta Devi's novel Hajar Churashir Maa, based on 1970s Naxalite movement in Bengal by Indian parallel cinema's star director Govind Nihalani stars Jaya Bachchan as a mother who slowly comes to term with the truth about her deceased son Brati (Joy Sengupta) who happened to be a Naxalite before he was killed by the police. Featuring stellar performances by Jaya Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Seema Biswas and Nandita Das, the National Award-winning film is one of the best Indian films of all time.



Maati Maay (2007)

Dir: Chitra Palekar

The gloomy Marathi film is based on Mahasweta Devi's short story Baayen. The film revolves around a low-caste grave digger Chandi (Nandita Das) who has been ostracized by the villagers for being suspected to be a witch who apparently casts an evil eye on unsuspecting children and breastfeeds the dead children she buries as a part of her job. The film is a stinging indictment on the caste system in Indian villages, but that is because of the power of the story, and not the film's treatment which is mediocre at best.

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Gangor (2010)

Dir: Italo Spinelli

Based on the short story Choli Ke Peeche, Gangor revolves around the titular character played by Priyanka Bose, who is spurned by the villagers when a picture of her breastfeeding her child is used for a news report. Consequently, she is violated psychologically, and soon, physically, when she is taken to a police station and gang -raped. The independent Italian production won the NETPAC Jury award at the 2011 Third Eye Asian Festival.



--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Agus Maryono (The Jakarta Post) Cilacap, Central Java  Thu, July 28, 2016

The executions of 14 drug convicts will take place in the early hours of Friday, a source confirmed on Thursday following an escalation in security on Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java.

"Fourteen people will be executed, but sorry, I can't release their names yet," a source from Central Java Prosecutor's Office, who asked for anonymity, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday, confirming that the executions would take place after midnight.

Security was tightened earlier this week following reports of the executions. In addition to 1,500 police personnel assigned to guard the Nusakambangan area, Army and Navy personnel are also involved in the heightened security measures.

(Read also : 17 ambulances arrive on Nusakambangan)

Several Army personnel were seen guarding Wijaya Pura Dock and the surrounding area since Thursday morning while Navy personnel are patrolling the waters surrounding the high-security prison island. The heightened security is aimed at maintaining a conducive climate around Cilacap in the lead-up to the executions, Cilacap Military Commander Lt. Col. Deni Gunawan told journalists on Thursday.

Military personnel are also escorting family members and lawyers visiting the condemned on Nusakambangan. (rin)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama said on Thursday that President Joko Jokowi Widodo would decide whether to stop or continue the reclamation of Islet G in Jakarta Bay following the sacking of Rizal Ramli as coordinating maritime affairs minister in this week's Cabinet reshuffle.

The government never officially ordered the cessation of work on Islet G, the governor said, adding that Rizal had been speaking in a personal capacity when he told the media that members of a government committee tasked with evaluating the Jakarta Bay reclamation had agreed to scrap the construction of Islet G.

The committee, Ahok claimed, never issued such a recommendation.

He said he believed the project's fate was in the Presidents hands. Jokowiwho led Jakarta with Ahok as his deputy before his election as president in 2014is expected to hold a meeting involving related ministers and representatives of the Jakarta administration to discuss the issue, he added.

Rizal claimed in June that a government committee consisting of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, then transportation minister Ignasius Jonan and Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya had, citing environmental concerns, agreed to halt the reclamation of Islet G, which project was awarded to a subsidiary of developer PT Agung Podomoro Land.

Rizals statement angered Ahok and led to a bitter war of words between the two in the media. In a surprise turn of event, Rizal was sacked by Jokowi in Wednesdays Cabinet shake-up. Rizals post has been filled by Jokowis ally, Luhut Pandjaitan, who was previously coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister. (ary)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28 2016

The Golkar Party officially threw its support behind incumbent President Joko Jokowi Widodo to run in the 2019 presidential election, a move  albeit premature  believed to be aimed at increasing its popularity.



That political stance will be declared Thursday before the closing of a two-day leadership meeting (Rapimnas) in Jakarta.



It is the first Rapimnas since the Bali convention in May, where the party reconciled its internal conflicts.



Setya Novanto, who was elected Golkar chairman in Bali, said the support thrown behind Jokowi was a strategic step to help the party reach its target in the upcoming election to win 120 seats in the House of Representatives.



We think that Jokowi has been doing well and we believe he can win the next presidential election, he said on the sidelines of the meeting.



The meeting also showcased a presentation by Indonesian Survey Institution (LSI) researcher Adjie Alfaraby that aimed to convince party members that the decision to support Jokowi would benefit the party, particularly in gaining electability for candidates in the upcoming legislative and regional elections.



By becoming the first party to throw official support, the public will automatically associate Jokowi with Golkar, he said.



He further said Jokowi was particularly good at improving infrastructure and creating policy packages to improve the economy, two indicators he claimed to be long associated with the party.



Golkar, a ruling and dominant party in the New Order Era, has seen its popularity decline recently. In the 2014 election, it only garnered 14.75 percent of the vote and 14.45 percent in the 2009 election, far below the 21.58 percent it secured during the 2004 election.



Golkar supported Prabowo Subianto during the 2014 presidential election. Following his defeat, the party began to distance itself from Prabowo and, ultimately, left Prabowos Red-and-White Coalition and declared support to the Jokowi administration.



Many people considered the decision to throw support behind Jokowi now as premature and suspected it as an attempt to gain seats in the Jokowi administration. Novanto denied such allegations. But, as the public witnessed on Wednesday, Golkar member Airlangga Hartanto was appointed Industry Minister in a Cabinet reshuffle. (fac)

___________________________________



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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28 2016

JAKARTA: Kunto Aji is one of the many Indonesian musicians nominated for the 2016 Anugerah Planet Muzik Awards, an award ceremony dedicated to artists engaged in Malay and Indonesian music. The ceremony will be held in Singapore in August.

Kunto, who took home an award last year, is again nominated for two categories this year, namely Best Song and Most Popular Song for his hit single, Ekspektasi (Expectation).

I won an award last year and a lot of Malaysians and Singaporeans commented on social media, saying that they wanted purchase my album, he said as quoted by kapanlagi.com.

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Linkedin Parulian Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28 2016

Over the past year, we have seen two cases in which patients have fallen victim to low-quality anesthetics they received while undergoing hospital treatment.

In addition, the very recent cases regarding fake vaccines for children are proof that our public health system is under threat.

These cases have shown that the use and availability of quality medicines are paramount in sustaining public health and that any treatment with low-quality or counterfeit drugs can drastically affect the outcome of that treatment.

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Linkedin Andi Jatmiko and Stephen Wright (Associated Press) Cilacap  Thu, July 28, 2016

Indonesia quickly rebuffed appeals from the UN human rights chief and the European Union to abandon plans to execute 14 people for drug crimes as preparations intensified Thursday at the prison island where the death row inmates are held.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the UN Human Rights Office is "deeply concerned" by death penalty cases that lack transparency and compliance with the right to receive a fair trial, including the right to an appeal. He called on the government of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to impose an immediate moratorium on executions.

The European Union said the death penalty is an unacceptable denial of human dignity and called on Indonesia to "consider joining the wide community of over 140 states that have abolished the death penalty entirely or have adopted a moratorium."

A stream of ambulances arrived Thursday morning at the port town nearest the Nusakambangan prison island where the executions of the mostly foreign drug convicts will be carried out by firing squads. Officials began tightening security at the prison several days ago, with more than 1,000 police sent to Cilacap, the port town, and the island.

Indonesia has not released an official list of those to be executed but the country's attorney-general on Wednesday said 14 people would be executed. Community Legal Aid Institute, which is involved in some of the death row cases, has circulated the names of 14 people that comprised four Indonesians, six Nigerians, two Zimbabweans, one Indian and one Pakistani. Previously, the attorney-general's office has said it has budgeted funds for up to 16 executions this year.

Muhammad Rum, a spokesman for Indonesia's attorney-general, said the executions are the "implementation of our positive laws" and will not be delayed or stopped. All the cases have gone through a long legal process including appeals, he said. "They all have been given chances at all stages."

It would be the third set of executions under Jokowi, who campaigned on promises to improve human rights in Indonesia. His 2-year-old administration will have executed more people than were executed in the previous decade if the government sticks to its plans.

"The increasing use of the death penalty in Indonesia is terribly worrying and I urge the government to end this practice, which is unjust and incompatible with human rights," Zeid said in a statement.

Lawyers and rights groups have raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the convictions in several of the death row drug cases, including that of Pakistani Zulfikar Ali, Indonesian Merri Utami and Nigerian Humphrey Jefferson.

From Lahore, Ali's sister Humaira Bibi on Wednesday made an emotional appeal to the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother.

Justice Project Pakistan, a group that provides free legal representation, says Pakistani diplomats are trying to save Ali's life but intervention by Pakistan's president or prime minister is now required. It says Indonesian police used violent duress to obtain a confession from Ali, who was arrested in November 2004.

Last year, Indonesia executed 14 people convicted of drug crimes, mostly foreigners, sparking an international outcry.

Jokowi's predecessor ended a moratorium on executions in 2013.

___

Wright reported from Jakarta. Associated Press writer Ali Kotarumalos contributed.
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Ima Matul Maisaroh, a human trafficking survivor from Malang, East Java, made history on Tuesday evening when she delivered a powerful speech on slavery at a packed presidential convention of a major US political party.

"When I was 17-years-old, I was brought to Los Angeles with the promise of a job as a nanny. Instead, I spent the next three years in domestic servitude being abused," Ima told the Democratic National Convention in Philadephia on Tuesday evening local time.

In a video of her speech uploaded on Youtube, Ima seems confident in addressing delegates who filled the Wells Fargo Center, where the convention was held. She told of her harrowing experience before finally mustering the courage to escape her trafficker and find a home at the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST), where she now works in organizing survivors like herself.

In her endorsement of the Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, Ima praised her long-standing dedication in the fight to end modern slavery. The Indonesian-born 33-year-old, who now has American citizenship, expressed her firm belief in Clinton as the nation's leader to end modern slavery.

"I have hope, especially now that Hillary Clinton is becoming president [...] I have hope that we can end human trafficking," Ima said in the closing of her address, which was followed by a speech by former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright and former president Bill Clinton.

A 2016 Global Slavery Index released in June placed Indonesia among the top 10 countries with the largest number of people trapped in modern slavery practices. The country has an estimated 736,000 people trapped in slavery. The traditional setting of domestic workers living with their employers, a common practice in Indonesia and many other countries where Indonesian housemaids are hired, is believed to have made Indonesians prone to slavery.

Watch her speech below. (ary)






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Linkedin Rendi A. Witular (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Dubbed by many as Little Soeharto or as the emblematic Javanese King for his employment of ingenious but concealed ploys to have his friends and rivals succumb to his reign, President Joko Jokowi Widodo has maneuvered to clip the influence of dissenting camps in his circle of power.

Aside from fortifying the economic team and accommodating new party members of the ruling coalition, Wednesdays Cabinet shake-up affecting 13 posts has particularly purged members of the dominating camps whose rivalries have largely led to public controversies.

There are four competing camps in Jokowis corridors of power. They are led by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, by Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, previously the political, legal and security affairs minister, by State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno and by Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Since early this year, the pendulum of influence has swung heavily toward Luhut, leaving others profoundly weakened. Luhut has had both ears of the President, using them to secure the Tax Amnesty Law and to lobby for the highly decorated but junior cop, Tito Karnavian, to lead the National Police.

Luhut, who had been Jokowis business partner since early 2000, is also credited with convincing the Golkar Party  the second biggest after the PDI-P  to join the ruling coalition camp. Luhuts maneuvers have ensured stability in the House of Representatives, the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police.

Luhut has also dealt with economic issues, talking about the property business and problems in the governments recent economic reform packages as Jokowi sidelined Kalla and reduced his roles in dealing with strategic policies.

Given the achievements and influence, many politicians and journalists had labeled Luhut a prime minister, the second most influential Cabinet member after the President and the real Vice President.

However, those labels have likely made Jokowi uncomfortable. Probably, the more powerful Luhut became, the more capital he had to dictate to Jokowi to make him bow to his demands. Javanese leadership has a low toleration for this kind of person.

Last years full-fledged proxy war between Luhut and Kalla in which the latters loyalist, then energy and mineral resources minister Sudirman Said, engaged in an irreconcilable public tussle with Luhut and his supporter, then coordinating maritime affairs minister Rizal Ramli, may have also cast fear over Jokowi, particularly when Rizal launched a string of verbal attacks at the Vice President and no one could stem the tirade.

The infighting has not only held back Jokowis reforms in the energy and mining sectors, but it has also spooked investors, leading to several sudden changes in regulations and commitments.

Disregarding Luhuts role and loyalty in keeping Jokowi politically protected, the President assigned him to the less prestigious job of leading the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister.

Perhaps to have Luhuts influence sapped, Jokowi assigned former Indonesia Military (TNI) commander Gen. (ret.) Wiranto as Luhuts successor. Wiranto, who is barred from entering the US and Timor Leste for alleged human rights abuses, was Luhuts senior in the military.

Aside from dismissing Sudirman and Rizal, Jokowi also fired two ministers and one official deemed close to the Vice President: administrative and bureaucratic reform minister Yuddy Chrisnandi, culture and education minister Anies Baswedan and Investment Coordination Board (BKPM) chairman Franky Sibarani.

Anies, a popular figure among the grassroots and the middle class, was of particular interest to Jokowi for inclusion on the chopping block as the education expert has been accused of capitalizing on his position to gain leverage for a vice presidential bid in 2019.

As a showdown demonstrating the Presidents refusal to succumb to PDI-P dictation, Jokowi gave one Cabinet post to Golkar and two posts to the National Mandate Party (PAN) as new members of the ruling coalition, which could be Jokowi hedging his bets in case the PDI-P pulls its support.

The coalition currently wields enormous power, having secured 69 percent of seats in the House of Representatives  up from 40 percent a year ago.

Blooming with optimism, Jokowi rejected demands from the PDI-P to have Minister Rini ousted from the Cabinet because of her strained relations with Megawati. The row has led the House to deny Rini access to discuss her ministrys budget and approval for the strategic corporate actions of state firms.

Jokowi also turned down Megawatis demand to have her best friend deputy National Police chief Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan assigned to lead the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) in exchange for the partys support for passing the Tax Amnesty Law and the appointment of police chief Tito.

Many may have perceived Rini as the winner in the recent reshuffle as she retained her job, but the appointment of World Bank managing director and former finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister may be intended to keep Rini in check.

Relations between Sri Mulyani and Rini  both have a penchant for dominating  may not be rosy and the authority to manage state firms, for example, asset sales, supervision and performance targets, apparently falls on the Finance Ministry.

With the reshuffle largely hinged on the intention to balance the political power and to help rid the government of popular candidates who could challenge Jokowis reelection bid in 2019 from inside, the new Cabinet landscape has now left no one wielding enormous influence.

For Jokowi, the Cabinet is best managed by either the most influential person, who is of course himself, or the fifth-most, leaving nothing in between: not the second, the third, or the fourth-most.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

President Joko Jokowi Widodo should reverse his decision to appoint Wiranto as the coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister for he was indicted for crimes against humanity, a rights group has said.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Wiranto was the Indonesian Military (TNI) commander in 1999, when the countrys army and military-backed militias carried out numerous atrocities against East Timorese after they voted for independence.

In February 2003, it said, Wiranto was indicted for crimes against humanity by the UN-sponsored Special Panels for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court and named a chief suspect by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). The charges against Wiranto led to the US decision in 2014 to place Wiranto and five others accused of crimes in East Timor (now Timor Leste) on a visa watchlist that could bar them from entering the country.

President Jokowis decision to appoint Wiranto to his Cabinet is a slap in the face to Indonesians seeking accountability for past atrocities in Indonesia, HRW deputy Asia director Phelim Kine said on Thursday.

Wirantos alleged complicity in murder, arson, and mass forced expulsions in East Timor in 1999 entitles him to a fair criminal trial, not a seat in the cabinet.

HRW says Wirantos appointment calls into question President Jokowis commitment to pursuing accountability for human rights violations. Those abuses include the 1965-1966 massacres and 11 high-priority human rights cases in Papua.

Wirantos predecessor, Luhut Pandjaitan, had led the governments efforts toward accountability, which included plans to exhume mass graves from the 1965-1966 massacres and the creation of an investigation team to probe abuses in Papua.

"By offering Wiranto a Cabinet position, President Jokowi is undermining his own important efforts to obtain accountability for the terrible abuses of Indonesias past, Kine said. (ebf)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan has voiced support for the appointment of former Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Wiranto to succeed him as coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister amid public outcry highlighting the latter's poor human rights record.

In a handover ceremony on Thursday, Luhut insisted Wiranto would be able to perform well as the new minister in the position he himself held for a year. Luhut said he believed Wiranto would be able to handle political, legal and human rights issues, despite critics slamming President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's decision as a backward step in the country's efforts to resolve past human rights abuses.

(Read also: 'Wiranto's appointment bolsters impunity for human rights violators': rights groups)

Human rights activists have lambasted the appointment, citing that Wiranto's own human rights abuse implications might hamper the government's commitment to upholding human rights. Jokowi inaugurated Wiranto, the chair of the Hanura Party that supported Jokowi and Vice Presidential Jusuf Kalla in the 2014 presidential election, on Wednesday, while Luhut was moved to become coordinating maritime affairs minister.

In the ceremony to mark his assumption of the post, Wiranto announced that he had several plans for the role after being briefed by his predecessor, adding that he would continue Luhut's programs and would also make possible changes in order to strengthen the office. (rin)

.
The eminent writer and social activist, who was admitted at a private hospital in Kolkata for over two months, died of age related disease after multiple organ failure. She was 90.

Mahasweta Devi's condition had deteriorated early this week and she had been continually kept on ventilation support.

By Manogya Loiwal : As the Indian literati milieu mourn eminent writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi's demise, the acclaimed writer's long spanning career deserves a just revival in terms of what and how it did to bring about a change in the Indian fiction genre and real life too.

A life full of passionate work for tribals, extensive travel to the remotest areas and political battles where she felt for necessary.

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Mahasweta Devi, who was admitted at a private hospital in Kolkata for over two months, died of age related disease after multiple organ failure. She was 90.

Her condition had deteriorated early this week and she had been continually kept on ventilation support.

PM, MAMATA EXPRESS THEIR CONDOLENCES

Many prominent personalities including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to micro blogging site Twitter to express their deepest condolences for the writer-activist.

"India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahasweta Di rest in peace". Banerjee tweeted.

PM Modi too expressed his sadness at the writer's demise on Twitter. "Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality and justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP."

A DEDICATED SOCIAL ACTIVIST

The Magsaysay-awardee, who has been known for several of her notable works had been suffering from several age related diseases and had been hospitalised for quite some time.

Known for her voracious dedication towards the development of the tribal and downtrodden strata of the society, she won the Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith awards for literary excellence, and the Ramon Magsaysay award and the Padma Vibhushan also took note of the political importance of her work as a writer and activist.

Carving a long withstanding place among the many facets of Bengali fiction writers, Mahasweta Devi brought in characters who were picked up from the grassroots level, poor workers, Dalits, tribals, migrants and presented it for her readers in the most simplest yet starkest mode of writing. Several of her books were translated on to the silver screen, with Rudaali(1993) and Hazar Chaurasir Ma (1998) being the most discussed for the blatant realism portrayed in them.

WRITERS, FILMMAKERS MOURN THE LOSS

Writers, filmmakers alike mourned the huge loss and expressed their deepest condolences for the author.

Writer-poet Subodh Sarkar, who came to pay his last respects at the hospital, spoke of how inspiring Mahasweta Devi's writings have been for the new age writers and their creativity.

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"I believe that her works were popularised in Europe and America by many authors, including Professor Gayatri Spivak of Columbia University. Her death is a great loss to us all, not only in Bengal, but for India as well. She understood the pain of the downtrodden people, and it reflected in her work." Sarkar said.

On a personal note, when I interviewed her last year at her south Kolkata residence, I dared to ask her about her age...she was happy sharing the two digit saying she was all set to enter the nineties...but the last sentence I heard from her was... "Manogya, I want to live more, live healthy, complete a lot of pending work, specially writing and yes I want to hit a century in age too...my dream is to touch the century mark."

ALSO READ:

Oops! Sushma Swaraj pays homage to Mahasweta Devi, but quotes wrong books

Mahasweta Devi, legendary writer-activist, dies at 90



--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan will read up a presidential regulation (perpres) on the reclamation of Benoa Bay in Bali before issuing a recommendation regarding public opinion on the project.

There must be a reason why Pak SBY [Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono] issued the regulation. Therefore, people should reserve judgement [ on the reclamation project], Luhut said at his office on Thursday.

According to the 2014 perpres issued by SBY, the sixth president of Indonesia, the status of Benoa Bay had been changed to that of a commercial zone from a greenbelt water conservation area.

Meanwhile, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti has extended the permit for the reclamation of Benoa Bay in reference to the perpres.

Balinese have voiced their rejection toward the reclamation plan, owing to environmental concerns. There are at least 70 sacred sites for Balinese Hindus and a sea grass area in the bay.

Luhut further said he would examine the advantages of the reclamation and ensure that the public would be informed of the development. (wnd/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Newly appointed Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan plans to visit man-made islets in Jakarta Bay next week after studying the reclamation project and its regulations.

Let me observe the islets first and consider the benefits of the development of such a project. I dont want to make the wrong decision and adversely affect investors, Luhut told journalists at the ministry.

He added that he would need at least two weeks before being able to comment further on reclamation projects.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo appointed Luhut, who previously served as coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister, to replace Rizal Ramli, who had ordered the termination of Islet Gs development, saying a committee had recommended it.

Members of the committee are representatives of the Jakarta administration, the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister, the Maritime Affairs and Fishery Ministry and the Environment and Forestry Ministry.

Besides improper environment documentation, the reason for the termination of Islet G was stated as being that the new islet would endanger ships passing through the area.

Tuti Kusumawati, head of the Jakarta Development Planning Board, who is a representative of the Jakarta administration on the committee, however, said on Thursday that the committee never recommended the termination of Islet Gs development.

In response, Rizal said that he trusted the new minister to make a good decision on the reclamation projects. (wnd)
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Linkedin Haeril Halim and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28 2016

The decision of President Joko Jokowi Widodo to keep Rini Soemarno as state-owned enterprises minister, despite repeated threats from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the House of Representatives blacklisting her, demonstrates his strong determination.

He has not caved to any pressure even from the person who believes got him his current position.

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Linkedin Corry Elyda (The Jakarta Post) Surabaya  Thu, July 28 2016

Affordable housing is key to creating efficient and livable cities around the world, as it is strongly related to other factors such as mobility and sustainability.

Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono has pledged that the ministry will provide housing for residents that supports sustainable cities.

Basuki said on the sidelines of the third UN Preparatory Meeting (PrepCom3) themed Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in Surabaya, East Java on Tuesday that he had been inspired by the new urban housing agenda.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodos new Cabinet aims to complete a medium-term food policy in the near future given the lack of coherent food policy currently, a senior minister has said.

Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution said in Jakarta on Thursday that Indonesia needed a medium-term food policy, with regulated imports, before achieving food self-sufficiency by 2019, as targeted by the government.

We are developing a medium-term policy for food that regulates not only current food prices but also the development of agriculture and farms over the next few years, Darmin told journalists.

For example, he said, the government plans to hand over cattle imports to farmers, instead of only to lot feeders.

However, we want the farmers to team up to breed cattle on a large scale. If possible, a group of five farmers should breed up to 70 cattle, Darmin said. (vny/dan)
Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama (center) along with representatives from political parties and the Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) volunteer group pose after a halal bi halal (post Ramadhan gathering) at the groups office in Pejaten, South Jakarta, on Wednesday. After the gathering, Ahok announced that he would run in next years gubernatorial election with political party support.(JP/Dhoni Setiawan)(center) along with representatives from political parties and the Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) volunteer group pose after a halal bi halal (post Ramadhan gathering) at the groups office in Pejaten, South Jakarta, on Wednesday. After the gathering, Ahok announced that he would run in next years gubernatorial election with political party support.(JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
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Linkedin Agus Maryono (The Jakarta Post) Cilacap, Central Java  Thu, July 28, 2016

Waters around Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, have been cleared of boats ahead of the expected executions of 14 death-row drug inmates.

Media reports say the executions will be conducted early Friday. As of today, however, there has been no official announcement by the authorities on the exact date of the executions.

A Navy sea patrol vessel has patrolled Nusakambangan waters over the past two days to keep the area clear of general shipping. Equipped with armed personnel, the vessel is patrolling Nusakambangan waters from the island's western tip to its easternmost area, a distance of 20 kilometers.

(Read also : Family wants drug convict Merri Utami to be buried in Nusakambangan)

We have agreed to sterilize the Nusakambangan area, both its land and waters. We are supported by Navy personnel in the security precautions, said Cilacap Police spokesperson Adj.Comr.Bintoro said on Thursday.

On Thursday morning, areas of Nusakambangan, especially the Wijaya Pura Dock complex, which is the only official gateway to the prison island, have been tightly secured. Unlike in previous days in which it was secured by regular police officers, Nusakambangan is now secured by heavily armed Mobile Brigade (Brimob) agents.

Only prison personnel and visitors of the condemned reportedly have access to Nusakambangan. They are allowed to enter the area only after going through tight security procedures conducted by Brimob agents. (ebf)
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Linkedin Li Xiaokun (China Daily/ANN) Beijing  Thu, July 28, 2016

Despite recent tensions in the South China Sea, Washington has made it clear to Beijing that President Barack Obama wants a stable transfer to the next US leader of the progress made on ties with Beijing during his eight years in office.

US National Security Advisor Susan Rice brought the message during her latest visit, a source with the Foreign Ministry told China Daily on Wednesday.

Rice spent roughly 70 percent of her time in meetings here discussing cooperation, and only 30 percent on other issues, said the source, who requested anonymity. Rice was in China from Sunday to Wednesday, mainly to prepare for Obamas attendance at the G20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in September. She met with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials, including State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

The visit came amid tensions in the South China Sea after Beijing rejected a July 12 arbitration ruling in a case unilaterally brought by the Philippines over maritime disputes with China.

Both sides agreed that we wont let disputes define the relations, the source said.

News releases issued by both sides afterward focused on bilateral cooperation, without directly mentioning the South China Sea issue. However, the source said the two sides did discuss issues including the South China Sea and the advanced missile defense system that the United States and the Republic of Korea decided to deploy in the ROK, a move that has drawn strong opposition from China and Russia.

We made our stances clear that the US should not cite the tribunal ruling on the South China Sea issue and that inappropriate handling of the THAAD anti-missile system will overshadow China-US relations, he said.

Rice spent a long time discussing anti-terrorism cooperation in meetings with Chinese officials, and she also touched on many other topics, including a bilateral investment treaty and military cooperation, he added.

She also said that President Obama is glad to see a prosperous China, which is in the interests of the US, and that Washington is willing to work with Beijing to ensure a successful G20 summit, the source said.

Liu Youfa, former vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said, Rices remarks sent a signal to some Asian countries that the US-China relations are not only about the South China Sea.

It is also a warning that these countries plan to take advantage of conflicts between the US and China to seek their interests is unsustainable and shortsighted.

Jin Canrong, dean of the School of International Studies with Renmin University of China, said that US Secretary of State John Kerry took a similar low-profile stance on Monday while meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Washington has noticed the anger in China against the US on the South China Sea issue, not only from the government but also the ordinary people. They know that is not good for US interests.
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Pakistan is continuing its pleas to the Indonesian government to postpone the execution of a possibly innocent Pakistani citizen who is on death row.

"If we go by the information that has been conveyed to us, most likely Mr. Zulfiqar Ali would be executed on Friday," Pakistani Ambassador to Indonesia Aqil Naseem said on Wednesday, referring to a notification the embassy had received.

Citing findings of an internal investigation that found "serious breaches of a fair trial", Naseem criticized the Indonesian judicial system and insisted on the possibility that Ali was in fact innocent.

"Mr. Zulfiqar Ali was not provided the opportunity of a fair trial. [Furthermore], prosecutors asked for a life sentence and the judge went ahead and gave them the death penalty," Naseem said, pointing out the peculiar approach of the court.

The ambassador was referring to the findings of an investigation conducted by a team from the Law and Human Rights Ministry in 2010 that was presented by National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) commissioner Hafid Abbas.

The results had found that Ali may be innocent. Naseem urged the government to take into consideration the new evidence and review the case. "And if a review finds him guilty, then we would completely respect the Indonesian law," Naseem said.

The government seems set to carry out the executions shortly, as evidenced by a number of measures taken to prepare for them on the Nusakambangan prison island, Cilacap, Central Java. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnamas decision to take part in the Jakarta gubernatorial election with political party support will smoothen his candidacy and avoid the complications of an independent candidacy, a senior political analyst says.

An independent candidacy would entail a lengthy and complicated verification process of the copies of identity cards collected by Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) were he to run as an independent candidate, Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, a senior political analyst from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said on Thursday.

Whereas with a political-party ticket, everything is easily prepared, Ikrar told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Under the existing regulation, a political party or coalition of several parties with at least 22 seats on the City Council has one gubernatorial ticket, while an individual can run as an independent candidate if he or she collects at least 532,000 copies of identity cards from voters as evidence of support.

Based on the revised Regional Election Law, verification of the copies of ID cards is now more complicated.

Standing on a party ticket was a form of cooperation between Ahok and his supporting political parties  the Golkar Party, NasDem Party and Hanuray Party, said Ikrar, adding that while Ahok received party support, the parties could benefit from Ahok's popularity.

The political parties hope that will get more votes in 2019 general election, Ikrar added. (rez/bbn)
Back home from New Delhi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked her bureaucrats to initiate the process of changing the name of West Bengal.

By Romita Datta: When West Bengal is making progress by leaps and bounds, chief minister Mamata Banerjee does not like her state to figure at the bottom just because alphabetically it is placed rather way down in the line.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH



Tired of having to wait her turn to plead for the case of West Bengal in the recently held inter-state council meeting, attended by various chief ministers of the country, Mamata Banerjee decided enough was enough.

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"By the time West Bengal is getting its turn both the speaker and the listener are losing out patience and interest This is happening in all important meetings of the Planning Commission. Our madam (Mamata Banerjee) is doing so much homework to present the case of West Bengal, but who is there to hear her," said a bureaucrat of West Bengal government.

Usually West Bengal comes up for discussion in the second half, much after lunch recess. By the time, the representatives of the West Bengal get to speak, the gravity of a full house is missing, Banerjee realised this after having failed to make much impact among the audience in the meeting. "We are losing out on a lot of opportunities," she is reported to have rued in close quarters.

BANGLA WOULD JUST FIT IN THE BILL



Back home from the capital, she has asked her bureaucrats to initiate the process of changing the name of West Bengal.

Banerjee is batting for either Bengal or Bangla as alphabetically it occupies a strategic position to draw all the necessary attention. Moreover, having introduced the Biswa Bangla logo, which happens to be the symbol of West Bengal, Banerjee feels Bangla would just fit in the bill.

Historically too West Bengal or Paschim Banga has lost its significance after partition of Bengal and creation of Bangladesh. In undivided Bengal, while Paschim Banga or West Bengal was the name given to the present day Bengal, Purba Banga or East Bengal was the name for present day Bangladesh.

BANGLA VS SONAR BANGLA

"There is no need for West when east has ceased to exist," argued the same bureaucrat.

Incidentally, such a move was initiated during the last leg of the Left Front regime, but the decision fell through after the Assembly could not arrive at a consensus. There were arguments that Bangla would be confusing since the national anthem of Bangladesh had words such as "Sonar Bangla." This time too, the treasury bench will roll on the debate and having a sizeable number in the House, Banerjee is determined to see it through.

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ALSO READ:

Mamata Banerjee gears up for renaming of West Bengal



--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Frances DEmilio and Monika Scislowska (Associated Press) Krakow, Poland  Thu, July 28, 2016

Pope Francis, deeply saddened by the slaying of an elderly priest during Mass in a church in the French countryside, warned grimly Wednesday that the world is at war, but cautioned against labeling it a war among religions.

At the start of his first ever trip to Eastern Europe, where anti-migrant sentiments have been rising, he also encouraged Europe to welcome refugees from war, hunger and religious persecution and called for "courage" and "compassion."

Francis is celebrating World Youth Day in Poland, where the conservative government has shut the doors to migrants and many fear that accepting Muslim refugees would threaten the nation's security and its Catholic identity.

As he started the five-day trip, he told an audience of Poland's president, diplomats and other dignitaries that what is needed is "a spirit of readiness to welcome those fleeing from wars and hunger, and solidarity with those deprived of their fundamental rights, including the right to profess one's faith in freedom and safety."

While the speech had in mind the hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing Syria, Iraq and other Mideast countries, as well as impoverished nations in Africa, his reference to practicing one's faith in safety could also be seen as an allusion to the slaying of the 85-year-old French priest by two extremists in Normandy on Tuesday.

The murder compounded security fears surrounding Francis' trip, which were already high due to a string of violent attacks in France and Germany. Polish officials say they have deployed tens of thousands of security officials to cover the event.

Francis spoke to reporters as he flew from Rome to Krakow. Asked about the slaying of the priest, Francis replied: "It's war, we don't have to be afraid to say this."

He then sought to avoid any misunderstanding of his definition of war.

"I only want to clarify that, when I speak of war, I am really speaking of war," he said. "A war of interests, for money, resources, dominion of peoples."

"I am not speaking of a war of religions. Religions don't want war. The others want war," he added.

He also reiterated earlier remarks likening the current violence to a Third War III in "segments."

In the evening, as thousands of young people cheered in the square outside Krakow's archbishop's residence in hopes of getting a glimpse of Francis, the pope's spokesman elaborated on the remarks about a world in war.

"He wanted to specify very clearly, he doesn't mean a war of religions," the spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi said.

Upon arrival at Krakow airport Francis was greeted by Poland's President Andrzej Duda, First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda and other state officials, and hundreds of faithful who had waited for hours to see him. Prime Minister Beata Szydlo knelt and kissed his papal ring.

After a brief ceremony Francis then traveled in an open car through the city, waving at cheering crowds as he headed to the Wawel Castle for the main welcoming ceremony.

There, President Duda, a Catholic hailing from Krakow, hailed Francis as a "support, a road sign" in life for young people.

"The world today badly needs values, it needs faith and good, all of which your Holiness is bringing," Duda declared in the castle courtyard. "We are all waiting for your word."

Francis then urged Polish authorities "to overcome fear" and show "great wisdom and compassion" in dealing with migrants, whose arrivals in huge numbers on Greek, Italian and other southern European shores in the last few years has strained European nations' coffers, fueled the popularity of anti-migrant political parties and spawned fears that terrorists could show up on the continent by blending in with the refugees.

His pilgrimage will bring him later in the week to Auschwitz and Birkenau, the death camp complex run by German Nazi occupiers in Poland during World War II. Francis wants to pray silently at the sites and will also visit the place in Auschwitz where a priest gave his life to save a fellow camp inmate.

Other highlights of the pope's visit include a Saturday evening vigil with hundreds of thousands of youths who are expected to gather at a meadow, and a closing Mass on Sunday morning.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28 2016

Fijian Fishery and Forestry Minister Oseea Naiqamu could not hide his excitement when sharing how his Indonesian counterpart, Susi Pudjiastuti, alluringly influenced global efforts to fight against illegal fishing.



Susi is a real champion. She led the way [for the campaign] through the Asia-Pacific, Naiqamu told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting in Jakarta.



In an apparent move to increase global awareness about the sustainable use of fish and other maritime resources, Susi gathered her colleagues from 15 Asia-Pacific countries, plus Norway, the UK and the US, in Jakarta for a meeting to discuss the implementation of a traceability system in the fishery industry.



Representatives from the EU, ASEAN, the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDC) also attended the event.



During the meeting, Susi said that a traceability measure was mandatory to all countries in their fishery industries to ensure that all products are being sold and eaten legally, free from dangerous substances and processed in an environmentally friendly way.



It will become mandatory for all countries to provide good quality and safe fish to their people, Susi said.



Traceability means the ability to follow the production, processing and distribution of a product. It is implemented in the fishery industry as a tool to gain consumer trust by minimizing risk in their products.



Indonesia has a regulation regarding a traceability system in its fishery industry: the 2013 Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministers Decree on Requirements for Quality Control and Security of Fishery Products. Meanwhile, in a bid to ensure the sustainability of the industry, Susi last year issued two ministerial regulations, one on a prohibition of the use of trawls and seine nets and the other on lobster and crab catching.



But Susi said that this measure was not only critical for a bid to mitigate risks in the global fish and fishery product supply chain, but also a way to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a subject she had been advocating since she was appointed to be the countrys maritime affairs and fisheries minister in 2014.



Adisorn Prompthep, a director general at Thailands Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said his country was committed to ensuring the sustainability of its maritime resources by reforming its legal system in 2015 to add a traceability measure to the fishery industry and ratifying the FAOs Port State Measures Agreement.



The agreement, which was also ratified by Indonesia in May, aims to restrict and block the movement of IUU vessels into national and international markets by requiring vessel masters to provide information on the ship identification, fish on board and licenses before being allowed to enter a port. (mos)

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Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28 2016

Children and teenagers in Indonesia are likely to fall victim to cyberbullying because of poor legal protections and low awareness among parents and children.

Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly makes fun of another person online or repeatedly picks on another person through email or text messages, or when someone posts something online about another person that they do not like.

Children and teenagers are not bulletproof against this type of bullying, as shown by last Aprils case of Sonya Ekarina Sembiring Depari, a senior high school student in Medan. She was harshly bullied by netizens after she threatened a traffic policewoman by claiming to be the daughter of a police general. Her actual father, Makmur Depari, died because of a heart condition, allegedly made worse because he was severely distressed by the netizens bullying his daughter without mercy. Following the death of her father, Sonya became depressed.

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Linkedin Anggi M. Lubis and Agus Maryono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Cilacap  Thu, July 28 2016

Pressure is mounting ahead of the executions of at least 14 drug convicts to be carried out later this week, as international organizations and foreign countries call on Indonesia to put off using the death penalty, which they say has tainted Indonesias reputation as an emerging democracy.



Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo confirmed on Wednesday that 14 people  including convicts from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe  had been put in isolation on the Nusakambangan prison island off Cilacap, Central Java, and would be executed this week.



The executions will be the third round under President Joko Jokowi Widodo, after the country put 14 drug convicts, mostly foreigners, to death in two groups in 2015, to much international outrage.



The upcoming executions are no different, with a number of foreign missions in Indonesia and international rights organizations having conveyed their concerns about how the planned killings might lead to Indonesia committing miscarriages of justice.



EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guerend said that if the executions were indeed confirmed, the EU would come out with a statement as it does worldwide, including about countries with which it has friendly relations.



The EU, he said, was against the death penalty as a matter of principle and was in favor of a worldwide abolition of the death penalty and the EU is calling on all states and all members of the international community to abolish the death penalty or to implement a moratorium on the death penalty.



Indonesia is a strong democracy and Indonesia is, in many respects, a model in this part of the world. We believe that Indonesia should strongly consider joining the vast majority of countries, 140 out of 190, that have abolished the death penalty, he said.



Among the convicts to be executed is Pakistani Zulfiqar Ali, whom an investigative team from the Law and Human Rights Ministry had concluded might be innocent.



For Pakistan, which still applies the death penalty, the concern is different, said Pakistani Ambassador to Indonesia Aqil Naseem.



Pakistan restored the death penalty last year after a terrorist attack in a public school that claimed the lives of 150 children.



Only terrorists will be hanged in Pakistan now and while Naseem respects Indonesias legal system, his main concern is the unfair trial of Ali.



Amnesty International believes that Jokowi would put his government on the wrong side of history if he proceeded with a fresh round of executions, said the groups Southeast Asia head Josef Benedict.



British Ambassador to Indonesia Moazzam Malik said in a recent interview that he did not think the death penalty had helped Indonesias standing in the world.



Does Indonesia want to be seen alongside China and Iran, or does it want to be seen alongside 130 countries, developed and developing and emerging economies, giving up on the death penalty? he asked.



We have miscarriages of justice in the UK, in the US, all over the world. If theres some risks that innocent lives may be taken, I dont think that is acceptable.



UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein expressed alarm at the planned executions.



The increasing use of the death penalty in Indonesia is terribly worrying and I urge the government to immediately end this practice, which is unjust and incompatible with human rights, he said in a statement.



As the executions are imminent, information has spread that the State Palace has sent letters to the Attorney Generals Office to cancel the executions of Ali and Indonesian Merri Utami. Calls to presidential chief of staff Teten Masduki to confirm the information were not answered.



Meanwhile, preparations at the Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, for the executions of 14 convicts have been completed. All equipment and property needed for the executions were sent there on Wednesday.



All has been prepared, including security personnel. About 1,500 people have been deployed to secure the execution area so the process can run smoothly, Cilacap Police spokesman Adj. Comr. Bintoro said.

______________________________________

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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

The President has instructed the Finance Ministry and the Directorate General of Taxation to improve services in the tax amnesty program, following complaints of lack of services at the tax amnesty help desks.

"There are people coming to the tax office, but there are no officers [at the help desks], or the officers cannot explain the details of the tax amnesty program," said President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at a plenary Cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Jakarta.

He further said that he would gather all tax office heads at the State Palace for a briefing in a bid to make the long-awaited program, which is expected to repatriate trillions of rupiah in assets parked overseas, successful.

(Read also : Sri Mulyani shows promise with her sunset policy record: Economists)

Jokowi acknowledged that other countries were trying to hold onto Indonesian assets by providing facilities and incentive programs. "It must be anticipated," he asserted.

"Again, this is a great program that will improve the economy. The time is now," he went on.

A number of Singaporean banks have reportedly been trying to discourage their Indonesian clients from repatriating their assets by offering, among others, zero percent interest on loans to Indonesian businesspeople and waivers on declaration fees. (ags)
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Linkedin Almeria Allen N (The Jakarta Post) Copenhagen  Thu, July 28 2016

Ancient tale: The tragedy based on myth of Prometheus is the center of Teater Tetas troupes latest play, Belenggu Prometheus (Prometheus Bound), performed on its European tour.

Hier sitz ich, forme Menschen Nach meinem Bilde,

Ein Geschlecht, das mir gleich sei,

Zu leiden, zu weinen,

Zu genieen und zu freuen sich,

Und dein nicht zu achten,

Wie ich!



(Here sit I, forming mortals; After my image; A race resembling me; To suffer, to weep; To enjoy, to be glad; And thee to scorn; As I!)



Its the last verse of the poem Prometheus by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Prometheus is a Titan who defies Zeus and gives fire to mankind, acts for which he is subjected to perpetual punishment.



The tragedy based on the myth of Prometheus is at the center of Teater Tetas troupes latest play, Belenggu Prometheus (Prometheus Bound).



The troupe performed the play on July 26 in Slovenia at the 28th Summer in Ljubljana Old Town Festival. Their next stops are in Gmund and Grunbach, Austria on July 29 and 31 before heading to Fertorakos, Hungary.



The group left Jakarta for its tour on July 15. On account of the Turkish coup attempt, it was stranded for 24 hours at Antalya Airport, Turkey before finally arriving in Athens on July 17 and directly going to Kavala in northern Greece by bus provided by the Indonesian Embassy in Athens.



In Kavala, Teater Tetas presented Belenggu Prometheus at the 59th Philipi Festival in the ancient theater of Philippi on July 21 and at the 26th Ancient Ilis Festival in Aigio on July 22. Both shows in the open air theaters in Greece were a success.



Some 350 people occupied the seats in Kavala, an open air theater built 2,400 years ago. Legendary band Pink Floyd once performed at the same place. In Aigio, 500 people came to the venue to see the troupes performance.



The tour marked a great achievement for Teater Tetas, which was founded in September 1978 by its artistic director, the late Agus Arya Dipayana. The group is popular in Indonesia, especially at the Bulungan Youth Center in South Jakarta. It has grown and expanded, with 646 members to date.



Teater Tetas has also contributed to the shaping of contemporary theater in the country through its performances, many of which were inspired by the epic Mahabharata.



In the summer of 2012, it produced the play Mimpi (Dream) for its first European tour. It presented the play in Greece, Austria and Hungary.



Under the guidance of Werner Schulze, it produced Belenggu Prometheus for this years tour. Werner is a composer, scientist and professor at the International Center for Harmonics of the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria. Schulze has been the theater troupes artistic director since 2012.



Under Schulze, Tetas play is a fusion of traditional Javanese music, contemporary dance and Greek myth.



Through the prism of current social issues, music and dance, the myth of Prometheus came to life. The story of an ancient Greek myth, combined with gamelan traditional Javanese orchestra and dialogue in Indonesian (with subtitles provided on a screen) indeed strengthen the bond between Greek and Indonesian cultures.



 Photo Courtesy of Dony Suryatin

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Linkedin (Associated Press) Seattle, United States  Thu, July 28, 2016

Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration.

Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the boats Wednesday afternoon as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually.

"The tribal journey is, to me, it's like coming together, in unity. And, for us, it's like a healing process," said 23-year-old Bonnie Fornsby of the Swinomish Tribe, which has four canoes in the celebration. "Everybody comes together and we all sing to make it and we're very strong. We're very strong."

Last year was the first time since 1993 that there wasn't a Puget Sound tribal journey, which attracts Native American peoples from as far as Alaska and Canada.

For the journeys, tribes throughout the Northwest gather a team of pullers. They leave their own shores in canoes and visit other tribal lands as they make their way to the host tribe's land.

On Saturday, canoes were expected to arrive at the Port of Olympia landing, where they will be greeted by members of the Nisqually Tribe.

Tribal pullers hold their canoe paddles upright as they wait their turn to be given permission to come ashore during an annual journey July 27 in Seattle.(AP/Elaine Thompson)

Irene Kai (right) and Donna Starr greet an arriving tribal canoe during an annual journey July 27 in Seattle.(AP/Elaine Thompson)

A tribal puller, wearing a traditional woven cedar bark hat, holds a paddle while waiting in a canoe during an annual journey July 27 in Seattle.(AP/Elaine Thompson)

Tribal members heft a canoe onto a beach and out of the tidal zone after their arrival during an annual journey July 27 in Seattle.(AP/Elaine Thompson)
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Beijing  Thu, July 28, 2016

The State Department says its diplomats have not been granted permission to meet with James Wang, a jailed magazine publisher and American citizen, since his 2014 arrest in southern China.

A court in Shenzhen this week sentenced Wang, also known as Wang Jianmin, to five years on charges of running an illegal business, bribery and collusion after he sent copies of his sensitive political magazine to mainland China. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday the US will continue to request visits.

Wang's lawyer Chen Nansha said Thursday that Wang might not appeal the verdict. Wang also holds Hong Kong citizenship and last entered China with his Hong Kong identity card before his arrest, Chen said.

China does not recognize dual citizenship and likely tried Wang as a Chinese citizen.
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Linkedin Ina Parlina and Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post)  Thu, July 28, 2016

After two years watching several of his ministers bicker and expose their policy differences to the public, President Joko Jokowi Widodo told his newly reformed Cabinet on Wednesday that all ministers had to work as a team and that they only reported to him.



The first thing I want to say, especially to new ministers, theres no such thing as a vision or mission of a minister, we only have the vision and mission of the President and Vice President. All ministers must follow the vision and mission that we outline and all policies decided during either plenary or limited Cabinet meetings, Jokowi said in his opening remarks to the meeting.



Speaking in the first Cabinet meeting after the reshuffle, Jokowi also said that he was fully in charge and that ministers should not take initiatives on issues not decided by him.



Four hours before giving the warning, President Jokowi announced his new Cabinet line-up, which included nine new faces.



The new faces in the Cabinet are Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Minister Eko Putro Sanjoyo, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Culture and Education Minister Muhadjir Effendy, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita, Trade Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Archandra Tahar and Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Asman Abnur.



While the chief objective of the latest Cabinet shake-up was to accommodate the demands of political parties in his ruling coalition, especially the Golkar and National Mandate (PAN) parties, which only recently joined his government, many view the reshuffle as an effort by Jokowi to bring order to his Cabinet.



The dismissals of outgoing coordinating maritime affairs minister Rizal Ramli, energy and mineral resources minister Sudirman Said and transportation minister Ignasius Jonan have been seen as punishment for their penchant for publicly airing their policy disagreements and making controversial statements.



Sudirman had engaged in a string of tussles with then coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister Luhut Pandjaitan and Rizal.



Sudirman and Rizal engaged in a bitter seven-month spat over the Masela gas block development, which ended only after Jokowi decided to back Rizals proposal to build an onshore liquefied national gas (LNG) plant.

(-/-)



Rizal started a fresh controversy recently by picking a fight with Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama over the Jakarta Bay reclamation project. Rizal insisted on terminating the development of Islet G off the coast of North Jakarta, while Ahok has insisted that the project is legal and in line with a 1995 decree, which Rizal claimed to be now void.



Jonan, meanwhile, was in the spotlight for decisions that many deemed as laying stumbling blocks for Jokowis pet project, the high-speed railway project between Jakarta and Bandung, West Java.



Jonan initially refused to issue the building permit for the company developing the railway, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), arguing that it had not submitted the required documents. Jonan even

declined to attend the ground-breaking ceremony for the project in January this year.



In his speech to the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Jokowi did not mention Jonan by name but he had a stinging rebuke for his former minister. If a decision has been taken in a Cabinet meeting, then ministers should be of one voice and give their full support. They must consistently implement the decision and should not take their own initiatives, especially on issues that I have issued presidential regulations, he said.



Jokowi issued on Oct. 6, 2015 a presidential regulation to expedite the construction of the railway project.



Meanwhile, former administrative and bureaucratic reform minister Yuddy Chrisnandi was shown the door in all likelihood for some of the controversial decisions made during his brief tenure, including his decision to issue his ministrys annual government institution performance review, which showed his ministry to be among the best-performing government institutions.



The President ignored the finding and insisted that only he had the authority to judge the performance of ministers.



Many, however, questioned Jokowis decision to sack culture and education minister Anies Baswedan, whom analysts considered to be one of the most competent ministers in the Cabinet.



Political analyst Arya Fernandes from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said Anies has been used as a sacrificial lamb in the effort to meet the demands of political parties.



His ministry is in the top five, but he was removed. Jokowi needed to accommodate the demands of political parties and he needed to do that with the least amount of resistance, Arya said.



Political observer Arie Sujito of Gadjah Mada University said that the latest Cabinet reshuffle would test Jokowis leadership skills even more.



The heavier challenge is that the second reshuffle should deliver better results and introduce more policy breakthroughs, Arie said.

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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who has decided to run in the election with political party support, urged his supporters to support his decision without making a fuss about the photocopies of one million identity cards that had been gathered by Teman Ahok.

On the Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) official website, it states that its volunteers had managed to collect 1,034,773 copies of Jakarta voter ID cards, more than enough for Ahok to run as an independent candidate in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election.

"Your ID cards for me won't be in vain. If any of my voters are disappointed with my decision, I should ask them, do you support me to be governor again or are you against political parties?" Ahok said at City Hall on Thursday.

Ahok said the independent process was more complicated, especially the verification process. Ahok once said that going with Teman Ahok meant he had to take the rough road, while going with political parties would mean he could use the "toll road".

"Now the candidacy process is simple because I will be with political parties. We're not against political parties," Ahok said.

On Wednesday, Ahok declared that he would run as a governor candidate with political parties that supported him  the Golkar Party, Gerindra Party and Nasdem. Teman Ahok members who witnessed the declaration said that they would continue to support Ahok. (bbn)
By PTI: Berhampur (Odisha), Jul 27 (PTI) Two years after the arrest of Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, a man who had allegedly given shelter to the high-profile rebel in his house near Bada Bazar here has been arrested, police said.

A Chandra Rao (55), who remained untraced since Pandas arrest from his house at Mangalavarampeta Street near Bada Bazar on July 18, 2014, was caught by a special police team yesterday, additional SP, Berhampur, Tirnath Patel said.

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Rao was arrested near a private clinic in New Bus Stand area here by the police team, Patel said.

A mobile phone, some medical documents and cash were seized from him, he added.

Police said a special team has been constituted to interrogate Rao and ascertain his relation with the Maoist leader.

Rao, however, denied having any link with Maoists or Sabyasachi, who he claimed was staying in his house as a tenant in some other name.

"I did not know Sabyasachi. He was staying in the house in the name of Gopal Das, a businessman," Rao said.

During Pandas arrest, the police had seized a revolver, four rounds of ammunition, around half kg of gold ornaments, laptop, four pen-drives, two hard disks, 10 mobile phones and several other items from Raos house. PTI COR SKN MM KIS PD

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Beijing  Thu, July 28, 2016

China's military said Thursday it will hold joint exercises with Russian forces in the South China Sea, following a recent arbitration ruling that rejected Beijing's claim to almost the entire strategic body of water

The air and sea drills will be held sometime in September and were aimed at deepening relations between the two militaries and boosting their capacity to respond to maritime threats, ministry spokesman Col. Yang Yujun said at a monthly news briefing.

Yang said the exercises weren't targeted at any third parties. He didn't disclose the specific location, and some areas of the South China Sea are not disputed.

Chinese ships have challenged vessels from the US, the Philippines and other nations in disputed waters, and China considers the tribunal's ruling earlier this month to be invalid.

Russia and China have held numerous joint drills in recent years, united in a desire to stem American power in the Asia-Pacific region, despite their own lingering mistrust over territory and influence in Central Asia.

Russia has also spoken in support of China's rejection of the move by the Philippines to bring the South China Sea case before the international arbitration body in the Hague, the Netherlands, and argued that countries without a direct claim to territory should stay impartial, in a reference to the US, which has called on China to accept the ruling as binding.

In the wake of the ruling, China held live-firing exercises and said it would launch regular air patrols over the South China Sea while continuing with the construction of man-made islands equipped with harbors, airstrips and other infrastructure with military uses.

It has also launched a diplomatic campaign to denigrate the ruling that has so far persuaded other Southeast Asian countries that have similar disputes with it to back away. China kept any mention of the judgment from appearing in a joint communique from issued at the conclusion Tuesday of a meeting between it and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Six governments in all claim territory in the South China Sea. China says all disputes should be settled bilaterally through negotiations.
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Linkedin Leila Salaverria, Tarra Quismundo (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) Manila  Thu, July 28, 2016

United States Secretary of State John Kerry mentioned the need to protect civil and human rights during talks on a wide range of issues on Wednesday with President Rodrigo Duterte and Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay.

In a press briefing, Palace spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Kerry brought up the matter then listened very intently to the Presidents explanation of his drive against criminality.

Before meeting with the President, Kerry held a joint press conference with Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay and spoke of the need to protect peoples rights even as authorities seek to uphold peace and order.

I made very clear that civil and human rights need to be protected even as we work to keep our society safe, Kerry said.

Kerry said he reminded the Duterte administration of the importance of respect for human rights, calling it a part of the broader agenda of his Manila visit where law enforcement and trade relations between the long-standing allies were tackled alongside the centerpiece issue of security and unresolved disputes in the South China Sea.

The Duterte administrations intensified war against crime and illegal drugs has led to the killing of hundreds of drug suspects, either through alleged shootouts with police or summary execution by motorcycle-riding masked men.

The President had vowed to be relentless in his campaign against illegal drug operations in the country and has warned human rights groups not to get in the way. The body count has risen to more than 300 since Duterte took office on June 30.

In his first State of the Nation Address the other day, Duterte warned that human rights cannot be used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country.
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Linkedin Kristine Angeli Sabillo (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) Manila  Thu, July 28, 2016

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay on Wednesday denied that China won when the Philippines reportedly dropped a request to mention, in an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) statement, the historic arbitral tribunal ruling on the disputed South China Sea.

I am saying this to dispel the reports in being said that China came out victoriousprecisely because we did not agree to mention the arbitral award, Yasay said during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The arbitral award is an issue between China and the Philippines. The purpose of ASEAN was simply to address the South China Sea issue in terms of trying to resolve it, consistent with the general laws, he said.

Yasay, who attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Laos, then went on to read parts of the joint communique discussing the ASEANs commitment to uphold peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance to international law.

Asked if he did push for the mention of the arbitral award, the secretary said, Yes. Vigorously. I pushed for the inclusion and mentioning of the arbitration award. Again, this was a diplomatic tact that must be made.

I am very happy with the joint communique statementI am very proud of ASEAN. I am very proud that ASEAN has recognized its key role as a regional group, he said.

On July 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines, which filed a petition against Chinas nine-dash line claim, a claim contested by its other neighboring countries.

The tribunal said China had no basis to claim historic rights in the area and that it had violated the Philippines sovereign rights by doing the following: (a) interfering with Philippine fishing and petroleum exploration, (b) constructing artificial islands and (c) failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the zone.

Contrary to Yasays claim, an earlier report quoted an ASEAN diplomat saying that the Philippines agreed not to mention the ruling in the communique to prevent disagreement that may result in the group failing to issue a statement.
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, July 29, 2016

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti voiced on Thursday a contrasting opinion to that of former coordinating political, legal, and security affairs minister Luhut Pandjaitan, who said that foreign fishermen should be able to exploit the Natuna Sea as long as they formed a cooperation with local companies.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has appointed Luhut as coordinating maritime affairs minister.

Only Indonesians can catch fish in Indonesia, Susi said at the South-East Asia and Pacific Regional Fisheries Summit in Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta on Thursday, adding that Luhut might have forgotten that the fishing industry had been included on the negative investment list.

However, she added the foreign investment was welcome in fishery related businesses. A foreign investor can invest in cold storage, fishing equipment, technology, processing, and marketing.

"We are also campaigning to youngsters that the fishery business is cool. Now they are starting to move into this business, Susi claimed. (dan)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Fans of Korean drama Descendants of the Sun can rejoice as they will be able to visit its filming locations in South Korea.

Collaborating with travel agents in Indonesia, the Korean Tourism Organization Jakarta Office (KTO Jakarta) is set to offer 10 Descendants of the Sun tour packages, which include Hanbo Mine in Taebaek, Samtan Art Mine in Jeongson, both located in Gangwon province, Paju military camp in Gyeonggi province and the beautifully decorated cafe dal.komm coffee.

According to kompas.com, among the travel agents cooperating with KTO Jakarta are Avia Tour, Bayu Buana, Dwidaya Tour, Golden Rama and KIA.

(Read also: K-drama Descendants of the Sun to be adapted to big screen)

The view of Hanbo Mine in Taebaek, Gangwon province(Korea Tourism Organization via Kompas.com/-)

Starring renowned celebrities Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki, the Descendants of the Sun has gained worldwide fame, especially in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore.

The 16-episode drama follows the love story of Captain Yoo Shi-jin (Song Joong-ki) and army doctor Mo Yeon (Song Hye-kyo). Despite their love for each other, circumstances always separates the couple. (wir/kes)
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Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, July 28, 2016

Travelers may include Seoul on their bucket list when traveling to South Korea, but not everyone sets their sights on Suwon, the capital of Gyeonggi-do province. However less popular, the number of tourists in the world-heritage site city has been increasing sharply following the launch of the Visit Suwon Hwaseong Year campaign.

According to an interim report by the city on the initiative, more that 3 million travelers visited the area in the first half of this year, consisting of 2,328,843 locals and 744,564 foreigners. This means a 1.4 million or 88.6 percent increase in visitor numbers from 2015.

(Read also: Incheon airport to hire robots for cleaning, concierge)

As Suwon city aims to attract 7 million visitors in 2016, efforts have been made to increase the awareness of people both inside and outside the city. In January, the city arranged an academic forum to highlight King Jeongjo's ideology and philosophy. King Jeongjo was the 22nd ruler of the Joseon dynasty. The forum also talked about the historic value of UNESCO-cultural heritage site Hwaseong Fortress that was built during King Jeongjo's reign in the city.

Suwon has also introduced events to attract younger people that include K-pop concerts, a model festival and a science exhibition. Lodging facilities, traffic system and service infrastructure have also been upgraded to cater to visitors' needs. The city also intends to incorporate new vehicles, including trains, hot air balloons and bicycle taxis.

Other cultural programs are also on the list. King Jeongjo's pilgrimage to the Yunggeon Royal Tomb will be reenacted in a performance and will be the highlight of cultural programs of Visit Suwon Year. (asw)
Narendra Modi followed a Twitter handle by the name of Nikunj Sahu, who had abused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and had also given him death threats, alleged AAP leader Aashutosh.

When Kejriwal claimed (on Wednesday) that Modi was planning to kill him, it was not a baseless allegation, alleged AAP leader Ashutosh.

By Indo-Asian News Service: AAP leader Ashutosh today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed those on social media who have given death threats to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders.

"When Kejriwal claimed (on Wednesday) that Modi was planning to kill him, it was not a baseless allegation. A Twitter handle that goes by the name 'Nikunj Sahu' had abused Kejriwal and also given death threats to him," the Aam Aadmi Party leader alleged.

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He said Sahu worked in the Information Technology cell of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Modi was following him till 3 pm today.

Arvind Kejriwal in video message to AAP supporters: Modi is so frustrated he can get me killed

SAHU OPENLY ASKING KEJRIWAL TO BE SHOT DEAD

"He is openly asking for Kejriwal and AAP MLAs to be shot dead. I don't understand what is the need for our Prime Minister to follow such people? What is forcing him?" Ashutosh asked.

He said BJP MP Giriraj Singh urged Twitter to reactivate Sahu's account when it was blocked for using abusive language.

BJP ASKED TWITTER TO RE-ACTIVATE SAHU'S ACCOUNT?

"When users complained about the language (used), Sahu's account was blocked by Twitter. However, Union Minister and BJP MP Giriraj Singh had appealed to Twitter and the account was reactivated," the AAP leader told reporters here.

Ashutosh demanded to know why no police action was taken against people who openly threatened Kejriwal.

"While our MLAs are arrested after minor complaints, no action is taken against people like Sahu who are openly threatening Kejriwal with death," he said.

HERE IS WHAT KEJRIWAL SAID IN THE VIDEO MESSAGE:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/kejriwal-targets-modi-in-video-message-is-india-in-safe-hands-he-asks/1/725432.html



Also Read:

Watch out Sisodia, Modiji will send CBI against you: Arvind Kejriwal takes a jibe at Modi



Modi gives Arvind Kejriwal awkward handshake at council meeting; video goes viral

Kejriwal strikes again, claims money spent on Modi's clothes more than AAP's ad budget



--- ENDS ---
Oh yes, it's true. And this cruise ship will start sailing from December this year.

By India Today Web Desk: This is going to be big! Indian travellers have all the right to be excited as starting December this year, Costa neoClassica will be operating cruises from Mumbai to Maldives.

Oh yes, you read that right. And guess what, the tickets for this cruise start at an affordable price of Rs 43,000.

No wait, there's more: the cruise will last for 7 nights and 8 days every single time and will take travellers on an unforgettable journey to the Maldives' capital Male. With a total of as many as 654 cabins and suites, the cruise will accommodate 1,700 passengers.

If sailing on the vast oceans is not enough to make you happy, let us give you a quick update on what this cruise has in store for a traveller. The ship will have a casino, a theatre, a library, a discotheque, a ballroom, numerous dining options, a bar, and a wellness centre that will include treatment rooms, sauna, a steam room, four Jacuzzis, two swimming pools and a gym.

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The luxury cruise liner will sail from December 16, 2016 to March 18, 2017 and will cover the distance by travelling via Mangaluru and Kochi.

And guess what? If you happen to book a return trip, the cruise will take you via Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Goa. Think it's too good a plan? Book it here .


A man has been arrested after he threatened a bouncer at a bar in the US and threw a bat-shaped metal object (just like a Batman-style ninja star) at the police officers who chased him.

Police were called to a bar in Capitol Hill, Seattle, after the man reportedly swung an improvised spear  which was a knife attached to a metal pole  at an employee.

(Seattle Police Department)

The man fled the scene and was being chased by the officers when he threw a batarang at them.

website According to the Seattle government, the officers eventually managed to catch up with the 23-year-old suspect.

(Seattle Police Department)

They also found he had thrown a sharp, black Batman-style throwing star, which had become embedded in the front end of a patrol vehicle.

(Seattle Police Department)

Officers booked the man into the King County Jail for felony assault.

They are also requesting additional weapons and obstruction charges to be filed.
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Nargis Fakhri wants you to know she hasn't left India forever. Not for Uday Chopra, not for anything.

By India Today Web Desk: It hasn't even been a day-and-a-half that rumour mills were abuzz with stories of Nargis Fakhri planning to quit India, and Bollywood, forver. But seems like the pretty lass is in no mood to let rumour-mongers get the better of her.

ALSO READ: Nargis Fakhri leaves for US after break-up with Uday Chopra?

ALSO READ: Uday Chopra rubbishes break-up rumours, says still good friends with Nargis Fakhri

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Nargis has shot down rumours claiming that she plans to leave the industry. The actor says these are all "baseless rumours" and has "no plans to quit".

Nargis took to Twitter on Thursday to share that she is looking forward to completing her assignments in the US and will also start promoting her upcoming film Banjo in a few weeks.

Nargis wrote on Twitter:



Lookin forward 2finishing my assignment in daUS &being back 2start promoting #Banjo in a few weeks!#noplanstoquit #allelsearebaselessrumours Nargis (@NargisFakhri) July 28, 2016

Reports about the Azhar actor quitting Bollywood and not returning to India began doing the rounds when Fakhri left the country during the promotions of her films Azhar and Housefull 3 in May this year.

It was said that Nargis had apparently broken up with actor Uday Chopra and flown to the US to get over him. She was quoted by a daily as saying, "Nargis was all set to announce her wedding to Uday Chopra, but he'd changed his mind about getting hitched and this came as a shock to her. There was a time when he was very keen to marry her and had proposed to her, but she wanted to focus on her career and Hollywood films. Now, the tables have turned. She had a huge fight with him, suffered a nervous breakdown and left almost overnight."

However, Fakhri's spokesperson presented a different version of the story to the media. The spokesperson said, "Nargis has been extremely overworked working on three films simultaneously over the last year. For someone who's used to doing one film at a time, this was quite a bit for Nargis. Schedules and intense work hours that filmmaking demands are not something everyone can cope with. In addition, she has been unwell right through the Azhar promotions with multiple injuries - torn hamstring, anterior knee ligament thinning and mild socket dislocation along with burning of the stomach lining due to lead and arsenic poisoning. Due to these multiple issues and her overall exhaustion, she had a fever of about 101 degrees right through her promotions. Even though she was advised complete rest, she ensured she completed everything she had committed to for Azhar. However, due to her deteriorating condition, she had to request Sajid sir (Nadiadwala, the producer of Housefull 3) and bow out of Housefull 3 promotions to go back home to New York for a month to address all her medical issues and recuperate."

A few days after the Nargis Fakhri-Uday Chopra brouhaha, Chopra released a statement which read, "I normally don't respond to gossip, but the press has been reporting a lot of fiction disguised as fact. I would just like to clarify that Nargis and I have been and still are very close friends. The press has done a wonderful job of creating stories out of thin air and I applaud their creativity. However these are all untrue."

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Nargis has been away from the country for more than two months now, but seems like we will see the actor back in action soon. Her upcoming film Banjo, directed by Ravi Jadhav, will see her opposite Riteish Deshmukh.

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Neha Marda is at it again, and by 'it,' we mean having the time of her life.

By India Today Web Desk: Balika Vadhu actress Neha Marda is vacationing. AGAIN. The actress apparently beats the work stress by taking sporadic breaks. At least her Instagram pictures suggest the same. This time, the petite actress is kicking off her shoes in style in the beautiful locales of Amsterdam.

Also read:See pics: Balika Vadhu actress Neha Marda vacations in Thailand, sizzles in a bikini

When Neha went to Thailand. Picture courtesy: Instagram/nehamarda

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Neha became a household name when she shot to fame with her portrayal of the character Gehna in the hit daily Balika Vadhu. The last time the actress was seen bringing in the heat with her beach avatar in Thailand; the vacation had lasted for one good week. Wonder how long is it going to be this time!

The talented actress recently posted a picture on her Instagram account from her vacation in which she can be seen smiling happily at the camera with her closed ones by her side. Neha had captioned the picture as "I am in Amsterdam?group always calls for a pic."

The actress is spending quality time with her loved ones. Picture courtesy: Instagram/nehamarda

The actress was donning a white fitted dress, and wearing a dark pair of shades.

Neha leaves for her vacation. Picture courtesy: Instagram/nehamarda

She had posted another picture when she was leaving for her fun holiday. The actress had written in the caption, "Off to Europe for vacation?"

Neha is also known for playing the character of Urmi in Zee TV's Doli Armaanon Ki.



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Ex-MP nabbed in North charter letters fallout

BANGKOK: Authorities yesterday (July 27) arrested the vice-president of the Chiang Mai provincial administrative organisation (OrBorJor) for her alleged involvement in letters containing allegedly distorted information on the draft charter discovered in Chiang Mai during raids on Saturday (July 23).

militarypolicepolitics

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 28 July 2016, 09:26AM

Tasanee Buranupakorn, left, on her way to the 11th Military Circle in Bangkok. Photo: Apichart Jinakul

Tasanee Buranupakorn, who was also a former Chiang Mai MP, was arrested when she turned herself in at the Royal Thai police headquarters in Bangkok to seek justice for her younger sister, Thanthip, who was apprehended by army officers at her home in Chiang Mai on Tuesday night (July 26).

The arrests came after law enforcement officials raided six locations linked to Boonlert Buranupakorn, president of the Chiang Mai OrBorJor on Saturday.

One of the raided locations was Chiang Mai Tusnaporn Co  a wood furniture manufacturer and exporter  run by Mr Boonlert, whose family has been closely connected with the Pheu Thai Party.

Police said they found the letters contained distorted information that claimed the draft charter would cancel the governments B30 healthcare scheme, monthly payments to the elderly and free schooling.

Mr Boonlert was later suspended from his job without pay according to an order under Section 44 of the interim charter by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. He is said to be travelling abroad.

Before being arrested at police headquarters yesterday, Ms Tasanee, Mr Boonlerts niece, told reporters her family had nothing to do with the letters.

She said she went to meet Provincial Police Region 5 commissioner Tanitsak Teerasawat on Monday (July 25) in Chiang Mai to maintain her innocence and insist there was no need to seek any arrest or search warrant against her.

I am confident the letters which were used to accuse me contain no information which breach the laws, said Ms Tasanee. No efforts have been made to distort or falsify the draft charter.

She said that in her view, the letters represent differing opinions about the draft charter, particularly during this period in the lead-up to the referendum, and people should have the opportunity to express their views.

However, upon her visit to Bangkok police headquarters yesterday, Ms Tasanee was taken away by army officers on a charge of inciting public unrest under Section 116 of the Criminal Code. She was reportedly taken into custody at the 11th Military Circle.

Ms Tasanees lawyer, Jamnong Chaimongkol, said he wanted the government and the Election Commission to explain why the letters expressing views on the draft charter were against Section 116.

Ms Tasanee and her sister are among 11 people facing charges in relation to the offending letters. Others include Khachen Jiakkhajorn, mayor of tambon Chang Phueak in Chiang Mais Muang district, whose house was also raided on Saturday, and Wisarut Khunatisarn, whom Chiang Mai Tusnaporn staff said the letters belonged to.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai party members yersterday insisted the letters only contain opinions on the draft charter and are not in violation of the referendum laws.

Pheu Thais former Chiang Rai MP Samart Kaewmeechai said the letters merely express concerns about the draft charter, such as the publics rights to education and health care and benefits for the elderly, which are inferior to the 1997 and 2007 charters.

In the North, there are no fake letters or any attempts to cause unrest, said Mr Samart. The public should get the chance to discuss the draft charter, so people can clearly understand its contents.

Read original story here.
Jungceylon final inspection postponed

PHUKET: The final inspection of the repaired pillars in the underground section of the Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong scheduled to be led by Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada today (July 28) has been postponed until Monday (Aug 1).

tourismconstructioneconomicspatong

By The Phuket News

Thursday 28 July 2016, 05:51PM

Jungceylon is hoping to re-open the closed areas on Monday (July 31).

The Port open-air zone and the underground market called Thats Siam were closed off on June 8 after several structural pillars showed signs of crumbling. (See story here.)

The formal inspection is required before officials can grant approval to re-open the areas that have been closed off for more than a month.

We are ready to open any day. Our engineers have already reported the repairs done to Patong Municipality. We are just waiting for the Governor to approve the repairs, Slilla Svetsreni, Senior Public Relations Manager at Jungceylon, told The Phuket News today

The work in the area has been completed. I was told that workers put supporting poles around the damaged pillars and they replaced the damaged pillars with a new ones.

Our lead engineer cannot pinpoint what caused the damaged, but he said there are many factors that may be responsible for this. He assured that the issue had been rectified and officials from Patong already inspected the work on Tuesday (July 26), said Ms Slilla.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) NIA today questioned Bahadur Ali alias Saifullah, a Pakistani national allegedly working for Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit, about involvement of his group in spreading violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

A fourth-class dropout Ali, who hails from Jahama village of Raiwind in Lahore, was arrested from village Yahama in Mawar area of Qalamabad, Handwara, in North Kashmir on July 25. The Army had recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pistols and Indian Rs 23,000 from his possession.

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A team of NIA officials led by a Deputy Inspector General took the custody of 22-year-old from Handwara court and brought him here for a thorough interrogation, including carrying out some scientific tests.

The captured militant had told his interrogators in Srinagar that he had been hiding in the forests of Handwara and receiving infiltrating groups from PoK before sending them further into the Valley, the sources said.

The interrogation of Ali, who has been brought on a five-day NIA remand, is expected to throw some light on sudden spurt of infiltration into the valley.

Ali was trained at a Lashkar camp in PoK, including in map reading and operating GPS devices.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju called Ali a "very good catch" and said his arrest will lead to many successes. He said the arrested militant would be "big handle for us". PTI SKL SK SK

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Mystery surrounds death of Chinese man, 70, found unconscious on rocks off Phuket beach

PHUKET: Mystery still surrounds the death of a Chinese tourist who was found unconscious on rocks off Kata beach on Tuesday (July 26) with police stating that the body has been sent to Songkhla for autopsy.

accidentsdeathChinesepolicetourism

By The Phuket News

Thursday 28 July 2016, 03:44PM

Lifeguards were able to recover Mr Su from the rocks before bringing him to shore. Photo: Tourist Police

Police were notified of the incident at 2pm on Tuesday that a 70-year-old Chinese tourist had died after being swept onto rocks by strong waves at Kata Beach, but by the time police arrived with Ruamjai rescue workers, the man, identified as Su Fuhai from Beijing, was unresponsive on the beach.

It was stated in the police report that attempts were made to revive Mr Su, but he remained unresponsive. (See story here.)

Chief of the Phuket Lifeguard Club, Prathaiyut Chuayuan, told The Phuket News yesterday (July 27), We dont know what exactly happened to Mr Su at the beach. Lifeguards stationed at Kata beach launched a search after they were alerted by beachgoers that they saw a man disappear whilst he was walking on the rocks.

The coastal area where they found Mr Su was not in an area where lifeguards patrol nor near their station. In addition, no one was with him at the time he disappeared. At this stage we are not sure if he slipped and fell or if he drowned, he said.

Mr Prathaiyut pointed out that there was no rough waves that day that would severely injure someone.

I dont think he was hit by a wave onto the rocks as reported. All we can do is let doctors determine the cause of death, he said.

Meanwhile, Maj Patiwat Yodkwan of the Karon Police told The Phuket News, We have yet to conclude what had happened to Mr Su who was found unconscious on the rocks at Kata Beach on July 26. We are waiting for doctors to confirm the cause of death.

We received a call after 2pm on July26 where it was said that a foreigner had drowned off Kata beach. When we arrived with Ruamjai rescue workers, the man, identified as Su Fuhai from China was unresponsive on the beach, he said.

We were told that beach guards went out on jet-skis to look for Mr Su after being told he had disappeared among the rocks. They managed to find him and brought him to shore.

I have been told that the body of Mr Su has been taken to Prince of Songkhla University Hospital for doctors to determine the cause of death. It will probably take at least one month for test result to came back, he added.
Patong car park shooter charged with attempted murder

PHUKET: The fugitive accused of shooting another man four times in a car park near Bangla Rd in Patong early yesterday morning (July 27) has surrendered to police.

patongviolencepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 28 July 2016, 12:14PM

Several vehicles were struck by bullets in the shooting. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Several vehicles were struck by bullets in the shooting. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Thanaphol Phatkaew (left), 34, presented himself at Patong Police Station at 3:30pm yesterday afternoon and handed in a 9mm Glock handgun used in the shooting. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Thanaphol Phatkaew (left), 34, presented himself at Patong Police Station at 3:30pm yesterday afternoon and handed in a 9mm Glock handgun used in the shooting. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Thanaphol Phatkaew, 34, presented himself at Patong Police Station at 3:30pm yesterday afternoon and handed in a 9mm Glock handgun used in the shooting.

Thanapol was wanted by police for shooting Sayan Padungsap, 35, in a fit of rage at about 3:30am yesterday. Several vehicles were struck by bullets in the shooting. (See story here.)

Mr Sayan sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen (left side), hip (back right), left foot and lower left leg. He is currently receiving treatment at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.

Sayan and Thanaphol were embroiled in an argument in the parking lot, where Thanaphol shot Sayan four times before fleeing the scene in his pickup truck, Patong Deputy Police Chief Lt Col Somsak Thongkleang told The Phuket News.

Thanaphol worked as a tout on Bangla Rd, and he and Sayan knew each other, Col Somsak said.

We agreed to meet at the car park to settle a dispute, Thanaphol told police.

Sayan used abusive language toward me and called my parents names, he added.

Patong Police have now charged Thanaphol with attempted murder, carrying a firearm and ammunition in a public place and firing a firearm in a public place.
Phuket City Municipality proposes new act for pet control

PHUKET: Phuket City officials have drafted regulations for a proposed Animal Welfare Act 2016 which will require all cat and dog owners to register their pets and adhere to strict regulations.

animalsenvironment

By Chanida Summast

Thursday 28 July 2016, 12:38PM

If the proposed act goes through, some dogs will have to be muzzled if taken into a public area. Photo: whatleydude/Flickr

Should the regulations not be met, then the owners of the pets will be liable to pay a fine of B5,000.

The proposed act, which will be added to the existing Municipality Act, was discussed at a meeting held last Saturday (July 23) by Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupapana at Baan Bang Niew Municipal School in Phuket Town and attended by local government officials and residents.

During the meeting Mayor Somjai said, We have received a numbers of complaints from residents regarding issues with cats and dogs such as their health and cleanliness, dogs barking, conflicts between pet owners and also stray dogs.

To solve these issues we are proposing to set out rules and regulations for when owners let their cats and dogs out in public areas. We need the publics input into this so we can add these rules and regulations to the existing act.

If we receive the publics approval we will first forward the proposal to our committee and then to the Phuket Governor for his approval, she said.

The Director of the Public Health and Environment division at Phuket City Municipality, Ms Vina Pikunpon, explained to The Phuket News on Tuesday (July 26): The draft regulations for the Animal Welfare Act 2016 propose the idea of owners keeping their pets, namely dogs and cats, under control and well organised.

These regulations include keeping dogs on a leash when going into public areas. If pets are taken to public areas they must be to be tame, clean, registered and have all necessary vaccinations Ms Vina said.

If we enforce these new regulations we will be able to rid the island of problems such as smelly pets and nuisance noise such as barking. It will also help reduce the number of stray dogs and cats. This draft act will improve the quality of life to our community, she added.

The draft of regulations for Animal Welfare Act 2016

1.1 Phuket City Municipality will be in charge of pet regulations

1.2 All pets (cats and dogs) must be registered

1.3 Living conditions for pets must be clean. The owner must have the ability to take care of his/her pet including providing clean shelter, food and security. All pets must be kept under control and not cause trouble to other residents.

1.4 If taking a pet out to a public area the owner must carry with them their pets identification card (registered at the Phuket City Municipality office) and the animal must be kept on a leash. Dogs such as a Pitbulls, Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Brazilian Mastiffs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers or similar, or a dog with history of attacking people, should wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash of no more than 50 metres length at all times. If it is a special control cat and taken to a public area they should be kept in a cage or secure box.

People under the age of 15 or over 70 who wish to take a Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Brazilian Mastiff, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or similar, or special control cat into a public area can only do so if the animal is kept in a cage or secure box.

1.5. If any pet owner s found to have broken any of the Animal Welfare Act 2016 regulations they will receive a fine of B5,000.

Ms Vina went on to explain that residents should let Phuket City Municipality if their are stray dog in the area know by calling 076 211570 or calling their local municipality office A veterinarian team will then come out and collect the animal and take it to the Phuket stray dog shelter at Bang Kanun National Park.

If we all agreed with to this proposed act, we will announce seven days after it has been approved by the Phuket Governor and pet owners will have to register their pets within one year, she said.

This act 2016 will affect those who live in the Phuket City Municipality boundary area only, she concluded.
Phuket task force arrests four foreigners for working illegally

PHUKET: An elite unit of officials tasked with arresting foreigners found working illegally in Phuket arrested four foreigners yesterday (July 27).

tourismcrimeChinese

By Darawan Naknakhon

Thursday 28 July 2016, 01:29PM

The suspects (seated) were presented to the media yesterday. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

Myanmar national Kun Put, 24, and Saingyong Saechen, also 24 but of unconfirmed nationality, were arrested illegally leading a tour group and Chalong Pier. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

Chinese national Zheng Hongrong, 26, was arrested on Yaowarat Rd while he was shooting pre-wedding photos of a couple sitting in a tuk-tuk. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

Two of the men were arrested leading a tour at Chalong Pier, while the other two were caught working as pre-wedding photographers in Phuket Town.

Phuket Labour Office Chief Suthipong Saisakares, who heads the task force, reported that 24-year-old Myanmar national Kun Put and Saingyong Saechen, 24, were arrested at Chalong Pier.

They were arrested after officials checked Chalong Pier area at 11:30am and found them leading a tour group, said Mr Suthipong.

Kun Put was allegedly working illegally as a tour guide and working without a permit for tour company Freedom Phuket Co Ltd, Mr Suthipong said.

Saingyong was working for Bing Diving, Mr Suthipong said, but officials reportedly were unable to confirm his nationality.

Officers spotted Kun Put leading a tour group down the pier. He was holding a company flag and giving a tour to the group. Officers approached the two (Kun Put and Saingyong) and asked to see identification and work permits, which they did not have, Mr Suthipong said

We found 33 pieces of snorkel parts (sic) in Siangyongs bag, which he said was for his tour group, Mr Suthipong added.

Also yesterday, the task force arrested Chinese nationals Zheng Hongrong, 26, and Wen Yong, 29, in Phuket Town.

Phuket Damrongdhama Centre (Provincial Ombudsmans Office) received a call from local residents reporting that two foreign photographers were taking pre-wedding pictures in tourist attraction areas and causing a public nuisance, Mr Suthipong said.

So we sent another team to investigate, and they found Wen taking a photo shoot of a couple on Thalang Rd, he said.

Another Chinese photographer, Zheng, was arrested on Yaowarat Rd while he was shooting pre-wedding photos of a couple sitting in a tuk-tuk, he added.

Kun Put and Saingyong taken to Chalong Police Station to be charged with working illegally as a tour guide and working in Thailand without a permit, said Mr Suthipong.

Zheng and Wen were taken to Phuket City Police Station to be charged with working in Thailand without a permit, he added.

No mention was made of what happened to the tourists at Chalong Pier who were left without their tour guides, or whether any investigation was ensuing into whether or not Siangyong was able to prove that he had entered the country legally.
Runaway Phuket drug suspect recaptured

PHUKET: Police have today (July 28) confirmed that the runaway drug suspect who escaped custody while being transported to Thalang Police Station in the back of a police pickup truck in the early hours of Tuesday morning (July 26) has been apprehended and is now in custody at Phuket Provincial Prison.



By Chanida Summast

Thursday 28 July 2016, 04:49PM

Phinyo Chowyos, 30, was last seen under a bridge near the Thalang Municipality offices on Thepkrasattri Rd. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Phinyo Chowyos, 30, and his fellow drug suspect companion Nattapong Chaiamart, 23, both jumped out of the pickup truck after officers parked in front of Thalang Police Station.

Officers managed to recapture Nattapong, but they were still searching for Phinyo, who was last seen under a bridge near the Thalang Municipality offices on Thepkrasattri Rd. (see story here.).

Sakoo Police Chief Col Jirasak Siamsak today confirmed to The Phuket News that his officers recaptured Phinyo near his home in Pa Khlok

Phinyo jumped off the pickup truck and disappeared into the pipe under the bridge around 1:30am Tuesday morning. Officers had been searching for him and found him later that morning in Pa Khlok,

In addition to the drug charges, he now also faces the additional charge of escaping police custody. He is now being held at Phuket Provincial Prison, said Col Jirasak.

Meanwhile, Col Jirasak said that the three officers who were in charge of the delivering Phinyo and Nattapong to the police station when they are to receive a verbal warning following the incident.

If we had not found Phinyo all three officers would have faced disciplinary action, however, as he was recaptured they will receive a verbal warning, he said.
The bungalow in Delhi was allotted to NC leader Omar Abdullah when he was a central minister and he continued staying there when he took over as the state chief minister.

By Sneha Agrawal: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is house-hunting in Lutyens' Delhi and the PDP-BJP government wants her predecessor Omar Abdullah's estranged wife to make way.

"The state of Jammu and Kashmir is faced with extremely piquant situation in as much as it does not have an appropriate residence to house its Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, befitting her position and her security imperatives," the state government told the Delhi High Court in an affidavit.

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ABDULLAH'S AND THE BUNGALOW



The court was hearing a petition moved by Payal Abdullah seeking a stay on an eviction order from the Centre's directorate of estates asking her to vacate the sprawling bungalow on Akbar Road, where she lives with her two sons.

The house was allotted to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah when he was a central minister and he continued staying there when he took over as Jammu and Kashmir chief minister.

"When the eviction notice was sent to Omar Abdullah in his response he mentioned that he is no longer in occupation of the premises and the estate office is free to take whatever steps that are considered necessary to take over," said the affidavit.

The matter will be taken up on Thursday.

The state said that it and the local police will ensure that there is no breach in security if the family moves to another accommodation. It cited the example of Omar Abdullah and his father Farooq Abdullah who had moved to their private residences of 5,000 sq ft and 2,300 sq ft, respectively, in the Capital and are being provided appropriate security.

PAYAL CITES SECURITY REASONS



Payal has the option of moving to a 2,300 sq ft private residence on Rao Tula Ram Marg, but in her petition she said the flat is insufficient for making elaborate security arrangements.

The 53-year-old mother of two sons Zahir (17) and Zamin (18) is living at 7, Akbar Road, and was asked to move out of the house by June 30.

Payal told the court that her two sons have Z+ category security and her private residence is not equipped to house the nearly 100 security personnel.

She herself has a Z category security cover.

"Ninety-four security personnel are deputed to secure these three protectees, whose protection is very crucial for the nation and their own lives and the same cannot be done in a small accommodation," her lawyer Amit Khemka said in court this month.

COURT STAYS OMAR PAYAL'S EVICTION



The counsel cited the example of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others who have been given government accommodation on security grounds without any of them holding any government office.

The Delhi High Court had asked Jammu and Kashmir authorities and the Centre to respond to the plea that the petitioners should not be evicted or a suitable alternate accommodation be allotted to them where they can be effectively protected.

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In the previous hearing, additional solicitor general Sanjay Jain argued that after Omar left the chief minister's office, Payal and her two sons had no right to retain the government accommodation.

The court had granted a stay on the eviction order. Payal has also moved an application challenging the estate office's eviction order in the trial court. The judgment has been reserved and is likely to be pronounced in August.

ALSO READ:

Mehbooba Mufti visits Kupwara victims' families, seeks public help to end violence



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South Dakota high school football quarterfinal schedule and scores

The road to the DakotaDome continues tonight with 28 quarterfinal games in seven classes across South Dakota.
By Indo-Asian News Service: You've tried every possible way to lose weight and are still not happy with the results. Just so you know, there's another medium you could start looking at from now on. It's your favourite buddy--the Internet. A new research suggests that taking behavioural help through online portals could of great help. Using the Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR)+ online programme with very brief support from practice staff, participants lost over one kg more averaged over 12 months and were more likely to maintain clinically important weight loss by 12 months.

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POWeR+--an online behavioural intervention--is supported by brief contacts from a practice nurse. It teaches participants self-regulation and cognitive behavioural techniques to provide them with long-term, sustainable ways of forming healthy eating and exercise habits.

"Many people receiving the POWeR+ intervention were able to sustain weight loss over one year but also felt more enabled in managing their weight going forward, and fewer resorted to other activities such as commercial slimming programmes to lose weight," said Paul Little, Professor at University of Southampton in the study published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.

For the study, the researchers involved 818 people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 who took part in 24 web-based sessions over six months. They were randomly allocated to one of three groups--first, control--an existing online intervention that encourages healthier options. Second, POWeR+ with face-to-face support from a nurse, and third POWeR+ with remote very brief support from a nurse (on average three email contacts and one phone contact).

All patients were asked to come for appointments for weighing at six and also 12 months to see if weight loss was maintained. They found that while people in all groups lost weight, the two groups receiving the POWeR+ intervention lost more. The control group lost an average of three kg during 12 months and 21 per cent of people were able to maintain a clinically important amount of weight loss by 12 months.

The POWeR+ group with face-to-face support lost one and half kg more averaged over 12 months and 29 per cent of people had maintained important weight loss by 12 months.

The POWeR+ group with remote support lost 1.3kg more averaged over 12 months with 32 per cent able to maintain clinically important weight loss by 12 months.

Large patient numbers, limited staff training and time pressures mean that delivering face-to-face behavioural interventions in practice can be resource intensive, the survey suggested.

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Union External Minister Sushma Swaraj in her homage to Mahasweta Devi on Twitter has done what can be least expected from a Cabinet Minister.

By Manogya Loiwal : Union External Minister Sushma Swaraj in her homage to Mahasweta Devi on Twitter has done what can be least expected from a Cabinet Minister.

Swaraj paid her respects to the celebrated writer by quoting books never written by her.

She mentioned Bakul Katha and Pratham Pratishruti, books which are actually penned down by Ashapurna Devi, another decorated author.

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Sushma not only has written wrong names but has surprisingly also expressed how these books had a long lasting impact on her.

Mahashweta Devi, died on Thursday afternoon due to a multiple organ failure .

She was 90 and was on ventilation from past two months.

Getting a tribute for work never done surely does not suit the stature like Mahashweta Devi's, specially after demise.

Well, for someone who is so prompt on twitter responses this is perhaps the last and least expected from a leader.

She, however, had deleted the tweet. But, the damage was already done.



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Ahead of the SAARC meet in Pakistan next month, India is ready to remind Pakistan of its reciprocity in the Pathankot case.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Ahead of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meet for home ministers of member nations in Pakistan next month, the Ministry of Home Affairs is ready to remind Pakistan of its reciprocity in the Pathankot case. Despite assurance, Pakistan is yet to fulfill its promise to allow a team to visit their country to probe the attack.

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Amidst the ongoing Monsoon Session in the Parliament, India is keen to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other SAARC member countries, including Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

Sources say that Home Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Islamabad for the SAARC conference on August 3 to rake up the Pathankot case, in which seven security personnel were killed in January this year.

"There is no reason not to attend the SAARC meet," a senior officer said.

India is also planning to place before Pakistan several of its concerns, including terrorism originating from Pakistan soil. The SAARC meet is nothing but an opportunity for India to remind Pakistan of 'fairplay'.

As per norms, all member countries need to be present for the SAARC meet. The conference focuses on strengthening networking and also enhancing information-sharing among law enforcement agencies.

The meeting on August 4 and 5 comes at a time when both India and Pakistan are involved in a bitter war of words over Pakistan's interference in India's internal matters. Recently, referring to the Kashmir protests, Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan, stating that "the neighbour had evil designs, which would not be successful".

Earlier, India had allowed a Pakistan Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to collect evidence by allowing limited access to Pathankot airbase and other crucial areas. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has accused Maulana Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and his brother Abdul Rauf as masterminds behind the attack.

However, the BJP has been on back foot for its decision to allow the Pakistani team to visit the encounter site.

Meanwhile, a high-level delegation of Border Security Forces, led by DG KK Sharma left for Pakistan on Monday for talks with the Pakistan Rangers. However, the BSF is not likely to discuss the Pathankot attack, in which the terrorists were suspected to have infiltrated from the international border from Bamiyal region manned by the Indian force.

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By PTI: Patna, July 28 (PTI) The Patna High Court today set aside the election of Chhedi Paswan, the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Sasaram (reserved) parliamentary constituency, for "suppressing" details of criminal cases pending against him.

A bench of Justice Kishore Kumar Mandal held Paswans election as "null and void" on a petition filed by Ganga Mishra, a voter, challenging the election on the ground that the latter (Paswan) "suppressed" information with regard to criminal cases pending against him while filing the election affidavit.

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Paswan had defeated the then Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar in 2014 general elections.

Appearing for Paswan, advocate Sanjay Kumar Manu contended that his client did not hide any information as rules suggest that a candidate has to mention in the nomination papers only those cases in which either the candidate has been convicted for more than two years or where charges have been framed.

The cases about which it was said that Paswan did not mention deliberately, the fact is that he had neither been convicted for more than two years nor charges had been framed against him at the time of filing of nomination papers, Manu argued.

Talking to reporters after the judgement, the MPs lawyer said he would challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court. PTI AR SNS SUS SMJ SK SMJ SNP

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The Supreme Court questioned the Magistrate's direction to the police to probe the case while it was for the complainant to prove the allegation.

By Harish V Nair: The defamation case against Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for blaming the RSS for Mahatma Gandhi's assassination took a new twist on Wednesday with the Supreme Court questioning the Magistrate's direction to the police to probe the case while it was for the complainant to prove the allegation.

"The Magisterial court (in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra) had asked police to submit an enquiry report instead of collecting evidence himself as furnished by the complainant. As per the criminal procedure code, the police has no role in a criminal defamation case. We have also said this in the recent judgment" , a bench of justices Dipak Misra and Rohinton Nariman told senior lawyer U R Lalit who represented Rajesh Kunte, the RSS activist who filed the complainant.

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Surprisingly, both Lalit and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal who appeared for Rahul did not know about this particular act of the Magistrate and its questionable validity till told by Justice Misra.

Sibal even admitted he had not gone through the previous orders and judgments in the case.

CASE ADJOURNED TILL AUGUST 23

The bench adjourned the case till August 23 to enable both sides to examine the aspect.

On June 19, adopting a stern view of the case, the bench refused to quash the defamation case clearly telling Rahul's lawyer "either he apologize or face trial" as "such collective denunciation" cannot be pardoned.

Kunte who filed a complaint before a Magistrate Court in Bhiwandi alleged that Rahul said at an election rally at Sonale in Thane district on March 6 while campaigning for 2014 Lok Sabha polls that "RSS people had killed Mahatma Gandhi... They are opposed Sardar Patel and Gandhiji". Kunte is secretary of the Bhiwandi unit of RSS.

"We have upheld the criminal defamation law. The purpose of the law is to make people obey the law so that there is harmony rather than anarchy. The law is not against the right to freedom of speech. Freedom is not crippled or cut. Everyday a writer, politician will speak something and there will be litigation. The purpose of law is not to turn people to into litigants", the bench had told Rahul's lawyer Haren Rawal.

The court was hearing Rahul's plea challenging the March 10 order of the Bombay High Court which dismissed his petition for quashing the case. Following Kunte's complaint, the magistrate had initiated proceedings and issued notice to Rahul directing him to appear before it.

To add to the drama, despite an earlier SC stay on proceedings, Rahul appeared in the Bhiwandi court on May 8 and later approached the High Court against the complaint. Rahul Gandhi's counsel tried to justify his remarks in the SC saying these are "historical facts and even part of the government records".



ALSO READ:

BJP's Subramanian Swamy sparks fresh row over Mahatma Gandhi's assassination



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Viral hepatitis C is a serious liver disease that is spread through blood contact, and may lead to liver failure, cancer, cirrhosis and death, if left untreated. Some 300,000 Canadians are infected with the disease, and about half of them are unaware they are carrying it. Who are they?

1. Intravenous drug users

People who are injecting drugs and sharing needles are at high risk for a number of health issues, both from the drugs themselves and from the unhygienic injection materials. Hepatitis C is easily spread through the re-use of needles, and users may be co-infected with HIV/AIDS. Even people who have injected drugs only occasionally are encouraged to get tested.

2. Immigrants from countries with high levels of Hepatitis C

Healthcare systems in many lower income countries may not provide the necessary level of sterilization and hygiene practices to prevent blood contamination. People from these regions who have high standards of personal care and cleanliness may still have contracted the disease through past medical treatment.

3. Native Canadians

Unfortunately there are still pockets of populations in Canada, especially of aboriginal people, who live in sub-standard conditions and receive sub-standard health care. This demographic has a higher risk of contracting viral hepatitis, among the many other ways in which they are vulnerable to infection and disease.

4. Baby-boomers

Many of the 300,000 Canadians who are infected with Hepatitis C were born between 1945 and 1965. Strict blood safety practices are fairly recent in Canada, and even so, there have been lapses and errors in the system. Anybody who had medical procedures before 1990 may have contracted Hepatitis C and be unaware they are carrying the disease.

5. Just about everybody else

Did you know that the Hepatitis C virus can remain alive in dry blood outside the body? Or that anything from sharing a toothbrush to going to the barber to getting a little amateur tattoo could put you at risk? Even more troubling, you could be symptom-free for 20 to 30 years while the disease slowly damages your liver.

What to do?

In the lead-up to World Hepatitis Day on July 28, the Canadian Society for International Health is urging Canadians to know their status, get tested, and learn their options. Find out more about Hepatitis C:

http://www.liver.ca/liver-disease/types/viral_hepatitis/Hepatitis_C.aspx

Be sure to check out the program of community events across the country to mark World Hepatitis Day.

https://whdcanada.org/events/

 The Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH)

 AB


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Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton walks on stage after President Barack Obama's speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump points to the crowd as he speaks during a campaign rally, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Cameras captured the moment Pope Francis tripped a step and fell over just before beginning a televised Holy Mass in Poland.

Pope Francis trips and falls before the Holy Mass at Black Madonna shrine of Czestochowa. Photo: Reuters

By India Today Web Desk: Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, was walking towards the altar during a Holy Mass congregation in Black Madonna shrine of Czestochowa, Poland, when he suddenly tripped a step and fell over.

The event was held to commemorate the 1,050th anniversary of Baptism of Poland.

A group of priests immediately rushed to help back on his feet. The 79-year-old pontiff suffers from a condition called sciatica which triggers severe pain on legs and lower back, reports RT.

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Pope Francis is on a five-day visit to Poland. He has been touring the countrys holiest shrines in Czestochowa.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:





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Trick or Treat: Why do we do it? According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween is the countrys second largest commercial holiday, boasting an estimated $3.1 billion in candy sales. The roots of the holiday stem from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain in which people gathered during the Middle Ages, dressed and performed as ghosts and demons...

Covering the gap The lump shows up at a routine mammogram. The thyroid has enlarged. Theres blood in the stool. The EKG reading is abnormal. Every one of these indicators are symptoms of potentially life-threatening conditions or disease. These conditions are often identified through preventive screenings at the local health department, and additional...

KICK OFF EVENT The BCHF welcomes Tim Tebow on Thursday, November 10. The Heisman trophy winner will speak at the Burke County High School J.D. Smith Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Tickets sales benefit the foundation and its mission to serve our communitys underprivileged. For tickets, call 706-55-3456.

Breast Cancer; Burke Health asks if you are at risk Convenient appointments using state-of-the-art 3D technology can be performed right here in Waynesboro at the new Burke Imaging building at the Burke Health campus. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, accounting for 30% of all diagnosed cancers. In addition, early onset breast...
Herman Miller, the American furniture major, is bullish about the Indian market and hopes to make deeper inroads into it. The company which has been in India for more than a decade has found that many of its iconic designs have been sold in the country.

Image source: hermanmiller.com

The company has an in-house R&D team which sits out of Bengaluru and coordinates with the other designing teams elsewhere in Asia and in the UK. The company had also set up a factory to manufacture furniture at Bidadi near Bengaluru. Herman Miller brand is credited with the invention of the office cubicle concept which is an important component of each and every office in the world.

Initially when we started in India, we had predominantly the MNCs who had their offices in India. Off late, we have seen a mix of MNCs and Indian companies as our customers such as Reliance which has used our furniture for its Jio project. We are also trying to customise products based on the Indian customer needs such as robust cable handling capacity and also adding more colour to our furniture so as to cater to the young Indian working population, Kartik Shethia, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Herman Miller told THE WEEK.

Interestingly, seeing the significant importance of the Indian market, Herman Miller has organised a design festival REACH 2016 for the first time in India at Bengaluru. The festival, which has earlier being held in Beijing, Manila and now Bengaluru, aimed at connecting the design community in these cities and bringing together thought leaders to share and learn the power of design.

The focus of the Bengaluru event was to focus on issues that affect businesses on workspace strategy and design. The event had designers such as Richard Stevens, one of the UK's leading designers, who founded a design company known as Forpeople and also worked as a creative director with British Airways in London and Peter Bosson, the president of the Chartered Society of Designers in the UK.
By PTI: Bengaluru, Jul 27 (PTI) Protests have erupted inseveral parts of North Karnataka on reports that the MahadayiWater Dispute Tribunals interim order is adverse to theinterests of the state, the issue over which the stategovernment has locked horns with neighbouring Goa.

Several parts of north Karnataka like Gada, Dharwad, Naragunda, Navalagunda, Gajendragad and Belagavi among other places saw protests with a few government offices coming under attack.

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Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal, in its oral interim order passed today, rejected Karnatakas plea to divert 7.56 tmc water from Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha river.

Karnataka government had petitioned the tribunal seeking the release of 7.56 tmc of water for theKalasa-Banduri Nala project.

The tribunal had reserved its order for today after hearing arguments from both Karnataka and Goa side. Commenting on the issue, Water Resources Minister M BPatil said he is yet to go through the copy of the order.

"We will discuss it in the cabinet, also as thisis the issue concerning the interest of the state so we willdiscuss with all parties and we will decide on further courseof action," he said.

Protests were on by several organisations and farmers across districts of North Karnataka demanding implementation of Kalasa-Banduri project for about a year now.

The Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) project, whichwill utilise 7.56 tmcft of water from the inter-state Mahadayi River, is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

It involves building barrages across Kalasa and Banduri, tributaries of Mahadayi River, to divert 7.56 tmc to Malaprabha river which supplies drinking water needs of the twin cities.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had led an all-party delegation to the Prime Minister seeking his intervention for out-of-court settlement of the issue.

Earlier, Goa government had rejected Karnatakas attempt for out-of court settlement of the dispute statingthat the people of the state felt it was more prudent to settle the dispute through the Tribunal.

Rural Development Minister H K Patil said todaysinterim order has disappointed Karnataka. He said "we will continue our legal and political struggle to get justice to the state, we will do all that ispossible being united."

The minister also said Karnatakas contribution to Mahadayi is 45 tmc out of 200 tmc and the state would have to get its share of water and wondered whether central government is showing "carelessness" on this issue. PTI KSU RA RC IKA

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One is the husband and the other a former political opponent-turned-colleague. Yet, as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama spoke for over 40 minutes each at the Democratic National Party convention seeking support for Hillary, the picture they sketched of the formidable lady was almost the samean intelligent and well qualified go-getter, who doesn't take 'no' for an answer but is raring to go finding solutions for every problem, herself fixing whatever goes wrong.

Both Clinton and Obama together helped project Hillary's professional image with an HD clarity. Obama even went on to say that there was no man or woman, including him and Clinton, who were better qualified to be the president of the United States than her. Bill recounted an encounter with a farmer, who said they had voted for the wrong Clinton.

Ability is a great asset when you seek to be president, but the elections are as much about personality and popularity as they are about professionalism. Alas, as Clinton and Obama went on and on about Hilary's efforts at getting health insurance for children, rebuilding New York after 9/11, legal aid and a host of other benefits for the underprivileged, they failed in bringing out her softer sideHilary as a person, a wife and a woman.

Clinton lauded her parenting abilities, but could provide no anecdote to highlight what was special about it. In fact, he came across better as an indulgent dad when he said he had taken a few days off to watch all the Police Academy flicks back to back with their daughter Chelsea.

Obama wasn't expected to throw much light on her personal side. She was his Secretary of State in his first term, and he recounted the toughness with which she took on her assignments, working relentlessly. But Clinton is her husband, who first met her in 1971 and succeeded in marrying her after three proposals. The 45-year-old relationship went through its share of ups and downs and it was at an all time low when the husband's infidelities and literally dirty linen were showcased before the whole world.

Clinton stood before the audience, tall and dapper, despite the ravages of age (the smart suit couldn't conceal the wrinkles at the neck), and was promptly adulated by the crowd. He never lacked the personal charm, which is, at the same time, a big deficiency of Hillary. The toughness of her facade was rarely breached and her vulnerabilities were never on display.

The public likes to see a bit of their leader's human side as it makes them connect better. Michele Obama brought out her human side when she expressed the nervousness at seeing her daughters go to school with a posse of security personnel. Since Hillary rarely projects herself in a position of doubt or nervousness, it's important for the people, who endorse her, to help bring out her softer side.

Clintonhis wedding ring was clearly visible on his fingercalled Hillary his best friend and a go-to person when the chips were down. He mentioned one of those momentswhen he lost as Arkansans governor, Hillary took charge of the fledgling family and assigned roles. He, however, didn't dare make any mention of the infamous Monica Lewinsky scandal, out of which, the couple would not have emerged as survivors without Hillary's support.

Clinton's position in her campaign, after all, is precarious. People, who see the husband and wife together, cannot brush away memories of Monicagate. "Why didn't she walk out of him if she is such a strong woman?" is a question one often hears at rallies. It's always followed by the same answer, "It's for power; She is power hungry." And then comes the usual conclusion : The Clintons are not to be trusted.

The race is getting closer. Donald Trump is a tad ahead of Hillary in popularity. A section of the Democratic camp is still seething that the popular Bernie Sanders lost out to Hillary as the party nominee.

Obama made a personal appeal to vote for Hillary so that she could continue the work he had started. Both he and Clinton dissected the Republican nominee's talk and compared his empty claims with the rock solid work that Hillary has to her credit. But pulling down Trump isn't going to be enough. Hillary's popularity has to be boosted. The voters need to know the lady behind the mask. Maybe her daughter Chelsea Clinton will able to give a little peek of that when she speaks.
By PTI: Jaipur, Jul 27 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today claimed that steps taken by her government have propelled the state to the "frontline of investment destinations" in the country and asked the media to highlight the "positives".

Addressing the gathering at Business Standard Rajasthan Round Table - 2016 here, she claimed steps such as creating an investor-friendly atmosphere, labour reforms, strengthening of infrastructure, ensuring ease of doing business etc. have propelled Rajasthan to the "frontline of investment destinations" in the country.

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"People generally talk about negative things, while the positive side should also be seen. Media can play an important role in highlighting the works done. Positive things in the state should also be appreciated," said Raje.

Claiming that the development scenario was changing in the state, she said labour sector reforms aimed at ensuring ease of doing business for small units, without compromising the interests of labourers, should serve as a "benchmark" for the rest of the country.

"Under the Nyay Aapke Dwar campaign, more than 20,000 camps have been organised in two years. A total of 522 gram panchayats have been declared litigation-free, 15 lakh revenue records have been updated and more than 69 lakh families have benefited from these camps," she said. PTI SDA RC SK ABH

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Morocco with Yehuda Azoulay

This summer, dont miss the opportunity of a lifetime to have an authentic Jewish Moroccan experience. World renowned author and lecturer Yehuda Azoulay will lead participants through various Moroccan cities, speaking about the amazing Jewish culture deeply rooted in Moroccan soil.

Participants will tour stunning castles, the ancient towering minarets of Fez, as well as the Jewish quarters and beautiful remaining shuls. They will also daven at the kevarim of some of the great rabbis and Jewish leaders of Moroccan history, including the incredible opportunity to visit the kever of Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan on his yartzeit. Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan, who was born in Jerusalem and was sent as an emissary to start a yeshiva in Morocco in 1743, is now known for his miraculous salvations for all that pray at his burial spot.

Shabbos is then spent in Fez, the stunning city known for its Jewish heritage as well as its vibrant sights and sounds. Surrounded by hills, explore Moroccos Spiritual Capital, one of the oldest of the imperial cities and ancient cultural center of Morocco. Daven in the In Dana 17th century shul, amid picturesque narrow cobbled streets.

Italy with Paysach Krohn

Italy is a country known for its stunning sites, fascinating history, and incredible food. E&S Tours has combined these uniquely Italian pleasures with an educational and spiritual Jewish experience to create the ultimate week abroad.

Italy with the Maggid will feature trips to many of Italys most incredible sites and cities, accompanied by Rabbi Paysach Krohn and his impeccable gift for storytelling. Highlights of this trip include the outstanding ornate Spanish shul of the old Ghetto in Venice, the Italian style shul of the Ramchal, the world-famous leaning tower of Pisa, as well as many other beautiful and famous Italian sites.

Spend shabbos enjoying the breathtaking views of the serene Tuscan countryside, as well as uplifting davening, and delicious five star gourmet Seudas Shabbos.

Both tours are especially designed for all those wishing to travel through the exciting world of ancient Jewish History, with a high level, comfortable and affordable touring experience. This is E&Ss 4th Morroccan tour, 5th Italian tour, and 14th Maggid tour, as part of 19 years and thousands of satisfied customers. Space is very limited, and you are urged to make reservations as soon as possible. Contact [email protected] for more information.

732-523-7917
Leket Israel, the leading non-profit food rescue organization in Israel, is on track to host 20,000 volunteers from abroad in 2016, a 31-percent increase from 2015. More than 50-percent of these travelers have or will be making their way from the US over to Israel in order to make a difference and impact the Israeli community  the destination they selected for a vacation. Volunteers can contribute to food collection efforts, at Lekets logistics center itself, or in rural farming fields picking excess produce for distribution to the needy.

It is amazing that so many foreign travelers are willing to take time out of their vacation to come support the Israeli community, said Leket Israel Founder and Chairman Joseph Gitler. Their work directly impacts the amount of fresh nutritious food that Leket Israel provides to the growing number of Israels poor.

More than 52,000 people volunteer with Leket annually, many of whom come from the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. These volunteers sort and pack rescued produce at the main logistics center and work in Leket Israels designated farmers fields to pick fruits and vegetables.

According to Leket Israels 2016 Food Waste and Rescue Report, more than 2.5 million tons of edible food, with a market value of NIS 8 billion is wasted in Israel annually and these voluntourists are helping to reduce this amount of food. Rescuing 25-percent of food waste translates to a savings of NIS3 billion, equivalent to the food purchasing gap between the food insecure and food secure.

Leket Israel-The National Food Bank is the leading food rescue non-profit organization that rescues fresh, perishable food, which would otherwise be considered waste, from farms, hotels, military bases and catering halls in an effort to aid the quarter of the countrys population that lives below the poverty line. The organization works with 195 non-profits throughout the country to distribute nutritious food to more than 175,000+ Israelis weekly. Last year alone, Leket collected more than 30 million pounds of food for the needy.

For more information one may visit the website.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Sources said the home minister will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism at the meeting.

By India Today Web Desk: Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Pakistan next week to attend the SAARC Home Ministers conference where he is also expected to remind Islamabad of its "reciprocity" in the joint probe into Pathankot terror attack, believed to be the handiwork of terrorists from the other side of the border.

Sources in the government said Rajnath, who is scheduled to attend the conference on August 4, will raise the strike on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot with his Pakistani counterparts. The foreign secretaries of the two nations will meet a day before.



PATHANKOT TERROR ATTACK

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Suspected militants from Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohamed (JeM) had attacked the Indian Air Force base in January this year and killed seven security personnel. The attack had led to a downslide in bilateral ties between India and Pakistan.

The government has repeatedly asserted that the involvement of Pakistani nationals in Pathankot is "an accepted fact" and that "enough information" on their involvement has been provided to Islamabad.

PAKISTAN JIT VISITED INDIA IN MARCH

A five-member joint investigating team (JIT) from Pakistan had visited India in March to probe the Pathankot attack, but there has not been much headway into the investigation.

Also Read



India to remind Pakistan of its promise of 'reciprocity' in Pathankot case in SAARC meet

Five terrorists who attacked Pathankot air base killed

Widow of commando killed in Pathankot terror attack given job







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Amid continuing reports of Hamas ongoing efforts to reconstruct its vast tunnel network to launch attacks in Israel, the Prime Ministers Bureau released the following statement.

Claims that Israel was unprepared to meet the tunnel threat are without foundation. It has been claimed that the tunnel threat had not been presented to the Cabinet prior to Operation Protective Edge and that the cabinet did not know about tunnels that penetrated into our territory. This is false.

From 11 November 2013 until 3 July 2014, the tunnel threat was presented, in its full severity, at nine separate cabinet meetings. The protocols show this beyond all doubt.

Moreover, for six months prior to the operation, from 16 January 2013 until 9 July 2014, the Prime Minister convened six professional discussions on the issue of the tunnels. The Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, IDF Southern District Commander, head of the IDF Engineering Branch, head of the IDF Technology Branch and field commanders were among the participants in these meetings.

At these discussions, Prime Minister Netanyahu directed that operational and technological solutions be advanced to meet the tunnels threat.

On 3 July 2014, before the start of operations and two weeks before the ground incursion, the Prime Minister ordered the IDF to prepare for a ground incursion to neutralize the tunnels.

It is regrettable that there are those who have misled the public on substantive security issues when the facts are unequivocal and well known to those who are distorting them.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Just a few short days ago, at an assembly of rabbonim in Jerusalem, Rabbi Yigal Levinstein of Yeshivat Bnei David spoke out harshly against the growing issues in the IDF facing religious soldiers. He mentioned the Education Corps is working to bring in more female combatants, more members of the toeiva community and is not a fan of the religious soldiers from the mechina yeshivot. He stated that religious officers are marked, explaining they are well-aware if they dare speak out, their chances of advancement are over.

The rabbi came under a hail of criticism including a statement from the Defense Ministry, that it was reevaluating funding for Bnei David.

On Tuesday evening 20 Tammuz Rabbi Levinstein sent a letter of clarification to the Defense Ministry, in which he explains there is a place for everyone in the IDF.

In the letter to the director-general of the ministry Levinstein stated Last week, my words were interpreted by many a certain manner, not the way they were intended  as if I would like to exclude one population or another from the IDF. Everyone has a place in the IDF regardless of ones background, worldview, or ones personal inclinations.

He expresses the need to introduce educational values into the IDF that unite, rather than divide, and how he has been working with the military for 30 years, dedicating his life to the IDF. He adds that there is a sharp difference in the family makeup as viewed in the liberal world as opposed to those who follow a Torah lifestyle, stating I still maintain the place for this dispute between the different hashkafos is in the civilian arena and not in the army which is dear to all of us.

Rabbi Levinstein adds his criticism of the military does not come from a place of losing faith in the military but rather from a place of love and pain in his heart, citing at times, harsh criticism is expressed out of genuine concern and this was the case here.

I have dedicated my life to the IDF out of a trust and dialogue and this is the path I believe in and the spirit in which our talmidim are educated.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The High Court of Justice received a petition from Beis Chana Schools against the Ohz LTmura ( ) plan that dates back to the tenure of Education Minister Gideon Saar. The plan calls for longer afternoon teaching hours which results in a salary increase for teachers. During Saars tenure, he received the approval for the plan from Teachers Union leader Ran Erez, who was willing to add teaching hours for appropriate remuneration.

The plan was received with mixed feelings among chareidi schools. For one thing, there is the constant fear that acceptance of the plan might prove as an opening for state involvement in chareidi education in the future. In addition, opponents explain chareidi women must get home and deal with their families and they cannot accept additional afternoon teaching hours.

Those in favor feel the additional hours would be good for all as the girls would learn more while the teachers would earn more, facilitating efforts to support their families. The Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael of Agudas Yisrael convened twice to discuss the matter, and the admorim gave their approval to bring the plan into the chassidish schools. However, HaGaon HaRav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita felt a decision should not be made at present, but to wait and decide later if the new plan should be incorporated in chareidi schools.

The new plan is going to become reality in the 5777 school year. Efforts have been ongoing in which girls high schools have tried reaching an acceptable compromise with the Ministry of Education. The Chabad-affiliated Beis Chana education network filed against the plan with the High Court of Justice. They are trying to prevent implementation in their schools.

In the petition, one of the arguments presented to the court was that a chareidi teacher does not view teaching as a chareidi womens main essence, but rather work dictated by reality of having to earn a living. Therefore, additional teaching hours would not be welcome by chareidi teachers as opposed to a non-chareidi teacher.

The court however rejected the claim, stating the reform must be implemented in all schools, including chareidi ones. This ruling has removed any chance of reaching a quiet understanding between a chareidi school and the Ministry of Education as following the ruling, the law compels the implementation of the reform in all schools, secular, religious and chareidi alike.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
A group of 25 American visitors to Israel, 18-year-olds, were transported to Ziff Hospital in Tzfat after showing signs of food poisoning. They were traveling in the Galil area and apparently ingested tainted food, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain among some of the group.

Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Farhat Murshad explains were out in the field in the Galil area for two days and the food in question was prepared by an outside source. He added all of the victims were in light and moderate condition, receiving intravenous and oxygen therapy to alleviate their condition.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
According to accusations leveled against police, they failed to respond when called to assist on Shabbos morning to prevent criminal elements from harassing and assaulting mispallalim at the tziyun of the Rashbi in Meron.

It is reported that this past Shabbos, Parshas Pinchas [in Eretz Yisrael], thugs arrived during shachris and began using violence to compel the mispallalim, including rabbonim, to leave during kriyas Hatorah. One of the mispallalim sent a letter to the relevant authorities, including Members of Knesset and cabinet ministers describing the events of this past Shabbos.

He explains the thugs, who were wearing yarmulkes, entered the shteiblach, the balcony for Kohanim, instructing them to leave immediately. They used foul language and then resorted to degrading the Torah and those who study it. Then it turned physical and they began striking mispallalim present without mercy.

He writes left with no alternative we left, as they threatened they would begin stabbing us with knives. We ran with two Sifrei Torah and they chased after us and began pushing us and the Sifrei Torah while shouting insults, directing some at a respected rebbe who was davening with us.

They left and continued reading the parsha at another venue, adding Their chutzpah did not end here as they returned during the afternoon hours and began taunting us once again disrupting the recitation of Tehillim.

He continues explaining when they ran to the security guards, the latter explained they feared to intervene but they summoned police, who never arrived. This continued on motzei Shabbos again.

The letter also cites the closure of the large mikve on premises, compelling them to walk far, to the other end of the community, over a half hours walk.

MK Yisrael Eichler, who heads the Knesset Ombudsman Committee has launched a probe into the events described in the letter.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
A senior senator is examining whether Medicares prescription drug benefit is vulnerable to manipulation by pharmaceutical companies that set very high prices for medications.

In a letter Tuesday to Medicares top administrator, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said policymakers must ensure the Part D prescription program serving some 38 million beneficiaries is free from exploitation, and asked if it meets that test as currently structured.

Grassley acted after The Associated Press reported on Medicare data that show spending for high-cost drugs covered under the programs catastrophic protection jumped by 85 percent in three years, from $27.7 billion in 2013 to $51.3 billion in 2015. The data include costs to taxpayers, insurers and beneficiaries, as compiled by Medicares number-crunching Office of the Actuary.

Catastrophic coverage kicks in after a beneficiary has spent $4,850 of their own money. At that point, taxpayers cover 80 percent of the cost of medications. The beneficiarys share is limited to 5 percent, while insurers pick up the remaining 15 percent.

The congressional Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recently warned that spending on the prescription program is rising at an unsustainable rate, singling out pricey specialty drugs covered under Medicares catastrophic protection.

The commission urged Congress to overhaul the benefit so that insurers bear 80 percent of the cost of catastrophic coverage and taxpayers pay 20 percent. That would give insurers more incentive to negotiate lower prices with drug companies.

Separately, the Obama administration and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton want to give Medicare the legal authority to directly negotiate with the pharmaceutical companies. Republican Donald Trump has also supported opening the door to negotiations, although GOP congressional leaders do not. Polls show that regardless of political affiliation, Americans want government action to curb drug costs.

Medicares prescription program is an important part of the health care of many Americans, but has recently seen an alarming trend in spending growth, Grassley wrote Medicare administrator Andy Slavitt.

Do you believe there is potential for exploitation of the catastrophic benefit as it is currently framed? Grassley asked.

Lawmakers who created the Medicare prescription program in 2003 saw catastrophic coverage as a way to protect seniors with multiple chronic illnesses from the cumulatively high costs of taking many medications. The recent advent of drugs that sell for $1,000 per pill is changing that. Now some patients can land in the catastrophic benefit in short order.

An analysis of Medicares ten most pricey drugs finds that the catastrophic benefit is picking up an increasing share of costs, meaning more exposure for taxpayers.

In 2013, there were four medications among the top ten that had 80 percent or more of their total costs covered by catastrophic protection.

In 2015, seven of the top ten priciest drugs had crossed that threshold, according to Connecture, a company that tracks drug prices paid by health plans.

It means that one drug alone is going to kick someone into catastrophic coverage, said Jim Yocum, senior vice president of the company.

Grassley, a member of the Senate committee that oversees Medicare, asked for answers in a couple of weeks.

(AP)
A landlord, property manager and contractor are accused of driving a rent-stabilized family out of their Manhattan apartment by demolishing the building around them.

A Forty-eight-year-old building owner, property manager and a contractor pleaded not guilty Tuesday.

Authorities say an agent of the landlord would bang on the familys door threatening to report them as immigrants in the country illegally.

Prosecutors say the residents were the last rent-stabilized holdouts in a building undergoing renovations in 2015 so the landlord could attract higher-paying tenants. Investigators say demolition work made the building unstable.

Attorney John Carman says the landlord has been wrongfully accused by a non-paying tenant.

The property managers attorney, Aaron Twersky, said the citys narrative is not entirely accurate.

Attorney Robert Wolf says the contractor is cooperative and not guilty.

(AP)
Donald Trump has a message for Russia: find Hillary Clintons missing emails. But his running mate, Mike Pence, is sending mixed signals.

In a Miami press conference Wednesday, the Republican presidential nominee said that the 30,000 missing emails from Clintons private email server would reveal some beauties and made an extraordinary plea for a foreign power to locate them.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump said. I think youll be rewarded mightily by our press!

Clintons campaign claims that Russia hacked computers belonging to the Democratic National Committee and released those emails on the eve of the partys convention to benefit Trumps candidacy. The emails, published by WikiLeaks last week, revealed that the DNC favored Clintons candidacy over rival Bernie Sanders, triggering a leadership shakeup within the DNC.

Trump dismissed the claims, saying its not clear who hacked those emails, but the incident is a sign that foreign countries no longer respect the U.S.

If its any foreign country it shows how little respect they have for the United States, said Trump, who added that he was not an email person myself because I believe it can be hacked.

Moments after he took the final question, Pence condemned the possible cyber-espionage, breaking from Trump for the first time since being selected as his vice president.

If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences, Pence said in a statement.

Trump, whom Democrats have accused of having cozy ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, repeatedly declined to condemn the actions of Russia or any other foreign power of trying to intervene in the a U.S. election.

No, it gives me no pause, the celebrity businessman said. If Russia or China or any of those country gets those emails, Ive got to be honest with you, Id love to see them.

The Clinton campaign immediately denounced Trumps call.

This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent, senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement. Thats not hyperbole, those are just the facts. This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue.

Trump also suggested that Clinton should not receive any security briefings due to the hack that would ensure that word will get out.

Trump has said that he has zero investments in Russia and insisted that his company had not received any significant investments from the country. He also has downplayed his affection for Putin and said he would treat the Russian leader firmly, though he said he wanted to improve relations with Russia. Some Democrats and security experts have said that Trumps proposal to set conditions on NATO allies could risk Russian expansion in Eastern Europe.

President Barack Obama, meanwhile, said anythings possible when asked during an interview whether the Russians could be working to sway the election toward Trump.

Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin, Obama said during the sit-down with NBC News that aired Tuesday. And I think that Trumps gotten pretty favorable coverage back in Russia.

(AP)
It will be an evening filled with competitive volleyball, sizzling barbeque and more in Monsey tonight as over 350 community members are expected to turn out in force to show their support for Our Place. The 3rd Annual Ultimate Guys Night Out and Poolside Volleyball Tournament, presented by EmStar & GZL Consulting, has become a beloved tradition in Monsey, with men showing up by the hundreds at last years fundraiser, despite torrential rains (watch last years soaking tournament here).

Our Places director Rabbi Aryeh Young is looking forward to greeting friends old and new as the event kicks off at the home of Yosef Zupnik. Our Place has always had a strong relationship with the Rockland County community and with the opening of a branch of The Living Room (Our Places young adult recovery program) in Monsey, that relationship has been cemented even further, said Rabbi Young.

The evening will include a single-elimination volleyball tournament with NCAA referees, with sixteen teams vying for bragging rights. Team captains Baruch Abramoff, Avraham Alexander, Avi Beren, Ari Davis, Ben Friedman, Avi Gelbein, Yitz Greenbaum, Chaim Greenfield, Duvie Greisman, Uri Kirschner, Shloimie Liff, Sony Perlman, Effie Weissmandl, Tzvi Teitelbaum, Neil Zelman and Yosef Zupnik all hope that their respective lineups will bring their A-games to the net and the competition promises to be fierce but friendly.

In addition to the volleyball competition, the event, which begins at 6:30 at 7 Rochelle Lane in Wesley Hills, will include a lavish spread of mouth watering barbeque, charcuterie and sushi as well as fine wines, marzipan carving and of course, a beautiful Olympic swimming pool, open for swimming.

In addition to Main Event Sponsors EmStar & GZL Consulting, Our Place thanks the following corporate sponsors for their partnership and support in ensuring a successful event: Capital Funding Group, Towne Nursing, Fairmont Insurance, Safrin Associates, Marzipan, Franklin Group, Factor Medical, UNPPG, White Eagle Property Group, Marquis Home Care, Eden Wok of New Rochelle, Herzog Wine Cellars, Fireside, Pita Land & Mayerfeld Architecture. For more information or the visit event website at www.Monsey.OurPlaceNY.org or contact Rabbi Young at 516-512-4494 or [email protected].
Wisconsin didnt exactly embrace Donald Trump through the presidential primaries  one influential conservative radio host publicly belittled him as a buffoon and clown.

Now, Trump hopes that his running mate, Mike Pence, will prove to be a secret weapon when he is dispatched to this important swing state Wednesday.

Pence was set to campaign in the heart of conservative Wisconsin, a three-county region considered the epicenter of the states never-Trump movement, which Trump lost to rival Ted Cruz by a whopping 40 points.

The rally in Waukesha, a suburb of Milwaukee, is Pences first solo campaign stop since he joined the ticket nearly two weeks ago. Joining him is Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a former rival and recent Trump convert, who campaigned for Cruz ahead of the April primary.

As governor of nearby Indiana, the hope is that Pence will appeal to Wisconsin in a way Trump hasnt, and fill the void left by Cruzs exit. Pence initially backed Cruzs candidacy and hes got the strong backing from Walker, potentially earning him the support of those Republicans wary of Trump.

About 40 percent of the states Republican primary voters live in the three counties surrounding Democrat-heavy Milwaukee. Running up the votes in those suburbs is imperative for Trump if he wants to become the first Republican presidential candidate to win Wisconsin since Ronald Reagan in 1984.

Trump lost the so-called WOW counties  Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington  by three times the margin of his statewide loss.

By contrast, in Wisconsins 2012 presidential primary Mitt Romney won the three counties by 30 points over former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

Its very telling that the first place theyre sending Pence is a region they should already have locked up 100-ish days out, said Wisconsin-based Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki. Trumps temperament and divisive rhetoric is turning off, in particular, suburban women, making even historically Republican regions problematic for them.

As poorly as Trump did in April, recent opinion polls show hes headed in the right direction in southeastern Wisconsin.

Marquette University Law School polls conducted in June and July show that Trumps approval rating among Republicans in the WOW counties is 59 percent  on par with Republicans statewide. The same polls show that just 73 percent of Wisconsin Republicans say they intend to vote for Trump  far less than the levels typical in most election years, said pollster Charles Franklin.

Winning their votes is the critical element of the campaign, and makes Pences visit to Waukesha so important, Franklin said.

There are other signs that southeast Wisconsin isnt quite the bastion of anti-Trump fervor that it was before the primary. Belling, among the states most influential talk show hosts, had derided Trump candidacy in the days leading up to the primary. But he did an about face two weeks ago saying Trump is a better choice than Clinton, whom he branded as a liar without conscience.

Walkers recent full-throated endorsement of Trump, and his appearance at Wednesdays rally with Pence, could also help to sway reticent Republicans.

But House Speaker Paul Ryan, who lives about 60 miles from Waukesha in Janesville, is skipping the rally to raise money for other House Republicans out of state. Ryan is backing Trump but with some trepidation. Hes publicly condemned some of Trumps comments, while defending his endorsement saying he believes the Republican agenda has a better shot with him as president than Clinton.

(AP)
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Assam on Saturday to assess flood situation in the state.

A villager uses a boat to cross flood water near a submerged electric transformer in the flood-affected Rajabari village in Kamrup district of Assam on Thursday. PTI Photo

By Manogya Loiwal : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Assam on Saturday to assess flood situation in the state.

Flood situation in Assam worsened on Thursday with five more deaths taking the toll to 21 in the current deluge while nearly 18 lakh people reeled under the impact. The strong current of the river has breached embankment of the Manas National Park and water is entering inside the park.

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The affected districts are Lakhimpur Golaghat, Jorhat, Bongaigaon, Dhemaji, Barpeta, Goalpara, Dhubri, Darrang, Morigaon, Sonitpur, Nalbari, Sivasagar, Kokrajhar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Biswanath, Kamrup Metropolitan, Chirang, Nagaon, Kamrup and South Kamrup.

The local administration managed to rescue many affected families from the surging water which breached Bongaon embankment at Majuli island in Jorhat after the region received fresh rains on Wednesday.

RESCUE, RELIEF IN FULL SWING

More than 1.3 lakh people have been moved to relief camps in 19 districts, and the Army, National and State Disaster Response Force personnel are going all out to provide relief.

Meanwhile, both the Centre and the state government are taking serious measures to help the people of state in every possible manner. The state government has maintained that flood relief and rescue measures will be top priority for them, and that disaster-response forces are doing everything they can to salvage the situation.

The Brahmaputra and its tributaries flooded several districts and the Kaziranga National Park has been flooded badly. CM Sarbananda Sonowal has given instructions to all the ministers to visit flood effected Districts. Assam Forest Minister Pramila Brahma will be also visiting the national parks to assess the situation.

ALSO READ: Heavy downpour turns Gurgaon roads into rivers, traffic comes to a standstill



The following Ministers will monitor the assigned areas -

Ranjit Dutta - Sonitpur, Bishwanath.

Parimal Suklyabaidya - Tinsukia, Dibrugarh.

Naba Kumar Dolley - Majuli, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji.

Pramila Rani Brahma - Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri.

Keshab Mahanta - Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon.

Rihan Daimari - Odalguri, Chirang, Nalbari, Baksa.

Atul Bora - Golaghat, Sivsagar, Jorhat.

Pallab Lochan Das - Kamrup Rural, Darang, Goalpara, South Salmara.



LIFE LIMPS BACK TO NORMALCY IN NORTH BENGAL

North Bengal, on the other hand has got respite from the torrential rains and consequent flooding in the past two days.

With the rains on a hold for the past 24 hours, the situation has improved in the districts. Water has gone down in most parts including Darjeeling, Siliguri. Alipurduar and Coochbehar, which had been severely affected due to inundation have also received much less rainfall, and the water has been going down from the villages.

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The hilly areas in the region which had been hit by erosion and landslides, owing to the rains, are also slowly limping back to normalcy.

ALSO READ:

Nitish Kumar conducts aerial survey of flooded areas in Bihar



--- ENDS ---
The wealthy Democratic donors, many of them executives who run complex businesses, know firsthand how revealing tax returns can be. Perhaps thats why they cant stop talking about Republican nominee Donald Trumps refusal to release his.

In their suites at the Ritz Carlton hotel, where many are staying during this weeks Democratic convention, and at its auxiliary swanky parties, the supporters of Hillary Clinton are sounding the alarm about Trumps break with decades of presidential campaign tradition.

Clinton put out eight years of recent tax filings last summer, and they lament that voters dont seem to understand why Trumps refusal to do the same matters.

Democratic talk of the taxes spilled onto the convention stage Wednesday night. Vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine, mocking Trump, said, Believe me, theres nothing suspicious in my tax returns. Believe me! The crowd laughed.

Theres even a literally a bounty for the Trump documents.

Moishe Mana, a top fundraiser for Clinton, has offered to give $1 million to the charity of Trumps choice if he makes them public. He joins an unnamed Republican donor working with Clinton ally David Brock who has made a similar offer of $5 million.

Through his financial documents, we are trying to break into the image that hes portraying to the American people, said Mana, a real estate developer in Miami. He says hes a successful businessman who wants to do for the country what he did for his company. Well, go ahead, show me the money.

Trump is unmoved. The billionaire owner of the Trump Organization, an international development company, says the Internal Revenue Service is reviewing his most recent returns and that hell release them once that audit is complete.

He reiterated that plan at a news conference Wednesday in Doral, Florida. Asked when he would put out the documents, he said: I dont know. Depends on the audit.

Theres no telling whether that would happen before Election Day, but the IRS says theres no legal reason Trump cant make the tax returns public even as they are under review.

The issue has flared up in recent days, in the wake of the hack of emails at the Democratic National Committee that the Obama administration said Wednesday was almost certainly the work of Russia. The group WikiLeaks released the emails on the eve of the convention, a leak its leader Julian Assange has said was timed to inflict political damage on Clinton.

Trump said Wednesday that he has no ties to Russia whatsoever, but that hasnt stopped Democratic donors in Philadelphia from saying that in the absence of Trumps tax returns, voters are left to wonder whether there are undisclosed financial ties between Trump and foreign entities.

Think of whats gone on just this week and connect the dotted lines, said top Clinton donor J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire venture capitalist in Chicago. Im not sure whats going on, but it sure doesnt look good. The question is who his investors are, and whether there are any in China or Russia that are affecting his personal income.

Mana also wants that answered. If Trumps elected president, he said, how much in debt would we be to other countries? This is about the security of the United States. We have the right to make sure hes not in debt to other countries.

While information about Trumps debts has been made public in personal financial disclosures filed with federal election regulators, the Democratic donors say access to his taxes might shed light on previously unknown business arrangements. The returns would also detail for the first time how much he pays in income tax and how much he gives to charity.

He is obfuscating in order to avoid being discovered as a liar, Pritzker said.

The 2012 GOP nominee, Mitt Romney, resisted putting out his 2011 tax return until the September just before the election, after being pressed for months about doing so. The documents showed he paid an effective tax rate of 14.1 percent, far lower than the average person, spawning days of bad headlines.

Other presidential candidates, including Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, have been dinged for not giving much to charity.

Bill and Hillary Clinton paid an overall federal tax rate of 31.6 percent between 2007 and 2014, her returns showed. In 2014, they donated almost 11 percent of their income to charity.

In addition to blaming the IRS audit, Trump has said in interviews that it might not make political sense for him to put out his returns.

Romneys returns were a tiny peanut compared to mine, Trump said on Meet the Press in an interview that aired last Sunday. There was little controversial in the Romney documents, he said.

Yet the media made him look bad, Trump said. In fact, I think he lost his election because of that.

(AP)
The Prime Ministers Office this week released a statement discrediting reports that the country was not prepared to meet the Hamas tunnel threat during Operation Protective Edge. One of the audible voices claiming the cabinet was unaware and unprepared was Minister Naftali Bennett, who to this day insists he is correct. Bennett was harshly reprimanded publicly by Mr. Netanyahu during the military operation for openly criticizing the cabinet.

Coming to Bennetts side is Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid, who explained he was a cabinet member during Operation Protective Edge as was Bennett, and Bennett is telling the truth, not PM Netanyahu.

Bennett claims there were no in-depth discussion pertaining to the terror tunnels before July 2014, and this is confirmed by Lapid, both contradicting the PMs Office statement.

The Prime Ministers Office responded that Lapid and Bennetts statement are not accurate. Minister Yuval Steinitz told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Thursday that there were at least a dozen meetings during which the cabinet discussed the tunnels.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Yehoshua Mark, a son of Rabbi Miki Mark HYD, who was murdered in a drive-by terrorist shooting attack near Otniel, feels the state and the government are partially to blame for the murder.

In an interview with Channel 20 on Wednesday, 21 Tammuz, he explained The terrorist has already been imprisoned in Israel. We release them. We permitted him to murder my father. The state has a hand in this.

Yehoshua adds, The fact that the terrorist murderer is able to do this twice is far more serious than a failure. I understand the second terrorist was a policeman in the PA (Palestinian Authority). I think the government must address these issues more seriously.

Earlier this week, IDF forces operating in the Hebron region PA village of Tzurif apprehended the terrorists involved in the murder of Rabbi Mark and the wounding of members of his family. One of the terrorists was shot dead when he opened fire at the IDF force.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The High Court of Justice on Wednesday 21 Tammuz instructed the state to respond, to explain why the bodies of terrorists held by Israel should not be released for burial. The bodies of many terrorists killed during terror attacks are being held by Israel.

In the past, the High Court ruled bodies should be released to permit burial after the family of the terrorist guarantees the burial will be quiet and orderly and not used to rally against Israel. The court made the stipulation after the state responded that during Ramadan, the funerals are likely to become a hotbed of incitement against Israel.

Now, after Ramadan, families of the terrorists are once again being represented in the High Court stating there is no justification to holding on to the bodies of their loved ones. The court is now once again calling upon state officials to justify the policy of holding onto the bodies to prevent burial.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Now, its her time.

After three days in which her advocates have spoken for her, Hillary Clinton will take the stage Thursday on the final day of the Democratic National Convention to convince voters that she should be their president.

The sitting president and vice president, her former primary rivals and every prominent member of her party have lined up behind her. But it will ultimately fall to the Democratic nominee herself to explain her worldview and where she would like to take the country. Its a major test for a candidate whose desire for privacy has sometimes interfered with her ability to connect with voters.

It fell to President Barack Obama on Wednesday to argue for staying the course by giving Democrats a third term in the White House  and that Clinton is the right person to keep moving the nation forward.

Speaking on ABC News Good Morning America Thursday, Democratic vice presidential nominee Timothy M. Kaine said Clinton will seek to earn voters trust in contrast to Trumps plea that they simply believe him. And while Democrats continue to work to bind up wounds from a bruising primary, Kaine said he expects supporters of Bernie Sanders to come on board for Clinton because Trump represents a threat to everything they care about.

Having spent the first two nights of the convention trying to unify the party behind Clinton, a procession of leading party figures made a sharp pivot to Donald Trump on the same day that the Republican nominee invited Russian hackers to expose Clintons emails. Over the course of the evening here, speakers questioned his character, his judgment, his business acumen  even his sanity.

Obama offered an American ideal against that bill of particulars against Trump: Our power doesnt come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We dont look to be ruled.

About the onetime rival who became his secretary of state and whose election would burnish his legacy, Obama said: There has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America.

She will finish the job  and shell do it without resorting to torture or banning entire religions from entering our country, he added.

On Wednesday, the convention also formally nominated Kaine as the Democratic vice-presidential pick. Noting that his eldest child is a Marine who deployed to Europe on Monday, the Virginia senator said: I trust Hillary Clinton with our sons life.

It was the first night in which the Democratic speakers focused heavily on the themes of national security and foreign policy  and their most concerted effort to undermine Trump on issues where he has relentlessly pummeled Obama and Clinton.

Vice President Joe Biden described Trump as a man who confuses bluster with strength and someone who doesnt have a clue about the middle class.

A president of resurgent popularity, Obama offered a counterpoint to the near-apocalyptic portrait of the country on display during last weeks Republican National Convention in Cleveland, where Trump accepted his partys nomination.

The America I know is full of courage and optimism and ingenuity. The America I know is decent and generous, Obama said.

He nodded toward the countrys worries and the trauma of recent tragedies.

Weve still got more work to do, the president said. More work to do for every American still in need of a good job or a raise, paid leave or a decent retirement; for every child who needs a sturdier ladder out of poverty or a world-class education; for everyone who hasnt yet felt the progress of these past seven-and-a-half years.

But Obama, echoing some of the upbeat themes that first lady Michelle Obama sounded on the conventions opening night, gave an address focused on progress, both economic and social, and a younger generation full of energy and new ideas, unconstrained by what is, and ready to seize what ought to be.

Clinton took the stage unannounced at the end of the Obamas remarks, and the two engaged in a prolonged embrace before walking around arm in arm waving to a boisterous crowd.

All of it amounted to a reversal of the two parties traditional orientations. Republicans typically claim the upbeat mantra of Ronald Reagan, who famously talked of the United States as a shining city upon a hill, echoing the words of Puritan John Winthrops famous 1630 sermon, which paraphrased Jesus Sermon on the Mount.

The Democrats, on the other hand, often have come across as the party more focused on the nations woes and flaws  or as then-U.N. Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick put it contemptuously at the 1984 GOP convention, the blame America first crowd.

Midway through Wednesday evenings speeches, Tony Fratto, a deputy press secretary in the George W. Bush White House, tweeted: Watching Democrats talk about America the way Republican candidates used to talk about America.

For any party to hold the White House for three consecutive terms is a difficult feat, even in rosy times.

Democrats have not done so since before World War II, and only twice since 1828, at the dawn of the modern two-party system. The GOP has done it four times, most recently when Vice President George H.W. Bush won the 1988 election to succeed Reagan.

But it is all the more of a challenge when the vast majority of voters think the country is headed in the wrong direction.

The latest Real Clear Politics average of polls shows that the share of Americans who think the country is on the wrong track is nearly 46 percentage points greater than those who think it is on a favorable course.

That has fueled the anti-establishment mood that delivered the GOP nomination to Trump and made Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vt., a formidable challenger to Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

As the evening wore on, scattered anti-TPP signs popped up around the arena, signaling opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pending trade deal championed by Obama but opposed by most congressional Democrats and labor unions.

Kaine has supported the deal in the past but is expected to modify his position to conform with that of Clinton, who as secretary of state called it the gold standard of trade deals but is now opposed.

Speeches and videos Wednesday aimed to reinforce Clintons governing credentials, particularly on national security. This followed Democrats efforts to unify the party on Monday and both humanize and attest to their nominees character on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Democrats were given fresh fodder Wednesday for their argument that Trump is unprepared and temperamentally unsuited to be president.

At a news conference in Florida, Trump pleaded directly with the Russian government to meddle in the U.S. campaign by finding and releasing tens of thousands of private emails from Clinton  a development that alarmed not only Democrats but also many Republican leaders and foreign policy experts.

Among those called upon to draw contrasts between Clintons and Trumps foreign policy credentials was retired Rear Adm. John Hutson, one of several military leaders in the spotlight at the convention.

Donald Trump calls himself the law-and-order candidate, but hell violate international law, Hutson said. In his words, he endorses torture at a minimum. Hell order our troops to commit war crimes like killing civilians. . . . This morning, he personally invited Russia to hack us. Thats not law and order. Thats criminal intent.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday looked past the Obama era and expressed their faith in Clinton as their standard-bearer and champion. But mostly they delivered a vehement denunciation of Trump, saying he has no plan to lift African Americans.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, N.Y., said Trump is simply the least-qualified person to ever seek the presidency. He added a bit of wordplay, saying Clinton had served as secretary of state while Trump is a secretary of hate.

In his remarks to the convention, Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid, Nev., chided Trump as a hateful con man but also blamed his Republican counterpart, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Ky., for setting the stage for Trump.

New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, a onetime Republican turned independent, also urged a vote for Clinton, making a special appeal to his fellow independents.

The bottom line is: Trump is a risky, reckless and radical choice, and we cant afford to make that choice, Bloomberg said, calling Trump a dangerous demagogue.

The former New York mayor is also a leading voice for tougher gun laws, a cause that was featured in a segment of Wednesday nights program. It included an emotional speech by Christine Leinonen, the mother of Christopher Leinonen, who was killed in the massacre last month at an Orlando nightclub.

The presentation also featured speakers with connections to the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in 2012 and at a church in Charleston, S.C., last year.

Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Ariz., who was shot in Tucson in 2011, also appeared alongside her husband, Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut and Navy captain. The two have made it their mission to enact additional gun control measures.

We have important work ahead of us, work that will determine the future of our country, said Giffords, who argued for Clintons candidacy, saying, Strong women get things done.

Former Maryland governor Martin OMalley, who dropped out of the Democratic presidential race after a dismal showing in the Iowa caucuses, noted that he had competed against Clinton and worked with Kaine when the vice-presidential nominee was governor of Virginia.

I am here to tell you that Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine are as tough as they come, OMalley said. They never give up. They never give in.

OMalley took aim at Trump, saying he has been a bully his whole life.

Kaines pick as Clintons running mate drew praise from many quarters, but the former Virginia governor faces a challenge in convincing some liberal groups that he will champion their issues. Longtime watchers of Virginia politics say the question during much of Kaines career there has been whether he is too liberal for the state.

I think progressives are looking for him not only to talk about progressive issues, but to talk about them with authenticity and sincerity, said Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which bills itself as representative of the Warren wing of the Democratic Party, a reference to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass.

He has a real chance to introduce himself to the Democratic Party and electorate at large, Taylor said of Kaine.

Some Sanders supporters had threatened in recent days to walk out of the hall or otherwise show their displeasure with Clintons pick of Kaine, a former Richmond mayor, Virginia governor and chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Only a smattering of disapproval could be heard in the hall.

In his address to the convention, Kaine showed that he is warming up to the running mates traditional role as the presidential nominees attack dog.

He delighted the crowd with his mocking impersonation of Trump, focusing on his verbal tic of saying Believe me.

Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth. Not one word, Kaine said, setting off the delegates in a chant of Not one word.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post  Karen Tumulty, John Wagner, Isaac Stanley-Becker
The actress changed just one thing about her outfit, making an easy switch from a work look to a casual one.

By Hemul Goel: Shilpa Shetty Kundra was recently spotted in the Capital for the promotion of Sony's upcoming dance reality show, Super Dancer, which will see the actress return on the small screen as a judge.

Also read: Has anyone else noticed this surprising thing on Shilpa Shetty Kundra's Instagram?

Her promotional duties had the actress sporting an H&M bodysuit paired with jeans from Zara, a bomber jacket and a glittering pair of heels from Christian Louboutin.

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Considering that the actress was in Delhi just for promotions, and that the show is aimed at kids, the actress wearing a bomber instead of a blazer seemed perfect!

However, after she was done with her work, she jetted back to Mumbai in a pair of white slip-ons. Seriously, after seeing paparazzi shots of actresses all decked up in heels on the airport, Shilpa's look seemed so achievable.

Shilpa Shetty at the airport. Photo: Yogen Shah

So, the next time you want to switch from work mode to casual, just like Shilpa Shetty Kundra, a nice watch and slip-ons should do!

--- ENDS ---
The biggest scandal in recent automotive history continues to take its toll on Volkswagen as the car maker announced a profits plunge of 57 per cent for its second quarter.

It was just under a year ago in September 2015 that VW was shamed for cheating emissions testing in the US, but the manufacturer continues to feel the after effects of the revelations.

Pre-tax profits dropped from 3.7 billion in 2015 to 1.6 billion for the months of April to June this year.

A combination of currency fluctuations, fewer sales and the cost associated with rectifying cars affected by the dieselgate emissions-test cheating scandal hitVW's profits

In June, VW agreed a record $14.7 billion (11 billion) settlement in America over its diesel emissions scandal which will see owners paid up to $10,000 each in compensation.

However, the car manufacturer has stood firm on refusing to offer any reimbursement to owners in Europe, including the estimates 1.2 million vehicles have been impacted in the UK.

However, the car manufacturer has stood firm on refusing to offer any reimbursement to owners in Europe, including the estimates 1.2 million vehicles have been impacted in the UK.

The firm said the VW cars, the group's largest sales division within the group, saw operating profits shrink for the first half of the year, as the combination of currency fluctuations, lower sales volumes and higher marketing costs linked to dieselgate all took their toll on the car making powerhouse.

Frank Witter, the group's chief financial officer, said the firm had delivered 'solid results in difficult conditions' and that it faces 'continued hard work to absorb the significant impact from the diesel issue'.

HOW IT LOOKS FOR VW GROUP BRANDS Audi operating profits fell from 2.9billion to 2.7 billion. Exchange rate effects and continuing high upfront expenditures for new products and technologies and for the expansion of the international production network had a negative impact on earnings. Skodas operating profit improved by 31.2 per cent to 685 million, mainly on the back of what the group called 'positive volume and mix effects as well as optimized product costs'. Like Skoda, Seat continued its strong performance, increasing operating profit by 40 million to 93 million . As did Porsche, posting an 8 per cent boost in profits to 1.8 billion, backed by increased unit sales and huge demand for the latest Boxster and Cayman as well as continued appetite for the much sought-after Macan SUV. But it wasn't all rosy for the luxury arm of the car making giant, with Bentley posting a slide in operating profit by 75 million to 22 million. VW Group blamed changing market conditions and unfavorable exchange rates.

However, away from the ongoing costs of the diesel scandal things are looking up for VW.

The company revealed that its operating profits before special items rose 7.5 per cent to 7.5 billion for the first half of the year.

It also said that it would take a 2.2 billion euro hit to cover 'legal risks' in America linked to the diesel emissions scandal.

Commenting on Thursday's statement, chief executive Matthias Muller said: Particularly in light of the current special items, we can be satisfied with our results for the first half-year.

'The figures show that our operating business is sound.

'With our brands the Group is built on many strong pillars.

'Building on these foundations we will transform the Volkswagen Group with our Together -Strategy 2025 from a car maker into a world-leading provider of sustainable mobility.'

VW's half-year performance showed pre-tax profits dropped 37% to 4.8 billion (4 billion) compared with the same period in 2015.

The group's sales revenues over the period slipped to 107.9 billion, down from 108.9 billion in 2015.

Focusing on group operating profit before special items, which is largely made up of dieselgate costs, VW said operating return on sales would come in between 5 per cent and 6 per cent this year.

The group said it expects sales revenue to be down as much as five per cent compared with last year, as it factors in the impact of the emissions scandal, currency fluctuations and current economic conditions, particularly in South America and Russia.
The Leeds-based company builds low-cost computers that help millions of people learn coding and get online

Shares in Premier Farnell jumped 18 per cent after a bidding war broke out for the British maker of the Raspberry Pi mini-computer.

The Leeds-based company last month backed a 165p-a-share takeover offer from Swiss firm Datwyler  valuing it at 615million.

But it has now switched horses and agreed to a rival offer from US firm Avnet worth 185p a share or 691million.

Datwyler said it is considering its options  and shares in Premier Farnell rose 30.5p to 195p on hopes it could return with a better proposal.

Japanese giant Softbank agreed earlier this month a controversial deal to buy UK chip designer ARM for 24billion in a sign Britain remains open for business following the Brexit vote.
An incredibly-rare penny coin dating back to 1933 looks set to sell for a world record price of 115,000 ($150,900) at auction.

Just seven of the coins are believed to have been made in that year, making it the rarest British coin of the 20th century.

The coin, which has the head of King George V on one side and Britannia on the other, is in excellent condition.

There were just seven of these coins produced in 1933, it is believed, and getting your hands on one could be costly, with this one expected to sell for around 115,000 at auction

An auction firm has described the sale as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity'.

The sale comes after a prototype of the 1933 penny sold earlier this year for an astonishing 72,000 ($94,000).

Cristiano Bierrenbach, from Heritage Auctions, the company which is selling the coin, said: 'We know about seven of these exist and there are thought to be three in private hands.

WHY IS THE COIN SO RARE? In 1933 the Royal Mint had no plans to produce any new penny coins as there were already plenty in peoples pockets. But a small number - believed to be seven - were produced following special requests for a commemorative coin to mark the year. Three were created for the King to personally place under the foundation stones of important buildings that were under construction. It is known that two are in the Royal Mint Museum and the British Museum and two found their way to private collectors. Advertisement

'This is the most desirable and sought-after British coin.

'Pennies have a great collector appeal. It's usually something people start collecting in childhood but they would all have an empty space for the 1933 penny.

'It has great appeal to a worldwide audience.'

And he continued: 'There are certain coins that are really charismatic in the collecting world and for the 20th century this is really a special item.

'The condition of it is outstanding and it has a beautiful chocolate-brown colour about it.

'It looks like we are set to beat the record for a 1933 penny.

'One sold recently for 72,000, which was a prototype designed by Andre Lavrillier.

'That coin set a new world record and our online bidding so far is already at about that figure and we expect it to go up more before the auction.'

'This is the most desirable and sought-after British coin,' said Cristiano Bierrenbach, from Heritage Auctions as the deadline for bids approaches

And the auctioneer is expecting the coin may be heading back to British shores.

Mr Bierrenbach said: 'It has been in America for decades but I have a hunch it will go back to Britain now.

'We've had worldwide interest already and the bidders so far have come from three different countries.

'This one hasn't shown up at auction for 25 years or more and it could be another 25 years before it comes up again.

The coin was part of the Norweb collection, belonging to renowned collectors Henry and Emery Norweb

'It's a once in a generation opportunity.'

Just seven of the coins are believed to have been made because the Royal Mind did not have any plans to produce new penny coins in 1933.

But a very small number were produced following special requests for a commemorative coin to mark the year.

Three were created for the King to place under the foundation stones of important buildings, two are in the Royal Mint Museum and the British Museum, and two were snapped up by private collectors.

Their value has not gone unnoticed.

One of the coins was stolen in 1970, during construction at the Church of St. Cross in Middleton, Leeds, when thieves managed to remove it from the churchs cornerstone.

It is still not known where this coin is, as there is no record of it ever being put up for sale.

The Bishop of Ripon ordered that another penny at St Mary's Church in Leeds should be unearthed and sold to prevent it being stolen too.

That coin has also been in private hands since 1972.

Four pattern prototypes of the 1933 penny, which uses a design created by French engraver Andre Lavrillier, were also made.

One of these set a new record for a 1933 penny earlier this year when it sold for 72,000, but online bidding for the coin currently being auctioned is already at 72,600 with two weeks to go before the auction.

The estimated sale price is 115,000.

The coin has a great pedigree as it was part of the Norweb collection.

Three of the 1933 penny coins were created for the King to personally place under the foundation stones of important buildings that were under construction

Henry Norweb and his wife Emery are renowned in the world of coin collecting and their name is associated with the highest quality pieces.

The couple were members of the American Numismatic Society's governing council and their coin collection included some of the finest examples of rare coins in existence.

It has been in private hands in America since their collection was sold in the 1980s and 90s.
Britain's biggest drugs company is to plough 275million into its UK manufacturing plants in a major vote of confidence in the country following the Brexit vote.

GlaxoSmithKline  which had campaigned for Britain to stay in the European Union  said the UK was still an attractive location to do business thanks to its skilled workforce and competitive tax system.

Ministers said the investment programme was further proof that there is no better place in Europe to grow a business  even after the vote to leave the EU. Business investment is seen as crucial to the outlook for the economy because it boosts productivity, creates jobs and raises living standards.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has brushed aside Brexit jitters and announced that it is pumping 275 million into its three UK manufacturing sites, dubbing the UK an 'attractive location'

Remain campaigners argued during the referendum campaign that investment would be hit if Britain quit the EU. Glaxo chief executive Sir Andrew Witty was among those warning against a vote to leave  claiming before the referendum that the UK would be much better off inside the EU than outside.

But Glaxo yesterday said it will now spend 275million updating three manufacturing sites in Scotland, County Durham and Hertfordshire to beef up production of its medicines. The investment is a boost for the 2,750 people who work at the three plants and is likely to see hundreds more jobs created in the coming years.

Sir Andrew, a former business adviser to David Cameron, said the move will continue to underpin a significant presence here in the UK for the company.

SOARING HOUSE PRICES TO CONTINUE Fears of a post-Brexit crash in the housing market were dismissed yesterday by a think-tank. An average home will be worth around 40,000 more in five years despite the tremors caused by the decision to leave the EU, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research. It said house prices are expected to grow more slowly this year and next, but the average should still go up from 194,000 this year to 234,000 in 2021. The prediction is at odds with Treasury forecasts before the referendum that house prices would stall if the public voted to leave the EU. It came as the boss of one of Britains biggest housebuilding firms, Taylor Wimpey, shrugged off the Brexit vote and said it was business as usual. And shares in the property website Rightmove soared as it said it is confident of meeting its full-year profit forecasts. Advertisement

Before the referendum, the Glaxo boss was among more than 90 leading figures in the life sciences industry to sign a letter that said: Staying in [the EU] would be better for the health and wealth of the UK.

Brexit campaigners seized on the apparent change of heart and said it was a sign that Britain could prosper outside the EU.

John Longworth, who was ousted as director general of the British Chambers of Commerce after publicly backing a leave vote, said: After Brexit the Government will have to make the UK the best place in the world to do business and we will see again and again companies that were remainers recognising the huge opportunities that Britain provides for business.

Glaxo, which employs 16,000 people in the UK, said: The company views the UK as an attractive location for investment due to the skilled workforce, technological and scientific capabilities and infrastructure and a competitive corporate tax system.

Sir Andrew said the investment was testament to our skilled UK workforce and the countrys leading position in life sciences. He added: Everyone wants to make this succeed and we are going to continue to invest here.

He said Glaxo had opposed Brexit because of the regulatory uncertainty it would create for the sector, but said this concern was not sufficient to get in the way of the decision to invest.

The companys investment in Britain gave Theresa May a huge boost as she revealed she has begun preparations for Britains orderly departure from the EU.

The announcement by GlaxoSmithKline was a huge boost for Theresa May as she revealed she has begun preparations for Britains 'orderly departure' from the EU.

The Prime Minister, in Rome for talks with her Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi, said she had chaired the first meeting of a Cabinet committee on exiting the EU and insisted that Britain would maintain close economic links following Brexit. Mrs May was welcomed at the grand Villa Doria Pamphili with a guard of honour and brass band playing God Save The Queen.

She had a 90-minute meeting with Mr Renzi, who said he respected the painful Brexit vote.

Mrs May will follow her meeting in Italy with trips today to Slovakia and Poland.

McDonalds is to create 5,000 jobs in the UK by the end of next year. In a further sign that firms continue to invest despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the fast food chain said it would increase its workforce to more than 110,000.

GDP grew in build up to the referendum

Chancellor Philip Hammond welcomed the faster than expected growth ahead of the referendum

Britain's economic growth actually accelerated in the run-up to the EU referendum as industry recorded its best performances for nearly 20 years.

Gross domestic product  the total size of the economy  increased by a better-than-expected 0.6 per cent between the start of April and the end of June.

That was up from growth of 0.4 per cent in the first quarter of the year. It confounded fears that the economy slowed ahead of the referendum.

The FTSE 250 index also rose as high as 17,362 yesterday. This more than reversed the losses made since the Brexit vote  the index reached 17,333.51 on June 23 before polls closed.

The Office for National Statistics, which published the GDP figures, said the referendum had limited effect on the economy in the second quarter and very few companies were hurt by uncertainty.

Industrial production rose by 2.1 per cent in the second quarter of the year  the best performance since 1999 when it increased by the same amount. Production hasnt grown more strongly since 1988, when it rose by 2.2 per cent in the third quarter.

And in British industry, manufacturing output rose by 1.8 per cent, its best performance for six years, driven by growth in pharmaceuticals and car production.

Chancellor Philip Hammond welcomed faster than expected growth ahead of the referendum.

He said: The fundamentals of the British economy are strong. It is clear we enter our negotiations to leave the EU from a position of economic strength.

Those negotiations will signal the beginning of a period of adjustment, but I am confident we have the tools to manage the challenges ahead... this Government will take whatever action is necessary to support our economy.
Luke Aikins, a professional skydiver, is all set to attempt an extremely risky jump. He will jump out of an airplane, flying at a height of 25,000 feet, without a parachute. Or a wingsuit.

By AP: He has made 18,000 parachute jumps, helped train some of the world's most elite skydivers and done some of the stunts for Ironman 3 even. But the plunge Luke Aikins knows he'll be remembered for is the one he's making without a parachute.

Or a wingsuit.



Or anything other than the clothes he'll be wearing when he jumps out of an airplane at 25,000 feet this weekend, attempting to become the first person to land safely on the ground in a net.

Luke Aikins. Photo Courtesy: AP

The Fox network will broadcast the two-minute jump live at 8 PM EDT (12 PM GMT, but we are not sure the show is being telecast in India) on Saturday as part of an hour-long TV special called "Heaven Sent."

And, no, you don't have to tell Aikins it sounds crazy. He knows that.

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He said as much to his wife after a couple of Hollywood guys looking to create the all-time-greatest reality TV stunt floated the idea by him a couple years ago.

"I said, 'You won't believe these guys,'" the affable skydiver recalls with a robust laugh. "'They want me to jump out without a parachute.' She said, 'Oh, with a wingsuit.' I said, 'No, they want me to do it with nothing.' We both had a good laugh about that."

But in the weeks that followed he couldn't shake one persistent thought: Could anybody actually do this and live to tell the tale?

Because if anyone could, Aikins wanted to be that guy.



Here's a video he shared on his Facebook page where a drop test was being conducted before the actual jump:







After all, the 42-year-old daredevil has practically lived his life in the sky. He made his first tandem jump when he was 12, following with his first solo leap four years later. He's been racking them up at about 800 a year ever since.

He took his wife, Monica, on her first jump when they were dating and she's up to 2,000 now. The couple lives with a 4-year-old son, Logan, in Washington, where Aikins' family owns Skydive Kapowsin near Tacoma.

Over the years Aikins has taught skydiving, taught others to teach skydiving, even participated in world-record stacking events, those exercises where skydivers line up atop one another as they fly their open chutes across the sky.

He tells of having his chute tangle with others on a couple of those efforts and having to come down under his reserve parachute. In all, he's used his reserve 30 times, not a bad number for 18,000 jumps.

This time, though, he won't have any parachute.

"If I wasn't nervous I would be stupid," the compact, muscular athlete says with a grin as he sits under a canopy near Saturday's drop zone.

"We're talking about jumping without a parachute, and I take that very seriously. It's not a joke," he adds.

Nearby, a pair of huge cranes defines the boundaries where the net in which Aikins expects to land is being erected. It will be about one-third the size of a football field and 20 stories high, providing enough space to cushion his fall, he says, without allowing him to bounce out of it. The landing target, which has been described as similar to a fishing trawler net, has been tested repeatedly using dummies.

One of those 200-pound (91-kilogram) dummies didn't bounce out. It crashed right through.

"That was not a good thing to see," recalled Jimmy Smith, the veteran Hollywood public relations man who, with his partner Bobby Ware, came up with the idea of having someone skydive without a parachute.

Chris Talley, who had worked with Aikins on other projects and helped train him for this one, recommended the skydiver to the two Amusement Park Entertainment executives. He told them Aikins was arguably the only guy not only good enough but also smart enough and careful enough to survive this.

Smith recalled how the three men gazed at each other with a look of foreboding after that dummy crashed through the net. Then they looked over at Aikins.

"Luke just said, 'No biggie, that's why we test.'"

Fox has had little to say about the stunt other than it will be broadcast on a tape delay, as is the case with all its live broadcasts, says network spokesman Les Eisner. It contains a warning not to try this at home.

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That would seemingly be difficult, as Smith and Ware had to scour a good part of the world, from Arizona Indian land to Dubai real estate, before they found what everyone agreed was the best place for Aikins to land.

He'll come down in a dry, dusty, desolate-looking section of an old movie ranch north of Los Angeles where not that long ago Shia LaBeouf was battling Transformers.

The drop zone, surrounded by rolling hills, presents some challenges, Aikins said, noting he'll be constantly fighting shifting winds as he falls 120 mph (193 kph).

Other skydivers have jumped from planes without parachutes and had someone hand them one in midair. But Aikins won't even have that.

Why?

"To me, I'm proving that we can do stuff that we don't think we can do if we approach it the right way," he answers.

"I've got 18,000 jumps with a parachute, so why not wear one this time?" he muses almost to himself. "But I'm trying to show that it can be done."

Luke has been receiving messages and calls from across, wishing him all the luck, and friends and strangers posting on social media networks about his jump and letting him know how eager they are to watch him succeed achieve this incredible feat.



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If reports are to be believed, Sushant Singh Rajput paid a surprise visit to Kriti Sanon's home on her birthday.

By India Today Web Desk: Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon were together at the latter's birthday as the two flew out to Mauritius for the next schedule of their upcoming film Raabta. But if reports are to be believed, Sushant gave a midnight surprise to Kriti on her birthday before boarding the flight.

ALSO READ: Birthday girl Kriti Sanon and Sushant Singh Rajput all set for the last schedule of Raabta

ALSO READ: Are Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon in a relationship?



According to a report in Mid-Day, the rumoured lovebirds rang in Kriti's birthday at her Andheri residence in Mumbai before the two left for the airport in separate cars.

A source was quoted as telling the tabloid, "Sushant drove up to Kriti's house around midnight as she ushered in her birthday. It is clear that he has a special place in her life."

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In the earlier hours of Wednesday (July 27), the Dilwale actor shared a picture of herself, where she is seen to be accompanied by Sushant Singh Rajput, on Instagram. The caption read, "All set for the last schedule of #Raabta ! And the excitement shows as we wait to board the flight to Mauritius.."



All set for the last schedule of #Raabta ! And the excitement shows as we wait to board the flight to Mauritius.. @sushantsinghrajput #lastsched #outdoor A photo posted by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Jul 26, 2016 at 6:01pm PDT

While the two have rubbished their link-up rumours, many believe that there is more than friendship between the two.

"Now, Sushant's midnight surprise for the birthday girl leaves barely any doubt over their relationship status. He was among the few people who landed at her house to be part of the celebrations that lasted till early hours of Wednesday. To avoid attention at the airport, they left in their respective car," added the source.

Sushant and Kriti met on the sets of Dinesh Vijan's Raabta. And since then the rumours about their link-up are doing the rounds. Just a few days after his break-up with long-time girlfriend Ankita Lokhande, Sushant flew to Budapest with Kriti for the shooting for Raabta and since then the buzz about their alleged relationship hasn't died down.

Recently, Kriti told reporters, "Initially I thought it is best not to react because it is part of the industry, it happens every time you work with someone, but I clarified what I had to online. Beyond that I have nothing more to say."

She added, "I really don't know what to say. It (link-up) is the easiest thing to assume... I said what I wanted to. It reached a point where families started getting involved which was a little nasty."

On the work front, Sushant and Kriti will be seen together in Raabta. The film has been shot in Budapest and Mauritius. It is slated to hit the screens next year.


Addressing fire safety Living in San Diego County, the threat of fires is constant, that is why I have made fire safety one...

Supporting animals As a trained Project Wildlife Native Songbird Rehabilitator, my experience raising orphaned and injured songbirds and returning them to the...
By PTI: London, Jul 28 (PTI) Some inks used for tattooing may cause cancer and skin problems which can last for years, with red colour being the most lethal, according to a new report.

Red inks were described as the most dangerous, with blue, green, and black ink also coming under the scanner, the report by European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) said.

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The toxic ink could cause skin problems which could last for years, as well as increasing the risk of cancer, the Sun reported.

Other side effects could include serious allergic reactions to the ink and painful itching which can last for years, the report said.

"Many reports show concerns for public health stemming from the composition of inks used for tattooing," the agency said.

"The most severe concerns are allergies caused by the substances in the inks and possible carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxic effects," it said. PTI SAN SAR SAR

--- ENDS ---
Bright, simple and delicious, these recipes are all you need this monsoon. Photo: The Promenade, Pondicherry

By Shreya Goswami: Over the past few years, many Thai restaurants have come up across the length and breadth of India. Thai cuisine is rising in popularity in India because of its simple-yet-rich flavours. The spicy-tangy flavours of Thai food also make it more relatable for us, because our own cuisine is based on the balance between khatta-meetha-teekha.

Thai cuisine is quite interesting, and we got in touch with Chef Jarunun, who is visiting India for the Royal Thai festival at The Promenade in Pondicherry, to find out some need-to-know facts about the popular cuisine:

What is the essence of Thai cooking?

Thai cuisine is made up of lightly prepared dishes packed with spicy, fresh and well-balanced flavours. As with Asian cooking, it is based on the five taste senses of heat through chilli, sour flavours with the use of tamarind, salty flavours typically using fish sauce, sweet flavours using jaggery, pure sugar, from cane juice and andunami flavours, bitter from lime.

Thai cuisine is all about simplicity and balance of flavours. Photo: The Promenade, Pondicherry

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What are the basic ingredients used in Thai cuisine?

Standard Thai ingredients include chillies, dried black peppercorns, Nam plan (fish sauce made from fermented fish and salt) or soya sauce, palm oil or any other vegetable cooking oil, tamarind paste (or fresh lime), lime leaves or lime zest can be used as a substitute, coconut milk, garlic, galangal (a close relative of ginger), abundant fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, Thai basil and coriander and sticky rice. Most of these are indigenous to India as well.



Also read: Indian girl takes ethnic Naga cuisine to Belgium via her tribal kitchen food truck



What are the basic things to keep in mind while cooking Thai food?

Every country in the world has its own food profile. It reflects its culture, environment, ingenuity and values. In the case of Thailand, these words come to mind: intricacy; attention to detail; texture; color; taste, and the use of ingredients with medicinal benefits, as well as good flavour. We not only pay attention to how a dish tastes; we are also concerned about how it looks, how it smells, and how it fits in with the rest of the meal. We think of all parts of the meal as a whole--sum rap Thai (the way Thais eat) is the term we use for the unique components that make up a characteristically Thai meal.

Here are two easy-peasy recipes you can try, and we're sure you'll ace 'em because they're simple and chock full of the Thai flavours you love!

Geangkiew Warn Gai

(Tofu, peas and eggplant in green curry)

You can make the non-veg version by replacing the tofu with chicken. Photo: The Promenade, Pondicherry

Ingredients:

1/4 cup green curry paste

350 grams of tofu, cut into small pieces

1 1/4 cups coconut milk

1/4 cup basil leaves

2 eggplants, cut into small pieces

2 tablespoons palm sugar

3 tablespoons salt

2 red peppers, cubed

4 kaffir lime leaves

Method:

1. Heat 1/2 cup coconut milk in a pan on a medium flame. Let it boil for 3-5 minutes, and then add the green curry paste. Stir the mix to get a smooth liquid.

2. Add salt and palm sugar, and cook for a minute. Then add the eggplant. Add the remaining coconut milk and vegetables. Boil for a few minutes until it is cooked and eggplant has softened.

3. Add tofu and basil leaves, and let the curry come to a boil. Once it does, remove it from the heat. Serve in a round bowl.

Faak Thong Cheam

(Pumpkin topped with coconut milk)

Not too sweet, and still delicious, this is a pumpkin recipe to die for. Photo: The Promenade, Pondicherry

Ingredients:

500g pumpkin

250g caster sugar

450 grams of water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

100 g coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon flour

Lime water

Method:

1. Peel and clean the pumpkin, and cut into large slices. Soak the slices in lime water for about half an hour. Then rinse and dry up.

2. To make the sauce, mix the coconut milk, flour and salt in a small pot. Set on a low heat, and stir until well combined. Turn off the gas and set it aside.

3. Add water, sugar and lemon juice into a non-stick pan on medium-high heat. Wait until the sugar dissolves, then add the pumpkin and cook. Turn off the heat when the pumpkin gets a clear gloss.

4. Spoon the pumpkin into a bowl and top with coconut milk. Serve immediately.

Both these recipes are simple, easy to cook and delicious. All the ingredients are easily available, and look so bright that they can cut through the gloom of monsoon. These two recipes are all you'll need to learn how to cook Thai food this monsoon.

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Chef Jarunun is showcasing her Thai specialties at the Bay of Buddha, The Promenade, Pondicherry, from July 22 to 31, 2016.


Termed as the deadliest attack of its kind in the Syrian city, the truck bomb blast by Islamic state claimed nearly 50 lives.

People look for survivors under debris at a damaged site after two bomb blasts claimed by Islamic State hit the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli. Photo: Reuters

By Reuters: A large truck bomb blast claimed by Islamic State killed nearly 50 people and wounded scores more in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli near the Turkish border on Wednesday, a monitoring group and state television reported.

The attack, which hit near a Kurdish security forces headquarters, was the deadliest of its kind in the city for years, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The blast, which took place early on Wednesday, killed at least 48 people. The death toll expected to rise because of the number of people seriously injured, the Observatory said. State media put the death toll at 44.

Kurdish forces control much of Hasaka province, after capturing vast areas from the jihadist group last year. The Kurdish YPG militia, which has proved the most effective partner for a U.S.-led coalition battling Islamic State, is also involved in fighting the extremists farther west, in Aleppo province.

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Islamic State claimed responsibility for what it said was a suicide truck bomb attack, and added that it targeted Kurdish security forces. The group State has carried out a number of bombings in Qamishli, which is in Hasaka province, and in the provincial capital, Hasaka city.

State TV rolled footage purportedly from the scene of one blast, showing large-scale damage to buildings, vast amounts of rubble strewn across the road and plumes of smoke rising.

The explosion was so powerful it shattered the windows of shops in the Turkish town of Nusaybin, directly across the border. Two people were slightly hurt in Nusaybin, a witness said.

Islamic State has targeted Qamishli and the provincial capital, Hasaka city, in the past with bombing attacks. A suicide blast killed six members of the Kurdish internal security force, known as the Asayish, in April. In July, an Islamic State suicide bomb killed at least 16 people in Hasaka.

The YPG is now involved in a U.S.-backed offensive that has advanced against the jihadists further west near the Turkish border.

The assault against Islamic State in the city of Manbij has put it under pressure, cutting off all routes out of the city. Fighters from the U.S.-backed alliance have in recent weeks made incremental advances as they try to flush out the remaining IS fighters in Manbij.

Territory that Islamic State controls in that area was a major supply route to the outside world via the Turkish-Syrian border, through which it moved weapons and fighters.

Also read:

President Tayyip Erdogan reasserts control as Turkey coup bid falters
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By Mark Hallum

Three men were arrested Tuesday morning for allegedly executing two bank burglaries in Queens and Brooklyn which temporarily made them $5 million richer, law enforcement officials said.

When an employee from the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank in Rego Park arrived at work May 23, he discovered a hole in the roof leading down into the safe. An ambitious robbery, seemingly straight out of Hollywood, had taken place over the weekend resembling that of another heist, which happened at an HSBC Bank in Brooklyn in April.

Michael Mazzara, 44, Charles Kerrigan, 40, and Anthony Mascuzzio, 36, all residents of Brooklyn, allegedly left little evidence at the two crime scenes where they took cash and belongings from safe deposit boxes, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan said. At the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, located at 64-19 Woodhaven Blvd., the crew had allegedly built a plywood shed on the roof to mask their operation, and had used welding torches to enter and rob the vaults, prosecutors said.

Anthony Mascuzzio comes from a legacy of crime. His father, also Anthony Mascuzzio, an associate of Gambino crime boss John Gotti, was found dead in the basement of a Manhattan discotheque after being shot twice in 1988.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the U.S. attorney, the alarm went off twice on Saturday morning at the Maspeth bank and was reset each time. Approximately $296,000 was lifted in cash from the bank and about $4.3 million in cash, diamonds and coins from safe deposit boxes, prosecutors said.

These heists resembled scenes from the movie Heat  the work of a crew that was well organized, meticulous, and elusive to law enforcement, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said. This investigation was conducted with painstaking persistence. Left with few clues after the heists, our crime scene teams hunted for every shred of evidence. From the plywood purchased at a nearby Home Depot, to the torches from a Brooklyn welder used to muscle into the vault, the picture slowly came into focus, resulting in todays arrests and charges.

According to the U.S. attorneys office, the three Brooklyn men are facing charges of one count of conspiracy to commit bank burglary, which carries a maximum sentence of five years; and one count of bank burglary with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

In the dark of the night, these defendants allegedly blow torched their way through the roofs and into the vaults of two different banks, stealing over $5 million in cash and customer valuables kept in safe deposit boxes, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said. Through their brazen bank heists, the defendants allegedly stole not just peoples money, but their memories, too, leaving in their destructive wake gaping holes and looted vaults. But these bank jobs also left enough of a trace for the FBI and NYPD, whose good old-fashioned police work led to the charges and arrests announced today.
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By Patrick Donachie

From Forest Hills High School to Rockaway Beach, the Ramones roots in Queens are deep. The punk-rock foursome is most well-known for its CBGB shows, wild songs and a well-earned reputation as one of rocks fiercest and finest bands, but the Queens Museum is currently highlighting the groups Forest Hills origins in an exhibition.

On Saturday, they also offered guests a bus tour through the bands old stomping grounds and a free concert at the Rockaways Low Tide Bar at 97th Street.

The exhibition, which runs through July 31, contains tour posters from gigs around the globe, vintage stage garb and official tour riders from the bands long history. John Cummings, Jeffrey Hyman, Douglas Colvin and Thomas Erdelyi later became known as Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy and attended Forest Hills High School together. Their friend, Monte A. Melnick, who worked as a tour manager for the group until they disbanded in 1996, was on hand for the exhibition and the tour.

Those are the riders here, Melnick said at the exhibition, pointing out documents stating what the band would ask for backstage prior to shows. And yes, they had Yoo-hoo on the riders.

The exhibit also showcased music videos and instruments used by the band, and the entrance was marked by a pertinent quote from Tommy Ramone taken from the bands first press release.

The Ramones all originate from Forest Hills and kids who grew up there either became musicians, degenerates or dentists, the quote said. The Ramones are a little of each.

During the tour, Melnick contended that the Ramones were now more popular and vital than ever before. Though it is a surprising statement to make about a band that stopped touring in 1996 and whose four original members are dead, the wide range in ages of attendees supported his claim. In addition to older punk rockers who may have grown up seeing the band when they played the Bowery, there were teenagers and children clad in shirts emblazoned with the distinctive Ramones logo, a play on the presidential seal with look out below! written in lieu of the usual E pluribus unum.

After seeing the exhibition, more than 40 fans packed into a small yellow school bus with Melnick and Matt Levy, a tour guide from Levys Unique New York. The ensemble headed for Forest Hills to see the apartment buildings in which the band grew up as well as their first rehearsal space, located in the basement of a Queens Boulevard law firm. Three of the four members of the band, as it turned out, lived within a two-block radius of each other.

While en route, Levy said that the Ramones and punk rock could only have been invented in New York and drew a comparison between the New York gangs of the 1860s and the punk rockers. He said both groups came of age in the bars and saloons of the Bowery.

Its where you hung out and made friends. Its where you joined political associations and beat people up to make sure they voted for the right Tammany Hall politician, he said. This meant you had a social identity based on the place you hung out.

He then asked the group to envision New York 125 years after the 1860s, when New York found itself in a similar situation.

You had teenagers hanging out in bars and saloons on the Bowery and wanted to identify themselves out of the bar, Levy said. The leather jackets and ripped jeans associated with the Ramones, he said, was a do-it-yourself uniform.

Melnick lauded the bands workmanlike approach, which brought them from East Village clubs to theaters, arenas and stadiums on six different continents. Melnick said the group was an inspiration for young punk rockers across the world.

They were Johnny Appleseeds, he said. Theyd travel to these small towns around the world and kids would see them. Theyd say hey, this isnt too hard.

At the end of the bus tour, many of the attendees departed while some diehards stayed on board for the ride to the Rockaways. A makeshift stage was set up outside of the bar at Low Tide Bar where Rockaway Beach pirate rock band Rattrap Bumpkin opened the evening. They were followed by Unstoppable Death Machines and Sick Feeling, two acts selected to round out the evening by a partnership between the museum and Ridgewood venue Trans Pecos.

As Unstoppable Death Machines played to a mostly seated crowd fresh off the beach, several children started dancing in front of the stage. The guitarist grabbed a cymbal stand from the drummers kit, and brought it out for the children to play. The drummer laughed and complimented the front row of young rockers.

Say hi to the future, he said. We can all go back to the past. Dont worry, theyve got it covered.
Kabir Khan has begun shooting for his next film Tubelight in Ladakh.

By India Today Web Desk: It's lights, camera and action for Kabir Khan's next. The Phantom director has begun shooting for her next in the picturesque locales of Ladakh.

ALSO READ: Salman to play a 'special' role in Kabir Khan's Tubelight

ALSO READ: Kabir Khan and Salman Khan put Kashmir shooting schedule on hold



Khan, who will reunite with Salman after 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, took to Twitter to make the announcement.

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The filmmaker on Wednesday night took to the social networking site to share a photograph of the picturesque view from the location. He also shared that the film's crew comprises of 200 people, who are waiting to begin shooting for the new venture.



#Tubelight shoot begins here tomorrow... ?? #Ladakh. 200 strong crew all acclimatised and ready to roll... pic.twitter.com/esyWlsWC67 Kabir Khan (@kabirkhankk) July 27, 2016

This is not the first time that Salman will be working with Kabir. The duo has worked in films like Ek Tha Tiger in 2012 and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.



The names of Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif have been doing the rounds to play Salman's ladylobe in the film. However, Kabir Khan has decided to remain tight-lipped about the female lead for Tubelight.

Reportedly, Tubelight is a cross-border love story set during the Indo-China war of 1960-62. The film is about an Indian man falling love with a girl from China.

According to a report in DNA, Salman will be playing a "man-child" called Tubelight, who is mentally challenged and is slow to understand things. A source told the website, "It would also be the first time when Salman would play a 'special' role in his career where he doesn't do the usual or play to the gallery."

The source also said that director Kabir Khan is taking special effort to ensure that the "special" character of Tubelight is portrayed sensitively on screen.



The film is set to hit the screens some time next year.



--- ENDS ---
These real PA creatures could become cryptids if we don't save them

environment
SHARE Wichita County Sheriff's Deputies converged on a trailer house on Town and Country Lane in north Wichita Falls Wednesday morning. Deputies arrested on suspect in what is believed to be a large burglary spree early Wednesday. CHRISTOPER WALKER/TIMES RECORD NEWS Carr Hutchison

Two people arrested Wednesday in connection with a suspected burglary operation have been named.

Marene Dejuana Carr, 22, and Johnathon Thomas Hutchison, 23, are each facing one count of engaging in organized criminal activity  burglary of a vehicle and two counts of abandoning or endangering a child. Bail was set at $7,500 for Carr and Huthison on the burglary charge, but no bail amount was set on the other charges as of Thursday afternoon.

The Wichita County Sheriffs Office said a 15-year-old boy was also arrested but will not be named because he is a juvenile.

According to the probable cause affidavits:

Around 4 a.m. Wednesday, deputies were called to the 700 block of Wellington and Huntington lanes in reference to numerous burglaries of motor vehicles.

They noticed two men and a woman lying in a barrow ditch when they got to the area, but the suspects fled on foot behind the residences.

While searching the area, deputies located a grey alligator skin wallet with a military ID card belonging to a woman in the 700 block of Wellington Lane. The woman said someone broke into her vehicle.

Deputies also located a 1991 blue and white Ford F-150 truck parked on the side of the road nearby. The truck appeared to have run out of gas and the key was in the ignition.

The truck was registered to a man living in the Town and Country Mobile Home Park, but he told deputies he sold it to a former maintenance man who also lived at the park.

Deputies knocked on the door of the new owner but received no answer. Fearing that the owner could be inside the residence hurt or possibly dead and the vehicle then stolen and used in the burglaries, they conducted a welfare check on the occupant of the trailer.

Carr was found in the bedroom by the front door with one small child asleep in the bed with her. Another small child was found asleep on the couch in the living room. Carr told deputies no one else was in the house.

During a quick search of the residence, deputies located Hutchison hiding in a closet in the spare bedroom, covered up with a mattress. He had a single-shot shotgun inches from his hand and a pistol on the shelf above his head. The pistol had been stolen from a vehicle earlier that day in a burglary in the 4400 block of Kiel Lane.

Carr told deputies that she, Hutchison and his cousin, 15, went to the area of the 700 block of Wellington and Huntington lanes and were burglarizing vehicles. She said they were all in the barrow ditch and fled on foot when the patrol car approached them.

A search of the house revealed numerous items from the burglaries in that area. A WCSO spokesman said investigators think the arrests may solve as many as 15 burglaries in the area recently.
SHARE Brown

By Linda Stewart, Special to the Times Record News

Steve Brown was a well-known person in the Vernon area, active in the agriculture industry. He died in a horrific traffic accident Wednesday morning on U.S. Hwy 70.

Brown was on his way to work at Texas A&M AgriLife Research just a few miles farther on the highway when the accident occurred.

He had been the Program Director of Texas Foundation Seed Service since the August of 2001. Having lived in Vernon for most of his life, he had previously spent 26 years in private sector agribusiness as the vice president of Crown Quality Seed. He managed the diversified company involved with seed production and distribution, commercial grain operations, and livestock feed manufacturing. During this time he gained business experience in seed ranging from seed production and sales to day to day management of the companies involved in these agribusiness ventures. He also worked with domestic and international seed production and sales.

Rosemary Teague, staff assistant at the Texas Foundation Seed Service, said Brown was the best boss she had ever worked with. "

He was always so upbeat and nice to everyone, even those who owed us money," she said. "He always had a friendly word for everyone and tried to help everybody who had questions or requests."

She said her boss was always a problem solver and had a wide knowledge of everything concerning the business.

"I really enjoyed working for him," she said.

Brown was also a longtime member of the Santa Rosa Palomino Club where he received the Outstanding Member award in 1992. He also served on the committee for the organization's history book in 1979.

Club member Gene Tyra said Brown served at rodeo chairman for a number of years when the Palomino Club sponsored the rodeo.

"He was a very dedicated club member and put together a lot of things we still do," Tyra said.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Vernon.
By PTI: Mumbai, Jul 28 (PTI) Taxi aggregator Uber today announced the Mi Pan Malak scheme to encourage taxi and auto drivers across the megapolis to join its platform.

Under the scheme, the drivers can avail of offers and services through Ubers partnerships with leading financial institutions and car manufacturers with a down payment of as low as Rs 25,000, Uber said in a statement here.

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Presently, kaali-peeli drivers rent taxis for 12-hour shifts paying as high as Rs 600 per shift (excluding CNG), Uber claimed.

With the same amount of money, these drivers can own their vehicles, it said.

This comes at a time when taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers across all major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kochi, have been organising protests, saying that on- demand taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola are a threat to their livelihoods.

They are also demanding better rules to level the playing field regarding pricing. While cab aggregators operate on- demand based surge pricing, regular taxis have to abide by government-mandated ceilings on the minimum and maximum fares.

"At Uber, we are keen on building micro entrepreneurship by providing flexible economic opportunities for all. Through this special scheme, we wish to encourage existing taxi and auto drivers to become financially independent by reaping the benefits of our platform," said Shailesh Sawlani, General Manager, Uber Mumbai.

Uber claims that at least 30 per cent of its existing driver partners in Mumbai are ex-taxi, auto and radio taxi drivers.

In February this year, during the Make in India week hosted by the Centre, Uber signed an agreement with the Maharashtra governments Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department (SDED) to create 75,000 new economic opportunities, including a focus on training women and people from marginalised societies. PTI DSK NRB ABM SSB

--- ENDS ---
By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News

The Obama administration now is playing down the power held by the guidance it issued to schools in May that directed them to allow transgender students to use the bathroom matching their gender identity.

In the federal governments first response to a lawsuit brought against it by Texas and several other states, U.S. attorneys write that the guidance to schools was just that  guidance  and not a mandate to adopt programs. In filing the suit, plaintiff states wrote the guidance constituted a threat: make bathrooms available to transgender students or face the loss of federal funding.

That is simply not true, the U.S. government writes in its memorandum filed late Wednesday.

These guidance documents  which are the focal point of plaintiffs claims  are merely expressions of agencies views as to what the law requires, the filing reads. They are not legally binding, and they expose plaintiffs to no new liability or legal requirements.

Previously in the lawsuit, Texas and 14 other states and individuals filed for an injunction against the federal government in a Wichita Falls federal court. If granted, the injunction would block the Obama administration from forcing school districts in those states from complying with its transgender bathroom directive.

The lawsuit initially was filed May 25, and subsequent filings likened Obamas guidance to putting a gun to the head of states. Among plaintiffs is the Harrold Independent School District, led by Superintendent David Thweatt, in Wilbarger County.

Whether the federal government ever actually threatened to pull funding from schools out of compliance with its guidance is up for debate. The guidance does not have the force of law, but it did appear to imply that schools could lose money by not adopting more inclusive bathroom policies.

In Wednesdays brief, U.S. attorneys wrote that plaintiffs cannot prove the guidance would cause irreparable harm and thus should not be awarded an injunction.

The threat of irreparable harm or injury must be real, substantial and immediate, not speculative or conjectural, the brief reads.

In a Thursday interview with the Times Record News, Thweatt accused the federal government of backpedaling pretty fast from the message it originally sent to states.

To me, its a ridiculous argument, he said. Its like a Jedi mind trick  there is no harm here.

Tweatt said hed consult with states attorneys on whether to go forward with the suit. After all, if the U.S. government isnt going to pull federal funds, there may not be any need for an injunction.

The Texas Attorney Generals Office declined comment Thursday.

Additionally, both sides in the lawsuit are collecting allies.

Texas has added three new plaintiffs since the suit was first filed, in addition to a conservative, pro-family group that has filed a memorandum of support. On Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund Inc, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Transgender Law Center responded by filing an amicus brief in support of the defendants.

The issues pending before the Court are of acute concern to (us) and the community they represent, who may stand to be directly impacted by the Courts ruling, the brief reads. Transgender people face staggering levels of discrimination in schools, workplaces and sex-segregated facilities. Calls for legal help in this area are consistently among the most numerous that (we) receive.

Its unknown when the federal judge assigned to the case will rule on the injunction motion, or, now that the U.S. government has argued its guidance carries no legal weight, if the lawsuit will continue at all.

Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiff's Application for Preliminary Injuction
U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (David Santiago/El Nuevo Herald/TNS)

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By Los Angeles Times

The unauthorized release of 20,000 internal emails from the Democratic National Committee created a huge embarrassment for Hillary Clinton on the eve of the convention that will nominate her for president. Some of the emails confirmed the widespread view that party officials favored Clinton over insurgent Sen. Bernie Sanders. Their release led swiftly to the resignation of Democratic National Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a longtime Clinton ally.

The risk for Clinton is that the stolen emails will exacerbate party divisions, further alienating Sanders supporters already angry about what they see as a "rigged system." The convention opened on the same sort of raucous note as last week's fractious GOP gathering, with Sanders' supporters hooting and shouting "Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!" in response to pro-Clinton speeches.

But some Clinton supporters see a political silver lining in the dissemination of the committee's internal messages. Because the leaks are widely suspected of being the result of a Russian hacking operation, they can be used to reinforce the narrative that Russian President Vladimir Putin is rooting for Trump and that Trump, in turn, would be too accommodating to Moscow.

Over the weekend, Clinton's campaign manager, Robby Mook, seemed to connect those dots in an interview on CNN. After citing "experts" for the proposition that the Russians were releasing the emails to help Trump, Mook added that "we also saw last week at the Republican convention that Trump and his allies made changes to the Republican platform to make it more pro-Russian. And we saw him talking about how NATO shouldn't  (necessarily) intervene to defend our Eastern European allies if they are attacked by Russia.

"So, I think, when you put all this together, it's a disturbing picture. And I think voters need to reflect on that."

The possibility that a foreign government might be engaging in cyber mischief to influence a U.S. election is indeed troubling. Several experts have concluded that the DNC email system was compromised by two Russian intelligence agencies that previously engaged in other operations directed at U.S. government agencies.

The circumstantial case is strong enough that the FBI announced Monday that it is investigating "a cyber intrusion involving the DNC." Presumably it will seek to determine whether there is Russian government complicity in the attack. (Determining whether the motive was to help Trump's election prospects would presumably be harder to establish.)

But even if the Russian government played a role in this intrusion and even if the purpose was to help Trump's candidacy, that doesn't mean Trump is taking orders from Moscow. Tempting as it might be for Democrats to insinuate that Trump is a Russian version of the Manchurian Candidate, they need to avoid guilt by association.

Trump's actual foreign-policy positions provide more than enough ammunition for Democrats who want to argue that his ill-informed approach to Russia would only embolden its leaders. In an interview with The New York Times, Trump suggested that the U.S. might not come to the defense of a NATO ally under attack if that country weren't fulfilling its financial obligations to the alliance.

Trump also has said that he would "get along" with Putin, and some of his advisers have ties to Russia. In addition, Paul Manafort, the chairman of Trump's campaign, worked as a political consultant for a pro-Russian government in Ukraine. (Manafort has described as "absurd" the notion that Trump is too cozy with Putin.)

By all means Trump should be pressed to elaborate on how he sees Putin and how his policy toward Russia would differ from that of President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. But Democrats need to be careful not to overplay their hand. It isn't that long ago that accusing Americans of being Russian dupes was a popular, and poisonous, political pastime. That tactic shouldn't be revived, even to score points against Trump.
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The word "impunity" haunts President Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico. It may well scar his historical legacy.

For angry and disenchanted Mexican citizens across the political spectrum, "impunity" means two things simultaneously. It signifies the deep and embedded injustice within their nation's governing institutions and society. When shouted by protesters, it expresses deep distrust of and disgust with political and economic leaders who cannot  or worse, will not  combat it.

How bad is the "impunity" Mexicans despise? In February, the Center for Impunity and Justice Studies published an "impunity index" that indicated only 4.46 percent of reported crimes in Mexico resulted in convictions. The report estimated that only 7 percent of crimes in Mexico are actually reported, which meant 99 percent of committed crimes were not punished. Why? Mexican citizens told investigators that it took a lot of time to report a crime  which is a way of saying police and judicial branches were unresponsive to average citizens. Citizens also lacked faith in these authorities  another way of saying they lacked faith in institutional and organizational leadership. The study's statistics have been criticized, but the reasons given for citizens' reluctance to report crimes are beyond dispute.

When he ran for president in 2012, Pena claimed his leadership marked a sharp change in Institutional Revolutionary Party (known as PRI). For seven decades prior to 2000, PRI politicians and their cronies looted Mexico. Pena swore the "new PRI" he represented had reformed. He promised to reform government institutions and eliminate corruption.

It sounded good, until 2014, when the country learned that wealthy media and business moguls had helped Pena and his wife acquire luxury properties. An embarrassed Pena defended the acquisition as legal. It cost him personal credibility. He was now just another PRI politician on the take.

Insisting he was honest, Pena promised to pass and implement genuine anti-corruption legislation. This month, on July 18, Mexican legislators passed a package of laws establishing the National Anti-Corruption System. Increasing public trust in Mexican governmental institutions is the overall goal. The new laws establish a code of conduct and accountability procedures. They require transparency in government contracting, to include bid procedures. Officials must reveal personal assets, conflicts of interest and tax returns. However, several critics complain the laws do not really require officials to fully disclose personal dealings. The government can restrict access to these documents.

How the reforms affect crimes like the alleged fraud committed by PRI politician and former governor of Nuevo Leon state Rodrigo Medina remains to be seen. In early June, prosecutors charged Medina with conspiring in a $200 million land scam that involved attracting a car manufacturer to the state. The deal was complex. The new laws may hinder similar crimes. The Nuevo Leon land scheme was already illegal, but oversight may make future scams more difficult.

The new legislation will not erase the Iguala mass kidnapping which ensures impunity will stain Pena's legacy. In September 2014, the mayor of Iguala (Guerrero state) and his wife ordered corrupt police to make certain 43 student protesters did not disrupt a political fiesta. The police and a local drug gang allegedly murdered those students. Iguala's mayor and the Guerrero's state governor were both PRI politicians.

State and federal government agencies responded lethargically to the disappearance of the 43 students. Initially, authorities classified the students as missing, as there were no bodies.

It wasn't until January 2015 that federal investigators concluded that the missing students had been murdered and their bodies incinerated. Relatives of the victims claimed cover-up. Evidence has since surfaced that a local Mexican army unit failed to act on news that the murders were imminent. The army denies it.

Though some 80 people were ultimately arrested for complicity in the crime, the Iguala massacre exemplifies the horror of systemic impunity. Government officials ordered the deed, and the perpetrators thought they would go unpunished. Little wonder Iguala has become a national symbol of government corruption and incompetence.

Austin Bay is a commentator on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition," covering foreign affairs but often addressing issues in Texas that have a national interest.
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Queensbury

Those longing to fly a fighter jet inches above yellow taxis, touch down briefly on skyscrapers and fire artillery at targets can now do so with just one requirement: be at least 48 inches tall.

Great Escape, a Six Flags theme park, updated its 32-year-old Steamin' Demon roller coaster Tuesday with virtual reality headsets.

Riders still travel along the metal rails of the actual coaster, but strapped onto their heads are white Oculus goggles connected to Samsung phones.

"I was expecting to be on a roller coaster, but instead you were flying," said Hannah Chaput, 15, one of the coaster's first riders,

"I can't think of anywhere else where I can get that feeling of a space exploring mission," said Devin Goodman. Great Escape gave Goodman and two other members of the Adirondack Theatre Festival an opportunity to skip the line and be on the coaster's inaugural ride. A reporter also was aboard for the ride.

Great Escape is the ninth Six Flags location to install a virtual reality system on a roller coaster. Andrew Meader, director of sponsorships at Great Escape, said the park was able to obtain about 56 Oculus goggles and Samsung phones through a partnership with Samsung.

Samsung created an app specifically for the Steamin' Demon, and developers rode in each of the coaster's 28 seats with phones to calibrate the program.

In order for the virtual landscape to align perfectly with the climbing, accelerating and inverting coaster, the phones attached to the goggles need to be synced to the riders' individual seats using Bluetooth, said Andrew Burggraf, Great Escape operations manager.

"It creates an environment where you're completely in this world, immersed in it," said Burggraf, who was heavily involved in the implementation of the system. "Rollercoasters are my world," he said, and the virtual reality program is "kind of my baby."

Riders sit in a virtual airplane warehouse as they wait for the ride to begin. Look down and there is another pilot; look up and there are two large laserguns that can be fired by touching the right side of the headset.

"It was weird because you were all alone and I'd look over and she wasn't there," said Marlow Tessier, 15, nodding to her friend.

As the ride begins, the plane slides around the warehouse before entering a chamber of targets that can be shattered using the plane's lasers. A few dips and twists later  about 30 seconds  the plane lands safely and the coaster rolls back in for the next group of amateur pilots.

The virtual environment is designed by VR Coaster, a German company. Burggraf said there are talks about adding other landscape options, such as a Western theme.

Abby Taylor, who visited the park Tuesday for her 20th birthday, said she liked not being able to anticipate the movements of the roller coaster.

"That's the fun part, that you're not sure what's going to happen next."

Park goers can also choose to ride the coaster the old-fashioned way, as riders have since 1984. Gideon Spikes, 15, rode in the front car but passed on the goggles. "I heard (the headset) can give you nausea and I've never used it and I didn't want to find out I get nauseous," he said.

The Great Escape staff has trained for two weeks to reduce wait times and ensure things run smoothly, Meader said.

"It takes a lot more preparation" than a regular coaster, Meader said, noting that headsets must be cleaned after every ride and charged consistently.

Additionally, staff members have to test each seat every morning to make sure the phones are syncing correctly.

Meader said it may take a couple more minutes than usual to get everyone situated on the coaster and strapped into goggles, but that the wait will likely decrease in the following weeks. Also, he added, "you've got things to look at while you're in there."

Meader, who grew up attending the park, hopes the virtual reality program, along with Great Escape's mainstay rides and waterpark, will invigorate attendance at the park this summer.

"If you rode the ride as I did when I was a teenager, it's a new reason to come back."

nburroughs@timesunion.com
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Waterford

Executives at Momentive Performance Materials say the company is done negotiating a new contract for its unionized workers at its Waterford and Willoughby, Ohio, plants and has given the IUE-CWA its final offer.

The company, which is headquartered in Waterford, where it employs 1,050 people, has been in talks with the IUE-CWA since June 6. The two sides have yet to reach an agreement, and Momentive provided what it says is its "last, best and final" offer to the union last Friday.

"Our goal is to reach a fair balance between what is competitive in the marketplace and what meets our employees' needs," the company said in a statement. "We want to avoid a work stoppage and move forward with the investments that we have planned for Waterford and Willoughby. We believed our best hope of doing so was to provide our best proposal so that our represented employees would see for themselves that the offer is a good deal for them, their families, and the future of the company."

Momentive is offering a three-year deal that would provide a $3,500 "ratification" bonus that employees would receive after voting to approve the contract, as well as a wage increase of 5.5 percent that comes out to an added $9,000 over three years.

Workers would be moved to a high-deductible health plan in the third year of the contract, and it is expected that premiums for the health plans in the first two years would also rise.

Momentive makes silicones and quartz products. The Waterford plant makes silicones, while the Willoughby plant makes quartz used in the semiconductor industry.

It is unclear if the IUE-CWA, which also represents 45 people at the Willoughby plant, will schedule a vote on the offer. The union had said that health care was a major issue for membership going into the talks.

IUE-CWA Local 81359, which represents 700 workers at the Waterford plant, has been holding meetings about the company's offer at the fire station down the street from the plant.

Meetings with members were scheduled for all week, including one held Wednesday morning and one Friday afternoon.

IUE-CWA Local 81359 President Dom Patrignani could not immediately be reached for comment on the union's plans.

lrulison@timesunion.com  518-454-5504  @larryrulison
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Steven Brundage, a magician from Saratoga Springs who wowed judges during his first appearance on "America's Got Talent" earlier this month with a routine involving a Rubik's Cube but who got cut in the next round, has been brought back to the show by fan support. He announced the return Monday on social media:

"It's official!!! I'm am coming back to "America's Got Talent" as a wild card! Thank you for all the amazing support and helping bring me back!"

A petition on the website change.org titled "Put Steven Brundage in the Live Shows" drew 2,660 signatures. A publicist for the "AGT" confirmed Brundage would appear next week, on either Tuesday's or Wednesday's show. "America's Got Talent" airs on NBC/WNYT CH. 13.

Photos posted by Brundage on social media indicate he is in Los Angeles preparing for his next appearance. In the episode that was broadcast July 5, Brundage first put a scrambled Rubik's Cube in a paper bag, then removed it solved a few seconds later without having otherwise touched it. He also asked judge Simon Cowell to randomly scramble a cube, which Brundage repeatedly mentioned has "43 quintillion permutations," then produced a second cube that matched the pattern on all six sides of Cowell's.

Brundage, a Glenville native who claims to be the only magician in the world with an act based on Rubik's Cube tricks, is 25. In 2014, he was the star of a viral video that showed him getting out of a speeding ticket in Scotia by demonstrating a Rubik's Cube trick.

 Steve Barnes

Dr. Dre beats gun rap in driveway beef

Los Angeles prosecutors have declined to bring gun charges against rapper Dr. Dre

A spokesman for the Los Angeles district attorney said Wednesday there was a lack of evidence that the record producer and entrepreneur had brandished a gun in public.

Sheriff's deputies had cited Dre for a misdemeanor after a man reported that Dre pointed a handgun at him and threatened him outside his Malibu home Monday.

Dre, whose real name is Andre Young, told sheriff's deputies he didn't have a gun and had only asked the man to move the car blocking his driveway. Dre was briefly handcuffed, but no weapon was found.

 Associated Press

'Stairway' copyright appeal is filed

Lawyers have appealed a jury decision that cleared Led Zeppelin of accusations it lifted a riff from an obscure 1960s instrumental for the intro to its classic rock anthem "Stairway to Heaven."

At attorney for the trust of the late Randy Wolfe filed a notice of appeal last week in Los Angeles federal court.

The trust for Wolfe, better known as Randy California, failed to convince a jury last month that the British band swiped a passage to "Stairway" from a short work he recorded with his band Spirit in 1968.

The filing does not provide legal arguments for why the case should be reconsidered.

 Associated Press

Motley Crue's Neil has lawyers on case

Attorneys for Vince Neil said Wednesday they're investigating what led to a misdemeanor battery charge accusing the Motley Crue frontman of grabbing a woman's hair and pulling her to the ground in April outside a Las Vegas Strip resort.

Neil, 55, didn't appear in court with attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, who entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Outside court, Chesnoff said he needs to complete his investigation and review the evidence before he comments.

The allegation came to light after bystander video showed actor Nicolas Cage physically restraining Neil before police arrived April 7 outside the Aria casino-hotel. A female autograph seeker told police that Neil grabbed her.

 Associated Press

O'Jays to GOP: Stop using our tunes

The founding members of the O'Jays are asking a Republican to stop using their music for the second time in a week.

In a statement Wednesday, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams say they sent a letter to Rep. John Mica, R-Florida, asking him to stop using their song "For The Love Of Money" in an online video featuring Donald Trump posted in 2014

The R&B group previously decried Donald Trump for using their song "Love Train" during last week's Republican National Convention.

Levert says Trump and his associates have "no right to help themselves to our music."

- Associated Press
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Schenectady

Anthony Ferrari will take over Monday as the city Commissioner of Finance and Administration.

Ferrari, the deputy finance director, will oversee the city budget and general financial operations and manage finance department offices in his new role.

The announcement Thursday by Mayor Gary McCarthy came a day before Finance Commissioner Deborah DeGenova's last day on the job. She is retiring.

Ferrari and his family run Ferrari's Ristorante at Congress Street and Tenth Avenue in Mont Pleasant.

His son John Ferrari is a City Council member.

Anthony Ferrari acknowledged Thursday that the new post will likely mean fewer hours working at the restaurant.

"As the commissioner, I'll probably work less (at the restaurant), maybe one night a week, but I'll always be there," he said.

DeGenova was hired as finance commissioner in 2013.

The city created the deputy finance director job and appointed Ferrari when DeGenova was hired.

Born and raised in Schenectady, Ferrari attended Schenectady County Community College and earned his bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University at Albany.

He has worked for the city for 32 years, starting as a senior account clerk.

"Since I started, that office has always been a dream of mine," he said, speaking of his Italian immigrant parents, both of whom are deceased. "My family always said if you work hard, study hard, and you do what you to do, you're going to make it to the top."

Ferrari praised DeGenova, who he said served as a mentor, for improving the city's once- bleak finances.

"The one thing that I really learned from her that she keeps telling me is to be deliberate," he said.

DeGenova urged him to look at the numbers closely and even then check them again to avoid mistakes. She expressed mutual admiration for him and said he'll do a good job.

Ferrari credited McCarthy for demolishing blighted homes and getting property back on the tax rolls as one way to expand the city tax base. He said attracting middle-class families to the city will help stabilize taxes.

pnelson@timesunion.com  518-454-5347  @apaulnelson
Schenectady

Five men were arrested and 100 bags of heroin seized after a Delamont Street home was raided early Thursday morning, the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office said.

Police also confiscated about $2,000 cash and drug equipment from 905 Delamont Ave.

Angel Delgado, 24, Jesus Rosario, 19, and Victor Santiago, 38, are charged with felony criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

Jose Negron, 38, and Christopher Rivera, 19, are charged with several felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Their statuses were not immediately available.

The monthlong investigation by the sheriff's narcotics unit is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

The Schenectady Police Department's tactical unit assisted in the search.

pnelson@timesunion.com  518-454-5347  @apaulnelson
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Philadelphia

Offering a contrast to what he termed a "deeply pessimistic vision" of America offered by Republicans, President Barack Obama appeared before the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night to share a positive portrait of what the country has accomplished over the past eight years, and the work he believes Hillary Clinton will accomplish in the years to come.

"I stand before you again tonight after almost two terms as your president to tell you I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before," said Obama from the stage at Wells Fargo Center.

The penultimate night of the convention set the stage for Clinton's address on Thursday night, with a series of prime-time speakers praising her as a passionate, competent leader and ripping into Republican candidate Donald Trump as an erratic huckster.

More Information On the Web Follow Times Union state editor and columnist Casey Seiler for updates on the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia: Twitter: @caseyseiler Web: http://timesunion.com and at the Capital Confidential blog, http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol See More Collapse

Obama, the evening's final speaker, said no American president  not himself, not the candidate's husband, Bill Clinton, "nobody"  has ever arrived at the job with as much experience as this year's Democratic candidate.

His first mention of Trump elicited the expected boos.

"Don't boo  vote," Obama said.

After the president concluded his remarks to resounding applause, Clinton emerged from the wings to join him, hands clasped high.

Earlier in the evening, Vice President Joe Biden delivered a similarly open-hearted send-off that recalled the death of his son, Beau, from cancer last year at age 46. Biden used that loss to talk more generally about the nation's ability to overcome adversity through resilience and generosity.

"That's the unbreakable spirit of the people of America. ... That's who we are," Biden said.

He was merciless on Trump: "His cynicism is unbounded. His lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up in the phrase I suspect he's most proud of having made famous: 'You're fired.' ... He has no clue about what makes America."

Ending at the point where Obama would begin, Biden built to a celebratory vision of the nation that stood as another rebuttal to the dark image of a divided and declining country Trump laid out in the his acceptance speech last week in Cleveland.

"We are America, second to none," Biden said, "and we own the finish line."

If Biden's speech was a grand farewell by a politician with more than four decades on the national stage, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine had the trickier task of introducing himself to a national audience.

"Can I be honest with you about something? I never expected to be here," said the Virginian, who told the story of his evolution from young missionary in Honduras to lawyer, city councilman to mayor of Richmond, then governor and senator.

He recalled the state's response to economic reversals and the 2007 mass shootings at Virginia Tech, when he served as governor. Abjuring soaring rhetoric for folksy  some would say corny  interaction with the audience ("Can I tell you a funny thing about the Senate?"), Kaine presented himself as an affable, slightly square presence  a novelty in this wild ride of a campaign season.

The imperative to rip into Trump with maximum political force made for some strange juxtapositions: The Democratic mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, was relegated to a minor-key 5:30 p.m. speaking slot despite the fact that he managed Clinton's 2000 campaign for U.S. Senate. But former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the media billionaire who held the post for three terms as a Republican and this year flirted with his own independent run for the White House, received a prime-time speaking slot to endorse Clinton and rip into her opponent.

Bloomberg said that like many Americans he believed neither party had a monopoly on good ideas or strong leaders. Whatever differences exit, "We must put them aside for the good of our country, and we must unite around a candidate and defeat a dangerous demagogue," he said.

"Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's run his businesses? God help us," Bloomberg said. " ... I'm a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one."

There were continued signs of resentment on the floor of the convention from disaffected supporters of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the party's runner-up. A speech by former CIA director and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was repeatedly interrupted by shouts of "No more war!" The protest, from a small but vocal element of the hall  including the badly split California delegation  prompted warring chants of "Love trumps hate!" and "U.S.A.!"

Panetta was one of several speakers who addressed military and foreign policy matters. Obama was introduced by Sharon Belkofer of Ohio, the mother of a soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2010. She recalled her first meeting with the president at Fort Drum ("I cried all over his suit") and subsequent encounters marked by what she described as the president's compassion.

A series of other speakers highlighted the toll of gun violence  including the daughter of the principal at Sandy Hook Elementary who was killed in the December 2012 mass shooting that claimed two dozen lives, most of them young children.

cseiler@timesunion.com
A European Union flag is held in front of the Big Ben clock tower in Parliament Square during a 'March for Europe' demonstration against Britain's decision to leave the European Union, central London, Britain July 2, 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

While seemingly elegant in theory, globalization suffers in practice. That is the lesson of Brexit and of the rise of Donald Trump in the United States.

Truth be known, there is no rigorous theory of globalization. The best that economists can offer is David Ricardo's early 19th century framework: if a country simply produces in accordance with its comparative advantage (in terms of resource endowments and workers' skills), presto, it will gain through increased cross-border trade.

Trade liberalizationthe elixir of globalizationpromises benefits for all. That promise arguably holds in the long run, but a far tougher reality check invariably occurs in the short term. Brexit is just the latest case in point.

Voters in Britain objected to several of the key premises of European integration: free labor mobility and seemingly open-ended immigration, regulation by supranational European Union authorities, and currency union (which has serious flaws, such as the lack of a fiscal transfer mechanism among member states). Economic integration and globalization are not exactly the same thing, but they rest on the same Ricardian principles of trade liberalizationprinciples that are falling on deaf ears in the political arena.

In short, globalization has lost its political supportunsurprising in a world that bears little resemblance to Ricardo's two centuries agoand therefore Ricardian principles seem irrelevant today. Paul Samuelson, who led the way in translating Ricardian foundations into modern economics, reached a similar conclusion late in his life, when he pointed out how a low-wage technology imitator like China could turn the theory of comparative advantage inside out.

But it is not just a problem with an antiquated theory. Recent trends in global trade are also flashing warning signs. According to the International Monetary Fund, annual growth in world trade volume has averaged just 3 percent over the 2009-16 periodhalf of that from 1980 to 2008. With world trade shifting to a decidedly lower trajectory, political resistance to globalization has only intensified.

Globalization has run into trouble even before. Globalization 1.0the surge in global trade and international capital flows in the late 19th and early 20th centuriesmet its demise between World War I and the Great Depression. Global trade fell by some 60 percent from 1929 to 1932, as major economies turned inward and embraced protectionist trade policies, such as the US' infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930.
Incredible footage captures an intuitive seal darting off to safety as soon as it sees a killer whale coming to get it.

By India Today Web Desk: Nature is fascinating and to capture a rare occurrence on camera is probably the most exhilarating experience.

Facebook user James Adamson must have experienced that when he captured the incredible moment when a lucky seal cleverly dodged a gruesome attack by one of the most deadly predators in the oceans.

In the video, the large fin of the whale can be seen swimming around in the distance when it suddenly disappears under the water before speeding up it chases a seal nearby.

advertisement

The clever seal, completely aware and in control, dodges the attack in the nick of time and takes shelter in a nearby rock.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:



--- ENDS ---
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Philadelphia

Angry and disaffected Bernie Sanders' backers have a new rallying cry: "Jill not Hill."

That's Green Party candidate Jill Stein, whose liberal agenda of tuition-free college, $15-per-hour minimum wage and a renewable energy economy by 2030 offers a home to Sanders' supporters disillusioned by the two-party political system and unwilling to back Democrat Hillary Clinton.

"We are standing up together, we are supporting the Bernie delegates who liberated themselves tonight from the Democratic Party," Stein belted through a megaphone to cheering supporters outside the Democratic convention Tuesday night.

Stein is a 66-year-old doctor and political activist from Massachusetts who, like Clinton, was born in Illinois and raised in a Chicago suburb. She is poised to become the Green Party's 2016 presidential nominee early next month, a title she won in 2012.

Then, Stein failed to crack even half a million votes. This year, detractors warn she could become a Ralph Nader-like candidate, taking enough votes from Clinton to deliver Republican nominee Donald Trump a victory in November.

Nader, the Green Party's nominee in 2000, captured nearly 3 million votes. Many Democrats argue it was Nader who kept Democrat Al Gore from winning the White House over Republican George W. Bush.

Jason Sherry, a Sanders' delegate from Colorado, warned about helping Trump.

"If you're in a battleground state," he said. "You've got to suck it up and vote for Hillary."

Clinton's campaign is monitoring many of Sanders supporters who, for now, seem unwilling to get behind her as the nominee despite the senator's pleas.

With voters expressing discontent at both major party nominees, pollsters are watching third-party candidates like Stein and Gary Johnson, the Libertarian party's nominee. But a July Associated Press-GfK poll found both Stein and Johnson remain virtual unknowns among Americans, with 76 percent saying they don't know enough about Johnson to have a favorable or unfavorable opinion and 82 percent saying the same about Stein.

Stein first ran for elected office with the Green Party in 2002, challenging Mitt Romney for the Massachusetts' governorship but winning just a fraction of the votes. Stein, who graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1979, promises to wipe out student debt entirely and favors universal health care provided by a single public entity.

"I've been working my butt off for Bernie for a year, but I know a good deal about Jill Stein," said Stacy Bucek of Winter Park, Florida. "A lot of my beliefs line up with how she stands."

Stein is working aggressively to win over Sanders supporters, appearing at rallies in downtown Philadelphia during the week of the convention as protesting delegates shout "Jill not Hill!" And she's taking the fight directly to Clinton, accusing the Democratic Party of engaging in an "intimidation campaign that is trying to get you to vote for some lesser evil."
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Atlanta

The Democratic National Convention lineup of speakers has highlighted an increasingly diverse country that could soon elect the first female president to succeed its first black chief executive.

Yet the stream of women, African-Americans, Latinos, gay Americans  from U.S. senators and celebrities to activists and, on Thursday, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton herself  also serves as a reminder of Democrats' struggles to connect with most heterosexual white men.

"It's just sad," says Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, a Democratic strategist turned Donald Trump supporter who says his party "has abandoned" culturally conservative white men like himself.

Even Vice President Joe Biden offered a noteworthy, if more muted assessment Wednesday. Democrats have "done the right thing" for white working-class voters, he said on MSNBC, but the party hasn't "spoken to them."

It's a long-developing gap that bolsters Republican control of Congress and most statehouses. It could play into the hands of Republican Trump, whose path to victory depends on whites drawn to his blistering critiques of elitism and "political correctness" in the America of Clinton and Barack Obama.

White men still make up about a third of the typical presidential electorate and will be crucial to Trump's fortunes in Rust Belt states that have seen a declining middle class. They also could tip the balance in battlegrounds like Virginia and Florida, states Obama won twice.

Saunders says both parties play "wedge and identity politics" on guns, gay rights and other issues.

Republicans emphasized "law and order" at their Cleveland convention, while Democrats on Tuesday welcomed "Mothers of the Movement," black moms whose sons died at the hands of police. Republicans heard National Rifle Association leaders; Democrats are featuring families of gun violence victims.

Democratic pollster Mark Mellman described "a cultural gap," with both parties playing to their advantages. But Saunders says Trump taps into a "legitimate" frustration acute among small-town and rural white men whose fathers and grandfathers once helped elect Democrats.

"They see no opportunity, no hope," continued Saunders, who advised John Edwards' presidential campaigns and Jim Webb's brief 2016 bid. "Then they see Democrats up there talking about diversity and trends and what we'll be like in 40 years. This country needs help now."

Democrats insist they understand the sentiment.
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Bethlehem

Members of the Bethlehem Industrial Development Agency board have become increasingly anxious about delays to Monolith Solar's $4.6 million headquarters project planned for Slingerlands.

At the IDA meeting Wednesday morning, board members were informed that Monolith is now trying to get a mortgage from KeyBank to finance the project.

KeyBank would be the third bank that Monolith has tried to get a loan from since first announcing the project back in 2014.

Just last month Monolith said it had obtained financing from Berkshire Bank after originally working with Kinderhook Bank.

Monolith, which is based in Rensselaer, where it said it has run out of space, wants to build a new 26,000-square-foot headquarters and an adjoining solar farm at the Vista Technology Campus off Route 85.

Attorney Thomas Connolly, executive director of the IDA, said he has been told Monolith has a term sheet outlining the financing from KeyBank for a loan but would need a commitment letter and then close on the loan before it could move forward.

Connolly said it is unclear if all of that could happen by Aug. 25, the deadline for Monolith to start construction and retain IDA incentives.

"Obviously they want an extension, and I am assuming that will come up at the August meeting," Connolly said. The IDA meets on Aug. 24.

A Monolith spokesman could not be reached for comment.

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The IDA originally granted Monolith an incentive package that included $600,000 in tax breaks in February 2015, with a deadline to begin construction in February 2016. The deadline has since been extended to Aug. 25, and the board would have to make an exception to its rules to extend the deadline further. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also offered the company $800,000 in incentives to keep it from relocating to Missouri.

"So it seems like they are moving, slowly," said IDA chairman Frank Venezia. "It sounds like if they move forward they still want to do the project."

Board members seemed open to an extension although they said they would like to get more assurances from Monolith and its owners, as well as its developer, Columbia Development, and would like them to attend the Aug. 24 meeting.

Board vice chair Joe Richardson said he would assume Monolith could have a commitment letter from KeyBank that it could share with the board by the meeting.

lrulison@timesunion.com  518-454-5504  @larryrulison
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Albany

On days when Avery "Ava" Byrne leaves the hospital, she gets dressed up to celebrate.

Ava, who turns 2 on Tuesday, sported a floral sundress and matching shoes as she danced out of Albany Medical Center last week after completing her third round of chemotherapy.

Extended hospital stays have been the norm for Ava and her family since May, when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. About 700 cases are diagnosed annually across the country.

More Information Special fund for spunky girl An account has been set up for Ava at NBT Bank in Schoharie. Mail donations to NBT Bank, P.O. Box 688, Schoharie, NY 12157, attention LeeAnn Arnold. See More Collapse

"Treatment is a 13-month process, but that's pretty vague because it depends on how well she is responding," said Leanne Baker, Ava's mom and advocate. "The past seven weeks sometimes feels like three years and other times just a few days, but Ava's really been a trouper."

Baker and her partner, Justin Byrne, split their time between their home in Berne and the hospital. When one is at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders in Albany, the other cares for Ava's younger sister, 8-month-old Addalyn.

Ava's pale skin and bald head are offset by a sweet and spunky disposition and bright, inquisitive eyes.

She is still facing two more rounds of high-dose chemo, surgery, radiation and stem cell transplants.

A Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fan, Ava is energetic, enjoys playing outside and loves bubbles, magnets and stickers, especially any that look like Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck or Goofy.

After she completes chemo and surgeons remove a tumor on her adrenal gland, Ava will receive stem cell transplants in Rochester. Doctors there harvested healthy cells earlier this month and froze about 6 million of them to be used in a tandem transplant. The process will take up to eight weeks with a short break in between.

Ava and her mom will live in Rochester during that time, away from the comfort of home, family and friends.

"Justin and I are both very present for all of her medical procedures," Baker said. She credited their strong support system, especially Byrne's mom, Debbie, and dad, Sean, and Baker's sister, Laken.

"Right now, nothing else is important  we just do what we have to do for Ava," Baker said.

Baker and Byrne both graduated from Schoharie High School, and much of their extended family and many friends live in the tight-knit community.

Residents in Schoharie County also have come together to help, providing everything from financial support to sticker books and homemade zucchini bread.

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Byrne's brother, Jason, and one of Baker's best friends, Colleen Trendell, are coordinating a benefit for Ava beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Fox Creek Park in Schoharie.

The day will include a co-ed softball tournament, music by Crossfire Band and Skeeter Creek's Dave Ahl and Renee Lussier-Ahl, a chicken barbecue, face painting and raffles, with a chance to win a trip to the Caribbean as well as tickets to the Zac Brown Band and the New York Jets.

"It's unbelievable how many people have reached out," Baker said. "We're overwhelmed by the outpouring of support."

In the quiet moments, when it's hard to keep turbulent thoughts at bay, Baker said she finds comfort in writing.

She set up an account on CaringBridge, a nonprofit personal journal site that rallies family and friends during a health crisis. It's a way to keep well-meaning people informed about Ava's condition when phone calls and visits are just too much.

"I don't know why in life we accept less than love," Baker wrote in a recent entry. "Love should not be a struggle or a goal."

For updates about Ava's journey, go to https://www.caringbridge.org.

jpatterson@timesunion.com  @JenSPatterson  518-454-5340
The state's affordable housing agency says it cannot provide copies of time sheets showing the work hours of a former employee because of the ongoing federal probe into Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration.

The former employee, Steven L. Aiello, worked between July 2011 and July 2014 at Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), his first job out of undergraduate school, according to his LinkedIn profile.

For two years during this period, Aiello lived in Albany and was primarily stationed at HCR's Albany office  while simultaneously attending an Ivy League graduate school program that caters to working professionals in Manhattan.

Aiello is the son of Syracuse-area developer Steven F. Aiello, whose company COR Development is of significant interest in Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara's probe into several state-funded, upstate development deals. The company has also vied for, and won, state affordable housing grants from HCR.

COR Development and its related entities, senior leadership and their spouses have given at least $250,000 to Cuomo's campaign since January 2010.

In May, the Times Union submitted an open records request seeking the time sheets showing Aiello's governmental work hours while he was attending grad school in a city several hours away. The request was rejected last Friday.

"To the extent that records responsive to your request may exist," wrote HCR Deputy General Counsel Linda Manley, "given the publicly-disclosed ongoing law enforcement investigation with which we have offered our cooperation, we are unable to comply with your request at this time under Public Officers Law 87(2)(e)."

That section of the law states New York government can withhold public records if they are "compiled for law enforcement purposes."

No one has been charged with wrongdoing as a result of Bharara's probe.

"I've known Steve to be a hard worker, a smart guy and a professional," said Rich Azzopardi, a Cuomo spokesman.

There had been no previous public confirmation that HCR was among the agencies under law enforcement scrutiny.

Between September 2012 and May 2014, Aiello pursued and earned a degree from the Master of Public Administration program at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

According to Columbia's website, the MPA program is designed for working professionals "looking for a top-quality and practical graduate program, but (who) cannot take the time off to pursue full-time study." The program schedules its classes on evenings and weekends, according to Columbia.

The program can be finished in either two or three years, according to its website. Aiello finished it in two.

HCR spokeswoman Charni Sochet told the Times Union that Aiello's arrangement  grad school in New York City, and a full-time government job in Albany  was not unusual.

"The employee handbook last revised December 2008, 'recognizes the desirability of alternative work schedules as a means of assisting the agency in carrying out its mission and meeting the operational or programmatic needs of the agency,'" Sochet said in a statement. "Supervisors are authorized to adjust or modify a staffer's work schedule in order to accommodate reasonable requests. Such requests are routinely granted to support staff in their pursuit of a degree, in order to care for a child or elderly family member, or for medical reasons. This is what occurred in Mr. Aiello's case."

HCR also has a Manhattan office.

Aiello joined HCR as an economic developer trainee in July 2011 a few months after graduating from Arizona State University, Sochet said. Following a two-year training period, he gained the title of Economic Developer in July 2013. Each year, the Housing Trust Fund hires a small number of recent college graduates, according to Sochet.

"There's nothing 'unusual' about Steve Aiello working full-time while attending school," said COR Development spokeswoman Maggie Truax. "The program is specifically designed so people can work full-time while obtaining a degree."

Aiello's state salary grew from about $40,000 when he began working for the state in 2011 to about $54,000 in 2014, according to data from the comptroller's office. He was paid out of the quasi-governmental Housing Trust Fund.

Cuomo's former Executive Deputy Secretary Joe Percoco listed earnings between $50,000 and $75,000 from COR Development in his 2014 financial disclosure form. The company, however, denies ever paying Percoco, who was off the government payroll for seven months beginning in April 2014 while he managed Cuomo's re-election campaign.

Steven L. Aiello joined the campaign soon after he finished grad school at Columbia in May 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile. He went on leave from HCR to assist Percoco as the campaign's "director of operations," the page says.

Campaign finance records, however, do not show any payments to Aiello from Cuomo's 2014 campaign committee. And Aiello's financial disclosure statement for that year does not reveal any payments from the campaign.

In November 2014, Aiello returned to government as a Cuomo policy advisor, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was on the payroll of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, according to the state comptroller's office. His most recent public salary was $62,000.

Aiello recently left state government.

Columbia University has other connections to the federal probe.

Cuomo's former Director of State Operations Howard Glaser worked as an adjunct professor at the school's master of public administration degree program, earning between $25,000 and $70,000 dollars in 2012 and 2013 while on the state payroll.

That's the same program that Aiello attended between 2012 and 2014.

COR Development, the firm run by Aiello's father, was a client of Todd Howe, the lobbyist who with Percoco appears to be at the center of the federal probe. COR has landed lucrative contracts as part of the governor's upstate development initiatives in Syracuse.

Steven F. Aiello, COR's president and the younger Aiello's father, is a member of the management advisory board of Columbia's Earth Institute, according to its website.

Howe was also on Earth Institute's board until his name surfaced in the federal investigation.

A COR consultant, William Eimicke, who served as Gov. Mario Cuomo's housing czar, serves on the same board. And Eimicke is the founding director of Columbia's Picker Center for Executive Education, which runs the executive MPA program attended by the younger Aiello and which employed Glaser.

In October 2013, records show, Steven F. Aiello, Howe and Eimicke met with officials from Homes and Community Renewal (the younger Aiello's employer at the time) concerning the redevelopment of Mercy Hospital in Watertown and the Inner Harbor in Syracuse. An agency spokeswoman said applications were not submitted with the agency for either project.

COR Arsenal Street  the company behind the redevelopment of Mercy Hospital  is one of two dozen companies mentioned in Bharara's April subpoena seeking information about actions taken by certain Cuomo administration officials.

COR Inner Harbor  a Syracuse-area subsidiary of COR Development  is also listed on the federal subpoena.

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Last week, the Cuomo administration also denied a Times Union open records request for Percoco's 2013 financial disclosure records that would be included in his work application upon his return to the Executive Chamber near the end of 2014.

Again, an Executive Chamber open records counsel, Mongthu Zago, said that "given the publicly-disclosed ongoing law enforcement investigation with which we have offered our cooperation" the records could not be provided.

Zago recently used the same rationale  that the records had been "compiled" for law enforcement purposes  to deny a Buffalo News request for records that could shed light on the state's economic development contracts.

The denials do not comport with state Freedom of Information Law, according to the head of a state entity meant to insure compliance with its provisions.

"We've talked to the Cuomo administration about this, and we simply disagree," said Robert Freeman, the executive director of the Committee on Open Government.

Freeman cited, for instance, a 1984 state Supreme Court ruling that determined a Long Island village's board meeting minutes were an available public record, despite their being part of an investigation.

Under case law, Freeman said, documents produced in the ordinary course of business generally do not fall under the exemption cited by the Cuomo administration.

The Cuomo administration, however, cited a different 2003 case to argue that the courts have interpreted "compiled" to mean the time when a reply to a FOIL request has to be performed  not when documents are originally collected and assembled.

Under state law, the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics was required to collect Percoco's financial disclosure form for 2013 and make it available.

The watchdog entity did not do so  a failure it recently explained by citing past policy that allowed anyone hired by the state in December to avoid filing a disclosure form for the previous year.

The policy, which does not comport with state law, has been scrapped, JCOPE told the Times Union last month.

cbragg@timesunion.com  518-454-5303  @chrisbragg1

Correction: Steven F. Aiello is a member of the Earth Institute's management advisory board, not its president.
THE ISSUE:

The Republican presidential nominee offers troubling idea on espionage and Russia.

THE STAKES:

A president can't just shoot from the hip on major national security and foreign policy issues.Donald Trump this week once again did what he has proven himself so adept at over the last year  grabbing the spotlight by saying something so absurd, so unpresidential, the press had no choice but to pay attention.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

In a news conference on Wednesday, the day before Democrat Hillary Clinton was to accept her party's nomination for president, Mr. Trump speculated that Russia or China might have hacked (or could have, anyway) the roughly 30,000 personal emails that Mrs. Clinton had deleted from her server, and he called on the foreign governments to make them public.

This came, remember, amid a separate flap over the release of Democratic National Committee emails by WikiLeaks in a hack that appears to have originated in Russia, prompting concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be meddling in the U.S. presidential election.

Mr. Trump's campaign and surrogates say it was a joke. That's hard to reconcile, considering Mr. Trump stated it twice, and then tweeted it.

It's disturbing either way  that a presidential candidate would openly joke about a foreign power spying on his political rival, or that he would seriously want it to happen. Considering Mr. Trump's open admiration for Mr. Putin, which he has stated repeatedly, it's hard to imagine this wasn't a genuine request to the strongman he apparently considers a role model.

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Yet more serious, perhaps, was his answer to a question of whether, as president, he would recognize Russia's claim to Crimea and lift sanctions imposed after Russia annexed the Ukrainian territory in 2014: "Yes. We would be looking at that," he said.

The problem isn't merely that he was so obviously unprepared to discuss one of the most sensitive issues in U.S. foreign policy, though that's pretty bad in itself. The annexation  which the United States, the European Union, and the U.N. General Assembly have all condemned  and Russia's support of separatists in eastern Ukraine, are sources of deep U.S.-Russia tension. To be taken off guard on such matters reveals an ignorance of foreign policy that rivals former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's ramblings on Russia when she ran for vice president in 2008.

But the concern goes deeper. To say "Yes" was an unqualified statement that Mr. Trump would, indeed, recognize Russia's claim to Crimea, completely backing off U.S. and international opposition to an unlawful act of aggression.

So in one careless comment, Mr. Trump signalled a radical break on a crucial matter of U.S. foreign policy about which he appears to have given no thought. Just as with his bigoted comments on Mexicans and Muslims, his indifference to nuclear proliferation, and his chilling ideas on torturing captives or slaughtering civilians, his shoot-from-the-hip approach again shows his failure, and quite possibly his inability, to appreciate the power of the presidency  and the potential consequences of ignorance in the most powerful job in the world.
London-based photographers Amit and Naroop capture the essence of the Sikh heritage through stunning portraits of more than 40 Sikh -Americans.

By India Today Web Desk: Sikhs all over the world have been victims of unwarranted racism. More recently, the internationally acclaimed Sikh Hollywood Actor Waris Aluwaliah was stopped from boarding a flight from Mexico City by the airport authorities, because turban and beard.

In order to raise awareness about their faith and to highlight the importance of Sikh articles of faith, mainly the turban and the beard, two London-based photographers Amit and Naroop came together and photographed 40 portraits of Sikh American men and women.



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In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the Civil Rights wing of the United States Department of Justice and the FBI have accounted nearly 8000 cases of hate crimes against Sikh, Arab, Muslim and South Asian Americans. Sikh-Americans have for long been vulnerable to hate crimes mainly due to a rise in Islamophobia. Despite efforts to spread awareness about their faith, anti-Muslim bigots continue to target them because of their exclusivity.



ALSO READ: In a landmark declaration, Sikh US Army Captain will be allowed to wear turban while on duty





Back in 2014, Amit and Naroop started a photography initiative titled the Singh Project, where they featured a collection of 35 photographs celebrating the identity of British Sikh men.

Now, these photographers have turned their focus towards Sikhs living in the US and captured tightly cropped portraits of Sikh-Americans from all walks of life. The exhibition titled the Sikh Project 'highlight generations of Sikh American history that embodies perseverance and progress as we commemorate the 15-year anniversary of 9/11' according to The Sikh Coalition's website.

The exhibition will run from September 16-25 in New York.

"As we commemorate this important milestone for our organization, we felt that the moment was right to examine the beauty of the Sikh faith, the strength of our collective spirit and to do so in a way that further educates Americans." said Executive Director, Sapreet Kaur, in a statement.



Those photographed for the Sikh Project have all encountered racial discrimination one way or the other post 9/11.

Here are a few shots from the project:



The awesome @ishprit (Ishprit Kaur), one of the featured turban wearing women of our now renamed, 'SIKH' project, exhibiting in Manhattan, NY this September. We'll be releasing more images over the forthcoming weeks. A photo posted by Amit and Naroop (@amitandnaroop) on Jun 24, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

Awesome shooting the super cool Waris Ahluwalia @houseofwaris for our @thesinghproject today. Top guy! A photo posted by Amit and Naroop (@amitandnaroop) on Apr 25, 2016 at 10:18am PDT

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Closed Circuit Television cameras could be installed in the main streets of both Cashel and Tipperary town in the near future, following a motion by Cllr Martin Browne.

At this months Municipal District Meeting, Cllr Browne called on the local authority to try and source funding to install CCTV cameras on the Main Streets of Tipperary and Cashel towns.

The motion follows a month of several incidents in the town when vandals tore down flower boxes on the Main Street, and threw eggs at another mans house in the Lower Gate.

If you installed cameras on both ends of the Main Street, youd cover 90% of the road, said Cllr Browne.

It would pick up the damage being done. It was heartbreaking for Tidy Towns volunteers to come out and see the damage done from the night before.

Senior Engineer Mr Aidan Finn said they had looked at introducing this technology before, but the costs proved too prohibitive.

The technology had moved on a lot, he said. It came up at a recent RAPID meeting. Theyve done something similar in Nenagh. It must be costed. We can house the equipment necessary for it. Previously, the kit would have cost up to 200,000, but now its a lot less. Mr Finn said it was not just a case of finding the funding for it.

Cllr Roger Kennedy said the issue had been raised at Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meetings. Cllr Denis Leahy said many crimes have been solved arising from CCTV. Tipperary Town Council was next in line for CCTV until the economic crisis hit.

Cllr John Crosse said CCTV could be a huge asset in curbing anti-social behaviour, and littering. Its a huge win win for everybody.

Meanwhile, Cllr Michael Fitzgerald said he had received an email regarding the speed of traffic going down Boherclough Street.

The traffic is right up against the doors of houses. And it has increased since the bypass. We need to look at traffic safety, especially when people are getting more elderly.

Senior Engineer Aidan Finn said that area of Lower Gate is due for re-construction in 2017.

We will take all those things on board. The junction at the Lower Gate is not very suitable either.

It is a regional road. Traffic will only continue to get worse. There is no quick fix solution.
There are a total of 435 people waiting for a house in Nenagh town, the latest figures from Tipperary County Council reveal.

Not surprising, Nenagh has the highest number on the housing list, which altogether shows 723 people seeking accommodation in Nenagh Municipal District Council's area.

The second highest figure is in Ballina, with 48 on the list, while Borrisokane has 46 seeking a house. Newport has 43 applications for housing.

However, among the surprise high numbers are Portroe with 24; Toomevara on 29 and Puckaun with 20 on the list. Cloughjordan has a total of 29 and council housing officer Aidan Fennessy admitted to Nenagh MDC's July meeting that the proposed three houses to be built in the village would not now go-ahead as the council had recently realised that the site was only large enough for two houses. However, the council hopes to get approval from the Department to buy land adjacent to the current site. Local councillor Ger Darcy described the news as a pity.

Among the other towns and villages the figures stand at:Ardcroney, 15; Ballingarry, Roscrea, 6; Kilcommon, 3; Lorrha, 7; Rathcabbin, 1; Rearcross, 5; Riverstown, 2; Silvermines, 7, and Templederry, 3.

There are a total of 17 vacant houses in the area.

Mr Fennessy also gave details of the housing allocations under housing projects, with 2.9m going to grants for housing adaptation in private houses and 587,945 for local authority houses. A sum of 857,220 is to be spent on vancant houses. The council has an initial allocation of 409,010 for energy efficiency works and has acquired four houses in Nenagh for disabled applicants under the Capital Assistance Scheme run with Focus Ireland.

There is agreement to buy 14 houses, with sales closed on three; 22 RAS contracts completed in Nenagh and Thurles, 19 under leasing and 117 HAP tenancies.
[July 28, 2016] Axalta Opens its Doors to Serviam Girls Academy

You may know the sentimental song with the lyrics, "Once when I was a little girl, I asked my mother, what will I be." Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA) hopes to help some girls answer that question. Earlier this week, Axalta invited the middle school students of Serviam Girls Academy to visit its Coatings Technology Center in Wilmington, Delaware to spend time with researchers who regularly use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to help develop and advance Axalta's products. The experience is part of Serviam's exploration project during the school's summer program. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728006081/en/ Serviam Girls Academy middle school students commemorate their visit to Axalta's Coatings Technology Center. (Photo: Axalta) "Serviam Girls Academy strives to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students and is able to do so through its many and varied partnerships in the community," said Peggy Hines Serviam Girls Academy President. "One exemplary partner, Axalta, continues to open doors for our girls both through their support of the school, and now with an immersion experience at their Coatings Technology Center. People notice the paint ontheir cars, but they may not think about what goes into developing it. Through Axalta's invitation, Serviam students were exposed to a whole new world of paint and coating systems and to the numerous career possibilities in science, engineering and business. We are grateful for Axalta and their ongoing support of Serviam."



Although more women are entering STEM fields than ever before, Axalta wants to continue to do its part to expose and enlighten future generations. Students participated in hands-on experiments, learned from Axalta scientists and got a true sense of what it is like to work in a high-tech research environment. "We were honored to host the Serviam Girls Academy and have these young ladies spend time with us at our laboratory," said Joanne Hardy, Axalta Global Research and Development Director. "A diversified workforce and the talent that comes with it is a vital component of a competitive organization. STEM education plays a critical role to inspire young students to embrace technology and to ultimately pursue careers in STEM fields. Our researchers enjoyed encouraging these young minds and demonstrating the technology and science of coatings."

About Serviam Girls Academy Serviam is a tuition-free, independent middle school serving low-income girls in grades five through eight. Through innovative programming and partnerships with area businesses, museums and programs, students learn core subject material as well as teamwork, leadership and communication skills. They learn to think creatively and critically and how to apply their education to everyday life. At Serviam, girls learn to be women leaders who take charge of their own lives and serve others. About Axalta Coating Systems - Celebrating 150 Years in the Coatings Industry Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the approximately 12,800 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our 100,000+ customers in more than 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com and follow us @axalta on Twitter (News - Alert) and on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728006081/en/

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[July 28, 2016] BAE Systems Awarded $245 Million Contract for UK Type 26 Gun System

BAE Systems (News - Alert) has received a $245 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide the gun system, known as the Maritime Indirect Fires System (MIFS), for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. This award follows the MOD's announcement of BAE Systems as the preferred bidder last year after a competitive process. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005348/en/ The world-leading Mk 45 will provide the Royal Navy with a proven, reliable, and highly-effective system that is adaptable to firing a wide range of today's ammunition, as well as future, precision-guided munitions currently in development. (Photo: U.S. Navy) Under the contract, the Company will manufacture three MIFS Integrated Gunnery Systems (IGS) and one trainer system for the UK Royal Navy. The MIFS IGS includes the 5-inch, 62-caliber Mk 45 Mod 4 Naval Gun System, along with an automated ammunition handling system, gun fire control system, and qualified ammunition. The contract includes an option for five additional systems for the remainder of the UK Royal Navy's Type 26 fleet.



UK Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriett Baldwin MP, said: "Our growing defence budget means we can invest in a cutting edge weapon system for the Royal Navy's next generation Global Combat Ship at the best value for taxpayers. Along with sustaining highly skilled jobs across the country, this contract underlines our commitment and demonstrates continued momentum in the program." Joe Senftle, Vice President and General Manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, said: "Our teams in the US and UK will bring unrivalled skills and expertise to the MIFS development and production. The world-leading Mk 45 will provide the Royal Navy with a proven, reliable, and highly-effective system that is adaptable to firing a wide range of today's ammunition, as well as future, precision-guided munitions currently in development."

The Mk 45 is in service with the US Navy and 10 other allied nations. More than 240 Mk 45 guns have been delivered into service globally. Work on the contract for the UK Type 26 ships will be performed at BAE Systems' facilities at Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the US and at Barrow-in-Furness, Frimley, and Glascoed in the UK, with deliveries expected from 2020. The UK Government committed to buy eight of the advanced Type 26 Global Combat Ships in its 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, which will in time replace the anti-submarine warfare Type 23 frigates. Type 26 will be globally deployable and capable of undertaking a wide range of roles from high intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance, either operating independently or as part of a task group. The ship has been designed with an acoustically quiet hull and there is flexibility in the design to allow Type 26 to be upgraded as new technology develops to ensure that it remains relevant to future requirements. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005348/en/

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[July 28, 2016] El Paso Electric And Solar Industry Achieve Agreement In Rate Case

EL PASO, Texas, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- El Paso Electric and intervening parties, including representatives of the solar industry, have agreed to terms as part of the overall settlement in the El Paso Electric rate case. The settlement terms will continue to allow El Paso homeowners the ability to install rooftop solar without receiving a rate penalty associated with that choice. The settlement removes the proposal by El Paso Electric to impose separate higher rates on homeowners who install rooftop solar. Homeowners with solar will continue to be billed the same rate as all residential homeowners. The rate case was filed in August of 2015, and since then, negotiations over the rate case have drawn attention by concerned elected officials representing the El Paso area, including State Senator Jose Rodriguez, who publicly opposed El Paso Electric's original proposal for residential solar customers on several occasions. After the settlement was announced, Senator Rodriguez stated, "I'mglad to see that El Paso Electric and the various interveners in this rate case have reached settlement terms that benefit all ratepayers, including customers with solar installed on their homes. Gone now are proposals for steep surcharges and segregated rate classes for solar customers. El Paso and far West Texas should lead the nation in solar energy development. We should encourage this growth, which is good for the electric system, helps create jobs, and provides consumer options. I trust the Commission will authorize the settlement terms without delay."



Catherine Webking from the Energy Freedom Coalition of America (EFCA), recognized the benefits to the residents of El Paso stemming from this settlement: "As a result of the settlement, the electricity rates in El Paso remain consistent with the current legislation introduced by Senator Rodriguez. This allows parity of rates so that customers who choose solar for their home are charged the same rate as all other residential customers for the electricity they consume." The settlement is also consistent with testimony filed by the City of El Paso that recommended rejection of the disparate rates proposed by El Paso Electric for customers who made the choice to install solar for their homes.

The settlement requires the approval of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which could consider the settlement as early as August. About EFCA

Energy Freedom Coalition of America is a national advocacy organization that seeks to promote public awareness of the benefits of solar and alternative energy through public advocacy. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/el-paso-electric-and-solar-industry-achieve-agreement-in-rate-case-300305555.html SOURCE Energy Freedom Coalition of America

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[July 28, 2016] Esri Selected to Host Services for Michigan State-Wide Imagery Data

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), located in Lansing, Michigan has chosen Esri to host and manage all imagery data for the state. After reviewing a variety of different options, Esri was found to provide the integration platform and framework for managing imagery services that the state required for greater efficiency and collaboration. The Esri solution will serve up to 25 terabytes of data for the Center for Shared Solutions (CSS (News - Alert)), an office within DTMB, that manages services and products that are common to all areas of the government. One of the key functional areas of CSS includes providing leadership, technical expertise and sharing of geographic information in the State. The department provides more than 60 statewide mapping datasets built on the ArcGIS platform for every state-run entity in Michigan. "We are proud to partner with the State of Michigan to help them empower their staff across multiple departments and partner with other agencis through sharing common authoritative geospatial data," said Christopher Thomas, Director of Government Markets, Esri. "By hosting and managing imagery services in the Esri cloud, they are able to provide a data resource and shared understanding."



For more information how government agencies use Esri technology to foster innovation, visit go.esri.com/pr-stategov. About Esri

Since 1969, Esri has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. As the market leader in GIS technology, Esri software is used in more than 350,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world's mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at esri.com/news. Copyright  2016 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri globe logo, @esri.com, and esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005527/en/

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By India Today Web Desk: In a shocking incident, a man punched and kicked two police officers after an argument with the airport security staff.

The 38-year-old British man lost his cool and thrashed the officers Hollywood-style near a Lufthansa check-in gate at Frankfurt Airport, Germany on July 23.

He then single-handedly battled with a group of German police officers.

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In the video, the man is seen punching and kicking two officers, while others were trying to control him. He later collapses on the floor when two Burqa-clad women try to pacify him.

"The attacker was an Englishman who was worried about his wife. She had circulatory problems", said a police spokesperson as reported by the Telegraph. The fight had begun after a security issue came up.

The onlookers jeered, whistled and took videos of the brawl but no one tried to stop it.

In a Facebook post, Frankfurt police acknowledged that the video has been doing rounds on social media and asked users to not spread any rumours or incorrect facts about the incident. They confirmed that the man does not have a terrorist background.

Due to bad weather conditions, nearly 7,000 passengers had their flights cancelled and many were stranded at the airport on July 23. The travellers were certainly not in best of their moods.

Watch the video here:



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[July 28, 2016] Grant Thornton names Donald Corbett to lead firm's Pacific Northwest offices

Grant Thornton (News - Alert) LLP has named Donald Corbett market territory managing partner for its Pacific Northwest practice, which is composed of offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and Anchorage, Alaska. In this role, he will have responsibility for the firm's Pacific Northwest Audit, Tax and Advisory service lines, as well as client service, growth and talent development across the four offices. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005283/en/ Don Corbett (Photo: Business Wire) Most recently, Corbett served as Grant Thornton's West Region and California Tax practice leader, where he focused on developing and building the California Tax practice, delivering tax planning to dynamic companies throughout the Silicon Valley, and leading the firm's Tax practice for the West Region. Corbett previously served as the Tax practice leader for the Pacific Northwest market territory "Don brings a combination of proven leadership skills, vast knowledge and a strong understanding of our dynamic clients' needs throughout the Pacific Northwest marketplace," said Jacquelie Akerblom, Grant Thornton's West Region managing partner. "He will be integral in building upon the long track record of success and momentum that the seasoned leaders and audit, tax and consulting teams have established for our Pacific Northwest practice."



Corbett joined Grant Thornton in 2003 as a partner, and has been providing corporate, partnership and personal tax planning and compliance services for almost 26 years. He will be relocating from San Jose back to the Seattle area, where he previously lived and worked. Corbett assumes the market territory partner role from Scott Davison, who will move into the role of Pacific Northwest Audit practice leader. Davison is credited with significantly growing Grant Thornton's Pacific Northwest practice, most notably with the 2016 acquisition of the former ARRYVE LLC, based in Bellevue.

Corbett is a certified public accountant (CPA) in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington and is a member of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Corbett received both a Master of Tax and a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. About Grant Thornton LLP Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world's leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. In the United States, Grant Thornton has revenue in excess of $1.45 billion and operates 59 offices with more than 550 partners and 7,000 employees. Grant Thornton works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations "Grant Thornton" refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another's acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005283/en/

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[July 28, 2016] Growing Demand for Automation to Emerge as a Key Driver for the Global Multi-Function Display Market until 2020, Reports Technavio

Technavio analysts forecast the global multi-function display (MFD) market to grow at a CAGR of more than 9% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. The research study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global multi-function display market for 2016-2020. The report provides a comprehensive overview, market shares and growth opportunities by application such as commercial aerospace and military, and growth prospects by region including the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. Technavio aerospace and defense analysts highlight the following three factors that are contributing to the growth of the global multi-function display market: Growing demand for automation

Improved safety standards

Increase in number of aircraft Growing demand for automation Automation enhances flight operational safety and efficiency and is especially critical for commercial airlines. It aims to cut down operating costs for greater profits. With the facilitation of GPS in aircraft, the pilot workload is significantly reduced with increasing situational awareness and safety. In 2014, 838.4 million passengers traveled by air on more than 8.5 million flights, globally. In the same year, a survey of airline pilots was conducted, which reported that the pilots operating Boeing (News - Alert) 777s spent just seven minutes manually piloting their aircraft during a flight, whereas only half the time was required for those operating Airbus planes. Digital cockpit systems are a proven safety aid during flight amid clouds, low visibility, or airspace congestion. The integration of advanced MFD systems and technologies, like autopilot system and flight management system (FMS), in the cockpits reduces the workload of the pilot and assures the availability of critical flight information. "The FAA recommends the development and installation of autopilots in an aircraft. It has also made the integration mandatory when a single pilot is operating the aircraft. Since the organization certifies the currently used autopilots at ow cost, autopilot manufacturers are investing in the development of new digital smart autopilots that can be equipped with a variety of aircraft," says Abhay Singh, a lead analyst at Technavio for research on defense.



Improved safety standards As aircraft operations become more dependent on glass cockpit systems, flight crew and pilots must be trained to deal with possible failures. In 2008, United Airlines Flight 731 experienced a glass-cockpit blackout, where all communications to radios, transponders, traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), and attitude indicators were lost, and half of the electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM) displays failed. However, the presence of backup analog displays for critical flight instruments such as the airspeed indicator and altimeter enabled the pilots to land the aircraft successfully at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey without radio contact.

In 2010, 5,516 glass cockpit aircraft and 2,848 conventionally equipped US GA aircraft were operational. Of these, 266 aircraft met with accidents, where the glass cockpit aircraft suffered a lower accident rate compared to the conventional planes. Based on this observation, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) made recommendations to the FAA on glass cockpits in the same year. Increase in number of aircraft In 2014, the number of air travel passengers in developing regions such as APAC, Central America, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Africa, and Eastern Europe was 6.3 billion, which was six-fold greater than the number of passengers in developed economies such as North America and Western Europe. India, particularly, had a passenger traffic of over 61.42 million in 2013, and it is expected to reach 367 million passengers by 2034. It is also predicted that the number of aircraft will rise to 800 aircraft by 2020, which would simultaneously increase the air traffic in the country. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), the airports of Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait might have to support 400 million passengers per year by 2020. "The increase in air traffic in APAC, Central America, Africa, and the Middle East would result in a yearly 5.8% growth in revenue per passenger kilometer during the next 20 years. This would simultaneously lead to increasing investments in the maintenance and development of aircraft, driving the market during the forecast period," says Abhay. Browse Related Reports: Global Commercial Aircraft Cockpit Displays System Market 2016-2020

Global Digital Glass Military Aircraft Cockpit Systems Market 2015-2019

Global Short-Range Air-Defence Missile System Market 2016-2020 Do you need a report on a market in a specific geographical cluster or country but can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, Technavio also takes client requests. Please contact [email protected] with your requirements and our analysts will be happy to create a customized report just for you. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005020/en/

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[July 28, 2016] JQH'S Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles Sees Hotel Volunteerism and Giving on the Rise to Change Lives

John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts' (JQH) Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles is continuing to build on Mr. John Q. Hammons' giving legacy as reflected by a rise in employee participation in the hotel's volunteer and charitable giving opportunities. This TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame hotel exceeded 1,000 hours in volunteer time last year associated with feeding the world's hungry and those in their backyard, serving veterans, preparing persons to obtain jobs, and working with students with developmental disabilities, among other causes. The 296-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles is owned and operated by Springfield-based JQH, a leading private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, including operating more than 1 million square feet of superb meeting space. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728006193/en/ Volunteerism and charitable giving are on the rise at John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts' (JQH) Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles in Missouri. One of the many causes the upscale hotel supports is the Youth in Need Transitional Housing Project. Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles has donated hundreds of volunteer hours, money, school supplies, recreational toys and personal supplies to this local organization that helps children and youth. Featured from left to right are volunteers from Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles: Felisha Clay, director of human resources; Kaley Lammert, intern; Morgan Jose, guest service representative; Crystal Stanfield, banquet captain; Tausha Hanns, assistant guest service manager; Julie Sommerich, Caffeina's supervisor; and John Ayres, executive housekeeper. (Photo: Business Wire) "Giving back is at the heart of every JQH property. Ensuring community partnerships are in place is inspired by company namesake and legendary hotelier Mr. John Q. Hammons," said Tim Lewin, general manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles. "There appears to be an enhanced desire by associates to make a difference in their own community and beyond. We have noticed a significant increase in employees' giving of their time, in-kind goods and monetary contributions even as their own lives stay busy." Grounded in hospitality, it's no surprise that causes that provide food and shelter resonate with hotel staff. Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles has one of the highest levels of participation in the JQH national philanthropic partnership with Convoy of Hope, which has a focus on feeding the world's hungry children and tackling systemic poverty in the United States andglobally. The majority of the hotel's 79 associates participate in JQH's Legacy of Giving cause with Convoy of Hope, where $10 a month can feed a child for an entire month internationally or provide $100 in food, goods and services to a family in need in the United States.



Community Partners Express Thanks for Hotel's Changing Lives "For the last two to three years, JQH's Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles has embraced individuals with disabilities and set up a pathway for success," said Jaki Jefferson, Project SEARCH manager, Easter Seals Midwest. "The hotel has strategically integrated the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the DNA of the organization. Simply put, Embassy Suites has provided an opportunity that has changed individuals' lives forever."

According to Jefferson, the Project SEARCH High School transition program is a nine-month school-to-work program for students with developmental disabilities. The program focuses on total workplace immersion and facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and on-the-job training and support. Last year, out of a class of eight Project SEARCH hotel interns at Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles, three successfully applied for hotel positions. Hollis R. Whiting, director of employment, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., also expressed appreciation for Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles, citing the example of the hotel's participation during the organization's Readiness Workshops, which assist attendees in gaining an understanding of what it takes to prepare for today's job market. "It has truly been a delight working with JQH's Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles team. We appreciate them and all they do to support our mission," Whiting said. "The hotel's Human Resources Director Felisha Clay has volunteered as a facilitator for our annual Job Readiness Workshops for the past three years. Felisha is one of our best facilitators. Her team volunteered all day in our clothing closet sorting donations, hanging clothes and organizing the area. They all did a FABULOUS job!" Martha Hudson, volunteer coordinator, The Salvation Army, shared that the partnership between The Salvation Army's "Sallies HOPE Kitchen" in St. Charles and Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles has been a joyful one. "Once a month Embassy Suites employees come our way for an evening meal and bring the complete meal. They bless folks who come and dine with us with a nutritious meal, and they are always gracious and kind," Hudson said. "We don't ask diners where they come from - home or under a nearby bridge. They come hungry, and our door is open. We couldn't do it without groups like the one from JQH's Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles. Those who come regularly to eat with us are more than thrilled when they see the Embassy Suites group is scheduled for that evening. They know they are in for a real treat!" About Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles Located at Two Convention Center Plaza, Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles in Missouri is connected to St. Charles Convention Center, providing access to 154,000 square feet of event space. Recent infrastructure improvements allow for triple connectivity speed and double the bandwidth. Each spacious two-room hotel suite features a separate living room with a sofa bed and two TVs. Guests can enjoy internet access, a large desk with ergonomic chair, a mini-refrigerator, and a microwave. The contemporary hotel features a fitness center and an indoor pool. Guests can start their day with a free made-to-order breakfast. A nightly two-hour reception with complimentary drinks and snacks is offered in the hotel's open-air atrium. Guests can also dine at Cyprus Grille restaurant for American-style dining or at Caffeina's cyber cafe, where Starbucks coffee is served. For more information about Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis - St. Charles, go to www.embassysuitesstcharles.com or call (636) 946-5544. About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) is a leading private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, representing brands such as: Marriott, Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Sheraton, IHG, Chateau on the Lake Resort / Spa & Convention Center, and Plaza Hotels Collection. With a portfolio of 35 hotels representing approximately 8,500 guest rooms/suites in 16 states, JQH's properties are dominant in their markets. Founded on the extraordinary vision of John Q. Hammons and built on his continued legacy of excellence spanning more than 50 years, JQH has become one of the most recognized and award-winning companies in the hospitality industry. Built to be the best, JQH continues to set the standard in hospitality management and hotel development. Go to www.jqhhotels.com for more information, or connect with JQH on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728006193/en/

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[July 28, 2016] MiMutual Mortgage Opens New Branches in Utah

MiMutual Mortgage, the national retail channel for Michigan Mutual, Inc., has opened a branch in South Jordan, Utah, a suburb about 20 miles south of Salt Lake City and plans soon to open another office in Lehi, Utah. "As one of the nation's most trusted and respected mortgage lenders, we're thrilled to continue our steady growth through more than 30 states nationwide," said Daniel Jacobs, executive vice president and managing director of MiMutual Mortgage. "We're not simply expanding our business with these branches but making a commitment to the Greater Salt Lake community with our experienced team of industry experts." Utah native, Spencer Stott, has been named Salt Lake City's regional manager to oversee the area's growth, and he brings more than a decade of mortgage industry experience as a licensed mortgage loan originator, specializing in FHA, VA, conventional and jumbo financing loans. Recently hired John Stevens, vice president of business development for MiMutual Mortgage, will work closely with Stott to grow the company's presence in andservice to the Salt Lake City community. Stott's South Jordan branch currently has 14 employees.



"The opportunity to continue MiMutual's tradition of high quality customer service as we continue to expand to new locations is very exciting for me," Stott said. "MiMutual has an enriched company culture founded on critical core values, such as integrity, problem solving and commitment. Being able to share my knowledge and experience with a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction and the personal growth of every employee will be a great foundation for this new branch." "The key to successfully serving a community and extending the culture, brand and family values of MiMutual is to find the most talented, like-minded mortgage professionals in the region, and in Spencer and his team, we have found just that," Jacobs added.

About MiMutual MiMutual Mortgage is the national retail channel of Michigan Mutual, Inc., which started in 1992. Based in Port Huron, MI, the company is licensed in more than 30 states and has branches nationwide. The growing, agency-direct lender has a variety of mortgage products including non-QM loans. By adhering to its core values - integrity, problem solving, commitment, family and fun - in every decision, MiMutual has created a culture of excellence, accountability and stellar service that permeates the entire company. For more information, visit www.MiMutualMortgage.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005172/en/

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[July 28, 2016] Thermo Fisher Scientific Partners with HEALTH BioMed to Support Molecular Diagnostics Development in China

- AACC 2016 - Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, and HEALTH BioMed (HBM) today announces a collaboration to support HBM's development of molecular diagnostic (MDx) kits for infectious disease and pharmacogenomics screening to serve the China market. Under the terms of a strategic agreement, HBM will submit all kits it develops on the Applied Biosystems 3500Dx Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) platform through the appropriate regulatory process with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) following successful validation. "Our collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific will enable HBM to meet a critical need in the China market for a series of high accuracy kits designed to run on a single CE platform to improve human health outcomes," said Jianwei Yu, Chairman and CEO of HEALTH BioMed. "Molecular diagnostics such as these can improve diagnosis and treatment strategies in hospital settings while also helping to decrease antibiotic abuse." HBM intends to leverage its CE-based Advanced Fragment Analysis (AFA) technology and reagents, which are currently CE-IVD-and cFDA-marked as is the ABI 3500Dx platform, to develop multiple assays under its SureX brand of multiplex kits. HBM's current offering for human papillomavirus (HPV) screening, for example, is designed to target 25 high- and low-risk markers with high sensitivity, specificity and low hands-on-time. Development of its pharmacogenomics kits under the agreement will be designed to further support precision medicine initiatives i the country.



"As the world leader in serving science, we are proud to be an enabling partner to help HEALTH BioMed build its portfolio of molecular diagnostics designed to better manage human health in China," said Mark Smedley, president of genetic sciences at Thermo Fisher. "We are committed to working with diagnostic partners around the world who share our vision to drive the era of precision medicine." For more information, please visit Thermo Fisher (booths #2334 and #2145) or HEALTH BioMed (booth #2541) during the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) 2016 annual meeting July 31-Aug. 4 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

About HEALTH BioMed and HEALTH Gene Technologies

Founded over 20 years, HEALTH BioMed (HBM) is a leading healthcare provider for clinical diagnostic and pharmaceutical products with business divisions of R&D, manufacture, sales and service for over 600 hospitals users in China. Guided by operation philosophy 'Health Technologies, Healthier Services', HBM dedicates to provide the world-class healthcare service and products to our customers. HEALTH Gene Technologies, HBM's wholly-owned subsidiary, is committed to developing and manufacturing simple, rapid and effective nucleic acid testing solutions for partners in public safety and precision medicine. For more information, please visit HBM: www.nb-health.com/HGT. About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and more than 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands - Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services - we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005058/en/

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[July 28, 2016] Toyo Rice Corporation's High Priced Rice at 11,304 yen/kg Listed in Guinness World Records*1

The "World's Highest Quality Rice," which Toyo Rice Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Keiji Saika) made publicly available for the first time through its online shopping site (*2) for five days between June 29th and July 3rd, 2016, is listed in Guinness World Records as the world's most expensive rice. The rice was sold in units of six packages x 140 g for 10,800 yen (including consumption tax and postage). All 30 boxes of the rice were sold as planned. The rice is certified and listed in Guinness World Records as priced at 11,304 yen/kg (109 U.S. dollars/kg) excluding consumption tax and postage. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727005610/en/ The World's Highest Quality Rice (Photo: Business Wire) Toyo Rice Corporation has advanced its "World's Highest Quality Rice" business since last winter in order to improve the global perception of Japanese rice and provide "a dream and hope" to rice producers in Japan. Six varieties of rice were carefully selected from among 18 varieties of brown rice that were awarded gold prizes and certified as the world's top quality rice in the International Category at the 17th International Contest on Rice Taste Evaluation (hosted by the Association of the Certified Rice Appraisers) held in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture in November 2015. A total of 3,870 kg of the six varieties of rice were purchased from their producers at 1,900 yen/kg, approximately eight times the usual price for rice. Then approximately 2,000 kg of brown rice grains were selected for their superior vital energy to produce Kinmemai Rice, an ultra-high class ric, with improved taste and vital energy thanks to Toyo Rice's unique aging, polishing, blending and rinse-free technologies. Regarding the stock of the World's Highest Quality Rice, only amounts reserved by Yugyoan Tankuma Kitamise, a Japanese restaurant headquartered in Kyoto, and amounts reserved for export overseas are now available. Toyo Rice Corporation will continue to advance its "World's Highest Quality Rice" business in order to proclaim the quality of Japanese rice and rice processing technologies worldwide.



If Japan joins the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP), more inexpensive rice may be imported and rice cultivation in Japan may further decline. In order to address this problem, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries finalized the "Strategy for enhancing agriculture, forestry and fishery exports" in May, emphasizing special products such as Kinmemai Rice that may expand rice exports. Kinmemai Rice at a glance looks like ordinary polished white rice but it is unpolished white rice which is milled and processed as rinse-free rice. Kinmemai Rice keeps the white sub-aleurone layer that is generally removed during the polishing process. Compared to polished white rice, Kinmemai Rice is superior in flavor, sweetness and nutritive value and it has approximately 5.9 times more lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a natural human immune system booster. While low calorie, low fat Japanese food has become popular overseas, Singapore's department of health recently issued a warning not to eat polished white rice as it increases the risk of diabetes by excessively increasing blood-sugar levels in the body. This is why "beneficial rice" such as Kinmemai Rice is now attracting attention. With this in mind Toyo Rice Corporation also released "Kinmemai Dewaxed Brown Rice" which is easy to eat just like polished white rice because its water-resistant wax layer is evenly removed from the surface of the rice.

Under the concept that "medicine and food have the same origins," Toyo Rice Corporation hopes to contribute to people's health and reduce healthcare spending even if only by a little. This is why beneficial rice has been developed. Since beneficial rice has global competitive power, the company believes that it can become popular in other countries, contributing to the maintenance of good health everywhere. With the hope that people around the world, not just in Japan, enjoy good health, Toyo Rice Corporation will continue to develop products and enhance the value of Japanese rice. *1 Guinness World Records is a registered trade mark of Guinness World Records Limited.

*2 Kinmemai rice online shop: http://www.toyorice.jp/fs/toyorice/c/saikoumai [Profile of Toyo Rice Corporation] Established: 1961

Capital: 100 million yen

Business details: Processing, production and distribution of Kinmemai Rice, Kinmemai Dewaxed Brown Rice and BG Rinse-Free Rice, and development, manufacturing and distribution of rice buffing machinery.

Address of the Ginza headquarters: 5-10-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Phone (News - Alert) number: +81-3-3572-7550

Fax number: +81-3-3572-7551

URL: http://www.toyo-rice.jp/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727005610/en/

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[July 28, 2016] University of Zilina starts the educational programs with JONCKERS

ZILINA, Slovakia, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- JONCKERS has announced the opening of its Central European Global Business and Language Center in partnership with the University of Zilina, Slovakia. This extends JONCKERS Global Business Excellence program with Universities and other institutions of higher education around the world. Students come from all over the world and count on the University to prepare them for their chosen industry. University students will have the opportunity to work with JONCKERS at the Global Business and Language Center and in other JONCKERS centers around the world. JONCKERS will move to new premises within the University campus able to house JONCKERS full-time employees, subject matter experts and other specialists. "We focus on creating strong relationships with key organizations. In the same way our particle physicist students' work with CERN, our international business and language students will work with JONCKERS," said Dr. Ing. Branislav Hadzima, PhD,the director of the University of the Zilina Research Centre. "JONCKERS gives us a strong commercial partner for future spin-off and start-ups as well as for global expansion of products generated by research activities throughout the University."



"We are looking forward to working closely with the University," said Peter Smith, JONCKERS Chief Executive Officer. "As a growing global business we are always looking for management talent through our internship program and by offering career opportunities to graduates. Our internship program will allow us to share the mind-set as well as imprint global business ethics and work attitudes." About JONCKERS

JONCKERS is the world's foremost global communications company. Our award winning technology and service provides solutions for global adaptation across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Learn how JONCKERS can help you reach customers everywhere. Visit www.jonckers.com.

About University of Zilina

University of Zilina has a burning ambition to continue in dynamic growth, to provide high quality education, to educate well-prepared and demanding graduates, to develop international cooperation both in science and education; however, its major aim it primarily to provide space and opportunities for the young generation to discover new and broaden their horizons, to learn how to cooperate, communicate and respect each other. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393807

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393808LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-zilina-starts-the-educational-programs-with-jonckers-300305833.html SOURCE JONCKERS

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[July 28, 2016] With the launch of AGDAILY.com, Carbon Media Group continues to innovate in the digital Agriculture and Rural Lifestyle space

BINGHAM FARMS, Mich., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Carbon Media Group, a global leader in outdoor and rural lifestyle-related digital content, launches its latest daily news website: AGDAILY.com. The launch takes place in conjunction with the Ag PhD Field Day event in Baltic, South Dakota on July 28th. AGDAILY.com aims to provide production farming and rural lifestyle audiences with engaging and innovative content that covers a broad scope of interests and formats. The agriculture website brings a modern style and sensibility to telling the stories of one of the world's oldest and most technologically advanced industries. Building off the success of Carbon Media Group's outdoor-focused daily news site, Outdoorhub.com, the AGDAILY approach will focus on providing today's farmers with a variety of news, thought-provoking stories and social-friendly content, including videos, infographics and quizzes. As managing editor Ryan Tipps puts it, "AGDAILY is committed to the traditional needs of farmers while speaking thoughtfully to the next generation in agricultural production." The website is built on a fully responsive platform that caters to today's mobile-first content consumer. "We set out to do something different in the agriculture news space," said Daniel Seliger, EVP, Contet, for Carbon Media Group. "We want to make sure that whether you're in the field on your phone or in the office at your desk you had a compelling user experience and truly relevant content at your fingertips."



Through its Facebook (@AgDailyMedia), Twitter (@AgDailyMedia), and Instagram (@agdailymedia) accounts, AGDAILY will reach a currently underserved social media user-base. The website's launch will take place at Ag PhD Field Day, hosted by Darren and Brian Hefty (The Hefty Bros.). The event, which features demos, educational sessions, and guest speakers, draws several thousand production farmers from about 40 states across the country each year.

About Carbon Media Group

Carbon Media Group's mission is to connect people who live, work, and play in the outdoors. With over 500 websites and 33 million monthly unique users, CMG is the largest publisher of Outdoor and Rural lifestyle-related content online. From commercial farmers, horseback riders, and rural residents to hunters, anglers, and hikers, our audience is made up of people who view agriculture and outdoor recreation as an essential part of their daily lives. Visit: CarbonMediaGroup.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393780LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/with-the-launch-of-agdailycom-carbon-media-group-continues-to-innovate-in-the-digital-agriculture-and-rural-lifestyle-space-300305624.html SOURCE Carbon Media Group

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[July 27, 2016] Mouser Electronics Applauds Winners of Texas Instruments Innovation Challenge Design Contest

Mouser Electronics, Inc. is pleased to congratulate the winners of the Texas Instruments Innovation Challenge North America Design Contest, including the team from Texas A&M University that took top honors. Mouser is the exclusive sponsor of the contest, which encourages engineering students to invent real-world solutions by submitting design projects that use TI technology. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727006486/en/ Pictured are the first-, second- and third-place winners of the 2016 Texas Instruments (News - Alert) Innovation Challenge North America Design Contest, sponsored by Mouser Electronics. Pictured from left to right are the DVDT team from Texas A&M University (Dakotah Karrer, David Smith (News - Alert), Trent Tate and Vince Rodriguez); the Smart Step team from University of Alabama (Nagaraj Hegde and Matthew Bries); and the Elbow Orthosis team from Texas A&M (Joe Loredo, Rafael Salas, Nathan Glaser, and David Cuevas). (Photo: Business Wire) Nearly 180 teams from accredited engineering colleges and universities across the United States, Canada and Mexico participated in the challenge, and the winning designs addressed problems in the medical, space and health and wellness industries. Entries were judged on five criteria: originality and creativity of design, real world application, level of engineering analysis, usage of TI ICs and processors and working demonstration of design in a video. The first-place team, made up of Dakotah Karrer, Vince Rodriguez, David Smith and Trent Tate from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, took the expression "shooting for the stars" to a new level with their project, RF Satellite Communication system that integrates TI's Sub-1 GHz CC1120 radio frequency (RF) transceiver with the CC1190 RF front-end amplifier technology. The students worked with Texas Space, Technology, Applications and Research (T STAR (News - Alert)) to create a prototype of a space communication system that will be used to conduct low-Earth orbit research, a crucial need for space exploration efforts.



Second place was awarded to David Cuevas, Nathan Glaser, Joe Loredo and Rafael Salas, another Texas A&M team, for their Powered Programmable Elbow Orthosis. The brace-like device uses a TI ultra-low-power MSP432 microcontroller to restore upper arm functionality to users suffering from a range of injuries or disorders that weaken muscles and muscular activity. Matthew Bries and Nagaraj Hegde of the University of Alabama took third place with SmartStep, a device that uses a TI Bluetooth low energy CC2540 wireless microcontroller to monitor a person's activity through the insoles of their shoes. "Throughout its history, Mouser has been a strong supporter of education and innovation," said Kevin Hess, Mouser Electronics' Senior Vice President of Marketing. "We are proud once again to have played a part in this contest and we congratulate all of the winners."

The top three teams were recognized at an awards ceremony on July 19 in the TI Engineering and Innovation Hall at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. Winning projects were selected for their use of engineering practices and were judged on industry-ready standards, such as quality of the design and written documentation and effective use of TI technology. The contest awarded cash prizes of $10,000 for first place, $7,500 for second place, $5,000 for third place and $1,000 for categorical prize winners. The following university teams won the category prizes: Best chance at commercialization: University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Best video demonstration: University of Florida

Best use of TI wireless technology: Purdue University (News - Alert)

Most innovative home application: Carnegie Melon University

Most unique concept: Rowan University

Best overall use of TI products: University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Best environmental: Florida State University

Best humanitarian: University of Wyoming

Best semester project: University of Texas at Austin Mouser is an authorized distributor of Texas Instruments and stocks the widest selection of TI's newest components and development tools while providing same-day shipping around the world. To learn more about the Mouser-sponsored Texas Instruments Innovation Challenge North America Design Contest, visit http://www.mouser.com/ti-innovation-challenge. With its broad product line and unsurpassed customer service, Mouser caters to design engineers and buyers by delivering What's Next in advanced technologies. Mouser offers customers 22 global support locations and stocks the world's widest selection of the latest semiconductors and electronic components for the newest design projects. Mouser Electronics' website is updated many times daily and searches more than 10 million products to locate over 4 million orderable part numbers available for easy online purchase. Mouser.com also houses an industry-first interactive catalog, data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, and engineering tools. About Mouser Electronics Mouser Electronics, a subsidiary of TTI, Inc., is part of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. Mouser is an award-winning, authorized semiconductor and electronic component distributor, focused on the rapid introduction of new products and technologies to electronic design engineers and buyers. Mouser.com features more than 4 million products online from more than 600 manufacturers. Mouser publishes multiple catalogs per year providing designers with up-to-date data on the components now available for the next generation of electronic devices. Mouser ships globally to over 500,000 customers in 170 countries from its 750,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility south of Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.mouser.com. Trademarks Mouser and Mouser Electronics are registered trademarks of Mouser Electronics, Inc. All other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727006486/en/

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[July 27, 2016]

Spreadtrum LTE Chipset is Adopted for Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) SM-J210F/DS Smart Phones

SHANGHAI, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Spreadtrum Communications ("Spreadtrum"), a leading fabless semiconductor company in China with advanced technology in 2G, 3G, and 4G wireless communication standards, today announced that its 4G chipset SC9830i has been adopted for Samsung newly released Galaxy J2 (2016) SM-J210F/DS smart phones, which will be launched into the market shortly.

The Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016)/ SM-J210F/DS Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow based super AMOLED models supported a VoLTE solution powered by Spreadtrum's LTE 28nm quad-core SoC platform SC9830i, features a 2GB RAM/16GB storage, a micro SD slot up to 128GB, supporting 1080p HD video and an 8 megapixel primary camera, a 5 megapixel front camera.

This highly integrated SoC platform consists of 28nm quad-core 1.5GHz ARM Cortex-A7 5-moe (TDD-LTE/FDD-LTE/TDSCDMA/WCDMA/HSPA(+)/GSM/GPRS/EDGE) baseband chip SC9830i, power management chip SC2723M, RF chip SR3593S, and Spreadtrum's 3in1 connectivity chip SC2331S.







"We're pleased that Samsung chose our 4G chipset for its newly released product again," said Dr. Leo Li, chairman and CEO of Spreadtrum Communications. "We are committed to driving leading technologies to meet Samsung's unique requirements. Through collaboration with Spreadtrum technologies, Samsung will continue to offer rich mobile experiences at accessible prices to consumers across globe."

About Spreadtrum Communications

Spreadtrum Communications is a fabless semiconductor company that develops mobile chipset platforms for smartphones, feature phones and other consumer electronics products, supporting 2G, 3G and 4G wireless communications standards. Spreadtrum's solutions combine its highly integrated, power-efficient chipsets with customizable software and reference designs in a complete turnkey platform, enabling customers to achieve faster design cycles with a lower development cost. Spreadtrum's customers include global and China-based manufacturers developing mobile products for consumers in China and emerging markets around the world. Spreadtrum is a privately held company headquartered in Shanghai and an affiliate of Tsinghua Unigroup, Ltd. For more information, visit www.spreadtrum.com.
Modi wants to capitalise on India's 7,500-km coastline jutting into one of the world's main shipping routes.

By Reuters: The Adani Group has started building India's first transshipment port, conceived 25 years ago, and the government will construct another $4-billion facility nearby to create a shipping hub rivalling Chinese facilities in the region.

The Narendra Modi government will grant billionaire Gautam Adani Rs 16 billion so-called "viability gap" funding to help the new port at Kerala's Vizhinjam, on India's southern tip, win business from established hubs elsewhere in Asia.

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Once Vizhinjam is operational, the government will start building the port of Enayam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, said a senior shipping ministry official. Enayam alone will save more than $200 million in costs for Indian companies every year, he said.

WHY THIS IS BIG

India's 7,500-km coastline juts into one of the world's main shipping routes and Modi wants to capitalise on that proximity by developing ports that can shift freight on to huge vessels capable of carrying up to 18,000 20-foot containers.

By bringing onshore cargo handling now done at entrepots in Sri Lanka, Dubai and Singapore, the government expects cargo traffic at its ports to jump by two-thirds by 2021 as India ramps up exports of goods including cars and other machinery.

The lack of an Indian domestic transshipment port forces inbound and outbound containers to take a detour to one of those regional hubs before heading to their final destination.

New Delhi expects the new ports to save Indian companies hundreds of millions of dollars in transport costs, as well as ease concerns over the growing strategic clout in South Asia of rival China, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Sri Lankan ports at Colombo and Hambantota.

Adani wants the Vizhinjam port, which an arm of his Adani Group is building at a cost of around $1 billion, to be operational in 2018. The port lies hard by the Gulf-to-Malacca shipping lane that carries almost a third of world sea freight.

"The port can attract a large share of the container transshipment traffic destined for, or originating from, India which is now being diverted primarily through Colombo, Singapore and Dubai," said an Adani Group executive who declined to be named.

But officials acknowledge that it would be difficult for the new ports to win international clients unless they offered discounts.

"A major part of transshipment is happening at nearby ports. We can win some of that business," said AS Suresh Babu, who heads a government agency set up by Kerala to facilitate the construction of Vizhinjam.

"There's a viability issue in the first few years. Already the Chinese are operating there. So unless you give some discount you can't attract these ships. So that's why the government of India has approved the viability gap funding."

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CHINESE THREAT

India is worried about China's expanding reach in the region through port investments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. China is also developing Pakistan's Gwadar seaport as part of a $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China had also wanted to partner with an Indian company to build the Vizhinjam port, but its proposal was rejected by the government on grounds of national security.

India has not banned Chinese firms from investing in its ports, but takes a cautious approach as most ports are also used for "strategic purposes", said the shipping ministry source.

That is a euphemism for dual-use port facilities that could also be used by naval vessels. The docking of a Chinese nuclear submarine at Colombo's commercial port in 2014 shocked India's security establishment and has added urgency to New Delhi's push to strengthen its port infrastructure.

Vizhinjam port will have dedicated berths for Indian Navy and the coastguard, according to a government note seen by Reuters.

India is also seeking to extend its commercial and strategic reach as it tries to catch up with China, pledging up to $500 million to develop the Iranian port of Chabahar to give it trade access to Iran, Afghanistan and the hinterlands of Central Asia, now largely blocked by Pakistan.

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"We want Indian ports to compete with the best ports in the world in various parameters like turnaround time, efficiency, last-mile connectivity, infrastructure etc," India's Shipping Ministry said in a statement to Reuters.

But analysts remain sceptical that India can complete the transshipment ports, given that it has taken a quarter of a century to get the Vizhinjam port plan this far after legal disputes and lack of security clearance from the federal government delayed previous attempts to build it.

"Very few days or weeks pass without news of a new hub port proposal in Southern India," said Andy Lane, a partner at maritime and port consultant CTI Consultancy. He added that as Colombo was a "low cost and highly efficient" port, container shipping lines were unlikely to easily consider a switch to India.

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[July 27, 2016] New Market Analysis Sees Huge Potential of Nano Coating

HULZWEILER, Germany, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Good news from industry insiders: Leading analysts predict further considerable growth prospects in the nano technology sector for the years to come. Experts calculated a worldwide market value of 3.8 billion dollars up to the year 2020 for the antibacterial nano coatings segment alone. This is demonstrated in the business report of "Global Industry Analysts". For Nanopool, a manufacturer of high-performance coating systems, those figures affirm the strategic direction of their product development. As early as the beginning of 2006, the German patent and trademark office (DPMA) granted a patent for an antibacterial coating, amongst others, to Nanopool's managing director and inventor, Mr. Sascha Schwindt. This gives Nanopool the monopoly on the production and application of antimicrobial surface protection systems all over Europe until 2027. In particular, this includes vessels, harbour installation, oil platforms and pipes, which are exposed to extreme stress in the sea water, and need to be protected against fouling and other contamination.



Furthermore, the patented products of Nanopool are also suitable for preventing humidity from occurring in packaging. The antibacterial protective coatings are additionally used in hospitals and retirement homes, canteen kitchen, food processing facilities as well as in trains and buses. Nanopool was founded as a distribution company for nano-products from German Saarland back in 2002. For 10 years Nanopool has specialised in its own research, development and production of high-performance coatings and its products can be found in many different market segments. Due to Nanopool's long experience and comprehensive product portfolio, the company is able to offer tailor-made solutions to private and industrial customers. "The strategic orientation of our company in 2006 was the right decision," Nanopool's managing director Sascha Schwindt says. "This is shown in the latest market analysis, and our satisfied customers and partners prove this."

Pressekontakt: [email protected] Phone: +49(0)6831-8902712



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[July 28, 2016] DMI Collaborates with Wing to Provide Mobile Payments in Cambodia

App Marks DMI's Foray into the Cambodian Mobile Payment Market BETHESDA, Maryland, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As mobility continues to transform economies, businesses and lives, companies around the world are finding new ways to serve their customers. Today DMI announced a collaboration with service provider Wing to provide mobile payments in Cambodia. The app enables Wing customers, both individuals and businesses, to transfer, deposit and withdraw money from anywhere in Cambodia via any mobile phone at a low cost. The Wing app is available to download for iOS and Android. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130731/MM56613LOGO Mobile payments are having a transformative impact in certain parts of the world. The worldwide mobile payment revenue in 2015 was 450 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to surpass 1 trillion U.S. dollars in 2019. In the developed world it is designed to make consumers' shopping easier and allows cost savings for merchants, while mobile payment innovation in some Asian and African countries has largely been driven by services. These regions have taken the leap directly to mobile services in absence of the widespread availability of bank accounts, creatig a positive impact on the local economies. For example, in Cambodia where the population is 15.5 million people, only 1.5 million are in possession of bank cards.



Click to Tweet The app allows users to manage their Wing accounts via their mobile devices, promoting good money management as well as greater brand interaction and loyalty.

Easy functionality: Users can now pay their bills, top up their phone airtime, send money to other Wing users, donate money to a variety of charities, find the closest Wing Cash Xpress outlet and more, directly from within the app.

Users can now pay their bills, top up their phone airtime, send money to other Wing users, donate money to a variety of charities, find the closest Wing Cash Xpress outlet and more, directly from within the app. Developing exceptional experiences: DMI used its end-to-end mobility expertise to build native solutions for both Android and iOS, resulting in a quicker account setup experience and easier mobile payments. The company works with organizations to redefine the customer experience, then develop solutions that treat every interaction as an opportunity to serve, build loyalty and create experiences worth talking about. Jojo Malolos, Wing CEO, said: "Wing continues to provide new and innovative solutions to the market. With the app, users can access Wing services on-the-go when they use their smart phones. What's more, it is available in both English and Khmer, making it very easy to use for our customers." Daniel Karlstrom, COO  DMI International, said: "Following the launches of hundreds of mobile solutions all over the world, DMI is very proud to deliver a project in Cambodia for Wing. DMI is one of the leading technology companies in Cambodia and our collaboration has resulted in a world-class solution that is tailored for the Cambodian market and developed in-country by our Khmer team." About DMI:

DMI, the world's first end-to-end mobility company, combines all the skills and services necessary to deliver mobile enterprise solutions. Built to reinvent business through mobility, DMI has expertise in mobile strategy, UX, web, and app development, omni-channel commerce, brand and marketing, big data management and analytics, and secure device and app management. The company's unique, integrated approach to mobility has resulted in dramatic growth as well as an expanding worldwide client base. Additional information is available at www.dminc.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. PR Contacts:

US

Kim Dearborn

Nadel Phelan, Inc.

831-440-2407

[email protected] International

Laura Cahill

AxiCom

+ 2083924071

[email protected] Corporate

Alika Nagpaul

DMI

240-200-5852

[email protected]

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[July 28, 2016] Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc. Reaches Mass Production for Fortune 500 Toy Manufacturer

DRAPER, Utah, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc. (FLXT) is pleased to announce that Q3 2016 is progressing as planned relative to order placement and fulfillment of mass production of a line of children's toys featuring its unique Bend Sensor. Working with an American-based, Fortune 500, global toy manufacturing company and its global assembly partner, Flexpoint is focused on continuing to fulfill this production volume requirement. First year annualized volume is expected to be in excess of 750,000 sensors. According to the Toy Company's forecasts, the usage of Flexpoint's sensors in its products during 2017 is expected to more than double the 2016 annualized volume. This is as a direct result of expansion to other models of the toys. According to Paul Sexauer, Flexpoint Vice President of Sales and Marketing, "We expect to continue to fulfill and deliver large quantities of sensors on a regular basis for this customer. We are pleased to see our order volume expectations are being realized, and equally important, we are fulfilling our customer requirements from both a quality perspective as well as an on-time perspective." As flexible sensors become an integral part ofoverall toy production, it is anticipated that Flexpoint will play a key role in this growth. Sexauer further commented, "Flexpoint is keenly focused on and actively developing this market segment. It is a segment within which we can clearly differentiate ourselves and deliver tremendous value to our customers. We will continue to customize solutions that should become essential for future generations of products in the toy industry."



Please visit http://www.flexpoint.com/ for more information. About Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc.

Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc. (FLXT) is an innovative technology firm specializing in developing products that feature the Company's patented Bend Sensor and related technology. The Bend Sensor is a groundbreaking sensing solution that is revolutionizing applications in the automotive, safety, medical and industrial industries. The Bend Sensor single-layer, thin film construction cuts costs and mechanical bulk while introducing a range of functions and stylistic design possibilities that have never before been available in sensing technology. Flexpoint's technology and expertise have been recognized by the world's elite business and academic innovators for over 17 years. The company is setting a new standard for sensing solutions in the "smart" age of technology. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that certain statements in this release are "forward-looking statements" and involve both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such uncertainties include, among others, certain risks associated with the operation of the company described above. The Company's actual results could differ materially from expected results. Contact Information: Flexpoint Sensor Systems

Clark Mower, President

801-568-5111 Brokers and Analysts

Chesapeake Group

410-825-3930 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flexpoint-sensor-systems-inc-reaches-mass-production-for-fortune-500-toy-manufacturer-300305352.html SOURCE Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc.

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[July 28, 2016] Oracle Buys NetSuite

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NetSuite (NYSE: N), the very first cloud company. The transaction is valued at $109.00 per share in cash, or approximately $9.3 billion. "Oracle and NetSuite cloud applications are complementary, and will coexist in the marketplace forever," said Mark Hurd, Chief Executive Officer, Oracle. "We intend to invest heavily in both products  engineering and distribution." "We expect this acquisition to be immediately accretive to Oracle's earnings on a non-GAAP basis in the first full fiscal year after closing," said Safra Catz, Chief Executive Officer, Oracle. "NetSuite has been working for 18 years to develop a single system for running a business in the cloud," said Evan Goldberg, Founder, Chief Technology Officer and Chairman, NetSuite. "This combination is a winner for NetSuite's customers, employees and partners." "NetSuite will benefit from Oracle's global scale and reach to accelerate the availability of our cloud solutions in more industries and more countries," said Zach Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, NetSuite. "We are excited to join Oracle and accelerate our pace of innovation." The evaluation and negotiation of the transaction was led by a Special Committee of Oracle's Board of Directors consisting solely of independent directors. The Special Committee unanimously approved the transaction on behalf of Oracle and its Board of Directors. The transaction is expected to close in 2016. The closing of the transaction is subject to receiving certain regulatory approvals and satisfying other closing conditions including NetSuite stockholders tendering a majority of NetSuite's outstanding shares in the tender offer. In addition, the closing is subject to a condition that a majority of NetSuite's outstanding shares not owned by executive officers or directors of NetSuite, or persons affiliated with Larry Ellison, his family members and any affiliated entities, be tendered in the tender offer. More information about this announcement is available at: www.oracle.com/netsuite. Learn More

FAQ About Oracle

Oracle offers a comprehensive and fully integrated stack of cloud applications and platform services. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), visit oracle.com. About NetSuite

In 1998, NetSuite pioneered the Cloud Computing revolution, establishing the world's first company dedicated to delivering business applications over the Internet. Today, NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based financials / Enterprise Resource Planing (ERP) and omnichannel commerce software that runs the business of more than 30,000 companies, organizations, and subsidiaries in more than 100 countries.



Trademarks

Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements about Oracle and NetSuite, including statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning Oracle's proposed acquisition of NetSuite, anticipated customer benefits and general business outlook. When used in this document, the words "anticipates", "can", "will", "look forward to", "expected" and similar expressions and any other statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. Any such statement may be influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of Oracle or NetSuite, that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected, described, expressed or implied in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the possibility that the transaction will not close or that the closing may be delayed, the anticipated synergies of the combined companies may not be achieved after closing, the combined operations may not be successfully integrated in a timely manner, if at all, general economic conditions in regions in which either company does business, and the possibility that Oracle or NetSuite may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations or financial condition of Oracle or NetSuite. In addition, please refer to the documents that Oracle and NetSuite, respectively, file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. These filings identify and address other important factors that could cause Oracle's and NetSuite's respective operational and other results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements set forth in this document. You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. Neither Oracle nor NetSuite is under any duty to update any of the information in this document. Oracle is currently reviewing the existing NetSuite product roadmap and will be providing guidance to customers in accordance with Oracle's standard product communication policies. Any resulting features and timing of release of such features as determined by Oracle's review of NetSuite's product roadmap are at the sole discretion of Oracle. All product roadmap information, whether communicated by NetSuite or by Oracle, does not represent a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decision. It is intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated into any contract. Additional Information about the Acquisition and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed acquisition, Oracle will commence a tender offer for the outstanding shares of NetSuite. The tender offer has not yet commenced. This document is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of NetSuite, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Oracle and its acquisition subsidiary will file with the SEC upon commencement of the tender offer. At the time the tender is commenced, Oracle and its acquisition subsidiary will file tender offer materials on Schedule TO, and NetSuite will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. The tender offer materials (including an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents) and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will contain important information. Holders of shares of NetSuite are urged to read these documents when they become available because they will contain important information that holders of NetSuite securities should consider before making any decision regarding tendering their securities. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, will be made available to all holders of shares of NetSuite at no expense to them. The tender offer materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will be made available for free at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, Oracle and NetSuite file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports or other information filed by Oracle or NetSuite at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Oracle's and NetSuite's filings with the SEC are also available to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oracle-buys-netsuite-300305495.html SOURCE Oracle

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[July 28, 2016] Techstars Infuses Atlanta with Startup Talent

ATLANTA, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Techstars Atlanta, in partnership with Cox Enterprises, announced the 10 companies selected to participate in the program's 2016 class. The inaugural program officially kicks off on August 1 and includes 90 days of rapid acceleration. "It's an exciting time for Techstars Atlanta as we announce our first class," said Techstars Atlanta's Managing Director Michael Cohn. "I am thrilled to connect the founders with leaders from across Cox and throughout Atlanta, who have volunteered to share their expertise with these startups. These are amazing entrepreneurs, and we are going to drive incredible innovation and growth over the next 90 days." Last December, Cox announced its partnership with Techstars and invited startups to apply for the first-ever Techstars Atlanta Accelerator program. "Techstars Atlanta brings new ideas, people and passion to our city and region," said Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Alex Taylor. "I'm so pleased that Cox will be supporting and mentoring these startups and their founders as they seek to launch and scale innovative products and services. Tapping into these bright, entrepreneurial thinkers is good for our company and good for our city." The participation response was overwhelming with applications from 69 countries and six continents. Of the applications, these 10 companies were selected to participate in Techstars and embed themselves in Atlanta for the program. Techstars Atlanta's 2016 Class (Company's Founding Location):

Bark (Savannah, Georgia): Bark protects children by detecting messages that contain cyberbullying, sexting and signs of depression or suicidal thoughts without invading their privacy. Drizzle (Los Angeles, California): Drizzle gives website owners an incredibly easy way to let their visitors pay for premium content. Users can choose to charge a-la-carte for content or offer subscription access./p>



Fitspot (Los Angeles, California): Fitspot lets users book one-on-one sessions with certified fitness trainers when and where they want. Plan ahead or start in as little as 30 minutes. Joonko (Tel Aviv, Israel): Identify and solve gender bias in your workplace, as it happens.

LaaSer (Atlanta, Georgia): Thousands of lives are lost each year due to incorrect location information being sent to 911 operators over existing mobile phone network technology. LaaSer prevents calls from being routed to the wrong jurisdiction and incorrect address, latitude and longitude information being shared. Preesale (Brussels, Belgium): Preesale helps multiply sales channels by increasing tickets sales on Facebook. Easily connect apps to a Facebook page, create tickets in less than five minutes and sell to targeted customers. Real Meal Delivery (Atlanta, Georgia): Skip the stress of meal planning and grocery shopping. Fresh, made-from-scratch meals are prepared daily by Real Meal Delivery's chef. Families order by 4 p.m. and enjoy hot, fresh food delivered to their door. Sequr (Atlanta, Georgia): Sequr is the first-ever visitor management system for communities using call boxes. They increase security by replacing permanent PIN codes with dynamic, time-sensitive PIN codes. Sequr can complete remote setup on any callbox anywhere in the world. Splitty (Tel Aviv, Israel): Choose travel destination and dates, and Splitty's "split and match" technology combines different reservation types to find the cheapest hotel stays for the dates provided. UCIC (Waterloo, Canada): Ask and see a live photo or video from anywhere in the world, right now. Each of the startups founders will relocate to Atlanta for the duration of the program. They will work in Techstars Atlanta's space at Ponce City Market. Demo Day, the program's culmination, takes place the evening of Nov. 1 at the Tabernacle and coincides with the 2016 Venture Atlanta Conference. Social Media:

@techstars

@coxenterprises

#tsatlanta Multimedia: Download company logos at https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/JnDpa About Cox Enterprises:

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com. About Techstars:

Techstars is a global ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to market wherever they choose to live. With dozens of mentorship-driven accelerator programs and thousands of community programs worldwide, Techstars exists to support the world's most promising entrepreneurs throughout their lifelong journey, from inspiration to IPO. Techstars provides access to tens of thousands of community leaders, founders, mentors, investors, and corporate partners, allowing entrepreneurs to accelerate the pace of innovation and do more faster. Techstars supports every stage of the entrepreneurial journey  from early stage grassroots community development to more formal opportunities that provide education, experience, acceleration, funding, and beyond. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391838-INFO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/techstars-infuses-atlanta-with-startup-talent-300302301.html SOURCE Cox Enterprises

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[July 28, 2016] Back to School: Dashlane Releases List of Top 10 Most Popular Kids' Websites with Safe Password Practices

NEW YORK, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dashlane has released a list of the top ten websites with safe password practices, just in time to help parents navigate online safety risks during the busy back-to-school season. "Password security is a serious issue for families as passwords are the seatbelts of the digital world," said Emmanuel Schalit, CEO of Dashlane. "Weak passwords leave your kids' personal information vulnerable. It's important that parents teach kids how to create strong passwords, and follow safe practices, such as using a password manager to store and share them. Fortunately, popular websites like Apple, Gmail, and Facebook also prioritize safety by requiring strong passwords and following best practices that keep users' identities secure." The Dashlane team examined the password requirements for popular websites, including minimum required password length, complexity of required passwords, and whether or not sites employ safeguards, such as sending account creation emails and providing on-screen password strength assessments. The top 10 sites in the study were: Apple Snapchat Gmail Yahoo Tumblr Vimeo AOL Facebook Netflix Twitter Apple was the top performing site as it deploys a host of measures to ensure its users have strong passwords, such requiring them to create passwords that have a minimum length of eight and contain a mix of alpha-numeric characters. Apple also requires birthdate verification, which means that children under the age of 13 can't use fake birthdays in account creation. While the social media platform often makes headlines for its questionable content, teens using Snapchat are at least likely to have a relatively strong password. The app requires password be at least eight characters long and does not accept the most commonly used passwords, such as passord or 12345678. This bucks the industry trend as many sites only require a four-character password.



The two most important elements of a strong password are its length and alpha-numeric complexity. Longer passwords that include letters, numbers, and symbols are more secure. Dashlane recommends everyone adopt the following good password hygiene procedures: Use a different password for every account. This ensures that even if one account is compromised or hacked your other accounts will not be exposed as they are protected by a different password. Use a strong password. At the minimum, your password should be eight characters, a random combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and also contain a mix of upper and lower-case letters. While this may seem complicated, Dashlane's Password Generator makes the process simple. Change your passwords regularly. Some breaches take years to discover, so the only way to ensure your accounts aren't vulnerable to old breaches is to change passwords regularly. Dashlane's Password Changer lets users change passwords on hundreds of the world's top websites. "Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your family's online life," said Schalit. "The back-to-school season is a great time to change passwords, and take a look at the sites your kids are frequenting to make sure they're keeping identifying information secure."

About Dashlane

Dashlane makes identity and checkouts simple with its password manager and secure digital wallet app. Dashlane allows its users to securely manage passwords, credit cards, IDs, and other important information via advanced encryption and local storage. Dashlane has helped over 5 million users manage and secure their digital identity. The app is available on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, and has won critical acclaim from top publications, including: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Dashlane is free to use on one device, and Dashlane Premium costs $39.99/year to sync between an unlimited number of devices. Dashlane was founded by Bernard Liautaud and co-founders Alexis Fogel, Guillaume Maron, and Jean Guillou. The company has offices in New York City and Paris and has received $52.5 million in funding from TransUnion, Rho Ventures, FirstMark Capital, and Bessemer Venture Partners. Learn more at Dashlane.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/back-to-school-dashlane-releases-list-of-top-10-most-popular-kids-websites-with-safe-password-practices-300305641.html SOURCE Dashlane

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JD England reflects on time as Mayor of Mitchell before stepping down

JD England reflects on his time on the Mitchell police force, his first term election by just four votes and his accomplishments in office.
 tmtpost      
At the campus first schoolwide assembly since the start of the pandemic, the Colina family celebrated one of its own, a custodian whose talents have extended far beyond keeping the school looking tidy to making students feel welcomed and loved.



https://www.toacorn.com/articles/nate-the-great-students-surprise-beloved-custodian/
By Manish Sain: Year 2016 hasn't been the best one in Apple's history, it recorded its first iPhone sales slump and then another. Even when the sales surged, the numbers are still below the numbers from Apple's good days. Falling sales haven't stopped the company from reaching a milestone. CEO Tim Cook yesterday said Apple recently sold its billionth iPhone.



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"iPhone has become one of the most important, world-changing and successful products in history. It's become more than a constant companion. iPhone is truly an essential part of our daily life and enables much of what we do throughout the day," said Cook.



"Last week we passed another major milestone when we sold the billionth iPhone. We never set out to make the most, but we've always set out to make the best products that make a difference. Thank you to everyone at Apple for helping change the world every day," he added.



Faced with a tough competition from its long-time rival Samsung, Apple earlier this year recorded its first iPhone sales slump in 13 years, or first-ever revenue decline since the company launched its iPod.



It is not just Samsung that has made it tough for Apple, but some new and old brands like Xiaomi and Huawei have also caused trouble to the Cupertino company.



Apple's iPhone SE, which was launched as a cheaper offering, failed to garner expected sales. iPhone SE's failure can be attributed to its pricing. The phone costs Rs 39,900 in India, which is not cheap according to Indian standards. Other reason is the incremental changes in the phone itself. Other than going back to a smaller size, the iPhone SE offered a little in the name of upgrade.



The company yesterday announced that it sold 40.4 million iPhones in the third quarter, which is down 15 per cent from the year-ago quarter but slightly more than the average analyst forecast of 40.02 million.



iPhone sales dropped for the second straight quarter, pushing down Apple's total revenue 14.6 per cent in the fiscal third quarter, ended June 25.]



Apple is expected to launch iPhone 7 in September this year. The phone is already making headlines with new rumours and leaks every day. However, according to most reports, the iPhone 7 will come with only incremental changes. It's not long before we know if iPhone 7 can rekindle Apple's business or not.

Also read: Not just iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7 Pro may also launch this year

--- ENDS ---

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Facebook Messenger has over 900 million users, now it wants to bring all of the Facebook users to the messaging app. Soon the company plans to deny access to messages through mobile browser.

By AP: Facebook is once again getting pushy about how people message one another.

Two years ago, the social-media giant forced its users to adopt its Messenger app for direct communication, a change it enforced by deactivating messages in the main Facebook app and steering users to the app. There was an uproar; some users thought Messenger violated their privacy, while others just resented having to add yet another app.

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Still, the plan worked; more than 900 million people use the app, roughly four times the number in 2014. But some continued to resist, exploiting a loophole to avoid Messenger. All they had to do was log into Facebook's mobile website using a smartphone browser like Safari or Chrome.

Now Facebook is coming after those holdouts. In some markets, the company has already blocked mobile browser access to messages on Android phones. In others, opening messages on Facebook's mobile website gets you a warning that "your conversations are moving to Messenger" and a link to download the app. The company will extend the ban to all markets and to iPhone users in the upcoming months, it says.

Facebook insists it only wants "to bring the best experiences we can" to users. The Messenger app provides more reliable notifications about incoming messages and runs more quickly, the company says.

More free stuff, less control



This might not seem like a big deal to many users, particularly anyone who's long since made their peace with Messenger. But it's emblematic of a central dilemma in the modern age: We have free - as in unpaid - access to an ever-expanding array of software and services, but less and less control over how we use them.

That rankles people who have no interest in Messenger. Michael Kampfer, a St. Paul, Minnesota, construction contractor, says he doesn't have enough storage space on either of his Android phones to install Messenger alongside the other apps that he needs for his job while traveling.

"I have a problem with the company telling me what's the best experience is for me," Kampfer, 65, says. "I have a browser on my phone, so why should I be forced to get Messenger?"

Kampfer is far from alone. In the U.S. alone, nearly 149 million people visited Facebook's website on a smartphone or tablet during April, according to the research firm comScore. The firm doesn't compile worldwide data for mobile browser traffic.

Business considerations



From a business standpoint, Facebook's move makes great sense. Planting Messenger on more phones corrals a bigger audience for advertising and other moneymaking opportunities. The company doesn't comment on such plans, and Messenger is currently ad-free. But analysts think the app could generate billions of dollars in advertising revenue within just a few years.

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The Menlo Park, California company is thriving, mostly from ads on its main Facebook app. Its second-quarter revenue soared 59 per cent from the same time last year to $6.4 billion, resulting in a $2.06 billion profit, the company announced Wednesday.

Also read: Facebook beats Q2 forecasts, user numbers grow, stock soars

Facebook wants more of its users on Messenger because it can gather more personal data and introduce new features that could yield even more revenue, says eMarketer analyst Debra Aho Williamson. She expects ads to start appearing before the end of this year.

Even if some users don't like that, "Facebook has a way of changing things to make people interact with Facebook the way Facebook wants," Williamson says.

Facebook executives say Messenger is now moving into "phase two" of its evolution, although they still aren't ready to say how the company intends to profit from it.

Remote control



Facebook has a long history of pushiness. A decade ago, it began circulating the status updates that users posted on their personal pages throughout the social network. The concept, known as a "news feed," is now the foundation of modern Facebook, even though it initially triggered protests about exposing too much personal information.

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Kevina Cromwell of Philadelphia already tried the Messenger app and didn't like it. So she uninstalled it and the Facebook app a couple of years ago, and read her private messages on her on her phone's mobile web browser until the company started blocking her recently.

"It's really annoying," Cromwell, 22, says. "I see what they are trying to do, but I still don't understand why they are tying your hands and not giving you any options at all."

Future of Messenger



Messaging is huge in the tech industry now; Google and Apple are pouring resources into their own apps to ensure their services remain a vital part of people's lives. A few years ago, Facebook also paid $21.8 billion for the WhatsApp messaging service, which has more than a billion users. So far, it remains entirely separate from Messenger.

Facebook keeps spiffing up the Messenger app. Its latest look, which is still rolling out to users, now shows friends' birthdays, lists of favorite people and a thumbnail of who's online at any given moment. Facebook is also promoting the app as a way for merchants to interact with their customers, which could transform the service into a sort of digital call center.

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Some Android phone owners say Facebook has gotten so aggressive about Messenger that visiting the mobile website for their texts now takes them directly to an app-download page, with no explanation why they were sent there. "It's almost like they're trying to trick you," says Jeni Tehan, who lives in Brighton, England.

People who still want to shun Messenger can still send and receive messages via the Facebook site, though only if they're on a full-fledged computer, not a phone or tablet. It's small consolation for some.

"The users are the product, not the customer, which I'm generally resigned to because of the usefulness of the service," Mel Campbell of Melbourne, Australia, says by email. "But I'm not going to cave to every single bad decision the company wants to push on us."

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An increase in restless user base on some of the largest social media sites is forcing advertisers and the businesses who run them to put their money elsewhere.

By Indo-Asian News Service: More and more people are gradually viewing social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and enterprise social media LinkedIn negatively than in the past, an interesting study has revealed.

The team from American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ASCI) which tracks opinions of search engines, news outlets, social media sites and other 'e-businesses' found that consumers view Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn more negatively than in years past, bizjournals.com reported.

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Facebook and Twitter saw the largest declines -- at nine per cent and eight per cent, respectively.

An increase in restless user base on some of the largest social media sites is forcing advertisers and the businesses who run them to put their money elsewhere.

The declines are driven in part by the presence of advertising on services that are still regarded as "free", the report said.

"Consumers have not fully accepted advertising as a necessary cost for online services they have come to expect as free," Claes Fornell, ASCI chairman, was quoted as saying.

"There is little companies can do to change that perception beyond making sure that those advertisements are relevant and non-disruptive," he added.

Facebook was mired in controversy over "curated" news where it was accused of political bias in its "trending news" section after news broke that stories from politically conservative sources were sidelined. However, the company denied such a bias.

Earlier this year, reports said that Twitter irked many users when it tweaked its newsfeed from a chronological system to a new algorithm based system. It has also failed to keep pace with ever-evolving social apps including Snapchat, Imgur and Instagram.

"It's impossible for global brands with massive user bases to like Facebook and Twitter to keep everyone happy," ACSI managing director David VanAmburg added.



--- ENDS ---
Your fitness tracker or smartwatch can do more than help you take 10,000 steps or read text messages on your wrist. A growing number of insurance and employee wellness companies offer incentives to consumers who wear fitness trackers and achieve fitness goals.

Under a provision of the Affordable Care Act that went into effect in 2014, employers can offer wellness incentives of up to 30 percent of the total cost of health care coverage. According to the Health Affairs blog, that amounts to nearly $1,800 for an employee-only health plan. (Incentives can reach 50 percent for programs that address smoking cessation.)

Ready to reap the financial benefits of tracking your fitness activity? Heres what you need to know.

How It Works

In many wellness programs, employees get an incentive  typically a gift card or insurance premium adjustment  for completing a survey called a health risk assessment or undergoing a biometric screening measuring blood pressure or cholesterol levels. However, there is little evidence that surveys or screenings either improve health or lower health care costs.

Building on the principles of behavioral economics, and taking advantage of increasingly sophisticated wearable devices from vendors such as Fitbit, Garmin, Misfit and Withings, more companies are tying incentives to fitness activities that are monitored regularly and that are more likely to result in long-term behavior change. Its a lot like the good driver discounts that auto insurers such as Allstate, Progressive and State Farm offer drivers who agree to have their driving behavior monitored.

MORE: Best Fitness Trackers for Running, Swimming and Training



Individuals typically enroll in wellness incentive programs in one of three ways: directly with an insurer through their employer, indirectly with an insurer through a third-party employer wellness company, or directly with a consumer-facing wellness company. Here are examples of these types of programs and the rewards they offer:

(Image credit: Nick Bush / Tom's Guide)

Many national health insurers in the United States offer some type of incentive that is tied to activity tracking. For example, UnitedHealthcare Motion provides daily incentives for step goals that total nearly $1,500 per year for an employee and spouse. Meanwhile, participants in the HumanaVitality program receive discounts on healthy food at Walmart in addition to gift-card rewards.

A number of smaller insurers offer incentives as well. The most notable is Oscar, which gives members a free Misfit Shine and offers up to $240 annually in Amazon gift cards if members achieve activity goals.

Third-party employer wellness companies such as StayWell, Vitality, Virgin Pulse and Welltok create programs with varied incentives for their individual clients. (Editors note: The author participates in a Virgin Pulse program that offers a premium discount as well as a cash bonus.)

Wearable device makers have created their own wellness divisions, which work directly with employers to create customized programs. Employees at BP, a client of Fitbit, were eligible for a lower deductible if they hit step goals during the companys Million Step Challenge.

Direct-to-consumer companies offer incentives that arent tied to employer benefits. For example, bounts is a company that gives consumers the chance to earn vouchers from brands such as Nike and Starbucks when they use activity-tracking apps such as Fitbit, Garmin or RunKeeper. People with a premium membership (about $20 a year) are entitled to cash incentives.

In a partnership with Vitality, John Hancock offers discounts of up to 15 percent on term life and universal life insurance policies to members who share activity data and basic medical information. The insurer gives members a free Fitbit to track data. Additional perks include Amazon gift cards and hotel discounts.

In the future, activity data may be used for more than just doling out rewards. One company, Appirio, was able to negotiate a 6 percent discount in health plan premiums from Anthem using data collected during a Fitbit challenge. In addition, insurer Cigna has hinted that data from fitness trackers may be used to determine group insurance pricing, with lower rates for members who, according to the data, are making a concerted effort to get or stay active.

Some Concerns

For all the financial benefits of sharing data from your fitness tracker, there are a couple reasons to think before you leap.

One concern is privacy. Participating in a wellness program means sharing a lot of information with your health insurance company or employer. According to a survey by the consultancy PwC, more than 80 percent of consumers are concerned about the possible invasion of privacy that wearable devices may present, as well as the possibility that data may fall into the wrong hands. (That concern is real: Nearly 80 million Anthem members had their personal information compromised after a hack last year.)

If privacy matters to you, carefully read the terms and conditions of any app before you start to use it. Be wary of any app that does not explicitly state that users own their data and have the power to determine who uses it. The Federal Trade Commission found that many wellness apps submit data to third parties, many of which aggregate it and sell it for marketing purposes.

Another concern is the shifting priorities of wellness programs themselves. As the Chicago Tribune reported, companies have had a hard time earning a return on investment (ROI) in their wellness programs, and they are starting to rethink their approach. For example, employers that are more interested in cutting costs may link wellness incentives to insurance premiums, while companies that want to try to build a culture of health may offer more intrinsic rewards.

MORE: One Year On, Fitness Band Security Still Pretty Bad

It can take companies three or more years to start seeing ROI for a wellness program, so dont be surprised if the types of rewards you receive change from one year to the next, as your company tries to figure out what will work best.

How to Get Incentives

If you have employer-sponsored insurance, check with your benefits manager to see what types of wellness programs your company offers. If you are self-insured, check with your insurer directly. (Keep in mind that you may need to wait until the next open-enrollment period to participate.)

If you dont have a fitness tracker yet, dont worry: Many wellness programs offer free or subsidized devices to participants  the idea being that these costs will contribute to even greater savings on health care costs in the long run. In addition, your employer may let you use health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) money to pay for a fitness tracker.

Check with your doctor before you begin any rigorous wellness challenges or try to walk 10,000 steps a day (about 5 miles). You may be eager to earn incentives, but you also want to stay healthy while you do it, and your doctor can help you do that.

MORE: The Best GPS Watches for Sports and Athletics

Many employers complement their activity-based incentives with additional wellness offerings such as lunchtime walking groups, fitness classes during work hours or subsidized gym memberships. These programs help companies develop a culture of health and wellness, which is linked to everything from improved productivity to better attraction and retention of talent. If your employer offers programs that interest you, take advantage of them. If not, talk to your benefits manager about starting a program yourself.

Finally, since you already have a fitness tracker, you can make the most of it and use your technology to run your first 5K. Or, if youre already active, just keep doing what youre doing and earn those incentives.
LCD screens have dominated mobile phone displays for more than 15 years but OLED displays are flexible, thinner and more power efficient.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays will replace liquid crystal display (LCD) screens as the leading smartphone display technology in 2020, a media report has said.

Samsung Electronics has already adopted OLED displays in its flagship smartphones such as the Galaxy S7 and there is increasing demand for OLED displays from Chinese vendors Huawei, OPPO Electronics, Vivo, Meizu Technology and others, business website investors.com reported on Thursday.

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Apple is expected to switch to OLED displays for iPhone 8.

Universal Display Corporation, a supplier of materials and technology for OLED products, is expected to benefit from the rising demand. Its stock has risen more than 40 per cent in the past 12 months, the report noted.

Also Read: You could go blind if you stare at your smartphone in the dark for too long

LCD screens have dominated mobile phone displays for more than 15 years but OLED displays are flexible, thinner and more power efficient.

AMOLED displays with a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) backplane will account for more than one-third (36 per cent) of all smartphone displays shipped in 2020, becoming the most used display technology in smartphones.

It will surpass a-Si (amorphous silicon) thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD and LTPS TFT LCD displays, the report added.

--- ENDS ---
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One of Australias most acclaimed young boutique events, The Plot has announced they will be returning this November to once again shine the spotlight on Australias emerging artists.

The full lineup and details are set to be announced soon, but organisers promise theyll provide a roster packed with the most exciting emerging musical acts from around the country.

Its all set to take place in the beautiful surrounds of Parramatta Park on Saturday, 19th November 2016. In other words, its the only way to see Australias best emerging acts before they take the world stage.

As with its previous instalments, which were all massively acclaimed, The Plot will welcome local food producers, beverage makers, brewers, craft and clothing creators, and more from Sydneys Greater West.

THE PLOT 2016

Saturday, 19th November 2016

Monument (grasslands) and Old Government House, Parramatta Park, Sydney NSW (Lic/AA)
Charm Of Finches are a young sister duo making a lovely mix of chamber music and pop  aptly title dream folk.

We premiered their latest single Sky Watching for you recently, and are now happy to bring you the beautifully-shot clip, along with their debut record Staring At The Starry Ceiling in full.

The girls grew up playing strings, busking, and soaking up influences like Sufjan Stevens and First Aid Kit on their way to supporting the likes of Claire Bowditchand Kasey Chambers.

The album will be released tomorrow, and Charm Of Finches will be launching the record on Saturday August 6 from 7:30pm at the Wonderland Spiegeltent in Melbournes Docklands, supported by Songwriter Anna Cordell.




THERE'S STILL PLENTY OF SUMMERTIME FOR MAYOR SLY TO FOCUS ON LONGSTANDING KANSAS CITY PROBLEMS!!!

1. Help Kansas City Tax Incentive Reform

2. Help Fix So Many Kansas City Potholes & Water Main Breaks

3. Make Sure Mayor's Nights Doesn't End In Violence Again

4. Develop A Plan For An Independent Audit Of Kansas City's Water Department

5. Address Kansas City's Bloody Summer Homicide Spike Of 2016 With Something More Substantial Than Tweets Or Speeches

FEEL FREE TO ADD TO THIS LIST GIVEN THAT MAYOR SLY'S CONSULTANTS AND CHEERLEADERS ARE CONSTANTLY CHECKING THIS BLOG IN ORDER TO SPIN GROWING FRUSTRATION WITH THIS TOWN'S TOP POLITICO!!!

Really great comment about Mayor Sly returning from the DNC Convention inspired a quick thought . . .Quick list for locals who are bored with during the Democratic Party love fest tonight . . .I'm pretty suregiven that an "ordinance with an accelerated effective date" pretty much wipes out most rules and politicos use this trick all the time. Still, more binding effort would be nice than planting promo stories and faking a consensus as usual.This Summer local streets are exceptionally horrible as any driver through Downtown & Midtown can attest.This yearand this pizza party finale has ended horribly for the past 3 years-in-a-row.Rates haveover the past few years for residents and the pressure of an EPA settlement has taken its toll on residents. Kansas City's water infrastructure troubles are only growing worse and most residents believe it's time for a better plan than literally throwing money down a well.The level of local violence continues to rise and whilst the Mayor has been very outspoken on the topic . . . It's his job to develop a plan beyond gun control rhetoric, catchphrases and solemn interviews after every exceptionally deadly episode.Now . . .You decide . . .
Kansas City's favorite political son says he's within striking distance of this veteran politico and nowin order to push him over the top . . .SecState Kander has also taken his share of lobbyist cash so the criticism is kinda fake . . . But the tuba music is kinda cool and reminiscent of our favorite comedy skits.You decide . . .
TKC FACT CHECK: NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH, DUTCH WAS SICK FOR YEARS BEFORE HER DEMISE WAS DUE TO HEALTH REASONS NOT STRESS OR HOMICIDE!!! HER DEATH @ 95 WAS SAD BUT NOT UNEXPECTED!!!

KANSAS CITY INSIDERS ARE CALLING ON VOTERS TO CHOOSE DUTCH DESPITE HER CURRENT CONDITION AND McGREGOR COULD SUFFER AN EMBARRASSING DEFEAT TO A DEAD LADY!!!

TKC FIRST

Right now we need to clear the name of a long-running Kansas City political contender who faces some nasty Internets allegations.This trashy comment was recently posted and deserves a fact check . . .At that age, every day is a miracle (as it is at any age) but this bit of rhetoric needs to be stopped post haste and we want to be the 1st to contradict the misguided notion that's already becoming a pretty good Midtown KC joke.Now that we got that taken care of . . . There's something more interesting at play . . .Remember that this kind of Missouri political afterlife political triumph happened in 2000 when Missouri voted for Mel Carhahan over John Ashcroft after a tragic plane crash took the life of the former politico engaged in a Senate battle. And so . . . This moment of rare Democratic glory in Missouri is being used as a touchstone to keep the memory of Dutch alive despite the impulse of more macabre local Democratic denizens to look at this tragic episode as. . .. . . But we wanted our TKC Blog Community to have the news FIRST as usual. Natch.Developing . . .
The IMF came under fire from its own watchdog - the Independent Evaluation Office - in a report about the Fund's handling of the bailout programme in Greece and other euro area countries

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) came under fire from its own watchdog - the Independent Evaluation Office - in a report issued on Thursday about the Fund's handling of the bailout programme in Greece and other euro area countries.

Among others, the IEO referred to a "patchy" performance in the handling the Eurozone bailouts and criticised "overly optimistic growth projections," especially in the case of Greece. The independent watchdog also said the IMF's leadership had allowed the judgements of its technical staff to be subjected to political pressures from an early stage, due to the troika arrangement, while the handling of the euro area crisis "raised issues of accountability and transparency, which helped create the perception that the IMF treated Europe differently."

In a statement responding to the report, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said the programme for Greece, as opposed to those in Portugal, Ireland and Cyprus, had been a special case.

Greece, however, was unique: while initial economic targets proved overly ambitious, the programme was beset by recurrent political crises, pushback from vested interests, and severe implementation problems that led to a much deeper than expected output contraction.

On the other hand, Greece undertook enormous adjustment with unprecedented assistance from its international partners. This enabled Greece to remain a member of the euro area  a key goal for Greece and the euro area members, she said.

The report noted that Greece had benefited from the significant debt haircut in 2012, as well as a refinancing on very favourable terms from its official creditors and the IMF. It repeated the IMF's position for further significant debt relief for Greece. It noted that a decision to provide exceptional access financing to Greece without seeking preemptive debt restructuring, even though its sovereign debt was not deemed sustainable with a high probability, was made to avert the risk of contagion.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
A rise in non-performing loans can be a major source of instability in the domestic credit system, the BoG argues

In its overview of the domestic banking system, the Bank of Greece has issued a warning about the further rise in non-performing loans and called for an effective response.

According to the report of the Bank of Greece, the credit gap in the domestic economy at present is over 34.5 billion euros. Should the banks not carry out any portfolio changes, then there will be a rise of NPLs in 2016, even if macroeconomic conditions are normalized. This in turn, the BoG argues, can be a major source of instability in the domestic credit system.

As a result of the rising unemployment, tax hikes and introduction of capital controls in recent years, the ratio of non-performing loans in relation to all loans has increased on an individual basis from 39.9% in 2014 to 44.2% in 2015. The situation grew worse in 2016, with the ratio further increasing to 45.1%.

The Bank of Greece has warned the domestic banks to quickly take action to prevent the problem from further developing and has underlined the need for a comprehensive plan that will determine how premature outstanding debts may be managed.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Athens is the sixth cheapest capital in Europe among 35 states in terms of house rental costs

Athens is the sixth cheapest capital in Europe among 35 states in terms of house rental costs, as rates have declined so much in the years of the economic crisis that they have offset the increase in the number of households turning to rentals because they are unable to acquire their own house.

Data from the Global Property Guide put the average monthly rent in Athens at 984 euros for a 120-square meter apartment in perfect condition, i.e. recently renovated and in one of the citys better locations. In most countries surveyed this is regarded as the city center but in Athens it mainly concerns its suburbs.

The only European capitals that boast cheaper rental rates than Athens for similar apartments are Skopje (565 euros), Sofia (566 euros), Nicosia (757 euros), Andorra (942 euros) and Chisinau in Moldova (965 euros). Other Balkan capitals such as Belgrade (994 euros) and Bucharest (1,193 euros) are more expensive than Athens.

According to estimates by local estate agents, rental rates in Greece have declined by about 40 percent since the outbreak of the crisis, and the annual pace of decline comes to around 5 percent.

London is by far the capital with the highest rate, at 8,213 euros for a 120-sq.m. apartment in perfect condition, with Paris a distant second at almost 4,000 euros.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The Greek island of Santorini is among 7 most unique islands on Earth

Santorini is among 7 most unique islands on Earth, according to delightfull.eu.

The travel website notes that "summer is the best time to travel, so we decide to share with you the 7 most unique places on earth regarding islands! Shiny sun, deep blue water, paradisiac beaches and breathtaking views!"

The complete list of the 7 most unique islands on Earth includes:

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is the most popular Greeces Island for a good reason! White villas tumble down volcanic cliffs, blue-domed churches rise against the sparkling sea made an island full of eye-popping canvas of color! Also is known as one of the most romantic destination!

Palawan, Philippines

Clearwater, rustling palms, colorful coral reefs, a huge diversity of tropical fish, unique wildlife, emerald lakes, are just some of the reasons that make Palawan the Philippiness paradise! This unique island offers one of the best diving in the world and an impressive limestone cave with an underground river  Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Bali, Indonesia

If you whish to wake up all your sences, Bali is the perfect place! An intoxicating culture, incense wafts from Hindu temples, rice paddies glow in electric greens, and the food jolts the taste buds! The exotic Indonesian island is the perfect place to relax, surf, swim and sunbathing! Balis enchanting spirit will wash over you like a warm, tropical wave.

Maldives

Luminous transparent waters with a crystal clarity lap upon these dazzling white shores, which barely peek above the Indian Ocean. Luxury resorts provide the perfect launching points for adventures focused upon the sea!

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Another unique place to put in your list of locals to visit! This is another volcanic island in the South Pacific. The focal point and best asset of this tropical beauty is its ravishing lagoon in technicolor turquoise. Fish, turtles, sharks, and rays swim in the clear waters, and tiny islets or motus dot the lagoon.

Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

This little archipelago in the Krabi Province of Thailand, lush limestone peaks rise from the tropical sea, and warm waters lap on palm-lined sugary shores! Ko Phi Phi is, with no doubt, the typical tropical island dream!

Capri, Italy

This Glamorous island, about 20kilometers off the Amalfi Coast, with a sea stacks and soaring cliffs rise from the teal-hued Tyrrhenian Sea framed by sprays of colorful flowers, lives up to all the hype! Capri is one of the places that everyone should visit!

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Samsung said its April-June net income rose 2 per cent over a year earlier to 5.85 trillion won ($5.17 billion), compared with 5.75 trillion won a year earlier.

By AP: Samsung Electronics Co. reported Thursday forecast-beating earnings results that were the best in two years as consumers snapped up its Galaxy smartphones in signs of a revival in its mobile phone business.

The South Korean company said its April-June net income rose 2 per cent over a year earlier to 5.85 trillion won ($5.17 billion), compared with 5.75 trillion won a year earlier.

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That was slightly higher than forecasts, which have been revised up in recent months to reflect stronger-than-expected sales of the new phones. Analysts had forecast net income of 5.79 trillion won, according to FactSet, a financial data provider.

Sales rose 5 per cent to 50.94 trillion won ($45 billion), while operating profit surged 18 per cent to 8.14 trillion won ($7.19 billion), in line with the company's guidance earlier this month.

Samsung, the world's largest smartphone maker, beat forecasts even as growth in the overall smartphone industry slows and as its rival Apple, the world's second-largest smartphone maker, struggles to boost iPhone sales. Apple reported earlier this week a 27 per cent drop in profits, hit by the decline in iPhone sales.

Also read: As iPhone sales slow down, Tim Cook says Apple ready to open retail stores in India

Samsung's mobile business reported 4.32 trillion won ($3.82 billion) in operating income during the three-month period, its best quarterly performance since the second quarter of 2014.

The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge smartphones drove the profit gain. The company launched the latest versions of its flagship smartphones in March, several weeks sooner than it did last year. Early launches helped Samsung report strong sales during the first quarter but there were doubts that it could sustain the momentum during the second quarter. The latest results dispel that, showing consumers continued to snap up Samsung's new phones in spring.

The stellar performance of Samsung's mobile division is also a sign that its experiment with smartphone designs is paying off.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge camera review: The biggest reason to buy this phone

Samsung introduced the first of its flagship Edge smartphone series last year, which featured curved display that wraps around two corners of the device. But in 2015, it failed to capture demand because it ran into trouble mass producing curved displays. The S7 Edge, with similar designs as its predecessor, saw robust demand from consumers and this time Samsung was able to deliver the products on time. The company said the Galaxy S7 Edge sales proportion increased.

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Success of its Galaxy S7 smartphones boosted Samsung's own component businesses. Samsung said sales of OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, display panels went up, helped by healthy sales of flagship smartphones and higher demand for flexible displays for the S7 Edge. Samsung dominates the global supply of OLED display panels for mobile phones.

--- ENDS ---
A gang of Muslim men threatened to exterminate a group of nudists after storming a swimming pool in Germany, it has been reported

A gang of Muslim men threatened to exterminate a group of nudists after storming a swimming pool in Germany, it has been reported.

Six men described as having full Islamic beards reportedly barged into the complex shouting Allahu Akbar. They are said to have spat at children, verbally abused the men and called women sl*ts for swimming naked.

Witnesses said they also branded the swimmers as infidels. One of the nudists, a mother, claimed the men told her: We [German] women are all sl*ts and they would exterminate all of us.

This contempt, this potential for aggression made me really afraid.

She said the men spoke German well and also knew Arabic, suggesting at least some of them were likely second or third generation Muslims, it was reported by Breitbart. The incident happened at a pool in the town of Geldern in the North Rhine-Westphalia region which is known for its acceptance of naturism.

The men finally left after customers complained to staff that they felt threatened and harassed.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
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,

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Bahrain-based Investcorp, a global leader in alternative investment products, and Abu Dhabis Mubadala Development have agreed for Mubadala to acquire a 20 per cent interest in the company.



The two-step transaction sees Mubadala acquire a 9.99 per cent ownership stake immediately, with a further 10.01 per cent following necessary regulatory approvals.



Mubadalas investment strengthens Investcorps shareholder base, which includes major institutional investors from the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, in addition to prominent individuals and family offices.



Mohammed Mahfoodh Alardhi, executive chairman of Investcorp, said: Mubadala is one of the strongest and most respected investment companies in the GCC and globally, so todays development is a significant milestone in the institutionalization of our shareholder base. He further commented: This investment is a validation of Investcorps blue-chip brand, our human capital, and our vision for the future. This is a positive step for our stakeholders, including our shareholders, investors and portfolio companies.



Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group CEO of Mubadala Development Company, said: We welcome the opportunity to become a shareholder in Investcorp. From an investment perspective, the stable and long term value-creation mission of Investcorp makes it a logical addition to Mubadalas diverse financial investment portfolio.  TradeArabia News Service
Current fiscal measures deployed by Saudi Arabia should help ensure a sustainable economic future for the country in the medium term, said an industry expert.



The Kingdom has implemented several measures to protect fiscal balances from the oil price drop, explained Jorge Mariscal, Emerging Markets chief investment officer at UBS Wealth Management, a global wealth manager.



Government spending was cut by 15 per cent in real terms in 2015, and a further cut of 16 per cent is envisaged for this year. Going forward, several measures will likely be implemented to raise the share of non-oil revenues, such as the introduction of VAT in the GCC region. The Kingdom also announced the ambitious development plan Vision 2030 in April.



The plan aims to reduce the Kingdoms dependence on oil, boost the private sectors role in the economy, lower national unemployment, and raise non-oil revenues almost four-fold to about 20 per cent of GDP by 2020.



It involves the creation of a large sovereign wealth fund, the sale of less than 5 per cent of Aramco shares by 2018, and an array of fiscal and structural reforms. The share of nationals in total labor is projected to increase from 44 per cent in 2014 to 60 per cent by 2030, with most of the new jobs being in the private sector.



The key to ensuring that Vision 2030 is achieved is to guarantee that nationals are equipped with the right qualifications to make them competitive in the private sector job market, while absorbing talent transitioning from the public sector, said Mariscal.



Following the current fiscal consolidation and other proposed reforms, the Kingdom's finances should find a more sustainable footing in the medium term. This is despite declining oil revenues impacting fiscal and external balances and a surge in public spending. Government level reforms, including closure of a number of overlapping councils, commissions and committees, should benefit the economy, reducing red tape and making the government smaller, more efficient, and more accountable.



However, even lower oil prices might pose a risk to reform implementation, according to UBS.



Geopolitical risks could distract the government from much-needed reforms domestically. Non-oil GDP could be hit potentially due to austerity measures. The general government debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to be about 10 per cent of GDP in 2017, up from 1.5 per cent in 2014. The sovereign net foreign asset position is also expected to drop quite sharply. Growth is expected to slow to about 1.5 per cent in 2016-17.  TradeArabia News Service
South Korea will conduct a feasibility study on redeveloping the historic port city of Alexandria in Egypt, a report said.



The study will look into the technical feasibility of the development of the Egyptian seaport, along with detailed plans to raise funds, the Yonhap news agency report said quoting the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.



Alexandria, on the Nile Delta, is one of the oldest seaports in world history, linking trade between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.



Currently, the port handles more than 60 per cent of shipping cargo in Egypt, but the government is seeking ways to upgrade outdated facilities and the surrounding areas.



South Korea and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding for joint support of the Alexandria redevelopment project when President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi visited Seoul in March.
Aramex, a leading global provider of logistics and transportation solutions, has announced a net profit of Dh125.7 million ($34.22 million) in the second quarter of 2016, an increase of 36 per cent compared to Dh92.5 million ($25.18 million) during the same period last year.



Aramex's half year 2016 revenues increased year-on-year to Dh2.13 billion ($580.9 million), up 15 per cent compared to Dh1.85 billion ($505.2 million) for the corresponding period of 2015, said a statement from the company.



While net profits during the same period rose to Dh222.5 million ($60.57 million), up from Dh179.2 million ($48.79 million) in the first half of 2015, a year-on-year increase of 24 per cent, it said.



Overall net profits registered double-digit growth, impacted by a one-time fair value adjustment related to Aramexs investment in AMC Logistics joint venture in Egypt amounting to Dh41.6 million ($11.33 million).



Hussein Hachem, CEO of Aramex, said: We are pleased with our Q2 financial performance. Despite global economic uncertainty, continuing oil price volatility and currency fluctuations, our results for the quarter were strong.



However, though we finished strongly, we experienced slowing growth at the end of the quarter. We are closely watching this trend so we can quickly adjust to further volatility and remain cautiously optimistic about continuing our growth momentum into the second half of 2016, he added.



Aramexs strong revenue performance in Q2 was driven by growth across most of its geographies. Europe, Asia and Australia were the biggest contributors to growth, with the recent acquisition of Fastway Couriers contributing significantly to revenues. The wider Levant region also grew at a healthy rate while in the GCC we witnessed a relatively flat growth, said a statement.



Strong revenue growth was also recorded in Q2 from the International Express business, primarily in the US, Europe and Asia regions, due to a continued increase in demand for cross border e-commerce shopping services, it said.



Growth in the freight business remained relatively stagnant as a result of the drop in global oil prices and currency fluctuations, it stated.



Aramex remains confident about extending its growth momentum and performance into the remainder of 2016, it added.  TradeArabia News Service


Finland-based Outotec has been awarded a contract by Chinas Shangdong Province Metallurgical Engineering Co (SDM) for the delivery of process equipment to the Iron Concentrate Project Sangan in North-Eastern Iran.



The contract valued at approximately 10 million ($11.9 million) and the order has been booked in Outotec's 2016 second quarter order intake, said a statement from the company.



The Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development & Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) owns the Sangan mines and SDM is their engineering partner, it said.



Outotec's scope of work includes the design and delivery of thickeners and filter presses as well as related installation supervision and commissioning services including spare parts, it added.



The new iron processing plant will process annually 5 million tonnes of ore. The equipment will be delivered mostly during the second quarter of 2017, it said in a statement.



Kalle Harkki, head of Outotec's Minerals Processing business unit, said: We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to deliver the main dewatering process equipment to the second phase of the Sangan Iron project.



Our comprehensive portfolio of dewatering equipment enables us to tailor efficient and environmentally sound solutions and services for iron ore processing, he said.  TradeArabia News Service


Supposed follow-up to the Redmi Note 3, the Redmi Pro could be a Redmi Note 4 in disguise, we do not know for sure yet.

By Saurabh Singh: Xiaomi has sold over 6 lakh units (and counting) of the Redmi Note 3 in India, as of May 2016. But, the Redmi Note 3 is going to be old news, pretty soon. The company is out with a new phone that it says is its new flagship Redmi. The phone in question is called the Redmi Pro. The Redmi Pro is a little more expensive than the Redmi Note 3, and quite expectedly so. The Redmi Pro, when you look at its spec sheet, looks like a very high-end phone, again priced in typical Xiaomi fashion.

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Supposed follow-up to the Redmi Note 3, the Redmi Pro could be a Redmi Note 4 in disguise, we do not know for sure yet. But, whatever be the case, it certainly looks like another winner - at least on paper - from camp Xiaomi.



Design and build quality

The Redmi Pro and the Redmi Note 3 boast of an all-brushed aluminum finish, that gives them a premium look and feel. But, there are many structural differences between the two. To begin with, the fingerprint scanner in the case of the Redmi Pro lies on the front below the display, while in the case of the Redmi Note 3, it is located on the rear. The speaker out in the case of the Redmi Pro lies on the bottom edge, while in the case of the Redmi Note 3, it is located on the back.



Also Read: Xiaomi Redmi Pro launched, comes with Helio X25, two rear cameras & 4,050mAh battery

The Redmi Pro also appears a little more premium than the Redmi Note 3 because it comes with chamfered edges and curved 2.5D glass on the front. The Redmi Pro also has USB Type-C for data syncing and charging purposes.



The Redmi Pro is heavier, but thinner than the Redmi Note 3.



Display

The Redmi Note 3 comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS LCD display. The Redmi Pro has the same screen size and resolution, but packs in an OLED display panel.



Software

The Redmi Note 3 runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop-based MIUI, while the Redmi Pro has MIUI which is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Both the phones will be upgradable to MIUI 8.



Processor and connectivity

The Xiaomi Redmi Pro comes in two processor variants and three models in all. The standard Redmi Pro comes with a 2.1GHz deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor, while the remaining two (high-end) come with a 2.3GHz 10-core Helio X25 and 2.5GHz 10-core Helio X25 CPU respectively. While the Redmi Pro with Helio X20 processor and 2.3GHz Helio X25 processor will come with 3GB of RAM, the Redmi Pro with 2.5GHz Helio X25 CPU will come with 4 gigs of RAM.



Also Read: Xiaomi Redmi Pro: Key specifications, top features and expected India price & everything you need to know

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The Redmi Pro will be offered in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB internal memory options. All the versions will support expandable memory via a hybrid card slot.

The Redmi Note 3 - in India -- on the other hand is powered by 1.8GHz hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor and is available in two RAM variants: 2GB and 3GB. While the 2GB RAM variant comes with 16GB memory, the 3GB RAM version has 32GB of memory. The phone supports expandable storage.

Both the phones support dualSIM and 4G LTE connectivity.



Battery

Both the Redmi Pro and Redmi Note 3 are backed by a 4,050mAh battery.



Pricing

The Redmi Note 3 has been priced at Rs 9,999 for the base 2GB RAM and 16GB memory variant. The 3GB RAM and 32GB storage variant meanwhile costs Rs 11,999.

The Redmi pro starts at 1,499 RMB (Rs 15,122) for the Helio X20, 3GB RAM and 32GB memory and goes all the way to 1,999 RMB (roughly Rs 20,163) for the top-tier Helio X25, 4GB RAM and 128GB memory variant. The company is yet to make an official announcement regarding India availability and pricing.



Also Read: Xiaomi Redmi 3 not coming to India anytime soon

--- ENDS ---

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Science fiction often speculates about robots that are virtually indistinguishable from humans. However, while there are examples of humanoid robots being developed, the majority of robots will not take after their creators, says GlobalData.
Most organisations are unprepared for future strains of more sophisticated ransomware, a report said, highlighting that fragile infrastructure, and slow detection rates are providing ample time and air cover for adversaries to operate.



The struggle to constrain the operational space of attackers is the biggest challenge facing businesses and threatens the underlying foundation required for digital transformation, according to the newly released 2016 Midyear Cybersecurity Report (MCR) by Cisco, a global networking leader.



Other key findings in the MCR include adversaries expanding their focus to server-side attacks, evolving attack methods and increasing use of encryption to mask activity.



So far in 2016, ransomware has become the most profitable malware type in history. Cisco expects to see this trend continue with even more destructive ransomware that can spread by itself and hold entire networks, and therefore companies, hostage.



New modular strains of ransomware will be able to quickly switch tactics to maximize efficiency. For example, future ransomware attacks will evade detection by being able to limit CPU usage and refrain from command-and-control actions. These new ransomware strains will spread faster and self-replicate within organizations before coordinating ransom activities.



As organizations capitalize on new business models presented by digital transformation, security is the critical foundation. Attackers are going undetected and expanding their time to operate. To close the attackers windows of opportunity, customers will require more visibility into their networks and must improve activities, like patching and retiring aging infrastructure lacking in advanced security capabilities, said Mike Weston, vice president, Cisco Middle East.



As attackers continue to monetize their strikes and create highly profitable business models, Cisco is working with our customers to help them match and exceed their attackers level of sophistication, visibility and control.



Visibility across the network and endpoints remains a primary challenge. On average, organizations take up to 200 days to identify new threats. Ciscos median time to detection (TTD) continues to outpace the industry, hitting a new low of approximately 13 hours to detect previously unknown compromises for the six months ending in April 2016.



This result is down from 17.5 hours for the period ending in October 2015. Faster time to detection of threats is critical to constrain attackers operational space and minimize damage from intrusions. This figure is based on opt-in security telemetry gathered from Cisco security products deployed worldwide.



As attackers innovate, many defenders continue to struggle with maintaining the security of their devices and systems. Unsupported and unpatched systems create additional opportunities for attackers to easily gain access, remain undetected, and maximize damage and profits.



The Cisco 2016 Midyear Cybersecurity Report shows that this challenge persists on a global scale. While organizations in critical industries such as healthcare have experienced a significant uptick in attacks over the past several months, the reports findings indicate that all vertical markets and global regions are being targeted.



Clubs and organizations, charities and non-governmental organization (NGOs), and electronics businesses have all experienced an increase in attacks in the first half of 2016. On the world stage, geopolitical concerns include regulatory complexity and contradictory cybersecurity policies by country. The need to control or access data may limit and conflict with international commerce in a sophisticated threat landscape.



Attackers operating unconstrained



For attackers, more time to operate undetected results in more profits. In the first half of 2016, Cisco reports, attacker profits have skyrocketed due to the following:



Expanding Focus: Attackers are broadening their focus from client-side to server-side exploits, avoiding detection and maximizing potential damage and profits.



 Adobe Flash vulnerabilities continue to be one of the top targets for malvertising and exploit kits. In the popular Nuclear exploit kit, Flash accounted for 80 per cent of successful exploit attempts.

 Cisco also saw a new trend in ransomware attacks exploiting server vulnerabilities  specifically within JBoss servers  of which, 10 percent of Internet-connected JBoss servers worldwide were found to be compromised. Many of the JBoss vulnerabilities used to compromise these systems were identified five years ago, meaning that basic patching and vendor updates could have easily prevented such attacks.



Evolving Attack Methods: During the first half of 2016, adversaries continued to evolve their attack methods to capitalize on defenders lack of visibility.



 Windows Binary exploits rose to become the top web attack method over the last six months. This method provides a strong foothold into network infrastructures and makes these attacks harder to identify and remove.



 During this same timeframe, social engineering via Facebook scams dropped to second from the top spot in 2015.



Covering Tracks: Contributing to defenders visibility challenges, adversaries are increasing their use of encryption as a method of masking various components of their operations.



 Cisco saw an increased use of cryptocurrency, Transport Layer Security and Tor, which enables anonymous communication across the web.



 Significantly, HTTPS-encrypted malware used in malvertising campaigns increased by 300 percent from December 2015 through March 2016. Encrypted malware further enables adversaries to conceal their web activity and expand their time to operate.



Defenders Struggle to Reduce Vulnerabilities, Close Gaps



In the face of sophisticated attacks, limited resources and aging infrastructure, defenders are struggling to keep pace with their adversaries. Data suggests defenders are less likely to address adequate network hygiene, such as patching, the more critical the technology is to business operations. For example:



 In the browser space, Google Chrome, which employs auto-updates, has 75 to 80 percent of users using the newest version of the browser, or one version behind.



 When we shift from looking at browsers to software, Java sees slow migrations with one-third of the systems examined running Java SE 6, which is being phased out by Oracle (the current version is SE 10).



 In Microsoft Office 2013, version 15x, 10 percent or less of the population of a major version are using the newest service pack version.



In addition, Cisco found that much of their infrastructure was unsupported or operating with known vulnerabilities. This problem is systemic across vendors and endpoints. Specifically, Cisco researchers examined 103,121 Cisco devices connected to the Internet and found that:



 Each device on average was running 28 known vulnerabilities.



 Devices were actively running known vulnerabilities for an average of 5.64 years.



 More than 9 percent have known vulnerabilities older than 10 years.



In comparison, Cisco also looked across software infrastructure at a sample of over 3 million installations. The majority were Apache and OpenSSH with an average number of 16 known vulnerabilities, running for an average of 5.05 years.



Browser updates are the lightest-weight updates for endpoints, while enterprise applications and server-side infrastructure are harder to update and can cause business continuity problems. In essence, the more critical an application is to business operations, the less likely it is to be addressed frequently, creating gaps and opportunities for attackers.



Cisco advises simple steps to protect business environments



Ciscos Talos researchers have observed that organizations that take just a few simple yet significant steps can greatly enhance the security of their operations, including:

 Improve network hygiene, by monitoring the network; deploying patches and upgrades on time; segmenting the network; implementing defences at the edge, including email and web security, Next-Generation Firewalls and Next-Generation IPS.



 Integrate defences, by leveraging an architectural approach to security versus deploying niche products.



 Measure time to detection, insist on fastest time available to uncover threats then mitigate against them immediately. Make metrics part of organizational security policy going forward.



 Protect your users everywhere they are and wherever they work, not just the systems they interact with and when they are on the corporate network.



 Back up critical data, and routinely test their effectiveness while confirming that back-ups are not susceptible to compromise.  TradeArabia News Service
Turkey on Wednesday deepened a crackdown on suspected followers of a US-based cleric it blames for a failed coup, dismissing nearly 1,700 military personnel and shutting 131 media outlets, moves that may spark more concern among its Western allies.



So far, tens of thousands of people - including police, judges and teachers - have been suspended or placed under investigation since the July 15-16 coup, which Turkey says was staged by a faction within the military loyal to the Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.



Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania but whose movement has a wide following in Turkey where it runs a large network of schools, has denied any involvement in the failed putsch.



Western governments and human rights groups, while condemning the abortive coup in which at least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured, have expressed concern over the extent of the crackdown, suggesting President Tayyip Erdogan may be using it to stifle dissent and tighten his grip on power.



Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possibly death on the night of the coup, denies the crackdown has wider aims and says the Gulen movement threatened democracy by attempting to build a "parallel state" within the military, media and civil service.



On Wednesday, the military dishonourably discharged 1,684 of its personnel, a Turkish government official said, citing their role in the failed coup. Of those, 149 were generals and admirals, said the official, who requested anonymity. Data show that would represent roughly 40 percent of all generals and admirals in Turkey's military.



Broadcaster CNN Turk has reported that more than 15,000 people, including around 10,000 soldiers had been detained so far over the coup, citing the interior minister. Of those, more than 8,000 were formally arrested pending trial, it said.



In addition, the government said in its official gazette that three news agencies, 16 television channels, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers have been ordered shut down.



These moves, which follow the closure of other media outlets with suspected Gulenist ties as well as the detention of journalists will further stoke concerns among rights groups and Western governments about the scale of Erdogan's post-coup purges.



The United States said on Wednesday it understood Turkey's need to hold perpetrators of the attempted coup to account, but said the detention of more journalists was part of a "troubling trend".



JOURNALISTS DETAINED



Turkey ordered another 47 journalists detained on Wednesday, singling out columnists and other staff of the now defunct Zaman newspaper, the government official said. Authorities in March shut down Zaman, widely seen as the Gulen movement's flagship media organisation.



"The prosecutors aren't interested in what individual columnists wrote or said," said the official, who requested anonymity. "At this point, the reasoning is that prominent employees of Zaman are likely to have intimate knowledge of the Gulen network and as such could benefit the investigation."



However, the list includes journalists, such as Sahin Alpay, known for their leftist activism who do not share the religious worldview of the Gulenist movement. This has fuelled the concerns that the investigation may be turning into a witch-hunt of the president's political opponents.



The media reported on Monday that arrest warrants had been issued for 42 other journalists, 16 of whom have so far been taken into custody.



Alpay is a former official of Turkey's left-leaning, secularist main opposition CHP party. The Dogan news agency said police raided his home in Istanbul early on Wednesday and detained him after a 2-1/2-hour search of the property.



Separately, Turkey's capital markets board said it had revoked the licence of the head of research at brokerage AK Investment and called for him to face charges over a report he wrote to investors analysing the coup.



SPIRIT OF UNITY



Erdogan's ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party and opposition parties, usually bitterly divided, have demonstrated a rare spirit of unity since the abortive coup and are seeking consensus on constitutional amendments partly aimed at "cleansing" the state apparatus of Gulenist supporters.



A senior AK Party official said on Wednesday the parties were discussing plans to increase parliamentary control of a key state body that appoints judges and prosecutors.



Also on Wednesday a government official said Turkish special forces were still hunting in the hills around the Mediterranean resort of Marmaris for a group of 11 commandos who are believed to have tried to capture or kill Erdogan on the night of the coup, when he was on holiday in the area.



In testimony provided following his detention, Major General Mehmet Disli, the brother of a prominent ruling party lawmaker, strongly denied allegations that he was involved in the coup, saying he had been forced by the plotters to mediate with the chief of the military's General Staff on July 15.



General Staff head Hulusi Akar was held hostage for hours by the plotters, but refused to join their coup.



Erdogan, a popular but polarising figure who has dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade, will chair an annual meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) on Thursday after vowing to restructure the armed forces following the coup.



The General Staff said 35 planes, including 24 fighter jets, 37 helicopters, 74 tanks and three ships had been used by the coup plotters, NTV reported. It put the number of soldiers from the Gulenist network involved in the attempted putsch at 8,651, or about 1.5 percent of the armed forces.



In Greece, authorities on Wednesday postponed hearings for eight Turkish soldiers who sought asylum there after fleeing Turkey. The men - three majors, three captains and two sergeant majors - deny being involved in the coup, but Ankara has branded them "traitors" and is demanding their extradition.



Erdogan has also signalled the country might restore the death penalty in the wake of the failed coup, citing strong public support for such a move, though the European Union has made clear this would scupper Turkey's decades-old bid to join the bloc.



PIVOT TO MOSCOW



Turkish officials have complained of what they perceive as a lack of support from the EU over the coup, while European leaders have urged Ankara to show restraint and a sense of proportion in bringing those responsible to justice.



The attempted coup has also tested Turkey's ties with its NATO ally the United States, where Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile since 1999. Responding to Turkey's request for Gulen's swift extradition, Washington has said Ankara must first provide clear evidence of his involvement in the coup.



Gulen lives in a secluded compound in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, but Erdogan has reason to worry about the reclusive cleric's reach inside Turkey. In 2013, his followers in the police and judiciary opened a corruption probe into business associates of Erdogan, then prime minister, who denounced the investigation as a foreign plot.



The strains with the EU and the United States have coincided with Turkey's renewed push to repair ties with Russia, badly hurt last November by the Turkish downing of a Russian jet involved in military operations in Syria, and Moscow's subsequent imposition of trade sanctions.



On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said talks with Russian officials this week on improving bilateral relations had taken place "in a very positive atmosphere".



Simsek, respected by Western investors as a safe pair of hands in guiding the Turkish economy, also said he saw no reason to downgrade Turkey's credit rating following the coup.



Standard & Poor's recently revised the country's sovereign debt outlook to negative from stable and Moody's has said it will review the rating for a possible downgrade.  Reuters
Non-Opec oil field decline rates have accelerated to 5 per cent as a result of the impact on output from a 41 per cent or $285 billion reduction in global oil & gas capex from the 2014 peak, a Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) report said.



This figure is higher than the 4.87 per cent recorded in 2009, and it is also slightly higher than previous estimates for this year of 4.9 per cent, explained the report titled, Global Energy Weekly: Oil decline rates speed up authored by the Global Commodities team at BofAML.



On a country by country breakdown, larger than previous years decline rates have been recorded in countries like Australia, Netherlands, Canada, and even Russia. Regionally, decline rates are accelerating particularly in the Middle East and OECD Pacific, but are holding up better in Asia.



GCC, Iran, and Iraq will likely see higher output



Looking at Opec, Venezuela is perhaps where we see most oil production at risk given the investment climate, but other countries like Algeria and Angola may be facing pretty steep production declines too, the report said.



What countries could fill the oil supply gap? Naturally, Saudi and the rest of the GCC, coupled with Iraq and Iran will attempt to keep gaining market share. In fact, much of the growth in global oil supplies in the past year has already come from GCC, Iraq, and Iran, and we project growth of 1.2 and 0.5 million barrels per day (b/d) from these three players this year and next, respectively . Even then, it will be hard to fill the widening supply gap on current investment trends, the BofAML team said in the report.



but can these producers fill the widening gap?



The Iraqi rig count has dropped in half over the course of the last 24 months while Saudi Arabia has not really increased drilling activity to make up for the staggering 37 per cent drop in global rigs since the 2014 peak.



True, the rig count in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait has increased, and thats a relevant shift. Yet the geopolitical and legal risks involved in dealing with Iran and even Iraq will likely limit investments in other sections of the Persian Gulf, in our opinion, the report said.



Given this backdrop, we reiterate our estimates that global oil supplies will likely expand by just 0.2 million b/d year-on-year in 2017 against demand growth of 1.2 million b/d, and retain our view that Brent will average $61/bbl next year, the BofAML report said.  TradeArabia News Service
Sadafco has commenced operations of its new photovoltaic-diesel hybrid system that delivers up to 40 per cent of its Riyadh Regional Distribution Centre's daytime energy requirements.



Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (Sadafco) has commenced operations of its new photovoltaic (PV)-diesel hybrid system that delivers up to 40 per cent of its Riyadh Regional Distribution Centre's (RDC) daytime energy requirements, said a report.



Wout Matthijs, CEO of Sadafco, said the RDC Solar Project is a huge step towards the company becoming more sustainable business. "This is not just about powering our business, but reducing our operations carbon footprint in a way that is socially responsible," he was quoted as syaing by the Saudi Gazette report.



Covering a surface area of about 1,600 sq m, a total of over 2,000 solar cells were installed atop the carport structures in the parking area, offering the additional benefit of sun shade for cars, it said.



The project will operate high performance thin film photovoltaic modules from US-based First Solar. These modules deliver more energy than conventional crystalline silicon panels, in the hot, humid and dusty conditions experienced in the greater part of Saudi Arabia.



The hybrid system will not only result in cost savings from reduced diesel consumption on the generators necessary for an off-the-grid facility, but will decrease pollution as well, added the report.


Visitors from 38 countries will now be able to extend their stay in Oman to three months, instead of three weeks, following the government's move to relax its rules on multiple entry visas, said a report.



The move, which came into effect from July 20, is part of efforts to boost the economy, said a report in Times of Oman.



Government officials hope the extension will allow investors more time to scout the country and give tourists more time to spend money, it said.



Business leaders welcomed the news as a potential shot-in-the-arm to Oman but expats from India and other neighbouring countries  currently not included in the approved country list  feel they should also be allowed the benefit.



Inbound tourism to Oman in 2015 generated OMR250.9 million ($651.9 million), almost double that of 2005, according to statistics from the government web portal.



The new multiple visa rules prove to be beneficial for tourists and investors as well, who have faced fines under the old system, where they were allowed to stay for just 21 days on a first trip under the multiple entry visa.



A media spokesman for the Royal Oman Police confirmed that the new rule was introduced on July 20 and anyone applying from a country on Omans Country list would be able to obtain it, at a cost of OMR50 ($129.90).



Some 38 countries citizens are eligible for the new visa, including, the UK, most of central Europe, Ireland and parts of eastern Europe. India, Bangladesh and the Philippines citizens can apply for the extended visa but require a sponsor in Oman.



Mohammed Hassan Al Ansi, vice-chairman of the Committee for Logistics and Transportation Affairs at the OCCI, said: It is an excellent decision but it has to have regulations. The decision also includes more countries than the 22 that are already determined. If you want to bring investors and experts, they have to visit the country, study the market and asses the situation; three weeks wouldnt be enough.


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Group photo of the participants and organizers. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A screening activity, part of the program "Looking China", was held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, July 26. Videos made by six young Israeli directors were shown, giving the local audience a chance to get to know the city they live in from a new perspective.

In the past 17 days, students from Israel's Tel Aviv University have cooperated with Inner Mongolia University Ordos Academy students and the city's new media center in exploring vivid cultural subjects, planning and shooting, generating six different video profiles of the city in distinctive styles and forms.

The videos cover a wide range of themes -- from ceremonies worshiping Genghis khan, a hero in Mongolian history, to an Ordos wedding; from matouqin, a traditional Mongolian fiddle, to Inner Mongolian people's love to horse; and from folk tales to modern development -- all of which together present a comprehensive view of Ordos city.

Zhang Xiaoping, deputy director of the city's publicity department, delivers her address at the screening ceremony. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Their videos display a diversified China and its rich culture in ways that are most appropriate for their friends at home, and for other foreigners", said Zhang Xiaoping, deputy director of the city's publicity department.

After the screening, official leaders handed out "Ordos Culture Ambassador Awards" to the directors and audience members were able to have in-depth talks with them on the culture behind the videos.

Youth directors and their teacher (1st left) watch their videos at the screening ceremony. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Looking China Foreign Youth Filming Plan" is a trans-regional and trans-cultural experiential program initiated by the Academy for International Communication of Chinese Culture, Beijing Normal University and the Huilin Foundation in 2011. In the past five years, the project has attracted about 200 foreign students to observe China through their own cameras and understand China through their own experience. So far, 200 videos have been made in 15 cities across China and some have won more than 32 international prizes.
A new, comprehensive website is now available to help travelers plan and book high-end adventures in Africa, from Cairo to Cape Town



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - July 28th, 2016 - With travel to Africa rising at a rate faster than that of either Europe or South America and several thousand new hotel rooms being added on the continent every month, AFKTravel (www.afktravel.com) is poised to capture the attention of those seeking the next big thing in tourism.

As the only resource on the Internet devoted solely to African travel, AFKTravel aims to be the authority on the subject, offering one-stop shopping in the form of advice, reviews, deals and bookings for hundreds of destinations, from Cairo to Cape Town.

Africa is often misunderstood by the average non-African traveler, and under-represented in the digital world. Far from being a place of dirt and violence, it is a continent brimming with breathtaking beauty, fantastic food, stylish hotels, and one-of-a kind experiences.

The figures dont lie; the world is waking up to Africas appeal. International tourist arrivals to the continent almost tripled between 2000 and 2014, from 26 million to 65 million, and visitors spent more than US$43 billion in Africa in 2014 alone.

Africa is a big, fast-growing, underserved digital media opportunity, said Jamarlin Martin, CEO of the multi-award-winning Moguldom Media Group, AFKTravels parent company. Our vision is to be the #1 travel brand in Africa, and it won't take us a long time to achieve this leadership status.

Safaris in Kenya and wine tasting in South Africa are some of the traditional mainstays of an African travel experience, but AFKTravel goes beyond the typical activities and introduces readers to urban diversions, earthy outdoor adventures, chic hotels, elegant honeymoon hideaways, and creative culinary exploration in places like Lagos, Maputo, Kampala, and Casablanca.

AFKTravel brings this side of Africa  the finer side  to a sophisticated, affluent audience of over 65,000 business and leisure travelers hailing primarily from North America, but also from Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa itself: a global audience of web-savvy readers thirsting for new horizons in travel.

Since its launch in May 2014, AFKTravel has amassed over 3,000 articles, videos and slideshows, and over 1,350 expert hotel and restaurant reviews, which garner approximately 450,000 page views per month. The site also offers hotel bookings, deals, and both professional and user-generated reviews, making it a comprehensive resource for the plugged-in traveler who doesnt want to waste their time toggling between multiple online resources when planning a trip to the continent.

Headquartered in both Florida (USA) and Johannesburg, South Africa, AFKTravel employs a fleet of freelance writers, photographers and videographers who are seasoned Africa experts, with a combined 400 years of experience covering the continent.

Leveraging Moguldoms digital savvy  the company's other highly successful brands include Bossip.com, MadameNoire.com and AFKInsider.com  AFKTravel offers multiple language support, both desktop and mobile-enabled versions, and has established an impressive social media presence in a very short time period, with over 13000 Facebook likes, 9300 Twitter followers and 2300 Instagram followers.

AFKTravel is the answer for the sophisticated traveler who is itching to explore Africa -- the next frontier in travel. Contact us at info@afktravel.com or visit www.afktravel.com.

###
The Inflight Food Trip - Crowdfunding Film Summer 2016 from James Mellor on Vimeo.

A full-length documentary film seeks to pull back the curtain on how airlines source, prepare, and deliver meals to passengers at 35,000 feet.



(TRAVPR.COM) IRELAND - July 28th, 2016 - DUBLIN. The Inflight Food Trip - A full-length documentary film seeks to pull back the curtain on how airlines source, prepare, and deliver meals to passengers at 35,000 feet. Developed by Nik Loukas  creator of the popular and informative site InFlightFeed.com hopes to reveal a world few passengers ever see.

Loukas has secured agreements to go behind the scenes with some of the worlds biggest airlines and inflight caterers. The film plans to highlight how airlines, among them Air Baltic, SAS, Air France, develop menus in line with modern gastronomic trends, train their in-flight chefs, and occasionally manage to convince travelers to pay more for an enhanced meal experience. "The Inflight Food Trip" will also dive into the surprising history of airline food, which dates all the way back to 1919.

"Our purpose is to tell stories," explains Loukas, "and each airline we feature has a unique perspective and tale to tell behind how they produce passenger meals." Airline food no doubt suffers from a negative reputation, but good or bad the level of planning and expert execution behind every slice of tomato, every piece of pasta put onto a plane is extraordinary. "We want to reveal the behind-the-scenes pressure and precision of this overlooked industry thats key to the modern air travel experience. The 'stars' of our film will be not just the airlines, but also cabin crews, inflight caterers, and the general public."

Working together with accomplished Producer/Director James Mellor of Rainbow Trout Films, James says Ive been passionate about films and filmmaking all my life, and Ive pushed my career in that direction. I love Niks passion for airline food and everything to do with it and Im looking forward to share that journey with him as we make this feature documentary. My aim is to both inform and entertain our audience, whom I hope will come away with a fresh perspective on the world of inflight food.

Loukas is currently crowdfunding the film via a Indiegogo campaign with a goal of 9800, so 1300.00 has been raised. The pair have already travelled to Riga and Tokyo to film segments with Air Baltic and Scandinavian Airlines, and will hopefully continue their filming across Europe later this year.

September 3 is the deadline for pledged donations, with filming for "The Inflight Food Trip" set to begin in November 2016 and scheduled to complete in February 2017.

About InFlightFeed

Nik Loukas created InFlightFeed.com as an online guide for passengers who wanted to know more about the food available on various flights. The site includes features covering menu information, meal reviews, and notes from Loukas ownglobetrotting culinary adventures working with the airlines. Loukas has been quoted in publications like Vogue, The New York Times, and Conde Nast Traveler. He's also a regular columnist for UK magazine Onboard Hospitality and has contributed articles on airline food trends to CNN Travel and Yahoo Travel.

About Rainbow Trout Films

Award winning Filmmaker James Mellor created Rainbow Trout Films back in 2010, to offer Film and Video content for all sizes of business, no matter how big or small. Areas of expertise include Corporate Films, Event Filming, Documentaries, Feature Films, TV Drama, Commercials, Promo spots and trailers.James has been in the film & TV industry for over 16 years and has had the good fortune to work on many Film and Television productions including Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, Last of The Summer Wine, Londons Burning, Doctors, Rocket Man, Wheeler Dealers, Car of the Year & The Real Holiday Show.

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 27

The Forest Department has announced that it will provide free eucalyptus saplings to farmers under the crop-diversification programme. In a press note issued by the district administration, The Deputy Commissioner, Varun Roojam, said that saplings would be provided free of cost on first-come first-served basis.

The Deputy Commissioner has assured the farmers that they would have the sole right over these trees because such plantations would not be covered under the forest and environment laws.

The administration has asked the farmers to get in touch with their nearest Forest Department office and submit the registration form to get eucalyptus plant saplings.

However, as the eucalyptus is known as a water-guzzling crop and experts have warned against eucalyptus plantations in areas with a depleting water table, the announcement has raised concerns.

A farmer from Ajnala, Kultar Singh, said, Instead of eucalyptus saplings, the government should provide poplar saplings because they, too, mature in six or seven years. The eucalyptus saplings also take five to six years to mature.
Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 27

A Dadu Majra-based dairy firm owner, Parbinder Singh, has been sentenced to one-year jail and fined Rs 5,000 for less milk solids-not-fat content by Chief Judicial Magistrate Akshdeep Mahajan. As per the case, milk solids-not-fat was required to be 8 per cent but it was only 6.9 per cent in the samples taken from the shop.

In the case of April, 2000, a team led by UT food inspector had taken samples of mixed milk from Nirmal Dairy during a raid at the Dadu Mjara shop. The samples were sealed and packed in different packets.

Later on, milk samples were sent to the Public Analyst for analysis and examination. However, the agency report found the said deficiency in milk. Following which, the report was submitted in the court and he was found guilty.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 27

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today issued directions to the Jaypee Group to run the garbage processing plant at Dadu Majra till further orders.

The Delhi Bench of the NGT was hearing the case pertaining to the garbage processing plant at Dadu Majra.

During the hearing, the NGT directed the Jaypee Group not to close the plant and continue running it till further orders. Besides, directions were also issued to the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation to consider the issue of tipping charges.

The NGT said a four-member committee should be set up to check the day to day functioning of the plant. The members of the committee will include the Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner, Member Secretaries of the Pollution Control Boards, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh, and a representative of the Jaypee Group.

The next hearing was deferred to August 12.

Chandigarh Mayor Arun Sood welcomed the decision of the NGT and said it was in favour of the city residents. The NGT held that it was in favour of the city residents.

Earlier, the Jaypee Group had shut the plant on July 11 and thereafter, the MC had moved the Shimla Bench of the NGT. Following the MC application, the NGT had directed the Jaypee Group to start the garbage processing plant at Dadu Majra by July 27.In November last year, the MC House had rejected the agenda for providing tipping charges to the Jaypee Group for processing garbage.

A letter from the plant management was placed before the MC House at a meeting on February 29 in which it was stated that the plant management was suffering a loss of Rs 50 lakh every month and unless the MC paid the tipping fee, it would shut the plant on March 31. Thereafter, the company had agreed and finally, the plant was closed on July 11. After the NGTs directions, the Jaypee Group restarted the plant on July 25.
Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 27

The District Consumer Forum has awarded a two-year jail term and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 fine on the secretary of a Sector 34-based tours and travel company. The sentence has been handed out for not obeying the District Consumer Forum's order of refunding the amount for cancelled air tickets to a customer.

In the case, complainants Om Prakash Sharma and his family members, residents of Mani Majra, had booked air tickets from New Delhi to Bhubaneshwar for September 29, 2012, and from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi for October 4, 2012, through Mansoon Travels.

Around Rs 57,000 was paid but when the family reached the Delhi airport, they were informed that their tickets had been cancelled. This caused harassment to the complainant and his family members as they had to hire a taxi, besides incurring other expenses. The family was also informed that the booked return ticket from Bhubaneshwar to Delhi had also been cancelled.

The family requested for a refund of the amount, but the firm refused to do so.

Acting on the plaint, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum on July 30, 2013, had ordered Divya Minhas of the firm to refund Rs 57,996 along with a compensation of Rs 15,000 to the complainants. The forum had also asked it to shell out Rs 7,000 as cost of litigation. However, the opposite party did not comply with the order. Thus, the present execution was filed by the complainants on June 16 this year. The forum issued notice to the opposite party, but it did not turn up.

....(it) clearly indicates that the opposite party is willfully evading the compliance of the order of the forum...the opposite party does not intend to pay the decretal amount to the complainants and comply with the order of the forum in any manner....We, therefore, convict accused Divya Minhas, alias Parminder, Secretary, Mansoon Travels, and the gravity of non-compliance of the order of this forum certainly requires that

she deserves to be adequately punished, read the court order.
Aruti Nayar

MAHASWETA DEVI, the 90-year-old eminent writer-activist who passed away yesterday symbolised writing for life's sake. As she herself said, "It is my conviction that a storywriter should be motivated by a sense of history that would help her readers to understand their own times. I have never had the capacity nor the urge to create art for art's sake. Since I haven't ever learnt to do anything more useful, I have gone on writing. I have found authentic documentation to be the best medium for protest against injustice and exploitation."

Mahasweta was no ivory-tower writer, a crusader's zeal propelled her. Be it her involvement with the Singur agitation in West Bengal or welfare of tribals of Bihar, Orissa, Bengal and Madhya Pradesh that won her the Padamshri in 1986, she chronicled the struggles of the subaltern classes. She fought for the rights of the landless and peasants, taking on corporate and politically entrenched interests. The recipient of the Jnanpith Award for 1996, explored motifs in modem Indian life through figures and narratives of indigenous tribes of India.

Born in 1926, she was reared in a Dhaka family whose bread-winner, a lawyer, chose against all odds to fight the imperialists. As she said: "My grandfather had to suffer a lot for fighting the cases of freedom fighters. But right from childhood, I was brought up in an atmosphere where compromise was taboo...". Her father, poet Manish Ghatak, uncles Sachin Choudhury, the founder-editor of the Economic and Political Weekly, and Ritwik Ghatak, a n avant garde filmmaker were dominant influences. Her mother and grandmother too wrote. In fact, the women in the family had a lively relationship with books. In 1948, Mahasweta married the legendary playwright Bijon Battacharya of IPTA, the author of Navanno.

Mahasweta studied literature but loved history and experienced life in varied ways  be it as a teacher or during a stint at the office of the DAG Posts and Telegraphs, assignments as a roving village reporter of the Bengali daily Jugantar. All these combined to hone the social realism that characterised her fiction. Besides 42 novels, 20 collections of short stories, five books for children, a collection of plays and translations, she also co-authored a book in Hindi  Bharat Mein Bandhua Mazdoor.

Mahasweta created a span of history, allowing individuals to evolve through their interactions with the historical process. While chronicling history, she captured tones of oral narratives, in the raw idiom of everyday speech, often drawing words from several sources simultaneously.

She was aghast at the casual way in which peasant up risings had been dismissed by chroniclers of India's freedom movement. By documenting the lives and times of folk heroes, Mahasweta felt she was lending voice to the voiceless sections of society. Winning the Sahitya Akademi award for Aranyer Adhikar (1977) was a personal triumph. She had reconstructed the career of Birsa Munda, leader of a millenarian tribal revolt at the turn of the century. Her first published work, Jhansir Rani (1956), was a fictional reconstruction of the career of feudal chieftain Laxmibai, who fought against the British for her rights. For this, Mahasweta delved into archival records and travelled through the desert villages and plateau where the queen had lived and fought more than a 100 years ago.

With painstaking care, she collected scraps of legends and folk ballads treasured in the collective memory of the region. Some of her other works are Not, (1957), Ki Basantj Ki Sorate (1958), Amrita Sanchay (1964), Andhar Manik (1967), Hajar Churashir Ma (1974), Aranyer Adhikar (1977), Agnigaritha (1978) and Chotti Munda o Tar Teer (1979). Besides this, Sunghursh, (1968) Rudaali (1993), Hazar Churasi Ki Ma (1998), Maati Maay (2006) and Gangor were movies made on her stories.

From the late 1970s, the subjects of her stories became the subjects of her life and she got more and more involved with her work with tribals and underprivileged communities in the districts of Mednapur, Purulia, Singhbhum and Mayurbhanj. She set up several voluntary organisations for their welfare and helped bring their grievances to the view of an indifferent bureaucracy. With the funds sent by her translator Gayatri Spivak, she set up five schools in the tribal heartland of Purulia.

While working with the tribals, Mahasweta noticed the peculiar paradox of tribal women's life  their almost superhuman lifestyle and their fierce independence. From this flowed greatest short stories  Standayini, Draupadi, Douloti and Gohuinni.

She was surprised at, the red-carpet treatment given to her when she visited Delhi to receive her Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979. All those who listened to her, at the India International Centre were struck by her sharp manner. No glib urban sophistication. After all, she came to Delhi very often and made the rounds of offices to collect funds for her cause. This time it was in the air-conditioned confines where she was being questioned about feminism For a woman with a cause, her preoccupations transcended boundaries of gender and facile generalisations.

Two classes of characters dominate Mahasweta's stories The first are mothers bearing the brunt of social and political oppression and resisting with indomitable will. The other are sensitive individuals, initially apolitical, bound to the community with strong ties As the individual absorbs the dehumanising experience of exploitation, he grows to the role of a leader. Mahasweta's Bashai Tudus, Chotu, Mundas and Mastersaabs are products of exploitation, direct and inhuman. Right from Chandi, cast out by a superstitious community in Baoen (1971) , to the tribal Naxalite Draupadi in the story named after her, Mahasweta's mothers are too earthy and emotion-charged to bear overtones of any mystical, mythical or archetypal motherhood.

The most famous novel, Hajar Churashir Ma (Mother of 1084) is set against the climactic phase of the annihilation of urban Naxalite movement and its aftermath. Sujata,the mother of corpse number 1084, can find a moral rationale for her son Brati's revolt only when she can piece together, exactly two years after his killing, part of her son's life she had never known. She can see in , Brati's revolt an articulation of the silent resentment she has against her corrupt but respectable husband, her other children, their spouses and friends.

Urvashi o Johnny, the story about the relationship between a ventriloquist and his talking doll, is just about the Emergency. The cancer of the throat of the doll is a metaphor for the suppression of democratic rights. The shock, pain and utter helplessness which the Emergency plunged Indian sensibility is captured in this strange story.

In an age where books are more about hype and market-savvy tricks, writers like Mahasweta are rare. Digging a well is a leitmotif in her stories and that is what she did even in life  digging away and carving out an existence for the people whom she had given herself to. In an era of liberalisation and, fast-changing beliefs (if any), the much-awarded writer embodied the triumph of substance over style.

arutinayar@gmail.com
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 28

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has made it clear that keeping posts occupied by guest teachers out of the realm of transfers would not only block them but also work against the rights of regular recruits. The High Court has also asked Haryana to justify its action of not treating as vacant the posts occupied by guest faculty teachers in its transfer policy.

At the same time, Justice Rajiv Narain Raina refused to stay the transfer policy at the current stage. The interim prayer for stay of the transfer policy is declined at this stage to await response, Justice Raina added.

Taking up the matter, Justice Raina asserted that a further debate was not required on the issue as the result of guest faculty occupying cadre posts would amount to blocking them. The posts, under the circumstances, would not be open to transfers and posting for regular teachers.

If this dubious ad hoc arrangement continues in full play, it would inevitably upset the apple cart of transfers and make the exercise lopsided, if not already working to the detriment of others, creating needless litigation and heartburn among the rank and file of regular employees, Justice Raina asserted.

The developments took place on a petition filed by Ashok Kumar and another petitioner against Haryana and other respondents. Justice Raina issued notice of motion for August 24, which was accepted by State counsel Shruti Jain Goyal at the asking of the court on behalf of the respondents.

She was also granted, time to file reply to the main question raised in the petition on the legality of the transfer policy, which said posts occupied by guest faculty teachers would not be treated as vacant.

Justice Raina asserted: The state would justify its action by the next date, failing which orders may be passed which are considered just and fair after hearing parties in order to protect the rights of regular recruits as against guest faculty teachers in the matter of posting and transfers.
Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 28

The state government is mulling a comprehensive plan on Delhis pattern to relocate thousands of units operating from residential areas across the state to the industrial areas.

The Local Bodies Department has issued a notification asking 98 types of dangerous and hazardous industries causing pollution (red category) units to shift out of the residential areas within six months.

The units under the orange category would also be shifted. But they could be given 2 years to comply with the pollution control norms.

The green category industries may continue to be dealt with as per existing norms of the Pollution Control Department and other approvals from the authorities concerned, the notification said.

However, 122 types of household industries will be allowed to function from the residential areas with a rider that they were operating from the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) sectors and planned and approved residential colonies.

The Haryana Government had formed a high-level committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary DS Dhesi last year to work out modalities for the relocation of the industries from the residential areas following Punjab and Haryana High Court order in 2014.

The committee studied the Delhi model where about 1.29 lakh industries employing nearly 14.40 lakh workers were identified for relocation after the orders of the Supreme Court. After detailed deliberations with the stakeholders, including various departments concerned and the industries associations, the committee formulated the policy in the interest of public and industrialists and to avoid litigation.

The notification said, Keeping in view the demographics, the social and economic impact on the shifting of the industry from the residential areas, a phased but time-bound shifting was planned.

The state shall facilitate the Change of Land Use (CLU) for the mass scale shifting and relocation of the industry to the conforming zones. The new Haryana Enterprises Promotion Policy-2015 envisages 31 blocks as no-CLU zones and 75 blocks as auto CLU zones for the purpose of establishing industry. These provisions of the industry can be fruitfully utilised for shifting units out of the residential areas, the notification added.
Tribune News Service

Gurgaon, July 28

Heavy rain lashed Gurgaon this evening, leaving in its wake waterlogged roads and massive traffic jams, specially near the Huda City Centre Metro Station.

The rain was relentless for about an hour which brought with it familiar tales of waterlogging and ensuing traffic jams in various places.

The rains left much of the city under water. The worst affected were the two roads branching off from Sector 15 Part II.

The road opposite my house was submerged. A few neighbours had uprooted the footpath for their convenience. Despite assurance to repair the road in a weeks time and without taking permission from the local municipal corporation, it has not been repaired yet and has now become worse due to rain, said a resident of Sector 15 Part II.

There is no proper drainage in the entire city which leads to worst situation during rains. Though traffic cops were seen doing their best to manage traffic, they were not of much help.

It normally takes only 10 minutes from my home to reach Huda City Metro Station. But today it took me two hours. Every time it rains, the entire city comes to a standstill, said Agum, a local resident.

A major part of the old city area was submerged and Sheetla Mata road, Atul Kataria chowk and Old Delhi-Gurgaon road witnessed traffic jam.

The traffic police blamed the chaos on poor drainage and bad engineering of roads.

Sonepat: Heavy rains lashed the various parts of the district today. Over 68 mm rain was recorded in Sonepat, 26 mm in Gannaur, 20 mm in Kharkhoda. Only 10 mm rain was recorded in some areas of the Gohana sub division.

The downpour led to overflowing sewers, waterlogging and traffic jams in various parts of the town.

However, the rains brought relief to the farmers as paddy requires plenty of water. The power demand is also expected to decline.

Power demand drops

Chandigarh: As rains reduce power demand in the state, the authorities concerned claim they are ready to meet any increase in demand. The demand for electricity dropped to 1,803 lakhs units (LUs) on Wednesday evening. Earlier, it was around 1,900 LUs. As compared to the peak demand of 9,113 MW recorded last year, the demand for electricity shot up to a record high of 9,257 MW on July 22. Nitin Yadav, Managing Director, UHBVN, said: We have made arrangements. There is no shortage of power in Haryana. He said apart from states own generation units, the discoms arranged power from HP, J&K, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Manipur and Chhattisgarh. tns
Shiv Kumar Sharma

Tribune News Service

Yamunanagar, July 28

Five persons, including a station house officer and an assistant sub inspector, were booked on abetment charge today after a resident of Chhachhrauli town of Yamunanagar district committed suicide by consuming poison.

Rajneesh Rana of Jogiyan Mohalla of Chhachhrauli town had left behind a note in which he blamed Rashid, Juneid, Vishal Singla, Chhachhrauli police station SHO Navneet Chaudhry and ASI Praveen Kumar for forcing him to take the extreme step.

In his complaint to the Chhachhrauli police, victims brother Rajesh Rana said Rajneesh had told him on July 26 that a quarrel had broken out between his son Sunny and Juneid of Khera Mohalla of Chhachhrauli over some issue. However, the Chhachhrauli police registered an FIR against him and his sons  Vishal and Sunny. He had told the police that he and his son Vishal had nothing to do with the quarrel, but to no avail.

The complainant alleged his brother consumed poison on July 27. He was taken to the primary health centre, Chhachhrauli, and later to Mukand Lal Civil Hospital, Yamunanagar. He was referred to PGI, Chandigarh, but his family members took him to a private hospital at Yamunanagar, where he died last night.

In his suicide note, the victim alleged, Rashid and his son Juneid got a false case registered against me and my sons. SHO Navneet Chaudhry and ASI Praveen Kumar are also equally responsible for my suicide, as they are supporting Rashid and his son. Vishal Singla, a local resident, is assuring us to get the case solved for Rs 1 lakh. They are harassing me and I am forced to take this extreme step.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarter) Adarshdeep Singh said a case under Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the IPC had been registered against the five persons.
New Delhi, July 28

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons against Chief Minister Virbhadra Singhs wife Pratibha Singh after she skipped todays date in connection with the alleged money laundering case against her husband and others.

Official sources said Pratibha was scheduled to appear before the investigating officer today, but sought exemption citing personal reasons. They said she had now been summoned to appear next week, the third date of her appearance.

Incidentally, the Delhi High Court is expected to hear tomorrow Virbhadras plea seeking a direction to the agency not to take any coercive step against him in the wake of the arrest of LIC agent Anand Chauhan in the case.

The agency had also attached Virbhadras assets worth about Rs 8 crore earlier this year. The latter had denied allegations of any wrongdoing by him and his family.

The ED had filed a case under criminal provisions of money laundering laws after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by the CBI in this regard in September last year. It had also conducted searches in Delhi, Maharashtra and West Bengal last year.

The agency is probing allegations against Virbhadra and his family members of having amassed wealth to the tune of Rs 6.1 crore between 2009-11, disproportionate to his known sources of income while serving as the Union Minister of Steel.

The CBI FIR had named Singh, Pratibha Singh, Chauhan and his brother CL Chauhan and they were charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI suspects that during the 2009-11 period, Virbhadra allegedly invested Rs 6.1 crore in life insurance policies in his and his family members names through Chauhan claiming this money to be his agricultural income. It alleged that he attempted to legitimise the same as agricultural income by filing revised income tax returns in 2012.

The agency had earlier told the court that Virbhadra while serving as the Union Minister invested huge amount in purchasing LIC policies in his and hid family members name through Chauhan.

Virbhadra while functioning as the Union Minister, Government of India, from May 28, 2009, to June 26, 2012, acquired assets, disproportionate to his known sources of income to the tune of Rs 6,03,70,782 and tried to justify the same in the form of agricultural income.

Pratibha Singh, wife of Virbhadra Singh, Chauhan, with whom Virbhadra has signed the alleged MoU for managing his apple orchard and Chunni Lal Chauhan, proprietor of M/s Universal Apple Associates, who purportedly showed purchase of apple of Shrikhand Orchard, have facilitated in justifying the disproportionate assets of Virbhadra Singh and thereby abetted the offence, the ED had alleged.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Solan, July 28

Over-dependence of the domestic pharmaceutical industry for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) on China has adversely effected the growth of the pharmaceutical industry. It has also hit the countrys access to essential medicines, jeopardising the national health security, says the ASSOCHAM-WorkSure Report released during a conference organised on APIs: Reducing Dependence on Imports at Baddi today.

China accounts for 85 per cent of Indias total APIs import worth $3.9 billion which was a reflection of the over-dependence of the country on China, says the report which was released by the local MLA Ramkumar Chaudhary.

Chaudhary said, India is likely to be among the top three pharmaceutical markets by incremental growth. He laid stress on the use of Good Manufacturing Practices and said a bulk drug park had already been announced for the Baddi industrial area which would give impetus to the industry here.

Dr Gopal Munjal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ind-Swift Group, said the existing and new API manufacturers should explore the uncharted territories and focus on high-value niche segments.

Prof KK Bhutani, Officiating Director, NIPER-Mohali, said The domestic API manufacturers should focus on quality as this will fetch more foreign direct investments while also creating more jobs.

Navneet Marwaha, State Drug Controller, said taking cognizance of the overdependence of APIs on China, the government was taking firm steps to make India self-sufficient in APIs by 2020. He said various initiatives, including Make in India, to simplify the existing policies, remove hurdles and regulatory clearances to strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical market and reduce dependence on China were under way.

He also spoke on quality control and said one of the major problems in quality control was lack of field staff. Various reports suggest that there are barely 1,500 drug inspectors responsible for more than 10,000 industrial units in India which is far short than the optimum strength required for effective monitoring.
New Delhi, July 28

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh's wife Pratibha after she skipped todays date in connection with the alleged money laundering case against her husband and others.

Official sources said Pratibha was scheduled to appear before the investigating officer of the case today but sought exemption citing some personal reasons. They said she has now been summoned to appear next week, the third date of her appearance.

Incidentally, the Delhi High Court is expected to hear tomorrow Singh's plea where he had sought a direction to the agency to not take any coercive step against him in the wake of the arrest of LIC agent Anand Chauhan in the case.

The agency has also attached assets worth about Rs 8 crore against the Chief Minister earlier this year. Singh has denied allegations of any wrong doing by him and his family.

ED had filed a case under criminal provisions of money laundering laws after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by the CBI in this regard in September last year.

ED had also conducted searches in this case last year in Delhi, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

The agency is probing allegations against Singh and his family members of having amassed wealth of Rs 6.1 crore between 2009-11, disproportionate to his known sources of income, while serving as the Union Minister of Steel.

The CBI FIR (First Information Report) had named Singh, Pratibha Singh, Chauhan and his brother C L Chauhan and they were charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

CBI suspects that during the 2009-11 period, Singh allegedly invested Rs 6.1 crore in life insurance policies in his and his family members' names through Chauhan claiming this money to be his agricultural income.

It alleged that Singh attempted to legitimise the same as agricultural income by filing revised Income-Tax returns in 2012.

The agency had earlier told the court that Singh while serving as Union Minister invested huge amount in purchasing LIC policies in his own name and his family members through Chauhan.

"Further, Virbhadra Singh, while functioning as Union Minister, Government of India during the period from May 28, 2009, to June 26, 2012, acquired assets, disproportionate to his known sources of income to the tune of Rs 6,03,70,782 and further tried to justify the same in the form of agricultural income.

"Pratibha Singh, wife of Virbhadra Singh, Chauhan, with whom Virbhadra Singh has signed the alleged MoU for managing his apple orchard and Chunni Lal Chauhan, proprietor of M/s Universal Apple Associates, who purportedly showed purchase of apple of Shrikhand Orchard, have facilitated in justifying the disproportionate assets of Virbhadra Singh and thereby abetted the offence," the ED had alleged.  PTI
Samaan Lateef

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 28

He has appeared as a hope for dozens of pellet-hit victims of Kashmir who were apprehensive of losing their vision, if not treated in time.

Since his arrival in Srinagar on Tuesday, internationally acclaimed vitreous retina specialist Dr S Natarajan has so for conducted 40 retina surgeries on patients at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital here.

Padma Shri awardee Dr Natarajan said the restoration of vision in operated patients would depend on the extent of damage suffered on their eyes.

We are rebuilding collapsed houses. The restoration of the vision will vary from case to case and also on the extent of damage suffered on the eye, he told The Tribune.

Madurai-born ophthalmologist, Dr Natarajan, reached Kashmir on Tuesday morning along with a team of two doctors to conduct free retina surgeries on pellet-hit patients.

As of now we have conducted 40 retina surgeries in the past three days, he said.

At least 190 pellet-hit youth had been admitted to the Eye Department of SMHS Hospital. At least 140 of them need surgeries.

This is very rare. I have never witnessed such situation in my life where you have to operate 140 patients in a small time frame. Injuries do happen but this is an emergency situation, he said.

Dr Natarajan was all praise for the ophthalmologists of SMHS Hospital. SMHS Hospital has a dedicated team of doctors and they have done a commendable job at primary-level, he said.

He added that some of the patients would need further surgeries and follow up for almost one year for vision restoration.

Dr Natarajan is chairman-cum-managing director, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, Mumbai. He has been brought here by an NGO, Borderless World Foundation. Along with him have come Dr Syed Asghar Hussain and another surgeon from New Delhi.

After being approached, Dr Natarajan-led team of doctors rushed immediately to Kashmir. We are giving our best to help these patients because nobility of this act is much higher than anything else, he said.

SMHS procures BIOM lens

SMHS Hospital installed a Germany-made BIOM oculus lens today to make its second vitrectomy unit functional. Due to the BIOM lens, we could conduct two retina surgeries simultaneously from Thursday morning, he said.

Following The Tribune report that eye injury patients had to wait for surgeries due to lack of BIOM lens in the Ophthalmology Department of SMHS Hospital and subsequent criticism by the J&K High Court, the hospital authorities procured the Rs 20-lakh lens, which was received on Thursday morning.

Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital authorities had rushed an engineer, Shabir Ahmad of Germany-based company  Zeiss Lens  to New Delhi on Tuesday to get it.
Ehsan Fazili

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 28

Normal life continued to remain paralysed across the Valley for the 20th consecutive day on Thursday as curfew continued in three districts of south Kashmir due to the prevailing law and order situation.

Restrictions are in force in the capital city of Srinagar. The administration has imposed restrictions under Section 144 to avoid any assembly of more than four people and prevent protest demonstrations and resultant clashes between protesters and the police and para-military forces. Strict restrictions were enforced in the city on Wednesday to foil the separatists march to Kulgam.

In South Kashmir, curfew is enforced in the volatile Anantnag, Pulwama and Kulgam district towns and restrictions in the adjoining areas, which have been witness to widespread clashes during the past nearly three weeks. Official sources said heavy deployment of the police and CRPF was made in the Shopian district as precautionary measures.

The authorities are also gearing up for the crucial Friday in view of the separatists call to march towards the main mosque Jamia Masjid here tomorrow. It is for the first time in the ongoing unrest that the separatist leaders have jointly called for march to Jamia Masjid, after the foiled attempts to Anantnag and Kulgam to pay tributes to those killed in the ongoing unrest.

At least 46 civilians and two police personnel have lost their lives and more than 5,600 others injured in the clashes that broke out following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Commander Burhan Wani in Kokernag area of Anantnag district in South Kashmir on July 8.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 28

Almost three weeks after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani that sparked unrest in the Valley and continues to keep on boil, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said today that security officials were unaware of Burhan Wanis presence in the area when the gunfight erupted.

How can one (forces) know everything about every encounter? As far as I know, what I heard from the police and Army, who said they only knew that there were three militants, but did not know who, Mehbooba told reporters in Srinagar after the PDPs 17th Foundation Day celebration at party headquarters.

She said if forces had known that Burhan was hiding in the house, the situation would not have been so bad as was now.

 I feel if they knew (that Burhan was there), perhaps we would not have such a situation when the overall situation was improving, so it could have been a chance, Mehbooba said.

Following the killing of Burhan and his two associates at Bamdoora in Kokernag in Anantnag district, Kashmir has been on boil and 46 civilians and two policemen have died during the clashes. Over 5,000 civilians and security men have also got injured in the clashes that refuse to die down.

Mehbooba also made a comparison between the present unrest and Afzal Gurus hanging in 2013 and claimed that her government did not get enough time to make arrangements to control the situation.

When Afzal Guru was hanged, Omar (the then Chief Minister) knew, so he made all arrangements before hand, we knew nothing and we came to know suddenly. But, despite that, we tried to impose curfew so that children do not come out. However, they went to other areas and took the children to camps and police stations, she said.

Mehbooba also accused some elements of instigating the present violence.

 there are some elements, who had been waiting for a long time for the spring, for the tourism and development works to start here and then to do something to create trouble and worsen the situation to have strikes, she said.

Who are these people who enter a crowd and change the direction of the people and take them to Army camps and police stations, while they themselves flee. Such people are traders, they are experts. When they reach near the camps, they themselves flee, while those youth, who leave home for some work or join the rally for fun, they get killed, Mehbooba added.

Mehbooba said sacrifices of the youth killed during the unrest would not go waste.

On the use of pellet guns, Mehbooba said, the issue of replacing them was under active consideration.

The Home Minister has said that they are serious about it. The pellet gun was brought in 2010 so that people do not get killed, but it is causing huge damage, especially to children. I want to say that those who lost their life, who provoked them to enter the camps is another question, but our endeavour will be to not let the sacrifices of those innocent kids of 12, 14 or 16 years of age go waste who were hoodwinked to enter camps or police stations. They are used, but not looked after afterwards, she said.

Mehbooba said some atmosphere should be created in J&K where there was dialogue and transparency like in Atal Bihari Vajpayees time when a peace process was started and there was ceasefire with Pakistan.
Majid Jahangir and Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 28

While police officers are not willing to come on record on the operation that has kept the Valley on the boil ever since, police sources said it was a chance encounter that left Burhan Wani dead.

They said the police had received inputs that two militants whose identity was not known were hiding at Bamdoora in Kokernag in south Kashmirs Anantnag district. They said the militants were ferried by a Sumo driver to the village on July 6

Mehbooba Mufti-led government and the state police have come under severe criticism for their handling of the Burhan operation.

They have been accused of being caught off guard in the wake of massive protests and mourning following the killing of the social media savvy militant commander.

Certain security agencies had initially suggested that the Chief Minister was in the loop about the operation to eliminate Burhan, which was later denied by them.

PDP MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig was the first leader to go public with his views that Mehbooba was not aware of the encounter.

Sources revealed that the Intelligence Bureau had got an input about Burhans presence in the village, which it had shared only with top security officials of the state.

The police sources, however, reveal that inputs about the two suspected unknown militants in Bamdoora were received after a few overground workers (OGWs) of the Hizbul Mujahideen from north Kashmir were apprehended en route south Kashmir near Pampore two days ahead of Burhans killing. Their questioning led the police to the Awantipore area and a few more OGWs of the group were arrested.

The questioning of the OGWs of the Awantipore area further led the police to a sumo driver from Anantnag who had dropped two unknown militants in Bamdoora village from north Kashmir.

All this was being supervised by a team of officers from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police basedin Srinagar.

There was a general input that two unidentified militants were hiding in the area. An operation was launched and at least 20 houses searched on July 8 with only a few left. As a team was moving towards a house which was still to be searched, an old man told them that there was no one inside, a source said.

As the old man went inside, the militants opened fire and a policeman of the SOG cargo unit was injured. A gunfight followed, in which one militant was killed initially. As the gunfight continued, two more militants tried to break the cordon and were killed. One of them was later identified as Burhan, he said.

Soon after the gunfight, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Javaid Mujtaba Gillani, had said the trio was carrying AK rifles.

While the police maintained that Burhan was killed in a chance encounter, the sources said Central intelligence agencies had been actively tracking his movement.

Despite so much information, the government is yet to officially come out with operation details and reveal the identity of persons, including OGWs, arrested during the operation
Mona

My mood depends on how good my hair looks, now this is no understatement. If few days back it was French President Francois Hollande and his hair-raising bills that garnered interest on social media; its our own late President Abdul Kalam and his love for locks is the latest on the mane front. And, No, its not the Presidents only who are possessive about their tresses...

Coming all the way from Delhi to Chandigarh every other week to get a hair cut, styling them every hour, making the stylist a part of their important occasions to passing on the lock love to the next generation, for many a city folk, hair care rules the life and heres how...

Shaan se

Shaan is a special person in author Preeti Singhs life. So much so that when this content writer-turned-author launched her first book, Shaan was invited as a special guest. Whenever Preeti is down and out, she heads straight to this man, deft in his craft. For me hair is your ultimate style statement. If it looks good, I am out to conquer the world, shares the lady who fondly called Phoolwali among her friends for more often than not you will see her hair adorned with flowers.

Money can buy happiness

Preeti is totally besotted with her crowning glory. I do not spend as much on bags and shoes as I do on my hair, she confesses. Being a sardarni, she wouldnt let scissors touch her tresses but then what stops her from being stylish? So her locks are arranged in steps through a careful procedure and ever maintained with candling. And, you thought only Hollande is spending time and money on his hair?

Man in need

Shaans been special because he came to her life when she was losing her mane and was worried sick over it. Not only this hair stylist restored Preetis hair back to its previous glory but styles them ever so differently that she wins many admirers.

In flying colours

Lunatic is how Aastha Nanda describes her hair story. Not a day that hair looks the same as the other. Currently supporting ear length you can find them curled, wavy or straight depending on her moods. Your entire look depends on your hair style. I just cant have them boring.

From black to white, brown to blue, pinks to purples, there hasnt been a colour that this young pilot has not tried. Pixie to shaved, dont even start on the looks.

Money can buy happiness

Between the cuts, colours, keratin and spas, Aastha spends a bomb, Even if I try to put a figure to it, that just wouldnt be possible.

Man in need

For more than a decade, I have been trusting my mane with Rachit Malhotra. You know there are not many people who can do great short hair, and he just rocks. Ever since work took her to Delhi she has been coming every alternate week to Rachit for nobody else that she trusts. So much so that once she was flying her Boss wife and kids to Satna, Madhya Pradesh and she loved her hair that were three different colours that day and they ended up making a special visit to Chandigarh so that the Boss wife could get her hair styled too from Rachit; of course in the plane.

Left, right and centre

Now, here is one boy who just cannot stop having fun with his hair. This model-cum- marketing professional checks his hair every hour, much to the annoyance of his boss who worried sick about this 25-year-old who is more focussed on his mop.

Top notch

My face is slim, so long hair suit me. They are swept to the left when I go to gym; to the right when I go to work and puffed backwards when out with friends, says Shubham. Yes, its is an expensive affair. Products costing thousands a pack dont last more than two weeks with him but then you dont compromise on your hair, do you?

Left, right and centre

For Col Sachit Mahindroo, the love for hair started in his teens. His parents put up most supportively when he showed up home in Baba Sehgal style; and little later with strange stripes on the sides. Well, as they say history repeats itself. Col Sachit now has to put up with his teenager Riyas hair soiree. Barely in her teens, she couldnt resist streaking her mane in fiery red and indulgent father supported fully on their last US visit.

Top notch

My hair experimentation came to zero when I joined the defence service. Over the years, one gets the liberty to experiment a bit that I duly do and yes nobody can stop you from indulging in hair spas that I totally enjoy, shares Sachit.

Man in need

For years its only been Asif, my man to go and he is going to be.

mona@tribunemail.com
Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, July 28

Twelve people, including 26/11 key plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, were today convicted by a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case.

The court also acquitted eight others arrested in the case. While one accused had turned approver, another is still absconding.

Judge Shrikant Anekar found all of them guilty of planning an attack on then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia to avenge the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

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The case came to light after the Anti-Terror Squad arrested three persons travelling in a Tata Sumo near Aurangabad. The ATS said a haul of 30-kg RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles, 3,200 rounds of ammunition and other weapons were found.

A second vehicle driven by Abu Jundal, however, managed to escape. Jundal, the police said, escaped to Bangladesh. He then went to Pakistan before moving on to Saudi Arabia, from where he was deported in 2012.
Mumbai, July 28

Abu Jundal, a key plotter of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and 11 others were on Thursday convicted by a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case.

The court acquitted eight others in the case, while the trial of two accused have been separated.

Special MCOCA Judge Shrikant Anekar delivered the verdict after final arguments in the case concluded recently following a ten-year-long wait.

The court also dropped MCOCA charges in the case, in which 22 people, including Lashkar-e-Toiba operative Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari, alias Abu Jundal, were arrested.

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The court accepted prosecutions case that the aim of the convicted accused was to create terror in the minds of people and to eliminate public leaders like then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Hindu leader Pravin Togadia.

On May 8, 2006, a Maharashtra ATS team chased a Tata Sumo and an Indica car on the Chandwad-Manmad Highway near Aurangabad and arrested three terror suspects and seized 30kg of RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets.

The Indica, allegedly driven by Jundal, managed to give police the slip. Jundal, who hails from Beed district of Maharashtra, drove to Malegaon and a few days later escaped to Bangladesh from where he fled to Pakistan, according to the state police.

He was deported to India from Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Later, charges were framed against the arrested accused in August 2013.

During the trial, the prosecution examined 100 witnesses while defence lawyers examined 16.

The trial was stayed by the Supreme Court for a while after one of the accused challenged constitutional validity of certain provisions of MCOCA. The stay was vacated in 2009.

In August last year, the Bombay High Court directed the lower court to expedite the trial.  PTI
New Delhi, July 27

Anurag Thakur, BJP MP and BCCI president, is set for a new innings as an officer in the Territorial Army.

Thakur, 41, will be commissioned into the Territorial Army (TA) as a regular officer on Friday to become the first serving BJP Member of Parliament to join the military force. Thakur made it to the TA after clearing an exam and an interview in Chandigarh and training in Bhopal.

As a regular officer, the Lok Sabha member from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh will have to undergo the mandatory training.

The Territorial Army, the second line of defence after the regular Army, consists of volunteers who receive military training for about a month in a year so that in case of an emergency, they can be mobilised.

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The Territorial Army is not a profession, occupation or a source of employment. It is only meant for those already in mainstay civilian professions. In fact, gainful employment or self-employment in a civil profession is a pre-requisite for joining the Territorial Army.

I am looking forward to my training and serving the country, said Thakur, whose grandfather was in the Army. I have always had the passion to join the Army. I have seen many youngsters sacrifice their life for the nation.

Thakur said there were several issues concerning the forces which he had seen and dealt with from the outside, but now I will be able to see the conditions from within and will be in a better position to raise issues in Parliament.  PTI
Hajipur (Bihar), July 28

A Vaishali district court today ordered registration of an FIR against BSP president Mayawati and three other party leaders for allegedly making inflammatory speeches last week spreading animosity in the society.

The three other BSP leaders are its national general secretary Nasimuddin Siddiqui, Uttar Pradesh unit president Ram Achal Rajbhar and state secretary Mewa Lal.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Jairam Prasad took cognisance of a complaint filed by Hajipur resident Ajit Singh and directed that an FIR be lodged against the four in Town police station.

The petitioner, through his advocate, claimed that he felt aggrieved by the inflammatory speeches made by Mayawati and her partymen which have affected unity and integrity of the country.

At a public meeting in Lucknow on July 21, Mayawati instigated her party workers to target expelled BJP leader Daya Shankar Singhs mother, wife and daughter during a protest in the wake of Singhs unsavoury remarks against the BSP chief, the petitioner alleged.

They case was lodged against them under various Sections of the IPC including 153(a) (promoting enmity between groups) and 295(a) (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings). PTI
Hajipur (Bihar), July 28

A Vaishali district court on Thursday ordered registration of an FIR against BSP president Mayawati and three other party leaders for allegedly making inflammatory speeches last week spreading animosity in society.

The three other BSP leaders are its national general secretary Nasimuddin Siddiqui, Uttar Pradesh unit president Ram Achal Rajbhar and state secretary Mewa Lal.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Jairam Prasad took cognisance of a complaint filed by Hajipur resident Ajit Singh and directed that an FIR be lodged against the four in Town police station.

The petitioner, through his advocate, claimed that he felt aggrieved by the inflammatory speeches made by Mayawati and her party men which have affected unity and integrity of the country.

At a public meeting in Lucknow on July 21, Mayawati instigated her party workers to target expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singhs mother, wife and daughter during a protest in the wake of Singhs unsavoury remarks against the BSP chief, the petitioner alleged.

The case was lodged against them under various Sections of the IPC including 153(a) (promoting enmity between groups), 295(a) (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 120(b) (criminal conspiracy), and POSCO Act.  PTI
Mukesh Ranjan &

Shaurya Karanbir Gurung

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 27

Chinese troops transgressed the border on land and by air in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand earlier this month when its men stationed themselves in a dimilitarised zone and its helicopters flew in the Indian air space for over five minutes in the same area, official sources said.

The Chinese helicopter violated the Indian airspace on July 25. The land incursion took place on July 22 in Barahoti area of Uttarakhand, prompting the security establishment to review the security along the 350-km border with Tibet.

While Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said this was something to worry about, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the ITBP was seized of the matter.

Rawat said revenue officials were mapping the land when they noticed the presence of Chinese troops. An official said a 15-member team consisting of civil and ITBP officials that visited Barahoti found "eight platoons of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

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Incursions at Barahoti have occurred in the past too. Of the seven disputed areas between India and China, one of them is Barahoti. The ITBP jawans are not allowed to take their weapons here as per the unilateral decision of the then government in June 2000. On April 19, 1958, China sent its delegation for talks with the Indian counterparts. Both agreed not to send troops into the area.
New Delhi, July 28

AAP MLA Asim Ahmed Khan, who was sacked from the Delhi Cabinet last year on charges of corruption, on Thursday alleged that he and his family are facing death threats from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and some of his partymen.

The Matia Mahal legislator's allegation comes a day after the AAP chief in a video message made a sensational claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may "get me killed" in the wake of "unprecedented crackdown" by the BJP government.

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"For 9-10 months I have been facing death threats and even my family is at risk... Kejriwal and some of his partymen are hatching a conspiracy to get me killed," Khan alleged at a press conference here.

The former Food and Civil Supplies and Environment Minister was sacked by Kejriwal last October for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 6 lakh to allow the construction of a building in his constituency.

"I have been issued death threats over phone and also in person. I have already filed complaints with the police. I had even written a letter on May 2 to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh telling my case and also sent it to the LG," he claimed.

"Through this press conference, I would also like to request to the Home Minister to provide security to me and my family," he said. He also distributed copies of the 'letter' to the media.

The sacked minister also claimed that, "I have in my possession some of the audio and video recordings on the Kejriwal government, and I will soon make those evidences public, and expose the real face of Kejriwal."

When asked whether he was still with the party, he said, "I have not left the AAP."

Asked whether the party will take any action against him, AAP spokesperson Deepak Bajpai said, "He was sacked from the cabinet and the case was forwarded to the CBI. Can any action be bigger than that?"

Reacting to the allegations made by Khan, Bajpai mockingly said, "He has chosen a good season to come up with these baseless charges and I am sure the police will not waste a minute in making yet another arrest. But we hope Modiji will act first on the CBI complaint made by us against him."  PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 28

The execution of Gurdip Singh, Jalandhar man who was sentenced to death in Indonesia in a drug trafficking case, was dropped at the last minute, highly placed sources said.

A report from Cilacap said Indonesia had executed one local and three Nigerian drug convicts. They were put to death by a firing squad shortly after midnight, said Noor Rachmad, deputy attorney general for general crimes.

Rachmad did not say why 10 other drug convicts, including the Indian, were not executed. The executions were for now conducted on four convicts on death row, he said.

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Earlier, 14 convicts, including foreigners from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, were to be executed.

This is not a fun job. For us, this is really a sad job because it involves people's lives. This was done not in order to take lives but to stop evil intentions, and the evil act of drug trafficking, said Rachmad.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had tweeted last night that the government was making last-minute efforts to save Gurdip.

Earlier in the day, Indonesia had rebuffed appeals from distraught relatives, rights advocates and foreign governments to abandon its execution plans. The European Union and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights too had called on Indonesia to impose an immediate moratorium on executions.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had appealed to Indonesia's government to halt the executions. Ban recalled that under international law, the death penalty should be used for the most serious crimes and drug crimes are generally not considered to meet this threshold.
New Delhi, July 28

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Army to provide details of soldiers whose bodies were mutilated by insurgents and enemy soldiers during skirmishes on Pakistan and China borders.

The case resulted from an RTI application filed by one Abhishek Shukla in 2013 as the Army decided to keep under covers the information in this regard about the soldiers who had given supreme sacrifice for the country fighting enemies.

People of the country have right to know about the soldiers who lay down their lives in the line of duty, Information Commissioner Divya Prakash Sinha said.

The Army, which had to respond to an RTI application within 30 days, took 78 days to give its first response to the RTI application declining to share any details citing Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act to withhold the information.

The Army raised an additional argument during the hearing before Sinha, saying its HQs did not maintain the information of soldiers whose bodies had been mutilated.

The appellant countered it saying if they did not maintain the information, how was Army citing national security to deny it. The applicant also cited the statement given by ex-Defence Minister AK Antony in the RS where he had given details of a past incident.

On January 8, 2013, a Pak Border Action Team ambushed our patrol party in Krishna Ghati in which Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh and Lance Naik Hemraj were killed. Lance Naik Hemraj was found beheaded and both bodies were mutilated, Antony had said.

As per law, the information that can be placed before Parliament cannot be denied to a citizen. The appellant cited a press meet of ex-Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh who had accepted that two jawans of Kumaon regiment had been beheaded by Pak army in 2012.  PTI
Kolkata, July 28

Illicit poppy cultivation in the border districts of West Bengal and smuggling of the contraband across the border to Bangladesh and elsewhere are worrying intelligence authorities because it has turned out to be among the principal sources of funds for terror outfits like the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh.

CID sources told PTI that the strategic position of these districts facilitated rise in illegal cultivation of poppy, which has become a major fund generating business drawing several hundreds of youths into it.

Apart from Malda districts Ratua, Kaliachak and Baishnabnagar, poppy is also allegedly secretly grown at Nowada and Beldanga in Murshidabad district besides Dubrajpur, Ilambazar and Kankartala in Birbhum district.

Such cultivation was also found in Patrasayar, Indas, Onda and Barjora in Bankura and Ketugram, Mangolkote, Kaksa, Purbasthali, Katwa, Galsi and Laodaha in Burdwan, the sources said.

Much evidence is there that the money earned from this cultivation goes to the terror groups through different channels including hawala. The money might have also gone to suspected ISIS agents through JMB, the source said.

A large number of locals, mainly youth, are involved in cultivating it mostly in areas which are not frequented by locals, he said.

The district administration with the assistance of the NCB, local police and the BSF had destroyed 4,000 acres of poppy crop last year, whereas around 1,000 acres have been destroyed this year so far, police sources said.

According to a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) report compiled in 2011-2012, the agency had destroyed poppy crops cultivated in around 714 acres of land in the state, out of which 711 acres lay in the Malda district while the other three were in Hooghly and Burdwan districts.

It must be mentioned that the illicit cultivation of poppy is spread over Maldas Kaliachak and Baishnabnagar and these are the areas where the fake Indian currency notes (FICN) cartels are also tracked, he said, adding that in the last couple of years several raids and arrests had been made in Kaliachak.  PTI
New Delhi, July 27

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was so angry with AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), of which he is the convener, that he could even have him (Kejriwal) murdered.

In an open appeal to his party colleagues, ministers and legislators, Kejriwal said AAP was passing through a critical time and the situation was sure to get worse.

Accusing the PM of acting in anger and trying to crush AAP, Kejriwal said: They can have us killed. They can even have me killed.

Kejriwal's nine-minute statement follows a spate of arrests of AAP legislators in Delhi and what he said were efforts to disqualify 21 other legislators on the issue of holding office of profit.

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The Delhi CM sarcastically asked the PM to get his Transport Minister Satyendar Jain arrested after a senior officer complained against him. A Special Commissioner of the Delhi Transport Department, IS Mishra, had yesterday sent a complaint to Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, alleging misbehaviour by Jain.  IANS
New Delhi, July 28

The NIA on Thursday questioned Bahadur Ali alias 'Saifullah', a Pakistani national allegedly working for Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfit, about involvement of his group in spreading violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

A class 4 dropout, Ali who hails from Jahama village of Raiwind in Lahore was arrested from Yahama village in Mawar area of Qalamabad, Handwara, in north Kashmir on July 25. The Army had recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pistols and Indian Rs 23,000 from his possession.

A team of NIA officials led by a Deputy Inspector General took the custody of 22-year-old from Handwara court and brought him here for a thorough interrogation, including carrying out some scientific tests.

The captured militant had told his interrogators in Srinagar that he had been hiding in the forests of Handwara and receiving infiltrating groups from PoK before sending them further into the Valley, the sources said.

The interrogation of Ali, who has been brought on a five-day NIA remand, is expected to throw some light on sudden spurt of infiltration into the valley.

Ali was trained at a Lashkar camp in PoK, including in map reading and operating GPS devices.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju called Ali a "very good catch" and said his arrest will lead to many successes.

He said the arrested militant would be "big handle for us".  PTI
New Delhi, July 28

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday expressed concern over incursion by Chinese troops in Chamoli district of Uttarkhand and wanted immediate steps to counter such actions while cautioning the government about intentions of China.

The issue was raised by Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia who said Peoples Liberation Army had transgressed the border on land and by air in Chamoli district earlier this month when its men stationed themselves 200 metres inside the Indian territory.

Scindia, who was supported by his party colleagues, expressed surprise that neither the Home Minister nor the Prime Minister chose to clarify on the serious matter.

Speaking in similar vein, Saugata Roy of Trinamool Congress said attack helicopter of the Chinese army had also transgressed into the Barahoti area and the Chinese army told an Indian revenue official there to go back.

Noting that Uttarakhand has a 350-km long border with China, Roy called for immediate steps to check such transgressions.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav used the ocassion to caution the government about the intentions of China which he described as dhokebaz desh (deceitful country).

It is a deceitful country. When it is down it will keep mum, but when it is strong it will create problems, said Yadav, noting that he had also been a former defence minister.

Contending that India faces no problem from Pakistan which can be tackled easily, he said there should be no bonhomie with China given the fact that it had attacked India in 1962 soon after then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru unveiled the red carpet for Chou En Lai, his Chinese counterpart.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that for the government the security of the borders and the unity and integrity of the country is above everything.

Concurring with opposition leaders, he said Indian army was second to none in valour. He said he would bring the issue to the attention of the ministers concerned.

Bhagat Singh Koshiari, BJP member and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, claimed that no such transgression had taken place. He said it was a usual occurence that the Chinese troops come into the no-mans land but soon go back.  PTI
New Delhi, July 28

The Central Information Commission has directed the Army to provide details of soldiers whose bodies were mutilated by insurgents and enemy soldiers during skirmishes on Pakistan and China borders.

The case resulted from a RTI application filed by Abhishek Shukla in 2013 as the Army decided to keep under covers the information in this regard about the soldiers who had given supreme sacrifice for the country fighting enemies.

People of the country have right to know about the soldiers who lay down their lives in the line of duty, Information Commissioner Divya Prakash Sinha said.

The Army which was supposed to respond to an RTI application within 30 days, according to the law, took nearly 78 days to give its first response, after repeated reminders, to the RTI application rejecting to share any details citing section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act to withhold the information.

Section 8(1)(a) exempts information which can prejudicially affect security of the country.

The first appeal before the senior officials of the Army challenging the decision of Central Public Information Officer was also summarily rejected without going into the merits of arguments presented by the appellant.

Reluctant to share any information, the Army raised an additional argument during the hearing before Sinha, a former senior Intelligence Bureau officer, saying that its Headquarters does not maintain the information of soldiers whose bodies have been mutilated by the enemy/terrorists.

The appellant countered it saying if they do not maintain the information, how was Army citing national security to deny it and they could have said it in the RTI response.

The applicant also cited the statement given by then Defence Minister AK Antony in the Rajya Sabha, where he had given details of an incident of January 8, 2013.

On January 8, 2013, a Pak Border Action Team (BAT) ambushed our patrol party in Krishna Ghati, Mendhar Sector in which Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh and Lance Naik Hemraj were killed. Lance Naik Hemraj was found beheaded and both bodies were mutilated. In addition, their weapons (INSAS) were taken, Antony had said.

As per law, the information which can be placed before Parliament cannot be denied to a citizen under the RTI Act.

The appellant also cited a press conference of then Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh, who had accepted that the two jawans of Kumaon Regiment had been beheaded by the Pakistani Army in 2012.

The petition said if the Defence Minister of the country and the Army Chief can make public the kind of information sought by him, how can it be rejected taking excuse of the national security.

Agreeing with the contention of the appellant, Sinha rejected the arguments of the Army, which had claimed it was a sensitive issue that can prejudicially affect security of the country.

The Defence Minister has placed on record information regarding brutal killing/mutilation of soldiers on the LoC in the Rajya Sabha. The Army Chief has also given details of the same at a press conference. The Commission does not find any reason for withholding the same. Contention of CPIO to invoke section 8(1)(a) to deny the information is rejected, Sinha said.

He directed the Army to provide the details sought by the appellant within 15 days.  PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 28

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Pakistan to attend the SAARC ministerial conference on August 4. India, however, made it clear today that the ministers visit was related to a multilateral event and that no bilateral meeting had been scheduled with his Pakistani counterpart.

Rajnaths visit comes in the backdrop of increased tension between India and Pakistan. The dialogue process, stalled after the Pathankot attack in January, is yet to see revival. This will be the first senior-level visit by an Indian leader to Pakistan since January.

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Rajnath would raise the issue of Pakistans support to terrorism and question the pace at which the Mumbai trial and the investigation into the Pathankot attack were proceeding.

When asked about the possibility of a meeting between Rajnath and his Pakistani counterpart, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, He is going for a multilateral event... there is no such proposal. He (Rajnath) is going for a multilateral SAARC event.

The spokesperson also pointed out that Indias participation in the SAARC ministerial meeting should be looked at as part of its neighbourhood first policy and its commitment to regional cooperation within SAARC framework.

Pakistans comments on the recent situation in Kashmir had evoked a strong reaction in India.
New Delhi, July 28

Pakistans sustained support to cross-border terrorism will be raised by Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his two-day visit to Islamabad to attend the Saarc ministerial conference beginning August 3.

Singh, who will attend the Saarc Home Interior/Home Ministers conference, is expected to bluntly ask Pakistan to stop sponsoring acts of terror in India, official sources said.

This will be the first visit to Pakistan by any senior Indian leader after the Pathankot attack on January 2, which created tension between the two countries.

The Home Minister may provide documentary proof of the involvement of Pakistans state and non-state actors in terror acts in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts during separate meetings he is likely to have with his counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Describing Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in Kashmir as martyr, Sharif had recently said that Kashmir will one day become Pakistan, prompting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to say that his dream of the state becoming a part of his country will not be realised even at the end of eternity.

Singh will also raise the issue of slow pace of probe into terror attack in the Pathankot airbase, which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, and the trial into the Mumbai terror attack case in that country, sources said.

Singh will be accompanied by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and several other senior officers of the Home Ministry.

Key issues like fight against terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms and how to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat such menace will figure in the Saarc meet.

The three-tier meeting will begin at the joint secretary-level and then move on to Secretary and Home Minister-level meetings.

The meeting will also focus on strengthening networking among police authorities of Saarc member-countries and also enhance information-sharing among law-enforcement agencies.

The last meeting of Saarc Interior/Home Ministers conference was held in Kathmandu in 2014 when the Home Minister had said that member-nations of the group were facing common challenges and they should cooperate with one another rto address them.

The Home Minister had also voiced concern over the new threats of terrorism and violence to South Asia and asked Saarc countries to chalk out strategies to check radical groups and extremist ideologies. PTI
Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 28

Saifulla Bahadur Ali, 21, the terrorist nabbed during a gunfight in Kupwara on July 25, has confessed before an NIA team here that he hailed from Lahore and had sneaked through Leepa Valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir two months ago.

His confession has once again nailed Pakistans role in sponsoring terrorism in India and a fresh dossier is being prepared based on his revelations. Ali said he was operating under the pseudonym Saifullah. Airlifted to Delhi today for interrogation, he said he was trained by Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists.

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Sources said Ali belonged to Jahama village near Raiwind area of Lahore.

Ali infiltrated into India with two others  Saad and Darda  to take advantage of the unrest in Kashmir. While Saad was an ameer of the LeT and had undergone Daur-e-Khas training, Ali was trained at Chela Bandi in Muzaffarabad. According to Ali, Saad and Darda died in an encounter in mid-July.
New Delhi, July 28

Indian conglomerate Adani Group has started building the countrys first transshipment port, conceived 25 years ago, and the government will construct another $4-billion facility nearby to create a shipping hub rivalling Chinese facilities in the region.

The Centre will grant billionaire Gautam Adani 16 billion rupees ($240 million) so-called viability gap funding to help the new port at Vizhinjam, on Indias southern tip, win business from established hubs elsewhere in Asia.

Once Vizhinjam, in the state of Kerala, is operational the government will start building the port of Enayam in Tamil Nadu, said a senior shipping ministry official. Enayam alone will save more than $200 million in costs for Indian companies every year, he said.

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Indias 7,500-km coastline juts into one of the worlds main shipping routes and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to capitalise on that proximity by developing ports that can shift freight on to huge vessels capable of carrying up to 18,000 20-foot containers.

By bringing onshore cargo handling now done at entrepots in Sri Lanka, Dubai and Singapore, the Modi government expects cargo traffic at its ports to jump by two-thirds by 2021 as India ramps up exports of goods, including cars and other machinery.

The lack of a domestic transshipment port forces inbound and outbound containers to take a detour to one of those regional hubs before heading to their final destination.

The government expects the new ports to save Indian companies hundreds of millions of dollars in transport costs, as well as ease concerns over the growing strategic clout in South Asia of rival China, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Sri Lankan ports at Colombo and Hambantota.

Adani wants the Vizhinjam port, which an arm of his Adani Group is building at a cost of around $1 billion, to be operational in 2018. The port lies hard by the Gulf-to-Malacca shipping lane that carries almost a third of world sea freight.

The port can attract a large share of the container transshipment traffic destined for, or originating from, India which is now being diverted primarily through Colombo, Singapore and Dubai, said an Adani Group executive who declined to be named.

But officials acknowledge that it would be difficult for the new ports to win international clients unless they offered discounts.

A major part of transshipment is happening at nearby ports.

We can win some of that business, said A.S. Suresh Babu, who heads a government agency set up by Kerala to facilitate the construction of Vizhinjam.

Theres a viability issue in the first few years. Already the Chinese are operating there. So unless you give some discount you cant attract these ships. So thats why the Government of India has approved the viability gap funding.

Chinese threat

India is worried about Chinas expanding reach in the region through port investments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. China is also developing Pakistans Gwadar seaport as part of a $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China had also wanted to partner with an Indian company to build the Vizhinjam port, but its proposal was rejected by the government on grounds of national security.

India has not banned Chinese firms from investing in its ports, but takes a cautious approach as most ports are also used for strategic purposes, said the shipping ministry source.

That is a euphemism for dual-use port facilities that could also be used by naval vessels. The docking of a Chinese nuclear submarine at Colombos commercial port in 2014 shocked countrys security establishment and has added urgency to New Delhis push to strengthen its port infrastructure. Vizhinjam port will have dedicated berths for the Navy and Coastguard, according to a government note.

India is also seeking to extend its commercial and strategic reach as it tries to catch up with China, pledging up to $500 million to develop the Iranian port of Chabahar to give it trade access to Iran, Afghanistan and the hinterlands of Central Asia, now largely blocked by Pakistan.

We want Indian ports to compete with the best ports in the world in various parameters like turnaround time, efficiency, last-mile connectivity, infrastructure etc, the Shipping Ministry said in a statement to Reuters.

But analysts remain sceptical that India can complete the transshipment ports, given that it has taken a quarter of a century to get the Vizhinjam port plan this far after legal disputes and lack of security clearance from the federal government delayed previous attempts to build it.

Very few days or weeks pass without news of a new hub port proposal in Southern India, said Andy Lane, a partner at maritime and port consultant CTI Consultancy.

He added that, as Colombo was a low cost and highly efficient port, container shipping lines were unlikely to easily consider a switch to India.  Reuters
Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, July 28

The School Education Department today decided to re-conduct the examination of over 30,000 class VIII students in government schools who had either skipped the test or performed very poorly in the board exam held in March. This exam will be conducted in the next two weeks.

Due to the high number of absenteeism and very poor performance of students in the class VIII examination, Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema has asked the School Education Department to make all class VIII absentee and low-performing students appear in the exam that will be re-conducted.

While as many as 10,214 students of class VIII skipped the exam in all subjects, over 20,000 students appeared in one or two papers in March. But thanks to the no-detention policy under the Right to Education Act (RTE), the students were promoted to the next class.

During a meeting with the Education Minister yesterday, some teachers and district education department authorities revealed that a large number of students below class VIII were not attending school for months together.

In order that these students take the classes and exam seriously in class IX and X, the department today issued directions to re-conduct the exam for all class VIII students who skipped the exam, said Sukhchain Singh Gill, district education officer (elementary), Faridkot.

But the order to re-conduct the exam in the next two weeks has got many teachers in slum areas worried as they will have to trace the non-attending students.

Most of these absent students are children of migrant labourers and they have already shifted to other states. But under RTE, the name of any student till class VIII cannot be struck off the rolls.
New Delhi/Jalandhar, July 27

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said the government is making last-minute efforts to save an Indian man facing execution on Thursday in Indonesia in a drug-related case.

Gurdip Singh, 48, who hails from Jalandhar was found guilty by Indonesian authorities of trying to smuggle drugs into the country.

Singhs wife Kulvinder Kaur said Union Minister Sushma Swaraj is in constant touch with her since evening and had called up twice.

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Swaraj told her that the Indian government is trying its best to stop the execution. However, officials at the Indian Embassy in Indonesia confirmed that it is almost impossible to stop the execution now.

Embassy officials confirmed that all the 14 prisoners, including Gurdip Singh, will be shot by a firing squad at 12.05 am on July 29.

Gurdip is facing death sentence in a drug case in Indonesia. We are making last-minute efforts to save him from execution on July 28, Swaraj said earlier in a series of tweets.

Singh was reportedly given death sentence by a district court in Indonesias Tanggerang Banten province.

Singh is among 14 people who are facing execution after the authorities decided to resume implementing death penalties. The decision was criticised by human rights organisations. TNS/PTI
Girja Shankar Kaura

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 27

The Union Cabinet today approved an AIIMS at Bathinda under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The decision comes ahead of the Assembly elections in the state slated next year.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences will comprise a hospital with 750 beds in various wards, including emergency/trauma, AYUSH, private

and ICU specialty and super-specialty.

It will also have administrative and AYUSH blocks, besides auditorium, night shelter, hostels and residential facilities.

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The project, to be completed within 48 months from the date of Centres approval, is likely to cost Rs 925 crore. The cost estimate does not include recurring costs (wages, and operation and maintenance expenses).

The recurring expenditure will be met by the facility from its annual budget through grant-in-aid from the Plan Budget head of the PMSSY of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The facility will provide super-specialty healthcare to the population while creating a large pool of doctors and other health workers in the region.

The institute employees can be utilised for primary and secondary-level institutions/facilities being created under the National Health Mission (NHM).

The institute will also conduct research on prevalent regional diseases and other health issues, and provide for better control and cure of such diseases.
Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 28

For over three weeks, Nobel, a class IX student of St Soldier Public School, Mann Nagar, Jalandhar, has been protesting against the use of books by private publishers at private schools in the city.

Today, she was joined by activists of the Punjab Parents Association and they gheraoed the office of the DEO Secondary, Jalandhar. Nobels family members submitted a memorandum to the CM through the DEO (S) today.

Nobel had first brought the issue to the notice of the Jalandhar DC on April 8 and later followed it up with more complaints, but no action was taken by the district Education Department or the administration.

Then, instead of going to school on July 4, she started holding a dharna outside DEO (S) Harinder Pals office. Nobel continued her protest, braving fever and rain.

On July 12, BSP state president Avtar Singh Karimpuri visited the dharna site to offer solidarity to the cause.

Nobels father Hasan Soni said, Nobel has been sitting on dharna for 25 days. Even after 200 complaints regarding admissions and hefty book prices from parents across the district, the government or education department has not taken any concrete action. We only want affordable education as per CBSE guidelines. These are being violated in the majority of private schools.

One of the enquiry officers  Deputy DEO Ranbir Swami  had instead advocated the use of private books. He had promised free books and fee exemption till class XII to Nobel if we withdraw the complaint, Soni claimed.

Nobel and her family had submitted all her NCERT books (claiming these were not being taught at her school) and a recording of the Deputy DEO to the then HRD Minister Smriti Irani and also to the Divisional Commissioner on June 14.

DEO (Secondary) Harinder Pal said, After complaints from Nobel and her family, we had changed the enquiry officer and deputed two principals to conduct it. The enquiry report that was submitted stated that students of the school gave in writing that they were not studying from books by private publishers.

As far as the fee and book complaints by other parents are concerned, they have been forwarded to the regulatory authority through the DPI as we cannot independently initiate action against any school.

The dharna is politically motivated and the girl is the only one from her school having a problem, the DEO said.
Tribune News Service

Barnala, July 28

Lashing out at former Rajya Sabha MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said he would meet the same fate as that of former CM Surjit Singh Barnala and former Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal. He said they both were sent to political oblivion by people for ditching their mother party.

Addressing a gathering at a Sangat Darshan at Tapa in Bhadaur, Badal said Sidhu had deceived his party in the hope of a bright future but people of the state would teach him a lesson for treachery.Badal said AAP was proving to be a haven for all fugitives and unprincipled politicians.

On state Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh, Badal said the MP had a proven anti-farmer track record. He said the SAD-BJP alliance had been providing free power to farmers but he had discontinued this facility during his tenure, putting enormous burden on farmers.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 28

India asked Pakistan to improve its vigil against cross-border infiltration to prevent terrorist activities and check smuggling of narcotics at the biannual meeting between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers that ended in Lahore today.

The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen measures to coordinate border patrolling on their respective sides of the border and address each others concerns in a time-bound manner.

The Joint Record of Discussion charting a future road map of cooperation between the two border guarding forces was signed earlier in the day. DG BSF invited DG Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) to visit India for the next round of the biannual talks, the BSF said in a statement.

The talks ended on an optimistic note with both sides agreeing on constant endeavour to maintain peaceful and tranquil borders, said the statement.

The biannual meeting between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers was held from July 25 to 28 in Lahore. The BSF delegation was led by its Director General KK Sharma and the Pakistan delegation was led by Director General, Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), Major General Umar Farooq Burki.

DG, BSF, stressed on the importance of vigilance against cross-border infiltration to prevent terrorist activities and to check narcotics smuggling, reads the statement.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and with a spirit of cooperation. It was agreed that since the last meeting in Delhi in September 2015, there has been greater adherence to the ceasefire along the international border, it said.
NEW DELHI, July 26 (PTI) THE Finance Minister Mr. Sachin Chaudhuri, told the Lok Sabha today that there was a great fund of goodwill for India and a willingness to understand "our difficulties and problems" in the five West European countries-the United Kingdom, West Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands-which he visited recently. Mr. Chaudhuri said that there was appreciation of India's general economic policy of the measures she had taken to promote growth with stability and in particular the liberalisation of imports. These countries were also conscious that as a developing country India was well ahead of most others. In all the places, he was given a warm reception and the talks were marked by a spirit of mutual understanding and co-operation. He said Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Italy had agreed to give $132.8 million of mostly non-project assistance. The West German Government had already given 10 million dollars aid.
Uttarakhand is a beautiful state with huge abundance of biodiversity. The treasure of its plant resources is a boon for its about 70% population residing in rural areas (census 2011) which if realised in an optimum manner could boost the rural economy. Plants have always been a medium to provide food, shelter and clothing to the conventional population along with sufficing other requirements like alternate medicines and bio fuels for making their life comfortable.

The synthetic lifestyle, which we have adopted in form of plastics and harmful chemicals, add not only to air, land and water pollution during production, but also their use and disposal takes long years of biodegradation at the end of their life cycle. Now that we have started feeling the pinch of global warming, a conscience call has given rise to a green movement among conscious consumers and stakeholders for products, which are sustainable and can protract our mother earth through a grim patch of time that we are ourselves responsible for.

This green movement has started creating niche markets around the globe for sustainable organic products developed under global green sustainable standards, thus benefiting the rural economy. One such high yield non-timber forest product is hemp, known as bhang in the common lingo. Its known as the worlds oldest crop the mention of which has been found in China around 5000 B.C. and even in Atharva Veda around 2000 B.C to 1400 B.C. Till about the mid 20th century, hemp was fulfilling the basic human requirements because of its immense benefits but this usefulness was looked down upon for its intoxication ability. It is now being again revived for its positives the world over as a super crop. China is leading the movement and has committed to replacing cotton by industrial hemp. Other countries such as France, the UK, Canada, Romania, Hungary, Korea, Australia and others are promoting cultivation and manufacturing of hemp as it is believed to provide remarkably more than 20,000 uses such as hemp milk, seed proteins, fiber, geo textiles, composites, bio plastics, animal beddings, bio fuel, medicines, ropes and twines, seed oil, cosmetics and wellness products.

Wild animals spare crop that can grow on barren land

Hemp is a no hassle easy crop to grow with minimum land preparation (can even grow on barren land) that gives the maximum output (200% more produce compared to cotton). Wild animals such as monkeys and boars and birds dont attack the hemp crop. Hemp is a natural carbon sequestrian (22 tonnes per hectare), its stalks can reach about 15 feet tall in 70 to 90 growing days (harvesting period is maximum of 120 days as per usage). It requires less land (500 plants in a field of 10x3 metres) and minimum use of water resources. It leaves the soil more fertile after harvesting and grows with negligible use of pesticides and herbicides, thus making it one of the most sustainable plants. Hemp gives a natural ultra violet protection shield unlike cotton. Its fibers do not break and retain the structure with age. Hemp is considered to be a bank of proteins after soya beans, thus can help in the eradication of malnutrition at a low cost. A bio-composite made out of hemp shive is high in strength with thermostatic properties and could provide low cost housing in rural and disaster-prone areas.

In our country, hemp grows more like a wild plant and is negligible under traditional cultivation for domestic use. Hence no serious data exists of its plantation. It is to be specified that industrial hemp contains only about 0.3% to 1.5% of tetra hydro cannabinoids (THC), the intoxicating ingredient that makes one high, while marijuana contains about 5% to 10% or more of THC.

Cultivation allowed for industrial, horticulture use

The Indian government had promised to limit the export of Indian hemp after signing the treaty Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs in 1961. India then framed the NDPS Act in 1985, which restricted the use of natural plant resources containing any kind of psychotropic substance. The use of hemp was prohibited under the NDPS Act but the definition allowed its cultivation (with low THC) for industrial and horticulture purposes and research under proper guidance and security measures.

An Excise Commissionerate report had stated that states could decide on legalizing hemp in their regions. The cultivation of hemp was allowed for commercial purpose under the Uttar Pradesh Excise Act of 1910 in Garhwal and Kumaon regions, excluding the Terai and Bhabbar areas, during the British Raj.

Major source of earning for East India Company

Uttarakhand has been a fertile ground for hemp. The British recognised its potential worth of gold and allowed its cultivation especially in Almora and Nainital and parts of Garhwal. The tribal population used to make clothes called bhangela, ropes, sacks and fish nets out of hemp as mentioned in the Himalayan gazetteer. Hemp was a major source of earning for East India Company. However, after the British left hemp was used primarily for domestic needs in the region. Making fabric and ropes from hemp is no more practiced in the state as the process is cumbersome.

The hemp cultivation was restricted due to illicit trading of marijuana in the areas away from the reach of the safeguards. The safety of the citizens of the country, barricading illicit trading, security measures for cultivars to be grown for proper use, accessing seeds of industrial hemp (which is under research in India but could be imported from abroad) are some important issues that the state government needs to sort out before it decides to legalise industrial hemp.

Board set up to overlook research, development

Keeping in mind the leverage of the Uttar Pradesh Excise Law 1910 and the usefulness of the plant, the state government had set up the Uttarakhand Bamboo and Fiber Development Board (UBFDB) as the nodal agency to undertake research and development of the cultivar to convert it to industrial hemp, which is still ongoing. The board has initiated self-help groups under their clusters to resurge the process of hemp fiber to fabric on an experimental basis.

Steps to promote hemp
Ajay Ramola

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, July 28

Pramod Kumar Raturi, 48, a resident of Sirain Godi village in Jua Patti, is mentally challenged and his wife is both mentally and physically challenged, though partially. They have a daughter aged 18 who is studying in Chamba.

The family with so many difficulties fall under the ambit of dam affected or ousted persons. The government had given them land to compensate them for the loss of land in their village 12 years ago but not its possession. However, they have not been able to build the house of their dreams till date as the land mafia has usurped the land while the authorities concerned look the other way.

The Rehabilitation Department had allocated around 2,000 square metre of land to Dharmanand at Kargi Chowk in Dehradun in lieu of his land in the village but when measured it was short by 484 sq mt. The land mafia has usurped the land of the hapless family.

The department neither provided Dharmanand his fair share of land allotted 12 years ago nor its possession. Dobra Chanti Pul Banao Sangarsh Samiti chief coordinator Rajesh Painuli supporting his cause said it was shameful that the land the department gave Dharmanand less land and did not even tried to get it vacated by the land mafia.

Painuli said Dahramanand had written letters to even to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had directed the authorities concerned to do the needful but nothing had been done so far. He is at present living in a house at Chamba that was built by his late parents. Officials had only given him false assurances.

He appealed to the government on behalf of the troubled family to help him get the rightful possession of his land so that he could construct a house for his beleaguered family.
New Delhi, July 28

Rubbishing reports of Chinese incursion in Uttarakhand, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said it was just a transgression which was settled, adding that there was a well-defined mechanism to settle such transgressions.

The India-China border is not formally demarcated. There are areas where both sides have differing perceptions of LAC. Barhoti (Uttarakhand) is one such area. There was no incursion, just transgression which has been settled. There is a well-defined mechanism to settle such transgressions, Parrikar said in the Lok Sabha.

The Centre has downplayed the Chinese incursion, saying it was not a very serious issue and they will resolve it on ground level.

The briefing that we have received from DG of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP), according to that some incident of incursion has been witnessed there. But that is not a very serious issue, said Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Wednesday confirmed an incursion by the Chinese troops into Chamoli district.

Rawat, however, made a somersault later in the day and said there is an increase in the number of Chinese troops along the Indian border, but ruled out any incursion into the Indian territory.

Uttarakhand shares a 350-kilometre-long boundary with China and similar attempts at Chinese incursions have been reported in the past.

The last reported Chinese incursion in the state was when the word China was inscribed on rocks near Mana Pass in Chamoli district. ANI
Beijing, July 28

China and Russia will hold routine naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, Chinas Defence Ministry said on Thursday, adding that the drills were aimed at strengthening their cooperation and were not aimed at any other country.

The exercises come at a time of heightened tension in the contested waters after an arbitration court in the Hague ruled this month that China did not have historic rights to the South China Sea and criticised its environmental destruction there.

China rejected the ruling and refused to participate in the case.

This is a routine exercise between the two armed forces, aimed at strengthening the developing China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership, Chinas defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular monthly news conference.

The exercise is not directed against third parties. China and Russia are veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council, and have held similar views on many major issues such as the crisis in Syria, putting them at odds with the United States and Western Europe.

Last year, they held joint military drills in the Sea of Japan and the Mediterranean.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims.

China has repeatedly blamed the United States for stoking tension in the region through its military patrols, and of taking sides in the dispute.

The United States has sought to assert its right to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea with its patrols and denies taking sides in the territorial disputes.

Russia has been a strong backer of Chinas stance on the arbitration case that was brought by the Philippines.

Yang said China and Russia were comprehensive strategic partners and had already held many exercises this year.

These drills deepen mutual trust and expand cooperation, raise the ability to jointly deal with security threats, and benefit the maintenance of regional and global peace and stability, he said.  Reuters
Philadelphia, July 28

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is a fraud, a liar and a hypocrite, top Democratic leaders and speakers at the partys national convention said today as they lashed out at the billionaire from New York.

Raising questions on Trumps business acumen, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said: I am a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one! to loud cheers from the audience.

Trump says he will punish manufacturers that move to Mexico or China, but the clothes he sells are made overseas in low-wage factories. He says he wants to put Americans back to work, but he games the US visa system so he can hire temporary foreign workers at low wage. He says he wants to deport 11 million undocumented people, but he seems to have no problem in hiring them, Bloomberg said.

Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy. He wants you to believe that we can solve our biggest problem by deporting Mexicans and shutting out Muslims. He wants you to believe that erecting trade barriers will bring back good jobs. He is wrong on both counts, he said.

The former New York Mayor said that though Hillary Clinton may not be the perfect candidate, there is no doubt in his mind that she is the right choice.

California Governor Jerry Brown also laid into Trump, calling him a fraud and a liar.

Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud. Trump says theres no drought in California. I say Trump lies. So, its not surprising that Trump chose as his running mate a man who denies that theres such a thing as evolution, he said.

Brown said while Trump only talks, Clinton gets things done.

As Secretary of State, she paved the way for the historic Paris Climate Agreement, an agreement which 200 nations, including China and India, enthusiastically embraced.

And Mr Trump, he says: The world be damned, Im tearing it up, he said.

Trump and those who live in climate denial say otherwise. They tell us we have to choose between saving the economy and saving the planet. Donald Trump and the climate deniers are dead wrong  dangerously wrong, Brown said.

Rear Admiral (retd) John Hutson expressed fears Trump would abandon allies and let more countries get nuclear weapons.

He lies about donating to our veterans and called the military I served in a disaster. Its embarrassing enough that hes the face of one of our political parties. The real disaster is what would happen if we let Donald Trump become the face of the country we love, he said.

Kristen Kavanaugh, co-founder of the Military Acceptance Project, said Clinton understands the importance of a strong military and diplomacy.

She knows were stronger when we work with our allies to keep us safe, and she has a specific plan to defeat and destroy ISIS. She has the experience, temperament, and steady hand to lead, she said.

I dont trust Donald Trump. The military is defined by discipline. Leadership. Integrity. Those are the qualities that drew me to serve. And those are the very qualities that Donald Trump lacks. He suggests abandoning our closest allies.

He praises dictators whove killed Americans. He says we should allow more countries to get nuclear weapons, Kavanaugh said. PTI
Darra Adamkhel, July 28

Gunfire echoes through a dusty northwest tribal town, the soundtrack to Pakistans biggest arms black market, where Kalashnikovs welded from scrap metal are cheaper than smartphones.

Darra Adamkhel, a town surrounded by hills around 35 km south of Peshawar, was a hub of criminal activity for decades. Smugglers and drug runners were common and everything from stolen cars to fake university degrees could be procured.

This illicit trade boomed in the 1980s: The mujahideen began buying weapons from here for Afghanistans battle against the Soviets. Later, the town became a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, who enforced their strict rules and parallel system of justice.

Now Darra is clean of all but the arms, yet the gunsmiths say the regions improved security and authorities growing intolerance for illegal weaponry are withering an industry that sustained them for decades.

(The) Nawaz Sharif government has established checkpoints everywhere, business is stopped, said Khitab Gul, 45.

Gul is known in Darra for his replicas of Turkish and Bulgarian-made MP5 submachine guns, one of the most popular weapons in the world.

The MP5 can retail for thousands of dollars. Guls version, which comes with one-year guarantee, costs Rs 7,000 ($67). A Darra-made Kalashnikov, Gul says, can sell for $125, cheaper than most smartphones. The workers here are so skilled that they can copy any weapon, he says.

But, the military has cracked down on extremism, particularly in tribal areas. Every second shop in Darra now sells groceries or electronics. The Wild West atmosphere is fading as the town embraces modern conveniences.  AFP
Sydney, July 28

Australian officials confirmed on Thursday that data recovered from a home flight simulator owned by the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 showed that someone had used the device to plot a course to the southern Indian Ocean, where the missing jet is believed to have crashed.

There has been confusion over exactly what was found on Capt Zaharie Ahmad Shahs flight simulator since New York Magazine reported last week that an FBI analysis of the device showed Zaharie had conducted a simulated flight to the southern Indian Ocean less than a month before the plane vanished along a similar route.

The magazine cited the discovery as strong evidence that the disappearance was a premeditated act of mass murder-suicide at the hands of the captain.

Malaysia immediately rejected the report as false.

Malaysias national police chief, Khalid Abu Bakar said Malaysian police had never handed any document or information to any authority abroad including the FBI a perplexing statement, given that Malaysias own transport minister confirmed two years ago that Malaysia was working with the FBI to analyse data from the simulators hard drives.

Adding to the confusion, Australias Joint Agency Coordination Center which is overseeing the search for the plane off Australias west coast subsequently issued a vague statement that seemed to imply such a route had been found on Zaharies machine.

The agency then cautioned that evidence of the route did not prove that Zaharie had planned to steer the plane off course and showed only the possibility of planning for such an event.

Pressed for clarification, the agency confirmed in an email to The Associated Press today that the captains simulator did show that someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean.

The confirmation appears to directly contradict repeated assertions from Malaysian officials that no such route had been found on the captains simulator.

Yesterday, Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai insisted there was no evidence to prove that Zaharie had plotted the same course as the doomed airliner into the machine.

Earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull declined to offer any details on what evidence had been found on the simulator, saying it was a matter for Malaysia, which is leading the investigation into the missing plane.  AP
Hong Kong, July 28

Security was tightened at the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong on Thursday after media reports that a North Korean, possibly a student, had sought refuge there.

The North Korean is understood to be a member of a delegation that attended an academic competition at a Hong Kong university two weeks ago, the South China Morning Post said, citing government sources in the Chinese-ruled city.

Other media said the North Korean was an 18-year-old student who was attending a mathematics competition and was from a family with a military background.

North and South Korea remain technically at war, and the reports of a possible defection are bound to exacerbate tensions.

Uniformed and plainclothes police were patrolling around the office building near the heart of Hong Kongs financial centre where the South Korean consulate is located. Scores of reporters thronged the building.

Local government and consulate officials declined comment.

We are aware of the report, a spokeswoman from the Hong Kong police told Reuters, declining to comment further.

The 57th International Mathematical Olympiad was held at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on July 11-12. An all-male team of six took part from North Korea, according to the contest website. The team finished in 6th place.

The orgainising committee declined comment.

South Koreas foreign ministry declined comment on the media reports in Hong Kong. A ministry official said the South Korean governments position was not to make any comments related to North Korean defectors, keeping in mind their safety and diplomatic relations with relevant countries.

Chinas Foreign Ministry in Beijing also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tensions between North and South Korea have been particularly high since the Norths fourth nuclear test in January. After an announcement by the South in April that 13 workers at a restaurant in China run by the North had sought asylum, Pyongyang said they were abducted by agents from the South.

Hong Kong is ruled by China under a one country, two systems formula that accords the former British colony a degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China.

In the early 2000s, there was a rash of cases of North Koreans seeking asylum at foreign missions in China, mostly in Beijing, where in some cases they scaled embassy walls and forced their way in.

North Korean defectors mostly come from the poorest parts of the destitute state and usually flee over the traditionally quite porous border with China.

They then seek passage to the South via a third country, or previously via embassies and consulates in China, because Beijing sees them as economic refugees and forcibly repatriates them to North Korea.  Reuters
Philadelphia, July 28

Observing that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump would lose his bet on selling fear and scaring people, US President Barack Obama on Thursday pitched for his former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as his successor in the White House.

I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America, Obama said in his address to the Democratic National Convention here in front of an electrifying audience comprising of party delegates, leaders and supporters.

You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. Until youve sat at that desk, you dont know what its like to manage a global crisis, or send young people to war. But Hillarys been in the room; shes been part of those decisions, he said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

She knows whats at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran. Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect. And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits, he said.

Obama said the choice before Americans in the November presidential election between Clinton and Trump is not even close.

He (Trump) is not really a plans guy. Not really a facts guy, either. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women whove achieved success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated, he said.

Obama said Clinton is respected around the world not just by leaders, but by the people they serve.

Shes worked closely with our intelligence teams, our diplomats, our military. And she has the judgment, the experience, and the temperament to meet the threat from terrorism. Its not new to her, he said.

Our troops have pounded ISIL without mercy, taking out leaders, taking back territory. I know Hillary wont relent until ISIL is destroyed. Shell finish the job  and shell do it without resorting to torture, or banning entire religions from entering our country. She is fit to be the next Commander-in-Chief, he asserted.

America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump. In fact, it doesnt depend on any one person. And that, in the end, may be the biggest difference in this election  the meaning of our democracy, he said.

Ronald Reagan called America a shining city on a hill.

Donald Trump calls it a divided crime scene that only he can fix. It doesnt matter to him that illegal immigration and the crime rate are as low as theyve been in decades, because hes not offering any real solutions to those issues. Hes just offering slogans, and hes offering fear. Hes betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election, he added.

That is another bet that Donald Trump will lose. Because hes selling the American people short. We are not a fragile or frightful people, Obama said.

Apparently, he doesnt know the men and women who make up the strongest fighting force the world has ever known. He suggests America is weak. He must not hear the billions of men, women, and children, from the Baltics to Burma, who still look to America to be the light of freedom, dignity, and human rights, he said.

He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, and tells NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection. Well, Americas promises do not come with a price tag. We meet our commitments. And thats one reason why almost every country on earth sees America as stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago, he said.

Our power doesnt come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We dont look to be ruled. Our power comes from those immortal declarations first put to paper right here in Philadelphia all those years ago; We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that together, we, the people, can form a more perfect union, he said.

Obama said democracy doesnt work if people constantly demonize each other.

She (Hillary) knows that for progress to happen, we have to listen to each other, see ourselves in each other, fight for our principles but also fight to find common ground, no matter how elusive that may seem, he said.

Making a passionate plea to elect Hillary as his successor, Obama said time and again, they have elected him.

Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me, he said.

America, you have vindicated that hope these past eight years. And now Im ready to pass the baton and do my part as a private citizen. This year, in this election, Im asking you to join me  to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon whats best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation, Obama said.  PTI
Istanbul/Ankara, July 28

Turkey has dismissed 88 employees of the Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, the latest in a series of purges of suspected supporters of a US-based Muslim cleric accused of organising a failed military coup.

Fethullah Gulen denies any involvement in the coup, in which at least 246 people, excluding the plotters, were killed.

Turkish authorities have dismissed, suspended or placed under investigation tens of thousands of people in state institutions including government ministries, the armed forces and the police over suspected links to Gulen and his movement.

Cavusoglu was speaking to broadcaster NTV.

So far, tens of thousands of people, including police, judges and teachers, have been suspended or placed under investigation since the July 15-16 coup, which Turkey says was staged by a faction within the military loyal to the Muslim cleric.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania but whose movement has a wide following in Turkey where it runs a large network of schools, has denied any involvement in the failed putsch.

Western governments and human rights groups, while condemning the abortive coup in which at least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured, have expressed concern over the extent of the crackdown, suggesting President Tayyip Erdogan may be using it to stifle dissent and tighten his grip on power.

Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possibly death on the night of the coup, denies the crackdown has wider aims and says the Gulen movement threatened democracy by attempting to build a parallel state within the military, media and civil service.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

On Wednesday, the military dishonourably discharged 1,684 of its personnel, a Turkish government official said, citing their role in the failed coup. Of those, 149 were generals and admirals, said the official, who requested anonymity. Data show that would represent roughly 40 percent of all generals and admirals in Turkeys military.

Broadcaster CNN Turk has reported that more than 15,000 people, including around 10,000 soldiers had been detained so far over the coup, citing the interior minister. Of those, more than 8,000 were formally arrested pending trial, it said.

In addition, the government said in its official gazette that three news agencies, 16 television channels, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers have been ordered shut down.

These moves, which follow the closure of other media outlets with suspected Gulenist ties as well as the detention of journalists will further stoke concerns among rights groups and Western governments about the scale of Erdogans post-coup purges.

The United States said on Wednesday it understood Turkeys need to hold perpetrators of the attempted coup to account, but said the detention of more journalists was part of a troubling trend.

Journalists detained

Turkey ordered another 47 journalists detained on Wednesday, singling out columnists and other staff of the now defunct Zaman newspaper, the government official said. Authorities in March shut down Zaman, widely seen as the Gulen movements flagship media organisation.

The prosecutors arent interested in what individual columnists wrote or said, said the official, who requested anonymity. At this point, the reasoning is that prominent employees of Zaman are likely to have intimate knowledge of the Gulen network and as such could benefit the investigation. However, the list includes journalists, such as Sahin Alpay, known for their leftist activism who do not share the religious worldview of the Gulenist movement. This has fuelled the concerns that the investigation may be turning into a witch-hunt of the presidents political opponents.

The media reported on Monday that arrest warrants had been issued for 42 other journalists, 16 of whom have so far been taken into custody.

Alpay is a former official of Turkeys left-leaning, secularist main opposition CHP party. The Dogan news agency said police raided his home in Istanbul early on Wednesday and detained him after a 2-1/2-hour search of the property.

Separately, Turkeys capital markets board said it had revoked the licence of the head of research at brokerage AK Investment and called for him to face charges over a report he wrote to investors analysing the coup.

Spirit of unity

Erdogans ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party and opposition parties, usually bitterly divided, have demonstrated a rare spirit of unity since the abortive coup and are seeking consensus on constitutional amendments partly aimed at cleansing the state apparatus of Gulenist supporters.

A senior AK Party official said on Wednesday the parties were discussing plans to increase parliamentary control of a key state body that appoints judges and prosecutors.

Also on Wednesday a government official said Turkish special forces were still hunting in the hills around the Mediterranean resort of Marmaris for a group of 11 commandos who are believed to have tried to capture or kill Erdogan on the night of the coup, when he was on holiday in the area.

In testimony provided following his detention, Major General Mehmet Disli, the brother of a prominent ruling party lawmaker, strongly denied allegations that he was involved in the coup, saying he had been forced by the plotters to mediate with the chief of the militarys General Staff on July 15.

General Staff head Hulusi Akar was held hostage for hours by the plotters, but refused to join their coup.

Erdogan, a popular but polarising figure who has dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade, will chair an annual meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) on Thursday after vowing to restructure the armed forces following the coup.

The General Staff said 35 planes, including 24 fighter jets, 37 helicopters, 74 tanks and three ships had been used by the coup plotters, NTV reported. It put the number of soldiers from the Gulenist network involved in the attempted putsch at 8,651, or about 1.5 percent of the armed forces.

In Greece, authorities on Wednesday postponed hearings for eight Turkish soldiers who sought asylum there after fleeing Turkey. The men - three majors, three captains and two sergeant majors - deny being involved in the coup, but Ankara has branded them traitors and is demanding their extradition.

Erdogan has also signalled the country might restore the death penalty in the wake of the failed coup, citing strong public support for such a move, though the European Union has made clear this would scupper Turkeys decades-old bid to join the bloc.

Pivot to Moscow

Turkish officials have complained of what they perceive as a lack of support from the EU over the coup, while European leaders have urged Ankara to show restraint and a sense of proportion in bringing those responsible to justice.

The attempted coup has also tested Turkeys ties with its NATO ally the United States, where Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile since 1999. Responding to Turkeys request for Gulens swift extradition, Washington has said Ankara must first provide clear evidence of his involvement in the coup.

Gulen lives in a secluded compound in Pennsylvanias Pocono Mountains, but Erdogan has reason to worry about the reclusive clerics reach inside Turkey. In 2013, his followers in the police and judiciary opened a corruption probe into business associates of Erdogan, then prime minister, who denounced the investigation as a foreign plot.

The strains with the EU and the United States have coincided with Turkeys renewed push to repair ties with Russia, badly hurt last November by the Turkish downing of a Russian jet involved in military operations in Syria, and Moscows subsequent imposition of trade sanctions.

On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said talks with Russian officials this week on improving bilateral relations had taken place in a very positive atmosphere.

Simsek, respected by Western investors as a safe pair of hands in guiding the Turkish economy, also said he saw no reason to downgrade Turkeys credit rating following the coup.

Standard & Poors recently revised the countrys sovereign debt outlook to negative from stable and Moodys has said it will review the rating for a possible downgrade.  Reuters
* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati received the 2022 Adepi Award

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The Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in July 2015 and was celebrated as a foreign policy breakthrough by Western governments but a lot of the terms and conditions were secret; only now being revealed.

The Associated Press published a leaked document which showed that Iran would be able to enrich uranium again in 2026, rather than 2030 as previously reported. The regime reacted angrily claiming that the leak violated the deal and the President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi said that this leak will permit Iran to enrich uranium at a higher capacity than before the agreement was made.

Ali Larijani, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament, said: The hostile measures against the nuclear deal have reached a point where Iran was left with no choice but to confront.

Stevenson, a former Member of the European Parliament for Scotland, wrote: It has now become clear that the deal was quite one-sided, containing page after page of clauses relating to the lifting of sanctions, in return for which we got very little, apart from a few scant paragraphs detailing Iranian cooperation in slowing down its nuclear enrichment process for a period of up to 15 years, which we now know in fact to be much less. As far as scrutiny of the nuclear program is concerned, regular inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are limited to the Natanz site in Isfahan Province, the countrys main underground nuclear facility with over 19,000 operational centrifuges.

He pointed out the Natanz was only revealed to the West by the opposition group, the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI); Iran had been keeping it secret. If they kept Natanz secret, how can we trust that they arent keeping another site secret?

Stevenson, who was also President of the Parliaments Delegation for Relations with Iraq and the Chair of Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup until 2014, stated: It should be remembered that Iran entered into nuclear negotiations because, following the whistleblowing of the Iranian resistance, sanctions had crippled the Iranian economy. Nevertheless, to capitulate to almost every Iranian demand exposed a level of weakness that has been eagerly exploited by the mullahs ever since. The lifting of sanctions released an estimated $150 billion in frozen assets, providing a windfall for a regime whose biggest export is terror; a regime which funds Hezbollah in Lebanon, Bashar al-Assad in Syria, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and the brutal Shiite militias in Iraq.

Irans excessive call for retaliation against the West cannot be overlooked; Russia has delivered S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to them and North Korean missile experts have visited them.

Despite drawing criticism from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon launching nuclear tests in violation of the deal, Iran has not stopped. In fact, Iran threatened to tear up the nuclear pact.

Stevenson recommended that the US monitor the situation closely and adopt tough measures where necessary.

He said: The West must not be passive when dealing with Irans continuous violations of the nuclear agreement and its aggressive regional interventions, terrorism, and human rights violations. It was hard-hitting sanctions that forced the mullahs to sit down to negotiate and thus we should take a tough line by imposing new sanctions for any further violations.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Gov. Mary Fallin on Wednesday said she is considering calling a special session to ask lawmakers to use excess state funds on teacher raises.

The state recently closed out the fiscal year and had $140.8 million left. The action comes after a revenue failure that resulted in two cuts to state-appropriated agencies.

The cuts were deeper than were needed, said John Estus, a spokesman for the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

Ive begun discussions with legislative leaders to consider calling lawmakers to return in special session to address the issue of teacher pay raises, Fallin said. I continue to support a pay raise for teachers, having called on lawmakers at the beginning of this years session to approve a teacher pay raise.

Because it was a difficult budget year, an agreement could not be reached, Fallin said. Officials had $1.3 billion less to spend in crafting a fiscal year 2017 budget due to tax cuts, depressed energy prices and an inability to reduce ineffective tax credits and incentives given to generate economic activity.

With this available money, I am again asking lawmakers to act on this important issue of providing a raise for every teacher of this state, Fallin said.

Fallins comments come as a state question to increase the state sales tax by a cent to fund education, including a $5,000 teacher pay raise, heads to the Nov. 8 ballot in the form of State Question 779.

Oklahomans will also cast their picks for legislative candidates who are currently campaigning.

Without a special session, the funds would be returned to 62 state-appropriated agencies, Estus said.

Many agencies have needs, but the fact is this money would do more good for Oklahoma in the form of a teacher pay raise than it would equally distributed to agencies, said Finance Secretary Preston Doerflinger said. A lot of agencies  mine, for one  simply dont have as compelling a case for the money as education, particularly our teachers.

Doerflinger said the state could use the excess funding and combine it with yet to be determined other sources of money to come up with a raise that would be more than the $5,000 proposed in the state question.

Doerflinger said that while State Question 779 is noble, it is concerning because it would make the state sales tax the highest in the nation.

Doerflinger could not provide specifics on a date for the special session, but it would be before Nov. 8.

Oklahoma State School Boards Association Executive Director Shawn Hime said there is no bigger need than to pay teachers competitively, but Fallins proposal would not be the way to do it.

The $140.8 million that is available was cut out of state agency budgets, including over $40 million from schools, that should be returned to those agencies and schools to pay for operations and personnel that they were budgeted for, Hime said. I see it as a political ploy to try to defeat State Question 779 that has proven to have Oklahoma voter support.

Championed by University of Oklahoma President David Boren, supporters of the measure collected more than 300,000 signatures, well more than the 123,725 needed to get the issue on the ballot. It withstood two legal challenges.

Passage of SQ 779 is expected to generate about $615 million annually that would be used for teacher pay raises in K-12 public schools, for early childhood education, to help make college education more affordable, and to assist in providing training for students in Career Tech.

Boren said the Fallin proposal would not provide enough money for a comprehensive solution to the education crisis.

State Question 779 is clearly better for education long term than this Band-Aid approach, Boren said.

House Minority Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City, said Fallin and the Republican majority are playing games with teachers by considering a special session three months before voters go to the polls.

If the Republicans truly cared about teachers, they would have used their legislative supermajorities to pass a teacher pay raise at any time during the past eight years  when teachers last had a pay raise, Inman said.

He said Republicans are considering using one-time dollars for long-term, reoccurring costs.

We look forward to hearing more details, said Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for the State Department of Education. It is too early to comment at this time.

Of the $140.8 million, slightly more than $10 million could be returned to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

I believe it would be inappropriate to comment at this time, said Department of Corrections Director Joe Allbaugh.

Likewise, Public Safety Commissioner Michael Thompson declined to comment until he had more information. Thompson recently said his agency is considering furloughs and a reduction in force to cope with the budget cuts.
A man implicated in an income tax fraud scheme that involved friends, family members and even prison inmates was sentenced Wednesday to serve five years of probation.

U.S. District Judge James Payne ordered the probated sentence for Carlos Lavann Daniels, who earlier had pleaded guilty to one count of criminal conspiracy in connection with the scheme.

Daniels, 39, admitted in a plea agreement with prosecutors April 26 to recruiting taxpayers to file legitimate federal income tax returns for the years 2009 and 2010.

Assistant U.S. Prosecutor Charles McLoughlin said Daniels and his wife, Nyeshi Lashea Daniels, would typically file a legitimate tax return one year for those they recruited to help with their taxes, only later to file a fraudulent return in succeeding years without the taxpayers knowledge.

Nyeshi Lashea Daniels pleaded guilty in May 2015 to conspiracy and causing a criminal act and received a five-year probated sentence for her part in the income tax fraud scheme.

Carlos Daniels admitted that he and his wife obtained personal identification information from taxpayers and their dependents, some of whom were inmates in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and Tulsa County Jail detainees, according to court records.

In all, about 19 false returns were filed, according to court documents.

Of the 19 filings, the IRS issued eight refunds during 2010 and 2011 to bank accounts opened by the Daniels.

McLoughlin did not object to the request by Daniels for the probated sentence.

It would not be a miscarriage of justice to not send him to prison, McLoughlin said. Lets give him a shot.

McLoughlin said Daniels wife had made an incredible turnaround in her life in the past two-plus years, noting that she had been working two jobs and had recently earned an associates degree at an area college.

In addition to the probated sentence, Carlos Daniels was ordered to repay the IRS $49,648 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Payne also ordered Carlos Daniels to serve eight months of the probation as home detention, with allowances for traveling to and from work.
Leaving the field open to Iran and Russia in Syria, Obama, the Daily Caller piece said, was so focused on the defeat of Daesh, which has been recently pushed back in both Syria and Iraq, that he has made strange allies in the shape of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Syria, (thus alienating NATO ally, Turkey), and the many militias run by Irans Revolutionary Guards in Iraq.

Stevenson argued that it was Obamas support for the former corrupt and sectarian Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki  still a manipulative force in Iraqi political circles  which had prepared the ground for Daesh in Iraq.

Noting that Some senior Iraqis claim that the explosives-filled truck used in the attack [on the Karrada shopping centre] came from Diyala, an Iraqi province controlled by Iran, he continued, Irans fingerprints on this kind of atrocity should come as no surprise.

Iran has exploited the war against Daesh to expand its influence and hegemony in the country, and has done so through a pitiless genocidal campaign of ethnic cleansing against Iraqs Sunni population, Mr Stevenson said.

He concluded that only the Sunnis could defeat Daesh; Iran was merely expanding its control in the region.
Economic and energy bilateral cooperation between Turkey and Russia will be reviewed for the normalization of relations, along with the incident of the downing of a Russian jet last November, Energy Minister Berat Albayrak said on Tuesday.

Speaking on private news channel Haberturk, Albayrak said that Turkey looks positively to the development of its alliance with Russia in the normalization process.

After the Turkish Air Force shot down a Russian jet for violating Turkish airspace over the Turkey-Syria border last November, relations between the two countries soured, until the issue seemed largely resolved on June 29 through a letter and subsequent telephone calls between the leaders.

However, the two pilots who downed the Russian jet were arrested on July 19 over alleged links with the July 15 foiled coup in Turkey.

"Because Turkey and Russia are two countries in the region with close neighborly relations which built very important projects and developed cooperation together, a new era [in relations] will be conducive to more positive steps. We will continue to monitor this process," Albayrak said.

"In terms of normalization of relations with Russia, I think that regional relations as well as economic and energy politics, bilateral cooperation and the ongoing process we are engaged in will be examined," he added.

On the question of the normalization with Israel, Albayrak said it will be an important step for regional peace and especially for "the brothers" in Gaza.

"We are not only looking at the process from the position of meeting Turkey's minimal conditions, we are also looking at the establishment of and contribution to regional peace. We hope that relations will continue in an open and sincere manner," he said.

"We will not only look at the Palestinian issue, but will also look at the Middle Eastern issue. As long as the two countries contribute to solving these issues, the blood and tears of the region will diminish," he said.

Albayrak also underlined his hope that such cooperation will add to global counterterrorism efforts.

"In Turkey, we will continue to work on these issues intensively as we did in the past. After the normalization deal with Israel is approved in parliament, we can then discuss a wide variety of issues with Israel, including economic, social, and political and energy issues," he said.

On the issue of the economic fallout from the coup attempt, Albayrak said that up to now, Turkey has reassured the markets through confidence-building measures.

"Turkey has never been a country to use repressive means in blocking the flow of capital. It has been a country that gives confidence and will continue to do so," he added.

There are three important factors for Turkey's current state in the short, middle and long term, according to Albayrak: money markets, financial policies and the political process.

"Turkey is strong in all of these three fields. The most important thing is to provide confidence. Turkey opened its markets two days after the coup attempt and its pessimistic period is over now," he explained.

Remarks on failed coup

Speaking in a separate interview on Kanal 24 TV, Albayrak said that the lists of civil servants to suspend after the July 15 coup attempt had been prepared as a result of intense collaboration between the bureaucracy, police, and intelligence service, and were not drawn up in a day.

"It is impossible to deny that this [Gulenist] structure played a hand even in various incidents in recent years, not only the November 24 crisis [the 2015 downed Russian jet], but also Uludere [2011 bombing in Turkeys southeast by Turkish fighter jets], maybe events that started the [2013] Gezi protests, he added.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot on July 15, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

Anadolu Agency
The head of Turkeys military, Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar, said on Sunday that the countrys soldiers and police will perform their duties successfully, as they currently do in the east and southeast.

Akar and several other high-ranking commanders were visiting Ankara's Police Special Operations Department to offer condolences to the colleagues of the 47 officers martyred during the coup attempt by Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) members on July 15.

"Our soldiers and police officers will maintain their duties in providing security to our country and people in a determined way ... as they do in eastern and southeastern Turkey. We do not accept any dissension among soldiers and police," Akar told reporters.

"Soldiers and police are aware of this. We will stand shoulder to shoulder and try to fulfill our duties in the best way," he added.

Referring to the coup plotters, Akar stated that they cannot be seen as Turkish Armed Forces members: "They are vipers, terrorists in soldiers uniforms. They will absolutely be punished in the heaviest way in Turkish law."

Alongside Akar, Interior Minister Efkan Ala said that Turkish military personnel, police, gendarmes and village guards were serving the people with heart and soul.

"The terrorists wearing military uniforms martyred special operations police officers here," Ala stated and added that those who carried out the attack cannot be the members of the armed forces or sons of the homeland.

Ala also said that the Turkish Armed Forces, police and gendarmerie remain together with their all units to meet the needs of the people.

General tours parliament

Akar also visited Turkish Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman on Sunday evening.

Kahraman said it was "good that the people protected their system and comprehended democracy.

"Those who did the attack are not our glorious army", he added.

Akar said: "We - the real Turkish Armed Forces members - are deeply sorry that the attack against our parliament was made by terrorists wearing military uniforms and traitors.

This attack is a disgrace in the history of the Turkish Armed Forces and the Republic of Turkey. I wish Allah to give us the opportunity to remove this disgrace by working in cooperation", Akar added.

Kahraman showed Akar the sections of the parliament building bombed by FETO during the failed coup.

Last week's deadly coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically-elected government.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

Anadolu Agency
Turkey's defense minister criticized BBC's "pro-coup" coverage of the July 15 attempted coup in a telephone conversation with his British counterpart, according to a Turkish Defense Ministry source.

National Defense Minister Fikri Isik spoke with Michael Fallon Tuesday and thanked him for the British governments support for Turkey, but also said he expected the BBC to cover the story accurately, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media.

Fallon, for his part, said his country welcomed the coups defeat. He said they appreciated the support of Turkeys people as well as its political parties for democratic values and the rule of law.

Fallon said they stood in solidarity with Turkeys government, which he said was elected with widespread public support.

He said he would deliver Turkey's complaint to the BBC.

The BBCs coverage of the failed coup was also criticized by other senior Turkish figures, including Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, after a leaked email revealed producers were struggling to find critics of the Turkish government to appear on their programs.

The email, written by a producer working for the BBC World News channel, said personnel were struggling to find anyone in the country who is critical of what the government is doing.

It added, We're hoping to find someone here who might be willing to speak out against the current situation.

The attempted coup martyred 246 people and left thousands of others wounded.

Turkey accuses U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen and his terror organization or Parallel State Structure (FETO/PDY) of being behind the failed coup and has called for his extradition to face trial.

Anadolu Agency
A disabled member of the Turkish parliament has shared what happened in the Grand National Assembly the night of the July 15 coup attempt.

During the failed coup, the Grand National Assembly building was struck by bombs and gunfire.

Ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party Bursa Deputy Bennur Karaburun told Anadolu Agency that she arrived at the assembly on the night of July 15 in her wheelchair to guard the people's rostrum.

Karaburun said that she was at home in Ankara at around 9.00 p.m. local time (0600 GMT) when she started to hear loud gunshots. She said that she decided to go to the assembly with her colleagues.

Karaburun says she told her colleagues: Let's wear our shrouds, implying that they were risking their lives.

"When my security officer was holding me to help me out of my car [after arriving at the assembly] a bomb exploded. It was so heavy that everyone stampeded. Some people fell down on the ground," she said.

Karaburun says they opened the general assembly with Speaker of the Parliament Ismail Kahraman and some ministers.

"We decided to go to the shelter after another bomb was dropped," she added.

"The gate was 20 meters away from us. A big explosion occurred. The gate, which is the one used by the parliamentary speaker, blew up. It was incredible. We were horrified. After the gate blew up, my security officer, Samet, jumped at me to protect me. We went to downstairs [to the shelter] in a hurry," she said.

Karaburun said parliament's security guards clashed with rebels as a helicopter tried to drop soldiers into the building's yard.

She added that coup soldiers also tried to enter parliament in two buses.

"If they had entered, they would have slaughtered or arrested us. Our police struggled very well. They were saying: 'We will not hand this parliament over to them. The coup plotters cannot enter here'," Karaburun said.

The deadly coup attempt began late July 15 when rogue elements of the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically-elected government, killing at least 246 people and injuring more than 2,100 others.

U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming a so-called 'parallel state'.

Anadolu Agency
The leader of Turkey's main parliamentary opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has harshly condemned the July 15 coup during a major rally on Sunday in Istanbul.

The Turkish parliament was hit by a bomb, however parliament did its duty and repelled the coup attempt, Kemal Kilicdaroglu said.

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in central Istanbul's Taksim Square to show their unity and solidarity.

Speaking at the rally, called Republic and Democracy, Kilicdaroglu said: We condemn those who are responsible for the coup attempt and their domestic and foreign supporters, if any.

The opposition leader also underlined the importance of solidarity:

The people who live in Turkey should come together and resist any possibility of another coup attempt in these days, Kilicdaroglu said.

Separately, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited leaders of some of Turkey's political parties, including the CHP, to the presidential palace in Ankara on Monday to thank them for their stance against the coup attempt.

Last week's deadly coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically-elected government.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

Anadolu Agency
A navy captain was detained Monday, linked to an attack on a hotel in which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his family were vacationing during the recent deadly coup attempt, according to judicial sources.

Capt. Haldun Gulmez, who was treated for his injuries at an hospital in the Aegean province of Izmir, was taken into custody in Mugla province before being sent to an Izmir prison, the source said on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Two police officers were martyred in a gun battle and seven others injured during the attack July 15 at the hotel in Mugla along the Aegean coast. Erdogan said if he had not left the hotel when he did, he might have died in the assault.

The deadly coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically-elected government.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen organized the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

Anadolu Agency
A spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday laid out a case for the extradition of Fetullah Gulen to face charges that he orchestrated an attempted overthrow of the government in Ankara.

Ibrahim Kalin urged the U.S. to not allow Gulen to exploit its laws to avoid facing a fair and legitimate accounting in Turkey, in an opinion piece published in The New York Times.

Kalin wrote that mounting evidence has surfaced that points to Gulen leading the attempt, noting that the coup was planned and staged by his followers within the army.

Several generals and officers involved have confessed to having links to Gulen.

Levent Turkkan, aide-de-camp to the chief of staff for the Turkish armed forces, Gen. Hulusi Akar, admitted that he was a member of the Gulenist organization and joined the coup on order from his superiors within the group, according to Kalin.

Akar reportedly told prosecutors coup plotters urged him to speak to Gulen, who lives in the state of Pennsylvania, to persuade him to join the overthrow attempt.

The United States should extradite Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish citizen, to Turkey, as is allowed under an existing treaty, Kalin said. Turkey has already provided a number of legal documents to American authorities and will send more as further evidence is collected.

U.S. officials announced last week receipt of extradition documents for Gulen, following the coup attempt that killed more than 240 people and wounded more than 2,000 others.

The Justice Department is reviewing the papers, according to the White House.

Anadolu Agency
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has invited leaders of some of Turkey's political parties to the presidential palace in Ankara to thank them for their stance against the coup attempt on July 15.

The Turkish leader is also to receive their suggestions, a presidential source said on Sunday.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Turkish president sent a letter to the head of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party Binali Yildirim, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) head Devlet Bahceli.

"The armed coup attempt by the FETO terrorist group aiming to demolish the democratic state ruled by a constitution, fundamental rights and liberties and the Republic of Turkey was prevented by the brave resistance of our people who strongly adhered to its democracy," read the letter.

Underlining that the same decisive stance was expected from all political parties in Turkey, the letter added:

"The Turkish people encumbered important responsibilities on all of our institutions by their decisive stance against the coup attempt and now expect our political parties to carry out the same responsibilities in this extremely critical period when we need to be in solidarity."

The letter said the meeting will be held on July 25, at 2.00 p.m. local time (1100GMT).

Anadolu Agency
Police arrested 42 military personnel Monday at the War Colleges Command in Istanbul, a security source said, in the latest round of detentions following the July 15 coup attempt.

Counter-terrorism police rounded up the suspects, including commissioned officers, from the premises in the citys Besiktas neighborhood and took them to the Security Department for questioning, the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The suspects home addresses were also searched and computers and documents seized, the source added.

Fifteen officers from the command, which oversees the war colleges of Turkeys armed forces, who were arrested on July 18 have since been remanded in custody.

Around 13,000 suspects including military personnel, police, judiciary members and civil servants have been arrested in a nationwide probe into the failed coup, which saw 246 people killed and 2,100 injured.

Anadolu Agency
Turkey's top general said Monday that on the night of the July 15 coup attempt, he was asked to speak on the phone with U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen, the accused mastermind of the coup attempt.

Chief of Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, testifying as a plaintiff to Ankara prosecutors, said while he was held hostage by pro-coup soldiers, Gen. Hakan Evrim, the commander of a main jet base, asked him to speak with Gulen.

"Hakan Evrim said they could put me on phone with Fetullah Gulen, who he described as their 'opinion leader'," Akar said. "But I refused the offer at once."

"I believe those coup-plotters are members of this organization [the Fetullah Terrorist Organization, or FETO]. I think they thought their organization would take a huge blow after our Supreme Military Council meeting in August -- which we prepared for studiously," Akar said. "This terror organization probably foresaw the outcome of the upcoming meeting and attempted a coup by bombing the parliament building and security offices, killing civilians, attacking their own brothers-in-arms and units with a ferocity and dishonor never seen before."

Akar blasted the coup attempt against the elected government as a "dark stain on Turkey's history," especially at time when the Turkish security forces are getting "successful results against the terrorist organization [PKK]."

"During the night of the attempted coup, I saw that the traitors were demoralized. First the video footage of surrendered traitors on the Bosphorus Bridge, and then our president's address to the crowd at Ataturk Airport destroyed the hopes of the coup-plotting traitors," he added.

In six pages of testimony, Akar stated that near 9.00 p.m. (1800GMT) on the failed coup night, Maj. Gen. Mehmet Disli entered his room and said something like, 'Sir, the operation has begun. We'll take everyone, the brigades and troops are on their way'."

"At first I couldnt make any sense of what he said," Akar stated. "He might have said something about planes. But I understood that there was an operation which I can describe as an uprising. I yelled at him: 'What the hell are you talking about! Are you crazy, don't even think about it!'"

Turkey's top general also stated that he had warned Disli and the coup-plotters about the "path they were taking," and urged him to "end the attempt without causing any deaths and not involving anybody else.

"I couldnt convince them," he stated. "As he was exiting the room, I saw Lt. Serdar, Sgt. Abdullah, and Lt. Col. Levent [Turkkan]," then Akars aide-de-camp.

Akar said the three soldiers rushed to his room, held him down, and then partially strangled and handcuffed him.

After threatening to kill him, Akar continued, the soldiers took him to Akinci air jet base, northwest of Ankara, to force him to read and sign the coup manifesto.

Akar said he "never even touched" the manifesto which the coup soldiers wanted him to sign to topple Turkeys democratically elected government.

"When they read their manifesto out to me, I listened cynically and without any interest," Akar said.

"Those traitors even called their junta attempt the 'Peace at Home Council,' they said nothing about who belongs to the council," he explained.

Other senior officers who refused to participate were taken hostage, including Akar, who was later rescued from the pro-coup soldiers.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly coup attempt on July 15, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

Anadolu Agency
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met the leaders of Turkey's ruling party as well as two major opposition parties in Ankara, a presidential spokesman said Monday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met behind closed doors with ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party head and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) head Devlet Bahceli, said presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin.

Erdogan thanked the leaders for their "clear attitude towards the rule of law, freedom, and democracy on the night of July 15," when rogue military elements launched a failed military coup.

The president stressed that a spirit of shared unity was the most important tool for tackling any kind of problem, Kalin said in a written statement.

"The leaders reached consensus over the effective use of political dialogue mechanisms to find permanent solutions to mutual problems," he said.

Erdogan also said the fight against all security threats, including the terrorist PKK and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO)  the latter blamed for carrying out the coup  would be maintained with determination, the spokesman noted.

On Sunday, Erdogan sent a letter to the leaders of the ruling AK Party, CHP, and MHP, all of them represented in Turkeys parliament.

"The armed coup attempt by the FETO terrorist group aiming to demolish the democratic state ruled by a constitution, fundamental rights and liberties, and the Republic of Turkey was prevented by the brave resistance of our people, who were strongly faithful to its democracy," said the letter.

"The Turkish people shouldered important responsibilities of all of our institutions through their decisive stance against the coup attempt, and now we expect our political parties to fulfill the same responsibilities in this extremely critical period when we need to stand in solidarity," the letter added.

The Turkish government has repeatedly said the deadly failed coup, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

Anadolu Agency
Turkeys prime minister said Monday that a number of small-scale constitutional changes are coming through the consensus of the parties whose leaders met with the president earlier in the day.

Speaking to reporters in Ankara after the third Cabinet meeting since the July 15 coup attempt, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the parties have agreed on the need for necessary changes to the Constitution to ease deadlocks in the system.

Earlier the leaders of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace.

We will work together to prepare the infrastructure for this [system], Yildirim said.

On bigger changes to come, he added, We have decided to continue the unfinished process to make a new constitution.

Yildirim announced that the Supreme Military Council (YAS), customarily held at the end of August, will be held this Thursday instead, and for the first time the venue will be the Prime Ministry.

The premier also announced that the Cabinet had decided that Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge will be renamed the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge.

He said that two monuments will be erected in Istanbul and Ankara in honor of the martyrs of the attempted coup.

Yildirim added that the Gendarmerie, Coast Guard Commands will be fully tied to the Interior Ministry.

Anadolu Agency
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that the coup attempt 15 July would not change Ankaras commitment to a refugee deal with the European Union (EU).

Turkey stands by its commitment with regard to refugees, Erdogan said in an interview with German ARD television.

Turkey and the EU signed the deal March 18, which aims to discourage irregular migration through the Aegean Sea by taking stricter measures against human traffickers and improving conditions of nearly 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.

The deal included a 6 billion euro ($6.8 billion) aid package to help Turkey care for millions of refugees hosted in the country.

Ask them [the EU]. Did you pay? But Turkey still hosts 3 million people. What would Europe do if we let these people go to Europe, Erdogan asked.

Hosting the most Syrian refugees in the world, Erdogan told ARD television that Turkey has spent nearly $12 billion from the state budget to care for them since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in 2011.

He said the European Union has provided just 2 billion euros for the refugees and stressed that Turkey would continue to take care Syrian refugees even if the European Union does not provide financial help.

During the interview, Erdogan criticized Europe for doing little in the face of terrorism.

Saying that Ankara has fought against terror in the last 30-35 years, he accused Berlin of seriously supporting the PKK terror group.

I handed over 4,000 dossiers to [German leader Angela Merkel]. When I asked her what did you do? she told me judicial process is underway, Erdogan said.

He said terrorists have continued to live in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, adding that although Turkey has provided intelligence on these people, they have not been handed over.

He called on Europe for a joint effort against terror.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization also by the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state in July 2015. Since then, nearly 600 security personnel, including troops, police officers and village guards have been martyred and more than 7,700 PKK terrorists killed in operations across Turkey and northern Iraq.

On terror attacks in Europe, Erdogan said while condemning them, he would not accept the label Islamic terror.

Such label, according to Erdogan, would be an insult to all Muslims.

On a question regarding the government mulling bringing back death penalty for plotters of the deadly July 15 coup, Erdogan said in democracies the decision rested with the people, pointing out that the capital punishment was being practiced in many democratic countries outside Europe.

Anadolu Agency
Turkey's main opposition leader on Tuesday called for the extradition of Pennsylvania-based preacher Fetullah Gulen, accused of being the mastermind behind the deadly July 15 coup attempt.

"If Fetullah Gulen says 'I want to be acquitted' he has to come and be prosecuted by the independent courts in Turkey," Republican Peoples Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu told reporters after a visit to a police facility in the Golbasi area in Ankara.

Kilicdaroglu said that Turkey's request for extradition and sending ministers to U.S. are positive for us.

Kilicdaroglu said it was an important move by the Turkish people from across the country to take to the streets in protest against the coup attempt.

He also said his party would support necessary changes to the constitution, written in the wake of the 1980 coup.

"We will contribute to any changes in constitution regarding the independence and impartially judiciary," Kilicdaroglu said. "I hope that the political parties will come together in the coming days and we solve this problem."

On Monday, Kilicdaroglu met behind closed doors with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party head and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chairman Devlet Bahceli.

After meeting with Erdogan, Yildirim said that the parties have agreed on the need for necessary changes to the constitution to ease deadlocks in the system after the July 15 failed coup.

The July 15 deadly coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government.

Turkey deems Gulen and his so-called parallel state responsible for the coup attempt, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, and calls for preacher's extradition to Turkey to face trial.

On July 18, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in Brussels that his country has "a formal process for dealing with extradition requests" and that Turkey "must send evidence, not allegations".

On July 19, Turkey sent four files to the U.S. authorities regarding Gulen's extradition.

Anadolu Agency
The Turkish embassy in the U.S. on Monday demanded an apology from a major U.S. news network for an utterly unacceptable and "false" report regarding a recent coup attempt in Turkey.

"[Kyle] Griffin's report that during the July 15 coup attempt Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan requested asylum in Germany was absolutely false, unacceptable and had no credible supporting evidence whatsoever," the embassy wrote in a letter to NBC News.

"We demand NBC News and Mr. Griffin to issue a formal apology for this unacceptable conduct."

The embassy said it is "outrageous" that such sensitive information about the well-being of the Turkish president was unprofessionally handled, and shared publicly without first checking first the validity and credibility of the source.

The letter comes after the New York-based producer for The Last Word show on the MSNBC network, tweeted during the overthrow attempt July 15 that he received a scoop form a U.S. military source. "Senior US military source tells NBC News that Erdogan, refused landing rights in Istanbul, is reported to be seeking asylum in Germany, Griffin told his 5,700 followers on Twitter.

The letter describes Griffin's tweet as "highly irresponsible" and said it contributed to the already "high amount of misinformation" on social media.

Media outlets, including The Washington Post, used Griffins tweet in their reports as millions of residents heeded Erdogan's call to defeat the coup attempt by taking to the streets.

The tweet has since been deleted but neither has Griffin nor NBC News "thoroughly acknowledged its mistake nor issued an apology for that," according to the letter from the Turkish embassy.

Reporters at the independently-funded Newsbud online news outlet posted a YouTube video last week that demanded Griffin and NBC News officially apologize to Erdogan and the Turkish people by Monday.

Anadolu Agency was unable to contact Newsbud about the status of its request for an apology.

If an apology is not issued by that time, Newsbud has urged its reporters and others, activists and those in the Turkish diaspora plan to demonstrate at the headquarters on NBC News in New York to force an apology.
Turkeys prime minister on Tuesday warned the EU against rash statements as the country undergoes a state of emergency following the July 15 coup attempt.

Binali Yildirim spoke following comments by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in which he warned the reintroduction of the death penalty by Turkey would end the countrys bid to join the EU. Turks have called for the penalty to be reinstated following the failed coup.

He should make more careful statements, Yildirim said in an interview with British broadcaster Sky News in Ankara. While Turkey is fighting with such a threat, the fact that they keep up their finger and threaten Turkey is not up to them.

The prime minister, who took office in May, warned of additional arrests as those behind the failed coup are hunted down.

There are arrests and detentions and the process has not been completed yet, he said. Around 13,000 military, police, judiciary and civil servants have been arrested since July 15 and tens of thousands more removed from their posts.

Yildirim blamed the coup on terrorists in soldier uniforms within the Turkish military and also addressed whether the U.S had prior knowledge of the coup attempt. He said it was not a credible rumor.

Earlier, Yildirim told The Guardian newspaper there was no doubt Fetullah Gulen played a direct role in the coup attempt.

In an apparent contradiction of previous government statements that Turkey had submitted an extradition request to the U.S. for the Pennsylvania-based preacher, Yildirim said Turkey was still preparing a formal request.

He told the British newspaper that officials were preparing files on his supporters involvement in the coup attempt that would be submitted to Washington.

Turkey has accused Gulen of masterminding the coup attempt and regards him as the head of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization.

Yildirim said the U.S. was not involved in the attempt to topple the Turkish government but added: Of course, since the leader of this terrorist organization is residing in the United States there are question marks in the minds of the people whether there is any U.S. involvement or backing.

So America from this point on should really think how they will continue to cooperate with Turkey, which is a strategic ally for them in the region and world.

Yilidirm pointed to claims by those arrested in Turkey in the aftermath of the failed plot that Gulen was involved, repeating that the Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, who was taken hostage during the coup attempt, was offered the chance to speak to Gulen by telephone so he can also join their movement.

Asked if closer ties between Turkey and Russia would be expected in future, Yildirim said definitely. "More ties will be developed. Turkey and Russia are neighbors and share the Black Sea. We also share common interests and a common future in the region."

Anadolu Agency
The U.S.-based preacher wanted in Turkey in connection with the July 15 coup attempt is seeking to flee the U.S. following a request for his extradition, Turkeys justice minister said Tuesday.

Bekir Bozdag said intelligence showed Fetullah Gulen, who has lived in Pennsylvania since 1999, was planning to escape to a country without an extradition treaty with Turkey.

Last week, Ankara filed extradition documents with the U.S. calling for Gulen to be returned to Turkey to face charges that he heads the Fetullah Terrorist Organization, or FETO, behind the failed coup that resulted in at least 246 deaths.

We think that he is searching for countries to run to, he has chosen some countries, Bozdag said during an interview with the A Haber TV network. He identified Egypt, Mexico, Canada, Australia and South Africa as countries where Turkey believes Gulen could seek refuge.

Bozdag added: He especially picks the countries that do not have any extradition agreement with Turkey and he may flee any moment.

According to the White House, the U.S. is reviewing the extradition request.

Turkey has repeatedly accused Gulen and his supporters of being behind the failed coup.

The Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, who was held hostage by pro-coup soldiers, has described how one of his captors offered to let him speak to our leader Fetullah Gulen on the telephone.

Before the coup bid, the government had said Gulen was behind efforts to subvert the state through supporters placed in public bodies such as the judiciary and police, a phenomenon known as the parallel state.

Anadolu Agency
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in St.Petersburg on Aug. 9, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Tuesday.

The meeting will be the first since Russia and Turkey began normalizing relations following the downing of a Russian jet in November last year.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkadiy Dvorkovich in Moscow, Simsek said the two countries wanted to normalize relations "as quickly as possible".

"Russia is not only our valuable neighbor, but also our important and strategic partner," Simsek said.

"We are here to improve our relations and bring them to an even higher level than before Nov. 24," he added.

Following the downing of a Russian fighter jet that violated Turkish airspace on Nov. 24 relations between the two countries soured rapidly.

"We aim [towards] improving the relations between the two countries with constructive [dialogue]," Dvorkovich said.

Simsek said that he thanked Russia for its support towards Turkey during the July 15 coup attempt.

"The principle standing in our country over the coup attempt against the democratically elected government is that the issues should be solved within the constitution," Dvorkovich said.

Anadolu Agency
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim expressed disappointment Tuesday at the lack of support from the Obama administration regarding Turkey's request to extradite FETO leader Fetullah Gulen.

"The evidence is crystal clear. We know the terrorist cult responsible for vicious attacks against us and the Turkish people," Yildirim said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

"We are heartbroken at the way that the U.S. has treated this matter. We simply cannot understand why the U.S. just cant hand over this individual."

Yildirim added that the U.S.-Turkish strategic alliance's strength must outweigh the procedural matters.

The premier also said Turkish investigators' testimony compiled from the coup plotters must be considered credible.

Following the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey, where more than 240 people were martyred, Turkey said U.S.-based preacher Gulen masterminded it and regards him as the head of FETO, or Fetullah Terrorist Organization.

Though Turkey sent an official extradition request last week, the U.S. insists that needs to see evidence to send Gulen back to Turkey.

Yildirim stressed that the U.S. kept asking for documents but the martyrs, who were bombed from jets and run over by tanks, were already enough as proof.

"The evidence is clear. We have testimony by suspected members of the coup that they took orders from this person," he said.

The prime minister said the putsch attempt shook the nation as the 9/11 attacks did the U.S., and all current ongoing investigations were conducted in accordance with legal and constitutional parameters.

Yildirim also denied claims that detainees are being tortured or mistreated.

Although Turkey had previously opened court cases against Gulen and his organization before the failed coup, Yildirim says that the government was not "firm enough" in its prosecution.

According to Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, intelligence sources showed that Gulen, who has lived in Pennsylvania since 1999, was currently planning to escape to a country without an extradition treaty with Turkey.

He identified Australia, Canada, Egypt, Mexico and South Africa as countries where Turkey believes Gulen could seek refuge.

Anadolu Agency
EUs ambivalent attitude to failed coup attempt in Turkey will affect future relations.

The European Union, whose origins can be traced back to the European Coal and Steel Community, which was established in 1951 by the Treaty of Paris, signed by France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, appears today as a union, that is sui generis, both regards to its pioneering and exemplary role in economic, political and social arenas, and its unique structure in terms of understanding of democracy, and human rights and freedoms.

In this context, it would not be wrong to consider the EU as a process, during which Europe  which was in the aftermath of the Second World War in a pretty weak and disintegrated state politics, economics and military wise  redefined and restructured itself on the basis of democratic values.

Currently enjoying 28 members, with the latest addition being Croatia in 2013, the bloc has evolved into a gigantic economic and political union, which has also played a pioneering role in the democratization of the global system through the value and importance it places on democracy and democratic values.

However, considering in particular the global economic crises in the past decade, and their negative effects on the EU member states, as well as the emergence of regional actors which have started to get a bigger share of the global economy, it can be said that the current period is one of the hardest periods facing the EU ever since its establishment.

The weakening of the EUs strong economic position has had a pretty negative impact on the economies of its member states, including in particular Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy; leading bloc members to even question the European Union ideal. What is most striking at this point is that the European Union has been faced with the choice of abandoning the very democratic values which it has defined itself by and advocated, in order to maintain and restore its economy, which is its main driving power. Faced with this dilemma, the bloc has distanced itself from democratic values and adopted an anti-democratic political understanding which is based on pragmatism.

The European Union, especially during the Arab Spring, almost ignored the democratic demands of the Middle Eastern nations, adopting a pragmatist stance which kept at the forefront its own political and economic interests. The starkest example of this anti-democratic and pragmatist stance is undoubtedly the support given to Egypts army chief General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who staged a military coup on July 3, 2013 and overthrew the democratically elected, and legitimate government of President Mohamed Morsi.

Although the EU tried to legitimize the coup through claims that Egypt, under Morsis presidency, was thrown into a political, economic and social chaos, it even failed to persuade its own citizens in this matter, and was highly criticized over its anti-democratic and pragmatist stance which was in full contradiction with the values it advocated.

Similarly, in the case of the Syrian civil war which has been going on since March 2011, the EU has been rather passive, and adopted a stance that was in full contrast with democratic values, and human rights and freedoms it purported to advocate worldwide.

Moreover, the reduction of the Syrian civil war to a refugee issue within the Union, and the systematic communication of this to the community, can be seen as a clear example of being stuck between pragmatism and democratic values Europe deems belong to them.

This can also be observed when one considers the EU-Turkey relations which started July 31, 1959 with the application of Turkey to be a member of the European Economic Community, followed by the ongoing accession process to the EU. It is an acknowledged truth that Turkey has often been subjected to anti-democratic practices during this process, which is contrary to the EU legislation.

Still, EU-Turkey relations can be summarized as an alliance built on mutual political, military, economic and social interests, which has been going on with a certain steadiness since 1959.

However, the European Union did not react in the first hours of the coup attempt that aimed to overthrow the democratically elected government in Turkey through illegal and undemocratic ways on July 15, resulting in more than 240 people losing their lives and over 1,500 people being injured.

Moreover, the official news agencies of the EU states supported the coup attempt indirectly, and tried to legitimize it until the failure of the coup attempt. Hereafter, European politicians aimed to create political pressure on Turkey as saying that Turkey is becoming authoritarian.

This attitude of the bloc became the symbol of an undemocratic and pragmatic stance as unprecedented before in the EU-Turkey relations. Although military coups have been strongly criticized and not seen legal theoretically in the democratic conception of the EU, the examples of Egypt and Turkey have not been criticized adequately.

This situation cannot be explained in line with the concept of democracy and democratic values of the EU. In fact, the EUs position contrary to its democratic values that define itself against Turkey is not new. This has become clear in direct proportion to Turkeys growing roles in the region in parallel with political, economic and military developments especially in the last 10 years.

In this context, it would not be wrong to say that the European Union sees Turkey as a rival in the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa rather than a partner in political, economic and military fields because Turkeys influence has increased in these regions. From this perception, the EUs stance against Turkey, and its pragmatist and realpolitik policies which are far away from democratic bases, values have become clearer.

This understanding is the basis of pragmatic realpolitik aiming to take control of Turkey politically and economically and to keep Turkey in a plane parallel with the EUs political, economic and military interest.

When we consider these determinations, we understand why the EU wanted to suppress Turkey by criticizing it with authoritativeness, restriction on human rights and freedom, freedom of thought and expression as Turkeys policies have no match with the EUs interest for a long while.

The EUs ambivalent attitude against the failed coup attempt will undoubtedly affect the future of Turkey-EU relations deeply. Also, Turkeys suspicion of the sincerity of the EU and the concept of the alliance would remain in the coming period.

In sum, the European Union, which rose from the ashes after the World War II and designated itself with democracy and democratic values, is transforming itself to a union that does not meet democratic values by moving away from human rights and freedom concepts, also accepts pragmatist realpolitik conception especially after the changing of global balance to keep alive its destabilized economy over financial crisis in last 10 years.

This multi-dimensional situation would be seen as social transformation process, which causes to rise the extreme right wing and populist political movements that influence European societies and test the European Union on democratic values that defined itself, rather than a political trend consisted in the European Union.

Anadolu Agency
A suicide bombing killed at least 12 people in Iraqi capital Baghdad on Sunday, according to security and medical sources.

A bomber blew himself up in a marketplace in the Shia district of Kadhimiyah in northern Baghdad, an Interior Ministry source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions to speaking to media.

Health Ministry official Mahmoud al-Khafaji said at least 12 people were killed in the bombing.

Another 15 people were injured in the attack, he told Anadolu Agency.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the attacks, though Iraqi authorities often point the finger at Daesh group, which overran vast territory in northern and western Iraq in 2014.

According to UN estimates, at least 2,119 people were killed in violence across Iraq in June.

Anadolu Agency
Londons Syrian and Turkish communities came together Sunday to celebrate the failure of the July 15 coup plot in Turkey.

The event in Greenford, north London, was organized by the Peace and Justice for Syria group in cooperation with the Union of European Turkish Democrats in London.

Syrians carrying Turkish flags prayed for the country to continue being peaceful and prosperous.

Members of the crowd also prayed for Syrians in their struggle for freedom and for the country to be liberated. Turkeys ambassador to the U.K., Abdurrahman Bilgic, told Anadolu Agency that all came together for a democracy fete to celebrate the failure of the coup attempt in Turkey.

We are here today as part of a democracy fete with our Syrian brothers and sisters, he stated, added: With our nation, we are all one and united. Here in London, we are in the spirit of solidarity just like the streets of Turkey, with all beauties and colors.

"Thats why everywhere both our citizens and members of the Muslim world are showing their solidarity, feelings and support to each other by not sleeping, just like our brothers in Turkey.

Muhammed Najjar from the Peace and Justice in Syria group, said Syrian people were grateful for Turkeys support and, whatever happens, they would stand with the Turkish people.

Syrian people are sending a message of love and solidarity. They are trying to say in a way: We are with you. Whatever happens to you, we are with you.

We dont want to see what happened in Syria, God forbid, happen in Turkey.

We dont want to see a drop of blood on the streets of Ankara or Istanbul, anywhere in Turkey. God bless you all, God bless the Turkish people who opened their houses, their hearts, their schools, hospitals and institutes to the Syrian people.

A prayer was held during the event for the martyrs who lost their lives on July 15 in Turkey defending democracy.

Anadolu Agency
At least 19 civilians were killed and scores injured in airstrikes carried out by Syrian regime and Russian warplanes in Syrias northern Aleppo city on Saturday, according to a local civil defense official.

Ibrahim Abu Laith told Anadolu Agency that Syrian regime and Russian aircraft had bombed several residential areas in Aleppo city.

Nineteen civilians were killed and 55 others injured, including children and women, he said.

Abu Laith said that civil defense teams were struggling to extract civilians from under the rubble.

Aleppo has seen an uptick in airstrikes in recent days, coinciding with fierce clashes on the ground between armed opposition groups and regime forces on Aleppos outskirts as the latter attempt to tighten their grip on the besieged city.

On Friday, Syrian regime and Russian planes struck opposition-held areas in Aleppo, killing 16 people and injuring 21 others.

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen OBrien warned on Thursday that up to 300,000 people are at risk of besiegement in Aleppo.

Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests -- which erupted as part of that years "Arab Spring" uprisings -- with unexpected ferocity.

Anadolu Agency
At least 27 civilians were killed Monday by Syrian regime airstrikes on opposition-held areas in Aleppo and Rif Dimashq provinces, according to a local civil defense official.

Ibrahim Abu Laith told Anadolu Agency that regime warplanes dropped barrel bombs on residential areas in Aleppo citys al-Mashhad neighborhood.

Twenty civilians were killed and 25 others injured in the attack, he said.

According to Abu Laith, five families are still trapped under the rubble.

Rescuers are struggling to extract them from under the debris, he said.

Regime planes also struck a storehouse in Aleppo, which has been reeling under a crippling siege by the Syrian regime for the past two weeks, according to local sources who spoke anonymously due to security concerns.

Meanwhile, seven people were killed and 40 others injured by regime shelling of Eastern Ghouta district in Rif Dimashq province east of Damascus.

The shelling has caused a massive trail of destruction, a local civil defense source, who preferred to be unnamed due to security concerns, said.

Syria has been locked in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests -- which erupted as part of that years "Arab Spring" uprisings -- with unexpected ferocity.

Since then, more than a quarter of a million people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced across the war-battered country, according to the UN.

The Syrian Center for Policy Research, however, has put the death toll from the five-year conflict at more than 470,000.

Anadolu Agency
Police are investigating a knife attack at a facility for the disabled that killed 19 and seriously injured many others west of Tokyo, in the largest case of mass murder in Japans modern history.

Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that a knife-wielding man had attacked the Tsukui Yamayuri En facility in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, early Tuesday (late Monday GMT) when most of the patients would have been sleeping.

A man is reported to have turned himself in to a local police station around 3 a.m. (1800GMT Monday) where he was promptly arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police have said that of the 25 injured, 20 are in a serious condition.

Reports say the man, who the facility identified as a former employee, has admitted to the attack with police quoting him saying its better that the disabled disappear.

The death toll, at 19, makes it the largest mass murder in modern Japanese history, even more than the infamous 1995 sarin nerve gas attack on the capitals subway system which killed 12.

There have been two other serious attacks using knives (it is almost impossible to obtain a gun in Japan).

In June 2001, a man armed with a kitchen knife broke into an elementary school in Osaka and killed eight children.

In 2008, an assailant drove a truck into a crowd in Akihabara section of Tokyo, and then got out and stabbed others, totaling seven dead.

Anadolu Agency
During the Energy Chamber's Post AGM Event at the Hyatt Regency hotel Wednesday evening, the Finance Minister Colm Imbert offered an insight into how going to the supermarket has been for him since he announced the increase in the prices of gasoline and diesel in the 2023 Budget.
Next weeks Australian Story reflects on the the great friendship between jazz greats Don Burrows, and his legal guardian, James Morrison.

This episode is introduced by Megan Washington

The touching friendship between jazzman James Morrison and his long-time mentor Don Burrows is the focus of this weeks program, The Two of Us.

Don Burrows took the young trumpeter under his wing when James was just 16 and studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. After Don was diagnosed with dementia following a stroke several years ago, they effectively switched roles.

James has become Dons legal guardian and taken charge of his care at a nursing home on Sydneys northern beaches.

Now Dons at the stage where he needs looking after, and its really lovely to be able to look after him, the way he did for me for so many years. It never crossed my mind that Im not Dons family by blood. We are his family and we needed to look after him. James explains.

Don had semi-retired from performing and moved to the Victorian town of Paynesville to enjoy his other great love  fishing. But the stroke left him paralysed down one side and no longer able to take care of himself.

James made the decision to move Don back to the veteran jazzmans hometown of Sydney after realising that music was the key to his recovery.

The realisation came when James visited Don in hospital two months after the stroke, and encouraged Don to pick up his clarinet.

It was like a switch flicked, and suddenly he was Don Burrows again, he was playing just like he always did. It was like his mind snapped back into place. He didnt get his short term memory back, but he got his personality back. James recalls.

James and his wife Judi were convinced that the best medicine for Don was to be around music and the family of musicians he had played with all his life in Sydney.

Don, who will turn 88 on 8 August, gets regular visits from former band mates including guitarist George Golla and pianist Kevin Hunt.

Meanwhile, James has opened a school of jazz at Mount Gambier in South Australia to continue the mentoring work pioneered by Don Burrows.

The James Morrison Academy of Music offers one-year or three-year courses in jazz, in conjunction with the University of South Australia.

And certainly whilst ever Im around, well be teaching about what Don Burrows has meant to Australian jazz, he says.

Monday 1st August at 8pm on ABC.
Jo McAlister, Head of Group Marketing at SBS, is joining NBCUniversal Networks as Marketing Director for Australia and New Zealand.

She will replace Shannon Most who, after almost three years in the role, becomes Vice President, Marketing at NBCUniversal Internationals London headquarters.

McAlister has more than 20 years experience in marketing, including overseeing the launch of the Food Network and Eurovision brands at SBS, Head of Marketing for STUDIO and World Movies plus roles at Seven West Media. She recently graduated from The Marketing Academy Australia Leaders Program.

At NBCUniversal she will drive the marketing, PR, digital and social media strategy for Universal Channel, 13th Street, Style, E! and Syfy in Australia, along with Bravo and E! in New Zealand.

Chris Taylor, MD, Australia & New Zealand, NBCUniversal International Distribution & Network said: Jos pedigree as a high-calibre marketer speaks for itself and Im thrilled to welcome her to our NBCUniversal International Networks team, headquartered in Sydney. While we will all miss the privilege of working with Shannon Most, I am delighted to see him relocate within the company and am confident that Jo will continue to build upon the industry-leading work of Shannon and our talented local team.

She begins on August 20th.
Catholic cardinal George Pell has accused the ABC of a smear campaign following a report by 7:30 that police are investigating multiple child abuse allegations levelled against him.

ABC reported complaints were linked to events from the 1970s to the 1990s, during his time as Archbishop of Melbourne in the 1990s. It reported Victoria Polices Taskforce SANO has been examining the allegations by complainants from Ballarat, Torquay and Melbourne for more than a year.

7:30 has obtained eight police statements from complainants, witnesses and family members. It said the case has been referred by Victoria Police to the Office of Public Prosecutions for advice.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton confirmed it is very much a live investigation.

George Pell declined to be interviewed by 7:30.

In a statement, his office said: The Cardinal does not wish to cause any distress to any victim of abuse. However, claims that he has sexually abused anyone, in any place, at any time in his life are totally untrue and completely wrong.

It continued: He denies the allegations absolutely, and says that they, and any acceptance of them by the ABC, are nothing more than a scandalous smear campaign which appears to be championed by the ABC. If there was any credibility in any of these claims, they would have been pursued by the Royal Commission by now.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police had no comment, at this time.

Source: ABC
The revived Twin Peaks series is coming in 2017, and from all accounts it will be in the US summer (winter in Australia).

David Lynch will direct all 18 episodes with its mammoth cast of 217.

As to whats in store co-creator Mark Frosts book The Secret History of Twin Peaks has dropped one or two hints about the plot.

Twenty-five years [after Dale Coopers investigation of the murder of Laura Palmer], the FBI gets a hold of a box it wont divulge the provenance of. In the box, a huge dossier it teases.

A female FBI agent is tasked to analyse all the documents inside, and everything related to the strange town of Twin Peaks. She also has to determine the identity of the person who compiled the dossier.

Along the way, she discovers secrets about the lives of the towns residents, but also investigative reports from Dale Cooper who has since vanished, newspaper clippings, an autopsy report, and other classified information.

What happened since the death of the young woman? And why did an anonymous archivist compile such a thorough dossier on Twin Peaks and its origins?

It will screen in Australia on Stan.

Source: Digital Spy
Stan thriller Wolf Creek has been licensed to Lionsgate for the North American and Latin American markets.

This follows the announcement last month that the miniseries will broadcast on Fox UK in August.

Wolf Creek is world-class, premium Australian drama made for a global audience. The series has been a smash hit locally, and through the acquisitions by Lionsgate and Fox UK is now set to thrill audiences around the world, Stan CEO, Mike Sneesby, said.

The Lionsgate deal is one of the biggest international distribution deals for an Australian show. By generating significant licensing revenues for our Stan Original Series we are able to reinvest into the local production industry.

After premiering exclusively on Stan, Wolf Creek has been a huge success in Australia with critics and fans. The drama series exceeded 500,000 views within days of its launch, making it the biggest premiere ever on Stan.

Stan Original Series Wolf Creek is a Screentime (a Banijay Group company) production in association with Emu Creek Pictures. International sales are being handled by Zodiak Rights, the distribution arm of Banijay Group, with the Lionsgate deal brokered by Zodiak Rights Andreas Lemos  VP of Sales and Acquisitions.

We are delighted to be partnering with Lionsgate on Stan Original Series Wolf Creek. The companys support for this original piece of drama will ensure that Wolf Creek makes a huge impact in arguably the most competitive media environment in the world, Tim Mutimer, CEO Zodiak Rights, said.
All Airmen have their own individual character traits and work ethics, but sometimes there are those individuals who clearly exceed others because of their passion for the job. One such Airmen is found in the 81st Range Control Squadron.

Airman 1st Class Rachel Jones, 81st RCS live technician, was selected by her leadership as an outstanding performer for her tireless dedication to her duties and contributions to the mission. With only a little over a year in the military, she lives and breathes her job as a live technician.

Im originally from Huntington, Indiana, Jones said, who graduated from Huntington North High School with a graduating class of approximately 350 people.

Coming from a small farm town, the Panama City, Florida area is a new experience for her. Jones uses her new environment to calm her from the struggles of work.

When I lived back home I ran with the cross country team in high school and enjoyed camping, Jones said. Since being stationed at Tyndall, I have become a real water person. I really enjoy the fresh water springs around the area, they are gorgeous. I feel that being out on the water on a paddle board or a kayak helps me find balance between work and home life.

Although Jones has family in the military, it did not impact her decision to join the Air Force. She came upon the idea while with a friend.

I have a cousin in the military, thats not what drew me to the Air Force, Jones said. I kind of joined on a whim. I went to a delayed enlisted program all-call with a friend and decided then that the Air Force was for me.

She is responsible for coordinating with several agencies to ensure all aircraft enter into and out of the Tyndall airspace safely. She works directly with air traffic control on Tyndall and both at the local and national level.

I wouldnt call anything in my daily duties a difficulty, but one thing I try to focus on is working with different types of people in the most constructive and productive ways, Jones said. The most rewarding thing in my day is seeing firsthand how a job is actually finished. We do a lot of stuff here and its not just one office doing everything  its many offices working together.

Relatively new to the military, Jones has shown her potential for learning and performing at higher levels. Her dedication and drive led her to be selected to attend the Weapons Director School.

One of my biggest goals is to be prepared and get through Weapons Director School, which I will be starting next year, Jones said. In that school I will be controlling the pilots while they do missions by giving them targeting calls and communicating with them.

Members of her leadership spoke very highly of Jones and explained further why she was given this opportunity.

She does such a phenomenal job, said Maj. Derrick Iwanenko, 81st RCS director of operations. That is why she is being given the opportunity to go and become a Weapons Director. The schooling that she is about to go through is highly competitive, and they dont just take anybody. All are welcome to apply but not everyone gets selected.

In the short amount of time that she has been here, Airman 1st Class Jones demonstrated an ability to take on that responsibility. She is passionate about what she does  she just cares. And you can see that in everything she does. When you have a self-starter, you can give her tasks and she will do it to the best of her abilities. She will ask all the right questions, and she is driven by her passion...to see that out of a young Airman is motivating.
One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and one soldier was wounded in ATO area in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

Spokesman for the Presidential Administration on the ATO, Colonel Andriy Lysenko said this at a briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and one soldier was wounded as a result of the military operations over the past day, Lysenko said.

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Ukravtodor, the State Road Agency of Ukraine, will get a new head by the end of this summer, Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelian has said.

In August a good specialist will become the head of Ukravtodor, this person will change the structure fundamentally, Omelian said at a press briefing on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The Minister said he doesnt rule out that a Ukrainian citizen could hold this post.

Earlier there were reports that a person with western experience will be appointed the head of the State Road Agency of Ukraine.

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The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has approved the law to allocate almost UAH 4 billion for financing infrastructure projects in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

First Vice Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Iryna Gerashchenko said this during her trip to Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"One of the important decisions the Parliament of this convocation has recently made is the decision to allocate (precisely to the local budgets) a sufficient sum of money, almost UAH 4 billion, for development of infrastructure facilities in Donetsk and Luhansk regions," Gerashchenko said.

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Large-scale reshuffles have begun in the Russian regions, various government agencies of the Russian Federation and the occupied Sevastopol on Thursday, the President of the Russian Federation site and the Russian media have reported.

The Kremlin website has reported as facts the following appointments. Sergey Menyailo, former mayor of the occupied Sevastopol, was appointed presidential envoy to the Siberian Federal District. Dmitry Ovsyannikov was appointed acting "Governor of Sevastopol city."

Unconfirmed reports concerning Ukraine have also been published. "Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov has been dismissed from his post. Meanwhile, the Kremlin's website hasnt released any information on this allegation," Moscow Speaking radio station has said.

tl
A film hooting of a full-length feature film about the ATO soldiers the war in eastern Ukraine has begun in Vinnytsia. The working title of the movie is "I keep you tight close to my heart", local Ukrinform correspondent has reported from the set.

"It will be a Ukrainian movie about current events in eastern Ukraine through the prism of a concrete person - a former military officer, who cannot adapt himself to civilian life after his resignation, and when the ATO started he goes to the frontline as a volunteer. The main character will live through capture and all those tribulations experienced by a large number of our military. Genuine ATO servicemen are engaged by us as consultants this is why we hope to make the film with the most historical truthfulness. It is our ideological front - moviemaking in this respect has lagged behind, and now it needs to catch up,"- said film producer Valery Shalyha.

The genre of the movie is social drama. Its produced using a script written by young author Lilia Lihostayeva from Kherson. The movie will be made both for movie theater format and for television broadcasting. Once the film is ready, it will be offered for showing by main TV channels. In general, the shooting period is expected to be completed in 32 days.

tl


Hands-on STEM Program Culminates in Launch of Worlds Largest Sport Rocket



Centennial, Boulder and Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 24, 2016)  A 50-foot-tall high-power sport rocket carried payloads thousands of feet above Fort Carson Army Post today at the Student Rocket Launch. Sponsored by United Launch Alliance, Ball Aerospace and the Space Foundation, the record-setting event marked the culmination of an experience designed to simulate a real-life launch campaign and inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).



The launch featured two high-power sport rockets built by interns at United Launch Alliance (ULA)  including the Future Heavy, the largest sport rocket to launch anywhere in the world. Ball Aerospace interns built the four largest payloads (onboard experiments/instruments), while K-12 students from Colorado created additional payloads. The Space Foundation also teamed up with Estes Rockets to offer area YMCA day campers a chance to launch their own rockets.



It is an exciting time to be in the space industry, and United Launch Alliance continuously works to excite the next generation of rocket scientists, astronauts, space entrepreneurs and enthusiasts, said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. The Student Rocket Launch offers students from kindergarten through graduate school a hands-on opportunity to design, test and ultimately launch their creations  a simulation of the multi-year missions ULA works with our customers.



Working on their own time, the ULA and Ball interns designed, built and tested the rockets and the payloads with the guidance of mentors from both companies. Altogether, 68 interns and 22 mentors from ULA as well as 37 interns and 19 mentors from Ball participated this year.



This years event kicked off with the Space Foundation-sponsored launches, followed by the 10-foot-tall Genesis rocket and then the 50-foot tall Future Heavy. The Future Heavy carried all of the student payloads, weighing in at more than 1,200 pounds and generating 6,600 pounds of thrust off the launch pad.



Ball interns, collectively known as BIRST (Ball Intern Rocket Science Team), designed, built and tested the four largest payloads. This years concepts included: search and rescue missions via unmanned aerial vehicles, deploying an off-road vehicle and an LED light show.



This program provides Ball and ULA interns a collaborative real-world aerospace industry experience from concept to launch in just a few short weeks, said Rob Strain, President of Ball Aerospace. This launch is the culmination of efforts, from our high caliber interns and employee mentors to the K-12 teams with sponsorship from the Space Foundationit really demonstrates that Colorado is an exciting place for aerospace today and for future generations.



Fifteen K-12 student teams from Colorado also designed and built payloads that launched on the Future Heavy rocket. The payloads include a kindergarten experiment in solar physics as well as an approximation of the Mars Curiosity rovers entry, descent and landing when it landed on Mars.

About United Launch Alliance

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nations most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 100 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.



For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunchand instagram.com/ulalaunch.

About Ball Aerospace

Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. For more information, visit the Ball Aerospace website at www.ball.com/aerospace. Join in the conversation at www.facebook.com/ballaerospace/ and twitter.com/BallAerospace.

About the Space Foundation

Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is the foremost advocate for all sectors of space, and is a global, nonprofit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium, in support of its mission "to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity." Space Foundation World Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. The Space Foundation has a Washington, D.C., office and field representatives in Houston and the Florida Space Coast. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space CertificationTM and Space Technology Hall of Fame programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit www.SpaceFoundation.org, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Flickr and YouTube, and read our e-newsletter Space Watch.
The dry and arid lands of Yemen are interspersed with seasonal river valleys along which towns and villages were built. These river valleys are called wadis and many places are built along them for the water. Wadi Hadhramaut and Wadi Dawan are two such river valleys located in the eastern and central parts of Yemen.

The specialty of the towns and villages along these river valleys is the unique architecture of the buildings. The buildings are all multi-storied apartments constructed entirely of mud bricks and wooden floors.

All the buildings are built close to one another and are densely packed. The towns and villages lie at traditional watering stations along the river valleys. They are mostly built on plateaus and huge rocks. Whenever it rains or there are floods, the buildings weaken and require continuing maintenance.

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Shibam is also known as Manhattan of the Desert because of its tall buildings and the way they contrast with the surrounding plateau.

The town is laid over an orthogonal grid and is enclosed in an earthen wall. The town is also sometimes called the the oldest skyscraper city in the world and is considered one of the best examples of urban planning with efficient use of space through vertical construction. In 1982, Shibam was given UNESCO World Heritage status.

Shibam, Wadi Hadhramauts most famous town, has a population of 7,000 with 500 mud houses that are 5 to 11 floors high.

The bottom floors of the buildings are mostly used for storage of grains. The main rooms on the second floors are used by men for socializing while the ones above that are used by women. The top floors are for whole family usage and sometimes are equipped with bridges to go over to other buildings for safety and convenience of old people.

The city was founded in 3rd century. Though most of the original buildings were destroyed during the floods in 16th century some still stand.

The Friday Mosque, for example, was built in 904 AD. Because of rains and erosion the buildings had to be rebuilt several times over the centuries and they have to be coated in thick sealants for protection. It also is a self-sufficient town complete with educational institutions, commercial and administrative buildings, and has as many as seven mosques. The city has been the capital many times over the years until 1940 when an airport was built near Seiyum, another town in Hadhramaut and current capital city, which shifted all the commercial activity from there.

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Wadi Dawan, a tributary of Wadi Hadhramaut, claims advanced architecture when compared to Wadi Hadhramaut.

There are several picturesque villages including Al-Mashad, Al-Hajarayn, Al-Khurayba and Khaylla. Al-Mashad houses a 15-century tomb of Hasan Ibn Hasan and is a local pilgrimage site, though the village is almost deserted. The architectural superiority over Hadhramaut is due to the introduction of cement in construction and hence it is far better preserved than the other.

Despite being one of the oldest of places, the mud brick architecture of these villages and towns seeing a decline because of commercial contractors. Other factors that add to it are the changes in agricultural wealth, natural resources and skills which are affecting its economic and future and cultural heritage.

[sources: 1, 2, 3]
"Even though we are far from the nearest town right now, I have hope that our lives will be better," says Esther Ojabajon, a South Sudanese refugee.  UNHCR/Will Swanson

ADJUMANI, Uganda  On a rainy day in northern Uganda, Esther Ojabajon surveys the small plot of land that is now her home. Her children pull up handfuls of the tall grass, burning it to prepare the land to build a shelter of wood and tarpaulin.

Sheltering from the rain in a makeshift tent, Esther described how she and her seven children  the youngest only three years old  ran for their lives when fighting broke out in South Sudan: I heard gunshots in our village and ran at night.

Once they crossed the border, the family first registered as refugees at the congested Elegu collection point before waiting in a transit centre until they could move to the Pagarinya refugee settlement.

Here, they felt secure. I haven't heard any gunshots since I arrived, she said. I don't have to worry about having to protect my children because they are free and safe.

Esther Ojabajon and her family take cover in their temporary shelter during a thunderstorm.  UNHCR/Will Swanson

South Sudanese refugee Esther Ojabajon uses fire to clear her newly assigned plot of land in northern Uganda, where she will live with her family.  UNHCR/Will Swanson

After a brief thunderstorm, Esther and her family emerge from their temporary shelter at the Pagarinya refugee settlement in northern Uganda.  UNHCR/Will Swanson

Esther, 43, believes she can create a better life for her family. Even though we are far from the nearest town right now, I have hope that our lives will be better.

She was already making plans: I can dig my plot and grow peanuts, maize, sorghum and leafy green vegetables.

This morning, Esthers two eldest children, Calisto, 20, and Manuele, 17, went to find the settlements school to resume their interrupted education.

I can dig my plot and grow peanuts, maize, sorghum and leafy green vegetables.

Fighting between rival factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar broke out in the worlds youngest country on July 7, forcing people to flee to Uganda.

So far 44,557 have made the journey. Last week an average of 4,000 people per day crossed the border.

Uganda: A South Sudanese refugee rebuilds

At its peak, Elegu collection point, equipped to accommodate 1,000 people, hosted more than 11,000 new refugees. The influx soon filled the recently-opened Pagirinya settlement, requiring UNHCR and the Government of Uganda to rapidly look at opening new settlement areas.

Pagirinya settlement, which stretches in grid formation over rolling hills around 25 kilometres south of the point where the White Nile separates Uganda from South Sudan, has grown rapidly in recent weeks.

Josephine Nakabuubi Ssenyunja, a UNHCR field assistant at the site, said the new reception centres under construction at Pagarinya would accommodate about 15,000 refugees. Some will be allocated a plot nearby, while others will move to two new settlements.

UNHCR staff were being redeployed from refugee settlements in the south and mid-west of Uganda, and partner organizations were doing their utmost to set up health clinics in newly erected tents, she said.

The refugees are much more integrated with the local community because we can do bulk farming together.

Elias Lazerus Moga, who arrived in Uganda as a refugee on Sunday, recognized the settlement commandant because he had lived as a refugee in Uganda from 1989 until 2008, when he returned home to the town of Loa in Eastern Equatoria state.

Elias, 54, said he noticed differences at the settlement compared with when he first arrived nearly three decades ago.

The refugees are much more integrated with the local community because we can do bulk farming together," he said. I could walk easily to my plot because roads have been built before the people arrived. It wasnt like this years ago.

Sibo Mutanguha, a UNHCR child protection officer in Pagarinya, said more than 65 per cent of the settlements population were below the age of 18.

Slightly built and talkative, Marta Abau, 21, is expecting her third child. Fearful of the growing insecurity, she fled her home town of Torit on July 6, a day before violence and looting flared up. Fast-tracked through the system, she received her plot of land two weeks ago.

"I think our life here will be better than in South Sudan because my child while get an education and there are health services," says Marta Abau.  UNHCR/Will Swanson

"I don't know when the war will end," says South Sudanese refugee Marta Abau, 21, standing in the mud and stick house in northern Uganda that is now her home.  UNHCR/Will Swanson

"I left South Sudan because there was no food at home," says Marta Abau, from the Eastern Equatoria region of South Sudan.  UNHCR/Will Swanson

A young refugee from South Sudan cooks food at the reception centre the newly established Pagarinya 2 camp in Adjumani District, northern Uganda.  UNHCR/Will Swanson

Standing in the mud and stick house that is now her home, Marta considered her options. The plot she was allocated was covered with fist-sized rocks which need to be cleared.

Its too difficult for me to clear the rocks straightaway because I have a young child, she said, gesturing to three-month-old Godfrey, slung on her back.

But I have already made a deal with a neighbour to use a strip of her plot in exchange for some beans.

Marta has to make up for lost time. She spent several days in the Adjumani hospital recovering from malaria, and when she returned she found that she could no longer find the tarpaulin, cooking pot and blanket issued to her by UNHCR.

Settlement officials made arrangements for her to receive replacements the next day. Im going to work hard to rebuild my life here. Ill grow maize, cassava and green vegetables for my family because, as long as there is war in South Sudan, I am not going back there, she said with determination. This is my home now.
Samiullah Haidari, a refugee from Afghanistan, works his shift at the Blue Bottle Coffee Shop in San Francisco.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

Whipping up a flat white in a San Francisco coffee shop was not what Samiullah Haidari expected to be doing after he arrived in the United States as a refugee from Afghanistan.

I want to own a business, maybe a restaurant, but I have to start somewhere and Im learning about Americas coffee culture here, said Haidari, 20, who started working at a San Francisco coffee shop in June after completing barista training.

The programme is run by the founders of the 1951 Coffee Company, a Berkeley-based not-for-profit. The company provides training and employment for refugees resettled to the San Francisco Bay Area.

We want to help refugees get jobs because there are so many barriers that they face, such as culture and language, when trying to apply, interview and get noticed by an employer, said Doug Hewitt, one of the companys co-founders.

Hewitt and his partner, Rachel Taber, got the idea while working together at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) office in Oakland, California.

Doug Hewitt, co-founder of the 1951 Coffee Company, teaches refugees how to make different coffee drinks and become baristas.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

In the course of her work there, Taber met a young Syrian family who were trying to restart their lives. The father was highly educated, but had to settle for a job that only paid the minimum wage.

I connected with the family and that was the moment that I thought about all of the resources I have available to me, but the family doesnt, said Taber, 33.

By the time we developed the plans and signed the lease, the refugee crisis in Europe was barely starting.

Several months later, in March 2015, a friend mentioned that the student lounge at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley was not being used. Taber thought the space could be used as a coffee shop. She approached Hewitt, 35, who had been a coffee roaster before working with IRC.

By the time we developed the plans and signed the lease with the church, the refugee crisis in Europe was barely starting, Hewitt said. We had worked with refugees for years.

The shops name pays tribute to the 1951 Refugee Convention, a legal document signed by 144 countries that defines the term refugee and outlines the rights of the displaced, as well as the legal obligations of states to protect them.

Samiullah puts to use the skills he recently learned during a barista training programme in Oakland, California.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

Samiullah Haidari, a refugee from Afghanistan, works his shift at Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

As well as learning about hygiene and gaining customer service skills, Samiullah Haidari, learns the finer details of American coffee culture.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

"I want to own a business, maybe a restaurant, but I have to start somewhere," says Samiullah Haidari, an Afghan refugee who now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

"We drink tea in Afghanistan," Haidari said. "Making all of these different coffee drinks was new to me."  UNHCR/Nick Otto

Samiullah Haidari checks stocks of coffee during his shift at Blue Bottle Coffee.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

The coffee shop in Berkeley is set to open in September, when renovations are complete, but in the meantime Taber and Hewitt started running the training programme at the coffee bar at the Regeneration Church in Oakland. Since July 1, 19 students  from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Viet Nam, Pakistan, Guatemala, Mongolia and Myanmar  have completed the 40-hour course.

The curriculum covers brewing coffee, making espresso-based drinks, hygiene and customer service. Taber said the standards conform to those of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, a non-profit trade organization with members in more than 40 countries.

We drink tea in Afghanistan, Haidari said. Making all of these different coffee drinks was new to me.

We drink tea in Afghanistan. Making all of these different coffee drinks was new to me.

Thanh Tran, a 31-year-old asylum-seeker from Viet Nam, was an interior designer in Ho Chi Minh City. I never made a cup of coffee in Viet Nam, she said. Without training I wouldnt know how to use any of these machines, she added, pointing to a state-of-the-art espresso machine.

Just as importantly, the training programme connects graduates with employers.

We talk with coffee shop owners and managers to recommend our graduates and let them know about their personalities, culture and potential, Hewitt said. Its like a recommendation, which is hard for newly arrived refugees to get sometimes.

Barista trainees and refugees during a training session organized by the 1951 Coffee Company.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

Samiullah Haidari (centre), from Afghanistan, speaks with other barista trainees at a course organized by the 1951 Coffee Company.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

Rachel Taber and Doug Hewitt co-founded the 1951 Coffee Company, which trains refugees in the San Francisco Bay Area to work as baristas.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

Since July, 19 students from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Guatemala, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Somalia and Viet Nam have completed the 40-hour barista course.  UNHCR/Nick Otto

Not all of the participants aspire to be baristas, but he and Taber say the training, sense of community and support they offer could help refugees and asylum-seekers build the confidence to apply for other jobs.

In June Haidari landed an interview with Blue Bottle Coffee Company in San Francisco, a high-end roaster and retailer based in California. A former classmate from his 1951 Coffee Company course went with him.

It was my first time in the city and I was worried about finding the place, and about the interview, but she went with me, said Haidari, who studied English and business in Kabul. His father worked as a driver for the U.S. embassy there, he said, but the family began receiving threats as a result. Haidari arrived in the Bay Area with his parents and siblings in April.

Building relationships between refugees and the communities where they live is critical to the resettlement process, Taber said. She and Hewitt designed their coffee shop to educate customers about the difficult journeys so many refugees have made to reach safety and start anew.
[July 27, 2016] A.M. BestTV: AIR Worldwide's Fullam: Zika One of Multiple Pandemic Threats

In this A.M.BestTV episode, Doug Fullam, manager, life and health modeling, AIR Worldwide, discusses the issues surrounding pandemics and other global health threats that include the Zika virus, respiratory illnesses and new types of flu. Click on http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=fullam716 to view the entire program. "Pandemics occur with a frequency of about 3% to 6% per year," said Fullam, adding that these are also high morbidity and mortality events. Fullam noted the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic, explaining that a pandemic is a global event (2009 H1N1), while an epidemic is typically concentrated in one area (2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak). Fullam also highlighted the potential economic impact of a pandemic, which can vary among different types of events. A major event, maybe another Spanish Flu, could account for trillions of dollars. A mini-pandemic or even an epidemic might involve billions of dollars. On average, estimated losses can range from approximately $400 billion to $700 billion, Fullam explained. Fullam believes the insurance implications of a pandemic depend on the type of sector that a company operates in, with mortality and morbidity as key components. Other drivers include medical expenses, as well as deaths, which would impact life insurance companies. He also sees the travel industry as being heavily affected by such occurrences. Recent episodes of A.M.BestTV include: Aspen's Brew: Compliance Is Not the Same as Security: Oliver Brew, executive vice president, global head of cyber risk and head of international professional indemnity, Aspen Insurance Group, said cyber exposures are increasingly linked to property risks. With broader rules on ecurity and privacy forcing companies to focus on protecting their systems, most need to go further: http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=brew716. Minding the Gap in Cyber Coverage : In a recent A.M. Best webinar, insurers and technologists examine how cyber policies are struggling to keep up with fast-developing cyber risks, as well as identifying and addressing gaps in coverage: http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=cyber716.

: In a recent webinar, insurers and technologists examine how cyber policies are struggling to keep up with fast-developing cyber risks, as well as identifying and addressing gaps in coverage: http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=cyber716. Driverless Cars Set to Remake Automobile Coverage: McKinsey & Co. predicts driverless cars will hit the road in 2020, but a new survey from Munich Re reports that many insurers are unprepared for the changes that autonomous vehicles will bring to the auto insurance sector: http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=autonomous716.

McKinsey & Co. predicts driverless cars will hit the road in 2020, but a new survey from Munich Re reports that many insurers are unprepared for the changes that autonomous vehicles will bring to the auto insurance sector: http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=autonomous716. Takaful Market Secures Foothold in Malaysia: A.M. Best Senior Financial Analyst Salman Siddiqui explains how regulation has helped to boost growth in Malaysia's takaful industry: http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=takaful716.



A.M.BestTV covers exclusive A.M. Best information and reports, targeted topics and key developments in the (re)insurance industry every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sign up for alerts of episodes at http://www.ambest.com/multimedia/ambtvsignup.html. View A.M.BestTV episodes at http://www.ambest.tv. A.M. Best is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2016 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727006178/en/

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"Criminal Minds Season" 12 will feature Adam Rodriguez replacement of Derek Morgan. The upcoming series will also see the return of an Interpol agent.

"Criminal Minds" new actor Rodriguez is suggested to replace Morgan's character upon his exit. Rodriguez will be playing an FBI Fugitive Task Force Agent who will help the Behavioral Analysis Unit. The "Criminal Minds" Season 12 will also recast Paget Brewster for multiple episodes only as revealed by Kirsten Vangsness who plays tech genius Penelope Garcia on the series.

CBS was also trying to cast Brewster for "Criminal Minds" Season 11, but the actress was busy shooting for Fox's "Grandfathered." Brewster's stint in "Grandfathered" just wrapped up, which gave possibility to her return to "Criminal Minds" and play as the Interpol agent Emily Prentiss, Yibada reported.

Prentiss is a BAU supervisory special agent who first appeared in "Criminal Minds" Season 2 as one of the main cast. However, after the "Criminal Minds" Season 7, Prentiss only appeared as a guest character in a few succeeding episodes.

Brewster expressed her excitement when she announced her return in "Criminal Minds" through her Twitter account. It is not revealed yet whether Brewster will appear on the first episode or on a later episode of "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Christian Daily reported.

Meanwhile, "Criminal Minds" Season 11 finale ended with Aaron Hotch being arrested with 13 serial killers escaping prison. One of the escaped prisoners is suggested to be Mr. Scratch. The upcoming "Criminal Minds" Season 12 plot will pick-up on the escaped notorious criminals scene. They will run the criminals including the mind-controlling serial killer Mr. Scratch.

"Criminal Minds" has seen the exit of a number of original characters such as Mandy Patinkin, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jayne Atkinson. Most recently in the "Criminal Minds" Season 11, Shemar Moore also exited. However, Moore is suggested to come back for occasional "Criminal Minds" Season 12 guest appearances.

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 will return on Sept. 28 at 9 p.m EST on CBS.
It's back-to-school season once again. You may be getting ready to buy school supplies. Read the tips below to make sure that you are able to get your money's worth without sacrificing quality.

Tucson Local Media shared three back-to-school tips for parents to be able to save on expenses. Here are things that you can do to decrease your spending for school supplies.

1. Do check the items that your child used last year and identify what is usable and what needs to be replaced. With this, you will only need to buy the necessary supplies and reuse what can still be reused.

2. Do buy loads of essential food items that are easy to grab and eat. This way, you can simplify breakfast and lunch preparation and, at the same time, save money by purchasing consumables in bulk.

3. Do search your child's closet to see which clothes he or she has outgrown and which ones he or she can still wear. You can also plan out new additions to their wardrobe by shopping out-of-season since there are more clearance sales then.

According to Market Watch, there are four mistakes that parents make during back-to-school shopping that are really putting a dent on their budget. These errors actually have a heavier cost for American families.

1. Don't just shop at one place. Check the prices that retailers are offering for different supplies and go to which one is the best. It was noted that Target is the best place to shop for supplies while WalMart is good for backpacks and clothing. Amazon, on the other hand, is the best place for buying back-to-school supplies in bulk.

2. Don't ignore price drops even after purchase. Most stores still give price adjustments if the price of something you buy goes down shortly after you bought it. This is especially helpful on buying electronics such as laptops and tablets.

3. Don't buy all school supplies that the teacher listed down. Oftentimes, students don't use all the items on the list during the first few days of class.

4. Don't shop too early in the summer. CouponSherpa.com savings expert Kendal Perez noted that back-to-school shopping in July can be costly since the best savings only come in August.
At a press release on July 26, acquisition of Vizio was announced. A Chinese company, LeEco, bought Vizio for $2 billion, giving it an instant foothold in the United States TV market.

The deal states that Vizio will be operated independently as a subsidiary. Vizio will have its executive team stay in place as there are no replacements named yet.

The outgoing CEO and founder of Vizio, William Wang, will leave the company but will take the reins of as chairman of Inscape, Vizio's data business. Inscape is being spun out into a privately held company. William Wang will own 51 per cent share of Inscape while LeEco will own 49 per cent. The deal should close in the last quarter of this year, The Verge reported.

Wang described his feeling of the acquisition as a mixed emotion. He said he was very reluctant to let the company go, being its owner and father. However, he said, as a chairman and CEO, it is the best option he could make for his loyal shareholders and employees. But William Wang will still be connected to the company through Inscape, according to Ars Technica.

LeEco may not be familiar to many US consumers, however the company has been trying to get their hands to almost everything that has to do with electronics. The company's CEO is Jia Yueting, who is also the one that blasted Apple saying that they are "outdated".

While Vizio, on the other hand, has been known to be an American success story until it become a major player in the television industry. Last year, however, Vizio faced criticisms after the discovery that their smart TV are collecting information about the users viewing habits.

This deal is only a part of LeEco's even larger ambition. The company is also creating original content for television in China. Their firm, the Le Vision Pictures, makes about 10-15 films per year.
[July 27, 2016] CMC Networks Announces Partnership & Interconnect With Ethio Telecom

JOHANNESBURG, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CMC Networks a global telecommunications carrier serving the data communications needs of carriers and VARS into African and Middle Eastern countries has expanded its NNI and partnership programme reach by finalizing the partnership & interconnect with Ethio Telecom to Provide MPLS Services to our Carrier Base and VNO Clients. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393405LOGO CMC Networks will be expanding its operations to include the Ethiopia services into Africa and the Middle East. "We are very excited to announce the partnership and interconnect with Ethio Telecom in Ethiopia and offer seamless connectivity to arguably one of Africa's fastest growing economies," says Grant Walker, CEO, CMC Networks. He also adds, "We look forward to serving data connectivity needs of telecommunications carriers, network integrators and VARS across the Globe into Ethiopia." CMC Networks is headquartered out of Johannesburg and Mauritius with offices in Durban, Cape Town, London, Dubai, Pakistan and Washington DC. About CMC Networks CMC Networks is a Global Telecommunications Carrier, providing services for over 27 years, serving the data communications needs of wholesale carriers and government clients across the globe. CMC Networks owns in excess of 104 global pops which are integrated into other wholesale carrier partner networks in order to deliver a global wholesale footprint to the carier community. This insures a cost-effective, scalable and resilient network that is committed to the wholesale environment and their respective clients.



CMC Networks has the largest Pan African network spanning across 50 Countries. In addition, CMC Networks has an extensive Middle Eastern (MENA and Western ASIA) network, which is extended via our wholesale partner programme into other regions. The CMC Networks Carrier Interconnect Model enables delivery into the USA, Europe, UAE, India, Asia, and Australia and various African aggregation points. CMC Networks provides its clients the broad portfolio of Carrier Grade Network Solutions including: Ethernet, MPLS, DIA and Private Line Services. For more information, visit www.cmcnetworks.net

About EthioTelecom EthioTelecom, previously known as the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC), is an integrated telecommunications services provider in Ethiopia, providing internet and telephone services. Ethio Telecom is owned by the Ethiopian government. The Ethiopian government has embarked on a massive telecom infrastructure development project worth $1.6bn in 2014. The expansion project is accomplished with three companies: Huawei, ZTE, and Ericsson. According to Ethio Telecom, the expansion project enables it to increase the mobile service capacity to 59m subscribers and to provide Addis Ababa city with fourth-generation (4G) service as well as enable the 3G service across the country. Through this project, Ethio Telecom increase its overall network coverage to 85% across the country. The Ethiopian government has embarked on a massive telecom infrastructure development project worth $1.6bn in 2014. The expansion project is accomplished with three companies: Huawei, ZTE, and Ericsson. According to Ethio Telecom, the expansion project enables it to increase the mobile service capacity to 59m subscribers and to provide Addis Ababa city with fourth-generation (4G) service as well as enable the 3G service across the country. Through this project, Ethio Telecom increased its overall network coverage to 85% countrywide. Michael Erotocritou Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing [email protected] Phone: +27 (0)87 825 1631 Cell:+27 (0)76 423 1551 Barry Coetzee MENA | CMC Networks [email protected] Phone: +27 (0)11 5178466 Cell: +27 (0)714632614 or +971 50 6561811 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cmc-networks-announces-partnership--interconnect-with-ethio-telecom-300304961.html SOURCE CMC Networks

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[July 27, 2016] Quantum Corporation Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2017 Results

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Corp. (NYSE: QTM) today reported results for the fiscal first quarter 2017 ended June 30, 2016 (all comparisons are relative to the fiscal first quarter 2016)[1]: Total revenue was $116.3 million , an increase of $5.4 million .

, an increase of . Scale-out storage revenue grew to $30.8 million , up from $27.8 million .

, up from . Total data protection revenue increased to $76.9 million , consisting of $21.5 million in disk backup systems revenue (up 24 percent), $42.6 million in tape automation revenue (down 4 percent) and $12.8 million in devices and media revenue (up 17 percent).

, consisting of in disk backup systems revenue (up 24 percent), in tape automation revenue (down 4 percent) and in devices and media revenue (up 17 percent). Royalty revenue was $8.6 million , a decline of $1.6 million .

, a decline of . Quantum reported a GAAP operating loss of $2.1 million and non-GAAP[2] operating income of $2.1 million , an improvement of $6.1 million and $6.5 million , respectively.

and non-GAAP[2] operating income of , an improvement of and , respectively. The GAAP net loss was $3.8 million , or $0.01 per diluted share, and non-GAAP net income was $360,000 , or $0.00 per diluted share. This represented an improvement of $0.03 per diluted share on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis.

, or per diluted share, and non-GAAP net income was , or per diluted share. This represented an improvement of per diluted share on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis. The company generated $5.2 million in cash from operations, in contrast to using $13.6 million in cash in the comparable quarter a year ago. "We're very pleased with our first quarter results, as we delivered year-over-year revenue growth, with strong contributions from both our scale-out storage and data protection product lines," said Jon Gacek, president and CEO of Quantum. "In scale-out storage, we continued to build on our momentum, securing major wins across our priority vertical markets and use cases and further expanding the addressable markets where our scale-out storage solutions offer unique value. For example, in April we announced a large public cloud, scale-out storage win, which we expected to generate $10 million in total revenue for the year. That opportunity has since expanded, and we now expect the resulting revenue contributions  which started in the first quarter  to total at least $20 million for the year. "On the data protection side of our business, we closed a multi-million dollar DXi deduplication deal and capitalized on a more stable tape backup market, where we are a long-standing leader. We also significantly improved our bottom line performance, as we continued to benefit from the cost reductions and operational changes we implemented over the previous six months, which further strengthened our business model and the leverage it provides. "In short, we had a strong start to fiscal 2017, and we're focused on building on our momentum to drive continued growth, profitability and cash flow. Based on our first quarter results, we have increased confidence in our ability to meet the full year guidance we provided on our May earnings call." Fiscal Second Quarter 2017 Outlook

Quantum provided the following guidance for the fiscal second quarter: Total revenue of $118 million to $122 million .

. GAAP and non-GAAP gross margin of 41-42 percent.

GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses of $50 million to $51 million and $48 million to $49 million , respectively.

and , respectively. Interest expense of $1.5 million and taxes of $400,000 .

and taxes of . GAAP and non-GAAP loss per share of $0.01 to $0.00 . Finally, Quantum CFO Fuad Ahmad provided an update on the company's refinancing activities. "We are in discussions with a number of financial institutions regarding expanding our credit line to provide sufficient near- and long-term liquidity and to create a clear and executable roadmap to address our convertible notes due November 2017," said Ahmad. "We've received strong indications of interest from two different lending sources, each of which has provided preliminary terms that, if successfully executed in a definitive agreement, not only would provide substantial additional liquidity but also should alleviate any perceived market risks related to the convertible notes." Fiscal First Quarter 2017 Business Highlights Quantum introduced three new reference architectures for video surveillance and security environments. These architectures address the storage challenges presented by new fixed cameras, expansions of existing security systems, and law enforcement implementations. They are based on the company's unique tiered storage approach which provides the performance, capacity and accessibility that are essential in meeting today's increasing demands for managing surveillance data.

The company announced that Avid  has developed a connector for its Interplay  | MAM system and Quantum's StorNext Storage Manager that enables seamless integration of Quantum archive storage systems into Avid media environments. As a result, media and entertainment customers now have the ability to access and control StorNext  archive and restore functions through Interplay | MAM, including automated movement of content across different archive storage tiers. This solution provides more intelligent, long-term content management, faster access to a nearline archive tier via standard network protocols and better protection of Avid projects with an archive strategy.

has developed a connector for its Interplay | MAM system and Quantum's StorNext Storage Manager that enables seamless integration of Quantum archive storage systems into Avid media environments. As a result, media and entertainment customers now have the ability to access and control StorNext archive and restore functions through Interplay | MAM, including automated movement of content across different archive storage tiers. This solution provides more intelligent, long-term content management, faster access to a nearline archive tier via standard network protocols and better protection of Avid projects with an archive strategy. Lab testing by Enterprise Strategy Group, an independent analyst firm, confirmed that Quantum's Artico active archive appliance offers a simple-to-configure-and-manage tiered archive that is easily integrated into existing workflows. ESG Lab demonstrated that Artico works with tape, object storage and cloud repositories while its policy-based data management enables data movement, protection and resiliency, retention and encryption. ESG also affirmed that Artico's NAS connectivity makes it easy to integrate and that its automated tiered storage engine makes it transparent to archive data on demand.

Komprise Inc. and Quantum announced a joint solution which enables organizations to seamlessly integrate archive storage into their active workflows to cope with exponential data growth under tight budgets. The combination of Komprise data management software and services with Quantum Lattus object storage or Artico active archive solutions delivers scalable capacity and automated data movement without disrupting users or applications. Conference Call and Audio Webcast Notification Quantum will hold a conference call today, July 27, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. PDT to discuss its fiscal first quarter results. Press and industry analysts are invited to attend in listen-only mode. Dial-in number: 1-503-343-6063 (U.S. and International); access code: 50251682 Replay number: 1-404-537-3406 (U.S. and International); access code: 50251682 Replay expiration: Aug. 3, 2016 Webcast site: www.quantum.com/investors About Quantum Quantum is a leading expert in scale-out storage, archive and data protection, providing solutions for capturing, sharing and preserving digital assets over the entire data lifecycle. From small businesses to major enterprises, more than 100,000 customers have trusted Quantum to address their most demanding data workflow challenges. Quantum's end-to-end, tiered storage foundation enables customers to maximize the value of their data by making it accessible whenever and wherever needed, retaining it indefinitely and reducing total cost and complexity. See how at www.quantum.com/customerstories. Quantum, the Quantum logo, Artico, DXi, Lattus, StorNext and StorNext Storage Manager are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Quantum Corporation and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. "Safe Harbor" Statement: This press release contains "forward-looking" statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Specifically, but without limitation, statements relating to: i) our expectation that a large public cloud, scale-out storage win will result in revenue of at least $20 million for the year; ii) our focus on building on our momentum to drive continued growth, profitability and cash flow, our increased confidence in our ability to meet our full year guidance; iii) all of our statements under the heading titled "Fiscal Second Quarter 2017 Outlook"; and iv) our statements regarding our refinancing activities, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Quantum on the date hereof. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Quantum's actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. More detailed information about these risk factors are set forth in Quantum's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Risk Factors," in Quantum's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3, 2016. Quantum expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Quantum believes that the non-GAAP financial measures disclosed above provide useful and supplemental information to investors regarding its quarterly financial performance. Quantum management and Board of Directors use these non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate the company's business results and make operating decisions. For instance, Quantum management often makes decisions regarding staffing, future management priorities and how the company will direct future operating expenses on the basis of non-GAAP financial measures. In addition, compensation of our employees is based in part on the performance of our business based on non-GAAP operating income. The non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release exclude the impact of the items below for the following reasons: Amortization of Intangible Assets

This includes acquired intangibles such as purchased technology in connection with prior acquisitions. These expenses are not factored into management's evaluation of potential acquisitions or Quantum's performance after completion of the acquisitions because they are not related to Quantum's core operating performance. In addition, the frequency and amount of such charges can vary significantly based on the size and timing of acquisitions and the maturities of the businesses being acquired. Excluding acquisition-related charges from non-GAAP measures provides investors with a basis to compare Quantum against the performance of other companies without the variability caused by purchase accounting. Share-Based Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense relates primarily to equity awards such as stock options and restricted stock units. Share-based compensation is a non-cash expense that varies in amount from period to period and is dependent on market forces that are often beyond Quantum's control. Management believes that non-GAAP measures adjusted for share-based compensation provide investors with a basis to measure Quantum's core performance against the performance of other companies without the variability created by share-based compensation as a result of the variety of equity awards used by other companies and the varying methodologies and assumptions used. Restructuring Charges

Restructuring charges primarily relate to expenses associated with changes to Quantum's operating structure. Restructuring charges are excluded from non-GAAP financial measures because they are not considered core operating activities. Although Quantum has engaged in various restructuring activities in the past, each has been a discrete event based on a unique set of business objectives. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude restructuring charges from Quantum's non-GAAP financial measures, as it enhances the ability of investors to compare Quantum's period-over-period operating results from continuing operations. Proxy Contest and Related Costs

Proxy contest and related costs are expenses incurred to respond to activities and inquiries of VIEX Capital Advisors, LLC, including their proxy solicitation. These costs are not considered core operating activities. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these costs in order to provide investors the ability to compare Quantum's period-over-period operating results from continuing operations. Crossroads Patent Litigation Costs

Crossroads patent litigation costs are expenses incurred to defend ourselves and perform other activities related to a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Crossroads Systems, Inc. These costs are excluded from non-GAAP financial measures because they are not considered core operating activities, and management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these costs in order to provide investors the ability to compare Quantum's period-over-period operating results from continuing operations. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. They are limited in value because they exclude charges that have a material impact on the company's reported financial results and, therefore, should not be relied upon as the sole financial measures to evaluate the company. The non-GAAP financial measures are meant to supplement, and be viewed in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures as provided in the tables accompanying this press release. Important Information Quantum Corp. ("Quantum"), will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and provide to its stockholders a proxy statement in connection with its 2016 annual meeting. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THIS PROXY STATEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED BY QUANTUM WITH THE SEC IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Stockholders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and through the website maintained by Quantum at http://www.quantum.com or by directing a request to Quantum Corporation, Attn: Investor Relations, 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 300, San Jose, California 95110. Certain Information Regarding Participants Quantum, its directors and certain of its officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of Quantum's stockholders in connection with its 2016 annual meeting. Information regarding the names, affiliations and direct and indirect interests (by security holdings or otherwise) of such participants can be found in Quantum's annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 3, 2016, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on July 27, 2016 (together, the "Form 10-K"). To the extent holdings of Quantum's securities by such persons have changed since the amounts printed in the Form 10-K, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. More detailed information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with Quantum's 2016 Annual Meeting. Stockholders will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other documents filed by Quantum with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and through the website maintained by Quantum at http://www.quantum.com or by directing a request to Quantum Corporation, Attn: Investor Relations, 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 300, San Jose, California 95110. [1] Revenue figures for scale-out storage, data protection, disk backup systems and tape automation include related service revenue. [2] A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures is included in the accompanying tables. Historical data on non-GAAP items is available in the company's supplemental financial information posted on its website. Contact:

Brad Cohen

Public Relations

Quantum Corp.

+1 (408) 944-4044

[email protected] Brinlea Johnson or Allise Furlani

Investor Relations

The Blueshirt Group

+1 (212) 331-8424 or +1 (212) 331-8433

[email protected] or [email protected]







QUANTUM CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) (Unaudited)



June 30, 2016

March 31, 2016* Assets





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 34,496



$ 33,870

Restricted cash 2,782



2,788

Accounts receivable 90,533



105,959

Manufacturing inventories 36,197



40,614

Service parts inventories 20,649



21,407

Other current assets 7,106



6,953

Total current assets 191,763



211,591

Long-term assets:





Property and equipment 12,172



12,939

Intangible assets 403



451

Other long-term assets 4,412



4,565

Total long-term assets 16,987



17,955



$ 208,750



$ 229,546

Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit





Current liabilities:





Accounts payable $ 37,593



$ 46,136

Accrued warranty 3,444



3,430

Deferred revenue, current 86,638



88,919

Accrued restructuring charges, current 2,516



1,621

Long-term debt, current 300



3,000

Accrued compensation 23,265



22,744

Other accrued liabilities 10,794



13,806

Total current liabilities 164,550



179,656

Long-term liabilities:





Deferred revenue, long-term 33,282



35,427

Accrued restructuring charges, long-term 947



1,116

Long-term debt 61,450



62,709

Convertible subordinated debt, long-term 69,368



69,253

Other long-term liabilities 8,213



8,324

Total long-term liabilities 173,260



176,829

Stockholders' deficit (129,060)



(126,939)



$ 208,750



$ 229,546







* Derived from the March 31, 2016 audited Consolidated Financial Statements. QUANTUM CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)



Three Months Ended

June 30, 2016

June 30, 2015 Revenue:





Product $ 71,826



$ 62,719

Service 35,818



37,939

Royalty 8,640



10,198

Total revenue 116,284



110,856

Cost of revenue:





Product 50,132



46,964

Service 15,781



16,927

Total cost of revenue 65,913



63,891

Gross margin 50,371



46,965

Operating expenses:





Research and development 11,058



13,323

Sales and marketing 26,367



27,605

General and administrative 12,960



13,986

Restructuring charges 2,052



258

Total operating expenses 52,437



55,172

Loss from operations (2,066)



(8,207)

Other income and expense 156



(286)

Interest expense (1,508)



(1,923)

Loss before income taxes (3,418)



(10,416)

Income tax provision 377



339

Net loss $ (3,795)



$ (10,755)









Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (0.01)



$ (0.04)









Weighted average basic and diluted shares 266,337



258,448













Included in the above Statements of Operations:





Amortization of intangibles:





Cost of revenue $ 48



$ 137



48



137

Share-based compensation:





Cost of revenue 280



362

Research and development 403



549

Sales and marketing 612



870

General and administrative 703



872



1,998



2,653

Proxy contest and related costs:





General and administrative 45







45





Crossroads patent litigation costs:





General and administrative 12



721



$ 12



$ 721









QUANTUM CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited)



Three Months Ended

June 30, 2016

June 30, 2015 Cash flows from operating activities:





Net loss $ (3,795)



$ (10,755)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:





Depreciation 1,383



1,718

Amortization of intangible assets 48



137

Amortization of debt issuance costs 168



324

Service parts lower of cost or market adjustment 1,337



1,146

Deferred income taxes 75



38

Share-based compensation 1,998



2,653

Changes in assets and liabilities:





Accounts receivable 15,426



26,830

Manufacturing inventories 3,686



(63)

Service parts inventories (124)



(472)

Accounts payable (8,364)



(18,702)

Accrued warranty 14



(619)

Deferred revenue (4,426)



(8,682)

Accrued restructuring charges 726



(1,291)

Accrued compensation 580



(1,062)

Other assets and liabilities (3,571)



(4,759)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 5,161



(13,559)

Cash flows from investing activities:





Purchases of property and equipment (529)



(840)

Change in restricted cash (15)



(59)

Net cash used in investing activities (544)



(899)

Cash flows from financing activities:





Borrowings of long-term debt, net 3,000





Repayments of long-term debt (6,959)





Payment of taxes due upon vesting of restricted stock (27)



(74)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock 



266

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (3,986)



192

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (5)



3

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 626



(14,263)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 33,870



67,948

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 34,496



$ 53,685

QUANTUM CORPORATION GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)



Three Months Ended June 30, 2016

Gross Margin

Gross Margin Rate

Income (Loss) From Operations

Operating Margin

Net Income (Loss)

Per Share Net Income (Loss), Basic

Per Share Net Income (Loss), Diluted GAAP $ 50,371



43.3 %

$ (2,066)



(1.8)%



$ (3,795)



$ (0.01)



$ (0.01)

Non-GAAP Reconciling Items:

























Amortization of intangibles 48







48







48









Share-based compensation 280







1,998







1,998









Restructuring charges 







2,052







2,052









Proxy contest and related costs 







45







45









Crossroads patent litigation costs 







12







12









Non-GAAP $ 50,699



43.6 %

$ 2,089



1.8 %

$ 360



$ 0.00



$ 0.00





























Computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:









GAAP

Non-GAAP Net income (loss)













$ (3,795)



$ 360





























Weighted average shares:

















Basic



















266,337



266,337

Dilutive shares from stock plans

















1,023

Diluted



















266,337



267,360



Three Months Ended June 30, 2015

Gross Margin

Gross Margin Rate

Loss From Operations

Operating Margin

Net Loss

Per Share Net Loss, Basic

Per Share Net Loss, Diluted GAAP $ 46,965



42.4 %

$ (8,207)



(7.4)%



$ (10,755)



$ (0.04)



$ (0.04)

Non-GAAP Reconciling Items:

























Amortization of intangibles 137







137







137









Share-based compensation 362







2,653







2,653









Restructuring charges 







258







258









Crossroads patent litigation costs 







721







721









Non-GAAP $ 47,464



42.8 %

$ (4,438)



(4.0)%



$ (6,986)



$ (0.03)



$ (0.03)





























Computation of basic and diluted net loss per share:













GAAP

Non-GAAP Net loss



















$ (10,755)



$ (6,986)





























Weighted average shares:

























Basic and diluted



















258,448



258,448

The non-GAAP financial information set forth in this table is not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP financial information used by other companies. QUANTUM CORPORATION FORECAST SECOND QUARTER FISCAL 2017 GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

Percentage Range Forecast gross margin rate on a GAAP basis 40.7 %  41.8 % Forecast share-based compensation 0.2 %  0.3 % Forecast gross margin rate on a non-GAAP basis 41.0 %  42.0 %









Dollar Range Forecast operating expense on a GAAP basis $ 49.8

 $ 50.8

Forecast share-based compensation



(1.6)





Forecast Crossroads patent litigation costs



(0.2)





Forecast operating expense on a non-GAAP basis $ 48.0

 $ 49.0











Dollars per Share Forecast diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis $ (0.01)

 $ (0.00)

Forecast share-based compensation 0.00





Forecast Crossroads patent litigation costs 0.00





Forecast diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis $ (0.01)

 $ (0.00)











Estimates based on current (July 27, 2016) projections.

The projected GAAP and non-GAAP financial information set forth in this table represent forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For risk factors that could impact these projections, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on June 3, 2016. We disclaim any obligation to update information in any forward-looking statement.

The non-GAAP financial information set forth in this table is not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP financial information used by other companies. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141209/163323LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quantum-corporation-reports-fiscal-first-quarter-2017-results-300305087.html SOURCE Quantum Corp.

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Church News  October 20, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Needing Answers We want God to be like FedEx and deliver overnight. Things dont happen that way, but in...

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[July 27, 2016] MEDIA ADVISORY: Samsung Keynote to Highlight Latest V-NAND Innovations at 2016 Flash Memory Summit

At Flash Memory Summit 2016, Samsung (News - Alert) will discuss the latest 3D V-NAND solutions aimed at meeting the growing requirements of big data networks, cloud computing and other means of real-time analysis. The remarks will be delivered during a keynote at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10th in the Mission City Ballroom, Santa Clara (CA (News - Alert)) Convention Center. The keynote entitled "3D NAND is the Leadership Technology for Server Storage," is being presented by Jaeheon Jeong, Executive Vice President, Solution Product R&D, Memory Business at Samsung Electronics and Jim Elliott, Corporate Vice President, Memory Marketing at Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. "We are stretching the limits of storage technology in a digital world fixated by the constant push to make data more accessible, relevant and usable," said co-presenter Elliott. "All of us need to better understand how we will optimize the efficiency with which we package and share data as the world's new currency, not only within our infrastructure but also throughout the industries that it serves." In the keynote, Samsung will highlight milestones that have been achieved and are being achieved with solid state drives, especially through the use of 3D V-NAND, as well as underscore the increasing popularity of 3-bit MLC and NVMe technologies. The executives will further discuss higher capacity storage with advanced performance characteristics for workstation and server workloads, to meet the ever-increasing needs of public and private clouds, as well as virtual networks and mega-websites. Samsung memory experts will also be featured in the following 14 breakout and forum sessions: b>Tuesday, August 9



The Next UFS Disruptions in Mobile (Session Timeframe: 8:30 - 9:35 AM)

David Ghodsizadeh, Mobile Storage Product Marketing

David Ghodsizadeh, Mobile Storage Product Marketing Delivering on NoSQL Database Performance Requirements with NVMe SSDs (Session Timeframe: 8:30 - 10:50 AM)

Vijay Balakrishnan, Memory Solutions Lab Group Leader

Vijay Balakrishnan, Memory Solutions Lab Group Leader Why NVMe Will Replace SATA SSDs in the Data Center (Session Timeframe: 8:30 - 10:50 AM)

Michael Smullen, SSD Product Marketing Manager

Michael Smullen, SSD Product Marketing Manager How Accelerating SSD Capacities will Revolutionize Enterprise Storage (Session Timeframe: 8:30 - 10:50 AM)

Anders Graham, SSD Product Marketing Manager

Anders Graham, SSD Product Marketing Manager Flash Storage, Film Production in the Cloud (Session Timeframe: 9:45 - 10:50 AM)

Tien Shiah, SSD Product Marketing Manager

Tien Shiah, SSD Product Marketing Manager Storage Intelligence: Increasing SSD Performance and Lifespan with Multi-stream Technology (Session Timeframe: 3:20 - 5:45PM)

Changho Choi, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer

Changho Choi, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer Standards for Improving SSD Performance and Endurance (Session Timeframe: 3:20 - 5:45 PM)

Bill Martin, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer Wednesday, August 10 Ceph Meets NVMe - All-flash Ceph! (Session Timeframe: 8:30 - 10:50AM)

Gunna Marripudi, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer & Brent Compton, Director Storage, Red Hat (News - Alert)

Gunna Marripudi, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer & Brent Compton, Director Storage, Red Hat (News - Alert) Taking Multiple PCIe SSDs and NVMe to Performance Extremes (Session Timeframe: 8:30 - 10:50AM)

Richard Leonarz, Senior Marketing Manager

Richard Leonarz, Senior Marketing Manager NVMe of Storage Volumes for Containers (Session Timeframe: 3:50 - 4:55PM)

Gunna Marripudi, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer & Anu Suhas, Sr Staff Storage Architect

Gunna Marripudi, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer & Anu Suhas, Sr Staff Storage Architect 3D NAND SSDs Meet Low-Latency Requirements (Session Timeframe: 3:50 - 6:15PM)

Tien Shiah, SSD Product Marketing Manager

Tien Shiah, SSD Product Marketing Manager NVMe Performance- Local vs. Remote Performance Studies (Session Timeframe: 3:50 - 6:15PM)

Gunna Marripudi, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer, Oscar Pinto, Memory Solutions Lab Engineer & Ming Lin, Memory Solutions Lab Engineer

Gunna Marripudi, Memory Solutions Lab Principal Engineer, Oscar Pinto, Memory Solutions Lab Engineer & Ming Lin, Memory Solutions Lab Engineer The Frontier for 3D NAND Flash Technology (Session Timeframe: 3:50 - 6:15PM)

Kristian Vatto, Technical Marketing Specialist Thursday, Aug. 11

Unshackling PCIe SSDs Using NVMe (Session Timeframe: 2:30 - 3:45PM)

Bhagirath Patel, Storage Product Marketing About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727006496/en/

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[July 27, 2016] Fitch Assigns an 'A-' IDR to Cellco Partnership; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'A-' Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to Cellco Partnership, a subsidiary of Verizon (News - Alert) Communications Inc. (Verizon; NYSE: VZ). The Rating Outlook is Stable. Fitch rates certain credit-linked notes which are linked to Cellco Partnership--Grain Spectrum Funding, LLC and Grain Spectrum Funding II, LLC. The IDR was withdrawn on July 26, 2016 (see "Fitch Affirms Verizon's IDR at 'A-'; Outlook Stable"). KEY RATING DRIVERS Competitive Position: The ratings are supported by Verizon Wireless's (News - Alert) (VZW) strong competitive position, as evidenced through industry-low churn rates, high margins and the extensive coverage of approximately 98% of the U.S. population with its 4G LTE network. These factors are balanced against moderately high leverage for the rating, which stems from the February 2014 acquisition of the remaining 45% stake in VZW. Core Telecom Leverage: At June 30, 2016, core telecom leverage was 2.3x and total adjusted debt/EBITDAR was 2.8x. Including the Yahoo acquisition and other pending acquisitions, Fitch expects Verizon's core telecom leverage to decline to approximately 2.2x by 2017 while total adjusted debt/EBITDAR is expected to approximate 2.8x. Core telecom leverage excludes securitizations (both off-balance-sheet and public and on-balance-sheet asset-backed securitizations). Securitizations are included in total adjusted debt/EBITDAR measures. Yahoo Acquisition: On July 25, 2016, Verizon announced a definitive agreement with Yahoo! Inc. (Yahoo) whereby it will acquire the subsidiaries holding Yahoo's operating businesses for approximately $4.83 billion in a cash transaction (subject to closing adjustments). The transaction is expected to close in early 2017, following customary approvals including approvals by regulators and Yahoo's shareholders. Other Pending Acquisitions: Verizon announced the acquisition of XO Communications' (XO) fiber network business in February 2016 for approximately $1.8 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2017, pending regulatory approvals. Separately, Verizon entered into a lease of XO's wireless spectrum, with an option to buy the entity that holds the spectrum by the end of 2018. In June 2016, the acquisition of telematics provider Telogis (News - Alert) Inc. was announced for an undisclosed sum, and the transaction is expected to close by the end of 2016. Wireline Asset Sale: In April 2016, Verizon completed the sale of its wireline operations in California, Texas and Florida to Frontier Communications Corp. (Frontier) for $10.5 billion. Approximately $600 million of debt transferred with the subsidiaries. Debt Reduction: In April 2016, Verizon used the $10.5 billion in Frontier proceeds and cash on hand to tender for and redeem early $10.7 billion in existing debt. Frontier also assumed $600 million in debt of the acquired entities. KEY ASSUMPTIONS --Fitch assumes Verizon's EBITDA grows below 1% in 2016 over 2015. Fitch expects mid-single digit EBITDA growth in 2017, based on organic revenue growth slightly below Fitch's expectations for domestic GDP growth plus the effect of acquisitions. --Debt reduction in the core business, combined with EBITDA growth, is expected to reduce core telecom leverage to the low 2x range by 2017/2018. --VZW will continue to generate strong free cash flow (FCF) on an operational basis. VZW's simple FCF (EBITDA less capital spending) for the latest 12 months (LTM) ended June 30, 2016, was approximately $28.3 billion. --In 2016, Fitch expects consolidated capital spending to be in line with company guidance of $17.2 billion to $17.7 billion. Investment in the wireless network continues to be an area of emphasis due to the strong demand for 4G TE capacity for rapidly growing data services.



--Fitch has included modest spending on spectrum in the FCC's (News - Alert) 600 MHz TV broadcast auction, currently underway. Spectrum spending approaching or exceeding levels spent in the AWS-3 auction will be an event-driven consideration. RATING SENSITIVITIES

Positive Rating Action: Fitch believes a positive rating action is unlikely in the foreseeable future, given the leverage incurred in the Vodafone (News - Alert) transaction. Negative Rating Action: Fitch may take a negative rating action if operating performance causes deleveraging to take place at a materially slower-than-anticipated pace, either alone or in combination with material debt-financed acquisitions. Discretionary management moves that cause leverage to rise above 2.5x, such as another material acquisition or stock repurchases, could lead to a negative action in the absence of a strong commitment to deleverage. LIQUIDITY Strong Liquidity Profile: Verizon's liquidity is supported by its reported consolidated cash balances, which were $2.9 billion at June 30, 2016, and by its revolving credit facility (RCF). The undrawn $8 billion RCF matures in July 2018. Fitch expects Verizon to maintain aggregate commercial paper (CP) balances within a level fully backed by the RCF. The credit facility has no ratings triggers or other restrictive financial covenants, such as leverage or interest coverage tests. Verizon's cash from operations in 2016 will be negatively affected by certain items. The company will incur higher cash taxes on a business-as-usual basis as the cash tax rate moves toward the effective tax rate and by the cash tax payment arising from the gain on sale of the wireline assets to Frontier. Additionally, wireless handset financing under the equipment installment programs will pressure cash from operations, as the public securitizations funding handset sales beginning in the third quarter of 2016 will be recorded in cash from financing activities. This is a change in presentation from the private securitizations undertaken in 2015 and the first quarter of 2016, which were recorded in operating activities. Further, cash from operations in 2015 was also boosted on a non-recurring basis by the portion of the tower sale proceeds (approximately $2.4 billion) recorded in operating activities. Debt Maturities: On a consolidated basis, as of March 31, 2016, Verizon and its subsidiaries had expected debt maturities of approximately $2.3 billion in 2016 and $3.8 billion in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The 2016 maturity will be funded by an offering on July 27, 2016. The 2016 amounts are after debt issues redeemed or repaid via tender offers. Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com. Summary of Financial Statement Adjustments - Financial statement adjustments that depart materially from those contained in the published financial statements of the relevant rated entity or obligor are disclosed below: --Securitized equipment installment receivables are not included in core telecom leverage and are included in off-balanced sheet debt. Applicable Criteria Corporate Rating Methodology - Including Short-Term Ratings and Parent and Subsidiary Linkage (pub. 17 Aug 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=869362 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1009573 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1009573 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727006625/en/

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The much maligned Formula One Strategy Group did itself no favours on Thursday evening, by voting against the introduction of the Halo cockpit head protection device for 2017 in Geneva, ahead of the German Grand Prix this weekend.

In response to a series of tragic accidents over the last few years, Jules Bianchi, Justin Wilson, Henry Surtees and Dan Wheldon there was a feeling that some sort of head protection was a must, as the only part of a driver that is not 100% protected is the head.

After trails in pre-season, at Silverstone during practice and in the post-race test, the FIA believed that the device, which loops around the drivers helmet, before meeting in the middle would become a fixture on the all-new 2017 cars, but the strategy group decided otherwise.

The strategy group consists of the six teams, currently Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams, Red Bull, McLaren and Force India as well as the FIA, represented by President Jean Todt and FOM by Bernie Ecclestone. It has been suggested a reason for rejecting the device is to spend more time looking at how to improve it aesthetically.

In Hungary, on Friday night during the Drivers meeting, a comprehensive presentation was put to them, answering key questions that some of them had, Sebastian Vettel said he believes that 90-95% of the current field are for the head protection, whilst previous critic Lewis Hamilton came out in support.

The FIA could still force the introduction of the Halo for 2017 in the interests of Safety grounds, despite saying in a statement issued shortly after the meeting that another year of development could result in an even more complete solution.

Another chance for the Aeroscreen?

Red Bull came up with their own head protection device, an Aeroscreen which Daniel Ricciardo tested in Russia, which was bluntly described by Hamilton as a riot shield. Team Principal Christian Horner has frequently voiced his opinion against the Halo, recently being quoted as saying I am not a big fan of the Halo and its limitations.

The decision means that the Aeroscreen which was tested in Russia could be given another chance (Image Credit: Sky Sports.com)

In the statement the FIA issued, it gave reference to more Aeroscreen testing it would be prudent to use the remainder of this year and early next year to further evaluate the full potential of all options before final confirmation.

What does it mean in the meantime?

By voting against introduction of the Halo for 2017, the strategy group has risked a lot. As the sporting and legal world now knows, the technology is there and ready to be used. But it is not being done so on the basis of how it looks and as it goes against the DNA of Formula One. That wouldnt exactly be the best defence in a court of law.

Should the unthinkable happen and another driver is seriously injured or killed in Formula One in 2017, in an accident that couldve been prevented by the Halo, FOM and the FIA would be in an extremely bad situation. As the cars are expected to be 3-4 seconds a lap faster next season, and tyre dynamics still arent fully understood by Pirelli with the new-look cars, a serious accident could be just around the corner.
ROB VARELA/THE STAR Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Angelica Curiel reads a card presented to her by Zoey Walker and her family as members of the community gathered to show their support and appreciation for the police at the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Calabasas on Tuesday.

SHARE Los Angeles County Sheriff's Sergeant Brian Kehoe takes a picture with Michael Meyer (left), Mia Kay and Bria Meyer, next to a squad car as the community shows its support and appreciation for the police at the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Calabasas on Tuesday. RIGHT: Jolie Inbar adjusts her hat as she watches the festivities as members of the community show their support and appreciation for the police at the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Calabasas on Tuesday. ROB VARELA/THE STAR Noah Weintraub holds a sign as he watches the festivities while members of the community show their support and appreciation for the police at the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Calabasas on Tuesday. ROB VARELA/THE STAR Members of the community gather to show their support and appreciation for the police at the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Calabasas on Tuesday.

By Robyn Flans, Special to The Star

Rabbi Moshe Bryski was overcome when he heard what a police officer had posted on his Facebook page days before he was slain earlier this month in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"He wrote that he loves the city, but he didn't know if the city loved him," said Bryski, executive director of Chabad of Agoura Hills. "When I heard that, I was moved to tears that an officer should walk around and not know if they're loved and feel hated. I thought, 'What can we do? I want to make sure our local officers know that we love them.' "

The result was what Bryski called a "simple idea." It occurred Tuesday afternoon at the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Calabasas, and the 24 speeches in appreciation of law enforcement attracted a large crowd despite the sweltering heat.

"People forget that these are people who put themselves on the line for us every single day," Bryski said. "We owe them that appreciation and that gratitude and respect and admiration for their courage and sacrifice."

When he came up with the idea for a police appreciation event, Bryski called Councilman Denis Weber of Agoura Hills, who helped connect him with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

"I don't think they are always appreciated as much as we want them to know they are," Weber said. "We're blessed to have them in our midst."

Lt. Joshua Thai, acting captain for the station, said the community has always been supportive.

"Many years ago when there was a big fire, one of our deputies got hurt and the community came forward and helped us out," Thai said.

He knows the current climate is a frightening one for police officers.

"We know that's going on, but we still have a job to do," Thai said. "We suit up, put our pants on one leg at a time like everybody else."

When he learned of the proposed day of appreciation, Thai reached out to Deputy Kristen Deschino to coordinate the event.

Deschino said she was touched by the idea.

"This makes me remember why I got into this line of work," Deschino said. "To do something positive every day. To know that that spirit isn't lost in the world we live in."

Bryski said Tuesday that he and those attending weren't alone in their emotions.

"Since we announced this a week ago, 40 other cities have announced police appreciation events," Bryski told the crowd.

Several youngsters carried signs of appreciation for the officers.

Cayenne Inbar, 10, of Agoura Hills said police are "nice, generous and help everyone."

Law enforcement officers said they appreciated the effort.

"I think this is great," Sgt. Matt Dunn of the department's detective bureau said as he flashed a big smile.

A police officer for 29 years, he said events like this "don't happen often enough."

Cmdr. John Benedict said he has been in law enforcement for 35 years and had never seen this type of event. He called the speeches heartwarming and inspirational and said he appreciated the community.

"Watching what's going on in the country and in the world, I have sat back and wondered where we are going and what we are doing," Benedict told the crowd. "Events like this will carry us forward."
SHARE STAR FILE PHOTO

By Staff Reports

A Simi Valley man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of possessing prohibited weapons, possession of assault weapons and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, police said.

The Simi Valley Police Department said Michael Fitzpatrick, 64, had two handguns, an illegal shotgun, three assault rifles as well as other rifles, several high-capacity magazines and about 1,200 rounds of miscellaneous-caliber ammunition.
STAR FILE PHOTO Edward Clift, president of Brooks Institute, poses for a portrait in the Gardner Building at Main and California streets in downtown Ventura last month. The school's plan to move its campus downtown in now on hold.

By Arlene Martinez, amartinez@vcstar.com

Its arrival has been eagerly awaited since plans really began to take shape earlier this year. Now, the move by Brooks Institute to downtown Ventura is on hold, school and city officials said Wednesday.

"We suspended the work in order to allow more time to review everything and assess the buildings and projects," Brooks President Edward Clift said.

Clift announced the move was on a 30-day hold Wednesday morning, during a meeting of the downtown business improvement district. Separately, Brooks sent a notice of suspension to contractors working at the various sites.

The decision to stop work came as a surprise to Clift, as well as to downtown officials eager for the move.

"Obviously, the Brooks investment in downtown is something we've been excited about," Community Development Director Jeff Lambert said. "We're disappointed about the hold on progress, but we're hoping they get back on track quickly and we won't lose a lot of time."

The Brooks board of trustees is scheduled to meet Monday to further discuss the situation. Until the board meets, Clift said he couldn't offer many details. He did note, however, that work at the various downtown properties had been ahead of schedule.

"Obviously, I was so excited about the project and I still am," said Clift, who became president a year ago this month. "It would be disappointing if anything happened."

Green Planet Inc., a privately owned company in Waltham, Massachusetts, that helps place exchange students in the U.S., assumed ownership of Brooks in spring 2015. Green Planet is a member of The Cambridge Institute of International Education, a Boston-based educational consulting firm that works with private high schools to increase international participation.

Clift declined to answer questions about the financial health of Brooks' parent company.

Over the past few months, construction had been moving full-steam ahead at the properties Brooks expects to use. The school has poured tens of thousands of dollars into extensive work already.

The sites include 505 Poli St., the building behind City Hall owned by Ventura. The City Council approved the five-year lease with Brooks for the top two floors in February. Brooks had envisioned the two floors hosting offices, a conference room, student services and photography studios.

They had earlier slated the Erle Stanley Gardner Building, at 21 S. California St., for the school's Welcome Center.

Council member Cheryl Heitmann, who was among those who pitched the idea of the urban campus to the school's board, said she hoped the setback would be temporary.

"I hope whatever their issues, they can be worked out," she said. "We are really supportive as a city of having them downtown. It would be a great move for Brooks as well as the city."

At the school's current location off Ventura Avenue just north of city limits, the students are kind of isolated, Heitmann said. Allowing them to move into a vibrant downtown would give them an exciting opportunity.

Downtown Ventura Partners executive director Kevin Clerici has been working closely with Brooks to support to the move.

"We remain optimistic that this is just a pause," he said. "Eddie has been the consummate professional and a wonderful champion of Ventura and downtown in particular."

Clift cares deeply abut his students and faculty and Clerici said he has confidence the president will "do everything in his power to ensure everything works out."

Roughly 350 students are expected to enroll in Brooks in the fall, Clift said.

"I'm optimistic that things will work out," he said.

No matter what, the school has a lease on its current facility through the end of December. "There won't be a problem offering classes for the fall semester at least," Clift said.
SHARE Jessica Navarro

By Marjorie Hernandez of the Ventura County Star

A Ventura woman accused in the death of her 22-month son pleaded not guilty Wednesday to an assault charge.

Jessica Navarro, 27, appeared before Ventura County Superior Court Judge Gilbert Romero for an arraignment. She was ordered to return to court Sept. 28 for an early disposition conference.

Navarro faces a felony charge of assault on a child causing death, according to court records. Police said first responders found the toddler, Guillermo Cortez Jr., unresponsive when they arrived at Navarro's Ventura home on June 29. The child was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police allege Navarro hit and threw the child on the floor. According to Child Protective Services officials, Guillermo Jr. was returned to his mother's home two months before his death, but his case remained open.

According to records obtained by The Star, the child was removed from the home when he was 2 months old in November 2014.

Judy Webber, director of the county's children and family services unit, has said a social worker had visited the home two days before Guillermo Jr.'s death, and his parents had been adhering to a court-mandated plan.

Navarro remains in county jail in lieu of $500,000 bail. She faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life if convicted, prosecutors said.

Staff writer Cheri Carlson contributed to this report.
SHARE Zoe Lofgren

By Bartholomew Sullivan, USA TODAY NETWORK

PHILADELPHIA  Rep. Zoe Lofgren, of San Jose, sat with the California delegation at the Wells Fargo Center waiting for the president to speak Wednesday night and reflected on how far the country has come in nominating its first woman from a major party for president.

"It's really an amazing evolution for our country," she said. "I remember I didn't expect to be excited when Geraldine Ferraro was nominated to be vice president (in 1984). I surprised myself: I was just overwhelmed that that could happen. Of course, she lost.

"Now, here we are, not that long later, and the most qualified person for president is a woman. And the fact she is a female is not a barrier," she said.

"This is a big step forward as a country, and I'm proud of the United States."

---

The speaker lineup Wednesday included several Californians  Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Gov. Jerry Brown and former Rep., White House Chief of Staff, Defense Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta.

"A lot of good speakers from California," said state Assemblyman Luis Alejo, of Salinas.

"It's the right message of unity, inclusion and diversity," he said, adding, "it's historic to be able to vote on our next vice president," nominee Sen. Tim Kaine, of Virginia.

The convention also would hear from Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama on the third night of the four-day gathering.

---

"Rarely in American history have two parties diverged so profoundly," Brown said in his prime-time remarks. "Even the Know-Nothing, anti-immigrant party of the 1850s did not stray this far into sheer ignorance and dark fantasy as have the Republicans and their leader, Donald Trump."

Brown added that Trump was "dangerously wrong" in denying climate change.

---

Terry Schanz, 38, of Sacramento, chief of staff to state Sen. Isadore Hall, of Compton, was also soaking in the history, he said, as a representative of the LGBT community.

"Sometimes people get to read about history and sometimes people get to be involved in history," Schanz said. "It's amazing to be able to be here and see something that's never before happened in history."

---

Megan Kerr, of Long Beach, vice president of the Long Beach Unified School District board, said the experience of being in Philadelphia and seeing Clinton nominated has been "overwhelming."

Tuesday night's roll call vote "was something I felt in my body," she said.

"I called my 15-year-old daughter (Emma) at home and I said, 'We did this,' " she said. "I love our progressive men in office but it matters to me that she's the most qualified person for the job."

"She's so proud that I got to be a part of this on her behalf," she said, and is sharing observations from Philadelphia on Snapchat.

---

Mary Jane Sanchez, of Palm Springs, went to Barack Obama's inauguration four years ago and credits the Affordable Care Act for helping many of her students at the College of the Desert, where 75 percent receive some form of financial aid. She said she was eager to see his endorsement of Clinton.

---

Harpreet S. Sandhu, a former postal worker and Richmond City Council member, said he was honored to be a delegate when Obama was nominated for the presidency in Denver in 2008.

"This is very important," he said of Clinton's nomination. "I have two daughters."

One of them, Tanisha Sandhu, 31, of Vallejo, a nurse practitioner, is also a delegate.

"I was a delegate at the age of 18," she said, for John Kerry in Boston in 2004, when her father was a Howard Dean delegate.

"I'm just excited that she's putting more cracks in the glass ceiling," she said. "As a nurse practitioner, I think everyone should have access to health care."
SHARE Shawnee Badger

By Bartholomew Sullivan, USA TODAY NETWORK

PHILADELPHIA  Shawnee Badger, whose wraparound braids and defiant statements in support of Bernie Sanders have made her a symbol of opposition to Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention, said Wednesday she doesn't see a path to party unity.

Badger, 22, of Valencia, an aspiring actress who sought donations to make the trip to Philadelphia, was visibly upset at the prospect of Democratic nominee Clinton or Republican nominee Donald Trump becoming president. She was part of a silent protest of Sanders' supporters, some with taped mouths, who invaded one of the three news media tents Tuesday evening after Clinton was nominated by acclamation.

"I can't speak for every single person there but it was about sending a message that Hillary is probably not going to win in November and she's not embracing progressives, she's not embracing Millennials, she's not trying," she said after the California delegation breakfast.

"Hiring Debbie Wasserman Schultz, not acknowledging the WikiLeaks, not picking a progressive VP  how can we unify with that? It's unreal," she said.

She was referring to a hack of Democratic National Committee emails that revealed a campaign to undermine Sanders in the primaries and led to party chairman Wasserman Schultz's resignation Sunday and the selection of Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, widely viewed as a moderate.

"We were trying to send a message that, you know, you have to win us over if you want to win and, right now, that's not happening," Badger said.

The California delegation heard from Sen. Barbara Boxer, former Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Rep. Brad Sherman of Sherman Oaks, several state leaders and Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay member of the Senate on Wednesday.

Boxer, who is retiring in January, told California delegates her Democratic constituents have been "the wind at my back."

After beating up on Trump and vilifying his vision of America  not Ronald Reagan's "Morning in America" but "Midnight in Gotham City"  she bashed his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. She said Pence accepted the tobacco industry's claim that its product doesn't kill and led efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.

Solis recalled a visit Clinton made to an impoverished part of East L.A. 25 years ago and predicted she'd achieve immigration reform in her first 100 days in office. Baldwin decried what Republican Gov. Scott Walker has done to her state's progressive legacy and praised Boxer for her "selfless work on your behalf."
COURTESY PHOTO Delegates cheer as Hillary Clinton receives the Democratic Party nomination for president on Tuesday.

SHARE COURTESY PHOTO Eric Bender of Oak Park is a Hillary Clinton delegate. COURTESY PHOTO Kristine Harn, a Hillary Clinton delegate from Simi Valley, got a chance to do some sightseeing while visiting Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention.

By Wendy Leung of the Ventura County Star

It appears the Ventura County delegates at the Democratic National Convention are losing their voices.

With early morning breakfast, all-day events, lots of cheering and four hours of sleep, it's no wonder.

"I've been waiting for Hillary to be nominated for president for many, many years," said Martel Fraser, a Hillary Clinton delegate from Ventura. "I was so elated, I was screaming and yelling from that moment on."

Clinton officially received the nomination for president from the Democratic Party on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, held a coffee meet-and-greet with delegates from Ventura County.

"It's been informative, emotional and exhausting," said Eric Bender, a Clinton delegate from Oak Park. "My voice is hoarse."

This is Bender's second appearance at the convention. He was a Clinton delegate in 2008.

"To me, life is about experiences that you can create for yourself and being here at the convention when we nominate the first woman candidate, it's the best experience of them all," Bender said.

Bill addressing the DNC over his first interaction with Hillary. pic.twitter.com/cHipwcjk7o  AJ Valenzuela (@Valarveloxn) July 27, 2016

For Kristine Harn, a Clinton delegate from Simi Valley, one memorable moment during the state-by-state roll call was when a 102-year-old woman spoke about being alive at a time when women couldn't vote.

Harn said she also enjoyed former President Bill Clinton's speech.

"He did a good job letting America know who Hillary is a little more," Harn said.

Herstory made. @HillaryClinton is the first female Presidential nominee #DemsInPhilly  Kristi Harn (@KristiHarn) July 27, 2016

Every day has been packed with events, speeches and breakfasts. But some delegates have squeezed in time to go sightseeing in Philadelphia. The streets are filled with protesters and people selling T-shirts and buttons.

"There's millions of police officers. I feel very safe," Harn said.

One drawback for the California delegation is that their hotel is 10 miles away from the convention and the shuttle isn't always reliable. After waiting 15 minutes on the first day of the convention and hearing the wait could be an hour, Harn decided to call a ride share service.

"I've been Ubering back and forth ever since," Harn said.
[July 28, 2016] Cognitive Computing Market is Expected to Reach $13.7 Billion, Globally, by 2020 - Allied Market Research

PORTLAND, Oregon, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report by Allied Market Research titled, "Cognitive Computing Market -Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020", the cognitive computing market is expected to generate revenue of $13.7 billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 33.1% during the forecast period of 2015 - 2020. The advent of cognitive computing has led to a major shift in the evolution of technology over the past decade. The growing trend of increasing cloud based services, big data analytics and harnessing the internet speed, has largely supplemented the growth of the cognitive computing market. Cognitive analytics have optimum capabilities in handling huge volumes of data and facilitate the quick transitioning of manufacturing footprints and technologies. Enterprises, today, incorporate newer technologies, both in hardware and software, in order to keep pace with the changing business requirements. The increasing adoption of cognitive computing in business applications has led to significant improvements in the productivity and standard of operations in numerous organizations. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )

The global cognitive computing market is segmented into technology, applications, end users and deployment types. The technology segment is further categorized into natural language processing, machine learning, automated reasoning and information retrieval. The application segment includes healthcare, BFSI, IT and Telecom, security, research & education, defense and others. The end users segment comprises of large enterprises and small & medium enterprises, whilst the deployment types include on-premises and cloud based services. The natural language processing segment generated the maximum revenue in 2014, accounting for over 40% of the total market revenue. The technology would continue to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. Machine learning is the second highest segment, constituting around 30% of the total revenue. Automated reasoning technology, presently having a smaller market share, would grow at the fastest CAGR of 37% during 2015-2020. Automated reasoning reduces overloaded information and is seeking applications in computational biology that would accelerate the growth of the technology in the coming years. To know more about the report, visit the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/cognitive-computing-market



From applications perspective, healthcare is the largest user, followed by BFSI. In 2014, the healthcare segment generated revenue of$745.1million, accounting for about 30% of the total market. The growth in the segment is driven by medical imaging technology and the ability of cognitive analytics to help physicians and nurses in analyzing mammogram images and detecting suspicious areas that indicate potential abnormalities. North America accounts for the highest adoption of cognitive computing applications and holds the largest revenue share in the global market, followed by Europe. The North American region generated a revenue of$1.06 billion in 2014 and would dominate the market during the forecast period 2015 - 2020.Asia-Pacificis expected to become a lucrative market for cognitive computing. The rapidly rising trend of cloud based services, in small and medium enterprises, exhibits a high growth rate in the Asia-Pacific countries.

Companies such as Deloitte, PwC, Accenture and other prominent players largely utilize cognitive computing in training their staff and improving their productivity. Watson, the cognitive computing system of IBM exhibits a phenomenal performance in the company's work processes. Watson is largely used in the healthcare sector to dramatically improve the abilities of doctors, researchers and insurers by gauging newer surface insights from medical records. Key findings of the study The growth of the global cognitive computing market would be supplemented by the increasing volume of large unstructured data across various verticals such as healthcare, banking and financial, security and IT & Telecom

Natural language processing is the highest revenue generating technology of cognitive computing

Increased adoption would be witnessed across key sectors such as healthcare, retail, banking and finance, over the forecast period (2015 - 2020)

North America accounted for the maximum adoption of cognitive computing applications with 41.6% market share in the overall global revenue in 2014

accounted for the maximum adoption of cognitive computing applications with 41.6% market share in the overall global revenue in 2014 Asia-Pacific and LAMEA are expected to be the most lucrative markets in terms of growth, owing to the developments in the healthcare and the insurance sector along with the growing adoption of advanced technologies

The report also outlines the competitive environment of the cognitive computing market, providing a comprehensive study of the key organic and inorganic strategies adopted by market leaders. The companies are adopting product launch and technological advancements as a key strategy to maintain their leading positions. Prominent companies profiled in the report include IBM Corporation, Google Incorporation, Microsoft Corporation, Nuance Communications Inc., 3M, HP, Statistical Analysis System (SAS), sap, Tibco Software and Oracle Corporation. See all reports related to ICT at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/information-&-communication-technology-&-media-market-report 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:

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STAR FILE PHOTO People enjoy a sunny afternoon at the Ventura Harbor Village in 2014.

SHARE STAR FILE PHOTO Frank Lopez Jr. watches as the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams hold a joint training session last year in Oxnard. STAR FILE PHOTO Diana Porter and Ric Castaniero take the floor at the Oxnard Salsa Festival dance competition in 2014.

By Arlene Martinez, amartinez@vcstar.com

1. BE A PIRATE AT THE VENTURA HARBOR: On Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon, head to the Ventura Harbor for the Seaside Kids Club. Geared for children ages 4-10, the free club features themed activities, arts and adventure.

July's theme is "Red, White and Blue...and Pirates Too." This week, be part of a pirate treasure hunt and treasure craft.

Can't make Thursday's event? It's happening each of the next three weeks in August. The theme will be Splish Splash.

The harbor is at 1583 Spinnaker Drive. For more details go to http://bit.ly/2ahzOuF.

2. DO SCIENCE IN CALABASAS: Learn to survive in the wild during Saturday's Science Day at Malibu Creek State Park.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a docent-led hike, animals, geology, birds and more.

It's free to take part, but parking costs $3 for an hour or $12 for the day. Malibu Creek State Park is at 1925 Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas. Find more details at http://bit.ly/2ae0prA.

3. EAT AND DANCE SALSA IN OXNARD: The Salsa Festival happens this weekend in Oxnard's Plaza Park. Sample dozens of salsas, from mild and fruity to hot and exotic.

Enjoy live music and lots of dancing. Admission to the festival is free, but you'll pay $5 if you want to get through the white picket fence into the concert area.

Festivities kick off Friday night with a concert by Cecilia Noel and The Wild Clams. The show starts at 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and/or buy beer and wine margaritas there. Tickets are $15, $10 for children ages 6-14 or buy a table for $120.

Plaza Park is at 500 South C St. The festival runs both days from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Go to oxnardsalsafestival.com for more details.

4. WELCOME THE COWBOYS: Saturday is the opening event for the Dallas Cowboys training camp. There's also a kids zone and live performances by the team's mascot, Rowdy.

The ceremony starts at 3 p.m. at River Ridge Playing Fields, 2101 W. Vineyard Ave. in Oxnard.

Admission is free, but parking is $20. Admission is on a first-come basis and is capped.

5. EAT SOME CHOWDA: Enjoy at least 15 different chowders, beer and wine as you take in ocean views during the second annual Chowderfest.

It takes place Saturday from 3-7 p.m. at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum at 3900 Bluefin Circle in Oxnard.

Live music, in the blues theme, includes the band Kelly's Lot.

Bonus: Meet celebrity judge Lisa Lillien, creator of the Hungry Girl brand and author of 11 books on the New York Times Best Seller list.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Admission gets you chowder as well as beer and wine tastings.

Go to cimmvc.org/chowderfest for more information and to buy tickets.
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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump  I can't believe I wrote those words  gave a news conference Wednesday. Shall we first count the outrages or the lies?

I think we need to start at the top of the outrage column. Asked about the hacking of Democratic National Committee emails, which many experts believe was carried out by agents of the Russian government, Trump speculated that Russia might also have hacked into Hillary Clinton's private email server. Then he asked the Russians to release any deleted emails they might have found there.

Trump looked directly into the television cameras and said, "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press."

You read that right. The man one of our two major parties has nominated for president just encouraged cyberespionage by an adversarial foreign power against a former U.S. Secretary of State.

We've become almost numb to Trump's wild and irresponsible declarations because there are so many of them. But this one, for me, was jaw-dropping. Fortunately, FBI Director James Comey said in his Capitol Hill testimony that there is no evidence Clinton's server was ever hacked by anyone.

There is plenty of evidence, however, that Russia is behind the DNC hack, according to widespread news reports quoting U.S. cybersecurity officials. This did not seem to bother Trump in the least; nor did the release of hacked emails embarrassing to the Democratic National Committee on the eve of the convention. He reveled in the disclosures with undisguised glee.

What's the deal with Trump and the Russians? He said he has never met Vladimir Putin, but once again he betrayed his man-crush on the Russian leader, saying he had better leadership qualities than President Obama.

Trump denied he had business interests in Russia  though it is known that he earned millions from staging his Miss Universe pageant there  and was vague about any possible involvement Russian oligarchs might have in Trump-related projects. Of course, it would be possible to know a lot more if Trump would release his tax returns, but he still won't.

That's the second outrage. All recent presidential nominees have released at least some tax returns  the actual returns, not cobbled-together summaries. (George W. Bush released only his Form 1040.) Trump claims he cannot release his because he is being audited. That's ridiculous  there is no such prohibition  and the real reason must be that he has something to hide. This is a big issue, and it should be a big red flag for voters in November.

The third outrage is that Trump called Obama "the most ignorant president in our history." Put aside, for a moment, the degrees from Columbia and Harvard Law, the presidency of Harvard Law Review, the two terms in the White House. Anyone who has ever heard Obama speak or spent five minutes with the man knows that whatever you might think of him, ignorant he is not.

Name-calling by Trump is not exactly news. But this one stands out because it shows such utter lack of respect for the dignity of the high office he seeks to hold. The words vulgar and ungracious come to mind.

As for the lies: He said the Islamic State hasn't been mentioned at the Democratic convention; it has. He said there were no American flags on the convention dais; there are. He said Putin called him a "genius" (that bromance again); Putin said no such thing but did call Trump talented. Trump mentioned the Orlando massacre to justify his proposed Muslim ban; the shooter was born in the United States. He claimed he had inspired NATO to begin focusing on terrorism; the alliance was heading in that direction long before Trump opened his mouth.

I could go on, but why bother? Truth is irrelevant to Trump. All he wanted to do is steal a few hours of media attention in the middle of the Democratic convention. He got his wish  but thanks to his Russia comments, it's not the kind of attention he wanted.

Eugene Robinson's email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com. He writes for The Washington Post Writers Group.
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When county supervisors Steve Bennett and John Zaragoza held a meeting last week in Ventura on the issue of farmworker wage theft and other labor violations, so many people attended  300  that scores spilled out into the lobby.

Farmworkers and community advocates at the fact-finding workshop charged that employees are often shorted on wages, harassed, work under poor conditions and fear retaliation if they report violations. Not surprisingly, farmers painted a different picture, saying they did not think violations were common and could just be the result of miscommunication.

It seemed like your classic he-said-she-said story, but considering the depth of the turnout, passion and charges themselves, they cannot be so easily dismissed. In fact, Gov. Jerry Brown this week signed into law a bill that helps cities and counties investigate allegations of wage theft and take action. We encourage county and other local officials to treat this issue seriously and take advantage of the new law.

The Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, or CAUSE, says it surveyed 300 farmworkers in Ventura County last year, and about 60 percent reported experiencing at least one of three types of wage theft: getting shorted on the number of hours worked or boxes picked, working during breaks, or performing unpaid work before or after a shift.

Almost 20 percent reported not getting adequate breaks, nearly a third said they had been injured on the job but received no benefits, and half reported health problems from pesticides, CAUSE says. Many are immigrants with limited English and no documentation, creating fear of retaliation if they say anything about the problems.

Local farming organizations say the problems are exaggerated and that the vast majority of farmers comply with labor laws. That doesn't mean, however, that we should pretend there are no bad apples and ignore the abuses.

For one thing, farmworkers  documented and undocumented alike  play a key role in Ventura County's economy. The industry generates more than $2 billion a year in revenue and employs more than 25,000 people. CAUSE says more farmworker jobs are projected over the next 10 years than any other job category in our county. Yet farmwork remains the lowest-paid category in the county  full-time, year-round workers earned an average of $20,818 in 2014.

Bennett and Zaragoza said they will share the results of last week's meeting with the full county Board of Supervisors, which then may take some action. We suggest county officials take a good look at Senate Bill 1342, signed by Brown on Monday.

The bill was authored by Sen. Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, who argues that enforcement of wage laws have not kept pace with wage theft in California, especially now that cities and counties are raising the minimum wage.

Currently, the state mainly investigates and takes action on wage theft allegations. The new law specifically allows cities and counties, beginning Jan. 1, to investigate such allegations, issue subpoenas and report violations to a Superior Court judge. The bill breezed through the Legislature with no opposition.

A proposal by CAUSE and other advocates for a Farmworker Bill of Rights in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties also remains on the table. The proposal calls for tougher penalties on employers caught stealing wages, the hiring of new county investigators to focus on wage theft and other labor violations, and an anonymous hotline for workers to report abuses, among other things.

We should not regulate growers out of existence, but we urge our local leaders to do what is necessary to ensure that our farmworkers are fully paid for an honest day's work.
e-Commerce in Asia, the latest publication from Dezan Shira & Associates, is out now and available for complimentary download through the Asia Briefing Publication Store.

In this report:

Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing an e-Commerce Presence in Asia

China, Vietnam, and India e-Commerce Market Summaries

Investing in China, Vietnam, and Indias e-Commerce Markets

As the digital revolution transforms shopping habits worldwide, emerging markets in Asia stand out as enormous opportunities for foreign investment. Rising internet penetration, a growing consumer base, and rapidly developing logistics infrastructure contribute to burgeoning e-commerce activity in China, Vietnam, and India.

Chinas e-commerce market is already the worlds largest, with established online shopping giants catering to the varied needs of increasingly discerning consumers who value the quality and trustworthiness of foreign products. The e-commerce industry in Vietnam is comparatively green, though improving infrastructure and connectivity present opportunities not just for sellers but also ambitious companies seeking to capitalize on the fractured nature of the countrys online retail industry. India is somewhere in between, boasting rapidly growing internet penetration and a massive potential consumption class as investors benefit from the recent relaxation of previously unclear and restrictive government regulations.

While e-commerce is a dynamic sector across Asia, entering the industry can pose considerable challenges. The rise of e-commerce is a relatively recent phenomenon in emerging markets, and the legal and regulatory environment is constantly shifting. Further, logistical issues such as unreliable delivery practices, unstable internet connectivity, and difficult rural access frequently complicate e-commerce operations throughout emerging Asia.

E-commerce in China, Vietnam, and India is complex, and accessing these markets necessitates innumerable considerations. Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various entry models and how they help or hinder access to target demographics and future growth is essential when engaging with emerging Asias lively e-commerce sector. Although it is a complicated field to penetrate, successfully entering the industry can give companies access to vast new markets as they establish a foothold in the vibrant region.



About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email vietnam@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. 

Annual Audit and Compliance in Vietnam 2016

In this issue of Vietnam Briefing, we address pressing changes to audit procedures in 2016, and provide guidance on how to ensure that compliance tasks are completed in an efficient and effective manner. We highlight the continued convergence of VAS with IFRS, discuss the emergence of e-filing, and provide step-by-step instructions on audit and compliance procedures for Foreign Owned Enterprises (FOEs) as well as Representative Offices (ROs).

Navigating the Vietnam Supply Chain

In this edition of Vietnam Briefing, we discuss the advantages of the Vietnamese market over its regional competition and highlight where and how to implement successful investment projects. We examine tariff reduction schedules within the ACFTA and TPP, highlight considerations with regard to rules of origin, and outline the benefits of investing in Vietnams growing economic zones. Finally, we provide expert insight into the issues surrounding the creation of 100 percent Foreign Owned Enterprise in Vietnam.

Tax, Accounting and Audit in Vietnam 2016 (2nd Edition)

This edition of Tax, Accounting, and Audit in Vietnam, updated for 2016, offers a comprehensive overview of the major taxes foreign investors are likely to encounter when establishing or operating a business in Vietnam, as well as other tax-relevant obligations. This concise, detailed, yet pragmatic guide is ideal for CFOs, compliance officers and heads of accounting who must navigate Vietnams complex tax and accounting landscape in order to effectively manage and strategically plan their Vietnam operations.
Former EU financial services commissioner Michel Barnier, pictured in 2010. (AFP/File - Georges Gobet)

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said Barnier was just the man to lead what promise to be difficult talks as he has the experience and contacts needed to win agreement.

Britain's Jun 23 vote to quit the 28-nation European Union shocked EU leaders who had bet on a vote to remain, with France and the Commission leading demands that negotiations should begin as soon as possible.

"I am very glad that my friend Michel Barnier accepted this important and challenging task. I wanted an experienced politician for this difficult job," Juncker said in a statement.

"I am sure that he will live up to this new challenge and help us to develop a new partnership with the United Kingdom" after it becomes the first country to leave the EU.

Barnier, 65, held the key Commission financial services portfolio from 2010 to 2014, spearheading efforts to tame the eurozone debt crisis which nearly brought down the single currency project.

He was central to efforts to save the EU's stricken banks, laying down tough rules to police a new banking union system which often put him at loggerheads with the City of London, one of the world's top financial markets.

Barnier was also closely linked to curbing banker bonuses, which were widely blamed for encouraging the risk-taking culture that ultimately left the banks over-stretched and in need of massive government bailouts costing billions.

Jacques Lafitte of the Avisa investment advisory group in Brussels said the appointment sent a very clear message of intent to Britain.

"After all these years that the City has demonised Michel Barnier, often unjustly, the Commission could not have sent a firmer message to the English," Lafitte told AFP.

Barnier told BFM TV in France shortly after the June 23 Brexit vote that the outcome was a loss for all but stressed the common interests.

"Beyond Brexit, we will continue to have shared interests with the British, especially in everything that touches upon our collective security," he said.

Barnier was currently serving as an adviser to Juncker on security issues as the EU reels from a series of deadly attacks claimed by Islamic State jihadis.

NO RUSH TO BEGIN TALKS

New British Prime Minister Theresa May has made clear London will not be rushed into the Brexit talks which are widely expected to begin early next year.

May insists she wants Britain to keep the fullest access possible to the bloc's single market of 500 million people while at the same time having the right to limit EU migrants, the key issue which turned the referendum.

Juncker and EU leaders agree that close ties with the world's fifth largest economy are in the interests of both sides but they also insist they will not accept limits on the free movement of people, a core EU principle.

Juncker has repeatedly stressed the need to get the talks underway as soon as possible so as to end the uncertainty over both Britain's and the bloc's future.

Barnier takes up his position on Oct 1 but the Brexit talks can only begin once Britain invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which sets the clock ticking on two-years of divorce talks.

If the talks fail to produce an agreement, Britain will end up leaving the EU unceremoniously and be treated as any other country with no special privileges under World Trade Organization rules.

Barnier also previously served as EU commissioner for regional policy and had stints as both French foreign and agriculture minister.

He tweeted he was "honoured to be entrusted UK negotiation by @JunckerEU and @EU Commission. Rendez-vous for beginning of demanding task on 1 October."

Juncker said Barnier was a "skilled negotiator with rich experience in major policy areas relevant to the negotiations (and) ... has an extensive network of contacts."

"He will report directly to me and I will invite him to brief regularly the (commissioners) to keep my team abreast of the negotiations," he added.
[July 28, 2016] J.D. Power Finds Wireless Customers More Satisfied When Using Online Customer Care Channels, Via Mobile Devices

COSTA MESA, Calif., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Customer contact with wireless carriers via online self-service is at an all-time high, as a growing shift in mobile device usage is affecting the way customers contact their providers with service inquiries, according to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Full-Service Performance StudySMVolume 2 and the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract Performance StudySMVolume 2, both released today. Now in their 14th year, the semiannual studies examine how well wireless carriers provide customer service via the following contact channels: phone, which consists of two subchannels (automated response system (ARS), then customer service representative (CSR) and ARS only); walk-in (retail store); and online (website, online chat and social media). The studies measure satisfaction with each contact method and analyze processing issues, such as the efficiency of problem resolution and the duration of hold times. Satisfaction is calculated on a 1,000-point scale. Wireless carrier customers have a variety of service channels to choose from when they experience an issue or have a question. Based on contact occurrences in the study, the frequency of using the online channel has increased considerably from last volume. Nearly half (47%) of customers who had a customer service contact during the previous three months used the channel, compared with 42% just six months ago. This represents the biggest increase among the three largest contact channels examined in the study. More than half (53%) of full-service customers had a walk-in service contact, compared with 49% over the previous six-month period, while 42% had an ARS, then CSR contact, compared with 43% in the previous six months. Part of the reason behind the rise in contact frequency via the online channel is the increasing use of mobile devices. Nearly three-fourths (72%) of customers who contact their carrier online use a smartphone or tablet to do so. In most cases where a mobile device is used (85%), the device is associated with the customer's account. "Given the number of dedicated contact channels available, the self-service channels generate the largest increases in contact volume over time and represent a growing trend among customers who prefer that experience vs. more in-person contact," said Kirk Parsons, senior director and technology, media & telecom practice leader at J.D. Power. "Some of the main influences contributing to the frequency gains in self-service channels are the proliferation of mobile device usage and the improved experience in user interface and technology that allow for multiple inquiries, faster response and higher overall satisfaction." Online satisfaction is considerably higher when using a smartphone or tablet for online care, compared with using a desktop or laptop computer (835 vs. 766, respectively). Online satisfaction is especially high when a customer uses a mobile device associated with their account (840). More importantly, overall resolution times to an online inquiry are shorter among those who use a mobile device rather than a desktop/laptop computer (11.8 minutes vs. 13.4 minutes, respectively). "As customer care usage patterns continue to change, it's important for wireless carriers to meet or exceed the service expectations of the growing self-service channels and the different platforms and devices that can access customer information and help assist when problems arise, which can lead to increased satisfaction and future loyalty," Parsons said. Additional key findings of the 2016 studies include: Wireless Care Satisfaction Improves: Overall satisfaction among wireless full-service customers is 804, an improvement of 16 points from the 2016 Full-Service StudyVol 1. Satisfaction among non-contract wireless customers is 761, a significant 23-point increase from the 2016 Non-Contract StudyVol 1.

Overall satisfaction among wireless full-service customers is 804, an improvement of 16 points from the 2016 Full-Service StudyVol 1. Satisfaction among non-contract wireless customers is 761, a significant 23-point increase from the 2016 Non-Contract StudyVol 1. Overall Satisfaction by Contact Type : Overall satisfaction is highest among customers whose online contact was via a user forum (838), followed by social media (836), email (827), carrier website (826) and online chat (813).

: Overall satisfaction is highest among customers whose online contact was via a user forum (838), followed by social media (836), email (827), carrier website (826) and online chat (813). Online Contact Channels: Researching information on the carrier's website (51%) is the most common activity via online contact, followed by online chat (44%), email (26%), user forums (23%), and social media (7%).

Researching information on the carrier's website (51%) is the most common activity via online contact, followed by online chat (44%), email (26%), user forums (23%), and social media (7%). Reasons for Contact Vary by Channel: Among wireless customers contacting their carrier by telephone, billing (44%) is the most frequently reported reason for contact. The same is true for customers contacting via the online channel (52%). The majority of wireless customers visiting a retail facility for customer service do so for service options and equipment issues (40%). Study Rankings AT&T ranks highest among wireless full-service carriers, with an overall score of 820. AT&T performs particularly well in the walk-in (retail stores) and online channels, and performs above the full-service average in all four service channels. Consumer Cellular ranks highest for the first time among wireless non-contract carriers, scoring 878. Consumer Cellular performs above the non-contract average in all four service channels, especially in the ARS, then CSR channel. The 2016 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Full-Service Performance StudyVolume 2 is based on responses from 7,556 full-service wireless customers, and the 2016 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract Performance StudyVolume 2 is based on responses from 2,543 non-contract wireless customers. The studies are based on the experiences of current customers who contacted their carrier's customer care department within the past three months. The studies were fielded from January through June 2016. Study Rankings







U.S. Wireless Customer Care Full-Service Performance StudyVolume 2 Overall Customer Care Index Rankings JDPower.com Power Circle RatingsTM (Based on a 1,000-point scale) For Consumers AT&T 820 5 T-Mobile 815 5 Full-Service Average 804 3 Verizon Wireless 797 3 Sprint 750 2

U.S. Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract Performance StudyVolume 2 Overall Customer Care Index Rankings JDPower.com Power Circle RatingsTM (Based on a 1,000-point scale) For Consumers Consumer Cellular 878 5 Cricket 790 4 Boost Mobile 784 4 MetroPCS 765 3 Virgin Mobile 761 3 Non-Contract Average 761 3 TracFone 723 2 Straight Talk 714 2 Net10 712 2 Power Circle Ratings Legend

5  Among the best

4  Better than most

3  About average

2  The rest Award-Eligible Full-Service Carriers Included in the Study Company Name CEO Name U.S. Company Address AT&T Glenn Lurie Atlanta, Ga. Sprint Marcelo Claure Overland Park, Kan. T-Mobile John Legere Bellevue, Wash. Verizon Wireless John Stratton New York, N.Y. Award-Eligible Non-Contract Carriers Included in the Study Company Name CEO Name U.S. Company Address Boost Mobile Marcelo Claure Overland Park, Kan. Consumer Cellular John Marick Portland, Ore. Cricket John Dwyer San Diego, Calif. MetroPCS John Legere Bellevue, Wash. Net10 Gustavo Blanco (Vice Chairman) Miami, Fla. Straight Talk Gustavo Blanco (Vice Chairman) Miami, Fla. TracFone Gustavo Blanco (Vice Chairman) Miami, Fla. Virgin Mobile Marcelo Claure Overland Park, Kan. Media Relations Contacts

Geno Effler; Costa Mesa, Calif.; 714-621-6224; [email protected] About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules www.jdpower.com/about-us/press-release-info

About McGraw Hill Financial www.mhfi.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130605/LA26502LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jd-power-finds-wireless-customers-more-satisfied-when-using-online-customer-care-channels-via-mobile-devices-300305472.html SOURCE J.D. Power

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Hillary Clinton's campaign lashed out at Donald Trump for encouraging Russia to trawl the former secretary of state's emails. (AFP/John Gurzinski)

"This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent," said top Clinton advisor Jake Sullivan.

"This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue."

Trump, who is expected soon to receive his first government intelligence briefing, suggested on Wednesday that Russia could help find emails known to have been deleted from Clinton's private server when she was secretary of state on the grounds they were personal.

The FBI concluded earlier this month that Clinton had been "extremely careless" in her handling of classified material via a private email server, but did not recommend that she face criminal charges.

Republicans see the missing emails as a smoking gun, however. "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 e-mails that are missing," Trump told a news conference.

The Clinton campaign's explosive accusation of inviting foreign spying came as US intelligence agencies pointed to Russia as the cause of a mass hack of Democratic Party emails.

Clinton's camp believes that Moscow gave the mails to WikiLeaks, which released them last week, to foment unease between the former first lady and her one-time Democratic rival Bernie Sanders.

The scandal caused the resignation of Democratic Party leader Debbie Wasserman Schultz and poured kerosene on Democratic infighting at a party convention in Philadelphia.

Trump has adopted a number of pro-Russian policy positions as a presidential candidate, suggesting he would recognise Moscow's annexation of Crimea and lift economic sanctions.

His campaign chair's close ties with pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine has also raised allegations that Trump is too cozy with Moscow and its powerful leader Vladimir Putin.

"I have nothing to do with Putin," Trump said. "Never spoken to him. I know nothing about him other than he will respect me."

"If it is Russia. Nobody knows. It's probably China, or it could be somebody sitting in his bed. But it shows how weak we are. It shows how disrespected we are," he said.

Trump's vice-presidential running mate Mike Pence quickly tried to limit the fallout from the mogul's comments.

"The FBI will get to the bottom of who is behind the hacking," he said in a statement. "If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences."
Authorities have put up road blocks to prevent large-scale car imports

According to initial calculations from the General Statistics Office (GSO), Vietnam imported some 4,000 complete built units (CBUs) in July, a considerable decrease from 4,500 vehicles imported in the previous month.

CBUs continued to be on the list of imported products that need to be strictly limited by local authorities to cope with trade deficit, besides complete built motorbikes, air conditioners, washing machines, beer and alcohol.

Figures from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) showed that import value of less-then-nine-seat CBUs and other kinds of import products needed to be controlled reached $4.7 billion in the first half of this year, accounting for 12 per cent of the countrys overall imports.

In order to take stronger control and limit the imports of CBUs, the MoIT and Ministry of Transport recently issued a joint document, defining only five seaports authorised to receive import CBUs with less then 16 seats. They are Cai Lan, Haiphong, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria-Vung Tau ports. The regulation, which was previously applied merely on used cars imported into Vietnam, took effect from July 29, 2010.

The joint document also defined some other strict requirements regarding to environmental protection and registration for imported automobile vehicles.

Previously, local authorities also applied strong measures to prevent massive imports of CBUs, including bans on imported cars to be stored in seaports and increased loading charges for automobile containers.

The GSO, however, stressed that although the number of imported CBU vehicles experienced a decline, import values increased to $90 million in July from $81 million in June.

The surge in import value was mostly due to the increase in buying heavy trucks and luxury vehicles into Vietnam during the month.

In the first seven months of the year, the country imported a total of 27,023 complete built cars worth some $484 million.
More than 90 foreign investors mainly from Europe and East Asia last week flocked to Ho Chi Minh City during VinaCapital Groups annual foreign investors conference to learn more about the investment opportunities across Vietnams emerging economy. The number was doubled compared to last year.

VinaCapital CEO Don Lam said: This is an important indicator of the renewed interest in the Vietnamese markets among overseas investors. We are confident this interest will result in tangible investments in the coming years and beyond.

Lam added that overseas institutional investors are always looking for good long-term buys and the low valuations of Vietnams bluechip companies in 2010 make this an excellent chance for equities investment in the long run.

According to Marc Djandji, director of research at VietCapital Securities, in the first nine months of 2010, the number of foreign institutional accounts grew by 20 per cent on-year compared to 2009s 6 per cent.

This is a very positive sign about the perception of Vietnams long-term prospects as institutional investors typically have a long-term view of the markets they decide to enter, said Djandji, adding that whenever foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign remittances into Vietnam could offset the countrys trade deficit, it would be good time for foreign investors to take action.

The country has seen a corporate earning growth averaging 10-15 per cent, however, the local stock markets have performed poorly, given concerns over the trade balance and the depreciation of the currency, among other issues.

The countrys stock market is among the very few markets in Asia seeing a constant downturn recently. Hot capital flows are not likely to make their way to Vietnam. VinaCapital has seen about $2 billion to $3 billion worth of the capital recently pumped to the Asia-Pacific region, said Lam.

He added that listed investment funds in Vietnam had been traded 40 per cent lower than their real values while those listed on overseas securities markets saw only 25 per cent lost.

Founded in 2003 from a single $10 million fund, VinaCapital Group now has $1.8 billion in assets under management. It has already invested $1.5 billion into listed and private equities, real estate, infrastructure and information technology sectors.

VinaCapital plans to invest $300 million in the next three years, mainly into equities and real estate sectors.

We will prioritise to invest in companies operating in the areas of consumer goods, healthcare, banking, oil & gas services, seafood, construction material and real estate, said Lam.
A delegation from Japan's Oates Chemical Company had a working session with Ha Nam authorities on Tuesday to explore the investment climate in the northern province.-VNA/VNS Photo

The company has four factories in Japan and plans to expand its production of rubber components to Viet Nam, Director Goda Kengo said, adding that Ha Nam boasts a strong policy to attract investment, especially from Japanese businesses.

The locality also has a favourable geographical location and trade exchange system with Ha Noi, as well as with neighbouring cities and provinces. Therefore, the Japanese company is determined to build a factory there, he said.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Vu Dai Thang said authorities plan to arrange for a 6,000sq.m space in Dong Van I Industrial Park, Duy Tien District, where the company can build its factory.

He noted that the location has a good transport network and all necessary infrastructure, with scores of Japanese firms investing and operating in the area.

Local authorities pledged to create the best conditions for the company, as they were committed to foreign investors, specifically in handing over land for building workers' accommodations, exempting land lease costs during the first two years of investment and granting a 50-year operating licence.
US President Barack Obama addresses Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo: AFP/SAUL LOEB)

In his primetime speech to Democrats gathered in Philadelphia, Obama said there has "Never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to be president."

"Until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war," he will say. "But Hillary's been in the room; she's been part of those decisions."

The President said during the time when Clinton was his Secretary of State, he had a "front-row seat to her intelligence, her judgment, and her discipline."

Obama opened his speech by recalling his first time speaking at the Democratic National Convention.

"I was so young that first time in Boston. Maybe a little nervous addressing such a big crowd. But I was filled with faith; faith in America  the generous, bighearted, hopeful country that made my story, indeed, all of our stories possible," Obama said.

Obama offered an alternative to businessman Donald Trump's vision of the United States as being under siege from illegal immigrants and terrorism and losing its way in the world.

"I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before," Obama told cheering delegates at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Democratic president laid out what he said were a series of advances during his two terms in office, such as recovery from economic recession, the Obamacare healthcare reform and the 2011 killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Nodding to voters' concerns, Obama said he understood frustrations "with political gridlock, worry about racial divisions" and the slow pace of economic growth.

"There are pockets of America that never recovered from factory closures; men who took pride in hard work and providing for their families who now feel forgotten," Obama said.

Clinton made history on Tuesday when she became the first woman to secure the presidential nomination from a major party. When she formally accepts it on Thursday, she will become the Democratic standard-bearer against Republican nominee Trump in the Nov. 8 election.

At the convention on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination.

Obama and Clinton were rivals in the hard-fought campaign for the 2008 Democratic nomination. After winning that election, he appointed her his secretary of state.

Democrats have buttressed Clinton with a star gathering of current and past party notables at this week's convention. By contrast, many prominent Republicans were absent from the party convention that nominated Trump for the White House last week.
The property market information must be adequate and accurate, say experts.-Photo news.zing.vn

Several property developers voiced their fears in response to an announcement by the HCM City watchdog of publicising the names of developers who have mortgaged their unfinished housing projects. The developers said that inadequate mortgage information was causing confusion and misunderstanding among home buyers and seekers.

Announcing projects which were mortgaged was a drastic move to improve the transparency of the housing market, Le Hoang Chau, president of the HCM City Real Estate Association said. "However, this is creating an erroneous impression that developers named in the list do not have sufficient financial capacity," Chau said.

Chau said that in Viet Nam, property developers relied significantly on banking credits to develop their projects.

Tran Ngoc Quang, general secretary of the Viet Nam Real Estate Association, estimated that more than 70 per cent of capital for the realty market came from banking loans.

Le Hung Manh, chairman of Gia Hoa Company Ltd, who was included in the list, said that many of their buyers were worried by the announcement of the HCM City Department of Natural Resources and Environment as the developer had earlier informed its buyers that it did not borrow money from banks.

Hung said that his company's project was in the list as it was mortgaged to apply for a bank guarantee to undertake transactions for an unfinished property, which was compulsory under the current regulation.

Mortgaging projects for a guarantee to transact unfinished products was beneficial to buyers, lawyer Pham Van Minh from Minh Lawyers said.

According to Chau, even then, there were violations by property developers who used banking loans for incorrect purposes, undermining the confidence of buyers.

The association urged banks to tighten supervision towards the use of credit provided to developers as well as mortgaged assets.

In addition, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment should clarify the purpose of mortgaging each project to prevent confusion, the association said.
Singapore has the edge in capital and technology, while Vietnam has natural and human resources, which is a heaven-sent match to improve trading and investment between our/the two countries, said Dang Xuan Quang, deputy director of the Foreign Investment Department under the Ministry of Planning and Investment at the Vietnam  Singapore Business Forum 2016 (VSBF) in Ho Chi Minh City last week.

More than 200 business leaders, government representatives, and experts met at the forum to discuss ways to strengthen trade and investment, especially in light of the two countries joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Vietnam is now an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). In the first half of this year, the country saw the total newly registered and expanded capital of $11.3 billion, an increase of 105.4 per cent compared to the same period of last year, Quang said.

The first half of the year also saw more than $7.25 billion in FDI being disbursed in the country. This figure is expected to reach $15 billion by the end of this year, a record-high in Vietnam so far.

Vietnam is given priority in the fields of high tech and environmental protection. We have also issued a separate decree to regulate private-public partnerships, to encourage the private sector to invest in infrastructure development, Quang told the forums participants.

According to VCCIs Deputy Chairman Doan Duy Khuong, VSBF is a practical platform for businesses to promote international economic integration, since both countries have become members of the TPP and AEC.

Business lines found exciting by enterprises from the two countries were also discussed, such as financial services, manufacturing and processing, real estate development as well as tourism, and hotel development.

Leow Siu Lin, Singaporean consul in Ho Chi Minh City, said that Vietnam remained one of the top investment destinations for Singaporean companies.

Singaporean businesses take a long-term approach when making foreign investments and acknowledge Vietnams strong foundations, which include a demographic advantage, given its young, skilled, and growing labour force and rich endowment of arable land, mineral wealth, and oil and gas resources, Lin added.

Koh Chong Yu, centre director of IE Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City, said that not only Singaporean enterprises focused on the Vietnamese market, but international groups headquartered in Singapore were also looking for investment opportunities in the region, including Vietnam.

"Besides urban development, Singaporean companies can explore further collaboration opportunities with Vietnamese enterprises in sectors such as consumer services, manufacturing, oil and gas and tourism," she said.

As of April 2016, Singapore was the third largest investor in Vietnam, after South Korea and Japan, with a cumulative investment volume of $36.3 billion disbursed in more than 1,600 projects.

The key investment areas are services (ports, logistics, and healthcare), manufacturing, industry, and real estate.

Many of our companies, such as Sembcorp, Mapletree, Keppel Land, Ascendas, and CapitaLand, to name but a few, have longstanding investments in Vietnam and continue to look for opportunities to expand their operations, said Lin.
DJ Cyril Hahn Switzerland

In the early part of his career, Hahn was known for his remix work of artists like Destinys Child, Solange Knowles, Jessie Ware and Haim.

After signing with PMR Records, he released two extended plays Perfect Form in 2013 and Voices in 2014. He has worked with soloists like Rochelle Jordan.

Hahn has played at some of the worlds most popular music festivals, including Bestival in the UK, Osheaga in Canada, Fall Festivals in Australia, Roskilde in Denmark, and Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.

The performance will begin at 7pm at Glow Skybar at 93 Nguyen Du Street in District 1.
[July 28, 2016] WeddingWire Launches Downloadable Snapchat Geofilters for Weddings

CHEVY CHASE, Md., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WeddingWire, Inc., the global leader for online wedding planning, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest, custom wedding resource for social media, WeddingWire Snapchat Geofilters. The WeddingWire Snapchat Geofilters are exciting, innovative designs that allow couples and their wedding guests to personalize Snapchats with a unique filter to be used throughout all wedding celebrations. WeddingWire continues to lead the industry having been the first-to-market wedding brand on Snapchat and Facebook Live, while also creating social media tools for couples to customize their weddings from custom wedding hashtags to creative monograms. WeddingWire has created eight beautiful filters for couples that match Snapchat's required design specifications. Additionally, WeddingWire is excited to partner with the iconic resort wear brand Lilly Pulitzer to feature exclusive beach wedding geofilters. The custom hand-painted designs are perfect for destination weddings, and honeymoon travels. "Today's couples want their wedding to reflect their personal style, and WeddingWire's new Snapchat Geofilters will help them do just thatwhile staying on the cutting edge of social media," said Kim Forrest, Editor and Trends Expert, WeddingWire. "Snapchat is the newest form of social media to take the wedding world by storm, and we love seeing the ceative ways that couples and their guests tell a wedding's story via this exciting app."



"Lilly Pulitzer celebrates Resort dressing 365 days a year and we love when one of those days includes a beach wedding or special event," said Janie Paradis, SVP of Marketing & Creative Communications, Lilly Pulitzer. "Working with WeddingWire to exclusively share co-branded Snapchat On-Demand filters is a colorful, happy way to celebrate a very important day in someone's lifeeveryone loves a party with print." To use the WeddingWire Snapchat Geofilters, couples simply select and download their favorite design(s) directly from WeddingWire, then visit the Snapchat On-Demand center where users are asked to pick a time and set a geofence for the selected Geofilter (fees apply.) Couples and their guests will have access to apply the custom filters once the dates and locations are approved by Snapchat. Couples are encouraged to add WeddingWire on Snapchat and send in pictures of their wedding day using one of the WeddingWire Geofilters (Snapchat: WeddingWire.)

For more information about the WeddingWire Snapchat Geofilters and the "dos and don'ts" of Snapchat at a wedding, please visit the WeddingWire blog and follow WeddingWire on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest in inspiration and wedding planning tips. About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire, Inc. is the leading global online marketplace connecting consumers with event and creative professionals. Operating within a $200 billion industry, WeddingWire, Inc. hosts 10 million monthly unique users across its mobile and web platforms. Consumers are able to read over 2.5 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a database of over 400,000 businesses. Globally, it provides these businesses the technology they need to serve their clients through advertising, marketing and business management tools such as websites, payment processing, invoicing and contracts. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio of sites serves couples and businesses across 15 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, making it the worldwide leader in weddings with brands including Bodas.net, Casamentos.com.br, Matrimonio.com and more. The company employs more than 800 and maintains global headquarters in Washington, DC and international headquarters in Barcelona, Spain. Contact:

Lauren Hartman

WeddingWire

[email protected]

301.231.9473 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/weddingwire-launches-downloadable-snapchat-geofilters-for-weddings-300305618.html SOURCE WeddingWire, Inc.

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All members of the new cabinet are kept the same from the latest election round in April 2016, except the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development is now Nguyen Xuan Cuong instead of Cao Duc Phat.
The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange and the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange dropped 0.4 per cent each to close at 653.65 points and 83.36 points, respectively.

Insurance companies, banks and oil firms weighed on investor confidence.

Most of the nine listed banks declined between 0.6 per cent and 1.8 per cent, including Vietcombank (VCB), Sacombank (STB) and Sai Gon-Ha Noi Bank (SHB).

The insurance sector was driven down by Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), Bao Minh Insurance Corp (BMI) and PVI Holdings (PVI), which slid between 0.7 per cent and 1.7 per cent.

Oil stocks retreated from Wednesday's gains. PetroVietnam Gas Corp (GAS) plunged 4.1 per cent, PetroVietnam Technical Service Corp (PVS) was down 1.2 per cent and PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Service (PVD) slipped 1.1 per cent.

However, property developers and plastic producers helped to lift the stock market.

Vingroup JSC (VIC) and Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corp (KBC) were the forces that drove up the real estate sector.

Among plastic producers, Binh Minh Plastic JSC (BMP), An Phat Plastic and Green Environment JSC (AAA) and Rang Dong Plastic JSC (RDP) made gains.

Investors' cautiousness resulted in low trading liquidity. Both local exchanges saw nearly 92.8 million shares being traded, worth VND1.54 trillion (US$68.5 million).
Through her writing, up-and-coming female author Phina So wants to inspire young Cambodia women. But being a writer in Cambodia is not easy, she told VOA Khmer in an interview.

After graduating with a bachelors degree in psychology from the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phina worked for civil society organizations on childrens rights, community development and advocacy.

In 2010, she won an Australian Development Scholarship to pursue a masters degree in social work at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University. After returning home in 2013, she joined the Cambodian Development Resource Institute as a researcher.

But besides working full-time, she is a voracious reader of books. And it was this love of literature that drove Phina to co-found Kampu-Mera Editions, an upstart publishing house dedicated to promoting the work of Cambodian women writers.

With a friend, she began writing and collecting short stories by different women authors. They complied the anthology Crush Collection, comprising nine stories authored by Phina and five other women.

The book aims to convey valuable, positive messages to independent young women in Cambodia. She was driven to compile the storiesabout issues relating to young peoples relationshipsafter seeing how Cambodian women use social media sites like Facebook, Phina told VOA Khmer.

Through social media, I understand the feeling of teenagers nowadays after breaking up with their loversome of them may hurt themselves. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I should do something for the sake of society, Phina said, insisting that fiction can help people to see that their problems are shared by others.

Once a relationship is over, it is not the end of the world. Maybe an ending means a great new start, she added.

The book, published in March 2015, is available from Sipar Books and at the Banteay Srey bookstore. It was self-published by Phinas small organization, an impressive feat given the time and resource constraints on young Cambodian authors.

Most writers must support their writing with other work, said Phina, creating difficult choices over how to divide ones time.

We need to manage tasks efficiently and sometimes we have to do a trade-off. Indeed, I could teach on the weekend if I did not write stories, she said. We use our own money to publish books without having sponsorship from someone else.

But Phinas motivation and commitment prevail. She wants to contribute to promoting and preserving the Khmer language, and hopes that future anthologies will get more support as writing in the language becomes more stimulating and original.

Kampu-Mera Editions aims to publish at least one or two novels each year as it tries to build a level of recognition in Cambodias publishing industry.

Phina is now working on the next anthology, on the theme My Most Critical Day, which is expected to be completed next year.

One of Phinas readers, Malin Lok, who works for an NGO, praised Crush Collection for daring to diverge from the expected happy ending in its stories.

Ending with despair or heartbreak is not always the worst, she said, because this way it motivates young women to be strong and hopeful with positivity, to be more courageous and confident to solve problems.
Fidelis Cybersecurity to Demonstrate Integrated Network and Endpoint Solutions that Accelerate Time to Detect and Resolve Threats by 60 Percent at Black Hat USA

Fidelis Cybersecurity, the leading provider of products and services for detecting and stopping advanced cyberattacks, today announced a full line-up of activities at the Black Hat USA 2016 conference, August 3 and 4, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Fidelis (Booth #1116) invites the security community to learn how they can improve threat detection accuracy by 30% and recover 50% faster from critical security incidents with integrated network and endpoint solutions from Fidelis.

In addition to demonstrating our market leading solutions, Fidelis will be debuting the new Barncat threat intelligence database, new freeware tools and hosting meet ups on trending topics.

Highlights during the conference include:

TECHNOLOGY & FREEWARE: Attendees can get latest updates on Fidelis Network and Fidelis Endpoint and pick up a limited-edition shirt (while they last) during expo hours at the Fidelis Booth, #1116. In addition, Fidelis will be making new tools available to the security community at no cost to help them stop attacks and prevent data theft. New resources include the Barncat Threat Intelligence Database, the ThreatScanner tool for finding malware residing on an endpoint, and CCNumberFinder to support PCI (News - Alert) DSS compliance

BLACK HAT ARSENAL: Learn more about Fidelis ThreatScanner, a command-line tool that uses IOCs or YARA rules to hunt for threats on a single machine and automatically generate a report with details of suspicious artifacts. Learn more.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 3: 2:00 - 3:50pm

WHERE: Arsenal, Palm Foyer, Level 3, Station 9

FIDELIS PRESENTS: Fidelis CSO Justin Harvey (@jbharvey) explains ten remarkable things you can do when you have the right historical metadata during his talk on entitled "Ten Impossible Things You Can Do with the Right Metadata" on the Business Hall Floor. Learn more.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 3, 4:10 - 4:55pm

WHERE: Business Hall Theater B

FIDELIS MEETUPS: Whether you're a security ninja, reverse engineer, director of information security or malware analyst, you can participate in anall-things-cybersecurity idea exchange. Stop by Booth #1116 to share your thoughts and experiences with other industry professionals.







MEETUP: 72 Hours Later - Moderated by: Ryan Vela

DESCRIPTION: Ugh, breached! How do you handle what's rarely black and white? How do you cope with the aftermath? And zombies! Did we mention zombies?!

WHEN: Wednesday, 8/3 at 1:00pm Learn more

MEETUP: Talk Metadata with Me - Moderated by Justin Harvey (@jbharvey)

DESCRIPTION: Ever wondered what deep dark secrets your network and endpoints are harboring? If they could talk metadata to you, what could you do with that information?

WHEN: Wednesday, 8/3 at 5:30pm Learn more

MEETUP: Intel (News - Alert) vs. Indicators - Moderated by John Bambenek (@bambenek) & Hardik Modi (@hardikmodi)

DESCRIPTION: It's an alert smack down! In this corner we have intel, in the other corner we have indicators; Bring your best luche libre mask and discover how you can build and leverage intel to win the battle.

WHEN: Thursday, 8/4 at 12:30pm Learn more

MEETUP: Inside Out - The Anatomy of an Attacker - Moderated by Steve Bongardt (@stevebongardt)

DESCRIPTION: Ever wondered what motivates an attacker? What signs/signals would you look for? Ever wondered about your own tendencies?

WHEN: Thursday, 8/4 at 2:00pm Learn more

Resources

For updates and breaking news, follow Fidelis Cybersecurity on Twitter (News - Alert) @FidelisCyber and on Linked In.

About Fidelis Cybersecurity

Fidelis Cybersecurity is creating a world where attackers have no place left to hide. We reduce the time it takes to detect attacks and resolve security incidents. Our Fidelis Network and Fidelis Endpoint products look deep inside your traffic and content where attackers hide their exploits. Then, we pursue them out to your endpoints where your critical data lives. With Fidelis you'll know when you're being attacked, you can retrace attackers' footprints and prevent data theft at every stage of the attack lifecycle. To learn more about Fidelis Cybersecurity products and incident response services, visit www.fidelissecurity.com and follow us on Twitter @FidelisCyber.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728006077/en/
Cambodian students have been learning about the U.S. electoral system at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh ahead of what is shaping up to be a heated contest between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton in November.

Over the past two months, ahead of elections scheduled in Cambodia for 2017 and 2018, the embassy has been hosting a series of lectures and fact-finding sessions for young Cambodians interested in democracy.

Ky Mengly, who attended a lecture and majors in International Studies, said he felt it was important for him to attend and for young people to compare their democratic system with those of other countries.

I know how democracy works in America and it is a culture of sharing. I want the U.S. Embassy and other embassies to have a culture of sharing because the youth is good at engaging with people.

Attendees are expected to interact with their American hosts and pose questions to speakers on a range of topics about the political process.

Yun Mengtakpitou, another participant, said what happened in the U.S. election was of global significance. The election in the U.S. affects all the countries of the world, he said.

The lecture series at the embassys Information Resource Center will run until November.

Courtney Woods, an embassy spokesman, said: This program seeks to provide young Cambodians with Fact-based information about the U.S. election and political process.
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy was found guilty this morning of defaming National Assembly president Heng Samrin, a high-ranking member of the ruling party, in a Facebook post last November.

Under Article 305 of the criminal code, Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge Ros Piseth charged Rainsy with public defamation over the November 17 post, and ordered him to pay 150 million riel (about $37,000) to Samrin, a senior Cambodian Peoples Party member, and 10 million riel ($2,400) to the state.

Rainsy, the self-exiled president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, was accused of posting a video of a speech made by the late King Norodom Sihanouk in which the monarch criticized the government of the day, which was led by Samrin, saying he had allowed occupying Vietnamese soldiers to settle in the country and become citizens.

Samrins lawyer, Ky Tech, said he was disappointed with the verdict as it did not match the seriousness of the crime.

The youth who do not know our history now believe that there really was a trial [against Sihanouk], he said.

So, it strongly affects the reputation of Samdech Heng Samrin, who had the top position during that time, he added. More importantly, it also affects the reputation of the CPP.

Ou Virak, head of the Future Forum think tank, said the fines were excessive and they should only be levied in defamation cases between politicians as a symbolic gesture.

Defamation among politicians is related to freedom of expression, which is at the core of politics, so compensation should be kept to a minimum.

Eng Chhay Eang, a CNRP lawmaker, said the verdict was politically motivated, adding that a solution to the ongoing political crisis in Cambodia was proving hard to come by.

We are seeking ways to bring together [the parties] for talks, he said. When there is the political will, anything can be solved.
A fiery anti-mining activist and former governor of a gold-rich region in Peru who was freed from jail on Wednesday accused the government of locking him up for two years in order to keep him from power.

Gregorio Santos welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to annul an extension of his stay in "preventive" prison, which prosecutors probing him for corruption said was needed to keep him from fleeing Peru or obstructing their work.

Santos, who has no past convictions, never faced trial nor was found guilty of a crime. The investigation is ongoing.

"I'm only getting back what should never have been taken from me, my right to defend myself in freedom," Santos told reporters in broadcast comments after his release.

Santos, an Andean peasant leader who was elected governor of Cajamarca in 2010 and again in 2014, spearheaded protests that derailed Newmont Mining Corp.'s plans to expand its operations in the region, one of Peru's poorest and home to the country's biggest gold mine.

"The state has turned into a dictatorship," Santos said. "They have kept me from acting as governor and have kept me from taking part in the political life of the country."

The office of outgoing President Ollanta Humala did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Santos has previously accused the government of Humala, who had supported Newmont's now-suspended $5 billion proposed Conga mine, of pulling strings to imprison him to pave the way for the project.

Humala has repeatedly denied the charges and has not tried to revive Conga since Newmont put it on hold in 2011 following protests that turned deadly. Santos and others oppose Conga because it would destroy Andean lakes in a farming region.

Santos ran for president from behind bars this year and garnered a better-than-expected 4 percent of votes in a crowded first-round election.

Santos did not comment on his political future on Wednesday, but a former lawmaker close to him said he would likely run for president at the next election in 2021.

"Gregorio Santos is returning to his political activities heading toward 2021, to shake Peru up," Jorge Rimarachin told reporters.

After losing the first-round election, Santos broke with other leftists by refusing to endorse incoming centrist President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in June's run-off race against right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori.

Kuczynski said this week that he thought Santos' detention was unconstitutional and that he did not see any way of reviving Conga in the near future.
Indonesia quickly rebuffed appeals from the U.N. human rights chief and the European Union to abandon plans to execute 14 people for drug crimes as preparations intensified Thursday at the prison island where the death row inmates are held.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the U.N. Human Rights Office is deeply concerned by death penalty cases that lack transparency and compliance with the right to receive a fair trial, including the right to an appeal. He called on the government of President Joko Jokowi Widodo to impose an immediate moratorium on executions.

The European Union said the death penalty is an unacceptable denial of human dignity and called on Indonesia to consider joining the wide community of over 140 states that have abolished the death penalty entirely or have adopted a moratorium.

A stream of ambulances arrived Thursday morning at the port town nearest the Nusa Kambangan prison island where the executions of the mostly foreign drug convicts will be carried out by firing squads. Officials began tightening security at the prison several days ago, with more than 1,000 police sent to Cilacap, the port town, and the island.

Indonesia has not released an official list of those to be executed but the country's attorney-general on Wednesday said 14 people would be executed. Community Legal Aid Institute, which is involved in some of the death row cases, has circulated the names of 14 people that comprised four Indonesians, six Nigerians, two Zimbabweans, one Indian and one Pakistani. Previously, the attorney-general's office has said it has budgeted funds for up to 16 executions this year.

Muhammad Rum, a spokesman for Indonesia's attorney-general, said the executions are the implementation of our positive laws and will not be delayed or stopped. All the cases have gone through a long legal process including appeals, he said. They all have been given chances at all stages.

It would be the third set of executions under Jokowi, who campaigned on promises to improve human rights in Indonesia. His 2-year-old administration will have executed more people than were executed in the previous decade if the government sticks to its plans.

The increasing use of the death penalty in Indonesia is terribly worrying and I urge the government to end this practice, which is unjust and incompatible with human rights, Zeid said in a statement.

Lawyers and rights groups have raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the convictions in several of the death row drug cases, including that of Pakistani Zulfikar Ali, Indonesian Merri Utami and Nigerian Humphrey Jefferson.

From Lahore, Ali's sister Humaira Bibi on Wednesday made an emotional appeal to the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother.

Justice Project Pakistan, a group that provides free legal representation, says Pakistani diplomats are trying to save Ali's life but intervention by Pakistan's president or prime minister is now required. It says Indonesian police used violent duress to obtain a confession from Ali, who was arrested in November 2004.

Last year, Indonesia executed 14 people convicted of drug crimes, mostly foreigners, sparking an international outcry.

Jokowi's predecessor ended a moratorium on executions in 2013.
The Islamic State group presence in Afghanistan is directly linked to the parent organization in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. Army general in charge of American and NATO troops in Afghanistan said on Wednesday.

Gen. John Nicholson, speaking to The Associated Press in an interview, says IS loyalists in Afghanistan have financial, communications and strategic connections with the main IS leadership based in a self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

"This franchise of Daesh is connected to the parent organization,'' he said, using a common alternative acronym for the Islamic State group.

"They have applied for membership, they have been accepted, they had to meet certain tests, they have been publicized in Dabiq,'' the IS magazine, he said.

IS bases in the eastern province of Nagharhar, which borders Pakistan, are currently being targeted by an Afghan military offensive, backed by U.S. troops.

The offensive, part of the Afghan army's Operation Shafaq, began on Saturday, hours after the IS group claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in the capital Kabul that killed around 80 people.

The attack targeted ethnic Hazaras, who are also Shiite Muslims - considered apostates by IS - who were demonstrating to demand that a regional electrical project to be rerouted through their province of Bamiyan to boost economic growth in the impoverished central highlands.

More than 200 people were wounded in the worst attack in Kabul since the Taliban's insurgency began in 2001. It was also the first major attack in the city claimed by IS, raising concerns about their strength and capabilities in Afghanistan.

Until recently, Afghan and U.S. officials have insisted that IS loyalists were disaffected Taliban weary that their own fight had failed to make headway, after 15 years, in its goal of overthrowing the Kabul government. This week, the spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Army Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, said that IS operatives in Afghanistan numbered between 1,000 and 3,000 loyalists - though probably closer to 1,500.

Afghan security forces, backed by U.S. air strikes, have been targeting IS in their Nangarhar holdouts for several months.

Afghan government reports on the efficacy of operations in recent months have claimed high numbers of militants killed and wounded, and put those figures in the hundreds since Saturday. The numbers cannot be independently verified.

Nicholson said that the nine or 10 districts where IS had a significant presence had been reduced to three ahead of the current offensive.

Now, he said, they were retreating out of the Kot valley toward the south. Once the region was cleared, he said, civilian forces such as the Afghan Local Police would move in to make sure there was no return.

The Afghanistan branch of IS often is referred to as Islamic State-Khorasan Province, a reference to a historic region that included parts of what are now Afghanistan.

Nicholson said a "significant proportion, a majority of fighters'' with IS in Afghanistan come from Pakistan's Orokzai agency, over the border from Nangarhar, and are former members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban.

"We see them frankly as almost interchangeable at this point,'' Nicholson said, noting that U.S. counter-terrorism forces last month killed a senior TTP leader, Khalifa Umar Mansoor, who allegedly masterminded a 2014 attack on a school in Peshawar in which some 150 people, mostly children, were killed. That strike came after a U.S. drone strike in May killed the leader of the Taliban, Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, also in Pakistan.

"This is a demonstration of our commitment against these terrorists no matter where they commit their atrocities on either side of the border,'' Nicholson said.

Addressing concerns that the Pakistan authorities were giving sanctuary to Islamic State operatives - as they are widely accused by Afghanistan of giving Taliban leaders, though the accusation is denied - Nicholson said that he had raised the issue of the group's cross-border presence with Pakistan's chief of army staff Gen. Raheel Sharif. Sharif had committed to join the United States and Afghanistan to defeat the Islamic State group, Nicholson said.

"There is an ongoing operation on the Pakistan side of the border to move in to the valleys opposite the enclave that they have there. This is something the Pakistanis have committed to, to continue these operations,'' Nicholson said.
Australian authorities say they are investigating a high-ranking Vatican official over multiple new allegations of decades-old child abuse, though they have yet to press charges.

"That's a matter that we investigated and still are investigating," Victoria state police chief Graham Ashton told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Wednesday.

The investigation stems in part from the claims of two men who say Cardinal George Pell, the Vaticans finance chief, fondled them at a pool in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, in the late 1970s. The men are now in their 40s.

Pell flat-out denied the claims made against him. In a statement from his office, he said the allegations were nothing more than a scandalous smear campaign, which appears to be championed by the ABC.

The ABC report detailed alleged misconduct involving Pell that dated from the 1970s to the 1990s. In total, ABC said it had obtained statements from eight complainants, witnesses and family members tied to the investigation.

In a later interview with Australia's Radio 3AW, Ashton said he had forwarded the case to the Office of Public Prosecutions to determine whether to move forward with charges or not.

Were waiting to hear back from them at this stage, he said.

Pell was also accused of sex abuse in 2002, but those claims later proved to be false.

Pell was a priest in rural Victoria in the 1970s and 1980s before he became archbishop of Melbourne in 1996 and archbishop of Sydney in 2001. He moved to the Vatican in 2014.
The public federal prosecutor in the Brazilian state of Amazonas said Wednesday the court there froze 38 million reais ($11.7 million) of funds held in Facebook's account for failing to comply with a court order to supply data on users of the company's WhatsApp messaging service who are under criminal investigation.

The prosecutor's office said the funds frozen correspond to the fines for failing to comply with court order to turn over data.

Facebook representatives were not immediately available for comment.

In the most recent decision, the court rejected Facebook's defense that the data of users was the responsibility of telephone and internet service operators in the United States and Ireland, which would require international cooperation.

Prosecutor Alexandre Jabur, author of the order, said Facebook has shown enormous disregard for Brazilian institutions, especially the courts, prosecutors and police in not meeting court orders.

Brazilian courts have shut down the popular WhatsApp messaging service nationwide three times since December.

In the most recent case last week, a judge in Rio de Janeiro ordered local operators to suspend service to WhatsApp across the country until Facebook complied with an order to turn over information regarding a criminal process in the greater Rio area.

On the same day, Supreme Court President Ricardo Lewandowski ordered the service re-established.
The mother of Qandeel Baloch, a Pakistani model and social media star killed earlier this month, said her son strangled his sister after being ridiculed by friends because of Baloch's behavior.

Anwar Wai told AFP that her son, Muhammad Wasim, murdered Baloch, for dishonoring the family's name.

"He killed my daughter after being taunted by his friends. They would infuriate him and tell him she is bringing you dishonor," she said.

According to local reports, Wasim was arrested and confessed Saturday to drugging and strangling the model whose real name is Fauzia Azeem.

Baloch was spending the Eid holiday with her family and had travelled from Karachi to Muzaffarabad village in central Punjab province. She was asleep, police said, when Wasim killed her in the familys home.

"She was an amazing daughter. I have no words that do her justice, and she took care of us much more than our sons including financially," Wai said.

Baloch, according to Wai, supported at least a dozen relatives and said she does not know how the family will cope without her.

"She would call us four or five times a day. If she wasn't able to call one day, she would tell us 'I'm sorry, I was working,'" she said.

The social media star, who was in her 20s, called herself the Pakistani Kim Kardashian, a modern feminist amd shot to fame after being featured in a 2014 video that went viral. In it, she asked a man, "How am I looking?"

Her outspoken views and sexually suggestive videos posted online provoked controversy in an Islamic state that is not comfortable with Western feminism  something that earned Baloch praise from many young people and condemnation from the more traditional elements of society.

On earlier reports, she told the French News Agency that people are going crazyespecially girls after on Valentines Day, she posted a video going against the presidents message to stay away from Western influence. She was wearing a scarlet dress.

I get so many calls where they [girls] tell me Im their inspiration and they want to be like me, she said.

The killing started a discussion in Pakistan about the so called honor killings- often seen as punishment for going against traditions.

Last week Pakistan's ruling party announced plans to pass legislation against such practice that claims the lives of hundreds of Pakistani women killed by family members.

Baloch, according to reports, had talked about leaving Pakistan for safety reasons. She was receiving anonymous death threats.
If change is the watchword for the 2016 presidential election campaign  with one party nominating an outspoken businessman, the other flirting with a progressive outsider  the dynamic among U.S. news media, the political process and the audience is transforming as well.



With thousands of national and international reporters assembled to cover the Democratic National Convention, a group of journalists gathered Wednesday for a little soul searching only a few miles from the convention hall.

I think there has been a massive failure in television news, Campbell Brown, a former anchor for NBC News and CNN, said during a panel discussion on media. It was part of the International Leaders Forum, a week-long series organized around the convention.



She was among five journalists with national reputations discussing how their business covered the primary campaign season, and what that might portend for the general election in November.



Brown said journalists failed to ask tough questions of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump early in the election cycle, giving his campaign millions of dollars in free publicity and boosting his candidacy in a crowded primary-season field. She argued there is financial incentive for the commercial media, because coverage of Trump resulted in higher ratings.

The panelists focused on national news media coverage of Trump, the brash New York developer whose campaign style differs radically from traditional politicians.



Separately, the Tyndall Report, which monitors U.S. network news, found candidate Trump dominated network news coverage in 2015, the latest aggregated report on the number of minutes devoted to presidential candidates.



The widely quoted study group found coverage of Trump accounted for almost a third of all news minutes in the three major TV networks (CBS, NBC and ABC)  more than all the Democratic candidates combined.



Moreover, the assembled journalists said cable news channels ran hours of Trump speaking at rallies, with little analysis of what the candidate was saying.

Changing media landscape



The changing nature of how Americans find and consume news has helped shape the political debate in this country, said Amy Mitchell, director of journalism research at the Pew Research Center. Pews survey found Americans receive news about the election from at least five or more sources. Almost a third of survey respondents said they turned directly to Trump's or rival Hillary Clintons social media account for information.



Two decades ago, there was no social media. Cable news was in its adolescence. Pews studies showed voters got their campaign information from media that was much different than today.



In 1991, 68 percent of Americans watched television news; by 2012, that number had dropped to 55 percent, Pew found.



The change is more dramatic for print media. In two decades, those who read a newspaper dropped from 56 percent to 29 percent.



The nonpartisan public opinion research center's first measurement of online mobile news came in 2002, when 24 percent of the U.S. public got some news in this manner. By 2012, the number was up to 39 percent.



The journalism panel in Philadelphia noted another change in the publics news habits.



Even though most Americans get most of their news from lots of places, theres a propensity at the edges of ideological divides to get their news only from certain sources, said Mitchell, pointing to the 2016 media landscape.



The increasing tendency toward polarization, combined with the fact that 59 percent of Americans say they are already worn out or exhausted by election coverage, sets the stakes even higher for news media and voters heading into November.

What is truth?



You can normalize almost anything in this environment, said Susan Glasser, editor of political journal POLITICO.



With the advent of social media and the removal of traditional media gatekeepers, the political conversation has changed in unpredictable ways.



The proliferation of news sources has broadened the conversation to a whole new ecosystem of websites and online magazines, Glasser said. Its not just one conservative outlet and one liberal outlet but a whole new way to extract information according to your partisan preferences.



The ideological divide means even the news story itself is now up for debate. Both the Clinton and the Trump campaigns link to outside news stories on their websites as well as social media accounts to advance the campaigns' agendas. The more a campaign can shape a narrative, the harder it becomes for journalists to present objective truths, they said.



People are angry and they dont believe what theyre being told, even when theyre being told facts, said Jonathan Capeheart, an opinion writer at The Washington Post.

Traditional media struggle to catch up with the demands of the 24-hour news cycle, now defined by a borderless conversation on social media. Especially in an election, said David Lauter, reporters and their readers are struggling to catch up with the constant flow of information as everyone tries to cover the same news story in a different way.



Amid constant deadlines and the welter of things we do all the time, we need to keep our focus on producing stories that are of high quality and that are unique as much as possible, said Lauter, Washington bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. He tries to address that by carving out time for his reporters to think in depth about the personalities and issues they cover.



And the pressures are certain to intensify as the election season moves on.



We have some very serious challenges ahead of us as a country and as the press, said Glasser.


Colombia's government and FARC rebels have pledged to improve access to land for women and ensure perpetrators of sexual violence, including rape, will not be eligible for amnesty as part of ongoing peace talks to end five decades of civil war.

The government and leftist rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a historic cease-fire deal in June, bringing Colombia ever closer to signing a final peace accord to end Latin America's longest-running conflict.

As part of peace talks, which have been going on in Cuba for almost four years, a commission on gender issues has been set up to ensure women's voices are heard and their suffering during half a century of war is recognized.

"We are aware that the conflict has shown no mercy on women, bringing about unimaginable horrors," Colombia's lead government negotiator Humberto de la Calle said in a statement on Sunday.

"The torch of reconciliation rests with the women of Colombia," he said.

Nearly half of Colombia's 7.8 million war victims officially registered by the government are women, the majority of whom have been forced to leave their homes by warring factions.

Women and children, particularly from Afro-Colombian and indigenous groups, have borne the brunt the conflict and sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war by all sides.

Nearly 15,300 Colombians, most of them women and girls, have been victims of rape and sexual violence, government data shows.

The gender commission said a special unit would be set up to investigate and collect evidence involving cases of sexual violence once a final deal is reached, and reiterated that sexual violence was included among the crimes denied amnesty.

"This is seen not as a concession but as an act of justice," said Victoria Sandino, FARC's representative on the commission.

The commission also said a 'land fund' through which farmland would be redistributed and titles granted would give priority to women farmers and female breadwinners, who would be offered government subsidies.

"The aim is to overcome the obstacles faced by rural women to formalize and promote access to rural property, through their explicit right to land ownership," Maria Paulina Riveros, who sits on the commission for the government, said in a statement.

At the peace table



Over the past two years, war victims have traveled to Cuba, where peace talks are hosted, to give their testimony to peace negotiators.

The witnesses include dozens of displaced women, rape survivors, women whose children and husbands have gone missing and people from the LGBT community.

The Colombian government appointed a woman to be part of its chief negotiating team for the first time in late 2013, and the FARC has several female peace negotiators on its side.

"Contrary to most peace negotiations in history, in this agreement women have had a significant presence and influence at the peace table itself," said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the head of U.N. Women, who was in Havana at the weekend.

"Their success builds on to the growing evidence that women's participation in peace processes increases the likelihood that a peace agreement will be reached."

According to the United Nations, in a sample of the world's 31 major peace processes between 1992 and 2011, women represented just 4 percent of signatories, 2.4 percent of chief mediators, and 9 percent of negotiators.

Including women in a peace process strengthens prospects for sustainable peace, and helps rebuild communities and reintegrate demobilized fighters into civilian life, U.N. women says.

The government and FARC rebels are hammering out the final details of general accords already reached and working on the minutiae of a truth commission and special tribunals that would try former combatants.

Any peace deal reached would be put to Colombians for approval in a public vote.
[July 28, 2016] New Dell Global Study Shows Business and IT Decision Makers are Aligned on Key IT Trends

Dell (News - Alert) today announced the results of a new Dell State of IT Trends 2016 global study, which finds business decision makers' (BDMs) and IT decision makers' (ITDMs) understanding of current IT trends are much closer than they are generally perceived to be. In the past, business and IT leaders had different levels of understanding of IT trends and technologies. However over time, business and IT leaders' perceptions of technology have evolved and more closely aligned as new technologies have entered the market and become increasingly critical drivers of an organization's success. The Dell State of IT Trends 2016 global study reveals a greater sophistication and alignment in understanding of IT trends between the two groups. The results indicate that IT and business leadership are better collaborating and having in-depth conversations about not only how technology works but how it can propel the business forward. "There is a lingering misperception that business leaders are disconnected during strategic IT discussions, but times have changed," said Matt Baker, executive director, Enterprise Strategy, Dell. "This study reveals that there is an increasingly common understanding between business and IT decision makers on the key IT trends and the growth opportunities that IT can deliver." Study Highlights In today's data-driven economy, companies need IT that is agile, efficient, scalable and capable of responding to business applications in real time. According to the Dell State of IT Trends 2016 survey, increasing business productivity is the main IT consideration for both ITDMs (81 percent) and BDMs (77 percent), followed by growing the business (71 percent and 69 percent, respectively). Global decision makers, in companies of all sizes and in both developed and developing markets, are most closely aligned on the following IT trends: ITDMs (62 percent) and BDMs (51 percent) agree that cloud computing is the most important technology trend for their companies. The ability to burst to public cloud as needed is important to both ITDMs (83 percent) and BDMs (74 percent)

is the most important technology trend for their companies. Eighty-eight percent of ITDMs and 80 percent of BDMs say their organization is considering adopting a software-defined data center (SDDC), is in the process of transitioning, or has already completed the transition to one. Global BDMs are more likely to say they are considering adopting SDDC, while global ITDMs are more likely to say they have already started the transition. Both groups agree the benefits of SDDC are flexibility, simplicity, efficiency and cost-savings, although ITDMs also place a greater value on increased scalability (57 percent) than BDMs (40 percent).

(SDDC), is in the process of transitioning, or has already completed the transition to one. By 2:1 margins, both ITDMs and BDMs say they will use more open data center technologies in the future.

in the future. Eighty-six percent of ITDMs and 85 percent of BDMs agree that compute-centric is the best approach to gain a flexible, scalable and open data center.



Ice cream flavoring manufacturer Star Kay White must quickly adapt its operations to meet the changing requirements of its global food manufacturer clients. The company replaced its traditional infrastructure that used disparate IT with a centralized, virtualized and redundant solution based on Dell storage, networking, firewalls, services and desktops.

"To meet our clients' requirements, we must continually fine-tune our operations, which requires the close collaboration of our business and IT leaders to support how we want to evolve our business," said Mikko Peltoniemi, director of IT at Star Kay White. "Even after doubling sales in the past eight years, we are still just as nimble as we were when we were a smaller organization, and we can respond to customers' just-in-time requests." Dell's Enterprise Approach The study results confirm that Dell's customer-driven, compute-centric and software-defined data center vision is what business and IT leaders need most to meet their business objectives. Eight out of 10 respondents agree that a compute-centric approach to data center solution development is key in driving innovation.

approach to data center solution development is key in driving innovation. More than eight in 10 of those surveyed agree that integrating hyper converged solutions is the first step in achieving a software-defined data center .

. Decision makers globally say a SDDC is the most important enabler of a digital transformation , more than any other factor asked.

, more than any other factor asked. A hybrid cloud platform is seen as the best place for SDDCs to reside in the future

platform is seen as the best place for SDDCs to reside in the future Nearly nine in 10 global decision makers agree that open technology best supports data center trends toward application and data portability and broad data center-wide process management, compared to proprietary vendor hardware or solutions.

best supports data center trends toward application and data portability and broad data center-wide process management, compared to proprietary vendor hardware or solutions. The ability to address issues quickly is the top global concern for all respondents when it comes to managing the data center management. The Dell-sponsored research was performed by PSB, which conducted 1,200 online interviews between April 15 and May 4, 2016, in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, Brazil, India and China. The respondents consist of 700 ITDMs and 500 BDMs. Additional links Dell State of IT Trends 2016 results summary

Dell4Enterprise blog: Dell Survey Finds Business and IT Leaders are Increasingly in Lock Step on IT Decisions

Dell4Enterprise blog: Cloud efficiency: It's all about automation

Follow @DellEnterprise on Facebook and Twitter, and Dell Enterprise Group on LinkedIn (News - Alert) About Dell Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728006105/en/

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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump promised his supporters on Reddit that his informal question and answer session  commonly referred to as an Ask Me Anything (AMA)  would be huge, and it appears that he delivered.

This is going to be SO huge and I'm looking forward to answering your questions, Trump said in a post prior to the start of the AMA. I'm doing this in flight to visit the great people of Toledo, OH, so Internet connection might be spotty -- I promise you, I'll answer all the questions I can.

Prior to Trumps AMA Wednesday night, President Obamas appearance in August 2012 garnered the most attention and questions from the websites users, but Trump edged out Obamas participation record by about 1,000 comments. Trumps AMA saw just more than 24,700 comments, while Obamas session received around 23,600 comments.

Other popular AMAs include celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Senator Bernie Sanders, whose appearance garnered about half the participation Trumps did.

Despite the high participation rate, Trump only answered 13 questions over the course of an hour. Trump explained that he was on an airplane en route to a rally during the session, which may explain the low answer rate, but Trumps AMA was different from other celebrity AMAs in another significant way  he hosted it on a message board dedicated specifically to him.

Reddit is broken up into smaller communities called subreddits. Anyone can start a subreddit, and the topics covered are essentially endless. Celebrities generally host their AMAs in a popular subreddit set up exclusively to host the question and answer sessions. Trump, on the other hand, hosted his AMA in 'The_Donald' subreddit, a community of fiercely loyal Trump supporters committed to promoting his candidacy.

The Trump subreddit, though, is one of the more popular communities on Reddit, with more than 192,000 active users.

From the start, moderators of the subreddit made it clear that any dissent or hostile questions would be deleted, and anyone who isnt a Trump supporter would essentially be excluded from participating.

We would remind everyone, including media here that we are not a part of the campaign, but we love our community and we will take all measures necessary to protect it. Yes, we will ban troublemakers Yes, we will remove trolling comments Yes, we mean it when we say we'll throw anyone over our walls who fails to behave themselves, one of the moderators, who goes by the Reddit handle Lil-Z said in a post.

Trumps AMA officially kicked off at 7 p.m., though he didnt answer his first question until about 15 minutes later. Trump supporters submitted hundreds of questions about everything from nuclear energy policy to marijuana legalization  most of which went unanswered.

The questions Trump did answer covered a wide swath of his policy ideas and gave him the opportunity to lambaste his opponent, whom he constantly referred to as Crooked Hillary Clinton.

When asked what his plan was to remove the influence of money in politics, Trump simply responded, Keeping Crooked Hillary Clinton out of the White House!

Another user asked Trump why he believes Hillary Clinton hasnt held a press conference for such a huge amount of time.

Crooked Hillary Clinton will not do press conferences because she cannot explain her illegally deleted 33,000 emails, or her disaster in Libya, or her role pushing TPP (which she would 100% approve if she got the chance), or her support for a 550% increase in Syrian refugees, etc., Trump responded.

It has been 235 days since Clinton last held a press conference.

A user, who described himself as a self-employed young American, explained to Trump that his health insurance costs skyrocketed as a result of Obamas signature healthcare law, and asked Trump what he would do to lower healthcare costs.

One of the first things I will do is to repeal and replace disastrous Obamacare, Trump responded. I will put forward an amazing new plan, which will include many reforms, such as letting people buy insurance across state lines, increasing choice and competition, and bargaining for better, cheaper drug prices.

In response to recent targeted assassinations of police officers in America, a redditor asked Trump what advice he would give a young college student considering a job in law enforcement. Trump responded by saying his administration will protect police officers.

We will always stand with and support our nation's amazing police. There is nothing more honorable then serving your community and your country as a law enforcement officer, he said.

In closing, Trump answered a user who asked him if he ever gets tired of winning  a riff on comments Trump routinely makes at rallies where he tells supporters if he becomes president, they are going to win so much they will get tired of winning.

I am never tired of winning, and as your president I will win for you, the American people. I'm with you! Trump said.

A poll released Tuesday by the LA Times shows Trump with a seven-point lead over Clinton in a general election match up, though most other polls show Trump with a slimmer lead. A Real Clear Politics average of general election polls shows Trump with a one-point lead over Clinton.

Here is a list of all the other questions Trump answered:

Q: We firmly believe Hillary will try and steal this election through vote fraud, especially given recent events. What is your campaign doing to ensure that we have a fair election?

A: Voter fraud is always a serious concern and authorities must be vigilant from keeping those from voting that are not authorized to do so.

Q: What role should NASA play in helping to Make America Great Again?

A: Honestly I think NASA is wonderful! America has always led the world in space exploration.

Q: A program meant bring truly exceptional talent to America has been twisted by globalist politicians and corporations, allowing low-cost, short term labor to steal jobs from everyday Americans and take everything they learn back to their home countries. Will you curb H-1B abuse and make sure visas are going to people who want to become American, stay American, and make America great?

A: I have put forward a detailed plan for H-1B reform to protect American workers which can viewed on the immigration paper on my website. My plan is the exact opposite of Crooked Hillary Clinton.

Q: How will you, as president, tackle this protected class of media elites without stepping on the first amendment rights of average Americans?

A: I have been very concerned about media bias and the total dishonesty of the press. I think new media is a great way to get out the truth.

Q: Which US president do you admire the most?

A: There have been many amazing Presidents in American history, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, all of whom I greatly admire.

Q: What is the most important thing you would like to convey about yourself and your policy positions to the people who voted for Bernie in the primary but are now considering either staying home or voting third party in November?

A: Though Bernie is exhausted and has given up on his revolution, many of his voters still want to keep up the fight. I expect that millions of Bernie voters will refuse to vote for Hillary because of her support for the War in Iraq, the invasion of Libya, NAFTA and TPP, and of course because she is totally bought and sold by special interests. She and her husband have been paid millions and millions by global corporations and powerful interests who will control her every decision. She is their puppet, and they pull the strings.

Q: Mr. Trump, what do you feel is the greatest issue facing young Americans today?

A: The question most young people ask me is about the rising cost of education, terrible student debt and total lack of jobs. Youth unemployment is through the roof, and millions more are underemployed. It's a total disaster! I will create millions of new jobs, reform our education system, and work to free young Americans from the awful burden of debt.

Q: Hello Mr. Trump. I'm 29 years old, registered Libertarian and have voted that way my entire life. I feel closely aligned with what the party stands for, and am passionate about it. However, this election I am starting to think that, while I think a Libertarian candidate is what's best for America long term, that you may be what America needs right now. I also feel like you care about this country so, so much, and you want what's best for it. This is a difficult decision for me, because on the issues I seem to either firmly believe or strongly disagree with what you have to say. I think you may be the best possible candidate for our economy, but I do fear some of your international policies, I know that I am not the only 3rd party voter that feels this way. So my question to you is, what do you say to people like me who are on the fence about voting 3rd party (Johnson/Stein) or for you?

A: Americans in every party are tired of our rigged system and corrupt politicians, and want to reform our government so it no longer benefits the powerful at the expense of everyone else. They know I will fix it so it works for them and their families. Hillary Clinton's message is that things will never change. My message is that things have to change, and they have to change right now. We have to change a foreign policy that has led us to one economic disaster after another, and an economic policy that has failed our poorest citizens. We will never fix a rigged system by relying on the people who rigged it in the first place. I am going to return the government to the people.
Scientists have long wondered why Jupiter's upper atmosphere has temperatures similar to those of Earth, even though the biggest planet in the solar system is five times farther away from the sun.

The answer may be the Great Red Spot, an enormous storm big enough to swallow three Earths that has been raging on Jupiter for at least three centuries, a study showed Wednesday.

Using an infrared telescope at Hawaii's Mauna Kea Observatory, scientists discovered that the upper atmosphere above the Great Red Spot  the largest storm in the solar system  is hundreds of degrees hotter than anywhere else on the planet.

It could be a coincidence or a major clue, said Boston University physicist James O'Donoghue, lead scientist of the study published in the journal Nature.

The storm spans 13,670 miles by 7,456 miles (22,000 kilometers by 12,000 kilometers) and is located in Jupiter's lower atmosphere. The top of its clouds reach altitudes of about 31 miles (50 kilometers).

The newly found hot spot must be heated from below, the study concluded, though the exact process by which heat is transferred remains unknown. The most likely energy source is acoustic waves, the study said.

Color change

Scientists also are unsure about why the storm is brick red and about why it has changed color over time. In a 1900 report in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, scientists described the oval storm as salmon pink. Recent images from the Hubble Space Telescope show it has become tinged with orange and more circular.

Like a hurricane on Earth, the spot's center is relatively calm, but farther out, winds reach 270 mph to 425 mph (430 kph to 680 kph). Because there is no land on Jupiter, which is made almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, the storm can never make landfall and dissipate.

"The Great Red Spot is like a wheel that's wedged between two conveyor belts running in opposite directions," said planetary scientist Glenn Orton, with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "One is adding momentum to it at the top, and another is adding momentum at the bottom. Together, they feed the vortex and essentially keep it alive."

But the storm may not be alive much longer. It has been shrinking for the last 100 years, Orton said.

More information is expected from NASA's Juno spacecraft, which arrived at Jupiter on July 4.
Two U.S. advocacy organizations blasted Turkey on Wednesday for stepping up a campaign to crack down on journalists and media outlets suspected of having ties to the plotters of a failed July 15 military coup.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, a media advocacy group in New York, and Freedom House, a research-and-advocacy outfit in Washington, voiced concern about the arrests of more than a dozen Turkish journalists this week and reports late Wednesday that the Turkish government had ordered the closure of dozens of media outlets in the country.

The journalists and media outlets are purported to be associates of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric living in self-imposed exile in the U.S. who Turkey says masterminded the coup attempt.

Were obviously extremely concerned about the developments, particularly against journalists, but this sort of behavior from the government is nothing new, said Nina Ognianova, Europe and Central Asia program coordinator for CPJ. For months, the Turkish authorities have gone after journalists who were critical of their policies. Its escalated now and in the post-coup period.

State-run and private news outlets in Turkey reported Wednesday that the Turkish government had ordered the closing of 45 newspapers, 23 radio stations, 16 TV channels and three news agencies.

'New dark age'

Nate Schenkkan, Freedom Houses project director for Nations in Transit, a continuing study of democracy in the 29 formerly communist countries in Central Europe and Central Asia, said he was not surprised by the draconian measures and expected more in the next few months.

Weve been saying that the crackdown is so serious for so long that its hard to find a new way to express it," Schenkkan said in an interview. "Its a new dark age.

The reported Turkish government order to shut down media outlets followed the issuance of arrest warrants for 88 journalists this week, including orders for the detention of 47 former executives and senior journalists of Zaman, Turkeys largest mass circulation newspaper.

Of the 88 journalists wanted, at least 18 have been arrested, according to Ognianova.

Schenkkan added that unofficial lists circulating on pro-government social media sites suggest at least 150 other journalists could be targeted. Many of these may have no ties to Gulen.

Asked about the journalist arrests, State Department spokesman John Kirby reiterated U.S. concern about press freedom in Turkey.

I think wed see this as a continuation of ... a troubling trend in Turkey where official bodies, law enforcement and judicial, are being used to discourage legitimate political discourse, Kirby told reporters. Weve been very consistent about that.

Ongoing detentions

Since the July 15 coup attempt, Turkey has detained more than 13,000 people in the military, judiciary and other institutions. Tens of thousands of other state employees with suspected links to Gulen have been suspended from their jobs in sectors including education, health care, city government and even Turkish Airlines.

The purges have raised Western concerns that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may be using the coup attempt to tighten his hold on power.

I think its best understood as a continuation and intensification of a campaign that was already underway, Schenkkan said of the latest Turkish media assault.

The crackdown on Turkish media dates to December 2013, when pro-Gulen prosecutors launched a massive corruption investigation of the allies of then-Prime Minister Erdogan, triggering a government backlash and journalist arrests.

Since 2013, Freedom House has listed Turkeys press freedom status as not free. Last year, Turkey was given a score of 71 on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the worst.

The score will most likely be lowered further when Freedom House conducts its 2016 global press freedom evaluation.

CPJ branded Turkey the leading jailer of journalists in the world for the second year in a row in 2013. Though Turkey released dozens of journalists the following year under international pressure, it increased its repressive action against the press, Ognianova told a House subcommittee hearing on "Turkeys Democratic Decline two days before the July 15 coup attempt.

Judicial tools

In reining in the media, Turkish authorities have deployed a ready arsenal of judicial tools, including vaguely worded anti-terror laws and other statutes, to arrest journalists, shut down outlets, co-opt opposition newspapers and impose bans on sensitive reporting topics.

And since last October, the government has effectively taken control of two of the countrys largest media groups  the Koza Ipek Group and Feza Media Group, the owner of Zaman  turning their myriad media organizations into pro-government outlets.

There has been a systematic persecution that has been going on for months, and that is part of a large crackdown on critical voices in Turkey, Ognianova said. Those include journalists who reported on issues such as high-level corruption, the conflict in the southeast between [Kurdish militant group] PKK and security forces, the refugee crisis and the war in Syria."

The media curbs grew so incessant this year that CPJ began publishing a daily summary of press freedom violations in Turkey in March.

Journalists flee

The governments long arm has cowed media outlets into self-censorship. CPJ has documented that a number of Turkish journalists have simply left the country, while others are trying to flee, Ognianova said without providing details.

CPJs Journalist Assistance Program supports journalists forced to go into hiding or relocate to escape threats from local officials and others.

Whats left of an independent media has been co-opted by the government, Schenkkan said.

Every outlet has been compromised in some way," he said. "Even outlets that might publish occasional criticism still have to find a way to avoid being completely shut down.

The self-censorship has spilled over into social media, he said. Lots of people are leaving social media and choosing not to comment.
Police in France have formally identified the second man involved in the brutal church attack earlier this week that left a priest dead.

Nineteen year old Abdel Malik Petitjean was born in eastern France and became know to authorities after he attempted to travel to Syria. Police were able to identify him after his mother provided a DNA sample.

Petitjean and Adel Kermiche, also 19, stormed into the Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray church in northern France during the morning mass Tuesday, slit the throat of an 86-year-old priest and took five more people hostage. The two were both eventually gunned down by police and one of the hostages is still in serious condition.

Kermiche had been awaiting trial on terror related charges, and was wearing an electronic bracelet at the time he carried out the attack.

The jihadist group Islamic State released a video showing the two men holding an IS banner and pledging allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

On Wednesday, French President Francois Hollande met with religious leaders in an attempt to assuage fears and create interfaith solidarity after this latest in a string of terror attacks in France.

Many in the French Catholic community were still in shock after Tuesday's attack.

Mohammed Karabila, leader of the regional council of Muslim worship in the area, had just two questions following the attack: How could a person wearing an electronic bracelet carry out an attack? Where were the police?

Others in the Muslim community called for increased security at religious buildings, but cautioned against lumping the terrorists with the rest of France's Muslim community -- the largest in Europe.

"We deeply desire that our places of worship are the subject of greater (security) focus, a sustained focus," said Dalil Boubakeur, the head of Frances Muslim community.

He went on to express deep grief on behalf of French Muslims, and called the attack a blasphemous sacrilege which goes against all the teachings of our religion.

Pope Francis also condemned the attack on a Roman Catholic church. Through Vatican spokesman Reverend Federico Lombardi, the pope said the attack is particularly difficult to understand "because this horrific violence took place in a church, a sacred place in which the love of God is announced."

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls warned against vilifying all Muslims after the attack, saying the goal of the terrorists is to "set the French people against each other, attack religion in order to start a war of religions."

The church is located about 104 kilometers north of Paris, where in November members of IS killed 130 people during coordinated attacks on the city.

Over the past 19 months, France has been the target of two other major terrorist attacks.

In January 2015, there were deadly assaults on the offices of satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo and other public places around Paris, killing 17 people.

In the southern city of Nice, 84 people were killed on July 14 by a man who drove a truck through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day while firing a handgun.
A Guatemalan judge on Wednesday charged former President Otto Perez with money laundering and bribery in a massive corruption case in which 52 others were also accused, including former ministers, business people and lawyers.

Perez and former Vice President Roxana Baldetti are accused of receiving hundreds of bribes for public contracts during their administration.

Perez and Baldetti denied the charges, and the rest of the accused also said they were innocent.

The judge based his decision on evidence presented by the state prosecutor's office and the U.N.- and U.S.-backed International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), which included witness statements, electronic communications, accounting records and other documentation.

Perez and Baldetti resigned and were arrested last year over accusations that they were part of a customs racket, which they also denied.

They are currently in pre-trial detention.
Hillary Clinton, a fixture on the American political scene for a generation, is set Thursday to accept the Democratic presidential nomination and then tell Americans why they should trust her to be the new American leader when President Barack Obama leaves office in January.

Clinton, the first U.S. woman to become a major party's presidential nominee, is the country's most admired woman, according to Gallup. Yet a majority of U.S. voters at the same time tell Gallup they do not trust her, conflicting views that have left her locked in a tight contest with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for a four-year term in the White House.

Trump regularly calls the Democratic nominee Crooked Hillary, who lied to the American public about her missing emails, and whose status as a longtime politician has made her beholden to campaign contributors.

The 68-year-old Clinton, Obama's secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, appeared briefly with him Wednesday on stage at the Democratic National Convention In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after he delivered a ringing endorsement of her as his successor. He said no man or woman had ever sought the U.S. presidency who was more qualified than she is, including him or her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

On Thursday, it is Clinton's turn to make her own case. Ahead of her speech, campaign manger Robby Mook, said she would "lay out very clearly the choice that people face" in the November 8 election.

Mook acknowledged to the "CBS This Morning" show that Trump, a real estate mogul making his first run for elective office, "is making a lot of really big promises and some people find those attractive."

"What we need to do as a campaign and what Hillary is going to do tonight and what we've done at this convention is make sure people know the facts," Mook said. He described Trump as "someone who every turn of his life has made more money, become more famous at the expense of working people and folks need to understand that."

Earn voters' trust



Clinton has said on numerous occasions that she needs to earn voters' trust, shaken in part because of her use of a private, unsecured email server while she was the country's top diplomat during Obama's first term. She said she used the private server rather than a more secure government server because it was more convenient for her. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation recently concluded that she was "extremely careless" in her handling of classified material contained in her State Department emails, but that no criminal charges were warranted.

Mook said the quadrennial Democratic convention has served as a testimonial for her candidacy, with "people speaking about how they know they can trust Hillary because she has always delivered for them."

Obama was her chief booster Wednesday night, to the roaring cheers of thousands of convention delegates.

"This year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me -- to reject cynicism, and reject fear, and to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation," Obama said.

Preparing to be president



He said nothing truly prepares a person for being president, but contrasted Clinton's experience with that of Trump, a one-time television reality show host who as a developer has built New York skyscrapers and casinos along the Atlantic Ocean.

"Until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis, or send young people to war," Obama said. "But Hillary's been in the room; she's been part of those decisions. She knows what's at stake in the decisions our government makes, what's at stake for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, for the soldier, for the veteran."

The crowd in Philadelphia booed when Obama mentioned Trump, to which Obama replied, "Don't boo, vote."

He said last week's Republican convention presented no serious solutions, but instead fanned "resentment, and blame and anger and hate." And he seized on Trump's statements suggesting he would insist NATO allies have fulfilled financial responsibilities before the U.S. would come to their aid.

"He cozies up to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, tells our NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection," Obama said. "Well, America's promises do not come with a price tag."

Trump fires back



Trump fired back at the largely optimistic tone of Obama and other Democratic speakers who this week have taken exception to Trump's campaign slogan pledging to "Make America Great Again."

"Our country does not feel 'great already' to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair," he wrote on Twitter.

Trump's campaign issued a statement calling Wednesday a "sad night" for the Democratic Party and saying they presented only proposals to reward the rich while attacking "decent Americans who want change for their families."

"They offered no solutions for the problems facing America -- in fact, they pretended those problems didn't even exist." the statement said.



Along with Obama, other Democratic speakers lashed out at Trump, with Vice President Joe Biden questioning the billionaire's commitment to the middle class.

"He is trying to tell us he cares about the middle class. Give me a break. That is a bunch of malarkey," Biden said.

Clinton's vice presidential running mate, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, said, "Our nation, it is just too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew."
President Francois Hollande on Thursday fired back at comments by U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump that "France was no longer France" after a slew of militant attacks, saying France would always stay true to its values.

France is reeling from two strikes in under two weeks by attackers who had pledged allegiance to Islamic State, the first when a Tunisian ploughed his truck through a crowd in Nice, the second when two men slit the throat of a priest.

"France is no longer France. They won't like me for saying that," Trump told reporters in Miami on Wednesday. "And this world better be very careful and the better get very tough and they'll never do it with [Democratic nominee] Hillary Clinton."

Trump's campaign has been marked by insults and inflammatory rhetoric. He has called for tougher surveillance of mosques and warned that radical Muslims were "trying to take over our children." Trump has rejected the criticism that his rhetoric is racist.

Brushing off Trump's words, Hollande on Thursday told reporters France would always remain true to its values and ideals.

"When you stoop low you're not true to yourself anymore, that's something that can happen to others on the other side of the Atlantic," Hollande said, without directly mentioning Trump.
The International Monetary Fund failed to demand debt relief as part of Greece's 2010 bailout despite widespread staff views that this was critical to the program's success, an internal audit report showed on Thursday.

The IMF also did not make a serious attempt to quantify the risk of financial contagion throughout Europe that was used to justify its granting of "exceptional access" funding to Greece when the country's debt was widely viewed internally as not having a high likelihood of repayment.

The decisions, made in the throes of a growing debt crisis, contributed to a program that proved unsustainable as Greece's economy collapsed, the IMF's Internal Evaluation Office (IEO) said.

The 30 billion-euro IMF program for Greece needed renegotiation in 2012, and the IMF is not yet a participant in a third bailout as it is now insisting that European lenders provide debt relief to Greece.

"Critically, there was no rigorous attempt to articulate a convincing path to restoring debt sustainability in Greece, other than a program of official financing, fiscal adjustment and structural reforms," the IEO said of the IMF's actions in 2010.

The IEO said the IMF's rules on granting exceptional access, which require early board involvement, were "followed only in a perfunctory manner." Amendments to create a "systemic exemption" that allowed the Greek bailout to proceed departed from the Fund's usual deliberative process where major decisions receive careful review, the IEO said.

In January 2016, the Fund eliminated the special exemption which also paved the way for bailouts to Ireland and Portugal and enacted new rules governing such large bailouts.

Even though some senior IMF staff members did not believe that Greek debt in 2010 was sustainable, the report cited "pressure" to agree to the bailout, adding that then-managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn decided "to go along with the decision already reached by European policymakers and take a chance" that stability in Greece could be restored without pre-emptive debt restructuring.

By contrast, the IMF's bailouts of Ireland and Portugal went far more smoothly, the IEO report said, helped by strong "national ownership" of the programs and implementation of required reforms.

Senior IMF officials said there were many lessons learned in the Greek bailout and acknowledged that their fiscal projections were too optimistic, that they underestimated the political resistance to structural changes in Greece and that the program relied too heavily on budget cuts that deepened a recession. But they noted their main aim in 2010 was to prevent financial contagion that threatened to engulf Europe. Among its recommendations, the IEO said the IMF should

develop procedures to minimize room for political intervention in the IMF's technical analysis.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a statement that she believed the IEO did not adequately prove that the IMF's technical analysis came under undue political pressure and disagreed with the need for new procedures.

Including Greece, Portugal and Ireland, she said the IMF's involvement in the euro zone crisis programs was a "qualified success".

"Greece, however, was unique: while initial economic targets proved overly ambitious, the program was beset by recurrent political crises, pushback from vested interests and severe implementation problems that led to a much deeper-than-expected output contraction," said Lagarde, who replaced Strauss-Kahn in 2011 after he resigned amid a sexual assault scandal.
International Business Machines Corp. said Wednesday that it would provide its technology and resources to help track the spread of the Zika virus.

The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, or Fiocruz, a leading research institution affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Health, plans to use IBM's technology to analyze such information as official data about human travel patterns and anecdotal observations recorded on social media.

Global health officials are racing to better understand the Zika virus, which has caused a major outbreak that began in Brazil last year and has spread to many other countries in the Americas.

IBM also said it planned to donate a one-year subscription feed of local data on rainfall, average temperature and relative humidity to the U.S. Fund for United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Rainfall, temperature and humidity play key roles in the development of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries Zika as well as dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

IBM is also collaborating with the New York-based Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies to collect and mine biological and ecological data to help devise algorithms that can determine which primates are carriers for the virus.

IBM also runs the "OpenZika" project on the company's World Community Grid, a crowd-sourced supercomputer. The initiative allows scientists in the United States and Brazil to screen millions of chemical compounds to identify candidates to combat the virus.

More than a dozen small biotech firms and other organizations are developing vaccines against Zika, which is linked to birth defects and neurological disorders, although most work is at a nascent stage.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., said in March that it was working with UNICEF to analyze data in an effort to map and anticipate the spread of the virus.
Convicted terrorists in the central Iraqi province of Babil will have their homes destroyed and their families forced out of the state under a new law passed by the provincial council.

The law, approved Tuesday, was the first such measure passed anywhere in Iraq since dictator Saddam Hussein was overthrown in 2003.

The council also demanded that Baghdad hand over terrorists on death row for public execution in Babil.

Babil is about 95 kilometers south of the capital, and council member Hassan Fadamm said provincial authorities would do what they had to do to stop terrorists.

"We have grown frustrated with the central government's efforts to maintain security and execute convicted militants," Fadamm said. "Nothing is deterring the terrorists, who realize once they are in prison, they only receive good treatment."

Iraqi government officials in Baghdad have not yet reacted to the new demolition law.

On Wednesday, meanwhile, militants killed at least 16 people, including police and civilians, in separate attacks in and around Baghdad.

The blasts took place at a police checkpoint, a shopping district and a refugee camp.

No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts, but Islamic State militants have stepped up such attacks in Baghdad after suffering setbacks in the battlefield and losing control of Iraqi towns.
(7/18/2016) 16 Bradford Woods Camp Riley

Indiana University student-athletes visited Camp Riley in Bradford Woods on July 18, marking IU's second visit to Camp Riley this summer. It marked Indiana's fourth straight year of visiting.IU sent two separate groups of student-athlete representatives this summer to Bradford Woods to spend time with the more than 200 children between the ages of 8 and 18 with disabilities throughout Indiana and several other states.The student-athletes become immersed in the activities just as much as the campers, sparking friendships and friendly competition. Before meeting the kids, the student-athletes got the opportunity to hear from the camp's organizers to gain perspective of the impact they're making on the campers.Camp Riley is designed to allow children to experience "life without limits" while building friendships and confidence among the confines of Bradford Woods' 2,500-acre facility.The camp's format allows for student-athletes and campers to play, laugh and learn together without having to worry about anything else.
Iraqi officials are increasingly emboldened about their prospects of retaking the city of Mosul from the Islamic State terror group even though it puts them at odds with the U.S. assessment.

Neither they nor U.S. defense officials have been willing to put any sort of timeline on what promises to be a complex operation to push IS out of Iraq's second-largest city. Still, with each day that passes Iraq's confidence seems to grow.

"I believe that this will happen sooner or later because the Iraqi Army is gaining," Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari told VOA through an interpreter following his most recent trip to Washington.

Those steady gains, pushing IS out of about half of the territory it once held in Iraq, have come as Iraq Security Forces and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters march to a steady drumbeat of U.S. and coalition airstrikes.

Yet U.S. and coalition officials meeting in Washington last week voiced strong concerns about the dangers of the potential lag time between an initial military push into Mosul and follow-up operations to stabilize the city.

Before leaving Washington, Iraq's foreign minister tried to put such concerns to rest.

"The Iraqi government has prepared a plan," al-Jaafari told VOA late Friday. "It has a military phase, a services phase, and also a plan for the humanitarian response."

WATCH: Iraqi Foreign Minister Talks About Retaking Mosul

The plan

The plan, he said, puts heavy emphasis on preserving the city's infrastructure and key facilities "during the first phase of the operation and its aftermath" in order to maintain public services, or restart them as quickly as possible.

"This plan will take into consideration the special case of the city of Mosul, the complications of the city and the possible surprises that might happen during the operation," al-Jaafari said.

Such an optimistic assessment, however, would appear to signal a split between Iraqi leaders and U.S. officials who, while pleased with progress on the ground, insist many of the pieces are not even in place.

"They're still working on that plan and we're waiting for the planning result," Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Col. Chris Garver told Pentagon reporters Wednesday.

"If there's any planning to be done, anything we can move in in advance, we  the coalition  recommend that happen before the battle of Mosul even takes place," he added.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter also raised concerns about planning for Mosul on Wednesday, while visiting with troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Carter said the U.S., Iraq and Iraqi Kurdish leaders only "have an understanding" of how the envelopment of Mosul will play out.

"That is going to be a cooperative effort that we are going to galvanize between the Iraqi government and the Peshmerga forces," he said. "We're now discussing what happens in Mosul afterward.

"We're trying to approach the war so that sustainment of victory is built in," Carter said.

Stumbling blocks

For now, the potential pitfalls are numerous.

Officials point out IS has ruled Mosul for the past two years, giving it plenty of time to harden defenses in and around the self-declared caliphate's Iraqi capital.

The terror group's strategy with other cities it has lost will also make for a difficult and slow fight. In both Ramadi and Fallujah, IS left behind a complex web of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, and booby traps designed to kill Iraqi forces while turning the cities into smoldering ruins.

Despite reports that many top IS officials and foreign fighters have already fled Mosul, the group is still believed to have a strong presence in the city.

Iraq's foreign ministry estimated as many as tens of thousands of IS fighters are holding out in the city and its environs, though other Iraqi militia leaders and U.S. officials believe the number is closer to about 8,000.

Intelligence officials and Iraqi militia leaders also say IS has been doing all it can to scare Mosul's Sunni residents, trying to convince them the Iraqi government will not protect them from the Shia militias accused of targeting Sunnis during the campaign to reclaim Fallujah.

The noose tightens

Still, Iraqs foreign minister remains undaunted.

"We have no problem with the community, the original community of the city of Mosul," he said, insisting the diverse groups, including the Sunnis, "are with liberating their city."

"The executions that happen in the city from time to time prove that there's resistance from inside the city," al-Jaafari said.

"Whether Daesh is defeated in Mosul at the end of the year or early during the next year, this makes no difference because the result is the same," he said, using the Arabic acronym for the terror group. "Daesh will be defeated totally in Iraq."

U.S. officials estimate there are still about one million civilians left in Mosul. And United Nations officials warn that once the battle to retake Mosul begins in earnest, hundreds of thousands will flee the city, setting the stage for what could be the largest humanitarian relief operation this year.

"The noose, if you will, has been tightening around Mosul for now probably seven or eight weeks with the performance of the Iraqi security forces," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, told Pentagon reporters Monday. "But the pace of the operation is driven by Iraqi capability and Iraqi political decision-making."
When Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton announced her vice presidential choice, she referred to Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as a progressive who is "everything Donald Trump and Mike Pence are not.

Timothy Michael "Tim" Kaine was born on February 26, 1958, in St. Paul, Minnesota, but grew up in the metro area of Kansas City, Missouri. He is the eldest son of an ironworker and a home economics teacher. Kaine attended an all-boys Jesuit high school, joining spring mission drives to fund Jesuit activities in Honduras. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Missouri before entering Harvard Law School.

Kaine took time off from his law studies to work with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Honduras for nine months in 1980-81, helping Jesuit missionaries who ran a Catholic school in El Progreso. His time there reportedly helped form his support for citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the United States  a stance likely to attract Latino voters. He also learned to speak fluent Spanish, seen as a possible advantage with Hispanic voters.

At Harvard, Kaine met his wife, Anne Holton, the daughter of former Republican Virginia Governor Linwood Holton (1970-74), who desegregated the commonwealth's public schools. She now serves as Virginia's secretary of education. They have three children.

After law school, the Kaines settled in Richmond, Virginia, where he spent nearly two decades as an attorney focusing on civil rights and fair housing. He helped found the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness and was a board member of the Virginia chapter of Housing Opportunities Made Equal.

Political beginnings

Kaine entered politics in 1994 when he was elected to the Richmond City Council, then became the city's mayor. Virginia's voters chose him as their lieutenant governor in 2001. Four years later, he ran for governor against Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore, a former state attorney general. Considered an underdog, Kaine trailed in polls for most of the election but won the race. He governed from 2006 to 2010.

After a stint as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Kaine was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012. As a senator, he has worked on several committees: Armed Services; Budget; and Foreign Relations. He also has served on the Special Committee on Aging.

Calls himself 'boring'

According to the New York Times, Kaine "is widely described by people in his political orbit as a likable, if less than charismatic, figure ... guided by moral convictions that flow from his deep Christian faith."

In an interview with NBCs "Meet the Press," the senator confessed to being "boring."

After Clinton's announcement last week, Jeff Flake, a Republican senator from Arizona tweeted: "Trying to count the ways I hate @timkaine. Drawing a blank. Congrats to a good man and a good friend."
On October 3, 2013, hundreds of African migrants desperate to reach Europe died less than 400 meters from reaching their goal.

With the Italian island of Lampedusa in sight, the migrants rickety, overcrowded boat began to sink. They set a blanket on fire to signal for help, but flames engulfed the ship. The passengers crowded to one side, and the vessel capsized.

The official death toll was 368, according to the International Organization for Migration. Others remain missing and most likely drowned. Those rescued live with emotional and physical scars, not only from the sinking but also from the trip itself, because many were raped or tortured by traffickers.

In the wake of the Lampedusa tragedy, European authorities set out to crack down on the smugglers and traffickers who sent the migrants to their deaths. They determined that a vast, organized and well-funded network fuels much of the migration out of Africa and the Middle East. For three years, officials from Italy, Britain and other countries have investigated the network behind the Mediterranean migration crisis.

Despite a coordinated international approach, millions of dollars spent and untold man hours, the impact of efforts to thwart the smuggling rings remains unclear. Dozens have been arrested and face prosecution. Officials have wiretapped hundreds of calls and mapped the scope of the trafficking networks across continents.

But the death toll in the Mediterranean is on track to rise for the third straight year, with at least 10,000 additional migrant deaths recorded in the Mediterranean Sea since Lampedusa. Three wrecks in June 2016 alone may have led to 700 deaths, according to the U.N. refugee agency and IOM.

Tens of thousands of refugees arrive on European shores each month. And at least one high-profile case has raised questions about the methods investigators use to find their targets.

Initial successes

Calogero "Gery" Ferrara, an Italian justice department prosecutor in Palermo, said his team identified key figures in a large network of traffickers and smugglers early in their investigation. One breakthrough came in 2014 when Nuredin Wehabrebi Atta, an Eritrean smuggler, was arrested and agreed to assist authorities as a whistle-blower in exchange for protection.

Atta painted a gruesome picture of the system, saying traffickers often held would-be migrants hostage and extorted their families for money under threat of death to their loved ones.

Migrants who didnt have or couldnt get enough money to pay their ransom, he said, were subject to organ trafficking or sold for about $16,000, effectively turning them into slaves. He outlined a wide-reaching network that included arms and drug smugglers.

More arrests followed. On July 4, 2016, Italian authorities arrested 25 Eritreans, 12 Ethiopians and an Italian thought to be involved in smuggling after a raid on a perfume shop in Italy. Over 526,000 euros (about $578,000) and $25,000 in cash were discovered in the raid. Authorities also found an address book that contained names of smugglers, according to Reuters.

However, Ferrara said the investigation, code-named Glauco, was fraught with challenges from the beginning. Trafficking networks are vast and difficult to infiltrate. Smugglers go to great lengths to conceal money transfers. Investigators often must work from a distance, retracing routes from clues that migrants bring when they land in Europe.

Even migrants departure points can be difficult to identify.

They have a very structured organization  [a] very well-organized criminal association with a clear division of roles, he said.

Big break or mistaken identity?

This past May, authorities from Italy and Britain found an individual whom they believed to be a smuggling kingpin in El Diem, an area in Sudans capital, Khartoum. El Diem is a popular spot for migrants to play pool and drink tea and coffee. At a small coffeehouse called Diem, Sudanese authorities apprehended Medhane Tesfamariam Berhe of Eritrea and extradited him to Italy.

Italian and British authorities hailed it as the big break they had spent over a year looking for, but it may be a case of mistaken identity that demonstrates the difficulty of dismantling trafficking networks.

Following the arrest, family members and journalists questioned whether authorities had the right person. Victims of the actual trafficker testified in court that authorities had arrested the wrong man. Friends in Sudan who knew Berhe insisted that authorities had the wrong person.

The confusion began with the name. Eritrean names follow a paternal line, and the suspect extradited to Europe shares only the first, or given, name with the wanted criminal, whom authorities initially identified as Medhane Yehdego Mered. This kingpin is suspected of killing and torturing many migrants.

By one account, he controlled 4 percent of the human trafficking into Italy.

Michele Calantropo, the Italian lawyer of Medhane Tesfamariam Berhe, said that confusion about the name isnt the only reason his client should be released. A photo used by prosecutors and circulated around the world via social media did not match the man who was extradited, he said.

Despite these discrepancies, authorities insist they have the right person, although they now admit to mistakes, including misidentifying the suspects name and distributing the wrong photo, according to Reuters. Medhane Tesfamariam Berhe is the name of the ringleader, not Medhane Yehdego Mered, they say. And the photo that circulated in the media, online and in the prosecutions own presentation materials is of a different, unrelated person.

Ferrara, however, maintains they have the right person.

He was operating in Sudan and Libya, so we never saw him. We dont know his face, but we have 12,000 conversations regarding, concerning him, Ferrara said.

Medhane Tesfamariam Berhes lawyer sees it differently.

Its very strange that before it was a good photo and now its not, Calantropo said in reaction to the prosecutors dismissal of the image.

At a recent closed hearing, authorities presented additional physical evidence. The phone in possession of the individual they apprehended in Khartoum had been used to log in to the same Facebook account and call the same numbers as the person they had been investigating since 2014, prosecutors asserted.

Journey's cost

Human trafficking and smuggling is a lucrative business. Migrants and refugees spend over $1.1 billion a year, according to The Migrants' Files, a consortium of journalists from 10 European countries. Beyond risking inhumane treatment and jeopardizing their lives, migrants pay smugglers and traffickers large sums of money, often at multiple points in their journeys.

Most migrants crossing the Mediterranean pay between $5,500 (to travel overland through Turkey and into Europe) to $18,700 (to board a flight, depending on the destination), a spokesperson for Britains National Crime Agency told VOA.

But the NCA said that there are also times when smugglers lower prices to entice migrants to board ships in bad weather.

Whether or not migrants can make good on their payments, smugglers and traffickers find ways to profit. Amanuel Zaid, an Eritrean living in Virginia, knew the extradited Medhane in Sudan and made observations on smuggling networks during his time in Khartoum.

Smugglers based in the Sudanese capital have their own employees across countries in the region, he said. When migrants enter Sudan from places like Ethiopia and Eritrea, smugglers take them to a checkpoint called Hajer to determine who has paid the full amount before letting them pass. Those who have not paid are handed off to be sold as commodities.

From Eritrea to Sudan, for example, safe passage could cost between $6,000 and $7,500, Zaid said, but there are additional costs to continue on from Sudan to Libya that could total about $1,600.

Countries cooperate

The NCA collaborates with regional governments such as Greece to stop smugglers through its Invigor operation. It has contributed to the interception of boats en route to Libya with weapons, ammunition and smuggled cigarettes, according to a statement from the spokesperson. Some of these boats are used to transport migrants when returning back, the statement said.

Sudanese authorities also say they are eager to help dismantle trafficking networks.

Mekki Elmograbi, the media representative of the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, says that his government is working with the European Union to bridge gaps and improve the international prosecution system.

The level of understanding between the Sudanese government and the European Union and European countries has reached a very advanced level, he said.

The European Commission recently announced a $110 million aid package for Sudan to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement in places including Darfur, East Sudan, and the states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile  all areas ravaged by war over the last decade.

Elmograbi said there are more than 15 smuggling gangs operating in the region.

There is sometimes a kind of cooperation between gang to gang so that they take the immigrants from here and bring them to another country. So they are acting just like authorities receiving money from people and sometimes abandoning people in the desert, letting them to die, or even in the sea, he said.

Ringleaders at large

Medhane Tesfamariam Berhe, meanwhile, remains in prison in Italy. When Sudanese authorities arrested him, they took all his identification documents and didnt hand them over to Italian or British authorities, said his lawyer, Calantropo. To fill biographical details, Calantropo collected documentation from his family.

His sister, Seghen Berhe, told VOA that he was born in 1987 in the neighborhood of Geza Banda Tilian in Eritreas capital, Asmara. He attended Isak Teweldemedhin Secondary School and underwent military training in Sawa. Like many youth who feel trapped by Eritreas system of mandatory national service, he fled to Ethiopia and entered the Hitsats refugee camp in April 2014, his sister said.

During his first hearing on July 4, victims tortured by the criminal who shares his name explained their encounters and confirmed to authorities that they had the wrong person. At another hearing this month, it was ruled that he should remain behind bars until his next court date on September 20. His lawyers petition for his release was denied.

All the while, Calantropo said, the real criminal remains at large in Libya, where he has been since 2015.
Californians were treated to an unexpected light show late Wednesday when a Chinese rocket re-entered the atmosphere.

U.S. Strategic Command spokeswoman Julie Ziegenhorn told the Associated Press that the Chinese CZ-7 rocket re-entered the atmosphere, but would not comment on whether the rocket ever posed any danger to people on the ground.

She referred further questions to the Chinese government.

Astronomer Jonathan McDowell, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts speculated on Twitter the object was debris from a June 15 launch.

He told the Los Angeles Times that the debris likely re-entered over Utah and was traveling at roughly 29,000 kilometers per hour.

Numerous people posted videos of the object streaking through the night sky on social media.

Here are some:
Italy launched an internet, TV and radio campaign on Thursday to discourage Africans from setting out on the often deadly voyage to Europe, including real

migrants telling their often harrowing stories.

In one of the video clips posted on YouTube, Facebook and the awaremigrants.org., Cesar says he almost died of exposure at sea after his boat drifted for three days, while in another Jessica tells of how she only just escaped an anal rape attack.

"It's a road that leads to hell," Tschamba says in another of the 80 videos. When he refused to board a boat with his wife and child, a Libyan smuggler said he would kill him and dump his body in the desert if he did not.

Unable to protect his family from danger, "I held my baby and I cried and I cried and I cried," he says. Italy remains on the front line of a migrant crisis now in its third year, with more than 400,000 migrants arriving by boat since the beginning of 2014.

The majority of migrants arriving in Italy come from Africa, and many  60 percent last year  do not qualify for refugee status.



"Women and children suffer the most," Federico Soda, Mediterranean director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), told reporters.



"Women are abused and raped, and often they arrive pregnant. Children are beaten and often traumatized when they arrive. We want them to be aware of the risks."

Italy's Interior Ministry funded and developed, with help from the IOM, the "Aware Migrants" campaign to convince migrants to stay home as both the number of arrivals and deaths climb.

"It's time to open your eyes," is the theme of the campaign, which cost 1.5 million euros [$1.7 million] and was conducted in three languages  Arabic, English and French.



Each video testimony of about one minute ends with the migrant looking into the camera and warning a possible future traveler, "Be aware, brother" or "Be aware, sister".

Migrant deaths in the Mediterranean have already reached 3,000 this year, the IOM has said, and Italy has taken in about 90,000 newcomers so far in 2016.

Almost 140,000 asylum seekers are being housed in shelters around the country.

"The campaign says, 'You, migrant, you are chasing your dream but you run the risk of living a nightmare,'" Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told reporters.

Often migrants who have made the trip do not tell their friends and relatives at home the truth about their hardships, both because they have spent a lot of money on the journey and because telling the truth of their suffering can be

psychologically difficult, Soda said.
A resettled former Guantanamo prisoner who disappeared last month in Uruguay, setting off alarm bells in neighboring countries and recriminations in Washington, has reappeared in Venezuela, the government said Wednesday.



Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa told The Associated Press that Syrian native Abu Wa'el Dhiab showed up at Uruguay's consulate in Caracas. Consulate officials refused to provide information or entry to AP journalists gathered outside.



Late Thursday, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Dhiab told the consulate he wanted to move to Turkey or another country where he could reunite with his family.



"He expressed clearly that in no case was he interested in returning to Uruguay, but required the assistance of our country for his proposal,'' the statement said.



Dhiab, who has repeatedly expressed his unhappiness at his life in Uruguay, previously accused the government of breaking its commitment to bring his family.



He is one of six former Guantanamo prisoners who were resettled in Uruguay after being released by U.S. authorities in 2014, invited by then President Jose Mujica as a humanitarian gesture.



The men had been detained in 2002 for suspected ties to al-Qaida. They were held without charge like hundreds of others at Guantanamo before the U.S. government cleared them for release. There are no charges against Dhiab or order for his arrest, and Uruguayan officials had said that as a refugee he has the right to leave the South American country.



Dhiab had last been reported seen in Chuy, a small city on the Uruguay-Brazil border that is home to an Arab community. Residents said he visited the makeshift mosque of the local Arab club where he prayed and slept before he was reported missing.



His disappearance raised concerns, as well as questions about how closely countries that resettle former Guantanamo inmates should watch them and for how long, as the United States prepares to release more prisoners.



U.S. lawmakers trying to block President Barack Obama from closing the detention center recently scolded his administration for losing track of Dhiab. The U.S. envoy in Montevideo also expressed concerns about the lack of information on his whereabouts. Ambassador Kelly Keiderling said it was up to Uruguay to say whether Dhiab can travel, though she added that she would prefer he stay in Uruguay. When questioned at a news conference, she said Dhiab "could be, yes, theoretically,'' a threat.



Colombia-based Avianca Airlines recently issued an internal alert saying Dhiab could be using a fake passport trying to enter Brazil, the site of the summer Olympics. The airline said the alert was issued based on information provided by Brazil's federal police, which had been looking for Dhiab.



The Uruguayan government has provided social services and financial support to Dhiab and the five other former detainees _ three others from Syria, a Tunisian and a Palestinian. But the men have struggled to adjust and have complained about not getting enough help from Uruguayan officials.



Dhiab was the most vocal about his unhappiness. Last year, he visited neighboring Argentina. In an orange jumpsuit like those Guantanamo prisoners have worn, he told news media in Buenos Aires that he planned to seek asylum for himself and the other detainees still held at the U.S. naval base in eastern Cuba.



In an interview with the Uruguayan magazine Busqueda, Dhiab said he was never a terrorist, but sympathizes with al-Qaida because of the torture that he endured in Guantanamo.



Jon Eisenberg, a U.S. lawyer who represented Dhiab while he was detained at Guantanamo, said he had not been in contact with the former prisoner since a phone call in June.



Eisenberg said Dhiab was very concerned about his wife and three children, who fled the Syrian civil war for Turkey but then had to return to their homeland for financial reasons. They were in a Syrian village that was bombed by government forces in November 2015.



The lawyer said that when he last spoke with the former prisoner, Dhiab was hopeful that his family might be brought to Uruguay.



"That's why I thought he wouldn't leave Uruguay,'' Eisenberg said.


U.S. President Barack Obama has selected Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago as the site of his presidential library, a person familiar with the decision said Wednesday.

The Barack Obama Foundation decided to build the library near the University of Chicago, where Obama once taught. It will be a boon to the city's South Side, providing jobs to communities that have long struggled with gang violence and high unemployment.

A formal announcement is expected next week.

The newest addition to the U.S. network of presidential libraries will serve as a repository for historical items, records and papers pertaining to Obama's two terms as president after he leaves office in January.

The Obamas last year picked Chicago as the host city for their library, instead of Honolulu in Hawaii or New York City, which also were bidding for it.

The Obamas announced last month that the library would be designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, a New York architectural firm that designed the David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago.

The center is expected to be completed by 2021.
Authorities in Pakistan say tens of thousands of families who took refuge in Afghanistan two years ago after fleeing a Pakistani counter-militancy offensive have until Monday to register to return home.

Pakistani authorities have been pushing for the families from the North Waziristan tribal region to return home for months, but on Wednesday officials issued a formal notice that they have until August 1st to submit "pre-registration and verification" forms, which authorities say they have already distributed to displaced families through their community leaders.Those who do not could face as yet unspecified hurdles in returning home.

According to UNHCR estimates, as of December 2014, more than 291,800 individuals crossed into Afghanistan. Most of them settled in Gulan Camp in Gurboz district of Khost. By May 2015, Khost and Paktika hosted 32,576 families with over 205,000 individuals.

.





After receiving and completing the pre-registration process by August 1, a jirga (traditional assembly of tribal elders) will be convened in which relevant families through their tribal elders will be informed about conditions, rules and regulations under which they will be resettled, the statement said, adding the date for convening the jirga will be announced after August 5.

The statement reiterated that the Pakistani government has already decided to bring the refugees from Afghanistan through the officially designated Ghulam Khan border crossing and they can hand over pre-registration forms to any government officials stationed there.



Rumors of stripping citizenship

Pakistani officials admit they have faced difficulties in persuading the displaced families to come back from Afghanistan. This has prompted rumors the displaced people could lose their citizenship unless they move back.

Despite repeated extensions in the deadline for their repatriation and intensive messaging through their tribal elders, only ten percent of families submitted their registration forms by last week, Kamran Afridi, the top government administrator in Waziristan, told VOA.

But speaking on Thursday, Afridi reported the process has since accelerated, praising VOA for spreading the message to many Afghan areas hosting Pakistani refugees.

As of this day (Thursday) we have seen a lot of progress since we announced the July 25 deadline for submitting the forms. This information that we had also communicated and announced through your radio has effectively reached many (Afghan) areas and those who had missed the initial message have now sent us their forms.



Afraid said that around 6,000 families have so far submitted their forms and estimated 2,000 to 3,000 have not yet returned the documents. That's still just a fraction of those who fled abroad. However, contrary to earlier rumors that claimed those who did not return could lose their Pakistani citizenship, Afridi said that any Pakistani national living as refugee in Afghanistan is free to return home when he or she wishes. But the process to return home could change after this initial registration and repatriation stage.

In the past, officials have said that those who fail to register and return their villages without proper documentation will not be entitled to a promised assistance package of about $350 (35,000 Pakistani rupees), a six-month food ration as well as other essential commodities.





Pakistani authorities have declared the North Waziristan region safe, and the army estimates that nearly 70 percent of the internally displaced families who had fled to camps inside Pakistan have since returned to their native villages. Authorities say they plan to resettle all families, including those in Afghanistan by December 2016.



Reluctance to leave Afghanistan

However some refugees contacted by VOA in Afghanistan say they are reluctant to come back fearing the lack of lasting peace.



We will go back only if the government can rebuild North Waziristan like it was before the operation. We are happy in Afghanistan, they are treating us well and we feel safer in this country, Ikramullah Wazir, a refugee in Khost said.



If the government allows us to live our free tribal life, then we are ready to return, Noor Ali Khan, a refugee in Gulan camp said.



Many complain the government's compensation package is not enough to make up for what they lost.



"We used to have farmlands, houses and shops. It would take us at least ten years to rebuild what we have lost," a refugee, Jalalabad Khan said.



"If all refugees decided to return, we would also go to our areas, but the amount of money they have offered will not help us build even a single room," Khan said.



A refugee elder told VOA that a refugee tribal council has asked the Pakistani government to increase the amount of assistance.



We asked them to increase the assistance amount, and build markets, the tribal elder, Haji Omaruddin Wazir, said, adding that the council also sought assurances that they would be treated fairly by the army.



Others say the resettlement plan is going smoothly.



Tribal elder Malik Habib, who comes from Miransha  the main town in North Waziristan  told VOA he has relatives among IDPs on the Afghan side.

Habib, himself an IDP, says that there are more than 7,000 families sheltering on the Afghan side of the border and because they have permission to move freely across the frontier, they also have collected documentation forms and some of them have returned to their villages on the Pakistani side.



According to Habib, the families are asked to fill up the form and wait until they are officially informed that repatriation process to their particular villages is starting on a certain date. Once that announcement is made, the families are required to submit the forms at Bannu center to be able to receive promised assistance.



Pakistani authorities also insist the documentation step is key to ensuring the future security of the remote region as it will discourage militants from returning and again taking shelter in the population.



The Waziristan region is among the seven federally administered tribal districts on the Afghan border and until recently U.S. officials condemned it as the epicenter of international terrorism.



Pakistan military commanders say the counter-militancy offensive has destroyed the terrorism infrastructure, including hundreds of bomb-making factories and killed thousands of local and foreign militants.



A group of influential U.S. Congressmen led by Senator John McCain who visited Pakistan earlier this month were flown to North Waziristan's administrative headquarters, Miranshah, in a military helicopter to see the progress.



They have cleared out that part of Pakistan, they are going to relocate people hopefully with a better hope for life, they are looking at securing the Pakistan border in a more substantial way," Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters after the Waziristan trip.

"So I want to help Pakistan and they are doing the right thing and there is a lot of improvement to be made. But I would acknowledge it a step in the right direction."
Pope Francis, visiting a shrine cherished by Poles, praised native son St. John Paul II on Thursday and honored the countless "ordinary yet remarkable people'' in Poland who held firm to their Catholic faith throughout adversity in the former Communist nation.



The Argentine pontiff, who had never set foot in Eastern Europe before this week's five-day pilgrimage to Poland, gazed in apparent awe for several minutes as he studied the Jasna Gora monastery shrine's iconic image of the so-called Black Madonna. The faces of Mary and Baby Jesus in the icon  an object of veneration starting in the 14th century  are blackened by centuries of varnish and candle soot.



A silver screen was raised slowly and dramatically to unveil the image as Francis stood silently and then prayed.



Then, during an outdoor Mass in the southern city of Czestochowa before a crowd that organizers put at 600,000, Francis lavished praise on Poland's legacy of steadfast devotion as he urged Poles to hold fast to their faith.



As the 79-year-old pope walked up to the altar he tripped and fell, but quickly rose, helped by priests, and went on to deliver a long homily. Church officials said Francis was not hurt and did not complain afterward.



The Mass was held in celebration of this year's 1,050th anniversary of Poland's acceptance of Roman Catholicism. The baptism of a medieval king in 966 put Poland on course to be part of the Latin-speaking Western world, setting it apart culturally from Orthodox nations in the region. Polish President Andrzej Duda and other political leaders were among those attending the Mass.



"Our minds turn to so many sons and daughters of your own people, like the martyrs who made the defenseless power of the Gospel shine forth, like those ordinary yet remarkable people who bore witness to the Lord's love amid great trials,'' Francis said in his homily, speaking in Italian and pausing for a priest to translate his words into Polish.



He cited two beloved Polish saints, praising those "meek and powerful heralds of mercy who were Sts. John Paul II and Faustina. Through these channels of his love, the Lord has granted priceless gifts to the whole Church and to all mankind.''



Francis then recalled the far less famous soldiers of the faith in Poland.



"Your own history, shaped by the Gospel, the cross and fidelity to the church, has seen the contagious power of a genuine faith, passed down from family to family, from fathers to sons and above all from mothers and grandmothers, whom we need so much to thank,'' he said.



Francis urged Poles to stay united even as their nation is divided over the issue of refugees and migrants, especially those who aren't Christians. He prayed that Poles would have "the desire to leave behind all past wrongs and wounds, and to build fellowship for all, without ever yielding to the temptation to withdraw or to domineer.''



The right-wing government which came to power in Poland last year has faced international suspicion that it has eroded past democratic gains, and critics say there has been a rise in xenophobic sentiment.



Worry about bad weather prompted a last-minute change the pope's travel plans, with Francis opting to take a car instead of a military helicopter to Czestochowa, 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Krakow. He returned to Krakow by helicopter.



Francis' visit to Poland centers on a Catholic youth jamboree that has drawn hundreds of thousands of participants.



After resting in the afternoon the residence of the Krakow archbishop, Francis rode in an electric tram through the heart of Krakow with disabled young people  a gesture underlining his mission to fight climate change and encourage more humanity for the disadvantaged.



As archbishop of Buenos Aires in his native Argentina, he rode public transport to inspire humility among church hierarchy.



In place of the usual destination indicator on the tram were the words "Tram del Papa''  Italian for "the pope's tram.'' He rode it to Blonia, a park where he was joining tens of thousands of young Catholics participating in World Youth Day, a global gathering which runs through Sunday.



The mood ahead of his arrival was joyful, with people singing and dancing to lively tunes as they waved flags from places as different as Tennessee and Turkey. Security was tight following a string of attacks in Europe, and people were warned over loudspeakers not to leave their bags unattended.
With a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, scheduled for August, anxiety is high among one particular group of asylum-seekers in Turkey. Thousands of Russian-speaking Muslims fear a potential improvement in Turkish-Russian ties will affect them directly.

They call themselves Muhajir  an Arabic term for people who have been exiled from their countries of origin because of their religious beliefs and have sought to settle in states governed by sharia, or Islamic law.

While Ankara insists that Turkey is a secular nation, thousands of Russian Muslims who escaped from what human rights groups call harsh treatment by the Kremlins powerful security apparatus found asylum in Turkey. Russian authorities accuse many of them of extremism and even terrorism.

Those charges gained credence when an Islamic State warlord of Chechen origin was named as the mastermind of last months terrorist attack on Istanbuls Ataturk Airport. The three actual attackers were identified as citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Two other Russian citizens were designated as global terrorists by the United States on July 13, including ex-Guantanamo detainee Airat Vakhitov, who was among those arrested in Turkey after the airport attack.

Ekaterina Sokirianskaya of the International Crisis Group (ICG) believes dozens of members of Turkeys Russian Muslim diaspora were among those rounded up after the attack, including at least 50 with ties to Islamic State, serving as recruiters, facilitators, couriers and fundraisers for the terrorist group inside Turkey.

But, she said, Russian authorities are wrong to have painted the majority of Russian Muslims in Turkey as Islamist radicals.

By Russian standards they might seem radicalized, but in reality most of these people simply escaped from indiscriminate harassment, a common practice toward all Salafi Muslims in Russia, Sokirianskaya told VOA in a telephone interview from Ankara.

The ICG estimates there are around 15,000 Russian-speaking Muslims in Turkey. Members of Turkeys Russian-speaking diaspora told VOA that Russian Muslim asylum-seekers usually settle in Istanbuls suburbs, forming close communities where almost everyone knows everyone.

Many of these Russian-speaking Muhajir joined the crowds that flooded the streets to challenge the coup attempt against Erdogan earlier this month. Members of the diaspora told VOA the Muhajir acted without hesitation, motivated by fear that the plotters, had they succeeded, would have been less likely to protect them than the Erdogan government.

But that could change if Turkey and Russia close ranks on security cooperation, said Salman Sever, press secretary of the newly formed Association of Russian-Speaking Muhajir, in a Skype interview.

Russias security services have already been linked to high-profile assassinations of several Chechen ex-militants in Turkey. Russia also provides Turkish authorities with lists of suspected terrorists and extremists, who then face detention in special extradition camps in Turkey. No one has actually been sent back to Russia, according to public records, but members of the Russian-speaking diaspora in Turkey fear that could change.

Extradition to Russia is the worst thing that could happen to a Muhajir, said Sever, who himself was charged with extremism in Russia for writing sympathetic posts on social media about a militant group in the Primorsky region of Russias Far East.

Sever left Turkey when authorities began arresting people in connection with the Ataturk airport attack. He told VOA that the people in his circle are working to unite Russian-speaking Muslims from all ethnic groups and all branches of Islam, in opposition to the Islamic State group and in favor of promoting the idea of a peaceful Islam.

We are united in understanding that IS is Islams worst enemy, and the caliphate they announced is a pseudo-state, Sever said, adding that the terrorist group has put a target on some of our members for publicly taking a stand against its ideology.

The group that Sever represents runs several web and social media projects, including the educational Golos Islama (Voice of Islam) website and a Facebook group that provides legal advice and information for members of the Russian-speaking Muslim diaspora in Turkey who end up on the Russian extremist lists and, consequently, in Turkish detention centers awaiting a decision on extradition to Russia.

The group includes people who are well-respected among Muslims both in Russia and in the diaspora, and who have credibility and influence, Sokirianskaya said. Still, she remains doubtful that Sever's group will be able unite all of Turkey's Russian-speaking Muslims around a single platform, given the deep divisions that exist based on ethnicity and one's particular branch of Islam.

Anything less than a united platform is a dead end, argued Magomed Tuaev, a reporter in Turkey for the Russian independent news agency Caucasian Knot, who spoke to VOA via Telegram.



There are only two options for the Russian-speaking Muslim diaspora  either integration, or further radicalization and alienation, he said. The only condition for such a platform for dialogue is an absolute rejection of violence.
Showing his face for the first time since his jihadist group was formed in 2012, the head of Syria's Jabhat al-Nusra, Abu Mohamad al-Jolani, announced that he was breaking ties with al-Qaida in remarks broadcast Thursday by Al-Jazeera news channel.

Just hours after al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri gave his blessing for the severing of formal ties, al-Jolani said Jabhat al-Nusra would change its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. He expressed gratitude to the "commanders of al-Qaida for having understood the need to break ties."

The intervention by Osama bin Laden's successor in an internal strategic debate among al-Nusra leaders that has waxed and waned for more than two years comes as the Assad regime offered unarmed rebels in besieged parts of Aleppo an escape route.

Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, also offered amnesty to rebels who lay down their arms and surrender within three months.

Both developments have the potential to alter the dynamics of the complex six-year Syrian civil war by triggering a realignment of rebel groups, according to analysts.

The regime offer of safe passage from Aleppo for insurgents is likely to spark a vigorous wrangling among rebel factions, some of whom have long felt that the armed rebellion had become too bogged down defending rebel-held districts in Syria's onetime commercial capital.

Hope for aid propels move

The consequences of al-Nusra renouncing its ties to al-Qaida, something the affiliate's leaders have debated since August 2014, offers the group hope of receiving substantial aid from Gulf states. But analysts warn the split would be cosmetic only and is part of a longer-term game.

In May 2015, al-Nusra came close to severing formal ties with al-Qaida after the 7,000-member group dominated by Syrian fighters came under strong behind-the-scenes pressure from Gulf states to do so, with the promise that arms and supplies would be forthcoming, according to rebel commanders at the time. Islamist militias such as Aurar al-Sham, which has been in alliance with al-Nusra, also urged the rebranding.

In an audio message released Thursday, al-Zawahiri indicated he would not oppose the split.

"The brotherhood of Islam that bonds us is stronger than any obsolete links between organizations," he said, "These organizational links must be sacrificed without hesitation, if they threaten your unity."

This is the second time al-Qaida's al-Zawahiri has indicated he wouldn't oppose a split. But this announcement is much clearer, and made more so by support from al-Zawahiri deputy, Abu al-Khayr al-Masri, who also released a message Thursday.

He says al-Qaida would have no problem with "any possible action" al-Nusra's leaders take to boost unity among anti-Assad rebel factions and form a "new generation" of fighters.

Al-Qaida's affiliate in Syria has managed to build a large base of support among insurgents in the war-torn country, and has had some success in persuading regional governments it should be seen as a useful partner in the conflict raging in Syria, by marketing itself as the moderate alternative to Islamic State extremists.

By restraining its fighters from enforcing as strict a Sharia law code as Islamic State and by developing ties with Islamist rebel militias, Jabhat al-Nusra had increasingly embedded itself in insurgent-held areas.

Split seen as deceptive ploy

But U.S. defense and intelligence officials are skeptical Thursday's announcement is anything more than a public relations gambit.

"At the core of it, they are still al-Qaida," U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Joseph Votel told a security forum in Aspen, Colorado.

"It's a PR move," U.S. National Intelligence Director James Clapper said, speaking at the same forum. "Whether or not they actually are separating from al-Qaida, I think that remains to be seen."

Clapper added there could be another reason Jabhat al-Nusra would want to reposition itself and galvanize other opposition groups: self-preservation.

"They are concerned about being singled out as a target, particularly by the Russians," he said.

Charles Lister, author of the book The Syrian Jihad, agrees any split with al-Qaida would be cosmetic only, part of a deceptive "long game" jihadist strategists are playing to ensure the survivability of al-Nusra in Syria and to spread its influence.

In a paper written for the Brookings Institution, Lister argues al-Qaida has adopted a strategy of gradualism.

"By establishing a durable presence in Syria and potentially considering separating itself from al-Qaida internationally, Jabhat al-Nusra seeks to realize its long-term vision of establishing Islamic Emirates inside Syria, as components of a future caliphate," Lister argues in the study, "Profiling Jabhat al-Nusra."

An analyst with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, says "al-Qaida is stealthier than the Islamic State."

"Far from demonstrating al-Qaida's declining influence, this heralds its return to the organization's pre-2014 strategy. Prior to IS's rise, al-Qaida made heavy use of front groups and non-AQ brands to confuse its enemies, better appeal to local populations, and reduce its exposure to counterinsurgent forces," he told VOA.

"The fact that al-Qaida is making such a move shows that it is much less concerned about IS gobbling up its affiliate organizations than is generally believed," he added.

A formal split risks adding to strains between Gulf states and the United States over strategy in Syria. U.S. officials tell VOA they will remain highly skeptical of al-Nusra's intentions and motives, following the announcement of the severing of ties with al-Qaida.
Thousands lined the streets of Kinshasa Wednesday to cheer and welcome home Congolese opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, who spent the last two years having medical treatment in Belgium.

The 83-year-old Tshisekedi did not address the crowds as he made his way from the airport. He plans to make his first public remarks at an opposition rally Sunday.

The opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo hopes Tshisekedi's return will revitalize efforts to keep President Joseph Kabila from hanging on to power beyond the end of his two terms in December.

The DRC constitution bars him from running again. But the opposition says Kabila is looking to put off the November presidential election to avoid stepping down.

Opposition officials say they hope Kabila will give up power on December 19, no matter what happens.

Tshisekedi lost the 2011 presidential election. He remains the country's most popular opposition figure, despite spending the last two years in Brussels for treatment of an unspecified illness.
Speculation is growing that the stalled peace process between the Turkish government and the Kurdish rebels could resume after its breakdown last year.

Two main factors fuel that belief. For one, nearly half of Turkey's top generals have been removed from office in connection with the failed coup attempt earlier this month, yet despite the Turkish military's disarray, the PKK Kurdish rebel group has not launched any major attacks. In addition, Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party joined other opposition parties in opposing the putsch.

General Adem Huduti, the commander of Turkey's Second Army, is the most senior among the military officers detained in the ongoing crackdown on coup plotters. Huduti has led counter-insurgency operations against the PKK since fighting resumed following last year's collapse of the government-backed peace process with the rebels.

Many of Turkey's elite special forces and commandos who have been at the forefront of the fight against the PKK have also been detained. Yet the rebels have not moved to take advantage of the chaos within the Turkish military.

"I liken what happened to a massive stroke, so the body is extremely weak, it is unable to truly protect itself," said Soli Ozel, an international relations expert at Istanbul's Kadir Has University. "So I am happy that the PKK is not doing anything, but I don't know whether there has been [any] kind of communication."

Possibility of peace

Turkey's air force, which regularly bombs the PKK, has only launched one strike against rebel bases in neighboring northern Iraq since the failed coup. While PKK skirmishes are still continuing five police officers and soldiers were killed in separate attacks Thursday in the predominantly Kurdish southeast.

Ayse Sozen Usluer, the Turkish president's international relations chief, insists there has been no change in policy toward the PKK, but does not rule out that the conflict can be resolved politically.

"There is always [the] possibility to go back to [the] peace process," he said.

The peace process with the PKK collapsed in July amid mutual recriminations.

Its failure led to a resumption of fighting that caused massive destruction in towns and cities across Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast, along with claims by human rights groups of widespread abuses. But Selahattin Demirtas, co-leader of the HDP, Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party, was quick to condemn the coup attempt, and many Kurds heeded Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call to go to the streets to oppose it.

Wait-and-see approach

Semih Idiz, a political columnist with Turkey's Cumhuriyet newspaper, says the PKK is taking a wait-and-see approach.

"It's obvious it [the PKK] is holding back to see how all this plays out," he said. "Now, it would not be too pleased at the fact the president is not willing to meet the HDP leader while he is prepared to meet other opposition leaders, even though the HDP came out against the coup. But I think there is a possibility that the government under these conditions will try and go back to some kind of negotiation process with the Kurds or PKK. And perhaps that is why [the] PKK is laying low at the moment."

HDP co-leader Demirtas strongly condemned his exclusion from Erdogan's meeting Monday with parliamentary opposition leaders. However, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim suggested the HDP could be brought into what the government calls a consensus-building process.

"If there is a kind of undeclared cease-fire for some time, it may be easier to actually include them [Kurds] in the process, as well," Ozel said.

In what analysts say is an important gesture to the Kurdish minority, the government says it is considering reopening an investigation into the deaths of 34 young Kurdish smugglers four years ago in a Turkish airstrike near Uludere, on Turkey's border with Iraq.
The strategically critical U.S.-Turkey relationship is coming under increasing strain as authorities in Ankara crack down on alleged coup plotters and sympathizers.

Washington is caught between expressing alarm about increasingly authoritarian measures being taken under Turkey's state of emergency and showing support for a democratically elected government that fought off a military putsch.

A further source of irritation is persistent rumors in Turkey that the United States played a role in the attempted coup, something State Department spokesman John Kirby characterized on Thursday as "ludicrous."

Turkey's government has ordered more than 130 media outlets  TV channels, radio stations, newspapers and news agencies  to close, and approximately 90 journalists have either been arrested or ordered detained.

"We're obviously deeply concerned," said Kirby, who continued to stress that "Turkey matters to us as a friend and ally, and their democracy matters to us."

About 1,700 military personnel have been dismissed, including 150 generals and admirals suspected of ties to the uprising.

Ankara is a critical American ally in the fight against the so-called Islamic State group operating in Iraq and Syria, both of which border Turkey, a NATO member.

Incirlik Air Base, shared with the Turkish military, is used for U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State and is also a key hub for airlift operations.

Many of the Turkish generals the U.S. military has been working with in the fight against IS are now believed to be imprisoned in the aftermath of the coup attempt, according to Army General Joseph Votel of the U.S. Central Command, speaking Thursday at the Aspen Security Forum.

Votel expressed concern about the arrests having an impact on the anti-terrorism operations, saying the Turkish military is "absolutely vital to what we are doing."

Added U.S. National Intelligence Director James Clapper, from the same forum, "Many of our interlocutors have been purged or arrested. There's no question this is going to set back and make more difficult cooperation with the Turks."

Under the three-month state of emergency enacted by Turkey, tens of thousands of people have been suspended from their jobs or placed under investigation since the July 15 coup attempt.

Turkey's foreign minister and other officials warned this week that ties will be damaged if Washington declines an extradition request for Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric living in the U.S. since 1999, whom Ankara considers the coup mastermind.

Senior U.S. officials have said the request will be considered if Turkey submits legitimate evidence of Gulen's involvement.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and others have made clear that they expect Gulen, head of an influential transnational religious and social movement, to be convicted if put on trial for treason. The Turkish president also is seeking restoration of the death penalty, citing popular opinion.

The European Union has said executions would destroy Turkey's application to join the EU, which Ankara has been pressing since 2005.

In remarks broadcast live on Haberturk television Thursday, the country's justice minister, Bekir Bozdag, said if the coup had been successful Gulen would have returned home. He contended the exiled cleric "had been preparing for this for the last 40 years."

The coup, Bozdag added, would have led to setting aside the constitution and "the regime would have been changed."

Bozdag also contended that Gulen, a 75-year-old former imam who lives in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, could flee to Australia, Canada, Egypt, Mexico or South Africa.

Gulen has denied any involvement with what he terms a "horrific failed coup."

Turkey's foreign minister, Melvut Cavusoglu, is demanding that Germany extradite Gulen followers in that country, according to broadcaster CNN Turk. The foreign minister alleged that judges and prosecutors who are followers of Gulen are currently in Germany, which has a significant Turkish minority population.

The Turkish president's ruling AK party and opposition groups that have bitterly opposed Erdogan have shown signs of ending their disagreements since the coup attempt, and are trying to reach a consensus on how to remove Gulen supporters from state institutions.

The Turkish government is casting a wide, worldwide net in its efforts to bring down Gulen supporters. Diplomats have even asked Thailand to investigate businesses in the Southeast Asian country that they allege are tied to Gulen, including the Thai Turkish Business Association.

About 700 Turks are believed to live in Thailand. The kingdom's foreign minister has said that if the business association is found to be operating in support of a terrorist network, then legal action will be taken, Turkey's Anadolu news agency reported.
A solar-powered bus described by its Ugandan makers as the first in Africa has made its public debut. Kiira Motors' electric bus was displayed recently at a stadium in Uganda's capital.

Kayoola is the brand name for the new bus, which is powered by solar panels on its roof.

It seats 35 passengers and its maker hopes the Kayoola will become the first public bus in Africa to be powered by the sun.

The engines of these electrically-powered buses are completely silent, said Mario Obuwa, the chief engineer of the project.

This bus, theres actually no engine. What is driving the bus is a motor, a traction motor, which is being run by a battery and the battery banks are the ones that are linked to the solar system thats on the roof. So we have the battery that is driving the motor and that gives us a full range of 80 kilometers on full charge. And then the solar panels come to supplement the extra mileage so it adds an extra kilometer to the total, said Obuwa.

The Kayoola bus can be recharged using solar power or connected to an electric power source. Best of all, it does not emit harmful CO2 into the atmosphere.

The systems are fully run on green energy so things to do [with] polluting the environment which ultimately will affect us /// and thats the reason why you would work on such a products because in the future were looking at sustainable and green energy, said Obuwa.

This solar-powered bus also helps save money on petrol by relying 100% on abundant, renewable sunlight.

Moses Kalule Waswa, chief engineer of the technical team for the Kayoola bus, said the solar bus is as powerful as any other.

The difference between this Kayoola bus, the solar bus and these other buses is that they are the ones that are using fuel. This one is using batteries. But as you are driving when you are accelerating, you can tell that its powerful like these other buses, said Waswa.

Ugandan authorities say the Kayoola bus can help solve Kampala's traffic jams.

The more options we [have], we believe that it will help a lot in the issue of congestion, said one official.

The price of the prototype bus is estimated at more than $140,000. If this model can be mass produced, the price will drop and it will sell for around $55,000 each. However, before the Kayoola bus is out on Ugandan roads customers have to be patient. There hasnt been an official date set for its release.
The United Nations has called on Brazilian authorities to investigate the killing of a scrappy local journalist in the nation's interior, the third reporter to die in the country this year.

Joao Miranda do Carmo was shot seven times on Sunday night by unknown assailants in Santo Antonio do Descoberto, a small city 30 miles (48 km) west of the capital Brasilia.

Miranda wrote a blog that covered local issues and frequently blamed authorities for problems such as unpaved roads, the non-payment of employees and irregularities in municipal tenders.

Irina Bokova, director-general of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, condemned the killing.

"It is important that the authorities investigate this killing and bring its perpetrators to justice," Bokova said.

"Impunity for crimes against journalists threatens media workers' ability to do their work and the public's access to independent and diverse sources of information."

Miranda, 54, was also a member of the local Communist Party of Brazil who planned to stand in municipal elections this year, and officials believe he was killed because of his advocacy.

"He was very controversial in his city; he demanded answers from politicians, police, and local officials," said Claudio Curado, president of the Goias State Union of Professional Journalists. "We believe the crime has a political component. He questioned local politicians."

The local mayor could not be reached for comment.

Miranda reported at least two previous death threats, and his car was set on fire in 2014, local police officer Gilson Ferreira said.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Miranda was the third journalist to be killed for his work this year in the South American nation.

At least 38 journalists have been killed in Brazil since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
U.N. officials are studying a new Russian military proposal to establish four corridors to allow civilians and rebels to leave the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

News of the Russian military proposal came while the U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura was attending a weekly meeting of the Humanitarian Access Task Force. De Mistura said he and his colleagues were taken by surprise.

"It is... premature for me and others to actually make any comments until we have further details on what has been and is the Russian proposal or initiative," he said.

Under the Russian proposal, civilians reportedly will be allowed to leave Aleppo through three routes and rebels through a fourth. De Mistura has confirmed that several Russian and, probably American, military experts are on their way to Geneva.

"Most likely in order to discuss the so-called devils in the details," he said. "... I also want to be able to have my colleagues from the humanitarian side to analyze what are the better information they may be getting on how this Russian initiative fits with a humanitarian initiative."

An estimated 300,000 people are trapped in Aleppo.Government forces are encircling the city, making it impossible for aid agencies to bring in food, medicine and other essential supplies.

De Mistura said he is seriously concerned about the welfare of the people of Aleppo, which has become a de facto besieged city.He says only two to three weeks of food supplies remain.

He warned the clock is ticking before Aleppo becomes a major humanitarian besieged area.
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps recent attacks on the U.S.-South Korean free trade agreement as a job killing deal are causing some anxiety across the Pacific, but his sentiments in this case are echoing frustrations long voiced by pro-trade American automobile industry leaders.

There is no question the Korean marketplace is one of the most difficult for any automaker to export into, in the world, said Matt Blunt, the President of the American Automotive Policy Council and former governor of the U.S. state of Missouri.

Trump has said the free trade deal "doubled our trade deficit with South Korea and destroyed nearly 100,000 American jobs."

He has promised to negate and renegotiate unfair trade deals if elected president.

Non-tariff regulations

Nearly 80% of the current $28 billion U.S. trade deficit with Korea is in the automotive sector, according to the American Automotive Policy Council.

In South Korea foreign cars make up only 15 percent of the market, compared to 40 percent in developed countries like the U.S. and European nations.

However, the foreign car market share in Korea has been increasing in recent years. In 2010 foreign car imports accounted for only 3 percent of the Korean market.

In 2014 Ford Motor Company executive Stephen Biegun testified before the U.S. Congress on the bilateral trade deal that that took effect in 2012 and eliminated 95 percent of tariffs on consumer and industrial products over a five-year period.

In his testimony, Biegun said the South Korean government has engaged in a deliberate strategy to circumvent the free trade agreement by imposing non-tariff related regulations.

These measures imposed on U.S. carmakers but not on Korean manufacturers, he said, are often introduced without notice, and create unwarranted new environmental standards and certification procedures.

The situation today has improved in some respects, but Blunt says American car companies still spend an inordinate amount of time and money dealing with emerging non-tariff regulations.

Beyond that you have this whole degree of uncertainty about what the marketplace is going to be like and what the regulatory requirements will be, said Blunt.

The U.S. Treasury Department has also put South Korea, along with China and Japan, on a currency watch list this year to assess whether these countries are artificially manipulating their foreign-exchange rates to gain an unfair trade advantage.

Trade benefits

South Korean officials have downplayed the charges that regulations are hindering American companies from doing business in the country and deny currency manipulation charges.

Kim Tae-nyun, the executive managing director of the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) says all outstanding grievances over non-tariff measures have already been resolved through bilateral negotiations.

We improved our industrial system regarding the environmental regulations and safety regulations according to the request by the U.S. government and the industry, Kim said.

South Koreas Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho recently said that the benefits from the free trade agreement with the United States far outweigh the disadvantages.

While there is still a substantial trade deficit, U.S. auto imports into South Korea have increased more than 20 percent in the last two years, according to KAMA.

And South Korean carmakers Hyundai and Kia have opened manufacturing plants in the U.S. that create jobs for American workers.

While many South Korean officials discount Trumps charges of unfair trade as election related rhetoric, there is growing concern that the U.S. will pursue more protectionist policies in the future, no matter which candidate wins the U.S. presidential election in November.

We have some concerns if there is some other recasting on top of the current agreement, there will be some kind of reverse discrimination against Korean carmakers, said Kim.

Bipartisan concern

U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Mark Lippert has also called on the South Korean government to fully implement the KORUS free trade agreement and to eliminate unnecessary regulations.

Hillary Clinton endorsed the KORUS deal in 2011 when she was Secretary of State, but as the U.S. Democratic Party candidate for president she has been more critical of free trade deals.

Clinton withdrew her support for the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that includes the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries. She said any new trade agreements must include strong protections for American workers, raise wages and create more good jobs at home.

Critics say her conversion on the issues of globalization and trade was a political move made during the primary campaign to counter growing popular support for her socialist rival Bernie Sanders, who is a vocal advocate for more protectionist policies.

At the Democratic Party convention in Philadelphia this week a longtime Clinton supporter Terry McAuliffe, the governor of the state of Virginia, caused a stir when he suggested Clinton would eventually support TPP with some minor changes.

Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta responded immediately via Twitter saying, Hillary opposes TPP BEFORE and AFTER the election. Period. Full stop."
Five U.S. special operations troops in Afghanistan have been wounded in combat with Islamic State fighters, according to the top U.S. commander in the country.

General John Nicholson, top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, told reporters Thursday that the troops were hit by small arms fire or shrapnel during an operation in Nangarhar, where Afghan forces have been working to push back the IS fighters.

Nicholson said three of the soldiers have been evacuated and the other two have returned to duty. Injuries to U.S. troops in the current operation in Afghanistan are rare. Until recently, U.S. forces have mainly provided ground support to Afghan troops.

Afghan troops intensified their fight against IS after two attacks in Kabul recently that killed at least 80 people.

Nicholson said IS fighters are now "retreating into the mountains of southern Nangarhar." He said the number of IS fighters in the area has dropped from 3,000 in January to no more than 1,500 fighters today. Nicholson vowed that the force will continue opposing IS in Afghanistan until the militants are defeated.
North Korea's top diplomat for U.S. affairs told The Associated Press on Thursday that Washington crossed the red line and effectively declared war by putting leader Kim Jong Un on its list of sanctioned individuals, and said a vicious showdown could erupt if the U.S. and South Korea hold annual war games as planned next month.



Han Song Ryol, director-general of the U.S. affairs department at the North's Foreign Ministry, said in an interview that recent U.S. actions have put the situation on the Korean Peninsula on a war footing.



The United States and South Korea regularly conduct joint military exercises south of the Demilitarized Zone, and Pyongyang typically responds to them with tough talk and threats of retaliation.



Han said North Korea believes the nature of the maneuvers has become openly aggressive because they reportedly now include training designed to prepare troops for the invasion of the North's capital and decapitation strikes aimed at killing its top leadership.



Han says designating Kim himself for sanctions was the final straw.



The Obama administration went so far to have the impudence to challenge the supreme dignity of the DPRK in order to get rid of its unfavorable position during the political and military showdown with the DPRK, Han said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.



The United States has crossed the red line in our showdown, he said. We regard this thrice-cursed crime as a declaration of war.



Although North Korea had already been heavily sanctioned internationally for its nuclear weapons and long-range missile development programs, Washington's announcement on July 6 was the first time Kim Jong Un has been personally sanctioned.

Less than a week later, Pyongyang cut off its final official means of communications with Washington - known as the New York channel. Han said Pyongyang has made it clear that everything between the two must now be dealt with under war law.



U.S. officials could not be immediately reached for comment, and South Korea's unification, defense and foreign ministries did not immediately comment.



Kim and 10 others were put on the list of sanctioned individuals in connection with alleged human rights abuses, documented by the United Nations Human Rights Commission, that include a network of political prisons and harsh treatment of any kind of political dissent in the authoritarian state. U.S. State Department officials said the sanctions were intended in part to highlight those responsible for the abuses and to pressure lower-ranking officials to think twice before carrying them out.



Pyongyang denies abuse claims and says the U.N. report was based on fabrications gleaned from disgruntled defectors. Pointing to such things as police shootings of black Americans and poverty in even the richest democracies, it says the West has no moral high ground from which to criticize the North's domestic political situation. It also says U.S. allies with questionable human-rights records receive less criticism.



Han took strong issue with the claim that it is not the U.S. but Pyongyang's continued development of nuclear weapons and missiles that is provoking tensions.



Day by day, the U.S. military blackmail against the DPRK and the isolation and pressure is becoming more open, Han said. It is not us, it is the United States that first developed nuclear weapons, who first deployed them and who first used them against humankind. And on the issue of missiles and rockets, which are to deliver nuclear warheads and conventional weapons warheads, it is none other than the United States who first developed it and who first used it.



He noted that U.S.-South Korea military exercises conducted this spring were unprecedented in scale, and that the U.S. has deployed the USS Mississippi and USS Ohio nuclear-powered submarines to South Korean ports, deployed the B-52 strategic bomber around South Korea and is planning to set up the world's most advanced missile defense system, known by its acronym THAAD, in the South, a move that has also angered China.



Echoing earlier state-media reports, Han ridiculed Mark Lippert, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, for a flight on a U.S. Air Force F-16 based in South Korea that he said was an action unfit for a diplomat.



We regard that as the act of a villain, who is a crazy person, Han said of the July 12 flight. All these facts show that the United States is intentionally aggravating the tensions in the Korean Peninsula.



Han warned that Pyongyang is viewing next month's planned U.S.-South Korea exercises in this new context and will respond if they are carried out as planned.



Nobody can predict what kind of influence this kind of vicious confrontation between the DPRK and the United States will have upon the situation on the Korean Peninsula, he said. By doing these kinds of vicious and hostile acts toward the DPRK, the U.S. has already declared war against the DPRK. So it is our self-defensive right and justifiable action to respond in a very hard way.



We are all prepared for war, and we are all prepared for peace, he said. If the United States forces those kinds of large-scale exercises in August, then the situation caused by that will be the responsibility of the United States.



Last year's Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercises involved 30,000 American and 50,000 South Korean troops and followed a period of heightened animosity between the rival Koreas sparked by land mine explosions that maimed two South Korean soldiers. In the end, the exercises escalated tensions and rhetoric, but concluded with no major incidents.



Han dismissed calls for Pyongyang to defuse tensions by agreeing to abandon its nuclear program.



In the view of cause and effect, it is the U.S. that provided the cause of our possession of nuclear forces, he said. We never hide the fact, and we are very proud of the fact, that we have very strong nuclear deterrent forces not only to cope with the United States' nuclear blackmail but also to neutralize the nuclear blackmail of the United States.
This November 8, Judith Won Pat, a U.S. citizen who lives in Guam, will wake up, drive to her polling place, and enthusiastically cast her vote for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.



For Won Pat, who has served for decades as a local politician in the U.S. Pacific island territory, it is a historic opportunity to cast a ballot to put a woman in the White House for the first time in history.



Or it would be, if her vote counted.



Won Pat is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. On Tuesday, she joined other delegates in making Hillary Clinton the partys nominee. But when the convention is over, so is her involvement in the presidential election.



Guam is one of several U.S. territories around the world where the U.S. Constitution denies citizens the right to vote for president in the general election.

More than 4 million Americans are deprived of voting rights in these territories, which also include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa.



In Guam, they go ahead with the vote anyway, with each party holding a meaningless straw poll that is as much an act of protest as it is an act of democracy.



We symbolically do it every year and send our votes" to the Democratic National Committee, says Won Pat, a native "Chamorro" resident of Guam. "But it doesnt do anything.

Second-class citizen



Won Pat, the speaker of Guams legislature, says she feels like a second-class citizen when it comes to voting rights.



Her comments echo the sentiments of many other residents of the territories, who like Won Pat, spoke to VOA from the floor of the convention, where they are serving as delegates.

This is the only part of the election process that Puerto Ricans can participate in, says Luis Benitez, a delegate from Puerto Rico, by far the biggest of the territories. This is the closest thing to democracy that a 100-year-old colony has.

But as evidenced by their participation in the Democratic convention, residents of the territories do enjoy some voting rights.



Under the Constitution, territory residents are allowed to participate in the primary election, which determines each major partys presidential nominee. They are also allowed to vote for local leaders and can send a non-voting representative to Congress.



But when it comes to the presidential general election, they are shut out.



Here's why



In the U.S. electoral system, no citizen technically votes for the president. In reality, when people go to the polls in the general election, they are really voting for electors, or representatives, who in turn cast the deciding vote for the president several weeks later.



Those electors are assigned to each state, based on their population. But if a territory does not qualify as a state, then it doesnt get any electors, and therefore cannot vote for the president.



As a result, millions of citizens in the territories are denied a right that many Americans consider fundamental.

A territory is not a state



Its an issue that didnt arise until the U.S. began acquiring overseas territories, says Neil Weare, a civil rights attorney who advocates for equal rights and representation in the U.S. territories.



But since the U.S. decided its OK to have territories that arent on the path to statehood, it creates this situation thats very much like the original 13 U.S. colonies and the British parliament, Weare explains.



You have Congress and the president making rules for residents of the territories, but they have no say in deciding what those rules are, he says.



Weare heads up the We The People Project, which is currently involved in a federal district court case, arguing that the right to vote as an American should not depend on where a person lives.



The group is also proposing a constitutional amendment to resolve the issue. Thats an option Weare says is very possible. As evidence, he cites the 23rd amendment, which granted presidential electors to the District of Columbia, despite its status as a non-state.



In Philadelphia, the Democratic Party platform calls for full voting rights to be extended to citizens who live in the territories. The Republican platform, adopted a week earlier at the party convention in Cleveland, calls for essentially the same thing. But Won Pat says there are so few territorial residents, party elders do not make it a priority.

Racial injustice?



Despite bipartisan support, there has been a lack of progress on the issue. And some people chalk that up to racial discrimination, since the overwhelming majority of residents of the U.S. territories are racial or ethnic minorities.



If we were Irish-Americans, we would have become a state a long time ago; I have no doubt about that, opines Carlos Ramirez Barcelo, the former governor of Puerto Rico. We would have the right to vote and the right to equal opportunity.



Barcelo, a Puerto Rico delegate to the Democratic convention, is one of the main proponents of statehood for the territory and its almost 3.6 million U.S. citizens.



Not all Puerto Ricans agree that statehood is the best way forward. Some prefer independence. Still, Barcelo says the time has never been so ripe to make progress on the voting issue.



Next year, on March 2, will mark 100 years that we have been disenfranchised U.S. citizens. One hundred years, he repeats. I think its about time the nation recognizes us.
Here's a look at some goals of the Democratic Party platform adopted at the convention in Philadelphia.

The economy:

Raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour

Make college education more affordable

Secure equal pay for women

Fight every effort to cut, privatize or weaken Social Security

Make it easier to start and grow a small business

Support a financial transactions tax on Wall Street to curb excessive speculation and high-frequency trading

Cut back tax breaks for firms that ship jobs overseas; eliminate tax breaks for big oil and gas companies

Establish a multimillionaire surtax to ensure that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share

The nation:

End institutional and systemic racism, including removing the Confederate battle flag from public properties

Reform mandatory minimum sentences and close private prisons and detention centers

Move toward legalizing marijuana

Abolish the death penalty

Support comprehensive immigration reform

Support comprehensive federal nondiscrimination protections for all LGBT Americans

The environment:

Commit to meeting 50 percent of U.S. electricity needs from clean energy sources within a decade

Protect public lands and waterways

Oppose drilling in the Arctic and off the Atlantic coast

The world:

Confront the Islamic State group by leading a coalition effort against the militants, uniting the Syrian opposition and working toward a political transition in Syria

Reach a negotiated political transition that ends Bashar al-Assads rule in Syria

Oppose Republican Donald Trumps proposal to ban Muslims from entering the country

Close the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Reduce the number of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons around the world, as well as their means of delivery

Build strong alliances to deter Russian aggression, build European resilience and protect NATO allies

Compel North Korea to abandon its illegal nuclear and missile programs

Continue the Obama administration's work to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon
WikiLeaks released 29 audio recordings Wednesday that it said were taken from Democratic National Committee servers.

The voicemails, apparently copied from email accounts of seven DNC members, included party associates upset by Bernie Sanders' influence on the Democratic Party.

Reports say one caller did not want the Vermont senator to speak at the Democratic National Convention and opposed Sanders' choices for the party's 2016 platform.

The latest release is the second in the last few days. The release of 20,000 emails just before the opening of the Democratic convention prompted the organization's chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, to step down.

WikiLeaks, a group that publishes original documents from anonymous sources and leakers, released the data without indicating its source. The emails were sent during a 17-month period between January 2015 and May of this year. The DNC announced in June that its systems had been hacked.

Democratic officials said at that time that hackers based in Russia were responsible for the intrusion.

The party organization has not commented on the emails released by WikiLeaks, but neither has it disputed their authenticity.

The manager of Sanders' political campaign, Jeff Weaver, said the emails confirmed "what many of us have known for some time," that DNC members were "actively helping the Clinton effort and trying to hurt Bernie Sanders' campaign.''
There are 102 days until the November 8 general election.

There are three presidential debates scheduled so far:

September 26, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.; October 9, at Washington University in St. Louis; October 19, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas

One vice presidential debate will be held: October 4, at Longwood University in Farmville, Va.
Zimbabwean police have arrested Victor Matemadanda, secretary general of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, which last week dumped President Robert Mugabe saying he is now a liability to the country. His arrest follows that of Douglas Mahiya, secretary for information and publicity of the ZNLWVA, who handed himself to the police yesterday after 13 men that identified themselves as police officers descended on his Chitungwiza home and searched the premises.

Opposition parties and civic groups gang up against President Mugabe's threat to crush protests and called on the African Union and Southern African Development Community to reign in the Zimbabwean leader urging him to uphold the constitution. The president says he will not step down despite calls by war veterans of the 1970s for him to relinquish power.

The 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows are preparing to wrap up their six-week U.S program as they head to Americas capital to meet with President Barack Obama. We will be interviewing some of the fellows today.

The message Democrats presented at their convention yesterday night in Philadelphia was clear: Hillary Clinton is prepared to be the next president of the United States and Donald Trump is not.

Stay tuned for these stories and more coming up on Studio 7 at 7:30 pm on 9-0-9 Medium Wave and on the 4-9-3-0, 5-9-4-0 and 1-5-4-6-0 shortwave frequencies. We also broadcast on www.channelzim.net. Please check us out on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.

This evening on Livetalk our hosts of the Womens Round Table Marvellous Mhlanga Nyahuye and Praxedes Jeremiah will be talking with listeners about the historic United States election that may see Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton becoming America's first woman president. Is this possible in countries like Zimbabwe. Participate by sending your messages on our WhatsApp number 001 202 465 0318. You can also post comments on this Facebook wall or send us your number so we can call you back. Please note that we are livestreaming on all Studio 7 Facebook pages. Stay tuned!!!!!!
When Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton announced her vice presidential choice, she referred to Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as a progressive who is everything Donald Trump and Mike Pence are not.

Timothy Michael "Tim" Kaine was born on February 26, 1958 in St. Paul, Minnesota, but grew up in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area. He is the eldest son of an ironworker and a home economics teacher. Kaine attended an all-boys Jesuit high school, where he joined spring mission drives to fund Jesuit activities in Honduras. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Missouri before entering Harvard Law school.

Kaine took time off from his law studies to work with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Honduras for nine months in 1980-81, helping Jesuit missionaries who ran a Catholic school in El Progreso. His time there is said to have helped form his support for citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the United States  a stance likely to attract Latino voters. He also learned to speak fluent Spanish, seen as a possible advantage with Hispanic voters.

Kaine met his wife, Anne Holton, at Harvard Law School. Anne is the daughter of former Republican Virginia Governor Linwood Holton (1970-74), who desegregated the Commonwealth's public schools. She now serves as Virginia's secretary of education. They have three children.

After law school, the Kaines settled in Richmond, Virginia, where he spent nearly two decades as an attorney focusing on civil rights and fair housing. He helped found the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness and was a board member of the Virginia chapter of Housing Opportunities Made Equal.

Tim Kaine entered politics in 1994 when he was elected to the Richmond City Council, then became the city's mayor. He was elected Virginia's lieutenant governor in 2001. In 2005, Kaine ran for governor of Virginia against Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore, a former state attorney general. Kaine was considered an underdog for most of the race, trailing in polls for most of the election, but winning in the end. He was governor from 2006 to 2010. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012, after a stint as chair of the Democratic National Committee. In the Senate, Kaine has worked on the Armed Services, Budget, Foreign Relations and Aging Committees.

According to the New York Times, Kaine "is widely described by people in his political orbit as a likable, if less than charismatic, figure...guided by moral convictions that flow from his deep Christian faith." In an interview with NBCs Meet the Press, he confessed to being boring.

After Clinton's announcement last week, Jeff Flake, a Republican senator from Arizona tweeted: Trying to count the ways I hate @timkaine. Drawing a blank. Congrats to a good man and a good friend.
Participants at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Book Fair in Harare say lack of material in local languages and inadequate access to books are hampering learning processes in schools.

In an interview at the Book Fair, renowned playwright Stephen Chifunyise said the absence of all local languages in schools resulted in people underestimating the value of indigenous languages.

Chifunyise said all the 16 official languages in the new constitution should be reflected in the school curriculum, a move that could lead to the availing of many books in various languages.

Chifunyise, also an art guru, said government should find a way of ensuring that children have access to books written in local languages at a very tender age.

Poet Albert Nyathi echoed the same sentiments, noting that people should not confine local languages to Shona and Ndebele only but also to minority languages that are now recognized in the countrys constitution.

Seke Teachers College lecturer, Lazarus Mhodzi, said although there are adequate textbooks in some schools, there is need for additional books but parents are failing to buy them due to the current harsh economic environment in the country.

Former teacher, Colette Mutangadura, added that it is unfortunate that people in Zimbabwe are shifting away from their culture and language resulting in them losing their identity in the process.

This year Book Fair, running under the under the theme: Igniting Interest in Reading for Sustainable Development opened yesterday and ends on Saturday.
U.S. President Barack Obama laid out Wednesday why he thinks Hillary Clinton should take over when he leaves office in January, saying no man or woman has ever been more qualified for the job.

His speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania highlighted accomplishments from his administration, while also describing Clinton as the candidate who believes the country is better when people of all backgrounds come together.

"This year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me -- to reject cynicism, and reject fear, and to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation," Obama said.

He talked about her experience, which includes serving as secretary of state during his first term, contrasting it with that of Republican nominee Donald Trump who has never held elected office.Obama said nothing truly prepares a person for being president.

Watch video report from VOA's Jim Malone:

"Until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis, or send young people to war.But Hillary's been in the room; she's been part of those decisions.She knows what's at stake in the decisions our government makes, what's at stake for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, for the soldier, for the veteran."

The crowd in Philadelphia booed when Obama mentioned Trump, to which Obama replied, "Don't boo, vote."

He said last week's Republican convention presented no serious solutions, but instead fanned "resentment, and blame and anger and hate."

The president criticized Trump's campaign, which has included proposals to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexican border and preventing Muslims from entering the country.

"He's just offering slogans, and he's offering fear.He's betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election."

And he seized on Trump's strong message to NATO allies suggesting he will insist they have fulfilled financial responsibilities before the U.S. would come to their aid.

"He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, tells our NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection,' Obama said."Well, America's promises do not come with a price tag."

Watch: Barack Obama talks about Hillary Clinton



Trump fired back at the largely optimistic tone of Obama and other Democratic speakers who this week have taken exception to Trump's campaign slogan pledging to "Make America Great Again."

"Our country does not feel 'great already' to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair," he wrote on Twitter.

Trump's campaign issued a statement calling Wednesday a "sad night" for the Democratic Party and saying they presented only proposals to reward the rich while attacking "decent Americans who want change for their families."

"They offered no solutions for the problems facing America -- in fact, they pretended those problems didn't even exist." the statement said.

The Trump campaign also released statements detailing criticisms against the Obama administration, saying its policies "unleashed ISIS," and left "Syria in chaos," "Libya in ruins," and "Egypt in disarray." The campaign said Obama's economic policies have hurt young people and minorities and destroyed the middle class.

Vice President Joe Biden spent a large portion of his speech focusing on Trump and questioning the billionaire's commitment to the middle class.

"He is trying to tell us he cares about the middle class. Give me a break. That is a bunch of malarkey," Biden said.

The vice president also said that the times are too uncertain and the threats too great to elect Trump.

"No major party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or has been less prepared to deal with our national security," Biden said. "We cannot elect a man who exploits our fears of ISIS and other terrorists, who has no plan whatsoever to make us safer. A man who embraces the tactics of our enemies -- torture, religious intolerance. You all know, all the Republicans know, that is not who we are."

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent, considered his own run for president before issuing a statement in March saying he would not risk the chance that he would divide the electorate in a way that would lead to Trump getting elected. He, too, harshly criticized Trump on Wednesday saying it is important for voters to "defeat a dangerous demagogue."

"This isn't reality television, this is reality," Bloomberg said, referencing Trump's former job hosting a show on NBC.

The criticism continued when Clinton's choice for vice president, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine took the stage.

"Our nation, it is just too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew," he told the convention.

The convention closes Thursday night with an address from Clinton.

Voices from the 3rd day of the DNC:
Zimbabwean police have arrested Victor Matemadanda, secretary general of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), which last week dumped President Robert Mugabe saying he is now a liability to the country.

His arrest follows that of Douglas Mahiya, secretary for information and publicity of the ZNLWVA, who handed himself to the police yesterday after 13 men that identified themselves as police officers descended on his Chitungwiza home and searched the premises.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said it is not yet clear where the former freedom fighter is detained.

In the early hours of the morning of 28 July 2016, five individuals picked up the ZNLWVA secretary general Victor Matemadanda from his home in Gokwe. They indicated that they were transporting him to Harare Central Law and Order Section. His whereabouts are currently undetermined, as are the charges or allegations against him.

There was no immediate comment from the police.

The ZLHR said Mahiya is facing charges of allegedly violating Section 22 (subverting a constitutional government) and or Section 33 (insulting the office of the president) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

His lawyer was not reachable for comment.

Matemadanda, Mahiya and other members of the ZNLWVA convened a meeting last week in which they resolved to withdraw their support for President Mugabe.

They accused the president of allegedly running down the country and failing to contain corruption, which they claimed is now even rampant among his ministers.

Police have been trying to establish the source of a stinging communique released soon after the war veterans meeting last Thursday. Their leader Christopher Mutsvangwa, who has since lost his cabinet post, was recently expelled from the ruling party which subsequently recalled him from parliament for allegedly undermining the authority of the president.

Members of his association once held a peaceful march in Harare that was crushed by the police. Mutsvangwa and some members of the ZNLWVA are said to be backing a faction of the party led by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who allegedly wants to succeed President Mugabe.

The other faction of the party, calling itself Generation 40, is allegedly led by First Lady Grace Mugabe.
CHARLESTON  U-Haul Company of Illinois, Inc. has announced that Community Thrift Store has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Charleston community.

Community Thrift Store at 119 W. State St. will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, support rental items and in-store pickup for boxes.

Hours of operation for U-Haul rentals are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. After hours drop-off is available for customer convenience.

Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling (217) 345-1013 or visiting https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Charleston-IL-61920/017177/ today.

Community Thrift Store owner Brenda Duzan is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of Coles County.

U-Haul and Community Thrift Store are striving to benefit the environment through sustainability initiatives. Truck sharing is a core U-Haul sustainability business practice that allows individuals to access a fleet of trucks that is larger than what they could access on an individual basis.

Every U-Haul truck placed in a community helps keep 19 personally owned large-capacity vehicles, pickups, SUVs and vans off the road. Fewer vehicles means less traffic congestion, less pollution, less fuel burned and cleaner air.

Community Thrift Store is a great place to become U-Haul Famous. Take your picture in front of a U-Haul product, send it in and your face could land on the side of a U-Haul truck. Upload your photo through Instagram using #uhaulfamous, or go to www.uhaulfamous.com to submit photos and learn more.
Photo: Dreamworks Animation

A free performance of The Prince of Egypt in Sag Harbor, New York, has been cancelled following significant complaints about the productions lack of diversity. The stage musical adaptation  which is based on DreamWorks popular 1998 animated film about Moses life in Ancient Egypt as detailed in the Book of Exodus  is currently in early stages of production at the nonprofit Bay Street Theater, but received a large amount of backlash for the majority of the cast being white. (Popular theater actresses Cynthia Erivo and Denee Benton were among those who voiced concern.) DreamWorks and Bay Street today announced that the planned free concert reading of The Prince of Egypt has been canceled, a statement on the theaters Facebook page read. We regret any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause the audience that was planning to attend this free one-night community event. The theater noted that it made no long-term commitments to its casting decisions, and that around two-thirds of the actors for the staged reading were going to be white.
Greenleaf picks up the pace in The Whole Book. Mac may not be physically present in this episode after having been the main focus last week, but his presence looms as Grace finally finds more damning evidence against him. The simmering relationship between Grace and Noah boils over, scorching Lady Mae in the afterglow. Death has haunted the family since the shows beginning, and in The Whole Book, it decides to take yet another victim, sending shocks throughout the Calvary community.

In some strange coincidence, all charges against the group of police officers accused of killing Baltimores Freddie Gray were dropped on the same day that Greenleaf brings no charges against police officer David Nelson for the murder of Kenneth Collins. The disappointment and betrayal in each case, real and fictional, mirror one another. Rev. Skanks, the pastor at Triumph, Calvarys rival church, points fingers back at Bishop Greenleaf for throwing support behind Nelson and helping to ensure he got off. Bishop confronts Skanks, but his nemesis is slick with insults and practically vows to take Bishop down. Bishop leaves, shaken.

Later, Grace visits Nelson and tries to convince him to stay in Memphis. He wants to run away to Delaware, where no one knows him. Black Lives Matter protesters surround his hotel; he wants to fade into anonymity as much as he can. It doesnt seem like Grace has much effect on him, and when she leaves, its apparent his fate is sealed. The following Sunday, when he greets Grace at church to tell her hes changed his mind and will stay, the brother of his victim approaches and shoots him at point-blank range. Even in such a heavy, disturbing moment, its hard not to think about how Lady Mae and Mac will blame Grace for Nelsons death.

Along with other issues, the Black Lives Matter movement is frustrated by the lack of consequences for police brutality. Even if alleged perpetrators get indicted and go to trial, they are rarely sentenced to jail time. George Zimmerman continued to gain notoriety after being found not guilty for the death of Trayvon Martin. Police officer Darren Wilson, accused of fatally shooting Michael Brown, married in the midst of waiting for a grand-jury decision. That those accused of such killings continue to live satisfying lives is salt in a never-healing wound. In this episode, Greenleaf presents a special kind of extrajudicial punishment that can only happen in a fictional world. In the world of Greenleaf, David Nelson must pay for his crime, accident or not, one way or another. And it doesnt feel good. Gun violence creates a ripple of more and more pain. Instead of Kenneth Collinss senseless death, there is David Nelsons. The brother will surely be sent to jail, and the Collins family will have lost two sons. Time will tell how this will affect Grace and the rest of the Greenleaf and Calvary family.

In the middle of all this, Isabel and Noah are finalizing their wedding. She packs up all of her clothes from his place so they can avoid any more physical temptation, but Noah seems most concerned about ensuring shell continue to give him oral sex after theyve consummated their marriage the old-fashioned, God-approved way. Isabel can tell Noah is having some doubts, particularly with Grace around, so she turns to Lady Mae for counsel. Lady Mae assures Isabel that the cold-feet routine is nothing to worry about. She tells Isabel that even Bishop went through it, and Lynn Whitfield is amazing in this moment. As Lady Mae clearly recalls something painful, her eyes glisten and her voice deepens and she warns Isabel that men will flip through their Rolodex of broken dreams and make you watch while they do it. Is it another hint that Bishop and Mavis had a fling? Lady Mae keeps dropping breadcrumbs that Bishop isnt a perfect man. We need to find out where they lead, once and for all.

With Noahs help, Grace finds out that Mac took Danielle to an abortion clinic in Nashville. Danielle doesnt want to go to the police unless Grace can find more victims  and she doesnt want her mother to lose the scholarship Mac helped her get. Grace pulls at that thread and discovers Mac has been bribing victims with scholarships and grants from Lady Maes womens auxiliary fund. Armed with this knowledge, she turns to Noah for help. How can she expose Mac without implicating her parents?

Noah isnt sure, but he knows he still has feelings for Grace, feelings that Grace returns, feelings that end up with him on his knees in front of her and it aint for a prayer session. Whew! It was inevitable that these two would end up back in each others arms, but this is just the jolt the show needs. Noah joins other characters like Will Gardner and Peter Florrick of The Good Wife, President Fitz Grant of Scandal, and Jamie Fraser and Frank Randall of Outlander, to name a few, who all drop to their knees to perform oral sex on the powerful women in their lives. Grace Greenleaf, Alicia Florrick, Olivia Pope, and Claire Randall Fraser are all headstrong women, determined to fight for their respective causes. Their men are quick to submit to giving these women pleasure first, and its a beautiful, revolutionary act. Cheers to Noah for joining such a prestigious club.

Lady Mae knowingly watches Grace come home and scolds her as if shes still a teenager sneaking in. The reprimands are more scathing than old spats, though: Lady Mae hisses that Grace must be so lonely. Its the second time one of Graces enemies aims at her love life. Earlier, Isabel sweetly, or not, tells Grace shell pray for her to find companionship. And now, her own mother tries to shame her for sleeping with Noah. These attacks are reminders of the respectability politics inherent in the church, where a woman needs a husband to prove her status in the community. Its a sad truth, but it doesnt seem to be changing, no matter how progressive the times.

Meanwhile, Bishop turns down Jacobs potential television partnership with Craig, who is counting the rejections by now. Bishop plays it off like an illogical proposition, but later, his hand trembles as he prepares for bed. Lady Mae asks when hes going to tell the truth about the tremors, so Jacob doesnt think hes merely a disappointment. Its yet another nod to Bishops fallibility and his urgent desire for Grace to take more responsibility at Calvary. Keith David is great as Bishop James Greenleaf, and it would be a disservice if illness diminishes his character. Veteran actors Whitfield and David teach a master class each time theyre onscreen. Lets hope the show knows what it has in Bishop and Lady Mae Greenleaf. They should stick around as long as Greenleaf is on the air.
CHARLESTON (JG-TC) -- A man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after the vehicle he was driving ended up in a creek Wednesday night.

Hal T. Fairley, 50, 11693 N. County Road 1200E, Charleston, lost control while driving westbound on Illinois Route 16 about a mile east of Loxa Road at 8:15 p.m., according to a news release from the Coles County Sheriff's Office.

The release said Fairley's vehicle started to go off the north side of the road, causing him to overcorrect and then go off the road on its south side.

The vehicle then went down a slope and then into the creek and overturned, the release said. It said Fairley refused medical treatment after the accident.

Fairley was also cited for improper lane use, according to the news release.
CHARLESTON -- A man received the maximum prison term possible when he pleaded guilty to a charge accusing him of trying to fake a drug test.

However, Lee D. Turner will have a chance for a shorter prison stay if he's accepted into and completes a prison discipline program.

Turner, 20, for whom court records list an address of 331 W. Harrison Ave., Charleston, pleaded guilty to a charge of defrauding a drug screening test, a felony offense.

With the agreement that was reached in his case, Turner was sentenced to six years in prison but was recommended for the prison discipline program.

The conviction could have resulted in a prison term of one to six years, though prison time wasn't required.

Records in his case indicate that he brought another person's urine to the Coles County probation office on Feb. 23 and tried to have it used in testing instead of providing an actual sample.

Turner was on probation for a drug offense conviction and also had another drug case pending at the time, court records show.

Coles County Circuit Judge Teresa Righter agreed to recommend Turner for the Illinois Department of Corrections' Impact Incarceration program.

A judge's recommendation is required for eligibility for the program, but it will be up to prison officials whether to accept Turner into it.

The program is generally for younger offenders with relatively minimal criminal records and is often referred to as a prison "boot camp."

Also with the agreement, the prosecution agreed to withdraw a petition to revoke the three-year probation sentence Turner received in November, but he'll have a record of unsuccessfully completing his probation.

In that case, he pleaded guilty to a charge of delivery of a controlled substance alleging he distributed heroin in August of last year. The pending drug charge accused Turner of also having heroin on Dec. 4.

Righter accepted the terms of the plea agreement that Assistant State's Attorney Bryant Hitchings and Public Defender Anthony Ortega recommended.
CHARLESTON -- A woman was scheduled for sentencing in September after she admitted she engaged in sexual intercourse with a teenage boy last year.

Lea M. Jordan was also accused of having contact with the boy last month, which was a violation on the terms of her bond.

But while there was no agreement on the sentence she would receive, a charge alleging she lied to police about the later contact with the boy was dismissed.

Jordan, 31, for whom court records list an address of Lot 108 in Lakeland Mobile Estates on Paradise Road just southwest of Mattoon, pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The charge accused of her of engaging in intercourse with the boy sometime during 2015, when he was either 14 or 15 years old.

Jordan was then arrested again on June 27, when police responded to a report that the same boy was at her residence, though there was a no-contact requirement in Jordan's bond conditions.

Records in the case indicate that she told police the boy wasn't there but he was later located at the residence. Jordan was then charged with obstructing justice for allegedly giving the false information to police.

With no agreement on a sentence for the sexual abuse charge, Coles County Circuit Judge Teresa Righter scheduled Jordan's sentencing hearing for Sept. 20.

The charge to which Jordan pleaded guilty can result in a prison sentence of three to seven years, though prison time won't be required. The dismissed obstructing justice charge could have brought a one- to three-year prison term.

Jordan was still in custody but Righter allowed her to be released from jail for evaluations and other services.

Those include an examination to determine if she meets requirements for sex offender treatment, which would likely be among the terms of her sentence if she receives probation.

Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher is prosecuting the case and Public Defender Anthony Ortega represents Jordan.
The Hewitt Police Department will have a National Night Out Kick-Off Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Warren Park, 450 S. Old Temple Road in Hewitt.

The free event will include live music from the Brett Hendrix Band, social media contests, karate and dance demonstrations, hot dogs, drinks, raffles, giveaways and more.

The event is geared to highlight public safety and community partnerships to deter crime and keep communities safe.

Free mammograms

Moncrief Cancer Institute will offer free mammograms and pap tests Friday at Connally Independent School District, 200 Cadet Way.

The screenings, for women without insurance and those who meet eligibility guidelines, will be conducted in the institutes $1.1 million custom-built mobile clinic.

Mammograms are offered to women ages 35 and older. Pap tests are offered to women ages 21 to 64.

Appointments are required. To schedule a mammogram or pap test, call 800-405-7739.

Library performance

The Waco-McLennan County Librarys summer VolunTeen crew will present a fun, interactive performance of The Tortoise and the Hare at 7 p.m. Thursday at the West Waco Library, 5301 Bosque Blvd.

For more information about the free family event, call 745-6018.

Duffel Drop Project

Court Appointed Special Advocates of McLennan and Hill Counties is accepting donations of duffels, suitcases and backpacks for the foster children of McLennan and Hill counties.

The Duffel Drop Project was created with the hope of providing foster children with adequate luggage, because they are often given trash bags to move their belongings from one home to the next.

Donations can be dropped off at the CASA office, 2223 Austin Ave., Suite D.

For more information, visit www.theduffeldrop.weebly.com or www.casa foreverychild.org.

Moth night

The Central Texas Chapter of the Master Naturalist will present a moth night from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Mother Neff State Park, 1680 Texas State Highway 236 in Moody.

Guests can learn which critters go bump in the night and why they are important, and go moth hunting, spider sniffing and more.

For more information, visit http://txmn.org/ centraltexas/central- texas-moth-night-2016, call Rehanon Pampell at 979-224-5507 or email CentralTxMN@gmail.com.

Private applicators

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office of McLennan County, 420 N. Sixth St., will conduct a private applicators training class from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 11.

The registration fee is $60, which includes the Private Applicator Study Guide and a Laws And Regulation Manual, which should be picked up before the class.

The registration deadline is Aug. 8.

To register, call 757-5180 or e-mail melba.catchings @ag.tamu.edu.

Submit items for Briefly in printed or typed form to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco 76702-2588; fax to 757-0302; or email to goingson@wacotrib.com at least one week before an event.
McLennan County Appraisal District appraisers succeeded in flushing out sales and business information on downtown businesses by aiming high, but the districts board leaders questioned those tactics Wednesday.

The MCAD board had an extended discussion of the new downtown values at a meeting that drew more than 20 visitors, including downtown business leaders critical of the process.

The appraisal district this week certified tax rolls that boosted values by about 30 percent, or nearly $99 million, across the downtown Tax Increment Financing Zone. The preliminary values had reflected a 46 percent increase in the downtown zone, but the protest process knocked $72 million off.

Chief Appraiser Drew Hahn said the downtown tax rolls havent kept up with its actual growth in recent years, and a complete revaluation was needed this year. But he said property sales data were sparse until owners came in this year to protest their value.

In a mass appraisal theres a range of values you can use, and in areas where theres very little information, we tend to go to the higher end of that range so we can prompt information from those people to make sure our numbers are correct, Hahn said. That actually happened. We got more and better information. . . . We were able to catch up on what we thought was closer to market value.

The MCAD board, which consists of representatives from taxing entities countywide, quizzed Hahn on the basis for the initial high values.

Waco City Council member John Kinnaird, chairman of the board, said that for several years, the preliminary values for downtown have been knocked down by more than half in the protest process.

There might be some room to anticipate that and not model so high, Kinnaird said.

The high initial values could harm owners who dont protest, he said.

McLennan County Commissioner Ben Perry agreed.

What I want to know is market value, Perry said. Its hard to be convinced its right when its negotiated down by 50 percent every year.

Hahn said the information property owners presented to appraisers and the Appraisal Review Board in the protest process will help the appraisal district with accuracy next year.

Youll find that as we get more information, we will come closer and closer, Hahn said.

In a public comment session, several downtown property owners said they were treated fairly during the protest period, but their concerns about the initial process remain.

The trend over the last few years is out of whack with reality, said Steve Sorrells, a downtown property owner and developer.

He had properties with 100 to 200 percent increases in the preliminary value, Sorrells said.

We did come to a fair and equitable settlement, he said. But I also realize I was one of the 20 percent who protested. What about the 80 percent who just went along and didnt have the wherewithal to stand up for themselves?

Jhonas Theill, owner of Suit City at 707 Austin Ave., said he got some reduction on his initial value, but the review board stuck with what he considers an unrealistic land value of $40 per square foot. He said the abrupt value changes create an unstable climate for small businesses downtown.

This new downtown is something I truly believe in, but we have got to be very careful, or it will . . . cause people like myself to question the validity of staying downtown, Theill said.

City Center Waco executive director Megan Henderson said downtown property owners are seeking not kindness but accuracy in the appraisals.

The argument isnt that we dont like the increase, Henderson said. The argument is that the increase doesnt seem to be borne out by market conditions as being accurate. . . . Aiming high may be not only more difficult to swallow as policy, but it may also create collateral damage.

She said downtown property owners and appraisers should have more communication early in the appraisal process about information that could lead to a fair appraisal.

An appraisal protest consultant, Pat Musgrave, said more information should also be available to taxpayers during the protest period. Musgrave said MCAD did not adjust its website this year to reflect changes in appraisals until the rolls were certified.

The public deserves to have that information to be readily available on the website, he said.

Hahn said up-to-date appraisal estimates are available at public terminals at MCAD offices, but keeping the website current was too resource-intensive.

We dont have the staff it takes to do that, Hahn said. We want to make sure our numbers are correct first. We have 40 people dealing with 7,500 protests. Its not like you can snap your fingers and get this done.

Appraisal board members said they want the website to be updated during the protest process, even if it requires more staff resources.

Kinnaird urged continued dialogue about improving appraisals and communication.

We want to get it right, Kinnaird said. We want fair market value. This isnt over. Were going to keep talking about it.
A Houston-area family therapist who planned to convert a vacant East Waco nursing home into a residential treatment center for troubled boys owes more than $47,000 in property taxes.

The La Vega Independent School District and the city of Waco filed a tax suit this week against Snugg Harbor Inc., an inactive Texas corporation that owns the shuttered nursing home at 1916 Seley Ave.

According to the lawsuit, Snugg Harbor owes $12,634.88 to the city of Waco and $23,748.44 to the school district for tax year 2015.

McLennan County has not filed suit against the corporation yet, but county tax records indicate Snugg Harbor owes a total of $11,048.62 in taxes to the county and to McLennan Community College.

Snugg Harbor owner Rosalyn Ruffin said this week that she was unaware of the lawsuit. Ruffin in 2014 proposed turning the former nursing home into a 90-bed treatment center for boys with severe mental or emotional disorders.

Ruffin said she knows the taxes, due Jan. 31, are overdue.

The same thing happened last year, she said. I intend to pay the taxes. I am just late. I was late last year and I paid them.

The 27,148-square-foot facility had a 2015 appraised value of $1.15 million, according to county tax records.

Ruffin, who lives in Katy, abandoned her quest after running into a torrent of opposition from La Vega school and Waco city officials and the facilitys neighbors. She said she hopes to sell the property but declined to list a price.

Ruffin began the licensing process for the facility with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services but received an unpleasant welcome from a capacity crowd that attended a required public hearing at the former nursing home in July 2014.

Later in 2014, Waco City Council and the City Plan Commission both voted unanimously to reject a special permit Ruffin would have needed to operate the proposed residential treatment center.
A state commission admonished a judge from Hays County on Thursday for his actions during his arrest last year for drunken driving.

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a public admonition against Hays County Court-at-Law Judge David Glickler and ordered him to complete two hours of judicial ethics instruction from a mentor within 60 days.

Glickler, a former assistant attorney general who handled the Margaret Mills felony theft case in McLennan County in 2008 and a records tampering case involving Waco attorney Tammy Polk two years later, was sentenced to three days in jail after pleading no contest to drunken driving in May.

Glickler, who became a judge in January 2015 after serving seven years as an assistant attorney general, did not return phone messages left at his office Thursday.

The state commission found that Glickler immediately identified himself as County Judge David Glickler after Hays County Deputy Travis Terreo pulled him over for speeding on Interstate 35 on May 26, 2015. He also handed the deputy a business card that identified him as a judge.

The deputys dashcam video shows Glickler refusing to perform one of the standard sobriety tests, then again telling Terreo I am a judge in this county, Judge Valerie E. Ertz, the commission chair, wrote in the public admonition.

The deputy responded, I understand that. You keep saying that, sir. You are a judge but you are also a citizen.

After his no contest plea, Glickler, who refused to take a breath test on the night he was arrested, issued a press release in which he claimed he was not intoxicated but wanted to hold himself to a higher standard.

Glickler explained in his written response to the commission that the only reason he told the deputy he was a judge was to assist the deputy with his duty to follow the proper procedures that law enforcement officers should undertake when investigating an elected official, according to the public admonition.

Although Judge Glickler insists that he was not looking for special treatment, the numerous invocations of his judicial position would lead a reasonable person to believe that he was trying to influence Deputy Terreos investigation, the commission concluded.

The commission ordered Glickler to receive two hours of training in judicial ethics generally, including but not limited to, avoiding improper invocation of the prestige of judicial office and off-the-bench or personal conduct that, when known to the public, casts public discredit on the judiciary and the administration of justice.

Earlier arrest

Glickler also was arrested in Travis County in 2004 for suspicion of drunken driving and refused to take a breath test on that occasion, officials reported. Glickler had the DWI charge expunged from his record after pleading guilty to reckless driving, a misdemeanor.

Glickler was deputy division chief for former Attorney General Greg Abbotts public integrity section when 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson of McLennan County signed off on his appointment as special prosecutor to handle the felony theft case of Margaret Mills, former longtime director of the now-defunct Downtown Waco Inc.

Johnson did not approve of how Glickler handled the matter and said after the case was resolved that he never again would appoint Glickler to handle a case in his court.

Then-District Attorney John Segrest recused his office from hearing Mills case because of his longtime association with Mills husband, Waco attorney Coke Mills.

Johnson told Glickler that he would accept no plea agreement that called for Mills to serve less than 15 years in prison. So after further negotiations with Mills attorneys, Glickler abandoned the first 63 allegations in the 116-paragraph indictment, reducing the maximum penalty Mills faced from life in prison to 10 years in prison.

The judge reluctantly accepted a plea bargain and sentenced Mills to nine years in prison and ordered her to make $307,968 in restitution to Downtown Waco Inc., the development agency she stole from while running it for 18 years.

Two years later in another McLennan County court, Glickler served as special prosecutor in Polks cases in which she pleaded guilty to forging the names of judges and prosecutors on case dismissal forms and other court documents.

Polk surrendered her law license after her arrest in March 2009 and was placed on deferred probation by retired Judge James F. Clawson Jr. a year later.

Glicklers plea offer called for Polk to be placed on regular probation, but the judge granted her request for deferral.
Parkdale Elementary students experienced the gallantry of knighthood firsthand when the Northwest Waco Rotary Club launched a new character education program in September.

After one school year of implementing the Early Act First Knight curriculum, administrators say the program is working. And they look forward to seeing more positive results in the future.

The big result was we had 30 out-of-school suspensions this year, a 67 percent decrease from 92 out-of-school suspensions last year, said Parkdale Assistant Principal MLissa Howen.

There also was a reduction of in-school-suspension incidents: 166 during the past school year compared with 172 in 2014-15, a 3.4 percent decrease.

We didnt see as big a decrease in ISS, but I would anticipate seeing a bigger decrease next year, Howen said.

The Early Act First Knight program was created to help elementary children become civically minded. Daily curriculum incorporates a medieval theme to help students focus on character traits that include honesty, compassion, personal responsibility, respect, tolerance, fairness and service to others.

Fawn Robinson Tate, a member of the Northwest Waco Rotary Club, said she first heard about EAFK several years ago when she served as the groups president. While listening to the programs creator, Dr. Randall Parr, she was convinced it could prove helpful.

He was a chaplain in the Navy and said he saw grown men struggling with moral issues, she said. As children, they should have been taught but they had not been. He really wanted to start a program aimed at younger people. Sitting there listening to him, I could see where that would be very appealing.

A Rotarian for 10 years with the Northwest Waco chapter, Robinson Tate said she served as an EAFK coordinator for Parkdale. She helped ensure the program fulfilled specific requirements at the school, such as establishing a student club on campus and completing projects at the school, local community and global levels.

Rotarys 4-Way Test

Based on the Four-Way Test of Rotary International, students begin each school day reminded of the tests core principle questions via the morning announcements:

*Is it the truth?

*Is it fair to all concerned?

*Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

*Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Connie McCracken, director of situational instruction at Parkdale, said the school focuses on a different character trait  like tolerance  each month. Everyone on campus, from administrators to teachers, incorporates the months trait throughout the day, such as using video presentations at lunch.

They are focusing on improved character traits throughout the year on a daily basis, McCracken said. It helps students try to be the best they can be, and they always look forward to the characteristics of the month.

To kick off EAFK, the Northwest Waco Rotary Club hosted a Tournament of Champions in the Extraco Events Centers Equine Pavilion in September for the entire Parkdale community. Some 600 students, teachers and parents watched knights and ladies compete in jousting and swashbuckling events on horseback. Coupled with important lessons in compassion, fairness and honesty, onlookers agreed the event made an impact on those in attendance.

It was absolutely incredible, Robinson Tate recalled. These were registered knights and they certainly have a presence about them. It was amazing to watch the kids just sitting still and listening, to feel the excitement in the room. And they were so respectful.

Kim Patterson, a member of the Northwest Waco board and Rotarian for 17 years, said Parkdale students responded to the EAFK program positively, beginning with the Tournament of Champions.

They bring horses and theyre in full knight and lady garb with jousting swords, Patterson said. It was so impressive, and the kids had their crowns and shields because they had already started studying chivalry.

It was a heck of a way to start this thing.

Cautious Approach

As associate director of the University Center at McLennan Community College, Patterson said proponents of EAFK initially looked into bringing the program to Waco more than five years ago.

We wanted to see some outcomes first, Patterson said, explaining that she and others kept an eye on how schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area responded to the program. One school did it and then all these other schools jumped on board. Clearly, it was building because they were seeing success.

Fawn (Robinson Tate) kept bringing it up and we found a partnership with Parkdale. It just kind of clicked.

Howen, who just completed her first year as Parkdale assistant principal, said their school was chosen based on need and the high number of out-of-school suspensions.

The district has been trying so hard to address those issues, she said. By using this program, because it has the character education component, were building those traits.

Howen explained that the program does not replace district disciplinary policies already in use. Instead, she said EAFK works with established measures and brings understanding for the students.

Each grading period, students are afforded the opportunity to be knighted based on behavior and demonstration of understanding the focus character trait. Robinson Tate said teachers select one student per class each of the six grading periods during the school year. That means some 120 students at Parkdale were knighted during the 2015-16 school year.

Howen said it is important to reward as many children as possible for a job well done.

The more little lives you touch, the bigger the deal it is, she said.

Touching Ceremony

At every knighting ceremony, students were unaware who would be chosen. Rotarians were on hand to conduct the knighting and present medals to the children who best exemplified the character trait for that timeframe. As an added bonus, parents were invited to attend and greet students as they were called on stage to be knighted.

Robinson Tate said the ceremonies are a big deal for everyone in attendance.

Theres the pride that the kids have in themselves and also the pride their parents have, she said. The parents have tears in their eyes. At every knighting ceremony, there are people with tears in their eyes. Its kind of breathtaking, just to see the impact.

Patterson said that while not all students can be chosen to receive a medal, there was definite support from the rest of the student body.

I was blown away by how the kids responded to how their friends got selected to be knighted, she said. There was such a sense of all for one and one for all. 

In addition to individual recognition, EAFK brings community involvement to the entire campus by establishing a student Rotary club for fourth- and fifth-graders, which meets every other week.

This program teaches (students) how important it is to be a part of the community, McCracken said.

Efforts this year included upgrading a flower bed in front of the school, assisting with the local Toys for Tots drive during Christmas, and organizing and working a garage sale with 25 percent of the proceeds benefitting an orphanage in Honduras. Remaining funds will support continuation of the EAFK program at Parkdale.

Patterson said that in order to continue sponsorship, the Northwest Waco Rotary Club raised funds with a skeet shooting event in June.

Fawn (Robinson Tate) really worked with the kids on their own fundraiser, she said of the garage sale. We did the skeet shooting fundraiser and it was the first time we tried anything like that. We did well. We are definitely motivated to keep this thing going.

Patterson said education is dear to her heart and she is grateful for the positive results at Parkdale.

Seeing those referral numbers dropped, we knew we touched on something very important here, she said. I have to pay a compliment to the WISD administration and the teachers at Parkdale who were willing to implement this. Its not like they need something more to do, but I think that 10 minutes they spend a day is time well spent on those character traits.
Take three friends with a love for Jesus, a love for Waco, and a love for Fixer Upper, and youve got a winning combination.

Young married couple Luke and Rachel Whyte and the slightly older David Ridley  though the former model certainly doesnt look it  have launched Waco Tours, a company that is seizing upon the growing interest in the city thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines Fixer Upper home renovation show on HGTV.

The Whytes and Ridley cant deny the Fixer Upper influence. They were featured on the show themselves.

They were on consecutive episodes in Season 3, the most recent. The Whytes new home was in Episode 7, while Ridley, who was referred to on the show as Wacos Most Eligible Bachelor, was in Episode 8.

All are members of Antioch Community Church, where Chip and Joanna Gaines also attend.

They were already friends through church and often hung out together.

But earlier this year after their Fixer Upper episodes aired, they started talking about the idea of sharing their love of Waco the way the Gaineses do, David said.

Lukes trying to get everybody to come to Waco, David said with a laugh in the Whytes Woodway home. But there are a lot of cool things about our city. I said, What if we did a tour company? 

Luke, who has a business degree from Baylor and had worked in real estate in Waco, was intrigued and admits hes one to go full in on things. Thats even though he already has a full-time job on the Antioch staff as the young adult pastor and two small kids with Rachel.

Both are 27 years old and met while attending Baylor. They were married in 2012. Daughter Haven is 2 years old and son James is 6 months.

We prayed about (starting Waco Tours), said David, 38, who has worked at Bluebonnet Health Services for the last seven years. We pray about all our big decisions. But we knew the Lord was in this.

Rachel, who is often the voice of reason once Luke and David get excitedly planning things, said she also could tell it was something they all were passionate about.

When (Luke and I) started our life together, I didnt necessarily see us putting roots down in Waco, she said. But now we have a house. We have kids. Were here.

Well Blended

Each brings a crucial skill set to the collaboration. Rachel, with a communications degree from Baylor and experience as a wedding photographer (she also has done product photos for Magnolia and HGTV), is the creative director and handles the waco-tours.com website as well as its social media components. Waco Tours does Facebook and Instagram only at this point; no Twitter or Snapchat.

Thats plenty, she said.

Plus, a lot of clients learned of Waco Tours because they follow Joanna Gaines Twitter and Instagram accounts.

David, who works in the marketing department at Bluebonnet, serves as Waco Tours director of marketing. Luke is ready with a tease about Davids good looks, but Ridley did live in New York City for six years, making a living as a model and traveling the world on shoots for Abercrombie & Fitch, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, among others. He earned his real estate license to supplement his income between modeling jobs, but the Plano native eventually decided to return to Texas.

He said he wanted to get away from the New York City lifestyle with its temptations and addictions. He moved to Dallas in 2005, gave his life to Jesus in 2006 decided to move closer to family. His parents are now in Waco.

He also has connections in the bass fishing world, having fished in competitive tournaments and forming a friendship with Waco angler Alton Jones Jr. David is president of Legacy Outfitters Bass Club.

Luke did not grow up in Texas, like his wife, who is from Nacogdoches. He grew up in Denver, Colorado, and worked in the corporate world after graduation from Baylor. But he returned to Waco and to Rachel, first working in real estate, then joining the staff at Antioch.

Luke says he is the companys director of operations, using his business skills to handle the financing, insurance and procuring the equipment needed for the company. Waco Tours has a 12-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van that takes visitors on the 2-hour tours.

They are in the process of working out plans to add helicopter tours. They have flown with a pilot over Waco on test flights and hope to add helicopter tours in September, David said.

The Tours

Going on a tour led by Luke and David is both informative and fun. The pair have a natural and fun-loving chemistry about them, at times bordering on silly, like when David showed his dance moves to a Justin Timberlake song while Luke drove. But the four single women on the tour were dancing with him.

Every tour begins with a prayer. Though they have had customers from New York, Philadelphia and California, both say no one has asked them not to pray beforehand.

Weve had friends and longtime Waco residents tell us that they learned something about Waco they didnt know, Luke said.

Luke speaks quickly, and delivers a wealth of information about Wacos history as tour guide. But he also shares tales about the poverty in Waco and the good work nonprofits such as Mission Waco do in the city.

Patrice Patrick, a California TV producer on vacation, said Luke and David made the tour a lot of fun. She also felt she learned a lot about Waco.

And thats the hope of Waco Tours, David said.

We just want to welcome people to Waco and see what weve fallen in love with there, he said.

-----

Waco Tours

Packages and pricing can be found on the website

wacotours on Instagram

Also on Facebook
SPRINGFIELD -- As a history major at Illinois State University in Bloomington in the late 1990s, Samuel Wheeler was a self-described library rat.

Leafing through a book of Civil War photographs one day at the Milner Library, he came across a powerful image of a young soldier who was killed at Burnsides Bridge during the Battle of Antietam.

He looked just like one of my friends, Wheeler said. Just like him, just a dead ringer.

The chance encounter with that picture brought home that immediacy of history -- that all of a sudden, it wasnt 150 years ago; it could have happened just right now to somebody that was one of my friends, he said.

From then on, Wheeler, a 38-year-old Springfield native who graduated from Illinois State in 2000 and went on to earn a doctorate in history at Southern Illinois University, was hooked on the Civil War and its most iconic figure, fellow capital city resident Abraham Lincoln.

The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency board of trustees this week named Wheeler Illinois 10th state historian. In that role, he will oversee research and collections at the state historical library, created in 1889 and now part of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Wheeler, who has been a research historian at the library and museum since 2013, sees it as his job to help bring the states history to life for Illinoisans and people around the world, just like that photograph of the soldier at Antietam did for him.

Its so much more than just Abraham Lincoln or those soldiers that fought in the Civil War from the town that youre from, Wheeler said this week, sitting in his office at the presidential library in downtown Springfield.

Illinois has long been viewed as a state that, in many respects, serves as a demographic and economic microcosm of the United States as a whole, he said.

Wheeler, who will earn $70,000 a year in the new job, succeeds Thomas Schwartz, who left in 2011 to become director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum in West Branch, Iowa. His selection comes as the Lincoln institution and the state Historic Preservation Agency seek stability following a period of controversy over their management structures and leadership.

Alan Lowe, who was the first director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and took over as director of the Lincoln library and museum July 11, had a hand in selecting Wheeler.

I was impressed by Sams love of Illinois history, his experience as both a researcher and teacher, and his ideas for engaging the public, Lowe said in a prepared statement. Filling this position is an important step forward.

Wheelers experience as a teacher came at SIU, where he served as a teaching assistant and lecturer for courses on subjects including Illinois history and the Civil War era.

Kay Carr, who chairs SIUs history department, said Wheeler was highly regarded among students and faculty.

Carr also oversaw the committee that reviewed his dissertation, which covered an aspect of Lincolns life often overlooked or dismissed by other scholars: his poetry.

Its a tough thing to go into Lincoln studies of any sort because a lot has been done, Carr said. So its difficult sometimes to find an angle to pursue that is unique, but he did find that, and he did an amazing job.

Wheeler said he was drawn to Lincolns verse, published anonymously, because it revealed aspects of his character that were often otherwise hidden.

To me, he became infinitely more interesting when I sort of took those poems at their face value and tried to figure out what he was talking about, Wheeler said.

As state historian, Wheeler wants to help scholars, teachers, students and the general public gain that kind of deeper understanding of Lincoln and the larger story of the land he called home.

Illinois history needs a champion, Wheeler said.
WAHOO  After spending five weeks in Thailand, Grant Plybon is back on U.S. soil, bringing with him memories of the culture he experienced and obstacles he overcame.

Plybon, a senior-to-be at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and 2013 Bishop Neumann graduate, embarked June 14 on his first solo journey overseas, on an all-expense paid trip, funded by OneTraveler.

After landing in Bangkok after approximately 17 hours of air travel, Plybon admitted his planned itinerary quickly changed.

I was going to spend most of my time in Bangkok Plybon said. Once I got there, I knew I didnt want to spend that much time there.

Plybon said he wanted to venture out of the congested city to and see more of the country outside of the city. He traveled to Pattaya in the south and Chiang Mai in the north. He said Chiang Mai, which was never on the original itinerary, ended up being his favorite destination.

Its the high culture I thought I would see. I felt like I knew who Thai people were and got to experience life in their eyes, he said.

Plybon said he witnessed how hard working Thai people are and the simple lifestyle they live.

They dont need a lot of space, nice homes or things. Theyre happy without it, he said.

Another favorite experience of Plybons included zip lining over 5 kilometers of zip lines, one which was over 2,000 feet high, the longest zip line in Asia.

Plybon admitted that traveling to these locations proved some difficulty, as he worked to navigate through the language barrier.

Plybon found himself alone in a remote location after attempting to locate a church outside of the city on Google Maps and being unable to adequately communicate with the Taxi driver.

There was no church there and I had no idea where I was at, Plybon said. I didnt know how to get back, and I was not in an area that taxis would come by frequently.

After walking for 20 minutes in the direction he thought to be towards the city, a taxi was finally found.

The incident had a positive outcome, Plybon said.

There was so much independence on the trip, which helped with confidence. I feel better that if I do have a problem, Ill find a solution and get through it, he said.

Plybon admitted that he was unfamiliar with Thailand prior to his trip.

I couldnt even point to it on a map before I started researching this to apply for it, he said. It wasnt so much where I was going  I knew I was going to have a wonderful time wherever I was going to go.

OneTraveler, a nonprofit organization founded in 2015, funded Plybon and one other recipients all-expense paid trips to a destination of their choice.

The idea is that all the skills you learn from traveling, you bring back into your community, Plybon said of OneTravelers mission.

Applicants submitted an essay, letters of recommendation and a proposed itinerary and budget, of up to $6,500.

The only stipulation for his travel was that he keep a blog and personal journal of his experiences, which he said provided many benefits.

It made me reflect on what I was doing and how I was thinking and feeling. It was also great because all my family and friends were able to read what I was doing and I had so much support from them, he said.

The hospitality and travel management major said hes unsure what the future holds after graduation, but experiencing another culture has allowed him to gain another perspective of the world, which he said will serve him well in the future.

The trip ended for Plybon on July 19, but he said he is thankful to be home.

I definitely think I benefit coming from a place like Wahoo, he said. When I go to other places, big cities in the U.S. or even different countries, I appreciate it so much and how its so different. When I come home, I get to appreciate the little things.
WAVERLY  Hunter Radenslaben hid beneath beanbags in a Waverly Middle School classroom for an hour and a half last week, while Lancaster County Sheriffs deputies swept the building.

The deputies training mission was to search for two active shooters terrorizing the school July 20. Radenslaben, a junior a Waverly High School, stayed perfectly still, not even calling out to the deputies when they cleared the classroom.

I must have been hidden so well they didnt see me, he said.

Those were his instructions, after all.

When the sheriffs office told student volunteers to stay hidden and silent throughout the two-hour active shooter training, the volunteers took it to heart. Some, like Radenslaben, remained hidden. Deputies led others to safety after being discovered. And some played dead in hallways and on classroom floors.

Those images may have been striking and surreal, but the goal was to make the scenario  which one volunteer called an intense game of hide-and-seek  as realistic as possible.

If what youre doing isnt realistic, said Capt. Ben Houchin, you might as well not be doing it at all.

The deputies carried disabled weaponry, and the sheriffs SWAT team eventually made an appearance, decked out in tactical equipment.

The sheriffs office began implementing active shooter trainings near the beginning of the new millennium, shortly after the tragedy at Colorados Columbine High School, when 13 people died after two gunmen opened fire inside the building.

There have been 198 mass shootings in 2016 alone, according to figures from the Gun Violence Archive, a Washington D.C. database. That number includes an attack in June at an Orlando Nightclub that claimed 50 lives. A mass shooting is defined as any incident where four or more people are injured or killed by gunfire.

We try to train on this at least yearly so everyone can have an understanding of what needs to be done with those events, Houchin said. You want to be as prepared as you can possibly be.

The department follows the latest developments in response and prevention tactics, Houchin said. Last weeks training provided insight into what deputies are doing right and what they could improve upon. Representatives from the Nebraska State Patrol, the U.S. Marshals, local emergency agencies and more were present at the training.

I think the training was extremely beneficial, Houchin said. It was good to have all the other agencies along with this.

Officers involved in the training were tasked with sweeping and clearing the building while searching for two play actors filling the roles of active gunmen. One of those men roamed the building, evading officers, while the other holed himself up in a classroom with a hostage.

Throughout the exercise, speakers blared audio of screaming and white noise, adding a dose of real life adrenaline to the proceedings.

The first training session ended abruptly, with the hostage taker running out of the classroom with his gun up after nearly an hour of negotiation. The swat team stationed around the door and behind nearby lockers took quickly took him down.

Though the trainings can never completely replicate an actual active shooter situation, Houchin said they do provide deputies an opportunity to familiarize themselves with procedure in a semi-realistic situation.

When there is a stressful incident, the mind tries to go back to the latest training, Houchin said. The training will hopefully kick in. A lot of officers who have been involved in these situations say it does.

The department has not dealt with an active school shooter situation in his time, Houchin said. But there has been at least one close call.

School staff, including a counselor and principal, was able to tip off law enforcement before a student could complete plans to attack Malcolm High School in 2004. Houchin said the student had weaponry  guns and explosive devices  in his car.

Thankfully there was a very alert staff at Malcolm, Houchin said.

The sheriffs office frequently works with school staff to keep them abreast of potential dangers, Houchin said. School Resource Officers, like Deputy Amanda May in Waverly, also work with students and staff to solve problems as they arise.

They become part of the school family out there and they provide classes, he said. Im very proud.

Still, the department must always be prepared for the worst, Houchin said. Last weeks training was important.

All our deputies take it very, very seriously, Houchin said. They understand the need of it and that it is very beneficial.

The community support made the training all the more effective.

Having people that you dont know helps add to the training, I believe, Houchin said. When you start adding the noise and students, it does get their adrenaline going.

The atmosphere got volunteers blood pumping as well.

They were yelling, and it was super loud, Radenslaben said. It felt so real I almost felt like it was real life, and for a second I was scared myself. It got my heart pumping.

Volunteering was also Radenslabens way of providing support to local law enforcement.

It was really cool to feel I could give back in a very small way to our police officers and our law enforcement, he said. It kind of felt like it was the least I could do to help out.
SPRINGFIELD -- The crowded field in the race for U.S. Sen. Mark Kirks seat is likely to get a little thinner before the Nov. 8 election.

An initial Illinois State Board of Elections review found that independent Eric Conklin of LeRoy and Constitution Party candidate Chad Koppie of Gilberts fell well short of gathering the 25,000 signatures each needed to earn a spot on the ballot, said Bernadette Harrington, an attorney for the board.

A hearing officer conducted the review this month after the elections board received objections to Conklins and Koppies nominating petitions from Republican precinct committeeman Mike Bigger of Wyoming, who serves on the Illinois Human Rights Commission, and Rob Sherman of Buffalo Grove, whos running as a Green Party candidate for the U.S. House in Illinois 5th Congressional District.

The elections board will likely confirm the removal of Conklin and Koppie at its meeting Aug. 26, the deadline for certifying the ballot.

Conklin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Koppie, a frequent candidate, said he knew he didnt have the necessary signatures to get on the ballot and blamed the high number required for independent candidates and those from lesser-known parties.

U.S. Senate candidates from established parties only have to collect 5,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

Illinois is one of the worst states there is for signature requirements, Koppie said, adding that hes contemplating a legal challenge to the requirement.

Koppie said that given Kirks reputation as a moderate, he believes he could have defeated the Highland Park Republican if the states conservative and anti-abortion leadership had rallied behind his candidacy.

Kirks main opponent in November is U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Hoffman Estates, and the field also includes Green Party candidate Scott Summers of Harvard and Libertarian candidate Kenton McMillen of Melrose Park.

The contest between Kirk and Duckworth is widely considered to be one of the most competitive U.S. Senate races this year.
For the past two years or so, WarbirdsNews has been following the 138th Aviation Company Memorial in their efforts to locate, restore and place a representative aircraft from their unit as a remembrance for their service and the sacrifice of fallen comrades. As many of our readers will know, the 138th Aviation Company Memorial successfully obtained the donation of a derelict Beech RU-21A Ute from Dynamic Aviation in Bridgewater, Virginia, along with all the necessary spare parts to finish the project. The aircraft will eventually go on display in a memorial park beside Orlando International Airport. With our last update in December, 2015, the RU-21 had successfully made the arduous journey by road down to Florida aboard a flat bed truck, and taken part in Orlandos Veterans Day Parade. However, during unloading at the storage/restoration site within Orlando Executive Airport, the Ute unfortunately suffered significant damage to the rear fuselage. Undaunted, Dynamic Aviation supplied them with a spare rear fuselage from an RU-21C, whereupon some volunteers from Delta Airlines de-riveted the damaged section and installed its replacement over a single weekend work party. Despite their long years of service, the two parts fit together perfectly, which is a remarkable testament to the quality of the original assembly line workers as it was to the restoration team.

The project will be having another weekend work party this coming weekend (July 30th/31st) and expects to make significant progress with the RU-21 restoration. They are always keen to see more volunteers, so if anyone feels like helping this weekend, they should head over to Orlando Executive Airport and stop by the Atlantic Aviation FBO. Someone there will run you out to where the aircraft is tied down.

In additional news, the organization has just received word from the POW/MIA Office that one of the 138th Aviation Companys missing pilots from the Viet Nam War may have just been found. We will keep you posted on further details as they arise.

Andrew Rodriguez, the 138th Aviation Company Memorials president takes over from here to discuss restoration progress since our last report in 2015.

For the first time since 1993, and only 6 months after the aircraft and its associated parts arrived in Orlando as part of the citys Veterans Day Parade, the veterans of the 138th Aviation Company along with Volunteers from Delta Airlines reassembled the RU-21A that will be used as a centerpiece for the units memorial at Orlando International Airport.

The last major milestone of the process was to mount the wings and black wingtip antenna pods back on to the aircrafts fuselage of the aircraft. Work went quickly, and now the aircraft is essentially whole again. Although certainly not airworthy, it looks pretty good considering the toll the years have taken. Now that the aircraft is structurally complete, the next major milestone is to prepare it for repainting, with special care paid to its historic nose and fuselage art.

One of the pilots who ferried the aircraft from Orlando to Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm in 1990 painted the nose art, with the word Patriot emblazoned upon a shooting star. The Goat, painted on the cargo door, has a more mysterious background, having been stenciled by unknown individuals when the aircraft took part in Operation Royal Duke, the US Governments earliest efforts to monitor communist rebel forces in El Salvador during the early 1980s.

Along with the work ahead, reaching out to more donors will continue in earnest this summer with the rollout of a Corporate Donor Recognition Program, as well as raising awareness of the popular Memorial Brick Campaign. Towards that effort, the Veterans of the 138th have been successful in spreading the word with local press coverage in many outlets including HERE, HERE, and HERE.

WarbirdsNews wishes the 138th Aviation Company Memorial all the best in completing their goal, and we will be sure to bring more news of their project when it arrives. Please do consider volunteering or donating to their efforts! Details of how you can contribute can be found at the links below and dont forget they have a work party this coming weekend!

http://www.138thavnco.org/RU21A-Memorial-Project.html

http://www.facebook.com/138thAviationCompanyMemorialInc
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S&P 500 3,807.30 DOW 32,033.28 QQQ 272.87 Be Sure You Own United Parcel Service for the Right Reasons Buy Alert For $2 Coin (Ad) Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds down Top 10 Horror Movie Entrepreneurs Buy Alert For $2 Coin (Ad) Auto prices finally begin to creep down from inflated highs Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities 4 Down Market Stocks (Ad) Stocks gain ground on Wall Street, Facebook parent slumps US economy likely returned to growth last quarter
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Jointly, Bridgewater and Tarui asked in March to withdraw the complaint from consideration by the Connecticut human rights commission. No reason was given by either party for the request, which halted the investigation. Bridgewater's employment agreement requires employees to settle disputes through binding arbitration. In a related action, the National Labor Relations Board recently filed a separate complaint against Bridgewater. The new complaint says that the company "has been interfering with, restraining and coercing" Tarui and other employees from exercising their rights through confidentiality agreements that all employees are required to sign when they are hired. Both Tarui's harassment complaint and the labour board's filings were obtained by The New York Times through Freedom of Information Act requests. "While it is difficult for our management team to independently judge the merits of this claim, we are confident our handling of this claim is consistent with our stated principles and the law," Bridgewater said in an emailed statement. "We look forward to operating through a legal process that brings the truth to light." Secrecy at Bridgewater is so tight that in some units employees are required to lock up their personal mobile phones each morning when they arrive at work

Tarui's assertions about Bridgewater's surveillance culture and its chilling effect were echoed in interviews with seven people who are former employees or who have done work for the firm. The people were not permitted to speak publicly because of the confidentiality agreements they had signed with Bridgewater. It is routine for recordings of contentious meetings to be archived and later shown to employees as part of the company's policy of learning from mistakes. Several former employees recalled one video that Bridgewater showed to new employees that was of a confrontation several years ago between top executives including Dalio and a woman who was a manager at the time, who breaks down crying. The video was intended to give new employees a taste of Bridgewater's culture of openly challenging employees and putting them on the spot. The firm no longer shows the video, the people said. Managing billions These former employees said other behaviour had raised concerns within the company. At an off-site retreat in 2012 with several top executives - including Greg Jensen, Bridgewater's co-chief investment officer - employees got drunk and went swimming naked, prompting complaints from some other employees in attendance.

Founded in 1975, Bridgewater manages billions of dollars for some of the biggest pension funds and sovereign wealth funds in the world. Its founder, Dalio, 66, is a celebrity in his own right - he has been a speaker at exclusive conferences like the World Economic Forum in Davos, and recently attended a White House state dinner. Steady performance for years has led institutional investors around the world to give Bridgewater money. For a time, James B. Comey, the current director of the FBI, was the company's general counsel, adding to its lustre. But over the last two years, the firm has lost billions of dollars for investors as a result of mixed performances and has begun to slow its hiring. And questions have arisen about Bridgewater's unusual culture. Tarui has been on paid leave from the firm since January 6, two days before he filed his harassment complaint. The labour relations board said in its separate complaint that Tarui was suspended after he "threatened to file a charge with the board." Douglas Wigdor, Tarui's lawyer, declined to comment and said his client would not comment.

Bridgewater, in a legal filing with the labour relations board, said its employment agreements were "tailored specifically to protecting Bridgewater's legitimate business concerns, including confidentiality interests that are unique to the financial services industry." A Bridgewater employee for five years, Tarui was responsible for meeting with large public pension funds. He previously worked for PIMCO, the bond giant, based in Newport Beach, California. 'Itch to scratch' In his complaint, Tarui said the sexual advances began during a business trip to Denver in May 2014, when his supervisor "caressed the small of my back" while the two men were seated on a couch in the supervisor's hotel room. Tarui said the incident made him feel uncomfortable and he immediately left the room. But the supervisor continued to pursue him, Tarui said in his complaint. On one occasion, he said, his supervisor confided in him that he had an "itch to scratch," and then asked Tarui whether he had ever "thought about being with other men." Tarui said he told his supervisor he "was not wired that way." But his supervisor persisted, Tarui said, adding that his boss then "specifically asked whether I would consent to having a sexual experience with him."

Tarui said he again rejected his supervisor's advances but his supervisor continued to make overt and subtle sexual overtures well into last summer. Tarui said in the complaint that he did not report the conduct out of fear it would become public because of the firm's policy of videotaping confrontations between employees. Eventually, Tarui did complain after his supervisor gave him a bad job performance rating even though he had been promoted and given a pay raise just a few months earlier. He said in the complaint that during a meeting in November 2015, he told a Bridgewater human resources representative and another top manager about the repeated sexual harassment by the supervisor. As is the case with every meeting at Bridgewater, the meeting was recorded. So was a later meeting with several top executives at Bridgewater including David McCormick, the firm's president. Tarui said recordings from those meetings were "widely shared" with managerial employees at Bridgewater. The firm promised an investigation. But in his complaint Tarui said that Bridgewater's management tried to persuade him to withdraw his allegations.
Trump's analog is: "Trust me." Leading up to his "I alone" moment at last week's convention was a long string of assertions by Trump that we just have to trust him - trust him to solve problems and implement even implausibly ambitious programs like rounding up 11 million undocumented immigrants. When challenged during the primaries for programs or plans on how he would carry out his extreme policy proposals, he habitually fell back on "trust me" or variations such as his "unbelievable ability" to "get things done."

"There has to be a trust," he told reporters in Michigan who asked for details about his programs. Several times this campaign, he has opened a window on his belief in himself as a unique repository of wisdom by claiming that "I predicted terrorism." (After the shooting in Orlando that killed 49 people last month, Trump tweeted his thanks to people for congratulating him for being right about such attacks.) Citing one of his books, Trump explained his unique ability to sense terrorism coming when all others are blind: "I predicted terrorism because I can feel it. I can feel it like a good location."

Trump's claim of singular powers was on display in an interview with Time shortly before the convention. He accused Germany, Japan and South Korea of playing the United States "for suckers" on defense spending and asserted: "They should pay us, pay us substantially, and they will if I ask them. If somebody else asks them, they won't."

Deflecting calls for specifics with assertions of superior ability is a technique that Hitler used, too. He increasingly monopolised the Nazi movement during the 1920s until "the idea", as his followers called National Socialism, was identical with the man. Likewise, Trump likes to call his juggernaut a movement, but it is really a one-man show. In business, Trump wrote in his 1987 memoir, "The Art of the Deal", "everyone underneath the top guy in a company is just an employee". So it would seem in Trump's political movement, as well, and so one would expect it in a Trump administration. (Trump's ghostwriter recently denounced the book as mostly invented, but Trump fervently defended the book's contents as his own.)

Hitler saw himself as singularly endowed to avert Armageddon and reach national greatness. For Hitler, there was no middle ground between the "total downfall" threatening Germany at the hands of a Jewish-Bolshevik world conspiracy and his vision of a renewed German glory - a vision of an instant "leap from despair to utopia," as historian Fritz Stern put it. Trump, too, posits a pending American cataclysm that can be averted only through his election, which will lead directly to reclaimed greatness.
The role of racism, and the adequacy of the Northern Territory government's response to reports into its juvenile justice system, will be examined by a royal commission formally established on Thursday.

The inquiry, to be led by former NT Supreme Court chief justice Brian Ross Martin, will principally examine the failings of the Northern Territory's child protection and youth detention systems since 2006.

"As a nation we have a fundamental responsibility to protect our children," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said while announcing the inquiry. A failure to do so "diminishes all of us", he added.

The royal commission was prompted by graphic images of child abuse aired by the ABC's Four Corners on Monday, following several reports into misconduct in the NT juvenile justice system.
A social media craze that swept the world two years ago has helped to fund a medical breakthrough for those living with motor neurone disease (MND) in Australia.

In 2014, videos of the "ice bucket challenge"  which consisted of people being filmed while they were drenched with icy water  raised $3 million in Australia and more than $220 million around the world.

That money helped Australian scientists research the disease, which currently has no effective treatments, and discover three new genes which increase the risk of developing the most common form of MND.

Researchers at the University of Queensland were involved in the international data analysis of more than 30,000 people with MND, also known as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS.
It's called spoofing: sending messages using easily downloaded apps that hide or falsify your identity. Crooks, teenagers and businesses all use them, and they cross the bridge between good and evil like few other mainstream technologies.

In one Australian case, a young woman's mobile recently beeped with an SMS from her husband Paul. She knew who it was from because Paul's name appeared on screen.

Spoof apps are popular tools for vile trolls and online bullies. Credit:Richard Clark

She read the text with growing horror. Paul (not his real name) admitted to numerous affairs and to lying and cheating throughout their marriage. It was sorted out eventually but, like countless other victims, the couple suffered the dark and destructive side of spoofing.

Adam Centorrino, a volunteer board member of the Bully Zero Australia Foundation who also runs a large tech company, says it could be impossible to track down who really sent the text, and even if they were identified, it's unlikely charges could be laid.
I love binge-watching TV as much as the next obsessive. I wasted many weekends of my youth stretching the tape on bootleg Simpsons tapes. I devoured Battlestar Galactica on DVD over a few days in bed with the flu, and downloaded a few hundred episodes of Scrubs after a particularly bad break-up. As Aya Cash, star of the excellent televisions show You're The Worst tweeted, "I've been binge-watching shows since it was just called depression." As an aside, if you haven't watched You're The Worst yet, you should make a note to binge it over the weekend. Orange Is the New Black: the challenge is to watch the lot before the tweets spoil it. Credit:JoJo/Whilden So I don't think binge-watching television is a recent phenomenon, but I'm sure Netflix is to blame for bringing the concept to the mainstream. Netflix is the perfect vessel. It provides a massive back catalogue of television shows you've been meaning to watch for years, with an autoplay setting that begins a new episode before the credits finish rolling on the last. But Netflix has brought something new to binge watching, and I don't like it. It has pioneered the 'binge release', dropping all episodes of its original productions on a single day. Now, when a new Netflix show premieres, I find myself in a race to avoid spoilers from those seemingly prepared to watch every ep on the day of release.

When Making a Murderer premiered, I ploughed through the whole depressing saga in one weekend. I didn't want to. I desperately wanted to take a breather and leave the awful spectacle for a while, but Twitter was awash with theories and spoilers, so I had to keep pace. Now I'm a season and a half behind on Orange Is the New Black. I know something awful happens at the end of season four, because I couldn't avoid the shock of fans on Twitter and Facebook just a few hours after the last season dropped. Seeing so many not-so-vague tweets before I'd even had a chance to start the new season has made me less inclined to catch up. Besides, I've missed the window to discuss the show with friends, now everyone has moved on to Stranger Things. This binge release is great for publicity, I'm sure, but it also makes a show's time in the spotlight, and in the zeitgeist, fleeting. Game Of Thrones has benefited from the anxious wait of its fans between episodes. Would the Red Wedding have had as much impact if it was just another episode of a whole-series release? I'm sure Netflix has data to prove the binge drop gets viewers hooked on a series, but I think there's room for another model  a kind of hybrid binge. Back before the original series of Dexter premiered, the first three episodes of the show leaked in high quality on the internet. Those first three episodes formed a perfect arc, introducing the eponymous lead, the Ice Truck Killer, and the mystery of their connection. I'm convinced those three episodes were leaked on purpose, to create hype for a show that was a bit of a difficult sell.
Arresting aerial imagery has revealed both the beauty and instability of WA's coast, showing properties under threat from the Coral Coast to Perth.

Coastal erosion is a hot topic after the recent devastation to New South Wales properties in storm surges; at home, the state government has shelled out more than $30 million for coastal protection works in Busselton and Seabird, with tens of thousands more going on sand replenishment at tourist beaches.

But Nearmap, which snapshots urban (that is, largely coastal) areas for government and businesses to monitor environmental trends, has provided a fresh perspective.

Survey planes have taken data-rich photos, as high resolution as seven centimetres per pixel, identifying rapid erosion in some urban areas, and contrasting rehabilitation work in others.
A WA school has been forced to cancel its student trip to the Western Front in France due to the country's high terrorist alert - despite the school and parents raising more than $70,000 over two years to cover the excursion.

France remains in a state of emergency following a terrorist attack in Nice during Bastille Day celebrations on July 14 that killed at least 84 people and injured 100 more.

Mourners remember victims of the terror attack in Nice. Credit:AP

The Australian Government has advised people travelling to France to exercise a "high degree of caution".

Waroona District Senior High School decided to cancel their August trip to the country following the heightened alerts.
Activists hold posters which read "Jokowi, stop the executions!" during a candle light vigil outside the presidential palace in Jakarta, on Thursday. Credit:AP Mr Habibie also called for a moratorium on the death penalty. Mr Ali's lawyer, Saut Edward Rajaguguk, said that prosecutors did not give him reasons for the postponement. A protester holds a banner during a demonstration against the death penalty of death row prisoner Merry Utami at Wijayapura port, the entrance gate to Nusakambangan prison, on Thursday. Credit:Getty Images "Thank God, my client can still breathe," he said.

Mr Ali's wife, Siti Rouhani, who had almost collapsed when she was informed of her husband's execution on Thursday morning, said she was very grateful for the last minute reprieve. Zulfiqar Ali's wife Siti jubilant after her husband's life was spared. Credit:Wagino "Thank God the Indonesian Government still listens to our voices,'" she said. "We don't know what will happen next because I was not allowed to meet with my husband. I hope he will be fine because I took all his clothes including his oxygen tank." Soldiers and police arrive at Cilacap, the port of departure for Nusakambangan, where the executions will take place. Credit:Wagino

Amnesty International said some of the cases were emblematic of systemic flaws within the Indonesian justice system. The lead up to the executions - on the penal island of Nusakambangan known as Indonesia's Alcatraz - provoked noticeably less international outrage and media coverage than those last year, which included Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan. Police oversee preparations for the executions in Cilacap, the closest town to Nusakambangan where the prisoners will be shot. Credit:Wagino The condemned all came from countries that also impose the death penalty which insiders admitted gave them less leverage in fighting for their citizens' lives. However Pakistan battled to save Mr Ali, who was never found with drugs in his possession and was allegedly framed by Indian national Gurdip Singh.

Mr Ali, who says he was tortured when he was arrested in 2004 resulting in long-term health problems, was moved from hospital days before the execution. He was in a wheelchair and needed to wear an oxygen mask the day of the executions according to a friend who visited him on Thursday. After families farewelled their love ones for the last time on Thursday, the condemned spent their final hours with spiritual counsellors before being tied to a stake and killed by firing squad. All 14 had been moved into isolation cells ahead of the executions. A vigil was held outside the presidential palace on Thursday night to protest against the executions, although most Indonesians support the death penalty for drug offences according to opinion polls. The government insists they are a necessary deterrent in the war against drugs, with officials regularly citing statistics that 40 to 50 people die from drug-related causes a day.

"It is an action to stop the rapid spread of drug in Indonesia - today Indonesia has become the main destination in the Asian market," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir. However the number of drug use cases actually increased after last years executions - up 4.2 million in June 2015 to 5.9 million in November 2015. At a speech on July 22, Reprieve Australia president Julian McMahon, who represented Chan and Sukumaran, said the logic of executions was to appear tough and merciless for political gain. He said Indonesia had saved 285 of its own citizens on death row overseas in the last five years, including drug offenders. Eight of the prisoners slated for execution on Thursday were from Nigeria - Michael Titus Igweh, Frederick Luttar, Eugene Ape, Seck Osmane, Okonkwo Nonso Kingsley, Ozias Sibanda, Obina Nwajagu and Humphrey Jefferson Ejike Eleweke.

Four of these had been arrested on a fake passport, causing confusion in Indonesia as to their true nationality. The four Indonesians originally slated for executions were former migrant worker Merri Utami, drug kingpin Freddy Budiman, Agus Hadi and Pujo Lestari. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein said he found it "deeply disturbing" that Indonesia was the most prolific executioner in South-East Asia. "Indonesia recently revealed it had budgeted for another 30 people to be executed next year. Loading
Patrick Norman Pat Chapman is a 34-year-old, Caucasian male who was last known to be in Piedmont which is near the area of Greenville, Missouri on May 10, 2020.

Pat had stayed the night with a friend and his wife at their home. In the early morning when the friend woke to go to work.

Pat was gone in his own Burgundy color 1995 Ford Escort. That is the last anyone was known to have seen him. The vehicle was later recovered on May 29, 2020 in Mill Spring, Missouri.
Brussels, 28 July 2016

Press Release

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded a joint conference on air cargo security and facilitation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today, reiterating their common message that a secure and efficient air cargo supply chain is essential for international trade and world economic development.

Hosted by the Government of Malaysia, the joint conference brought together over 300 participants from States, international and regional organizations, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders.

In his opening speech, Dr Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the WCO, stressed that with the rapid growth in the air cargo industry and growing security concerns, a coordinated and collaborative approach between and among all stakeholders at the international, regional and national level is vital to achieve a safe, secure and sustainable global aviation system, leading to greater facilitation and increased economic growth.

The President of the ICAO Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, reminded delegates of the reasons for holding the conference: "We are here to support a vital and progressive air cargo industry. This means achieving the right balance between security and facilitationwe must strive to do everything we can to prevent disruption of the global supply chain by acts of unlawful interference. Nothing will undermine efforts to facilitate air cargo movements as much as uncertainty about security.

The conference concluded that a robust regulatory framework, reinforced by good guidance material, was now substantially in place throughout the globe, but recognized that more work was required to ensure even implementation of its provisions. The requirements for achieving this would be high quality and targeted training programmes, focused capacity building, increased use of electronic communication channels and the promotion of innovation, all reinforced by effective quality control and compliance monitoring. Alternative paths to effective implementation were illustrated during the conference by reference to a range of international, regional and national initiatives.

The conference also noted a number of emerging or growing concerns, including issues such as insider threats and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems  known as drones. The importance of a multi-layered approach to security was fully acknowledged as the most effective countermeasure in this environment, with consideration being given to such initiatives as the use of advance cargo information and the latest screening technologies.

Overall, the conference considered that widening and deepening collaboration at all levels would be vital to ensuring a secure and smoothly functioning air cargo network into the future. Only by maintaining good communication channels and disseminating information about best practice would it be possible to reach optimum levels of implementation, and provide a solid foundation for the operation of secure and dynamic air cargo services.
At the invitation of Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary General of UNCTAD, WCO Deputy Secretary General Sergio Mujica attended the 14th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 17 to 22 July 2016. The quadrennial ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of UNCTAD and was attended by more than 5,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, Ministers and representatives of governments, international institutions, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and the private sector. The theme of the Conference was From decision to action : moving toward an inclusive and equitable global economic environment for trade and development.

Deputy Secretary General Mujica participated in the World Leaders Summit and Round Table of Heads of Agencies, along with the Presidents of Kenya and Namibia, the Vice-Presidents of Comoros and Uganda, and several Heads of international organizations with competence in trade and development. The participants highlighted the importance of implementation and partnership as key concepts in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Agenda 2030. Mr. Mujica introduced the main WCO instruments and tools that can support the implementation of the SDG and reaffirmed the full support of the international Customs community to achieve these goals.

The Deputy Secretary General also attended the launch of the e-Trade for All Initiative, which brings together international organizations, donors and business leaders to raise awareness of the opportunities, challenges and potential solutions - including best practices - related to e-commerce. The WCO is one of the Founding Partners of this initiative and Mr. Mujica highlighted the main challenges and opportunities associated with the substantial growth in e-commerce, as well as the latest developments in the WCO agenda to assist Members in addressing emerging facilitation and control-related issues.
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By The Associated Press/West Kentucky Star Staff Jul. 28, 2016 | 07:12 AM | LEBANON, OH

A southern Illinois man accused of kidnapping a Mayfield woman and fatally shooting her along an Ohio highway says he can't get a fair trial in a county he calls "racially imbalanced," and wants his trial moved.

Terry Froman has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder and kidnapping in Warren County, OH. He is scheduled for trial Aug. 15. The census estimate for 2015 shows the county's population as 89.7 percent white.

The Hamilton-Middletown Journal-News reports the 42-year-old Brookport man also says in motions before a Warren County judge that he wants to fire his attorneys.

Prosecutors say Froman is suspected of the 2014 killing of his estranged girlfriend's 17-year-old son in Mayfield, then killing the woman, 34-year-old Kim Thomas, along Interstate 75 in Ohio.

___

Information from: The JournalNews of Hamilton, http://www.journal-news.com/cgi-bin/liveique.acgi$sch=jnfront?jnfront




On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
Chancellor Angela Merkel said the attackers wanted to undermine our sense of community, our openness and our willingness to help people in need. We firmly reject this, BBC reports.

But she did propose new measures to improve security.

These include information sharing, deciphering web chatter and tackling arms sales on the internet.

Two recent attacks in Bavaria were both by asylum seekers. A suicide bomb attack in Ansbach on Sunday that injured 15 people was carried out by a Syrian who had been denied asylum but given temporary leave to stay.

An axe and knife attack on a train in Wuerzburg on 18 July that wounded five people was carried out by an asylum seeker from Afghanistan.

Both men had claimed allegiance to so-called Islamic State.

The deadliest recent attack  in Munich on 22 July which left nine dead  was carried out by a German teenager of Iranian extraction but was not jihadist-related.

Angela Merkel, who interrupted her summer holiday to hold the news conference in Berlin, said the asylum seekers who had carried out the attacks had shamed the country that welcomed them.

But she insisted that those fleeing persecution and war had a right to be protected, and Germany would stick to our principles in giving shelter to the deserving.

Referring to the attacks that have taken place in France, Belgium, Turkey, the U.S. and elsewhere, she said taboos of civilisation had been broken, and they were intended to spread fear and hatred between cultures and between religions.

But in reference to her famous phrase Wir schaffen das or We can do this  uttered last year when she agreed to take in a million migrants  Merkel said: I am still convinced today that we can do it.

It is our historic duty and this is a historic challenge in times of globalisation. We have already achieved very, very much in the last 11 months.

Merkel said that besides organised terrorist attacks, there will be new threats from perpetrators not known to security personnel.

To counter this, she said: We need an early alert system so that authorities can see during the asylum request proceedings where there are problems.

Merkel added: We will take the necessary measures and ensure security for our citizens. We will take the challenge of integration very seriously.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 27/07/2016 (2284 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The federal and provincial governments have poured more than $130 million into the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill since Omnitrax Canada took over the assets in 1997 but industry officials believe it remains woefully undercapitalized.

The 877-kilometre rail line between The Pas and Churchill runs through several communities that rely on rail service as their only all-season surface transportation. But it is beset with rail bed challenges from the shifting tundra.

Gord Peters, the founder and chairman of the Brandon-based shortline operator, Cando Contracting, said it still needs a minimum of $200 million to get it up to industry standards.

Churchill Gateway Development Corp OmniTRAX photo Port of Churchill Manitoba

Thats the collective wisdom of rail industry experts and anyone who says they could do it for for say, $25 million, are dreaming, he said.

Omnitrax officials have refused to make any public statement for three days after layoffs at the Port of Churchill were announced on Monday and a reduction in freight service to Churchill from two trains per week down to one on Wednesday.

Late last year the company said it wanted to sell the port and the railway. Then in January it was disclosed that the Denver-based company was in discussions to sell the business to a consortium of Northern Manitoba First Nations.

For several months both sides said the negotiations were progressing but such a transaction now seems unlikely.

Meanwhile, grain shippers seem to have lost interest in Churchills northern port that once served as the terminal for up to 700,000 tonnes of grain shipped to Russia, the Middle East and South America annually.

And that is despite a Federal government incentive that was introduced in 2012, the year the former Harper government passed legislation ending the Canadian Wheat Boards marketing monopoly on Prairie grain. In the past, the wheat board was responsible for most of the grain shipped out of Churchill.

This year the incentive has been increased to $12 per tonne, up from $9.20. The subsidy is scheduled to end in 2017.

But companies like Richardson International, that regularly shipped tens of thousands of tonnes of grain annually through Churchill, are bypassing the northern port entirely.

As of today we have no shipments booked through Churchill this year, said Tracey Shelton, a spokeswoman for Winnipeg-based Richardson. And were not the only ones.

She said the company makes commercial decisions on where to ship grain based on a number of different factors, including the types of commodity being shipped and customer preferences.

In Richardsons case, it just opened a newly expanded $140-million terminal in Vancouver that it can ship between five and six million tonnes per year out of. It also owns three others and has an equity stake in two more located on the B.C. coast, Thunder Bay, Hamilton and Quebec.

There are certainly factors that make Churchill a challenge, she said. One, it handles very small volumes of grain and it has a very short shipping season.

It is expected that the 14 week season from the beginning of August to late October or early November will get extended now that the polar ice is breaking up due to global warming. But the lack of ice breakers and tug boats and less than ideal naval safety infrastructure means insurance rates are high and freighters are reluctant to call at the port.

And with huge demand and upgraded facilities on the west coast  not to mention all year service  grain shippers likely need more than a $12 per tonne incentive to use the Port of Churchill.

The port facilities definitely have challenges, Shelton said. It is an older facility and operating conditions are not prime.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 28/07/2016 (2283 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Asha the puppy is safe, sound and now, vets say, on her way to a full recovery.

The little German Shepherd pup was the victim of animal cruelty in a widely-shared video. After an X-ray and veterinary care, rescuers report she doesnt appear to have any fractures and she can walk and wag her tail, although she is clearly in pain and prefers to lie down.

Lindsay Gillanders, media co-ordinator for Manitoba Underdogs, said Asha will require regular veterinary attention for several months before she fully recovers. The dog was X-rayed at Dakota Veterinary Hospital Thursday.

SUPPLIED Asha was able to stand up when volunteers picked her up from the RCMP.

Despite the pain she is in, Asha is very sweet and loving, Gillanders said in an email. Shes enjoyed lots of yummy treats and warm snuggles from staff at both (veterinary) clinics.

Although her long-term prognosis is good, Gillanders said the vet found soft tissue damage and bruising from the over-extension of her body when she was thrown, and the impact when she hit the ground.

The video depicts a man throwing Asha and allowing her to hit the ground, and then walking away. The video was shared hundreds of times online, and on Wednesday, RCMP arrested 18-year-old Jesse Young of Easterville.

RCMP then turned Asha over to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, which rushed her to Winnipeg for veterinary care. Volunteers named her Asha  hope in Sanskrit, Gillanders said.

Initially, police were concerned Asha was paralyzed.

When our volunteers picked her up from the RCMP, we were immediately hopeful that her spine wasnt damaged, Gillanders said. Even though her back legs werent moving, she could wiggle her tail. She decided to surprise and delight us all by standing.

Young has been charged with causing unnecessary pain and injury to a dog and breach of undertaking, police said Thursday. He has been remanded into custody and will appear in court in The Pas on Tuesday.

Manitoba Underdogs is asking for donations to help cover the veterinary bills.

RCMP SUPPLIED Asha

Donations have started rolling in from the public, but her care is going to be so costly. We are already stretched thin with vet bills left from a few sick puppies in the spring, and Asha is going to be a huge drain on our finances, Gillanders said.

Theyre also receiving offers to adopt the puppy, but Gillanders said thats not going to be possible for several months. Asha will require veterinary attention and time before she can go home with somebody permanently. In the meantime, shell live with a foster family, with vet bills being paid by Manitoba Underdogs.

Lots of people have been calling, asking to adopt her, which is so sweet, but she wont be up for adoption probably for months and, to be honest, its the last thing on our minds, Gillanders said.

Obviously, shes terrified of people right now, she said, adding the public support has been impressive. Its just this outpouring of love for her  its pretty spectacular.

aidan.geary@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 28/07/2016 (2283 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government is floating the idea of a possible fee-based, two-tiered system for the release of adoption records and searches in response to severe wait times created by new legislation.

The backlog was created in July 2015 after the government passed legislation that unsealed 50,000 adoption records. Applicants waited upwards of seven months for their birth records during peak periods, and searches by the provinces post-adoption registry were left at a standstill, creating a six-year wait for a search to be conducted.

Families Minister Scott Fielding has ordered a comprehensive review into the solution for both backlogs. One idea, he noted in an interview Wednesday, would be to allow applicants to choose an expedited process if they want the records or a search conducted in a more timely fashion.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Peter Froese, a victim of the 60s Scoop, applied last year to get his adoption records that he hopes will illuminate why he was taken from his mother as a toddler.

Fielding didnt directly say a fee would be introduced for faster service, but noted an expedited process would help the overall list because there would be a potential revenue source that could come into it.

It will be for people who want the information right off the bat. But you (also) have to have a process where people can afford it, because obviously it is free to get some of these documents, Fielding said. I have asked the (Families) Department to look at how an expedited process could address the wait times.

The new legislation allowed birth parents and adoptees to request access to all their uncensored files. Manitobas post-adoption registry was flooded with more than 1,000 requests in the first year. To date, 1,040 of the 1,100 requests received in 2015 have been released. As the 2015 influx has dwindled, the wait time has dropped to three to four months from seven months in April. The department hopes to get the wait down to eight to 12 weeks in the near future.

Nahanni Fontaine, the NDPs families critic, believes an expedited, two-tiered system will further disadvantage the most vulnerable adoptees and families.

If if you look at the increase in numbers, it is predominately individuals from the 60s Scoop, and we know that they are not going to be on the same socio-economic field as others looking for their adoption records, said Fontaine. It is the governments responsibility to help facilitate these records for families and individuals. I didnt know government was in the art of doing business. My mind is blown by (the idea) of charging individuals to access their records quicker.

The backlog forced staff at the registry to cease doing requested searches for adoptees and birth parents. Instead, all resources were aimed at addressing the backlog of requests for birth records. Since 2008, there has been a severe staff shortage at the registry due to vacancies not being filled, according to a briefing note dated April 19.

In March 2015, under the Selinger government, two additional staff were added to registry staff. Fielding said he will wait to see what the department says in its review to see if additional staff is needed.

Peter Froese is one of the many adoptees waiting for his records to be unsealed.

I didnt know government was in the art of doing business. My mind is blown by (the idea) of charging individuals to access their records quicker NDP families critic Nahanni Fontaine

The 60s Scoop adoptee rushed to have his records unsealed when the government passed the legislation last year. Froese told the Free Press in July 2015 he had figured out the names of his parents from his own research and wanted the full dossier: his birth certificate, his medical history and especially any clues about why he was adopted. All Froese knows is he was taken from his mother on Roseau River First Nation more than 50 years ago and adopted into a Mennonite family.

Im hoping theres something in there that can help me breathe a little easier, he said in July 2015.

That moment still hasnt come, forcing Froese to checking his mailbox every day hoping for the long-sought answers to his past.

Multiple calls to the post-adoption registry and emails have resulted in no clear answer for Froese as to why the release of his records has been delayed. Fielding couldnt comment on Froeses case but said several records have been delayed if they involve multiple jurisdictions and other provinces.

Froeses birth mother died in the 1980s before he was able to meet her, but he wants to know her birth date and he wants to track down more family members. All he knows about his father is he lives in Quebec.

I want to learn more about my dad. Was he Metis? Was he full-blooded native? Plus, I have so many other health questions, Froese said.

The 54-year-old recently had a pacemaker put in and has suffered other medical complications.

It would be nice to know if there are heart problems on my dads side or on my moms side, Froese said. It is hard to hang on because I am not getting any younger, and I am always thinking about my own death. I want to resolve something before I die.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Families Minister Scott Fielding says delays are likely in cases with other jurisdictions.

Roy Kading, who operates Winnipeg-based Links Post-Legal Adoption Support, was shocked to learn wait times for searches had increased so severely. He remembers a time before 2008 when searches took a maximum of two years. The advocate for adoption rights runs the volunteer-based support group that helps reunite adoptees and birth families.

If that is how long it is taking, then it is not acceptable, Kading said. Its unfortunate because the longer it takes to find people time is of the essence in my mind. You cant just put a file away and forget about it for a few months because it could mean whether you are able to make contact or not.

kristin.annable@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 27/07/2016 (2284 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Omnitrax is now officially the most hated company in Churchill.

On Wednesday, the company made it known that it would be cutting its rail freight service in half to once per week which threatens to drive up the cost of food and other goods in Churchill and the North.

Its more devastating news to the northern community that days earlier was hit with the layoff of the entire unionized workforce at the Port of Churchill, effectively shutting down the countrys only deep sea Arctic port.

Officials from Omnitrax Canada as well as its head office in Denver continue to refuse to make any public statements about the developments that are bringing the Hudson Bay town of about 900 people to its knees.

Erwin Borau, manager of Tamarack Foods in Churchill which sells fresh produce and frozen meat said the reduced freight service is going to make it very tough for the whole town.

Besides all the layoffs which is bad for the community. this is going to be very difficult. We try to keep produce fresh but now everything will be five days old as soon as you unwrap it, he said. It makes no sense. The company does not give a st anyway.

In addition to the challenges faced with only one shipment per week, the trains used to arrive in the morning allowing for daytime deliveries of supplies to stores. Now it will arrive at 4:00 p.m. meaning fresh produce and everything else will have to sit one more day before delivery.

This is a disaster

Flin Flon NDP MLA Tom Lindsey criticized the provincial Progressive Conservative government Wednesday for failing to show more leadership about Omnitraxs abrupt decision to lay off port staff in Churchill.

This is a disaster for Northern Manitoba, said Lindsey. The loss of 10 per cent of Churchills jobs is devastating to the community, and the future of the port is now in doubt. The loss of freight shipments adds insult to injury and will almost certainly drive up food prices and limit access to necessary supplies.

Its the second time in two months that Omnitrax has tried to reduce freight service. Borau said he believed they had to return the service because one train per week was too full and freight was being laid up in Thompson.

Now they have gone completely backwards after they themselves figured out it didnt work, he said. This is the height of shipping season for stuff going up past Churchill to Nunavut. They are playing games obviously.

Its not clear exactly what the end game is. The company, which was the largest employer in town before Mondays layoffs, is losing whatever semblance of goodwill it might have had.

And considering the much touted strategic importance of the port and the Hudson Bay Railway, there are no solutions being presented by elected officials on Broadway or Ottawa.

A vessel loads up in the Port of Churchill.

A lack of leadership

Lindsey was sharply critical of Premier Brian Pallister and his cabinet for remaining silent on the matter since news broke late Monday that port employees had received layoff notices. The Progressive Conservative government has only issued statements.

The premiers silence shows a complete lack of leadership and an uncaring attitude towards the North, Lindsey told reporters at the Manitoba legislature Wednesday.

Late in the day, Indigenous and Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke issued a statement saying she had met with mayors of northern communities and First Nation leaders about the recent developments in Churchill.

She said, On behalf of our government, I communicated our commitment to the economic and social development of northern Manitoba. We continue to engage with the federal government on items within their jurisdiction. Our government will continue to work with our partners to ensure the continued availability of fresh food to northern communities.

The northern leaders told her they wanted a sustainable solution that included a re-nationalized or local ownership model for the Port of Churchill.

She said her government will soon launch a program for northern Manitoba that will facilitate partnerships to attract new companies, the development of entrepreneurial opportunities and the expansion of existing businesses.

She said the focus will be on the sustainable development of natural resources and the expansion of tourism-related opportunities.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The OmniTRAX Canadian corporate offices located in the building at 191 Lombard Ave.

Larry Kusch

Legislature reporter Larry Kusch didnt know what he wanted to do with his life until he attended a high school newspaper editors workshop in Regina in the summer of 1969 and listened to a university student speak glowingly about the journalism program at Carleton University in Ottawa. Read full biography
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 27/07/2016 (2284 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A teen charged with waving a replica gun around in the middle of the citys busiest intersection appeared in court Wednesday as mental-health officials continue to work on her case.

The 17-year-old girl is in custody at the Manitoba Youth Centre and has not applied for bail.

Hillarie Tasche, the defence lawyer appearing on the teens behalf, told court the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre is working on completing its evaluation report and asked that the proceedings resume on Aug. 5.

ALEXIS DEVITO PHOTO A masked woman was arrested after brandishing a gun in the middle of Portage and Main.

The girl spoke twice during her brief court appearance: once in reply to the judge to indicate that yes, she understood what was happening, and again to say a quick hello to her father, who waved to her from the other side of the prisoners box as she was being led back into custody.

The teen, who cant be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was arrested on July 19 after police received several calls about a masked woman wandering through traffic at Portage and Main and holding a gun to her head. Police tackled the individual to the ground, seized the gun  which turned out to be fake  just before 10 a.m. that Tuesday morning.

The 17-year-old has been charged with public mischief, causing a disturbance and possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 28/07/2016 (2283 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The recent announcement of the closure of the railway line to Churchill is a testament to the failure of leadership at several levels in Manitoba.

Earlier this week, it was announced Omnitrax was laying off its workforce and shutting down its operation. This is a failure that thwarts the possibility of a transfer of a significant northern infrastructure to a First Nations consortium that has presented a creative business plan for taking over vital transportation facilities serving its community. In the aftermath of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, this ownership could give meaning to a new spirit of co-operation and partnership with First Nations, especially in social enterprise and economic development.

Its a failure that ignores the unique potential of Churchill as Canadas only northern deep water port at a time when, because of the ice melt, new transportation routes and facilities are being developed in the North which have major security and economic implications for the country. In the eastern Arctic, the Russians are investing hundreds of millions of rubles in infrastructure for navigation, safety, coast guard and port facilities to create an east/west transit route. These moves by the Russians and the increasing activity of the Scandinavians threaten to cut us off from being a major entrance for goods and commodities moving from Asia and Europe.

This at a time when there is now available a substantial supply of infrastructure dollars in Canada but none designated to the North. Once again we are suffering from the myopia that our vision of Canadas real, northern boundary lies somewhere 300 kilometres above the U.S. border.

The record of failure has a long history. In the 1990s, when the federal Transport department was deregulating the Canadian port system, there was no interest from anyone in the Manitoban business community or the provincial government in taking it over. The only buyer was Denver-based Omnitrax, which over the years has spent substantial capital and has tried to diversify the market. A major stumbling block has been the refusal of the Department of Transport to provide appropriate navigation and tugboat services to enable a stretch in the Hudson Bay shipping season. The most significant blow was the Harper governments unilateral decision to shut down the Canadian Wheat Board, a major supplier of grain through Churchill,

A task force set up by the two governments to look at the effect of the closure was made up of one bureaucrat from each government with no input from the owners of the port and railway or from aboriginal leaders. More than 30 aboriginal communities depend on the rail line for their supplies and basic connections. The result of the task force was a short-term subsidy, which in no way equals the favourable advantage in present shipping rates to West Coast ports, and a vague proposal for a new port management, again without any consultation with those who would be directly affected in a new governance system.

This in turn brought to a standstill the work of the Churchill Gateway Development Corp. (I was chairman at the time) that was overseeing track and port improvements and marketing. The interest of the provincial government seemed to be on advancing their political interests in the north. The grain industry, knowing the shipping subsidy was coming to an end, decided it should move grain only through its own facilities on the West Coast and Thunder Bay, Ont.

Theres no way the announcement of closure should come as a surprise. For months there have been attempts to engage governments on the reality that with limited supplies moving through Churchill, combined with the prospect of major losses, the operation was at risk.

Perhaps more serious was the muted and low-key response to the proposal put forward by Chief Arlen Dumas of Mathias Colomb, the Manitoba grand chief and 15 other First Nation communities who have a track record of running a short-line railway. They presented a business plan that wasnt reliant on grain, but provided alternative items for shipping and set up a transportation system to Iqualuit.

Rather than imagining the possibilities for revitalization of the port and the railway, providing training and jobs for northern people and opening up access to new export and import opportunities, along with enhanced tourism and security for northern communities, there has been dithering and indecision.

Unless the closure of the rail line acts as a wake-up call to our leadership, Manitoba will have lost one of its most important assets and distinctive elements in shaping its future according to the values set out in the Truth and Reconciliation report.

Lloyd Axworthy is a former federal Liberal cabinet minister and the former chairman of the Churchill Gateway Development Corp. He is the chancellor of St. Pauls University College at the University of Waterloo.
Opinion

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This article was published 28/07/2016 (2283 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Why has terrorism devolved into its current odious form? This is the question we are confronted with as the spectre of indiscriminate, mass-casualty terrorism looms over us all.

The seemingly daily attacks, and in particular the images of the aftermath of the attack on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, join, in the collective consciousness, the horrors we have witnessed in recent years.

Terrorism is a form of violence that carries a political message beyond its immediate victims. More often than not, terrorisms intent is to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy. This is the core of what terrorism is, yet its manifestations are distinctly shaped by the ideologies that frame it and the conflicts in which it is bred.

INTELCENTER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Osama bin Laden (left) alongside a video of the chief of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who was killed in 2006

The terrorist tactic we are most familiar with today is the suicide bomb, which was refined during the Sri Lankan civil war in the 90s and later became a ubiquitous feature of the post-9/11 era, especially in countries such as Iraq where bombings are numbered in the thousands.

The intent of a suicide bombing, more often than not, is to create as many victims as possible. Its intent is to maximize fear. As we see in Nice, Orlando, Brussels, and Istanbul, todays indiscriminate terrorism has been broadened to include the use of coordinated small-arms attacks, the use of axes, knives and vehicles.

The immediate goal is the same  maximize terror and undermine our collective perceptions of security.

Tactics alone cannot wholly explain the current nature of terrorism. To fully understand it we must look to the context of the conflicts from which it has emerged  most especially in Syria and Iraq.

After the invasion, after the statue of Saddam Hussein fell in 2003 and the American Provisional Authority in Iraq dissolved the Iraqi state and its military, the country fell into chaos and unbridled sectarianism.

Out of that chaos emerged Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian high school dropout and former petty criminal who became a mass murderer and leader of a group that began calling itself al-Qaida in Iraq  the predecessor of the Islamic State.

A central idea that underpinned al-Zarqawis brand of terrorism, and later ISs tactics, is key to understanding the current forms of terrorism we witness today: anyone who disagreed with his political vision could be justifiably killed  man, woman or child. Shiite Muslims most especially, since the extremists consider them apostates, but really anyone who stood in their way.

Al-Zarqawi was a thug whose ideas were spawned by a perverted logic. The logic was relatively simple: use unrestrained violence and murder, in all its monstrous forms, to sow sectarianism and terror with the goal of causing the failure of the Iraqi state and the emergence of a new order  the so-called caliphate.

In Iraq, al-Zarqawi never saw his vision come to fruition (he was killed in a U.S. airstrike in 2006). However, his successors, IS and its current leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, with the help of a faltering Arab Spring, a civil war in Syria, and tens of thousands of foreign fighters, would see that vision realized.

We should not be surprised by what IS is, given its history and tactics: a genocidal, apocalyptic death cult.

Within this cycle of violence individuals and small groups, such as the ones who carried out the attacks in Nice and Orlando, have identified with the world view and ultra-violence of IS. Like al-Zarqawi, many of these individuals are thugs and criminals who seek out extreme forms of violence to express their rage and need for revenge. Their personal experience has led them to find meaning in the brutality of the death cult.

Understanding the nature of contemporary terrorism is important; it is a critical first step in addressing it. Now the difficult part: finding a way to bring the latest cycle of terrorism to an end.

John McCoy is the director of applied research with the Organization for Identity and Cultural Development and a lecturer at the University of Alberta in the department of political science.
Opinion

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This article was published 27/07/2016 (2284 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I have a mild fascination with Lost posters. They are at once tenacious and desperate and hopeful. Especially the sun-bleached, rain-smeared, staple-scarred ones, the ones that say, Im hanging in, Im holding on. Those posters offer little glimpses into other peoples lives. This persons charming tuxedo cat has a sense of adventure; that persons scruffy terrier mix is scared of loud noises. They are often, obviously, very upsetting. Ive always thought that telling someone to get lost is one of the meanest things a person can say.

They are also very easy to ignore.

But, if youre paying attention, you might stumble upon a hilarious gem. Such as Sarah Arkseys profanity-laced plea for the return of her shty bike  an elderly red Schwinn with a broken gear shift, a broken kickstand and a left brake held on by duct tape that was stolen from her yard in West Broadway sometime Saturday.

Sarah Arksey's "Lost" poster for her stolen bike, with the nastier words blacked out.

Most of her posters text is not family newspaper appropriate due to the sheer volume of F-bombs, but it is very funny  right down to the king can offered as a reward.

Arksey, 21, figures she only put up five or six of her posters. Free Press books editor/wine columnist Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson chanced upon one of them in Osborne Village, snapped a photo of it and posted it to social media.

Bens Facebook post now has over 3,000 shares on Facebook and over a thousand likes. Thats several thousand short of viral, technically, but its also several thousand more than five or six.

I was not expecting this at all, Arksey tells me. I thought, maybe Ill do something that will catch peoples attention and make them laugh. If I had put missing bike, call this number no one would have even looked at it. Which is kind of sad.

Shes probably right about no one looking at it. Catching peoples attention and convincing them to care about things can be a tough slog, especially in an age in which were bombarded by information all day long.

For her part, Arksey didnt set out to author the best stolen bike ad ever or a piece of highly shareable social media content. She set out to find her bike, and she did so in that most analog of ways, printing out and hanging up posters.

In the media industry, theres always a lot of talk about competing for eyeballs, but many of us are competing for eyeballs in some way these days  whether were trying to start a new business or were trying to get someone to engage with a piece or art we made or were trying to get a red Schwinn back. A Google search for how to stand out on social media yields 74,300,000 results. Were all shouting into the void and attention is fleeting. Maybe thats why I stop to read all those Lost posters that have no hope of going viral, with their bad fonts and pleading earnestness. Its a terrible feeling to think no one cares.

ZACHARY PRONG / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Sarah Arksey stands at the spot where bike was stolen, her lock still dangling from a post. Arksey's missing bike poster went viral on social media.

Arksey is happy to report that no one has abused her now widely shared cellphone number. And even though all those likes and shares havent led to the recovery of her bike, she says shes had her faith in humanity restored. For that one person that took my bike, theres 45 who are offering me theirs. I had someone call me offering me to buy me a bike. Its amazing.

jen.zoratti@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @JenZoratti
PHILADELPHIA  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind faced a row of TV cameras, surrounded by a small band of fellow Democratic rebels resolved to make their voices heard.

Kind, D-La Crosse, had just finished addressing Wisconsin delegates Wednesday morning at the Democratic National Convention.

Kind started speaking to reporters when about a dozen protesters encircled him, waving signs and heckling him for supporting the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Andrew Walsh, a Sanders delegate from Appleton, yelled about how the deal would affect Wisconsin union workers.

No TPP! No TPP! Walsh chanted, other protesters joining him.

Kind, his voice lost in the din, smiled, shook his head and walked away from the cameras.

Opposition to TPP, a proposed free-trade deal with Pacific Rim nations including Japan and Vietnam, was a key issue in this campaign for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and his supporters.

It has become a key fault line within the party at this convention. The TPP deal was put forth by President Barack Obama and is supported by some congressional Republicans.

Hillary Clinton, who became the Democratic nominee at the convention Tuesday night, has wavered on TPP. She initially spoke favorably about the deal, then came out against it last year as Sanders campaign was ascending.

While many Sanders supporters have fallen in behind Clinton at this convention, a small, vocal band of Sanders die-hards repeatedly and loudly have registered objections to Clinton and the views she and her allies hold.

The No TPP! chant has been one of their rallying cries, heard intermittently at places in and around the convention site, including on the convention floor Monday.

Whether enough of those Sanders backers support Clinton could determine if she beats Republican Donald Trump in November.

Wisconsin, with its large manufacturing base, is a state in which trade issues resonate. The state tilts Democratic in presidential years, but often is close enough that it could be up for grabs if Democrats are divided.

Kind, a 10-term Democrat from La Crosse, has been one of Obamas top allies in trying to steer the deal through Congress.

In the Aug. 9 primary, Kind faces a Democratic opponent, Myron Buchholz, who has emphasized his support for Sanders and opposition to TPP.

Matthew LaRonge is a Sanders delegate from Stevens Point who said he has worked on behalf of Buchholz. LaRonge said Wednesdays protest escalated when Kind promoted TPP in his speech, then declined to speak with protesters about their concerns.

He literally was trying to shove the TPP down our throats as we were eating breakfast, LaRonge said.

LaRonge, like many TPP critics, say it will lead to more U.S. jobs being outsourced.

Speaking to the Wisconsin State Journal after Wednesdays fracas subsided, Kind said TPP is poorly understood  in part because its supporters havent done enough to explain its benefits.

Obama has portrayed the deal as vital for the U.S. as it jockeys with China for influence over trade rules in East Asia.

Kind said the deal contains enforcement triggers to sanction member nations if they fail to abide by labor, human-rights and environmental standards  a point contested by its critics.

Theres confusion; people are conflating trade with trade agreements, Kind said. The trade thats going on absent trade agreements has not worked well for us: China, Brazil, India. We dont have trade agreements with those countries.

But when most people think of the adverse effects of trade, they think about those countries.

Kind asaid military leaders have expressed support to him for TPP on diplomatic and national security grounds.

Kind declined to say if he would support a congressional vote on the deal during the lame-duck session of Congress. Such a vote has been floated by supporters of the deal as possibly its only path forward, since both Clinton and Trump have come out against it.

Meanwhile Walsh, a union bookmaker, was asked if hell vote for Clinton in November.

Walsh responded that he wants to see how Clinton handles TPP and whether she pressures Kind and other Democrats against it.

She wants to have our backs? Walsh said. This is her chance.
An early-morning drive-by shooting Wednesday outside a Winona bar left one man dead, a second injured, and a lone suspected shooter in custody facing murder charges.

EBs Corner, on the 700 block of West Fifth Street, re-opened for business Wednesday to customers shaken by the incident shortly after 1 a.m., where 49-year-old Winona resident Ricky Darnell Waiters drove up to the bar around closing time, spoke to a group of people gathered outside, left for a short time, and then returned to fire a gun into the group, according to Winona police.

Robert Charles Johnson, 53, of Winona, was shot in the torso and pronounced dead shortly after being rushed by ambulance to Winona Health. A second man, Sean Patrick OBrien, 27, also from Winona, was shot in the leg and in stable condition Wednesday.

The motives for Wednesdays shooting werent clear. It wasnt known Wednesday whether either of the men knew Waiters, or had any involvement with him that night.

Friends and a listing for a GoFundMe account set up for OBrien and his medical expenses, which had drawn more than $800 in donations by Wednesday evening, said he was simply at his favorite bar, in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Further details are expected to emerge after Waiters makes his first appearance in Winona County District Court, where he will face presumptive charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault.

Johnson was remembered Wednesday by many for his music. He was frequently seen playing bluegrass at one local establishment or another  often with his band, Beet Root Stew, but also with any group that needed someone who could carry a tune.

Tanner Brethorst, who plays in another local bluegrass band, the Wide Awakes, said he often hung out and played music with Johnson after they met around 2007.

He gave me my first banjo, just because I was interested in playing it, he recalled.

Parker Forsell, who directs the Mid West Music Fest in Winona, met Johnson several years ago, and immediately struck up a conversation.

He was a kind-hearted soul and was always smiling. He could be a bit of a rascal at times  not in a mean way, but when he was drinking, he said.

Walters fled the scene after shooting, according to police, but was not on the run for long. Police, working off witness descriptions, soon discovered the vehicle Waiters fled in parked outside a downtown apartment on the 100 block of West Third Street. The Emergency Response Team and other responders surrounded the area and led neighboring residents out of their apartments as a precaution before making contact. Waiters was arrested without incident shortly before 7 a.m.

Winona police, with assistance from the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, continued to investigate Wednesday, searching and analyzing areas including the bars parking lot and along nearby Ewing Street, where Waiters was suspected of parking briefly before approaching the bar, as well as the downtown apartment and area where Waiters was arrested.

Waiters has no criminal record in Minnesota, outside of a petty misdemeanor seatbelt violation in 2013 in Olmsted County, according to court records.

The presumptive second-degree murder charge is the highest that can be charged by a prosecutors office; Minnesota law requires a grand jury to decide whether a first-degree charge is warranted.

Waiters case, if charged as expected, would become the third active homicide case in Winona County.

Kyle Benjamin Allers, accused of killing in May a Lewiston woman with whom he had an ongoing relationship, remains in custody facing second-degree murder charges. His next hearing is scheduled for September.

Reginald Alexander Burnett pleaded guilty earlier this month to aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree assault, for his role in the killing of a Winona man in a west-end apartment in October 2015; he is expected to be sentenced this fall.

The accused shooter in that case, Lonnie Lavonte Keymone Hudson, is in custody awaiting trial, facing charges of first- and second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, three counts of second-degree assault, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Winona

Wednesday

1:56 p.m.  A 2001 blue Dodge Durango, Minnesota license 553 ECZ, was reported missing from a residence on the 650 block of Grand Street.

3:28 p.m.  A wallet and contents were reported missing from the Winona Family YMCA.

6:45 p.m.  Charges of domestic assault (causing harm), obstructing the legal process, and fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance (prescription medications) were referred against a 17-year-old Winona boy following an incident on the 400 block of East Fifth Street.

Thursday

12:14 a.m.  Charges of second-degree drunken driving were referred against Abby Lea Barickman, 23, La Crosse, by officers investigating a reported suspicious vehicle parked on the 50 block of Brickyard Lane. Her blood-alcohol level was .24.

1:47 a.m  Terrence David Burkhater, 21, Kenyon, Minn., was cited for possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop near West Fifth and McBride streets.

4:57 a.m  A vehicle parked on the 850 block of West Broadway was entered and cash and CDs taken. Two men fled on foot but evaded capture.

Winona County

Thursday

12:39 a.m.  Charges of domestic assault (causing harm) and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon were referred against Lyda Ann Katlin, 37, Minnesota City, after she hit a 37-year-old man with a bat at a residence in Hidden Valley.
To be born white and wealthy remains the key to success in Minnesota public schools.

While two-thirds of white Minnesota students tested using the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment demonstrated proficiency in reading, math and science, just slightly more than one-third of black, Hispanic, and students qualified for free and reduced price lunches did so.

Results in Winona Area Public Schools reflected the same trends as statewide statistics.

Results of the 2016 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments were released by the Minnesota Department of Education Thursday. The tests are administered annually in the spring in all Minnesota public schools. Mathematics and reading tests are given in grades 38 and high school. The science test is given to students in grades 5 and 8, and again in high school.

This years test results show only slight variations from the results posted in 2015  a movement up or down by a percentage point or two in virtually all cases. Since the scores of a different group of students is recorded in each grade level with each year, the MCA results provide just a one-day snapshot of the schools overall academic status that does not necessarily reflect progress  or lack of it  in individual students as they move from grade to grade.

However, certain disparities have remained significant and persistent over time. Low-income students and students of color have persistently lagged significantly behind their more affluent, white peers and continue to do so, demonstrating uneven and incremental progress despite focused efforts.

It is disappointing to see the slow pace of progress, Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said in a statement accompanying the release of this years test results.

Winona Area Public Schools superintendent Stephen West agreed, writing that a combination of factors, including the growing complexities of family life, poverty, mental illness and others, combined with declining state and federal support for serving children who need the most help, all contribute to the results.

Throughout the district, we have many students who have experienced childhood trauma and/or live with a mental illness, and a percentage of our students live in poverty, which is a strong indicator of student success, he wrote.

We have seen a steady decline in services and interventions, such as social services and Title I, due to budget reductions and constraints from both the state and federal levels. Additionally, we continue to struggle to find the resources to serve the range of needs of our special education students.

Overall, 59.7 percent of Minnesota students showed themselves to be proficient readers, an achievement recorded by 67.8 percent of white students, but only 34.6 percent of black kids, 37.6 percent of Hispanic students, and 40.2 percent of students from low income households.

Statewide test scores in math and science reveal a similar pattern, with the percentage of white students demonstrating proficiency roughly double the average percentage of black, Hispanic, and low income students posting similar scores.

Closing achievement gaps is possible, but I am becoming increasingly convinced that we cannot do it alone, Cassellius said. The only way we will close these stubborn gaps is if we address with equal urgency the opportunity gaps outside of school that impact childrens likelihood of school success.

For the most part, Winona Area Public Schools students lagged behind state averages, with only 56.8 percent of white, 28.8 percent of black, and 37.1 percent of low-income students tested reading proficiently last spring. Scores for Hispanic students slightly exceeded the state average at 37.7 percent, but overall only 52.9 percent of Winona students scored as proficient readers.

Winonas test scores fell below state averages in math and science as well, with 54.3 percent of WAPS students scoring as proficient in math, compared to 59.4 percent statewide; and 46.2 percent in science as compared to 54.7 percent across Minnesota.

A marked degree of weariness with the testing itself was evident in a dramatic surge in the number of parents who opted their kids out of the MCAs last spring.

While still a very small fraction of the 435,130 students tested in math and 439,172 tested in reading, the 4,371 students held out of the math test and 3,367 opted out of the reading test more than and nearly double the 1,736 opted out of both exams in 2015 and an explosive increase over the 156 and 159 held out in 2013.

The record number of students opting out of tests this year reflects the growing sentiment by teachers, parents and students that one single test is not an effective measure of student knowledge, Cassellius said. Even though the new Every Student Succeeds Act requires that we continue testing, I will be working with teachers and parents on their appropriate place in our new accountability system.

Education Minnesota President Denise Specht was blunter with her reactions on behalf of the organization.

It is always frustrating to see how little useful data we get for all the time and taxpayer money spent on standardized tests, Specht said in a statement. The MCA results arrive too late to help any individual teacher or student, and we still dont know what the aggregated data actually measure.

Are we quantifying a mismatch between what was taught and tested? Did the school buy the right test prep materials? Are we testing what the students learned, or just the students skill at taking tests? Is it the quality of the learning environments, or the support the students receive at home? Could it be how much parents read to their kids? Luck? How many students were hungry, homeless or sick on testing days? Without that context, the MCA scores are numbers without much real meaning.

The only way we will close these stubborn gaps is if we address with equal urgency the opportunity gaps outside of school that impact childrens likelihood of school success. Brenda Cassellius, state education commissioner
If people thought Heironim Derdowski a troublemaker, he wasnt bothered a bit.

I do not keep back the truth in my writings, Derdowski said in 1899, and for that reason gain enemies among the bad people.

Poet, journalist and soldier of fortune, Derdowskis reputation spanned two continents and two centuries, all packed into a lifetime of 50 years.

He was born March 9, 1852, in the lakeside fishing village of Wiele in what was then Prussia, Russia, or Poland, depending on the most recent war fought and treaty signed. No matter what flag flew overhead, the people of Wiele and the surrounding region clung with fierce pride to their identity as Kashubian Poles. The pride of his people was imparted to Heironim from childhood and set him at odds with the proper authorities from first contact.

Prussia, the political authority of the moment, had embarked on a vigorous program of Germanization, including the mandatory use of the German language in the schools. Young Derdowski found himself in an ongoing battle with school authorities. and at 16, quit school in Poland and went to Rome.

Rome in 1868 was probably the wrong place for a boy with a nose for trouble. Italy was in political upheaval, with the forces of French Emperor Napoleon III propping up the Popes control of Rome and the Papal States. Spurred by a sense of duty to defend his Church, Derdowski enlisted in the French army and was assigned to the papal guards.

On July 19, 1870, Napoleon III declared war on Prussia, a war that was a disaster for France. Napoleon was deposed, and the Papal States fell to the forces of Italian unification, and Derdowski found himself in a tattered uniform on the streets of Paris. He landed a job in a distillery to earn enough get back to Poland where he returned to his studies and earned a spare living as a tutor.

In 1877 he returned to Rome to make an abortive attempt at the priesthood. Finding the clerical collar ill-fitting, he returned to Poland, taking a job editing a newspaper in the city of Torun, about 70 miles southeast of his birth place.

In Torun, he made his name as a literary figure. He wrote prolifically, in prose and poetry, of the lives, dreams and ambitions of the Kashubian people: fiery patriotic works like The Kashubs in Vienna and his most famous poem, O Panu Czorlin skim  the humorous tale of Mrs. Czolinskis trip to Putzk to buy fishing nets. His writings earned him the enmity of the authorities. Five times he was hauled before a German judge and tossed into a German jail for his intemperate opinions.

By 1885 the editorship of the Torun Gazette was losing its luster. Not only was Derdowski tiring of spending his spare time in dank Prussian lockups, Heironim Derdowski was in love.

Her name was Joanna Lubowiecka. He heard her singing in an amateur theatrical and fell head over heels. In time, she reciprocated, but the ladys family did not share in her infatuation. A hot-headed writer with a propensity for prison was not the most promising son-in-law.

Resolved to do something about it, in May 1885 he mortgaged his inheritance for 300 crowns and booked passage to America.

Fluent in eight languages, he landed in New York and took a job as a compositor with a German and Polish newspaper. Lured by promise of greater opportunity and the comradeship of growing Polish communities, he moved west, first to Chicago, then to Detroit, where he became the editor of the Polish Pilgrim.

He was contacted by Rev. Romvald Byzewski, pastor of St. Stanislaus Church in Winona who invited Derdowski to take the reins of the Wairus, a Polish language newspaper published in Winona.

Eighteen months after landing, secure financially and in a position of appropriate prestige, Derdowski sent word to Joanna. She landed in New York, boarded a train, and on Oct. 29, 1877, she and Heironim married in La Crosse.

In Winona, the honeymooning couple were met by the Polish Legion Band and paraded to their apartment above the offices of the Wairus at Second and Carimona streets.

Derdowski was no better at staying out of trouble in America than he had been in Europe. In 1899 he was hauled into federal court, accused by one Louis Niemo of sending obscene material through the U.S. Mail.

Derdowski had published an account of a scandalous liaison between a Mme. Niemojewska and the Prussian governor of Poland during the Polish revolt of 1861-1864. While she wallowed in luxury, the blood of Polish youth flowed on the field of battle, and so depraved was the woman that her two little sons were sold to the Polish Jews.

By this time a lifetime of battles, aggravated by his 400-pound bulk, had taken their toll. He had already suffered a paralytic stroke and was just three years away from the stroke that would claim his life.

After his death in 1902, Joanna took up his duties at the Wairus. The paper published until 1919, when declining circulation and wartime newsprint shortages forced it to cease publication in Winona. On April 3, 1929, Joanna dropped dead on the sidewalk in front of her home at 700 1/2 E. Fifth St.

About an hour before her death she was outdoors, chatting and laughing with her neighbors, apparently in good health, The Republican-Herald reported. She was 70 years old.
A Winona County sheriffs deputy has received a new honor for cracking down on drunk drivers.

Chad Myers was recognized at Wednesday nights Minnesota Twins game as one of 40 law enforcement officers, troopers, deputies and prosecutors named DWI Enforcer All-Stars by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, the department announced.

Myers was tops on the list of sheriffs departments statewide, with 102 DWI arrests made in 2015. Jake Heckert of the Edina Police Department topped police agencies with 119 stops. Peter Schultz, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper, was tops overall with 201 stops.

In 2015, the all-stars made 2,165 combined DWI arrests across Minnesota, protecting countless innocent lives from being changed forever, the department said in a release. An average day in 2015 consisted of 69 DWI arrests in Minnesota, a crime that is completely preventable.

Its the numbers you dont see that count, Myers told the Daily News in December 2015, when he was honored for his number of DWI arrests, as well as his DWI hat tricks  three DWI arrests in a single shift, and in one case, four. Those numbers, he said, are the people who werent killed, werent injured, didnt suffer the loss of a loved one, because an impaired driver was taken off the road before a tragedy could happen.

For Myers, doing the job and doing it well is motivated by personal experience. Ten years ago, a close friend and co-worker was killed by a drunk driver.

That hit close to me, Myers said. I didnt want to see other family members, people I knew, go through what my friends family went through.

One in seven Minnesotans has a DWI on their record and thats simply unacceptable, said Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. While DWI arrests have continued to decline over the years, we still have a long way to go.

The overall trend in Minnesota shows fewer motorists losing their lives due to alcohol. In 2015, 95 people died from drunk driving-related crashes, compared with 103 people in 2011, an 8 percent decline.
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In 1903, a bronze plaque with a poem titled "The Colossus" was placed at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Written in 1883, with the purpose of raising funds for the construction of the pedestal of the statue, it reads, in part:

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Today, a leading presidential candidate is advocating to turn our country 180 degrees from what is engraved on the base of Lady Liberty.

I do not particularly care for the Democratic candidate, either. However, I would ask that everyone, whether you are white, black, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Polish, Irish, Hispanic, etc., to keep a copy of the above poem. Read it on election day before you cast your ballot and ask yourself: "Where would I be but for Lady Liberty and the willingness of this country to accept the 'huddled masses' from other countries 'yearning to breathe free'"?

Vote for whoever you think can reignite the lamp and keep the "golden door" open. Unfortunately, your ballot might be marked "none of the above."
Today

Musical program: 10 a.m., Reedsburg Public Library, 370 Vine St., Reedsburg. Musician Duke Otherwise. For more information, visit www.dukeotherwise.com.

Book club: 1 p.m., Sauk City Public Library, 515 Water St., Sauk City. Readers can bring a lunch and snack while discussing Wild by Cheryl Strayed. All are welcome. Copies of the book are available at the library.

Hospice training: 5-9 p.m., Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care, 1670 South Blvd., Baraboo. Volunteers to visit and provide companionship for patients are needed. For more information, call 608-327-7163.

Teen Tuesday: 6:30 p.m., Ruth Culver Community Library, 540 Water St., Prairie du Sac. Teens can play games and do karaoke. Suited for grades 6-12. For more information, call 643-8318 or visit www.pdslibrary.org.

Shrader fundraiser: 5-7 p.m., Js Pub & Grill, 280 Viking Dr., Reedsburg, Wine and Cheese, Shrader for Wisconsin fundraiser; with local wines and cheeses.

Concert: 7 p.m., Baraboo Concerts on the Square, the National Convention Windjammers Circus Band, Sauk County Courthouse lawn, downtown Baraboo. The Al. Ringling Mansion will serve as the rain site. For more information, call 608-356-8333.

Astronomy: 9-10 p.m., Devils Lake State Park. University of Wisconsin Astronomers will lead Universe in the Park. Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. In case of rain, presentation will be in the Nature Center. For more information, call 608-356-8301.

Friday, July 29

Reedikulus Day: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Reedsburg Revitalization Organization, downtown Reedsburg. Many events including a sidewalk sale, food and kids activities in City Park. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/reedsburgrevitalizationorganization.

Brat fry: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council No. 3099, brat stand, Piggly Wiggly, 724 Phillips Blvd., Sauk City. All proceeds go to local youth events and local families in need.

Reedikulus brat fry: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Reedsburg Knights of Columbus, Reedsburg IGA. Proceeds will go to the Wisconsin Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Team Wisconsin 2018 fund.

Reedikulus culture stand: 3-7 p.m. Wormfarm Institute, City Park and the corner of Main and Walnut streets, Reedsburg. Food vendors and a free clay workshop.

Reedikulus Art Crawl: 5-9 p.m., Reedikulus Day, downtown Reedsburg. Free walking tour featuring local and regional artists. Art crawl maps are available at Blue Heron, 170 E. Main St., during business hours and on the night of the walk. For more information, visit www.reedsburgartslink.org.

Reedikulus concert: 5-9 p.m., Swifkick, City Park, Reedsburg. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/reedsburgrevitalizationorganization.

Movie: 1 p.m., Sauk City Public Library, 515 Water St., Sauk City. The third installment in the Kung-Fu Panda movie series. Rated PG; 95 minutes. Popcorn and bottled water served. Adults must accompany children younger than 5 years old. All are welcome. For more information, call 643-8346 or visit www.saukcitylibrary.org.

Lyme disease support group: 6:30-8 p.m. Hillsboro Public Library, 819 High Ave., Hillsboro. Monthly meeting for people afflicted with lyme borrelia burgdorferi and other tick-bourne diseases in Vernon, Monroe, Sauk and Richland counties. For more information, call Gary Cepek at 608-489-2725 or email garycepek@yahoo.com.

Live performance: 7 p.m., Al. Ringling Theatre, 136 Fourth Ave., Baraboo. The Wizard of Oz presented by Stage III Theatre for Youth. General admission $8, students and seniors $7, box seats $12.

Live performance: 8 p.m., Sauk Prairie Theatre Guild, Play the Hand Youre Dealt, Park Hall, 307 Polk St., Sauk City. There will be an accompanied discussion after the play. Tickets are $6 for students/seniors and $8 for adults and are available at River Arts on Water, 590 Water St. in Prairie du Sac and at the door.

Bat watch: 8:45 p.m., Devils Lake State Park. Watch bats emerge from the bat condo from your lawn chair on the north shore, near the boat launch. Bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids. For more information, call 608-356-8301.

Saturday, July 30

Brat fry: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council No. 3099, brat stand, Piggly Wiggly, 724 Phillips Blvd., Sauk City. All proceeds go to local youth events and local families in need.

Dog wash: 2-5 p.m., Hill-Dale Vet Hospital, 536 Berkley Blvd., Baraboo. Cost is $10 per dog. All dogs must be on a leash and current on rabies vaccination. Bring a towel. Silent auction proceeds to the Baraboo Police K9 Unit.

Kayaking: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Devils Lake State Park. Bring a kayak, canoe or boat or rent one at the Chateau. A guided tour to observe wildlife and learn about the parks geology and history. Meet at the Chateau. Call 608-356-8301 ext. 140 to check availability.

Live performance: 7 p.m., Al. Ringling Theatre, 136 Fourth Ave., Baraboo. The Wizard of Oz presented by Stage III Theatre for Youth. General admission $8, students and seniors $7, box seats $12.

Live performance: 8 p.m., Sauk Prairie Theatre Guild, Play the Hand Youre Dealt, Park Hall, 307 Polk St., Sauk City. There will be an accompanied discussion after the play. Tickets are $6 for students/seniors and $8 for adults and are available at River Arts on Water, 590 Water St. in Prairie du Sac and at the door.

Sunday, July 31

Musical worship: 9:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 148 N. Park St., Reedsburg. Simply Sax performs during worship service in the church sanctuary.

Ice cream social: 4-7 p.m., North Freedom United Methodist Church, 301 E. Walnut St., North Freedom. Brats, hot dogs, barbecue, pie, cake and ice cream with toppings.

Concert: 6-8 p.m., Devils Lake State Park. Swing Crew on the north shore, just outside the Chateau. For more information, call 608-356-8301.

Monday, Aug. 1

Senior writing Group: 10:30 a.m. to noon, Baraboo Area Senior Center, 124 Second St., Room 24, Baraboo. There is no cost for this program. For more information, call Diane Pillsbury at 608-356-8464.

Injury prevention: 6:30-7:45 p.m., Sauk City Public Library, 515 Water St., Sauk City Dr. Kevin Wait and his assistants from Sport and Spine Clinic will discuss ways to prevent injuries while exercising. For more information, call 643-8346 or visit www.saukcitylibrary.org.

Tuesday, Aug. 2

Teen Tuesday: 6:30 p.m., Ruth Culver Community Library, 540 Water St., Prairie du Sac. Teens can decorate Funny Face Cookies. Peanut butter and/or nuts will be used. Suited for grades 6-12. For more information, call Meagan at 608-643-8318 or visit www.pdslibrary.org.

National Night Out: 6-8 p.m., Sauk Prairie Safe Community Coalition, Marion Park, Prairie Du Sac. Sauk County Search and Rescue helicopter landing; explore fire trucks, bucket trucks, ambulance, helicopter; learn fire safety; first aid tools; internet crimes safety; dog bite safety; personal safety; drug awareness and prevention; crime prevention. For more information, call 608-963-2716.

Pasture walk: 6-8 p.m., Wright Farm, E505 Penshorn Road, Wonewoc. Sauk County Conservation Department will host the walk to learn about mob and rotational grazing. For more information, contact Aaron Pape at 608-355-4842 or apape@co.sauk.wi.us.

Dinner meeting: 6:30 p.m., Sauk Prairie Community Club, Junge Park, Sauk City. Catering by TJs, bring a beverage. To check availability, call 262-853-3966 or email tee.elle@sbcglobal.net.

Memoir writing: 6:30 p.m., Baraboo Public Library, 230 Fourth Ave., Baraboo. Free workshop open to the public. For more information, call 608-356-6166.

Wednesday, Aug. 3

Senior adult coloring: 10 a.m. to noon, Adult Coloring Time at Baraboo Area Senior Center, 124 Second St., Room 24, Baraboo. Bring a coloring book and coloring tools or use those that are available. There is no cost for this program. For more information, call Diane Pillsbury at 608-356-8464.

Senior cafe visit: 10-11 a.m., The Yarn Arts Cafe will offer Baraboo Area Senior Center members free coffee and snacks at 401 Oak. St., Baraboo. Classes for seniors will be discussed. For more information, call Diane Pillsbury at 608-356-8464.

Concert: 6:30 p.m., Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, First Avenue Acoustic, City Park, Reedsburg. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, concessions, no vehicles or pets. For more information, call 608-524-2850. In case of inclement weather, signs will be posted.
An illustrated childrens book telling the story of George Archibalds friendship with a domesticated crane is available for readers of all ages.

Dancing With Tex: The Remarkable Friendship to Save the Whooping Cranes by Lynn Sanders is a personal tale that George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, told Sanders more than two decades ago.

While she was working on a video project at the Crane Foundation in 1995, Archibald told Sanders off camera about his friendship with a rare whooping crane named Tex. The bird had been imprinted, or domesticated by a zookeeper, so she believed people were part of her natural family and avoided other birds.

At that time in the 1970s, whooping cranes were on the verge of extinction, so it was important for Tex to reproduce. However, cranes perform a mating dance before laying eggs, and Tex had no mate to dance with because she didnt get along with other birds. Archibald took it upon himself to become Texs dancing partner.

After six years of dancing, Tex was able to lay an egg, and her offspring helped save the whooping cranes. Archibald even made an appearance on the Johnny Carson show to tell the story in 1982.

This is a very important historical story that I think everyone should know about, Sanders said. It raises environmental awareness among youth and also promotes positive values like having faith and perseverance in pursuing your dreams.

Sanders is president of Difference Makers Media and has helped a wide range of clients tell their stories through a variety of mediums for the past 30 years. She said her goal is to bring people more positive media.

We need more positive stories so that we can be more inspired and motivated and make a difference in the world in whatever we do, she said.

Rick Fox is a former board member of the International Crane Foundation and said Archibald is one of his environmental heroes. He also is familiar with Sanders work.

I think she did a remarkable job with this, Fox said. She took a remarkable science story and turned it into a feel-good childrens book.

It took nearly a decade for the story to reach its final form. At one point the story was almost published by a traditional press, but the company ran out of funding. Sanders and two of her colleagues then adapted the story into a childrens musical in 2008, and it ran two nights at the former Theatre Building Chicago before the theatre was sold.

But like Tex and Archibald, Sanders said she was able to persevere.

Its so important for people to realize that they can do something positive to make a difference, she said.
I am taking this opportunity on behalf of all employees of the Beaver Dam Police Department to thank the citizens for their generous support, donations and assistance.

Over the past several weeks, citizens have sent letters, donated food, assisted us with information, sent emails and thanked officers for their service. All this is greatly appreciated and means a lot to our employees. A lot of citizens want their name to remain anonymous, so I cannot thank them personally.

Understanding recent challenges, we call on the community to continue to work with law enforcement to address issues of mutual concerns, identify solutions, modify rhetoric, and ensure a safer community for our citizens and employees.

Sadly, the events in this country once again demonstrate the profound dangers law enforcement face and witness on a daily basis. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to confront crime and violence in our community. They do this because they took an oath to safeguard their fellow citizens. They have pride, believe in the oath and they feel an allegiance to the citizens they protect and the community they serve.

Here is just one of many examples of citizens helping officers.

Officers were involved in a lengthy foot pursuit with a male subject involved in a fight at an apartment. There was a citizen that called and reported a sighting of this male suspect. This witness gave a location and direction of travel on this male suspect. The officer observed another male on the sidewalk waving at him and pointing easterly with his hands as if he was pointing out the suspect. The officer then saw at least two other citizens pointing easterly as if they were pointing out the suspect.

The officer then observed the suspect running easterly on the north sidewalk of a street and run into a parking lot. The officer drove his squad into this parking lot and made numerous orders for suspect to lie on the ground. The officer could hear other citizens yelling towards him, asking if he needed help. The officer began taking this male into custody as he lay on the ground. A citizen then asked again if the officer needed help. The officer then asked this male if he would come and take control of one arm of the prisoner by holding down the arm while he awaited other officers to come to the scene. Thank you.
The Columbia County Sheriffs Office is seeking help from the public to identify a man who broke into a Pardeeville Piggly Wiggly store on Monday morning, stealing from the store safe.

From the outset, authorities have little to work with to identify the subject, who could be seen in security camera footage entering the store around 1 a.m., dressed completely in black, with nothing exposed but his eyes.

The suspect is thought to be Caucasian, between 5  feet and 5 feet 9 inches tall, with an average build. After cutting phone lines to the store, the burglar got into the store by breaking in one of the doors. After entering the store, carrying a camouflage backpack, the man used crowbars and other tools to open the safe, taking an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect was in the store for two hours, leaving at 3 a.m. with the money and, authorities believe, at least one other person who acted as lookout during the operation.

That morning the Sheriffs Office received a report at 6:30 a.m., of a break-in at the store. It remained closed an extra hour that morning as detectives and deputies processed the scene.

If anyone has any information about the burglary, they are asked to call Sgt. Mike Haverley of the Columbia County Sheriffs Office at 608-742-4166 or to call Columbia County Crime Stoppers at 800-293-8477.
A Verona man charged with burglary was sentenced to five years of probation to follow the two years in prison he is now serving in a uniquely optimistic sentencing hearing on Wednesday afternoon.

Jeff Frey, 39, appeared in court entering a plea of no contest to a single count of felony burglary.

Judge W. Andrew Voigt asked about the status of the case after apparent initial disagreement.

I think were agreed at this point, said Assistant District Attorney Troy Cross, explaining that the joint recommendation would be for Frey to repay around $3,700 of restitution and $500 in court costs, having his sentence withheld, pending five years of probation.

I believe he is currently serving sentences,  said Cross. And he will be in for close to two years and then three years [probation] before even starting this.

Frey is serving a two-year sentence at Oshkosh Correctional Institution in connection with a burglary in Juneau County. He and Heather Murphy, 39, of Verona, had been arrested and were being held at Juneau County Jail on Oct. 28, 2014, when the Sheriffs Office there received a call from a Columbia County Sheriffs Office detective.

A woman in the town of Leeds called the Columbia County Sheriffs Office on Oct. 21 when she came home at 5 p.m. to find that someone had broken into her house. Things were out of place, the door frame was broken and the small dog that was in the kennel was reportedly shaking and in distress.

Missing from the house was a jewelry box that the woman guessed to be worth between $5,000 and $10,000, along with a $600 camera and $300 lens.

In the hearing Wednesday defense attorney Roger Klopp explained that Freys offense was among a handful of charges that he had collected, including a Dane County case that has yet to be resolved, in the midst of a growing drug addiction problem.

If he does get in trouble he has a significant hammer hanging over his head in this case, said defense attorney Roger Klopp.

Speaking for himself, Frey agreed that at the heart of the issue was a need for drug treatment, also referring to the victim impact statement: She said, If you cant feel safe in your own home I feel sorry about that.

The risk to you wasnt just of getting caughtthey could have had a big dog said Voigt.

Or a gun. Frey jumped in.

Yes, thats where I was going, said Voigt. I think youre getting it. That is as accurate of a read of a victim impact statement as I have seen in a long time.

Voigt returned to explaining in full, his appreciation that no one had been home or had been armed which could have led to any number of immeasurably worse scenarios, as Frey nodded and agreed throughout.

You have piled up enough consequences to get some real help, Voigt said referring to Freys time in prison during which he will be eligible for drug treatment, followed by years of supervision through probation.

Also, 12  years is a lot of motivation, Voigt said of Freys potential sentence if he were to fail before finishing his 10 years of supervision. Again Frey vigorously agreed.

And I dont want to think about it, said Voigt, before wishing Frey the best in not seeing him again in court.
Chip clip? Soda can insulator? Pen? Career at a maximum-security prison?

A first-time commercial exhibit at the Columbia County Fair is offering, in addition to the usual fair swag, something unusual.

Starting Wednesday afternoon, and for the run of the fair through Sunday, employees of the Columbia Correctional Institution at Portage will be on hand to tell fairgoers about a variety of jobs that need to be filled.

Were hiring all kinds of people, not just correctional officers, said Sasha Ripley, a teacher at CCI. Were looking for people in the kitchen, the business office, the warehouse 

And, were looking for correctional officers, chimed in Theresa Vant Hoff, who works in human resources.

Vant Hoff said a county fair is an excellent venue to meet residents of the county in which a Wisconsin Department of Corrections institution is located  residents who might not know that there are jobs available.

The DOC has been in the news recently due to ongoing challenge with hiring and retaining staff, partly in the wake of the 2011 state law, commonly called Act 10, which eliminated most collective bargaining rights for most Wisconsin public employees.

In May, DOC Secretary Jon F. Litscher announced a pay raise for corrections officers, a move aimed at retaining more staff. But some current workers greeted the announcement with skepticism, because they said other challenges, like worker safety, had yet to be addressed.

Many people think, Ripley said, that being a corrections officer is the only job available at CCI. In fact, she said, she didnt know that DOC institutions hired teachers until a friend told her. After transferring from another DOC institution, she said, shes been working at CCI since February.

People from other DOC facilities have had fair booths at other county fairs, Vant Hoff said, but this is the first time that CCI has had a Columbia County Fair presence.

On Wednesday afternoon, many of the fairs commercial exhibits werent yet up and running  which is why Ripley and Vant Hoff were pleasantly surprised at the steady traffic at their booth in the Bidwell Building.

One visitor, for example, stopped to ask about opportunities, and said he might pass on the information to friends. When the visitor noted that he has a relative whos incarcerated in a county jail, Ripley and Vant Hoff replied that this situation would not disqualify him from working at CCI.

Ripley said anyone who asks about CCI work gets  in addition to the swag  a business card with a web address for applications.

Or, a visitor can write on a blank index card (provided at the booth) his or her contact information, and he or she may indicate which CCI jobs might be of interest. Someone from CCI will get back to them immediately, Ripley said.
One Nebraska startup will get a $100,000 boost when AOL co-founder Steve Case brings his "Rise of the Rest" bus tour to Lincoln this fall.

That's probably reason enough for entrepreneurs and city leaders to celebrate landing a coveted bus stop on Case's fifth tour. But there's as much or more to gain from a day-long pep rally of sorts aimed at opening eyes -- and wallets.

"What we've learned from places like Silicon Valley is it does take a little fearlessness and a sense of rallying around entrepreneurs, cheering them on to be successful and not sitting on the sidelines kind of critiquing why they're going to fail," Case said by phone on Wednesday.

Case, who is now chairman of venture capital firm Revolution LLC, announced Thursday that he will visit Nebraska on Oct. 3, kicking off Lincoln's Startup Week. Other cities on the bus tour will be Denver on Oct. 4, Salt Lake City on Oct. 5, Albuquerque on Oct. 6 and Phoenix on Oct. 7.

While in Lincoln and Omaha, Case will visit with dozens of local startups, accelerators and incubators; hold public events with local entrepreneurs, investors, elected officials, civic leaders and others to discuss the local startup ecosystem; and host a $100,000 pitch competition with a panel of all-star judges who decide which companies he will invest in.

Interested startups need to apply for a spot in the pitch competition at riseofrest.com.

"We typically get over 100 applications in a city and we end up picking eight or 10," Case said. "Even though one ends up winning and I write a personal $100,000 check to them, everybody on that stage gets more visibility from the community, from the press and potentially from other investors, so it is a way for companies to kind of break out and get noticed."

Case started the Rise of the Rest tours in 2014 to bring attention and money to startup companies in cities outside of California, New York and Massachusetts. Businesses in those states received about 75 percent of U.S. venture capital investment in 2015.

Case has invested more than $2 million in startup companies in the 19 cities where the tour has stopped.

Lincoln, Omaha and the other cities were chosen for this tour from hundreds of cities that were nominated.

We are thrilled for Lincoln to host the Rise of the Rest Tour and for the huge impact this can have on our city and our local entrepreneurs, said Wendy Birdsall, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. We know high-growth companies can start and scale anywhere, but we want them to make Lincoln their home and expand here."

Having this attention is called third-party validation, she said at a Thursday news conference at Fuse Coworking, shared office space for small businesses in the Haymarket.

"Steve Case is the ultimate in third-party validation."

Mayor Chris Beutler called it an honor to be chosen as a stop on the tour.

"When you get the attention of Steve Case, you know you are doing something right," Beutler said.

In a statement, Beutler said the growth of several startups in Lincoln is proof "that we have an outstanding environment for visionary entrepreneurs." The event, he said, is a great opportunity to highlight local innovators and build on Lincoln's growing reputation as a hub of the Silicon Prairie.
Sen. Deb Fischer will chair a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship in Lincoln next week.

The hearing is at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Nebraska Innovation Campus and will focus on the challenges facing Nebraskas entrepreneurs, including access to capital and how regulations are stifling innovation.

Among those expected to speak are Eric Dinger of Powderhook, Dan Hoffman of Invest Nebraska and T.J. Casady of Union Bank.

This will be the fourth U.S. Senate field hearing hosted by Fischer in Nebraska.
Raul Mondesi had a bunt single for his first big-league hit, with two runs scoring on the play on pitcher Matt Shoemaker's throwing error, as the Kansas City Royals rallied for a 7-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night.

Shoemaker, who did not allow a base runner until the fifth inning, yielded singles to former Husker Alex Gordon and Paulo Orlando to start the seventh. Mondesi, who was called up Tuesday, put down a bunt and beat Shoemaker's (5-11) throw to first as the ball sailed into right field.

Both runners scored and Mondesi wound up on third.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia came out claiming interference, and after a 6-minute, 15-second review the call on the field was not changed. Scioscia officially protested the game.

Mondesi added a RBI-infield single in a two-run eighth. The second run scored on pitcher Jose Alvarerz's throwing error.

Manfred: More pace rules needed

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says more rule changes are needed to improve the pace of play, and one proposal under consideration is a limitation on relief pitching changes in an inning or a game.

The majors shaved several minutes off the average game time last season, but games have been slightly longer in 2016.

"We've slipped back a little bit this year, and pace of play is one of those issues where we're going to continually need to evaluate the rules we have," Manfred said. "And we're going to need to continually work with our players to stay focused on the issue."

Manfred has said he's in favor of a limitation on relief pitchers but didn't lobby for it Wednesday.
The multi-level model is what makes William & Mary special

International meeting Carly Martin 17 at her poster at the 2016 FENS meeting in Copenhagen, armed with advice from Christopher Del Negro: Dont stand in front of your poster. Stand off to the side. Enunciate clearly. And I want you to make eye contact. Courtesy photo

Ready to explain Francis Pham 17 not only was able to discuss his research at the Copenhagen FENS meeting, but also learned a new laboratory technique, one he says that he never imagined was even possible. Courtesy photo Photo - of - Hide Caption

Members of Christopher Del Negros lab are back from an international neuroscience conference in Copenhagen and need to get ready to move to new facilities in William & Marys Integrated Science Center.

But late July saw no evidence of packing (or unpacking) in the lab  just neuroscientists in white lab coats working to further the understanding of how the brain controls breathing.

Del Negro is the chair of William & Marys Department of Applied Science. His investigation into the neural control of respiration is intertwined with his own dual role of investigator/educator. The same blending of instruction and inquiry helps both junior and senior members of the lab as they work together to probe the secrets of the pre-Botzinger complex, a surprisingly small area of the brain that generates the rhythm of breathing.

Del Negro refers to the makeup of the lab as a multi-level model. Its not unique to his lab or department, but multi-level labs like his are surprisingly rare outside of William & Mary.

Thats what makes William & Mary special. PIs like me, were here because we like students. We really like training undergraduate students, Del Negro explained. But in order to do that effectively and to keep our research at the top of our game, we need to have Ph.D. students as well.

Doctoral students are part of the multi-level lab model, which also includes post-doctoral researchers and the PI  the principal investigator  at the top of the pyramid. And the model also includes undergraduate students, even though the Department of Applied Science doesnt offer an undergraduate major program.

The multiple-level model allows William & Mary labs like Del Negros to operate in the sweet spot between the undergraduate-only and big-research extremes in higher education, typically staffed only by post-docs and a few graduate students, an environment in which undergraduates are only rarely involved.

Our faculty do research at the highest level; were internationally competitive. But we welcome the youngest trainees, he said. As a matter of fact, in summertime, I have high school interns working in the lab.

Del Negro said that around a year ago, he saw that he had a particularly strong group in his systems neuroscience lab, a group that was just about ready to share their work with the worlds top neuroscientists. He started organizing a trip to the big time: the biennial congress of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS).

I wanted to take them to a really good meeting, because of the extraordinary accomplishments that the students were making, he said.

Three undergraduate students, Kaitlyn E. Dorst 17, Caroline A. Martin 17 and Francis D. Pham 17, made the trip to FENS, as did two Ph.D. students, Andrew Kottick and Nikolas C. Vann. Del Negro led the William & Mary delegation, which also included a postdoctoral research scientist, Maria Cristina Tina Picardo, who received her Ph.D. from the Del Negro lab in 2012.

The multi-level model in Del Negros lab usually operates on the basis of teams working in parallel, with Del Negro providing the overall mentorship and leading the research. Each team is headed by a Ph.D. student or a postdoc who guides and implements the research protocols. Each team includes one (or more) undergraduate students actively engaged in the investigations and analyses, as well as in the writing-up of specific projects.

Three of the labs teams presented papers at FENS. The Martin-Kottick team presented a paper in the neural development session. The Pham-Vann and Dorst-Picardo teams both presented in the sensory and motor systems session.

Del Negro chaired a symposium at FENS, titled Cellular and Synaptic Origins of Walking, Running, Chewing, and Breathing. Among the participants was Ole Kiehn, of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, a member of the Nobel Committee in Physiology and Medicine.

FENS was an excellent meeting, Del Negro said. There were not a lot of undergraduates there. Most people were very surprised to find that three of my students were undergraduates, given the quality of their work.

He said that his undergraduates walked into FENS with the intellectual background and laboratory chops to benefit from the presentations of the worlds foremost neuroscientists.

For instance, Carly Martin attended a talk by Bosiljka Tasic from the Allen Brain Institute. Tasic discussed a technique for sequencing the entire transcriptome of neurons, a cell at a time. Martins senior honors thesis is based on experiments using this method, so I spoke with her more in-depth after the symposium. I left the conversation with new insights into how I should approach my investigation, as well as contact information and support from a scientist I admire, Martin said.

The other two undergraduates also returned from FENS with new insights. Kaitlyn Dorst was inspired by a symposium on the genetic regulation of stress to pursue graduate education in the field. Francis Pham picked up new lab methodology.

I was exposed to a technique where one simultaneously modulates and records neuronal activity in a new type of transgenic mouse  a procedure I had never even imagined possible, Pham said. The FENS conference also allowed me to develop my interpersonal skills. I not only gained information but was also able to offer suggestions to the researchers.

And the junior members of his lab did a fantastic job of presenting their own work at FENS poster sessions, Del Negro said.

Poster sessions are good, because theres back and forth, whereas at a lecture, the students are just listening, he said. A poster session gives the presenter and the audience the chance to interact a lot more.

The poster session format also allowed Del Negro to watch his students in action, discussing and explaining their work to the fields leading scientists. He said it was a bit of a revelation to see his undergrads holding their own in sciences marketplace of ideas.

When were in the laboratory, the projects evolve slowly as we gain more data and work toward publication, Del Negro explained. At the FENS meeting, I was able to watch my students present posters to leaders in the field, people I know and respect. And I was able to see them do it correctly and it made me extremely proud.

I thought, theyve got it. They know what the science is about.




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Lavon Crosby had a knack for leaving a positive impression as she went about her business as a politician, arts supporter and friend to children in need.

She didn't have to get in anyone's face to accomplish what she wanted. She did it with subtle suggestions and by garnering respect with a conscientious and diligent daily way of being, family, friends and co-workers said.

Crosby died Wednesday at age 92. She was a wife, mother, supporter of the arts, musician, state lawmaker, political staffer and community volunteer.

"For me, she was a stellar example to live by," said her youngest son, Fred Stuart. "I'm inordinately proud of everything that she achieved."

She was married to former Nebraska Gov. Bob Crosby in 1971 after both were widowed. Between them they parented six children.

Lincoln Monsignor Clarence Crowley had set them up to go on a date, said her son, Mike Stuart. Bob Crosby picked her up in an Oldsmobile 88, making a big impression on her sons.

"We got her all dressed up and shoved her out the door," he said. "They hit it right off and never looked back."

Throughout her life, Tim and Mike Stuart said, their mother instilled perspective, the ability to stay above the fray, and to not shy away from the passionate defense of her beliefs.

As an Irish-Catholic mother, she was strict but tenderhearted, they said.

She described herself as a "hard-headed, soft-hearted conservative." Someone else once called her a Republican with a heart, one without a mean-spirited bone in her body.

Crosby was raised in a family of Democrats, but joined the Young Republicans because they asked her first, she once said.

She was one of the few people, one would suppose, who was able to wring a two-minute public apology out of conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh, after he called her a liberal and a member of an outraged women's group, neither of which were true.

Limbaugh had picked up inaccurate information when "USA Today" attributed a quote to Crosby that had actually been said by Sue Ellen Wall, then executive director of the Lincoln-Lancaster Commission on the Status of Women.

And Crosby might have had some influence on the artist who painted murals on the Capitol walls when in 1993, she "encouraged" him to portray women accurately, and not just in subservient roles, in those murals. Because women are the backbone of society, she said.

Encouragement and subtle influence was her way, Tim Stuart said.

It worked for him when, after graduating from college and not knowing what to do with his life other than play guitar in a rock and roll band in bars, she softly suggested: Have you thought about Washington, D.C.?

He started working for Congresswoman Virginia Smith at age 25 and stayed on Capitol Hill 10 years.

"I owe a lot to little moments like that," he said.

Crosby worked for a time in Nebraska Sen. Roman Hruska's Washington, D.C. office, but when her husband, Les Stuart, was dying in 1970, the family returned to Nebraska, transferring to Hruska's Omaha office.

Crosby ran for a seat in the Legislature in southeast Lincoln's District 29 in 1980 but was defeated by incumbent Shirley Marsh. When Marsh decided not to run in 1988, Crosby ran again and won.

Sen. Ernie Chambers, who served with Crosby 12 years in the Legislature, said he couldn't think of anyone there he thought so much of and got along with so well. That's despite their disagreement on the issue of abortion. Crosby was a devout Catholic.

"She was so nice she could have gone to heaven without dying. For real," said Chambers. "She was one of those people who was almost too good to be walking around on this earth."

Clerk of the Legislature Patrick O'Donnell said Crosby had a calming effect on her fellow senators during debate.

"Even though Lavon would have strong positions on issues, she always would have the ability to kind of calm things down, let members regroup a little bit, and go on and continue with the discussion," O'Donnell said.

C.K. Duryea was Crosby's legislative aide for a dozen years, and said the senator was so much more than what many people could see. She understood what humanity brings to the world.

She was a major supporter of drunken driving legislation that sought to lower the legal level of blood-alcohol content from 0.1 percent to .08, Duryea said.

"And the thing that she is most proud of in the Legislature would be the passing of the Nebraska Cultural Endowment Fund," she said.

Crosby served on the Education, Health and Human Services and Appropriations committees.

Her health deteriorated after she fell in March and hit her head.

Crosby retained her sense of humor to the end, instructing her kids about her funeral: I want them to have a real wake and sit around and cry and have a drink and talk about what a swell person I was.

Services are pending with Butherus, Maser and Love in Lincoln.
Dogs (illustration)

By: Wayne Morin

(Scroll down for video) Police in the Humane Society launched an investigation after 14 dogs died of heat stroke while they were left in a hot truck overnight, according to police in Indiana.

St. Joseph County police said that the incident unfolded as Cortney Corral-Morris of Lakesyde Kennels in Wellington, Ohio, was transporting the dogs in a truck to the AKC dog show at the county fairgrounds.

Corral-Morris parked her truck, which was equipped with air conditioning, outside a motel on Friday afternoon. She used an extension cord to connect the truckas air condition to the power of the motel.

She fed the dogs and went into the motel to sleep for several hours. The dogs were found dead at about 6:20 p.m. According to the police investigation, an electric circuit breaker cut the power to the truck.

Corral-Morris, who owned several dogs herself, was devastated to see that her animals were dead. Temperatures in the area peaked at around 86 degrees.

Police said that no charges will be filed as it appears to be an accident.
Ice cream truck giving away free ice cream

By: Feng Qian

(Scroll down for video) The Metropolitan Police Department in St. Louis, Missouri, unveiled the Operation Polar Cops ice cream truck at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis.

The truck is operated by the Community Engagement/Organizational Development Division (CEODD) and provides free ice cream treats at various locations throughout the City of St. Louis.

The mission of Operation Polar Cops is to cultivate positive interactions between police oifcers and the citizens of the city.

aLaw enforcement realizes the need to bridge gaps in our community. It is more important than ever to engage citizens and build trust,a said Police Commissioner Sam Dotson.

aOperation Polar Cops is a unique tool to reach our youngest citizens. The goal of this project is simple. Itas about introducing our officers as positive role models in a fun environment,a Dotson added.

The ice-cream truck was purchased by the St. Louis Police Foundation.

Prairie Farms Dairy and Schnuck Markets, Inc. will donate over 6,000 ice cream treats and frozen novelties to stock the truck.

Switch, an experiential marketing and advertising agency headquartered in St. Louis, designed the exterior of the truck at no cost.

Operation Polar Cops will travel to predetermined locations, such as parks, recreation centers and schools as well as attend community events.

We are excited to help launch Operation Polar Cops with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department,a said Dr. Flint W. Fowler, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

aIts critical that citizens and law enforcement work together to keep our neighborhoods safe for all. Itas encouraging to know that our police department is seeking out new ways to connect with our youth, Fowler added.
Couple (illustration)

By: Mahesh Sarin

A couple of the United Kingdom, spiced things up in their sex lives by having sex on a car.

The couple reportedly thought it was a good idea to have a change of scenery in order to increase their chances of conceiving a baby and maybe also have a good story to tell about how the child came to be.

However, neighbors were not impressed and called police, who ruined the mood by ordering them to stop.

Northampton police officers responded to Riverside Drive near Norwood Avenue at around 8:00 p.m., after receiving reports of a naked couple having sex on top of a white sedan.

Police caught the 32-year-old man and 36-year-old woman in the act, according to court documents.

aBoth parties made no efforts to conceal their behavior from the public,a police said.

The man and his girlfriend pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct at the Northampton District Court. They were each fined $100.
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A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took
The man walking away from the bar without his clothes

By: Wayne Morin

A man was humiliated as he was left naked when employees at a bar confiscated his clothes as collateral.

Police were called after the man of Prerov, the Czech Republic, was seen strolling the streets while naked.

Surveillance video showed the man walking casually through a street and chatting on a cellphone.

When police arrived, the naked man explained that he did not have enough money to pay the bill for the drinks he consumed at a bar so they took his clothes as collateral.

The man told police that he was just going across town to another bar, where he will meet someone who is going to give him some money.

Police allowed the man to complete his mission, and when he returned to the bar to pay the bill, he received his clothes.

Police opened an investigation into the matter.
Thanks to WikiLeaks, which has released nearly 20,000 emails hacked from the Democratic National Committee -- with promises of more to come -- we have proof the party that styles itself as inclusive, diverse and tolerant isn't.

Among the delectable tidbits on which Republicans are feasting are these: one male DNC staffer wrote another male staffer saying "I love you" and added "no homo." Another DNC email referred to Latino voters as "taco bowl outreach." Now ousted DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is exposed as a liar for falsely claiming she was not working behind the scenes to defeat Sen. Bernie Sanders and secure the Democratic nomination for Hillary Clinton.

DNC chief financial officer Brad Marshall violated what is for Democrats a sacred doctrine of church-state separation when he wrote in an email to DNC CEO Amy Dacey about Sanders' religious beliefs: "Ask his belief. Does he believe in a God. He had skated on saying he has a Jewish heritage. I think I read he is an atheist. This could make several points difference with my peeps. My Southern Baptist peeps would draw a big difference between a Jew and an atheist."

Dacey replied, "AMEN."

Disclosure of this email particularly outraged the Center for Inquiry, a secular group, which issued a statement that reads in part: "We found it appalling that anyone within the Democratic National Committee would casually suggest attacking a candidate for their alleged atheism. Entertaining such a cynical and bigoted line of attack violates any number of basic American principles: It presumes a religious test for holding office, something expressly prohibited in the Constitution."

Amen!

Of further interest is evidence of collusion between the DNC and the media. Conservatives already believe most journalists favor all things Democrat, and this should help seal the deal in their minds. According to Breitbart, Ken Vogel, a reporter for Politico, sent a copy of a story he wrote to the DNC's deputy communications director before showing it to his editor. "Per agreement," said the subject line. Should reporters be making agreements with a political party?

Numerous other examples of the cozy relationship between reporters and the DNC -- along with examples of media bias -- can be found at newsbusters.org. Expect the promised additional emails to add more to the public's dislike of journalists.

Thanks to WikiLeaks, the unity Democrats had hoped to present to the country at their convention makes last week's Republican convention look like something out of "Robert's Rules of Order." Supporters of Bernie Sanders are right to be outraged. The emails showing the DNC maneuvered to guarantee Hillary Clinton's nomination prove his point. The system IS rigged.

Democrat operatives are spinning webs of conspiracy theories, hoping to divert public attention and perception. Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, Robby Mook, is saying Russia hacked DNC emails to help Donald Trump win the election. It makes the conspiracy theory about Sen. Ted Cruz's father helping JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald look tame by comparison. Democrats are desperate to change the narrative from the contents of the emails to who hacked and released them.

As in so many other instances, the DNC emails make the Democrats and their numerous media allies look like cynical manipulators of public opinion. It is the modern equivalent of The Pentagon Papers, but unlike those documents, which helped topple a president, the major media can be relied on to do all they can to keep from reporting the most damaging of the emails or make excuses for those who sent them.

Perhaps "reporters" will even submit their stories in advance for approval by the DNC. Republicans and Donald Trump have been handed a gift. They should exploit it right up until the election.
4.4m Scheme To Boost Business Growth In North Wales

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 28th, 2016

Wrexham Glyndwr University aims to boost business growth and management skills in North Wales as part of a 4.4 million scheme.

The EU-backed programme was announced on Tuesday by Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford and will be delivered by the North Wales Business Academy, a collaboration between Wrexham Glyndwr University, Bangor, Grwp Llandrillo Menai and Coleg Cambria.

The scheme aims to support business growth and competitiveness by delivering university-accredited management qualifications to more than 1,000 employees over the next three years.

Chris Jones, head of North Wales Business School at the Wrexham university, said: This project has been two years in the making. We all set out to build something that makes a tangible difference to the North Wales economy.

All four partners recognise the paramount importance of qualifications. However we all agree that to create a positive legacy for the region, knowledge and skills must be utilised rather than summarised in a certificate on the wall. This project will deliver leadership and management training the right way.

The North Wales Business Academy is aimed at companies with growth ambition in key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, tourism and outdoor activities, the food and drinks industry and energy sector.

Mr Jones added: The one size fits all approach to business education simply doesnt work because all businesses have different needs.

We are offering the unique opportunity for every business in North Wales to get the up-skilling their company needs to grow, not as part of a rigid programme of learning, half of which may be irrelevant to them.

Supported by 2.8 million of EU funds, the scheme will enable employers to access subsidies of up to 70 per cent for training and staff development opportunities in areas including financial management, sales and marketing, business strategy, governance and operational skills and management.

Mark Drakeford said: Im very pleased to announce 2.8 million of EU funding for the North Wales Business Academy, which will provide career development opportunities for business employees and, in turn, drive business competitiveness in key growth sectors in the region.

This investment goes to show how important EU funds are to Wales.

Iwan Thomas, regional skills and employment coordinator for the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, said: Having a collaborative approach amongst providers further demonstrates how working as part of a Team North Wales approach, our collective vision for a confident, cohesive region with sustainable economic growth, capitalising on the success of high value economic sectors and its connection to the economies of the Northern Powerhouse and Ireland can move closer towards becoming a reality.

For more information on the project visit www.northwaleseab.co.uk or www.glyndwr.ac.uk

Top Pic: Mark Drakeford Welsh Government Finance Secretary with members of the North Wales Business Academy
Focus Wales 16 Hailed As Best Ever  Next Years Tickets Go On Sale

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 28th, 2016

This week, tickets went on sale for the seventh edition of FOCUS Wales, the music, arts and interactive festival that takes place each spring in town.

The previous event took place in May of this year and has been described by the organisers as being the most successful to date.

A spokesperson for FOCUS Wales said: This has been by far and away the most successful edition of the festival ever! Were really looking forward to building on this years success and making 2017 even more special.

The 2016 event saw in excess of 7000 people (almost a 50% increase compared to 2015 figures) descend on Wrexham for the four day music and arts extravaganza  which took in performances from over 200 music acts, including The Joy Formidable, The Magic Numbers, Welsh Music Prize winner Gwenno, The Sunshine Underground, Los Campesinos! As well as a huge selection of the finest new artists from the Welsh music scene and around the world.

Peter Hook in Wrexham at @FocusWales talking about new Stone Roses release pic.twitter.com/qTF0Y8a4kq  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 13, 2016

There were also keynote talks and panel discussions, featuring New Order and Joy Division founding member Peter Hook, punk icon Viv Albertine and representatives of music companies from around the world, including SXSW (USA), Festival No 6 (UK), Music Ontario (CAN) and lots more.

FOCUS Wales 2017 looks to be no exception, with organisers planning for an expanded arts programme and more headline acts in amongst another 200 brilliant new music acts from the UK and around the globe, the 2017 festival is set to be the biggest yet. First acts will be announced in the Autumn and, in the meantime, a limited amount of Super Earlybird passes (at just 30 each for the whole three day festival and exclusive VIP events) are available now, but selling fast!

FOCUS Wales Music Arts Interactive 2017 takes place on the 11th , 12th & 13th of May at multiple venues in Wrexham, North Wales.

Super Earlybird passes, which grant access to all FOCUS events throughout the three days of the festival, are available available now at: www.focuswales.com/tickets at 30 each.

FOCUS Wales is supported by Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government.
Summer Warning: Youngsters Stay Off The Tracks

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 28th, 2016

An urgent warning is being issued to young people across Wales as figures show railway trespass is on the rise.

In the past year, there has been a 19 per cent rise in the number of reports of trespass over the summer.

Longer evenings, coupled with the start of the holidays, spell danger for Britains youth as statistics show young people are twice as likely to trespass at this time of year than in the winter.

This summer, British Transport Police and Network Rail are urging parents to warn their children of the dangers of playing on the tracks, with the below video being released as part of the campaign.

Over the past 10 years, almost 170 young people in the UK have lost their lives after trespassing on the railway. The data shows that just under half of those killed are under the age of 25.

Tracey Young, community safety manager for Network Rail Wales, explains: We are urging parents to remind their children that if they are on the railway, they are on dangerous ground. It may seem like a good idea to take a shortcut, or like fun to play on the tracks, but this is not only illegal, it is also dangerous.

Britain has the safest railway in Europe but still too many people lose their lives on the tracks. As the railway gets busier and we electrify more lines to improve services, we must work harder to keep young people safe by making them aware of the dangers that exist. Taking a short cut or messing around on the tracks can result in serious life-changing injuries or death.

72% of all trespassers who died over the last 10 years were struck by a train

Another 17% were electrocuted

The others fell from structures or trains

Most trespassers highlight taking a short cut (42%) as their main motivation for committing the crime, followed by thrill-seeking (19%).

In response to the seasonal surge in incidents, officers from British Transport Police are stepping up patrols across the region.

Inspector Mike Edwards, who is responsible for BTPs response to trespass in Wales, said: The last thing our officers want to do is knock on someones door to tell a parent their child has been killed or seriously injured as a result of trespassing.

Were doing all we can to keep young people safe by patrolling areas where we know theyre likely to trespass and prevent them from doing so. However, we cover thousands of miles of track and we cannot tackle this issue alone.

That is why we are urging parents and young people to heed this warning and take a reality check when it comes to trespass. Its not a game: they are real tracks, with real trains and real life consequences.

To find out how to keep your children safe on the railway this summer visit http://www.networkrail.co.uk/safety-education/information-for-parents/
Welcome Wall Of Schoolchildren Letters To Refugees Coming To Wrexham

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 28th, 2016

Wrexham schoolchildren have taken part in a project writing more than 50 letters to welcome refugees to the area.

More than 50 children from across Wrexham wrote letters to form a Welcome Wall, noting their support for up to five Syrian refugee families who will soon arrive in Wrexham after Councillors voted to give the plans the green light back in May.

The Welcome Wall was unveiled in the lobby of Wrexham Library on Monday, and Cllr John Pritchard, the Mayor of Wrexham, paid a visit to the wall yesterday.

During the visit, Cllr Pritchard said: Its heartwarming and humbling to see that the children have become so enthusiastic about this project, and given a warm Wrexham welcome to those refugees who will be coming to the area.

We hear a lot about division these days, but the work of these children teaches us all that communities can come together in spite of different beliefs or ethnic origins. I was also touched to see genuine kind-heartedness and concern in the letters written by the children contributing, as they know those refugees who come to the area will not just have fled the terrible conditions created by conflict  they will also have left their homes.

Im proud to see the children of Wrexham put something like this together  its fantastic.

In May Wrexham Council Leader Mark Pritchard asked Wrexham to be proud ahead of the plans being approved, and spoke of the existing proud history of working with refugees and immigrants in the area.

Wrexham has provided humanitarian protection to small numbers of asylum seekers fleeing persecution since 2001.

The continued conflict in Syria has internally displaced approximately 6.5 million people , displacing 2.7 million people to neighbouring countries, with millions more in need of aid within Syria.

In a bid to aid especially vulnerable people within the UK, the UK Government launched the Syrian Relocation Scheme, which will prioritise help for women and children at risk, and the survivors of torture or violence.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: The Syrian civil war has been absolutely devastating, and we want to offer what help we can  as such, Im pleased to see that the children of Wrexham have given a very warm welcome.

As a council, we will work with other North Wales local authorities to develop effective and consistent support for those fleeing conflict, and will also work with community, voluntary and faith-led organisations in the area to provide proper support for integration  and a number of public sector partners in Wrexham also indicated their support for the scheme.

With all that in mind, its very pleasing to see the children welcome refugees in this manner.

One letter that appears to be linked to this programme was tweeted recently, and quite a few people from Wrexham hit like on twitter after seeing it and subsequent retweets:
Wrexhams Annual Living History Festival Returns On Sunday

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jul 28th, 2016

History Alive!  Wrexhams annual living history festival returns to the fields above Bersham Ironworks this Sunday.

The festival, with a full complement of historical re-enactors and the rally paddock lined with classic motorcars, motorcycles and stationary engines, takes place on Sunday with the displays open to the public between 11am and 4pm

This year the event marks the 950th anniversary of probably the most memorable date in British history, 1066.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: This years show promises to be the best yet with three re-enactment groups taking part in History Alive! During the day in a series of displays, the re-enactors will tell the story of how England came to be conquered by the Normans in 1066 and what happened afterwards here in Wales.

North Wales is home to one of the countrys top medieval re-enactment groups, Cwmwd Ial, and they will be joined on the field of battle by the Viking Society and Les Miles des Marches.

The bottom field (the rally paddock) is devoted to the veteran, vintage and classic vehicles of yesteryear. We have had a good number of entries so there will be plenty to see. History Alive! starts at 11 a.m. and culminates with the Battle of Hastings around 3 p.m. Lets hope for good weather and let battle commence!

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council and ward member for Esclusham, said: This is a really fantastic event thats gone from strength to strength year on year, and Ive always been keen to support it and see it supported by others.

I would urge anyone, whether they are interested in history or not, to attend  its an excellent opportunity to see historical re-enactors and vintage vehicles up front.

Admission: Adults 5, Concessions 4 and Children 1. Free parking available on site, courtesy of Mr G Morris of Erddig Meats.

Look out for AA signs off A525 (Wrexham-Coedpoeth road) and B5605 (Rhostyllen-Rhosllanerchrugog road) Sat Nav: LL14 4LP.

For more information and full details of the programme, see facebook/wrexhammuseums, www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage or call 09178 297 460
PHILADELPHIA -- Donald Trump never met a conspiracy theory he didn't like -- until now.

He has dabbled in, among other things, the notion that President Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya, that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was murdered and that Ted Cruz's father was involved in the JFK assassination.

But on one topic, Trump is conspicuously incurious: the suggestion that he is complicit in a plan by Vladimir Putin to influence the U.S. election. Consider how Trump might react to the following fact pattern if the candidate involved weren't "Donald Trump" but -- let's pick a name at random here -- "Hillary Clinton":

The candidate's real estate empire, unable to borrow from most U.S. banks, gets capital from Russian sources. Such transfers couldn't occur without Putin's blessing.

The candidate's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, has worked extensively for pro-Putin oligarchs.

One of the candidate's foreign policy advisers, Michael Flynn, was filmed sitting with Putin at a Moscow banquet celebrating a Russian propaganda network.

Another adviser, Carter Page, has close ties to Gazprom, the Russian energy company under Putin's thumb.

One of the only interferences the campaign made in the Republican platform was to remove language calling for "providing lethal defensive weapons" to Ukraine in its fight against Russian-backed separatists.

The candidate cast doubt on the utility of NATO and said he might not come to the aid of Baltic members of the alliance attacked by Russia.

Putin has aimed to destabilize rival powers by supporting extremist parties in several European countries. His state news outlets have been heavily supportive of the candidate.

Russian intelligence hacked the Democratic National Committee and, experts say, handed the emails to WikiLeaks for release on the eve of the Democratic convention.

If the Clinton campaign were so extensively interwoven with Putin's Russia, it's a safe bet that Trump would be demanding that Clinton release her tax returns to prove that she's not beholden to Putin -- just as he demanded that Obama release his birth certificate.

He would also very likely float allegations masquerading as questions by using the phrases "a lot of people have said" or "I'm hearing," or "there's something we don't know about." But Trump, I'm hearing, won't be doing that in this case. So let's help him. The following are all phrases Trump has used to float conspiracy theories -- but this time applied to his Putin ties -- combined with wild Trump-style speculation.

A lot of people have said Putin is trying to get Trump elected so he can blackmail the American president. Somebody told me Trump would completely go out of business if Putin took back all the Russian money he let Trump have. I don't know exactly what's going on, but I just heard Trump's airplane would be grounded immediately.

Manafort helping the oligarchs? Flynn having dinner with Putin? Page getting money from Gazprom? No coincidence! Now it's coming out that Putin wants to destabilize America. There's something fishy about the whole thing.

And why did Trump propose changing NATO and Ukraine policy in ways that would benefit Putin? Obviously some people think it's evil intentions. I think it's incompetence. Regardless, a lot of people think it's evil intentions.

I don't bring up the possibility that Trump has already been bribed or blackmailed by Putin because I don't know enough to really discuss it. I will say there are people who continue to bring it up because they think it was absolutely bribery and blackmail. I don't do that because I don't think it's fair.

I'm hearing it's a big topic, the question of whether Trump is guilty of treason. I'm not sure. I mean, let people make their own determination. Trump never denied that Putin was his patron.

He cannot give us his tax returns. He didn't pay his taxes, or, if he did, there's something in those returns that is very bad for him. Now, somebody told me -- and I have no idea whether this is bad for him or not, but perhaps it would be -- that he owes billions to Putin. Somebody said, 'Maybe that's the reason he doesn't want to show his returns.' I don't think so. I just don't think he paid his taxes.

Why is Trump so emphatic about not talking about his Putin connections? He gets it better than anybody understands. There's something going on. There's something we don't know about. I don't know. All I know is what's on the Internet. Wow!
Its appalling that David Duke, former head of the Ku Klux Klan, thinks that his point of view has become legitimate.

The climate of this country has moved in my direction, Duke said as he registered for Louisianas U.S. Senate race.

If Duke is right, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump bears part of the blame.

Thats what other leading Republicans said before the party began closing ranks. When Trump claimed that a federal judge hearing a case against Trump University was a hater, a Mexican, and hostile., House Speaker Paul Ryan called Trumps words the textbook definition of a racist comment.

Sen. Marco Rubio said that Trump was feeding into a narrative of anger and bitterness and frustration. If this continues, Rubio said, I think this country will continue to be ripped apart at the seams.

Hes a race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot. He doesnt represent my party. He doesnt represent the values that the men and women who wear the uniform are fighting for, said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina.

There are numerous reports of the racist comments from Trump supporters at his rallies.

When the Southern Poverty Law Center asked K-12 teachers about the effect the election is having on their students, teachers volunteered that Trump is making ethnic tensions worse.

Theres ample reason to hope that Dukes candidacy wont go anywhere. Local Republican leaders in Louisiana were quick to denounce him. Roger Villere, chairman of the Louisiana state party organization, called Duke a hate-filled fraud who does not embody the values of the Republican Party. Ward Baker with the Republican Senatorial Committee told the Associated Press that Duke will not get support from the organization under any circumstances.

In addition to his bigotry, Duke has other weaknesses as a candidate. He is a convicted felon who spent a year in prison for mail fraud and tax evasion.

Even Trump seems willing to distance himself from Duke now that he has officially claimed the Republican nomination.

When asked by NBCs Chuck Todd if he would support a Democrat over Duke, Trump said, "I guess, depending on who the Democrat (is) -- but the answer would be yes."

Trump stressed that he wanted it on the record that he rebuked Duke "as quick as you can say it."

"Because last time with another person in this position, I did it very quickly. And they said, 'He didn't do it fast enough,' " Trump said. "Rebuked. Is that OK? Rebuked, done."

Trumps reference was to an earlier interview in which Trump said he had a malfunctioning earpiece.

Lets hope that Trump supporters who thought that bigotry was back in style take their cue from Trumps most recent comment. Trump should follow up that comment with more like it.
The horrific attack in Ansbach by a psychologically unstable person, who had fled from Syria to Germany, is being exploited by politicians from all parties to step up attacks on refugees and press ahead with the strengthening of the state apparatus. By contrast, there is silence on the real causes of the violent outburst.

On Sunday evening, a 27-year-old man set off an explosive device concealed in his backpack at the entrance to a music festival in the Bavarian town of Ansbach. The individual apparently wanted to gain access to the festival grounds, but was prevented from entering because he did not have a ticket. The explosion killed the perpetrator and injured 15 people, four of them seriously.

Investigators suggested that the perpetrator had links to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) because corresponding material was found on his mobile telephone and in his room at a refugee accommodation centre in Ansbach. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, publishing a video allegedly showing the suspected attacker pledging allegiance to the group and warning of attacks. Whether the person depicted in the video was actually the attacker remains unclear.

The attacker was clearly a very unstable and insecure man. According to investigators, he had already attempted suicide twice and was for a time in psychiatric care.

Regardless of how close the ties to ISIS were, the evidence to date regarding the attackers background points to him having been traumatised and possibly radicalised by his experiences in the Syrian war, the stresses of fleeing and the inhumane treatment in Germany.

The Bild newspaper reported having seen the mans asylum application. According to the paper, he applied for asylum in Germany two years ago under the name Mohammad D. In it, he stated that his wife and children were killed in a grenade attack in the Syrian city of Aleppo. He had also been injured by shrapnel from a grenade.

According to his file, when he fled from Syria, he first arrived in Bulgaria where he was detained. His serious injuries were not treated there. He made an application for asylum in Bulgaria and received subsidiary protection.

Subsequently, he allegedly travelled on to Austria, where he was once again registered as a refugee. When he finally arrived in Germany and applied for asylum, it was rejected on the grounds that D. had already been registered in Bulgaria and must therefore be deported to that country in line with the Dublin III agreement.

The deportation was repeatedly delayed due to the injuries and suicide attempts, but without D. ever being granted a right to reside in Germany. Like 170,000 people in Germany, he was only granted a suspension of deportation.

Deportation continued to hang over the already traumatised man like a sword of Damocles.

It is possible that some of his assertions in the asylum application will turn out to be embellished or untrue. But it is beyond doubt that it is the wars led by the Western powers in the Middle East that create the conditions for such attacks.

The imperialist wars in Libya, Iraq, Yemen and Syria have laid waste to cities and destroyed entire societies. Terrorist militias like ISIS were systematically promoted and armed by the US to overthrow Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad.

The desperate people seeking to flee the hell of the conflict have been shot on the Turkish border, drowned in the Mediterranean and detained in camps in Greece.

If they eventually reach Germany, they are confined to inhumane camps, which often disregard the most basic requirements of hygiene and are only appropriate for short-term accommodation. They are exposed to endless harassment and more often than not deported to allegedly safe third countries or their country of origin.

It is this increased brutality in both foreign and domestic policy that produces the violence expressed in the Ansbach attack. It is therefore equally as disgusting as it is revealing that representatives from the Left Party to the CSU and Alternative for Germany (AfD) exploited the attack to intensify agitation against refugees and to demand a further strengthening of the state apparatus.

Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the Left Partys parliamentary fraction, immediately attacked Chancellor Angela Merkels refugee policy from the right on Monday, declaring in a press statement, The events of recent days show that the acceptance and integration of a large number of refugees and migrants is connected with serious challenges and is much more difficult than Merkels light-minded We can manage this last autumn would have had us believe.

She spoke out in favour of closer surveillance of refugees and called for the German government to retain the trust of the people in the capacity of the state and its security forces to act. Then on Tuesday, she explicitly raised criticisms that the police had been cut to nothing and dismantled.

The Green Party mayor of Tubingen, Boris Palmer, stated on Facebook that it was inevitable that people would be asking, what it means when in Wurzburg an Afghan, in Munich a German-Iranian and in Reutlingen a Syrian attacked people with weapons. His party colleague, Baden-Wurttemberg state premier Winfried Kretschmann, has already passed a package of additional security measures worth 30 million and announced stricter checks of refugees.

CDU parliamentary deputy Armin Schuster rejected the so-called welcoming culture with which millions of people expressed their solidarity with refugees. We require a farewell culture, said the domestic policy expert. His parliamentary colleague Torsten Frei went even further, speaking of a culture of deportation, summing up the ruling elites contempt towards refugees.

The same goes for Berlins interior state senator Frank Henkel, who has been waging an aggressive campaign for a strong state for months. We have obviously imported a few totally bestialised people, he stated, grotesquely dehumanising the refugees.

CSU head Horst Seehofer also intends to intensify the surveillance of refugees and announced a significant strengthening of the police. In addition, he called into question protection against deportation for people whose home countries are torn by war.

Much of the media joined in the chorus of agitation. Jasper von Altenbockum argued in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that it was no longer important what factors contributed to acts of violence. The only important things were that fewer refugees be let into the country and that the police be strengthened, even if this was done at the expense of quality of life.

Such a blunt appeal for a police state has previously only come from the extreme right. The same applies to many of the remarks cited above. In the cross-party support for the strengthening of the state, a fundamental social truth is being revealed: the interests of the ruling elite are no longer compatible with the needs of the vast majority.

This is especially evident in the inhumane treatment of refugees, but is not limited to this. While a tiny elite has amassed vast quantities of wealth, capitalism has nothing to offer the great majority apart from poverty and war. This is why the state is being strengthened and is using ever more chauvinist agitation to enforce the interests of the ruling elite.
President Barack Obama topped off day three of the Democratic convention with a demagogic speech that presented a rose-colored picture of America so out of touch with reality as to make the eruption of popular anger and discontent in the 2016 election incomprehensible.

Obamas false and complacent speech began with a self-congratulatory listing of the supposedly progressive achievements of his nearly eight years in office, during which poverty has increased, social inequality has reached new heights and the country has been continuously at warmaking his presidency the first ever that has presided over two complete terms of uninterrupted warfare.

Showing his contempt for the intelligence of the American people, he concluded by repeating the slogans of his 2008 election campaign, Yes we can and the audacity of hope, as though America in 2016 was the realization of the empty promises he made back then, and began to betray even before assuming office. Needless to say, words such as drone assassination, Guantanamo, indefinite detention, NSA spying and Wall Street bailout were not to be heard.

In its sheer cynicism and dishonesty, Obamas speech was entirely in line with the convention as a whole. It has been a nonstop exercise in deception, with the central lie being the pretense that the Democratic Partya capitalist party of war and reaction, controlled from top to bottom by the corporate-financial elite in alliance with the military and the CIAis somehow a vehicle of human progress devoted to the interests of the people.

With the official nominations of Hillary Clinton and her running mate, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, out of the way, and the right-wing, pro-war Democratic ticket having been blessed by the bogus socialist Bernie Sanders, the convention organizers stepped up their efforts to outflank the fascistic Republican candidate, Donald Trump, from the right. This is part of an electoral strategy aimed at consolidating support within the military and intelligence agencies and on Wall Street, and winning over disaffected Republicans and wealthy, conservative independents.

Obama did not pull his punches in making such an appeal in his speech, declaring, What we heard in Cleveland last week wasnt particularly Republican, and it certainly wasnt conservative.

A prime time speaking slot was given to multibillionaire media mogul and former Republican and independent mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg to make a pitch for Sanders billionaire class to join the Vermont senator in backing Clinton over Trump. Bloomberg chastised many Democrats for wrongly blaming the private sector for our problems, but argued that as a pragmatic entrepreneur, he was convinced Clinton was the better investment.

Much was made of Trumps rhetorical call Wednesday morning for Russia to find and publish the 30,000 missing emails from Clintons days as Obamas secretary of state.

This was used to fuel the unsubstantiated claims of the Clinton campaign and sections of the media, led by the New York Times, that Vladimir Putin organized the theft of Democratic National Committee emails leaked last Friday by WikiLeaks, showing the DNCs collusion with the Clinton campaign to torpedo the challenge from Sanders. This is being presented as proof that Trump is an ally of Putin and, as opposed to Clinton, cannot be trusted to prepare for war against Russia.

Obama made reference to this propaganda blitz in his speech, saying Trump cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, tells our closest allies they have to pay up if we are to keep our commitments.

The advanced war plans of the United States, including against nuclear powers Russia and China, were, as throughout the convention and the election campaign as a whole, not openly discussed. But the theme of Hillary Clinton as a tried and tested agent of the military/intelligence establishment was brought forward on Wednesday.

Retired Rear Adm. John Huston, a Republican, was brought onto the stage to denounce Trump as a security threat and call for a vote for Clinton. Leon Panetta, who served both as CIA director and defense secretary under Obama, denounced Trump for taking Russia's side and said voters could not afford someone who believes the US should withdraw, which drew chants of USA! USA! from the convention delegates.

Vice President Joe Biden, just back from a trip to Asia to stoke up US-led military provocations against China, and whip allies such as Australia and the Philippines into line behind the US war preparations, combined a fairy tale narrative of Hillary Clinton, the humanitarian and fighter for the downtrodden, with patriotic hokum. He concluded with the declaration: The 21st Century is going to be the American Century. We are America, second to none, and we own the finish line. May God protect our troops.

This appeal to chauvinism and militarism was combined with endless evocations of race, gender and sexual orientation, the political axis of the Democratic Party and the basis for lining up privileged middle-class layers behind American imperialism's savage wars of aggression, in return for the promise of a bigger share of the spoils from neocolonial plunder and the impoverishment of workers within the US.

A major theme was the breaking of the glass ceiling, represented by the nomination of a woman to head one of the major partys presidential tickets. The media on Wednesday universally proclaimed the Democrats' nomination of Clinton a historic milestone.

No one, however, has attempted to explain how or why the gender of a particular politician has any bearing on the policies he or she pursues. There is zero evidence in the annals of capitalist government that being a female increases the likelihood that a leader will pursue progressive policies.

What precedents are there to cite? Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, Dilma Rousseff, Angela Merkel? Nor, if one considers female leaders of a lower rankCondoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Feinsteindoes the list get any better.

Being a woman, or for that matter a gay or transgender person, does not alter the objective class role one plays as the chief executive of the American imperialist state, presiding over brutal wars abroad and grinding poverty and inequality at home.
American filmmaker Michael Moore has written a letter to supporters headlined, 5 Reasons Why Trump Will Win. It is a tired, cynical, internally incoherent piece that emerges almost inevitably from the left-liberal milieu to which Moore, the director of Fahrenheit 9/11, Bowling for Columbine and Roger & Me, has belonged since the mid-1970s.

Moore begins the recent piece by informing readers of his website that he has awful, depressing news for them, to wit, [Republican] Donald J. Trump is going to win in November. This wretched, ignorant, dangerous part-time clown and full time sociopath is going to be our next president. He makes this prediction in the context of expressing support for Democratic Party candidate, Hillary Clinton.

That a semi-fascistic, billionaire conman has been chosen by the Republican Party as its presidential candidate, and could be the next resident of the White House, ought to prompt painstaking analysis. A serious effort to explain the extraordinary character of the 2016 elections would need to take into account the crisis of American capitalism and the rottenness of its two-party systemand would also need to draw sharp conclusions, including the urgency of creating a socialist alternative to the present political set-up.

This is not Moores approach. Instead his explanations and arguments, as we shall see, are of the most banal, pragmatic, even puerile character.

Unhappily, the filmmaker is not someone who ever feels the need to explain his own history or past political positions. Previous mistakes and miscalculations are never corrected or even acknowledged, they are merely compounded by new, even more egregious ones. This is a hallmark of American radical petty bourgeois thinking, renowned for its inconsistency, lack of principle and disdain for history, at its worst.

In reality, Moores opposition to Americas war drivelike that of many others in his upper-middle-class milieuand his ability to make any sort of genuine popular appeal, ended with the inauguration of Barack Obama. Under the Bush administration, a relatively easy target, the filmmaker functioned as the mouthpiece for a mood of protest that never went beyond the precincts of bourgeois politics. As both Sickohis film about the health care systemand Where to Invade Nexthis most recent workindicate, Moores political vision extends as far as some version of the European or Canadian welfare state.

The documentary filmmakers adoption of a faux working class personality has always been one of his least attractive traits. He has chosen, in public at least, to impersonate a worker without knowledge, without culture, a simple naif, something of a buffoon. In fact, Moore understands nothing about the important social and political battles of the American or global working class, which have always involved not merely a physical, but a heightened ideological and intellectual dimension.

In any event, let us recall that Moore officially endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont in a statement issued February 1, 2016. In that statement, the documentarian argued that Sanders had a far better chance of defeating Trump ,and accused the Clinton camp of red-baiting the Vermont senator. He took note of the fact that Hillary Clinton voted for the Iraq War, opposes reform of the financial system, doesnt want to break up the banks, doesnt want to raise the minimum wage and opposes a free health care system.

He went on, Clinton does find ways to pay for war and tax breaks for the rich. She was FOR the Patriot Act, FOR NAFTA, and wants to put Ed Snowden in prison. THATS a lot to wrap ones head around, especially when you have Bernie Sanders as an alternative.

Over the course of the next few months, Moore vigorously campaigned for Sanders.

Various tweets provide the general line of his arguments. On January 23, Moore wrote, referring to Clinton, If u vote 2 invade Iraq but later say u r sorry (after thousands have died & trillions spent) do u really think your reward is the White House?

Moore was asked March 27 to explain his preference for Sanders over Clinton in ten words or less. He replied: Iraq War, Wall Street, mass incarceration, college debt, Israel/Palestine. On April 12, he taunted Clinton that she ought to bring Lloyd Blankfein, CEO of Goldman [Sachs], onto the stage to introduce u at your next rally! Be proud of those who support u!

Two days later, Moore asked rhetorically, Can anyone with a conscience vote for someone who led us on to war in Iraq?, and added, A question to my good friends who support Clinton: Can you, as best as possible, assure me youre convinced Hillary will not take us 2 war?

On May 9, Moore was asked by a correspondent, What would you ask or say to Hillary if given the chance? His answer: How many families of Iraqi dead have you said Im sorry to? He noted as recently as May 20, One Dem candidate is 4 peace & against violence. The other candidate supports war & the violence against the poor perpetrated by Goldman Sachs  Clinton is a hawk, she sanctioned a war.

How in the world, then, could Moore justify his statement on May 8 that he would support Clinton in a general election?

Shes better than the alternative and she will do some good, Moore told Politico. Unfortunately I cant support her during the primaries because she voted for the Iraq war and shes not really going to fix corporate America and Wall Street. Theyll still be calling the shots in her White House so that makes it difficult for people who care about those issues.

What can one say in the face of this unprincipled jumble? Moore could not back Clinton in the primaries because she was a warmonger in the service of a financial elite who would still be calling the shots in her White House, but he could support this corrupt hawk in a general election! The American people are fortunate indeed to have someone like Moore looking out for their best interests.

Apparently counting on the amnesia or intellectual laziness of many of his readers, Moore, in his latest pronouncement, praises Clinton, our very first female president, someone the world respects, someone who is whip-smart and cares about kids, who will continue the Obama legacy. He enthuses about the latter prospect, Yes! Four more years of this!

As noted above, there is no internal logic to Moores 5 Reasons argument concerning the inevitable triumph of what he absurdly describes as the Trump juggernaut.

(Even his current certainty that Trump will win the presidency is a reversal of previous positions. In the same May 8 interview, Moore stated firmly, Trump cant win, thats the math.)

The filmmaker is obliged to admit that wide layers of the population are refusing to vote for Clinton and the Democrats because they are suffering economically. He refers to conditions in the former industrial states as broken, depressed, struggling, the smokestacks strewn across the countryside with the carcass of what we use to call the Middle Class. Angry, embittered working (and nonworking) people who were lied to by the trickle-down of Reagan and abandoned by Democrats who still try to talk a good line but are really just looking forward to rub one out with a lobbyist from Goldman Sachs wholl write them [a] nice big check before leaving the room.

Trump, Moore comments, with some legitimacy, is seen by millions of angry Americans as their personal Molotov cocktail to throw right into the center of the bastards who ruined their lives. Voting for the Republican candidate is a means of paying back all of them, all who wrecked their American Dream.

He points once again to Clintons right-wing record: Her vote for the Iraq War made me promise her that I would never vote for her again. To date, I havent broken that promise. For the sake of preventing a proto-fascist from becoming our commander-in-chief, Im breaking that promise.  Shes a hawk, to the right of Obama.  She is hugely unpopularnearly 70% of all voters think she is untrustworthy and dishonest. Many Sanders voters, he adds, are not going to vote for Trump; some will vote third party, but many will just stay home.

If Moore were to follow the logic of his own arguments, he would be obliged to conclude: the reactionary, anti-working class policies of the Democratic Party, one of Americas two imperialist parties, are entirely responsible for the prominence of Donald Trump, in large measure the embodiment of mass anger and confusion that has not yet found a progressive, socialist expression.

To draw such a conclusion, however, would involve self-criticism, in fact, an internal ideological revolution. If the American population today faces the non-choice of Clinton and Trump, left forces in the orbit of the Democratic Party, like Moore, with their endless celebration of practical politics that leads into one blind alley after another and always works to the favor of the big-business Democrats, are centrally culpable. Their specific mission is to lull the working class to sleep and to dull its consciousness with empty phrases about the supposed progressive, liberal or even left qualification of one miserable representative of corporate America after another.

In 2004, Moore disgracefully endorsed former US Army general Wesley Clark for the Democratic Party presidential nomination, claiming that this war criminal, who presided over the savage 1999 bombing of Serbia as NATOs Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, and enthusiastically supported the invasion of Iraq in 2003, was an honest, decent, honorable man who would be a breath of fresh air in the White House.

And when these various strategies, shortcuts and clever tricks come undone, as they always do, with the working class in America or elsewhere paying the price, the Moores of this world invariably chastise the population for its backwardness and lack of political fortitude. Today, because identity politics is the first and last refuge of a scoundrel, Moore, out of the blue, suggests that support for Trump represents The Last Stand of the Angry White Man.

With his trademark ham-fisted irony, Moore goes on, purporting to speak for this Angry White Man: Our male-dominated, 240-year run of the USA is coming to an end. A woman is about to take over! How did this happen?! On our watch!  [A]fter having had to endure eight years of a black man telling us what to do, were supposed to just sit back and take eight years of a woman bossing us around?

This is slanderous and repugnant. Millions of white and black workers voted twice for Barack Obama, the candidate of change, sold to them by Moore and the pseudo-left as a transformative and historic figure, who would repudiate the hated Bush administrations militarism and corporate criminality. In November 2008, Moore had this response to Obamas victory: Who among us is not at a loss for words? Tears pour out. Tears of joy. Tears of relief. A stunning, whopping landslide of hope in a time of deep despair. What have been the results of this landslide of hope? Eight years of war, of attacks on democratic rights, of declining living standards and of the ever-increasing enrichment of the top fraction of the richest one percent.

Sadly, Moore never learns anything. He repeats the same type of blather at every important juncture. It is not our fault if we can cite, in July 2016, what we wrote in January 2004, at the time of his endorsement of Clark, without having to change a word:

Insofar as his [Moores] impressions coincide with or include a sympathy for the working class or genuine feeling for its suffering, he can produce valuable work. Both Roger & Me and Bowling for Columbine [and later, Fahrenheit 9/11], despite their limitations, contain some genuinely worthwhile moments and insights.

But why, we asked, has the left failed to construct a mass movement in the US? The strength of American capitalism no doubt played a significant role. But this failure has persisted despite the obvious and growing crisis of the system. The absence of a coherent, consciously considered and worked out ideology, indeed the contempt for theory that Moore and others exhibit, has played a huge role. The right wing in America has no intrinsic power or popular appeal, its relative dominance is a function in part of the intellectual bankruptcy of this sort of left pragmatism, thoroughly incapable of orienting itself to the historic needs of the working class and the construction of a principled mass movement.
On Wednesday, Maryland state prosecutors dropped all charges against the remaining three officers still to be tried for the April 12, 2015 arrest and subsequent death of 25-year old Baltimore resident Freddie Gray. The prosecutions decision to drop all charges occurred in the pretrial hearing for Garrett Miller, the fifth officer to be tried in the killing of Gray. In addition to Miller, the state dismissed charges against Sgt. Alicia White and Officer William G. Porter, the police officer whose initial trial ended with a hung jury last December.

All four previous cases brought against the six Baltimore police officers involved in Grays death resulted in either mistrials or acquittals. Prosecutors were reportedly facing a legal minefield in prosecuting Miller, who had served as a states witness against Officer Edward Nero last month. In exchange for Millers testimony, the state had granted him limited immunity, which would have made proving his guilt more difficult. Miller had faced charges of second-degree assault, two counts of misconduct in office for his actions pertaining to Grays arrest, as well as reckless endangerment.

I think this was bowing to the inevitable.  I think it became clear after the last verdict [for Lt. Brian Rice, the highest ranking officer charged in Grays death] that there wasnt an avenue forward that would result in a conviction, said David Jaros, a law professor for the University of Baltimore, to the New York Times .

Speaking before news cameras in the west Baltimore neighborhood of Sandtown-Winchester, where Gray was arrested, Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby referred to the decision to drop charges as agonizing, while adding, but as a prosecutor  I must consider the dismal likelihood of conviction at this point.

Mosbys comments revealed that the process surrounding each trial made them essentially sham prosecutions. Without real substantive reforms to the current criminal justice system, we could try this case 100 times and cases just like it, and we would still end up with the same result, she declared, speaking of an inherent bias that is a direct result of when police police themselves There were individual police officers that were witnesses to the case, yet were part of the investigative team, interrogations that were conducted without asking the most poignant questions, lead detectives that were completely uncooperative and started a counter-investigation to disprove the states case.

In addition, fearing a reprise of the mass protests that swept the city when Gray died, Mosby sought to caution the public against any further action. We must respect the verdicts rendered by the judge, she declared, adding, I need not remind you  that the only lossand the greatest lossin all of this was that of Freddie Grays life.

Amid legal obstruction by investigators, the court and police, the decision of the State Attorneys office to dismiss all charges demonstrates the politically calculated character of the prosecutions case against the officers involved in Grays death.

The announcement of charges against the officers came after mass protests against police brutality swept Baltimore and the country in response to the April 19, 2015 death of Gray, who was given a rough ride in the back of a police van. At the time, US and Maryland officials seized on isolated instances of rioting to declare a state of emergency in Baltimore and to call in the National Guard to conduct mass arrests. When the latter failed to quell social tension, Maryland officials, in close coordination with figures from the Obama administration, brought charges against the officers in an effort to limit further protests.

According to a 2015 investigation released by the Washington Post, in the thousands of cases of police killings between 2005 and 2015, few cops were ever prosecuted and even fewer were found guilty.

The states decision to drop all charges against the remaining three officers involved in Grays death occurs as representatives of the political and media establishments seek to delegitimize all social opposition to police brutality in the wake of the shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge. The latter deaths occurred amid protests against police shootings, which have continued unabated since Grays death in 2015.

On Tuesday evening, Minnesota police cleared protesters from in front of the governors mansion on Summit Avenue in St. Paul, arresting more than 70 people on charges of disorderly conduct, unlawful assembly and public nuisance. Protesters had been stationed outside the governors mansion since the police killing of 32-year-old Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota earlier this month.

According to Jacob Ladda, a witness, police were trying to strip us of our well-being.  Theyre asking us to remove water and food from the spacetents and other things that provide shade. Theyre using intimidation tactics rather than legal tactics.
In a blog titled US unleashes the dogs of war in Afghanistan, Indian geopolitical analyst M.K. Bhadrakumar has warned that Washington will likely soon seek to use Indian military bases and combat troops to wage war in Afghanistan.

Such action, he warns, would rile China and Pakistan, both of which border Afghanistan, and would set the region on a path to a catastrophic war that from the outset could involve four nuclear-armed powers.

In making this argument, Bhadrakumar points to Indias integration into the US drive to strategically isolate, encircle and prepare for war against China and the fresh impetus it received when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Barack Obama in Washington last month.

At the conclusion of their talks, Modi and Obama issued a statement that pledged India and the US will cooperate militarily across the Indo-Pacific regions and in all domainsland, maritime, air, space and cyber (space); named India a Major Defense Partner of the US, thereby allowing it to buy advanced US weaponry; and announced Washington and New Delhi have finalized the wording of a Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).

A major US objective for a decade, the LEMOA will enable the Pentagon to use Indian military bases and ports for resupply, repairs and rest. It will also allow the US military to forward position material on Indian bases.

The agreement is reciprocal, meaning it also opens the door for India to use US military bases. This, writes Bhadrakumar, will come in extremely handy if Indian forces get involved in a military role in Afghanistan, since it will allow them to operate from the USs extensive network of Afghan bases.

The US-Indian axis rattles China and Pakistan

The emergent US-Indian axis, as Bhadrakumar observes, is rattling China, as well as Indias traditional archrival, Pakistan, and upending the strategic calculations of all the regions major powers.

Pakistan was for decades the USs principal South Asian ally and for the past 15 years has played a pivotal role in supporting the US occupation of Afghanistan. Yet as a result of the USs aggressive courting and promotion of India, Pakistan now finds its relations with the US seriously downgraded and the already large military-strategic gap between it and India dramatically widening.

Beijing and Islamabad have responded to the Indo-US embrace by deepening their own strategic collaboration. This is exemplified by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which would link western China to the Pakistani Arabian Sea Port of Gwadar, providing China with a means of partially circumventing the Pentagons plans to impose an economic blockade on China by seizing Indian Ocean chokepoints.

Pointing to the increasing military-strategic polarization in South Asia and the not unrelated fraying of US-Pakistani ties over Islamabads role in the Afghan War, Bhadrakumar writes, Logically, at some point in a near future, [the] US will demand a direct Indian military role in Afghanistan.

He then adds, India may be already positioning itself for undertaking such a role in Afghanistan as the USs key partner.

Bhadrakumar is a former high-level Indian diplomat, who has numerous contacts in Indian diplomatic and political circles. In his blog, he voices the concerns of a section of the Indian elite over the risks they run in acting as satraps for US imperialism in its reckless war drive against China. Generally, this is presented as concern over Indias strategic autonomythat is, its room to maneuver among the great powers in pursuit of the Indian bourgeoisies own predatory interests. But the apprehensions of this faction of the elite are also fueled by their recognition that the mass of Indias workers and toilers are hostile to Washingtons aggression and wars. The burgeoning Indo-US alliance thus threatens to incite opposition and rapidly become a politically destabilizing factor.

Bhadrakumar suggests that the war in Afghanistan could serve as the perfect alibi to beef up the US military presence in the region, providing a mechanism to counter popular opposition to the Pentagons use of Indian bases and to acclimatize the population to Indian and US troops jointly waging war.

This is because Modi, his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, the corporate media and the pro-US political and military-strategic establishments would present a direct role in the US-led war in Afghanistan as in keeping with Indias strategic orientation and core interests. Publicly, they would frame it as part of Indias longstanding strategic competition with Pakistan and of Indias fight against Islamist terrorism (whose rise in South Asia is invariably presented as entirely separate from the concomitant growth of Hindu supremacism).

If India gets involved militarily in Afghanistan, writes Bhadrakumar, it will be killing two birds with a single shot, insofar as, one, it can hope to roll back Chinas expanding influence in Afghanistan, and, two, a military role in Afghanistan will help India to exert the maximum pressure on Pakistan. In strategic terms, indeed, Afghanistan is a high plateau that looks down on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Indias strategic offensive in Central Asia

India has long been vying with Pakistan for influence in Afghanistan, and has sought to do so in tandem with Washington.

The previous BJP-led government was bitterly disappointed in the fall of 2001 when the Bush administration spurned its offers of support and instead made Washingtons traditional South Asian partner, Pakistan, the locus for the US attack on Afghanistan.

Subsequently, the entire political establishment, including the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist), supported the US invasion of Afghanistan. New Delhi used its influence within the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance to rally support for the invasion and assist the formation of a US-installed puppet government headed by Hamid Karzai.

Since then, India has worked systematically to expand its ties with Kabul, including through the provision of economic and military aid. In 2011, President Karzai and Indias then-Congress Party-led government entered into a defense pact that included India agreeing to train 600 Afghan soldiers annually. In 2014, India supplied Kabul with Russian-made helicopters and military hardware.

Pakistan has accused India of using its growing presence in Afghanistan, including its network of diplomatic missions, to covertly support Baluchi separatists and other anti-Pakistan insurgents.

While New Delhi is determined to prevent Pakistan from using Afghanistan to provide strategic depth against India, its involvement in the impoverished, war-scorched country is also motivated by its growing economic and strategic rivalry with China.

New Delhi views Afghanistan as the gateway to Central Asia, where it is competing with Beijing for influence, including access to the regions abundant oil and natural gas reserves.

In late May, Modi, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed an agreement to develop an economic corridor linking the Iranian port of Chabahar to Afghanistan and through it to several of the former Central Asian Soviet republics. Hitherto, Pakistan has used its geographic position between Afghanistan and India to block land trade between them and thwart Indias ambitions in Central Asia.

US imperialism and its India card

Undoubtedly, Washington is anxious to make maximum use of the newly minted Indian basing agreement, including in waging war, so as to establish precedents that further harness India to its wars plans. Similarly, the Pentagon would welcome an opportunity to draw Indian forces into combat alongside the US military.

That said, there are, from the US standpoint, still major strategic and practical obstacles to India taking a more direct role in the Afghan War.

Over the past decade, the US has showered India with strategic favours, so as to ensnare it in its war drive against China. This has included supporting the expansion of Indian influence in the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, South China Sea, and Africa and negotiating a special exemption for India in the world nuclear regulatory regime giving it access to advanced civilian nuclear technology and fuel although it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty.

However, in the case of Afghanistan, this has had definite limits. While Washington has encouraged India to provide Kabul with aid, because of its dependence on Pakistan to supply the US-NATO forces in Afghanistan and squeeze Taliban safe-havens in Pakistan, it has partially deferred to Islamabads wishes and until now opposed Indian troops being deployed to Afghanistan. It has also ceded New Delhi only a marginal role in the political maneuvers to create a more stable US-client government in Kabul.

This has been a source of considerable tension between New Delhi and Washington, with Indian analysts charging that the US is marginalizing India in Afghanistan.

Fearing Pakistan will gain leverage from any political settlement that results in the Taliban or sections of it being incorporated into the Afghan government, Indiaboth under the current government and the previous Congress-led onehas repeatedly expressed skepticism, if not outright opposition, to any peace talks. According to New Delhi, there are no good Talibans with whom to negotiate.

Were the US to change course and conscript India into playing a direct role in the Afghan war, it would bring relations with Pakistan to the breaking point.

There are also practical problems with the US using India as a staging ground to wage war in Afghanistan. US planes flying from Indian bases could only reach Afghanistan by traversing Pakistani airspace. Washington might calculate it could bully the Pakistani elite into accepting this, at least tacitly, as it has the drone war that the CIA and Pentagon have waged in Pakistans Federally Administered Tribal Areas. But the USs systematic violation of Pakistans sovereignty and savage drone war have already incited mass opposition in Pakistan.

The reality is that the mere suggestion the US is considering pressing India to take a more direct role in the Afghan war would constitute a dire threat to the geopolitical interests and strategy of Pakistans elite and for multiple reasons. Were India to join the US-led Afghan war, it would represent a qualitative escalation of the Indo-US military partnership; expand Indias military-strategic footprint in Afghanistan, thereby intensifying Pakistans strategic vulnerability; and invariably be associated with a further downgrading of the already frayed relations between Islamabad and Washington.

For expediencys sake, the US, therefore, will likely first deploy its Indian Afghan card as a threat, in the form of trial balloons or by encouraging India to expand its Afghan footprint. And all with the aim of intimidating Pakistan into sharing a still larger burden of the war, leveraging the substantial sections of the Pakistani bourgeoisie who still look to US imperialism as the bulwark of their rule, and breaking the Sino-Pakistani strategic partnership.

The Pakistani elite is keenly aware that it is the butt of mounting hostility within Washingtons political and military-security establishment. In late May, the Pentagon violated Islamabads red lines to assassinate the political leader of the Taliban, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, and blow up Pakistans efforts to persuade the Taliban to join peace talks. This action, which was hailed by Obama personally, was interpreted and touted by Washington nation-security insiders as a blunt message to Islamabad that the US is intent on rewriting the rules of its relations with Pakistan.

Earlier this month, the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing under the title Pakistan: Friend or Foe in the Fight Against Terrorism? At the hearing, expert witnesses and congressmen railed against Pakistani duplicity and denounced Islamabad for consorting with terrorists, blithely ignoring Washingtons own notorious decades-long record of using Islamist groups as proxies in its regime change operation.

In public forums, the criticisms directed at Pakistan from members of the US political and national-security establishments focus on its failure to do Washingtons bidding in Afghanistan and the war on terror. But increasingly, the real or at least more important issue is Pakistans relations with China and the strategic implications of Pakistans leading role, via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, in Chinas One Belt, One Road and Maritime Silk Road initiatives.

Pointing to Afghanistan as an example and flashpoint of rising tensions throughout Asia, Bhadrakumar concludes, The danger is real that the major powers may be drifting toward a general war.

The USs drive to secure its global hegemonythrough its 15-year Afghan war and its push to transform India into a front-line state in its military-strategic offensive against Chinahas drawn all of South and Central Asia into a maelstrom of intensifying geo-political conflict, with nuclear-armed states the principal protagonists. The India-China and India-Pakistan conflicts have become inextricably intertwined with American imperialisms campaign to thwart Chinas rise, rendering all of them still more unpredictable and explosive and threatening, absent the revolutionary intervention of the international working class, to trigger a conflagration that will dwarf the imperialist world wars of the last century.

The authors also recommend:

Hurtling toward the precipice of war, Modi cements Indo-US alliance

[10 June 2016]

Indian Stalinists abet US war plans against China

[31 May 2016]
Last weeks announcement by US Vice President Joe Biden that a US warship will visit New Zealand in November to celebrate the NZ Navys 75th anniversary marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of military ties between the two countries.

Three decades ago, the Labour government effectively banned US naval visits when it adopted an anti-nuclear stance. The US military does not reveal, as a matter of policy, whether its ships are nuclear-armed or not. In 1985 a US destroyer was barred from docking in New Zealand.

Now, the anti-nuclear policy, while still officially upheld by the current National Party government, has been brushed aside to facilitate New Zealands integration into the Obama administrations military build-up in the Asia Pacific and preparations for war against China.

Biden underscored this drive in belligerent speeches during his visits this month to Australia and New Zealand, where he made thinly-veiled attacks on China for supposedly blocking freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The US navy has already carried out several provocative exercises in the territorial waters of islets claimed by China.

In this context, the celebration of the planned US naval visit by New Zealands political establishment must be taken as a stark warning. Every party in parliament supports the countrys alliance with US imperialism and is prepared to take the population into a disastrous war involving nuclear-armed powers.

The opposition Labour and Green parties have ludicrously tried to portray the US ship visit as signalling Washingtons acceptance of New Zealands anti-nuclear legislation. Greenpeace executive director Russel Norman, a former Greens co-leader, hailed the announcement as a victory for people power.

In fact, the US has not changed its position. The Navy Times on 22 July quoted a US Navy official saying the port visit would be conducted on a dont ask, dont tell basis. Wellington had not asked for any details about the status of the ship that will be sent, which military officials said would likely be a destroyer.

The support for the US naval visit by the Greens and Greenpeace points to a further shift to the right by a whole layer of upper middle class ex-protest leaders, who have embraced imperialism and imperialist war.

Greenpeace played a major role in demonstrations against US ship visits during the 1970s and 1980s. It also carried out protests against French nuclear testing in the South Pacific. Writing on the liberal web site The Spinoff, Norman tried to cloak his organisations about-face in pacifist phrases. Referring to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he wrote: The US military remains for many a symbol of excessive might, too often exerted unjustly and with devastating consequences. But he then claimed the US warship visit was an amazing victory for the goal of a nuclear weapons-free world.

Former Greens MP Keith Locke wrote a similarly dishonest article for the trade union-funded Daily Blog. He declared: I am not, as a peace campaigner, enthused by any American warship visit. At the same time he insisted, without irony, that the resumption of US naval visits was a victory worth celebrating for anti-nuclear activists.

Far from being peace campaigners, the Greens have always been a capitalist party that agrees with New Zealands alliance with the US. It supported the 19992008 Labour government of Prime Minister Helen Clark, which sent troops to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While formally opposing involvement in Iraq, the Greens supported the war in Afghanistan. In August 2010, Locke told parliament he was proud of the good peace-keeping and reconstruction work that our Provincial Reconstruction Team has done in Bamiyan province. In reality, the New Zealand team of about 140 soldiers was an integral part of the US occupation and its camp in Bamiyan doubled as a CIA base.

Clarks Labour government, with the Greens backing, also contributed to the Australian-led military-police interventions in East Timor and Solomon Islands.

On Tuesday, Labour Party leader Andrew Little pointed to the purpose of the US naval visit in a speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. He said it was strongly in New Zealands interests that we have deep, friendly military co-operation with the US. The ruling elites of New Zealand and Australia rely on Washingtons backing to maintain their own neo-colonial spheres of influence in the Pacific. They view Chinas and Russias increased involvement in the region as a threat to their interests.

Little also praised New Zealands role in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which he described as vital in confronting ongoing security challenges, including from barbaric groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS. In fact, the New Zealand spy agency, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), has played a significant role in spying on Chinese officials and passing the information to the US National Security Agency.

The Greens have embraced not only Labour but also the right-wing anti-immigrant NZ First Party. All three parties contested the 2014 election in a de facto alliance. Labour and NZ First have sought to whip up anti-Chinese xenophobia, scapegoating Chinese people for the countrys housing crisis and unemployment. This campaign dovetails with efforts to integrate New Zealand into Washingtons moves against China.

Labours anti-nuclear stance during the 1970s and 1980s was largely bound up with New Zealands inter-imperialist rivalry with France in the South Pacific. In the early 1970s, the Labour government sent a frigate to oppose French nuclear testing in the region. In 1985 the French secret service bombed the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour in retaliation for anti-nuclear protests, killing one crew member.

The anti-nuclear policy only led to a partial and temporary rift with the US. The policy was part of attempts by the Labour government to give itself progressive credentials while it launched a far-reaching assault on the working class. It privatised government departments, deregulated the banking industry and oversaw the destruction of manufacturing industries.

Behind the scenes, Labour strengthened intelligence ties with the US. In 1987 it began construction of the GCSBs powerful Waihopai spy base to strengthen the Five Eyes alliance. In his autobiography, Lange stated: I thought we should build the base because it seemed unwise at the time to further upset the Americans, who were the chief beneficiaries of the information it provided.

The groups that led the anti-nuclear protests consciously sought to subordinate them to the Labour government and prevent any independent struggle of the working class against Labours attacks on living standards and its continued support for imperialism.

Labour campaigned heavily on its anti-nuclear policy during its 1987 re-election campaign, assisted by groups such as Campaign Against Nuclear Warships (Canwar) and Greenpeace. Canwars main organiser Nicky Hager, now a journalist, wrote an article in the New Zealand Herald last month, entitled Let the US send a warship, which advanced similar positions as those of Locke and Norman. Even in 1985, Hager declared he would support a US warship visit if it were definitely non-nuclear, something the Labour government tried in vain to arrange.

The immense regional tensions and instability provoked by the US drive toward war against China have again exposed the hollowness of the pacifism and phony leftism of the Green Party and its supporters. If a Labour-Greens government is elected next year it will support the further integration of New Zealand into US war plans and ongoing attacks on the working class at home.
The now five-month long struggle of 4,800 nurses against concession demands by hospital chain Allina Health has entered a new stage. In the final day of recent negotiations last Friday, the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) union offered a new proposal to Allina Health, surrendering two of their current union-sponsored health care plans and raising the out-of-pocket costs for workers on the remaining two.

Nurses carried out a weeklong strike against Allina hospitals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area last month after voting overwhelmingly to reject managements demands to replace union-sponsored plans with Allinas own substandard coverage. The MNA ordered 6,000 other Twins Cities area nurses to continue working and then shut down the Allina strike, sending nurses back to work without a contract on June 27.

Alongside a demand for a meager pay raise10 percent over three yearsthe MNAs new proposal fails to address nurses concerns about under-staffing and unsafe workloads.

The details of the new proposals include increasing co-pays from $15 to $20 for regular office visits and from $40 to $50 for emergency and combining the union plans into a common pool with the core plans Allina offered. The same deductible for Allina Healths first plan would be used for the remaining two union plans.

It is noteworthy that of the remaining two plans one of them only offers coverage in Allina hospitals while the other combines coverage for Allina hospitals and outside hospitals. These details paint a picture of the hated company store scenario where nurses will see their paychecks shrink to pay Allina for their own health coverage.

Allina responded to the MNAs capitulation with demands for deeper cuts on the remaining two plans. It also insists that new nurses be barred from the union-sponsored plans. At the conclusion of the meeting, the MNA and Allina planned to meet again on August 1.

The offer is a complete sellout of nurses, which will only set the pattern for far more concessions not just in Minnesota but nationally. It confirms the warnings by the World Socialist Web Site about the treacherous role of the MNA and the National Nurses United (NNU) and the significance of their political subordination of health care workers to the Democratic Party and the cost-cutting campaign being spearheaded by the Obama administration.

Far from uniting health care workers in a serious struggle against the powerful corporate interests that dominate the health care industry, the NNU has called a series of impotent walkouts, which have been left deliberately isolated by the AFL-CIO and other unions. These strikes have largely been used to allow angry health care workers to let off steam while doing little or nothing to affect the revenue of the giant hospital chains.

The California-affiliate of the NNU called a four-day strike at Kaiser Permanentes Los Angeles Medical Center before sending the 1,300 nurses back without a contract. The NNU blocked a strike by nurses and reached last minute concessionary deals in Watsonville, California and at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.

Nurses and other health care workers are being thrust into struggle because of the relentless attacks on their working conditions and living standards. This assault has been accelerated under Obamas misnamed Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has increased the number of insured patients while doing nothing to seriously address the critical shortage of nurses and other caregivers. Even before the implementation of ACA, experts were predicting there would be a shortage of 500,000 nurses in the US by 2025.

Obamacare has also been used throughout every sector of the economy to shift health care costs from employers onto the backs of workers. The major health care companies see nurses health care costs as a major obstacle to their efforts to slash costs and boost revenue.

In an effort to provide itself with a left cover, the MNA endorsed Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary contest. The Sanders campaign turned out, just as the World Socialist Web Site had warned, to be a political trap for workers and young people, with Sanders endorsing Hillary Clinton, the favored candidate of the billionaire class who received, by far, the largest amount of campaign donations from the pharmaceutical monopolies.

Nurses opposition to increased workloads, the gutting of health care, and the reduction of wages and overall living standards is part of a resurgence of open class conflict. In order to take their fight forward, Allina nurses must take the conduct of the struggle out of the hands of the MNA and other unions, and for rank-and-file committees to unify all health care workers in a common battle. Above all what is needed is a new political strategy to mobilize the whole working class to fight for socialism so universal health care, provided on the basis of human need, not private profit, can be guaranteed to all as a basic social right.
Several hundred Bernie Sanders supporters gathered Wednesday afternoon in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to denounce Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The prior evening protesters had crowded around the entrance to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at AT&T Park. About 100 Sanders delegates walked out of the convention center to stage a sit-in in the media tent, in protest of Clintons nomination. At one point protesters outside the convention tried to climb the barriers preventing them from entering.

The World Socialist Website spoke to many young people and workers who turned out for a fourth day of protest at the DNC. Many expressed anger and disgust at the nomination of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic presidential candidate, as well as the corruption of the Democratic Party more generally. When asked about Sanders support for Clinton, many defended him as being a man of his word. In the background, speakers from an organization called Black Men for Bernie encouraged protesters to keep the faith.

Our reporting team spoke to Kate and Meira, who had driven to Philadelphia from New York to support Sanders and protest the nomination of Hillary Clinton. Kate told us, Hillary is such a warmonger and it really scares me. The two candidates are loathed by so many people. Speaking further about Clinton, she said, I think shes a puppet, and theyll get a new puppet. There are a lot of agents and actors, its a machine.

When asked about the leaked emails exposing the DNC, Meira said, We were saying it all along, and it is outrageous, scandalous and awful. Their apology doesnt mean anything because they are apologizing and not doing anything. If they meant it they would say, Wow, this was awful, lets vote again. Theyre not saying that. Theyre saying, pardon my language, We screwed you over, sorry! Were going to take the results we dictated and run with them. We knew that our votes were stolen. We know what happened, and its kind of insane.

Wynn and Heather drove all the way from Iowa. Wynn said that WikiLeaks basically validates everything weve been thinking since the beginning. The things that have been going on are unfair, unjust, at which point Heather added, corrupt!

When the conversation turned to the Fight for 15 campaign and a bill in Iowa that has partially increased the minimum wage, a reporter for the WSWS explained that this was a paltry increase, used as a ploy by the Democratic Party. Heather replied, So I make $8.20 an hour, I have for the last five years. When I first got that job I could buy a pound of hamburger for $3. A pound of hamburger now costs $5. How can I afford to feed myself and my daughter?

Heather added that in Iowa 30 percent of children dont get enough to eat. She said that a study in the state showed that for a family of four you need to be making more than $16 hour. Do you know how many people in Iowa actually make $16 an hour and some odd cents?!

Wynn expressed some degree of belief in reform, but added, Capitalism is definitely broken, theres no doubt about that.

The WSWS also spoke to a young man named Nathan, who had a sign that denounced Hillary Clinton as a war criminal and crook. Hillary Clinton is involved with the military-industrial complex, he said, and I think its really a shame because its disguised as the war on terrorism, but it is really a war of controlling resources and oil in the Middle East.

I think dropping bombs in the name of keeping us safe is a load of BS, he went on. Dropping bombs just creates more terrorists. We need to do something different. When asked about the role of the Obama administration in the wars for resources, he drew attention to the recent bombing which killed over 80 civilians in Syria.

We need to get together and stop these things from happening, Nathan added. Because the Syrian children, they dont deserve it, theyre just like you and I, how are they supposed to survive when were dropping bombs in their backyard? That does not stop terrorism because youve just killed their brother, their mom, their dad  I think its awful.

The WSWS discussed the election campaign of the Socialist Equality Party with Nathan. In response he said he thought the SEPs program was a great idea, but he didnt know how to get there, though. A reporter drew attention to the power of the international working class and the growth of class struggle. Nathan responded, I see a system right now that is beneficial to the ultra-wealthy. And I see a system of divide and conquer. And Im sad to see the amount of people falling for it.

A young worker named Bryan responded strongly to the WSWS call for a working class party, united internationally and independent from the bourgeois parties. Exactly, a lot of the reasons they keep [class issues] separate [from the election discussion], is because they want to keep us divided by gender, race, he replied.

Zach, another young worker, said, People just want change. Trump voters dont want another four years of the Democrats and Clinton voters dont want to go back to when Bush was president. But its hard to trust either of them because they just say anything.

Im not registered to vote. It just doesnt seem like theres a reason to yet. Its like you dont even want to pay attention to it because its so negative. You dont want to watch Fox or CNN and you know in the back of your head that theyre lying to you.
What a great article Lindsey Esparrago wrote about Erv Williams being the house father at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house ("Sons come to aid of Betas big man," July 18)!

Since his 10 years at the Beat House, Erv has had considerable health problems and medical bills have appeared.

Enter Abe Karimi, a 2010 pledge who lost his mother to cancer. He made calls and a great majority of the 163 donors were Betas. The rest were Nebraskans he had met and people from his home town in North Carolina.

How refreshing to read a positive story about a great fraternity and its house father.

Jane Allman, Lincoln
The US has justified its confrontational stance against Beijing in the South China Sea as protecting vital shipping lanes and containing Chinese alleged expansionism. But Washingtons real objective is military superiority in these strategic waters as part of its preparations for war against China. Beijing has responded with its own reactionary military measures that only heighten the danger of a conflict between nuclear-armed powers.

An article on the BBC website on July 11 entitled The submarines and rivalries underneath the South China Sea highlighted a crucial and little-discussed aspect of the contest for naval supremacy. While submarines play an important part in conventional warfare, the preoccupation of both China and the United States is their role in a nuclear war.

Beijing has become increasingly worried that its relatively small nuclear arsenal could be wiped out in a US first strike, leaving it without a credible means for retaliating. The US has committed to spending $1 trillion over the next three decades to modernise its nuclear weapons and means of delivery. It is also building an anti-ballistic missile system in Asia and Europe which is aimed at further undermining the ability of China and Russia to strike back after an American nuclear attack.

The BBC article explained that a critical element to Chinas motivations for island-building lies beneath the surface of the sea. Mounting concern within the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) over the vulnerability of its land-based nuclear deterrent and the ability to deliver a retaliatory second strike has prompted China to place some of its nuclear warheads on board submarines.

Two years ago the Chinese navy began deploying nuclear submarines armed with nuclear missiles into the South China Sea. The Guardian reported in May that it is poised to send nuclear- armed submarines into the Pacific Ocean for the first time.

The crucial question for Chinese military strategists is how the submarines can evade detention by American military reconnaissance which would render them vulnerable to attack in the event of a conflict. Chinas nuclear submarines are mainly stationed at the Yulin naval base on the southern tip of Hainan Island, which is directly adjacent to the South China Sea.

An article in the South China Morning Post on Saturday explained: The East China Sea has only a few, narrow underwater channels which means its submarines can easily be monitored. But the South China Sea features underground submarine facilities [at the Yulin base] with tunnel access, shielding Chinese submarines that enter the South China Sea from the prying eyes of US reconnaissance satellites.

Analyst Ashley Townshend, from the US Studies Centre at Sydney University, told the Post: If China can use its military installations in the South China Sea to defend its submarines from air, sea, underwater, and outer space threatsa very big ifit may succeed in turning [the waters] into a bastion for its nuclear-armed submarines.

Another article in the South China Morning Post on July 8 cited the comments of analyst Collin Koh Swee Lean at Singapores Nanyang Technological University. He reflected concerns in Washington that Chinas newly-built deep water port on Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea could be used to extend the reach of Chinese submarines.

We can see the PLAN [PLA Navy] subs having longer legs in operating for more sustained periods in the South China Sea without the need to frequently return to their home bases in Hainan or the mainland coast, Koh said. PLAN subs can operate more regularly with the facilities in the South China Sea, such as Fiery Cross, and they will be in a better position to monitor US naval movements. Such cat-and-mouse tracking and counter-tracking operations could be reminiscent of what happened between American and Soviet naval forces.

The Pentagon, however, is determined to maintain military supremacy over China in every sphere, particularly in nuclear warfare. Thus the US focus on freedom of navigation in the South China Sea has a sinister underlying objectiveto maintain the ability of the US navy to be able to track and, in the event of nuclear war, destroy Chinas submarines before they can unleash a retaliatory strike.

The Post article on July 8 explained: It is an open secret that the US has been sending submarines and spy planes to the South China Sea since early 2000, when it realised Beijing was starting to build the submarine base. The collision between a PLA fighter jet and a US EP-3 spy plane off the coast of Hainan in April 2001 that killed a Chinese pilot was the most serious incident to date in the two countries anti-submarine warfare contest.

Head of US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris told a congressional committee in February that he did not have enough submarines, even though the US Navy plans to concentrate 60 percent of its warships in the Asia Pacific by 2020. Focussing on the South China Sea, he declared that China was militarising its islets. Youd have to believe in a flat earth to believe otherwise, he said.

Harris argued that more submarines were the best means for countering Chinese naval forces. Submarines are the original stealth platform, he said, They clearly give us an asymmetric advantage. Our asymmetry in terms of warfare because of submarines is significant. In the modernising sense, we need to maintain that asymmetric advantage.

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter revealed in April that the US Navy was developing submarine drones and hinted at their potential use against China in the South China Sea. The Pentagon was investing in new undersea drones in multiple sizes and diverse payloads that can, importantly, operate in shallow water, where manned submarines cannot, he said.

US Naval War College analyst Toshi Yoshihara told the Post this month: [The drones] inject a degree of uncertainty into the minds of Chinese defence planners about the ability of the US Navy to quietly track, and therefore kill, Chinese subs in shallow parts of the South China Sea or in waters close to Chinese waters.

Beijings engagement in this escalating arms race with US imperialism in the Asia Pacific underscores the complete political bankruptcy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime. Representing the interests of Chinas super-rich oligarchy, the CCP is organically incapable of making any appeal to the Chinese and international working classthe only social force capable of halting the drive to war.

Instead, the CCP leadership is on the one hand seeking an accommodation with Washington while on the other boosting its military capacityincluding to wipe out millions of American workers in a nuclear retaliationthat increases the danger of war. The acute tensions in the South China Sea, for which the Obama administration is primarily responsible, have greatly heightened the danger that an incident such as the April 2001 aerial collision will not be resolved diplomatically but will lead to conflict between two nuclear-armed powers.
In its first political initiative since barely scraping back into office at the July 2 election, the Australian government has accelerated the drafting of laws to permit the indefinite incarceration of prisoners convicted of terrorism-related offences, after they have served their sentences.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called a joint media conference with Attorney-General George Brandis on Monday to declare that they had asked the state and territory governments to ensure post-sentence preventative detention legislation can be introduced quickly.

Turnbull further announced that one of the first items to be pushed through the new parliament will be the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2016. This will allow 12-month control orderswhich can include tracking devices or house arrestto be imposed on children as young as 14 who, in Turnbulls words, have been identified as being involved in terrorism-related activities.

The Bill also contains a new offence of advocating genocide. Turnbull said this was needed to further respond to the negative impact on our community of people who preach hate. According to previous comments by Brandis, this provision is designed to target organisations that actually oppose terrorism but allegedly advocate extremism or incite hatred toward other groups.

The opposition Labor Party immediately offered in principle support for the measures, underscoring its wider pledge to cooperate with the Liberal-National Coalition government to try to stabilise the parliamentary order after millions of people voted against all the major parties during the election.

The state and territory governmentsboth Coalition and Laborunanimously agreed to the indefinite detention laws last December, but Turnbull has now chosen to dramatically demand that the drafting of the legislation be expedited.

The latest legislation will add to a barrage of anti-terrorism laws introduced by successive Coalition and Labor governments over the past 15 years, setting sweeping precedents, such as detention without trial, that erode fundamental legal and democratic rights.

Once again, the political establishment, assisted by the media, is promoting terrorism scares to justify draconian measures to bolster the repressive powers of the police-intelligence-judicial apparatus in the face of rising social and class tensions.

At their media conference, Turnbull and Brandis confirmed that post-sentence preventative detention effectively means locking prisoners away for life, regardless of the severity of their particular offences or their original terms of imprisonment.

According to Turnbull: This legislation will enable additional periods of imprisonment for terrorist offenders who have served their sentences but are still judged to present an unacceptable risk to the community. How this unacceptable risk would be determined, the prime minister did not explain, except to say that it would be a court-supervised process with regular reviews and reassessments.

Such preventative imprisonment orders require no proof of any intent to commit any other offence. They further overturn the principle of no detention without trial ( habeas corpus )a longstanding doctrine to protect against victimisations and frame-ups.

Governments around the world have seized upon recent terrorist attacks in Europe, the Middle East and the US as a pretext for police-state measures. In France, the state of emergency has already been used against protests and strikes by workers fighting the corporate assault on social and working conditions. Australia is no different.

Turnbull declared: The global terrorism threat environment is growing more challenging. The recent attacks in Nice and Orlando show an increase in the frequency and severity of terrorism in the West or against Western interests. He claimed that the new measures would give our security agencies the tools they need to keep Australians safe.

Successive Australian governments bear direct responsibility for helping to foster Islamic extremist militias. US-led invasions and wars, in all of which Australia has participated, have devastated the Middle East, killing hundreds of thousands of people and sending millions fleeing their homes. Only last week, Turnbull announced an expansion of Australias military involvement in Iraq.

Moreover, the US and its allies have armed and funded Islamic extremist outfits, including Al Qaeda and Islamic State, as part of the regime-change operations spearheaded by Washington in Libya and Syria. In Australia, governments have created the worsening job prospects, glaring inequality and police victimisation of immigrant youth that enable Islamic fundamentalists to appeal to disaffected young people.

No details of the indefinite detention laws were provided at Mondays media conference. Brandis declared they would apply to prisoners who fail to be rehabilitated as a result of a penal sentence. There would be a process informed by medical and psychological assessment and patterns of behaviour while in custody and willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs while in custody.

Almost certainly, any prisoner who refuses to cooperate with the authorities, such as by becoming an informer or undercover agent, will remain incarcerated. This regime, will apply retrospectively to 13 men currently in prison and more than 25 young men and teenagers awaiting trial.

Turnbull and Brandis sought to downplay the implications for basic legal rights by referring to laws already in place in some states to indefinitely detain repeated child sex offenders and prisoners convicted of serious violence offences. These laws have resulted from previous hysterical scare campaigns against paedophiles and violence over the past two decades.

The latest measures will go even further because none of those convicted or charged with terrorist offences in Australia have actually committed a terrorist act. They have been mostly accused of preparing or conspiring to conduct an attack, invariably on tenuous evidence, under provisions that require no proof of any specific plotnot even location, time or method. Moreover, the definition of terrorism is so broad that it can cover many forms of political protest where any damage results to property.

Since the still-unexplained 9/11 attacks in the US in 2001, there has been a continual ratcheting-up of the resources and powers of the police, intelligence and military agencies. The latest legislation will be this governments sixth tranche of terrorism laws since 2013, on top of about 50 bills pushed through from 2002 onward.

This ever-expanding terrorism legislation is being used to establish an authoritarian framework. Already, there are now six types of detention without trial, electronic surveillance of the entire population via online metadata, and dual nationals can be stripped of their Australian citizenship by executive order.

These measures contain criminal offences and powers that extend well beyond the immediate targeting of highly vulnerable Islamic youth, supposedly linked to Islamist extremists in the Middle East. The security powers are being prepared for wider use throughout the working class as economic conditions worsen and Australias involvement in US-led wars intensifies.
In an unscrupulous and provocative media blitz closely coordinated with the Hillary Clinton campaign, the New York Times is publishing articles and editorials accusing the Russian government of stealing some 20,000 deeply incriminating Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails and coordinating with WikiLeaks to have them published, in a bid to tilt the US election in favor of the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The flood of Times articles on the subject began with a piece by columnist Paul Krugman last Friday headlined The Siberian Candidate, in which Krugman, citing an interview by Trump in which the Republican candidate questioned the US commitment to attack Russia in defense of the Baltic states, accused Trump of being an agent of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The most glaring feature of Krugmans column was the absence of any concrete factual evidence to back up his charge, something that has continued to characterize all of the subsequent articles published by the Times on this theme.

Krugmans column appeared the same day that WikiLeaks began to publish DNC emails documenting a conspiracy between the party establishment and the Clinton campaign to subvert the Democratic primary election challenge by Bernie Sanders. While the Times and the US media in general have published very little about the content of the emails, what has emerged shows rampant corruption and bureaucratic contempt for the electorate and for democratic procedures.

On Sunday, in an attempt to divert attention from the substance of the emails and turn the narrative into an attack on Trump for being insufficiently aggressive toward Russia, Clintons campaign manager Robby Mook told CNN that Russia was responsible for the leak, motivated by a desire to shift the election in favor of supposed Putin ally Donald Trump. Mook provided no evidence for his allegation, merely stating that a number of experts had concluded the Russian government was responsible.

Also on Sunday, the Times, which functions quite openly as a mouthpiece for the Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party, published an editorial indicting Trump for being soft on Russia and hesitant to expand US military interventions in the Middle East and step up Washingtons aggressive moves against China. It compared favorably Hillary Clintons record as a war-hawk and exponent of the US wars in Libya and Syria.

This was followed by front-page articles Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday advancing the narrative of collusion between Trump and Putin to leak the emails in order to damage the Clinton campaign. The newspaper also published an editorial Wednesday reiterating the Trump-Putin conspiracy story. Employing the methodology of a classic witch-hunt, the Times wrote:

But would Mr. Putin really interfere in the American presidential race to help Mr. Trump, the Republican Party nominee, get elected over the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton?

As odd as that may sound, it is being considered a serious possibility after the release on Friday of nearly 20,000 emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee computer servers, many of them embarrassing to Democratic leaders.

The article published Wednesday, authored by senior Times columnists with close state connections, David Sanger and Eric Schmitt, carries the sensationalist headline Spy Agency Consensus Grows That Russia Hacked DNC. Aside from the fact that no intelligence or other government officials are actually named and no concrete evidence is provided, the article makes the admission that Clinton campaign officials acknowledged that they have no evidence that Russia is trying to shift the election in Trumps direction. This fact, which exposes the entire article as a journalistically irresponsible and illegitimate provocation, is buried in the middle of the text and appears on an inside page of the printed edition.

President Barack Obama lent credence to the Trump-Putin narrative on Tuesdays NBC Nightly News, stating, What we do know is that Russians hack our systems, not just government systems, but private systems. But you know, what the motives were in terms of the leaks, all that I cant say directly. What I do know is that Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin.

This entire story is a classic example of an amalgam, that is, a construction concocted by bringing together diverse bits of information without having demonstrated any integral interconnection, usually for the purpose of framing up a targeted party. In this case, the disparate elements are:

* Trump has made statements deemed either favorable to or insufficiently hostile to Russia and Putin.

* Putin has made statements deemed friendly toward Trump.

* Trumps campaign chairman Paul Manafort has ties to Russian businessmen and was at one time an adviser to Viktor Yanukovych, the elected, pro-Russian president of Ukraine who was deposed in the US-backed and fascist-led anti-Russian coup in 2014.

* WikiLeaks founder and leader Julian Assange has made public criticisms of Hillary Clinton and spoken against her election campaign.

The method employed is to report allegations and opinions from various sources, without examining or establishing their veracity, and weave them, by means of journalistic tricks and sleights of hand, into a news story.

In the articles by the Times and other media outlets that have picked up the story, the private cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike is cited as the expert authority. The company was hired by the DNC in mid-June amid suspicions that it had been hacked.

The firm was founded by former US Air Force officer Kevin Mandia and is headed by the former head of the FBIs cybercrimes division, George Kurtz. Many other employees and officials are former National Security Agency (NSA) operatives.

According to a statement by CrowdStrike published in June, the hack into the DNCs servers was done by APT 28 and APT 29--also known as FANCY BEAR and COZY BEAR--both of which, according to the firm, are part of the Russian government.

Their claims were based on various pieces of circumstantial evidence, such as the fact that the individual or individuals that attacked the DNC used commonly-available open source tools also allegedly used by APT 28 and APT 29, and that the DNC hackers take Russian holidays off and work roughly on a Russian workday schedule.

To the embarrassment of CrowdStrike, a hacker known as Guccifer 2.0, through a blog post, took responsibility for the hack of the DNC. He or she responded to CrowdStrike by stating, Im very pleased the company appreciated my skills so highly. But, in fact, it was easy, very easy. The blog included documents from the DNC, which Guccifer 2.0 posted before the WikiLeaks release.

The hacker has stated that he or she is from Romania and does not support either Russia or Trump.

NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden has pointed out that the NSA would be able to tell if a Russian agent carried out the hack. He tweeted, Even if the attackers try to obfuscate origin, #XKEYSCORE [an NSA program that tracks the source of data] makes following exfiltrated data easy. I did this personally against Chinese ops.

He added that the NSA would have no reason to hide this information since the XKEYSCORE program is now already known.

It cannot be excluded that the Russian government is, in fact, involved in the release of the DNC emails. But there are many other possibilities. What is involved here is bourgeois imperialist politics at the highest levels, with implications for a host of governments and corporate interests all over the world.

A list of potential suspects would have to include the Sanders campaign, other foreign governments, the Obama administration or elements within it, and other US state or intelligence factions. The list could be extended indefinitely.

One thing is certain. This is anything but an innocent and legitimate journalistic exercise. It is motivated by an unstated political agenda. At the very top of this agenda is the preparation of a new administration committed to intensify the military operations of the United States in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, and escalate US economic, diplomatic and military pressure against Russia and China, leading inexorably, and perhaps in the near future, to war with nuclear powers that could lead to the annihilation of countless millions of people.

In the pursuit of this agenda, being prepared behind the backs of the American people, the Democratic Party and its main media mouthpiece, the New York Times, are managing to attack the semi-fascist Trump from the right.
Two weeks after the abortive military coup to overthrow and kill elected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, more information is coming to light about the heavy US involvement in the bloody events that led to the bombardment of the Turkish parliament and the deaths of 246 Turkish citizens.

In an article titled US commander Campbell: The man behind the failed coup in Turkey, the conservative Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak claims that General John F. Campbell was one of the top figures who organized and managed the soldiers behind the failed coup attempt in Turkey. According to the paper, the information has been revealed by sources close to the ongoing legal processing of pro-coup detainees.

Campbell is a retired US general and has some experience with bloody military interventions and overseeing war crimes. He was the commander of the Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces in Afghanistan between August 2014 and May 2016. One of the major US crimes perpetrated in this period was the horrific attack on a hospital in Kunduz last October, which slaughtered dozens of innocent patients and medical staff.

According to Yeni Safak, ongoing investigation unveiled that Campbell, prior to the putsch attempt, had secretly traveled at least twice to Turkey since May. Military sources also reported that the US general held a series of top secret meetings at the Erzurum military base and at Incirlik Air Base. Campbell was the man, who directed the process of trending/blacklisting the military officers in the base.

The Turkish newspaper describes a huge Pentagon/CIA-sponsored operation spanning several months and involving billions of dollars to prepare the coup against Erdogan. According to the newspaper, Campbell managed more than $2 billion in transactions via the UBA Bank in Nigeria, and used CIA links to distribute money among the pro-coup military personnel in Turkey.

Based on its sources, Yeni Safak reports that an 80-person special team of the CIA was working with pro-coup elements within the Turkish military, close to US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. The cleric is widely believed to be a CIA asset and Erdogan himself has accused Gulen, former ally and now archenemy, of having masterminded the coup.

According to Yeni Safak, pro-Gulen officers at Incirlik Air Base established an investigation desk as early as 2015. They began to categorize all soldiers under their command into three groups: opponents, neutrals and supporters. Soldiers who were considered to be opposed to the establishment of a military junta were barred from financial support. Members of the army categorized as those who will move with us, were provided with the largest amount of money.

The newspaper claims that money transactions began in March 2015, through a commissioned courier.

A bag with a large amount of money was found in the room of Brigadier General Mehmet Disli, one of the top military officials arrested for their involvement in the coup attempt.

General Campbell angrily dismissed the allegations made by the Turkish paper. He told the Wall Street Journal that the story doesnt even warrant a response and was absolutely ridiculous. President Barack Obama had already declared last week: Any reports that we had any previous knowledge of a coup attempt, that there was any US involvement in it, that we were anything other than entirely supportive of Turkish democracy are completely false, unequivocally false.

It is not possible to judge whether all the details in the newspaper's report are true or not. But far from being ridiculous or completely false, the Pentagon and the CIA unquestionably had a major hand in the coup attempt.

It has already been fairly well established that Incirlik Air Basewhich hosts about 5,000 US airmen, stores the largest stockpile of US nuclear weapons in Europe and serves as the base for the US-led bombing campaign against Syria and Iraqwas at the center of the putsch.

During the coup attempt, Turkish fighter jets operated by plotters flew in and out of Incirlik under the eyes of the US military. After it became clear that the putsch would fail, the base commander General Bekir Ercan Van asked the US for asylum. Obviously abandoned by his backers in Washington, he and other pro-coup soldiers at the base have been arrested.

Shortly after the aborted coup, Turkish Labor Minister Suleyman Soylu, speaking on the broadcaster Haberturk, directly charged that the United States is behind the coup.

As a matter of fact, Washington has a long and bloody history of supporting military coups in Turkey, in order to preserve American geostrategic interests. In 1960, the US supported the coup against then Prime Minister Adnan Menderes after he turned to Moscow for economic aid. The putsch in 1980 was launched just hours after Turkeys air force chief had returned from an official trip to Washington. The US State Department publicly announced the coup before anyone in the Turkish government.

The initial response of the US government to the latest coup attempt was highly suspicious. When the coup was still unfolding, US Secretary of State John Kerry called, in very general terms, for stability and continuity within Turkey. As in Egypt, where the US backed the 2013 military coup against Islamist president Mohamed Mursi, Washington made no call to defend the democratically elected president and issued no expression of concern for his personal safety or even survival.

The fact that the Obama administration actually wanted the coup to succeed, and Erdogan dead rather than alive, is most clearly expressed in the response of the American media. Immediately after it became obvious that the putsch had failed, leading newspapers began a concerted propaganda campaign denouncing Erdogan and his government. To cite only a few examples: The Economist accused the Turkish president of staging his own coup against Turkish pluralism; The Hill complained that the failed Turkish coup helps Putin;" and the New York Times opened its editorial pages to Gulen.

As more evidence of US involvement in the coup emerges, the relationship between Ankara and Washington is becoming increasingly fraught. On Tuesday, the Turkish government issued another public call for the United States to immediately extradite Gulen. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu declared, in an article published by Al-Jazeera, that Turkish people are appalled at the US insistence in harboring him and warned that the extradition ruling may shape the future relations of the US and Turkey. A survey conducted by pollster Andy-Ar showed on Tuesday that nearly two-thirds of the country believes that the US-protected cleric orchestrated the coup.
Encanto is a small community on the outskirts of San Diego, California, home to many immigrants from Latin America and Asia. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the cost of housing, food and other necessities has gone up, while wages have remained almost the same.

Supporters of the Socialist Equality Party presidential campaign spoke to workers in Encanto about the 2016 elections and the SEPs program. The campaign was met with warmth as working people in the community expressed frustration with and contempt toward the two presidential candidates being put forward by the Democrats and Republicans.

Socialist Equality Party campaigns in California
If you've been in town, you know it's been hot. It was not as hot as in Kuwait or Iraq this week ("Two Middle East locations hit 129 degrees," July 24) but still, plenty hot.

NASA scientists released a midyear analysis of global surface temperatures showing that every month between January and June had the warmest temperatures on record for the month. Alaska led the states, exceeding every years record since their first one in 1925. The rate of increase of CO2 levels is also rising. Pieter Tans, a climate scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said of the CO2, it's exceedingly high and it's going exceedingly fast."

Right now, you can burn coal, oil or gas and dump your CO2 wastes into the air for free. There's no required cleanup, as there is with other polluting industries. Gases that cause global warming are unregulated.

One way to properly account for the damage carbon emissions are causing is to charge a fee at the mine or well. If all the fees collected were distributed to U.S households every month, consumers could afford to pay the increased prices that would be passed on to us. Many conservative economists support this approach.

Becky Seth, Lincoln
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Investigators are looking for answers after fire broke out at a Florida mosque for the second time in 10 days.

Federal and local officials are investigating the blaze Wednesday at the Islamic Education Center in Tampa.

Sallah Harake, a mosque board member, said electricity was blamed for the July 17 fire. But he said the power has been cut off then.

The Islamic center's caretaker told investigators he heard popping sounds and saw smoke. He doused flames with a hose while a neighbor called 911.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating because it is a house of worship.

In a separate case, The Tampa Bay Times (http://bit.ly/2agHC2q) reports a fire last week at Madinatul Ilm - the other mosque in Hillsborough County - was determined to be accidental.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
PHILADELPHIA, PA (AP) - Long a lightning rod on the right, Hillary Clinton is making a targeted appeal to Republicans who challenge Donald Trump's claim to the conservative mantle and fear his possible presidency.

Clinton's final day of the Democratic National Convention will feature speeches by a former member of President Ronald Reagan's administration and a U.S. Chamber of Commerce official who is heading a GOP group supporting Clinton, part of an expanded outreach to Republican voters and donors.

Clinton pivoted to the left during the primaries and fended off self-described Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders. Trump's national security stumbles in questioning U.S. support for NATO allies and urging Russia to meddle in the race provides a general-election opening for Clinton and other Democrats to reach out to Republicans.

In his speech Wednesday night, President Barack Obama evoked Reagan, reminding voters that the conservative hero famously called the United States "a shining city on a hill." Trump, he said, calls the United States "a divided crime scene" and hopes to win votes by scaring people over immigration and crime.

Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, argued that the party had shifted far from its roots with Abraham Lincoln.

"If any of you are looking for the party of Lincoln, we have got a home for you right here in the Democratic Party," Kaine said in his convention address on Wednesday.

Shortly before Obama and Kaine spoke, Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-independent Michael Bloomberg urged voters to back Clinton, calling her the "sane, competent person."

In her first post-convention TV interview, Clinton was slated to appear on "Fox News Sunday" this weekend. She is holding an event in Republican-leaning Nebraska on Monday, giving her the opportunity to reach Republican voters. Obama won the Omaha congressional district in 2008.

Several prominent Republicans, including the two former presidents Bush and 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney, have not endorsed Trump. Clinton has picked up some endorsements from Republicans in recent weeks, including Brent Scowcroft, a national security adviser to President George H.W. Bush; Hank Paulson, a Treasury secretary under President George W. Bush; and Dan Akerson, a former top executive with General Motors and Nextel.

"You have to make them feel that they're not traitors. And the way to do that is to roll out a bunch of well-known Republicans saying, 'Hey I'm for Hillary,'" said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. "That is almost a permission slip for them to be for Hillary."

The former first lady, New York senator and secretary of state has been the frequent target of Republicans during her more than three decades in national politics, from the Whitewater investigation to the inquiry into the 2012 Benghazi, Libya, attacks and her use of a private email server for government business at the State Department.

Republicans said that history and her high negative numbers among rank-and-file Republican voters make it unlikely she'll find many cross-over voters. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said during a briefing held by the Republican National Committee in Philadelphia that Trump's fight against "Washington insiders" was prone to turn off some Republicans in that category.

"Donald Trump is the outsider. Hillary Clinton is the corrupt insider. And if that's going to mean that we're going to lose some Republican votes, so be it," Giuliani said.

But Democrats view Trump's provocative statements and the failed "Never Trump" movement as leading indicators in their ability to win over college-educated Republicans who have been wary of the businessman's foreign policy views or incendiary statements about Mexican-Americans, Muslims and women.

John Stubbs and Ricardo Reyes, two former officials in President George W. Bush's administration, attended the convention to generate interest in their pro-Clinton grassroots organization called R4C16.org. For likeminded Republicans, they said sitting out the election is not enough.

"This is too important. People need to put aside their personal feelings and look at what's best for this country," Reyes said. He called Trump "an existential threat, not just to the party but to the entire United States."

Clinton hopes to win over not only the hearts of Republican voters but also the wallets of some of the party's donors. Her campaign has assembled a team to field calls from Republicans interested in giving money and helping with fundraising.

In Chicago, former U.S. attorney Daniel Webb told Clinton fundraisers in recent weeks that he supports her and wants to help gather contributions for her campaign. In an interview this month with the Chicago Sun-Times, Webb said that Trump's "bias" against Hispanics and Muslims, among other groups, spurred him to action.

__

Associated Press writers Matthew Daly in Philadelphia and Sam Hananel in Washington contributed to this report.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
MIDWAY, FL. (WTXL) - A Florida Appeals Court has upheld the use of red light cameras in the state and is recommending the State Supreme Court take up the case.

The City of Midway recently installed new red light cameras. The cameras won't take part in issuing traffic tickets until August 15, 2016. They're in place now as an early warning of their implementation.

The appeals court ruled Wednesday in favor of the City of Aventura using the cameras, which are run by a vendor. The 3rd District Judges said, the use of red light cameras is an issue of great public importance and should go before the Florida Supreme Court.
Hillary Clinton plans to appear in Omaha on Monday, fresh off accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

Her campaign confirmed the visit late Wednesday. Additional details will be announced later.

Clinton last visited Omaha on Dec. 16, speaking at a rally at the Sokol Auditorium. Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton appeared at Lincoln's Fuse Coworking in February. And former President Bill Clinton addressed crowds in Lincoln and Omaha the day before the state's Democratic caucus in March.

Monday's visit by the former U.S. senator, secretary of state and first female presidential nominee from a major political party is also expected to include a fundraiser.

An email from Hillary Clinton's campaign said she will "discuss her commitment to building an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top."

People interested in attending can RSVP at hillaryclinton.com/events/view/WOWNZEAXF6UJFAOB
RACINE  Construction on a new furniture store at Regency Mall could start this fall, a mall official said Wednesday.

Bobs Discount Furniture, a national chain based in Connecticut, plans to open a store in the space now occupied by H.H. Gregg Appliances, which opened four years ago.

Ronald Kimberlain, general manager of Regency Mall, told the Racine City Plan Commission on Wednesday that construction could start this fall and Bobs Discount could be open next spring.

There are still some things we need to work out with the lease and some other things, Kimberlain said.

The size and scope of the construction is one of the issues that still need to be resolved, he added.

H.H. Gregg, which sells electronics, appliances and bedding, has no entrance into the mall. Bobs proposes creating two entrances into the mall as part of its interior renovations, Director of City Development Amy Connolly said this week.

Kimberlain and Kyle Hammer of Camburas & Theodore, an Illinois architectural firm, appeared before the Plan Commission to discuss the proposed facade sign for the store, which would be located between the Ross Dress for Less store and the southwest mall entrance.

No one spoke at a public hearing on the proposed signage, and the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of the plan. The recommendation goes to the City Council which is scheduled to meet next on Monday.

A source from Bobs said this week that the mostly eastern United States chain plans to open a store at Regency next spring as well as two more stores in the Milwaukee area.

Bobs stores are located throughout New England, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Illinois, according to the companys website.
YAKIMA, Wash. -- A Yakima County Superior Court jury will hear opening statements Wednesday in the second trial of a Yakima lawyer accused of 
With the specter of being sued for alleged pollution hanging over Yakima Valley dairy farmer
You are the owner of this article.
YAKIMA, Wash. -- Duncan MacLeod expects to look back fondly on Yakima Maker Spaces scrappy, all-hands-on-deck first three years, but for now 
Editors Note: Democratic National Convention delegate Meg Andrietsch, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Racine County, shares her perspective and provides updates from Philadelphia. Reports from the Republican National Convention ran last week.

PHILADELPHIA  The second night of the Democratic National Convention was the roll call night. We had nominations for president of the United States. U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., nominated Hillary Clinton, and Congressman John Lewis, D-Ga., was one of the seconders. These two giants in American history were the perfect choices to nominate Secretary Clinton.

We had all voted as individuals (representing the people in our congressional districts, where we were elected as delegates). Our votes were totaled by state and we listened and watched as each state announced their total votes. We go through the state list in alphabetical order, so Wisconsin was near the end. We all gathered around the Wisconsin pole and cheered madly for our state. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin announced our votes.

When all the voting was done, we had voted to nominate Clinton for president of the United States. Then we had speakers who know Clinton and told stories of her life and about the work she has done for all of us.

The first President Clinton (Bill) told his story of meeting his wife and of their courtship, and of their life together. He was a spellbinding speaker and made the case for her election.

Then we did the bus thing again. Its probably as efficient as it could be, but standing outside in a packed group in 90-plus degree temperatures for 30 minutes, following a day that started at 7:30 a.m., leads to a desire for a shower and some sleep. However, theres always another event and more people to meet.

Day 3

And on Wednesday, Day 3, we had another line up of speakers at our breakfast. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., was inspiring and charming. We heard from our labor friends, and Emilys List, too.

The Wisconsin delegation had a hospitality hour each afternoon from 1 to 2 p.m. each day. We had cheesesteaks on Monday, Philly pretzels on Tuesday, and ice cream on Wednesday as special treats while we gathered and planned to take the bus or subway to the Wells Fargo Center. It was a nice way to feel connected and to get to know all of the Wisconsin delegates, their families, friends and supporters.

And then there was Wednesday night. It was an emotional night. We heard from mothers of murdered children and were all moved to tears by their stories.

Michael Bloomberg, ex-mayor of New York, was an electrifying speaker as he explained why the Republican nominee is wrong for America.

If ever there was a beloved member of the Democratic family, it has to be Joe Biden. His personal story was heartbreaking and uplifting. We all cried when he spoke of his son Beau. My favorite part was when he said people were made strong in the broken places.

He told us, as only Joe could, about why we should vote for Clinton.

Our vice presidential nominee is U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. He impressed us all with his speech and surprised us with his fluent Spanish.

As good as Michelle Obamas speech was on Monday, Id be hard-pressed to find a better speech than the one her husband Barack Obama gave last night. Our president is a master speechmaker, and he made the case for Clinton being president. He noted that she is the best prepared person in history for the job, and that included himself and Bill.

When he finished speaking, amid all the cheering and clapping and yelling, the biggest surprise was when Clinton walked on stage. To see our president and Clinton hugging was almost overwhelming. It was the perfect way to end the night.
Police critically wounded a young man overnight Wednesday in Tel Aviv when a man aimed at them after they called on him to identify himself.

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The suspect, said to be in his 30s, received emergency treatment from Magen David Adom paramedics before being evacuated to Ichilov Hospital where he sucummbed to his wounds. His identity is still as yet unknown,

The incident took place as police in the area were conducting operations in south Tel Aviv in an effort to crack down on crime in the area. Close to midnight, officers came across four people at Tel Aviv's central bs station and asked them to identify themselves. After one of the suspects pulled out a gun and aimed it at them, the officers immediately responded with live rounds. There were no further injuries.

Scene of shooting at Tel Aviv's central bus station (Motti Kimchi)

The police said that the other suspects who managed to flee the scene were being pursued. The exact circumstances surrounding the event are yet to have been determined while .

Gun suspect pulled on the police

This unusual incident took place in the wake of a spate of violence and murder which have transpired over the last two days in the Arab sector. On Wednesday morning, Mohamed Handawi, an 80-year-old bedouin from the bedouin community of Tuba-Zangariyye in northern Israel, was stabbed to death by a 15-year-old neighbor. The boy was arrested shortly thereafter.

Two days ago, Salem Abdallah, a 40-year-old woman from Kafr Yasif, also in northern Israel, was murdered while visiting her parents in the Galilee. She was found dead in the home with gunshot wounds. The same evening, yet another murder took place in Jadeidi-Makr near Acre in which a 42-year-old man was shot to death while his brother was lightly wounded.
CHICAGO - US President Barack Obama's presidential library will be built in a park on Chicago's South Side along the shores of Lake Michigan and a short walk from the university where Obama once taught, a person familiar with the selection process told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The Barack Obama Foundation decided to build the library at Jackson Park near the University of Chicago, according to a person briefed on the selection. The library is expected to be a boon to the city's South Side, providing jobs to communities that have long struggled with gang violence and high unemployment.

The park was selected over nearby Washington Park, which also was proposed by the University of Chicago, where Obama taught constitutional law as he was embarking on a political career that led him to the Illinois Senate, the US Senate and ultimately the White House.

The university has said the library and presidential center are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, bringing jobs and millions of dollars to the area.
PHILADELPHIAFormer US President Bill Clinton cheered on curent President Barack Obama during the latter's speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, wearing quite a unique decoration on his lapela "Hillary" pin in Hebrew.

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According to reports in the US, one of the former president's aides, Steve Rabinovich, gave him the pin and he wore it as a response to the burning of an Israeli flag outside the convention the previous day by supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders, who protested the fact the former candidate declared his support of Hillary Clinton.





Clinton's Hebrew lapel pin (Photo: EPA)

"I gave the pin to my former boss at an event held this afternoon at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. He said he would wear it, but I didn't know whether to believe him or not," Rabinovich said.

Clinton watching Obama's speech (Photo: EPA)

Rabinovich said that the chairman of the National Jewish Democratic Council, Marc Stanley, also gave the former president such a pin.
After more than five years of civil war in Syria, Israel likely to allow a Jewish-American humanitarian aid organization to provide assistance to the Syrian civilians entangled in the violence.

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The organization, Amalia, headed by businessman Motti Kahane, is seeking to establish a safe zone near the border in order to return some semblance of normality to its residents which has been utterly crippled by onset of the bloody war.

While there is no Syrian military presence in the area, there are local rebel organization.

Food packages from Israel to Syrian rebels

The aim of the organization is to rebuild the civilian community of Quneitra in south-western Syria and to operate on three levels: Firstly, to deliver medical supplies and to build a field hospital which will enable civilians to receive treatment without having to pass the border. Secondly, the organization aims to repair educational institutions so that children can once again return to schools. Finally, the organization will deliver food and other essential goods.

An IDF spokesperson said, We will look into cooperation with the different humanitarian aid organizations for the Syrian population.

Kahane told Ynet that he believed that the efforts would serve as a positive example of the Israeli humanitarian ethos: It is important to show the world and the Syrians who we Israelis are. The situation there is harder than in Gaza and it is important that the help comes from everybody. The organization is in need of international assistance, he said.

We are not for Assad or for ISIS. It is important that the Syrian people understand this so that can be friendship between the sides, Kahane continued.

Rich and flour packages sent to Syrian rebels

If the humanitarian activities are approved by Israel, organizers will begin working in the coming weeks in cooperation with the IDF.

Last month controversy broke out in the Arab media and on social networks after pictures were uploaded showing Israeli food products being brought into Quneitra, vast swathes of which controlled by Syrian opposition forces. While rebel organizations, including the Free Syrian Army benefit from the aid and encourage its continuation, other rebel forces attacked the initiative: It is an insult to receive food from the Zionist entity which abuses the Golan Heights, one organization said.

The pictures were also obtained by various media networks identifying with the rebel forces as well as those affiliated with the Syrian regime. Both sides used the pictures to demonstrate Israels cooperation with their respective oppponents. The aid packages included items such as packets of rice and flour which was likely delivered to Syria from Israel. However, it is unknown when or by whom.

Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper quoted an official in the field claiming that this was not the first time that Israeli aid had been transferred to the areas under rebel control. The aid started getting in in 2013 and the pace at which it did so grew after Jordan closed its border with Syria.

The same official explained that the aid triggered an exchange of accusations between the different rebel groups which sought to portray the recipients of the aid as traitors and collaborators of Zionism.
LONDONMexican rock legend Carlos Santana will donate the majority of the proceeds from his concert in Tel Aviv this weekend to Israeli and Palestinian children, he told Ynet in an interview.

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Santana will perform in Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park on Saturday, July 30. He is expected to arrive in Israel with the original crew he had in Woodstock, which will number about 11 musicians, for a concert that is expected to last about two and a half hours.

Watch Ynet's interview with Carlos Santana (:  )

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Santana, 68, was supposed to come to the holy land in June 2010, but cancelled a few months in advance. The official reason was a busy schedule, but speculation arose about Santana caving in to political pressure from anti-Israeli movements.
MOUNT PLEASANT  The village has reached tentative settlements with two businesses disputing tax assessments, resulting in refunds for Arbys and Walgreens.

Under a proposed agreement, Mount Pleasant would refund $10,717 to Walgreens, which challenged assessments of its stores at 6125 Durand Ave. and 4901 Spring St. Arbys, 7141 Durand Ave., would get $4,180 back in taxes.

The villages Finance/Legal/License Committee gave unanimous preliminary approval to the agreements in its meeting Wednesday. The Mount Pleasant Village Board could take them up in its Aug. 8 meeting.

The village would assess both Walgreens stores at $2.6 million under the settlement, Village Assessor Dan McHugh said. Walgreens had sought a value of $1.9 million compared with the villages assessments of $2.9 million for the Durand Avenue store and $2.8 million for the Spring Street location.

I believe the settlement represents a much more reasonable value, McHugh said.

The villages attorney has said the terms are the most favorable for any Wisconsin municipality in which Walgreens has challenged assessments, according to McHugh.

A settlement also allows Mount Pleasant to avoid a court battle.

Continuing down the litigation path would be risky, as we dont know the ultimate result, McHugh said.

Meanwhile, the village has tentatively agreed to assess Arbys, 7141 Durand Ave., at $900,000 after originally assessing it at just less than $1.1 million.

Carisch Inc., which owns the restaurant, had sought an assessment of $650,000, McHugh said.

As with Walgreens, McHugh said he felt its in the (villages) best interest to accept the terms of the settlement. Continuing to pursue litigation may result in a larger refund back.

Both businesses challenged their 2014 and 2015 assessments and, as part of the agreements, agreed to forgo their 2014 refunds, McHugh said.
French President Francois Hollande said Thursday shortly will create a National Guard in France to help the police to fight against the terrorist attacks in this country where they have multiplied lately.

"The president decided that the National Guard would be built on existing operational reserves," said the Elysee in a statement after a meeting with Francois Hollande of Parliamentary on this subject. Trade-offs will be made in early August before a formal operationalization expected in early autumn.
MOSCOW - Russia and the Syrian government said they will open humanitarian corridors in Syria's embattled city of Aleppo on Thursday and offer a way out for opposition fighters wanting to lay down their arms, even as Syrian forces took another district from rebels in the city.

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The Russian announcement by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu came as Syria's President Bashar Assad offered a general amnesty for rebels who give up their weapons and surrender to authorities over the next three months.

Rebels and residents of Aleppo said they were deeply skeptical of the offer, and there was no immediate sign of people massing to leave the besieged parts of the city.

Syrian army in Aleppo

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For days now, Syrian government forces and allied troops have encircled the main rebel enclave in Aleppo, urging fighters there to surrender. The encirclement set the stage for a prolonged siege that the government hopes will eventually stare out and force the rebels to surrender, a tactic Assad's forces have used elsewhere, including in the central city of Homs.

But humanitarian groups have warned of a major catastrophe if the siege on the rebel-held parts of Aleppo continues. Some 300,000 residents are trapped in the eastern part of the city that is controlled by rebels, according to the United Nations.

Fighting in Aleppo (Photo: AFP)

Shoigu said in televised comments that President Vladimir Putin has ordered a "large-scale humanitarian operation" that will be launched outside Aleppo to help civilians as well as allow fighters who wanted to lay down the arms to surrender.

He said three corridors will be open for civilians and fighters who lay down their arms and a fourth corridor providing fighters a "safe exit with weapons."

Fighting in Aleppo (Photo: AFP)

"Given the fact that our American counterparts have not provided intelligence about the Nusra Front and Syrian Free Army squads (we) will create a fourth corridor for a safe exist with weapons in the north of Aleppo in the direction of the Castello highway," he said. The Nusra Front is al-Qaeda's branch in Syria while the Syrian Free Army is the name of the main Western-backed rebels. Both have fighters in Aleppo.

Meanwhile, the governor of Aleppo province, Mohammed Olbi, said three crossings have been opened for residents, adding that those who leave would be given temporary accommodation. Syrian TV said fliers have already been dropped on rebel-held areas of Aleppo urging people to take the government's offer of humanitarian corridors. The TV also aired a call from Aleppo clerics, calling on armed groups to drop their weapons.

There were no immediate signs of people converging on the crossings.

Syrian troops in Aleppo

Bahaa Halabi, an opposition media activist inside Aleppo, said there are no corridors out of east Aleppo and even if there were, he would not take them.

"Definitely not. We will not surrender ourselves to the criminals. They are killing us every day. Slaughtering us, starving us, and besieging civilians," he said, speaking from the city via Skype.

Syrian army in Aleppo (: )

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Fliers dropped on eastern Aleppo show corridors to government areas, according to Ibrahim Haj, who directs the media office. He said some families may send their women and children through the corridors but not men. Also, he said there is clearly little confidence in the government's amnesty offer.

"Most of the men - everyone here - is wanted by the regime," said Haj. "It's impossible for people here to go to regime areas."

A flyer detailing escape routes from the city.

Capitalizing on their push in battles over the past days, Assad's forces on Thursday took the Bani Zeid neighborhood on the northern edge of the Aleppo from the rebels as part of a steady advance meant to tighten the siege. State-run news agency SANA said the military has begun clearing land mines there and claimed dozens of gunmen laid down their weapons and surrendered in the neighborhood.

Assad's amnesty offer, which came in a presidential decree, included armed opposition fighters who surrender within three months and also urged all detainees to be freed. The decree, which was published by the state-run news agency SANA, said that those who might set free their captives will be exempted from punishment if they turn themselves in within a month.

Assad has issued amnesty offers several times during Syria's civil war, now in its sixth year. The latest offer -- like those before it -- is largely seen by opposition fighters as a publicity stunt and psychological warfare against the rebels. More than a quarter of a million people have died and millions have been displaced since March 2011, when Syria's conflict erupted.

Separately, Shoigu also said that Moscow is sending a top general and experts to Geneva at the request of US Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss the Aleppo crisis.

Shoigu said Putin, in response to a request by Kerry, ordered Gen. Stanislav Gadzhimagomedov and a group of experts to the Swiss city, which has hosted several rounds of Syrian talks and international negotiators trying to resolve the crisis.
Israeli authorities, who have faced a wave of lone-wolf terror attacks by Palestinians, say they have made progress in identifying potential assailants in advance, a challenge now also confronting Western nations.

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Recent attacks in Europe and the United States have brought renewed attention to lone assailants and what can be done to stop them or reduce their impact.

While the challenge of halting such assaults can seem next to impossible, Israeli officials say an alert system incorporating social media monitoring, basic human intelligence and other means has helped prevent or limit bloodshed.

Analysts say that such efforts will always be limited, however, and rights activists question whether abuses are taking place. Israeli officials nonetheless say methods developed since October have proved useful.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say, and the vast majority were acting alone.

"We understand that once we assembled three or four profiles, most of the attackers were inside those specific lines of those profiles," a senior Israeli military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Alert system

Israel's military has developed an alert system that flags up those seen as potentially dangerous, the official said.

It is based on analyses of assailants since October, including their backgrounds, where they chose to act and their activities in the days before an attack.

With the list of names narrowed, Israeli authorities decide how to address the situation. The response can include a range of strategies, such as monitoring, speaking to someone's parents or an arrest if the person is found to have broken the law by inciting violence, the official said.

Colonel Yariv Ben-Ezra, left (Photo: IDF spokesperson)

Security measures were also tightened in areas seen as potential targets.

The number of attacks overall has steadily declined in recent months, although various factors are believed to be behind this.

Israeli authorities say it is difficult to give figures on how many lone-wolf attacks have been prevented by their efforts, but the military official pointed to one case as an example.

In March, a Palestinian girl, reportedly 17, was caught and arrested with a knife in a taxi on her way to an Israeli checkpoint, the official said.

The official said the girl had trouble with her parents and was suicidal, possibly wanting to attack soldiers as a way of dying as a martyr. "It was one of the reasons we tracked her," the official said.

The military's analysis of attackers shows that most have been 24 or younger, and some 90 percent were male, the official said.

Among the first 80 to 90 attackers from October to January, suicide was among the motives for around 40 percent, he added.

Military justice

Some experts say the type of analyses and follow-up being done by the Israeli military, with the help of algorithms to narrow down social media chatter, can have an effect and be applied elsewhere.

"It can't, of course, completely stop this wave of terror in Israel and the same in other places -- in Europe for example," said Daniel Cohen, an expert on cyber-terrorism at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies.

Such efforts must also be accompanied by what he called "counter-narrative campaigns", or positive messages that try to convince young people that they should not want to die or carry out an attack.

Such campaigns could be related to economic opportunities or sports, Cohen said. Others caution over putting too much faith in monitoring.

"Watch-lists and monitoring instil a false sense of security, providing authorities with information after a terror attack occurs, but little deterrence or disruption prior to an attack," US-based security consultancy The Soufan Group said in comments after jihadists killed an elderly priest in France on Tuesday

"Surveillance is extremely difficult and costly in terms of time and personnel, and is only a feasible option in a fraction of France's growing terror caseload."
The Indian police announced that it arrested all six suspects in the gang-rape case of a 24-year-old Israeli tourist who was travelling through northern state of Himachal Pradesh on Monday.

Two of the suspects are 20 and 21 years old while three other who were arrested were youths that were arrested on Wednesday. On Monday, the police announced that tey had already arrested two suspects.

The young girl is expected to go to the courts on Friday in order to identify the suspects. On Wednesday she provided her testimony about the incident before a judge.

The Israeli tourist reported on Sunday that she was gang raped in Manali when she was trying to get to the Spiti Valley. She was trying to find a taxi when a car with no license plates picked her up. There were six men in the car and two of them raped her before dropping her off in the town of Manali.
ANKARA/ISTANBUL - Turkey's top brass and political leaders were poised to launch a major overhaul of the armed forces on Thursday after a failed military coup that has shaken the nation of nearly 80 million people and alarmed its NATO allies.

Hours before the Supreme Military Council began its annual meeting in Ankara, the armed forces dishonourably discharged nearly 1,700 personnel for their alleged role in the July 15-16 putsch in which a faction of the armed forces tried to topple President Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possible death on the night of the coup, told Reuters in an interview last week that the military, NATO'S second biggest, needed "fresh blood". The dishonourable discharges included around 40 percent of Turkey's admirals and generals.
MOSCOW - The Kremlin on Thursday told the United States to get to the bottom of a hacking scandal involving Democratic Party emails itself, saying accusations of its own involvement bordered on the stupid and were motivated by anti-Russian sentiment.

It also said that comments by Republican nominee Donald Trump about considering recognising Ukraine's Crimea as part of Russia did not change the Kremlin's neutral stance on US presidential candidates.
A delegation of African Christian leaders visiting Israel granted an award to Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky and echoed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus call for Israel and Africa to return to each other.

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As Prime Minister Netanyahu said recently, Israel is returning to Africa and Africa is returning to Israel, said South African pastor Linda Gobodo. The pastor is the founder of the Vuka Africa Foundation, which aims to spread a message of hope, healing, and restoration to the rest of the continent.

Nigerian Pastor Olusegun Olanipekun, founder of the Institute for Christian Leadership Development, which aims to improve African society through Biblical principles, stressed that Africas future must be interlocked with the future of Israel.

African religious leaders meet with Natan Sharansky (Photo: Courtesy)

We believe that Africas future depends on our connection to Israel, he said. We have a great deal to learn from the Israeli people and we believe that we have a great deal to offer in return.

President Reuven Rivlin also emphasized that Israel is in a position to offer Africa support and guidance while speaking at a meeting on Monday with visiting President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Marcel Alain De Souza.

We have excellent cooperation and we welcome the opportunity for Israel to contribute from its knowledge and abilities in the fields of health, water, and agriculturea sign of the friendship between us, Rivlin told De Souza.

The newly restored Israeli-African friendship will also be on display next year as the third annual Africa Leadership Summit will be held in the Israeli capital of Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with the leaders of seven African nations earlier in July (Photo: Kobi Gideon)

We look forward to returning to Israel with dozens of leaders from across Africa for the third Africa Leadership Summit in Jerusalem in 2017, added Pastor Olanipekun.

Pastor Gobodo also delivered a message of solidarity with Israel. We want you to know that there are millions of people in Africa who love, support, and pray for Israel.

We organized the largest rally in the world to support Israel during the summer conflict with Hamas in 2014, she continued. It was the largest pro-Israel rally ever to take place in Africa.

Pastor Gobodo was referring to the rally held on August 3, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa where approximately 12,000 people demonstrated in support of Israel against Hamas during Operation Protective Edge. Many of the rallys participants were Christians from South Africa.

Sharansky expressed sincere gratitude to the delegation for the award and for their visit to Israels capital.

It is deeply moving that you, as spiritual leaders in Africa, have come to Jerusalem with an offering of peace, Sharansky told the delegation.
The IDF is expected to put up over 255 day and night vision cameras along route 443. The 10 mile stretch of highway between the cities of Modi'in and Jerusalem has already been the scene of dozens of terrorist attacks.

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There will also be two additional surveillance balloons along the route to supplement the surveillance balloon already in use.

The camera feeds will be fed live to a central operations room that will enable the IDF to follow events in real time. The military will be able to have a better view of the hilly terrain upon which the road is built, and will be able to monitor the valleys that terrorists have used to get to the highway and throw rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli cars.

Screenshot: the IDF is working to keep terrorists away from route 443 (Photo: Shahar Goldstein, IDF Spkesperson's Unit)

When a rock hits the windshield of a car travelling at 75 mph or above, the results can be deadly. On a tour of the highway with the commander in charge of securing the area, one can see the nearly impossible task the IDF has to protect the road.

Lt. Col. Chai Rokach of the Tavor Battalion of the IDF Homefront Command said that there are always between 50 to 70 combat soldiers patrolling the 10 mile long highway. They serve as a buffer between the many small Palestinian villages next to the highway and the thousands of Israeli cars that drive along it every single day.

IDF forces patrolling the area around route 443 (Photo: Shahar Goldstein, IDF Spkesperson's Unit)

The fact that there is no security fence along the majority of the highway means that the soldiers are stretched thin. One of the unit commanders of the Tavor Battalion, Sgt. Keren Paz Tirosh, stands with three of her soldiers at a guard post along the highway. Her and her soldiers are there to identify and intercept cells intending to throw rocks and Molotov cocktails in the hopes of injuring and killing Israeli motorists.

They specifically watch the village of Beit Ghur al-Tahta, which lays only a couple of yards away from the highway, from which dozens of stone throwers have come from.

According to Tirosh, any ambush on Israeli vehicles can possibly include armed terrorists. Terrorists are able to get to her area of operations from Qalandia checkpoint, Ramallah, or even Beituna  cities and villages that lie only a few minutes' drive from her and her soldiers.

A few miles up the road lies Checkpoint Bell, which has already seen several attacks over the past year. The relative quiet and reduction in terror attacks has not lulled the Home Front Command soldiers here into a false sense of security.

A suspicious person next to route 443 (Photo: Shahar Goldstein, IDF Spkesperson's Unit)

When on duty, all the soldiers there are ready with a bullet in the chamber, waiting in case someone in a car driving from Ramallah decides to open fire on them.

On occasions when those monitoring the cameras in the central operations room identify suspicious activity or see someone throwing stones or Molotov cocktails at the cars driving along the highway, the IDF is able to work immediately to ensure their swift capture.

As an example of that, when a group of stone throwers were observed coming from the village of Khirbet al-Misbah  another Palestinian village situated next to route 443, where the majority of residents have Israeli work permits  ground forces were able to be directed to find and arrest the terrorists.

The difficulty, however, isn't in finding the terrorists who commit these acts, but in stopping them before they happen. This is primarily due to the fact that the terrorists are able to hide in the hilly terrain upon which the highway is built.

With this new system of cameras, and the soldiers of the Tavor Brigade patrolling the highway, Israelis can feel safer as they commute between Jerusalem and Modi'in.
The Polish Court found on Wednesday that the law limiting the returning of property to Polish Holocaust survivors is constitutional and therefore will not be amended. The decision means that many survivors and their relatives will continue to be denied the option of reclaiming property that was stolen during and following WWII.

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Several governments and organizations had put pressure on Poland to change its law and allow the return of stolen Jewish property, among them the US, Canada and Britain. The World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO) also pushed for it to be amended, with its Operations Chairperson Gideon Taylor voicing his displeasure following the ruling. "We are very disappointed in the court's decision to uphold a law that denies the rights of the many claimants to their Warsaw property," he said. "The last of the survivors are growing old. The time to act is now."

Museum of the History of Polish Jews (Photo: EPA)

Poland is the only country within the European bloc that has yet to put forth a comprehensive plan that aims to return the private property that was confiscated by the Nazis or nationalized under Communist rule to its owners. The Polish government went even further on June 25, 2015, when it passed a law that made it exceedingly more difficult to reclaim stolen property in Warsaw, by automatically rejecting any claims that were submitted after "the Warsaw Law" in 1988, in addition to not recognizing any claims made by those who fled Poland to escape the Communist regime or growing anti-Semitism.

The City of Warsaw (Photo: Shutterstock)

The legal owners of the property were also denied reasonable opportunity to file a claim prior to 1988, since almost all Polish-born Holocaust survivors had been living outside of Poland between 1945  1988, a fact that effectively prevented them from filing a request with the Polish Communist government. Any claims that were presented before the government were either denied or not looked into during the Communists' time in power, which ended in 1989.

In 2009, Poland joined 46 other countries in the Terezin Declaration, which called countries to provide an adequate, comprehensive and fair solution to property claims made by victims of the Holocaust. Many nations see the current Polish court's decision as continuing to go against this commitment.
Yokota, Dyess Airmen enable smooth C-130J transition

Crew members with the 39th Airlift Squadron and Col. Kenneth Moss, right, 374th Airlift Wing commander, exit the flightline after completing a training flight at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 21, 2016. Three C-130J Super Hercules from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, traveled to Yokota to aid in transition from C-130Hs to C-130Js. Fourteen C-130Js are scheduled to start replacing Yokotas C-130Hs later this year, which have been in service since 1974. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe/Released)
RACINE  Local homeless veterans may soon have an opportunity to get into transitional housing.

Members of Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin met with Mayor John Dickert on Wednesday and hope to have five tiny houses ready for residents before winter.

The location of the future tiny house village has yet to be announced, but it will be called the James A. Peterson Veteran Village. Peterson was a volunteer for Veterans Outreach before being killed by a drunken driver last year.

Jeff Gustin, cofounder and director of Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, said the meeting was to make sure the project is done right and to answer any questions Dickert had.

This is not a shelter, Gustin said. We give veterans a hand up, not a handout. This is transition housing to keep veterans off the street.

Veterans Outreach also runs a food pantry, Gustin added, which has 200 visits monthly and gives out 10,000 pounds of food monthly to veterans and their immediate families.

Gustin said theyre currently creating blueprints for a community building that will have a kitchen with food stocked from their pantry, showers and a meeting space to help the veterans with any issues they have.

Were going to bring services to our site, Gustin said, adding it will allow veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse or financial issues a space where they can meet with counselors and experts.

Currently in Racine, Gustin said he knows of veterans who could really benefit from something like this tiny house village. But he said if veterans can find housing before the tiny home village is ready, they should take advantage of that.

We would rather they get help right now, he said.

Construction under way

Gustin said there are five houses now under construction, and another one completed. Theyre hoping to have 15 total tiny houses, building five at a time and moving them in phases.

According to the Veterans Outreach website, the goal of the tiny home village is to get veterans off the streets and give them the skills to find work, financial advice and help them find housing.

Each veteran will have the opportunity to enroll into a two-year transitional living program, the website states. During which time we will work with them to recover from their state of homelessness so they may never find themselves in this position again.

Gustin said they set a fundraising goal of $125,000 and are halfway there.

Veterans Outreach hopes that after the two-year period, each veteran will have been assisted in finding a permanent home, stable employment, a budget set up by a financial adviser and a counseling plan if needed.

Gustin said they plan on going door-to-door this weekend and next week in the future tiny home village to inform neighbors about the project and answer any questions residents might have.

Were very confident that this is going to go through, Gustin said. The group will hold a public meeting with the community at the site, and there will be other opportunities at future City Council meetings for people to ask questions, he said.
Airmen, Soldiers prep for worldwide contingencies in Exercise Patriot Wyvern

Airmen and Soldiers had a chance to reinforce the skills needed to respond to worldwide contingency operations during Exercise Patriot Wyvern here July 23-24.



Maj. Sarah Forte, 349th AMW director of inspections, who helped coordinate the exercise, said Patriot Wyvern, "provides an opportunity for our units to collaborate on small, but scalable, realistic, hands-on scenario based training, that when integrated into the unit's training plan, provides an opportunity for the unit to test and demonstrate their capabilities."



The 349th Air Mobility Wing, the U.S. Army Reserve's 238th Transportation Company, and the 60th Medical Group participated in the hands-on, bi-annual event conducted by the 349th AMW. This exercise is designed to hone combat skills and improve organizational interoperability between the active duty Air Force, the Air Force Reserve and the Army Reserve.



Patriot Wyvern is also meant to provide training relevant to individual units, explained Forte.



"It is your unit's training plan, incorporated with the plans of other units across the base. It provides members who were involved, with job specialty training, through the various hands-on training scenarios."



For this exercise, medical personnel engaged in a triage situation to treat the role-playing victims of an active-shooter training situation, which also employed the skills of 349th Security Forces members. Simultaneously, an aeromedical evacuation static mission took place on a C-17 Globemaster III to assess the capabilities of aeromedical evacuation personnel and logistics planners.



During the aeromedical evacuation training, members of the 349th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron practiced providing support for a three fictitious patients in need of higher echelon medical care. Their simulated injuries included a gunshot wound and emotional distress, which required additional assistance from chaplains. Although this allowed the aeromedical evacuation team to employ important life-saving skills, the unit also gained great insight by working with other entities, explained Capt. Alfred Chan, 349th AES officer in charge of logistics and cyber operations.



"The training environment allows us to learn important lessons before we are in a deployed environment," said Chan. He stressed how important it is to identify any communication or coordination issues, and find solutions during such training events.



Additionally, the 55th and 82nd Aerial Port Squadrons partnered with the 238th TC, from the Military Ocean Terminal in Concord, California, to practice valuable load capabilities on a C-5M Super Galaxy. This included loading, securing and unloading large tactical vehicles. "Participating in combined joint logistics was really the goal," explained 1st Lt. Matthew W. Nesselroad, 238th TC commander.



We are great at moving cargo inland, but we need that experience of moving supplies on a flight-line, explained Nesselroad. He added that his members benefit from working with the Air Force, gaining a better understanding of the hands-on aspects of loading and securing cargo.

Tech. Sgt. Kevin Gilles, 55th Aerial Port Squadron, who facilitated the training between the services, elaborated. He said something as simple as teaching Airmen and Soldiers to understand each service's nomenclatures benefits everyone, especially during quick deployments when they have to move tons of equipment and supplies quickly, safely and efficiently.



Overall, Patriot Wyvern was a great opportunity for the 349th AMW to work with partners at Travis AFB, said Maj. Jerry Bryant, 349th Air Mobility Operations Squadron, who coordinated the exercise. He added that the opportunity to work with the Army Reserve also supports global mission readiness.



Patriot Wyvern provided unparalleled opportunities for our Airmen to demonstrate their mission-ready capabilities and job skills, assuring that we can provide combat-ready Airmen to the geographical combatant commanders, said Bryant.


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YORKVILLE  A direct bloodline of rural royalty came to a happy ending Wednesday night.

Kallie Jo Kastenson became the third  and final  Kastenson sister to wear the crown of Fairest of the Fair at the Racine County Fair.

Kastenson, 21, watched her older sister Tia win the honor in 2008 and sister Richelle take the crown in 2012.

And just like the quadrennial Olympics and presidential elections, 2016 was time for the next Kastenson to earn the title.

Ive been prepping for this since I was a little girl, said Kallie Jo, who recently earned a degree in agricultural education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. When I was little, my older sisters would ask me questions and try to get me ready for it.

Its a great honor to be chosen, she added. This has always been a dream of mine.

Kastenson took the crown from Jenna Franseen, the 2015 Fairest of the Fair, on the Runzheimer Stage on Wednesday night. She also received a lifetime membership in the Racine County Agricultural Society and a $1,000 scholarship.

With that award, she plans to take online courses through Texas Tech to earn a masters degree in agricultural communications.

Hannah Waldron, a student at UW-Platteville, was named Fair Royalty and received a $500 scholarship.

The other candidates this year were Sarah Eulgen, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and Christina Rowntree, a Kansasville native and junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Wednesdays coronation marked the end of a two-week process for the contestants, who underwent individual interviews, group interviews and meetings with the Racine County Fair Board.

As Fairest of the Fair, Kastenson will serve as the official hostess for the fair. She will try to attend every event at the fair and help promote the fair throughout the year as a traveling representative of the Racine County Agricultural Society.

In January, Kastenson will compete for the title of Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs. Kallie Jos sister, Richelle, won the state title in 2013  the first, and so far only Racine County Fairest to take home the state crown.

Kallie Jo said she was more than a tad nervous Wednesday night. Id say I was feeling a little bit of pressure from my sisters, she admitted. But I think my mom was even more nervous than me.

The County Fair, which runs through Sunday, is a treasured tradition for the Kastenson family. Kallie Jos parents, Julie and Rick Kastenson, met at the fair. All the children participated in 4-H clubs and showed animals, and now, all three Kastenson girls have worn the crown of fairest.

The fair really is a special place for many people and especially for us, Kallie Jo said. I have always loved it.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism.

We hope you are equally as excited as us.

This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers.

Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited.

In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy.

Happy shootin' my friends!

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Gun Stores Face Financial Ruin over

Massachusetts 'Assault Weapons' Ban

By AWR Hawkins. July 25th, 2016

On July 20, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey (D) issued a directive expanding the state's "assault weapons" ban to cover sales of weapons that had previously been interpreted as outside the ban.

Now the ban on firearms with certain cosmetic features -- "flash suppressors and folding or telescoping stocks" -- also includes those that lack these. This means firearms that gun manufacturers reworked to achieve state compliance cannot be sold in Massachusetts any longer.

Commonwealth Firearms and Training Centers' Korey Freeborn reacted to the expansion by lamenting that it could cripple gun stores across the state. .....

Is an AG empowered to issue such directives, without state legislature's involvement? It is quite ridiculous, as has been observed elsewhere, that some features that have been banned are purely cosmetic and have no bearing on the rifle's actual function. Add to this the fact that "assault weapons" statistically have been responsible for a miniscule number of shootings - this is all anti Second Amendment infringement and paranoia.



(Following on from the above, it is interesting to note reactions from some MA lawmakers -- "58 Bipartisan Lawmakers Condemn Massachusetts 'Assault Weapons' Ban". One perhaps predictable criticism was the AG's unilateral action.)

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The regulator today announced that it has banned Park Trent Properties Group Pty Ltd chief executive officer and director Ronald Malcolm Cross from providing financial services after an investigation into Park Trents operations.

In November 2014, ASIC launched legal proceedings against Park Trent over advice the company had given to clients encouraging them to establish self-managed super funds (SMSF).

The trial of Park Trent in the Supreme Court of NSW began in June 2015, by which time Park Trent had advised over 860 members of the public to establish and switch funds into an SMSF.

On 27 November 2015, the Supreme Court found that Park Trent had unlawfully carried on an unlicensed financial services business for over five years by advising clients to purchase investment properties through a self-managed super fund (SMSF).

The Court also permanently restrained Park Trent from providing unlicensed financial product advice to clients regarding SMSF.

ASIC levied its ban on Cross following those rulings, claiming that as the key decision maker of Park Trent he was knowingly involved in Park Trent's contraventions, making all of its major strategic and business decisions and intended to influence clients to purchase properties through SMSFs.

ASIC also claims Cross was willing to ignore legal advice and warnings about Park Trent's practices, which demonstrates he is likely to contravene financial services laws.

ASIC's action against Mr Cross shows that we will not hesitate to exclude property spruikers who provide unlicensed financial services from the industry, ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell said.

Cross has the right to appeal the ASIC decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and Park Trent is currently appealing the Supreme Court ruling from 27 November 2015 in the NSW Court of Appeal.
Figures from Mortgage Choices 2016 investor survey shows that 69.4% of Australian real estate investors made some sort of lifestyle sacrifice to allow them to afford an investment property.

That figure is up from 68.5% compared to the 2015 survey.

Mortgage Choice chief executive John Flavell said given current conditions in the real estate market its easy to see why investors are making sacrifices.

Data from CoreLogic found property values climbed 8.3% across the combined capital cities over the last 12 months. While some capital cities performed better than others in terms of property price growth, it is fair to say that most markets have enjoyed an upswing in values over the last few years, Flavell said.

With that in mind, I am hardly surprised to hear investors are having to make sacrifices in order to achieve their property investment goals, he said.

But while sacrifice may very well be becoming a necessary part of any investment strategy, it can still be a bitter pill for some.

Id probably say most people arent willing to sacrifice without some convincing, Todd Hunter, founder of buyers agency wHeregroup, told Your Investment Property.

People start to see the light when the realise that if they do sacrifice there are benefits that will come from that, but for a lot of them little luxuries in life are hard to give up, Hunter said.

Hunter said he has clients who go to extreme lengths in terms of sacrificing to afford an investment property, but he said the things people need to give up would vary from person to person.

It comes down to their income and general cost of living. Things like are they living at home or renting, he told Your Investment Property

Those sort of costs and their income will determine whether they need to make a small or a considerable sacrifice.

Hunter said everyday expenditures such as pay TV subscriptions, expensive mobile phone plans and daily coffee purchases are among the most common money drains people face.

If they could just bring back a few of those things and then add up month by month how much they save, the amount can actually be quite considerable.

Theyre everyday things that most people dont put a lot of thought into, but they can certainly make a difference.

While Hunter said small changes to everyday life can prove to have a significant benefit for those looking to enter the market, he said the first thing people should do is keep better track of their expenditure.

Whats really surprising is how much it helps if you give people a simple budget planner and tell them that every time they spend they need to make a note of it.

If people do that for just a month theyll be able to categrorise their spending into food and travel and things like that.

After doing that people are real surprised about where and how fast their money goes. Thats when people can really see in black and white where they can make considerable savings."
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - The Yuma Police Department is continuing our efforts to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics by kicking off another Tip-A-Cop event. The event will be held at Chilis Restaurant, 1331 S. Yuma Palms Pkwy, on Thursday August 4, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities. LETR helps bring awareness to Special Olympics and obtain donations for the athletes. The money and awareness we raise will help the athletes grow and continue to have opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills and discover their independence while participating in the many events Special Olympics offers.

For many athletes, The Special Olympics is a path to empowerment, self-esteem, competence, acceptance, joy and friendship, which is a unique opportunity these athletes with intellectual disabilities may not gain anywhere else.

The Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. The Special Olympics currently serve over 2.5 million people in more than 200 programs in 165 countries.

Yuma Police Department employees and other law enforcement officers will be at the restaurant as celebrity waiters and to receive TIPS for Special Olympics. Your donation is tax deductible. Also if you print off the attached coupon and show it when you or family members come in to eat, Chilis will give back 15% of each total bill to Special Olympics. So print off as many coupons as you would like and hand them out to friends and family members to come out and support Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Please join us at Chilis Restaurant, meet your local law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - On Tuesday July 26, 2016 just before 8:30 pm Yuma Fire Department personnel were sent to the area of the 1900 blk of Paris Court to assist the Yuma Police Department with a welfare check of a person high up in a palm tree. A technical rescue was begun with firefighters initially climbing to the persons location.

The person, who appeared unconscious, was determined to not be secured in a safe manner, with a large amount of debris on top of him and at risk of falling. An aerial ladder truck was brought in to reach the victim and bring them back down to the ground. The person was assessed once on the ground and pronounced deceased at the scene. The person appeared to have been working on the tree. The cause of death was believed to be accidental and no foul play was suspected.
Spanish News

Wellton, Arizona - Need help preparing for the Citizenship exam? On Thursday, August 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, the Wellton Library will host Practica ciudadania at 11:00 a.m. Review test subjects, learn interview tips, and more.

There is no charge to attend.



Please note, instruction will be provided in Spanish.



The Wellton Library is located at 28790 San Jose Avenue in Wellton. For more information, call (928) 785-9575.
Animals go hungry in Venezuela zoos due to shortages

Around 50 animals in one of Venezuela's main zoos are reported to have died of hunger over the last six months because of chronic food shortages.
Undeniably, Shahrukh and Aamir are the hottest ingredients for my Spiczee chicken delight. It all began with Aamir Khans recent blog, in which he stated that he has a dog called Shahrukh. The remark paved way for a great controversy in B-town and had the entire nation talking. What is on with Aamir? Till recently was he not the Mr Perfectionist? Aamir, please dont be so ridiculously involved in such down-market antics of insulting a fellow actor and especially not King Khan.<br/><br/>Well, Shahrukh didnt really appear to be affected with Aamirs comments; He chose to keep his calm and acted in a much-dignified manner. So far Shahrukh has been replying to Aamir in a diplomatic fashion, but I would like to warn Aamir that if his childish acts happen to continue, things can get real dirty. <br/><br/>It seems SRK is just not hitting the right notes these days; troubles are mounting on him one after the other. Shahrukh has been in for an onslaught ever since the launch of his TV show `Paanchvi Paas` well which is not doing well either. And talking about his IPL team, it has been the nucleus of complexities for him- the dressing room conflict, then the defeat of his team has crushed his dream of winning the `KARAMYUDH`.<br/><br/>Oh! Shahrukh I feel so sad for you!<br/><br/>Mmm with all that spicy gossip Im certain on winning the Yummy blog award. <br/>Now lets add some juicy flavour to the feast.<br/><br/>Lets move on to the new starlet Deepika Padukone (Dips), who is all set to reign as the Princess of Tinsel Town, and has been in the glare of publicity for her ever changing relationships. <br/><br/>One really wonders who Dips is finally dating. Is it our cricket hero Yuvi, the T20 charmer Dhoni, or the mummys scrumptious boy Ranbir Kapoor? <br/><br/>This cute looking hunk definitely has chics drooling over him. He is as alluring as of course, my recipes. And with all that fan following, I really dont think Dips can have him for too long. But, I am sure she would cope up with it much sooner than expected because she seems to have a fling thing with almost everyone she meets. <br/><br/>Ask her about her status quo with each of these men and she finds refuge in diplomatic cliche. Dips, you are yet another, saucy ingredient for my Spicezee delight. <br/><br/>Hey! I did hear something on Dips teaming up with the King Khan to donate a few bucks for the release of an India Prisoner Of War in Pak. Wonder what happened to that. Thought she was finally making it into my good books.<br/><br/>Even Kareena Kapoor (Bebo) is riding the high waves of Bollywood. The searing hot sexy siren of Bollywood, who set the screen on fire with her sexy size zero look in `Tashan` is aspiring to be the No. 1. <br/><br/>This is besides being known as the 'Endorsement Queen of Bollywood' like brand SRK and brand Big B. Bebos beau Saif seems to be endorsing the Queen herself. With that tattoo in his arm what else do you expect? <br/><br/>I really hope this time Bebo is really considering marriage. I dont want to see our Chote Nawab ending up like poor dear Shahid. <br/><br/>I know  I know you are all ears to more tittle-tattle. But, youd just have to wait until I dish up more gossips from B-town. See you soon!<br/>
Cairo: While women in several male-dominated Muslim states live in deplorable conditions, their position is slightly different when it comes to Egypt.

Figures obtained from the Family Law Court in Egypt has revealed that nearly 28% of the Egyptian women beat their husbands.

According to a report in India Today, which quoted Sada El Balad News, divorce cases are on rise in Egypt where nearly 66% couples have filed for separation or annulment.

Most of the Egyptian males suffer violence at the hands of their wives and they have no other option but to file lawsuits against their disobedience.

Making things worse for them is the fact that women are legally immune in Egypt.

The report also states that nearly 6,000 lawsuits have been filed so far in the Islamic country.

The report further claimed that women use a range of tools like - belts, pins, knives, utensils etc  to beat or confront their husbands.

And, if this is not enough, they even sedate their husbands with sleeping pills to make them powerless while they batter them.

Ironically, Egyptian women are now no. 1 in world in assaulting their spouses.

Egyptian women are closely followed by their counterparts in the United States where 23% American women are accused of assaulting their husbands.

The United Kingdom comes third with 17% followed by India where 11% women beat their husbands.

Interestingly, a 2013 report by Amnesty International on Egypt presented a totally different picture and stated that nearly 47% women experienced domestic violence and 37% conceded that men justified beating their spouses.
Philadelphia: United States President Barack Obama on Wednesday, while speaking at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia, endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton as the Democratic Party nominee for the White House, saying "there has never been a man or woman more qualified than Hillary to serve as the US President".

Highlights:

- As Obama concludes speech at DNC, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton joins him on stage at their party's convention

- I'm asking you to join me - to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation - Obama

- Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me - Obama at DNC

- 'Don't boo - vote': Obama to crowd at Democratic National Convention reacting to Donald Trump's name

- Donald Trump calls US military a disaster. He doesnt know men and women who make up the strongest fighting force in the world - Obama

- Donald Trump is 'not really a facts guy', says Obama

- Security anxieties have fueled Donald Trump's rise, but they don't define the country - Obama

- Deeply pessimistic vision of America at GOP convention is not the America I know - Obama

- Republicans fanning 'resentment, blame, anger, and hate' - Obama

- Clinton is blasting 'through glass ceilings', says Obama

- No matter how much people try to knock her down, Hillary Clinton never, ever quits, that's the Hillary I know - Obama

- There has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill, more qualified than Hillary to serve as US President - Obama

- 12 years ago tonight, I addressed the Democratic National Convention for the first time, I was filled with faith in America - Obama

- I am even more optimistic about the future of America than ever before - Obama

- America I know is decent, generous and full of optimism and courage - Obama
Bheri-Babai project being rushed to meet deadline

The much-delayed Bheri-Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project located in the Mid-Western Region has begun to gain momentum.
Dhaka: A Bangladeshi court today upheld the death sentences of six of the ten militants of the outlawed JMB convicted in the 2005 twin bombings at a court premises in which eight people, including four lawyers, were killed.

After hearing the death references and appeals, the High Court upheld the death sentences for six and ordered life in prison for two and acquitted two others.

In 2013, Dhaka's Fast-track Trial Tribunal sentenced all of them to death in the twin blasts at the Gazipur Bar Association's auditorium.

Deputy Attorney General Sheikh AKM Moniruzzaman Kabir told reporters after the verdict that they will appeal against the decision of commuting sentences and the acquittals.

On November 29, 2005, blasts rocked the court premises.

The bomber, who died on the spot, was later identified as Azad. He was a member of the Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) suicide squad.

Gazipur Bar's former general secretary Amzad Hossain, lawyers Nurul Huda, Anwarul Azam and Golam Faruk and four others died later of injuries sustained in the bombings.

Police initiated a case against a number of JMB leaders including Shaykh Abdur Rahman and Ataur Rahman Sani, the suicide attacker and his accomplices.

Two years later, police submitted the chargesheet, accusing 15 JMB leaders and operatives in the case.

But the names of Azad and his accomplice Molla Omar Shakil, Rahman, Sani and another top JMB leader, Khaled Saifullah, were dropped as they were all dead by the time formal charges were brought against them.

In April 2011, a Gazipur court indicted the 10 remaining JMB members accused in the case.
Kathmandu: Asserting it is not the right time, the Federal Alliance on Thursday hinted that it might join the government in Nepal sometime later.

During a meeting of the bloc held in Kathmandu today, Federal Alliance spokesperson Om Gurung said that it was decided by the bloc to take an appropriate decision later in consultation with big constituents of the new ruling alliance, Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal- Maoist Centre, reports the Himalayan Times.

The alliance concluded that the present time was not ripe to make a decision on the issue. It, however, demanded that the Local Body Restructuring Commission should stop work till the concerns of various political groups over contentious issues about the Constitution is addressed.

It was also decided in the meeting to continue its ongoing protest programmes till all of its demands are met.Federal Alliance is a coalition of over two dozen regional based Nepalese political parties demanding the formation of autonomous provinces based on the size of population among other demands.
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday directed his cabinet colleagues to visit flood- hit districts to review the prevailing situation and supervise relief and rescue operations, an official release said here.

The ongoing session of the Assam Legislative Assembly was adjourned for three days yesterday to ensure that the elected representatives are in their respective constituencies to ensure proper relief and rehabilitation of the flood affected population.

The current wave of floods has claimed three lives and affected nearly 17 lakh people in the state.
Patna: Five more people died today in flooding in Bihar, taking the death toll to 22, while 17.85 lakh have been hit in 10 districts as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today made an aerial survey of the five flood-hit areas.

Kumar made the survey of flood affected areas of Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Kishanganj and Araria districts.

He held a review meeting with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Purnea division to take stock of pace of relief and rehabilitation work in the inundated areas.

Flooding in Bihar is mainly due to heavy rainfall in Nepal's catchment areas as a result of which water from the swollen rivers are discharged towards the neighbouring areas in Bihar.

The Disaster Management Department had put the death toll at 17 yesterday. Five more deaths were reported today taking the toll to 22, it said.

The department officials said 17.85 lakh people residing in 1,630 villages in 49 flood-affected blocks of 10 districts have been rendered homeless.

The 10 districts which are affected by the flood are Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Bahgalpur, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul and Gopalganj.

Around one lakh hectares of land have been affected by the floods caused due to rise in the water levels of Mahananda, Bakhra, Kankai, Parmar and Kosi rivers of the state.

Around 3.88 lakh people have been displaced while 1.36 lakh people have taken shelter in the 357 relief camps run by the government.

Crops, spread over 50,000 hectares of land, valued at Rs 2.04 crore have been damaged by the flood.

Meanwhile, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) said its nine teams have been pressed into service to rescue people in most sensitive flood areas.

NDRF teams are engaged in the most flood-affected Araria, Purnea and Kishanganj districts to carry out rescue work. An NDRF team has been sent to West Champaran and Gopalganj districts.

Besides, SDRF teams have also been deployed in the flood affected districts especially in the three districts of Araria, Purnea and Kishanganj.

15,000 packets of dry food have been sent to Purnea from Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Saharsa, Madhepura for distribution among the flood affected people.

The dry food packet includes - 500 gm of sattu, 2 kg of chura (bitten rice), 250 gm sugar, small salt packet, candle, match, box, a torch, powder milk among others.
New Delhi: Taking its attack on Aam Aadmi Party over the recent suicide of its woman worker to the President, BJP has demanded that a case of abatement to suicide be registered against the AAP leaders whose "conduct" drove her to end her life.

The AAP woman worker had consumed poisonous substance at her home in north west Delhi's Narela and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital on July 19.

Several woman MPs of the saffron party met President Pranab Mukherjee and submitted to him a memorandum in which they alleged that the AAP worker was threatened with "dire consequences" when she had gone to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvin Kejriwal and he and other AAP leaders "forced" her to have the matter compromised.

Prior to her death, she had registered a case of molestation against the AAP worker (Ramesh Bhardwaj), BJP said in a statement.

"The situation today demands that an FIR in the matter be registered. Her husband's statement and the case be investigated thoroughly so as to draw the correct sequence of events and fix the responsibility on the people concerned," the memorandum signed by Meenkashi Lekhi, MP from New Delhi, said.

"We fail to understand the lackadaisical approach of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who failed to check the wrong deeds of his party members. He has failed to verify and disclose as to who and on whose behalf the main accused was putting pressure on her. All these events and conduct of the political worker of AAP party led to her suicide," it said.

A delegation of over 17 woman BJP MPs besides its Lok Sabha members from Delhi met the President last night in this regard. Yesterday, Ramesh Bhardwaj, the accused in the AAP woman activist suicide case was arrested from Sonipat in Haryana.

The 28-year-old woman had filed a complaint against Bhardwaj for allegedly touching her inappropriately and a case of molestation was registered in June.

The family members of the woman had claimed that she had gone into depression after Bhardwaj was released on bail.

The woman in a video recording had also levelled serious allegations against Bhardwaj accusing him of pressuring her to "compromise" if she wanted to rise in the AAP and claimed himself to be "close to the local party MLA".

Yesterday, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta accompanied by daughters and husband of the deceased met the National Commission for Women chairperson Lalitha Kumar Mangalam and requested her for a "high level" probe in the matter.
New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday formed a five-member committee to examine the ongoing bills and debates in the Parliament on specific issues.

The five-member committee includes Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Jairam Ramesh, KV Thomas, Rajiv Satav and P Chidambaram.

According to sources, all members are to discuss their final decision with party chief Sonia Gandhi and party vice- president Rahul Gandhi, while taking Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge in the loop.

The move came after the Cabinet today approved amendment in Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill and dropped one percent additional tax on inter-state sales as proposed in the current bill.

According to reports, the Cabinet also agreed to include the mechanism of compensating states for all loss of revenue for five years in the bill after the roll out of the new indirect tax regime.

The Bill in its present form provides 100 per cent compensation to states by the Centre for first three years, 75 per cent for fourth year and 50 per cent for the fifth year.Earlier, the Congress had asserted that they would support a constructive and positive GST Bill and questioned the ruling dispensation for making changes in the provisions of the same.

The Congress has three issues with the GST bill and wants the Centre to make necessary amendments to it.The party demands that a cap of 18 per cent be included in the GST Bill, deletion of the provision which allows imposition of one per cent tax by additional levy and an independent dispute mechanism.
New Delhi: The Delhi government has sent a notice to the Special Commissioner in Transport Department, who recently accused Satyendar Jain of misbehaving with him and went on a 15-day leave, asking him to join duty immediately.

Following the strike called by the autorickshaw and taxi unions in the national capital, the notice was sent yesterday to Indushekhar Mishra, a 1993-batch officer of DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service), who had filed a complaint with the Lt Governor's Office against Jain.

The strike has been called off this evening.

According to sources, Mishra has replied to the notice saying that he cannot join duty now as he is unwell and the doctor has advised him to take rest for some days.

The officer had an argument with the Transport Minister at his office in Delhi Secretariat on Monday over the issue of the latter's plan to keep the RTOs open seven days a week.

The bureaucracy and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government have been at loggerheads over several issues.

On January 1, all DANICS officers had gone on a mass leave against Jain's order to suspend two DANICS officers working with the Delhi Home Department.

IAS officers association had also supported the move and had also gone on half-day mass leave.
New Delhi: A day after Arvind Kejriwal claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may get him killed in a sensational video message, sacked AAP leader Asim Ahmed Khan on Thursday said that his life is under threat from Delhi chief minister and his party associates, triggering a major controversy.

AAP MLA Asim Ahmed Khan, who was sacked from the Delhi Cabinet last year on charges of corruption, on Thursday alleged that he and his family are facing "death threats" from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and some of his partymen.

The Matia Mahal legislator's allegation comes a day after the AAP chief in a video message made a sensational claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may "get me killed" in the wake of "unprecedented crackdown" by the BJP government.

Kejriwal asked AAP MLAs to be ready for "ultimate sacrifice" in the wake of "unprecedented crackdown" by the BJP government.

Accusing Modi of acting in a "perpetual state of rage and anger", the AAP chief wondered if the country was in "safe hands".

"For 9-10 months I have been facing death threats and even my family is at risk... Kejriwal and some of his partymen are hatching a conspiracy to get me killed," Khan alleged at a press conference here.

The former Food and Civil Supplies and Environment Minister was sacked by Kejriwal last October for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 6 lakh to allow the construction of a building in his constituency.

"I have been issued death threats over phone and also in person. I have already filed complaints with the police. I had even written a letter on May 2 to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh telling my case and also sent it to the LG," he claimed.

"Through this press conference, I would also like to request to the Home Minister to provide security to me and my family," he said. He also distributed copies of the 'letter' to the media.

The sacked MLA also claimed that "I have in my possession some of the audio and video recordings on the Kejriwal government, and I will soon make those evidences public, and expose the real face of Kejriwal.

Asked whether the party will take any action against him, AAP spokesperson Deepak Bajpai said, "He was sacked from the cabinet and the case was forwarded to the CBI. Can any action be bigger than that?"

Reacting to the allegations made by Khan, Bajpai mockingly said, "He has chosen a good season to come up with these baseless charges and I am sure the police will not waste a minute in making yet another arrest. But we hope Modiji will act first on the CBI complaint made by us against him."
New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Thursday said that the First Information Report (FIR) filed against her on allegation of revealing the name of the Burari rape victim was baseless, adding that she never revealed the name of the victim.

"I never revealed the name of the victim, I am a responsible person and i know my duties and I am living up to the entire reputation of the DCW," she told ANI.

"If the Delhi Police feel that they can silence DCW, silence Swati Maliwal by issuing an FIR against which is completely baseless they are extremely wrong," she added.

She said that case registered against her is a direct reaction from the Station House Officer (SHO) of Burari Police station whom the DCW issued notice for failing to initiate any action to nab the accused.

"I think it`s a direct reaction because it is the same SHO against whom we issued a notice in this particular case. He filed a complaint in his own police station on his own and registered an FIR," she said.

She further stated that she did not even receive a copy of the FIR.

She, however, alleged that there are certain elements in the Delhi Police who do not want the DCW to function.

"There are certain elements in Delhi Police who do not want the DCW to function, to question them. And let me tell that an FIR or 100 FIR will not deter the DCW from doing its role," she said.

On Tuesday, an FIR was filed against Malliwal for allegedly revealing the identity of the rape victim.

A 14-year-old Dalit girl died on Sunday at a Delhi hospital after being forced to drink a corrosive substance by a rape accused. The autopsy was carried out by a medical board at Maulana Azad Medical College on Monday.
New Delhi: The Central Information Commission has directed the army to provide details of soldiers whose bodies were mutilated by insurgents and enemy soldiers during skirmishes on Pakistan and China borders.

The case resulted from a RTI application filed by Abhishek Shukla in 2013 as the army decided to keep under covers the information in this regard about the soldiers who had given supreme sacrifice for the country fighting enemies.

"People of the country have right to know about the soldiers who lay down their lives in the line of duty," Information Commissioner Divya Prakash Sinha said.

The army which was supposed to respond to an RTI application within 30 days, according to the law, took nearly 78 days to give its first response, after repeated reminders, to the RTI application rejecting to share any details citing section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act to withhold the information.

Section 8(1)(a) exempts information which can prejudicially affect security of the country.

The first appeal before the senior officials of the army challenging the decision of Central Public Information Officer was also summarily rejected without going into the merits of arguments presented by the appellant.

Reluctant to share any information, the army raised an additional argument during the hearing before Sinha, a former senior Intelligence Bureau officer, saying that its Headquarters does not maintain the information of soldiers whose bodies have been mutilated by the enemy/terrorists.

The appellant countered it saying if they do not maintain the information, how was army citing national security to deny it and they could have said it in the RTI response.
Blessing in disguise

Absorbing migrant workers in post-disaster reconstruction can actually be a good thing
New Delhi: The strike by auto and taxi unions against app-based cab services in Delhi has been called off on Thursday.

The national capital's auto and taxi unions on Tuesday went on an indefinite strike against app-based taxi services, causing hardship to thousands of commuters.

Twenty unions of autos and taxis had formed a Joint Action Committee, which called for the indefinite strike.

The strike hit commuters hard with many stranded in several places including Connaught place, railway stations, and ISBTs.

Kishan Verma, president of All Delhi Auto-Taxi Transport Congress Union (ADATTCU), said the drivers of auto and taxi drivers are protesting against app-based services.

"Uber and Ola don't have permit to run their taxis in Delhi, but despite that the government is allowing them to take away our livelihood," Verma said.
Czestochowa (Poland): Pope Francis fell today after apparently stumbling down a step on an altar during a visit to Poland but quickly got back to his feet, seemingly without injury.

Polish media broadcast images of the 79-year-old Argentine pontiff stumbling, then falling down out of view before being helped to his feet by altar servers.

Francis appeared to be fine as he delivered a homily and said mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

The mishap took place as the pontiff visited the revered Jasna Gora monastery in Czestochowa, southern Poland.

It is home to the legendary Black Madonna, an icon which Catholic faithful believe has miraculous qualities.

The pontiff arrived in Krakow, southern Poland, today to headline the World Youth Day international Catholic extravaganza.
Moscow: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday the Russian and Syrian militaries would start a large-scale humanitarian operation in Aleppo during which civilians and militants would be given the chance to leave the city.

Shoigu spoke a day after the Syrian army said it had cut off all supply routes into eastern Aleppo and the government air-dropped leaflets there, asking residents to cooperate with the army and calling on fighters to surrender.

"On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, today, (we will) start a large-scale humanitarian operation together with the Syrian government to help civilians in Aleppo," Shoigu said in televised comments.

He said three safe corridors would be established by the Russian and Syrian militaries for civilians to leave what was once Syria`s largest city, but which is now divided between rebel-controlled and government-held sectors.

Shoigu complained that the military had received no information from the United States on Nusra Front and Free Syrian Army locations in Aleppo and would therefore open a fourth corridor for militants in the north of the city and near the Castello road.

Shoigu also offered militants the chance to surrender, saying Russia had urged the Syrian government to pardon those who have not committed serious crimes.
New York: Continuing its action against military and media institutions after the failed coup attempt, the Turkish government has shut down 45 newspapers, 16 television stations and three news agencies amid the state of emergency.

Nearly 1,700 soldiers, including 87 generals, have also been discharged from their duties, reports CNN.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had earlier said that actions were being taken to remove the "threat" raised during the attempt.Since then officials have fired or suspended tens of thousands.

Turkey`s top broadcasting authority last week revoked the licenses for two dozen radio and television companies that it said are linked to Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkish leaders blame for masterminding the coup.

In total, Turkey has closed about 130 media and publishing outlets.
Panaji: A Chennai-bound Oman Air flight from Muscat on Thursday made an emergency landing at Goa International airport in Dabolim after a woman passenger took ill and later died.

"There was (an) emergency landing due to a medical reason at 7 AM today. Oman Airway's flight that was flying to Chennai from Muscat had a woman passenger who reported sick mid-air," Dabolim Airport director, Bhupesh Negi told PTI.

The passenger was later declared dead by doctors, he said.

The flight later took off to its scheduled journey.

Meanwhile, Goa Police, which lodged a case in this regard, said the woman passenger was referred to government- run Cottage Hospital at Chicalim, near the airport.

"She was declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital," a police official said.

Details of the passenger were awaited.
New York: More and more people are gradually viewing social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and enterprise social media LinkedIn negatively than in the past, an interesting study has revealed.

The team from American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ASCI) which tracks opinions of search engines, news outlets, social media sites and other 'e-businesses' found that consumers view Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn more negatively than in years past, bizjournals.com reported.

Facebook and Twitter saw the largest declines -- at nine percent and eight percent, respectively.

An increase in restless user base on some of the largest social media sites is forcing advertisers and the businesses who run them to put their money elsewhere.

The declines are driven in part by the presence of advertising on services that are still regarded as "free", the report said.

"Consumers have not fully accepted advertising as a necessary cost for online services they have come to expect as free," Claes Fornell, ASCI chairman, was quoted as saying.

"There is little companies can do to change that perception beyond making sure that those advertisements are relevant and non-disruptive," he added.

Facebook was mired in controversy over "curated" news where it was accused of political bias in its "trending news" section after news broke that stories from politically conservative sources were sidelined. However, the company denied such a bias.

Earlier this year, reports said that Twitter irked many users when it tweaked its newsfeed from a chronological system to a new algorithm based system. It has also failed to keep pace with ever-evolving social apps including Snapchat, Imgur and Instagram.

"It's impossible for global brands with massive user bases to like Facebook and Twitter to keep everyone happy," ACSI managing director David VanAmburg added.
Mumbai: A Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court is expected to announce its verdict on key plotter of 26/11 terror strikes, Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, in connection with the he 2006 Aurangabad Arms haul case.

The 22 arrested accused in the case include Lashkar-e-Toiba operative and key plotter of the 26/11 terror attack case Jundal.

On May 8, 2006, a Maharashtra ATS team chased a Tata Sumo and an Indica car on Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad and arrested three terror suspects and seized 30kg of RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets.

The Indica, allegedly driven by Jundal, managed to give police the slip. Jundal, who hails from Beed district of Maharashtra, drove to Malegaon and a few days later he escaped to Bangladesh from where he fled to Pakistan, according to the state police.

He was deported to India from Saudi Arabia in 2012.

The court had last year framed charges against the LeT operative in connection with 26/11 attacks case.

Jundal was charged on 23 different counts, including criminal conspiracy, waging war against the nation, criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping for murder, cheating, forgery and for abetting the terror attack from Pakistan under Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed a charge sheet against Jundal in Delhi for conspiring to carry out terrorist activities in India, including the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The charge sheet against Jundal has details about his training in Pakistan, preparations ahead of 26/11, LeT hierarchy, the precise role played by those involved, etc.

According to Jundal's confession, LeT training camps enjoyed full support from local, federal police and paramilitary organisations in Pakistan.
New Delhi: Asserting that the reports of Chinese incursion in Uttarakhand was an extremely worrisome factor for India, Defence Expert P.K. Sehgal on Thursday stated that the grim development indicates that India is not as alert as it should be at it borders and also called for increased surveillance.

Speaking to ANI here, Defence expert P.K. Sehgal claimed that China`s lack of keenness to delineate the borders is proof of their nefarious intentions and India should accordingly pull up its socks."Right from 1962, the Chinese have been interested in all mountain passes.

They have not delineated the border in Uttarakhand, neither in Arunachal or in the Central Sector or along the LAC. However before they delineate the borders, they are keen to occupy all dominating heights and passes so that India remains perpetually at their mercy," he said.

Further stating that China has been showing a surge of interest in the religious sites like Char Dham, Sehgal added that India needs to massively boost its surveillance.

He also asserted that the recent case of yet another incursion was a prime example of intelligence failure, and also the failure of India`a ability to keep the area under perennial surveillance."You got aircrafts, drones, satellites, helicopters and all sorts of surveillance aids in place and yet if they come in without being detected, it is indicating to the fact that we are not as alert as we ought to be.

Also, the infrastructure there is quite poor compared to the Chinese, who are highly developed, ergo they can move in very fast," he said.Meanwhile, the Centre has downplayed the Chinese incursion saying that it was not a very serious issue and they will resolve it on ground level."

The briefing that we have received from DG of the Indo Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) according to that some incident of incursion has been witnessed there.

But that is not a very serious issue," said Minister of State Home affair, Kiren Rijiju.He further stated that the Uttarakhand officials and People Liberation Army (PLA) of China was present there and had a little verbal spat over the border line but later went back to their region.

In the context of air violation by the Chinese Army Rijiju said, "Air violation was there but up to the border area and the face off was not that serious issue."Asserting that India will not discuss this issue at the diplomatic Forum, Rijiju said that the matter will be resolved on the ground level.

Earlier today Rawat confirmed an incursion by Chinese troops into Chamoli district of Uttarakhand."The state revenue authorities were there for mapping of our land and they noticed their presence. Earlier, there were sporadic incidents, but this time it is happening at a larger scale.

However, I think that there is nothing to be alarmed as the activities were noticed in Chinese territory," Rawat told ANI.However, later in the day Rawat, made a somersault saying there is an increase in the number of Chinese troops along the Indian border, but ruled out any incursion into Indian territory.

Uttarakhand shares a 350 kilometer long boundary with China and similar attempts at Chinese incursions have been reported in the past.The last reported Chinese incursion in the state was when the word `China` was inscribed on rocks near Mana Pass in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
Delhi: Hafiz Saeed is now overseeing attacks by the dreaded terror group Islamic State or the ISIS fighters in Afghanistan.

This was reported by ANI who quoted the US radio channel, Voice of America as saying that the revelation on Saeed was made in a statement released by the Afghan Defence Ministry.

The official made the revelation during trilateral high-level military meeting between Afghanistan, Pakistan and NATO officials.

However, the Afghan Defence Ministrys assertions about Saeed has created confusion in Pakistan.

Reporters and Pakistani officials reportedly tried to determine whether the Afghan officials were confusing Saeed with an ISIS commander, who shares his same name.

The head of ISIS' local branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) is also named Hafiz Saeed Khan.

But he is not said to be related to the JuD leader.

Meanwhile, during the meeting, the Afghan side is believed to have called on Islamabad to prevent ISIS terrorists from entering Afghanistan.

On the other hand, Saeed has claimed that a LeT 'ameer' was leading the funeral procession of Hizbul 'commander' Burhan Wani. who was killed in an encounter in Kashmir.

"Burhan Wani was martyred. Lakhs of Kashmiris came to the streets to attend his funeral. Did you see a man who was being carried on shoulders by the crowd? Do you know this youth who was leading the procession? Do you know who he is? He is 'ameer' of LeT," said Saeed, the founder of Laskar-e-Taiba (LeT), as per PTI.

His statement Abu Dujana was leading Wani's funeral procession earlier this month was made at a rally in Faisalabad, about 185 km from Lahore.

Saeed, designated a terrorist by the United States with a USD 10 million bounty on his head, heads the Jamaat-ud-Dawa ( JuD), which is seen as a front group for the outlawed LeT.

The LeT was behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and was banned in Pakistan in 2015.

Saeed, who travels freely and gives speeches inciting people to attack Western and Indian interests, had warned more violence in Kashmir in a recent interview.

(With Agency inputs)
Islamabad: In a big jolt to Pakistan, Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed has claimed that terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) was behind the violent protests in Kashmir Valley in the aftermath of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing in an encounter by Indian security forces.

The JuD chief claimed that a LeT militant led the processions in Kashmir Valley following the killing of Wani in Srinagar, India Today reported.

"Have you seen the pictures of procession when lakhs of Kashmiris came to the streets? Did you see a man who was being carried on shoulders by the crowd? Do you know the man who was leading the procession? He is an 'ameer' of Laskar-e-Toiba (LeT)," Hafiz Saeed said.

Hafiz's statements accusing LeT of fuelling tension in Kashmir came at a time when Pakistan is trying hard to gain solidarity with the people over the unrest in the region.

Saeed's remarks negate Pakistan's position on Kashmir protests, while it also exposes the hypocrisy of its foreign ministry at an international level.

On the other hand, Saeed's remark also confirms the involvement of Pakistan-based militant groups in anti-India protests in Kashmir.

"Several people from Faisalabad went to Kashmir, many of them even sacrificed their lives," Hafiz Saeed added.

Reiterating Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's speech, he said, "Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir and by God's grace, Kashmir will become a part of it someday".

"One day the world would witness India splitting into pieces," he added.

Upping his ante against the Indian media, Saeed expressed his anger over visa denial to a group of Pakistani doctors who wanted to visit Kashmir.
Dahal to urge UML leadership to support consensus govt

Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is poised to become the next Prime Minister, said on Thursday that he has been holding talks with the CPN-UML leadership.
New Delhi: India and Bangladesh on Thursday agreed on the need to operationalise the agreements on combating terrorism, organized crime and illicit drug trafficking.

Uinon Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured Bangladesh of India's fullest support and cooperation in its fight against terrorism, fundamentalism and radicalism.

"The two countries have to be vigilant at all times and channelise efforts to defeat the terrorism and ensure peace, security and prosperity between the two countries," said Singh.

The India-Bangladesh Home Minister level talks expressed satisfaction over the signing of an addendum to the Bilateral Extradition Treaty of 2013 to further streamline the treaty and to make it more effective.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and his Indian counterpart Singh also agreed on the necessity of signing a Repatriation Treaty to simplify and expedite the procedure of repatriation of each other's nationals, said a home ministry statement.

Both sides also agreed to undertake urgent action for the repatriation of released prisoners and victims of human trafficking.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen the ongoing cooperation between the security and investigative agencies of the two countries through a programme of training, capacity building, information exchanges, read the statement.

India and Bangladesh emphasized the need for speedy operationalization of three agreements - MoU between Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard for the establishment of collaborative relationship to combat transnational illegal activities at sea and develop regional cooperation.

MoU to prevent and counter smuggling and circulation of fake currency notes; MoU on bilateral cooperation for prevention of human trafficking especially trafficking in Women and children; rescue, recovery, repatriation and reintegration of victims of trafficking, the statement added.

Both sides emphasized the importance of effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries and to enable them to better monitor the identified vulnerable areas with a view to preventing criminal activities, irregular movement, acts of violence and loss of lives along the border areas, it further added.
New Delhi: The fourth Home Minister-level talks between India and Bangladesh will be held here on Thursday.

Home Minister of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman Khan-led delegation arrived in India on Wednesday and will continue to remain here till July 30.

During the talks, the two sides will review the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement, security and border management and related issues.

Union Home Minister of India Rajnath Singh-led delegation will consist of National Security Advisor (NSA), Union Home Secretary and officers of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Border Security Force (BSF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Coast Guard and others.

The talks are expected to further strengthen and enhance the excellent cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

During the visit, the Bangladeshi delegation called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Home Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan calls on the Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi in New Delhi pic.twitter.com/g7qGjuA67e  MIB India (@MIB_India) July 28, 2016

They will also be visiting Udaipur and Kolkata during their stay in India.
New Delhi: Former chairman of India's Joint Intelligence Committee and ex-deputy national security advisor Dr SD Pradhan has made a sensational revelation regarding the killing of al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden by the US Navy SEALs.

Speaking exclusively to IBNKhabar, Pradhan said the US and India exchange intelligence at times.

While the US has shared information with India regarding Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence's nefarious plans many times, New Delhi has also exchanged intelligence on terrorists with Washington.

In 2006-07, two important meetings took place in Pakistan. The meetings were attended by the then al Qaeda No 2 Al Zawahiri and bin Laden's confidante Mullah Omar. After the meetings, both the men used to travel to Rawalpindi and vanish in thin air.

The Indian security officials had then suspected that bin Laden's hideout could be near Rawalpindi. We shared the information with the US and there is a big possibility that they worked on the lead and carried out the raid to kill the former boss of al Qaeda, said Pradhan.

The ex-Intelligence officer further revealed that the US knows about Pakistan's dubious role in the fight against terror, but due to the strategic interest in Afghanistan, it doesn't take any action.

The US had alerted Indian security agencies about 2007 Samjhauta Express blast, he said.
Washington: Indian and US officials will meet here on Thursday for the 14th US-India counter-terrorism Joint Working Group, an official statement said.

"The United States looks forward to continued counter terrorism exchanges with India to broaden and deepen the partnership between the two countries," the State Department said in a statement yesterday.

The American delegation would be led by the acting coordinator for counter-terrorism Justin Siberell, while the Indian delegation will be led by Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary Ravi Thapar.

"The US-India counter-terrorism Joint Working Group is a regularly planned policy consultation designed to advance our common agenda and opportunities for cooperation across the full range of counter terrorism issues," the statement said.

Topics include regional terrorist threats, information sharing, border security, and efforts to counter violent extremism, the statement added.
New Delhi: Firebrand BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who had demanded a thorough discussion in Parliament on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, had claimed that he was killed by Nathuram Godse with an imported Italian pistol.

The BJP Rajya Sabha MP had made this claim through a tweet on July 26 in which he stated that Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Godse among others using an imported Italian pistol.

MG was shot (among others?) by Godse using an Italian imported pistol. Italian influence thru whom?  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) July 26, 2016

Swamy also talked about the Italian influence in connection with the case.

In another tweet, the noted lawyer-politician announced that he will hold a press conference after August 15 on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination.

On a date after August 15 th I will address a press conference in Delhi on MG assassination July 26, 2016

Swamy had last week demanded a discussion in Parliament on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, saying no autopsy was conducted on the body.

Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha amid protests from the Congress, Swamy said this must be debated as "parliamentarians" were making comments on it and had to be pulled up by the Supreme Court.

Referring to the recently declassified files on the death of Mahatma Gandhi, Swamy said that the files point out that Mahatma Gandhi's body was not subjected to post mortem to establish whether he was shot by Nathuram Godse and how did he succumb to his injuries.

"As a result, there is no clarity on the number of bullets fired. Newspapers said there were four bullets, public prosecutor said it was three and there were three empty chambers in Godse's gun. However Godse told the court that he had fired only two rounds. The archives need to be re-looked to establish the truth," said Swamy.

Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead at a prayer meeting here on 30 January, 1948 by Nathuram Godse, who was hanged along with Narayan Apte for the killing.

Over the decades, the RSS has repeatedly denied claims by Godse's brother that he (Nathuram Godse) was associated with the RSS.
New Delhi: In what is likely to cause a huge embarrassment for Congress, former chairman of India's Joint Intelligence Committee and ex-deputy national security advisor Dr SD Pradhan has claimed that the term 'Hindu terror' was coined by former home minister P Chidambaram to reap political benefits.

Pradhan disclosed that Intelligence Bureau had first hand information of the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast. The ex-Joint Intelligence Committee member said that IB and JIC still have the official papers regarding the inputs on the 'possible' train blast.

He further said that the United States of America had also warned of the blast. There is 100 percent involvement of Pakistan in the Samjhauta Express blast and no Indian was involved. The probe was diverted due to political reasons, he categorically stated.

Speaking exclusively to IBN Khabar, Pradhan said that LeT financier Arif Kasmani's name was shared by the officials and the security officials had prior information on him. Kasmani is believed to have funded the Samjhauta Express blast.

The ex-intelligence officer revealed that the probe was twisted in both Samjhauta Express blast and the Ishrat Jahan encounter case. He said the files, which were received in August 2009, were completely changed in September-October. Pradhan maintained that the matter was changed due to some specific aim.

Disclosing further, Pradhan said the Congress-led UPA won the 2009 General Elections, but they knew that in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Narendra Modi and RSS will come out strongly. According to Pradhan, this was the sole reason why then home minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram used the term 'Hindu terror' in the Rajya Sabha. He stated that after this episode the probe in Samjhauta and Ishrat Jahan cases were given a new angle.

Pradhan described Chidambaram as a very sharp person and accused him of giving a saffron colour to the Samjhauta blast. He further said that the National Investigating Agency (NIA) was created keeping in mind a specific objective.

Chidambaram personally overlooked the hiring process in NIA. He used to pick and choose the officers so that they worked according to their boss' wishes, Pradhan maintained.
Delhi: In India only 33,000 have people have declared themselves as atheists (people who do not believe in the existence of God), as per the 2011 census.

According to a report in Hindustan Times, nearly half of the atheists are women and seven out of every 10 atheists live in rural India.

The data which was released earlier this week pegs the population of the country at 1.2 billion.

To be noted is that this is the first time in recent years that census data in public domain has put a number on atheists.

Some figures:

- At 9,652, Maharashtra is home to the highest number of atheists. 71% of them live in the villages.

- Meghalaya has 9,089 non-believers.

- Kerala comes next with 4,896 reported atheists in all.

- West Bengal number is 784 and Delhi stands at 541.

Interestingly, in 2012, the Global Religiosity Index had estimated that 3% of Indians did not believe in God.

However, as per the latest data, 0.0027% of the total population are atheist.

The Daily quoted a census official as saying that there were many more (nearly 2.9 million or 0.24% of the population) who did not tell enumerators their religion or confused it with other identities and were listed under the category 'religion not stated'.

What I can tell you is that there were quite a few people including dignitaries holding top posts in the government who did not record their religion in the census. They felt that their faith was a personal matter and did not want their actions to be seen through the prism of their faith, he was quoted as saying.

But, saying that the information was confidential, the official did not identify public figures.

The census is done every 10 years.
Mainpuri: In yet another shocking incident of atrocities against dalits, a couple was axed to death in Uttar Pradesh.

Reportedly, the dalit couple was killed by a shopkeeper in Lakhmipur village of Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri district on Thursday.

The incident took place over allegedly non-payment of Rs 15 that they had borrowed from him.

Confirming the incident, Mainpuri District Magistrate Pramod Gupta said, "Bharat and Mamta, who were labourer, died on the spot after the accused, Ashok Mishra, attacked them with an axe. According to villagers, the matter was concerning Rs 15 that led to a argument and resulted in the killings. The accused has been arrested and stringent action will be taken against him."

According to Bharat's mother, the couple had left home in the morning for sowing paddy, but they were stopped by the shopkeeper who asked them to payback his money that led to an argument between them. In the fit of rage, Ashok allegedly attacked them with an axe and they died on the spot.

The Mainpuri Police have arrested the accused.

Noteworthy, Mainpuri is bastion of Samajwadi Party and its chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Kolkata: Eminent writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi passed away at a city nursing home on Thursday following prolonged illness. She was 90.

The Ramon Magsaysay winner is survived by her daughter-in-law and a grandchild. Mahasweta Devi's son pre-deceased her two years ago.

"She passed away at 3.16 pm following a cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure," the doctor said.

Here are the reactions:

Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality & justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2016

India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahashweta Di rest in peace  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 28, 2016

Remembering her as a writer who addressed the issues and conscience of the subaltern, the middle class and women, Smt Gandhi said...  INC India (@INCIndia) July 28, 2016

... Tribal life. She was brutally honest and her words echoed her inner voice, representing voiceless and faceless countrymen...  INC India (@INCIndia) July 28, 2016

... Smt. Gandhi extended her condolences to millions of her readers and admirers. Describing the loss Smt. Gandhi said, India has lost...  INC India (@INCIndia) July 28, 2016
Mumbai: The Mumbai police on Thursday said that the man detained from an IndiGo airlines Dubai-Calicut flight did not raise any slogans hailing terror outfit - the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).

The IndiGo flight 6E-89 was diverted to Mumbai today after the passenger on seat 5D, travelling with his brother, suddenly started misbehaving with the crew.

"He jumped on the forward cart, used for food and onboard merchandise and sat on it. The crew politely requested him to step down from the cart and he obliged," IndiGo said in a statement.

Mumbai Police spokesperson Ashok Dudhe confirmed that the passenger was detained for unruly conduct and he did not raise any slogans, as reported earlier. He is being questioned.

But after that, he suddenly got violent and began `physically abusing` the other co-passenger even as the crew attempted to calm and control him.

The flight made a precautionary landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport around 9.15 am where the passenger was offloaded and handed over to the CISF and airport police.

The flight departed about an hour later minus the offloaded passenger, an airport official said.

(With IANS inputs)
Hearing of SC justices starts

The Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee (PHSC) on Wednesday started hearing of Supreme Court justice nominees. The hearing, scheduled to start on July 17, had been postponed until further notice after PHSC Chairman Kul Bahadur Gurung called in sick.
Berhampur (Odisha): Two years after the arrest of Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, a man who had allegedly given shelter to the high-profile rebel in his house near Bada Bazar here has been arrested, police said.

A Chandra Rao (55), who remained untraced since Panda's arrest from his house at Mangalavarampeta Street near Bada Bazar on July 18, 2014, was caught by a special police team yesterday, additional SP, Berhampur, Tirnath Patel said.

Rao was arrested near a private clinic in New Bus Stand area here by the police team, Patel said.

A mobile phone, some medical documents and cash were seized from him, he added.

Police said a special team has been constituted to interrogate Rao and ascertain his relation with the Maoist leader.

Rao, however, denied having any link with Maoists or Sabyasachi, who he claimed was staying in his house as a tenant in some other name.

"I did not know Sabyasachi. He was staying in the house in the name of Gopal Das, a businessman," Rao said.

During Panda's arrest, the police had seized a revolver, four rounds of ammunition, around half kg of gold ornaments, laptop, four pen-drives, two hard disks, 10 mobile phones and several other items from Rao's house.
New Delhi: Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju, known for making controversial comments, has taken on slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and Jawaharlal Nehru University student Umar Khalid.

The ex-chairman of Press Council of India put three questions to Umar, who was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly raising pro-Afzal Guru slogans in the JNU campus on February 9.

Katju's reaction came after Khalid praised Burhan Wani and compared him to Che Guevara.

The former top court judge raised questions on Khalid, Wani and separatists demand of 'Azad Kashmir' saying no one discusses how standard of living of Kashmiris can be raised.

He questioned Khalid on the ideology of Wani saying, Was it Islamic fundamentalism. And does Umar Khalid agree with that?

Three questions to Umar Khalid of JNU pic.twitter.com/iuZXRRDjjS  Markandey Katju (@mkatju) July 14, 2016

The JNU student, who is out on bail in a sedition case, recently kicked off another controversy by comparing the Hizbul Mujahideen commander who was gunned down earlier this week, with revolutionary Che Guevara.

"I dont care if I fall as long as someone else picks up my gun and keeps on shooting. These were the words of Che Guevara, but could have just been Burhan Wanis too," he said in a facebook post which he removed hours later.

He praised Wani for his bravery and said, "Burhan wasnt scared of death, he was scared of a life lived in subjugation. He detested it. He lived a free man, died a free man .....".
New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday told Parliament that there was no incursion by the Chinese troops along the Uttarakhand border earlier this month.

Responding to the Opposition's claim that the incursion took place near Chamoli and the Chinese troops had come around 200 metres into the Indian territory, Parrikar said there was no incursion and only transgression.

India-China border has not been formally demarcated. There are areas where both the sides have different perceptions of LAC (Line of Actual Control), said Parrikar.

Barahoti (Uttarakhand) is one such area. There was no incursion, just transgression which has been settled, added Parrikar in Lok Sabha.

There is a well-defined mechanism to settle such transgressions, said the Defence Minister.

The Uttarakhand government had on Wednesday said that the Chinese troops had been spotted in Barahoti in Chamoli district on July 19 by local officials who were asked to return. Army sources had said the incident took place on July 22.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat had also confirmed the incursion, saying he had reported the matter to the Union Home Ministry.

The Defence Ministry, however, maintained that there are no incidents of "incursion" by the Chinese troops and the "transgressions" occur due to the different perception of borders.

Uttarakhand shares a 350-km-long boundary with China and incursions have been reported in the past too. Only last year some boys grazing cattle were beaten up by the Chinese troops and asked to retreat.

Sources said the administration sends teams to Badahoti, which lies in very tough terrain over 100 km from Joshimath, thrice a year -- twice in summer and once in winter.

The area can only be reached on foot.
New Delhi: No concrete evidence on the missing AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has emerged so far, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The minister said that based on inputs, areas of "three oil slicks, five transmission intercepts and 24 floating objects have been thoroughly investigated by ships and aircraft, without any concrete evidence emerging with respect to the missing IAF AN-32, till date".

"The 22 floating objects recovered have been determined to be not related to the missing aircraft," Parrikar said.

He said naval submarines are also searching the designated area and the search efforts are focused on the "surface as well as underwater domain" to look for "survivors and debris".

The plane with 29 people on board, including six crew, went missing shortly after taking off from Chennai for Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on July 22. Those aboard included six crew members, 15 personnel from the IAF, army, navy and Coast Guard, and eight civilians who were family members of the personnel.

The recorded transcript of air traffic radar showed the last pick-up of the aircraft was 151 nautical miles east of Chennai when it took a left turn, with rapid loss of height from 23,000 feet.

Parrikar said the ongoing search is also being supplemented by the use of Indian satellites, such as Cartosat 2A and 2B, which can cover swathes as big as 22x27 km and have resolutions of 0.8 km.

"The area is being frequently imaged by the satellites. Several inputs and leads on floating objects and possible transmission have been picked up from satellite imagery and air surveillance efforts. Each of these have been thoroughly investigated by ships and aircraft," Parrikar said.

"However, no concrete evidence with respect to AN-32 has emerged so far," the minister said.
Islamabad: A top Pakistani court has allowed the examination of a boat used by the 10 LeT terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack, overturning an anti-terrorism court verdict which it termed as "flawed".

"The Islamabad High Court has set aside the verdict of trial court (Anti-Terrorism Court) in Mumbai case for not allowing sending of a commission to Karachi for inspection of Al-Fauz boat used by Mumbai attack terrorists," Chaudhry Azhar, prosecution chief in the Mumbai attack case, said.

He said the High Court termed the trial court decision "flawed and not in accordance with law" and allowed examination of the boat in the port city of Karachi.

The prosecution in May had challenged the trial court's decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat 'Al-Fauz' used by Mumbai attack terrorists so that the vessel could be made "case property".

Al-Fauz is in the custody of Pakistani authorities in Karachi, from where the 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack that claimed 166 lives.

The High Court, however, has not specified in its order whether it is necessary to form a commission comprising prosecution and defence lawyers for the inspection of the boat.

"The trial court is likely to send court officials for the inspection of Al-Fauz since it has received no direction of forming a commission for the purpose," another court official said.

"The trial court will nominate the official(s) for the inspection of the boat in the September 7 hearing," he said.

The trial court yesterday held a hearing in the Mumbai attack case in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

It was informed that Pakistan had not received a reply from India about sending its 24 witnesses here to record their statements in the case. The court adjourned the proceedings in the case till September 7.

The courts are observing an over a month-long summer holidays and only the cases of very important nature will be heard during the vacation period.

According to the Federal Investigation Agency, the attackers used three boats, including Al Fauz, to reach Mumbai from Karachi.

It said the security agencies had also traced the shop and its owner from where the culprits bought the engine and the boat while a bank and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money.

The 10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008.

En route to their destination, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew.

They forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the Indian shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast.

The Mumbai attack case is facing inordinate delay as no proceedings practically have been held for more than three months.

The Mumbai case hearing is scheduled to be held once a week.

Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack.

Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after he got released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

The case has been going on in the country for more than six years.
Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is likely to take on the Narendra Modi government on Thursday in the Lok Sabha on the issue of rising prices of essential commodities.

With the prices of pulses and some other commodities skyrocketing in recent months, the main Opposition party has launched a sharp attack on the NDA government for hitting hard the common man.

Party sources had said yesterday that the House was expected to take up a short duration discussion on the issue, as per PTI.

Sonia attacked BJP-led government last week:

Earlier, in a blistering attack on the Modi government, Congress president Sonia Gandhi had on July 20 accused it of destabilising institutions, polarising society and mistaking its parliamentary majority for a licence to impose its narrow ideology on people.

Addressing the first meeting of Congress parliamentary party in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament, she had also slammed it for "deception", "glib marketing slogans" and snatching the rights of Dalits, adivasis, specifically citing the Gujarat incident where four Dalits were beaten and humiliated publicly.

Sonia had also referred to the unrest in the Kashmir Valley which has witnessed turmoil after the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani with clashes claiming over 40 lives.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday appointed senior counsel Ashok Desai as amicus curiae in the hearing of a petition by the Uttar Pradesh government contesting the Allahabad High Court`s decision to refer to a larger bench the question whether orders passed on behalf of the Chief Minister by his principal secretary or secretary were lawful.

The bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman asked Desai to assist the court in the matter in which the Uttar Pradesh government is contesting the plea that it was impermissible for the principal secretary/secretary to the Chief Minister to issue order or communicate decisions under their signatures with a note saying approved by the Chief Minister.

The Uttar Pradesh government has challenged May 28, 2014 decision of the Allahabad High Court referring to a larger three judge bench the validity of the decision issued in the file on behalf of the Chief Minister under the signature of his principal secretary/secretary.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had asked the three judge bench to examine the question whether the practice wherein instead of the Chief Minister, his Principal Secretary/Secretary appended their signatures on the file with a note "Chief Minister has approved" was contrary to the Rules of Business framed under Article 166 (3) of Constitution.

It further asked the larger bench to examine whether such a decision will not be treated to be duly authenticated in terms of the Rules of Business.

The Division bench of the High Court had framed the questions to be examined by the three judge bench after the hearing of a PIL by one Nutan Thakur contended that the prevailing practice was not permissible under the Rules of Business and contrary to constitutional provision.

Nutan Thakur had moved the Allahabad High Court seeking direction that under the Rules of Business it was the Chief Minister alone who was competent to sign the files.

PIL petitioner had contended that orders/decisions issued under the signature of the principal secretary/secretary were impermissible under the Rules of Business and hence, it is contrary to the provisions of Article 166 (2) and (3) of the Constitution.

It was further contended by Thakur that such a practice amounted to an oral decision which is not permissible under the Rules of Business and hence, was contrary to the provisions of Article 166 (2) and (3).
New Delhi: The Government of India will on Thursday make all possible efforts to save an Indian facing execution in Indonesia in a drug-related case.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had informed on Wednesday that all that is required will be done. .

Gurdip Singh, 48, was found guilty by Indonesian authorities of trying to smuggle drugs into the country.

"Gurdip Singh is facing death sentence in a drug case in Indonesia. We are making last minute efforts to save him from execution on July 28," Swaraj had said in a series of tweets.

Singh, who is from Jalandhar in Punjab, was reportedly sentenced to death by a court in Indonesia's Tanggerang Banten province.

He is among 14 people facing execution after the authorities decided to resume death penalties.
New Delhi: Are terrorists plotting to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Independence Day celebrations this August 15? Yes, if intelligence agencies are to be believed.

As per reports, intelligence agencies have warned that terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) could join hands to carry out a drone attack at the Red Fort, from where the Prime Minister will address the nation on the morning of August 15.

Intelligence officials suspect the attack could be carried out during the PM's speech.

The threat was disclosed during a high-level meeting of the Prime Minister's security wing.

As per the input, the planning for such an attack is being done by the two terror groups with active support from Pakistan's notorious intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Intelligence sleuths came to know about the suspected plan through intercepts of telephone conversations between terrorists based in India and Pakistan.

The intercepts also led intelligence officials to conclude that the terrorists could also carry out attacks ahead of the Independence Day.

The likely targets for such attacks could be convoys and camps of the Indian Army and other security forces.

Meanwhile, in order to beef up the PM's security, the Special Protection Group (SPG) has proposed to cover the area from where the PM will deliver his Independence Day speech with an overhead bullet-proof canopy.

It is also being planned to install high-resolution cameras on Red Fort's towers to keep an eye on every movement in and around the Red Fort.

If in the coming days the threat perception increases, then an air defence gun could also be deployed at the historic fort.

Like each year, Delhi would turn into a no-fly zone and fighter jets of the Indian Air Force would be on standby to deal with any emergency.
New Delhi: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, who was recently given the Human Resource Development portfolio, is reported to have held closed-door talks with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the new national education policy.

The Indian Express reported on Thursday that Javadekar met senior RSS functionaries and representatives of other affiliated organisations yesterday to discuss the new national education policy.

It was his first formal contact with the RSS since taking over as the HRD Minister from Smriti Irani earlier this month.

BJP president Amit Shah, RSS joint general secretary Krishna Gopal and RSS Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh Aniruddha Deshpande were present at the meeting.

Other outfits whose representatives were present at the meeting included Vidya Bharati, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Sanskrit Bharati, Shiksha Bachao Andolan, Vigyan Bharati and Itihas Sankalan.

The meeting, held at the Gujarat Bhawan, went on for nearly six hours, the newspaper said.

During the meeting, RSS leaders are reported to have provided inputs on the new education policy and suggested measures to instil nationalism, pride and ancient Indian values in modern education.

The report quoted an RSS functionary as saying that the meeting was part of the government-organisational interface that was established after the Modi government came to power in May 2014.

The meeting follows the HRD Ministry's move to seek feedback on the draft education policy that was made public earlier this month, when Smriti Irani was at the helm.

According to the report, the Sangh was unhappy with the draft education policy as inputs provided by its affiliate organisations had been excluded.
India slips to third spot in terms of FDI commitments

India, traditionally the biggest foreign investor in Nepal, has slipped to third place in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments.
Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Islamabad for SAARC interior and home ministers conference on August 3.

This will be the first visit by a senior Indian leader to Pakistan following the terror strike on the Pathankot air base.

This visit also assumes significance in the backdrop of violence and tension in Jammu and Kashmir after Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani's death. India has blamed Pakistan for trying to create unrest in the Valley.

As per a report in The Times of India, the decision to allow Singh to travel to Pakistan for the two-day conference could be intended to signal that India will fulfill its responsibilities in regional dialogues and neighbouring countries.

The Daily also quoted sources in the government as saying that the HM may also have bilateral meetings with senior figures in the Nawaz Sharif government.

Meanwhile, India on Wednesday asked Pakistan to stop cross border terror activities and asserted it will take all necessary steps to safeguard national security and territorial integrity.

The government told Parliament that terrorism emanating from territories under Pakistan's control remained India's "core concern" and that the Pathankot attack and strikes in various places in Kashmir have highlighted the continued threat of cross border terrorism and infiltration.

"In response to Pakistan's recent statements in support of known terrorists killed in India, Government has asked Pakistan to stop all terrorism and anti-India activities in Pakistan or territories under its control," Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, said replying to a question in Lok Sabha, as per PTI.

He said Pakistan has been told that it cannot be in denial on the impact of terrorism on the bilateral ties, and it must expeditiously bring to justice all those guilty of Mumbai terror attack as well as of the Pathankot strike.

The Minister said the government remained continuously vigilant and "firm" in its resolve to take all necessary steps to effectively safeguard India's security and territorial integrity.

Singh said Pakistan has been in "illegal and forcible" occupation of approximately 78,000 sq kms of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir.

"China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq kms in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"In addition, under the so-called 'Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963', Pakistan illegally ceded 5180 sq kms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China," he said.

(With Agency inputs)


Srinagar: Authorities on Thursday continued curfew only in three south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama.

"Curfew will continue today (Thursday) in Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama districts. Restrictions have been imposed in Shopian, Kupwara and Sopore towns," a senior police official said.

"Prohibitory orders under section 144 continue to remain in force in Srinagar city," he added.

Curfew had to be re-imposed in Srinagar on Wednesday after senior separatist leaders, Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq defied house arrest and took to the streets.

They were both arrested and placed under house arrest.

Separatists had called for a march in Kulgam district which was foiled by the authorities.

A total of 50 people including 48 civilians and two policemen have been killed in widespread violence in the Valley that started on July 9, a day after Hizbul commander, Burhan Wani was killed.

All educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities have remained closed.

All public transport including the train services between Baramulla and Jammu`s Bannihal town remained closed for the 19th day on Thursday.
Srinagar: Nearly 6,500 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir would perform Haj this year and the first batch would leave for Saudi Arabia on August 10, officials said on Thursday.

"As many as 6445 pilgrims will perform Haj this year, for which the first batch in two flights will depart from Srinagar airport to the holy city of Madina in Saudi Arabia on August 10. This process will continue till August 19," an official spokesman said after a meeting here.

The meeting, chaired by Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Asgar Hassan Samoon, was convened to review the arrangements for Haj being made by the State Haj Committee here.

While reviewing the arrangements and facilities being provided to Haj pilgrims of the state, the meeting was informed that State Road Transport Corporation would provide 20 buses for transporting the pilgrims.

The Public Health Engineering department would install two dewatering pumps in Haj House, while as electricity department will also install generator sets to supplement the power supply, the spokesman said.

He said all arrangements with regard to maintaining regular supply of electricity, drinking water, sanitation besides establishment of medical camp along with services of medical officers and ambulance would also be kept available in Haj House Srinagar to facilitate the pilgrims.

The District Development Commissioners of all districts including Leh and Kargil through video conference informed that pilgrims training and vaccination programme has almost been completed in their respective districts, the spokesman said.

He said the Divisional Commissioner also directed the Drug Controller to install a temporary medical shop at Haj House and a medical counter at the Srinagar airport for the pilgrims.

The Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned to finalise all the arrangements well in time, the spokesman said.
Srinagar: With schools across the Valley closed for nearly a month due to prevailing situation, Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday assured every possible support for smooth functioning of schools and asked the institutions to play a constructive role by motivating parents and prominent citizens.

"The administration will provide every possible support for smooth functioning of schools so that the studies of the students do not hamper.

"The heads of the institutions have to play constructive role to ensure the attendance of the students by motivating the parents and prominent citizens of the areas," Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Samoon said chairing a joint meeting here.

The meeting was convened to review the smooth functioning of educational institutions across the Valley and was attended by the Director School Education, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division, President Private School Association and Principals of various schools, besides the officers of Traffic Police and Jammu and Kashmir Police, an official spokesman said.

He said it was emphasised that the district commissioners concerned would ensure necessary possible support to all the educational institutions for ensuring their smooth functioning.

The Zonal Education Officers concerned were directed to monitor the functioning of the schools in their respective zones.

The Divisional Commissioner urged the school authorities to seek cooperation from the parents and other stakeholders to ensure regular attendance of the students in the schools, he said.

The schools were closed on July 1 for 17-day summer vacation which was subsequently extended following unrest in the Valley triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen 'commander' Burhan Wani on July 8.

As many as 47 persons were killed and scores of others injured in the protests which are still continuing amid curfew, restrictions and separatist-sponsored general strike.

Meanwhile, the spokesman said authorities have made necessary transport arrangements for the candidates appearing in the examinations of Stenographer (Grade C&D) to be conducted by Staff Selection Commission at Girls Higher Secondary School Nawakadal Srinagar and CET by Board of Professional Entrance Examination Srinagar at various institutions in the district on July 31.

"The candidates are hereby informed that the Transport facility shall be available at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) Srinagar from 7.30 AM to 8.30 AM for their convenience," the spokesman said.

He said the candidates appearing in these examinations are informed that in case of curfew or restrictions on the said date, their admit cards would be treated as curfew passes.

"All aspirants who would like to avail the facility upto the institutions, shall report to TRC between 7.30 AM and 8.30 AM sharp," the spokesman said.
Srinagar: Political parties across the spectrum on Thursday slammed Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for her remarks that had she known about militant Burhan Wani's whereabouts the outcome would have been different.

The chief minister claimed that she was not aware of Burhan's whereabouts, and the army and the police too did not know about him.

She hinted that the security forces may have spared him if they knew Burhan was the target of the raid.

Immediately, strong reactions have poured in from political parties.

Reacting to her statement, BJP's Heena Bhat said, When police goes for such an encounter, they don't know what type of terrorist they are.

A militant's bio-data is not needed to carry out the operation.

BJP MLA Ravinder Rana said, Police asked Burhan Wani on loudspeaker to surrender.

Slamming her comments, the National Conference said, Mehbooba should own up responsibility.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Thursday, made a sensational revelation on the encounter killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

The Chief Minister said that if the security forces knew about Wani's presence inside the house in Kokernag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district, they may have given a second chance to save the situation.

"As far as I know, what I heard from the police and the army, who said they only knew that there were three militants inside the house but did not know who they were," she said.

Mehbooba said that had the security forces known about Wani's presence it would have been possible to keep the situation "from turning to what it is today."

"I feel if they knew, perhaps we would not have such a situation when the overall situation in the state was improving, so it could have been a chance," she said.

Referring to the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged in 2013, Mehbooba said that had the government known about the encounter in advance they would have made arrangements to contain the situation.

"When Afzal Guru was hanged, (then chief minister) Omar (Abdullah) knew, so he made all the arrangements before-hand. We knew nothing and we came to know suddenly. But, despite that, we tried to impose curfew so that children do not come out," she said.

Violence has rocked the Valley since July 8, when Wani was killed in an encounter, leaving 47 people dead. At least 5,500 people, including 3,000 security personnel, have also been injured.

Mehbooba said an atmosphere should be created in the state for peace dialogue and the government would do "everything" to provide relief to the people affected by the violence.

"An atmosphere should be created in Jammu and Kashmir where there is dialogue, transparency like in (former Prime Minister Atal Behari) Vajpayee's time when a peace process was started and there was ceasefire with Pakistan," she said.

With PTI inputs
Srinagar: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday expressed "anguish" over the loss of 47 lives in violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Kashmir and urged people to shun the path of confrontation and embrace peace.

Violent clashes have rocked the Valley since July 8, when Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by security forces in an encounter.n calm," a Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman said here.

The Congress president made the statement during a meeting with JKPCC chief G A Mir, who had called on her at her residence in Delhi today, the spokesman said in a statement.

"Mir called on Gandhi at her residence and briefed her about the current unrest prevailing in the Valley," he said.

He said both the leaders discussed the socio-political scenario in the state and other issues of public importance.

"Mir also apprised Gandhi about the losses caused in the backdrop of the protests in the Valley," he added.

Kashmir remains fragile, though curfew was today lifted in the state, barring Anantnag town, as the situation improved.

Yesterday, the curfew was re-imposed in parts of the Valley to thwart a separatist march to Kulgam district.

Normal life, however, remained paralysed for the 20th consecutive day today due to a strike called by separatists.

Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed while public transport vehicles remained off roads.

At least 5,500 people, including over 3,000 security forces' personnel, have been injured in the violence.
Bengaluru: The strike by 1.23 lakh employees of the four state-run road transport corporations in Karnataka was called off after three days on Wednesday evening after the state government agreed to increase their wages by 12.5 percent instead of 10 percent offered earlier.

However, woes of people of Karnataka are far from over as pro-Kannada organisations and the Kannada film industry have called for a Karnataka bandh on July 30.

The bandh is in the wake of the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal's decision to reject Karnataka's plea to divert 7.56 TMC water from the Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha river.

Karnataka is in dispute with neighbouring Goa over sharing of the Mahadayi river's water to meet the drinking water needs of people in the state's northern region.

According to India.com, Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj, who heads Kannada Okkoota, a forum of pro-Kannada organisations, has urged people to co-operate in the complete shutdown in the Karnataka.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Sa Ra Govindu has also assured that the Karnataka film industry will give its full support to make the bandh successful.

Meanwhile, protests have erupted in several parts of North Karnataka on reports that the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal's interim order is adverse to the interests of the state.

Several parts of north Karnataka like Gadag, Dharwad, Naragunda, Navalagunda, Gajendragad and Belagavi among other places saw protests with a few government offices coming under attack.

Karnataka wants to build barrages across Kalasa-Banduri tributaries of the Mahadayi river to divert 7.6 thousand million cubic feet of water for supplying drinking water to four districts - Gadag, Hubbali-Dharwad, Belagavi and Bagalkote - through the Malaprbaha river.

As the 77-km-long Mahadayi river (called Mandovi in Goa) flows to Goa from Karnataka into the Arabian Sea, the former, which has 52-km of its length, has been objecting over sharing its water, calling it a lifeline for its people.
Thiruvananthapuram: Following the arrest of two suspected Islamic State sympathisers by the Kerala Police, the BJP state unit on Thursday demanded a probe into a claim by one of the arrested accused that 700 persons from the southern state were converted to Islam.

Arshid Qureshi and Rizwan Khan -- alleged to be close to controversial preacher Zakir Naik of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) -- were picked up in Mumbai in a joint operation by the Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad and the Kerala Police. They were remanded in police custody by a Kochi court on Monday.

"Qureshi claims 700 persons from the state had been converted to Islam. So, there is need for a full-fledged probe. The Indian Union Muslim League (second biggest party in Congress-led United Democratic Front) should now apologise for their defence of the IRF activities," state BJP General Secretary M.T. Ramesh told reporters here.

He said the activities of certain organisations claiming to be religious study centres in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts should also be looked into.

"Several of these centres are said to be recruitment centres for terrorist activities and it has to be probed," Ramesh added.
Kochi: Protesting against the restriction imposed on the media from covering court proceedings, Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) today called for a boycott of advocates and their programmes in the state.

However, the state committee of KUWJ said reporters would continue to cover the court proceedings.

"Media fraternity will boycott the lawyers and their programmes in protest against preventing them from covering court proceedings," KUWJ office bearers said here.

They alleged that advocates use the media for fame, praise them secretly, but reject them publicly.

"No programmes of such advocates will be covered by the media," KUWJ President P A Abdul Gafoor and Secretary C Narayanan said.

They also appealed to the high court judges to take steps to provide media access to the courts judgements and that of lower courts in order to ensure accuracy in reporting.

The move comes as sequel to the tiff between journalists and lawyers of Kerala High Court on July 19 and 20, over recent media coverage of an alleged bid by a government pleader to molest a woman in the city.
Lost and found in translation

No one would think of Prachanda as being illustrious but that is one meaning of the word
Bhopal: The police have arrested four people in connection with the assault of two Muslim women in Mandsaur railway station in Madhya Pradesh on suspicion of carrying cow meat.

A preliminary investigation later proved it was buffalo meat.

The police have arrested four people viz. Govind, Dilip, Suresh and Vikash on charges of assaulting the women at the railway station.

They reportedly claimed that they are members of a Hindu nationalist group.

According to the victims, the accused approached them as soon as they got off a train and demanded to know what they were carrying.

When they told them that it was buffalo meat, the accused allegedly did not listened to them and adamantly remained stuck with their position.

The situation got worse after the accused beat them up in front of a jeering crowd at the station.

A couple of security personnel deployed at the station even couldn't stop them from attacking the women.
Bhopal: The police in Madhya Pradesh's Hosangabad district have asked three accused placed in a lock-up to remove their clothes as they were preparing for a special interrogation, it has emerged.

The incident has created a major controversy.

The three accused were arrested by police after they were found involved a brawl.

Watch the Video:
Mumbai: The special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court here is likely to deliver the verdict in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case on Thursday.

The 22 arrested accused in the case include Lashkar-e-Toiba operative and key plotter of the 26/11 terror attack case Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal.

"The court has completed the hearing of final arguments and is likely to give judgement tomorrow," a police officer said.

On May 8, 2006, a Maharashtra ATS team chased a Tata Sumo and an Indica car on Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad and arrested three terror suspects and seized 30kg of RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets.

The Indica, allegedly driven by Jundal, managed to give police the slip. Jundal, who hails from Beed district of Maharashtra, drove to Malegaon and a few days later he escaped to Bangladesh from where he fled to Pakistan, according to the state police.

He was deported to India from Saudi Arabia in 2012.

The special court here framed charges against the 22 arrested accused in August 2013. During the trial, the prosecution examined 100 witnesses while defence lawyers examined 16.

The trial was stayed by the Supreme Court for a while after one of the accused challenged constitutional validity of certain provisions of MCOCA. The stay was vacated in 2009.

In August last year, the Bombay High Court directed the lower court to expedite the trial.
Chandigarh: A court in Punjab on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Naresh Yadav, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from Delhi.

Yadav was arrested by Punjab Police on Sunday in connection with a Quran sacrilege incident last month in the Muslim-dominated Malerkotla town, nearly 100 km from Chandigarh.

Yadav, through his counsel, had sought bail on the plea that he had cooperated during investigation and was willing to make himself available to the investigators in future also.

The court had on Wednesday sent Yadav to judicial custody till August 1. On Monday, the court sent Yadav in two days in police custody.

The Punjab Police arrested the AAP legislator at his Delhi office. The arrest came after the Malerkotla court issued arrest warrants against him.

The police had questioned Yadav for over eight hours on July 9 in connection with the desecration incident on June 24.

The AAP lawmaker was booked as a "mastermind" in the sacrilege conspiracy following alleged revelations by the main accused, Vijay Kumar, who claimed he was paid Rs 1 crore by Yadav for the act.
Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: NASA astronaut Jeff Williams who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has always shared beautiful images and videos of planet Earth from space.

An avid social media user, Williams has managed to keep his followers on their toes by sharing some of the mesmerising photos and videos.

Recently, the astronaut took to the micro-blogging website Twitter to share an exquisite video of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

Watch the video here:
Nagapattinam (TN): No Dalit family in Kallimedu village here has planned to embrace Islam following refusal of permission to them by upper caste Hindus to perform rituals during a temple festival, the district administration on Thursday asserted.

There were reports that following denial of permission to the Dalits by caste Hindus to conduct rituals at the ancient Badrakaliyamman temple, coming under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Departments, at Kallimedu during the Tamil month of Adi, the Dalits had planned to embrace Islam.

A R A Jayaraj, Revenue Divisional Officer of Nagapattinam, who conducted a spot inquiry at the village on the reports, said the Dalit families had stated that they have not taken any decision on converting to Islam.

"The Dalit families had categorically pointed out that the reports about their alleged plan to convert to Islam were only rumours," Jayaraj told PTI.

Vedaranyam DSP Pon Karthik Kumar, Tahsildar Ilangovan and Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment Executive Officer Manavalan were also present during the spot inquiry, Jayaraj said.

People belonging to a particular Hindu community of this village and two other neighbouring villages act as the custodians for the five day festival beginning on August 8.

Over 200 Dalit families of this village have long been claiming the rights to perform rituals during the festival.

Ahead of the festival, a few days back, Dalit families reiterated their long pending demand.

Following this, a?large number of police personnel have been deployed at the village as a precautionary measure, Jayaraj said.

He said the Joint Commissioner of HR and CE would hold talks with the leaders of the Dalits and various Hindu organisations tomorrow to find an amicable solution to the issue and ensure peaceful conduct of the festival.
Chennai: Atrocities against Dalits are rampant in the country. An incident has come to the fore from Tamil Nadu, where some people from the backward community on Thursday threatened to return their Aadhaar and voter identity cards, as a mark of protest after they were denied permission to attend a temple festival.

The incident happened in Karur area where people of Dalit community gathered to protest against the discrimination towards them.

One of the protesters named Geeta, spoke to mediapersons and said, No one is addressing our problems and if such discrimination continues we will be forced to convert to Islam.

The incident comes at a time when the political arena is simmering over thrashing of four Dalit youths in Gujarat for skinning a dead cow.

On July 11, some Dalit youths from Mota Samadhiyala who were skinning a dead cow were flogged by cow vigilantes, alleging that they had killed the cow.

After a video of the incident went viral, it sparked off violent protests across Gujarat.
Mainpuri: A Dalit coupel was axed to death by a shopkeeper in Lakhmipur village of Uttar Pradesh`s Mainpuri district on Thursday for allegedly non-payment of Rs. 15 that they had borrowed from him.

Confirming the incident, Mainpuri District Magistrate Pramod Gupta said, "Bharat and Mamta, who were labourer, died on the spot after the accused, Ashok Mishra, attacked them with an axe.

According to villagers, the matter was concerning Rs. 15 that led to a argument and resulted in the killings. The accused has been arrested and stringent action will be taken against him.

"According to Bharat`s mother, the couple had left home in the morning for sowing paddy, but they were stopped by the shopkeeper who asked them to payback his money that led to an argument between them. In the fit of rage, Ashok allegedly attacked them with an axe and they died on the spot.The Mainpuri Police have arrested the accused and started inquest proceeding.
Lucknow: The tussle between Bharatiya Janata Party and Bahujan Samaj Party is set to get uglier with the planned sit-in and demonstration by the women workers, supporters and leaders of the BJP here on Thursday against the alleged objectionable comments made by BSP leaders.

The BJP will be protesting against the BSP leaders and workers for dragging the family members of its expelled leader Dayashankar Singh into the political slugfest.

As per BJP general secretary Anupama Jaiswal, "We are demanding the immediate dismissal of BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui from the post of the Leader of Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council and his arrest along with other BSP leaders.

She claimed that thousands of women workers would march through the city streets on Thursday against the comments of BSP leaders.

The demonstration would be joined by all women BJP MPs from the state, legislators, municipal corporation chairpersons and public representatives.

BJP expelled Dayashankar Singh for six years for making derogatory remarks against BSP supremo Mayawati.

Criticising Mayawati's ticket distribution system in Mau, Singh had compared her to a sex worker. An FIR was lodged against Singh by National Secretary of BSP Mewalal Gautam at Hazratganj police station on July 20.

On the next day, after BSP workers made similar remarks against Singh's wife and a minor daughter during a demonstration, his mother lodged an FIR against Mayawati and three other leaders on July 22.
Damascus: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday offered an amnesty to armed rebels battling his forces if they surrender, the official SANA news agency reported.

"Everyone carrying arms... and sought by justice... is excluded from full punishment if they hand themselves in and lay down their weapons," SANA said, quoting a presidential decree on the three-month amnesty offer.

The reprieve also includes any rebel who frees a hostage, according to the decree text.

The offer comes as opposition neighbourhoods of Aleppo city are effectively surrounded by pro-government forces, sparking fears for the more than 200,000 people trapped there.

Assad`s ally Russia said Thursday it had launched a "large-scale" operation with the Syrian government to open humanitarian corridors for civilians and fighters fleeing the northern city.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian news agencies that three humanitarian corridors were being opened "to aid civilians held hostage by terrorists and for fighters wishing to lay down their arms" and one more corridor to the north of the city for rebels to flee with their weapons.

Assad has issued several amnesties in recent years, including one in July 2015 for people who have dodged service or defected from the army.

Syria`s UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said this week he hopes peace talks aimed at ending more than five years of brutal conflict could resume at the end of August.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war began in March 2011 with anti-government protests that were met with a brutal regime crackdown.
Missing owner of bags with Rs 1m cash found dead

A man, who was named a person of interest by Darchula police after discovering two unclaimed bags containing nearly one million rupees in cash, a pistol and his identity card in Ghusa village on Tuesday, was found dead on Wednesday.
Dhaka: A Bangladesh court on Thursday upheld the death sentence for six Islamist militants convicted over a suicide bombing in 2005 of a lawyer`s office that killed eight people, a top prosecutor said.

Bangladesh`s judiciary is under pressure to fast track cases involving militants as the government faces mounting criticism to crackdown on Islamists over a series of recent deadly killings.

A bench of two high court judges rejected appeals from the six convicted over the 2005 bombing, claimed by local extremist group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

"The court upheld the death orders against the six JMB extremists as the charges against them were proved beyond any doubt," deputy attorney general Sheikh A.K.M. Moniruzzaman told AFP.

JMB has also been blamed for a siege this month by five gunmen on an upscale cafe in Dhaka that killed 20 mostly foreign hostages and two police officers.

Police have rejected the Islamic State (IS) group`s claim for the July 1 attack. The group posted gruesome images of the carnage before the military stormed the cafe.

Moniruzzaman said the six convicted militants had conspired and assisted in the bombing of the lawyer`s office just north of Dhaka, part of JMB`s then deadly campaign against the secular judiciary.

"Of the ten JMB extremists originally sentenced to death by the trial court in 2013, two were acquitted by the high court and two others were sentenced to life in prison," he added.

The attack was one of a series of blasts the JMB carried out in 2005, then raising fears that the Muslim-majority nation would descend into Afghanistan-style Islamic militancy.

Four lawyers and four litigants died in the attack. The suicide bomber was also killed.

Authorities launched a crack down on the JMB at the time, but it has regrouped in recent years under new leaders. According to experts, it has been actively recruiting young and highly educated young men to its ranks.

Police have blamed the banned group for scores of gruesome murders of religious minorities, as well as of foreigners, since 2013.
Beijing: China`s Defence Ministry confirmed on Thursday that it was pressing ahead with anti-missile system tests after pictures appeared on state television, amid anger at South Korea`s decision to deploy an advanced US anti-missile system.

An announcement by South Korea and the United States this month that they would deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) unit has drawn protests from China, which warned that the system would destabilize regional security.

The decision by the United States and South Korea is the latest move to squeeze increasingly isolated North Korea, but China worries the system`s radar will be able to track its military capabilities. Russia also opposes the deployment.

Pictures broadcast this week on Chinese television were the third time since 2010 that China has publicly indicated tests of its own anti-missile system, state media said.

"To develop suitable capabilities for missile defence is necessary for China to maintain its national security," Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular monthly briefing, when asked about the footage.

"It will improve the self-defence capability of China and is not targeting any specific country and will not affect international strategic stability," he added, without elaborating.

South Korea and the United States have said THAAD would only be used in defence against North Korean ballistic missiles and they have tried to assuage Chinese concerns, without apparent success.

A senior US administration official said on Tuesday, at the end of a visit to China by US National Security Adviser Susan Rice, that the decision to deploy THAAD did not threaten China`s security.

Yang repeated that China would consider taking unspecified measures to maintain strategic balance, and dismissed assertions that THAAD was no threat to China.

"As for the technical excuses from the United States and South Korea, experts can easily see how believable this is," he said.

North Korea has launched a series of missiles in recent months, the latest last week when it fired three ballistic missiles in what it said was a simulated test of preemptive strikes against South Korean ports and air fields used by the US military.

China`s military is undergoing an ambitious modernisation programme that has included tests of anti-satellite missiles.
Pennsylvania: Hillary Clinton faces the test of a lifetime Thursday as she accepts the Democratic White House nomination in a defining speech aimed at prizing voters away from Donald Trump -- and convincing America to entrust her with the world`s biggest job.

It is the center-stage opportunity she came so close to seizing eight years ago during her first White House campaign, only to be defeated in her party`s primary race by Barack Obama.

Clinton made history this week as the first female presidential nominee of a major US party. Now, she needs to deliver a home run in Philadelphia, a day after Obama upped the ante with a stirring address hailing Clinton as his political heir.

For days, the most powerful voices on the American left have lined up to convince voters that the former secretary of state and one-time first lady is uniquely qualified for the Oval Office.

But Clinton faces a major trust deficit among a US public that has followed every Clintonian turn of the past quarter century. Rocked by an email scandal that refuses to die, she is now about as unpopular with voters as Trump.

And while Trump casts himself as an outsider, a political neophyte committed to upending the Washington establishment, Clinton faces the difficult task of appearing as the steady hand at the tiller even while promising to be a catalyst for change in America.Clinton, 68, enjoyed a stream of unrestrained praise Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, from her running mate Tim Kaine to Vice President Joe Biden to the independent former mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg.

Her chief rival in a bruising primary battle, Senator Bernie Sanders, has urged his supporters to draw a line under protests by "Bernie or bust" Democrats still angry over her victory.

But the most rousing Clinton sales pitch came from President Obama himself.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman -- not me, not Bill (Clinton), nobody -- more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama thundered before a cheering crowd.

Even Trump did his part, albeit inadvertently, with his urging of Russia to hack Clinton`s emails landing like an unexpected gift in her lap.

The mogul sought to douse the outcry on Friday, by saying he was "being sarcastic," but the call for cyber espionage against the United States made even Republicans cringe.

"I think this issue has turned beyond politics and rhetoric," Clinton`s campaign manager Robby Mook told "CBS This Morning." "This is now an issue of national security."

Clinton`s backers unleashed a litany of criticism of Trump Wednesday, with Kaine blasting him as "a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew" and Obama calling him a demagogue.On Thursday, Clinton will have to make the case herself.

While she must play to the party`s base -- and seek to soothe bruised Sanders supporters -- a key mission is to appeal to crossover voters and independents wary of a Trump presidency.

"Donald Trump is making a lot of really big promises, and some people find those attractive," said her campaign chief Mook. "What Hillary is going to do tonight, what we`ve done at this convention is make sure that people know the facts."

He acknowledged that Clinton, who will be introduced by daughter Chelsea, also knows "she needs to earn the voters` trust."

Clinton has never been as telegenic and personable a politician as her husband or Obama, whose oratorical skills were on full display Tuesday and Wednesday.

She will balance her policy strengths with an attempt to connect with Americans watching from their living rooms as she faces a nation divided by intense Trump rhetoric, spikes in race-related gun violence, and heightened fear brought about by upticks in terrorist attacks around the world.

On Friday, Clinton and Kaine hit the road on a three-day Rust Belt bus tour through parts of swing states Pennsylvania and Ohio, where they will make their pitch in person to voters.

"We do know that there`s a slice, however narrow, of those persuadable voters that are still making up their minds," Clinton press secretary Brian Fallon told reporters in Philadelphia as he previewed her speech.

"And we feel confident that by the end of this week, we`ll have done a good job of laying the foundation of what the contrast is between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump."

Trump`s campaign launched a pre-emptive strike in an message to supporters calling for a fundraising blitz timed to upstage her evening address.

"Unless you want to be lied to, belittled, and attacked for your beliefs, don`t watch Hillary`s DNC speech tonight," read the call for donations. "Instead, help Donald Trump hold her accountable, call out her lies and fight back against her nasty attacks."
Philadelphia: Sharpening his attack on Democratic leadership, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said his rival party leaders were speaking about "a world that does not exit" even as he set out a "different vision" for the US.

"At Hillary Clinton's convention this week, Democrats have been speaking about a world that doesn't exist," he said hours before Clinton was scheduled to deliver her historic acceptance speech as the Democratic party's presidential nominee.

"A world where America has full employment, where there's no such thing as radical Islamic terrorism, where the border is totally secured, and where thousands of innocent Americans have not suffered from rising crime in cities like Baltimore and Chicago," Trump said yesterday.

Trump proposed a "different vision" for the US, "one where we can break up Washington's rigged system, and empower all Americans to achieve their dreams."

"In our vision, we will put America First. If we deliver this change, the future is limitless and we will Make America Great Again for everyone," he said.

"In the Democrats' fantasy world, there is no problem with Hillary Clinton maintaining an illegal, exposed server full of classified information that could have been hacked by any foreign enemy, and in which Hillary Clinton risked prison time to delete 33,000 emails that were simply about yoga and wedding planning," he said.

"In this world, there is no Hillary Clinton disaster in Syria, Libya and Egypt, ISIS doesn't merit a mention, Iran isn't on the path to nukes, convention stages don't need American flags, and our great men and women of law enforcement, our police, do not need to be honoured," Trump alleged.

Meanwhile the Republican National Committee (RNC) released a new video entitled 'The Truth' which alleges how a rigged system has gotten Clinton off the hook despite her sending classified information over her secret email server and repeatedly lying about it.

"For decades, Hillary Clinton has been embroiled in scandals caused by her own lies and unethical behaviour, and Americans have had enough of it," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.

"From Whitewater to Benghazi to her secret email server, Hillary Clinton has proven over the course of decades that she doesn't have the honesty or integrity to be entrusted with the nation's highest office. It's time to break from a Democrat establishment which has protected her for years and elect someone who will bring true change to Washington in Donald Trump," Priebus said.
Washington: Republican Party's presidential nominee Donald Trump has said that he was "being sarcastic" when he suggested that Russia should find Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's missing emails.

"Of course I'm being sarcastic. And they don't even know frankly if it's Russia," Trump said in an interview with Fox News' Brian Kilmeade set to air on Thursday morning.

Trump was at the centre of an uproar on Wednesday after he said at a press conference that Russia should help find Clinton's missing emails on the personal server that she used to conduct official business as secretary of state but deemed private and did not hand over to the State Department, Politico reported.

"They have no idea if it's Russia, if it's China, if it's somebody else. Who knows who it is...But you have 33,000 emails deleted and the real problem is what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee," Trump remarked.

"You take a look at what was said on those emails, it's disgraceful. They talk about religion, they talk about race, they talk about all sorts of things, including women. And what they said on those emails is a disgrace, and they're just trying to deflect from that," Politico quoted the Manhattan billionaire as saying in the interview.

Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort also called the real estate mogul's remark "sarcastic".

"Well it wasn't really a joke, per se. It was more tongue-in-cheek, like we've been saying simply because that is the issue," spokeswoman Katrina Pierson said, suggesting that the focus of the story should be in on the Democratic email hack itself.
Kathmandu: A former Nepal minister and 12 others were killed on Thursday when a bus skidded off a road and plunged into a gorge in eastern Dhankuta district.

Over 20 people were also injured when the bus carrying 50 passengers veered off a road and fell some 60 feet down the road in Sidhuwa area.

Former Minister of State for Finance and Maoist leader Hari Raj Khewa was among the 13 people died in the accident, police said.

Khewa was the chairman of CPN-Maoist Centre Dhankuta District Committee.

The injured have been admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Four more persons succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment taking the overall death toll to 13, police said.
Paris: French prosecutors on Thursday identified the second jihadist involved in the brutal killing of an elderly priest, as calls mounted for the prime minister and interior minister to resign after the latest terror attack.

The prosecutor`s office named the assailant as 19-year-old Abdel Malik Petitjean, who was listed in June on France`s "Fiche S" of people posing a potential threat to national security after trying to reach Syria from Turkey.

Petitjean, whose face was disfigured after being shot dead by police, had been harder to identify than his accomplice Adel Kermiche, also 19, and investigators confirmed his identity after a DNA match with his mother.

The two jihadists were shown pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group in a video made before they stormed a church in the Normandy town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray Tuesday and slit the 86-year-old priest`s throat at the altar.

The attack came as the government was already facing a firestorm of criticism over alleged security failings after the Bastille Day truck massacre that left 84 people dead two weeks ago.A brief show of political unity at a mass attended by different faiths in Paris Wednesday quickly dissolved as Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve faced fresh calls to resign.

"If the government is not responsible for the wave of terrorism, it is guilty of not having done everything to stop it," Laurent Wauqiez, the deputy leader of the right-wing Republicans party, said in an interview with Le Figaro newspaper.

"Manuel Valls and Bernard Cazeneuve must go because they refuse to take vital measures to fight Islamism. We need a new government, determined to act."

The French government has said that everything possible is being done to protect citizens, while warning that more terror attacks are inevitable, after three major strikes and several smaller attacks in the past 18 months.

President Francois Hollande confirmed Thursday the creation of a National Guard to be made up of reserve forces, after the government previously urged "patriots" to sign up to become reservists.

Hollande said parliamentary consultations on the formation of the force would take place in September "so that this force can be created as fast as possible to protect the French".

The government has faced tough questions as it emerged both church attackers were on the radar of intelligence services, and had tried to go to Syria.

One of the criticisms is that Kermiche had been released from prison while awaiting trial on terror charges after his second attempt to travel to Syria.

He was fitted with an electronic tag -- allowing him out of the house on weekday mornings -- despite calls from the prosecutor for him not to be released.

Annie Geslin, who worked with Kermiche`s mother for many years, told AFP "he was the youngest child and had psychological problems."

Sources close to the investigation said Petitjean "strongly resembles" a man hunted by anti-terrorism police in the days before the church killing over fears he was about to carry out an act of terror.

The sources said France`s anti-terrorism police unit UCLAT sent out a note four days before the attack -- saying it had received "reliable" information about a person "about to carry out an attack on national territory".

Three members of Petijean`s family were taken into custody for questioning, said a source close to the investigation.

In a video posted on the IS news agency Amaq, the two men calling themselves by the noms de guerre Abu Omar and Abu Jalil al-Hanafi, hold hands as they swear "obedience" to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Petitjean, from the Savoie region in eastern France, worked in several part-times sales jobs and was described by his incredulous mother as "gentle. He is not involved at all".

Others who knew him were equally shocked, describing him as normal and showing no signs of radicalisation.

"All the believers are shocked because he was known for his kindness. What was going on in his head?" asked Djamel Tazghat, who manages the local mosque.

The attack is the third in two weeks in France and Germany in which jihadists have pledged allegiance to IS, increasing jitters in Europe over young, often unstable men being lured by the group`s propaganda and calls to carry out attacks in their home countries.

IS also claimed that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, who ploughed a truck into a crowd in the French city of Nice on July 14, was one of their "soldiers". However no direct link has been found.

Security fears meant a march for the Nice victims planned on Sunday, as well as another in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray due to be held on Thursday were cancelled.
Tokyo: A Hawaiian Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Tokyo, its second such incident in Japan this month, an official said Thursday.

Flight HA 442, which departed the northern Japanese city of Sapporo for Honolulu, made an emergency landing at Narita airport just outside the Japanese capital at 10:53 pm Wednesday (1353 GMT).

The pilot cited an abnormality with the Boeing 767`s hydraulics system, said an official at Narita International Airport Corp.

None of 248 passengers and crew members on board the flight suffered injuries, he added.

"A signal indicating a possible problem came on," prompting the pilot to make the emergency landing, the airline`s Tokyo-based spokeswoman told AFP.

She could not immediately elaborate, but did confirm that the Boeing 767 was scheduled to fly to Honolulu later Thursday with passengers.

The incident was the second emergency landing in Japan in nearly 10 days by Hawaiian Airlines.

On July 18, flight HA 458 returned to Tokyo`s Haneda airport after cockpit signs indicated a potential problem with its hydraulics system and made an emergency landing.

No one was injured at the time, but eight of the jet`s 10 tyres burst as it landed, with some oil leaking onto the runway.
Philadelphia: US President Barack Obama will tonight vouch for Democratic White House nominee Hillary Clinton's readiness for the job, saying she is more qualified than anyone else to serve as president of the United States.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America," Obama will tell the nation in his address at the Democratic National Convention here, according to the excerpts of the speech released by the White House.

Clinton, Obama's bitter primary rival in the 2008 presidential elections, served as his Secretary of State in his first term from 2009-2012.

On Tuesday, Clinton was formally nominated as the Democratic party's presidential candidate for the November general elections.

By doing so she became the first woman presidential nominee of a major political party.

"You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. Until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war," Obama said in the excerpts of his prepared speech.

"But Hillary's been in the room; she's been part of those decisions. She knows what's at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran," he said.

"Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect. And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits," he said.

According to the excerpts of the speech, Obama said the America he knows is full of courage, optimism, and ingenuity.

"The America I know is decent and generous. Sure, we have real anxieties about paying the bills, protecting our kids, caring for a sick parent. We get frustrated with political gridlock, worry about racial divisions; are shocked and saddened by the madness of Orlando or Nice," he said.

"There are pockets of America that never recovered from factory closures; men who took pride in hard work and providing for their families who now feel forgotten. Parents who wonder whether their kids will have the same opportunities we have," Obama said.

"All that is real: we're challenged to do better, to be better. But as I've traveled this country, through all fifty states, as I've rejoiced with you and mourned with you, what I've also seen, more than anything, is what is right with America," Obama said in his excerpts of the speech.

"I see people working hard and starting businesses; people teaching kids and serving our country. I see a younger generation full of energy and new ideas, unconstrained by what is, and ready to seize what ought to be," said the US President.

Obama is expected to campaign heavily across the nation in support of Clinton in October, White House officials said.
Krakow: Pope Francis urged young people on Thursday to welcome migrants and refugees, putting himself in direct contrast with the government of Poland on the second day of his visit there.

Francis addressed more than 600,000 young people gathered in the city of Krakow for World Youth Day, a jamboree that actually lasts six days and has been dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock".

After watching performances from around the world, he urged them in an address to leave their comfort zones and be ready to embrace those in need.

"A merciful heart is able to be a place of refuge for those who are without a home or have lost their home; a merciful heart is able to build a home and a family for those forced to emigrate; it knows the meaning of tenderness and compassion," he said.

"A merciful heart opens up to welcome refugees and migrants," he told the youths gathered in a large field near the city centre.

Despite being rooted in Christian values, Poland`s conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party government disagrees with Francis on refugees and opposes mandatory European Union quotas for accepting asylum seekers.

Some of the country`s conservative Church leaders have also been hesitant over migrants, particularly those from Islamic countries, fearing that they will dilute Poland`s Christian identity.

On Thursday morning at the shrine city of Czestochowa, Francis prayed before Poland`s holiest icon - the Black Madonna of Jasna Gora - and said outdoor Mass for a congregation of tens of thousands, thanking Poles for holding on to their faith in difficult times.

Francis praised what he called "the contagious power of a genuine faith, passed down from family to family" in Poland, which is about 98 percent Catholic.

He said their faith had stayed strong in many situations throughout history. Poland is renowned for keep its Catholic flame burning during decades of Communist rule.

As the 79-year-old pope was blessing the altar at the start of the Mass, he tripped on a step but was helped up by aides and did not appear to be hurt. He continued the Mass and read his homily normally.

Francis suffers from sciatica, a medical condition in which pain sometimes shoots down the leg from the lower back.

The shrine is home to the Black Madonna, a Byzantine icon from sometime between the sixth and ninth centuries and brought to Poland some 600 years ago. The icon is painted on wood and covered with silver and jewels.

The shrine has been a focal point in difficult periods of Polish history. Poles flocked there to pray when martial law was declared by the communist government in the early 1980s.

The late Pope John Paul II, who reigned for nearly three decades until his death in 2005, visited the shrine often during his trips to his homeland and donated the blood-stained white sash he was wearing on May 13, 1981, when he was shot in St. Peter`s Square at the Vatican by Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca.
Monsoon Mayhem: Rs 750m sought for disaster mgmt

The Central Disaster Relief Committee (CDRC) chaired by Home Minister Bhim Rawal has demanded Rs 750 million for disaster management in the wake of devastating floods and landslides across the country.
Jakarta: Indonesia Thursday rejected appeals from the UN and EU to halt the execution of 14 drug convicts including foreigners, as speculation mounted they could face the firing squad in a matter of hours.

The group, including foreigners from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, have been placed in isolation on a prison island where Jakarta carries out executions.

Authorities stepped up preparations with ambulances carrying coffins seen crossing over to Nusakambangan island. Family members say they have been told the convicts will be executed Thursday night, according to a lawyer and diplomat -- who were angry as it was earlier than they thought was allowed.

The attorney general`s office, which oversees executions, could not be reached for comment.

Indonesia last carried out executions in April 2015 when it put to death eight drug convicts, including two Australians, sparking international outrage.

But President Joko Widodo has defended the use of the death penalty to combat rising narcotics use.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra`ad Al Hussein on Wednesday called on Indonesia to end the "unjust" use of the death penalty, while the European Union urged Jakarta to stop the "cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent".

Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir defended the looming executions as "pure law enforcement".

"I need to emphasise that all the legal processes of the convicts have been completed, all their rights have been fulfilled -- we target the drug traffickers and not users," he said.

Jakarta faced accusations of breaking its own laws by apparently planning to hold the executions on Thursday.

Diplomats and lawyers say they were given the legally required three days notice of the plan on Tuesday afternoon and believed the earliest it could happen was Friday."I am very concerned -- this cannot happen," Ricky Gunawan, a lawyer for a Nigerian convict set to face the firing squad, told AFP.

"It is clearly against the law. This execution has been completely under secrecy from the start."

Four citizens from Indonesia and ten others from Nigeria, India, South Africa, Pakistan and Zimbabwe would be executed, said lawyers from the Jakarta-based Community Legal Aid Institute, who had visited some of the inmates in prison this week.

Syed Zahid Raza, deputy Pakistani ambassador in Jakarta, said the family of a Pakistani man, Zulfiqar Ali, had been informed he would be executed Thursday night.

Spokesman Nasir said his ministry had fulfilled all their obligations by notifying foreign representatives.

But Amnesty International outlined Wednesday "systematic flaws" in the trials of several of the death row inmates, and warned the executions could not proceed while appeals for clemency were pending.

Family members of Michael Titus Igweh, a Nigerian prisoner, said his case was still under review.

"I don`t think this is fair. They should fulfil his legal rights first," Igweh`s sister-in-law Nila, who gave just one name, told reporters in Cilacap.

Pakistan is angry about the planned execution of Ali -- whom rights groups claim was beaten into confessing -- and summoned Indonesia`s ambassador in Islamabad this week.

Ali`s claims of innocence were backed by a senior Indonesian official, who found numerous "inconsistencies" during an internal investigation into his arrest and trial for heroin possession in the late 2000s.

Hafid Abbas, former director-general of Indonesia`s Ministry of Justice, told AFP that he had recommended the now 52-year-old receive clemency as he was an "innocent person".

A candlelit vigil will be held outside the presidential palace in Jakarta on Thursday evening, just hours before the 14 prisoners are expected to face a midnight firing squad.
Rome: Italian President Sergio Mattarella said that his country should not enter the age of anxiety, after the latest spate of terrorist attacks in Europe.

The president made the remarks a day after the French church attack in Rouen, in which a priest was killed by armed men. "We must prevent the victory of fear. We cannot allow our country, and the whole of Europe, to enter the age of anxiety," he said during a ceremony here on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Italian Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti on Wednesday said special forces of the army were collaborating with parts of the Carabinieri (national gendarmerie) and police in order to prevent terror actions in Italy. These units have carried out four drills and they have plans for the worst scenario in every city, Pinotti told a press conference for the national security.

"We are working, anyway, mainly to prevent this from happening. Then, as I have always said, no country is risk-free, it is evident from the manner in which these actions are performed," she said.

The defense minister also said people living in Italy must know the state is working for them. Law enforcement agencies, the army, intelligence services and the judiciary are doing everything possible to guarantee the safety and peace of those living in the country, she added.

Pinotti said Italian police had arrested two alleged Islamic fundamentalists.

"This proves the work of our security forces, who pay attention to every signal. In that case, a photo had been published on the web through a cell phone, showing an Islamic fighter with his gun. I highlight this to say that every signal is taken into consideration in order to do the preventive work," she said.


Rome: Italy remains at risk of a terrorist attack although there are at present no specific threats, the head of the country's domestic intelligence services told lawmakers on Thursday.

"There is no concrete threat that is apparent but Italy is at risk and intelligence-gathering activities have been increased," Mario Parente said.

He was addressing the lower house of parliament's COPASIR committee which oversees Italy`s intelligence services.

Italy, like the whole of the West, is in the terrorists` cross-hairs and security has been tightened at hard and soft targets, including new sites, COPASIR head Giacomo Stucchi said.

Internet monitoring has been stepped up as well as tracking of individuals deemed at psychological risk of carrying out "lone wolf" attacks -- believed to be the biggest terror threat to Italy, it emerged from the briefing.

Following the recent wave of attacks in France and Germany, Italy is on "level two" terror alert, the highest possible in the absence of a direct attack.
District of Columbia: The United States said Wednesday it was "deeply concerned" by Israeli plans to build hundreds of new settlement homes in annexed east Jerusalem.

"These steps by Israeli authorities are the latest examples of what appears to be a steady acceleration of settlement activity that is systematically undermining the prospects for a two-state solution," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

"We remain troubled that Israel continues this pattern of provocative and counterproductive action," he said.
Seoul: The South Korean Police launched an investigation on Thursday after 200 badges featuring the portrait of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il were found at a hotel near the country's main airport, Yonhap news agency reported.

Police found the badges scattered on a flowerbed at the Grand Hyatt near Incheon International Airport and have launched a joint probe with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) into the source of the pins, South Korea's Yonhap said.

Police officials and the NIS both declined to comment on the matter to AFP.

All North Korean adults are required to wear a pin that bears the image of founder Kim Il-Sung or his son, Kim Jong-Il -- or both -- as a token of their loyalty to the leadership.

In South Korea, wearing or even possessing such a badge would be illegal since praising the North in public is punishable by law with up to seven years in jail.

The badges were found just a day after the South Korean military said it discovered bags of North Korean propaganda leaflets floating down the Han River that flows through Seoul.

The leaflets contained threats to launch missile attacks on the South as well as the usual propaganda messages, the defense ministry told reporters.

It was the first time the North had attempted to float leaflets into the South in such a way. Normally they are tied to helium balloons and launched over the border.

Tensions on the divided Korean peninsula have been running high since Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a series of ballistic missile tests.

Last week, the North fired three ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) in an exercise aimed at simulating pre-emptive attacks on South Korean ports and airfields hosting US military "hardware".
New Delhi: It's a big revelation by Afghanistan's military officials!

In a major allegation, Afghanistan has claimed that Hafiz Saeed is now overseeing attacks by Islamic State fighters in the war-torn country.

During a meeting between Afghanistan and Pakistan military officials in Kabul on Tuesday, Afghan officials alleged that Hafiz Saeed is managing activities of IS in Afghanistan, according to a report in Voice of America.

Hafiz Saeed is the founder of outlawed Pakistani militant group Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) and is wanted in the United States and India.

He is wanted in India for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks including the 2008 Mumbai raids that killed 166 people.

The United States has a $10 million bounty for information leading to Hafiz Saeed's arrest and says he has ties to al-Qaida.

Pakistani authorities and the Islamist clerics have rejected the US and Indian allegations against him.

Islamic State terrorists have recently stepped up their attacks in Afghanistan. Last Saturday, three suicide bombers struck a civilian protest rally in Kabul, killing at least 80 people and wounding more than 230 others.
Berlin: The leader of Poland`s governing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party on Thursday lashed out at an EU disciplinary process that is piling pressure on Warsaw, saying the European Commission is acting illegally.

On Wednesday the commission escalated the long-running spat over Warsaw`s controversial moves to shake up the country`s constitutional court, giving Poland a three-month deadline to restore full powers to the tribunal.

"This process is totally outside the EU`s treaties. This is nothing but a jolly delight for the European Commission and its officials," PiS leader and former prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski told Germany`s Bild tabloid.

The commission`s move on Wednesday was the second step in an unprecedented process which could eventually see Warsaw`s voting rights suspended in the Council of Ministers, the EU`s highest decision-making body.

Kaczynski said it was ironic to be criticised by Frans Timmermans -- the Dutch vice-president of the commission responsible for handling the issue -- as the Netherlands does not have a constitutional court.

"It`s absurd," he said.

The Polish government has refused to publish a March judgement by the constitutional court that would strike down the changes to the body, or any rulings that

The PiS party swept to power late last year and immediately pushed through legislation which critics say paralysed the constitutional court.

The European Commission launched an initial probe in January to see if the changes violated EU rules and warranted punitive measures.
Paris: French investigators have formally identified the second jihadist who attacked a church and killed a priest, a young man who was known to authorities after having tried to travel to Syria, a source in the prosecutor`s office said Thursday.

They named him as Abdel Malik Petitjean, 19, who was killed by police in the attack along with Adel Kermiche, also 19, who had been awaiting trial on terror charges and had been fitted with an electronic tag despite calls from the prosecutor for him not to be released.

The two men stormed into a church in the northern town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray during morning mass Tuesday and slit the 86-year-old priest`s throat at the altar before being gunned down by police.

Another man was left seriously injured in a hostage drama, while three nuns and a worshipper escaped unharmed.

The two jihadists pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, a video posted on the Islamic State group news agency Amaq showed Wednesday.

The prosecution source said Petitjean had no prior convictions and police did not have his fingerprints or DNA on file, which had slowed the identification of his body.

But he was on police files since June 29 for having tried to enter Syria from Turkey, the source said.

DNA samples from his mother enabled investigators to identify him.

The church attack was the third in two weeks in France and Germany in which jihadists have pledged allegiance to IS, increasing jitters in Europe over young, often unstable men being lured by jihadist propaganda and calls to carry out attacks in their home countries.

IS also claimed that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, who killed 84 people when he ploughed a truck into a crowd in the French city of nice on July 14, was one of their "soldiers", however no direct link has been found.
Seoul: South Korea said on Thursday it suspected North Korea of hacking a South Korean online shopping site and stealing personal records of more than 10 million shoppers in what appeared to be the latest case of a cyber attack by the isolated state.

The South`s national police agency said it had traced the data breach to North Korea`s spy agency, and it had detected the same IP addresses and codes similar to ones it had used in previous attacks.

South Korea has been on heightened alert against cyber attacks by North Korea since the North conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and launched a long-range rocket the next month, triggering new U.N. sanctions.

North and South Korea have been in a technical state of war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armed truce.

Besides North Korea`s nuclear and rocket programmes, South Korea says the North has an effective cyber army that has launched a series of attacks in the past three years.

North Korea has denied wrongdoing.

Online shopping operator Interpark Corp said the hacking occurred in May. A hacker had sent emails demanding money in bitcoin virtual currency after the attack, it said.

Interpark said it had been cooperating with the police and no payoff was made.

The hacker used expressions commonly used in the North but almost never said in the South in emails to the company, police said.

"We are sorry that it has become difficult to arrest a suspect as it has been found to be North Korea`s conduct," the company said in a statement.

Its shares have fallen 6 percent since news of the data breach broke on Monday.

South Korea has been scrambling to meet what it sees as a rising threat of cyber attack by the North.

In June, police said the North hacked into more than 140,000 computers at 160 South Korean companies and government agencies, planting malicious code as part of a long-term plan to lay the groundwork for a massive cyber attack on its rival.


Beirut: Human Rights Watch accused the Syrian regime and its ally Russia on Thursday of extensively using banned cluster munitions in their offensive against rebels in the war-torn country.

The New York-based watchdog said it had documented 47 cluster munition attacks that killed and injured dozens of civilians in rebel-held areas in three provinces since May 27.

Many of these attacks took place north and west of Aleppo, as Russia-backed regime forces sought to besiege the opposition-controlled part of the northern city, it said.

Russia in September launched a campaign of air strikes in support of Bashar al-Assad`s regime.

"Since Russia and Syria have renewed their joint air operations, we have seen a relentless use of cluster munitions," said Ole Solvang, deputy emergencies director at HRW.

"The Russian government should immediately ensure that neither its forces nor Syria`s use this inherently indiscriminate weapon," he said.

HRW in December said it had documented the use of cluster munitions on 20 occasions since Russia launched air strikes on September 30.

"Although Russia and Syria are not members of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, they are still bound by international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, which prohibits indiscriminate attacks," HRW said.

Cluster munitions contain dozens or hundreds of bomblets and are fired in rockets or dropped from the air.

Widely banned, they spread explosives over large areas and are indiscriminate in nature, often continuing to maim and kill long after the initial attack when previously unexploded bomblets detonate.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
NC, Maoist Centre for holding local elections in Feb-March

The Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist Centre) on Wednesday agreed on a tentative plan to hold local body elections by February-March.
Beirut: Al Qaeda`s powerful Syrian branch announced on Thursday it was ending its relationship with the global jihadist network founded by Osama bin Laden and changing its name, to remove what it called a pretext used by world powers to attack Syrians.

In the first known video statement ever to show his face, the leader of the Nusra Front, Mohamad al-Golani, announced that the group would re-form under a new name, with "no ties with any foreign party".

The move was being made "to remove the excuse used by the international community -- spearheaded by America and Russia -- to bombard and displace Muslims in the Levant: that they are targeting the Nusra Front which is associated with Al Qaeda," he said. The group would now be called Jabhat Fatah al-Sham.

Golani appeared in the video flanked by two other Nusra Front figures, in front of Jabhat Fatah al Sham`s new white flag. Nusra Front`s old flag was black, the colour used by ultra-hardline jihadist groups such as Al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Earlier on Thursday, bin Laden`s successor as al Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, announced that he was giving the Nusra Front his blessing to break away. In his message, Golani thanked Zawahri for putting the interests of the Syrian people ahead of organisational interests.

The move appeared to be an attempt to appeal to Syrians who have long had deep misgivings about Nusra`s links with al Qaeda and the significant presence of foreign jihadists among its ranks, which set it apart from Western-backed rebel groups.

It could alter the strategic alignment on the ground in Syria if the renamed Nusra gains acceptance among other rebel groups fighting against President Bashar al-Assad.

But Assad and his Russian allies are unlikely to accept the rebranding as requiring them to halt military operations that have put the Syrian leader in the strongest position on the battlefield for years.

The Nusra Front, long one of the most powerful rebel forces in Syria`s five-year, multi-sided civil war, was excluded along with Islamic State from a U.S. and Russian-backed ceasefire this year, a loophole other rebels blamed for the truce`s collapse.

Nusra is listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States and United Nations. Assad`s other opponents have long said its presence gave the government and its Russian allies a pretext to abandon the truce and launch advances under the cover of anti-terrorist operations permitted under the ceasefire.

The Nusra announcement came as Syria`s government and its Russian allies launched what they called a "humanitarian operation" in the rebel-held sector of Aleppo, Syria`s largest city before the war, which government forces have held under effective siege since early July.

Although Moscow and Damascus described their new plans for rebel-held Aleppo as an operation to aid people trapped there, Western countries are worried that the real aim is to depopulate the area ahead of an offensive to storm it.

Aleppo has been divided into rebel and government zones for years. Asserting full control would be the biggest victory for Assad`s government so far, and a potential turning point in a civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands, spawned the world`s worst refugee crisis and drawn in most regional and world powers.

Rebel-held parts of Aleppo have been bombarded since Wednesday with air-dropped leaflets telling civilians they would be given safe passage out and providing maps to exit routes designated as safe corridors. On Thursday, Assad ordered rebel fighters in the city to surrender within three months.

Around 250,000 civilians are believed to be trapped in the rebel zone of Aleppo. The United Nations says food supplies will run out within weeks.

Assad said rebels who surrender within three months would be given an amnesty. State television quoted the governor of Aleppo as saying three humanitarian corridors would be established so residents could safely leave.

Russia said a fourth corridor would be set up in the north of the city for surrendering rebels, near the Castello Road, the main land route into the rebel sector, most of which the army seized to complete its encirclement.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said: "On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, today, (we will) start a large-scale humanitarian operation together with the Syrian government to help civilians in Aleppo."

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said helicopters over rebel-held areas dropped baby diapers and meal packs that had Russian-language labels.

"If it is a genuine humanitarian proposal then clearly it will be accompanied by an end to the bombing campaign and by Russian support for other aspects of this comprehensive approach to the humanitarian situation in Aleppo, British ambassador to the United Nations Matthew Rycroft told reporters in New York.

Clearly the UN and the rest of us cannot be complicit in anything else, for instance an form of emptying of Aleppo or preparing for an onslaught of Aleppo or indeed any continuation of this medieval siege of Aleppo which is going on."

The proposed safe corridors did not appear to be open so far. Two rebels and aid workers contacted in besieged Aleppo said the army fired at civilians in one of the safe corridors, in the Salah al Din district. A doctor for a medical charity that operates in Aleppo also said the army had fired artillery at families gathering near another humanitarian corridor, in the opposition-held Bustan al Qasr neighbourhood.

Hael Asi Hilal, head of the Syrian Red Crescent in rebel-held areas, said no family so far had been able to leave via any corridor due to snipers firing at them.

The army, backed by allied militia forces and air support from Syrian and Russian jets, has meanwhile taken more ground on the northern edge of the city. State television said the army had advanced in the Bani Zeid district, on the southern side of the Castello road. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said pro-government forces had taken full control of the district.

A rebel source confirmed that the army had made advances. He said Kurdish forces from the nearby Sheikh Maqsoud district had also taken advantage of the fighting to advance into a housing complex in Bani Zeid.

"There has been a (rebel) withdrawal, but no one has surrendered," Zakaria Malahifji of the Aleppo-based rebel group Fastaqim group told Reuters.

The United States and Russia are both leading separate military campaigns against Islamic State in Syria but are otherwise supporting opposite sides in the wider civil war, with Moscow backing Assad and Washington saying he must leave power.

The Cold War-era superpowers jointly sponsored the ceasefire earlier this year that led to UN brokered peace talks. But that collapsed in May and since then government forces have been advancing with Russian support.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has been holding talks with Russians with the aim of building a system of military cooperation that would allow them to jointly identify legitimate targets not covered by the truce. But so far the negotiations have yet to bear fruit.

A Russian deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said Washington`s stance would allow militants to regroup since it would call for a ceasefire before distinguishing between terrorists and other opposition groups.

"There is an element here of a political ruse at least," Sergei Ryabkov said.

One US national security official said it was difficult to negotiate with the Russians as long as the wider objectives of Moscow and Washington diverge.

The Russians want to destroy ISIS to save Assad, the official said. We want to destroy ISIS to eliminate a terrorist threat and start a political process to remove Assad, whom President (Barack) Obama has said must go.
United Nations: Ukraine's UN ambassador on Thursday dismissed as "null and void" a decree by President Vladimir Putin incorporating annexed Crimea into the southern region of Russia.

Volodymyr Yelchenko said he will ask the Security Council to issue a statement reaffirming Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the decree, even though he fully expects Russia to block it.

"The decision is null and void as any other decision taken by Crimea so far," Yelchenko told reporters, adding that there was "indignation" in Kiev over the move.

The proposed statement would refer to a UN General Assembly resolution that rejected Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

"We would not be surprised if Russia will block this press statement but it will show again who stands where," said the ambassador.

Putin issued a decree merging Crimea into the southern federal district of Russia to strengthen the work of federal state bodies, the Kremlin press service said.

Wading into the US election campaign, the Ukrainian ambassador said he expected any future US president to respect UN decisions rejecting Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said he would consider recognising Crimea as part of Russia and lifting sanctions imposed on Moscow in response to the land grab.

"Mister Trump is not the president of the United States, at least not yet," said Yelchenko.

"There are well-known decisions of the United Nations," he added. "I am pretty sure that any US government will pay full respect to those decisions."
Darra Adamkhel: It's really tough to believe but it's true!

In this Pakistani town, guns are cheaper than smartphones.

This is Pakistan's biggest arms black market, where Kalashnikovs welded from scrap metal are cheaper than smartphones and sold on an industrial scale.

The name of this Pakistani town is Darra Adamkhel.

It's a town surrounded by hills some 35 kilometres (20 miles) south of the city of Peshawar, was a hub of criminal activity for decades.

People smugglers and drug runners were common and everything from stolen cars to fake university degrees could be procured.

How this arms business boomed?

This generations-old trade in the illicit boomed in the 1980s: The mujahideen began buying weapons there for Afghanistan`s battle against the Soviets, over the porous border.

Later, the town became a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, who enforced their strict rules and parallel system of justice -- infamously beheading Polish engineer Piotr Stanczak there in 2009.

Now Darra is clean of all but the arms, yet the gunsmiths in the bazaar say the region`s improved security and authorities` growing intolerance for illegal weaponry are withering an industry that sustained them for decades.

"(The) Nawaz Sharif government has established checkpoints everywhere, business is stopped," said Khitab Gul, 45.

Gul is known in Darra for his replicas of Turkish and Bulgarian-made MP5 submachine guns, one of the most popular weapons in the world, widely used by organisations such as America`s FBI SWAT teams.

A gun for just $67

The MP5 can retail for thousands of dollars. Gul`s version, which comes with a one-year guarantee, costs roughly 7,000 rupees, or $67 -- and, he claims, it works perfectly.

Gul then puts on a demonstration, test-firing his MP5 in the small outer yard of his workshop -- first the single shot mode, then firing in a burst.

A Darra-made Kalashnikov, Gul says, can sell for as little as $125, cheaper than most smartphones. "The workers here are so skilled that they can copy any weapon they are shown," he explains.

"In past 10 years I have sold 10,000 guns, and had zero complaints," he claims.In Gul`s sweltering workshop, employees shout over the roar of electrical generators as they expertly cut and drill through metal brought from the shipyards of Karachi, far to the south on the Arabian Sea.

The main bazaar which cuts through the town used to hold nothing but tiny gun shops crammed together, their gleaming wares displayed openly on racks as customers test-fired into the air above.

Trade was illegal, unlicensed and unregulated, but long tolerated by authorities with little power in the tribal areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where militants once operated with impunity.

Residents, for their part, viewed the market as legitimate in an area dominated by Pashtun traditions, where gun culture is deeply embedded in male identity.

But in recent years the military has cracked down on extremism, particularly in the tribal areas, and security is the best it has been since the Pakistani Taliban were formed in 2007.

Every second or third shop in Darra now sells groceries or electronics instead of weapons, the gunsmiths lament. The Wild West atmosphere is fading as the town embraces modern conveniences.

Before the crackdown Gul`s workshop -- just one of hundreds in the town -- could produce more than 10 weapons a day, he says.

Now they only produce four. "Demand has decreased," he says. Gunsmiths put the blame squarely on the Pakistani government and military, particularly checkpoints on the way to Darra halting customers who once travelled to the town openly.

Foreigners have been banned for security reasons.

The military has not yet objected to the gun market in Darra directly, but residents say they have had to give sureties they will not harbour militants, and a half-hearted attempt at licensing is now also being made.

Police and paramilitary officers were prominent at entry and exit points to the area during a recent AFP visit there.

"I have been working here for 30 years but now I have no work to do," says Muzzamil Khan, sitting idle outside his workshop. "I am ready to sell my lathe machine."

Muhammad Qaisar, making cartridges at his shop in the main bazaar, said at one point there had been up to 7,000 shops there -- but now almost half have closed.

If the government does not change its policies, he says, "I fear... Darra will be finished".

Darra trade union leader Badam Akbar confirmed that some 3,000 shops have closed, and said skilled workers are attempting to learn new trades.

"Nothing is left in this bazaar now," he says.

Hundreds of gun shops still cram the narrow streets around the bazaar and the sound of gunfire still pierces the air -- albeit intermittently -- but the gunsmiths say it is not enough.

"We have no electricity, no water, no business," Akbar warns.

(With agency inputs)
District of Columbia: US prosecutors on Wednesday dropped all remaining charges against police in the death of Freddie Gray, an African American whose fatal injury in custody provoked riots in Baltimore, ending the high-profile case without any convictions.

The lead prosecutor defended efforts to convict six officers on charges ranging from second degree murder to reckless endangerment, but said "reluctance and obvious bias" from individual police officers had undermined the case, making it probable that the three remaining trials would end in acquittal.

The decision from Baltimore`s state prosecutor now makes it unlikely that anyone will be punished for what was one of the most inflammatory deaths of unarmed black men blamed on police, fueling a nationwide protest movement.

We do not believe that Freddie Gray killed himself," said state prosecutor Marilyn Mosby. "We stand by the medical examiner`s determination that Freddie Gray`s death was a homicide."

The 25-year-old suffered a severed spine while being transported in the back of a police van, unsecured and with his hands and feet bound, after being arrested on April 12, 2015 while fleeing police.

He died a week later. Police said his death was an accident.

Despite murder, assault, manslaughter and endangerment charges, three officers were acquitted by a judge. A fourth case had initially ended in a hung jury and further scheduled trials will now not happen.

Police investigating other cops was problematic and while the Baltimore police chief had been "extremely accommodating," Mosby said individual detectives had been "uncooperative" and sought to disprove the state`s case.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump -- who has made the defense of the police and armed forces a core part of his campaign - welcomed the decision to drop charges, and lashed out at Mosby.

"I think she ought to prosecute herself," he said. "I think it was disgraceful what she did, and the way she did it and the news conference that she had where they were guilty before anybody even knew the facts."While Mosby said prosecutors had presented "a great deal of evidence" and expressed disappointment with the previous verdicts, she said police reforms would safeguard against anyone else coming else to the same fate.

"In spite of the fact that the verdicts didn`t go in our favor, there have been many gains throughout this journey to ensure that what happened to Freddie Gray never happens to another person," she added.

Reforms require Baltimore officers to wear body cameras, use seatbelts when transporting detainees, install cameras in police wagons and make it mandatory for officers to call a medic when requested, she said.

"Every battle, every hurdle, every obstacle that we`ve overcome since the pursuit of these cases has brought us one step closer to equality," she said.

"This system is in need of reform," she said. "We will fight for a fair and equitable justice system for all so that whatever happened to Freddie Gray never happens to another person in this community again."

Officer Garrett Miller had been the next to face trial for assault, misconduct and endangerment when the charges were dropped in a hearing on Wednesday.

The development comes with the United States reeling from a series of new deaths of black men at the hands of police, as well as reprisal killings of police.

Five officers were shot dead in Dallas on July 7 and three others were killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on July 17.

The Louisiana shooting, by a black Iraq veteran, took place in a city scarred by racial tensions and protests after the July 5 death of Alton Sterling, a black man shot at point-blank range by two white Baton Rouge police officers.

London-based Amnesty International called on Baltimore police to exercise restraint during protests, which erupted after Gray`s death last year.

"In too many cases, state laws governing the use of lethal force are overly broad and unclear," the rights organization said at the time.

"There must be a statewide review of police policies to ensure that cases like Freddie Gray`s will not be repeated."
S&P 500 3,807.30 DOW 32,033.28 QQQ 272.87 Be Sure You Own United Parcel Service for the Right Reasons These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds down Top 10 Horror Movie Entrepreneurs 126% Average Gains While Stocks Crash (Ad) Auto prices finally begin to creep down from inflated highs Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities 126% Average Gains While Stocks Crash (Ad) Stocks gain ground on Wall Street, Facebook parent slumps US economy likely returned to growth last quarter

S&P 500 3,807.30 DOW 32,033.28 QQQ 272.87 Be Sure You Own United Parcel Service for the Right Reasons These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds down Top 10 Horror Movie Entrepreneurs 126% Average Gains While Stocks Crash (Ad) Auto prices finally begin to creep down from inflated highs Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities 126% Average Gains While Stocks Crash (Ad) Stocks gain ground on Wall Street, Facebook parent slumps US economy likely returned to growth last quarter

S&P 500 3,807.30 DOW 32,033.28 QQQ 272.87 Be Sure You Own United Parcel Service for the Right Reasons These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds down Top 10 Horror Movie Entrepreneurs 126% Average Gains While Stocks Crash (Ad) Auto prices finally begin to creep down from inflated highs Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities 126% Average Gains While Stocks Crash (Ad) Stocks gain ground on Wall Street, Facebook parent slumps US economy likely returned to growth last quarter
Nepali migrant worker dies in Malaysia

A Nepali migrant worker in Malaysia was killed in the line of duty after falling off the second floor of his company building on Wednesday, said Chandan Yadav, executive officer of Rajbiraj-based Sabal Nepal, an NGO.
YEREVAN, JULY 27, ARMENPRESS. Ambulance doctors offered to take the wounded gunmen, who seized the Police Patrol Station, to hospital, Ambulance CJSC Director Taguhi Stepanyan said in an interview with Armenpress. She said there are several people in the group who received gunshot wounds. She condemned such act stating that issue cannot be solved in such a way. I have managed to have a short talk with our doctors who are in the Police station. They said they cannot go out. Thereafter, I was informed that the gunmen demand the Healthcare Minister to come and organize surgeries in the Police station. I must say we cant organize surgeries there, we do not have a surgeon, we cannot provide first medical assistance and take them to hospital, Taguhi Stepanyan said.

This night it was reported that according to the gunmen there are two more wounded in the Police Patrol Station. The law enforcement agencies urged to provide those persons with necessary medical assistance, but they were rejected.The relatives of the wounded have also urged to take them to hospital. The law enforcement agencies have provided all the necessary conditions.

Later the gunmen called a doctor stating that the conditions of the wounded are critical, and after the doctors arrived in the Police station, they have been taken hostage by the gunmen. The law enforcement agencies take measures to release the doctors from hostage through negotiations.
YEREVAN, JULY 29, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh informs overnight July 27-28 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime for 24 times by firing more than 130 shots from various caliber weapons at the Armenian positions in Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Azerbaijani forces also fired RPG-7 grenade launcher (1 grenade) at the northern direction (Talish) of the contact line.

The Defense Army forces are in full control of the situation in the frontline and continue confidently fulfilling their military tasks.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Healthcare Ministry of Armenia informs on July 28 by 10:00, as a result of the incident in the Police station and the subsequent developments, 11 people, 4 of them are policemen, receive medical assistance in various hospitals of Yerevan.

Three more people receive medical assistance in the prisoners hospital.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. If elected U.S. president, Donald Trump, the Republican Party's candidate, intends to consider issues on recognition of Crimea as a Russian region and on removal of sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, Trump told a news conference in Florida, reports TASS.

Answering a reporter's question of he would recognize Crimea as part of Russia and if he would consider a possibility of lifting sanctions from Russia in case he won the presidential race, Trump said that they would consider the issues but added no more details.

Meanwhile, the party's delegates supported maintaining sanctions against Russia in the 2016 Republican Platform approved at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland (Ohio).
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Lawyer Armine Fanyan says hostage taking is classified as a serious crime, Armenpress reports, she said referring to the gunmens holding people hostage in the Police station.

Taking hostage is a crime against the public security and a serious punishment exists against it, Fanyan said. She said the condemnation of taking people hostage while on their humanitarian mission is set by the international norms.

Even taking people hostage who show medical assistance during the war, committing any act which will engender their life is forbidden, she said.

Earlier it was reported that two people are wounded in the police precinct. Law enforcement agencies urged the gunmen to let paramedics assist them, but were refused. Relatives of the gunmen also urged to hospitalize the wounded gunmen.

Later the gunmen demanded a doctor, stating the condition of the wounded people is serious, and later held the paramedics hostage. But later one of the paramedics was released.

Law enforcement agencies are taking measures to release the hostages via negotiations.

Paramedics have suggested to hospitalize the wounded gunmen, however were refused.

The gunmen demanded Healthcare Minister to arrive at the scene and organize surgery on spot.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The April war clearly showed that our defense is in our own hands, political analyst Richard Giragosian said in an interview with Armenpress.

In fact, Russias stance, as a number one country providing ammunition to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, is not beneficial and favorable for Russia itself acting as a mediator in the OSCE Minsk Group. Now we see that the process of Russias providing weapons to Armenia is being late in case when Russia intends to sign a new agreement on supplying weapons to Azerbaijan, Giragosian said.

He said Russia is the only country in the OSCE Minsk Group for which both war and peace are not beneficial. It is also the only country which gradually moved away from its pro-Armenian stance and started to improve the relations with Azerbaijan. This means that the major key to Armenias defense is neither NATO, nor any other country, it is in our own hands, the political analyst said.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. US President Barack Obama has implored voters to help continue his legacy by carrying Hillary Clinton to victory at the polls in November.

As reports "Armenpress" citing BBC, Mr Obama praised Mrs Clinton at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia, as the most qualified person ever to run for the White House.

He said voters faced a choice between hope and fear, attacking "homegrown demagogue" Republican Donald Trump.

But Mr Trump rejected the president's optimistic portrayal.

"Our country does not feel 'great already' to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair," he said on Twitter.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Healthcare Ministry of Armenia announces that the paramedics are still held hostage in the Police station.

Armenpress presents the Ministrys announcement:

Starting from yesterday, on July 27, the entire Armenian medical community, numerous other citizens, foreign prominent specialists have repeatedly urged the gunmen to release the paramedics who are held hostage in the Police station. They emphasized that the committed act is beyond all humanitarian borders and is unacceptable throughout the world.

The Healthcare Ministry of Armenia, joining the calls of our numerous citizens and the medical community, once again calls to release the paramedics from hostage without any precondition.

Yesterday releasing one of the paramedics only received positive reaction among the public. However, the public cannot accept the fact that the professionals while on their humanitarian mission are being treated in such a way, who continue to provide medical assistance both to all citizens, as well as to the injured in this difficult and tense days in our country regardless of any circumstances. They do their professional duty with an honor and remained loyal to their vows.

We continue calling and demanding the release of the paramedics from hostage without any precondition. We also continue working towards providing proper medical treatment to the gunmen in hospitals.






Nepathya fly out for Euro tour

Less than a month after returning from a tour of the US, popular folk-rock band Nepathya, embarked for Europe for yet another two-legged tour. The band is slated to play in Germany and Denmark.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Wounded gunmen Pavel Manukyan is still in critical, but stable condition. There is a positive dynamics in his health condition, the Armenian Healthcare Ministrys spokeswoman Anahit Haytayan informed Armenpress.

Today Pavel Manukyan is breathing without mechanical ventilation, but still there is a necessity to continue his treatment in the intensive care unit, she said.

In the morning of July 17 a group of gunmen stormed the Police station in Yerevan. In the evening of July 27 two gunmen Gagik Yeghiazaryan and Aram Hakobyan surrendered to the law enforcement agencies. A firefight occurred as a result of which one of the law enforcement agencies, as well as gunmen Pavel Manukyan and his son Aram were wounded. All the three were immediately taken to hospital. Aram Manukyan has already been transferred to the Prisoners Hospital.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Guardian presented a 55 year old French-Armenian photographer Antoine Agoudjian's best photograph in its my best shot ranks. In the photograph an Armenian man dances for his lost son.

I was a dancer before I was a photographer. Born in France, the grandchild of Armenian genocide survivors, dance was one of the few ways I could connect with a homeland I had never known. When I danced as an Armenian peasant, I became an Armenian peasant. It was a way to animate the stories my grandparents told. Dance inadvertently led me to photography, but the two had more in common than many think. Each combined artistic vision and technique. Each was about telling a story, Armenpress reports, the photographer said.

In 1988, an earthquake shook Armenia. Around 40,000 died and hundreds of thousands were displaced. I headed there with a humanitarian organisation and took my camera. Photography was a way to bear witness to the aftermath of the quake, but it soon became more than that: an archaeological enquiry into Armenian identity, culture and memory since the 1915 genocide.

Photography became my way of exploring this history. But I learned quickly that reportage couldnt tell the stories I needed to tell. Photography interested me; photojournalism did not because it could not explore what I came to learn was the heart of Armenian identity: poetry, communion with the land, and ancient folk traditions. Every time I shoot, Im face-to-face with a history that traumatised me as a child. In those circumstances, objectivity is a myth, he said.

In 1998, I found myself in Aparan, a large town an hours drive from Armenias capital, Yerevan. A local dance troupe was performing that evening, in the open air, with most of the suburb in attendance. The old, the young, everyone was present, sitting hunched on stools or cross-legged on the floor, transfixed. In the background, small mountains and jagged cliffs framed the scene.

As soon as I took my first shot, an old man approached me. Tears streamed down his face. He told me that his son had died. That he had been electrocuted, that he was his pride and joy, and that I looked just like him. He broke into sobs and moved towards me with outstretched arms. His name was Ishran.

I asked if he would dance for me, and he began dancing. The troupe paused and perched on an outcrop of rocks in the background. It was beautiful, not because the man is beautiful, but because he represents something deep inside the collective consciousness of the Armenian community: a celebratory resilience in the face of overwhelming loss, he said.

Concerning the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the photographer said every other state must follow the Bundestags decision.

The more Erdogan denies us, the stronger we become. We know what it is to disappear. And we resist that against all odds", Antoine Agoudjian stated.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Levon Yolyan was on an official visit in Iran July 25-27 for talks on Armenian-Iranian cooperation projects in energy, gas, oil and mining industry as well as prospects of expansion.

During the visit Minister Yolyan had meetings with Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, Minister of Energy Hamid Chitchian, Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh, Minister of Industries and Business Mohammadreza Nematzadeh.

During the meetings the Armenian-Iranian cooperation issues were discussed. The sides also touched upon a wide range of regional cooperation matters.

All discussions were held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and agreement.

The Iranian side expressed interest and willingness to realize different cooperation projects with Armenia, and expansion of partnership.

The sides touched upon the 3rd Iran-Armenia high voltage power transmission line and the gasification projects of Meghri and Agarak.

Possibilities of boosting the construction program of TPPs on Araks river were discussed.

The purchase and sale of gas and expansion of cooperation was discussed.

Agreements have been reached with Irans Minister of Petroleum to give a final legal solution to the issue soon.

The Iranian side expressed interest in investing in wind power in Armenia, to construct 50MW Wind Power Plants in Armenia as well as opening branches of prestigious Iranian producers.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador of Armenia to Italy H.E. Victoria Baghdasaryan presented her credentials to Italian President Sergio Mattarella on July 28.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia told ARMENPRESS after the ceremony a private meeting took place between the Ambassador and President Mattarella.

President Mattarella congratulated Ambassador Baghdasaryan on her appointment and wished success by assuring that Italys state entities will assist the Ambassadors initiatives aimed at developing Armenian-Italian relations.

Ambassador Baghdasaryan assured that she will make all possible efforts during her tenure for deepening and strengthening the Armenian-Italian friendly relations and cooperation.

The sides underscored the historical close ties between the two peoples and the common set of values, as well as the Armenian community in Italy, which has been present for centuries, are an important foundation for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between Armenia and Italy in various areas.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Attorney of Alek Yenigomshyan contacted the Ombudsman on July 28 and notified that he is the attorney of the latter and his defendant is in custody of the National Security Service.

The Ombudsmans Office told ARMENPRESS according to the attorney, Alek Yenigomshyans rights are not secured in the detention facility, and the conditions of his detention are violated by ignoring his special needs.

The rapid response unit of the Ombudsmans Office was dispatched to the detention facility of the NSS and had a private meeting with Yenigomshyan and his attorney.

Appropriate research was conducting based on Yenigmoshyans and his attorneys raised matters and clarifications were demanded from the administration at the scene.

As a result, the audio watch of Yenigomshyan was returned to him, the possibility of accepting parcels was ensured, a table has been brought in to the cell, as well as a radio.

Afterwards, upon the attorneys decision a proceeding began in discussing the matter at his own initiation and necessary clarifications were demanded regarding Yenigomshyans criminal prosecution (including the possibility of reviewing the judicial documents) and conditions of his detention.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Lawmaker Michael Melkumyans bill on making changes in the Tax law has been presented to the Government for debates.

The matter is included in the agenda of July 29 Cabinet meeting.

The lawmaker suggests changing the penalty for delays in tax payments from the daily delay rate of 0.15 to 0.075 percent.

According to the Governments conclusion, other lawmakers have also made proposals on reducing the rate of tax penalties.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Tretyakov Gallery of Moscow is preparing a large-scale monographic exhibition of Ivan Aivazovsky. More than 20 thousand tickets have been sold so far, Tretyakov Gallery director Zelfira Tregulova said, according to Interfax.

As of today, 20 thousand tickets have already been sold, she said.

The exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Ivan Aivazovsky will be held from July 29-November 20.

The director of the gallery said based on an approximate evaluation of the organizers, the number of visitor will reach 300 thousand.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Doctors of various hospitals of Armenia are demanding the gunmen who have seized the police precinct in Yerevan to release the paramedics who are held hostage.

During a discussion on July 28, colleagues of the hostages expressed concern over the situation.

It is very unfortunate that our colleagues are held hostage. I urge the gunmen to allow the doctors to leave the area, because regardless of anything, doctors were faithful to their calling and assisted everyone. I think we have proved this with our work during these days, doctor of the 103 emergency service Hasmik Hayrapetyan said.

Senior doctor Marina Alikhanova of the 103 emergency service said she has worked with hostage Malina Margaryan for many years and she is very sorry for her.

Malina Margaryan has saved multiple lives. I ask the gunmen to release them all. It is very unfortunate that a woman is held in captivity for already two days, she said.

Head of the womens division of Polyclinic # 17 Shushanik Grigoryan said their captive colleagues knew where they were heading, however it didnt stop them.

The doctors profession obliges to help people without hesitation. I am asking the gunmen, display a humane approach and release the hostages, Grigoryan said.

Earlier it was reported that two people are wounded in the police precinct. Law enforcement agencies urged the gunmen to let paramedics assist them, but were refused. Relatives of the gunmen also urged to hospitalize the wounded gunmen.

Later the gunmen demanded a doctor, stating the condition of the wounded people is serious, and later held the paramedics hostage after their arrival.

Among the medical personnel were  Norayr Tevanyan, Salvador Khechoyan, Davit Tonoyan and Malina Margaryan. Later Davit Tonoyan was freed.

Law enforcement agencies are taking measures to release the hostages via negotiations.

Paramedics have suggested to hospitalize the wounded gunmen, however were refused.

The gunmen demanded Healthcare Minister to arrive at the scene and organize surgery at the precinct.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Union of Paramilitary forces of Nagorno Karabakh issued a statement in regard to the gunmens actions in Yerevan.

The statement reads:

As a result of the July 17 ambush of a Police precinct in Armenia the blood of an Armenian was shed, and our peoples reputation suffered a serious blow.

It is exceedingly sorrowful that some of the organizers of this attack are veterans of the Nagorno Karabakh War..People, with whom we have defended our lands standing side by side in the trenches, and today, seemingly we have appeared in opposite sides of barricades.

History will show as to what extent the goal and choice of reaching these goals of the Homelands defender  who has appeared on the opposite side  is justified and noble, but the fact that today we already have a distorted destiny of an Armenian, divided people and unenviable political situation is obvious..It is obvious because as of this moment, we have a dead Armenian Colonel who has been killed by the hand of another Armenian, who has fought for defending Nagorno Karabakh, we have Armenian citizens wounded by gunfire from Armenians, Armenian captives held by Armenians, including a woman.After all this, have we  your yesterdays brothers in arms, mistaken or simply believed with the power of imagination that represented by you we have brothers in arms who are concerned with our Motherlands fate?...

Judging by the serious situation, it turns out that we have mistaken.We have mistaken because through your chosen path you are distressing the people and the Motherland, rather than moving it towards empowerment.Lets not forget that a very short period of time has passed since the events of April and the possibility of an even longer lasting and more brutal confrontation is not ruled out.A circumstance, which tells us to sap our national resistance not by internal unrest, but rather be guided by the vision of unity and consolidation.

Realize, that through your divisive actions you are weakening Armenia, which is already living in challenging timesAnd by weakening Armenia, you are jeopardizing the future of Nagorno Karabakh. Unlike you, we  veterans of yesterdays war, believe that peaceful and consistent reforms are the basis for future success of our country which has numerous social-economical issues, we believe that the guarantee of fully ensuring the independence and territorial integrity of Nagorno Karabakh is mutual understanding, not straining the society against their own state.

Given the mixed geopolitical and regional situation, the Union of Paramilitary forces of Nagorno Karabakh urges the gunmen, as well as several public and political organizations who are excited by the latters unbalanced actions  to refrain from steps of escalating the internal political situation of Mother Armenia and take the path of reason. And this path is one  abide the Constitution of Armenia and laws and move towards the peaceful resolution of the situation.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. A peaceful resolution must be found regarding the capture of a Police precinct in Yerevan, for which negotiations are in proceeding, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hermine Naghdalyan said at a briefing.

The leaderships approach has been expressed by the President of Armenia and the Speaker of the party. Our approach remains that an Armenian must not fire at Armenians. We cannot allow new bloodshed, she said.

Touching upon rumors on possible compromises in the negotiations process, Naghdalyan noted that its not about compromises.

The issues which are being talked about are issues which have accumulated in our country over the years, in regard of which reforms are proceeding, however today they are overshadowed by a new issue  the situation must be resolved without bloodshed, Naghdalyan said.

Naghdalyan also spoke about MP Nikol Pashinyans initiative on convening an extraordinary session in Parliament. She stressed that the Speaker of Parliament has voiced the stance of RPA on this matter.

Several signatures were collected, however those werent enough. We think its not about convening an extraordinary session; its about resolving the situation peacefully. There are criminal cases, investigations are underway, and the discussion of these matters by lawmakers is fraught with new escalations. Our main approach has been to not harm the ongoing negotiation process, Naghdalyan said.

Deputy Speaker Naghdalyan also expressed concern over the captive doctors, stressing that such approach is unacceptable.
A worker admires a display of miniature high-speed railway trains by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation at an exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. [LUCIE MORANGI / China Daily]

A Nigerian delegation is in Beijing for a Coordinators' Meeting on the implementation of deals forumulated at the Forum on China Africa Cooperation's (FOCAC) Johannesburg Summit, held late last year.

President Muhammadu Buhari's visit in April further bolstered Nigeria's participation in the 10 critical areas covering industrialization, agricultural mechanization, infrastructure development, financial cooperation, green development, trade and investment facilitation, poverty reduction, public health, cultural and people-to-people exchange, and peace and security.

Recently, Nigeria identified priority projects which will top discussions led by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma. It comes as the oil-rich country's economy experiences turbulence due to falling oil prices and slowing global growth.

The Johannesburg Summit, held in December, identified 10 critical areas of cooperation between China and African countries. The Chinese government pledged a $60 billion assistance package to African countries to develop and grow their infrastructure and human development capacities. Of that, $35 billion was set aside for concessionary loans, $10 billion for the China Africa Fund for Production capacity and $5 billion each for no-interest grants, the China Africa Development Fund and special loans for the development of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).

The delegation is also expected to fine-tune and strengthen the relationship between the two countries by ensuring the faithful implementation of the bi-lateral agreements signed during the State visit of President Buhari to China early this year.

Udoma said the successful implementation of Nigeria's identified projects under FOCAC was expected to further enhance the relationship.
Nine people killed in Dhankuta bus accident

Nine people were killed and over a dozen injured when a passenger bus met with an accident at Parewadin-5 in Dhankuta district on Thursday.
A computer-generated image released by EDF Energy on July 28, 2016 shows the firms two proposed nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in southwest England

French energy giant EDF's board gave the go-ahead Thursday to the building of a controversial nuclear power station in Britain which has faced fierce criticism over its 18 billion price tag, a source close to talks said.

The planned construction of two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point costing the equivalent of 21.4 billion euros ($23.8 billion) won the backing of the EDF board of directors, with 10 members voting in favour and seven against, the source said.

Ahead of the meeting, one board member had resigned, saying he disagreed with the plan, reducing to 17 the number of board members to vote on the project.
Police clean up illegal marijuana farming

The Bhojpur District Police Office has intensified clean-up of illegal marijuana farming this year as well.
Weve certainly grown accustomed to cell phone zombies over the past few weeks thanks to a little pocket monster named Pikachu. But when it comes to worldwide travel, Canadians may have been turning on their autopilot for a lot longer than the lifespan of Pokemon Go.

These days its easy to use smartphones for everything from booking a hotel or making a restaurant reservation to downloading local maps and finding out how long the line is to get into a popular attraction. Too easy, perhaps, given a recent survey released by travel website Hotels.com, which revealed that 75 per cent of Canadians admit to spending nearly two-and-a-half hours on social media daily while theyre away.

Its actually distracting people, says Hotels.com travel expert Taylor L. Cole, who has close to a decade of experience in the industry. Theyre not connecting with their loved ones, their family or even with the destination theyre in because theyre so busy trying to post on social media.

The companys mobile tracker survey took more than 9,000 responses from 31 countries into account before releasing their data. Not surprisingly, they found that many of these social media addicts  20 to 36 per cent  post photos or status updates just to make their friends jealous or to show off. Its a growing trend that hotels worldwide are beginning to note.

If you cant beat em, join em



With many people now looking for free hotel Wi-Fi as one of the key requirements before booking a stay, customer service teams are hopping on the social media bandwagon like never before.



Twitter concierge, where customers can request everyday items like a fresh towel, are gaining in popularity, while some hotel chains are even creating special filters for apps like Snapchat or Instagram. It may seem counterintuitive to solicit that kind of feedback via social media rather than through good old-fashioned customer service, but according to Cole its a strategy that can actually lead to an overall smoother stay.

Story continues

The hotel can fix any problems right away, rather than having to wait until they get that comment card at the end of the stay, she explains. Sometimes people just wont say anything, and so hotels are using social media to try and get feedback right at the time that it happens. That way they can make some changes earlier in that process.

One business basic that remains the same is the not-so-novel concept of word of mouth. Although the medium has changed, feedback remains integral when it comes to repeat and new business; the survey also revealed Canadians rely heavily on restaurant and tourist attraction reviews when theyre travelling. Plus, roughly 37 per cent of us use reviews to make last minute hotel bookings on the day of our stay.

Social media is influencing those decisions, Cole adds. When you get an idea or see that someone has got a great deal on travel, people want to take advantage of that right away. We just dont want to make a bad choice. Thats time wasted when you dont have that much time during your vacation. The feedback and the authentic feedback from other customers who have been there is important.

Take time away for yourself



When you finally do take that hard-earned vacation, however, it can be equally important to enjoy your experiences with the people youre with. Detox vacations, in which patrons specifically put away their cell phones at check-in and dont pick them back up until check-out are gaining in popularity, with Destination Canada even recently teaming with Bell Media to invite millennials  the highest users of social media while on vacation  to unplug with a special Far and Wide webisode featuring Much personality Liz Trinnear doing just that.

It was definitely a situation of like, ghost phone syndrome where I felt like it was vibrating in my pocket and it wasnt because it wasnt there, Trinnear, who ditched her phone for four days during a trip to Tofino, B.C. says. Its kind of ridiculous that we are photographing everything just to share it, whereas were not taking it in for just ourselves.

With Canadians ranking third-last in the number of paid vacation days allotted per year, it certainly seems as though we may want to soak it all in while we can.

Sixty-six per cent of Canadian respondents said they preferred to travel with their mobile device over their loved ones. People are going to those destinations but they are on their phones the whole time, Cole wraps. Theyre missing the experience, the shoulder-to-shoulder conversations with their friends and instead theyre busy on the phone while they should be enjoying the sights.

And no, that probably doesnt include the newest Pokemon Go stop.
FILE PHOTO: Sumner Redstone, executive chairman of CBS Corp. and Viacom, arrives at the premiere of 'The Guilt Trip' in Los Angeles December 11, 2012. REUTERS/Fred Prouser/File Photo (Reuters)

By Jessica Toonkel and Dan Levine

(Reuters) - A Massachusetts judge on Thursday rejected Sumner Redstone's bid to quickly end a case that will likely determine the future of the media mogul's holdings and set an October trial date, marking a victory for Viacom Inc <VIAB.O> Chief Executive Philippe Dauman.

The issue is whether the 93-year-old Redstone knew what he was doing when he removed Dauman and Viacom board member George Abrams in May from the seven-person trust that will control his majority ownership of Viacom and CBS Corp <CBS.N> when he dies or is incapacitated.

Dauman and Abrams filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts, where the trust was established, contesting their removal from the trust and from the board of National Amusements Inc, Redstone's privately-held movie theater company, through which he owns 80 percent of the voting shares of CBS Corp <CBS.N> and Viacom.

Judge George Phelan of Norfolk County Probate and Family Court in Canton, Massachusetts, rejected Redstone's motion to dismiss and ruled that the case should proceed in Massachusetts. Redstone's lawyers had asked that the case be moved to a California court.

The judge's decision to keep the case in Massachusetts could help Dauman's case, or give him more leverage to negotiate a settlement.

California law mandates that any evidence of mental incompetence be tied to the specific issue being contested. Massachusetts does not have such a strict requirement, and allows a judge to evaluate a persons overall ability to manage their affairs, lawyers have told Reuters..

While Phelan allowed Dauman's lawyers to examine medical records relating to Redstone, the judge rejected Dauman's request for an immediate mental examination of Redstone. The judge requested that Redstone's medical records from January 1, 2015 to July 28, 2016 be provided by August 15.

In a statement, a spokesman for Abrams and Dauman applauded Phelan's decision because it acknowledged "the need for a speedy trial," and "prompt access to medical records."

Story continues

Mike Lawrence, a spokesman for Redstone, said he looks forward to "exposing this specious and malicious attack" in court. The decision to remove Dauman and Abrams will stand regardless of the outcome, Lawrence said, because a majority of trustees ratified it.

The outcome of the Massachusetts court case, and who ends up with control over the trust, will have wide-ranging implications for Viacom and CBS shareholders and could result in changes at the top of both companies, possibly through mergers and acquisitions.

Abrams and Dauman claim Redstone suffers from dementia, impaired cognition, a slowness of mental processing, a loss of memory, apathy, depression and has been manipulated by his daughter, Shari.

In a June court filing, Redstone called it "offensive and untrue" to suggest that he was being unduly influenced.

A spokeswoman for Shari Redstone declined to comment.

The outcome of the Massachusetts case also has implications for Viacom's board. Redstone and National Amusements moved to oust five of Viacom's directors last month, including Dauman and lead independent director Frederic Salerno, asking a court in Delaware - where Viacom is incorporated - to rule that the changes were valid.

That same day, Salerno fired back with his own lawsuit challenging the removal.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Friday in Delaware.

(Reporting by Jessica Toonkel and Dan Levine; editing by Alan Crosby, Dan Grebler and Nick Zieminski)
ASPEN, Colo. (Reuters) - Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, speaking about the hack of Democratic Party emails, said on Thursday the U.S. intelligence community was not ready to "make the call on attribution" as to who was responsible. The White House said earlier the FBI had not disclosed any information about who was behind the hack. Cyber security experts and U.S. officials said on Monday there was evidence that Russia engineered the release of sensitive Democratic Party emails in order to influence the U.S. presidential election. The emails were released by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks on the eve of the Democratic National Convention, and appeared to show that the Democratic National Committee favored Hillary Clinton over her chief rival, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. Clapper, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, acknowledged that "theres just a few usual suspects out there" who might be responsible for the cyber intrusion, suggesting it was the work of a nation-state rather than an independent hacking group. "We dont know enough to ascribe motivation," he said. "Was this just to stir up trouble, or was this ultimately to try to influence an election? Thats a serious proposition." Russian officials have dismissed the allegations of Moscow's involvement. "It is so absurd it borders on total stupidity," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "The Americans need to get to the bottom of what these emails are themselves and find out what it's all about." Clapper said comments by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump questioning U.S. alliances in Europe and Asia had rattled foreign intelligence and security officials. While declining direct comment on Trump's remarks, he said: "Such statements, such rhetoric are very bothersome to our foreign interlocutors, our foreign partners. I hear that from counterparts, intelligence and security colleagues in many other countries.  It is a worry to them, it really is." (Reporting by Warren Strobel; Writing by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Peter Cooney)
Grants

Virginia Tech to Advance Wireless Networks with $2.5 Million Grant

A Virginia Tech research team will use funding from the National Science Foundation, backed by the White House, to create solutions to issues around future wireless communication networks.

Following the recent launch of the White Houses Advanced Wireless Research Initiative led by the National Science Foundation (NSF), a research team at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) announced it is receiving $2.5 million from NSF to fund five research projects that address critical issues around emerging wireless communication networks. Wireless @ Virginia Tech, a cognition and communication center at the university, is conducting the research projects.

The White House and NSF initiative aims to achieve next-generation wireless communication networks and technology and increase todays speeds by up to 100 times.

"The five research projects awarded to Virginia Tech are intended to propel the technological revolution of wireless for decades ahead, from spectrum management to the Internet of Things, said Thyaga Nandagopal, program director at NSF, in a news release.

The research projects are:

The largest award of $830,356 will fund a project that researches ways to overcome the limitations of low-quality radio receivers that cause interference or are susceptible to interference.

A second award of $600,000 will fund upgrades to Virginia Techs Cognitive Radio Network Testbed (CORNET), a collection of 48 software-defined radio nodes. CORNET will be used to test new concepts in wireless access, such as using artificial intelligence to control the radios. The grant will also support educational and outreach efforts to reach students and STEM professionals.

The third award for $400,000 will be used to build tomorrows cellular systems to support bandwidth-intensive wireless applications, such as HD video streaming on mobile devices. In addition, the award will support underrepresented student groups in research by providing hands-on projects and outreach events.

Another $400,000 award will fund a study on how to handle potential interference from the Wireless Internet-of-Things (W-IoT). Project participants will work to create a way for W-IoT devices to automatically apply interference management techniques to resolve any interference.

The fifth award of $375,000 is part of $1 million collaborative project with Temple University and the University of Arizona. The project seeks to create solutions that allow unlicensed-LTE, WiFi and dedicated short-range communications to operate together without issues arising.

Faculty members from Wireless @ Virginia Tech and the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering will work together on the five projects.

Virginia Tech is a world leader in radio spectrum and cognitive radio research, said Michael Buehrer, professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of Wireless @ Virginia Tech, in a news release. We are pleased NSF has invested in our efforts to drive research to the next level in support of the White Houses initiative.

Further information about the research projects is available on the Wireless @ Virginia Tech site.
2016 Innovators Awards

Building a New Model for Data-Driven Decision-Making

By creating a centralized Office of Analytics and developing a flexible analytics platform, the University of Maryland University College has leveraged data to reduce recruiting expenses, increase course completion and student persistence rates, and inform university policy.

Category: Administration

Institution: University of Maryland University College

Project: Office of Analytics/HelioCampus

Project lead: Darren Catalano, CEO of HelioCampus and former VP of analytics at University of Maryland University College

Tech lineup: Amazon Web Services, HelioCampus, Tableau

Faced with decreasing revenue from lower enrollments, an evolving business model and an increased focus on student outcomes, the University of Maryland University College created a new Office of Analytics and kick-started data-driven decision-making on campus.

The University of Maryland University College, one of the largest distance learning institutions in the world, has long been an innovator in business intelligence and data warehousing. In fact, the platform it invested in building over several years proved so valuable to its own administrators that the university recently spun out its Office of Analytics into a startup company  HelioCampus  that provides both a business intelligence platform and data analysis services.

UMUC enrolls more than 85,000 students worldwide. Most classes are taught either online or in hybrid format. In 2012, like many of its online learning peers, UMUC experienced enrollment volatility. (A large percentage of its enrollees are active-duty military, family or veterans, and the federal government shutdown impacted that population.) Among the challenges the institution faced: decreasing revenue from lower enrollments, an evolving business model and an increased focus on student outcomes. In response, it created a new, centralized Office of Analytics, tasked with leveraging the university's data to enhance decision-making on campus.

"We aimed to build a flexible platform that could answer many of the business questions that the university had," said Darren Catalano, UMUC's former vice president of analytics and now CEO of HelioCampus. "We needed to get information to the state and federal government and the University System of Maryland. We wanted to build a system where we could easily and in a timely manner answer the questions that the administration, faculty and other stakeholders had." By integrating the BI platform with the student information system, learning management system, financial records and advising systems, UMUC administrators aimed to understand the connections between tuition revenue, enrollment data and outcome data.

When he first arrived at UMUC five years ago, Catalano considered recommending the purchase of a commercial business intelligence solution. "But when I looked at the vendors, I was underwhelmed," he said. "There was nothing I saw that could help us, so we ended up building it out ourselves." That decision has led to what is now HelioCampus. "We are taking what we built at UMUC and productizing it for the market," he said. "It is a preconfigured data platform that we combine with services from our data analysts and scientists. It took us five years and more than $10 million to get to where we are today. With HelioCampus, we offer that to universities at a fraction of the time and cost. Our implementations run around six months and can be done faster."

HelioCampus enables the analytics team to provide services that include student metrics dashboards, operational reporting, variance analyses, predictive applications, forecast modeling and ad-hoc reporting. The system relies on the Amazon Web Services Cloud to host, process and deliver the data analytics services. It was built using open source tools to extract and compile data, including Python and R for building out statistical and predictive models. HelioCampus uses Tableau for front-end dashboard delivery and ad-hoc analysis, and the team is also experimenting with embedding D3 visualizations into dashboards.
THURSDAY, July 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Women who communicated via social media after a breast cancer diagnosis and received information and/or support about treatment approaches were happier with their ultimate decisions, a new study finds.

Researchers surveyed thousands of women not long after they learned they had breast cancer. Those who turned to online resources -- whether to share the news or gain information or support -- felt more satisfied with their treatment, the study found.

The researchers worry that certain breast cancer patients -- especially older ones, minorities and those with lower levels of education -- will miss out on the possible benefits of going online.

"Our findings highlight an unmet need in patients for decisional support when they are going through breast cancer treatment," said lead study author Lauren Wallner, an assistant professor of general medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School.

"But at this point, leveraging social media and online communication in clinical practice is not going to reach all patients. There are barriers that need to be considered," she said in a university news release.

The 2,460 women surveyed answered questions about post-diagnosis email, texting, social media and online support groups.

More than 40 percent said they communicated online some of the time or frequently, with 35 percent texting, emailing or both. Twelve percent said they used outlets like Twitter and Facebook, and a similar percentage turned to online support groups.

"Women reported separate reasons for using each of these modalities," Wallner said. "Email and texting were primarily to let people know they had been diagnosed. They tended to use social media sites and web-based support groups to interact about treatment options and physician recommendations."

She added: "Women also reported using all of these outlets to deal with the negative emotions and stress around their breast cancer diagnosis. They're using these communications to cope."

Younger women, whites and Asians were more likely to use online communication methods. Blacks and Hispanics were somewhat less likely to use them, the researchers found.

Women who communicated online the most felt the most positive about their choices about treatment. They also said their decisions were more deliberate, and they were more satisfied with them, according to the study.

But the findings don't prove that using social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter will benefit all breast cancer patients, and the researchers expressed a note of caution.

"For some women, social media may be a helpful resource. But there are still questions to answer before we can rely on it as a routine part of patient care," Wallner said.

"We don't know a lot about the type of information women are finding online. What are they sharing and what is the quality of that information?" she wondered. "We need to understand that before we can really harness the potential of social media to better support patients through their cancer treatment and care."

The study appears in the July 28 issue of JAMA Oncology.

More information

For more about breast cancer, see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Resolve boundary row first: Madhesi, Janajati leaders

Madhesi and Janajati leaders have said that the ongoing row over the federal boundaries should be resolved before holding the local elections and urged the Nepali Congress and the Maoist Centre to find a solution to the Tarai crisis before making preparation for the polls.


Amsterdam, 28 July 2016 (Regulated Information) --- AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. ("AMG", EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: "AMG") will release its second quarter 2016 financial results on Thursday, 4 August 2016 at approximately 07:00 CEST. AMG will host a conference call to discuss its financial results for the first quarter 2016 on the same day at 15:00 CEST (14:00 BST / 09:00 EDT).

Please connect approximately 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call to ensure participation. The call-in information is as follows:

Europe +44 20 3427 1919

North America +1 646 254 3388

An operator will direct you onto the call. The conference call will be available on the website www.amg-nv.com within twenty-four hours following completion of the call.

About AMG

AMG is a global critical materials company at the forefront of CO 2 reduction trends. AMG produces highly engineered specialty metals and mineral products and provides related vacuum furnace systems and services to the transportation, infrastructure, energy, and specialty metals & chemicals end markets.

AMG Critical Materials produces aluminum master alloys and powders, titanium alloys and coatings, ferrovanadium, natural graphite, chromium metal, antimony, tantalum, niobium and silicon metal. AMG Engineering designs and produces vacuum furnace equipment and systems used to produce and upgrade specialty metals and alloys for the transportation, automotive, infrastructure, and energy markets.

With approximately 3,000 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Czech Republic, United States, China, Mexico, Brazil and Sri Lanka, and has sales and customer service offices in Russia and Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. +1 610 293 5804

Steve Daniels

Senior Vice President

sdaniels@amg-nv.com
MADISON, Wis., July 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Morgridge Institute for Research and University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers are working to optimize a camera capable of a slick optical trick: Snapping pictures around corners.



The imaging project, supported by a new $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), will work over four years to explore the limitations and potential applications of scattered-light technology that can recreate scenes outside human line of sight.



The technology, pioneered by Morgridge imaging specialist Andreas Velten, uses pulses of scattered light photons that bounce through a scene and are recaptured by finely tuned sensors connected to the camera. Information from this scattered light helps the researchers digitally rebuild a 3D environment that is either hidden or obstructed from view.



While in its infancy, the technology has generated excitement about potential applications in medical imaging, disaster relief, navigation, robotic surgery and even space exploration. UW-Madison is one of eight university teams receiving 2016 DARPA grants to probe different forms of non-line-of-sight imaging.



DOWNLOAD IMAGES: https://uwmadison.box.com/v/velten-corners



Velten, also a scientist with the UW-Madison Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation (LOCI), first demonstrated non-line-of-sight imaging in 2012 with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The technique was able to recreate human figures and other shapes that were positioned around corners.



He now is partnering with Mohit Gupta, UW-Madison assistant professor of computer science, to see how far they can push the quality and complexity of these pictures  a fundamental step before devices can become reality.



Questions include: Can they recapture movement? Can they determine what material an object is made of? Can they differentiate between very similar shapes? Can they push this method further to see around two, three, or more corners?



Velten and Gupta have developed a theoretical framework to determine how complex a scene they can recapture. They are creating models where they bounce light a half-dozen or more times through a space to capture objects that are either hidden or outside the field of view.



"The more times you can bounce this light within a scene, the more possible data you can collect," Velten says. "Since the first light is the strongest, and each proceeding bounce gets weaker and weaker, the sensor has to be sensitive enough to capture even a few photons of light."



Gupta brings expertise in computer vision to the project and will be developing methods to make better sense of the limited data coming back from these techniques. Gupta will work to develop algorithms that can better decode the data that helps recreate scenes.



"The information we will get is going to be noisy and the shapes will be blob-like, not much to the naked eye, so the visualization part of this will be huge," Gupta says. "Because this problem is so new, we don't even know what's possible."



The first two years of the grant will be devoted to the pushing the limitations of this technique. The second two years will focus on hardware development to make field applications possible.



Some of the possibilities are tantalizing. For example, Gupta says it could be used for safety tests of jet engines, examining performance while the engines are running. It could also be used to probe impossible-to-see spaces in shipwrecks such as the Titanic. Velten currently has a NASA project examining whether the technology can be used to probe the dimensions of moon caves.



Interestingly, the light used in this project would be pretty useless for standard photography. Regular cameras rely on the opening burst of light on the subject, while this project focuses on the indirect light that comes later and scatters and bounces through the scene.



"We are interested in capturing exactly what a conventional camera doesn't capture," he says.



Other university partners on the project include Universidad de Zaragoza in Spain, Columbia University, Politecnico di Milano in Italy, and the French-German Research Institute in St. Louis, France.
PASCAGOULA, Miss., July 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division took top honors Wednesday in the Mississippi Business Journals Healthiest Workplace Awards, placing first in the mega large business category. The awards recognize employers throughout the state who strive to provide exceptional employee health and wellness programs and promote safe working environments.



A company can only be as strong as its people, said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. That is why Ingalls Shipbuilding is dedicated to providing multiple health and wellness services to our employees. From a state-of-the-art health center in Gautier that provides timely, low-cost, high-quality health care to employees and their families, to an employee resource program that supports our shipbuilders overall health and well-being, Ingalls is proud of the innovative and healthy ways we care for our workforce.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file?fid=579a18bb2cfac21e75b51e72.

The Mississippi Business Journal highlighted Ingalls health-related program called Be Well. The Be Well program has three health initiatives providing the basis for the companys health and wellness.

The HII Family Health Center, which celebrated its one-year anniversary on July 1, provides off-site healthcare to Ingalls employees and their dependents. It has a staffed wellness team to assist physicians in helping patients create and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and overall health counseling. The health center, operated by QuadMed, also has an on-site pharmacy where patients can receive prescriptions for as low as $3 a month for a 30-day supply.

The Ingalls on-site wellness program operated by Interactive Health provides on-site health screenings and flu shots and facilitates company-wide physical activity challenges like the Ingalls annual couch-to-5k competition, urging employees to participate in the companys annual 5K on the Causeway, which benefits Special Olympics Mississippi. The company also has an on-site fitness center with cardiovascular and strength equipment, a full-court gym and various group exercise classes.

The employee assistance program serves employees mental health by providing drug and alcohol addiction counseling among other mental health services.

We work very hard to keep an active and healthy workforce, said Program Manager Joni Goodman. The Be Well program provides the health needs for all our employees. But what really makes Ingalls stand apart is the care they take not only for their employees, but for their families and the entire Gulf Coast community.

Mississippis Healthiest Workplace Awards program is a collaborative effort made by the Mississippi Business Group on Health, the Mississippi Business Journal, the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Association of Self-Insurers.

Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of engineering, manufacturing and management services to the nuclear energy, oil and gas markets. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs nearly 35,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit:
NASSAU, Bahamas, July 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Director General in The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, revealed yesterday that the Ministry's aggressive campaign to attract visitors to The Bahamas and strengthen the country's market share is paying dividends.

During a press conference in the British Colonial Hilton, Jibrilu, flanked by Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson and Deputy Director General Ellison 'Tommy' Thompson, noted that the country is seeing increased interest from tourists around the world.



Jibrilu revealed that visitor arrivals are trending upward. "In the first quarter of 2016 overall air arrivals to The Bahamas registered an increase of 2.2 percent over the same period last year," she said. "In the first quarter of 2015, our air arrivals numbers were at 375,962.



"Between January and March of this year, we received a little over 8,000 more air visitors, or a total of 384,324 for the first quarter of 2016. As we look back at the comparison in spend between air and cruise visitors, we see that we are going in the right direction."



While noting that there was a 1.3 percent decrease in cruise passengers in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, Jibrilu said those numbers are now trending upwards.



New Initiatives



The Director General also highlighted several key initiatives that The Ministry is spearheading in 2016.



The first is the International Women's Empowerment Summit slated for October. "Under the theme, "Empowering Women to Pursue their Dreams," women from around the world and the Caribbean will meet in this forum for two days of transformative presentations and interactions," she said. "A conservative estimate of attendees expected at this Summit is 400 to 500 people.



"This conference is another invaluable opportunity for us to showcase the best of our destination to high net worth individuals." On the roster of summit presenters are renowned speakers such as Folorunsho Alakija, Baroness Michelle Mone, Cynthia Garrett, Charlotte Tilbury, and Melissa Odabash as well as several Bahamian speakers."



Sixteen new Bahamas Posters were also unveiled, each telling the story of a Bahamas Family Island. Jibrilu stated that the Ministry has crafted a marketing campaign to capitalize on the distinctiveness of each of our major island destinations. She said the idea is really to market the country not as a block but as 16 individual islands.



"Airlift is critical to developing our tourism industry and 2015/2016 has proven to be a banner year for the addition of airlift," she said.



Noting new connections and added flights from the U.S. and Europe, Jibrilu said the Ministry is aggressively seeking to add as many flights to The Bahamas as it can. "The Ministry of Tourism is actively pursuing negotiations for direct flights to Nassau from Continental Europe and West Coast, USA," she said.



As social media continues to be an explosive component of marketing The Bahamas, Jibrilu pointed out the power of "organic advertising" from socialites and celebrities.



"Astronaut Scott Kelly's Bahamas tweets from space about the beauty of The Bahamas was a true highlight," she said. "Over 251,000 stories were written globally about this." She also confirmed that Kelly and his family will visit the country in August.



Jibrilu also pointed out that The Bahamas continues to be one of the leading countries in the world for weddings. "In 2015, The Bahamas won the World Tourism Award for Leading Wedding Destination," she said.



"Building on this reputation the "16 Weddings" invitation promotion, which was launched in Toronto on February 18, 2016, will further solidify The Bahamas as the premier destination for weddings and honeymoons as 16 Canadian couples tie the knot on November 16, 2016 in the 16 islands of The Bahamas."



Jibrilu said The Bahamas is a consistent brand that is known throughout the world.



"We do not market in Scandinavia. A survey was done, not by us, just to get a sense of the awareness of The Bahamas. Out of that survey 87 percent of people recognized The Bahamas, way above any other country in the region. So that was just the name Bahamas."



Jibrilu said the Ministry of Tourism remains resolute to market the country as a destination with diversity and grit.



About The Islands Of The Bahamas

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world's best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It's Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Photos accompanying this release are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=40945

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=40946
Restricted drugs being sold sans prescription

The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has said that 30-40 percent of the drug stores in the country are selling restricted medicines without a prescription despite possible health hazards. despite possible health hazards.
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
Sebon plans to introduce code of conduct to curb insider trading

Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon) is working to introduce a code of conduct for stock market participants to curb insider trading.
Senior citizens demand hike in allowance

The Senior Citizens Struggle Committee, a group of senior citizens which has changed its name to Senior Citizens Society (SCS), has launched its second round of struggle demanding that the government ensure a monthly social security allowance of Rs 5,000 for the elderly.
UK nuclear plant set to get final approval

Investment in the new nuclear plant to be built in Hinkley Point, Somerset, is set to get final approval later on Thursday.
Veggie prices soar as rain disrupts supplies

Vegetable prices in the Kathmandu Valley have swelled as shipments have been disrupted with heavy rainfall and landslides continuing to wreak havoc in many parts of the Tarai.
Women agents spread branchless banking

Chhimek Laghubitta Bikas Bank, in association with Sakshyam, an access to finance initiative of UK Aid, is expanding the outreach of its products and services in rural outposts in western Nepal through women banking agents.
I use a zero ("poor") to four-star ("superlative") rating system, including half-stars. A complete ratings explanation accompanies my spring and fall dining guides.

One star is "satisfactory," two stars means a restaurant (including Kingbird in the Watergate hotel) is "good," and three stars refers to "excellent."

This Sunday, I give my highest praise to Pineapple and Pearls, the review of which is online today. It's the first time I've ever given a new restaurant four stars out of the gate.

Happy Wednesday, everyone. Thanks for joining me this morning. Where have you been eating and what's making you happy (or disappointed)? I'm all ears.
Michelle Singletary

Michelle Singletary writes the nationally syndicated personal finance column, "The Color of Money," which appears in The Post on Thursday and Sunday and is carried in more than 120 newspapers.
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on anti-government activists, foreign embassies and disaffected war veterans as he sought to assert his grip on power following recent protests. Mugabe addressed thousands of supporters outside the headquarters of the ruling ZANU-PF party, issuing a clear threat to Evan Mawarire, the pastor who has become the figurehead of a new opposition movement. "The Mawarires. I want to warn them very strongly," Mugabe said in a fiery 45-minute speech. "ZANU-PF will not tolerate any nonsense. "Once you begin to interfere with our politics, you are courting real trouble. "We know how to deal with our enemies who have been trying to bring about regime change." Mugabe, who took power in 1980 and is now aged 92, has often used his security forces to crack down ruthlessly on any sign of dissent in Zimbabwe. But a wave of street demonstrations and strikes has shaken his government, which has run out of money and is struggling to pay its soldiers and civil servants. In the latest sign of growing national instability, veterans of Zimbabwe's 1970s independence war, who have previously been loyal supporters of the president, issued a statement last week denouncing him. "When we find out who the people were, the party will discipline them. The punishment will be severe," Mugabe said in his first comments on the veterans' criticisms. Douglas Mahiya, a spokesman for the war veterans who issued the communique, was Wednesday summoned for interrogation by the police, his lawyer said. "They said they want him for questioning," lawyer Charles Nyika told AFP a few hours after Mugabe's warning. - 'I will continue' - Earlier this month, many offices, shops and some government departments closed for a one-day nationwide strike to protest over the country's economic collapse -- worsened by a severe drought. Mugabe on Wednesday also repeated his accusations that western countries were fuelling opposition against him. "The foreign embassies in the country that are interfering with our politics... I want to warn them to desist from it," he said. "(They) try and subvert our system of government." Authorities in Zimbabwe have alleged the French and US envoys support the popular "ThisFlag" protest movement, named after the hashtag first adopted by Mawarire. Mugabe's audience on Wednesday was made up of party loyalists, some of them waving the party flag and wearing party regalia displaying his portrait. "There is one centre of power and that is Comrade President Mugabe. (He) should rule until death," Dickson Mafios, a provincial party chairman, told the crowd. Mugabe, who is increasingly fragile, has vowed to stand for re-election in 2018, though party seniors have long been jockeying to step into the role when he dies. "As long as the party still wants me to serve and if I still have the energy and still have the life and the blessings of God, I will continue," he said. Mugabe's wife Grace and vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa are among the possible successors of the world's oldest president.
Zoho came out with four announcements today. Among them is the launch of SalesInbox. Zoho calls it the first email client just for salespeople. SalesInbox prioritizes customer conversations, instead of displaying emails strictly in chronological order.

Also announced were upgrades to Zohos popular CRM system, as well as an expansion into the European market.

But perhaps the most broad ranging news from a strategic perspective is the launch of the Zoho Marketplace and Zoho Developers Program. In the Marketplace Zoho users will be able to buy extensions and custom-built applications to expand the capabilities of Zoho products, customize them for vertical markets, and integrate with other third-party software a company uses. And developers who create these applications can sell them commission-free in the Zoho Marketplace.

Zoho has been quietly and steadily growing since its founding two decades ago. Zoho now has 20 million users across its 30+ products. The company, based in Chennai, India but with a U.S. operations headquarters in Silicon Valley, has offices in Austin, China and Japan, and has over 4,000 employees.

Zoho made todays announcements against the backdrop of rolling out a wider strategy to penetrate more deeply into the midmarket. CEO Sridhar Vembu said during a recent analyst presentation that Zoho will continue to provide offerings to small businesses, while expanding its footprint among larger customers.

Heres a breakdown of the announcement details:

Zoho SalesInbox: First Email Client for Sales

Zoho SalesInbox uses customer data from Zoho CRM or Salesforce to organize emails automatically according to their importance. This organization enables salespeople to prioritize and focus on critical customer and deal-related communications, says the company. It works with Gmail, Microsoft Exchange, Yahoo Mail, Zoho Mail and other email hosting services.

Email clients have been horizontal for the last few decades  its the same email client for sales, marketing, accountants, consumers and families, said Raju Vegesna, chief evangelist at Zoho, in an email to Small Business Trends. For the first time, we are introducing a specialized email client, built from ground up, optimized for sales people.

He added, Email and CRM are the two pieces of software most critical for salespeople. Up to now, they havent worked together well. SalesInbox solves that problem.

Product highlights include:

Hands-free email prioritization and organization. SalesInbox uses a multi-column layout to organize incoming emails automatically based on the information stored in the users CRM account, so salespeople can easily spot messages that require immediate attention. The platform also allows them to sort emails by several criteria, including lead source and associated customer value.

Full context in every email. Salespeople can view a timeline of previous conversations with an individual contact, and see the size of their current and past deals, overdue tasks, missed calls, support tickets, social media mentions and other relevant information  all within the email client.

CRM updates right from the inbox. Instead of logging into the CRM, salespeople can now take customer- and sales-related actions right from their inbox. When an email comes in from an interested lead, the salesperson can simply drag and drop the email from one column to another, the announcement says.

Reminders and Response Watch. Salespeople can set a time limit by which they can expect to hear back from customers or prospects whenever they send an email. SalesInbox monitors incoming email using the Response Watch feature, If it doesnt detect a reply during the time specified, it lets the user know so they can follow-up.

Mobile client integration. Zoho CRM users can configure SalesInbox on their iOS and Android devices and map it to all popular email services, including Zoho Mail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail and Outlook.

Better email feedback. When integrated with Zoho CRM, users can receive reports on how well the emails they send are working. They can also see statistics about which email templates perform best and receive detailed metrics on how many emails have been opened, read or clicked through.

SalesInbox is currently available by request for all Zoho Enterprise customers and Salesforce users. It is free of charge for Zoho CRM Enterprise subscribers and $15 per user per month for Salesforce users.

However, Vegesna told Small Business Trends that any salesperson from any size organization could use it.

We include it by default for Zoho CRMs Enterprise Edition users, he said. Users of other editions can purchase SalesInbox separately. Similarly, we are launching SalesInbox for Salesforce as well, with no restrictions on business size.

Zoho Developer, Marketplace Help Create Partner Program

Zoho Developer is a program that provides independent software vendors (ISVs) and application developers with the tools and resources needed to create extensions and build custom applications, which are then sold via the Zoho Marketplace to Zoho users.

With Zoho Marketplace and Zoho Developer, Zoho evolves from a product suite into a platform, Vegesna said in the announcement. On one hand, Zoho Marketplace empowers our customers with tools, extensions and applications that complement their Zoho products so they can focus on their business. On the other, Zoho Developer gives ISVs and software developers a platform to develop solutions and access to Zohos vast user base, to whom they can sell these solutions.

Some of Zohos major partners for Zoho Marketplace include:

Zendesk, the customer service platform provider;

Eventbrite, the worlds largest self-service ticketing platform;

SurveyMonkey, the worlds leading survey platform.

For more information on the Zoho Marketplace, visit marketplace.zoho.com. To create extensions using Zoho Developer, visit developer.zoho.com.

See Also: Secrets for Using Digital Marketing to Drive More Inbound Sales Calls

Zoho CRM Updated to Reduce Friction

Zoho CRM is the industrys first multichannel customer relationship management software, says the announcement.

The platform builds on Zohos current CRM application and supports email, social media, live chat and phone communications, enabling salespeople to engage with customers and prospects across a range of channels.

Zoho has simplified the user interface to reduce friction in the sales process and help move prospects through the pipeline. Salespeople can see their customers historical data and interactions with their team all in one place, and view any upcoming assigned action items as well.

Today, every progressive sales team needs a CRM that connects with customers and prospects regardless of their preferred communication channel, Vegesna said in the announcement. Our aim with this release of Zoho CRM is to provide the multichannel support that connects salespeople, prospects and customers and provides the usability enhancements that close more deals.

Gamescope, a feature also being used with Zoho Projects, incorporates gamification techniques to let sales managers created contests and invite sales staff to play a game for a friendly wager. Sales activities, such as making calls and closing deals, permit employees to win points, trophies and badges.

The new version of Zoho CRM is available now and keeps the same pricing structure as the earlier version. It is free for up to 10 users. Paid plans begin at $12 per user per month.

Zoho Expands Footprint in Europe with New Data Centers, Website

Finally, Zoho has opened two data centers in Europe  one in Amsterdam and another in Dublin  to ensure that the data of its European customers stays within the continent, says the announcement.

Zoho has always been committed to protecting the privacy of its users and their right to use our products without intrusion, said Raj Sabhlok, President, Zoho Corp in the announcement. With these data centers, all the information that our European users trust us with will be stored securely within the borders of the continent.

Zoho also launched www.zoho.eu, to cater exclusively to the growing European customer base.
It doesnt matter how great a deal you got on your last business smartphone, theres one company that almost certainly has it beat.

How much would you pay for a phone with the following specs?

6-inch display with a 1,9201,080-pixel resolution

Octa-core Snapdragon 617 processor

13-megapixel rear camera

5-megapixel front camera

2GB of RAM

32GB of storage

MicroSD card slot

3,400 mAh battery

Rear fingerprint sensor

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software

USB Type-C

For most people the answer would probably be $300 or more. But ZTE has priced the ZMax Pro, which by the way has all these specs, so low it has many of the leading tech publishers online singing the companys praises.

So how much is the ZTE ZMax Pro? The answer is $99. Yes, this feature packed phone is less than $100.

The company is known for manufacturing budget phones, but it also has high-end products, such as the Axon 7, which can go toe-to-toe with the leading flagship phones of global brands. So the question has to be asked, why is ZTE pricing a phone with these specs so low? Market saturation is the most obvious answer, because high-end phones are beginning to have a harder time selling than in a saturated market.

According to Gartner, Apple had its first double-digit decline year on year, with iPhone sales down 14 percent in Q1 of 2016, and Samsung also saw a decline, although it wasnt as dramatic. As for low-cost Chinese brands like ZTE, they are experiencing a boon as consumers look for high-quality phones that are more affordable.

The ZMax Pro fits a Small Business Needs, and Budget

For small businesses looking to give their employees company phones, the ZMax Pro has come at the right time. This phone has all the features a business needs to chat, text and video conference by bringing everyone together no matter where they are. The 13 MP camera, HD audio, VoLTE, 3,400mAh battery, 32GB of storage and microSD all means they will be able to communicate across all channels while capturing and storing rich media.

As many of the reviewers of the ZTE Zmax Pro have said, there is not a phone out there with these specs anywhere for $99. Whether you are a consumer or a business, this represents an option if you are in the market for a smartphone/phablet at a budget price.

The Zmax Pro is only going to be available through MetroPCS, and you can pre-register to get one here.
Networks and Public Safety

Police Get Secure WiFi Access at 3 Iowa Schools

The Iowa Department of Public Safety has launched a program that allows the states law enforcement officers to park their patrol cars outside schools and access secure, high-speed WiFi Internet service.

Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Roxann Ryan announced the pilot project for the service, dubbed WISE, at a news conference this week. WISE stands for WiFi Internet for School Emergencies. Officials are working on the project with three WiFi equipment vendors  Aruba, Cisco and Fortinet.

The service will be secure and offer bandwidth of up to 100 Mbps for emergency and non-emergency situations. The Marshalltown, Norwalk and Martensdale school districts will be the first to offer the service, the Des Moines Register reported. Officials hope to eventually expand the initiative statewide, the Register said.

The service will be available to law enforcement and other emergency responders to assist with incidents at schools, Ryan said. However, officers on routine patrol will also be able to stop at schools and use the high-speed WiFi service to transmit routine law enforcement reports and to download information. In addition, officers will be able to view school surveillance cameras at school districts that have Internet-based surveillance systems before they arrive at a scene.

We will be able to communicate far better in emergencies as a result of that good connection, Ryan said during the news conference.

The service will utilize the Iowa Communications Network, a broadband carrier network that already links Iowa schools, National Guard armories, government offices, public safety agencies and healthcare sectors.

No costs are anticipated to school districts that are assisting with the pilot project, the Register said. Officials anticipate the expenses for implementing the service will be relatively low.

The system is being designed with security features so that only authorized personnel can access it. We are confident as we can be that computer hackers cannot access the system, Ryan said.

The Iowa system is being built as a simulation of the FirstNet network, a national program focused on creating a private LTE wireless network dedicated to law enforcement and public safety use. However, the WISE project will not use LTE wireless networks, the Register said.
- Six students from different schools gave the major reasons of why there are many fire incidents being reported in Kenyan high schools

- The reasons were mock examinations and unfair treatment by school management

- They also explained how such incidents could be prevented in the future

Students from six schools revealed why high school properties in Kenya are being burned down.

Justus Maina, a form four student at Aguthi Secondary School said that the cause for school fires was the extension of the school term and mock examinations.

Shule ya Meru iliyoteketezwa

READ ALSO: Woman says God has told her the cause of school fires, and the solution

According to a student from Meru county, mocks are also the main reason behind school fires.

Dormitory at St. Patricks High School in Iten goes up in flames Photo/Standard

A North Rift student, however, revealed that his school was burned down earlier this week was the new academic curriculum they could not comprehend.

READ ALSO: Former education PS Ole Kiyiapi gives Uhuru solution to school fires

A St Francis Boys Kimuron in Keiyo North student who had been arrested after an arson attempt at the school said that the administration was part of the problem because they favour students over each other.

A student from Kilibwoni Secondary School said that the cause for their unrest was their ill preparation for the mock examinations.

Langata High School was set on fire over the weekend.

READ ALSO: Letter: Dear students, this is the gloomy life that awaits you out there

In the months of June and July 2016, over 115 secondary schools have experienced fire incidents.

Most of the schools were burned by students except for a handful where it was alleged the school administration was involved.

The blame for the unrest in secondary schools has seen blame being shifted between the education ministry, teachers and parents.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Health officials in the Central American nation of Honduras on Tuesday reported eight cases of newborns with microcephaly born to women who were infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy. Honduran Health Minister Yolani Batres told reporters six of the cases of microcephaly were in the south of Honduras, one near the border with El Salvador and two more in the capital. Two other cases had been previously reported in Honduras. Honduras has reported almost 28,000 Zika infections, including 493 pregnant women. U.S. health officials have concluded that Zika infections in pregnant women can cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size that can lead to severe developmental problems in babies. The World Health Organization has said there is strong scientific consensus that Zika can also cause Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological syndrome that causes temporary paralysis in adults. The connection between Zika and microcephaly first came to light last fall in Brazil, which has now confirmed more than 1,600 cases of microcephaly that it considers to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. (Reporting by Gustavo Palencia; Editing by Bernard Orr)
Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Showers and thundershowers likely. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 66F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Arbor Investments has paid tribute to its co-founder and former vice chairman Joseph P. Campolo following his death after a battle with brain cancer.
YEREVAN, JULY 27, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Ombudsman is concerned over reports on paramedics being held hostage in the seized Police precinct.

The Ombudsmans office issued an announcement, which reads:

Any attempt of aggression against medical personnel is reprehensible. Doctors are carrying out a high humanitarian mission of saving human lives. This mission is subject to unconditional protection by all international requirements, without any exception.
YEREVAN, JULY 27, ARMENPRESS. Armenian MP Nikol Pashinyan suggests convening an extraordinary session in Parliament to discuss the situation over the seized Police precinct.

Pashinyan told reporters he has initiated a petition signing. At least 44 lawmakers must sign the petition for the session to be convened.

According to him, so far the petition was signed by Heritage faction MP Tevan Poghosyan, and independent MP Alexan Arzumanyan expressed desire to join.

Pashinyan suggests convening the session on July 28 at 17:00.

Arsen Babayan  head of the Public Relations and Mass Media department of the Parliament- told ARMENPRESS that according to Regulation laws, an extraordinary session can be convened if it is initiated by the President of Armenia, the Government or the 1/3 of lawmakers.
YEREVAN, JULY 27, ARMENPRESS. The National Security Service of Armenia is regularly demanding the gunmen who have seized the police precinct to surrender and lay down their weapons. The demands are regular and are presented in different ways.

Ashot Aharonyan  Head of the Public Relations and Press Service of the Police  wrote on Facebook by noting that the demands are carried out in order for each of the gunmen to have access to the nature of the demands, the process of surrender and legal consequences.
YEREVAN, JULY 27, ARMENPRESS. One paramedic has been released by the gunmen from the Police precinct, the Healthcare Ministry told ARMENPRESS.

The Ministry said they cannot say who exactly was released yet.

Earlier it was reported that two people are wounded in the police precinct. Law enforcement agencies urged the gunmen to let paramedics assist them, but were refused. Relatives of the gunmen also urged to hospitalize the wounded gunmen.

Later the gunmen demanded a doctor, stating the condition of the wounded people is serious, and later held the paramedics hostage after their arrival.

Among the medical personnel were  Norayr Tevanyan, Salvador Khechoyan, Davit Tonoyan and Malina Margaryan.

Law enforcement agencies are taking measures to release the hostages via negotiations.

Paramedics have suggested to hospitalize the wounded gunmen, however were refused.

The gunmen demanded Healthcare Minister to arrive at the scene and organize surgery at the precinct.
Modified On Jul 28, 2016 03:06 PM By Tushar for Aston Martin DB9

We tip our hats in respect as the timeless grand tourer rolls out of the factory for the last time. The Aston Martin DB9 has arrived at the end of its production run, 13 years after it made its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. Through its life, the DB9 has seen Aston Martin go through the Ford ownership era and the car has gone on to become the base for models like the Vanquish, DBS and Rapide.

The DB9 was the first car to be built at Aston Martins Gaydon plant and it was also the first car to ever use the bonded and riveted VH aluminium platform that went on to underpin the DBS, Vantage, Virage, Rapide and Vanquish. To power the car, the British automaker used a reworked version of the DB7s engine.

Trivia: Chronologically, the DB8 would follow the DB7, but Aston Martin chose the name DB9 to avoid the perception that the new car was powered by a V8 engine.

The outgoing generation of the DB9 is powered by a 6.0-litre, naturally-aspirated V12 engine that produces 517PS of power at 6,500rpm and 620Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. While the output figures are tantalizing, the DB9 has shown its age, with hot hatches like the Ford Focus RS nearly matching its 0-100kmph time of 4.6 seconds.

The DB9 had a lot of firsts from Aston Martin and its successor, the DB11, is no different. The Geneva Motor Show debutant and 9th generation DB model will be the first turbocharged Aston Martin ever as it employs an all-new, front-mid mounted 5.2-litre V12 that produces 608PS of power at 6,500rpm and 700Nm of torque at 1,500rpm. This makes it the most powerful DB model ever produced, with a claimed 0-100kmph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 322kmph.

As any other manufacturer does, Aston Martin has to move with the times and replace ageing products to make way for more advanced alternatives. However, the DB9 will go down in history as one of the all-time classics and if you are a deep-pocketed collector, it may be wise to pick one up. Well settle for a scale model!

Read More on : Aston Martin DB9
Published On Jul 28, 2016 By CarDekho for Skoda Kodiaq 2018-2020

With the Skoda Kodiaq making a lot of headlines of late, we were looking forward to experiencing the SUV in the flesh. Well, looks like our prayers have just been answered, but partially. Ahead of its official unveiling at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in September, we had the chance to be among a select few to preview the car at Skodas manufacturing plant in the Czech city of Mlada Boleslav.

We have to keep in mind though that the car we got to see was a preproduction unit and some of the parts, especially in the cabin, were not up to production car quality. What you must also know is that all our camera equipment, including even our cellphones, were sealed so we won't be able to share any exclusive images from this event.

Coming back to the car, it will be the first Skoda product to be based on the manufacturers new design language. It closely resembles the Vision S concept car that was showcased earlier. The Kodiaq appears more mature and butch, which should appeal to the vast community of our SUV crazy countrymen. It has good proportions and has that confident stance that give SUVs an edge over similarly priced sedans.

The 4.7m-long SUV is based on the parent companys MQB platform and at 1,882mm, it is rather wide and has a wheelbase of 2,791mm (about 100mm more than the Octavia). With three rows of seating, the Skoda Kodiaq SUV should easily accommodate 7 people (unlike the Vision S which was shown as a 6-seater).

Unlike the unusual combination of circular and rectangular headlights on the Yeti, the Kodiaq gets sleeker headlights which resemble the Skoda Superb. You get the option of LED head- and tail-lights and both have a hint of Skoda's newfound liking of crystal-like effects. After all, the Czech Republic is renowned for its crystal artworks.

The side has one prominent line running from the bonnet to the tail-lights. The sharp propeller type 20-inch alloy wheels and low profile (235/45 20) tyres enhance the appeal of the Kodiaq but we feel that India might get smaller 18- or 19-inch wheels with less appealing alloys.

On the inside, the new dashboard looks plush enough for the cars price. Not surprisingly, the cabin is roomy, looks comfortable and attention to detail is good. There are some plastic parts in the lower part of the cabin which were not up to the mark but, hopefully, these will be ironed out in the production version of the car.

The 7-seater with all the seats up offers 270-litres of storage; with the third row folded you get 630-litres and with both the second and third row toppled down it carves out a neat 2005-litres!

Good support is offered in the front seats while there is no shortage of room in the second row either. The third row though is suited only for shorter journeys or for children and could prove to be the cars Achilles Heel in the face of competition.

In terms of features, the car has six all-new offerings for this segment including the door edge protection that prevents the front and rear doors from being damaged in congested car parking lots. Electric door child safety and cosy head rests in the Sleep Comfort package are among other notable features.

An overload of technology has led to in-car Wi-Fi and SmartLink system with everything you can ask for including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and even MirrorLink. If your smartphone has the option, then you can also use the PhoneBox which charges phones wirelessly.

The car, however, was only for display and we couldnt get behind the wheel of the Kodiaq. For all we know now, the car will come with the following powertrain options internationally:

- Petrol 1.4-litre TSI producing 125PS and 200Nm with front wheel drive (FWD) and 6-speed manual gearbox.

- Petrol 1.4-litre TSI producing 150PS and 250 Nm with option of FWD and 4x4 with DSG gearbox.

- Petrol 2.0-litre TSI producing 180PS AND 320 Nm with 4x4 and DSG gearbox.

- Diesel 2.0-litre TDI producing 150PS and 340Nm with option of FWD and 4x4, and 6-speed manual or DSG gearbox.

- Diesel 2.0-litre TDI producing 190PS and 400Nm with 4x4 and DSG gearbox.

Skoda has clearly stated that the Kodiaq is not being positioned as a hardcore off-roader but it does have an Off-Road mode if you do decide to set off on a mild adventure. At the touch of a button the Kodiaq can be set up from a city commuter to a fairly capable adventure machine.

Summing things up, the Skoda Kodiaq lives up to its billing in terms of its European build and ride quality. Despite neither being a proper off roader nor a car with proper third-row seating, the SUV definitely exudes a premium feel. And for the expected price tag of under Rs 30 lakh, the Kodiaq looks like a winner when it comes to features and technology.
Mercedes-Benz has agreed to pull a TV commercial for the "Drive Pilot" feature on its redesigned 2017 E-class cars after safety advocates said the ad could mislead consumers into thinking the feature was a fully autonomous driving system. The advocates also assailed federal safety regulators for "rushing full speed ahead" to put self-driving cars on the road without adequate safeguards.

The optional drive-assist feature includes advanced adaptive cruise control and automated steering that allows the sedan to follow traffic and stay in its lane at speeds of up to 130 mph.

Mercedes said late Thursday that it would take the ad out of rotation, saying it did "not want any potential confusion in the marketplace to detract from the giant step forward in vehicle safety the 2017 E class represents.

The Mercedes decision followed a letter to FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez from safety advocates who said the sedan did not meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations definition of a fully or partially self-driving car.

Yet the E-class is marketed in a way that a reasonable consumer would believe it does, the advocates said, adding the commercial could give a false sense of security in the ability of the car to operate autonomously, said the letter from officials of Consumer Reports, the Center for Auto Safety, the Consumer Federation of America, and by former NHTSA administrator Joan Claybrook.

Tesla drops camera supplier

Automated driving systems have been under scrutiny in recent weeks after a series of accidents blamed at least partly on the systems. In the most serious, the driver of a Tesla was killed when his car, while operating on Autopilot, crashed into the side of a tractor trailer truck on May 7.

Tesla now says it will stop using cameras manufactured by Mobileye, the company that made the camera used in the fatal Tesla crash. Both companies acknowledged the split and each gave the impression it had made the decision. Mobileye implied it had not had any input into how Tesla was using the camera.

I think in a partnership, we need to be there on all aspects of how the technology is being used, and not simply providing technology and not being in control of how it is being used, Mobileye CTO Amnon Shashua said in an earnings call with investment analysts, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

What's the rush?

The auto safety advocates also berated National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) Administrator Mark Rosekind in a letter, saying he was "inexcusably ... rushing full speed ahead" to promote the deployment of self-driving robot car technology instead of developing adequate safety standards "crucial to ensuring imperfect technologies do not kill people by being introduced into vehicles before the technology matures."

The letter was in response to Rosekind's recent assertion that NHTSA cannot "stand idly by while we wait for the perfect" before self-driving robot car technologies are deployed.

"This is a false dichotomy," the advocates wrote. "The question is not whether autonomous technology must be perfect before it hits the road, but whether safety regulators should allow demonstrably dangerous technology with no minimum safety performance standards in place, to be deployed on American highways."

The letter charged that Teslas Autopilot "could not tell the difference between a white truck and a bright sky or between a big truck and a high mounted road sign." It said Tesla "apparently knew of the defect, yet still released autopilot in beta mode and turned its customers into human guinea pigs."

The safety advocates charged that Rosekind and his colleagues at NHTSA "have become giddy advocates of selfdriving cars, instead of sober safety regulators tasked with ensuring that new systems dont kill people. Instead of seeking a recall of Teslas flawed technology, you inexcusably are rushing full speed ahead."
A new study conducted by researchers from the University of California at San Diego found yet another health risk associated with smoking e-cigarettes.

According to their findings, consumers who vape are increasingly more susceptible to a condition known as leaky gut. This happens when holes have developed in the gut lining that bacteria can leak through, which can ultimately cause inflammation throughout the entire body.

This is the first study that demonstrates how chronic exposure to e-cigarettes increases the guts susceptibility to bacterial infections, leading to chronic inflammation, and other health concerns, said researcher Soumita Das, PhD. Given the importance of the gut barrier in the maintenance of the bodys immune homeostasis, the findings provide valuable insight into the potential long-term harmful effects chronic use of e-cigarettes [has] on our health.

Risks to gut health

To better understand how gut health is impacted by e-cigarettes, the researchers created 3D models of the human intestinal system using stem cells. They then used the models to mimic the process of smoking an e-cigarette and analyzed the effects of smoking on the models gut reaction.

The researchers found that chemical additives used in e-cigarettes -- specifically propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol -- are responsible for damage to the intestines. Ultimately, these chemicals damage the guts protective barrier, which is what initiates gut inflammation.

While this is concerning for overall gut health, the researchers explained that it can also have greater complications for consumers immune systems. Once these chemicals break through the intestines, they have direct access to the immune system, which can make consumers more susceptible to infections.

The safety of e-cigarettes has been debated fiercely on both sides, said researcher Dr. Pradipta Ghosh. Nicotine content, and its addictive nature, has always been the major focus of those who argue against its safety, whereas lack of chemicals in the carcinogens that are present in the cigarette smoke has been touted by the makers of e-cigarettes when marketing these products as a healthy alternative. In reality, its the chemicals making up the vapor liquid that we should be more concerned about as they are the cause of gut inflammation.

Though vaping rates have declined in recent months -- especially for young people -- the researchers hope that consumers understand the severity of the long-term risks associated with smoking e-cigarettes.

The gut lining is an amazing entity, said researcher Dr. Ghosh. It is comprised of a single layer of cells that are meant to seal the body from trillions of microbes, defend our immune system, and at the same time allow absorption of essential nutrients. Anything we eat or drink, our lifestyle choices in other words, has the ability to impact our gut microbes, the gut barrier, and overall health. Now we know that what we smoke, such as e-cigarettes, negatively impacts it as well.
Two reports published Thursday by progressive think tanks back a financial transactions tax (FTT), arguing that such a tax on trades could make the financial sector more helpful to all Americans.

If the tax is dedicated to funding higher education, as some have suggested, this would amount to transferring resources from the financial sector to the education sector, Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, wrote in a report published by The Century Foundation. This is likely to be a far more productive use of those resources.

Similarly, a report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) argues that through generating tax revenues, decreasing the fees Americans pay on their investments, and shrinking unproductive parts of the financial sector, an FTT would help Wall Street work for Main Street.

The papers were released after the Democratic Party adopted a platform endorsing a FTT to curb excessive speculation and high-frequency trading. The platform also states that there is room for Democrats to have varying views on a broader FTT.

During the Democratic primary, Bernie Sanders supported a broad FTT to pay for free tuition at public colleges, and Hillary Clinton backed a tax on high-frequency trading. And earlier this month, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) introduced legislation that would tax most trades at a rate of 0.03 percent.

Baker said that an FTT could raise more than $105 billion a year and said that the full amount of the tax would be borne by the financial industry rather than individual stock holders.
The board of directors of the $33.7 billion State Employees Credit Union appointed Michael J. Lord at its new president/CEO Wednesday.

He succeeds SECU President/CEO Jim Blaine who announced his retirement in May after 37 years of service.

Lord joined the Raleigh, N.C.-based SECU in 1975 and served as its CFO since 1986.
If your credit union disappeared today, what would become of your members?

Scott Butterfield, principal at Your Credit Union Partner, posed that question to CUNA Management School students in Madison, Wis., to encourage thoughts about their credit unions relevance.

Chances are, members would take their accounts to another credit union, or even a bank, he says. Thats because financial services are virtual commodities to consumers today.

Now, consider if those members were underserved segments of the population. Members would have to turn to payday lenders for quick-fix loans at exorbitant rates.

For transportation, members might look to buy here, pay here car lots for overpriced, unreliable vehicles at equally untenable loan terms. Members who rely on microenterprise loans to finance small business would be forced to look for low-paying jobs that barely cover expenses.
This daily digest focuses on market sentiment, new developments in Chinas foreign exchange policy, changes in financial market regulations and Chinese-language economic coverage in order to keep DailyFX readers up-to-date on news typically covered only in Chinese-language sources.

- The PBOC fixed the Yuan stronger after the US Federal Reserve held benchmark rate flat.

- Chinas banking regulator responded regarding new rules on Wealth Management Products.

- Semi-annual reports have shown steadily-increasing stock purchases led by the government.

To receive reports from this analyst, sign up for Renee Mu distribution list.

Hexun News: Chinese leading online media of financial news.

- The Chinese Yuan rose to three-week highs on Thursday, after the US Federal Reserve left the benchmark rate unchanged. The initial response to the FOMC decision was a quick bout of USD-strength as the Fed added a slightly less-dovish statement that near-term risks to the economic outlook have diminished. However, only a few minutes after the statement release, the offshore Yuan (USD/CNH) recovered and began trading higher. As of 10:15am EDT on July 28th, the offshore Yuan has strengthened +0.12% to 6.6619. Chinas onshore market was closed when the Fed announced its decision, and upon the open on Thursday the PBOC fixed the onshore Yuan +74 pips or +0.11% stronger against the US Dollar to 6.6597.

- Volatility in Chinese stocks continued to increase on Thursday after major plunges in the previous session, led by fear on tightened restrictions on Wealth Management Products (WMP). The Shanghai Composite Index, Shenzhen Composite Index and the ChiNext Index all corrected slightly in early trading; however, gains were quickly erased following heavy selling beginning round noon in China. In the latter-portion of the session, Chinese equites recovered steadily, likely driven by official support according to local media. The Shanghai Composite Index climbed back to positive territory to close higher by +0.08%, while the Shenzhen Composite Index and ChiNext remained negative, down -0.09% and -0.73% respectively.

The banking regulator responded on July 28th that new rules for Wealth Management Products are in feasibility study and feedback stage. They will revise rules according to the feedback of the first draft and then publish a second draft for another round of review before finalizing the rules. This hints that volatile moves in Chinese equities may impact the regulators decision on the new measures.

Xinhua News: theChinese governments official news agency.

- The news agency issued the fourth commentary on July 28th regarding Chinas economic conditions, following three articles published previously on the topic.

In the fourth piece, the news agency addressed Chinas industrial upgrading progress: Currently, China still face numerous challenges, such as financing difficulties in small- and medium-firms and lacks of protection in intellectual property. This means that it will take a considerable amount of time for China to complete industrial upgrading.

Chinas second quarter GDP came out at 6.7%, slightly better-than-expected. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also revised up Chinas outlook in the near-term. These improved gauges may lead to some optimism on Chinas economy. However, the four commentaries in a row from the government official news agency have revealed on-going difficulties that are not able to be solved in the short-term. Thus, the economy is likely to see continued volatility in the near-term.

- The semi-annual reports of listed companies reveal steady purchases of Chinese shares led by the government. As of July 27th, government-led holdings have been seen in 21 listed companies out of 71 companies that have released their reports. In many of these companies, shares controlled by government-led purchases remained unchanged from the beginning of this year. Last July, China Securities Finance Corporation, approved by the State Council, directly intervened in the equity market during the crisis and set up five funds with 40 billion Yuan each, designated to invest in Chinese stocks. In terms of industries, the five funds have held large shares of manufacturing firms as well as commercial banks.

- Chinese local governments have issued a total amount of 3.77 trillion Yuan of debt as of July 27th, close to the annual issuance of 3.8 trillion Yuan in 2015. As a major portion of fiscal income, the volume of local government debt issued reflects how much the Chinese government wants to support the slowing economy. According to the 2016 fiscal budget, local governments may allow to issue additional 2.5 trillion Yuan over the next five months.

China Finance Information: a finance online media administrated by Xinhua Agency.

- Chinas railway cargo volume in the first half of 2016 dropped -7.5% to 1.58 billion tons. Compared to the first quarter, the decline was narrowed by -1.5%. Railway cargo volume, electricity consumption and new Yuan loans are the three indicators that the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang uses in the effort of getting a more accurate picture of the broader economy. The continued drop in railway cargo volume indicates contractions in manufacturing sectors though they may be less severe than in the first quarter. On the other hand, railway passenger volume increased in the first six month, rising +12.4% to 1.37 trillion. This shows a faster growth in Chinas tertiary industry.

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DEERFIELD, Ohio  When your business plan does well and grows, you look for places to expand. Thats what one local agribusiness is doing  this time in Africa.

John and Jessica Wallbrown, whose family owns Deerfield Farms Service, are planning a new business venture that will include sales and services in Morocco, a small country in the northern end of Africa.

DF-Maroc will operate as a Deerfield Farms-affiliated company, and offer similar agricultural products and services as the U.S. company.

Were putting our passion for agriculture together with our desire to have an opportunity to make a difference in other countries, said John Wallbrown.

The Wallbrowns said its a business venture, with the goal of being profitable, but also helping Moroccan farmers and agribusinesses be more profitable and productive.

Economic development

Theyre working with the Moroccan government and an initiative called the Green Morocco Plan to help bring economic development through agriculture. The Wallbrowns said farmers have a wide range of experience and knowledge in Morocco, with some who are very productive, and some who could improve, if they tried new practices.

They said the challenge Moroccan agriculture faces is a lack of whole-system, one-stop suppliers. Currently, things like seed, fertilizer and crop services are purchased from different individuals, rather than companies that have whole-system expertise.

Adding a new location is always a big decision, especially when its overseas. The Wallbrowns currently offer four U.S. locations, in Deerfield, Louisville and Kinsman, Ohio, and Volant, Pennsylvania. Plus, they farm close to 3,500 acres.

Company history

The company and farm have a history that started in 1959, with Johns parents, Boyd and Joan Wallbrown. The farm started as a corn and hog operation, and grew to include more acres, and all the major retail and crop services of a modern grain company.

John and Jessica are planning several trips to France and Morocco over the next year, as they get closer to opening in Morocco. John has resigned his position at Deerfield Farms Service, but his brother, Bill, will continue as CEO, and his sister, Beth Padisak, will continue to operate their U.S. locations. Despite rumors, there are no plans to sell or close anything.

Were still running strong, and because were running strong, were able to do something like this, Jessica said.

Getting started

The Wallbrowns hope to improve their knowledge of the French language over the next year, before they begin selling and servicing Moroccan farmers, in about a years time. French and Arabic are the main languages in Morocco.

Jessica said its not a mission trip, but is a way of living out some important things she and her husband believe in.

There are hungry people in other places and we just felt burdened that we needed to take what has worked for us and help that to prosper and feed others, she said.

Morocco is a mostly Muslim nation, and the Wallbrowns said it is peaceful, with a lot of hospitality. They said the Moroccans rely on their citizens to report suspicious activity, driven in part by monetary incentives for providing information.

John and Jessica are public with their own Christian faith, but will be focusing their efforts in Morocco on running a good business. In doing so, they hope to offer the Moroccans the same values and customer service theyve been offering in the U.S.

Its no different than living our faith here, Jessica said.

Services offered

They plan to offer Moroccans small producer loans, to help farmers adopt new and better practices, and have received funds from the Damascus Friends Church, and the Old North Church in Canfield, to be used for the loans.

They also plan to offer wheat seed, fertilizer and crop protection services. The Wallbrowns said Moroccan farmers grow a variety of crops, including fruits and vegetables, but they plan to focus their new business on field crops.

Theyre also pursuing an opportunity to connect U.S. exports of wheat and corn, to agribusinesses and milling locations within Morocco. This could benefit both U.S. growers, and Moroccan grain importers. And, they hope to import used farm equipment into Morocco.

Long-term decision

The Wallbrowns have considered this decision for about five years. In the past, theyve completed some successful projects through the Farmer-to-Farmer program, a farm exchange program operated through the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Theyve also worked closely with the U.S. Wheat Associates, and various Ohio and national partners, to explore the Moroccan project. And theyre working with the U.S. Department of Commerce, on a voluntary basis.

John and Jessica have three adult daughters: Lauren, Cassy and Lydia. They said their daughters are supportive, but added the move will take some getting used to.

Relocating

The Wallbrowns hope to eventually live in the Casablanca region, where theyll also operate a farm  a 300- to 400-acre operation  that will serve as a demonstration site to show locals how the different farming practices and farm products work.

The Wallbrowns plan to operate from their own facility in Morocco, with the potential of putting up a new building, but they plan to lease at first, because farmland in Morocco can be owned only by Moroccans.

Both admit that its a big project, and one that has taken a lot of time to prepare. But they want to do it right, and position themselves for many years of business.

We want to do this well, Jessica said. We want to be an invited guest.
Introduction

Now available: the 2016Q2 model of the FreeBSD Project Status Report!

This quarter brings several exciting improvements over previous models. We have enhancements from different teams, new features like robust mutexes and support for full disk encryption with GELI. You'll find expanded graphics support, both at the chipset and window manager levels, and ongoing development in many pending features.

Perhaps most exciting, under the hood you'll find a brand-new Core Team.

Don't wait. Take FreeBSD for a spin today.

aMichael W. Lucas

Please submit status reports for the third quarter of 2016 by October 7.

Contact: IRC Admin Team <irc@FreeBSD.org>

Contact: Kubilay Kocak <koobs@FreeBSD.org>

Contact: Eitan Adler <eadler@FreeBSD.org>

The FreeBSD IRC Admin team manages the FreeBSD Project's IRC presence on the freenode IRC network, looking after:

Registrations and ongoing management of channels within the official namespace ( #freebsd* ).

). Liaising with freenode staff.

Allocating freebsd hostmask cloaks for users.

General user support.

In order to facilitate a constructive and positive environment for all members of the FreeBSD community, IRC Admin over the past 3-9 months has established and consolidated a consistent baseline with respect to the management of its channels on freenode. This report is a summary of what has happened so far and things to come.

These activities were completed over the last few quarters:

Registered FreeBSD Group Contacts (GC) with freenode staff. For information on what this means, see the group registration page.

Created a FreeBSD NickServ account to assign as primary owner/founder of the #freebsd* namespace channels.

namespace channels. The primary channels are owned/founded by a generic FreeBSD account that is owned and managed by the FreeBSD Project.

Created the Services::IRC component in Bugzilla for change requests and issue reports.

component in Bugzilla for change requests and issue reports. Obtained a report of all registered freenode channels matching the #freebsd* namespace and assessed the list for current ownership and activity status.

namespace and assessed the list for current ownership and activity status. Assigned freebsd/ user cloaks to users requesting them. For more information, see IRC Cloaks.

user cloaks to users requesting them. For more information, see IRC Cloaks. Obtained a report on all nicknames and accounts with existing freebsd/* user cloaks.

user cloaks. Liaised with freenode staff on upcoming changes to freebsd channels.

The goals for the next few quarters are to:

Complete the transfer of founder ownership for all #freebsd* channels. Existing channel creators, some of whom are project members and others who are not, will be contacted using known contact information or contact information set in their registered NickServ account, in order to initiate the transfer of the channel to the FreeBSD Project. If the contact information of the existing channel owner cannot be obtained, or if no response is received after a suitable period of time has elapsed, IRC Admin will complete the ownership transfer with freenode staff.

channels. Existing channel creators, some of whom are project members and others who are not, will be contacted using known contact information or contact information set in their registered NickServ account, in order to initiate the transfer of the channel to the FreeBSD Project. If the contact information of the existing channel owner cannot be obtained, or if no response is received after a suitable period of time has elapsed, IRC Admin will complete the ownership transfer with freenode staff. Deregister defunct and inactive #freebsd* channels. Channels which have no visible signs of activity based on last active time or registered owner last seen, have been deprecated by alternative channels, or have no other way of having ownership transferred will be deregistered. For channels where a sunset period may be suitable, a channel topic will be set, and optionally a forwarding channel, informing users of the changes, including support and contact information.

channels. Channels which have no visible signs of activity based on last active time or registered owner last seen, have been deprecated by alternative channels, or have no other way of having ownership transferred will be deregistered. For channels where a sunset period may be suitable, a channel topic will be set, and optionally a forwarding channel, informing users of the changes, including support and contact information. Create and document baseline procedures and guidelines. These include: Community and User Guidelines, a Code of Conduct, Operator and Moderator Guidelines and Expectations, Abuse Reporting and Dispute Resolution Guidelines, and procedures for delegation of channel management.

Standardize and re-create channel access lists. Existing access lists and user permissions for all #freebsd* channels remain in their states prior to FreeBSD Group Registration. Consolidation and reassignment to the FreeBSD Project is needed. In order to ensure a consistent user and community experience in official FreeBSD channels going forward, access lists for all channels will be created from the ground up. Users with existing access to channels may, at the IRC Admin team's discretion, be provided with the opportunity to re-apply for access subject to any conditions, terms, or guidelines that may be appropriate.

channels remain in their states prior to FreeBSD Group Registration. Consolidation and reassignment to the FreeBSD Project is needed. In order to ensure a consistent user and community experience in official FreeBSD channels going forward, access lists for all channels will be created from the ground up. Users with existing access to channels may, at the IRC Admin team's discretion, be provided with the opportunity to re-apply for access subject to any conditions, terms, or guidelines that may be appropriate. Determine the methods for informing project members and the community of future changes to IRC services, procedures, and policies.

Determine methods to designate existing channel founders as channel managers or similar.

Update the channels list on the Wiki to distinguish official and unofficial channels.

Establish consistent modes, entry messages, and topics for all channels.

Users are invited to /join #freebsd-irc on the freenode IRC network. The IRC Admin team welcomes ideas, contructive criticism, and feedback on how the FreeBSD Project can improve the service and experience it provides to the community.

While the vast majority of the broader community interacts on the freenode IRC network, the FreeBSD developer presence there needs to be significantly improved.

There are many opportunities to be had by increasing the amount and quality of interaction between FreeBSD users and developers, both in terms of developers keeping their finger on the pulse of the community and in encouraging and cultivating greater contributions to the Project over the long term.

It is critical to have a strong developer presence amongst users, and IRC Admin would like to call on all developers to join the FreeBSD freenode channels to help support that presence. We are the FreeBSD giants on whose shoulders the future contributors stand. It is important to be there, in force.

Contact: Vladimir Krstulja <vlad-fbsd@acheronmedia.com>

Contact: Kubilay Kocak <koobs@FreeBSD.org>

Contact: Bugmeister <bugmeister@FreeBSD.org>

Since the Triage Team was introduced in the OctoberaDecember 2015 report, it has been working on the following three major aspects of issue triage:

Recruiting and educating more users to assist in issue triage.

Identifying problem areas, especially from the fresh eyes perspective, revealing issues not immediately obvious to contributors with experience.

Proposing changes to improve the issue triage process.

Our efforts have almost exclusively focused on issues in the "Ports & Packages" component as that is the easiest starting point. Other categories like "Base System" require more knowledge and experience with problem content and workflow.

During this time, Rodrigo was inactive due to lack of available time, and Vladimir was unable to commit enough time during the first quarter of the year, but provided active contribution during the second. It became obvious that the Issue Triage Team must concentrate on additional recruitment in the coming quarter.

In the last two quarters, several problems were identified and the formulated solutions will be published on our upcoming Wiki page. A summary of those issues is given here:

Issue triage, defined as "ensure that an issue is summarized, classified, and assigned to appropriate people", is too time consuming. Bugzilla automation through auto-assign helps, but is insufficient. If the triage process is extended to include "track the issue through its entire life to resolution", the time and effort required grows exponentially. Fortunately, there are many things the community can do, with minimum effort, that help greatly. Part of the recruitment and education process is educating users on how to properly treat their own issues and issues they interact with, in order to maximize the efficiency of issue tracking and problem resolution. Various timeouts are inadequate. For example, the maintainer timeout is too long and does not differentiate between classes of issues, such as a non-security and a security timeout. Other timeouts are not covered, such as assignee timeouts, when an issue has been assigned with no follow-up activity. Another example is a timeout where additional information was requested but never provided. We will be recommending several changes and documenting these in our Wiki. Partially as a consequence of inadequate timeouts and inadequate ability to efficiently track issues through their entire lifecycle, a great number of issues are open for too long. We have identified several classes of those issues and will document the solutions to each in the near future. Bugzilla is not perfect and at times it can hinder the ability to properly track issues clearly and accurately, in order to resolve them quickly. However, changing bug tracking software is a tremendous effort, so we will instead recommend technical and workflow improvements in order to improve the user experience as much as possible. For example, we identified additional saved searches to help track and quickly find issue categories and, more importantly, their states. Another example is ensuring that various flags and keywords are unambiguous and well understood. For instance, "patch" and "patch-ready" can often be misunderstood or misapplied. Issue statistics are lacking, and for the next quarter we intend to change that. Statistics help to provide insight into potential bottlenecks and inform the prioritization of improvements to the issue tracker and workflows.

Open tasks:

Recruit more suitable triagers into the team, both committers and community members. Gather and present some interesting statistics for the next report. Set up the Wiki page with identified problems and recommended guidelines and policies. Find common use patterns and add more saved searches to Bugzilla.

Contact: FreeBSDiRelease Engineering Team <re@FreeBSD.org>

The FreeBSD Release Engineering Team is responsible for setting and publishing release schedules for official project releases of FreeBSD, announcing code freezes and maintaining the respective branches, among other things.

The FreeBSD Release Engineering Team completed the 10.3-RELEASE cycle late April, led by Marius Strobl. The release was one week behind the original schedule, to accommodate for a few last-minute critical issues that were essential to fix in the final release.

The FreeBSDi11.0-RELEASE cycle started late May, one month behind the original schedule. The schedule slip was primarily to accommodate efforts for packaging the FreeBSD base system with the pkg(8) utility. However, as work on this progressed, it became apparent that there were too many outstanding issues. As a result, packaged base will be a "beta" feature for 11.0-RELEASE, with the goal of promoting it to a first-class feature in 11.1-RELEASE. It is expected that provisions will be made to ensure a seamless transition from older supported releases.

Despite the fact that packaged base is not going to be a prime feature for FreeBSDi11.0-RELEASE, the Release Engineering Team would like to thank everyone who tested, provided patches, provided ideas and feedback, and in some cases, shot themselves in the foot due to bugs.

This project was sponsored by The FreeBSD Foundation.

Contact: Reni Ladan <portmgr-secretary@FreeBSD.org>

Contact: FreeBSD Ports Management Team <portmgr@FreeBSD.org>

The 2016Q3 branch of the Ports Tree currently contains over 26,100 ports, with the PR count around 2,000. Of those, around 425 are unassigned. The activity dropped somewhat, with 5,300 commits made by 125 active committers. Almost 1,760 PRs were closed in the last quarter.

In the last quarter, we added two new committers: Ben Woods ( woodsb02 ) and Torsten Zihlsdorff ( tz ). No commit bits were taken in for safe keeping.

On the management side, mat took over the role of cluster admin liaison from erwin , who decided to step down from portmgr. rene took over the role of port manager secretary from culot . No other changes were made.

A lot of work was done on modernizing the infrastructure of the Ports Tree, by introducing 6 new USES knobs, one new keyword, and splitting out the larger targets of bsd.port.mk into separate scripts. There were a total of 42 exp-runs to validate these and other infrastructure changes and package updates. Furthermore, checks were added to the quality assurance phase of Poudriere to check for missing indirect dependencies, and advancements were made for reproducable package builds.

Some noticeable package updates are: Firefox 47.0.1, Firefox ESR 45.2.0, Thunderbird 45.1.1, Chromium 51.0.2704.106, Ruby 2.2.5, Ruby Gems 2.6.2, pkg 1.8.6, gmake 4.2.1, KDE 4.14.10, Python 2.7.12, libc++ 3.8.0, and binutils 2.26.

Behind the scenes, antoine made sure that the exp-run- and package builders were kept up-to-date. bdrewery worked on further automating and hardening the package building infrastructure.

During BSDCan, mat worked on various items, including updating the Porter's Handbook, and portmgr held a meeting to discuss various items.

Contact: FreeBSD Core Team <core@FreeBSD.org>

The highlight of Core's second quarter has been the regular biennial election of a new Core team. Core would like to thank Dag-Erling Smirgrav and Glen Barber for running the vote. Despite an initially slow uptake on nominations, fourteen candidates eventually stood, including four incumbent members of core. The ninth FreeBSD Core team will be:

John Baldwin

Baptiste Daroussin

Allan Jude

Ed Maste

Kris Moore

George V. Neville-Neil

Benedict Reuschling

Benno Rice

Hiroki Sato

The new Core Team would like to thank the departing members for their many years of service. Members stepping down are:

Gavin Atkinson

Gleb Smirnoff

David Chisnall

Robert Watson

Peter Wemm

The second most notable achievement this quarter was the successful conclusion of an issue that had been on Core's agenda for many years. With the creation of planet.FreeBSD.org, the FreeBSD Project finally has an official blog aggregation service.

Core spent a significant amount of time reviewing licensing and ensuring that the FreeBSD source remains unencumbered by onerous license terms. This quarter involved approving Adrian Chadd's plan to import GPLv2 licensed code, allowing bwn(4) to be built as a loadable module with support for 802.11n networking. This required confirmation that the license terms on the latest dummynet AQM patches were acceptable and that its variant on the BSD 2-clause license is suitable for use in the FreeBSD base system.

Core applied for, and received, a project-wide license for the use of the JetBrains static analysis tool suite, at the behest of Mathieu Previot.

Another of Core's important functions is to ensure good relations amongst developers. To that end, members of Core provided oversight over the backing-out of disputed blacklistd -related patches to OpenSSH, and acted to smooth over ruffled tempers.

This quarter saw the usual quota of gentle reminders to avoid intemperate language and other counter-productive behavior. Core had to take immediate action about death threats appearing on some of the mailing lists. The culprit was immediately banned from the mailing lists and reported to their email service provider. That person will be similarly removed should they be identified as having rejoined under a different alias.

Other activities included:

Working with university authorities in an attempt to get documentation certifying that a prospective GSoC student was legally allowed to work on FreeBSD code as a foreigner enrolled at a USA university. This issue was eventually solved by the student returning home for the summer and working from there.

Issuing guidance on policy around forced commits, or trivial changes used as a means of correcting a commit message. In these cases, the correct approach is to revert the commit and re-commit with the correct message. This ensures the continuing usefulness of svn blame .

. Approving a delay to the planned introduction of packaged base and confirming that this did not require any change to the new support policies to be introduced with 11.0-RELEASE.

During this quarter, four new commit bits were awarded and none were taken in. Please welcome Emmanuel Vadot, Landon Fuller, Mike Karels, and Eric Badger as new src committers. Yes, that is the same Mike Karels who was once a member of the CSRG at Berkeley and co-author of The Design and Implementation of the 4.3BSD UNIX Operating System.

Contact: Deb Goodkin <deb@FreeBSDFoundation.org>

The FreeBSD Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the FreeBSD Project and community worldwide. Funding comes from individual and corporate donations and is used to fund and manage development projects, conferences and developer summits, and provide travel grants to FreeBSD developers. The Foundation purchases hardware to improve and maintain FreeBSD infrastructure and publishes FreeBSD white papers and marketing material to promote, educate, and advocate for the FreeBSD Project. The Foundation also represents the FreeBSD Project in executing contracts, license agreements, and other legal arrangements that require a recognized legal entity.

Here are some highlights of what we did to help FreeBSD last quarter:

Fundraising Efforts

Our work is 100% funded by your donations. Our spending budget for 2016 is $1,250,000 and we've raised $265,000 so far. Our Q1-Q2 financial reports will be posted by August 1. As you can see, we need your donations to continue supporting FreeBSD at our current level. Please consider making a donation here: freebsdfoundation.org/donate.

OS Improvements

The Foundation improves FreeBSD by funding software development projects approved through our proposal submission process, and our internal software developer staff members. Two Foundation-funded projects continued last quarter; one project is to improve the stability of the vnet network stack virtualization infrastructure, and the second is phase two of the FreeBSD/arm64 port project.

Foundation staff members were responsible for many changes over the quarter. Kostik Belousov accomplished the following work last quarter: implemented robust mutexes support, as part of ongoing efforts to bring our threading library into POSIX compliance and feature completeness; documented kernel interfaces used by the threading library and produced almost 30 pages of technical text; completed and committed the elimination of the pvh_global_lock from the amd64 pmap, which removed a hot contested lock; and fixed bugs that help keep FreeBSD stable and reliable.

Edward Napierala accomplished the following work last quarter: added filesystem thoughput limits to RCTL; committed iSER initiator support; added support for rerooting into NFS; and added iscsictl -e , which makes it possible to enable and disable iSCSI sessions.

Ed Maste, our Project Development Director, accomplished the following work last quarter: investigated the state of reproducible builds in the ports tree, with some work in progress to address issues; updated the ELF Tool Chain tools with bug fixes and improved handling of malformed input; investigated using lld , the linker from the LLVM family, to link the FreeBSD base system; and reported on and tested patches for issues found. He also managed the arm64 development project and investigated and fixed a number of bugs. Lastly, he imported LLVM's libunwind and prepared it for use in FreeBSD 11, and investigated and reviewed the blacklistd proposal and patches.

George Neville-Neil continued hosting the bi-weekly Transport conference call (notes at https://wiki.FreeBSD.org/TransportProtocols) and the bi-weekly DTrace conference call (notes at https://wiki.FreeBSD.org/DTrace.

Ed continued facilitating the bi-weekly graphics call to coordinate efforts on the i915 driver and other graphics stack work.

Several of these projects are described elsewhere in this quarterly report.

Release Engineering

Foundation employee and release engineer Glen Barber worked closely with Marius Strobl on the 10.3-RELEASE, which was completed in April. Glen also merged the release-pkg branch to 11-CURRENT, though this will be a beta feature for 11.0-RELEASE. Lastly, with the Release Engineering Team, he started the 11.0-RELEASE cycle. Find out more in the Release Engineering Team status entry in this report.

"Getting Started with FreeBSD" Project

We hired a summer intern, with no FreeBSD, Linux, or any command line operating system experience, to figure out on his own how to install and use FreeBSD. He is writing easy-to-follow how-to guides to help make the new user experience straightforward and positive. He's also been submitting bug reports and problems through the appropriate channels. You can check out his first how-to guide at https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/freebsd/how-to-guides/.

FreeBSD Advocacy and Education

A large part of our efforts are dedicated to advocating for the Project. This includes promoting work being done by others with FreeBSD; producing advocacy literature to teach people about FreeBSD and help make the path to starting using FreeBSD or contributing to the Project easier; and attending and getting other FreeBSD contributors to volunteer to run FreeBSD events, staff FreeBSD tables, and give FreeBSD presentations.

Some of the work we did last quarter to support FreeBSD advocacy included: Creating a FreeBSD page on our website to promote FreeBSD derivative projects and showcase FreeBSD users (https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/freebsd/), and promoting FreeBSD research by creating a Research page on our site and conference handout (https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/what-we-do/research/).

We created guidelines and a repository for using the Project and Foundation logos (https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/about/brand-assets/).

To help showcase FreeBSD contributors, we published two new Faces of FreeBSD stories, about Michael Lucas (https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/blog/faces-of-freebsd-2016-michael-lucas/) and Kris Moore https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/blog/faces-of-freebsd-2016-kris-moore/).

We published the March/April and May/June issues of the FreeBSD Journal and participated in editorial board work. Kirk McKusick wrote a feature article on the Fast Filesystem for the March/April issue, and other team members helped review and edit Journal articles.

We also published monthly newsletters to highlight work being done to support FreeBSD, tell you about upcoming events, and provide other information to keep you in the loop on what we're doing to support the FreeBSD Project and community.

George Neville-Neil and Robert Watson continued teaching and developing open source FreeBSD teaching materials at teachbsd.org.

We launched the first Hosting Partner Spotlight to showcase the Project's partnership with NYI (https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/blog/hosting-partner-spotlight-nyi-at-the-heart-of-freebsd/)

We worked with Microsoft to get FreeBSD onto Azure (https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/blog/more-from-the-freebsd-foundation-on-the-projects-partnership-with-microsoft/).

The Foundation was quoted in Cavium's Thunder X2 press release (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cavium-announces-thunderx2-300276536.html

George worked with ARM to coordinate the upcoming ARM Partner Meeting in Cambridge.

Conferences and Events

The FreeBSD Foundation sponsors many conferences, events, and summits around the globe. These events can be BSD-related, open source, or technology events geared towards underrepresented groups.

We support the FreeBSD-focused events to help provide a venue for sharing knowledge, to work together on projects, and to facilitate collaboration between developers and commercial users. This all helps provide a healthy ecosystem. We support the non-FreeBSD events to promote and raise awareness about FreeBSD, to increase the use of FreeBSD in different applications, and to recruit more contributors to the Project.

In April, Benedict Reuschling helped organize and run a hackathon in Essen April 22-24. He then attended the Open Source Datacenter conference in Berlin, with Allan Jude, to give a talk about "Interesting things you can do with ZFS," which highlighted OpenZFS features and how well they work on FreeBSD (https://www.netways.de/index.php?id=3445#c44065).

We promoted FreeBSD at:

Flourish a April 1-2 in Chicago (http://flourishconf.com/2016/)

LFNW a April 23-24 in Bellingham WA (https://www.linuxfestnorthwest.org/2016).

OSCON a May 18-19 in Austin, TX (http://conferences.oreilly.com/oscon/open-source-us

Deb Goodkin and Dru Lavigne attended the Community Leadership Summit in Austin: May 14, 15 (http://www.communityleadershipsummit.com/schedule/)

Deb promoted FreeBSD at USENIX ATC June 22-23 in Denver, CO.

Our team attended BSDCan and the Ottawa Developer Summit. We held our annual board meeting to vote on officers, board members, and work on our strategic planning. Most of us attended the developer/vendor summits. Kirk McKusick presented "A Brief History of the BSD Fast Filesystem" (http://www.bsdcan.org/2016/schedule/events/654.en.html). Ed Maste gave a presentation on "Reproducible Builds in FreeBSD". George helped run the vendor summit.

We sponsored five FreeBSD contributors to attend BSDCan.

Legal/FreeBSD IP

The Foundation owns the FreeBSD trademarks, and it is our responsibility to protect them. We continued to review requests and grant permission to use the trademarks.

FreeBSD Community Engagement

We launched our first Community Survey. The purpose was to get input from the community on why they use FreeBSD, what they'd like to see the Foundation support, and other input to help us determine our direction and how we should support the Project.

Anne Dickison, our Marketing Director, has been overseeing the efforts to rewrite the Project's Code of Conduct to help make this a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community.

Other Stuff We Did

Last quarter we purchased a server to reside at NYI to improve the continuous integration tools within the Project.

We had two face-to-face board meetings last quarter to work on strategic planning and identify areas in the project we should support.

We also held our first ever staff retreat in Boulder, Colorado to give our small team an opportunity to work together in person.

We hired Sabine Percarpio as our Administration Manager. She is helping us manage donations, accounting, travel grant applications, handle questions that come in to the Foundation, and run our organization smoothly.

Contact: Konstantin Belousov <kib@FreeBSD.org>

This is an interim report on the technical state of my work towards ASLR support in the FreeBSD base system.

The proccontrol(1) utility was written to manage and query ASLR enforcement on a per-process basis. It is required for analyzing ASLR failures in specific programs. This utility leverages the procctl(2) interface which was added to the previous version of the patch, with some bug fixes.

With r300792, ASLR settings are reset to system-wide defaults whenever a setuid binary is executed.

The command's syntax is:

proccontrol -m (trace|aslr) [-q] [-s (enable|disable)] [-p pid | command]

with possible arguments

-m (specifies the trace mode to control debugger attachments)

-q (queries the state of the specified mode for the process with the PID specified by the -p option)

-s (toggles the feature on or off for the given process or itself)

If a command is specified, it inherits the applied settings from proccontrol . For instance, to start a build of a program with ASLR disabled, use proccontrol -m aslr -s disable make .

A ports exp-run was done with ASLR tuned up to the most aggressive settings. The results can be found in PR 208580.

Case study: Lisp

SBCL is an interesting case which illustrates several points. It is much smaller than JDK, and its build system is easier to work with. The code provides a very non C-like language runtime which utilizes a lot of corner cases and makes non-standard uses of the VM system, at least from the point of view of a typical C programmer.

SBCL compiles Lisp forms into the machine native code and manages its own arena for objects. The precompiled Lisp runtime is mapped from a core file. SBCL relies on the operating system's C runtime for the initial load of Lisp, and needs a functional libc to issue many system calls, including syscalls, as well as the dynamic loader. The end result is that there are unfixed mmap(2) calls during both startup and runtime, interfering with other MAP_FIXED mmaps . The loading of the core file and the private arenas are hard-coded to exist at fixed addresses.

This happens to work on the default address map, which is not changed often, so the SBCL choices of the base addresses evolved to work. But any significant distortion of the standard map results in SBCL mmap(MAP_FIXED) requests attempting to override memory from other allocators.

FreeBSD uses the MAP_EXCL flag to mmap(2) , which must be used in the form MAP_FIXED|MAP_EXCL to cause mmap(2) to fail if the requested range is already used. I tried to force MAP_FIXED requests from SBCL to implicitly set MAP_EXCL , but this did not go well, since SBCL sometimes pre-allocates regions for later use with MAP_FIXED . So, MAP_EXCL mappings failed, dumping the process into ldb .

On Linux, if it is detected that the kernel is in AS-randomization mode, the initial SBCL runtime sets its personality to non-random and re-execs. This might be a solution for FreeBSD as well, after the ASLR patch is committed, so that the procctl(2) knob is officially available.

SBCL still has issues on Linux, even with re-exec, when more aggressive randomization from the PaX patch is applied, as seen in bug 1523213.

Case study: Emacs

The Emacs build procedure involves loading the temacs image with the compiled Emacs Lisp files and then dumping its memory to create an image with the content preloaded, in order to reduce startup time.

Recent Emacs sources seem to generally avoid MAP_FIXED , except in some situations. When Emacs does use the flag, it carefully checks that the selected region is not busy. In fact, Emacs would benefit from using MAP_EXCL .

I tried several runs of building Emacs and running the dumped binary, but was not able to reproduce any issues. It seems that the code improved enough to tolerate ASLR both in Linux and NetBSD without turning it off.

In my opinion, it is not reasonable to fight the issues in the kernel as most of it is not fixable from the kernel side. The procctl(2) interface and proccontrol(1) utilities provide an override when needed, but are not automated.

Conclusions

The set of ports which cannot be built with ASLR turned on should be limited but fluid. However, exp-runs may not reliably uncover all problems due to randomization, as seen in the Emacs example. In the route to enable ASLR by default (with non-aggressive settings), the ports framework should provide an option like ASLR_UNSAFE=yes which spawns proccontrol -m aslr -s disable make for the build stages of the unsafe port. Users would still need to be aware of proccontrol(1) in order to run the resulting binary or wrapper scripts provided to do so.

A recommended approach is a flag in the ELF binary to mark it as not compatible with non-standard AS layouts. This frees users from having to use proccontrol(1) , but still requires patching the application's build process and upstreaming the changes. This approach is also useful outside the context of ASLR. However, that mechanism is not yet ready, and developing it is a larger work than ASLR itself.

This project was sponsored by The FreeBSD Foundation.

Contact: Willem Jan Withagen <wjw@digiware.nl>

Ceph is a distributed object store and filesystem designed to provide excellent performance, reliability, and scalability. It provides the following features:

Object Storage: Ceph provides seamless access to objects using native language bindings or radosgw , a REST interface that is compatible with applications written for S3 and Swift. Block Storage: Cephas RADOS Block Device (RBD) provides access to block device images that are striped and replicated across the entire storage cluster. File System: Ceph provides a POSIX-compliant network filesystem that aims for high performance, large data storage, and maximum compatibility with legacy applications.

I started looking into Ceph because using HAST with CARP and ggate did not meet my requirements. My primary goal with Ceph is to run a storage cluster of ZFS storage nodes where the clients run bhyve on RBD disks stored in Ceph.

The FreeBSD build process can build most of the tools in Ceph. However, the RBD-dependent items do not work, since FreeBSD does not yet provide RBD support.

Since the last quarterly report, the following progress was made:

Switching to using CMake from Automake results in a much cleaner development environment and better test output. The changes can be found in the wip-wjw-freebsd-cmake branch. The throttling code has been overhauled to prevent live locks. These mainly occur on FreeBSD but also manifest on Linux. A few more tests were fixed. On one occasion, I was able to complete the full test suite without errors.

11-CURRENT is used to compile and build-test Ceph. The Clang toolset needs to be at least version 3.7, as the Clang 3.4 available on stable/10 does not have all of the capabilities required to compile everything.

This setup will get things running for FreeBSD:

Install bash and link to it in /bin (requires root privileges): sudo pkg install bash sudo ln -s /usr/local/bin/bash /bin/bash

Build Ceph: git clone https://github.com/wjwithagen/ceph.git cd ceph git checkout wip-wjw-freebsd-tests ./do_freebsd-cmake.sh --deps

The --deps argument is only needed for the initial installation, to pull in the necessary dependencies; it should be omitted for subsequent builds.

CMake is now used to build Ceph on FreeBSD; the old method using automake is no longer used.

Parts Not Yet Included:

RBD: Rados Block Devices are currently implemented in the Linux kernel, but there used to be a userspace implementation. It is possible that ggated could be used as a template, since it provides some of the same functionality and it has a userspace counterpart.

could be used as a template, since it provides some of the same functionality and it has a userspace counterpart. BlueStore: FreeBSD and Linux have a different AIO API which needs to be bridged. There has been some discussion about aio_cancel not working for all device types in FreeBSD.

not working for all device types in FreeBSD. CephFS: Cython tries to access an internal field in struct dirent , which fails to compile.

, which fails to compile. Tests that verify the correct functionality of these features are also excluded from the test suite.

Tests Not Yet Included:

ceph-detect-init/run-tox.sh : the current implementation does not know anything about FreeBSD's rc system.

: the current implementation does not know anything about FreeBSD's system. Tests that make use of nosetests do not really work since nosetests is not in /usr/bin , and calling /usr/bin/env nosetests does not work on FreeBSD.

do not really work since is not in , and calling does not work on FreeBSD. test/pybind/test_ceph_argparse.py

test/pybind/test_ceph_daemon.py

Open tasks:

The current and foremost task is to get the test suite to complete without errors. Build an automated test platform that will build ceph/master on FreeBSD and report the results back to the Ceph developers. This will increase the maintainability of the FreeBSD side of things, as developers are signaled that they are using Linux-isms that will not compile or run on FreeBSD. Ceph has several projects that support this: Jenkins, teuthology, and palpito. But even a while { compile } loop that reports the build data on a static webpage is a good start. Run integration tests to see if the FreeBSD daemons will work with a Linux Ceph platform. Get the currently excluded Python tests to work. Compile and test the userspace RBD (Rados Block Device). Investigate if an in-kernel RBD device could be developed akin to ggate . Investigate the keystore which currently prevents the building of Cephfs and some other parts. Integrate the FreeBSD /etc/rc.d init scripts in the Ceph stack for testing and for running Ceph on production machines.

Contact: Eric McCorkle <eric@metricspace.net>

The EFI bootloader has undergone considerable refactoring to make more use of the EFI API. The filesystem code in boot1 has been eliminated, and a single codebase for filesystems now serves both boot1 and loader . This codebase is organized around the EFI driver model and it should be possible to export any filesystem implementation as a standalone EFI driver without too much effort.

Both boot1 and loader have been refactored to utilize the EFI_SIMPLE_FILE_SYSTEM interface. In the loader, this is accomplished with a dummy filesystem driver that is just a translation layer between the loader filesystem interface and EFI_SIMPLE_FILE_SYSTEM . A reverse translation layer allows the existing filesystem drivers to function as EFI drivers.

The EFI refactoring by itself exists in a branch on github.

Additionally, GELI support has been added using the EFI refactoring. This allows booting from a GELI-encrypted filesystem. Note that the EFI system partition, which contains boot1 , must be a plaintext msdosfs partition. This patch adds an intake buffer to the crypto framework, which allows injection of keys directly into a loaded kernel, without the need to pass them through arguments or environment variables. This patch only uses the intake buffer for EFI GELI support, as legacy BIOS GELI support still uses environment variables.

EFI GELI support depends on the efize branch.

These patches have been tested and used and should be able to handle use by early adopters. Note that the LOADER_PATH variable has been changed to /boot/loader.tst , to facilitate safe testing.

As this is an encrypted filesystem patch, an error can potentially leave data inaccessible. It is strongly recommended to use the following procedure for testing:

Back up your data! Do not forget to back up your data! Install an EFI shell on the EFI System Partition (ESP). Install the patched boot1 on the ESP to something like /boot/efi/BOOTX64.TST . Install the patched loader to /boot/loader.tst on your machine. Create a GELI partition outside of the normal boot partition. First, try booting /boot/efi/BOOTX64.TST and make sure it properly handles the encrypted partition. Copy a boot environment, including the patched loader, to the encrypted partition. Use the loader prompt to load a kernel from the encrypted partition. Try switching over to an encrypted main partition once everything else is working.

Open tasks:

Testing is needed. The code will need review, and some style(9) normalization must occur before it goes into FreeBSD.

Contact: Konstantin Belousov <kib@FreeBSD.org>

Contact: Ed Maste <emaste@FreeBSD.org>

Now that process-shared locks are implemented for our POSIX threads implementation, libthr , the only major feature lacking for POSIX compliance is robust mutexes. Robust mutexes allow applications to detect, and theoretically recover from, crashes which occur while modifying the shared state. The supported model is to protect shared state by a pthread_mutex , and the crash is detected as thread termination while owning the mutex. A thread might terminate alone, or it could be killed due to the termination of the containing process. As such, the robust attribute is applicable to both process-private and -shared mutexes.

An application must be specifically modified to handle and recover from failures. The pthread_mutex_lock() function may return a new error EOWNERDEAD , which indicates that the previous owner of the lock terminated while still owning the lock. Despite returning this non-zero value, the lock is granted to the caller. In the simplest form, an application may detect the error and refuse to operate until the persistent shared data is recovered, such as by manual reinitialization. More sophisticated applications could try to automatically recover from the condition, in which case pthread_mutex_consistent(3) must be called on the lock before unlocking it. However, such recovery can be considered to be very hard. Still, even the detection of inconsistent shared state is useful, since it avoids further corruption and random faults of the affected application.

It is curious but not unexpected that this interface is not used widely. The only real-life application which utilizes it is Samba. Using Samba with an updated FreeBSD base uncovered minor bugs both in the FreeBSD robust mutex implementation, and in Samba itself.

It is believed that libthr in FreeBSD 11 is POSIX-compliant for major features. Further work is planned to look at inlining the lock structures to remove overhead and improve the performance of the library.

Most of the implementation of the robustness feature consisted of making small changes in the lock and unlock paths, both in libthr and in kern_umtx.c . This literally required reading all of the code dealing with mutexes and condition variables, which was something I wanted to help future developers with. In the end, with the help of Ed Maste, man pages for umtx(2) and all thr*(2) syscalls were written and added to the base system's documentation set.

This project was sponsored by The FreeBSD Foundation.

Open tasks:

Use the implementation in real-word applications and report issues.

Contact: FreeBSD Graphics team <freebsd-x11@FreeBSD.org>

Contact: Matthew Macy <mmacy@nextbsd.org>

In the Ports tree, Mesa was updated to 11.2.2. The next major release, 12.0.0 release candidate 4, is ready for testing in our development tree.

The GSoC project about being able to connect a /dev entry to sysctl nodes is making progress. After some fruitful discussons on the freebsd-arch@ mailing-list, Kiloreux finished the design and is now implementing the solution. The GSoC project on libdevq was abandoned.

All Intel GPUs up to and including the unreleased Kaby Lake are supported. The xf86-video-intel driver will be updated soon. Updating this driver requires updating Xorg , which in turn is blocked on Nvidia updates.

Several problems remain to be solved:

There are instances of visual artifacts that appear with varying frequency, depending on workload. Of particular note is the lack of redraw when a Qt5 window is partially covered by a menu and then uncovered.

WebGL demos will sometimes fail due to a recoverable render ring hang.

There are still some known stability issues with processors prior to Sandy Bridge (pre-2010).

Matt Macy is hoping to be able to diagnose the first two issues, along with others, by updating Linux support to the point where the Intel GPU Tools work on FreeBSD.

The Radeon AMD/ATI driver has been updated to GCN 1.0. This has only been tested on an R7 240. 2D-accelerated X works. Due to apparent issues with user library support, X does not recognize the KMS driver as being 3D-capable and reports it as "not DRI2 capable". The OpenCL benchmark clpeak fails in drm/ttm , so there may in fact be issues in the underlying 3D support.

The Amdgpu AMD/ATI driver has been updated to GCN 1.1 and higher. The KMS driver loads and attaches on discrete GPUs, though problems still exist on the Carizzo APU. X will not start due to unimplemented functions in libdrm . Koop Mast is actively working on this and should have it fixed soon.

None of the required patches to src/sys were committed in time for FreeBSD 11. Although the plan is to ultimately make linuxkpi , drm , i915 , radeon , and amdgpu updates available as ports, this will likely not happen until development has slowed to the point where it is economical to backport them to FreeBSD in svn. Until that time, modern GPU support will be available in PC-BSD snapshots and in the drm-next-4.6 branch on GitHub.

Contact: Jared McNeill <jmcneill@FreeBSD.org>

Contact: Emmanuel Vadot <manu@FreeBSD.org>

Allwinner SoCs are used in multiple hobbyist devboards and single-board computers. Recently, support for these SoCs received many updates.

Theses tasks were completed during the second quarter of 2016:

Switch to upstream DTS

A83T SoC support

H3 SoC support

Switch to the new clock framework

Convert the A10 interrupt controller to INTRNG

OHCI support

A generic ALLWINNER kernel config file

kernel config file A20/A31 NMI support

AXP209 PMU interrupts, GPIO, and sensors support

A83T thermal sensor support

RSB (Reduced Serial Bus) support

AXP813/AXP818 PMU support

A83T Security ID support

Support for the Allwinner Gigabit Ethernet controller found in H3/A83T/A64

USB OTG (in review)

A10/A20 Security ID support (in review)

A13 SoC Support (in review)

Ongoing work:

A64 support

Use U-Boot EFI implementation for ARM32/ARM64

Open tasks:

SPI driver LCD Support Any unsupported hardware device that might be of interest.

Contact: Sepherosa Ziehau <sepherosa@gmail.com>

Contact: Hongjiang Zhang <honzhan@microsoft.com>

Contact: Dexuan Cui <decui@microsoft.com>

Contact: Kylie Liang <kyliel@microsoft.com>

During BSDCan 2016, Microsoft announced the global availability of FreeBSD 10.3 images in Azure. There are many FreeBSD-based Azure virtual appliances in the Azure Marketplace, including Citrix Systems' NetScaler and Netgate's pfSense. Microsoft also made an in-depth technical presentation to introduce how the performance of the Hyper-V network device driver was optimized to reach full line rate on 10Gb networks and achieved decent performance on 40Gb networks. The slides and video from the presentation are available from the BSDCan website.

Microsoft continues to strive to further optimize the performance of Hyper-V network and storage device drivers. Work is ongoing to replace the internal data structure in the LRO kernel API from a singly-linked list to a double-linked list, to speed up the LRO lookup by hash table, and to evaluate the performance with tcp_lro_queue_mbuf() .

The handling of SCSI inquiry in the Hyper-V storage driver is enhanced to make sure that disk hotplug and smartctl(8) work reliably. Refer to PR 210425 and PR 209443 for details.

BIS test cases are available on GitHub for Hyper-V and for Azure.

This project was sponsored by Microsoft.

Contact: Bjoern A. Zeeb <bz@FreeBSD.org>

VIMAGE is a virtualization framework on top of FreeBSD jails that was introduced to the kernel about eight years ago with the vnet virtualized network stack.

Over the last few years, many people started to use VIMAGE in production, production-like setups, and appliances. This adoption increased the urgency to finish the work to avoid panics on network stack teardown and to avoid memory leaks.

The vnet teardown has been changed to be from top to bottom, trying to tear down layer by layer. This is preferable to removing interfaces first and then cleaning everything up, as no more packets could flow once the interfaces are gone. Along with this work, various paths with potential memory leaks were plugged. Lastly, vnet support was added to formerly unvirtualized components, such as the pf and ipfilter firewalls and some virtual interfaces.

This project was sponsored by The FreeBSD Foundation.

Open tasks:

Please test FreeBSD 11.0-ALPHA6 or later. When reporting a problem, use the vimage keyword in the FreeBSD bug tracker.

Contact: Andrew Turner <andrew@FreeBSD.org>

The arm64 pmap code has been updated to work with the full 4 pagetable levels. This allows us to increase the user virtual address space to 256TB, with a concomittant increase of the kernel virtual address space. It also allows an increase in the size of the physical memory FreeBSD can handle to up to 2TB.

The interrupt framework has been replaced with intrng on arm64 . This allows both arm and arm64 to share interrupt controller drivers, as is the case with the GICv2 driver. The GICv3 ITS driver has been rewritten to better integrate with intrng .

Busdma was updated to handle the cache. The updated code assumes that devices are non-coherent by default, unless the device driver marks the DMA tag as coherent when creating it. The generic and ThunderX PCIe drivers have been updated to create coherent mappings when the device tree marks the hardware as coherent. This work also fixed issues found with the sync operation where it was missing memory barriers.

A number of issues with hwpmc have been fixed. This improves the stability of hwpmc on arm64 , with no known software issues. There is a single known issue which seems to be hardware-related, however, further testing is required.

NEW_PCIB has been enabled on arm64 . This includes handling the PCI_RES_BUS resource type.

Old interfaces replaced before FreeBSD-11 have been removed from the arm64 kernel and libraries. This includes support for compatibility with libc from releases prior to 11.0. The brk and sbrk functions have also been removed. This allows a workaround for these functions in the arm64 C runtime to be removed.

loader.efi has been updated to use an event timer to implement its internal time function. This is needed, as many UEFI implementations do not handle the GetTime runtime service method. This means that loader.efi will now correctly count down before automatically booting.

Initial support for the ARM Juno reference platform has been added. This hardware is common within ARM, and has been useful for finding assumptions on cpuids. Booting on the Juno required fixing the kernel to remove the assumption that it is booting from CPU zero. This included assigning cpuids and fixing assumptions within the GICv2 driver that the cpuid is the same as the GIC cpuid. FreeBSD can now boot on the 4 Cortex-A53 CPUs of the Juno board. Further investigation is needed to track down why the boot fails when the 2 Cortex-A57 CPUs are enabled.

Initial work has started on booting FreeBSD on the Pine64 and Raspberry Pi 3 boards. Both can boot to multiuser mode with out-of-tree patches. Further work is needed to bring these patches into the tree, but it is expected this will happen soon after the end of the code freeze.

This project was sponsored by The FreeBSD Foundation, and ABT Systems Ltd.

Contact: Ed Maste <emaste@FreeBSD.org>

Reproducible builds are a set of software development practices which create a verifiable path from human-readable source code to the binary code used by computers. In brief, the idea is that building the same binary, software package, document, or other binary artifact twice from the same source produces identical output. The reproducible-builds.org website provides background information and documentation on making builds reproducible.

Many folks have contributed to the reproducible build effort in FreeBSD src and ports over the last decade. There are many practical benefits of reproducible builds, such as bandwidth and storage savings. However, there is a growing interest in the broad open source and free software communities, primarily from a software and toolchain integrity perspective. Over the last few years, some members of the Debian Project have led a comprehensive and structured reproducible builds effort.

Baptiste Daroussin and Ed Maste attended the first Reproducible Builds Summit in Athens last year. Since then, Ed investigated the state of build reproducibility in the ports tree, and presented Reproducible Builds in FreeBSD at BSDCan 2016. With some work-in-progress patches, over 80% of the FreeBSD ports tree builds reproducibly.

The Diffoscope tool performs in-depth comparison of files, archives, or directories to understand why a binary artifact does not build reproducibly. Diffoscope results for the nonreproducible builds in Ed's talk are available at one of the links above.

This project was sponsored by The FreeBSD Foundation.

Open tasks:

Integrate FreeBSD ports builds into the reproducible-builds.org continuous integration infrastructure. Integrate reproducible build patches into the ports tree. Investigate sources of nonreproducibility in individual ports.

Contact: John Baldwin <jhb@FreeBSD.org>

Contact: Luca Pizzamiglio <luca.pizzamiglio@gmail.com>

The devel/gdb port has been updated to GDB 7.11.1.

Support for system call catchpoints has been committed upstream. Support for examining ELF auxiliary vector data via info auxv has been committed upstream. Both features will be included in GDB 7.12.

Open tasks:

Figure out why the powerpc kgdb targets are not able to unwind the stack past the initial frame. Add support for more platforms, such as arm , mips , and aarch64 , to upstream gdb for both userland and kgdb . Add support for debugging powerpc vector registers. Add support for $_siginfo . Implement info proc commands. Implement info os commands.

Contact: Rafael Espindola <rafael.espindola@gmail.com>

Contact: Davide Italiano <dccitaliano@gmail.com>

Contact: Ed Maste <emaste@FreeBSD.org>

lld is the linker in the LLVM family of projects. It is intended to be a high-performance linker and supports the ELF , COFF , and Mach-O object formats. Where possible, lld maintains command-line and functional compatibility with the existing GNU BFD ld and gold linkers. However, the authors of lld are not constrained by strict compatibility where it would hamper performance or desired functionality.

Over the last quarter, the lld project implemented version script support sufficient to handle the FreeBSD base system. This is an important milestone on the path to having lld as a viable system linker.

lld still lacks comprehensive linker script expression evaluation support, and therefore cannot yet be used to link the FreeBSD kernel.

This project was sponsored by The FreeBSD Foundation.

Open tasks:

Develop linker script expression improvements in the upstream lld project. Import a newer lld snapshot into the vendor area, add the build infrastructure, and connect it to the world build, installed as ld.lld . Request a ports exp-run with /usr/bin/ld a symlink to ld.lld . Extensive testing.

Contact: Torsten Zihlsdorff <tz@FreeBSD.org>

After being in the FreeBSD Ports Collection for three months, GitLab continues to mature and gain adoption. Most of its initial problems have been resolved, with one known issue left: it does not start on boot. Any help in solving this issue is welcome.

Staying in sync with upstream is now easy for minor versions. But, some of the monthly major releases create a big workload by introducing a number of new dependencies. This makes testing and updating an expensive process.

The GitLab project itself now mentions native support on FreeBSD, which is quite a commendation.

Current work aims to fix the open problems, get the latest major version into the port, and create documentation for the update progress.

Contact: FreeBSD GNOME Team <freebsd-gnome@FreeBSD.org>

The FreeBSD GNOME Team maintains the GNOME, MATE, and CINNAMON desktop environments and graphical user interfaces for FreeBSD. GNOME 3 is part of the GNU Project. MATE is a fork of the GNOME 2 desktop. CINNAMON is a desktop environment using GNOME 3 technologies, but with a GNOME 2 look and feel.

GNOME 3.20 was ported with help from Ruslan Makhmatkhanov and Gustau Perez. Work is being done on updating GDM from the old 3.16 version to the 3.20 version. For some reason, scrollbars in Firefox are no longer working, though this has not been investigated.

With Gtk+ 3.20, theme support was again changed, and the changes are not backwards compatible. If you have a theme update that requires the new Gtk+ version, feel free to add it as a blocker bug to the GNOME/Gtk+ 3.20 update bug. This bug will be used for the exp-run of GNOME 3.20, when it is ready, and to track the theme-related ports. Also, there is a problem with the open and save dialog content going invisible.

Open tasks:

Finish GDM 3.20 porting. Investigate why the scrollbars in Firefox are missing and why the open/save dialog content is missing.

Contact: Sergey Kozlov <sergey.kozlov@intel.com>

Several tools for Intel(R) Ethernet networking products are now available as ports and packages for FreeBSD:

sysutils/intel-nvmupdate : An application that is used to update non-volatile memory on XL710- and X710-based network devices.

: An application that is used to update non-volatile memory on XL710- and X710-based network devices. sysutils/intel-qcu : An application used to switch QSFP+ ports between 1x40Gbps and 4x10Gbps mode on XL710-based network devices.

: An application used to switch QSFP+ ports between 1x40Gbps and 4x10Gbps mode on XL710-based network devices. net/intel-ixl-kmod : An updated driver which enables the tools support on FreeBSD-10.x.

This project was sponsored by Intel Corporation.

Open tasks:

FreeBSD 11 support is under development and will be included in the next release.

Contact: Torsten Zihlsdorff <tz@FreeBSD.org>

Half a year ago, I started a promotion campaign to improve support for fetching ports via IPv6. Research performed in December 2015 showed that 10,308 of 25,522 ports were not fetchable when using IPv6-only, as these ports ignore the FreeBSD.org pkg mirror.

As a result of the campaign, the following servers now successfully support IPv6:

This enables 711 more ports to be fetched via IPv6.

I would like to thank Wolfgang Zenker, who is very active in supporting the adoption of IPv6. During the latest RIPE meeting, he brought up the topic of non-support of IPv6 being a hindrance to business. I am hopeful that his talk changed some more minds and will help widen the support of IPv6.

Contact: KDE on FreeBSD team <kde@FreeBSD.org>

The KDE on FreeBSD team focuses on packaging and improving the user experience of KDE and Qt on FreeBSD.

Many updates were committed to the ports tree this quarter, and even more were committed to our experimental ports repository. Tobias Berner, Adriaan de Groot, and Ralf Nolden were responsible for most of the work.

The following notable updates landed in the ports tree this quarter:

The CMake ports were updated to 3.5.1 and 3.5.2.

The DigiKam ports were updated to 4.14.0.

The KDevelop ports were updated to 4.7.3.

The devel/qbs port was added for Qt's future build system, QBS.

port was added for Qt's future build system, QBS. Qt Creator was updated to 3.4.0, 3.5.0, 3.5.1, 3.6.0, 4.0.0, 4.0.1, and 4.0.2.

A new port misc/qt5-examples was added for the project examples provided by Qt. This makes Qt Creator more functional.

was added for the project examples provided by Qt. This makes Qt Creator more functional. A new port misc/qt5-doc was added for Qt's API documentation, used by Qt Creator and other programs.

was added for Qt's API documentation, used by Qt Creator and other programs. The base KDE4 ports were updated to 4.14.10.

The following work occurred in our development repository:

Created ports for Qt 5.6.1-1 ( branches/qt-5.6 ).

). Created ports for Qt 5.7.0 ( branches/qt-5.7 ).

). The plasma5 branch is up-to-date with KDE's upstream and contains ports for Frameworks 5.24.0, Plasma Desktop 5.7.0, and Applications 16.04.2 ( branches/plasma5 ).

Contact: Torsten Zihlsdorff <tz@FreeBSD.org>

Ruby on Rails is the base for most of the rubygems in the Ports Collection. Currently, versions 3.2 and 4.2 coexist. Since Rails 3.2 is running out of support, the time has come to switch to 4.2.

While there is ongoing progress to remove Rails 3.2 from the ports tree, there are some ports for which this is a major update that blocks the overall process. The most recent blocker was the outstanding update of www/redmine from 2.6 to 3.2. This has completed successfully, so we can now move on.
Farmers have a historic opportunity to help shape the future of UK farming policy post-Brexit, says the NFU, which is poised to launch an industry-wide consultation.

The process took a step forward this week, with the NFU policy board signing off a detailed options paper, setting out the four main areas for consideration.

These include trade, access to labour, domestic farm policy and rural development.

A condensed version will be produced in the coming days and presented to a series of 49 regional workshops, led by officeholders, which kick off on 22 August.

Our member consultation will be the foundation of our high-level vision for agriculture, said NFU president Meurig Raymond.

See also: 7 principles to shape post-Brexit farm policy

This helps us engage with the government and shape a farm policy; one that will lead to a profitable, productive and sustainable future for our industry.

This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for farmers to be part of deciding the future of British farming.

As part of the consultation, the NFU will set out the options available in each of the four policy areas, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Members will then be asked to state their preferences.

The findings will be considered by the NFUs ruling council on 11 October, before being presented to Defra.

In recent weeks, Defra minister George Eustice has hinted at a new-style policy, based more on market management tools such as futures and crop insurance, to help farmers deal with volatility.

There is also likely to be a greater emphasis on environmental policy and sustainable farming.

Unified voice

Meanwhile, representatives from the red meat sector are starting to formulate their own post-Brexit plan for British farming, with the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) setting up a meeting on 4 August in Birmingham

At this most critical time, it is key that the industry is united in looking forward to resolve the issues, challenges and opportunities that arise from Brexit, said LAA executive secretary Chris Dodds. If the industry is seen as fragmented, we will be torn apart.

This view was endorsed by Tenant Farmers Association chairman Stephen Wyrill. But he also complained that the NFU has so far declined to get involved in the meeting.

The decisions we take on farming policy today will have ramifications for decades to come, said Mr Wyrill.

No one organisation, regardless of size or resources, has the monopoly on good ideas. All farming organisations have specific expertise and skills that we must bring to the table.

NFU policy director Andrew Clark said the union was determined to talk to its members first and to hear their views. We will then talk to other organisations, he said.
We knew it all the time. Black Democratic National Committee member Donna Brazile, who convinced former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley-Braun to run for in primaries, is a supporter of the party's rightwing, Bush-minded champion, Joseph Lieberman - the Connecticut Senator with the corporate bucks.

New DNC Chair-Donna Brazile shows her Lieberman colors "I'm A Lieberman Democrat"Donna Brazile shows her Lieberman colorsWe knew it all the time. Black Democratic National Committee member Donna Brazile, who convinced former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley-Braun to run for in primaries, is a supporter of the party's rightwing, Bush-minded champion, Joseph Lieberman - the Connecticut Senator with the corporate bucks.Brazile came out of the conservative closet waving the war flag. "After I heard Al Jazeera broadcasting that videotape showing what the Iraqis did to the American POWs, I was livid," Brazile told the Washington Times. "We have to send out the strongest possible message of support."Most of the Congressional Black Caucus oppose the Iraq war. "I don't want to make any comment on the Black Caucus' position. They have their reasons. For many people this is a moral issue," said Brazile, revealing her own moral deficit. "We cannot afford to be talking just to the anti-war people. That's easy. We have to talk to everybody, especially independents."Lieberman is a raving Arab-killer, more rhetorically hawkish than the Bush men.Brazile managed Al Gore's 2000 run for President, and recently started her own political consulting outfit. Gore's roots are in the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), the Southern-born, corporate wing of the party now led by Joe Lieberman. The DLC is the most lucrative grazing ground for big consultant fees. In recent months she has been ostentatiously huddling with Republican operatives, as well, advertising her... open-mindedness.Slyly, Brazile pretends that Congressman Richard Gephardt - who tore his butt with anti-war Democrats by helping craft Bush's first War Powers Resolution, last October - is her favorite guy. However, veteran Washington-watchers (like the publishers of ) can read her like a commercial billboard. Again quoting the Washington Times article: "Gephardt is a personal friend. I worked for him on the Hill. Dick would put America first," she said, but then she added: "I could also support Lieberman. Gephardt or Lieberman," she repeated. Nothing about Carol Moseley-Braun.Brazile appears to be already giving the racist, sleep-talking Lieberman advice, on spec.LIE berman's shameless bidA few days after Brazile's coming-out article, Lieberman announced what the Los Angeles Timesdescribed as "a series of liberal social goals, including affirmative action and an expansion of civil rights protections for homosexuals." The event was less than advertised, consisting of platitudes and outright lies. Lieberman claims to be a staunch supporter of affirmative action, when in fact he has always added the caveat, "but I oppose quotas" - a red herring since no college affirmative action program has included quotas since the Bakke decision of the Seventies. Lieberman pointedly refused to join other Democratic Senators in endorsing the University of Michigan's "diversity" program, back in January. Apparently, the stacks of corporate amicus briefs favoring Michigan changed his mind.Lieberman is also the strongest Democratic supporter of faith-based bribery in the Senate. White House Faith-based Initiatives operatives routinely praise his efforts to fine-tune the legislation for smooth passage. Singing the same tune, Donna Brazile urges Democrats to collaborate with Bush's plan to buy the political allegiances of Black preachers: "I'm urging them... to discuss where they can agree on domestic issues, such as Bush's faith-based initiative."By Donna BrazileCNN ContributorDecrease fontEnlarge fontEditor's note: Donna Brazile, a Democratic strategist, is a political contributor for CNN. She also is the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and founder of Brazile & Associates, a Washington-based political consulting firm. Brazile, who was the campaign manager for the Al Gore-Joe Lieberman ticket in 2000, wrote "Cooking With Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics," a memoir about her life in politics.Donna Brazile says that even at a time of challenges, there's a lot to be thankful for.WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Let's rejoice today and get ready to work hard to rebuild our country's future.Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays.Though every day should contain a moment or two in which we give thanks to others and reflect on all our many blessings, this is the day we gather with family and friends to celebrate our love for one another and the goodness of others.There's so much to celebrate this season. Let's rejoice, even as we come to terms with one of the worst economic crises since the Great Depression and yet another terrorist attack on innocent people.For there are always small gifts and minor miracles for which we can and should express our thanks. This Thanksgiving, for me, it includes having elected a new president who has promised to bring us together as a nation.I am so thankful that, come January 20, we will have a new president, one who promises to bring about change and to help lead our country in tackling the enormous challenges we will face in the coming year.And I'm especially grateful that the rest of the world is ready to give us a new start, a second chance to reclaim our place in the world. Their celebration of Barack Obama's election brings with it a resurgence of the international goodwill we have not experienced since September 11.Don't Miss Commentary: Spare change will feed hungry Brazile: DC getting ready for event of lifetime Brazile: America's historic new chapter In Depth: CommentariesIt is now our chance to lead in the right direction, with friends and allies by our side.It is now our chance to remember that the United States and all the countries across this delicate globe are interconnected and mutually dependent.It is now our chance to be a leader and not a conqueror to the rest of the world.I am also thankful for the young voters who decided to answer the call to serve. Knocking on doors and canvassing America on behalf of their candidates, they were engaged and dedicated throughout the entire political season to a cause greater than themselves.Many of them traveled the campaign trail for the first time. God bless them, they now have the bug, the passion and the fever in their blood to revive our democracy and make it even stronger in the years ahead.I am thankful too for women like Sen. Hillary Clinton and Gov. Sarah Palin, who, taken together, represented all women in leadership willing to compete for the top prizes in their field.Both women served their purpose. Clinton came close to winning the Democratic nomination. Until the very end, she fought gallantly, and I am glad that she is willing to serve as secretary of state in the new administration.Palin proved to folks who needed such proof that not all female leaders are the same. I can't believe that it needed proving, but apparently it did. She has a real chance to make a comeback in the Republican Party, which is in need of a new brand and a rescue plan of its own.The lasting lesson of having two women out there talking to voters and making a difference for women leaders is to once again remind America not to underestimate the majority of its citizens.That's right; women are the majority in the United States. Our time will come, and I hope to live long enough to witness that historic moment come to pass as well.I am thankful to Howard Dean and the leaders of the Democratic Party for their 50-state strategy. Not just because Democrats won up and down the ticket in so many states, which is reason enough for this partisan to be grateful, but because it showed Democrats, Republicans and independents alike in red states that no vote should ever be taken for granted.No candidate or political party will ever again forget any state in the quest for electoral votes. The 50-state strategy strengthened our democracy. By making people believe that they and their votes mattered, the strategy brought new participants of democracy into the fold.This year we voted as a nation, not as red and blue states. And I am thankful for the unity it wrought.Many of us awaited an October surprise disastrous enough to swing the momentum of the presidential campaign. But the biggest surprise ended up being the form it took: not a manufactured partisan attack but a economic meltdown.And I am also grateful that in creating one of the most partisan administrations in political history, the Bush administration left the door wide open for our newly elected president to usher in an era of civility and cooperation between the two major parties. In short, team Bush prepared the country for the change Obama offered.I never thought that in my lifetime I would witness a biracial president of the United States take the oath of office. There is so much to be thankful for that I expect many a turkey will cool while families and friends gather around their table and give thanks for the special blessings in their lives.Even the unexpected, the unpredictable things deserve gratitude. It is struggle that makes us change, grow and progress. What a blessing it is to have a day in which we can reflect upon all the gifts in our lives, even the ones disguised as hardships.The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Donna Brazile. E-mail to a friend | Mixx it | ShareLieberman Supported School VouchersBlack support for ticket rescuedLieberman positions clarified for caucusAugust 16, 2000|By Jonathan Weisman | Jonathan Weisman,SUN NATIONAL STAFFLOS ANGELES - Gore campaign officials moved swiftly yesterday to stamp out a potential brush fire of black voter discontent with Al Gore's running mate, dispatching Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman to personally "clarify" his positions on affirmative action and private school vouchers.Lieberman, along with Gore's African-American campaign manager, Donna Brazile, and two black Cabinet members, Alexis M. Herman and Rodney Slater, descended on a meeting of the Democratic Party's black caucus to make the case that Lieberman has been sympathetic to their causes since 1963, when he helped register black voters in Mississippi.The effort appeared to succeed, at least with one key black Democrat, Rep. Maxine Waters of California, who had previously questioned Lieberman's commitment to core issues important to blacks."He has said enough," Waters said after Lieberman publicly affirmed his support for affirmative action and vowed to follow Gore's lead on such issues as school vouchers. "He has done enough, and he has demonstrated his willingness to deal with the issues of concern to the black community."The Gore campaign's show of force was impressive. But for Democrats, it was a troubling sign that the Gore-Lieberman ticket must still shore up its liberal base of support, even as it appeals to moderate swing voters who will likely decide the election against Gov. George W. Bush."When Maxine Waters said she was willing to campaign enthusiastically for the ticket, it meant they've got a powerful ally," said Ron Walters, a University of Maryland political scientist with close ties to black Democratic leaders. "But they've just raised the price for African-American [voter] turnout," Walters added, suggesting that the Gore campaign might have to "sell" Lieberman as more of a liberal.The Gore team has been thrown on the defensive about issues in which Lieberman and the vice president differ, from the age of Medicare eligibility to publicly funded vouchers to pay for private school tuition. Should Lieberman tack to the left to satisfy the Democratic Party's liberal wing, he risks alienating precisely the moderate voters his nomination was intended to help capture.The brush fire among African-American Democrats was sparked Sunday when Waters, at a rally in South-Central Los Angeles, raised questions about Lieberman's record on affirmative action, criminal justice and school vouchers.Herman, the Clinton administration's labor secretary, summoned Waters from a meeting of the party's black caucus yesterday morning. Herman was joined by Slater, the transportation secretary, in a very public full-court press for Waters' support.Even after that show of force, Waters was balking."I would seriously sit out an election if in fact the issues that I have worked on all my life are undermined," she declared.But after Lieberman took to the podium in a hotel ballroom here to issue a personal appeal for black support, the firebrand lawmaker pronounced herself content.Gore's choice of Lieberman as his running mate has helped the vice president narrow Bush's lead in the polls. Lieberman's centrist politics appeal to moderate voters, and his reputation for moral probity - cemented by his early, scathing denunciation of President Clinton's behavior in the Monica Lewinsky affair - could help separate Gore from the taint of scandal that hangs over the administration.But the selection of Lieberman, an Orthodox Jew, unsettled some in the African-American community. The Dallas branch president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was forced to resign Aug. 10, after he questioned the choice of Lieberman, asserting that blacks should be "suspicious of any kind of partnerships between the Jews at that kind of level because we know that their interest primarily has to do with money."Waters and other black politicians raised more substantive questions, especially about Lieberman's support for affirmative action. Lieberman has said he does not support affirmative action programs that involve mandatory quotas. And in 1995, when Californians were considering whether to ban all state-funded race- or gender-based preference programs, he said of the proposed ban on preferences, "I can't see how I could be opposed to it."Yesterday, in his first public appearance since arriving in Los Angeles after midnight, he sought to explain that statement to black party activists.As Lieberman recalled, a reporter had asked him about the California proposition at the time it was pending, and he first replied that he did not know enough about it to take a position. But when the reporter read him the proposition, which stated "the state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group," Lieberman told black party activists that he responded, "That sounds like a basic statement of human rights policy."
Based on a talk delivered at All Leaders Meeting of BMP-Sanlakas-PLM at Claret Parish Church on July 13, 2016.





1. The Duterte government is right now the most popular government since the Cory administration. (It cannot be compared though to the euphoria that greeted Cory Aquinos installation to power through Edsa 1 uprising, which is in a different historical context and circumstance.) According to the Pulse Asia survey, President Duterte enjoys 91% trust rating. This means 9 out 10 Filipinos trust him; and practically no one (0.2%) rejects him, as the remaining 8% are the undecided.2. The Duterte win in the May 9 elections was a sound rejection of the Daang Matuwid propaganda of the PNoy administration. The popularity of this regime is clearly borne out by the rejection of the masses of the Yellow administrations from the mother (Cory) to the son (Noynoy). It is a widely held view that the previous administrations failed in providing for the needs of the people, hence the slogan Change is Coming under the Duterte electoral campaign has become a clarion call for many.3. But the class character of the Duterte regime remains the same as ever with other regimes that ruled the country for decades. It is still a government of the elite, a government that represents the ruling class as against the exploited and oppressed classes in Philippine society. This analysis is echoed by the Communist Party of the Philippines even if it opens relations with the Duterte government. The CPP sees Duterte as the chief political representative of the ruling classes and head of the reactionary client-state in the country today.4. Others in the Left have already claimed Dutertes regime as a neofascist one. There are strong indications for this, but this characterization does not yet fit the rule of Duterte. The regime continues to rule under an elite liberal/bourgeois democratic order set up by the ruling classes after the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986. Dutertes strong-arm tactics (not to mention his authoritarian and gangster-type pronouncements) still has to traverse the rule and form of elite democracy under the so-called Edsa Republic (i.e., the regimes that come in succession after Edsa 1).Class character of President Duterte1. Lets start with the class character of President Rodrigo Duterte himself.2. Duterte did not come from a poor family. Hes a scion of the Duterte-Roa clan that has ruled Cebu and Davao for a long time. Dutertes father was a former mayor of Danao, Cebu who became a governor of Davao after the family migrated to Mindanao. Dutertes mother was from the political clan of Roas in Leyte. Duterte is also related to the political clans of the Duranos and Almendrases in Cebu.3. But the local clans that Duterte represent can be seen as outsiders to the political clans that have ruled the country for decades, i.e., the oligarchy that monopolizes central power under what local clans called the Imperial Manila. So it is not surprising that these local clans have been leading a campaign to change the form of government from an overly-centralized set up to a federal state with almost equal powers to the national center. For the local clans, this is a demand to level the playing field for all the ruling classes, be they in Manila or in the province. As a provincial politician, Duterte has experienced decades of neglect and abuse by Imperial Manila.4. Dutertes circumstance and experience also differ from other trapos. He was a product of the First Quarter Storm and was involved with Kabataang Makabayan and other radical groups during his student days, with Jose Ma. Sison tutoring him on nationalist and radical politics. After Edsa 1, he became a provincial official (first an OIC and later mayor of Davao City), but he maintained his links and fostered a friendly relation with the CPP-NPA in his area.5. This explains the ambivalent character of Duterte on national matters. He belongs to the ruling class, but he shares the views of nationalism and radical politics espoused by his peers and friends in the Left movement.Contradictions of the Duterte regime1. Thats just one of the contradictions of the President. But there are more that we have to take into account when we take stock of his entire government today.2. The main forces in the Duterte Cabinet come from the political clans and supporters of the neoliberal economic regime, such as Secretary of Finance Sonny Dominguez; Secretary of Energy Alfonso Cusi; National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon; Secretary of Public Works & Highway, Mark Villar; and others. Many of them have served the governments of Fidel Ramos and Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo. Many are also in big mining businesses.3. On the other hand, a good number of Left leaders have been appointed by the Duterte government in various cabinet or key positions, such as long-term labor leader Joel Maglunsod whos now an undersecretary at the Department of Labor & Employment; peasant-leader Paeng Mariano who heads the Department of Agrarian Reform; activist professor Judy Taguiwalo who heads the Department of Social Welfare and Development; and woman-activist leader Liza Masa who heads the National Anti-Poverty Commission. We also have to mention nationalist economist Liling Briones who now heads the Department of Education and anti-mining advocate Gina Lopez who heads the Department of Energy and Natural Resources.4. Theres a contradiction in maintaining and even extending the neoliberal policies of the government such as the PPP projects (public-private partnership), economic liberalization, deregulation, and the likes  while pronouncing a stand against contractualization, stopping the privatization of certain government hospitals, extending agrarian reform, criticizing the imperial powers of the United States and making anti-EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) pronouncements, and others. While similar duality exists in previous administrations, the Duterte regime advances a step forward by putting Left and progressive individuals in key positions (more than any other administration that we can remember) and by not blocking their initiatives so far (DENR Secretary Gina Lopez has ordered the closure of a number of mining companies; DAR head Paeng Mariano has started an aggressive land distribution campaign under his department; and so on).5. However, one big bundle of contradictions with alarming implication is the War on Drugs launched by the Duterte government. This has led to a killing spree that targeted small-time drug pushers, users and petty drug lords. A few weeks after Dutertes inauguration, the number of killings has reached more than 160 (its bordering on 400 at this time). The DDS (Davao Death Squad) tactics seems to cover the entire country today. What is chilling is that its the police force thats been killing suspected drug traffickers in the communities (70% of killings according to ABS-CBN report).6. At the other end of the spectrum is the public censure and exposure of PNP generals, local officials, and big-time drug lords (including foreigners) as drug coddlers and syndicate henchmen. This is the first time a Philippine president has pointed to top people in government and in the police force as heading the drug syndicates. However, while small-time pushers are wasted wantonly in the streets and in their homes during police operations, the big-time drug traffickers remain free.7. Where will all these contradictory policies, pronouncements and actions of the Duterte government lead to? Pronouncements could be deceiving. To have an understanding on where these are leading, we need to know the main strategy being implemented by the Duterte government in all these issues.Strategies of the Duterte government1. Let us look at the War on Drugs campaign. What is the strategy of the Duterte government in this campaign?2. What is being implemented is a shock and awe strategy launched at the community level. This is meant to curtail the drug trade by cutting off its tentacles through executions of a vast number of drug pushers, users and traffickers in the community. But this strategy only exacerbates the problem even if it temporarily puts a stop to the community drug trade. One, the killings are aimed at the poor people and the poor neighborhood. Two, this has impelled a gangland-type of execution which has resulted in more killings, now perpetrated not only by the police but by drug syndicates and vigilante groups supporting the war rhetoric of the campaign. The drug spree in the community is now replaced by a killing spree that spares no one, as reports of occasional drug users and innocent victims being wasted in their homes are starting to come in.3. There has been a clamor by many to shift the strategy towards going after the heads of the syndicates  the police forces, public officials and big-time drug lords in the country. This has not been successful at this stage.4. However, this entire strategy of treating the drug trafficking problem as a police matter is bound to fail. This has been done in many countries and has produced very limited outcomes. And it is clear that the war on drugs cannot be implemented by a PNP which has become a key part of the problem. We need to thoroughly revamp the PNP and transform it from being a protector of the syndicate to a protector of the people. Or establish a community-based body that informs and mobilizes the people on the campaign against the drug menace.5. But the war on drugs cannot be successful without initiating a war on poverty  i.e., a war that will eradicate poverty at its roots. Poverty underpins the proliferation of the drug trade especially at the community level. We are not only talking of hardened criminals in the drug trade, but families who have made small-time drug trafficking as a source of livelihood. In fact, small-time drug trafficking has replaced community jueteng game in most areas.6. The war on poverty also connects with our campaign against neoliberalism, contractualization, land monopoly, environmental degradation and others. These are campaigns that find resonance in the government departments headed by progressives and Left leaders in the Duterte administration which we have better chances of engaging with in the pursuit of practical solutions.Strategy on contractualization1. Job contractualization that robs the working class of regular employment and basic benefits is a major issue that Duterte himself has vowed to eradicate during his rule. But what is the strategy of the Duterte government to do this?2. A key part of this strategy involves putting genuine labor leaders at DOLE, like undersecretary Joel Maglunsod, whos from the working class, a KMU leader, and therefore has the commitment and will to genuinely push for anti-contractualization policies using the resources and power of the labor agency.3. However, the DOLE is not the agency that can get rid of contractualization in the industries. DOLE is infested by pro-capitalist dealers who have been operating under the premise that what is good for business is good for the workers. Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod himself stated that there are only two pro-labor heads in the agency so far (Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello is the other one, a presumed ally of KMU and other Left groups). The two are overwhelmed by pro-capitalist lawyers and dealers dominating the government agency.4. The working class cannot also depend on laws, or on the legal and law-making institutions, to implement changes in the industrial front. The Philippine Senate and Congress and various instrumentalities of the government, including the Supreme Court, have been making laws and dispensing justice that only serve the interests of the capitalists, landlords and the elite in society. How can we account for the release of chief plunderer Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from hospital arrest, except to say that justice has been served as they say, although its the elite justice that has nothing to do with justice for the working class and the poor.5. Therefore, the strategy against contractualization and other issues of the working class can only be based on the development of a strong working class movement that can deal blows against the perpetrators of these unjust system. The DOLE cannot do it but we need to bolster the efforts of the Left and progressive individuals at DOLE by mobilizing the workers in every industry.6. It means that the main strategy that can advance and implement the changes that society needs cannot be based on the government or its corrupt, rotten and pro-elite agencies  it could only be outside the elite state. We need a strong working class movement that can push the government and its various agencies to implement the changes we need. And we need the unity of the working class and its various sectors and organizations to do this. This cannot be undertaken by any one group, however big and well-positioned in the government and in the political arena they think they are.The future of the Duterte regime1. We have characterized the Duterte regime before as a coalition of Right and Left forces in society, with the forces of the Right dominating the equation. It may be too soon to declare that Duterte himself will break the coalition in favor of the Right. At this stage, he seems to savor the situation where he can have the two forces, forever at loggerheads with each other, under his regime and supporting his various moves.2. We do not have the illusion that the balance of forces between the Right and the Left in the Duterte government will be at par with each other (its going to break before it even reaches parity). The dominant forces today are still the Rightists, and the Left forces are bargaining with Duterte on a weak position, given that the mass struggle is still not on the upswing and working class unity is still a goal to be reached.3. If we want to stamp out contractualization, it will need the mobilization of the workers through protest actions and strikes that will generate counter-reaction from the capitalists, including imposing lockouts and closures of workplaces. How the Duterte government responds to this situation may not be very clear now.4. In this regard, I find it instructive to be always reminded of Karl Marxs maxim that it is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, rather [or ultimately] it is their being [class existence] that determines their consciousness. Meaning, while Duterte may have been imbued with radical consciousness during his youth, his status as the chief political representative of the ruling classes today will be the main determinant on his development as president in the days to come.5. Class interest will be the most prevailing factor as against conscious will. This has happened before in a number of countries where liberal governments tried to set up Right-Left coalition in the initial stages of their rule (see The Duterte Phenomenon where I compared the Right-Left coalition with Perons tact in Argentina, http://www.masa.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=401:the-duterte-phenomenon ). This has also happened in the Philippines when former president Cory Aquino replaced all the progressives in her cabinet after a series of Rightist-led coup detat against her administration.6. The future of the Duterte government will be based on the class character, or the dominant class character, of the regime. Even in this bleak scenario, the defense and liberation of the working class remain in the hands of the class  in their mobilization, their struggle and their unity aimed at capturing political power and establishing a socialist society.7. As a footnote (though this needs to be developed soon as a separate topic of discussion), the Left also has to formulate its strategy and tactics with regards to the Duterte regime. Given the strategic nature of the regime that is no different from any state dominated by the ruling classes, but with the presence of a number of Left and progressives in key areas of government, what is the apt and relevant tactics to pursue?8. Tactics take into account the level of consciousness of the working class masses  where they are at, and how the movement can develop their consciousness towards becoming a revolutionary force. Lenin always believed that Left-wing positioning is not enough. The working class masses must go through a political experience that will show them the truth that there is no other way but to seize political power through their own actions.9. At this stage, it is better to make use of the openings to broadly mobilize the working class masses while raising their level of consciousness to that of an insurgent force in society. #Party of the Laboring MassesPartido Lakas ng Masa (PLM)
Yes, its hard to to tell when one enters the city limits

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Maybe ... does it really matter?

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There was a significant increase in demand in Hungary for income-producing industrial properties bought for investment purposes in the past two years. China's Shanghai Feilo Acoustics owned Inesa Europe purchased more than 16,000 square meters of industrial property under such a deal. The distribution center located at Dunakeszi serves the

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AXI Immo consultants have supported LPR La Palette Rogue Poland, a European pallet pool operator in the FMCG sector, in negotiations for lease agreements in the Warsaw and Upper Silesia regions. The company has leased over 3,100 sqm of modern warehouse and office space in Panattoni Park Grodzisk Mazowiecki and

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Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), New York State Psychiatric Institute, and NewYork-Presbyterian reported that an odor identification test may prove useful in predicting cognitive decline and detecting early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Their two studies, presented at the Alzheimer's Association's International Conference in Toronto, Canada, suggest that the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) may offer a practical, low-cost alternative to other tests.

In one study, researchers administered UPSIT to 397 older adults (average age of 80 years) without dementia from a multiethnic population in northern Manhattan. Each of the participants also had an MRI scan to measure the thickness of the entorhinal cortex -- the first area of the brain to be affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Four years later, 50 participants (12.6 percent) had developed dementia, and nearly 20 percent had signs of cognitive decline.

The researchers found that low UPSIT scores, but not entorhinal cortical thickness, were significantly associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. (Low UPSIT scores indicate decreased ability to correctly identify odors.)

Low UPSIT scores, but not entorhinal cortical thickness, also predicted cognitive decline, although entorhinal cortical thickness was significantly associated with UPSIT score in those who transitioned to dementia.

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"Our research showed that odor identification impairment, and to a lesser degree, entorhinal cortical thickness, were predictors of the transition to dementia," said Seonjoo Lee, PhD, assistant professor of clinical biostatistics (in Psychiatry) at CUMC and presenting author. "These findings support odor identification as an early predictor, and suggest that impairment in odor identification may precede thinning in the entorhinal cortex in the early clinical stage of Alzheimer's disease."

In another study, researchers from CUMC evaluated the usefulness of UPSIT and tests that measure the amount of amyloid in the brain (in higher amounts, the protein forms plaques in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease) in predicting memory decline.

The researchers administered UPSIT and performed either beta amyloid PET scanning or analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in 84 older adults (median age of 71 years). Of these, 58 participants had mild cognitive impairment. The researchers followed the participants for at least six months.

At follow-up, 67 percent of the participants had signs of memory decline. Testing positive for amyloid with either method, but not UPSIT score, predicted cognitive decline. However, participants with a score of less than 35 were more than three times as likely to have memory decline as those with higher UPSIT scores.

"Our research suggests that both UPSIT score and amyloid status predict memory decline," said William Kreisl, MD, the Boris and Rose Katz Assistant Professor of Neurology (in the Taub Institute) at CUMC and a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia. "Younger age, higher education, and shorter follow-up may explain why UPSIT did not predict decline as strongly in this study as in previous studies. Although more research is needed, odor identification testing, which is much less expensive and easier to administer than PET imaging or lumbar puncture, may prove to be a useful tool in helping physicians counsel patients who are concerned about their risk of memory loss."

Current methods are only capable of clinically detecting Alzheimer's disease in the later stages of its development, when significant brain damage has already occurred. Brain imaging with PET may show the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain years before symptoms appear, although this method is expensive. Beta amyloid can also be detected in cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture, and brain PET imaging of abnormal tau protein is rapidly advancing through research.

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"Our study adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the potential value of odor identification testing in the detection of early-stage Alzheimer's disease," said D.P. Devanand, MD, professor of psychiatry (in Neurology and in the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center) at CUMC and senior author of both studies.

"Using other biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease to detect the disease at an earlier stage -- which have the potential to be lower-cost and non-invasive -- could lead to dramatic improvements in early detection and management of the disease," commented Heather Snyder, PhD, director of medical and scientific operations at the Alzheimer's Association, in a statement.

"Predictive Utility of Entorhinal Cortex Thinning and Odor Identification Test for Transition to Dementia and Cognitive Decline in an Urban Community Population," by Seonjoo Lee, PhD, et al., was funded by the National Institute on Aging, grants K01AG051348, R01AG034189, R01AG037212, K99/R00AG042483, R01AG041795.

"Both Odor Identification and Amyloid Status Predict Memory Decline in Older Adults" by William Kreisl, MD, et al., was funded by the National Institute on Aging, grants R01AG17761 and R01AG041795.
New evidence suggests that it would be appropriate to remove the diagnosis of transgender from its current classification as a mental disorder, according to a study conducted in Mexico City. The study is the first field trial to evaluate a proposed change to the place of the diagnosis within the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

The research, published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal and led by the National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de le Fuente Muniz, involved interviewing 250 transgender people and found that distress and dysfunction were more strongly predicted by experiences of social rejection and violence than by gender incongruence itself. The study is the first of several field trials and is currently being replicated in Brazil, France, India, Lebanon and South Africa.

"Stigma associated with both mental disorder and transgender identity has contributed to the precarious legal status, human rights violations and barriers to appropriate care among transgender people," says senior author Professor Geoffrey Reed, National Autonomous University of Mexico. "The definition of transgender identity as a mental disorder has been misused to justify denial of health care and contributed to the perception that transgender people must be treated by psychiatric specialists, creating barriers to health care services. The definition has even been misused by some governments to deny self-determination and decision-making authority to transgender people in matters ranging from changing legal documents to child custody and reproduction."

"Our findings support the idea that distress and dysfunction may be the result of stigmatization and maltreatment, rather than integral aspects of transgender identity," says lead investigator Dr Rebeca Robles, Mexican National Institute of Psychiatry. "The next step is to confirm this in further studies in different countries, ahead of the approval of the WHO revision to International Classification of Diseases in 2018."

Transgender identity is currently classified as a mental disorder in both of the world's main diagnostic manuals, the WHO's ICD-10 and the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5. A major component of the definition of mental disorders is that they are associated with distress and impairment in functioning. The classification of transgender identity as a mental disorder is increasingly controversial and a WHO Working Group has recommended that transgender identity should no longer be classified as a mental disorder in ICD-11, but should instead come under a new chapter on conditions related to sexual health.

The study is the first field trial to evaluate the applicability of the proposed re-classification. It was conducted in collaboration with the Condesa Specialized Clinic, the only publicly funded specialized clinic providing transgender health care services in Mexico City. Researchers interviewed 250 transgender people aged 18-65 who were receiving health care services at the Condesa Clinic. Most participants were transgender women, assigned male sex at birth (199 participants, 80%).

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Participants reported first becoming aware of their transgender identity during childhood or adolescence (ages 2-17). During the study, they completed a detailed interview about their experience of gender incongruence in adolescence (e.g, discomfort with secondary sex characteristics, changes performed to be more similar to the desired gender, and asking to be referred to as the desired gender), and recalled related experiences of psychological distress, functional impairment, social rejection and violence.

Most participants experienced psychological distress related to gender incongruence during their adolescence (208, 83%), with depressive symptoms being the most common. Family, social, or work or academic dysfunction during adolescence related to their gender identity was reported by nearly all participants (226, 90%).

More than three-quarters of participants (191, 76%) reported experiencing social rejection related to gender incongruence, most commonly by family members, followed by schoolmates/co-workers and friends. A majority of participants (157, 63%) had been a victim of violence related to their gender identity -- in nearly half of these cases, violence was perpetrated by a family member. Psychological and physical violence were the most commonly reported, and some experienced sexual violence.

The researchers then used statistical models to examine whether distress was related to gender incongruence per se or if it was related to experiences of social rejection and violence. They found that none of the gender incongruence variables predicted psychological distress or dysfunction, except in one case where asking to be referred to as the desired gender predicted school/work dysfunction. On the other hand, social rejection and violence were strong predictors of distress and all types of dysfunction.

Although the study includes a relatively large sample of transgender people, the authors warn of some important limitations. For example, the study was a volunteer sample, so was not representative of the population and participants' experiences were based on their recollection of events, which can be subject to bias. However, the authors note that a similar study would be difficult to conduct prospectively as this would involve children.

"Rates of experiences related to social rejection and violence were extremely high in this study, and the frequency with which this occurred within participants own families is particularly disturbing. Unfortunately, the level of maltreatment experienced in this sample is consistent with other studies from around the world. This study highlights the need for policies and programs to reduce stigmatization and victimization of this population. The removal of transgender diagnoses from the classification of mental disorders can be a useful part of those efforts," says Dr Robles.

Writing in a linked Comment, Dr Griet De Cuypere, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium and Dr Sam Winter, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia, say: "A prominent UN advocate has put it this way: 'Transphobia is a health issue'. This study prompts primary caregivers and psychiatrists to be aware of a 'slope leading from stigma to sickness' for transgender individuals, and to contribute to their mental health by a gender-affirmative approach." They also note that although the study provides evidence to support moving health-related categories related to transgender identity out of the classification of mental disorders in ICD-11, it does not address where in ICD would be the most appropriate place for the diagnosis, which should be a topic for future research.
Variations in the ability of sand particles kicked into the atmosphere from deserts in the Middle East to absorb heat can change the intensity of the Indian Summer Monsoon, according to new research from The University of Texas at Austin.

The research was published July 28 in Scientific Reports, an open access journal from the publishers of Nature.

The Indian monsoon is a period of intense rainfall that more than a billion people rely on to bring rains to farmland. The results of the study could help improve monsoon prediction models, which usually use a constant value for sand particles' heat-absorbing ability. Because the absorbing ability varies greatly with region and time, assigning a constant heat-absorbing ability for the particles tends to underestimate the impact that absorbed heat can have on the monsoon system, the authors said.

The study was led by Qinjian Jin, a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who conducted the research while earning his Ph.D. at The University of Texas at Austin's Jackson School of Geosciences. He collaborated with Zong-Liang Yang, a professor in the Jackson School's Department of Geological Sciences, and Jiangfeng Wei, a research scientist in the department.

The deserts of the Middle East are a large source of "mineral dust," small particles of sand that are brought into the atmosphere by wind and thermals. Once in the atmosphere, the dust can heat parts of the atmosphere by absorbing energy from sunlight.

The researchers found that mineral dust that originates in the Middle East can strengthen the Indian Summer Monsoon by heating the atmosphere above the Iranian Plateau and the Arabian Sea. But the dust's ability to absorb heat affected how much the dust influenced the monsoon. Dust that absorbed heat more efficiently was linked with increases in monsoon rainfall.

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"The heating ability of dust aerosols largely determines how the monsoon responds to dust," Jin said.

The researchers examined the impact of mineral dust on monsoon strength by creating seven high-resolution computer simulations that varied the heat absorption of the mineral dust.

The Indian Summer Monsoon accounts for up to 80 percent of the annual rainfall in the Indian subcontinent. Increasing the strength of the monsoon can lead to flooding that can cause massive losses in life and crops. Jin said that for climate models to accurately capture monsoon behavior, they must account for the variability in mineral dust's heat absorption.

"This heating is represented in very different ways in different climate models, and is one of the factors responsible for inconsistency of climate model results," Jin said. "This study addresses the necessity for developing a new method to represent dust heating in climate models."

While this study focused on mineral dust's heat-absorption abilities, Jin said he is planning future research on how the dust particles can influence climate by changing cloud formation and behavior.

"Dust particles have been shown to be efficient ice nuclei, which may influence the monsoon by changing clouds' properties," Jin said.

Future research also needs to consider other dust processes, such as the surface erodibility of different dust source regions and how dust enters into the atmosphere, both of which have been studied by Yang and his other collaborators.

"Ultimately, this integrated research will improve our understanding of complex dust-monsoon interactions," Yang said.
As the eyes of the world turn to Rio de Janiero for the 2016 Summer Olympics, the spread of the Zika virus in Brazil is a growing concern -- but Zika is not the only disease that mosquitoes can spread to humans.

"Mosquitoes in the Aedes family can transmit not only the Zika virus, but also dengue and chikungunya," says dermatologist Jose Dario Martinez, MD, an American Academy of Dermatology International Fellow and chief of the internal medicine clinic at the university hospital of the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon. "All three diseases are a potential health threat to anyone traveling to regions where these insects thrive."

According to Dr. Martinez, Aedes mosquitoes are prevalent in Mexico, South and Central America, and some regions of Asia and Africa. In the U.S., he says, these insects have been found in states along the Mexican border, as well as some parts of Florida and Puerto Rico. Since other types of mosquitoes can't carry dengue, chikungunya and Zika, he says, the risk of these conditions among U.S. residents is mainly limited to those traveling to affected areas.

All three diseases are characterized by a high fever, rash and joint pain, Dr. Martinez says, although most of those infected don't experience any symptoms. Although these conditions are similar, each has its own unique characteristics.

Dengue has been around for many years, Dr. Martinez says, while chikungunya and Zika emerged more recently. Each disease carries the risk of different complications, he says: Dengue can cause severe bleeding, which may lead to shock; chikungunya can cause severe joint pain and chronic arthritis; and Zika may lead to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves.

Unlike dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted through mosquito bites, Zika can be transmitted from an infected person to another person via sexual intercourse and blood transfusions, Dr. Martinez says. Moreover, he says, Zika infections in pregnant women may spread to the fetus, resulting in birth defects like microcephaly, a condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head; women may pass the disease to an unborn child after contracting it from an infected mosquito or via unprotected sex with a person who has the virus.

"Zika may be the most dangerous of the conditions transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes," Dr. Martinez says. "However, all three diseases are serious threats to public health, particularly because many of those infected won't experience any symptoms and therefore won't know they're carrying the virus."

There are no U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved vaccines for these conditions, he says, and the only available treatment option is acetaminophen to control pain and fever. According to Dr. Martinez, the best way to fight these diseases is prevention. He says those traveling to regions where dengue, chikungunya and Zika are prevalent should protect themselves from mosquito bites by avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using an insect repellant that contains the active ingredient DEET.

Dr. Martinez also recommends that pregnant women avoid traveling to Zika-infected countries and suggests that travelers returning from these countries get tested for Zika before donating blood. Additionally, anyone who develops a high fever, rash or joint pain after returning from countries affected by any of these conditions should see a doctor as soon as possible, he says.

"It's important to be vigilant when traveling to areas where you could be bitten by a mosquito carrying dengue, chikungunya or Zika," Dr. Martinez says. "By taking preventive measures and monitoring your health when you return, you can protect yourself and help limit the spread of Zika to others."
Researchers at the University of Kent are arguing that creativity and intermedial languages can be used as a bridge to communicate with autistic children.

In a joint article, Material voices: intermediality and autism in the journal Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, Dr Melissa Trimingham and Professor Nicola Shaughnessy of the University's School of Arts say autism continues to be regarded as a community that is difficult to access due to 'perceived disruptions of interpersonal connectedness'. Researchers engage the children in an all-surrounding drama experience using lights, sound, puppets and masked characters, where children are free to play and respond, drawing out eye contact, speech and shared play.

Their pioneering research using drama with autistic children started with an Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project 'Imagining Autism: Drama, Performance and Intermediality as Interventions for Autistic Spectrum Conditions' (2011-2014) working in special schools and has now extended to working with families. The project aims to help the whole family through teaching them new play skills using drama and puppetry, multi-sensory materials and even comedy to help with challenging behaviour. The family programme developed from workshops with teachers and carers in NAS (National Autistic Society) schools and was funded by the University of Kent.

The writers are parents of autistic children themselves and have personal experience of family life with autism. Through detailed observations of two children, they demonstrate how 'intermediality' unlocked some of the many and various languages autistic children use, facilitating their self-awareness.

They argue for wider use of creative 'material' languages such as puppetry, costumes, projection, microphones, lights and sound in play as a bridge between the lived experience of autism and practices of education and care.
A paper published online yesterday in Annals of Emergency Medicine warns that a new street drug combining fentanyl and a novel synthetic opioid is being marketed illicitly as Norco but is much stronger and much more dangerous.

"Street Norco is almost indistinguishable from brand-name Norco in appearance but can be lethal," said lead study author Patil Armenian, MD, of the University of California San Francisco-Fresno, in Fresno, Calif. "This new street drug's toxicity led to an unexpected cluster of fentanyl deaths in California this spring. These deaths in our area combined with an emergency patient who was concerned about pill appearance and exceedingly sleepy after her usual dose of medication led to our investigation."

Dr. Armenian presents the case of a 41-year-old woman who treats her chronic back pain with regular doses of acetaminophen/hydrocodone she buys on the street as Norco. (Brand-name Norco contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone, an opiate.) Dr. Armenian's patient became unconscious 30 minutes after taking the fake Norco and was brought to the emergency department. She expressed concern to the emergency department staff that her usual medications did not affect her this way and showed them the pills she had taken. The fake pills have the manufacturer's imprint and looks-wise differ only in color from the real pills (beige versus white). Her blood tested positive for significant amounts of fentanyl and U-47700, a synthetic opioid, neither of which is an ingredient in brand-name Norco.

From March to April, 2016, 12 fentanyl-related fatalities and 40 additional cases of toxicity were reported in Sacramento and Yolo counties in North California due to fake Norco pills containing fentanyl. Additional cases were identified in the San Francisco area.

Many novel psychoactive substances are produced in China, then enter the U.S. market for pill production and sale. Since more than 100 psychoactive substances, including six fentanyl analogs, were banned by China in 2015, novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700 and W-18 have entered the market, replacing more established and outlawed drugs.

"In cases where there is a reasonable suspicion of opioid or opioid-like ingestion, emergency providers should contact their local poison control center, medical toxicologist or public health department," said Dr. Armenian. "This case highlights that fentanyl-laced Norco is spreading to other regions, prompting emergency physicians to remain vigilant in their care."
Our skin renews, heals wounds, and regenerates the hair that covers it thanks to a small group of stem cells. These cells continually produce new ones, which appear on the skin surface after a few days. A study led by ICREA researcher Salvador Aznar Benitah and undertaken at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) has identified two proteins that are fundamental to conserve skin stem cells and has shown that without these proteins these cells are lost. The study, which has been published in Cell Stem Cell, has involved Luciano Di Croce's group at the Center for Genomic Regulation (acronym in Spanish CRG).

The proteins identified, Dnmt3a y Dnmt3b, are crucial for the self-renewal of skin stem cells as they trigger the first step of the genetic programme of these cells. "Without them, this programme is not activated and the stem cells collapse and disappear from the tissue," explains Salvador Aznar Benitah, head of the Stem Cells and Cancer lab at IRB Barcelona.

Lorenzo Rinaldi, a "la Caixa" PhD student and first author of the study, has identified all the regions of the genome that harbour these proteins. Rinaldi has observed that these two proteins exert their activity on gene enhancers and superenhancers -- regions far away from the genes that can increase gene transcription speed up to 200-fold -- among other regions.

"It was surprising to see that two proteins that have always been associated with gene repression through DNA methylation are activated in the most transcriptionally active regions of stem cells. We had never observed this activity because we were unable to study the global distribution of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b at the genomic level. Thanks to advances in sequencing techniques, more researchers are observing the very mechanism that we have described," explains Rinaldi.

Of the 12,000 gene enhancers in the genome, about 300 are superenhancers related to stem cells. The two proteins exert their function in these regions in order to trigger the approx. 1,000 genes required for the self-renewing capacity of stem cells. By methylating the superenhancer, these proteins trigger the first step of the machinery that leads to the amplified expression of these essential genes for the stem cell.

Link to cancer

There are various features related to cancer cells. Among these, first, these cells show altered DNA methylation. Second, gene enhancers are highly mutated, not only in the bodies of the genes themselves. These observations have been made possible thanks to mass sequencing of tumour cell genomes. Third, these two proteins, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, are altered in many types of tumour, such as those encountered in leukemia, the lung, and the colon.

"Each of these three components is associated with the development of various kinds of cancer. Given that these proteins activate gene expression enhancers through DNA methylation, we believe that it would be of interest to study them in cancer cells in order to determine whether they participate in tumour development," concludes Dr. Aznar Benitah.

The study has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and ERDFs. Dr. Aznar Benitah's lab is also supported by The European Council for Research (ERC), the Worldwide Cancer Research Foundation, the Fundacio Marato de TV3, the Fundacion Vencer el Cancer, the Fundacion Botin and the Government of Catalonia.
Inability to manage negative emotional and somatic stress is associated with opioid misuse in adults with chronic pain, according to new research reported in The Journal of Pain, published by the American Pain Society.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital and McLean Hospital investigated if high distress intolerance would make patients with chronic pain more likely to misuse opioid analgesics. Previous research suggests those with chronic pain who misuse their opioids exhibit higher levels of distress in general, as well as heightened reactivity to that distress.

Distress intolerance is defined as the perceived or actual inability to cope with adverse somatic or emotional stress. This can be treated effectively with cognitive behavioral therapy. For their study, the authors hypothesized that participants with higher distress intolerance levels would be more likely to misuse their prescribed opioids. They also examined if stress intolerance was associated with high pain sensitivity.

The study evaluated 51 participants from the pain management clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Subjects completed questionnaires and self reports probing for pain severity, pain thresholds, distress intolerance and opioid misuse.

Results showed that self-reported distress intolerance was significantly associated with opioid misuse in the study sample. For every one-unit increase in the Distress Intolerance Index, the likelihood of being in the opioid misuse group was 12 percent higher. Of the 51 study subjects, 31 met criteria for opioid misuse.

"This study found robust differences in distress intolerance between adults with chroic pain, with and without opioid medication misuse. Distress intolerance may be a relevant marker of risk for opioid misuse among those with chronic pain," said R. Kathryn McHugh, PhD, lead author and clinical researcher at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass.

Distress intolerance, however, was not associated with greater pain sensitivity but was linked with higher pain-related anxiety. The authors noted that distress intolerance is targeted extensively in cognitive behavioral therapy and can be modified with treatment.
When a battlefield explosion injures a soldier's face or neck, the critical air passage between the head and lungs often becomes blocked, which can lead to brain damage and death within minutes.

To help treat such injuries, a Johns Hopkins undergraduate team has designed a low-cost, low-tech device dubbed CricSpike that may boost the success rate when combat medics need to create an artificial airway and pump air into the lungs. The goal of this procedure is to keep wounded soldiers alive until more advanced treatment can be administered at a hospital.

Although more tinkering and testing are needed, the students' early prototype design has already earned awards at two recent medical device competitions.

The student invention focuses on the emergency neck-incision tactic called a cricothyrotomy. This procedure is often depicted on TV and in movies as a relatively simple series of steps, such as stabbing a ballpoint pen into the neck, that save the life of a crucial character. But in a real-life combat setting, this tricky treatment must be done very quickly under less than ideal conditions -- and it does not always work.

In their research, the students discovered that combat medics who attempt a cricothyrotomy in the field are unsuccessful about a third of the time. Even physicians and physician assistants failed about 15 percent of the time in hospital settings. Military experts say more soldiers could be saved if the battlefield cricothyrotomy success rate could be improved.

Last fall, retired U.S. Army physician James K. Gilman, who until recently was executive director of the Johns Hopkins Military and Veterans Health Institute, presented this challenge to a group of biomedical engineering undergraduates in the Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design Teams Program. Gilman, who rose to the rank of major general during his 35 years of Army service, served as the team's sponsor and medical adviser.

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The need for better combat cricothyrotomy tools quickly became clear to the students. They learned that in recent American military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, 10 to 15 percent of the preventable battlefield deaths were due to airway obstructions or respiratory failure. Many of these injuries were blamed on the growing use of explosive devices.

Preventing some of these deaths became the group's goal. "We were all excited by the emergency life-saving aspects of this project," said Antonio Spina of Streamwood, Ill., who served as team leader during his senior year.

The students designed their prototype with an eye toward simplifying and speeding up the procedure, and improving the accuracy of the insertion.

One of the main problems, the students discovered, was that the tools typically used in battle zones often do not manage to connect to the patient's trachea, commonly called the windpipe. Instead, these tools become lodged just under the patient's skin or bypass the trachea and instead strike the esophagus, which leads to the stomach, not the lungs.

To remedy this, the students devised an improved intratracheal tip that is carefully crafted to extend beyond the skin layers to the windpipe, but not far enough to reach the esophagus. To insert this tip into the neck, the students devised a two-piece handle that easily breaks away once the tip is connected to the trachea.

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For demonstration purposes, the student inventors have packaged the CricSpike tip and its handle as part of a kit that also includes a scalpel to make the neck incision and an endotracheal tube to channel air to the windpipe. The kit also contains a bag valve mask that the medic can attach and squeeze to push air through the tip or tube and into the wounded soldier's lungs.

In demonstrations with a medical mannequin and animal tissue, the students have shown that their prototype components can work.

The main pieces of the students' kit will require much more refinement and testing before they could be used on human patients. But the early prototype impressed the judges at the recent medical device design competitions.

On July 14, the device was awarded second prize in the student project category at the Innovation Lab Research Exhibition, presented at the Central Institute of Healthcare Engineering of Friedrich-Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany.

In May, the CricSpike team also received a third-place prize in the 2016 Johns Hopkins Student Healthcare Design Competition, organized by the university's Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design. This center is based within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, which is shared by the university's Whiting School of Engineering and its School of Medicine.

In addition, the students have worked with the staff of Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures in obtaining a provisional patent covering the design of their CricSpike components.

"The students did a great job," said military physician Gilman, the project's sponsor. "But the final prototype was still pretty rough. Relying on 3D printing techniques could only get them to a certain level. The next step in the development process would have to involve production of a more professional prototype."

Team member Qiuyin Ren of Westborough, Mass., a rising senior, said she and the other team members who will return to Johns Hopkins in the fall intend to build a more polished prototype during the coming school year. The student inventors hope a healthcare device maker eventually will license their design and incorporate it into an improved cricothyrotomy kit for combat areas.

In addition to Ren and team leader Spina, the students who worked on the CricSpike project were Ryan Walter of Pompano Beach, Fla.; Travis Wallace of Ellington, Conn.; Michael Good of Charlotte, N.C.; Himanshu Dashora of Powell, Ohio; Sondra Rahmeh of Austin, Texas; Jordan Kreger of Tecumseh, Mich.; and Ronak Mehta of Somerset, N.J.

Emergency physician Steven Tropello also provided assistance to the team and is included on the provisional patent. Robert H. Allen, a lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, served as the team's faculty sponsor.
Deep down below us is a tug of war moving at less than the speed of growing fingernails. Keeping your balance is not a concern, but how the movement happens has been debated among geologists.

New findings from under the Pacific Northwest Coast by University of Oregon and University of Washington scientists now suggest a solution to a mystery that surfaced when the theory of plate tectonics arose: Do the plates move the mantle, or does the mantle move the plates.

The separation of tectonic plates, the researchers proposed in a paper online ahead of print in the journal Nature Geoscience, is not simply dictating the flow of the gooey, lubricating molten material of the mantle. The mantle, they argue, is actually fighting back, flowing in a manner that drives a reorientation of the direction of the plates.

The new idea is based on seismic imaging of the Endeavor segment of the Juan de Fuca Plate in the Pacific Ocean off Washington and on data from previous research on similar ridges in the mid-Pacific and mid-Atlantic oceans.

"Comparing seismic measurements of the present mantle flow direction to the recent movements of tectonic plates, we find that the mantle is flowing in a direction that is ahead of recent changes in plate motion," said UO doctoral student Brandon P. VanderBeek, the paper's lead author. "This contradicts the traditional view that plates move the mantle."

While the new conclusion is based on a fraction of such sites under the world's oceans, a consistent pattern was present, VanderBeek said. At the three sites, the mantle's flow is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise rather than in the directions of the separating plates. The mantle's flow, the researchers concluded, may be responsible for past and possibly current changes in plate motion.

The research -- funded through National Science Foundation grants to the two institutions -- also explored how the supply of magma varies under mid-ocean ridge volcanoes. The researchers conducted a seismic experiment to see how seismic waves moved through the shallow mantle below the Endeavor segment.

They found that the middle of the volcanic segment, where the seafloor is shallowest and the inferred volcanic activity greatest, the underlying mantle magma reservoir is relatively small. The ends, however, are much deeper with larger volumes of mantle magma pooling below them because there are no easy routes for it to travel through the material above it.

Traditional thinking had said there would be less magma under the deep ends of such segments, known as discontinuities.

"We found the opposite," VanderBeek said. "The biggest volumes of magma that we believe we have found are located beneath the deepest portions of the ridges, at the segment ends. Under the shallow centers, there is much less melt, about half as much, at this particular ridge that we investigated.

"Our idea is that the ultimate control on where you have magma beneath these mountain ranges is where you can and cannot take it out," he said. "At the ends, we think, the plate rips apart much more diffusely, so you are not creating pathways for magma to move, build mountains and allow for an eruption."
A new acoustic buoy recently deployed by scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and WCS's (Wildlife Conservation Society) New York Aquarium to listen for some of the world's biggest animals in the New York Bight has detected its first whale species, and it's a really big one.

Fixed in position some 22 miles south of Fire Island and fitted with a digital acoustic monitoring instrument, the hi-tech buoy is now operational and has detected the vocalizations of fin whales, enormous marine mammals second in size only to the blue whale, the largest animal species on earth. The first whale detection was made on Monday, July 4th, only 12 days after the buoy was placed in its current position on June 23rd.

Since that time, the buoy has made several fin whale detections; the most recent vocalizations were detected yesterday (July 27th) and today.

"It's incredibly exciting that the buoy is working well and we're hearing whales already," said WHOI's Dr. Mark Baumgartner, co-lead of the joint WCS New York Aquarium-WHOI project, who developed the software used by the acoustic instrument and led the integration of the instrument into the buoy. "Now we can focus on learning when and how often different whales visit the busy waters of the New York Bight over the coming year."

"After years of planning, it's great that we're now in the water and receiving our first data -detections of fin whale vocalizations from the buoy over many days in the last few weeks," said Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, Director of WCS's Ocean Giants Program and co-lead of the WCS New York Aquarium-WHOI project. "By detecting whales in this area, we will get a much better understanding of how they are using the waters off New York and how to better protect them."

Fin whales were commercially hunted for much of the 20th century, and as a result are endangered today. Only around 1500 animals inhabit the waters of the U.S. east coast and according to government reports, they suffer from high rates of mortality from fishing gear entanglements and ship strikes.

Growing up to 70 feet in length and weighing as many tons, the fin whale is a somewhat common denizen of the waters of the New York Bight. The whale is characterized by its streamlined shape, a prominent dorsal fin located about two-thirds down its long back, and a tall spout. A fin whale calf can be up to 20 feet long at birth.

The fin whale is the world's only mammal with a consistently asymmetrical coloration; every individual fin whale has a cream or white colored lower right jaw while the lower left jaw is dark. The fin whale also has one of the lowest voices on Earth; the infrasonic sound can only be heard by human ears when sped up several times.

Dr. Artie Kopelman, President of the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), an organization that has been studying cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) of the New York Bight for more than two decades from whale-watching vessels, said: "Data from the new acoustic buoy platform will undoubtedly complement sighting information on these and other marine mammals in New York waters and hopefully inform management decisions on this and other cetacean species."

As time progresses, scientists expect the buoy to detect other whale species, including the humpback whale, a frequently observed species on whale watch cruises, and the North Atlantic right whale, one of the most endangered whale species on the planet with a total population of fewer than 500 individuals. Information about the detected whale sounds are being collected by the buoy's acoustic instrument and transmitted to Baumgartner's laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts via an Iridium satellite where they are reviewed and posted on a publically accessible website.

"We're excited to share this discovery with the residents of New York City and to help promote a better awareness of these marine mammals in the region," said Jon Forrest Dohlin, Vice President and Director of WCS's New York Aquarium. "The acoustic buoy will help us monitor the whales and learn more about their needs. New Yorkers can now share in that process of discovery and conservation."
Thermoelectric effects are a fundamental building block for the conception and development of new processes for information processing. They enable to re-use waste heat obtained in different processes for the operation of respective devices and thus contribute to the establishment of more energy-efficient, ecofriendly processes. A promising representative of this effect category is the so-called spin Seebeck effect, which became prominent within recent years. This effect allows to convert waste heat into spin currents and thereby to transport energy as well as information in magnetic, electrically insulating materials.

Physicists of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in Germany together with their colleagues from Glasgow University in Scotland now succeeded to reveal essential properties of this yet to be fully understood effect. Their findings contribute to a more thorough understanding of the underlying processes of this effect and thereby support its further development for first applications. The research work has been published in the journal Physical Review X.

The spin Seebeck effect belongs to the category of spin-thermoelectric effects. Previous work of the physicists at Mainz University in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Konstanz and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has shown that the creation of a thermal non-equilibrium leads to the creation of magnetic waves, so-called magnons, within magnetic materials. These transport both energy and torque and thus are able to induce a voltage signal in adjacent metal thin films.

By means of material-dependent measurements over a wide temperature range and with a varied thickness of the employed magnetic material, a direct correlation between the amplitude of the voltage signal and the intrinsic properties of magnons was identified. Furthermore, it was shown that the temperature dependence of the voltage generation efficiency additionally depends strongly on the atomic structure of the interface between magnetic material and metal thin film.

"Step by step answers to the open questions about the fundamental processes of the spin Seebeck effect are given. Our results yield an essential contribution for the development of the aspiring field of magnon spintronics," said Joel Cramer, co-author of the publication and stipend of the Graduate School of Excellence "Materials Science in Mainz" (MAINZ).

Professor Mathias Klaui added: "I am very glad that by means of the intensive collaboration with our colleagues we were able to correlate the transport of spins with the microscopic, atomistic structure. The cooperation with our colleagues from Glasgow already led to several mutual publications and an active exchange with leading groups from abroad is one of the central measures of our Graduate School of Excellence."
A dog who was seized by police on suspicion of being a pit bull and locked up at an undisclosed location earlier this month is set to be reunited with his family. It may have only taken a massive public outcry, headlines that spanned the globe and an online petition that garnered nearly 300,000 signatures, but Hank the not-quite-a-pit bull is going home to his family in Belfast, Northern Ireland. "We are delighted that Hank will be coming home," his owner, Leonard Collins told The Dodo. "Now we are turning our attention to changing the legislation."

Leonard Collins

In a release sent to The Dodo, the Belfast City Council announced its recommendation to release the dog, following certain court-mandated conditions. "This means that, although assessed by an appropriate expert to be a pit bull terrier type, he can be returned to his owners, following court approval with conditions, most of which are mandatory under this legislation," the council notes. Hank was seized under Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, which effectively makes pit-bull-type dogs illegal.

Dodo Shows Soulmates Pig Loves To Launch Himself Onto His Dad's Lap

Leonard Collins

But after the council sought expert opinion, Hank was given an exemption. For now, he will remain in the council's custody while those conditions, which include training for certain behavioral issues, are being met. "It is anticipated that this matter will be brought through the courts as quickly as possible," the statement notes. That may be as soon as Tuesday, according to a statement on the Save Hank Facebook page.

Leonard Collins

On July 14, eight police officers and four dog wardens showed up on Hank's doorstep with a warrant to seize the dog. His owners, Collins and Joanne Meadows, weren't home at the time, so officers took the dog and left them a note.

Leonard Collins

Hank was reported by a neighbor as a pit bull - a breed that is outlawed under Northern Ireland's dangerous dogs legislation.

Leonard Collins

Hank's family hasn't seen him since. The council barred them from visiting Hank and kept him in a kennel for days after he was seized. "We are both struggling," a distraught Collins told The Dodo on Wednesday. "We're very stressed. We want nothing more than Hank to come home."

Leonard Collins

Throughout their ordeal, Collins and Meadows insisted Hank is not a pit bull, but a Staffordshire bull terrier and Labrador mix. The council, however, disagreed, determining Hank did meet the criteria for the banned breed - a criteria that has led to dogs being killed in the past.

Leonard Collins
For most of his life, he was a dog with no name. The only thing he owned was a past that was written all over his body. His back leg was badly bent, likely from being hit by a car. He was covered in scars. "He has lived a hellish life," Carla Welch of Fighting for the Bullys tells The Dodo. But last week, maybe for the first time in his life, this dog earned a name. And a future.

While roaming the streets of Baldwin, Georgia, he came across a man and woman in a heated argument. The man pulled out a knife. The dog leapt between him and the woman. The dog was stabbed five times for his trouble. He may have saved a stranger's life. Even if it nearly cost him his own. When Sgt. Timothy Clay and officer Daniel Seeley arrived on the scene, they found a dog bleeding out on the street. While the dog's condition seemed grim, they couldn't leave him there to die. The officers found a veterinarian who was willing to reopen her clinic at that late hour. Once there, the dog collapsed on the operating table. "His gums were white already because he had lost so much blood," Welch says.

Dodo Shows Cat Crazy Fluffy Cat Wants To Sit On His Dad At All Times

Eventually, the dog was stabilized. And days later, he was on his way to Welch's rescue in Tennessee with a shiny new name: Hero.

"This dog was meant to live," Welch says. "He is amazing. The poor thing has had a hellish life. His life has changed from yesterday on."
The family of a 15-year-old boy who was bumped from an Air Canada flight and left to sleep alone overnight on the floor of Pearson airport while travelling solo is calling on the airline for a change of policy toward minors.

Hayden Levy was returning to Nova Scotia after a three-week visit with his father in Winnipeg when he and about 14 other passengers were bumped from their connector flight, he said. It was scheduled to depart for Halifax from Toronto at 8:50 p.m. on July 13.

A second flight, scheduled for around 11:30 p.m., saw Levy and others boarded onto a plane only to be shuffled off again due to a thunderstorm that cancelled the trip.

I just lied (sic) out on the carpet . . . . I could see the planes through the windows, Hayden said. It wasnt very comfortable. Every once in a while youd hear a loud noise . . . like a floor-cleaning machine.

In an emailed statement, an Air Canada spokesperson said the company had no indication in the booking file that Hayden was a 15-year-old teenager travelling alone.

The airlines policy offers special assistance to solo travellers under 18, wrote Angela Mah. That includes arranging for a hotel room with a chaperone or, if a suite isnt available, relying on back-up plans involving staff who stay with the child.

However, we can only take the appropriate action if we are made aware of the individuals circumstances. Our gate agent was only made aware he was a teenager travelling alone the following morning.

Levy and his family disagree. I was ready to go to Toronto and get my son and tear a strip off somebody, his mother, Kim Hillier, said.

Levys stepmother was with him at the check-in desk in Winnipeg and specifically told them he was 15 years old, Hillier said. It was notified when he checked in. What happened after that I dont know.

Levy said none of the delayed passengers was given hotel vouchers  no rooms were available, Air Canada said. All received a $10 airport food voucher a $400 discount on their next Air Canada flight.

Ten dollars in Toronto International Airport doesnt go far to (feed) a 15-year-old boy, said Levys grandfather Brian Truelove.

When he woke up around 5 a.m., Levy realized he still wasnt sure how he would be getting home. A family friend on his way back to the Maritimes, who had spotted the teen in the airport the night before, accompanied him to a customer service desk where they confirmed he was on standby.

Levy made it to Halifax around 1 p.m. July 14.

Mah said the airlines customer relations team has been in contact directly with the family to apologize and offer compensation.

Operational challenges sometimes create a lot of activity at the gate and in this instance we were taking care of a large number of customers who were affected, Mah wrote.

Levys mother took the ferry to shore from the tiny island where they live in Mahone Bay, arriving in Halifax in the morning after several false starts.

Hillier said Levys stepmother had also written on his ticket that he was a minor, and that he should have received better care from the airline.

Air Canada stressed the minors age should be noted at the point of purchase, as ticketing is electronic and rebooking is done automatically based on this information.

Levys grandmother booked his flight, an annual summer trip out West, through a travel agent.

The airline offers service to unaccompanied minors service for passengers aged 8 to 17. The full treatment costs $100 each way and means unaccompanied children are escorted by airline staff. It is mandatory for anyone aged 8 to 11 and optional for passengers aged 12 to 17

Even if a passenger doesnt want the service, he or she should note their age for special assistance in situations like those Levy encountered, Mah said.

The teens grandfather says theres no excuse for overlooking his age during check-in, and called for a change in policy.

Because he is a minor he should never have been bumped, Truelove said.

Youre old enough to be bumped off a flight you were booked on, but youre not old enough to be booked in a hotel, so you end up sleeping on the floor.

He said his grandson, who enjoys fishing for mackerel and four-wheeling, isnt the type to kick up a fuss. Hes an honest kid and believes that most people are honest.

Air Canada states on its website that more than 10,000 young travellers fly unaccompanied with the airline each year.

And regardless of whether theyre travelling on a short flight, or are embarking on a longer journey, our unaccompanied minor service ensures that children travelling alone receive the best of care, and are escorted by our highly trained staff from the moment they arrive at airport check-in until they reach their destination.

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VANCOUVERJohn Nuttall hangs his head and promises hell do better next time. Covert video played in British Columbia Supreme Court from the spring of 2013 shows the man Nuttall calls his Muslim brother berating him for proposing a poorly researched terrorism plot to hijack a commuter train on Vancouver Island.

The problem: passenger service on the Via Rail line had been discontinued years earlier.

The video is part of the evidence heard by Justice Catherine Bruce, who is due to decide Friday whether the Mounties induced Nuttall and Amanda Korody, his common-law wife, to commit terrorist acts.

Nuttalls plans for the train were caught on police surveillance video.

It was just an idea I came up with off the top my head . . . as I was sitting in the truck, Nuttall explains, averting his eyes. The methadone-dependent former drug addict, who lived on welfare with Korody in a Vancouver-area basement suite, typed up the plan several days before at the brothers insistence.

This thing has to be prepared. It has to be researched, says the police officer posing as an Arab businessman and Muslim extremist.

Nuttall becomes more animated as he promises to do better, offering more ideas on top of others he had proposed, including hijacking a nuclear submarine, breaking Omar Khadr out of prison in Guantanamo Bay, and storming a Vancouver Island military base using AK-47s and Teflon-coated bullets.

Im here to make what you have in your head become true, what you want in your heart to be reality, says the undercover RCMP officer, who is part of an elaborate sting operation.

On July 1, 2013, Nuttall and Korody were arrested and charged with multiple terrorism-related offences after planting what they believed were pressure-cooker bombs on the B.C. legislature grounds in an effort to kill as many people as possible.

A jury found the pair guilty, but their conviction wasnt recorded while lawyers argued whether police manipulated the couple into committing the crime. If Bruce rules they were not entrapped, then the pairs guilt will be registered and a date will be set for their sentencing hearing. If she decides they were entrapped, a stay of proceedings will be issued and Nuttall and Korody walk free.

The case sets two competing versions of the same story against one another.

In the narrative presented by defence lawyers, the RCMP acted on unreasonable suspicions to exploit two vulnerable people, herding them toward a manufactured crime that was planned, prepared and all but carried out by the police.

Nuttalls lawyers said substance abuse and mental health played a role and that was highlighted in one video clip played at the trial where Nuttall encourages Korody to wilfully forget the name of their new friend  the undercover officer  so as not to endanger him should they be captured and tortured for information.

The Crown argues that the Mounties acted on reports about a man openly espousing views and plans to commit violent jihad, or holy war. They say police went undercover to gauge Nuttalls seriousness, before gently guiding him toward one of the many plans he had proposed but which would pose the lowest threat to the public.

Crown counsel insisted undercover officers offered Nuttall and Korody numerous opportunities to abandon their plans.

In a telephone interview, Crown attorney Peter Eccles acknowledged Bruce faces a difficult decision that pits public safety against the acceptability of police tactics.

The tension is between societys expectation that we are going to be kept safe from (lone-wolf terrorists), and the reality that doing so, taking the investigative steps to ensure these individuals dont act on their fantasies of violence and visions of hate and murder, is problematic, he said.

Restrictions on the polices ability to investigate these things are necessary to some extent. But we also dont want to gut their ability to deal with (the threat).

Lawyer Marilyn Sandford, who represents Nuttall, said a finding of entrapment in such a serious case would be highly unusual, but it could have repercussions for how police conduct undercover operations.

If the arguments from Nuttall and Korodys lawyers hold sway, this will be the first terrorism case to end in entrapment in North America, said Kent Roach, a University of Toronto law professor and anti-terrorism expert.

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OTTAWA  Canada sits on an enviable top-10 perch when it comes to quality of life around the world, but a new analysis points to significant disparity among its provinces and territories.

Albertans, for example, enjoyed a quality of life in 2014 comparable to that found in countries like Switzerland or Denmark, says a new report that seeks to replicate the United Nations human development index for Canadian regions.

At the other end of the spectrum, Nunavut would have had a quality of life similar to that of Latvia or Croatia, according to the report released Thursday.

Overall, Canada holds down the ninth spot on the 2015 UN index of 188 countries, which was based on 2014 data. It tied with New Zealand one slot below the United States.

By comparison, if Alberta had been stacked up against countries on the list, it would have landed in fourth place  the highest among Canadas provinces and territories. Ontario would have been eighth.

Nunavut would have ended up 46th, the report says.

Although most Canadian provinces and territories achieve impressive ranks in the international context, evidently Canadas overall (human development index) masks substantial variation among the different regions, said the paper by The Centre for the Study of Living Standards.

Our report highlights the diverse human development experiences of Canadians.

The UN human development index is a frequently used tool that measures one countrys standing with another. It combines data on life expectancy, education and gross national income to produce a ranking of the UNs member countries.

To replicate the index for provinces and territories, report author and economist James Uguccioni wrote that he used Statistics Canada data to ensure it was as consistent as possible.

The study also ranked B.C. as the top-ranked Canadian region for life expectancy, while Nunavut was last. Compared to UN countries, Nunavut was No. 103 for life expectancy.

It also said Nunavut ranked last when it came to average educational attainment, while Yukon had the highest level.

Nunavut trailed in the category of expected years of schooling, in which Quebec was No. 1. Internationally, Nunavut was 107th.

For gross national income per capita, Northwest Territories was first and Prince Edward Island was last.

How the provinces and territories would rank internationally:

Alberta: 4

Ontario: 8

British Columbia: 11

Saskatchewan: 12

Quebec: 12

Northwest Territories: 15

Newfoundland and Labrador: 16

Nova Scotia: 22

Yukon: 22

Prince Edward Island: 23

Manitoba: 23

New Brunswick: 25

Nunavut: 46

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How much is a lifetime of public humiliation worth?

Ontario Superior Court Justice David Stinson pegged it at precisely $141,708.03 in January. Thats how much he ruled a young man had to pay his ex-girlfriend for the shame and psychological suffering hed caused her by posting an intimate video of her on pornhub.com.

He called it college girl pleasures herself for ex boyfriends delight.

That will give you an idea of its contents.

The decision set a new path for revenge porn victims. Since 2014, when Parliament passed the revenge porn law, victims can go to police and hope the jerk who put their images online without their permission lands in jail. But with Stinsons ruling, they could also pursue some civil justice  cash, and a lot of it. He set the bar high, awarding the young victim the maximum damages  enough to pay her lawyer, and cover therapy bills for years of shame, fear, distrust 

Stinson lauded the young woman for her bravery in breaking new legal ground. Her efforts, the final line of his judgment reads, have established such a precedent that will enable others who endure the same experience to seek similar recourse. He compared her ordeal to that of a sexual assault victim.

Women applauded in their hearts across the country.

Except the victimizer wants a do-over.

This week, the defendants lawyer Dhiren Chohan was in Superior Court asking for Stinsons ruling to be put aside. I cant tell you what was said, since the judge put a publication ban on the hearing. But I can tell you what Chohan argued in his factum: his client, known only as N.D., wasnt represented in the hearing because he couldnt afford a lawyer back then and filed his motion improperly, so he didnt know when it was. He has a full-time job now, and has been able to hire counsel, so hed like the chance to defend himself.

Its a precedent-setting case and decisions of this magnitude ought not to be made without the participation of all the parties, Chohans factum states.

How can the court even consider this, seven months after Stinsons ruling? Ill get to that in a minute. First, let me tell you about the case.

The girl, known only as Jane Doe, was 18. She came from a small Ontario city. She had a high school sweetheart. They broke up the summer after Grade 12, but kept a romantic flicker going. She went away to university, and he sent her some sexually explicit images of himself.

She returned the favour, and sent him a video in November 2011. She found out hed posted it on the porn website three weeks later, contacted his mother (can you imagine that conversation?) and he pulled the video down.

Then the smart girl lawyered up. She hired Donna Wilson, who sent a letter to her ex demanding $17,500 in damages. Over the next three and a half years, he negotiated, discussed and stalled. They reached a settlement twice, and he backed off twice. He hired a lawyer and then lost that lawyer. Finally, Wilson sent him notice that she was taking him to court.

He did not file a motion of defence, so his side was not heard by Justice Stinson.

It would appear he blew it. But if he can prove to the court he has a good excuse and an arguable case, then he might just get to set aside the ruling and start again.

Judges are loath to deny defendants the ability to defend themselves, explains civil litigator Gillian Hnatiw.

A ruling to reopen the case would clearly be terrible for Jane Doe, who is still a student. This nightmare has dragged on for four and a half years. Another hearing would stir up her victimhood. In his factum, Chohan states hed like to cross-examine her on whether she suffered a visible and provable injury. She also hasnt been questioned on the stand on whether she and her ex had an agreement that he wouldnt show the video to anyone else and he therefore breached her confidence, the factum states.

How can she move on and start her life again?

The spill-out for the rest of us raises a bigger question. If Stinsons landmark case opened doors to civil litigation, wont setting it aside lock them shut again?

I called three lawyers.

They all said even if Stinsons ruling is put aside, it remains case law for lawyers in the future to draw on. It is not being appealed, pointed out Hnatiw, who regularly represents sexual assault victims in civil court. (She also provided pro bono counsel to Lucy DeCoutere in the recent criminal case against Jian Ghomeshi.)

I dont want women to feel disempowered, she said. Obviously, its discouraging. But it remains a good law.

The bigger concern, said privacy lawyer and Osgoode Hall law professor Michael Power, is a new case with much lower damages. Most judgments in his field are just $20,000  not enough to even pay legal bills, he said.

It could reduce the incentive for people victimized by revenge porn to seek legal redress, he said.

Finally, theres an implicit warning: this legal case will be like that video, never disappearing.

Privacy litigator Molly Reynolds, who was part of the team representing former justice Lori Douglas in her own case dealing with revenge porn, said for many victims its not money that counts.

Just the ability to seek vindication from the court that there was wrongdoing, she said. Thats as important, if not more, than the financial compensation, in the end.

So, again: how much is a lifetime of public humiliation worth?

Catherine Porter can be reached at cporter@thestar.ca .

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The clear cut of about 30 trees, including a towering 150-year-old Linden, from a controversial development site on leafy Bayview Ave. has enraged neighbours and the local city councillor.

City staff are investigating and say no permit was issued to remove trees on lots at 103 and 108 Bayview Ridge across from the Canadian Film Centre, south of York Mills Rd.

Obviously its devastating for the neighbourhood, said Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West). Its really deplorable. Ive had phone calls from people in tears.

Robinson described the lot as having been clear cut.

The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) approved townhouses and detached homes on the lots, each previously with a single-family home, at the north and south corners of Bayview Ridge at the intersection with busy Bayview Ave.

Approval from the provincial appeal body came after neighbours objected to an application to the city for an official plan amendment and zoning bylaw amendment to allow something other than single-family homes.

Philip Russel, who lives next to one of the lots, said neighbours were shocked to discover the heavily treed lots cleared down to mud, trunks strewn about including a massive Linden  a flowering tree favoured by bees.

They're screwing up the planning process, they're making a farce of the work weve been doing for a year, working with Robinson and others to find a compromise, Russel said. Its very sad.

City reports on the redevelopment applications list M Behar Planning and Design Inc. as the contact.

Behar told the Star he had nothing to do with tree removal and to contact Ali Mohtashami of Pegah Construction Ltd. Mohtashami didnt respond to a request for comment on this article Wednesday.

Arthur Beauregard, Torontos manager of urban forestry tree protection, said in an email that the city is actively investigating potential tree bylaw contraventions at this site.

The process for anyone or any company where tree bylaw-regulated street trees, or private trees, are involved, is to apply for and obtain a permit prior to tree removal.

Beauregard said the city would not release further details.

Penalties for illegal removal under Torontos tree bylaw are a minimum of $500 per tree, and a maximum of $100,000 per tree. There is also provision for a rarely applied special fine of $100,000.

Robinson said she hopes that the city cracks down on illegal tree removal. The fact that it happens despite regulation suggests fines need to be higher, she said, so they are not just a line item in a developers budget.

There are several other townhouse applications pending for Bayview Ave., Robinson added, criticizing the OMB for approving such developments.

Its completely transforming the area, Robinson said of developers snapping up lots. A lot of houses are empty or for sale. What was once a very beautiful vibrant neighbourhood is becoming a ghost town.

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Three years and one day after Const. James Forcillo shot and killed Sammy Yatim on an empty Dundas streetcar, he will be sentenced for attempting to kill the dying teenager by firing another six shots.

It is rare for a police officer to be convicted of unjustified use of force and rarer still for police officers to be sentenced to jail time.

But Forcillos case, as was repeatedly said during a five-day sentencing hearing in May, is unique  he is the only officer in Canada to have been convicted of attempted murder with a firearm while on duty, according to his lawyers. He is also one of the few people to be convicted of attempted murder when the victim died.

Forcillo, 33, faces a mandatory minimum of five years, but his lawyers have argued such a sentence would be unconstitutional and grossly disproportionate for a lawfully armed police officer duty-bound to act to stop a threat. Instead, they argued he should serve two years of house arrest.

The Crown argued that by shooting at Yatim a further six times when he posed no threat, Forcillo seriously breached the duty of care he owed the teenager in a state of crisis. An appropriate sentence is between eight and 10 years, they argued.

If Justice Edward Then rejects the defences constitutional challenge and bid for house arrest, it will mean there should not be a more lenient standard for police officers who use violence unlawfully, says criminal defence lawyer Reid Rusonik, who was not involved in the case.

In that case, (police officers) should know going forward if they use force unlawfully, they will be judged like anyone else, he said.

The public does have the perception that police get a free ride in the justice system, says Alan Young, a criminal law professor at Osgoode Hall.

He says it is difficult to compare sentences handed down to officers for serious offences to non-officers because charges and convictions for police officers are uncommon.

When an officer comes before the courts, it is very important for the court to know the significance of their ruling, he says. If you don't bring accountability to law-breaking officers you erode trust between the police and the community. And the most divisive thing is perceived lenience given to police officers who break the law.

Echoing a point made by Justice Then during the sentencing hearing, Carleton University criminologist Darryl Davies says the ruling must reflect that police already have special protections in the law allowing reasonable use of force. This case has clearly highlighted the need for police training reform, he says.

Police officers must be held to a higher standard and that therefore means we need to rethink the whole process," he says.

Forcillo was acquitted of second-degree murder by a jury after a four-month trial that ended in January, a verdict that means the first three shots fired at Yatim, including the one that eventually killed him, were legal.

But the next six shots fired after a pause of five seconds went too far, the jurys guilty verdict on the attempted murder charge suggests. Five of the six shots struck Yatims lower body, paralyzed from a previous shot to the spine.

It will be up to Justice Then to determine the facts of what happened that night based on the jurys verdicts.

On the question of sentencing Forcillo to jail time, Then may consider that prison is known to be particularly dangerous for police. Officers who do go to jail are often kept in protective custody  effectively solitary confinement, says criminal lawyer Daniel Brown who was not involved in the case.

But in a case like this, involving a mandatory minimum prison sentence, it is unlikely to make a significant difference, he says.

It is very rare for officers to spend any time in jail even when faced with very serious offences... but here there is no creative way around the sentence the judge must impose.

In the case touted as most similar to Forcillos, that of an RCMP officer in Alberta who was convicted of manslaughter with a firearm after shooting an inmate, the officer served three months of his four year sentence in 2006 before being granted full parole.

Should Forcillo be sentenced to jail time, he is expected to seek bail pending appeal of his conviction and sentence. He may be released the same day.

He has already filed a notice of appeal on his conviction. His main argument is that the jury should not have been allowed to consider the murder charge and attempted murder as separate offences because both charges stem from one continuous act and as result the verdicts are inconsistent.

He also argues Then erred by refusing to allow the defence to present certain pieces of evidence to the jury, including testimony on suicide-by-cop.

It could take more than a year for the Court of Appeal to hear the case and rule on it. Depending on the result, the case could go to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Forcillo also faces a police tribunal hearing that has been postponed until the sentencing is complete.

This story has been updated to state that Darryl Davies is a criminologist at Carleton University. A previous version of this story said he was a criminologist at University of Ottawa.

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Const. James Forcillo will spend his first night in jail following a precedent-setting sentence of six years in prison for shooting 18-year-old Sammy Yatim on a streetcar in July 2013, but may be released on bail pending appeal in time for the long weekend.

In his scathing ruling sentencing Forcillo, 33, to a year longer than the mandatory minimum of five years, Justice Edward Then sent a clear message that officers who break the law must be held to a higher standard than regular citizens because of the position of trust they are placed in.

When a police officer has committed a serious crime of violence by the breaking the law which the officer has sworn to uphold, it is the duty of the court to firmly denounce that conduct in an effort to repair and to affirm the trust that must exist between the community and the police to whom we entrust the use of lethal weapons within the limits prescribed by the criminal law, he said.

Then criticized Forcillo for failing to follow his training to use lethal force only as a last resort, instead shooting Yatim six times as he lay injured and dying on the floor of the streetcar.

The shooting of Mr. Yatim was unnecessary and unreasonable and excessive from the outset of the second volley, he wrote. The precipitous shooting of Mr. Yatim contrary to Officer Forcillos training constitutes a fundamental failure to understand his duty to protect all life and not just his own.

Thens sound rejection of the defences position that a sentence of two years of house arrest was appropriate and that a five-year sentence constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in this case was met with praise by justice system observers. (The Crown had asked for a sentence of eight to 10 years.)

This is sending a message that police wrongdoing isnt going to be condoned, said David MacAlister, a professor of criminology at Simon Fraser University. There have been a number of high-profile situations across the country and it has resulted in the public attitude towards police being adversely affected . . . I think the sentence in this case reflects that the public does have concerns and something significant has to be done about it.

After a four-month trial that ended in January, a jury convicted Forcillo of attempted murder for firing the second set of shots, but acquitted him of second-degree murder for the first volley, which an autopsy concluded actually caused Yatims death.

He is the only police officer in Canada to have been convicted and sentenced for attempted murder, according to his lawyers.

Forcillo is appealing both his conviction and sentence, and seeking bail pending the appeal being heard. At a hearing at the Ontario Court of Appeal on Thursday afternoon Forcillos lawyer Michael Lacy told a judge that the jury verdicts are a logical absurdity and the conviction should be reviewed.

The Crown opposed the bail application, arguing the enforcement of the sentence in such a serious case is where the public interest lies. The Crown concedes that Forcillo is not a flight risk and is not a danger to the public.

After the sentencing, Yatims father Nabil told reporters the journey to this moment had been long and difficult, but praised the judges decision.

He spent some hours on Wednesday  the third anniversary of Yatims death  staring at the wall and reliving the what-if questions that haunt him.

The police and the public should be working hand in hand. De-escalation techniques need to be learned again, he said of the change he hopes comes from his familys loss. I think the majority of (police officers) are superb, nice people but you always have a bad apple or two.

Yatims parents both said it bothered them that they have received no apology from Forcillo. When given the standard opportunity to address the court before being sentenced Forcillo declined.

That hurts a lot, Yatims mother Sahar Bahadi said. He destroyed our families. He destroyed our lives, but never showed any kind of remorse.

Bahadis lawyer Julian Falconer said the difference between this case and many others was the presence of irrefutable video evidence, and reiterated his call for body cameras to be worn by police officers.

Read the full decision Forcillo decision by torontostar on Scribd

Close to impossible, he said of convicting a police officer without video. Just look at these facts, you have a situation where Officer Forcillo was trying to say Mr. Yatim was getting up again, and Justice Then was required to thoroughly reject that.

Falconer called the sentence an exception to the rule, showing a police officer can be held accountable by the justice system.

Bad policing was sentenced. And we should see it that way. Not a sentence on police officers. But at the same time we have to make a world where good police officers can be supportive of what happened today, he said.

Forcillos lawyer, Peter Brauti, said his client was held in protective custody, away from other prisoners, after he was handcuffed and led from the packed courtroom.

Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders released a statement saying Forcillo had been suspended without pay after being sentenced Thursday.

Saunders said he could not comment on the decision as it is under appeal.

The last three years have been difficult for everyone involved, including the families of Sammy Yatim and James Forcillo, Saunders said. The Toronto Police Service will continue to protect and support the public, and each other, and I am certain members will continue to do their jobs professionally and with respect.

A decision on whether Forcillo will be granted bail pending appeal from Ontario Court of Appeal Justice Eileen Gillese is expected at 9 a.m. Friday.

An appeal could be scheduled for next spring at the earliest.

With files from Wendy Gillis and Peter Edwards

Recap

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Star readers have come to the rescue of a 74-year-old pensioner who was left in the dark and without water after Hydro One pulled the plug last week.

The artist from the Bancroft area who had given up her clothes dryer, cable TV and phone to cut costs, became overwhelmed by a $2,500 debt amid rising monthly bills and stopped paying in May.

Peggy Mills lost power just days after she was approved for new energy-saving appliances through a Hydro One program to help low-income customers reduce their bills.

Among almost a dozen readers who have offered to help, is a former refugee who says no one in Canada should have trouble paying their electricity bill, a retired teacher who generally doesnt believe in Band-Aid solutions and a Toronto public relations firm that wants to do a good deed.

The downtown PR firm, that wishes to remain anonymous, has offered to pay the $2,500 hydro debt for Mills, a mother of four and grandmother of eight.

The former refugee, who fled war-torn Sri Lanka for Canada with his with his parents when he was 6, says he will cover Millss hydro bills for six months to help her get back on her feet.

I dont think anyone in Canada should struggle with hydro, said Siva Raamkumar, 27, a jeweller who lives with his parents in North York.

Ive done well and I just want to pay if forward, he said.

A semi-retired father of three who lives in Halton Region has offered to subsidize Millss hydro bill for as long as she wants so she can live more comfortably.

I know the generosity of Canadians will see that she gets help in the short term. But once her power is reconnected, I dont want her to run into trouble again, said Tony Sandhu, 50, who immigrated from India in 1990.

My mother is about her age and I wouldnt want to see this happening to her, he added.

Jack Puttick of Markham was prompted to send Mills a cheque out of anger that Hydro One was sending her new appliances at the same time it was cutting off her power.

Im no millionaire and I dont like the fact my hydro rates continue to climb like all my fellow Ontarians, but we have to do something, he said. To hear people are deciding whether to buy groceries or pay they utilities breaks my heart.

When the Star contacted Hydro One about Millss predicament Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the utility would take a second look at her bill and work with local social service agencies to get her power restored.

Hydro One did not return calls Wednesday for an update.

Mills was astonished by the kindness of Star readers.

Oh my goodness, she said from a pay phone near her home in McArthurs Mills. I think its wonderful. But what about all the other people who need help?

Community worker Jane Kali of North Hastings Community Trust who has been helping Mills is also worried about the hundreds of other residents in the rugged rural area southeast of Algonquin Park who are in arrears and risk losing their power.

Two more people are being disconnected this week, Kali said. The help for Peggy is awesome. But this is a systemic problem that we need to tackle for everyone.

Bancrofts only social housing complex switched from a faulty oil-heating system to electric service about seven years ago when hydro costs were low. But now low-income families and seniors living there are paying more for hydro than rent, she said.

Under equalized billing, the average tenant is paying $350 a month for hydro. These are people on Ontario Works and ODSP, Kali said, referring to the provinces welfare program for able-bodied and disabled people.

With local radio and TV now interested in Millss story, she wants Hydro One to declare a moratorium on disconnections until a better solution is found to high energy rates in rural areas.

In the meantime, the Ontario Energy Board, the provinces independent energy regulator, says customers having trouble can contact its consumer relations departmentat: 1-877-632-2727, said spokeswoman Karen Evans.

We are there to mediate disputes, Evans said. We know the rules and we can advocate on behalf of the consumer.

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It must be hard for mainstream Republicans to hold their noses while keeping their eyes and mouths taped shut amid the blast of blather emanating from their presidential candidate Donald Trump.

But the latest  his invitation for Americas widely condemned rival Russia to hack Democratic opponent Hillary Clintons emails  has crossed a new political Rubicon.

Trump blows off his shout-out to Russian hackers as sarcasm. But he has put further distance between himself and the Republican playbook with a suggestion that the U.S. could recognize Russias forceful annexation of Crimea, which violates international law. Relaxation of sanctions could follow, and presumably business as usual: something Trump has reportedly done with Russian and former Soviet oligarchs for years.

Although the Soviet Union is long gone, such ideas would have the late Republican anti-Communist witch-hunter Joseph McCarthy spinning in his grave. Not to mention Ronald Reagan, who took credit for bringing what he called the evil empire into a new era of  albeit illusory  freedom and democracy.

Trump has less affection for Reagans democracy and has made no secret of his admiration for Putins strong leadership style. But thats an alarming prospect for America, and a disastrous view of foreign policy.

Russia was recently condemned in a systemic, state-sponsored doping scandal that came close to disqualifying all its athletes from the Rio Olympics.

To keep down political opposition, the Kremlin locks up its enemies on spurious charges. Whistle-blowing lawyer Sergei Magnitsky died in custody after exposing a massive state-linked tax fraud. A prominent opposition leader, Boris Nemtsov, was brazenly murdered and the mastermind never brought to justice.

Several journalists and regime critics have also died in execution-style killings. And a British judge went so far as to say Putin probably approved the gruesome polonium poisoning of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko in London.

That is leaving aside Russias military adventures in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

To increase his control over Russian and foreign opinion, Putin has eliminated most of the independent media and pumped up state-funded international media. And he employs a complex of trolls to spread disinformation and hammer home the Kremlins line.

Some of these tactics might appeal to Trump, who considers opposition an inconvenience and bully-backed deal-making the norm.

Thats why some mainstream Republicans have spoken out against the dangers of a Trump presidency, most famously hardliner Ted Cruz. Mitt Romney, John Kasich and John McCain also joined the Dump Trump movement.

As the election steamroller moves on, the party of Abraham Lincoln has good reason to remember the revered Republicans words: America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedom it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

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BEIRUT  After months of fighting to encircle opponents in Aleppo, Syrian authorities backed by Russia on Thursday offered safe corridors out for residents and rebels in the northern citys besieged quarters, underlining the governments determination to seal off the metropolis and force an eventual surrender by the opposition.

Many residents dismissed the offer, saying it presents them with an impossible choice between a slow death if they stay behind and possible detention if they attempt to leave.

The encirclement of rebel-held eastern Aleppo sets the stage for a drawn-out siege with potentially huge implications for the future of the armed opposition to President Bashar Assad. The military continued to consolidate its grip Thursday, seizing a district on the northern edge of the city.

If Assad shows that he is winning Aleppo and hes now also advancing on the rebels in Damascus, it could trigger a more dramatic shift by finally convincing opposition groups that they have lost the war, said Aron Lund, non-resident associate of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The announcement on humanitarian corridors was made by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and was followed by a general amnesty offer by Assad for rebels who give up their weapons and surrender to authorities over the next three months.

Rebels and residents of Aleppo said they were deeply skeptical of the offer, and there was no sign of people massing to leave the besieged parts of the city.

I will not leave. I will be the last man in the city, said Mohammed Zein Khandakani, a 28-year-old resident of the Maadi neighbourhood of Aleppo who volunteers with the citys medical council.

But Khandakani, formerly a lawyer who was detained for a month in the early days of the protests against the Syrian government, said he was worried about his family.

A father of two  the youngest a girl of 9 months  he said despite the risk of maltreatment and even arrest, he is urging his mother, wife and sister to use the safe passages to leave the city. He said he hopes the Russian role and intense international attention to the humanitarian corridors proposition means the government would abstain from flagrant violations.

Flyers dropped over eastern Aleppo showed supposed corridors leading to government areas, but the media office for the oppositions civil defence search and rescue group in east Aleppo said no safe corridors have been opened.

Ibrahim Haj, director of the media office in Aleppo, said families would probably send their women and children through the corridors if they were deemed secure enough, but not men.

Most of the men  everyone here  is wanted by the regime, said Haj. So, what amnesty?

He and other activists reported continued fighting and said there were 25 air raids on eastern Aleppo Thursday.

For days now, Syrian government forces and allied troops have encircled the main rebel enclave in Aleppo, urging fighters there to surrender. The encirclement set the stage for a prolonged siege that the government hopes will eventually starve out and force the rebels to surrender, a tactic Assads forces have used elsewhere, including in the central city of Homs. Homs, with a total population of 200,000, returned almost fully to government control in December following a three-year siege.

The UN says Aleppo is now possibly the largest besieged area in Syria, with an estimated 300,000 residents inside. Humanitarian groups have warned of a major catastrophe if the siege continues.

Rights groups said opening safe passages to civilians trapped in eastern Aleppo city wont avert a catastrophe and does not give Syrian and Russian forces carte blanche to further blockade the opposition-controlled territory.

The fact that you provide this option doesnt mean that the people who stay behind are legitimate military targets, said Nadim Houry, the deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, in comments to The Associated Press.

Khandakani said life has progressively gotten harder under the 10-day-old siege with bread and water shortages and electricity finally going out Wednesday.

The next 48 hours are fateful for the whole revolution, he said via WhatsApp.

Youssef Rahal, a lawyer from Aleppo who left the city 10 days ago but remains in touch with people inside, said there is no way to bring in vegetables or diesel, which rebel-held areas used to buy from the market and transport through the now blockaded Castello road.

This has impacted bread production. It means some people are getting only a quarter loaf of bread a day, he said.

The United Nations envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said he wants to see how the organization could co-ordinate with Russia on its plan to help civilians and opposition fighters who lay down their weapons outside Aleppo.

In Aleppo, the situation is extremely serious, no doubt, de Mistura said.

Shoigu said in televised comments that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a large-scale humanitarian operation that will be launched outside Aleppo to help civilians as well as allow fighters who wanted to lay down the arms to surrender.

He said three corridors will be open for civilians and fighters who lay down their arms and a fourth corridor will provide fighters a safe exit with weapons.

Bahaa Halabi, an opposition media activist inside Aleppo, said there are no corridors out of east Aleppo and even if there were, he would not take them.

Definitely not. We will not surrender ourselves to the criminals. They are killing us every day. Slaughtering us, starving us, and besieging civilians, he said, speaking from the city via Skype.

Assad has issued amnesty offers several times during Syrias civil war, now in its sixth year. The latest offer, like those before it, is largely seen by opposition fighters as a publicity stunt and psychological warfare against the rebels. More than a quarter of a million people have died and millions have been displaced since March 2011, when Syrias conflict erupted.

Lund said if Assad cements his hold on Aleppo through a siege or even by retaking it in part or in full, that could be the moment when certain foreign backers of the rebellion decide to call it a day.

It is not realistic to expect countries like Turkey or Saudi Arabia  never mind the United States  to first let the rebels lose Aleppo and then rally the force needed for them to take it back.

When its gone, its gone, he said.

Khandakani said the offensive and siege is depriving him of his brief feelings of independence and freedom living in the part of the city under rebel control since 2012.

I am still waiting for a miracle. Something extraordinary, like the rebels for instance managing to open a corridor for us toward the liberated rural areas, he said.

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Hillary Clinton made history at the Democratic National Convention when she became the first woman presidential nominee.

When there are no ceilings, the skies the limit, she told a packed convention Thursday night.

Contrasting herself sharply with her opponent Donald Trump, Clinton presented herself as a president who would plays well with others and knows how to keep a cool head.

Dont say I alone can fix it. Well fix it together, she said

Although her oratory is not as polished as that of Barack Obama, Joe Biden or even her husband Bill, Hillary Clinton did made clear her case why she should be president. Faced with an army of angry Bernie Sanders supporters on the left and the fiery rhetoric of Trump on the right, Clinton juggled both progressive policies and an appeal to old-fashioned American patriotism.

Way too many dreams die in the parking lots of banks. In America, if you can dream it, you should be able to do it, she said, promising free tuition for the middle class, an end to Citizens United and a tax on the mega rich.

Meanwhile, she applauded the armed forces and promised that, if she were president, she would fight Daesh (also known as Islamic State, ISIS or ISIL) and find diplomatic solutions to world problems.

A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man you can trust with nuclear weapons, she remarked about Trump.

In the family

Chelsea Clinton painted a very tender, very human portrait of her mother.

Chelsea recounted how Clinton would leave notes for her for every day she had to work away from home, and encouraged her daughter to voice her opinions at the dinner table.

That feeling of being valued and being loved . . . thats what my mother wants for every child. Its the calling of her life, she said to a packed house on the final night of the convention just before her mother took the stage and became the first woman presidential nominee of a major party.

Everyones invited to her party

Notably, a number of Republican heroes were mentioned during the evening, such as Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.

Clinton was making a clear play for Republicans dissatisfied with Trump, claiming Americans dont have to be Democrats to vote for her. A number of speakers during Thursday nights program served in the military, and Clinton made it clear that her gun safety policies would uphold the right for individuals to bear arms, as long as they didnt have a criminal record.

Khizr Khan, whose son Humayun S. M. Khan died in Iraq serving in the U.S. military, said that Trump knows nothing of the bravery required to protect the country.

You have sacrificed nothing, Khan told Trump.

Never Trump

Speakers paraded a litany of reasons why voters should never back Donald Trump.

Top of mind for many was the Republican candidates anti-immigration and anti-Muslim platform. Rev. William Barber, a self-described evangelical, said that faith is being perverted by Trump and that true Christians will support their Muslim and Palestinian brethren.

Some issues are not left vs. right or liberal vs. conservative; they are right vs. wrong, he said.

The night featured many speakers who were immigrants or descendants of immigrants as if to draw a sharp contrast with Trumps anti-immigration policy.

It was my undocumented mother who taught me what it means to be an American, said Lorella Praeli, who moved here from Peru with her parents after she was injured in a car accident.

Praeli, who leads Clintons Latino outreach, became a naturalized citizen in a ceremony attended by President Obama.

Rep. Joaquin Castro from Texas threw Trumps words back in his face, arguing that his grandmother, who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, wasnt a rapist, but a six-year-old orphan.

In America, prosperity is not a zero-sum game, he said.

With files from The Associated Press

Related:

Photos: Final day of the Democratic National Convention

Melania Trumps website taken down after university degree debunked

Bradley Coopers DNC appearance upsets conservative fans of American Sniper

RECAP of final day at the DNC

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Donald Trump called President Vladimir Putin of Russia a better leader than https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/07/27/donald-trump-presidency-threatens-obama-legacy.html President Barack Obama END , offering the praise in an interview with Fox & Friends on Thursday, just a day after saying he hoped Russian intelligence services had successfully hacked Hillary Clintons email.

Asked about comments he had made Wednesday at a news conference in Florida, where he said Putin has much better leadership qualities than Obama, Trump reiterated his views in slightly starker terms.

I said hes a better leader than Obama, Trump said. I said hes a better leader than Obama, because Obamas not a leader, so hes certainly doing a better job than Obama is, and thats all.

Trump also tried to walk back, in part, comments he made Wednesday about Russia hacking Clintons emails  an extraordinary moment in which the Republican nominee basically urged Russia, an adversary, to conduct cyberespionage against a former secretary of state.

Of course, Im being sarcastic, Trump said in the interview taped Wednesday that aired Thursday. But you have 33,000 emails deleted, and the real problem is what was said in those emails from the Democratic National Committee. You take a look at what was said in those emails, its disgraceful. Its disgraceful.

Trump seemed to be conflating the roughly 30,000 emails on Clintons private server during her time as secretary of state, which her lawyers deleted as personal, and the roughly 20,000 Democratic National Committee emails that had been hacked. https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/07/27/democrat-convention-is-clintons-show-but-trump-tries-his-best-to-steal-spotlight.html

Trumps commentsWednesday about Russian hacking set off a firestorm of criticism, and his efforts to recalibrate his remarks began just hours after he looked into a bank of television cameras and declared, Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.

Trump posted on Twitter on Wednesday that he was simply urging Russia  if it had indeed hacked Clinton  to hand her emails over to the proper authorities. If Russia or any other country or person has Hillary Clintons 33,000 illegally deleted emails, perhaps they should share them with the FBI! Trump wrote.

But on Thursday, he twice he called his comments about Russia sarcastic.

Some Republicans have stepped forward to defend Trump.

On Thursday, Rudolph Giuliani, the former New York mayor, defended Trump in a radio interview with The Mike Gallagher Show, saying, The Russians have those emails. Theyve had them for some time.

If they could get into that DNC server, they owned her server in Poughkeepsie, Giuliani told the conservative radio host. And not only did they own it, but so did the Russians, possibly the Israelis, maybe a couple of other allies. And by the way, we do the same thing to them, so dont get all upset.

In a radio interview with Laura Ingraham on Thursday morning, Ingraham asked Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, Trumps running mate, Should Americans be concerned that the Republican nominee is inviting a foreign government to hack into government emails?

Pence, echoing the campaigns public posture, said several times that Trump was just being sarcastic, and he sought to reframe Trumps remarks.

Well its absolutely not what he said, Pence said. What he said  what I said  was, clearly if Russia or any foreign country was interfering or intervening or engaging in illegal activity in the United states, in our elections or otherwise, that there be serious consequences.

Pence added: He went on, using in a statement laced with sarcasm, to point out that there are 33,000 missing emails according to the FBI that Hillary Clinton deleted or did not make available in the course of that investigation.

Trumps provocative remarks, which came on the penultimate day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, largely dominated the news cycle during the day Wednesday, as Trump and Pence hopscotched the nation campaigning.

Even before Trump showed up for his final rally of the day in Toledo, Ohio, the arena buzzed with talk of foreign espionage, absent emails and the Republican nominees appeal earlier in the day to Russian officials to find and publish the Clinton emails.

Wed be lucky if Russia helped us out, said Kathye Zaper, a realtor from Maumee, Ohio, who was wearing a hat bearing the Trump campaigns slogan, Make America Great Again. Zaper said, The Clintons are a bunch of liars who need to be exposed any way possible. They should lock Hillary up and throw away the key.

Though Trumps comments so defied political orthodoxy that even many of his political backers  including Pence  sought to condemn any interference by Russia in U.S. elections and governing, people at the rally in Toledo applauded what they described as Trumps forthrightness.

Pam Thieman, a 61-year-old retiree from Toledo, said she thought Trump had a great idea in encouraging the Russians to hack Clintons email. Im more than happy to have Putin help, she said. Weve got to expose everything that woman is hiding.

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In a week saturated with blood, two particular events  one in Munich, Germany, and the other in Manbij, Syria  highlight deep problems with the way we use the concept of terrorism: a word flexibly applied to specially denounce some forms of violence, while others are left invariably invisible.

Last Fridays mass shooting in Munich was rapidly recast as a non-terrorist incident as soon as any suspected connection with Islamism was discredited. David Ali Sonboly, it seems, was motivated by right-wing and anti-immigrant extremism rather than Muslim radicalism; and so he quickly became a depressed loner rather than a terrorist. As journalist Max Fisher observes in the New York Times: When mass killers show even minor hints of affinity for jihadist groups, as they did in recent attacks in Orlando, Florida, and Nice, France, their actions are swiftly judged to be terrorism. But when their source of inspiration appears to be right-wing extremism, as [Munichs police chief] Andra speculated could be the case in Munich, they are often treated as disturbed loners.

In Syria, also last week, another terrorizing act of violence that was not considered terrorism: U.S. airstrikes killed at least 73, and possibly more than 125, civilians near the city of Manbij. It was the deadliest U.S. assault on civilians so far in the war against Daesh (in which, according to the casualty monitoring project Airwars, a minimum of 1,513 civilians have been killed by the U.S.-led coalition). And yet, this strike failed to evoke the media attention or public castigation inspired by terrorist incidents in North America or Europe, even though it was likely more fatal than the Nice attack, which occurred just five days earlier. Perhaps this is because the deaths in Manbij were claimed to be accidental  although the moral distance between negligent and deliberate killings of civilians diminishes as the body count of Western governments continues to rise.

If [terrorism] means the use of force against civilians to achieve a political goal, then that should include all such attacks on civilians, and not merely the ones launched by non-state actors, human rights lawyer Noura Erakat points out. But instead, the victims of state-led attacks are considered collateral damage, or unfortunate but necessary killings. This framework effectively diminishes the value of their lives, making it much easier for the world to tolerate excruciatingly high death tolls and absolve the states that caused them.

The dominant framings of the attacks in Munich and Manbij reveal, yet again, the paradoxes and partiality of our language of terrorism. Terrorism is the violence inspired by apparently foreign ideologies of jihadism, but not the violence inspired by thoroughly domestic ideologies of hate and racism. Terrorism is when they kill our civilians (or even our soldiers), but not when we kill theirs.

The term terrorism selectively delegitimizes and condemns certain sources of violence, while justifying ours committed in the name of fighting terrorist enemies around the world. But military operations against terrorism have only multiplied the violence they purport to be quelling.

As documented in the Global Terrorism Index 2015, produced by the independent think tank Institute for Economics and Peace, the war on terror has managed to produce a ninefold increase in the number of deaths from non-state terrorism per year  from 3,329 in 2000 to 32,685 in 2014. This terrifyingly meteoric rise should hardly come as a surprise, since war creates the conditions known to be conducive to terrorist activity, according to the Index: political violence committed by the state and the existence of a broader armed conflict.

Muslim populations outside the West have largely borne the burden of counterterrorisms fruits of proliferating terrorism: 78 per cent of all lives lost to non-state terrorism in 2014 were in Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Syria, while 2.6 per cent of all deaths from terrorism since 2000 have occurred in the West (0.5 per cent excluding the attacks of 9-11).

Muslim populations have also largely borne the burden of the massive amounts of terror, destruction, and death involved in the war on terror itself  which has left entire countries in ruins and as many as 2 million people dead in Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan alone. But we do not call this terrorism; rather, this violence is valorized as terrorisms civilized antithesis.

Azeezah Kanji is a legal analyst and writer based in Toronto.

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Re: Police cleared in Somali detainee's death, July 19

Police cleared in Somali detainee's death, July 19

The SIU report into the death of Abdurahman Hassan is yet another example of ineffective policies and poor access to mental health resources resulting in a senseless death, and is a tragic reminder of the immediate need for systemic reform.

Under current legislation, non-citizens convicted of certain offences are deemed inadmissible to Canada on the grounds of criminality. This is concerning because people with mental illness come in contact with the justice system at disproportionately high rates for many reasons, including some as minor as exhibiting strange behaviour.

Studies estimate that approximately 30 per cent of people with mental illness enter the system through police, according to a 2011 Mental Health Commission report. Additionally, newcomers to Canada experience increased barriers to care, making them especially vulnerable to deportation. Although some people are appropriately diverted out of the criminal justice system (i.e., through mental health court diversion or Not Criminally Responsible provisions), not all persons with mental illness have access to such mechanisms.

Individuals going through immigration or deportation proceedings have challenges accessing mental health care and supports, which can have a devastating impact on their health and well-being and chances for recovery. What is more, as in the case of Mr. Hassan, people deemed a safety or flight risk can be detained by the Canada Border Services Agency  as is currently the case for over 7,000 migrants in Canada. Many of these individuals are detained in provincial correctional facilities, without conviction, or having been charged with a crime.

This means that even people with severe mental health needs, such as those experiencing psychosis and suicidality, can be detained indefinitely in a correctional facility that clearly does not have the capacity to provide mental health services. There, they are at risk of mental health deterioration, and are regularly placed in solitary confinement to manage behaviours related to their mental health.

There are many questions about how Mr. Hassan came to be in his situation, including what barriers he experienced in accessing mental health care both in the community and while in prison, and why he was held in custody indefinitely without any current charges or convictions. This case also begs the question of what needs to change to prevent people with mental illness from being disadvantaged by problematic systems and policies.

One place for Canada to start is to listen to the growing numbers of groups and individuals calling to end indefinite immigration detention. Federal and provincial governments can also prioritize access to effective mental health care by increasing funding as recommended by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

In a country that prides itself on universal health care and an open immigration system, deaths like Mr. Hassans are not only shameful, they are entirely avoidable. It is time for lawmakers to live up to the promises our country makes to its citizens, as well as to those who have come here for a better life.

Michael Torres, communications manager, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, Toronto

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Re: America unravels, Letters July 23

America unravels, Letters July 23

In 1968, as young marrieds, my husband and I anticipated voting in our first federal election in our hometown, Chicago. Then, as now, racial tension was high, police brutality was a hot-button issue, and riots and the murders of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights activists were fresh.

Add to this the vile, provocative rhetoric of Republican presidential candidate, Richard Nixon, and the police riot at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago that year.

We decided that if Nixon defeated Hubert Humphrey, the Democratic nominee, wed go to Canada. Nixon won, we came to Canada.

Today, its deja vu, 46 years later. Wed do the same thing today, given the current scenario. This stuff is in the DNA of the U.S.A.

Jeanie Campbell, Mississauga

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In the midst of an ongoing strategic review and another lackluster quarter, nutritional supplement retailer GNC Holdings (GNC) on Thursday created further uncertainty when it announced the sudden departure of CEO Michael G. Archbold. What that means for the retailer's chances of being acquired by companies interested in the sector, including Asian firms, is even murkier.

Pittsburgh, Pa.-based GNC has appointed former PetSmart CEO and Chairman Robert Moran to fill Archbold's role on an interim basis. Moran, 65, has served as an independent director on the board of GNC since July 2013 and has a host of prior retail experience before joining PetSmart in 1999.

Shares of GNC tumbled 19.1% to $22.03 during Thursday morning's trading session.

Seemingly a big cause for concern, Archbold's resignation comes less than two years following his appointment and failed turnaround efforts. Archbold, having previously served as CEO and CFO of Talbots, replaced longtime CEO Joe Fortunato after he abruptly left the company in August 2014.

When Moran was asked by an analyst on a Thursday morning conference call whether he would consider taking the helm on a permanent basis, the executive asserted that it remains "too premature to address that issue" and emphasized that GNC's focus would be to reverse its trends and financial performance. The analyst suggested that it would be tough to bring in a new CEO in the midst of the company's strategic review.

"We're going to have a healthy disrespect for the status quo," Moran told investors, indicating GNC would continue to look at all options.

GNC first said in early May that it had tapped Goldman Sachs to conduct a strategic review of the company, fueling speculation about the host of possibilities for the specialty retailer of vitamins and supplements. TheStreet's subsidiary, The Deal, reported at the time that GNC could be an attractive target for a private equity firm or in a position to combine with another strategic.

Rumors of a potential tie-up with rival Vitamin Shoppe (VSI) have been floated for some time, however more recently, financial media reports suggested that the company was garnering interest from Chinese strategic buyers.

Chinese and other Asian buyers have been showing increasing interest in North American vitamins and nutraceuticals assets in recent months. For instance, China's Xiwang Foodstuff in June struck a $730 million deal for Iovate Health Sciences International Inc., a Canadian supplements maker. But while Asian firms seem inclined to pay up for quality assets, GNC may not qualify.

Amid a change of leadership at GNC, the company also said Thursday it has pulled its 2016 guidance so that it can evaluate the business and come up with a new game plan.

After only two years of an attempted turnaround by Archbold, Mark Wiltamuth of Jefferies wrote in a Thursday note that he sees further downside risks at GNC.

"Pressured by mass retailers, lower priced internet options, structurally eroding mall traffic (malls are 35% of sales), and a customer accustomed to aggressive promos, we see no easy fixes," Wiltamuth wrote.

In posting second quarter results on Thursday, GNC reported $673.2 million in sales, down from $678.5 million the same period a year ago. The company posted 79 cents over the quarter, up from 77 cents a year prior.

While its top and bottom line beat the average analyst estimates of $669.46 million and 77 cents, respectively, GNC's same store sales growth continued to disappoint.

The retailer's same store sales decreased 3.7% during its second quarter, versus the Street's expectation of a 2.4% decline.
Associate Professor | College of Distance Education

Professor Sexton began teaching at the U.S. Naval War College in 2001 as a military professor in the National Security Decision Making Department. Upon retiring from the military in 2005, she taught as an adjunct professor for the College of Distance Education (CDE) where she taught over 850 students online before returning to campus as a civilian CDE professor in 2014. In 2018, Professor Sexton was named the program manager for online programs and is responsible for the Naval Command and Staff and electives online programs.
Job seekers wait in line to speak with representatives during a Choice Career Fair in Los Angeles. (Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg)

ECONOMY

Jobless claims rise to 266,000 for week

The number of Americans who filed for unemployment benefits last week rose from a three-month low, consistent with the Federal Reserves view of a stronger job market.

Jobless claims increased by 14,000 to 266,000 in the week ended July 23, a Labor Department report showed Thursday. The median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey called for 262,000 applications. The less-volatile four-week average dropped to remain at the second-lowest level since 1973.

Hiring managers are reluctant to pare staff as the labor market tightens and demand continues to expand in the face of subdued global growth prospects.

Estimates in the Bloomberg survey ranged from 245,000 to 275,000. The Labor Department revised the prior weeks reading to 252,000 from an initially reported 253,000.

Filings have been below 300,000 for 73 straight weeks  the longest stretch since 1973 and a level economists say is typically consistent with a healthy labor market.

The four-week average of claims, a less-volatile measure than the weekly figure, dropped by 1,000 to 256,500.

The number of people continuing to receive jobless benefits rose by 7,000 to 2.14 million in the week ended July 16. The four-week average declined to the lowest level since November 2000.

The unemployment rate among people eligible for benefits edged up to 1.6 percent from 1.5 percent. These data are reported with a one-week lag.

Payrolls climbed in June by 287,000, the most since October, after a two-month lull. The jobless rate edged up to 4.9 percent from 4.7 percent as more people entered the labor market.

 Bloomberg News

AUTOMAKERS

Fords profit drops on lower demand

Ford Motor Co.s second-quarter profit fell short of analysts estimates, driving shares down the most in 11 months, after the company warned that a stalling U.S. auto market threatens its full-year earnings target.

Were committed to meeting our guidance, but it is at risk, Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks told reporters Thursday. The company now says it is unlikely that U.S. vehicle sales will break last years record, and Shanks predicted further contraction in 2017.

After a record streak of six straight years of annual U.S. auto-sales growth, Ford is joining analysts who are skeptical that the record set in 2015 will be topped this year. Consumer demand has gone slack, forcing automakers to dial up deals to lure buyers to showrooms. For the first six months, industry-wide light-vehicle sales rose just 1.5 percent while incentives jumped 13 percent, according to researcher Autodata.

North American pretax profit slid 4.8 percent to $2.7 billion as rising incentives and slowing sales hurt the bottom line, despite low fuel prices spurring sales of profitable sport utility vehicles and F-series pickups. Operating margin in the region, which fell in the quarter, will come under further pressure in the second half as Ford trims production and spends to introduce redesigned Super Duty pickups, the automaker said.

Earnings excluding one-time costs were 52 cents a share, the company said in a statement. Net income fell to $1.97 billion, or 49 cents a share, compared with $2.16 billion, or 54 cents, a year earlier.

 Bloomberg News

Also in Business

 From news services

Coming FRIDAY
Wordsmith Francis Heaney is not the first to notice that "T.S. Eliot" anagrams to "toilets," but hes likely the first to turn that into a parody of "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." (Bob Staake for The Washington Post)

Toilets/ T.S. Eliot

Let us go then, to the john,

Where the toilet seat waits to be sat upon

Like a lovers lap perched upon ceramic;

Let us go, through doors that do not always lock,

Which means you ought to knock

Lest opening one reveal a soul within

Wholl shout, Stay out! Did you not see my shin,

Framed within the gap twixt floor and stall?

No, I did not see that at all . . . .

(From Holy Tango of Literature by Francis Heaney)

This weeks contest was suggested by Loser Bruce Niedt, who showed the Empress a nifty book called Holy Tango of Literature  holy tango being an anagram of anthology. Its author, the puzzle editor and Professional Word-Type Person Francis Heaney, rearranged the letters of various poets names, then wrote parody poems based on those anagrams, like the J. Alfred Prufrock takeoff above.

This week well broaden Heaneys idea: Write a humorous poem, of any form, about or by the anagram of anyones name. Poems that relate somehow to the original subject will probably be more clever, no? Were not imposing a length limit, but longer poems have to be worth the space they take up. We dont mind short verses at all.

If you search for one of the codes that are located at the Broadway theater where Hamilton is playing, the search bar says near Weehawken, New Jersey, site of the Hamilton-Burr duel. (Screen shots /from what3words.com)

Submit entries at bit.ly/invite-enter-1186.

Winner gets the Inkin Memorial, the Lincoln statue bobblehead that is the official Style Invitational trophy. Second place receives a little book called Butt Rot and Bottom Gas: A Glossary of Tragically Misunderstood Words(Butt rot: a disease affecting the base of a tree; bottom gas: a gas used by scuba divers). Donated by Melissa Yorks.

Other runners-up win their choice of a yearned-for Loser Mug, the older-model This Is Your Brain on Mugs mug or a vintage Loser T-shirt. Honorable mentions get one of our lusted-after Loser magnets, Magnet Dum Laude or Falling Jest Short. First Offenders receive a smelly tree-shaped air freshener (FirStink for their first ink). Deadline is Monday night, Aug. 8; results published Aug. 28 (online Aug. 25). You may submit up to 25 entries per contest. See contest rules and guidelines at wapo.st/InvRules. The headline for this weeks results is by Chris Doyle; the honorable-mentions subhead is by Jesse Frankovich. Join the lively Style Invitational Devotees group on Facebook at on.fb.me/invdev. Like the Style Invitational Ink of the Day on Facebook at bit.ly/inkofday; follow @StyleInvite on Twitter.

The Style Conversational The Empresss weekly online column discusses each new contest and set of results. Especially if you plan to enter, check it out at wapo.st/styleconv.

WIT3WORDS: THE FUNNIEST MAP CODES FROM WEEK 1182

In Week 1182 we asked you to play with the app and website what3words, a map of the world thats divided into 57 trillion three-meter squares  and each of these little squares is assigned a code combining three words from a list of 40,000. Your mission was to find some word codes that were especially appropriate to their locations, or to say what, if life were funnier, should have that code. All the locations of the codes below are real unless otherwise indicated.

4th place:

All future power plants should be sited in East Hampton, Va.  in others.back.yard, (Pete Kinsella, Glen Allen, Va.)

3rd place:

flagpole.with.mortar, Canada = ANAGRAM CAPITAL OF THE WORLD (Jesse Frankovich, Lansing, Mich.)

2nd place

and the egg timer ringed with weird human heads:

I find it strangely appropriate that typing president.trump.elected whisks one away to Quebec. (Jon Gearhart, Des Moines)

And the winner of the Inkin Memorial:

buffoon.fruitcake.upstairs is in . . . Wasilla, Alaska. (Frank Osen, Pasadena, Calif.)

Low-cations: honorable mentions

You can find stereotype..included.group right on FedEx Field, Home of the R*dsk*ns (Jon Grantham, Bowie, Md.)

We found the missing emails  theyre in the Clintons front yard in Chappaqua, N.Y.! At printouts.luminaries.specifics. (Chris Doyle, Denton, Tex.)

Ironically, there are no houses near knock.knock.joke, outside Savannah, Ga. (Elliott Schiff, Allentown, Pa.)

Not surprisingly, theres awesome.duration.celebrated in Intercourse, Pa. (Kimberly Baer, Woodbridge, Va.)

. . . Which is also known as the birthplace of the fake orgasm, with fictional.escalating.screeches. (Jesse Frankovich)

. . . Or more euphemistically, basics.weddings.reached. (Mark Raffman, Reston, Va.)

Sneezing.dragon.zone is in the (hopefully) appropriately named Noatak nature preserve in Alaska. (Pam Sweeney, Burlington, Mass.)

It seems the Bible went a little overboard in its promises: meek.shall.inherit (in Kirov, Russia) just this 3-by-3-meter plot! (Pete Kinsella)

Where else but Brazil: tenderest.waxed.bikini. (Jeff Shirley, Richmond, Va.)

Ugh, little.tiny.hands should not be anywhere near Chelsea (Mich.). (Marni Penning Coleman, Falls Church, Va.)

They have collected.mankind.purchasers at Mount Rushmore  the half of it that commemorates slave-owning presidents. (Dave Matuskey, Sacramento)

At Little Bighorn Battlefield, South Dakota, you will find owners.essentially.speared. (Julius Sanks, Ashburn, Va.)

In the CIAs George Bush Center for Intelligence in Langley, Va. (noted in the search bar as near Brookmont, Md.): smart.policy.soup, not to mention cave.plot.calculating (Ellen Ryan, Rockville, Md.)

And at the NSA near Fort Meade, Md.: polices.voters.faithfully. (Steve Langer, Chevy Chase, Md.)

In the middle of nowhere in the North Pacific Ocean: completely.totally.lost.

In the middle of nowhere in the North Atlantic Ocean: completely.utterly.lost. (Jeff Contompasis, Ashburn, Va.)

With so many political minds already located up there, head.bottom.intersection should be moved from Western Australia to Capitol Hill. (Jon Gearhart)

The IRSs overseas operations? give.that.tome (Argentina) (Alex Jeffrey, Columbia, Md.)

Maybe the next presidential vacation home will be in Lordsburg, N.M., at trump.whites.house  where the president could oversee the building of the border wall a few miles away. (Edward Gordon, Austin)

Or maybe trumps.backup.plan is to build a much shorter wall on the border of Mexico and Guatemala (Julia Shawhan, Silver Spring, Md.)

Easter egg found! If you type in calm.crew.quiet or songs.happy.indoor or another code assigned to the Richard Rodgers Theatre  home of Hamilton on Broadway  the search bar will say that the location is near Weehawken, New Jersey. Weehawken is where Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr had their once again famous duel. (Kathy Hardis Fraeman, Olney, Md.)

My childhood home in Stockholm, N.J., should be converted to a kilt shop: Right there in my old front yard is where paradise.swelled.beneath. (Hildy Zampella, Falls Church, Va.)

Ted Cruz and Rick Perry should move in together outside Van Horn, Tex., at the huge.loser.zone. (Todd DeLap, Fairfax, Va.)

At National Rifle Association headquarters in Fairfax: impress.potential.buffoon. (Tim Kloth, Springfield, Va.)

Searchers had to go all the way to Tanzania to find the fabled inoffensive.trump.tweets. (Todd DeLap)

Sarah Palins home state seems to have a theme going:

really.scary.mothering (near Healy, Alaska)

crazy.scary.mothering (near Nome)

super.scary.mothering (near Bethel) (Frank Mann, Washington)

Speaking of Alaska:

trump.likes.winning (in Nikiski)

trump.likes.losing (Kotzebue) (Frank Mann)

Ive tracked money.laundering.schemes to a remote area near Tshiturapadsi, Zimbabwe  good, because their prince owes me money! (Jon Gearhart)

If we dont smoke marijuana in Muskogee, why do they have pipes.full.herb there? (Doug Frank, Crosby, Tex.)

The map says its in southern Tanzania, but infinity.sized.dress is actually found in Your Mamas closet. (John Hutchins, Silver Spring, Md.)

The Wicked Witch of the Easts mausoleum has been discovered at really.most.sincerely, near Krasnoyarsk, Russia (Chris Doyle)

Levis quality control department must be outsourcing to Portugal, at unzips.zips.unzips. (Jeff Shirley)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art seems to be trying to appeal to a different group of tourists with cage.rocks.gladiators (John OByrne, Dublin)

Theres a muffled.ventures.sinkhole at FedEx Field near the 20-yard line, but thats no surprise to those whose hopes and dreams have disappeared there over the years. (Jon Gearhart)

Inside Trump Tower in Manhattan you will find the ripe.orange.bunch. (Todd DeLap)

In Londons Edgware district, where the majority voted to remain in the EU: many.vote.leave.

But near Rayne, in Essex, where every district voted to leave: many.voting.remain. (Frank Mann)

And Last: The Empress should have judged this week in Guatemala, from a little desk at pointless.maps.contest. (Elliott Schiff)

Still running  deadline Monday night, Aug. 1: our ink blot contest. See bit.ly/invite1185.
Michelle Obama made clear this week that she is all-in for Hillary Clintons presidential campaign. Her captivating speech was an early turning point for Democrats after a rocky start to their convention  and made an emotional case for electing Clinton.



Michelle Obama and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the International Women of Courage Awards at the State Department in 2012. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The question now is: How much will the first lady campaign for the newly minted Democratic nominee?

Scheduling details are still coming together, but Obama will hit the trail in the fall, a White House official said. Both she and her husband are expected to campaign in earnest for Clinton in September and October.

The Clinton campaign sees the first lady as a unifying presence with the potential to heal some of the rifts within the Democratic Party. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said Wednesday he hopes she will continue to do what she did in her speech, which is talk about the important role that the president plays as an advocate for kids and families, and how Hillary is eminently qualified to do that job probably better than anyone else in history.

[How Michelle Obama came around on Hillary Clinton]

Other surrogates, including President Obama and Vice President Biden, are expected to take on more of an attack-dog role, going directly after Donald Trump. In her convention address, the first lady managed to pointedly criticized Trump as a poor role model  but without ever mentioning his name. Clintons campaign hopes to see more of the same.

Its disturbing that you have parents right now who are afraid for their children to watch Donald Trump on television, because they dont know what hell say, they dont know what expletives hell use, they dont know what offensive ideas hell promote, who he will offend, Mook said during a lunch hosted by the Wall Street Journal. Thats a real thing, and so we look forward to her being out there talking about that dimension of the choice for voters.

She also made the case for the Democratic nominee by speaking emotionally about the historical barrier that Clinton could break. It is possible that the two women will campaign together  even though Michelle Obama runs the risk of outshining Clinton if they share a stage. It is not yet clear whether any joint appearances for the two women are planned, or whether the first lady would go out campaigning solo.

Clinton has acknowledged that she is not a charismatic political figure. Still, her team likes the idea of her putting her growing chemistry with Obama on display, now that old tensions from the bitter 2008 primary race seem to have evaporated. Tina Tchen, the first ladys chief of staff, described the connection between the fellow first ladies as very warm and said Obama has tremendous respect for Secretary Clintons lifetime of leadership and devoted service to our country.



In her convention speech, the first lady showed a willingness to take on Donald Trump and speak up for Clinton. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

But for all her political star power, Obama does not enjoy the grind of the campaign trail, and she tends to ask campaign strategists to pick and choose their efforts to deploy her. Stephanie Cutter, a political consultant who was a top aide to the Barack Obama campaigns, said the first lady is a careful planner who will probably take control of her schedule. She campaigned very hard for her husband, and her pitch for Clinton makes you think in both a broad yet personal way about the country and their family. It takes it outside of politics.

In 2008, she was known as the closer for President Obama, and she will play that role for Hillary this election, by talking about how Americas children need Hillary to be their next president, said Kristina Schake, the Clinton campaigns deputy communications director, who previously served as Michelle Obamas White House communications director.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) added that the first lady bridges so many gaps in our country because shes so fiercely authentic, and I think that is what we need in this campaign, that authentic ability to connect.

Michelle Obamas entire speech, which even Trump said was effective, ran only about 12 minutes, but it could be the heart of a stump speech with the potential to confound Republicans. Her critique of Trump drew no criticism from his campaign or the Republican National Committee. The committees spokesman, Sean Spicer, declared the first lady off limits.

Polling for the general election shows Clintons candidacy is flagging with important parts of the Democratic base, said Cornell Belcher, a Democratic pollster. Barack Obama won 60 percent of young voters in battleground states, but Hillary Clinton is winning only 52 percent of them.

The Obamas can help, Belcher said. Particularly among younger, minority voters, what the Obamas represent is something larger than politics. They are iconic figures in a social and cultural sense.

Heres the problem: You cant bequeath your voters to someone else.

They can open up the conversation, he said, but Clinton will have to close the deal.


Charlotte Pattison and Don DiFiore (Photo courtesy of daters)

Interviews by Michele Langevine Leiby

Charlotte Pattison got to travel the world as the daughter of diplomats. Don DiFiore recently returned from far-flung travels. They had a lot to talk about when we sent them to Lupo Verde on 14th Street NW. But what seems like a small world, after all, can easily collide with the geographic and psychological boundaries of the DMV.

Charlotte: We were both really outgoing, so we just kind of introduced ourselves and talked about why we decided to do this.

Don: We just went into it with full enthusiasm. It was really easy.

Charlotte: This was his second application, which I thought was funny. He resubmitted and changed a bunch of his answers and he heard back the same day, I guess. And I just kind of did it as a whim because Ive been reading The Post for years and I was curious about how you guys do this.

Don: My whole family reads Date Lab. [We] always go through and see how they matched up. My sister first applied, and then I did the same thing. Its actually on my bucket list. So this was a big thing for me.

Charlotte: We discovered pretty quickly that we had a number of things in common. He was in Kenya, and I had also been in Kenya. He did a bunch of travel in that area, and I was sort of stationary, teaching school in Kenya for a little.

Don: Her family was in the Foreign Service, so she had been all over. We had similar experiences of going on safari. ... We were talking about going on safari, and then the fire alarm went off. We just completely ignored what was going on and maintained our conversation. Shes incredibly intelligent. Really strong personality.

Charlotte: Hes an artist and hes very interested in photography right now. ... I also just started reading Susan Sontags writing On Photography, so we were, like, having this really intense conversation about what photographs mean or do.

Don: The conversation just traveled to a bunch of different areas. You know, family, work, likes and dislikes, and there was never like a down moment.

Charlotte: Hes writing a graphic novel that has superheroes in it. We have the same favorite superhero. I like Batman because his only power is being super rich. Thats more realistic than the others. And he agreed with me.

Don: She was a little less adventurous than I was when it came to food.

Charlotte: He said he was from Vienna and I was like, Austria? I had to dial that back a second to not sound completely stupid. Thats the type of thing that only a diplomat brat would accidentally say. I dont have a car, and I dont go to Virginia very much for anything, really. So it seems very far.

Don: I had to get Metro back because the Metro closes at 12, but she was very adamant about walking me back, taking more photos. So we went to a bar on the way and had a beer.

Charlotte: Im weird about Virginia. Im from Maryland; I live in D.C. I kind of associate that area with being, I dont know, theres certainly a lot of ex-government and ex-military in that area. He was very artistic, and he had all these cool hobbies.  I had to give myself a little wrist slap for being so judgmental about the Virginia suburbs.

Rate the date

Don: 4 [out of 5]. There might be something there.

Charlotte: 4. He has, at this point in his life, a different approach to doing things than I do. Im buckled down, two jobs, applying to grad school. Hes living with family in Virginia and saving money for his next big trip. Which is totally respectable, but it seems like we both have tons going on but in a different way.

Update

Texting! But no firm plans yet.


Former Fox & Friends host Gretchen Carlson with her colleagues Steve Doocy, left, and Brian Kilmeade in 2013. (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

After a professional life spent speaking before TV cameras, former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson isnt often at a loss for words.

But when I asked her how she felt as she watched Roger Ailes  perhaps the most powerful media figure in America  step down as Fox News chief only two weeks after she had sued him for sexual harassment, she searched for the right description.

At first, satisfaction  or no, I think validation, she told me Wednesday. And then, she said, a new round of emotion came rushing in over the sexual harassment she says she endured while working for Ailes. I felt angry that it took so long.

Its complicated  there was relief that now I would be believed  and I was happy to a certain extent over that.

Was there any sadness or regret over Ailess fate, given their long working relationship? Here, Carlson expressed nothing complicated, answering in a single word: No.

In her first interview since Ailes, 76, left his post under pressure more than a week ago, Carlson described the surreal experience of life since she filed suit July 6.

Her major focus, she said, has been on insulating her two children  a 13-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy  from the uproar.

Im just trying to keep things as normal as possible and be a mom, she said. Carlson, 50, is a former Miss America and an honors graduate of Stanford University who joined Fox News in 2005, after a stint at CBS.

The night before the news of her suit went public  and viral  she and her husband sat their children down and talked about what was coming, and gave a general idea of why. But, she said, they dont need to know the details right now.

[The fall of Roger Ailes: He made Fox News his locker room  and now women are telling their stories]

Those details include her suits claims that Ailes repeatedly sought a sexual relationship with Carlson and threatened professional harm if she didnt comply. (Youd be good and better, and Id be good and better, if they had sex  something that should have happened a long time ago, Ailes said, according to Carlsons complaint.)

Carlson has said that her objections and refusal to comply caused her to be demoted in 2013. She was moved from her longtime co-hosting position on the morning show Fox & Friends to an afternoon slot, and her pay was cut.

Carlson and her lawyer, Nancy Erika Smith, pushed back against the criticism that her suit is retaliation for being fired by Fox in June.

Ailes, through his lawyer, has repeatedly and vehemently denied ever sexually harassing Carlson  or any of the other women (now well over a dozen) who have come forward to describe similar behavior by Ailes. They have also emphasized that many of these claims are old and made anonymously.

21st Century Fox, run by Rupert Murdoch and his sons, did not tie Ailess resignation to the harassment claims, but they had authorized an internal investigation by a prominent law firm that reportedly turned up many similar stories inside Fox News.

The Washington Post's Paul Farhi explains what's next for Fox News and the Murdoch family, now that Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes is out. (Peter Stevenson,Jorge Ribas/The Washington Post)

Carlson and Smith would not provide a specific timeline, but they said that they had begun preparing a suit well before Carlsons firing in late June and that she had made an internal complaint at Fox some time ago.

(In a statement, Fox said Carlson did not lodge a formal complaint with the companys legal or human resources office. Carlson and her lawyer, in the interview, would not specify with whom the complaint was filed.)

Smith dismissed the criticism about timing: The great majority of employment cases of all types, including sexual harassment, are filed when the employee has no choice  she has been fired.

Carlson said that while still working at Fox, she hung on to that glimmer of hope that the punishment would stop, and that my work would be recognized. She said she meant the punishment for making a complaint, but her lawyer noted she was also being punished for not succumbing to Ailess sexual demands. We know that would have changed things, Smith said.

I asked Carlson how she reacted to news reports that Fox News star Megyn Kelly, after a period of silence, had told internal investigators that Ailes had harassed her, too. Many observers saw this as the final straw that caused Ailes to be deposed. (Ailess attorney has stated that he never harassed Kelly and that he was a major force behind her success at Fox.)

I appreciated that she told the truth, and I know it was risky, Carlson said, but she disagreed that Kellys statements made all the difference. It was the multitude of women who started to come forward, creating a critical mass that could no longer be ignored.

I thought I would be fighting this all by myself, she said. So when other women began to tell their stories, some with their names attached, there was profound relief and a sense of support. She said shes also been heartened and buoyed by the reaction of women everywhere, some of whom have been tweeting with the hashtag #StandWithGretchen.

Conversely, she was disturbed by the public statements of some Fox News women and men who came forward in the first few days to say glowing things about Ailess character, suggesting that he could never have engaged in sexual harassment.

Some of them were lawyers. They should have known better, so I was surprised. It was like, Wow, you have no idea what youre talking about, she said. But I was at Fox a long time. I know how it works. You could sense that it all was orchestrated.

She and Smith referred to Gabriel Shermans book, The Loudest Voice in the Room, which described how Fox News, under Ailes, would counterattack critics aggressively. (Many of the women who complained about Ailes recently spoke to Sherman, who writes for New York Magazine, and also talked to The Washington Post.)

I asked Carlson whether she thought the events of the past three weeks should embolden victims of sexual harassment to come forward.

Weve moved the conversation, but we havent changed the world in three weeks, she said. I dont want to tell women they wont be retaliated against.

Her lawyer warned of the nuts and sluts attacks that often follow sexual harassment claims. Women are portrayed as unstable or immoral if they have lived anything other than the life of a cloistered nun, Smith said.

What could be done to defeat the problem?

One of the big parts of this equation is men. It will take men to change the environment, too, Carlson said. As she thinks about the lessons for her children, she finds herself more focused on her son.

Its paramount that he sees me in an environment where Im respected, she said. And that men treat their colleagues like they would want to see their mother treated.

Former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson has filed a sexual harassment suit against her former boss Roger Ailes after she was released from the network in June 2016. She claims she was sexually harassed and belittled by Aisles and other male co-workers. (Erin Patrick O'Connor/The Washington Post)

For more by Margaret Sullivan, visit wapo.st/sullivan
Donald Trumps campaign has denied press credentials to a number of disfavored media organizations, including The Washington Post, but on Wednesday, the campaign of his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, went even further.

At Pences first public event since he was introduced as the Republican vice-presidential candidate two weeks ago, a Post reporter was barred from entering the venue after security staffers summoned local police to pat him down in a search for his cellphone.

Pences campaign expressed embarrassment and regret about the episode, which an official blamed on overzealous campaign volunteers.

Post reporter Jose A. DelReal sought to cover Pences rally at the Waukesha County Exposition Center outside Milwaukee, but he was turned down for a credential beforehand by volunteers at a press check-in table.

DelReal then tried to enter via the general-admission line, as Post reporters have done without incident since Trump last month banned the newspaper from his events. He was stopped there by a private security official who told him he couldnt enter the building with his laptop and cellphone. When DelReal asked whether others attending the rally could enter with their cellphones, he said the unidentified official replied, Not if they work for The Washington Post.

1 of 17 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Who is Indiana Gov. Mike Pence? View Photos Donald Trumps running mate has been in public office since 2000, mostly in Congress, and is a favorite among social conservatives. Caption Donald Trumps running mate has been in public office since 2000, mostly in Congress, and is a favorite among social conservatives. July 16, 2016 Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) addresses the crowd after being introduced by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as his vice-presidential pick in New York. Jason Szenes/European Pressphoto Agency Wait 1 second to continue.

[Trump revokes Post press credentials, calling the paper dishonest and phony]

After placing his computer and phone in his car, DelReal returned to the line and was detained again by security personnel, who summoned two county sheriffs deputies. The officers patted down DelReals legs and torso, seeking his phone, the reporter said.

When the officers  whom DelReal identified as Deputy John Lappley and Capt. Michelle Larsuel  verified that he wasnt carrying a phone, the reporter asked to be admitted. The security person declined. He said, I dont want you here. You have to go,  DelReal said.

The security person wouldnt give his name when DelReal asked him to identify himself. He also denied DelReals request to speak to a campaign press representative as he escorted the journalist out.

Officials of the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department were unavailable for comment Wednesday night.

Trump has banned nearly a dozen news organizations whose coverage has displeased him, but reporters have generally been able to cover his events by going through general admission lines.

[Does it matter that Donald Trump has banned us? Not in the way youd think.]

The Posts Margaret Sullivan explores what might have lead Donald Trump to revoke the newspapers media credentials. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

The incident involving DelReal marks another in a series of run-ins between the news media and the campaign.

In June, Politico reporter Ben Schreckinger was ejected from a Trump event in San Jose by a campaign staffer and a private security guard after he tried to cover the rally without the campaigns permission. In February, a photojournalist from Time magazine, Christopher Morris, was roughed up by a Secret Service agent as journalists rushed to cover a protest at one of his rallies. And Trumps former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, yanked and bruised the arm of a reporter for Breitbart News, Michelle Fields, when she tried to question Trump after a speech in March.

DelReals experience on Wednesday elicited a rebuke from Post Executive Editor Martin Baron.

First, press credentials for The Washington Post were revoked by Donald Trump, he said. Now, law enforcement officers, in collusion with private security officials, subjected a reporter to bullying treatment that no ordinary citizen has to endure. All of this took place in a public facility no less. The harassment of an independent press isnt coming to an end. Its getting worse.

Officials from the Pence campaign initially said they were unaware of the Waukesha incident when asked for comment Wednesday night. But after a cursory investigation, one official, who declined to speak on the record, said that no members of the campaigns staff were involved. He said volunteers went too far.

It sounds like they misinterpreted what they were supposed to be doing, the official said. This is not our policy.

In a statement, Pence press secretary Marc Lotter said, Our events are open to everyone, and we are looking into the alleged incident.


Sharon Belkofer introduces President Obama on Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention. Her son was killed in Afghanistan when their NATO convoy was targeted by a Taliban suicide bomber. She has two other sons whove served in the military. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

The device is as old as Shakespeare, as dramatically durable and seductive as the part of the Porter in Macbeth or the gravediggers in Hamlet: putting eloquence, at a climactic moment, in the mouth of the common man.

Or, in the case of the Democratic National Convention, the ordinary woman. It happened with consummate theatricality Wednesday night, when the role of introducing the president of the United States went not to a dignitary, or even a family member, but to a self-described sweet little old lady from Perrysburg Township, Ohio.

In bestowing the honor on 73-year-old Sharon Belkofer, whose son Tom, an Army lieutenant colonel, was killed in Afghanistan in 2010, the conventions organizers were demonstrating a canny sense of occasion. They correctly intuited that on an evening packed with marquee names  Vice President Biden, Sen. Tim Kaine and President Obama  an audience would appreciate a reminder of the debt owed to people who ordinarily get no billing at all.

I wish every American could hug President Obama, Belkofer said with bona fide affection.

The sensational orchestration of Wednesdays proceedings may have made that night the best single evening in the modern history of political gatherings: It had punch, bite, pace, passion and, although it ran long, an abiding respect for a spectators intelligence.

But the evenings magnetism and exuberance also left open that most disastrous of stage possibilities, that on closing night, the remarks by Hillary Clinton  not a particularly compelling speaker  would be an anti-climax.

Her speech Thursday night  introduced by daughter Chelsea and a biographical film narrated by Morgan Freeman  was designed to reintroduce her to a country that has already lived through decades of her in the public eye.

Entering to the strains of Rachel Plattens Fight Song, she began by striking a unifying tone, a counterpoint to the ominous strings strummed a week earlier by Donald Trump. Americans dont say, I alone can fix it,  she declared. We say, We can fix it together. 

It had the earmarks in its early stages of a mission statement more than a stemwinder. But she also took pains to acknowledge that her talents were better suited to service than to making herself transparent. I get it that some people dont know what to make of me, she said. And as the speech indeed reaffirmed, she is far more comfortable enunciating policies that excite people than poetry that might move them.

In any event, the four days in Philadelphias Wells Fargo Center reminded us that we really do crave a guiding sense of smarts  and showmanship  at a national political convention. Sure, its fun when conflict breaks out. But were also conditioned at this advanced point in the age of appointment television to expect a certain level of polish. Not slickness  just a professional sheen. The opportunity to hear the nations leaders speak en masse occurs only once every four years, and so, among other things, we crave from them some mastery of salesmanship, some rhetorical skill in the art of persuasion.

Oddly enough, it was Trump, author of The Art of the Deal, who got outsold. It is the candidates team that runs the convention, and Trumps tacky, amateurish, luminary-deprived week in Cleveland radiated no selling power at all. It felt like intramural badminton practice compared with the game-time varsity football performance staged by the Clintonistas.

Granted, Clintons convention, which seemed to have so many more working parts than Trumps, including its own star-studded music video  as well as actual movie stars  also featured its share of missteps. The decision, for instance, to turn the director and wisecracking comic actress Elizabeth Banks into an emcee for Tuesday nights events fell flat. Her comments too often sounded like the sarcasm rolling off celebrity tongues on award-show podiums. That same night, the too-subtle routine of former comedian and now Minnesota Sen. Al Franken likewise didnt land.

[Chasing celebrities at the DNC]

Even in an irony-laced age, our conventions still package sincerity  or the appearance of it, anyway  more successfully than cerebral riffing. Consider how powerfully the suffering came across on Tuesday of that veritable Greek chorus of mourning African American women onstage  the mothers of Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin and other young black men and women who died in police custody or at the hands of police or vigilantes.

Even celebrities benefited when they just laid it bluntly on the line. Sarah Silverman, who normally goes in for a brand of comedy both raw and absurdist, brilliantly addressed the tension in the hall when, on the first night, she dressed down some recalcitrant supporters of her own candidate, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, by saying, To the Bernie or Bust people: Youre being ridiculous!

It might be wise, in fact, for Congress to spend a week of recess at oratory boot camp. Many of its members are students of the singsong-yelling school of speechifying, a trait that severely reduced the impact of, for instance, New Jersey Sen. Cory Bookers otherwise engaging speech Monday evening. (Going hoarse on live TV does not convey courage, only bad technique.) And while Kaine revealed superb crowd-pleasing instincts at the Florida rally last Saturday at which Clinton introduced him as her running mate, his acceptance speech Wednesday night felt disjointed and lacking in flow. One suspects hell be more effective in more casual settings and in, say, the intimate confines of a television studio, for a debate before a small studio audience.

Kaine got a bit upstaged in the stampede of terrific speakers who came before and after him, starting with Biden and then, more surprisingly, with Michael Bloomberg. The vice president and the former New York mayor could not be temperamentally more different, and yet their anti-Trump speeches, one fiery, the other measured, echoed each other resonantly. Its never, never, never been a good bet to bet against America, Biden exclaimed. I built a business, and I didnt start it with a million-dollar check from my father, the political independent Bloomberg said with deft dismissiveness. It was as if the adults had come into the room and sat the rest of us down for The Talk.

President Obama threw his full support behind Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and reflected on his eight-year presidency. Here are the highlights in four minutes. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post/Photo: Michael Robinson Chavez)

And they were followed by the Talker-in-Chief, who began a remarkable oration, lasting the good part of an hour, by paying tribute to the speech by his wife, Michelle, that had electrified the conventions opening night.

Obama developed the idea of Clintons doggedness, in the face of what he and others characterized all week as the grievous level of attack his former secretary of state has endured. Regardless of the past peaks and valleys of their own relationship, you could feel how distasteful this president considered the prospect of waiting at the White House doors on Inauguration Day for the arrival of the former host of The Apprentice.

To that end, he delivered his speech in a crisp, epigrammatic style. There was more in it of Oscar Wilde than Tennessee Williams: Hillarys been in the room. She never quits. Dont boo, vote! We dont look to be ruled. He wanted it to be memorable, rather than lyrical.

It will be recorded as one of the highlight orations of his eight years in office. And when it ended, the candidate about whom hed spoken walked onto the stage, beaming. As in the closing moments of a musical in which youre meant to reach for a hankie, they warmly embraced. And Clinton got one of those hugs, mentioned 90 minutes earlier by that sweet little old lady from Ohio.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton celebrates with her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine as balloons drop from the ceiling on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

July 28, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton celebrates with her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine as balloons drop from the ceiling on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post

A look at what happened at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination.

A look at what is happening at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination.

A look at what is happening at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination.

When nine mothers of tragically slain children walk on to a stage and talk about the legacy of their sons and daughters, it is deeply heartbreaking. When a woman stands behind a lectern and talks about how her son never should have died in Benghazi, it is moving to the point of discomfort. Another woman recites how many seconds it took for a gun to fire the bullets that killed her only child, and members of the audience are moved to tears.

Grieving mothers have been a constant presence at both political conventions this week; in an election cycle where the public has grown used to escalating rhetoric, grieving mothers are the nuclear option in the emotional arsenal.

In Cleveland, Patricia Smith wept as she told the Republican delegates and the world about not having the answers she wanted for the Benghazi attacks: I blame Hillary Clinton personally for the death of my son, she said.

In Philadelphia, Lucy McBath, whose 17-year-old was shot at a Jacksonville, Fla., gas station in 2012, told the Democrats: You don't stop being a mom when your son dies. She and her eight compatriots were there to advocate for other children, she said, and Hillary Clinton isnt afraid to say black lives matter.

In Cleveland, Mary Mendoza and Sabine Durden talked about how their children were killed by vehicles driven by undocumented immigrants. In Philadelphia, Christine Leinonen talked about her son, who was killed in the Pulse nightclub shootings in Orlando.

Christine Leinonen's only child Christopher and his boyfriend Juan died in the Pulse nightclub shooting in June. She spoke at the Democratic convention, saying her son was "a big Hillary supporter." (The Washington Post)

Im glad common-sense gun policy was in place when Christopher was born, the former state trooper said, talking about being asked to relinquish her firearm when she arrived at the hospital to deliver her son. But where was that common sense the day he died?

Donald Trump has made immigrant deportation a cornerstone of his campaign; Hillary Clinton has supported gun control legislation. These issues are now so divisive in America that the only way to claim a position of moral authority is to reinforce it with people whose lives have been destroyed by them.

And then, once that moral authority is staked out, other people will suggest that, although the emotions of these women are pure, they are being exploited for political gain. During the Democratic primaries, as both Clinton and Bernie Sanders met with the families of black victims of violence, a columnist from the Root labeled the practice the Black Lives Matter endorsement primary . . . the rush from both team Clinton and team Sanders to secure the public support and endorsement of victims.

After Patricia Smith spoke in Cleveland, a columnist from the Guardian cited some disputed narratives within her speech, concluding that she must have been overcome by grief. But we dont exploit it by putting a person in the grip of such horror on a national stage, the columnist wrote.

I was not exploited, Smith said when reached at her California home the week after her speech. I felt like I was finally able to open up my mouth and say how I feel, and have people listen to me.

Do you think this group of women could be coerced into doing something we didnt want to do? Lucy McBath said when reached in Philadelphia the day after her speech. That we would immerse ourselves in a cause that in any way would hurt the legacy of our children? McBath explained that she had been a longtime supporter and admirer of Clintons  that she felt blessed and thankful to have been called upon as a leading voice in a campaign she believed in and she felt honored to be on the stage.

It has been only a few decades that citizens would be invited to participate in a convention in this way. Before that, it was considered unseemly to blend the personal with the political.

Democrats in Philadelphia reflect on the significance of nominating Hillary Clinton for president  the first time a major party has nominated a woman for the nation's highest office. (Peter Stevenson,Alice Li,Sarah Parnass,Jayne Orenstein,Nikita Mandhani,Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

The citizens stage began to open in the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan started inviting regular Americans to a special box at the State of the Union speech, said David Karol, a University of Maryland political scientist. In 1992 a mother named Elizabeth Glaser appeared at the Democratic National Convention in New York. She had gotten AIDS via a blood transfusion and, not knowing she was sick, passed it to her unborn children. My daughter died, she told the floor. She did not survive the Reagan administration.

But before that, long before that, we turned to grieving mothers because grief was one of the few acceptable ways for women to participate in the political system, said Heather Cox Richardson, a history professor at Boston College. Women were not supposed to speak on political issues unless they spoke from their role as mothers; it was the one perspective that men acknowledged they did not understand. Mothers argued against the slave trade, saying it was barbaric because it separated women from their babies. Mothers rallied against drunk driving. Mothers formed Mothers Day, which was not originally a Hallmark holiday but a cry of protest post-Civil War: Mothers no longer wanted to send their sons to war because mothers were tired of them dying.

And now today, mother after grieving mother comes onto the political stage, talking to a country that is worried about its own children, deeply conflicted over its next parent in chief, and wondering who will keep their children safe.
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and comedian Sarah Silverman spoke together at the Democratic National Convention on July 25. (Video: The Washington Post/Photo: Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)

Everyones a comedian these days.

The third night at the Democratic National Convention included a Donald Trump impression from the vice-presidential nominee, a Funny or Die video featuring Gene Sperling cursing like a sailor, and a former mayor of New York channeling his inner Seinfeld.

Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes run his business  God help us! riffed Michael Bloomberg, in a perfect sitcom patter. Im a New Yorker, and New Yorkers know a con when we see one!

At some points this week, the Democratic convention seemed so geared for laughs that you might have listened for the rimshots. It started Monday night, when organizers deployed a couple of stand-up comedy veterans to contend with the noisily heckling Bernie Sanders supporters.

This past year Ive been feeling the Bern, Sarah Silverman declared from the podium  and then, just as his fans started to roar: Relax. I put some cream on it.

The boos came quickly. But unlike the party establishment types who had preceded her on the stage, Silverman knew how to handle it: Can I just say, to the Bernie or Bust people: Youre being ridiculous! This awakened a lusty cheer from Hillary Clinton supporters  and an approving grin from Sen. Al Franken, a fellow Saturday Night Live alum.

Listen to what you did, he said. This is the power of comedy.

We have seen the power of comedy already in this election. Trump, a reality-TV star with no electoral or governing experience, managed to punch his way through the Republican field with something like an insult-comics routine. Sanders, meanwhile, emerged early as the candidate of choice for hipster comedians such as Silverman and Patton Oswalt  perhaps because he seemed to care so little about being funny or charming that it was funny and charming.

[Bernie Sanders is the most humorless 2016 candidate. How did he land the comedian vote?]

Comedy isnt really Clintons style, despite her various efforts over the years to convince audiences that she has a sense of humor. But now were seeing some indication that her campaign hopes to deploy comic mockery in its attempt to deflate the Republican nominee.

On Tuesday night, actress Elizabeth Banks parodied Trumps pro-wrestling-style entrance in Cleveland the previous week. (The Trump campaign is so hard up for money I just bought that fog machine on eBay for 30 bucks, she joked.) Ken Jeong of The Hangover movies starred in a video with economics guru Austan Goolsbee to rag on Trumps foreign-made products. (Holy Melania! the comedian shrieked, upon hearing that Trump crystal barware is made in Slovenia.) And two young actresses took the stage this way:

Actresses Lena Dunham and America Ferrera spoke passionately about their reasons for supporting Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during their appearance at the Democratic National Convention. (The Washington Post)

Im Lena Dunham, said the frequently naked creator-star of HBOs Girls, and according to Donald Trump, my body is probably a 2.

Im America Ferrera, said the Honduran American Emmy-winner, and according to Donald Trump, Im probably a rapist.

The promise and the challenge of this tactic: Trump clearly chafes at mockery. But hes been the butt of countless jokes over his career  and they have not only spurred his fame but also perhaps his current ambitions.

One oft-repeated origin story: In 2011, Donald Trump, then neck-deep in the conspiracy theory swamp of birtherism, attended the White House correspondents dinner and was so ravaged by President Obamas stand-up routine that he decided to seek revenge by running for president himself.

Naturally, thats an oversimplification. But a recent Buzzfeed article argued that decades of put-downs from haters (insiders, politicians, the entire island of Manhattan) motivated his quest for the presidency.

He is a 70-year-old man with a chip on his shoulder as big as the understudy in a high school musical, said Jon Lovett, a former Obama speechwriter who helped craft the barbs for that infamous dinner. Hes on a lifelong mission to get respect, which is why its so effective to joke at his expense.

Rag on an impulsive businessman long enough, and he might run for president. Rag on an impulsive candidate long enough, he might just fly off the handle. Clinton herself has needled his temperament, warning citizens that if someone gets under his very thin skin as president, he could start a nuclear war  a reminder to take these jokes seriously.

If we can make people laugh at Donald Trump, I believe it will have a significant effect, said Jon Macks, a former Tonight Show writer who has helped pen funny banquet speeches for the likes of Bill Clinton. Because no one wants a clown for president.

Trump may have given comedy writers plenty of fodder, from his iconic golden meringue of a hairdo to his old habit of pretending to be his own spokesman. And yet, Macks added: How do you do a joke on a joke?

There are times for the comedy routine, but as far as ads go, I think the best move is to just use his own words against him, Macks says.

This already appears to be part of the Democratic strategy. In one anti-Trump ad, women read back his greatest hits of misogynistic commentary; in another, children stare at TVs broadcasting his R-rated rhetoric and insults.

Thus far, the Democrats have largely relied on comedy surrogates. But following the norms of modern politics, Clinton will probably have to arm herself with a few zingers as well.

Consider the debates. Tens of millions of people will tune in for the prime-time events of the year, and many wont be doing so to hear a 37-point economic plan. Theyll come for the cut-downs and snappy comebacks  the one-liners that can do more to forge or mend a public image than an hour-long sitdown with a network anchor.

In 1984, Ronald Reagan used self-deprecating wit to deal with questions about his age in a debate against Walter Mondale. I will not make age an issue of this campaign, the president quipped. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponents youth and inexperience.

1 of 67 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  What happened on the fourth day at the Democratic National Convention View Photos A look at what happened at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination. Caption A look at what happened at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination. July 28, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton celebrates with her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine as balloons drop from the ceiling on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Even Mondale laughed at that one.

Clintons close friends say shes a barrel of laughs, but shes had a tough time showing it over the years. She has appeared on Saturday Night Live and Broad City, to some acclaim, but generally playing the straight man. And she often comes across as scripted  perhaps not surprising considering the vast number of strategists and staff scrambling behind the scenes for her every appearance.

Then again, Team Hillary does seem to be having fun with Trump already.

Hes written a lot of books about business, she said last month. They all seem to end at Chapter 11. Ba-da-bum.
Our readers share tales of their ramblings around the world.

Who: Tom Strikwerda and Donna Stienstra of Kensington, Md. (authors); Ken and Laurel Bratt of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Grant and Shirley Bartlett of Huntsville, Ontario; Bob and Faith Ottenhoff of the District; and Ron and Judy Straayer of South Windsor, Conn.

The Greece group in front of the "Treasury of Atreus" at Mycenae. They are, from left, Ken Bratt, Laurel Bratt, Tom Strikwerda, Donna Stienstra, Judy Straayer, Ron Straayer, Bob Ottenhoff, Faith Ottenhoff, Shirley Barlett and Grant Bartlett. (Courtesy of Donna Stienstra)

Where, when, why: Our group of 10 traveled, for the first two weeks of May, to more than a dozen ancient Greek sites, starting in Athens and going on to both the well-known, including Delphi and Mycenae, and the less well-known, such as Vergina and Epidaurus. The trip, led by Ken Bratt (Toms brother-in-law), who is a college classics professor, satisfied a long-held dream of touring Greece with friends brought together from different parts of our life.

[Interested in sharing your own What a Trip story? Apply here.]

Highlights and high points: This trip did what the best trips do: It provoked constant learning. From breakfast, through guided tours of ancient sites, and then over dinner, we soaked up stories of war and peace; philosophers and the first universities; civic duty and family life; architecture and art; gods and goddesses; rituals and religions. We had, in essence, a crash course in ancient Greek history  and found the Greeks even more amazing than expected.

Cultural connection or disconnect: Though the sites and history we focused on dated to 2,500 years ago  a few much earlier  events and human behaviors of today are strikingly similar to those of long ago. At times, we couldnt imagine ourselves in the world of the ancient Greeks; other times, it was quite easy. Pursuing a contemporary connection, we took a side trip one morning through a beautiful, rugged stretch of mountains in Arcadia to Stemnitsa, the family village of a friend. As we relaxed in the lovely town square and texted a photo back to surprise him, a member of our group said, How lucky can we be to be sitting and drinking coffee in a beautiful village in the mountains of Greece.

Biggest laugh or cry: We were well aware of the plight of refugees seeking safety in Greece, yet we saw no sign of them until the last few minutes of our trip, when we were approaching the airport and saw a tent camp. The real world was present throughout our trip  the perilous economy in Greece; a critical vote, with watchful soldiers in the streets; daily questions about U.S. politics and Donald Trump  but became heartbreakingly so when we saw that camp.

How unexpected: We knew Greece would be beautiful, but many pictures of Greeces beauty are from its islands. It was the mountains that surprised us the most, with mile upon mile of ridges covered with trees, interrupted occasionally by a high plateau or fertile valley. Our journey was slowed, from time to time, by hairpin turns or shepherds crossing with their flocks. We were also surprised by the sheer volume and quality of the marbles and other antiquities (how did a small population produce such a vast treasure of beautiful things?) and by the everyday presence of ancient Greece in ruins at every turn.

Fondest memento or memory: Well remember this trip as one of the best we have taken. We were enormously lucky to have our own historian on board , who patiently answered hundreds of questions every day. Well remember the food  squid, octopus, fresh sardines, olives and Greek salads in abundance  and our long dinners deepening friendships over animated conversation and great local wines. Well remember the Greek guide who acted out Aesops fable of the tortoise and hare in the theater at Philippi and a late-afternoon run in the stadium at Olympia. And well remember the ancient wonders  the stunning architectural precision of the Parthenon; the many grieving women sculpted into statues, urns and reliefs; the tomb of Philip II and its dazzling gold funeral wreaths; and the ruins at Corinth, revealing the grand cosmopolitan city it once was. Most of all, well remember the trip as a superior education in the origins of the Western world.

To tell us about your own trip, go to washingtonpost.com/travel and fill out the What a Trip form with your fondest memories, finest moments and favorite photos.
102-year-old honorary Arizona delegate Geraldine "Jerry" Johnson Emmett gained attention July 26 for her enthusiastic announcement of her state's support of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president. (The Washington Post)

102-year-old honorary Arizona delegate Geraldine "Jerry" Johnson Emmett gained attention July 26 for her enthusiastic announcement of her state's support of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president. (The Washington Post)

On her 100th birthday, Evangeline Paredes got a gift she never imagined shed receive.

It was the best gift you could get a woman. It was history, said Paredes, who had a tough time staying awake for all the convention coverage Tuesday night, what with the 100th birthday party rager she had earlier that day in the District.

But she was awake for the important part  the historic one.

I watched that moment Hillary made it. When it was official. Never, I never imagined I would see it, said Paredes, who was born in Brooklyn at a time when American women didnt have the right to vote.

For most of my life, women were treated as second-class citizens, she said. With Hillary, shes been around, shes been down, shes been up. Mother. Senator. Secretary of state. Shes had it all. And she will show we dont need a man to do that job.

Jerry Emmett, who is 102, is the honorary chair of the Arizona delegation at the Democratic National Convention. She was born before women had the right to vote. (Nick Oza/Nick Oza/The Republic)

This may be the last presidential election for the generation of women born into a world without female suffrage. It wasnt until 1920 that the Constitution was amended to grant women the right to vote.

[First ladies have always been powerful. Now they dont have to pretend otherwise.]

So for any woman 96 or older, Hillary Clintons ascension as the Democratic presidential nominee is a landmark.

On Tuesday, the country watched Jerry Emmett, 102, cast the Arizona delegations 34 votes for Clinton at the Democratic National Convention.

Emmett, a lifelong political activist, said she, too, never thought shed see a woman with a real shot at the presidency.

The same is true for Gladys Butler, a 100-year-old African American woman who lives in Southeast Washington. In 2008, Butler was amazed  and elated  to cast her ballot for Barack Obama and see a black man win the presidency.

On Thursday, Hillary Clinton formally accepted the Democratic nomination, giving Butler a chance to watch history unfold again.

Gladys Butler, who was born in 1916, prays during Sunday services at Zion Baptist Church earlier this year. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post)

I sure hope she makes it in. We have had change, but there are still some things to get done that President Obama couldnt get done, she said. I hope I make it to Election Day.

So does Paredes, who voted for Clinton in the primary and plans to vote for her in November. Shes always voted. Every cycle, every election, across party lines, from the time she was 18 years old, she said.

Paredes was very young, but she remembers her mother talking about that first time she voted after the 19th Amendment was passed.

It was a hard-fought right. During the big suffragette parade down Pennsylvania Avenue in 1913, the marchers were shouted down, insulted and even attacked  by both anti-suffrage onlookers and the police who were supposed to protect them.

By the time about 5,000 women marched from the Capitol to the Treasury building, about 300 people were injured and about 100 of those had to be hospitalized.

Congressional hearings were held after the march looking into the lack of police protection for the women, who were spat on, tripped, shoved and kicked while police did nothing.

There would be nothing like this happen if you would stay at home, one officer told a woman after she had been attacked, according to congressional testimony.

Horrendous that it took that long to give women the right to vote and, with all our sense of awe and wonder this week, equally appalling that it took nearly another century to get a woman at the top of the big ticket.

And the haters are still at it, with all sorts of misogynistic put-downs and paraphernalia aimed at Clinton.

Centenarians such as Paredes  who spent a lifetime being told what they couldnt do  know the road will never be an easy one for women.

Shes going to have a hard road to travel with the guys, she said.

And Paredes would know. She worked as a diplomatic secretary for the president of the Philippines, then as a military secretary at the Pentagon for 34 years.

Colin Powell and Dick Cheney, she worked with all of them. And she did that while raising a child.

I could never cook, and I never learned to keep house very well, she said. But my shorthand was 200. And my typing was 200 words a minute. And my son, he was very advanced at a young age.

Hes 64 now and buys her groceries.

But usually, its Paredes who is taking care of others.

She is an active volunteer at the local veterans hospital in Southeast Washington, where she puts together care packages and visits patients in their rooms.

They threw her a birthday party there Tuesday, with a chocolate and vanilla sheet cake and balloons bobbing overhead.

I didnt think Id make it this long, she said. I didnt think a woman could make it this far. It was a good day.

Twitter: @petulad
Robert Weiler Jr., a fervent anti-abortion protester, in a portrait outside the construction site of the new Planned Parenthood which is adjacent to the Two Rivers Public Charter School, shown on March 10, 2016. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post)

An anti-abortion activist who served five years in federal prison for plotting to blow up an abortion clinic has agreed to limit his protest activity outside a prominent Washington, D.C., charter school that is next to a Planned Parenthood clinic.

Robert Weiler Jr., of Middle River, Md., accepted the terms of an injunction submitted for approval to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia that restricts what he can say and do near the Two Rivers Public Charter School in Northeast. The school filed a lawsuit in December seeking to stop Weiler and four other abortion opponents from interacting with students and parents who were going to and from the school.

The lawsuit charged that Weiler and other abortion opponents harassed students and parents by holding up images of aborted fetuses and signs saying the Planned Parenthood clinic is a murder facility. The school alleged that protesters yelled at children, including saying: They are going to murder kids right next door if your parents dont do something about it.

The clinic, then under construction, is expected to open in September.

Weiler and several of the other defendants filed motions to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that the school was trying to prevent them from exercising their First Amendment right to free speech.

[He once plotted to bomb a Md. abortion clinic. Now hes out of jail and still protesting]

The permanent injunction agreed to by Weiler, but not yet approved by D.C. Superior Court Judge Jeanette J. Clark, would prohibit him from entering the schools premises or blocking any access to the school. It also establishes a perimeter around the school within which Weiler may not protest during certain hours.

In addition, the agreement prohibits Weiler from using posters or displays larger than 11 inches by 17 inches depicting gruesome images of mutilated body parts or dead bodies in a manner reasonably likely to be viewed by children under twelve years of age attending school at Two Rivers elementary school or middle school buildings or using such violent terms as kill and murder.

Michael Murphy, an attorney representing Two Rivers, said Wednesday that the injunction creates a safe route for kids to come and go from school without having to dodge protesters.

Weiler said he agreed to the order because he didnt have plans to return to protest at the school and didnt want to spend the time and money necessary to fight the lawsuit.

For me, its not worth pushing the issue right now, Weiler said Wednesday. I think the school is going to lose the lawsuit. But the other people have pro bono lawyers, so Im going to let them fight the fight.

Weiler was arrested in June 2006 for plotting to blow up the Metropolitan Family Planning Institute in Greenbelt, Md. He had constructed a pipe bomb that he intended to plant at the clinic. His parents learned about the plot from one of his friends and alerted Prince Georges County police. Weiler was arrested with a loaded pistol in his car and told investigators that he planned to use the gun to shoot doctors who perform abortions.

At his first court hearing following his arrest, Weiler wore a T-shirt with the words Help Cure Abortion on the front and ABORTION: The leading cause of death in America on the back.

So far, Weiler is the only one of the defendants in the lawsuit who has agreed to the injunction. A trial in the case is expected to begin next year.
D.C. law requires that non-District residents who attend city schools to pay nonresident tuition for each student, which ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 annually. (Gobalstock/iStock)

A Maryland couple who fraudulently enrolled three children in top D.C. public schools for a decade must pay the city more than $500,000 in fines, Attorney General Karl Racine announced Thursday.

The parents, both D.C. police officers, lived at various locations in Maryland and Virginia while their children attended D.C. schools between 2003 and 2013, according to the attorney generals office. The husband owned a home in Northeast that he rented to tenants, using that address to enroll the couples children in some of the citys most coveted public schools  a violation of city law.

The law requires that non-District residents who attend city schools to pay nonresident tuition for each student, which ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 annually.

D.C. taxpayers should not be subsidizing the education of children from other states, Racine said in a statement. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who falsely claim District residency in order to obtain government benefits to which they are not entitled.

The issue of nonresidents enrolling in the D.C. Public Schools has become increasingly charged as the city has expanded access to publicly funded preschool programs, poured millions of dollars into school renovations and has seen its academic achievements rise. Parents tell anecdotes of sitting on waitlists for schools while they see drivers with Maryland plates lining up to drop off their children. Cases of residency fraud, though, can be complex in a city with high mobility and two nearby bordering states; many children live with divorced parents and cross between jurisdictions frequently.

The Office of the Attorney General started suing residents for nonresident tuition fraud in 2012. Since then, the office has secured more than 24 monetary judgments and out-of-court settlements totaling more than $1.2 million.

[D.C. tries to draw line on school residency fraud]

In this particular D.C. Superior Court case, the city accused two police officers  Lt. Alan Hill and Sgt. Candace Hill  of using an apartment to enroll their three children at schools near the Northwest police station where they worked. Although Alan Hill owned the apartment, authorities alleged that the family did not live there, instead renting it to others and making them ineligible for resident status for purposes of school enrollment.

Reached Thursday by phone, Candace Hill declined to comment on the specifics of the case.

Its way more complicated than black and white, she said.

The lawsuit, filed in June 2015, said the children attended John Eaton Elementary School, Alice Deal Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School.

The three DCPS schools that defendants children attended are conveniently located near defendants place of work, the lawsuit said. Indeed, as defendants admitted to MPD investigators, defendants would occasionally use a marked police cruiser from the Second District to transport their children to school in the morning.

The Metropolitan Police Department investigated the parents residency status, and in September 2013 D.C. Public Schools said the children had to leave the schools or pay all the accrued nonresident tuition. The children withdrew from the D.C. schools and, according to the lawsuit, have not made any payments to the city.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Ronna Lee Beck ordered the parents to pay the city $448,047 under the D.C. False Claims Act and approximately $90,000 in other fines. The D.C. False Claims Act allows the city to collect triple the amount in damages when someone knowingly makes false statements to avoid paying money to the city. The judge arrived at the amount owed to the city by tripling the amount the parents should have paid to the school system for nonresident tuition.
Montgomery County Democrats Edward Kimmel and Alan Banov outfitted themselves appropriately for their day trip to Philadelphia on Wednesday. (Arelis Hernandez/The Washington Post)

The floppy and faded Obama for President cap slid a bit off-center atop Alan Banovs head as he boarded the charter bus to Philadelphia on Wednesday morning.

Plopping down in the seat next to him was his buddy Edward Kimmel, whose fishermans cap had an identical design  bold embroidered letters, a ribbon-like rendering of the Stars and Stripes and the words for president in script.

But on this hat, the name was different: It said Hillary in blue thread.

The two political junkies were part of a group of nearly 200 Democrats who headed north from FedEx Field on four buses early Wednesday to attend Maryland Day, an event celebrating their state and party as part of the Democratic National Convention festivities.

[Obama: Clinton will finish the job]

A collection of political campaign buttons owned by Kimmel, who lives in Takoma Park. (Arelis Hernandez/The Washington Post)

For some, the day trip was their way to get close to the action. For others, it was about participating in history and networking with party bigwigs.

Some were in it for the free ride and thought  mistakenly, it turned out  that they would be able to visit the convention floor.

For many riders on Bus 917, the trip to Philadelphia was an opportunity to reflect on Barack Obamas historic presidency and boost enthusiasm for electing former secretary of state Hillary Clinton in November as the first female president.

The trip was organized by the state Democratic Party and Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, whose constituents count themselves as some of Obamas most loyal supporters. The water bottles that were distributed for the ride bore stickers from Bakers 2014 political campaign.

[Baker, potential gubernatorial candidate, blasts Gov. Larry Hogan in speech]

Obama, the nations first African American president, frequently made Prince Georges the backdrop for his policy speeches. The nations most affluent majority-black county was one of the first to open a Barack Obama Elementary School.

Contemplating the end of his presidency is definitely an emotional experience, said 23-year-old Ashley Sharp, a member of the Prince Georges Young Democrats who was seated with other millennials on the back of the bus.

Obama is the first president they ever voted for, or really paid attention to. Now many in the countys Young Democrats organization work for or intern with state Democratic legislators. Some are busy planning their own campaigns for public office.

MaeAnna Hassell, who sat across the aisle from Sharp, recalled taking photos of herself filling out her ballot in 2008, when she was 20 years old. The first time I ever voted in my life, I was voting for a black man, she said. That dream of hope really inspired us, and thats why we are doing all that we are doing now.

Also in their row sat 25-year-old Pokuaa Owusu, whose family immigrated from Ghana. Its beyond him being the first black president, she said of Obama. Its this sense that everyone feels included in his story.

Prince Georges resident Ashanti Martinez said he was making the trip because he was proud to be a Democrat and wanted to celebrate the accomplishments of the past eight years: But its also about cracking the glass ceiling and nominating the first woman to the presidency.

[Clinton makes history that some are already taking for granted]

Many passengers dozed as the bus headed up Interstate 95 to the City of Brotherly Love. A group of people in the front was more boisterous.

Kimmel walked up and down the aisle with Belinda Queen Howard, taking pictures.

The group cheered and clapped a little after a televised video message from Baker welcomed them to Philadelphia.

In their seats, Kimmel and Banov spoke spiritedly about politics, their conversation veering from geopolitical crises to domestic policy and Obamas legacy.

Health care, to them, was a big win for Democrats, but not getting a public option was a disappointment. Obama may have done more legislatively, they said, had Republicans not taken control of Congress.

Banov, a member of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, said he objects to critics who say Obama has worsened race relations.

Hes divisive by virtue of the fact that he is African American, Banov said. They couldnt understand how a black person became president. They couldnt handle it.

His friend Kimmel backed Clinton over Obama eight years ago and said it took him a while to get over her bitter primary defeat. But not that long.

As soon as [Obama] started doing stuff, it was stuff I liked, the Takoma Park lawyer said. I was always very supportive of everything he did and could always forgive him if he didnt get quite as much as I wanted, because his heart was in the right place.

And now it is Clintons turn, said Sandy Bartlett, a member of the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee who sat on the bus with her husband, Scott, wearing a Proud to be a Maryland Democrat shirt.

On the ride back to Maryland, she was exultant at having heard former attorney general Eric Holder during the days luncheon. She called the bus trip a nice thank-you to longtime party volunteers such as her and her husband, and she said that Clintons election in November would be a confirmation that progress made under Obama will continue.

I have been a Hillary supporter since 2008, and it would be great to finally see her elected, she said. Shes been held to a totally different standard. And, unfortunately, I know shes vulnerable.
Retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) cracked jokes about her height and spoke of mentoring other female senators in her speech at the Democratic National Convention on July 28. (Video: The Washington Post;Photo: Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

Retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) cracked jokes about her height and spoke of mentoring other female senators in her speech at the Democratic National Convention on July 28. (Video: The Washington Post;Photo: Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

The longest-serving woman in Congress in U.S. history placed Hillary Clintons name in nomination Tuesday night, standing at the microphone before thousands of cheering Democrats in a moment she would later describe as overwhelming.

On Wednesday, Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski shuttled between multiple luncheons and receptions at the Democratic National Convention, celebrating the first female major-party presidential nominee in history and her own legacy as the first Democratic woman to win a Senate seat without being appointed to the position or succeeding her husband.

Mikulski  who is 80 and will retire in January after 30 years in the Senate  took the podium again Thursday night.

Though I was the first, I didnt want to be the only, she said, after quieting a thundering ovation from the packed hall. As my ranks have grown, Ive had the privilege of mentoring so many talented women.

[Mikulski, a role model for women, to retire after 30 years in the Senate]

Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton holds the hands of Democratic Sens. Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Barbara Boxer (Calif.), Barbara Mikulski (Md.) and Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), at a rally on Capitol Hill in November. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

The diminutive politician from Baltimore is also the first woman to chair the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. Her departure will mark the end of an era, supporters say, one that has inspired many women to seek elected office and could encourage generations more to do the same.

Any woman in Maryland politics is going to look up to Barbara Mikulski, said Heather Mizeur, a former member of the state House of Delegates who ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary for governor two years ago.

Before submitting Clintons name to be the Democratic nominee, Mikulski recounted a warning that Abigail Adams gave her husband, John Adams, during the days of the Continental Congress.

Our Founding Fathers gave us a great start, Mikulski said in her trademark raspy voice. But it was the founding mothers who said, Do not forget the ladies, or we will foment our own revolution. 

She called on women in the hall and those watching on television to dream big and achieve their goals so that other women will know what is possible.

Many of you have broken barriers, she said. But you know that when you broke a barrier, you didnt do it for yourself. You did it so others would not have barriers  only opportunities.

The senator also was supposed to announce Marylands delegate allotment during the roll call later that night. But she gave that honor to Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, a fellow Baltimorean, saying she wanted to share the spotlight.

1 of 67 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  What happened on the fourth day at the Democratic National Convention View Photos A look at what happened at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination. Caption A look at what happened at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination. July 28, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton celebrates with her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine as balloons drop from the ceiling on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

[An outspoken senators most memorable zingers]

Admirers mobbed her Wednesday after a luncheon aimed at rallying Marylands convention delegates, asking her to pose with them for selfies and group photos.

Del. Aruna Miller (D-Montgomery) told Mikulski that her speech Tuesday night made a nation cry, not just from the fleeting moment of happiness but from the lasting inspirations she will leave behind for all little and big girls.

If Hillary Clinton is shattering the glass ceiling, then Senator Mikulski handed her the sledgehammer, Miller said in an interview. She has been a leader for us for the majority of her career.

Mikulski told an audience at the National Democratic Institute, a nonprofit group that promotes democratic institutions around the world, that she struggled to keep her emotions in check while nominating Clinton.

When I walked out there, the full weight of the historic moment hit me, she said, according to a recording of her remarks. I barely could get through it, just as I can barely get through telling it to you today.

Mikulski received a standing ovation, aides said.

The women who have clustered around Mikulski throughout the convention openly admire her candor and a fiery temperament, especially when promoting or defending Democratic principles and candidates.

What you see is what you get with her, Mizeur said. Shes not one of those people who puts on a mask in front of a crowd and is somehow a different person behind the scenes. Shes always engaged, gritty, tough, funny, high expectations, demands excellence. Shes a treasure.

By Wednesday night, Mikulski was back at the arena for another round of convention speeches, this time featuring President Obama and Vice President Biden.

But when much of the audience stood to join hands and sway to the song What the World Needs Now is Love, she remained seated, perhaps the first sign that the long day was taking a physical toll.

On Thursday evening, she joined other female Democratic senators on the stage, the last time she would appear as a lawmaker during one of her partys nominating conventions.

She needs help, across the generations, Mikulski said of Clinton, as the Maryland delegation screamed, Barbara! Barbara! Barbara!

Families of America, its time to suit up, Mikulski continued. Women, put on your lipstick! Men, polish your shoes! Our shoulders are square. Were ready to fight to put Hillary in the White House, because we know shell carry the torch for all of us.
A District man was arrested Thursday after a shooting in Maryland earlier this week, police said.

On Wednesday at about 6:30 a.m., officers were called to the 3200 block of Walters Lane in Forestville for the report of a shooting, Prince Georges County police said in a statement. The officers found the victim, 28-year-old Desean Chapman of Upper Marlboro, with a gunshot wound to the upper body, and Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene, the statement said.

[Police investigate Forestville area homicide]

On Thursday, police arrested 23-year-old Divonta Gatling of the 3200 block of Minnesota Avenue in Southeast, the statement said, after an investigation revealed Gatling confronted Chapman just before the shooting. Chapman and the suspect were acquaintances, police said, and Gatling is charged with second-degree murder and assault. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections and is being held without bond, according to police.

Police ask anyone with information about the case to call the Prince Georges County Police Departments Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wanting to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS (8477).
Jesse Olivieri is seen security video being arrested after being shot by the U.S. Secret Service while carrying a gun outside the White House in May. (Handout/Reuters)

A Pennsylvania man shot by a U.S. Secret Service agent at a White House gate on May 20 is expected to plead guilty after federal prosecutors announced a new charge against him Wednesday.

Jesse A. Olivieri, 31, of Ashland, Pa., was charged with one felony count of resisting or impeding certain officers or employees with a dangerous weapon in a criminal information, a charging document that can be used if defendants waive their rights to an indictment.

The charge, filed Tuesday, supersedes a June 3 police complaint and carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. No court date was set.

The U.S. Attorneys Office declined further comment, citing the pending case. Olivieri has been ordered detained by U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey of the District since being released last month from George Washington University Hospital for a gunshot wound to the chest.

Security videos showed Olivieri just after 3 p.m. on a Friday walking toward a White House checkpoint from the south across E Street NW with a handgun pointed at the ground, ignoring officers and then getting shot in the chest.

[Video of White House shooting shown as suspect is detained after felony charge]
It was after midnight, and Narges Shafeirad was driving down a dark suburban road north of Washington. In 12 hours, she was due in court for the final hearing in a bitter divorce and custody case.

With her was the couples 5-year-old son Daniel.

We believe, prosecutor Marybeth Ayres said Thursday, that she didnt want to give the dad what he wanted.

On Thursday, Shafeirad pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Circuit Court to killing Daniel last year by forcing him to swallow a lethal amount of cold medicine before setting her car on fire and staging a crash to mask her brutality. She faces up to 50 years in prison at her sentencing in December.

This was a tragedy from every angle, said Melanie Creedon, Shafeirads attorney. She truly loved her son.

Narges Shafeirad (Montgomery County Sheriff's Office)

Shafeirad showed little outward emotion as details of her crime were read in court as part of her guilty plea. She stared straight ahead, blinking and occasionally wiping her eyes.

Daniel was forced to ingest at least 338 milligrams of diphenhydramine  the active ingredient in drugs such as Benadryl.

The amount was more than would be in an entire bottle of medicine and a dose that would have been lethal to anyone.

Daniel had two-and-a-half times the concentration of diphenhydramine in his heart-blood than what would kill an adult, Ayres said.

At some point on the night of the murder, Shafeirad wedged her sons body behind the front seat on the rear floorboard of her 1993 Toyota Corolla. Its unclear when Daniel died, but the killing happened before Shafeirad doused the inside of the car with gasoline and ignited it.

Speaking with detectives, she insisted that she and Daniel had been on their way to the beach in June of last year and that she had gasoline with her as a precaution in case she could not find an open gas station.

She stated that while driving with the bottles of gasoline in the car to Ocean City, she lit a cigarette and the car started on fire, Ayres said.

Shafeirad was charged in July last year with first-degree murder and first-degree arson. She had been facing a jury trial in September.

The childs father was not in court Thursday and could not be reached.

In an interview last year, David Gavin, who was then representing Daniels father, Hamid Azimi-Dana, said, Daniel was the beginning and end of his life. He is saddened beyond words.

As she pleaded guilty Thursday, neither Shafeirad nor her attorneys explained why she killed the bright, curious young boy. Some of that information is expected to be aired during her sentencing hearing.

Court records  both for her divorce and the murder case  capture pieces of Shafeirads history.

She was born in Iran, where she met Azimi-Dana, who had immigrated to the United States but made trips back home. He ran a business in Maryland that supplied produce to Middle Eastern restaurants. In court, Shafeirad said she is 35 but would be 34 according to dates in her arrest and marriage records.

The couple were married in Tehran on Dec. 17, 2007, according to court records. Daniel was born July 21, 2009. By July 2011, all three family members were living in Gaithersburg.

But the marriage was troubled. In June 2013, the couple separated. A month later, Shafeirad and Azimi-Dana filed requests for restraining orders against each other  with each alleging in court filings that the other had physically abused them in front of their son.

Azimi-Dana stated that on June 19, 2013, as they drove home from dinner, Shafeirad started yelling and punching him. When they got home, he alleged, she attacked him while he was holding Daniel. She screamed that she was going to kill me while I slept in my bed, Azimi-Dana wrote. He said he didnt call the police because he didnt want to upset Daniel.

Shafeirad and Azimi-Dana agreed to stay away from each other without admitting to the alleged abuse. A joint custody arrangement was worked out for Daniel, who stayed with his mother four days a week and his father three days a week, according to court documents.

With limited command of English, Shafeirad got a job looking after an older Iranian immigrant, according to information in the divorce case.

Her living situation, according to statements she would later give to detectives, grew desperate.

On June 15, 2015, her lease expired on her residence, and she moved out without enough money to find a new place to live.

That same day, she picked up Daniel after school, who was healthy and showed no signs of sickness, his kindergarten teacher would later tell police.

Shafeirad told detectives she and her son went to several restaurants in the Rio area of Gaithersburg. Daniel spoke of spending time with his father.

He told her that he had just spent the weekend having a great time with his dad at an amusement park, Ayres said in court.

At some point that night, according to authorities, Shafeirad forced Daniel to ingest the medication. Ayres listed injuries to his cheek, lips and the inside of his mouth, suggesting he struggled against swallowing it. The large volume of the medicine would have left the boy confused, unable to stand and with seizures and blurry vision, said Ayres, recounting the symptoms outlined by an expert witness that prosecutors had lined up to testify at trial.

Dissecting how Shafeirad staged the crash, investigators determined that she had pulled off Sam Eig Highway, carefully avoiding trees before parking her Toyota.

Probing how the fire began, arson investigators concluded there was no damage to the cars mechanical components and no damage to the fuel lines or transmission lines.

The gasoline had been spread inside, splashing Daniels clothes and his Spider-Man backpack.
A Maryland sheriff who was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of hitting his wife was acquitted Wednesday.

Anne Arundel County Sheriff Ronald Bateman, 54, of Pasadena was charged with second-degree assault after allegedly throwing his wife against a wall and hitting her in the face and mouth during an argument on April 10.

[Sheriff in Anne Arundel arrested and charged in domestic violence case]

According to charging documents, Bateman told a responding police officer that he had been drinking and acknowledged arguing with his wife and holding her down on a bed in an effort to retrieve the money clip she had taken without his permission.

He denied hitting her, saying the incident was an emotional family dispute during which no criminal actions took place.

On Wednesday, Judge Floyd Parks, brought in to Anne Arundel County District Court from Kent County for a bench trial, acquitted Bateman after his wife, Elsie Bateman, declined to testify against her husband and prosecutors declined to put her teenage son, who witnessed the incident, on the stand.

Bateman also agreed to participate in counseling, which is now complete, his attorney said.

The special prosecutor from St. Marys County who handled the case did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and a spokesman for the Anne Arundel County States Attorneys Office, referring questions to St. Marys, said it was not privy to the evidence, investigation or witness interviews conducted in this case.

Peter ONeill, an attorney for Bateman, said it was not unusual for spouses of defendants in domestic cases to decline to testify against their partners.

We were certainly pleased with the verdict, ONeill said. Sheriff Bateman and his wife have been through a difficult time in their lives, and he is looking forward to resuming his position as sheriff.

Bateman, a former Democrat, was reelected to a third term as Anne Arundel sheriff in 2014 after becoming a Republican. The sheriffs office said he will return to his post after a vacation.

The judicial process has taken place, said Col. Rick Tabor, who served as acting sheriff while Bateman limited himself to administrative duties after his arrest. The sheriff was acquitted, and its now time to put this behind us and move forward.
A Noodles & Company restaurant in the District. Two employees at a Noodles and Company in Alexandria were fired for their treatment of a police officer Monday, the company said. (Evy Mages/for The Washington Post)

Two employees at an Alexandria branch of the chain restaurant Noodles & Company have been fired for treating a local police officer with disdain.

In a statement, the company said that the views and actions of these individuals were inexcusable and do not reflect those of the company or the rest of the staff at the Duke Street location.

[Police: Officer denied service at Noodles & Company]

The incident occurred on Monday evening, according to police, when a female officer came into the restaurant for dinner. While waiting in line, the officer saw a cook approach the cashier and indicate that she would not prepare food for an officer.

The cook said something to the effect of, You better pull me off the line, because Im not cooking for, then gestured at the officer, according to Alexandria police spokeswoman Crystal Nosal.

The two employees then laughed, according to a police spokeswoman. The officer walked out, saying, I guess you dont want my money.

We have concluded the two team members in question acted inappropriately and we immediately terminated their employment, the company statement said. We have the utmost respect for law enforcement officials and value the relationship we have built with the local Alexandria Police Department over the years.

Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook went to the restaurant Tuesday to talk to the manager, who apologized. The company has now also apologized directly to the officer involved.

Cook said that he thought the officer handled the situation perfectly by disengaging rather than escalating the confrontation. He added that he was surprised to see something such as this happen in Alexandria, saying he believes the police have a very good relationship with local businesses and residents.

In a statement, Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg said she appreciate[s] Noodles & Companys swift and thorough response to and full-throated apology for this unfortunate situation.

She added that after extensive dialogue with the companys regional and national leadership, we are satisfied that this situation was an anomaly and should not reflect on the company nor its other hard-working employees.
Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby, right, holds a news conference near the site where Freddie Gray was arrested after her office dropped the remaining charges against three Baltimore police officers awaiting trial in Gray's death, in Baltimore on Wednesday. (Steve Ruark/AP)

Four days after the funeral of Freddie Gray, Baltimores top prosecutor, Marilyn Mosby, stood before a cluster of microphones and cameras to declare that she would pursue charges against six officers in the young mans death. During the nationally televised news conference in May 2015, she promised the riot weary city that she would deliver justice on Grays behalf.

Fourteen months later, Mosby again faced the grip of news cameras  this time announcing that her office would drop all the remaining charges in the Gray case.

Despite a mistrial, three acquittals and a year of being physically and professionally threatened, mocked, harassed and even sued, a still-defiant Mosby said she remained convinced that bringing charges against the officers was the right thing to do.

Justice is always worth the price of pursuit, Mosby said Wednesday after the charges were dismissed. We do not believe Freddie Gray killed himself.

But while Mosby stood firm, defense attorneys and legal observers say the state faced insurmountable hurdles in winning a conviction against any officers from the start: The investigation and charges were rushed, and the evidence was thin. Problems with the case  which some say shouldnt have been prosecuted at all  and how the state handled it became more apparent with each passing trial.

Baltimore state's attorney Marilyn Mosby gave an impassioned news conference on July 27 to discuss the decision to drop all charges against three police officers awaiting trial in the death of Freddie Gray. Mosby brought criminal charges against all six officers after Gray suffered a fatal spinal injury while in police custody. (WUSA)

[Baltimore prosecutors drop all remaining charges in Freddie Gray case]

After the third acquittal of an officer, and with the judge again saying that prosecutors didnt have the facts for a criminal conviction, Mosby and her team this month probably realized that no new evidence would emerge in the remaining trials to secure a conviction, said Adam Ruther, a former Baltimore prosecutor now in private defense practice.

Theres a point at which you recognize doing the same thing over and over is not an effective strategy, Ruther said. Its the right conclusion: that its not worth the taxpayers time and money.

Prosecutors dismissed the charges against Garrett Miller as his trial was set to begin Wednesday. The state also dropped charges against Sgt. Alicia White and Officer William Porter. Officers Edward Nero, Caesar Goodson Jr. and Lt. Brian Rice were all acquitted earlier this year.

Unlike instances in which a suspect is killed after officers use force  shooting, Tasering or a physical scuffle  Grays fatal injury came when he was alone in a compartment in a police van on the day of his April 12, 2015, arrest. Prosecutors argued that he died because officers shackled his arms and legs but failed to seat-belt him, leaving him to fall and strike his head.

[Who was Freddie Gray? How did he die? And what led to the mistrial in Baltimore?]

Prosecutors had thrown out a variety of theories over four trials in their quest to win a conviction: Officers gave Gray a rough ride; officers callously ignored Grays cries for medical help; officers illegally arrested Gray and didnt put him in a seat belt to punish him for making a scene as he was being detained.

But every theory fell flat.

Video of the rough ride showed what merely appeared to be a rolling stop and a wide turn, and the states own expert witness couldnt say that the officer driving the van was being reckless. The state couldnt prove that officers knew Gray was suffering from a medical emergency before they found him unconscious. And it turns out that an officer charged with illegally arresting Gray never laid a hand on him during his initial detainment.

They tried to create a narrative of the infamous rough ride, and it just didnt come true, said Tyler Mann, a city defense attorney and former city prosecutor. They thought they could present this narrative of police acting out, and thats not just how things fell into place.

In reading his verdict across three bench trials, Judge Barry G. Williams repeatedly said that prosecutors did not present enough evidence to show that officers intended to hurt Gray or that his death was anything beyond a tragic accident.

The courts imaginings do not serve as a substitute for evidence, Williams said in his most recent verdict.

That evidence was lacking for prosecutors became apparent when they fought to have Porter testify against other officers charged in the case despite awaiting retrial. Never before in Maryland history had a co-defendant facing trial been forced to testify for the prosecution. But prosecutors took the case all the way to the states highest court, saying their case would be gutted without Porter as a necessary and material witness. After months of legal wrangling that delayed the trials, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that Porter, Miller and others could be compelled to testify in exchange for limited immunity.

Still, the challenges for the state appeared increasingly overwhelming as Millers trial approached. New prosecutors were expected to take on Millers case and Porters retrial to maintain the integrity of the immunity offers.

[Former felons return to Freddie Grays neighborhood to try to stop the violence.]

This month, the defense alleged in court filings that Michael Schatzow, the chief deputy states attorney, had improperly continued to discuss Millers case with the new prosecutors.

Staci Pipkin, a former city prosecutor now in private practice, said that contention likely weighed very heavily into Mosbys decision.

Clearly they had given up on that pretense that they were keeping the trials separate, Pipkin said. If they had gone forward, she said, it would have been a disaster for the original prosecutors. For the whole office.

The defenders also leveraged some key legal strategies that played in their favor. Each sought a separate trial. And they began opting for a verdict from a judge rather than a jury.

The states attorney charged everybody together because it looks a lot stronger as a single narrative to explain what happened to Gray, Mann said. That all the officers were tried separately, that definitely weakens the states case.

Marshall Henslee, a Baltimore defense attorney and former public defender, said Neros decision to select a bench trial over a jury trial played a big role in the cases being dropped. After other defendants saw Neros acquittal  the first in all of the trials  they were emboldened to do the same.

Doug Colbert, a University of Maryland law professor who attended the Gray trials every day, said the failings of the case didnt lie with the state but with the system that makes it nearly impossible to convict police officers of wrongdoing. Colbert said police officers and their unions often expect different treatment from the legal system than regular citizens get.

The publics interest is best served when we eliminate the police code of silence, which really is the number one obstacle against a successful prosecution, Colbert said. Too often, police are the only witnesses to crimes committed by other officers, and the public has every right to demand the police come forward and speak the truth about what occurred.

At the news conference on Wednesday, Mosby said the legitimacy of her prosecutions were affirmed time and time again. The grand jury returned an indictment, a commissioner signed off on charges and the judge rejected dozens of motions for dismissal or acquittal.

Instead, Mosby blamed the lack of convictions on police who were uncooperative through the course of the investigation. And although she didnt win a conviction, Mosby said neither she nor the community lost. The case prompted reforms within the police department and held officers accountable, she said.

The only loss and the greatest loss in all of this, Mosby said, is Freddie Grays life.
Chandra Levy in an undated photo released by the Levy family. (Chandra Levy/Family photo/Modesto Bee via AP)

Chandra Ann Levy, 24, was working as an intern at the Federal Bureau of Prisons when she vanished on May 1, 2001, after leaving her Dupont Circle apartment. She was a graduate student at the University of Southern California.

The disappearance of the Modesto, Calif., resident set off a frantic search after D.C. police received a call from her father five days later. He was concerned because he had not been able to reach his daughter for nearly a week. She was scheduled to return home to California for a visit.

Robert Levy, a physician, told police his daughter was dating Gary A. Condit, a married Democratic California congressman.

Police searched Levys apartment and found her cellphone, laptop, a couple of partially packed suitcases and other items. They scoured Rock Creek Park for clues, after finding she had looked up a location inside the park on the day she disappeared.

Police called Condit, who told investigators that he had not heard from Levy for a week. Condit was not forthcoming with police but eventually was ruled out as a suspect. Condit has since returned to private life.

Ingmar Guandique, center, being escorted in 2009 from the Violent Crimes Unit in Washington by detectives Tom Williams, left, and Emilio Martinez. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

The case captivated the nations capital and the country, in part because of Levys link to Condit. It became one of D.C.s most famous unsolved homicides.

Levys remains were found in 2002 in the park after a man walking his dog was drawn by the dogs sniffing to some loose debris in which the man found bones later identified as Levy.

[Chandra Levys remains found in park]

Salvadoran immigrant Ingmar Guandique, who had pleaded guilty to attacking two other women in Rock Creek Park, was due to be released from prison in December 2010.

Guandique,was convicted that same year of Levys murder after a trial that included testimony from a jailhouse informant who said Guandique had admitted killing Levy. Guandique was sentenced to 60 years in prison but his conviction was overturned last year. The judge granted him a new trial after questions arose about the credibility of the informant.

The retrial was scheduled for October but on Thursday, the U.S. attorney dropped charges against Guandique, saying in a statement that it concluded it can no longer prove the murder case against him.

Guandique has been jailed awaiting retrial. After his release, he will be handed over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he faces removal proceedings.
As a safety measure, Metro track work spots are distinctly marked with end zones like the one in the tunnel near the Ballston Metro. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

Even as Metro riders turned to social media to make it clear that they are against a proposed cut in weekend late-night service hours, General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said Wednesday that a curtailed schedule is necessary for the welfare of the subway system.

But a federal complaint filed this week against Bostons transit system alleging that late-night service cuts there violated the civil rights of low-income and minority groups could bring additional scrutiny to Wiedefelds proposal.

Wiedefeld will lay out a plan to the Metro board on Thursday that would make a permanent change to the train schedule, ending service on Friday and Saturday nights at midnight rather than 3 a.m. Sunday service would conclude at 10 p.m. (Under the SafeTrack maintenance program, the system currently closes at midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.)

Metro close Voting is closed on this poll User Poll Results: Do you support the proposal to permanently close the Metro system at 10 p.m. on Sundays and midnight on other days? I don't like it, but it's OK if it helps with maintenance work. No. That's too early. Pardon the interruption! We need to verify that you are an actual person. I don't like it, but it's OK if it helps with maintenance work. No. That's too early. View Results This is a non-scientific user poll. Results are not statistically valid and cannot be assumed to reflect the views of Washington Post users as a group or the general population.

Wiedefeld said that eight additional hours of unfettered access to tracks on the weekend would have a big effect on maintenance efforts.

At the end of the day, this has been a repeated issue. We dont have enough time to do the work and do it right, he said during a news conference Wednesday at the Silver Spring Metro station.

The fifth surge in Metros long-term maintenance overhaul known as SafeTrack runs July 20 - July 31 on the Orange Line. Take a look at how it will affect your commute. (Claritza Jimenez,Danielle Kunitz/The Washington Post)

[Metro general manager proposes permanent end to late-night service]

Wiedefeld added that his proposed schedule change isnt about saving money  in fact, he said, he had not yet looked at the estimated costs or benefits of the added maintenance time.

Any change to the schedule would need board approval. And Metro will have to file an equity report to the Federal Transit Administration, detailing whether the schedule change would pass muster under the Civil Rights Act.

Well take information from members of the board, the community, and then well make some decisions together, Wiedefeld said.

If Metro board members put their foot down? Well see, he said.

Wiedefelds decision came as a surprise to members of the board and D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), who were not briefed on the proposal before the announcement. That apparent oversight could have been a missed opportunity to get D.C. representatives on board  or it could have been an intentional strategy to demonstrate that he wont bend to compromise on his vows to prioritize safety over convenience.

Although the decision probably will unfold over coming months, its already clear that District representatives wont go along quietly. Leif A. Dormsjo  the director of the District Department of Transportation, and a nonvoting Metro board member  said he shared the same concerns that Bowser aired Tuesday: The potential negative effect of the curtailed schedule on D.C. residents and workers could be significant.

This type of action appears premature, Dormsjo said. Its going to be a high burden of proof for WMATA to talk through.

Its not as clear-cut as SafeTrack, he added, referring to the boards swift action approving Wiedefelds maintenance program.

[Ready or not, Metros SafeTrack maintenance surge is here]

And then theres the civil rights complaint against the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority dropped on the same day as Metros announcement. The agency had begun a pilot program in 2014 that extended subway service from midnight to 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; they axed the program earlier this year in the face of budget woes and the need for more maintenance work.

The legal battle over those cuts is likely to be watched closely by Metro officials, who contacted transit agencies and engineering consultants for advice on whether to cancel late-night service.

MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo confirmed that Bostons T was one of the transit agencies that advised Metro officials on the upside of dumping late-night service.

The elimination of MBTA late-night service has allowed Maintenance of Way workers to get more accomplished, he said, and T officials shared this experience with WMATA.

The organizations suing the MBTA argue that the transit agency incorrectly measured the impact on different communities in the region, lumping together the demographics of each city rather than examining the immediate neighborhood. The service cuts had a disproportionate negative effect on minority communities and low-income families, the groups argued in their complaint. They also contended that the MBTA did not properly vet other potential options to mitigate the impact.

As members of Metros board consider whether to support the proposal, they may seek data and ridership numbers that address similar issues raised in the lawsuit against Bostons subway system  namely, how the changes would affect low-income riders and shift workers with few other transportation options.

Thats what Metro board member Christian Dorsey of Virginia says he will be seeking. Board members are wary of the potential effects on vulnerable riders, he said, but also acknowledge that running late-night subways for a few thousand riders is inefficient. He wants to hear about other options, such as running after-hours buses instead of trains.

Im intensely interested in looking at the question of how to do the least harm to our riders, Dorsey said. But its time for a fresh look at whether this is the only way to meet the needs for weekend ridership after-hours. Are there other ways of meeting that demand?
During his speech at the Democratic convention, former governor of Maryland and presidential candidate Martin O'Malley said that Donald Trump believes global warming is a hoax created by China. (The Washington Post)

During his speech at the Democratic convention, former governor of Maryland and presidential candidate Martin O'Malley said that Donald Trump believes global warming is a hoax created by China. (The Washington Post)

Were with her

LGBT activists embraced Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia on Wednesday, reports Lois Romano.

Chelsea Clinton was the star attraction at a lunch event held by the Human Rights Campaign Fund and Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute. Chelsea has been stumping on gay rights and made a strong case that her mother must be elected to guarantee continued equality for the LGBT community.

Chelsea also urged the attendees at the event to cast their votes for down-ballot gay and transgender candidates.

We need to ensure that we can elect people that share our values so that my mom can pass the Equality Act, and so that my mom can federally ban conversion therapy.

LGBT delegates make up 11.5 percent of all delegates at the Democratic National Convention this year, a record. On Thursday night, the first transgender person ever will speak at the convention.

1 of 62 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Scenes from the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia View Photos Follow along as Post photographers document the event. Caption Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. July 27, 2016 President Obama embraces Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the end of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Email espionage?

Clinton aides strongly condemned Donald Trumps suggestion that Russian hackers should release Hillary Clintons emails, if they have them.

I think what Donald Trump did today needs to [be] examined not from a political lens, which is what I do, Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters at a Wall Street Journal forum, per Anne Gearan. This is a national security issue. And the idea that you would have any American calling for a foreign power to commit espionage in the United States for the purpose of somehow changing an election? Mook said in a tone of disbelief.

We are now in the national security phase.

Mook said that Trumps call for Russia to release the emails, amid mounting evidence that Russia hacked DNC servers, amounts to a presidential hopeful encouraging foreign spying on the State Department.

This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue, added Clinton senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan.

quotable

Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug. Putin should stay out of this election.

 Brendan Buck, spokesman for Rep. Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.)
President Obama embraces Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the end of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

July 27, 2016 President Obama embraces Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the end of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Melina Mara/The Washington Post

Scenes from the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia

Scenes from the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia

More fallout from leaked DNC emails

The Washington regions largest immigrant rights group is calling for the ouster of the Democratic National Committees chief spokesman over an email he wrote calling a push for federal protection of unaccompanied Central American minors irresponsible, Antonio Olivo reports.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Donna Brazile, who took over as interim chair of the committee after a leak of DNC emails, Casa de Maryland takes issue with remarks written by DNC spokesman Luis Miranda.

The problem is these groups dont want to hear this, they want us to send a message to Central Americans to keep paying smugglers and put those kids at risk of abuse and even death, Miranda wrote about Obama administration immigration raids. Frankly the rhetoric on this and calls for TPS [temporary protected status] are irresponsible, they send a message that ends up in more lives lost.

Miranda declined Wednesday to comment on the email.

Down-ballot strategy

The chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), made an overture Wednesday night to Republican and independent voters, Mike DeBonis reports.

Democrats in Philadelphia reflect on the significance of nominating Hillary Clinton for president  the first time a major party has nominated a woman for the nation's highest office. (Peter Stevenson,Alice Li,Sarah Parnass,Jayne Orenstein,Nikita Mandhani,Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

The DCCC chair asked those voters whether they wanted to back the Republican candidates in their districts if those candidates supported Donald Trump.

Ask yourself this: What does that say about their leadership, their character, their values? If they wont even stand up to Donald Trump, what makes you think they will stand up for you and your family?

by the numbers

3 million

Thats the estimated gap between those who watched the Republican convention in Cleveland last week and this weeks Philadelphia convention, with Democrats coming out on top, The Fixs Phillip Bump reports.

According to estimates from TVNewser, the Democrats second night beat the Republicans second night by more than 4 million. Those numbers are slightly lower than the figures in 2012.

Head-to-head comparisons are a little tricky because the Republican convention in 2012 was truncated. But it is important to note that during the 2008 and 2012 conventions, the Democrats beat the Republicans on most nights.
TPP blowback, continued

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, friend in chief to Hillary and Bill Clinton, on Wednesday walked all the way back on his controversial remark that Hillary Clinton would support a tweaked Trans-Pacific Partnership if she became president.

First of all, Hillary is against TPP, and shes always going to stay against TPP. Let me be crystal clear about that, McAuliffe said at an AFL-CIO event in Philadelphia, per Abby Phillip.

Thats not what he told Politico on Wednesday night. But after major pushback from top Clinton aides, including John Podesta and Brian Fallon, McAuliffe was singing a different tune Wednesday.

Any sense Clinton that is wavering on the high-profile trade deal  which she backed as secretary of state and later opposed  would be anathema to supporters of Bernie Sanders, with whom Clinton is trying to make peace this week.

The bid to circle the trade wagons and bolster her position appears to be working with key allies.

She told me shes against TPP now and shell be against TPP later, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told CNN.

Rudys rules

Former New York City mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani  now a prominent Donald Trump adviser and surrogate  says that Muslims who are on the terror watch list should be made to wear electronic monitoring bracelets so the government can keep track of their whereabouts.

If youre on the terror watch list, I should know youre on the terror watch list, Giuliani said at a Republican National Committee counter-programming event in Philadelphia, according to NJ.com, Isaac Stanley-Becker reports.

Donald Trump has said that his comments at the Republican National Convention could be interpreted as an expansion of his temporary call for Muslims to be banned from entering the United States. In Cleveland, Trump said people from countries compromised by terrorism should be prohibited from entering the United States, Jenna Johnson reports.

quotable

The FBI will get to the bottom of who is behind the hacking. If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences.

GOP vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence
Thousands of acres have been burned amid triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions, endangering people and their homes.

Thousands of acres have been burned amid triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions, endangering people and their homes.

Thousands of acres have been burned amid triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions, endangering people and their homes.

FLORIDA

Deputys manslaughter charge gets dismissed

A judge dismissed a manslaughter charge Wednesday against a Florida deputy who claimed self-defense in the 2014 fatal shooting of a 33-year-old black man carrying what turned out to be an air rifle.

Circuit Judge Michael Usan ruled in favor of suspended Deputy Peter Peraza of the Broward Sheriffs Office under Floridas Stand Your Ground self-defense law that eliminates a requirement to retreat  for civilians and law enforcement officers, the judge said  when facing a dire threat.

The now-dismissed manslaughter charge carries a potential 30-year prison sentence. Prosecutors said the decision will be appealed.

Peraza, 37, who identifies himself as a white Hispanic, testified during a hearing that Jermaine McBean initially refused commands from him and other deputies to drop the authentic-looking weapon and then turned and pointed it toward the deputies in July 2014. Peraza fired three shots, killing him.

In his 36-page order, the judge called the shooting a tragedy but said Perazas use of deadly force was justified under Florida law.

A firefighter passes flames from the Soberanes Fire as it burns the Rancho San Carlos community of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Wednesday. (Noah Berger/Reuters)

McBean family attorney David Schoen said he will continue to pursue a federal civil rights lawsuit against the sheriffs office over the shooting.

A spokesman for State Attorney Michael Satz said the ruling will be appealed. Satzs office added in a statement that the Stand Your Ground defense should not apply in a law enforcement case.

 Associated Press

Bulldozer operator killed while fighting Calif. wildfire: The operator of a bulldozer was killed when it rolled over during the fight against a wildfire near Big Sur that has destroyed 20 homes and spread across more than 36 square miles, California fire officials said Wednesday. Another operator escaped injury when a second bulldozer rolled over and sustained minor damage, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. To the south, firefighters made progress containing a huge blaze in mountains outside Los Angeles, allowing authorities to let most of 20,000 people evacuated over the weekend return home.

Wis. girls can be tried as adults in attack on classmate, court rules: A Wisconsin appeals court ruled Wednesday that two teenage girls should be tried as adults on charges they attempted to kill a classmate by stabbing her repeatedly to please a fictional Internet character named Slenderman. The girls, Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser, have been in custody since they were charged with attempted first-degree homicide in the May 2014 attack in Waukesha, a suburb of Milwaukee. All three girls were 12 years old at the time of the stabbing. Weier and Geyser are now 14.
BRITAIN

Court backs Corbyn in Labour Party dispute

Britains High Court on Thursday struck down an attempt to remove the head of the countrys divided Labour opposition party from a contest for the partys leadership.

Labour lawmakers are trying to unseat leader Jeremy Corbyn, a 67-year-old left-winger considered unelectable by the partys more centrist members.

The simmering crisis in the Labour Party was brought to a boil by Britains June 23 vote to leave the European Union. Many Labour lawmakers accused Corbyn of running a lackluster campaign in favor of E.U. membership and passed a no-confidence vote against him. Corbyn has refused to resign.

Labour lawmaker Owen Smith is running against Corbyn in an election that will be decided by half a million party members and supporters.

One party donor, Michael Foster, went to court, arguing that Corbyns name should not be on the ballot because he did not get backing from 51 Labour members of Parliament  a threshold Smith had to meet.

But the judge, David Foskett, sided with Labours executive, saying that the nomination rule applied only to challengers and that Corbyn, as the incumbent, was entitled to be on the ballot paper without the need to obtain any level of nominations.

 Associated Press

YEMEN

Rebels, ex-president formalize alliance

Yemens Shiite rebels on Thursday announced a formal alliance with the countrys ousted president and his former ruling party by setting up a new political council to rule the country, a step described by the U.N. envoy to Yemen as jeopardizing peace talks.

The rebels, known as Houthis, signed a deal with the General Peoples Congress, led by former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, agreeing to form a council of 10 members, five from each party. According to a statement posted by the official news agency Saba, the two sides said they will work together to confront a Saudi-led military coalition that supports Yemens internationally recognized government. The Houthis have controlled the capital, Sanaa, since 2014.

Saleh, who was forced out in a 2011 popular uprising, and the Houthis have been allied since 2014.

The new agreement, which does not change much on the ground, is expected to bring Saleh back to the forefront of Yemens conflict and further complicate the difficult U.N. peace talks in Kuwait between the Houthis and the government.

Those talks have been stalling amid fundamental disputes over the agenda. President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi demands implementation of a U.N. Security Council resolution stipulating the withdrawal of militias from all cities. The Houthis demand a share of power in any new government.

The United Nations declared a cease-fire in April, but both sides have breached the truce several times.

 Associated Press

POLAND

Pope urges welcome for refugees, migrants

Pope Francis urged young people in Poland on Thursday to welcome migrants and refugees, putting himself in direct contrast with the countrys government on the second day of his visit there.

Francis addressed more than 600,000 young people gathered in the city of Krakow for World Youth Day, a jamboree that lasts six days and has been called the Catholic Woodstock.

In an address, he urged them to leave their comfort zones and be ready to embrace those in need.

A merciful heart is able to be a place of refuge for those who are without a home or have lost their home; a merciful heart is able to build a home and a family for those forced to emigrate; it knows the meaning of tenderness and compassion, he said. A merciful heart opens up to welcome refugees and migrants.

Despite being rooted in Christian values, the conservative government in Poland disagrees with Francis on refugees and opposes any mandatory quotas by the European Union for accepting asylum seekers.

Some of the countrys conservative church leaders have also been hesitant over migrants, particularly those from Muslim countries.

On Thursday morning in the shrine city of Czestochowa, Francis prayed before Polands holiest icon  the Black Madonna of Jasna Gora  and celebrated outdoor Mass for a congregation of tens of thousands.

As the 79-year-old was blessing the altar at the start of the Mass, he tripped on a step but was helped up by aides and did not appear to be hurt. He continued the Mass and read his homily normally.

 Reuters

Egypt convicts former top anti-corruption official: A court in Egypt convicted the countrys former top anti-corruption official of spreading false news over a damning report he had issued, sentencing him to a year in prison that he must pay fines to avoid. Hesham Genena had alleged that massive corruption had cost the country billions of dollars. President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi dismissed Genena after an investigation concluded that the auditor had misled the public.

Indonesia executes 4 drug traffickers: The Indonesian government said it had executed four drug traffickers, giving a reprieve of uncertain duration to 10 others who it had said would also be put to death. Deputy Attorney General Noor Rachmad said one Indonesian and three Nigerians were executed by firing squad. He said the government has not decided when the other executions will take place. It is the third set of executions under President Joko Widodo, who was elected in 2014.

 From news services
Shortly after the recent massacre at an Orlando nightclub, the citys mayor declared that the White House had agreed to waive federal privacy rules to allow doctors to update victims families. News of the waiver was widely reported, but as the Obama administration later clarified, both the mayor and the media were simply mistaken. No waiver was granted because none was needed. The confusion amid the tragedy in Orlando underscores widespread misconceptions about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. Here we shed light on a handful of myths that bedevil doctors and patients alike.

Myth No. 1

HIPAA prohibits communicating with patients loved ones.

HIPAA sets national standards to safeguard the privacy of individuals health information. As in Orlando, it is often perceived as a barrier to effective communication between doctors and patients loved ones. Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds  whose mentally ill son attacked him before committing suicide in 2013  recently testified before Congress that HIPAA prevented me from accessing the information I needed to keep him safe and help him towards recovery.

Such stories are heart-wrenching but misattributed to HIPAA. In most cases, the privacy regulation permits doctors and nurses to communicate with a patients family, friends or caretakers. The rules were crafted to account for the realities of health care, including the integral role often played by those closest to the patient.

As the former head of HIPAA enforcement told Congress, HIPAA is meant to be a valve, not a blockage. When the patient is present and clearheaded, the law allows hospitals to share relevant information with loved ones so long as the patient does not protest. This can be accomplished through the patients agreement or acquiescence, or based on a doctors professional judgment that the patient does not object. If a person accompanies the patient to an appointment, for example, doctors can reasonably infer that discussing the patients treatment in front of that individual is appropriate.

When the patient is unavailable or incapacitated, doctors can also exercise professional judgment to determine whether disclosure is in the patients best interests. A clear example is when the patient is unconscious, but this provision can also apply if the patient is suffering from temporary psychosis and lacks the ability to make health-care decisions.

Still, studies have shown that confusion and fear over privacy laws often lead hospitals to unnecessarily withhold information and reflexively cite HIPAA as justification  an approach that can make families feel locked out of care.

But overall, HIPAA affords doctors significant flexibility to communicate with patients loved ones, whether about routine or time-sensitive matters. The only time the law truly forecloses the sharing of such information is when the patient is present, lucid and tells doctors not to  and even then, patients wishes can be overridden in the event that they pose a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.

Myth No. 2

Same-sex marriage rights are critical to equality under HIPAA.

Before the rumors of a HIPAA waiver in Orlando were quelled, various news outlets reported that it marked a victory for gay rights. Waiving medical privacy laws was portrayed as a prerequisite for sharing information with same-sex partners.

In reality, HIPAA enables discussions with relatives, friends or anyone else identified by the patient, meaning that the impact of the Supreme Courts marriage-equality rulings on permissible communication was marginal at best. HIPAA does not require doctors to obtain proof of identity when inquirers say they are a patients friends or relatives. Providing information to family and friends under HIPAA is linked to their involvement in the patients medical affairs, not the legal status of their relationship. Patients sexual preferences were irrelevant long before same-sex marriage became the law of the land.

Early in his administration, President Obama emphasized the importance of hospital visitation rights for same-sex partners and sought to enforce this policy through Medicare rules. However, spouses  unlike parents vis-a-vis their minor children  are not automatically presumed to have access to patient records. It is up to the patient to designate them or doctors to involve them as clinically appropriate.

Myth No. 3

HIPAA provides extra protections for mental health information.

Rep. Tim Murphy, also a psychologist from Pennsylvania, believes that amending HIPAA is crucial to mental health reform. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, a registered nurse from Texas, says that individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders often face obstacles to treatment because of the Privacy Rule within HIPAA. New Yorks chief psychiatrist has described HIPAA as the tragedy of mental health law.

Yet HIPAA does not distinguish between physical and mental health information, nor does it provide extra protections for the latter. Indeed, HIPAA is generally agnostic as to the type of health information being protected. The drafters of the privacy regulation acknowledged that many states had laws specifically guarding records related to mental illness and other stigmatized conditions but declined to follow their lead. While the HIPAA rules in no way erode these additional state protections, they do not confer any special status on mental health information.

The rare instance in which HIPAA affords greater protection to sensitive information involves psychotherapy notes. However, this exception is much narrower than is commonly understood. Psychotherapy notes are therapists private, desk-drawer notes reflecting on conversations during counseling sessions. They exist for therapists personal use as memory joggers and must be kept separate and apart from patient charts in order to retain their designation. Any information of wider utility  such as treatment or diagnosis  is excluded from the definition and associated protections. In fact, a main reason psychotherapy notes are shielded from disclosure is because they would have so little relevance or use to anyone other than the doctor who created them.

Myth No. 4

HIPAA stops doctorsfrom reporting threats.

Mass shootings involving mentally ill suspects often prompt discussion about what warning signs doctors should have reported. These questions persist even in cases when doctors had alerted authorities, as happened before the 2012 movie theater tragedy in Aurora, Colo.

After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, one of Obamas 23 executive actions was to clarify that no federal law prohibits health-care professionals from reporting threats of violence to the police. This mandate was accomplished via an open letter to the health-care community explaining that HIPAA allows doctors to issue appropriate warnings when they believe that patients present a serious and imminent threat to themselves or someone else. In such cases, doctors can disclose necessary information to law enforcement, school officials, family members, the target of a credible threat or anyone else in a position to avert the danger. Under the HIPAA rules, doctors who take these steps are generally presumed to have acted in good faith.

When patients make threats or pose a high suicide risk, doctors often have a duty to warn emanating from state laws, court decisions or professional ethics rules. HIPAA does not in itself impose such a duty, but it explicitly permits health-care professionals to take action consistent with these standards.

Myth No. 5

HIPAA is the reasonfor medical privacy.

HIPAA is often singled out as the basis of patient confidentiality. Yet privacy was a core value in health care long before the HIPAA rules were promulgated in the early 2000s. The Hippocratic Oath admonishes doctors to keep secret what they see or hear from patients. The American Medical Associations first code of ethics, adopted in 1847, emphasized the obligation of secrecy at the heart of the doctor-patient relationship.

In practice, HIPAA provides a federal floor of privacy protections, not a ceiling. It defers to state laws that are more stringent or protective of patient rights. State laws that create additional safeguards for conditions deemed especially sensitive  whether HIV/AIDS, communicable diseases, cancer or mental illness  remain in full force. Neither does HIPAA override other federal laws. Thus, for example, substance-abuse programs subject to 1970s-era federal confidentiality requirements continue to follow those stricter standards in the vast majority of cases.

Even where HIPAA allows health information to be shared, it almost never requires it. Doctors and hospitals must still be cognizant of other applicable laws or professional ethics guidelines that impose stricter limitations. HIPAA is designed to align with these obligations as often as possible, but those instances where gaps arise tend to be the most complex and emotionally fraught.

HIPAA established a procedural framework for doctors, hospitals and other health-care players to exchange information without compromising patient privacy. Even if the law disappeared tomorrow, the legal precepts and ethical norms that long preceded it would remain in place  as would many of the frustrations cited by HIPAAs most ardent detractors. This month, the House of Representatives proclaimed that there exists confusion in the health care community around what is currently permissible under HIPAA rules. Alas, that just may be the most accurate statement about HIPAA ever uttered.

outlook@washpost.com

Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.
THE FBI is investigating the theft of some 20,000 emails from servers of the Democratic National Committee, even as U.S. intelligence agencies are reported to have told the White House they believe Russia is responsible. The hack and the release of the emails to the WikiLeaks website are offenses that, if traced to the regime of Vladimir Putin, would justify sanctions or other retaliation. Republican vice-presidential candidate Mike Pence understands that: On Wednesday, he said that if Russia is interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, is inviting more such interference. Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, he said at a news conference, referring to messages that were deleted from Hillary Clintons private server. No, he wasnt joking, as apologist Newt Gingrich suggested; Mr. Trump later repeated the suggestion in a tweet.

Lets be clear about what this means: The Republican candidate for president has invited a hostile foreign power to conduct an unlawful cyberattack against his opponent and to make public emails she deemed personal and private. Washington has been wondering whether Mr. Putin is attempting to tip the U.S. election to Mr. Trump. Now Mr. Trump is openly appealing to him to do so.

Mr. Trump said he has  nothing to do with Putin and has never spoken with him, though in the past he has bragged about having done so. He denied that he has business interests in Russia, which doesnt explain why his son would have said Russian money plays a disproportionate role in a lot of our assets. He again said he would not release his tax returns, which means his claims cannot be verified.

Mr. Trump did provide more evidence of why Mr. Putin might be eager to support him. After repeating his disparagements of the NATO alliance, he was asked if his administration would lift sanctions on Russia and recognize its annexation of Crimea, the Ukrainian territory that it invaded and occupied in 2014. Well be looking at that. Yeah, well be looking, Mr. Trump responded, suggesting a stark reversal of the stance taken by the United States and its European allies. You could almost hear the champagne corks popping in the Kremlin.

Retired Navy admiral and law professor John Hutson used his speech at the Democratic convention to question Donald Trump's ability to keep America safe. (The Washington Post)

Once again, Mr. Trumps position is diametrically opposed to that of his own partys leaders. A spokesman for House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.) said Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug, and Mr. Putin should stay out of this election. Weve already cited Mr. Pence, who was only restating what, until now, has been the common position of U.S. political leaders from left to right: Cyberattacks by foreign governments such as Russia and China against U.S. industry, government and other sensitive targets are unacceptable and must be resisted. There should, indeed, be serious consequences for Russia if it is found responsible for the DNC hack. And voters should take note of one more reason Mr. Trump must not acquire the powers of the presidency.
In her July 26 op-ed, The Trump Doctrine: Unpredictability, Catherine Rampell criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his allegedly brilliant but secret plan against the Islamic State. Mr. Trump said he would begin military operations against the Islamic State, but he refuses to disclose operational details. Mr. Trumps failure to provide enough detail to satisfy Ms. Rampell is meritorious in its unresponsiveness.

Ms. Rampell also criticized Mr. Trump for saying our NATO obligations may be contingent on European countries contributing more to defense. That approach is correct. When Russia invaded Crimea, Germany had only two armored divisions in the entire country and neither was near Berlin. The United States had not one tank stored in Eastern Europe. Berlin is an eight-hour drive from Russian territory. Russia is activating the 1st Guards Tank Army with new equipment, attendant support and aviation brigades.

Russian President Vladimir Putin knows Mr. Trump is strong and so will not test him. Mr. Trumps diplomatic posturing on NATO treaty obligations was meant to sober European leaders to the Russian threat and strengthen the U.S. negotiating position with its NATO allies. Mr. Trump will not allow our allies to take for granted U.S. treasure or American blood spent on their defense.

Edward A. McDonald, Beech Grove, Ind.
President Obama threw his full support behind Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and reflected on his eight-year presidency. Here are the highlights in four minutes. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post/Photo: Michael Robinson Chavez)

President Obama threw his full support behind Hillary Clinton at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and reflected on his eight-year presidency. Here are the highlights in four minutes. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post/Photo: Michael Robinson Chavez)

Barack Obamas mission on behalf of Hillary Clinton on Wednesday night was personal and political. He testified to her virtues as a would-be president in a way only a current president could. He insisted that the administration both of them helped fashion pulled the country from the economic abyss. And he sought to safeguard his legacy by ensuring his time in the White House would not be seen by history as having culminated in the election of Donald Trump.

And so he went to work, combining rational argument with evangelical exhortation in the classic Obama fashion and making clear that he saw only one logical choice this fall.

And no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits, he declared. Thats the Hillary I know. Thats the Hillary Ive come to admire. And thats why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America.

President Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton wave to delegates at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)

Obamas witness on Clintons behalf reflected a profound change in our politics since a 2008 campaign during which Obama and Clinton represented very different views of how the system works and how change happens.

Back then, Obama promised that things could be done differently, that the divisions between red and blue were artificial, and that goodwill could prevail. Clinton warned that Obamas view was unrealistic, once offering a biting satire of his optimism. The sky will open, the light will come down, celestial choirs will be singing, and everyone will know we should do the right thing, and the world will be perfect, she said, and added: Maybe Ive just lived a little long, but I have no illusions about how hard this is going to be.

Both of them have now lived a little longer. Both have seen how the relentless oppositionism of the Republican Party led inexorably to Trump, the most dangerous and irresponsible nominee any major political party has ever put forward. Never before has a candidate asked a foreign power to conduct espionage on the United States, as Trump did Wednesday.

And that is how Obama saw the matter. We are not a fragile or frightful people, he insisted. Our power doesnt come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We dont look to be ruled. Trump, he said, cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, and tells the NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection.

Trump alone would justify Obamas passionate intervention on Clintons behalf. But there is more: Both must grapple with an impatience embodied in Bernie Sanderss campaign and a right-wing nationalism that disdains the quietly rational, socially tolerant, policy-oriented liberalism that animates their approach to governing. Differences that loomed large in 2008 masked what Obama and Clinton shared: Both were always evolutionary reformers. Both have always been about the politics of the possible.

Obama was unapologetic about this. Through every victory and every setback, he declared, Ive insisted that change is never easy, and never quick, that we wouldnt meet all of our challenges in one term, or one presidency, or even in one lifetime.

Obama spoke to the discontent in the country  pockets of America that never recovered from factory closures; men who took pride in hard work and providing for their families who now feel forgotten. But Trumps apocalyptic view, he said, was a wild and dangerous invention, a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world. Trumps Cleveland convention involved no serious solutions to pressing problems  just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate.

Watch President Obamas full speech at the Democratic National Convention on July 27. (Video: The Washington Post; Photo: Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

In the end, Obama argued, the changes the country actually wants are possible only under Clinton. They will not come from Trump. Does anyone, he asked, really believe that a guy whos spent his 70 years on this Earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion?

Thus did a leader who won office promising change we can believe in turn to the task of defending continuity we can believe in. He made a compelling case that, compared with what a Trump presidency would look like, continuity is looking better by the day. The America I know is decent and generous, he said. It was a description. It was also a hope.

Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Lally Weymouths July 24 Outlook interview with Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwans new president: Beijing must respect our will, highlighted Ms. Tsais non-provocative approach toward Beijing, aiming to preserve stability across the Taiwan Strait and enhance the high-tech island republics role as a reliable and responsible regional player.

In her May 20 inaugural address and again in The Posts interview, Ms. Tsai had extended an olive branch to mainland Chinese authorities in the hope of maintaining channels of communication for candid and direct dialogue. As she rightly pointed out, the best way for both sides to increase understanding and lessen tensions is through regular conversations.

Taiwan and the United States enjoy strong economic ties and share common values of freedom, democracy and human rights. The international community should continue its support for Taiwan and help safeguard peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dennis P. Halpin, Fairfax

The writer, a former Foreign Service officer, is a consultant to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.

In a July 24 Outlook interview, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said, Different levels of the government have different ways of communicating with their counterparts in China. Actually, in the two months since her inauguration, Taiwan and mainland China relations have deteriorated to the lows of the Democratic Progressive Party administration from 2000 to 2008. Ms. Tsais rejection of the previous Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) administrations flexible diplomacy led to the mainland suspension of government-to-government communication.

Ms. Tsais nonchalance about this concerns the people of Taiwan and all stakeholders in continued peace and prosperity between Taiwan and mainland China. Recent agreements and dialogue between the two sides generate economic opportunity for Taiwan; despite slowing economic growth, Taiwans trade surplus with the mainland was $27 billion in 2015.

Ms. Tsais characterization of the mainland as an economic competitor means it will be no surprise if one of Taiwans best customers takes its business elsewhere. Because so much is at stake for Taiwans economic and political security, the prudence of this policy is unclear.

Eric Huang, Bristow

The writer is head of international affairs

for the Kuomintang.
The July 26 editorial Russias motives for meddling seemed to make clear that the Russians hacked the Democratic National Committees emails to influence our presidential election, apparently to have an incompetent person in charge of our country. While this would certainly be something Russia would want, it doesnt explain why Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made the ridiculous and dangerous statements about NATO that would benefit Russia. Nor does it explain the change Trump delegates made to the Republican platform regarding Ukraine, which would also benefit Russia.

Couple this with the fact that Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort and other key people in the Trump campaign reportedly have extensive business and political ties to Russia, and one has to wonder if the Trump campaign was involved in initiating the hack of the DNC emails or in how and when to use those emails.

Kenneth Kolsky, Rockville

Russian President Vladimir Putins meddling might be disturbing, but it wouldnt be a first. Former vice president Henry Wallaces independent Progressive Party run for president in 1948 was damaged by suggestions of ties to communism. Ken Hughess book Chasing Shadows offers evidence of Richard Nixons alleged collusion with the South Vietnamese government to tank the Johnson administration peace negotiations during the fall 1968 campaign.

Jay Weiser, New York

The hacking of the Democratic National Committees emails makes me wonder if folks will ever learn not to put everything in writing. I am reminded of former congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who, when he spoke to a gathering at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, offered this advice: If you can say it, dont write it; if you can nod, dont say it; and if you can wink, dont nod. Sage advice!

Joyce Stanley Batipps, Washington
UNABLE TO secure a single conviction in the previous trials of Baltimore police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, prosecutors on Wednesday dropped all charges against the remaining three officers. Prosecutors were right to accept the inevitable; the judge presiding over the cases had made clear he found the evidence presented by the state to be insufficient to secure a criminal conviction. That, though, does not mean that police were not culpable. Simply put, a man died who should not have. That should cause some soul-searching about whether other remedies are needed to make police accountable so that in the future such needless deaths can be prevented.

We do not believe Freddie Gray killed himself, Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby said at a news conference discussing what she called the agonizing decision not to proceed with charges against three officers who were awaiting trial in the April 2015 death of Gray. The 25-year-old black man died from a severe neck injury he suffered after police placed him, his wrists and legs shackled, in a van without being secured with a seat belt. His death, ruled a homicide, sparked protests and riots in the city.

Ms. Mosby moved quickly in bringing charges against six police officers, a decision that has brought her both praise and criticism, the latter notably from police union officials who have accused her of bringing a politically motivated prosecution. No matter ones view of Ms. Mosby or the particulars of this case, it is always hard to bring successful prosecutions of police officers. Investigations can be hampered by laws that shield police from timely questioning, and juries and judges are reluctant to convict even in cases when there is ample evidence.

The inadequacy of the criminal-justice system to deal with these issues has prompted some to call for other solutions. Jon O. Newman, a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, argued in a recent Post op-ed for reforms of federal laws that make it difficult to sue police officers for misconduct. State Sen. Catherine E. Pugh, the Democratic nominee for Baltimore mayor, highlighted efforts in Maryland to change the makeup of police trial boards so that the community has a voice in deciding what discipline police officers face. The officers in the Gray case still face administrative review hearings.

Some changes have already resulted from the Gray case. Vans have been equipped with cameras and officers with body cameras. There is more rigor in making sure police are aware of protocols. The Justice Department is conducting a policy and practices review of Baltimore police. We hope that will lead to more reforms.
Hezbollah members carry the coffin of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in an attack in Syria, during his funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs on May 13. (Aziz Taher/Reuters)

The writer is a professor and director of the conflict management program at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, as well as a scholar at the Middle East Institute. He is publisher of the blog peacefare.net.

The military situation in Syria has turned against the U.S.-supported opposition over the past year, due mainly to Russian intervention. Now, the failed coup in Turkey and subsequent crackdown there stand to reduce the capabilities of a key U.S. ally. Without some rebalancing now in favor of the opposition to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, the prospects for a satisfactory negotiated political transition are dim.

In a dissenting internal memo last month, 51 State Department diplomats advocated attacks on Syrian government forces to end their aggression against the countrys civilian population, alter the military balance and bring about a negotiated political solution. President Obama has focused instead on fighting terrorism in Syria, but U.S. targets are limited to Sunni extremists such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates.

There is also a Shiite terrorist organization in Syria: Lebanon-based Hezbollah. It should not be immune.

Hezbollah was founded to resist the Israeli occupation of Lebanon in the early 1980s and takes credit for the eventual Israeli withdrawal from that country. Tightly allied with and supported by Iran, it has become the dominant political force among Shiites in Lebanon, where it not only participates in national politics but also runs its own security forces and provides social services to Shiite populations.

Covertly since 2012, and overtly since 2013, Hezbollah has deployed forces inside Syria, where its thousands of fighters are aligned with Assads army and mainly Shiite and Alawite militias against mainly Sunni forces that Assad regards as terrorists. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps pays Hezbollahs bills and provides its command-and-control operations. Hezbollah forces have been particularly effective along the border with Lebanon, which provides it with strategic depth and supply lines.

Hezbollah is a major factor in the military balance in Syria. Along with the Russian air intervention begun last September and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Hezbollahs fighters have enabled Assad to make progress against his opponents, especially those associated with the Free Syrian Army fighters backed by the United States. That progress has hardened Assads negotiating stance and blocked the U.N. search for a political solution. Assad is winning, and he sees no reason to accept a transition away from his rule.

A shift in the military balance is essential to ending the war, which is what Washington says it wants. But Obama has steadfastly refused to go to war against the Syrian, Iranian or Russian government. Even if he wants to, it is doubtful he has authorization from Congress to do so.

But Hezbollah is a non-state actor. It is also a U.S.-designated terrorist group that has murdered Americans, among many others. Most Republicans and Democrats would applaud an attack on Hezbollah, even if some in both parties would bemoan a move that suggested widening commitments overseas.

Washington could inform Tehran, Moscow and Beirut that Hezbollah should withdraw from Syria by a certain date or the United States would target any of its troops attacking non-extremist opposition forces in and around Aleppo and elsewhere. If Hezbollah failed to withdraw, the United States would then need to be ready to attack as soon as the ultimatum expired.

Hezbollahs withdrawal or U.S. targeting of Hezbollah would send a strong but still limited message to the Syrian opposition and its allies in Turkey and the Persian Gulf: We are prepared to attack Shiite as well as Sunni terrorists, but its up to you to take advantage of the opportunity and come to the negotiating table ready to reach a serious political settlement. It would also send a strong but likewise limited message to Iran and Russia: We will not continue to tolerate your intervention in Syria without responding. The time for a political settlement is now.

How would the players in Syria react? Hezbollah would likely try to strike at accessible U.S. assets or citizens in neighboring countries, most likely in Lebanon or Iraq. It might also launch rockets into Israel. The Islamic State, which uses Hezbollahs involvement in Syria as a recruiting tool, would be undermined. Russia and Iran could in theory up the ante, escalating their involvement in Syria, but in practice they both appear to be close to the limit of lives and treasure they are willing or able to expend there. Assad would be outraged and promise revenge, but the Syrian government is even more clearly at the limit of its capabilities.

Meanwhile, the non-extremist Syrian opposition would applaud and press hard against the territory where Hezbollah is deployed. Gulf states would likewise welcome the U.S. action and redouble their efforts to support the opposition. Israel knows all too well how to react to Hezbollah attacks in order to reestablish deterrence. Turkey might complain that the United States was not also acting against the U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters whom Ankara regards as terrorists, but the Turks would still benefit from any consequent military progress against Assad by non-Kurdish forces.

In short, U.S. targeting of Hezbollah would mostly please and embolden Washingtons friends and discomfit its antagonists. It would also reassert U.S. commitment to fighting terrorism of all sorts, renew Washingtons commitment to holding Hezbollah accountable, hasten an end to the Syrian civil war and make a political settlement more likely. That is not a bad balance of risks and benefits.
By Jason Bechervaise

The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), which kicked off on July 27 annually showcases some of the best in terms of genre cinema from all over the world. As such, it has become one of the leading genre film festivals in Asia attracting critics, journalists, programmers and cinephiles from different parts of the globe.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the festival put together a program that reflected BIFAN's theme: Love, Fantasy and Adventure.' Here is a selection of reviews from this year's festival.

Captain Fantastic

A scene from "Captain Fantastic"

Opening this year's festival, "Captain Fantastic" doesn't break any new ground, but it's nevertheless a heart-warming coming-of-age story about a father played by Viggo Mortensen who raises six children alone in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, United States.

Refusing to send his children to school Ben teaches them the importance of reading history and philosophy, while also providing them with physical combat training. His unorthodox approach is condemned by his affluent father-in-law (Frank Langella) who seeks to raise the children after their mother commits suicide.

Ultimately the father realizes that like many aspects of life, it's finding the right balance that is needed once they make a trip to New Mexico for his wife's funeral. But the family are adamant that they fulfil their mother's wishes and not be buried, but cremated and for the ashes to be thrown down the toilet.

Handsomely shot, edited and acted, packed full of humor and emotion, it's an enjoyable film that explores unconventional methods of raising children and the importance of staying together as a family.



* * * *

Creepy



A scene from "Creepy"/ Courtesy of BIFAN

True to the film's name, Kiyoshi Kurosawa's new psychological thriller is unsurprisingly creepy owing to some powerful atmospherics and an excellent performance by Teruyuki Kagawa.

Based on a mystery novel by Yutaka Maekawa, the film follows a former detective who investigates a missing family case that appears to have a connection with one of their neighbors.

The first half is masterfully constructed as the tension mounts and it becomes increasingly darker. Akin to Kurosawa's 1997 superb feature "Cure" a personal favorite of Bong Joon Ho  the use of decor, static camera movements, and the power of manipulation over physical force make this a truly chilling viewing experience.

Some plot contrivances do weaken the second half of the film, but overall, this is an effective remedy to beat the oppressive summer heat when it goes on release here in Korea on August 18.



* * * *



Under the Shadow



Set in Tehran in 1988 during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), Babak Anvari combines fear with social critique to deliver a highly accomplished feature debut.



The film follows Shideh (Narges Rashidi), a woman wanting to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, but is unable to do so when the university refuses to reenroll her because of her role in political activism during the revolution.



When her husband, a doctor, is sent to the frontline, she is left with their daughter in the apartment. As the threat of a missile attack becomes ever more apparent, her neighbors flee their homes leaving them alone but they soon realize, there's a supernatural presence lurking around.



Anvari gives audiences a glimpse of the horrors faced by those residing in Tehran at the time as sirens echo and the sound of explosions reverberate. Even more terrifying is when a missile hits their home, but doesn't explode. Wonderfully directed, this was picked up by Netflix following its well-received premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January.







* * * *



Neon Demon





A scene from "Neon Demo"

Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn's ("Only God Forgives") latest film remains divisive after it premiered in Cannes in May. Some may describe it as pretentious, or shallow even, but there's no denying the film's striking imagery.

Jesse (Elle Fanning) is a 16-year-old girl looking to become a model in Los Angeles. She's told she has the natural beauty and talent to launch a career, but in a fiercely competitive industry, it's not long before envy consumes those around her.

Refn doesn't really have much to say that others haven't already said about the modelling industry or the reality of the American dream. The focus on female characters though is interesting, but what's ostensibly missing is a coherent commentary that sheds new light on this topic.







* * *

How to Break Up with My Cat

Personally, I found this title somewhat off-putting, yet this is a rather enchanting film about a young magazine writer named Ejung (Park Gyu-ri) who lives next door to an aspiring Sushi chef (Seo Jun-young) who can communicate with cats.

Ejung soon realizes that he has a gift when it comes to cats, and so she becomes attracted to him. They soon form a relationship, but it comes under strain when the cat becomes terminally ill.

The film requires some imagination, but director Cho Sung-kyu brings in the more fantastical elements to the story with charm, while K-pop star Park Gyu-ri demonstrates potential as an actress in her second role in a film following her part in Cho's "Two Rooms, Two Nights."



* * *



BIFAN continues until July 31

Jason Bechervaise is a film columnist for The Korea Times. He can be reached at jase@koreanfilm.org.uk.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), center, is joined by the Democratic Women of the House on the stage during the second-day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

On Tuesday, Democrats nominated a woman to be president for the first time. On Thursday night, Hillary Clinton will accept that nomination.

In between, women at the Democratic National Convention here celebrated this singular moment.

They put on temporary tattoos that said Run like a girl and Pantsuit Up and mugged for photos. They slapped stickers on their chests that read A womans place is in the White House and Women Can Stop Trump. They wore T-shirts featuring a donkey wearing red pumps and the words Its time.

It is time. In the soaring atrium of Philadelphias Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Emilys List, the Democratic group that backs women for office, held a champagne reception Wednesday afternoon with the theme This is Our Moment.

The day has come! Nancy Pelosi, who 10 years ago became the first woman to be speaker of the House, told the crowd. We have nominated a woman for president of the United States.

Democrats in Philadelphia reflect on the significance of nominating Hillary Clinton for president  the first time a major party has nominated a woman for the nation's highest office. (Peter Stevenson,Alice Li,Sarah Parnass,Jayne Orenstein,Nikita Mandhani,Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

Pelosi savored the moment to contemplate history. I want to think about what our Suffragette mothers would have been thinking, she said, all those years ago when, with great courage, they set out to get women the right to vote.

It has been 168 years since Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her peers met in Seneca Falls, N.Y., 44 years since Shirley Chisholm ran for president and 32 years since Geraldine Ferraro was nominated to be vice president. If those women were alive today, they would see not only a woman as a major-party presidential nominee and a woman as the partys top legislator in the House, but also the Democrats hopes of controlling the Senate resting on nine female candidates.

They would also see women serving as the convention chair, the convention chief executive and the convention secretary, and they would see that the just-ousted chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee has been replaced by another woman.

The Democratic Party is officially a feminist party, Nancy Cohen, a historian and author of Breakthrough: The Making of Americas First Woman President, told me Wednesday.

The gender gap has grown in value to Democrats as women vote in higher percentages, particularly in presidential years. Women cast about 10 million more ballots than men in 2012 and 2008.

This moment of womens prominence  dominance, arguably  could become permanent in the party. As more women gain power, they tend to create a virtuous cycle, Cohen argues: They promote policies  equal pay, reproductive rights, crackdowns on domestic violence, paid family leave  that in turn accelerate gains made by women, thereby elevating more women to power.

Not all feel comfortable with the changes. Vermont Democrats, citing strong-arm tactics, complained to the DNC that rules requiring gender-balance among delegates forced the removal of two male delegates.

1 of 62 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Scenes from the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia View Photos Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. Caption Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. July 27, 2016 President Obama embraces Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the end of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Affirmative action for women, adopted by the DNC in 1980, is almost certainly unnecessary now. According to Fusion, 2,887 of the 4,766 delegates are women  and women have dominated the program.

Michelle Obama stole the show on Monday night, when the number of male and female speakers was roughly equal. Tuesday night, almost twice as many women as men spoke; there was a segment for women in Congress and another for Mothers of the Movement  moms whose children were killed under questionable circumstances. Bill Clinton was the top draw that night, but his speech was entirely in the service of his wife. Bill Clinton Pours on the Estrogen, was the headline on Maureen Dowds post in the New York Times.

Wednesday night featured President Obama, Joe Biden and vice-presidential nominee Timothy M. Kaine but also included former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, abortion rights leader Ilyse Hogue, and Stephanie Schriock, from Emilys List.

Hillary Clinton will be the first woman president, but she wont be the last, Schriock told the convention. Once that barrier falls it will never, ever, ever be put back up.

Celebrations were so thick Wednesday in Philadelphia that they collided: The Emilys List party was at the same time as a Politico event titled Women Rule at the DNC.

In the performing arts center, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, the incoming leader of the Senate Democrats and the token man on the speaking program, played the woman card, too. Women make better candidates than men, he said, predicting a majority of Senate Democrats could be women after 2018.

A distaff majority in the Senate, and a woman in the Oval Office? I know about power, Pelosi told the crowd. When Hillary Clinton becomes president of the United States . . . she will be the leader of the free world, the most important person in the world.

When the speeches ended, women running for Congress took the stage, and over the loudspeakers came Beyonces Run the World:

Girls, we run this mother. Girls!

Who runs the world? Girls!

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
At a rally in Davenport, Iowa, on July 28, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he wanted to hit some speakers at the Democratic convention and make their heads spin. (The Washington Post)

At a rally in Davenport, Iowa, on July 28, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he wanted to hit some speakers at the Democratic convention and make their heads spin. (The Washington Post)

Every night here at the Democratic National Convention, the video clips have appeared on giant screens above the arena floor.

Putting a wife to work is a very dangerous thing.

Youre going to have a deportation force.

A total and complete shutdown of Muslims in the United States.

On their biggest stage yet, Democrats have brandished what they think is their most powerful weapon against Donald Trump: his own words. Again and again, Hillary Clintons campaign has hurled her Republican presidential rivals most offensive phrases out into the ether: in flashing videos, in speeches, and even during commercial breaks, in ads in battleground states.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine mimicked one of Donald Trump's favorite sayings during his speech at the Democratic National Convention. Repeatedly. (Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post)

Campaign officials think the strategy is a no-brainer. Focus groups and public opinion polls show huge swaths of voters turned off by Trumps pronouncements regarding immigrants, minorities, women and the disabled.

But the tactic carries risk. A lot of people like what Trump says; he emerged from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last week even with or ahead of Clinton in several polls. Where some critics see behavior unbecoming for a possible president, many voters see a willingness to take on political correctness and upend long-standing norms. Its the reason theyre behind him.

And Clinton is testing a theory that has been proven wrong before. During primary season, Trumps Republican opponents were certain that his insult-hurling style would doom his path to the nomination. They were wrong.

Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign and a longtime GOP pollster, said in an interview this week that voters are so upset with the status quo  and so mistrustful of Clinton  that distrust will trump distaste.

Those are the voters who may have once prioritized tone and temperament, she said.

Now, their priorities have changed. Whats going on is so bad, the angst is so real, that people are willing to take the chance.

[Obama rips Trump in forceful endorsement of Clinton: She will finish the job]

This video played at the Democratic National Convention on July 27 criticizes Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for not making good on his promises to donate to veterans' charities. (Democratic National Convention)

Clinton is not trying to change the minds of voters who like what Trump has to say. Rather, its to repackage his most incendiary comments for crucial blocs of voters in contested states, so they will be exposed to the words they find most offensive  and motivated to vote against Trump. Democrats say its a playbook his Republican opponents havent been able to execute.

A recent spot called Role Model shows young children watching as Trump jeers and uses profanity on a television screen. It is aimed at suburban families, mothers in particular, who the Clinton campaign thinks are prime targets in this election.

For Latino audiences, no line is more potent, Democrats say, than Trumps claim that undocumented Mexican immigrants include criminals and rapists.

My father is not a criminal or a rapist, in fact, hes a United States veteran, Latina actress Eva Longoria said Monday night.

Then, minutes after video footage of Trump mocking a disabled reporter played, Anastasia Somoza came onto the stage in her wheelchair.

Donald Trump has shown us who he really is, Somoza said. And I honestly feel bad for anyone with that much hate in their heart.

An ad from the super PAC Priorities USA, about a disabled woman named Grace, hammered home the same point.

The children at Graces school all know never to mock her, Lauren Glaros, an Ohio mother whose child has a disability, says in the ad. And so for an adult to mock someone with a disability, it is shocking.

There was no subtlety in these messages, and that was the goal. The pitch is straightforward: Trump is who he says he is.

I dont think you can find any Republican who can defend some of the stuff that Donald Trump is saying, said Jamie Harrison, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

The party faithful at Wells Fargo Center here needed no convincing.

Your word really identifies who you are and what you believe, said Jeion Ward, 62, a delegate from Virginia and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. He wouldnt really say that if he didnt believe it, right?

But Harrison said Democrats are also aiming squarely at moderate voters not in the room, whom Democrats hope will do a double take when confronted with evidence of Trumps core beliefs.

Its for independents and its for moderate Republicans who are fiscally conservative but who like to think of themselves as moderate on issues like equality for the LGBTQ community, equal treatment for minorities, people who dont think that we need a religious litmus test in terms of entrance and exit for our country, Harrison said.

According to a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, Clinton ties or leads Trump on issues including trust and temperament. But when it comes to change, Trump has a slight advantage: 46 percent say he would do more to bring about the change needed in Washington, while 44 percent say Clinton would.

John Podesta, Clintons campaign chairman, acknowledged that her challenge remains to win over voters who are entertained or intrigued by Trump.

Some people like it. It works on reality TV, he said at a Wall Street Journal lunch this week. But having a temperament that is quick to anger, discounts study, is impetuous, has probably never before been thought of as a qualification for putting your finger on the nuclear codes.

I think that while it has some appeal to certain people who are entertained by it, I think its also quite dangerous, he added.

The project began in earnest when Clinton delivered a foreign policy speech in early June that was devoted exclusively to deriding Trumps statements. She mocked the real estate mogul and painted him as unserious and dangerous.

One worry for Democrats is that Trumps political rise would normalize his rhetoric, desensitizing voters to comments or behavior that were once considered out of bounds in politics.

We have to call out this behavior and his oftentimes racist and bigoted and fascist appeals, former Maryland governor Martin OMalley said in an interview at the convention this week.

But he warned that disqualifying Trump isnt enough.

We have to lay out our story and agenda in a positive way, he said. You have to do both: do whats morally responsible by calling out the opponent so he cant scapegoat people and vilify, then turn to our issues in a big way.

Voters may be shrugging off the near-constant attacks on Trump, Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer said.

He said the RNC is ready on several platforms  digital, television, social media  to counter each nights various criticisms of Trump but doesnt consider that effort a dominant part of the convention because he is so well-known and few, if any, barbs have become major stories.

We did some fact check, sure. But were looking at the Democrats hypocrisy and mistakes and we want to make sure we expose their flaws and their messaging, he said.
During his speech at the Democratic convention July 26, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) spoke about his close friendship with the Clintons. (The Washington Post)

During his speech at the Democratic convention July 26, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) spoke about his close friendship with the Clintons. (The Washington Post)

Gov. Terry McAuliffe fueled new distrust of Hillary Clinton among liberal Democrats this week with a declaration that the presidential nominee was likely to reverse her position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership after the election.

The Clinton campaign swiftly rejected the idea that she would waver on the TPP and called her longtime friend and chairman of her 2008 campaign flat wrong.

But Republican nominee Donald Trump seized the moment, saying that McAuliffe revealed Clintons true nature as a free trader  and a flip-flopper whom voters shouldnt trust.

The incident forced the governor to spend the next 24 hours in cleanup mode, and it offered a potent reminder of the trust deficit among voters that has dogged Clinton throughout the campaign  most notably with her explanations of her use of a private email server while secretary of state.

[Trump invites Russia to meddle in the U.S. presidential race with Clintons emails]

1 of 62 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Scenes from the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia View Photos Follow along as Post photographers document the event. Caption Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. July 27, 2016 President Obama embraces Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the end of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

The flap came at an inopportune time for Clinton: just as many supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont were finally agreeing to support Clinton. It also came as many continued to agitate about their disappointment with the ticket, notably Clintons choice of Sen. Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia as her running mate.

For some, McAuliffes comments exacerbated emotions and confirmed fears, threatening to further alienate the constituencies Clinton needs to defeat Trump.

Those comments emphasized that were still fighting a kind of establishment orthodoxy, said Kendal Bernal, a Sanders delegate from California who has been trying to organize fellow progressives.

And Tim Kaine should take back the notion that those of us who oppose the TPP possess, quote, a losers mentality,  he said, referring to a statement the vice-presidential hopeful made as Virginia governor in 2007.

Clintons path to total opposition to the trade deal took a circuitous route.

As secretary of state, she said the pact offered enormous economic, diplomatic and national security benefits and would expand U.S. ties with Asian partners.

As a candidate, she initially reserved judgment, then said in August that she could not support it as drafted, with the implication that it could be acceptable with technical changes. But as the strength of Democratic opposition to the TPP became clear, and as Trump emerged as a powerful anti-trade Republican voice, she shifted again.

1 of 60 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Scenes from the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia View Photos Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Caption Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. July 26, 2016 Former president Bill Clinton takes the stage to address the convention. Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

McAuliffe triggered the uproar when he said she was opposed only to certain parts of the pact that could be easily amended.

According to Politico, he said that Clinton planned to change her stance after winning the White House. Yes. Listen, she was in support of it. There were specific things in it she wants fixed.

By Wednesday morning, McAuliffe was characterizing the exchange as a misunderstanding between the governor and a reporter.

There are things in the agreement she does not agree with, he told NBCs Andrea Mitchell at a Virginia delegation breakfast. Unless she can get those to the point where shes happy with it, shes not going to support it, plain and simple.

A few hours later, the message had changed again, and McAuliffe walked the comments all the way back.

First of all, Hillary is against TPP, and shes always going to stay against TPP, let me be crystal clear about that, he said at an AFL-CIO event in Philadelphia.

Sanderss supporters in the labor movement reacted warily.

Well have to wait and see and take Secretary Clinton at her word on the concerns shes raised around it, said Shane Larson, national legislative director of Communications Workers of America, the largest union that endorsed Sanders for president.

But Trump ran with McAuliffes comments, characterizing the episode as a rare moment of honesty that showed that Clinton is intentionally misleading voters.

Terry McAuliffe said with a wink that if Hillary gets in, shes lying and it will happen, he said Wednesday during a Miami news conference. And there is nobody closer  I know this for a fact, there is nobody, including her own husband  closer to Hillary Clinton than Terry McAuliffe, okay?

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook rejected the notion that as a longtime family friend and close political ally, McAuliffe has a window to beliefs or plans that Clinton is keeping hidden for now.

This is very cut-and-dried. She doesnt support TPP now, and shes not going to support TPP after the election, Mook told reporters at a lunch sponsored by the Wall Street Journal.

She has outlined that she has very clear standards for any trade deal and that it needs to create more jobs in our country, that it needs to raise wages and that it is in our national security, Mook said. Those are the tests that shes going to apply to any trade deal.

Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta put it bluntly Tuesday evening.

Love Gov. McAuliffe, but he got this one flat wrong. Hillary opposes TPP BEFORE and AFTER the election. Period. Full stop, he tweeted.

The governors statements also reflect the dueling masters he serves as loyal friend to the Clintons and a governor who has made international trade the cornerstone of his term.

At the height of the fervor over his comments Wednesday morning, his administration sent out a news release announcing a new export deal  with China.

Anne Gearan and Abby Phillip contributed to this report.
President Obama threw his full support behind Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention and reflected on his eight-year presidency. Here are the highlights of his speech in four minutes. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post/Photo: Michael Robinson Chavez)

President Obama threw his full support behind Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention and reflected on his eight-year presidency. Here are the highlights of his speech in four minutes. (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post/Photo: Michael Robinson Chavez)

Twelve years to the day after President Obama first offered Americans the promise of moving beyond paralyzing partisanship, he took the stage here at the Democratic National Convention at a time when the nation is more starkly polarized than before.

But instead of shying away from the themes he spoke so eloquently about in 2004, the president returned directly to them in his 44-minute address on Wednesday.

In a pointed rebuke to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Obama argued that the common American values and ideals he identified in his first national address remain as true today as they did then  even if its hard to see them.

The GOP convention last week in Cleveland fanned resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate. And that is not the America I know, Obama said. The America I know is full of courage, and optimism, and ingenuity. The America I know is decent and generous.

As he offered an enthusiastic prime-time endorsement of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Obama implored the public to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon whats best in us.

1 of 62 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Scenes from the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia View Photos Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. Caption Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. July 27, 2016 President Obama embraces Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the end of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Aides said before the speech that the presidents aim was to not to dwell on his own accomplishments or to offer a point-by-point rebuttal of Trumps insults or criticisms. Rather, they said, his goal was to make the case for Clintons qualifications while squarely addressing the broader national debate over Americas values and moral character in the wake of Trumps rise.

Its not that Obama does not acknowledge the publics frustration over what he referred to, in his State of the Union address, as the rancor and suspicion between the parties that has gotten worse instead of better. He said the state of affairs in Washington is one of the few regrets of my presidency.

But in several addresses since then, the president has implored the public not to give up on American democracy and the often messy political process, and challenged his supporters to redouble their commitment to the slow and difficult work that can bring about change.

On Wednesday, he touted Clinton as someone who has been in the White House with him during her time as secretary of state and has put in the hard effort. Hillarys been in the room; shes been part of those decisions, Obama said. He contrasted that with Trump and sought to isolate the New York business mogul even from his own party, saying the Trump-led GOP is not consistent with Republican or conservative values.

It is a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world, Obama said.

He then reminded his audience of their common bonds, offering a more positive vision of a nation whose diversity makes it stronger.

I see Americans of every party, every background, every faith who believe that we are stronger together  black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American; young and old; gay, straight, men, women, folks with disabilities, all pledging allegiance, under the same proud flag, to this big, bold country that we love, Obama said.

With approval ratings topping 50 percent, aides said, Obama is in a desirable political position heading into the fall to act as Clintons surrogate-in-chief. The former secretary of state has sought to tie herself closely to the president whose cabinet she served in as they make the case for a third consecutive Democratic term in the White House.

Clinton thrilled thousands of supporters at the Wells Fargo Center by joining Obama unannounced on the stage after his remarks for an emotional embrace and an arm-in-arm wave to the cheering crowd.

But aides said the president was adamant that, despite his healthy poll numbers, he did not want his convention address to resemble the kind of valedictory speeches given by other two-term presidents  Ronald Reagan in 1988 and Bill Clinton in 2000. Obama explained to his aides that he wanted to clearly enunciate the stakes of the election and the stark choice that voters face in selecting his successor.

The president began discussing the address last month with senior aides, including chief speechwriter Cody Keenan, who has worked at the White House for both of Obamas terms.

As he has done before working on all major speeches, Keenan reread Obamas 2004 keynote address at the Democratic convention in Boston, which he delivered while running for the U.S. Senate from Illinois.

In a briefing for reporters Wednesday afternoon, a senior administration official said that the appeal of that speech was not because it was lofty, naive thinking, but I think a lot of people saw universal truths in there, that were still always looking for.

The official added that Obama didnt say there are no red states or blue states, but he said that we play Little League in blue states and we dont like people snooping around in red states. That all still holds true. I dont agree thats a uniquely Barack Obama sentiment; I think he just said it pretty eloquently. But thats the story of America. Thats there. Hes not painting a picture of an aspirational one, but something we have to every once in a while remember has been in front of us the entire time.

Before putting anything on paper, Keenan left Washington for his honeymoon, but after returning he offered Obama a first draft of the speech last week. The president worked through at least six drafts, tinkering until 3:30 a.m. after watching first lady Michelle Obama deliver her rousing convention address Monday. Aides suggested there may have been a touch of spousal competitiveness at play.

The president then needed just a single dry run, reciting the speech out loud in the Map Room on Tuesday, before pronouncing himself satisfied. (It ran 30 minutes without applause, but clocked in at 44 minutes on stage in Philadelphia.) Obama aides contacted the Clinton campaign this week to offer them a summary of the address.

Toward the end of his remarks in Philadelphia, the president, as he did in 2004, used his own biography to illustrate the ability of the nation to bridge differences. He said his white grandparents from Kansas did not discriminate on race or ethnicity or even politics  but rather respected hard work and honesty and kindness across the board.

America has changed over the years, Obama said. But these values my grandparents taught me  they havent gone anywhere. Theyre as strong as ever; still cherished by people of every party, every race, and every faith. They live on in each of us. What makes us American, what makes us patriots, is whats in here.

The president tapped on his chest and added: Thats what matters.
Watch Hillary Clintons full speech at the Democratic National Convention July 28 as she became the first woman to accept the nomination of a major party for the presidential election. (Video: The Washington Post; Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Watch Hillary Clintons full speech at the Democratic National Convention July 28 as she became the first woman to accept the nomination of a major party for the presidential election. (Video: The Washington Post; Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Hillary Clinton formally accepted the Democratic Partys nomination for president Thursday night, delivering a speech in which she said that the nation is in a moment of reckoning and aggressively cast Republican nominee Donald Trump as a divisive figure stoking fear across the country.

He wants to divide us from the rest of the world, and from each other, Clinton said. Hes betting that the perils of todays world will blind us to its unlimited promise.

Clinton said Trump has taken the Republican Party a long way -- from Morning in America to Midnight in America, nodding to a famous Ronald Reagan ad campaign.

He wants us to fear the future and fear each other, said Clinton.

Speaking as the first woman nominated for president by a major party, Clinton, the former secretary of state, is giving the highest-profile address of her decades-long political career.

1 of 67 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  What is happening on the fourth day at the Democratic National Convention View Photos A look at what is happening at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination. Caption A look at what happened at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination. July 28, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton celebrates with her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine as balloons drop from the ceiling on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Standing here as my mothers daughter, and my daughters mother, Im so happy this day has come, she said. Clinton added: When any barrier falls in America, for anyone, it clears the way for everyone.

[Complete live coverage of the Democratic National Convention]

Clinton stood defiantly against one of Trumps signature proposals: a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

We will not build a wall, she declared. Instead we will build an economy where everyone who wants a good job can get one.

Clinton moved through a list of Democratic priorities, speaking in broad strokes about the need to address climate change, raise the minimum wage and reform immigration and campaign finance laws.

She portrayed herself as an inclusive leader throughout the address, an argument she used to amplify her claims that Trump is an almost dictatorial figure with little interest in taking the views and contributions of average Americans into account.

Clinton also sought to introduce herself positively to the country on her own terms, acknowledging that many voters arent sure about her. In doing so, she threw an implicit jab at Trump.

Khizr Khan's son, Humayun Khan, was an American Muslim Army soldier who died serving the U.S. after 9/11. He spoke at the Democratic National Convention and offered a strong rebuke of Donald Trump, saying, "Have you even read the United States Constitution?" (Video: Victoria Walker/The Washington Post;Photo: Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

I get it that some people just dont know what to make of me, she said. So let me tell you: The family Im from, well, no one had their name on big buildings. My family were builders of a different kind.

Seeking to raise doubts about Trumps temperament to be commander-in-chief, Clinton mocked the moguls penchant for picking fights on social media.

A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons, she said.

Clinton warned that voters should take the controversial attacks that Trump lobs at face value, rejecting the arguments by some Republicans that in private, Trump is less abrasive.

There is no other Donald Trump. This is it, she said. And in the end, it comes down to what Donald Trump doesnt get: America is great because America is good.

The Democratic nominee nodded early in her speech to her longtime rival Sen. Bernie Sanders, saying his campaign inspired millions.

The first sounds of any protesters during Clintons speech came from the upper bowl of the arena. They yelled something out and most of the hall couldnt hear the shouts. The chant of Hill-a-ry burst out and drowned them out, a different twist on the USA chants that have been used in modern conventions to block out protests.

Clinton was introduced by her daughter Chelsea, who called herself a very, very proud daughter.

Chelsea Clinton highlighted her mothers warmer side, describing her as a caring, loving parent who was always there for her. Her own daughter Charlotte, she said, loves Elmo, she loves blueberries and above all, she loves facetiming with Grandma.

She also spoke of her mothers public service, saying that she had an up-close view of Clintons grit and determination in helping help women, first responders and many others.

She makes me proud every single day, she said. And mom: Grandma would be so, so proud of you tonight.

[A daughter steps up to a new role to help her mom, Hillary Clinton]

One of the dominant themes in the hours leading up to Hillary Clintons speech was support for the military and law enforcement and a keen awareness of the gravest security threats facing the country.

The earlier speakers included law enforcement officers, retired military officers and parents who lost their children in the line of duty or at war. They often made pressing, emotional pitches for why voters should choose Clinton over Trump to be commander-in-chief.

While the speeches seemed designed to show that persistent GOP claims that Democrats dont care enough about these matters are mistaken, they also exposed a lingering rift in the Democratic Party. As retired Marine Gen. John Allen took the stage, some California delegates rose up in unison with signs and chats of no more wars! Others nearby began a counter chant of U-S-A! U-S-A! When that didnt work, a couple of delegates shouted for the protesters to shut up! and respect the general.

Khizr Khan, the father of U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan, a Muslim killed in the Iraq War, offered an urgent rebuttal to Trumps call for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the U.S. and for building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

I ask every patriotic American, all Muslim immigrants and all immigrants to not take this election lightly, he said, during one of the most emotional speeches of the evening. He asked voters to honor the sacrifice of my son.

He aimed a sharp attack at Trump: You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

If it was up to Donald Trump, he never would have been in America, Khan said. Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with our future. Let me ask you: Have you even read the U.S. Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words liberty and equal protection of law.

[Khizr Khans loss: A grieving father of a soldier struggles to understand]

Gen. Allen, the former U.S. special envoy in the fight against the Islamic State, made an impassioned case to see Clinton in the Situation Room.

The stakes are enormous. We must not, we could not stand on the sidelines, he said.

Although he didnt mention the Republican candidate by name, Allens speech was a direct rebuke to Trumps foreign policy positions. Clintons America, Allen said, would continue to lead, to uphold its treaties, and to stop the threat of nuclear weapons.

With her as our commander-in-chief, our international relations will not be reduced to a business transaction. Our armed forces will not become an instrument of torture, and they will not be ordered to engage in murder or carry out other illegal activities, Allen said.

Earlier, transgender rights activist Sarah McBride joined Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) and members of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus to address the convention.

McBride, who works as the national press secretary at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, said she learned the urgency of achieving equal rights and protection for all people after the death of her husband Andrew from cancer four days after their wedding in 2014.

His passing taught me that every day matters, McBride said. Hillary Clinton understands the urgency of our fight.

Actress Mary Steenburgen, who appeared with her husband, actor Ted Danson, said Clinton has been a close friend since 1978: Thats a lot of life. How would I describe her? Loves to laugh, especially at herself; world class listener; quick to forgive; sensitive; empathetic. But, like her mother, Dorothy, if she gets knocked down seven times, she will get up eight.

The speakers included several Republicans who said they were choosing Clinton over Trump. Doug Elmets, a former Reagan administration official, in an ode to Lloyd Bentsens famous rebuke to Dan Quayle about John F. Kennedy in the 1988 vice presidential debate, said in his speech: I knew Ronald Reagan, I worked for Ronald Reagan. Donald Trump, you are no Ronald Reagan.

Hours before Clintons speech, the arena was already buzzing and full to the rafters.

In the Wisconsin delegation, the split between supporters of Clinton and defeated primary opponent Sen Bernie Sanders seemed to be resolved  they were unified in wearing cheeseheads. After a few days of tension, they had agreed to sit in a mixed formation based on who they supported: Clinton-Sanders-Clinton-Sanders.

But elsewhere in the hall, some Sanders diehards opted for a simple but stark display of their dissent from their party: They were wearing neon shirts that stand out brightly in the Wells Fargo Center when the lights dim.

Enough is enough, the shirts read, quoting the Vermont senator.

In an attempt to prevent Clinton from facing embarrassing jeers from Sanders supporters during her speech, his team texted supporters Thursday evening to encourage them to extend the same respect during Secretary Clintons speech that her supporters did during his remarks.

Trump released a statement hours ahead of Clintons speech in an effort to undercut his rival by arguing that she and her top surrogates have glossed over the countrys most pressing problems.

At Hillary Clintons convention this week, Democrats have been speaking about a world that doesnt exist, said Trump. A world where America has full employment, where theres no such thing as radical Islamic terrorism, where the border is totally secured, and where thousands of innocent Americans have not suffered from rising crime in cities like Baltimore and Chicago.

Paul Kane, Louisa Loveluck, Kelsey Snell, Rachel Van Dongen, David Maranniss, Abby Phillip, Karen Tumulty, John Wagner and Alexandra Laughlin contributed to this report.
Some supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) booed speakers at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25  and a few Clinton fans aren't happy about it. (Peter Stevenson,Alice Li,Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post)

Some supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) booed speakers at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25  and a few Clinton fans aren't happy about it. (Peter Stevenson,Alice Li,Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post)

The possible futures of Bernie Sanderss political revolution were visible across this city on Wednesday. At protests inside and outside the Democratic National Convention, the Vermont senators supporters bemoaned his loss of the nomination and flirted with whether  or when  to bolt the party.

The election is not tomorrow; the election is in November, said actress Susan Sarandon, one of Sanderss most high-profile backers. Referring to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Sarandon said, Im going to wait to see if she makes any shifts.

Earlier, at a downtown LGBT center, a Socialist Caucus for members of the delegation became a debate over how to unify behind Clinton. Organizers for Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), for the Working Families Party and for the pro-Sanders union National Nurses United told hundreds of Sanders delegates that they needed to join a popular front against Republican nominee Donald Trump and not quit the Democratic Party in a pique.

We must defeat Donald Trump and we must defeat him resoundingly, said Bob Master, the co-chair of the Working Families Party in New York. We dont want to make the classic error of thinking that the liberals are our enemy. Theyre not our friends, but we need them.

The conventions third day was the first that supporters of Sanders could no longer fantasize about how he might win the nomination.

1 of 62 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Scenes from the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia View Photos Follow along as Post photographers document the event. Caption Follow along as Post photographers document the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. July 27, 2016 President Obama embraces Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the end of the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

While polls show most Sanders supporters will vote for Clinton, the holdouts have never been more visible than this week in Philadelphia.

In interviews, many said that they would continue to reflect on the choice between backing Clinton or the Green Party.

Sanders, who on Tuesday launched the first of three planned post-campaign organizations and closed the roll call of states votes by supporting Clinton, had temporarily stepped out of the debate.

As of yesterday, I guess, officially, our campaign ended, he told delegates from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont at a Wednesday morning breakfast. What were doing now is transitioning our movement.

But while Sanders called Trump the worst Republican candidate in the modern history of America, he did not assume all of his supporters would support Clinton.

We never wanted to have control of our supporters, Sanderss wife, Jane, told CNN. We wanted to engage them in the political process.

Many Sanders delegates went from disappointment to disgust as the convention moved past them. Hundreds left Wells Fargo Center after Clintons nomination Tuesday, and some did not return, unwilling to participate in a carefully choreographed ceremony for the nominee.

Larry Sanders, the older brother of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), cast his vote for his brother during the second day of the Democratic National Convention. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

They are obsessed with this forced unity stuff, and its totally counterproductive, said Cenk Uygur, the host of the online news network the Young Turks. Theyd have a lot less drama if they let people hold up the signs they wanted.



Wednesdays major protest inside the convention perimeter was staged to support Nina Turner, a Sanders supporter from Ohio who was denied the chance to help put Sanderss name in nomination. (She spent part of Tuesday night in Sanderss viewing box.) Smaller than a similar Tuesday protest, the Wednesday action moved inside the Democratic convention itself, protesting former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and former defense secretary Leon E. Panetta.

The Socialist Caucus took a different path, as movement leaders argued that not voting for Democrats in 2016 was reminiscent of the decision some Weimar Republic socialists made in allowing Adolf Hitler to take power in Germany in the hopes that it would lead to a true revolution.

We do need a third party, eventually, said Maria Svart, DSAs national director. We just dont feel its viable at all right now.

Supporters of Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who has found support at protests all week, were outnumbered in the meeting of delegates. Some activists openly scoffed at the idea that the Greens could be a vehicle for Sanderss cause.

Were trying to build a mass movement, and I dont see that happening with Jill Stein, said Rahel Biru, a socialist activist from New York.

And there was tension in the room when one Stein supporter began cursing the idea that she had to vote for Clinton. Ashley Rodriguez, an organizer for DSA and a Sanders delegate from Texas, used that moment to make a point: The Stein voter was white, and perhaps had less to lose if Trump won the presidency.

Its very scary, as a Latina who lives on the border and has been the target of the racism Trump is giving voice to, Rodriguez said. Sometimes you need to check our privilege at the door and realize who will really be affected by your decision.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), the Democrats freshly minted vice-presidential nominee, plans to return home to Richmond on Monday for a campaign rally following a bus tour with Hillary Clinton through Pennsylvania and Ohio, two Rust Belt states where the ticket is trying to shore up its support with working-class voters.

Mondays rally in the city where Kaine once served as mayor will be the first public event  aside from unannounced visits to a diner and his church  that Kaine has held in his home state since being named as Clintons running mate on Friday.

And it follows a workmanlike acceptance speech here on Wednesday night, during which he sought to bolster Clintons credentials and attack Donald Trumps fitness for office. Kaine came across as an upbeat suburban dad, earnest and at times a little goofy.

[Obama rips Trump in forceful endorsement of Clinton: She will finish the job]

As part of an effort to contrast Clintons preparedness to be commander in chief with that of Trump, Kaine reminded the convention crowd that his son, Nat, deployed this week with Marines to Europe, declaring, I trust Hillary Clinton with our sons life.

1 of 67 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  What is happening on the fourth day at the Democratic National Convention View Photos A look at what is happening at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination. Caption A look at what happened at the convention in Philadelphia before Hillary Clinton accepts the nomination. July 28, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton celebrates with her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine as balloons drop from the ceiling on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

You know who I dont trust? Donald Trump, Kaine added. The guy promises a lot. But you might have noticed, he has a habit of saying the same two words right after he makes his biggest promises. You guys know the words I mean? Believe me.

Its gonna be great  believe me! Kaine said, dropping his voice to impersonate the GOP nominee. Were gonna build a wall and make Mexico pay for it  believe me! Were gonna destroy ISIS so fast  believe me! Theres nothing suspicious in my tax returns  believe me!

Kaine  whose address was sandwiched between those of Vice President Biden and President Obama  used the opportunity to introduce himself to a country that knows little about him. He recounted his rise from a missionary in Honduras, to an attorney, Richmond mayor, lieutenant governor, governor and senator.

[Kaine not liberal enough? Just ask Virginians.]

As a member of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, Kaine said that Republican colleagues privately recounted how fantastic a senator Hillary Clinton was.

Hillary Clinton and I are companeros del alma, he said, using the Spanish term for soulmates. We share this belief: Do all the good you can. Serve one another. Thats what Im about.

At various points, Kaine showed that he could embrace the traditional role of attack dog that vice presidential candidates play.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's running mate, spoke at the Democratic National Convention on July 27. (Video: The Washington Post;Photo: Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)

Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth, Kaine said. Not one word. And Ill tell ya, to me, it just seems like our nation, it is just too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew.

While Kaines selection as the running mate has been warmly received in some quarters, a number of progressive groups  some with ties to Sen. Bernie Sanders, the runner-up in the Democratic primaries  have questioned whether Kaine is progressive enough.

He drew some scattered boos at the start of his speech, and a few pockets of delegates waved signs in opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact that Kaine has supported in the past. After Clinton called it the gold standard of trade deals while secretary of state, she has come to oppose the pact, like most congressional Democrats, including Sanders.

Kaine, meanwhile, was enthusiastically received Wednesday night by the Virginia delegation, which broke out into cheers of Kaineand waved Stronger Together signs in Spanish and English when the senator took the stage.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) sat in the front row, smiling broadly and waving a sign. Kaines partner in the Senate, Mark Warner (D-Va.), sat next to McAuliffe, waving a sign as well.

Clinton has been lagging behind Trump with working-class voters as well as white males, and the campaign is hoping that Kaines presence on the ticket could prompt some of them to reevaluate the Democratic ticket.

Kaine is scheduled to appear with Clinton at a rally in Philadelphia on Friday, following the final night of the Democratic convention. The new ticket then plans to embark on a three-day bus trip through the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Jenna Portnoy contributed to this report.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said the United States gets "no respect" from Russian President Vladimir Putin during a town hall event in Scranton, Pa., July 27. (The Washington Post)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said the United States gets "no respect" from Russian President Vladimir Putin during a town hall event in Scranton, Pa., July 27. (The Washington Post)

The big story at the Democratic convention for most of Wednesday was not the Democrats  not Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine or even President Obama, the evenings star speaker. It was Donald Trump, whose loose and provocative talk about the Russians and Clintons emails seemed exponentially beyond even his standards for creating turmoil and controversy.

Trump thrives on chaos and above all else demands attention. When the spotlight falls elsewhere, such as on the Democrats this week in Philadelphia, he looks to shift it back in his direction. He is a candidate who uses disruption as a strategic force. Wednesday was a textbook example  whether for good or ill.

Trump veered into controversy at a Wednesday morning news conference in Florida. He suggested that the Russians should hack into Clintons private emails if they have not already and then release publicly those that she deleted before turning over the server to the federal government.

No one could remember a serious candidate for president seeming to urge a foreign power to carry out espionage on the United States and at the same time call on that country to intrude on a presidential election and possibly influence the outcome. It is another example of Trump doing and saying the unthinkable and daring the Democrats and his opponents to make it cost him politically.

The controversy came on a day that Democrats were planning to use their prime-time speeches to frame the contrast between the major-party nominees and attempt to paint Trump as wholly unsuited, temperamentally and by lack of knowledge, to serve as president and commander in chief.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he wishes he had the power to hack the Democratic National Committee emails during a town hall event in Scranton, Pa., July 27. (The Washington Post)

The lineup of speakers included the president and Kaine, Clintons vice-presidential nominee; Vice President Biden; former defense secretary Leon E. Panetta and other former officials with national security credentials. The Democrats were already loaded with evidence to present to the American people of all the ways in which Trump has proved that he should be kept as far from the Oval Office as possible.

[Trump invites Russia to meddle in presidential election]

Trumps remarks seemed to play directly into the Democrats hands by committing a political gaffe that they could seize on to portray him as reckless, unknowing and naive. But that is partly because the Democrats were thinking by the conventional standards of political logic, which has never been Trumps way. Trump has defied conventions ever since he announced his candidacy and does not think that has cost him.

Trumps latest comments feed concerns that the Republican nominee is sympathetic toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and would be soft on Putin and Russian aggression if he were to become president. He has repeatedly declined to denounce the Russian leader, and his earlier comments undermining Americas commitments to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization  most recently whether a Russian attack on one of the Baltic nations would demand a U.S. response  have alarmed those in the foreign policy establishment.

But the foreign policy establishment is not Trumps audience. Nor is any establishment  political, economic, academic. He thumbs his nose at these elites, as do many of his most passionate followers. The Trump loyalists have proved themselves to be resistant to appeals from experts or establishment politicians.

Like the majority of British voters who last month turned their backs on warnings that a vote to leave the European Union would imperil the economy and the countrys standing in the world, Trumps supporters show little deference to views of the establishment.

The experts can express their outrage time and again at what Trump says and does about serious issues. For Trumps supporters, it is his very recklessness and disregard for the conventions of politics that have proved so appealing. Whats to lose if you are already left out?

1 of 45 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail View Photos Businessman Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee at the partys convention in Cleveland. Caption Businessman Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee at the partys convention in Cleveland. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Carlo Allegri/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

Throughout the day, Democrats rushed to denounce Trump, who also said Wednesday that he would be looking at the question of whether Crimea, which was seized by the Russians two years ago, should be considered Russian territory.

The Democrats suggested that no matter what Trump was calling for, it was wrong. If he was calling for the Russians to hack into government information, it was borderline treasonous. If he was calling on them to violate someones privacy, they said, that would be illegal. Others simply said Trump had revealed his ignorance and his lack of fitness.

[Obamas mission is to do for Clinton what the Clintons did for him]

No one needed to issue talking points to Democratic surrogates; the counterattack was obvious. The Clinton campaign offered guidance based on a statement from foreign policy adviser Jake Sullivan. He pointed out that the real issue was not what Trump said but that Russian hacking of Democratic National Committee emails  which intelligence officials believe was the case  is a national security issue and ought to be treated as such, not as mere political jousting.

Trumps defenders sought to blame the Democrats and the media for overblowing what the candidate meant by his remarks. The media seems more upset by Trumps joke about Russian hacking than by the fact that Hillarys personal server was vulnerable to Russia, former House speaker Newt Gingrich tweeted at midday.

Former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani suggested that what Trump was recommending was that if the Russians have the emails, they should turn them over to the FBI. That raises the question of why, as he called on the Russians to release them, Trump said, I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by the press.

A spokesman for House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) called Russia a global menace and Putin a thug. He said the Russian leader should stay out of this election. Many other Republicans, however, were slower to react, caught between their endorsements of Trump and the discomfort they must have felt by his latest outburst.

Trumps comments provided more evidence that the candidates speak to two Americas. Trumps America despises Clinton and sees her use of a private email server to conduct business as secretary of state as a criminal offense that should disqualify her from high office, and the failure to prosecute her as evidence of a rigged system. Clintons America sees Trump as a threat to the future of the republic and a man unsuited to occupy the presidency.

Those are the givens of the campaign ahead: unbridgeable constituencies with unbending and negative views of the opposition. But it is Trump who continues to play havoc with the system and in so doing to set a standard of conduct that has taken this campaign into unsettling places.
By John J. Metzler



UNITED NATIONS  What's beginning to look like this year's Republican presidential primaries in the USA has morphed into a political scramble for the UN Secretary General's seat.



With a dozen prospective candidates, the race for the new Secretary General has now overshadowed much of the work at the multinational organization. As incumbent South Korean Ban Ki-moon enters the final six months of his second five year term, the political crescendo has heightened with unending lobbying and jockeying for the coveted post.



Geographical representation and consensus has deemed that this time around it's the "turn" of an Eastern European woman to fill the post. Ban Ki-moon represented East Asia's turn while Kofi Annan before him represented Africa's.



While national pride and diplomatic status are enshrined in the position of being the global Chief Executive of the 193 member multinational organization, the selection rather than election, usually goes to a consensus candidate from a smaller and often neutral country. South Korea's Ban, backed by the U.S., was a notable exception coming from an East Asian powerhouse state. His recent predecessors were from Ghana, Egypt and Peru.



The Secretary General's race is usually determined behind closed doors, (smoke filled rooms are long gone with the UN smoking ban), with glimmers of information and light being tightly controlled. But the traditionally Byzantine selection process has changed.



This time around, transparency has become the mantra whereby all kinds of roundtables, speeches and even a debate in the cavernous UN General Assembly Hall are trying to bring a public focus to an arcane process. Yet no matter what talents and virtues may be available among the candidates, the stark political reality remains the Delphic diplomatic judgement of the Permanent Five members of the Security Council, Britain, China, France, Russia and the USA who will quietly but forcibly determine the outcome. Only then, later in the process, does the full General Assembly get the chance vote on the selection.



U.S./UN Ambassador Samantha Power said the candidate must have "leadership and management skills."



Among the dozen declared candidates, only a few are actually from Eastern Europe and are women. A strong contender, Irina Bokova of Bulgaria, currently runs UNESCO, the UN cultural and scientific organization based in Paris. Though hardly a dynamic speaker, Bokova to her credit has been openly supportive of protecting historic sites in the Middle East from jihadi terrorist looting and destruction. Her negatives include close links to Bulgaria's former communist regime back in the bad old days. She is said to be a Russian favorite.



Moldova and Croatia have nominated former Foreign Ministers, both women for the post.



Macedonia and Montenegro fielded former Ministers too. Serbia, not to be outdone, nominated Vuk Jeremic, a former ultra-nationalist foreign minister who is said to be a Moscow minion.



Yet as a ranking East European diplomat told this writer, the selection of Secretary General reflects a profoundly different setting than even a decade ago given a more unstable world. Though the U.S. and China pressed for Ban Ki-moon and Russia acquiesced, now the international situation remains dangerously more polarized.



Danilo Turk, Slovenia's President and a former UN official offers a tried and true candidate with serious potential. Turk hails from a small successful democracy. Slovakia's Miroslav Lajcak, the Foreign Minister, is also in the running.Both are from European Union and NATO countries.



As if this process does not begin to evoke the American primaries, recall that the objective was a female candidate from Eastern Europe. But geography has blurred; Among the frontrunners are Former Prime Minister Helen Clark from New Zealand, Susan Malcorra Argentina's Foreign Minister, Antonio Guterres former Portuguese Prime Minister, and Costa Rica's Christina Figueres. Some insiders assert that in an impasse German Chancellor Angela Merkel, herself from eastern Germany, could be chosen.



When asked whether the new Secretary General should be from Eastern Europe or a woman, British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft opined, "No, the UK believes that we need to select the strongest person for the job. The qualities of leadership are the most important."



In presentations evoking Congressional hearings, Antonio Guterres, the affable Portuguese who recently ran the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), a herculean task in this chaotic world, offered an brilliant analytical presentation on the monumental task facing the Secretary General.



Slovakia's Lajcak, significantly stressed the dire need for "preventive diplomacy." The Slovak Foreign Minister implored that, a "priority would be to prevent conflict and war." Preventive diplomacy, often overlooked in a UN beset by the crisis du jour, remains vital.



The fifteen member Security Council will hold informal and non-binding straw polls to vet the names till the final voting in the Fall. In the first poll, both Guterres and Turk surged in support.



A dozen contenders, six of them women, are competing for the world's top global job; but have they considered what the winner will be inheriting?



John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China." Contact jjmcolumn@earthlink.net.




In this photo taken through a window of the conference hall, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, center, addresses the media during a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday. (Markus Schreiber/AP)

With Germany stunned by a series of bloody attacks, Chancellor Angela Merkel called Thursday for an early warning system to detect radicalization among asylum seekers even as she insisted that the nation still has a moral duty to offer sanctuary to those fleeing war.

In her most comprehensive remarks since a wave of violence this month, Merkel described new fears gripping Europe. She said Germans were now locked in a struggle, or a war, if you like with the Islamic State, but could not turn their back on people in genuine need.

The welcome-mat policies of Merkels government have come under increasing criticism and demands for review. Germany has taken in more than 1.3 million refugees, asylum seekers and others since last year, including many fleeing war in Syria and elsewhere.

But even some former supporters of the policies have raised questions after four assaults in the span of two weeks  including two involving asylum seekers who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

Fear cannot be the guide for political action, Merkel said.

1 of 8 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Photos from the aftermath of attack by ax-wielding teen on a train in Germany View Photos A 17-year-old Afghan refugee injured at least four people before being killed by police, authorities said. Caption A 17-year-old Afghan refugee injured at least four people before being killed by police, authorities said. July 18, 2016 Police officers stand by the regional train on which a teenager wielding an ax attacked passengers in Wurzburg, Germany. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/European Pressphoto Agency Wait 1 second to continue.

I didnt say this was a going to be simple. That we could just do it. But I am still convinced that we can do it, she added. This is a historic test in a time of globalization.

[Germans wonder about security risks posed by asylum seekers]

Yet she also called for new steps and faster implementation of existing decisions to improve national security. Merkel said she has spoken with President Obama about increasing intelligence cooperation  seeking to improve the lines of communication that have been tested since revelations in 2013 that U.S. intelligence had spied on the chancellor.

She additionally called for the army to begin training under the supervision of German police, so it could respond in the event of major terrorist attacks. In a nation still leery of army involvement in domestic affairs, given the Nazi and Cold War eras, her proposals are seen as significant.

An editorial published this week by Bayernkurier, the newspaper in Bavaria of the Christian Social Union, one of Merkels coalition partners, blasted her for opening the door to risk.

The chancellor has subjected us to a security risk with her open borders and arms, the editorial stated. Tens of thousands of people of fighting age who haven't been properly registered are in our country. Of many of them, the state neither knows their proper name, nor their right age, nor their current place of residence.

[For refugees, its destination Germany]

Merkel on Thursday reiterated plans to increase Internet surveillance and hire a consulting firm to examine Germanys deportation system. She also called for tighter weapons laws to prevent the sale of guns on the Internet.

Yet Merkel is confronting a multifaceted spurt of violence that is deeply challenging the abilities of the German security services. Two of the perpetrators in four recent attacks  an Afghan teen who injured train passengers with an ax and a suicide bomber who killed himself and wounded 15 others near a music festival  had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in videos released by the group. Investigators analyzing their cellular phones told the Deutsche-Presse Agentur on Thursday that the attackers, both asylum seekers, had been in contact with a person from the Middle East before carrying out their assaults.

In the deadliest attack so far  a mall shooting in Munich last Friday that claimed 10 lives, including that of the Iranian German gunman  authorities have become increasingly convinced that the perpetrator was instead motived by far-right and anti-migrant sentiments. Security sources told the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper that they had uncovered evidence that the shooter had raged against Turks and Arabs and expressed pride in having the same birthday as Adolf Hitler.

[Anti-Muslim extremists may pose threat in Germany]

The shooter apparently bought his gun on the Internet, and Merkel on Thursday called for tighter weapons laws to prevent such sales in the future.

Following the attacks, Germany is now on edge. A local shopping mall in Bremen was evacuated on Wednesday after a 19-year-old Algerian allegedly made threatening references to recent attacks. Also on Wednesday, police in the central German city of Hildesheim raided a mosque and the homes of several congregation members suspected of spreading radical Islamist propaganda.

Yet Merkel offered few details on new measures, which she said would be discussed in the days and weeks ahead. She said her government would consider new funds for adding police, security personal and equipment.

The woman often called Europes decider is facing one of the toughest periods of her 11-year tenure. Her popularity ratings took a hit following the refugee crisis but had improved as recently as earlier this month. A new poll taken after the spurt of recent attacks and published by news broadcaster N24, however, showed that 57 percent of respondents believe that Merkel's refugee policy has failed. More than half of those questioned said she does not take the concerns of the population seriously enough.

Analysts said Merkel, who cut short her vacation to hold Thursdays news conference, has done little to assuage the publics concerns. Yet with no serious political rival on the horizon, they said she still appears poised to finish her mandate and run a strong campaign in elections next year.

She came very late to the public on this, and I think she gave us no new news, said Heinrich Oberreuter, a political analyst at Passau University. The points she mentioned for the future are not very innovative. Better cooperation and strengthening administrative powers? Its not a very a serious program, but nobody knows exactly what to do.

Stephanie Kirchner contributed to this report.

Read more

Islamic State claims German suicide bomber was former militant fighter

Amateur terror attacks may mark a new chapter in the ISIS war in Europe

Court orders new election in Austria, opening window for far-right

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Russian President Vladimir Putin repeatedly accused Hillary Clinton when she was secretary of state of interfering in Moscows affairs  and if Russian security was behind last weeks release through WikiLeaks of the hacked Democratic National Committee emails, it would look a lot like Kremlin payback.

Even if the breach was carried out by a mid-level intelligence official acting on his own initiative, hoping to please his boss, disclosures that seemingly raise questions about the legitimacy of Clintons nomination speak directly to Putins complaints about her.

American law enforcement and intelligence officials suspect that Russian military intelligence, the GRU, carried out the hack of the DNC email server, though no one has been able to suggest how the material got into the hands of WikiLeaks.

We do not deal with hackers. We have nothing to do with such activities, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, told Russian reporters Thursday.

As to any direct or indirect accusations against the Kremlin or Russia in general alleging that they could be somehow involved in some kind of cyberattacks, he said, these claims are an absurd and colorful example of the use of Russophobia in the interest of an election campaign in the United States. It is absurdity bordering on stupidity.

Peskov had earlier dismissed the allegations by arguing that American politicians always like to keep a Russia card on their desks and will play it whenever it can help them.

[Clinton camp  and some cyber experts  say Russias behind email release]

The Kremlins critics have long pointed out that Putin likes to play the America card at times of stress.

In December 2011, large protests unexpectedly broke out in Moscow following parliamentary elections that featured brazen cheating. Clinton, as secretary of state, called the election neither free nor fair, and Putin jumped on that as an attack on Russia and, by extension, him.

She set the tone for some of our public figures inside the country, sent a signal to them, Putin said. They heard this signal and launched active work with the U.S. State Departments support.

The rest of that winter saw ever sharpening attacks on the United States as Putin was in the midst of his own presidential election campaign. In the year that followed, some of the strongest anti-American steps that Russia took were only tangentially related to Clinton  expelling the USAID, forcing Radio Liberty off the AM dial, harassing then-U.S. Ambassador Michael A. McFaul.

And when Congress pushed through the 2012 Magnitsky Act, placing travel and banking sanctions on certain Russian officials deemed to be corrupt or human rights violators, Moscows furious response was a law banning adoptions of Russian children by Americans. Clinton had said little about the act, and the White House had at first tried to deflect it.

Yet Clinton was the face of American diplomacy. Together, her public support for anti-Putin protesters, and the American sanctions on Russian officials over the persecution and death of Sergei Magnitsky, a whistleblower, struck directly at Putins greatest vulnerability  his legitimacy, as Viktor Kremenyuk, deputy director of the Institute for the USA and Canada Studies in Moscow, said at the time.

Clinton had also pushed hard for the Libya intervention in the spring and summer of 2011, which Putin was appalled by, seeing it as unwarranted interference in another nations sovereignty. After she stepped down as secretary of state, she made a well-publicized visit to Yalta  in 2013, when it was still part of Ukraine  to support Ukraines signing of an agreement with the European Union. Putin hoped to strong-arm Ukraine into joining his Eurasian Economic Union, which Clinton had called an attempt to re-Sovietize areas of the former Soviet Union.

That comment and others were in part seized upon for domestic political reasons, Samuel Charap, senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Washington, said Wednesday. She became a convenient scapegoat.

Russian leaders, he said, see the attitudes embedded in those comments as emblematic of the broad U.S. political establishment out to get them.

Pro-Kremlin analysts point out that when Bill Clinton was president he tried to guide Russia toward new political, legal and economic policies and largely failed. They worry that Hillary Clinton will try to pick up where he left off. Asked about her last spring, Putin said, As we say, husband and wife are the same Satan. (Thats a common folk expression in Russia, and isnt quite as damning as it sounds in English.)

For the past few months, the Russian media have been declaring that Donald Trump would be better for Russia than Clinton, because of his seemingly hands-off approach toward Eastern Europe and his expressed desire to upend the U.S. political establishment.

[Trump invites Russia to meddle in 2016 race by hacking Clinton emails]

But Igor Ivanov, Russias former foreign minister, counsels caution. Now president of the Russian International Affairs Council, he wrote earlier this month: It is usually easier to achieve an agreement with experienced professionals, even if they are inflexible negotiators and difficult partners. They are predictable, rational, and they are well aware of their limitations. A newcomer in international politics is usually harder to work with: the lack of experience often translates into inconsistent and unpredictable behavior; it leads to subjective, emotional and at times erroneous decisions that can be very hard to rectify later on.

Charap says it unlikely that the Kremlin was responsible for the release of the DNC emails  the hacking, yes, but not the release, because it seems out of character. Still, he said, Russian officials could say,  This is what the U.S. does everywhere. You guys have been training opposition activists for years. Whats the difference? Of course there is a difference.

Trump on Wednesday suggested at a news conference that he would be pleased if the Russians could get their hands on more of Clintons emails. It looked like an extraordinary invitation to Moscow to interfere in the U.S. election.

But whats the long-range benefit to Putin? Lilia Shevtsova, a Russian political analyst who has been an acerbic critic of Putin, asked in a blog post what Russia could gain from the incident. Suspicion naturally falls on Moscow, she wrote, and if its shown that Russian intelligence was behind the hack, the United States will have to do something about it. Clinton wont take it lightly, she wrote, and if Trump is elected even he will feel compelled to prove his willingness to stand up to the Kremlin.

Natasha Abbakumova in Moscow contributed to this report.

Read more:

How the reset failed expectations

Putin lashes back at Clinton criticism

In Russia, Putin allies sharpen anti-American attacks ahead of elections

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
By Frank Ching

Two weeks after the arbitral tribunal of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea issued its award to the Philippines, China continues to seek to undermine the legitimacy on the tribunal, making charges bordering on the slanderous against the judges concerned.

While affirming "China's non-acceptance and non-recognition of the so-called award," the Chinese government ischallenging the standing of the tribunal itself.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang,has stated of the tribunal: "It is not an international arbitration court. It is an illegal setting-up assembled at the unilateral request of the then Philippine government." That is to say, China considers the tribunal itself to be illegal. Hence, not heeding its ruling was the only right way to uphold the international legal system.

But the tribunal was set up under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which was ratified by the China's National People's Congress. China therefore has an obligation to abide by the convention and, in the case of a dispute, it has an obligation to accept the ruling of the relevant body hearing the dispute, which would normally include arbitrators named or otherwise agreed to by China.

China cannot legitimately argue after the fact that because it refused to take part in the arbitration, the judges involved were biased.

As for China's insistence that the tribunal is not a body linked to the United Nations, linkage is provided for in the text of the convention itself, which says in Article 2 of Annex VII, "A list of arbitrators shall be drawn up and maintained by the Secretary-General of the United Nations."

Article 7 of Annex VII, which deals with expenses, provides that " the expenses of the tribunal, including the remuneration of its members, shall be borne by the parties to the dispute in equal shares." Because China refused to pay its share, the Philippines paid China's share as well.

Now, China is using this to suggest that the judges were biased because they were paid by the Philippines. China is even suggesting darkly that other governments may have been involved in paying the judges.

Perhaps China doesn't understand the concept that the independence of the judiciary means that judges make rulings according to the law, not according to who pays them. In any event, China threw away the opportunity to pay half the judges' fees.

Far from the tribunal being illegitimate and its ruling invalid, the 500-page award provides precedents for future cases involving the law of the sea. Its ruling on what differentiates a rock from an island will be applicable not only to the South China Sea but to other maritime disputes as well.

An island, the convention says, must be capable of sustaining human habitation or economic life of its own. With the ruling, we now know that the stationing of military personnel who rely on outside supplies doesn't turn a rock into an island.

The tribunal determined that "the criterion of human habitation is not met by the temporary inhabitation of the Spratly Islands by fishermen, even for extended periods. The Tribunal considers human habitation to entail the non-transient inhabitation of a feature by a stable community of people for whom the feature constitutes a home and on which they can remain. This standard is not met by the historical presence of fishermen that appears in the record before the Tribunal. Indeed, the very fact that the fishermen are consistently recorded as being from Hainan' or elsewhere, is evidence for the Tribunal that they do not represent the natural population of the Spratlys."

China is trying hard to create the impression that it is not isolated; indeed, it says that most countries support the Chinese position. It is unclear how many countries support China. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that only 8 -- Afghanistan, Gambia, Kenya, Niger, Sudan, Togo, Vanuatu and Lesotho  have stated such support. Some countries, such as Slovenia, Poland and Fiji, have denied that they support China.

Nonetheless, China is continuing its campaign, putting pressure on governments, think tanks and influential individuals to issue statements in its support. So far, the pickings have been slim.

China, while pledging to uphold rule of law, is actually substituting power for law by putting pressure on others to gain support. This is not strengthening the law, it is weakening it by dividing the world into two camps, one that bows to China's will and one that is still reluctant to do so.

Frank Ching is a Hong Kong-based freelancer journalist. Contact Frank.ching@gmail.com.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has been looking to improve its relations with the White House. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

The Israeli governments plans to build new units in Jewish settlements in the West Bank and a spate of home demolitions in Palestinian areas over the past week have drawn sharp criticism from the Obama administration.

Israel is systematically undermining the prospects for a two-state solution with the Palestinians, State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement Wednesday.

We strongly oppose settlement activity, which is corrosive to the cause of peace, the statement said.

Separately, Kirby also said Secretary of State John F. Kerry will travel to Paris for a meeting Saturday with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority. The purpose of their talks, the spokesman said, is to explore whether it is possible to make progress on creating conditions where a two-state solution can be realized.

The strongly worded State Department statement was widely seen as a warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus right-wing government, which is renegotiating a multibillion-dollar military aid package with the United States and has been looking to improve its relations with the White House.

Israeli soldiers patrol along a fence in the Kiryat Arba Jewish settlement as they are on alert after a suspicious vehicle was found abandonned on July 7, 2016 on the outskirts of the West Bank city of Hebron. (Hazem Bader/AFP/Getty Images)

We are witnessing a signal from the Americans to Netanyahu that they do not like what they see, said Hagit Ofran, director of the Settlement Watch team for the left-wing Israeli human rights organization Peace Now.

The fact that there are elections in the U.S. might be perceived in Israel as an opportunity to get away with things, but this is the Americans saying, We are still watching you,  Ofran said.

[Israel tells France its not interested in multilateral peace talks]

Kirbys statement focused on Israeli government plans to build 770 units in the East Jerusalem settlement of Gilo. The international community views Gilo as Palestinian territory occupied by Israel.

Plans to build in Gilo have been a point of contention between Israel and the Obama administration. In March 2010, during a visit by Vice President Biden, a tender issued for the construction of a housing project in Gilo sparked a mini-crisis between the two allies.

Additional construction announcements seem to have been made at strategic points over the years, such as when Israel released the first batch of long-held Palestinian prisoners as part of the now-defunct U.S.-brokered peace process in 2014.

[As Jewish settlement turns 40, a founder looks ahead in the West Bank]

By condemning building in Gilo, the administration repeats its initial mistake in the peace process. It is creating a demand that no Israeli government can meet and no Palestinian leader can ignore, said Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States who is a member of parliament from the ruling coalition.

Nobody in Israel views Gilo as a settlement, but once the administration demands a freeze in Gilo, then no Palestinian leader can demand anything less, he said. Gilo is a dealbreaker.

On Friday, Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the suggestion that building in Gilo undermines the solution based on two states for two peoples is factually baseless and distracts from the real obstacle to peace  the persistent Palestinian refusal to recognize the Jewish state in any borders.

In its statement, the State Department also criticized Israeli plans to build 323 units in East Jerusalem, expand settlements in the West Bank and retroactively legalize an Israeli outpost near Ramallah.

[In the settlement of Kiryat Arba, the demand is to expand]

We have been seeing more and more settlements built in the past few years and increased demolitions of Palestinian property recently, said Jamal Dajani, director of communications for Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.

Dajani was referring to demolitions of a dozen Palestinian homes this week in East Jerusalem. The demolitions, which Israel said were intended to weed out illegal buildings, left many families homeless. The Palestinians said building permits are often rejected for residents of these areas.

We support the State Departments statement, Dajani said. It is about time we hear this from the U.S. The whole international community is condemning these Israeli actions. They are a violation of the Geneva convention, which specifically prohibits the occupying power from transferring people in the areas it is occupying.

The State Departments statement also raised concerns about increased demolitions of Palestinian structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Israel has demolished more than 650 Palestinian structures in those areas this year, more than in all of 2015, the statement said.

Morello reported from Washington.

Read more

Ten years after last Lebanon war, Israel warns next one will be far worse

Israel-Palestinian peace initiatives are suddenly popping up everywhere

How Israel is turning part of the Negev Desert into a cyber-city

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Jabhat al-Nusra, announced the groups name change to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham in a video statement. (Associated press)

Syrias al-Qaeda affiliate split from its parent organization and changed its name Thursday in a move widely interpreted as a bid to head off a U.S.-Russian plan to launch joint airstrikes against the group.

Jabhat al-Nusra announced that it would henceforth be known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham  or Front for the Conquest of Syria  and said it no longer owes allegiance to al-Qaeda.

The announcement was made in a video statement delivered to the Al Jazeera television network by the groups leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, who revealed his face for the first time since he declared the formation of the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda in early 2012.

He said the split was intended to remove any pretext for the United States and Russia to conduct airstrikes against the wider rebel movement while claiming they are targeting al-Nusra. He also outlined a plan aimed at promoting unity among Syrias fractious rebel groups at a critical time for the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assads rule.

[Is al-Qaedas Syrian affiliate no longer a sideshow?]

Jabhat al-Nusra fighters march toward the northern village of Ais in Aleppo province, Syria, in this photo posted online by the group on April 1. (Al-Nusra Front via Associated Press)

Whether the new name will work to persuade moderate rebels  and, more importantly, their Western backers  that the group should no longer be considered a terrorist organization is in doubt. It is also highly unlikely to convince Russia, which has consistently referred to all rebels as terrorists and has been escalating its bombardments of rebel positions in recent weeks, notably around the besieged northern city of Aleppo.

In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the Obama administration is not expected to change its assessment of the group, also known as the Nusra Front.

There continues to be increasing concern about Nusra Fronts growing capacity for external operations that could threaten both the United States and Europe, he told reporters.

Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. described the split from al-Qaeda as a PR move. Al-Nusra would like to create the image of being more moderate, Clapper said in an appearance at a security conference in Aspen, Colo. I think they are concerned at being singled out as a target, particularly by Russian strikes, he said.

The announcement of the split came hours after a deputy to al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri said that al-Qaeda had ordered the separation for the good of Islam and the Muslims.

[Obama offers new military partnership with Russia in Syria]

This is a step from us, and a call from us, to all the factions in Sham [Syria] to unify in what Allah approves of and to work together, said the deputy, Ahmed Hassan Abu al-Khayr, in a video released by al-Nusra.

In his statement, Jolani thanked al-Qaeda for its stance, invoked Osama bin Laden and suggested there would be no shift in the groups hard-line ideology. The split is being implemented, he said, without compromising or sacrificing our solid beliefs.

At the State Department, spokesman John Kirby said the rebranding did not signal a change. We certainly see no reasons to believe that [al-Nusras] actions or their objectives are any different. And they are still considered a foreign terrorist organization, he said.

Al-Qaedas endorsement of the split suggests, rather, that it is part of the organizations long-term strategy of progressively radicalizing local populations, said Ludovico Carlino of the IHS risk consultancy group.

The split coincides with ongoing negotiations between Washington and Moscow over a proposal to conduct joint strikes against al-Nusra and its rival, the even more militant Islamic State. Kirby said the rebranding would not affect the proposed deal, which the United States envisions reducing Russian and Syrian attacks against moderate, Western-backed rebels.

Meanwhile, Russia and the Syrian government launched a plan to open up humanitarian corridors to enable civilians to flee the rebel-held portion of Aleppo, where an estimated 300,000 people have been living under siege for nearly two weeks. Warplanes dropped leaflets over the city on Thursday indicating three escape routes for civilians and a fourth intended for rebel fighters who wish to lay down their arms.

[U.S. begins focusing on new jihadist threat in Syria]

At the same time, Assad declared an amnesty for rebels who surrender to the government within the next three months. Many previous such amnesty offers have gone largely unheeded by rebels who do not trust the government.

International aid agencies, the United Nations and the State Department expressed concern that the plan will do little to alleviate suffering among civilians in the city, who are running short of food and endure daily bombardments from Syrian and Russian warplanes.

Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, described the proposal on her Twitter account as chilling, because it asks Syrians to entrust lives to a government thats bombed and starved them.

The Mercy Corps aid agency said humanitarian corridors are no substitute for aid deliveries to vulnerable civilians who may be too weak, poor or afraid to leave their homes.

For those who do choose to leave, the question is, where can they go? the agencys Syria response director, Dominic Graham, said in a statement. Today in Syria, the stark reality is nowhere is safe for civilians.

The United Nations has said food in Aleppo is expected to run out by the middle of August. The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, told reporters in Geneva that he is launching a bid to try to reconvene stalled peace talks by mid-August, spurred by concerns about the increasingly critical situation in Aleppo and other parts of the country.

DeYoung reported from Washington. Greg Miller contributed to this report in Aspen, Colo.

Read more

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
People visit the makeshift memorial at the Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray church where priest Jacques Hamel was killed during an attack claimed by the Islamic State. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

Both attackers who stormed a French church and killed an elderly priest had been on watch lists, authorities said Thursday as new details emerged about the assailants apparent attempts to reach Islamic State territory in Syria.

The latest revelations about Tuesdays attack are likely to add pressure on authorities over their protocol for monitoring suspected militants, as well as increase calls to boost intelligence services amid a greater shift to focusing on potential homegrown radicals rather than those returning from abroad.

French officials identified the second church assailant as Abdel Malik Nabil Petitjean, 19, a French native of the eastern region of Vosges.

Petitjean was also known to French authorities since June 29 as a potential Islamist militant, police sources told the Reuters news agency without giving details of the probes.

[Church attack cuts at fault lines of religion and culture]

1 of 6 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The scene after 2 attackers killed a priest at a church in Normandy, France View Photos French soldiers patrolled the narrow streets and mourners gathered near the church. Caption French soldiers patrolled the narrow streets and mourners gathered near the church. July 26, 2016 Police and rescue workers stand at the scene after two assailants had taken five people hostage in the church at Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen in the Normandy region of France. Steve Bonet/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

The other attacker, Adel Kermiche, also 19, had been required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet that allowed authorities to trace his movements.

Both had attempted to enter Syria from Turkey but were turned away, officials said.

Petitjean and Kermiche swept into the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, a suburb of Rouen in the northern Normandy region, and slit the throat of Jacques Hamel, a beloved 85-year-old priest. The two attackers were later shot dead by police.

The two also reportedly wounded an elderly man, who authorities say is no longer in life-threatening condition.

On Tuesday, Kermiche and Petitjean were shown in a video, released by the Islamic State, pledging allegiance to the groups self-proclaimed caliphate.

In Turkey, a senior official said Thursday that Kermiche, using the alias Kevin Kermiche, was stopped by airport authorities in Istanbul and sent back to Geneva on May 14, 2015. France was immediately informed about Kermiches deportation, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity under government protocol.

[Frances Le Monde: No more photos of terror suspects]

Two attackers stormed a village church during Mass in northern France Tuesday. The pair took hostages and slit the throat of an 85-year-old priest. (James McAuley and Jason Aldag / The Washington Post)

Kermiche was imprisoned, but he was released in March, placed under monitoring and required to meet weekly with a probation officer.

As more details emerge in the investigation, many critics have questioned how a suspect such as Kermiche was allowed to roam the streets. Kermiche was allowed to leave his parents' house  located in Rouen near the village church  for four hours every weekday.

"He was actually following the rules," said Francois Heisbourg, a former member of a French presidential commission on national security and defense, in an interview. "These are some of the things that we really have to do something about."

Kermiches case has also focused attention on possible staffing shortfalls in France's Ministry of Justice, which includes the probation department.

Pascale Loue-Williaume, the national secretary of the Union of Magistrates, France's largest union of judges, said many probation officers, police and gendarmes were cut in cost-saving moves during the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy.

The former president, harshly critical of the current French government's anti-terrorist measures in the wake of a deadly attack this month in Nice, has since come under fire for gutting security forces during his tenure.

Diminished numbers, Loue-Williaume said, create "an enormous amount of work" for the probation officers who are in place.

"We need more people to monitor properly all the people convicted. We need more to contribute  more to surveil in the prisons and more to follow them later."

Ishaan Tharoor in Istanbul contributed to this report.

Islamic State claims Normandy church attack

Attack on French church ignites fears of religious culture wars

Scandal grows over lack of security on night of Nice terror attack

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
From Cosmopolitan

Moments after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders moved to suspend the rules to nominate Hillary Clinton as the presidential candidate on Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention, a large group of his supporters walked out of the Wells Fargo Arena, marched into the media tent, and staged a sit-in for over an hour. Numerous news outlets are reporting that the crowd inside the tent was well over 100, though police could not provide an estimate when asked by Cosmopolitan.com. Even after police quickly shut off access to the media tents - which are only open to press - the crowd outside swelled with protesters who held up pro-Bernie signs and banners.

I walked into the tent just after the Bernie crowd had congregated, witnessing press and police huddled in a large circle in the middle of the room. Inside the tent, many of the protesters were seated, holding hands, with masked tape over their mouths that read "No Voice" in black letters. In addition to signs supporting Bernie Sanders, protesters held up signs promoting Palestinian rights, protesting the Trans-Pacific Partnershp, and criticizing Hillary Clinton.

Annie Naranjo-Rivera, 31, a Sanders delegate from Oregon, was one of the few protesters giving interviews to the media. "After the vote, everybody peacefully walked out of the building," Naranjo-Rivera said, describing the protest. Bernie delegates and supporters met and decided to march to the media tent "quietly" and "respectfully," she added. "We're not doing anything wrong. We're showing that we're upset with the way things went. We came in here and then we all had a seat," she said.

"This is what happens when the process isn't fair and when that isn't addressed. People are walking around with their mouths gagged and taped to represent the voices that have been suppressed in this election," she said, explaining that the tape represents "voices that have been silenced," including constituents represented by the delegates. "Depending on where you are from, we represent a lot of people. And a lot of those people will never vote for Hillary Clinton and they don't feel like their voices have been heard, so that's what some of this represents," she continued.

Story continues

"We had a feeling that this would be a good, safe place to have our voices to be heard," she said. Another demonstrator told me the protest was called "Occupy the Media," a reference to Occupy Wall Street.

At the front of the tent, near the door blocking off access to more Sanders supporters, Virginia Sanders delegate Kimberly Tucker, 51, pointed to a young man who stood against the window with a raised fist and a black bandana over his mouth. "This gentleman right here has got his mouth covered because when you commit election fraud, you silence the vote, and we're not going to take it," she cried as a group of reporters swarmed her.

Unlike Naranjo-Rivera, Tucker wasn't privy to any of the protest plans. "I was going to the restroom after Bernie Sanders suspended the vote, and I saw my brothers and sisters walking, and I wanted to know what was going on. I saw the 'DemExit' sign and I know that there were rumblings on social media for a very long time about exiting the party after the convention, and I saw the sign, and I realized that's what was going on," she said. "DemExit" has become a common chant and hashtag on social media for the Never Hillary and Bernie or Bust crowd, who threaten that they'll leave the the party if their concerns aren't addressed.

Tucker said that she ultimately believes that "Democrats need to stay and fight," but she says her party "needs to acknowledge that this election was flawed and that the system is vulnerable and that we need to do better."

Follow Prachi on Twitter.
NextShark

Jahrah, who only has a first name as customary in Indonesia, went out to collect rubber on Sunday morning in the forest in Jambi Province on Sumatra Island, Indonesia. The search parties only found success a day later, on Monday, when they discovered a 22-foot-long (6.7-meters-long) python with a bulging stomach resting in the woods. Her family then reported her missing to the local authorities, and a search has been carried out since then, Anto, the local villages chief, said.
Hollywood is a fickle beast if youre a director: one minute you could be selling out cinemas across the land, the next youre bashing out a straight-to-video thriller that even Steven Seagal turned down. We remember the mighty filmmakers who were on top of the world, only to practically disappear without trace

John McTiernan

John McTiernan with Bruce Willis on the set of Die Hard With A Vengeance (Credit: Rex Features)

Now heres a guy with an excuse and a half for stepping out of the limelight. McTiernan directed what must surely be one of the all-time greatest three-movie streak in the history of action cinema: Predator (1987), Die Hard (1988) and The Hunt For Red October (1990). A middling decade followed, but then McTiernan found himself in a situation not unlike one of his heroes: one man, in too deep, facing insurmountable odds in an enclosed environment also known as prison. McT was found guilty of lying to the FBI about his involvement with PI Anthony Pelicano, who used illegal wiretapping in Hollywood to get dirt on producers include Charles Roven, who McTiernan clashed with on Rollerball in 2002. The director served 328 days in a white collar prison in 2014, then spent a year under house arrest. Hes currently shooting his comeback movie Thin Rain, but we should point out that his last two movies were John Travolta also-ran Basic and the aforementioned Rollerball remake, a movie so bad it literally got him arrested.

John Landis

Landis double-header of Animal House and The Blues Brothers is pretty much the most untouchable 80s comedy duo of the decade, and An American Werewolf In London is one of the most iconic horror comedies of the era so what happened? Landis ended the decade on a high with Three Amigos and Coming To America, but the 90s brought flops in the form of Sylvester Stallone comedy Oscar (must resist using air quotes around comedy), Eddie Murphy sequel misfire Beverly Hills Cop III and  sharp intake of breath  Blues Brothers 2000, one of the most ill-conceived sequels ever devised. Since then, Landis has directed only two movies: 1998s Billy Zane comedy Susans Plan (sorry, couldnt resist the air quotes) and 2010s deeply weird comeback, Burke And Hare, starring Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis. Landis claimed in 2011 he was writing and directing a new horror film, but a peep has been neither seen nor heard since.

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Jason Reitman

Such promise! Such pedigree! Such pretention? Jason Reitmans Hollywood career has been one of ups and downs so far: the son of Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman made a name for himself with tar-black comedy Thank You For Smoking, then got Oscars attention with Juno and Up In The Air. Gulping down the rarified oxygen of the elite clearly had an effect on his output: Reitmans pie-obsessed naff hostage romance movie Labor Day (Google it), was written off as a blip, but 2014s Men, Women And Children followed suit; an incredibly patronising PSA on the dangers of over-reliance on technology that was released 10 years too late. Once considered the next big thing in Hollywood, Reitman is now barely considered a thing, but hes hoping his next movie, Tully, will be a return to form: its a comedy written by Juno scribe Diablo Cody and starring his Young Adult star Charlize Theron.

Vincent Gallo

Considered the enfant terrible of the 90s indie scene after his challenging directorial techniques (i.e. yelling), Gallo blazed onto the scene with Buffalo 66, a brilliant comedy about an ex-con who kidnaps a student in order to convince his parents hes getting married. An egocentric through and through, he followed that movie up with the infamous The Brown Bunny, a movie notable only for the real act of oral sex he had actress Chloe Sevigny perform on him on screen. The film tanked and was written off as a vanity project by all who saw it; Roger Ebert called it the worst movie to ever show at Cannes and Gallo responded by calling the critic a fat pig with the physique of a slave trader. Hes only directed one film since, experimental romance Promises Written In Water in 2010, which he wrote, directed and starred in without ever telling his cast or crew what it was actually about. Unsurprisingly, he has not been allowed to step behind the camera since.

Joel Schumacher

Joel Schumacher promoting Batman And Robin with Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Clooney (Credit: Rex Features)

Stop right there. We know what youre thinking. Batman & Robin, right? How could anyone show their face in Hollywood after that? Schumachers story isnt quite that simple: he actually bounced back pretty well from the Bat-bomb with 8MM in 1999 and claustro-thriller Phone Booth in 2003. Follow-ups Veronica Guerin and The Phantom Of The Opera werent exactly low profile pictures either. So what happened? Some time after the poorly received Jim Carrey mystery The Number 23 in 2007, Schumacher fell out of favour: his vampire thriller Blood Creek received a limited release and 2011 home invasion movie Trespass flopped, despite starring Academy Award winners Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman. Aside from a couple of episodes of House Of Cards, a gig he got through close friend David Fincher, Schumacher hasnt directed anything since.

Rob Reiner

Reiner was a colossus of the 80s, standing astride the decade with the gait and confidence that comes with directing This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally. Reiner never really stopped making movies, but perhaps that was the problem: he produced a string of underwhelming flops only fractionally as funny, moving and relatable as his golden age pictures. Ghosts From The Past. The Story Of Us. Alex & Emma. Rumor Has It. The Magic Of Belle Isle. And So It Goes. Blank faces all round. Did you know he released a movie last year? Starring Cary Elwes? Of course you didnt. Nobody did. Its time to officially put Reiner in the Where are they now? file along with Spinal Tap. Maybe when you have as many bona fide classics under your belt as Rob Reiner does, you dont care if anyone watches your new movies.

Joe Dante

Mentored by legendary shlock producer Roger Corman, Joe Dante directed some true high concept gems in the 80s, including both Gremlins movies, Innerspace and Tom Hanks classic The Burbs. At Dantes peak, he was untouchable, but now? Almost anonymous in Hollywood. Joes unique brand of movies  kids movies with edge and strong physical effects  didnt fare well in the 90s, and although he was given a chance to stage a comeback in 2009 with 3D horror The Hole, he found that Hollywoods genorosity was not bottomless. But there is hope. Recently announced is his pet project, The Man With Kaleidoscope Eyes, a biopic of Roger Corman detailing the first time he took LSD in 1967, aided and abetted by stars Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Would watch. Would watch in a heartbeat.

John Woo

John Woo with Tim Cruise on the Mission: Impossible II set (Credit: Rex Features)

Wherefore art thou, guy who made Face/Off? Hollywood needs you now more than ever. Theres no big mystery as to why John Woo has fallen off the radar: he no longer makes movies for the American market. Why bother trying to top Face/Off? Woo returned to his native China to make movies for the East after his last Western movie, Paycheck  starring a bored Ben Affleck  flopped. It proved to be a smart move: his two-part 2008 epic, Red Cliff, broke the domestic box-office record previously held by Titanic. Fittingly for a man whose love of slow-motion is well documented, Woo works at a much more sedate pace these days, adding only The Crossing and its sequel to his resume. That just gives us time to formulate a plan. Write script for Face/Off 2: Face Offier. Get Travolta and Cage in the same room. Call Woo. Make magic happen.

Francis Ford Coppola

How the mighty have fallen. You can chart the exact moment that Coppola ceased to get invited to the big-time parties in Hollywood  9th August, 1996, the day he released Robin Williams atrocity Jack on an unsuspecting public. Before he knew it, the director of The Godfather, The Conversation and Apocalypse Now suddenly found himself with a 10-year gap on his CV: a decade passed between John Grishams 1997 potboiler The Rainmaker and comeback movie Youth Without Youth and barely anyone missed him. At least he has rediscovered his independent spirit of late: 2009s Tetro was an interesting failure, ditto 2011s Twixt, but he discovered two fine talents in the form of Alden Ehrenreich (aka the new Han Solo) and a young Elle Fanning. His last movie, 2015s Distant Vision, was so niche, it was broadcast live only to a small audience at Oklahoma City Community College. It still had more fans than Jack.

Read more:

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Drone Libya

Here is what you need to know.

Markets are interpreting Wednesday's Fed decision a lot differently than economists are. Wednesday's Federal Open Market Committee statement included the phrase, "Near-term risks to the economic outlook have diminished." Many economists took that as a signal that the Fed is preparing for its next interest-rate hike. But markets are responding differently. Fed fund futures suggest a 45.2% chance of a December rate hike (versus 49.2% Wednesday morning), the US 10-year yield is down to 1.50% (versus 1.53% ahead of the meeting), and gold is up to $1,340 an ounce (up from $1,327 ahead of the decision).

Russia could be nearing the end of its recession. Russia's economy shrank 0.6% year-over-year in the second quarter. "Industrial production, transport, and agriculture were the main factors behind the contraction slowdown," the Russian Ministry of Economic Development said.

AB InBev's merger with SABMiller is in jeopardy. SABMiller has told its employees to stop working on the company's merger with Anheuser-Busch InBev. Activist investors, including Elliott Management, are concerned the $125 billion deal doesn't pay them enough because of the drop in the value of the pound following the Brexit vote.

Facebook crushed earnings. The social-media giant announced adjusted earnings of $0.97 a share on a 59% jump in revenue to $6.44 billion, easily beating both the top and bottom lines. Daily active users and monthly active users spiked 17% and 15%.

Whole Foods' same-store sales sagged. The grocery-store chain earned an adjusted $0.37 a share on revenue of $3.7 billion. Same-store sales sank 2.6%, missing the 2.4% decline that analysts were anticipating. As for the company's new chain, 365 by Whole Foods Market, co-CEO John Mackey said, "Through lower capital and operating costs, we are able to offer great values to our customers, and the response [to 365] has been overwhelmingly positive."

Story continues

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The automotive industry is a major force in driving innovation. The latest issue of EY's Capital Insights magazine takes a keen look at this disruptive sector and how it will revolutionize business across the globe. Read more here.

Shell was hit hard by the oil crash. Royal Dutch Shell said profit crashed by more than 70% in the second quarter to $1 billion. "Lower oil prices continue to be a significant challenge across the business, particularly in the upstream (business)," CEO Ben van Beurden said in the earnings statement.

Groupon spikes 25% on earnings. The local-deals shopping site lost $0.01 a share on revenue of $756 million. It added 1 million customers in the second quarter, its most in two years.

Stock markets around the world trade mostly lower. Spain's IBEX (-1.5%) lags in Europe after Japan's Nikkei (-1.1%) underperformed in Asia. China's Shanghai Composite (+0.1%) eked out a gain. S&P 500 futures are up 2.50 points at 2,163.00.

Earnings reporting remains heavy. AllianceBernstein, CME, Colgate Palmolive, Dow Chemical, Ford Motor, Harley-Davidson, Hershey, and MasterCard are among the companies reporting ahead of the opening bell. Amazon.com, Baidu, Google, and Wynn Resorts highlight the names releasing their quarterly results after markets close.

US economic data trickles out. Initial jobless claims and the trade balance will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET. The US 10-year yield is unchanged at 1.50%.





More From Business Insider


North Korea's economy could face stronger shocks if international sanctions on the communist country persist, a report said Thursday.

North Korea is under the toughest U.N. sanctions ever over its fourth nuclear test and its long-range rocket launch earlier this year.

The sanctions call for, among other things, the mandatory inspection of all cargo going into and out of the North, and a ban on the country's exports of coal and other mineral resources to cut off North Korea's access to hard currency.

North Korea's exports of coal to China dropped 14.6 percent in the first six months of this year from a year earlier.

"North Korea's economy is facing a situation, in which a possibility cannot be ruled out that it could suffer a blow that is totally different from previous sanctions," according to the report released by state-run think tank Korea Development Institute.

"The shocks being felt by North Korea's economy and its markets could be stronger in case the sanctions persist and are consistently strengthened," the report said.

The think tank made the assessment, noting that China has begun to enforce the sanctions and the sanctions regime is multilayered and complex.

The report came as South Korea and the United States vowed to make intensive efforts in the coming months to cut off cash flows into North Korea so as to limit Pyongyang's ability to develop nuclear weapons.

South Korea and the U.S. also agreed to put together "much more powerful sanctions" in the form of a U.N. Security Council resolution if Pyongyang conducts a fifth nuclear test.

The agreement was reached Wednesday when South Korea's deputy national security advisor, Cho Tae-yong, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken held the third round of high-level strategic consultations on North Korea policy in Washington.

North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho warned earlier this week that whether his country conducts an additional nuclear test or not depends entirely on the U.S. attitude. (Yonhap)
In 2015, dating site Match questioned 5,500 American singles about their romantic preferences.

The sixth annual Singles In America survey found that eating sushi on a first date can up your chances of having a second one by a whopping 170%. And a quarter of respondents say they've turned a one-night stand into a full-fledged relationship.

Who knew?

Perhaps the most intriguing findings focused on the link between singles' political leanings and their dating personality. Read on to find out what it really means if the person you're sharing an avocado roll with says they're into the Donald or #imwithher.

match survey political preferences

As it turns out, Match isn't the only dating service to get curious about what your political affiliation says about your love life. OKCupid recently learned that, at least among OKCupid users, liberals looking for love are more likely to mention crying and yoga on their profiles, while conservatives looking for love are more likely to bring up the shooting range.

Of course, the big question is: Do people really care who their date is planning to vote for? Science says probably.

A 2013 study, for example, found that on OKCupid, men were more likely to send a message to a woman, and women were more likely to respond to a message from a man, if they'd listed similar political views on their profiles. Meanwhile, a 2016 study suggests that people find others less attractive if they're voting for a different presidential candidate.

That could be because we're genuinely turned off by their different political preferences. Future research is necessary to figure that out  until then, these stats should make for some good conversation starters.

NOW WATCH: What you should talk about on a first date, according to research





More From Business Insider


From Road & Track

The Ford Focus RS might just be the hottest mass-market enthusiast car of the year, and if you're a frequent reader of this site, there's a very good chance you want one. Unfortunately, it seems Ford won't be able to meet the initial demand. As a result, many customers now fear that their cars will be delayed.

Ford cancelled 220 orders for the 2016 model year Focus RS, bumping them to the 2017 model year run, according to a report from The Truth About Cars . There's no clear answer as to precisely why model-year 2016 production has been halted, though it seems to be related to a summer shutdown at Ford's plant in Saarlouis, Germany, where the Focus RS is built.

A Ford representative reportedly told a Los Angeles dealer that the reason for the shutdown was "economic turmoil" in Europe, though a different Ford spokesperson denied this in correspondence with TTAC.

"Focus RS demand around the globe has exceeded expectations," Ford representative Dan Jones told TTAC. "These 220 customer units that were scheduled for [model year 2016] are now going to be rescheduled into [model year 2017], and as these orders will be prioritized, customers will experience almost no delay in delivery of their vehicle."

Jones told TTAC that workers at the Saarlouis plant have a scheduled three-week holiday, which ends August 15th. Despite Jones's reassurance, TTAC also notes that various members on Ford enthusiast forums are worried that their cars will be delayed significantly. Some Australian RS buyers have already reported delays.

Since the Focus RS is a car long awaited by enthusiasts, it's likely received far more pre-orders than most run-of-the-mill Fords. High demand, plus the amount of attention the Focus RS continues to receive, plus the unclear reasoning behind Ford's model-year switch, is certainly adding up to some anxiety among those excitedly awaiting the delivery of their new Ford hot hatch.
Amid the wreckage of a 17th century ship off the southeast coast of Sweden, divers believe they have found a 340-year-old cheese.

Were pretty sure its some kind of dairy product, butter or cheese, leader of the diving expedition Lars Einarsson told local media, according to the Guardian. Its like a mixture of yeast and Roquefort, a sort of really ripe, unpasteurized cheese.

The explorers found the mass of bacteria in a tin pressed into the clay of a seabed, but when it was brought to the surface, the drop in pressure allowed its contents (and smell) to leak out.

I certainly dont recommend tasting it, Einarsson said.

Known as the Kronan, the battleship  one of the largest ships in the world at the time  sank in 1676 during a battle against a Danish-Dutch fleet. Since its discovery in 1980, researchers have uncovered 30,000 artifacts, including coins, medicine and a huge mass of human bones.

[The Guardian]
Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Debra Messing, Rosie Perez, Darren Criss, Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless and many, many more Broadway stars performed an emotional version of "What the World Needs Now Is Love" at the Democratic Convention on Wednesday.

More than 40 performers lined the stage in Philadelphia to sing the song, which was recorded to honor the victims from the Orlando nightclub massacre in June. Proceeds from the tune benefit the LGBT Center of Central Florida.

The performance follows a day of speeches centered on the theme of gun control reform, with speakers including Lee Daniels, Angela Bassett and survivors of the Orlando nightclub shooting taking the stage to stand behind Hillary Clinton.

Read More: How Over 40 Broadway Stars Came Together to Sing "What the World Needs Now Is Love" at the DNC

Daniels told the crowd, "We need to take action, and we need to take action now," stating his support of Hillary Clinton. "There's only one candidate willing to take on the gun lobby and keep our families safe."

The Broadway performance had the crowd in Philadelphia on their feet singing along, concluding with a loud "Love trumps hate" chant in the audience.

Read More: Lee Daniels Addresses Gun Violence at the Democratic Convention: "We Need to Take Action"

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Do I contradict myself? Very well, I contradict myself. So said Walt Whitman. Hillary Clintons critics say she shifts her positions for political convenience. Her fans say the evolution of her views shows that she listens and learns. Either way, there are significant differences between Secretary of State Clinton, candidate Clinton, and what we might expect from a President Clinton. These 5 facts detail those differences.

1. Iraq War

Criticism of Clintons foreign policy invariably begins before her tenure as the Obama administrations lead diplomat. Clinton, along with 76 other senators, voted in favor of the Iraq War in 2002. The junior senator from New York, Clinton would eventually issue a mea culpa in a 2014 memoir: I thought I had acted in good faith and made the best decision I could with the information I had. And I wasnt alone in getting it wrong. But I still got it wrong. Plain and simple.

Read More: Meet the South African Politician Whos Been Compared to Barack ObamaBut Prefers Bill Clinton

And if Clinton was sold a bill of goods, so were the American people: 56 percent of Americans wanted to invade Iraq back in October 2002. Yet, many Democrats continue to treat her politically convenient vote for the war as the original sin of her foreign policy careerand her politically convenient renunciation of it as equally suspect.

(Gallup)

2. Middle East

In fact, Clinton has hawkish tendencies that cant be denied. When Obama began drawing down troops in Iraq, Secretary Clinton wanted to leave behind a residual force of 10,000-20,000 American troops. She supported the surge in Afghanistan in 2009, and argued for intervention in Libya in concert with the French to oust Muammar Qaddafi.

But the Middle East is not doing well these dayswhich leaves Clinton in a bind. Candidate Clinton needs to project strength and toughness for a fearful electorate without further alienating those on the left who dont trust her. You dont get much room for error when your unfavorable rating is at 57 percent. And while Secretary Clinton made the case for forceful intervention in Syria that Obama would ultimately rebuff, that issue isnt useful for her: Syria makes Obama look bad, and she really needs his help (and the reflected glow of his 56 percent approval rating, according to a recent poll). But if she becomes President Clinton, you can expect more active engagement in the region, bringing the U.S. back in the direction of its traditional tendency toward intervention in the Middle Easts security emergencies.

Story continues

(New York Times, Gallup, ABC News)

Read More: How the Obama Revolution Could Hurt Hillary Clinton

3. Russia

As Secretary of State, Clinton spearheaded Americas reset with Russia to strengthen diplomatic relations and spur greater cooperation across a host of issues, including counterterrorism and nuclear proliferation. In fact, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) shepherded along by Clinton would place a ceiling of 1,550 nuclear warheads for both the U.S. and Russia, a significant drop compared to START Is limit of 6,000.

But beneath the surface, there was little Clinton could do to warm the perpetually frosty U.S.-Russia relationship. By the time Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Crimea in 2014, Clinton was ramping up her presidential campaign and likening Putins land grab to what Hitler did back in the 30s. As a candidate, shes argued forcefully for checking Russian aggression, but how a President Clinton would respond to that aggression depends on what Putin does next. Its also worth questioning how important U.S. and Russian relations really are? Economically speaking, Russia is just the U.S.s 24th largest importer and doesnt even crack its top 30 exporters. Washington and Moscow can share information on terrorist threats. They can communicate with one another to ensure their competing interests dont inflict unnecessary collateral damage. But its hard to imagine what force could bring the U.S. and Russia together as friendly partners.

(Brookings, U.S. Census Bureau)

Read More: Chelsea Clinton Would Consider a Daughters Summit With Ivanka Trump

4. China

Clintons most ambitious initiative while at State was the famed pivot to Asia, the long-term strategic realignment of U.S. interests towards the Pacific in which she played a leading role. Clinton famously travelled to Beijing as First Lady back in 1995 and delivered blunt criticism of that countrys human rights record. Yet by 2009, Clinton was wondering aloud how do you deal toughly with your bank, recognizing that secretaries of state have less leeway to lecture than presidential spousesespecially when the country they represent owes the other $1.46 trillion. Yet, as a presidential candidate, Clinton has returned to pugnacious form, accusing the Chinese government of trying to hack into everything that doesnt move, even if the criticism is intended mainly to narrow any electoral advantage Donald Trump might gain from talking tough on China.

Still, China has become too important to the global economy and a functioning world order for a President Clinton to adopt anything but a cautious and pragmatic approach.

(US Treasury Department)

5. Trans-Pacific Partnership

But if China represents Clintons tendency toward pragmatism, the other component of the Asia pivotthe Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)represents her willingness to cave under heavy political pressure. TPP was supposed to be a central part of Barack Obamas presidential legacy. Instead, its become a lightning rod for controversy as Trump rides nativist bluster and America First protectionism to the final runoff for the U.S. presidency. Should TPP pass, it would link the U.S. with 11 Asian countries (excluding China), uniting 40 percent of the worlds GDP together in a single comprehensive trade deal.

Clinton was a prime architect of TPP, and spent years touting its virtues and necessity. But faced with a growing protectionist backlashsome 53 percent of Americans now believe that free trade kills more jobs than it createsClinton has retreated behind the paper-thin refrain that I do not currently support it as it is written. Tim KaineClintons VP pickwas also a supporter of TPP until this week, where he fell in line behind the Clinton campaign message.

The reality of politics in America today is that the job determines the motive. The Secretary of State wants to build a solid foreign policy; the candidate wants to get elected; the President is commander-in-chief and must respond to the world as it isnot just through diplomacy but sometimes with the credible threat of force. Clinton is nothing if not a career politician, and her shifting views on foreign policy reflects that. It will be up to voters to decide how her approach compares with the foreign policy vision put forward by her aggressive and outspoken opponent.

(New York Times, Washington Post)
Summer heat can be dangerous for pets, but there are a number of steps that owners can take to keep their pets safe when temperatures climb.

Just this week, 14 dogs were found dead in a truck in Ohio after the vehicle's air conditioning unit failed, according to the South Bend Tribune. The dogs' handler was in town for a dog show, and left the animals unattended in the truck for about 2 hours. The incident underscores the need for owners to pay careful attention to their pets during hot weather, said Genny Carlson, executive director of the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, which is investigating the case. [These 7 Foods Cause the Most Pet Deaths]

"This serves as a reminder for people with pets, children and elderly relatives that being in a car without proper ventilation or a working air conditioner can be dangerous, and to take the proper precautions," Carlson told the news outlet cleveland.com.

Here are tips for keeping pets safe this summer:

Don't leave animals unattended in a parked car. On an 85-degree day, temperatures inside a parked car can reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes, according to the Humane Society.

Try to bring pets inside, if possible. Don't leave them in sheds or garages, recommends the Government of Western Australia Department of Health, because these structures can become very hot inside.

If you do need to leave your pets outside, make sure that they have plenty of cold water and shady spots in which to rest, such as under trees or tarps.

Be careful about taking your dog for a walk on a hot day. If you do walk your pet on a hot day, it's best to go in the early morning or evening, according to the Humane Society. You should also walk your dog on grass, because hot asphalt can burn their paws.

Dog owners should be particularly careful about taking certain breeds out in the heat. Flat-faced dogs, such as Pugs and English Bulldogs, can overheat more easily because they can have trouble panting, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCALA). And white-eared dogs may be at increased risk for skin cancer, the Humane Society said.

Put ice cubes in your pet's water, and keep the water out of the sun.

I tems such as a cooling body wrap, vest or mat can also help keep your pet cool outside, according to the Humane Society.

Story continues

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations

Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Moving is a part of military life, and it's not unusual for service members to be relocated every two to three years.

"I moved nine times in 19 years," says Carlos Perez, assistant secretary with the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association. Perez, a retired colonel and 26-year veteran of the Army, says the summer months are among the busiest when it comes to military moves. "A lot of the Department of Defense service members move in the summertime because the kids are out of school, and it's an easy transition."

[Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Saving on Moving.]

Jim Brown, a real estate agent with Redfin and army veteran, says his company is also seeing an uptick in military members moving from overseas to a permanent duty station. "What we're seeing in the industry is a large emphasis on moves from the downsizing of the active forces," he says.

Regardless of the reason, if your military family will be moving this year, here are seven ways to save money.

1. Pick the right living arrangement. The most important money-saving decision a military member can make happens before the first box is even packed. That decision is whether to reside on-post or off-post. Both have their benefits, Perez says, and the better financial choice may depend upon your location and family size among other factors.

Living on-post may mean you get more house than what you could otherwise afford. In addition, there is no commute and better access to on-base perks such as commissaries, medical centers and recreation facilities.

However, living off-post allows military members to select their own neighborhoods and schools. Plus, frugal families may find they come out ahead if they can keep their living expenses low. "If you're able to come in under the average [cost of housing], you get to keep the savings," Perez says.

For families electing to live off-post, doing thorough research is key to avoid any unpleasant surprises upon arrival. "We have the capability of doing a video tour with an iPad and FaceTime," Brown says. This technology has allowed some military members to complete the entire home buying process while still stationed overseas.

Story continues

2. Carefully consider what to move. The less you have to move, the cheaper it will cost. "Since military families move about every 2.5 years, if you haven't used the items in your most recent home, you probably don't need them anymore," says Ross Sapir, founder and CEO of Roadway Moving in New York City.

"Instead of shipping it to your new location, just donate it," says Andrea Marsden, an assistant professor at Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida and former Army surgical nurse. "And by donating it, you can write it off on your taxes."

While selling or donating those items are two options, storing them is another. Some companies, such as Roadway Moving, will store items indefinitely, a service that may make sense for sentimental, seasonal or other items that aren't needed now, but will be in the future. "Rather than constantly paying to relocate items, families can save money by putting things in storage," Ross says.

3. Understand your military benefits. The military offers its members several allowances to cover the cost of relocation. These must be requested and include a dislocation allowance, per diems for mileage and lodging and a temporary lodging expense allowance.

Not all military members receive the same allowance. It can vary depending upon a person's rank and family size. There are also limits to what the military will transport for its members. "Be sure to ask about the weight allowance and how much extra it will cost if you go over the allowance," Marsden says.

[Read: 6 Smart Must-Do's Before Moving Out of Your Apartment.]

4. Ask for your moving allowance and pay in advance. Military members often overlook the option to receive their allowance and pay in advance of a move, Perez says. "You may eventually get it, but you won't have it when you need it," he says. "[An advance] provides a well-needed float."

Typically, the military will advance a month's worth of pay for a family that is moving. That money must be paid back over the next 12 months, but there is no interest attached to the payments.

5. Keep receipts for everything. Regardless of whether you get the money in advance, keep receipts for all expenses related to moving. While the dislocation allowance is a flat amount, the financial office may need to see receipts or other documentation for items such as lodging expenses. Beyond military allowances, receipts will be needed for unreimbursed expenses to be deducted on income tax forms.

6. Use professionals who understand moving and military needs. The Department of Defense will move household items, or military members can choose to make their own arrangements. Those who opt for professional movers should look for a company with a strong reputation and a reasonable price. "It is the job of the moving companies to know exactly what to do for a seamless experience," Sapir says.

"Also, don't be afraid to negotiate," Marsden says. "I saved about $1,500 on my move by telling [the movers] that another company would ship my stuff for less."

When it comes to getting a mortgage, home buyers may be able to receive a refund on their closing costs by using a company such as USAA or Redfin. In addition, some mortgage brokers specialize in serving military members and can direct people to lower cost loans. "As a veteran and a user of the VA loan program, I've seen the professionalism and caliber of those administering these loans increase tremendously [in recent years]," Brown says.

7. Write off unreimbursed expenses and donations. Despite the military allowances, service members may incur out-of-pocket expenses during a move. Anything in excess of the allowances may be deductible on the following year's income tax forms. In addition, the value of items donated to an eligible non-profit can also be included as a part of itemized deductions.

[Read: 7 Tax Tips for Military Members.]

Moving comes with the territory when you enlist in the military. However, with a little planning and the help of military relocation allowances, a change of scenery doesn't have to be a drain on your wallet.





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Kendallville, IN (46755)

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Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 59F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 32F. Winds light and variable.
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

BOSTON (Reuters) - Activist hedge fund Marcato Capital Management announced its second big investment in a week on Thursday, saying it snapped up a 5.1 percent stake in crane and heavy equipment manufacturer Terex Corp (TEX.N).

Terex's stock price climbed 2.16 percent after the San Francisco-based hedge fund said in a regulatory filing that it now owns 5.5 million Terex shares. It called the stock undervalued and said it plans to talk to management about ways in which to perform better.

Earlier this year, the $2.6 billion Westport, Connecticut-based company said it would sell its material handling and port solutions business to Finnish company Konecranes (KCR1V.HE), suggesting that it is already willing to dispose of businesses that are not earning attractive returns.

Since January, its share price has climbed 28 percent and analysts expect the company may say more about other possible sales when it reports earnings early next week.

By selling off some businesses, Terex could line its coffers to buy back shares, something many activist investors have pushed for in recent years.

Marcato already owns a stake in equipment rental company United Rentals Inc (URI.N), one of Terex's largest customers, and its foray deeper into the industrials sector now comes only a few months it hired Matt Hepler. Hepler specialized in industrials while working for famed activist investor Ralph Whitworth's Relational Investors. Most recently Hepler worked for Red Mountain.

On Monday, Marcato Capital Management announced a 5.1 percent stake in the Buffalo Wild Wings Inc (BWLD.O) restaurant chain, helping to send the stock price up some 17 percent this week.

Marcato's founder, Mick McGuire, who had previously worked as a partner at William Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management, traditionally urges companies where he invests to allocate capital more wisely.

Buffalo Wild Wings has its analyst day scheduled for Aug. 16 when some analysts expect the chief executive to announce more aggressive buybacks and possibly a shift to having more of its restaurants run by franchisees.

For Marcato, which oversees roughly $1.5 billion in assets, the two investments in companies that have not been very popular with hedge funds could go a long way to helping wipe away this year's losses. Through the middle of July, Marcato was off roughly 10 percent for the year but it has returned an average 9 percent a year over its six-year lifetime.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Tom Brown)
Just days after announcing a substantial new position in the restaurant chain operator Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD), the hedge fund Marcato Capital Management plans to announce a new 5.1 percent position in the crane maker Terex (TEX), according to someone familiar with the matter.

Shares of Terex jumped more than 4 percent to around $24 on CNBC's televised report of the stake. Shares were very briefly halted after the report but resumed trading almost immediately.



That stake, which could be announced as early as Thursday afternoon, is based on Marcato's belief that Terex is worth more than its current price  and that selling certain parts of its industrial business and streamlining others through restructuring, cost savings, and other measures could improve margins substantially, this person added.

Marcato thinks highly of Terex's current chief, John Garrison Jr., the person said, a fact that could ease discussions between the hedge fund and the company.

Terex has been in the news of late thanks to two cross-border acquisition attempts, one by the Finnish competitors Konecranes (Helsinki Stock Exchange: KCR-FI) and a second by the Chinese equipment manufacturer Zoomlion (:Z157-CN), both of which ultimately fell apart.

"We welcome Marcato as a shareholder and appreciate their confidence in our business and management," a Terex official told CNBC. "We look forward to listening to ideas that could help improve our company and enhance shareholder value."



Marcato, which manages some $1.5 billion from its San Francisco headquarters, is run by Mick McGuire, a former protege of the activist investor Bill Ackman .







More From CNBC


The war of words continues between Actors Equity and a group of Los Angeles-based actors and theater owners opposed to the unions plan to force small playhouses to pay their actors minimum wage. In a recent email to members, the union said the minimum wage opponents have openly threatened Equity staff and councilors and blacklisted members of their own community for speaking on behalf of fair pay.

Opponents say that forcing 99-seat theaters in L.A. to pay minimum wage will force many of them out of business, or to go non-union. The union, however, scoffed at that notion, telling members its just part of a campaign of misinformation and propaganda.

This is a stunning assault by Equity on its own membership, said Frances Fisher, one of the leaders of the group opposed to Equitys plan. Its really too bad my union has chosen this scorched-earth approach. Publicly discrediting your own membership because they have a legitimate disagreement with you is just poor leadership, in my book.

Added actor Alfred Molina: The fact that Actors Equity would send out an email like that is shocking and distressing. Actors Equity has provided no concrete examples to back up the claims, and when questioned by its own membership, it has refused to clarify.

Fisher and Molina are part of a group called Pro99, which filed suit against the union last October to prevent the imposition of minimum wage. They argue that the new rules will severely damage LAs theatre scene, stripping theatre artists of vital opportunities and protections.

Many actors who appear in small productions in Los Angeles work for as little as $7 a day, even though the states minimum wage is $10 an hour. Kathleen Hennessy, a spokesperson for the California State Labor Commissioner, told Deadline stage actors are not exempt from the states laws. There is no such exemption for actors at non-profit theaters.

In its email, the union said opponents to the minimum wage have claimed that Actors Equity is trying to destroy Los Angeles theatre, even though the sum total of Councils actions last April  including all the carve-outs eventually included for members who legitimately wanted to continue to volunteer for the sake of artistic satisfaction  meant that a total of only 26 small LA theaters would be subject to organizing and contract work  just about 14% of the 180 which regularly utilized the old 99-seat plan.

Story continues

Most of our concerns center on Actors Equitys new 99-seat agreement, which we strongly believe would destroy a vibrant and developmental theater scene, and force many theaters to close, said actress Lisa Glass.

Related stories

Actors' Equity Says L.A. Theatres Can Afford To Pay Minimum Wage

Dissidents Vow To Take Actors Equity To Court Over Fate Of Small Theatre In LA

Plan To Make Small L.A. Theatres Pay Actors Minimum Wage Headed To Court
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. APD surpassed earnings expectations in third-quarter fiscal 2016 (ended Jun 30, 2016), backed by its restructuring benefits and operational improvements.

The industrial gases giant logged third-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.92 per share, up 16.4% from $1.65 per share recorded in the year-ago quarter, thereby marking the eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Earnings also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. Adjusted earnings exclude charges associated with income tax, business separation, legal and pension settlement expenses.

Net income from continuing operations, as reported, was up 11% year over year at $355.7 million or $1.63 per share. The bottom line was also supported by lower costs. Cost of sales for the reported quarter declined roughly 4.4% year over year to around $1.6 billion. Selling and administrative expenses also fell year over year.

Revenues dropped roughly 1.4% year over year to $2,434.4 million in the reported quarter and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,452 million. A 4% increase in volumes was more than offset by 2% currency headwinds and lower energy pass-through of 3% each in the quarter.

Segmental Highlights

Revenues from the Industrial Gases  America segment went down 7% year over year to $832 million in the reported quarter, hurt by lower energy pass-through of 5% and unfavorable currency impact. Lower demand in South America more than offset strong hydrogen demand and benefits of a new hydrogen plant in North America, reducing volumes by 1%. Prices rose 1%.

Sales from the Industrial Gases  Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) segment fell 6% year over year to $ 427 million due to unfavorable currency impact and lower energy pass-through of 5%. Volumes dipped 1% while prices increased by 1%.

Sales from the Industrial Gases  Asia segment rose 7% year over year to $448 million on the back of a 14% increase in volumes, mainly from new plants and strong businesses. Unfavorable currency translation hurt sales by 5% and pricing dropped 2%.

Story continues

Revenues from the Materials Technologies segment declined 4% year over year to $520 million, hit by 2% lower pricing, 1% lower volumes and currency headwinds. Sales of Electronics Materials fell 8% on lower volumes and unfavorable currency movement. Performance Materials sales were relatively flat year over year as higher volumes were offset by lower pricing resulting from lower raw material costs.

Financial Position

Air Products ended the third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $514.8 million, up roughly 139.1% year over year. Total long-term debt fell around 16.3% year over year to $3,925.6 million. Operating cash flow for nine months period rose 9.5% year over year to $1,834.3 million.

Outlook

Air Products expects earnings from continuing operations for fourth-quarter fiscal 2016 to be in the range of $1.91$2.01 per share. The company also raised the lower end of its fiscal 2016 earnings guidance to the band of $7.45$7.55 per share from the earlier view of $7.40$7.55.

Air Products reiterated its estimated capital expenditures of around $1.2 billion for fiscal 2016.

Air Products has announced plans to build a new plant to provide ultra-high purity gases to customers in Nanjing, China. As the company moves closer to the sale of its Performance Materials Division as well as the spin-off of its Electronic Materials Division, management expects opportunities to invest in the companys core industrial gases business for further growth.

AIR PRODS & CHE Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

AIR PRODS & CHE Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | AIR PRODS & CHE Quote

Zacks Rank

Air Products currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked companies in the chemical space include Axiall Corporation AXLL, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. SHECY and Stepan Company SCL, all sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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VIENNA (Reuters) - America Movil will cut its stake in Telekom Austria by 7.8 percentage points to just over 50 percent, it said on Thursday, ahead of an end of year deadline to reduce its holding and increase the Austrian firm's free float.

The announcement came the same day that Citigroup said it was launching an issue of bonds exchangeable into 7.8 percent of Telekom Austria's shares, but America Movil's brief statement made no link to that issue.

America Movil became the majority owner of Telekom Austria through a billion-dollar takeover offer in July 2014 that marked Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim's first successful venture into Europe.

When America Movil took control of Telekom Austria, Slim agreed to increase the free float of the former state monopoly within two years.

Under the agreement, America Movil has to increase Telekom Austria's free float by the end of the year to 20 percent, from around 12 percent currently.

As a result, America Movil is expected to reduce its 59.7 percent stake in Telekom Austria by September this year to fulfil its agreement with Austria's state holding company, which owns 28.4 percent of Telekom Austria.

America Movil said in a statement that it had agreed to reduce its Telekom holding to 51.89 from 59.7 percent, but the statement did not say how that would happen.

Shares in the Austrian company are currently below the price of 7.15 euros at which America Movil last acquired a stake in 2014.

Telekom Austria shares closed at 5.11 euros on Thursday, down 3.8 percent, compared with a 1.1 percent fall in the European telecoms sector.

Citigroup's 374.2 million euro ($415 million) bond issue has an exchange price of 7.213 euros per share, it said.

The initial exchange price represents a 40 percent premium over the volume weighted average price of the ordinary shares of the company between launch and pricing, Citigroup said.

That premium is at the lower end of a range of 40-45 percent announced earlier on Thursday.

Story continues

Telekom Austria had no immediate comment and America Movil was not immediately available for comment.

America Movil has said it wants to use Telekom Austria as a base for further expansion into central and eastern Europe, where Telekom Austria already has operations in six countries. It has since supported a 1 billion euro capital increase.

(Reporting By Shadia Nasralla and Francois Murphy in Vienna and Mexico City newsroom; editing by Adrian Croft and Elaine Hardcastle)
American Tower Corp. AMT reported strong financial numbers for the second quarter of 2016, with both the top and bottom lines outpacing the respective Zacks Consensus Estimate.

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company competes with Crown Castle International Corp. CCI, SBA Communications Corp. SBAC and Equinix Inc. EQIX in the highly contested wireless tower operator industry.

The company reported quarterly earnings per share of $1.38, well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.33. GAAP net income also increased 24.4% year over year to $160.8 million.

Total revenue of $1,442.2 million increased 22.8% year over year but lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,445 million.

Adjusted EBITDA in the reported quarter was $869 million, up 14%. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 60.2%, flat year over year. Selling, general & administrative expenses totalled $138.2 million, compared with $116.3 million in the year-ago quarter. Operating income was $432.8 million, up 11%.

During the second quarter of 2016, funds flow from operations (FFO) totalled $508 million, up 20.3% year over year. Quarterly consolidated adjusted funds flow from operations (AFFO) was $592 million, up 10.3% year over year.

At the end of the second quarter, the company had $410.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, and around $18,717.1 million of outstanding debt, compared with the 2015-end levels of $320.7 million and $17,068.8 million, respectively. Meanwhile, at second quarter end, the debt-to-capitalization ratio was 0.73 versus 0.72 at the end of 2015.

AMER TOWER CORP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

AMER TOWER CORP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | AMER TOWER CORP Quote

Property Segment

Quarterly revenues grossed $1,426.2 million, up 23.6%. Segment gross profit margin came in at 68.3% versus 72.8% in the year-ago quarter. Within the Property segment, revenues from the U.S. totalled $830 million, up 3.4%. Total international revenues came in at $597 million, up a substantial 70.1%. Within this, revenues from Asia came in at $225 million, up a whopping 275%, while EMEA revenues grossed $135 million, up a significant 92.9% year over year. Latin America revenues totalled $237 million, up 7.2%.

Story continues

Services Segment

Quarterly revenues totalled $16 million, reflecting a decrease of 20.4%. Gross profit margin was 55.5% compared with 59.4% in the year-ago quarter.

Financial Outlook

For 2016, total revenue from the Property segment is projected in the range of $5,615$5,705 million. Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated in the band of $3,500$3,540 million. AFFO is estimated to be around $2,420$2,460 million. Meanwhile, net income is predicted to be $965$1,025 million, while capital expenditure should be in the $700$800 million range.

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Director of National Intelligence (DNI) James Clapper testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on

Amid mounting evidence of Russia's involvement in the hack of the Democratic National Committee, the Obama administration's options for confronting what some cyber experts have referred to as an "act of war" are diminishing.

And that may be intentional.

When asked about how the administration could be expected to respond to reports that Russia played a role in hacking into DNC computers, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told the Aspen Security Forum on Thursday that "we are not quite ready yet to make a call on attribution."

He noted that he was "taken aback a bit" by the "hyperventilation" over Russia's alleged involvement in the hack.

Clapper was likely referring to the concern expressed in recent days among analysts and high-level officials that the hack was Russia's way of making the Democratic Party look bad in order to garner support for Donald Trump. The Republican presidential nominee has expressed views that largely align with Moscow's vision of the international order.

Earlier this week, former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden claimed on Twitter that the US intelligence community  specifically, the NSA  has the technical ability to draw a straight line from the hack on the DNC back to Russia.

He then argued that it should use those capabilities if assertions about the Kremlin's attempts to meddle in the domestic politics of a foreign adversary are to be taken seriously.

But some experts say that using the US intelligence community's technology to trace the hack directly back to Russia  and then acting on that intelligence  has broader geopolitical risks that the Obama administration might not be willing to risk.

'A motivation not to point fingers'

"What we choose to share publicly is a game that the United States played for decades with the Soviet Union, and we selectively choose what we care to share about our technological capabilities publicly and perhaps privately with the Russians," said DJ Peterson, president of a Los Angeles-based global-intelligence firm that was involved in advising John Kasich's presidential campaign on national security.

Story continues

"There would be many reasons why the US would not want to make it known that it has these capabilities," Peterson told Business Insider. "One is to not formally identify a technological capability. The second is that the US is actually trying to build a relationship with Russia around Syria."

The hack was discovered as news emerged that US Secretary of State John Kerry was trying to broker a new military cooperation deal with Russia in Syria. The deal, from Washington's perspective, aims to use its intelligence about Al Qaeda as leverage to halt the Syrian regime's aerial bombardments on civilians.

John Kerry Sergei Lavrov

But there is no enforcement mechanism built into the agreement, known as the Joint Implementation Group. All parties are expected to act in good faith.

As such, Peterson said, "there is a motivation not to point fingers publicly because of other political policy objectives that the administration is trying to achieve."

Those objectives would likely preclude Washington from taking any meaningful actions over the DNC hack, even if the intelligence community were willing and able to offer proof of the Russians' involvement.

If it was the culprit, then Russia was likely aware of Washington's conundrum if and when it ordered the cyber intrusion. That may explain why it felt bold enough to leave a mark: US intelligence officials told Reuters on Thursday that the DNC hackers' activities aligned with Russian work days and political holidays, used Cyrillic characters, and had a tainted IP address.

"Either these guys were incredibly sloppy, in which case it's not clear that they could have gotten as far as they did without being detected, or they wanted us to know they were Russian," one US official told Reuters.

'T he cyber equivalent of buzzing NATO ships '

The tactic makes sense in light of Russia's fondness for covert psychological warfare  specifically, the use of "black propaganda" that aims to disguise the true source of information in order to instill fear or paranoia in the perceived enemy.

"Not only is the Russian Federation benefiting from the fear and knowledge that they're interfering in our political processes, but there is also evidence they did it and knew that we would find it," Robert Caruso, director of Keep America Open and a former aide in the office of the secretary of defense, told Business Insider on Wednesday.

"That's black propaganda  it's a certain level of just intentionally screwing with somebody," he said.

As one US official described it to Reuters: "Call it the cyber equivalent of buzzing NATO ships and planes using fighters with Russian flags on their tails."

Russian ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushko addresses a news conference after the NATO-Russia Council at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium July 13, 2016. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

The DNC hack wouldn't be the first time that Russia "intentionally screwed" with the US online in this election cycle. At one point, Russia's infamous troll factories were likely being paid by the Kremlin to spread pro-Trump propaganda on social media.

It's a brand of information warfare, known as "dezinformatsiya," that has been used by the Russians since at least the Cold War.

The disinformation campaigns are only one "active measure" tool used by Russian intelligence to sow discord among, and within, allies perceived hostile to Russia. It is a "time-honored KGB tactic for waging informational and psychological warfare," Michael Weiss, a senior editor at The Daily Beast and editor in chief of The Interpreter, wrote on Tuesday.

Clapper, the DNI, corroborated that assessment from Aspen on Thursday.

"It's fair to say Vladimir Putin feels like he is fighting a low-level, asymmetric war with the United States," he said.

To that end, it is becoming clearer that the leverage Russia has gained over the US internationally has also emboldened the Kremlin in the cyber realm. And the former largely precludes Washington from taking meaningful action, even if it had necessary evidence, against Russia for the latter.

"So you have well-meaning members of the intel community in a very tricky position now where they can't blame Russia directly for these transgressions even though they know they are responsible," Caruso said. "They are walking a very thin political tightrope."

NOW WATCH: 11 facts that show how different Russia is from the rest of the world





More From Business Insider


ALBION  Walking with the other three Indiana State Police troopers at the Republican National Convention, Brian Kreger was surprised when everyone at a restaurant they were passing broke into spontaneous applause.

I was looking around to see who they were clapping at, Kreger said. It was us. They were clapping for us.

Albions Kreger was part of a group of more than 100 Indiana State Police troopers sent to Cleveland to help provide protection last week at the convention. His squad consisted of District 22 troopers Jeremy Brice, John Grant and another trooper who calls Albion home, Lesley Fox.

While requests of this nature are infrequent, they are not unprecedented, Indiana State Police Sgt. Ron Galaviz said in an email. The Indiana State Police had a contingency of 60 state police officers that responded to Biloxi, Mississippi, in September 2005 after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and also sent a handful of state police personnel to Long Island, New York, after Hurricane Sandy struck in October of 2012.

The mechanism for such a request is called an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) and all costs associated with such a request are borne by the agency requesting support.

The appreciation shown by the restaurant patrons was indicative of the reception police received at the convention.

In the wake of police officers being shot in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kreger and Fox were wary when they received orders to join the Indiana contingent in Cleveland.

Going down there, I thought it was going to be very anti-police, Kreger said.

I was pretty worried going in, Fox said. It was a lot better than I expected.

At one point, a man wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt approached Kreger.

He said, I appreciate what youre doing out here, Kreger said.

Police ran into very little trouble during the convention. Kreger said only 29 people were arrested.

The police worked 14-hour days in groups of four.

We were assigned to the square, Kreger said. Thats where all the protests were.

When groups of protesters formed, police kept close tabs on them, ready to intervene if things got physical between groups.

We just followed them around, Kreger said. It would get heated, but wed come in and separate them. We cut down through the middle. It kept everything from escalating.

The troopers brought their riot gear with them but never had to put it on.

Kreger said of the thousands of people he saw, only two had derogatory things to say about the police.

Many more people wanted their pictures taken with officers. One Indiana trooper received a flower from an appreciative youngster.

It was a neat experience, Kreger said. It was pretty cool.

Kreger said the sheer number of police kept the clashes between various protest groups from getting too violent.

You couldnt walk 25 feet without running into another police officer, he said.

Kreger met officers from Texas, Utah, Florida, Wisconsin, South Carolina and California  all of whom were on hand to supplement Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and Cleveland police.

Kreger went to Ohio on Saturday, July 16. Many of the officers were assigned to sleep on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. The students did not want us there, Kreger said. They signed a petition.

The governor of Ohio stepped in, and the troopers had a place to sleep.

They were sworn in as Ohio officers. For their protection, the swearing-in included bomb dogs and snipers on rooftops.

The biggest problem police had was with anti-government groups.

Kreger said he found commonality with the aims of Black Lives Matters protesters he met in Cleveland.

They want to stop the shootings, he said. So do we. Were trained that people are people. It doesnt matter if theyre white, black or green.
From Good Housekeeping

A 4-year-old girl nearly died in a car crash on Monday, but a true miracle saved her life. The pole that came careening through the windshield missed her carseat by mere inches in a true brush with death.

Khloe Sosa rode in the backseat of a minivan while her mom Besayda Sosa drove through Coral Springs, Florida. According to the Sun Sentinel, Besayda suddenly lost control of the car and it started to veer off road, hitting the curb and crashing into a metal fence. One of the fence posts then shot through the windshield, straight through the passenger seat, before stopping just inches away from Khloe.

Besayda started yelling - she didn't even see the pole coming. "She screamed at me (and) she was starting to cry," Khloe told WPLG Local 10 News after the accident. The toddler went to the hospital for a small cut as a precaution, but was otherwise unharmed.

"I don't even want to think about it," Besayda said of the near-death experience. The narrow miss definitely struck the first responders as a miracle. The Coral Springs Fire Department described the accident as the "close call of the year" in a Facebook post.

"Someone, something, definitely watching out for that child," one commenter wrote. "Wow! Angels [are] most definitely watching over that baby," another person agreed.

One thing's for certain - the firefighters called little Khloe brave for not shedding a single tear, and considering the circumstances, that's no small feat.
(Reuters) - Anglo American Plc (AAL.L), has rebuffed informal approaches by Indian mining and metals tycoon Anil Agarwal, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Agarwal, who has majority control of Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZNC.NS) through Vedanta Ltd (VDAN.NS), contacted Anglo to discuss potential ideas including a combination with the Indian zinc miner, Bloomberg also reported.

Vedanta had sweetened its offer for taking over subsidiary Cairn India Ltd (CAIL.NS) last week, after an initial bid had been stymied for a year.

Anglo American , Vedanta Ltd and Hindustan Zinc, were not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Parikshit Mishra; Editing by Alan Crosby)
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) - A multinational task force battling Boko Haram said on Thursday it had recaptured the only town in northeast Nigeria's Borno state that was still held by the Islamist militant group. Boko Haram, which formed in Borno, has waged an insurgency since 2009 to carve out a state based on sharia (Islamic law) in the northeast of Africa's most populous country. More than 15,000 people have been killed and some 2.4 million displaced. Damasak, captured by Boko Haram in October 2014, was part of an area around the size of Belgium that the jihadist group controlled in northeast Nigeria by the end of 2009. Its attacks have spread to neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, which prompted those nations to combine troops to form the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF). MNJTF spokesman Colonel Mohammad Dole said troops cleared militants from Dutse, a village in Niger, before moving to the Nigerian border town Damasak around 10 a.m. (0900 GMT). "In continuation with clearance operation of towns and villages, troops of Sector 4 in Diffa (Niger) have successfully cleared Dutse village, captured and occupied Damasak town," he said. "The forces are coordinating to stabilize the immediate environs," he added. The troops were supported by an air force from MNJTF member states, he said. More than 30 Nigerian soldiers have been killed in previous attempts to recapture Damasak. Since a push early last year led by the Nigerian army, supported by troops from neighboring states, most of the territory has been seized back from the militants but the group still stages guerrilla attacks in the region. (Reporting by Lanre Ola; Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Schools not quite back in session, but that didnt stop the Bangor School Board from meeting last week to discuss the districts goals for the 2016-17 school year.

At the meeting, held in the middle-high school cafetorium Wednesday night, the board voted to approve three core goals for the coming school year. These goals would help the district measure its performance internally and give direction to educators as they return to school late next month.

After a brief committee meeting prior to the regular school board meeting, superintendent Dave Laehn met with a small group of board members to review the goals before submitting them for approval to the full board.

Originally, the board had been asked to approve four goals, but the committee combined two of the goals into a signal goal to improve reading and math scores at all grade levels.

The remaining two goals submitted to the board remained unchanged from last year.

The second was to continue developing and implementing innovative approaches to personalized learning through collaboration. The board hopes to do this by continuing to promote professional learning communities in the school.

The Bangor School District dedicates time every month to allow teachers to collaborate and integrate aspects of other courses into their curriculum.

A big part of this is a push toward formative assessments, which serve as an informal measure of how students are doing in class. These can be as simple as a note handed to the teacher as they exit class with one thing they learned and one thing they didnt understand.

We have a lot for the kids that need intervention and we have a lot for the kids who excel, board member Lori Horstman said. What do we do for the larger group thats in the middle?

She said she felt the school district needed to turn a little more attention to the core group of students to find ways to push them.

We hope by the end of the year to have more discussion on how we are going to get to the point where we are going to compensate teachers for how things are going in the school, Laehn said.

The final goal was to continue working to promote the Bangor School District.

The board discussed the possibility of forming a community relations committee, which would bridge the gap between the school and the communities that make up the school district.

Board member Paul Wuensch pushed for it. Part of this push was due to the school districts dependence on the districts ongoing support of operating referendums every three years.

The school district renewed its latest operating referendum in February by a wide margin.

However, according to board member Patty Gjertsen, more than 30 percent voted against the referendum.

The board wanted to find a way to keep the community engaged so that it is aware of why the district needs financial support.

Also discussed during the meeting was the possible impact of a modest increase in state aid. According to early reports form Madison, the state is expected to increase state aid by a modest margin.

Laehn, however, said it isnt clear how this will affect the districts budget, but given the increased pressure placed on taxpayers due to the increase in the operating referendum, it could mean some relief in the tax rate for next year.

He reminded the board that Wisconsin state aid isnt set until later this fall, but the July estimates are historically close.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - A A$9.1 billion ($6.8 billion) buyout of Australian port and rail freight giant Asciano Ltd by global investors was approved by a court on Thursday, clearing the final hurdle for the country's biggest foreign takeover in five years. Announcing the Supreme Court of New South Wales state had cleared the deal, Asciano said on Thursday its shares will stop trading on July 29. Stockholders will receive payments on Aug. 19. After rival bids and regulatory concerns held up a deal originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2015, the buyout was cleared by Australia's antitrust regulator and the country's Foreign Investments Review Board this month. The takeover involves selling Asciano's port assets in a split between Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc and Australian stevedoring company Qube Holdings Ltd , while a consortium involving government-owned China Investment Corp [CIC.UL] will take its rail assets. (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
SYDNEY, July 28 (Reuters) - A A$9.1 billion ($6.8 billion) buyout of Australian port and rail freight giant Asciano Ltd by global investors was approved by a court on Thursday, clearing the final hurdle for the country's biggest foreign takeover in five years.

Announcing the Supreme Court of New South Wales state had cleared the deal, Asciano said on Thursday its shares will stop trading on July 29. Stockholders will receive payments on Aug. 19.

After rival bids and regulatory concerns held up a deal originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2015, the buyout was cleared by Australia's antitrust regulator and the country's Foreign Investments Review Board this month.

The takeover involves selling Asciano's port assets in a split between Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc and Australian stevedoring company Qube Holdings Ltd, while a consortium involving government-owned China Investment Corp will take its rail assets.

($1 = 1.3323 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
When 27-year-old Josh Eickmeier decided to pursue an MBA, he knew he had a few options: fully online, completely face-to-face or blended to combine the best of both worlds.

The Cleveland resident chose the latter, eventually enrolling in the part-time hybrid MBA program at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. Every two months, students attend "access weekends" at on-site locations throughout the U.S. to give them a chance to interact with classmates and faculty.

Eickmeier says he was, in part, attracted to the in-person networking opportunities.

"Even though I was looking for something flexible, it was important to me to get to know the people in my class," says Eickmeier, a manager at McMaster-Carr, an industrial supply company.

Prospective MBA students might ultimately narrow their options to completely online and blended options. Experts say the ultimate decision often boils down to whether they want the total flexibility that an online-only education provides, or opportunities for face-to-face communication.

[Understand the various definitions of "hybrid" and "online" classes.]

"There's no way that a purely online program could claim itself as being better -- a better experience, a more robust education -- than one with some on-campus experience," says Dan Bauer, CEO and founder of The MBA Exchange, an admissions consulting firm. Students need to consider what benefits they will sacrifice by choosing one form of learning over the other, he says.

Prospective online learners should consider answering these questions when weighing their options, experts say.

1. Do you prefer face-to-face over virtual networking? A blended format allows for more direct networking opportunities and the ability to build connections in person, which many students prefer over strictly online interactions, says Philip Powell, associate dean at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, who works with online programs. Kelley offers a mostly online MBA with two one-week residency requirements on campus, and a more blended evening option.

Story continues

Blended programs might also enable students to build more locally-focused networks given that many of those who enroll likely live somewhat close to campus, Powell says. This differs from online networking, which usually connects students on a national or even international scale.

"The deeper your local network, the easier it is to move across organizations in a certain area," he says. "The return on a blended program or a part-time program in a metropolitan area is certainly larger than if the part-time program is located in a smaller city."

[Explore networking tips for online MBA students.]

2. How much do you value in-person interaction? Some students simply prefer to learn at least some course material in person, experts say. For others, the flexibility of a fully online education can outweigh the face-to-face contact in a blended environment.

When looking at fully online programs, prospective students should understand the extent of student-to-student and student-to-faculty communication they will encounter, Bauer says. If these opportunities don't exist, they might be better off learning in a blended setting, or selecting another online program.

3. Do you have the time and ability to travel for face-to-face requirements? Online students often juggle other obligations with their education, so they should decide whether they have the time required for the on-ground portion of a blended program, says Kate Barraclough, who heads the MBA program at Tepper.

She suggests they ask: "Do I have family or work commitments that would make that a challenge?"

Those who travel a lot, says Powell from the Kelley School of Business, might similarly prefer the flexibility of completely-online learning.

Kyle Richardson, who's now completing his MBA fully online through the University of Saint Francis in Indiana -- where he also works as an enrollment services specialist -- says he simply couldn't commit to traveling to a physical campus.

"It's more of a: There's a syllabus; you have to work through the syllabus and you have to meet deadlines, but it's going to be at your own convenience," he says of the online program. "If I want to be up at midnight working on my homework after I put my kids down, that's fine."

[Learn how to compare online and on-campus graduate programs.]

4. What percentage of the curriculum is online versus on ground? Blended programs vary in the duration and frequency of the on-campus component, Bauer says. Researching this information beforehand can help applicants determine the extent of the commitment.

For instance, in the blended weekend MBA program at Purdue University--West Lafayette's Krannert School of Management, students go to class on campus for two Saturdays each month. Meanwhile, in the MBA@UNC online program at the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, students must attend at least two immersions in the U.S. or overseas over the course of the program.

5. How else might a partially on-ground option benefit you? Experts say those considering blended MBA programs should also consider whether the in-person component will help them in ways other than networking.

Online MBA programs offer many opportunities to collaborate with classmates virtually -- a skill that's valued by employers -- but blended programs allow students to build more "soft skills" when it comes to establishing effective relationships, Powell says.

Online learning requires "more comfort with virtual interaction," Powell says. "That's not for everybody."

Trying to fund your online education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for Online Education center.

Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com.


BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad offered an amnesty on Thursday for rebels who lay down their arms and surrender to authorities within three months. The amnesty offer, announced on state media, came as pro-government forces tightened their control around rebel-held districts of the northern city of Aleppo, where at least 250,000 civilians are believed to be trapped. Russia, which is supporting Assad, said on Thursday three corridors would be established by the Russian and Syrian militaries for civilians to leave the city. (Reporting by Dominic Evans; Editing by John Davison)
Damascus (AFP) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday offered an amnesty to armed rebels battling his forces if they surrender, the official SANA news agency reported.

"Everyone carrying arms... and sought by justice... is excluded from full punishment if they hand themselves in and lay down their weapons," SANA said, quoting a presidential decree on the three-month amnesty offer.

The reprieve also includes any rebel who frees a hostage, according to the decree text.

The offer comes as opposition neighbourhoods of Aleppo city are effectively surrounded by pro-government forces, sparking fears for the more than 200,000 people trapped there.

Assad's ally Russia said Thursday it had launched a "large-scale" operation with the Syrian government to open humanitarian corridors for civilians and fighters fleeing the northern city.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian news agencies that three humanitarian corridors were being opened "to aid civilians held hostage by terrorists and for fighters wishing to lay down their arms" and one more corridor to the north of the city for rebels to flee with their weapons.

Assad has issued several amnesties in recent years, including one in July 2015 for people who have dodged service or defected from the army.

Syria's UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said this week he hopes peace talks aimed at ending more than five years of brutal conflict could resume at the end of August.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war began in March 2011 with anti-government protests that were met with a brutal regime crackdown.
By Ben Hirschler

LONDON (Reuters) - AstraZeneca's (AZN.L) chief executive believes a rival could spot the growing value of its drug pipeline but declined to say on Thursday if the group was likely to be a takeover target once more, two years after seeing off a bid from Pfizer (PFE.N).

This time speculation has moved to the idea of a possible offer from Swiss-based Novartis (NOVN.S), which would increase its cancer drug operations significantly by acquiring its smaller British rival. It could also lead to cost savings.

The comments by AstraZeneca Chief Executive Pascal Soriot encouraged talk of another mega-deal in the pharmaceuticals sector, after a run of deal-making by companies seeking promising new medicines. This helped to send AstraZeneca shares to a record high on Thursday, breaching the 50 pound mark for the first time.

Citi analyst Andrew Baum suggested in a note this week that AstraZeneca's biotech expertise and advanced immunotherapy cancer pipeline made it an attractive target for Basel-based Novartis.

AstraZeneca has a current market value of just over $80 billion, while Novartis is worth around $215 billion.

Reporting quarterly results on Thursday, Soriot said development of new drugs for cancer was now reaching a critical point, with important clinical data due in the next 12 months, which would be an inflection point for the company.

"As to whether we would be exposed (to a bid), we certainly have been very aware over the last few years that as we create value then at some point our pipeline becomes attractive," he told analysts. "Hopefully, it becomes attractive to our shareholders but, of course, it may be attractive to anybody."

Earlier, he told reporters he would not comment on "speculation or rumours or theories" about bid interest from Novartis or other companies. "A number of people will have those assumptions but we do not comment on those," he said.

Novartis has substantial financial firepower and its CEO Joe Jimenez said last week he was ready to see the group's AA- credit rating decline for the right M&A opportunity, though he also said he did not feel any pressure to do deals in the immunotherapy field.

Story continues

He reiterated his readiness to look at sizeable deals in an interview published on Thursday.

"In addition to immuno-oncology, there is a whole series of other areas where acquisitions are possible, including immunology and generics," Jimenez told Bilanz, a Swiss financial magazine. "A takeover worth more than $5 billion is possible, but in such a case the financial and strategic logic would have to be immediately clear."

One question surrounding any potential move to acquire AstraZeneca is the stance of the British government, since new Prime Minister Theresa May has talked about developing a new industrial strategy, which could include defending important UK sectors such as pharmaceuticals.

The British drugmaker earlier reported a drop in profits due to generic competition to cholesterol fighter Crestor in the U.S. market, but it delivered encouraging growth in newer medicines.

The shares were 6.7 percent higher at 50.05 pounds by 1640 London time, after hitting 50.38. AstraZeneca spurned a 55 pounds a share takeover offer from Pfizer in 2014. Novartis fell 1.8 percent.

AstraZeneca itself has made a number of bolt-on acquisitions to improve its new-drug pipeline in the past couple of years, although Soriot said this process was now effectively complete.

"We have a really full pipeline, so we would be extremely unlikely to consider a pipeline acquisition," he said. "What we are looking to potentially do is acquisitions that are earnings accretive and are strategically aligned to our focus areas."

(Additional reporting by John Miller in Zurich; Editing by Adrian Croft and David Stamp)
July 28 (Reuters) - Atlantic City, New Jersey's gambling hub, will make its $3.4 million debt service payment due Aug. 1, Mayor Don Guardian said on Thursday amid concerns over whether the cash-strapped city would default.

In legislation signed by Governor Chris Christie in May, the state committed to helping the city by providing a bridge loan while local officials devise a financial recovery plan by November, or else face state takeover.

But that loan still has not been finalized, leading to fears that the city would not be able to make its August payment on general obligation bonds issued in 2011 and 2012.

Moody's Investors Service warned on Wednesday that without the loan, "a default would likely set off a series of missed debt payments and revive the prospect of the city filing for bankruptcy, or pursuing debt restructuring outside bankruptcy."

The city and state agreed on a $74 million loan. But terms have not been announced and there has been no final agreement, Moody's said.

Even so, the city will make its payroll on Friday "and plans to also make the August 1st debt payment" on Monday, Guardian said in a statement.

"We anticipate that the bridge loan agreement with the state will be completed in short order and the funding required by the act will be put in place to cover operational expenses of the city," the statement said.

The city owes bondholders an additional $18.6 million for the rest of this year, with the biggest payment of $9.4 million due in November, according to Moody's.

(Reporting by Hilary Russ in New York)
What Were Watching

Hillary Clinton became the first woman to receive the nomination of a major political party for the U.S. presidency on Tuesday night. Our own Emma Green explained why this is both a historic and fragile moment in American history.

Former President Bill Clinton offered a long (long, long) ode to his wife on Tuesday night, where he told the story of their first meeting, courtship, and eventual marriage. He reintroduced Clinton to America, Yoni Appelbaum writes, and asked the country to put her in the White House, four decades after they did the same for him. But Peter Beinart argues the former president lapsed into Trumpism when he addressed American Muslims.

Today marks the third day of the Democratic National Convention, and the speaker list is stacked: President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Hillary Clintons VP pick Tim Kaine are all slated to speak. Well be following it live here.

Priscilla Alvarez interviewed delegate Anthony Woods, a former congressional candidate and veteran, who is familiar with the conventions theme of inclusion. And Vann Newkirk talked with some of the countrys liberal mayors on their perceptions of Donald Trump.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch will travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Thursday and Friday to attend a vigil honoring fallen police officers and meet with community leaders, the Justice Department said.

Lynch will join U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at a vigil at 2 p.m. Central time (1700 GMT) Thursday for three police officers shot dead on July 17 by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with ties to an African-American anti-government group, the department said.

Lynch and Biden's presence will serve to underscore the Obama administration's commitment to police safety.

President Obama traveled to Dallas in the wake of the shootings of five police officers there. Since taking office as Attorney General, Lynch has traveled the country on a "community policing tour" that highlights best practices of local departments.

Biden has become a liaison between the White House and police as tensions between departments and minority communities have escalated in recent years.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Bernadette Baum and James Dalgleish)
If youre concerned whether your childs car seat is properly installed, theres good reason  and free assistance.

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 4, and yet an estimated 90 parents of local parents arent installing or using car seats properly. When correctly installed, car seats reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants 1 and under, and 54 percent for ages 1 to 4.

The La Crosse County Health Department offers car seat checks from 3 to 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month through September at Brenengen Chevrolet in West Salem.

Checks for infant, toddler and booster seats are free, and no registration is needed. Licensed department employees conduct the checks, guiding parents through installing and removing the seats. Checks typically last 30 minutes, and staff will also screen the seats for recalls.

Installing a car seat is a complicated process, said Maggie Smith, health educator for the La Crosse County Health Department and a child passenger safety instructor. We suggest parents always read the manuals, especially if the car seat has a lot of features. We frequently see the straps or the harness arent tight enough.

People are often surprised they havent installed their car seats correctly, Smith added. Of the car seats weve checked in 2016, 96 percent of them were either incorrect upon arrival, or uninstalled at arrival.

Car seats are labeled with expiration dates, and should be discarded after six years of use or if involved in a car accident. Some newer car seat models have steel frames and may last longer. Seats come in progressive sizes, from infant to convertible to booster seats. Smith recommends that car seats be positioned rear facing until the child is at least 2 years old.

Many expectant parents bring the seats for their delicate infants, Smith said. We encourage them to come back when they transition to the next seat.

Wisconsin state law requires that infants and children are restrained in a car or booster seat until they are 8 years old or over 57 inches in height and 80 pounds in weight. It is recommended that children ages 13 and under ride in the backseat.

People move kids to regular seat belts way too soon, Smith said. Parents should look at how the seat belt fits. The belt should lay low across the hips and over the shoulder, not resting on the neck or belly.

Just as important as proper use is consistent use. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, not using seat belts, car seats and booster seats contributed to the deaths of more than 9,500 people in 2013. The CDC warns that car seats need to be used no matter how short the trip.

The La Crosse County Health Department rents car seats to families or friends transporting children. A rental for up to three weeks is $25, plus a $25 deposit. Some families may qualify for free seats funded by a grant from the Wisconsin DOT.

New this year, the health department will also hold free checks in the fall and winter months at the La Crosse County Fire Department to encourage safety year round.

People really appreciate this service, Smith said.
From House Beautiful

This week, a man won a Micronesian island resort with a raffle ticket worth $49 - less money than it usually costs for a night at a hotel.

The man, who is only being identified as Joshua from New South Wales, Australia, is the new owner of the 16-room Kosrae Nautilus Resort on the island of Kosrae. The original owners, Doug and Sally Beitz, decided to raffle off their business of two decades because they want to move back to mainland Australia to spend time with their grandchildren, according to CNN.

And instead of trying to sell it for a profit, they decided to go the non-traditional route of raffling it off in hopes they would find an owner passionate about island life and not just someone with deep pockets. They wrote on their website: "Enabling the average everyday working person excites us."

"We feel like a new chapter in our lives is beginning, and we're ready to pass the baton to someone else," co-owner Doug Beitz told CNN. "We've had our time in the sun and enjoyed a career most people would never even dare dream about, but our current goal now is to become professional grandparents."

According to their site, there were 75,485 entrants who signed up to win the business, which they claim is debt free, profitable and already fully staffed. They announced the winner Tuesday on Facebook. Their message for the new owner? "Your life is about to change in a very special way!"
By Jane Wardell and Tom Westbrook SYDNEY (Reuters) - Cardinal George Pell, the Australian-born Vatican treasurer, is being investigated in relation to multiple allegations of child abuse in his home country, Victoria state police said. Victoria state Police Commissioner Graham Ashton said on a Melbourne radio station program on Thursday that Victoria police had been investigating allegations against Pell for more than a year. "The investigation is ongoing," Ashton told Radio 3AW, confirming an Australian Broadcasting Television report on Wednesday that detailed allegations of abuse dating from the 1970s to the 1990s in interviews with alleged victims. In a statement issued in Rome on Wednesday, Pell's office said he "refutes all the allegations made on the program". ABC said it has obtained eight police statements from complainants, witnesses and family members who were helping with the investigation. The broadcaster said it received no information from police for its story. Ashton told Radio 3AW that police had referred the allegations against Pell to the public prosecutor's office for advice on whether to prosecute. The public prosecutor declined to comment to Reuters on Thursday. "While the Cardinal in no way wishes to cause any harm to those making allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against him, the simple fact is that they are wrong," the statement from Pell's office said, adding that Pell would continue to cooperate with any investigation. The allegations "do not correspond with the George Pell I know," said Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Australia's most populous city, Anthony Fisher, in a statement. Pell was a priest in rural Victoria in the 1970s and 1980s before he became archbishop of Melbourne in 1996 and archbishop of Sydney in 2001. He took the Vatican role in 2014. Earlier this year, Pell testified at an Australian government inquiry into institutional child abuse, where he said the Church made "catastrophic" choices by refusing to believe abused children, shuffling abusive priests from parish to parish and over-relying on counselling of priests to solve the problem. (Additional reporting by Byron Kaye in SYDNEY and Philip Pullella in ROME; Editing by Robert Birsel and Ryan Woo)
While the Q2 earnings season is in full swing, most major automakers are yet to report. General Motors Co. GM is the only biggie from the auto sector to have reported so far. The company surpassed both earnings and revenue estimates and raised its guidance for the year. Meanwhile, Tesla Motors, Inc. TSLA held the official opening of its partly constructed Gigafactory and Lear Corp. LEA signed a license agreement with Qualcomm.

Further, Toyota Motor Corporation TM posted a decline in global sales in the first half of the year, thus losing its lead to Volkswagen. Meanwhile, Penske Automotive Group, Inc. PAG raised its quarterly dividend.

(Read the previous roundup here: Auto Stock Roundup for Jul 21, 2016)

Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories

1. General Motors recorded adjusted earnings of $1.86 per share in the second quarter of 2016 that beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 by a wide margin. Earnings also surged 44% from $1.29 per share recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Revenues in the reported quarter were $42.4 billion, 11% higher than $38.2 billion recorded in the year-ago quarter. The top line also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $39.09 billion.

Based on the strong financial performance in the first half of 2016, General Motors expects full-year earnings per share in the range of $5.50$6.00, up from the previous forecast of $5.25$5.75 and higher than $5.02 recorded in 2015 (read more: General Motors' Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, View Up).

2. Tesla held the official opening of the Gigafactory in Nevada. The construction of the factory, which started two years ago, is only 14% complete. Tesla expects 31% of the factory to complete by the second quarter of 2017. After completion, the factory will occupy around 10 million square feet.

Tesla projects that about one-third of the Gigafactorys batteries will be used for the Powerwall business initially. Later, this will increase to about half of the production volume. By 2018, Tesla expects the cost of its batteries to reduce by over one-third due to large-scale production at the Gigafactory. In the same year, Tesla expects the annual lithium-ion battery production of the Gigafactory to reach around 35 gigawatt hours, which is equal to total global production in 2014. Moreover, it has the capacity to increase production to around 150 gigawatt hours (read more: Tesla Officially Opens Partly-Constructed Gigafactory).

Story continues

3. Toyota sold 4.99 million vehicles globally in the first half of 2016. This indicates a 0.6% decline from the first half of 2015. Moreover, Toyota lost the sales lead to Volkswagen, which posted a 1.5% increase to 5.12 million units in the same timeframe. Toyotas sales in Japan increased 2.7% to 198,486 vehicles, but sales outside Japan fell 0.7% to 3.87 million units.

4. Lear Corp. has signed a Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) license agreement with Qualcomm. Per the agreement, Lear Corp. will use the Qualcomm Halo WEVC technology to develop and supply WEVC systems to plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturers, as well as wireless charging infrastructure companies.

5. Penske Automotive increased its quarterly dividend by a penny to 28 cents per share. The increased dividend will be paid on Sep 1, 2016, to shareholders of record as of Aug 10, 2016.

Performance

Auto sector companies had mostly good fortunes on the stock market last week. Harley-Davidson gained the most ahead of its second-quarter earnings release. AutoZone was the only stock to lose value among the ones listed below.

Over the last six months also Harley-Davidson outperformed the others with a 34.9% gain. Toyota lost the most over the longer term.

Company Last 1-Week Period Last 6 Months GM +1.7% +9.6% F +0.7% +16.8% TSLA +0.1% +21.5% TM +1.2% -4.1% HMC +2.1% -1.7% HOG +2.5% +34.9% AAP +0.6% +8.7% AZO -1.2% +6.2%

Auto-Tires-Trucks Sector Price Index

Auto-Tires-Trucks Sector Price Index

Whats Next in the Auto Space?

Ford Motor Co. F, Harley-Davidson, Penske Automotive and Lear Corp. will report second-quarter financial results before the market opens today. Many other auto sector companies, including Honda Motor Co., Ltd. HMC, Tesla and Toyota, will report earnings over the coming week.

Automakers will also report their U.S. sales figures for July on Aug 2.

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* Avnet offers 185 pence/share in cash

* Daetwyler says "discussing further proceedings"

* Premier Farnell shares rise 17.8 pct (Adds Avnet comment, shares move)

By Sanjeeban Sarkar

July 28 (Reuters) - U.S. electric component distributor Avnet Inc agreed to buy Premier Farnell Plc for 691 million pounds ($911 million), topping an offer from Daetwyler Holding AG for the British maker of the Raspberry Pi mini-computer.

Premier Farnell shares rose as much as 17.8 percent to 193.75 pence on Thursday, above Avnet's cash offer of 185 pence per share, suggesting that investors expect a bidding war.

Since Britain voted to leave the European Union on June 23, overseas suitors have flocked to the country in search of deals made cheaper by the sharp decline in the pound.

Japan's SoftBank Group Corp agreed this month to buy UK chip designer ARM Holdings for $32 billion.

If the deal to buy Premier Farnell, whose low-cost computers help millions get online and learn coding, goes through, it will be Phoenix-based Avnet's largest ever acquisition.

"Bringing these two companies together allows us to capture market share earlier in the design process," said Gerry Fay, president of Avnet's electronics marketing worldwide.

In June, Switzerland's Daetwyler offered to pay 615 million pounds for Premier Farnell.

Premier Farnell said its board planned to recommend Avnet's offer and drop its support for Daetwyler's bid.

A Daetwyler spokeswoman said that the company had noted the rival offer and was "discussing further proceedings".

Peel Hunt analysts said the deal was made particularly attractive by the weaker pound.

Since Brexit, the pound had lost 11 percent against the dollar through Wednesday's close.

Avnet said it expected the deal to close before the end of the year and add to its earnings immediately.

Stifel analysts said Avnet's offer for Premier Farnell would hurt competition in continental Europe, a concern that was also raised when Daetwyler made an offer.

Story continues

Premier Farnell, based in the northern English city of Leeds, has not been without its troubles.

Before Daetwyler made an offer on June 14, the British company's shares had lost nearly a third of its value since September, when it cut dividend and sold a non-core unit amid slowing sales growth in its key UK and North America markets.

Avnet shares were down 0.2 percent at $40.76 at 0140 GMT, while Daetwyler stock was down 1.5 percent at 133.70 Swiss francs.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is advising Avnet on the deal, while Lazard & Co is advising Premier Farnell. ($1 = 0.7588 pounds) (Reporting by Sanjeeban Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier and Kirti Pandey)
By John Whitesides and Amy Tennery PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Democrat Hillary Clinton will make her case for the White House on Thursday night, taking the stage at her nominating convention to try to dispel doubts about her character and repair her battered image. In the biggest speech of her more than 25-year-old career in public service, Clinton will sound the themes that will propel her campaign against Republican Donald Trump in the Nov. 8 election. It will be Clinton's turn in the spotlight after days of electrifying speeches by party heavyweights such as President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and first lady Michelle Obama praising Clinton and cautioning that Trump would be dangerous and divisive. "Tonight in her speech, Hillary is going to stitch together each of these themes and talk about how this election is really a moment of reckoning for the voters," Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters. "Are we going to succumb to some very powerful forces that are tearing at our social fabric, that are dividing us, economically and socially, or are we going to come together to solve these problems?" he said. It will be a difficult and high-stakes task for the guarded Clinton, 68, known to be a more effective politician in small gatherings than on big stages. Clinton, vying to be the first woman elected president in U.S. history, needs to make a convincing argument she can bring about change while representing the legacy of Obama, who is nearing the end of his second four-year term with high approval ratings. She must make inroads with voters who find her untrustworthy or unlikable, as her favorability ratings in polls have hit all-time lows. In his speech, Obama offered an optimistic view of the United States that he contrasted with Trump's vision of a country in crisis. UPBEAT MESSAGE Clinton was likely to offer a similarly upbeat message. She aimed to draw on an idea that has driven her throughout her career, that all Americans should be given the chance to fulfill their potential, a campaign aide said. Trump, a 70-year-old New York businessman who has never held political office, is running just ahead of Clinton in a RealClearPolitics average of recent national opinion polls. They both garner high "unpopularity" ratings. The Republican nominee has hammered Clinton as untrustworthy, and Republicans depict her as a Washington insider who would continue what they see as the failed policies of Obama's presidency. Trump rejected the optimism voiced at the Democratic convention, saying Democrats were talking about "a world that doesn't exist" and papering over Clinton's problems and mistakes. "I propose a different vision for America, one where we can break up Washington's rigged system, and empower all Americans to achieve their dreams. In our vision, we will put America First," he said in a statement. Chelsea Clinton, who spent eight years of her childhood in the White House when Bill Clinton was president, will introduce her mother on Thursday evening. Rosa Patlan Harris , 70, a retired postal worker and delegate from Texas, said she thinks Clinton can measure up to the high expectations for her speech. "I think she can handle it," said Patlan Harris, a long-time supporter of the former secretary of state. "You know she's tough." MILESTONE FOR WOMEN The Democratic gathering began on a note of discord on Monday, with backers of Bernie Sanders, the U.S. senator from Vermont who lost the nomination to Clinton, noisily booing the very mention of her name. But protests inside the arena calmed after the tumultuous first day. After two nights of speeches meant to unify the party and show a more personal and warmer side of Clinton, the third night featured a sharp turn to attacking Trump. Taking aim at Trump's campaign promise to "Make America Great Again," Obama said: "America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump." Trump, a former reality TV star, has portrayed the country as being under siege from illegal immigrants, crime and terrorism and as losing influence in the world. He has proposed a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country and a wall along the border with Mexico to keep illegal immigrants out. Biden called Trump an opportunist with no clue about how to make America great. Vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine, a U.S. senator from Virginia, said Trump was a "a one-man wrecking crew" who could not be trusted in the Oval Office. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a Republican-turned-independent media mogul, attacked Trump's history of bankruptcies and lawsuits and called his presidential bid a "con." Joyce Lalonde, a retired elementary school teacher and delegate from Michigan at the Democratic convention, was eagerly anticipating Clinton's address as a milestone for women. Lalonde, 68, recalled how she and her fellow female teachers once protested her school district's requirement that women wear dresses or skirts and how times had changed for women. "It was a man's world!" Lalonde said. "Men didn't have to go through what women had to." (Additional reporting by Emily Stephenson, Luciana Lopez, Steve Holland, Doina Chiacu, Amanda Becker and Susan Heavey; Writing by Frances Kerry and John Whitesides; Editing by Howard Goller and and Peter Cooney)
London (AFP) - BAE Systems, the British maker of military equipment, posted a modest increase in first-half profits Thursday on the back of rebounding demand from governments worldwide.

Net profits rose almost five percent to 408 million ($536 million, 487 million euros) in the six months to the end of June, compared with 390 million a year earlier, BAE said in a results statement.

"Despite economic and political uncertainties, governments in our major markets continue to prioritise national security, with strong demand for our capabilities," said chief executive Ian King.

"In the United States, we are seeing encouraging signs of a return to growth in defence budgets and improved prospects for our core franchises.

"In the UK, the result of the EU referendum will lead to a period of uncertainty, but we do not anticipate any material near-term trading impact on our business."

The maker of Astute submarines and Eurofighter warplanes is gaining new orders as mounting tensions between its main government clients in NATO and China and Russia prompt a reversal of military-budget cuts that followed the 2008 global recession.

BAE is also seeking customers in new countries and more revenue from outside the defence area through acquisitions in recent years to bolster its cyber-security business.

The company will meanwhile win an earnings boost after Britain's parliament gave the green light last week to replace the ageing submarines that carry the nation's nuclear arsenal.

British lawmakers approved the construction of four new submarines to carry the Trident missile system and their nuclear warheads.

An order that the company's Italian partner in Eurofighter, Leonardo-Finmeccanica SpA, signed in April to supply 28 of the jets to Kuwait, will provide 1 billion worth of work for BAE, it added on Thursday.

Deliveries of the model, which BAE markets as the Typhoon, continued to the UK and Saudi Arabia, while the first five Hawk trainer aircraft for Saudi Arabia under a 2012 contract were handed over in the first half, BAE said.

Story continues

"Our business benefits from a large order backlog, with established positions on long-term programmes in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and Australia," added the group.

"We are well placed to maximise opportunities, deal with the challenges and continue to generate attractive shareholder returns."

-- Bloomberg News contributed to this story --
Shanghai (AFP) - Chinese Internet giant Baidu's second-quarter profits plunged 34 percent, it reported, as a scandal over its policies for displaying paid ads cut into customer growth.

In May, Baidu was summoned by regulators and lashed by Chinese media over the death of a student whose family used the search engine to seek a cancer cure that did not work.

Following the public outcry, the government announced stricter controls over internet advertising, while Baidu itself stepped up checks on customers.

"Baidu faced a challenging second quarter with heightened regulation in the healthcare sector and on internet advertising impacting our business and operations," Baidu chairman and chief executive Robin Li said on a conference call.

Net income for the quarter ending June 30 was 2.4 billion yuan ($363.2 million), down 34.1 percent on-year, the Nasdaq-listed company said after the market closed on Thursday.

Revenue rose 10.2 percent to 18.3 billion yuan for the period, it said.

"The implementation of new regulations and the stricter standards that we proactively imposed to make our platforms more robust will likely suppress revenue for the next two to three quarters," Li said.

Chinese regulators have ordered Baidu to change how it displays search results following the death of Wei Zexi, 21.

Wei had been diagnosed as having a terminal soft tissue disease when his family found an experimental immunotherapy treatment at a Beijing hospital run by the armed police force via a Baidu search.

When it did not work, Wei accused the hospital of exaggerating the treatment's efficacy and accused Baidu of ranking medical information search results by the amount paid by advertisers.

Chinese regulators found Baidu's system for ranking results depended on prices paid and that the company did not clearly state which ads were paid for by a sponsor.

The government will implement a new law on internet advertising on September 1, while Baidu has increased requirements for online healthcare advertisers and is expanding them to other business sectors, company officials said.

Story continues

"A portion of our healthcare customers who were not immediately compliant to our requirements were not able to spend with us, reducing the number of online active customers," Jennifer Li, chief financial officer of Baidu, told analysts on the conference call.

Baidu, sometimes referred to as the Google of China, said 667 million people used it for online searches from mobile devices in June.

While that was a six percent rise year-on-year for the month, it was a slower rate of growth than the 21 percent leap in December 2015 or the nine percent gain for March.

Results were also hit by higher costs in a number of key areas, including bandwidth and traffic acquisition.

Content costs accounted for 9.3 percent of revenues, up from 5.1 percent in the year-ago period, mainly due to higher costs for Baidu's online video platform, iQiyi, which has been likened to Netflix.

Just days ago, a consortium led by Baidu chairman Li and iQiyi chief executive officer Yu Gong said they were withdrawing an offer to take the video platform private, after failing to reach agreement with the parent over the potential acquisition.
Dhaka (AFP) - A Bangladesh court Thursday upheld the death sentence for six Islamist militants convicted over a suicide bombing in 2005 of a lawyer's office that killed eight people, a top prosecutor said.

Bangladesh's judiciary is under pressure to fast track cases involving militants as the government faces mounting criticism to crackdown on Islamists over a series of recent deadly killings.

A bench of two high court judges rejected appeals from the six convicted over the 2005 bombing, claimed by local extremist group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

"The court upheld the death orders against the six JMB extremists as the charges against them were proved beyond any doubt," deputy attorney general Sheikh A.K.M. Moniruzzaman told AFP.

JMB has also been blamed for a siege this month by five gunmen on an upscale cafe in Dhaka that killed 20 mostly foreign hostages and two police officers.

Police have rejected the Islamic State (IS) group's claim for the July 1 attack. The group posted gruesome images of the carnage before the military stormed the cafe.

Moniruzzaman said the six convicted militants had conspired and assisted in the bombing of the lawyer's office just north of Dhaka, part of JMB's then deadly campaign against the secular judiciary.

"Of the ten JMB extremists originally sentenced to death by the trial court in 2013, two were acquitted by the high court and two others were sentenced to life in prison," he added.

The attack was one of a series of blasts the JMB carried out in 2005, then raising fears that the Muslim-majority nation would descend into Afghanistan-style Islamic militancy.

Four lawyers and four litigants died in the attack. The suicide bomber was also killed.

Authorities launched a crack down on the JMB at the time, but it has regrouped in recent years under new leaders. According to experts, it has been actively recruiting young and highly educated young men to its ranks.

Police have blamed the banned group for scores of gruesome murders of religious minorities, as well as of foreigners, since 2013.
President Barack Obama delivered one of the strongest speeches of his political career on Wednesday night at the Democratic Convention. During the speech, Obama took quite a few jabs at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Obamas beef with Trump goes way back and he used the speech to paint the picture that Hillary Clinton and Trump are severely different. Trump famously annoyed Obama throughout his presidency by pushing theories that Obama was born in Kenya, and thus ineligible to be president.

Here are the 6 best shots that Obama slipped into his convention speech.

Also Read: Hillary Clinton Makes Surprise Democratic Convention Appearance With Obama

1. The American Dream is something no wall will ever contain, Obama said, an obvious reference to Trumps plan to build a barrier on the southern border with Mexico

2. And then theres Donald Trump. Hes not really a plans guy. Not really a facts guy, either, Obama said, before going in for the kill. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women whove achieved success without leaving a trail of lawsuits and unpaid workers and people feeling like they got cheated.

3. Does anyone really believe that a guy whos spent his 70 years on this Earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion? Your voice? Obama said before delivering the punchline. If so, you should vote for him.

4. Reacting when the crowd in Philadelphia booed at the mention of Trumps name, Obama interjected: Dont boo. Vote.

Also Read: Obama: No One's Better Qualified Than Hillary Clinton - Even Me (Video)

5. [Hillary Clinton] is fit to be the next commander in chief, Obama said. Meanwhile, Donald Trump calls our military a disaster. Apparently, he doesnt know the men and women who make up the strongest fighting force the world has ever known. He suggests America is weak. He must not hear the billions of men, women, and children, from the Baltics to Burma, who still look to America to be the light of freedom, dignity, and human rights.

Story continues

6. Turning his sights on Trumps Make America Great Again slogan, the president said, America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.

7. Ronald Reagan called America a shining city on a hill. Donald Trump calls it a divided crime scene that only he can fix, Obama said. It doesnt matter to him that illegal immigration and the crime rate are as low as theyve been in decades, because hes not offering any real solutions to those issues. Hes just offering slogans, and hes offering fear. Hes betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election. That is another bet that Donald Trump will lose.

Check out the entire speech above.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Hillary Clinton Makes Surprise Democratic Convention Appearance With Obama

Watch Broadway Stars Crush 'What the World Needs Now Is Love' at Democratic Convention (Video)

Chick-fil-A, Symbol of Homophobia, Spotted at Democratic Convention
Paul Ryan refused to take the bait last week at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Good for him.

Asked by the Wall Street Journal if he blames Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama for the ugly ramping up of rhetoric against the police, the House speaker from Janesville rejected the premise of the question.

The last thing a leader should be doing is that  is starting to blame other people for this, Ryan responded. What typically is said is Black lives matter. No, all lives matter. Then we just ratchet it up and just go after each other. So lets stop doing that.

Indeed.

Who cares who said what in the past, Ryan continued. Our country is disunified. Our country is tearing itself apart on its streets. Thats wrong. Thats bad. So why dont we dial down the rhetoric, calm ourselves down and start listening to one another.

Good idea. If people feel unsafe in America because of the color of their skin, thats a problem, the Republican speaker said. And if police officers are targeted because of the badges they wear, thats a problem, too, he stressed.

The last thing we should be doing is ... throwing bombs back and forth at each other, the speaker said. Why dont we talk about some solutions?

Ryan is doing just that. He formed a bipartisan group in Congress following the fatal shooting of five police officers in Dallas earlier this month, which followed two high-profile killings of black men by officers in St. Paul, Minn., and Baton Rouge, La. The working group includes members of the Congressional Black Caucus as well as congressmen with backgrounds in law enforcement.

To help de-escalate the racially charged debate surrounding recent tragedies, Ryan cited an example from Somerset, N.J., where a prominent black pastor and white police chief have fostered a close relationship between their community and law enforcement. When potentially divisive events occur, leaders there quickly respond and engage.

They dealt with it right at the outset, Ryan said. There are solutions out there. There are people you can go and listen to in communities that you dont hear about because these problems arent occurring in those communities.

Ryan wants to bring similar success stories to Washington and state capitals, where leaders can learn about and try to replicate whats working. As Ryan called for calm in the wake of turmoil, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke was doing just the opposite, stoking division in TV appearances and during his convention speech. Clarke last week blamed the Black Lives Matter group for the recent shootings of officers, and he suggested Americas social order has collapsed.

I would like to make something very clear: Blue lives matter! Clarke declared at the convention.

Of course police lives matter. So do black lives. So do all lives.

But how do we unify in the face of senseless violence to stop it from repeating?

Ryan is trying to figure that out. More leaders across the political spectrum should join him.

Of course police lives matter. So do black lives. So do all lives. But how do we unify in the face of senseless violence to stop it from repeating? Ryan is trying to figure that out. More leaders across the political spectrum should join him.
President Obamas remarks Wednesday night were as forward-looking as they were nostalgic. Twelve years after introducing himself to the nation at the Democratic convention in Boston, he came to Philadelphia to make the case for Hillary Clinton, presenting his former Secretary of State the torchbearer of his legacy.

Hillary Clinton is that woman in the arena. Shes been there for us  even if we havent always noticed, Obama said, calling her the most qualified person to ever seek the office. And if youre serious about our democracy, you cant afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue.

Americans, Obama said from the Wells Fargo Arena, will face an important choice in the coming months, a choice that goes beyond politics. What we heard in Cleveland last week wasnt particularly Republicanand it sure wasnt conservative, he said. What we heard was a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world.

That, he added, is not the America I know.

Before he spoke, Vice President Joe Biden hit similar themes, describing Trump as a man whose candidacy alone is a direct rebuke of everything the Obama administration represents. Threats are too great and times are too uncertain to elect Trump, he said.

His cynicism is unbounded, Biden continued. Hes trying to tell us that he cares about the middle class? Give me a break. Thats a bunch of malarkey.

Obama picked up on the theme, saying that people are baffled by the current election, given Trumps policy positions and rapid rise. He described Clinton as a person who can finish the job against the Islamic State, the terror network he once called the JV team that has inspired attacks carried out by lone-wolves in the U.S., France, and Germany. She has the judgment, the experience, and the temperament to meet the threat from terrorism. Its not new to her, he said.  I know Hillary wont relent until ISIL is destroyed. Shell finish the joband shell do it without resorting to torture, or banning entire religions from entering our country.

Story continues

The night was peppered with interjections and silent anti-TPP protests, with chants of Bernie interrupting Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaines speech and no more war causing former CIA Director and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to pause.

The presidents speech was not immune. A Code Pink protester waved a bright pink sign during the presidents remarks and intermittent cries broke through the droning cheers that swelled inside of the arena. Julianne Malveaux, a liberal commentator and the former president of Bennett College, dismissed the days protests as typical for a Democratic event. Were Democrats, she said after the speech. When have we not had dissent?

And as much as the speech was about Clinton, it was also about the president and the legacy hes built over the past eight years. In a video before his speech, an ominous-sounding Bryan Cranston narrated a dramatized timeline of the key moments of the presidents two terms, from the economic crisis to the Affordable Care Act to the Osama Bin Laden raid to the failed attempts to usher through gun reforms in Congress. He reminded the crowd that 12 years ago, then-Senate candidate Obama was filled with faith as he addressed the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

In his emotional close, the president credited his optimism to the spirit of the American people whom he called on to pass the baton to Clinton.

Youre who I was talking about twelve years ago, when I talked about hope, Obama said. Time and again, youve picked me up. I hope, sometimes, I picked you up, too. Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me.

As the crowd erupted at the close of Obamas speech and Stevie Wonders Signed Sealed and Delivered blared on the speakers, the crowd did for Clinton that they did for him, filling the arena with a deafening roar. They cheered as the two walked arm-in-arm across the convention stage.

Taylor Harrell, a millennial delegate from Detroit, didnt support Clinton in the primary, like many 23-year-olds, she was pulling for Sanders. On her way to charge her phone at a station near the arena said the presidents speech was what Americans needed to hear. I dont think Hillary is a terrible candidate. I dont even think shes a bad candidate, Harrell said. Shes the right woman for the moment.
Barrick Golds ABX second-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings per share (excluding one-time items) of 14 cents were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Earnings also surged 180% from the year-ago quarter figure of 5 cents per share.

On a reported basis, earnings for the second quarter came in at $138 million or 12 cents per share as against a loss of $9 million or a penny per share in the prior-year quarter.

Revenues fell around 9.8% year over year to $2,012 million in the reported quarter and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,036 million.

Average realized price of gold rose 5.8% year over year to $1,259 per ounce in the quarter. All-in costs declined 13.2% to $849 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) fell roughly 12.6% to $782 per ounce in the reported quarter.

Gold

Total gold production declined to 1,340 million ounces in second-quarter 2016 from 1,445 million ounces a year ago.

The Goldstrike mine in the North American region produced 263,000 ounces of gold in the quarter, up 27.7% year over year, at an average AISC of $737 per ounce (relatively flat year over year).

The Cortez mine produced 248,000 ounces of gold in the quarter, up 28.5% year over year, at an average AISC of $558 per ounce, down 31.2%.

Production at Pueblo Viejo rose 14.5% to 150,000 ounces. Average AISC declined 7% to $634 per ounce.

Copper

Copper production decreased to 103 million pounds from 115 million pounds in the prior-year quarter. C1 cash cost was $1.52 per pound in the quarter, down from $1.94 per pound in the year-ago quarter.

Financial Position

Cash and cash equivalents were $2,441 million as of Jun 30, 2016, up roughly 15% from $2,122 million as of Jun 30, 2015. Long-term debt was roughly $8,825 million, down from around $12,361 million a year ago.

Barrick generated $274 million in free cash flow in the reported quarter.

Debt Reduction

The company has reduced its total debt by $968 million so far this year, representing nearly half of its debt reduction target for the year.

Story continues

In 2016, Barrick plans to reduce its total debt by at least $2 billion by drawing on its existing cash balance, delivering free cash flow from operations, selling additional non-core assets, and creating new joint ventures and partnerships.

Guidance

For 2016, Barrick reiterated its gold production outlook and expects to produce 55.5 million ounces of gold at lower AISC of $750$790 per ounce. The company has raised its copper production outlook to the range of 380430 million pounds. The increased production guidance is due to commercial production having started at Jabal Sayid. On completion of its underground development in the second half of 2017, the mine is expected to produce 100 million pounds of copper annually.

The company reiterated its copper AISC cost guidance for 2016 in the range of $1.95$2.25 per pound. The guidance takes into consideration the revision of royalty changes set by the Zambian government.

BARRICK GOLD CP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

BARRICK GOLD CP Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | BARRICK GOLD CP Quote

Zacks Rank

Currently, Barrick carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Some other well-ranked mining companies include AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. AU, B2Gold Corp. BTG and Franco-Nevada Corporation FNV, all sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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Bayer AGs BAYRY second-quarter core earnings increased 4% year over year to 2.07 per share (approximately $2.34 per share). Core earnings of $2.34 per share significantly beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.19.

However, total sales fell 1.4% to 11.8 billion (approximately $13.4 billion) on a reported basis in the second quarter of 2016, but increased 2.3% after adjusting for currency and portfolio effects primarily driven by the companys Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health businesses. The figure, however, was marginally short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $13.5 billion.

All growth rates mentioned below are on a year-on-year basis and after adjusting for currency and portfolio changes.

Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health Segments Drive Sales

Effective from the first quarter, Bayer is reporting results under five divisions  Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Crop Science, Animal Health and Covestro.

Revenues at the Pharmaceuticals segment increased 8.4% backed by continued strong performance of the recently launched products including Xarelto, Eylea, Xofigo, Stivarga and Adempas. These products recorded combined sales of 1.3 billion, up 29%. Performance of the established product portfolio, which includes products like Aspirin Cardio, Glucobay, Gadavist/Gadovist, Kogenate/Kovaltry and Betaferon/Betaseron, was mixed in the second quarter of 2016. Overall, the company successfully expanded the Pharmaceuticals business in all regions.

Consumer Health segment sales were up 4% to 1.6 billion, driven by advances in all regions including Latin America/Africa/Middle East, Europe and Asia/Pacific regions except North America. Products like Claritin, Aspirin, and Bepanthen/Bepanthol and Canesten brands posted encouraging sales growth. However, Aleve and Dr. Scholls foot care products recorded a decline in sales.

Crop Science sales inched up 0.4% to 2.5 billion in the second quarter of 2016 in the face of an ongoing weak market environment. While seed growth, insecticides and herbicides posted double-digit percentage growth, fungicides declined considerably. The company has signed an agreement with SBM Developpement SAS to divest its Consumer Business of the Environmental Science unit at Crop Science. The transaction is expected to close in Oct 2016.

Story continues

Sales of the Animal Health business came in at 426 million, up 4.2%. The business benefited from increased demand in all regions.

Covestro posted sales of approximately 3 billion in the quarter, down 3.9% mainly due to lower selling prices. Selling prices declined mainly due to raw material price development and primarily at Polyurethanes business unit.

2016 Outlook Updated

Bayer updated the outlook for 2016. For 2016, the company expects sales of 46 billion to 47 billion (previously: more than 47 billion) including contribution from Covestro. This continues to represent an increase in the low-single-digit percentage range.

Bayer now projects core earnings, which include the companys remaining stake in Covestro, to improve in the mid-to-high, single-digit percentage range (previously: a mid-single-digit percentage range).

The company continues to expect sales of approximately 35 billion at the Life Science businesses, which exclude contribution from Covestro. This still corresponds to an increase in the mid-single-digit percentage range as previously projected.

For Pharmaceuticals, Bayer now expects sales above 16 billion (previously: approximately 16 billion) despite some price declines. This now represents an increase in the high-single-digit percentage range (previously: mid-single-digit). Given the strong dynamics in the first half of the year, the company now expects sales of the recently launched pharmaceutical products to trend toward 5.5 billion (previously: to more than 5 billion). The company expects the biggest contributions from Xarelto and Eylea, with growth trending toward 30% for Xarelto and at least 30% for Eylea.

In the Consumer Health Division, Bayer now expects sales to come in at approximately 6 billion (previously: more than 6 billion). The company plans to grow sales by a low- to mid-single-digit (previously: mid-single-digit) percentage range.

Considering the challenging market environment, Bayer now expects Crop Science sales to remain at the prior-year level (previously: increase by a low-single-digit percentage). This is equivalent to reported sales of about 10 billion.

At Animal Health, Bayer continues to expect sales to be slightly above the prior-year level. For 2016, Covestro is now expecting a sales decline (previously: sales at the prior-year level).

BAYER A G -ADR Price and EPS Surprise

BAYER A G -ADR Price and EPS Surprise | BAYER A G -ADR Quote

Our Take

Bayers second-quarter results were mixed, with the company topping bottom-line estimates but missing on revenues marginally. Nevertheless, the companys Life Science businesses recorded encouraging sales growth, particularly the Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health businesses. Moreover, newly launched products at the Pharmaceutical segment performed impressively during the quarter and should continue to do so in the upcoming quarters, evident from the raised 2016 outlook for the recently launched pharmaceutical products. Bayer also raised core earnings per share outlook for the year, which is encouraging.

Meanwhile, Bayer, which is looking to acquire Monsanto Company MON, raised its all-cash offer to the latters shareholders from $122 per share to $125 per share earlier this month. We note that through this acquisition Bayer is looking to create a global leader in agriculture. However, Monsanto rejected the revised offer citing that it was financially inadequate and insufficient to ensure deal certainty.

We note that Monsanto had rejected the initial offer of $122 per share in May 2016 on grounds that the offer significantly undervalued the company. However, the company is still open to more talks.



We expect investor focus to remain on updates from the Bayer-Monsanto transaction, going ahead.



Bayer currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A couple of better-ranked stocks in the health care sector are Innoviva, Inc. INVA and ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANIP, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).



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Ron Howard's documentary "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years" will feature a half hour of footage from the band's memorable Shea Stadium concert from 1965, reports Variety.

The Shea Stadium concert was one of the first times a rock concert took place in a stadium setting. More than 55,000 people attended the show, taking place a year and a half after the group made its first American television appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

The concert footage includes renditions of "A Hard Day's Night," "I'm Down," "Everybody's Trying to be my Baby" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy."

"The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years" will make its US theatrical debut on September 16 through Abramorama before becoming available to stream for Hulu subscribers the following day.

Watch an excerpt from the footage: https://youtu.be/g3WVPt6_Yko
The Beatles announced Thursday (July 28) that a 4K restoration of their celebrated performance at their Aug. 15, 1965, Shea Stadium concert with remastered sound will be added to the theater showings of the Ron Howard Eight Days A Week: The Beatles Touring Years documentary that will premiere Sept. 15.

The Shea concert, which was first shown in the U.S. on ABC-TV in 1967 as The Beatles At Shea Stadium TV special, had been shown in bits and pieces with upgraded footage in various Beatles projects including 1995's The Beatles Anthology, but hasn't been seen in complete form since the original TV broadcast other than on bootleg. Its re-release has long been a major desire of Beatles fans along with their live recordings from the Hollywood Bowl, which will finally come out Sept. 9, and the movie Let It Be on DVD, which is still in limbo.

Even The Beatles Got Scared: Paul McCartney Talks Early Days in Trailer for New Ron Howard Doc

The Shea Stadium concert was filmed by 14 35mm cameras in front of 55,000 people and first shown on BBC TV in black-and-white in the UK in 1966 and in color in the U.S. a year later. The film's new 4K restoration and sound remastering was done at Abbey Road Studios by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, who also worked on the recent 10th anniversary Beatles LOVE show at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, the upcoming The Beatles: Live at the Hollywood Bowl CD and the Beatles 1+ DVD that came out late last year. The songs in the Shea concert include "Twist and Shout," "I Feel Fine," "She's a Woman" and a finale of "I'm Down" that featured John Lennon running his arm along the keyboard.

Watch the trailer here:

Leslie Healy, who attended the '65 show, remembers it as a wild night. "(It) was pretty amazing, a hot hot night in New York," she said in an interview. "I had to navigate the subway to Shea Stadium in Queens with a girlfriend. My folks actually let this 15-year-old go without them. They couldn't have withstood the noise.

Story continues

"(There was a) big wait (until) Cousin Brucie and Ed Sullivan actually came out and the crowd was in a frenzy. The screams were deafening (and) I'm sure I added to them," she said. "You couldn't hear the songs. It was one roar of hysterical young ladies from the time they opened their mouths until their final chord. And the whole concert was over in about 33 minutes. Just a flash."

The Beatles Releasing 'Hollywood Bowl' Live Album on CD for First Time Ever

Dave Schwensen, author of The Beatles at Shea Stadium, a book focusing on the 1965 concert, says the release of the footage is big news. "From a fan's point of view, it's great, it's exciting. For all these years, we've had unofficial footage. I'd be very interested with today's technology how this stuff is going to look," he said.

Schwenson, the author of another Beatles concert book, The Beatles in Cleveland on their concerts in that city, also said there was no footage of "She's a Woman" shot for the original show because cameramen were changing films, but he said he was told footage of the song has been located from home movies taken by fans in the stands for the Ron Howard film.

Ron Furmanek, who worked on the restoration of the film for the Beatles, said the quality of the Shea show is superb. "Shea Stadium, other than the sound issues, of everything that was ever shot in the '60s of any group, I think Shea Stadium is the highest quality film. It looks better than Woodstock, Gimme Shelter, Monterey Pop. It really does. Go look at it in Anthology. It's stunning. Put on the headphones and look at it in Anthology. You're going to hear some true stereo there, like 'Dizzy Miss Lizzy.'"

A new trailer for the Ron Howard film, which covers the Beatles' live concerts from their days at the Cavern Club in Liverpool through to 1966 at their final scheduled show at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, was also released Thursday. Fans who attended the Beatles concerts are also being given the chance to see the Ron Howard film free by visiting the film website.

The set list for the Shea Stadium show:

"Twist and Shout"

"She's a Woman"

"I Feel Fine"

"Dizzy Miss Lizzy"

"Ticket to Ride"

"Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby"

"Baby's in Black"

"Act Naturally"

"A Hard Day's Night"

"Help!"

"I'm Down"
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f159594%2fpr

LONDON  Peter Rabbit and friends are joining the ranks of Britain's finest with the release of a special new collection of stamps.

SEE ALSO: New 'Peter Rabbit' coin is the most adorable money ever minted

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's birth, Royal Mail introduced 10 new stamps featuring some of the author's most beloved characters, including Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Tom Kitten and Benjamin Bunny.

Image: royal mail

Image: royal mail

Image: Royal Mail

The remaining four stamps bear images from Potter's most famous book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Image: royal mail

From 28 July to 3 August, you can visit the post box at Hill Top Farm, Potter's home in the Lake District, where Royal Mail will provide special handstamps of Potter's first imagined sketches of Peter Rabbit.

The British author is one of the most celebrated children's authors of all time, and her imaginative collection of over 23 books as well as a recently discovered 24th story set for release in September continues to entertain and inspire across generations.

We don't know about you, but this collection definitely has our stamp of approval.
Beauty and the Beast (La Belle La Bete), the live-action French version of the beloved story directed by Christophe Gans, is getting a theatrical release in the U.S. on Sept. 23, 2016. It will bow, courtesy of Shout! Factory in Los Angeles, New York to be followed by openings in additional cities after that.

Beauty And The Beast premiered during the Berlin Film Festival two years ago and sold nearly 2M tickets in France. It collected about roughly $28M overseas in 2014, enjoying solid runs in Japan, Germany, Italy, Russia, China and Brazil among others. Shout! Factory acquired the picture in January of this year.

The company also plans a new, theatrical stage play based on the fairy tale.

This version of the classic story is set in 1810 and stars Vincent Cassel (Jason Bourne, Black Swan) and Lea Seydoux (Spectre, Blue Is the Warmest Color) with Andre Dussollier (A Very Long Engagement, Amelie). Produced by Eskwad and Pathe, the film is a modern take on classic French fairytale.

The film is a production of Eskwad, Pathe, TF1 Films Productions, Studio Babelsberg and 120 Films from a screenplay by Gans and Sandra Vo-Anh. It is produced by Richard Grandpierre and Jerome Seydoux and executive produced by Frederic Doniguian. Co-producers are Romain Le Grand, Henning Molfenter, Christoph Fisser and Charlie Woebcke.

Take a look:

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A Dubai-based makeup artist transformed herself into Zayn Malik in order to prank some fans. (Photo: Facebook)

The fun part about being a transformative makeup artist: being whoever you want to be for a day. Alicia Goveas is a Dubai-based artist who often mimics the looks of different celebrities or characters, and when she decided to put her work to the test one day, she got a surprising reaction. The 23-year-old spent hours altering her appearance to look like the ex-One Direction star Zayn Malik before stepping out for the day, and she brought some fake body guards along with her just for kicks. And, as you might have guessed, insanity ensued.

The beauty blogger took to Instagram to document the process of her transformation, as well as the execution of the prank, during which she walked around the Mall of Emirates in Dubai with her security, which made the whole situation pretty convincing. I was scared to ask for a selfie because of the bodyguards but I couldnt miss a chance like this, 17-year-old Malik fan Mandy Warren told The Daily Mail. The video shows plenty of other fans that decided they needed to take advantage of their celebrity spotting  before being told that it was actually an imposter.

It felt amazing to be a celebrity for one day, Goveas told the UK news source of the experience. I cant believe the reaction I got. I would do this all over again if I could. And although we cant be sure that there are any plans for another outing, wed love to see how far the makeup artist can take her convincingly-real talent.

Malik himself is set to perform in Dubai in October, and after this stunt, were wondering if anyone will actually believe him enough to show up.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Hillary Clinton flexed her Hollywood show biz muscle Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention, with Meryl Streep, Alicia Keys and an all-star music video touting her candidacy for president.

On Wednesday evening here, erstwhile Hollywood backers of Bernie Sanders struck back with a press conference in which they aired the latest grievances of the defeated Vermont Senator.

Sanders appeared to bow out gracefully Tuesday, coming to a microphone on the floor of the Wells Fargo Center to offer a unanimous slate of delegates from his home state in support of making Clinton the first woman persidential nominee of a major party. But one day later, Sanders fierce acolytes  including Susan Sarandon, Shailene Woodley, Danny Glover and Rosario Dawson  told more than 100 members of the media that Sanders had been wronged one more time, even as he capitulated to Clintons insurmountable delegate lead.

It seems that certain unknown powers in Hillary World told a Sanders delegate that she could only speak at the convention, and put Sanders name in nomination, if she agreed to make a conciliatory statement praising the former First Lady. the delegate, Nina Turner, declined to make the pro-Clinton Statement. She was then summarily banned from appearing before the conventions 6,000 delegates and a worldwide television audience.

It was a very upsetting incident, it shouldnt happen, Sarandon decried. If it were Beyonce, they wouldve made it work.

Sarandon, Woodley and Co. also werent so sure how enthusiastic they could be about supporting Clinton in the fall campaign against Republican Donald Trump.

There are a number of things that she hasnt been clear about and hasnt convinced me, Sarandon said of Clinton. Ill wait and see if there are any shifts.

The 69-year-old Sarandon was making just the latest in a string of critical comments about Clinton, dating back many months.

The Oscar-winning star of Thelma & Louise has said that Clinton is more dangerous than Donald Trump and that people should stop pressuring women into voting for the Democratic presidential candidate just because she is a woman. And on Tuesday, she tweeted, Dont blame us if (Clinton) loses to Trump. He did what you wanted.

Story continues

Turner, the former state senator from Ohio who emerged as one of Bernie Sanders most passionate champions, said she was barred by Clintonistas from even taking the stage Tuesday night. They would not allow it, Turner said. Turner has been one of the most outspoken foes of recently ousted Democratic National Chair Debbie W. Schultz.

Reporters outnumbered Sanders demonstrators at the press conference and many of the media seemed confused about who Turner was and why the Q and A session was being held. The Sanders delegate stood nearby, also inside the giant media tent, but she did not speak or join her Hollywood defenders on stage.

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SNL 'Weekend Update' Roasts the Democratic Convention (Watch)

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Bernie Sanders is returning to his status as an independent after losing the Democratic nomination for president to Hillary Clinton.



According to the Wall Street Journal, the Vermont senator announced he will be leaving the Democratic Party when he returns to work in the U.S. Senate this week.



"I was elected as an independent; Iall stay two years more as an independent," Sanders, 74, said at the Bloomberg Politics breakfast on Tuesday.



As an elected official in Congress, Sanders caucused with the Democrats, but considers himself an independent due to his far-left-leaning views.







When asked if Sanders considers himself a Democrat or an independent after the event, a campaign aide stated, "He ran for president as a Democrat but was elected to a six-year term in the Senate as an independent."



Although he urged his supporters to vote for Clinton at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Sanders expressed his discontent with the party after email leaks showed officials attempting to aid Clinton's campaign in the party's primary. He called for Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to step down.





DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schulz Will Resign After Leaked Email Scandal





"I think she should resign, period, and I think we need a new chair who is going to lead us in a very different direction," Sanders said on ABC's This Week on Sunday.



She announced her resignation on Sunday. According to the Washington Post, Wasserman Schultz's resignation takes effect at the end of the Democratic National Convention, which ends Thursday.



"As Party Chair, this week I will open and close the Convention and I will address our delegates about the stakes involved in this election not only for Democrats, but for all Americans," she said. "We have planned a great and unified Convention this week and I hope and expect that the DNC team that has worked so hard to get us to this point will have the strong support of all Democrats in making sure this is the best convention we have ever had."
Myrna Dee (Marck) Peacock, 79, died Tuesday, July 26, 2016.

Dee was born June 14, 1937, to David and Rose (Gimble) Marck in St. Paul. Her family moved to La Crosse when she was an infant. As a child and as an adult she was actively involved in the family business, Community Camera. For years she helped her father set up and run the movie projector in small communities in Wisconsin, where he showed free outdoor films for children in different towns every night of the week. Westerns were always the favorites.

It was natural for Dee to have a knack for technology, having grown up in that business. She was said to be the first girl in Lincoln Junior High Schools Audiovisual Club.

After graduating in 1955 from Central High School, Dee attended La Crosse State University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in education. She taught at Oak Grove Elementary School for several years before having her children, Mark and Lori.

Dee joined the family business full time after working part time during her teaching years. She was bookkeeper and worked on the sales floor.

Although they were in the same schools all the way through their education, she did not meet her husband, Lyle Peacock, until he got out of the U.S. Army and came back to La Crosse in 1956. One day while stationed in Germany, he saw a La Crosse Tribune photo of Centrals class of 1955 and thought his wife was probably in it. He was right.

They married June 27, 1959, shortly after she graduated from the university. Dee and Lyle worked side by side at Community Camera, which she co-owned with her brother, Bob Marck, and sister-in-law, Jean, until the store closed in the early 1990s. Also helping out at the store were their children, Mark, who died in 1987 and Lori Arndt.

Dee was a Peacock who did not like to strut. She would not like to have her list of community activities known but we choose to do so anyway.

From the time that the store closed, Dee and Lyle worked tireless as volunteers for Retired Citizens Volunteer Program (RSVP), Friends of McGilvray Road, the BABES puppet show for alcoholism prevention in young children, Mobile Meals, CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate), and she was a 51-year member of the League of Women Voters. She was known as the Hamantaschen Queen of La Crosse, for the baked treats she produced for Congregation Sons of Abraham, where she volunteered for other events and activities as well.The same woman who baked hamantaschen also worked for the 4000 Foundation, which maintains the engine in Copeland Park. Dee had a great love of history, serving on the Preservation Alliance of La Crosse (PAL) and Historic Sites Preservation Commission.

She was extremely compassionate, and worked tirelessly for causes important to her. She and Lyle were honored with the Iverson-Frekking Ecumenical Award in 2001 and a separate Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016.

She was an ultimate community volunteer who gave much of her time simply because she loved it.

She is survived by her husband; daughter, Lori (David Arndt); grandchildren, Jonah and Rose, all of whom she adored; and nieces and nephews she dearly loved, David Marck, Roberta (Peter Ross) Marck, Sara (Duncan) OdegardMarck, and Dan and Tom (Kim) Peacock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark; brother, Bob; and sister-in-law, Jean.

Services will be 11 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at Dickinsons Family Funeral Home, Jackson Street Chapel. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the time of service, officiated by Rabbi Saul Prombaum. Burial will be in the Jewish cemetery.

In lieu of flower, memorials may be given to RSVP, New Horizons, Congregation Sons of Abraham, or the charity of donors choice.

Information and online condolences may be given to the family at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - Jeff Bezos, the founder and chief executive of Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O), has become the world's third-richest person as of the market close for the first time, Forbes magazine said, passing Warren Buffett, the chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N).

Bezos' fortune was $65.3 billion as of 4:30 p.m. EDT (2030 GMT) on Thursday, compared with Buffett's $64.9 billion.

Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) co-founder Bill Gates remained the world's richest person, at $77.7 billion, while Spain's Amancio Ortega, who founded the Zara clothing chain's owner Inditex SA (ITX.MC), was second at $72.7 billion. Facebook Inc (FB.O) co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was fifth, at $54 billion.

Bezos, 52, owns close to 18 percent of Amazon. Its stock has risen by roughly 50 percent since early February, as the world's largest online retailer continued to upend retailing as more people took to the Web rather than the mall to shop.

Amazon's share price rose further in after-hours trading, after the Seattle-based company reported better-than-expected second-quarter results.

Buffett, 85, owns close to 18 percent of Berkshire, but his donation this month of $2.86 billion of Berkshire stock to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four family charities led to his drop to fourth place. He has donated more than $24.3 billion to the Gates Foundation and family charities since 2006.

Berkshire is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and has roughly 90 business units including Geico car insurance, the BNSF railroad and Dairy Queen ice cream.

In June, Buffett called Bezos a "classic example" of how a business owner could thrive, by having focused at Amazon on how to "delight" customers, and keep them coming back, rather than simply process their orders.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Alan Crosby)
Diane Kruger has been enjoying her vacation in a secret location following her breakup from boyfriend of ten years Joshua Jackson.



The newly single actress shared another photo from her picturesque getaway this time of her bikini-clad body posing with the backdrop of her lodging's view.



"Dawn," Kruger, 40, simply captioned her snapshot.



The star has been traveling in what appears to be a Southeast Asian country as she has been posting postcard-worthy pictures of local landmarks and exotic delicacies such as lychee and purple mangosteen.









A photo posted by Diane Kruger (@dianekruger) on Jul 26, 2016 at 8:40pm PDT





Her vacation comes little over a week after Kruger and Jackson's breakup. During their ten-year romance, they owned houses in both Paris and Vancouver, and lived together in New York.



The two actors "have decided to separate and remain friends," their reps told PEOPLE.



Jackson, 38, was recently spotted in West Hollywood, California.
From Cosmopolitan

Former president Bill Clinton took the Democratic National Convention stage Tuesday night, giving a speech in support of his wife, Hillary, that was far more focused on the personal than the political. In his speech, he recounted how he first met his future wife and the adorable ways he tried to win her over.

"In the spring of 1971, I met a girl," he began.

From there, the former president talked about how he'd been too nervous to approach her at first, until Hillary eventually approached him and confronted him for staring at her so much. Their love blossomed from there, and they've "been walking, and talking, and laughing together ever since."

Bill went on to talk about how in awe of his wife he is for her dedication to public service and how she's always refused to settle, even when it came to marrying him. In fact, it was only on the third time that Bill proposed to his future wife that she said yes, and even that was only after he'd purchased her dream house on a whim.

"I married my best friend," he said. "I was still in awe, after more than four years of being around her, at how smart, and strong, and caring she was."

The former president also recounted their birth of their daughter, Chelsea, and how Hillary began to balance the roles of mother and public servant, even if she didn't receive credit for a lot of the work she did. He discussed how unrelenting Hillary has always been, and how she has always pursued justice and equality for those less fortunate than her.

"Hillary will make us stronger together," he ended. "You know it, because she's spent a lot of time doing it ... Those of us who have more yesterdays than tomorrows tend to care more about our children and grandchildren. The reason you should elect her, is that in the greatest country on earth, we have always been about tomorrow."

Many people applauded Bill Clinton's speech at the DNC and pointed out the fact that it sounded eerily similar to the speeches we've heard from so many nominees' wives in the past. The focus was 100 percent on Hillary Clinton, and while a majority of the speech was extremely personal, it was also an in-depth explanation of just how qualified she is to be the next president from the perspective of someone who's already had the job.

Follow Gina on Twitter.
howard marks

Howard Marks, cofounder of Oaktree Capital Management, just splashed some cold water on the hedge fund industry.

The alternative-investment giant, which manages $98 billion, reported earnings on Thursday.

During the call, Goldman Sachs analyst Alex Blostein asked about how Oaktree's limited partners are allocating their money to hedge funds relative to other alternative investment firms.

Marks' reply put a whole bunch of hedge fund managers in their place.

He said (emphasis ours):

"There was never anything about the term 'hedge fund' that produces instant magic. A hedge fund is just a form of delivery, and maybe a form of compensation. But all investment accomplishments still go back to superior judgments.

"You may not know, Alex, that I wrote a memo on hedge funds in 2004, and what I said then was when I first learned about hedge funds, which is probably in the '70s, there are 10 hedge funds ran by 10 geniuses. And in 2004, I said today there are 5,000 hedge funds, and I don't think they're run by 5,000 geniuses. Today we're probably up to 10,000.

"The performance of the greatest hedge funds run by geniuses, and their closing, created a big umbrella over this industry, which permitted the other 9,990 hedge fund managers to start hedge funds and command hedge fund fees."

In other words, the hedge fund industry was launched by a handful of genius investors (Marks could be referring to people like Jim Simons), and the rest of the industry has followed in their path, despite not being as smart or as profitable as their forebears.

In a 2004 client note dubbed "Hedge funds: a case for caution," Marks asked investors to give up on their "irrational dreams" and provided colorful analogies on the scability of hedge funds.

"I do not expect a debacle, just a disappointing experience. The sad fact is that, on average, hedge funds may go down as just another former silver bullet," he wrote.

The industry has been having a particularly hard time of it this year, with poor performance and insider trading investigations. Overall, the industry's return was at 1.6% through June, according to Hedge Fund Research. That's less than half the gains in the S&P 500.

Story continues

Here's Marks again (emphasis ours):

"But I dare say that the average hedge fund performance since I wrote that memo has not warranted the average hedge fund compensation. I think it is fair to say that. By the way, I said in that memo that the average hedge fund would make about 5% or 6% in coming years, and eventually people would give up on paying 2 and 20 to get 5% and 6%. And the report on that 10th anniversary memo said the average return has been 5.2%, but at that time assets were still screening upwards, and now people have caught up in reality, I think.

"And so at the margin, the appetite for hedge funds has been correcting. That has no impact on us. And in fact, you can't do it in stocks and bonds and you think less in hedge funds, I think that bodes well for the kind of things that we and our peers do."

Oaktree's competitors have also been vocal on hedge funds. Blackstone's COO, Tony James, for example, had provided a perfect summary of why the industry has been struggling, while billionaire Steve Schwarzman showed little sympathy for them.

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UFC president Dana White, in a recent interview with TMZ Sports, said that if B.J. Penn could go back and do it over again that the UFC Hall of Fame member would do things differently if he could. White's comments were in response to being asked about fighters that didn't live up to their potential.

Hawaiian news outlet Khon2.com caught up with Penn during the opening of a UFC gym in Hawaii and The Prodigy responded to White's remarks.

Its flattering and it makes you sad at the same time, Penn said about White's comments. Its strange for me to talk, because its like one side were talking about this Hall-of-Fame career guy, and on the other side, Im just trying to prove myself.

You got to talk about two different people, two different BJs at times. Its his opinion and hes entitled to that, and all I can do for my side is get in there and show them, he added. Maybe Dana White will look back and be like, You know what? Look at him now. That guy really did reach his full potential.'

TRENDING > Brock Lesnar Wont Be Punished by WWE for UFC-Related Failed Drug Tests

Penn, 37, hasn't fought since July 2014. He retired following a third loss to Frankie Edgar at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale. In January, Penn announced his intentions of returning to competing in the featherweight division. He was expected to face Dennis Siver at UFC 199 in June, but was removed from the fight card after being flagged for an anti-doping violation for out-of-competition, medically administered IV use. He was suspended for 180 days and anticipates a November return.

The fight now should be around November, Penn said. Thats when were looking to come back, so were going to talk to the UFC and 100-percent, we want to get back out there, 145 (pounds), and were gonna do this. See where this takes us.

One-hundred percent, Im going to fight again.

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Dont count on any references to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Brexit or pig in the upcoming third season of Netflixs Black Mirror, the Netflix anthology series creator/executive producer Charlie Brooker clarified today at TCA. The half-joking question from a reporter was regarding an episode from the series first season which centered on a fictional prime minister who is forced to have sex with a pig on camera in exchange for a hostages life. After it aired, news broke of allegations of Camerons involvement with a pig for initiation purposes at university, which Booker maintained he knew nothing about at the time.

Brooker said onstage today that there would be no references to the Cameron incident  either Brexit or the pig, he said to laughs from the crowd. Netflix announced today the third season will be available globally on Netflix beginning October 21.

Black Mirror is tapping into the top talent pool for its upcoming third season, including Rashida Jones and Mike Shur, who co-wrote an episode that stars Bryce Dallas Howard and Alice Eve. It turns out they were fans of the show and the feeling was mutual, Brooker said about how that collaboration came about. The episode, titled Nosedive and directed by Joe Wright, is what Booker described as a social satire about the identity in the social media age and a cheerful classical nightmare.

Said exec producer Annabel Jones of casting the series: We always try and set the story first  its got to feel right for the story, its got to feel right for the character. If someone is interested and there is a right story, then I think that is great. Once you start reverse-engineering stories, then you lose its authenticity.

First premiering on BBC, Black Mirror taps into the collective unease with the modern world, and each stand-alone episode explores themes of contemporary techno-paranoia. But today Brooker insisted the show is not anti-technology. Technology is never the villain in the show, he said. Its about human failings and human messes.

Story continues

The tech is really not even present, Jones later added. Its about society and its about how we communicate, the online rage and the consequences of that. These stories tend to be about the modern age and the modern world that we live in.

Speaking of what recent trends they missed, Brooker admitted he didnt see Pokemon Go coming, but they do have an episode the has a video gaming scene. Its fair to say that this season, some of the ideas are because we were aware of the greater progress of the world, that youve got to go two steps forward to stay ahead of reality at the moment.  There are things that are more more demented then Pokemon Go within this season.

Related stories

PBS CEO Paula Kerger On Presidential Election, 'Sesame Street' & More - TCA

Netflix Renews Will Arnett's 'Flaked' For 2017 Second Season

'Luke Cage' Showrunner On Filming Netflix Show: "I Didn't Want To Speak Harlem And Say Harlem Without Seeing Harlem" - TCA
The front row of a box suite in Wells Fargo Arena was lined with big names of African-American preaching Wednesday night, as pastors waited together to hear President Obama speak at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

As they cheered for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, sang along with What the World Needs Now is Love and waved their Joe and Yes We Can signs, their discussion turned serious. A handful of African-American preachers who support Donald Trump, including Darrell Scott and Mark Burns, they say, have managed to dominate the political and spiritual narrative for African-Americans this presidential cycleeven though many of them repeatedly have spoken out for Clinton. And they want that to change.

Bishop Greg Davis from Michigan is an evangelist whose shows are featured on the Word Network, the largest network for African-American religious media, which he says is in 90 million homes in 200 countries. He says the handful of black pastors supporting Trump are organized in a way pastors supporting Clinton are not yet. Davis says he has mentored Burns and used to even be on Scotts radio show daily, but he does not understand how Scott and Burns do not challenge Trump to say that black lives matter. Democrats in Philadelphia, Davis says, have given more hope in one night than all last week in Cleveland. They are really organized, he says, but they dont see the racist venom that he spews out. That is prompting him to act as the general election approaches: Its a late start, and Im going to help with all I can.

Bishop Corletta Vaughn, of Holy Ghost Cathedral in Detroit and reality star on Preachers of Detroita pastor who answers her phone with a cheerful Praise the Lordwants to help Clinton push faith leaders, and especially women of faith, to the forefront. Vaughn was one of about fifty black pastors to meet privately with Clinton in January, and she was also one of 28 black ministers who pledged support to Clinton soon after. That move came after the fiasco, as Vaughn puts it, when the Trump campaign inaccurately claimed to win endorsements from 100 black pastors, including hers, which she never gave.

When Clinton visited her church not long after, Vaughn was moved by her personal faith and her decision to visit the town of Flint. I introduced her as Deborah, who brought Israel together after the men had failed, Vaughn says, referencing an Israelite prophetess. And when Vaughn heard Clinton speak to her congregation about the Biblical parable of the prodigal son, she adds, she did so good that I didnt preach that day!

Rev. Traci Blackmon, who leads Christ the King United Church of Christ near Ferguson, Mo., and who serves on Obamas Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, also hopes there will be more of a platform for women of faith to speak out going forward. She was in Cleveland at the UCCs denominational headquarters during the Republican national convention, and decided that the best witness was not to protest the RNC itself but to just be the church. She and other faith justice leaders opened the UCC space to be a center for mediation and hospitality, to give out cookies and host the Catholic Nuns on the Bus travelers.

What concerned me in the street was the misogynistic spirit that permeated, Blackmon says of the mood in the streets of Cleveland. When you say things like, Trump versus the Tramp? Those words go beyond this political candidate to what you think about women in general.

She continues: We still struggle with women in the authority in the church, and now you are talking about women being at the head of the government?  Here is the bottom line: were coming.

Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick Jr., who leads Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, a 14,000-member church in Jacksonville, adds that he has preached as a guest for Scotts church. Now his concern is that pastors like Scott and Burns are straying from the core of the gospel message. They have sold out African-American people, they have sold their souls, McKissick says. Limelight can be a terrible aphrodisiac.

But McKissick also admits the other side has been playing a strong game. They have been getting all the press, he says, because they have been making all the noise. I think the remnant of us who believe in community, who believe in diversity, who believe in the message of Secretary Clinton, have now got to reshape the narrative and help people understand what I believe is necessary for our county, and as a result, necessary for our world.

McKissicks plan is to be very intentional about getting young people registered to vote, and to vote early. In the African-American tradition, he says, the church has always been the centerpiece of democracy. As African-American pastors, we have to be unbought and unbossed, he says. For me, she may be imperfect; he is immoral.

How the Clinton campaign leverages this groundswell of support for the general election remains to be seen. Clintons team hired a new director of African-American faith outreach, Zina Pierre, just this month. But the starting lineup is warming up. Down that front row line are more: pastor Jamal Bryant of Baltimore, Rev. Leslie Callahan of Philadelphia, others. And when Clinton joined Obama in the arena Wednesday night, they were all on their feet.
Miss Jackson County Sophie Grupe knew she and her court would have a busy year ahead of them.

The court takes part in many parades locally and regionally and volunteers at events like Project Christmas and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny while promoting the county.

All told the court logs about 70 events by the time their yearlong reign is done. Grupe said she enjoyed all of it.

Its been a busy year and a lot of fun meeting a lot of new people, said Grupe, 18, and a recent graduate of Lincoln High School.

We went to a lot of parades in a lot of cities. The nursing home visits were my favorite  interacting with residents and bringing a smile to their faces.

Grupe was joined by First Attendant Ashley Derus, Second Attendant Vanessa Ponterio and Miss Congeniality Natalie Danielson, and the court soon will be handing over ambassador duties to a new group of girls.

Grupe was a past member of Alma Centers Strawberry Festival Court and was familiar with the civic duties that come with being on a court. But she said the Miss Jackson County Court kept her busier and added she learned a lot about the county.

With Miss Jackson County we do a lot more community service and more volunteering on a larger scale, she said.

I would say that we learned a lot about residents and having to be an ambassador for Jackson County.

Miss Jackson County Program coordinator Cassie Olson said shes proud of how the current court has represented the county. Olson  a past Miss Jackson County herself  said shes enjoyed watching the girls grow.

One thing that I thought was really cool is when they all met the judges (last year), Olson said. I wouldnt say they were shy but definitely a lot more reserved.

But you start to see those friendships mold after the county fair. One of the girls said its really good to see a different side of the county fair ... and learning how much our county has to offer.

A new Miss Jackson County Court  which dates back to 1937  will be crowned Tuesday, Aug. 2. The coronation will be held at the Lunda Theater.

The program and coronation begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. There is no admission, but freewill donations will be accepted.

Beforehand from 5-6 p.m. the Miss Jackson County Program will host the Queens Tea in the adjacent Black River Falls Middle School commons area. Business and individual donors to the program, as well as area royalty, are invited to that event.

There are four girls vying for Miss Jackson County. Contestants, in alphabetical order, are:

n Callie Durman, 16 of Black River Falls and the daughter of Darren and Trish Durman.

n Nevada Hanson, 16 of Hixton and the daughter of David Forsting and Lisa Hanson.

n Chloe DHuyvetter, 17 of Humbird and the daughter of Emmanuel and Jolene DHuyvetter.

n Alisha Quall, 17 of Black River Falls and the daughter of Randy and Kaye Quall.

Olson said the Miss Jackson County Program, which offers scholarships to the girls, is an asset to the county and its communities as well as setting a good example for being a role model.

I just think theyre really good examples of leadership and what we would hope our youth in our community would want to be, Olson said.

They start making friendships with girls that they wouldnt have otherwise met, and through those friendships theyre promoting the county and the fair and what we have to offer.

Danielson also was a member on the Karner Blue Butterfly Court and a past Miss Black River Falls. She said programs like these are a good opportunity for young girls.

I think its very important because it gives girls in Jackson County an opportunity to show how much they appreciate Jackson County and show they want to give back, said the 18-year-old recent BRF graduate.

We just talk (to others) about the different events that go on here, like the Karner Blue Butterfly Festival  not a lot of people know about that  and just what the county does and our fair.

Grupe agreed of the programs importance.

It gives responsible, intelligent young women a voice and an opportunity to give back to their community and better themselves, she said. I think thats very important and very vital for young women who have a voice and have a platform to do it.
Bloodline is staying put in Florida.

The Netflix series starring Kyle Chandler, which was recently renewed for a third season, will continue to film in the Florida Keys. The Sunshine State has been home to the twisted family drama for its past two seasons on the air, but the loss of the state's tax incentives program raised questions about relocating to a less expensive location.

But at the Television Critics Association press tour on Wednesday, Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the Sony Pictures Television-produced series would keep production in Florida.

"Yeah, for sure," he said when asked if the upcoming season of the drama would film in the Keys. "It's an iconic location. The one thing that's cool about Netflix shows is that those locations are characters. In the Hell's Kitchen shows like Daredevil, Hell's Kitchen is a character - we can't fake it in Canada. So tax credits are a nice offset but if it doesn't fit the creative, we're not going to chase it."

Read More: How Netflix's 'Bloodline' Made the Florida Keys a Must-Visit Destination

Bloodline cast and crew, who were uncertain of the drama's future for months, had even taken measures themselves to keep the show local. Script supervisor Kathryn Waters wrote a Facebook post in January imploring business owners in the Keys to email a "Friends of Bloodline" Gmail address about the impact of the show on the local community in an effort to lobby lawmakers to replenish the state's tax incentives. (According to a film impact study, the series helped create more than $91 million in economic output by way of production spending and tourism in its first season.) "If new money is not made available, it is doubtful that Bloodline will have a season three," Waters wrote at the time.

The drama created by Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman and Glenn Kessler will be back for another round of 10 episodes in 2017.

Read More: Netflix Renews 'Bloodline' for Third Season
Paris (AFP) - French bank BNP Paribas managed to avoid a slide in profits in the second quarter, due in large part to a gain from selling its stake in the Visa card operator.

The bank said Thursday that in April through June its net profit edged up to 2.6 billion euros ($2.9 billion), much higher than the average of 2.2 billion expected by analysts surveyed by FactSet.

However France's top bank was only able to avoid a drop in profits that has hit many of its European rivals like Deutsche Bank and Banco Santander thanks to exceptional items.

Stripped of these, net profits slid 4.8 percent to 2.2 billion euros.

Among the exceptional items that boosted BNP Paribas's earnings was the sale of its stake in Visa Europe, which brought it a net gain after taxes of around 565 million euros.

"In a complex and changing environment, BNP Paribas delivered again a good performance this quarter," said chief executive Jean-Laurent Bonnafe.

The bank said it increased its core capital ratio, a measure of funds available to absorb potential losses, by a tenth of a percentage point to 11.1 percent.
The former Democratic chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said Wednesday that the United States should withdraw its ambassador from Moscow if it is determined that the Russian government hacked Democratic National Committee computers.

I think the possibility that [the Russians] are going to try to influence the outcome of an American presidential election is totally outrageous and unacceptable, former Sen. Bob Graham of Florida said in an interview with Yahoo News at the Democratic National Convention.

If the FBI conclusively determines that the Russian government was behind the cyberattack on the DNC, there should be severe consequences, Graham said.

One, we would probably withdraw our ambassador from Moscow, Graham said. In addition, he argued that the U.S. should look for what would be an appropriate sanction from this. For a long time, we had very severe economic sanctions against Russia. Those might be restored.

Asked if he believed those are the actions the U.S. government ought to take, Graham responded: I think those are two of the things that should happen. I would leave it up to the State Department and the National Security Council and others to see if there are other ways to influence Russia to withdraw from its attempts to influence the presidential election.

Graham was also asked during the interview about Donald Trumps remarks at a news conference earlier in the day that appeared to encourage Russias cyberspies to find the 30,000 emails that are missing from Hillary Clintons private email server.

Hes inviting somebody to engage in a felony, Graham said of the Republican presidential nominee. Hes asking for a Russian figure to commit espionage against the United States. And I think its a terrible commentary on a person at the threshold of becoming president of the United States and commander in chief to be making such rash statements.

_____

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boeing 747

Boeing

could end production of its iconic 747 aircraft, as the world's biggest plane manufacturer faces falling orders and pricing pressure, according to a regulatory filing.

"If we are unable to obtain sufficient orders and/or market, production and other risks cannot be mitigated, we could record additional losses that may be material, and it is reasonably possible that we could decide to end production of the 747," Boeing said in its filing on Wednesday.

Boeing said it had canceled plans to increase production of the 747 to one plane per month from 2019, and stuck to its plan of halving the production rate in September.

The production rate of the 747, which was 1.5 per month in June 2015, dropped to one per month in July.

747-8

"On the 747 program, we decided to reduce future production expectations and revenue assumptions to account for current and anticipated weakness in the air cargo market," Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg said on a post-earnings call with analysts.

Boeing reported a smaller-than-expected second-quarter loss on Wednesday, helped by strong performances in its passenger jet and defense businesses.

Up to Wednesday's close of $135.96, the company's shares had fallen about 6% since the start of the year.

Earlier this year, Boeing won a US Air Force contract worth $25.8 million to start work on the next fleet of Air Force One aircraft.

The aging Air Force One and it's twin decoy will be replaced with two Boeing's 747-8 and are expected to be operational in 2020.

NOW WATCH: The glory days of the 747  which is now officially on life support





More From Business Insider


By Kayon Raynor KINGSTON (Reuters) - Jamaica's Usain Bolt has landed in Rio de Janeiro more than a week before the Olympics opening ceremony to fine tune his preparations for his attempt at an unprecedented triple-triple of gold medals in the men's sprints. The wold record holder, who required a medical exemption after he pulled out of the Jamaican trials with a hamstring strain, proved his fitness last Friday by running 19.89 seconds to win the 200 meters at the London Diamond League meeting. He will join the Jamaican pre-Olympic camp as he seeks to become the first man to win gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay at three successive Games. Bolt had been training and receiving medical treatment in Munich after he pulled out of the Jamaican trials with the hamstring injury. The lanky sprinter is among 59 track and field athletes in Jamaica's 63-member delegation. The Caribbean nation will also be represented in diving, swimming and artistic gymnastics. (Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) released its financial results for the second quarter. While adjusted earnings were in line with the Street estimates, revenue exceeded both its own guidance and the analysts' predictions driven by its deep portfolio.

Boston Scientific reported sales of $2.126 billion for the three-month period AprilJune, which was higher than its own outlook of $2.01-$2.06 billion. Its sales represented 15 percent growth on a GAAP basis and 16 percent on an operations basis, i.e. on a constant currency basis. Analysts were looking for revenue of $2.05 billion.

The company suffered a GAAP loss of $207 million or a loss $0.15 per share compared to earnings of $0.08 in the yea- ago quarter. On an adjusted basis, it achieved EPS of $0.27 for the second quarter, up from $0.22 in the prior year quarter. Street analysts' expected $0.27 a share.

Boston Scientific Chairman and CEO, Mike Mahoney, commented, "Our strong performance is evidence of the success of our category leadership strategy. Our deep portfolio, commitment to innovation and high-performance culture are helping us meet the needs of our customers and patients while sustaining growth and momentum."

Going forward, the company lifted its revenue outlook to $8.27-$8.37 billion for the full year from $8.075-$8.225 billion projected earlier. The company also boosted its adjusted earnings forecast to $1.07-$1.11 a share from $1.06 - $1.10 a share. Street is looking for an EPS of $1.09 on revenue of $8.17 billion.

For the third, Boston Scientific estimates sales to be in a range of $2.035-$2.085 billion and adjusted EPS to be $0.25-$0.27. Analysts expect the company to deliver EPS of $0.27 and revenue of $2.04 billion.

At time of writing this, the stock traded 4 percent higher at $24.70 in the pre-market.

See more from Benzinga

 2016 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
* H1 recurring operating profit up 5.3 pct at constant FX

* H1 operating margin in France unchanged at 1.8 pct

* CEO pledges 0.5 pct margin improvement in 2 years

* Open to local partners in loss-making China unit

* May launch property, Brazil flotations next year (Recasts after analyst meeting)

By Pascale Denis and Tim Hepher

PARIS, July 28 (Reuters) - Retail giant Carrefour pledged on Thursday to boost operating margins in its cut-throat domestic market, after posting higher profits from Brazil and southern Europe, and signalled it is open to investors in its loss-making China arm.

The world's second-largest retailer after Wal-Mart said first-half recurring operating profit rose 5.3 percent to 706 million euros ($785 million) at constant exchange rates, beating the average estimate of 685 million in a Thomson Reuters poll.

Half-year operating profit in France fell 3 percent to 312 million euros, also coming in ahead of market forecasts of 303 million but with margins stable at 1.8 percent.

Like smaller peer Casino, Carrefour's setbacks in France have ranged from bad weather to strikes that hit sales at hypermarkets while the integration of the loss-making Dia discount stores still weighs on profitability.

In a rare specific forecast on profits, the traditionally cautious chief executive Georges Plassat sought to reassure investors over its core market, saying the operating margin in France would grow by 0.5 percent within two years.

But after rising as much as 2 percent on the better-than-expected earnings, shares in Carrefour fell more than 4 percent, as analysts repeatedly probed for details on financial performance and key markets.

Bernstein analyst Thomas Wharram said questions remained over cashflow, declining market share in France and operations in China, where slowing consumption has hurt sales.

Pressed to comment on cash generation after a first-half negative free cashflow of 2.26 billion euros, Plassat said it was not satisfactory but was "making progress".

Story continues

Carrefour, which makes 73 percent of its sales in Europe, is pursuing a global revival by focusing on price and cost cuts, and expansion into smaller convenience stores, while also renovating its core hypermarket network.

It confirmed plans to invest 2.5 billion-2.6 billion euros in renovating and expanding stores.

CHINA CONSOLIDATION

In China, which represents about 5 percent of group sales, Carrefour has already set out plans to expand in e-commerce and convenience stores and to open logistics centres.

It could also involve local players in consolidation of its Chinese assets, echoing a formula used in Brazil, Plassat said.

Asked about Carrefour's losses in the world's second-largest economy, Finance Director Pierre-Jean Sivignon declined to give details but said he expected the trend in China to bottom out in the second half of 2016.

"We see an improved trend in sales in the first half compared to the trend of 2015 and we ... are starting to approach the low point. Our plans are beginning to have an effect."

Sivignon said average analyst forecasts for group 2016 earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of around 2.47 billion euros were "reasonable" at this stage, implying a near 1 percent rise from last year's 2.45 billion euros. But he cautioned this was subject to swings in Brazil's currency, the real.

First-half operating profit rose 26 percent in Europe, excluding France, led by continued recovery in Spain.

Carrefour also posted 12.3 percent higher profits in Latin America led by a better-than-expected performance in Brazil, where it has coped better than some with economic crisis because its main business of selling food is relatively recession-proof.

Plassat said Carrefour was sticking to plans for a possible flotation of its Brazil unit, which includes Brazil's largest cash-and-carry store operator.

"We maintain the idea of an IPO (in Brazil) which could happen during 2017," he said.

He also gave keenly awaited details on the timing of a possible flotation of Carrefour's shopping mall property unit Carmila, saying it could happen next year.

Analysts say floating Carmila, one of Europe's five largest commercial property firms, would allow Carrefour to get extra cash to fund its expansion and release value in its portfolio.

($1 = 0.9007 euros) (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, Pascale Denis, Tim Hepher, Editing by Victoria Bryan and Andrew Callus)
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - The public federal prosecutor in the Brazilian state of Amazonas said on Wednesday the court there froze 38 million reais ($11.7 million) of funds held in Facebook Inc's account for failing to comply with a court order to supply data on users of the company's WhatsApp messaging service who are under criminal investigation. The prosecutor's office said the funds frozen correspond to the fines for failing to comply with court order to turn over data. Facebook representatives were not immediately available for comment. In the most recent decision, the court rejected Facebook's defence that the data of users was the responsibility of telephone and internet service operators in the United States and Ireland, which would require international cooperation. Prosecutor Alexandre Jabur, author of the order, said Facebook has shown enormous disregard for Brazilian institutions, especially the courts, prosecutors and police in not meeting court orders. Brazilian courts have shut down the popular WhatsApp messaging service nationwide three times since December. In the most recent case last week, a judge in Rio de Janeiro ordered local operators to suspend service to WhatsApp across the country until Facebook complied with an order to turn over information regarding a criminal process in the greater Rio area. On the same day, Supreme Court President Ricardo Lewandowski ordered the service re-established. (Reporting by Aluisio Alves; Writing by Reese Ewing; Editing by Leslie Adler)
STEVENSTOWN  Federal investigators will try to determine what caused a single-engine plane to crash in rural northern La Crosse County on Thursday afternoon, killing its pilot, who was the only person aboard.

Firefighters and other emergency responders found the plane in a cornfield about 6:15 p.m. at N6971 Hwy. D near Holmen, and the pilots remains were nearby, La Crosse County sheriffs Chief Deputy Jeff Wolf said.

Authorities Friday identified the pilot as Loren Larson, 56, of Kerkhoven, Minn. He had about 23 years of flying experience.

Larson left the airport in Willmar, Minn., at 10:23 a.m. for Appleton, Wis., with a planned stop at the La Crosse Regional Airport to pick up a passenger, according to the sheriff's department. The flight time was scheduled for one hour and 12 minutes.

At 11:37 a.m., the plane was flying 181 mph at 4,700 feet, according to its flight log. It dropped 1,200 feet in two minutes and was last recorded traveling 192 mph over Olson Road.

Minneapolis Air Traffic Control alerted local authorities of the lost plane at 12:13 p.m.

About 40 searchers from several agencies combed a wooded 4-square-mile area until the Mooney M-20 plane was found.

A National Transportation Safety Board investigator was on scene Friday to begin determining what caused the crash by documenting the wreckage and collecting evidence. He will review radar data, the flight plan and air traffic control recordings before the wreckage is removed and examined off-site.

Investigators also will review the plane's maintenance record and compile a 72-hour background on the pilot, NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss said.

A preliminary report is expected within 10 days. A final report with the cause of the crash could take up to one year.

This is the first aviation crash in La Crosse County since May 10, 2008, when a medical helicopter crashed into a bluff side, killing all three people aboard, according to the NTSB. Its the first crash in the Coulee Region since a helicopter went down while dusting crops near Tomah in August 2014, injuring the pilot.
(Recasts with share performance, management actions throughout)

By Guillermo Parra-Bernal

SAO PAULO, July 28 (Reuters) - Shares in Banco Bradesco SA sank on Thursday as a grimmer outlook for loan-loss provisions this year reignited concerns that a harsh recession and a deluge of refinancing requests may hamper profits at Brazil's No. 3 listed lender.

Bradesco's preferred shares, its most widely traded class of stock, suffered their biggest drop since late May after the company said its provisions could end this year at between 18 billion reais and 20 billion reais ($5.52 billion and $6.14 billion). The prior range was 16.5 billion reais to 18.5 billion reais.

A 33 percent jump in provisions over the past year and signs of borrowers' reluctance to pay more for loans led Bradesco to miss the consensus second-quarter profit estimates. The Osasco, Brazil-based bank earned recurring net income of 4.161 billion reais last quarter, below the consensus estimate of 4.213 billion reais.

While the new provisions forecast underscores Chief Executive Officer Luiz Carlos Trabuco's steps to cushion Bradesco from soaring defaults, the market's reaction "suggests asset quality weakened beyond the story told by reported figures," said Carlos Macedo, an analyst with Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

The preferred shares tumbled 4.4 percent to 27.52 reais.

Adding to the bad news, a judge in Brasilia accepted charges against Trabuco and two other senior executives for allegedly plotting to avoid a 3 billion-real tax fine. The bank has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by the executives.

Banks in Brazil are wrestling with slumping activity amid the country's worst recession in eight decades as well as fallout from a sweeping corruption probe into state companies and large corporate borrowers. Both situations have stoked a doubling in Brazilian bankruptcy filings over the past year.

The nation's banks had a record 197 billion reais, or 7 percent of outstanding loans, in the form of loan-loss buffers as of June, central bank data showed this week.

Story continues

BANKRUPTCIES

Some large companies, like rig leaser Sete Brasil Participacoes SA and phone carrier Oi SA, sought court protection from creditors during the second quarter. They had a combined 34 billion reais in loan borrowings at the time of their filings.

Bradesco's loan-loss provisions came in at 5.024 billion reais in the second quarter, 4 percent above consensus. While interest and fee income was within expectations, slow growth may signal that the recession is weighing down on the lender's ability to reprice new contracts.

Last quarter, the E-H category comprising the riskiest credit lines in Bradesco's loan book rose to 4.8 percent from 2.8 percent in the prior three months. A 1.7 billion-real increase in the highest risk H bucket was due to an unidentified "single-case corporate borrower," the bank said.

Bradesco moved about 600 million reais parked in generic reserves to recurring provisions, signaling an increasingly strained loan book. Both consumer and corporate loans in arrears rose above expectations, with early default indicators pointing to further deterioration in the future.

In a conference call to discuss the results, Chief Financial officer Luiz Carlos Angelotti said delinquencies could peak by the end of this year or early 2017, and that exceptional default cases among large corporate clients "are not expected."

Bradesco's benchmark 90-day default ratio climbed 0.4 percentage points to 4.6 percent in the second quarter, the biggest quarterly jump for the indicator in almost seven years.

"Delinquencies are rising but coverage ratio and loan-loss buffers remain elevated, providing reasonable protection," said Philip Finch, a London-based strategist with UBS Securities.

In the second quarter, renegotiated loans jumped 6 percent from the first quarter and rose 20 percent versus the year-earlier quarter.

Trabuco managed to limit the adverse impact of provisions and defaults on Bradesco's profits by accelerating staff reductions and taking advantage of a lower tax rate. As a result, return on equity fell slightly to 17.3 percent in the quarter, but was still about a percentage point below consensus estimates.

Loan book growth could stay flat or fall up to 4 percent this year, bucking Bradesco's prior forecast of a 1 percent to 5 percent expansion. The bank also increased guidance on interest income growth for the year to a range of 7 percent to 11 percent.

($1 = 3.2591 Brazilian reais) (Editing by W Simon and Paul Simao)
(Adds details)

SAO PAULO, July 28 (Reuters) - Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA, Brazil's largest listed producer of flat steel, on Thursday posted a smaller-than-expected second-quarter net loss as sales volume withstood the impact of a deep recession and rising imports.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil-based Usiminas posted a shortfall of 123 million reais ($38 million), compared with the average consensus estimate of a loss of 280.1 million reais, as compiled by Thomson Reuters. That was sharply down from a loss of 781 million reais a year earlier.

Usiminas' board unanimously approved a plan this month to inject 1 billion reais ($307 million) of capital into the company, a precondition for accelerating the refinancing of 7 billion reais in debt with banks and bondholders.

A boardroom battle between controlling shareholders Techint Group and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp over control of Usiminas did not appear to distract management as Usiminas showed progress in its operating profits.

Usiminas posted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of 61 million reais in the quarter, versus a loss of 755 million in the year-earlier period.

EBITDA was 50 million reais in the first quarter.

The improved operating results came partly due to a sharp reduction in investment, which fell to 50 million reais in the quarter, versus 70 million in the first three months of the year and 226 million in the second quarter of 2015, the company said.

Usiminas, which has the capacity to produce 9 million tonnes of steel per year, produced 1.57 million in the first half of the year, down 42 percent from the same period of 2015.

($1 = 3.2586 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal and Alberto Alerigi; Writing by Guillermo Parra-Bernal and Daniel Flynn)
Formaldehyde is an ever-present, colorless gas that can give off a pickle-like smell. It has been commonly used in home products for decades, in everything from certain types of wood flooring to detergents, paint, fabric, and even wallpaper.

And although formaldehyde occurs naturally in the world, that doesnt mean it's safe, or always dangerous. Its status is more complicated than that.

Heres where the trouble starts. At even low levels, formaldehyde can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and skin, or trigger an attack in asthma sufferers. And worker exposure to very high levels over many years has been linked to rare nose and throat cancer, and leukemia. The youngest and oldest, and particularly those suffering from respiratory problems, are most vulnerable.

The World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer considers the gas a human carcinogen. So reducing your formaldehyde exposure when possible is better for your health.

Lately formaldehyde has also been ever-present in the news cycle after a 60 Minutes report last year that said laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidatorsproduced in China and sold in the U.S.had been found to emit formaldehyde at levels several times higher than California regulations allow.

In June, Lumber Liquidators reached a settlement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, agreeing to continue free testing of some of the laminate floors for consumers who purchased them.

Consumer Reports decided to do some testing of its own on a variety of wood flooring products, including two laminates currently on the market. In the limited study conducted over the past year, we sought to determine whether any wood-based flooring could pose a formaldehyde hazard and, if so, how much of a hazard.

The results were striking for what became clear and what remained fuzzy. The prefinished solid-wood flooring we tested had consistently lower formaldehyde emissionsnear or lower than what we think it should bethan the engineered wood and laminate. Its likely that the glues and resins those products are made with emit formaldehyde. That said, formaldehyde levels varied widely among products and even within samples from the same engineered-wood or laminate plank.

Story continues

Keep in mind that testing within homes, under less controlled conditions, becomes even more difficult given that many sources can emit formaldehyde. When overall readings are high, it can be very difficult to isolate the cause.

What You Should Do

Weve prepared this Q&A to help inform your decisions about what kind of flooring to install, and what to do about existing materials and products in your homes. We have also published Ratings of prefinished solid-wood, vinyl, and tile floors; all are better choices when it comes to formaldehyde emissions.

Is there a safe level of formaldehyde?

On July 27, the federal Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors from certain wood products produced domestically or imported into the U.S. The standards take effect a year after being published in the Federal Register. The agency worked with the California Air Resources Board to help ensure the final national rule is consistent with California requirements for composite wood products.



Consumer Reports agrees with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions cancer risk estimate, which is based on the CPSCs testing of laminate flooring. But we believe that the federal formaldehyde emission rate should be established at 2 micrograms per square meter per hour. At that level, the formaldehyde emitted by flooring would not significantly raise the background level of formaldehyde in a home or increase cancer risk to adults.

Should I avoid engineered-wood and laminate flooring altogether?

Prefinished solid-wood flooring seems to be a better choice than engineered wood or laminate, according to our small test sample. The prefinished solid-wood flooring had consistently lower formaldehyde emissionsnear or less than our level of concernthan the widely variable levels we found from the engineered-wood and laminate flooring we tested.

Do product certifications matter?

When it comes to formaldehyde, not as much as you might expect. Certification labels Greenguard Gold and FloorScore use formaldehyde levels of 9 micrograms per cubic meter (modeled in office settings) as their threshold. Based on our estimates, thats almost 10 times as high as what we think it should be.

I just had one of these types of floors put in. What should I do?

Formaldehyde is a volatile chemical and will off-gas over time, but our tests show that those rates are variable, too. There are ways to reduce formaldehyde exposure if you have new floors or any other new composite wood product (see 6 Safety Steps, below).

How do I get the flooring I bought at Lumber Liquidators tested?

Lumber Liquidators recall-to-test program involves only laminate flooring the company sourced from China and sold between February 2012 and May 2015, when the company stopped selling it. If you have that flooring, call 800-366-4204 or go to lumberliquidators.com/ll/testkit to request a free testing kit. Emissions of 0.080 parts per million or higher, based on WHO guidelines, will trigger more plank testing and, if necessary, an in-home exam by a certified industrial hygienist paid for by Lumber Liquidators. According to the company, and confirmed by the CPSC, more than 17,000 air tests have already been performed, leading to 1,300 planks being tested. None have come back above the WHO standard.

Ive had one of these floors in my home for years. Do I still need to worry about this?

Probably not. According to a recent report cited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, If the flooring was installed several years ago, the levels of formaldehyde may have returned to what is typically found in homesso there may be no reason to remove it. We looked at formaldehyde decay levels in a few samples over the course of eight to nine months. Some emission levels dropped considerably over that time; others didnt.

At what point should I consider home testing?

If chemical odors are strong, you have trouble breathing, or you experience irritation only when at home, consider getting your home tested. Just be aware that results are rarely clear-cut. Do-it-yourself test kits are available, but the Environmental Protection Agency has neither tested nor verified their accuracy. Even a highly precise in-home test could give misleading resultsfrom false positives to even missing an existing problemwarns the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

And experts say that even expensive and extensive testing might not identify specific sources of formaldehyde.

What does the industry advise consumers to do about these types of floors if theyre already installed?

The National Wood Flooring Association and the North American Laminate Flooring Association say consumers should research the brand and model of existing flooring to make sure they comply with California Air Resources Board standards. (NALFA-certified laminate floors pass that test.) A flooring professional should be able to help do the research.

And if someone in your household tends to be sicker at home than when away, consider hiring a pro to analyze the overall indoor air, not just the formaldehyde. Mold or other allergens could be the cause.

Which types of products emit formaldehyde?

In addition to some flooring, sources of formaldehyde can include permanent-press fabrics, wallpaper, plywood, medium-density fiberboard, particleboard, and other pressed-wood products that some furniture, cabinets, and paneling are made of. Glues, paint, caulk, pesticides, cosmetics, detergents, and some insulation give off formaldehyde. And smoke from tobacco, gas stoves, and fireplaces also releases it.

6 Safety Steps

Here are some ways to lower formaldehyde levels in your home:

1. Open windows each day to let in fresh air.

2. Set indoor temperature and humidity levels to the lowest comfortable levels. Higher temps and humidity levels increase off-gassing.

3. Ban indoor smoking.

4. Forget about using your air purifier. It probably wont lower formaldehyde levels. Nor will putting a rug over your floor.

5. Choose products with little or no formaldehyde. That includes wood products (such as furniture and flooring) made without urea-formaldehyde (UF) glues. Pressed-wood products should meet ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde or no-added formaldehyde requirements. Use no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or low-VOC paints, stains, and other products. And insulation should have no UF foam.

6. Deal with formaldehyde in new products. Before using permanent-press clothing or curtains, wash them. And consider keeping new engineered-wood or laminate flooring, furniture made with pressed wood, and other sources of formaldehyde outside living spacesat least until you cannot smell chemicals.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the September 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
* Graphic on Brexit impact http://reut.rs/2aqnwkw LONDON, July 28 (Reuters) - Britain's June 23 referendum decision to leave the European Union has had far-reaching consequences for the world's economy, businesses, investors and politics. Following are the main developments: JULY 28: We're not insignificant, honest. Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working overtime to persuade people that the country is still a viable international player despite turning its back on the EU.

Two GIFs on the ministry's Twitter feed - https://twitter.com/foreignoffice - tell the tale.

One reminds everyone that Britain is a member of NATO, the G7, G20, Commonwealth and U.N. Security Council. Committed to working with international partners for global security and prosperity is the message.

The other gives five reasons why the UK is still one of he best places to invest - low unemployment, fast growth, smaller budget deficit etc.

More than half of British voters wanted Brexit, but the public is clearly uncertain about what it means. Consumer confidence plunged this month to its lowest level in three years, according to a YouGov and Centre for Economics and Business Research survey.

Contributors to a RICS construction survey also predict a 1 percent rise in workloads over the next 12 months, down from growth of 2.8 percent they had foreseen in the first quarter.

Another wish-you-were-a-fly-on-the-wall moment. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is in Paris to meet his counterpart, Jean-Marc Ayrault. It will be recalled that on Johnson's appointment, Ayrault said: "(Johnson) lied a lot to the British people and now it is he who has his back against the wall." Signs of Brexit stress: 1) Dealership Inchcape expects UK car market growth to slow after Brexit.

2) Countrywide, the UK's biggest lettings and estate agency company, warns on full-year core earnings because commercial and London residential transactions have stalled since vote.

Story continues

3) French outdoor advertising company JCDecaux says it will reduce investments in Britain because of Brexit.

IMPORTANT DATES AHEAD: - Aug. 4: Bank of England policy meeting, economic forecasts - Sept. 16: Informal EU summit in Bratislava - Sept. 25-28: UK Labour Party conference - October TBA: Italian constitutional reform referendum - Oct. 2: Re-run of Austrian presidential election - Oct. 2-5: UK Conservative Party conference - Oct. 13-15: Scottish National Party conference - Oct. 20-21: Formal EU summit in Brussels PREVIOUS JULY 27 - Could there be a Third Way? British Prime Minister Theresa May says she wants to develop a new model for UK-EU relations after Brexit. The two choices up to now have been a) in the single market with freedom of movement or b) no freedom of movement and out of the single market.

Says May: "I think we should be developing the model that suits the United Kingdom and the European Union. Not adopting, necessarily, a model that is on the shelf already." European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker appears to be in no mood to give Britain an easy time in the Brexit negotiations. He hands the job from his side to Michel Barnier, a former commissioner and French foreign minister, who is known as a hard-line European and tough negotiator.

The political editor of Britain's pro-Brexit Sun newspaper tweets: "Hard to think of a more anti-British figure, declaration of war".

Second-quarter economic growth in Britain was faster than expected, despite the then pending Brexit vote. Won't last, analysts say, pointing to purchasing manager indexes and other sentiment reports.

Then comes a dire report from the Confederation of British Industry, which says UK retailers suffered their sharpest fall in sales in four years after the vote to leave. Orders placed with suppliers fell at the sharpest rate since March 2009 and were expected to decline rapidly in August too.

REGULAR ITEMS: - Global Markets - Currency reports - Brexit Factbox: (Written by Jeremy Gaunt)
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

BOSTON, July 28 (Reuters) - Bridgewater, the world's largest hedge fund, described its culture as a "real idea meritocracy" on Thursday and said it had made clients $1.3 billion so far this year in a rare public defense of its performance and operations.

The rebuttal was sparked by a story in The New York Times this week about a lawsuit filed by a former Bridgewater employee, who described the atmosphere at the $154 billion firm as a "cauldron of fear and intimidation."

Bridgewater's unconventional management style - where meetings are videotaped and employees openly challenge each other and give themselves continuous performance feedback - is driven by founder Ray Dalio's belief that "radical transparency" produces better investment ideas.

But a former employee, Christopher Tarui, said the culture silenced employees who did not fit in. In a complaint filed with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Tarui said his male supervisor sexually harassed him for about a year and after he complained, several Bridgewater top managers pressured him to drop the claims.

Tarui did not respond to Reuters' attempts to contact him.

'CULTURE OF OPENNESS'

Bridgewater declined to discuss Tarui's complaint but in a two-page memo, the firm said it has an anonymous "complaint line" for employees and there was an Employee Relations team that handles issues of a personal nature in a confidential manner.

"While we acknowledge that this culture of openness is not for everyone, our employees overwhelmingly treasure this way of operating," the firm said in the memo.

Turnover at the Westport, Connecticut-based firm is known to be relatively high, with an estimated 25 percent of staff departing during the first 18 months of employment.

In the memo, Bridgewater said it scored 4.4 out of 5 when it asked staff to rate the statement, "I believe that Bridgewater's culture and principles are key to its success," in a recent anonymous survey.

Story continues

Bridgewater also denied that it had lost billions of dollars for investors as a result of mixed performance over the past two years.

"In 2015, our Pure Alpha fund had its 15th consecutive year of positive returns. This year, year-to-date, we have made $1.3 billion for our clients across our strategies," the firm said.

The firm said this was less than it expected. Still, it said clients had faith in the firm and had invested "$12 billion in new assets over the last seven months."

A spokeswoman for the New York Times did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The firm's flagship Pure Alpha fund was off roughly 8 percent this year after having gained 4.7 percent last year, a person familiar with the number said. Its All Weather fund, meanwhile, is up more than 10 percent this year after having lost 7 percent in 2015, the person said.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Bernadette Baum)
"The New York Times Story is a Distortion of Reality"



Although we continue to be reluctant to engage with the media, we again find ourselves in the position of being left with no choice but to respond to sensationalistic and inaccurate stories, both to make clear what is true and to do our part in fighting against the growing trend of media distortion. To let such significant mischaracterizations of our business stand would be unfair to our hard-working employees and valued clients who understand the reality of our culture and values.



While we all would hope that we could count on the Times for accurate and well-documented reporting, sadly, its article "Sex, Fear, and Video Surveillance at the World's Largest Hedge Fund" doesn't meet that standard. In this memo we will give you clear examples of the article's distortions. We cannot comment on the specific case raised in the article due to restrictions we face as a result of ongoing legal processes and our desire to maintain the privacies of the people involved for fear that they too will be tried in the media through sensationalistic innuendos. Nonetheless, we can say that we are confident that our management handled the case consistently with the law and we look forward to its successful resolution through the legal process.



To understand the background of this story, you should know that the New York Times reporters never made a serious attempt to understand how we operate. Instead they intentionally strung together a series of misleading "facts" in ways they felt would create the most sensationalistic story. If you want to see an accurate portrayal of Bridgewater, we suggest that you read examinations of Bridgewater written by two independent organizational psychologists and a nationally-renowned management researcher. (See An Everyone Culture by Robert Kegan; Learn or Die by Edward Hess; and Originals by Adam Grant.)



Rather than being the "'cauldron of fear and intimidation'" the New York Times portrayed us as, Bridgewater is exactly the opposite. Bridgewater is well known for giving employees the right to speak up, especially about problems, and to make sense of things for themselves. Everyone is encouraged to bring problems to the surface in whatever ways they deem to be most appropriate. To be more specific, our employees typically report their business problems and ideas in real time through a public "issue log" and a company-wide survey that is administered quarterly. More sensitive matters are reported through an anonymous "complaint line," and all employees have access to an Employee Relations team charged with being a closed, confidential outlet outside of the management chain for handling issues of a personal nature.



The New York Times portrayed our taping of meetings as creating "an atmosphere of constant surveillance . . . that silence[s] employees who do not fit the mold." It is well known that Bridgewater's taping of meetings is instead done to enable employees to hear virtually all discussions happening at the firm for themselves. We make these tapes available to employees because we believe strongly that in order to have a real idea meritocracy, people need to see and hear things for themselves rather than through the spin of others. We also believe that bad things happen behind closed doors so that such transparency is healthy.



While we acknowledge that this culture of openness is not for everyone, our employees overwhelmingly treasure this way of operating. In our most recent anonymous survey, employees rated their agreement with the statement "I believe that Bridgewater's culture and principles are key to its success" a 4.4 out of 5. Many of our employees say they wouldn't want to work anywhere else because they so appreciate our unique idea meritocracy in which meaningful work and meaningful relationships are pursued through radical truth and transparency. The New York Times article doesn't square with common sense. If Bridgewater was really as bad as the New York Times describes, then why would anyone want to work here?



The New York Times said that some employees "are required to lock up their personal cellphones each morning when they arrive at work" which made it sound like employees can't carry their phones around with them like employees at other companies do. This is wrong. The truth is that the vast majority of our employees freely carry around their cell phones; the only place they can't is on our trading floor, where cell phones are prohibited. This policy is to protect the confidentiality of trades in order to protect our clients' money.



The New York Times said that the company's culture makes it impossible for employees to have matters handled confidentially. That is also wrong. As stated above, we have clearly defined channels for reporting private matters that have been utilized by many employees over the years. These matters have always been kept confidential.



The New York Times said "over the last two years, the firm has lost billions of dollars for investors as a result of mixed performance." That is wrong as well. In 2015, our Pure Alpha fund had its 15th consecutive year of positive returns. This year, year-to-date, we have made $1.3 billion for our clients across our strategies. While that is less than expected, it is within our stated range of expectations. Notably, our clients who know us well have demonstrated their confidence in us by investing $12 billion in new assets over the last seven months.



Concerning legal matters, because Bridgewater is culturally committed to the pursuit of truth, we have always had a strong preference to not "settle" claims but rather to be judged by the appropriate legal or regulatory system, even though that is not the expedient thing to do. Like many organizations, we encounter frivolous claims made in an effort to extract financial gain. Most companies prefer to settle them because it saves time and legal costsand avoids the sort of distorted publicity that we are now encountering. We choose to contest them instead. At the same time, we have clear policies and standards of behavior, and when we discover behavior inconsistent with them, we act decisively. We are proud to say that in our 40 year history we have had no material adverse judgments.



We are far from perfect and we like to raise our imperfections to the surface so that we can deal with them honestly and transparently, while also protecting personal privacy. This approach is controversial and gives the media a lot of material to pick from to mischaracterize, but we believe that in the long run it is the best way for improving. It has been the biggest reason for our success. We look forward to continue being judged by our employees, our clients, and the legal and regulatory parties who are responsible for overseeing our behaviors, rather than by the media.
Ray Dalio, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Bridgewater Associates aT the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland REUTERS/Ruben Sprich

Billionaire Ray Dalio, the founder of $160 billion hedge fund behemoth Bridgewater Associates, is once again publicly defending his hedge fund.

This morning, he issued a statement slamming The New York Times over an article it ran on Wednesday that included details of an alleged sexual harassment complaint, skinny-dipping during a work retreat, and video surveillance thats created a cauldron of fear and intimidation, as the employee who filed the sexual harassment suit put it.

To understand the background of this story, you should know that the New York Times reporters never made a serious attempt to understand how we operate. Instead they intentionally strung together a series of misleading facts in ways they felt would create the most sensationalistic story, Dalio said in the statement.

Upon joining Bridgewater, the firms 1,500 employees were required to read Dalios Principles, a 123-page manifesto. One of those principles is to be radically transparent. At Bridgewater, all meetings are recorded.

The New York Times portrayed our taping of meetings as creating an atmosphere of constant surveillance . . . that silence[s] employees who do not fit the mold. It is well known that Bridgewaters taping of meetings is instead done to enable employees to hear virtually all discussions happening at the firm for themselves, Dalio said.

He continued: We make these tapes available to employees because we believe strongly that in order to have a real idea meritocracy, people need to see and hear things for themselves rather than through the spin of others. We also believe that bad things happen behind closed doors so that such transparency is healthy.

Dalio also defended his funds performance numbers.

In 2015, our Pure Alpha fund had its 15th consecutive year of positive returns. This year, year-to-date, we have made $1.3 billion for our clients across our strategies. While that is less than expected, it is within our stated range of expectations. Notably, our clients who know us well have demonstrated their confidence in us by investing $12 billion in new assets over the last seven months.

Story continues

This isnt the first time Dalio has publicly lambasted the media. Back in March, Dalio criticized the media for its mischaracterization of the firm when it comes to its succession process, culture and views on China.

Heres the full statement from Dalio:

The New York Times Story is a Distortion of Reality

Although we continue to be reluctant to engage with the media, we again find ourselves in the position of being left with no choice but to respond to sensationalistic and inaccurate stories, both to make clear what is true and to do our part in fighting against the growing trend of media distortion. To let such significant mischaracterizations of our business stand would be unfair to our hard-working employees and valued clients who understand the reality of our culture and values.

While we all would hope that we could count on the Times for accurate and well-documented reporting, sadly, its article Sex, Fear, and Video Surveillance at the Worlds Largest Hedge Fund doesnt meet that standard. In this memo we will give you clear examples of the articles distortions. We cannot comment on the specific case raised in the article due to restrictions we face as a result of ongoing legal processes and our desire to maintain the privacies of the people involved for fear that they too will be tried in the media through sensationalistic innuendos. Nonetheless, we can say that we are confident that our management handled the case consistently with the law and we look forward to its successful resolution through the legal process.

To understand the background of this story, you should know that the New York Times reporters never made a serious attempt to understand how we operate. Instead they intentionally strung together a series of misleading facts in ways they felt would create the most sensationalistic story. If you want to see an accurate portrayal of Bridgewater, we suggest that you read examinations of Bridgewater written by two independent organizational psychologists and a nationally-renowned management researcher. (See An Everyone Culture by Robert Kegan; Learn or Die by Edward Hess; and Originals by Adam Grant.)

Rather than being the cauldron of fear and intimidation the New York Times portrayed us as, Bridgewater is exactly the opposite. Bridgewater is well known for giving employees the right to speak up, especially about problems, and to make sense of things for themselves. Everyone is encouraged to bring problems to the surface in whatever ways they deem to be most appropriate. To be more specific, our employees typically report their business problems and ideas in real time through a public issue log and a company-wide survey that is administered quarterly. More sensitive matters are reported through an anonymous complaint line, and all employees have access to an Employee Relations team charged with being a closed, confidential outlet outside of the management chain for handling issues of a personal nature.

The New York Times portrayed our taping of meetings as creating an atmosphere of constant surveillance . . . that silence[s] employees who do not fit the mold. It is well known that Bridgewaters taping of meetings is instead done to enable employees to hear virtually all discussions happening at the firm for themselves. We make these tapes available to employees because we believe strongly that in order to have a real idea meritocracy, people need to see and hear things for themselves rather than through the spin of others. We also believe that bad things happen behind closed doors so that such transparency is healthy.

While we acknowledge that this culture of openness is not for everyone, our employees overwhelmingly treasure this way of operating. In our most recent anonymous survey, employees rated their agreement with the statement I believe that Bridgewaters culture and principles are key to its success a 4.4 out of 5. Many of our employees say they wouldnt want to work anywhere else because they so appreciate our unique idea meritocracy in which meaningful work and meaningful relationships are pursued through radical truth and transparency. The New York Times article doesnt square with common sense. If Bridgewater was really as bad as the New York Times describes, then why would anyone want to work here?

The New York Times said that some employees are required to lock up their personal cellphones each morning when they arrive at work which made it sound like employees cant carry their phones around with them like employees at other companies do. This is wrong. The truth is that the vast majority of our employees freely carry around their cell phones; the only place they cant is on our trading floor, where cell phones are prohibited. This policy is to protect the confidentiality of trades in order to protect our clients money.

The New York Times said that the companys culture makes it impossible for employees to have matters handled confidentially. That is also wrong. As stated above, we have clearly defined channels for reporting private matters that have been utilized by many employees over the years. These matters have always been kept confidential.

The New York Times said over the last two years, the firm has lost billions of dollars for investors as a result of mixed performance. That is wrong as well. In 2015, our Pure Alpha fund had its 15th consecutive year of positive returns. This year, year-to-date, we have made $1.3 billion for our clients across our strategies. While that is less than expected, it is within our stated range of expectations. Notably, our clients who know us well have demonstrated their confidence in us by investing $12 billion in new assets over the last seven months.

Concerning legal matters, because Bridgewater is culturally committed to the pursuit of truth, we have always had a strong preference to not settle claims but rather to be judged by the appropriate legal or regulatory system, even though that is not the expedient thing to do. Like many organizations, we encounter frivolous claims made in an effort to extract financial gain. Most companies prefer to settle them because it saves time and legal costsand avoids the sort of distorted publicity that we are now encountering. We choose to contest them instead. At the same time, we have clear policies and standards of behavior, and when we discover behavior inconsistent with them, we act decisively. We are proud to say that in our 40 year history we have had no material adverse judgments.

We are far from perfect and we like to raise our imperfections to the surface so that we can deal with them honestly and transparently, while also protecting personal privacy. This approach is controversial and gives the media a lot of material to pick from to mischaracterize, but we believe that in the long run it is the best way for improving. It has been the biggest reason for our success. We look forward to continue being judged by our employees, our clients, and the legal and regulatory parties who are responsible for overseeing our behaviors, rather than by the media.

Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance.

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RAY DALIO: More than anything else, I attribute my success to one thing
ray dalio

Bridgewater Associates has fired back at The New York Times for its recent story on the company's culture, "At World's Largest Hedge Fund, Sex, Fear and Video Surveillance."

"Although we continue to be reluctant to engage with the media, we again find ourselves in the position of being left with no choice but to respond to sensationalistic and inaccurate stories, both to make clear what is true and to do our part in fighting against the growing trend of media distortion," the company said in a statement.

"To let such significant mischaracterizations of our business stand would be unfair to our hard-working employees and valued clients who understand the reality of our culture and values," the statement added.

It said that New York Times reporters Alexandra Stevenson and Matthew Goldstein "never made a serious attempt to understand how we operate" and that they weaved together disparate stories to create a sensationalized image of the $154 billion investment firm.

The Times story, which was published Tuesday, drew from a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, in which a 34-year old Bridgewater employee named Christopher Tarui, who is on leave, accused a superior of sexual harassment.

Bad things happen behind closed doors

Tarui said the company, which has a culture of "radical transparency" in which every meeting is recorded, tried to get him to withdraw his complaint. Intimidation is a focal point of the Times story, which also includes interviews with seven former employees and a filing with the National Labor Relations Board.

What seemed clear from the story was that Bridgewater's constant surveillance actually acted as a form of enforcing self-censorship. Bridgewater does not see it that way.

"The New York Times portrayed our taping of meetings as creating 'an atmosphere of constant surveillance ... that silence[s] employees who do not fit the mold.' It is well known that Bridgewater's taping of meetings is instead done to enable employees to hear virtually all discussions happening at the firm for themselves," the firm said in its statement.

Story continues

It continued: "We make these tapes available to employees because we believe strongly that in order to have a real idea meritocracy, people need to see and hear things for themselves rather than through the spin of others. We also believe that bad things happen behind closed doors so that such transparency is healthy."

It also touted a recent anonymous employee survey in which "employees rated their agreement with the statement 'I believe that Bridgewater's culture and principles are key to its success' a 4.4 out of 5."

Bridgewater also said parts of the Times report were patently false. Specifically, it said employees were not sometimes asked to lock away their personal cellphones unless they were on the trading floor, in which case doing so is standard practice for the industry. It also said the firm had not lost billions because of performance.

Bridgewater sent us the full statement, originally published on LinkedIn:

Although we continue to be reluctant to engage with the media, we again find ourselves in the position of being left with no choice but to respond to sensationalistic and inaccurate stories, both to make clear what is true and to do our part in fighting against the growing trend of media distortion. To let such significant mischaracterizations of our business stand would be unfair to our hard-working employees and valued clients who understand the reality of our culture and values.

While we all would hope that we could count on the Times for accurate and well-documented reporting, sadly, its article "Sex, Fear, and Video Surveillance at the World's Largest Hedge Fund" doesn't meet that standard. In this memo we will give you clear examples of the article's distortions. We cannot comment on the specific case raised in the article due to restrictions we face as a result of ongoing legal processes and our desire to maintain the privacies of the people involved for fear that they too will be tried in the media through sensationalistic innuendos. Nonetheless, we can say that we are confident that our management handled the case consistently with the law and we look forward to its successful resolution through the legal process.

To understand the background of this story, you should know that the New York Times reporters never made a serious attempt to understand how we operate. Instead they intentionally strung together a series of misleading "facts" in ways they felt would create the most sensationalistic story. If you want to see an accurate portrayal of Bridgewater, we suggest that you read examinations of Bridgewater written by two independent organizational psychologists and a nationally-renowned management researcher. (See An Everyone Culture by Robert Kegan; Learn or Die by Edward Hess; and Originals by Adam Grant.)

Rather than being the "cauldron of fear and intimidation'" the New York Times portrayed us as, Bridgewater is exactly the opposite. Bridgewater is well known for giving employees the right to speak up, especially about problems, and to make sense of things for themselves. Everyone is encouraged to bring problems to the surface in whatever ways they deem to be most appropriate. To be more specific, our employees typically report their business problems and ideas in real time through a public "issue log" and a company-wide survey that is administered quarterly. More sensitive matters are reported through an anonymous "complaint line," and all employees have access to an Employee Relations team charged with being a closed, confidential outlet outside of the management chain for handling issues of a personal nature.

The New York Times portrayed our taping of meetings as creating "an atmosphere of constant surveillance . . . that silence[s] employees who do not fit the mold." It is well known that Bridgewater's taping of meetings is instead done to enable employees to hear virtually all discussions happening at the firm for themselves. We make these tapes available to employees because we believe strongly that in order to have a real idea meritocracy, people need to see and hear things for themselves rather than through the spin of others. We also believe that bad things happen behind closed doors so that such transparency is healthy.

While we acknowledge that this culture of openness is not for everyone, our employees overwhelmingly treasure this way of operating. In our most recent anonymous survey, employees rated their agreement with the statement "I believe that Bridgewater's culture and principles are key to its success" a 4.4 out of 5. Many of our employees say they wouldn't want to work anywhere else because they so appreciate our unique idea meritocracy in which meaningful work and meaningful relationships are pursued through radical truth and transparency. The New York Times article doesn't square with common sense. If Bridgewater was really as bad as the New York Times describes, then why would anyone want to work here?

The New York Times said that some employees "are required to lock up their personal cellphones each morning when they arrive at work" which made it sound like employees can't carry their phones around with them like employees at other companies do. This is wrong. The truth is that the vast majority of our employees freely carry around their cell phones; the only place they can't is on our trading floor, where cell phones are prohibited. This policy is to protect the confidentiality of trades in order to protect our clients' money.

The New York Times said that the company's culture makes it impossible for employees to have matters handled confidentially. That is also wrong. As stated above, we have clearly defined channels for reporting private matters that have been utilized by many employees over the years. These matters have always been kept confidential.

The New York Times said "over the last two years, the firm has lost billions of dollars for investors as a result of mixed performance." That is wrong as well. In 2015, our Pure Alpha fund had its 15th consecutive year of positive returns. This year, year-to-date, we have made $1.3 billion for our clients across our strategies. While that is less than expected, it is within our stated range of expectations. Notably, our clients who know us well have demonstrated their confidence in us by investing $12 billion in new assets over the last seven months.

Concerning legal matters, because Bridgewater is culturally committed to the pursuit of truth, we have always had a strong preference to not "settle" claims but rather to be judged by the appropriate legal or regulatory system, even though that is not the expedient thing to do. Like many organizations, we encounter frivolous claims made in an effort to extract financial gain. Most companies prefer to settle them because it saves time and legal costsand avoids the sort of distorted publicity that we are now encountering. We choose to contest them instead. At the same time, we have clear policies and standards of behavior, and when we discover behavior inconsistent with them, we act decisively. We are proud to say that in our 40 year history we have had no material adverse judgments.

We are far from perfect and we like to raise our imperfections to the surface so that we can deal with them honestly and transparently, while also protecting personal privacy. This approach is controversial and gives the media a lot of material to pick from to mischaracterize, but we believe that in the long run it is the best way for improving. It has been the biggest reason for our success. We look forward to continue being judged by our employees, our clients, and the legal and regulatory parties who are responsible for overseeing our behaviors, rather than by the media.

NOW WATCH: MALCOLM GLADWELL: Anyone who gives a single dollar to Princeton has completely lost their mind'





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By Ransdell Pierson (Reuters) - Bristol-Myers Squibb Co reported disappointing second-quarter sales of its Yervoy melanoma treatment on Thursday, raising concerns about the long-term prospects for one of its most important cancer medicines and sending its shares lower. Sales of Yervoy, often used in combination with either Bristol-Myers' newer Opdivo immuno-therapy or with Merck & Co's similar Keytruda, fell 19 percent to $241 million. BMO Capital Markets analyst Alex Arfaei said Yervoy sales were about $50 million below Wall Street forecasts, as doctors used Optivo or Keytruda instead, as standalone treatments. All three medicines work by taking the brakes off the immune system. "Yervoy appears to be rapidly losing share to (Opdivo and Keytruda)" outside the United States, Arfaei said in a research note. The company's shares were down 1.8 percent at $75.09 in late morning trading. Company revenue jumped 17 percent to $4.87 billion, about $200 million above analyst predictions. Still, most of the unexpected sales gains came from hepatitis C medicines that are expected to soon lose ground to newer treatments. Bristol-Myers' most important medicine is Opdivo, a so-called PD-1 inhibitor that is also approved to treat lung cancer and kidney cancer. Approved in late 2014, its sales hit $840 million in the quarter and is expected to keep growing by leaps and bounds despite competition from Merck's Keytruda. Bristol-Myers shares trade at about 23 times the company's expected 2017 per-share earnings, well above the approximate price-earnings ratio of 16 for its large rivals, based on optimism for widening use of Opdivo and Yervoy. Strong growth was seen for Eliquis, a pill co-marketed by Pfizer Inc, which is used to prevent blood clots in patients with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. Its sales soared 78 percent to $777 million, helped by clinical data that suggest it is safer and more effective than rival new oral therapies. Sales of Orencia, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, rose 29 percent to $593 million, about $70 million above Wall Street forecasts. Bristol-Myers earned $1.17 billion, or 69 cents a share, compared with a loss of $130 million, or 8 cents a share, a year earlier, when it took a big acquisition-related charge. Excluding special items, Bristol-Myers earned 69 cents per share, exceeding the average analyst estimate of 67 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Bristol-Myers said it now expects 2016 earnings of $2.55 to $2.65 per share, slightly higher than its earlier forecast of $2.50 to $2.60 per share. (Reporting by Ransdell Pierson in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
(Adds Fico comments)

By Tatiana Jancarikova

BRATISLAVA, July 28 (Reuters) - Britain wants a bespoke model for its future ties with the European Union, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday, adding that its exit deal must address British voters' concerns over immigration.

Speaking after a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava - the latest in a flurry of diplomatic visits following Britain's June 23 decision to leave the EU - May stressed the need to have an open mind about what deal could be struck on the key issues of free movement and trade.

"We should be driven by what is in the best interests of the UK and what is going to work for the European Union, not by the models that already exist," she told a news conference.

"We need to find a solution that addresses the concerns of the British people about free movement while getting the best possible deal on trade in goods and services," May said.

In searching to solve the riddle of how to restrict EU migrants' freedom to live and work in Britain but retain access to the EU's single market for goods and services, politicians have picked over how other outsiders interact with the bloc.

Britain could try to join the European Economic Area or European Free Trade Association, forging a close partnership similar to those that Norway, Switzerland or Iceland have with the EU.

While that might please the EU, May would have to persuade Brexit voters to agree to the EU budget contributions and migrants that are accepted by some of those countries.

Crucially it would also lack the kind of EU market access for services which is so important to Britain's big financial sector.

OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT

Slovakia holds the presidency of the EU Council, made up of leaders of all 28 member states, until the end of the year. That gives the country an enlarged role in responding to the initial shock of Britain's vote to leave that has thrown up questions about the bloc's future.

Story continues

Fico said the European Union seemed to be falling in love with itself and needed to use the time before Britain formally starts divorce proceedings to create a new vision of Europe.

"This is an opportunity for both sides to reimagine and redesign a new project of mutual relations, a project that will be equally attractive both to the citizens of the United Kingdom and the European Union," Fico said.

Seeking time to prepare its negotiating stance, May said Britain would not trigger the formal Article 50 exit process before the end of the year.

Fico said the intervening period should be used to reflect not only upon Britain's future ties, but for the rest of the bloc to reassess its global position.

"I have always said ... the EU seems to be falling in love with itself," he said. "We wanted to be the best in the world. But it seems many regions in th world are far ahead of us. Let's use Brexit as a good occasion to reevaluate this." (Additional reporting by Michael Holden; writing by William James; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Giles Elgood)
Warsaw (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May travelled to Warsaw Thursday in a bid to reassure the Polish government that the hundreds of thousands of Poles living in Britain still had a post-Brexit future there.

"I want to be clear that Poles living in the UK continue to be welcome and we value the contribution they make to our country," May told reporters during a joint press conference with her Polish counterpart Beata Szydlo in Warsaw.

At some 790,000, Poles make up by far the largest community of some three million European Union migrants living in the United Kingdom and Polish is the second-most spoken language there.

Migration featured as the main hot-button issue for voters wanting Britain to leave the EU during the heated campaign in the run-up to the Brexit referendum last month.

"I fully expect and intend to be able to guarantee the rights of Polish citizens when we leave the EU," May said, but also demanded reciprocity.

"The only circumstances in which that would not be possible would be if the rights of British citizens living across the EU were not guaranteed," she said.

Earlier Thursday, May had offered the same reassurances in Bratislava to her Slovak counterpart Robert Fico, whose country currently holds the rotating half-year EU presidency and has around 90,000 of its nationals living and working in Britain.

But May also stressed that "there was a very clear message from the British people in the Brexit vote that they want us to ensure that we can have some control on the movement of people from the EU into the UK in the future."

The Polish and British prime ministers announced they had decided to hold annual bilateral summits.

May said: "I have offered to host the first of those in the UK."

Szydlo for her part said the European Union needed to engage in some soul-searching after Brexit and make the necessary changes "to become a stronger institution."

The bloc "has to give thought to what happened that such an important country, with such a big economy, decided to leave the European Union," she said.
Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Debra Messing, Rosie Perez, Darren Criss, Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless and more Broadway stars performed an emotional version of "What the World Needs Now Is Love" at the Democratic Convention on Wednesday.

More than 40 performers lined the stage in Philadelphia to sing the song, which was recorded to honor the victims from the Orlando nightclub massacre in June. Proceeds from the tune benefit the LGBT Center of Central Florida.

The performance follows a day of speeches centered on the theme of gun control reform, with speakers including Lee Daniels, Angela Bassett and survivors of the Orlando nightclub shooting taking the stage to stand behind Hillary Clinton.

Daniels told the crowd, "We need to take action, and we need to take action now," stating his support of Hillary Clinton. "There's only one candidate willing to take on the gun lobby and keep our families safe."

The Broadway performance had the crowd in Philadelphia on their feet singing along, concluding with a loud "Love trumps hate" chant in the audience.

Read More: Lee Daniels Addresses Gun Violence at the Democratic Convention: "We Need to Take Action"

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Bruce Springsteen turns 67 on September 23, but it's his fans who will be getting a big present: the release of his 500-page autobiography coupled with a new album.

The book -- titled Born to Run -- will arrive Sept. 27, four days before the release of its 18-track musical companion piece, Chapter and Verse. The record will feature five previously unreleased songs that reflect the themes and sections of the book. The compilation will kick off with two tracks from The Boss' high school band, The Castiles, and winds all the way through to 2012's "Wrecking Ball."

It will also feature recordings from the Steel Mill and Bruce Springsteen Band, featuring musicians who went on to perform in the E Street Band, as well as solo demos of "Henry Boy" and "Growin' Up" that were recorded in 1972, just before Springsteen began work on his debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.

Chapter and Verse will be available in single CD and double LP configurations with lyrics and rare photos, as well as digital downloads and streams.

The Freehold, New Jersey native's hotly anticipated solo album, which manager Jon Landau told Billboard will be a "very different kind of record," is slated for release in 2017.

"When I say solo record, I'm not talking about an acoustic record," Landau said. "It is, in fact, a very expansive record, a very rich record. It's one of Bruce's very creative efforts. Stay tuned, and we'll see exactly how that shapes up next year."

The U.S. leg of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's summer stadium tour will kick off with a three-night run at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Aug. 23 and conclude Sept. 14 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Born To Run is being published by Simon & Schuster, with pre-orders available now.

Chapter and Verse tracklist:

"Baby I" -- The Castiles (previously unreleased)

Story continues

"You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover" -- The Castiles (previously unreleased)

"He's Guilty (The Judge Song) -- Steel Mill (previously unreleased)

"Ballad of Jesse James" -- The Bruce Springsteen Band (previously unreleased)

"Henry Boy" (previously unreleased)

"Growin' Up"

"4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)"

"Born to Run"

"Badlands"

"The River"

"My Father's House"

"Born in the U.S.A."

"Brilliant Disguise"

"Living Proof"

"The Ghost of Tom Joad"

"The Rising"

"Long Time Comin'"

"Wrecking Ball"

Check out this audio of the Castiles:
america bud

Budweiser's 'America' summer campaign didn't have the impact the beer giant had hoped for.

Two months after the launch of Budweiser's controversial 'America' rebrand, only 11% of adults 21 and over said they would consider buying the brand the next time they buy beer  Budweiser's lowest figure this year, according to YouGov BrandIndex data released on Wednesday.

When the company announced in May it would be changing Budweiser labels to read "America" through late summer, it seemed like the campaign could be a success. Consumers' perception of the brand, willingness to purchase, and brand awareness all jumped just as the America bottles and cans hit the shelves in late may.

However, just one week later, perception metrics began to slump in all categories. Unfortunately for Budweiser, there are several weeks left in the campaign, which was intended to run through the Olympics in August and the election in November.

From the start, Budweiser's America campaign has been controversial, something that may have helped build buzz at first, but which did little to improve brand perception in the long term.

Budweiser has been struggling to attract millennial customers, as the majority of millennials have never tried the brew, instead moving towards wine and craft beers. The campaign, like the similarly American-focused Bud Light Party campaign, was supposed to grab young consumers' attention with a flourish of patriotism.

budweiser america

Instead, critics called into question Budweiser's decision to brand itself as "American," considering the brand is owned by Belgium-based AB InBev.

"Frankly, Budweiser calling itself 'America' is the most un-American thing Ive observed in quite a while," Will McCameron, president and co-owner of the Greenville, South Carolina microbrewery Brewery 85, wrote in a blog post on craft beer website Brew Studs in July.

Additionally, the "America" campaign came at a time when politics may have left American consumers feeling less than united in their patriotism. This summer's heated election seems to not be uniting consumers around America (and Budweiser) as Tosh Hall, the creative director at Budweiser's branding firm, JKR, apparently hoped, but instead highlighting political divisions.

Story continues

Internet searches regarding moving to Canada have spiked as the election has heated up, with one dating site even launching to match Americans with Canadian partners. While threats to move to Canada are typically empty, such actions may suggest that patriotic American-themed cans  especially from a company outside of America  may not be received as warmly as they could have been.

The Olympics may be enough to bring American consumers together and, at least for a few weeks, make Budweiser's "America" cans great PR again. But, in a country that's currently politically divided and eager to spot apparent hypocrisy, replacing "Budweiser" with "America" doesn't seem to be the millennial marketing breakthrough that AB InBev hoped for.

NOW WATCH: What happened when the Sam Adams founder told his dad he was quitting a $250,000-a-year job to make beer





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From Road & Track

For the first time in five years, you'll be able to buy a brand new Lotus Elise in the U.S. But there's a catch: it's for track use only. Yep, American Lotus freaks will soon be able to head to their local dealers to order this, the Elise Race 250-as long as they trailer it home.

Lotus announced the Elise Race 250 on Wednesday, and like the name implies, it's a track-only version of the magnificent Elise Cup 250. It's undeniably sad that Americans won't be able to enjoy the car on the street, but a new Elise for sale in our market is still something worth celebrating.

The Elise Race 250 will run you $76,200 before tax, and for that, you're getting the fastest Elise race car Lotus has ever built. Thanks to a supercharger, this Elise squeezes out 243 horsepower from its Toyota-derived four-cylinder, weighing just under 2000 lbs dry. The Race 250 also comes with adjustable dampers, an adjustable front anti-roll bar, track-ready brakes, a carbon fiber racing seat with a six point harness, and an FIA-compliant roll cage.

Like the Cup 250, the Race 250 also gets a nice aero package with a big rear wing, a rear diffuser, a front splitter, and floor extensions. These aero bits help the Elise Race 250 generate 340 lbs of downforce at its top speed of 154 mph. An optional Carbon Fiber Aero Package further reduces weight by 22 lbs. Naturally, shifting is done via a six-speed manual gearbox, as it should be.

Lotus says the Elise Race 250 is "eligible for many race series around the world," though it isn't homologated for any series in particular. Depending on what type of racing is your choice, that $76,000 price tag might be a pretty affordable way to get on track.

Lotus, thank you for sending the Elise Race 250 across the pond. But please, make haste in bringing us a street-legal version too.
By Catherine Ngai NEW YORK (Reuters) - For the oil industry, Yahoo Inc's decision this week to sell its core business to Verizon Communications Inc for $4.8 billion does not matter all that much. Their world already changed a few months ago, when the company said it would jettison its messaging system that has been the norm for oil traders since the late 1990s. Back then, Yahoo's technology revolutionized the industry, helping usher in a new era of high-speed communication that changed the way millions of barrels of oil traded daily. For Gene Grabinski, who was trading crude in Chicago for BP Plc, one of the largest energy companies in the world, it was just the solution needed to stem the endless flood of phone calls as he bought and sold crude in the Midwest and U.S. Gulf. And it came about only because he saw his young daughters using messaging services back in the late 1990s. Come Aug. 5, Yahoo is scuttling its legacy instant messaging service as it seeks to move users to its new Messenger platform, which traders will not use because it fails to meet the industry's compliance standards. The announcement was made in June, prior to the Verizon deal. A company spokeswoman said that Yahoo will focus efforts on its new system, which will deliver better personal communication experiences to its users. For almost two decades, tens of thousands in the oil industry relied on the old Yahoo Messenger system, which launched in 1998. At that time, Grabinski was one of just two traders responsible for trading physical, domestic crude for BP, which owns some of the nation's biggest refineries including its facility in Whiting, Indiana, and previously Texas City, Texas. But Grabinski had a problem. Every day, his phone "looked like a Christmas tree," he said, with red and green lights blinking as a flood of brokers called and were put on hold while Grabinski tried to gather market prices. After seeing his younger daughters, 11 and 7, use online instant messaging to chat with friends, he figured he could use the same system at work at the British major. "The 11-year-old was on it and we were actively monitoring it at the time. I was aware of it, but I wasn't really doing it until it came up and I had the potential to use it in the work context," said Grabinski, who traded crude for more than a decade at BP starting in the early 1990s. EARLY ADOPTERS It is not clear how Yahoo took the industry by storm, but Grabinski was part of the first wave of oil traders to use Yahoo instant messaging, having opened his account just a year after it was launched. BP was an early adopter of the technology, and several traders said their use of Yahoo helped spur the industry forward, even though Yahoo never actively encouraged the trading community to use its service. Grabinski - now a senior crude trader at Italian oil company Eni Trading & Shipping - decided on Yahoo because it was newer than AOL's AIM chat, already used by his counterparts in power and natural gas trading. He set up a computer screen between himself and the only other domestic, physical-focused trader at the shop. Using his account, they communicated with the rest of the market. Slowly, its use became more widespread. Today, everyone from oil traders to hedge fund managers, pipeline schedulers, brokers, refinery buyers and even ship brokers uses the chat system globally. "There's a lot of back and forth, asking other people 'What are you seeing? What are you hearing?'" said Tariq Zahir, an investment manager at Tyche Capital Advisors. FUTURE CHAT OPTIONS Oil companies are finding various solutions for communication going forward. Some large players, including Glencore Plc, have adopted Intercontinental Exchange Inc's chat. ICE said last month that it has more than 10,000 active users for its messaging system, having grown by 15 percent since January. Other chat systems include Symphony, CME Group Inc's Pivot chat, Bloomberg chat, and Thomson Reuters Messenger. Reuters News is a division of Thomson Reuters Corp. Some have also discussed more widely used mobile options like WhatsApp, Skype or WeChat, which is popular in Asia. Grabinski said the transition to a new system should not be a problem. "Change is part of it, and you kind of just move on," he said. "I don't think it's going to be that hard. You just type into a little box." (Reporting by Catherine Ngai; additional reporting by Henning Gloystein and Florence Tan in Singapore; Editing by David Gaffen and Matthew Lewis)
WARRENS  As she recalls growing up in Venezuela, Marinela Kraemer of Warrens thinks of the beautiful parts of the country. Her photo albums are full of pictures from road trips to mountains, beaches and waterfalls.

But the photos are dated by their faded color and the retro-looking station wagon parked in the background of several shots. Marinela calls Venezuela the richest country in the world, with its scenery ripe for tourism and its land a lucrative ground of oil, natural gas and coal. Yet for all its wealth, Venezuelas people go hungry while the nations infrastructure crumbles around them.

It didnt occur to us that it would get this bad, she said.

Food, water and medicine shortages, Internet and power outages, and a shorter workweek are symptoms of Venezuelas economic and political crisis. In the years since she moved to the U.S., Marinela has been back to see family in Venezuela many times. Year by year, she noticed the streets getting dirtier and the people angrier. The last time she visited was in 2012.

While Marinela has been a U.S. citizen since 2011, several members of her immediate family still live in Venezuela  her parents, a daughter, a brother and a sister. Last month she started sending them boxes of food and household supplies. Everyday items have been rationed by Venezuelas government and are in such short supply that a person can spend an entire day waiting in line only to find that a staple product like flour has run out. Marinela is upset that she didnt start sending aid to her family sooner  she should have started a year ago, she said.

Between Marinela and other family and friends in the U.S., they have sent more than 30 boxes to Venezuela. The first seven boxes were shipped two weeks ago through a Miami company and arrived July 22. While air shipment is faster, it is more expensive, and filling and sending the boxes has already cost several hundred dollars. One of Marinelas daughters, Rebeca Marks of Jacksonville, N.C., started a GoFundMe page to ask for donations to help cover the cost of shipping. A second set of boxes left the Miami port for Caracas on July 22.

The boxes are packed with rice, sugar, beans, flour, coffee, canned tuna, toothpaste, toilet paper and other household products. Some things like peanut butter Marinela took out of her own kitchen and added. It has been a frenzied sort of packing, out of the urgency to send food right away. Marinelas family has heard rumors that the Venezuelan government may stop allowing packages to be mailed into the country, effective the first of August. Marinela hopes its just a rumor.

As long as we can keep mailing and shipping, were planning to do so, she said.

Marinela expects that her parents will share the contents of the boxes with neighbors and nearby family, which is good, she thinks. She realizes people around her family are facing the same issues. It is a dire situation, as Marinela calls it  so dire that sharing goods like food becomes a sacrifice rather than mere politeness.

Marinela plans for her parents to come to Wisconsin sometime in August, and hopes that she and her husband, Michael Kraemer, can convince them to stay. Marinelas father, Felipe Martin, is 85. Her mother, Maria Elena Martin, is 80 and takes medication for heart problems. The last time Maria Elena found medication she could only get a three-month supply and now is running low again. Adding to Marinelas worries is her concern that her parents would not be able to defend themselves against a robbery and could be hurt or even killed in a strangers desperate attempt to steal food or supplies.

This is my fear, Marinela said.

Marinelas friends and family in Venezuela dont go out at night anymore. Her parents dont park the car at the store. Instead, Felipe drops Maria Elena off at the store and waits at home until shes ready to be picked up. They dont want the car to be stolen.

Why am I spared from that? Marinela asks herself.

She said that people internationally need to be aware of what is happening in Venezuela and that her middle-class family is not experiencing the worst of the crisis. People with chronic conditions like epilepsy or diabetes cannot find medication to treat their otherwise-manageable symptoms. Electricity cuts out for hours, taking down phone, television and Internet communication. As sales move to the black market, people are living off their savings just to buy food. According to Marinela, only government supporters can get access to goods at the state-regulated prices.

In June, Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro handed control of five major seaports to the military to monitor imports, as reported by the AP. Maduro also tightened rationing, so Venezuelans may only buy staples on certain days. Marinela says that the military-backed government would rather see food spoil than allow the common people access. She believes the government wants to control the masses and break them down.

Marinela compares the Venezuelan government to regimes in Russia, North Korea, Cuba and China, and Maduro to Joseph Stalin and Fidel Castro, and there have been calls in the country for a recall referendum.

Several organizations and individuals have donated to Marinelas effort to support her family. More information about Marinelas fundraiser can be found at gofundme.com/2a5ar7ck. The page is Help Needed for my Family.

Food, water and medicine shortages, Internet and power outages, and a shorter workweek are symptoms of Venezuelas economic and political crisis.
Montreal (AFP) - A Canadian policeman was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday in the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding teenager on a Toronto streetcar in 2013.

James Forcillo was found guilty of attempted murder -- but acquitted of two more serious charges of premeditated murder and manslaughter -- in January for continuing to fire on the young man even after he had fallen to the ground.

Sammy Yatim, 18, was alone on a downtown streetcar in the early hours of July 27, 2013 when police asked him multiple times to drop his knife, according to witnesses and amateur video posted on YouTube.

Nine shots were eventually fired, killing the young man of Syrian origin who arrived in Canada five years earlier with his family.

Journalists and the public quickly questioned the decision to open fire, while shocked family and friends of the victim expressed anger at what they called a disproportionate police response.

The jury dismissed a first volley of shots fired by Forcillo that knocked Yatim to the ground, but decided that a second volley was "unnecessary."

"The shots in the second volley were unreasonable, unnecessary and excessive," said Ontario judge Edward Then in his sentencing decision.

Then said he had "no choice" but to condemn the policeman to at least five years behind bars, the minimum mandatory sentence for attempted murder, which the judge called "one of the most serious crimes known to law."

Following the sentencing Forcillo's lawyer Peter Brauti indicated plans to request that Forcillo be granted parole during the appeal process.
By Nia Williams CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - Two Canadian energy companies on Thursday outlined preliminary plans to add new oil sands production at their northern Alberta operations, a sign that the industry may have come to grips with the slump in crude prices after two years of heavy cost-cutting. Cenovus Energy said, as it released second-quarter earnings, that it was doing engineering and rebidding work on phase G of its Christina Lake thermal project, which was put on hold in 2015. It said it would decide whether to proceed with the 50,000 barrel per day expansion by December. MEG Energy said in its earnings release that it could invest up to C$30 million ($22.81 million) in its existing project to boost production by 30,000-40,000 bpd. The cash would come from this year's cost savings and not increase MEG's projected 2016 capital expenditure of C$170 million. Around 20 projects in northern Alberta's vast oil sands, home to the world's third-largest crude reserves, had been put on hold since mid-2014. Analysts cautioned against concluding that oil sands growth would rebound rapidly, and said most companies would remain cautious given volatile crude prices. Indeed, Canada's largest oil and gas producer Suncor Energy , said on Thursday it was unlikely to approve any big growth projects for the next couple of years. "This is a very company-specific thing," Desjardins Securities analyst Justin Bouchard said in a telephone interview. "For Cenovus it (Christina Lake) is probably the best project out there and they have got C$3.8 billion in cash." Cenovus shares jumped 6.5 percent on the Toronto Stock Exchange to C$18.64, outperforming the broader energy index <.SPTTEN>. Cenovus Chief Executive Brian Ferguson told analysts on a conference call on Thursday the company has structurally reduced its costs after "playing defense" for the past 18 months. "I want to take advantage of low industry activity and a better cost environment to start redeploying some of that cash we have got on the balance sheet," he said. MEG shares fell 5.1 percent to C$5.42. TD Securities analysts said in a note they suspected some investors would rather see the C$30 million in cost savings earmarked for debt reduction. (Reporting by Nia Williams; Editing by Richard Chang)
Carl Frampton will meet Leo Santa Cruz in New York on Saturday. (Credit: Edward Diller)

Carl Frampton isnt a household name in the U.S., by any stretch. But the Northern Irishman is setting a standard that will make his sport a lot healthier if others follow his lead.

Frampton will challenge Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday in Brooklyn in the main event of a Showtime-televised card at the Barclays Center.

It is a fight that Frampton, who became a unified super bantamweight champ by defeating Scott Quigg in February, didnt have to take.

That he did should not go unnoticed or unappreciated by fans who have long since been sick and tired of boxers dodging the best fights. Example A, of course, is Canelo Alvarez, who on Sept. 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will meet not Gennady Golovkin, the opponent fans are desperate to see him fight, but rather lightly regarded Liam Beefy Smith.

The 29-year-old Frampton is taking a tough bout in a higher weight class in a foreign country, which will only raise his profile immeasurably should he win.

And have no doubt, Frampton, who is 22-0 with 14 KOs, fully expects to win.

This is the one that people will talk about for a long time, Frampton said. This is one that will create a legacy for me. It will make me a big name in the States, I believe. Santa Cruz is already that. Hes a big name. I know most of the media and the bookies have him the favorite going into the fight, but Im here to win this fight. When I do, people will stand up and take notice of me.

Frampton is managed by Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan, who once held the very belt that Frampton is trying to win on Saturday.

McGuigan was 29 fights into what would become a Hall of Fame career in 1986 when he flew to Las Vegas to compete for the first time in the U.S.

McGuigan brought the WBA featherweight title with him, but lost it on June 23, 1986, outdoors at Caesars Palace in searing 110-degree heat. Steve Cruz, a Mexican-American who was a 5-1 underdog, won a unanimous decision in a fight regarded by some as that years finest.

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But McGuigan said he didnt seek this fight out of some sort of personal vengeance to get his hands back on the title he lost.

Given that there are now 17 weight classes and four major sanctioning bodies that award title belts, thats a minimum of 68 potential champions. And that number rises when one considers all the interim champions and the so-called super champions, which the WBA recognizes. A super champion in the WBAs eyes is one who has won more than one sanctioning body title.

McGuigan said its not about him or the belt, but rather getting Frampton the best possible fight.

To be perfectly honest, were not sentimental in any way like that, McGuigan said. This is a fight against an elite opponent that will get Carl a lot of recognition [in the U.S.] where, right now, hes not really a household name. He doesnt have any idiosyncrasies or anything like that. Its not like he wants to wear the same gloves, or the same trunks, or the same shoes, or any of that.

It would be nice if he won the featherweight title, and particularly the WBA title, the one that I had, but in reality, its just another title, just another fight. Were past that stuff of Carl chasing titles I won. Hes a different fighter than I was. He just wanted the fight because it should be a good, entertaining fight against a highly regarded guy.

Though its Framptons first fight at featherweight, he doesnt believe hes outmanned.

Shane McGuigan, Barrys son and Framptons trainer, believes that not having to make the super bantamweight limit of 122 pounds will change Frampton for the good.

In addition, Shane McGuigans sense is that Framptons talents will emerge against an offensive-oriented fighter like Santa Cruz.

What I know of Carl is that hes at his best when hes under pressure and I think youll see a performance from him Saturday reflecting that, Shane McGuigan said. I think hes going to shock a lot of people. The Quigg fight was on Showtime and people in America got to see it, but that style of Quiggs is cagey. It was an intense fight with lots of feints and a very tactical battle.

This fight with Leo isnt going to be a tactical battle at all. Its going to be a battle of the toughest and a battle of the fittest. The public is going to see Carls true colors in this fight and I think theyll like what they see.
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f159451%2fmoon_unit_cat_header

LONDON  A cat that went missing during a New Year's Eve party at the start of 2007 has been reunited with her owners after an eight-and-a-half year absence.

The brilliantly named Moon Unit disappeared from Marna Gillian and Sean Purdy's home in London only to somehow turn up again in Paris this summer.

SEE ALSO: Cat catches a ride with owner for quite the scooter adventure

"We had a NYE party eight and a half years ago," the 39-year-old Gillian told Mashable. "She must have slipped out at some point? We spent ages searching for her, postering/leafleting/phoning around etc. But no cat!"

Image: marna gillian

Flash forward to late June 2016, when Gillian received a very unexpected email from an animal rescue charity  ADAD  based in France.

"We got an email about a month ago saying that a cat had been found in Paris and they'd traced us by her microchip," she explained. "I didn't believe it was her  I thought it would be a mistake  until we exchanged photographs.

"She's got a really distinctive stripe on her nose, so as soon as we saw the photo we knew we'd found her."

Image: marna gillian

Gillian said she was both astounded and delighted to find Moon Unit again.

"She was found in Essonne, a suburb south of Paris," Gillian explained. "We have no idea how she got there. Our best guesses are that she stowed away, or found a new family, was brought over by them, and then ran away? The stowaway theory seems the most likely i think.

"She didn't get there legally, we do know, because her microchip would have been checked in that case."

Gillian and her ex partner travelled to Paris together to collect Moon Unit last weekend.

"The rescue people sorted out her pet passport, and last Friday myself and my ex got the Eurostar to Paris and stayed overnight," said Gillian. "Her rescuers brought her to our hotel the next morning, and drove us to the station. Then we got the TGV to Calais, where some friends met us with a car for the ferry home."

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Image: marna gillian

Since Moon Unit has returned home, Gillians says she's been doing quite well.

"Lots of purring, and she's been eating/sleeping/doing all the normal cat things. She's mellowed a bit too  she was a fierce little cat when I first knew her."

To make the whole story even stranger, Moon Unit was pregnant when her owners first took her in as a stray all those years ago. One of Moon Unit's (now grown) kittens still lives with Gillian.

They're holding off on that reunion until Moon Unit has settled in a bit.

"We haven't reunited them yet," Gillian explained. "Moon Unit is living with my ex while she settles back into a normal life. We thought being a solo cat for a while would be easier for her.

"She's had a tough time, poor mog, and needs to recover."

Gillian is currently running a Crowd Funding page page to raise money for the charity that found Moon Unit. It has already raised well over 1,000.
It handled 4.84 million passenger movements last month.

Singapores Changi Airport is getting more crowded every month as it once again saw a 3% increase in its passenger movements, while its aircraft movements were also 2.9% higher at 29,350 landings and takeoffs.

According to a press release by Changi, cargo shipments also rose by 7.8% to reach 163,070 tonnes, compared to the same period last year.

The release noted that the main regions driving growth were the Americas, North East Asia and South West Pacific.

Among Changis top ten country markets, China (+16%) and Australia (+7%) led the gainers, with Guangzhou, Melbourne and Perth registering double-digit increases, the press release said.

Meanwhile, for the first half of 2016, 28.8 million passengers passed through Changi Airport, 8.0% higher than the corresponding period last year.

Growth was broad-based  all of Changis top ten country markets achieved positive growth  with double-digit increases recorded for China, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Aircraft movements rose 4.7% to 177,810, while airfreight movements improved 4.2% to reach 950,250 tonnes for the six months, the press release added.

As at 1 July 2016, more than 100 airlines operate at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to some 330 cities in about 80 countries and territories worldwide. With more than 6,800 weekly scheduled flights, an aircraft takes off or lands at Changi roughly once every 90 seconds, it said.





More From Singapore Business Review


Resumes, interviews, negotiations -- there's a lot to think about once you have made the decision to change jobs, or even careers. One thing that can be easily overlooked during the transition is your retirement plan. If you are making a change in your work life, there are five important things you should think about with regards to your retirement savings.

[See: 10 Tips for Couples and Young Families to Build Wealth.]

Think about what you want to do with your retirement account. There are three options when handling the account from the job you are leaving -- leave the money in the account with your previous employer, take it with you by rolling it into your new employer's plan or roll it into an IRA. Each option may have its advantages -- maybe you like the investment options available in your old plan, or the fees are lower in your new plan. Perhaps you like to have as few accounts to keep track of as possible, so you choose to roll it into an IRA.

The average employee stays in a job for 4.6 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By the time a person turns 40, that translates to about four different retirement accounts. If that trend continues until a person retires at age 65, an employee could be trying to manage nine separate accounts. That's a challenge for even the most financially savvy among us.

Talk to a financial advisor. Even if you have just one consolidated account, retirement can be daunting. In fact, 68 percent of Americans say trying to understand their retirement plan options can be an overwhelming process. This is a great opportunity to talk to a financial advisor, who can help you understand your options, as well as what income you will need in retirement and how much you should save to get there.

[Read: How to Know When You Need a Financial Advisor.]

Decide where to invest. A financial advisor can also help you figure out where to invest the money in your account. When looking at investment options, you'll want to think about how much risk you're comfortable with, and how far away you are from retirement. If you're nearing retirement, you may want to have a more conservative investment strategy than someone who is 22 years old and just beginning to save for retirement.

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Set your goals. Another important step you can take is to set a savings goal. People who have a specific goal for how much they want to save are four times more likely to feel confident when they think about retirement, according to the Lincoln Retirement Power Participant Engagement Study.

Boost your contributions. That new job you are accepting means a new, hopefully higher, salary. It's the perfect opportunity to increase your contribution rate. When thinking about how much you should save for retirement, a good rule of thumb is to aim to save between 10 and 15 percent -- including the employer match. Since you won't be used to the amount of your new paycheck, you most likely won't even notice the extra money you're putting away. No matter what, remember, if you're not meeting the employer match you're leaving free money on the table.

Even if you're not looking for a new job, it's always a good time to take a look at your retirement plan, to ensure you are making the most of your savings.

[See: The 9 Best Investors of All Time.]

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

Jamie Ohl is president of Retirement Plan Services for Lincoln Financial Group. She is responsible for the overall strategy, growth and profitability of Lincoln's Retirement Plans Services business, which is committed to partnering with intermediaries and plan sponsors to provide solutions, services and education to help plan participants retire successfully.
WINONA, Minn.  An early-morning drive-by shooting Wednesday outside a Winona bar left one man dead, a second injured, and a lone suspected shooter in custody facing murder charges.

EBs Corner, in the 700 block of West Fifth Street, reopened for business Wednesday to customers shaken by the incident shortly after 1 a.m., when 49-year-old Winona resident Ricky Darnell Waiters drove up to the bar around closing time, spoke to a group of people gathered outside, left for a short time and returned to fire a gun into the group, according to Winona police.

Robert Charles Johnson, 53, of Winona was shot in the torso and pronounced dead shortly after being rushed by ambulance to Winona Health. A second man, Sean Patrick OBrien, 27, also from Winona, was shot in the leg and in stable condition Wednesday.

The motives for Wednesdays shooting werent clear. It wasnt known Wednesday whether either of the men knew Waiters, or had any involvement with him that night. A GoFundMe account set up for OBrien and his medical expenses, which had drawn more than $750 in donations by early Wednesday evening, said he was simply at the wrong bar, in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Further details are expected to emerge after Waiters makes his first appearance in Winona County District Court, where he will face presumptive charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault.

Johnson was remembered Wednesday by many for his music. He was frequently seen playing bluegrass at one local establishment or another  often with his band, Beet Root Stew, but also with any group that needed someone who could carry a tune.

Walters fled the scene after shooting, according to police, but was not on the run for long. Police, working off witness descriptions, soon discovered the vehicle Waiters fled in parked outside a downtown apartment in the 100 block of West Third Street. Waiters was arrested without incident shortly before 7 a.m.

Waiters has no criminal record in Minnesota, outside of a petty misdemeanor seatbelt violation in 2013 in Olmsted County, according to court records.

The presumptive second-degree murder charge is the highest that can be charged by a prosecutors office; Minnesota law requires a grand jury to decide whether a first-degree charge is warranted.
Chelsea Clinton calls out Ivanka Trump on equal pay for women like it aint no thang

Chelsea Clinton calls out Ivanka Trump on equal pay for women like it aint no thang

Politics are a tricky business. Just ask Chelsea Clinton, who not only grew up in the White House and had to navigate all the craziness that went along with that, but is now campaigning for her mom and dealing with all the craziness that goes along with THAT.

Like, for example, when you happen to be friends with the daughter of the person running against your mom.

Which is exactly the case with Chelsea and Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka. The two were introduced by their husbands and have been friends for years, but when an important election is on the horizon, political friendships gettricky.

At a Facebook Live event organized by Glamour, Chelsea was asked to address the claims Ivanka made during her RNC speech that President Trump would advocate for equal pay and accessible child care.

Chelseas response to Ivanka?

How would your father do that?

Given its not something that he has spoken about, there are no policies on any of those fronts, she said. So I think the how question is super important. In politics as it is in life.

Honestly, we think Chelsea handled this really well. She was respectful in asking Ivanka to back up her claims without backing down on her convictions, and she did it without turning the issue into a personal attack against Ivanka.

We have high hopes these two can still be friends no matter what happens in November, but we guess only time will tell.

The post Chelsea Clinton calls out Ivanka Trump on equal pay for women like it aint no thang appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Chelsea Clinton and husband Marc Mezvinsky arrive at a Met Gala in New York City in 2013. (Photo: Lucas Jackson/Reuters)

When Chelsea Clinton takes the stage to introduce her mother as the Democratic nominee for president at the convention in Philadelphia tonight, many in the hall and in the TV audience will be remembering other moments in the life of this woman whom they have been watching since she was a little girl.

There is the image of the awkward preteen with an unruly cascade of curls and a mouth full of braces, who favored tie-dyed T-shirts and held White House sleepovers, back when her parents fiercely protected her privacy.

Chelsea in Little Rock on Sept. 20, 1991, celebrating Bill Clintons inauguration as governor of Arkansas. (Photo: Danny Johnston/AP)

Slideshow: A look back at Chelsea Clinton >>>

There is the iconic photo of the tall high school student, walking across the lawn with the president and first lady in the midst of Bill Clintons impeachment hearings, holding their hands and looking like the bridge keeping her small family together.

The Clintons and their dog Buddy leaving for Marthas Vineyard. (Photo by Harry Hamburg/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

There is the Stanford undergraduate, then Oxford University graduate student, choosing schools across the country and then the ocean from her parents long shadow; and the young businesswoman in New York, moving closer as she became more comfortable with the family business. There is the fledgling political surrogate, finding her voice during the 2008 campaign, when she gave her first speeches and proved to be a particularly helpful presence at college campuses. There is her wedding, by which time she was fully a part of the trio at the helm of the Clinton Foundation, still somehow sending off the vibe that she prefers to be anyplace but in the spotlight while simultaneously poised and magnetic in it.

Chelsea speaks at a student conference for the Clinton Global Initiative University at Arizona State University in 2014. (Photo: Matt York/AP)

And tonight, another snapshot in an album spent in that light, stepping forward as a 36-year-old mother of two, because her own mother needs her. Rather than a bridge between her parents, this time she is to be a bridge between Hillary Clinton and the country. Given the Democratic nominees high disapproval ratings with voters, the campaign is looking to Chelsea to humanize the former secretary of state, describing her as a mother, a grandmother, a friend.

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Clinton and Mezvinsky smile as Hillary Clinton appears onscreen at the end of the second day of the DNC in Philadelphia. (Photo: Mark J. Terrill/AP)

It will be a bookend of the role played exactly a week earlier by Ivanka Trump  another polished and sophisticated young woman who has proved an excellent spokesperson for a parent. Either ironically or unsurprisingly, depending on your perspective, the two are friends, with somewhat overlapping social circles and a shared awareness of what its like to grow up in a high-wattage household. (The relationship is said to be strained lately, as her mother and Ivankas father engage in political combat. Chelsea and Ivanka put their friendship on ice.)

And, should her mother win, there is blank space in the album for snapshots of a future role. Both Hillary and Bill have said the Clinton Foundation, for which Chelsea now works, will not continue in its current incarnation should a Clinton return to the White House. There is talk of Chelseas playing some of the role of first lady  hosting events, overseeing social occasions  because few can imagine Bill Clinton choosing menus or decorating Christmas trees. But while Ivanka has said that she and her husband, Jared Kushner, would definitely play a role in a Trump administration, Chelsea has demurred when asked.

Odds are that there will be no pressure from her mother to do so if she chooses not to. As Hillary Clinton once said, I want to respect her choices like my mother respected my choices. Im going to let her life unfold at her pace.

_____

Related slideshows:

On the ground at the DNC  a photo report >>>

A look back at Chelsea Clinton >>>

How newspapers covered the third day of the DNC >>>

A selfie with Hillary? No problem >>>

How newspapers covered the historic second day of the DNC >>>

Bernie Sanders supporters make a last stand >>>

Sanders supporters weep at DNC >>>

How newspapers covered the DNCs first big day >>>

Demonstrators protest outside the DNC >>>
* New rules come after govt solicited feedback

* Rules leave some regulatory decisions to localities

* Uber, Didi welcome new rules (Adds company comments, detailed rules, context)

By Jake Spring

BEIJING, July 28 (Reuters) - China has given the green light to online ride-hailing services, issuing guidelines that establish a long-awaited framework for the booming industry and remove uncertainty for firms such as Didi Chuxing and U.S. rival Uber Technologies Inc.

The rules outlined on Thursday take effect on Nov. 1. They were immediately welcomed by Uber and Didi, which have invested billions of dollars to attract riders with discounts while operating in a legal grey area in most of China.

"In managing online ride hailing, on the one hand we want to promote its development, on the other hand we want to regulate its behaviour," said Vice Minister of Transportation Liu Xiaoming.

The rules require drivers have a minimum of three years' experience behind the wheel and pass a crime check. They also stipulate that cars used for rides must not be more than eight years old or have more than 600,000 km on the odometer.

China has been soliciting feedback on draft regulations issued in October.

Those issued on Thursday left some of the regulatory decision-making to local authorities.

For instance, cities where ride-hailing services operate can set minimum and maximum prices to control fares, Liu said. Local authorities would also be able to place additional requirements on vehicles, for example allowing only certain models.

The ride-hailing sector has been an arena of intense competition between Uber, Didi and a raft of smaller rivals.

While globally Uber leads the sector, Didi claims 87 percent of the Chinese market for private ride-hailing.

"We welcome the new regulations, which send a clear message of support for ridesharing and the benefits that it offers riders, drivers, and cities," Zhen Liu, senior vice president of corporate strategy with Uber China, said in a statement.

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"This is a welcome step ... and we look forward to working with policymakers around the country to put these regulations into practice."

Didi also welcomed the rules, saying they reflected an open mind on the part of the government with regard to car-hailing and the sharing economy.

"DiDi will make an earnest effort to comply with the new rules and adopt its corresponding standards. Soon we will initiate the application for the appropriate licenses," it said in an open letter.

The rivals have raised massive sums to compete in China. Didi raised $7.3 billion in its latest round of funding in June and Uber received nearly $2 billion from Chinese backers in January.

(Reporting by Jake Spring; Writing by John Ruwitch; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Christopher Cushing)
Beijing (AFP) - China on Thursday announced new rules governing ridesharing services, making clear for the first time that they are now legal in a giant market where US-based Uber is at loggerheads with local rival Didi Chuxing.

China has become the world's largest online car-hailing market, vice transport minister Liu Xiaoming told a briefing.

"The legitimacy of internet ride-booking services are clarified" in new regulations on taxi industry reforms and regulations on car-hailing apps, Liu said.

Didi Chuxing said it was "the first time" any government had legalised online car-booking services at the national level, hailing the move as a "milestone".

Beijing's stance on the sector had been ambivalent because while the apps have won public support, they threaten old-style taxis -- which often generate income for local authorities -- and have been met with protests by cab drivers.

The services have been banned in some cities.

Liu said the new rules will support the development of online car-booking platforms, adding that private cars were encouraged to provide ridesharing services to "promote the sharing economy" and "ease traffic jams in cities and reduce air pollution".

Under the rules, the provinces where ridesharing apps are registered can issue them with a licence valid nationwide.

Unlike traditional taxis, ridesharing cars are not subject to an eight-year service limit but can operate until they have accumulated 600,000 kilometres (372,822 miles), apparently addressing concerns of part-time drivers.

"Didi will make an earnest effort to comply with the new rules and adopt its corresponding standards," Didi Chuxing said in a statement, adding it will apply for the licences "soon".

US giant Uber, which says it operates in more than 60 Chinese cities, also welcomed the regulations.

They "send a clear message of support for ridesharing and the benefits that it offers riders, drivers, and cities", it said in a statement.

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"Uber China is regulation-ready, and we look forward to working with policy makers around the country to put these regulations into practice."

Both firms have spent vast sums on subsidies for both drivers and passengers as they battle for market share in the country -- a practice that could potentially be limited by the new rules that say platforms will be forbidden to operate below cost.

-'Operate everywhere'-

Didi and Uber have attracted billions in investment, even while operating on uncertain legal footing.

Didi, which claims almost 90 percent of the China ride-hailing market, said last month that it had recently raised $7.3 billion -- $1 billion of which came from Apple -- in one of the world's largest private equity financing rounds.

Worth an estimated $50 billion, Uber has become one of the world's most valuable startups as it has expanded to more than 50 countries, but it has faced regulatory hurdles and protests from established taxi operators in most locations where it has launched.

Fu Weigang, executive president of the Shanghai-based think-tank SIFL Institute and an advisor to China's transport ministry during discussions over the new rules, called the document "a good policy overall".

"The online car-hailing industry used to be in a grey area and now it has been recognised by law. They can now apply to operate everywhere, he told AFP.
Chinas military said Thursday that it has planned joint military drills with Russia in the South China Sea to better relations between the two militaries and improve their ability to respond to maritime threats.

This comes shortly after an international tribunal in The Hague ruled that Chinas claims to sovereignty over the South China Sea have no legal basis. China considers the ruling earlier this month to be invalid, and Russia has spoken in support of China. Russia has also argued that countries that do not have a direct claim to the territory should stay neutral, in reference to the U.S., the Associated Press reports.

The air and sea drills will take place in September. Ministry spokesman Col. Yang Yujun said the military exercises are not targeted at any third parties. He did not disclose the specific location. In recent years, Russia and China have held several joint drills to check American power in the region.

China has challenged ships from the U.S., the Philippines and other nations over the disputed waters. Currently, six governments claim territory in the South China Sea.

[Associated Press]
Beijing (AFP) - China and Russia will hold joint naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, Beijing's defence ministry said Thursday, after an international tribunal invalidated the Asian giant's extensive claims in the area.

The drills will be carried out in the "relevant sea and air of the South China Sea", defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told reporters at a monthly briefing.

With international diplomatic tensions mounting and Washington regularly sending warships into the strategically vital area to assert the right to freedom of navigation, the move could see vessels from several of the world's most powerful militaries in the same region at the same time.

The drills aimed to "consolidate and develop" China and Russia's comprehensive strategic partnership, and "enhance the capabilities of the two navies to jointly deal with maritime security threats" Yang said.

The announcement comes after a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that there was "no legal basis" to Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, embodied in a "nine-dash line" dating from Chinese maps of the 1940s and extending almost to the coasts of other countries, which have competing claims.

China has built a series of artificial islands on rocks and reefs in the area hosting facilities capable of supporting military operations, widely seen as an attempt to bolster its control of the waters.

The tribunal ruling -- in a case brought by the Philippines -- infuriated Beijing, which rejected it as "waste paper" and reiterated its right to declare an Air Defence Identification Zone controlling flights over the area.

China and Russia have close military and diplomatic ties, often in opposition to the West, particularly the United States, and their leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin enjoy a tight relationship.

The two sides hold joint drills regularly "on land and sea", Yang said, which "contribute to peace and stability."

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September's exercise was "routine" and "does not target any third party", he added.

Last August, the two powers -- who were allies then rivals during the Soviet era -- carried out military exercises in the waters and airspace of the Peter the Great Gulf, south of the Russian Pacific city of Vladivostok, involving 22 vessels, up to 20 aircraft and more than 500 marines.

In May last year, they conducted their first joint naval exercises in European waters in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, China's farthest-ever drills from its home waters.

Xi and Putin meet frequently and their countries, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, often take similar stances there on divisive issues such as the conflict in Syria.

- Sensitive factors -

In response to Beijing's increased activity in the South China Sea, the US began a series of "freedom of navigation" operations in the area, sailing naval vessels within 12 nautical miles -- the normal territorial limit around natural land -- of reefs in the region.

The missions were widely seen as an attempt to push back against China's increasing assertiveness, although the Pentagon said they were also a warning to Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines.

On Monday, US National Security Adviser Susan Rice told Chinese officials in Beijing that the US intended to continue its patrols in the region, while the vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Fan Changlong, warned that ties between the two powers could easily fray.

"We should be honest with ourselves that deep down in this relationship we're still faced with obstacles and challenges," Fan said, adding that military ties had been "impacted by some complicated and some sensitive factors".

Rice noted that "risks of unintended consequences" of the two countries' forces operating in ever-closer proximity had been reduced thanks to better communication and other confidence-building measures.
Christian Siriano dresses a lot of women  rarely does a red carpet happen without one of his pieces being seen on an A-list actress. But this week, the designer hit a new high when he dressed the first lady, Michelle Obama, for her speech at the Democratic National Convention. Im sure the stylist who works with Michelle Obama was totally over me by the end of it because I was emailing her every day, Siriano told students at a talk in New York City hosted by Berkeley College on Wednesday. It was like I was back to square one when I was working with her.

Siriano might have been a nag, but his persistence paid off, seeing as the royal blue number FLOTUS wore will certainly be remembered for years to come. And while dressing such an important figure is meaningful to Siriano, he noted that individuals dont need star power to have a piece of his world. Instead, from the beginning of his career, he set out to give something to everyone.

It has been 10 years since Siriano graduated from reality TV and since then hes produced 25 collections and additional collaborations with big-name brands including Victorias Secret, Lane Bryant, and Payless. While the latters shoes might not make it onto a client such as Heidi Klum, its not just about luxury or prestige for Siriano. I couldnt imagine saying no to a company like Payless, Siriano said. Why would you alienate a customer? Why would you not want that fan? And, according to Siriano, the business strategy, one of total acceptance, has paid off in many ways.

This idea  designing for every size at every budget  has been the core of the business since day one. Following his winning turn on Season 4 of Project Runway, Siriano invested about $50,000 into starting his company. With two employees, the young entrepreneur was eager to get into the market. And while the team knocked on doors, it wasnt until a very specific email that he had a breakthrough. [Our sales intern] was emailing Saks every day for four months, he said. But the email when we finally got a response was when we werent just saying, Come see the collection, you have to come by! We got a response when we said, We will produce any size you want and you can put it in any store. I think that was interesting to her.

Story continues

While Siriano is no longer with Saks, the partnership did set a precedent for his future business endeavors. For example, his recent Lane Bryant collection allows Siriano to truly dress all sizes on a mass level. Lane Bryant was something Ive always wanted to do, he said. The project allows for a diversity in body shapes and body types, while his Payless collaboration, which was recently expanded to all 4,000 Payless stores, lends itself to a diversity of incomes.

But for Siriano, he sees the mass market as an investment opportunity. According to the designer, customers can begin as Payless shoppers during their school years, buying the collection at a lower price point. But once they graduate college and move into the corporate world, where their disposable income swells, that brand allegiance could turn into a situation in which that same Payless customer begins to buy significant portions of the Siriano main line. That has happened! he admitted giddily.

I think everyone should be able to have a great piece of clothing if they want it, he said. We really wanted to have this idea [in our business] that everyone can find something.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.


Health insurer Cigna Corp. CI is expected to release second-quarter financial results before the market opens on Jul 29.



In the last reported quarter, the company beat the earnings estimate by 6.91%. Moreover, the company posted a positive earnings surprise in each of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 5.93%. Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement.



Why a Likely Positive Surprise?



Our proven model shows that Cigna is likely to beat on earnings as it has the right combination of the two key components. Note that a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) or at least #3 (Hold) to have a significantly higher chance of beating estimates.



Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for Cigna is +1.67%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate of $2.44 per share is above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.40.



Zacks Rank: Cignas Zacks Rank #3 increases the predictive power of ESP.



Factors to Drive Q2 Results



Cignas upcoming quarter results are expected to demonstrate its continued strength in operating performance.



We expect the company to continue posting favorable results on solid revenue growth in government business, disciplined expense management and effective medical cost management.



The companys global supplements business is expected to add to its earnings.



Moreover, favorable medical utilization along with medical cost management should drive the bottom line.



A strong balance sheet should also lend support to results.



CIGNA CORP Price and EPS Surprise

CIGNA CORP Price and EPS Surprise | CIGNA CORP Quote

Other Stocks to Consider



Here are three more stocks from the finance sector that you may want to consider as they also have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:



ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANIP has an Earnings ESP of +2.63% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter earnings results on Aug 2.



Humana Inc. HUM has an Earnings ESP of +0.44% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter earnings results on Aug 3.



Aetna Inc. AET has an Earnings ESP of +3.32% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter earnings results on Aug 2.

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WINONA, Minn.  A Winona man was sentenced to nearly two years in prison Thursday for stabbing a man.

Connor Mitchell Bundy, 22, was sentenced to 23 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to third-degree assault in the stabbing of a Viroqua, Wis., man last August.

According to police reports, a fight at the East End Rec Center was reported about 8:15 a.m. On arrival, officers found the Viroqua man with several lacerations on his body. The man was taken to Winona Health by ambulance, then transferred to Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse.

Witnesses provided a description of a suspect, and officers quickly located and arrested Bundy near East Second and Vine streets.

Before the sentence was handed down Thursday, Bundy asked Winona County District Court Judge Nancy Buytendorp if he could stay in the county jail for a couple of months to be close to his family before being transferred to a state prison.

Buytendorp said that once his sentence was imposed, she had no say in where and when he would be incarcerated. That is up to the commissioner of corrections, she said, then proceeded with the sentencing.

Bundy has a history of criminal violence in Winona.

As a teenager, he was sentenced to 68 months in prison in 2012 for his part in the assault and robbery of a pizza delivery driver in September 2011, which included Bundy pistol-whipping the man. Bundy was also sentenced to 58 months in prison for an armed home invasion in August 2011.

Bundy was allowed to serve those sentences concurrently. In Minnesota, laws generally call for those convicted of felonies to serve two-thirds of the sentence in prison, and the remaining one-third on supervised release.

Consequently, he was released from prison June 17, 2015.

Sixty-two days later he was back in jail, facing new charges.
If the United States is in such a happy place, as Democrats have told us throughout their convention, why are so many people protesting outside the gates of the convention hall? Why have voters turned out to hear Donald Trump in such huge numbers, and why did 13 million people vote in the Democrat primaries for Bernie Sanders revolution?

Heres the real challenge for Hillary Clinton: If 69 percent of the country thinks we are headed in the wrong direction, why would they vote for four more years of Barack Obamas policies?

Bill Clinton gets that. With his trademark political IQ, the former president in his speech Tuesday night talked about Hillary the change-maker, trying to convince voters  and especially Bernie followers -- that she does not stand for the status quo.

Related: The Divided America That Obama the Unifier Leaves Behind

But she does. The New York Times reports that the lobbyists and big money donors that Hillary pretends to abhor have flooded into Philadelphia, no longer lurking in the shadows. Theyre being wooed and coddled with high-end digs and parties, and maybe, too, with promises of ambassadorships and political favors. Thats just politics at work, of course, but its the sort of business as usual activity that voters are fed up with, and rightly so.

Drug companies, health insurance firms and Wall Street scions are all in Philly to celebrate the Clinton nomination and to make sure Hillary remembers they were there at the creation. While the campaign was cautious about openly courting Big Money early on, worried that the Bernie Sanders army would disapprove, the shackles are off. Long-time Clinton donors like Tony James, head of private equity firm Blackstone  one of several Wall Street leaders presumed to be angling for a serious post if Hillary wins  and venture capitalist Alan Patricof have joined the festivities. So have people representing Apollo Education Group, a for-profit college outfit under investigation for shady dealings that could really use a helping hand from whoever becomes president.

Story continues

A Sanders supporter connected the dots. The Times quotes Jonathan Tasini saying, The Clinton people would always argue Well, theres no connection between the money and the actions that we take, but acknowledges that the schmoozing under way in Philly is about access and whose phone calls get answered.

Related: Violence Again Convulses 2016 Election Campaign, Testing Trump, Clinton

The Sanders folks are wary, for good reason. The release of the DNC emails confirmed that their campaign was treated unfairly; they wont forget that any time soon. The raucous outbreaks from disappointed Sanders supporters continued sporadically into the third night, even as many had already gone home. Leon Panetta was interrupted during his remarks by shouts of No More Wars, Michael Bloomberg was greeted with chants of One Percent and VP pick Tim Kaine got a smattering of shouts about his backing of the TPP trade pact.

The Sanders people will watch Hillary like hawks in coming months, ready to pounce if she veers towards the middle and repudiates some of her new-found progressivism. She has already disappointed some by selecting Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her running mate, instead of a more liberal candidate such as Elizabeth Warren or Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown.

The Sanders camp was surely incensed by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffes hint that Hillary might change course on opposing the TPP. McAuliffe said in an interview with Politico, I worry that if we dont do TPP, at some point Chinas going to break the rules -- but Hillary understands this. Yes. Listen, she was in support of it. There were specific things in it she wants fixed. Recognizing the incendiary nature of this suggestion, McAuliffe has since walked back his remarks.

Related: Workers Without College Degrees Are Getting Crushed in This Economy

Donor Alan Patricof sounded an equally troubling note for the Sanders camp not long ago on CNBC, when he assured viewers, The business community has nothing to fear from Hillary Clinton. While that may suggest a reasonable pragmatism to some, such assurances could temper the enthusiasm of those looking to hobble the influence of corporate America.

Hillary needs to excite Democrats and to get them to vote. Clearly the campaign is concerned about her enthusiasm gap. Nearly every speaker, including President Obama, has exhorted the Sanders folks to overcome their differences and turn out in November. There is a certain frantic aspect to these pleas, which reflect the tightening polls. While for most of the past year the media and other Democrats have treated the Trump campaign as a joke, it is slowly dawning on some that this could be a tight race. Just as the pro-stay group in the UK were shocked that voters ignored the warnings of the establishment and voted for Brexit, US elites are spooked that voters, against all their warnings of calamity to come, could elect Trump.

Nothing proves the point better than a recent New York Times assessment that we could see an electoral college tie in November, or even a win by Trump. Thats a far cry from the prediction made in March by forecaster Larry Sabato who gave Hillary 347 electoral college votes to Trumps 191. The Times piece notes that the Clinton campaign is suddenly spending heavily on advertisements in Pennsylvania, a state that last went Republican in 1988  and previously a state thought safe for Democrats. Other states with large numbers of white voters without a college degree  like Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin and New Hampshire  are also now seen as possibly leaning towards Trump.

Hillary will assuredly get a bounce coming out of this star-studded convention; it may carry her back into the lead. That lead could persist through the next month or so, as Americans welcome the diversion of the Olympics. Come September, the polls will be taken more seriously and the debates will loom. Its safe to say that no one has a clue as to the outcome of this unpredictable race. But, its also fair to say that the Sanders camp could well decide who becomes our next president.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
While Democrats have not been shy about criticizing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, the volume and tone of their attacks on the New York billionaire changed markedly on Wednesday night as high-profile Democrats -- and one notable independent -- took the stage at the partys nominating convention and one after another savaged Trump.

Gone was any real effort to persuade voters to abandon Trump on the basis of policy differences. After former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg (the aforementioned independent) urged voters to support Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in part on the grounds that she is at least sane, it was obvious that something new was at work.

Related: In a Night of Bitter Attacks, Dems Question Trumps Competence

There was little pretense of respecting the concerns of Trump supporters. The not-too-subtle subtext of the evening was, This man is dangerous and/or pathological, and if you support him, your judgment is seriously flawed.

Under Trump, vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine said, the GOP has moved too far away from the party of Lincoln, making a pitch to Republicans concerned about the direction of their party to leave the GOP fold.

It was, as conservative author and pundit Ramesh Ponnuru put it, an attempt to isolate Trump within a segment of the Republican Party that embarrasses some of its other members and, possibly, to peel off a sliver of GOP voters and independents who lean Republican, if only for one election.

President Barack Obama and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg argued that Donald Trump does not represent authentically conservative or even Republican values, and that those who hold those values should favor Clinton instead, Ponnuru wrote at Bloomberg View. (The outlet is named for Bloomberg, who founded it before going into politics and who is now majority owner of its parent company.)

Related: Trump Fumes Over $19 Trillion National Debt, but His Plan Would Double It

Story continues

Calling it the smartest tack for the Clinton campaign to take, Ponnuru noted that isolating Trump from Republicanism in general might help Clinton in the general election, but it would not have much of an effect pulling voters away from the GOP as a whole.

Split-ticket voting has been declining for years, but the message that you might not agree with Clinton, but Trump specifically is unacceptable is an invitation for voters to revive the tradition.

Responding to Ponnuru, Bloomberg View editorial writer Francis Wilkinson wrote, What you saw on Wednesday night was a party that considers itself the only adult in the room. No doubt Republicans find that arrogant and off-putting. But given that Trump is the alternative, I think it's a pretty sober assessment of reality. If defining Trump as an outlier leaves potential winnings on the table -- some down-ballot seats Democrats might have picked up from Republicans but won't -- I think they will gladly accept that.

The question now, according to Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginias Center for Politics, is whether the Democrats can sustain an effective attack on Trumps fitness for office until Election Day.

Related: Clintons Historic Nomination Leads Dems Through Convention Storm

This was our first, overwhelming dose of anti-Trump rhetoric, he said. It's been scattered so far, quite naturally. This is what conventions are for.

If this had been scheduled in late August or early September, like the other recent conventions, the broadsides might have lasted until Election Day, he continued. But this is late July. The Democrats will need to renew the criticism and sustain it almost daily after Labor Day.

Given the gusto with which Clintons surrogates including Vice President Joe Biden, vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine and even President Barack Obama himself went after Trump last night, that might actually not be hard to do.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Philadelphia (AFP) - Hillary Clinton faces the test of a lifetime Thursday as she accepts the Democratic White House nomination in a defining speech aimed at prying voters away from Donald Trump -- and convincing America to entrust her with the world's biggest job.

It is the center-stage opportunity she came so close to seizing eight years ago during her first White House campaign, only to be defeated in her party's primary race by Barack Obama.

Clinton made history this week as the first female presidential nominee of a major US party. Now, she needs to hit a home run in Philadelphia, a day after Obama upped the ante with a stirring address hailing Clinton as his political heir.

For days, the most powerful voices on the American left have lined up to convince voters that the former secretary of state and one-time first lady is uniquely qualified for the Oval Office.

But Clinton faces a major trust deficit among a US public that has followed every Clintonian turn of the past quarter century. Rocked by an email scandal that refuses to die, she is now about as unpopular with voters as her Republican rival.

And while Trump casts himself as an outsider, a political neophyte committed to upending the Washington establishment, Clinton faces the difficult task of appearing as the steady hand at the tiller even while promising to be a catalyst for change.

"It's the most personal moment on the campaign, talking to a big audience about what she wants to do for the future," Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta said on a Facebook live stream.

- Demagogue -

Clinton, 68, enjoyed a stream of unrestrained praise Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, from her running mate Tim Kaine to Vice President Joe Biden to the independent former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Her chief rival in a bruising primary battle, Senator Bernie Sanders, has urged his supporters to back Clinton and draw a line under the disruptive protests during the convention's opening days that served to highlight party infighting.

Story continues

But the most rousing Clinton sales pitch came from Obama himself.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman -- not me, not Bill (Clinton), nobody -- more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama thundered before a cheering crowd.

"No matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

Even Trump did his part, albeit inadvertently, with his urging of Russia to hack Clinton's emails landing like an unexpected gift in her lap.

The 70-year-old real estate mogul sought to douse the outcry on Thursday by saying he was "being sarcastic," but the call for cyber espionage against the United States made even Republicans cringe.

He also stirred the pot with new controversial comments about Vladimir Putin, saying the Russian president is "certainly doing a better job than Obama is."

Clinton's backers unleashed a litany of criticism of Trump at Wednesday's convention session, with Kaine blasting him as "a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew" and Obama calling him a demagogue.

- Pitch to middle America -

On Thursday, Clinton will have to make the case herself.

While she must play to the party's base -- and seek to soothe bruised Sanders supporters, some of whom said they will launch small-scale protests Thursday inside the arena -- a key mission is to appeal to crossover voters and independents wary of Trump.

"Donald Trump is making a lot of really big promises, and some people find those attractive," said Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook.

"What Hillary is going to do tonight, what we've done at this convention is make sure that people know the facts."

He acknowledged that Clinton, who will be introduced by daughter Chelsea, also knows "she needs to earn the voters' trust."

Clinton has never been as telegenic and personable a politician as her husband or Obama, whose oratorical skills were on full display Tuesday and Wednesday.

She will balance her policy strengths with an attempt to connect with Americans watching from their living rooms as she faces a nation divided by intense campaign rhetoric, spikes in race-related gun violence, and heightened fear brought about by a spate of terror attacks around the world.

The night will have its share of glitz, too, with musical performances by Katy Perry, Sheila E and Carole King.

Clinton will seek to carry her momentum straight onto the campaign trail Friday, when she and Kaine launch a three-day Rust Belt bus tour through parts of swing states Pennsylvania and Ohio to make their pitch to voters.

"We do know that there's a slice, however narrow, of those persuadable voters that are still making up their minds," Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon said.
Geneva (AFP) - The World Wildlife Fund on Thursday urged Asian states to investigate all tiger breeding centres and crack down on any involved in black-market animal trade.

On the eve of the International Day of the Tiger, WWF said it was crucial for governments to identify and close so-called "tiger farms", which are distinct from zoos or breeding centres with a legitimate conservation mission.

Tiger farms have been linked to the highly lucrative and internationally prohibited trade in tiger parts.

The conservation group estimated that there remained 200 tiger farms in Asia, mostly in China, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.

"Closure of these operations... would significantly boost efforts to save the worlds remaining wild tigers," WWF said in a statement.

The tiger population in farms is about 8,000, more than double the estimated 3,900 living in the wild, WWF said in a statement.

The so-called Tiger Temple in western Thailand was closed in May after Thai wildlife officials discovered dozens of dead cubs inside a freezer.

"The shocking images from the Tiger Temple of tiger cubs frozen and prepared for the illegal trade provide clear evidence of what is really going on behind the scenes at these tiger farms and why they must be closed," said WWF tiger specialist Michael Baltzer.

Some tiger farm operators have insisted their aim is to provide tourists an opportunity to interact with exotic cats.

But WWF said the "incredibly high operating costs" of these farms made it more likely they were involved in black-market trade.

Tiger parts are sometimes used in Asian remedies which are claimed to boost virility or fight disease.

Tiger farms "undermine efforts to protect wild tigers and halt the illegal trade by complicating enforcement activities, and by normalizing and legitimizing the sale of tiger parts and products, which in turn drives up demand," WWF said.

A hastily-organised blanket closure of all tiger farms would however be disastrous for the animals, the organisation added.

Story continues

Tigers living in farm-like captivity have become habituated to human presence and cannot simply be released in the wild, the group said.

It said a tiger resettlement plan needed to be in place before the farms were closed.

At a conference in St. Petersburg in 2010, 13 Asian countries agreed to double the number of tigers living in the wild on the continent by 2022, which is China's next Year of the Tiger.
Maintenance workers discovered about 3 kilos of cocaine on two JetBlue planes in Lake City, Florida, ABC News reported Wednesday.

The cocaine was tucked behind insulation inside a panel in the luggage compartment of each plane, a Columbia County Sheriffs Office spokesman, Murray Smith, told ABC News. The first worker discovered 1 kilo of cocaine on July 20, and 2 kilos were discovered in the same place on a second plane July 24.

Passengers do not have access to the area where the drugs were stashed, and someone would have had to unscrew the panel to put the cocaine inside, Smith said.

Before flying to Florida, the first plane had most recently flown from the Dominican Republic to JFK International Airport in New York City. The Sheriffs office is still waiting to get the second planes itinerary so they can look for common destinations.

Some of the cocaine has been sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, where officials will look for fingerprints or DNA on the packaging and try to determine where the drugs came from. Smith estimated the cocaine had a street value of about $180,000.

[ABC News]
Colgate-Palmolive Co. CL reported second-quarter 2016 results, wherein earnings beat estimates, while sales missed the same. The company continued to battle macroeconomic headwinds in various countries and lingering currency woes in the quarter. Nevertheless, Colgate witnessed solid gross margin expansion yet again and also reaffirmed its earnings view for 2016.



Quarterly adjusted earnings of 70 cents a share came a penny ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 69 cents and remained flat year over year. On a currency-neutral basis, adjusted earnings rose by double digits.



Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) Street Actual & Estimate EPS - Last 5 Quarters | FindTheCompany

Including one-time items, the company posted earnings of 67 cents per share, up 6.3% from the year-ago quarter.



Deeper Insight



Total sales of $3,845 million declined 5.5% from the year-ago figure of $4,066 million and also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,870.6 million.



The company stated that excluding divested business and the effects of the previously announced deconsolidation of its Venezuelan operations, the benefits of 1.5% growth in unit volume and a 3% rise in prices were more than offset by a negative impact of 5.5% from currency fluctuations.



On an organic basis (excluding foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures and the deconsolidated Venezuelan operations), the company recorded sales growth of 4.5%, mainly driven by a 6.5% sales improvement in emerging markets despite tough economic conditions.



Adjusted gross profit margin was 60.2%, up 190 basis points (bps), backed by benefits of cost-saving initiatives under the companys funding-the-growth and 2012 Restructuring Program, along with better pricing. These were partly offset by increased packaging and material expenses stemming from higher currency translation costs and the effect of deconsolidation of the Venezuelan operations.



In the reported quarter, adjusted operating profit of $1,003 million remained flat with the year-ago quarter. However, adjusted operating margin improved 150 bps to 26.1% on enhanced gross margin and was partly offset by a 30 bps increase in adjusted selling, general & administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues.



On a year-to-date basis, Colgates market share of manual toothbrushes reached 33.5%. Further, the companys share in the global toothpaste market continued to grow, reaching 43.8%.



Segment Discussion



North America sales (21% of total sales) rose 2% in the reported quarter, driven by a 3.5% improvement in unit volume, offset by a 1.5% fall in pricing. Foreign exchange remained flat year over year. On an organic basis, sales grew 2%.



Latin America sales (24% of total sales) slumped 16.5% year over year as the benefits of a 9.5% increase in pricing was more than offset by a 13.5% plunge in unit volumes and negative impact of 12.5% from foreign exchange. Excluding the deconsolidation of Venezuelan operations impact, unit volumes remained flat as gains from Mexico and Central America were offset by softness in Brazil and Argentina. On an organic basis, sales rose 9.5%.



Europe (16% of total sales) sales inched up 0.5% year over year, backed by a 4% rise in unit volumes, somewhat countered by a negative impact of 3% from lower pricing and 0.5% from foreign currency translation. Unit volumes were driven by the strength noted in United Kingdom, Italy and Poland, while volumes remained weak at France. Europe organic sales inched up 1%.



Asia Pacific sales (18% of total sales) tumbled 7%, attributable to a 3% drop in volumes and a negative impact of 5% from foreign exchange, partly compensated by a 1% improvement in pricing. Unit volumes jumped 1%, excluding divested businesses. Volume growth was primarily attributed to gains in India and the Philippines, partly negated by softness noted in the Greater China region. On an organic basis, sales rose 2%.



Africa/Eurasia sales (6% of total sales) declined 9% year over year due to a negative impact of 13.5% from foreign currency exchange and 1.5% dip in unit volumes, partly compensated by a 9% increase in prices. Soft volumes at South Africa and Central Asia Caucasus regions could not be compensated by gains in Gulf States and Sub-Sahara Africa regions. Organic sales for Africa/Eurasia advanced 7.5%.



Hills Pet Nutrition sales (15% of total sales) increased 3.5% year over year. During the quarter, positive impact from 1.5% volume growth and a 2.5% increase in pricing were somewhat offset by a 0.5% negative impact from foreign exchange. Unit volume improvements were backed by gains in the U.S., Russia and Western Europe. On an organic basis, sales rose 4% year over year.



COLGATE PALMOLI Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

COLGATE PALMOLI Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | COLGATE PALMOLI Quote

Other Financial Details



Colgate ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1,085 million, total debt of $6,572 million, and shareholders equity (excluding non controlling interests) of ($281) million.



Net cash provided by operating activities came in at $1,320 million for the first half of 2016.



Outlook



Colgate anticipates macroeconomic and currency headwinds to linger throughout 2016. Hence, it expects net sales for 2016 to decrease in low to mid-single-digits, mainly reflecting the impact of adverse currency movements. Nonetheless, even in the face of these challenges, management expects another year of robust organic sales growth on the back of new products across categories and geographical regions.



Excluding the Venezuelan operations from its 2015 and 2016 results, Colgate still envisions 2016 earnings per share to witness double-digit growth (on a currency neutral basis). As of the existing spot rates, management continues to expect gross margin to expand in 2016 and adjusted earnings per share in dollar terms to remain flat with 2015. On a GAAP basis, Colgate anticipates the bottom line to grow in high double-digits in 2016, along with gross margin expansion.



Zacks Rank



Colgate currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the consumer staples sector include Ingredion Incorporated INGR, Omega Protein Corporation OME and The J. M. Smucker Company SJM, with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each.



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(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.)

By Clyde Russell

LAUNCESTON, Australia, July 28 (Reuters) - There is a definite sense of deja vu in Asia's natural rubber markets, with the latest attempt of the major producers to boost prices seemingly fizzling after a spark of success.

The most recent effort to boost the price of the commodity mainly used for vehicle tyres came in February, with a promise from top producers Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia to cut exports by a total of 615,000 tonnes for six months from March.

The possibility of the loss of about 6 percent of annual global natural rubber output was enough to boost prices initially, but the success was relatively short-lived.

The main rubber contract in Japan lifted from 147.1 yen ($1.40) a kilogram on Feb. 10 to a closing high of 202.2 yen by April 21, a gain of 37 percent.

However, it has since slipped back to close at 156.5 yen on Wednesday, leaving the contract down 1.5 percent so far this year.

The main SICOM contract in Singapore shows a similar pattern, rallying some 51 percent from the close on Feb. 11 to its peak so far this year of 158 U.S. cents a kg on April 21.

But it has also since retreated, closing on Wednesday at 131.5 cents a kg, a level that still leaves it in positive territory so far in 2016, with a year-to-date gain of 11.5 percent.

If that doesn't sound too bad, it's worth noting that the Singapore price is still down 77 percent from its record in February 2011, while the Tokyo contract is 70 percent lower over the same period.

At best, it can be said that the effort to boost natural rubber prices by the three top Asian producers, who group themselves as the International Tripartite Rubber Council, has been a limited success.

The two main regional benchmarks didn't manage to hold onto the initial gains, but unlike prior attempts to boost prices, this time they haven't fallen back below where they started.

It's worth asking why producing nations find it so hard to boost prices through restricting supply, and the answer is mainly because they don't actually cut output by as much as they say they will, or by a large enough volume to influence the market on a sustained basis.

Story continues

This can be seen by the import statistics of top buyer China, which has been increasing purchases of natural rubber despite the efforts to restrict supply.

In the first half of 2016, China's imports of natural rubber rose 3 percent to 1.16 million tonnes.

Thailand, which was supposed to cut rubber exports by a total of 324,000 tonnes between March and September, saw its exports to China rising in the first half of 2016.

China imported 839,009 tonnes from its top supplier Thailand in the January to June period, a gain of 6.4 percent over the same period in 2015.

Imports from number two and three suppliers Malaysia and Indonesia did decline by 1.1 percent and 6 percent respectively, but these modest drops were nowhere near enough to offset the increase from Thailand.

DISCIPLINE NEEDED

It's clear that if rubber producers are going to alter the supply-demand balance in their favour, they will have to exercise more discipline.

An effort by 10 major rubber companies in Asia last year to lift prices and try to change the pricing mechanism appears to have stalled because producers battled to maintain supply discipline over an extended time period.

Similarly, efforts by governments to restrict supply to the market by buying from farmers and stockpiling, as tried by Thailand, also didn't work as it merely provided an incentive for farmers to keep producing even though prices weren't high enough to cover costs.

The same criticism can be levelled at state schemes to support farmers during periods of low prices, which make little sense from an economic perspective even if they are deemed essential for social stability.

Data from the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) show natural rubber output has exceeded demand every year since 2011, apart from 2014 when there was a tiny surplus of 22,000 tonnes.

It's little surprise that prices have struggled since the 2011 peak given the persistent surplus, and the ISRG still expects supply will be sufficient to meet demand, even though global natural rubber demand is expected to gain 1.3 percent in 2016 to 12.3 million tonnes.

Natural rubber prices are likely to continue to tread water at best in the absence of sustained supply discipline and modest demand growth.

(Editing by Ed Davies)
Led by a 0.7% uptick in central region prices.

June saw prices of completed condo units in Singapore climb 0.6%, according to the latest National University of Singapore's (NUS) Singapore Residential Price Index (SRPI).

Prices of completed condos in the central region grew by 0.7%, while prices of homes in non-central regions rose by a more marginal 0.4%.



Meanwhile, prices of small units, or those smaller than 506 square feet, inched up 0.2%.

Further, ERA comments that luxury properties have enjoyed greater demand from buyers in recent months, as purchasers look to invest for the longer term. Given the luxury market was depressed for some time, it has become more alluringly priced compared to other major cities.

ERA further shares that as the MAS has stated that the cooling measures will not be removed as yet, more buyers who had been on the sidelines can be expected to commit to a purchase should they chance upon an attractive buy.

Real estate in Singapore, seen by many as safe haven assets, will continue to see healthy interest as investors search for ways to park their money. However, capital appreciation is expected to be limited in the short term as loan caps and the uncertain market outlook keep a lid on prices, ERA posits.





More From Singapore Business Review


AMC recently announced that it would seek to acquire the European theater chain Odeon-UCI. Even without the currency benefit that followed the Brexit vote, AMC will be buying into one of the most attractive theater markets outside the U.S.

The four major U.S. movie theater chains account for 50% of a fairly stagnant market in terms of attendance. With domestic competition fierce and little underlying growth, U.S. chains are looking for growth overseas.

AMCs competitor Cinemark has focused its international business on Latin America. Cinemarks average domestic ticket price is $7-$8; for international, that number is less than $4, and per-customer concession revenue is about half what it is in the U.S.

https://www.theatlas.com/javascripts/atlas.js

By contrast, the European business AMC is looking to acquire is in line with domestic performance, especially in the biggest market, the U.K. In its presentation to investors, AMC pointed out that Odeon-UCIs average ticket price over the last year was $8.55  higher than both Cinemark and Carmikes U.S. averages. So AMC will not only have almost twice as many international theaters as Cinemark, but theyll generate much more revenue.

A combined AMC/Odeon-UCI would have 7,616 screens, leapfrogging Regal and Cinemark and making AMC the largest global chain in the U.S. (AMC on July 25 also agreed to acquire Carmike, a move that will add 3,000 more screens to its holdings.)

https://www.theatlas.com/javascripts/atlas.js

But cross-border scale isnt the most significant element of financial performance for movie theaters; in fact, AMC projects just $10 million in cost synergies. Where real benefits could come is in applying AMCs U.S. theater-upgrade strategy  adding recliner seats, IMAX and Dolby, and, most important, dine-in-theater options  to its European business. Attracting more patrons to upgraded theaters and charging higher prices will help, but the biggest opportunity for growth is in concession spending.

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If AMC could raise European per-patron concession revenue from $3 to the companys U.S. average of $7, that would translate to additional annual revenue of $300 million to $400 million; even a $1-$2 increase per patron would mean a rapid payback on the acquisition. And food and beverage revenue has far higher margins than ticket spending. Odeon-UCI is already experimenting with new concession models, including franchise agreements with coffee chains and Ben & Jerrys ice cream, so AMCs moves would build on existing strategies.

Higher concession spending will mean significantly higher profits and margins. Thats really the big bet AMC is making here  and its one with decent odds of paying off.

Jan Dawson is the founder and chief analyst at Jackdaw Research, an advisory firm for the consumer technology market.

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Is the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class a self-driving car or isnt it?

In the midst of a national debate about the limits of autonomous technology, Mercedes has launched an update of its E-Class sedan with a new generation of driver-assistance technology called Drive Pilot. The company is marketing the system with a slick advertising campaign that delivers a mixed message that doesnt quite jibe with its actual functionality, as we experienced with our testing.

Much of the public concern up until now has been focused on electric carmaker Tesla after a few accidents involving its semi-autonomous Autopilot system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating one of these crashes, which resulted in a fatality in May in Florida.

While there are many aspects to Autopilot that we find promising, Consumer Reports has called for Tesla to disable the Autosteer functionality of Autopilot until it can be reprogrammed to require drivers to keep their hands on the wheel.

That background has made Mercedes ads, launched in late winter, all the more jarring. In one commercial, the narrator says, what it means to be self-driven, and the driver removes his hands from the wheel. In another, the narrator says, introducing the 2017 E Class from Mercedes-Benz, a concept car thats already a reality. Again, the driver takes his hands off the wheel.

Related Stories:

Tesla Losing Key Autopilot Supplier

Tesla's New Master Plan: Autonomy, Pickups, Buses

Tesla Autopilot: Too Much Autonomy Too Soon

Safety Agency Wants Detailed Tesla Autopilot Info



Mercedes in an email response to Consumer Reports questions said, The only reason the drivers hands are not on the wheel is so that viewers can see that the wheel is moving on its own to correct (e.g. the vehicle is cross lane lines with no positive input from the driver indicating intent to change lanes).

It added that the commercials are futuristic portrayals, and that for the here and now, we have always stressed that our technology is designed to assist the driver, not to encourage customers to ignore their responsibilities as drivers.

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But safety advocates including Consumer Reports on Wednesday sent the Federal Trade Commission a letter [PDF] calling on the agency to investigate the Mercedes ads. The letter cited the ads' potential to mislead consumers into thinking that the vehicles can drive on their own, when in fact the cars come with frequent reminders for consumers to keep their hands on the wheel.



While the ads portray people taking their hands off the wheel, our testing found that Drive Pilot actually is an effective aid for drivers.

Like Teslas Autopilot, the Mercedes system modulates speed, keeps the car in its lane, and even changes lanes automatically.



Drive Pilot allowed us to stay in control of the car, but offered an assist to keep the car in its lane. With the system engaged, we could still steer the car and even change lanes, though we did feel variable resistance when approaching lane markings. We found it easy to drive the car in this mode, and believe it could help a tired or distracted driver stay safe.

Also like the Tesla system, Drive Pilot allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel. Drive Pilot warns you to put your hands back on the wheel in 15 to 45 seconds in our testing. We believe drivers should never be able to take their hands off the wheel, but that amount of time is better than the 2 to 3 minutes weve experienced with our two Tesla test cars with Autopilot.

The Mercedes system is a contrast to Tesla's Autopilot in other ways, too. As soon as you exert some force on the steering wheel with Autopilot on, the automatic steering system disengages. Tesla has said that drivers should always keep their hands on the wheel, and that Autopilot boosts safety when used correctly.

From our experience with the two systems, it feels as if Teslas Autopilot is the car driving itself with you overseeing it, while Mercedes Drive Pilot is you driving the car with it overseeing you. And until the technology has evolved more, we believe Mercedes concept is the right direction.





More from Consumer Reports:

5 least reliable cars from Consumer Reports' survey

Best Used Cars for $25,000 and Less

Which Car Brands make the Best Vehicles





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
Bill Clinton Shinola

It's no surprise former President Bill Clinton has been fixture at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. And it seems Clinton doesn't leave home without his trusty Shinola Runwell 47mm watch, which retails for $600 and of which he owns at least three.

Clinton called the watch "elegant and informal," saying that the large numbers help his poor eyesight, according to a report by Crain's when he visited Shinola's factory in Detroit in 2014. He's reportedly purchased 13 in total, mostly for gifting.

President Obama is also a Shinola fan, and has praised the Detroit company, declaring it a symbol of an American manufacturing revival and jobs brought back to the US.

And it's true: Shinola makes a high-quality, handsome watch, and it's one of only a few companies that assemble watches in America.

The Detroit-based brand has cultivated a cachet among consumers who are looking for a nice watch but aren't willing or able to shell out the coin required for a high-end Swiss brand like Rolex.

Besides watches, the brand also builds bicycles and enlists other manufacturing companies to create journals, apparel, leather goods, pet accessories, and other accessories.

Shinola CMO Bridget Russo told NewCo that the company generated $100 million in revenue in 2015, up from $20 million in 2013 and $60 million in 2014.

But even as the brand has built a large following across the country, there's a little more to its story.

A Detroit-raised company

Shinola

Launched in 2011 by Tom Kartsotis of Bedrock Brands (who also cofounded Fossil), the company purchased its name from an early 1900s shoe-polish brand called Shinola. The shoe-polish brand is where the 20th-century phrase "You don't know s--- from Shinola" came from, according to Adweek.

Though the company is not as old as its name and marketing might suggest, that's not necessarily a bad thing  plenty of companies revive old trademarks hoping to cash in on nostalgic cachet.

Story continues

Shinola moved into a former General Motors design lab in Detroit to build its watches. It proudly stamps "Detroit"  the home to Shinola's headquarters and main factory  on all of its products, even a shoeshine that the company makes in Chicago, according to The Washington Post.

Kartsotis and the other early members of Shinola had no previous ties to Detroit before starting the company there, but the company says it is committed to the city, providing well-paying manufacturing jobs to its citizens and investing in its infrastructure. It sponsored the creation of a dog park in Midtown Detroit in 2014.

"Shinola is, and always has been, a job-creation vehicle, and our intention is to create jobs in this city we now call home," Shinola President Jacques Panis told Business Insider.

Shinola hired more than 300 people for its Detroit factory and headquarters, and it employs about 200 more worldwide. Shinola trumpets the fact that it is providing jobs to an economically depressed city in desperate need of them. This lends a philanthropic air to the company that customers and employees can buy into, similar to the Toms Shoes giveback and Warby Parker's "buy a pair, give a pair" program.

Detroit is also associated with quality American manufacturing in many people's minds, and customers respond strongly to it when it is used in marketing materials.

An unnamed employee told Crain's about a focus group Kartsotis had commissioned before choosing the brand's home base. The focus group was given a choice between a $5 Chinese-made pen, a $10 US-made pen, and a $15 Detroit-made men. People consistently chose the Detroit-made pen over the other options, which suggested that others might be more inclined to pay a premium for products stamped with the Detroit name.

"There's really nothing else like Shinola," Northwestern University marketing professor Timothy Calkins told The Washington Post. "It's a brilliant thing they did, this association with Detroit, a very authentic look and this authentic story. This is a very carefully constructed brand done by very savvy brand builders."

Quartz watches

Shinola

The watches made in Shinola's factory are assembled by hand using techniques from the company's Swiss partner brand Ronda, which sent representatives to Detroit in the early days to train the workers in the new workshop.

Some criticize Shinola for the fact that it emphasizes craftsmanship and engineering in its products while using quartz movements and charging a premium for it. Quartz movements are relatively cheap and easy to produce compared with mechanical watches, as they have far fewer moving parts and require less watchmaking expertise.

Shinola watches retail at $475 to $1,125, while quartz watches made by Skagen and Fossil hover close to $100. Some of the higher costs of manufacturing in the US are most likely baked into that premium, along with the high-quality materials Shinola uses, but "compared to some of the other products out there, they're definitely charging a premium," Ariel Adams, founder of the blog aBlogtoWatch, told the Detroit Free Press.

A Shinola representative told Business Insider the company must make its watches with the less-complicated quartz movements to be able to produce watches at scale and be the job-creation vehicle the company hopes to be. Shinola does, however, hope to one day create a mechanical watch.

Some have also questioned Shinola's stated commitment to Detroit, as the product's prices are out of the range of many people who live there.

"The thought of a company selling such luxuriously priced goods in a city that, according to the 2010 Census, has a per capita income of $14,000 is downright laughable," Jon Moy at Complex writes.

Indeed, the company's first retail store outside Detroit was built in the trendy, wealthy New York City neighborhood of Tribeca in Manhattan, inside a townhouse Shinola purchased for $14.5 million, according to The New York Times. Shinola has since opened stores in luxury destinations including London, Miami, and Los Angeles, and the watches are stocked in almost 1,000 stores worldwide, according to the company's website.

'Made' versus 'Built'

Shinola

Shinola's tagline is "Built in Detroit." The company assembles all of its watches and bicycles in the 30,000-square-foot Detroit factory, but it seems that's not quite enough for the Federal Trade Comission.

A letter the FTC sent to Shinola's parent company, Bedrock Manufacturing, on June 16 detailed a prior FTC review of Shinola that "raised concerns that certain marketing materials overstated the extent to which certain Shinola ... products ... are 'made' or 'built' in the United States."

The company is being forced to clarify its "Built in Detroit" slogan on all of its products and advertising copy, as the FTC says it could mislead customers to instead think they are purchasing a product made in the US.

In order for a product to be claimed to be "made in the US," it must be assembled in the US from "all or virtually all" American parts. Shinola's slogan attempted to avoid this FTC requirement, and the company is not secretive about using foreign parts for the products assembled in the Motor City while listing all part sources on its website.

The FTC saw a potentially misleading difference between a "made in the US" claim, which the FTC polices, and Shinola's "Built in Detroit." The company is now implementing a remedial action plan.

In a statement, Shinola's founder, Tom Kartsotis, said:

We have always believed that Built in Detroit most accurately describes the watches (and jobs) that are being created in Detroit and will continue to mark our watches as "Built in Detroit." While the FTC did show us some flaws in our communication, we believe that we have genuinely tried to be completely transparent as to the origin (and mission) of our products from the outset. We are thankful to the FTC for helping us identify some areas of improvement within some of our communication, which we began adopting over the last year.

NOW WATCH: These are the watches worn by the smartest and most powerful men in the world





More From Business Insider


(Reuters) - Countrywide Plc (CWD.L), the UK's biggest lettings and estate agency company, warned on full-year core earnings on Thursday, saying that commercial and London residential transactions had stalled after Britain voted in June to leave the European Union.

Investor and buyer confidence has been rattled by UK property funds suspensions, analyst downgrades and government and agencies warning about a possible fall in prices and demand after the vote.

The company said it would not be able to match 2015's adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). It reported adjusted EBITDA of 113 million pounds ($149 million) last year.

Adjusted pretax profit fell 25 percent to 21.8 million pounds in the six months ended June 30. It cited a hit due to investment and a market slowdown in May and June in the run up to the vote.

"We saw a slowdown in our retail and London residential businesses and, since the EU referendum result this has become more marked in London, the South East and expensive prime markets," the company said in a statement.

"Although it is too early to quantify accurately, we will not meet last year's result at the EBITDA level," it added.

British property website Rightmove (RMV.L) said on Wednesday uncertainty created by Brexit had contributed to pushing down property transactions.

London-focussed estate agents Foxtons (FOXT.L) has also said Brexit was likely to prolong uncertainty in the property market resulting in a drop in its full-year earnings.

(Reporting by Esha Vaish in Bengaluru; Editing by Adrian Croft and Susan Thomas)
Zurich (AFP) - Credit Suisse bounced back into profit in the second quarter, earning 170 million Swiss francs ($172 million, 156 million euros), as it reported making progress on a major restructuring programme.

Plunging client activity and difficult market conditions as well as writeoffs pushed Switzerland's second largest bank into a net loss of 302 million Swiss francs in the first quarter.

However the second-quarter net profit still represented an 84-percent drop from the same period last year as Credit Suisse shifts to focus on private banking and wealth management.

The bank pointed to progress in cutting costs, which were down 6 percent from the second quarter last year, while it improved its core capital buffer to 11.8 percent.

"We were able to improve our performance in the second quarter and to operate profitably in a volatile context," said chief executive Tidjane Thiam.

He said markets were particularly challenging in June "in connection with the UK referendum on EU membership" but that their planning allowed for Credit Suisse to handle significantly increased trading volumes for its clients.

"We remain cautious in our outlook for the second half of 2016 in view of the uncertainty created by significant geopolitical and macro-economic concerns, reinforced a few weeks ago by the outcome of the UK referendum," added Thiam.

Investors initially appeared to cheer the results, with shares in the banking giant rising after opening but they later slid into the red and were just over 3 percent lower in early afternoon trades.

"One of Thiams priorities is to make the bank run more efficiently, and this is the first time we witness that his strategy is finally bearing fruit," market analyst Andreas Ruhlmann, of IG Bank, said in an investors' note.

He said that, like other investment banks, Credit Suisse had benefited from higher trading volume on the days following the Brexit vote.

"This is a one-time event, and we would prefer to see rising profits in the Wealth Management business," he added however.
By Joshua Franklin

ZURICH (Reuters) - Credit Suisse (CSGN.S) posted an unexpected second-quarter net profit on Thursday, boosting Chief Executive Tidjane Thiam's efforts to restructure Switzerland's second-biggest bank.

The results confounded expectations for a third straight quarterly loss and offered the first green shoots for Thiam's wealth-management driven strategy, which has been hampered by tough financial markets, muddled communication and concerns over Credit Suisse's capital position.

At 170 million Swiss francs (131.9 million), net profit was well down on the 1.05 billion earned in the same period last year. But it beat even the most optimistic forecast in a Reuters poll of six analysts, with the average estimate for a 192 million franc loss.

"This is clearly better than feared," Kepler Cheuvreux analyst Peter Casanova, who has a "hold" rating on the stock, wrote in a note.

Despite the earnings beat, Thiam struck a cautious tone, which was also reflected in the share price reaction.

"I never want to declare victory after two quarters," he told a news conference. "All we're saying here today is that things are moving in the right direction."

His blueprint is to move away from volatile, capital-intensive investment banking and focus on wealth management, which offers more stable returns. Thiam is also looking to cut at least 4.3 billion francs in costs by the end of 2018.

Credit Suisse shares pared early gains to trade down 4.3 percent by 1415 London time, a steeper drop than the sector (.SX7P).

With quarterly net revenues down 26.6 percent, questions also still linger over the bank's capital position, where it trails some peers, and potential fines from litigation risks.

Credit Suisse boosted its common equity Tier 1 capital ratio - a key measure of capital strength - by 40 basis points to 11.8 percent by cutting back on risk-weighted assets. This is within its target of 11 to 12 percent for 2016 but still not enough to convince some analysts.

Story continues

"We believe CS will still need to raise another round of capital next year," Bernstein analysts, who rate the stock "underperform", wrote.

The question remains even after a 6 billion franc capital raising last year and plans to float part of its Swiss business, which the bank hopes will raise 2 billion to 4 billion francs.

Thiam said it has an adequate capital position.

"A LOT OF UPSIDE"

Record-low interest rates, rocky financial markets and restrained client activity are making it difficult for many major European banks to find top-line growth.

With shrinking revenues, a key focus will be on the progress of cost-cutting measures, including thousands of layoffs, with Credit Suisse saying it was on track to hit 2016 savings target.

"Reducing cost is a clear and absolute priority for us," Thiam said, adding there is "a lot of upside" should markets improve.

Second-quarter earnings were boosted by unexpected pre-tax income of 154 million francs at Credit Suisse's global markets division, one of two investment banking divisions and a source of steep losses in recent months.

It benefited from moving assets into the bank's strategic resolution unit, which winds down activities it no longer wants.

With Thiam hoping private banking will be Credit Suisse's main money maker in the years ahead, analysts welcomed "strong" net new money inflows of 11.3 billion francs at its three private banking divisions.

PANAMA LINK

Britain's June 23 vote to leave the European Union caught many in the market off guard, but Thiam said a decision to cut back on risky positions had prevented any large losses.

Credit Suisse also said it was cooperating with governmental and regulatory authorities over banking relationships between financial institutions, clients and the Panama-based law firm of Mossack Fonseca.

Leaks from the law firm, dubbed the "Panama Papers," have embarrassed several world leaders and shone a spotlight on the shadowy world of offshore companies.

Credit Suisse said it was conducting a review of the issues.

(Editing by David Holmes and Alexander Smith)
Early on during the third night of the Democratic National Convention, a line-up of Broadway performers sang "What the World Needs Now is Love."

The sentiment may be true for the world, but for Democrats fighting a tough election right now, love is the last thing on their minds.

Featuring an unusually strong line-up of Democratic heavy hitters - the only real one left for the final night is Hillary herself - the evening mainly consisted of fierce attacks against Donald Trump. Some were more eloquent and forceful than others, but the cumulative effect was probably enough to elicit some really nasty tweets by the Republican nominee in response.

Read More: Hillary Clinton Puts a "Crack in That Glass Ceiling" to Conclude Day Two of DNC

The fusillade began, appropriately enough, with some illustrious military figures. Retired Navy Rear Admiral John Hutson witheringly told Trump, "Donald, you're not fit to polish John McCain's shoes." He also described him as "a walking, talking, recruiting poster for terrorism."

Next came Leon Panetta, whose former job titles include CIA Director and Defense Secretary, not that those were impressive enough to prevent waves of heckling from the crowd, which this night seemed amped up on Red Bull. Outraged that, earlier in the day, Trump had encouraged Russia to continue hacking the Democrats, he announced, "Donald Trump cannot become our Commander-in-Chief." (It's gotten to the point where the Dems can barely keep up responding to Donald's daily outrages.)

"In an unstable world, we cannot afford unstable leadership!" Panetta thundered.

Speaking of unstable, that was certainly the picture painted of Trump by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg during his address. The self-described "outsider" speaking as an "Independent" (about the only thing he has in common with Ivanka Trump), Bloomberg made it a battle of the billionaires. Or, at least a battle between a billionaire and someone whose net worth iswho the hell knows? It was like King Kong vs. Godzilla, if they had thick New York accents.

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Establishing his bona fides, Bloomberg told the crowd, "I built a business, and I didn't start it with a million dollar loan from my father" (oh, snap!).

"I'm a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one," he added, sounding like he had once lost a game of three-card monte.

"The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy," he went on. "Trump said he wants to run the nation like he runs his business? God help us!"

He concluded by asking his "fellow Independents" to vote not for Trump, but rather for a "sane, competent person," which pretty well sums up the public perception of how low the bar has been set with this election.

At first, Vice President Joe Biden seemed too darn nice to join in on the attacks. Coming onstage to the theme from Rocky, he paid such lavish tribute to Barack ("One of the finest presidents we have ever had!") and Michelle ("I don't know where you are, kid, but you're incredible!") that it felt like he was delivering a wedding toast rather than a political speech. He also talked movingly about the death of his son Beau, saying that the tragedy left him "strong in the broken places."

But his affable demeanor didn't prevent him from eventually launching into a vicious diatribe against the Republican nominee, with Biden's moral outrage, fueled by his reputation as "middle-class Joe," making it sting all the more.

"He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class?" Biden asked. "Give me a break! That's a bunch of malarkey." (Believe it or not, the statement actually resulted in a spike in Google searches of the word "malarkey.")

"He has no clue about what makes America great," Biden pointed out. "Actually, he has no clue, period."

Read More: Watch Joe Biden Deliver Impassioned Plea Against Donald Trump at DNC

At first, Tim Kaine seemed like another politician who wouldn't resort to going negative. His near constant smile is a bit unnerving, much like The Joker's. He exudes such a regular-guy quality that even in a dark suit he looks like he's wearing dad jeans.

He began his talk by introducing himself to the country, describing his humble beginnings, listing his many jobs, and giving shout-outs to the seemingly endless number of friends and family in the audience. He also spoke so much Spanish (not to brag, but I won the office pool as to how soon he would get around to it) that it felt like he was running for office in Guatemala. (We get it, Tim, you're bi-lingual. Now, if you spoke, say, Chinesethat would really be impressive. And by the way, you're not allowed to keep those gifts if you become the VP.)

But eventually Kaine, too, went into the attack dog mode expected of presidential running mates. He took to it pretty well, although he badly needs to work on his Donald Trump impression, which was a well he went to much too often.

The main event, of course, was Barack Obama, who paid such lavish tribute to Hillary that it almost made you forget he once described her as "likeable enough." His rapturously received appearance was bookended by songs from U2 and Stevie Wonder, because unlike Republicans, Democrats don't get sued by the artists whose music they're using.

Read More: Democratic Convention: 5 Things You Didn't See on TV

Obama had a difficult task this evening, since his speech needed to touch so many bases. It was at once a victory lap in which he reminded us of his administration's accomplishments; a bemused commentary on the current state of politics; a surgical dissection of the Republican nominee; an enthusiastic endorsement of Hillary; and finally a sort of valedictory in which he said he was ready to "pass the baton."

But despite the occasional structural awkwardness, Obama not surprisingly still managed to pull off yet another rhetorical triumph. He expressed a clear, optimistic vision for America, compared to the death knells heard at the GOP convention. He reminisced about his long primary battle with Hillary eight years earlier ("I was worn out"), admiringly observing that "she was doing everything I was doing, but, just like Ginger Rogers, it was backwards and in heels." And he said that "there's never been anyone more qualified to be presidentnot me, not Bill."

His first mention of Trump elicited loud boos from the crowd.

"Don't boo, vote!" Obama instructed, like he was teaching a course in civics.

"People outside the United States do not understand what's going on with this election," he said wearily, as if exhausted from fielding urgent late night phone calls from anxiety-stricken world leaders.

He couched his criticism in philosophical terms, saying that the American people "don't look to be ruled" by a "self-declared savior."

"The American dream is something that no wall will ever contain," he declared. He also observed about "homegrown demagogues" that they "will always fail in the end."

Threading his many thematic needles skillfully and leavening his speech with his typical folksy humor--he got laughs by saying about his white Kansas ancestors, "I don't know if they had their birth certificates..."--Obama effectively made the case for Hillary being a worthy successor. He certainly had to, considering that his legacy hangs in the balance.

When he finished, Hillary, making a surprise appearance, burst onto the stage, with the two sharing a big hug. It was an embrace between America's first black president and, just possibly, America's first female one.

Read More: Hillary Clinton Surprises at DNC After President Obama "Passes the Baton"
By Ben Gruber DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - Lotta Bosnyak takes extra time to chew the blueberries in her yogurt. Otherwise, she said, the device she credits with saving her life will not work. The tube Bosnyak is referring to has been implanted into her stomach. She turns a valve and, standing over a toilet, drains out the yogurt. The 52-year-old Delray Beach, Florida, resident was one of the first people to try the "AspireAssist" device four years ago in Sweden, where she is from. Its one of the best ways to change your relationship to food because it does require a lot of work on the patients part," said Dr. Christopher Thompson, director of therapeutic endoscopy at Brigham Womans Hospital in Boston. "Its not just a procedure thats done and then theyre off and they dont think about it anymore, he added. The device, made by Pennsylvania-based biomedical company AspireBariatrics, was approved for use in the United States in June. However, critics are urging the Food and Drug Administration to reverse its decision, saying the device mimics, promotes and could lead to potentially life-threatening disorders such as bulimia and binge-eating. This will likely prove to be yet another in a long line list of misguided, unsuccessful and dangerous products for losing weight, wrote Dr. Eva Trujillo, president of the Academy of Eating Disorders, in a draft of a letter to be submitted the FDA next week. Such a device may carry very serious physical and mental health consequences, including life-threatening situations, and should not be approved by the FDA, said the draft, which Reuters saw. An FDA spokeswoman said the agency approved the AspireAssist because 12-month clinical trial data provided by the manufacturer demonstrated that the device offered a reasonable assurance of safety and efficacy. She did not comment on the letter because the agency had not received it. Advocates of the device say it is less invasive and more cost-effective than bariatric surgeries and a powerful new weapon in the global fight against obesity. There is absolutely no medical evidence to suggest the use of this device could lead to an eating disorder, said Dr. Shelby Sullivan, director of bariatric endoscopy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where the device has been tested. This isnt the cold or the flu," she added. "Obesity is a chronic disease that needs chronic treatment. AspireBariatrics Chief Executive Officer Kathy Crothall said the treatment, including the device placement, lifestyle counseling, monitoring, and follow-up, should cost $8,000 to $13,000 for the first year, depending on where the procedure takes place. That is three times less than the average weight-loss surgery, Crothall said. In the United States alone, 35 percent of the population is obese, a condition connected to heart disease, strokes, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. Bosnyak lost 150 pounds and rid herself of hypertension and type two diabetes over a year of using the device. The Academy of Eating Disorders will keep trying to persuade the FDA to reverse its approval, saying the device sets a dangerous precedent. It said the agency had agreed to meetings with critics in the near future. (Reporting by Ben Gruber; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
The New York Daily News kept up its relentless campaign against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump with another front page cover, this time blasting the real estate mogul for his "treasonous" entreaty to Russia to hack Hillary Clinton's email.

The cover was a response to Trump's call earlier on Wednesday for the Russians to hack Clinton's email servers and find "missing" and potentially controversial emails. "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,"Trump tweeted.

Trump was widely criticized for calling on a foreign power to cyber-spy on on his rival.

The Daily News is a frequent critic of Trump and has in the past mocked him as a clown, described him as intellectually challenged and called him the antichrist.

Tomorrow's front page...

LOCK HIM UP: Comrade Trump's treasonous call for Russia to hack Hil https://t.co/AUh6gjw24v pic.twitter.com/WJfvGPRNdU- New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) July 28, 2016

Read More: Daily News Mocks Donald Trump After Iowa Caucus Loss
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2016 / Whether by handshake or an email that says "It's a deal," business owners often get into legal trouble because of a gentleman's agreement (a.k.a. gentlemen's agreement).

What is a Gentleman's Agreement?

"A gentleman's agreement is an agreement which is not an agreement, made between two people neither of whom are gentlemen, whereby each expects the other to be strictly bound without himself being bound at all." - Sir Harry Vaisey

Despite Judge Vaisey's cynical description of such an agreement, most informal deals are entered into in good faith between small business owners who want to get things done without the time and cost of retaining a qualified business lawyer to paper the deal as a legally binding contract.

Donald Trump and the Art of the Handshake Deal

If you've read "The Art of the Deal" by Donald Trump or "Trump-Style Negotiation" by The Trump Organization's senior legal counsel, George H. Ross, you'll know that Trump will often shake hands on a verbal gentlemen's agreement with another party.

However, according to Dallas Business Lawyer Mike Young, Trump will then turn the deal over to Attorney Ross or another business lawyer to draft the contract that reflects the terms agreed to between the parties.

Words Have Different Meanings

So what's wrong with just getting things done without a written contract in place?

Spoken words often have a different meaning to the listener than to the speaker. For example, if you're buying a shipment of smartphones and tell the supplier that you need them a.s.a.p., you might mean delivery next week. However, the seller could interpret "as soon as possible" to be three months from now when he gets his next shipment from China.

Memories Fade

As pointed out by successful entrepreneur and author Harvey Mackay, "[p]ale ink is better than the most retentive memory."

To learn more about gentlemen's agreements and how to protect your business when entering into one, go to

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http://mikeyounglaw.com/gentlemans-agreement/

Follow Dallas Business Lawyer Mike Young on Linkedin at

https://www.linkedin.com/in/internetlawyer

#MikeYoungLaw #DallasBusinessLawyer

source: http://mikeyounglaw.com/gentlemans-agreement/

SOURCE: Law Office of Michael E. Young PLLC via Submit Press Release 123
Hundreds of dead cattle have been left rotting in western India after members of the lowest Dalit social caste refused to dispose of them in protest at a vicious attack, a rights group said Thursday.

The group, in Gujarat state, has called a mass rally to protest the treatment of low-caste workers, often tasked with unsavoury jobs including the disposal of dead cows.

Cows are considered sacred by Hindus and they are left to roam freely through the streets of India.

Around 10,000 people are expected to attend the rally on Sunday in Gujarat's main city of Ahmedabad, said Kirit Rathod, a spokesman for Dalit Adhikar Manch.

"Since Dalits have stopped disposing of the cattle carcasses in nearly half a dozen districts, approximately 500 (dead) cattle are lying unattended across various towns and villages of Gujarat," Rathod said.

Another representative of the group, Jignesh Mewani, told AFP that "at least 500 families of 19 villages and towns" across Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state had stopped work.

The strike comes after four Dalits were stripped half-naked, tied to a car and thrashed by cow protection vigilantes on July 11 over suspicions they had killed one of the animals.

Cow slaughter and the consumption of beef are banned in Gujarat and several other states in officially secular India.

Two more Dalits were beaten after they tried to save the four, while a police officer was killed days later when violence broke out at a rally in protest at the attack.

Police, who say the Dalits had been taking the cow to be skinned after it died naturally, have made 20 arrests over the attack.

Right-wing Hindu groups have long demanded a complete ban on the slaughter of all cattle, citing religious scriptures.

Attacks by vigilante groups on cow traders and smugglers have increased since Hindu nationalist Modi stormed to power at a general election in 2014.
the new european

Fresh from declaring its "pop-up" pro-European newspaper The New European a profitable success and vowing to continue publishing the title on a rolling basis beyond its planned four-week run, UK publisher Archant has got plans for more limited edition newspapers.

One such title will be a free Christmas TV listings guide, Business Insider can reveal.

Archant  the fifth largest regional newspaper publisher in the UK  is currently presenting the idea to UK media agencies.

The idea being presented at the moment is that it would be funded by an exclusive advertiser, which would also have a say on distribution  so the newspaper could be specifically distributed next to a retailer's store locations, for example.

Speaking to Business Insider, Archant CEO Jeff Henry declined to comment specifically about the TV guide, but said: "We have a list of very solid initiatives which we believe will be absolutely suitable for this kind of exploitation."

The New European launched on July 8, targeted at the 48% of the UK who voted to remain in the European Union in the June referendum.

Archant says the 2 weekly newspaper was profitable, having sold around 40,000 copies of its first edition and maintaining "strong" sales thereafter. An audited circulation number has yet to be released. The title had a marketing budget of just 10,000.

Asked what kind of margins The New European is making, Henry said: "We are not the new Google because of The New European. It is profitable in terms of: it makes money for Archant."

He explained it's a difficult question to answer because The New European does not have a separate staff or P&L  it is run using resources from elsewhere in the business, plus some other minimal costs like paper and paying freelancers. Rather than build an entirely new infrastructure, as most publishers would do when launching a new title, Archant mostly just borrowed from what it already had.

Henry added: "It is a marginal contributor  not small  but on the margin it produces very valuable revenue and profit for Archant with no real cost."

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jeff henry

How a new newspaper came to life in 9 days

The New European moved from concept to launch in just nine days.

Henry had asked Archant management to review what the impact of Brexit might have on the business and present their findings at a meeting. Everyone came back with bleak findings about the price of ink and paper or the weakening of the pound.

Dismayed, Henry asked whether there was any good news, to which the distribution team remarked that people had been buying more papers as they looked to get clued up on matters related to the referendum  a notion backed up by the Audit Bureau of Circulations report for June, which showed national newspapers saw a boost in both print and online readership month-on-month.

Matt Kelly, Archant's chief content officer (and now the editor of The New European), raised an email conversation he had with Henry the weekend before the meeting about the potential to do a special edition Brexit paper.

"The enthusiasm of the team took over," according to Henry.

He added: "I asked all the teams if this was something we could do in nine days. Content said yes. Distribution said yes. Sales said: 'We think maybe not in the first edition, but by the second we can do something'. I said to the team that by that afternoon we needed to get the finance guys involved to see if we have a business plan. To be honest, we just backed our gut and took an entrepreneurial, aggressive approach and said: 'Why not, let's do this'."

Continuing that theme, Henry said the decision to sell at a cover price of 2 took just "30 seconds."

"Normally we would go through rounds of discussions, but this took all of what I think was about 30 seconds: 'Is this 1.50? No it's 2. Do you think the market will pay? We think this is a quality product, so yes, that's what we're going to do.' There was nothing more scientific than that," Henry said.

The New European's performance was somewhat against the odds, launching at a turbulent time for the UK print newspaper market.

The New Day newspaper

Print newspaper circulations have been in decline for years. Rival UK publisher Trinity Mirror launched a new national newspaper this year, The New Day, but it closed in May after just nine weeks. On Thursday, the publisher of a new daily newspaper aimed at the north of England  24  announced it would cease publication after just five weeks.

Henry says it isn't an issue if The New European doesn't last much longer than The New Day  it will only continue to exist as long as it keeps performing for Archant, which is eager to repeat the experiment again.

He added: "We are feeling quite confident about the idea over a lot of different future publications ... some people had said that print was dead. Actually, we don't believe that. If you can hit and feel and touch the zeitgeist of a moment  you just mentioned a TV publication launching at a point when TV viewing hits the peak for the year  I'm not saying that's a great example, but I think there will be other examples where pop-up publishing may lead."

At 40,000 copies  and now probably fewer than that  The New European isn't giving the rest of the UK's national newspaper market a run for its money yet (The Sun had an average circulation of 1.7 million last month, for example). The Guardian's media commentator Roy Greenslade also pointed out that the title is "more of a political pamphlet than a newspaper" designed to appeal to the mass market. But what The New European's relative early success might show is that despite all the threats from digital, there are still opportunities to experiment and make money from a medium many people thought was on the verge of becoming extinct.

NOW WATCH: Forget Q-tips  heres how you should be cleaning your ears





More From Business Insider


If you only read one thing: Good morning from Philadelphia, where there is a new boss of the Democratic Party. The moment the baton was passed was not when President Obama implored his faithful to secure his legacy by voting for Hillary Clinton. Nor was it the moment that spurred the GIF spread far and wide of the two trading pointed fingers as she emerged on stage after his speech. That moment was the 30-seconds that the charismatic first black president, whose poll numbers are undergoing a renaissance, was forced to wait to continue his speech after the Wells Fargo Center erupted in chants of his would-be successors first name. Obama seemed amused, and maybe a little bemused, by the display of affection for someone in Democratic politics other than himself. With fewer than six months left on the job, Obama recognized that his political career was in its twilight and his old rivals day in the sun was just beginning.

The first two days of the Democratic convention were focused on displays of party unity, as Bernie Sanders supporters protested the end of his campaign on the convention floor. But on Wednesday it was all about Donald Trump, as speaker after speaker began executing the Clinton campaigns playbook on how to destroy the Republican nominee. Hes a fraud and a con, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg argued. Hed be dangerous around the world, said former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Hell be a danger at home too, asserted Vice President Joe Biden. Obama himself twisted the knife, comparing Trumps self-styled only he can fix it approach to that of dictators and kings, saying of America, We dont look to be ruled. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Clintons running mate, weaved his personal narrative into his Trump attacks, displaying his hokey style with an attempt at a Donald Trump impression that sounded more like Bernie Sanders.

Story continues

Why Democrats put guns front at center in Philadelphia. Democratic protestors are united by anger, not an agenda. And the impact of Russias alleged attempt to impact U.S. politics.

Well have more from Philadelphia later this evening. In the meantime, here are your must reads:

Must Reads

Barack Obama Calls on Country to Pass Hillary Clinton the Baton

Obama returns the favor, TIMEs Maya Rhodan writes

The Gentleman from Virginia

TIMEs Alex Altman and Philip Elliott on how Tim Kaine undercut Donald Trump

How Donald Trump Made the U.S. a Target For Russias New Brand Of Warfare

TIMEs Simon Shuster on the spread of hybrid warfare

Donald Trump Plays Starring Role at the Democratic Convention

An attempt to return the favor after Republican Convention [TIME]

How Donald Trump Spent Day Three of the Democratic Convention

A fiery press conference and rallies as he hunted for a piece of the limelight [CBS]

How Democrats Embraced Gun Control at Their Convention

Democrats hunt for a mandate on guns, TIMEs Alex Altman and Philip Elliott write

Sound Off

The American Dream is something no wall will ever contain.  President Obama in his keynote speech Wednesday night

I trust Hillary Clinton with our sons life. You know who I dont trust? Donald Trump.

 Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, on his son serving in the Marine Corps

Bits and Bites

Joe Klein; Embracing His Rival, Bernie Sanders Gives Hillary Clinton the Boost She Needs [TIME]

Stand On the Democratic Convention Floor With This 3D 360-Degree Video [TIME]

Heres What Chelsea Clinton Says Her Dad Wants to Be Called if Hillary Wins [TIME]

The Fight to Use Food Stamps Online [TIME]

Democratic Convention Protesters United By Anger, Not Issues [TIME]

Watch Tim Kaine Do His Best Donald Trump Impression [TIME]

Post reporter barred, patted down by police, at rally for Trump running mate [Washington Post]
Think you're a political junkie? OK. But there's only so much you can absorb from watching wall-to-wall Democratic National Convention coverage on cable. Some things - the heat, the lines, the raw patriotism - can only be experienced inside Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center.

1. I'm With Merch

There's no shortage of Hillary Clinton-related memorabilia to load up on in the Wells Fargo Center lobby - buttons, caps, T-shirts, the usual. (There's even a Bernie shirt.) Most striking of all is a poster which features Clinton as we've never quite seen her before: the candidate's face in profile, her hair swept back, a very un-pantsuit-like turtleneck on, set against a sunburst of blue and white stripes ($25). If there's something oddly compelling about the design, you're not wrong: It's strikingly reminiscent of a famous propaganda poster for China's Communist leader Mao Tse Tung, titled, "Respectfully wish Chairman Mao eternal life." (Hillary's, available for purchase on her website, was generically dubbed, "HRC Portrait Poster.) A less-than-ideal choice of imagery for a woman running as the anti-demagogue? Perhaps. But it looks pretty cool.

2. The Wall

On the first night of the convention, a blue wall - made of fabric stretched over crowd barriers - separated the delegates on the floor from the speakers, who addressed the crowd from a podium 12 carpeted steps above. On the second night, however, the wall was gone, replaced by a glass partition. A marked improvement.

3. Convention Interruptus

After a chaotic and highly disruptive Monday night in which Bernie Sanders delegates regularly drowned out speakers with chants of "No TPP!" and "Bernie! Bernie!," things calmed down significantly on Tuesday. There was one meek attempt at a protest made by a woman holding a hand-painted sign in the very last row, but after about four minutes of chanting in support of Palestinian rights - and being ignored by everyone around her - she eventually took her seat. (Video below.) On Wednesday, protesters were back at it again. A sizable faction of Bern-hards on the west side of the arena chanted over California Gov. Jerry Brown's fiery speech about climate change. By the time he delivered his most powerful line - "Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud" - they had quieted down.

Story continues

4. House Party

As political convention house bands go, it would be tough to beat the Republican National Convention, which was led by former Saturday Night Live band leader G.E. Smith and played a cover of David Bowie's "Station to Station," a song which includes the lyric, "It's not the side-effects of the cocaine / I'm thinking that it must be love." (Watch the performance here.) The Democrats' house band has so far steered away from songs with cocaine-related lyrics, but has nevertheless done its best to keep the energy up with selections like Phil Collins' "Don't Lose My Number" and "Theme From Rocky" (we are in Rocky land, after all).

5. Balloons

Spoiler alert. There will be balloons.
Exasperation was the tone of the third night of the Democratic convention on Wednesday  exasperation with Donald Trump for having gotten as far as he has, exasperation with voters who arent planning to cast a Democratic ballot. You know who I dont trust? Donald Trump! yelped vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine on this day when Trump was heard to implore Russia to dig deeper into Hillary Clintons emails. President Obama said, People outside of the United States really do not understand what is going on in this election  they really dont. But it was Vice President Joe Biden who provided the TV moment of the night when he concluded one of his most Joe Biden-y, patented, get-out-the-vote speeches by saying with immense exasperation, Come on! Were America!

Biden got away with that bit of big-boy petulance on the sheer strength of his delivery: The man knows how to present himself to an audience as one of its members, rather than an aloof figure of power. Tim Kaine tried for something similar; he was earnest but much more uneven in oratory. Kaines Trump impression was lousy but so puppy-dog persistent, he got a round of applause from the crowd  or maybe they just clapped to prevent him from saying the Trumpish phrase Believe me! again.



You cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth, not one word, said Kaine. As CNNs Jake Tapper put it, Kaine was settling into the attack-dog position of vice president. Over on Fox News, Brit Hume summed up a Biden-Kaine comparison best. Sighing one of those great phlegmatic sighs of his, Hume concluded, After Joe Bidens classic 1940s-1950s stem-winder  I guess this was the best [Kaine] can do. (Confession: Anyone who still uses the phrase stem-winder has me on his side.)



Related: Democratic Convention Review: Bill Clinton Gets Married, Lena Dunham Gets Personal



The headliner this night was President Obama, who wore a silver tie to match his second-term hair. Obama turned on the full force of his charm, sometimes using a comic self-deprecation that was undergirded with steeliness, as when he declared, No one  not me, not Bill  nobody has ever been more qualified than Hillary Clinton to be president of the United States of America. Pause; impeccably timed beat, looking out into the audience at Bill Clinton: I hope you dont mind, Bill, but I was just tellin the truth, man.



Story continues

Obama was droppin his gs as a rhetorical signal that he wanted to convey hard-won truths about once campaigning against Hillary. Eight years ago, let me tell you, it was tough. She was doin everything I was doin, but just like Ginger Rogers: backwards and in heels. Not sure how many Bernie-weepers picked up that reference, but it probably went over big among the baby boomers.



This was vintage Obama, said Hume on Fox, who felt the strongest part of the speech was its attack on Trump, which Hume characterized as straight-out criticism and ridicule. Brian Williams on MSNBC was far more maudlin, mourning of Obama, It is tempting to say  we will not see his kind again. (Resist the temptation, Brian!) And on CNN, well, Ive come to feel bad for Jake Tapper, wedged between the useless banalities uttered by Wolf Blitzer and Dana Bash, working in a few sharp, concise observations when he can be heard above that duo drone.

I confess I missed the 8 P.M. hour of the convention because I was watching a cable news channel: On Fox, Bill OReilly was ignoring the convention and using his Factor hour to lace into those who criticized his remarks about the slaves who worked on building the White House and confiding of fears to his person.

Related: Bill OReilly: They Want Me Dead! They Do!



But as the Democratic convention rolls on into its final night, its the closers who matter the most anyway. And this night, Hillary herself came out to link arms with Obama, and they figuratively waltzed offstage to the strains of Stevie Wonders Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Obama must have heard that song and thought, Yup, I did my part. Hillary may have heard that same song and thought, Memo to staff: Dump that song  not yet signed, sealed, or delivered by a long shot.
Alfred Greve surveyed the crowd of about 300 protesters in front of Philadelphias City Hall Wednesday with satisfaction. This is a very fertile clientele, the 70-year-old said, clutching a large poster that read Is this genocide? with maps of a shrinking Palestine beneath. Progressive-minded young people who care about our country and our people. You dont get any better than that.

Greve wasnt the only one competing for disillusioned young minds. The square was full of disparate protests. What started out as a Black Men for Bernie Sanders protest had, in the wake of Sanders decisive loss of the Democratic nomination Tuesday night, morphed into a general platform for venting.

White Sanders delegates rose tearfully to express sadness, love, and pledges to continue fighting. Across from them stood a large crowd from the Revolution Club, a Black Lives Matters group, with their own competing bullhorns, calling for the policeand the government to go to hell. Interwoven were disparate protesters like Greve, attracted by the crowd and hoping to gain momentum for their causes.

There were a few dozen anti-mother frackers, several Palestinian supporters like Greve, a handful of climate change activists, pro- and anti-abortion campaigners, Black Lives Matters activists and folks representing various political schools: anti-Donald Trump, pro-Bernie Sanders, pro-Jill Stein, anti-Hillary Clinton, and even a group of Gary Johnson fans smoking pot by a snake charmer who performs local carnivals. In this new market of discontent, hope and fear pushers took many forms.

For the most part, anger ruled in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love. Bruce Carter, the organizer behind Black Men for Bernie, accused Hillary Clinton of killing black people, suppressing their votes and silencing their voices. We have to get rid of this corrupt two party system, he said. We will no longer tolerate the destruction by these parties who no longer work for us.

Story continues

Danielle Chapman came from Noblesville, Ind. to support Sanders. Bernie didnt really want to run for president because hes not a narcissist, she said, sporting a button that read DNC, Go F Yourself. So its up to us to keep the movement alive for him. Chapman says shell likely vote for Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who came and addressed the crowd later that afternoon.

Revolution Club member Alan Arthur, 57, came from Cleveland to protest the entire system. Im anti- Bernie, anti-Trump, anti-Hillary. They all need to go, he said. Police killed my sister. The government is a bunch of killers. Blow it up.

Clutching a massive placard of an aborted fetus, Michael Anthony said he didnt want to blow up government, but he does want smaller government. Socialism is anti-God, he said. I am here to convert these lost souls, to show them that only the church can heal the sick and provide health care. Socialism is the governments attempt to replace God.

Jill not Hill, the crowd began to chant in anticipation of Stein speaking.

Are they saying, Jail not Hell? another anti-abortion protester asked Anthony, somewhat incredulously.

Nearby, a man who identified himself as The Snake King of Philadelphia wandered by with his giant yellow python. Its $1 for a picture, he called out. I came for the crowd. These last two days, I saw the crowds on TV and I thought, Ill bring them some snake love from Philadelphia. In many ways snake love was the cheapest, and the happiest, thing being pedaled.
house of cards season 2

High-profile Democrats are in disbelief over Donald Trump's call for Russian hackers to release some of Hillary Clinton's emails.

During a press conference on Wednesday, the Republican presidential nominee said that Russian hackers who released a trove of Democratic National Committee emails should also find thousands of emails that Clinton deleted from her private email servers while serving as secretary of state.

Speaking with Business Insider in Philadelphia, Sen. Ron Wyden joined a chorus of Democrats condemning Trump, saying that the Republican presidential nominees comments were stranger than fiction.

"Donald Trump's comments today would not be believable if he was a character on 'House of Cards," Wyden said.

While Wyden dismissed Trump's invitation to Russian hackers, the senator did critique the leaked internal Democratic National Committee emails showing key members of the organization speaking critically of Sen. Bernie Sanders.

"The materials that came out over the weekend were unacceptable in terms of the very strict pledge of impartiality," Wyden said, referencing the DNC's pledge to stay neutral in primary fights. "That's really troubling."

Democrats weren't the only ones pushing back against Trump's comments on Wednesday.

House Speaker Paul Ryan also distanced himself from the real-estate mogul's stance on Russia.

"Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug. Putin should stay out of this election," the spokesperson said.

NOW WATCH: Watch the RNC audience boo Ted Cruz for not endorsing Trump





More From Business Insider


The first night of the Republican convention last week began with a clear message: Americans are in peril. The vast majority of Americans today do not feel safe, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani said July 18, setting the tone in Cleveland.

A week later, Democrats in Philadelphia agreed about the peril. Where they differed, though, was the cause. Donald Trump, with all his rhetoric, will literally make us less safe, said Vice President Joe Biden. No major party nominee in the history of the station has ever known less or been less prepared to deal with our national security.

In parallel conventions, Republicans and Democrats spoke of the dangers facing the country in starkly different terms. While Republicans opened with fire and brimstone, the Democratic convention at times seemed impervious to the growing sense of unease outside the convention hall. When Democrats did speak of fear, the focus was on the prospect of a Trump presidency.

President Barack Obama listed accomplishments and promised a sunny future. Biden previewed an American 21st century. Vice presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine spoke of the next chapter in our proud story.

America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you are strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump, Obama told the convention.

If there was unease in the Well Fargo Arena, it was less about terrorism and more about Trumps rising poll numbers. The Republican nominee has bumped up in swing state polls after his convention last week and captured the news cycle on Wednesday by remarking that Russian hackers should release Hillary Clintons emails.

Donald Trump is a walking, talking recruiting poster for terrorists, said Rear Admiral John Hutson. The real disaster would be to elect Donald Trump to be the face of the country that we love.

Trump is a risky reckless and radical choice and we cant afford to make that choice, said former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. We must united around a Democratic candidate and defeat a dangerous demagogue.

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Democrats find themselves in a difficult position: after seven-and-a-half years under Obama, anything less than confidence in the countrys safety would be an indirect affront to the Partys leadership. But they also feel the need to be sensitive to unease over the presence of ISIS in Syria and Iraq and the threat of attacks in the United States.

Americans are more afraid of a terrorist attack at home than at any point since 2003, according to a CNN/ORC poll conducted in June that showed 71% of Americans believe an act of terrorism is very or somewhat likely in the very near future. Terrorist attacks in Orlando, and San Bernardino as well as gun violence between police officers and black men, have shaken public confidence. Fear of attacks abroad have helped fuel the rise of Donald Trump.

The trick for Democrats has been to acknowledge the dangers of terrorism without letting it overwhelm their message. If the theme of the first night of the Republican convention was Make America safe again, in Philadelphia, it was the less catchy, America is safe enough but lets make it safer.

When Democrats on Wednesday did talk of danger, it was of gun violence at home, an impasse that Democrats have blamed on Republicans in Congress. The mother of Christopher Leinonen, a young man who was killed in the Orlando attack at the nightclub, spoke tearfully of her sons death. Rep. Chris Murphy recalled the shooting at Sandy Hook. The daughter of the principal at Sandy Hook Elementary school remembered her mother. Charles Ramsay, the former Philadelphia police commissioner, remembered police officers killed by gun violence.

But a the end, it was President Barack Obamas call to reject Trumps gloom that defined the night. Im asking you to reject cynicism and reject fear, and to summon what is best in us and to elect Hillary clinton as the next president of the United States, said Obama.

And Kaine, Clintons running mate, made the choice a stark one. I trust Hillary Clinton with our sons life, he said. You know who I dont trust? Donald Trump.
Christine Leinonen, a former state trooper from Polk City, Fla., stood stricken onstage, struggling to read the words about her son on the TelePrompTer at the rear of the convention hall. Christopher Drew Leinonen died six weeks ago, along with his boyfriend Juan and 47 others, in the massacre at Orlandos Pulse nightclub.

Christopher was my only child, and as I used to tell him, you cant do better than perfect, his mother told the delegates at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Where was common sense the day he died? I never want you to ask that question about your child. Thats why I support Hillary Clinton.

Leinonen struggled to speak those words, but they were carefully chosen. Common sense is one of the terms that gun-control lobbyists advise their clients and allies to use when framing their arguments about the fraught subject of guns, lest opponents weaponize their words.

Pollster Anna Greenberg, who works with the gun-control group Americans for Responsible Solutions, tells supporters to talk about the gun lobby, but not the National Rifle Association, which in many voters minds is about hunting and sport. Talk about closing loopholes, not about stricter gun laws. Talk about background checks, not a national gun registry. And never promise that anything is a fix-all or use the loaded phrase gun control.

By using the right arguments and language to bring more Americans into our movement, galvanize our allies and fight back against the gun lobby, we can win this fight, according to a strategy memo circulated to allies in Philadelphia this week.

This style of messaging played out in events around Philadelphia this week as Hillary Clinton prepared to accept her partys nomination. Unlike other recent Democratic presidential campaigns, Clinton has made combating gun violence a signature issue. And in Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, she picked a running made who is a longtime foe of the National Rifle Association, which called itself a civil rights group when the Republicans met in Cleveland for their convention.

Story continues

Tim Kaine is someone who has put gun violence prevention front and center, gun-control activist Mark Kelly told reporters at a lunch this week. Its clearly not 1994 any more. That was the year Democrats passed an assault weapons ban, only to pay the political price in disastrous midterm elections that helped Republicans retake Congress. Since then, candidates have tried not to provoke the powerful gun rights groups, even as there are more than 33,000 gun deaths every year and more than 130,000 shootings.

But in Clinton, gun-control activists think they have a champion for their cause. In the White House, Hillary will stand up to the gun lobby, said former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived a mass shooting in 2001 in her hometown of Tucson and is married to Kelly. Thats why Im voting for Hillary.

Clintons team is betting the publics thinking has shifted. High-profile shootings like Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook Elementary School and the Orlando nightclub have added to public anxiety, and allies see a political upside to taking on gun-rights activists. Peoples minds were certainly changed around Sandy Hook, but the cumulative effect of these tragedies is starting to increase the intensity of the attention we give this issue, said Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, one of the partys leading voices against gun violence. Some 90% of Americans now support a strengthened background-check system. If Hillary Clinton wins, she wins with a mandate on this issue, Murphy told reporters on Tuesday. And thats the first time in 20 years that you have a presidential candidate run openly and strongly on the issue of guns.

Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, says the political climate for gun-control activists is better than at any time in recent memory. Finally this issue has become the defining issue that its always deserved to be, Gross told TIME. The gun lobby is much more of a paper tiger than people have long assumed. This is an issue where voters are prepared to hold our elected leaders accountable. Look for anti-gun groups to use the same approach to House and Senate races, too.

For the first two nights of the Democratic convention, speakers were largely silent about the topic. That changed Wednesday evening. A procession of speakersactivists, celebrities and Americans who have lost family members to gun violencetook the podium in Philadelphia to issue wrenching pleas for tighter gun laws. Many of them deployed the language that pollsters like Greenberg advise.

We need to take action, and we need to take action now, producer and director Lee Daniels told the crowd. Theres only one candidate willing on the gun lobby and keep our families safe.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson called Clinton a fighter who would make us more secure by banning assault weapons that are turning our communities into killing fields.

Erica Smegielski, a young woman from Connecticut whose mother was the principal at Sandy Hook and died in the massacre, told the hall that what we need is another mother whos willing to do whats right. Whose bravery can live up in equal measure to my moms. What we need is to elect Hillary Clinton.

The point was driven home again and again. And the message was clear: Gun regulation would be debate front and center in the 2016 election.
PHILADELPHIA  Democrats made gun violence one of the biggest issues of their four-day convention on Wednesday night, devoting nearly an hour to the topic.

On a night otherwise devoted to President Obamas primetime speech boosting nominee Hillary Clinton and to introducing her running mate  Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia  to the nation, Democrats set a somber tone for much of the night.

It was a grim tableau, illustrating the depressing toll of mass shootings that have come to increasingly dominate the nations consciousness over the past several years. Democrats highlighted three of the most horrific attacks of the last few years: the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that killed 20 children and six adults in 2012; the Emanuel AME church shooting in July 2015 that took the lives of nine people; and the shooting at Pulse night club in Orlando just six weeks ago that killed 49 people.

The variety of root causes driving the shooters  mental illness, racism, extremist Islamic ideology  served as a way for Democrats to say that guns were the common factor and access to them should be limited.

Christine Leinonen, the mother of a young man who was killed in the nightclub attack in Orlando last month, is joined on stage by two survivors: Brandon Wolf and Jose Arraigada, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Christine Leinonen, whose son Drew was killed in Orlando, spoke first, along with survivors of the attack: Brandon Joseph Wolf, Jose Francisco and Arriagada Duran. Erica Smeglieski, daughter of slain Sandy Hook principal Dawn Hochsprung, also spoke. And then so did Felicia Sanders and Polly Sheppard, the only two adult survivors of the Emanuel AME shooting.

To talk about the governments response, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., got a major speaking slot by virtue of his emerging status as an outspoken proponent of gun control legislation.

Murphy, a first-term senator who in June held a 15-hour filibuster to draw attention to gun control, focused his remarks on the ease with which lone wolf terrorists in the U.S. can gain access to guns, and to his belief that those on the terrorist watch list should not be able to buy firearms.

Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut speaks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 27, 2016. (Photo: Mike Segar/Reuters)

I stood on the Senate floor for 15 hours because I had had enough. Enough of children dying in classrooms, enough of nightly bloodshed on our city streets, enough of our police officers being outgunned, ambushed and cut down in the line of duty, Murphy said. Enough.

Story continues

The terrorist watch list debate is a complicated one, however. Groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union have roundly criticized the list, both for the way American citizens are placed on it, and for the difficulty of being removed from it.

When the Senate voted down a ban on gun sales to those on the watch list in June  in a vote that broke down along party lines  there was plenty of criticism for the Democrats quest for this measure, not just from the right but also from liberals who support some forms of gun control but who find this particular fight foolish and counterproductive.

But as a messaging tool in an election year, Murphy and the Democrats clearly see the terrorist watch list as turf they want to fight on.

I am furious, furious, that in three years since Sandy Hook, three years of almost daily bloodshed in our cities, the Republican Congress has done absolutely nothing to prevent the next massacre, Murphy said. It stokes inside me a sense of outrage Ive never felt before.

Some forms of gun control poll extremely well with the public  such as background checks and mental health screenings  but more severe restrictions generally dont have majority support. And the fear that Clinton will appoint judges to the Supreme Court who greatly restrict access to firearms has been one of Donald Trumps greatest tools in winning over skeptical Republican voters and leaders to his candidacy.

Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer also argued that none of the proposals theyre going to have would have stopped any of the shootings theyre going to talk about.

Theres a lot of talk in the [Republican] party about mental health screenings and ways to enforce existing laws, Spicer said. There are areas of agreement with that we should be acting on.

And so far the targeting of police officers has not been a primary focus of any nights program, though speakers such as former President Bill Clinton and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., have mentioned it and two chiefs of police have been featured speakers.

Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey spoke during the gun control segment Wednesday night.

Ramsey endorsed Clintons support for background checks and a so-called assault weapons ban. We need a strong, steady leader  to stop our officers from being outgunned by weapons of war, he said.

After Ramsey came former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., who herself survived being shot in the head in 2011, in an attack that killed six others. Giffords still has difficulty speaking, but her husband, Mark Kelly, who has joined her efforts to stem gun violence, introduced her.

Kelly said Clinton would stand up to the Washington gun lobby that works to protect the shameful status quo.

Democrats tried to end the gun violence portion of the night with an uplifting note. A group of Broadway stars sang What the World Needs Now.

The song, of course, says that what the world needs is love, sweet love.

But the song is also a plea for an end to difficulty:

Lord, we dont need another mountain

There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb

There are oceans and rivers enough to cross

Enough to last till the end of time

And while the nation undoubtedly does need more hope and positive action from all of her people, the prospect of its challenges receding any time soon  from terrorism, economic unrest and racial tension  does not seem likely.

_____

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Peacehaven nursing home executive director Low Mui Liang (standing), Lien Foundation CEO Lee Poh Wah (second from left) and Oliver Wyman partner Jeremy Lim (second from right) at the event. (Photo: Nicholas Yong/Yahoo Newsroom)



Single- or twin-bed rooms with their own toilets, a home-like environment and a team of senior care associates and nursing aides to look after residents.



This is the proposed Silver Hope model that the Lien Foundation and Khoo Chwee Neo Foundation said on Thursday (28 July) could be applied to Singapores nursing homes at an affordable cost.

Lien Foundation chief executive Lee Poh Wah noted that the new model amounted to a fundamental change of religion, as it gave nursing home residents autonomy and independence.



It was in stark contrast to the current depersonalised and dehumanising model of nursing home care, he said.

The two non-government organisations (NGOs) cited a study they commissioned from global strategy consultancy Oliver Wyman as the basis for their proposed model.

Titled The Economics of Singapore Nursing Home Care, the study looked to nursing homes in the US, UK and Japan, which are considered some of the leading countries in eldercare.



Oliver Wyman also consulted geriatricians, nursing homes and architects, as well as local health officials on an informal basis.

Nursing homes in Singapore currently house some 12,000 residents and typically have dormitory-style rooms with six to eight beds and shared toilet facilities. The government aims to have 17,000 nursing home beds by 2020 in anticipation of the Republics fast ageing population.

Oliver Wyman concluded that if the next 5,000 nursing home beds follow the Silver Hope model, it would cost an additional $19 million annually  or an additional $8 to $13 per resident per day.



Given that the number of people with dementia is expected to hit 100,000 by 2030, it added that the new model is well-suited to meet the needs of dementia patients.

Story continues

Regarding who should bear the additional cost, Dr Jeremy Lim, a partner at Oliver Wyman and a former senior Ministry of Health (MOH) official cited the very well-tested model of shared responsibility, which states that those who can afford to should pay more, while those who cannot should receive help from the state.

We must renounce the current model

The Oliver Wyman study comes in the wake of the proposed $15 million Jade Circle nursing home project, which was spearheaded by the two foundations and the Salvation Armys Peacehaven nursing home. The project would have followed a model similar to Silver Hope.

According to The Straits Times, the project stalled late last year over the governments refusal to provide patient subsidies. The MOH said at the time that providing ongoing subsidies would be difficult as the proposed parameters would be hard to scale or be financially sustainable.



The ministry also asked the group to convert the twin-bed rooms into four-bed rooms, which the group declined.

Lee was clearly still feeling the sting of the governments arbitrary decision, telling reporters at the press briefing that he was completely baffled by it.



He said that the MOH had initially supported the concept, before doing an about-turn a year later.

We were penalised for wanting to care for the poor, for delivering care that far exceeded MOH standards. (The government) inadvertently smothered innovation by perpetuating archaic models of nursing home care that will not meet rising public expectations, said Lee.

In order to provide a constructive response to the stalled project, the two foundations initiated three studies, said Lee. The second study will be a qualitative study, while the Lien Foundation is also seeking public feedback on eldercare services and nursing homes.



Low and Lee speaking at the event. (Photo: Nicholas Yong/Yahoo Singapore)



Health ministry replies



Dr Lim is quite optimistic about the governments response to the Oliver Wyman study, the results of which were sent to MOH on Wednesday (27 July).

I can say with a lot of confidence that there is very strong alignment, that whether NGO, whether MOH, everyone wants the best outcomes for Singaporeans, said Lim. We all recognise that there are challenges with todays model things need to change. But change, in a typical Singapore process, is an evolutionary process.

Responding to queries from Yahoo Singapore, MOH said that it appreciates Lien Foundations efforts in commissioning this report and hopes to discuss the findings with (the foundation) and understand the assumptions behind the reports economic analysis.



Regarding the Jade Circle project, the ministry said that it offered to provide financial support if part of the (facilitys) new capacity, not all, could be converted in to four bedded wards, so as to have a mix of room types to suit the needs of different patients. It added that it is willing to consider extending its portable subsidy scheme to Peacehaven should the parties behind Jade Circle insist on keeping to having just one- or two-bed rooms.



Jenny Kwong, 41, who works in human resources, has an elderly mother with mild dementia. The elder Mrs Kwong has been attending daycare for a year, and her three daughters take turns to provide care for her.

Asked about the prospect of eventually placing her mother in a nursing home, Kwong said, Our thought was always that our parents should be enjoying life with us. We are not sure if she can get the best care in these places. There may also be a language barrier because there are many foreign staff there.

But Kwong was more enthused about the Silver Hope scheme, adding, I feel more responsive to this. It definitely sounds better than what I have seen of the current nursing homes.


By Amy Tennery

(Reuters) - Delegates at both the Republican and the Democratic conventions sported outrageous outfits - but the views from their respective gatherings were a study in contrast.

Republican National Convention delegates in Cleveland last week embraced a freewheeling, policy-light lineup, reveling in messages of salvation from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps inner circle, while expressing their fears that America has become less safe.

A man wearing an orange jumpsuit and Hillary Clinton mask told Reuters he had been asked to take pictures standing next to hundreds of convention-goers, while lock her up - a cry to imprison Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - became the crowds go-to chant.

A woman wearing a red cape with TRUMP spelled out in twinkle lights happily posed for the dozens of passersby requesting photos.

The few remaining, weary Ted Cruz supporters found a rallying cry in the former Republican presidential candidates refusal to endorse Trump, a moment of party discord that prompted security to escort Heidi Cruz out of the convention hall and away from irate, yelling Trump supporters.

At this week's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, erstwhile candidate Bernie Sanders worked to build a bridge over troubled waters (yes, Paul Simon performed the song of that name). At the end of a roll call of state delegations, he called for Clinton to be nominated by voice vote - a show of support and a bid for unity after a bitter primary campaign.

The move prompted deafening cheers on the convention floor - as well as a boos from Sanders supporters, who, on occasion, could be seen angrily arguing with Clinton backers.

And there were celebrities - actresses Eva Longoria, Lena Dunham, America Ferrera, Sigourney Weaver and Elizabeth Banks drew shrieks and cheers from the crowd. But Clintons convention was heavy on policy and calls to public service.

Former President Bill Clinton received a rock stars welcome before ticking off a list of his wifes civic accomplishments. First lady Michelle Obama drove some members of a rapt audience to tears when she declared, I wake up in a house built by slaves.

Story continues

Reuters photographers caught up with several convention-goers, both Republican and Democrat, and asked "If you could speak to your nominee, What would you like them to know about your hopes for the future of America?" Here are some of their responses:

"Thank you for having my back," Sharon Jackson, a delegate from Alaska at the Republican convention, said, referring to Trump.

Barbara Finger, a delegate from Wisconsin at the Republican conclave, also expressed gratitude to the New York businessman.

"Keep going the way you are," she said. "Make America great again."

Lavon Bracy, a Democratic delegate from Florida, expressed her support for Clinton at her party's convention, emphasizing the importance of unity.

She said she hopes, "We can all live together in harmony and understand that we have differences and appreciate those who are different."

Democratic delegate Alvin Peters of Panama City, Florida, said he, too, hoped for brighter days.

"Spread the joy," said Peters. "Dispel the doom and gloom."

Reuters photo slideshow: http://reut.rs/2aAmRRd

(Reporting by Amy Tennery and Jim Young in Cleveland and Philadelphia; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
In light of the DNC email leak, hundreds of Bernie Sanders supporters continued to voice their concerns with the Democratic Party during an Occupy DNC protest near Philadelphias City Hall. Green Partys Jill Stein has taken advantage of the infuriated Sanders fans, helping catapult her own bid for the presidency.

For those unfamiliar with the Green Party, the grassroots electoral alternative centers around environmental issues, as well as social justice and the fight against the one percent.

In an effort to keep the movement Sanders started alive, followers gravitated toward Stein after the former presidential candidate fully pledged his support to Hillary Clinton  putting the apparent email controversy in the past. Evident by the continuous protests, it seems supporters of the Vermont senator have yet to forget what they believe has now become a rigged election.

Stein took center stage at the protests Wednesday, laying out her platform for candidacy. FOXBusiness.coms Jade Scipioni was at the protests and asked Stein how she plans to beat Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

This is how we beat Donald Trump, said Stein, referring to the hundreds of people who attended the protest. He cannot stop the power of a revolution.

Unless Stein can claim 15% of the national electorate, the revolution wont be enough to get her on the debate stage for a chance at becoming the next president of the United States.

Related Articles
PHILADELPHIA  His own legacy on the line, President Barack Obama implored Americans to elect Hillary Clinton to the White House, casting her as a candidate who believes in the optimism that powers the nations democracy and warning against the deeply pessimistic vision of Republican Donald Trump.

America is already great. America is already strong, he declared to cheering delegates Wednesday night at the Democratic convention. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.

For Democrats, the night was steeped in symbolism, the passing of the baton from a barrier-breaking president to a candidate trying to make history herself. It culminated with Clinton making a surprise appearance on stage to greet Obama with a long embrace, an almost unimaginable image eight years ago when they battled for the Democratic nomination.

Obama urged Americans to summon the hopefulness of that White House campaign, before recession deepened and new terror threats shook voters sense of security. He robustly vouched for Clintons readiness to finish the job he started, saying no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits.

Earlier Wednesday, Clintons running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, introduced himself to the nation as a formidable foil to Trump in his own right. With folksy charm, he ridiculed Trumps list of promises and imitated one of the GOP candidates favorite phrases.

Believe me! he said mockingly, as the audience boomed back, No!

Obamas vigorous support for Clinton is driven in part by deep concern that Republican Trump might win in November and unravel his two terms in office. He warned repeatedly Wednesday that the billionaire businessman is unprepared for the challenges that would await him in the Oval Office.

Trump fueled more controversy Wednesday when he encouraged Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign. On the heels of reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said, Russia, if youre listening, it would be desirable to see Moscow find and publish the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state.

Wednesday nights Democratic lineup was aimed at emphasizing Clintons own national security credentials. It was a significant shift in tone after two nights spent reintroducing Clinton to voters as a champion for children and families, and relishing in her historic nomination as the first woman to lead a major political party into the general election.

The conventions third night was also a time for Democrats to celebrate Obamas legacy. Vice President Joe Biden, who decided against running for president this year after the death of his son, called it a bittersweet moment.

A son of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden appealed directly to the working class white voters who have been drawn to Trumps populism, warning them against falling for false promises and exploitation of Americans anxieties.

This guy doesnt have a clue about the middle class, he declared.

President Bill Clinton, filling the role of devoted political spouse, joined the crowd packed to the arena rafters in cheering the attacks on Trump.

Gun violence continued as a theme Wednesday night as families of mass shooting victims took the stage. Delegates rose in an emotional standing ovation for the mother of one of the victims in last months Orlando nightclub shooting, who asked why commonsense gun policies werent in place when her son died.

I never want you to ask that question about your child, Christine Leinonen said.

Though Obama has six months left in office, his address Wednesday had the feeling of a political transition. He was emotional as he thanked Americans for sustaining him through difficult stretches.

Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me, he said. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me.
Sigourney Weaver continued the star-studded parade of speakers at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

The actress took the stage to introduce a short film on climate change directed by James Cameron. Weaver narrated the movie.

"As an American, I am also deeply concerned about my family's future, about our shared future as a nation," she said. "Because that future is at risk."

The film referenced Trump's "reckless denial" of climate change and showed a clip of the GOP nominee calling global warming a "hoax."

"I am not a believer in climate change," Trump is heard saying in the movie, titled Not Reality TV.

Ahead of the film's debut, Cameron called Trump "a madman" and "incredibly reckless, incredibly dangerous" for his position on global warming, according to the Associated Press.

Read More: Lee Daniels Addresses Gun Violence at the Democratic Convention: "We Need to Take Action"

The Titanic director spoke to reporters to say that attacking Trump's rejection of climate change science is a "winning" strategy for Democrats. Cameron referred to Trump as "a madman saying we're going to tear up" the landmark climate change agreement negotiated in Paris, a quote that also aired in the film.

Not Reality TV also featured Jack Black, Don Cheadle, America Ferrera and Hillary Clinton. The film showed wildfires, heat waves and the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy to demonstrate how climate change is harming the U.S.

"We made this film to show the reality of climate change - how it's directly affecting millions of people each day," Cameron said earlier in a statement. "As I've said before, to save our planet we need to mobilize like we did during World War II - the threat to our country and children is that severe."

Asked Weaver: "Can Donald Trump look these people in the eye and tell them climate change is a hoax? That there's nothing we can do? That he doesn't care about their pain?"

Story continues

The third night of the four-day convention also sees speeches from Angela Bassett, Lee Daniels and a performance from Lenny Kravitz. Headlining the event are Clinton's vice presidential pick Tim Kaine, Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama.

Only halfway in, the DNC has had no shortage of A-list support in Philadelphia.

On Tuesday night, Kesha performed at a gun-control concert, and on Wednesday night Fergie will headline a concert for the Creative Coalition and the Black Eyed Peas will headline the Rock The Vote concert at the Fillmore.

Susan Sarandon, Shailene Woodley, Rosario Dawson and Shonda Rhimes all have been spotted at the DNC, in addition to the impressive roster of celebrity speakers. Last night, Meryl Streep, Lena Dunham and America Ferrera and Tony Goldwyn spoke, while Elizabeth Banks hosted and former President Bill Clinton headlined.

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For the first two nights of the Democratic National Convention convention, Donald Trumps presence was hardly felt as the party struggled with its own unification. On Wednesday night, the Republican nominee starred front-and-center, as a parade of speakers delivered blistering assaults and withering critiques of his policy positions, judgment, and preparedness for the White House.

America is already great, Obama said, rejecting Trumps slogan and criticizing the gloomy tone at the GOP convention in Cleveland last week. America is already strong, he continued, comparing Trumps claims that he alone can fix things to the rhetoric of kings and dictators. We dont look to be ruled.

The message was carefully rolled out over the course of several hours on cable and primetime television by a campaign that has a plan to dismantle Trumps reputation over the next 103 days. It began with a biting video splicing together prominent Republicans warning of the consequences of Donald Trumps foreign policy statements and questioning whether he has the temperament to hold the nuclear launch codes. It concluded with the President of the United States taking his would-be successor to task as a business fraudster who had rejected core American values. Speakers called out what they called Trumps me-first policies, and raised alarm over his national security positions.

Vice President Joe Biden joined in the attacks on Trump, who doubled down on his call for the reversal of the Obama administrations ban on torture and enhanced interrogation earlier in the day. We cant elect a man that embraces the tactics of our enemies, Biden said. Donald Trump with all of his rhetoric would literally make us less safe.

While the attacks were long-planned, Trumps call in a press conference Wednesday for Russia to hack Clintons email, drew fresh condemnation from the foreign policy experts who took the stage. The added lines come as the Clinton administration is looking to cast Trump as a threat, rather than a sideshow. This morning, he personally invited Russia to hack us, said Rear Admiral John Huston (Ret.), a former Republican who endorsed Obama in 2008. Thats not law and order. Thats criminal intent.

Story continues

Donald Trump today once again took Russias side, added Obamas former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. He asked the Russians to interfere in American politics. Panetta recounted Clintons role in the operation that killed Osama Bin Laden, arguing it gave her unrivaled experience for the job of president.

The only candidate for president who has the experience, temperament, and judgment to be Commander-in-Chief is Hillary Clinton, he said. This is no time to gamble with our future.

Huston, the former U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General, warned that Trump would violate international law with his support for torture, while arguing his bombast made the nation less safe. Donald Trump is a walking, talking recruiting poster for terrorists, he said. Thats not hyperbole. ISIS literally used Trump in a commercial.

Kristen Kavanaugh, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant, argued Trump wouldnt pass muster with the military. The military is defined by discipline. Leadership. Integrity. Those are the qualities that drew me to serve, she said. And those are the very qualities that Donald Trump lacks.

That was followed by an appeal to independent voters. Calling Trump a dangerous demagogue and a con former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a political independent who ran for office as a Republican, recounted Trumps bankruptcies and checkered business record of outsourcing and hiring those in the U.S. illegallycontrary to his public stances. Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy, the billionaire media mogul said.

Then it was time for Clintons running mate to show his skills as a knife-fighter. He never tells you how hes going to do any of the things he says hes going to do, Kaine said of Trump. He just says, believe me. So heres the question. Do you really believe him? Donald Trumps whole career says you better not.
Donald Trumps call on Russia to hack Hillary Clintons emails Wednesday resulted in widespread criticism. But his comments on Crimea, coupled with ones he made last week on NATO, are likely to have greater significance if he is elected president in November.

The question came from Mareike Aden, a German reporter, who asked him whether a President Trump would recognize Crimea as Russian and lift sanctions on Moscow imposed after its 2014 annexation of the Ukrainian territory. The candidates reply: Yes. We would be looking at that.

That response is likely to spread much cheer through Russiaalready buoyant about the prospect of a Trump victory in November. But it could spread at least an equal amount of dread in the former Soviet republics. In a matter of two weeks, the man who could become the next American president has not only questioned the utility of NATO, thereby repudiating the post-World War II security consensus, he also has seemingly removed whatever fig leaf of protection from Russia the U.S. offered the post-Soviet republics and Moscows former allies in the Eastern bloc.

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Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev gave Crimea, a region that had been part of Russia for centuries, to Ukraine in 1954though, to be fair, Khrushchev probably didnt foresee that the Soviet Union would be the stuff of history books less than four decades later. Russia maintained close links to Crimea even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It helped that of all the Soviet republics, save Belarus, Ukraine maintained the most pro-Moscow positions until 2014. More than half of Crimeas 2 million people were Russian; Russia maintained a naval base in the region; and Russians retired in Crimea in large numbers. But when Ukraines pro-Moscow president, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted, the tensions over Crimea became apparent.

Story continues

In 2014, pro-Russian gunmen took over government buildings in Simferopol, Crimeas capital, and held a referendum in May of that year in which an overwhelming majority of voters said they wanted to rejoin Russia. The West reacted with anger and imposed a string of sanctions on Russiasanctions that even Putin acknowledged adversely affected Russias economy, which was already hurt by falling oil prices. Last year, on the anniversary of Russias annexation, the U.S. State Department said: We do not, nor will we, recognize Russias attempted annexation and call on President Putin to end his countrys occupation of Crimea.

Trump, as president, may reverse that policy, and if he does Ukraine wont be the only country that worries. Another is likely to be Georgia, the former Soviet republic. A brief war with Russiabrief in that Georgia was crushedin 2008 resulted in Russia extending support to two breakaway Georgian regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and wielding its influence with the rebels there. Russias recent military exercises, as well as its statements, have also worried Eastern European states such as Poland and the Baltic nations that share a border with it.

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Until recently, many of them could have counted on NATOs support, but Trump last week made military support conditional on whether those countries had paid their financial dues to the alliancea marked departure from the security policy of every presidential nominee from either of the two major parties since NATOs founding in 1949. As I pointed out at the time, If Trump is elected in November and is true to his pledge, then few of NATOs 28 members will qualify for U.S. support in the event of a war. Only the U.S., Greece, the U.K., Estonia, and Poland meet NATOs guideline that defense spending constitute 2 percent of GDP.

Now, with his comments on Crimea, Trump has given the foreign-policy establishment in the U.S. and Europe even more to consider before November.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Dow Chemical DOW topped earnings expectations in the second quarter of 2016, aided by its cost-cutting and productivity actions. The U.S. chemical giant registered adjusted earnings (barring one-time items) of 95 cents per share for the quarter that trounced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 85 cents.



On a reported basis, the company logged profit of roughly $3.1 billion or $2.61 per share, a nearly three-fold surge from a profit of around $1.1 billion or 97 cents per share recorded a year ago. The bottom line was boosted by a sizable gain associated with the Dow Corning ownership restructure. Dow, last month, took full control of Dow Corning  earlier a 50-50 joint venture between Dow and Corning Inc.



Dows EBITDA margin (as adjusted) rose 160 basis points year over year to 21% in the quarter with gains recorded across Infrastructure Solutions, Consumer Solutions and Performance Plastics businesses.



Dow achieved $90 million in productivity savings during the reported quarter, bringing the first half tally to nearly $180 million. The company expects $300 million in savings this year.



However, Dows revenues dropped roughly 7% year over year to $11,952 million. Lower prices of hydrocarbons and raw material and impact of the sale of the chlorine products business hurt revenues in the quarter. Sales, however, came ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11,269 million. Volumes (excluding divestments and acquisitions) rose 4% in the quarter.



The DOW Chemical Company (DOW) Street EPS & Surprise Percent - Last 5 Quarters | FindTheCompany

Segment Analysis



Agricultural Sciences



Sales fell roughly 10% year over year to $1.6 billion in the quarter, hurt by currency headwinds, high inventories and lower crop commodity prices. Crop protection volumes declined on lower demand for herbicides and the AgroFresh divestiture. Seeds volumes fell as weak demand for sunflower and soybeans more than offset growth in corn.



Consumer Solutions



Revenues from the division were roughly $1.3 billion, up around 15%, supported by the addition of the silicones business. Automotive Systems registered double-digit volume growth in the quarter. Volumes rose in Electronic Materials on new business wins and market share gains in the semiconductor and display.



Infrastructure Solutions



Sales from the division rose around 6% to $2.1 billion in the quarter as the addition of the silicones business more than offset reduced pricing in all other businesses.



Volumes rose in most geographies in the companys building and construction business. In Energy and Water Solutions, volumes fell on weak demand in the U.S. shale gas market. Coating materials volumes rose on double-digit growth in China and gains in industrial and architectural markets.



Performance Materials & Chemicals



Revenues slid 30% to $2.3 billion in the quarter, reflecting the impacts of divestments and lower pricing. Polyurethane volumes rose on higher demand for downstream, higher-margin system house applications. Volumes fell in the industrial solutions business.



Performance Plastics



Sales fell roughly 2% to $4.7 billion as volume gains across the board were more than offset by pricing headwinds. Elastomers business registered higher volumes. Moreover, Electrical and Telecommunications volumes rose across all geographies, in the quarter.



Financials and Shareholder Returns



Dow had cash and cash equivalents of roughly $7.3 billion at the end of the quarter, up around 18% year over year. Total long-term debt rose around 9% year over year to roughly $21.1 billion.



Outlook



Moving ahead, Dow sees sustained momentum in consumer driven end-markets. The company is witnessing healthy demand in North America and continued recovery in Europe, despite geopolitical uncertainties. Latin America is also showing signs of improvement. The companys strong business portfolio, strategic investments and productivity actions position it well in the prevailing volatile macroeconomic environment.



Dow should continue to gain from its productivity improvement and cost control actions. Moreover, the company remains committed to invest in attractive regions through highly-accretive projects including the expansions in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Sadara joint venture in the Middle East.



Dow should also gain from the synergies associated with Dow Corning Silicones business in 2016. The company, in late June, said that it is taking a number of actions (including closure of silicones manufacturing plants in Greensboro, NC, and Yamakita, Japan) to attain synergies from the restructuring of its ownership in Dow Corning.



Dow is moving ahead with its planned mega-merger with DuPont DD. The companies agreed to combine their businesses in Dec 2015 in an all-stock deal to create a chemical powerhouse (dubbed DowDuPont), before eventually breaking up into three independent companies through tax-free spin-offs.



The deal recently secured approvals from shareholders of both companies and is now subject to customary closing conditions including receipt of regulatory clearances. The proposed merger is projected to deliver cost synergies of around $3 billion, expected to be achieved with the first two years after the deal closure (expected to complete in the second half of 2016).

DOW CHEMICAL Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

DOW CHEMICAL Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | DOW CHEMICAL Quote

Zacks Rank

Dow is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



Better-ranked stocks in the diversified chemicals space include Axiall Corp. AXLL and Stepan Co. SCL, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).



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By Geert De Clercq and Karolin Schaps

PARIS (Reuters) - The board of French utility EDF (EDF.PA) on Thursday narrowly voted to proceed with a controversial project to build two nuclear reactors in Hinkley Point, Britain - the country's first new nuclear plant in decades.

The 18 billion pound ($24 billion) nuclear reactors carry huge risks for both France and Britain. EDF will assume the up-front costs, which unions say could jeopardise the firm's survival, while Britain has committed to pay a price twice current market levels for the power generated by the plant.

EDF said in a statement its board had made the final investment decision on the project and had given chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy the authority to sign all necessary contracts, but it did not detail the voting tally in the board.

A source with direct knowledge of the situation told Reuters that following the resignation of board member Gerard Magnin in protest over EDF's strategy ahead of the meeting, the remaining board members had approved the project, with 10 members voting in favour and 7 voting against.

The source said the six staff representatives on the board had voted against the project. Two sources with direct knowledge of the situation said that Laurence Parisot, the former head of the French employers' organisation and a candidate to become EDF chief executive in 2014 had also voted against the plan.

If Magnin had not resigned and had voted against Hinkley Point, the Hinkley Point project would have been approved 10 to 8 - the narrowest of margins.

"This deal was riven with more dissent in the EDF board than anyone expected. It's an unprecedented division and a far closer (vote) than predicted," John Sauven, Greenpeace UK Executive director said.

The French government, which controls 85 percent of EDF's capital and sets its industrial strategy, argues the UK project will support the French nuclear industry over the next decade.

EDF said on Thursday that the pouring of the first concrete at Hinkley Point, scheduled for mid-2019, will coincide with the expected start-up of a nuclear reactor it is building at Flamanville, France, which is scheduled for the end of 2018.

Story continues

CORNERSTONE PROJECT

The British government says that Hinkley Point, which will provide about seven percent of UK power, is crucial for securing power supply in the next decade.

Yet the project has strong critics on both sides of the English Channel. French unions say it is too big and costly for EDF and jeopardises the survival of the company.

Opponents in Britain say the price at which the government has agreed to buy power from EDF for 35 years, at more than twice current market levels, is too high.

The Hinkley Point project is a cornerstone of Britain's future energy policy. The country, one of the oldest nuclear power generating nations in the world, is relying on new nuclear plants like Hinkley Point to replace ageing stations. Nuclear plants do not emit carbon and will thus help the UK meet its target to cut carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

The government signed a 35-year electricity price guarantee contract, known as a "contract for difference", with EDF in October 2013, under which the utility will receive a top-up fee if power prices are below 92.50 pounds per megawatt-hour (MWh).

The British day-ahead power price is currently around 40 pounds per MWh.

Britain is not involved in funding the upfront costs of the project, which are carried by developer EDF and its Chinese partner China General Nuclear (CGN).

However, the contract-for-difference agreement means that Britain will be paying for electricity generated from the plant if market prices are below the strike price level.

The National Audit Office has estimated that a recent fall in power prices means that EDF's estimated top-up payments over the plant's lifetime have risen to 29.7 billion pounds from 6.1 billion pounds since 2013.

The project was first announced in 2007, when EDF energy's chief executive said Britons would be cooking their 2017 Christmas dinners with electricity supplied by Hinkley Point.

The plant's start-up date has been delayed several times since due to regulatory hurdles, the fallout from the Fukushima nuclear disaster and EDF's deteriorating financial position.

Britain's political commitment to the Hinkley deal has not wilted in the aftermath of the EU referendum, even though its two key architects, former Prime Minister David Cameron and former finance minister George Osborne have been replaced by Theresa May and Philip Hammond.

Shortly after taking office, Hammond said he hoped to be able to bring the project to a swift conclusion.

The UK government has staked a lot of political capital in the success of the project, lauding it as a crucial part of its energy policy mix and a blueprint for how government can work with the private sector to bring in infrastructure investment.

($1 = 0.7607 pounds)

(Additional reporting by Benjamin Mallet in Paris and Karolin Schaps and William James in London; Editing by Richard Lough and Alexandra Hudson)
Minya (Egypt) (AFP) - On a recent Sunday in southern Egypt, dozens of Coptic Christians gathered for mass next to the charred remains of a wooden structure they once used as a chapel.

A priest and five white-clad deacons began chanting around a simple wooden altar as the sun beat down on the remains of the makeshift chapel, which was torched two months ago.

A blackened wood cross lay amid the rubble, a testament to a string of clashes in southern villages this month that has highlighted sectarian tensions in Egypt.

Further down the road in the village of Ismailiya, a building the congregation wanted to use for their church is closed for lack of a permit.

Egypt's Copts, the Middle East's largest Christian minority, have long struggled to obtain official permission to build churches.

They are now hoping a new law on building houses of worship -- both mosques and churches -- will curb discrimination against them.

But here in the rural southern province of Minya, even the rumour of Christians building a church can spark mob violence.

Copts have faced growing violence in recent years. Dozens have been killed in sectarian attacks across the country.

"My simplest right as an Egyptian should be to pray in a church, not the street," said Nashat Saed, 31, who attended the service with his wife and three children.

"I feel oppression every time I come here to pray," he said as sweat trickled down his face.

"I dream that we open a church where we can bring the women and children to pray, instead of the street."

- Discrimination -

Egypt's authorities often refuse to give Christians building permits for churches on the grounds that doing so would disturb the peace with their Muslim neighbours.

Coptic Pope Tawadros II has said he hopes the new law will streamline church construction and cut through the red tape.

Ishak Ibrahim, a researcher with the rights group Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, said current laws are biased against Christians.

Story continues

"There is discrimination in handling Muslim and Christian rights in building houses of worship. The conditions for building churches are a hindrance," he said.

Egypt had 2,869 churches in 2011.

Nadia Henry, a member of parliament for the liberal Free Egyptians Party, said a new law could dampen sectarian tensions.

"Regulating church construction will bring down the number of sectarian clashes in Egypt," she said.

However, the Copts, who make up some 10 percent of Egypt's 90 million people, are going through some of their darkest times in recent memory.

Copts have long been the target of sectarian attacks, but they surged during the three-decade rule of former president Hosni Mubarak.

A month before Mubarak was overthrown in a popular uprising in February 2011, a suicide bomber killed more than 20 churchgoers in the coastal city of Alexandria.

The violence multiplied after Mubarak's ouster, with sectarian clashes in Cairo killing more than a dozen people.

Then in October that year, Copts who had been protesting a church arson clashed with the military outside state television headquarters.

More than 20 protesters were killed, some run over by armoured vehicles.

Three soldiers died in the clash. State television appealed to viewers to descend on the scene to "protect the military," and aired a clip of a soldier calling the Christians "dogs".

- Scapegoated -

A year later, the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi was elected president.

His rule was marred by clashes between Christians and police following the funerals of victims of a sectarian clash. Police fired tear gas at the angry mourners outside the headquarters of the Coptic pope in Cairo.

When massive protests swamped Cairo's streets demanding Morsi's resignation in July 2013, leading to his overthrow by the military, his supporters singled out Christians for blame.

Leading Muslim clerics, as well as much of the secular opposition and the Coptic Orthodox Church, supported his ouster.

A month later, when police dispersed an Islamist protest camp in Cairo and killed hundreds of Morsi supporters, mobs responded by torching dozens of churches and Christian properties around the country.

The authorities have promised to clamp down on sectarianism.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former army chief who ousted Morsi, has said there would be no discrimination against any Egyptian.

But that hasn't stopped the violence.

In May, a Muslim mob stripped an elderly woman of her clothes and attacked her house in a southern village after rumours that her son was dating a Muslim woman.

Coptic farmer Amir Mikhail, who hosts religious services in his small home in Ismailiya, said the government was not doing enough to protect Christians.

"The official message is great, but on the ground, nothing is implemented," he said.
SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - Salvadoran authorities captured 120 members and associates of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, the prosecutor's office said on Thursday, part of a broad offensive to curb the escalation of gang-related killings in the Central American nation. During the operation, which started Wednesday night, police arrested five leaders of MS-13 and seized motels, restaurants, brothels and dozens of buses controlled by the gang. "Of the eight main ringleaders, we have captured five ... including the financier of MS," El Salvador's Attorney General Douglas Melendez told reporters. Melendez also said that authorities confiscated an unspecified amount of money and drugs. Lawyers for the detainees could not immediately be contacted for comment. Violence in El Salvador, which saw a record level of homicides in 2015, has slowed in recent months. While some attribute the decrease in murders to a truce between rival gangs, the government of President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, a former leftist guerrilla, says it is the product of an offensive against the "maras". (Reporting by Nelson Renteria; Writing by Natalie Schachar; Editing by James Dalgleish)
Over a year after Fox, Empire co-creators Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, series star Terrence Howard, writer Malcolm Spellman and media mogul Rupert Murdoch were sued in a $10 million copyright infringement suit by self-described gangsta pimp Ron Newt, a federal judge has tossed the case out.

Although the parties works each follow an African American man who was involved in drug dealing and has sons pursuing a music career, Plaintiffs works and Empire are not substantially similar as to plot, wrote District Judge Consuelo Marshall on Wednesday (read it here). Plaintiff has demonstrated, at most, random similarities between the works which does not constitute substantial similarity, Judge Marshall added in the 26-page order granting the defendants motions to have the matter dismissed.

Claiming that he gave Howard a copy of his memoir Bigger Than Big, a DVD of a documentary about him and a registered screenplay called All That Glitters in 2010, Newt said in the initial April 2015 complaint that the Fox blockbuster series was ripped-off his life and work  and he wanted to get paid.

Fox logo featured

After Newt filed an amended complaint last August that dropped the media mogul from the matter and lowered the cash he was seeking, Fox and the other remaining defendants hit back in mid-October with a motion to dismiss the case. Calling Newt a San Francisco-area pimp and drug dealer, their filing said that the 2015 debuting Empire is a a modern take on Shakespeares King Lear.

With the music biz playing a small part of Newts work and a big part of the hip hop drama, that take was almost nothing like his material that include detailed descriptions of cold-blooded killings, dismemberments, and crude descriptions of Plaintiffs sexual escapades in graphic detail that would never be shown on network television. The response also noted that Howard had nothing to do with the creation of the series and was cast after the pilot was already written  nor that the others ever saw the work in such a way that constituted an agreement.

Story continues

RelatedEmpire Casts Ezri Walker, Ajiona Alexus & Jeremy Carver

The judge pushed back against the motion earlier this year and allowed Newt to get his screenplay in the docket. This week that pushback ended with the results of Fox, Daniels, Strong and the rest can now do an Imperial happy dance  at least for now. Additionally, citing jurisdictional circumstance, Judge Marshall made a point of asserting that Newt could refile his now dismissed breach of implied contract claim in state court to pursue if that Daniels, Strong or Spellman ever saw his work in a way that implied an agreement of any sort.

Also, having been the target of a number of such suits since its debut, Empire is the subject of yet another case filed this spring where author Timothy J. Levi is claiming that the series is based on his Unity Incorporated: The Mastermind. Making Newt looking like small change, Levi wants $1.5 billion for the alleged lifting.

As that case continues, Empire returns for a third season later this year.

Linda Burrow and Kelly Perigoe of LAs Caldwell Leslie & Proctor represent the defendants. Charles M. Coate of Abrams Coate LLP represents Newt.

Related stories

John Cena's 'American Grit' Renewed For Second Season By Fox

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Adrianne Palicki Stars In Seth MacFarlane Fox Series, Scott Grimes Co-Stars
When a faction of the Turkish military launched a doomed attempt to overthrow the elected government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 15, the government immediately blamed the followers of Fethullah Gulen, a controversial religious leader who lives in exile in the United States. The anti-coup protesters who faced down soldiers in the streets of Istanbul seemed to agree. As tanks blocked bridges and warplanes circled overhead, in the citys Taksim Square, demonstrators held a hand-painted sign reading, The demon is in Pennsylvaniaa reference to Gulens residence in the Keystone State town of Saylorsburg.

The government says Gulens followers have built a vast network within Turkeys bureaucracy over the decades, tantamount to a state within a state that compliments the 75-year-old Gulens worldwide network of businesses, charities, and schools. Gulens network is a self-proclaimed humanistic Islamic movement that preaches altruism and charity. However analysts, Turkish officials, and former affiliates say the movement is a deeply hierarchical and secretive sect. In the wake of the failed coup attempt, the authorities have now detained at least 15,846 people accused of ties to the coup plot or to the Gulen movement, according to Interior Minister Efkan Ala. Gulen himself denies any link to the coup plot. On Wednesday the government also issued arrest warrants for 47 journalists, all former executives and employees of the formerly Gulen-affiliated Zaman newspaper. Turkish authorities also ordered the closure of 45 newspapers and 16 TV stations.

Read More: Turkeys Long Night of the Soul

The U.S. government is still evaluating Turkeys demand for Gulens extradition, and some American officials are privately skeptical of the Turkish governments account of the coup. But inside Turkey, the accusations against Gulen offer a point of consensus for the countrys disparate political camps. For broad sections of the Turkish publiceven those opposed to ErdoganGulen is a villain the country can unite against.

Turkeys predominantly secular opposition has long seen Gulen as a dangerous cult leader. For Erdogan and his Islamist-leaning government, Gulen is a former ally who betrayed them in 2013, spawning a bitter rivalry and a struggle for control over state institutions that has played out for at least two and a half years. At the same time Gulenists make a useful target for Erdoganblaming them avoids a possible confrontation with the staunchly secular and nationalist military leadership whose predecessors have staged previous coups in Turkey far more successful than the one attempted earlier this month.

He is at this point what unites the country. There is no one who would stand by Gulen. I mean, hes done, says Burak Kadercan, an expert on Turkish politics at the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island. Its a very convenient story. It just exonerates the secularists of any involvement. They can claim that theyre anti-coup, not necessarily pro-Erdogan, but anti-Gulen for sure.

Turkish officials now say the attempted coup was a preemptive strike in response to a plan to remove roughly 100 military officers suspected of ties to Gulen. The cull of the military brass was to come at a biannual meeting of the Supreme Military Council (known by the Turkish acronym YAS) that usually takes place in August. The summit is now taking place on July 27, moved up by a few days in response to the failed coup attempt.

An official from the Turkish prime ministers office said plans to remove suspected Gulenists from the armed forces leadership had been in motion for about six months. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he says the suspected officers, including generals, had been recruited by the Gulen movement as much as 20 or 30 years ago and worked their way up through the ranks. They were really well hidden, says the official in a phone interview.

A second official from the presidents office confirmed a preexisting plan to remove the officers. There were plans to discharge them from the military. Our assessment is that the ongoing effort has led them to attempt a coup, he says by text message. Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity in accordance with government protocol.

The government has produced some evidence to support its claims. For example, Hulusi Akar, the chief of general staff, reportedly testified that the officers who detained him the night of the coup offered to put him in touch with Gulen. Dani Rodrik, an economist at Harvards Kennedy School who has studied Gulenist involvement in the Turkish state, says it is possible that the documentation of Akars testimony could have been doctored, but it appears authentic in his view.

More broadly, while it is impossible to verify claims of the extent of the alleged Gulenist faction in the military, experts who study the movement say there is some evidence of a significant presence within the armed forces. Nobody really knows, says Rodrik. Whats more important is the degree to which Gulenists have been able to control key points: they have been in charge of the legal department of the military for example, and their sympathizers are disproportionately represented among aides-de-camp of the most senior generals. There is good reason to believe that a majority of the officers promoted after 2008-2009 have been Gulenists.

Read More: Turkeys Instability Calls the E.U. Migrant Deal Into Question

Complicating the governments narrative is evidence that the coup plotters joined forces with secular Kemalist officers, those who adhere to the principles of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish republic. The official from the prime ministers office said two or three Kemalist generals had joined the coup plot. The statement released by the plotters on the night of the failed coup stressed Kemalist themes like secular and democratic rule of law and made reference to extraordinary sacrifices led by the Great Ataturk.

Owing to those complications and others, some observers remain wary of the governments account of the coup plot, and the near wholesale blame put on the Gulenists. Theres plenty of circumstantial evidence accordingly, but the neat and tidiness of the narrative, and how quickly it was packaged, I just find to be at worst just a little suspect, a little organized in how this all went down, says Joshua D. Hendrick, a professor of sociology at Loyola University Maryland and the author of a book on the Gulen movement.

For Erdogans government, the sweeping clampdown on the Gulen movement marks the climax of a political drama of almost Shakespearean proportions. When it first came to power in 2002, Erdogans Justice and Development Party (known by the acronym AKP) allied with Gulen and his followers, who offered a network of bureaucrats, and the infrastructure of a social movement, including respected schools, after school programs, and numerous charities. The two movements appeared compatible, both professing a mild brand of quasi-Islamist politics.

Read More: Turkey Could Be Taking A Big Step Backwards In Human Rights

That alliance came to an end in December 2013 after alleged Gulen-linked officials launched a corruption probe that implicated officials in the AKP government, sparking a feud between Erdogan and Gulen, who was already living in self-imposed exile in the U.S. By April 2014, Erdogan was accusing Gulen of plotting a coup and urging the U.S. to deport him. The government began to remove suspected Gulen affiliates from government positions. This is a fratricidal tug-o-war, whereby the worldviews are so alignedits the reason why its so vicious, says Hendrick.

From his retreat in the Pocono foothills of Pennsylvania, Gulen continues to deny the accusations that he triggered the coup, including in a recent opinion column in his name in the New York Times. My philosophyinclusive and pluralist Islam, dedicated to service to human beings from every faithis antithetical to armed rebellion, he wrote.

Gulens denials will fall on many deaf ears within Turkey, where even Erdogans opponents view Gulen and his movement with hostility. According to the State Department Turkeys demand to extradite Gulen is under consideration while legal and technical proceedings unfold. Left-wing analysts and political commentators in Turkey also hate Gulen almost as unanimously as Erdogan, says a 28-year-old Turkish professional in Istanbul who is an alumna of Gulen-affiliated educational programs and who since broke with the movement and also describes herself as an opponent of the government, and who asked to have her name withheld out of concerns of reprisals.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union rules limiting remuneration of bankers and financial firms' staff may be too costly for smaller companies and could be reviewed, the European Commission said on Thursday, in a move that addresses concerns raised by banks.

The rules were adopted in the aftermath of the 2007-08 financial crisis in response to public outcry at bankers pocketing large bonuses after taxpayers had contributed to the bailout of several lenders in Europe.

Bankers and investment firms, especially in the City of London, complained that the rules would limit their ability to attract talent and would increase red tape.

The Commission, which has the power to propose and amend EU legislation, said on Thursday that the new provisions have been "effective in curbing excessive risk-taking behaviour and short-termism", but added that "in certain cases, some of the rules may be too costly and burdensome to apply."

"Our evaluation shows that there may be room to make remuneration rules more proportionate and less burdensome from an administrative perspective, in particular for smaller and less complex credit institutions and investment firms," the commissioner responsible for pay policies Vera Jourova said, confirming earlier announcements.

Before proposing any changes, Brussels will conduct a study to assess more thoroughly the impact of bonus rules. Proposals may come in November, when the Commission plans to review rules on banks' capital requirements.

Brussels will look at a possible review of rules concerning staff with low levels of variable remunerations and requirements on deferral and pay-outs instruments in smaller investment firms.

The Commission did not address the wider issue of caps, a measure loathed by banks, which limit bonuses to no more than fixed pay or twice that amount with shareholder approval.

Brussels said that it is too early to assess the impact of this measure as it was introduced only in 2014.

In March the European Banking Authority, the bloc's banking watchdog, said caps on banker bonuses did not undermine financial stability and did not limit lenders' ability to control costs.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio)
I learned with a great deal of disappointment that the independent housing units for the new SpringBrook Village in La Crescent, Minn., are being eliminated from the initial phase of the building project. There seems to be some indication that these units will be built in the future when the assisted-living portion reaches a capacity of 75 percent. I assume that there is concern about cash flow and that the assisted-living units will provide more income so that SpringBrook can meet its financial obligations on its debt.

All this being said, my wife and I, and we assume others, are disappointed. We have lived in La Crescent for 38 years and consider this our home for the remainder of our lives. We need to downsize, and we need to prepare for the next phases of our lives. We dont want to leave La Crescent, our friends and our church.

SpringBrook just built a large addition in Onalaska based on demand and need. The project in La Crescent is obviously providing for a need in this area. It would seem reasonable that the additional option of independent living units would enhance this project. We might even draw some people from Wisconsin and Iowa. If you are seriously interested in the independent living component for yourself or other loved ones, please attend the planning commission meeting at 5:15 p.m. Aug. 2 at La Crescent City Hall and the city council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 8.
PRAGUE (Reuters) - Top judges of European Union member states called on Turkey on Wednesday to respect the rule of law, saying the dismissal of thousands of judges following an attempted coup was an attack on the independence of the judiciary. Turkey has suspended, detained or placed under investigation more than 60,000 soldiers, judges, teachers, journalists and others suspected of ties to the movement of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen following the failed July 15-16 coup. The EU judges, in a statement, said they were concerned at reports that more than 2,700 members of the judiciary had been removed and the death penalty might be restored in Turkey. The group, comprising the presidents of the supreme courts of EU states, said independence of the judiciary was a guarantee of respect for human rights and freedoms allowing citizens to have confidence in the justice system. The group "views the current events, in particular the dismissal or arrest of thousands of judges, as an attack on the independence of the judiciary in Turkey," it said. Western governments and rights groups have condemned the abortive coup in which at least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured. But some have expressed alarm over the extent of the crackdown and suggested President Tayyip Erdogan may be using it to tighten his grip on power. (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editging by Richard Balmforth)
BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - The European Union seems to be falling in love with itself and needs to use the time before Britain formally starts divorce proceedings to create a new vision of Europe, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Thursday. Britain's shock vote to leave the EU in June has led to calls for reforms in the bloc to connect it better to its people after disillusionment has risen after years of economic weakness and an influx of refugees. "I have always said ... the EU seems to be falling in love with itself," Fico said at a news conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May. "We wanted to be the best in the world. But it seems many regions in world are far ahead of us. Let's use Brexit as a good occasion to reevaluate this." May repeated her assertion that Britain would not trigger Article 50, the formal mechanism for leaving the EU, to begin exit talks before the end of the year, and Fico, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, said the bloc should use this time to reconsider its global role. "We simply have to author a new vision for our people otherwise we will see further fragmentation and destabilisation of European political systems," Fico said after a meeting with May in Bratislava. (Reporting by Tatiana Jancarikova; Writing by Jason Hovet; editing by Michael Holden)
BRUSSELS, July 28 (Reuters) - Euro zone economic sentiment improved in July, defying market expectations of a decline, but economic sentiment in the wider 28-nation European Union fell in reaction to Britain's vote to leave the EU, the European Commission said on Thursday.

The Commission's economic sentiment indicator for the 19 countries sharing the euro currency rose to 104.6 in July from 104.4 in June, against market expectations of a fall to 103.7.

The business climate index, pointing to the phase of the business cycle, also increased sharply to 0.39 from 0.22, defying expectations of a decline to 0.17.

But sentiment in the wider bloc, which includes non-euro zone countries like Britain, fell to reflect a sharp decline in optimism in the wake of the 23 June British referendum to leave the EU.

"The decrease of the headline indicator for the EU (-0.9) was mainly due to the marked deterioration of sentiment in the largest non-euro area EU economy, the UK (-4.4)," the Commission said.

In the euro zone, sentiment improved in industry, services, retail trade and the construction sector. The only sector which saw more pessimism was consumer sentiment.

In the wider EU however, all sectors recorded a fall in sentiment except construction.

Economic sentiment in Britain plunged to 102.6 in July from 107.0 in June, with losses across all sectors. The most spectacular decline was the drop in sentiment among British consumers to -9.2 from -1.2 in June, followed by a 5.5 point drop in optimism in retail trade and a 3.9 point fall in industry.

(Reporting By Jan Strupczewski; editing by Francesco Guarascio)
(Adds detail, quote)

MOSCOW, July 28 (Reuters) - Euroclear, one of the one of the world's largest settlement banks, has started servicing Russia's Eurobond maturing in 2026, a senior Russian Finance Ministry official said on Thursday, potentially clearing the path for a further placement.

Russia issued the $1.75 billion 10-year Eurobond in May without the participation of any international settlement banks. Their absence was widely seen as the result of Western financial sanctions linked to the Ukraine crisis.

Euroclear has begun servicing as of Thursday, said Konstantin Vyshkovsky, head of the finance ministry's debt department.

Russia's budget envisaged up to $3 billion in borrowing in foreign currencies this year and Vyshkovsky had said earlier that the ministry would like to fulfill the plan.

Finance ministry officials have also said, however, that Russia could instead rely on domestic borrowing to fill the gap.

There is no decision as yet, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters.

"It will be decided after the (autumn) changes to the budget," the source said.

(Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya, Oksana Kobzeva and Lidia Kelly; Writing by Lidia Kelly, editing by Jason Bush)
ROME  European media giants Mediaset and Vivendi appear to be set for a possible clash in court after their recently trumpeted pay-TV deal, which included a share swap, has gone sour.

On Thursday evening, Mediaset rejected changes to the deal proposed by Vivendi and said it would adopt all necessary measures to enforce the original agreement.

In a statement after a board meeting, Mediaset, which is owned by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, said it would refuse the alternative proposal by Vivendi because it was incompatible with the already-signed binding contract.

Mediaset has therefore given a mandate to its managers to adopt all opportune actions in order to obtain the fulfillment of the contract on Vivendis part, the statement added.

The companies announced in April they had reached an agreement that would see Vivendi acquire an 89% stake in the Mediaset Premium pay-TV unit as part of a wider alliance between the two media giants. The deal also included a 3.5% share swap between the companies.

The bone of contention now is clearly Vivendis valuation of loss-making Mediaset Premium. The French company, under the leadership of billionaire Vincent Bollore, earlier this week said it sent a letter to Mediaset proposing to buy just 20% of Mediaset Premium, and then a 15% stake in Mediaset via a mandatory convertible bond issued in three years time.

Mediaset countered by saying that its agreement with Vivendi had been preceded by an in-depth analysis of Mediaset Premiums numbers. Mediaset also contends that it never received any formal complaints from Vivendi about the validity or the terms of the agreement.

Speculation is rife in the Italian press that, if the two companies go to court, Vivendi would have to pay billions in damages.

But that might not turn out to be the case. A Vivendi spokesperson told Variety that Vivendi is reserving the right to sue Mediaset itself over what it believed could be defamatory remarks about the manner in which the negotiations have been taking place.

Story continues

There had been several weeks of talks between the sides about discrepancies over Mediaset overly-optimistic subscriber growth forecasts for Mediaset Premium, the spokesperson continued, describing the April deal as just a framework agreement and memorandum of understanding.

It was only after the initial deal that Vivendi had had full access to the full data room and real forecasts that Mediaset Premium would have to achieve to meet its business plan, he added.

We dont know the terms of their agreement, so we cant gauge the chances of Mediasets litigation succeeding, said analyst Francois Godard of London-based Enders Analysis. The victim posture is in no way satisfactory to shareholders, who will be skeptical of claims that litigation could deliver as much as has been quoted in the press  up to 1.8 billion euros, or $2 billion.

This is no substitute to an exit strategy from pay-TV, Godard said. Besides, Mediaset has now made it public that serious investors have doubts over the sustainability of Premium, undermining the search for an alternative to Vivendi.

John Hopewell contributed to this report.

Related stories

Vivendi Pulls Back From Mediaset Pay TV Deal

Vivendi to Close Watchever's SVOD Service in Germany

Vivendi Ups Stake, Voting Rights in French Vidgame Company Ubisoft
(ADVISORY- Follow European and UK stock markets in real time on the Reuters Live Markets blog on Eikon - see cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets) Adds details, closing prices)

* STOXX 600 index ends down 0.9 pct, down 7 pct year-to-date

* Lloyds leads fallers in weak bank sector

* Shell, Dialog down as earning updates disappoints

* But Neste touches record high on earnings beat

By Sudip Kar-Gupta and Danilo Masoni

LONDON/MILAN, July 28 (Reuters) - European shares fell on Thursday with Lloyds leading a weaker financial sector lower and disappointing earning updates from firms including oil major Royal Dutch Shell also weighing.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.9 percent, while the FTSEurofirst 300 index slid 1 percent.

Lloyds fell 5.8 percent after the British bank warned of a likely drop in demand caused by Britain's vote last month to quit the European Union, adding that it would accelerate cost-cutting.

Despite an unexpected second-quarter net profit, Credit Suisse fell 5 percent, reflecting the cautious note struck by its CEO Tidjane Thiam, who is trying to turn around Switzerland's second-biggest bank.

Even though the bank boosted its core capital to within its own target, some analysts remain unconvinced.

"We believe Credit Suisse will still need to raise another round of capital next year," Bernstein, who rates the stock "underperform", said in a note.

Shell declined by 2.9 percent after it reported a profit slump, while Dialog dropped 3 percent after the German supplier of Apple cut its 2016 sales outlook.

The STOXX 600 has rebounded by around 10 percent from a low point reached on June 27 after the shock Brexit vote, but it remains down by around 7 percent so far in 2016.

Equity strategists at Credit Suisse said that many investors remained pessimistic about European equities.

The bad debts of Italian banks remain a cause of concern, and the Credit Suisse strategists said Brexit had reawakened fears among U.S clients over the euro zone, with valuations at levels last seen during the Greek economic crisis of 2011.

Story continues

"Outflows are close to record highs, valuations are back to Greek crisis lows on P/E relatives, yet earnings and economic momentum are showing signs of relative stability," they wrote.

Roche Brune Asset Management fund manager Gregoire Laverne saw some positive signs from the corporate results season.

Finnish refiner Neste surged 9.9 percent to a record high after its second-quarter profit beat forecasts, while engineer Rolls Royce jumped 13.5 percent after forecasting an improvement in profit.

"European companies are generally looking to be on the right sort of path. Even if sales are not necessarily increasing, margins are increasing," said Laverne.

(Reporting by Danilo Masoni; editing by Mark Heinrich)
(ADVISORY- Follow European and UK stock markets in real time on the Reuters Live Markets blog on Eikon - see cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets)

* Dialog slumps after cutting sales forecast

* Shell and Lloyds shares also fall

* But Neste surges to record high

* STOXX 600 index down 6 pct so far in 2016

By Sudip Kar-Gupta

LONDON, July 28 (Reuters) - European stocks slipped on Thursday, weighed down by weak updates from companies including Dialog Semiconductor and oil major Royal Dutch Shell .

The pan-European STOXX 600 index dipped 0.1 percent, while the FTSEurofirst 300 index fell 0.2 percent.

Dialog dropped 8 percent, among the worst-performers on the STOXX 600, after the German company cut its 2016 sales outlook, while Shell fell by 3.9 percent after it reported a profit slump.

Analysts noted that Dialog's update was even more disappointing given a well-received update earlier this week from Apple - Dialog's biggest client - which saw Apple shares rise in New York.

Shares in British bank Lloyds also fell 3 percent after Lloyds warned of a likely drop in demand caused by Britain's vote to quit the European Union and added it would accelerate its cost-cutting plan.

The STOXX 600 has rebounded by around 10 percent from a low point reached on June 27 after the shock Brexit vote, but it remains down by around 6 percent so far in 2016.

Credit Suisse's equity strategists said that many investors remained pessimistic about European equities.

Italian banks' bad debts remain a cause of concern, and the Credit Suisse strategists added Brexit had reawakened fears among U.S clients over the euro zone, with valuations at levels last seen during the Greek economic crisis of 2011.

"Outflows are close to record highs, valuations are back to Greek crisis lows on P/E relatives yet earnings and economic momentum are showing signs of relative stability," they wrote.

Roche Brune Asset Management fund manager Gregoire Laverne and Prime Partners' chief investment officer Francois Savary saw some positive signs from the European corporate results season.

Story continues

Finnish refiner Neste surged 10 percent to a record high after its second-quarter profit beat forecasts, while engineer Rolls Royce jumped 12 percent after forecasting an improvement in profit.

"European companies are generally looking to be on the right sort of path. Even if sales are not necessarily increasing, margins are increasing," said Laverne, European equities fund manager at Roche Brune Asset Management.

(Editing by Alexander Smith)
Washington, D.C.s main train station was briefly evacuated Wednesday during end-of-day rush hour following reports of a suspicious package, according to police and reports on social media.

People outside of Union Station posted video footage at about 5:30 p.m. local time showing hordes of people leaving the building, and police sirens could be heard in the background. Police swept the station, and about half an hour later said no threat was found. People were then allowed back inside.

Heres the scene from the evacuation:

Mass exodus at union station. Police swarming. Entire place evacuated. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/6i2fCM9u1B  Nate O'Connor (@nwoconnor) July 27, 2016

Scene outside Union station. A few cop cars making their way up; you keep hearing more sirens. pic.twitter.com/f6S9wIrFEr  Stephanie Levy (@stephanie_levy) July 27, 2016

Metro Police said on Twitter officers investigated the suspicious package with the help of police dogs:

MTPD K-9 units are assisting AmtrakPD w/investigation of package in Amtrak portion of station. Metro service operating unaffected. #wmata  Metro Transit Police (@MetroTransitPD) July 27, 2016

Union Station has a number of transportation services, including the Washington metro, Amtrak, the MARC commuter rail service, and buses. It also houses shops and restaurants.

About 40 million people visited Union Station each year, including 15.5 million local residents, according to its website. The website estimates 75 percent of all Capitol Hill employees pass through the station each day.

Story continues

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
The vast majority of chief executives of major U.S. corporations are against Donald Trump , said Roger Altman, deputy treasury secretary during the Bill Clinton presidency.

"There are a group of people on ... [Hillary] Clinton's behalf who have been recruiting business leaders to support her," Altman told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday. The CEOs approached are "overwhelmingly anti-Trump," added the founder of investment banking advisory firm Evercore Partners (EVR).

But in the wake of last week's Republican convention and continued damage to Hillary Clinton 's reputation from the latest email scandal, just 52 percent of Wall Street respondents to the July CNBC Fed Survey see the Democratic nominee prevailing in November, a sharp drop from 80 percent in the April and June surveys.

Altman said it all comes down to the economy. "You start with the economic record of both President [Bill] Clinton and President Obama  and you contrast that to records of recent Republican presidents  it's just a historical fact that they're records were strong records."

Critics of Obama and by extension Clinton's Democratic bid for the White House would point to the 2008 financial crisis as a factor skewing a direct economic-record comparison.

Mark Gallogly, a member of both Obama's Economic Recovery Advisory Board and Jobs Council, agreed with Altman. "Businesses have historically gotten along well with Hillary Clinton; and can make things work with her."

The co-founder of investment group Centerbridge also said in a separate "Squawk Box" interview that Clinton would bring stability to financial markets. "From an investor's point of view. whether you're on Main Street or Wall Street, there's no doubt that the country and the world doesn't need more risk."

"She's a proven person who does her homework, knows what she's talking about, is prepared. And I think she's someone who listens well," said Gallogly. "I think that's an important difference between her and her opponent."

Story continues









More From CNBC


Lima (AFP) - Former Wall Street banker Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was inaugurated as Peru's new president Thursday, vowing to kick-start the economy and unite a country torn by a photo-finish election.

The 77-year-old center-right economist extended an olive branch to defeated rival Keiko Fujimori's party, which controls Congress, saying he would need their help to pass reforms.

He promised to work for all Peruvians, outlining his vision for a "social revolution" in his inaugural address before Congress.

"I will seek equity, equality and fraternity among all Peruvians," said the man known simply as PPK.

Peru needs "not just economic, but human growth," he said, vowing to extend basic services such as schools, hospitals and drinking water to the one-third of Peruvians who lack them.

The normally staid Kuczynski, who is known as a technocrat with a stellar resume, choked up as he took the oath of office, then donned his new red and white presidential sash over his pinstriped suit.

Peru is one of Latin America's fastest growing economies, but growth slowed under outgoing leftist president Ollanta Humala, from 6.5 percent in 2011 to 3.3 percent last year.

Kuczynski vowed to stimulate the economy, revive the key mining sector, fight the poverty that affects 22 percent of Peruvians, crack down on corruption, and strengthen the police and prisons to reduce crime.

- The Fujimori problem -

Foreign investors and markets have welcomed the new president as a reliable pair of hands.

"Kuczynski's government is likely to remain highly supportive of foreign investment, with minimalist state intervention," said Diego Moya-Ocampos of consultancy IHS Country Risk.

He predicted Kuczynski would seek to expand Peru's domestic refining and smelting capacity, and pointed out that his first scheduled trip is to China -- which he called a key player in the president's strategy to make Peru a "metallurgical powerhouse."

Story continues

But a large bump is lurking in the road.

Kuczynski's party, the center-right Peruvians for Change, has just 18 seats in the 130-member Congress.

The new legislature is dominated by allies of Fujimori, the daughter of disgraced and jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori.

Her right-wing party, Popular Force, has 73 lawmakers in Congress.

None of them applauded at any point during the inauguration, Kuczynski's camp complained.

It could prove tough for the new president to advance his reform agenda.

There may be lingering bad blood from the election. Fujimori took five days to concede as results trickled in from the remote reaches of the Peruvian Amazon.

In the end she had little choice but to recognize defeat, by less than a quarter of a percentage point.

The race opened old wounds dating back to the 1990s, when Fujimori's father was president.

Now serving a 25-year prison sentence for massacres by an army death squad, Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) is fondly remembered by some Peruvians for his populist streak, his ruthless crackdown on the leftist rebel group Shining Path and his management of a strong economy.

But his authoritarian legacy was also heavy baggage for his daughter.

Her 78-year-old father's supporters are now pressuring Kuczynski to pardon him.

The president-elect has said he is willing to sign a law granting house arrest to elderly and ailing prisoners such as Fujimori, but will not issue a pardon.

- 'El Gringo' -

Kuczynski, the son of a Jewish doctor who fled Nazi Germany, has had a long career in business and finance.

Educated at Oxford University and Princeton, he has an impressive resume including stints as economy minister and a World Bank economist.

He stressed his age and experience during the campaign.

"I'm old, but my noggin is still working," he said.

But he sometimes struggles to connect with ordinary Peruvians.

He speaks Spanish with an American accent, betraying his long years in the United States. Some Peruvians call him "El Gringo."

Seeking to lighten the burden of his outsider status, he donned a traditional multicolored woolly hat at campaign rallies, played the flute and trotted out his mascot, a man-sized guinea pig -- a symbol of Peru.
By Michelle Conlin NEW YORK (Reuters) - A group of at least six wealthy Republican donors is urging the billionaire Koch brothers to step off the sidelines of the U.S. presidential election to back Donald Trump, arguing they will want influence with the New York businessman they have harshly criticized if he wins the White House in November. The financiers, prominent members of the sprawling 700-member Koch donor network, have been making their case in emails and phone calls to Charles and David Koch ahead of their bi-annual donor seminar, which begins Saturday in Colorado, according to four donors involved in the loosely-coordinated effort and advisers representing two others. An endorsement from the Kochs would be a radical departure: The industrialist brothers have railed against Trump's "monstrous" rhetoric and protectionist policies on immigration and trade. They have said they will not get involved in the presidential election and will instead focus on Senate races. All the while, Trump has blasted the donor class and vowed not to become a "puppet" of outside interests as he campaigns to win the Nov. 8 election. But there is room for a detente. Trump's vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, has long been a darling of the Koch network, and Trump's fledgling campaign finance operation could use a cash injection as it faces a $1 billion general election battle against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. "I dont think its impossible, or beyond the realm of possibility, that at some point the Kochs are going to get involved," said Doug Deason, a member of the Koch network. Deason, who has met with Trump and his confidantes, said he and his father, the billionaire Darwin Deason, had proposed to Charles Koch in an email that he meet the Republican nominee in person. "We think its really important that Donald convince Charles hes the right guy, and for Charles to influence Donalds policies," said Deason. Charles Koch "indicates hes taking a wait and see approach. Hes not completely writing if off." An adviser to another major Koch network donor added: "Some of the Koch donor class this weekend is surely going to say, 'Hey, guys, get on board.'" A spokesperson for Trump, who is scheduled to hold two campaign events in Colorado on Friday, did not respond to a request for comment. James Davis, a spokesman for the Kochs political operation, Freedom Partners Action Fund, declined comment. The billionaire donors eyeing Trump stress they believe it is urgent for the Koch brothers' conservative thinking to start to influence Trump before the election while he is still fine-tuning policy and considering possible Cabinet picks. MIX OF OPINIONS The Koch network, made up of the wealthiest conservative families in America, rivals both the Republican and Democratic parties in both its resources and scope. Membership requires a payment of at least $100,000 per year. But it is by no means a monolithic group. At their donor summit last January in Palm Springs, California, most donors seemed vehemently opposed to Trump among the large field of other Republican options. But now that Trump has won the nomination, vanquishing 16 opponents in the primaries, some see little option but to back him. Broadcast magnate Stanley Hubbard, who had opposed Trump earlier in the year but now wants the Kochs to support him, said he was most concerned by the prospect of a Democrat nominating people to vacancies on the Supreme Court. "A lot of us are giving a lot of money to the Kochs, and what we would expect is that they would do all they can to see to it that the right Supreme Court justices are selected," Hubbard said. "Supreme Court justices will last a lot longer than any president. He said he hoped the weekend confab in Colorado would persuade the Kochs to rethink Trump. "If nothing else, the Kochs better ask for a show of hands," said Hubbard, "and I think most people in the room this weekend will say, 'Yes, you need to get involved.'" (Editing by Richard Valdmanis, Alistair Bell and Leslie Adler)
* Decision follows successful June test of N.Korea Musudan rocket * Tokyo Olympics security a priority despite budget constraints * Funding for upgrade around 100 bln yen in 2017 budget - source By Tim Kelly and Nobuhiro Kubo TOKYO, July 29 (Reuters) - Japan is upgrading its Patriot PAC-3 missile defence system in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, adding range and accuracy needed to intercept more advanced North Korean ballistic missiles, four sources with knowledge of the plan said. The move represents the most significant upgrade to Japan's missile defence system in a decade and is part of an increase in military spending in the region, where geopolitical tensions are rising. The rollout of the new advanced Missile Segment Enhancement, which could double the range of the current PAC-3 missiles to around 30 km (19 miles), will likely start next year, said the sources, who were not authorised to speak publicly about the project. "The upgraded PAC-3 is necessary to counter the Musudan," said one source, referring to Pyongyang's intermediate-range ballistic missile. North Korea in June test-fired what appeared to be two Musudan rockets. The first failed, but the second traveled 400 km (250 miles), more than halfway towards the southwest coast of Japan and reached a height of 1,000 km - enough altitude to give its warhead a range of more than 3,000 km (1,800 miles). Experts said that test represented a technological advance for the Pyongyang regime, which is also developing nuclear weapons. It puts it one step closer to being able to lob a warhead that could plunge to its target at speeds of several kilometres a second, potentially too fast for the current PAC-3 batteries that are the last line of defense against missile strikes. South Korea's military operates the older PAC-2 system and has a program to replace it with the PAC-3 system by 2018, a South Korean defence ministry official said. U.S. forces based in the country were also planning to upgrade their PAC-3 batteries covering the capital Seoul, the official added. RISING TENSIONS Along with North Korea's missile and nuclear tests, tensions in Asia are being fuelled by ongoing territorial disputes between China and Japan in the East China Sea, and between China and several Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea. China is swiftly modernising its armed forces, in part to counter what it sees as a strategy of containment in the United States' Asian "pivot". A spokesman for Japan's Defence Ministry said "nothing has been decided" on the PAC-3 upgrade. The International Olympic Committee's decision to grant Tokyo the 2020 games will help unlock funding for the PAC-3 upgrade despite military budget constraints, the sources told Reuters. Around 100 billion yen ($955 million) in funding would be requested in the next defense budget proposal for the year starting April 2017, one of the sources said. Funding will need cabinet approval before going into the national budget and additional funds would have to be approved for subsequent years. Japan is also considering purchasing the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, anti-missile system, which Washington and Seoul agreed to deploy in South Korea earlier this month. That decision sparked a complaint from China, which said it would destabilize the regional security balance. The Patriot upgrade would likely be an enhancement to Japan's ballistic missile defence, rather than an alternative to THAAD or a similar system. Japan also has Aegis-equipped destroyers patrolling the Sea of Japan that are loaded with interceptor missiles designed to hit incoming projectiles. It is currently developing a new version dubbed the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) with the United States designed to destroy ballistic warheads in space, although no decision on a roll out has yet been made. The PAC-3 system was developed by Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Co. Japan's biggest defense contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), will begin work on Japan's systems under license after April next year, the sources said. MHI will upgrade 12 batteries in the first year, another 12 the following year with four in the subsequent twelve months, the sources said. Those guarding the Tokyo area will take priority and some used for training will not be upgraded. "The Ministry of Defence has not made any announcement regarding this, so as a commercial company we are not in a position to comment," a MHI spokeswoman said. Raytheon did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while a Lockheed spokeswoman said the company had "a long and successful history of working with Japanese industry in their production of the PAC-3 missile system under license". ($1 = 104.8100 yen) (Additional reporting by Jack Kim in Seoul and Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
Shannen Doherty has been battling breast cancer since she was diagnosed last year, and her former Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star, Jason Priestly, is showing his support.

Priestly spoke with ET at the Raising The Bar to End Parkinson's fundraiser benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation at Laurel Point in Studio City, California on Wednesday, and he had nothing but love and well-wishes for Doherty.

WATCH: Shannen Doherty Opens Up About Cancer Battle and Her Career

The 45-year-old actress recently shaved her head in anticipation of her fight against her aggressive ailment, and documented the emotional process on Instagram -- a decision that Priestly praised.

WATCH: Shannen Doherty Chronicles Shaving Her Head Amid Breast Cancer Battle

"What she did the other day, shaving her head and posting the pictures and everything, that was incredibly brave," the Private Eyes star shared.

"Shannen's a strong kid and a tough fighter and I know that she's gonna come through this fight and she's gonna be OK," he added.

The 46-year-old actor also praised the way Doherty has used her illness and her public platform to "shine a light and help other people."

WATCH: Shannen Doherty Makes First Red Carpet Appearance Since Breast Cancer Announcement

Actress Tiffani Thiessen, who replaced Doherty on Beverly Hills, 90210 when she left after the fourth season, was also in attendance at the fundraiser. Thiessen told ET, "I wish her all the best, of course."

For more on the former Charmed star's struggle against cancer, and her recent decision to shave off her brunette locks, watch the video below.

Related Articles
ET's Denny Directo was on hand for the death-defying acts and amazing vocal performances for the first night of America's Got Talent's live performances, but what got us most was Simon Cowell backstage talking about his next big act -- his son Eric.

"He's doing amazing!" Cowell told ET. "He's like two and a half years old. He loves music, loves dancing. He's going to follow me into what I do. I know that."

WATCH: Simon Cowell Says He Was 'Surprised' By Liam Payne Signing a Solo Contract

Cowell previously opened up to ET about Eric back in May, where he said, "He does remind me of when I was younger because he knows how to get away with things." During the same interviews he also admitted that initially he wasn't sure if his son liked him.

"They don't respond to you and they cry and I thought, 'Oh God, maybe he'll never like me,'" Cowell said at the time. "Then one day he started talking to me and it was, 'Oh my God!'"

WATCH: Meet Simon Cowell's New Son Eric!

Cowell isn't the only parent on AGT's panel of judges. Mel B is all about family, too, and just hours before the show taping, her kids were jamming in the car with her in an Instagram video.

"We do have microphones in the car," she told ET. "And this is what happens on a lot of our car journeys."

America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Related Articles
Extended Stay America, Inc. STAY operates hotels in the United States and Canada. The company operates under the Extended Stay America brand; Extended Stay Canada brand and the Crossland Economy Studios brand.



The transformational initiatives undertaken by Extended Stay have been boosting revenue per available room (RevPAR) at its properties. These initiatives include better service, improving margins through operational efficiency, increasing brand awareness through targeted marketing efforts and upgrading properties to optimize returns. However, renovation of the companys properties has hurt occupancy rate due to displacement.



Investors should note that the consensus estimate for STAY has been moving slightly downwards over the last 60 days. However, STAYs earnings have been strong over the past few quarters. In fact, the company posted positive earnings surprises in all of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 9.95%. Meanwhile, revenues have also outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters.

EXTENDED STAY Price and EPS Surprise

EXTENDED STAY Price and EPS Surprise | EXTENDED STAY Quote

STAY currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) but that could change following Extended Stays earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:



Earnings: STAY beats on earnings. Our consensus earnings estimate called for earnings per share of 28 cents, and the company reported earnings of 31 cents per share. Investors should note that these figures take out stock option expenses.



Revenues: STAY reported revenues of $332.8 million. This missed our consensus estimate of $341 million.



Key Stats to Note: Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 7% year over year, driven by an improvement in average daily rate (ADR) of 7.6%, however, somewhat offset by decreased occupancy. Meanwhile, hotel operating margin decreased 130 basis points (bps) to 55.8%.



Stock Price Impact: In-active in pre-market trading.



Check back later for our full write up on this STAY earnings report later!



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 >>



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



EXTENDED STAY (STAY): Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
* VW brand operating profit down 12 percent in Q2

* Better than 86 pct plunge in Q1, but margins still weak

* VW brand bearing brunt of dieselgate costs

* VW shares fall 2 percent (Adds analyst comments, detail, background)

By Andreas Cremer

BERLIN, July 28 (Reuters) - Volkswagen reported a 12 percent drop in quarterly profit at its main passenger car division on Thursday, a big improvement on the quarter before but showing the challenges it still faces to overcome its emissions scandal.

Europe's largest automaker is struggling to rebuild its reputation and meet billions of dollars of costs after admitting in September to installing illegal software to mask toxic emissions on about 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide.

The German company published headline first-half numbers last week, saying underlying operating profit of 7.5 billion euros ($8.3 billion) beat analysts' expectations largely due to improvements at its mass-market VW brand.

The brand, Volkswagen's largest by revenues, saw profits plunge 86 percent in the first quarter.

However, some analysts said the drop in the division's second-quarter earnings showed there was still much work to do.

"Some of the details are mediocre, especially the VW brand result," said Commerzbank analyst Sascha Gommel of the company's full first-half earnings release.

"The numbers are slightly disappointing, the brand's earnings quality is still not good," he added, noting higher plant utilisation at the brand in the second quarter had not translated into improved profits.

Commerzbank has a "hold" rating on Volkswagen shares, which were down 2 percent at 1020 GMT.

LAGGING MARGINS

The company said operating profit at the VW brand fell to 808 million euros in April-June, down from 914 million a year earlier, as expenses related to the emissions scandal and lower sales outweighed cost cutting.

That gave the brand a quarterly profit margin of 2.9 percent, up from 0.3 percent in the first quarter, but down from 3.3 percent in the same period last year and still well short of the levels achieved by rivals such as Toyota, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Renault.

Story continues

In a bid to catch up, Volkswagen is speeding up model development, slashing costs and ceding more power to regional operations to target markets more effectively.

The company said exchange rate moves and higher sales of cheaper cars compared with the same period last year were also factors behind the fall in VW brand earnings.

At 1.5 billion euros, the brand also bore the brunt of 2.2 billion euros of additional provisions made in January-June to cover the costs of the emissions scandal, VW said.

Analysts have said lasting progress in raising the VW brand's profitability will depend on ongoing talks between management and labour over strategy and the future of Germany's high-cost factories.

VW's powerful unions are seeking fixed targets for production and investment in the talks with brand chief Herbert Diess, a former BMW executive hired a year ago to turn around the business.

"Mass-market carmakers are all very profitable at the moment," said Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst who recommends buying VW stock. "The VW brand margin has to improve considerably."

Volkswagen has pledged greater investment in electric cars and on-demand transport services as it reshapes its business.

The group stuck to its 2016 guidance, predicting revenues would fall by as much as 5 percent amid weak demand in South America and Russia as well as volatile exchange rates.

It forecast a group operating margin of 5 to 6 percent, versus 6 percent in 2015, adjusted for special items.

($1 = 0.9017 euros) (Editing by Maria Sheahan and Mark Potter)
Hillary Clinton has made gun violence a central issue in her presidential campaign  and on Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention, four whose wounds and heartbreak are still raw took the stage at the Democratic National Convention to plead for stricter gun laws  and for Clinton's election.



First was Christine Leinonen, the mother of Christopher "Drew" Leinonen, who was among the 49 victims of the recent massacre at an Orlando nightclub. As she spoke, her voice was wrenched with emotion and interrupted by steadying deep breaths. Holding her up on either side were Brandon Wolf and Jose Arraigada, two survivors of the shooting and friends of her son.



Leinonen spoke of her only child  and a "a big Hillary supporter"  and how he brought people together "all his life," starting the gay straight alliance at his high school.



"Christopher's paternal grandparents met at a Japanese internment camp, so it was in his DNA that love trumps hate," she said.







Leinonen, a former Michigan state trooper, said that when she went into labor with Drew, the hospital put her gun in a safe.



"I didnat argue," she said. "I know common sense gun policies save lives."



"Iam glad common sense gun policy was in place the day Christopher was born," she said. "But where was that common sense the day he died?"



Leinonen walked off the stage to a standing ovation  as well as chants of "love trumps hate" and "Enough!"



Next up was Erica Smegielski, daughter of Dawn Hochsprung, the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School, who was killed the Newtown massacre.





Families of Victims of the Orlando, Charleston and Sandy Hook Shootings Tearfully Call for Stricter Gun Laws at DNC| 2016 Presidential Elections, Democratic National Convention, Hillary Rodham Clinton

Smegielski reflected on the day of her mother's death, telling convention-goers that she kept thinking "this isn't real."



It was after she saw her mother's cause of death  multiple gunshot wounds  listed, that she came to a realization.



"I realized that my mom didn't die," she said. "My mom was murdered."



Smegielski said she is supporting Clinton in November because of her views on gun control.



"No one is fighting harder to reform our gun laws than Hillary," she said. "She reminds me of my mother."



And like Leinonen, Smegielski spoke out against the gun lobby.



"I'm here alone, without my mother, because too many politicians cower behind the lobby."



"What we need is another mother who is willing to do what's right."



Last came Felicia Sanders (introduced by actress Angela Bassett) who was in a prayer meeting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., last year and watched an intruder shoot dead her 26-year-old Tywanza Sanders along with eight others in the prayer group, took the stage with fellow survivor of that shooting, Polly Sheppard.



"My son's last words were 'We mean no harm,'" Sanders said. "Two days later, I forgave the shooter a I refuse to let hate destroy me."



Said Sheppard, "So much hate. Too much. But as Scripture says, Love never fails. I choose love."
isis flag

As a number of ISIS attacks have rocked Europe, it can be difficult to remember that the group is largely on the back foot.

"They are on the run, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in an interview on CNN last week while addressing the spate of terror attacks by the group. And I believe what we are seeing are the desperate actions of an entity that sees the noose closing around them.

Through satellite photos and other data, it's clear that the terror group has been steadily losing territory in its heartlands of Iraq and Syria.

Even now, major efforts are underway to reclaim Mosul, the largest city under ISIS control.

However, as ISIS does steadily lose ground through conventional warfare in the Middle East, the group's attacks against civilians around the world will only likely increase  at least for the time being.

"At some point there is going to be a terrorist diaspora out of Syria like weve never seen before," explained FBI Director James B. Comey at a cybersecurity conference at Fordham University on Wednesday, The New York Times reports. "Not all of the Islamic State killers are going to die on the battlefield."

As the terror group's territory shrinks, dedicated fighters within the group will travel to find new locations to conduct their operations  most likely in hiding. Comey continued by saying that many of these core fighters would migrate to Western Europe as ISIS loses ground. And there is always the risk that some of them would eventually reach the US.

Drawing a comparison between the number of radicalized Al Qaeda fighters from Afghanistan in the 1980s and 1990s to ISIS today, Comey referred to the stark nature of the current threat.

"This is 10 times that or more," he said. "This is an order of magnitude greater than anything weve seen before."

Story continues

Comey's concern over the metastasizing threat was echoed by former FBI special agent on the Joint Terrorism Task Force Clint Watts.

"For those homeless foreign fighters, the choice is simple: They can either die in place fighting for a crumbling caliphate or they can go out as martyrs striking their homelands or regional or international targets," writes Watts, who is currently a Robert A. Fox Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute's Program on the Middle East.

Watts continued, "The Islamic State owns the largest number of homeless foreign fighters in history. As the group loses turf, they'll likely become part of the largest human missile arsenal in history and be directed against any and all soft targets they can reach."

NOW WATCH: The Air Force's A-10 Warthog targets ISIS fighters with this massive gatling gun





More From Business Insider


A new memo from Beth Cobert, the acting director of the Office of Personnel Management, advises federal employees to work from home if it's too hot to drive that half hour commute to the office, even though taxpayers in the private sector go to work through rain, snow or sleet to pay for those federal jobs.

Summer is a time when severe heat and humidity  like weve seen during this summer season  make it necessary for us all to take precautions to protect ourselves and our familys health and well-being, the memo says, adding, If your supervisor approves, telework-ready employees may telework from home on a day when air quality conditions are poor.

Even though it doesnt define severe heat, the OPM memo also says workers can pick when they want to come back to work. If your agency policies allow, an employee working a flexible work schedule may elect to adjust when they come to work and when they leave in order to avoid commuting during the hottest period of the day, it says.

All due to President Barack Obama signing into law the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010. The law was supposed to ensure the continuity of operations during emergencies, according to OPM.

But now its taken to mean saving time, improving work-life balance, having greater job satisfaction, or gaining a sense of empowerment, says the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service.

The new OPM memo adds avoiding severe heat to the list, and says: Employees can also ask for annual leave, earned compensatory time or credit hours on a day when severe heat and humidity are threatening their health and welfare, the memo advises.

Today, almost one out of three federal employees telework at some point during the year. Nearly one out of seven federal staffers now work from home at least one day a week. Since the 2010 act was passed, more than 300,000 federal employees have teleworked at least once a week.

Already, more than eight out of ten agencies have telework policies, and more than nine out of ten have telework managing officers. Thats almost double what the private sector offers.

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President Obama accelerated the trend of federal employees working at home with a presidential memorandum in June 2014. The White House instructed federal agency heads to tell federal employees about their right to work from home.

Even though federal employees were slacking off, like the 19 workers at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) who were found by government watchdogs two years ago getting paid millions of dollars over a four-year period to spend their work time at home watching T.V., surfing Facebook, or doing the laundry or the dishes.

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By Erik Kirschbaum, Joseph Nasr and Joern Poltz ANSBACH, Germany (Reuters) - Mohammad Daleel made a mess of his escape from Syria to Europe three years ago - he was detained and fingerprinted in Bulgaria before a mysterious benefactor gave him a free plane ticket to help him get to Germany. The 27-year-old also bungled a suicide bomb attack in the Bavarian town of Ansbach on Sunday, days before he was to be deported back to Bulgaria. He first failed to get past ticket collectors into an open-air concert packed with 2,500 music lovers and then set off the detonator but not the bomb itself. Daleel killed himself in the attack carried out in the name of Islamic State and injured 15 people in a crowded wine bar next to the entrance of the concert, but his heavy black backpack packed with explosives and shrapnel failed to go off. The partial explosion destroyed the table and chair he was sitting at, and caused lacerations to several patrons nearby. But most of the glasses on nearby tables remained upright and hardly any of the courtyard's windows were damaged. "It wasn't a bomb that went off, it was only the trigger," said Ralph Millsaps, a retired U.S. army officer who was drinking wine at a table just six meters away from Daleel at Eugen's Weinstube bar, and was left with deep cuts on his side from wooden splinters. "We're extremely fortunate that the main charge didn't go off," Millsaps told Reuters in his soft North Carolina twang. "There were 25 people in the courtyard of the wine bar and another 30 outside on the alley in front. We wouldn't be here anymore if the bomb had gone off." The attack has prompted further criticism and concern about Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door refugee policy, which has seen more than a million migrants enter Germany in the past year, many fleeing war in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Her political opponents say the policy has allowed Islamist militancy to take hold in the country, while there is growing fear among the general public. The picture of Daleel that emerged from a dozen interviews in Ansbach, a pleasant cobblestone-street town of 41,000, is one of stark contrasts. Much is unclear, including whether the Syrian came to Europe with the intention of carrying out an attack, or was "radicalized" while in the West; and whether his actions were driven by ideology, mental illness or a combination of both. At the three-storey refugee shelter where he lived, on a hill overlooking the town, many of those who knew him described a quiet but friendly young man, a loner with long black hair who kept mostly to himself. They said he spoke English fairly well, and was eager to find a job and start a new life in Germany. But another character has also surfaced: a shrewd figure who managed to foil previous attempts by German authorities to deport him back to Bulgaria  his first documented point of entry into the European Union  by exploiting legal loopholes. What drove Daleel to try to commit mass murder is also unclear. Investigators found a video on Daleel's phone in which he pledged allegiance to Islamic State and are examining whether he might have been sent to Germany as part of a "sleeper cell". Yet those who knew him at the shelter said he was not particularly religious, a sentiment echoed by his psychotherapist Gisela von Maltitz, who is based in the town of Lindau, a two-hour train journey from Ansbach. She said Daleel was mentally scarred and left suicidal by the death of his wife and son in Syria and by being tortured. 'RAMBO' "We called him 'Rambo' because of his long hair and muscles," said Mahmood Mubaritz, who lived in the same refugee shelter, adding that he bore a resemblance to American actor Sylvester Stallone. "He had very strong arms and liked to wear tight, sleeveless shirts. He wanted to show us he was a strongman." Mubaritz, who came to Germany four years ago from Pakistan, said he could not fathom how the quiet man he knew could have carried out such an attack. He lived with Daleel and 26 others over the past year in a former budget hotel that was converted into the shelter to house an influx of migrants. The shelter's name is actually "Hotel Christl" but the "l" was broken off and the giant sign atop the rundown building now reads: "Hotel Christ." A spate of attacks in Germany since July 18 has left 15 people dead and dozens injured. Last week a 17-year-old refugee from either Pakistan or Afghanistan who had links to Islamist militancy attacked and stabbed four tourists from Hong Kong on a train near the Bavarian town of Wurzburg, about 80 km from Ansbach. Investigators of the Ansbach bombing are trying to find out when Daleel might have been recruited by Islamic State, and who may have supported him in Germany and ordered him to carry out the attack. Authorities searching his room at the Hotel Christl found diesel fuel, hydrochloric acid, alcohol, batteries, paint thinner and pebbles  the same materials used in the bomb  along with computer images and film clips linked to the jihadist group, and a substantial amount of cash far in excess of what refugees receive from the German government. Investigators said he had an "intensive" phone message exchange with someone who was in the Middle East shortly before the blast. "The exchange appears to have ended immediately just before the attack," said Bavaria's state interior minister Joachim Herrmann. Authorities are also looking into Daleel's account of his journey to Germany, documented during sessions by psychotherapist Von Maltitz, managing director of the Exilio refugee support group which offers mental health services to migrants. Daleel told von Maltitz that a benefactor paid for his passage from Bulgaria to Austria, from where he traveled over the border to Germany. "Fortunately I found a Syrian man who bought an airplane ticket for me to Austria," he said. Investigators will likely seek to shed light on who the benefactor was, as well as other unknowns, including why Daleel was detained in Bulgaria and subsequently released. 'SUICIDAL' Despite Daleel's professed allegiance to Islamic State, von Maltitz said she had seen no indication of any link to radical Islamist ideology, or religion at all. "A connection to Islam doesn't match the picture I had of him at all," said the therapist, who added she had 40 sessions with Daleel between May 2015 and January this year. "He never made any kind of comment in that direction at all, about Islam or any other religion." "He had been badly tortured in Syria," she said. "His wife and small child had been killed in Syria when a building collapsed on them after an explosion. In Bulgaria he was in prison and maltreated," she added. "We're certain that the information he supplied was truthful." Von Maltitz, who said Daleel's death had freed her from patient confidentiality obligations, had scheduled further appointments with him for this week but he had postponed them until Aug. 1. The therapist said she repeatedly intervened with authorities not to deport him. "He was suicidal," she said, adding that the prospect of deportation to Bulgaria "scared him horribly". Mubaritz at the refugee shelter also said Daleel had shown no overt signs of religious faith. "I never saw him praying," he said. "He was definitely not a fanatical Muslim." He said he had talked with the Syrian about how to find a job in Germany and encouraged him to apply at the McDonalds restaurant in town where he worked as a cook and cashier. They talked sometimes in the communal kitchen or on the terrace in front of the shelter, where Daleel also helped repair the bicycles of other refugees. "He was always smiling and always seemed to be happy even though he was alone most of the time and tended to stay in his room," said Mubaritz. "I think he was eager to find a job in Germany and stay here." 'HUMAN BEING' A 21-year-old Ethiopian refugee who gave his name as Jamal Hassan said the Daleel he remembered at the shelter was more of a brooding character. "He seemed serious and kept to himself," said Hassan, who came to Germany six months ago after crossing the Mediterranean from Libya to Italy. "I never saw him smiling." A German teenager living across from the shelter said Daleel was known in the neighborhood as a friendly man who liked to watch the world go by from his top-floor flat. "I thought he was a nice guy," said Nick Geier, 14. "He used to smile and say hello. He certainly didn't look like someone who would do something like this. I'm really afraid now." Geier's father Alexander, 41, added: "We were stunned when we heard what he had done." Daleel had hired a lawyer to help him successfully defeat two attempts by German authorities to send him to back to Bulgaria, citing his mental instability, according to his therapist. But his bid to stay eventually failed this month, and his deportation notice was issued on July 13. Eleven days later, he carried out his attack. He died from internal injuries suffered from the blast even though an off-duty German nurse rushed to try to save him and three days later was still going through a jumble of emotions about the attack. "Almost everyone at the wine bar had run inside but I saw one man lying on the ground," the woman, who asked to be called Sabine, said in an interview. "I didn't know he was the attacker. I just thought he was someone who had been overlooked in all the chaos. There wasn't any pulse in his wrist but I felt a pulse in his neck." She said she tried to keep him alive until rescue crews arrived moments later even though it was all for naught. "Anyone else would have helped him too," she said. "I really can't understand those who said 'he's a terrorist, let him die'. In my eyes he was a human being." (Editing by Pravin Char)
Approximately 46 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, for help paying for food. However, its often impossible for participants in the $74 billion program to use the funds, sometimes known as food stamps, to order groceries online. Thats despite the growth of services like Amazon Fresh and FreshDirect, which could help the millions of families in so-called food deserts access quality produce.

Gunnar Lovelace, and Nick Green, the co-founders and co-CEOs of online grocer Thrive Market, are banding together with other companies and organizations in an effort to allow SNAP participants to order food over the Internet. TIME spoke with Lovelace and Green about their efforts and the challenges theyre facing. Our conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

TIME: How did your efforts to change SNAP first begin?

Lovelace: Our business and our mission is focused on making healthy living easy and affordable to everybody. The way that we do that is, we have a membership model of $60 a year. For every paid membership, we give a membership away to a low-income family.

We hear from a lot of the families in our giving program that theyre on food stamps and they cant use the website to its full potential. It was a very natural thing for us to focus on, as part of our investment in making good on our social mission as a business. Weve been working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (which oversees SNAP), trying to get them to accept food stamps online for the last year and a half.

Why is that taking so long?

Lovelace: SNAP is inherently a controversial program. Because of that, and because of the size of the program, there are obviously concerns about fraud or the payment processors that handle these transactions. I think [the USDA] is also just a very-slow moving organization that tends to be very cautious because of the highly politicized environment we live in.

Story continues

Regardless of ones political views about food stamps, if were going to be spending money making sure people get free food, we need to make sure that they get access to the healthiest food possible, so theyre not getting sick and causing extra costs on the medical system. Thats a very non-political way of viewing it. There are a lot of technical, bureaucratic and political logistics that theyre wading through.

Theres also a business logic here in that, if you can sell to people who are using SNAP, that could mean more sales.

Lovelace: Sure, theres no doubt about that. But its not an effort just for us to be able to accept food stamps online. Were spearheading a cross-section of brands and non-profits and influencers.

To your point, theres almost $80 billion a year spent on SNAP and obviously, we would like to be able to complete for that share of the wallet. Thats secondary, though. The truth is for us, for every paid membership, we give a membership away. If those folks that are in our giving program who are on food stamps cant utilize the platform to their full benefit, it really inhibits our effectiveness to be successful with our social mission.

You recently visited Washington to rally support from Congress. Howd that go?

Lovelace: We had over one hundred senior staffers from congressional offices come to the briefing that we hosted with [Ohio Democratic] Congressman Tim Ryan and [actress] Shailene Woodley and a bipartisan group of staffers. We framed the conversation around saving costs, driving innovation, and making programs more effective. We really felt like there was a lot of alignment and interest.

Whats your sense there will actually be a change in policy, given its an election year and energies may be focused elsewhere?

Green: We feel that food stamps are going to go online. For us, its an issue of implementation and speed. There was going to be a pilot in the spring of 2015, but that kept getting moved around, and [the USDA] just wasnt responsive.

Our petition isnt meant to bash the USDA. We recognize that SNAP is a really big program with all sorts of complexities. What our hope is, is to emphasize that we want to make sure that this gets done quickly. When the USDA launches a pilot, it will typically take 18 to 24 months and test it in one market. If they were to do that same approach in this situation, it could be two-and-a-half to three-plus years before food stamps go online nationally.

The issue strikes me as another example of how the digital economy can leave behind low-income neighborhoods and families.

Lovelace: Its also interesting that a lot of families that dont speak English, dont have dedicated Internet at home, theyre still on smartphones, the penetration of smartphones is really astounding. People will pay their phone bill before they pay their rent. Thats a really powerful fact that we can leverage.

We saw a study recently where . . . less than 3% of the folks in a food desert here in L.A. were able to buy food from a grocery store, and the rest was convenient stores, fast food and liquor markets. Being able to access healthy food online seems like such a basic thing at this point, particularly for those communities that either are in a food desert, dont have good transportation, or just frankly dont have enough time to shop.

Hows business otherwise?

Green: Business otherwise is incredible. Were over 300,000 paid members right now. Were seeing really incredible engagement levels in a couple of the areas that weve been investing in . . . weve launched over sixty of our own private, local products that are now driving almost 10% of our sales. We just raised a very big financing round less than a month ago. [Ed. note: Thrive Market is not yet profitable.] We have a partner thats encouraging us to think long-term about not just continuing to grow fast, but really delivering on that value proposition to our membership of making healthy living accessible in the terms of the products being there, but also really easy in terms of being convenient, having the information that they need, and getting them really educated about the space.
The general consensus of fantasy fiction is that nearly everyone wants to live forever, but most of those who actually get that wish fulfilled end up wishing they hadnt. Such is the case in Realive, prominent Spanish scenarist Mateo Gils third directorial feature. This smoothly crafted English-language sci-fi tale finds a modern man cryogenically frozen, then thawed seven decades into the future as humanitys first successful reanimate. But his subsequent disillusionment isnt as moving as its meant to be here, primarily because Gil hasnt created a protagonist with enough personality to seem particularly relatable, or to render his regret after getting what he thought he wanted more profound than petulant.

Those who welcome thinkier SF cinema in the realm of recent Ex-Machina and Another Earth will find some similar rewards in this watchable, nicely produced if modestly scaled English-language enterprise, which straddles select thematic terrain from Gils Alejandro Amenabar-directed hits Open Your Eyes and The Sea Inside. But enthusiasm is likely to be more reserved for a film that ultimately feels handsome yet as emotionally antiseptic, as its clean white futurist decor, which recalls such 1970s sci-fi cult favorites as THX-1138 and The Terminal Man. But those films were actually about alienation, whereas Realive ultimately aims to be all about matters of the heart, and in that realm Gils imagination proves disappointingly limited.

In the here-and-now, Marc Jarvis (Tom Hughes) is a successful artist of some sort (we glean that he has a commercial graphics firm, and also gets his own museum retrospective, but what he actually does is one defining detail among many left blank here), finally settled into domestic bliss with longtime on-again, off-again girlfriend Naomi (Oona Chaplin). Thus its simply unacceptable when, at age 32, hes diagnosed with terminal cancer and told he has little more than a year to live. His solution is to end his life even earlier, sans chemotherapy and before the disease can advance further, in the hopes that medical science will some day allow resuscitation of his still-youthful body and mind.

Which is exactly what happens in 2084, when Project Lazarus finally bears fruit, allowing Prodigy Health Corporations to make good on its advertised claim of being the worlds most successful regeneration program. In fact Marc is the first person to emerge from his cryo-tube and fulfill that promise, to the immense excitement of presiding Dr. West (Barry Ward) and his team. That hes terribly weak and in pain at first is no surprise to them, though its surely dismaying to Marc. As compensating distraction hes assigned nurse Elizabeth (Charlotte Le Bon), whos tasked with serving both his physical and emotional needs  including (once hes strong enough) sex, which she notes is now (in the great tradition of Barbarella and Sleeper) a social function no longer much tied to antiquated notions of love and relationships.

Alas, Marc pines for something more  to be precise, for Naomi, who it turns out also had herself cryogenically frozen (albeit at a considerably later age). There would appear to be an obvious happily-ever-after solution for all concerned. Yet even as his general health improves, so does Marcs discontent.

Lacking any real suspense element despite explicit Frankenstein references, Realive becomes a curiously under-motivated if divertingly conceived and packaged drama about a character who rejects the immortality he thought he desired because  well, just cuz. Pretty as a young Cillian Murphy (even, or perhaps especially, with his head shaved), Hughes hero is a passive, sulky outline that Gils screenplay does very little to fill in. Some murky technological advance called memory writing allows us to glimpse Marcs pre-cryo-tank past, but all that reveals is a series of fancily edited Kodak moments: First Kiss, a career peak or two, TV-commercial-like Good Times With Good Friends, etc. True love Naomi hardly gets any dialogue, and its laughably simple that their relationship woes are defined by Marcs voiceover narration as, When I was ready to commit, she wasnt, and vice versa. (Perhaps Gil thinks his characters need to be this bland, whether as Americans and/or to appeal to the American market.)

Thats as much psychological depth as Realive can be bothered with. Its not enough to explain why our hero takes great offense at discovering there were other, less successful reanimation prototypes before him. (Did he imagine there wouldnt be?). Nor does it satisfy nearly enough to justify Gils near-complete disinterest in explaining just what has happened to human society and the planet in general within the last 70 or so years. Theres plot (and budgetary) logic to why frail Marc remains confined to the sleek, rather drily institutional Prodigy corporate compound during the narratives cutely, unnecessarily chaptered course. But why isnt he more curious about the outside world?

In his first feature effort as writer-director since 1999s Nobody Knows Anybody (his 2011 Western drama Blackthorn was written by Miguel Barros), Gil demonstrates a graceful assurance orchestrating Realives design and technical elements. Results are resourcefully handsome on a purported $7 million budget, though some may be disappointed that the future pretty much looks like a high-end plastic surgery retreat-cum-health spa.

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By Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Crews hoping to contain a deadly wildfire burning in rugged, drought-stricken terrain north of Los Angeles made steady progress on Wednesday, after a bulldozer operator fighting a smaller blaze in central California died when the tractor overturned. Some 3,000 firefighters battling the so-called Sand Fire in the Angeles National Forest extended containment lines around 40 percent of the 38,350-acre (15,520 hectare) on Wednesday, according to fire information officer Sam Wu. The blaze has destroyed 18 homes as it churned through drought-stricken chaparral and brush spewing out plumes of smoke that prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to warn residents in parts of Southern California to avoid outdoor activities. About a dozen exotic animals displaced by the blaze began returning to a sanctuary in the Los Angeles suburb of Sylmar on Wednesday. "We've had eyes on them every day so we've known that they're all fine," Martine Collette, founder of the Wildlife Waystation, said of the animals. "How traumatic was it? Well, think about it, they almost burned to death here because the fire came on so fast and I don't know how we escaped it but thank God we did." About 300 miles (480 km) to the north, a smaller blaze dubbed the Soberanes Fire continued to threaten some 2,000 properties after destroying 20 homes on Sunday in an area between Big Sur and the scenic coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, officials said. Firefighters were told about the bulldozer operator's death before they headed out early on Wednesday, fire Captain Richard Cordova said. "It makes it real what this job is really about and how dangerous it is," he said. Officials said the bulldozer overturned and that the operator was a private contractor. A second bulldozer also overturned while battling the flames, but that operator was uninjured, officials said. The Soberanes Fire has scorched more than 23,500 acres (9,510 hectares) at the edge of the Los Padres National Forest since breaking out on Friday and was about 10 percent contained on Wednesday. In Los Angeles County, a man killed in the Sand Fire was identified as Robert Bresnick, 67, whose body was found Saturday inside a burned-out car in a driveway, county officials said. Acting California Governor Tom Torlakson, filling in for Jerry Brown, who is at the Democratic National Convention, declared a state of emergency on Tuesday for the counties where the fires are located. (Additional reporting by Alan Devall and Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Additional reporting by Curtis Skinner; Editing by G Crosse and James Dalgleish)
Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled the design plans for Norwegian Joy, the company's first ship built for the Chinese market.

Famous artist Tan Ping chose an abstract phoenix as the focus for the hull of the ship, which will dock in Shanghai and Beijing.

Related: Norwegian Air Cheap Flights

Chinese artist designing cruise ship

The phoenix symbolizes beauty and good luck in Chinese culture, said Tan Ping, in a statement. Norwegian Joy will bridge across the West and the East and bring Chinese peoples best wish to the world and everyone in her path.

Tan said that this artworkcovering a cruise shipwill be his largest to date: Traveling worldwide on Norwegian Joy, I also expect that it will reach a far greater number of viewers than any of my previous works.

Chinese artist designing cruise ship

The ship is set to debut in summer 2017.
A First World War plane has taken to the skies after nearly 100 years thanks to an epic restoration effort by the grandsons of the pilot who flew it during the war.



Sub-Lieutenant Frances Bunnie Bremner flew the Bristol Scout biplane between 1914 and 1918. And after he returned from serving with the Royal Naval Air Service in Gallipoli, he told his family he would like to see it in the air once again.

First World War - the biplane was flown by Frances Bunnie Bremner between 1914 and 1918

Nearly a century on, it was returned to full working order by Mr Bremners grandsons David and Rick Bremner, who found its remains in their granddads shed when he died in 1983.

The brothers spent more than a decade - and 100,000 - lovingly restoring the biplane, which had the serial number 1264, to get it airborne again.

Enlisting the help of friend and amateur pilot Theo Willford, they scoured the globe for parts, even going to New Zealand to find an engine.

The plane took to the skies for the first time in July 2015 - nearly 100 years since the original flew - and has now gone on display for the first time at the annual Air Day at RNAS Culdrose, where Bunnie was once based.

Team effort - Mr Bremners grandsons and their friend spent 10 years lovingly restoring the biplane

David, 65, said: We grew up less than 10 miles from my grandfather so we heard all his war stories.

"After he died we found three souvenirs in his workshop; a stick, rudder bar and magneto, and we guessed that these were from his plane.

"Then in 2002, our friend Theo Willford suggested we rebuild 1264 and the research started.

"The three original bits we had only probably made up about 2% of the whole thing, so there was so much left to do.

"We started building in 2008 and on July 9, 2015, it took to the air for the first time, almost exactly 100 years after the original.

The plane is now the only flyable Bristol Scout Type-C anywhere in the world.

Bunnie flew with No. 2 Wing RNAS from December 1915 to August 1916, at Imbros, off the Gallipoli peninsula, and at Thasos, a Greek island off the coast of Bulgaria, which at the time had recently joined the Axis powers.

Story continues

Rick Bremner, 63, said: Its been a long old labour of love and a fitting tribute to my granddad and other British pilots who battled so valiantly for us during the Great War.



(Pictures: SWNS)
Washington (AFP) - Five US special forces troops have been wounded fighting the Islamic State group in eastern Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, the US commander said Thursday.

Two of the troops have returned to duty after being treated for their wounds, while the other three were expected to recover fully, General John Nicholson, who heads the NATO force in Afghanistan, said in a video conference from Kabul.

The Americans were wounded "in the last several days" while taking part in a joint operation with Afghan army troops in eastern Nangarhar province, Nicholson said.

The Afghan army has intensified operations against IS since the jihadists claimed two bombings over the weekend in Kabul that left 80 dead and 231 wounded.

Afghan's defense ministry has said the army is on the verge of dismantling IS in the eastern border region where it first appeared in 2014.

Nicholson said the IS fighters were "retreating south into the mountains of southern Nangarhar as we speak."

The group has an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 fighters in Afghanistan, down from about 3,000 in January, he said.

There are about 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan with a mission to advise and assist the Afghan military but also to fight extremist groups like Al-Qaeda or IS.

"We will continue to stay after Daesh until they are defeated here in Afghanistan," Nicholson, using an Arabic acronym for IS.
Flint Mayor Karen Weaver took the Democratic National Convention stage Wednesday night to praise Hillary Clinton, who helped draw national attention to the citys contaminated water crisis early in her presidential campaign.

As part of a state-led effort to save money, the water supply in Flint, Mich., was switched from Lake Huron to the polluted Flint River in April 2014. It wasnt long before Flint residents began complaining about the color, taste,and stench of their tap water.

Still, it took more than a year for the Flint water crisis to gain national media attention. By then, the untreated river water had corroded the citys lead pipes, leaching the poisonous metal into the water supply.

Slideshow: Water crisis in Flint, Michigan >>>

The problems in Flint are not over, Weaver said, noting that, more than two years later, the water is still not safe to drink or cook with from the tap.

And while the already impoverished city is left dealing with health impacts that may haunt our children for generations, the federal funding needed to rebuild the citys crumbling infrastructure still sits blocked by the Republican-controlled Congress.

Weaver, who was elected Flints first female mayor in November 2015, first declared her support for Hillary Clinton in January after the presidential hopeful spoke out about the poisoning of Flints water supply at a Democratic primary debate in South Carolina.

A video that preceded Weavers speech featured footage of Clinton speaking to Flint residents, particularly young mothers who, because of the devastating potential impact of lead poisoning on children, were among the hardest hit by the water crisis.

Hillary Clinton came to Flint to say lead poisoning, broken infrastructure, and struggling cities are a national problem, not just a Flint problem, said Weaver, adding that Clinton made a commitment that, as president, she will work for a lead-free America.

Thats why Im with her, she said.

Story continues

_____

Related slideshows:

On the ground at the DNC  a photo report >>>

How newspapers covered the historic second day of the DNC >>>

Bernie Sanders supporters make a last stand >>>

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Dont pass over that tomato just because of its funny shape! (Photo: Getty Images)

A new food phenomenon is bringing new meaning to the saying you are what you eat. It seems were actually projecting our image insecurities onto the fruits and vegetables we shop for at our local supermarkets, according to Salon.

If this sounds ridiculous, its because it is  and chef Evan Hanczor will be the first to admit it. Hanczor identified the problem in a Facebook Live broadcast with moderator Josh Zepps at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. We waste 40 percent of food produced in the country, said Hanczor, a food policy advocate and chef-partner at Egg Restaurant in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Yes, that statistic is 40 percent  dangerously close to half of the food produced in the U.S.  and its backed up by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Hanczor calls the situation absolutely insane. He explained that its not just consumers wasting food, but it is a reaction to our reticence to buy ugly food. Farmers, he explains, wont bother picking produce that isnt going to sell, and even retailers will send back food that doesnt meet aesthetic standards. The rest of that percentage is wasted due to factors like droughts and transportation disruptions.

Story: Fitness Blogger Urges Us to Stop Obsessing Over the Number on the Scale

Food has a body image issue in America, Hanczor says outright. People dont want to buy bruised or misshapen  fruits and vegetables. Zepps, an Australian media personality who does not work in the food business, agrees, saying, Everyone wants their tomato to be big and red and tasteless, instead of small and weird-looking and [flavorful].

According to an article on Slate, bruises are perhaps the only unsightly produce characteristic to be concerned about  and even then, it doesnt mean you cant or shouldnt eat the fruit or vegetable. Bruises can cause produce to oxidize, but theres no evidence  that oxidized food is bad for you. The writer goes on to explain that bruising can make a piece of fruit more quickly susceptible to mold and infection, so this produce should simply be eaten sooner. But if you cant be bothered to trim your bruised banana or bake it into bread, theres little risk to your health in just eating it.

Story continues

Story: 9 Celebrity Beards We Wouldnt Mind Stroking

That said, misshapen fruit has absolutely no adverse health effects at all  its just that our image-obsessed culture has brainwashed us to reject anything that doesnt look perfect. In response to this growing epidemic, it was announced in March that Whole Foods would be teaming up with California-based company Imperfect Produce to to sell misshapen, bruised, or otherwise imperfect fruits and vegetables in their stores, according to ThinkProgress. Imperfect Produces mission is to deliver misshapen fruits and vegetables at discounted prices to customers in the Oakland and Berkeley areas of California, and the partnership with Whole Foods has started in Northern California but will hopefully spread throughout the country from there.

The program is the result of a petition put forth by a culinary nutritionist and a food waste activist from @UglyFruitandVeg, who were determined to educate consumers about the far-reaching practice of rejecting food that isnt beautiful to the eye. As a business, our goal is zero waste, and were always looking for ways to reduce our collective impact and positively influence the industry, said Liz Burkhart, senior media relations specialist for Whole Foods.

I like big pears and I cannot lie! ???????????? Pic by @ollywood_23 A photo posted by The Ugly Fruit & Veg Campaign (@uglyfruitandveg) on Jul 27, 2016 at 10:34am PDT

Wasted produce is not only, well, a waste, but according to the Center for American Progress, its also detrimental to the environment. Vast amounts of decomposing fruits and vegetables give off enough methane  a greenhouse gas thats 86 times as powerful as carbon dioxide, the article says  to make a significant impact.

And it isnt just the U.S. thats jumping on the bandwagon to promote ugly produce. Countries including France and Canada have started programs to reduce food waste by selling bruised and misshapen food for a steal. But, according to Jordan Figueiredo, who runs @UglyFruitandVeg, sometimes it takes heavy hitters like Whole Foods to really demonstrate that this problem is something to be taken seriously; that its more than just skin-deep.

And seriously, how cute are ugly fruits and vegetables?

Pepper Love!  #MondayPickMeUp Pic by @hydrovegan #uglyfruit #uglyveg #uglyfruitandveg #foodporn #foodstagram #Instafood #foodpics #wonkyfruit #wonkyveg A photo posted by The Ugly Fruit & Veg Campaign (@uglyfruitandveg) on Jul 25, 2016 at 8:42am PDT

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From Road & Track

Ford has announced via their Performance website today that it will be offering performance upgrade calibrations for the 2015-2017 Mustang GT. If you want more power out of your 'Stang but want to keep the factory warranty, you'll want to keep reading.

The 'performance packs,' as they're called, offer as much as 37 horsepower over stock, and come with a variety of intake-related hardware upgrades. There are three levels to choose from, ranging from a tune and an air filter, to a full Shelby GT350 cold-air intake and manifold kit. Every level gets a calibration, which includes a no-lift shift feature.

The cheapest option will be available by the beginning of August, but the kits are only being sold to North American customers at this point (sorry European owners). Packs are available for both automatic and manual Mustangs, and the calibrations actually include optimized shifting performance for auto-equipped cars.

If you're looking to inch out that last tenth of a second at the autocross, or just want to feel some extra oomph from your Mustang without giving up that precious factory warranty, there's finally a solution.
New York (AFP) - Ford warned Thursday that it could miss its 2016 profit forecast due to a cooling of the US auto boom, which has forced car dealerships to boost incentives.

Ford, which had described the first quarter of 2016 as "absolutely terrific," offered a much more subdued outlook as it cautioned that higher discounts in the critical North American market would limit profitability.

Dealers throughout the auto industry have boosted incentives as sales have ebbed, Ford chief financial officer Bob Shanks said. "And we have been increasing along with that," he said.

Other stumbling blocks include a financial hit in Britain from the June vote to leave the European Union, cutthroat pricing in China that has dented profitability and high-cost vehicle launches in the second half of the year.

Ford said it "sees risks" to achieving its profit targets as it reported an 8.8 percent drop in second-quarter earnings to $2.0 billion. That translated into 52 cents per share, eight cents below analyst expectations.

Revenues rose 6.0 percent to $39.5 billion.

Ford's outlook contrasted with the sunny view offered last week by rival General Motors, which signaled it expects the multi-year US boom to continue in the second half of 2016.

But Ford joined some other industry experts who have said the American auto market will have trouble topping the record of 17.5 million cars sold in 2015, a peak in a multi-year hot streak supported by strong sales of sport utility vehicles and other large autos.

Part of the reason is a less rosy outlook for overall US economic growth this year, which Ford now projects at 1.9 to 2.3 percent, down from the April forecast of 2.1 percent to 2.6 percent. Ford also trimmed its global growth forecast.

Ford executives said they expect the more difficult US market to persist at least into 2017.

"I think we are in transition," Shanks said. "If you go back and think about what's happened since 2009, the industry has grown way in excess of GDP over that period of time.

Story continues

"It is now plateauing and I think all the players in the industry, we have to kind of pivot."

One positive aspect was a near tripling of European operating profits to $467 million.

However, Ford cautioned that Brexit could hit Ford's results by $200 million in 2016 and $400-500 million in 2017 due to the sharp fall in the British pound.

Ford chief executive Mark Fields said auto sales in Britain through the end of 2016 could fall between five and 10 percent over the looming Brexit.

Ford also offered a muted outlook on China, noting stiffening price competition in the country that was a factor in an $8 million operating loss in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ford shares tumbled 8.4 percent to $12.68 in afternoon trade.

Rivals General Motors and Fiat Chrysler lost 3.7 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively.
Shares of Ford (F) fell 8 percent Thursday as the automaker posted second-quarter earnings that missed Wall Street estimates, and outlined "challenges" to achieving 2016 guidance.

Ford's stock traded near $12.50, headed for its worst day since January 2011. Ford has already more than doubled its 30-day average volume of 34 million shares, trading over 77.6 million shares traded by Thursday afternoon.

The car company reported an adjusted profit of 52 cents per share for the second quarter, 8 cents below 60 cent estimates from analysts polled by Thomson Reuters.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based company's net income fell roughly 9 percent to $2 billion, Ford said, hit by sales in China. Revenue rose to $39.5 billion from $37.3 a year ago.

"Ford committed to full year guidance of company pretax profit and operating margin equal to or better than last year; however, company now sees risks challenging achieving guidance," the company said in its earnings statement.

The automaker outlined risks in the second half of 2016, including a decline in industry sales volume for the U.S., China, and Europe due to financial crisis, recession, and geopolitical events such as the Brexit . Ford also said increased volatility in fuel prices, and fluctuation in currency could affect results going forward.

Results in China were hit by higher costs and a weaker yuan, the company said. Wholesales were lower on the back of an eight-week shutdown of a Chongqing plant for upgrades.

The second-quarter last year was helped by the launch of the F-150. F-series sales helped U.S. market share rise to 15.3 percent, up three-tenths of a point from last year, the company said.

Shares are down more than 9 percent year to date, and 14 percent year over year.
* Shanghai Fosun to buy 86.1 pct of Gland Pharma

* Will be India's largest inbound acquisition this year

* Shanghai Fosun plans to raise $800 mln loan for deal (Adds details)

By Sumeet Chatterjee and Zeba Siddiqui

HONG KONG/MUMBAI, July 28 (Reuters) - Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd has agreed to buy an 86 percent stake in Gland Pharma - backed by KKR & Co LP - for up to $1.3 billion, the largest acquisition of an Indian company from abroad this year.

The deal, announced by the two sides on Thursday, is the first major move by the Fosun group since Guo Guangchang, founder of flagship holding firm Fosun International Ltd and one of China's best-known entrepreneurs, briefly went missing late last year.

The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, would also underscore a positive outlook for drugmakers in India, which is a major global supplier and counts the United States as its largest export market, helped by lower manufacturing and labour costs.

Gland Pharma, based in the southern city of Hyderabad, owns four factories from where it supplies a variety of injectables - widely used medicines administered through vials, syringes, bags and pumps, which are harder to make than regular medicines.

Moody's Indian associate ICRA expects patents to expire on about $16 billion worth of injectables in the United States over four years through 2019, offering a growth opportunity for Indian suppliers. ICRA estimates the U.S. injectables market to grow at about 10 percent annually over five years.

Shanghai Fosun said in a statement it would buy 86.1 percent of Gland, and planned to raise up to $800 million in loans from financial institutions to help fund the deal.

ANZ and Standard Chartered are providing the one-year bridge loan to Shanghai Fosun, Thomson Reuters LPC reported.

Fosun group is also looking for opportunities in Britain and Europe, in markets rendered increasingly volatile by Britons' vote to leave the European Union, billionaire Guo said at a Reuters Newsmaker event last month.

Story continues

KKR EXIT

KKR, which invested in Gland in 2014, is selling all its stake in the company, while Gland's founders will retain a stake, according to a statement.

They jointly hold roughly 96 percent of the drugmaker.

Gland's founder P.V.N. Raju and his son Ravi Penmetsa will remain on the Gland board, with Penmetsa also retaining his position as managing director and chief executive.

Besides Fosun, the Gland sale attracted interest from private equity firm Advent, medical company Baxter International Inc and drugmaker Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, people close to the matter told Reuters in April.

Jefferies advised Gland and KKR on the deal.

Indian television station CNBC TV18 cited Gland saying it expected the deal to be completed in a few months and did not see any hurdle.

Reuters reported earlier on Thursday a deal had been agreed.

Opportunities for injectables in the United States have attracted large pharmaceutical firms such as Mylan NV, which bought the injectables business of Strides Shasun Ltd in 2013.

Hospira, a large U.S.-based injectables firm, was bought by Pfizer Inc last year.

(Additional reporting by Tris Pan; Writing by Devidutta Tripathy; Editing by Susan Fenton and Mark Potter)
(PARIS)  The second man who attacked a Normandy church during a morning Mass this week, slitting the throat of the elderly priest, is a 19-year-old Frenchman from eastern France, the prosecutors office said Thursday.

An official in the prosecutors office said it was very probable that the man, identified as Abdel-Malik Nabil Petit Jean, was the same man pictured in a photo distributed to police services four days before the attack and obtained by The Associated Press. The information accompanying the photo of an unidentified man said the person pictured could be ready to participate in an attack on national territory.

UCLAT, an agency that coordinates the anti-terrorist fight, said it obtained the photo from a trusted source.

Petit Jean and another 19-year-old, Adel Kermiche, were killed by police as they left the church Tuesday in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray. An elderly man among the five people in the congregation was seriously wounded by knife slashes. One of three nuns present escaped and alerted police.

Petit Jean was born in eastern France, in Saint Die des Vosges, in eastern France, the prosecutors office said. He was identified via his DNA. Kermiche was from Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray.

A man detained after the attack was still being held for questioning, the prosecutors office said.

The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group, which released a video Wednesday allegedly showing Kermiche and his accomplice clasping hands and pledging allegiance to the group.

In it, Kermiche identifies himself by the nom de guerre Abu Jaleel al-Hanafi, and says Petit Jean is called Ibn Omar.

The UCLAT flyer to law enforcement said the person in the photo could already be present in France and act alone or with other individuals. The date, the target and the modus operandi of these actions are for the moment unknown.

The church attack came less than two weeks after an attack by a man barreling his truck down a pedestrian zone in Nice, on the Riviera, that killed 84 people celebrating Frances national day.

Story continues

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack, too, as well as two attacks that followed in Germany.

___

Elaine Ganley contributed to this report.
Paris (AFP) - French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and his British counterpart Boris Johnson called Thursday for the Syrian regime and its allies to end their "disastrous" siege on the city of Aleppo.

"The ministers solemnly called upon the Syrian regime's allies to bring an immediate end to these operations which violate the truce agreed in Munich, and international law," they said in a joint statement after a meeting in Paris.

The consequences of the siege, "including the bombardment of civilians and medical facilities, are already disastrous and could generate further refugees," the statement said.

The ministers called for the cessation of hostilities agreement "to be fully and immediately restored, and for progress towards the establishment of a transitional authority with full executive powers".

The ministers said the siege of the city where some 300,000 people are trapped "makes it impossible for peace negotiations to resume".

"The ministers stressed that Russia in particular has a unique ability to persuade the Assad regime to end the war and return to the negotiating table," the statement added.

Aleppo residents have reported food shortages and spiralling prices in rebel-held districts since regime forces cut off the opposition's main supply route into the city earlier this month.

The call by Paris and London came as Russia announced a "large-scale" aid operation for the trapped civilians and opposition fighters fleeing Aleppo, while Syrian President Bashar al-Assad offered an amnesty to rebels who surrender.

Syria's UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said this week he hopes peace talks aimed at ending the war could resume at the end of August.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war began in March 2011 with anti-government protests that were met with a brutal regime crackdown.
Paris (AFP) - French energy giant EDF on Thursday approved a contested plan to build Britain's first nuclear power station in decades but the British government said it would wait before taking a final decision.

Britain's Business and Energy Minister Greg Clark said the government would review the nuclear project, shortly after EDF's board backed a project which critics fear could bankrupt the French utility.

"The UK needs a reliable and secure energy supply and the government believes that nuclear energy is an important part of the mix," Clark said.

"The government will now consider carefully all the component parts of this project and make its decision in the early autumn," he said.

Before the deal can go ahead it must be approved by Prime Minister Theresa May.

EDF's directors had been deeply divided over the planned construction of two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in southwest England for A18 billion (21.4 billion euros, $23.8 billion).

"At its meeting on 28 July 2016, EDF's board of directors made the final investment decision," the company said in a statement.

Ten members of the board voted in favour of the deal, while seven voted against, a source told AFP.

Upping the tension, one board member resigned just before the crunch meeting, saying he disagreed with the plan, reducing the board of directors to 17.

- Unions seek delay -

The Sizewell B nuclear power plant was the last to go online in Britain, starting generation in 1995.

The plan to build the latest generation EPR reactors, signed in 2013, is to be carried out by EDF with Chinese partner CGN, but has hit several snags since.

The reactors are due to go online from 2025.

Weighing on its viability is the decision of French nuclear company Areva to drop out because of financial difficulties and the subsequent takeover of Areva's obligations by EDF at the behest of the French government, which owns 85 percent of EDF.

Story continues

This pushed EDF, which was already struggling under a debt mountain of 37.4 billion euros ($41.4 billion) at the end of last year, to go further into the red, leading some to question the group's ability to juggle all its liabilities, including the renovation of France's nuclear operations and the takeover of Areva's reactors amid falling energy prices.

Unions fear for EDF's financial survival and have asked for a delay of at least three years of any decision on the British nuclear plans, even waging a court battle to stop the momentum.

EDF chief financial officer Thomas Piquemal resigned in March over the threat the project represents to the company's finances, and CEO Jean-Bernard Levy has acknowledged that the company's "financial trajectory is taut".

EPR reactors, developed mostly by France's Areva, are the latest generation of nuclear reactors and among the most powerful in the world, and according to Areva, the safest.

There are only two other ongoing EPR reactor projects in Europe, one in Normandy in France and the other in Finland, and both have been plagued by delays and cost overruns.

- 'Too big to fail' -

The French government has been doggedly determined to get Hinkley Point approved as it sees the project as crucial for the long-term viability of France's nuclear industry, which employs 220,000 people.

Previous British governments have also been in favour because the reactors will cover up to seven percent of Britain's electricity needs while helping the government meet its CO2 emissions targets because of relatively low carbon emissions from nuclear energy.

But British support is not unanimous, and criticism focuses on the growing difference between an electricity price guarantee for EDF, subsidised by the British taxpayer, and current falling energy prices.

EDF would be guaranteed A92.50 per megawatt hour produced by Hinkley Point over 35 years, giving it an estimated nine percent of return on its capital.

But Britain's National Audit Office has warned that the potential cost of this subsidy had risen to A29.7 billion from a 2013 estimate of A6.1 billion because of the drop in energy prices.

There have also been environmental concerns.

Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said the power station was "terrible value for money".

The EDF decision "just shows the Hinkley deal became too big to fail in the eyes of British and French politicians," he said.
Paris (AFP) - The board of energy giant EDF votes Thursday on a hugely controversial project to build a nuclear power station in Britain which critics say could bankrupt the French utility.

EDF's directors are deeply divided over the planned construction of two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point for 18 billion (21.4 billion euros, $23.8 billion), with the French government's board representatives strongly in favour, unions strongly against and independent directors expected to tip the balance.

Adding to the tension, one board member resigned just before the key meeting, saying he disagreed with the plan.

In a letter seen by AFP, Gerard Magnin said he could no longer support France's strategy to push nuclear energy at the expense of other options.

"As a board member backed by the shareholding government I no longer wish to support a strategy with which I disagree," Magnin said in the letter.

The plan to build the EPR latest generation reactors, signed in 2013, is to be carried out by EDF with Chinese partner CGN, but has hit several snags since.

Weighing on its viability is the decision of French nuclear company Areva to drop out because of financial difficulties and the subsequent takeover of Areva's obligations by EDF at the behest of the French government, which owns 85 percent of EDF.

This pushed EDF, which was already struggling under a debt mountain of 37.4 billion euros at the end of last year, to go further into the red, leading some to question the group's ability to juggle all its liabilities, including the renovation of France's nuclear operations and the takeover of Areva's reactors amid falling energy prices.

- 'Extremely tense' -

Needing cash, EDF is in talks to sell just under half of its power unit RTE for over four billion euros, a source close the negotiations told AFP Thursday.

And earlier this week, the French government said it would foot three billion euros of a four-billion capital increase by EDF.

Story continues

But unions still fear for EDF's financial survival and have asked for a delay of at least three years of any decision on the British nuclear plans, even waging a court battle to stop the momentum.

The Hinkley Point project is one of the world's most costly nuclear power plant projects.

"The situation in the company is extremely tense, and the chairman is more than ever isolated from his top managers and from unions," said one union source.

EDF chief financial officer Thomas Piquemal resigned in March over the threat the project represents to the company's finances, and chairman Jean-Bernard Levy acknowledged that the company's "financial trajectory is taut".

EPR reactors, developed mostly by France's Areva, are the latest generation of nuclear reactors and among the most powerful in the world, and according to Areva, the safest.

There are only two other ongoing EPR reactor projects in Europe, one in Normandy in France and the other in Finland, and both have been plagued by delays and cost overruns.

- Doggedly determined -

The French government is doggedly determined to get Hinkley Point approved as it sees the project as crucial for the longterm viability of France's nuclear industry, which employs 220,000 people.

The British government is also in favour because the reactors will cover up to seven percent of Britain's electricity needs while helping the government meet its CO2 emissions targets because of relatively low carbon emissions from nuclear energy.

But British support is not unanimous, and criticism focuses on the growing difference between an electricity price guarantee for EDF, subsidised by the British taxpayer, and current falling energy prices.

EDF would be guaranteed 92.50 per megawatt hour produced by Hinkley Point over 35 years, giving it an estimated nine percent of return on its capital.

But Britain's National Audit Office has warned that the potential cost of this subsidy had risen to 29.7 billion from a 2013 estimate of 6.1 billion because of the drop in energy prices.

A decision to back the project will require a simple majority among EDF's board members.

- Government one down -

The departure of Magnin means that the government representatives at Thursday's meeting are down to just five, who are expected to vote in favour of Hinkley Point.

The six staff representatives are firmly expected to vote against, with the leanings of the six independent board members uncertain.

The board meeting got underway at 1230 GMT and a decision may only come late in the evening.
Retired four-star Marine Gen. John Allen, who has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, told Yahoo News in a Thursday interview that there is no question that American troops will take orders from a woman commander in chief.

Allen, who commanded U.S. forces in Afghanistan and was President Obamas top military adviser in the campaign against the so-called Islamic State, also said that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said things that make U.S. forces around the world less safe.

He cited Trumps calls to resume using torture, to target the families of suspected terrorists, and to ban travel to the United States by Muslims.

Those kinds of comments make our troops vulnerable and at risk overseas, he said. And that kind of language also has the potential to light off individuals that could be radicalized in the United States  accelerating or even creating a radicalization which could push people into the arms of violent extremists.

Asked whether American troops are ready to serve under a woman commander in chief, Allen replied that theres no question in my mind that they are.

Shes exactly the kind of person that we want to be the commander in chief, said the Marine, who praised Clintons work with him when she was secretary of state and he led NATO and the U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Asked whether Clintons email controversy gave him pause, Allen replied that, given his experience in dealing with her, I have no reason to question her judgment.

_____

Related slideshows:

On the ground at the DNC  a photo report >>>

A look back at Chelsea Clinton >>>

How newspapers covered the third day of the DNC >>>

A selfie with Hillary? No problem >>>

How newspapers covered the historic second day of the DNC >>>

Bernie Sanders supporters make a last stand >>>

Sanders supporters weep at DNC >>>

How newspapers covered the DNCs first big day >>>

Demonstrators protest outside the DNC >>>
Tim Kaine cant match Barack Obamas stage presence or soaring oratory. He didnt electrify the convention hall like Vice President Joe Biden. Hillary Clintons running mate didnt even get signs printed with his name on them passed out to delegates in the Democratic convention hall.

But the Virginia Senators speech Wednesday night showed flashes of why Clinton picked him to be Bidens successor. Kaine was personable and friendly, clever with the turn of phrase and quick with the good-hearted chuckle. When he needed, he delivered the requisite barbs against Republican rival Donald Trump. Wednesday nights speech will not be one for the history books, but its a signal of how he will spend the next 103 days of this presidential race.

Introducing himself to the party faithful in Philadelphia, Kaines folksy address wove together biography and policy with mockery of Donald Trump that dispelled suggestions that the mild-mannered gentleman from Virginia couldnt play the role of attack dog.

Read More: Transcript of Tim Kaines Speech at the Democratic Convention

Slipping easily into the Spanish he picked up as a missionary in Honduras, Kaine laid out a moral theory of government that united him with Clinton, and linked it to the better-known giants of his party. The speech also had snarky, slashing moments against Trump, who has vowed to build a wall with Mexico and round up immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally.

Kaine argued that he and Clinton were companeros de almasoul mates.

We share this belief: Do all the good you can. Serve one another, he said. Thats what Im about. Thats what youre about. Thats what Bernie Sanders is about. Thats what Joe Biden is about. Thats what Barack and Michelle Obama are about. And thats what Hillary Clinton is about.

Story continues

In Kaine, Clinton believes she has found a fellow soul: a native Midwesterner with deep faith in religion and government; a shrewd and careful thinker who wants to review all implications of every decision; another party insider in a year marked by outsider appeal. Most important, however, was Clintons confidence that Kaine could do the job of President should she be forced from the job.

Tim Kaine is as good a man, as humble and committed a public servant, as anyone I know, said President Obama, who included him on his own vice presidential shortlist in 2008. He will be a great Vice President.

Unlike Kaines debut speech last weekend in Florida, Wednesday nights address had some sharper edges. In an extended riff, he blasted Trump as a self-interested fraud. Our nation is too great, Kaine said, to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one man wrecking crew.

Later in the speech, Kaine slipped into his best Trump impression, which was unlikely to win him a role on Saturday Night Live but undercut Trumps constant refrain that America should simply trust him, policy specifics be damned. Believe me? I mean, heres the thing. Most people, when they run for President, they respect you enough to tell you how theyll get things done, Kaine said. Do you believe him?

Read More: Watch Tim Kaine Do His Best Donald Trump Impression

The room erupted in a chorus of nos. And that was Kaines goal: keep chipping away at Trumps credibility through a constant smile that makes him still seem like a good guy. Thats going to be the model going forward, starting with a bus tour through Pennsylvania and Ohio this weekend. Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump mouth, Kaine said. Not one word.

It was Kaines biggest opportunity to introduce himself to America, and he passed the cardinal test of vice-presidential politics: he did no harm. Over the next 14 weeks, Kaine will continue to grow in publics mind as he gets into the groove of a presidential pace, which is unlikely any other campaign in the world.

There were even some moments where it was clear he will try to win over Republicans. Hes still a Republican, but hes voting for an awful lot of Democrats these days, Kaine said of his father-in-law, former Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton. Hes voting for Democrats because any party that would nominate Donald Trump has moved too far from his party of Lincoln.

The first half of the speech lagged, at times leaving delegates restless as he recounted his lifes story. Scattered protest chants were a reminder that Kaine, a political moderate, will have to work to prove himself to liberals who are skeptical of his positions on abortion and trade.

I certainly dont agree with him, says Sherri Stoddard, a delegate from Los Osos, California, who was on the nay side of the acclamation vote that nominated Kaine. I feel as though it would have been a big statement for [Clinton] to have gone with someone who is more progressive. All of this ignored statements in support of Kaines role from Planned Parenthood, NARAL and EMILYs List.

But after the uneven start, the speech picked up toward the end with Kaines savage assessment of Trumps honesty. This is part of the job.

Vice presidential picks are typically the designated attacker in campaigns, the person who can say what would be undignified for the presidential nominee to utter. Vice President Joe Biden was masterful at taking on first the McCain-Palin ticket, and then Romney-Ryan. John Edwards in 2004 was a worthy rival for Dick Cheney. And Al Gores asides during the 1992 and 1996 campaigns are case studies in snark.

But maybe time for those old roles to be be retired. Republican vice presidential pick Mike Pence is famously reticent to play the attack dog. Kaine can do it, but isnt a natural fit for the job. And if there is one thing all Americans can agree about: 2016 is a cycle that is unlike anything weve ever seen before. Just ask the first female nominee of a major political party.
BERLIN (Reuters) - German police on Wednesday arrested a 19-year-old Algerian refugee who had fled a psychiatric facility earlier in the day yelling, "I'll blow you up," ending the latest in a string of incidents that have set the country's nerves on edge. German federal police arrested the asylum-seeker at the Bremen main train station after an hours-long manhunt that prompted the evacuation of a Bremen shopping center, according to police in the neighboring state of Lower Saxony. They said an investigation was continuing. Police said that when the man was in custody this past weekend for several thefts, he had sympathized with Islamic State and a gunman who killed nine people at a shopping center in Munich last Friday. But they said there was no further evidence of any ties. Germany remains on edge after a spate of attacks that have claimed 15 lives since July 18, including those of four attackers. German officials have linked two of the incidents to Islamic State. U.S. President Barack Obama spoke by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday to offer his condolences over the recent attacks in southern Germany, according to U.S. and German officials. Obama offered Germany the U.S. government's full support as investigations into the attacks proceed, the White House said in a statement. Authorities had evacuated a shopping center in Bremen, about 40 km (25 miles) from the medical facility, after people identified a man who had been acting suspiciously as the missing patient. A spokesman in Diepholz, where the man had been held by police over the weekend, said authorities took the incident seriously given the current situation in Germany, but emphasized that there was no evidence of an imminent attack. "We only have these statements. We have no evidence of any concrete plans or even any ties to Islamic State," he said. The man was moved into psychiatric care after he tried to hurt himself multiple times and authorities determined he had consumed drugs and posed a possible danger to himself and others. He escaped from the facility early on Wednesday. Police in Bremen said they were continuing to scour the shopping center for the man, who may have been carrying a backpack, and any objects he might have left behind. There were no reports that he was carrying a weapon, they said. Earlier, a suitcase exploded near a reception center for migrants in southern Germany, but authorities said the blast may have been caused by an aerosol can, and there was no sign of any explosives involved. (Reporting by Ralf Bode and Andrea Shalal; Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Richard Balmforth, Matthew Lewis and Bill Rigby)
BERLIN (Reuters) - German police have searched a mosque and eight apartments in Hildesheim that are believed to be a hotbed of a radical Salafist community, the interior minister of the northern state of Lower Saxony said on Thursday. Germany is on high alert after a spate of attacks since July 18 left 15 people dead - including four attackers - and dozens injured. Two assailants, a Syrian asylum seeker and a refugee from either Pakistan or Afghanistan, had links to Islamist militancy, officials say. Interior Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement that up to 400 police - including mobile squads and a special forces police commando - were involved in the raids on Wednesday in the Hildesheim area, which is a short drive south of Hanover. "The German-speaking Islamic circle (DIK) in Hildesheim is a nationwide hot-spot of the radical Salafist scene that Lower Saxony security authorities have been monitoring for a long time," the state official said. Pistorius said the search followed months of planning and was an important step toward banning the association, which security authorities say has radicalized Muslims and encouraged them to take part in jihad in combat zones. Numerous members of the mosque have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join Islamic State, while sermons, seminars and speeches call for "hate against non-believers," the ministry said. Germany has seen sharp increases in the number of ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafists in recent years, with the total number of sympathizers now seen at 8,900, up from 7,000 at the end of 2014, German officials have said. Security authorities say the DIK in Hildesheim is believed to have become the focal point of Salafist activities in Lower Saxony, the second-largest of Germany's 16 states after Bavaria. "We will not put up with Salafist associations and their backers flouting our rules and bringing our rule of law into question and convincing young people that they want to join the so-called IS," Pistorius said. "I'm convinced that our freedom is stronger than the inhuman ideology of the extremists," he added. (Reporting by Caroline Copley; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
BERLIN (Reuters) - German police have searched a mosque and eight apartments in Hildesheim that are believed to be a hotbed of a radical Salafist community, the interior minister of the northern state of Lower Saxony said on Thursday. Germany is on high alert after a spate of attacks since July 18 left 15 people dead - including four attackers - and dozens injured. Two assailants, a Syrian asylum seeker and a refugee from either Pakistan or Afghanistan, had links to Islamist militancy, officials say. Interior Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement that up to 400 police - including mobile squads and a special forces police commando - were involved in the raids on Wednesday in the Hildesheim area, which is a short drive south of Hanover. "The German-speaking Islamic circle (DIK) in Hildesheim is a nationwide hot-spot of the radical Salafist scene that Lower Saxony security authorities have been monitoring for a long time," the state official said. Pistorius said the search followed months of planning and was an important step towards banning the association, which security authorities say has radicalised Muslims and encouraged them to take part in jihad in combat zones. Numerous members of the mosque have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join Islamic State, while sermons, seminars and speeches call for "hate against non-believers," the ministry said. Germany has seen sharp increases in the number of ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafists in recent years, with the total number of sympathisers now seen at 8,900, up from 7,000 at the end of 2014, German officials have said. Security authorities say the DIK in Hildesheim is believed to have become the focal point of Salafist activities in Lower Saxony, the second-largest of Germany's 16 states after Bavaria. "We will not put up with Salafist associations and their backers flouting our rules and bringing our rule of law into question and convincing young people that they want to join the so-called IS," Pistorius said. "I'm convinced that our freedom is stronger than the inhuman ideology of the extremists," he added. (Reporting by Caroline Copley; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - German intelligence officials are re-evaluating an influential Turkish expatriate group as, amid strains in relations between the two countries, they also step up wider efforts to clamp down on Islamist militancy. The Milli Gorus group has close links to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and German officials consider its founders extremist. Its estimated 31,000 supporters have long been included on a list of potential Islamist threats published each year by the Interior Ministry. The total number of Milli Gorus supporters was quietly dropped from the agency's 2015 report released last month, given what security sources described as indications of waning numbers of extremists within the group. "Since last year at the latest, one cannot classify all 31,000 as extremist," said one source who was not authorized to speak publicly. The group's leadership, Islamic Community Milli Gorus (IGMG), has played an increasingly active role in the government's outreach program to Islamic communities in Germany in recent years, and recently published workbooks for children that include positive portrayals of Christians and Jews. The 2015 intelligence report estimated that extremists still account for up to 10,000 of the group's backers. But Milli Gorus may represent the benign end of a spectrum being monitored by the intelligence services that also includes groups with ties to hardline Islamist organizations al Qaeda and Islamic State. In comments on June 28 coinciding with the release of the intelligence report, the government voiced concern that Islamic State could step up attacks in Europe and said the intelligence agency was training to respond to a large-scale assault. Germany and France have since then suffered a wave of extremist attacks, most recently the killing on Tuesday, claimed by Islamic State, of a priest in a church in Normandy. HARD TO ASSESS Germany's move to recalibrate behind-the-scenes ties with Milli Gorus also comes at a time of great strains in German-Turkish relations and increasingly vocal criticism of Erdogan's crackdown on people suspected of participating in a failed coup on July 15-16. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said last week that Turkey's crackdown on academics did not appear to be in line with the country's laws, and urged Ankara to end a state of emergency as quickly as possible. The decision to stop reporting the full number of Milli Gorus supporters has also raised eyebrows since the coup attempt amid reports of growing violence between members of the group and other Erdogan supporters, and his critics in Germany. Germany is home to around 3 million people of Turkish origin, including a large Kurdish community. In Turkey's last elections, 60 percent of Germany-based Turks voted for Erdogan's ruling AKP Party, according to official data, and his supporters have demonstrated in cities across Germany since the failed putsch. Green Party lawmaker Volker Beck told Reuters the nature of developments within Milli Gorus was hard to pin down. "That is something the security services must keep a close eye on and regularly re-evaluate ... I would not trust myself to give an overall assessment, based on the information I have received as an MP," he said. Nicola Beer, general secretary of Germany's libertarian Free Democratic Party (FDP), told Reuters the German government should continue close scrutiny of Milli Gorus, even if numbers of extremists in its ranks are declining. "This is absolutely essential against the backdrop of current developments in Turkey and Germany," Beer said. She said the FDP was calling for increased resources and staffing for intelligence agencies to allow them to carry out increased and differentiated surveillance activities. "Extremists must be observed as closely as possible to ensure they don't result in any threats," she said. Security sources said intelligence officials were doing just that. "We are watching further developments in Germany very carefully, but it is too soon to draw any final conclusions." (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by John Stonestreet)
State Rep. Jonathan Brostoff, D-Milwaukee, was the first Wisconsin lawmaker to endorse Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. And despite Sanders' own endorsement of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Brostoff wasn't quite "with her"  until President Barack Obama spoke at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

"He just did an amazing job and made some really good points," Brostoff said Thursday of the president's speech. "And he really made an effort, obviously, to talk to the Bernie crowd. It was very obvious what was going on there, he was speaking to us directly ... Im 100 percent there now. Im on board. I have to say Obama did it. He pushed us over the top."

Brostoff said he and Rep. David Bowen, D-Milwaukee, responded similarly to the speech. Bowen was Wisconsin's only superdelegate pledged to Sanders.

Both lawmakers plan to return to Wisconsin and work with Sanders supporters to channel their energy into electoral victories at the state and local levels.

Sanders delegates were disappointed not only that their candidate didn't earn the party's nomination, but by the release of emails this week indicating a preference for Clinton within the Democratic National Committee, Brostoff said.

Members of the Wisconsin delegation who backed Sanders met Thursday morning to "hash everything out." Their feelings are complicated, Brostoff said, but most Sanders supporters remain energized.

"We have all these great people and good energy we want to move forward," he said. "How can we keep people engaged  but not only that, change the system theyve been so upset by."

Brostoff noted the number of so-called "Berniecrats" on the ballot this summer and fall, inspired to run for state and local offices by the movement Sanders sparked.

Brostoff and Bowen see it as their job, as elected officials, to help those candidates win and continue to champion progressive issues like raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and legalizing marijuana.

The entire Wisconsin delegation  Clinton and Sanders supporters alike is looking forward to hearing U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, address the convention Thursday night, Brostoff said.

Overall, the experience has exceeded Brostoff's expectations as a first-time attendee.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, gave Brostoff's rabbi a shout-out in a video. And Brostoff was interviewed by Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

Those were both "once in a lifetime" experiences, he said  and he experienced them both in one week.
By Nicole Mordant VANCOUVER (Reuters) - Goldcorp Inc has put its Los Filos gold and silver mine in Mexico on the block and is also looking at selling two other non-core mines, chief executive David Garofalo said on Thursday. Vancouver-based Goldcorp has started a formal sales process for the Los Filos mine, Garofalo said in an interview, and it is looking at options for its Alumbrera mine in Argentina and its Marlin operation in Guatemala, both of which are getting close to being mined out. "Los Filos, Marlin and Alumbrera are smaller scale mines. They don't have the economies of scale that our existing five camps offer us" or that a newly acquired gold project, Coffee, "potentially offers us once it's built out," Garofalo said. At Marlin, opportunity for significant exploration exists that might attract a small mining explorer, Garofalo said. Alumbrera's mine site infrastructure could be of value to owners of some of the nearby undeveloped deposits. Garofalo would not speculate on a sales value for any of the assets but said Goldcorp would be happy to be paid in part in the shares of the acquirer, as happened in 2010 when it sold its Escobal silver deposit to Tahoe Resources Inc . Goldcorp acquired a 40 percent stake in Tahoe through that deal. It later sold its stake for around $1 billion. "We like supporting new generation producers like that and we'd be happy to do something like that with any of these assets," Garofalo said. (Reporting by Nicole Mordant in Vancouver; editing by Grant McCool)
1933 may 10 berlin book burning.JPG

When it comes to Nazi Germany, one of the biggest questions most people have is how a country like Germany could transform into the disturbing and destructive state that it became under Adolf Hitler. And how did no one see it coming?

So, in "Hitlerland: American Eyewitnesses to the Nazi Rise to Power," Andrew Nagorski details how Americans living in and visiting Germany from the early 1920s through the early '40s reported on the rise of Nazi Party.

For the most part, he focuses on diplomats and journalists, noting that some of them were wary of the Nazis early on, while others remained blind to what was happening, in part because they were so isolated in their American expat bubble.

But he also slips in a detail about how Henry Goldman, son of Goldman Sachs' German-Jewish immigrant founder, Marcus Goldman, changed his opinion of the Nazi regime after visiting Berlin in 1933.

Nagorski writes that James G. McDonald, head of the Foreign Policy Association who later became the League of Nations' high commissioner for refugees, met with Goldman briefly before their trips to Germany.

At the time, McDonald asked Goldman whether the German government's extreme anti-Semitism was a sign that something might be wrong, to which Goldman reportedly replied, "No, there is no more anti-Semitism in Germany than in the United States."

McDonald described Goldman as a bit of an "apologist for Germany." And, in fact, Goldman initially supported Germany in World War I.

But after visiting the country in 1933, the banker reversed his position.

Here's what Goldman told MacDonald when they met again in Berlin's Hotel Adlon on April 8, as Nagorski detailed it in his book (emphasis added):

"Based on what he had seen and heard, Goldman had radically revised his views of Germany. 'Mr. McDonald, I never would have believed that the worst of the fifteenth and sixteenth century would return in this twentieth century and of all places in Germany,' he said. When McDonald asked him how long he was staying, he replied: 'Just as long as I can bear it.'"

Story continues

"I saw that [Goldman] was a broken old man," McDonald noted, according to Nagorski, after the exchange.

Check out "Hitlerland: American Eyewitnesses to the Nazi Rise to Power" by Andrew Nagorski here.

NOW WATCH: Researchers say the Nazi gold train  supposedly discovered by amateur treasure hunters  doesnt exist





More From Business Insider


Universal and Legendarys The Great Wall is finally nearing its release date of February 17, 2017 after years in development  it once had Ed Zwick helming and Henry Cavill and Benjamin Walker attached. But Thomas Tull and friends did just fine in the end, with Matt Damon starring and Zhang Yimou making his English-language directorial debut in the story of an elite force making a last stand for humanity on the worlds most iconic structure. The script is by Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro, with the most recent draft from Tony Gilroy, who penned Damons Bourne films.

The trailer that dropped today certainly shows the visual chops of Zhang, who is behind pics like Hero and House Of Flying Daggers, and the scope is legit: its being billed as the largest film ever shot entirely in China. It will be released in 3D and also stars Pedro Pascal, Tian Jing, Andy Lau and Willem Dafoe.

Check out the trailer above.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVw9YdP1O-0&w=970&h=546]

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Groupon Inc. GRPN reported better-than-expected results for the second quarter of 2016. The reported loss was lower-than-expected and revenues exceeded expectations. In addition, Groupon also raised its outlook for fiscal 2016.

The results boosted investors confidence as reflected in a surge of nearly 24% in shares in the after-hours trading session yesterday.

Adjusted loss (including stock-based compensation, acquisition-related expenses and tax impact) was 6 cents per share, which compared favorably with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 7 cents per share. However, it was greater than the year-ago quarter loss of 3 cents per share.

GROUPON INC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

GROUPON INC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | GROUPON INC Quote

Revenues

Revenues of $756 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $712 million and also improved 2.4% on a year-over-year basis.

Region-wise, revenues from North America increased 7% from the year-ago quarter while that from EMEA and the Rest of World (Asia-Pacific and Latin America) declined 3% and 23% year over year, respectively. On a constant currency basis, revenues from the Rest of World declined 14% year over year while that from North America and EMEA remained flat.

Gross billings dropped 2% year over year to $1.49 billion in the quarter. Region-wise, billings from North America increased 9% year over year. However, billings from EMEA and the Rest of World declined 12% and 27% year over year, respectively.

As of Jun 30, 2016, it had approximately 27.9 million active customers in North America. It added nearly 1.1 million new customers in the quarter.

At the end of the quarter, on an average, active deals were about 800K globally while those in North America rose to 475K.

Groupons operating expenses rose 8.8% year over year to $376.8 million.

Loss from continuing operations was $43.2 million compared with $9.2 million in the year-ago quarter.

The company repurchased about 6.8 million shares in the quarter for $24.4 million.

Story continues

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Groupon exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents worth $780.1 million compared with $853.4 million as on Dec 31, 2015.

Cash used in operating activities in the quarter was $54 million in contrast to cash flow of $20.3 million reported in the prior-year quarter.

Free cash outflow was $70.4 million in the quarter.

Outlook

For 2016, the company increased its revenue guidance to a range of $3 billion to $3.10 billion from the earlier projection of $2.75 billion - $3.05 billion. Adjusted EBITDA for 2016 is now projected to be between $140 million to $160 million, much higher than the earlier expectation of $85 million to $135 million.

Our Take

Groupons new business strategy (with core focus on marketing, international and shopping) appears to be working for the company. Its performance has started to improve since the past few quarters after CEO Rich Williams took the helm.

The company continues to see strength in its customer acquisition and shopping endeavors, aimed at developing its local core business.

The company has also been taking a number of strategic initiatives to streamline its operations. It has also increased its marketing spend, which should boost its business to a great extent in the long run.

Last month, the company signed a multi-year Enterprise Adoption Agreement (EAA) with Splunk Inc. SPLK. The company is leveraging Splunks offerings to obtain real-time insights pertaining to operations, thereby enhancing its own platform. In addition, its OrderUp division collaborated with Qdoba Mexican Eats to deliver Mexican food from various eateries to over 675 locations across the U.S., thereby substantially expanding its presence.

However, Groupon is investing quite a bit in the transition, which is expected to affect its near-term financials. Competition from giants like eBay and Amazon.com AMZN and impending lawsuits are the other headwinds investors need to watch out for.

Groupon carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the same space is EVINE Live Inc. EVLV, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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The Television Critics Association summer press tour got a taste of Broadway on Thursday when Hamilton star Daveed Diggs appeared to discuss PBS' upcoming documentary about the musical sensation from which he recently departed.

"I had sort of given all of myself for the last two-plus years," Diggs told reporters when asked about his reason for leaving. "I felt like I could do what I did with it.  For me, it was time to find something else to do."

Diggs hasn't had any problem with that. So far, his dance card includes a role in the Julia Roberts film Wonder and a recurring role on the upcoming third season of Black-ish, of which he is a fan.

"I've always been a fan of Black-ish," he said. Diggs praised the comedy for being "honest and a little bit subversive in how it points out the workings of our world today. It lands really great points and has teaching moments."

When it comes to picking up his follow-up roles, other criteria was taken into account as well for the Tony winner. "It was just I've never done anything like it before. That's really the decision-making process," he said. "I had this great experience, and I'm not going to try to copy that."

Although he doesn't miss the "grind" of performing eight shows a week, "I miss getting to see my friends every night," Diggs said. "Getting to create something that you're the most proud of  of course I miss that. No matter how bad your day was, you got to come here and have this experience that I will never experience again."

That experience is the center of Hamilton's America, which will offer inside access to creator and former star Lin-Manuel Miranda and the rest of his creative team in the two years leading up to the show's August 2015 Broadway opening. In addition to giving a behind-the-scenes look into the making of Hamilton and the musical numbers, the project will look at the historical figure on which the production is based. "The A-story to me is the same as the musical: Hamilton," filmmaker Alex Horwitz said. "We kept our eye on that ball as Hamilton got bigger and bigger."

Story continues

A clip from the documentary that screened at the panel showed Miranda at the White House speaking with President Barack Obama about Alexander Hamilton, followed by a special performance by the cast.

"That day is sort of engrained in my memory forever," said Diggs, who praised the president and first lady Michelle Obama for welcoming the large 40-person production into their home. "It's going to be a long time before that happens again probably," he said of visiting the first family. "We might never have a family that presents America like this again."

Horwitz recalled Miranda's initial meeting with Obama during his first year as commander-in-chief and going back to film the documentary during the final year of the Obama administration. "The life of this so parallels the Obama administration - you can read whatever political and historical and sociological mirrors there that you like," Horwitz said. "It's just a wonderful accident of timing."

Performing at the White House was just one of many highlights Diggs and his fellow castmembers enjoyed during their time on the Broadway sensation.

"You were a Beatle for a block," Diggs said of the show's growing popularity. "That's tough to deal with when that's not necessarily what you signed up for when you do a play. But that being said, it was as good as it could have been because the kind of people and the reasons people were attracted to it were so good."

Despite the show's astounding popularity, Horwitz said access to the making of the show never wavered. "[Lin] always made time," Horwitz noted. "It got harder to schedule things, but it didn't change, and I'm grateful for that."

Diggs praised the filmmaker: "Alex is a part of the family."

Because of his access to the cast and crew, Horwitz fielded many questions about what will happen to the pieces of footage that was left on the cutting-room floor.

"I don't know how, if at all, they'll see the light of day. They're exploring options. That's all I know," Horwitz said. "I hope the world gets to see them one day."

Hamilton's America debuts on PBS' Great Performances on Oct. 21 at 9 p.m.
London (AFP) - Britain's Pinewood Studios, where Harry Potter and James Bond movies were filmed, could be sold to a property company for A323 million (384 million euros, $426 million) under a draft deal revealed Thursday.

Pinewood "announces that it has reached agreement... on key terms of a possible cash offer for Pinewood by Venus Grafton," a subsidiary of PW Real Estate Fund, Pinewood Group said in a statement.

Pinewood owns television and film studios around the world including in the US and Canada, but the jewel in its crown is the original Pinewood Studios west of London.

Built in the 1930s, they became famous as the setting for British cinema classics.

More recently, parts of the latest "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" were filmed there.

Hollywood star Harrison Ford could have been killed when a door from the Millenium Falcon spaceship set fell on him during filming in 2014, a court heard earlier this week in a health and safety case.

The actor suffered a broken leg in the incident.

The 007 Stage at Pinewood was built for the Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me" and has since been used for numerous productions including "Lara Croft Tomb Raider" and "The Da Vinci Code".

Pinewood had appointed Rothschild investment bank in February to prepare a possible sale of the company.

The shareholder register is "tightly held, which has continued to stifle liquidity in the shares and has prevented the company from achieving its aim of obtaining a main market listing", Pinewood Group said.

Pinewood shareholders would receive 560 pence in cash for each share plus a final dividend of 3.2 pence per share, according to the terms of the draft deal.

Pinewood Group said it would recommend a firm offer to shareholders.

The company's share price was down 5.17 percent at 550 pence by 1020 GMT after the announcement.
Paris (AFP) - NASA's Apollo astronauts, the only humans to have travelled beyond Earth's protective magnetosphere, die disproportionately of heart and blood vessel diseases, researchers said Thursday, blaming radiation.

This raises health concerns for all humans with dreams of travelling to the Moon, Mars or beyond, as space agencies and private companies vie to expand humankind's extraterrestrial footprint.

"We know very little about the effects of deep space radiation on human health, particularly on the cardiovascular system," said Michael Delp of the Florida State University.

"This gives us the first glimpse into its adverse effects on humans."

Of seven Apollo astronauts to have died to date, three (43 percent) succumbed to cardiovascular disease -- a group of ailments that includes heart attacks, brain aneurysms and strokes.

This was "four to five times higher" than for trained astronauts who never left Earth (nine percent), and those like the International Space Station crews who stayed closer to home in low-Earth orbit (11 percent).

The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

"These data suggest that human travel into deep space may be more hazardous to cardiovascular health than previously estimated," the researchers wrote.

NASA's Apollo programme sent 11 manned flights into space between 1968 and 1972.

Of the 24 men who flew beyond Earth orbit into deep space, eight have died to date. The eighth, Edgar Mitchell, passed away this year, after the data had been analysed, and was not included in the study.

Beyond the magnetosphere, a magnetic "bubble" which shields Earth and its occupants, the Apollo astronauts were exposed to unprecedented levels of particle radiation, said the study.

The ISS, by comparison, orbits Earth within the magnetosphere.

- Mars colonies -

Energetic particles from galactic radiation can be dangerous to humans as they pass right through the skin and can damage cells or DNA, according to NASA.

Story continues

The agency has plans for a manned trip to Mars in the 2030s, and has stated that radiation shielding "will be a crucial technology" for the voyage as well as for exploring the surface.

The study was the first to include non-flight astronauts as a comparison group in examining the long-term health of space travellers.

Comparing astronauts to the general population can yield confusing outcomes, as they are generally better educated and fitter, and have lifelong access to medical care -- all ingredients for better health.

In comparing different types of astronaut, the researchers were able to exclude any possible impact of zero-gravity on cardiovascular disease, as all three groups (Earth-bound, low-orbit and deep space) were exposed to it.

The researchers also found no difference between the three groups in terms of cancer or accidents as the cause of death.

To test a possible cause for lunar astronauts' higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, the team exposed mice to comparable radiation levels in the lab.

"After six months -- the equivalent of 20 human years -- the mice demonstrated an impairment of arteries that is known to lead to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in humans," said a Florida State University statement.

"What the mouse data show is that deep space radiation is harmful to vascular health," added Delp.

US billionaire Elon Musk and Dutch company Mars One have mooted placing human colonies on the Red Planet.
Heath Ledger's father Kim has revealed new details about his son's death.



The actor, who posthumously won an Oscar in 2009 for his portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight, was found dead in his New York apartment in January 2008 due to an accidental mixture of prescription drugs. He was 28.



Recently, Kim recalled the conversation his daughter and Heath's sister Kate had with the star the night before he died.



"The last conversation Kate had with him was this discussion about his medications and she warned him, 'You can't mix drugs that you don't know anything about,' " Kim told news.com.au. "He said 'Katie, Katie, I'll be fine.' Well, that's a cavalier boy's answer. It just put his whole system to sleep I guess."









Heath Ledger's Father Recalls Family's Last, Ominous Conversation with Him: 'He Was Warned' About Prescription Drugs| Death, Heath Ledger





"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Diazepam, Temazepam, Alprazolam, and Doxylamine. We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications," New York City's chief medical examiner had ruled.



Oxycodone is a painkiller, Hydrocodone is also known as Vicodin, Diazepam is commonly called Valium, Temazepam treats anxiety or sleeplessness, Alprazolam is known as Xanax, and Doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine often used as a sleep aid.



"It was a one-off thing. That's what killed us, because he was warned by his sister the night before: 'You shouldn't mix what you're taking for pneumonia with your Ambien.' But most of Heath's problems were self-induced," Kim said of the "pressure" his son had due to his busy work schedule.



"There is pressure on everybody, especially young people, to perform and to keep going," he continued, adding, "He was a young guy that traveled all the time for work. Even as a 2-year-old, he hardly ever slept. He was trying to work and travel and do everything in a short space of time."



In the eight years since Heath's death, the Ledger family has continued to raise awareness for prescription drug misuse. Kim explained that Heath did not have an addiction to opioids, but that he had made a tragic mistake.



"[He] mixed a couple of drugs together with sleeping tablets and he's gone forever. That's something we [himself, Kate and wife Sally] just have to deal with," he concluded.
From Cosmopolitan

Hours after Hillary Clinton officially became the first female presidential candidate of a major political party, delegates, pro-choice activists, and Planned Parenthood supporters showed up at indie music venue Union Transfer in Philadelphia to celebrate and unwind. When they got there, they were greeted by a line of anti-abortion picketers holding up images of aborted fetal tissue.

The party, called "Sex, Politics, and Cocktails," is a gala that Planned Parenthood holds at various political events, like the convention, to bring together delegates and activists who support reproductive rights. "No one is getting an abortion at Sex, Politics, and Cocktails," Mary Alice Carter, vice president of communications for Planned Parenthood Action Fund confirmed to me.

Yet about five feet from the entrance line, a crowd of mostly young women was holding large, graphic posters of aborted fetuses and "ABORTION" written at the top. They had been there since around 8 p.m.. When I got there, just after 11 p.m., I saw two female protesters were holding each other tightly, heads together and eyes closed, apparently deep in prayer. Another protester, Lauren Handy, a 22-year-old from Washington, D.C., told me they were here because "It's a Planned Parenthood gala, and today Hillary Clinton was the official nomination, and Planned Parenthood and Hillary Clinton are synonymous with baby killing."

Handy and the others were there with Created Equal, an anti-abortion organization based in Columbus, Ohio, that goes on "freedom rides" every summer in which college-age interns and staff travel across the nation to protest abortion. "This is the night that Cecile Richards addressed the Democratic National Convention and they're having a Planned Parenthood event here, so I assume these are supporters and maybe even donors of Planned Parenthood," said Created Equal founder Mark Harrington. "We want to show them what Planned Parenthood does, which is, they abort children. They are the number-one abortion provider in America, and I think that's not something that's common knowledge with a lot people." As I interviewed Harrington, over two dozen police officers gathered on the street corner around us. After the protesters left, shortly before midnight, so too did many of the police monitoring the block.

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"I was really shocked," said 34-year-old Monique Pery, an activist waiting in line at the party, "because there were large trucks driving down the street with pictures of fetuses - or what looked like fetuses. They had a loudspeaker and it's really late at night and people were coming to an event."

"But I was still like, 'You know what? You have a right to be here. I have a right to be here. You have a right to say what you say, so we thought we would join them and let folks know that we have rights too." Pery was among at least two dozen pro-choice men and women who formed a counter-protest while waiting in line, chanting slogans like, "What do we want? Our rights!" and "Ho, ho, hey hey! Repro rights are here to stay!" A few Planned Parenthood supporters pulled their cars up to the entrance and blasted music, cheering as Planned Parenthood staff passed out shirts and Donald Trump condoms until the party wound down.

Sam, a nursing student waiting in line for the event, was surprised to see the protesters and said she felt "undeterred" by them. "I think protesting at Planned Parenthood, you're not going to find an audience that is going to change their minds," she said.

Her friend Rachel was less surprised but added that she "felt sad" for the demonstrators. "They were young protesters. It was distressing to see such young people feel so strongly about such a pro-women's organization, and most of them were women."

Though several partygoers were taken aback by the protester presence, as a Planned Parenthood official, Carter was unfazed. "I would say at Planned Parenthood Action Fund events, or Planned Parenthood events in general, it's hit or miss. We can sometimes have them and sometimes we won't," she said about anti-abortion protesters. "The group that's standing here, while holding signs that we would find offensive, they've been pretty calm. The police officers were here earlier and it appears that they're operating within their constitutional rights to express their First Amendment rights of protest."

Anti-abortion harassment and violence has reached an all-time high since a series of deceptive videos released last summer alleged that Planned Parenthood harvests fetal tissue for profit (a claim the organization has denied; a dozen state investigations have found no wrongdoing). I asked Carter if the demonstrators at the party were anything like those who threaten and intimidate women outside of reproductive health-care centers, as depicted in Across the Line, a virtual reality film that walks viewers through the picket line women seeking abortions encounter outside of Planned Parenthood centers. "It's generally loud, offensive, derogatory language that are spoken to women who are accessing health care every day. Often violent, angry protesters," she said. "That's not what we're experiencing tonight. We have at other events experienced that in the past, but I would say that this is a very different experience." As Carter and I spoke, we were momentarily distracted by a truck with disturbing images of twisted aborted fetal tissue and police sirens going by.

While the protesters were non-threatening and the atmosphere was relaxed - and even jovial - their presence at a nightclub certainly demonstrated the continued stigma against a procedure that about 1 in 3 American women will receive in their lifetime. "I would say what we need to do in order to change this dynamic is to continue to use the word 'abortion' and take away the shame and stigma for women who've had this care," Carter said. "Actually using the word and talking about it is what we need to do to start taking away the stigma."

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Shares of network security company FireEye FEYE are up nearly 11.5% on Thursday after new speculation about a possible takeover, as well as the widely publicized DNC hacks bringing cybersecurity into the national spotlight once again.

FireEye has been the subject of takeover rumors for some time now, and although there doesnt seem to be any new reports right now, todays price action has investors talking once again. At Wednesdays closing price of $16.49, shares were down over 83% from an all-time high of $97.35 reached in March of 2014.

According to a Bloomberg report from June, FireEye has recently rebuffed two separate buyout offers, including one from Symantec Corp. SYMC. Despite shares trading near their 52-week low of $11.35, FireEye apparently felt that both offers were too low. Symantec would later go on to boost its cybersecurity suite by purchasing Blue Coat Inc. for $4.65 billion.

As Symantecs purchase of Blue Coat shows, companies are looking to add to their cybersecurity portfolios for the right price. With FireEyes market cap taking such a hit over the last two years, it comes as no surprise that the company would be one of the biggest takeover targets in the industry.

Moreover, FireEye and other cybersecurity companies tend to trade higher when there are national cybersecurity scandals. The public tends to be surprised when major organizations get hacked, and that puts the spotlight on companies like FireEye and the services that prevent these hacks.

The hack-of-the-week centers on the Democratic National Committee (DNC), which is currently the subject of a massive email leak that shows coordination between top DNC officials and the Clinton campaign. Long story short, political parties are typically supposed to remain neutral during the primaries, and that didnt happen.

The reason cybersecurity stocks sometimes benefit from these scandals is the chain reaction that can often come from them. If Im an executive at a major organization or company without a strong security plan, Im a little bit worried that something as big as the Democratic Party is vulnerable to a hack.

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In reality, hacks happen all the time. Federal agencies and important individuals are always the targets of attacks, and you have to be prepared before you become the victim. The cost of solid protection is much less than the costs associated with a massive hack, and thats where companies like FireEye get their business.

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The Hershey Company HSY is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in North America marketing some of the worlds leading brands like Hersheys, Reeses and Kisses which enjoy widespread consumer acceptance.

Hersheys sales trends have been feeble since 2014 due to weak category trends, intense competition from the broader snacking category and soft international growth. The company is experiencing continued weakness in demand in China and North America. However, despite lackluster sales, Hershey was able to maintain relatively better margins on the back of supply chain savings and productivity gains.

HSY witnessed some downward earnings estimate revisions for 2016 over the past 30 days. However, HSY has a decent earnings surprise history. HSY has posted positive earnings surprise in all of the past four quarters, bringing the average to a positive surprise of 4.37%.

Currently, HSY has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sold), but that could change following Hersheys earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:

HERSHEY CO/THE Price and EPS Surprise

HERSHEY CO/THE Price and EPS Surprise | HERSHEY CO/THE Quote

Earnings: HSY beat on earnings. Our consensus earnings estimate called for EPS of $0.78/share, and the company reported EPS of $0.85 instead. Investors should note that these figures take out stock option expenses.

Revenues: HSY reported revenues of $1.64 billion. This beat our consensus estimate of $1.61 billion.

Key Stats to Note: Organically, excluding the impact of currency and acquisitions, sales rose 4%, due to higher volumes. The favorable timing of some merchandising programs in North America benefitted sales in the second quarter.

Share Price Impact: In-active in pre-market trading.

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PHILADELPHIA  One word has been repeated again and again from the stage of the Democratic National Convention this week: trust.

Dozens of speakers have vouched for the trustworthiness and honesty of Hillary Clinton  from a man with a rare form of dwarfism who said Clinton has corresponded with him for years, to a 9/11 survivor who spoke of the former New York senators devotion to her recovery, to Clintons running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine, who said Wednesday that he trusted her with his U.S. Marine sons life.

First lady Michelle Obama put it plainly in her Monday night primetime speech: I trust Hillary Clinton to lead this country.

This focus on trust is aimed squarely at a worrisome statistic for the Clinton campaign. In a recent CNN poll, only about 30 percent of American voters said they found Clinton trustworthy  a smaller share of voters than trust Trump. Thats down 20 points from March, when 50 percent said they thought she was honest. Clintons trust drop-off was fueled by a bruising primary during which Sen. Bernie Sanders painted her as a creature of Wall Street, as well as a now closed FBI investigation into her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.

She has acknowledged that she needs to earn the trust of voters and that this is something she needs to focus on  the convention is the beginning of that process, Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told Politico this week. And Clinton herself has acknowledged she has work to do to close the trust gap.

The Clinton campaign has deployed three main strategies to combat Clintons trust issue at the convention, according to Democratic pollster and strategist Celinda Lake. The campaign has featured speakers who Americans trust and admire  such as the first lady and survivors of the 9/11 attacks  to validate Clinton as trustworthy. Speakers have also stressed Clintons long-term commitments to issues like health care that predate her desire to run for office, as when Obama told the crowd Wednesday night, Shes been there for us even if we havent always noticed. And the convention has fleshed out her life story so that she seems more like a whole person, a strategy exemplified by Bill Clintons lengthy remarks Tuesday about how they fell in love.

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Conventions are always about selling a presidential candidate to America, but with Clinton the moment is even more urgent, given her high unfavorable ratings and the electorates lack of curiosity about her. Americans think they already know Clinton because she has been in the public arena for three decades, and they do not easily assimilate new information about her, according to Lake. But voters often dont know basic facts about her record that could boost her standing in their eyes. You have to provide it to them in almost captive situations, which is why I think the convention is so powerful, Lake said.

Stan Greenberg, the pollster for Bill Clinton during his 1992 presidential campaign, noted that high unfavorable numbers and doubts about honesty are nothing new for a Clinton running for president. We always had a huge trustworthy problem, said Greenberg. Just a few months before the 92 election, 60 percent of voters were expressing doubts that Bill Clinton had the honesty and trustworthiness to be president, following allegations of infidelity from Gennifer Flowers and claims he had lied about his draft record. After the campaign rallied from the double-digit hit and the Clintons entered the White House, Hillary at first faced higher unfavorable ratings than were usual for a political spouse. Greenberg attributed that to voters objecting to her not adopting the traditional first lady role, as she sought to have a hand in policy decisions and claimed an office in the West Wing of the White House  a first for a presidential spouse.

The current unfavorable numbers for Hillary Clinton  over 65 percent in the latest CNN poll  may be ephemeral, says Greenberg. Polls during conventions are rarely reliable indicators of where voters will end up, he notes. But he attributes these historic highs to two factors. The first is FBI Director James Comeys harsh criticism of Hillary Clintons use of a private email server even as he announced there would be no charges in the investigation. Clintons negatives were up sharply after that happened, he said. But the other piece equally strong were the attacks from Bernie Sanders that she was in bed with Wall Street, Greenberg said. So you really had a two-pronged attack that has driven her numbers down. Sanders speech endorsing Clinton Monday could mitigate the effects of his attacks on voters perceptions of her trustworthiness.

In June, Clinton directly addressed her trust deficit with voters. A lot of people tell pollsters they dont trust me. Now, I dont like hearing that, she said at a luncheon in Chicago, Politico reported.

Clinton said her natural carefulness may make people think she has something to hide.

The reason I sometimes sound careful with my words is not that Im hiding something, its just that Im careful with my words, Clinton said. I believe what you actually say matters. I think thats true in life, and its especially true if youre president.

In a 60 Minutes interview last weekend, she lamented a Hillary standard on trust and honesty that makes her the target of some unfounded attacks. People are very willing to say things about me, to make accusations about me that are  I dont get upset about them anymore, but they are very regrettable, she said.

Trump has been caught in lies far more often than Clinton by fact checkers, but his unabashed way of answering any question and blurting out any belief may be behind the reason more voters find him more honest than they do Clinton.

While Clinton is never going to come across as someone who unguardedly says exactly what shes thinking, convention speakers have stressed her persistence and resilience, two other traits that people associate with trustworthiness. No matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits, Obama said in his keynote Wednesday night.

Many of the character witnesses at the DNC stressed that Clinton helped them when cameras were not rolling  not acts of calculation for her career, but because she wanted to  and painted Trump, in contrast, as someone who is only out for himself.

I trusted her when my life was on the line, and she came through, 9/11 survivor Lauren Manning told the crowd Tuesday. She said Clinton checked on her for years during her long recovery from the burns she suffered during the attack, not for the cameras, not because anyone was watching, but because thats who she is.

One of the most powerful testimonials came from Anastasia Somoza, a woman with cerebral palsy who addressed the convention from a wheelchair. Somoza, who interned for Clinton in her Senate office, said Clinton had been her friend and advocate for more than 20 years. She has never lost touch with people like me, she said. She has invested in me. She believes in me. And in a country where 56 million Americans with disabilities so often feel invisible, Hillary Clinton sees me.

Somoza criticized Trumps apparent mocking of a reporter with disabilities in 2015. Donald Trump has shown us who he really he is, she said. I honestly feel bad for anyone with that much hate in their heart.

 Michael Isikoff contributed to this report.



_____



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Hillary Clinton

A poll released Thursday showed Hillary Clinton with a massive lead over Donald Trump in Pennsylvania  a state both presidential candidates are zeroing in on.

The Suffolk University poll showed Clinton with a 9-point lead over Trump in the Keystone State as the Democratic National Convention takes place in Philadelphia. When Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein are included, Clinton's lead remains 9 points.

Knowing the importance of the battleground state, Trump and his running mate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, stopped in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday for a campaign event. After the DNC wraps up Thursday, Clinton will be holding rallies alongside her running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, in Philadelphia and Harrisburg on Friday and in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

The poll was one of few that provided encouraging news for Clinton as Trump experienced a big bump after last week's Republican National Convention in Cleveland. The Republican nominee leads Clinton in the national average on RealClearPolitics by 0.9 points  his largest lead in the coveted polling average all cycle.

But to win in the fall, Trump will almost certainly need to flip Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida from their 2012 blue results.

The poll also provided encouraging results for Democratic Senate nominee Katie McGinty, who is challenging Republican incumbent Pat Toomey. McGinty held a 7-point lead over Toomey in the poll, her largest lead over Toomey in any poll posted to RealClearPolitics.

The Suffolk poll has proved accurate in recent Pennsylvania Senate contests. The final Suffolk poll ahead of the 2010 election between Toomey and Democratic nominee Joe Sestak showed a 5-point advantage for the Pennsylvania Republican, who went on to win by 2 points. In the final poll ahead of the 2010 Democratic primary, Suffolk predicted a 9-point upset for Sestak over longtime incumbent Arlen Specter. Sestak won by 8 points.

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Suffolk polled 500 likely voters via live telephone interviews, and the margin of error was 4.4 points. It was conducted from Monday to Wednesday, right as the four-day DNC was taking place in the state.

In the most recent Pennsylvania poll posted to RealClearPolitics before Thursday, conducted by NBC News/The Wall Street Journal, Clinton was found to hold the same 9-point advantage over Trump.

NOW WATCH: A new poll says Americans dislike Hillary just as much as Trump





More From Business Insider


Hillary Clinton has faced many challenges in the course of her decades in public life, but none quite as daunting as her speech Thursday accepting the presidential nomination at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia.

The former secretary of state arrives with some of the highest negative perceptions of any candidate  and is facing a media-genic Republican rival in Donald Trump with a penchant for fiery oratory and an eagerness to exploit any Clinton weakness.

One of the most difficult things in advertising is to shift entrenched perceptions of a brand, marketing expert and founder of the Los Angeles-based The Brand Identity Center, Chad Kawalec, told TheWrap. People dont like to be told they were wrong about something, so the content can fall on deaf ears.

Also Read: Democratic Convention Day 3: Lenny Kravitz, Sigourney Weaver, Lee Daniels Take the Stage

But while Clinton is currently trailing Trump in some national polls, Kawalec said that her barriers to winning the White House are by no means insurmountable  and pointed to how brands like Apple managed to overcome similar branding problems.

Before the iPhone, tons of people did not feel Mac was for them. It was seen as a creative tool for computer graphic designers, Kawalec said. The iPhone changed how people felt about the brand and opened them up to reconsidering all Apple products.

Clinton faces some ingrained negative opinions  and associations with scandals from Whitewater and her husband Bills impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky affair to her handling of Benghazi and a private email server during her time as secretary of state.

Also Read: Obama: No One Better Qualified Than Hillary Clinton - Even Me (Video)

And by her own admission, Clinton is not a natural politician. Shes been often criticized for being too stiff, and her stump speeches branded either stoic or wonky.

That increases the pressure on her televised speech on Thursday  though experts caution that she not attempt a complete overhaul of her personality but embrace the aspects of herself that got her to where she is.

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Authenticity matters, Ben LaBolt, former Obama press secretary during the 2012 campaign, told TheWrap.

She shouldnt try to be someone shes not, screenwriter Jon Favreau , who was President Obamas former chief speechwriter, said. She should give a tight, conversational speech that frames the choice in the election and the vision shes offering  on her terms, in her language.

Also Read: Hillary Clinton Makes Surprise Democratic Convention Appearance With Obama

To connect with voters who are not already in her camp, though, Clinton may have to step out of her comfort zone and show a more personal side  a marked departure from her usual public persona.

She has to continue to talk about policy while making herself more relatable, Kawalec said. She has to be not only smooth but also personable.

The key, observers say, may be to reveal whats behind her stated policy positions. What youve got to do is really open the curtain and share your values and your motivation, LaBolt said, adding that for Clinton, thats going to be the benchmark that she has to clear.

Also Read: Bill Clinton's Democratic Convention Speech Earns High Praise From Hollywood

Of course, Clinton also has to follow some of the partys most golden-tongued orators at the podium in Philadelphia.

Michelle Obama helped grab the spotlight on Monday night and delivered a powerful persuasive argument in support of Hillary, Kawalec said. And Bill Clintons charm was effective and disarming. Hillary should benefit from all the good will both of them possess and use it to her advantage.

While Clinton may never be as engaging as her husband or President Obama for that matter, some argue that its not a necessary prerequisite for a good commander-in-chief.

She cares about people and she can get things done, LaBolt said. If the test of the presidency was, Who do you want to have a beer with? George W. Bush would have been one of our best presidents.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Barack Obama's 7 Best Digs at Donald Trump at Democratic Convention

Tim Kaine Impersonates Donald Trump, Blasts Him as Tax Cheat (Video)

Donald Trump Tries to Steal Democrats Thunder With AMA, Gets Ripped for Being 'Dull'

Lena Dunham, America Ferrera Say Donald Trump Considers Them 'a 2' and 'a Rapist,' Respectively
Pope Francis planned visit to Auschwitz on Friday, to pray at the site of the Nazi concentration camp, is sure to be a sober occasion. The presence of the leader of the Catholic Church will once again call attention to one of the 20th centurys worst atrocities, and serve as a reminder of the terribly high stakes for those who would make peace in the world. As Pope John Paul II said in 1979 when he became the first sitting Pontiff to visit Auschwitz, Not only those who directly bring about wars are responsible for them, but also those who fail to do all they can to prevent them.

But, when it comes to the Vatican and the Holocaust, history lends an extra layer of meaning to Papal recognition of what Pope John Paul II called the place built on hatred and on contempt for man. (Pope Benedict XVI also visited the site in 2006.)

During World War II, the Vaticans reaction to Nazi crimes was seen, at least by American media like TIME, in a positive light, especially considering the Vaticans location within Axis-aligned Italy. TIME reported in 1942 that the late Pope Pius XI had called what the magazine euphemistically termed anti-Jewish excesses the Sacrifice of our Father Abrahamand that the current Pope, Pius XII, neither understands nor approves Nazi persecution of Jews. As the war wound to an end, in 1944, Pope Pius XII was praised by Romes chief rabbi for the work the Vatican did to help Romes Jews while the Nazis occupied the city.

Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter

In the early 1960s, however, the German playwright Rolf Hochhuth brought Pius XIIs wartime actions back into the headlines with a new play, the title of which was rendered in English as The Deputy. In the play, Hochhuth put forward the argument that Pius actually saw Nazi Germany as an acceptable barrier between the atheist communist world and the Christian world, and that if he had truly wanted to stop Hitler from killing Jewish people he could have been perhaps the only man in the world who would have been capable of doing so with his word alone. TIME summarized the uproar thus:

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[The] legitimate attacks on Hochhuths portrayal of the Pope sidestep the key question raised by his play: Why did Pius XII, who condemned the aerial bombing of civilian centers and the postwar aggressions of Communism, not explicitly attack the liquidation of Europes Jews? The issue has intrigued many modern historians, since Pius clearly detested Hitlers totalitarianism as much as he loved the German people. He helped draft Pius XIs encyclical Mit Brennender Sorge (With Burning Sorrow), which condemned Nazi racism in 1937. When the Germans organized a roundup of Roman Jews in 1943 and 1944, the Pope made no formal protest, but allowed convents and monasteries to take in refugees, and offered 50 kilograms of gold to ransom the lives of 200 Jewish leaders. In Hungary and Slovakia, both predominantly Catholic countries governed by Catholic Nazi puppets, his papal nuncios had some success in halting the deportation of Jews to Polish death camps. Yet Pius ignored Allied pressure to speak out against Nazi genocide. In the autumn of 1942, Myron C. Taylor, Franklin Roosevelts personal representative to the Vatican, gave the Holy See evidence of the anti-Jewish campaign, and the U.S. Minister to Switzerland warned the Vatican that failure to condemn these atrocities is undermining faith both in the church and in the Holy Father himself. Baron Ernst von Weizsaecker, who claimed that he tried to protect the Pope from Hitlers wrath while serving as German envoy to the Holy See, cabled his Foreign Ministry superiors: The Pope has not allowed himself to be forced into any demonstrative utterances against the deportation of the Jews. Jesuit Leiber admits that Pius found it difficult to speak out clearly against the murders, but adds, This was providential. Otherwise, I fear greater harm would have been the result. Catholics point out that after the Dutch bishops issued a joint pastoral letter attacking the deportation of Jews, the Nazis retaliated by arresting Catholic converts from Judaism. In 1942 Cracows Archbishop Adam Sapieha pleaded with the Vatican not to broadcast accounts of German atrocities since it would only make things harder for his people. The best evidence of Pius own judgment is his 1943 letter to Berlins Bishop Konrad von Preysing: We leave it to the pastoral leaders on the spot to weigh whether and to what degree the danger of retaliation and pressure in case of remonstration by bishops make it appear advisable to exercise restraint to prevent greater evil, despite the listed grievances. Here lies one of the reasons why we ourselves impose limitations on ourselves in our public utterances.

Debates about the culpability of Pius XII continued for years. By 1976, TIME reported that at least six books had been written on the Pius question and that in response Pope Paul VI was overseeing the publication of the Vaticans own history of its wartime actions. At the time, the latest volume was reported to showcase the Vaticans attempts in 1943 to help Jews in Rumania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Poland and Italy but also not to answer all criticisms. The conflicting views make only one thing clear: the facts have begun to fall into place, but there is as yet no consensus on the behavior of Pius XII, the magazine noted. If anything, [the new volume] has heightened the debate rather than resolved it.

Meanwhile, however, the relationship between the current Church and the Jewish people generally improved.

In the early 1960s, the Vatican Council addressed an agenda chapter about Jewswhich, as TIME reported, was introduced because a Cardinal wanted to prevent a repeat of the Nazi use of Christianity as a justification for persecution of Jews. The idea was the formally clear the Jewish people of any responsibility for the death of Jesus Christ. In 1965, the Vatican Council voted to approve a statement that said that: What happened to Christ in his Passion cannot be attributed to all Jews, without distinction, then alive, nor to the Jews of today and rejected hatred persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.'

When Pope John XXIII was named TIMEs Person of the Year for 1962, his sympathy toward Jewish victims of Nazi violence was cited as one of the qualities that made him worthy of his mantle. In 1986, Pope John Paul II became the first sitting Pope to visit a synagoguea visit during which he took care to specifically mention the Churchs abhorrence of the Nazi genocide. The following year, he further healed old wounds by issuing a papal letter on the topic of the Holocaust. While the letter was ostensibly routine, its language was heartfelt, TIME reported. Christians approach with fearsome respect the terrifying experience of the extermination, the Shoah, suffered by the Jews during the Second World War, wrote the Pope, and we seek to grasp its most authentic . . . meaning. He went on, Before the vivid memory of the extermination . . . it is not permissible for anyone to pass by with indifference.

When conflict arose in the late 1980s over a Carmelite convent situated at Auschwitzwhich TIME noted struck Jews and even some Catholics as an insensitive intrusion into a setting that will forever symbolize the Holocaustand Polands Roman Catholic Primate issued a statement that was widely seen as anti-Semitic, John Paul II personally intervened to help resolve the conflict. (His replacement, Benedict XVI, however, raised eyebrows for what some saw as his painting the Holocaust as a crime against Christianity, and for failing to mention anti-Semitism during his speech on his own visit to Auschwitz.)

It may be impossible to ever fully settle the question of whether the Vatican did the right thing during World War II. But what the Church now thinks about Nazism is, especially this week, clear.
PARIS (Reuters) - President Francois Hollande on Thursday fired back at comments by U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump that "France was no longer France" after a slew of militant attacks, saying France would always stay true to its values. France is reeling from two strikes in under two weeks by attackers who had pledged allegiance to Islamic State, the first when a Tunisian plowed his truck through a crowd in Nice, the second when two men slit the throat of a priest. "France is no longer France. They won't like me for saying that," Trump told reporters in Miami on Wednesday. "And this world better be very careful and the better get very tough and they'll never do it with (Democratic nominee) Hillary Clinton." Trump's campaign has been marked by insults and inflammatory rhetoric. He has called for tougher surveillance of mosques and warned that radical Muslims were "trying to take over our children." Trump has rejected the criticism that his rhetoric is racist. Brushing off Trump's words, Hollande on Thursday told reporters France would always remain true to its values and ideals. "When you stoop low you're not true to yourself anymore, that's something that can happen to others on the other side of the Atlantic," Hollande said, without directly mentioning Trump. (Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey; writing by Richard Lough Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden concluded a day full of speeches at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday with the theme of "Working Together."

Biden endorsed Hillary Clinton and praised the country's "unbreakable" spirit in his speech, taking time to also warn against Donald Trump's "cynicism." "He has no clue about what makes America great," he said of Trump. "Actually, he has no clue, period." Obama focused his speech on the readiness of Clinton and shared an equally positive view of the future of the country with her as the nominee: "I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before."

Earlier in the day, the convention brought tearful moments when Lee Daniels and the mother of a victim from the Orlando massacre spoke about gun violence. Later, more than 40 Broadway stars took the stage to sing "What the World Needs Now is Love," a song recorded to benefit the victims of the shooting.

Read More: Hillary Clinton Surprises at DNC After President Obama "Passes the Baton"

See some of the reactions below.

President Obama:

That's my man! Your truth, dignity and grace reminds us what real leadership looks like. I am always proud of our @POTUS. -mo

- The First Lady (@FLOTUS) July 28, 2016

God bless you @BarackObama and @FLOTUS for all you gave us- so grateful to have had your leadership.

- Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) July 28, 2016

We love you @Potus! #BarackObama Thanks for serving this great nation. #UniteBlue

- octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) July 28, 2016

Obama is about to knock this out of the park. Great media piece leading in to it

- (@sinbadbad) Jul 27 2016

President Obama coming out to speak feels like the 90's Bulls coming out to play......

- Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) July 28, 2016

Best line ever from @POTUS "don't Boo, Vote!" #DemsInPhilly

- Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) July 28, 2016

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"Don't boo, vote." YES. #DemsInPhilly

- Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) July 28, 2016

Quote of the year: "Don't boo, vote" - President Obama

- (@omarepps) Jul 27 2016

Bill loving Obama saying that Hillary is more qualified than both Bill &Obama ever were! #DNCinPHL #Obama #Hillary https://t.co/6haeIKUzjd

- (@DebraMessing) Jul 27 2016

Barack Obama!!!!

- DeVon Franklin (@DeVonFranklin) July 28, 2016

"Democracy works, but we gotta want it. Not just in an election year, but all the days in between." - @POTUS @BarackObama

- Anthony Hamilton (@HamiltonAnthony) July 28, 2016

"Don't boo. Vote." - POTUS

Translation for @RealDonaldTrump: #ByeFelicia- Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) July 28, 2016

JESUS! This is one sensational speech by our @POTUS. Just Phenonmenal!

- Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 28, 2016

Get in there and vote! Democracy is not a spectators sport!! Yes we can! This speech is amazing!

- Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) July 28, 2016

And with such #elegantshade too. Enjoying this. #DemsInPhilly https://t.co/iQUk85M7JW

- Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) July 28, 2016

I do and always will unabashedly take great pride and enormous affection in President Barack Obama and his family.

- (@IJasonAlexander) Jul 27 2016

Thank you Obama.

- Liz Meriwether (@lizmeriwether) July 28, 2016

America isn't about "yes he will" it's about "Yes WE can." - The decisive President of The United States, Barack Obama

- (@UzoAduba) Jul 27 2016

I'm on a plane with my dog crying about the @BarackObama speech happening at #DemsInPhilly right now.

Brandy might also be involved.- Alan Cumming (@Alancumming) July 28, 2016

I'm proud to say I got to live on planet Earth while Barack Obama was President. #POTUS #DemsInPhilly #DNCinPHL

- CHRlS ROCK (@chrisrockyoz) July 28, 2016

Love wins. pic.twitter.com/AbGGDbdFAz

- billy eichner (@billyeichner) July 28, 2016

Our President is brilliant.

- John Legend (@johnlegend) July 28, 2016

President Barack Obama "Don't Boo. Vote" https://t.co/xQCVM2zVHh

- Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) July 28, 2016

I don't expect to feel as proud of a president in my lifetime as I feel about Obama.

- Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) July 28, 2016

What I admired about the President is that he made the case for Mrs. Clinton not on her gender but on her courage her experience her smarts

- Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 28, 2016

I love you, @BarackObama! #DemsInPhilly

- Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) July 28, 2016

Thank you Mr. President for the Audacity of Hope, the change I voted for, and the reminder of our American values that we all share. @POTUS

- Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 28, 2016

I cried, I wept, I clapped, I cheered. I wiped snot #POTUS

- Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 28, 2016

Lee Daniels/Orlando Nightclub Survivors:

Christine Leinonen is bringing me to tears. Beautiful and poignant story from the ex state trooper and mother of Pulse shooting in O-town

- (@andrewzimmern) Jul 27 2016

.@leedanielsent amazing, heartfelt speech tonight at the DNC about ending gun violence - we all have a voice to make change! #DemsInPhilly

- (@RobertWhite_DC) Jul 27 2016

@leedanielsent Incredible! #DemsInPhilly

- (@KristinDavis) Jul 27 2016

Tonight the talk is about gun violence. Christine Leinonen, mom of Orlando victim Christopher, is asking us to do something. #imwithher

- (@shondarhimes) Jul 27 2016

Gun control night at the DNC is so heartbreaking and so powerful. Please go to @Everytown and do what you can.

- Jenni Konner (@JenniKonner) July 28, 2016

Broadway Stars Perform "What the World Needs Now is Love":

@idinamenzel @IMKristenBell and all my #Broadway peeps, you make me so proud

- Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 28, 2016

What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love! I LOVE this Broadway segment. #DemsInPhilly

- Hilary Rosen (@hilaryr) July 28, 2016

Oh, all the boos of Broadway just sang. All of 'em. I need a fan and smelling salts. #DemsInPhilly know how to throw a convention.

- shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) July 28, 2016

There was Cagney. There was Lacey. There was Elphaba. There was Audra (she got too many Tony's to name one). #DemsInPhilly

- shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) July 28, 2016

#broadwaystars #WhatTheWorldNeedsNowIsLove #DemsInPhilly

- octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) July 28, 2016

Off to sing at the #dnc as part of Broadway For Orlando! So honored. Thx @minminmadotcom @nathanrosenkranz pic.twitter.com/RsEXmSYgp2

- Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) July 27, 2016

What the world needs now is love. https://www.snappytv.com/tc/2461200

- (@HillaryClinton) Jul 27 2016

Holy shit! Tyne! Audra! Sharon! Idina! Debra! My people preaching TRUTH. #DemsInPhilly https://t.co/MfLAzhfksv

- Amy Brenneman (@TheAmyBrenneman) July 28, 2016

Joe Biden:

To one of my favorite men in the world. Joe, thank you & Jill for all you've done for this country. Our love for you is deep. So proud! -mo

- The First Lady (@FLOTUS) July 28, 2016

Vice President Joe Biden Is Throwing DownOn Trump "_That's A Bunch Of Malarkey". Get Him Joe. https://www.instagram.com/p/BIYxEpFh6S7/

- (@SpikeLee) Jul 27 2016

Trolls can call me out but I adore Joe Biden for his heart, his integrity and his service. Thank you, Joe.

- (@IJasonAlexander) Jul 27 2016

"This is kind of a bittersweet moment." -VP Biden

Eight years ago: pic.twitter.com/zq2u667z7f- Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 28, 2016Malarkey! #OneOfMyFavoriteWords- Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) July 28, 2016

Joe Biden just snatched Trump's wig clean off. Didn't even leave the cap. Well dayum.

- (@JamesLaRosa) Jul 27 2016

"We cannot elect a man who exploits our fears ... who has no plan ... who embraces the tactics of our enemies." @JoeBiden #DemsInPhilly

- (@SophiaBush) Jul 27 2016

It's such a breath of fresh air to see real, compassionate, confident men, not violent racists. #DemsInPhilly https://t.co/n3TUSkVkNE

- Amy Brenneman (@TheAmyBrenneman) July 28, 2016

Everybody loves Joe Biden

- mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) July 28, 2016

Also hope you're enjoying the new asshole Biden and Bloomberg tore for you tonight, @realDonaldTrump

- Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) July 28, 2016

Since this is #VEEP nite at #DNC2016 I thought it would b appropriate 2 declare proudly #ImWithHer @HillaryClinton pic.twitter.com/tNUxY8GCDT

- Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) July 27, 2016
Dubbed the "milkshake murderer" for one of Hong Kong's most notorious crimes, American Nancy Kissel has lodged a fresh bid to reduce her life sentence for murdering her banker husband in 2003.

The 51-year-old lost an appeal in 2014 against her conviction for drugging her husband -- a senior executive at US bank Merrill Lynch -- with a sedative-laced strawberry drink before clubbing him to death with a lead ornament in their luxury home in the southern Chinese city.

Her case gripped the former British colony, shining a spotlight on the elite expatriate community, and featuring sensational allegations of a heady mix of adultery, violence, spying, greed and enormous wealth.

Kissel is currently serving out her life sentence at Hong Kong's high-security Tai Lam Centre for Women.

Her lawyers filed a writ to the city's high court on Wednesday saying a government department that periodically reviews sentences of long-time inmates "wrongly" refused to shorten her sentence when it looked at her case in April.

"Given...the applicant's demonstration of remorse and repentance, the respondent acted unreasonably," the writ says, referring to the city's Long Term Prison Sentences Review Board.

The writ argued it was "highly unlikely" that Kissel would commit another offence and that she wished to be transferred to the US -- a prospect more likely if her sentence was reduced.

"The applicant is a foreign prisoner who is likely to be deported upon completion of any converted determinate sentence so that she and her family...have some idea as to what the future holds," the writ said.

The review board makes suggestions to Hong Kong's chief executive about inmates it deems suitable to be released before the end of an imposed sentence.

The Michigan-born mother-of-three was first convicted of murder and handed a life sentence in 2005. The city's top court overturned the conviction in February 2010, citing legal errors, and ordered a fresh hearing. But she was convicted again in 2011 and then lost the final appeal in 2014.

Story continues

At her 2011 retrial, Kissel sobbed as she told the jury she had endured physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her husband.

She maintained she acted in self-defence and offered to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Prosecutors accused Kissel of rolling up her husband's body in a carpet and covering his head with plastic after killing him in their luxury home at the hillside Parkview apartment complex.

She left the body in the bedroom for days before hiring workmen to carry it to a storeroom, they said.

Prosecutors also argued that Kissel stood to gain up to $18 million from the death of her wealthy husband, saying she planned to run away with a television repairman with whom she admitted having an affair in the US.
BALTIMORE (AP) -- In a duel between rookie right-handers, Jon Gray outpitched Dylan Bundy to provide the Colorado Rockies with a feel-good series win.

Nick Hundley broke up Bundy's no-hit bid with a two-run homer, and Colorado rode a strong outing by Gray to a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.

David Dahl hit his first major league home run in his third game for the Rockies, who took two of three from the AL East leaders.

''It's one of our best series of the year,'' Colorado manager Walt Weis said. ''It's got to be up there. We got real good starting pitching this series and we had some really clutch hits. That's what it takes.''

Colorado has won six of seven and is 9-4 since the All-Star break.

Gray (7-4) allowed one run and five hits over seven innings to earn his first road win since June 5. He had to be sharp, because Bundy was unhittable from the outset.

Making his third career start, Bundy (3-3) retired the first 16 batters before Mark Reynolds drew a walk. Hundley then hit a 1-2 changeup into the left-field seats for a 2-0 lead.

''When a guy is rolling that good, you're just looking for a mistake,'' Hundley said. ''Fortunately, he made a mistake.''

Two batters later, Dahl chased Bundy with a shot to center. Dahl made his big league debut in the series opener and got a hit in each game.

''He had got me the at-bat before on all changeups,'' Dahl said, ''so I wasn't really looking for it. But I kind of just saw it and saw it up and tried to take a good swing.''

Manny Machado homered for the Orioles, who fell to 37-16 at home after dropping successive games at Camden Yards for the first time since May 30-31.

On the positive side for Baltimore, Bundy went deeper into a game than ever before and notched a career-high eight strikeouts.

''He was the reason we were in that game,'' manager Buck Showalter said. ''Impressive.''

Story continues

After Machado hit his 21st homer in the sixth, Baltimore didn't get another runner into scoring position.

Adam Ottavino and Boone Logan worked the eighth for the Rockies and Carlos Estevez got three straight outs for his 10th save, tops among major league rookies.

Earlier, Baltimore missed two opportunities to jump on top.

After the Orioles loaded the bases with one out in the fourth, Gray retired major league home run leader Mark Trumbo on a popup before Jonathan Schoop hit a fly ball to center.

Baltimore also wasted a leadoff double by Matt Wieters in the fifth.

STREAK BREAKER

Orioles slugger Chris Davis snapped an 0-for-24 skid with a bunt down the third-base line against the shift. He also walked and struck out twice.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Rockies: LHP Chris Rusin was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list. He will take the spot of reliever Jason Motte, who was put on the 15-day DL with a right rotator cuff strain. Rusin was 2-4 with a 4.12 ERA in 12 games before being sidelined by a strained left shoulder. Manager Walt Weiss said Rusin will be used out of the bullpen.

Orioles: Hyun Soo Kim was back in the lineup for the second consecutive game after being activated from the DL on Tuesday. Kim started in the left field and has not shown any lingering effects from a strained right hamstring.

UP NEXT

Rockies: Rookie left-hander Tyler Anderson (3-3, 3.56 ERA) makes his ninth career start Thursday in the opener of a four-game series against the New York Mets. He won his last outing against the Braves, allowing three runs over six innings.

Orioles: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (5-9, 7.38), who returned from paternity leave Tuesday, will start Thursday's makeup game from a May 9 postponement in Minnesota. While Jimenez has struggled this season, he is 5-3 with a 2.55 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) against the Twins.
New clues about the genetics involved in Lou Gehrig's disease are revealed today in two new studies, thanks in large part to donations from the wildly popular Ice Bucket Challenge of 2014.

The findings could one day lead to gene therapy treatments, in which researchers would replace faulty genes in people with the disease, or add new ones to fight the condition, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the researchers said.

In one study, the researchers looked at the genes of more than 1,000 people who had ALS (and also had the condition in their family), and compared the results to the genes of about 7,300 people without the disorder. [Top 10 Mysterious Diseases]

The results showed about 3 percent of the people with ALS carried a faulty version of a gene called NEK1, making this gene one of the most common genes implicated in contributing to the disease that has been found to date among people with the condition, the researchers said.

"The discovery of NEK1 highlights the value of 'big data' in ALS research," Lucie Bruijn, chief scientist of the ALS Association, who was not involved in the study, said in a statement. "The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge enabled The ALS Association to invest" in maintaining large repositories of samples from people with ALS, to allow research projects that find exactly these types of results, she said.

About 1 in 400 people will be diagnosed with ALS during their lifetime, the researchers said. The degenerative condition affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, often leading to paralysis and deathwithin 2 to 5 years of diagnosis. There is no cure, and few effective treatments, they said.

About 10 percent of ALS cases are genetic, whereas the other 90 percent are sporadic, meaning they occur in people with no family history of the condition.

The researchers also found instances of the faulty NEK1 gene in another group, in the Netherlands. That group of about 13,000 people were diagnosed with the sporadic form of ALS.

Story continues

It's likely that the NEK1 variations  in people with both the familial and the sporadic forms of the disease  disable the gene, which has many important roles, the researchers said.

For instance, NEK1 helps nerve cells function, and maintains the cytoskeleton that gives nerve cells their shape. The gene also regulates the membranes of mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, which provides energy for neurons' activities, including DNA repair.

More ALS genes

In the other study, another ALS research team discovered three different gene variants that are linked to ALS risk. One of the genes, called C21orf2, is associated with a 65 percent increased risk of the disease, the researchers said.

However, it's unclear what C21orf2 does, though it may be related to the internal skeleton and movement of cells, the researchers said. The gene is located on chromosome 21.

During their investigation, the researchers also looked at genetic data from a database called Project MinE, which includes the whole genomes (that is, all of the DNA "letters") of 1,861 people with and without ALS. They replicated their results in two other groups, for a total of more than 41,000 people.

This research identified two genes, called SCFD1 and MOBP, that are associated with increased ASL risk. The MOBP gene codes for proteins found in myelin, a sheath that covers nerves in the central nervous system, according to a 2006 study in the journal Developmental Neuroscience.

Overall, they found that one or two faulty genes could have an enormous impact on a person's risk of developing ALS, which is different from other conditions in which many genes may contribute to a smaller increased risk of a specific disorder.

"Any one of many rare gene variations contributes a large risk for ALS development," study co-author Ammar Al-Chalabi, a professor at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London, said in a statement. "This insight is crucial as it affects the types of treatment strategies that might be effective."

Both studies were published online Monday (July 25) in the journal Nature Genetics.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations

Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f159228%2feb43e69f9ec84708b87312c209cfa593

His head hangs forward, enclosed in a white bag known in rough prison parlance as a "spit hood." His young chest exposed, two black straps tie his shoulders to the chair.

The harrowing image of then-17-year-old Dylan Voller, taken from the ABC's investigation into the 'torture' of young people at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in Darwin, Australia, is just one of many instances of abuse detailed in the news program aired Monday. But it is the one that was chosen to lead a myriad news stories, and the one destined to be imprinted on the national conscience.

SEE ALSO: Facebook takes down footage from child 'torture' report

It is the Voller image that has been most tweeted, posted and linked to in the days since the program. Is it possible that one of the reasons images like Voller's go viral is because they are a way for us to signal our innocence? To profess that we didn't know what was happening at Don Dale.

We display our horror, but perhaps the reason the image means so much is because we knew all along.

The historical resonance

When we share Voller's image on social media, we are shocked but we're also pantomiming shock.

Such images become iconic because they are linked to historic depictions of horror and cruelty, which we know implicitly should be disavowed publicly and social media provides the means.

As many have pointed out, there is a direct line of inheritance between the picture of Voller, hooded and tied to a chair, and the image of Ali Shallal al-Qaisi, the hooded man at Abu Ghraib.

Abu Ghraib

Image: AP

Such images have the power to become an event, with their own strange weather and momentum, Suvendrini Perera, professor of cultural studies at Curtin University, told Mashable Australia.

To do so, they need to tie into a broader social imagining. "I think it has to have that historical resonance, it has to link to other images that are familiar in the culture, consciously or unconsciously," she said.

Story continues

Such images  people tied and restrained  are part of a visual language of global terror, but there are also particular messages for Australians implicit in Voller's bound arms and legs. Aboriginal Australians are vastly overrepresented in Australian jails, and 97 percent of incarcerated youth in the Northern Territory are Indigenous.

To be Australian is to inherit a catalog of images of black men and women in chains.

Ann McGrath, professor of history and director of the Australian Centre for Indigenous History at the Australian National University, pointed out this link. "People instantly see this carceral history and the cruelty of people who had just been living out in the bush, [who] suddenly couldn't be any less free in these horrible restraints," she said.

For photos of this nature, people don't even need to know the story to create their own, she suggested. "I think people do think of Abu Ghraib, but then they think of the Northern Territory and they know the story of stolen children," she added. "This has reminded them of that longer history of cruelty."

Professor Perera agreed, but linked the images to the transnational nature of state and racial violence.

"Those images that we recall of Aboriginal people being shackled and manacled, those also link to histories of slavery in the U.S," she said. "The way that colonial violence was practiced and performed on Indigenous and non-white bodies."

We say we don't know, but we do

Voller's image has gone viral because it lets us participate in a rejection of this reality, which, of course, we should have been doing all along.

"Our society functions on us not knowing and not seeing, and our being constantly able to say, we didn't know, " Perera said, "but in fact we do know.

"It's almost an exaggerated horror. I understand that people are generally horrified, but as Tony Birch has said, the novelist and historian, it's a stain on our nation that so many people say they're shocked, or are shocked, because we should not be shocked."

This performance is not reserved for civilians, however.

The government is also being allowed to perform outrage over Voller's image. The tape had barely finished rolling before Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called for a Royal Commission into juvenile detention in the Northern Territory.

One can tell this is simply performance because Turnbull has so far declined to expand the commission's remit to other states, which could surely provide photos to match Voller's treatment. And because the Northern Territory government will be involved in the joint inquiry.

This is the same Northern Territory government that voted for guards to be able to use mechanical restraints on children like Voller.

Performance can activate real change, however. Images bear witness, but they can also translate into new movements.

Take the Black Lives Matter movement in the U.S. People witnessed the video of Philando Castile dying next to his girlfriend in a live Facebook video and took their bodies to the streets in protest.

"People have been taking those images to the public space and actually acting out the photographs: People doing 'hands up don't shoot,' the 'die-ins,'" Perera added. "It's part of the power of the Black Lives Matter movement that there are people keeping them alive in action.

SEE ALSO: 'Torture' of kids in detention shows why we need a #BlackLivesMatter conversation in Australia

"It's really how we follow up, how we keep those images alive, how we keep those sensations alive."

If not, we can only wait for the next outraging image to flood social media  one that will remind us, dimly, of something we saw in 2016: Dylan Voller, tied to that chair.

Rallies drawing attention to the incarceration and treatment of Indigenous youth in detention are currently being planned in all capital cities around Australia. See Facebook for details.
By David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund failed to demand debt relief as part of Greece's 2010 bailout despite widespread staff views that this was critical to the programme's success, an internal audit report showed on Thursday.

The IMF also did not make a serious attempt to quantify the risk of financial contagion throughout Europe that was used to justify its granting of "exceptional access" funding to Greece when the country's debt was widely viewed internally as not having a high likelihood of repayment.

The decisions, made in the throes of a growing debt crisis, contributed to a programme that proved unsustainable as Greece's economy collapsed, the IMF's Internal Evaluation Office (IEO) said.

The 30 billion-euro IMF programme for Greece needed renegotiation in 2012, and the IMF is not yet a participant in a third bailout as it is now insisting that European lenders provide debt relief to Greece.

"Critically, there was no rigorous attempt to articulate a convincing path to restoring debt sustainability in Greece, other than a programme of official financing, fiscal adjustment and structural reforms," the IEO said of the IMF's actions in 2010.

The IEO said the IMF's rules on granting exceptional access, which require early board involvement, were "followed only in a perfunctory manner." Amendments to create a "systemic exemption" that allowed the Greek bailout to proceed departed from the Fund's usual deliberative process where major decisions receive careful review, the IEO said.

In January 2016, the Fund eliminated the special exemption which also paved the way for bailouts to Ireland and Portugal and enacted new rules governing such large bailouts.

Even though some senior IMF staff members did not believe that Greek debt in 2010 was sustainable, the report cited "pressure" to agree to the bailout, adding that then-managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn decided "to go along with the decision already reached by European policymakers and take a chance" that stability in Greece could be restored without pre-emptive debt restructuring.

Story continues

By contrast, the IMF's bailouts of Ireland and Portugal went far more smoothly, the IEO report said, helped by strong "national ownership" of the programs and implementation of required reforms.

Senior IMF officials said there were many lessons learned in the Greek bailout and acknowledged that their fiscal projections were too optimistic, that they underestimated the political resistance to structural changes in Greece and that the programme relied too heavily on budget cuts that deepened a recession.

But they noted their main aim in 2010 was to prevent financial contagion that threatened to engulf Europe.

Among its recommendations, the IEO said the IMF should develop procedures to minimize room for political intervention in the IMF's technical analysis.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a statement that she believed the IEO did not adequately prove that the IMF's technical analysis came under undue political pressure and disagreed with the need for new procedures.

Including Greece, Portugal and Ireland, she said the IMF's involvement in the euro zone crisis programs was a "qualified success".

"Greece, however, was unique: while initial economic targets proved overly ambitious, the programme was beset by recurrent political crises, pushback from vested interests and severe implementation problems that led to a much deeper-than-expected output contraction," said Lagarde, who replaced Strauss-Kahn in 2011 after he resigned amid a sexual assault scandal.

(Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli)
From Cosmopolitan

People love a burger. I mean, what I would do for a cheeseburger every fucking day of my life. By now, most of us know that meat has a cataclysmic impact on the environment (too many cow farts), and it's tough justifying the constant consumption of red meat. You really can't pretend it's anything but indulgent.

The problem, of course, is that as much as chefs and other purveyors have tried, vegetarian burger patties just aren't the same. What's a guilty person who craves a juicy, fatty hamburger to do?

If that person is you and you're anywhere near New York City in the coming weeks, you might want to give a brand-new type of burger a try: Meet the Impossible Burger, a product of Impossible Foods, a tech company based in Silicon Valley, California. The burger is made with wheat and potato protein (that's the "meat" part), coconut oil (here you get the "fat"), water, and heme, a molecule found in meat and plants and is what makes your blood red.

The Impossible Burger is currently being introduced at Momofuku Nishi, a part of the Momofuku restaurant group. The Nishi-style Impossible Burger will come with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and special sauce. Cheese is optional.

Compared to a burger made with meat, the Impossible Burger requires 95 percent less land and 74 percent less water, and it releases 87 percent less greenhouse gas emissions, according to Impossible Foods' website.

So far, reviews have been mostly positive. "The taste is unreal," wrote Lindsey Hoshaw of NPR. "I tried it, and if I hadn't been told what I was eating, I definitely would've been fooled," wrote Sage Lazzaro of Observer.com.

The Impossible Burger costs $12 and is only available during lunch, between noon and 3 p.m., and at happy hour between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. They're first-come, first-serve, so make sure you get there early!

Follow Helin on Instagram.
SU 30MKI india air force

Amid a gridlock between India and Russia on the development of their fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), India has decided to set up negotiations with Russia to upgrade 194 Sukhoi Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs to a near fifth-generation level for about $8 billion, Defense News reports.

The improved Su-30s will feature advanced stealth technology, longer range missiles and radars, a jointly developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and an advanced suite of avionics.

"[A] major part of the upgrade [to Super Sukhoi] involves avionics and sensors. These are completely new with new systems and new software. Hence it has no relation to old problems with software. Engine issues will have to be dealt with," retired Indian Air Force Air Marshal Muthumanikam Matheswaran told Defense News.

But even improved Su-30s won't do the job needed by the IAF, who have fallen behind with aircraft maintenance.

Furthermore, the move to upgrade the existing aircraft while India and Russia wait for a new generation of fighters represents a kind of half-measure, and it complicates the already fraught joint venture between India and Russia to develop the FGFA.

"Upgrade of the Su-30 will certainly slow the FGFA acquisition primarily due to financial limitations," Matheswaran said. "But upgraded Su-30 is not the same as FGFA."

PAK FA armament graphic

Indeed the difference between "near fifth generation" and "fifth generation" is a huge. A fifth generation jet should employ an integrated stealth design, internal electronic warfare capabilities, and super-cruise abilities. No matter how much the Su-30 is upgraded, the basics, like an airframe lacking internal weapons bays and other stealth features, cannot be tacked on at this late stage.

Story continues

In fact, the FGFA, also known as the PAK FA or the T-50, already hardly meets the requirements of the "fifth generation" aircraft as defined by planes like the F-22 and F-35.

NOW WATCH: Watch newly released footage of the F-35B taking off, hovering, and landing vertically





More From Business Insider


Kareena Kapoor Khan and Paris Hilton: From the classic pout, to their svelte frames, the way they smile and their jaw lines, the Bollywood beauty Kareena Kapoor Khan and the American hotel heiress, fashionista and socialite, Paris Hilton, do look a lot like each other. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Paris Hilton: From the classic pout, to their svelte frames, the way they smile and their jaw lines, the Bollywood beauty Kareena Kapoor Khan and the American hotel heiress, fashionista and socialite, Paris Hilton, do look a lot like each other.

When Canadian fitness vlogger, Navpreet Banga, posted a picture of hers on Instagram, little did she anticipate the storm it would create online. Ever since her photographs started doing the rounds, social media has been going crazy over how similar Banga looks to Priyanka Chopra.



If there is any truth in the saying, than there are supposed to be seven people in the world who look like you. Though, we have not managed to find all seven, a number of our Indian celebrities sure have their doppelgangers  and many of them are from Hollywood.

We take a look at our celebrities and their look-alikes:
The families of the 14 prisoners on death row in Indonesia have been told to prepare for executions, which will reportedly go ahead Thursday night.

The inmates, believed to be four Indonesians, six Nigerians, two Zimbabweans, one Indian and one Pakistani, are currently being held at Nusa Kambangan prison island, the Guardian reports. Fourteen coffins arrived at the prison earlier on Thursday.

The priest of convicted former Indonesian migrant worker Merri Utami, was told to prepare for tonight, said her lawyer Ricky Gunawan. All of the prisoners, which include 13 men and one woman, were convicted of drug offenses.

Despite several clemency appeals and diplomatic efforts from relevant governments, Muhammad Rum, a spokesman for Indonesias attorney general said the executions would go ahead. They all have been given chances at all stages, he said.

Indonesia on Thursday rebuffed appeals from the U.N. human rights chief and the European Union to halt the executions, according to the Associated Press. The E.U. called on Indonesias President Joko Jokowi Widodo to consider joining the wide community of over 140 states that have abolished the death penalty entirely or have adopted a moratorium.

Human rights groups have documented alleged abuses suffered by those on death row, including forced confessions, torture and beatings.

I think this shows a systematic and blatant disregard and violation of the Indonesian laws, said Gunawan, particularly on clemency and rules of execution.

Indonesia resumed executions in 2013 after a 4 year moratorium, and last year executed 14 people  mostly foreigners  accused of drugs crimes.

[Guardian, AP]
Cilacap (Indonesia) (AFP) - Indonesia Friday executed four drug convicts, three of them foreigners, by firing squad, an official said, drawing swift condemnation as Jakarta pushes on with its tough campaign of capital punishment.

Ten others expected to have faced the firing squad, including nationals from Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, were not put to death but officials said they would be executed at a later stage.

Authorities did not give a reason for the reprieve, but the prison island where they were expected to be executed in outdoor clearings was hit by a major storm as the other sentences were carried out.

The executions, which saw an Indonesian and three Nigerians face the firing squad, were the first in the country since April last year when authorities put to death eight drug convicts, including two Australians.

President Joko Widodo has defended dramatically ramping up the use of capital punishment, saying that Indonesia is fighting a war on drugs and traffickers must be heavily punished.

Noor Rachmad, deputy attorney general for general crimes, said the latest executions were "done not in order to take lives but to stop evil intentions, and the evil act of drug trafficking".

He added that "the rest (of the executions) will be carried out in stages", saying that the timings had not yet been decided.

Amnesty International condemned the executions, with the group's Rafendi Djamin labelling them "a deplorable act".

"Any executions that are still to take place must be halted immediately. The injustice already done cannot be reversed, but there is still hope that it won't be compounded," he said.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the European Union had also voiced opposition to the plan in recent days.

Friday's executions, which happened at 12:45 am (1745 GMT Thursday), came after a day of frenetic activity, with distraught relatives travelling to Nusakambangan island to say farewells to their loved ones and ambulances carrying coffins over to the heavily guarded penal colony.

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- Execution drive -

The executed Indonesian was named as Freddy Budiman, while the three Nigerians were: Seck Osmane, Humphrey Jefferson Ejike Eleweke and Michael Titus Igweh.

Eleweke's lawyer, Afif Abdul Qoyim, told AFP the execution should not have gone ahead as his client this week filed a legal appeal.

"When this process in not respected, that means that this is no longer a country that upholds the law, nor human rights," he said.

Two people whose cases had raised high-profile international concern among rights groups were not executed.

The first was Pakistani Zulfiqar Ali, whom rights groups say was beaten into confessing to the crime of heroin possession, leading to his 2005 death sentence.

Syed Zahid Raza, the deputy Pakistani ambassador in Indonesia, hailed his reprieve as a victory and said it was due to diplomatic efforts in Jakarta and Islamabad.

The other was Indonesian woman Merri Utami, who was caught with heroin in her bag as she came through Jakarta airport and claims she was duped into becoming a drug mule.

At Cilacap, the city closest to Nusakambangan, family members were initially shocked to learn on Thursday morning their relatives would be executed in a matter of hours, having initially thought it would take place a day later.

Some distressed relatives protested their loved ones' innocence, while 10 women's rights activists rallying in support of Utami were detained.

It was the third batch of executions under Widodo, and means 18 drug convicts -- mostly foreigners -- have been put to death since he became leader in 2014.

His execution drive has shocked the international community and disappointed activists, particularly as hopes were high that Widodo, seen as a fresh face in a political world dominated by figures from Indonesia's authoritarian past, would improve the country's rights record.
By Johan Purnomo CILACAP, Indonesia (Reuters) - Indonesia executed four convicted drug traffickers, three of them Nigerians, in the early hours of Friday, leaving the fate of 10 others uncertain. The Africans and an Indonesian man were shot by firing squad during a thunderstorm shortly after midnight on Nusakambangan Island in Central Java, as the government ignored international calls for clemency and pushed ahead with what it considers a war on drugs. The attorney general said on Wednesday that 14 prisoners, including citizens of India, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, would be executed this weekend. An official said on Friday the planned executions would go ahead "in stages" but declined to give a timeframe. Security was stepped up at the Indonesian embassy in Nigerian capital Abuja on Thursday as protesters gathered to urge Indonesia to halt the executions. Indian and Pakistani officials said they were making last-minute efforts to save their citizens. "We considered several factors and decided that for now four death row inmates would be executed," Noor Rachmad, an official at the attorney general's office, told reporters shortly after Friday's executions. Just over a year ago, Indonesia executed 14 prisoners, mostly foreign drugs offenders, causing diplomatic outrage. Rights activists and governments have again called on Indonesia to abolish the death penalty. But that has gone unheeded by the government of President Joko Widodo, who has said drugs pose as serious a threat as terrorism in what is one of Southeast Asia's biggest markets for narcotics. The death penalty is widely accepted by the Indonesian public, but police on Thursday had to break up a protest outside the prison by members of a migrant workers group who called for mercy for an Indonesian woman who was scheduled to be executed. The United Nations and European Union had urged the executions be halted. "Such death sentences are unlawful and tantamount to an arbitrary execution as they are undertaken in contravention of Indonesias international human rights obligations," the U.N. said in a statement on Thursday. Amnesty International called the executions "a deplorable act that violates international and Indonesian law" and pleaded that the other death sentences not be carried out. "The injustice already done cannot be reversed, but there is still hope that it won't be compounded," the rights group's regional director, Rafendi Djamin, said. Around 152 people remain on death row in the country, including convicted drug traffickers from the Philippines, France and Britain. Authorities plan to execute 16 prisoners this year and more than double that number in 2017. (Additional reporting and writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Indonesia on Thursday rejected mounting international pressure and desperate pleas from relatives to halt the execution of 14 drug convicts who are expected to imminently face the firing squad.

The group, including foreigners from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, have been placed in isolation on a prison island where Jakarta carries out executions.

Authorities stepped up preparations, with ambulances seen transporting coffins over to the island and cars heading for the penal colony in the evening carrying convicts' relatives, police and religious counsellors.

President Joko Widodo believes Indonesia faces an emergency due to rising drugs consumption and has dramatically escalated the use of capital punishment, putting to death 14 drug convicts, mostly foreigners, since he took power in 2014.

Indonesia last carried out executions in April 2015 when it put to death eight drug convicts, including two Australians, sparking international outrage.

Family members say they have been told the convicts in the forthcoming round will be executed Thursday night, according to a lawyer and diplomat, a day earlier than had originally been expected. The government could not be reached for comment.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon led international condemnation, urging Widodo to halt the imminent executions and declare a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Ban recalled that under international law, the death penalty should be used for the most serious crimes and said "drug crimes are generally not considered to meet this threshold".

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Indonesia to end the "unjust" use of the death penalty and the European Union has also urged a halt.

But Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir defended the upcoming executions as "pure law enforcement".

There have been concerns about legal irregularities in the cases of some facing imminent execution, with Amnesty International citing "systematic flaws" in several trials and noting a handful of clemency appeals were still pending.

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- Forced confessions -

These included Pakistani Zulfiqar Ali, whom rights groups say was beaten into confessing to the crime of heroin possession, leading to his 2005 death sentence.

Rights group the Justice Project Pakistan say that the 52-year-old father of six was "tortured relentlessly" during a three-day interrogation in a house by police, after which he required surgery.

Indonesian woman Merri Utami, who was caught with heroin in her bag as she came through Jakarta airport, claims she was duped into becoming a drug mule, and that police forced her into confessing with beatings and sexual harassment.

Rights groups have mounted a campaign to save her, and 10 women's rights activists were detained by police Thursday in Cilacap -- the port city closest to the prison island -- as they rallied in support of her.

Family members of Michael Titus Igweh, a Nigerian prisoner, also protested his looming execution, saying his case was still under review.

"I don't think this is fair. They should fulfil his legal rights first," Igweh's sister-in-law Nila, who gave just one name, told reporters in the port city.

Support for the death penalty in Indonesia is generally high but there has been some public opposition.

Dozens of protesters held a vigil late Thursday in front of the presidential palace in Jakarta, arranging candles in the shape of a noose and laying posters emblazoned with a bloody hand and the words "stop the executions" on the ground.

Diplomats and lawyers were angered after authorities notified family members the executions would take place Thursday, saying they believed they could only be held Friday after the end of a legally required, 72-hour notice period.

Authorities have not released a detailed list of the convicts who will face the firing squad but the Jakarta-based Community Legal Aid Institute said the group consists of four Indonesians, six Nigerians and one each from Pakistan, India, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Indonesia had an unofficial moratorium on the death penalty between 2008 and 2012 but resumed executions in 2013 under Widodo's predecessor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - Inducing labor doesnt appear to increase the baby's odds of autism, a new study suggests. Researchers examined data on more than 1.3 million births in Sweden and found about 3.5% of babies born after induction were diagnosed with autism by age 20, compared with 2.5% of other infants. This translates into a roughly 19% greater risk of autism with induced labor, which is statistically significant. But when researchers took a closer look just at sibling pairs with one baby that arrived after induction and another that didnt, they no longer found any link between induced labor and autism risk. The results from nearly 700,000 siblings suggest that any elevated autism risk associated with labor induction is actually due to other factors such as genetics or medical issues experienced by individual women, said lead study author Dr. Anna Sara Oberg of Harvard University in Boston. The association observed between unrelated individuals may be a result of confounding factors, and not a causal effect of labor induction on the risk of autism spectrum disorder, Oberg said by email. Oberg and colleagues reviewed data on all live births in Sweden from 1992 to 2015. Overall, about 11% of these deliveries were induced, the researchers reported online July 25 in JAMA Pediatrics. Labor induction was more common when mothers were older, obese, hypertensive, or diabetic. The mothers country of origin, education level and smoking status early in pregnancy didnt appear to impact whether they would have an induced labor. One limitation of the study is that it didnt examine various types of labor induction, which can include a variety of medications and procedures to help labor begin and progress, the authors note. The findings from the current study also run counter to a large 2013 study of U.S. babies that did link labor induction to a greater risk of autism, Oberg noted. More research is needed to explore how different types of induction or various reasons for induced labor may influence the odds of babies developing autism, Oberg said. Still, findings from the current study should be reassuring for parents, said Dr. Bryan King, a researcher at Seattle Childrens Hospital and the University of Washington who wasnt involved in the study. These investigators were able to take advantage of a very large population database to look within families and compare the risk for siblings who were induced versus those who werent, thus better controlling for other genetic and environmental risks, King said by email. Its possible that any greater risk of autism seen with induction is actually due to the medical reasons induction was needed, and not to the medication used to help labor progress, said Dr. Daniel Coury, a researcher at Ohio State University in Columbus and Nationwide Childrens Hospital who wrote an editorial accompanying the study. The odds are very positive that the product of an IVF pregnancy or an induced labor is going to be a healthy child, Coury said by email. The great majority of children with autism have not been the product of an induced labor; we still dont know all the causes of autism. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2aexfMk and http://bit.ly/2ahdOjw JAMA Pediatrics 2016.
By James Oliphant and Jonathan Allen PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Twelve years ago, Barack Obamas electrifying speech at the Democratic National Convention brought tears to Andrew Gillums eyes. Now mayor of Tallahassee, Florida, and viewed as a rising star in that state, Gillum did not hesitate when asked to name his political role model. Elizabeth Warren, he replied, referring to the firebrand U.S. senator from Massachusetts. That the 37-year-old African-American mayor of a Southern U.S. city identifies Warren as his political lodestar speaks volumes about the Democratic Party's progressive shift, even as Hillary Clinton officially becomes its presidential nominee after a quarter-century of public service. With the party in transition, Clintons 1990s-era brand of Democratic centrism is slowly being eclipsed by a wave of progressivism personified by Warren and by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, a rival of Clinton's until he endorsed her this month. Although Sanders' insurgent presidential bid fell short, leaving his supporters bitterly disappointed, a new crop of Democratic candidates seems determined to carry on his work, with Warren, 67, as their putative leader. Like Obama in 2004, Gillum and many others at the Philadelphia convention sought to boost their profiles, raise cash and network with fellow Democrats, buoyed by the adoption of the most progressive platform in party history, with planks for debt-free college, expanded Social Security benefits and a tax on carbon emissions. Clinton, too, has moved to the left, embracing many of these causes, separating herself from a more moderate brand of Democratic politics personified by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who was pro-free trade, friendlier to Wall Street and emphasized budget discipline. There is an energy thats coming from the folks that were brought to the process by the Sanders campaign, said Sarah Lloyd, 44, a congressional candidate in Wisconsin who supported Sanders. That can only be a positive thing for the party. TAKING THE LEAD More than Sanders, Warren has taken the lead in shaping the Democrats' next generation. Formerly a professor of law, Warren conceived and set up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau formed in 2011 under President Obama. She launched a political action committee to back Democratic candidates and inspired other advocacy groups, such as the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, to solicit donations to a bloc it terms the party's Warren wing. A speaker at the convention, Florida's Gillum was frustrated by Sanders because he seemed disinterested in helping other Democratic candidates, in contrast with Warren. Senator Sanders was content to be a movement by himself, Gillum said. Its a revolution when you bring people along with you. Warrens committee has donated to the campaigns of U.S. Senate hopefuls such as Kamala Harris, 51, of California, Jason Kander, 35, of Missouri, and Catherine Cortez Masto, 52, of Nevada. They and Wisconsins Lloyd oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the global trade deal that has split the progressive and moderate elements of the party. The PCCCs slate of "Warren wing" candidates supports a $15-an-hour minimum wage, campaign-finance reform and tighter rules for Wall Street. One of those on the slate is Zephyr Teachout, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York, who has campaigned in a T-shirt that reads, Im from the Elizabeth Warren wing of the party and who has been endorsed by Sanders. There is a rising and very important populism, talking about money in politics, talking about trade, talking about economic issues, Teachout, 44, told Reuters. Within the party, and across the board, there has been a serious rethinking of trade, rethinking of big banks, rethinking of monopolies that have too much power. Tulsi Gabbard, a U.S. representative from Hawaii, is often mentioned by Sanders supporters as one who could assume his mantle. A cable-news regular, Gabbard, 35, was one of a few Sanders supporters offered a convention speaking slot. Onstage she formally nominated Sanders for president, saying he had become a voice for millions, connecting seamlessly with laborers in the Rust Belt and environmentalists in the West. Other rising Democratic progressives frequently cited by strategists include Julian Castro, 41, the U.S. housing secretary, and his twin brother, Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas, former Ohio state senator Nina Turner, 48, U.S. Senate candidate Pramila Jayapal, 50, of Washington, and former South Carolina lawmaker Bakari Sellers, 31. BRIGHTER THAN THE REST? Harris might be the one to shine the brightest. As Californias attorney general, Harris has been mentioned as a potential U.S. presidential candidate or U.S. Supreme Court justice should she win her Senate race in November. She enjoys the support of Warren, Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, a Republican-turned-independent, suggesting she can appeal to both the partys liberal and moderate flanks. She joined forces with Bloomberg in his crusade for tighter gun laws, bonded with Warren over helping homeowners struggling through the foreclosure crisis of the late 2000s and joined Obamas efforts to overhaul a criminal justice system that tends to treat black citizens more harshly than white ones. In one campaign ad, Warren is viewed saying, "Kamala Harris was fearless." Harris, in turn, has backed Clinton. In an interview, she rejected the idea that the party is leaving Clinton behind even as it nominates her for president. I strongly believe that these two generations have much more in common than what separates them in terms of fundamental values, Harris said. (Reporting by James Oliphant and Jonathan Allen; Written by James Oliphant; Editing by Caren Bohan and Howard Goller)
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2016 / International Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ILC) (the "Company" or "ILC") is pleased to announce that strategic partner Pioneer Resources Limited ("Pioneer") (PIO.AX) is planning $1 million in exploration expenditures in 2016 on the Mavis and Raleigh lithium pegmatite projects east of Dryden, Ontario, Canada.

"This brings the total amount budgeted for exploration to CAD$17 million across the Company's projects in Canada, Argentina and Ireland, making International Lithium Corp. one of the most active exploration companies in the lithium sector. This speaks volumes for the quality as well as the potential of the Company's projects," states Kirill Klip, President, International Lithium Corp."

Mavis and Raleigh Exploration Programs

The $1 million budget will be allocated fairly evenly across the Mavis and Raleigh lithium pegmatite projects ("Projects"). The exploration programs will include litho-geochemical sampling, ground and airborne geophysics and 3,000m of diamond drilling with 1,500m planned at each of the Projects in autumn 2016.

To date a continuous-reading ground magnetic survey has been completed over much of the Mavis Lake Lithium Project and data processing is underway. In addition, mapping and litho-geochemical rock sampling (170 samples submitted for assay) have been completed to refine targets ahead of drilling.

Field crews will undertake similar exploration programs of geophysics, mapping and litho-geochemistry at Raleigh later this month. Magnetic survey options are being investigated to best suit the local terrain with consideration being given to the use of a low-altitude high-resolution aeromagnetic system.

About the Mavis and Raleigh Lithium Pegmatite Projects

The Mavis and Raleigh Lithium Projects are situated 19 and 80 kilometres east respectively from the town of Dryden, Ontario. Both Projects are in close vicinity to the Trans-Canada highway and railway major transportation arteries linking larger cities such as Thunder Bay, Ontario, to the southeast and Winnipeg, Manitoba, to the west.

Story continues

When rare-metal pegmatites are emplaced, the host rocks adjacent to the pegmatite are enriched by the associated fluids forming a rare-metals' dispersion halo around the pegmatite body. Normally the extent of the rare-metal alteration halo is within meters of the pegmatite, but the pegmatite belts at Mavis and Raleigh exhibit some of the broadest and strongest host-rock lithium anomalies observed around the world denoting an intense mineralizing system.

Previous exploration campaigns on the Projects successfully discovered spodumene bearing high-grade lithium pegmatites within these anomalous bands (see Company news releases March 14, March 23, July 13 and July 25, 2016 for further details).

The close proximity of the Projects presents clear strategic and operational advantages. ILC is pursuing lithium prospects with reported high grades in this region and seeking to consolidate them with the aim to identify sufficient resources in multiple prospects to potentially feed a common processing facility. The Upper Canada Lithium Pool is the anticipated geographical consolidation of projects and partnered companies hosting amenable grade, volume, access and infrastructure in order to mitigate the financial burden on any one company when advancing specific projects to reach this goal.

John Harrop, P.Geo, FGS, is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 who has supervised preparation of the technical information contained in this news release.

About International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. is an exploration company with an outstanding portfolio of projects, strong management ownership, robust financial support and a strategic partner and keystone investor Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., a leading China based lithium product manufacturer.

The Company's primary focus is the Mariana lithium-potash brine project, a joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. within the renowned South American "Lithium Belt" that is the host to the vast majority of global lithium resources, reserves and production. The 160 square kilometre Mariana project strategically encompasses an entire mineral rich evaporate basin that ranks as one of the more prospective salars or 'salt lakes' in the region.

Complementing the Company's lithium brine project are three rare metals pegmatite properties in Canada known as the Mavis, Raleigh, and Forgan projects; and one project in Ireland (Avalonia project) that encompasses an extensive 50km long pegmatite belt. The Avalonia project is under option to strategic partner Ganfeng Lithium and the Mavis and Raleigh projects with strategic partner Pioneer Resources Limited (PIO:ASX). The Mavis, Raleigh and Forgan projects together form the basis of the Company's newly created Upper Canada Lithium Pool designated to focus on acquiring numerous prospects with previously reported high concentrations of lithium in close proximity to existing infrastructure.

With the increasing demand for high tech rechargeable batteries used in vehicle propulsion technologies and portable electronics, lithium is paramount to tomorrow's "green-tech", sustainable economy. By positioning itself with solid development partners and acquiring high quality grass roots projects at an early stage of exploration, ILC aims to be the resource explorer of choice for investors in green tech and build value for its shareholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Kirill Klip

President, International Lithium Corp.

For further information regarding this news release contact Caroline Klukowski (Corporate Communications) at 604.687.7551 or view the website at www.internationallithium.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. Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, historical estimates should not be relied upon, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. News release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: International Lithium Corp.
Tehran (AFP) - Iran's foreign ministry condemned this week's killing of a French priest, drawing a parallel with the recent decapitation of a young boy by jihadists in Syria, state media said Thursday.

"Such savage and abominable actions must be condemned regardless of the location," said ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi.

"We share the sadness of all... in the face of these inhuman, brutal and detestable actions."

Two jihadists, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, attacked a French church on Tuesday and murdered a priest by cutting his throat.

That came a week after a video emerged showing rebel fighters beheading a boy, said to be around 13, after capturing him north of Syria's second city Aleppo.

Iran gives political and military backing to the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad, and labels all rebel groups in Syria as "terrorists".
MADISON, Wis.  The Republican co-chair of the Legislatures budget committee is at odds with Gov. Scott Walker over whether tax and fee increases should be considered to help plug a nearly $1 billion shortfall in Wisconsins transportation budget.

Walker doesnt want to raise taxes or fees, while Joint Finance Committee co-chair Rep. John Nygren said Wednesday that has to be an option. Whether to borrow more, raise taxes and fees, or scale back on road and highway projects already underway or planned for the future will be one of the biggest issues facing the Legislature next year.

To help make his case, Nygren scheduled an unusual mid-summer conference call with reporters to release a memo by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau showing that just to pay for road projects that have already been approved, the state will need to come up with $939 million more.

Nygren urged Walker, lawmakers and the public to be open to all options  including raising the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

We need to have a dialogue about how were going to fund our transportation needs, said Nygren, who is from Marinette. All options need to be on the table.

Walker reiterated his position in a statement saying raising taxes and fees is not the answer.

Under our administration, we will keep it a priority to live within the means of the hardworking people of Wisconsin, Walker said. That is a commitment I will honor.

Walker directed his Department of Transportation secretary to deliver a budget that identifies cost savings and prioritizes needs, but that doesnt raise taxes or fees. Doing that will delay road expansion work and upkeep on all but the states most-traveled highways. The departments budget is due on Sept. 15, and it will serve as the starting point for the governor and Legislature as they work on the states two-year spending plan to be passed in mid-2017.
By Conor Humphries DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland is planning a system of electronic border surveillance that it hopes will prevent it having to erect physical barriers with Northern Ireland when Britain leaves the European Union, its customs service said on Thursday. The unexpected result of the June 23 referendum in which UK citizens voted to leave the EU created a delicate problem for Ireland, which will remain in the free-trade, free-movement bloc and has the only land border with the United Kingdom. The governments of Britain and Ireland, countries with a close but troubled history, have both said they do not want to put border posts back on roads into Northern Ireland, a partly self-governing UK province. While Britain is keen to secure some kind of free-trade deal with the EU, exactly how that would work, and what would be the new rules for people moving in and out of the country, Ireland is preparing for at least some changes. "Even if there is a free-trade agreement, we will still need to know what is being traded, what is crossing the border," Irish Customs Deputy Director General Anthony Buckley told a conference in Dublin. Customs staff are evaluating technologies such as traffic surveillance and computerized pre-authorization of importers and exporters. "In autumn, we begin serious work ... we reckon it will take us two or three years to build," Buckley said. So-called "soft-border" infrastructure is already used in Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, and Ireland is looking at similar technologies, he said. "A truck should be able to drive from Cork to Belfast without stopping," Buckley said, adding he was confident permanent border posts would not be required for customs purposes. Britain's ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Chilcott, said he was hopeful there would be no need to limit the free movement of people between Britain and Ireland, neither of which are part of the European Union's Schengen passport-free travel area. But, he told the conference, avoiding some controls on the trade of goods would be "more difficult". (Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
The drama at the top of the Democratic National Committee this past week, in response to the leaked trove of emails, means that the organization will be in need of new leadership after the November election. One possible replacement took the stage at the convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday evening.

Stephanie Schriock is president of EMILYs List, which gives financial backing to pro-choice Democratic women candidates. Before joining the group in 2010, she earned a reputation as a fund-raiser and manager on such campaigns as Howard Deans 2004 presidential race and Al Frankens 2008 run for the Senate.

But her speech tonight was about women candidates in general, and one in particular. Over 31 years, EMILYs List has helped elect hundreds more women to the House, and the Senate and every other office on the ballot, she said. Except one. Hillary Clinton may be our first woman president. But she will not be our last. Once that barrier falls, it will never, ever, ever be put back up.

When DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced she would step down, and Donna Brazile took on the role temporarily, through Election Day, political insiders at the convention began to discuss who would fill the job. Schriock is often mentioned, with Politico reporting that she is the leading candidate and that Elizabeth Warren is a long shot.

From the podium, Schriock urged the election of Democratic women up and down the ballot.

More women in the House. More women in the Senate  enough to take back the majority! And, yes, at long last, put a woman in the White House.

_____

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Tel Aviv (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his support for Egypts efforts to mediate peace with the Palestinians Thursday, in a further sign of improving relations with Cairo.

Speaking at an event hosted by Cairo's envoy near Tel Aviv to celebrate Egypt's national day, Netanyahu thanked President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his commitment to the peace process.

"We welcome the efforts to advance peace by President Sisi and we welcome the effort to incorporate other Arab states in this larger effort of a broader peace," he said.

"Through storms, turbulence, earthquakes, (Israel and Egypt) have remained at peace and we shall remain at peace."

Egyptian ambassador Hazem Khairat said that Egyptian relations with Israel "could certainly be warmer if we can solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict".

Cairo remains committed to implementing the Arab Peace Initiative, a 2002 Saudi-led peace proposal for Gulf states to recognise Israel in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from occupied Arab territories, he said.

Netanyahu and Khairat also held private talks.

Egypt and Israel have been bound by a peace treaty since 1979 but relations have been formally cold over Israel's policies toward the Palestinians.

Ties further soured after the June 2012 election of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi but improved after his ouster the following year by then army chief Sisi.

Also speaking at the event, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said his country stood "shoulder to shoulder with Egypt in its struggle against terror."
By Ori Lewis JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday praised warming relations with Egypt and its president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who ousted an Islamist government seen as hostile to ties between the neighbors. Egypt was the first of a handful of Arab countries to recognize Israel, in 1979, but the downfall of Hosni Mubarak in 2011 brought to power the government of Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, straining relations with Israel. Cooperation has improved since Sisi took power in 2013, with Egypt battling Islamist insurgents in Sinai near its border with Israel and both countries wary of Gaza's Islamist rulers, Hamas. At an event at the Egyptian ambassador's residence for Egypt's national day, Netanyahu called the countries' peace treaty an "anchor of stability and security in our region". "I want to thank President al-Sisi for his leadership and for his efforts to advance peace between Israel and the Palestinians and in the broader Middle East." Netanyahu said in a speech. "We welcome the effort to incorporate other Arab states in this larger effort of a broader peace between all the people of the Middle East." Egypt's foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, paid a rare visit to Israel this month to meet Netanyahu, offering Cairo's help to revive peace talks with the Palestinians. It was the first visit to the Jewish state by an Egyptian foreign minister in nine years. In May, Sisi urged both sides to seize the opportunity to make peace, offering Israel the prospect of warmer ties if this were achieved. (Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
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LONDON  J.K. Rowling is not shy about calling people out on social media.

SEE ALSO: 24 times J.K. Rowling was a total badass on Twitter

In a clearly exasperated tweet, the novelist includes the link to a website featuring her image along with a warning: "Don't waste your money, people."

The website purports to offer three-day workshops that help participants "Become an Author and Show You How To Double... or Even Triple... Your Income!"

Rowling's photo appears alongside several other famous faces beneath the statement: "For over 20 years Ive had hands on experience working with and educating businesses and individuals, in over 27 countries around the world, about personal peak performance, business growth strategies and becoming successful authors."

Image: bestsellerevent.com

"Look, I dont blame you for being sceptical All those hyped-up, over-promised sales pitches out there can make you a disbeliever and yes, they annoy me too. But this is different - A lot different!" the website reassures.

Mashable has reached out to the website in question for comment, but has not yet received a response.

In the meantime, if you wish to reserve your place at one of the workshops, best to hurry because according to the page's time-ticker, "the REMAINING tickets won't last long!" (unless you refresh the page, which starts the timer over).
Australian actors Tess Haubrich (Alien: Covenant) and Callan Mulvey (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, TVs Underbelly) have joined Jackie Chan in the cast of Chinese-Australian sci-fi thriller Bleeding Steel.

The official start of production was announced Thursday at a ceremony at Sydney Opera House involving the state of New South Wales acting premier Troy Grant and minister for skills John Barilaro.

Producers repeated the assertion that Bleeding Steel is the biggest budget Chinese film ever to shoot in Australia. However, despite repeated inquiries by Variety, the producers refused to disclose any details that might substantiate such a claim  the overall production budget, the proportion that will be spent in Australia or the scale of the subsidies from Australian state and federal sources.

The film, which has actually been shooting in the streets of Sydney for the past few days, is backed by Chinas Heyi Pictures and by Village Roadshow Pictures Asia. Filming will continue in mainland China and Taiwan.

The film is written and directed by Chinas Leo Zhang. Zhangs script sees Chan as a special force agent who becomes embroiled in a huge conspiracy, while protecting a young woman who is an important witness for a major case. Years later, after the publication of an epic sci-fi novel, the parties behind the conspiracy resurface.

Other cast includes Nana Ouyang (To the Fore), newcomer Erica Xia-Hou, and Show Luo (Journey to the West, Mermaid.)

Chans parents moved from Hong Kong to Australian capital Canberra when he was a 7 year old. He later held laboring and restaurants in the country before his film career took off.

Heyi Pictures is the film production arm of Youku Tudou, the Alibaba-owned online video company. The company says it draws heavily on online content business models and has a strong commitment to exploring innovative uses of big data for strategy, marketing and brand development in the production process.

Story continues

VRPA is the Beijing based offshoot of Australias Village Roadshow group and largely focuses on Sino-foreign co-productions. It has been involved with Stephen Chows Journey to the West, Leste Chens Say Yes!, and Zhong Kui: Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal. Its upcoming films include Mountain Cry, Hide and Seek and Reborn.

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On the heels of her husbands historic presidential campaign, Jane Sanders spoke to Yahoo News Katie Couric Wednesday night about Donald Trump, the leaked Democratic National Committee emails and the next phase of the political revolution.

I think that he is the most dangerous candidate that weve had in this country, Sanders said of Donald Trump, who accepted the Republican nomination for president in Cleveland last week.

Trump, she continued, does not seem to believe in the Constitution of the United States, nor does he respect the media.

At the same time, Sanders argued, the media created him.

Hes an entertainer and hes not dumb, she said. He knows how to manipulate the media.

Moving on from the Republican nominee, Sanders discussed the recent DNC email leak that revealed a concerted effort by Democratic Party leaders to derail her husbands presidential campaign.

We knew, and we said to the media for six months, the DNC is favoring Secretary Clinton, she said. Still, Sanders told Couric, were not crybabies.

The election is over, Bernie was not elected president, she said. It doesnt matter how fair or not fair it is, we live in a democracy, the votes are counted and we need to respect that.

Now, Sanders said, she and her husband plan to campaign vigorously for Hillary Clinton, knowing that they at least influenced the Democratic Party to pass the most progressive platform weve ever had.

The election may be over, she said, but the political revolution continues.





_____

Related slideshows:

On the ground at the DNC  a photo report >>>

How newspapers covered the historic second day of the DNC >>>

Bernie Sanders supporters make a last stand >>>

Sanders supporters weep at DNC >>>

How newspapers covered the DNCs first big day >>>

Demonstrators protest outside the DNC >>>
PHILADELPHIA  California Gov. Jerry Brown called Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump a fraud for denying the existence of man-made climate change and calling global warming a hoax.

Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud, Brown told the attendees at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night. Trump says theres no drought in California, I say Trump lies. So its not surprising that Trump chose as his running mate a man who denies that theres such a thing as evolution.

Brown was Bill Clintons chief Democratic rival in the 1992 presidential race, and spoke at the convention that year without endorsing him.

But Brown endorsed Hillary Clinton in advance of this years California primary. Brown said that she couldnt be more different from Trump. While Trump talks and talks and talks, Hillary gets stuff done. He said that she paved the way for the Paris Climate Agreement, and launched a coalition of countries to reduce pollutants.

Brown followed a short movie on climate change that was co-produced by Avatar director James Cameron. Among those who appeared in the movie was Browns gubernatorial predecessor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has also made addressing climate change part of his legacy.

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PHILADELPHIA  Capping a session that saw seven of his states top elected officials addressing the Democratic National Convention, California Gov. Jerry Brown completed a decades-long transformation from one of the Clintons bitterest Democratic foes to one of Hillarys most prominent, if not particularly passionate, supporters.

While [Donald] Trump talks, and talks, and talks, Hillary does stuff, Brown said. She fights for us on big issues.

Brown didnt talk, and talk, and talk about Clinton. Hed been slotted into the climate-change portion of the program, and his concise remarks never strayed from his chosen topic: how it is the existential threat of our time; how it will take heroic effort on the part of many people and many nations to halt it; how  even with the toughest climate laws in the country  our economy, in California, is growing faster than almost any nation in the whole world.

Brown dutifully made the case for why President Hillary Clinton will do whats needed to combat climate change and lead the clean-energy revolution. But he sounded far more convincing when he was trashing Trump, whom he described as dead wrong  dangerously wrong  on the issue.

Trump says global warming is a hoax, Brown bellowed. I say Trump is a fraud.

To anyone familiar with the Brown-Clinton backstory, the governors not-so-expansive address was both a sign of how far the two camps have come  and a reminder how fraught their relationship has been.

For much of this years Democratic nominating contest, Brown refused say whether he preferred Clinton or Sanders. When he finally endorsed Hillary  one week before the June 7 California primary, after a half-hour huddle with Bill in Sacramento  he did so in a conspicuously low-key manner: an open letter to California Democrats.

The endorsement itself was tepid too.

Clintons lead is insurmountable and Democrats have shown  by millions of votes  that they want her as their nominee, Brown wrote, casting her victory as a fait accompli.

Story continues

Then he went out of his way to say that was deeply impressed with Sanders campaign for driving home the message that the top 1 percent has unfairly captured way too much of Americas wealth, leaving the majority of people far behind.

Jerry Brown of California speaking at a rally in downtown Manchester, N.H., during his 1992 campaign for president. (Photo: Toby Talbot/AP)

In 1992, I attempted a similar campaign, Brown added. His head may have been with Hillary  but his heart seemed to be with Bernie.

Looking back, its no surprise that Brown  never the most emotional of politicians  cant bring himself to gush over a Clinton.

When Brown opposed Bill for the 1992 Democratic presidential nomination, things got, in the words of a contemporaneous Associated Press report, highly personal. One Brown ad sought to convince viewers that Clinton was slippery by reminding them of his extramarital affairs and the fact that he tried smoking pot; Clinton shot back with a radio spot that grossly misrepresented Browns position on abortion. In response, Brown called Clinton the prince of sleaze.

During a fractious March debate in Chicago, Brown tossed around terms like corruption, conflict of interest and scandal of major proportions as he accused Clinton of funneling money to his wifes law firm for state business in what later came to be known as the Whitewater scandal.

I dont care what you say about me, but you ought to be ashamed of yourself for jumping on my wife, Clinton snapped. Youre not worth being on the same platform with my wife. I never funneled any money to my wifes law firm. Never.

Brown lost the nominating contest, but his concerns about what he described as Clintons character issue drove him to continue campaigning all the way to the convention in New York. Back then, the Clintons were nowhere near as accommodating of Brown as theyve been of his 2016 counterpart, Bernie Sanders.

The 1992 convention was so controlled, they wouldnt even let me talk, Brown recalled on Tuesday. This is a love fest compared to that.

Much like Sanders supporters, Brown delegates roamed the arena with tape over their mouths, protesting what they said was the muzzling of their candidate by party leaders. They even interrupted Hillarys speech with shouts of Let Jerry speak!

Ive never known Jerry not to speak when he wants to speak, Hillary quipped. Hes always speaking, near as I can tell.

When Brown eventually got the microphone  to second his own nomination  he spoke for 20 minutes without mentioning Bill by name.

The wounds of 1992 took a long time to heal. In September 1998, Brown predicted that Bill would be impeached, saying its not a question of if, its only a question of when. In 2009, Bill endorsed Browns gubernatorial primary opponent, Gavin Newsom. And as recently as 2010, Brown was still questioning Bills integrity.

Clintons a nice guy, but whoever said he always told the truth? Brown said at an event in East Los Angeles. You remember, right? Theres that whole story there about did he or didnt he. (Bill eventually endorsed Brown in the general election.)

At the end of Wednesdays speech, Brown did manage to gin up a bit of enthusiasm for the task at hand  perhaps because he was talking about Hillary, not Bill, and contrasting her with someone  Trump  he despises even more.

America needs today are not deniers, but leaders, Brown said. Not division, but common purpose. Not bombast, but bold action. Thats why we need Hillary.

It may have been the nicest thing Jerry Brown has ever said about a Clinton.

_____

Related slideshows:

On the ground at the DNC  a photo report >>>

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HAVANA (Reuters) - U.S. budget airline JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU.O) said on Thursday it would launch scheduled commercial flights from the United States to Cuba on Aug. 31, ahead of competitors that have also announced departure dates.

The former Cold War foes agreed last year to restore regular airline services after more than five decades as part of a broader detente in which they also resumed diplomatic ties.

U.S. travel to Cuba was long an expensive and complicated endeavor. Given a U.S. ban on tourism to the island, most Americans could visit only as part of an organized group tour.

Even when U.S. President Barack Obama eased travel rules earlier this year, allowing Americans to travel independently to Cuba for educational, cultural and other authorized purposes, they still had to travel on chartered planes.

But from Aug. 31, JetBlue will launch thrice-weekly flights between the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Santa Clara airport, with fares starting at $99 one-way.

The airline will upgrade this service to daily flights from Oct.1, also offering daily flights from Fort Lauderdale to Camaguey from Nov.3 and to Holguin from Nov. 10.

Silver Airways is set to be the second U.S. airline to operate flights from the United States to Cuba, launching service from Fort Lauderdale to Santa Clara on Sept. 1.

American Airlines (AAL.O) is to start its services from Miami to Cienfuegos and Holguin on Sept. 7, adding flights to Camaguey and Santa Clara on Sept. 9 and to Varadero on Sept. 11.

Washington has given tentative approval for flights to Havana on eight U.S. airlines as early as this fall and expects to reach a final decision later this summer.

U.S. airlines anticipate a bigger payout from Cuba than is typical for Caribbean destinations.

Strong demand is expected from Cuban-Americans visiting relatives, as well as from executives hoping to evaluate commercial opportunities in Cuba.

(Reporting by Nelson Acosta and Sarah Marsh; Editing by Dan Grebler)
PHILADELPHIAJill Stein takes public transportation to the Democratic National Convention. On the day after Hillary Clinton made history as the first woman to win a major party presidential nomination, the Green Party presidential candidate is on the subway en route to the Wells Fargo Center. Adoring fans spot her on the way over and demand selfies. A heavily tattooed woman complains to Stein: Its been a Hillary party the whole time. Its like brainwash, like waterboarding. Its awful.

Stein is in high demand. The populist progressive tells me that after Bernie Sanders endorsed Clinton two weeks ago, effectively ending his insurgent campaign for president, a lot more people started paying attention to her campaign. The floodgates opened, Stein says. I almost feel like a social-worker, being out there talking to the Bernie supporters. They are broken-hearted. They feel really abused, and misled, largely by the Democratic Party.

Its hard to miss the anger and frustration. At the start of the week, Sanders supporters took to booing the mere mention of Clintons name at the convention. Dozens of die-hards even staged a dramatic walkout after Clinton won the nomination. Stein insists that she feels their pain.I think the Democratic Party is really struggling right now, she says. Its become a zombie party.

The Green Party candidate styles herself as a successor to the Sanders campaign. And she has been making the rounds in Philadelphia in the midst of the Democratic convention. When Sanders supporters protested Clintons nomination, Stein was spotted in the crowd. On Tuesday, she showed up at a Bernie-or-Bust rally in downtown Philadelphia, reminding the crowd: Whatever happens, you know my campaign is here. We are going to continue this movement. As she works to channel the dismay of Sanders loyalists toward her campaign, Stein says perhaps Bernie will see the light, come over, and join us at some point down the line.

Recommended: Hillary Clinton Does It Again

The thing is though, Sanders has already promised his political revolution wont end. At the same time, he has undeniably signaled a willingness to make peace with the establishment. Stein seems skeptical. Its hard to have a revolutionary campaign inside of a counterrevolutionary political party, she cautioned at the rally. Every time, theres been a rebel inside the Democratic Party, a candidate with integrity, they have been sabotaged, like Bernie, Stein tells me as we walk out of the subway and into 90-degree heat. All their claims about having a movement that will live on inside the Democratic Party, it just doesnt happen.

Its really hard to maintain sustained outrage. Its just tiring.

Stein may be right, but that doesnt mean her revolution will fare much better. The Harvard-educated physician has barely made a dent in national polling. A YouGov/Economist poll from late July put her at just 3 percent. And while Stein may win some votes from Sanders supporters ready to defect, the vast majority of people who voted for the senator appear to already have lined up behind Clinton. Among consistent Sanders supporters, Pew Research found a full 90 percent plan to support Clinton.

Even the anger on display at the convention may soon be a distant memory. Despite threats of protest from Sanders supporters against Tim Kaine, Clintons vice-presidential candidate, there was no revolt when the Virginia senator took the stage on Wednesday. As Angie Aker, a Sanders delegate, put it on Tuesday evening inside the arena as she held a sign that read, Silenced by Her, above her head: Its really hard to maintain sustained outrage. Its just tiring.

Recommended: How Chelsea Clinton Beat Ivanka Trump at Being a Candidate Daughter

So, can Stein really lead a political revolution? Her diagnosis of the problems plaguing the country isnt so different from Sanderss assessment. Like the senator, she sees a country overrun by big money and corporate power. She wants to make health care a right, break up big banks, and ensure that high-quality education is accessible for Americans. Stein has also embraced positions that put her to the left of the senator. At the Bernie-or-Bust rally, she called for reparations as part of a conversation on fighting racism rooted in the criminal institution of slavery.

Add all that up and the campaigns most effective selling point may be that Stein can act as a kind of stand-in for Sanders now that his campaign has reached an end. But political revolutions are the stuff of bold promises, not plan Bs and second-choice candidates. Messages like If you dont like Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, vote for Jill Stein or Vote Green Party, if your first choice candidate is no longer in the race may not prove adequately inspiring.

Still, Stein is winning some voters over. Theresa Gallivan, a 48-year-old from Michigan, who showed up at the rally, said she plans to vote for Stein now that Clinton has secured the nomination. I wont vote for Hillary, Gallivan said decisively. Asked what she thought of the talk of unity from speakers on stage at the Democratic convention, she said: Its all a bunch of bullshit. This whole thing has been planned for her coronation. Theres no unity.

Recommended: The Most Inspiring and Depressing Moment of the Democratic Convention

Morgan DeCaul from New Orleans, Louisiana says at the rally that if she cant vote for Bernie Sanders, then Im definitely going to vote for Jill Stein. Watching Sanders support Clinton, she said, has been like watching somebody holding someone hostage. When she started seriously considering Stein as an alternative, DeCaul said, the only concern I had was that people were saying that she was anti-vaccine, but it seems like shes just into alternative medicine. (The Green Party platform mentions support for the funding and practice of holistic health.)

Anyone who votes for Stein will undoubtedly face scorn from anxious Democrats. If the Green Party candidate siphons support away from Clinton that could weaken the Democratic Party heading into the November election. I would feel horrible if Trump gets elected, and horrible if Clinton gets elected, Stein says tells me. But, she adds, what she feels most horrible about [is] a political system that gives us two deadly choices and says, Here, pick your weapon of self-destruction. When I asked Gallivan whether she thought Stein would play the spoiler, she paused. Could Trump win because we vote for Jill Stein instead of her? she asked. Possibly, I suppose thats possible, but I blame the DNC for that.

The pull to vote third-party may be particularly strong during this presidential election. The 2016 race is poised to ask Americans to choose between a pair of historically unpopular candidates. Voting for the lesser of two evils is hardly an attractive prospect. It only makes sense that people would be look for alternatives. Walking around the grounds of the Wells Fargo Center, Stein was quickly surrounded by more fans. From there, she headed into the heart of the political establishment for even more interviewsundoubtedly hoping to find a few more converts.

Related Video:

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
PHILADELPHIA  It seemed like the speech Joe Biden would have given if he were the Democratic nominee for president.

And clearly, the vice president felt Wednesday night hed have been doing awfully well against the Republican nominee, Donald Trump.

After an emotional tribute to his eldest son, Beau, who died a year ago of brain cancer at age 46, and some words of support for the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, Biden saved his most passionate oratory for a rousing takedown of Trump.

Biden used the heart of his speech to take Trumps message of doom and gloom and use it against him, arguing that Trump is betting against Americans and doubting their strength and resolve.

He gathered steam as he began to talk about Trump.

Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

We should really think about this, Biden said. [Trumps] cynicism is unbounded. His lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up in a phrase I think hes really proud of: Youre fired.

How can there be pleasure in saying youre fired? Biden said, growing outraged. Then, piercing the air with his index finger, Biden struck at Trumps core support in the electorate, white working families.

Hes saying he cares about the middle class. Give me a break, Biden said. Thats a bunch of malarkey.

The crowd exploded with applause, and from there Biden  who made note of his Middle-Class Joe nickname  was off to the races, feeding off the crowds delight with his impassioned critique.

This guy doesnt have a clue about the middle class, not a clue. He has no clue about what makes America great, Biden said. He skipped a beat, then added: Actually, he has no clue, period.

The crowd again rose to its feet, this time chanting, Not a clue, not a clue.

Biden leveled the charge that Trump is shockingly unqualified to be president.

No major party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or has been less prepared to deal with our national security. We cannot elect a man who exploits our fear of ISIS and other terrorists, who has no plan  a man who embraces the tactics of our enemies: torture, religious intolerance, Biden said.

Story continues

We cannot elect a man who belittles our closest allies while embracing dictators like Vladimir Putin, a man who confuses bluster with strength, he said. We simply cannot let that happen as Americans, period.

These were strong words coming from any politician or public figure. But coming from a man one heartbeat from the presidency was remarkable. Biden, who has run for president twice, didnt rule out another White House bid in 2016 until last October.

Biden closed his speech by taking the audience even further into rapture, leading to chants of USA, USA, which have been more of a fixture in recent years at Republican political events.

Its never, never, never been a good bet to bet against America, Biden said. Americans have never, ever, ever let their country down. Never. Never.

For an administration that has been criticized for not believing in American exceptionalism, his closing sentiments were awfully full of nationalistic fervor.

We are America, second to none, and we own the finish line, Biden yelled. Dont forget it! Were America!

_____

Related slideshows:

On the ground at the DNC  a photo report >>>

How newspapers covered the historic second day of the DNC >>>

Bernie Sanders supporters make a last stand >>>

Sanders supporters weep at DNC >>>

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Demonstrators protest outside the DNC >>>
Joe Biden

Joe Biden tore through Donald Trump in a blistering speech to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday that fired up the crowd of delegates.

In a fierce takedown of the Republican nominee, Biden said Trump had "no clue" about the American middle class and accused him of being the least prepared major-party candidate in history.

"He tries to tell us he cares about the middle class," the vice president said. "Give me a break. That's a bunch of malarkey!"

Biden used his own middle-class upbringing as the basis for explaining why he was a better expert on the subject than the Manhattan billionaire.

"I know why we're strong," he said. "I know why we're held together. I know why we're united. Because there's always been a growing middle class. This guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class. Not a clue."

"When the middle class does well, the rich do very well and the poor have hope," he continued. "They have a way forward. He has no clue about what makes America great. Actually, he has no clue, period."

He said the world was too "complicated and uncertain" to risk an election of Trump as president.

"No major-party nominee has ever known less or been less prepared to deal with our national security," he said, later adding that the real-estate magnate had "no plan whatsoever to make us safer."

Biden accused Trump of "embracing the tactics of our enemies," such as torture and religious intolerance. The vice president continued, saying Trump "betrays our values" and "all the Republicans know" it.

"It alienates those who we need in the fight against ISIS," he said. "Donald Trump with all his rhetoric would literally make us less safe."

Biden praised Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for having "always been there" to help others, calling it "her life story."

"God willing, Hillary Clinton will write the next chapter in that journey," he said, calling the 21st century America's century.

Story continues

"We own the finish line," he said at the end of his fiery speech. "Don't forget it. God bless you all, and may God protect our troops. Come on, we're America!"

NOW WATCH: Watch Joe Biden tear down Trump's favorite phrase





More From Business Insider


Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f159097%2fscreen_shot_2016-07-27_at_10.02.00_pm

Joe Biden gave the internet a sound bite treasure in 2012 when he called Paul Ryan's stance on the Benghazi attack a "bunch of malarkey." And at the Democratic convention Wednesday night, he took the m-word for another glorious spin.

After strolling onstage to the theme from Rocky, Biden delivered a stirring, energetic speech that pulled no punches when it came to Donald Trump  including the reality star's Apprentice past and alleged disconnect with middle-class voters.

SEE ALSO: 50 very unlikely things we want from the Democratic National Convention

"Think about everything you learned as a child," Biden said to the crowd. "No matter where you were raised, how can there be pleasure in saying 'you're fired?'"

"He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class," Biden added. "Give me a break. That's a bunch of malarkey."

And the crowd went wild.

No doubt filled with a warm rush of political nostalgia, the internet then entered a brief period known as "malarkey euphoria."

Play those hits, Joe.

BONUS: Help Hillary get to the end of this convention
LONDON (Reuters) - British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn does not need to be nominated by his lawmakers to run in a leadership contest triggered by a challenge from one of his colleagues, a judge ruled on Thursday. Labour is locked in a bitter internal fight over its future and Corbyn, whose lawmakers have overwhelmingly backed a vote of no confidence in him, is campaigning to keep the job he was elected to last year with the strong grassroots support. A decision by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) this month that Corbyn could automatically be on the ballot paper for the contest without having to seek nominations from lawmakers had been challenged in court by Labour donor Michael Foster. If he had been forced to seek nominations from Labour members of parliament, Corbyn would likely not have won enough support to get on the ballot paper. "The Judge accepted that the decision of the NEC was correct and that Mr Corbyn was entitled to be a candidate in the forthcoming election without the need for nominations," the judgement said. Corbyn welcomed the decision, saying the case had been a "monumental waste of Labour Party time and resources". The party's General Secretary Iain McNicol said the election would now continue as planned, with the result due on Sept. 24. "We are delighted that the court has upheld the authority and decision of the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party," he said in a statement. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Giles Elgood)
(Adds statement from spokesman for Abrams and Dauman, details of ruling)

By Jessica Toonkel and Dan Levine

July 28 (Reuters) - A Massachusetts judge on Thursday rejected Sumner Redstone's bid to quickly end a case that will likely determine the future of the media mogul's holdings and set an October trial date, marking a victory for Viacom Inc Chief Executive Philippe Dauman.

The issue is whether the 93-year-old Redstone knew what he was doing when he removed Dauman and Viacom board member George Abrams in May from the seven-person trust that will control his majority ownership of Viacom and CBS Corp when he dies or is incapacitated.

Dauman and Abrams filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts, where the trust was established, contesting their removal from the trust and from the board of National Amusements Inc, Redstone's privately-held movie theater company, through which he owns 80 percent of the voting shares of CBS Corp and Viacom.

Judge George Phelan of Norfolk County Probate and Family Court in Canton, Massachusetts, rejected Redstone's motion to dismiss and ruled that the case should proceed in Massachusetts. Redstone's lawyers had asked that the case be moved to a California court.

The judge's decision to keep the case in Massachusetts could help Dauman's case, or give him more leverage to negotiate a settlement.

California law mandates that any evidence of mental incompetence be tied to the specific issue being contested. Massachusetts does not have such a strict requirement, and allows a judge to evaluate a person's overall ability to manage their affairs, lawyers have told Reuters..

While Phelan allowed Dauman's lawyers to examine medical records relating to Redstone, the judge rejected Dauman's request for an immediate mental examination of Redstone. The judge requested that Redstone's medical records from January 1, 2015 to July 28, 2016 be provided by August 15.

In a statement, a spokesman for Abrams and Dauman applauded Phelan's decision because it acknowledged "the need for a speedy trial," and "prompt access to medical records."

Story continues

Mike Lawrence, a spokesman for Redstone, said he looks forward to "exposing this specious and malicious attack" in court. The decision to remove Dauman and Abrams will stand regardless of the outcome, Lawrence said, because a majority of trustees ratified it.

The outcome of the Massachusetts court case, and who ends up with control over the trust, will have wide-ranging implications for Viacom and CBS shareholders and could result in changes at the top of both companies, possibly through mergers and acquisitions.

Abrams and Dauman claim Redstone suffers from dementia, impaired cognition, a slowness of mental processing, a loss of memory, apathy, depression and has been manipulated by his daughter, Shari.

In a June court filing, Redstone called it "offensive and untrue" to suggest that he was being unduly influenced.

A spokeswoman for Shari Redstone declined to comment.

The outcome of the Massachusetts case also has implications for Viacom's board. Redstone and National Amusements moved to oust five of Viacom's directors last month, including Dauman and lead independent director Frederic Salerno, asking a court in Delaware - where Viacom is incorporated - to rule that the changes were valid.

That same day, Salerno fired back with his own lawsuit challenging the removal.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Friday in Delaware.

(Reporting by Jessica Toonkel and Dan Levine; editing by Alan Crosby, Dan Grebler and Nick Zieminski)
We just cant get enough of Gina Rodriguezs bronzed beach goddess look, you guys

We just cant get enough of Gina Rodriguezs bronzed beach goddess look, you guys

Gina Rodriguez always gives us reasons to love her. Whether its her inspiring take on body image, the way she rocks a shaved head (or her overall hair inspiration) or her response to people questioning her sexualityshe never fails to present a picture of grace and confidence.

And oh hey, shes impressing us again with this sexy black number!

No, its not a dress, but its possibly better. Rodriguez stepped out (with her new blonde ombre hair, we might add!) in this outfit to the launch of Bienvenido a lo mejor at the Mondrian in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

Gina Rodriguez And Verizon Launch Bienvenido A Lo Mejor

This was a very special night for Rodriguez, because she joined up with Verizon for this nationwide campaign that aims to empower Hispanic millennials.

Rodriguez is proud of her heritage, as she should be (and also, she responds perfectly to nasty people on the internet who try to tell her that its a marketing tool).

Guys, can we just all agree that Rodriguez looks nothing short of aaaaaamazing in all-black?! It shows off her healthy summer glow and looks SO. GOOD. with her new bronde hair!

Gina Rodriguez And Verizon Launch Bienvenido A Lo Mejor

via GIPHY

Its all working in sync. The hair, the slick black pants, the off-the-shoulder top, the badass heelsyessss! Ladies all over the place are about to copy this outfit, we hope you know.

Keep doing what youre doing, girl!

via GIPHY

The post We just cant get enough of Gina Rodriguezs bronzed beach goddess look, you guys appeared first on HelloGiggles.
(Reuters) - Diagnostic-testing company Alere Inc has received a U.S. Department of Justice subpoena seeking patient-billing records related to Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare, the company said on Wednesday. The subpoena, which was sent to Alere's Toxicology unit on July 1, asked for billing records dating back to 2010 for patient samples tested at the company's Texas pain management laboratory, Alere said in a statement. The company's shares jumped 21 percent in extended trading following the statement. They had fallen 28.6 percent to close at $31.47 after the Wall Street Journal reported news of the subpoena earlier on Wednesday. (http://on.wsj.com/2av4Jag) "They got hit by a negative news story and people completely misinterpreted. That turned out to be sort of ... nothing," analyst Bill Bonello of Craig Hallum said in a telephone interview. "So, the shares are actually recovering from getting crushed earlier in the day." Alere said it was fully cooperating with the investigation and believed that matters related to the subpoena were not material. A DOJ spokesman declined to comment. Alere said in March it had received a grand jury subpoena from the Department of Justice seeking documents relating to its sales practices. Alere said in April its board had rejected a request by Abbott Laboratories Inc to call off its $5.8 billion offer to buy Alere in exchange for a breakup fee. (Reporting by Ankur Banerjee and Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Richard Chang)
Sen. Tim Kaine speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 27, 2016. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

During his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to accept the vice presidential nomination on Wednesday night, Tim Kaine was wearing a lapel pin honoring Blue Star Families  like his  which have members serving in the military.

The North Carolina GOP, though, mistakenly thought it was the flag of Honduras, where the Virginia senator volunteered as a Jesuit missionary before entering law school. And the states Republican party took to Twitter to criticize the senator.

[Tim Kaine] wears a Honduras flag pin on his jacket but no American flag, the state party tweeted as Kaine was speaking. Shameful.

After Ben Amey, a reporter with Albanys NBC affiliate, pointed out the mistake, the tweet was deleted.

We appreciate you letting us know, the party responded to Amey. Thanks for letting us correct our mistake.

Tim Kaines Blue Star Families pin, and the flag of Honduras. (Photos: AP)

Earlier in the speech, Kaine told the crowd he trusts Hillary Clinton with the life of his son, Nat, a U.S. Marine who was deployed to Europe shortly after the former secretary of state picked the senator as her running mate.

He is a proud Marine, and in just a few days hes deploying to Europe to uphold Americas commitment to our NATO allies, Kaine said. For me, this drives home the stakes in this election.

On a personal level, as hes serving our nation abroad, I trust Hillary Clinton with our sons life, he said. You know who I dont trust? Donald Trump. The guy promises a lot. But you might have noticed, he has a habit of saying the same two words right after he makes his biggest promises. You guys know the words I mean? Believe me.

Story continues



_____

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Fantasizing about reaching your financial goals is easy. Actually accomplishing them is more difficult.

More than one-third of Americans considered a financial resolution for 2016, according to a telephone survey of more than 2,000 Americans by Fidelity Investments. Top goals included saving more, spending less and paying down debt. For these goal-setters, summer is a great time to gauge progress made toward those objectives, experts say.

"I do think a midyear financial checkup is a great idea because, hopefully, Americans are slowing down a bit," says Pamela Sandy, a certified financial planner and president of the Financial Planning Association.

[See: 10 Summer Savings Tips.]

Not only is summertime a good halfway point between New Year's money resolutions and year-end tax planning, it'll also be easier to contact financial experts, tax planners, human resources representatives and other advisors, who are less swamped in the off-season.

The warmer months also mark a good time to make new financial goals if you aren't currently working toward any, says Mary Deshong-Kinkelaar, a certified financial planner practitioner based in Akron, Ohio. "It's sometimes better not to get hung up on New Year's resolutions and find time when it's quieter for you," she says.

Here are the financial categories to examine during your midyear financial checkup.

Taxes

During the summer months, "most people are going to have a pretty good idea of what's happening in their tax situation and can start to plan things better instead of scrambling in December," says Deshong-Kinkelaar.

Take a moment to tally up any major life changes you've undergone in the past six months and include those in your tax strategy. Got married? Had a kid? Bought a house? "Those types of things that are transitions in your life mean a transition in your tax situation," says Deshong-Kinkelaar.

Plus, if you earned a hefty refund in April, or paid a large tax bill, it might make sense to request a W-4 from your employer and tweak your withholding.

Story continues

The summer months are also prime time to examine whether you're making the most of workplace tax benefits, like your flexible spending accounts and retirement contributions, maximizing tax-saving strategies before the year-end free-for-all.

[See: 8 Ways You Can Prepare Now for Next Year's Taxes.]

Insurance

Planning for the future requires having a roadmap in place for the worst-case scenarios, which can wreak havoc on your financial life.

Experts recommend using the summer months to examine whether your insurance plans are still meeting your needs.

Since employers often hold open enrollment for health insurance and other benefits in late fall, summer is a time to think about your employer health benefits and whether your current situation is meeting your needs before the late-fall melee.

Estate Planning

If you don't have a plan in place for when you're gone or incapacitated, get the wheels in motion. "When I have a planning engagement, we talk about documents you should have in place, making sure your beneficiary designations are appropriate," says Keith Rauschenberger, an independent fee-only financial advisor and president of Rauschenberger Financial Advisors in Elgin, Illinois.

In fact, 64 percent of Americans don't have a will, according to a 2015 survey from Rocket Lawyer, an online legal resource.

Make sure that you have the basic forms, including an up-to-date will, power of attorney forms and health care directives, enabling a person to make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them for yourself.

Estate planning might include a visit to a pro, such as an estate attorney or accountant.

Emergency Fund

Take a moment to check in with your emergency fund. Was it depleted during summer vacation? Has a change in employment made it necessary to beef it up?

Experts typically advise keeping three to six months' worth of living expenses readily available, depending on your job security. Start working on building your rainy day fund by funneling a percentage of your paycheck into a savings account each month, experts suggest. If you don't ever see the money in a checking account, you won't miss it as much.

[See: 10 Money Questions to Ask Your Parents.]

The Long Term

Summer vacation is a good time to think about where you'd like to see your life in five, 10 or 25 years -- and enact the financial strategies that will help you reach those goals.

You might be lounging on the beach in California and decide that you want your retirement to look similar. Or you might be ready to grow your family and realize that you need a bigger home. Says Rauschenberger: "Sit back when you're on holiday or whatever and think about ... 'What am I happy about? What do I want to do in 10 years?'"





More From US News & World Report


At todays TCA, Ken Burns, co-director and executive producer of PBS Defying the Nazis: The Sharps War, said that of his many documentaries this is different from any other. I didnt shoot a single interview.

Thats because Burns shares directorship with Artemis W. Joukowsky, grandson of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and his wife from Wellesley, MA, a couple who helped refugees and dissidents escape from Nazis in Eastern Europe. Joukowsky had been collecting interviews, historical documents and other information since the age of 14.

Describing his first interview with his grandmother for school at that age, Joukowsky joked the interview was the only A I ever got in high school.

Of documentaries in general, Burns said these films are made in the editing room and that his job was to shape the existing materials. He added that he brought in Tom Hanks as the voice of Waitstill: I was able to get a little known actor named Tom Hanks, I think that helped, Burns joked, encouraging the listeners to keep an eye on Hanks because hes going someplace as an actor.

Burns said that as a documentarian he rejects the idea of doing re-enactments of events as sort of cheesy. If you are going to re-enact the Civil War, why not just do Mercy Street? he asked, referring to the PBS original series on the historic conflict.

He also said that since he limits his documentaries to American stories, he had no plans to do a documentary on the current refugee crisis. He praised Joukowsky for his continuing efforts to reward rescuers in various crisis situations.

The film is told through letters and journals of the Sharps with Tom Hanks providing the voice of Waitstill and Marina Goldman as the voice of Martha. The film also features commentary from some of the leading Holocaust scholars.

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The modest, meticulous humanism of Ken Burns and all of the documentaries he has produced and directed is on full display in Defying The Nazis: The Sharps War, premiering on PBS in September. The documentary tells the story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and his wife living in Wellesley, Mass., who left their children behind to the care of their parish, to go and rescue other peoples Jewish children during the Nazi nightmare of World War II. The film features Tom Hanks as the voice of Waitstill.

Speaking to the TV Critics Association gathered in L.A. on Thursday, Burns explained that he made the film with Artemis Joukowsky, the grandson of the Sharps  Joukowsky is himself a filmmaker, and was also present at the PBS press conference alongside Burns, saying that collaborating with Burns was a dream come true.



The film features interviews with some of the now-adult children the Sharps saved, and Burns gave much credit to what he called the detective work that Artemis has done over the years, in interviewing his grandmother as well as assembling a trove of documents and photos of the Sharps heroic efforts. In explaining the roots of the Sharps mission, Joukowsky said, My grandfather declared war on the Nazis from the pulpit  he felt that this was the most outrageous thing, that people would be persecuted because of their background.

Its like something out of a novel, said Burns about the essence of Defying The Nazis: The tale of this normal couple one month in January, and the next month, theyre in Prague doing James Bond things.



Hanks has, of course, read parts in other films by Burns (including The War, Prohibition, The National Parks), and the filmmaker said that the actor became involved with this project two years ago, [when] I met with him, and after he read [the material] he was himself moved to tears and immediately agreed to help in the narration. PBS screened only a portion of Defying The Nazis: The Sharps War for critics here, but it seems likely that many viewers will be similarly moved when the film airs starting September 20.
The summer of shade continues.

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West have been very vocal about their feelings toward Taylor Swift in the aftermath of how she handled the now-infamous "Famous" line, and during a joint interview for the Harper's Bazaar "ICONS" issue -- which was conducted before Kim's Snapchat story seen round-the-world -- the couple has one shady moment that seems to illustrate that bad blood is still alive and well.

Asked his favorite Taylor song, the 39-year-old rapper responds, "I don't have one."

"I was such a fan of hers," Kim, 35, replies simply.

WATCH: Taylor Swift vs. Kanye West and Kim Kardashian: The Complete Timeline of Their Rollercoaster Relationship

Harper's Bazaar

Kanye's fractured relationship with Taylor runs back to when he notoriously took the mic from her during her 2009 MTV VMA acceptance speech, however last year, the two made amends, which culminated in Taylor introducing Kanye as he accepted his Video Vanguard Award at last year's VMAs.

Taylor even shared the elaborate flower arrangement Kanye sent her several days after the show, which has become one of the most liked Instagram photos of all time.

WATCH: Kim Kardashian Shares Video of Kanye West Asking Taylor Swift's Permission for 'Famous' Shout-Out

However, the relationship torpedoed in the wake of Kanye rapping, "I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex," and "I made that b**ch famous," on his most recent album.

After a back-and-forth dispute over whether Taylor approved the line, Kim shared clips of a phone conversation between Taylor and Kanye, where she was unknowingly recorded, and the two did appear to discuss Kanye's reference to Taylor in the song (although the words "I made that b**ch famous" are never mentioned on the call).

Harper's Bazaar

RELATED: Taylor Swift's Best Friend Abigail Anderson Slams Kanye West: 'I Pray for Your Daughter'

Story continues

Taylor took issue with being privately recorded, and maintained that she never heard the full line, in an Instagram response where she asked to be "excluded from this narrative, one that I have never asked to be a part of, since 2009."

Kanye made an appearance at Drake's concert Wednesday in Chicago and didn't hold back from mentioning his drama with Taylor to the crowd. "I am so glad my wife has Snapchat. 'Cause now y'all can know the truth," he said. "And can't nobody talk s**t about Ye no more!"

So... yeah. It's a saga, and it doesn't look to be wrapping up any time soon.

WATCH: Can Taylor Swift Sue Kim Kardashian and Kanye West? Plus, More Burning Questions Answered

Meanwhile, a source close to Kim told ET the reality star "doesn't regret" snapping their edited conversation, even at the risk of Taylor filing a lawsuit.

"She just felt it was time that people saw that Kanye did everything he could do to make sure Taylor had known about this and that she felt comfortable about it, and she essentially gave him approval," the source told ET earlier this month.

Watch the video below for more.

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Retail real estate investment trust (REIT) Kimco Realty Corporations KIM second-quarter 2016 funds from operations (FFO) per share came in at 38 cents, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.



The companys occupancy reached an eight-year high. Further, Kimco remains on track with its strategic 2020 Vision, which envisages the ownership of premium assets in major metro markets in the U.S. as well as a reduction in the joint venture portfolio. In fact, its exit from Canada is 90% complete.



However, FFO per share was down from the prior-year quarter figure of 44 cents. Also revenues from rental properties slipped 0.7% from the prior-year quarter to $287.1 million and fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $288.8 million.







Quarter in Details



At quarter end, U.S. pro-rata occupancy came in at 96.0%, denoting the companys highest occupancy rate since fourth-quarter 2007. The figure was up 20 basis points (bps) sequentially and 30 bps year over year.



Further, pro-rata occupancy for small shop space (under 10,000 square feet) was 89.2%, up 60 bps sequentially and 120 bps from a year ago, while anchor tenant occupancy was 98.3%, denoting a rise of 10 bps from the prior quarter.



Same-property net operating income (NOI) climbed 3.1% year over year. U.S. pro-rata rental-rate leasing spreads moved north 16.2% and marked the highest combined leasing spreads reported in three years. Rental rates for new leases jumped 29.8% and renewals/options advanced 10.7%.



Balance Sheet Position



Kimco exited second-quarter 2016 with cash and cash equivalents of around $337.8 million, up from $189.5 million at year-end 2015.



Following the quarter end, Kimco disclosed an early debt repayment initiative for bolstering its capital structure by extending its debt maturity profile, lowering leverage and unencumbering an additional 10 properties. Particularly, the initiative includes the planned prepayment of two Canadian dollar-denominated bonds outstanding and $428 million of U.S. debt. As such, the company would recognize a one-time charge of around $48 million associated with the early extinguishment of debt during third-quarter 2016.



Portfolio Activity



Kimco disclosed second-quarter 2016 deals worth over $1.0 billion. This included acquisitions of $328.9 million, of which Kimcos share was $164.4 million. Further, second-quarter sales aggregated $696.0 million and included disposition of 34 shopping centers, totaling 4.3 million square feet, and one land parcel. The companys share of the sales price was $562.9 million.



Specifically, the company sold interests in 22 Canadian shopping centers, all of which were in joint ventures (read more: Kimco's Q2 Deals Exceed $1B, Streamlining Continues).



Guidance



Kimco reaffirmed its 2016 guidance for adjusted FFO per share within $1.48$1.52. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is currently pegged at $1.54. Notably, the company expects U.S. portfolio occupancy in the range of 95.796.2% and same-property NOI growth of 2.50%3.50%.



Dividend Update



Kimcos board of directors announced a quarterly cash dividend of 25.5 cents per share on its common stock. The dividend will be paid on Oct 17, to shareholders of record on Oct 5.



Our Viewpoint



Going forward, premium properties in high-growth areas, presence of well-capitalized retailers in its tenant roster, investments in high-quality neighborhood and community shopping centers, and shedding of non-core assets augur well for growth of Kimco. But, earnings dilution led by high disposition activity and competition from other players remain causes of concern.

KIMCO REALTY CO Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

KIMCO REALTY CO Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | KIMCO REALTY CO Quote

Kimco currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



We now look forward to next week's earnings releases of other retail REITs like The Macerich Company MAC, General Growth Properties, Inc. GGP and Regency Centers Corporation REG.



Note: FFO, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income. All EPS numbers presented in this write up represent FFO per share.



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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Rudy Gay eyes his options. (Getty Images)

NBA players have to walk a delicate line, just as team executives do. Even the least-committed of end-of-bench players would still like to be in the loop when it comes to the front offices personnel plans, as even minor moves can cost them playing time, chances at better statistics (and the resulting better contract) or, at worst, removal from the roster.

[Follow Dunks Dont Lie on Tumblr: The best slams from all of basketball]

Then there are the middling players, the near-stars. The guys with trade value that you still wouldnt mind keeping on the roster. Players like Sacramentos Rudy Gay, who recently revealed that (like the rest of us) he has no idea what is going on with the Kings personnel plans moving forward.

Kings general manager Vlade Divac, however, doesnt appear to be concerned with Gays frustrations. After all, his teams starting small forward knows exactly how to get in touch with the franchises beleaguered GM. CSN California recently asked Divac, sitting at Oracle Arena while watching King center DeMarcus Cousins do his thing with Team USA, about the ill communication:

He has my number.

That is to say, no excuses. Text or call me if you need me, guy. Completely understandable, right?

Well, Vlade then followed up with this:

If I do something, I will call him. Obviously, if I didnt call him, we didnt do anything.

Yeah. Thats where you get into the frustrating part.

Players like Rudy Gay, as we saw when Larry Bird let starting point man George Hill know about his trade away from Indiana via voicemail, arent usually the ones linked in on every would-be trade possibility that passes by. Divac, in this instance, is basically telling Rudy Gay that he has no reason to reach out about the myriad trade rumors that have swirled around Gay since last winter. Rumors that intensified earlier this offseason when it was reported that the Kings were determined to deal both Rudy and center Kosta Koufos.

There is that tier system. DeMarcus Cousins, despite some draft night (alleged! He may have been at hot yoga!) misgivings, will be in the loop. The guys that dont make the All-Star team but still average 17.2 points per game on 14.4 shots per game on a 33-win team, like Rudy, arent really tall enough to ride that loopty-loop.

Story continues

This isnt to say Divac cant do better in his communication with his would-be starters. Or that Kings owner Vivek Ranadive cant do better. The entire Ranadive-era, and by extension the Vlade Divac-era that followed, has been marked with disastrous moves that turned out exactly how most predicted.

Sacramento, finally, appears to be going into rebuilding mode. The team dealt its No. 8 draft pick for prospects, it let Rajon Rondo (in a fine move) slunk off to Chicago for no compensation, and it appears to be waiting out the months until Gay uses his player option to opt out of the $14 million hes owed for 2017-18. Provided he thinks he can make more from what might be a crowded free agent run in 2017  next summer wont look at all like the wild summer of 2016.

How all this stands with DeMarcus Cousins, a free agent in 2018, remains to be seen. Vlade Divac will follow him to the ends of the earth to remind him that he is the franchise player worth conversing with.

Rudy Gay? Hes going to have to be the one to pick up the phone.

      

Kelly Dwyer is an editor for Ball Dont Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at KDonhoops@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
By Andrew Osborn and Maria Tsvetkova MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia told the United States on Thursday to get to the bottom of a hacking scandal involving Democratic Party emails itself and rejected what Donald Trump said was a sarcastic suggestion that Moscow should dig up Hillary Clinton's "missing" emails. Trump, the Republican Party's presidential candidate, angered Democrats on Wednesday by inviting Russia to unearth tens of thousands of emails from rival Clinton's tenure as U.S. secretary of state. He spoke out after President Barack Obama said it was possible Russia might try to influence the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election after a leak of Democratic National Committee emails that experts blamed on Russian hackers. Suggestions of Russian involvement have riled the Kremlin, which has categorically denied this and accused U.S. politicians of seeking to play on Cold War-style American fears of Moscow by fabricating stories for electoral purposes. President Vladimir Putin has tried to avoid giving the impression of favoring any U.S. candidate, while hailing the populist Trump as being "very talented". Russian state TV coverage has tended to tilt towards Trump over Clinton. On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said accusations of a Russian hand in hacking Democratic Party emails bordered on "total stupidity" and were motivated by anti-Russian sentiment. He rejected Trump's apparently sarcastic suggestion for Russia to dig up Clinton's emails point-blank. "As regards these (email) batches, that is not our headache. We never poke our noses into others' affairs and we really don't like it when people try to poke their nose into ours," he said. "The Americans need to get to the bottom of what these emails are themselves and find out what it's all about." Trump, who has repeatedly said he would strive for better U.S. relations with Russia if he won the presidency, also raised eyebrows by saying he would consider recognizing Ukraine's Crimea as part of Russia, which annexed the region in 2014. Peskov said the Kremlin was unmoved by that comment, and it would not change what he says has been its neutral stance on U.S. presidential candidates. "We know perfectly well that candidates in the heat of a pre-election struggle say one thing, but that later, when under the weight of responsibility, their rhetoric becomes more balanced." In response to Trump's remarks on Crimea, Ukraine's U.N. Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko said on Thursday: "Mr. Trump is not the president of the United States, at least not yet." "Secondly, there are the well-known decisions of the United Nations. ... I'm pretty sure that any U.S. government will pay full respect to those decisions," he told reporters. In March 2014, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring invalid Crimea's Moscow-backed referendum seceding from Ukraine. Analysts say the Kremlin would welcome a Trump victory in November because the wealthy New York businessman has repeatedly praised Putin, spoken of wanting to get along with Russia, and has said he would consider an alliance with Moscow against Islamic State. Trump's suggestion that he might abandon NATO's pledge to automatically defend all member states is also likely to have gone down well in Moscow, where the Western military alliance is cast as an outdated Cold War relic. (Additional reporting by Lidia Kelly in Moscow and Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Jonathan Oatis)
Kylie Jenner has added to her tattoo collection. The reality star and Kylie Cosmetics entrepreneur shared her session with tattoo artist Rafael Valdez on Snapchat Sunday. While fans have yet to see the 18-year-olds new tattoo, it seems to be an update on an already existing body ink.

Jenner added the word before in front of her sanity tattoo, according to TMZ. In December 2015, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star had gotten the word sanity written out phonetically in red ink across her right hip by celebrity tattoo artist Bang Bang.

Valdez, who is the personal tattoo artist of Jenners boyfriend Tyga, was the same artist who gave Kylie her very first red ink tattoo. And she paid a pretty penny for her tattoos as Valdez charges $200/hour with a $600 minimum, according to his website.

A video posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Jul 23, 2016 at 9:26pm PDT

The before tattoo is Kylies fifth tattoo she has publicly shared. Her other body art includes a red squiggle on the inside of her pinky finger and her grandmother Mary Jos name in cursive.

 Karen Mizoguchi
Niamey (AFP) - The World Food Programme warned Thursday that it could be forced to suspend humanitarian aid for malnourished infants in Niger from September because of a lack of money.

WFP said a shortage of funds was threatening all its activities in Niger, one of the world's poorest and least developed countries, where more than four out of every 10 children are chronically malnourished.

"Our resources are exhausted and if we don't have immediate contributions, by the end of September it will be impossible to continue our help to malnourished children," WFP spokesman Vigno Hounkali told AFP in Niamey.

"We have already reduced food rations to impoverished populations."

Help for school canteens and rural development work could also be halted, Hounkali said.

WFP said it needed $21.4 million (19.4 million euros) to help Niger's most vulnerable people from September to December.

The funding shortage is already having an effect, with malnourished children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women all receiving only half-rations, WFP said.
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Filmmaker Lee Daniels took the stage on day three of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to speak about gun violence and share his support of Hillary Clinton.

Daniels introduced two survivors of the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando, Fla., and the mother of one of the victims. He started his speech by telling the audience that his father was a police officer, "shot and murdered right here in Philadelphia," and that he and several members of his family have been to jail. "That's the America I know, and still I rise," he said to cheers from the crowd.

"It hit me like a brick - Hillary knows me, she knows me," said Daniels. "And that's what gave me the courage to come and speak in front of y'all tonight."

He spoke highly of Clinton, who "wants to stop guns from getting into the wrong hands" and stands with victims of gun violence, said Daniels.

Read More: Michelle Obama Endorses Hillary Clinton, Takes Aim at Donald Trump: "Don't Let Anyone Ever Tell You This Country Isn't Great"

"We need to take action, and we need to take action now," he continued. "There's only one candidate willing to take on the gun lobby and keep our families safe."

To young voters who don't think they have a voice, Daniels told them that "this is the most important election of our lifetime," adding simply, "Come November, vote for her."

Also on Wednesday's lineup of speakers are Sigourney Weaver, Jesse Jackson, Angela Bassett, Clinton's vice presidential pick Tim Kaine, Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama. Clinton will be introduced by her daughter Chelsea as the keynote address on Thursday.

Only halfway through, the DNC has had no shortage of A-list support in Philadelphia. On Tuesday night, Kesha performed at a gun-control concert, and on Wednesday night, Fergie will headline a concert for the Creative Coalition and The Black Eyed Peas will headline the Rock the Vote concert at the Fillmore.

Story continues

Susan Sarandon, Shailene Woodley, Rosario Dawson and Shonda Rhimes all have been spotted at the DNC, in addition to the roster of celebrity speakers. On Tuesday, Meryl Streep, Lena Dunham and America Ferrera and Tony Goldwyn spoke, while Elizabeth Banks hosted and former President Bill Clinton headlined.

Read More: James Cameron-Directed Film Targets Donald Trump for Calling Climate Change a "Hoax"

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Facebook Live, the social media company's exploding live video stream platform, and Lollapalooza have announced an ambitious partnership to live-stream the heck out of the 25th anniversary edition of the music fest this weekend. Together, the two entities have created #Lolla25LIVE, an online hub that will aggregate Facebook Live feeds of artists who have appeared at the festival over the past 25 years and have Facebook pages -- which could total up to nearly 1,200 artists.

Lollapalooza 2016 Expands to Four Days for 25th Anniversary

While Lollapalooza kicks off today (July 28) and runs through the Sunday (July 31), the #Lolla25Live hub already has clips from Common (shooting hoops and proving he's actually got game), Fitz & the Tantrums (recalling playing a cover of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams" at their first Lolla), A$AP Ferg (discussing surprise guests for this year's set), Bastille (drummer Chris "Woody" Wood gives a tour of the Vic and his drums) and OK Go (Damian Kulash, with his dog, fondly remembers wearing 3-piece woolen suits in 97 degree weather at the fest's 1995 edition), among others. Other musicians to go live include Leon Bridges, Tegan & Sara, Haim, Mac Miller, Big Grams (Big Boi and Phantogram), St. Lucia, Cherub and the Avett Brothers.

"This live video experience will give fans around the world an opportunity to hear stories from Lollapalooza artists from this year and the last 25 years," Patrick Dentler, Lollapalooza's marketing director, said in a statement. "We are excited to work with Facebook and use Live to bring fans instantaneous content to celebrate Lollapalooza's 25th Anniversary."

Facebook is actively working with dozens of artists to incorporate Facebook Live, 360 video and 360 photo technologies to get a better perspective on the ground at Lolla's Grant Park location in Chicago.

Of the 1,411 artists who've performed at Lollapalooza, 1,176 have Facebook pages totaling more than a billion (1,287,139,780) likes, according to Facebook. Two of Facebook's top 10 entertainers last year, Kanye West and The Weeknd have played the music festival -- which ideally would mean they, too, will go live, though that's far from certain.

Since Facebook Live's general roll out earlier this year, the platform has gained traction among musicians; J. Lo's live post rolling out the single "Ain't Your Mama" has 7.8 million views and Pink live from the green room at The Ellen DeGeneres Show has 5.3 million views, for example. The biggest video thus far is the clip of a mom greatly amusing herself in her car while donning a Chewbacca mask, posted in May, which garnered some 159 million views. The new platform, however, has more serious applications, most recently in the case of a fatal police shooting of an African-American man in Minnesota that was streamed live with the new technology.
Paris (AFP) - France's top diplomat Jean-Marc Ayrault may have called him a "liar" over his Brexit campaign, but Boris Johnson's command of French helped ease his way through his first official visit to Paris as Britain's foreign minister.

Johnson's surprise appointment after being pilloried for his campaign for Britain to leave the EU shocked many in France where he is seen as a gleeful "French-basher".

When he was named as foreign minister the Liberation newspaper put a picture of him sliding down a zip-line on its front page with the words in English "Good Luck".

When first asked about his new counterpart, Ayrault said that during the Brexit campaign Johnson had "lied a lot to the British. Now he has his back to the wall."

However needs must, and after US Secretary of State John Kerry, it was Ayrault's turn to look past Johnson's repeated diplomatic gaffes.

"Dear Boris", began a beaming Ayrault as he welcomed Johnson on his first European bilateral visit, under large chandeliers in an ornate salon in the Quai d'Orsay.

Ayrault said Johnson "knows France well, he speaks very good French by the way."

Johnson shook his head in mock humility, grinning as he stood beside his counterpart who gushed over the two nations' long history, common values and friendship.

"I am delighted to be in France today, thank you Jean-Marc, for welcoming me at such a difficult time," Johnson said in perfect French a honed during his time as a journalist in Brussels.

Johnson read from a prepared text throughout the briefing, but his accent and delivery clearly charmed French journalists.

His visit comes just two days after France's latest terror attack, which saw two young jihadists storm a church and slit the throat of an 86-year-old priest.

"The threats we face are the same," said Johnson, while Ayrault highlighted the cooperation between Paris and London intelligence services.

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"The United Kingdom and France are united, we have common values," he said, adding that he and Ayrault "have embarked on a close relationship."

During his Brexit campaign, Johnson said the EU was "thought up by high-minded French bureaucrats" and in praising Britain's manufacturing capabilities said "we export 'French knickers' to France".

When he was still mayor of London, France's Le Monde daily described Johnson as an "expert in Monty Python politics: avoid looking like you are taking things too seriously."

Johnson did not take any questions at the Paris press conference, but when he did face the media in London last week alongside Kerry, he faced a barrage of tough questions over his compendium of undiplomatic gaffes.

"I'm afraid that there is such a rich thesaurus now of things that I have said that have ... somehow been misconstrued that it would really take me too long to engage in a full-blown itinerary of apology to all concerned," he told reporters.
By Laura Prudom



Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda will host the PBS Arts Fall Festival this year, beginning on October 21. The annual festival will kick off with Great Performances documentary Hamiltons America, giving viewers a look at Miranda and his colleagues creative process during the three years leading up to the Broadway opening of the record-breaking musical.

The PBS Arts Fall Festival spotlights some of the best of the arts across our great country. For this sixth annual Festival, I am thrilled to announce that Lin-Manuel Miranda will be our host, said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. I truly admire how Lin-Manuel Miranda has redefined the musical genre, inviting audiences to explore our nations history in groundbreaking new ways. As our host, I know that he will bring tremendous creative energy and help us attract new audiences to this years festival.

Im such a huge fan of PBS. For my entire life its been our window into a world of the arts that isnt available anywhere else on TV, said Lin-Manuel Miranda. This years PBS Arts Fall Festival lineup is incredible, and I am excited to not only host the festival, but have Hamiltons America kick it off.

The festival will also feature Great Performances presentation of the West End revival of Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheims Gypsy, starring Imelda Staunton as Momma Rose, and Shakespeare Live! From the Royal Shakespeare Company, featuring appearances by Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, Benedict Cumberbatch and many more as theater luminaries gather to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeares remarkably coincidental birth and death on April 23. Live from Lincoln Center will deliver Lang Langs New York Rhapsody, a love letter from renowned pianist Lang to the city he calls home featuring Rufus Wainwright, Suzanne Vega, Regina Spektor and Andra Day, and Joshua Bells Seasons of Cuba, in which violinist Bell performs with the Chamber Orchestra of Havana, which is composed of some of Cubas most accomplished classical musicians. Additionally, Lincoln Center at the Movies will present Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, featuring a series of works that reflect the companys spectacular range, diversity and artistry, culminating in a performance of Revelations.

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The PBS Arts Fall Festival will also spotlight Bill Murray: The Mark Twain Prize, and Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs, the Broadway stars cabaret show.

At PBS Television Critics Association summer press tour presentation, the broadcaster also announced the premiere date for Frontlines four-hour, two-night documentary miniseries Divided States of America, airing January 17 and 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS, and The Great War, a six-hour documentary on World War I which is set to premiere over three nights in April 2017 in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Americas entry into the war.

On September 12-17, PBS will also air Spotlight Education, a special week of primetime programming examining the challenges facing todays students and Americas education system. The week will feature eleven films and documentaries on local PBS stations including special episodes of Nova, Frontline and PBS Newshour, a new film from POV, the premiere of Ted Talks special The Education Revolution, concluding with the 5th annual American Graduate Day, a special broadcast celebrating individuals and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping youth stay on track to high school graduation.

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Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
Today in a Q&A following the shows TCA 2016 Summer Tour panel discussion, Marvels Luke Cage showrunner Cheo Coker talked about how the Netflix series look and feel came together, how hip hop music and comic book cultures intersect, and how shooting on location played directly into the political themes it explores. I didnt want to speak Harlem and say Harlem without seeing Harlem, he said.

All of Netflixs Marvel Comics-based shows are set in and filmed in New York. However in the case of Daredevil and Jessica Jones, both of which are set in Hells Kitchen, shooting took place in areas of Brooklyn, Long Island City, and East Harlem that still look like the old Hells Kitchen as opposed to the highly gentrified modern incarnation. For Luke Cage however, Coker was adamant that the show be shot where it takes place. It was really important to me that if you really are going to call New York City the fifth Defender, as executive producer Jeph Loeb did during the TCA panel discussion, that you see New York.

Harlem, particularly Lenox, thats the only place in the city where you see those wide boulevards, Coker continued. We really wanted to capture the color, the rhythm of the streets, its so beautiful and unique up there. Thats why its gentrifying, people are beginning to see the value of it. You see that kind of changeover from old to new. That plays into the shows political themes, Coker said, with Alfre Woodards character Mariah Dillard wanting to protect the Harlem of old and being resistant, but at the same time trying to put a political foot forward.

To that end, says Coker, they filmed wherever possible in the real parts of the city a given scene took place. We shoot in New York, we use New York for New York. We had stuff in Harlem, stuff in Brooklyn, all over, he said.

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Establishing a look and feel for Luke Cage was an important part of the production, for which Coker gives credit to director Paul McGuigan, who helmed the shows first two episodes. He not only talked cinematically, says Coker, but before he was a director he was a professional photographer. And the way he directs his episodes, whether you realize it or not, we would do every scene [as] long takes, from multiple takes over and over again. We would run an entire eight page scene almost like a play, so when it comes together its seamless.

What led Coker to hire McGuigan was the directors work on BBCs Sherlock for the second season episode A Scandal In Belgravia. is I love Sherlock. He was delighted to learn how much of it didnt rely on CG, and wanted the same for Luke Cage. Its just old school camera stuff, Coker said. He brought a very analogue perspective, analogue feel to the show. Which ties back to those multiple takes. What happens when you do multiple takes they stop thinking about lines and it becomes about the emotions [viewers are] going to expect the brawn and the fun, but I think we can compete with any show out there in terms of the drama.

One oft-mentioned aspect of Luke Cage since Netflix debuted the first trailer last week during Comic-Con is the prominence of music, particularly classic era hip hop. Old Dirty Bastards Shimmy Shimmy Ya was the auditory centerpiece of the trailer, and in many interviews since, Coker, who began his career as a music journalist, has talked up how he thinks about the series like an album or a playlist. Each episode is named after a Gang Starr and artists ranging from The Notorious B.I.G. to Jidenna are featured on the soundtrack. Meanwhile, music producer Adrian Younge and founding member of A Tribe Called Quest Ali Shaheed Muhammad composed the score. Keeping with that theme, there are plans for a vinyl soundtrack album produced by Younge and Muhammad.

When asked about the prominence of music, in light of the hip hop communitys obsession with comic books, Coker says it wasnt as much about bringing the worlds together as it was talking about something that was already there. Hip Hop fans are obsessed and theyre geeks about Hip Hip. Comic book fans are also geeks, and when you can meld the two then you open the world up to I think communities that will just take to each other.

So, what does Coker think Luke Cage listens to? I had all these sequences with Luke running with music, some stuff we could clear, some stuff that couldnt make it. I always in my head had him listening to Boot Camp Clik, Biggie, Mobb Deep, Hieroglyphics, Pharoahe Monch, a lot of the real lyrical mid-to-late 90s era hip hip, but at the same time also appreciates the west coast. [Dr. Dres] The Chronic is gonna be in there. Just kind of that era of Hip Hip, very specific as to why Luke Cage is wearing Carhartt, very specific as to why hes wearing Timberlands

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Despite the record high heat, nearly 100 donors, including Jessica Weiland and her brother Jake Weiland, both of Tomah, turned out for a BloodCenter of Wisconsin blood drive at Tomah Memorial Hospital July 21.

It was the second time Jake has donated blood.

She came along to give me support, Jake said of his older sister Jessica, who has been donating the last four years. The siblings mother, Amber Weiland, also donated to make it a family affair.

BCW senior donor specialist Chris Schmidt said 80 units of blood were collected at the drive which made for a great turnout despite the heat. The BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the sole supplier of blood to 57 hospitals in 30 counties, including Tomah Memorial.

Everyone who attempted to donate received an admission ticket to the Monroe County Fair courtesy of Tomah Memorial and the BloodCenter.

The hospitals next drive is scheduled Thursday, Sept. 22.
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f159368%2fap_340451531579

Be prepared to lose your cool.

Macao's panda twins, Dabao and Xiaobao, made their public debut on Tuesday, and we can hardly handle the cuteness.

SEE ALSO: Panda gives birth to the tiniest little gem and we're in awe

Their caretakers at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion celebrated the twins' one-month birthday with mini cakes and even sang them a birthday song.

Image: Bo shao /Imaginechina/ap

The double bundle of joy were born 45 minutes apart on June 26. Their mum, Xinxin, was given to the Macanese government by mainland China in 2014 to celebrate the city's 15th anniversary of reunification with China.

The twins whose names mean "Big treasure" and "Little treasure" were named so because of their difference in weight at birth  135 grams and 53.8 grams, respectively.

Dabao and Xiaobao are reportedly in good health and will continue to receive 24-hour care until they're big enough to join the rest of the adult pandas at the research facility.

Image: Bo shao /Imaginechina/ap

For now, please excuse us while we return to cooing over these precious bubs.

Image: Bo shao/Imaginechina/ap
We believe that financial performance of U.S.-based industrial products stocks are highly correlated to the economic conditions as well as industrial production of the country. In the AprJun quarter, the countrys industrial output fell roughly 1% year over year. On a macro front, these stocks faced headwinds from unfavorable foreign currency movements and weak economic conditions in some developed and developing nations. However, the impacts of such adversities are believed to have ebbed compared with the first quarter.

According to the Zacks Industry classification, the machinery industry is broadly grouped under Industrial Products, one of the 16 broad Zacks sectors.



As of Jul 27, roughly 42.9% of industrial products stocks in the S&P 500 Group reported results for the AprJun quarter, recording a 2.3% decline in earnings and 5.3% fall in revenue. The prevalent macro headwinds are likely to negatively impact results for the Industrial Products sector. Earnings in the quarter are predicted to decline 5.6% while revenue will likely fall 5.8%.



Whats in Store for 3 Machinery Stocks, B, GRC and GHM?



Below we discuss briefly the expectations from the upcoming results (AprJun quarter) for three machinery stocks:



Barnes Group Inc. B: This machinery company is slated to release its second-quarter 2016 results on Jul 29, before the market opens. In the trailing four quarters, the company delivered better-than-expected results in one, lagged in two and posted in-line results in the other. Average earnings surprise was a negative 2.66%.

BARNES GRP Price and EPS Surprise

BARNES GRP Price and EPS Surprise | BARNES GRP Quote

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Barnes Group will be able to pull a surprise this quarter. This is because the company lacks the right combination of two key ingredients  a positive Earnings ESP (the percentage difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate) and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), #2 (Buy) or #3 (Hold). The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 and a 0.00% ESP. Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock remained unchanged at 59 cents for second-quarter 2016. (For more please read: Barnes Group to Report Q2 Earnings: What to Expect?)



Gorman-Rupp Co. GRC: This machinery stock is anticipated to release its second-quarter 2016 results on Jul 29. The company reported better-than-expected results in two of the four trailing quarters while lagged in the rest. Average earnings surprise was a negative 1.89%.

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GORMAN RUPP CO Price and EPS Surprise

GORMAN RUPP CO Price and EPS Surprise | GORMAN RUPP CO Quote

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Gorman-Rupp will beat earnings this quarter because it currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 and a 0.00% Earnings ESP. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock is currently pegged at 22 cents for second-quarter 2016.



Graham Corporation GHM: The machinery company is gearing up to release its first-quarter fiscal 2017 (ended Jun 2016) results on Jul 29, before the market opens. The company reported better-than-expected results in two of the four trailing quarters, lagged in one and recorded in-line results in the other. Average earnings surprise was a negative 0.80%.

GRAHAM CORP Price and EPS Surprise

GRAHAM CORP Price and EPS Surprise | GRAHAM CORP Quote

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Graham Corporation will beat earnings this quarter because it currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) and a 0.00% Earnings ESP. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock has decreased 40% to 3 cents.



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 >>



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



BARNES GRP (B): Free Stock Analysis Report



GRAHAM CORP (GHM): Free Stock Analysis Report



GORMAN RUPP CO (GRC): Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
Pipeline operator Magellan Midstream Partners LP MMP is set to release second-quarter 2016 financial results before the opening bell on Aug 2.



The partnership surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average positive earnings surprise of 7.79%. Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement.



Factors Likely to Influence this Quarter



Magellan Midstream owns an attractive portfolio of energy infrastructure assets that generate stable and recurring fee and tariff-based revenues. Moreover, lucrative acquisitions and organic growth projects have made major contributions toward Magellans development.



Despite those positives, Magellan Midstream expects earnings of 72 cent per unit for the AprilJune quarter, lower than the year-ago quarter figure of 82 cents.



It is to be noted that the second quarter saw crude advancing more than 26% sequentially  the best quarterly percentage gain in seven years. Throughout the quarter, oil price improved significantly from mid-February, when West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell to a 12-year low mark of $26.05 per barrel. Moreover, last month, oil prices settled above the psychologically important $50 per barrel level for the first time in more than 10 months.



Since refiners buy crude, their input cost increased, thereby resulting in lesser refining activities. Also, with lower refining there will be lesser need for storage and transportation of refined petroleum products that might hurt the partnerships business since it is involved in transporting, storing and distributing the refined products.



Earnings Whispers



Our proven model does not conclusively show that Magellan Midstream is likely to beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 for this to happen. Unfortunately, this is not the case here as elaborated below.



Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This leads to an ESP of 0.00% for Magellan Midstream as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at 73 cents.



Zacks Rank: Magellan Midstream has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which increases the predictive power of ESP. However, a 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.



The Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement, especially when the entity is seeing negative estimate revisions.

Story continues

MAGELLAN MDSTRM Price and EPS Surprise

MAGELLAN MDSTRM Price and EPS Surprise | MAGELLAN MDSTRM Quote

Stocks to Consider



Here are some companies to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:



Antero Resources Corporation AR has an Earnings ESP of +400.00% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).



Cimarex Energy Co XEC has an Earnings ESP of +150.00% and a Zacks Rank #2.



Spectra Energy Corp SE has an Earnings ESP of +12.00% and a Zacks Rank #2.



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 >>







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



MAGELLAN MDSTRM (MMP): Free Stock Analysis Report



SPECTRA ENERGY (SE): Free Stock Analysis Report



CIMAREX ENERGY (XEC): Free Stock Analysis Report



ANTERO RESOURCE (AR): Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
The lazy days of summer are slowly winding down. In the weeks ahead, many kids across the country will say farewell to swim parties and play dates in exchange for school books and packed lunches.

The annual prep for back to school comes with a cost. According to the National Retail Federation, the average family with children in grades K-12 planned to spend $630.36 on electronics, apparel and other school needs in 2015 while total spending was expected to reach $24.9 billion.

These expenses can put a financial strain on families, especially for the 60 percent of Americans living paycheck to paycheck and those struggling to pay down debt.

[See: 10 Easy Ways to Pay Off Debt.]

However, there are several ways to make going back to school more affordable and as easy as 1-2-3.

Do Your Homework

Before you purchase anything for back to school, do your homework. If your school provides a class supply list, start by taking inventory of what you already have at home. Repurpose any pencils, crayons or folders that came home at the end of the school year. Check to see if lunch boxes, backpacks and water bottles are in good condition and can be reused this year.

[See: 10 Things to Know Before You Shop for Back-to-School Supplies.]

Once you determine what you need to buy, create a budget and stick to it. If you'll feel the financial pinch with back-to-school shopping, consider making temporary trade-offs in other areas of your budget, like dining out.

The important thing to remember is that back-to-school planning is not a one-time financial event. At the start of every calendar year, it's a great idea to include an education budget among your spending categories so you can plan and save. To best prepare you and your wallet for the academic year ahead, remember to budget for expenses beyond school supplies like school lunches, supplies for special class projects, shoes (because kids always seem to outgrow them) and class photos.

Be an A+ Shopper

Whether its tech gadgets, school supplies or clothes, it's important to shop smartly. Many big retailers are already advertising back-to-school sales. Monitor your favorite retailer websites for special offers and discounts and take advantage of loyalty reward programs. Check with your school to see if it has discount programs with retailers.

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When it comes to purchasing school supplies, get creative! Buy items like glue sticks and paper in bulk and split the cost with other parents. Another easy way to save money is to buy generic versus name-brand items.

Don't forget your pantry. Take advantage of good deals on food essentials like peanut butter, granola bars, and tuna and crackers, which are staples of many school lunches and make perfect after-school snacks.

[See: 12 Ways to Save Money on Food.]

Don't Ditch Clothing Deals

One of the most anticipated, but often expensive aspects of going back to school is buying new clothes. To help curb your spending, first identify the must-have items in your child's closet like jeans, comfortable shoes and a jacket for the cold winter months. If your budget allows, expand the wardrobe and purchase additional items as needed. It's also a good idea to buy clothing that can be easily mixed and matched. A girl's black cardigan, for example, looks great with jeans and a plain T-shirt or over a dress. Consignment stores, clearance racks and online resale sites have a great selection of name brands at a fraction of the cost.

There are several options to save money on school uniforms, too. Many big retailers sell traditional navy blue and khaki pants as well as solid colored polos. Uniform exchanges are also popular at many private schools. These exchanges are a great way to buy gently used uniforms at an affordable price. If your school doesn't offer a uniform exchange, start one of your own with other parents.

There are countless opportunities to take advantage of back-to-school summer savings before the first bell rings. All it takes is a little creativity, patience and a budget to help you get there.

Holly Perez is a consumer money expert at Intuit and Mint spokeswoman, a leading money management tool that helps people understand and do more with their money so they can achieve their dreams.





More From US News & World Report


The Ho-Chunk Nation has pledged its support to the victims of recent floods in northern Wisconsin and will be donating $25,000 to the Bad River Tribal Relief Fund.

The decision came a day after a group of Ho-Chunk tribal leaders and employees transported donated drinking water and cleaning supplies to the Bad River Community Center located in Odanah.

We are happy to be in a position to be able to provide some assistance and relief to the people of Bad River as they recover from the devastating flooding from the past week, said Henning Garvin, a Ho-Chunk Nation District 2 legislator. We are inspired to see the strength and resilience that has been displayed by our relatives to the north in meeting this immense challenge, and will continue to stand by to offer our resources to aid in the recovery.

Several other area organizations and businesses contributed to the cause as well by providing over 1,000 bottles of water. An additional $5,000 worth of cleaning supplies was collected to aid in cleaning up after this flood that has been said to be the worst since the early 1900s. Beyond this $25,000 monetary donation, the Ho-Chunk Nation remains committed to assisting fellow Wisconsinites by actively supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief program along with many other charitable organizations that aid communities throughout the region.
Pennsylvania police arrested a man inside a packed movie theater Saturday night after a search of his backpack allegedly turned up a stolen handgun, a box of bullets, a respirator and other items, PEOPLE confirms.



According to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE, officers stationed near the Cinemark Movie Theater in Center Township became suspicious of 21-year-old William Gossett when they spotted him in long-sleeved army fatigues carrying a large backpack in the 94-degree weather.



According to the complaint, Gossett allegedly noticed officers heading towards him and darted inside the movie theater, hiding in the bathroom.



When officers approached him, Gossett, a Georgia resident, allegedly told them he was there to watch the movie The Purge: Election Year.



 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.



Officers asked to search his bag and Gossett allegedly allowed them; officers allegedly found a loaded semi-automatic handgun and a box of ammunition.



The criminal complaint alleges 52 items were recovered from Gossett's bag, including a respirator, two cans of black spray paint, black tape, a pair of gloves, electrical cords, two first aid kits and a handwritten note. Police are not detailing the contents of the alleged note.



According to the complaint, Gossett allegedly provided police with a false name initially.



Police say they do not know what Gossett allegedly might have been planning.



Cinemark employees told police Gossett had been hanging around the theater for two hours, according to the complaint. The affidavit also says Gossett told investigators he'd walked to the theater from Georgia and had found the handgun along the way.



A records check showed the firearm had been stolen from an Ohio resident.



A spokesperson for Cinemark did not return PEOPLE's calls seeking comment.



The criminal complaint says Gossett had two previous convictions in his home state.



Gossett has been charged with receiving stolen property and unlawful firearms possession. He is being held on $25,000 bail and it was unclear from court records whether he's retained legal counsel or entered a plea.
London (AFP) - A man has been charged in connection to the murder of Denis Donaldson, a former British spy killed in Ireland in 2006, Irish police said on Thursday.

The latest development in the investigation comes a decade after Donaldson was shot, following his being outed as a former British secret service agent.

The man in his 70s charged in connection to the murder appeared at a Dublin court to face charges, police said without specifying the accusations against him.

He was arrested on Tuesday along with another man, in his 40s, who police said was released without charge.

Donaldson's body was found in April 2006 at his home in the rural village of Glenties in north west Ireland.

He had previously served as a senior party official in Sinn Fein, formerly the political wing of the IRA.

Months before his death, Donaldson's former life as a spy was made public, revealing he spent 20 years spying on Sinn Fein for British intelligence.
laszlo bock google

Google's longtime head of HR is stepping down, the company confirms to Business Insider.

Laszlo Bock, who's led human resources for the past 10 years, will be replaced by Eileen Naughton, VP of UK sales. Bock will be staying on as an adviser to CEO Sundar Pichai.

In many ways, Bock has been one of the most public-facing of Google's execs, often talking to the press about the company's unique corporate culture and recently writing a best-selling book on the topic called "Work Rules!"

Over the years, he has doled out ample hiring advice, management tricks, and resume critiques.

Fortune's Leena Rao first reported the news.

Naughton, who Fortune writes has been "one of the highest rated managers at Google by employees," will be moving from Google's London office to its Mountain View headquarters.

A representative tells us that, besides being an adviser to Google, Bock will start working with other companies, too  something that he's always been passionate about doing.

NOW WATCH: This country doesnt have Google Street View, so they created Google Sheep View





More From Business Insider


Reuters

PASADENA, Calif.  Fans who turned out at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday hoping to see Liverpool parading its stars against Premier League rivals Chelsea in the two sides International Champions Cup clash may have been somewhat disappointed.

What fans got from Liverpool instead could be a glimpse of the future.

For while Chelsea manager Antonio Conte fielded something akin to a Premier League starting XI, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp opted to debut a number of his new signings.

Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Danny Ings, and James Milner all started on the bench.

Daniel Sturridge wasnt even in the squad, with Klopp choosing to rest him ahead of Saturdays ICC clash with AC Milan.

As the old saying goes, its difficult to judge a team by what it does in preseason. But if we can take anything away from what we saw against Chelsea on Wednesday, it looks like Sadio Mane might be the most promising of Liverpools new recruits. In fact the former Southampton man has shown flashes this preseason of someone with the potential to be one of the signings of the new Premier League season.

Deployed on the right with Roberto Firmino in the center of attack, the Senegalese winger was a constant menace throughout the first half, making penetrating runs, drawing fouls, and generally serving as a focal point for everything positive about Liverpool going forward.

His blistering pace and threatening crosses from the flank were one of the few spots of bother for an otherwise dug-in and well-marshalled Chelseas defense.

The 24-year-old Mane has already been a standout for Liverpool for much of this preseason. He made his debut earlier this month against Tranmere Rovers and was Liverpools biggest attacking threat, as he was against Huddersfield Town last week.

While he has yet to find the back of the net for Liverpool, fans will be particularly encouraged by his budding partnership with Firmino. The twos understanding of one another was very much in evidence at the Rose Bowl and bodes well for a Liverpool attack that often struggles in the face of the constant injuries Sturridge seems prone to.

Story continues

While Mane, who scored 15 goals in all competitions for Saints last season, was the standout attacker amongst Liverpools new additions, he wasnt the only one of the new signings to impress at the Rose Bowl.

Ragnar Klavan also put in a solid shift at defense. At 30, the Estonian, who has previously plied his trade for the likes of Augsburg and AZ Alkmaar, is more experienced than most of Liverpools other debutantes and could grow into an able successor to Kolo Toure.

Meanwhile, Ovie Ejaria, an 18-year-old Arsenal academy product, was commanding in midfield and nearly drew Liverpool level when he played Firmino through on goal in the first half. The Brazilians shot wound up in the back of Asmir Begovics net but was disallowed as offside.

Marko Grujic, the 20-year-old Serbian midfielder whod stolen the show against Fleetwood Town earlier this month, had a more subdued performance, highlighted by getting brained in a head-to-head challenge with Bertrand Traore that resulted in him being taken to the hospital.

He cant remember anything, thats not too cool so hopefully nothing too serious, Klopp told Yahoo Sports.

But while many of Liverpools new additions look promising, its Mane who is most likely to get the pulses of Reds fans racing. His initial fee of around $42M makes him Liverpools third most expensive acquisition, and with bonuses he could become the Merseyside clubs record signing.

But at the age of just 24 with his best years presumably ahead of him, that could yet prove a bargain.

Mane admittedly faded somewhat in the second half and was eventually subbed off just past the hour mark. But he had left his impression.

Although his manager thinks he can leave an even bigger one.

Hes a wonderful player, Klopp said. But its clear he can play much better.
Mark Cuban

Brash billionaire Mark Cuban was back at mocking Republican nominee Donald Trump on Twitter late on Wednesday night, making a prediction about the Manhattan billionaire's "biggest debate fear."

"Trump's biggest debate fear is that @HillaryClinton will make up an acronym for a non-existent agency & DJT will respond thinking it's real," the owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and star of ABC's "Shark Tank" tweeted.

"Im going to go out on a limb and say that @realDonaldTrump will do everything possible not to debate @HillaryClinton," he wrote just beforehand.

Trump has had difficulty showing his knowledge of topics during Republican primary debates earlier in the election cycle, such as when he seemed to stumble when asked about the nuclear triad.

In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump also conflated the Quds  the Iranian Revolutionary Guards  with the Kurds. In the same September interview, Trump could not differentiate between Hamas and Hezbollah, two of the chief adversaries of Israel.



Former Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell shared some of Cuban's sentiments on the debates on Thursday, telling Bloomberg Politics that he thinks that Trump might "duck" the debates this fall.

"He not only doesn't put any meat on the bones, I think if you asked him for specifics he couldn't tell you, and that's why I think he may duck the debates," Rendell said.

"Trump is not a dumb man, he's a very smart man," Rendell later added. "He's not insane by any means."

Cuban previously was publicly excited about the possibility of a Trump presidency, but he has recently soured to the point of frequently ridiculing the Manhattan billionaire. Earlier in the cycle, he even expressed interest in serving as either Trump's or Clinton's running mate.

NOW WATCH: Watch Joe Biden's full speech  the most effective Trump takedown delivered at the DNC





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Marriott International Inc. MAR posted robust second-quarter 2016 results, wherein both earnings and revenues beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate.



However, the companys shares declined nearly 1.5% in afterhours trading on Jul 27, mirroring investor concerns surrounding the companys guidance cut for full-year 2016.



Meanwhile, we note that Marriott has inked a definitive agreement to purchase Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. HOT, which will lead to the creation of the world's largest hotel company. Marriott also announced that it is on track to complete the pending acquisition in the coming weeks.



Earnings and Revenue Discussion



Adjusted earnings per share of $1.03 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 98 cents by 5.1% and also rose 18% year over year. Also, earnings were above managements guided range of 96 cents to $1.00. The upside reflects improved revenue per available room (RevPAR) and strong margins.

Total revenue increased 5.8% year over year to $3.90 billion. Growth in franchise fees, incentive management fees and owned, leased and other revenue, was partially offset by a decline in base management fees.

Further, revenues beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.86 billion by 1.1%.



RevPAR & Margins



Increase in demand and occupancy rate led to RevPAR growth. In the second quarter, RevPAR for worldwide comparable system-wide properties grew 2.9% (up 2.3% in actual dollars), driven by a 1.9% rise in average daily rate (ADR) and 0.8% growth in occupancy. However, the figure was below managements expectation of 35% growth.



Comparable system-wide RevPAR in North America grew 3.2% (up 3.1% in actual dollars). Both ADR and occupancy rate inched up 2.2% and 0.8%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis.



International comparable system-wide RevPAR inched up 1.9% (down 0.8% in actual dollars) in the second quarter of 2016.



Adjusted EBITDA was $494 million, up 8.1% year over year, supported by revenue growth.



Worldwide comparable company-operated house profit margin increased 60 basis points (bps) in the second quarter, attributable to higher room rates, improved productivity and lower utility costs. Also, North American comparable company-operated house profit margins increased 100 bps. However, house profit margins for comparable company-operated properties outside North America declined 10 bps, hurt by lower house profit margins in the Middle East and Africa region.



Total expenses increased 5.8% year over year to $3.51 billion owing to higher reimbursement costs, general, administrative and other costs.



General, administrative, and other expenses were $154 million, up 1.3% from the year-ago quarter. Expenses increased largely due to higher administrative costs and unit growth.

MARRIOTT INTL-A Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

MARRIOTT INTL-A Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | MARRIOTT INTL-A Quote

Third-Quarter 2016 Guidance



Marriott expects comparable system-wide RevPAR to increase 34% in North America, outside North America and worldwide.



Moreover, the company expects fee revenues between $495 million and $500 million. Operating income is estimated in the range of $370--$375 million while adjusted EBITDA is projected at $476$481 million. Meanwhile, general, administrative and other expenses are expected to be roughly $160 million.



Notably, Marriott's outlook does not include the impact of the pending Starwood acquisition.



Fourth-Quarter 2016 Outlook



Marriott expects comparable system-wide RevPAR to increase 13% in North America, 34% outside North America and 23% worldwide.



Moreover, the company expects fee revenues between $485 million and $490 million. Operating income is expected in the range of $361--$371 million while adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $461 million and $471 million. Meanwhile, general, administrative and other expenses are expected to be roughly $170 million.



2016 View



The company lowered its comparable system-wide RevPAR expectations on a constant dollar basis to growth of 3% in North America, outside North America and worldwide. Notably, the company had earlier guided for RevPAR growth of 3% to 5%.



Also, for full-year 2016, the company anticipates gross room additions of roughly 7.5%, lower than 8% expected earlier because of postponed openings for some hotels in North America, as well as the Middle East and Africa.



Meanwhile, the company slashed its adjusted EBITDA guidance to the range of $1,889 million to $1,904 million (earlier $1,900 million to $1,965 million). The guidance cut came on the back of slower total fee revenue growth as well as lower relicensing and branding fees.



Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider



Marriott presently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Better-ranked stocks in the sector include Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc. SNOW and Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. VAC. Both the stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).



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STARWOOD HOTELS (HOT): Free Stock Analysis Report



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The Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin has given state Rep. Ed Brooks, R-Reedsburg, its Building Wisconsin award. The award is presented to legislators who demonstrate a commitment to what the group describes as pro-growth policies.

Time after time Rep. Brooks has voted for legislation that promotes economic development and a strong workforce, said ABC of Wisconsin president John Mielke. His creation of the Rural Wisconsin Initiative and its investment in apprenticeship programs show his dedication to Wisconsins builders.

Brooks was also given the award in 2014 and 2016.

Im honored to receive this recognition, Brooks siad. However, we still have work to do to build a stronger Wisconsin workforce. That is why Im working with Wisconsin builders to craft legislation that will help create well-trained workers who are job ready from day one.

ABC represents 21,000 building and contracting firms across America, including over 800 in Wisconsin.

Brooks is running for re-election in the 50th District, which includes all of Juneau County and the towns of Clifton and Glendale and village of Kendall in Monroe County.

Tom Crofton and Art Shrader are running in the Aug. 9 Democratic primary for the right to challenge Brooks, who has served in the Assembly since 2008.
By Jessica Toonkel and Dan Levine

(Reuters) - A Massachusetts judge on Thursday rejected Sumner Redstone's bid to quickly end a case that will likely determine the future of the media mogul's holdings and set an October trial date, marking a victory for Viacom Inc <VIAB.O> Chief Executive Philippe Dauman.

The issue is whether the 93-year-old Redstone knew what he was doing when he removed Dauman and Viacom board member George Abrams in May from the seven-person trust that will control his majority ownership of Viacom and CBS Corp <CBS.N> when he dies or is incapacitated.

Dauman and Abrams filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts, where the trust was established, contesting their removal from the trust and from the board of National Amusements Inc, Redstone's privately-held movie theater company, through which he owns 80 percent of the voting shares of CBS Corp <CBS.N> and Viacom.

Judge George Phelan of Norfolk County Probate and Family Court in Canton, Massachusetts, rejected Redstone's motion to dismiss and ruled that the case should proceed in Massachusetts. Redstone's lawyers had asked that the case be moved to a California court.

The judge's decision to keep the case in Massachusetts could help Dauman's case, or give him more leverage to negotiate a settlement.

California law mandates that any evidence of mental incompetence be tied to the specific issue being contested. Massachusetts does not have such a strict requirement, and allows a judge to evaluate a persons overall ability to manage their affairs, lawyers have told Reuters..

While Phelan allowed Dauman's lawyers to examine medical records relating to Redstone, the judge rejected Dauman's request for an immediate mental examination of Redstone. The judge requested that Redstone's medical records from January 1, 2015 to July 28, 2016 be provided by August 15.

In a statement, a spokesman for Abrams and Dauman applauded Phelan's decision because it acknowledged "the need for a speedy trial," and "prompt access to medical records."

Story continues

Mike Lawrence, a spokesman for Redstone, said he looks forward to "exposing this specious and malicious attack" in court. The decision to remove Dauman and Abrams will stand regardless of the outcome, Lawrence said, because a majority of trustees ratified it.

The outcome of the Massachusetts court case, and who ends up with control over the trust, will have wide-ranging implications for Viacom and CBS shareholders and could result in changes at the top of both companies, possibly through mergers and acquisitions.

Abrams and Dauman claim Redstone suffers from dementia, impaired cognition, a slowness of mental processing, a loss of memory, apathy, depression and has been manipulated by his daughter, Shari.

In a June court filing, Redstone called it "offensive and untrue" to suggest that he was being unduly influenced.

A spokeswoman for Shari Redstone declined to comment.

The outcome of the Massachusetts case also has implications for Viacom's board. Redstone and National Amusements moved to oust five of Viacom's directors last month, including Dauman and lead independent director Frederic Salerno, asking a court in Delaware - where Viacom is incorporated - to rule that the changes were valid.

That same day, Salerno fired back with his own lawsuit challenging the removal.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Friday in Delaware.

(Reporting by Jessica Toonkel and Dan Levine; editing by Alan Crosby, Dan Grebler and Nick Zieminski)
Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman appears to have won a partial victory in his effort to remain a central player in Sumner Redstones media empire.

Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Judge George Phelan has decided to take a case by Dauman and Viacom director George Abrams challenging Redstones ability to restructure his family trust and the board of his National Amusements, which owns 80% of the votes at Viacom and CBS.

But the court did not agree with Daumans request to order an immediate examination of the 93-year-old in an effort to determine whether he was competent on May 20 when he ousted the Viacom execs from his seven member family trust and National Amusements board.

Dauman and Abrams say he wasnt competent. In addition, they say that Redstone is being manipulated by his daughter, Shari, whos Viacoms Vice Chair.

The Redstones asked the court to dismiss the charges, saying that theyre unfounded. In addition, they say, any review of Sumner Redstones capacity should take place in California, where he lives  and at a court that, in a different case this year, declined to challenge his competence.

In a 76-page ruling, the Massachusetts judge rejected the request to dismiss. The interests of the parties and the interests of justice lead him to conclude that the case must be decided not only by Massachusetts law as the trust insists but by a Massachusetts court.

He adds that its plausible that Redstones effort to remove Dauman and Abrams is not logical and not natural, given the subjective context of the Redstone family dynamic which included many bitter disputes between father and daughter.

Phelan says there is no need to conduct a current mental and physical examination of Sumner. But he allowed Dauman and Abrams lawyers to see his medical records going back to the beginning of 2015.

Story continues

The judge says he can schedule a speedy trial, not just a hearing, on the merits of the case in October. The California court that the Redstones have asked to support his decisions has scheduled a hearing on October 18.

This Court does not know the purpose of that hearing, whether preliminary in nature of not, Phelan says.

The judge warns the parties not to conclude that his ruling is a harbinger of thoughts, inclinations, tendencies, or decisions to come.

Redstone spokesman Mike Lawrence says that in the motion to dismiss the court was required by law to assume all of Mr. Dauman and Mr. Abrams allegations as true, including those which we will prove false as this case progresses. We look forward to exposing this specious and malicious attack on the Redstones.

He also thanked the court for protecting Sumner Redstones privacy and dignity.

Even if Redstones ultimately found to be incapable of making his own decisions, votes by members of the trust and the National Amusements board to replace Dauman and Ambrams mean that their dismissals will stand regardless of what Mr. Dauman and Mr. Abramss paid experts might say about Sumners capacity or alleged undue influence.

A spokesman for Dauman and Abrams says todays ruling removes yet another of defendants efforts to block an investigation and examination of Redstones competence. We also appreciate that he is allowing prompt access to medical records and immediate discovery. We welcome the opportunity to prove the facts at trial.

Phelan made his ruling the day before Delawares Chancery Court will hold a hearing on a related case from Viacom challenging National Amusements effort to replace five of the entertainment companys directors  including Dauman.

Here, too, Viacom says the decision is invalid because Redstone is not competent. The judge in Delaware said that he would wait to see whether the Massachusetts court would order an exam before deciding whether he would require one.

Related stories

Philippe Dauman Wants Court To Have Sumner Redstone Examined By August 17

Viacom Power Play As Philippe Dauman Protects Severance With "Good Reason" To Resign Letter

National Amusements Vows To Oppose A Deal To Sell Paramount Stake
Sumner Redstone doesnt need to undergo an immediate mental examination, a Massachusetts judge ruled on Wednesday, denying Viacom CEO Philippe Daumans request for one.

Daumans case still made great strides though as probate judge George Phelan allowed the embattled media CEO to move forward in his lawsuit contesting his removal from the seven-member National Amusements Trust. He will also grant Daumans legal team access to Redstones medical records, extending back through 2015.

The Massachusetts court will hear the case instead of allowing it to move to another jurisdiction. Attorneys for Redstone had been pushing to have the case adjudicated in California, where the media mogul resides. Judge Phelan writes that he wants a speedy resolution to the case with a trial to take place in October.

National Amusements, is a Massachusetts-based holding company, through which the Redstone family controls 80% of the voting shares in Viacom and CBS. As the 93-year old Redstones health has faltered, his media empire has become engulfed in a series of legal feuds. Shari Redstone, Sumners daughter, has been locked in a battle for control of Viacom with Dauman. Viacoms properties include MTV, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central.

Attorneys for Dauman have argued that Redstone is not mentally competent to be making decisions and is being manipulated by his daughter.

Dauman has been pushing forward in his efforts to sell a minority stake in Paramount Pictures, a move that Sumner Redstones camp says the mogul opposes.

Attorneys for Dauman and his fellow claimant George Abrams said they were pleased that Judge Phelan acknowledged the seriousness of the charges.

We are grateful that Judge Phelans thoughtful opinion removes yet another of the defendants efforts to block an investigation into the merits and, in particular, an independent determination of Mr. Redstones capacity and the question of undue influence, the statement reads.

Story continues

In a competing statement, Mike Lawrence, an attorney for Redstone, argued that Dauman and Abrams should honor the moguls decision to oust them from the board.

This case is a disingenuous, self-interested effort by Philippe Dauman and George Abrams to hold on to their power as trustees and National Amusements directors, in the hope that this would enable them to preserve their richly compensated positions at Viacom despite their dismal performance, said Lawrence.

The ruling comes a day before a hearing in Delawares Chancery Court on National Amusements move to overhaul the Viacom board, replacing five members, including Dauman.

Related stories

Philippe Dauman Says Sumner Redstone Needs Mental Exam, and Fast

China's Wanda is Front-Runner to Buy Paramount Stake (Reports)

Judge Rejects Manuela Herzer's Bid for Retrial in Sumner Redstone Health Case
MasterCard Incorporated MA, is one of the leading payment solution companies. Over 1 billion MasterCard-branded cards are currently in circulation, with total annual purchase volume of over $3 trillion.



It boasts of a well-established brand and extensive merchant-acceptance network.



The company has generated strong earnings growth in recent years driven by solid revenue growth led by growth in spending, shift toward spending on cards, pricing increases.



MasterCard has also been consistently expanding its geographic footprint, which has resulted in an increase in membership. This, in turn, is expected to boost the revenues of the company.



New global agreement wins and tie ups with regional banks in U.S. has also increased its client base.



Moreover, MasterCard enjoys ample competitive advantage and generates a healthy cash flow, which supports efficient capital deployment by generating incremental shareholder value.



MasterCard has a pretty good earnings track record with the company delivering positive earnings surprises in each of the last four quarters with an average surprise of 5.2%.



Currently, MasterCard has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). But that could definitely change following the companys earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:



Earnings: MasterCard beats on earnings. Our consensus called for EPS of 90 cents, and the company reported EPS of 96 cents and was up 13% year over year.

MASTERCARD INC Price and EPS Surprise

MASTERCARD INC Price and EPS Surprise | MASTERCARD INC Quote





Revenue: Revenues surpassed our estimate. Our consensus called for revenues of $2.6 billion, and the company reported revenues of $2.69 billion.



Key Stats to Note: The company reported an increase in cross border volumes of 10%, processed transactions increased 14% to $13.7 billion. Worldwide purchase volume during the quarter was up 9% on a local currency basis.



Total operating expenses were $1.21 billion up 12% year over year. The company delivered an operating margin of 55.2%.



MasterCards effective tax rate was 27.9% in reported quarter , versus a rate of 25.8% in the year ago quarter.



Check back later for our full write up on this MA earnings report later!

Story continues

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MASTERCARD INC (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
tangled earbuds earphones iphone

With iPhone 7, Apple could be about to solve one of the most annoying things about mobile phones: The way your earbud headphones always get tangled in knots when you're not using them.

The iPhone 7 will not have a traditional headphone jack and will instead come with wireless earbuds that work via Bluetooth, possibly branded as "Airpods," according to Macrumors.

If the rumours are true it will end the universal experience of reaching into your bag or pocket to listen to some music or take a call, only to find your earbuds have conspired against you. They've tangled themselves into a knot so vicious that you risk snapping the wire to get them undone (especially the little thin wires that go to each earpiece).

It happens to all earbuds, not just Apple's, but iPhone tangles are more conspicuous because their wires are white as part of Apple's branding.

Strangely, the knots even occur when you coil them carefully before putting them away.

It turns out that there is a reason this happens, and it has been the subject of scientific research. iPhone earbud tangles are a function of the length of the wire and the amount of "agitation" the wire is subjected to. When the two are plotted against each other  length versus agitation  the rate of knots and tangles obeys a statistical pattern that describes a curve.

A research paper titled "Spontaneous knotting of an agitated string," by Dorian M. Raymer and Douglas E. Smith of the University of California at San Diego Department of Physics, demonstrated this phenomenon: It revealed that a cord of less than 46 centimeters in length (about 1 foot six inches) will almost never tangle itself when sealed inside a rotating box for a period. But between 46 centimeters and 150 centimeters (about five feet), the probability of a knot forming rises dramatically. With a cord longer than that, the probability of a knot forming reaches a plateau of 50%. It turns out that the odds of getting a knot do not go higher because a longer cord gets wedged inside the shape of the box and that prevents further tangles from forming. Raymer and Smith performed 3,415 trials to demonstrate this.

Story continues

Here is what that curve looks like:

string tangle

Apple's iPhone earbuds are 139 cm (55 inches) long and thus right at the 50% tangle-rate-sweet-spot, at the top of the curve.

In other words, if you place your earbuds in a bag the odds of them tangling into a knot as you carry them around are 50%, at least. "At least" because earbuds are, of course, a Y-shaped string, and thus the knotting frequency is compounded further. (Raymer and Smith didn't look at strings with more than one branch, but anecdotally I can confirm that the tangle-rate is pretty high.)

Finally, here is a schematic showing how a cord that starts off neatly coiled  you don't just stuff them in there, do you?  quickly becomes tangled inside a rotating box. It shows that one end of a cord only has to cross another part of the cord twice in order to start spontaneously knotting itself:

string tangle

That last part is perhaps the most magical of all: The research shows that your earphones are indeed spontaneously knotting themselves. Sure, it's because of their length and the agitation of the container they're in. But the knots really do form as a matter of physics, not because of your personal lack of neatness.





More From Business Insider


The Great Wall Universal final

Matt Damon sure has been busy of late. He was stranded on Mars in "The Martian," he's returning to the Bourne franchise with "Jason Bourne" (out this weekend), and now the trailer for his next movie, "The Great Wall," has hit the internet.

This one is a little more fantasy. He plays a British solider who finds himself working with the Chinese to fight foes attacking the Great Wall of China.

But it turns out the wall isn't there to keep out humans.

Directed by legendary Chinese director Zhang Yimou ("Hero," "House of Flying Daggers"), the thriller promises incredible visuals and fight sequences.

Watch the trailer below. The movie opens February 2017.

NOW WATCH: Disney just released 3 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage from the new 'Star Wars' movie





More From Business Insider


Someone recently spotted that a 2014 episode of the U.K. childrens show Fireman Sam shows a character treading on a page of the Quran, and Mattel just pulled the episode in response.

The page flashes for a moment on-screen as a pile of papers the characters slips on flutter through the air. According to a statement Mattel posted, the pages were supposed to be illegible and Mattel has severed ties with the animation studio that let the page of religious text slip in.

Its just an unfortunate incident where someone from the production company thought they were just putting in random text, a Mattel spokesperson told the BBC. We have no reason to believe it was done maliciously.

People were so upset that the BBC (which doesnt even air the show) received over 1,000 complaints about the episode. The Mattel statement apologized for any distress or offense the episode may have caused.

[BBC]
McDonalds Fries 2.JPG

McDonald's is opening a restaurant next week featuring all-you-can-eat fries.

The new 6,500-square-foot "McDonald's of the future" will open on August 4 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

In addition to endless fries, the restaurant will also feature a dessert bar, a three-story PlayPlace for kids, and table service, according to franchise owner Chris Habiger.

The concept is a first for McDonald's, but there's a catch: It's only a temporary promotion aimed at drawing in new customers and building buzz around the restaurant opening.

Habiger did not say how long the promotion will last.

The new McDonald's will also feature digital kiosks for customers to order their food  which McDonald's is now adding to restaurants across the country  a "party room" for rent, and modern-looking couches and arm chairs for hanging out.

The restaurant will try to appeal to young moms by hosting events for mothers and kids during the day, such as play groups and children's book readings, according to its Facebook page.

McDonald's

That's something rival chain Chick-fil-A has been doing for years. Chick-fil-A has also added a "mom's valet" service to make ordering easier for parents.

The new play area for kids will be unlike any other McDonald's PlayPlace, featuring interactive light-board tables and tabletop video games.

McDonald's

NOW WATCH: We tried McDonald's popular international hit that's finally in the US  here's the verdict





More From Business Insider


McDonald's

McDonald's fired an employee for refusing to serve a police officer.

The officer was denied service at a McDonald's location in Brenham, Texas.

"Unfortunately, one of our employees, who was off duty with his family, was refused service at a local restaurant simply for being a police officer," Brenham Police Chief Craig Goodman said in a statement posted to Facebook.

The police department contacted the McDonald's restaurant following the incident, and the employee who refused to serve the officer was promptly fired, KHOU reports. The Brenham McDonald's confirmed the firing to Business Insider.

"They, much like a police organization, looked at what took place, and after gathering the information, they came to the right decision and that employee no longer works for their business," Goodman told KHOU.

The police department said it had received a ton of support from the community after the officer was denied service.

"We know this was an isolated incident that involved a single employee who is not fond of law enforcement," Goodman wrote on Facebook. "It is my hopes and prayers that this employee and anyone else who has a negative view of law enforcement address the real and/or perceived problem(s) through positive communication with us."

He added that the employees' actions "do not reflect the beliefs or opinions of management, the owners, or the McDonalds company as a whole."

McDonald's provided the following statement to Business Insider from Samuel Munroe, the owner of the restaurant in Brenham.

At our restaurants, we proudly support police officers and all divisions of first responders. We are grateful for the chief of police, and the force, for understanding that this was an isolated incident. All customers, including local law enforcement officers who protect and serve our communities, are always welcome at our restaurants."

Story continues

NOW WATCH: This police officer has become a social-media star by promoting community policing





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Mead Johnson Nutrition Company MJN reported second-quarter 2016 results with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 88 cents beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 12.8%.

Also, adjusted earnings improved from the prior-year quarters figure by 15.8%.

Including the impact of certain one-time items, reported net earnings were 83 cents per share, up 3.8% year over year.

Net Sales

Net sales in the reported quarter grossed $941.5 million, down 9% year over year (down 4% at CER, or constant exchange rate). To note, the top line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $958.9 million.

Sales in the reported quarter was adversely affected by 5% from decreasing volume and unfavorable foreign exchange rate. However, second-quarter sales were positively impacted by 1% from favorable price mix.

MEAD JOHNSON NU Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

MEAD JOHNSON NU Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | MEAD JOHNSON NU Quote

Segments in Detail

Currently, the company has three reportable segments  Asia, Latin America and North America/Europe.

Sales in Asia (representing 50% of total sales) declined 11% year over year (down 7% at CER) to $456.2 million. While poor volume affected this segments revenues by 5%, unfavorable foreign exchange rate impacted sales by 4%. An increase in trade investments in China, with a portion diverted from advertising and promotional spending, affected this segments growth primarily. Two other factors that impacted sales were: new product testing for imported goods in China towards the end of the second quarter; and, market share losses on the companys mid-priced children's products in the Philippines.

In Latin America (18%), sales dropped 16% year over year (down 3% at CER) to $166.5 million. Foreign exchange hurt growth in this segment by 1% while volume strained salesby 12%. However, positive pricing gains in the overall segment contributed 9% growth to this segments sales, which partially offset the negative impacts.

Story continues

In North America/Europe (34%), sales dropped 1% to $318.8 million, on account of foreign exchange and volume marring sales growth by 1%. Within this segment, the company experienced lower-than-expected market share in the U.S., which was partially offset by market share gains in both infant and children's products in Canada.

Margins

Adjusted gross margin at CER during the reported quarter was 66.6%, up 120 basis points on the back of lower dairy input cost.

Adjusted operating margin improved 540 bps year over year to 27.4%, on account of a drop of 9.4% in adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses, a fall of 12.7% in advertising and promotion expense, and a squeeze of 4.7% in research and development expense. .

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Mead Johnson exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1.72 billion, compared with $1.70 billion in the previous quarter. Long-term debt was $3.02 billion, in line with the previous years identical quarter. As of Jun 30, 2016, the company generated operating cash flow of $276.1 million, against the year-ago quarters equivalent of $458.5 million.

Updated Guidance

Mead Johnson reiterated its guidance for 2016. The company expects to deliver adjusted EPS of $3.48$3.60, based on the current exchange rates. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS is pegged at $3.51, which is within the company's guided range.

In terms of the top line, the company has revised its outlook and now expects year-over-year net sales to be 0-2% below the prior year at CER. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues lies at $3.88 billion.

Our Take

Mead Johnsons second-quarter results were a mixed bag, with the bottom line comfortably beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate and the top line missing the same. Actually, the companys sales were quite poor, with all of its segments delivering a bleak performance on the whole.

In emerging markets, macroeconomic turmoil in Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina spoiled whatever growth the company achieved in Mexico and Columbia. Foreign currency also remained a major challenge for the company across all regions. On a brighter note, lower dairy input costs boosted gross margin. The companys Fuel for Growth project also played a major role in improving profitability of Mead Johnson.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Mead Johnson currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked medical stocks are Abiomed, Inc. ABMD, Masimo Corporation MASI and Natus Medical Inc. BABY. All these stocks hold a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

(We have revised this article to correct a mistake. The previous version, published earlier today, should not be relied upon.)



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Like many people, economist W. David Bradford says he was under the impression that medical marijuana was something only young people would be interested in. At least, thats what he thought until his own research began showing otherwise.

In mid-July, he and Ashley C. Bradford, his co-researcher and daughter, published one of the more compelling studies about medical marijuana to date. Their report, which ran in the journal Health Affairs, looked at data on prescriptions filled by Medicare enrollees from 2010 to 2013and found that older people who qualified for Medicare were, where appropriate, making use of medical pot. Not only that, they also found that when states legalized medical marijuana, prescriptions dropped significantly for painkillers and other drugs for which pot may be an alternative. Doctors in a state where marijuana was legal prescribed an average of 1,826 fewer doses of painkillers per year.

Since 1999, overdose deaths in the U.S. involving opioids (prescription painkillers and heroin) have quadrupled. Meanwhile, estimates suggest opioid abuse racks up over $72 billion in medical costs alone each year in the U.S., and the Bradfords report found that states with medical marijuana laws saved $165.2 million per year in medical costs. So while it remains contentious, a growing number of experts some medical experts and even some states are considering the idea that medical marijuana should play a criticaland legalrole in combating the nations painkiller epidemic.

What we hope people take away from this is that when marijuana becomes available as a clinical option, physicians and patients together are reacting as if marijuana is medicine, says Bradford, the Busbee Chair in Public Policy at the University of Georgia.

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug according to the federal government, and many lawmakers and doctors remain resistant to the idea that marijuana has a place in medicine. Some doctors also argue medical marijuana isnt well regulated. Others say theres simply not enough scientific evidence to know for certain that people can improve their pain with cannabis, or kick a painkiller habit.

Story continues

But other experts, like Dr. Donald Abrams, chief of the Hematology-Oncology Division at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, says anything that makes a dent in an epidemic that kills 80 Americans every day is worth considerationespecially since medical pot is proving in studies to be an effective treatment for pain. If we could use cannabis, which is less addictive and harmful than opioids, to increase the effectiveness of pain treatment, I think it can make a difference during this epidemic of opioid abuse, says Abrams who has investigated the effect of cannabis on pain for over a decade. We are hampered by the fact that it is still difficult to get funding for studies on cannabis as a therapeutic, he adds.

Still, the movement has momentum. In April, Maine became the first state to consider adding opioid addiction to the list of ailments that medical marijuana can treat. The health department ultimately denied the petition, but proponents like Dr. Dustin Sulak, a licensed osteopathic physician in Maine who treats people with medical marijuana, says it helped start a conversation about pot as a potential solution. Cannabis enhances the pain relief of opioids and if they are working together, [the effect] is more powerful, he says.

Sulak practices with Integr8 Health, a health care practice with around 15 providers in Maine and Massachusetts who treat about 20,000 people using medical cannabis. About 70% of the people use medical marijuana for chronic pain, and others use it for conditions like nausea from chemotherapy drugs or cancer. Among over 1,000 people Sulak recently surveyed at Integr8 Health, half said they used cannabis in combination with opioids to treat their pain, and the majority of those people said they either stopped opioids completely or reduced their dosage of opioids over time.

You dont see this anywhere else, says Sulak. Instead you see people coming back and asking for more and more opioids.

The idea that marijuana may treat pain and combat addiction is not without precedent. A study published in 2014 in the journal JAMA found that states with medical marijuana laws experienced a nearly 25% drop in deaths from opioid overdoses compared to states that did not have those laws. That may be because medical marijuana, which often relies on compounds from the cannabis plant called cannabinoids, has been found in many studies to help pain management. For example, a 2015 analysis of 79 studies also published in JAMA reported a 30% or greater reduction in pain from cannabinoids compared to a placebo. Studies suggest cannabinoids interact with receptors in pain activity centers located in the brain and spinal chord. Theres also some suggestion that they have anti-inflammatory effects.

In February 2016, Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asking the agency to look into the effectiveness of medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids for pain treatment in states where it is legal.

In 2015, Minnesota added chronic pain as one of the conditions that could be treated with medical cannabis. The Boston Herald reports that some Massachusetts clinics are treating people addicted to painkillers with pot, though the states health department does not have an official position on that therapy. So far Maine has come closest to officially adding opioid addiction to the list of conditions pot can treat successfully.

It will likely be quite some time before medical marijuana is a standard and widely accepted alternative to painkillers  but, says Bradford, hes seen changes over time. I think we are seeing much more openness to the use of medical marijuana, he says. Whether state lawmakers agree, remains to be seen.
From ELLE

This article originally appeared in the August 2016 issue of ELLE.

Timing favored director Meera Menon (Farah Goes Bang) in the making of her second feature, the financial thriller Equity. Her first film caught the eye of Alysia Reiner (Sideways; Orange Is the New Black) and Sarah Megan Thomas, actor friends who had just founded the production company Broad Street Pictures, dedicated in part to making movies from more female perspectives-raising Hollywood's Bechdel test-score average, as it were.

Reiner and Thomas want to play onscreen, in Menon's words, "complicated, interesting women who operate in gray areas." They get their wish in Equity, their inaugural project, in alliance with scriptwriter Amy Fox (another friend from New York City's theater world) and a whole roster of coproducer-slash-advisers based in the heart of the financial industry-women whose resumes name-check Barclays, Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Lehman Brothers, and several redoubtable hedge funds.

Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad's Skyler White) infuses Equity with quiet desperation as Naomi Bishop, an investment banker who shepherds tech IPOs to market-and who needs a big triumph to save face in the wake of an unsuccessful previous effort. Thomas plays her comparably angst-ridden junior colleague, Erin, who may or may not have her boss's back. Aside from her male mentors and colleagues, Bishop has to contend with an on-and-off lover (James Purefoy) who works in her firm's hedge-fund division and may be trying to pump her for a little inside dope for a key client. Add in a federal prosecutor (Reiner) who's sniffing around for just this kind of trouble, and you have a recipe for corporate paranoia that Equity stirs up with chilling elan.

Menon grew up in New Jersey and attended Columbia University, then went to USC's film school; she's elated at the buzz around Equity but is already on the hunt for her next project. "There are so many genres that you haven't seen women at the forefront of," she says. "Like the spy movie-where is the female James Bond? So many stories have historically been told through a male perspective that you could bring the Equity treatment to."
Melania Trump on Thursday addressed reports that her personal website had been taken down because of discrepancies concerning her college education.

According to screenshots of her former site - which now redirects to the Trump Organization - the 46-year-old former model and wife of the GOP presidential nominee, Donald Trump, obtained a degree in design and architecture at University in Slovenia. But that credential has since been questioned.

"Melania decamped to Milan after her first year of college, effectively dropping out," according to a recent GQ profile.

Still, her biography on the 2016 Republican National Convention's website (it appears there because she was a speaker on opening night) also says she holds a degree.

Thursday afternoon, Melania tweeted an explanation of why her website no longer exists, but she did not address the education accusations.

"The website in question was created in 2012 and has been removed because it does not accurately reflect my current business and professional interests," Melania tweeted.

Citing an unauthorized biography, The Hill reported that Melania's education was thought-up by the campaign to make her seem intelligent and accomplished.

pic.twitter.com/pDAe8w08ym

- MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) July 28, 2016

Read More: Donald Trump Answers Only 8 Questions in Reddit AMA
New York (AFP) - Just over a week after she blazed into controversy for plagiarizing Michelle Obama, the website of Donald Trump's third wife Melania mysteriously vanished following questions about her university education.

"The website in question was created in 2012 and has been removed because it does not accurately reflect my current business and professional interests," the mother of one tweeted Thursday.

The website disappeared after US media questioned whether the wife of the Republican nominee for president had a degree in architecture from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, as the online biography stated.

Trump told MSNBC in February only that she "studied" design and architecture. A follow-up interview with GQ Magazine published in April said she dropped out after a year to pursue a modeling career in Milan and later Paris.

Those who try to access www.melaniatrump.com are now automatically diverted to her husband's company website.

While his three adult children, who hold executive positions at The Trump Organization, have biographies on the site, she does not. Neither is she mentioned in her husband's more than 4,000-word online biography.

Thursday's tweet was a rare update from Melania Trump in the 13 months since her husband launched his controversial bid for the White House.

While the ex-model used to post regular style, food and scenic photographs, she has tweeted rarely since his foray into politics.

Last week, a staffer apologized for cribbing remarks from the current Democratic first lady for a speech Melania Trump delivered at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

Melania Trump had "always liked" Michelle Obama and read out passages from one of her speeches as examples of what she wanted to say, said the staffer.

"I did not check Mrs Obama's speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused," she said.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Mercedes-Benz has defended an advertising campaign for its new E-Class against allegations that consumers were being misled about the car's self-driving capabilities, the latest backlash by consumer groups in the wake of a fatal Tesla accident.

Consumer groups warned car buyers not to rely too heavily on advanced cruise control systems, which use computers and sensors to automatically steer and brake, following a fatal crash by a Tesla (TSLA.O) car operating in "autopilot" mode.

The ensuing investigation of the Tesla accident by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has increased scrutiny of automated driving technology and the claims made about it by carmakers seeking to push sales.

On Wednesday, U.S.-based Consumer Reports wrote to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging it to scrutinize Mercedes' "The Future" campaign, which markets automated features available in the 2017 E-Class.

The campaign said: "Is the world truly ready for a vehicle that can drive itself? An autonomous-thinking automobile that protects those inside and outside. Ready or not, the future is here. The all new E-Class: self-braking, self-correcting, self-parking. A Mercedes-Benz concept that's already a reality."

Consumer Reports criticized the slogan.

"The ad is likely to mislead a reasonable consumer by representing the E-Class as self-driving when it is not," it said in the letter, urging the FTC to take action to prevent consumers gaining a false sense of security in the ability of a car to operate autonomously.

On Thursday, a spokeswoman for Daimler-owned (DAIGn.DE) Mercedes-Benz said: "It was and is not our intent to cause any confusion between current driver assistance systems and the vision of an autonomous future."

She said the ad contained a statement that the vehicle cannot drive itself, but has semi-automated driving features and urged drivers to observe safe driving practices as well as read the operating manual for details on what the driving assistance systems can and cannot do.

Consumer Reports said the caveats contained in the advert may contravene FTC guidance which stipulates that advertisers cannot use fine print to contradict statements in an ad or clear up false impressions the ad might leave.

(Reporting by Edward Taylor; Editing by Mark Potter)
An Afghan refugee launched an ax attack on a train in Wurzburg. A suicide bomber detonated himself outside a migration center in Ansbach. A Syrian refugee killed a pregnant woman with a machete in Reutlingen. A disgruntled teenager shot and killed nine people in Munich.

In July, young men attacked Germany four times over the course of seven days. Three of those incidents were carried out by asylum-seekers. The violent spate has put Berlin  where Chancellor Angela Merkel led the call for European nations to accept refugees  on the defensive about why she has accepted hundreds of thousands of asylum-seekers fleeing war zones, only to later be attacked by a small handful of them.

On Thursday, in a press conference in Berlin, the powerful German leader said that despite recent attacks, she does not regret her push to accept refugees, and instead believes that not accepting them in such masses could have led to even worse consequences.

The assailants who used their time in Germany to plan and launch attacks, shamed the country that welcomed them, she said. But the attacks, two of which are believed to have had extremist motives, simply prove that the Islamic State took advantage of the refugee crisis to smuggle terrorists into Europe, including to Germany and France. It is for that reason, she said, that internal and external security can no longer be distinguished from each other.

We unfortunately have to accept that many Islamist fighters from Europe have gone to Syria, she said.

Merkel used her appearance at the press conference to announce that the recent attacks would be analyzed in order to determine what steps will keep Germany safe.

I said back then, and Ill say it again, Germany is a strong country, she said. I called it a task for the whole nation. But just as weve managed so much already, well manage this.

Getty Images: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images
Recaptured drug lord Joaquin

On Tuesday, the Mexican government extradited Mauricio Sanchez Garza, an alleged financial operator in Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's Sinaloa cartel.

Sanchez Garza has been indicted in western Texas on charges of laundering drug-money proceeds and of committing an extortion scheme that involved a Hollywood screenplay, a production billed as a prequel to the 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ."

Clad in handcuffs, Sanchez Garza arrived in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, where has been accused of using dirty money to purchase a home and several plots of land on which he planned to build apartments, according to MySanAntonio.com.

A 'key piece'

In addition to the charges filed in Texas, Sanchez Garza was allegedly involved in the financial network related to the autobiographical film that Guzman wanted to make with Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, according to Mexican news magazine Proceso.

Guzman exchanged messages with del Castillo about the film and to arrange his meeting with Sean Penn while he was on run late last year. His communications with her are thought to have helped authorities track him down.

The Mexican attorney general's office said Sanchez Garza's arrest in January this year was part of an investigation that started when Mexican authorities learned that Guzman, while jailed, wanted to produce books and a movie about his life.

Sanchez Garza was a "key piece" in understanding del Castillo's and Penn's role in the possible use of funds of illicit origin, according to Proceso.

el chapo kate del castillo sean penn

Sanchez Garza's involvement with the screenplay to "Mary, Mother of Christ"  the prequel to "The Passion of the Christ" written by the same screenwriter, Benedict Fitzgerald  turned violent when he and a partner orchestrated the kidnapping of a business partner's brother in order to force that partner to sign over his rights to the script, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

Story continues

Sanchez Garza fled to Mexico in 2010 to avoid arrest, but was apprehended in Jalisco, the state where he was born, in January on a warrant for the charges filed in Texas.

A long history of involvement

While Sanchez Garza was indicted in the US in 2010 and 2011, he is accused of having ties to longstanding members of Mexico's narco underworld.

He is accused of laundering money on behalf of Juan Jose "El Azul" Esparragoza, one of the current leaders of the Sinaloa cartel who has been active in the drug trade since the 1970s.

And the US Treasury department has accused him of laundering money for Rafael Caro Quintero, an original member of what is now the Sinaloa cartel who was jailed from 1985 to 2013. Caro Quintero has returned to the narco scene in recent weeks.

US Treasury Sachez network money laundering Sinaloa cartel

According to the US Justice Department, from 2005 until July 2011, Sanchez and two associates conspired to transport proceeds derived from illegal drug trafficking into the US and conduct financial transactions with them in order to conceal their nature and to obscure the involvement of drug traffickers in the transactions.

Sanchez Garza's involvement with Hollywood began in 2006, when Fitzgerald had been working for two years to get his prequel to "The Passion of the Christ" made. According to an Esquire profile by Luke Dittrich, Fitzgerald, who was seeking financing, was introduced to Sanchez Garza through several intermediaries.

"Fitzgerald wondered a little bit about the source of the Mexicans' wealth," Dittrich writes, "but he didn't wonder too much."

NOW WATCH: 1 YEAR LATER: Heres what may come next for 'El Chapo' Guzman





More From Business Insider


Mexico City (AFP) - Mexican authorities transferred aging drug lord Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo to house arrest Thursday after serving 31 years in prison for the killing of a US undercover agent.

Eduardo Guerrero, head of Mexico's penitentiary system, said Fonseca Carrillo was moved to a house near Mexico City before dawn to finish the last nine years of his 40-year sentence following a judge's order.

"We tried for more than a year to avoid carrying this out, but a judge decided the opposite and ordered us to do this," Guerrero told the Televisa network.

The 86-year-old capo's release means that two of the three founders of the once powerful Guadalajara drug cartel linked to the agent's murder are out of prison.

Last year, a federal court approved Fonseca Carrillo's request to finish his sentence under house arrest after his lawyers said he should be released due to his advanced age and illnesses.

One of his 15 children, Yoanna, said her 86-year-old father "possibly has colon cancer" and has lost vision in one eye, among other ailments.

Fonseca Carrillo, alias "Don Neto," had been held at the Puente Grande prison in the western state of Jalisco. His lawyer said he would complete his sentence at a house in Atizapan de Zaragoza, just outside Mexico City.

He was convicted of the 1985 murder of US Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a crime that strained US-Mexican relations at the time.

Fonseca Carrillo is the oldest of the three founders of the now defunct Guadalajara drug cartel. They are considered the forefathers of modern drug trafficking in Mexico.

In 2013, a court freed cartel co-founder Rafael Caro Quintero on a legal technicality with 12 years left in his 40-year prison sentence over Camarena's murder, a move that angered US authorities.

Their third partner, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, alias "The Godfather," remains in prison.

Story continues

- Electronic bracelet -

Guerrero said Fonseca Carrillo was placed in the care of his wife and will wear an electronic bracelet to monitor his movements.

Four guards will watch his house 24 hours a day, while surveillance cameras were placed outside and a social worker will visit him twice a week.

Authorities opposed his transfer because "he founded one of the cartels that hurt this country the most," Guerrero said.

"He's a high-profile person who harmed a lot of people in the 1980s and 1970s," he told Televisa. "He didn't fulfill the necessary characteristics for this person to finish his sentence in a house."

His daughter, Yoanna, told AFP that her father was "not linked" to any drug cartel and that he has always maintained his innocence over Camarena's murder.

Alejandro Hope, a security analyst, said the authorities opposed Fonseca Carrillo's release for fear of seeing him vanish like Caro Quintero.

"They didn't want to relive this type of ghost," Hope said.

Camarena's murder was considered a vendetta by the Guadalajara cartel for the DEA agent's investigations that led to the seizure of a massive marijuana field in the northern state of Chihuahua.

Caro Quintero denied killing Camarena in an interview that was published by Mexican magazine Proceso on Sunday.

Mexican authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Caro Quintero's extradition to face US charges over the murder.

A US indictment alleges that Camarena was taken to Caro Quintero's house in the western city of Guadalajara, where for three days he was interrogated, tortured and ultimately killed along with his Mexican pilot, Alfredo Zavala.

Their bodies were found in the western state of Michoacan a month later.
From ELLE

"Hey, MHP, can you help me?"

Just as I walked into the Wells Fargo Center early Tuesday evening, I heard the familiar voice of a girlfriend who works with a nonprofit. She was trying to balance an impressive array of fried foods while making her way to the elevator. She is in health care and super fit. This was an odd scene.

"The Mothers haven't eaten yet," she explained.

Then I understood. She must have been assisting the Hillary Clinton campaign to coordinate the Mothers of the Movement, who would be speaking later in the evening. These African American women had each endured the incalculable loss of a child. Each child had been slain by a police officer, died in police custody, or killed by an armed civilian. In nearly every case, the American criminal justice system has failed to hold anyone accountable or impose any punishment for the untimely death of the child. Together, their losses represent more than the private agony of individual grief; they are living representations of our intergenerational bereavement. Theirs are the empty arms of black mothers that America has produced for centuries.

Together, their losses represent more than the private agony of individual grief; they are living representations of our intergenerational bereavement.

When these women tell you they need something to eat, you go get it. If your friend asks you to help carry dinner to these women; you carry it. It really does not matter if you are scheduled to be on television. I grabbed a share of the dinners and followed her to the elevator. As the doors were closing, we were joined by Cleopatra Pendleton-Cowley. Her 15-year-old daughter Hadiya was shot and killed in a park on Chicago's Southside just weeks after she took part in the second inaugural parade for President Obama. Now Cleo was here to endorse a candidate to replace him in office.

I will never forget that I was carrying nachos, fries, and burgers, when I walked into a suite to find Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, watching as Representative John Lewis seconded the nomination of Hillary Clinton for the U.S. Presidency. As soon as Sybrina saw me, she embraced me with a warm and genuine hug. Sybrina always does this when we see one another. It never ceases to throw me off balance emotionally. Every single time I see her I want to apologize, because every time I see her there has been another death or two or ten. And there have been more acquittals or more refusals to indict. Each time I see Sybrina I am overwhelmed by guilt that as a member of American media I have not yet found a way to wring justice from this system in the name of her son. All she ever does is hug me, tell me about the work she is doing, and ask how my children are faring.

Story continues

Lucia McBath did the same last night. When she found me there she gave a little shout of happiness. How could I deserve any such reception? Her 17-year old son Jordan Davis was killed because an armed, adult man decided he hated the loud music Jordan's friends were playing, and fired into the car in which he was a passenger, until Jordan was dead. Why should I get a hug and a smile when we are still waking up every morning to another gun death? But Lucy reminded us on Tuesday that even though her son was killed, she is still his mother. She treats me with kindness and grace because she is still setting an example for her son, as any good mother would.

I took a moment to reconnect with Wanda Johnson. We met last month in Los Angeles when she joined me for a community forum about policing reform and discussed the death of her son, 22-year old Oscar Grant. Oscar was shot by a BART Transit officer on New Year's Eve 2009 even though he was lying facedown with his hands behind his back at the time. Wanda explained to me that Oscar took public transportation that night at her urging. She reasonably assumed the train would be safer than driving on New Year's Eve. Instead her son was slain by the people sworn to protect him. She reminded me that as black parents there is no "talk" we can give our kids to keep them safe. There is no posture of humility, docility, or meekness that will shield them from racialized violence.

Annette Nance-Holt and I talked for a long time on Tuesday about our shared love of the city of Chicago, and about common friends at St. Sabina's church. She told me how impressed she is with the dedication of Representative Robin Kelly to get something done about guns. Maria Hamilton introduced herself to me for just long enough to say, "I am Maria. My son Dontre was killed too."

"Yes, I know," I answered

Michael Brown's mother, Lezley McSpadden, and Eric Garner's mother, Gwen Carr, were on the other side of the room, and not knowing either one previously, it seemed like the wrong time to introduce myself. I wanted to leave them in peace. The atmosphere was completely relaxed, and not at all somber, but it was serious. And the space was theirs.

I finally worked up the courage to sit for a few moments with Geneva Reed-Veal. The last time she and I were together, we served jointly on a panel to deliver testimony for the newly formed Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. As the lead witness, I was very proud of my testimony. It was full of statistics and held together by a fine metaphor. Geneva gave the closing on our panel. It was devastating. Speaking without notes, she explained that all the academic theories and literary metaphors in the world could not capture her experience as a mother. She'd sent her healthy daughter to Texas in a car. She returned in a casket.

"Are you going to speak tonight?" I asked Geneva.

"I am," she responded in the distinct and regal cadence that leaves no room for confusion about her meaning.

"Have they seen your remarks?" I asked.

"No."

"Wait a minute. Really?" I asked.

"Really," She responded.

Honestly, I was a bit stunned. The Clinton campaign is known for its tight messaging. The idea that the Mothers of the Movement, and Geneva Reed-Vead in particular had not been forced to vet their remarks prior to their appearance suggested a level of authenticity I was genuinely surprised to encounter. And I wasn't sure what to expect when they took the stage later that evening. We said our goodbyes when it was time for them to ready themselves.

I have barely been able to process what happened next. All of them now dressed and adorned-Geneva Reed-Vead, Sybrina Fulton, and Lucia McBath speaking for the group.

They stood center stage as delegates chanted "Black lives matter." And then, the unthinkable: Geneva Reed-Vead praised God, thanked the divine for the greatness of the universe, stood in gratitude for life, spoke with love about the joy of her daughter's being, called the names of others lost in police custody. Lucia McBath reminded us who Jordan was in life, told she is still his mother, insisted we do better as a nation, required us to vote. Sybrina Fulton explained that she was an unwilling member of this sorority; she hopes no other mother would ever have to join her. They told us they support Hillary Clinton because it is the best opportunity we have to do better as a country.

If they tell me to be with her, then OK, fine. But if they say we are going somewhere else, that is where the hell I am going.

People clapped. They cried. They declared it powerful.

Not me. I want to be clear. I am with them. THEM. If they tell me to be with her, then OK, fine. But if they say we are going somewhere else, that is where the hell I am going.

This is what I know. What happened last night could never have happened if roles were reversed. Indeed, it is so utterly unthinkable in all of American history as to be laughable, ludicrous.

Imagine a circle of white women whose children were recently slain, mostly by black men-men who are, for the most part, still free and will never be held accountable for the deaths of their children. Imagine those white women, whose children are dead at the hands of still-free black men, standing together in solidarity as they collectively raise their voices to endorse the candidacy of a black woman for the highest office in the land.

No 30 seconds of "Black lives matter" chanting from DNC delegates can smooth the strangeness of what I witnessed last night: the depth of the mothers' humanity measured against the shallow engagement of nearly every other person in the arena. Our tweets, videos, and morning wrap-ups feel dirty next to what they did, what they had to sacrifice to gain any measure of justice for the children we stole from them.

Sure, I'll register. I'll vote. I'll make some calculation between the lesser of two evils. But let's be clear: I am with them. I am with them. I am with them.
Michael Bloomberg, the self-made billionaire and former Republican mayor of New York City, on Wednesday night told the Democratic National Convention that Hillary Clinton must be elected for the good of the country.

Bloomberg, now an independent, said that he is not endorsing the Democratic Party platform, going so far as to say that Democrats too often blame the private sector for economic troubles, and are obstructionists on issues of education reform and deficit reduction.

But he also said that he believes Trump is a dangerous demagogue who must be defeated, and that not all business experience is created equal.

Most of us who have created a business know that were only as good as the way our employees, clients and partners view us, Bloomberg explained. Most of us dont pretend were smart enough to make every big decision by ourselves. And most of us who have our names on the door know that we are only as good as our word, but not Donald Trump.

Bloomberg ripped Trumps business history, including his multiple bankruptcies and approximately 3,500 lawsuits. The current Bloomberg LP CEO also added that he didnt need a million dollar check from his father to start his company.

Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes run his business. God help us. Im a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one.

Bloomberg had given serious thought to running for president himself, and was viewed by many as a moderate alternative in the event of a Bernie Sanders nomination by the Democrats. By March, however, Bloomberg had determined that his candidacy would be futile, resulting in the election of either Trump or Sen. Ted Cruz; which he referred to as a risk I cant take in good conscience.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
PHILADELPHIA  A billionaire who has his name on office buildings around the world spoke at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg used his own business success to undermine the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, who has largely based his campaign on his brand as a real estate developer and dealmaker. At one point, Bloomberg even called into question Trumps sanity.

Through his career, Trump has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies, thousands of lawsuits, and angry stockholders and contractors who feel cheated, and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off. Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes running his business? God help us, Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg, whose tenure in City Hall ended in 2013, started his speech by emphasizing his status as a DNC outsider. Though he was a Democrat before taking office, Bloomberg was elected as a Republican in 2001. Bloomberg left the Republican Party and became an independent in 2007. At the DNC, he made the case for supporting the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, from the perspective of an independent. He noted that neither of the major parties necessarily share his views on some of his pet issues.

I know what its like to have neither party fully represent my views or values. Too many Republicans wrongly blame immigrants for problems, and they stand in the way of action on climate change and gun violence, Bloomberg said. Meanwhile, many Democrats, I think, wrongly blame the private sector for our problems, and they stand in the way of action on education and deficit reduction.

Although he acknowledged he doesnt always agree with Clinton, Bloomberg argued that it is imperative to vote for her in November, because Trump, he said, is a risky, reckless and radical choice.

There are times when I disagree with Hillary Clinton. But let me tell you, whatever our disagreements may be, Ive come here to say: We must put them aside for the good of our country. And we must unite around the candidate who can defeat a dangerous demagogue, he said.

Story continues

The ex-mayor went on to take apart Trumps business record. Forbes currently estimates Bloombergs net worth at $47.7 billion, compared to Trumps $4.5 billion. Bloomberg also pointed out that Trump didnt necessarily start his career from scratch and instead received a large loan from his father, who was also a real estate developer in New York City.

Weve heard a lot of talk in this campaign about needing a leader who understands business. I couldnt agree more. Ive built a business, and I didnt start it with a million-dollar check from my father, Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg has made many forays into national politics. He used his personal fortune to lobby for stricter gun-control regulations, and he has considered running for the presidency several times, including in the 2016 race. His team ultimately concluded that he did not have a path to victory this year.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaking at the Democratic National Convention. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

During Bloombergs speech, the Trump campaign sent out a link to an article criticizing the former mayors advocacy of gun control, denouncing Bloombergs zealotry on banning guns.

After launching his indictment of Trump, Bloomberg said his time in New York gave him firsthand experience of Clintons willingness to work across the aisle as one of the states representatives in the U.S. Senate.

I was elected mayor two months after 9/11, as a Republican, and I saw how Hillary Clinton worked with Republicans in Washington to ensure that New York got the help it needed to recover and rebuild, Bloomberg said. Throughout her time in the Senate, we didnt always agree  but Hillary Clinton always listened. And thats the kind of approach we need in Washington today.

Bloomberg branded Trumps business plan for the country a disaster. He concluded by implying that Trump is mentally unfit to occupy the White House.

Lets elect a sane, competent person with international experience, a unifier who is mature enough to reach out for advice to build consensus and to recognize that we all have something to contribute, he said. So, lets elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the greatest country in the world, the United States of America!

_____

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PHILADELPHIA  Former New York mayor and media mogul Michael Bloomberg hammered Donald Trump in a speech to the Democratic National Convention, calling him a dangerous demagogue who was running a scam to win the American presidency.

Im a New Yorker and I know a con when I see one, he said to cheers.

Bloomberg, an independent, said that he was not appearing at the convention to endorse any party or platform, but he endorsed Hillary Clinton.

His speech called her the sane, competent alternative to Trump  a line that is a gift to the Clinton campaign as it tries to characterize the Republican nominee as too risky for the White House.

Tonight as an independent, I ask you to vote not our of party loyalty, but out of love of country, he said.

Bloomberg himself considered running for president this year as an independent, and even made a proposed advertising spot, but ultimately decided against it.

Like Trump, Bloomberg is a New York billionaire, but the media mogul was adamant that the comparisons ended there.

Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes running his business  God help us! Bloomberg said.

He also made a dig at Trumps image of self-made wealth.

I didnt start with a million-dollar check from my father, Bloomberg said.

He got some boos when he said many Democrats wrongly blame the private sector for our problems.

I know that Hillary Clinton isnt flawless  no candidate is, Bloomberg said. But shes the right choice and responsible choice in this election, he said. The bottom line is, Trump is a risky, reckless, radical choice, and we cant afford to make that choice.

Bloomberg, a former Republican who became an independent in 2007, endorsed President Obama for re-election in 2012.

I understand the appeal of a businessman president, he said. But Trumps business plan is a disaster in the making. It would make it harder for small businesses to compete, threaten the retirement savings of millions of Americans, lead to greater debt and more unemployment, erode our influence in the world, and make our communities less safe.

Story continues

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HarperCollins Publishers has acquired world English rights to Dragon Teeth, a manuscript penned by Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton. The upcoming book, centered on the golden age of American fossil hunting, will be published in May 2017 in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India.

Harper publisher Jonathan Burnham and executive editor Jennifer Barth negotiated the deal with CrichtonSuns Sherri Crichton through Sloan Harris and Jennifer Joel of ICM Partners and Michael S. Sherman of Reed Smith LLP. Sherri Crichton has been overseeing her late husbands legacy, creating the Michael Crichton Archives via CrichtonSun. Michael Crichton died in 2008.

HarperCollins says the plot centers on the notorious rivalry between real-life paleontologists Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh during a time of intense fossil speculation and discovery in the American West in 1878. The story unfolds through the adventures of a young fictional character named William Johnson who is apprenticed first to one, then to the other and not only makes discoveries of historic proportion, but transforms into an inspiring hero only Crichton could have imagined.

Sherri Crichton traced the manuscripts genesis to correspondence between Crichton and Prof. Edwin H. Colbert, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History. Dragon Teeth was clearly a very important book for Michael. Im so pleased to continue the long relationship that he shared with HarperCollins with its publication.

Thirteen of Crichtons novels have been made into movies, and he also created the NBC drama ER. His biggest franchise is Universals Jurassic Park  the fourth movie in the series, Jurassic World, has grossed $1.67 billion worldwide last year and a sequel is already in the works.

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Michael Crichtons Dragon Teeth has been acquired by HarperCollins for publication in May  the third posthumous novel to be released from the bestselling author.

HarperCollins made the announcement Thurday, describing Dragon Teeth as a fictional recounting of the actual rivalry between paleontologists Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh during The Bone Wars of the 1870s.

The story unfolds through the adventures of a young fictional character named William Johnson who is apprenticed first to one, then to the other and not only makes discoveries of historic proportion, but transforms into an inspiring hero only Crichton could have imagined, the publisher said.

Known for his meticulous research, Crichton uses Marsh and Copes heated competition during the Bone Wars  the golden age of American fossil hunting  as the basis for a thrilling story set in the wilds of the American West.

Crichton, who died in 2008, authored a dozen books that were made into movies including The Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Congo, The First Great Train Robbery, Rising Sun and Sphere. He directed The First Great Train Robbery, Westworld and Coma from his own screenplays and co-wrote the screenplays for Twister, Jurassic Park and Rising Sun.

Crichtons first posthumous novel, Pirate Latitudes was published in 2009 after an assistant discovered the manuscript on the authors computer. The second, Micro, was completed by Richard Preston and came out in 2011.

Crichtons widow Sherri said, When I came across the Dragon Teeth manuscript in the files, I was immediately captivated. It has Michaels voice, his love of history, research and science all dynamically woven into an epic tale.

Publisher Jonathan Burham said, This is pure Crichton, the work of an exuberant imagination operating at full blast, taking readers on a ride into a world of wild adventure, with a plot full of exciting twists and turns, and a host of memorable characters. It harkens back to some of the great historical novels that Michael wrote  such as The Great Train Robbery  but it also looks forward to Crichton fiction that explored more futuristic scenarios.

Story continues

Sloan Harris and Jennifer Joel of ICM Partners and Michael S. Sherman of Reed Smith LLP represented Sherri Crichton and CrichtonSun. Jonathan Burnham and Jennifer Barth represented HarperCollins.

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Dragon Teeth, an unpublished novel by the late Michael Crichton, has been acquired by HarperCollins for publication in May 2017, the publisher announced Thursday.

The story is a fictional telling of the notorious real-life rivalry between paleontologists Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh in the 1870s at the beginning of the hunt for dinosaur fossils. Crichton uses the invented character William Johnson, who works as an assistant for one and then the other, to illuminate "the 'Bone Wars,' the golden age of American fossil hunting, as the basis for a thrilling story set in the wilds of the American West," the publisher said in a statement.

Crichton, who died in 2008, was among the best-selling authors of his generation, known for Jurassic Park, Congo, Timeline and many other books. He also was responsible for the screenplay for Twister (1996) and was one of the creators and executive producers of the TV series ER. Crichton directed the 1973 film Westworld, which was based on his original screenplay, and a TV series version created by Jonathan Nolan is scheduled to premiere in October on HBO.

Dragon Teeth is the third posthumous book from Crichton. The first, Pirate Latitudes, came out in 2009 and the second, Micro (completed by Richard Preston), came out in 2011.

Crichton's widow Sherri, who has been managing the prolific author's archive via her company CrichtonSun, said, "When I came across the Dragon Teeth manuscript in the files, I was immediately captivated. It has Michael's voice, his love of history, research and science all dynamically woven into an epic tale." She added it "was clearly a very important book for Michael."

Said publisher Jonathan Burham: "This is pure Crichton, the work of an exuberant imagination operating at full blast, taking readers on a ride into a world of wild adventure, with a plot full of exciting twists and turns, and a host of memorable characters. It harkens back to some of the great historical novels that Michael wrote - such as The Great Train Robbery - but it also looks forward to Crichton fiction that explored more futuristic scenarios."

Story continues

Sloan Harris and Jennifer Joel of ICM Partners and Michael S. Sherman of Reed Smith LLP represented Sherri Crichton and CrichtonSun. Publisher Jonathan Burnham and executive editor Jennifer Barth represented Harper.

Read More: Cat in the Hat Tosses Red, White and Blue Stovepipe Cap Into Presidential Ring
Michael Eisner, the veteran Hollywood executive who served as president and CEO of Paramount Pictures from 1976-1984 and chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 1984-2005, let it rip on former colleagues and competitors - among them Barry Diller, Roy E. Disney, Steve Jobs, Michael Ovitz, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Bob and Harvey Weinstein and Bob Iger - during a rare, wide-ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter this week. The 74-year-old now runs a venture capital firm, The Tornante Company, which finances BoJack Horseman, the animated comedy series that streams on Netflix, among many other projects.

Of Ovitz, the former CAA chief who Eisner hired to become Disney's president following the sudden death of Frank Wells - and then fired after little more than a year at a reported cost of $140 million - Eisner says, "I made a mistake." He elaborates, "Everybody - Warren Buffett, Tom Murphy, everybody - thought this was the most brilliant move ever made. He was on the cover of magazines as 'the most powerful guy in Hollywood.' He was enough younger than me that it would be a very comfortable thing. It just didn't work. He was the opposite of Frank Wells. It was a partnership that was born in hell. Whether it was his fault or my fault is irrelevant.  Very quickly, I realized it was a mistake.  It only took a year to get out of it, but it was a year of difficulty."

Another Disney employee whose departure cost Eisner a lot of capital - financial and otherwise - was Katzenberg. When Katzenberg, who followed Eisner from Paramount to Disney and was nicknamed Eisner's "Golden Retriever" for his loyal service, was not promoted to president upon Wells' death, he was furious and sued the company for $250 million. They later settled, and Katzenberg went on to form DreamWorks Animation, the animation studio that is now Disney's principal rival. "Rightly so, Jeff Katzenberg wanted to be promoted," Eisner says. "I'm not sure that was the right idea. But Roy E. Disney [Walt Disney's nephew and a force on Disney's board who Eisner says "could be a troublemaker"], who did not like him at all - I forget the reason, but Jeffrey probably did not treat him the way that Roy would have wanted to be treated - said to me, 'If you make him the president, I will start a proxy fight.' So that was out of the question. Couldn't do it. Had to let him go." Eisner adds, "I probably could have talked him into doing something less than that [president], but Roy made it absolutely crystal clear, and it wasn't worth the fight."

Story continues

Read More: Michael Eisner Clarifies "Beautiful, Funny Women" Comment: They're "Hard to Come By in Hollywood"

Few people were more of a headache to Eisner than Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers behind the art-house film company Miramax Films, which Eisner brought to Disney for $60 million in 1993 and then dumped in 2010 following a series of clashes over the Weinsteins' spending and behavior, culminating in a dispute over Michael Moore's controversial 2004 documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. "That was just a peripheral pain in the ass," Eisner vents. "They're kind of troublemakers. I said we would release the film after the election. The Disney Company is a nonpartisan company. This is totally a partisan film. After the election." He continues, "Well, they paid for it through some fund that we didn't know about, and the next thing I know, 'We do own it.' And we put our foot down." Eisner says Fahrenheit 9/11 was but one of many issues he had with the brothers Weinstein. "Frankly, they were entertaining in areas that had nothing to do with making movies - Talk magazine and all these things - and we were losing a lot of money with them. I mean, really a lot of money. We put our foot down. Unfortunately, they were the darlings of the New York press, so I was the heavy, but that's OK. I was responsible to the Disney shareholders, and I was not about to let them [the Weinsteins] lose - as they have for a lot of people - a lot of money."

Eisner emphasizes that he's more of a fan of the man who succeeded him at Disney when he was finally out of the company in 2005 after a 21-year run: Iger, who came to Disney as part of the famous Capital Cities/ABC deal that Eisner negotiated, bringing ABC, ESPN and Lifetime under the Disney banner. "I would not have agreed to [leave] if it hadn't been Bob," Eisner insists. "Because of governance, they wanted a big search and everything.  And by the end of the search, it was clear that I was able to convince the board - our newly constructed board - that Bob was great."

Eisner says of Iger and his oversight of the company over the past 11 years, "He's different than me but equally good or better. What he saw was the same thing I saw when we bought Capital Cities/ABC. We'd had the growth, to a certain point. To continue the growth, what do you do? He did what I don't think I would have done, which is great: He bought Pixar and bought peace with Steve [Jobs] for much too much money, in my opinion. However, it all worked out well because they delivered.  I had looked at Marvel many, many years earlier and not done it. He did [deals to acquire] Marvel, and he did Lucasfilm. So what Bob did was he protected the company, I think in the medium-term. Something's gonna have to happen in the next five years, but right now? He used an acquisition strategy, where I used a growth-from-inside [strategy] plus Capital Cities/ABC."

As for whom Eisner would have liked to succeed Iger (who has announced that he will be leaving Disney in 2018), he volunteers: "I hired Tom Staggs before Bob had ever been there - we hired Tom Staggs - and I think he's very good. I thought that was a good choice. It obviously, just like any other partnership, wasn't working. [Staggs, who rose to COO at Disney, announced in April that he would be leaving the company after its board declined to guarantee him Iger's job.] So now what? "It would be better if they found it from inside - it's always better from inside; the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know - but they may not."

Read More: In-Depth With Disney CEO Bob Iger on China Growth, 'Star Wars' Reshoots and Political Plans: "A Lot of People Have Urged Me to [Run]"
It was morning in America last night among the Democrats pouring out from the Wells Fargo Convention Center in Philadelphia, with almost everyone convinced that they were really nailing it. They had been handed a positive message about the future and about their candidate Hillary Clinton, and a well-orchestrated, devastating critique by some of the most credible figures in the country on her opponent.

It rather seemed by the end of the evening that all the credible figures in the country were joining in. The nations good and great, Democrat and Republican, were forging a consensus in seeing Donald Trump as a nutter.

The heaviest hitters of the Democratic Party - the President, the Vice President, Tim Kaine, its presumptive Vice President, Harry Reid, the Senate Minority leader, were there. And, lest any lefties or Californians need bracing, Jerry Brown too. And with a guest appearance by Michael Bloomberg, representing the independent voter and true business success (as opposed to bogus business success), they all declared Trump persona non grata.

The icing on top was a call from Trump yesterday afternoon for Russia to help spy on the Democrats. (This was clearly a Trump off-the-cuff bit but, following several days of reports about his deep financial ties to Russia, it was gleefully taken as a sign by most everyone of more Trump dementedness.) The establishment had spoken.

In the new Democratic Party ethos, someone might take note that the carpet bombing attack was carried out almost entirely by men. But perhaps that was the point: Make no mistake, this was the real establishment.

Read More: Critic's Notebook: Obama Inspires, Bloomberg Tears Into Trump at Democratic Convention

It was the kind of attack perhaps never before made by a major party on another major party candidate. It was not an attack on policies (the President declared Trump to be neither Republican nor Democrat) nor on character in the usual family-values sense, but on character in the clinical sense. He was a "hateful conman," a "scam artist," a "fraud," a "demagogue." In sum, a sociopath. Such was the level of attack that, if Trump actually wins, it would be almost impossible to imagine not just how the words could be rolled back, but how normal government life continues. Here was a mad man. "God help us," said Michael Bloomberg.

Story continues

How could you turn the nuclear codes over to this man? You could not, was the message.

Apocalyptically, the director James Cameron made a film about climate change, shown last night, that seemed to directly recall the 1964 "daisy ad," suggesting that nuclear devastation was a likely result of a Goldwater election. (The Cameron film, introduced by Avatar star Sigourney Weaver, was full of dramatic license: "Crops are failing, food prices are rising, our communities are threatened.")

As part of this sustained attack on Trump's suitability for the office, there was a concerted focus on the theme of Hillary Clinton's hyper-suitability. If Donald Trump was not prepared in any way to be President, Hillary was prepared in every way. She was, according to pretty much everybody, including the President, who repeated on message, the single most prepared person who has ever run for President of the United States - "not me," said Obama, "not Bill, nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president." (Certainly, she is more prepared than Trump, but assuming preparedness means professional experience, it would seem obvious that Johnson, Nixon and Bush Sr. had as much or more experience in the legislature and executive branch - worth noting, in none of those cases did this produce a happy result.)

See More: President Barack Obama's Full Speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

Indeed, the underlying theme last night was a shift away from selfless and caring Hillary - a message from the previous sessions targeted to Democrats and, specially, women Democrats - to seeing her more broadly as the contrast gainer. It was a clearer pitch to the independent and undecided and, thinking big, to perhaps even a meaningful part of the Republican Party. It was, in a sense, a formal lowering of the bar. Hillary was at least sane.

And yet, taking Trump on his face, as a set of literal political positions and attitudes, preposterous as they may be, had over the course of a year not worked very well. John Hutson, a former Judge Advocate General of the Navy, gave an angry rejoinder last night to Trump's casual attitude about international rules and laws, and his general besmirching of the military.

"You're not fit to polish John McCain's boots," said Admiral Hutson, unmindful that Trump's famous dismissal of McCain for having been taken prisoner - one of the early disqualifiers of Trump as a credible candidate in the eyes of all reasonable people - had no effect on his standing at all. Except perhaps to buoy it.

If that had been a trap all year, of the political and media establishment mocking Trump for exactly the things that some heretofore invisible demographic seemed to relish about him, it was perhaps being compounded last night. Frank Luntz, the Fox political pollster, tweeted at one point in the evening that the Democrats were not ready for November.

But the problem may go deeper than that. Because according to everything they have been taught, and hold true, and are being told by the experts, they believe they are.
DETROIT (Reuters) - The Michigan Attorney General's Office said on Thursday it will bring a second round of criminal charges related to the investigation into dangerous lead levels in the city of Flint's drinking water. Attorney General Bill Schuette's office said in a brief media advisory the charges would be announced on Friday morning. Office spokeswoman Andrea Bitely said she could provide no further information on the upcoming announcement, including specific charges and the identities of those being charged. Flint, with a population of about 100,000, was under control of a state-appointed emergency manager in 2014 when it switched its water source from Detroit's municipal system to the Flint River to save money. The city switched back in October 2015. The river water was more corrosive than the Detroit system's and caused more lead to leach from its aging pipes. Lead can be toxic, and children are especially vulnerable. The crisis has prompted lawsuits by parents who say their children have shown dangerously high levels of lead in their blood. Three state and local officials were criminally charged in April in connection with the investigation. Flint utilities administrator Michael Glasgow subsequently agreed to cooperate with investigators as part of a deal that had him plead no contest to a misdemeanor charge while a more serious felony charge was dismissed. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality officials Stephen Busch and Michael Prysby were charged with five and six counts, respectively, including misconduct in office, tampering with evidence and violation of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. Both pleaded not guilty. Additionally, Schuette last month sued French water company Veolia Environnement SA and Houston-based engineering services firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam for "botching" their roles in the city's drinking water crisis. (Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
(Reuters) - Actresses Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Bell were in Los Angeles to premiere "Bad Moms," a film that brings a string of female stars together to take digs at the modern day perils of parenting. Kunis, who is pregnant with her second child, paid homage to her co-stars, saying: "This group of women are unbelievably inspirational. When I signed on to the project it was the first movie I decided to do after having Wyatt and I was so nervous about going back to work with these 17-hour-long days and if not for these girls, I don't know how I'd have got through it." The film follows three 'bad moms,' Amy (Kunis), Kiki (Bell) and Carla (Hahn), who decide to break away from their responsibilities and have some freedom and fun for a change. However, their attempt at freedom is looked on with disdain by straight-laced Gwendolyn (Applegate) and Stacy (Jada Pinkett Smith). "We're all kind of more the bad moms rather than the Gwendolyns. I'm more of a Gwendolyn than I knew," Applegate said of her co-stars, all of whom are mothers. "I'm very type A, I'm really controlling about everything and through this movie, I've learned that I really have to step back and have some time for me because you can sometimes lose your identity from trying to be perfect." "The good news about this movie is you can take out the word 'bad' and put just 'Real Moms.' None of these ladies are bad moms," said Kathryn Hahn, who plays the most care-free of the "Bad Moms." "I certainly play a character, however, who is certainly unshackled from feeling any sort of guilt or shame about her 'me time' which is 24 hours a day." Although the film is centered on women and motherhood, it was written and directed by two men - Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, who wrote 'The Hangover' film, released in 2009. "You never would have known it was two guys who wrote this script when you read it," admitted Bell. "It was so authentic. It was so accurate. They nailed it." "Bad Moms" goes on release in North America on Friday, July 29. (Reporting by Melissa Fares in New York; Editing by Alan Crosby)
By Luciana Lopez and Amanda Becker WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When it comes to trade policy, Hillary Clinton is taking heat from all sides. At the Democratic National Convention this week, where Clinton will formally accept her partys presidential nomination, opposition to trade deals was plastered on buttons, scrawled on signs and chanted by delegates. Many are worried by her past support of 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is still awaiting congressional approval. Things are unlikely to get any easier for her. Clinton has said her stance on trade has evolved, that she now opposes TPP because it does not do enough to protect jobs and that she wants changes in NAFTA, the trade deal her husband, Bill Clinton, signed during his presidency. But that allows her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, to question her credibility, painting Clinton's evolving position as a desperate attempt to catch up with his tough stance. Trump has vowed to force Canada and Mexico to renegotiate NAFTA, labeling it a job killer. The real estate developer has also said he would pull the United States out of the 12-nation TPP. Even among the Democrats there are doubts about Clinton's resolve, particularly among supporters of her former Democratic rival, Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator from Vermont whose opposition to trade deals featured prominently in his speeches during the Democratic primary season. The concern about trade was on display at the convention during a speech delivered on Wednesday night by Clinton's running mate, Tim Kaine, a U.S. senator from Virginia who once supported TPP. Delegates waved anti-TPP placards as Kaine spoke, even though he changed his position after joining Clinton's ticket. Larry Cohen, a senior adviser to Sanders, said trade was absolutely a danger for Clinton in the race against Trump, saying she had to show her commitment to opposing it and not just make pronouncements." The Trump campaign is smart enough that they will exploit this issue, Cohen said. Sanders supporters have said they intend to keep fighting TPP through the November election via a new group called Our Revolution that is dedicated to championing issues that Sanders pushed on the campaign trail. The frustration that a post-recession recovery has failed to translate into better wages and opportunities for million of working Americans has become one of the leading themes of the 2016 presidential campaign. A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken in March showed that 65 percent of Democrats and 70 percent of Republicans believed that trade cost some U.S. jobs even though many also agreed that trade helps to keep the costs of goods low. Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation, told Reuters that Clinton has told all of the major unions that endorsed her that she wanted to re-work NAFTA, echoing similar comments by Dennis Williams, president of the United Auto Workers union. 'WHOLE NEW APPROACH' Trumka said Clinton's campaign has told him that she would take a whole new approach on trade and he said he was convinced that he could trust her on the issue. Shes not giving lip service to it. Shes committed to it, he said. Consulted about Clinton's talks with unions regard NAFTA, a senior Mexican government official said the TPP already provided the United States with a platform to strengthen the rights of workers compared to NAFTA, although U.S. union activists say the new pact weakens rather than strengthens workers' protection. "They have the solution in their hands, if they back it," the official said, noting Congress had yet to ratify the TPP. The official added that it would be in Mexico's interests to strengthen the rules of origin in TPP that determine which country a product comes from, but sometimes allow foreign components in it. He cautioned, however, that re-opening trade deals was a highly complex undertaking. Morris Fiorina, a political science professor at Stanford University, said Clinton should try to address workers' concerns but avoid a wholesale dismissal of free trade. Were I advising her I'd suggest she try to thread the needle - explain that free trade has great benefits for the country as a whole, but past and pending agreements do not adequately recognize and compensate the losers. She will remedy that failure, Fiorina said. However, such nuanced approach may prove self-defeating in the light of Trump's challenge and internal dissent. Robin Biro, a field director for the Democratic Party in Atlanta and a Clinton supporter, said TPP was a make or break issue for Clinton to attract Democrats who voted for Sanders in the primary. "She's only going to get the support of the Bernie people if she comes out strongly on that issue, Biro said. (Additional reporting by John Whitesides, Amy Tennery and Alana Wise in Philadelphia and Ginger Gibson in Washington and Chris Kahn in New York; Writing by Caren Bohan; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Tomasz Janowski)
(Releads with new rescue proposal)

By Silvia Aloisi and Francesca Landini

MILAN, July 28 (Reuters) - Italy's third-biggest lender, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, has received a last-minute rescue proposal by Swiss bank UBS, just hours before it is due to unveil its own bailout plan to meet regulators' concerns over its stability.

The bank said in a statement on Thursday night it had received two letters from UBS and former Italian Industry Minister Corrado Passera, without disclosing details about their content.

The statement came on the eve of results of European bank stress tests which are expected to show that the 544-year-old Tuscan lender needs to shed a mountain of bad debts and raise several billions of euros in fresh equity to survive.

A bank spokesman said the two letters were part of the same proposal. The bank's board has started an in-depth analysis of the proposal and asked for more information on terms and conditions. The bank would give more information when possible.

Sources close to the matter said Passera, also a former chief of Italy's biggest retail bank Intesa Sanpaolo, would present the plan to Monte dei Paschi's board on Friday.

The three sources said UBS had a role in the plan, which is an alternative to the one being put together by Monte dei Paschi and its advisers JPMorgan and Mediobanca.

Monte dei Paschi has been seeking to cobble together a banking consortium for a planned 5 billion euro ($5.54 billion) share issue in time for the scheduled release of the European stress test results on Friday night.

Banking sources say the tests will show the bank has insufficient capital to withstand an economic downturn.

The health of the lender poses a threat to the wider Italian banking system, the euro zone's fourth largest, to the savings of thousands of retail investors and also to the increasingly weak political standing of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

Without a credible turnaround plan, the bank is at risk of being wound up on the order of European Union authorities.

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An EU official said authorities in Brussels were already putting contingency plans in place for the possible winding down of the world's oldest bank, founded in 1472.

Thousands of ordinary Italians hold a big chunk of the bank's 5 billion euros in junior bonds.

The bailout plan being readied by JPMorgan and Mediobanca includes the sale of 10 billion euros of bad loans, but it suffered a setback on Thursday when three banks - Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit and Morgan Stanley - declined a request to back the share issue, one source said.

However, Monte dei Paschi has so far received interest from Citigroup, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse, the source said.

Mediobanca and JPMorgan would be global coordinators for the capital hike.

Other banks, including Societe Generale and Nomura , are being contacted in a bid to share the cost of the proposed transaction, the source said.

Another source, speaking ahead of news of the alternative proposal by Passera and UBS, said Monte dei Paschi was expected to release the guidelines of its own rescue plan on Friday.

The source said the bank was confident of reaching a pre-agreement with a sufficient number of banks "in due time".

Mediobanca, JPMorgan, UniCredit and Intesa declined to comment. The other banks were not immediately available for comment.

($1 = 0.9027 euros) (Additional reporting by Claudia Cristoferi in Milan, Pamela Barbaglia in London; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and Mark Bendeich)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Two Moscow airport workers admitted responsibility on Thursday for the death of Christophe de Margerie, the CEO of Total and a staunch defender of Russia's energy policies, whose plane collided with a snow plow as it was trying to take off. The snow plow driver, Vladimir Martynenko, and duty engineer Vladimir Ledenev - two of five suspects in the case - both pleaded guilty to causing Margerie's death in October 2014. That will make it difficult for the court to rule that anything other than a breach of airport safety systems led to Margerie's death. His family has not publicly commented on the case. The French energy group's chief executive, who died along with three air crew, oversaw multi-billion-dollar Total investments in Russia and was killed just as the conflict in Ukraine raise tensions with the West to levels not seen since the Cold War, triggering economic sanctions against Moscow. Martynenko admitted in court that he had driven his snow plow onto the runway, colliding with Margerie's jet. Ledenev, who was in charge of the team of airport workers on the night of the crash, pleaded guilty to failing to prevent the accident. The three others charged in the case, all air traffic controllers, pleaded innocent. All five suspects were released from jail last year after about 11 months inside. (Reporting by Gennady Novik; Writing by Maria Tsvetkova; Editing by Louise Ireland)
The mother of one of the Orlando victims had the DNC crowd chanting "love trumps hate!" when she took the stage on Wednesday night.

Christine Leinonen, the mother of Pulse nightclub shooting victim Christopher "Drew" Leinonen, was joined onstage by Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf and Drew Leinonen's ex-boyfriend Jose Arriagada, when she delivered a moving speech that had many in the room in tears.

"It was in his DNA that love always trumps hate," she said while in tears, spurring the crowd to erupt in a chant echoing her words.

Speaking of the weapon that killed her only son, a gun that fired 30 rounds in one minute, she said, "it takes about five minutes for a church bell to ring 49 times."

"Common sense gun policies save lives," she continued. "One minute for a gun to fire so many shots, five minutes for a bell to honor so many lives. I'm glad common sense gun policy was in place the day Christopher was born, but where was that common sense the day he died?

"I never want you to ask that question about your child. That's why I support Hillary Clinton."

The theme of gun violence continued with stirring speeches from Empire's Lee Daniels and Angela Bassett.

Christine Leinonen was one of the first on the scene the morning of the shootings. Her son Drew, 32, a gay rights activist and Clinton supporter, was one of the last victims to be identified. His boyfriend, Juan Guerrero, 22, was also killed.

The third night of the four-day convention will also see a performance by Lenny Kravitz and headlining speeches from Vice President Joe Biden, Clinton's VP pick, Tim Kaine, and President Barack Obama.

Earlier, Sigourney Weaver introduced a film on climate change directed by James Cameron that took aim at Donald Trump, featuring the GOP candidate referring to global warming as a "hoax."

The DNC has had no shortage of A-list support in Philadelphia. Last night, Meryl Streep, Lena Dunham and America Ferrera and Tony Goldwyn spoke, while Elizabeth Banks hosted and former President Bill Clinton headlined.
A North Korean student in Hong Kong for an international math contest is seeking asylum in the city, media reports said Thursday.

The 18-year-old male student, who was not identified, took refuge at the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong, according to local newspaper Ming Pao.

The student was part of an official delegation in Hong Kong this month for the International Mathematical Olympiad at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

Walk-in defections are relatively common at South Korean missions in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand which are the target destination for North Koreans escaping their country through China.

But defections by members of official delegations travelling abroad are rare, because they are carefully vetted before being granted exit visas and closely monitored during their stay overseas.

Officials declined to comment on the reports that the student had defected during his visit for the math competition.

"We will not give any response in relation to the issue," a South Korea consulate officer, who did not give her name, told AFP.

There was a cordon Thursday morning in front of the lift to the floor of the building where the consulate is located, and an AFP reporter was stopped by guards from going up.

A city police spokeswoman said there is "no information" to provide, while HKUST also declined to comment.

Hong Kong has a semi-autonomous status after being returned from Britain to China in 1997.
In the wake of the recent tragedies involving police and the debate over race relations in America, NAACP CEO Cornell Williams Brooks discussed how reform could improve the lives of police as well as citizens in communities.

At a moment of crisis, at a moment when there is a chasm of race and distrust in this country, it calls for seriousness and hopefulness Its not enough to talk about law and order and raw generalities but rather we need to speak to the concerns of both police officers on the beat, and protesters on the street. Both of whom, in many instances, are calling for the same thingPolicing that promises to deliver safe streets but also streets in which people are able to recreate, able to work able to carry on their lives as citizens of this republic and not be fearful of those in blue, he told the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo.

Brooks said he discussed the matter with President Obama and also called on all of the presidential candidates to sign a pledge to deliver certain reforms, in terms of policing, within the first 100 days of taking office.

The reforms included collecting data, ensuring that the Justice Department has sufficient prosecutorial tools, and show that there are ramifications.

Police officers bring down crime by holding people accountable. We ensure integrity in policing when we hold police officers accountable, he said.

He also weighed in on the decision to drop the charges for the remaining officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray.

A prosecutorial decision based on the probability of the conviction does not speak to the possibilities of reform and law enforcement Its tough to bring a police officer to heal in terms of a conviction if there is an unlawful shooting. What we can do is do what has been done to a large degree in Dallas and in Cincinnati and other cities-- turn around police departments, hold them accountable and bring about reform. Its being done in this country and we can do more of it, he said.

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He also discussed how Michael Jordan is speaking out.

Michael Jordan understands what many citizens of this country understand both emotionally and empirically. When a young black man is seven times more likely to lose his life at the hands of the police, weve got a real problem and we can do something about it, he said.

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MANAGUA (Reuters) - Unidentified assailants shot dead a police commissioner from Nicaragua's central region around midnight, a law enforcement official said on Thursday, in the first assassination of a high-level police officer in the country in more than a decade. Francisco Diaz, a deputy chief of the national police force, told local television station Channel 8 that Commissioner Buenaventura Miranda was heading home in Boaco, a city about 56 miles (90 km) northeast of the capital Managua, when he was attacked. "The preliminary information is that he was murdered outside his home," Diaz said. Before Miranda, the last high-level police officer assassinated in Nicaragua was Commissioner Cristian Munguia, in Managua in 2002. (Reporting by Ivan Castro; Writing by Natalie Schachar; Editing by James Dalgleish)
By Leigh Thomas PARIS (Reuters) - Modestly shaking his head to deny he was any good at speaking French, Britain's new foreign secretary Boris Johnson sought to charm a media audience in Paris during a joint appearance with his French counterpart, who recently called him a liar. At a news conference after private talks, Johnson and Jean-Marc Ayrault exchanged assurances of friendship but left without taking questions from a roomful of journalists eager to probe the awkwardness behind the niceties. Johnson was the leading figure in the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union ahead of a June 23 referendum that resulted in a vote for Brexit and plunged the 28-member bloc into crisis and soul-searching. After Johnson's shock appointment as foreign secretary by new Prime Minister Theresa May, Ayrault said on French radio that Johnson had lied to the British people during the campaign and now had his back to the wall. Johnson was later booed at a Bastille Day reception at the French ambassador's residence in London. Neither man made any reference to these undiplomatic events during Thursday's appearance together in the gilded surroundings of the Quai d'Orsay, France's grand foreign ministry building on the banks of the Seine. Ayrault kicked off proceedings with pleasantries, saying he was delighted to greet Johnson in the ornate Salon de l'Horloge, or Clock Room, prompting Johnson to look up towards the ceiling and from side to side, apparently searching for a clock. "He is well known in France, and not only for his excellent biography of Winston Churchill but also as mayor of London. He knows France well in fact, and speaks French very well," said Ayrault. Johnson demurely looked down and shook his head. "DEAR BORIS" "I have even been told, dear Boris, that your family on your mother's side has origins in the region of Nantes, my city," continued Ayrault, seeking some common ground. Recognised around the world thanks to his dishevelled platinum hair, Johnson is also known for gags and insults often delivered in colourful, erudite language peppered with Latin. When it was his turn to speak, Johnson did so in accented but correct French, saying he was delighted to be in France for his first bilateral visit to a European country as foreign secretary. Reading from prepared remarks, he stuck to the script and avoided any jokes as he sought to project a more serious image than in the past. He later said he had a "warm" two-hour working lunch with Ayrault before their media appearance. Previously, Johnson had sought to minimise Ayrault's disobliging comment, saying he had received "a charming letter" from the French minister congratulating him on his new job. At a news conference with his U.S. counterpart John Kerry in London last week, Johnson was assailed by questions from U.S. reporters about past jibes at the likes of President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Although the tables were turned on Thursday and Johnson found himself in the rare position of being the one who had been insulted rather than the author of the insult, neither he nor Ayrault were taking any chances. After both men made their remarks and shook hands for the cameras, they walked out, leaving awkward questions unanswered. (Additional reporting by Andrew Callus; writing by Estelle Shirbon in London; editing by Giles Elgood)
By Leigh Thomas PARIS (Reuters) - Modestly shaking his head to deny he was any good at speaking French, Britain's new foreign minister Boris Johnson sought to charm a media audience in Paris during a joint appearance with his French counterpart, who recently called him a liar. At a news conference after private talks, Johnson and Jean-Marc Ayrault exchanged assurances of friendship but left without taking questions from a roomful of journalists eager to probe the awkwardness behind the niceties. Johnson was the leading figure in the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union ahead of a June 23 referendum that resulted in a vote for Brexit and plunged the 28-member bloc into crisis and soul-searching. After Johnson's shock appointment as foreign secretary by new Prime Minister Theresa May, Ayrault said on French radio that Johnson had lied to the British people during the campaign and now had his back to the wall. Johnson was later booed at a Bastille Day reception at the French ambassador's residence in London. Neither man made any reference to these undiplomatic events during Thursday's appearance together in the gilded surroundings of the Quai d'Orsay, France's grand foreign ministry building on the banks of the Seine. Ayrault kicked off proceedings with pleasantries, saying he was delighted to greet Johnson in the ornate Salon de l'Horloge, or Clock Room, prompting Johnson to look up toward the ceiling and from side to side, apparently searching for a clock. "He is well known in France, and not only for his excellent biography of Winston Churchill but also as mayor of London. He knows France well in fact, and speaks French very well," said Ayrault. Johnson demurely looked down and shook his head. "DEAR BORIS" "I have even been told, dear Boris, that your family on your mother's side has origins in the region of Nantes, my city," continued Ayrault, seeking some common ground. Recognized around the world thanks to his disheveled platinum hair, Johnson is also known for gags and insults often delivered in colorful, erudite language peppered with Latin. When it was his turn to speak, Johnson did so in accented but correct French, saying he was delighted to be in France for his first bilateral visit to a European country as foreign secretary. Reading from prepared remarks, he stuck to the script and avoided any jokes as he sought to project a more serious image than in the past. He later said he had a "warm" two-hour working lunch with Ayrault before their media appearance. Previously, Johnson had sought to minimize Ayrault's disobliging comment, saying he had received "a charming letter" from the French minister congratulating him on his new job. At a news conference with his U.S. counterpart John Kerry in London last week, Johnson was assailed by questions from U.S. reporters about past jibes at the likes of President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Although the tables were turned on Thursday and Johnson found himself in the rare position of being the one who had been insulted rather than the author of the insult, neither he nor Ayrault were taking any chances. After both men made their remarks and shook hands for the cameras, they walked out, leaving awkward questions unanswered. (Additional reporting by Andrew Callus; writing by Estelle Shirbon in London; editing by Giles Elgood)
If the Democratic National Committee had hung a Donald Trump-shaped pinata over the stage during the third night of the Partys nominating convention yesterday and obliged every speaker to take a ritual swing at it, the purpose of the evening could hardly have been clearer.

On a night heavy with high profile speakers, including a rapturously received President Barack Obama in what was likely the last major speech of his presidency, the unifying element of all the major speeches was the conviction that the Republican presidential nominee is a danger to the country.

Related: Clintons Historic Nomination Leads Dems Through Convention Storm

The Democrats were, of course, unstinting in their praise for Clinton, who will officially accept their nomination tonight. Obama explicitly spoke of his readiness to pass the baton to the one-time rival who later served as his secretary of state for four years.

There has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America, he said, and even took a sort of victory lap around the convention stage with Clinton herself, who appeared unannounced to wild applause as he finished his remarks.

Vice President Joe Biden said, Theres only one person in this race who will be there. Whos always been there for you. And thats Hillary Clintons life story.

Clintons vice presidential nominee, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, in a speech peppered with fluent Spanish, spoke of his oldest son, a US Marine who recently deployed overseas. Praising Clintons judgment and experience, he said, And as hes serving our nation abroad, I trust Hillary Clinton with our sons life.

Related: Trump Fumes Over $19 Trillion National Debt, but His Plan Would Double It

Following directly from that, though, Kaine veered to the subject of the Republican nominee. You know who I dont trust? Donald Trump, he said. The guy promises a lot. But you might have noticed he has a habit of saying the same two words right after he makes his biggest promises. You guys know the words I mean? Believe me.

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Kaine went on an extended riff about the lack of specificity behind Trumps promises -- including a repeated attempt at an impression (and not a good one) of the New York billionaires speaking voice.

Its gonna be great  believe me! Were gonna build a wall and make Mexico pay for it  believe me! Were gonna destroy ISIS so fast  believe me! Theres nothing suspicious in my tax returns believe me! By the way, does anyone here believe that Donald Trumps been paying his fair share of taxes? Do you believe he ought to release those tax returns like every other presidential candidate in modern history? Of course he should. Donald, what are you hiding?

It was the same up and down the ranks of the list of prime time speakers. Immediately after his promise that Clinton would always be there for the United States, Biden launched into a blistering attack on Trump, calling out his claim to be a champion of the American middle class.

Related: Trump Lashes Out Over Suggestion He Has the Kremlins Support

He is trying to tell us he cares about the middle class. Give me a break. That is a bunch of malarkey, Biden roared.

He added, No major party, no major party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or been less prepared to deal with our national security.

Obama was openly scornful of Trump, whom he characterized at one point as a homegrown demagogue. He challenged the central premise of Trumps campaign: the idea that America needs to be made great again.

America is already great, he said. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump, he said. Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way. We don't look to be ruled.

The claim that the current state of the US and its future are far brighter than any of the scenarios Trump has laid out on the campaign trail was a common one Wednesday night -- a sub-theme that many observers pointed out sounded more like the optimistic and patriotic vision of America that used to be the stock-in-trade of GOP candidates.

Related: How Much Will the Democratic National Convention Cost?

But the evening was as much about attacking Trump as it was making a case for a continuation of Obamas policies through Clinton. That became clear in the DNCs choice to give prime-time speaking slots to two men whose support for her candidacy appears to rest more on her status as an alternative to Trump than on affection or respect for Clinton herself.

Former Defense Secretary and CIA director Leon Panetta, whose history with Clinton is somewhat checkered, was brought on after 8 p.m. to deliver the national security case against Trump. Like many, he assailed Trumps suggestion that Russian hackers might be able to recover the tens of thousands of emails that Clinton controversially deleted from the home-based email server she used while secretary of state.

You've got now a presidential candidate who is in fact asking the Russians to engage in American politics and I just think that's beyond the pale, Panetta said. I have a lot of concerns of his qualities of leadership or lack thereof. That kind of statement only reflects the fact that he truly is not qualified to be president of the United States.

Former three-term New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was brought on to stick a dagger in the heart of Trumps defining narrative of his life as an unbroken string of triumphs in the world of business. But Bloomberg, a billionaire 40 times over who, who served New York first as a Republican and then as an Independent, did so only after noting that he has multiple disagreements with Clinton on matters of policy. Still, he said, faced with Trump as the alternative, he argued that it is imperative to elect Clinton in the fall.

Related: Is This Why Russia Is Counting on a Trump Presidency?

"There are times when I disagree with Hillary Clinton, he said. But let me tell you, whatever our disagreements may be, I've come here to say: We must put them aside for the good of our country. And we must unite around the candidate who can defeat a dangerous demagogue."

Citing Trumps history of business bankruptcies and lawsuits, Bloomberg said, Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's running his business? God help us.

Bloomberg ended with perhaps the most backhanded endorsement of a candidate ever uttered on a convention stage, urging listeners, Let's elect a sane, competent person with international experience."

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal said Thursday it swung to a loss in its fiscal first quarter as slowing Chinese demand and lacklustre sales at home dented its bottom line.

The Tokyo-based firm, one of the world's biggest steel producers, posted a net loss of 14.6 billion yen ($139 million) in the April-June period, reversing a 72.7 billion yen net profit a year ago.

Revenue tumbled nearly 17 percent to 1.05 trillion yen, it said.

"Overseas steel demand was flat, as the impact from the declining trend in Chinese demand was strong despite some moderate signs of recovery in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)," the company said.

Deadly earthquakes in Japan earlier this year forced customers, including the key automotive industry, to temporarily shutter factories, Nippon Steel said.

The firm, however, added that it would claw out of the red in the first half of its fiscal year to March 2017.

The global steel industry has suffered from oversupply and weakening demand as China's economic growth has slowed from the breakneck rates that helped global commodity suppliers grow fat off demand for big ticket infrastructure projects there.

Beijing has been accused of exacerbating the problem by dumping below-cost steel on to the world market, leading to trade disputes with the European Union and United States.

The issue was flagged again at a meeting of G20 nations this month in China, which says its is taking steps to cut production.
On July 28, 1974, the House Judiciary Committee passed the first of three impeachment articles against President Richard Nixon. Although a final House vote never took place along with a Senate trial, plans were being made for these events.

nixonresignspeech

However, President Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974 after a Supreme Court decision compelled Nixon to released unedited Watergate tape transcripts that included incriminating evidence.

The House committee had debated the impeachment articles for about seven months, and the group approved the first article by a 27-11 vote, on July 28, 1974. On the same day, the Washington Post reported some details about what would happen down the road if Nixon fought the charges.

The Judiciary Committee still needed to write a report for the full House about the charges and get the House Rules Committee to set debate rules. Two weeks of debate were expected under the rules, with the final impeachment vote expected near August 24, 1974. (The Post said that House member Tip ONeill believed the Nixon impeachment articles would pass a full House vote by at least 50 votes.)

If the House approved any of the three articles, President Nixon would have been provided time to form a defense, with the Senate trial lasting about two months.

The Post also said the Senate leaders Mike Mansfield and Hugh Scott were set to meet the next day to start planning for a possible trial.

But on August 2, the House Rules committee said that the start of the floor debate would be later, on August 19, with the full report due to all House members on August 8, 1974  the day that Nixon would later announce his resignation to a national audience.

In a 1985 interview, the former Secretary of the Senate, Francis Valeo, spoke about the Senates tentative plans.

Valeo said that in general, Mansfield, the Senate leader, was worried about Nixons behavior. Finally, I got the order from Mansfield, but Im sure he must have had Scotts concurrence in it, to start planning for the trial in the Senate, because it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that [Nixon] would be impeached in the House, Valeo said.

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Mansfield agreed that any trial needed to be televised, and Valeo started working with the press on credentialing and the configuration of the Senate floor. We were prepared to go ahead with the trial. I mean, physically we had figured out what would be done by that time. But of course Nixon resigned and that changed the equations, Valeo said.

Senate parliamentarian Floyd Riddick also started a series of meetings to revise the chambers impeachment rules for a possible Nixon trial. The rules were published in September 1974 after Nixons resignation.

James St. Clair, Nixons chief defense lawyer, had been expected to represent the President at any Senate trial. St. Clair had also argued the losing case in the Supreme Court about the Watergate tapes and had represented the President during the House proceedings.

Chief Justice of the United States Warren Burger would preside over any Senate impeachment trial. Burger was appointed to the Court by Nixon in 1969, but he also wrote the unanimous decision that forced Nixon to release the full Watergate tapes. House members would serve as managers to argue for the impeachment articles in the Senate.

At least two-thirds of the Senate would have needed to convict Nixon on at least one of the three impeachment articles to force his removal from office. On paper, the Democrats were at least 10 votes short of having such a supermajority on party lines, but Nixons advisers were already telling him in early August that the House impeachment vote was near certain and a Senate conviction was a distinct possibility.

The release of the Watergate tape transcripts on August 5, 1974, made Nixons resignation inevitable, said the Washington Post on its front page on August 9, the day Nixon officially resigned.

It seemed inevitable then that this would be his last week in office, yet he continued to fight back and to insist that he would not resign. On Tuesday, the President held a Cabinet meeting and told his official family that he would not resign, the Post said. On Wednesday, however, the end appeared near, for his support on Capitol Hill was disappearing at dizzying speed. There were demands from some of his staunchest supporters that he should resign at once.

But on August 3, Nixon speechwriter Ray Price worked on draft remarks for an address that Nixon could give if he had decided to face a Senate trial.

I shall see the Constitutional process through  whatever its outcome. I shall appear before the Senate, and answer under oath before the Senate any and all questions put to me there, the speech said. Nixon apparently was never shown the draft remarks. Instead, Price worked with the President on his resignation speech several days later.

Recent Historical Stories on Constitution Daily

Looking back: The Supreme Court decision that ended Nixons presidency

10 fascinating facts about Richard Nixon

The Nixon pardon in retrospect, 40 years later
(This version of the July 20 story corrects projected temperature rise in 7th graf) By Sebastien Malo NEW YORK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - North American forests will not fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide at levels once hoped for because the trees may not grow big enough, a study said on Wednesday. The new research challenges previous studies that said trees could grow larger due to higher temperatures brought on by global warming, said the authors of the study published in the journal Ecology Letters. Typically, up to a third of carbon-dioxide emissions from human activity, such as automobile driving or steel production, is absorbed by forests, the study's authors said. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. But if temperatures get too high, tree growth is inhibited and the absorption rate diminishes, said senior author Margaret Evans, a professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson. "There is a tipping point," she said. "A warmer climate becomes a bad thing instead of a good thing." Looking ahead at warmer temperatures likely in the coming decades, trees in the U.S. southwest north to the Rocky Mountains, Canada and Alaska could grow as much as 75 percent slower than normal by 2075, the researchers said. By 2075, the average temperature in North America could be about 11 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) higher than it was in 1925, under a worst case scenario, the researchers said, using data from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Some increases in tree growth are still likely in the Pacific Northwest, parts of Florida, the northeastern part of Quebec in Canada and its maritime provinces, they said. The researchers from U.S., Swiss and Polish institutions combined climate projections with tree rings collected between 1900 and 1950 at nearly 1,500 sites. Tree rings, the layers grown each year, provide a record of how trees are affected by changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, they said. Similar research could be done on northern forests in Europe and Asia, Evans said. The study is the first to account for how trees respond to climate change, lead author Noah Charney, a researcher at the University of Arizona in Tucson, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. (Reporting by Sebastien Malo, Editing by Ellen Wulfhorst. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)
A North Korean defector has reportedly sought refuge at the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong, according to local media outlets.

The individual, who has not been identified, arrived in Hong Kong two weeks ago, and is understood to be part of a North Korean delegation competing in an academic competition at a local university, the South China Morning Post reports.

The security presence around the consulate, located near Hong Kongs government headquarters close to the central business district, has intensified in recent days, the Post reports. It is unclear when exactly the individual went there to seek refuge.

A consular representative told TIME on Thursday that the South Korean consulate didnt have any official statement or response on the matter. Local law enforcement officials said that they had noted the relevant reports but did not have further information.

Hong Kong status as a semiautonomous territory of China means its citizens enjoy greater freedoms than those across the border. Beijing  which has authority over diplomatic issues in Hong Kong  has taken a hardline stance with North Korean defectors, repatriating them back to the repressive state.
For the 100th anniversary of Finlands independence from Russia next year, Norways government is considering moving its border, giving Finland a mountain peak that would be its highest point.

Finlands highest point currently lies on a mountain spur called Halditsohkka. Norway is considering shifting its border to give Finland the peak of Halditsohkka, which would become Finlands highest point, The Guardian reports.

Bjrn Geirr Harsson, a 76-year-old retired geophysicist and government surveyor, came up with this idea. He recalled being confused by the borders location when he flew over Halti in the 1970s. In July 2015, he wrote to the ministry of foreign affairs, saying that moving the border would cost Norway a barely noticeable amount of territory.

His son runs a Facebook page about giving Finland the peak as an anniversary gift, and it currently has nearly 14,000 likes. According to The Guardian, public reaction has been positive in both Norway and Finland, but the indigenous Sami community, whose reindeer roam across the border, had objected, saying that the land should belong to neither country.

[The Guardian]
After seven straight quarters of earnings beat, The New York Times Company NYT succumbed to a negative earnings surprise in the second quarter of 2016. The company posted adjusted earnings from continuing operations of 11 cents a share that missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny and also declined 15.4% from the year-ago quarter.

In the reported quarter, The New York Times Company, which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), registered an increase in the number of digital subscribers and a rise in circulation revenue. The quarter also witnessed a decline in print and digital advertising revenues. Adjusted operating costs remained almost flat at $318.2 million during the quarter under review. Management now anticipates adjusted operating costs to increase in the low to mid-single digits in the third quarter of 2016.

The New York Times Company (NYT) Street EPS & Surprise Percent - Last 5 Quarters | FindTheCompany

The New York Times Companys total revenue of $372.6 million fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $376 million, and decreased 2.7% year over year.

Circulation revenue grew 3% to $219.5 million, primarily backed by the companys digital subscription initiatives and a rise in the home delivery price of The New York Times in 2016. Circulation revenue from digital-only subscription jumped 15.3% to $56.4 million. Circulation revenue from digital-only subscriptions to news products rose 14% to $54.1 million. Management now projects total circulation revenue in the third quarter of 2016 to increase at a rate in line with the second quarter.

Total advertising revenue came in at $131.2 million in the reported quarter, down 11.7% year over year. We observe that the rate of decline increased from 6.8% witnessed in the preceding quarter. Print advertising revenue fell 14.1% in the second quarter of 2016, following a decline of 9% in the previous quarter.

Digital advertising revenue tumbled 6.8% to $45 million, after witnessing a decrease of 1.3% in the previous quarter. The fall in the digital advertising was due to a decline in traditional website display advertising, partly offset by sturdy growth experienced across mobile, video and virtual reality, branded content and programmatic advertising. Nevertheless, management projects solid revenue growth from both digital advertising and digital consumer business in the third quarter.

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The company saw a 14.1% drop in the display advertising category and a 6.1% fall in the classified advertising category. The diversified media conglomerate hinted that total advertising revenue in the third quarter may decline in the mid-single digits compared with the prior-year period.

Total adjusted operating profit plunged 15.4% to $54.5 million on account of a fall in advertising revenue, partly offset by a rise in circulation revenue.

Other Financial Aspects

The New York Times Company ended the quarter with cash and marketable securities of about $915.4 million, and total debt and capital lease obligations of approximately $433.7 million. The company incurred capital expenditures of about $5 million during the quarter. Management foresees total capital expenditures in the band of $35 million to $40 million for 2016.

NY TIMES A Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

NY TIMES A Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | NY TIMES A Quote

Conclusion

Advertising, which remains a significant source of revenue, is largely dependent on the global financial health. Softness in advertising demand has been weighing on The New York Times Companys performance. Consequently, the company is trying every means to shield itself from the impact of an unstable market and contemplating on new avenues of revenue generation. The company had offloaded assets that bear no direct relation to its core operations in order to re-focus on its core newspapers and pay more attention to online activities.

The New York Times Company has been adding diverse revenue streams, such as a pay-and-read model, to stay less vulnerable to economic conditions. The company is also adapting to the changing face of the multiplatform media universe, and has already included mobile and reader application products in its portfolio. Other publishing companies such as New Media Investment Group Inc. NEWM, Gannett Co., Inc. GCI and The McClatchy Company MNI are also trying to adapt to different revenue generating ways.

Despite hiccups in the economy, what still promises revenue generation is The New York Times Companys pricing system for NYTimes.com, which was launched on Mar 28, 2011. The company notified that the number of paid digital subscribers reached 1,424,000 at the end of the reported quarter  rising 67,000 sequentially (51,000 came from the digital news products and 16,000 from the Crossword product) and 25% year over year.

The New York Times Company remains committed to streamline its cost structure, strengthen its balance sheet, and rebalance its portfolio.

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PHILADELPHIA  President Obama formally passed the torch to Hillary Clinton on Wednesday  but not before using it to try to burn down Donald Trumps hopes of the White House and to light a fire under any Democratic voters inclined to stay home in November.

America is already great, America is already strong, Obama told rowdy, sign-waving party activists packed into the Wells Fargo Center here, cheering his direct assault on the Republican nominees signature slogan.

And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump, he said, to commingled hurrahs and laughter.

The brash entrepreneur is not actually offering any real solutions, Obama contended. Hes just offering slogans, and hes offering fear. Hes betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election.

At one point, he veered away from prepared remarks to knock Trumps embrace of birtherism, the disproven, racism-fueled conspiracy theory that Obama was not born in the United States and is therefore an illegitimate president.

My grandparents, they came from the heartland; their ancestors began settling there about 200 years ago, he said. I dont know if they had their birth certificates, but they were there!

And Obama promised that Clinton would finish the job of defeating the so-called Islamic State, while protecting and advancing his consequential and controversial legacy on issues like health care reform, reining in Wall Street and advancing gay rights.

Im here to tell you that yes, weve still got more work to do, he said. That work involves a big choice this November.

Amid concerns among some Democrats that disaffected Bernie Sanders supporters might stay home, forfeiting the presidency to Trump, Obama had a message for those whose allegiance is still to the progressive Vermont senators movement.

If youre serious about our democracy, you cant afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue, he warned. Were going to carry Hillary to victory this fall, because thats what the moment demands.

Story continues

At the end of his remarks, Clinton emerged unannounced from backstage, beaming, and the two shared a long bear hug before patrolling the stage together, waving to the crowd.

On Twitter, Trump dismissed the presidents speech. Our country does not feel great already to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair, he wrote. Democrats countered that crime is down to historically low levels, and that Obama inherited the worst recession in a century.

At the Republican National Committee, Chairman Reince Priebus tried to harness the strong antiestablishment currents roiling the 2016 campaign  and potentially making it even harder than it has been in modern times for a two-term president to see a chosen successor into the Oval Office.

President Obama was elected to the White House with voters demanding change, and fittingly, that is how he will leave, Priebus said.

If first lady Michelle Obamas speech on Monday meant to validate Clintons election in historic terms, and Bill Clintons remarks on Tuesday aimed to vouch for her in deeply personal terms, the sitting president preached that his former secretary of state is fit to succeed him  and Trump is not.

I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill  nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America, he said.

Obama hit Trump on the economy, voters No. 1 issue; national security, typically a strong second; and Trumps preparedness and honesty.

The Donald is not really a plans guy. Hes not really a facts guy, either, Obama mocked.

To voters struggling in an uncertain economy, the president argued that Trump was not an authentic savior.

Does anyone really believe that a guy whos spent his 70 years on this earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion? Your voice? he said.

On national security, Obama said, Trump wrongly suggests America is weak.

He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, tells our NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection, Obama said. Well, Americas promises do not come with a price tag. We meet our commitments. We bear our burdens: thats one reason why almost every country on earth sees America as stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago, when I took office.

Unsurprisingly, despite his stay-the-course message, Obama skipped over parts of his legacy that might have doused the enthusiasm in the hall. Notably, he did not mention the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, which Clinton helped craft but turned against under pressure from Sanders. And he did not mention Syria, where some 400,000 people have died on his watch, or Libya, where the failure to plan for the aftermath of a military intervention Clinton championed left a vacuum in which the Islamic State has found a haven.

His remarks also implicitly acknowledged Clintons challenges. Voters say they mistrust her. And she faces the difficult task of knitting together the coalition that twice swept the nations first black president into office.

Democrats say the party will unite behind its champions, Obama chief among them, leading Vice President Joe Biden and other party leaders. On Wednesday, the president used what may be his final opportunity as president to command the attention of millions of Americans in primetime to push that unity effort.

Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me: I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me, he said near the emotional climax of his speech. Im asking you to join me, to reject cynicism and reject fear, and to summon what is best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States.
Washington (AFP) - President Barack Obama offered his condolences and US support to German Chancellor Angela Merkel following a spate of bloody attacks in her country, the White House said.

Four brutal assaults in Germany's south, three of which were carried out by asylum seekers, have rattled Germans and revived a backlash against Merkel's decision last year to open the borders to those fleeing war and persecution.

Obama expressed condolences "on behalf of the American people for the victims of recent terrorist and other violent attacks," according to a readout of the call from the White House.

"The leaders reaffirmed the necessity of close US-German counterterrorism and broader security cooperation," it said.

On Sunday, a failed Syrian asylum seeker set off an explosive device near an open-air music festival in the southern city of Ansbach that killed himself and wounded a dozen others. The man had pledged allegiance to IS group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to the Bavarian interior minister.

On the same day, a Syrian refugee was arrested after killing a Polish woman in the southwestern city of Reutlingen in what was likely a crime of passion. Three other people were also injured in the assault.

Those attacks came as Germany was already reeling from a rampage in which nine people were killed in a shopping center shooting spree in Munich on Friday.

Meanwhile four passengers on a train and a passer-by were wounded in an axe attack in Wuerzburg on July 18, in a rampage claimed by the IS group.

Obama offered Germany "full support as the investigations into the attacks proceed."
Philadelphia (AFP) - President Barack Obama implored Americans to help Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump, warning the 2016 race was not just about politics, but the nature of US democracy.

Speaking before a rapt Democratic convention in Philadelphia, Obama praised Clinton's caliber and readiness for the White House while painting her Republican rival as a know-nothing authoritarian.

The election, Obama said, was "not just a choice between parties or policies; the usual debates between left and right."

"This is a more fundamental choice," he said.

In the city where America's founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, Obama declared the November election a "fundamental choice" about what the country is and the very "meaning of our democracy."

Obama spearheaded a day-long effort by Democrats to depict Trump as unfit to be commander-in-chief, contrasting the political neophyte with his more experienced Democratic rival.

Trump, he said, was "betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election."

The wealthy real estate mogul has run on a hard-right platform of banning Muslims from entering the United States and building a border wall to keep Hispanic migrants out.

Earlier in the day, he launched a pre-emptive attack against Obama, calling him "the most ignorant president in our history."

The president fired right back.

Punching at Trump's campaign slogan, he insisted "America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump."

"Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way. We don't look to be ruled."

Voicing optimism about the future, Obama said "anyone who threatens our values -- whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues -- will always fail in the end."

Story continues

- No one more qualified -

Acting as a character reference for his secretary of state of four years, with whom he battled in the 2008 primaries, Obama said Clinton was uniquely qualified to succeed him.

He said the 68-year-old former first lady and senator knew what it's like to be in the room when tough epoch-making and presidency-breaking decisions were taken -- like the move to strike Osama bin Laden.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman -- not me, not Bill (Clinton), nobody -- more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," he said.

At the end of his speech, Clinton -- the first woman to win the presidential nomination of a major US political party -- joined him on stage to deafening shouts from the party faithful. The pair embraced and waved to the crowd.

- Taking Trump on -

Earlier in the day a series of Democrats had sought to zero in on disunity in the Republican party and zero in on disgruntled voting blocs.

Vice President Joe Biden trashed Trump's claim to be a champion of the middle class, laying into the mogul's reality television show catchphrase: "You're fired!"

"Think about that," said Biden, his voice growing angrier. "Think about that. Think about everything you learned as a child no matter where you were raised. How can there be pleasure in saying 'You're fired'?

"He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class? Give me a break! That's a bunch of malarkey!"

Clinton's vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine made a folksy appeal to more centrist voters, deriding a "slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting one-man wrecking crew!"

A host of Democrats zeroed in on Trump's comments that seemed to invite Russian cyber espionage against Clinton.

"As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyber-attacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be that irresponsible," said former CIA director Leon Panetta.

It was left to Obama to draw all these disparate strands together into a comprehensive argument as to why Clinton should succeed him.

- Dimming limelight -

Now in the twilight of his second term, Obama faces ever-dwindling opportunities to address the nation, mold his legacy and influence the 2016 race.

But on Wednesday, he had a prime-time chance, appearing before thousands of delegates and tens of millions of viewers at home.

The White House said Obama had been working on the roughly 45-minute speech for weeks.

Yet this touchstone presidential moment had been a decade or more in the making.

The address bookends Obama's career-launching address to the Democratic convention in 2004, his contentious 2008 primary battle with Clinton and his eight years in office.

Obama made a familiar case for what has been achieved during his two terms, highlighting America's recovery from the Great Recession, the Iran nuclear deal and reforms to health care.

But this was also a passing of the party torch.

"I have confidence as I leave this stage tonight that the Democratic Party is in good hands," Obama said, appearing to become emotional.

"Thank you for this incredible journey," he said before his long exit from the stage.
Barack Obama

Barack Obama's political career took off on August 18, 2004, when, at that year's Democratic National Convention, he bellowed for the country to believe in itself and unite  the red states, the blue states, liberal America, conservative America, black America, white America.

Twelve years later, on Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention, he bookended his remarkably quick political career by urging the country to unite again.

He implored the country to "reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what's best in us"  and to reject the candidacy of Republican nominee Donald J. Trump.

What was interesting about Obama's speech was that he could have gone an entirely different route. He could have cast Trump as a consequence of the Republican Party, painted the Democratic Party as a long-term, sane solution, and spun conservatism as an extension of Trump.

Instead, he made a point of saying the ideas Trump and his allies espoused during last week's Republican National Convention in Cleveland were not Republican  and not conservative. He gave Republicans an out  a tactic that has, to the dismay of many of his critics on the left, been a recurring feature of his presidency.

"Look, we Democrats have always had plenty of differences with the Republican Party, and there's nothing wrong with that  it's precisely this contest of ideas that pushes our country forward," Obama said.

"But what we heard in Cleveland last week wasn't particularly Republican  and it sure wasn't conservative," he added. "What we heard was a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world. There were no serious solutions to pressing problems  just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate."

He painted Trump as an authoritarian, a self-proclaimed savior who was anything but. America, he said, doesn't "look to be ruled."

Story continues

Barack Obama Hillary Clinton

He delivered a forceful endorsement of Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, his former secretary of state, the best chance he has to set in stone all of the items on his legacy list.

He nodded, at points, to the lack of flash around Clinton, the fact that she is not perfect.

"And we're going to carry Hillary to victory this fall, because that's what the moment demands," he said, a line that simultaneously conveyed enthusiasm and resentment.

Steve Schale, an aide on Obama's two presidential campaigns, said the speech would serve to build the bridge toward unity in a splintered Democratic Party  in a way only the president could do.

"President Obama had two jobs tonight: set the table of the stakes of this campaign, and pass the torch of an energized, enthusiastic, and unified party to Hillary Clinton," he said. "In both cases, the speech was an unqualified success."

And so Obama wound down his political career by attempting to expand that beyond the party, to "show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation."

He was played off, as he has so often, to Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

He might have just done that for Hillary Clinton.

NOW WATCH: Watch President Obama's full speech in support of Hillary Clinton





More From Business Insider


As Bernie Sanders slowly loses control of his political revolution, Barack Obamas speech at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night shows he is still wrestling with his.

If Bernie Sanders has started a grassroots crusade for genuine progressive reform, Obamas revolution was more personal: for millions of Americans who supported him in 2008 and 2012, the act of voting became an act of love. His movement wasnt necessarily about a specific agenda or philosophy, it was about a feeling: the idea that a vote is a personal gesture, one that should only be extended, with exuberance, to a candidate you truly love. He transformed voting from a handshake into a hug.

And on Wednesday night, he attempted to project that intimacy and exuberance onto Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee whose name has been periodically booed by Bernie Sanders disappointed delegates throughout the first days of the convention. Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me, Obama said at the end of his speech. I asked you to carry her the way you carried me.

For many young people, that Obama Feeling is the only kind of voting theyve ever known. A lot of the folks I worked with who voted for Obama felt like they were casting a vote for their friend, says Mina Davis, a 23-year old Sanders delegate from Nebraska who worked tirelessly to elect Obama in 2012. I felt that way with Bernie really strongly.

Obama keeps it real. Hes like a brother in the White House, Davis continues. So when we move to someone whos not as charismatic, were like, are you sure you can keep it real?'

Barack Obama reminded me of the passion behind our vote. said Davante Lewis, a 24-year old Sanders delegate from Louisiana. Im not thinking in the older, cynical way. Im thinking in the way Barack Obama taught us to.

Story continues

What way is that, exactly? It should be passion, Lewis says of the democratic process. For so long, it was about predictability.

Davis and Lewis are part of a generation who have never cast a vote in a presidential election for anybody besides Barack Obama. In the 2008 election, Obama won the highest disparity between young and old voters since exit polling began in 1972, with 66% of voters under 30. That voting disparity opened up a 19-point gap in party affiliation among young people: 45% of 18-29 year olds were Democrats after the 2008 election, compared to 26% who called themselves Republicans (in 2000, party affiliation was roughly equal in that age group.)

And Obama kept that youth vote in the 2012 election, which Mitt Romney would likely have won if young voters had been evenly split. Obama beat Romney with young people 67%  30%, according to Center for Research and Information on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, and the share of youth voters actually grew over the course of his first term, from 18% of the electorate to 19%.

Clinton herself has acknowledged she is not blessed with the particular brand of magnetism. I am not a natural politician, in case you havent noticed, like my husband or President Obama, she said during a primary debate in March.

Still, for some young people, Hillary Clinton met the emotional standard set by Obama. Brandon Langlois is a 28-year old Hillary Clinton delegate from Nebraska who had epilepsy when he was young. He says the childrens health insurance plan Clinton built as First Lady helped him get health care he wouldnt have been able to afford. Hillary was working for me before I was even born, he said. The least I could do was support her. Langlois says he stood up and told his story to his entire caucus in Nebraska, convincing every single undecided voter to vote for Clinton, and winning their caucus by 3 votes.

But in 2016, most of the Obama generation voted for Bernie Sanders. By a lot. According to another analysis by the same group, Sanders won more youth votes in the primary than Clinton and Trump combined.

So in his endorsement speech in Charlotte, N.C., on July 5, Obama acknowledged that Americas focus on newness and passion sometimes drowned out more experienced voices like Clintons. He tried to de-emphasize the personal magnetism that had won him the presidency, instead placing extra value on Hillarys strengths, like hard work and experience:

Were a young country, so we like new things. And Ive benefited from that culture, lets face it . But sometimes, we take somebody whos been in the trenches and fought the good fight and been steady for granted. Sometimes we act as if never having done something and not knowing what youre doing is a virtue. We dont do that, by the way, for airline pilots. We dont do that for surgeons. But somehow we think, President of the United States, lets just give  I dont know  whos that guy? . And so, as a consequence, that means that sometimes Hillary doesnt get the credit that she deserves.

Again in his speech at the DNC Wednesday night, Obama tried to shine his light onto Clintons record, urging the crowd and the millions watching on TV to become passionate about pragmatism. Shes been there for us, even if we havent always noticed, he said. And if youre serious about our democracy, you cant afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue.

Most seemed convinced. One delegate on the floor told another that his eyelids had goosebumps after the speech, and many Bernie Sanders delegates went from a grudging acceptance of Hillary Clinton to a lukewarm enthusiasm for her. Davis said she was dying with happiness after Obamas speech. I was electrified. I felt empowered. I think it makes me a little more ready, she says.

But even if Hillary can benefit from the Obama boost, the revolution is complete. The standard has been raised, Davis says. It suddenly becomes part of the American narrative to put forward a candidate who can create a movement.
In his final Democratic National Convention appearance as a commander-in-chief, President Obama did not hold back as he took Donald Trump to task in Philadelphia.

Read: Donald Trump Invites Russia to Share Hillary Clinton's Hacked Emails With the Press, FBI

Inside the Wells Fargo Center, Obama let the jabs fly as he slammed the GOP presidential candidates rhetoric, policies and campaign.

America is already great. America is already strong, Obama said. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.

The president spoke for nearly an hour as he delivered blow after blow against Trump.

The Donald is not really a plans guy. Hes not really a facts guy, either, Obama said. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women whove achieved remarkable success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated.

Trump countered on Twitter saying: Our country does not feel great already.

Our country does not feel 'great already' to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2016

The president discussed the values of America and implied that the rhetoric of the Trump campaign is unnecessary.

Thats why anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end, he said.

Obamas speech Wednesday night came 12 years to the day after he was thrust on the national platform and spoke at the 2004 DNC in Boston. It was at that speech where he looked to see a unified America and not one made of red states and blue states.

Story continues

Americas 44th president also made the case for the person he wants as his successor  Hillary Clinton.

There has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America, he told the crowd.

He added: While this nation has been tested by war and recession and all manner of challenges, I stand before you again tonight, after almost two terms as your president, to tell you I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before.

At the conclusion of his rousing speech, Stevie Wonders Signed, Sealed Delivered, Im Yours, played in the massive arena. It's the same song he used at the end of his speeches while he was campaigning for office.

As he walked across the stage and waved to the crowd cheering him on, Hillary Clinton came out to surprise her party. The former secretary of state and president embraced and thanked each other for their support.

Obama was seen whispering in her ear: "You're doing great. I'm so proud of you."

The president was not the only person to verbally take down Trump Wednesday.

Another New York billionaire, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, made it clear that he was not aligning himself with the Democratic party, spoke as an independent against the GOP candidate.

Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's running his business? God help us! Bloomberg said. I'm a New Yorker and I know a con when I see one!

Bloomberg raged against the Trump machine, even questioning the real estate tycoons sanity.

Lets elect a sane competent person with international experience, he said as he endorsed Hillary Clinton.

Bloomberg admitted that there were times when he and Clinton disagreed, but he is going to put aside the differences for the good of the country as he called Trump a dangerous demagogue.

The former mayor even unleashed against Trumps success.

Read: Eva Longoria Takes Aim at Trump During DNC Appearance

"We've heard a lot of talk in this campaign about needing a leader who understands business. I couldn't agree more. I've built a business, and I didn't start it with a million-dollar check from my father," he said.

Bloomberg, who became the leader of the Big Apple months after the 9/11 attacks, worked with then-New York Senator Hillary Clinton to rebuild the city.

"I saw how Hillary Clinton worked with Republicans in Washington to ensure that New York got the help it needed to recover and rebuild," he said. "Throughout her time in the Senate, we didn't always agree  but Hillary Clinton always listened. And that's the kind of approach we need in Washington today, and it just has to start in the White House."

Before the president spoke, Clintons vice presidential pick Tim Kaine addressed the DNC for the very first time.

The Virginia governor said: Hillary has a passion for kids and families... Donald Trump has a passion too: It's himself.

Kaine even broke out into a Trump impression during his speech, repeating the words he has heard from the New York billionaires campaign for the last year  believe me.

"We're gonna destroy ISIS so fast  believe me! There's nothing suspicious in my tax returns  believe me," he mocked.

Kaine added: Here's the thing. Most people, when they run for president, they don't just say 'believe me.' They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done... You cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth.

Watch: Inside Hillary Clinton's Favorite Restaurant Where She Delivered DNC Speech

Related Articles:
Despite The O'Jays decrying the use of one of their signature songs, "Love Train," by Donald Trump's campaign at last week's Republican National Convention, the iconic group's protests seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Founding members Eddie Levert and Walter Williams have now issued a cease and desist letter after learning that Rep. John Mica (R-FL) posted a new pro-Trump video using another O'Jays classic, "For the Love of Money," without the group's consent.

The O'Jays Bash Trump Campaign's Use of 'Love Train': 'Our Music is About Bringing People Together, Not Building Walls'

The letter, issued by the O'Jays' attorneys and sent to Congressman Mica and copied to Trump's campaign chairman Paul Manafort, states in part:

"Your use of our clients' signature song, and utilizing the original recording, constitutes a patently false implication that Mr. Levert and Mr. Williams have endorsed you or your political agenda or Mr. Trump's agenda. Our clients unequivocally do not endorse you, your agenda nor your party's views or those of Mr. Trump. On the contrary, Mr. Levert and Mr. Williams have actively opposed these ideals.

"we hereby demand that you and any person or entity with which you are affiliated with, immediately and permanently refrain from exploiting our clients' proprietary material, using the recording of the song "For The Love of Money," or any of our clients' other intellectual property rights."

Why Donald Trump Should Have Gotten Song Permission from The Rolling Stones (But Not Queen)

Echoing sentiments that he and Williams expressed in their press statement last week, Levert said, "[Trump] presents himself as supporting 'law and order' but, in truth, he's not respecting the law at all. Mr. Trump resorts to painting pictures of gloom and doom and suggesting that he, alone, is the one savior who can fix things. This reminds me of another story and that would be the Book of Revelation."

Added Williams, "We don't appreciate having our music associated with a campaign that is hurtful to so many with whom we have common ground. We've really had enough of this. I'm living proof that America is already great. We support those who inspire in a positive way as opposed to bullying and using scare tactics."
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Rio's top security official vowed Thursday to review security for the Olympic torch after rioting protesters blocked the relay ceremony and apparently extinguished the flame.

The violent clashes late Wednesday in Angra dos Reis, a coastal resort south of Rio, cast a shadow over final preparations for South America's first Olympics, which start August 5.

In another worry for organizers, Rio metro employees threatened Thursday to go on strike on the eve of the Games if they do not get a 9.83 percent salary raise, raising the possibility of transport chaos for some 500,000 tourists expected to attend.

Rio de Janeiro state security secretary Jose Mariano Beltrame said that policing during the torch relay -- which will have visited more than 300 Brazilian cities by the time of the opening ceremony in Rio's Maracana stadium -- needs improving.

"There has never been a problem," he was quoted as saying by G1 news site. "Yesterday there was one. This needs to be reevaluated and we will be paying more attention to this question."

"Extinguishing the torch is a crime," he warned.

- Tear gas -

The crowd, protesting a lack of public transport and the late payment of salaries by the nearly bankrupt Rio state, attacked the procession in Angra dos Reis before being driven off by police using tear gas and rubber bullets.

In footage of the clashes shared online and on Globo television, someone can be heard shouting triumphantly: "The torch has been put out!" as the torch bearer, carrying an unlit torch, is hustled into the safety of a bus.

The Rio organizing committee said in a statement that the torch relay "had to be temporarily interrupted."

However, "out of consideration to the inhabitants of the city who wanted to attend the relay," it was restarted at the next stage "after an evaluation by the security team."

Organizers portray the torch's nationwide journey as a chance to ignite public enthusiasm for the Olympics.

Story continues

But repeated security incidents have turned the torch into a symbol of organizational glitches and social discontent.

Highlight reels of torch mishaps have gone viral online, including several attempts to extinguish the flame, runners falling over, a police motorbike crashing into the parade, a man attempting to seize the torch, and political protests.

In June, a rare, captive jaguar -- the same animal chosen as Brazil's Olympic mascot -- was shot dead after escaping handlers at a torch ceremony.

- Athletes arrive, controversies mount -

There was better news for Rio organizers in the arrival overnight of Jamaican sprinting superstar Usain Bolt, who hopes to defend his multiple gold medals.

Wearing a black tracksuit with white stripes, sunglasses and headphones, Bolt was in a hurry to leave the airport. "I didn't sleep on the flight," he told a welcoming committee of journalists and officials.

A more controversial set of arrivals were expected later in the day, with some 70 Russian athletes due to arrive in the early evening, their team slashed by bans in a scandal over state-sponsored doping.

Rio organizers were also still racing to complete emergency repairs to the athletes' Village, where some 19,000 team members will live.

Half of the buildings had problems ranging from blocked toilets to faulty wiring when teams began moving in over the weekend.

Although these glitches were expected to be ironed out by the end of Thursday, new controversy was brewing over allegations by government labor inspectors that the approximately 600 workers are being made to work nearly around the clock without legal contracts.

- 'Terrorism' charges? -

Meanwhile, officials said that a Brazilian man was arrested at his home in Nova Iguacu, in Rio de Janeiro state, on terrorism charges. However, no details of the allegations were given.

The justice department said the indictment against Chaer Kalaun, 28, a Brazilian of Lebanese descent, was sealed, but had been filed under anti-terrorism laws.

His lawyer, Edson Ferreira, said the allegations lacked substance.

"There's nothing more than suspicions that he put posts on Facebook," the lawyer said.

"He did not pledge allegiance, he was not recruiting, or bringing people or collaborating or encouraging any projects of the Islamic State," he said.

Ferreira said his client is a Muslim and lived in Lebanon when he was an adolescent.

Unconfirmed Brazilian media reports said police suspect Kalaun of recruiting for extremist organizations in Brazil. He was also arrested during the 2014 World Cup on charges of illegal firearms possession.

The arrest came a week after 12 other Brazilian men were arrested for allegedly trying to form a terrorism cell. Officials downplayed the seriousness of the group, calling them "amateur" and "disorganized."
- Qatar is taking just two women athletes to Rio, half the number which competed at London 2012, despite selecting its largest ever Olympics squad for Brazil, officials confirmed. Nada Arakji, the first ever Qatari woman to compete in the Olympics when she swam in the 50m freestyle four years ago, will this time compete in the 100m butterfly. Also heading to Rio is runner Dalal Al-Harthi who will race in the women's 400m. In total, Qatar is sending a team of 38 athletes, said officials although there was no official comment. The drop in female athletes comes despite Qatari Olympic selectors claiming earlier this year that they hoped the number of women competitors would increase. This is the eighth Olympics at which Qatar has competed and there is expectation that the country can land its first ever gold medal.

AFP
The bad news: Sitting at your desk all day increases your risk of early death. The good news: Exercising at least one hour every day could offset that risk, according to expansive new research.

In the four-paper series published Wednesday in The Lancet, researchers analyzed data from more than 1 million people spanning 16 studies. They found that those who spent eight hours a day sitting but exercised for an hour daily -- like taking a brisk walk at about 3.5 miles per hour or biking at about 9.9 miles per hour -- offset the increased risk of death linked with high sitting time. The findings highlight the importance of physical activity, regardless of how much time you spend on a chair each day.

Not exercising is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, plus 5 million deaths per year, according to The Lancet.

The research is in contrast to World Health Organization guidelines that recommend 150 minutes of physical activity every week, notably lower than the 60 to 75 minutes a day that the latest research indicates is most helpful. One limitation of the study is that it may not translate globally; it's mostly based on data from people over age 45 from the U.S., Western Europe and Australia.

The new Lancet series also delves into the economic burden of physical inactivity an estimated $67.5 billion annually in health care costs and lost productivity), the progress in national physical activity policies and their effectiveness since the 2012 Olympic Games and how to approach increasing physical activity levels.

"Large-scale problems require large-scale solutions, and we need commitment from governments, as well as international organisations to tackle the global public health challenge of physical inactivity. Science and practice are providing important evidence, but now is the time for action," study author Rodrigo Reis, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis , said in a statement.

Story continues

The 10 Best Exercises You Can Do for the Rest of Your Life

How to Know if You're Exercising Too Much

David Oliver is Associate Editor, Social Media at U.S. News & World Report. Follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, or send him an email at doliver@usnews.com.
blessIT

The killing of an 85-year-old Roman Catholic priest on Tuesday is the latest continuum of ISIS-linked attacks terrorizing Europe.

The death of the Rev. Jacques Hamel in Rouen comes two weeks after another suspected ISIS lone wolf killed 84 people celebrating Bastille Day in Nice.

But unlike in the aftermath of the attack on France's Charlie Hebdo office in January 2015 and the string of attacks in Paris in November 2015, which saw unity across France, the country's opposition politicians have responded to the most recent attacks with strong criticism of the government's security record.

"All this violence and barbarism has paralyzed the French left since January 2015," Nicolas Sarkozy, who is expected to enter a conservative primary for next year's presidential election, told the newspaper Le Monde.

"You clearly have instances, for example, in Brussels and Paris, where the perpetrators of those attacks were crossing borders with impunity," Fran Burwell of the Atlantic Council said in an interview.

"The question then becomes how do you get two national police forces to cooperate and share information?" she asked.

police germany

The attacks in France, coupled with violence in Germany and Belgium, show that Europe's efforts to work together to fight terrorism have been ineffective.

"What has changed in Europe is that everyone knows that this cooperation [among European states] needs to be built," Burwell said. "That is going to be a long road. You don't flip a switch and it is suddenly there. That is a big challenge for Europe."

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bohn jrennan

"This scenario has been a long time coming for Europe," Rick Nelson, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told USA Today. "I don't see this letting up anytime soon."

During a July 13 discussion at the Brookings Institution on identifying emerging security threats, CIA Director John Brennan emphasized that Europe needs to accelerate its plan to form a unified security front much like what the US did after the 9/11 attacks.

"We learned after 9/11 some very, very painful lessons about how the different parts of the US government, whether it be FBI, CIA, NSA, and others, needed to work better together," Brennan said.

"And that was difficult and painful, but we were one country and we had one leadership and we were directed to do that ... when you look at Europe and you look at the European Union, there are currently 28 members  soon to be, I guess, 27  that have separate legal systems, separate information-technology systems, different practices as far as how they follow through on their privacy and civil-liberty obligations," Brennan added.

"There is still a fair amount of work that needs to be done, but I do think it is going in the right direction, but it needs to accelerate," he said.

And as the Atlantic Council's Ashish Kumar Sen notes, growing discontent among some far-right political parties about the influx of refugees could make it difficult for German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande to win reelection in 2017.

Reuters contributed to this report.

NOW WATCH: EX-PENTAGON CHIEF: These are the 2 main reasons ISIS was born





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One of the biggest terrorism players in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, just distanced itself from its parent organization, Al Qaeda, in what analysts see as a savvy political maneuver.

Jabhat al-Nusra, aka the Nusra Front, has risen to power amid the Syrian civil war that has dragged on for more than five years.

The group, which fights the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad as well as the terrorist group ISIS, is known for being one of the most well-funded and well-equipped rebel groups in Syria.

But it also has strong terrorism ties, and experts believe that the group is playing a long game to outlive ISIS and eventually take over Syria to create an Islamic emirate.

Announcing a split from Al Qaeda could play into the group's long-term strategy.

Charles Lister, an expert on Syrian jihadist groups and senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, profiled Jabhat al-Nusra for the Brookings Institution this month. He predicted the split from Al Qaeda and explained its significance in the paper:

"Whatever the outcome, it remains hard to fathom how the majority of Jabhat al-Nusra's leadership could truly renounce and give up their decades-long devotion to al-Qaida's global vision. Ultimately, while symbolically of very great significance, any potential decision to break ties from al-Qaida should be read more as a politically smart maneuver aimed at further trapping Syrians into their relationship of interdependence with the group and thus furthering the viability of Jabhat al-Nusra's long game."

Jabhat al-Nusra benefits from marketing itself as a moderate opposition group fighting the Assad regime. That way, it has an easier time recruiting people whose primary goal is ousting Assad, and it has a better hope at avoiding US airstrikes that target terrorist groups.

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And because of its terrorist affiliations, Jabhat al-Nusra has been excluded from ceasefires between the Assad regime and moderate opposition groups.

Analysts have long warned that Jabhat al-Nusra poses more of a long-term threat to US national security than ISIS. The group has been especially concerned with long-term viability, and has kept a lower profile while the world focuses on taking out ISIS. Even if Jabhat al-Nusra appears to be focused on Syria, it could easily make the shift to external attacks, which has long been Al Qaeda's focus.

Lister wrote:

"The threat of external intervention against Jabhat al-Nusra has ... sparked an intense internal debate within the group's senior leadership regarding the overt nature of its relationship to al-Qaida. Beginning in late June, a high-level track of dialogue sought to encourage those within Jabhat al-Nusra less dedicated to al-Qaida's transnational ambitions to break away and form a new, independent faction. ... The potential imminence of U.S.-Russian strikes no doubt lent a certain urgency to such discussions."

This new faction is called "Jabhat Fatah al Sham." Jabhat al-Nusra leader Abu Mohamad al-Jolani announced that the new group "has no ties with any foreign party."

russian airstrikes syria July

But, as terrorism expert Thomas Joscelyn pointed out on Twitter, the language of Jolani's announcement is very careful. And since Al Qaeda is thought to be slowly relocating its leadership to Syria, the group might not even be considered "external" to Syria anymore.

"What [Jolani] actually says (as best I can tell) is they are cancelling all operations as Nusrah, forming a new entity 'Jabhat Fath Al Sham,'" Joscelyn tweeted. "And 'this new organization has no affiliation to any external entity.' Guess what: AQ senior leadership is in Syria. Not 'external.'"

The White House, for its part, said on Thursday that it's still concerned about Jabhat al-Nusra's capacity to attack the West.

Hassan Hassan, an analyst from Syria and expert on terrorist groups, tweeted that Jabhat al-Nusra's move "will complicate the situation for the rebels and help Nusra."

"Nusra's move won't make it easier for countries like Qatar and Turkey to support it," he tweeted. "No, it'll make it harder for them to support other groups."

He continued: "The US will go ahead to uproot Nusra. It's now easier, not more difficult, to lump like-minded groups with it. Those that cooperate with it."

NOW WATCH: A German orchestra traveled to Jordan to teach Syrian refugee kids how to play instruments





More From Business Insider


Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) disclosed Thursday that it reached a definitive agreement to buy NetSuite Inc. (NYSE: N), the very first cloud company. The transaction is worth at $109.00 per share in cash, or about $9.3 billion.

The companies expect the transaction to close in the current year. The company indicated the transaction closing depends on getting approvals from the regulators and tendering of a majority of NetSuite's outstanding shares in the tender offer.

Aside from that, the closing is also subject to a condition that a majority of NetSuite's outstanding shares participate in the tender offer. This excluded its executive officers or directors of NetSuite, or persons affiliated with Larry Ellison, his family members and any affiliated entities.

Oracle's CEO, Mark Hurd, commented about the acquisition, "Oracle and NetSuite cloud applications are complementary, and will coexist in the marketplace forever. We intend to invest heavily in both products  engineering and distribution."

Similarly, NetSuite's founder, CTO, and Chairman, Evan Goldberg, said, "NetSuite has been working for 18 years to develop a single system for running a business in the cloud. This combination is a winner for NetSuite's customers, employees and partners."

Oracle said the evaluation and negotiation of the transaction was led by a Special Committee of its Board consisting solely of independent directors.

See more from Benzinga

 2016 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Larry Ellison

In perhaps the least shocking acquisition news in software history, Oracle has agreed to buy NetSuite for $109 a share, or about $9.3 billion.

Larry Ellison already owned about 40% of NetSuite, so the deal will net him about $3.5 billion.

Rumors had been recently circulating that Oracle would buy NetSuite.

Oracle doesn't need NetSuite's tech. It wants the company to increase its cloud-computing revenues. Ellison, the executive chairman, said in June that he thought that Oracle could slingshot its way into making $10 billion on cloud computing before its rival, Salesforce, hit that mark.

Salesforce is on track to do $8.3 billion in revenue in its current fiscal year, it says, and analysts expect it to hit $10 billion next year.

As for Oracle, in its last fiscal year, announced in June, it reported total cloud revenues of just under $3 billion. Oracle is growing that part of its revenue base very quickly, and expects more than 65% growth in that business this year, co-CEO Safra Catz says.

But that won't bring it to $10 billion before Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff. It clearly needs big acquisitions for that. NetSuite is expected to hit $1.2 billion in revenue in 2017, so that's a help.

And Oracle may not be done with big acquisitions. In June, the company sold $14 billion in bonds, so it still has a few billion from that debt sale to shop with, plus about $20 billion in cash.

Ellison's other company

Rumors that Oracle would eventually buy NetSuite have been circulating practically since NetSuite was launched in 1998.

NetSuite was the brainchild of Oracle cofounder Ellison, born in the same meeting that gave Benioff  who was an Oracle exec at the time  the idea for Salesforce.com.

NetSuite CEO Zach Nelson worked with Ellison, Benioff, and another key player, Evan Goldberg, at Oracle in the 1990s. Goldberg thought up the idea of software as a service, says Nelson. Goldberg wanted to do customer relationship-management software that helps salespeople track customers and leads, as a service over the internet.

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Ellison said that the idea was interesting, but told Goldberg that the first step would be to build finance software, and then build customer software around that. Goldberg agreed to do that and Ellison funded his startup. The company was born as NetLedger. It would later change its name to NetSuite.

Ellison, through his venture funds, ultimately invested about $125 million and still owned just under 40% of the company.

Goldberg, still CTO and chairman of the board, owned an almost 3% stake in NetSuite. With the sale to Oracle, his stake is worth about $231 million.

Benioff said that he wanted to go build the CRM part, and Salesforce was born. Ellison offered seed money to fund that, too  about $2 million. But Ellison and Benioff began to feud almost immediately after that, as competition occurred between Oracle and Salesforce. And Benioff quickly kicked Ellison off Salesforce's board.

Ellison retained a lion's share of NetSuite of nearly 32 million shares. At $109 per share paid by Oracle, Ellison's portion is worth $3.48 billion.

Who else would buy NetSuite?

Because Oracle has for years competed in the same market as NetSuite, Ellison's portion was held in a trust. One of the only things that Ellison is allowed to vote on directly is a change of control, according to documents filed to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

While the rumor mill had also said that NetSuite could be a target by companies other than Oracle, Ellison's giant stake in the company makes that seem unlikely. He wouldn't want to sell it to a rival software company, for instance. And only a rival would spend $9 billion to buy it.

In this case, Oracle says that the deal to buy NetSuite will proceed if only 50% of the shares not owned by Ellison agree to take part in the acquisition. Oracle offered a 19% premium over Wednesday's closing-share price, so investors will likely be happy to sell.

Rock + hard place = acquisition

NetSuite has another reason to sell. Oracle had originally aimed its cloud software at large businesses leaving NetSuite's all-in-one cloud software geared toward smaller companies.

But as Oracle has been growing its cloud market, it has increasingly been reaching down into NetSuite's turf, selling to small and midsize companies, Oracle co-CEO Mark Hurd likes to tell analysts.

That's a rock and a hard place for Ellison. Either Oracle snuffs out NetSuite or NetSuite blocks Oracle.

This isn't the first time that Oracle has bought a company that Ellison had a partial ownership stake in.

In 2011, Oracle bought storage company Pillar Data Systems, in which Ellison had a majority stake. That deal did not involve any cash upfront. Pillar's owners were to be paid off by Oracle as they reached certain performance metrics.

Still, investors bristled and pension funds in Michigan and Pennsylvania sued Oracle over the deal. As part of the settlement, Ellison agreed to give up his share of the payout for Pillar, potentially worth nearly $575 million.

Investors have so far reacted with a "meh" to Oracle's huge $9 billion deal for NetSuite, one of the largest in Oracle's history. The stock is trading about flat.

NOW WATCH: 9 phrases on your resume that make hiring managers cringe





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Philadelphia (AFP) - The mother of a man killed last month in a mass shooting at a Florida nightclub pleaded for stronger gun laws Wednesday in a moving address to the Democratic National Convention.

Christine Leinonen was among several speakers at this week's confab to offer poignant and pointed remarks about gun violence, which has emerged as a prominent issue on the presidential campaign trail this year in the aftermath of several mass shootings.

But her four-minute speech left many delegates in tears, and earned a rousing response.

"It takes about five minutes for church bells to ring 49 times," Leinonen told the convention, with two survivors of the shooting at her side holding her.

"I know this because last month, my son Christopher and his boyfriend Juan and 47 others were murdered at a club in Orlando," she went on.

"Christopher was my only child."

Americans have reeled from a string of shootings, including the Orlando massacre -- the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history -- which was carried out by a man authorities say was radicalized online.

In Dallas, Texas, five police officers were killed in a sniper-style attack, while three officers were gunned down in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has pledged to strengthen gun safety laws including expanding background checks for all gun purchases.

Leinonen explained how her son's paternal grandparents "fell in love in a Japanese internment camp."

"It was in his DNA that love always trumps hate," she said, as members of the audience rose to their feet and chanted "Love trumps hate."

"I know common sense gun policies save lives," Leinonen said, her voice breaking as she recalled how as a Michigan state trooper, she appreciated it when the hospital put her gun in a safe when she went into labor.

"I'm glad common sense gun policy was in place the day Christopher was born. But where was that common sense the day he died?" she added.

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"I never want you to ask the question about your child. That is why I support Hillary Clinton."

Clinton, who was anointed on Tuesday as the Democratic presidential nominee, swiftly expressed her appreciation.

"Thank you, Christine. We're all standing by your side," she tweeted.

Clinton's Republican White House rival Donald Trump has sought to paint Democrats as soft on crime and national security.

He has warned that Clinton wants to abolish the constitutional right to bear arms.

Former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head in 2011 by a deranged gunman, took the stage minutes later.

Giffords, whose speech impairment is a result of her brain injury, hailed Clinton as "courageous," saying she will "stand up to the gun lobby" when elected.

"Speaking is difficult for me," Giffords said. "But come January, I want to say these two words: Madam president."
Owens-Illinois, Inc. OI reported second-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings per share of 65 cents, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 62 cents. Earnings also jumped 8.3% year over year and came at the high end of managements guidance of 6065 cents per share.



Including one-time items, the company reported earnings of 64 cents per share in the quarter, up significantly from 25 cents in the year-ago quarter.



Operational Update



Owens-Illinois net sales improved 14% year over year to $1.76 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.73 billion. The year over year improvement was driven by benefit derived from the company`s acquisition of Vitro`s food and beverage business. Excluding the acquired business, sales volumes were 1% above the prior-year period, in line with management`s full year expectations.

Currency headwinds had a negative impact of approximately $31 million or 2% on sales. The newly-acquired food and beverage business contributed $234 million or 13% of sales led strong by shipments within Mexico and to the U.S. On a global basis, price was up $18 million.



Shipments in Europe inched up 3%, driven by mid-single digit gains in beer and wine. In North America, legacy volumes were on par with prior year, as higher spirits and non-alcoholic beverage shipments mostly offset the decline in beer. Second-quarter shipments for legacy Latin America dropped as weakness in Brazil was partially offset by double-digit increases in the rest of the region. Asia Pacific reported a 2% increase in volumes, due to higher beer and wine shipments in the region`s mature markets.



Cost of sales was up 11.7% to $1.42 billion in the quarter. Gross profit increased 24.8% to $342 million from $274 million in the prior-year quarter. Selling and administrative expenses enhanced 6.8% to $126 million.



Segment operating profit improved 25% year over year to $233 million driven by stability and operational performance of the legacy business, as well as the effect of the acquired business. Adverse currency translation, primarily in Europe and Latin America, affected segment operating profit by $5 million compared with the prior-year second quarter. Segment operating profit margin expanded 110 basis points to 13.3% in the quarter.



Financial Update



Owens-Illinois had cash and cash equivalents of $334 million at the end of the second quarter of 2016 compared with $378 million at the end of the prior-year quarter. The company used $107 million of cash in operations for the six-month period ending Jun 30, 2016 compared with cash usage of $110 million in the comparable year-ago period. As of quarter end, Owens-Illinois long term debt surged to $5.55 billion from $3.22 billion as of Jun 30, 2015.

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OWENS-ILLINOIS Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

OWENS-ILLINOIS Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | OWENS-ILLINOIS Quote

Guidance



Owens-Illinois affirmed its adjusted earnings per share guidance for 2016 in the range of $2.25-$2.35 which reflects uncertainty in macroeconomic conditions and currency rates. The company also retained its free cash flow generation of approximately $300 million.



Zacks Rank



Owens-Illinois currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).



Better-ranked stocks in the broader industrial products sector include Apogee Enterprises, Inc. APOG, Harsco Corporation HSC and Mobile Mini, Inc. MINI. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).



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Loud and full of bass, the boombox a.k.a. the ghetto blaster is an unforgettable relic of the '80s.

Now you can own a giant collection of these boomboxes, currently being sold by New Zealander Craig Kenton in an auction starting from NZ$20,000 (US$14,202).

SEE ALSO: Devialet's Phantom Gold wireless speaker literally blew us away

There are over 300 of these classic audio pieces in the collection, which has slowly amassed in the space of 15 years. Kenton, who grew up as a breakdancing teenager in the '80s, explained that his collection was something that just spiralled over time.

"A lot of us boombox collectors, it often starts with one then ends with hundreds. It's just one of those things when you start collecting something, it goes out of control or it doesn't," Kenton told Mashable Australia.

boombox

Image: TRADEME/CRAIG KENTON

Often travelling as a salesman, Kenton began buying up boomboxes from second hand shops and picking them up from people who were throwing them out.

"There was nothing wrong with them, it's just that they play tapes," he laughed. If the boombox happened to be faulty, Kenton would repair them himself. "You kind of need to do that when you're collecting vintage stuff," he said.

boombox

Image: TRADEME/CRAIG KENTON

Many of these boomboxes on their own can fetch more than US$1,000 each, so an entire collection is likely going to be a steal for anyone who is willing to stump up the cash. Around 90 percent of the collection is working, Kenton said.

For the boombox aficionados, the set includes models such as the Sharp GF-1000, the Sanyo Big Ben and the Promax J-1. Kenton's favourite is the Sanyo Big Ben, as well as the JC-2000 which he said was the biggest boombox ever made.

boombox

Image: TRADEME/CRAIG KENTON

Tucked away in his home for years, Kenton hopes that the next owner will be able to display the collection in public.

"I'd like to see them go to a museum, where everybody can see them. I've had that many comments of 'oh I remember those back in the day'  it's something that's so embedded in '80s culture," he said. "I've always had them on display in my garage, but who's going to see them?"

The auction closes on Aug. 1, so get poppin' and lockin' before these boomboxes disappear for good.
Nat Geo Wild is upping its conservation game  again  with an order for the new endangered species monthly series Mission Critical, TheWrap has learned exclusively.

Mission Critical will highlight species at the forefront of extinction and the individuals who are racing against the clock to make a difference, per the cable channel. From adorable baby beluga whales to mischievous Tasmanian devils to elusive leopards, the episodes range from heartwarming to tear-jerking in order to shine a light on those animals that need our attention most.

Itll all kick off Sunday, Aug. 28, at 8/7c, with the premiere of Panda Babies, and will premiere globally in 131 countries and 38 languages. With only an estimated 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild, these adorable animals could disappear. But groups of people are dedicated to bringing this species back from the brink of extinction. So, yes, there are panda maternity wards.

Definitely watch the cuddly teaser above, also exclusive to TheWrap.

Also Read: How Nat Geos Missing Dial May Have Just Solved a Murder

In addition that that one, TheWrap has your first look at Destination Wild: Wild New Zealand, set to air in November. The series returns two months earlier.

Check that teaser out here:

More details on other episodes can be found at the bottom of this post.

Also Read: Nat Geo Sets New 'Explorer' Creative and Correspondent Teams (Exclusive)

Here are the upcoming Mission Critical premieres, all descriptions in Nat Geo Wilds own words:

Panda Babies: Mission Critical

Premieres Sunday, Aug. 28, at 8/7c

In China, one of the planets best-loved and magical creatures is fighting to survive. With fewer than two thousand giant pandas left in the wild, the race is on to build their numbers up. Deep in the Sichuan Mountains, three of the leading panda centers in the world are doing just that, and were uncovering the secrets to their success. Journey behind the scenes to three panda maternity wards to see what it takes to save the worlds cutest animal icon. Well be visiting a nursery at Bifengxia, to follow the first stages of baby panda life before heading off to Dujiangyan, where toddlers make friends and build relationships. From there its on to Wolong, where some pandas are getting ready for life in the wild. Prepare to see pandas as youve never seen them before.

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Operation Sumatran Rhino: Mission Critical

Premieres Sunday, Sept. 18, at 9/8c

In Borneo, Sumatran rhinos numbers are down to just single digits. Conservationists are on a desperate mission to save the countrys last individuals. The only way to ensure the safety and survival of these last rhinos is to capture all remaining in the wild  a dangerous and costly operation. Follow Malaysias foremost rhino scientists in their incredible quest to save this critically endangered species.

Mountain Gorilla: Mission Critical

Two-Part Special Premieres Sunday, Oct. 9, at 9/8c and 10/9c

Only discovered a century ago, mountain gorillas inhabit a fragile world. A small number of families cling to existence on the forested peaks of isolated volcanoes in three war-torn countries, surrounded on all sides by a growing human population. Discover the unexplored lives, history and uncertain future of this charismatic species. Follow the dedicated teams of vets, rangers, researchers and conservationists who work together to raise awareness of the benefits of this unique species  but their dedicated work will only succeed with the support of all those who share the land with them.

Additional Mission Critical Specials Include:

Saving the Last Devil: Mission Critical premieres Sunday, Nov. 13, at 8/7c

Queen of the Hunt: Mission Critical premieres Sunday, Dec. 4, at 8/7c

Also Read: Neil deGrasse Tyson Ruins Your Favorite Sci-Fi Movies (Exclusive Video)

And here are some upcoming Destination Wild episodes:

Destination Wild: Disneynatures Bears

Premieres Sunday, Aug. 28, at 9/8c

Follow a year in the life of a bear family  mother Sky teaches her two impressionable cubs, Amber and Scout, about lifes most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop, their journey begins as winter ends. Emerging from hibernation, the three face the bitter cold and an exciting but very risky outside world. Astonishing footage captures the fast-moving action and suspense of an endearing family learning to live life to its fullest in one of the planets last great wildernesses.

Destination Wild: The Forbidden River

Three-Part Special Premieres Sunday, Sept. 11, at 8/7c, 9/8c and 10/9c

In Northeast Asia, stretching over 3,000 miles from Mongolia eastward to Russias Pacific coast and from Siberia southward into China and North Korea, lies the sprawling basin of the Amur River. Journey along this remarkable river and its tributaries to explore the wildlife and the native people inhabiting one of Earths greatest remaining wilderness areas.

Additional Destination Wild specials Include:

Destination Wild: Gangster Jackals premieres Sunday, Sept. 25, at 9/8c

Destination Wild: Biomimicry (wt) premieres Sunday, Oct. 2, at 9/8c and 10/9c

Destination Wild: Dolomites (wt) premieres Sunday, Oct. 23, at 10/9c

Destination Wild: Expedition Earth (wt) premieres Sunday, Nov. 6, at 9/8c and 10/9c

Destination Wild: Baboon King (wt) premieres Sunday, Nov. 20, at 8/7c

Destination Wild: Wild New Zealand premieres Sunday, Nov. 27, at 8/7c, 9/8c and 10/9c

Related stories from TheWrap:

Nat Geo Channel Slate to Include 'Earth Live,' 'Lawless Oceans' Murder Mystery

Nat Geo Wild Slate: 'Project Puppy' and 'Animal ER' Score Series Orders

Nat Geo Wild Will Not Punish Cesar Millan, Network Says (Exclusive)

Nat Geo Programming Chief Defends 'Brain Surgery Live': It's Not a 'Gore-Fest'
On July 12, an arbitration tribunal at The Hague delivered what is widely regarded as a landmark ruling on the maritime territorial dispute between the Philippines and China. Among many breathtaking findings, the tribunal declared Chinas so-called nine-dash line invalid. It also concluded that none of the Spratly Islands  not even Itu Aba (Taiping Island), the largest naturally formed feature  are capable of generating an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of their own.

On their face, these decisions, which rejected every argument that China made, drastically reduce Chinas maritime rights in the Spratly chain of the South China Sea; international observers have almost unanimously described the ruling as an overwhelming victory for Manila, a heavy defeat for Beijing, and a game changer for Asian maritime disputes. But so far, the award hasnt changed the underlying dynamics of regional politics in the South China Sea, and ASEAN, a powerful southeast Asian body, refrained from commenting on the award following a meeting, a move widely seen as the result of arm-twisting from Beijing. In fact, it is becoming clear that the tribunals finding was so sweeping that it is paradoxically less likely to have any real-world impact.

Perhaps the biggest paradox of the ruling is that many policy elites inside China now privately see it as a big gift to their government. That, at least, was the immediate post-ruling reaction from several leading scholars at prestigious think tanks in Beijing, who wished not to be named. For those who have questioned Beijings refusal to take part in the arbitration and who would have liked to see meaningful engagement instead, the outcome came as a personal disappointment and a blow to their cause. But for those who have opposed the arbitration process, there is more than a sigh of relief at the fact that the nature of the award makes it far easier for Beijing to delegitimize it, at least at home.

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Three camps  realists, hardliners, and moderates  are currently vying for influence over South China Sea policy within Chinas policy-making apparatus. The award is likely to make the hardliners a winner in these internal debates. They have long maintained that the arbitration case is but an American conspiracy against China; now the outcome serves as vindication of those suspicions. Beijing will now have no qualms about upgrading administrative and physical control to further strengthen its positions in the South China Sea  in recent days, Chinas military has already swiftly moved to begin regular patrol of the South China Sea, in addition to conducting a new round of military exercises. Chinas top naval commander has affirmed Beijings determination to complete island construction, likely including military installations.

The sweeping nature of the award has invited Chinese analysts and officials to try to tear it apart. Immediately after the ruling, one vice foreign minister criticized the fact that the judges were paid by the Philippines for their work. He said that the tribunal does not understand Asian culture or the South China Sea dispute, given that four of the judges come from Europe, and one from Ghana. More recently, a team of scholars from the Chinese Communist Partys Central Party School concluded the tribunal had misunderstood Chinas claims to the nine-dash line.

On the diplomatic front, the tribunal decision presents more of an obstacle than an opportunity for Manila and Beijing to reach a compromise, at least in the short run. After the award, Chinese diplomats insisted it cannot be used as the basis for negotiation under any circumstances, deadlocking negotiation while China continues to build up its physical presence in the South China Sea. Yet in the months leading up to the award, Chinese diplomats heard calls from many countries for China to comply with the outcome of the arbitration. The pressure was mounting. The more limited the outcome, the easier other countries would have found it to call for Chinese compliance, and the more combative Chinese resistance would have appeared. That pressure has now abated; one senior Chinese diplomat privately described the award as stupid. Although China expected the ruling to favor the Philippines, this diplomat said, the findings still came as a surprise.

Chinese officials hope that the broad nature of the award helps to convince other countries that the tribunal is biased. They will no doubt find solace in the fact that thus far, only the Philippines, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and Vietnam have openly called for Chinese compliance. This list surprises no one, since the Philippines initiated the arbitration, the United States is presumed to have instigated it, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan are key U.S. allies, and the final country, Vietnam, is itself involved in territorial disputes with China while also emerging as a security partner for the United States. ASEANs joint communique, issued almost two weeks after the ruling, mentions neither China nor the arbitration, although it expresses serious concerns over recent developments including land reclamations. The European Union, along with many other countries, have used mild language merely to acknowledge the ruling, without calling for compliance.

Another paradoxical effect of the award is its potential to effect Chinese attitudes toward international law. Beijings refusal to take part in the arbitration process has always confused Chinese scholars, particularly legal experts. (An article by an overseas Chinese scholar criticizing Beijings refusal to participate as damaging to Chinas national interests aroused huge controversy at home.) The award, however, undermines advocates of a more proactive approach to international law by appearing to demonstrate the political nature of the arbitration process. The anti-participation camp is now arguing more forcefully that advocates of participation are naive and utopian in placing hope in international law.

Had the award been more attentive to Chinese interests, a future, more enlightened leadership in Beijing might have gradually and quietly complied with some of the rulings (whatever its public statements to the contrary), thus bringing Chinas claims broadly in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. But this award doesnt appear to give Chinese leaders such face-saving opportunities.

One can argue that, over the long run, the award brings benefits to China. For example, the United States and Japan currently claim some of their features in the Pacific Ocean as islands entitled to EEZs. But under the awards narrow definition of islands, the status of these features would be reduced from island to rock, and thus no longer entitled to exclusive economic rights.

Unfortunately, to think in more creative and forward-looking terms will require a radical change of mindset among the Chinese leadership that is all but inconceivable for the foreseeable future. For a long time to come, China will be instead preoccupied with preventing and reversing losses to its interests in the South China Sea that it believes have accumulated over the past several decades as a result of Southeast Asian claimant states actions, rather than with making new economic or strategic gains in the high seas.

Of course, the tribunal likely based its judgments on legal grounds, not prudential considerations about the awards possible geopolitical implications. But from Beijings perspective, what at first glance looks like a home run for the Philippines actually represents the best outcome from a bad case. In this sense, the Philippines has won too much.

The many paradoxes the award presents are not all bad for regional politics. Beijing has moved proactively to prevent large-scale demonstrations against the ruling, inviting some confidence in its basic policy rationality. The ruling also makes it less likely for Southeast Asian countries to initiate new arbitrations, since the awards reasoning also applies to and favours their EEZ claims. In addition, the United States will have less incentive to conduct its Freedom of Navigation operations in such a public manner, since the ruling makes much of the South China Sea international waters as far as American naval vessels are concerned. Moving forward, American restraint will reduce the likelihood of maritime incidents with China and create conditions for more effective diplomacy. It will be needed, given the uncharted territory awaiting Asias troubled maritime order in a post-arbitration world.

STR/AFP/Getty Images
Wendi McLendon-Covey has never met Michael J. Fox, but she shows up for him - even when he's not around.

The actress and star of ABC's The Goldbergs stood alongside actors Betsy Brandt, Missi Pyle, Amanda Crew, Dustin Milligan and June Diane Raphael as part of the honorary committee for Wednesday night's Raising the Bar to End Parkinson's fundraiser in partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation. And she told The Hollywood Reporter that her appearance at the Studio City event - held at not-yet-opened restaurant Laurel Point on Ventura Boulevard - was way more than a typical step-and-repeat opportunity. This was personal.

"My dad has Parkinson's and my husband has it, too," said the actress, who has been married to Greg Covey since 1996. "So I'm all about the Michael J. Fox Foundation. My dad has gotten a lot of resources from the foundation. When he was diagnosed two years ago, he went to the website and followed all the leads and it helped him contradict what his doctors were telling him as they weren't being as proactive as they should've been. This foundation has given so much to my family that when they asked me to get involved, I said, 'Hell yes!' I'm happy to be involved in any way I can."

Read More: Jerry Levin's Third Act: Battling Parkinson's Disease and a Challenge to CEOs to Cry

McLendon-Covey wasn't the only one on the red carpet who has been affected by the chronic disorder which affects the central nervous system and counts more than 1 million cases in the U.S. currently. Actor Grant Show told THR that his late father, who passed away three years ago, was afflicted with Parkinson's. "It's a tough disease - there are no answers to it," he said.

Organizers would likely counter Show's statement and say that the solution is raising money to help scientists and researchers find for a cure. And on that note, Wednesday night's exclusive peek inside Laurel Point, a new seafood and sushi concept restaurant from executive chef Phil Kastel (Public School, The Grill on the Alley), proved to be a success with more than $50,000 raised from a raffle and silent auction.

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"If you're going to donate to a charity, this is a great charity because the way they put your money to use is so effective," praised Brandt, who starred opposite Fox on his The Michael J. Fox Show playing his wife. "If we're going to cure this disease, it's going to be because of this foundation."

Jason Priestley also had nice words to say about his fellow Canadian pal Fox. "I've had the good fortune of being friends with Mike for some time," said Priestley, who now stars on a popular Canadian series Private Eyes. "And I so admire him as a man for the way in which he dealt with this disease and how he formed this foundation to fight it and try to help other people."

Speaking of other people, Priestley spent part of the party catching up with his onetime Beverly Hills 90210 costar Tori Spelling, who attended the event with husband Dean McDermott. The two posed for photos but skipped interviews on the press line, instead heading straight inside the bash where they caught up with fellow attendees like Tiffani Thiessen, Minka Kelly, Naya Rivera, Ryan Dorsey, Josh Radnor, Steve Howey, Sarah Shahi, Chelsea Kane, Josh Peck, Hunter Parrish and Jake McDorman. Fox's Back to the Future costar Lea Thompson also made the rounds.

Though THR never spotted her drinking one of the night's speciality cocktails, it's possible the actress sipped on one of two exclusive drinks created by mixologist Danny Natali: the Teen Wolf Summer with Corralejo Tequila Blanco, cilantro and lime, and the Save the Clock Tower with Three Olives Vodka, watermelon, mint and lime. Food options included on K-Town crispy chicken sidekicks, seasonal oysters with yuzu kosho mignonette, crab deviled eggs with smoked roe, crab and hamachi rolls, and chocolate tars with maldon sea salt. The general public can sample the menu when the restaurant officially opens on Aug. 1.

The packed room and the attendees' generosity made Veronique Enos Kaefer, director of advancement for The Michael J. Fox Foundation, catch her breath. "The people who are on this committee, they reach out and the whole community comes together and they raise a ton of money and it all goes to research," she said. "We couldn't be more grateful."

Many of those in attendance also said they were feeling grateful, too, but theirs was directed at UTA agent Jacob Fenton, who is married to Kastel. He helped with the heavy lifting for the event, inviting many of his clients and industry friends on behalf of the foundation and its efforts in finding a cure.

And while they do that, McLendon-Covey said that she and her family will continue to lean on the efforts of Fox and friends. "You can't mend this thing, but you can manage it."

Married actors Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi catch up with actor Brady Smith at the Raising The Bar To End Parkinson's fundraiser at Laurel Point in Studio City on July 27, 2016. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)

Tori Spelling, UTA's Jacob Fenton and Tiffani Thiessen attend the Raising The Bar To End Parkinson's fundraiser at Laurel Point in Studio City on July 27, 2016. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)

Lea Thompson arrives at the Raising The Bar To End Parkinson's event at Laurel Point in Studio City on July 27, 2016. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage)
Lima (Peru) (AFP) - Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, Peru's new president, says he will hit the ground running after a long career as a Wall Street banker that earned him the moniker "El Gringo."

At 77 years old, Kuczynski could have ridden his beloved Harley-Davidson off into the sunset after a lifetime spent stringing together one impressive resume entry after another: World Bank economist, investment banker, a series of ministerial posts, and, for good measure, concert flautist.

Instead, the man known as PPK threw his hat into a presidential race that no one expected him to win, fighting heavy favorite Keiko Fujimori into a photo finish that took five days to be decided.

Fujimori, the daughter of jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori -- a divisive figure remembered for both his populism and his authoritarian streak -- was the front-runner for most of the campaign.

But when the last votes from the remotest reaches of the Peruvian Amazon had been counted, Kuczynski came out on top, by less than a quarter of a percentage point.

It was just the latest surprise from PPK, who won in part by undermining Peruvians' image of him as a rich, conservative outsider with a funny accent and pin-striped suits.

Some in Peru poke fun at his American accent, which betrays the many years he has lived outside his native country.

But Kuczynski lightened the baggage of his outsider status by donning a traditional multicolored woolly hat at rallies, playing folk music on the flute and trotting out his campaign mascot, a man-sized guinea pig -- a symbol of Peru.

Competing against Fujimori's well-oiled election machine, he stressed his age and experience.

"I'm old, but my noggin is still working," he said.

- Globetrotting life -

Kuczynski was born on October 3, 1938, to a German Jewish father who had fled Nazi Germany and a French-Swiss mother.

His father, a doctor, was an officer in the German army in World War I but fled when Hitler came to power. In Peru he worked treating lepers in the Amazon jungle, where the young Kuczynski spent part of his childhood.

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He attended a prestigious private school in the capital, Lima, then was sent to school in northern England.

Kuczynski studied piano and flute at London's Royal College of Music, according to his CV filed with the electoral authorities.

He went on to graduate from Oxford and Princeton before working in Latin America for the World Bank.

He says he was expelled from Peru in a military coup in the 1960s while serving as head of the state reserve bank.

For years he lived in the United States, working for banks and other companies.

In the 1980s he returned to Peru, and served in various ministerial posts over the following decades, including as economy minister.

He has star-studded connections to go along with his life of globetrotting: Kuczynski is a cousin of Franco-Swiss filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard and his American wife, Nancy, is a cousin of the Hollywood actress Jessica Lange.

- 'Big brain' -

Ahead of the June 5 run-off election, one voter, Lima taxi driver Mario Armando Callupe, summed up Kuczynski's tricky image problem.

"He's American," he said. "He doesn't speak great Spanish. That's what defines him."

But the 27-year-old Callupe said he planned to vote for him anyway.

"He is very well prepared for the job and he proved it when he was economy minister. He is a big brain."

Kuczynski hails from the center-right, and vowed in his inaugural address to kick-start a slowing economy and revitalize the key mining sector.

But he also promised sweeping reforms in health care, education and other basic services for the 22 percent of Peruvians living in poverty.

Appearing to fight back tears as he took the oath of office, Kuczynski vowed to preside over a "social revolution."

The septuagenarian president said he wanted to make his late father proud.

"I can't defraud his legacy," he said.
Viacom chief executive Philippe Dauman and George Abrams received welcome news on Thursday from Massachusetts probate judge George Phelan, who is allowing the duo to move forward in their lawsuit contesting removal from the seven-member Sumner M. Redstone National Amusements Trust.

In May, Dauman alleged in a complaint that Shari Redstone is manipulating her father to wrest control of his media empire, beginning with the Trust that exerts its influence over National Amusements, owning 80 percent of both Viacom and CBS' stock.

"The plaintiffs have alleged, with sufficient particularity and not just speculatively, claims that Sumner's intent, as creator, in the administration of the Trust was subverted or affected by a mistake of fact induced by representations about the removed plaintiffs made fraudulently, as plaintiffs allege, by Shari to Sumner," Phelan states Thursday in his opinion.

The Redstones have thus fallen short in arguments that Redstone's authority is suspended only if he is deemed "mentally incapacitated" - which he has not been by any court - and that any dispute should occur in California where he currently resides and administers the National Amusements Trust. Additionally, the Redstones fail in objecting to Dauman's standing to contest trustee removal.

The judge writes, "Given the allegations of undue influence, given the circumstances of Sumner's living conditions and the people around him as described not only in the various declarations but within the transcript of the California Healthcare litigation hearing, and noting especially the verbal stipulation memorialized in that transcript itself that Sumner was susceptible to undue influence, the court for the purposes of the motion to dismiss cannot give great weight to or even begin to assess the probative value of Sumner's 'declaration' under oath submitted in connection with plaintiffs' Massachusetts lawsuit."

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Phelan continues.

"Further indicia suggest that this is a Massachusetts trust whose ongoings should be judicially scrutinized here," he writes. "Not only is this a Massachusetts created trust and not only are most of the trustees located in Massachusetts, but all except one of the disinterested trustees live and work in Massachusetts, the alleged wrongdoer and primary protagonist Shari resides in Massachusetts, and the only asset of this Massachusetts trust is the stock of NAI, a company with its principal business office in a physical location, not a post office box, in Massachusetts."

On the other hand, Dauman has been pushing for expedited review and an immediate mental examination of the 93-year-old Redstone. Phelan has ruled that the media mogul "need not be subject to any more medical examination, intrusive or brief." The judge goes on to say whether Shari unduly influenced her father requires an inquiry into whether the removal of Dauman and Abrams was in "good faith." The judge, however, will defer for now a request on whether to enjoin Shari from further actions wtih regard to the trust and its assets.

In reaction to the ruling, Redstone's camp issued a statement calling the case a "disingenuous, self-interested effort" by Dauman and Abrams "to hold on to their power," while thanking the court for protecting Redstone's privacy and dignity.

"When deciding whether to dismiss this complaint, the court was required by law to assume all of Mr. Dauman and Mr. Abrams' allegations as true, including those which we will proveas this case progresses," continued the statement from Redstone's spokesperson. "We look forward to exposing this specious and malicious attack on the Redstones, and we believe that Mr. Dauman and Mr. Abrams will be no more successful at thwarting Sumner's wishes in Massachusetts than Manuela Herzer was in California."

A spokesperson for Dauman and Abrams said, "We are grateful that Judge Phelan's thoughtful opinion removes yet another of defendants' efforts to block an investigation into the merits and, in particular, an independent determination of Mr. Redstone's capacity and the question of undue influence. Judge Phelan acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a speedy trial in Massachusetts. We also appreciate that he is allowing prompt access to medical records and immediate discovery. We welcome the opportunity to prove the facts at trial."

Thursday's ruling comes before a hearing in Delaware on Friday, where a judge there is scheduled to take up a motion to expedite Viacom's lead independent director Frederic Salerno's own lawsuit over the Redstones' decisions regarding the company. There, the court has already entered a stipulated status quo order.

If Dauman and Abrams are to separately challenge their removal from the Viacom board of directors, it would likely happen in either New York or Delaware as Judge Phelan as part of Thursday's ruling declines to exercise jurisdiction over that element of the dispute.
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Thursday that he might call off a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels after a militiaman was killed in a guerrilla ambush. Duterte said he wanted an explanation and expected rebel leaders to discipline guerrillas involved in the killing on the southern island of Mindanao, two days after the government declared a unilateral truce to aid peace talks. "Are we in into this truce or are we not?," Duterte asked while speaking to soldiers in an army base south of Manila. Duterte, who won a May election, declared the truce with the communist rebels who have been fighting the government for nearly 50 years in his first state of the nation address on Monday. The rebels killed a militiaman and wounded four in an ambush on Wednesday, the army said. "If you do not honor and you kill a single soldier ... let's just forget about this, let's just fight," Duterte said, in a message to the rebels. Silvestre Bello, the labor minister and a peace negotiator, told Reuters he had talked to a spokesman for the National Democratic Front, the political arm of the communists, who assured him they wanted talks. "They will look into the incident and they wish to pursue the peace talks," Bello said. Duterte has stressed the need to end guerrilla wars with communist and Muslim rebels that have been hampering economic development in several part of the country. He also offered government roles to senior members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, including its exiled founder. (Reporting by Karen Lema)
MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines is paving the way to shift to a federal form of government by 2022, after President Rodrigo Duterte agreed with the leaders of Congress to set up a body to amend the constitution, the speaker of the house said on Thursday. Duterte, who swept to power in May on a wave of public anti-establishment frustration over crime and poverty, wants to switch from a centralized government to devolve power to long-neglected poor provinces and spread wealth more evenly. "By granting more, and specific, powers to the state governments, the red tape that leads all the way to Manila will be shaved off, reducing delays and uncertainties inimical to business," House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez told businessmen. Duterte met Alvarez, a close ally, and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel late on Wednesday to decide how best to change the nearly 30-year-old constitution, he added. The aim is for a plebiscite on the constitutional changes to be held along with mid-term elections in 2019, Alvarez said, followed by a transition period until the expiry of Duterte's six-year term in 2022. The proposal will create 11 to 12 states, lumped together from rich and poor provinces, with greater autonomy. Duterte, the firebrand former mayor of a southern city, has an approval rating of 91 percent, among the highest recorded in the Philippines, and enjoys the support of a majority of lawmakers in both houses of Congress. "Right now everything is Manila-centric," said Perry Pe, president of the Management Association of the Philippines, adding that the change had been a Duterte campaign plank. "I am a believer in devolving powers. I want areas to develop their own systems and to be able to raise productivity." (Reporting by Enrico dela Cruz and Karen Lema; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f158874%2fgettyimages-579385002

Firefighters continue to battle the flames as two deadly wildfires in Southern California rage on.

Major parks and highways continue to be closed as fire crews work on containing the Soberanes and Sand fires. Thousands of homes have been evacuated.

SEE ALSO: Fleeting firenado caught on camera in California wildfire

The fires began on Friday due to scorching temperatures, high winds and the on-going drought in part fueled by global climate change.

Check out the vivid photos of the wildfires below:

Click here to view this gallery
From House Beautiful

If you proudly refer to yourself as a cat lady (minus the crazy), then allow us to introduce you to your next bucket list destination: A little island off of the coast of Japan called Aoshima. But it's more commonly referred to as "Cat Island" - and for good reason. There are only 16 humanresidents on the island, compared to a whopping 140 cats.

These animals were originally brought over to the tiny fishing village to help kill the mice that hung around the fishing boats. During this time, the population was around 1,000 and has slowly declined over the years, while the number of cats grew. Now, it's a popular tourist destination and visitors take a 30 minute ferry ride just to observe (and, you know, hopefully play with) the cats that roam the town.

But don't worry: The local residents don't mind the visitors. "If people coming to the island find the cats healing, then I think it's a good thing," a local man named Hidenori Kamimoto told Reuters. "I just hope that it's done in a way that doesn't become a burden on the people who live here."

Doesn't it look magical?

Photo credit: Getty

Photo credit: Getty

Photo credit: Getty

[h/t Business Insider]
The Pinewood Group's not-so-secretive search for a buyer looks to have come to an end, with the company famed for its U.K. studio facilities now set to be acquired by property investment fund Venus Grafton in a deal worth $425 million.

Announced Thursday, the deal has been recommended by Pinewood's two main shareholders - who combined represent some 65 percent of the company - and its directors, with financing arrangements set to be finalized.

"We believe that we have found the right partner for the business and one that shares our long-term vision for the future of the group," said CEO Ivan Dunleavy of the deal.

"Pinewood's continuing commitment to the UK's creative industries remains as strong as ever. Staff and customers can be assured that in this new strategic partnership our priority will be to not only maintain, but build on the world class provision of services."

Earlier this month, Pinewood posted higher profits thanks to its growing status as the home for some of Disney's biggest tentpoles. Although it may be best known as the studio for the James Bond franchise, the new productions of Star Wars, including recently wrapped Episode VIII and upcoming spin-off Rogue One, saw operating profit hit $17.6 million for the 12 months ending March 31, more than double the previous year. The standalone Han Solo Star Wars spin-off is due to start shooting in Pinewood early next year.

Alongside its studios in Buckinghamshire and Shepperton, Pinewood also has facilities in Toronto, Atlanta, Malaysia, and the Dominican Republic. It had first revealed its desire for a takeover at the start of the year.

Venus Grafton is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PW Real Estate Fund III, launched last year as a spin-off from asset management company Perella Weinberg and with coffers of around $4.3 billion dollars amassed through pension plans and other investors. Its investment advisor is the London-based Aermont Capital.

Read More: 'Star Wars,' 'Spectre' Help Boost Pinewood Annual Revenue, Earnings
The Pinewood Group's not-so-secretive search for a buyer looks to have come to an end, with the company famed for its U.K. studio facilities on Thursday announcing that it has agreed to be acquired by property investment fund Venus Grafton in a deal worth $425 million.

The deal has been recommended by Pinewood's two main shareholders - who together own 65 percent of the company - and its directors, with financing arrangements set to be finalized.

"We believe that we have found the right partner for the business and one that shares our long-term vision for the future of the group," CEO Ivan Dunleavy said of the deal. "Pinewood's continuing commitment to the U.K.'s creative industries remains as strong as ever. Staff and customers can be assured that in this new strategic partnership our priority will be to not only maintain, but build on the world-class provision of services."

Earlier this month, Pinewood posted higher full-year earnings, thanks to its growing status as the home for some of Disney's biggest tentpoles. Although it may be best known as the studio for the James Bond franchise, the new productions of Star Wars, including recently wrapped Episode VIII and upcoming spinoff Rogue One, saw operating profit hit $17.6 million for the 12 months ending March 31, more than double the previous year. The stand-alone Han Solo Star Wars spinoff is set to start shooting in Pinewood early next year.

Pinewood is Europe's largest provider of studio space. Alongside its studios in Buckinghamshire and Shepperton, England, Pinewood also has facilities in Toronto, Atlanta, Malaysia and the Dominican Republic. It had first revealed its desire for a takeover at the start of the year.

Venus Grafton is a wholly owned subsidiary of PW Real Estate Fund III, launched last year as a spinoff from asset management company Perella Weinberg. It has amassed around $4.3 billion from pension plans and other investors. Its investment advisor is London-based Aermont Capital.

Story continues

Pinewood unveiled in February that it had launched a strategic review of its "overall capital base and structure," including a possible sale of the company. It said at the time that it would "evaluate alternative opportunities to maximize value for the company's shareholders and to build on Pinewood's successes to date." It concluded: "The board believes that the company, as the world leading studio and production services operator, has significant future growth potential."

Pinewood last year had a stock placement to raise money for phase one of an expansion and enable the company to move to a full stock market listing.

Over the past year or so, Crystal Amber, an activist U.K. investment fund that once owned more than a quarter of Pinewood, also has been pushing for change after again acquiring a stake in Pinewood and saying the company should achieve higher financial returns.

Georg Szalai contributed to this report.

Read More: 'Star Wars,' 'Spectre' Help Boost Pinewood Annual Revenue, Earnings
The Pinewood Group's not-so-secretive search for a buyer looks to has come to an end, with the company famed for its U.K. studio facilities now set to be acquired by U.S. property investment fund Venus Grafton in a deal worth $425 million.

Announced Thursday, the deal has been recommended by Pinewood's two main shareholders - who combined represent some 65 percent of the company - and its directors, with financing arrangements set to be finalized.

"We believe that we have found the right partner for the business and one that shares our long-term vision for the future of the group," said CEO Ivan Dunleavy of the deal.

"Pinewood's continuing commitment to the UK's creative industries remains as strong as ever. Staff and customers can be assured that in this new strategic partnership our priority will be to not only maintain, but build on the world class provision of services."

Earlier this month, Pinewood posted higher profits thanks to its growing status as the home for some of Disney's biggest tentpoles. Although it may be best known as the studio for the James Bond franchise, the new productions of Star Wars, including recently wrapped Episode VIII and upcoming spin-off Rogue One, saw operating profit hit $17.6 million for the 12 months ending March 31, more than double the previous year.

Alongside its studios in Buckinghamshire and Shepperton, Pinewood also has facilities in Toronto, Atlanta, Malaysia, and the Dominican Republic. It had first revealed its desire for a takeover at the start of the year.

Read More: 'Star Wars,' 'Spectre' Help Boost Pinewood Annual Revenue, Earnings
LONDON (Reuters) - The owner of Britain's Pinewood Studios, home of the world's most famous fictional special agent James Bond, is set to be sold to a real estate fund for 323 million pound, it said on Thursday. Synonymous for many Britons with the heyday of British cinema, Pinewood's first four studios were built in the 1930s at its site west of London and the company has since grown with facilities in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Dominican Republic The 007 stage at Pinewood, one of the largest in Europe, was first built for the 1976 Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me" and has been used by numerous films since including "The Da Vinci Code" and "Lara Croft Tomb Raider". Pinewood Group
Pinewood Studios, one of the worlds leading production facilities companies, is nearing a $425 million deal to be taken over by U.S. property investment fund Venus Grafton. Pinewood chief exec Ivan Dunleavy has been looking for an investor to come in to the group for some time. Pinewood owns studios and facilities across the world, including its namesake studio in the UK, Shepperton Studios and Pinewood Studio Wales in the UK, the group also has operations in Toronto, Malaysia, the Dominican Republic and Atlanta in the U.S. Though a deal has not yet been finalised, a statement by Pinewood on Thursday confirmed the board intends to recommend the offer to shareholders.

We believe that we have found the right partner for the business and one that shares our long-term vision for the future of the group, said Pinewood chief exec Dunleavy. Pinewoods continuing commitment to the UKs creative industries remains as strong as ever. Staff and customers can be assured that in this new strategic partnership our priority will be to not only maintain, but build on the world class provision of services.

The news comes as Pinewood has enjoyed strong revenues for its production facilities, thanks to the likes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Spectre. The company has, however, long sought to leverage its bricks and mortar infrastructure to get more control of IP and upside in the actual content produced in its facilities.

Dunleavy has also long complained of a restricting shareholder register that has held back the company from publicly listing as well as raising new investment.

Venus Grafton is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the U.S.-based PW Real Estate Fund III LP. It says it has over $4 billion in capital and assets from its diversified investors, including institutions and pension plans, from across the world dedicated to real estate investment in the UK and Europe. London-based independent asset management business Aermont Capital advised on the deal.

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Due diligence has been completed on the Pinewood deal and the next stage is for financing arrangements to be finalised. The process could take up to four weeks.

The transformation of the business in recent years has been considerable and it is clear that there are more ambitions to be realised. We are excited about the potential to support the business as an independent company, said Aermont managing partner Leon Bressler.

Pinewoods two largest shareholders are Goodweather Investment  a subsidof MediaCityUK developer Peel Holdings  and jewellery retailer Warren James Holdings, which hold 39% and 26% respectively.

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Pope Francis might be the Jennifer Lawrence of the Catholic Church.



The famously humble Pontiff, 79, caused concern Thursday when he tripped and fell after apparently missing a step while leading a celebratory Mass in Czestochowa in honor of Poland's 1,050th anniversary of becoming a Catholic country.



Pope Francis, who has only one lung and is known to suffer from sciatica, was helped back up by several priests and finished the Mass at the Jasna Gora Monastery, considered to be the country's holiest site, without further interruption.











Afterwards, Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told the Associated Press that "the pope is fine" following the fall.



Czestochowa Archbishop Waclaw Depo said Francis fell because he had closed his eyes and appeared to miss a step, reports ABC News. The Argentine native was carrying an incense holder at the time of the fall.



"He is in good condition. He did not even complain at all. He never said a word," Depo reportedly said. "Also, the homily showed that the pope has strength and this strength he gets from the people."



Shortly after the stumble, although possibly unrelated to the incident, the official papal Twitter account reaffirmed the old saying that God works in mysterious ways, writing, "The Lord is amongst us and takes care of us, without deciding for us."





The Lord is amongst us and takes care of us, without deciding for us. a Pope Francis (@Pontifex) July 28, 2016







VIDEO: Pope Francis's Trip to Cuba Continues As He Blesses the Island's Patron Saint





The pope arrived in Poland earlier this week to help celebrate World Youth Day in Krakow.



According to The New York Times, on the plane from Rome to Krakow, he told reporters, "The world is at war. We don't need to be afraid to say this."



And despite recent religiously motivated attacks, including the murder of a French priest earlier this week, Pope Francis clarified that it is not a religious war we should be afraid of.



"I am not speaking of a war of religions. Religions don't want war. The others want war," he said, adding that the current war is one "of interests," in pursuit of money, resources and the "domination of peoples."
Pope Francis tripped and fell while approaching the altar at Polands holiest shrine, the Jasna Gora Monastery, on Thursday, July 28, but he was back on his feet in no time and proceeded as planned with his homily.

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The 79-year-old pontiff was approaching the shrine surrounded by several priests when, seemingly lost in thought, he stumbled and fell to the ground. Several nearby priests rushed to help him back to his feet, and Francis brushed himself off and continued with the procession.



Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told the Associated Press that the pope is fine following his fall, and Czestochowa Archbishop Waclaw Depo told the Chicago Tribune, He is in good condition. He did not even complain at all. He never said a word. Also, the homily showed that the pope has strength and this strength he gets from the people.

Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered Thursday to hear Pope Francis speak. It was the first time he has ever set foot in Eastern Europe; Francis predecessor Pope John Paul II was beloved in Poland.





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During the mass, Francis urged the Poles to stay united in light of dissenting views over refugees and migrants, and prayed that Poles would have the desire to leave behind all past wrongs and wounds, and to build fellowship for all, without ever yielding to the temptation to withdraw or to domineer.






Czestochowa (Poland) (AFP) - Pope Francis fell Thursday after stumbling on an altar step during a visit to Poland but quickly got back to his feet, without injury.

The 79-year-old Argentine pontiff stumbled, then fell down out of view before being helped to his feet by altar servers.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told AFP "the pope is fine" after Francis delivered a homily and said mass at the revered Jasna Gora monastery in Czestochowa, southern Poland.

It is home to the Black Madonna, an icon which Catholic faithful believe has miraculous qualities.

Security was tight at the hill-top shrine following a series of attacks in Europe, with a highly visible police and army presence on the roads leading into the city.

Francis, 79, hopped ino an open-topped popemobile for a tour through the cheering crowds.

"We slept so little, but it's worth it, what an atmosphere!" said pilgrim Kate Tor, whose young sons were among the thousands of children who had camped out on the sweeping avenue leading to the monastery.

Teenagers still wrapped in sleeping bags, elderly couples perched on folding chairs outside tents and families with Francis-themed balloons were serenaded by the Argentine pope's favourite tango music before his arrival.

Ambulances and fire-engines were on standby with Polish officials taking no chances with security following the jihadist murder of a priest in a French church on the eve of the pope's five-day trip to celebrate the 2016 World Youth Day.

Shortly after touching down in Poland, Francis said the world was at war but argued that religion was not the cause, insisting the way for people to "overcome fear" was to provide asylum to those fleeing conflict.

Francis left Czestochowa Thursday by helicopter, heading back to to Krakow where he will be presented with the keys to the city, before jumping on to a tram which will whisk him to the sprawling Blonia meadow for his first big WYD event.

At his first meeting with youngsters on Wednesday evening at the window of the archbishop's palace in Krakow, he encouraged the thousands gathered below to party.

"Now go and do your duty, make noise all night long!" he finished with a grin.
By Piya Sinha-Roy and Melissa Fares

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK, July 28 (Reuters) - It's been five years since fans of "Harry Potter" tearfully said goodbye to the boy wizard they had grown up with, but a new play, book release and spin-off film are casting his spell all over again.

Fans around the world went into mourning after the final movie, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" in 2011, cemented the end of the seven-book series from J.K. Rowling.

But the announcement in 2013 of three "Fantastic Beasts" films, a London play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," opening this weekend, and a corresponding book release of the script has expanded the Potter universe and re-awakened fandom.

"It seems like (Rowling) had the break she needed and she's now ready to get back to the Potter world in a big way," said Andrew Sims, 27, co-founder of young adult fandom website Hypable.com.

"People who read the book as children or teens, today they're in their twenties and thirties. We've all grown up together with Harry and events like book release parties coming up will be us returning to our childhood," Sims added.

The seven "Harry Potter" books about an orphaned boy wizard in a magical universe have sold more than 450 million copies worldwide.

The movie "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," opening in November and written by Rowling, is a spin-off from the Potter stories with new characters and plot, set in New York City in 1926.

The script of the "Cursed Child" play, being billed as the eighth "Harry Potter" story, is already a U.S. best-selling book with the most pre-orders since 2007.

On Saturday, midnight book release parties are planned in U.S. and UK stores, evoking the excitement from a decade ago when fans could not wait to devour the latest novel.

In New York City, the Strand Book Store is expecting upwards of 400 people on Saturday night, spokeswoman Whitney Hu said. Fans are encouraged to show up in full costume for a contest and the event will include "Harry Potter" trivia, face-painting and photo booths.

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Most people who have confirmed their attendance on Facebook are between 20 and 30 years old, Hu said.

U.S. bookseller Barnes & Noble, which is also hosting parties, said the Potter books still top their best-selling lists. Chief merchandising officer Mary Amicucci said that the love for Potter is "truly multigenerational."

The "Cursed Child" play, opening Saturday and sold out thought May 2017, has won glowing reviews. It is set 19 years after the final Harry Potter book and is presented in two parts over five hours.

Dominic Cavendish of Britain's Daily Telegraph gave it five stars, while Matt Trueman for Hollywood trade paper Variety described it as a "theatrical blockbuster."

"Twenty years ago, Harry Potter turned a generation onto reading. 'The Cursed Child' could do the same for theater," wrote Trueman.

The Wall Street Journal's Kate Maltby was less impressed, calling the plot "a mess" and full of holes. But she added; "For those who grew up on - and with - Harry Potter, it will revive a powerful addiction to Ms. Rowling's brand of poignant truth." (Editing by Jill Serjeant and Jeffrey Hodgson)
President Barack Obama addressed a cheering crowd at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday, where he praised Hillary Clinton, slammed Donald Trump and espoused the importance of party unity.

"It's fair to say this is not your typical election," Obama told the chanting crowd, before explaining why Clinton was the best hope for defeating Trump during the upcoming election.

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"No matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits," he shared. "That is the Hillary I know. That's the Hillary I've come to admire and that's why I can say with confidence: there has never been a man or woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America."

Reflecting on his time as her political rival during the 2008 primary run, Obama admitted that Clinton wore him down and sparred like a pro, recalling, "She was doing everything I was doing, but just like Ginger Rogers, it was backwards and in heels."

WATCH: Bill Clinton Shares Adorable Story About How He Fell in Love With Hillary

Aside from praising the Democratic nominee, Obama shared his candid thoughts on the 70-year-old business magnate headlining the Republican ticket, taking aim at his campaign slogan --"Make America Great Again."

"America is already great, America is already strong. He's not offering any real solutions to those problems, he's just offering slogans and he's offering fear," the 54-year-old commander-in-chief said. "I promise you our greatness does not depend on Donald Trump."

After taking some powerful swipes at the GOP hopeful, Obama continued to stump for Clinton, sharing, "She's been there for us, even if we haven't always noticed. And if you're serious about our democracy, you can't afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. You've got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isn't a spectator sport."

Story continues

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During his speech, Obama also paid serious compliments to Clinton's primary rival, Bernie Sanders, and the Vermont senator's outspoken, dedicated supporters.

"We all need to be as vocal and as organized and persistent," Obama said, praising Sander's unprecedented grassroots campaign.

The president also thanked the American people for their support during his time in office, saying, "For all the places where I've fallen short, I've told Hillary and I'll tell you, what's picked me up every single time. It's been you. The American people."

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Making his final bid of the night for the former first lady, the president told the crowd, "I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me."

Obama said he was ready to "pass the baton," and asked his supporters to "elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States and show the world that we still believe in the promise of this great nation."

After his powerful address, Obama waved goodbye as Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" started to play in the convention hall. He then welcomed Clinton on-stage as the arena broke out in a deafening roar of applause and cheers from the audience.

Getty Images

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Obama's oration was one of the most impassioned speeches of the DNC since his wife, Michelle Obama, spoke during the convention's opening night on Monday, where she reflected on her family's time in the White House, and how it's shown her the most important values to look for when electing a new president. Check out the video below to see her moving address.

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PHILADELPHIA  President Obama gave a more optimistic view of America in a speech to the Democratic National Convention, calling on voters to reject Donald Trumps cynicism while describing Hillary Clinton as exceptionally qualified to become president.

There has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States, he said to a filled Wells Fargo Arena.

Clinton made a surprise appearance after his speech and they embraced and then waved to the crowd.

Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect, he said. And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits.

After being introduced by a video retrospective of his presidency, which was made by Davis Guggenheim and Peter Kunhardt, Obama used his speech as much as an endorsement of his one-time rival as rejecting Trumps vision of the country.

As Obama talked of the continuity of choosing Clinton  pass the baton  the real strength of the speech was in the contrasting views of the country. But he didnt frame it as Democrat vs. Republican, but as a matter of how Americans see themselves.

He said that what we heard in Cleveland last week wasnt particularly Republican  and it sure wasnt conservative. What we heard was a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world. There were no serious solutions to pressing problems  just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate.

He said that Trump was not a plans guy. Hes not a facts guy either.

But rather than riff on Trump for humor, Obama pointed out what he saw as the risk of his election.

He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, and tells the NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection. Well, Americas promises do not come with a price tag. We meet our commitments. And thats one reason why almost every country on Earth sees America as stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago.

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He also zeroed in on Trumps slogan  Make America Great Again  and the Republican nominees proclamations that he alone could solve the nations problems.

America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump, he said.

He even suggested that Trump had an authoritarian streak.

Our power doesnt come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We dont look to be ruled, he said.

The enthusiasm in the Wells Fargo Center mirrored that of Bill Clintons speech in 2012 on the penultimate night of the convention in Charlotte, when he made the case for Obamas reelection.

Obama noted that he and Clinton faced each other in a heated primary battle in 2008, where he recalled how tough she was a a foe.

Now, eight years ago, Hillary and I were rivals for the Democratic nomination. We battled for a year and a half. Let me tell you, it was tough, because Hillarys tough. Every time I thought I might have that race won, Hillary just came back stronger.

She was doing everything I was doing, but just like Ginger Rogers it was backwards and in heels.

He then went on to ask her to be his Secretary of State, and Obama relayed how he saw first hand how qualified she was.

Now, Hillary has real plans to address the concerns shes heard from you on the campaign trail. Shes got specific ideas to invest in new jobs, to help workers share in their companys profits, to help put kids in preschool, and put students through college without taking on a ton of debt. Thats what leaders do.

He added, Does anyone really believe that a guy whos spent his 70 years on this Earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion?

He also made an appeal to supporters of Bernie Sanders, at one point using the slogan of his campaign, feel the Bern.

So if you agree that theres too much inequality in our economy, and too much money in our politics, we all need to be as vocal and as organized and as persistent as Bernie Sanders supporters have been. We all need to get out and vote for Democrats up and down the ticket, and then hold them accountable until they get the job done.

If youre serious about our democracy, you cant afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. Youve got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isnt a spectator sport.

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President Barack Obama brings a close to the third night of the four-day Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

Walking out to U2's "City of Blinding Lights," Obama thanked the erupting crowd for their standing ovation as they continued to chant, "Yes we can."

He began, "12 years ago tonight, I addressed this convention for the very first time ... I was so young and I'll admit it, maybe I was a little nervous addressing such a big crowd, but I was filled with faith. Faith in America."

Speaking of his daughters and wife Michelle Obama, who "has made me a better father and better man" and "who hasn't aged a day," he then turned talk to today.

"I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before," he said.

Speaking about victories and setbacks from his presidency, from capturing Osama bin Laden to saying "love has no limits" to the cheering crowd, Obama then said: "We still have more work to do."

Focusing on November, Obama said: "It's fair to say: this is not your typical election."

"The America I know is full of optimism and courage," he said when discussing the hate he witnessed during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last weekend.

Recalling when he and Hillary Clinton were political rivals, he said going up against her "wore him out." Saying, "She was doing everything I was doing, but just like Ginger Rogers, it was backwards and in heels.

Praising her "unbelievable work ethic" and tenacity, he said he realized that "she was in this for everyone who needs a champion."

Admitting that nothing can truly prepare someone for the demands of the Oval office, he stressed how Clinton has already been in the room.

"She's been part of those decisions," he said. "No matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits. That is the Hillary i know. That's the Hillary I've come to admire and that's why I can say with confidence: there has never been a man or woman - not me, not Bill, nobody - than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America."

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Turning talk to Donald Trump, Obama said: "The Donald is not really a 'plans' guy. He's not really a facts guy, either.

"Does anyone really believe that a guy who spent his 70 years on this earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion?"

Saying that people outside of the United States "don't understand what's going on in this election," the room again erupted when he said Hillary Clinton "is fit and she is ready to be the next Commander in Chief."

Continuing about Trump, he said, "America is already great, America is already strong. He's not offering any real solutions to those problems, he's just offering slogans and he's offering fear ... And I promise you our greatness does not depend on Donald Trump.

"The American Dream is something that no wall will ever contain."

Admitting that Hillary has been criticized by both sides and has made mistakes - "we all do" - he said Hillary Clinton is "that woman in the arena."

"Democracy isn't a spectator sport," he said. "America isn't about 'yes he will,' it's about 'yes we can!'"

Appearing to wrap up his speech, he returned to explaining why he leaves the stage with confidence: "The Democratic party is in good hands."

"For all the places where I've fallen short," he said. "I've told Hillary and I'll tell you what picks me back up every single time, it's been you - the American people."

Watch his speech live below.

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Following the night's other headliners, Vice President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton's VP pick, Tim Kaine, Obama is expected to continue to implore voters to elect Clinton to the White House in November.

"Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect," Obama said in excerpts released ahead of his remarks. "And no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

The highly anticipated speech marks the passing of the Democratic party baton from a barrier-breaking president to an historic candidate.

Obama was introduced by Sharon Belkofer, the mother of U.S. soldier Tom Belkofer who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. "I wish every American could hug President Obama," she said before a video introducing the president played. The video chronicled the deep tragedy and momentous accomplishments of Obama's presidency, with many moments garnering loud cheers from the crowd.

Wednesday also saw speeches from Angela Bassett, Empire's Lee Daniels and a performance from Lenny Kravitz. Sigourney Weaver introduced a climate change film directed by James Cameron that took aim at Donald Trump, and Christine Leinonen, the mother of one of the Orlando victims, brought the room to tears.

The DNC has had no shortage of A-list support amid its star-studded lineup in Philadelphia. On Tuesday night, Kesha performed at a gun-control concert and tonight, Fergie will headline a concert for the Creative Coalition and the Black Eyed Peas will headline the Rock The Vote concert at the Fillmore.

Susan Sarandon, Shailene Woodley, Rosario Dawson and Shonda Rimes have all been spotted at the DNC, in addition to the impressive roster of celebrity speakers. Last night, Meryl Streep, Lena Dunham and America Ferrera and Tony Goldwyn spoke, while Elizabeth Banks hosted and former President Bill Clinton headlined.
President Obama passed the Democrats' torch to his former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday night  but not before nostalgically savoring how it all began for him eight years ago.



Headlining the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Obama strode onto the podium to "City of Blinding Lights," the same song that played when he took the stage at his first nominating convention in 2008. Now, like then, the crowd greeted him with his signature slogan from that first campaign: "Yes we can!"



Obama opened with reflections on his two terms in the White House, saying the highlights, for him, were reestablishing relations with Cuba, the economic recovery after recession, and the establishment of marriage equality as a constitutional right.



"While this nation has been tested by war, and by recession," he said. "I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before."







But, he added with a wry grin, the eight years took a toll.



Just not on his wife. "[Michelle] somehow, hasn't aged a day," he said. "I know, the same can't be said for me."



Obama also discussed what he sees as the differences between Clinton's campaign and her opponent Donald Trump's.



"We Democrats have always have differences with the Republican party," "There's nothing wrong with that. It pushes our country forward. But we heard last week wasn't particularly Republican. And it wasn't conservative. What we heard is a pessimistic vision."



Obama and Clinton forged a close relationship after their bitter fight against each other in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary race. And on Wednesday, Obama acknowledged she made for quite a formidable opponent then.



"She was doing everything I was doing, but just like Ginger Rogers, it was backwards and in heels," he said.



He appointed her as his first Secretary of State when he took office in 2009. Tonight, Obama said that the former Cabinet secretary, U.S. senator, First Lady, children's advocate and attorney has a tremendous work ethic  one that uniquely equips her to be president.



"You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office," he said.A "Until youave sat at that desk, you donat know what itas like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war."



"But Hillaryas been in the room; sheas been part of those decisions.A She knows whatas at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran."



Obama declared Clinton to be the best-prepared candidate for the job in American history.



"There has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America," Obama said with a flourish.



As Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea and the thousands of delegates and VIPs took to their feet applauding, Obama chuckled.



"I hope you don't mind, Bill, but I'm just telling the truth, man."



Obama credited Clinton with detailed plans for implementing her policy agenda. "And then thereas Donald Trump," the president continued, to a chorus of "boos."



"Donat boo," he said. "Vote!"



"The Donald is not really a aplansa guy. Heas not really a 'facts' guy, either. He calls himself a 'business' guy, which is true. But I have to say I know plenty of businessmen and women who achieved remarkable success without leaving a trail of lawsuits and unpaid workers and people feeling like they got cheated."



"Does anyone really believe that a guy who spent his 70 years on this earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion, your voice? If so, you should vote for him."



Obama  just like First Lady Michelle Obama did earlier this week  took issue with Trump's campaign slogan.



"America is already great," he said. "America is already strong. And I promise you our greatness does not depend on Donald Trump."



He also gave a shoutout to Bernie Sanders's supporters, saying they showed an enthusiasm for this election that should be shown in every race.



The president's speech was punctuated by a surprise appearance from Hillary Clinton  her first on the DNC stage this week. She grinned broadly and threw her arms around Obama in a long hug.



Following his speech, the president's wife took to Twitter to express her pride in Obama.



"That's my man! Your truth, dignity and grace reminds us what real leadership looks like. I am always proud of our POTUS," she tweeted.





That's my man! Your truth, dignity and grace reminds us what real leadership looks like. I am always proud of our @POTUS. -mo  The First Lady (@FLOTUS) July 28, 2016





President Obama has been #WithHer officially since endorsed her presidency bid in early June.



He joined Clinton on the campaign trail June 5, telling a rally in North Carolina he was "fired up" for Clinton.



Speaking at that rally, Clinton commented on their relationship, saying, "As we went from political rivals to partners to friends, my esteem for him just kept growing."A



On Monday, First Lady Michelle Obama gave an emotional speech about her life as the First Lady and why Clinton is the best candidate for the job. She also touched on the lives of the First Couple's two daughters, Malia and Sasha, who were just 10 and 7 respectively when President Obama first took office.



The speech has been highly praised, with the president himself tweeting in support of his wife later in the night.



"Incredible speech by an incredible woman. Couldn't be more proud & our country has been blessed to have her as FLOTUS. I love you, Michelle,"A the President said on his personal Twitter.
Wednesday night, President Barack Obama closed out the night of speeches with an appeal to Americas better natures that felt wildly out of place in the narrative of Decision 2016. His address to the convention was a mic drop  not quite as jaw-dropping as First Lady Michelle Obamas on Monday night, but only because the American people know the presidents speeches a little better than his wifes. The two-term president was speaking at his fourth Democratic National Convention, and for the first time, the end of his elected political career is in sight. There was, as a result, a marked looseness to his manner; the swagger of a winner on the victory lap. Whatever happens now, hes going out on a high note.

Day three of the DNC narrative puts the week in Philadelphia in almost complete opposition to last weeks Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Where the emphasis on the third night of that convention was on Laura Ingrahams Nazi salute and Ted Cruzs highly public heel-turn, DNC viewers were handed the package of former CIA head Leon Panetta, Vice President Joe Biden, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine, and, of course, POTUS himself. With Panetta and Bloomberg, it was a firmly centrist deck of speakers  to the audible dismay of some of the listening delegates, who took up and discarded ragged chants throughout the evening  but one designed for maximum effect for the undecided voter. The DNC once again ran well over its 11 p.m. end time, but the time appears to be the conventions only technical difficulty.

As illuminating as it is to contrast the DNC and the RNC, tonight was a bracing reminder that comparing one to the other is a case study in false equivalence. When I wrote last week that the RNC could stand to learn a thing or two from reality television, that was because so much of the RNC played out as farce. By contrast, the DNC has been an exercise in practiced sincerity, a hopeful appeal for unity and goodness. Its a tone that defies the inherently detached, implicitly ironic lens of reality television. The RNC felt like a barely restrained circus; the DNC reads more like going to church, or to a very impassioned high school classroom.

Our television these days rarely has room for such sincerity. This might be one of the reasons its so easy for the television news media to cover Donald Trump; in our current climate, its easier to digest a convenient piece of spin than it is to accept the sweeping generalities about the American electorate. The DNC has done a good job of presenting an alternative to Trumps type of media dominance, but success for them will depend not just on having an alternative, but on selling it.

Obama, who is our generations best salesman of the American dream, made a strong case for the Democrats vision on Wednesday night. In doing so he touched on themes that he has discussed for his entire political career, including calls to service and pleas for greater humanity. These appeals to rationale were all over the nights speeches, including Bidens invigoratingly parental speech and Bloombergs paean to stable competence and good business. Biden yelled out malarkey and Obama exhorted the audience, Dont boo: Vote. Bloomberg insinuated that Trump wasnt even a real billionaire because he had a leg-up from his father. Tim Kaine, a man who has been photographed in pleated khakis, spoke adorably gringo Spanish and made a long series of dad jokes.

Rationale is nice. It has its upsides. But it isnt terribly sexy. Cooperation, compromise, and common sense have brought together unlikely bedfellows in Philadelphia  a plutocrat mayor with a former head of intelligence; a recently pro-life senator with a vice president who was once one of the more controversial Democrats in Washington. With an opposition so fringe and polarizing that its changing the shape of American politics, the Democrats have become de facto centrists  at the risk of losing the shape of their founding and unifying narratives, the story of who they are to themselves.

This came out during some of those speeches. While the messaging in the text of the speeches was all very carefully coordinated, the response to it was another matter. Panetta was halted, at some point, by protestors chanting no more war. It wasnt the rowdy, almost hostile-sounding crowd of Monday night, but on a night that should have been a softball win for the Democrats  what with Trumps unprecedentedly controversial remarks on Russia and a speaker no less than the commander-in-chief on the docket  the DNCs own issues with rhetoric, self-determination, and unity threatened to get in the way.

Obamas closing speech  and subsequent appearance with the newly anointed Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton  shushed a lot of that dissent, at least for now. In one of the most poetic lines of the night, the president said, In America, we dont look to be ruled, which encapsulates both Americas founding narrative and the concerns that many Americans have for Trump in one neat and almost biblical-sounding turn of phrase. The opposite of fear, as Obama campaigned when he first ran in 2008, is hope; whether or not hope captivates viewers is another question.

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From Popular Mechanics

The next generation of helicopters to transport the President of the United States passed a critical design review, with the next step the manufacture of six production helicopters. The choppers, known as VH-92s, will likely be the most expensive helicopters ever made.

In the early 2000s, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps attempted to build a replacement for Marine One, the President's official transport helicopters. The current Marine One fleet is based on the Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King helicopter and were built around 1975, making them only 14 years older than President Obama himself. The U.S. Military retired the last of its Sea Kings in the 1990s.

The engineering requirements for Marine One make it one complicated helicopter. It has to have a full suite of defensive countermeasures to throw off the targeting and guidance systems of missiles. It has to be "hardened" against the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear explosion. It needs sophisticated onboard communications, including the ability to hold secure video conferences with military and government leaders worldwide-including the commanders of America's nuclear arsenal. Finally, it needs a toilet.

A new Marine One, designated the VH-71 Kestrel, was to be developed by Lockheed Martin, based on the Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter. The VH-71 suffered from engineering bloat, as requirements kept being added to the helicopter, drastically increasing weight and cost. The program to build 23 helicopters eventually ballooned to between $10 and $17 billion dollars. It was cancelled in June 2009 after three billion was spent. Even President Obama sounded skeptical of the need for a new helicopter, noting that the ones he was flying seemed "just fine".

In May 2014, a new contract was signed with longtime helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky for the a Marine One based on the Sikorsky S-92 medium helicopter. The S-92 can carry up to nineteen passengers, cruise at 174 miles an hour, and can fly for up to 539 nautical miles unrefueled. It was never bought by the U.S. Military, although it serves with the armed forces of several other countries, including Canada and South Korea.

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The contract is for six helicopters at a cost of $1.42 billion dollars, with the first helicopter due in 2017. Seventeen more helicopters will follow, and assuming the rest of the fleet costs roughly the same, the total program will still cost almost $6 billion dollars-$9 billion if you factor in the VH-71 debacle, which you should.

If all goes according to plan-and hey, why would anyone suspect otherwise-the VH-92s should enter service in 2020. That'll be too late for President Obama, but will make a pretty nice ride for the next President-or the President after that.

Via USNI News

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BERLIN (Reuters) - German prosecutors on Thursday dropped an appeal against a court ruling that acquitted former Porsche SE (PSHG_p.DE) chief executive Wendelin Wiedeking of market manipulation during a 2008-9 takeover battle with Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE).

Prosecutors in Stuttgart, where Porsche is based, said they still believed Wiedeking and his former finance chief Holger Haerter misled investors about their intentions to control Volkswagen (VW), but saw no chance of their appeal succeeding.

However, Porsche SE compliance chief Manfred Doess said in an emailed statement: "The prosecutors' accusations have turned out to be completely unfounded following a comprehensive clearance by the regional court of Stuttgart."

In March 2008, Porsche SE dismissed as "speculation" talk it intended to take over VW. Seven months later, the holding company said it controlled 42.6 percent of VW's common shares and held options for another 31.5 percent of the stock it had not disclosed previously.

Porsche was forced to abandon the takeover in 2009 when its financing unravelled amid the financial crisis, which opened the door for VW to acquire the Porsche sports-car brand in stages.

Besides a custodial sentence for Wiedeking and a fine for the former CEO and CFO, the prosecutors had also sought a fine of more than 800 million euros (673.9 million) for Porsche SE, which is VW's majority shareholder.

(Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach Writing by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Ian Simpson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A judge on Thursday dismissed charges against a man convicted of murdering Washington intern Chandra Levy in 2001, in a sensational case that riveted the U.S. capital and contributed to the downfall of a congressman.

Ingmar Guandique, 34, had been serving a 60-year sentence after being found guilty in 2010 of murdering Levy. Guandique was facing a retrial in October.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert Morin granted a motion by federal prosecutors to drop the charges a few hours after it was filed.

The U.S. Attorney's Office "has concluded that it can no longer prove the murder case against Mr. Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt," it said in a statement.

The motion was based on information that prosecutors received within the last week, the statement said. The information was not disclosed and no other suspects were identified in the case.

Guandique's bid for a new trial was granted last year after his lawyers argued that a key witness had lied.

"Mr. Guandique has maintained since the beginning, when he passed an FBI administered lie detector test, that he did not kill Ms. Levy," Guandique's public defender, Laura Hankins, said in a written statement.

"This dismissal vindicates Mr. Guandique. Finally, the government has had to concede the flaws in its ill-gotten conviction," Hankins said.

The death of Levy, 24, and the subsequent investigation transfixed Washington, starting with her disappearance in May 2001.

A search turned up few details on her whereabouts but brought out allegations that she had had an affair with Gary Condit, then a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, who was married.

Condit, a Democrat representing California, acknowledged having a "close relationship" with Levy but said he had nothing to do with her disappearance or death.

Despite Condit's never being named a suspect, media coverage of the investigation contributed to his re-election loss in 2002.

Levy's remains were found in Washington's Rock Creek Park in 2002. In 2009, police charged Guandique, who was already imprisoned for attacking women in the same area where Levy went missing.

(Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington, D.C.; Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Editing by Leslie Adler and Grant McCool)
South Korean protestors clashed with police on Thursday as they tried to disrupt the opening in Seoul of a Tokyo-funded foundation for women forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.

The plight of the so-called "comfort women" is a hugely emotional issue that has marred relations between Seoul and Japan for decades and which, for many South Koreans, symbolises the abuses of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean peninsula.

Last December, the two nations reached a "final and irreversible" agreement, under which Tokyo offered an apology and one billion yen ($8.5 million) to open the foundation for the dwindling number of comfort women who are still alive.

But the deal was condemned by some of the women and South Korean activists, who took issue with Japan's refusal to accept formal legal responsibility.

"You can't silence the victims with money!" scores of protestors chanted at Thursday's opening event, which they picketed with banners reading: "This is not what the comfort women want!"

Several college students forced their way into the venue where foundation officials were due to hold a press conference, and were forcibly removed by police.

"Listen to the voices of the victims!" one protestor shouted tearfully as police carried her and other activists out by their arms and legs.

The Reconciliation and Healing Foundation tried to play down the protests, saying opposition to the deal with Tokyo was limited to a vocal minority.

"Some victims I met expressed gratitude for reaching the deal while they are alive," the foundation's head Kim Tae-Hyun told reporters.

She said she had talked with 37 of the 40 surviving South Korean comfort women and claimed many of them supported the foundation.

"The deal is not completely satisfactory... but we shouldn't let these controversies put out this small light of hope that we managed to find," she added.

Her comments did little to mollify the protestors, one of whom threw liquid pepper spray in Kim's face as she left the venue, forcing her to go to hospital for treatment to her eyes.

Mainstream historians say up to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea but also other parts of Asia including China, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II.
PHILADELPHIA  Across from City Hall in downtown Philadelphia, Mississippi Democratic delegate Kelly Jacobs stood alone on a street corner surveying the scene in front of her. Jacobs had a Hillary Clinton sticker stuck to her arm and a jeweled President Hillary pin on her handmade dress depicting President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

A massive inflatable joint floated its way around the block while Bernie Sanders supporters chanted, Feel the Bern! Jacobs was confused. I dont understand the opposition [to Hillary], she said.

Passing supporters of the Vermont senator yelled pro-Sanders and anti-Clinton lines at Jacobs. I walked through the crowd, and Ive been called a lot of names since I got here. Its been brutal. I was called a sheep. I was called a bitch. Their team lost, she said. They need to let it go.

With a peaceful end to the 2016 Republican National Convention on July 21, the election focus has shifted to the Democratic National Convention now in its third day at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The conventions kickoff was marred by scandal after WikiLeaks began releasing Democratic National Committee emails on July 22. The first two days inside the convention hall were marked by the tears Sanders supporters shed as he gave his endorsement to Clinton and during Michelle Obamas prime-time address on Monday.

The scene in Philadelphia stands in stark contrast to that of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Though thousands of protestors are filling Philadelphias streets, it appears that far fewer police officers are patrolling the crowds, and heavily armed riot police are nowhere to be seen. And where many who came to stand outside Clevelands Quicken Loans Arena exercised their right to carry handguns, many of the protesters in Philadelphia seem to be more interested in smoking pot and pitching tents in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park. (Though according to a press release put out by the Philadelphia Police Department, some 60 violations for disorderly conduct have been issued, carrying a $50 fine.)

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On Monday morning, Paula Gandolfo, a white female Navy veteran, stood under the southern archway of City Hall in downtown Philadelphia. Gandolfo couch-surfed from her home in San Diego to Philadelphia to show her support for Sanders. Shes most upset by what she describes as voter fraud in California and the possible uncounted votes for Sanders. Democracy only works when its one person, one vote, she said. She was hoping that the Democrats inside the Wells Fargo Center would choose to nominate Sanders regardless. But, Gandolfo said, I am not going to support Donald [Trump].

A few feet away, Phil Sander, a 66-year-old self-described Bernie or Bust die-hard, leaned against a wall sporting a black Bernie Sanders T-shirt, jean shorts, and a Marlboro fanny pack. Sander traveled to Philadelphia from Indianapolis prepared to support the Vermont senator until hes elected. He thinks a Green Party ticket with Sanders and Jill Stein could win the presidency, but the longer change takes, he says, the more uncertain about the future he becomes. Sander looked out at a crowd of young Bernie supporters. Im not sure the movement is going to survive, because I dont think were going to survive climate change, he said.

Marching down Broad Street, Scott Warner, a 27-year-old white Philadelphia native, carried a sign reading: Syrian Children. Warner says hes fed up with the wars his government is involved in. Theres a video of U.S.-backed moderate Syrian rebels beheading a child. That, for me, is an example of U.S. foreign policy. We create problems, and then we fix them. It goes down to the root problem: We support these wars, he said. Warner doesnt think the election is going to change anything and doesnt have faith in the electoral process. Its an utterly flawed system. Hillary Clinton? Shes going to be president because its rigged. Its all rigged, he said.

The next morning, nearly six miles from the Wells Fargo Center, Brandon Pelzer sat on a stool at the West Philadelphia bar on the corner of 49th and Catharine Street where hes a chef. Pelzer, a 29-year-old African-American, was born and raised in Philadelphia and says he loves his city and its atmosphere. He thinks having the Democratic National Convention in town is a good thing because its bringing money into the city. When thinking about the issues surrounding the presidential election, Pelzer has decided to vote for Clinton. Im alright with her, he said. Id rather Bernie Sanders wouldve won, but anyone is better than Trump.

A few blocks away, Ainye Clarke, an African-American college student and Philadelphia native, walked down Baltimore Avenue toward downtown. Clarke, who is 19 years old, says shes not going to vote. I really dont want to be a part of it, she said firmly. A half-mile closer to downtown, Jean-Jacques Gabribel, a 33-year-old originally from Haiti, had just finished teaching a yoga class. Gabribel thinks the conventions are part of the big show of American politics, but the issues they bring up are what people will talk about. However, hes put off by how much money is spent on them. These big events cost a lot of money, and that money doesnt serve the city widely, he said. Still, Gabribel continued, as he threw a leg over his bike, Itll be interesting to see where this nation will go when you cant ignore its racist, capitalist tendencies.

Closer to the commotion downtown, Nick Carroll, a white 26-year-old insurance adjuster, made his way quickly through the University of Pennsylvanias campus to pick up tickets for The Daily Show. Carroll says hes going to vote for Clinton but that he wouldve voted for Sanders if he had won. He says he wouldnt be comfortable with Trump as president, though it wasnt something he was concerned about until he saw the bump in Trumps polling numbers after the Republican National Convention. As a country, the fact were even considering electing a reality TV star, someone who has only ever promoted himself. I think wed be crazy not to be worried, he said.

In the Poplar neighborhood of North Philadelphia, Mina Maysonet, 25, and Tyrell Walker, 26, walked with their son, Tyrell Jr., 3, back to the homeless shelter where they have lived for the past two months. Maysonet and Walker, both African-American, are worried that the growing tensions in the United States are going to turn into riots similar to the 1965 Watts riots in Los Angeles. I think its all fucked, Walker said, as he kept a hand on his smiling sons head. But hell take another Clinton in office. Trump shouldnt be the guy in office and running the country. It could be Manny Pacquiao, he said, referring to the Filipino former professional boxer-turned-politician. Im voting for anyone besides Trump.

A mile away, a few hundred people continued their protest march down Broad Street toward City Hall. Compared to the streets of Cleveland, where masses of police, including out-of-state units, blocked and corralled marches, the Philadelphia protests have been ushered through the city by local bike patrol units.

As these protestors, organized by the Philly Coalition for Real Justice, continued their march toward City Hall, they were met and joined by actress Ashley Judd, who had been on her way to an event but said, This is the most perfect and poetic diversion.

After walking a few blocks further, some protesters were met by Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera and his body guards. The exchanged ended when a protestor emptied a bottle of water on Riveras head.
Paris (AFP) - Does publishing the photographs of those responsible for terror attacks help glorify them and play into the hands of groups like the Islamic State?

The debate over what former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher once called "the oxygen of publicity" took a new turn Wednesday when several major French media outlets decided they would no longer use pictures of those who commit attacks.

The country's two global news broadcasters, RFI and France 24, as well as its biggest rolling television news channel BFMTV, said they would stop showing images of attackers.

Europe 1 radio went further still saying it would not be "naming terrorists".

The rethink was set off by the leading daily Le Monde, whose managing editor Jerome Fenoglio told AFP that after the Nice attack -- in which 84 people died -- "we were very uncomfortable" that photos showing attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel flexing his muscles might contribute to his "posthumous glorification".

BFMTV editorial director Herve Beroud said their worry was repeated use of "photographs tend to put the terrorists and the victims on the same level".

Anti-extremism experts and academics working on the effects of media coverage on terrorism welcomed the self-imposed bans Thursday.

- 'Propaganda of the deed' -

And there was also an outpouring of support for the idea on social media with the British explorer Adrian Hayes and actor James Purefoy cheering the decision.

"At last. A bit of sense. Will US and UK follow suit?" the "Rome" star tweeted.

A French online petition backing the idea had also garnered more than 110,000 names Thursday.

Jonathan Russell of the London-based Quilliam Foundation, which works to counter extremism, said: "I think this is a good step and we will push for it."

He said IS had a well-oiled routine of exploiting "what we call the 'propaganda of the deed'. They know there is going to be endless discussion for 72 hours about an attack, and they require that oxygen of publicity to be effective.

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"Everything that we can do to make their work less impactful is to be commended."

Russell said with the group under pressure in Iraq and Syria, IS had "moved to an 'inspire strategy' calling for attacks in the West. That inspiration is stronger when people know they are going to achieve notoriety when they carry out an attack."

- 'Fantasise about worldwide recognition' -

French psychologist Fethi Benslama said one of the strongest push factors "in those who commit attacks is to be widely known. They leave clues before their death and fantasise about worldwide recognition."

Professor Michael Jetter, whose research at the University of Western Australia suggests that blanket media coverage can lead to further terror attacks, also welcomed the debate.

"If you think about it for a second from the perspective of a terrorist organisation (saturation coverage) is exactly what they want," he said.

He urged media to report the killings with the same restraint that they do suicides, avoiding giving details that might encourage "copycat" attacks.

Most of the French media however are continuing to show images of attackers, with Johan Hufnagel of the left-leaning daily Liberation insisting that "publishing photos of terrorists and glorifying them is not the same thing".

And there was little sign of the idea was gaining traction beyond France.

The BBC's Secunder Kermani, who has reported extensively on IS, said a more widespread ban was unlikely in the international media.

"There is not quite the same impetus as in France right now because in the case of Britain it does not feel so under attack. Maybe if it was it might be different," he said.

Nevertheless, Kermani said there was "a definite debate going on in newsrooms over how we report" attacks given that IS "clearly understands the news cycle and uses its very skillfully to get maximum attention".

"While the people who do this are not likely to be influenced by mainstream media, given how decentralised IS is, the argument over the copycat element cannot be disregarded," he added.

AFP's global news director Michele Leridon said that since "the Islamic State group's first bloody attacks... we have refused to carry the images they poured indiscriminately onto social media."

However, the agency will leave it up to its 5,000 clients worldwide to decide whether or not to publish an attacker's name and photograph, she said.
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2016 / Puration, Inc. (PURA) today announced the independent laboratory test results of its Cannabidiol (CBD) crystal extract. The Company announced the introduction of its CBD crystal isolate extract one month ago. An Independent laboratory test has certified Puration's CBD Isolate at 98% pure CBD.

Puration is engaged in the development of standardized and repeatable cannabis extraction processes that can deliver a consistent and high-quality concentrate for infusion into consumer food and beverage products that appeal to the recreational and wellness market segments. The Company recently announced a preliminary $3 million 12-month revenue forecast and campaign to brand the Company's cannabis extracts as the leading concentrates infused into recognized food and beverage consumer products.

"The test results announced today are a significant milestone in the Company's business plan to be a recognized brand name as a high-quality cannabis extract infused into food and beverage consumer products," said Brian Shibley, Puration CEO. "The Company has recently executed its first collaboration agreement to produce an infused food and beverage consumer product anticipated to result in $1 million in revenue within the first year of product sales. The test results announced today are instrumental to the collaboration agreement. Look for a formal announcement next week introducing the products forthcoming from the collaboration agreement."

To learn more about Puration: www.purationinc.com

Follow Puration on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Puration710

Visit Puration on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puration/

Safe Harbor Act: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involves risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic business conditions and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

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Puration Contact:

Brian Shibley, CEO

info@puraitoninc.com

972-528-0162

SOURCE: Puration, Inc.
Kelly Clarkson was one of the first stars to speak out against trolls who tried to downplay Michelle Obama's powerful message about the slaves that built the White House during the First Lady's speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday night. But after some controversial comments from Fox News talking head Bill O'Reilly -- in which he claimed that the slaves were "well-fed and had decent lodgings" -- Roots drummer Questlove appears to have gotten the last word on the matter.

Kelly Clarkson's White House 'Slaves' Tweet Keeps Winning

"Slavery was inhumane. Slavery was sadistic. Slavery was uncomfortable. Slavery was unjust," Quest wrote in a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday. "Slavery was a nightmare. Slavery was a despicable act. Slavery is the pebble whose ripple in the river still resonates on and on and on and on." And while he didn't mention O'Reilly by name, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon bandleader made it very, very clear who he was taking aim at.

The comments came after O'Reilly's reaction to Michelle Obama's eloquent narrative about her family's journey to the White House. "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves," Obama said. "I watch my daughters - two beautiful, intelligent, black young women - playing with their dogs on the White House lawn."

Questlove to Headline Innovation Live Kickoff Party

"I'd like to think most of you have common sense," Questlove continued in his post. "But there is nothing more dangerous than a man in a suit pretending to be a journalist giving revisionist history on the ugliness that was slavery. What's so fun and lighthearted about being shackled? being separated from your loved ones? Being molested and raped HOURLY, being branded with hot iron? being property? being castrated? being flogged? being malnourished?"

Read the full post below:

Slavery was inhumane. Slavery was sadistic. Slavery was uncomfortable. Slavery was unjust. Slavery was a nightmare. Slavery was a despicable act. Slavery is the pebble whose ripple in the river still resonates on and on and on and on. I'd like to think most of you have common sense. But there is nothing more dangerous than a man in a suit pretending to be a journalist giving revisionist history on the ugliness that was slavery. What's so fun and lighthearted about being shackled? being separated from your loved ones? Being molested and raped HOURLY, being branded with hot iron? being property? being castrated? being flogged? being malnourished? living in high stress conditions? forced to lay in your own feces? being sold in a heartbeat? suppressing ANY emotion (with the surprising exception of singing it was illegal ---lashes or death--to read, write, "talk back" or "sass", cry (how many of you heard "you better NOT cry before I give you something to cry about!"), get angry, or even more surprising LAUGHING (a plantation barrel of water was always in proximity to dunk ones head in so one could express emotions and suppress the sound as to not alert your overseer of your "sassing"---deep history I just learned about laughing and the slave period---the first recorded song "The Laughing Song" was the defiant "F%^k Tha Police" of its day (also where the term "Barrel Of Laughs" gets its origin)---I'm getting beside the point. I dunno if that man's (never say his name) point is to troll at any cost whatsoever but his entire existence is a 5 steps backwards for any progress made in humanity. My dismay is the percentage of people who get their news from memes/headlines/& sources to whom they have 0 clue is feeding them false information. Human Trafficking in any form from today's underage prostitution, to the private Prison System we exercise here in the US, to the Holocaust to 500 years of Slavery--and all other examples I've not mentioned is INHUMANE & Evil. ---watch where you get your information from and the company you keep people.

A photo posted by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Jul 27, 2016 at 10:26am PDT
* Sees strong demand from markets outside U.S.

* Raises 2016 earnings forecast

* 2nd-qtr profit rises over 40 pct (Adds CEO comment, conference call details; updates shares)

By Idrees Ali and Ankit Ajmera

July 28 (Reuters) - Raytheon Co reported better-than-expected quarterly revenue and profit as sales of its smart bombs rose, and it raised its 2016 earnings forecast, partly due to strong demand in markets outside the United States.

The maker of Patriot missile systems and Paveway laser- and GPS-guided bombs said it was seeing demand across Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific as governments strengthen their counter-terrorism campaigns in "a charged geopolitical environment."

Raytheon shares rose as much as 1.7 percent to $137.66 in morning trading on Thursday.

"I can't think of a time when our international pipeline of opportunities was more robust than it is today," Chief Executive Thomas Kennedy said.

The company gets nearly a third of its sales from outside the United States. Of this, about half came from the Middle East and Africa in the second quarter, Chief Financial Officer Toby O'Brien told Reuters.

Weak oil prices did not hurt the company's business in the Middle East as customers spend "from a defense point of view on high priority areas that protect both their sovereignty and their citizens," O'Brien said.

He said Raytheon could win a contract from the Polish government by late 2017, if Poland and the United States reach an agreement on the Patriot missile defense system by 2016-end.

This month, Poland's defense minister said the country had made significant progress in talks with Raytheon over a $5-billion missile defense system.

STRONG NUMBERS

Raytheon raised its 2016 earnings forecast to $7.13-$7.33 per share from $6.93-$7.13, leaving net sales forecast unchanged at $24 billion-$24.5 billion.

Analysts on average were expecting earnings of $7.18 per share and revenue of $24.42 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

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Sales in Raytheon's missile systems unit, its biggest business, increased 6 percent in the quarter ended July 3. The business accounted for over a quarter of its total revenue.

In its space and airborne systems business, which makes tracking, targeting and navigation sensors for aircraft, drones and missiles, sales rose 9.3 percent as revenue from classified programs increased.

Raytheon benefited from a big backlog from previous years, O'Brien said.

Net income attributable to the company rose 40.4 percent to $709 million, or $2.38 per share, including a gain related to the restructuring of its ThalesRaytheonSystems joint venture and a tax benefit.

Total revenue rose 3.2 percent to $6.04 billion.

Analysts on average had expected earnings of $1.74 per share and revenue of $5.83 billion.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington and Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Kirti Pandey)
The mother of an Orlando shooting victim took the stage to call for better gun-control policies at the Democratic national convention on Wednesday.

Christine Leinonen, the mother of Christopher Drew Leinonen, one of the 49 victims of the June shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub, said that when she was a state trooper she had to turn in her service weapon when she went into labor with her son.

The weapon that murdered my son fires 30 rounds in one minute. An Orlando city commissioner pointed out the terrible math. One minute per gun to fire so many shots, five minutes per bell to honor so many lives. Im glad common-sense gun policy was in place when Christopher was born, but where was that common sense the day he died? she asked.

Flanked by Jose Arriagada, Christophers ex-boyfriend and a survivor of the shooting, and Brandon Wolf, a friend of Christophers and another survivor, Leinonen added that her son was a supporter of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Leinonens speech received a standing ovation from the audience.

Read her full remarks, as delivered:
Thank you everybody. Hello, Philadelphia!

(APPLAUSE) Hello Democratic families.

I want to start off by thanking my beautiful wife and my three wonderful children, Nat, Woody, and Annella. They are sitting right up there.

(APPLAUSE)

You Know my son, Nat, deployed with his Marine battalion just two days ago.

(APPLAUSE)

KAINE: He deployed overseas to protect and defend the very NATO allies that Donald Trump says he now wants to abandon.

Semper fi, Nat! Semper fi!

(APPLAUSE)

My parents and my in-laws are here. Our siblings and their spouses. Our nieces and nephews, and hundreds of friends from Virginia and beyond.

(APPLAUSE)

I love seeing you front and center. Including my friend of 37 years, senior Senator Mark Warner. My great Governor Terry McAuliffe.

(APPLAUSE)

And my great friend and Congressman Bobby Scott.

(APPLAUSE)

We love you all.

Today, for my wife Anne and every strong woman in this country, for Nat, Woody, and Annella, and every young person starting out in life to make their own dreams real, for every man and woman serving our country in the military at home or abroad, for every working family working hard to get ahead and stay ahead, for my parents and in-laws and every senior citizen who hopes for a dignified retirement with health care and research to end diseases like Alzheimers.

(APPLAUSE)

KAINE: For every American who wants our country to be a beloved community where people are not demeaned because of who they are but rather respected for their contributions to this nation, and for all of us who know that the brightest future for our country is the one that we build together, and for my friend, Hillary Clinton, I humbly accept my partys nomination to be vice president of the United States.

(APPLAUSE)

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

Can I be honest with you about something? Can I be honest with you about something? I never expected to be here. But let me tell you how it happened, I was born in Minnesota and grew up in Kansas City.

(APPLAUSE)

My folks were not much into politics. My dad ran a union iron- working shop in the stockyards.

(APPLAUSE)

And my mom was his best salesman. My two brothers and I pitched in to work during summers and weekends. And, you know, that is how small family businesses do it.

My parents, Al and Kathy, here tonight and going strong, they taught me about hard work and about kindness and most especially, about faith. I went to a Jesuit boys high school, Rockhurst High School.

(APPLAUSE)

Wow, thats a big line for the Jesuits.

Now we had a motto in my school, men for others. And it was there that my faith became something vital. My north star for orienting my life. And when I left high school, I knew that I wanted to battle for social justice.

(APPLAUSE)

Like so many of you. Like so many of you.

That is why I took a year off from law school to volunteer with Jesuit missionaries in Honduras. I taught kids how to be welders and carpenters. (SPEAKING SPANISH), faith, family, and work. Faith, family, and work. (SPEAKING SPANISH).

And let me tell you what really struck me there, I got a firsthand look at a different system. A dictatorship. A dictatorship where a few people at the top had all the power and everybody else got left out.

Now that convinced me that we have got to advance opportunity for everybody, no matter where you come from, how much money you have, what you look like, how you worship or who you love.

(APPLAUSE)

Back in 1970, in Virginia, a Republican governor named Linwood Holton believed exactly the same thing. He integrated Virginias public schools so that black and white kids could finally learn together. And then the family enrolled their own kids, including his daughter, Anne, in those integrated inner city schools.

Many years later Anne went off to college and she brought those lessons from that pivotal time with her. And then one day, in a study group, she met this goofy guy who had been off teaching kids in Honduras.

Well, Anne and I have now been married almost 32 years and I am the luckiest husband in the world.

(APPLAUSE)

You know, let me tell you something, Annes parents, Lin and Jinks, are here today, 90-plus and going strong.

(APPLAUSE)

Ninety-plus and going strong. Linwood Holton, he is still a Republican but he is voting for an awful lot of Democrats these days. An awful lot of Democrats.

(APPLAUSE)

And here is why, he is voting for Democrats because any party that would nominate Donald Trump for president has moved too far away from his party of Lincoln.

(APPLAUSE)

And Ill tell you, if any of you are looking for that party of Lincoln, we have got a home for you right here in the Democratic Party.

(APPLAUSE)

Linwoods example helped inspire me as a civil rights lawyer. Over 17 years I took on banks, landlords, real estate firms, local governments, anybody who treated anybody unfairly.

I had a six-year case against an insurance company that was discriminating against minority neighborhoods all across the United States in issuing homeowners insurance.

Folks, Democratic friends, these are the battles that I have fought my entire life.

(APPLAUSE)

And that is the story  and that is the story of how I decided to run for office. My city of Richmond was divided and discouraged in the early 1990s. We had an epidemic of gun violence that was overwhelming our low-income neighborhoods.

People were pointing fingers and casting blame instead of finding answers. And I couldnt stand it. So I ran for city council and I won that first race more than 20 years ago by a landslide margin of 94 votes.

(APPLAUSE)

And Ive said ever since, if Im good at anything in politics, its because I started at the local level listening to people, learning about their lives, and trying to get results. I see a mayor here who knows what Im talking about.

Later I became mayor of Richmond, lieutenant governor, and then the 70th governor of Virginia.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, I was a hard times governor. I had to steer my state through the deepest recession since the 1930s. But hey, tough times dont last and tough people do. And can I tell you that Virginians are tough people? We are tough people.

(APPLAUSE)

And we are smart, too . We achieved national recognition for our work, best-managed state, best state for business, best state for a child to be raised, low unemployment, high median income.

We shed tears along the way. We shed tears especially together in the days after that horrible mass shooting at Virginia Tech that killed 32 people from beautiful 19-year-old students to 70-plus-year- old Romanian-born Holocaust survivors, and we shed tears and held each other up, but afterwards we rolled up our sleeves and we fixed the loophole in the background record check system so that we could make our commonwealth safer. And we got have to do that in the nation. (APPLAUSE)

We invested in our people expanding pre-K and higher ed., because we all know in this room that education is the key to all we want to be, all we want to be.

(APPLAUSE)

And now I have the honor of representing my commonwealth in the U.S. Senate. I work on the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees to keep us safe at home and strong in the world.

(APPLAUSE)

I work on the Budget Committee with our great Democratic leader of that committee, a spectacular senator who used to be a mayor, Vermonts Bernie Sanders.

(APPLAUSE)

CROWD: Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!

KAINE: And, everybody, we all should feel the Bern and we all should not want to get burned by the other guy.

(APPLAUSE)

On that Budget Committee under Bernies leadership, we fight for investments in education, health care, research, transportation. And I also serve on the Aging Committee to make sure that seniors like my folks have a secure retirement and dont get targeted by rip-off artists who will scam them out of their savings or overcharge them for prescription drugs.

(APPLAUSE)

Can I tell you a funny thing about the Senate? Can I tell you a funny thing about the Senate?

(APPLAUSE)

That sounds like a yes. I spend a lot of time with Republican senators who, once they have made sure that nobody is listening, will tell you how fantastic a senator that Hillary Clinton was.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, look, this journey that Ive told you about has convinced me, has convinced me over and over again that God has created in our country a beautiful and rich tapestry, an incredible cultural diversity that succeeds when we embrace everybody in love and battle back against the forces, the dark forces of division.

KAINE: We are all neighbors. And we must love neighbors as ourselves.

(APPLAUSE)

Now Hillary Clinton and I are companeros de alma.

(APPLAUSE)

And we share this basic belief, its simple. Do all the good you can and serve one another. Pretty simple. Pretty simple.

(APPLAUSE)

That is what Im about. That is what you are about. That is what Bernie Sanders is about. That is what Joe and Jill Biden are about. That is what Barack and Michelle Obama are about. And that is what Hillary Clinton is about.

(APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE: Si se puede!

KAINE: Si se puede, si se puede, si se puede.

(APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE: Si se puede! Si se puede! Si se puede!

KAINE: Yes we can. Yes we can. Yes we can.

Hey, last week, last week in Cleveland we heard a lot about trust. So lets talk about trust. Lets talk about trust. I want to tell you why I trust Hillary Clinton.

(APPLAUSE)

First, shes consistent. She has battled to put kids and families first since she was a teenager. In good times and bad. In victory and defeat. In and out of office.

Through hell or high water, fighting for underprivileged kids working at the Childrens Defense Fund. Fighting to get health insurance for 8 million low-income children when she was first lady. Fighting for the well-being of women and children around the world. Hey, can offer you a little tip? When you want to know something about the character of somebody in public life, look to see if they have a passion that began long before they were in office, and that they have consistently held it throughout their career.

(APPLAUSE)

Do they have a passion? Did it start before they were in office? Have they held on to it consistently? Folks, Hillary has a passion for kids and families.

(APPLAUSE)

Donald Trump has a passion too, its himself.

(APPLAUSE)

And with Hillary, it is not just words, its accomplishments. She delivers. As senator, after 9/11 I got my New Yorkers right here and my Virginians right here. She battled  she battled congressional Republicans to care for the first responders who went in to the Towers, who went in to the Pentagon and saved the victims of those terrorist attacks.

As secretary of state, she implemented tough sanctions against Iran to pave the way for a diplomatic breakthrough to curtail a nuclear weapons program. And she wasnt afraid, she wasnt afraid. She was not afraid to stand up against thugs and dictators, and as a key part of the Obama national security team, they decided to go to the ends of the earth to wipe out Osama bin Laden.

(APPLAUSE)

Hey, do you all remember Carla (ph), the little girl that we heard from on Monday night, who was worried that her parents would be deported? Carla said she trusts Hillary to keep them together.

(APPLAUSE)

And do you remember the Mothers of the Movement last night?

(APPLAUSE)

They said they trust Hillary to keep other mothers sons and daughters safe.

And on a personal level, as he is serving our nation abroad, I trust Hillary Clinton with our sons life.

(APPLAUSE)

Now you know who I dont trust? Hmm, I wonder. Donald Trump. Donald Trump. Trump is a guy who promises a lot but, you may have noticed, he has got a way of saying the same two words every time he makes his biggest, hugest promises.

Believe me. Its going to be great, believe me. We are going to build a wall and make Mexico pay for, believe me.

(LAUGHTER)

We are going to destroy ISIS so fast, believe me.

(LAUGHTER)

There is nothing suspicious and my tax returns, believe me.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

By the way, does anybody in this massive auditorium believe that Donald Trump has been paying his fair share of taxes?

AUDIENCE: No!

KAINE: Does anybody here believe that Trump ought to release his tax returns just like every other presidential candidate in modern history?

(APPLAUSE)

Of course he should. Hey, Donald, what are you hiding? And yet, Donald still says, believe me. Believe me.

Believe me? Believe me? I mean, heres the thing, most people when they run for president, they dont just say, believe me, they respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done.

(APPLAUSE)

I mean, that is what most people who run for president do. In fact, you can go on hillaryclinton.com right now and find out exactly how she will make the biggest investment in new jobs in a generation.

How she will defend and build on Wall Street reform. How she will reform our immigration system to create a path to citizenship. How she will make it possible to graduate from college debt-free.

You can see how she will protect Roe V. Wade, guarantee equal pay for women, and make paid family leave a reality.

(APPLAUSE)

KAINE: All it takes is one click. All it takes is one click. And we can see how she will do it, how she will pay for it, and how we will benefit by it.

Not Donald Trump. Not Donald Trump. He never tells you how he is going to do any of the things he says he will do. He just says, believe me.

(LAUGHTER)

So heres the question, heres the question, do you really believe him?

AUDIENCE: No!

KAINE: I mean, Donald Trumps whole career says you had better not. Small contractors, companies just like my dads believed him, believed him when he said that he would pay them to build a casino in Atlantic City.

They do the work. They hung the drywall. They poured the concrete. But a year after opening, Trump filed for bankruptcy, he walked away with millions, and they got pennies on the dollar.

Some of them went out of business. All because they believed Donald Trump.

(BOOING)

Retirees and families in Florida, they believed Donald Trump when he said that he would build up some condos. Thousands of them. They paid their deposits but the condos, they were never built. He just pocketed their money and walked away.

They lost tens of thousands of dollars all because they believed Donald Trump. Charity after charity believed Donald Trump when he said they would contribute to them. And thousands of Trump University students believed Donald Trump when he said he would help them succeed.

They got stiffed.

(BOOING)

He says, believe me. Well, his creditors, his contractors, his laid-off employees, and his ripped-off students did just that and they all got hurt.

Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth.

(APPLAUSE)

Not one word. Not one word. Not one word.

AUDIENCE: Not one word! Not one word! Not one word!

KAINE: And I will tell you, and I will tell you, to me, it just seems like our nation, it is just too great to put in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting one-man wrecking crew.

(APPLAUSE)

But dont take it from me, dont take it from me. Take it from former first lady Barbara Bush. Barbara Bush said she doesnt know how any woman could vote for him after his offensive comments about women.

(APPLAUSE)

Any woman. Any woman. Or John McCains chief economic adviser during the 08 race, who estimates that Donald Trumps promises would cause America to lose 3.5 million jobs.

Or the independent analysts who found that Trumps tax plan given to the wealthy and the biggest corporations would rack up $30 trillion in debt.

Or how about this? How about this? John Kasich, the Republican governor who had the honor of hosting the Republican Convention in Cleveland, but he wouldnt even attend it because he thinks Donald Trump is such a moral disaster.

(APPLAUSE)

Or take it from the guy who co-wrote Donald Trumps autobiography, here is what he said about Trump, quote, lying is second nature to him. So do you believe him?

AUDIENCE: No!

KAINE: I dont know, how about on this side, do you guys believe him?

AUDIENCE: No!

KAINE: I mean, do you guys believe him?

AUDIENCE: No!

KAINE: Is there anyone in this building who believes him?

AUDIENCE: No!

KAINE: The next president will face many challenges, we had better elect a candidate who has proven she can be trusted with the job.

(APPLAUSE)

The candidate who has proven that she is ready for the job. And when I say ready, I use ready for a specific reason. When I lived in Honduras, I learned something. The best compliment that you could pay to somebody was to say that they were listo. Ready. Not inteligente, smart. Not amable, friendly. Not rico, rich. But listo, listo.

Because what listo means in Spanish is this, it means prepared, it means battle-tested, it means rock solid, up for anything, never backing down. And, friends, Hillary Clinton, she is listo!

(APPLAUSE)

Hillary Clinton is listo.

(APPLAUSE) She is ready. She is ready, she is ready because of her faith. She is because of her heart. She is ready because of her experience. And she is ready because she knows that in America, we are stronger when we are together.

(APPLAUSE)

My fellow Democrats, this week we start the next chapter in our great and proud story. Thomas disclaimed all men were equal and Abigail remembered the women. Woodrow brokered the peace and Eleanor broke down the barriers. Jack told us what to ask and Lyndon answered the call.

Martin had a dream and Cesar y Dolores said si se puede. And Harvey gave his life. Bill, Bill built a bridge into the 21st Century and Barack gave us hope. And now Hillary is ready! She is ready to fight! She is ready to win! And she is ready to lead!

God bless all of you, onto victory. And thank you, Philadelphia!

(APPLAUSE)
By Ian Simpson

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Reuters) - Joe Mann has lived in the exclusive Kingsmill gated community in Williamsburg, Virginia, for more than 30 years and he's not shy about voicing his opinion when it comes to his newest neighbor: would-be presidential assassin John Hinckley.

"I think it's foolhardy; I think it's not justifiable," Mann, 75, a retired executive, said on Wednesday, hours after a federal judge ruled that Hinckley could be released from a psychiatric hospital to live with his 90-year-old mother at Kingsmill.

"If you look at it logically as a risk-reward ratio, the reward is only to him. The risk is to everyone else."

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said in Washington Hinckley, who wounded U.S. President Ronald Reagan and three others in 1981 in an assassination attempt born of his obsession with actress Jodie Foster, no longer posed a danger to the public now that his psychosis was in remission. [L1N1AD0OF]

Williamsburg, with a population of approximately 15,000, is perhaps best known for the historical tourism site Colonial Williamsburg. The city is home to the College of William & Mary, one of the oldest schools in the United States.

Hinckley, now 61, has gotten to know Williamsburg over the past decade, since Friedman began allowing him to take increasingly long furloughs from a government psychiatric hospital in Washington to his mother's home. He has completed more than 80 unsupervized visits with his family, according to the judge.

Hinckley was permitted several hours of free time to explore the city, although he was under surveillance by the U.S. Secret Service and required to keep a cell phone with him that could be tracked.

He started volunteering two days a week at the library of Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg in 2012 and later worked in its cafeteria. He obtained his drivers license and began using his mothers car to get around.

According to court documents, Hinckley has engaged in community activities in an effort to socialize, including bowling at a local alley, attending lectures and concerts and exercising at a community center.

Story continues

He connected with a local chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, where he has befriended others with psychiatric illness.

However, many in the city have resisted his approaches. He failed to secure employment or volunteer work at several places, including a grocery store, a law library and an organization that helps disabled adults, according to a letter from the hospital to the judge in December 2014.

In each case, the hospital said, administrators expressed concern about safety or about the negative public perception that Hinckley might bring.

Ken White, 55, a communications professor at William and Mary, was surprised at the idea of Hinckley living in his town.

"I would think that if you shot a United States president you wouldn't ever be out of prison," White said.

A security guard at the gate of the compound, where Hinckley's future home overlooks the 14th tee of Kingsmill's River Course, turned a reporter away on Wednesday.

Laura Kaplan, a 23-year-old a bookkeeper, said the town would likely be a good place for someone with Hinckley's history to put his past behind him.

"Williamsburg would be a nice quiet place to put somebody if you had to put somebody someplace," Kaplan said as she carried groceries out of a supermarket across the street from Kingsmill.

"Honestly, it doesn't bother me."

(Writing and additional reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone and Paul Tait)
Aden (AFP) - Yemen's government said Thursday that peace talks underway since April had ended without agreement after Shiite rebels and their allies formed a 10-member "supreme council" to run the war-torn nation.

"The negotiations have completely ended," said Abdullah al-Olaimi, deputy director of the Yemeni president's office and a member of the government team to the UN-brokered talks being held in Kuwait.

"We have participated and exercised patience for the sake of our people and we end the negotiations for their sake," Olaimi said on his Twitter account.

In Riyadh, President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government said the rebels had "fired the bullet of mercy" killing off the talks.

UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the rebels' move "contravenes" their commitment to the peace process and "represents a grave violation" of UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

The Shiite Huthi rebels and the General People's Congress of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh earlier announced the formation of "a supreme political council of 10 members".

They did not name the council's members.

"The aim is to unify efforts to confront the aggression by Saudi Arabia and its allies," they said in reference to the Riyadh-led Arab coalition that launched a military campaign against the rebels in March 2015 in support of Hadi.

The job of the council would be to "manage state affairs politically, militarily, economically, administratively, socially and in security".

Ould Cheikh Ahmed who has been brokering 100 days of talks aimed at a peaceful settlement condemned the move without formally announcing the collapse of negotiations.

"This is a clear violation of the Yemeni constitution" as well as Resolution 2216, he said in a statement released in Kuwait.

The resolution calls on the Huthis to withdraw from territories they occupied in 2014, to hand over their arms and return state institutions to the legitimate government.

Story continues

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi said the rebels' announcement amounted to a "new coup".

The rebels have "missed an opportunity for peace which the Yemeni people needed", Mikhlafi said on his Twitter account.

"We call on the international community to condemn the new coup against the constitutional legitimacy and hold the Huthi-Saleh alliance responsible" for the failure of the talks, he said.

The rebels overran Sanaa in September 2014 and expanded their control to other parts of Yemen.

In February last year, they had set up a "Supreme Revolutionary Council" to run the country after they announced the dissolution of the government and parliament.

UN-sponsored talks between the rebels and representatives of Hadi's government, which began on April 21, have failed to make headway.

The negotiations were launched after the United Nations secured an agreement on a ceasefire in the war-torn country.

- Government main stumbling block -

The main stumbling block at the talks in Kuwait has been the form of the government in Sanaa.

The Hadi government backed by Saudi Arabia say that he is the legitimate head of state and should preside over a transitional period in the country.

But the rebels insist on forming a national unity government to oversee the transition.

More than 6,400 people have been killed in Yemen since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of Hadi's government.

Another 2.8 million people have been displaced and more than 80 percent of the population urgently needs humanitarian aid, according to UN figures.
* Renault cost savings slow to 6 mln euros

* Carmaker still hits record 6.1 pct margin

* Diesel fallout swells R&D spending (Adds company, analyst comments, details, background)

By Laurence Frost and Gilles Guillaume

PARIS, July 28 (Reuters) - Renault made little progress towards promised cost savings in the first half of the year, the French carmaker said on Thursday, although a revamp of its model range helped it achieve record profitability.

Renault's grip on costs weakened in the final straight of a three-year productivity drive under Carlos Ghosn, who also heads alliance partner Nissan, with improvements to Renault diesel engines raising research and development (R&D) spending.

Productivity savings all but evaporated to just 6 million euros in the first six months, even as net income rose 8.8 percent to 1.5 billion euros ($1.74 billion) on 25.19 billion in revenue, which was up by 13.5 percent.

"This low level is mainly explained by R&D and some costs related to our product cadence," finance chief Clotilde Delbos told analysts following the results.

The costs setback overshadowed a strong sales performance, sending Renault shares 2.3 percent lower at 0810 GMT. The company is reaping the rewards of a product offensive that has seen all major model lines updated, helping it outpace demand in most global markets and overtake rival PSA Group as Europe's second-biggest carmaker.

Renault's operating profit rose 41 percent to 1.54 billion euros, lifting its operating margin from 4.9 percent to 6.1 percent, its highest under current accounting standards. Profit at the core automotive division was up 65 percent, for a 4.7 percent margin.

Operating profit beat analysts' expectations of 1.39 billion euros at group level and 958 million for the auto division, based on the median of 10 estimates in a Reuters poll.

Renault shares fell, reflecting worries that it may struggle to achieve 1.8 billion euros of savings pledged for 2014-16.

"The lack of cost savings is a big concern," said one London-based analyst.

Story continues

With 350 million euros in cuts still to be found by year end, CFO Delbos acknowledged it would be close. "You should not bet on a (productivity gain) that will be higher than 350 for the full year," she said.

R&D costs also increased by 115 million euros partly as a result of "diesel consequences", second-in-command Thierry Bollore said. Rival automaker Volkswagen reported on Thursday that profit at its VW brand had fallen by more than a third following the German company's diesel emissions scandal.

Renault is struggling to meet tightening engine standards, while scrambling to patch excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from some existing models.

On Wednesday, the Renault board cut CEO Ghosn's bonus by 20 percent this year after a shareholder vote against his pay package.

Renault's product offensive has improved pricing, which delivered an 800 million euro boost to first-half revenue, and helped it weather brutal downturns in Russia and Latin America.

Renault said it still planned to inject more capital into Russia's Avtovaz, the troubled maker of Lada cars controlled by Renault-Nissan, and consolidate its accounts by year end.

($1 = 0.9034 euros)

(Editing by Alexander Smith)
Paris (AFP) - French carmaker Renault said it would cut chief executive Carlos Ghosn's pay after a spat with shareholders that saw the government threaten to change the law.

The company will cut the variable part of Ghosn's salary by 20 percent, change how it is calculated and cap it at 180 percent of his fixed salary.

The council said the CEO's pay packet was "consistent" with his peers in the industry and pointed to Renault's strong results last year, when earnings rose almost 50 percent.

The automobile giant's shareholders rejected Ghosn's 2015 pay packet of 7.25 million euros ($8 million) at a meeting in April, but the board ignored the vote and rubber-stamped his salary anyway.

The French government, which owns a fifth of the company's shares, threatened to step in if the board refused to reconsider the package.

"If it does not... in the next few weeks, we will be forced to legislate," Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron told parliament, without elaborating.

The shareholders' rejection was the first since France brought in new "say on pay" laws in 2013, and comes at a time of growing anger at managers' generous remuneration.

Senior executives at many of France's top companies, including Peugeot-Citroen, Alstom and Sanofi, have all faced strong criticism for increasing their pay while ordinary workers are losing their jobs.

In October, an angry mob of activists ripped the shirt off of Air France's human resources chief after chasing him out of a meeting about restructuring proposals at the troubled airline.

Beside this year's pay cut, Ghosn also told the board he will donate one million euros a year from his salary to the company's foundation.
Paris (AFP) - Renault on Thursday posted a 7.5 percent increase in net profit in the first half, a result the French automaker said was a record in terms of profitability.

Net profit came in at 1.5 billion euros ($1.66 billion) on sales of 25.2 billion euros, up 13.5 percent, as strong sales of new car models kicked in.

"Success of our new models, our regional diversification and the efforts of all our employees have allowed the group to set a new record for its first half operating margin and to have confidence in the outlook for the full year", the company's chairman Carlos Ghosn said in a statement.

Renault's operating margin was 6.1 percent of sales, an increase of 1.2 points over the same period last year.

For the full year, Renault is targeting higher sales, a better operating margin than in 2015 and a positive free cash flow from the automobile division, it said.

The French group does, however, now expect the world's automobile market to provide a less favourable environment than previously thought, with global car market growth now estimated at 1.7 percent this year, down 0.3 points from Renault's previous estimate.

The Brazilian car market is expected to decline by 15 to 20 percent and Russia by 12 percent, but China and India are both expected to rise.

Renault's home market France is likely to expand by five percent, as is the rest of Europe.

Car exports to Algeria will be negatively affected by that country's recent trade barriers, finance relations director Thierry Huon said in a conference call.

The British car market saw a peak early in 2016 and is likely to soften over the remainder of the year, finance director Clotilde Delbos said, adding that this had little to do with Britain's decision to leave the EU.

"As far as volumes are concerned, it is much too early to say what the impact of Brexit will be," she said. "We had already been expecting a market that would probably come off the highs seen in recent months."

Renault's shareholding in alliance partner Nissan contributed 749 million euros to profits, while Russia's Avtovaz weighed in with 75 million.

Delbos confirmed Renault's plan to help recapitalise struggling Avtovaz by year-end, which she said will give Renault a majority stake in the Russian car maker as well as its parent company.
After delivering positive earnings surprises for five straight quarters, Rent-A-Center, Inc. RCII succumbed to a miss in the second quarter of 2016, which also marked the companys fourth consecutive sales miss. Moreover, both top and bottom lines declined year over year. The dismal quarterly results caused shares of the company to plunge 14.4% in the after-market trading session yesterday.



The rent-to-own operators quarterly adjusted earnings of 41 cents a share fell 18% short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate and the year-ago figure of 50 cents. On a GAAP basis, the company reported earnings of 19 cents per share compared with 43 cents delivered in the year-ago quarter.



Consolidated total revenue tumbled 8.1% to $749.6 million in the reported quarter, owing to a decline witnessed across the Core U.S., Acceptance Now and Mexico segments, somewhat compensated by enhanced revenue from the Franchising segment. Revenues also came in below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $786.2 million.



Comparable-store sales (comps) for the quarter dropped 4.9%, reflecting respective year-over-year declines of 6.7% and 1.5% in the Core U.S. and Acceptance Now segments, partly offset by a 13% jump noted at the Mexico segment. Notably, however, comps had improved 1.4%, 31.6% and 12% across the Core U.S., Acceptance Now and Mexico segments, respectively, in the year-ago period.



RENT-A-CENTER Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

RENT-A-CENTER Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | RENT-A-CENTER Quote

Delving Deeper



Revenue from the Acceptance Now segment dipped 0.5% from the prior-year quarter figure to $199.5 million, attributable to troubles faced by the oil industry affected regions coupled with managements excess concentration on boosting profitable sales.



Revenue from the Core U.S. segment slumped 10.6% to $530.6 million, owing to continued store base rationalization and dismal comps. Comps at this segment were adversely impacted by the accelerated point of sale system rollout, persistent sluggishness across the computers and tablets categories, headwinds across the oil-impacted markets and continued smartphones recast.



The Mexico segments revenue came in at $13.3 million, down 18.5% year over year  attributable to foreign currency headwinds and store closures. Finally, total Franchising revenue surged 22.5% to $6.2 million during the quarter.



Rent-A-Centers adjusted operating profit decreased 15.4% to $46.4 million, while adjusted operating margin contracted 50 basis points to 6.2%. Adjusted EBITDA fell 10.7% to $67.2 million, whereas adjusted EBITDA margin shriveled 20 basis points to 9%.



Store Update



During the quarter, the company consolidated 174 Core U.S. locations with existing locations and closed 10 locations, bringing the total store count to 2,478. The company also opened 50 Acceptance Now Staffed stores, consolidated 108 stores with existing locations, and converted 4 stores to Acceptance Now Direct, thus taking the total count to 1,374 Acceptance Now Staffed stores. There were 545 Acceptance Now Direct stores at the end of the quarter, after taking into account 42 Acceptance Now Direct stores opened, 4 converted stores from Acceptance Now Staffed, 27 stores closed and 526 locations at the beginning of the quarter.



In Mexico, the store count at the end of the quarter was 129, while Rent-A-Center Franchising (a wholly owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center) introduced 1 store during the quarter, taking its quarter-end store count to 228.



Other Financial Aspects



Rent-A-Center, which shares space with McGrath Rentcorp MGRC, AeroCentury Corp. ACY and Aaron's, Inc. AAN, ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $88.2 million, net senior debt of $187.9 million, and shareholders equity of $502.5 million.



During the first half of 2016, the company generated $303.1 million as cash from operations, while it made capital expenditures of $28.2 million during the same time frame. Further, the company lowered its outstanding debt balance by $20.5 million in the second quarter, bringing its Consolidated Leverage Ratio to 2.37x as of Jun 30, 2016.



This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company also declared a quarterly dividend of 8 cents per share in the reported quarter, which was paid on Jul 21, 2016.



Guidance



Following the murky performance, management lowered its previously issued outlook for 2016. The company now anticipates Core U.S. revenue to decrease in the band of 8.5%11.5% with comps decline expected in a range of 5%8%. Management had earlier projected Core U.S. revenue to fall 4%6% in 2016, impacted by a comps decline of 1%3%. Rent-A-Center now projects Acceptance Now revenue between $805$835million, down from the previous guidance range of $850$900 million for the full year.



Based on these expectations, management envisions 2016 earnings per share to range from $1.65$1.85. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is currently pegged at $2.05, which may witness a revision following the companys results.



While the companys outlook is disappointing, management remains impressed with its productivity enhancements, improved leverage ratio and solid Mexico profitability. Further, the company remains optimistic about the Acceptance Now pipeline, considering the progress made on it.



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Madrid (AFP) - Spain's oil giant Repsol said Thursday that its net profit fell 30 percent in the second quarter, with asset sales failing to compensate for restructuring costs.

The 205 million euros ($228 million) in net earnings was way below the 341 million euros expected by analysts surveyed by Factset.

Net profit for the first half of the year came in at 639 million euros, a drop of 39 percent from the same period in 2015.

The company explained the drop with restructuring charges as well as unfavourable exchange rate changes.

In October, the company unveiled a five-year plan to sell 6.2 billion euros of non-strategic assets and cut investments by as much as 38 percent. It also said it would shed 1,500 positions, or six percent of its workforce, by 2018.

The sales of GLP in Peru and British offshore wind farms failed to compensate for the restructuring costs.

However Repsol said its upstream production activities were profitable in the first half of the year, earning 63 million euros, and average daily output rose by 60 percent at its fields in Venezuela and Brazil.

Repsol's shares fell 1.8 percent in morning trading to 11.44 euros while Madrid's IBEX 35 was down 0.3 percent.
Belgrade (AFP) - Little more than a quarter-century ago, Yugoslav rockers sold millions of records, went on mega-tours and the country's vibrant musical press breathlessly followed every album, band bust-up and reunion.

Today, to the sorrow of its ageing followers, this small but rich seam of world music is no more.

A once-dynamic industry has ebbed away, a victim of the breakup that saw the Yugoslav Federation disintegrate bloodily into seven states.

Petar Janjatovic is author of the "YU Rock Encyclopedia" -- an almanac of the glory days.

He points to the fate of the band Zabranjeno Pusenje ("No smoking"), as the emblem of what happened.

Rock bands that, before, had a happy mix of Croats, Serbs and Bosnians found themselves breaking apart along ethnic lines as claims of loyalty weighed upon them.

Once based in Sarajevo, the Zabranjeno Pusenje split -- with one band continuing in Zagreb and another in Belgrade... and both of them playing under the same name.

"This group is a metaphor of Yugoslavia's dissolution. Two friends who grew up together and were separated by the war," Janjatovic says.

Zabranjeno Pusenje guitarist Davor Sucic, nicknamed Seyo Sexon, who left for Zagreb, contends the bustup had "nothing to do with religion, ideology or nationalism... we disagreed on how to continue".

In Belgrade, his former buddy Nenad Jankovic, nicknamed Dr Nele Karajlic, prefers to remain silent.

- Dawn of 'YU rock' -

Rock bloomed in Yugoslavia thanks to a unique twist of history.

In the Soviet bloc, Western music was frowned upon by Communist regimes as decadent or subversive.

But Tito's Yugoslavia, while also communist and ruled with an iron fist, was eager to present itself as more liberal and more humane.

"It tolerated the development of rock," says Dragan Kremer, a prominent music critic at the time.

In 1972, Goran Bregovic and his progressive rock group Bijelo Dugme ("White Button") set down the foundations YU rock.

Story continues

Their debut album "Kad bi' bio bijelo dugme" ("If I Were a White Button") was a huge success, propelling the band to Led Zeppelin-like stardom at local level.

"It was a revolutionary phenomenon. Its impact was massive," recalls Sinisa Skarica, the group's producer at the time.

In 1977, Bregovic made a brilliant move by staging a free open-air concert Belgrade's Kosutnjak forest. As many as 100,000 people showed up -- it became known as the "Yugoslav Woodstock" -- and YU rock was born.

At their zenith, Skarica's Zagreb-based production company Jugoton and its Belgrade rival PGP RTS cranked out more than a million and a half records monthly, in a country of just 20 million people.

"We were playing 200-250 gigs a year," recalls Misa Aleksic, bassist with the Serbian group Riblja Corba ("Fish Soup").

"Sometimes, you even forgot which town you were in," says the group's frontman Bora Djordjevic.

Tito's death in 1980 did not mean the end for YU rock. Quite the contrary: the demise of the Communist strongman was followed by a rise in raucous anti-establishment sounds.

Elektricni Orgazam, Elvis J. Kurtovich Idoli, Sarlo Akrobata, Azra, Film, Prljavo Kazaliste... their names may have little resonance outside the Balkans, but within Yugoslavia, their music was a new wave -- a swipe at musical and sometimes political convention.

Loyalties were sometimes fiercely local, with bands such as Partibrejkers in Belgrade, Haustor in Zagreb and an autonomous movement in Sarajevo which was called "the new primitives."

"It was the golden age of Yugoslav rock," Skarica says simply.

- Twilight -

But Tito's death also unleashed the forces of nationalism. Musicians watched helplessly as the Yugoslav federation began to strain and then fall apart.

In July 1991, as war flared in Croatia, some of the top bands launched a desperate appeal for peace at a concert in Sarajevo. Their bid was in vain: over the next decade, 130,000 people would die and millions would flee their homes.

"I don't think that we could have prevented" the federation's breakup, said Aleksic. "We are only musicians."

From then on, the fate of YU rock was sealed. In a region riven by ethnic violence and hatreds, youthful optimism had evaporated.

Many ex-Yugoslav rock musicians found refuge abroad, such as Branimir Stulic, the frontman of Zagreb-based Azra, Dusan Kojic Koja of Belgrade's Disciplina Kicme and Bregovic himself.

But there were also some, like the band Prljavo Kazaliste in Zagreb or Galija in Belgrade, who joined nationalist elites.

Today, YU rock musicians are playing the nostalgia market, but the scars of the 1990s wars are deep.

For many, playing in a neighbouring state that is a former enemy is out of the question.

"We do not play any more in Croatia and in the Croatian-Muslim part of Bosnia," Djordjevic said.

"We don't think it's moral to make money in those regions. We were not playing marbles, we were at war."
To mark the opening day of its Summer Studio in Sardinia, Rolls-Royce treated its invited guests to the unveiling of not one, but two bespoke cars.

Inspired by Porto Cervo marina, on the Costa Smerelda, one of the world's most exclusive summer holiday destinations, and the location where Rolls-Royce is thanking its most valued clients for their continued loyalty, the two cars, a Dawn drop head and a Wraith coupe collectively entitled Dusk until Dawn,' are a showcase for the marque's bespoke talents.

"Patrons of our marque delight in inhabiting some of the world's most beautiful enclaves," said Isobel Dando, General Manager, Future Retail, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "The stunning Bespoke Wraith and emerald embellished Dawn, inspired by the sights and colors of Porto Cervo, have been commissioned in the spirit that so many of our customers delight in."

For the one-off Wraith, Rolls-Royce used a two-tone sliver exterior finish to perfectly reflect the changing light as the sun sets and the day moves towards dusk.

Inside, a twilight color palate has been used for dressing the interior. The seats are finished in a rich purple ostrich leather while the wooden veneers and marquetry features slate greys and shades of black as well as mid and dark brown tones.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn takes the surrounding seascape as its exterior inspiration. It is finished in a vibrant emerald green with a subtly contrasting seashell and green leather interior.

Teak wood, like that used on the decks of the most exclusive yachts, has been used for not just the tourneau cover that shields the roof when not in use, but also to create a trunk floor mat.

The final touch is a dashboard fascia that features real emeralds and mother of pearl set into white gold.

However, the bespoke reveals will not be confined to cars. One of the clients invited to this year's summer studio is world-renowned tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta. He was given access to the Rolls-Royce studio during the cars' development and has used them, along with the Sardinia surroundings, as inspiration for two tattooed Rolls-Royce headrests.

"The designs I have created for Rolls-Royce evoke the emotion experienced by observing this magical place from the harbor of Promenade du Port," Coppoletta said.
Former President Ronald Reagan's daughter, Patti Davis, shared an emotional open letter on Wednesday addressing the release of her father's would-be assassin, John Hinckley, Jr., from a government psychiatric hospital.

"I'm not surprised by this latest development, but my heart is sickened," Davis wrote on her website. "When my father was lying in a hospital bed recovering from the gunshots that nearly killed him, he said, 'I know my ability to heal depends on my willingness to forgive John Hinckley.' I too believe in forgiveness. But forgiving someone in your heart doesn't mean that you let them loose in Virginia to pursue whatever dark agendas they may still hold dear."

NEWS: Reagan Shooter John Hinckley Jr. Released to Home Stay

Hinckley, who shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981, will be released no sooner than Aug. 5 from the St. Elizabeth's mental hospital in Washington, D.C.,where he has been in treatment since the shooting, according to CBS News.

Davis went on to criticize Hinckley's lawyers and team of doctors that believe "his psychosis and depression have been in remission for decades and his narcissistic personality disorder has lessened ... quite a feat since narcissistic personality disorder is considered incurable."

Hinckley, 61, will be sent to live with his mother in Williamsburg, Virginia, and must carry a GPS enabled phone whenever he is away from his mother's home, but no tracking devices will be installed in his cars. He must also notify his treatment team before going to any private residences.

PHOTOS: Stars We've Lost in Recent Years

"I will forever be haunted by a drizzly March afternoon when my father almost died, when Jim Brady lay in a pool of blood and two other men -- Thomas Delahanty and Timothy McCarthy -- were gravely wounded," Davis, 63, continued. "If John Hinckley is haunted by anything, I think it's that he didn't succeed in his mission to assassinate the President."

Story continues

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute also weighed in on the recent ruling on Wednesday.

"John Hinckley is responsible for the shooting of President Reagan and three other brave men," read a statement released by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, obtained by ET. "One died two years ago from the wounds he received. Contrary to the judge's decision, we believe John Hinckley is still a threat to others and we strongly oppose his release. They are all lives that matter dearly to us."

Related Articles


Datuk Rosyam Nor is already planning to star in another Tamil film.





28 Jul  Respected Malaysian actor, Datuk Rosyam Nor is not offended that his role in the Rajinikanth film, "Kabali" was criticised by a local producer for being too minor.



Datuk Rosyam says that people might have misunderstood the scale of the role that he played in the movie due to the amount of publicity he received.



"I am not blaming anyone, especially the fans who felt disappointed after watching the movie. I am also not offended with what the local producer has said as he has a right to criticise."



"When I am criticised, it means that people love my talent and they know my potential," he said according to Harian Metro.



The 49-year-old actor explained his involvement in the film as one to gain experience from as it was an international production.



He added that the film was the first time that he had gotten a chance like this therefore he would definitely not pass up on the opportunity.



Rosyam was also thankful that he was able to have a fight scene with Rajinikanth.



Meanwhile, his involvement in "Kabali" has opened more doors for the actor as he will be involved in another international Tamil film next.



(Photo Source: Datuk Rosyam Nor Instagram)
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaking at the Republican National Convention on July 18 in Cleveland. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani derided the Democratic National Convention for allegedly fanning the flames of resentment and hatred for law enforcement in the United States.

In an appearance on Fox & Friends Thursday, Giuliani called the gathering the most anti-police and the most anti-law-enforcement convention that he has ever seen.

There was not a uniformed police officer allowed on the convention floor. I was told that by four high-ranking Philadelphia police officers, two of whom Ive known for a very long time, he continued. And then I walked the floor two nights  couldnt find a single uniformed police officer. Go look at your footage: You find me a uniform. Hillary Clinton didnt want uniformed police officers on the convention floor.

Its worth noting that Pittsburgh police Chief Cam McLay addressed the DNC on Tuesday.

In many ways, Giulianis condemnations of the Democratic Party in TV appearances this week have been a continuation of his impassioned speech on July 18 at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, where he discussed making America safe again.

Giuliani was widely credited with helping to reduce violent crime in New York in part by hiring William Bratton as the citys police commissioner. They shared a belief in the broken windows theory, which maintains that stomping out small crimes like vandalism helps to prevent the sort of lawless atmosphere thats conducive to more serious crimes. Lately, Giuliani is especially critical of the recent Black Lives Matter movement, which he has called inherently racist.

Republican nominee Donald Trump, whom Giuliani portrayed in his RNC speech as tough on crime, stepped into yet another controversy on Wednesday when he encouraged Russian intelligence to find the thousands of emails that Clinton has deleted.

Giuliani defended the GOP candidate on CNNs New Day Thursday morning by saying Trump was merely joking.

He was telling a joke. When he got off the plane, he tweeted out the emails should be sent to the FBI. He was joking around, Giuliani said.

Story continues

Related video:



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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has strengthened its southwestern flank as NATO builds up its military presence and Ukraine remains unstable, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday in remarks the United States called contrary to efforts to lower tensions. Moscow has deployed more air defense systems in the southwest and has also deployed a "self-sufficient" contingent of troops in Crimea, Shoigu told a meeting at the Defence Ministry broadcast on state television. "Since 2013 ... we have formed four divisions, nine brigades and 22 regiments," he said. "They include two missile brigades armed with Iskander missile complexes, which has allowed to boost fire power to destroy the potential adversary." Shoigu said "terrorist" groups were also active in the North Caucasus. John Kirby, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said Washington had seen the comments and "if true, we believe that this would appear to run counter to ongoing efforts to stop violence and de-escalate the tensions in eastern Ukraine." Kirby said the United States expected Moscow to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreement to halt the war in eastern Ukraine and the Vienna document that attempts to provide transparency about military movements in the region. He noted that the reports indicated the Russian buildup included troops in Crimea, which Moscow seized and later annexed. "Crimea is and always will remain part of Ukraine. We're not going to allow ... the borders of Europe to be redrawn at the barrel of a gun," Kirby said, calling for an "immediate end to the Russian occupation there." (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed in Washington; Writing by Dmitry Solovyov and David Alexander; Editing by Dan Grebler)
From Cosmopolitan

It's always a great day when Saint West comes out to play. On Tuesday, the 7-month-old joined his mother Kim Kardashian and big sister North in San Diego, where the majority of the Kardashian-Jenner clan celebrated Saint's great-grandmother Mary Jo Campbell's birthday (and a store opening). It seems that Saint has graduated from solid colors and moved on to camouflage prints. How cute are those camo shorts?

If the outfit is giving you pure joy and a feeling that you've seen this somewhere before, look no further than papa Kanye West's wardrobe. The camo apple does not fall far from the tree of Yeezy.

I'd like to think that Kanye and Saint often hang out in matching attire while inspiring each other to come up with new nursery rhymes (or regular rhymes). Kanye and Saint most recently stepped out in matching outfits in May, when the fam went to Cuba. Unfortunately, Kanye was not part of Tuesday's outing, but a camera crew from Keeping Up With the Kardashians was. I guess that means yet another must-watch KUWTK episode. What a blessing.

Follow Peggy on Twitter.
A bizarre new photo captured by NASA's Cassini spacecraft shows a strange bend in Saturn's two outermost rings.

The apparent bend in Saturn's A and F rings can be seen where the rings pass behind the planet. However, the rings aren't actually warped; light reflecting from them creates an optical illusion, NASA officials wrote in a statement on the new image on Monday (July 25).

The dazzling rings of Saturn are very bright. While the planet's upper atmosphere absorbs most of the light radiating from the rings, some of it passes through the atmosphere. This acts like a large lens, bending or refracting the light as it travels through space. That's why the rings appear warped in the new Cassini image, NASA officials explained in the statement.

This spectacular photo was taken on June 9 by Cassini's narrow-angle camera as the probe was flying at a distance of 1 million miles (1.8 million kilometers) from Saturn, though NASA ultimately released the image on July 25.

The Cassini spacecraft has been orbiting Saturn since 2004 and is a joint project led by NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency. For several years, Cassini cameras have captured marvelous photos of Saturn's ring system, as well as the planet's many moons. The probe is currently on the Cassini Solstice Mission, which will come to an end in September 2017.

Follow Samantha Mathewson @Sam_Ashley13. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.

Editor's Recommendations

Copyright 2016 SPACE.com, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Ray Dalio

People have been talking about Bridgewater Associates and its culture of surveillance for years, and in general it has been met with skepticism and derision.

That has been the case again over the last few days. The $154 billion investment firm helmed by Wall Street legend Ray Dalio has yet again been confronted with decidedly bad press about its corporate culture.

In a New York Times story published on Tuesday called "At World's Largest Hedge Fund, Sex, Fear and Video Surveillance," reporters detail the firm's efforts to squash a sexual harassment claim now making its way through the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Bridgewater called this story a "distortion of reality"  but only part of it. The firm has always proudly owned the part of its culture where everything is recorded, either on audio or video, in the name of what its founder calls "radical transparency."

According to the "principles" Dalio has also set out for the company, this is also supposed to encourage an environment in which people challenge each other's ideas and feel that there's an open dialogue.

Here's an example, from the New York Times report:

"It is routine for recordings of contentious meetings to be archived and later shown to employees as part of the companys policy of learning from mistakes. Several former employees recalled one video that Bridgewater showed to new employees that was of a confrontation several years ago between top executives including Mr. Dalio and a woman who was a manager at the time, who breaks down crying."

Dalio has argued that this allows problems and weaknesses to rise to the surface and be dealt with objectively.

To me, the use of this logic is even scarier than the surveillance itself.

In the last few years researchers have learned more and more about the powerful connection between surveillance and silence, minority opinions, and self-censorship. For that we can thank Edward Snowden, the former NSA employee who leaked details about Prism, a far-reaching clandestine surveillance program designed to ensnare terrorists.

Story continues

What the program's leak did was bring a crucial discussion about the nature of privacy in America  a discussion about what is and what is not acceptable within our values construct  to the the forefront of public discourse.

Had Bridgewater's culture been thrown into that conversation, it would have undoubtedly been judged outside of acceptable American privacy norms.

Bridgewater is not what we are; it's what millions of Americans fear we might become.

Silence scholarship

The selling point of the NSA's Prism program was simple  it's meant to keep us safe. In exchange for an invasion of privacy, Americans are supposed to believe that their lives may be spared from violence.

Yet according to Pew research, only 40% of Americans back the program. Being spied on is something we just don't like. Those that are OK with it, though, tend to take the "nothing to hide" argument. They don't care if the government is watching them because they don't care what the government sees.

This line of thinking was tackled in the San Diego Law Review in 2007 by DJ Solove. He said that people need privacy not because they have things they want to hide, but because they are concerned with "concealing information about themselves that others might use to their disadvantage."

That can include anything from when your kids will be with a babysitter to when you plan on going the dentist's for a root canal.

But again, 40% of Americans are willing to set this fear aside because they feel their lives are in danger. At Bridgewater, the rationale for surveillance is obviously thinner. It's sold as a part of a corporate culture  one that pays very handsomely.

More research tells us that this dedication to surveillance does not breed a culture of openness, but rather one of fear and suppression.

In a study published earlier this year called "Under Surveillance: Examining Facebooks Spiral of Silence Effects in the Wake of NSA Internet Monitoring," Elizabeth Stoycheff examined what surveillance does to speech.

"Theoretically, it adds a new layer of chilling effects to the spiral of silence," Stoycheff wrote. "This is the first study to provide empirical evidence that the governments online surveillance programs may threaten the disclosure of minority views and contribute to the reinforcement of majority opinion."

Asymmetrical information and asymmetrical power

Now consider the power dynamics at Bridgewater. Instead of the government watching you, it's your boss. Stoycheff's subjects silenced their opinions because they perceived there may be retaliation. But in reality, the government was/is far more disconnected from these people than, say, their employers.

Your employer can really mess with you.

Stoycheff's study found that people don't speak up for fear of two things. One is social isolation. Applied to Bridgewater, in the gentlest way, think of this as being afraid no one will hang out with you at the office holiday party.

The other fear is one Bridgewater can conjure far more easily than the government can.

"Fear of isolation, as traditionally measured, taps an individual's concern of being alienated from other members of society, but does not address fear of alienation or prosecution from the government. Csikszentmihalyi (1991) argues that social isolation is a minimal concern compared to material sanctions that government is capable of enacting, like losing one's job or instigating legal consequences," Stoycheff writes (emphasis ours).

It goes without saying that the powers that be at Bridgewater have their employee's livelihoods hanging directly in the balance. Legal consequences are also on the table. Radical transparency serves as a reminder that what is being said is also being judged, and judgments have consequences.

This is how fear, though it is often imperceptible to the naked eye, is silently passed from one person to another like a message sent through a cold tin can. This is fear dancing on an invisible wire, regulating every employee with the same subliminal message.

It says: "Do not speak unless you agree."

NOW WATCH: Billionaire private-equity CEO David Rubenstein says Britain will almost certainly go into a recession and the US may follow





More From Business Insider


PARIS (Reuters) - Electricity components and energy management group Schneider Electric (SCHN.PA) expects a slowdown in activity in Britain in the second half of the year, it said on Thursday after reporting better than expected first-half profit.

The company, which gets less than 4 percent of its sales in Britain, said it would adjust pricing, investments and the size of its team in the country as a result of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

"It's a bit too soon to say what exactly these adjustments will be," Chief Financial Officer Emmanuel Babeau told Reuters.

Schneider Electric reported on Thursday first half earnings before interest, tax, and amortisation of 1.57 billion euros (1.32 billion pounds), beating forecasts in a Reuters poll for 1.53 billion.

The company is focussing more on higher margin projects and said it now expected its adjusted EBITA margin to improve by between 60-90 basis points in 2016 before currency effects, against a previous growth target of 20-60 basis points.

It expects revenues to be flat on an organic basis.

(Reporting by Gilles Guillaume and Victoria Bryan; Editing by Andrew Callus)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said on Thursday it had frozen the assets of the operator of a Utah-based Ponzi scheme that raised more than $207 million from investors worldwide, mainly in the United States, India and Russia.

In a complaint filed in federal court in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, the SEC alleged that Traffic Monsoon LLC and Charles Scoville, its only member, falsely represented the company as a successful advertising firm, but raised more than 99 percent of its funds from new investors.

Scoville began Traffic Monsoon in October 2014 as a combination internet traffic exchange and pay-per-click program and signed up more than 162,000 investors globally, the federal regulator said in a statement.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel; Writing by Eric Walsh; Editing by Eric Beech)
By Chine Labbe and Michel Rose PARIS/SAINT-ETIENNE-DU-ROUVRAY, France (Reuters) - Police had been hunting the second teenager who killed a priest in a church in France this week after a foreign intelligence tip-off that a suspected jihadist might be preparing an attack, police and judicial sources said. The revelation is likely to further fuel criticism by opposition politicians that President Francois Hollande's Socialist government did not do enough to stop the pair given that they were both already known to intelligence services. They stormed a church service, forced a 85-year-old Roman Catholic priest to his knees at the altar and slit his throat. They were later shot and killed by police. Police had already identified 19-year-old Adel Kermiche as one of the attackers. He had made failed bids to reach Syria to wage jihad, wore an electronic bracelet and was awaiting trial for alleged membership of a terrorist organisation having been released on bail. They have now identified the second man as Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean, also 19, from a town in eastern France on the border with Germany, a judicial source told Reuters on Thursday. A source close to the investigation said Petitjean was not known to French security services until a tip-off from Turkish authorities. He was stopped and questioned by profilers on his arrival at Istanbul's international airport on June 10 before he was allowed to continue on his way, a Turkish official said. Turkey notified the French authorities in late June, the source said, and anti-terrorism officials opened up a special file, suspecting he had become radicalise. The government has said there are about 10,500 people with such so-called 'S files' related to potential jihadi activities in France. But in the time it took security agencies in Turkey, a well-trodden entry point into Syria for foreign militants, to notify France, Petitjean had returned. "We know that he turned around and returned on June 11," said the source. "The Turks hadn't yet flagged his name, so he came back normally, there was no file at this point, he wasn't known to us." A second tip-off from an unidentified foreign intelligence source led to the French authorities circulating a photo to its security agencies on July 22 of a man believed to be planning an attack. They had no name to go on, but the police sources said there was now little doubt that the photo was of Petitjean. The person in the photo also appears to be one of a pair seen in a video posted on Wednesday by Islamic State's news agency, the police sources said. The video claimed the two men were the church attackers and showed them pledging allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Islamic State's leader. Petitjean's mother Yamina told BFM TV that her son had never spoken about Islamic State. A judicial source said that one man who had travelled to Turkey with Petitjean in June was among three people close to the teenager who were being detained in police custody. Two opposition lawmakers on Thursday submitted a draft bill to parliament that would prohibit the media from publishing the identities and photographs of militant attackers to prevent their names being glorified in death. HOLLANDE UNDER PRESSURE Tuesday's attack came less than two weeks after another suspected Islamist drove a truck into a Bastille Day crowd, killing 84 people. Opposition politicians have responded to the attacks with strong criticism of the government's security record, unlike last year, when they made a show of unity after gunmen and bombers killed 130 people at Paris entertainment venues in November and attacked a satirical newspaper in January. Hollande's predecessor and potential opponent in a presidential election next year, Nicolas Sarkozy, has said the government must take stronger steps to track known Islamist sympathisers. He has called for the detention or electronic tagging of all suspected Islamist militants, even if they have committed no offence. Kermiche's tag did not send an alarm because the attack took place during the four hour period when he was allowed out. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve rejected Sarkozy's proposal, saying that to jail them would be unconstitutional, and also counterproductive as many people did not know they were being watched. Since the two most recent attacks the government has said that summer festivals that do not meet tight security standards are to be cancelled. On Thursday, local authorities banned a procession in the city of Nice that was to have commemorated those who died there on July 14. Since that Bastille Day killing, there has been a spate of attacks in Germany too, creating greater and wider alarm around Western Europe. In Marseille, three men were put under investigation on Thursday after shouting 'Alluha Akbar' (God is great in Arabic) as they drove a boat repeatedly at the coast. In Corsica, a dissident branch of the nationalist FLNC threatened reprisals against Islamic State and called on Muslims living on the Mediterranean island to demonstrate at their sides against radical Islam. (Additional reporting by Ece Toksabay in Istanbul; writing by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Richard Lough and Anna Willard)
President Obama is expected to declare Hillary Clinton as the deserving heir to the White House during his speech on the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

The speech will mark the final stage of a remarkable relationship between the two from colleagues to rivals to friends.

The moment comes full circle for Obama, who shot to national fame 12 years ago with his audacity of hope speech at the 2004 Democratic convention. Four years later, it was Clinton who spoke in support of Obama as he advanced toward the presidency. The historic nature of his tenure and Clintons potential administration is not lost on Obama.

The two served in the Senate together, took jabs at each other during primary debates in 2008, joined forces as President and Secretary of State. Obamas speech tonight will repay a favor, as Clinton spoke on his behalf at the 2008 convention.

Heres a look back at their complicated relationship over the years.
Hillary takes selfie with Hillary A photograph of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is displayed on a smartphone as she takes a selfie with a supporter after speaking at a rally at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, July 19, 2016. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP)

After nearly four decades in public life, Hillary Clinton is no doubt one of the most photographed politicians in the world. And these days shes helping add to the stockpile of images  acquiescing to voters on the rope line at campaign events who demand selfies with the Democratic presidential candidate instead of autographs or even brief conversation.



At event after event, Clinton poses for dozens of photos with supporters  so many that the former first lady and secretary of state has become adept at helping voters get their best selfie. Slowly working through crowds an event this week in Charlotte, Clinton did not merely shuffle along and pose for photos, as her GOP rival Donald Trump and other candidates do. She often grabbed voters phones, navigating to the camera menu before extending her arm and clicking the shutter button herself. In one case, she even checked to make sure the photo turned out OK before handing the device back.

While Clinton is all smiles for the mobile phone paparazzi, the candidate lamented the tyranny of the selfie in a February interview with Esquire magazine, suggesting it had diminished her experience working the rope line.

It used to be that you would do an event like this and then you would shake hands with people and they would talk to you, Clinton told the magazine. They would say, I liked what you said about this or You didnt mention that or Can I tell you this? And it was a constant learning and absorbing experience  Now, its just, Can I take a selfie? (Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)



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By Aung Hla Tun YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar police have detained seven colleagues from a border unit after nearly 300,000 methamphetamine tablets were found hidden at their camp, a senior official told Reuters on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, police raided a Border Police camp in a remote area near the frontier with Bangladesh and found the drugs buried in the camp kitchen. "The police found a total of 292,500 stimulant tablets hidden in the ground inside the kitchen," Soe Linn Aye, a senior officer at national police headquarters in the capital, Naypyitaw, told Reuters. The haul was estimated to be worth 580 million kyat ($490,000), he said. Myanmar has for decades been a major producer of opium and its refined form, heroin, and in more recent years it has also become a major supplier of the stimulant methamphetamine. Narcotics pose a major headache for the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which governs the large, impoverished and fractious country after winning a landslide election victory in November. Most drugs are produced in border areas controlled by ethnic minority rebels or by militias allied with the military. Myanmar's western border with India and Bangladesh is an important route used to smuggle chemicals for the production of methamphetamines into Myanmar. The manufactured drugs are then smuggled back the other way, into South Asia, experts say. Drugs from Myanmar also flow north into China and east into Southeast Asia. Experts fear that Myanmar could soon see an explosion in methamphetamine use. The drug is already widely used in different parts of Asia. (Reporting by Aung Hla Tun; Editing by Robert Birsel)
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2016 / Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of comScore, Inc. (SCOR) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty by the board of directors of the company. To obtain additional information, go to:

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London (AFP) - Royal Dutch Shell's net profit collapsed in the second quarter on low oil prices, weak refining margins and production outages, the British energy giant said Thursday.

Net profits sank 71 percent to $1.175 billion in the three months to June, compared with $3.986 billion in the same part of 2015, Shell announced in a results statement.

Profit on a current cost-of-supplies (CCS) basis -- which strips out changes to the value of its oil and gas inventories -- slid 72 percent to $1.045 billion in the reporting period.

That was almost half of market expectations for CCS profit of $2.16 billion, according to Bloomberg News.

A 25-percent rebound in Brent oil prices last quarter provided some relief, but the market hit three-month lows on Thursday as rising US inventories sparked resurgent supply glut fears.

"Downstream and integrated gas businesses contributed strongly to the results, alongside Shellas self-help programme," said chief executive Ben van Beurden.

"However, lower oil prices continue to be a significant challenge across the business, particularly in the upstream."

The downstream business includes refining, marketing and distribution, while upstream comprises exploration and production.

Second-quarter production stood at 3.51 million barrels of oil equivalent a day, which missed forecasts of 3.63 million as output was hit by shutdowns in Canada and Nigeria.

The recent slump in oil prices has pushed energy groups worldwide to slash spending and jobs, and sell off assets.

"We are managing the company through the down-cycle by reducing costs, by delivering on lower and more predictable investment levels, executing our asset sales plans and starting up profitable new projects," added van Beurden.

"At the same time, integration of Shell and BG is making strong progress, and our operating performance continues to further improve."

The company completed in February a A47-billion takeover of BG Group, in a deal aimed at strengthening Shell's position in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.

Story continues

"Our investment plans and portfolio actions are focused firmly on reshaping Shell into a world-class investment case through stronger, sustained and growing free cash flow per share,a said van Beurden.

In late morning deals, Shell's 'B' shares sank 3.73 percent to 2,026.50 pence on London's FTSE 100 index, which fell 0.12 percent to 6,742 points.

"Shell followed BP's lead from earlier in the week to post a wince-worthy 72-percent slide in profits thanks to the continued weakness of oil and gas prices," said Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell.

"This not only sent Shell (shares) 4.0 percent lower but pushed the rest of its sector into the red as well."
Sigourney Weaver on stage for the Aliens: 30th Anniversary Comic-Con panel on July 23, 2016, in San Diego. (Photo: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)



Neill Blomkamps first film, 2009s District 9, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, but the reception for his subsequent films hasnt been quite so celebratory. His most recent feature, sci-fi effort Chappie (2015), about a law enforcement robot in a futuristic Johannesburg, South Africa, reprogrammed to think (and feel) by local gangsters, was largely dismissed (only 32% positive on Rotten Tomatoes). But one high-profile defender has stepped up to make her case the movie didnt get a fair shake.

Related: Aliens Anniversary: Sigourney Weaver and James Cameron Reminisce About That Power-Loader Battle

While celebrating the 30th anniversary of Aliens at last weekends San Diego Comic-Con, Sigourney Weaver  whos planning to team with Blomkamp on a forthcoming Aliens 5, which will function as a follow-up to James Camerons 1986 sequel (thus ignoring Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection)  gave Colliders Perri Nemiroff her appreciation of Chappie:

Im astonished when I read the disappointing Chappie. If youre expecting a big movie with huge special effects instead of this small movie about this robot who the inventor changes to be more of a human being than the human beings, then you realize that all of those reviews that said, Well, theres no special effects Its like  no. This is a very meaningful movie about a young robot who cares and feels, and is much more human. And they didnt talk about any of the issues, they just talked about what it wasnt. Its like  dudes, think of what it is! See it without these expectations. A director is allowed to make all kinds of movies, right? Jim Cameron went on to make Avatar. And Chappie had to happen, because now hes on to The Gone World and then Alien 5. Thank God he made Chappie! Chappie was the movie he needed to make. And I really love the movie, I love it. I love all the actors and everything.

Story continues

Related: Sigourney Weaver: Alien vs. Predator Really Depressed Me

No doubt Blomkamp appreciates the support, although given the films $31.5 million domestic haul, its clear audiences werent inclined to give it a chance when it was in theaters; maybe new viewers will seek it out for a reassessment based on her recommendation? Watch Weavers entire interview at Collider.

Chappie flashback: Sigourney Weaver talks about her character:



Chappie: Watch the trailer:
The toll of war. The U.S. Central Command is investigating two separate airstrikes near the city of Manbij in northern Syria over the past week that may have killed dozens of civilians. Independent monitoring groups are saying the first strike on the village of al-Tukhar could have claimed the lives of as many as 73 to over 200 civilians, making the July 19 assault potentially the worst incident of the war.

Army Col. Chris Garver, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition in Baghdad told reporters Wednesday he had seen the high figures, but also reports of down to 10, 15 people, as well. The coalition is also investigating a July 23 strike in the same area.

Amnesty International estimates that more than 100 civilians may have been killed in other coalition airstrikes near Manbij in recent weeks, the scene of bitter fighting between ISIS and U.S.-backed Kurdish and Syrian Arab fighters. The bombing of al-Tukhar may have resulted in the largest loss of civilian life by coalition operations in Syria, Magdalena Mughrabi, deputy director of the groups Middle East and North Africa program said in a statement. More than 520 airstrikes have been conducted by the U.S.-led coalition in support of the battle to push ISIS out of Manbij.

Intel dump. Those U.S.-supported fighters near Manbij have scooped up over 4.5 terabytes of intel from fleeing ISIS forces in recent days, U.S. officials say. The cache of documents and computers is the coalitions largest haul since a May 2015 U.S. special operations raid in Syria against senior ISIS leader, Abu Sayyaf, scooped up 7 terabytes of data, exposing secrets about the terror groups leadership and financing. FPs Dan De Luce and Paul McLeary have lots more about the continuing importance of that raid.

More U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Again. The U.S. is moving more troops to eastern Afghanistan to help local forces destroy the local ISIS affiliate, Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan has announced. If I need to, I can bring in additional assets, and this could be reconnaissance, it could be air assets, it could even be ground assets, Nicholson told the Wall Street Journal. The new forces arent included in the overall total of 9,800 U.S. troops currently in the country, as theyre members of the militarys global counterterrorism force, and will pull out as soon as their work is done. Whenever that is. The ramp-up of American attention calls into question recent assertions from U.S. and Afghan officials that ISIS presented a diminishing threat in Afghanistan.

Story continues

China and Russia, on the high seas. Beijing and Moscow will conduct a series of naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, Chinas Defence Ministry said on Thursday. This is a routine exercise between the two armed forces, aimed at strengthening the developing China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership, Chinas defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told reporters. The exercise is not directed against third parties.

The move comes just after China rejected the legal finding of an international court in the Hague, which ruled earlier this month that China did not have historic rights to the South China Sea.

Tough night. Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta got a rough ride from some in the crowd at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night when his remarks were interrupted by chants of no more war and no more drones as he blasted Donald Trump. Today, Donald Trump once again took Russias side, Panetta said. He asked the Russians to engage in American politics. Think about that for a moment. Donald Trump wants to be President of the United Statesis asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States of America to affect an election.

After the fall. If the threat of ISIS-inspired terrorism is bad now, things are likely to get worse, a top U.S. law enforcement official said Wednesday. At some point there is going to be a terrorist diaspora out of Syria like weve never seen before. Not all of the Islamic State killers are going to die on the battlefield. said FBI Director James Comey at a cybersecurity conference.

Good morning and as always, if you have any thoughts, announcements, tips, or national security-related events to share, please pass them along to SitRep HQ. Best way is to send them to: paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or on Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley

2016

In a sign of just how unusual the 2016 presidential campaign has become, the national security law blog Lawfare takes up the issue of whether Republican nominee Donald Trump is, as some accuse, a Russian agent. Critics have alleged that the Russian hack of the Democratic National Conventions emails, Trumps call for Russia to hack more Clinton emails, his expressed fondness for Vladimir Putin, financial ties to Russian oligarchs, and preference for a more accommodating foreign policy towards Moscow make him something approaching a Manchurian candidate for Russia. Lawfare writes that while Trump doesnt meet any of the legal definitions of an agent  either as someone targetable under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act or one compelled to register under the Foreign Agent Registration Act  in their opinion, hes a useful idiot for whom Moscow is rooting.

Another national security policy veteran has come out swinging against the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency. Michael Vickers, assistant secretary of defense for special operations/low intensity conflict under George W. Bush and undersecretary of defense for intelligence for Barack Obama has penned an oped for Politico questioning Donald Trumps fitness on national security issues and supporting Hillary Clinton. Vickers looks at what he says are the three biggest threats to global security  radical Islamism and increasingly aggressive behavior by Russia and China  and concludes that Trump has a limited grasp of the issues.

Syria

A Guardian investigation looks into the weapons trafficking from Eastern Europe to Middle Eastern countries known to supply rebel groups in Syria, and finds a billion dollar pipeline of arms fueling the conflict. Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey began buying up Soviet-vintage weapons from former Balkan countries beginning in 2012 and since that time, imagery posted on social media has shown weapons with markings from Eastern European countries have been turning up in the possession of groups like the Free Syrian Army, Ahrar al-Sham, and the Nusra Front. The Guardian investigators looked at flight data from the purchasing countries and identified 70 flights that were likely used to transport the weapons to groups in Syria.

Europe

The Islamic State has released a video that it claims shows two men who attacked a church and murdered a Catholic priest in Normandy, France pledging allegiance to the groups caliph, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi. French officials, however, have thus far only publicly identified one of the attackers, 19 year-old Adel Kermiche, and have yet to say whether or not the video is authentic. The newspaper Le Monde reports that France received a warning from an unnamed countrys intelligence agency that an attack was going to take place shortly before the two men seized churchgoers and were killed by police.

The Islamic State is also claiming as association with Mohammad Daleel, the Syrian refugee who blew himself up in a suicide bombing in Ansbach, Germany on Sunday. In its online magazine Al-Nabaa, the jihadist group says Daleel had fought with the Islamic State in Iraq and been wounded in Syria while fighting alongside the Nusra Front. The magazine also wrote that Daleel spent three months working on the explosive device that would ultimately kill him and injured 15 people. Authorities, however, have yet to verify the claims made in Al-Nabaa.

Syria

The head of Irans Basij paramilitary force went for a very public visit of Quneitra near the Israeli border, as violence between Israeli and Syrian forces has ticked up. Iranian news outlets reported that Basij chief General Mohammad Reza Naqdi went for walk around the town along the Golan Heights, with pictures showing him peering towards Israel with through binoculars. The visit follows a series of border incidents between Syria and Israel in recent weeks, including a Syrian drone darting into Israeli airspace and an Israeli airstrike against the source of mortars firing across into Israeli territory.

Whistleblower

Daniel Meyer, the Pentagon Inspector Generals former director for whistleblowing and transparency, says he was retaliated against for being a whistleblower himself. Meyer says his bosses removed a conclusion that then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta leaked classified information to the producers of the movie Zero Dark Thirty from a draft of an inspector generals report. He says his involvement in the high profile case, in addition to being gay, were used against him in consideration for promotion. The claim, made before the Merit Systems Protection Board, is Meyers second attempt at pursuing a whistleblower claim after the Office of Special Counsel rejected another claim in April.

Photo Credit: Mamun Ebu Omer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank Group (9984.T) booked $65 million (49.3 million) in expenses arising from the resignation of Chief Operating Officer Nikesh Arora, bringing his total compensation over the last two years to about $300 million.

Arora, the former Google executive handpicked by SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son as his successor, resigned abruptly last month, just two years into his stint, as Son decided to stay longer.

The 6.8 billion yen ($65 million / 49.3 million) expenses, revealed in SoftBank's quarterly financial statement on Thursday, comes in addition to 24.5 billion yen in compensation that the Japanese telecoms conglomerate has already paid to Arora.

Even before his resignation, some investors had contrasted Arora's pay unfavourably with the firm's overall weaker performance.

(Reporting by Yoshiyasu Shida; Editing by Ruth Pitchford)
Japan's SoftBank said Thursday net profit jumped 19 percent in its fiscal first quarter owing to gains from selling some of its stake in Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, offsetting losses at US mobile unit Sprint.

The company, which also pointed to upbeat results in its domestic business, reported a 254.16 billion yen ($2.4 billion) net profit in April-June.

The profit largely came from booking some of its partial sale of Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba. Softbank is looking to cut its stake in Alibaba from 32.2 percent to about 28 percent, which it expects to rake in about $10 billion.

Alibaba -- often described as China's equivalent to eBay -- dominates online commerce in the country.

SoftBank, which said its revenue in the quarter rose three percent to 2.13 trillion yen, surprised markets this month when it announced the whopping $32 billion purchase of British iPhone chip designer ARM Holdings.

But its stock took a hammering as the huge deal aggravated concerns about SoftBank's balance sheet after a string of earlier acquisitions -- including the $21.6 billion purchase of still-unprofitable Sprint several years ago.

"The ARM acquisition will have a major balance sheet impact in the short term and there has yet to be a satisfactory explanation of how and when it will become a core business for SoftBank," Tomohisa Nonomura, an analyst at Toyo Securities, told Bloomberg News.

SoftBank has been selling off some assets, including a stake in Finnish game-maker Supercell, creator of "Clash of Clans", to China's Tencent, as it looks to pay down more than $100 billion in debt.
* Quarterly operating profit flat at around $3 bln

* Profits at Japan telecoms business offset Sprint losses

* Son to spend much of his time on ARM, wants proactive investment

* Sees signs of a V-shaped recovery for Sprint (Recasts with comments from CEO Son)

By Makiko Yamazaki

TOKYO, July 28 (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank Group Corp on Thursday flagged a sharp recovery for struggling U.S. unit Sprint and was bullish about long-term prospects for soon-to-be-acquired UK chip designer ARM.

The telecoms and internet conglomerate unveiled plans this month to purchase ARM for $32 billion in cash, one of CEO Masayoshi Son's boldest bets yet, as he seeks to be at the forefront of the next wave of digital innovation.

"I'm telling ARM management - let's increase the number of engineers, boost R&D spending and make investments proactively," Son told a briefing on SoftBank's first-quarter earnings where it reported flat profits.

ARM provides the technology in nearly all smartphones including Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy. Son wants ARM to play a central role in the tech industry's shift to the 'internet of things' - a network of devices, vehicles and sensors that collect and exchange data.

He added that ARM and Sprint would dominate his time.

"I used to spend half of my time on Sprint and the remaining time on the rest of the company. From now on, I plan to spend 45 percent of my time on Sprint and another 45 percent on ARM."

For the April-June first quarter, operating profit increased 0.2 percent to 319.2 billion yen ($3 billion) as wider losses at Sprint were offset by solid earnings for its domestic telecommunications business.

SoftBank did not provide annual earnings forecasts. Analysts' forecasts since news of the ARM acquisition call for SoftBank to post annual operating profit of around 1 trillion yen, almost unchanged from a year earlier.

While Sprint posted wider losses in quarterly earnings this week, it also posted a big increase in postpaid phone subscribers and said it expected to be cash flow positive in the next financial year.

Story continues

"Sprint has been a drag, but I'm now seeing signs of a V-shaped recovery," said Son. He has said he went ahead with the ARM deal because he believed he was close to turning around Sprint.

Before the deal on July 18, SoftBank raised nearly 2 trillion yen in cash in just a few months through asset disposals including the sale of shares in China's Alibaba .

But investors had expected SoftBank to use the funds to pay down debt or give shareholders a windfall by buying back its own shares, and the ARM acquisition has raised concerns that SoftBank is trying to do too much.

SoftBank had interest-bearing debt of 11.7 trillion yen ($112 billion) as of end-June.

Asked whether Yahoo Inc's decision to sell its core internet properties to Verizon Communications Inc would have any impact on its 35 percent stake in Yahoo Japan - a joint venture with SoftBank, Son said he had not held any discussions on the matter.

($1 = 104.6800 yen) (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
By Makiko Yamazaki

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank Group Corp on Thursday flagged a sharp recovery for struggling U.S. unit Sprint and was bullish about long-term prospects for soon-to-be-acquired UK chip designer ARM.

The telecoms and internet conglomerate unveiled plans this month to purchase ARM for $32 billion in cash, one of CEO Masayoshi Son's boldest bets yet, as he seeks to be at the forefront of the next wave of digital innovation.

"I'm telling ARM management - let's increase the number of engineers, boost R&D spending and make investments proactively," Son told a briefing on SoftBank's first-quarter earnings where it reported flat profits.

ARM provides the technology in nearly all smartphones including Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy. Son wants ARM to play a central role in the tech industry's shift to the 'internet of things' - a network of devices, vehicles and sensors that collect and exchange data.

He added that ARM and Sprint would dominate his time.

"I used to spend half of my time on Sprint and the remaining time on the rest of the company. From now on, I plan to spend 45 percent of my time on Sprint and another 45 percent on ARM."

For the April-June first quarter, operating profit increased 0.2 percent to 319.2 billion yen ($3 billion) as wider losses at Sprint were offset by solid earnings for its domestic telecommunications business.

SoftBank did not provide annual earnings forecasts. Analysts' forecasts since news of the ARM acquisition call for SoftBank to post annual operating profit of around 1 trillion yen, almost unchanged from a year earlier.

While Sprint posted wider losses in quarterly earnings this week, it also posted a big increase in postpaid phone subscribers and said it expected to be cash flow positive in the next financial year.

"Sprint has been a drag, but I'm now seeing signs of a V-shaped recovery," said Son. He has said he went ahead with the ARM deal because he believed he was close to turning around Sprint.

Story continues

Before the deal on July 18, SoftBank raised nearly 2 trillion yen in cash in just a few months through asset disposals including the sale of shares in China's Alibaba.

But investors had expected SoftBank to use the funds to pay down debt or give shareholders a windfall by buying back its own shares, and the ARM acquisition has raised concerns that SoftBank is trying to do too much.

SoftBank had interest-bearing debt of 11.7 trillion yen ($112 billion) as of end-June.

Asked whether Yahoo Inc's decision to sell its core internet properties to Verizon Communications Inc would have any impact on its 35 percent stake in Yahoo Japan - a joint venture with SoftBank, Son said he had not held any discussions on the matter.

($1 = 104.6800 yen)

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
More than 1,200 people were evacuated from a Taiwan water park after solar panels caught fire in the midst of a heatwave that has seen record power consumption as the island struggles to keep cool.

Local media reported the fire in Taipei -- which left a swathe of solar panels at the park blackened and distorted -- could have been sparked by soaring temperatures.

The mercurcy hit 38.5 degrees Celsius (101 degrees Fahrenhiet) for two consecutive days on Wednesday and Thursday, the second highest temperature ever recorded for July.

The Taipei water park's chief engineer Wang Ming-fu said the fire may have been the result of a short circuit due to high temperatures or the overheating of the panels, which have been in service for 10 years, Taiwan's Central New Agency reported.

Fire department officials told AFP they were still investigating the cause of the blaze, which happened Wednesday, but added it was rare for solar panels to ignite.

Nobody was injured and the fire was put out within half an hour.

The water park reopened Thursday and visitors were undeterred by the the previous day's blaze as they sought respite from the sweltering heat after a month of scorching weather.

The hot spell is set to continue for the next few days and has prompted a warning from Taiwan's power authorities who say that energy is running low.

Daily power usage hit a record 35.821 million kilowatts Wednesday, Taiwan Power Co. said, as residents reached for the air conditioning.

Electricity consumption in July up was 1.17 percent from the same period last year, it said.

The heatwave comes after US scientists warned that 2016 is likely to be the hottest year ever globally.

The warmest weather ever recorded in Taipei was 39.3 degrees in August 2013.
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's government plans to expand tax benefits for research and development of robotics and other technologies as it seeks out industries that could become new economic growth engines. Up to 30 percent of R&D expenses will be tax deductible for companies across 11 key sectors starting 2017, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance said in its annual review of the tax code on Thursday. Spending on development of artificial intelligence technologies, flexible displays, 3-D printing, and hyper-plastics are some of the areas subject to the tax code revision, it said. "Regardless of company size, we're trying to give benefits to those taking risks," Vice Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok told reporters before the revisions were released. "In a difficult economic situation with a lack of growth drivers, this could become a breakthrough in terms of taxation." South Korean conglomerates such as Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and LG Electronics Inc spend billions of dollars a year on R&D investment, but smaller companies have been skittish in doing so due to limited resources and economic uncertainties, leading to a severe downturn in capex in the first quarter. The Park Geun-hye administration has also been increasingly looking to technological developments and the service sector to provide a new growth engine for the economy as China continues to challenge South Korea's traditional strength in manufacturing. The government's push for restructuring of indebted companies in shipbuilding and shipping industries is adding to growth woes when exports remain weak. Earlier this month, the government announced an 11 trillion won ($9.73 billion) extra budget following the Bank of Korea's decision to lower its policy rate to a record 1.25 percent in June. Under Thursday's revisions, an existing income tax benefit on credit card spending introduced to encourage consumption will be extended three years past a 2016 deadline, through 2019. A penalty tax on corporate income not spent on wages, investment and dividends will be modified to encourage wage increases. Companies using their cash reserves to raise wages will face less tax than those which use reserves to pay out dividends or make investments, a measure aimed at boosting household income. Benefits for childbirth and childcare support will also be expanded to boost the birth rate, currently at record lows. The maximum tax credit for those with a second child will be 500,000 Korean won ($443) a year, up from 300,000 won, starting 2017. Nevertheless, the government sees its tax base expanding nearly every year until 2020 as tax breaks deemed unnecessary or ineffective will be allowed to expire. The special 17 percent flat income tax rate for foreigners will expire in 2019 and be raised to 19 percent from 2020 onwards, according to the statement. The finance ministry will submit the tax review to parliament on September 2 for approval from lawmakers. (Reporting by Cynthia Kim; Editing by Christine Kim and Eric Meijer)
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea said on Thursday it suspected North Korea of hacking a South Korean online shopping site and stealing personal records of more than 10 million shoppers in what appeared to be the latest case of a cyber attack by the isolated state.

The South's national police agency said it had traced the data breach to North Korea's spy agency, and it had detected the same IP addresses and codes similar to ones it had used in previous attacks.

South Korea has been on heightened alert against cyber attacks by North Korea since the North conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and launched a long-range rocket the next month, triggering new U.N. sanctions.

North and South Korea have been in a technical state of war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armed truce.

Besides North Korea's nuclear and rocket programmes, South Korea says the North has an effective cyber army that has launched a series of attacks in the past three years.

North Korea has denied wrongdoing.

Online shopping operator Interpark Corp said the hacking occurred in May. A hacker had sent emails demanding money in bitcoin virtual currency after the attack, it said.

Interpark said it had been cooperating with the police and no payoff was made.

The hacker used expressions commonly used in the North but almost never said in the South in emails to the company, police said.

"We are sorry that it has become difficult to arrest a suspect as it has been found to be North Korea's conduct," the company said in a statement.

Its shares have fallen 6 percent since news of the data breach broke on Monday.

South Korea has been scrambling to meet what it sees as a rising threat of cyber attack by the North.

In June, police said the North hacked into more than 140,000 computers at 160 South Korean companies and government agencies, planting malicious code as part of a long-term plan to lay the groundwork for a massive cyber attack on its rival.

(Reporting by Ju-min Park; editing by Robert Birsel)
MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's liberal party Ciudadanos ("Citizens") on Thursday said it was ready to take part in a three-way government with the conservatives and the socialists in a bid to unblock Spain's seven-month political stalemate. The party's leader, Albert Rivera, who met the king on Thursday, said conservative caretaker Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy should step aside if needed to make a deal possible. Rivera also said that an alternative solution if a three-way agreement could not found would be for other parties to abstain to allow a minority government of Rajoy's People's Party. "There are two options: a strong government built on consensus or a minority government of the party with the most votes," Rivera told journalists. Ciudadanos finished fourth in a June 26 general election, which like a previous ballot held in December produced a hung parliament. (Reporting by Julien Toyer and Carlos Ruano; Editing by Sarah White)
A special energy drink that alters a person's metabolism may allow elite endurance athletes to go even farther in their workouts, according to a new study.

Researchers found that the highly trained cyclists in the study who consumed the drink traveled about 0.25 miles farther, on average, within a half-hour period than cyclists who consumed other types of energy drinks.

The new results show that "with a single drink of nutritional ketone you can do the same exercise with completely different metabolism," lead study author Dr. Pete Cox, a clinician at the University of Oxford, said in a statement.

Normally, human muscles get the energy they need to function during exercise from burning fats and carbs. But when those stores are depleted, the body turns to ketones  molecules that are made in the liver from the breakdown of body fat as an emergency source of energy. [How Fat Is Lost from the Body]

The researchers initially developed the ketone drink in response to a call issued by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for researchers to develop foods that could help soldiers on a battlefield. To make the drink, the researchers concocted an edible form of ketones in the lab using chemical compounds. In early studies of the drink, the researchers found that people who drank it had higher levels of ketones in their blood, and no adverse side effects, the researchers said.

Now, in the new study, the researchers examined whether the drink could help 39 professional cyclists improve performance. The researchers divided the cyclists into three groups and gave each group a different type of energy drink. Cyclists in one group received the ketone drink, while cyclists in the other groups received energy drinks infused with either fats or carbohydrates.

Then, during several experiments, the researchers asked the cyclists to cycle as far as they could for periods that ranged from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The researchers took samples of the cyclists' muscle tissue before and after they exercised and examined these samples in the lab. They also collected blood samples at regular intervals from the cyclists while the cyclists exercised.

Story continues

During one of the experiments, the cyclists who had been given the ketone-infused drinks cycled an average of 0.25 miles farther over 30 minutes than those who had the carbohydrate- or fat-infused drinks.

The researchers also found that the cyclists who drank the ketone-infused drink had the lowest blood levels of lactate, a molecule that is a byproduct of the body's breakdown of sugar, called glucose, and that is responsible for the achy, tired feeling that follows a strenuous workout.

This finding could mean that the drink may inhibit the breakdown of glucose in the muscles during exercise, possibly allowing the muscles to preserve their stores of glycogen, a type of carbohydrate that has been linked with increased work output and duration during aerobic exercise.

This lactate finding may also explain why the participants who consumed the ketone drink were able to cycle farther than those who consumed the other drinks, the researchers said. [How to Start an Exercise Routine and Stick to It]

"What may be happening is if you are doing something that isn't a sprint, like going on a 26-mile run, you won't hit the wall as quickly," thanks to the preserved glycogen, study co-author Kieran Clarke, a biochemist at the University of Oxford, said in a statement.

A University of Oxford spinout company is now working on developing and commercializing the ketone drink (the drink is not yet available to consumers). Several of the researchers involved in the study may receive royalties from the commercialization of the ketones used in the study.

Though the idea of the ketone drink is interesting, more studies should be conducted to determine that it really is safe to use, said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, the director of Women's Heart Health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, who was not involved in the study.

"I think what we really have to do is be very cautious and need to make sure that something is safe before [people] use it," she told Live Science. This is important because the use of some other energy drinks has been linked to cases of heart conditions, palpitations and even death, she said.

Originally published on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations

Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
In 2009, there was TomKat, Brangelina and a Speidi.



Spencer and Heidi (Montag) Pratt, the villainous stars of MTV's The Hills, were ubiquitous in the Hollywood scene  gracing magazine covers, hosting nightclub events and followed by the ever-present paparazzi.



" Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris? That was us," Spencer tells PEOPLE exclusively. "We were that for a moment, so to feel so different now, it's like, 'Wow.' "





Spencer Pratt Says He and Heidi Were Once as Big as Taylor and Calvin| Couples, The Hills, TV News, Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt

It was in 2009 that things began to go south for the couple, who also wed that year. Heidi and Spencer left The Hills and made a series of poor financial decisions that ended up nearly ruining them  and tarnishing their star quality.







"We were so famous, and now we're so not," says Spencer, 32. "To see both sides of it is really eye-opening."



 For exclusive photos and much more from Heidi and Spencer, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday





Spencer Pratt Says He and Heidi Were Once as Big as Taylor and Calvin| Couples, The Hills, TV News, Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt

Now, "I almost miss the haters," Spencer admits. "Because if I don't see them I'm like man, I'm irrelevant for real."



Still, he says he's a champion for celebs like the Kardashians. "I love success, especially for reality stars," says Spencer with a laugh. "So when I see Kim getting millions of dollars, I know it's just eating haters alive. And I enjoy it!"
Marvel brought a number of treats to last weekends Comic-Con, including some initial footage from Spider-Man: Homecoming, which will provide Tom Hollands web-slinger with a proper installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (after his scene-stealing debut in Captain America: Civil War). When we caught up with Holland, co-star Zendaya, and director Jon Watts in San Diego, they drove home a point made clear by a recent photo mirroring the pose of The Breakfast Club  their upcoming superhero adventure will be indebted to the works of 80s teen-drama master, John Hughes.



Related: Summer of 86: Ferris Buellers Day Off Let John Hughes Graduate from Teen Movies With Honors

Speaking with Yahoo Movies Kevin Polowy (watch the clip above), Holland confirmed that part of what makes their film unique is that its taking a serious teen-oriented perspective on the larger-than-life MCU action. What [director] Jon [Watts] is bringing to this movie, Holland says, is a very real aspect of what a 15-year-old kid would do if he had superpowers.

Watts (Cop Car) seconded that, telling us that what makes Homecoming exciting for him is that, by situating itself in high school, its got a POV we havent yet seen in the Marvel movies.

Related: First Draft of Breakfast Club Script Unearthed at Shuttered Chicago High School

What does high school look like in the MCU? You just cant imagine what it must be like, as a character, to go and have that incredible adventure in Civil War, and then have to come back and go to chemistry class, and not be able to tell anyone he stole Captain Americas shield. Thats the fun of it.

Watch the full clip with the Spider-Man: Homecoming trio above; the movie swings into theaters on July 7, 2017.

Jon Watts Cop Car: Watch the trailer:
Festival highlights, Keyframes, Invasion, Les Aquamens, The Wheel House. (Photo: Singapore Night Festival)

The Bras Basah - Bugis precinct will come to life once again this year as the Singapore Night Festival returns in August, with new roving arts and street performances, spectacular light visuals and, for the first time ever, a steampunk-themed park called House of Curiosities.

The festival theme, Inventions and Innovations, announced by organisers to the media on Thursday (28 July), is inline with the events direction as it nears its 10th anniversary next year.

This is an exciting marquee year as we work towards the 10th year of the festival. We are reinventing and innovating to experiment with new ways to present the festival, said festival director Angelita Teo.

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that revolves around technology and aesthetics inspired by the 19th century industrial steam-powered revolution.

The carnival-esque House of Curiosities will transform Cathay Green (the park in front of National Museum of Singapore) into a steampunk wonderland throughout the festival, which runs two weekends, from 19 to 20 Aug and 26 to 27 Aug.

The festival will take place from 7:30pm to 2am.

Created by Sweet Tooth by CAKE Theatrical Productions, House of Curiosities consists of a steampunk fashion parade, craft activities and a play called The Mechanical Heart, an adventurous tale about an inventor named Professor Chambers.

A preview of The Mechanical Heart (Photo: Nurul Azliah/Yahoo Singapore)

Tickets to the park are priced at $16 (adult) and $13 (concession), including SISTIC fee, and are available for purchase from Thursday (28 July).

Roving art performances, night lights, flea market and street parties

Other highlights to look out for include Keyframes by Frances Groupe LAPS, a light show which will see more than 100 LED stick figures crawling all over the National Museum of Singapores facade, and Journey by UKs NOVAK, which will see the Singapore Art Museums facade illuminated with visuals inspired by the world of Victorian adventure novelist, Jules Verne.

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In addition, keep your eyes out for roving performances by international artists as you trawl the arts precinct, such as The Wheel House by UKs Acrojou, Les Aquamens by Frances Machtiern Company, and Suaveciclo by Brazils VJ Suave.

Festival village. (Photo: Singapore Night Festival)

The crowd favourite festival village at the Singapore Management Universitys Campus Green will host live performances by local musicians and emerging Australian acts such as Alice Ivy, Tali Mahoney and Frida.

There will also be a flea market consisting of 50 vendors, including food and beverage stalls.

According to Teo, the village space will be smaller this year due to construction in the area.

The Bloc Party. (Photo: Singapore Night Festival)

If youre a fan of street parties, the Bloc Party on Armenian Street returns with back-to-back music acts, a lightsaber battle performance by FightSaber Singapore and a motorcycle convoy led by Harley Davidson Singapore to feast your eyes on.

Invasion by Netherlands Close-Act. (Photo: Singapore Night Festival)

As a grand finale, the Singapore Night Festival wraps up with Invasion by Netherlands Close-Act, a stunning and immersive spectacle where visitors will see prehistoric creatures invading the festival ground.

The full line-up of activities will be announced closer to the date.
Last week on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Stephen brought back his old character from The Colbert Report to discuss the Republican National Convention. Unfortunately, Colbert announced Wednesday night that Thanks to corporate lawyers, the character of Stephen Colbert, host of the Colbert Report, will never be seen again. The announcement was upsetting for everyone, including Stephen, but the Late Show host had a solution. Colbert welcomed Stephen Colbert, the identical twin cousin of the former host of The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert. Twin cousin Stephen, dressed in an American flag shirt, explained that he is definitely not the former host of The Colbert Report and said he was excited to become a member of the Late Show team. Only time will tell if the same corporate lawyers ruin everyones fun and contact Stephen again to inform him that twin cousin Stephen cant be on The Late Show either.
TIMEs annual Person of the Year issuecalled Man of the Year until 1999started for a less-than-historic reason: Editors were struggling to decide who to put on the cover of the first issue of 1928, and when they realized they hadnt yet featured Charles Lindbergh for completing first solo plane flight across the Atlantic Ocean, they decided to fill the empty space by naming him 1927s Man of the Year.

By now, however, the franchise has become a lens through which to view some of the 20th centurys most influential figuresand, on Wednesday, it was the subject of a new Jeopardy! category.

Below are links to the issues mentioned on the air for further reading and a glimpse into the rationale behind each choice:

1101041227_400

George W. Bush: The then-U.S. president was selected in 2004 (as he had been in 2000) for winning re-election through strategies just as radical as he was in his conduct of a pre-emptive war, in addition to reshaping the rules of politics to fit his ten-gallon-hat style of leadership and for setting the global agenda whether the world likes it or not.

Read the full story, here on TIME.com

1101951225_400

Newt Gingrich: In 1995, the then-Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives became the first Speaker to be Man of the Year for leading the GOP after its historic takeover of Congress in 1994, with a legislative agenda that transformed both the House of Representatives and the Speakership into unprecedented instruments of personal and political power.

Read the full story, here on TIME.com

1101820104_400

Lech Walesa: The leader of the Polish solidarity movement was named Man of the Year for 1981making him the first imprisoned Man of the Year since Gandhi in 1930. Thus, as 1981 came to a close, the courageous little electrician from Gdansk stood out not only as the heart and soul of Polands battle with a corrupt Communist regime, but as an international symbol of the struggle for freedom and dignity, TIME wrote. Both as a newsmaker in his own right and as a representative of millions of Poles striving for a better life, Lech Walesa is TIMES Man of the Year.

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Read the full story, here on TIME.com

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Charles de Gaulle: The French leader was Man of the Year for 1958 because, TIME wrote, he has restored the supremacy of internal law and given France a new constitution that for the first time in 88 years endows the executive branch with enough authority to pursue coherent policies,  he destroyed the Communist Party as an active factor in French government and, above all, because he has given Frenchmen back their pride, swept away the miasma of self-contempt that has hung over France since its ignominious capitulation to Hitler in 1940.

Read the full story, here on TIME.com

Jan. 6, 1936

Haile Selassie: The emperor of Ethiopia, who was trying to stop an invasion of his country led by the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, was Man of the year for 1935. The TIME story now reads as dated (his achievements were qualified as being impressive for an African person, not in general) but Selassies influence was unquestioned. He had risen out of murky obscurity and carried his country with him up & up into brilliant focus before a pop-eyed worldand if he bested Mussolini and fascism, it would go down in history as a world-changing victory.

Read the full story, here on TIME.com
Castelul de Lut, or the Clay Castle, is straight out of a fairytale.

Despite being called a castle, the hotel looks more like a witch's cottage (hey Hansel, hey Gretel) than somewhere Sleeping Beauty would call home.

The thatched roofs, crooked doors, and curvaceous plaster walls are made of entirely organic materials like clay, straw, sand, and wood. And while organic is a very modern trend, the hotel is a throwback to days of old.

Transylvanias Newest Hotel Is Straight Out of A Storybook

Castelul de Lut is the project of Gabi and Razvan Vasile, a couple who sold their home near Bucharest to build the property in a remote corner of Romania, some 24 miles from the medieval city of Sibiu, according to the BBC.

They teamed up with eco-architect Ileana Mavrodin to design the ten-room hotel, which will be heated solely by traditional wood-burning fires and will have eventually have a restaurant using only locally-grown organic food.

Transylvanias Newest Hotel Is Straight Out of A Storybook

The hotel is about a year away from opening, but it already has a following. You can join 25,000 other fans on Castelul de Lut's Facebook page to get updates. A restaurant on the property is scheduled to open this fall for those eager to get a sneak peek.

If you do plan a visit to Castelul de Lut, be sure to visit another storybook location located nearbyDraculas castle.
Lollapalooza is celebrating 10 years in Chicago this year with a special four-day weekend of music in the center of the city. For fans that cannot attend the festival, both Red Bull and Sirius XM will offer live streams of select sets throughout the weekend.

Red Bull TV will begin broadcasting on Thursday evening, kicking off the first channel of Lolla sets with Yeasayer's performance. The site will have up to three channels streaming at all times and will kick off at 2pm from Friday through Sunday. Some slots have yet to be announced, but big names like Future, Major Lazer, Halsey, Red Hot Chili Peppers and LCD Soundsystem are confirmed to be streaming via any of the channels.



Sirius XM will also be hosting Lollapalooza performances from various channels across the radio platform. The first broadcast will be Bastille's 4:30pm slot on Thursday, which will stream on the Alt Nation channel. Continuous coverage will start up Friday at 2pm, with streams on channels like the Spectrum, Electric Area, Octane, Hip-Hop Nation, Jam_On and SiriusXMU.

Red Bull TV Streaming Schedule

Thursday, July 28th

Channel 1

6:00pm - Live Show Begins

6:10pm - Yeasayer

7:15pm - Daughter

8:30pm - Flosstradamus

9:45pm - TBA

Friday, July 29th

Channel 1

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:10pm  Saint Motel

3:05pm  Autolux

4:00pm - Foals

5:10pm  Frightened Rabbit

6:15pm  G-Eazy

7:25pm  Future

8:30pm  Major Lazer

Channel 2

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:15pm  The Struts

3:00pm  Con Brio

3:45pm  TBA

4:45pm  Rufus du Sol

5:30pm  Cherub

6:30pm  The Arcs

7:30pm  Wolf Alice

8:15pm  A$AP Ferg

9:00pm  Miike Snow

Channel 3

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:10pm  Saba

2:50pm  Kilara

3:30pm - Audien

4:30pm  Race Banyon

5:00pm  Bro Safari

6:00pm  Duke Dumont

7:00pm  Day Wave

7:45pm  GRiZ

8:45pm  Martin Garrix

Saturday, July 30th

Channel 1

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:10pm  The Strumbellas

3:00pm  Lolawolf

4:15pm  Big Grams

5:15pm  Joy Formidable

6:15pm  Janes Addiction

7:30pm  Two Door Cinema Club

8:30pm  Red Hot Chili Peppers

Story continues

Channel 2

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:15pm  X Ambassadors

3:15pm  Chairlift

3:45pm  The Front Bottoms

4:45pm  Waaves

5:30pm  Leon Bridges

6:30pm  Mutemath

7:30pm  The Last Shadow Puppets

8:30pm  Disclosure

Channel 3

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:10pm  Honeysuckle

2:40pm  Tor Miller

3:20pm - Baio

4:00pm  Houndmouth

4:45pm  Marshmello

5:30pm  Jauz

6:30pm  TBA

7:30pm  Big Gigantic

8:45pm  TBA

Sunday, July 31st

Channel 1

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:10pm  Panama Wedding

3:05pm  FIDLAR

3:55pm  TBA

5:00pm  Local Natives

6:10pm  M83

7:20pm  Flume

8:30pm  LCD Soundsystem

Channel 2

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:10pm  Smino

2:40pm  D.R.A.M.

3:20pm  Muna

4:00pm  TBA

4:30pm  Halsey

5:30pm  Aurora

6:15pm  TBA

7:00pm  St. Lucia

8:00pm  Silversun Pickups

9:00pm  Bloc Party

Channel 3

2:00pm  Live Show Begins

2:10pm  Sir the Baptist

2:50pm  TBA

3:35pm  TBA

4:35pm  TBA

5:30pm  Louis the Child

6:15pm  Snails

6:45pm  Yellow Claw

7:45pm  Adventure Club

9:00pm  ZHU





Related
(Adds details on corporate strategy)

By Julie Gordon

VANCOUVER, July 27 (Reuters) - Suncor Energy Inc, Canada's largest oil and gas company, reported a second-quarter loss on Wednesday, as it was hit by a significant decline in oil sand production due to the shut in of operations during the Fort McMurray wildfire.

The Calgary-based company posted an operating loss of C$565 million, or 36 Canadian cents per share. That was below the average analyst estimate of an operating loss of 26 Canadian cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Suncor was forced to shut down its facilities north of Fort McMurray, Alberta in May as a massive wildfire tore through the region, forcing the evacuation of 90,000 residents. The blaze, expected to be Canada's costliest natural disaster, cut Canadian oil output by a million barrels a day.

Suncor said the fires reduced its second quarter oil sands production by some 20 million barrels.

"The forest fires in the Fort McMurray area significantly impacted the region," said chief executive Steve Williams in a statement. By mid-July, the company's oil sand assets had returned to normal production levels.

Alberta's vast oil sand deposits are the world's third-largest crude reserves, but are more expensive to produce than conventional oil because of their energy intensity and the high cost of labour in northern Canada.

The plunging oil price led to thousands of workers being laid off as producers slashed capital spending in the region, which is where Suncor mainly operates.

Suncor said it remains on track to achieve a C$750 million ($570.78 million) reduction to its original 2016 budget, even as it pushes ahead with its Fort Hills and Hebron growth projects.

It is also looking to divest non-core assets and said it started the sales process for its lubricant business in the second quarter.

Oil sands production fell to 177,500 barrels per day (bpd), compared to 423,800 bpd a year earlier, while cash operating costs for oil sands operations rose to $46.80 per barrel, up 67 percent from a year ago, Suncor said.

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Suncor's total upstream production, meanwhile, fell to 330,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), from 559,900 boe/d a year ago.

The company reported a net loss of C$735 million, or 46 Canadian cents per share, in the quarter ended June 30. That compared with a profit of C$729 million, or 50 Canadian cents per share, in the same quarter of last year.

($1 = 1.3140 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Julie Gordon; Editing by Sandra Maler)
They were among the healthiest people in the country, but several Apollo astronauts succumbed early in life to heart disease  and deep space radiation may be to blame, according to a study published Thursday in Natures Scientific Reports.

Why it matters:

By 2030, NASA hopes to launch missions around the moon in preparation for sending people to Mars. The potential health effects are of particular concern.

Previous studies of the effects of space travel compared the health outcomes of astronauts to those of non-astronauts, who were all over the place in terms of health, said Michael Delp, dean of the Florida State University College of Human Sciences. You get the hypertensive, diabetics, the obese. But astronauts are a different group from the general population. They are fitter than most, and highly educated, which is associated with better health.

So Delps study involved astronauts only. He compared Apollo astronauts who had flown into deep space with astronauts who had flown on low-Earth orbit missions  above airplane level but still within the earths atmosphere. There was also a control group of astronauts who had never gone into space.

The nitty gritty:

Among the deceased Apollo astronauts, 43 percent died from cardiovascular problems. This rate was five times higher than in the other astronauts and significantly higher than the 27 percent cardiovascular disease death rate among the general public.

Interestingly, exposure to cosmic rays seemed to have no effect on their cancer death rates.

Delp and his team hypothesized that some combination of weightlessness and radiation exposure caused the cardiovascular problems. So they followed up by exposing mice to conditions mimicking those of deep space. The researchers simulated weightlessness through hindlimb unloading  lifting the mice by their tails until their back legs are off the ground and their bodies tilted, as well as head down, at a 30-degree angle, for 14 days.

Story continues

There were four groups of mice: one exposed to only weightlessness, and another to only radiation exposure. One group was exposed to both, and another, the control group, had no exposure to either.

What theyre saying:

The scientists noted similar outcomes in the mice as in the astronauts. Weightlessness and radiation somehow stopped the bodys production of nitric oxide, a substance that keeps blood vessels open.

With radiation exposure and weightlessness, the endothelial cells that make nitric oxide become disabled. The blood vessels narrow and plaques form, Delp said.

When they retested the mice six to seven months later, the equivalent of 20 human years, the radiation-exposed mice still had cardiovascular defects. Those that only had weightlessness simulation did not.

Youll want to know:

Previous studies have looked at the impact of space travel on astronauts immune systems, sleep and vision.

This study adds to our knowledge, but has limitations: Only 24 people have gone into deep space, and all were male.

We need to know if theres an effect on female astronauts, Delp said.

Another limitation is that the study of astronauts doesnt show how deep space flight will affect ordinary people, said Richard Hughson, a vascular aging and brain health researcher at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.

The only way were going to know is when we start sending humans to the moon and beyond, said Hughson, who wasnt involved in the study. We need to test them before they go and while theyre there to determine whether the endothelial function is being impaired, perhaps by radiation.

The bottom line:

Studies involving astronauts are only the beginning of understanding the effect of deep-space travel on humans long-term health.
Erica Smegielski

The Democratic National Convention gave space to the topic of gun violence Wednesday night in an emotional segment featuring survivors and family members affected by mass shootings across the US.

One of them was a mother who lost her son in the Orlando LGBT nightclub massacre that left 49 people dead.

Two survivors of the Charleston church shooting spoke, as did a woman who stood for her mother, who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, also spoke  lambasting gun lobbyists and declaring her support for Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton.

Here's a closer look at what they said:

Christine Leinonen

Watch the emotional plea the mother of an Orlando victim made for gun controlhttps://t.co/MyWx9lFgTw  Business Insider (@businessinsider) July 28, 2016

"It takes about five minutes for a church bell to ring 49 times ... The weapon that murdered my son fires 30 rounds in one minute ... One minute for a gun to fire so many shots, five minutes per bell to honor so many lives," Christine Leinonen said. She is the mother of Christopher Leinonen, one of the 49 people killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando in June. It has been called the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

Leinonen recalled when her son was born, at a time when she was a Michigan state trooper, and how she had to put her gun away as she prepared to give birth.

"I didn't argue. I know common sense gun policies save lives," Leinonen said. "Im glad common sense gun policy was in place when Christopher was born, but where was that common sense the day he died?"

Felicia Sanders and Polly Sheppard

Felicia Sanders and Polly Sheppard, survivors of Charleston shooting: "Together we can heal, together we can love" https://t.co/4g1mttEqPW  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 28, 2016

Story continues

Felicia Sanders and Polly Sheppard are two of the three people who survived the mass shooting at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

"Hate destroys those who harbor it, and I refused to let hate destroy me," Sanders said.

Sanders and Sheppard were both inside the historic church in June 2015 when a gunman walked in during Bible study and opened fire. Nine people were killed.

"So much hate. Too much. But, as Scripture says, 'Love never fails,'" said Sheppard. "So, I choose love. And, in this election, I choose Hillary Clinton."

Erica Smegielski

Erica Smegielski: I am here alone without my mother, while too many politicians cower behind the gun lobby. https://t.co/BSQOX2e41o  BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) July 28, 2016

Erica Smegielski's mother, Dawn Hochsprung, was one of the six adults killed in the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012.

"Im here without my mother while too many politicians cower behind the gun lobby, Smegielski said. Her mother, the school's principal was killed while trying to protect students during the shooting rampage. Since then, Smegielski has become an outspoken advocate for gun control.

"I should not be here tonight. I don't want to be here tonight," Smegielski lamented. "I should be home like so many Americans watching on TV with my mother as we nominate the first woman to be the president of the United States."

Gabrielle Giffords

Gabrielle Giffords: "Speaking is difficult for me, but come January, I want to say two words: Madam President." https://t.co/bsFg9qTn8n  NBC News (@NBCNews) July 28, 2016

Former Arizona state Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head during an assassination attempt in 2011, said Hillary Clinton will "stand up to the gun lobby."

"In Congress, I learned a powerful lesson: strong women get things done," Giffords recalled. "Speaking is difficult for me, but come January, I want to say these two words: Madam President."

Here's the Democratic Party's platform on gun-control:

"To build on the success of the lifesaving Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, we will expand and strengthen background checks and close dangerous loopholes in our current laws; repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to revoke the dangerous legal immunity protections gun makers and sellers now enjoy; and keep weapons of warsuch as assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines (LCAMs)off our streets.

NOW WATCH: Watch Joe Biden tear down Trump's favorite phrase





More From Business Insider


Susan Sarandon and fellow actors gathered outside the Democratic National Convention Wednesday to protest the DNC's alleged efforts to silence Bernie Sanders supporters.



Sarandon, Danny Glover, Shailene Woodley and Rosario Dawson rallied to express their frustration after former Ohio Senator Nina Turner, a strong supporter of Sanders, was denied the chance to be one of his nominators at the last minute, according to the Chicago Tribune.



Turner was reportedly dismissed from the convention during the first night after her refusal to endorse Hillary Clinton. She was scheduled to introduce the Vermont senator on Monday evening but was stopped from doing so.



"There's been a lot of difficulty in executing the will of Bernie Sanders' people and surrogates, and this was just a topping for the whole thing because she was ready to go. And she was very, very disappointed," Sarandon said. "This has not gone by lightly, and ... we are upset."







Turner did make an appearance at the media tent to thank her supporters but did not take the stage.





Related Video: VIDEO: Watch Bernie Sander's Best Trumpism at His New Hampshire Victory Rally!





In light of the news that Democratic officials allegedly plotted against a Sanders win, 69-year-old Sarandon defended the Vermont senator to TYT Politics at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Sunday, promising that his supporters are "all still here, we're all committed."



"Bernie has ignited this spark and we're not letting that go, and for anyone that thought this was a cult of personality, you're wrong," she said. "When we said it was a movement and not a moment, we meant it."









On Tuesday, the actress took to Twitter before the convention's speeches began to voice her unhappiness with the dismissal of Sanders' supporters with two words: "I'm out."



She also linked to a Chicago Tribune op-ed titled, "DNC Betrayed Bernie Sanders and the Rest of America."



The actress praised those, like herself, who have refused to let the information go unattended. "I'm curious to see what's gonna happen," Sarandon said on Sunday. "I'm really loving all these young people that are like, 'No, I'm not accepting this.' That's a really good thing because that's how this country was built."
Beirut (AFP) - Human Rights Watch accused the Syrian regime and its ally Russia on Thursday of extensively using banned cluster munitions in their offensive against rebels in the war-torn country.

The New York-based watchdog said it had documented 47 cluster munition attacks that killed and injured dozens of civilians in rebel-held areas in three provinces since May 27.

Many of these attacks took place north and west of Aleppo, as Russia-backed regime forces sought to besiege the opposition-controlled part of the northern city, it said.

Russia in September launched a campaign of air strikes in support of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

"Since Russia and Syria have renewed their joint air operations, we have seen a relentless use of cluster munitions," said Ole Solvang, deputy emergencies director at HRW.

"The Russian government should immediately ensure that neither its forces nor Syria's use this inherently indiscriminate weapon," he said.

HRW in December said it had documented the use of cluster munitions on 20 occasions since Russia launched air strikes on September 30.

"Although Russia and Syria are not members of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, they are still bound by international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, which prohibits indiscriminate attacks," HRW said.

Cluster munitions contain dozens or hundreds of bomblets and are fired in rockets or dropped from the air.

Widely banned, they spread explosives over large areas and are indiscriminate in nature, often continuing to maim and kill long after the initial attack when previously unexploded bomblets detonate.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
Beirut (AFP) - Al-Nusra Front, whose leader on Thursday announced its break from Al-Qaeda, is a well-organised, battle-hardened jihadist group allied with rebels fighting the Syrian regime.

Abu Mohamad al-Jolani said Al-Nusra would change its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (Front of the Conquest of Syria) and thanked the "commanders of Al-Qaeda for having understood the need to break ties".

The rebranding aims "to further embed itself (Nusra) into Syria's revolution and secure its long-term future" as a mainstream rebel group, rather than be targeted like the Islamic State (IS) group by foreign powers, analyst Charles Lister tweeted.

Al-Nusra first emerged in January 2012, 10 months after the start of anti-government protests that were brutally repressed by President Bashar al-Assad's regime, leading to a now more than five-year-old multi-sided conflict.

The group is an offshoot of the Islamic State in Iraq, Al-Qaeda's former affiliate in the country, in which Jolani was a leading figure in Nineveh province, a jihadist stronghold in the north.

In April 2013, Al-Nusra refused to join up with IS and pledged allegiance instead to Al-Qaeda head Ayman al-Zawahiri, who later proclaimed Al-Nusra the only branch of Al-Qaeda in Syria.

After that declaration, IS pushed Al-Nusra out of its base in eastern Syria's oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor.

- '7,000 to 8,000 fighters' -

Al-Nusra counts 7,000 to 8,000 fighters, according to Thomas Pierret, a Syria specialist at the University of Edinburgh.

"There are quite a few foreigners among the middle managers and less among the fighters," he said.

Syria analyst Aymenn al-Tamimi put the number of Al-Nusra fighters at between 5,000 and 10,000 -- with 80 percent of them Syrians.

According to Pierret, Al-Nusra's "centre of gravity" is in Syria's northwestern Idlib province and the southern part of Aleppo province, in the north.

But "there is no territory exclusively controlled by Al-Nusra", he said.

Story continues

"Even in areas were they are very influential, like in certain parts of Idlib province, other groups coexist with them."

It is Syria's preeminent jihadist force, along with its key rival, IS.

But unlike IS, which opposes all those who fail to swear allegiance, Al-Nusra works alongside an array of rebel groups fighting Assad's regime and has popular support.

"IS considers itself to be a state and other armed groups who do not pledge allegiance to be illegitimate," Pierret explained.

Al-Nusra believes it can "confront certain rebel factions over ideological differences but without rejecting the existence of all other groups in principle", he added.

Tamimi said both groups shared the goal of creating a "global caliphate" but that Al-Nusra had "a more subtle long-game approach focused on trying to build popular support".

- 'Murky financing' -

Al-Nusra's "financing is rather murky", Tamimi added. "But it's clear there have been ties with some elements of Turkish intelligence and Gulf donors in the past".

Pierret said: "Qatar has long tolerated private fundraising for Al-Nusra from its territory and Turkey has facilitated Al-Nusra's operations along its border."

Al-Nusra Front has been targeted by US-led airstrikes on several occasions, but less often than the IS.

Since September 2015, it has mainly been a target of air strikes by Russia, Assad's main ally.
By Tyrone Siu TAIPEI (Reuters) - Some companies in Taiwan spend months building temples with bricks and cement, but Lin Fu-Chun's firm simply pours concrete into a giant mold and waits for it to dry. The 78-year-old Lin said his temple factory, Chuanso, needed just over six weeks to finish a building that normally took six months with conventional methods - and molding was 40 percent cheaper. Lin oversees up to 20 builds at a single time at his vast indoor facility in Taiwan's southern county of Pingtung, employing around 100 people to fill the demand for prefabricated temples of different sizes, as well as statues of deities. The items are also exported, mainly to overseas Taiwanese who want to bring a piece of their culture to new homes in China, Singapore and elsewhere in Asia. "It's more convenient for some people, who need a smaller temple where they can worship," Lin, who has worked in temple construction for almost 50 years, told Reuters. Lin started his temple business in 1993, prior to which he sculpted and painted the dragons and phoenixes that feature atop Taiwanese temples. But now he employs others to do that work. Many of Liu's staff are farmers, who work part-time to help during different phases of the concrete construction method that he says rival firms have copied. The builds are painted in bright colors and decorated with ornaments before being dispatched around the country on trucks by delivery staff, who add any finishing touches requested by buyers. Prices range from $1,250 to $62,500, depending on the size of the temple and the detail work required, with the 'God of Earth' and the 'God of Wealth', which are among Taiwan's most widely worshipped deities, proving popular. (Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Image courtesy: Pixabay

The Ministry of Labour has recently announced amendments to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1950, which will now entitle Indian women, working in the private sector, to 26 weeks of paid leave. As per the amendments, nursing mothers may also have the option to work from home for a stipulated duration beyond the 26 weeks, based on the agreement between the woman employee and the employer.

While the first three months (12 weeks) postpartum, are the most crucial for both the new mother and the baby, the first two years tend to be difficult periods, especially for mothers who do not have support at home. In most cases, this forces the mother to quit her career mid-way, who, then finds it difficult to get the right profile once she decides to rejoin work. Hence, extended paid leaves, flexi working hours, creches at work and work from home options all help mothers tide over the challenges of balancing motherhood and career, and avoid placing them in a situation where they need to choose one over the other.

A few Indian companies already offer ample maternity benefits to new mothers. Flipkart, for example, offers an extended 24 weeks of paid leave, four months of flexi working hours, and, where needed, a years career break without pay. Companies such as Godrej, ICICI, HCL Technologies and Accenture also offer close to six months of paid maternity leave.

This proposal aims to bridge the huge gap in maternity care that exists in the country. Currently women in the private sector get only 12 weeks of paid leave, while the International Labour Organisations Maternity Protection Convention mandates a minimum of 14 weeks of paid leave. Women working in the Central Government sector are already entitled to 180 days of maternity leave. But, what the policy does omit is the huge woman population working in the unorganised sector  the agricultural labourers, construction workers, domestic helps, who work under strenuous and, often, hazardous, conditions, without any maternity care.

Story continues

Countries with the best maternity leave policies

By bringing about the amendment, India will fall among the countries which offer more than 18 weeks of paid maternity leave. Worldwide, policies on maternity leave differ from country to country. While among the developed countries, the US has no legal maternity leave policy, a relatively poorer country like Bulgaria has a generous one of up to 410 days. A majority of the countries with the best maternity leave policies are in Europe, with a number of them located in Eastern Europe.

We take a look at some countries with the best maternity leave policies:

Norway: Among the happiest countries in the world, and one of the best countries for working parents, Norway offers 25 weeks of maternity leave with 100 percent pay, or 45 weeks with 80 percent pay.

Croatia: Its not only beautiful beaches, castles and historical cities that the country is known for, but Croatia also has one of the best maternity leave policies in the world. Mothers can avail of one year of maternity leave where they are paid 100 percent of their wages.

Bulgaria: The Balkan nation is also another great place for new mothers to work in. Bulgarian women are given up to 410 days of paid maternity leave at 90 percent of the pay, 45 days of which needs to be taken before the childs birth. Fathers can also avail of two weeks paternity leave, at 90 percent of the pay. A second year of parental leave is also allowed, at a minimum salary.

Sweden: While maternity leave in Sweden is 56 weeks at 80 percent pay, the country has a generous parental leave policy as well. Parents in Sweden can take a total of 480 days off per child, which can be taken at any time until the child reaches eight years of age. They are entitled to receive 80 percent of their salaries, and 90 days are reserved for the father.

Poland: As per the amendments that were made to the Polish Labour Code this year, parents are entitled to extra parental leave which has been increased to 32 weeks, in case of a single birth, and 34 weeks in case of multiple births. The first 20 weeks maternity leave is mandatory and is paid at 100 percent, an additional maternity leave of six weeks, and parental leave of 26 weeks is provided if the employee requests for it.

Estonia: The tiny, coastal, European country also has a generous maternal leave policy. It offers new mothers 20 weeks, or 140 days of maternity leave at 100 percent payment. Between 30 and 70 days can be taken before the expected date of birth.

Greece: The Mediterranean country offers its new mothers 43 weeks of maternal leave, with a pay of more than 50 percent of average earnings.

United Kingdom: Mothers are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, of which Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) ca be paid for up to 39 weeks. The first six weeks will be paid at 90 percent of their average weekly pay and the remaining 33 weeks at 90 percent of the average weekly pay, or GBP 139, whichever is lower.
HONG KONG / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2016 / Takung Art Co., Ltd. (TKAT), an online platform for acquiring shared ownership units in Asian and Russian fine art, jewelry and precious gems (collectively, "artwork"), today said it has introduced its platform for trading to residents of Russia, Mongolia, Australia and New Zealand  the company's first major expansion of operations outside of China.

Calling the move "one of the landmark events in the history of the company," Chief Executive Mr. Di Xiao said he believed the expansion could add new registrants and diversify the mix of listings on Takung's trading platform, and, in time, generate higher trading commission and listing fee revenue.

The new registrants will utilize the company's existing trading platform to buy and sell ownership units of Takung's listed artwork in Hong Kong dollars. The company, Mr. Xiao added, plans to start hosting events in all four countries to educate their citizens about Takung's business model of shared art ownership and how they can participate and invest through the Takung platform.

To further stimulate trading interest, said the CEO, Takung will add selected portfolios from these countries to its platform, which now numbers 131 artworks including three Russian painting portfolios and eleven Mongolian paintings.

"We are thrilled with the expansion of our trading platform into these four new markets," said Mr. Xiao. "We look forward to working with the various authorities in each nation and creating the most conducive environment for the success of our unique shared ownership trading model."

This, in turn, he said, could help create investor demand for the platform in other parts of the world.

Takung's total transaction value for the first six months of 2016 reached US$2.09 billion, a 308 percent increase on total transactions of $510.95 million recorded in the comparable year-ago period.

ABOUT TAKUNG ART CO., LTD: www.takungart.com

Based in Hong Kong, Takung Art Co., Ltd. is an online trading platform for acquiring shared ownership in Asian and Russian fine art, jewelry and precious gems. This proprietary platform allows collectors and investors - including those with modest financial resources - to buy and sell units of these assets and participate in the booming Asian art market. The company's shared-ownership business model significantly expands the number of interactions between sellers and buyers of fine art far beyond those generated by art galleries and auction houses alone.

Story continues

Takung operates its online trading platform via three wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hong Kong Takung Assets and Equity of Artworks Exchange Co. Ltd., Takung (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., and Takung Cultural Development (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or our future financial performance. All statements other than present and historical facts and conditions contained in this release, including any statements regarding our future results of operations and financial positions, business strategy, plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These statements are only predictions and reflect our current beliefs and expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risk and uncertainties and subject to change at any time. We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the projections or forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Contacts:

Takung Art Co., Ltd.

Leslie Chow

+852 31580977

leslie.chow@takungae.com

Asia IR-PR - Investor Relations

Jimmy Caplan

512-329-9505

jimmy@asia-irpr.com

Asia IR-PR - Media Relations

Rick Eisenberg

212-496-6828

rick@asia-irpr.com

SOURCE: Takung Art Co., Ltd.
Last week was all about earnings in the telecom sector. Several major sector participants revealed their second-quarter 2016 financial numbers.

National telecom carriers T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS and Sprint Corp. S along with cable MSO (multi service operator) Comcast Corp. CMCSA reported strong financial results wherein both the top and the bottom line surpassed the respective Zacks Consensus Estimate.

T-Mobile US continues to gain postpaid wireless customers, which has encouraged management to raise the subscriber gain outlook for 2016. Sprint gained 180,000 postpaid subscribers and 528,000 wholesale customers, but lost 331,000 prepaid customers in the reported quarter. Comcast witnessed a significant drop in video customer loss and a massive increase in high-speed Internet and voice customer gain, year over year.

On the other hand, telecom behemoths Verizon Communications Inc. VZ and AT&T Inc. T posted mixed second-quarter 2016 results. Verizons top line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but the bottom line outpaced the same. AT&Ts top line also lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate while the bottom line just met the same.

In the reported quarter, AT&Ts total video subscribers dropped by 49,000. AT&T added 342,000 DIRECTV subscribers, but lost 391,000 U-verse TV customers.The companys Business Solutions wireless subscriber base was 77,545,000, up 12.1% whereas Consumer Mobility wireless subscriber base was 54,260,000, down 0.8%.

Meanwhile, Verizon recorded 113.154 million retail subscribers, up 3.3% year over year,at the end of the second quarter of 2016. Out of the total, retail postpaid subscriber count was 107.780 million, up 3.9% and retail prepaid user count was 5.374 million, down 7.6%.

Notably, in a major development, Verizon has entered into a definitive agreement with Yahoo! Inc. YHOO to acquire the latters operating business for approximately $4.83 billion. Subject to customary closing conditions, approval by Yahoo's shareholders, and regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.

Story continues

In more of earnings stories, satellite TV operator DISH Network Corp. DISH declared mixed financial results in the second quarter of 2016. While the bottom line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, the top line lagged the same.The company lost a substantial 281,000 pay-TV subscribers in the reported quarter.

Leading wireless tower operator Crown Castle International Corp. CCI reported strong financial numbers in the second quarter of 2016, wherein both the top and the bottom line outpaced the respective Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, communications service provider Level 3 Communications Inc. LVLT reported mixed financial results in the second quarter of 2016 wherein the top line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate while the bottom line outpaced the same.

Outside the U.S., Rogers Communications Inc. RCI, the largest telecom operator in Canada, declared mixed financial results in the second quarter of 2016, wherein the bottom line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but the top line surpassed the same.

Read the last Telecom Stock Roundup for Jul 14, 2016.

Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories

1. In the second quarter of 2016, T-Mobile US GAAP net income was $225 million or 25 cents per share compared with a net income of $361 million or earnings of 42 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly earnings per share of 25 cents came in above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 22 cents. Total revenue increased 12.7% year over year to $9,222 million in the second quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9,041 million. (read more: T-Mobile US Tops Q2 Earnings & Revenues, View Up.)

2. GAAP net income of Comcast in the second quarter of 2016 came in at $2,028 million or 83 cents per share compared with $2,137 million or 84 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. However, the bottom line was a penny ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Quarterly total revenue was $19,269 million, up 2.8% year over year and ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $19,043 million. (read more: Comcast Tops Q2 Earnings, Revenue Estimates.)

3. Sprints quarterly net loss was $302 million or 8 cents per share, much wider than a net loss of $20 million or 1 cent per share in the year-ago quarter. However, first-quarter adjusted net loss per share of 6 cents was narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 8 cents. Quarterly total revenue came in at $8,012 million, down 0.2% year over year but ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7,976 million. (read more: Sprint Q1 Loss Narrower than Expected, Revenues Beat.)

4. On a GAAP basis, AT&T reported net income of $3,408 million or 55 cents per share in comparison with $3,082 million or 59 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly adjusted earnings per share came in at 72 cents, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Quarterly total revenue increased 22.7% year over year to $40,520 million, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $40,661 million. (read more: AT&T Meets Q2 Earnings Estimates, Misses on Revenues.)

5. Verizons adjusted earnings per share came in at 94 cents in the reported quarter. Quarterly GAAP net income was $831 million compared with $4,353 million in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly total revenue decreased 5.3% year over year to $30,532 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $31,117 million. (read more: Verizon's Mixed Q2: Beats Earnings, Revenues Lag.)

Price Performance

The following table shows the price movement of the major telecom players over the past week and the last six months.

Company Last Week Last 6 Months VZ -0.95% 12.83% T -0.26% 20.52% S 15.60% 98.29% TMUS 2.77% 18.55% VOD 1.53% -1.52% CHL 4.69% 16.63% AMX -3.04% -9.71% CMCSA 1.56% 25.50% DISH -0.27% 10.51%

Over the last five trading sessions, share price movement of the major telecom stocks witnessed a mixed trend. Apart from Sprint, which gained a considerable 15.60%, the other major telecom stocks witnessed minor gains or losses.

Over the last six months, the price performance of most of the telecom stocks was positive. Among the stocks that gained significantly were Sprint (98.29%), Comcast (25.50%), AT&T (20.52%), T-Mobile US (18.55%), China Mobile (16.63%), Verizon (12.83%) and DISH (10.51%).

Whats Next in the Telecom Sector?

We expect earnings releases to dominate proceedings in the telecom sector over the next week as large telecom carriers like American Tower, America Movil, Frontier Communications, CenturyLink, BCE Inc., TELUS and Windstream Holdings are lined up to report their second-quarter 2016 financial results. The market will closely watch these quarterly results in order to assess industry dynamics and growth prospects.

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A Tennessee man drowned Monday while trying to rescue his three daughters off the Outer Banks of North Carolina during a family vacation.



On Monday afternoon, 35-year-old Rick Brown jumped into the water to help his children when they were caught by a rip current.



"The mother and father both went out to rescue the girls," Capt. Casey Arthur said in a statement obtained by the Bristol Herald Courier. "The parents got caught in the current near the inlet. The mother and the three children were rescued by bystanders on the shore and good Samaritans on a boat  the father was not able to get out."



Brown was pronounced dead at the hospital despite CPR efforts.







Adam Vinson knew Brown, who worked for a paving contractor in Tennessee and was a deacon at Piney Flats Baptist Church, since childhood told Bristol Herald Courier his friend was hard-working and giving.



"No one ever had a better work ethic than Rick," he said. "He provided for his family and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. My friend died the way he lived  saving someone. He is my hero and I'm sure a lot of other family and friends' hero, too."



Detective Lt. Michael Panzarella, a homicide investigator with the Cateret County Sheriff's Department, said the currents in the area where the family was swimming were extremely strong. He said they were in the water for less than 10 minutes before the tragedy occurred.



Panzarella also noted there were no signs of foul play.



"It's common for all drowning incidents to be investigated by homicide," Panzarella said. "They were not out there drinking, there was no altercation ... it was just a horrific, tragic accident."



What to Do in a Rip Current



The U.S. Lifeguard Association estimates that nearly 100 people die in rip currents each year. Lifeguards saved over 48,000 people from the strong currents just last year.



Rip currents often occur in waist-deep water in what looks like a calm patch of water.



"Sometimes people inadvertently enter the water in one of the most dangerous spots just because it looks calm," Wendy Carey, a coastal hazards specialist with the Delaware Sea Grant Advisory Service at the University of Delaware, told Live Science.



In the event of getting caught in a rip current, it's important not to fight it.



"Even small rips can flow faster than a person can swim. You should not try to swim against the rip," Carey said.



Experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advise swimmers caught in a rip current to swim parallel to the shore, as they are often narrow and can be swam out of.



"You may want to swim toward whitewater, where the waves are breaking," Carey said. "That may help guide you out of the rip."



Above all, remain calm and conserve your energy.



Although it's not always the case, Jamie MacMahan, a rip current expert at the Naval Postgraduate School in California, says the key to finding shore is not panicking.



"If you can relax  and it's a long time, for maybe three minutes  you're generally going to float back to the beach," MacMahan told Outside.



Children should be taught about water safety, including rip currents, from a young age and never be left unattended at the beach.



Stephen Leatherman, director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, told Time that elementary-aged kids "should learn what to do in the water, how to swim and how to float."



Parents of young children may also consider having them wear a life jacket when going in the ocean.



However, the best way to survive the scary situation is to evade it completely.



"Avoidance is the most important thing. Swim at a lifeguard-protected beach and talk to the lifeguard on duty about ocean conditions for the day," Carey said. "It's also really important to know how to swim and how to float before you venture ankle-deep into the ocean."
By Tim McLaughlin

BOSTON (Reuters) - The manager of Fidelity's OTC Portfolio, a top investor in Tesla Motors Inc and SolarCity Corp, gave the electric automaker's strategies a vote of confidence in his most recent commentary to fund shareholders.

"We are fans not just of Tesla products but of the concepts underpinning the firm and potential future partnerships ahead of it," Fidelity Securities Fund Over the Counter Portfolio manager Gavin Baker said in his quarterly commentary for investors.

"We foresee fruitful synergies between Tesla and any company in search of superior battery technology, and we modestly increased our position this quarter."

The commentary, posted on Wednesday on Fidelity's website, comes as Tesla and SolarCity Corp are in the final stages of putting together an estimated $2.8 billion merger. Both companies count billionaire Elon Musk as a major shareholder..

Musk, the chairman and chief executive of Tesla, said on July 20 that he is looking to create a "smoothly integrated and beautiful solar-roof-with-battery product."

At the end of May, the Fidelity OTC portfolio was the second largest mutual fund investor in Tesla with 3.14 million shares. Fidelity's Contrafund, run by Will Danoff, was No. 1 among mutual funds with 5.5 million shares.

Fidelity funds combined are the second-largest investor in Tesla, holding about 11 percent of shares. Musk is the largest with about 20 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Baker's OTC Portfolio is the largest mutual fund investor in SolarCity, owning about 9 percent of its shares at the end of May. Musk owns about 23 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.

(Reporting By Tim McLaughlin; Editing by Tom Brown)
The poster for 1991s The Rocketeer (Photofest)

By Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter

The Rocketeer is ready to blast off once again.

Walt Disney Studios is developing a reboot of the 1991 action adventure movie, hiring Max Winkler and Matt Spicer to pen the script, which is being titled The Rocketeers.

The project, in the early development stages, is considered a sequel-reboot and, in a modern-day twist, will be headlined by a black female character.

Related: 10 Superheroes That Switched Up Demographics From Their Predecessors

Brigham Taylor, who produced The Jungle Book with Jon Favreau, is producing along with Blake Griffin of the L.A. Clippers and Ryan Kalil of the Carolina Panthers. Griffin and Kalil are partners in a new venture called Mortal Media and approached Taylor with the idea for the reboot.

Rocketeer was based on the popular 1980s indie comic by Dave Stevens and, like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, was a loving homage to the serials of the 1930s and 1940s.

The story followed Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who discovers a rocket pack and suit to die for and become embroiled with mobsters and Nazis, as well as Howard Hughes and the FBI.

The Joe Johnston-directed movie starred Billy Campbell as Secord, Jennifer Connelly as his aspiring actress (a Betty Page homage) girlfriend, Timothy Dalton as an Errol Flynn-type actor who is a Nazi spy, and Alan Arkin as Secords mechanic.

Related: How Should Indiana Jones Be Rebooted?

When the movie was released, it grossed only $46.6 million and came in fourth in its opening weekend (it was pummeled by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, City Slickers, and Dying Young). Its performance was considered a disappointment by the studio and its creative team.

But a rare thing happened: The movie took on a life of its own, engendering a massive following who loved its un-ironic, bright, and straightforwardly heroic take on characters, all abetted by a score by James Horner.

When Disney hosted a 20th anniversary screening of the movie in Hollywoods El Capitan Theatre in 2011, fans  many in Rocketeer costumes  lined up for blocks.

Story continues

It was around that time that the studio began mulling a reboot of the movie, but sources said it sought a way to differentiate it from another rocket-propelled flying hero: Iron Man.

Related: Disney Releases Live-Action Beauty and the Beast Teaser

The new take keeps the story in a period setting and offers a fresh view on the characters. Set six years after the original Rocketeer and after Secord has vanished while fighting the Nazis, an unlikely new hero emerges: a young AfricanAmerican female pilot, who takes up the mantle of Rocketeer in an attempt to stop an ambitious and corrupt rocket scientist from stealing jet-pack technology in what could prove to be a turning point in the Cold War.

Tendo Nagenda and Chaz Salembier are overseeing the project for Disney.

Winkler, the son of Fonzie actor Henry Winkler, wrote and directed the 2010 indie comedy The Ceremony, which starred Michael Angarano and Uma Thurman. He has also directed episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and New Girl.

Spicer is Winklers producing and writing partner. The two have a coming-of-age drama titled Flower, with Zoey Deutch and Adam Scott, in postproduction, which Winkler directed. They also wrote Magic Camp for Disney and The Adventurers Handbook for Focus.

The duo is repped by CAA, Management 360 and Jackoway Tyerman.

Original Rocketeer director Joe Johnston talks about his work on Captain America: The First Avenger:


When Hillary Clinton won her first race for public office in 2000 to become New Yorks newest junior senator, she thanked her supporters in her victory speech. Sixty-two counties, sixteen months, three debates, two opponents, and six black pantsuits later, because of you, here we are, she said.

Throughout her career and time spent in the political spotlight  in roles from first lady to secretary of state  much has been made of her signature style. And now, as the first woman to be nominated a presidential candidate for a major party in the U.S., Clintons penchant for tailored blazers and trousers has continued on the campaign trail.

Yet while Clintons style isnt on the same level as Michelle Obamas or  dare I say  even former model Melania Trumps  that doesnt mean that her flair for the more sophisticated business look should so easily reduced to a few easy pantsuit jokes. At least, thats the point the Instagram account @HillaryStreetStyle is trying to make.

A photo posted by Whats ur Hillarystreetstyle? (@hillarystreetstyle) on Jun 2, 2016 at 3:21pm PDT

Its founder, who spoke with Yahoo Style on condition of anonymity, explains that she first started thinking about Clintons style in early 2015  and how similar it was to the kinds of looks the darlings of the fashion world wear today. But it wasnt until the spring 2016 that she took action and brought her idea to social media.



After being struck by what she describes as the huge difference  between the social media engagement of Bernies  for whom I have a real soft spot  young supporters and Hillarys supporters and seeing pictures of young women in awesome #FeelTheBern outfits, I thought, How has this not happened  and even more so  for Hillary? Like, why isnt there a gaggle of colorfully pantsuit-ed young women holding up signs?

Which is where the fun, side-by-side posts on @HillaryStreetStyle come in, filling the virtual gap of Clinton fan fashion.

Story continues

A photo posted by Whats ur Hillarystreetstyle? (@hillarystreetstyle) on Apr 1, 2016 at 2:15pm PDT

The Instagram accounts founder said it was kind of an experiment when she first started. I knew I enjoyed doing it, she says, prompting her to think, Lets see if people enjoy seeing it.

After taking a day off from work to get it launched, she worked for three days straight, planning, gathering, and compiling images, and creating an editorial schedule to celebrate the beautiful cross-section of Clinton style and celeb style.

After deciding on important things for the account  like the hashtag #pantsuitfriday  she decided that if she had picked up 100 followers in a month, she would let the project run for one more month and then reassess. Five months in, shes now up to just under 4,000 followers, a number that grows by the day. As a result, the account is more commitment but has also gotten easier. I know so many of Hillarys looks  I see them everywhere I go.

And yet one thing that is harder to commit to is nailing down an exact description of Clintons style.

A photo posted by Whats ur Hillarystreetstyle? (@hillarystreetstyle) on Jul 21, 2016 at 3:42pm PDT

I keep changing my mind on what Hillarys style is. And that is part of what I love about @HillaryStreetStyle  that it hopefully shows the breadth of her style. There is a lot of speculation about how we  America  dont know Hillary as a person. But I think if you take away the politics from her fashion, you can see a lot of a person, she says. There are some good looks; there are some bad ones. There are changes that obviously account for changes in style, trends, her age, her body, her income. Is it that evolution of a fashion icon like Iris Apfel? No. It is the evolution of a professional woman, mother, and grandmother? Seems that way to me from the outside.

But that isnt to say that the mastermind behind @HillaryStreetStyle doesnt have any favorites from the Clinton oeuvre.

A photo posted by Whats ur Hillarystreetstyle? (@hillarystreetstyle) on Jun 30, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

Im generally a fan of Hillarys shirt dresses and sweaters of the mid-early 1990s. However, this could be because Im getting back into turtlenecks myself, she says. Ive said this a million times, but Im also a big fan of Hillarys headbands. She was wearing them in her secretary of state days, so it is not like they are a thing of the distant past. I think it is time to bring them back.

A photo posted by Whats ur Hillarystreetstyle? (@hillarystreetstyle) on Mar 24, 2016 at 2:08pm PDT

Another favorite? Like everyone else, I loved her Donna Karan [cold shoulder] dress. Now with LVMH selling Donna Karan, perhaps Im getting nostalgic.

Ultimately, however, the accounts creator says she hopes to create a respite for people during this election year. I hope that it makes people see her style from a difference perspective, that it makes people think, but I really hope it makes people smile and laugh  and want to wear a neon-green pantsuit tomorrow.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.


Nikki Walton has taken her message of natural-hair acceptance to countries including Israel, Cuba, Japan, Brazil, and Greece. (Photo: Instagram/curlynikki)

Girls are seven times more likely to love their curls if people around them do, according to Doves recent Love Your Curls campaign. One woman is turning that concept into a way of life. Nikki Walton  known to her legions of fans as the beauty blogger and author CurlyNikki  is on a globetrotting mission to help transform womens perception of naturally curly hair from a burden into a blessing, according to Forbes.

#Cuba #CurlyCultureMission A photo posted by Curlynikki (@curlynikki) on May 17, 2016 at 5:57pm PDT

A former full-time licensed psychotherapist, Walton is hyper-aware of the ways in which self-image can affect mood and self-esteem. She started by analyzing herself. As a curly girl, she says, she used to only feel pretty when she would straighten her thick locks. Even her partner noticed the drastic difference in her attitude while they were university students in Missouri. When I got to college, my then boyfriend [now husband] had a heart-to-heart with me after he observed how my self-esteem would fluctuate depending on the state of my hair  outspoken and confident when my hair was straight, withdrawn and kind of sad when my hair was curly, she told Forbes.

Beauty Blogger Creates Perfect Wavy Locks Using Dish Sponges

At that time, Walton would have her boyfriend drive her three hours to a place get her hair washed and pressed under scorching heat, ultimately achieving bone straight tresses that lasted a week, according to her site. He saw the irony in the fact that Walton was a psychology major yet was participating in a stressful, time-consuming ritual, and her happiness was almost completely dependent on it. Your hair is beautiful no matter how it is, he reminded her, she told Forbes, and you should be comfortable with it kinky, curly, or straight. Walton took his words to heart.

So, after years of forcing her spirals into submission, she taught herself the science of curly hair and learned to love and embrace her natural mane. The root of the problem, she said, is societys distorted perception of beauty and its pervasive effects on our psyches. Hopefully at this point, we all understand that beauty is measured by subjective standards that change over time and across space, Walton told Forbes. With that said, there is indeed a Euro-centric and Western-oriented beauty standard that affects women of all races in the United States and abroad. The reality is that advertisers push this straight hair/fair skin standard across the world, propagating it as normal and good. By default, everything that doesnt meet this standard is somehow abnormal and bad. Thus, straight hair must be good hair.

Story continues

Doll Creator Fires Back After Critics Call Her Toys Too Dark

She brought her newfound attitude to online hair-care forums, where she made a name for herself and  at the urging of other forum members  started CurlyNikki to keep the dialogue flowing. And because travel is one of her passions, she saw an opportunity to wander around the world, hosting meet-ups to bring members of her global, online network together in real life. Her message resonated more deeply than shed imagined, with hundreds of women showing up at each gathering.

Now, shes on a full-time mission to spread her message far and wide. Walton regularly travels the world on what she calls calls Curly Culture Missions, drawing inspiration from and building community around women from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, with hair textures that run the gamut. Shes also trying to make a tangible difference. I  found that curly [-haired] women in other countries often had trouble getting access to natural hair products, she told Forbes. So I decided to take the show to Greece, Brazil, Japan, Spain and so on. I would convince manufacturers to donate some products. I found that these women were just like curly women in the U.S.  full of love, hope, and great potential.

Now a guru to many women whove latched onto her message of self-love  not to mention the author of two books: When Good Hair Goes Bad and Better Than Good Hair  Walton seems to feel a responsibility to be everywhere all at once, but of course thats impossible. Thats why she developed an app to share tips on the run or product recommendations when in the hair care aisle. According to her site, the app  which has playfully named categories such as The Curl Street Journal  was downloaded 45,000 times within five months of its launch.

#FBF: Have you downloaded my new free book #WhenGoodHairGoesBad yet? Share your thoughts in the comment section. A photo posted by Curlynikki (@curlynikki) on Jul 22, 2016 at 3:54pm PDT

Despite her success, Walton is fully aware that her mission may seem like a petty, cosmetic issue to people who dont understand how deeply hair can affect a womans identity, confidence level, sense of attractiveness, and sexuality. People will say on the site sometimes: Its just hair, its not that deep, but they come to the site [CurlyNikki.com] every day, so maybe it is that deep. For black women especially, its wrapped up in our quality of life, says Walton.

Though she enacts significant social change across the world, Walton doesnt consider herself a political activist  in fact, she rejects the title, saying she hasnt earned it. Instead, she simply sees herself as a good citizen. If I see an injustice, Ill call it out, she says. I think the world might be a much better place if we all did this more often.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
London (AFP) - British travel operator Thomas Cook cut its annual outlook on Thursday, and blamed sliding sales after the Brussels terror attack and Turkey's more recent turmoil.

The company forecast annual operating profit of A300 million ($395 million, 356 million euros), down from its prior guidance for between A310 million and A355 million that was given in May.

Thomas Cook added in a results statement that it made an operating loss of A25 million in the third quarter of its financial year, or three months to the end of June.

That contrasted with a slender profit of A3.0 million in the same period of the group's previous fiscal year.

Revenue slid eight percent to A1.85 billion in the reporting period, which it said reflected the "impact of Turkey and Brussels".

Thomas Cook added that summer 2016 holiday bookings were down five percent on the same stage last year. However, excluding Turkey, they were up eight percent.

Fewer holidaymakers want to head to Belgium or Turkey, which have both faced terror attacks this year. In addition, Turkey was rocked by a failed coup earlier this month.

"Our financial result in the third quarter was in line with our expectations when we last reported in May, following the impact of the attack on Brussels airport in March and continued weak customer demand for Turkey," said chief executive Peter Fankhauser in the statement.

Thomas Cook added it would seek instead to grow sales to alternative travel destinations such as Bulgaria and Cuba.

The London-listed operator said however that it had not yet experienced any noticeable fallout from Britain's shock EU exit vote on June 23.

"We are operating in a challenging geopolitical environment, with repeated disruption in some of our key source and destination markets," Fankhauser added.

"While Brexit has had no noticeable impact on our bookings so far, it has added to a general sense of uncertainty -- for our business and our customers alike."
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine addressed the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday, bringing an optimistic vision of the future with Hillary Clinton.

After a video introducing Kaine, he took the stage to accept the nomination. "For all of us who know that the brightest future for our country is the one that we build together, and for my friend Hillary Clinton, I humbly accept my party's nomination to be vice president of the United States," he said.

Kaine continued with a brief story of his childhood and family, starting with, "I never expected to be here," adding that his life's focus became "faith, family and work." He got cheers from the crowd as he responded to a "Si se puede" chant later, showing off his Spanish, translating his "faith, family and work" ideal to "fe, familia y trabajo."

Read More: Watch Joe Biden Deliver Impassioned Plea Against Donald Trump at DNC

Kaine addressed the Republican party briefly, saying that even though they claim to be the "party of Lincoln," "any party that would nominate Donald Trump for president has moved too far away from that party."

Praising Clinton, Kaine said that she was a "fantastic" senator, and that they share the belief to "do all the good you can and serve one another. Pretty simple." He also commended Bernie Sanders and his supporters, saying that "we all should 'Feel the Bern,' and we all should not want to get burned by the other guy," referencing Trump.

Kaine compared Clinton and Trump, saying that Clinton has a passion to help people, but Trump's only passion "is himself."

"Trump is a guy who promises a lot, but you might have noticed, he's got a way of saying the same two words every time he makes his biggest (hugest) promises: 'Believe me,'" Kaine joked, saying that he trusts Clinton, but doesn't trust Trump in charge. He later added that he doesn't "believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth," and called him a "one-man wrecking ball."

Story continues

Kaine addressed the crowd at the convention after a day full of speakers that included Jesse Jackson, Sigourney Weaver, Lee Daniels, Angela Bassett and Vice President Joe Biden.

Read More: Critic's Notebook: Obama Inspires, Bloomberg Tears Into Trump at Democratic Convention

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Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, wasted little time Wednesday night going after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on one of the billionaires more vulnerable stands: His refusal to release his tax returns before the November election.

By the way, does anybody in this massive auditorium believe that Donald Trump has been paying his fair share of taxes? Kaine said midway through his half hour acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Does anybody here believe that Trump ought to release his tax returns just like every other presidential candidate in modern history? he added.

Related: In a Night of Bitter Attacks, Dems Question Trumps Competence

Trump has repeatedly refused to release his tax returns, insisting that it would be imprudent to do so during an IRS audit. But Democrats and even some tax experts say that Trumps argument is specious at best. And without those tax documents, its impossible to gauge more precisely the net worth of the New York mogul or whether he has been as generous as he claims in making charitable contributions.

Hey, Donald, what are you hiding? Kaine said. And yet, Donald still says, Believe me. Believe me.

In his first major speech since Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton tapped Kaine last Friday to be her running mate, the affable centrist Democrat and former Virginia governor seemingly passed his first big test of the campaign with few stumbles.

Related: Kaines $160,000 Gift Controversy: More Bad Optics for the Democrats

Clinton said she chose him because of the breadth of his government experience, their shared political views and principles, his unquestioned loyalty and his reputation for bipartisanship that may help the ticket reach out to more independents in key battleground states, including Virginia.

Kaine, 58, is knowledgeable on national security and defense issues by his service on the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committee. He has pressed Congress to vote on new war powers for the president in the battle against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. As Clinton has noted, Kaine would be ready to step in and replace her as commander in chief in the event she was incapacitated.

Story continues

However, his more moderate views on international trade, banking and other issues have alienated many of the liberal delegates attending the convention. And Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who mounted an unsuccessful challenge to Clinton from the far left, said that he would have preferred someone else as the vice presidential nominee, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Despite his decades of government service in Virginia and the U.S. Senate, Kaine is little-known outside of Washington, and he has his work cut out for him in doing battle with the formidable and unpredictable Trump and his vice presidential running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

Related: Kaines $160,000 Gift Controversy: More Bad Optics for the Democrats

It was unfortunate that Kaine had to follow Vice President Joe Biden last night to accept his partys nomination. The veteran, savvy Biden has evolved over the years as an unparalleled wing man for President Obama, using at turns a folksy, down-home charm, a liberals passion and the voice of moral authority in promoting and defending Obamas policies.

Bidens popularity among rank and file Democrats has only grown since the death of his son, Beau, from brain cancer last year  a family tragedy that dissuaded Biden from entering the 2016 president campaign and challenging Clinton.

Kaine did a workmanlike job of making his case to the convention in a speech that was peppered with Spanish phrases, but he lacked the gravitas and rhetorical dexterity of Biden or President Obama, who provided a stirring closing address to last nights session. Kaines attempts at being folksy and informal sometimes fell flat.

Related: Clinton Makes Safe Choice of Tim Kaine as Her Running Mate

He was up against a tough lineup, said University of Virginia political scientist Larry J. Sabato, an admirer of the Virginia senator. Nobody can compete with Obama, and Biden had a powerful farewell address.

Kaine is a terrific extemporaneous speaker, but is less effective with a prepared address, Sabato said. Plus the pressure must have been terrible. Add to that the widespread rumors that Sanders delegates were going to boo or turn their backs. Anyway, Kaine can go toe to toe with Trump, but he will achieve a better result in the back and forth of the trail.

In his speech, Kaine first stressed his stressed his Irish Catholic roots, the Jesuit missionary work he did in Honduras after taking a year off from law school, and his strong stands on human rights and gun control during his years as a Richmond city council member and mayor. He also discussed his wrenching efforts as governor to guide his state through tough economic times and the tragedy of the Virginia Tech mass shootings in April 2007.

We shed tears along the way, he said. But afterward we rolled up our sleeves and we fixed the loophole in the background record check system so that we could make our commonwealth safer. And we have to do that in the nation.

Related: Tim Kaine: 12 Things You Should Know About Hillary Clintons VP Pick

His defense of Clinton was forceful, although he focused less on her years as President Obamas secretary of state and Middle East policymaker than on her efforts as a New York senator to win federal assistance and compensation for New York City policemen and first responders and their families after the 9/11 attacks.

Like other speakers, he also praised Clinton for her years of advocacy for children and health care reform.

She has battled to put kids and families first since she was a teenager, he said. Through hell or high water, fighting for underprivileged kids working at the Childrens Defense Fund. Fighting to get health insurance for eight million low-income children when she was the first lady. Fighting for the well-being of women and children around the world.

Related: Trump Reveals His Vision in Grim Speech: Call It Twilight in America'

As for Trump, Kaine followed the Democrats attack plan and portrayed him as a charlatan in business who frequently stiffed contractors and workers on his building projects or cheated people out of their savings by persuading them to enroll in business courses at the now defunct Trump University.

He joined in what emerged as the theme of the night: that Trump is a dangerous and incompetent leader who would threaten the future of the country if he somehow wins the election in November.

And I will tell you, and I will tell you, to me, it just seems like our nation, it is just too great to put in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting one-man wrecking crew, Kaine said.

Theres little doubt Kaine will be an effective advocate for Clinton on the campaign trail. But whether he can stand up to the salvos that will soon be coming his way from Trump and Pence remains to be seen. Trump has already begun to label him as corrupt Kaine because of his ethical lapses in accepting $160,000 in gifts and trips from special interest groups during his tenure as lieutenant governor and governor, even though accepting the gifts was not a violation of Virginia law.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Tim Kaine

On the day he accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine roiled Republican nominee Donald Trump in a big introduction to a broad audience at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

The Virginia senator and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's running mate repeatedly dug into Trump, even occasionally bursting into an impression of the real-estate mogul.

In his lengthy address, he deemed Trump untrustworthy for promising "a lot" and adding a simple "believe me" after his biggest vows.

"It's gonna be great  believe me!" he said, mocking Trump. "We're gonna build a wall and make Mexico pay for it  believe me! We're gonna destroy ISIS so fast  believe me! There's nothing suspicious in my tax returns  believe me!"

"By the way, does anyone here believe that Donald Trump's been paying his fair share of taxes?" he continued, noting Trump's persistent refusal to release his tax returns, which every major party nominee has done since 1976. "Do you believe he ought to release those tax returns like every other presidential candidate in modern history? Of course he should. Donald, what are you hiding?"

Kaine continued his ripping of Trump, adding that "most people" who run for president don't back up their proposals by saying, "Believe me."

"They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done," he said. "He never tells you how he's going to do any of the things he says he's going to do. He just says, 'Believe me.' So here's the question. Do you really believe him? Donald Trump's whole career says you better not."

The Virginia Democrat lambasted Trump for his reported treatment of small contractors, Florida retirees, charities, Trump university students, and other current and former associates.

"He says, 'Believe me,'" Kaine continued. "Well, his creditors, his contractors, his laid-off employees, his ripped-off students did just that. Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth. Our nation is too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one man wrecking crew."

Story continues

Kaine employed the statements of prominent Republicans not in favor of Trump's candidacy to help back up his point. Kaine mentioned former First Lady Barbara Bush, a former adviser to Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

The senator also praised Clinton, the Democratic nominee and the other half of his ticket. He explained why he trusts her to be a good president.

"First, she's consistent," he said. "She has battled to put kids and families first since she was a teenager  in good times and bad, in victory and defeat, in and out of office, through hell or high water. Fighting for underprivileged kids at the Children's Defense Fund. Fighting to get health insurance for 8 million kids when she was First Lady. Fighting for the well-being of women and girls around the world."

"Here's a little tip for you: When you want to know about the character of someone in public life, look to see if they have a passion, one that began before they were in office, and that they have consistently held on to throughout their career," he continued. "Hillary's passion is kids and families."

He went on to include some of what he considers her best accomplishments: helping first responders of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks to get expanded care, implementing sanctions against Iran as secretary of state, and being part of the national-security team that killed terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

"She's ready because of her faith," he said. "She's ready because of her heart. She's ready because of her experience. She's ready because she knows in America we are stronger together. My fellow Democrats, this week we begin the next chapter in our proud story."

NOW WATCH: Heres what happened when Trump was asked about replacing Muslim TSA workers with veterans





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PHILADELPHIADemocratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine made his first bow on a national stage Wednesday night, imploring Delegates to the Democratic National Convention to defeat Donald Trump, who he called a dangerous demagogue.

The Virginia Senator took the stage after New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who blistered Trump as unfit for office. The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy, said Bloomberg.

Trump says he wants to run the country like hes running his business, added Bloomberg, God Help us. Im a new Yorker and I know a con when I see one.

Kaine accepted the Democrats nomination humbly and  before turning his sites on Trump. He named many of the other Republicans who vited for the Repulican nomination and described their many qualifications for office.

Employing snippets of Spanish, Kaine quoted other Republicansfrom former First Lady Barbara Bush, to John McCains national security adviser to Ohio Gov. John Kasichto condemn Trump as a risky, reckless and radical choice.

Kaine rolled out a litany of reports from Trumps some-time partners and contractors, in projects like his Atlantic City casinos  to paint the billionaire businessman as reckless and uncaring  from students at his failed Trump university, to retirees who lost their savings when they invested in Trump condos that were never built.

Lets elect a sane, competent person with sane, international experience, he said. And to be a unifier and person who reached out to build consensuslets elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the greatest country in the world, the United States.

more to come

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President Obama: 'Our Greatness Does Not Depend on Donald Trump'
PHILADELPHIA  Sen. Tim Kaine defended Hillary Clinton against Republican attacks Wednesday night in his first speech since officially becoming the Democratic nominee for vice president. Kaine also debuted an impression of Donald Trump, mocking the Republican nominee for making promises he doesnt keep.

Now, last week in Cleveland, we heard a lot about trust, Kaine said of the Republican National Convention. So lets talk about trust. I want to tell you why I trust Hillary Clinton.

The former Virginia governor said he trusted Clinton because she has a passion for helping kids and families  a passion that started before she entered public life. Donald Trump has a passion, too  its himself! Kaine quipped.

On a personal level, as hes serving our nation abroad, I trust Hillary Clinton with our sons life, Kaine said to applause. His son, Nat, is a Marine serving in Europe, defending the very NATO allies that Donald Trump now says he would abandon, Kaine told the crowd.

Now, you know who I dont trust? Donald Trump, he asked.

Kaine then did an impression of Trump, saying, Believe me as he made various claims about what the mogul would do as president, as the crowd laughed.

Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth, he said. Delegates chanted not one word! in support of Kaines speech.

To me, it just seems like our nation, it is just too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew, Kaine said. Do you believe him? Does anybody here believe him?

Kaines speech was aimed squarely at a worrisome statistic for the Clinton campaign. Only about 30 percent of American voters said they found Clinton trustworthy in a recent CNN poll, a smaller share of voters than trust Trump. Thats down 20 points from March, when 50 percent said they thought she was honest. Kaine, a Midwesterner who is known for his collegiality, was introduced to the convention with a short video that mentioned hes lived in the same house in Virginia for two decades and attends the same church where he married his wife. His speech focused on lending authenticity to Clinton while painting Trump as a liar and a cheat.

Story continues

Clinton tapped Kaine for the job just five days ago, and introduced her VP candidate at a Saturday rally in Miami, where he showed off his fluent Spanish. The choice disappointed some in the progressive wing of the party, who object to Kaines former support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal and his personal objection to abortion. A few delegates held up signs protesting the TPP while Kaine spoke, but they did not significantly interrupt him with boos or chanting.

Kaine paid tribute to Bernie Sanders during his speech. We all should feel the Bern, and we all should not want to get burned by the other guy, he said to applause.

Kaine also stressed his own commitment to progressive causes as a former civil rights lawyer who took on banks and landlords.

_____

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The following timeline charts the origin and spread of the Zika virus from its discovery nearly 70 years ago:

1947: Scientists researching yellow fever in Uganda's Zika Forest identify the virus in a rhesus monkey

1948: Virus recovered from Aedes africanus mosquito in Zika Forest

1952: First human cases detected in Uganda and Tanzania

1954: Virus found in Nigeria

1960s-80s: Zika detected in mosquitoes and monkeys across equatorial Africa

196983: Zika found in equatorial Asia, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan

2007: Zika spreads from Africa and Asia, first large outbreak on Pacific island of Yap

2012: Researchers identify two distinct lineages of the virus, African and Asian

201314: Zika outbreaks in French Polynesia, Easter Island, the Cook Islands and New Caledonia. Retrospective analysis shows possible link to birth defects and severe neurological complications in babies in French Polynesia

March 2, 2015: Brazil reports illness characterized by skin rash in northeastern states

July 17: Brazil reports detection of neurological disorders in newborns associated with history of infection

Oct. 5: Cape Verde has cases of illness with skin rash

Oct. 22: Colombia confirms cases of Zika

Oct. 30: Brazil reports increase in microcephaly, abnormally small heads, among newborns

Nov. 11: Brazil declares public health emergency

November 2015-January 2016: Cases reported in Suriname, Panama, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Paraguay, Venezuela, French Guiana, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Guyana, Ecuador, Barbados, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Curacao, Jamaica

Feb. 1: World Health Organization (WHO) declares public health emergency of international concern

Feb. 2: First case of Zika transmission in United States; local health officials say likely contracted through sex, not mosquito bite

Feb. 5: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says virus being actively transmitted in 30 countries, mostly in the Americas

Feb. 8: U.S. President Barack Obama requests $1.8 billion to fight Zika

Story continues

Feb. 12: Brazil investigating potential link between Zika infections and 4,314 suspected cases of microcephaly. Of those, 462 confirmed as microcephaly and 41 determined to be linked to virus

Feb. 17: Brazil investigating potential link between Zika and 4,443 suspected cases of microcephaly. Of those, 508 confirmed as microcephaly and most of those cases are linked to the virus. WHO seeks $56 million to fight Zika.

Feb. 18: CDC adds Aruba and Bonaire to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 32.

Feb. 23: CDC investigating 14 cases of possible sexual transmission of Zika. CDC also adds Trinidad and Tobago and Marshall Islands to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 34.

Feb. 25: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases number more than 580 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,100 suspected cases of microcephaly.

Feb. 27: France detects first sexually transmitted case of Zika.

Feb. 29: CDC adds St. Maarten, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 36.

March 1: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 641 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,222 suspected cases of microcephaly.

March 8: WHO advises pregnant women to avoid areas with Zika outbreak and said sexual transmission of the virus is "relatively common."

March 9: CDC adds New Caledonia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 37.

March 15: Cuba reports first case of Zika contracted in the country.

March 16: Cape Verde identifies first case of microcephaly.

March 18: CDC says during Jan. 1, 2015 to Feb. 26, 2016, 116 residents of the United States had evidence of recent Zika virus infection based on laboratory testing.

Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 863 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,268 suspected cases of microcephaly.

March 19: CDC adds Cuba to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 38.

March 21: South Korea confirms first case of Zika.

March 22: CDC adds Dominica to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 39. Bangladesh confirms first case of Zika virus.

Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 907 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,293 suspected cases of microcephaly.

March 29: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 944 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil said the number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped slightly to 4,291.

March 31: According to the World Health Organization, there is a strong scientific consensus that Zika can cause the birth defect microcephaly as well as Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can result in paralysis, though conclusive proof may take months or years.

April 1: CDC adds Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 40.

April 4: CDC adds Fiji to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 41.

April 5: Vietnam reports first Zika infections.

April 6: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 1,046 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. The number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped to 4,046.

April 7: St. Lucia confirms first two cases of Zika, contracted locally.

April 12: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 1,113 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. The number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped to 3,836. It was the second week in a row that the overall total figure fell.

April 13: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that infection with the Zika virus in pregnant women is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities in babies. The CDC said now that the causal relationship has been established, several important questions must still be answered with studies that could take years.

CDC adds St. Lucia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 42.

April 14: Colombia confirms two microcephaly cases linked to Zika.

April 18: Peru reports first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus.

CDC adds Belize to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 43.

April 19: Chilean authorities find Zika mosquito for first time in decades.

April 25: Canada confirms first sexually transmitted Zika case.

April 26: Brazil says the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly climbed to 1,198 from 1,168 in the week through April 23, but suspected ones under investigation continued to decline to 3,710 from 3,741 a week ago.

Brazil registered 91,387 likely cases of the Zika virus from February until April 2, the health ministry said, in its first national report on the epidemic.

April 29: Puerto Rico reports first death related to Zika, according to the CDC. The country also confirmed 683 Zika cases, including 65 pregnant women, and five suspected cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome from Zika, the CDC reported.

May 4: Panama confirms four microcephaly cases tied to Zika.

May 6: Spain gets first case of Zika-related brain defect in a fetus.

May 9: CDC adds Papua New Guinea, Saint Barthelemy and Peru to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 46.

Honduras suspects first case of microcephaly in Zika patient.

May 11: Brazil says the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly dropped to 1,326 in the week through May 7 as doctors and Brazilian health officials find that some suspected cases of microcephaly are not the disorder. Suspected ones under investigation continued to decline to 3,433.

May 12: CDC adds Grenada to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 47.

May 13: Puerto Rico reports first case of Zika-related microcephaly.

May 20: WHO says an outbreak of Zika virus on the African island chain of Cape Verde is of the same strain as the one blamed for birth abnormalities in Brazil.

May 24: Brazil reports the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly at 1,434 for the latest week to May 21. Suspected ones under investigation declined to 3,257.

May 26: CDC adds Argentina to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 48.

June 9: WHO issues updated guidelines on prevention of sexual transmission of the Zika virus, including advising women living in areas where the virus is being transmitted to delay getting pregnant.

June 14: El Salvador confirms first case of microcephaly linked to Zika.

June 23: CDC reports seven babies in the United States with microcephaly or other Zika-related birth defects such as serious brain abnormalities, and five lost pregnancies from either miscarriage, stillbirth or termination.

June 28: First baby with Zika-related birth defect microcephaly born in Florida.

June 30: CDC adds Anguilla to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 49.

Guinea-Bissau confirms three cases of Zika, government says.

Spain records first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus, health authorities said.

July 8: CDC confirmed that a Utah resident's death last month is the first Zika-related death in the continental United States.

July 14: CDC adds Saint Eustatius to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 50.

July 15: New York City's health department reports the first female-to-male transmission of the Zika virus.

July 18: CDC reports that caregiver of Utah man who died of Zika tested positive for virus.

July 19: Florida health officials are investigating a case of Zika virus infection that does not appear to have stemmed from travel to another region with an outbreak.

July 21: CDC reports 400 pregnant women in U.S. with evidence of Zika infection, up from 346 a week ago. The health agency also reports three more babies born in U.S. with birth defects linked to the Zika virus, bringing total to 12.

Florida Department of Health said it was investigating a non travel-related case of Zika in Broward County, marking the second such case in the U.S.

July 22: New York City health officials reports first baby born with Zika-related birth defect.

July 25: Spain reports first case in Europe of baby born with Zika-related defect.

CDC issues updated recommendations for preventing and testing for Zika infection, warning that the virus can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected female partner.

July 26: Honduras detects 8 cases of babies with Zika-related defect.

CDC adds Saba to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 51

July 27: Paraguay reports first cases of microcephaly linked to Zika.

SOURCES: World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Reuters

(Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by the Americas Desk)
By Kathryn Doyle (Reuters Health) - Older people exposed to high lighting in the evening, and low light in the morning are more likely to gain weight, and the opposite light exposures may encourage weight loss, Japanese researchers say. Over two years, lighting exposure was tied to abdominal weight gain regardless of other factors like calorie intake, exercise and what time people went to sleep or woke up, the study found. Our results are reasonable because human beings have evolved under the lighting condition of daytime high and nighttime low light intensity, said lead author Dr. Kenji Obayashi of Nara Medical University School of Medicine. This is the first evidence in humans that disturbing circadian rhythms (the internal body clock) with a different pattern of light exposure relates to obesity risk, Obayashi told Reuters Health by email. In addition, our results added more details on the previous knowledge of the association between shift work and the obesity risk, he said. The researchers objectively measured ambient light exposure with wrist light meters over a two-day period for 1,110 study participants with an average age of 72. They also measured waist circumference, height and body weight and administered questionnaires on smoking, drinking and socioeconomic status. These measurements were repeated an average of 21 months later. At the beginning of the study, 138 people had abdominal obesity, which the researchers defined as a waist-to-height ratio of 0.6 or higher. The other 972 people did not have abdominal obesity. The study team measured light exposure in lux, a unit based on human perception of brightness. For example, outdoor light levels on a bright day are about 11,000 lux while at twilight they would be about 11 lux. Indoors, next to the window on a bright day, light levels might be around 1,000 lux while interior areas away from the window might have just 25-50 lux. Based on light exposure measurements throughout the day and night and compared to participants without abdominal obesity, researchers found that those with big waists at the beginning of the study period tended to be exposed to lower light intensity from rising time to early evening and higher light intensity after that. At follow-up, people who were exposed to light levels of 3 lux or more in the late evening and during the night were much more likely to have increased their waist size. Conversely, people who spent a longer time exposed to 500 lux or more in the morning were more likely to have reduced their waist size at follow-up. An increase in body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height, over time was also associated with evening or nighttime exposure to higher light intensity, according to the results in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Artificial light exposure during the solar night is associated with an increased risk of obesity, said Dr. Charles Czeisler, chief of the division of sleep and circadian disorders at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, who was not part of the study. Light exposure during the first and last hour of sleep has been tied to weight gain, while more light during the solar day has been tied to weight loss, he told Reuters Health. The new study only collected light data on two days, which may not have been representative for all people, and it is possible that people who have lights on at night have them on because they are eating, but the results are still exciting, he said. Inappropriate light exposure may alter human melatonin secretion pattern, a hormone associated with energy expenditure, Obayashi said. From the viewpoint of circadian misalignment, light sources with short wave length (blue light) have more effect on human biological rhythms, he said. So using these light sources (blue light) in evening/nighttime would promote obesity more. Younger people are more sensitive to ambient light than the elderly, he noted, so it may have even more of an effect for them. Trying to get more sunlight in daytime and less artificial light from TVs, smartphones and bedroom lights at night may be best for obesity prevention, he said. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2a2FBZ6 Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, online July 6, 2016.
The torch is passed: Obama says Hillary is more qualified than him or Bill in DNC speech

The torch is passed: Obama says Hillary is more qualified than him or Bill in DNC speech

So, Hillary Clinton just received a major co-sign from President Barack Obama and TBH, we wouldnt blame her if she popped her collar after hearing what POTUS had to say about her presidential qualities. In June, Obama formally endorsed Clinton in a three-minute video that praised the former Secretary of State, saying, I have seen her judgment, Ive seen her toughness, Ive seen her commitment to values up close. But on Wednesday, the president took his #ImWithHer stance one bold step further when he told the Democratic National Convention audience that Clinton was even more qualified than he was to run the country.

Hows that for a compliment?

But that wasnt all he had to say. Pres. Obama continued, letting everyone know that Clinton even outranked her own husband, former Pres. Bill Clinton, on the list of capable commanders-in-chief:

And there is only one candidate in this race who believes in that future, and has devoted her life to it; a mother and grandmother whod do anything to help our children thrive; a leader with real plans to break down barriers, blast through glass ceilings, and widen the circle of opportunity to every single American, the next president of the United States, Hillary Clinton. Thats the Hillary I know. Thats the Hillary Ive come to admire. And thats why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America.

Afterwards, Obama made sure his declaration was OK with Bill Clinton, telling the former president, I hope you dont mind, Bill.

We doubt he minds his wife being lauded by Obama, especially if it makes Bill the only person in history to ever be referred to as the nations first gentleman.

Story continues

Given his knack for singing, were kind of surprised Obama didnt contribute a note or two to Our Fight Song, the the patriotic musical ode that a ton of celebrities sang in support of Clinton.

But this speech, though? Golden.

Watch the moment below:

"There has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president." @POTUS https://t.co/5xI4BTop7Y  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 28, 2016

The post The torch is passed: Obama says Hillary is more qualified than him or Bill in DNC speech appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Tori Spelling made quite the style statement on Wednesday night.

Spelling showcased her figure in an off-white, ab-baring dress that she paired with a burgundy bralette and a statement necklace that she draped around her curves.



Getty Images

Getty Images

The 43-year-old actress wore the lacy, cut-out look to the Raising The Bar To End Parkinson event in Studio City, California, and was joined by her husband, Dean McDermott. Spelling's former Beverly Hills, 90210 co-stars, Jason Priestley and Tiffani Thiessen, were also at the benefit and chatted with ET.



WATCH: Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott Allegedly Owe Nearly $260,000 in Unpaid Taxes

Spelling and McDermott have never looked happier in recent red carpet appearances, and in January, the mother of four told ET that she's most proud of "the growth" of their relationship. "It just gets better, and I think when you go into a relationship, at least for me, you have all these fairy tale expectations," she shared. "What it should be or shouldn't be, where it's going to go and where it's going to plateau. You get to that point where [it's like], 'Wow, this is amazing' on a different level of what I ever expected."

McDermott added, "Our relationship is in the best place it's ever been."

WATCH: Tori Spelling Talks Rebuilding Marriage After Dean McDermott Cheated -- 'We're Turning Monogamy on Its Head'

Related Articles
By Alastair Sharp and Allison Lampert TORONTO/MONTREAL (Reuters) - A six-year prison sentence for a policeman in the shooting death of a teenager three years ago was a rare conviction in Canada, where activists say officers too often get off easy in brutality cases. The case, along with the weekend death of a black man who witnesses say was beaten by police officers, has also brought race relations in Canada to the forefront. The 2013 shooting, which occurred after an altercation on a streetcar with the teen, who was brandishing a knife, was caught on video and led to widespread protests in Toronto. James Forcillo was found guilty of attempted murder in January for firing additional shots at Sammy Yatim, 18, whom he had already shot three times. He was acquitted of second-degree murder on a determination that the initial shots he fired were justified, but the second volley was not. Forcillo's sentencing on Thursday came days after a mentally ill black man died following his arrest by police in Ottawa. A protest march is planned in Montreal on Thursday over the death of Abdirahman Abdi. The aftermath of that incident was also caught on camera. The deaths echo similar events in the United States, where allegations of police brutality and racial bias have sparked protests. Some confrontations in the United States were also caught on video. Julian Falconer, a lawyer for Yatim's mother, said police needed more training to deal with mentally ill people as well as lapel cameras to ensure accountability. "You have people that are not well and they are shot like dogs in the street," he told reporters. Last year, a Toronto police officer shot and killed Andrew Loku, a 45-year-old Sudanese immigrant with a history of mental illness. No charges were filed. Sandy Hudson, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto, the only official Canadian chapter of the movement, said police shootings are underreported by media in Canada because surveillance footage is not as accessible and data is not always compiled by race north of the border. The reason for our existence is to dispel the myth that it is somehow safer in Canada, that it doesnt happen in Canada, she said. The group strategizes with Black Lives Matters national chapter in Los Angeles which has provided organizational support for larger protests, she added. Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), an arms-length agency that investigates cases of death, serious injury or sexual assault involving police, launched 266 cases in the 2014-15 fiscal year, including six shooting deaths, 12 deaths in custody and 41 sexual assault allegations. Of the 253 cases it closed that year, the SIU laid charges in 5.1 percent of them. There were no charges laid in the shooting deaths. When it does not lay charges, the agency does not make public the evidence behind its decision and its unredacted investigation reports are not released under freedom of information laws, drawing criticism that the SIU is too quick to clear police. The deaths have shone an unflattering light on race relations in Canada, which prides itself on its multiculturalism and tolerance, especially in contrast to the United States. "There's a reluctance on the part of a lot of Canadians to deal frankly with the history of racism in Canada," said Barrington Walker, an associate professor of African-Canadian history at Queen's University in Kingston. "The myths are still powerful and people have a lot invested in the myths, but you can see a counter argument emerging that is getting harder and harder to ignore." (Additional reporting by Leah Schnurr in Ottawa and Allison Martell in Toronto; Editing by Dan Grebler and Alan Crosby)
By Subrat Patnaik

July 28 (Reuters) - Wonder Workshop Inc, which makes toy robots that teach kids how to code, said it raised $20 million in its second round of funding and was looking to expand into new markets, especially China.

The San Mateo, California-based company, founded in 2012, makes two kinds of robots - Dot and Dash - compatible with iOS and Android devices, and can be controlled through mobile apps.

Children can teach the robots actions, from moving around in a room to playing tunes on a xylophone, by writing simple commands or codes.

Chief Executive and co-founder Vikas Gupta hit upon the idea to start Wonder Workshop during a six-month sabbatical he took shortly after his daughter.

"I wanted to find the solution that will engage children aged 5-10, meet them at their cognitive and motor skills," Vikas Gupta told Reuters.

Gupta worked with a team of inventors and co-founder Saurabh Gupta to create the robots. Vikas and Saurabh Gupta are not related.

Vikas Gupta also founded virtual currency platform operator Jambool in 2006. He sold the company to Google in 2010.

Wonder Workshop, which has already raised $15.9 million from investors including Madrona Venture Group, Maven Ventures, WI Harper Group and others, said the latest round of financing was led by WI Harper and Idea Bulb Ventures, along with Learn Capital and TCL.

Wonder Workshop was speaking with several retail partners in China, including China's No.2 e-commerce company JD.com, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

"In China, we see parents very passionate about their kids' education and we have already seen a lot of after-school learning centers import our robots," Vikas Gupta said.

Wonder Workshop has sold robots to more than 7,000 elementary schools around the world and expects to reach another 8,000 schools this year.

The company has sold 140,000 robots in the last 18 months through its website, Apple stores, Best Buy Co Inc , Target Corp and Toys R Us (IPO-TOYS.N) stores.

(Reporting by Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh)
training camp

Welcome to the COVER32/Ravens Training Camp News Roundup, our consistent report on all things Baltimore Ravens training camp.

QB Joe Flacco, who has been recovering from a dual ACL and MCL tear in his knee, is slated to enter training camp fully healthy and participated at full pace right off the start. That being said, Flacco plans to wear a brace on his left knee all season long. Flacco said, If it helps a little bit, thats huge, Im not going to leave it up to risk and then have something happen and say, What if? Im going to wear it. Theres no reason not to. Certainly a smart move by Flacco to keep the thought of re-injuring his knee out of his head.

Flacco will wear a brace on his left knee this season: https://t.co/cLXVZBvvNM "Theres no reason not to. pic.twitter.com/VbrFPHtk7D  Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 27, 2016

Yesterday, the Ravens front office made a few minor roster moves adding two players, Former San Diego Chargers LB Kavell Conner and CFL WR Dobson Collins.

We've signed two players before our first training camp practice: https://t.co/tINYgR7AoZ pic.twitter.com/sajHPZaorP  Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 27, 2016

Ravens WR Mike Wallace failed his conditioning test this week, not a major issue facing the start of training camp as he is expected to pass by the end of the week.

WR Mike Wallace did not pass his conditioning test. He is expected to pass in the next few days.  Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 27, 2016

AROUND COVER32

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NFL: The past weeks news in review

COVER32/Ravens: TE Daniel Brown is an overdue underdog

COVER32/Ravens: Ray Rice speaks out

The Ravens recently agreed to terms on a contract with 4-time pro bowler veteran tackle Jake Long. Long must pass the team physical before he can actually ink the deal, and has scheduled a examination on his knee prior to his physical.

Ravens LB Terrell Suggs spoke to the media for the first time in nearly a year. Our coverage of what he said is here; see the press conference here.

Cover32/Ravens will continue to bring you updates on all of the goings on in Ravens Training Camp, right here.

The post Training Camp News Roundup appeared first on Cover32.
Krakow (Poland) (AFP) - Pope Francis became the first pontiff to hop on an ordinary city tram on Thursday, on his way to the opening ceremony of an international Catholic extravaganza in Poland.

The Argentine, 79, boarded a yellow and white street car with "Pope's tram" on the destination screen.

He looked thrilled as, perched on one of the blue plastic seats, he waved to the snap-happy crowds lining the streets of Krakow as the tram trundled from the archbishop's residence to the sprawling Blonia park.

Francis was sharing the ecologically friendly tram, which was painted in the colours of the Vatican, with 15 young disabled people and their carers for the 800-metre (0.5-mile) journey.

He had been met at the stop by youngsters in traditional Krakow dress and given the keys to the city by the mayor.

Thousands of pilgrims from around the world packed the streets on the route despite the rain, with some even perching in trees to get a good view of Francis.

The pontiff, a fierce defender of the environment, has always been a fan of public transport. As archbishop of Buenos Aires he was known to take the underground train to get around the Argentine capital.

Francis was to address several hundred thousand pilgrims in the vast Blonia meadow as the 2016 edition of World Youth Day got underway.

Polish police said 600,000 people had gathered for the event, most wearing colourful rainproof ponchos to party with the pope.
(Adds details on Mexico pipeline stake for sale, quotes from conference call)

By Julie Gordon

July 28 (Reuters) - TransCanada Corp, Canada's second-largest pipeline company, reported on Thursday a slightly higher-than-expected quarterly profit, and said the process of seeking buyers for the sale of some of its assets was well under way.

The Calgary-based company is marketing an up to 49.9 percent stake in a package of six Mexico pipelines, excluding the recently announced $2.1 billion Sur de Texas-Tuxpan pipeline project.

The pipelines on offer are all in operation or expected to be operational by 2018. TransCanada did not specify how much it expects to make from the sale of the stake.

"The asset sales process is progressing, advisers have been engaged and the initial stage of soliciting interested parties is well under way," Chief Executive Russ Girling told analysts on a conference call, adding that the company expects to provide an update on the sales process by year-end.

The Mexico pipeline stake and the sale of the company's U.S. Northeast merchant power assets are expected to help fund the company's recently completed $10.3 billion takeover of Columbia Pipeline Group.

That deal, which closed July 1, transformed TransCanada into one of North America's largest natural gas transmission businesses, easing investor worries over the company's growth, which has been hindered by regulatory challenges on planned crude oil pipeline projects.

TransCanada has what it calls four "transformational" projects on its books, including the Energy East crude oil pipeline and the long-delayed Keystone XL expansion.

Canada's energy regulator in June officially launched its 21-month review of the C$15.7 billion ($11.9 billion) Energy East line, which would carry oil from Alberta's oil sands to refineries and export terminals in eastern Canada.

On Keystone XL, TransCanada formally requested arbitration in June over U.S. President Barack Obama's rejection of the cross-border project, seeking $15 billion in damages.

Story continues

The company said it remains well positioned to fund its C$25 billion portfolio of near-term projects. Its shares were up 1.63 percent at C$60.42 on Thursday in Toronto.

Net income attributable to the company's common shares fell to C$365 million ($277.4 million), or 52 Canadian cents per share, in the second quarter ended June 30 from C$429 million, or 60 Canadian cents per share, a year earlier.

Analysts on average had expected earnings of 51 Canadian cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The Calgary-based company's revenue rose 4.6 percent to C$2.75 billion. ($1 = 1.3175 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Julie Gordon in Vancouver, Additional reporting by Amrutha Gayathri in Bengaluru; editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Phil Berlowitz)
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah tonight dipped its toes back into the overtly political waters forded regularly under the captaincy of former host Jon Stewart with a fiery, blunt takedown of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump. The reason? Per tradition, Donald Trump caused no small amount of controversy earlier today during a press conference to talk about the recent hack of DNC computers and subsequent distribution via Wikileaks of highly embarrassing (though not particularly revelatory) Democratic party emails, he appeared to speak out in favor of cyber attacks by foreign governments against US citizens.

See, the release of the email records was apparently timed to maximize Democratic Party humiliation, and security experts are already claiming the hack was the work of agents of the Russian government, claims being investigated by the FBI. Russia, if youre listening, said Trump during the presser, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, referring, of course, to emails deleted by Hillary Clinton during her time as U.S. Secretary of State.

Trumps comments came even as his own Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence issued a statement condemning the hack, baffling timing to say the least. On tonights episode of The Daily Show, host Trevor Noah summed up the non supporter reaction: Are You Sh****g Me?!

Did this guy running for President just ask Russia to hack America? asked Noah. You know, Noah continued, for a guy whos claiming to bring jobs back to America, hes sure started outsourcing them real quick.

Have you ever seen The Manchurian Candidate?, Noah added, talking about the Frank Sinatra film in which a brainwashed Communist agent runs for President. Trump is like if The Manchurian Candidate ran for office as the Manchurian Candidate.

Watch the whole thing above, and sound off on the issue in comments.

Story continues

Donald Trumps call for Russia to hack America makes this election an easy choice. https://t.co/t0xH1ZTwBs https://t.co/kMfQvhrrbf  The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) July 28, 2016

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

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Moscow (AFP) - A Russian snowplough driver on Thursday pleaded guilty to causing the fatal 2014 Moscow airport jet crash that killed the head of French oil giant Total.

Total chairman and CEO Christophe de Margerie, two pilots and a flight attendant died when their Falcon jet was hit by the snowplough during take-off at Moscow's Vnukovo airport on the night of October 20, 2014.

Snowplough driver Vladimir Martynenko and the engineer in charge of snow clearing, Vladimir Ledenev, admitted in a Moscow court to causing the deaths through safety breaches and negligence, at the first full hearing.

Three air traffic controllers who worked that night at the airport pleaded not guilty on the same charges, which carry up to seven years in jail.

Investigators said the Falcon-50EX plane crashed after slamming into the snowplough which had driven onto the runway in breach of rules.

The snowplough driver -- who was 60 at the time -- had told investigators he did drive onto the runway without waiting for permission from an air traffic controller and lost his sense of orientation after his vehicle lagged behind.

Investigators also said the driver was drunk, while his lawyers said he drank coffee laced with brandy after the crash.

Ledenev, the engineer who led the team, "recognises that he did not supervise the work of his colleagues," lawyer Leonid Kurakin told journalists at the court.

Investigators said the air traffic controllers failed to warn the pilots that the snowplough had moved on to the runway even though they had time to do so.

The defendants sat with bowed heads as the judge read out the charges, watched by some 20 relatives, lawyers and journalists.

- Claims for damages -

The husband of the French flight attendant submitted a civil claim for 300,000 euros in damages for mental anguish, TASS news agency reported.

The airport and the French company that operated the plane, Unijet, jointly filed claims for damages to compensate for their destroyed property totalling 15.2 million rubles ($229,000), Kurakin told TASS.

Story continues

The next hearing was set for Friday, with Vnukovo airport director-general due to give testimony, lawyers said.

De Margerie, who was 63, led Europe's third-largest oil company -- and France's biggest in terms of sales and profits -- for seven years.

The charismatic business leader nicknamed "the moustache" had close ties to Russia and opposed Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine crisis.

De Margerie had met then prime minister Dmitry Medvedev at his country residence to discuss investment just hours before the crash, which came as the oil chief was heading to Paris.

Putin called de Margerie a "true friend of our country" and posthumously awarded him a medal for developing economic and cultural ties.

France is also probing the accident, with the Paris prosecutor's office opening a judicial investigation into involuntary homicide caused by deliberate safety violations or failure to act prudently.
Donald Trump

The Donald Trump campaign derided night three of the Democratic National Convention, contending that "instead of dealing with reality," top Democrats "spoke in cheap, petty terms beneath the dignity of a convention."

"Tonight was a sad night for the Democratic Party," Trump senior adviser Stephen Miller said in a statement on Wednesday night. "They offered no solutions for the problems facing America  in fact, they pretended those problems didn't even exist."

He added: "They described a vision of America that doesn't exist for most Americans, including the 70% of Americans who think our country is on the wrong track. Never has a party been so disconnected from what is happening in our world."

Night three of the DNC featured speeches from Vice President Joe Biden, vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine, and President Barack Obama. Each slammed Republicans for presenting a dark vision of America during last week's Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Miller argued that Republicans were simply confronting America's problems head-on, while Democrats were choosing to ignore them.

"Their entire message could be summed up as: things are perfect, let's not change a single thing," he said.

Miller continued: "So they resorted to the politics of fear, trying to convince Americans not to vote for change  they spoke on behalf of the big banks and the big elites, not on behalf of suffering Americans. They want to keep the system rigged for their donors. Period. Rigged trade deals, a rigged economy, and open borders that benefit the few at the expense of the many."

Hillary Clinton was formally nominated for president Tuesday by the Democratic Party. She is scheduled to formally accept the nomination during a prime-time speech Thursday.

NOW WATCH: Watch Joe Biden tear down Trump's favorite phrase





More From Business Insider


Donald Trump answers questions during a Reddit AMA. (Photo: via Facebook)

Donald Trump kicked off his Wednesday with a long and controversial morning press conference, and he ended it this evening with an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit that served as an opportunity for his biggest fans to interact with the Republican nominee. It was also an attempt to appeal to frustrated Bernie Sanders supporters who might be interested in joining his cause.

Over the course of 90 minutes, Trump answered 13 questions  most of them in brief replies, mainly working through his greatest hits. He cited his immigration plan on his website, referenced Crooked Hillary, reaffirmed his love of winning and expressed his support for the nations police. One user asked about what he would like to convey to disillusioned Sanders supporters or anyone else considering a third-party vote.

Though Bernie is exhausted and has given up on his revolution, replied Trump, many of his voters still want to keep up the fight. I expect that millions of Bernie voters will refuse to vote for Hillary because of her support for the war in Iraq, the invasion of Libya, NAFTA and TPP, and of course because she is totally bought and sold by special interests. She and her husband have been paid millions and millions by global corporations and powerful interests who will control her every decision. She is their puppet, and they pull the strings.

We welcome with open arms all voters who want an honest government and to fix our rigged system so it works for the people. This includes fixing one of Bernies biggest issues, our terrible trade deals that strip our country of its jobs and wealth.

He did not address the United States relationship with Russia, the biggest subject in Wednesdays news cycle. He also did not weigh in on net neutrality or marijuana legalization, two issues frequently raised by the Reddit questioners.

For comparisons sake, President Obama answered 10 questions during his 2012 AMA. Ask Me Anything (AMA) is a popular style of post on Reddit, with everyone from presidents to celebrities to people with odd jobs invited to hang out and field questions from the community.

Story continues

The event occurred on Trumps home field, as the submitted questions were all heavily moderated by the subreddit (community) dedicated to him, /r/The_Donald. The subreddit has not been without controversy, as some members have actively recruited white nationalists to join.

Generally, users post questions and then the community votes them up or down  but concerns that anti-Trump forces would overpower the system led to the deletion of any trolling questions and the banning of the accounts that asked them. Any posts by new accounts were also automatically removed. The Ask Me Anything was essentially turned into Ask Me Anything (That Was Approved by Some of My Biggest Fans).

Trumps newly created Reddit account posted an initial message at 6:30 p.m. ET, soliciting questions:

Hello The_Donald readers and the entire Reddit community  this is going to be SO huge and Im looking forward to answering your questions. Im doing this in flight to visit the great people of Toledo, OH, so Internet connection might be spotty  I promise you, Ill answer all the questions I can. I want to do BIG things for America and as your President, I WILL Make America Great Again! Be back in 30  7 p.m. ET!

By 7:00 p.m., users had posted nearly 12,000 comments. Trumps first answer was in response to a question about whether he was concerned that Hillary Clinton might try to steal the election. Voter fraud is always a serious concern and authorities must be vigilant from keeping those from voting that are not authorized to do so, wrote Trumps Reddit account. In response to a separate question, Trump said that he thought NASA was awesome. A moderator posted that Trump had lost Wi-Fi when his plane landed for a rally in Toledo, Ohio, which explained the lack of answers early on in the session. The post was updated around 8:00 p.m. to say he was heading to the rally in Toledo, but had had such a great time answering your questions.

Preparations began on The Donald subreddit as soon as the AMA was announced on Monday night. There was a post earlier Wednesday (entitled HEY GUYS  WERE HAVING AN AMA WITH THE NEXT PRESIDENT TONIGHT!) asking everyone to abstain from foul language, and that theyd quickly ban any troublemakers or Hillary Clinton supporters who tried to join the conversation. There was also a fact sheet provided for the media that they knew would be covering the event, which included information on the size of the community and its level of activity versus the Clinton campaign.

The Donald subreddit is not just a place for Trump supporters to gather, but also a place for the candidate himself to gather material for his social platforms. A recent example was a tweet with the image of a Frozen book Trump sent out in early July. That exact image had appeared on the /r/The_Donald one day before the Republican nominee published it.
Alternative media can also serve up softballs.

Donald Trump participated Wednesday in a Reddit "Ask me anything" forum, but the Trump backers allowed in by the subreddit moderators didn't ask the Republican presidential nominee anything much.

Trump presumably hoped to disrupt the Democratic National Convention by fielding questions during the event, but his familiar responses are unlikely to undermine the proceedings in Philadelphia.

"There have been many amazing Presidents in American history including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, all of whom I greatly admire," Trump said when asked to name his favorite.

Trump answered a dozen questions over more than 90 minutes on Wednesday while flying, he said, to Toledo, Ohio. The session was hosted by r/The_Donald, a popular, though acrimonious, user-created subreddit of Trump fans who refer to the businessman as "God Emperor."

The group's anonymous moderators carefully selected questions by limiting who could post queries, and allowing Trump to answer only those he chose. The result was mush. Trump took as much as 15 minutes between answers and seemed less than fully invested even in addressing the friendly questions thrown his way.

When asked "are you tired of winning? by Reddit user iamaAMAfan, Trump was ready. "I am never tired of winning and as your president I will win for you, the American people, he said. I'm with you."

Challenged with the question of what he'd tell a college student considering law enforcement in the face of recent attacks on cops, Trump pledged to protect "our nation's amazing police."

Trump took questions on how he'll appeal to voters considering Libertarian Gary Johnson and how he might win over disillusioned supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, who on Monday urged his backers to vote for Clinton and attacked Trump.

Story continues

"Hillary Clinton's message is that things will never change," Trump claimed. "My message is that things have to change, and they have to change right now."

While "Bernie is exhausted and has given up on his revolution," Trump said "millions of Bernie voters will refuse to vote for Hillary because of her support for the War in Iraq, the invasion of Libya, NAFTA and the TPP and of course because she is totally bought and sold by special interests."

(The United States led a bombing campaign against the former regime in Libya but not an invasion of the country.)

"We welcome with open arms all voters who want an honest government and to fix our rigged system so it works for the people," he said.

Trump vowed to "repeal and replace Obamacare" with "an amazing new plan," but he did not offer additional details beyond saying it would allow the purchase of health insurance across state lines and bargaining for cheaper drug prices.

He pitched but did not describe a "plan for to reform visa program for skilled workers to protect American workers," calling it "the exact opposite of Crooked Hillary Clinton."

Asked if NASA can help "make America great again," Trump offered tepid agreement. "Honestly I think NASA is wonderful!" he said. "America has always led the world in space exploration."

Trump also vowed to help young Americans who are confronting rising education costs by creating "millions of jobs, reforming the education system and reducing student loan costs. He didnt explain how he would achieve this.

When asked if he's worried Clinton will try to steal the election, Trump did not rule it out. "Voter fraud is always a serious concern and authorities must be vigilant from keeping those from voting that are not authorized to do so," he said.

As weak as the questions may have been, Trump wasn't necessarily limited by them. Asked how he'd reduce money in politics, he pivoted. "Keeping Crooked Hillary Clinton out of the White House," he said.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
Philadelphia (AFP) - Millions of Americans have tuned in to watch this month's party conventions, with the Democratic confab ahead in the ratings -- prompting Donald Trump's Republicans to urge supporters not to watch Hillary Clinton's landmark speech on Thursday night.

Data compiled by ratings agency Nielsen show the Democratic event in Philadelphia outperforming the Republican convention in Cleveland all three nights so far.

Clinton will accept the White House nomination later Thursday on the gathering's final night, but Trump's team exhorted Republicans to steer clear.

"Unless you want to be lied to, belittled and attacked for your beliefs, don't watch Hillary's DNC speech tonight," Trump's campaign said in a fundraising email.

"Instead, help Donald Trump hold her accountable, call out her lies and fight back against her nasty attacks."

On the opening day, Democrats drew nearly 26 million viewers, compared to 23 million for the Republicans. Day two saw the Democrats earn 24.7 million viewers, almost five million more than the GOP, according to Nielsen.

Democrats drew 24.4 million viewers on day three, one million more than the Republican convention.

Some of the biggest names in pop music including Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Paul Simon have headlined the event in Philadelphia.

The Democratic events has more political star power too, although that was expected given that their party occupies the White House. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden went to bat for Clinton Wednesday night, while her husband Bill, himself a former president, delivered the keynote speech on Tuesday and First Lady Michelle Obama spoke Monday.

The performances come in stark contrast to the previous week's Republican convention which had few famous entertainers despite billionaire nominee Donald Trump's boast that he would bring some showbiz pizzazz.

But the higher Democratic ratings are still seen as a surprise, given that Trump has been such a consistently strong media draw throughout the presidential campaign.
By Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday tried to quell the furor over his call for Russia to find Hillary Clinton's deleted emails, saying he was being sarcastic. In Moscow, meanwhile, a Kremlin spokesman pointedly told Washington to solve its own email problems. Trump on Wednesday invited Russia to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time at the U.S. State Department, prompting Democrats to accuse him of urging foreigners to spy on Americans. Later, he dismissed concerns raised by Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook that his comments raised national security concerns. "You have to be kidding. His client, his person, deleted 33,000 e-mails illegally. You look at that. And when Im being sarcastic with something ..." Trump said in a Fox News interview broadcast on Thursday. Asked if he was indeed being sarcastic, Trump snapped, "Of course I'm being sarcastic. They dont even know, frankly, if its Russia. They have no idea if its Russia, if its China, if its somebody else. Who knows who it is? "But you have 33,000 (Clinton) emails deleted, and the real problem is what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee," he said, referring to hacked emails released last weekend by WikiLeaks. The DNC emails showed party leaders favoring Clinton over her rival in the campaign for the nomination, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The committee is supposed to be neutral. Trump's explanation echoed those of his campaign advisers and other supporters, who immediately tried to pass his comments off as tongue-in-cheek and not serious. But the exhortation for a U.S. adversary to use cyber intrusions against an American political candidate drew criticism from intelligence experts and other public figures, including some Republicans. Trump made the remark at a news conference in Miami that allowed him to steal some of the limelight from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, where Clinton on Thursday will accept her party's presidential nomination for the Nov. 8 election. "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, told reporters. He later said on Twitter that if anyone had Clinton's emails, "perhaps they should share them with the FBI!" The Republican presidential nominee was referring to a private email system Clinton kept in her home in Chappaqua, New York, while secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. She handed over thousands of emails in 2015 to U.S. officials probing that system, but did not release about 30,000 deleted emails she said were personal and not work-related. Cyber security experts and U.S. officials have said there was evidence that Russia engineered the release of the sensitive Democratic Party emails to influence the election. But the Kremlin beat back those insinuations again on Thursday, saying they were driven by anti-Russian sentiment. "It is so absurd it borders on total stupidity," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "The Americans needs to get to the bottom of what these emails are themselves and find out what it's all about." Although some Democrats have wondered aloud whether Trump committed a crime in his remarks directed at Russia, the prospect of any prosecution is considered nil because of the strong guarantee of speech rights in the United States. Charging Trump for his comments about Russia would turn campaign fluff into a crime and would be laughable, said Daniel Richman, a Columbia University law professor and former U.S. prosecutor. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Additional reporting by Lidia Kelly and Maria Tsvetkova in Moscow and David Ingram in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
From Popular Mechanics

Okay, so the Transportation Security Administration isn't a wholly joyless group.

Somebody in the TSA's social networking team had a little fun this week, informing the world that yes, you can carry a mummified head on board a plane as a piece of carry-on luggage. Asked whether the preserved noggin of a British philosopher is okay to go, the TSA instagram replied: "Jeremy Bentham's mummified head is allowed in carry-on as long as it's properly packaged, labeled, and declared."

Who is this guy, and why is his head taking a vacation without his body? CNET explains:

Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher who died in 1832, but not before requesting that a physician friend publicly dissect him and then preserve him as an "auto-icon." This was achieved by clothing his skeleton in one of his suits, sitting it on a chair and displaying it inside a wood cabinet. Originally, Bentham's preserved head was supposed to be attached to the auto-icon, but it turned out to be pretty gross, so a wax replica was made instead.

Good to see the TSA keeping things loose with its @askTSA program, where travelers can find out whether a particular item can go through airport security. Bentham surely would have been pleased to hear that his replica head is air-worthy, though it's probably not really going on holiday. According to the website of University College London, where the philosopher's remains reside: "In 2002 the head was moved to safe storage at the UCL Institute of Archaeology, where it is stored in a climate controlled storeroom and continually monitored by conservation staff."

Source: CNET via Boing Boing

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Turkeys hardline Prime Minister Recep Erdogan is bringing down the hammer on the countrys media following on from the failed coup earlier this month. More than 130 media outlets, including 16 television stations, 23 radio stations, 45 newspapers, are being shut down as the Turkish government moves to consolidate its power. It follows on from the closure of other media outlets associated with the U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, a former Erdogan ally turned bitter foe.

Erdogan and his supporters have accused Gulen of being behind the coup, a charge Gulen has vehemently denied. Since the events of July 15, when tanks rolled onto Turkish streets and the state broadcaster TNT was temporarily taken over by a cadre of officers, Erdogan has been unsparing in his round-up of those believed to be a part of the plot to overthrown his ruling AK party. More than 60,000 soldiers, police, teachers, judges, civil servants and others have been detained, suspended, or placed under investigation.

Even before the events of July 15, there had been a crackdown on media freedoms along with several deadly explosions in the country killing more than 200 people had died in blasts in Istanbul and Ankara in recent months. The Turkish tourism industry is also in crisis. Once the sixth most traveled to country in the world, visitor numbers are expected to be down 40% this year, according to local figures. A diplomatic crisis with former ally Russia over Turkeys downing of a Russian fighter jet on the border with Syria  and Turkeys refusal to apologize  has been a large factor in that fall. Turkey has also been fighting what it called a Kurdish militant insurgency and has also been sucked into the morass that is the Syrian conflict.

A crackdown by the increasingly hardline Turkish government earlier this year against opposition media outlets had left many in the country worried over press freedoms. Earlier this year, the headquarters of the Feza Media Group, which publishes Turkeys largest circulation daily Zaman, was stormed by police and placed under state control. Hundreds of protesters, who had arrived at the papers HQ, were dispersed by riot police using tear gas and water cannons.

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Ironically, since the failed military coup, opponents of Erdogans authoritarian rule have actually stood side by side with AK party members in protest during daily demonstrations aimed at preserving Turkeys democracy. They have been united- despite their own significant differences- by their desire to avoid going back to the era of Turkish military rule.

Turkey remains a big and attractive market for both Western and regional film and TV companies. A+E, Sony Pictures TV and Discovery have all launched Turkish-language TV channels. In April, Korean film group CJ-CGV acquired leading Turkish theater chain Mars Cinema in a deal reported to be worth $687 million.

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Ankara (AFP) - Turkey's top military commanders will decide Thursday on one of the most radical shake-ups in the history of the country's armed forces, as authorities shut down dozens of media outlets in a widening crackdown after a failed coup.

The government ordered the closure of a total of 131 newspapers, TV channels and other media outlets as well as the discharge of 149 generals -- nearly half the armed forces' entire contingent of 358 -- for complicity in the putsch bid.

The July 15 rebellion, which saw plotters bomb Ankara from war planes and wreak havoc with tanks on the streets of Istanbul in a bid to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has sparked a backlash affecting all aspects of Turkish life.

So far almost 16,000 people have been detained in a crackdown -- the magnitude of which had caused international alarm.

The hastily convened meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) in Ankara will bring together Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and the land, sea and air force commanders, along with other top figures untarnished by the attempted power grab.

Eighty-seven land army generals, 30 air force generals, and 32 admirals have been dishonourably discharged over their complicity, a Turkish official said, confirming a government decree.

In addition, 1,099 officers and 436 junior officers have received a dishonourable discharge, according to the decree.

- Waning power -

The council is due to start at 0800 GMT after paying homage to Turkey's modern founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk at his mausoleum.

It will decide on the personnel changes required after the coup, with lower-ranking officers expected to be fast-tracked to fill gaps in top positions.

In a symbol of the military's waning power, the meeting will be held at the Cankaya Palace of the Turkish premier in Ankara and not, as is customary, at military headquarters.

In the wake of the coup the military has already lost control of the coastguard and gendarmerie, which will now be the responsibility of the interior ministry.

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The army said Wednesday that 8,651 of its military personnel had been involved in the rebellion -- 1.5 percent of its total number -- along with 35 planes, 37 helicopters, 74 tanks and three ships.

The military has insisted that only a tiny proportion of the total armed forces -- which number around three quarters of a million, the second-largest in NATO, after the United States -- participated.

But 178 generals have been detained, with 151 of them already remanded in custody.

Erdogan, who survived the biggest threat to his 13-year domination of the country when supporters countered the plotters on the streets, has blamed the attempted overthrow on US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey says the radical measures are needed to eradicate what Erdogan describes as the "virus" of Gulen's influence across all Turkish institutions.

- Media closures -

Meanwhile, three news agencies, 16 television stations, 23 radio stations, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers were ordered to shut down, the official gazette said.

It did not give the names of the media outlets to be closed, but according to a list obtained by the CNN-Turk channel they include mainly provincial titles as well as some well-known national media.

These include the Cihan news agency, the pro-Kurdish IMC TV and the opposition daily newspaper Taraf.

Also to be shut are the Zaman newspaper and its Today's Zaman English language sister publication which, like Cihan, were part of a holding linked to Gulen until being put into state administration earlier this year.

Authorities handed out arrest warrants for 42 journalists earlier this week and on Wednesday issued another 47 for former Zaman staff.

Both the discharges of generals and the newspaper closures are being enforced under a three-month state of emergency, which was declared by Erdogan to the alarm of the European Union.

Gulen, who says he runs a peaceful Islamic movement, has denied he was behind the coup and expressed hope that the United States would not give into Ankara's pressure and extradite him.

Energy Minister Berat Albayrak, who is Erdogan's son-in-law, said a major army shake-up had been planned just before the putsch -- suggesting elements in the military made the dramatic move because they knew they were about to be purged.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's biggest petrochemicals company Petkim said on Thursday its chief executive had resigned, and the state-run news agency said he had been detained in connection with a failed coup. Petkim, owned by Azerbaijan's Socar, said in a stock-exchange filing that Anar Mammadov has become CEO after his predecessor, Saadettin Korkut, resigned. A spokeswoman at the company, based in Aliaga, Turkey, confirmed Korkut's resignation but declined to comment on the reports of his detention. She also said about 25 Petkim employees have been suspended but did not elaborate. State-run Anadolu Agency said Korkut was detained at his home in the city of Izmir late on Wednesday and his offices at Petkim were raided. The detention is believed to be related to the investigation of a failed plot to overthrow President Tayyip Erdogan, Anadolu said, but did not elaborate further. A faction of the military on July 15 attempted to intervene, and at least 246 people were killed and 2,000 wounded in the violence. Authorities have detained journalists, academics and businessmen in a crackdown that has included the dismissals or detentions of more than 60,000 public-sector employees. (Reporting by Ayla Jean Yackley; Editing by Ruth Pitchford)
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f158179%2f2_foreigners_in_bollywood

How do you cross a road in India without being run over? Or negotiate with an unreasonable auto rickshaw driver in Mumbai? A Swedish duo has acquired a large fan following in India after tickling people with their astutely observed, funny videos on Indian oddities.

SEE ALSO: This adorable 6-year-old 'chef' got $2,000 from Facebook for his ice-cream video

Driven by their passion for acting and love for Bollywood, Stockholm residents 25-year-old Johan Bartoli and 26-year-old Hampus Bergqvist came to Mumbai 10 months ago to try their luck in the Indian film industry. The two met while studying at university, and discovered they were both "film freaks" who liked a bit of adventure.

"At the end of our studies, we both wanted to do something crazy, different and challenging with our lives," Bartoli told Mashable. "Since we both have a passion for acting, we decided to shift to Mumbai and try to make it in Bollywood." The two had seen a few Bollywood films, including the iconic romance Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, which convinced them to try their luck in the Hindi film industry.

In their 10 months in Mumbai, the two friends have bagged some unusual roles, playing Spanish gold hunters, Russian hippies, colonial-era British officers and even fanatics. Their acting credits extend to appearances in India's melodramatic television soaps, as well as several television ads.

However, it's their sketches on the oddities of life in Mumbai that have struck a chord with viewers in India. In some videos, Bartoli and Bergqvist mimic Indian auto rickshaw drivers and and vegetable sellers.

Their breakout video was a short clip in which Bergqvist played an auto rickshaw driver who refuses passengers unless they agree to his asking price. "After uploading it, we saw the response we realized how much the crowd here loved it. So we decided to start making more funny videos," Bartoli and Bergqvist said. "Now I think we will continue making them mostly because it is so much fun. We sit and brainstorm ideas and when we feel we have something we just go out on the streets of Mumbai and shoot it."

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Other videos take a self-deprecatory look at their own challenges as newcomers in Mumbai. Foreigners vs Indians in Mumbai traffic captures their struggle in crossing a road in the midst of heavy incoming traffic. After watching an Indian man cross with ease, they try do it themselves, but fail.

Their humour clearly resonates with Indian viewers. Over 417,000 people follow their antics on the Facebook page '2 Foreigners in Bollywood', with each sketch getting thousands of likes and shares. They also have 31,000 followers on Instagram.

"Our experiences so far in Bollywood have been amazing. There are both ups and downs, but we have loved it all the way and will continue doing so," the duo said. "There is a lot of hard work behind a role, you have to go through the whole selection process with auditions, meetings etc. So we are really working full time here every day and following our dreams."
Ankara (AFP) - Turkey on Thursday reshuffled key military commanders sacking almost half of its generals in the wake of the failed coup, as authorities shut down dozens of media outlets in a widening crackdown.

A hastily-convened military council meeting came after the government ordered the discharge of 149 generals -- nearly half of the armed forces' entire contingent of 358 -- for alleged complicity in the putsch bid.

Separately, a total of 131 newspapers, TV channels and other media outlets were being shut down under the three-month state of emergency declared in the wake of the coup.

The July 15 rebellion saw plotters bomb Ankara from warplanes and wreak havoc with tanks on the streets of Istanbul in a bid to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

But it sparked a backlash affecting all aspects of life in Turkey, a key NATO member with a population of 79 million and the second largest army in the Alliance.

So far almost 16,000 people have been detained in a crackdown -- the magnitude of which has caused international alarm.

"My concern has to do with the fact that the actions here are very tough and the principle of proportionality is not always central," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Berlin.

"It seems as if while Turkey has avoided the abyss, it is descending into a serious domestic crisis," added her Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a newspaper interview.

- Top command reshuffled -

The meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS), lasting more than five hours, brought together Prime Minister Binali Yildirim with top military figures untarnished by the coup.

In a possible move to pre-empt its decisions, two of Turkey's top ranking generals -- Land Forces Chief of Staff General Ihsan Uyar and Training and Doctrine Command head General Kamil Basoglu -- resigned just before the meeting, the Dogan news agency said.

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin announced after the meeting that deputy chief of staff General Yasar Guler would become head of the gendarmerie and first army commander General Umit Dundar would take the post of deputy chief of staff.

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Chief of staff General Hulusi Akar -- who was held hostage in the coup attempt -- would continue in his post as well as the heads of the navy, land and air forces, Kalin said.

Lower-ranking officers were expected to be fast-tracked to fill gaps in top positions but Kalin did not announce how the 149 sacked generals would be replaced.

In a symbol of the military's waning power, the meeting was held at the Cankaya Palace of the Turkish premier in Ankara and not, as is customary, at military headquarters.

At least 178 generals have been detained, with 151 of them already remanded in custody.

- 'Return like Khomeini' -

Erdogan, who survived the biggest threat to his 13-year domination of the country when supporters countered the plotters on the streets, has blamed the attempted overthrow on US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

The cleric denies the charges, but Turkey insists radical measures are needed to eradicate what Erdogan describes as the "virus" of Gulen's influence across all Turkish institutions.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Gulen had wanted to return to Turkey from his leafy compound in Pennsylvania, just like Iranian Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini did when he returned to Tehran from Paris in 1979 in the Islamic revolution.

"He (Gulen) was going to bring his own order. It would have been a totally different Turkey," said Bozdag.

- Media closures -

Meanwhile, three news agencies, 16 television stations, 23 radio stations, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers were ordered to shut down, the country's official gazette said Wednesday.

It did not give the names of the outlets, but according to a list obtained by the CNN-Turk channel they included mainly provincial titles as well as some well-known national media.

These include the opposition daily Taraf, as well as the Zaman newspaper and its English-language sister publication, Today's Zaman, which were part of a holding company linked to Gulen until being put into state administration in March.

Authorities issued arrest warrants for 42 journalists earlier this week and on Wednesday issued another 47 for former Zaman staff.

A total of 26 from both sets of warrants have been detained so far, Turkish media indicated, although several of those targeted are believed to be abroad.

"Rounding up journalists and shutting down media houses is the latest assault on a media already weakened by years of government repression," Amnesty International said.
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States proposed on Thursday that the U.N. Security Council renew a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan for 10 days while the body considers clamping an arms embargo on the world's newest state and sending more troops there, diplomats said. After violence in South Sudan's capital Juba earlier this month, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Security Council to fortify the peacekeeping mission. He also urged an arms embargo and sanctions for leaders and commanders blocking implementation of an August peace deal. "South Sudan remains precariously poised on the brink of an abyss," Ban told a council meeting on peacebuilding in Africa. The mandate for the United Nations mission, known as UNMISS, expires on Sunday, so the United States circulated a brief draft resolution on Thursday, seen by Reuters, to the 15-member council to extend the authorization of the force until Aug. 8. It could be adopted on Friday, diplomats said. The council's veto-wielding powers - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - are already discussing a second, more substantial U.S. draft resolution that would impose an arms embargo and authorize more troops, diplomats said. Russia and China, who were previously opposed to an arm embargo on the oil producing country, have signaled they are willing to consider such a move. "We need to look at the situation and what the best way is to be helpful," China's U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi told reporters on Thursday. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, said the council needs a single approach to end the violence in South Sudan. "In the immediate term this means working with and pressing South Sudan's leadership to provide for security in Juba, to safeguard freedom of movement and to provide for unfettered humanitarian access," she told the council meeting. She said it also meant answering calls to strengthen UNMISS. African leaders have called for the Security Council to authorize the deployment of a regional protection force to separate South Sudan's warring parties. U.N. peacekeepers have been deployed in the country since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. There are currently some 13,500 troops and police on the ground. Heavy fighting involving tanks and helicopters raged in Juba for several days between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice President Riek Machar earlier this month. At least 272 people were killed before the leaders ordered a ceasefire. Machar left Juba after the fighting and said he would only return after international troops are deployed as a buffer force to separate his forces from Kiir's. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Tom Brown)
By John Walcott, Joseph Menn and Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some U.S. intelligence officials suspect that Russian hackers who broke into Democratic Party computers may have deliberately left digital fingerprints to show Moscow is a "cyberpower" that Washington should respect. Three officials, all speaking on condition of anonymity, said the breaches of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) were less sophisticated than other cyber intrusions that have been traced to Russian intelligence agencies or criminals. For example, said one official, the hackers used some Cyrillic characters, worked during Russian government business hours but not on Russian religious or political holidays."Either these guys were incredibly sloppy, in which case its not clear that they could have gotten as far as they did without being detected, or they wanted us to know they were Russian," said the official. Private sector cyber security experts agreed that the evidence clearly points to Russian hackers but dismissed the idea that they intentionally left evidence of their identities. These experts - who said they have examined the breach in detail - said the Cyrillic characters were buried in metadata and in an error message. Other giveaways, such as a tainted Internet protocol address, also were difficult to find. Russian hacking campaigns have traditionally been harder to track than Chinas but not impossible to decipher, private sector experts said. But the Russians have become more aggressive and easier to detect in the past two years, security experts said, especially when they are trying to move quickly. False flags have grown more common, but the government and private experts do not believe that is involved in the DNC case. The two groups of hackers involved are adept at concealing their intrusions, said Laura Galante, head of global threat intelligence at FireEye, whose Mandiant subsidiary conducted forensic analysis of the attack and corroborated the findings of another cyber company, CrowdStrike. Russian officials have dismissed the allegations of Moscow's involvement as absurd. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in his only response to reporters, said: "I don't want to use four-letter words." EMBARRASSING EMAILS While private cyber experts and the government were aware of the political party's hacking months ago, embarrassing emails were leaked last weekend by the WikiLeaks anti-secrecy group just as the Democratic Party prepared to anoint Hillary Clinton as its presidential candidate for the Nov. 8 election. DNC chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, resigned after the leaked emails showed party leaders favoring Clinton over her rival in the campaign for the nomination, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The committee is supposed to be neutral. The U.S. intelligence officials conceded that they had based their views on deductive reasoning and not conclusive evidence, but suggested Russias aim probably was much broader than simply undermining Clinton's campaign. They said the hack fit a pattern of Russian President Vladimir Putin pushing back on what he sees as the United States and its European allies trying to weaken Russia. "Call it the cyber equivalent of buzzing NATO ships and planes using fighters with Russian flags on their tails," said one official. Two sources familiar with Democratic Party investigations into the hacking said the private email accounts of Democratic Party officials were targeted as well as servers. They said that the FBI had advised the DNC that it was looking into the hacking of the individual officials' private accounts. They also said the FBI also requested additional information identifying the personal email accounts of certain party officials. The DNC hired CrowdStrike to investigate the hack. It spent about six weeks, from late April to about June 11 or 12, monitoring the systems and watching while the hackers - who they believed were Russian - operated inside the systems, one of the sources said. What actions, if any, the Obama administration will take are unclear and could depend on what diplomatic considerations may ultimately be involved, a former White House cyber security official said. In past cases, administration officials have decided to publicly blame North Korea and indict members of Chinas military for hacking because the administration decided that the net benefit of public shaming  and increased awareness brought to cyber security  outweighed potential risks, the former official said. But "the Russia calculation is far more difficult and precarious," the former official said. "Russia is a much more aggressive, capable foreign actor both in the traditional military sense and in the cyber realm" and that made public attribution or covert retaliation much less likely. The former official, and a source familiar with the Democratic Party investigations, said that they also were unaware of any U.S. intelligence clearly demonstrating that WikiLeaks had received the hacked materials directly from Russians or that WikiLeaks release of the materials was in any way directed by Russians. (Reporting By John Walcott, Joseph Menn and Mark Hosenball; Additional reporting by Dustin Volz; Editing by David Rohde and Grant McCool)
BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese arm of Uber Technologies Inc said on Thursday it welcomes newly published government guidelines on ride-sharing services and sees the rules as an endorsement of the industry.

"We welcome the new regulations, which send a clear message of support for ride-sharing and the benefits that it offers riders, drivers and cities," Zhen Liu, senior vice president of Corporate Strategy for Uber China, said in a statement.

"This is a welcome step ... We look forward to working with policymakers around the country to put these regulations into practice."

(Reporting by Jake Spring; Writing by John Ruwitch)
Dhaka (AFP) - A British lawyer for an engineer detained for nearly a month after surviving a deadly siege at a Dhaka cafe has slammed authorities for refusing his client access to legal representation.

Police seized Hasnat Karim for questioning after the July 1 attack on the Western-style cafe by Islamist militants that left 20 hostages and two police officers dead.

Relatives said Karim, who holds dual Bangladesh and British nationality, was used as a human shield by the Islamists during the attack after going to the cafe with his wife to celebrate his daughter's birthday.

His lawyer Rodney Dixon, speaking from London, said the 47-year-old was being held at a secret location in Bangladesh and was being interrogated without a lawyer present.

"He cannot be kept incommunicado in detention. He must have access to his lawyers while he is being questioned," Dixon told AFP late on Wednesday.

"They should release him immediately since there is no evidence of his involvement in any crime. There is absolutely no evidence that he was the ring leader or involved in any way in the attack," he said.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan confirmed to AFP this week that Karim was still being held, without saying whether he would face charges or when he would be released.

Investigators detained Karim after video footage showed him walking with the attackers on the cafe's roof during the siege.

A British High Commission official told AFP that they have so far been denied access to Karim despite ongoing requests.

Another survivor of the attack, Tahmid Khan, 22, a student at the University of Toronto, was also still being interrogated, as police try to piece together what happened during the siege.

Militants killed 22 people, mostly foreigners, when they raided the upscale Holey Artisan restaurant on the night of July 1, as Bangladesh reels from a series of gruesome killings by Islamists.

Army commandoes stormed the cafe the next morning, killing all five attackers and rescuing 13 people, including Karim, his wife and their two children, as well as Khan.

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The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack, but police blame homegrown extremist group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

Karim's father said his son, director of a civil engineering firm who grew up in England and went to university there, was "not religious".

"He goes to gym for exercise and occasionally to clubs for drinking beer. He is a simple man who does not like to socialise with people," Rezaul Karim told AFP, rejecting local media reports that Hasnat knew one of the attackers through a Bangladesh university.

Karim's lawyers have filed a petition to the UN, urging a team from the international body to travel to Bangladesh to visit him in detention.
Tim Kaine accepts the VP nomination, Obama and Biden wow the crowd, and emotions run high in Philadelphia. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News, photos (clockwise from top right): Carolyn Kaster/AP [2], Scott Audette/Reuters, Khue Bui for Yahoo News, background photos: Getty Images [3])

Yahoo News has enlisted participants at the Democratic National Convention representing different viewpoints and roles to file daily diary entries on their experiences in Philadelphia. They are your eyes and ears at one of the most unconventional political gatherings in generations, offering a front-row seat on the convention floor, behind-the-scenes access to key political meetings and a vivid picture of what conventions are really like, both inside and outside the arena. Here are yesterdays entries.

(And here are the entries from last weeks Republican National Convention.)

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Day 3 of the convention started off with the easy acclamation of Tim Kaine as the vice presidential nominee.

After concluding the official business of the day, we heard from speaker after speaker who praised Hillarys record of leadership. Weve known her for so long  Hillary has been in public life nearly as long as Ive been alive. Her record is deep and expansive. The number of battles she has fought, and the many fights she has won, is easy to forget.

We heard from the rank-and-file Democratic members of Congress, as well as some heavy hitters from the world of politics, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, NARAL president Ilyse Hogue, Sen. Harry Reid and former Rep. Gabby Giffords. One by one, they all spoke about Hillarys record of steady leadership. They spoke to why we need someone like Hillary  someone with her judgment and compassion  in the Oval Office. The sheer number of testimonials made, stories told and examples given stood in stark contrast to the Republican convention in Cleveland.

But of the myriad of speakers, the speeches that moved me the most were from the daughter of Dawn Hochsprung, the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School, and Christine Leinonen, the mother of Christopher Drew Leinonen, who was killed in the Pulse attack in Orlando. The inability of this Congress to pass even the most common-sense gun safety regulations is one of the most unbelievable examples of partisan gridlock in Congress today. Like the Mothers of the Movement we heard from yesterday, these are women who shouldnt have to be in front of us onstage. Yet with grace, resilience and strength, they are standing up and fighting for what is right.

Story continues

(Photo: Tracy Russo)

Despite this, it is a fight Hillary and Tim Kaine havent been afraid to fight, and it is a fight we must win.

The convention also heard from Tim Kaine tonight. Id heard a similar speech from him in Miami last week, so I was most interested to see how the delegates reacted to the senator. Just like in Miami, you could see the room won over as they heard his story, laughed at his jokes and joined in the refrain of saying No to Donald Trump. I have a feeling America will be surprised by his generous spirit, smart common-sense solutions to our shared challenges and strength of commitment to a strong and compassionate America.

Finally, Vice President Biden and President Obama brought the convention to their feet, time after time. In some ways, it was an early farewell  a look back at eight amazing years. We are in the final six months of their administration, yet, it feels like just yesterday we were watching him accept his own nomination in Denver. Both the vice president and president spoke about the Hillary they know and shared the many reasons why Donald Trump is unprepared and temperamentally unfit to hold the office of president of the United States.

The applause was raucous when President Obama finished speaking, and then crescendoed when Hillary unexpectedly joined him on stage. The stage is set for her big speech tomorrow. Its been a long night, but Im excited for what tomorrow will bring.

As written by Tracy Russo

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We headed to the office at 8 a.m. for our daily campaign call and then a bunch of coordination meetings. We had a 1 p.m. press conference with all of our surrogates including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., and New York City Councilman Joe Borelli. And then we raced off to do interviews at Fox, CBS and EWTN, which is a Catholic cable station.

We later swung by the CNN Grill for a while. Its a restaurant the network set up inside the convention security perimeter. We talked to a bunch of reporters there, and then we hurried to an off-the-record dinner with more reporters and some of our surrogates from today. Then we headed back to our headquarters to get in the war room and do rapid-response to the vice presidents and the presidents speech.

One of the things we rolled out today was a video that addressed the chaos that exists in the Democratic Party and the concern that people have with Tim Kaine as the vice president, and how he doesnt satisfy the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Obviously, we tried to talk a lot about the email scandals  with Hillary Clintons secret server violating national security and the Russian influence on this election now that the DNC was hacked.

Weve also been talking about the division in the Democratic Party with the dissatisfied Sanders supporters. I think theres going to be four camps. Some of those people are going to vote for Hillary. Some of them are going to stay home. Some of them are going to vote for Jill Stein. I think its great: Vote for Jill Stein! And then some of them are going to vote for Trump  I think youre going to see that number as high as 10 or 15 percent. This is a huge wing of the Democratic Party  and three of those four camps are awesome for us. You had a walkout last night. They are not allowing someone to second Tim Kaines speech tonight because theyre afraid of him getting booed. You cant even draw comparisons between the two conventions.

A delegate wearing a Bernie Sanders T-shirt and mask holds up a sign on the third night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27, 2016. (Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters)

Getting around has gotten easier by the day, but Philadelphia has been logistically challenging in so many respects. In contrast, our team in Cleveland made sure that things were secure and routes were taken care of. It has been a logistical nightmare here.

One fun thing that happened today was that I got a challenge coin from Leslie Rutledge, the attorney general of Arkansas. People in law enforcement agencies and the military have these challenge coins with their insignias. It was very thoughtful of Leslie to give me one. I probably have a few hundred of them. I get them from everybody. Its nice to get one when you can. Ive got them all under a glass table in my office, but I keep the ones that are really personal in my house.

Leslie worked with us at the RNC last cycle, moved back home to Arkansas and ran for attorney general. She spoke at our convention last week, shes been a huge success in the party and, I think, has a bright future. She could be the first female president. Coming from Arkansas, shes following in Bill Clintons footsteps on the Republican side. She was able to come here and talk about the Arkansas roots of Hillary Clinton.

As told to Hunter Walker/Yahoo News

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Ive been running ragged all day Wednesday, because our hotel is so far away from all the action, and there are so many people to see.

I started off my day at the delegation breakfast. Because Ive been so busy, I havent been keeping up with all the press surrounding the convention. As the delegation was talking this morning, we noticed that our perception of the DNC differs from the medias. The medias makes it seem as if people are uneasy and constantly walking out in protest, but it doesnt seem like that at all from our perspective on the floor.

On the first day of the convention, everyone feels like its their duty to get to the floor right on time for the gaveling in, and to stay in their seat all night. But that punctual gumption tends to change over the week. As the week goes on, people come in and out all night. Last night, some of my friends who happen to be Hillary delegates received an invitation for a reception a few miles from the arena and decided to go to it and then come back. Yes, they did physically walk out and leave the arena, but they did not walk out in protest. Maybe people think thats walking out.

There have been a lot of protesters outside the arena throughout the week, but that has not been the attitude on the floor. Im sure there were some people who made a point of walking out in protest, but most of the comings and goings were pretty casual, so to speak. People are just leaving to go for a walk or grab a bite to eat.

Yolanda Gonzalez of Los Angeles rallies outside the media tent with supporters of Bernie Sanders delegate Nina Turner on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Some of Turners supporters got inside and protested what they say is her unfair treatment by the party. (Photo: Michael R. Sisak/AP)

Funnily enough, on Wednesday, when the North Carolina delegation went to the arena, we had planned to take our traditional picture. Each state delegation does this, just in different places. This year, we decided to take ours in the arena concourse. So around 4:30 p.m., were all sitting in our section when our state party chair waves us over to take the delegation picture. Every delegation sits in their own blocked-off area, and it is pretty clear to see which state is sitting where. So we go and take the picture  Bernie delegates, Hillary delegates, everyone. No big deal. But then a few peoples phones started blowing up. Apparently, to those who were watching on TV, it looked as if the North Carolina delegation had staged a walkout.

We have 40 Bernie delegates from North Carolina, and everyone picked up their security credentials the day after Hillary was nominated. We thought there would be quite a few who would literally leave Philadelphia, go home and not attend the convention, but we were wrong.

Aside from running around to see all my friends, the convention was calm for me Wednesday. I went to the delegation breakfast and then attended the Asian-American and Pacific Islanders caucus meeting. I got to hear an address from Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., there. That was great, shes such an amazing person. I also met a very nice journalist from the Indian press who worked for an Asian newswire. He was trying to find Indian-Americans who are active in the convention, so I happily sat for an interview with him.

Later, I ran into another group of South Asian journalists from a Pakistani news station that was filming, and I ended up doing an impromptu interview with them. I explained to them that while I was a Bernie supporter initially, I now fully support Hillary Clinton and look forward enthusiastically to voting for her in November. This interview was particularly difficult because there was a language barrier  I only speak English.

People are getting physically worn out. Its a combination of the heat and the distance between the convention center and the arena. The logistics here are improving, but it is pretty hard to deal with because everything is so spread out. As people are getting more physically tired, theyre becoming less likely to sit through seven hours of programming, day in, day out.

In any case, I always look forward to hearing President Obama and Vice President Biden speak. Joe Biden was actually my first choice to run for president. I love Hillary, I love Bernie, but I was really hoping for Joe Biden to run. I didnt declare my allegiance to Bernie until the vice president decided he wasnt going to run. I was really looking forward to hearing them speak.

As told to Susanna Heller/Yahoo News

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I started glowing Monday night and I have not stopped since.

On Tuesday afternoon I went to a reception hosted by Barbara Lee, a dear friend of mine from Massachusetts. Barbara has been at the forefront of getting women elected in her state, which was a desert for women politicians for a really long time. She has also underwritten a lot of really good research on campaigning for higher office  with special attention paid to women in the Senate and the House. There was a great group of women at the reception, including the mayor of Dayton, Ohio. I met lots of women who hold state and local office, many of whom are thinking of running for governor. The event was both successful and energizing. Its great to see the women who are already out there and ready to make a difference.

Tuesday night, of course, was just glorious. My husband and I did not go to the arena; we actually gave our credentials to our grandchildren who are in Philadelphia. Everybody should go to a convention once and see it for themselves.

I loved hearing the roll call last night, though. I always do, and those ceremonies really move me. They remind me of the democratic nature of all of this. I enjoyed hearing Bill Clinton speak about Hillary. I knew some of the stories he told about their shared history, but others were new to me.

In any case, it was interesting to watch the DNC coverage on TV and keep up with Twitter at the same time. I watched this curious phenomenon unfold. In a sort of double refraction, I watched women all around the country be so moved by Bills obvious love and admiration for Hillary while all of these men snarkily tweeted about his speech running too long. I hadnt had that experience since my tenure as director of communications in the White House, when Bill Clinton would give State of the Union addresses that would last more than an hour. The press would all gripe about how long it went. The next day, however, youd find that people not only watched the speech, but also kept watching.

We saw this phenomenon last night, except Bill timed his speech precisely. He finished at exactly 11 p.m. And when he finished, Hillary came on. The shattering of the glass ceiling was phenomenal. Wow. Seeing those presidents and watching her come through  I just thought that was glorious. The people who know how to make technology work can really tell a story quickly and emotionally. I went to sleep with a big smile on my face and woke up with a big smile on my face, too.

Former President Bill Clinton speaks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016. (Photo: Paul Sancya/AP)

On Wednesday morning we had a Women for Hillary meet-and-greet where women came in and mingled. A main purpose of this was to sign up new people for the Women for Hillary program. We also wanted the opportunity to break into small groups and talk about organizing. Wherever I go, I meet more women from Ohio. I do think there is something going on there. Ohio is also one of the state targets for our Jewish Women for Hillary ambassador program. Were all going to get together to kick that program off soon.

As I was on my way to lunch, I heard about Donald Trumps calling on Russia to hack into Hillarys personal emails. It was just astonishing. If this were an opera, this would be the minor motif. Of course, Hillary Clintons nomination is the major motif. But every time I hear about Donald Trump, I hear this sinister music. It kind of gets louder from time to time, and you know there will be a denouement. This is concerning, especially combined with his comments about not having investments in Russia. We know he doesnt have investments in Russia  he couldnt afford to. The question is this: What is Russia investing in Donald Trump? Not to mention that the Trump campaign took that line about supporting Ukraine out of the GOP platform. If we needed any reminder about just how serious this is and whats at stake  this is it.

The ways in which this election is about security, keeping our families safe and building a safer world are pretty stunning. Trump is so reckless and so dangerous. The Mothers of the Movement, standing on the stage Tuesday night with their courage and dignity, are such an example for us all.

The lunch I went to Wednesday honored people who worked on the Democratic presidential campaigns in 1992 and 1996. We got commemorative buttons, so now I have three buttons reading 92, 96 and 16, which is fun. It was great to see so many old friends there. It was a lovely event and a good reminder that so many people from those administrations are out there now and are totally committed to this election.

Its busy, but its great. This is what conventions are like. Its all about meeting the mayor of Dayton and the women of Ohio, seeing the people I worked with at the White House and seeing lots of good, old friends. Every one of these people is out there now working, organizing, helping Hillary in their own way. Inside the hall, the feeling of this week has genuinely shifted toward unity.

As told to Susanna Heller/Yahoo News

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Its been a long day, but a really good day. Wednesday was an emotional night. It was a brilliant presentation to highlight so many contrasts between the two conventions.

Between the hatred of Donald Trump and the leadership weve shown here, people can see the sharp contrast of how we espouse love and compassion and a belief in a better future rather than falling for the temptation to resort to the lowest common denominator.

Closing with the president was incredible. He delivered his speech tonight with passion, and he was compelling. I think it was a beautifully orchestrated way of handing over the baton. It was dignified and sincere, and an inspiration. I was getting texts and emails from all over the country, but I even got one from a friend in Australia. Weve laid out a contrast this week with Republicans, point by point, as if we were arguing in court in front of a jury. You can see what this party believes in and why. It was up to President Obama to close the night, and he did so beautifully.

It was wonderful when Joe Biden talked about his late son. Beau Biden and I are about the same age and got elected attorney general together, back in 2006. His father was right that the country only got a glimpse of the kind of man he was. Beau could have been president some day. We loved him and believed in him. His loss was so sad. It isnt lost on anyone that, but for Beaus death, Joe may have run and who knows how that would have turned out. But there he was tonight, reiterating that the needs of the country and our common efforts to move it forward are bigger than any one person or group of people. That was a message that was once again lost on the minority of Sanders people, who tried to interrupt again. That was sad and frustrating. I hope it wasnt too visible on television.

It was also great hearing Tim Kaine speak. I thought he did a fine job introducing himself to the country. He made the case against Donald Trump well. And I thought Michael Bloomberg, an independent businessman, articulated a great case regarding Donald Trump. And the military and law enforcement voices were very strong to me.

Former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, who was the victim of a shooting attack while she was a member of Congress, blows a kiss as she leaves the stage with her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, after speaking on the third night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27, 2016. (Photo: Jim Young/Reuters)

The family members of victims of gun violence were moving, none more than Gabby Giffords. If you didnt cry when Gabby Giffords walked out, then you wouldnt cry for Old Yeller. She was so brave and sweet and strong, I have to think she was inspirational to anyone who saw her.

We had brunch with the Democratic Attorney Generals Association this morning. I visited with Josh Shapiro, who is the AG candidate here in Pennsylvania and a very nice guy. I talked to some good friends, including Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring. Hes very excited about his friend Tim Kaine, who has a long record in Virginia politics.

The Arkansas party was a nice success. President Clinton was there, along with Sen. Al Franken and a few other guests. It was nice to hear the president talk in a smaller setting. He talked a lot about Mack McLarty, his friend and former chief of staff. President Clinton got very personal about their lifelong friendship. It was really sweet.

As told to Andrew Bahl/Yahoo News

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Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in Paris on Saturday to discuss progress toward a two-state solution, the State Department said.

"The secretary is not looking at trying to make progress based on a fixed date on the calendar," spokesman John Kirby told reporters Thursday.

Instead, Kerry will speak with "Abbas about prospects for a two-state solution, and trying to make meaningful progress to create the conditions... where that solution can be more successfully pursued," Kirby said.

Kerry will travel to Paris late Friday before returning on Sunday. He may also meet with other leaders for bilateral discussions, although Kirby gave no further details on the matter.

"This is something he has been focused on since he has been the secretary of state, and will remain so for, I can assure you, the entire time that he's in office," Kirby said.

"You've seen the travel that he has made to the region. This remains an area of prime focus for him."

The Israeli-Palestinian peace process has been frozen for two years, with hopes that it could be revived before the end of President Barack Obama's administration now mostly dashed.

The Middle East diplomatic quartet -- the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States -- urged Israel to stop building settlements and Palestinians to cease incitement to violence in a July report that drew a frosty response from both sides.
While he's a new face for many Americans, Kaine is no rookie.
Washington (AFP) - US prosecutors on Thursday dropped murder charges against a man facing retrial for the 2001 death of a young Washington intern, in a case that was a tabloid sensation and destroyed a congressman's career.

Chandra Levy was a 24-year-old intern at the Federal Bureau of Prisons when she went missing on May 1, 2001 while jogging in the US capital's sprawling Rock Creek Park.

The case riveted Washington and the nation, particularly after it was revealed that she had a romantic relationship with California congressman Gary Condit, a married lawmaker 30 years her elder.

Her death was a cold case for years, until investigators identified Ingmar Guandique, who was in prison for the assault of two women in the same park, and charged him with first-degree felony murder in 2009.

Guandique was convicted in 2010 and sentenced to 60 years in prison for Levy's murder, based partially on an alleged confession to a fellow prisoner.

Guandique was granted a retrial in 2015, which lawyers had been requesting for years, saying the prisoner who spoke to police gave unreliable testimony in hopes of a reduced sentence.

On Thursday, Judge Robert Morin granted a motion by prosecutors to dismiss charges against Guandique, citing "new information that the government received within the past week."

"The office has concluded that it can no longer prove the murder case against Mr. Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt," prosecutors said in a statement.

There were no further details about the new information exonerating Guandique.

Levy's remains were found in Rock Creek Park a year after she disappeared.

Her romantic links to Condit initially fueled suspicion that he killed her.

The case against Guandique appeared to absolve Condit, who was repeatedly questioned in the case but was never named as a formal suspect.

After admitting to the relationship, the Democrat failed to win reelection, ending a 13-year career in the US House of Representatives.

The US Attorney's Office said Guandique, a Salvadoran who was in the US illegally, would be released to the custody of immigration agents and faces removal proceedings.
Geneva (AFP) - Racial tension and inequality across society are preventing the United States from meeting its "ideals", a UN expert said Thursday following his first-ever visit to the country.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on peaceful assembly and association, Maina Kiai, also voiced serious concern on overly aggressive policing which he said has at times stifled the right to legitimate protest.

He also levelled tough criticism at a foreign workers visa programme, claiming it gave far too much power to employers over their workers and comparing it to a system in the Middle East widely viewed as oppressive.

"Racism and the exclusion, persecution and marginalisation that come with it, affect the enabling environment for the exercise of association and assembly rights," Kiai said in a statement after a 17-day US tour which included stops in Washington, New York, Baltimore and several southern cities.

Echoing previous UN criticism, he blasted America's "so-called 'War on Drugs'", which he argued disproportionately affects blacks and other minorities, including harsh sentencing guidelines that often see minor drug offences result in long prison terms.

"There is justifiable and palpable anger in the black community over these injustices. It needs to be expressed," Kiai said in the statement.

Rights to free expression in the US had been curbed by "unnecessarily aggressive and militarised policing at some peaceful assemblies," Kiai added.

On migrant workers, the UN expert said the H2B visa programme which lets foreigners take short-term seasonal work was not unlike the Kalafa system in the Arab world, a form of "bonded labour", roundly criticised by rights groups.

"The situation of migrant workers throughout the United States is characterised by the precariousness and exploitation of their employment situation, retaliation for drawing attention to adverse working conditions and a fear of taking action to seek improvement of the violations," the UN expert said.

Kiai insisted that now was the moment when a "robust" defence of free assembly in the US was most needed.

"People have good reason to be angry and frustrated at the moment," he said in the statement.
Hockenheim (Germany) (AFP) - Sebastian Vettel made a dramatic and emotional plea for common sense and humanity to prevail on Thursday as Formula One drivers debated the introduction of a semi-enclosed safety cockpit.

Speaking at a scheduled news conference ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix, the four-time world champion Ferrari driver said he was surprised to hear that other drivers were unsure about supporting the introduction of the controversial 'halo' next season.

"We don't like the look of it, but I don't think there is anything that justifies death," he said.

"We've always learnt from what happened, incidents on track, and tried to improve.

"It will be the first time in human history that we have learned the lesson, but we don't change. I think it is up to us that it does happen -- otherwise I think we would be quite stupid."

Vettel spoke out ahead of a meeting later Thursday in Geneva of F1s Strategy Group which is expected to vote on the introduction of the device next year.

During the news conference, it was clear that the drivers were divided on the issue. Frenchman Romain Grosjean had earlier told reporters that he would vote against it.

Vettel said earlier drivers discussions had indicated that they were in favour of the halos introduction.

"I am a bit surprised because it sounded as if we were clear about what we want in the future," he said.

"We had a vote amongst the drivers and I think 90 or 95 per cent voted for it, so I don't know why all of a sudden it comes up the way it does. I think it gives the wrong impression."

The drivers attended a presentation last weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix which claimed that the halo may have saved 17 per cent more drivers involved in accidents.

Vettel added that he believed the sports ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), may force the halo into use.

"I think ultimately the FIA can do what they want," he said. "On safety grounds, they can do what they want.

"I think the message is clear, the feedback from the drivers, except from the odd one or two here or there, has been fairly clear."

Under current regulations, it is understood that the Strategy Groups decision would be seen only as a recommendation to the F1 Commision, where a unanimous vote of support would be required.
By Sam Karlin

BATON ROUGE, La. (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Loretta Lynch called for unity to honor three slain Louisiana police officers, speaking at a memorial service on Thursday in Baton Rouge where they were gunned down this month by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Several hundred people and dozens of law enforcement officers attended the vigil, where Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards also implored the community to seek peace and healing after the July 17 attack that also wounded three other officers.

The shootings came amid a series of deadly encounters igniting debate over policing and minorities in the United States. The killings rattled a city already grappling with protests after the fatal police shooting on July 5 of Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man confronted by officers while selling CDs outside a convenience store.

Biden said he heard that Sterling's aunt, who raised him, had prayed with a slain officer's father.

"Loss is loss is loss," he said, speaking at a church in Baton Rouge, the state capital. "Now the city has to reach out, the country has to reach out to law enforcement, and let you know how much we care."

On the stage behind him, three chairs sat empty, decorated with sashes and uniform caps representing the officers.

Choking back tears, two of the officers' wives recalled phone calls and door knocks on an initially normal Sunday morning that changed their lives forever.

Slain Baton Rouge police officers Matthew Gerald, 41, and Montrell Jackson, 32, and East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy Brad Garafola, 45, were killed in what Louisiana officials described as a calculated attack. Shooter Gavin Long, 29, a black former Marine with ties to an African-American anti-government group, was also killed in an exchange of gunfire.

"No family should ever have to be without their loved ones, especially when these three heroes could be home had a person not been filled with so much hatred," said Tonja Garafola.

Story continues

Jackson's wife, Trenisha, recalled his wish to see healing in the city and directed the crowd to repeat sentiments that he had posted on Facebook in the tense days before his death.

"I will not let hate infect my heart," the crowd repeated.

The assault followed the deaths of five officers in Dallas, Texas on July 7, who were shot by another black former U.S. serviceman. President Barack Obama traveled to Dallas in the wake of those shootings.

One of the wounded Louisiana officers, Nicholas Tullier, 41, remains hospitalized in critical condition, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office said on Thursday. At the vigil, Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said he is "fighting for his life."

(Writing by Letitia Stein; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and James Dalgleish)
Allison Wolfe and Alice Bag (photo: Allison Wolfes Soundcloud)

Alice Bag and Allison Wolfe come from different decades and scenes, but its understandable that in many ways they are kindred spirits. Bag is the former frontwoman of first-wave L.A. punk pioneers the Bags, an activist, and the author of two books, including the harrowing memoir Violence Girl. Wolfe is the co-founder of Bratmobile (one of the first, most important Riot Grrrl bands of the early 90s) and the daughter of famous radical feminist and womens health care heroine Pat Shively, and shes currently working on an oral history of the Riot Grrrl era. When the two met as co-panelists at the L.A. Zinefest three years ago, they became fast friends and, later, musical collaborators.

Related: Watch Henry Rollins, Alice Bag & Alaska 5000 Discuss the Punk/Drag Alliance at RuPauls DragCon

I was a big fan of Alice, Wolfe tells Yahoo Music. I had seen her perform in [Penelope Spheeriss famous 1981 punk documentary] The Decline of Western Civilization, with her being one of the few women in that, and I was just really attracted to her stage presence and her energy.

Related: Watch Alice Bag Tackle Domestic Violence in Hes So Sorry Video

Bag admits that shes totally shocked that Wolfe even knew who I was. When I found out I as doing Zinefest with her, I was kind of intimidated and star-struck. I thought of Allison as a strong woman who was expressing herself creatively and was part of a movement that, even though I hadnt been a part of it, I appreciated. A lot of women were involved in early punk, but we didnt really take a stance and say, Were doing this for other women! And the Riot Grrrl movement did say that, so I appreciate them moving feminism forward. And Allison did it in a way that think is just very open and very giving. Shes someone that you could see as, and I know this is a cliche, but like a sister.

Related: Sex Stains Make Their 60-Second Entrance With Dont Hate Me Cuz Im Beautiful

Now, Bag and Wolfes voices are needed more than ever. This is a politically charged election year when we have the first major-party female presidential candidate, but womens rights are still constantly siege. Its also a time when women may dominate the pop charts, but tales of sexism in the music business are still all too common (Keshas Dr. Luke lawsuit, the predatory behavior of music publicist Heathcliff Berru, and the L.A. Weeklys sexist Sky Ferreira thinkpiece are just three recent distressing examples). Thankfully, Bag just released her first solo album (which features contributions from Wolfe), and Wolfe has returned with a new band, Sex Stains. So we had these two punk feminist icons sit down with Yahoo Music editor Lyndsey Parker for a lively mini-roundtable discussion about being a woman in a male-dominated industry, using music to protest social injustice and tell personal stories, and why its important for female artists to seize control of their own narratives.

Story continues

YAHOO MUSIC: Feminism is still a word that inspires debate and provokes such strong emotions. And there are many women, including some high-profile celebrities, who still shun the term. How do you feel about that?

ALLISON WOLFE: Its annoying. I just feel like for women, feminism is survival. Whether you want to embrace the word or not, I feel the concept is about our survival  psychically, physically, emotionally, whatever. I also feel that as long as sexism stays in fashion, then feminism has to stick around as a response as well. This is still a sexist world we live in, so feminism is necessary.

ALICE BAG: I think the people who say that theyre not feminist are responding to all the bad representations that have been put out there of what a feminist is, the cliches: the idea that feminists hate men, or that theyre trying to be like men. There is a failure to understand that feminism at its core is just fighting for equality. Its very basic: Do you believe that people should be equal? Then youre probably a feminist. Youre just shying away from something that has been maligned.

WOLFE: And buying into that.

BAG: Yes. Buying into a misrepresentation of what the word really means.

How do you feel when major pop figures like Beyonce, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, or even Kim Kardashian use the term feminism?

WOLFE: Its kind of hard for me to get too much into the mainstream interpretations of feminism, to be honest. But at the same time, it is powerful that Beyonce had that huge flashing FEMINIST sign onstage. And if that does affect more people than I ever could  cool! But at the same time, its hard for me to buy into any corporate, capitalist stuff.

I know you two had very different upbringings. I want to know how your childhoods shaped your music.

WOLFE: I had a mix of stuff happen to me that was really difficult, but also my mom getting us away from that stuff and starting her life over again. A lot of the more radical stuff happened when I was like 8 or so. My mother left my father and took her three daughters with her, and really started her life over again. She came out as a lesbian, feminist, vegetarian, No Nukes-protesting, just all of this stuff all at once. It was a real abrupt change, but it was definitely for the better. She also moved us to Olympia, where she started the first womens heath clinic there. It was a struggle at first. She was performing rape kits for women before hospitals did them routinely, and providing abortions  the only one in the county at the time. She got protested and harassed a lot. The whole family got harassed, and we had to be tough to deal with that. People would send her death threats, throw rocks at our house. One time they poisoned all the pets of the people in the clinic. That did have a big influence on me. At the same time, I felt like I needed to find my own way, and my own style of feminism. Thats why Riot Grrrl and Bratmobile brought about a third wave of feminism. It wasnt reacting against my mom, but making it something that spoke to me.

BAG: A lot of my influence came from my dad, actually. My dad was really abusive to my mom. As a child witnessing this, I felt pretty helpless. I feel when youre in an abusive household, everyone in the house is a victim. For me it was pretty traumatic, even though the abuse wasnt directed at me. I felt very much like someone who didnt have a voice. So when I got in a punk band and started singing, I felt for the first time like people were listening to me and I mattered. I felt supported, that there were all these people that were on my side. I felt empathy when I was onstage. For me, punk rock was really therapeutic. It helped me deal with issues of rage stemming from the abuse I witnessed growing up  my father beating up my mother in front of me.

And then on your new album, you have a song about escaping an abusive relationship, Hes So Sorry.

BAG: I remember having a conversation with my mother about how she had to get out of her situation. She knew it, and I knew it, but she could not imagine a way to get out of it. She was never able to get to that point. So my reason for writing this song was to create a sense of urgency to just leave. The thing that really affected me back then was my mom told me that the reason she stayed with my dad was because I needed a father. That she stayed with him to keep our family together for me. It really made me feel like, My mother is taking these beatings for me. Even thinking about it now makes me really upset.

The one positive thing about such a tragic situation, I imagine, would be that songs like Hes So Sorry help other people. Do you get any feedback from fans about how your music has helped them?

BAG: I actually played a show in San Francisco, and as I was coming off the stage, I had a woman stop me and tell me she was a rape survivor, and she thanked me for playing [the anti-rape song] No Means No. Then I walked a few steps further and another woman thanked me for playing Hes So Sorry, saying, I am a domestic abuse survivor. When I write these songs and perform them, I never stop to think that there are people in the audience, right there, that are going to feel like Im talking to them directly. It was very powerful and emotional, because I didnt know quite what to say to them except to give them a hug. I didnt even know if it was necessary to say anything. I felt at that point I was glad I brought it up, but I wish I had some other kind of comforting advice that I could give or something more I could do. Sometimes as an artist you bring up topics that need to be addressed, but you wish you could do more than just bring it up for discussion. You wish you could end it.

WOLFE: But I think its so important to just bear witness, and to bring it up so people can find each other and not feel alone. Theres a lot of shame that goes with domestic violence and rape, so just having it be an open topic, with music, is important for women to identify and go, OK, this didnt just happen to me or This isnt my fault.

What about you, Allison? What sort of fan feedback do you get?

WOLFE: I think my music or lyrics Ive written, a lot of it focused on issues of self-esteem in women and young girls. I think self-esteem is something Ive always battled with. Sometimes at first when women and girls come up to me and say, I was inspired by you or Your songs helped me during a hard time and stuff like that, Im surprised. Im like, really? But then I think, well, it helped me too, to write that song. So that makes me really happy, and it makes me feel that my work has been worth it, but also because I can totally relate.

BAG: A lot of it has to do with healing yourself. When other people hear your music later, they can kind of take that healing journey with you.

Lets go back to the beginnings of your musical journeys. What female artists inspired you when you were starting out?

BAG: I remember when I was growing up, I was really into Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday, but at a certain point I got into rock n roll and I wanted to form a rock band, and for some unknown reason I really wanted to form an all-girl band. I talked to people about it and they told me about this band [from the early 70s] called Fanny. But Id look at my local record store, and there was no Fanny record. All I knew was that it existed. In many ways, the legacy of Fanny was a myth to me: Wow! There was once an all-female rock band that was on a major label! Finally when I heard it, I remember feeling so excited that something like that had happened. Just last year I got to meet [Fanny co-founder/guitarist] June Millington, and I was just blown away by this woman who is still rocking. She runs a rock camp out of her house. Shes still giving back to young girls.

WOLFE: For me, when I was younger I just listened to what my mom had around the house. She had a lot of Olivia Records stuff, a lot of lesbian music, kind of folksy stuff. She also had a lot of bluegrass stuff, and Emmylou Harris, and I also listened to a lot of Ella Fitzgerald and Patsy Cline; I loved their voices. Later when I started getting into music on my own, it was stuff like Bow Wow Wow, the Go-Gos, B-52s, Missing Persons, more new wave stuff. That was really influential to me. But it took a while before I thought I could actually do stuff like this on my own. Then it was seeing Exene from X or Alice in Decline. I was also lucky, growing up in Olympia, where there was a history of women doing a lot of stuff  Heather Lewis from Beat Happening, and Tobi Vail who was in the Go Team, this band Doris, this band Calamity Jane. And then Kathleen Hanna moved to Olympia and she was in a band called Viva Knievel and was running an art gallery and putting on shows. All that stuff influenced me slowly to the point where I was finally like, Oh, maybe I can do this too. And then Bikini Kill was huge. I mean, they started just before us, but they were like our big sisters and encouraged Bratmobile a lot.

Its interesting to me that your respective local music scenes seemed to be very welcoming to women, since both the 90s Northwest and late-70s Hollywood scenes had a lot of white male energy. Los Angeles punk in particular seemed very masculine and aggressive.

BAG: Actually, I think the L.A. punk scene, when it first started, did not have a dominant white male energy. That happened later. In the very early stages of the L.A./Hollywood scene, it was a wide-open field where people felt like they could go in and define it for themselves. It was very inclusive, because, you know, it was a bunch of weirdos coming from different backgrounds who didnt fit in in their own hometowns and found salvation in Hollyweird. That was the place where your weirdness was actually valued. That was my experience. I felt like, This is my tribe. This is where I can be myself. So there were a lot of women in bands, or being roadies or photographers. [L.A. punk club] the Masque itself, one of the co-signers for the lease was a woman in the band Backstage Pass. What happened was as the scene grew and got more popular, people started writing about the male aspects of it, the male members of the bands.

WOLFE: Thats the thing, Alice, from talking with you and going into that history with you, it was really surprising to me [that the L.A. punk scene was inclusive]. Because thats not the way its presented. We all have to look at the fact that even though things were much more diverse in reality, the way that its documented historically, or if we dont document it ourselves, is in a sexist, racist way. Its like erasure  erasing the women and people of color who helped build this. Why dont we hear more about them? Why arent there documentaries about them? Because when we started doing Riot Grrrl, a lot of it was in response to a lack of women in music and the scene. It was pre-Internet, and we didnt have much access to all of the women who came before us. So we did kind of feel like, Hey, were doing this new thing! But we needed to realize that were building upon others, and we arent actually doing something brand-new. But also, why was Riot Grrrl necessary? I guess because the white guys from Huntington Beach came in and destroyed it all, and then you have to start over again.

BAG: Also, people who were trying to go back and write about the Hollywood punk scene who werent there, theyd call to interview me, but then theyd say, Tell us what you thought of the Germs, or What did you think of the Weirdos? It was that sort of thing where you dont actually ask the woman what she remembers from the scene, but you ask her about how she remembers the guys from the scene. A lot of time I was asked to support a narrative that was already in place, and they just wanted anecdotes to fill in the colorful little stories about the [male bands], instead of asking me to tell my own story from my perspective. That happens to me even now. Its like, Wait a minute, Im more than just a little part of this. I was there the whole time. Its kind of upsetting when you do have a chance to speak, but then youre given very limited restrictions as to what you can talk about.

Thats a common complaint. Just this month, Viv Albertine of the Slits defaced a museum exhibit about British punk to protest its omission of female punk artists.

WOLFE: Yes, I saw that on Facebook; it was awesome. But, well, look whos in charge. Im guessing its rich straight white guys who run the museum, or are being given the grants or the funding for these anthologies and exhibitions. If you had the people who actually went through these experiences in charge, maybe the narrative would look different. Thats why I think its really important for us to be telling our own stories.

It seems the 90s, when Bratmobile were around, was a very good time for women in music. Besides the Riot Grrrl scene, in mainstream rock there were a lot of female and co-ed bands doing well, getting on the radio, winning Grammys, touring with Lilith Fair.

WOLFE: I was in a much more underground scene, and in the 90s I really couldnt have cared less about mainstream anything! But I do know we had a very strong network all across the country, and maybe in England too, of all these cool women in cool bands, and cool promoters, where we thought, This is really great! This is feminist and socially conscious! And youre right, it was a lot easier to move within that, especially in the early 90s. I think by the end of the 90s, a lot of that had gone away. Like, where were all the girl bands? They all broke up. Everything did seem to get more sexist again by the late 90s.

But why did that happen?

WOLFE: I think a lot of that may have been backlash  backlash to Riot Grrrl, backlash to Bikini Kill. But I also think its a testament, again, to whos really in charge, who really owns the resources, and who really creates the narrative, even after youve had your say. It shows how much things need to change structurally and institutionally.

BAG: I think its also good to notice that when you make gains, you cant assume that those gains will continue throughout the years. You have to be constantly looking towards creating opportunities for women. You cant just say, OK, that was great; theres female representation in music now, so now we can relax and we dont have to fight so hard! I feel like we always have to be defending whatever progress weve made, or else someone else will come along and write us out of it again. You can see this in so many other areas of feminism, too. You can see that we are still fighting for reproductive rights, for Roe v. Wade. Theres always going to be people that will try to take these things away from us, so we have to stay on top of it. We can enjoy the progress we have made, but we have to remember to talk to our daughters, our sisters. We have to stay vigilant.

Its disheartening how much progress still needs to be made. Like last year, when journalist Jessica Hopper tweeted asking women in the music business to share their stories of sexism, discrimination, and abuse, it was almost shocking how many responses she got. Did you read any of that?

WOLFE: I have to be honest. When that came out, I was surprised that people were surprised! Because thats the kind of stuff that I hear about all the time, and that Ive experienced all the time, and have been talking about and singing about and writing songs about all the time. So I thought it was kind of weird that as soon as Jessica Hopper tweets about it, it becomes a thing. Its like, No, no, no, this has always been happening for women in the music industry. Theres nothing new at all about this. I still experience it. I feel like so many different shows that Ive played, people who are working the club dont really believe that Im in the band! Who are you? Why are you here?

BAG: That just happened to you last week!

WOLFE: Yeah! Obviously that happens more in the larger venues, not the podunk punk clubs. But when I play more official venues, all the handlers and gatekeepers involved are like, Wait, whose girlfriend are you? Why are you back here? Do you have the right kind of pass? And then even after theyve seen me onstage, theyre still asking me to show a million credentials. Its like, Dude, Im in the band. Shannon from Shannon & The Clams will post on Instagram about different weird things that have happened to her at gigs, things sound people and door people say to her on tour. Being a female in the industry, you have to constantly assert your right to be somewhere or do something.

BAG: I remember in our house in Arizona I had a guitar hanging in our living room, and my neighbor came in and said, Oh, what kind of music does your husband play? Its a small thing, just slightly annoying, but its just the assumption that it was my husband who plays the guitar. Another one of the things that annoys me has to do with being a vocalist: how vocalists are treated as non-musicians. A lot of times if youre playing with guys, theres a sort of talking-down to the vocalist, like youre just an ornament decorating their music. Thats very infuriating. That sort of stuff, I am very swift to put an end to that.

WOLFE: Sometimes theres a lot of mansplaining from men in bands, especially in romantic relationships. I remember this [musician] guy [I dated] coming back from tour, and I questioned him about something, and he was like, Look, you dont know what its like after tour I was like, Back up, dude. I dont know what its like? You know who I am and what Ive done. Im not just some girl youre going to s all over. I fing know. In fact, Im sure Ive toured more than you. Im sure Ive had better shows than you! And I sure have experienced what you have experienced on tour, 10 times more. So just shut up! Its weird to me that guys still do that; they still talk to me like that, when they know who I am! But I dont think any woman should be talked to that way.

So do you think its harder or easier now for aspiring female musicians than it was when you two respectively started out?

BAG: I think weve made some progress. I volunteer at this girls rock camp called Chicas Rockeras, where young girls are given the opportunity to play instruments, or theyve got mentors showing them how to use the equipment, write songs, and have a dialog with other band members. Thats something that we never had. I remember watching somebody playing guitar and thinking, Wow, they probably went to school for a long time to learn to do that. There was this whole myth about, How do you use all that equipment? What do all those pedals do? All of a sudden now, there are all these opportunities for young girls to experiment  to touch those pedals, to twist those knobs.

WOLFE: Yeah, this is a weird anecdote, but in the 90s, I recall there was this rock n roll high school for girls in Melbourne, Australia, and by the 2000s, you could see the direct result of that. There were so many girls in bands in Australia, and a lot of them said they came from that school.

BAG: So, we are making progress. Its a little bit better. And again, well probably have some backlash. But we just keep moving forward.

What would be your parting words of advice to young female artists?

WOLFE: I think its really important to be genuine and honest. I like bands that lay it on the line and put it out there, and say what they think is important and speak in their own voice. I think there is so much pressure on women in the public eye to be cute and pretty and nice. And while I think it can be powerful to have sexual elements in whatever youre doing, I think its important to do it for you, from a genuine place. Dont ever try to fit this image that is crafted by outside influences like the mainstream or the male gaze.

BAG: Well said. Exactly that.

Follow Lyndsey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Amazon, Tumblr, Vine, Spotify
From Cosmopolitan

Two former Virginia Tech students were indicted Tuesday in the slaying of a seventh-grade girl who was found dead last January days after authorities say she sneaked out of her window to rendezvous with the older teens, a county prosecutor said.

Nineteen-year-old David Eisenhauer was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder, abduction, and hiding the body of 13-year-old Nicole Lovell, Montgomery County Commonwealth's Attorney Mary Pettitt said in a statement. Natalie Keepers, also 19, was charged with being an accessory to kidnapping and murder and with helping hide the body, the commonwealth's attorney said.

Trial dates in March were set Tuesday in both cases, Pettitt said. Eisenhauer and Keepers both face up to life in prison, she said.

Eisenhauer will not face the death penalty because there's no physical evidence he had sexual contact with Lovell the day she was killed, Pettitt said in an email. Prosecutors would have had to show he abducted her with the intent to sexually defile her in order to pursue a capital murder charge against him, she said.

Eisenhauer's attorney declined to comment on the indictment Tuesday. Keepers's attorney did not immediately respond to messages and emails seeking comment.

Authorities have not provided clues about a motive.

But a friend of Eisenhauer told the Roanoke Times in May that Eisenhauer texted him about meeting a teenage girl at a party and later learning that she was underage. Bryce Dustin of Pulaski, whose phone was seized by police, said Eisenhauer feared the girl would "expose" him and asked if he knew where he could hide a body.

A neighbor told the Associated Press in February that Nicole told 8-year-old friends before she vanished from her mother's home that she planned to sneak out to meet her 18-year-old "boyfriend," who she said was named David.

Lovell's disappearance in January set off a massive, days-long search. The girl, who suffered from bullying at school and online over her weight and a tracheotomy scar, needed daily medication after surviving a liver transplant, lymphoma, and a drug-resistant bacterial infection as a child.

Story continues

At a preliminary hearing in May, Blacksburg police Detective Ryan Hite said Keepers told investigators she and Eisenhauer discussed several ways to kill Nicole: drugging her, making it look like suicide and knocking her unconscious and leaving her to die of exposure. They settled on what Keepers called "the official plan," Hite said: "Grab her from behind, cover her mouth and slit her throat."

Keepers told investigators she was not present for the actual killing. She said she participated because it made her feel like part of a secret club, calling Eisenhauer a "sociopath" and herself as a "sociopath in training," investigators said.

Blacksburg Detective D.L. Twigger testified in May that Eisenhauer said he arranged to pick up Nicole outside her apartment, but he thought she was much older. He said Nicole did not get in his car and started walking back toward her apartment, and he drove away.
Real estate investment trust (REIT) Vornado Realty Trust VNO is expected to report second-quarter 2016 results on Aug 1, after the market closes.



Last quarter, Vornado reported a negative surprise of 13.01%. In the trailing four quarters, the company met estimates in one, recorded positive surprises in two and reported a miss in the other. The average beat for the last four quarters was a positive 7.77%. For second-quarter 2016, funds from operation (FFO) is currently pegged at $1.25 per share.



Lets see how things have shaped up for this announcement.



Factors to Consider



Vornados Class A office properties, concentrated over a few select high barrier-to-entry geographic markets offer the company huge growth prospects. The New York portfolio is performing well, driven by improved office market fundamentals and robust leasing activity. Moreover, Vornados ongoing investment activities during the quarter are anticipated to drive higher returns compared to its capital costs, thereby promising attractive yield for investors.



As part of its portfolio-repositioning efforts, the company is aggressively disposing its assets. Though such efforts of Vornado to streamline its business are commendable, the earnings dilutive effects of these moves cant be denied.



Earnings Whispers



Our proven model does not conclusively show that Vornado will beat earnings this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. That is not the case here as you will see below.



Zacks ESP: The Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate currently stand at $1.22 and $1.25, respectively, which translate into an Earnings ESP of -2.40%.



Zacks Rank: Vornados Zacks Rank #3 increases the predictive power of ESP. However, we need to have a positive ESP as well to be confident about an earnings beat.



Note that we caution against stocks with Zacks Rank #4 or #5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

Story continues

VORNADO RLTY TR Price and EPS Surprise

VORNADO RLTY TR Price and EPS Surprise | VORNADO RLTY TR Quote

Stocks to Consider



Here are a few stocks in the real estate investment trust sector you may want to consider, as our model shows that they have the right combination of elements to post a positive surprise this quarter:



Sun Communities Inc. SUI has an Earnings ESP of +2.44% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company will report results on Aug 2.



Regency Centers Corporation REG has an Earnings ESP of +1.25% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company will release results on Aug 2.



National Health Investors Inc. NHI has an Earnings ESP of +0.83% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company will report results on Aug 5.



Note: FFO, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income. All earnings per share numbers presented in this write up represent FFO per share.



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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
LEXINGTON  A 21-year-old Lexington woman pleaded guilty Friday in Dawson County District Court to theft from a Lexington store in October 2015.

Marcita Connors was accused of stealing a money bag, allegedly containing about $12,000, from Fascination at 520 N. Washington St. on Oct. 30. She originally was charged with felony theft of more than $5,000, a Class IIA felony. The charge was dropped to theft of $1,500-$5,000, a Class IV felony.

Connors could spend as long as two years in prison. She awaits sentencing on Oct. 11.

On June 6, Connors also was charged with first-degree criminal trespassing and obstructing a police officer, both Class I misdemeanors.

A warrant was issued for Connors arrest on May 10 on charges she failed to report to court on April 18 as part of the bond condition for the felony theft charge. According to court documents, when Lexington Police Department officers went to the Lexington home of Ciro Cortez, 23, to issue Connors the warrant, Connors and Cortez ran from police. Connors allegedly fled to a nearby home where she attempted to use the phone, and Cortez allegedly hid in a nearby garage before being apprehended by police, court documents say.

Connors pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer and not guilty to the first-degree criminal trespassing charge. The criminal trespassing charge was dropped.

On June 28, she was sentenced to 14 days in DawsonCounty jail and was given 14 days credit for time already served.

Cortez was charged in DawsonCounty court with being an accessory to a Class II or Class IIA felony, which is itself a Class IIIA felony, for allegedly harboring a fugitive. His arraignment is set for Aug. 1.

A Class IIIA felony is punishable up to three years imprisonment.
Krewella took a turn in front of the camera to speak with Officer Shafiq Abdussabu, from New Haven, Conn., in a powerful video as part of Billboard's coverage of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

He told the artists how important it is for young people, ages 18 to 25, to vote not only in presidential elections, which already have historically low turnouts, but in municipal and state-level elections as well. He suggested young people take it a step further and run for municipal office. That way, young people can affect change within the system as well as applying pressure from outside.

Officer Abdussabu also spoke about the disaffection plaguing the nation's youth and suggested the Yousaf sisters channel their power and join forces with other influential celebrities and musicians to organize toward action against gun violence, police brutality, or fair wages.

"Now you (would) have the artists all working together, you have more financial resources, you have more professionalism, you have more influence," he says. "That one voice becomes magnanimous."

DJs React to Hillary Clinton Being Nominated for President at DNC

"When I grew up, Marvin Gaye was also a civil rights leader. Jimi Hendrix was a civil rights leader," he continues. "Almost every artist had that built into their every day life so you saw it on stage. We miss that now, it's like you have to be one or the other, and I don't think you have to choose."

The sisters, who were raised Muslim, also asked the officer to explain what positivity he found in converting to Islam later in life. He expressed how the religion so often portrayed as violent helps him find an inner strength and peace to keep working in his field, to keep speaking on civil rights and social justices, and to keep inspiring his fellow Americans at any cost.

"This country belongs to nobody, it belongs to everybody," he says. "Therefore it's everybody's responsibility to spread this message and make it work."

Watch the full video below.
Chael Sonnen famously said, when a gangster says hell make that walk, he makes that walk. Hes referring to himself as that gangster, the man who walked the mean streets of West Linn, Oregon, but hes also referring to every fighter that has had to make that walk to the cage. Some of the toughest fighters in UFC, the pinnacle of the sport, get nerves stepping into the cage. Dont confuse the theatrics and the honor involved  these men and women are about to get into a fist fight for money and glory, and the person standing across from them want to hurt them. Its enough to make you want to turn tail and run.

Even Nick Diaz, noted badass, has admitted that he gets scared.

Related Links:





I have Georges St-Pierre out here telling me you really think Im afraid of you, man? and Im like you should be, bro. You should be scared out of your mind. Ill tell you what, Im scared of him. Im scared of any fighter Ive ever fought because they are some dangerous people to be dealing with.

So its okay to be scared in a cage fight, but you still have to admit that turning your back to your opponent and running for dear life isnt the best defense. Youre probably better off not making that walk if youre just going to run.
President Barack Obama brings a close to the third night of the four-day Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

Walking out to U2's "City of Blinding Lights," Obama thanked the erupting crowd for their standing ovation as they continued to chant, "Yes we can."

Following the night's other headliners, Vice President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton's VP pick, Tim Kaine, Obama will continue to implore voters to elect Clinton to the White House in November.

"Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect," Obama said in excerpts released ahead of his remarks. "And no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

The highly anticipated speech marks the passing of the Democratic party baton from a barrier-breaking president to an historic candidate.

Obama was introduced by Sharon Belkofer, the mother of U.S. soldier Tom Belkofer who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. "I wish every American could hug President Obama," she said before a video introducing the president played. The video chronicled the deep tragedy and momentous accomplishments of Obama's presidency, with many moments garnering loud cheers from the crowd.

Watch his speech live below.

Read More: Donald Trump Answers Only 8 Questions in Reddit AMA

Wednesday also saw speeches from Angela Bassett, Empire's Lee Daniels and a performance from Lenny Kravitz. Sigourney Weaver introduced a climate change film directed by James Cameron that took aim at Donald Trump, and Christine Leinonen, the mother of one of the Orlando victims, brought the room to tears.

The DNC has had no shortage of A-list support amid its star-studded lineup in Philadelphia. On Tuesday night, Kesha performed at a gun-control concert and tonight, Fergie will headline a concert for the Creative Coalition and the Black Eyed Peas will headline the Rock The Vote concert at the Fillmore.

Story continues

Susan Sarandon, Shailene Woodley, Rosario Dawson and Shonda Rimes have all been spotted at the DNC, in addition to the impressive roster of celebrity speakers. Last night, Meryl Streep, Lena Dunham and America Ferrera and Tony Goldwyn spoke, while Elizabeth Banks hosted and former President Bill Clinton headlined.
Politically charged, electronic duo Krewella caught a moment with Reverend Jesse Jackson at the Democratic National Convention.

In a Billboard Facebook live-stream, Krewella spoke with Rev. Jackson on the belief that racial injustices no longer persist in today's world. The civil rights activist shared the great progress in racial and gender equality, but how our multi-cultural, multi-racial society will need to continue in order to learn to live in harmony.

Watch Krewella Talk Police Violence, Islam & Youth Vote With Officer Shafiq Abdussabu at DNC 2016

"We have the capacity to fight and win," said the Reverend. "There was a time African-Americans were considered 3/5 human, we're now the President. There was a time women could not vote, now a woman will head the ticket for the democratic party."

"You can not make it by yourself in a multi-racial, multi-cultural society," continued the Reverend. "People need each other. We've learned to survive; the problem is now to learn to live together in coalition."

Watch the full video below:
A pair of U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly over northern Iraq after conducting airstrikes in Syria, in this U.S. Air Force handout photo taken early in the morning of September 23, 2014. REUTERS/U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Matthew Bruch/Handout

The US military has released a video showcasing coalition airstrikes obliterating an ISIS fighting position near Manbij, Syria.

According to US Central Command, the strikes near Manbij on July 13 destroyed four ISIS tactical units and 14 ISIS fighting positions. Additionally, two other ISIS positions were damaged in the strikes.

Altogether, the coalition carried out 12 strikes against ISIS in Syria using bombers, attack fighters, and remotely piloted aircraft on July 13. Simultaneously, an additional 15 strikes took place with the support of Iraqi forces in Iraq.

In addition to the fighting positions, the strikes destroyed ISIS oil wellheads, mortar systems, tactical units, vehicles, and assembly areas.

Here's what the strike against fighting positions near Manbij, Syria looked like:

via GIPHY

Watch the video below:

NOW WATCH: Trump said he never vowed to 'carpet bomb' ISIS  we fact-checked his claim





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Toronto (Canada) (AFP) - Second seed Stan Wawrinka matched his best career result at the Toronto Masters on Thursday after a 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 defeat of American Jack Sock put him into the quarter-finals.

It was the first time in five years that the double Grand Slam champion Swiss had reached the last eight in Canada; he went out in an opening match a year ago to Nick Kyrgios and got to the third round in 2014.

The 31-year-old, who will depart for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as soon as his run in Canada is complete, saved all three break points he faced against the 16th-seeded Sock.

The first set provided a challenge, with Wawrinka winning it in a decider to seize the match momentum.

"You need to be careful in tiebreaks, and really focus," said Wawrinka. "I feel positive now after this win - let's see what happens."

Wawrinka, winner of 30 matches this season, said he is looking forward to his third Olympics even as dropouts continued with the Thursday withdrawal of Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky.

"I have lots of good memories from Beijing, 2008 (he won doubles gold with Roger Federer). I'm looking forward to playing again. I really enjoyed the experience."

The French and Australian Open champion next plays South African Kevin Anderson, who overhauled 12th seed Bernard Tomic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours, firing 26 aces and saving eight of nine break points in the comeback effort.

Japan's third seed Kei Nishikori reached the quarters without the loss of a set as an injury from Wimbledon fades away.

Asia's top player advanced over Rajeev Ram 6-3, 6-4.

"I think it's good, not maybe 100 per cent yet but feeling pretty strong," he said of a rib problem.

"I'm playing my first matches in three or four weeks ago. I'll have to see after couple more matches, but right now I feel good."
Digital media has become the 21st-century politicians best friend. Twitter is the prom queen of the 2016 presidential campaign, thanks in large part to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps fondness for the platform, but Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram have also become just as integral to political campaigns as TV appearances and press releases.

And while social media platforms have gotten most of the attention, theres one site thats become an overwhelmingly popular way for politicos to get their message out: Medium.

You might not have heard of Medium, but youve probably visited the site without knowing it. The blogging platform, which launched in 2012, is focused on one thing: providing a beautiful, custom way to present text to an audience. That simple focus has convinced political stars from Hillary Clinton to Sen. Chuck Schumer to start making major use of it.

When Clinton wanted to explain the reasons behind her selection of Sen. Tim Kaine as her VP pick, she posted it on Medium. When the White House released the text of Obamas 2016 State of the Union Address, they published it on Medium before the president started to speak. Throughout both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, Medium has been a hub for speeches and in depth behind-the-scenes looks at the event. During the GOP convention, the Republican National Committee was the sites most popular section. For its part, the Democratic National Committee has been using the site to give an inside look at the convention. Want to read the text of a speech or learn about a delegate? Its right on their page. Were here to share stories and every platform has an audience, says Kelli Klein, the Digital Director at the DNC for 2016.

Medium may not be the largest social media platformthe site gets 25 million monthly uniques but packs a punch. Matt Higginson, the head of politics and government affairs at Medium, says the platform offers politicians the intimacy our soundbite culture shuns, which helps it attract a more influential readership. Conversation in particular seems to be something that no one really crafts well, he told TIME. The right audience is more important than the biggest audience.

Story continues

The platform easily lends itself to lengthy, text heavy postsperfect for press releases. But Higginson says he urges members to shy away from using it that way. Some members have seen Medium as a way to do a better version of what a press release could be, he says. But I spent a lot of time telling members that people arent reading their press releases because theyre boring, theyre benign.

The White House has been a fan of the site for some time, often using Medium to share information while circumventing the news media. The layout of the site makes it easier for politicians to break their own news and control their own message. Higginson admits the platform can be used in this way, but says the company isnt encouraging members and politicians to use the site as their exclusive communication platform. He also pushes back against concerns that Medium can create too much separation from politicians and those who hold them accountable, saying that says watchdog groups can use the site alongside government figures to provide additional context and criticism. We dont see Medium as keeping people from poking holes in politicians narratives, Higginson said.

Medium can indeed be a tool to push back against the spin, but its also part of a larger trend toward more direct interaction between politicians and their constituents. In an era when politicos make a point of denigrating the media, the site provides another way for them to speak to voters without a filter. Whether thats good or bad depends on who you trustor distrustmost.
As a student at the Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in North Carolina, Christopher Brown must study topics that are a core part of most J.D. programs, such as criminal law and constitutional law.

Less formally, he's also learning about budgeting, financial planning and low-cost living.

The 24-year-old rising third-year student has an unpaid internship for this summer, just as he did last year. He's financing his school years and the time in between with student loans and scholarships and carefully tracking his spending with a spreadsheet.

In his budget, there are line items for gas ($100 per month), groceries and miscellaneous ($500 per month) and more. He credits his mother for his budgeting skills.

"She had my back," says Brown. His mother, he says, is a certified public accountant.

[Find out how ready you are to pay for law school.]

Law school costs many students $30,000 or more per year, and the American Bar Association strongly discourages first-year students from working. Prospective and current students should think about how they'll manage their money while pursuing a J.D., experts and students say.

Here are three factors law school applicants should weigh when preparing to spend for their degree.

1. Books: Many classes for first-year students come with case books, says Tom Williams, assistant dean for academic affairs and the institution at Arizona State University's O'Connor College of Law. And these books typically aren't cheap -- he says new ones can run students between $200 and $400.

Williams encourages students to consider short-term borrowing for textbooks. "A rental of that book might be $100," he says.

Students can usually rent books from a school store or other organizations.

"Most student bar associations will also have a used book sale at the beginning of school," says Michelle Rahman, associate dean for admissions at the University of Richmond School of Law.

[Learn 10 ways to get financially ready for law school.]

Story continues

Because many law schools have similar first-year curriculums, students may go outside of their own school to find discounted text books, but the books may not necessarily be the right version, says Rahman. "Make sure it's the right edition."

She also encourages students to look online for cheaper books at sites such as BookFinder.com and lawbooksforless.com.

If buying or renting all the books they'll need for a semester isn't an option, students can also share.

"Jane buys the torts book. You buy the civil procedure book. And you can share those books with each other," she says.

2. Clothes: It's common for law students to dress in suits or other professional attire. There are law firm mixers, bar association events or even orientation activities that require more formalwear.

Aspiring J.D.s should plan on buying a suit and look to discount stores for deals.

"I looked for a nice blazer at a secondhand store," says Jeremy Rosenberg, a soon-to-be third-year student at CUNY School of Law.

[Pick a cost-efficient law school.]

Rahman, from the University of Richmond, recommends one suit in a neutral color, such as navy or gray, that allows students to interchange their shirts or their ties.

"I think a reasonable budget is $200 to $400 for an inexpensive suit," says Williams, from the O'Connor College of Law, when discussing men's professional wear. "As you go through law school, eventually you're going to need more than one but at least at the beginning you can probably get by with one."

Prospective students may also find that the school they plan to attend will help them keep clothing costs low.

In October, Arizona State will have a fashion show to help students learn how to dress, and participating clothing companies will offer discounts to the law students, says Ray English, assistant dean for the office of career and employment services at O'Connor.

"If you don't look the part, it's going to be hard to get the part," he says.

3. Bar exam preparation: To become a licensed attorney, law graduates must pass a bar exam. Students often take a preparation course for the exam and the test the summer after they graduate. It's not advised, experts say, for law graduates to work while studying, which means more time without a paycheck.

"We really talk to students early about planning for how they're going to survive that period between graduation and the bar exam, and pay for their bar prep," says Williams. "The bar prep courses are expensive."

Online options may cost a few hundred dollars, but a popular bar preparation company such as BARBRI Law Review can cost students significantly more, he says. In the District of Columbia, for example, a BARBRI prep course can cost $3,495.

"It's really something they should plan for as soon as they can and start figuring out how they're going to afford it and set aside money," says Williams.

Searching for a law school? Get our complete rankings of Best Law Schools.





More From US News & World Report


As a student at the Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in North Carolina, Christopher Brown must study topics that are a core part of most J.D. programs, such as criminal law and constitutional law.

Less formally, he's also learning about budgeting, financial planning and low-cost living.

The 24-year-old rising third-year student has an unpaid internship for this summer, just as he did last year. He's financing his school years and the time in between with student loans and scholarships and carefully tracking his spending with a spreadsheet.

In his budget, there are line items for gas ($100 per month), groceries and miscellaneous ($500 per month) and more. He credits his mother for his budgeting skills.

"She had my back," says Brown. His mother, he says, is a certified public accountant.

[Find out how ready you are to pay for law school.]

Law school costs many students $30,000 or more per year, and the American Bar Association strongly discourages first-year students from working. Prospective and current students should think about how they'll manage their money while pursuing a J.D., experts and students say.

Here are three factors law school applicants should weigh when preparing to spend for their degree.

1. Books: Many classes for first-year students come with case books, says Tom Williams, assistant dean for academic affairs and the institution at Arizona State University's O'Connor College of Law. And these books typically aren't cheap -- he says new ones can run students between $200 and $400.

Williams encourages students to consider short-term borrowing for textbooks. "A rental of that book might be $100," he says.

Students can usually rent books from a school store or other organizations.

"Most student bar associations will also have a used book sale at the beginning of school," says Michelle Rahman, associate dean for admissions at the University of Richmond School of Law.

Story continues

[Learn 10 ways to get financially ready for law school.]

Because many law schools have similar first-year curriculums, students may go outside of their own school to find discounted text books, but the books may not necessarily be the right version, says Rahman. "Make sure it's the right edition."

She also encourages students to look online for cheaper books at sites such as BookFinder.com and lawbooksforless.com.

If buying or renting all the books they'll need for a semester isn't an option, students can also share.

"Jane buys the torts book. You buy the civil procedure book. And you can share those books with each other," she says.

2. Clothes: It's common for law students to dress in suits or other professional attire. There are law firm mixers, bar association events or even orientation activities that require more formalwear.

Aspiring J.D.s should plan on buying a suit and look to discount stores for deals.

"I looked for a nice blazer at a secondhand store," says Jeremy Rosenberg, a soon-to-be third-year student at CUNY School of Law.

[Pick a cost-efficient law school.]

Rahman, from the University of Richmond, recommends one suit in a neutral color, such as navy or gray, that allows students to interchange their shirts or their ties.

"I think a reasonable budget is $200 to $400 for an inexpensive suit," says Williams, from the O'Connor College of Law, when discussing men's professional wear. "As you go through law school, eventually you're going to need more than one but at least at the beginning you can probably get by with one."

Prospective students may also find that the school they plan to attend will help them keep clothing costs low.

In October, Arizona State will have a fashion show to help students learn how to dress, and participating clothing companies will offer discounts to the law students, says Ray English, assistant dean for the office of career and employment services at O'Connor.

"If you don't look the part, it's going to be hard to get the part," he says.

3. Bar exam preparation: To become a licensed attorney, law graduates must pass a bar exam. Students often take a preparation course for the exam and the test the summer after they graduate. It's not advised, experts say, for law graduates to work while studying, which means more time without a paycheck.

"We really talk to students early about planning for how they're going to survive that period between graduation and the bar exam, and pay for their bar prep," says Williams. "The bar prep courses are expensive."

Online options may cost a few hundred dollars, but a popular bar preparation company such as BARBRI Law Review can cost students significantly more, he says. In the District of Columbia, for example, a BARBRI prep course can cost $3,495.

"It's really something they should plan for as soon as they can and start figuring out how they're going to afford it and set aside money," says Williams.

Searching for a law school? Get our complete rankings of Best Law Schools.

Delece Smith-Barrow is an education reporter at U.S. News, covering graduate schools. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at dsmithbarrow@usnews.com.
July 28 (Reuters) - Spanish weightlifter Lidia Valentin hopes to be awarded an Olympic gold medal from London 2012 after the athletes that finished above her all failed drug tests when their samples were reanalysed. Valentin, who will compete at next month's Games in Rio, finished fourth in 2012 in the Women's -75kg category. All three athletes that made the podium ahead of Valentin -- champion Svetlana Podobedova, silver medallist Nataliya Zabolotnaya and Iryna Kulesha who won bronze -- tested positive for banned substances when their samples were reanalysed. "Although late, as it has taken four years, finally justice has been done," Valentin told Spanish newspaper AS. "The important thing is that is has come out. It's not a surprise." The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced on Wednesday that Russia's Zabolotnaya and Kulesha of Belarus had produced positive samples in a second wave of International Olympic Committee (IOC) retests. The IWF said last month that the sample of Kazakhstan's Podobedova had produced an adverse finding in the first wave of retests. "I wasn't able to enjoy the podium at the time but the important thing is that the cheaters have been caught," the 31-year-old Valentin said. The IOC stores samples for a decade in order to re-test using newer methods or to look for new drugs. The results are part of the IOC's re-testing of samples from past Games to keep cheats from competing at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August. Podobedova, Zabolotnaya and Kulesha have been provisionally suspended by the IWF and the Spanish Weightlifting Federation (Fedehalter) hope Valentin will be belatedly awarded the gold medal prior to the start of the Rio Games on Aug. 5. "We are cautious as neither the IWF nor the IOC have ratified the disqualification of Podobedova after last month's news," Fedehalter said in a statement. "We have asked the IWF to clarify as soon as possible the situation of the classification of the London Games. "We hope that next week we have favorable news for Lidia and in particular, for the Spanish Weightlifting Federation. "If the latest news (positive tests) are confirmed, Lidia would become the first Spanish Olympic champion in weightlifting." Valentin hopes that retrospective testing serves as a strong deterrent to athletes that may consider cheating in Rio. "I hope this sends a clear message that in Rio all athletes should be clean and no one considers cheating," she said. (Reporting by Adriana Garcia; Editing by Toby Davis)
A legal saga involving five Native American tribes and a group of scientistswhich may now be drawing to a closebegan on July 28, 1996. On that day, exactly 20 years ago, their differences of perspective were thrown into dramatic relief with the discovery of a skull on the bottom of the Columbia River near Kennewick, Wash.

The two college students who found the skull thought it must have belonged to a murder victim. They hid it in some bushes and contacted the police. The coroner called in a forensic anthropologist, Jim Chatters, and the two returned to the site where the skull was found, where they unearthed a nearly complete skeleton. Chatters initially guessed that the bones were likely from a Caucasian male who had been dead for decades at least. But there were some discrepancies. An object embedded in the pelvis gave Chatters pause. It didnt show up on an x-ray, so it wasnt metal. A CAT scan showed it was a spear point that resembled ones used thousands of years agoodd for a skeleton he had thought was probably a 19th-century settler.

A piece of a finger bone sent to the University of California at Riverside revealed even more of a surprise: it was radiocarbon dated as over 9,000 years old, which meant that the remains were among the oldest and most complete ever found in North America. (According to the Burke Museum, which has housed the bones since 1998, subsequent research indicates the bones are actually more likely a couple hundred years younger than that).

The skeleton became known among many as Kennewick Manor, to local tribes, the Ancient One.

Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter

The remains were found on Army Corps of Engineers land, and the Corps was prepared to promptly comply with local tribes wishes to take control of the Ancient One. As TIME reported in Oct. 1996: Unless a judge intervenes, the bones will be turned over to the local Umatilla Indian tribe by the end of the month for immediate burial. Says Umatilla spokesman Armand Minthorn: Our tradition says once a body goes into the ground thats where it stays.'

Story continues

But, though a judge didnt intervene, scientists did, desperate to preserve the chance to study the bones. The legal battle for the bones wound its way through the court system for years, until in 2004 the 9th Circuit Court upheld a decision in favor of the scientists, deciding that there was not enough contextual evidence to indicate the cultural affiliation required by the 1990 federal law that would have given the remains to the tribe, The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

In 2006 TIME reported on the discoveries those scientists made from just a 10-day session with the bones, from the likelihood that his burial was deliberate to the estimate that he may have died as young as 38. His bones revealed habitual postures and motions suggesting he waded in shallow rapids and made his own spearpoints, per the Smithsonian Magazine.

Then, last year another scientific discovery changed the story. DNA analysis found that the current population most closely related to Kennewick Man were, in fact, Native Americans, including one of the tribes seeking to reinter his remains.

The Army Corps of Engineers verified those findings in April 2016 and determined that the result meant the NAGPRA applied to Kennewick Mans bones. Now, as they determine priority of custody, the Corps is seeking to determine a cultural affiliation to a current tribe, based on geographical, kinship, biological, archaeological, anthropology, linguistic, folklore, oral tradition and historical evidence. If a preponderance of evidence indicates a relationship of shared group identity which can be reasonably traced between a current tribe and some group to which Kennewick Man belonged, then the remains can be turned over to a tribe. The five tribes plan to work together to rebury the bones, reported the Seattle Times.

But, in the event that such a preponderance of evidence does not reasonably trace this connection, the bones will be considered unclaimedand their saga will continue.


Stockholm (AFP) - Divers searching the wreck of a 17th-century Swedish warship on the bed of the Baltic say they have found de Brie.

Sifting through the ancient timbers of the Kronan, a ship that sank in 1676 off the Swedish coast, they found not diamonds as they had hoped... but a cheese.

Inside a watertight pot was a semi-firm 340-year-old "dairy product" smelling of yeast and Roquefort cheese, expedition leader Lars Einarsson told AFP on Thursday.

"Unlike the others, I find its smell is quite pleasant," he said. "It smells of life."

The unusual find is being sent to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences for tests.

The Kronan (Crown) sank off the island of Oeland, southeastern Sweden on June 1, 1676 in a battle with a Danish-Dutch fleet.

Squabbling officers and too much sail caused the ship to capsize and then explode. Only about 40 of the 800 crew survived.

The wreck was found in 1980 by Anders Franzen, an amateur naval archaeologist who 24 years earlier discovered the warship Vasa, which sank in 1628 in Stockholm port on its maiden voyage.

The Vasa's timbers were brought to the surface -- the ship, housed in a maritime museum in Stockholm, is now one of Sweden's star attractions.

But in the Kronan's case, the blast was so powerful that pieces of the ship were scattered over a wide area of seabed. Fishing nets, minesweeping and the forces of the sea have added to the dispersal.

Around 80 percent of the estimated site has been explored, revealing a trove of treasure and historical artefacts.

Around 30,000 items have been brought to the surface so far, including bronze cannon, chests, dishes, navigational instruments and a German-made trumpet, as well as diamonds and gold coins.

Divers have also found flour, animal bones, liquor and wine  items that are a potential bonanza for historians eager for insights into how food was made centuries ago.

The cheese survived thanks to the chill and low salinity of the Baltic and the fact that it lay under a thick layer of sediment, which protected the pot from corrosion.

In 2010, divers recovered 145 bottles of vintage Champagne from the wreck of a ship that sank off the Finnish archipelago of Aland between 1825 and 1830.
Hillary Clinton at a rally in Brooklyn in June. (Photo: Lucas Jackson/Reuters)

A few years back, during a visit to the Kennedy Library in Boston, I bought a terrific childrens book called So You Want to Be President?, which contains all kinds of fun historical facts.

When I read it to my daughter, who was then about 5, I was surprised to find that her first question had nothing to do with Washingtons teeth or TRs horse or Nixons bowling alley.

Why arent there any girl presidents? is what she wanted to know.

If you can answer that question for a 5-year-old without immediately shrinking her expectations for the world, youre a better dad than I am.

My daughter is 8 now, and she is obsessed with Hillary Clinton. She knows nothing of the politics, of course, or the vexing public persona. What my little girl knows is that if this woman can be president, then so, perhaps, can she.

So why shouldnt this moment be more inspiring to the rest of us?

Im not talking about the partisans on one side or the other, those who are programmed to see Clinton as an icon or a demon, no matter what she says or does. Im talking about those of us in the broad center, including a lot of women I know, among whom a common sentiment is that its about time we had a female nominee, but in a perfect world it might have been someone else.

As Clinton prepares to take the stage tonight for a speech history may long remember, Ive been trying to grapple with why  beyond ideology or fashionable cynicism  that really is.

This isnt an easy subject for a guy to write about, of course. Inevitably, someone will say youre sexist even for raising the question, or at a minimum that you lack the standing to weigh in with any insight. I heard the same thing when I wrote extensively on race and the presidency in 2008.

And it may be true, except that all of us are limited by perspective, in one way or another. It doesnt mean we shouldnt try.

Its too simple to say that Clinton isnt likable  shes likable enough, as then-Sen. Obama once put it  or entirely knowable. (I do find her inscrutable, probably because shes been dodging a substantive interview with me for the better part of two decades now. But you know, I wrote a book about Gary Hart, so inscrutability doesnt faze me much.)

Story continues

Nor can you just point to the email imbroglio or the polls that say Clinton is less trusted than any other nominee of the modern era. Clintons trust deficit, as we like to call it, is likely more a reflection of our ambivalence than the cause of it.

No, I think this has to do with our own conception of what a societal trailblazer is supposed to look like.

Obama inspired even those Americans who were skeptical of his candidacy in 2008, in part because everything about him screamed, This is the guy who changes things. He was young and cool and eloquent, an outsider in both politics and temperament. He arrived from nowhere, unblemished.

Obama fit the mold of a barrier buster like Martin Luther King Jr. or Jackie Robinson or John Kennedy. We had little concept of who any of them were before they were pioneers, beyond the mythologies that surrounded them. Its as if we dreamed them up to fulfill a narrative whose time had come.

Thats not Hillary Clinton. Shes not new or young; she is, near as I can tell, the oldest nominee in Democratic history. Shes neither eloquent nor rhetorically fearless. She calculates and deflects.

Far from bursting onto the stage in heroic fashion, Clinton has pretty much hung around for longer than anyone thought possible, seizing opportunities and outlasting rivals.

Ironically, since she helped investigate Watergate early in her career, the politician Clinton resembles most in her path to power is probably Richard Nixon, circa 1968.

A fundamentally insecure and untrusted politician, Nixon refused to fade away after losing the presidential race in 1960 (and the California governors race two years later). Eight years on, after the implosions of Barry Goldwater and Nelson Rockefeller, his moment came back around.

Clinton, eight years after her own loss, will accept the nomination tonight, in part because of two disastrous midterm cycles that essentially wiped out a generation of potential adversaries.

And if Clinton is about to blow through a marker women have eyed for generations, then she is doing it in a decidedly unfeminist way. This isnt Margaret Thatcher, who threw herself into an all-male establishment and dominated it through sheer steel and charm, accompanied all the while by a subservient husband.

If were honest about it, Clintons presence on the stage in Philadelphia owes a lot to the two presidents who spoke before her. One empowered her as his spouse in the White House, without which she could never have sought a Senate seat in a state shed never lived in. The second rehabilitated her career after derailing it, by appointing her to a senior Cabinet post.

Her rise is inextricably linked to the successes of two successful men, in a way that probably belies our ideals  so ingrained in us as to be almost subconscious  about self-reliance and meritocracy.

Clinton is an imperfect vehicle because shes not the cinematic version of our first woman president, like Geena Davis in Commander in Chief. History did not pluck her from obscurity to fulfill Americas promise; if anything, it tried to sideline her and failed.

But heres what occurs to me now, as I FaceTime my daughter from the Wells Fargo Center and tell her I am about to see Clinton accept the Democratic nomination for president  a conversation that thrills her, and that fills me with hope that she may yet believe in a limitless future.

We dont get to hold casting calls for the roles of our change agents, to hold out for the social pioneer whose image we project in our heads. We cant always wait around for what Norman Mailer called the existential hero in our politics to come along.

Clinton may not be the trailblazer we envisioned, but shes transformed herself, through sheer tenacity, into the trailblazer we have. Tonight, at least, we should all appreciate what that means.

_____

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From Harper's BAZAAR

This morning, while many Americans were reveling in the moment Hillary Clinton became America's first female major party nominee for president, Donald Trump, peering down from the podium at one of the more stunning press conferences of 2016, told a female reporter to "be quiet."

The emasculated gaff was directed at NBC's Katy Tur, whom Trump publicly mocked last July, calling her "naive" and a "third rate journalist" after she asked him about his immigration stance. This morning she had asked whether it was appropriate for him to joke about Russia searching for the emails Clinton deleted from her private server. For veteran political journalist Melinda Henneberger, this is the last straw.

A month earlier, Trump began his general election swing with a rally in Richmond, Virginia, where most reporters were fixated on how the candidate would respond to his latest charge of racism. But Henneberger was focused on something else: merchandise vendors weaving through the crowd, hawking t-shirts emblazoned with the message: "Hillary Sucks, But Not Like Monica." Flipped to the back: "Trump That Bitch."

As the vendors paraded them about, his supporters cheered.

For Henneberger, editor-in-chief of Roll Call, it was a mere glimpse into the misogyny that has helped spawn Trump's rise. But as Trump barrels into the general election, facing the first female nominee for president of the United States, the scene also foreshadowed the nature of attacks to come. Indeed, as Trump began slamming Clinton from his podium, one supporter, to laughs and applause, yelled, "Hang her!"

"There's this feeling that some women don't want to push backlike it's cool to be so non-politically correct."

"Supporters don't just want to defeat her, but they seem to want to see her hurt," Henneberger tells HarpersBAZAAR.com. "Disagree with her, dislike her, vote against her, but to even talk about hanging her?"

Story continues

Like many women, Henneberger was first struck by Trump's comments on Carly Fiorina's looks back in September. And since then, his jabs towards females have only amplified. It's left Henneberger "confuse[d]" as to why some women continue to stand by him. Her theory? Trump has actually succeeded in making misogynistic talk "socially acceptable"-even among women.

"There's almost this feeling that some women don't want to push back," she says. "'Oh, it doesn't bother me,' some might say, like it's kind of cool to be so non-politically correctThat's one thing that bothers me a lot."

Though Henneberger views the 2016 campaign in a positive light-women have, after all, turned out in droves to stump, report, and speak out-she's troubled by the hateful rhetoric it has sparked, and what the long-term impact might be. "This kind of coarse, hateful talk that Trump has used to great effect...it could reverberate long after November."

And for women, that alone makes political engagement more crucial than ever. Turning out to vote, Henneberger says, is not enough.

"Civil discourse is an important issue in itself," she says, "and [Trump] will only stop talking that way if he thinks he loses more than he gains by speaking about various groups the way he does."

So how can women best engage? For starters, Henneberger says, they should strive to dispel the term "women's issues" altogether. "It's always been an interesting phrase to me," she says. "All issues are women's issues." Campaigns have for too long tried to court women with a short vocabulary, she says, crafting a message around a single issue such as abortion. It's led to the perception of women as a niche market of voters, rather than a crucial determinant of an election's outcome. "It's very antiquated and it's gone on for a long time," she says. "It's like politicians are pitching to some exotic subset, when in fact we are the majority, and the majority of people who vote."

"Turning out to vote is not enough."

It's up to women to harness their majority role, she says, and make their voices heard on not only Trump's troubling rhetoric toward women, but also his more "dangerous" proposals on issues ranging from national security to the economy. "One of the reasons Hillary Clinton has been successful is that she's made a case for her support that goes well beyond" the trope of "women's issues," Henneberger notes. Female political activists should seek to emulate Clinton in that respect: When Trump suggests renegotiating the national debt, for instance, they should be first in line to criticize that policy, one which most agree could tank the economy. "Economic security...that's something that matters for women, not just men," she says.

The ability to define women's issues as universal, politically speaking, is relatively recent. And Henneberger is not blind to the systemic changes that were needed for us to attain it. She recalls her first gig at the Dallas Morning News, where there were no women on the news desk. "We were sent to the houses of the grieving to get quotes from family members of the dead," she says. At a baby shower, no less, Henneberger and her colleagues drafted a petition to include a woman on the news desk. They succeeded. From there, Henneberger went on to found AOL Politics Daily, and most recently wrapped up a stint as a reporter for Bloomberg Politics.

"It's fair to say we've come a long way," she says, reflecting on her first newsroom. "Thank God that's a remnant of the distant past now."

Henneberger wants those scenes to remain just that, a remnant of the distant past. For many, that's why something as simple as words on a T-shirt can pack such a punch: they breathe life into an attitude that many women remember vividly from the past, an attitude that they largely succeeded in eliminating for future generations. For Clinton, Henneberger has some advice to make sure we don't slip further backwards: "I'd tell her...to just take one page from Trump's playbook," she says, "and say what she really thinks."
From Cosmopolitan

One of Tuesday night's most emotionally charged moments at the Democratic National Convention came when Mothers of the Movement - a collection of black women whose children died at the hands of police or from gun violence - took the stage to deliver a heart-wrenching speech. Although they were at the DNC to support Hillary, their speech transcended politics.

"You don't stop being a mom when your child dies," Lucia McBath, mother of 17-year-old Jordan Davis, told the crowd. "You don't stop being a parent. I am still Jordan Davis's mother. His life ended the day that he was shot and killed for playing loud music. But my job as his mother didn't."

CNN, MSNBC, and PBS aired the speech, which happened before the broadcast networks began their convention coverage. Fox News did not. Instead, the network, according to The Hollywood Reporter, aired an interview with former Bush advisor Karl Rove about demonstrations outside the convention and a segment on immigration moderated by Bill O'Reilly.

Fox's decision not to air the speech drew a sharp rebuke on Twitter.

A spokesperson for Fox News told The Hollywood Reporter that the network did air audio from the Mothers of the Movement presentation during Megyn Kelly's show, The Kelly File, on Tuesday night.

The criticism comes amid a "challenging time" for Fox News, according to a memo that Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of Fox's parent company 21st Century Fox, sent to staffers this week. He was referring to the departure of Fox News CEO Roger Ailes - the man who built the network into what it is today - who left after several women accused him of sexual harassment. In the memo, Murdoch also pointed out that Fox News outperformed its rivals in the ratings during the Republican National Convention.
Often called Americas largest community bank by its fans, Wells Fargos wholly-American business model means simplicity for its investors, and a higher valuation by Wall Street.

Join The Motley Fools Gaby Lapera and Jordan Wathen as they discuss why Banco Santanders complexity doesnt necessarily mean investors will be rewarded with higher returns, and the challenges that come with dissecting an international bank from an investors perspective.

This podcast was recorded on Jul. 18, 2016.
Donald Trump is gunning for Hillary Clinton, and hes now invited Russia to help him in the task. But if the Wikileaks release of thousands of Democratic National Committee emails shows just how disruptive those kinds of unexpected releases can be, Clinton should be worried about another potentially formidable foe: Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who could still put out more information that affects how voters perceive the Democratic presidential nominee.

Assange told CNN Tuesday that his website may release a lot more material relevant to Clintons election campaign, which already appears to have been damaged by the sites release of 20,000 emails from the Democratic National Committee on the eve of the partys nominating convention. The revelations led to the resignation of DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and cast a shadow over the conventions early proceedings.

Related: Hacked Emails Expose DNC Plan to Undermine Bernie Sanders

Assange is clearly aiming to disrupt the system, regardless of which party is affected. In an interview with Democracy Now, Assange likens choosing between Clinton and Trump as making a decision between cholera and gonorrhea: Whoeverwhatever political party gets into government is going to merge with the bureaucracy pretty damn fast, he said. It will be in a position where it has some levers in its hand. And so, as a result, corporate lobbyists will move in to help control those levers. So it doesnt make much difference in the end.

In a June 12 interview with British television network ITV, Assange said he had accumulated a lot of material on Hillary Clinton, who he sees as having a long history of being a war hawk who would not be good for freedom of the press. In the same interview, Assange said he has enough material to support an indictment of Clinton.

That suggests Clintons camp has to worry about ongoing, strategically-timed releases of potentially embarrassing information  or at least information that might produce headlines that clash with their intended messaging.

Story continues

Related: Heres Why Hillary Clinton Could Lose This Travesty of an Election

There are indications that future disclosures will zero in on the relationships between donors and the Democratic campaign. Assange told Democracy Now that he has a lot of emails about the close relationship between the DNC and the media  The Washington Post involved in a co-fundraising party, an off-list co-fundraising for the DNC, calling up MSNBC during the middle of a program and saying, Pull that segment now, Debbie Wasserman Schultz calling up the president of MSNBC in order to discipline Morning Joe, etc. Thats, you know, of course, something that weve all suspected happens, but this is concrete proof of it.

Others suspect there will be more emails about the Clinton Foundation. Whatever Assange has, though, its likely to mean more headaches for Clinton and her campaign.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Iran is known for its strict policing of womens dress and behaviour. Women have spearheaded the fightback against enforced hijab so far, and now men are joining in.

In the last week, many men have posted photos of themselves wearing the hijab to social media, in solidarity with women in the country, who are forced to cover their heads in public, the Independent reported.

Many of the photos show a man wearing the hijab next to his wife or a female relative whose hair is uncovered.

In Iran, undercover agents, the so-called morality police, roam the streets to ensure women wear the hijab and comply with the rules. Women face punishment, from fines to imprisonment, if they are seen without the hijab or are wearing it so far back that their hair is exposed, known as bad hijab. These rules have been in place since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, before which fashion in Iran was unrecognisable from what we see today.

State-sponsored adverts portray women who cover their hair as honourable, while those who don't are objectified and compared to spoiled food. One advert depicts women who don't wear the hijab as an opened lollypop covered in flies.

Women in Iran have been campaigning against the enforced hijab and the strict laws governing their behaviour. Recently, many have even shaved their hair and dressed like men in order to avoid run-ins with the morality police.

The most prominent movement online against the enforced hijab is My Stealthy Freedom, fronted by journalist Masih Alinejad, which encourages Iranian women to post photos of themselves without hijabs.

Alinejad is leading the drive to involve men in the movement and has urged them to post their photos to social media with the hashtag #MenInHijab.

Most of these men are living inside Iran and they have witnessed how their female relatives have been suffering at the hands of the morality police and humiliation of enforced hijab," she told the Independent.

She added: "Many men have gotten used to seeing women in compulsory hijab every day and you think that is normal. But for millions of Iranian women, this compulsory hijab is an insult to their dignity. "

Story continues

One man, wearing his cousin's hijab, wrote on My Stealthy Freedom: "The fact that they are forced to wear something against their will tarnishes, in reality, the image of Iranians everywhere in the world. That's why this new campaign can at the same time draw attention to the plight of Iranian and also show the real face of Iran and Iranians."

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Movie ticket presales are relatively new for the Russian film industry, but so far, they have not yet really taken off. Why?

Russians are not used to planning their movie theater visits in advance, and the kind of tentpoles that make people take care of tickets in advance, avoiding standing in line, are few and far between, observers say.

"[Pre-sales] are not as popular here as in Western countries," Alexander Semenov, editor and publisher of industry trade journal KinoBusiness Today, tells The Hollywood Reporter. "The first reason is that our viewers are not used to planning a movie theater visit several days or weeks ahead." And he cites a lack of tradition for such services, saying: "Back in the Soviet era a service of this kind did not exist at all."

According to Semenov, another major reason for Russians' unwillingness to purchase movie tickets in advance is that the lion's share of releases don't generate very high demand and big films get very wide play in theaters.

Major releases typically get 50 percent-60 percent of all screens in the country, so there is always a chance to buy a ticket immediately before the show time. As a result, chances that a viewer can show up at a movie theater and see a show is sold out are slim.

"Today, movies that are in high demand, get a sufficient number of screenings," Darya Ryazantseva, exhibition director at distribution company Volga, which recently released Woody Allen's Cafe Society, tells THR.

"Currently, there are enough screens in bigger cities to satisfy active movie goers' demands," she adds. "So, there is no rush to see movies and, consequently, no presales."

Meanwhile, there is also a legal obstacle to ticket presales. Under Russian law, tickets to a movie can be pre-sold only once an exhibition license has been issued for the movie. And an exhibition license is often granted just days before a release date, shortening the period for ticket presales.

Story continues

An overall box-office slump in Russia is also apparently playing a role. Many recent releases have opened to empty houses, while even hit movies have shown lackluster performance in the country.

Over the last year and a half, only a handful of releases made people line up for tickets - or buy tickets in advance. Last year, Universal's Fifty Shades of Grey generated 50 million rubles ($760,000) in presales by the time of its Feb. 12 release, the highest presale figure ever recorded in the country at that time.

That record was broken in December as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, whose presales amounted to 80 million rubles ($1.2 million).

Fifty Shades of Grey presales accounted for about 4.5 percent of the movie's total gross of $16.6 million, and for The Force Awakens the proportion was roughly the same, 4.6 percent.

The Force Awakens and Fifty Shades of Grey combined presales are believed to account for over 50% of overall Russian BO presales.

The Force Awakens' record remains unsurpassed, and this year's releases haven't even come close to it, with this year's most anticipated Ekipazh (Crew) pocketing only 30 million rubles ($457,000) in presales.

Still, experts and industry insiders agree that a focus on developing the presales business could help with release planning.

"A developed pre-sale system would give more precise data for release planning and gross forecasting," Semenov says. "[Presales] could become an extra instrument for analysis and forecasts related to releases," adds Fyodor Sosnov, head of the analytical department at the cinema fund, an organization administering state cash for the film industry.

Read More: Russian Media Deny Kremlin Role in DNC Email Hack, Say Democrats Look to Tap Into Anti-Putin Sentiment
Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and UGI Corporation UGI may be one such company. The firm has earnings coming up pretty soon, and events are shaping up quite nicely for their report.

That is because UGI Corporation is seeing favorable earnings estimate revision activity as of late, which is generally a precursor to an earnings beat. After all, analysts raising estimates right before earningswith the most up-to-date information possibleis a pretty good indicator of some favorable trends underneath the surface for UGI in this report.

In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at earnings of 12 cents per share for UGI, compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate of earnings of 8 cents per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for UGI, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of 50.00% heading into earnings season.

UGI CORP Price and EPS Surprise

UGI CORP Price and EPS Surprise | UGI CORP Quote

Why is this Important?

A positive reading for the Zacks Earnings ESP has proven to be very powerful in producing both positive surprises, and outperforming the market. Our recent 10 year backtest shows that stocks that have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better show a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and have returned over 28% on average in annual returns (see more Top Earnings ESP stocks here).

Given that UGI has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an ESP in positive territory, investors might want to consider this stock ahead of earnings. Clearly, recent earnings estimate revisions suggest that good things are ahead for UGI Corporation, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming report.

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Tonight, ranking member of the Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) will address attendees at the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Penn. Senator Murray, a committed long-time champion for all things womens health, will be sharing with attendees and at-home viewers alike why she knows that her friend and former colleague, Democratic presidential nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is the best possible ally women could have in the White House.

And Murray is just basing this argument on gut instinct  she knows about Clintons unwavering commitment to womens health, as seen by the work the two did as Senate colleagues to fight the political pressure being put on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the Bush administration to not approve Plan B for over-the-counter use.

Hillary was with me on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee when the FDA was considering whether to approve Plan B, Senator Murray tells Yahoo Style. The FDA  we count on them do make decisions backed by science, not politics. But the Bush administration had extreme conservatives trying to influence the FDA to not make a scientific decisions  and that was so wrong to us. The FDA is the gold standard. They should be approving things based on science always. And we didnt want them folding based on conservatives yelling at them and playing politics.

So Murray and Clinton worked side-by-side for years to help keep the FDAs eye on the prize  and do the right thing by science and for women. And unsurprisingly, given both Murray and Clintons track record, they ultimately triumphed.

This is something we worked on long and hard together, Murray says. Hillary did not give up. This is something she felt very strongly about. And the FDA at the end of the day made their decision based on science  and today, Plan B is available over the counter. This was real progress for women and womens choice.

Story continues

Murray says that the importance of access to emergency contraception for women cannot be overstated  likewise, nor can Clintons commitment to womens healthcare.

Access to emergency contraception means a woman can make choices for herself and her health. And this is an economic issue for women, and they should be able to make their own choice about their own future and their familys future. [Emergency contraception] needs to be accessible  you shouldnt have to wade through bureaucracy to get it. You shouldnt have to get a doctors approval , which is sometime a time and financial challenge. There is a real economic barrier for women if they dont have access to emergency contraception, and a real privacy issue.

This is why, Murray says, its so essential that Clinton becomes our next president.

I very much want Secretary Clinton to become president because then we wont have to be on the defensive all the time, we will have a champion in the White House to make sure womens health is protected. I have seen those on the other side try to use womens access to healthcare to force a government shutdown  and [Republican vice presidential nominee, Indian Governor Mike] Pence was the leader of that in 2010. And I will not forget.

Clinton, in contrast, will be with us side by side to make sure we dont have to face those kinds of consequences. I am pretty confident Trump would not care. To have a champion in the White House who understands that womens health and reproductive rights are not only privacy issues that should only be decided by a woman between her partner, her doctor, herself and her own religion and understands that this is an economic issue for women with women in the workforce today more than ever who need access to affordable, quality, reproductive health choices  its imperative shes there.

And when I asked Murray about what lessons she and indeed her former colleague Hillary have learned about the double-standard faced by women in politics, the Senator at first could only offer an unbridled laugh in reply.

A woman has to walk into a room knowing the issues inside and out. They have to confidently accept that when they walk in a room and speak to an audience and are negotiating, they wont be given even first blush. Theyll be asked, Do you really know this issue? And then theyll have to prove it, Murray explains.

Which is another reason why a future President Clinton is so essential.

Murray notes, With a woman president in the White House, my granddaughters wont have to face the question from their colleagues one day if they know what theyre talking about when they walk into the room.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.


Qing Kang Integrated Chinese Medicine Clinic at Midpoint Orchard (Photo: Safhras Khan/Yahoo Singapore)



A pneumonia infection was the cause of a womans death during a massage session earlier this year.

Serene Lim Xinhui, a 26-year-old Singaporean, suffered a seizure and died while she was having a massage at Qing Kang Integrated Chinese Medicine Clinic at Midpoint Orchard on 14 February 2016.

At a Coroners Inquiry at the State Courts on Thursday (28 July), District Judge Marvin Bay concluded that Lim died from interstitial pneumonia, a lung infection that could kill a person while the body is at rest.

He came to the conclusion of natural death after hearing the testimony of pathologist Dr Chan Shi Jia, one of four witnesses who took the stand.

Dr Chan, who did the autopsy on Lim, said that her investigations pointed to the deceased having suffered from the infection while she was having the massage at the clinic.

She noted that Lim had also suffered from fractures at her ribs, and her legs and knees had bruises. The fractures could be due to resuscitation efforts made when Lim had her seizure, Dr Chan added.

Clinic staff who attended to Lim

Two staff from the clinic also took to the stand on Thursday. Ma Ke Jian, the physician who inspected Lim before the massage, said that she appeared normal.

Lim told me she was suffering from diarrhoea and was having a slight headache. She added that she also had body aches. I took her pulse and said she had a cold.

"I then instructed the masseuse to massage her with less pressure, Ma said.

Li Wei Wei, the masseuse who attended to Lim, said the deceased looked normal when the treatment started around 6 pm on that day. Li said that Lim was in a prone position and she was massaging her back.

Lim pointed to the masseuse that her right shoulder was aching. In order to massage the area, Li asked Lim to lie on her side.

However, when she turned, she started to have seizure. I asked if she was OK but she was unable to reply to me, said Li, who then sought help from Ma and her boss.

Story continues

Li and her boss attempted to help Lim and called for the paramedics who later arrived at the scene and pronounced Lim dead.

DJ Bay said that the autopsy reports indicated that the deceased was underweight and had previously been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in 2009.

He noted that the 1.59-metre tall Lim weighed 39 kilograms while her Body Mass Index (BMI) was 15.4, lower than the healthy level of 18.5.

The massage that the deceased was undergoing had no direct connection to her death and the cause of her death was due to the interstitial pneumonia virus which could cause sudden death while the body is at rest, he said.
Hillary Clintons nomination as a major-party presidential candidate is indeed historic. But that doesnt mean women havent played important roles in politics and political campaigns since the Founding era.

TrumpClinton

This week, Clinton became the first woman to earn the nomination for president at a major-party convention. She came close to gaining that honor in 2008 when Clinton received more than 17 million votes during the nomination process. She trailed Barack Obama by 103 delegates at the end of the 2008 nomination process, which Obama won.

Since 1789, the Constitution had never directly prohibited women for running for President. Article II, Section 1 spells out the basic qualifications for office:

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States, the Article reads.

In the early years of our nation, the states controlled voting requirements and major political party nominations. However, that didnt mean certain women lacked influence in politics.

Dont Forget The (Early First) Ladies

During the critical period in 1776 before the Declaration of Independence was drafted, Abigail Adams told her husband, John, in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could.

Back in 2014, Siena College, C-SPAN and the White House Historical Association partnered with 242 scholars to rank the political and social influence of First Ladies. Abigail Adams, the wife of the second President, only trailed Eleanor Roosevelt as the most-influential First Lady of all time. Two other early First Ladies, Dolley Madison, and Martha Washington, were ranked 4th and 9th in the survey.

Story continues

And in the category of direct value to the President, Abigail Adams was ranked first, with Eleanor Roosevelt second, Dolley Madison third and Martha Washington fifth, out of 44 administrations.

Early Voting Controversies And Candidates

Just before Civil War, the womens suffrage movement gained momentum, and some pioneering women decided to run for elected office. A project called Her Hat Was In The Ring maintains a database with the names of more than 3,000 women who ran for elected office between 1855 and 1920. It lists the election of Lydia Hall and Marietta Patrick to the Ashfield, Mass., school board in 1855 as one of the earliest known cases of women gaining elected office.

A decade later, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Tennie Claflin campaigned for election to federal office in the House of Representatives. Stanton ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from New York State in 1866 knowing she would get few votes, and she told her children that she entered the race in order to impress the public with the fact that constitutionally women had a right to run for office. Claflin campaigned in the same New York congressional district in 1871, without success. Claflin, like Stanton, wanted people to know that women could run for federal office.

A year later, Victoria Claflin Woodhull, Tennie Claflins sister, became the first woman to declare herself as a candidate for president. Woodhull was announced as the Equal Rights Party candidate in May 1872, with Frederick Douglass proposed as her running mate. Author Jo Freeman, in her book We Will Be Heard: Womens Struggles for Political Power in the United States, said Woodhulls campaign effectively ended there. No one told Douglass he was on the ticket, and personal problems prevented Woodhull from campaigning. Also, Woodhull was 33 years of age at the time, which made her constitutionally ineligible to serve as president.

In 1884, attorney Belva Ann Lockwood made the first serious attempt by a woman to run for the White House. A determined Lockwood earlier confronted the United States Supreme Court in 1875 about its refusal to allow a woman to argue in front of it, and in 1879, she became the first woman admitted to the Supreme Court bar. Lockwoods presidential campaign as the Equal Rights Party candidate received national attention, not all of it positive. But in the end, Lockwood received about 5,000 votes in the presidential election.

Three years later, Susanna Madora Salter became the first woman to win a significant public office when she was elected in 1887 as mayor of Argonia, Kansas. Salter was reportedly nominated without her knowledge by men in the community as a joke, but as the daughter of the towns first mayor, Salter easily won the election, and she served a one-year term. (Just before the election, Kansas granted women the right to vote in city elections.)

Suffrage and More Firsts For Women

In 1916, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to a federal office when she ran as a Republican candidate from Montana for the House of Representatives in a multi-candidate race. Women in Montana had gained the right to vote by an act of the state legislature, and Rankin was a well-known suffrage leader in the state. I am deeply conscious of the responsibility resting upon me, Rankin said in a statement released after her election. Rankins first term in Congress was marked by her objection to the United States entry into World War I and her support of what became the 19th Amendment. She failed in a bid for the Senate in 1918, but Rankin was later elected again in 1940 to the House.

By September 1920, the 19th Amendment giving all women the right to vote nationally had been ratified, and some women were making headway as political candidates.

In 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming and Miriam Ferguson of Texas were elected as governors but also as surrogates for their husbands. Ross also received 31 votes on the vice presidential ballot at the 1928 Democratic National Convention. (Ellen Grasso of Connecticut was the first woman elected in her own right as a state governor in 1974.)

Also in 1924, Bertha Landes became the first woman to serve as a mayor of a major city when she was named the acting mayor of Seattle. In 1926, Landes won the election outright in a campaign run by women.

Hattie Wyatt Caraway was the first woman to win an outright election to the United States Senate in 1932. Caraways husband, Thaddeus, was a Senator who represented Arkansas, and his wife was an important part of the Caraway campaign team. When Senator Caraway died in 1931, Arkansas governor appointed Hattie to serve out her husbands term. Hattie Caraway then unexpectedly ran for the Senate seat a year later. She told reporters that, the time has passed when a woman should be placed in a position and kept there only while someone else is being groomed for the job. Caraway received the open support of Huey Long, the Louisiana Senator who came to Arkansas to campaign for her. Caraway won the election easily and she served for 14 years in the Senate.

Women On The Presidential Campaign Trail

While women were making headway in some elected positions, it would take decades for the next significant female presidential candidate to emerge after Belva Ann Lockwoods second campaign in 1888.

In 1948, Margaret Chase Smith from Maine became the first woman directly elected to the Senate without having been appointed or elected to the same seat as a surrogate for her husband. (In 1940, Smith won election to the House to fill a seat occupied by her late husband.) Smith had been in Congress for 24 years when she decided to oppose Barry Goldwater in the 1964 Republican primary season.

Smith received 227,007 votes in the 1964 primaries and she won 27 delegates at the 1964 Republican Convention. Smith was the first woman to have her name placed in nomination at a major party convention.

In 1972, Shirley Chisholm became the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination as well as the first major-party black candidate. Chisholm came in fourth at the convention where George McGovern won the Democratic nomination. At the Democratic National Convention, Frances (Sissy) Farenthold finished second in voting for the vice presidential nomination. Also in 1972, Libertarian vice presidential candidate Tonie Nathan was the first woman to receive an Electoral College vote, when a faithless elector in Virginia voted for Nathan and her running mate for president, John Hospers, instead of Spiro Agnew.

Since then, women have made more appearances on the campaign trail as candidates for President and Vice President.

In 1976, Ellen McCormack received 22 votes at the Democratic convention won by Jimmy Carter. Eight years later, Representative Geraldine Ferraro of New York became the first woman to run on a major partys national presidential ticket when she was picked by Walter Mondale as his Democratic running mate.

In 1987, Patricia Schroeder explored running for the Democratic nomination the following year, but she opted against it. Schroder said at a press conference that she feared being typecast as a woman running for president or the womans candidate for president.

Similarly, in 1999, Elizabeth Dole dropped out of a prospective campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, citing a lack of fundraising. I have been all but overwhelmed by women of all ages whove invested me with their hopes and their dreams, Dole said when she announced her decision. Dole also hoped she had paved the way for the person who will be the first woman president.

Other women candidates in recent years for the presidential nomination of a major political party include Carly Fiorina, Michele Bachman, and Carol Moseley Braun. And Sarah Palin became the first woman to run for vice president on the Republican ticket in 2008 when she joined John McCain on the campaign trail.

Until Clintons campaign in 2016, the most-successful female presidential candidate, in terms of aggregate votes in a general election, was Jill Stein of the Green Party, who received 469,000 votes in 2012.

Quotes On Women, Campaigns and The Constitution

The Constitution on womens eligibility to run for president:

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States,  Article II, Section 1

Abigail Adams on womens rights in the new Republic (1776):

I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton to her children on why she ran for Congress (1866):

In order to impress the public with the fact that constitutionally women had a right to run for office.

Belva Ann Lockwood to reporters on her second presidential campaign (1888):

Men always say, Lets see what you can do. If we always talk and never work we will not accomplish anything.

Jeannette Rankin on winning her House seat (1916):

I am deeply conscious of the responsibility resting upon me.

Hattie Wyatt Caraway on running for the Senate outright after replacing her husband (1932):

The time has passed when a woman should be placed in a position and kept there only while someone else is being groomed for the job.

Margaret Chase Smith on running for president (1964):

There are those who make the contention that no woman should ever dare to aspire to the White Housethat this is a mans world and that it should be kept that way. So because of these very impelling reasons against my running, I have decided that I shall enter the New Hampshire preferential primary and the Illinois primary.

Shirley Chisholm on running for president (1972):

I stand before you today, to repudiate the ridiculous notion that the American people will not vote for qualified candidates, simply because he is not white or because she is not a male. I do not believe that in 1972, the great majority of Americans will continue to harbor such narrow and petty prejudice.

Elizabeth Dole on her failed 2000 campaign:

I have been all but overwhelmed by women of all ages whove invested me with their hopes and their dreams, Dole said when she announced her decision to end her campaign. Dole also hoped she had paved the way for the person who will be the first woman president.

Scott Bomboy is editor in chief of the National Constitution Center.
Get to know newly-confirmed world deepest blue hole! Locals call it "eye" of #SouthChinaSea https://t.co/tmk5mQyItw pic.twitter.com/LL3WE2lehB  China Xinhua News (@XHNews) July 23, 2016

A new exploration of a legendary blue hole in the South China Sea has found that the underwater feature is the deepest known on Earth.

According to Xinhua News, Dragon Hole, or Longdong, is 987 feet (300.89 meters) deep, far deeper than the previous record holder, Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas. (That blue hole measures about 663 feet, or 202 m, deep.) According to Xinhua, local legend holds that Dragon Hole is mentioned in the Ming dynasty novel "Journey to the West," in which a supernatural monkey character gets a magical cudgel from an undersea kingdom ruled by a dragon.

The findings have yet to be confirmed or reviewed by scientists in the field, but if they hold up, the measurements peg Dragon Hole as far deeper than Dean's Blue Hole, said Pete van Hengstum, a marine geologist at Texas A&M University at Galveston, who conducts research on blue holes and sinkholes throughout the Caribbean region. [See Photos of 8 Amazing Sinkholes]

Underwater wonders

Blue holes are water-filled sinkholes that form in carbonate rock such as limestone. Over long periods of time, the carbonate rock dissolves in the subsurface to form caves or cavities, van Hengstum told Live Science.

"Eventually, the process of dissolution causes the cave to reach very close to the Earth's surface, and if the cave ceiling collapses, a blue hole or sinkhole is formed," he said.

Some blue holes, like Dragon Hole, open up to the marine environment, while others are inland.

It's something of a mystery why blue holes form precisely where they do and what factors influence their development. Chemical reactions at the interface of saltwater and freshwater can create weak acids that eat away at limestone and other carbonates, said Lisa Park Boush, a geoscientist at the University of Connecticut who studies blue-hole sediments in the Bahamas. As a result, rising and falling sea levels can influence when and where blue holes form. [In Photos: Stunning Blue Holes from Around the World]

Story continues

"There is also a group of researchers looking into microbial processes," Boush told Live Science. In some cases, she said, microbe activity might help to dissolve bedrock and contribute to the formation of blue holes.

In addition to microbes, other organisms also call these jaw-droppingly gorgeous holes home.

Blue-hole life

"It's interesting to see what actually lives in these blue holes," said Boush, who called the environment of blue holes "cryptic."

Scientists with the Sansha Ship Course Research Institute for Coral Protection in China used an underwater robot and a depth sensor to investigate the mysterious environment of Dragon Hole, which is a well-known feature in Yongle, a coral reef near the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, according to Xinhua. They found more than 20 marine organisms living in the upper portions of the hole. Below about 328 feet (100 m), the seawater in the blue hole had almost no oxygen, and thus little life, the researchers told Xinhua on July 22.

Even so, diving in blue holes is extremely dangerous, she said.

"One of the reasons why it's very dangerous is because of the limited oxygen," she said. "And sometimes there are even sulfuric waters."

Well-trained divers can make the journey, van Hengstum said. In other cases, researchers park a boat right above a blue hole and send equipment down to measure depth, temperature, oxygenation and other factors. Both Boush and van Hengstum conduct research on the sediments at the bottom of blue holes. These sediments contain information about the past environment and climate change  and sometimes fossils.

The Dragon Hole in the South China Sea probably formed in an environment that's similar to blue holes in the Bahamas, van Hengstum said. Many blue holes currently flooded by seawater in the Bahamas likely originated as sinkholes during a glacial period when ocean levels were lower, but subsequently became flooded after the last ice age, when continental glaciers melted and global sea levels increased, he said.

The Bahamas sit on a big platform of carbonate that's up to 2,000 feet (610 m) thick in places, Boush said. Some of this carbonate is built up by reef organisms like coral, which excrete calcium carbonate as a sort of protective structure. But calcium carbonate comes from many places, Boush said, including calcareous algae (imagine algae with hard, calcium-carbonate skin) and even fish poop.

"Fish eat the coral reefs," Boush said. "They chomp on it  parrotfish, for example. When you go scuba diving, you hear 'click, click, click, click, click,' and that is the parrotfish eating parts of the reef. Well, what goes in goes out again."

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations

Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Indias Irom Sharmila in 2013. (Image via AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal)

Irom Sharmila hasnt eaten in 16 years. Since November 2000, the 44-year-old activist from Manipur, India, has been force-fed through a tube in her nose in a hospital prison cell as she protests the countrys Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives security forces freedom to kill suspects in the northeast and Kashmir.

But on Aug. 9, what is believed to be the worlds longest hunger strike will come to an end. Sharmilaknown as the Iron Lady of Manipursays she will give up the fast, marry her fiance, and enter politics to get our voices heard, reports the Indian Express.

Related: Pee for Profit: Cow Urine Can Outsell Milk in India

The government has not been listening to our voices and has been suppressing our movement, she says. State assembly elections will take place in February, reports Quartz. It is believed Sharmila will run as an independent candidate.

Related: Threat to Rape 5-Year-Old Forces Columnist Off Social Media

NGO Human Rights Alert claims 1,528 people were executed in Manipur from 1979 to 2012 under AFSPA, which also gives the military power to conduct searches and arrests without warrants. On July 8, Indias Supreme Court called for more information on the cases, noting security forces could be prosecuted. The AFSPA is unsettling and demoralizing, particularly in a constitutional democracy like ours, the court said, per the Economic Times.

Related: Actresss Apparent Tattoo Causes Uproar in Iran

No one can act with impunity particularly when there is a loss of an innocent life. It isnt clear when Sharmila might be released from custody. Shes being held in a secure section of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for attempt to commit suicide, but as prisoners cant be held for more than a year without a trial, she is periodically released and rearrested.

Story continues

By Arden Dier

More From Newser:

Why Girls in This Town Become Boys at Puberty

Cop Had Sex Nearly 100 Times While on the Job

This article originally appeared on Newser: Worlds Longest Hunger Strike Is About to End
We all know she loves her pantsuits, but  she deserves a bright orange jumpsuit.

 Darryl Glenn, senatorial candidate

Why must she dress that way? I think shes confused about her gender [with] all these big, baggy, menswear tailored pantsuits.

 Tim Gunn, fashion consultant

Shes damn lucky shes running against him, because shes an empty pantsuit with no vision for the future except for her own ambition.

 Nick Gillespie, editor-in-chief of Reason

Behold but a small sample of the public criticisms rained not only on Hillary Clinton but also on the oft-scorned, much-maligned pantsuit.

This very minute, a woman is entering the workforce, on her way to her first job. In the office, shell endure scrutiny, shell face backlash and shell be excluded from guys-only outings. Shell probably have difficulty negotiating for a raise. Amid all that misogyny, the least of her concerns might turn out to be the biggest of her concerns: Shell wonder whether what shes wearing is all right, whether it strikes a note of professional presentability while not being desexualized. She might choose to wear a pantsuit, which may well raise a few eyebrows.

What is it about the pantsuit that merits such scorn? Maybe, similar to the way a fedora inspires ridicule, its the shape. Maybe we can chalk it up to the sexism, often latent, that condemns women who enter masculine spaces. We propose a different idea, based on the precept that words matter: Just calling it a pantsuit sets it up as an insulting punch line.

Dont believe us? Check the theory. Theres something about the term pantsuit,  says Shira Tarrant, a writer on gender politics. It goes back to [Simone de] Beauvoir, where he, the man, is the essential. The woman is the derivative. The suit is a male garment that hardly attracts any attention. The pantsuit  also a trouser-and-jacket pairing  is abnormal, even freakish; it implies that the skirt suit is the norm. Its not news that womens fashion garners more scrutiny than mens, in the workplace and elsewhere. By dropping the pant, though, we could head off the societal consternation that womens suits apparently cause.

Story continues

Banner quotes

Besides, the term barely makes sense  its redundant balderdash, unless we believe that a woman who wears pants is an aberration. Historically, the right to wear pants has been in great flux, says Marjorie Jolles, director of the womens and gender studies program at Roosevelt University, in Chicago. Not until the 1970s did many women finally get dressed one leg at a time  like the other half of the population.

Sure, some will argue that we should change minds, not words. Still others believe pantsuit serves a purpose, distinguishing the garment from skirt suits. Still others, like Chris Lindland, CEO of clothing company Betabrand, believe the problem goes far deeper: Womens businesswear needs a comprehensive redo.

In the meantime, though, what if words help change minds? Hillary and your co-worker arent wearing pantsuits, theyre wearing suits.

So should women suit up or pantsuit up? Let us know in the comments!

Related Articles
REUTERS - The New York Times Co reported its second quarterly loss in a row as advertising sales declined, but the publisher said it expects a rebound in digital ad revenue growth in the current quarter.

Digital ad revenue, which accounts for about a third of total ad revenue, dropped 6.8 percent in the April to June period, declining for the second straight quarter.

Print ad revenue fell 14.1 percent, the eighth straight quarterly decline.

"Advertising was tougher in the quarter, particularly on the print side," Chief Executive Mark Thompson said in a statement on Thursday.

"In digital, we saw very strong growth in mobile, video and virtual reality, branded content and programmatic advertising."

However, this was not enough to offset declines in traditional web display, which led to an overall decline in digital advertising, he said.

"We expect that situation to improve in the second half of the year; in fact, we are already seeing a marked turnaround in July," he said.

Like other newspaper and magazine publishers, the Times has found it difficult to cope with a steady decline in print ad revenue in recent years.

In an attempt to overcome this, the company has been pushing into digital offerings, dubbing 2016 "an investment year" and committing to invest more than $50 million over the next three years to boost its digital presence outside the United States.

The Times has also invested in technology and initiatives such as distributing Google Cardboard virtual reality headsets to subscribers.

Thompson, however, had warned in February that operating profit would be under pressure due to its spending on digital initiatives.

The Times posted a net loss of $211,000 attributable to shareholders for the second quarter ended June 26, compared with a profit of $16.4 million a year earlier.

On an adjusted basis, it earned 11 cents per share from continuing operations, matching the average analysts estimate, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The Times' shares were down 1.2 percent in morning trading, adding to their 4.7 percent decline this year.

(Reporting by Richa Naidu in Bengaluru; Editing by Ted Kerr and Savio D'Souza)
From Cosmopolitan

Gun control has been a prominent and important topic at this year's Democratic National Convention, and on Wednesday night, Orlando shooting victim Christopher "Drew" Leinonen's mother took the stage in order to bring the message home.

"It takes about five minutes for a church bell to ring 49 times," Christine Leinonen said. "I know this because last month, my son Christopher, his boyfriend Juan, and 47 others were murdered at a club in Orlando. Christopher was my only child. As I used to tell him, you can't do better than perfect."

"The weapon that murdered my son fires 30 rounds in one minute," she continued. "An Orlando city commissioner pointed out the terrible math. One minute per gun to fire so many shots, five minutes per bell to honor so many lives. I'm glad common-sense gun policy was in place when Christopher was born, but where was that common sense the day he died?"

By her side were Jose Arriagada, her son's ex-boyfriend, and Brandon Wolf, one of his friends, both of whom survived the horrific shooting at Pulse nightclub that left 49 dead last month. You can read her entire, heartbreaking speech below.

It takes about five minutes for a church bell to ring 49 times. I know this because last month, my son Christopher, his boyfriend Juan, and 47 others were murdered at a club in Orlando. Christopher was my only child. As I used to tell him, you can't do better than perfect. He had so many friends, two of whom are here tonight representing hundreds and hundreds more. All his life, he brought people together. In high school, he won the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award for starting the gay-straight alliance. Christopher's paternal grandparents met and fell in love in a Japanese internment camp. So it was in his DNA that love always trumps hate.Christopher was a big Hillary supporter. That's why I'm here, so I can tell you about the day he was born. At the time, I was a Michigan state trooper. When I went into labor, the hospital put my gun in an off-duty safe. I didn't argue. I know common-sense gun policies save lives.The weapon that murdered my son fires 30 rounds in one minute. An Orlando city commissioner pointed out the terrible math. One minute per gun to fire so many shots, five minutes per bell to honor so many lives. I'm glad common-sense gun policy was in place when Christopher was born, but where was that common sense the day he died? I never want you to ask that question about your child. That's why I support Hillary Clinton.

Follow Gina on Twitter.
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  July 28, 2016  Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include American Airlines Group (AAL), JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU), Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK), Southwest Airlines ( LUV) and Lufthansas (DLAKY).

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog:

Airline Stock Roundup: Q2 Earnings Winners, Losers

With the second-quarter 2016 earnings season picking up pace, the past week saw airline heavyweights like American Airlines Group (AAL), JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU), Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) and Southwest Airlines ( LUV) reporting their respective earnings numbers. While American Airlines, JetBlue and Alaska Air Group reported better-than-expected earnings aided by soft oil prices, Southwest Airlines bottom line lagged expectations. Apart from the earnings miss, the low-cost carrier issued a downbeat guidance for the third quarter, sending its shares skidding.

Moreover, the carriers continued to struggle with respect to revenues with woes related to passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM: a key measure of unit revenue) at the forefront.

On the price front, the NYSE ARCA Airline index decreased over 1% to $89.47 during the course of last week, with carriers continuing to struggle with respect to unit revenues. Lufthansas (DLAKY) disappointing guidance, as its operations were negatively impacted by the rise in terror attacks and the uncertainty following the Brexit vote, also hurt stocks resulting in the index losing value.

Read the last Airline Stock Roundup for Jul 20, 2016 .

TRANSPORTATION-AIRLINE Industry Price Index

Recap of the Past Weeks Most Important Stories

1. American Airlines reported better-than-expected earnings in the second quarter of 2016. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.77, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 12 cents. However, quarterly earnings declined over 32% on a year-over-year basis. Moreover, the carrier announced its decision to defer the delivery 22 wide-body jets from Airbus (read more: American Airlines Q2 Earnings, Sales Beat; Down Y/Y ).

Story continues

2. Low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways second-quarter 2016 earnings (excluding special items) of 53 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4 cents. Earnings improved substantially from the year-ago figure, aided by low fuel costs. Total operating revenue climbed 2% year over year to $1,643 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,635 million (read more: JetBlue Gains on Q2 Earnings Beat, PRASM Woes Stay ).

3.Alaska Air Group reported second-quarter 2016 earnings per share of $2.12, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.08 and also increased 20% year over year. The commendable performance can be attributed to lower fuel costs. Quarterly revenues increased 4% year over year. Passenger revenues accounted for bulk of the top line (read more: Alaska Air Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, Rise Y/Y ).

4. Southwest Airlines reported mixed results for the second quarter of 2016, missing on earnings but beating on revenues. The carriers earnings per share (on an adjusted basis) of $1.19 fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22. Earnings, however, increased 15.5% on a year-over-year basis. The carrier anticipates RASM decline in the band of 3% to 4% for the third quarter of 2016 (read more: Southwest Airlines Q2 Earnings Miss, Revenues Beat ).

5. Lufthansa has apparently trimmed its earnings per share outlook for 2016 as travel demand to Europe has been waning following multiple terror attacks and the uncertainty following the Brexit vote. The carrier said that advance bookings, especially on long-haul Europe bound routes, have been hurt by the above-mentioned headwinds. The German carrier now expects 2016 adjusted earnings before interest and taxes to be below 2015 levels (the previous guidance had hinted at the measure being slightly above the 2015 figure).

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Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

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Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.



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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  July 28, 2016  Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses Retail, Part 3, including Home Depot Inc. (HD), Target Corp. ( TGT) and Staples Inc. (SPLS).

Industry: Retail, Part 3

Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/87001/is-the-retail-industry-catching-up-with-changing-trends

The retail landscape has been undergoing a fundamental change in recent years, with technology leaving a deep and lasting impact on the space. Today, online shopping dominates the minds of consumers. This shift in buying behavior has forced retailers to come up with new ways to market their products. This makes change the need of the hour, and retailers and manufacturers who have responded quickly to it by staying technologically ahead stand in good stead.

Parallel to this shifting retail landscape, the industry is facing major challenges from a still-strong U.S. dollar, volatile commodity costs and an uncertain global macroeconomic environment. A strong dollar has resulted in suppressed consumer spending across the U.S. as well as lower revenues from foreign tourists. This is hurting the business of retailers who are forced to slash prices and elevate promotions to attract traffic.

With changing macroeconomic as well as consumer habits and channel trends in play, retailers will face many challenges including excess stock, declining sales densities at physical stores and exchange rate effects. Also, the competitive situation will continue to worsen as industry players vie for the top spot, focusing on speedy deliveries and enhanced customer experience, while battling margin pressure.

This apart, retailers face many other problems while carrying out regular business. Some such issues troubling the retail industry are elaborated below:

Online vs. Offline Issue: The rise of omni-channel retailing has heightened consumer expectations and simultaneously problems for retailers. Today, retailers must provide a blend of online and offline experience to engage customers. Moreover, along with an impressive product assortment, pricing, shipping, returns and promotional offerings, it is necessary to introduce personalized customer services in order to satisfy consumers.

Story continues

Apart from this, there are other problems in the brick-and-mortar store format that need individual attention, like deciding a store layout, fixing places for products and promotions, making a quick test of ideas and arriving at the best decision and implementing it across multiple stores.

However, fixing problems in the online world is easier as data expedites the process of finding problems and solutions, and engineers solve the same in no time. Also, the overhead cost of operating a physical store is a lot higher than that of managing a website. Hence, online retailers sell products at lower costs. While physical stores indulge in lowering prices to match up, this can ultimately weigh on their bottom lines.

New Payment Systems & Minimizing Cyber Risk: With an increase in point-of-sale (POS) systems and online transactions, there has been a significant rise in the number of data breaches. Some of the instances include the ones at The Home Depot Inc. (HD ), Target Corp. (TGT), Staples Inc. (SPLS) among others, which have heightened concerns regarding the security of consumers personal data.

As a result, retailers are now preparing to introduce EMV cards and renovate their POS systems to accept various payment options including chip and pin cards, magnetic stripe cards and NRF payments. Also, technology companies are rolling out new mobile payment apps which are deemed more secure than the traditional magnetic stripe cards, as they use one-time passwords for transactions. With the sudden outflow of new payment options, questions arise on the propensity of the masses to adopt these novel options.

Customer Experience: Today customers are well-informed, thanks to the increased access to online portals that provide every detail regarding the products, ranging from price to reviews. This, along with the fact that every product has some or other alternative makes it difficult for store personnel to convert an in-store sale. Additionally, customers now have high expectations as they want the best product at a reasonable price, assured availability, speedy delivery and more. These factors might hinder the process of driving store traffic and providing the best shopping experience to customers.

A Highly Promotional Environment: The retail industry is highly competitive. To counter competition, retailers resort to excessive and often unplanned promotions that can largely impact sales and erode margins. This is a common scenario during the holiday season, during which retailers proffer huge discounts and offers to meet short-term top-line targets and steal share from competitors. However, increased use of such promotions comes at a price, especially as consumers today are unwilling to pay the full price for the products.

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Media Contact

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.



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Harare (AFP) - Police have arrested a senior official from Zimbabwe's war veterans' association after it accused President Robert Mugabe of "dictatorial" behaviour in a shock rupture with the 92-year-old leader, lawyers said Thursday.

Veterans of Zimbabwe's 1970s independence war, who had previously been loyal Mugabe supporters, last week issued a statement bitterly denouncing the president, who faces growing signs of opposition.

Douglas Mahiya, spokesman for the War Veterans' Association, was arrested late Wednesday in Harare, according to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) group.

"Information presently at hand is that the police are charging him with subverting a constitutional government and insulting the office of the president," the lawyers said.

A Mahiya family lawyer confirmed the arrest to AFP, but declined to comment further.

The association's secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda, was also taken from his rural home in Gokwe, north west Zimbabwe, after being summoned for police questioning.

"His whereabouts are currently undetermined, as are the charges or allegations against him," ZLHR said.

Recent demonstrations, the largest in many years in Zimbabwe, have been triggered by an economic crisis that has left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers.

More than 90 percent of the population is not in formal employment after years of economic decline under Mugabe's rule.

Police on Thursday declined to comment on the two cases, a day after the president vowed to punish the unnamed authors of the war veterans' criticisms.

- 'Deal with our enemies' -

"When we find out who the people were, the party will discipline them. The punishment will be severe," Mugabe said in a speech Wednesday to supporters outside the headquarters of the ruling ZANU-PF party.

In a dramatic change of stance, the liberation war fighters last week vowed not to support Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980, if he sought re-election in 2018.

Story continues

"You can't maintain a dictatorship by arresting people for speaking their mind," Rugare Gumbo, a war veteran and former senior government official, told AFP.

"It's unfortunate that war veterans are being victimised."

Starting in 2002, the veterans led the government-backed seizures of white-owned commercial farms, in what Mugabe said was a reversal of imbalances from the colonial era.

Many veterans have also been accused of the widespread intimidation and violence during past elections that have kept Mugabe in office.

The president on Wednesday also issued a direct threat to pastor Evan Mawarire, who has emerged as leader of the popular "ThisFlag" protest movement against the authoritarian government.

"We know how to deal with our enemies who have been trying to bring about regime change," Mugabe said, referring by name to Mawarire, who is currently in neighbouring South Africa.

Earlier this month, many offices, shops and some government departments were closed for a one-day strike over the economic crisis that has been worsened by a severe drought.

Mawarire, one of the organisers of the strike, was greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters two weeks ago when he was released by a court that dismissed a case against him of attempting to overthrow the government.

Other protests have erupted at the border with South Africa after many basic imports were outlawed, and in Harare over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists.
Hillary Clinton and Anna Wintour in 2013. (Photo: Getty Images)

We dont typically associate Anna Wintour with coordinated pantsuits and Mandarin-collared jackets  but perhaps we should.

According to a new report by Business of Fashion, Vogues leading lady has been responsible for much of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons campaign wardrobe. Writes Kate Abnett, Clinton has been consulting American Vogue editor-in-chief and Democratic party fundraiser Anna Wintour on her wardrobe choices for key moments of the campaign.

Clearly, Wintours relationship with Clinton has come a long way since she had to be convinced by Oscar de la Renta to put the then First Lady on Vogues cover in December 1998.

But just how involved has Wintour been in the process? Abnett describes the editor-in-chief as a sort of go-between, contacting American labels to get pieces for Clinton. On certain occasions, she says, Wintour has approached designers to procure outfits for Clinton, who has settled into a uniform of brightly colored pantsuits and jackets by U.S. designers.

Still, its clear that Wintour isnt the only one helping HRC look like an HBIC. In June, the New York Post noticed Clintons new clothes and claimed that shed hired a team of image experts that includes former Michelle Obama aide Kristina Schake, whos been tasked with shaping her style and making her more relatable, and was even rumored to have Veep makeup artist Barbara Lacy on the payroll.

The Post broke down some of Clintons recent outfits by designer and price, estimating that, overall, she had likely shelled out at least $200,000 on new clothes to wear while campaigning. Some recent style hits for Clinton include a custom-made blue silk Ralph Lauren suit worn to last years campaign kickoff on Roosevelt Island (similar styles of the jacket sell for $2,200 and up), the story noted, a blue beaded coat by Andrew Gn donned at a New York City fundraiser on Mar. 2 (similar styles by the designer sell for $3,000 and up at Bergdorf Goodman), and a tailored black suit custom-made by Susanna Beverly Hills sported at a Knoxville, Iowa, campaign rally on Jan. 25 (the labels suits start at $6,000).

Story continues

(Its worth noting, by the way, that Clintons Republican competitor Donald Trump regularly wears Brioni suits, which cost more than $7,000 a pop.)

Oh  and if youre wondering, Business of Fashion insists that Clinton doesnt receive any of her wardrobe items as gifts. Her campaign pays for them all.

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Hardware manufacturers often come up with limited edition version of their flagships, as to lure a particular fan base. These versions are obviously expensive and are produced in small numbers with an objective to provide exclusivity to its owner. From the collections of laptops, smartphones, consoles and cases, here are 5 special edition gadgets to give them a look.





Xbox One Limited Edition Controllers

Microsoft doesnt want to disappoint anyone, which is why they release special edition controllers every now and then. These controllers personify a specific gaming franchise. Xbox One limited edition controller includes Armed Forces, Call of Duty, Copper Shadow, Halo, Forza and many more gaming versions. Pricewise, they vary between ten and twenty thousand rupees, depending upon the edition.





BlackBerry P9983 Porsche Design

BlackBerry P9983 is a Porsche design version of BlackBerry Passport. BlackBerry has been collaborating with Porsche Design Group for the past 4-5 years to produce luxurious editions of BlackBerry smartphones. BlackBerry P9983 comes with soft touch keyboard, unique BB pin, and Hand-Wrapped leather. In terms of specifications, the phone is not any different of BlackBerry Passport.





Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Injustice/Olympic Games Edition

It gets your heart pounding when you see Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition. The all black Galaxy S7 Edge with the gold batman logo on behind is orgasmic. Announced in May this year, it is disappointing that the phone may not release in India. Exclusive black Gear VR, golden Batarang and a special hard case for the phone are included in Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition Bundle. The company also launched Olympic Games Edition last week. Being the official partner, Samsung is gifting the edition to all the Olympians.





HP Pavilion Star Wars Special Edition Notebook

HP Pavilion Star Wars Special Edition Notebook seems like a device from Star Wars Universe. The laptop themed with the stars wars completely with a greyish body, pre-loaded wallpapers, sounds, star war e-books and a lot more. The notebook also allows you to type in Aurebesh, the Galactic base standard language by giving you its font. HP Pavilion Star Wars Special Edition Notebook is graphically appealing and youre going to love it if you like Star Wars.

Story continues





GoldAdore Solid gold and diamond iPhone Case

If you have everything in your life and you cannot think of anything to spend your money on, then GoldAdore Solid Gold and Diamond iPhone Case is for you. Composed of 117 grams of yellow and white gold and 2.65 carats white, champagne and black diamonds, the case is hand crafted. The case will cost you around twenty thousand US dollars, in case youre wondering.



Have anything to add to this beautiful story? Feel free to mention it in the comment section below!
By Jake Spring BEIJING (Reuters) - China has given the green light to online ride-hailing services, issuing guidelines that establish a long-awaited framework for the booming industry and remove uncertainty for firms such as Didi Chuxing and U.S. rival Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL]. The rules outlined on Thursday take effect on Nov. 1. They were immediately welcomed by Uber and Didi, which have invested billions of dollars to attract riders with discounts while operating in a legal gray area in most of China. "In managing online ride hailing, on the one hand we want to promote its development, on the other hand we want to regulate its behaviour," said Vice Minister of Transportation Liu Xiaoming. The rules require drivers have a minimum of three years' experience behind the wheel and pass a crime check. They also stipulate that cars used for rides must not be more than eight years old or have more than 600,000 km on the odometer. China has been soliciting feedback on draft regulations issued in October. Those issued on Thursday left some of the regulatory decision-making to local authorities. For instance, cities where ride-hailing services operate can set minimum and maximum prices to control fares, Liu said. Local authorities would also be able to place additional requirements on vehicles, for example allowing only certain models. The ride-hailing sector has been an arena of intense competition between Uber, Didi and a raft of smaller rivals. While globally Uber leads the sector, Didi claims 87 percent of the Chinese market for private ride-hailing. "We welcome the new regulations, which send a clear message of support for ridesharing and the benefits that it offers riders, drivers, and cities," Zhen Liu, senior vice president of corporate strategy with Uber China, said in a statement. "This is a welcome step ... and we look forward to working with policymakers around the country to put these regulations into practice." Didi also welcomed the rules, saying they reflected an open mind on the part of the government with regard to car-hailing and the sharing economy. "DiDi will make an earnest effort to comply with the new rules and adopt its corresponding standards. Soon we will initiate the application for the appropriate licenses," it said in an open letter. The rivals have raised massive sums to compete in China. Didi raised $7.3 billion in its latest round of funding in June and Uber received nearly $2 billion from Chinese backers in January. (Reporting by Jake Spring; Writing by John Ruwitch; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Christopher Cushing)
By Giulia Segreti and Mathieu Rosemain MILAN/PARIS (Reuters) - The spat between Italy's Mediaset and media group Vivendi over a change of heart by the French broadcaster on its planned purchase of Mediaset's pay-TV, escalated on Thursday as both threatened legal action. The two groups signed an agreement in April, which would give Vivendi full control of Mediaset's pay-TV unit Premium and hand the two companies a 3.5 percent stake in each other. But earlier this week Vivendi backed out of the binding share-swap agreement saying it no longer wanted all of the pay-TV unit but only a 20 per cent stake. It also added it intended to acquire around 15 per cent of Mediaset shares in the next three years. The board of the Milan-based group said it would seek damages from Vivendi and would even consider criminal action against them for their abrupt u-turn on the terms of the deal. Mediaset, controlled by the family of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, said it rejected an alternative proposal Vivendi made earlier in the week, saying it was "unacceptable because it is incompatible with the binding contract." In turn, Vivendi said it was considering suing Mediaset for defamation as its statements undermined the French group's reputation. While Mediaset has called Vivendi's decision a surprise, Vivendi maintained that it had warned the Italian company several times privately by letter that the terms of the deal may need to be revised. Vivendi claimed on Tuesday the new conditions it set out were due to "significant differences" it perceived in the performance of Mediaset Premium. A source close to the matter said problems arose during further due diligences carried out by Vivendi, showing Premium was less attractive than it had initially assessed. A separate source said that one of the due diligences found out that the pay-TV unit's business plan was "unachievable" and needed to be revised downwards in order to be "realistic". But on Thursday Mediaset said Premium had lost 37 million euros in the second quarter of the year, in line with what it had expected, rebutting Vivendi's doubts on its performance. Mediaset Chief Financial officer Marco Giordani said he saw improvement in the unit's performance in the second half of the year and confirmed Premium's break-even in the first part of 2017. He added Premium's costs this year would be in line with last year's. The loss-making pay-TV has over 2 million subscribers, mostly attracted to its sports channels, and lost 85 million euros in 2015. The deal signed in April valued it at just under 800 million euros. Vivendi's planned purchase is part of a broader strategy by the French group to create a pan-European media and content conglomerate to compete with Rupert Murdoch's Sky and video-streaming giant Netflix. Although Giordani reminded the contract signed with Vivendi was still legally binding, he said Mediaset would be "available" for talks with Vivendi as long as the value given to Premium would not change. A Milan-based analyst said despite the "strong and rude" tone used by Vivendi, the two groups could enter negotiations to agree on new terms to the deal. (Additional reporting by Giancarlo Navach in Milan; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
By Malathi Nayak and Anya George Tharakan (Reuters) - Oracle Corp said on Thursday it would buy NetSuite Inc for about $9.3 billion, a deal that gives it a bigger share in the fast-growing cloud computing business and also means a big payday for billionaire Larry Ellison. In addition to being Oracle's executive chairman, entities Ellison beneficially owns hold about 40 percent of NetSuite's shares as of February, according to a regulatory filing. These would be worth about $3.5 billion if the deal closes. Corporate governance consultants said his links to both companies would increase scrutiny of the deal, but added its structure and strategic sense for Oracle meant it would likely pass. "People care (about governance) when someone makes the wrong decision," said Kevin McManus, vice president of Egan-Jones Proxy Services. "But if the merger makes sense for the market, its going to be hard to complain too much." NetSuite shares closed up about 18 percent at $108.41, just shy of the offer price of $109 a share in cash. Oracle shares rose 0.6 percent at $41.19. "It's definitely pricey from Oracle's perspective, but it's understandable and it's justifiable especially in this environment," said Morningstar analyst Rodney Nelson, who noted some companies in the sector have sold for high multiples. Oracle and NetSuite both offer software applications that help companies automate back end and administrative operations from technology to human resources. NetSuite's chief executive, Zach Nelson, was responsible for Oracle's global marketing from 1996 to 1998. Oracle's cloud business, which stores enterprise software and data on remote servers, lets the company sell to clients who lack the budget for on-site hardware and technology staff. Like rivals SAP SE , Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp , Oracle has focused on moving its business toward the cloud-computing model as sales of traditional software licenses struggle. The deal also could help Oracle, which is aggressively trying to build and sell more cloud-based business software, play catch up with competitors such as Workday Inc and Salesforce.com Inc that specialize in cloud-based offerings. NetSuite on Thursday reported strong second-quarter results, with revenue up 30 percent on the year and adjusted net income that beat estimates. Jefferies analysts said in a note the deal provides an immediate, significant entry into the mid-market for corporate applications but that "the price paid seems steep." Oracle also has acquired companies such as Textura and Opower to increase its competitiveness in the cloud market. Morningstar's Nelson said NetSuite would be Oracle's largest purchase since PeopleSoft more than a decade ago. The company expects the deal to add to its adjusted earnings in the first full fiscal year after it closes. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SCRUTINY Oracle said the evaluation and negotiation of the deal was led by a committee of independent directors. Closing is conditional on investors tendering a majority of the NetSuite shares not owned by executive officers, directors or people affiliated with Ellison and his family. Analysts said this structure was used to address the governance issue and increase the likelihood of its approval. "A regulatory review and shareholder lawsuits are likely given the familys ownership stake. However, we dont view these as material risks to the transaction going through, BTIG analyst Joel Fishbein wrote in a note to clients. Paul Hodgson, an independent governance consultant, said a factor in the governance debate is whether Oracle overpaid. "If it did, then that is a conflict of interest. If it paid what the market considers a fair price, then its fine," he said. Because Ellison's ownership is all the public domain, the issue in unlikely to be a holdup for the transaction, said Peter Bible, chief risk officer at EisnerAmper Accountants and Advisors. (Reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru, Ross Kerber in Boston and Malathi Nayak in New York; Editing by Jeffrey Hodgson, Bill Trott and Alan Crosby)
[A] common belief is that phone performance can only be improved in two ways, either using a faster processor or increasing the RAM.

You may think thats a quote from Apple, perhaps the introduction of an explanation of why the iPhone regularly bests Android flagships in performance despite having specs that never seem to measure up on paper. But youd be wrong. Thats how Samsung starts a new video intended to explain that mid-range devices can be very powerful without sporting high-end specs. This only begs the question: If Samsung can pull off amazing performance without bumping up processor speed or adding more RAM, why does it keep doing that with every new Galaxy S and Galaxy Note model it launches?

MUST WATCH: Two new videos get up close and personal with the iPhone 7 like never before

Samsung posted the new video on its Samsung Mobile India page to describe a new feature of the Galaxy J2 Pro 2016 edition, the Turbo Speed Technology (TST) thats supposed to offer a fast, fluid smartphone experience. Samsung says its engineers went back to the drawing board to come up with software and hardware optimizations meant to improve smartphone experience even on a device that doesnt have a cutting-edge processor or tons of RAM.

Samsung did shrunk some of the most used smartphone apps down, so that they consume less RAM while in use. TST also includes a proactive app management feature that lets the phone automatically kill apps that arent being used to free up more RAM. Finally, an intelligent memory control feature is supposed to rearrange and declutter RAM, to make more RAM available when its needed.

The TST feature is available only on the Galaxy J2 Pro, but itll presumably come to other Android smartphones from Samsung in the near future.

In fact, itll be interesting if TST will be included on the Galaxy Note 7, one of those upcoming devices that will have both a faster processor and more RAM  6GB of RAM to be more precise. We won't be able to answer that question until next Tuesday when Samsung unveils the new Note 7, so check out the video below in the meantime.

Story continues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh_333mq9Ro

Trending right now:

See the original version of this article on BGR.com
Sony's lithium-ion battery for its digital camera is seen during a photo opportunity at its showroom in Tokyo November 28, 2012. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp <6758.T> said on Thursday it has agreed to sell a portion of its battery business to Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd <6981.T>, as the electronics giant responds to slowing demand for smartphones.

The announcement comes as Sony banks on growth in its games business with the upcoming launch of its virtual reality headset, while it also plans to re-enter the robotics industry a decade after it last abandoned that business.

Sony, in a joint statement, said the agreement involved selling the battery business of its subsidiary Sony Energy Devices Corp, which makes lithium-ion polymer batteries used in smartphones, tablets and digital cameras, and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Murata said it hoped that acquiring Sony's battery operations would give the Japanese company an edge in the communications market, and that it would help the company expand in automotive, healthcare and energy markets.

"Murata intends to position the global battery business as a core operation within its energy business in order to target further business growth and expansion," the company said.

Under the agreement, whose amount has yet to be determined, Sony will keep retail branded battery operations related to USB and alkaline batteries and other products.

Sony said it may book losses from the sale but that they will not be reflected in its earnings outlook to be announced on Friday. The company said it aims to complete the deal around March 2017.

Murata produces capacitors, sensors and other electronic parts used in a range of products including smartphones, white goods, industrial equipment and healthcare products

Murata has said it aims to expand its share of the communications market, and further expand into the automotive market. Longer term, it has said it sees opportunities to integrate sensor and communications technology into the growing market for the Internet of Things.

(Reporting by Taiga Uranaka; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Christopher Cushing)
From Cosmopolitan

If you happen to be reading this on a Mac, take a look at the command key - it was designed by Susan Kare back in the '80s, a time when computer screens were often black spaces with blinking cursors and the mouse was an exciting feature. The  symbol's longevity is a testament to Kare's prowess as a designer. She joined Apple in 1982 to design icons and fonts for one of the first personal computers with a graphic interface, the Macintosh. Instead of typing extensive commands to do even the simplest functions, the Macintosh featured a desktop in the way we think of it today, with representational icons and easy navigation.

As the so-called "computer for the rest of us," the Macintosh was meant to be intuitive and user-friendly. To this end, Kare designed the "Happy Mac," a smiling computer that greeted users when the machine booted up. (Slightly less happily, she also created the "bomb" that appeared when the system crashed.) Her iterations of the trash can and folders that appeared on the desktop became Apple signatures. Her first typeface, Chicago, lasted through myriad interfaces, from the Macintosh all the way to the fourth generation of the iPod.

She's since gone on to create thousands of icons for hundreds of companies. For Windows 3, she designed the solitaire game; for Facebook, she created the original Gifts. Kare now works at Pinterest, where she's a product-design lead. IRL, she's whip-smart and wry. Earlier this month, Kare explained how to design an icon that stands the test of time, gave the scoop on working with a young Steve Jobs, and revealed the symbols she's still trying to get right.

Alex Ronan: How did you became the Mac icon and font designer?

Susan Kare: I got a PhD in art history at NYU, and then I went to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco on a fellowship. It became immediately clear to me that I wasn't a great match for curatorial work because I was always envious of the artists we visited.

Story continues

I had remained friendly with a high-school friend who was working at Apple as a programmer. He approached me about helping with some graphics and showed me an early Macintosh prototype. To prepare for the interview, I read typography books at the library and drew a few rudimentary bitmap icons and letterforms with a marker in a graph-paper sketchbook. It was a very brief interview, but I got the job and I started work almost immediately.

AR: Were you a computer whiz?

SK: No, I had zero formal experience. Computers were essentially foreign to me, so it was a bit overwhelming to get up to speed, but the Mac group was small and welcoming. Also, I did have limited experience designing for grids from working on craft projects such as tiled ashtrays and cross-stitch embroidery kits.

AR: What was your first project?

SK: The very first project I took on was designing the system font for Macintosh that became known as Chicago (its original name was Elefont, because it was a heavier weight than the existing text fonts). I branched out quickly into icons and other typefaces.

AR: What was it like working at Apple in the early '80s?

SK: The environment was clubby and friendly; there was a Ping-Pong table in the lounge area in the middle of the software group's cubicles, and Steve Jobs [co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple, Inc.] would often drop by at the end of the workday to see what was new and play a little Ping-Pong - he was more enthusiastic than skillful.

The original Macintosh group had many women in key roles: CFO Debi Coleman, controller Susan Kelly Barnes, engineering documentation manager Linda Wilkin, international marketing manager Joanna Hoffman, product marketing manager Barbara Koalkin, technical writer Caroline Rose, and documentation writers Lynnea Johnson, Hasmig Seropian, and Carol Kaehler, programmer Rony Seebok, circuit-board designer Collette Askeland, and software librarian Patti Kenyon.

AR: I had no idea there were so many women back then. Looking at pictures from that era, it's remarkable how young Jobs was. What was it like working with him then?

SK: It was always really fun to show Steve something new because, if he liked it, he was so joyful. Sometimes he brought in visual material to share that had caught his eye, such as graphics from Memphis, a 1980s Italian design group founded by Ettore Sottsass. And it's no secret that he had a shiny Bosendorfer grand piano and BMW motorcycle in the lobby of the Macintosh building so that everyone could be inspired by examples of design excellence.

AR: What makes an icon easier or harder to design?

SK: Generally, it's a lot easier to represent concrete nouns than abstract concepts, so "document" is easier to design than "undo." I try to focus on developing a memorable symbol for a concept, as opposed to a detailed illustration, to give icons a better chance of longevity. For a "fill" tool in the paint program that changed a defined area to black, white, or a pattern, I designed a can of pouring paint. Because our mission was to be accessible and "friendly," I sometimes took a humorous route.

AR: How did humor come into play in your work at Apple?

SK: Early on, I was asked to design a symbol for total system failure, something that the programmers and engineers thought would rarely happen, so it was highly unlikely the icon would be seen much at all. Probably cartoons inspired that icon - a bomb with a lit fuse - and of course I wouldn't have been so irreverent if I had known so many people would see it!

Right after the first Mac shipped in January 1984, some software-team members were gathered in our office and a call was forwarded to us from Apple's main number. Unfortunately, an early Macintosh user's system had crashed, the dialog box with the bomb was visible, and the woman on the phone was worried that her computer might blow up.

AK: Growing up, one of my first computer experiences was fighting with my brothers over whose turn it was to play the solitaire you designed for Windows. I recently saw that you've turned that design into an actual deck of cards, and all those memories came flooding back. I know people have tattoos of your designs and buy prints for their homes and offices. Did you ever expect people would develop such an emotional attachment to your designs?

SK: I loved designing those cards because I'm addicted to solitaire - it's one of the first card games I remember my mother teaching me to play - and it was a great pixel challenge.

At the time, I really was focused on solving the design problem at hand, not speculating about the future. Of course it's gratifying to see some of the icon concepts in use 30 years later, and I'm flattered that people have good memories and associations with them.

AR: Even though computers are a modern invention, you have, as you mentioned, an art-history background. How has that influenced your work?

SK: When you study art history, you learn that there is very little that is completely new, and in many ways digital art is no different. I love to derive inspiration from all types of images: mosaics, hieroglyphics, petroglyphs, woven patterns in textiles, and needlework. There is a lot of very good "pixel" design work before the 20th century, like a 1760 sampler by Elizabeth Laidman that looks like a bitmap font.

I don't use work from the past as a literal guide; rather, those artifacts reinforce a view that simple images can communicate with wide audiences over time. Icon design is like solving a puzzle, trying to marry an image and idea that, ideally, will be easy for people to understand and remember.

AR: Are there icons that you still find hard to get right even after designing for decades?

SK: I'm still trying to come up with something good for concepts that defy easy visualization, such as "categories" or "followers." I never stop trying to think of a really good icon for "idea" that doesn't involve a light bulb.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Alex Ronan is a writer living in Berlin.
Yesterday, the finance minister, Seth Terkper, was immaculately dressed as he presented the mid-year budget to parliament, making key requests and statements bordering Ghanas economy.

Mr Seth Terkper, Minister for Finance

The finance minister position is one of the most crucial in government, as whoever is appointed is mandated with taking measures that will grow the economy.

Before Seth Terkper was appointed, here are the finance ministers who worked hard to manage the economy:

1. Kwesi Botchwey

Botchwey was Ghana's minister of finance from 1982 to 1995. He was appointed by Jerry Rawlings to assist in stabilizing Ghana's ailing economy.

2. Richard Kwame Prempeh

He was appointed by Rawlings as minister of finance from 1995-2001.

3. Yaw Osafo Maafo

He was finance minister from 2001 to 2005 in the John Agyekum Kufuor government.

4. Kwadwo Baah Wiredu

He was finance minister from 2005 to 2007. He died in 2008 after a short illness.

5. Anthony Akoto Osei

He was appointed finance minister by Kufuor from 2007 to 2009.

6. Kwabena Duffuor

Kwabena Duffuor was appointed by John Atta Mills. He served as finance minister from 2009 to 2012.

How do you remember these former ministers? Share your views with us in the comments section and feel free to share this article with your friends. You can also send your reactions, pictures, and videos to us on Facebook and on Twitter.

Source: YEN.com.gh
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Chris Martin left a lot of Indian fans depressed after they missed their unscheduled appearances in Delhi and Mumbai respectively last year and Sonam Kapoor's picture with the band backstage in June 2016 left us with a serious case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

So we were really excited to know that the band might make their way to India, according to an article in Mumbai Mirror.

Coldplay has already announced their dates for shows in Latin America, Europe and North America for their A Head Full of Dreams tour, so could it be possible they will include India as one of the countries for their Asia tour?

Rumor has it that Coldplay will be flying to India to perform at a charity concert, organized by the Global Poverty project (Chris Martin is the head) on November 19th this year.

This is backed up by Phil Harvey's tweet which said that they would be back in 2016 after shooting their Hymn For The Weekend video

3/3 Thank you @beyonce & @sonamakapoor for gracing the video with your angelic beauty. My new mission: bring Coldplay back to India asap. PH  Coldplay (@coldplay) January 31, 2016

Keeping our fingers crossed till the news is confirmed.
She's barely four-films-old in the industry, but Kriti Sanon's career is soaring.

The actress, who made her Bollywood debut in Heropanti, before following it up with Dilwale, has been busy with the shoot of her next  Raabta  which also stars Sushant Singh Rajput.

Ever since the duo began shooting together in Budapest, Hungary, for Raabta,there have been rumours that Kriti and Sushant are also dating in real life.

See photos of Kriti and Sushant bringing in her birthday and at the airport lounge, on Firstpost

Since their Raabta shoot coincided with Sushant's break-up with long-time girlfriend, the TV actress Ankita Lokhande, the rumours of a link-up with Kriti gained even more momentum.

While Sushant and Kriti have maintained the "just good friends" line, Mid-Day reports that the Raabta co-stars brought in Kriti's birthday together on Wednesday. The actress turned 26.

As per the report, Sushant drove up to Kriti's home around midnight and brought in her birthday together before they left for the airport to catch a flight to Mauritius.

Mauritius is where the last leg of the Raabta shoot will take place.

Raabta, however, isn't the only high-profile project Kriti is currently connected with. News reports state that she has been signed on for BR Films' next project, a love story set in a small town.

Filmfare quoted a source close to Kriti as saying that the project is one she is really keen on, and that she has already given the go ahead to producer Abhay Chopra. In fact, the report states, Kriti even met with the film's director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari for a narration before she headed off to Mauritius for the Raabta shoot.

However, Sushant will not be teamed with Kriti for this one. Instead, Ayushmann Khurrana and Kartik Aaryan are being considered to play the male protagonists.

Kriti apparently has wanted to work on a film where the story is set in a small town, for a while now, as the milieu is one she finds fascinating to portray as an actress.

There has been no official statement from the actress about this new project, however.

Will Kriti make a statement once she returns from the Raabta shoot in Mauritius? And will this new project garner as much buzz as Raabta already has?
Mumbai: Scriptwriter Salim Khan has criticised Naseeruddin Shah for his comments that superstar Rajesh Khanna was responsible for bringing mediocrity in Bollywood in the 70s.

Recently, in an interview, Shah said that 70s was the time when mediocrity came in Hindi films and also when Khanna joined the industry, who according to him was a poor actor.

Calling Khanna the first and the last superstar of his times, Salim said an actor has to be extraordinary to rule the industry and peoples hearts for long.

An actor passed my house and saw a big crowd waiting for Salman. He called me up to say he has not seen anything like this before. I told him I have seen bigger crowds many times outside Rajesh Khannas house, Salim wrote on Twitter.

He was the first and the last superstar of the millennium. Anyone calling him a mediocre actor should know that no one can reach these heights unless he has something extraordinary to offer, he continued.

In an apparent reference to Shah, the Sholay writer said, Frustration and bitterness are difficult to cure but carrying the same for such a long time is unheard of.

Salim, 80, is the latest celebrity to slam Shah for his remarks after stars like Khannas daughter Twinkle and filmmaker Karan Johar criticised actor.

After Twinkle Khanna and Karan Johar blasted Naseeruddin Shah for calling the late actor Rajesh Khanna  Twinkles father  a limited, poor actor, Shah had apologised. India Today tweeted that the actor said, I apologise to those who were personally offended, my intention was not to attack him (Rajesh Khanna).

Twinkle, however, was having none of it. The apology, it seems, was too late and too little for her. She tweeted, All due regard to Mr Shahs reality,mine=a man who loved cinema & did films like Anand,Amar Prem,Kati Patang thank u folks for all the love.
New Delhi - India on Wednesday signed a $1 billion deal with American defence and aerospace major Boeing for procuring four additional 'Poseidon-8I' long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

The contract is a follow-on order to eight P-81 planes already bought by India in a direct deal with the firm worth $2.1 billion, said a PTI report quoting defence sources.

Here is an all you need to know about the deal and the aircraft:

1) The acquisition of additional 'P-8I' will be a shot in the arm of the Indian Navy as the country has been building up its naval surveillance capabilities.

2) Armed with lightweight torpedoes and rockets among others, the Navy is extensively using the P-8I to keep a strict vigil over the Indian Ocean, which has seen numerous Chinese submarine forays, including docking of a nuclear sub in Sri Lanka. They are often termed "intelligent hawk eyes".

3) The long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft has an operational speed of 450 miles per hour and a range of 4,500 nautical miles. An earlier report in The Economic Times claims that these planes identify the threats much before they reach the Indian shores.

4) The P8Is are used for not only for long-range patrol but is also equipped with deadly Harpoon missiles for anti-submarine warfare.

5) Poseidon was originally developed by Boeing for the US Navy. P8I is a variant of P8As used by the US Navy.

6) In 2009, India had placed a $2.1 billion for eight P-8I aircraft. The first one was delivered in May 2013. Incidentally, India was 'P-8's first international customer and was also Boeing's first military sale to India.

7) As of now all the eight P8Is of the first order have been integrated into the Indian navy. The fleet is based at the Naval Air Station Rajali in Tamil Nadu.

8) The $2.1 billion deal of 2009 was then the largest defence deal India signed with the US. With Wednesday's deal, the total value of defence deals India has signed with the US in the last one decade comes to around $15 billion.

9) The latest contract for four P8Is was inked during the ongoing visit of US Under Secretary for Defence on Acquisition Frank Kendall, and is seen as a sign of growing Indo-US defence ties.

10) India had last year signed a $3 billion contract with the US through Foreign Military Sales route for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook helicopters. The country is also working on a deal to get 145 pieces of M777 light-weight howitzers from the US, the sources said.

With Agencies
New Delhi: In October 2012, Kingfisher Airlines stopped operations because its engineers refused to certify aircraft fit for flying. This was a culmination of a long list of woes that the airline was facing. What happened over the next few months is well documented. Eventually, the airline's flying permit expired and it never flew again.

In December 2014, SpiceJet had to cease operations for a day because of unpaid dues to oil companies but then, with gradual help from the government, it got back on its feet under a new promoter who presented a comprehensive turnaround plan. The return was in a smaller avatar but operations have continued uninterrupted since. Cut to 2016, and another airline has been unable to conduct its operations for two days running. Only this time, it is a regional carrier called Air Pegasus which was operating just three aircraft, connecting Bengaluru to smaller cities across South India.

The suspension of operations of Air Pegasus is a cautionary tale, specially since the Centre has been emphasising enhanced regional connectivity through a draft scheme which caps fares on regional routes in return for some viability gap funding to airlines. The scheme is not yet finalised but essentially encourages airlines with smaller aircraft to launch flights to India's hinterland while getting some help from the Central and state governments in the form of VGF. The severe fund crunch which crippled the operations of Air Pegasus in the last two days should serve as warning against pitfalls of this ambitious scheme.

A source confirmed that operations of Air Pegasus remain suspended today as well, as the promoters continue to hold negotiations for getting back aircraft and infusing some urgently needed funds into the airline. This person confirmed that the "cash burn" at the airline is Rs 5 crore a month and that there is an immediate need of up to Rs 100 crore to fund operations. What could not be ascertained is whether the three ATR aircraft which Air Pegasus was operating till day before yesterday have been possessed by lessors or not.

Pegasus began its journey in April last year and its promoters believed they had enough aviation industry experience to launch a regional airline. The promoter firm, Decor Aviation, is one of the big ground handling firms at major airports across South India. The source quoted earlier said Decor has done ground handling for major airlines including Kingfisher Airlines, Paramount Airways, SpiceJet and Air India across major airports such as Bengaluru and Trivandrum.

This source said from the very beginning, the promoters of Air Pegasus were clear about not repeating "mistakes" made by Kingfisher or Paramount (both had to stop flying) and were keen to leverage their aviation industry experience by avoiding high-cost airports of Delhi and Mumbai. Which is why they thought of a schedule involving smaller cities down South where connectivity is required but not with a huge investment.

So what went wrong? Devesh Agarwal, a Bengaluru based aviation expert and blogger says an inefficient business plan has been the problem. "An inefficient business plan resulted in less than desirable income, which in turn forced operations professionals to leave Air Pegasus. This has disrupted their schedule and driven away customers".

The Hindu Business Line newspaper said today in a piece that the airline is denying reports of shutting down operations and has maintained that the suspension of services was temporary.

Another aviation industry veteran pointed out that regional airlines often start on the premise that each aircraft funded by the promoters will generate profits. "I know of another startup regional airline which has begun operations with just one aircraft. The promoters believe one ATR aircraft will do 10 flights daily, earn them profits and finance the leasing of a second aircraft, and so on. This is a flawed premise on many counts...How can the airline base its schedule based on just one aircraft? What happens if it develops a snag? The entire business plan for some of these regional airlines is based on inflated assumptions."

The story in HBL says Air Pegasus needs funds immediately and has been in talks with several lenders; discussions with a major Gulf carrier lie suspended. The source quoted earlier said the airline has raised Rs 200 crore in two earlier rounds of funding and is hopeful of raising close to Rs 100 crore more, soon.

Not just fund crunch, Air Pegasus has also been accused on some safety violations which entailed an audit by aviation regulator DGCA earlier this year. According to anonymous mails sent out by employees, the list of allegations against Air Pegasus included forging pilot training records, violation of FATA rule which mandates licenses be issued afresh if a foreign pilot's employment changes in India, having no approved flight dispatcher, multiple violations of weekly offs for crew etc.

The source quoted earlier admitted there were "some issues earlier" which have been resolved since. This piece in the Hindustan Times speaks of the sudden DGCA audit after several complaints against the airline were received. Air Pegasus connects Bengaluru to Madurai, Chennai, Thriuvananthapuram, Hubli and Cochin. It has plans to expand its network to include Puducherry, Goa, Tuticorin and Trichy. Operations to Cuddappah have been suspended already because of thin traffic.
New Delhi: Emerging markets has witnessed an inflow of $25 billion from foreign portfolio investors in this month so far, with equity segment becoming the dominant driver for funds, says a report.

Equity flows were the dominant driver this month, with an estimated $14.6 billion in inflows, while debt flows were more moderate at $10.2 billion, according to the report by Institute of International Finance.

Inflows were dominated by EM (emerging market) Asia, followed by Latin America, while EM Europe and Africa, Middle East saw modest outflows.

"Regionally, EM Asia saw total inflows of $19.1 billion, followed by Latin America with inflows of $8.7 billion, while there were modest outflows from EM Europe and AFME," the report noted.

Portfolio flows to EMs rose to $24.8 billion in July from $13.3 billion in the preceding month. Prior to that, emerging markets saw an outflow of $12.3 billion in May.

"In fact, July marked only the second month over the past year where portfolio flows were above their long-term average of $22 billion," it added.

The recovery in flows during the past few months follows a period of exceptional weakness in EM portfolio flows that began with China's mini-devaluation almost a year ago and saw cumulative outflows of $81 billion from EMs, compared to $96 billion during the global financial crisis.
The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) will start selling its first Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) under the Super Carry brand priced up to Rs 4.11 lakh from the end of next month, marking its foray into the segment in the domestic market.

Initially, the vehicle will be sold in three cities - Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Ludhiana - priced at Rs 4.03 lakh, Rs 4.11 lakh and Rs 4.01 lakh respectively, MSI said in a statement.

"Super Carry is designed and developed on basis of detailed research and understanding of customer requirements. We are confident Super Carry will enhance the profitability of our customers," MSI Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), R S Kalsi said.

The vehicle will be retailed through a dedicated 'Commercial' sales channel, he added.

The company has invested about Rs 300 crore towards the development of Super Carry.

It will be available in diesel fuel option powered by a new technology 793 cc diesel engine with 5 speed manual transmission. The company claims it delivers a fuel economy of 22.07 km/litre. The new LCV has a payload of 740 kgs.

The Super Carry will enter a segment dominated by Tata Motors' runaway success Ace.

MSI had already started export of the Super Carry to South Africa and Tanzania in May this year ahead of its launch in the domestic market.

The LCV from the stable of the country's largest car maker in the domestic market has been delayed. When it announced plans to enter the LCV segment in July 2013, MSI had said it expected to launch the vehicle within two years.

The launch of Super Carry LCV in India was part of MSI's original agreement with parent Suzuki in 1982 but it was shelved due to poor response from the market at that time.
Chennai: Indian drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd said it entered into $50 million licensing agreement with Spanish firm Almirall for the development and commercialisation of tildrakizumab for psoriasis in Europe.

In a statement issued late Wednesday night, Sun Pharma said under the terms of the license agreement, Almirall will pay an initial upfront payment of $50 million.

"Phase-3 studies of tildrakizumab have recently been completed. Sun Pharma will be eligible to receive development and regulatory milestone payments and, additionally, sales milestone payments and royalties on net sales, the terms of which are confidential," the statement said.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune disease that appears on the skin. It affects an estimated 7.5 million people in the US and approximately 125 million people worldwide, the statement said.

According to Sun Pharma, Almirall will be able to lead European studies, and participate in larger Global clinical studies for psoriasis indication subject to the terms of the Sun Pharma - Merck agreements, as well as certain cost sharing agreements.

"Sun Pharma will continue to lead development of tildrakizumab for other indications, where Almirall will have right of first negotiation for certain indications in Europe," the statement added.

"Sun Pharma is committed to growing our dermatology franchise, with tildrakizumab as our lead investigational compound. We continue to build our pipeline and capabilities in this important therapeutic area of significant unmet need. We are proud to be partnering with a regional leader in dermatology, like Almirall, to bring tildrakizumab to the European market," Dilip Shanghvi, managing director, Sun Pharma was quoted as saying in the statement.

Additionally, the license agreement has a provision for possible co-promotion agreement at some point in the future, subject to certain conditions.
Indian conglomerate Adani Group has started building the country's first transshipment port, conceived 25 years ago, and the government will construct another $4-billion facility nearby to create a shipping hub rivalling Chinese facilities in the region.

The government will grant billionaire Gautam Adani Rs 1,600 crore ($240 million) in so-called "viability gap" funding to help the new port at Vizhinjam in Kerala win business from established hubs elsewhere in Asia.

Once Vizhinjam is operational the central government will start building the port of Enayam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, said a senior shipping ministry official. Enayam alone will save more than $200 million in costs for Indian companies every year, he said.

India's 7,500-km (4,700-mile) coastline juts into one of the world's main shipping routes and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to capitalise on that proximity by developing ports that can shift freight on to huge vessels capable of carrying up to 18,000 20-foot containers.

By bringing onshore cargo handling now done at entrepots in Sri Lanka, Dubai and Singapore, Modi's government expects cargo traffic at its ports to jump by two-thirds by 2021 as India ramps up exports of goods including cars and other machinery.

The lack of an Indian domestic transshipment port forces inbound and outbound containers to take a detour to one of those regional hubs before heading to their final destination.

The government expects the new ports to save Indian companies hundreds of millions of dollars in transport costs, as well as ease concerns over the growing strategic clout in South Asia of rival China, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Sri Lankan ports at Colombo and Hambantota.

Adani wants the Vizhinjam port, an arm of his Adani Group building at a cost of around $1 billion, to be operational in 2018. The port lies hard by the Gulf-to-Malacca shipping lane that carries almost a third of world sea freight.

"The port can attract a large share of the container transshipment traffic destined for, or originating from, India which is now being diverted primarily through Colombo, Singapore and Dubai," said an Adani Group executive who declined to be named.

But officials acknowledge that it would be difficult for the new ports to win international clients unless they offered discounts.

"A major part of transshipment is happening at nearby ports. We can win some of that business," said A.S. Suresh Babu, who heads a government agency set up by Kerala to facilitate the construction of Vizhinjam.

"There's a viability issue in the first few years. Already the Chinese are operating there. So unless you give some discount you can't attract these ships. So that's why the government of India has approved the viability gap funding."

Chinese threat

India is worried about China's expanding reach in the region through port investments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. China is also developing Pakistan's Gwadar seaport as part of a $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China had also wanted to partner with an Indian company to build the Vizhinjam port, but its proposal was rejected by the government on grounds of national security.

India has not banned Chinese firms from investing in its ports, but takes a cautious approach as most ports are also used for "strategic purposes", said the shipping ministry source.

That is a euphemism for dual-use port facilities that could also be used by naval vessels. The docking of a Chinese nuclear submarine at Colombo's commercial port in 2014 shocked India's security establishment and has added urgency to New Delhi's push to strengthen its port infrastructure.

Vizhinjam port will have dedicated berths for India's navy and coastguard, according to a government note seen by Reuters.

India is also seeking to extend its commercial and strategic reach as it tries to catch up with China, pledging up to $500 million to develop the Iranian port of Chabahar to give it trade access to Iran, Afghanistan and the hinterlands of Central Asia, now largely blocked by Pakistan.

"We want Indian ports to compete with the best ports in the world in various parameters like turnaround time, efficiency, last-mile connectivity, infrastructure etc," India's Shipping Ministry said in a statement to Reuters.

But analysts remain sceptical that India can complete the transshipment ports, given that it has taken a quarter of a century to get the Vizhinjam port plan this far after legal disputes and lack of security clearance from the federal government delayed previous attempts to build it.

"Very few days or weeks pass without news of a new hub port proposal in Southern India," said Andy Lane, a partner at maritime and port consultant CTI Consultancy.

He added that, as Colombo was a "low cost and highly efficient" port, container shipping lines were unlikely to easily consider a switch to India.
LAHORE, Pakistan Pakistan on Thursday appointed a senior police official to investigate the death of a British woman whose husband alleges she was killed for marrying him against her parents' wishes.

The case has attracted attention because it comes days after the high-profile "honour killing" of outspoken social media star Qandeel Baloch by her brother.

Samia Shahid, 28, a beautician from Bradford who had gone to visit her family in Pakistan, died last week in the village of Pandori in northern Punjab, the political power base of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif appointed Deputy Inspector General Police Abubakar Khuda Bakhsh as the investigating officer.

"We are treating this as a very high-profile case of high priority," said police spokeswoman Nabeela Ghazanfar.

Police had not made any arrests but had questioned Shahid's father and were searching for her divorced first husband, Choudhry Shakeel, who was missing.

Her second husband, Kazim Mukhtar, told media on Thursday that they had both received death threats from her family in the past. Her relatives have said she died of natural causes.

Less than two weeks ago, 26-year-old Baloch, who had divided opinion in the deeply conservative Muslim society by regularly posting risque photos on social media, was strangled by her brother.

Some 500 women are killed each year in Pakistan by relatives who feel their family has been shamed by a daughter or sister fraternising with men, eloping or otherwise infringing conservative demands on women's modesty.

Baloch's murder led the government to announce that it would pass long-delayed legislation outlawing "honour killing" within weeks.

Police officer Aqeel Abbas said bruising found on Shahid's neck could have occurred while her body was being moved or buried.

"She was asthmatic and diabetic," he said. "The forensic report will reveal the real cause of her death."

Shah's husband Kazim Mukhtar said he believed she had been poisoned and then strangled.

"I have received the post-mortem report that says there is a 19-cm long reddish bruise on her neck, which strengthens my doubts," he told Reuters.

(Writing by Mehreen Zahra-Malik; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Abu Jundal, the key accused in the 2006 Aurangabad Arms Haul case, along with six others, on Tuesday, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in Mumbai, according to ANI.

Out of the 12 convicted in the case, two were sentenced to 14 years of jail, and the rest three were sentenced to 8 years of jail.

#FLASH 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case: 7 out of 12 convicts including Abu Jundal sentenced to life imprisonment.  ANI (@ANI_news) August 2, 2016

#FLASH 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case: 2 convicts sentenced to 14 years of jail, rest 3 sentenced to 8 years of jail.  ANI (@ANI_news) August 2, 2016

The MCOCA court on Thursday had found the Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and 26/11 key plotter Abu Jundal, and 11 others guilty in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case. Ten others were acquitted by the court.

The court had said that this was a conspiracy after 2002 Gujarat riots to eliminate the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and VHP's Pravin Togadia.

The court also dropped MCOCA charges in the case, in which 22 people, including Lashkar-e-Toiba operative Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, were arrested.

The court accepted prosecution's case that the aim of the convicted accused was to create terror in the minds of people and to eliminate public leaders like then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Hindu leader Pravin Togadia.

The court also said that this was a conspiracy to strike terror by the accused in the name of 'jihad'.

Abu Jundal and others found guilty in 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case by MCOCA court in Mumbai  ANI (@ANI_news) July 28, 2016

MCOCA court said that this was a conspiracy after 2002 Gujarat riots to eliminate then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi and VHP's Pravin Togadia  ANI (@ANI_news) July 28, 2016

MCOCA court said that this was a larger conspiracy to strike terror and they (accused) were calling it 'jihad'.  ANI (@ANI_news) July 28, 2016

In February 2013, charges were framed against Abu Jundal in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case under sections of MCOCA, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act.

Jundal is also suspected to have played a key role in the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks in 2008. He is an accused in the 2010 German Bakery blast in Pune and an alleged plotter for attacks on vital installations in Nashik.

On 8 May, 2006, a Maharashtra ATS team had chased a Tata Sumo and an Indica car on Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad and arrested three terror suspects and seized 30 kg RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets.

The Indica was allegedly driven by Jundal, who managed to give police the slip. Jundal, who hails from Beed district of Maharashtra then allegedly drove to Malegaon and handed over the vehicle to an acquaintance and a few days later he escaped to Bangladesh from where he fled to Pakistan, according to the state police.

Jundal was arrested in Delhi following his deportation from Saudi Arabia in 2012. The NIA had chargesheeted Jundal here for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror activities in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and Aurangabad arms haul case.

During the trial, the prosecution examined 100 witnesses while defence lawyers examined 16. The trial was stayed by the Supreme Court for a while after one of the accused challenged constitutional validity of certain provisions of MCOCA. The stay was vacated in 2009. In August last year, the Bombay High Court directed the lower court to expedite the trial.

With inputs from agencies
Some of the young people who met Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Srinagar last weekend were encouraged by his attentiveness and apparent openness. That might sound good but, sadly, it makes little difference. Those meetings were too little, too late.

The bottom line is that the home ministry has failed in Kashmir. It has failed on several fronts over several years, but its worst failure was missing the crucial importance of catching Burhan Wani alive. They made the cardinal error of viewing him as simply another militant commander, rather than as an idealised youth icon the like of which Kashmir had not seen in a quarter-century.

Engaging with young Kashmiris at large is the right thing to do, but doing it at this point is like trying to reap a crop after birds and cows have picked the field clean. The ministers meetings last weekend might deserve full marks for attitude, but also a zero for effectiveness  and the maximum negative for timing.

If the country is lucky, there might be a re-test for this ministry in Kashmir at some point but that point seems distant. Nor, given its inefficiency over the past several decades, is there much hope that it will pass.

For the longest time, three ministries have dealt with Kashmir  unfortunately, spending more energy sniping at each other over turf than on problem-solving. Apart from home, these ministries are external affairs and defence.

Diplomacy over Kashmir has already faltered badly. Just a few months after the prime ministers high-profile visit to Pakistan last Christmas, Pakistan declared that it had suspended talks with India. If the home ministers visit was too little too late, the prime minsters visit seven months earlier had been too much too late.

A statement from the external affairs minister the day after the home minister visited Kashmir blamed Pakistan. The focus ought indeed to be on Pakistan  but it should be the defence ministrys focus, not the home ministrys, the external affairs ministrys, or the information and broadcasting ministrys. To blame Pakistan for the unrest in the Valley is a convenient but inadequate explanation.

What might happen next is more to the point.

Policymakers need to urgently figure out what signals the Pakistan Army would have taken from the sharp and massive uprising that followed Burhan Wanis killing. In light of those likely signals, the defence ministry ought to brainstorm, and draw up detailed response plans.

A good reference point is what happened in 1965.

The war and Operation Gibraltar that Pakistan launched that year to try and take over Kashmir, was a response to the signals Pakistans General Headquarters received over the previous couple of years.

The first signal was the extraordinarily volatile protests in Kashmir when the relic of the Prophet went missing from the Hazratbal shrine on 27 December, 1963. The second signal was Nehrus death exactly five months later, and the succession to power of Lal Bahadur Shastri; Pakistan perceived Shastri as a pushover.

Another important signal was the governments behaviour towards Sheikh Abdullah during 1964. He was released from jail in April, went to Pakistan in May with a peace proposal involving joint management (similar to the so-called 'Musharraf Plan'), and was jailed again after he met Chou en Lai in Egypt.

Intense shelling on the Ceasefire Line (now called the Line of Control) continued from the summer of 1964 until Operation Gibraltar unfolded between July and September the next year. For Pakistans army, the most important spur in that phase must surely have been the high-pitched public response while the relic was missing.

Let us compare this with the current scenario. Until 2008, Pakistan had all but given up on Kashmir. That summers uprising  kicked off by Governor SK Sinhas insistence on land transfer to the Sri Amarnath Shrine Board, and reinvigorated by the RSSs electorally motivated campaign in the Jammu region  signalled to Pakistani strategists that opportunity still knocked in Kashmir.

By the time the closure of the highway near Udhampur and Samba led to a 'Muzaffarabad chalo' march in Kashmir, Pakistan was back in the role of puppeteer  to some extent, at least. Its role increased during the uprising of 2010.

The period since 2008 has brought several ominous indications:

One, a fresh, highly motivated militancy is underway in Kashmir.

Two, there have been sharp attacks at security installations along the arterial highway to the state.

Three, large numbers of militant camps are once more bustling across the Line of Control.

Four, Chinese troops are stationed in parts of the state controlled by Pakistan.

Five, Pakistan has been furiously preparing battlefield nuclear weapons.

If the home ministry buried its head ostrich-like in the sands of illusion before Burhans killing, the defence ministry would do well not to follow that example in light of these indications, and the uprising that followed Burhans killing.
New Delhi: No concrete evidence on the missing AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has emerged so far, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The minister said that based on inputs, areas of "three oil slicks, five transmission intercepts and 24 floating objects have been thoroughly investigated by ships and aircraft, without any concrete evidence emerging with respect to the missing IAF AN-32, till date".

"The 22 floating objects recovered have been determined to be not related to the missing aircraft," Parrikar said.

He said naval submarines are also searching the designated area and the search efforts are focused on the "surface as well as underwater domain" to look for "survivors and debris".

The plane with 29 people on board, including six crew, went missing shortly after taking off from Chennai for Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 22 July. Those aboard included six crew members, 15 personnel from the IAF, army, navy and Coast Guard, and eight civilians who were family members of the personnel.

The recorded transcript of air traffic radar showed the last pick-up of the aircraft was 151 nautical miles east of Chennai when it took a left turn, with rapid loss of height from 23,000 feet.

Parrikar said the ongoing search is also being supplemented by the use of Indian satellites, such as Cartosat 2A and 2B, which can cover swathes as big as 22x27 km and have resolutions of 0.8 km.

"The area is being frequently imaged by the satellites. Several inputs and leads on floating objects and possible transmission have been picked up from satellite imagery and air surveillance efforts. Each of these have been thoroughly investigated by ships and aircraft," Parrikar said.

"However, no concrete evidence with respect to AN-32 has emerged so far," the minister said.
While Barkha Dutt lashed out at Arnab Goswami for calling other Indian news channels as sympathisers of terrorists and "pro-Pakistan" on his 26 July show, Dutt was, in turn, slammed on social media for reacting the way she did.

Dutt had expressed about how she was ashamed to be in the same industry as Arnab Goswami with this post.

Soon, the journalist came under fire for voicing her views on Facebook, as people felt it made little sense for a 'biased' journalist like her to be ashamed of another.

But Ma'am @bdutt, that statement is for journalists. And you are a politician running for the post of Pakistan's Prime Minister. Ignore him.    (@WoCharLog) July 27, 2016

With thousands of comments questioning her work in the Kargil war, to an endorsement by Hafiz Saeed, Dutt has been plagued with never-ending accusations. Few even questioned her pro-Congress remarks and reporting against the BJP.

Dutt was also questioned largely about her journalistic ethics, after the Radia tapes controversy.

People also raised concerns about how the journalist never sympathised with brave soldiers or Kashmiri pandits.

@BDUTT @ArvindKejriwal Your Journalism was over after you blamed Kashmiri Pandits for their own exodus.  Anil Zutshi (@zutshi_anil) July 27, 2016

Dutt came under intense criticism for her coverage of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani, as the son of a school teacher and not a 'terrorist'. People called her "corrupt" and a "terror sympathiser".

She was also targetted for revealing the Indian Army's strategies during the Kargil war and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The issue soon turned out to be against Dutt's reporting rather than Arnab Goswami's views. While very few supported her, many stated that the both were just two sides of the same coin.
New Delhi: Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday expressed concern over incursion by Chinese troops in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and wanted immediate steps to counter such actions while cautioning the government about intentions of China.

The issue was raised by Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia who said that People's Liberation Army had transgressed the border on land and by air in Chamoli district earlier this month, when its men stationed themselves 200 metres inside the Indian territory.

Scindia, who was supported by his party colleagues, expressed surprise that neither the home minister nor the prime minister chose to clarify on the serious matter.

Speaking in similar vein, Saugata Roy of Trinamool Congress said attack helicopter of the Chinese army had also transgressed into the Bara Hoti area and the Chinese army told an Indian revenue official there to go back.

Noting that Uttarakhand has a 350-km long border with China, Roy called for immediate steps to check such transgressions.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav used the occasion to caution the government about the intentions of China which he described as "dhokebaz desh (deceitful country)".

"It is a deceitful country. When it is down it will keep mum, but when it is strong it will create problems," said Yadav, noting that he had also been a former defence minister.

Contending that India faces no problem from Pakistan which can be tackled easily, he said there should be no bonhomie with China given the fact that it had attacked India in 1962, soon after then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru unveiled the red carpet for Chou En Lai, his Chinese counterpart.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that for the government the security of the borders and the unity and integrity of the country is above everything.

Concurring with opposition leaders, he said Indian army was second to none in valour. He said he would bring the issue to the attention of the ministers concerned.

Bhagat Singh Koshiari, BJP member and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, claimed that no such transgression had taken place. He said it was a usual occurence that the Chinese troops come into the no-man's land but soon go back.
Chinese troops infiltrating the border in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand were reported on Wednesday. These troops reportedly camped with arms despite India and China's agreement to keep the area demilitarised.

The incident had actually taken place on 19 July when a team led by Chamoli district magistrate and other officials from Indo-Tibetan Border Police force (ITBP) went for a survey of Bara Hoti, according to official sources.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat termed the development as "something to worry about". The Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that ITBP had been asked to look into the matter.

Bara Hoti, writes Namita Singh for Firstpost, which is spread across 80 sq.km in Chamoli, is a disputed territory between India and China. However, this is not the first time that Chinese troops have infiltrated the border.

In the above mentioned piece, Vijay Bahuguna, the former chief minister of Uttarakhand, cited 37 instances of transgression that had been noted in the area between 2007 and 2011.

Meanwhile, a Telegraph report, said that the Bara Hoti grounds have been in dispute since 1954 and one reason for that is because of the difference in the heights of the ridge lines (over 15,000 feet) that surround these grounds.

Terming it as "temporary transgression", around 250 soldiers belonging to China's Peoples Liberation Army entered Arunachal Pradesh's east district of Kameng on 9 July, 2013. This happened at a time when Beijing was staunchly opposed to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership. Earlier in April that year, Manohar Parrikar visited China and discussed issues of strategy and the implementation of agreements to reduce tensions.

In June 2016, a scuffle broke out between the soldiers of the Indian Army and Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), when 276 Chinese personnel entered India from four different border points in Arunachal Pradesh. The incident took place at 'Shankar Tikri' on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) of the Yangtse area in Arunachal Pradesh, with the PLA claiming the area belonged to China.

A 2014 Business Insider report mentions that the two countries share the world's longest disputed border, along which China has on many occasions transgressed into India to achieve a strategic advantage.

Brahma Chellaney opines in The Japan Times that for China, principles have always been "bendable".

Take its territorial disputes with India: Content with its Switzerland-size land grab (Aksai Chin) in Indias western sector, China pushes expansive claims in the eastern sector that highlight its ingenious principle to covet neighbors territories  what is ours is ours and what is yours is negotiable.

He further writes that since 2006, Beijing has claimed Arunachal Pradesh as 'South Tibet' and did so to persuade India to recognise its occupation of the Aksai Chin plateau, another disputed border area between the two countries.

In April 2016, India and China held talks to resolve the ongoing border dispute, which the latter claims is confined to 2,000 km, and mainly Arunachal Pradesh, while India maintains the dispute covers the whole of the LAC, including China-occupied Aksai Chin.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), on its website, mentions that India and China continue their security and foreign policy dialogue that started in 2005 "related to the dispute over most of their rugged, militarised boundary, regional nuclear proliferation, and other matters", and that China claims most of Arunachal Pradesh as its own.

It's worth noting that such incursions usually take place before bilateral meetings involving the two countries. BBC's Harsh Pant writes that these border incursions are employed by China to "keep India on the defensive. Before every major bilateral visit, such incursions tend to take a serious dimension".

In 2014, when President Xi Jinping was talking trade in India, Chinese and Indian troops faced off each other in Ladakh.

But Narendra Modi, on his China tour, was perhaps the first Indian leader to publicly identify the country as an impediment to India-China relations, when he said, "The solution we choose should do more than settle the boundary question. It should do so in a manner that transforms our relationship and not cause new disruptions."

What's interesting is that the recent incursion that took place in Uttarakhand might be related to the "serious consequences" that India was warned about (by China) when it refused to extend the visas of three Chinese journalists. A state-run daily, Global Times, wrote on 25 July:
Ahmedabad: Gujarati writer Amrutlal Makwana has returned a state award he got in protest against the beating of some Dalit youths in the state by cow vigilantes.

A Dalit writer, Makwana, 44, was given the Dasi Jeevan Shreshth Dalit Sahitya Kruti Award for 2012-13 for his work "Kharapat Nu Dalit Lok Sahitya". The award included Rs 25,000 in cash and a citation.

He quietly walked into the Ahmedabad District Collector's office on Wednesday and surrendered his award.

"I handed over a brief letter to the authorities saying that I am returning this award out of grief and pain due to the treatment meted out to Dalit youths," he said.

He addressed the letter to Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.

Makwana, who lives in Wadhwan town in Surendranagar district, said such attacks on Dalits had become a regular event in the state and the government had not done enough to give justice to Dalits.

"The attack in Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir-Somnath district was ghastly and barbaric. It completely shook me. Sadly, such incidents are happening around us regularly," he said.
New Delhi: Labour Ministry on Thursday expressed serious concern over comments from some organisations on certain provisions of the Child Labour Bill that prohibits employment of children below 14 years, terming these as "ill-informed".

"Such comments were ill-informed and misleading, reflecting inadequate understanding of the provisions and implications of the original the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 and of the Amendment Bill, 2016," the Ministry said in a press statement.

Earlier this week, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016, was passed by Parliament. The ministry asserted that the Amendment Bill clearly seeks to protect the Right to Education for those below 14 years by fixing defective provisions in the original Act, contrary to comments that it affects schooling and learning of poor children.

In addition, the Amendment Bill, 2016, provides for first-time protection for adolescents of 1418 years. "The comments by some organisations as reported in some sections of the media on some provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016 passed by Parliament this week were far from the truth and were based on inadequate understanding of the provisions and implications of the original Act of 1986 and the Amendment Bill, 2016," the ministry said.

Such comments could "mislead people and need to be avoided" the ministry said. It further added, "Those comments have created an impression that the Amendment Bill allows first time employment of children below 14 years in family enterprises while no such provision was there in the original Act of 1986, adversely impacting their schooling and learning," it said.

The ministry clarified that the Section (3) of the original Act of 1986 while prohibiting employment of children in certain occupations provides clearly that nothing in this section shall apply to any workshop wherein any process is carried on by the occupier (owner) with the aid of his family or any school established by or receiving assistance or recognition from the government.

"This goes to prove that the original Act of 1986 clearly allowed children to be employed or engaged in all kinds of

family enterprises without any restrictions," the ministry added.

Earlier on Thursday, the UN Children's Fund had voiced concern over the amended Child Labour Bill in India, saying it could legitimise family work and further disadvantage children from poor families.

The UN programme urged removal of certain provisions of the Bill and advocated establishing a robust monitoring mechanism with a thorough list of hazardous occupations for a stronger child protection framework.
New Delhi: The Central Information Commission has directed the army to provide details of soldiers whose bodies were mutilated by insurgents and enemy soldiers during skirmishes on Pakistan and China borders.

The case resulted from a RTI application filed by Abhishek Shukla in 2013 as the army decided to keep under covers the information in this regard about the soldiers who had given supreme sacrifice for the country fighting enemies.

"People of the country have right to know about the soldiers who lay down their lives in the line of duty," Information Commissioner Divya Prakash Sinha said.

The army which was supposed to respond to an RTI application within 30 days, according to the law, took nearly 78 days to give its first response, after repeated reminders, to the RTI application rejecting to share any details citing section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act to withhold the information.

Section 8(1)(a) exempts information which can prejudicially affect security of the country.

The first appeal before the senior officials of the army challenging the decision of Central Public Information Officer was also summarily rejected without going into the merits of arguments presented by the appellant.

Reluctant to share any information, the army raised an additional argument during the hearing before Sinha, a former senior Intelligence Bureau officer, saying that its Headquarters does not maintain the information of soldiers whose bodies have been mutilated by the enemy/terrorists.

The appellant countered it saying if they do not maintain the information, how was army citing national security to deny it and they could have said it in the RTI response.

The applicant also cited the statement given by the the then Defence Minister A K Antony in Rajya Sabha where he had given details of an incident of 8 January, 2013.

"On 8th January 2013; a Pak Border Action Team (BAT) ambushed our patrol party in Krishna Ghati, Mendhar Sector in which Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh and Lance Naik Hemraj were killed. Lance Naik Hemraj was found beheaded and both bodies were mutilated. In addition, their weapons (INSAS) were taken," Antony had said.

As per law, the information which can be placed before Parliament cannot be denied to a citizen under the RTI Act.

The appellant also cited a press conference of the then Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh who had accepted that the two jawans of Kumaon regiment had been beheaded by Pakistani army in 2012.

The peition said if the Defence Minister of the country and the Army Chief can make public the kind of information sought by him, how can it be rejected taking excuse of the national security.

Agreeing with the contention of the appellant, Sinha rejected the arguments of the army which had claimed it was a sensitive issue that can prejudicially affect security of the country.

"Defence Minister has placed on record information regarding brutal killing/mutilation of soldiers on LoC in Rajya Sabha. Army Chief has also given details of the same in a press conference. Commission does not find any reason for withholding the same. Contention of CPIO to invoke section 8(1)(a) to deny the information is rejected," Sinha said.

He directed the army to provide the details sought by the appellant within 15 days.
With India being in the thick of rising tensions with Pakistan, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has scheduled a visit to Pakistan on 3 and 4 August, to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperations (Saarc) meeting of home/interior ministers, reported The Indian Express.

#FLASH HM Rajnath Singh to visit Pakistan to attend Saarc Home Ministers conference on 3rd & 4th August.  ANI (@ANI_news) July 28, 2016

According to ANI, Rajnath Singh will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism.

This visit comes at a crucial time as India-Pakistan ties have been suffering, post the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani in Kashmir, reported NDTV.

Last week, India had accused Pakistan of instigating further violence in Kashmir. Rajnath Singh had condemned Pakistan's interference in Kashmir and declared that India did not need any third party's interference for improving its ties with Kashmir.

Pakistan, condemning Burhan Wani's killing, had termed the violence in Kashmir a 'human rights violation'. Pakistan has also been demanding an independent inquiry into the 'extrajudicial' killing of Burhan Wani at the UN.

According to a report in Firstpost, Pakistan, on 20 July, observed 'Black Day' protesting the violence in Kashmir and expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

This move irked India, resulting in angry reactions and accusing Pakistan of interfering in New Delhi's internal matters, reported Hindustan Times.

As per The Indian Express report, at the 13th Saarc Summit held at Dhaka in November 2005, the heads of state had decided that the Saarc Interior/Home Ministers would meet annually in order to strengthen the cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. Terrorism, they unanimously agreed, was a challenge to all states and a threat to humanity.
New Delhi: Pakistan's sustained support to cross-border terrorism will be raised by Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his two-day visit to Islamabad to attend the Saarc ministerial conference on 4 August.

During his stay in Pakistan, the minister will be representing India at the 7th meeting of Saarc ministers of Interior/Home but there is no bilateral meeting scheduled with his Pakistani counterpart, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

This will be the first visit by any senior Indian leader to Pakistan after the Pathankot attack on 2 January, which created tension between the two countries.

Asked specifically if the Home Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Swarup said, "He is going for a multilateral event...There is no such proposal. He (Rajnath) is going for a multilateral Saarc event."

According to sources in Home Ministry, Singh is expected to bluntly ask Pakistan to stop sponsoring acts of terror in India and also raise the issue of slow pace of probe into the Pathankot airbase terror attack, which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, and the trial into the Mumbai terror attack case in that country.

On what kind of signal India, which has postponed the resumption of Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in wake of Pathankot terror strike, was giving by sending the Home Minister to Pakistan, Swarup said,"Our participation is in the context of our 'neighbourhood first' policy and our commitment to regional cooperation within the Saarc framework.

"The meeting also provides an opportunity for us to underline the high importance we attach to achieving forward movement on security cooperation in the region."

In previous meetings as well, India has participated at Home Minister and Home Secretary level, he noted.

He also reiterated that India wants a peaceful, cooperative relations with Pakistan and is prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Islamabad in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

It is incumbent on Pakistan to create such an atmosphere, he added while stressing that humanitarian issues such as fishermen are important to India.

Rajnath's visit comes in the backdrop of growing strain in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made provocative tatements on the Kashmir situation in the wake of Burhan Wani's killing on July 8. Wani was a wanted terrorist Commander of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen.

Not only did Sharif praise Wani but he also remarked that "Kashmir will one day become Pakistan", a comment which evoked a sharp reaction from external Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his dream of the state becoming a part of his country "will not be realised even at the end of eternity".

Singh will be accompanied by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and several other senior officers of the Home Ministry.

Key issues like fight against terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms and how to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat such menace will figure in the Saarc meet.

The three-tier meeting will begin at the joint secretary-level on August 2 and then move on to Secretary and Home Minister-level meetings.

The meeting will also focus on strengthening networking among police authorities of Saarc member-countries and also enhance information-sharing among law enforcement agencies.
The CID on Wednesday made four arrests in the Una Dalit flogging incident, taking the total number of arrests made in the case to 20, reported The Indian Express.

Those apprehended in the case  Vinubhai Gohil (30), Bhavesh Godhvaniya (26), Vipul Jadav (19) and Govind Gohil (19)  were arrested from a village located 10 km away from the victims' village.

DSP Keshavji Saradava, who is investigating the case, told The Indian Express that the four arrested could be spotted in the video of the victims being flogged. He also said that primary investigations have been initiated to confirm the degree of their involvement.

"All of them are residents of Samper. They were arrested based on the statements of eye-witnesses," said Saradava.

While probing the Dalit flogging incident near Mota Samadhiyala village in Una taluka, the CID-Crime officials also said that they have learnt from eye-witnesses that the cow that was skinned by the Dalit victims was killed by lions, making it clear that the victims were not involved in cow slaughter.

CID Inspector General SS Trivedi said that it was still a matter of investigation as to who called the 'cow vigilantes' when the Dalits were skinning the cow and what was the motive behind giving such false information, which led to the brutal thrashing.

The Dalit family's head Balu Sarvaiya, father of Vashram and Ramesh, had earlier alleged that they might have been framed at the behest of local sarpanch.

Even with arrests being handled by CID, the victims are far from being granted justice.

The four Dalit victims of the Una incident, who were discharged from Rajkot civil hospital on Wednesday after "improvement" in their health, had to be admitted to the civil hospital again after they developed "serious complications".

The four youths  Ashok Sarvaiya, Vashram Sarvaiya, Bechar Sarvaiya and Ramesh Servaiya  all residents of Mota Samadhiyala village of Una taluka of Gir-Somnath district, were brutally thrashed by self-styled cow vigilantes at Una over two weeks ago that then led to large-scale protests across the state.

Rajkot civil hospital superintendent D Vatsraj had said that the youths were discharged as their condition had improved. However, their relatives rushed them to Ahmedabad civic hospital on Thursday after their condition became serious.

"After they reached their home last evening, some of them started vomiting, while others complained of severe body pain," Ahmedabad civil hospital superintendent M Prabhakar said, adding that all four of them have been admitted there.

According to Prabhakar, some of the Dalit youths developed complications and started vomiting and complained of severe body pain. Their relatives then brought them to the hospital.

"We admitted them and started treating them immediately. We found that two of them are severely ill, as foam was oozing out from their mouth. We will do everything possible to improve their condition," the superintendent said, adding that after some initial treatment, their condition is stable now.

On 11 July, these Dalit youths were beaten up for allegedly skinning a dead cow. On 14 July, they were referred to Rajkot civil hospital from Una for further treatment.

Meanwhile, several Dalit leaders, as well as senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela visited the hospital alleging that these youths were discharged from Rajkot hospital before they fully recovered.

"Although these Dalits were in serious condition, they were discharged from Rajkot hospital. This is matter of probe as to why the superintendent allowed them to go home and who has pressurised him to do so," president of 'Gujarat Dalit Panther' Chirag Rajvansh said.

Vaghela alleged that it was an inhuman act by the doctors of Rajkot hospital at the behest of political or government pressure.

After his visit, Vaghela said, "It is clear that these Dalits were forced to leave the hospital in serious condition. This is an inhuman act by the superintendent. He should not have thrown them out due to the pressure from government or political party. If something happens to them, we will definitely seek answer from him."

The thrashing incident also lead to wide scale outrage in the form of protests and uproar in Rajya Sabha. On Wednesday, Dalit writer Amrutlal Makwana returned an award given by the Gujarat government out of "grief and pain due to the treatment meted out to Dalit youths in Una".

The 44-year-old writer had received the Dasi Jeevan Shreshth Dalit Sahitya Kruti Award for 2012-13 for his work Kharapat Nu Dalit Lok Sahitya. Makwana returned the award, including Rs 25,000, at Ahmedabad District Collectors office.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, Makwana said, Such incidents are occurring in Gujarat on a regular basis but the government is not doing enough to ensure that Dalits get justice."

What happened at Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir-Somnath district was ghastly and barbaric. Such atrocities on Dalits are condemnable and it shook me to the core. Sadly, such incidents are happening around us regularly, he said.

With inputs from agencies
Dehradun: While Bara Hoti continues to be a cause of dispute for India and China, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Wednesday acknowledged that the instances of transgression from the Chinese troops have increased and that the Centre must take cognisance of the ongoing Chinese activities in the grazing lands of Bara Hoti.

Bara Hoti, a grazing land spread across 80 square kilometres in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, is a disputed territory between India and China. With both sides claiming ownership of the territory, activities of transgression from the Chinese side have often been noted in the region.

In 2012, Vijay Bahuguna, the then chief minister of Uttarakhand, had quoted during a chief ministers' conference on internal security in New Delhi that 37 instances of transgression had been noted in the area between 2007 and 2011.

Transgression activities continue in the region, in fact, the presence of the Chinese troops has increased in the area.

On July 19, troops of Chinese Army (People's Liberation Army) were noted by the ITBP in the area. A Chinese helicopter was also seen in the area which stayed there for about five minutes.

A highly placed source told Firstpost that though the norm is to patrol the area four times in a year, however, the terrain being difficult, the target is barely achieved by half.

It is difficult to form a team from departments including revenue, agriculture, ITBP and the central government agencies to visit the disputed area for patrolling due to the rough terrain and high altitudes. But, whenever patrolling happens people from the Indian side drop biscuit wrappers, match boxes to mark their presence in the region. The Chinese troops, for whom it is an equally difficult terrain, do the same when they visit the region.

However, these activities are restricted to an area marked by a rivulet which forms an unofficial border between the two countries. All activities on ground must be restricted to this rivulet, else it would be called incursion.

Speaking on these activities Rawat said, "Earlier, it was not an active border, but now there is an increased presence of the Chinese troops in Bara Hoti and it must be taken into cognisance."

Replying to queries over Rawat's comments, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said, on Wednesday that a "detailed report" shall be sought to ascertain whether the activities of the Chinese troops could be termed as "incursion."

However, with stories running in the media claiming that Rawat had stated incursion of the Chinese into the Indian territory, the chief minister clarified that there was no incursion, but an increased activity from the Chinese side had been witnessed in Bara Hoti.
As we observe World Hepatitis Day on 28 July, take this alarming fact: There are over 52 million Indians infected with viral hepatitis in the country, reported The Times of India. The WHO has recognised viral hepatitis as a serious public health problem in India, stated the report.

Moreover, the Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) stated that of the five hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E  hepatitis C alone affects 12 million people in India adding that the country lacks enough clinical research to deal with the contagious virus.

"Three of the five viruses (C,D, and E) have no cure and all types of hepatitis are contagious and some of them can be potentially life-threatening. Yet, we, as a country, have not undertaken enough clinical research in this area. We need treatment regimens that are short and therapies that are effective, affordable and well-tolerated," ISCR president Suneela Thatte told PTI.

The ISCR said India has 17 percent of the global population and 20 percent of the global disease burden but less than 1.4 percent of all global clinical trials are done in India.

In the South-East Asia region, viral hepatitis is driving rates of liver cancer and cirrhosis and is causing premature death and disease with over 100 million people chronically infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

What is hepatitis and what are the different types of viruses?

Simply put, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver  a condition which can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world, but other infections, alcohol, drug abuse, and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.

Hepatitis has been dubbed as a 'silent killer'. According to the recent statistics, 95 percent of people with chronic hepatitis do not know they are infected and less than 1 percent have access to treatment.

According to the latest WHO reports, globally around 400 million people are infected with hepatitis B and C, more than 10 times the number of people living with HIV. And most of these 400 million people with chronic hepatitis B and C, the most serious forms of viral hepatitis, don't know that they are infected.

The five hepatitis viruses  A, B, C, D and E  causing the burden of illness and death have the potential to cause outbreaks. Particularly, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, states WHO.

Here is an infographic explainer by WHO

How do the viruses spread/transmitted?

Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with blood or body fluids (i.e. saliva, semen and vaginal fluid) of an infected person.

Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact, states the explainer by WHO.

Symptoms and preventions

Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or may include symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Vaccinations, blood transfusions, and other healthcare procedures can further prevent the spread of hepatitis B and C, while promoting hygienic and clean food and water can reduce the risk of hepatitis A and E infection.

"New guidelines can help prevent and treat hepatitis. National strategies and action plans should optimally utilise these tools and step up efforts at all levels to address the growing threat of hepatitis," Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO regional director for South-East Asia told PTI.

Even as WHO is urging countries to take rapid action to improve spreading awareness of the disease, and to increase access to testing and treatment services, India requires scaling-up of clinical research extensively.

At the World Health Assembly this year, WHO adopted the Global Health Sector Strategy for Hepatitis that calls for eliminating the disease by 2030.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3.3 includes specific mention of the need to strengthen efforts to combat hepatitis.

"The World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to review and reiterate our commitment and resolve to eliminate hepatitis and save lives," Singh said.

With inputs from PTI
Arvind Kejriwal seems to suffer from a persecution complex.

For a man who received the most thumping mandate in Indian electoral history, he could have shown a greater amount of confidence and self-assurance. But he has been consistently railing about how everyone  and especially Narendra Modi  is out to get him and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

His latest salvo takes the cake.

In a message to party workers put out on YouTube, Kejriwal, possibly rattled by the number of cases being filed against AAP MLAs and leaders for sundry alleged offences, was at his worst: Insiders have told us that Modiji is very frustrated with us and is very angry. So he is unable to think logically about this. He is making decisions without thinking them through and in frustration. This is dangerous for the country. Is the country in safe hands? The more I think about it, I am unable to sleep.

From the way Kejriwal and AAP leaders have laid the blame at Modis door for everything going wrong for them, one would think he is obsessed with Modi rather than the other way round. And the reason he may not be getting enough sleep may be the result of this obsession, which is now boiling over into paranoia. He now tells AAP workers that they may kill us. They may even kill me. They could do anything. Talk to your families.

Last month, Kejriwal obsessed over what they may do to his Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia. He said in a tweet:

Sources- LG getting FIR regd in ACB against Manish Sisodia on some fictitious ad scam. We welcome LG to do that.  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 10, 2016

A further torrent of tweets saw Kejriwal claiming that Labour Minister Gopal Rai too will be summoned by the ACB and advised his minister to visit the bureau on his own, rather than wait for the summons.

Sources- ACB will summon Gopal Rai. Gopal Rai ji, pl visit ACB urself on Mon rather than wait ACB summons(1/2)  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 10, 2016

And he left another message on Twitter that translates to LG/Modiji, we are strong people who tread on the path of truth. We are not scared of your cowardly threats.

LG/Modiji,          ACB/CBI      (2/2)  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 10, 2016

At another time, he informed Jung that Modi would never make him vice-president, even if he does illegal, anti-people and unconstitutional work on Modijis instructions.

Earlier, the theme of cowardice surfaced again when Kejriwal called Modi a coward and a psychopath.

Modi is a coward and a psycopath  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 15, 2015

Pop psychology tells us that when a person claims he is strong and not a coward, he is probably both. Kejriwal seems to be daunted by the weight of expactations from him as Delhi chief minister, and is laying the grounds for failure by claiming everyone is trying to trip him. When he should be doing his job, he spends his time telling one and all why he is being targeted.

Is Kejriwal just another insecure politician, or is there some method to his madness in launching tirades against Modi and co almost on a weekly basis?

Actually, it could be a bit of both.

There is little doubt that Kejriwal is a bit of a hyperventilator. Remember in 2011-12, when he and the Anna Hazare warriors were into flinging daily allegations against the rich and the powerful?

That got him and his cohorts a lot of attention.

Now, the boot is on the other foot, for he is the government, and the allegations and cases are being filed against him and his party members. It is no longer possible for him to pretend everybody else has to answer his questions, and he does not have to answer to anybody. This is why he is busy shouting from the rooftops that he is the most honest politician on earth.

Assuming, for a moment, that the series of cases involving AAP members are actually the result of some nefarious plan hatched by someone inside the Modi government, the strategy seems to be working. Kejriwal seems to be cracking under pressure.

But there is also a method to Kejriwals madness. The current reality of Indian politics is that there are three nodes of opposition to Modi  one led by Nitish Kumar, another by the Sonia-Rahul Congress, and the third led by Kejriwal.

In 2019, if the BJP falls seriously short of 180 seats, a rival combination is possible, and this combo cannot be led by Kejriwal for a simple reason: neither the Congress nor the regional parties trust him. The only alternative to Modi is a Congress-led UPA-3, or a Nitish Kumar-led United Front-2, supported by the Congress from the outside.

There is no way the likes of J Jayalalithaa and Mulayam Singh or even a Mayawati will support Kejriwal, and even if they do, they will make Kejriwal vulnerable. None of them have squeaky clean images.

Any non-BJP government will thus be led by somebody other than Kejriwal. He will be out in the cold, or a bit players supporting a coalition from the outside. That is not the place he wants to be.

The daily screaming against Modi serves another purpose: Kejriwal knows that his gains can only come at the expense of the Congress, since he occupies the same political space. By pitching himself constantly against Modi, Kejriwal wants to position himself as anti-BJP, and edge out the Congress.

Between Kejriwal and the Congress, it is a zero-sum game: If one gains, the other loses. Kejriwal also cannot try to expand in areas dominated by non-Congress, non-BJP parties. He cant alienate them, as that will finish whatever chance he has of making it to the top job.

His best bet is thus to make the Congress a cipher, which is why Modi is the target. This is why his expansion areas are Punjab, Gujarat, Goa and such states  where the Congress is the main Opposition.

However, none of this can happen if Kejriwal does not remain in the news. He is working to the Bollywood script, that bad publicity is better than no publicity. Maybe that is what he meant when he alleged they may even kill me. Being ignored is a fate worse than death for him. He is frustrated that Modi ignores him  as he seemed to be doing at the inter-state council meeting the other day.

And yes, one more thing is certain. Delhi does not interest him. He does not want to be CM of Delhi. It is too small for his giant ego. As this writer noted last year soon after the AAP victory in Delhi, Kejriwal has effectively made Sisodia the de facto CM. But he remains CM formally, as he had promised the voters Paanch Saal Kejriwal. He is serving time in Delhi, even while he seeks greener pastures elsewhere.

However, the reality is this: if he doesnt deliver in Delhi, he cant expand easily outside. If he does deliver, he will give the BJP another lease of life, since the anti-Modi votes will get split between him and the Congress.

Kejriwal is not a prime ministerial prospect in 2019; that lies at the root of his angst.
New Delhi: A defiant Bhagwant Mann on Thursday appeared before the committee probing the Parliament House videograhpy episode and sought to drag the Prime Minister into the controversy by demanding that he too be summoned for "inviting" Pakistan's ISI to the Pathankot airbase after the terror attack there.

The AAP Lok Sabha member from Sangrur appeared before the panel which grilled him for nearly an hour and fifteen minutes over his making a video of the Parliament House complex, thereby allegedly compromising its safety and security. The committee was "upset" with his response, which several members felt showed he was "not serious". The committee expressed its unhappiness over Mann's demand to summon the Prime Minister.

Earlier on Thursday, Mann submitted a five-page response to the committee headed by BJP's Kirit Somaiya in which he said "assuming" he was wrong, he had offered "most humble and unconditional apology".

The committee has given him time till Monday to alter the contents of his letter if he so desired and asked him appear again at 3 pm. Referring to the terror strike on the Pathankot airbase in January, Mann said in his letter that Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited a team from Pakistan, which also had members from its spy agency ISI, to visit the airbase. He alleged that the ISI personnel carried out reconnaissance of the strategic base and drew maps which compromised the security of the establishment.

Mann said the mandate of the committee should be expanded to investigate the security breach due to the entry of ISI personnel at the airbase and demanded that the panel "summon" the Prime Minister and record his "submission" in the matter. At the same time, he said that he had not committed any act "which would amount to breach of security of Parliament and request that the present inquiry be closed without further action".

Somaiya later dubbed the contents of the letter as "contradictory and confusing" and said the committee expressed it displeasure on the issue. Mann also said the footage of Parliament complex is available with various news channels and that the virtual tour of the building is also available on the Lok Sabha website.

In the nearly 12-minute video, apparently shot on 21 July, Mann gives a running commentary as his vehicle crosses security barricades and enters Parliament. "I'll today show you something you would not have seen earlier," he says.

Mann then enters a room where questions to be taken up by Parliament are being sorted and describes the process.
A day after the meeting of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers raised its concerns about the GST Bill, the Cabinet cleared the changes in the Constitutional Amendment Bill in line with the demands made by the panel, clearing the way for the much-needed tax reform to be passed in the current Parliament session.

The move by the Cabinet, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi, is commendable for the swift action taken and shows the seriousness of the NDA government in taking up the reform process, according to experts.

On Wednesday, the Cabinet approved the dropping of the 1 percent additional manufacturing tax and also provided guarantee to compensate states for any revenue loss in the first five years of the rollout of the proposed indirect tax regime.

It is indeed commendable that the Cabinet has taken up the GST matter within a day of the meeting of the Empowered Committee of state finance ministers. This depicts the resolve and commitment of the Government to move ahead on GST," MS Mani, Senior Director  Indirect Tax, Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, said in a statement.

"The decision to do away with the 1% tax proposed earlier to compensate the manufacturing states will remove a major aberration in the GST value chain. Further, the statement that the states would be compensated for revenue losses for five years would go a long way in addressing their concerns on a very crucial aspect of the GST process, he added.

Apart from the Congress party, the 1 percent additional tax has been a bone of contention even for the industry, which termed it a "bombshell" that would defeat the whole purpose of PM Modi's pet Make in India scheme. The levy was introduced to placate manufacturing states such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which would lose revenue on account of the GST.

Pratik Jain, partner at KPMG had told Business Standard that the 1 percent additional tax will compromise the efficiency of the supply chain.

As far as compensation for state governments is concerned, the state finance ministers on Tuesday had said that wording in the Bill needs to be changed to bring about clarity.

"You will be happy to know that unanimously a wording was proposed which is clear that five years and that it will be implemented, a very nice constitutional amendment wording was proposed by the empowered committee which I proposed on the behalf of all the finance ministers. I believe that much of it will be accepted," West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra, who heads the empowered panel, had told the CNBC-TV18 in an interview.

The Cabinet-approved Bill now provides that the Centre will give 100 percent compensation to states for first three years, 75 percent and 50 percent for the next two years.

With the Centre accepting the changes, the NDA government has indeed made a giant step forward to bring on board all the state governments.

Harishanker Subramaniam, national leader, indirect tax, Ernst and Young, said the Cabinet approval is a "very welcome" step.

"The cabinet's clearance of crucial amendments in the Constitution Amendment Bill in response to Empowered Committee discussions like removal of 1% origin tax, and 5 years compensation to States is indeed very welcome and will pave the way for political consensus and early passage of bill in the monsoon session," he said in a statement.

According to a PTI report, with states on board and the Cabinet approving the amendments, the government is hopeful of passage of the long-pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, which ends on August 12.

Congress demands

However, for the Congress there are still two more demands that have not been completely met. These demands are including the GST rate in the statute and setting up a Supreme Court judge-headed dispute resolution body. These demands have not been accepted.

However, the Constitutional Amendment Bill will include a clause on the dispute resolution mechanism. As per the clause, any dispute between states and the Centre will be adjudicated by the GST Council, which will have representation from both the Centre and states. An NDTV report says the government has agreed to give states more power in the independent body.

As far as including GST rate in the Constitution is concerned, there is a talk of mentioning the rate in one of the two supporting legislations that need to be passed after the Constitution is amended.

These two changes will only meet the Congress demands halfway. It remains to be seen whether it will indeed placate the party leaders, who are now cornered on the issue with most coming on board with the Centre.

The Bill, with the changes, is expected to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha as early as this week, but certainly by next week. Once the Rajya Sabha approves the legislation, the amended Bill will have to go back to the Lok Sabha again for approval.
The Rajya Sabha is likely to take up GST Bill on Monday or Tuesday, now that the Cabinet has cleared changes in the Constitutional Amendment Bill, in line with the demands from the state governments, according to a report by CNN-News18.

The Cabinet had on Wednesday dropped the 1 percent manufacturing tax and providing guarantee to compensate states for any revenue loss in the first five years of rollout of the proposed indirect tax regime. This has been one of the three demands by the main opposition Congress party too.

The government has been taking all steps possible to get the Bill passed in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, which ends on August 12. According to the sources cited by the TV channel, all differences with the parties involved have been ironed out and the government is likely to take up the Bill next week in the Rajya Sabha.

Trinamool Congress' Derek O'Brien, CPI's D Raja, CPM's Sitaram Yechury and Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agarwal met finance minister Arun Jaitley today to sort out the differences over GST, said the report.

The advisory committee of the Rajya Sabha will meet again on Thursday.

The Empowered group of state finance minister had two days ago reached a consensus that small businesses with turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore in a year should come under purview of only state governments and dual control of states and centre can be exercised over businesses larger than them.

However, according to the report by the TV channel Samajwadi Party wants this turnover limit to be raised from Rrs 1.5 crore. The party has also demanded that the BJP should hold all-party meet on the issue.

The changes approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday are to the Constitutional Amendment Bill that was approved by the Lok Sabha in May last year. Once the Rajya Sabha approves the legislation, the amended Bill will have to go back to the Lok Sabha again for approval.

The Business Advisory Committee of Rajya Sabha has already set aside five-and-half hours to debate the legislation. The government is also meeting all the parties seeking support for in the Upper House.

Most of the major political parties, barring AIADMK, are now supporting the Bill. The Congress also seems to have softened its stance.

The amendments were taken up by the Cabinet after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's assurance to state finance ministers to include in the Bill the mechanism of compensating states for all the loss of revenue for five years.

The Bill, in its present form, provides that the Centre will give 100 per cent compensation to states for first three years, 75 per cent and 50 per cent for the next two years.

By doing away with the 1 percent inter-state tax over and above the GST rate, the government has met one of the three key demands over which Opposition Congress has been blocking the Bill in the Upper House.

The other two demands of the Congress -- including GST rate in the statute and a Supreme Court judge-headed dispute resolution body -- have not been accepted. It remains to be seen if meeting of its demands halfway will persuade the Congress to support the legislation.

A PTI report earlier said there is a talk of mentioning the GST rate in one of the two supporting legislations that need to be passed after the Constitution is amended, a move that may pacify the Congress.

With PTI
That Chandrababu Naidu will lead a hand-to-mouth existence in his role as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh was well-known even before the results came in in May 2014. Opening his innings with a revenue deficit of Rs 16000 crore, Naidu was banking on the Telugu Desam representation in the Modi sarkaar to get his way. That has not happened.

It is not as if Naidu has not tried. His several visits to the national capital have seen him pushing for special category status, a provision that was not part of the AP Reorganisation Act but promised on the floor of Parliament by then Prime minister Manmohan Singh. Subsequently, to score brownie points, the BJP promised special category status for a decade instead of the Congress dole of five years.

Once in power, the BJP has been singing a different tune. In May 2016, it firmly put the lid on the demand for special category status by lobbing the ball in the 14th Finance Commission's court.

"As per the 14th Finance Commission's recommendations, special status cannot be given to any State including Andhra Pradesh. There was no immediate proposal to amend relevant laws to give special status to AP. As per the provisions of Reorganisation Act, AP would get special package,'' said Jayant Sinha when he was MoS in the Finance ministry.

TDP circles have been very annoyed with Modi's tight-fisted approach. A senior TDP leader who is closely involved in discussions on getting funds from the Centre said, "The Centre is just not liberal with giving funds to Andhra Pradesh. They are treating us on par with other states, without realising that we have lost everything in the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh.''

Opposition from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also meant Andhra could not be treated differently. Special category status coupled with Naidu's industry-friendly image would mean he would be able to woo industry away from the two neighbours, offering several tax incentives. Both Jayalalithaa and Siddaramaiah made it clear to New Delhi that in a region that competes fiercely to attract industry, a level-playing field is a must. Naidu's angst is that he feels he is not getting the benefit of a level-playing field in the present circumstances.

TDP leaders say that the state has got just about Rs 13000 crore in the last two years. The Andhra government was expecting close to four times that amount. So far, Andhra has got Rs 2804 crore to bridge the 2014-15 revenue deficit and Rs 7430 crore that the Finance Commission calculated the state will have in 2015-20. It is getting Rs 350 crore per year for backward areas development. In addition, the Centre is giving Rs 2500 crore for the capital, a far cry from the Rs 52000 Naidu needs to build his dream capital. BJP leaders, in private, say the Centre can hardly be expected to indulge Naidu's extravaganza. In fact, even during the foundation laying ceremony in October 2015 in Amaravati, Prime Minister Modi came with nothing but soil and water from the Yamuna, making the TDP the butt of jokes.

Naidu's big promise for the 2019 election is the Polavaram irrigation project, that will prove to be a boon for farmers in coastal Andhra. While it has been declared a national project, the TDP complains that only Rs 850 crore has been put into the Andhra account so far. The project is estimated to cost Rs 36000 crore and the slow trickle of money, Naidu says, is making the pace of project execution tardy. Naidu has to complete the first phase of the project if he wants to showcase it as a success story to win votes three years down the line.

With the Finance ministry closing the door on any hopes that Naidu may have had, the chief minister has once again asked the Centre to at least relax the limit set by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act so that Andhra Pradesh can go in for enhanced borrowings.

Naidu's appeal comes at a time when a committee has been constituted to examine the feasibility of having a fiscal deficit range in place of existing fixed numbers as percentage of GDP. The FRBM Act was enacted in 2003 to institutionalise financial discipline, reduce fiscal deficit, improve macroeconomic management and the overall management of public funds.

But then Naidu's request could not be met with as a discrepancy was detected in April 2016 in the calculation of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) by the Andhra government which did not match the figure provided by the central statistical office. While Andhra Pradesh pegged the GSDP at Rs 695000 crore, the central office put the figure at Rs 632000. The difference led to New Delhi putting the state's request to raise funds from financial institutions on hold.

Andhra wants to raise at least Rs 3500 crore from the open market, besides demanding that the loan raising capacity be hiked to 3.5 percent from existing 3 percent of GSDP.

This week, Congress Rajya Sabha member KVP Ramachandra Rao tried to move a private member bill, demanding to know the reasons behind the delay in declaring special category status to Andhra Pradesh. For the Congress which was reduced to zero post the division, with no MP or MLA from the state it ruled for a decade from 2004 to 2014, it was an opportunity to expose the BJP and push the TDP to a corner. But Naidu can hardly afford to antagonise Modi at this point in time, knowing fully well that the BJP does not need the TDP's numbers in the Lok Sabha.

Back home, Naidu is being criticised by the opposition for neither being able to get his way with the NDA government while being very Amaravati-focused. Not only his finances are in bad shape, he could not manage to shift his administration from Hyderabad to the temporary secretariat at Velagapudi near Vijayawada because the infrastructure is just not ready.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said the opposition parties should submit proof against the "so-called tainted ministers" in his cabinet, instead of making "hollow claims".

"If you (opposition) have new evidence as you claim, please submit it to the government. But desist from making repeated allegations without substantiating your charges," Fadnavis said in the state Assembly.

He was responding to Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil's charge that new evidence has surfaced against Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, who was inducted as Labour Minister ahead of the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Assembly in Mumbai.

Vikhe Patil, who raised the issue in the Lower House, said Fadnavis had provided wrong information in the Assembly, while replying to a recent discussion on the 'tainted' ministers.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat said the issue has already been discussed in the House and as such, no fresh debate could be held on the same.

This angered the opposition members, who raised slogans against the government. The House was adjourned for 15 minutes. When the proceedings resumed, Fadnavis said, "If Vikhe Patil has any fresh evidence, he should submit it, or else these allegations will be treated as political charges and will get a similar response."

Vikhe Patil said, "If this government claims to be so transparent, why is the inquiry against tainted ministers not being conducted under the Commission of Inquiry Act."

Speaker Haribhau Bagade said the opposition should first submit evidence, then only the government can taken appropriate action."

The Opposition has levelled allegations of irregularities and graft against several ministers, including Pankaja Munde, Girish Bapat, Vishnu Savra, Vinod Tawde, Deepak Sawant and Ravindra Waikar, among others. Legislators had asked for inquiries under the ACB.
WHY DONT YOU READ THESE?
Newly sworn-in Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The Indian Express reported that the meeting, held to discuss the new national education policy, is one of his first official interaction with the RSS since he took charge of the HRD ministry earlier this month.

According to the report, Javadekar met with senior functionaries of the saffron organisation and representatives of affiliated outfits such as Vidya Bharati, Akhil Vidyarthi Parishad, Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Sanskrit Bharati, Shiksha Bachao Andolan, Vigyan Bharati and Itihas Sankalan Yojana for roughly six hours at Gujarat Bhavan in Delhi.

The meeting was part of the government-organisational interface that was established after the Modi government came to power. Since Javadekar ji is new to the ministry, we updated him about the grassroot level challenges and the reforms required in the education sector. Social Justice Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot and Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram also attended for some time as their ministries deal with education of tribals, reserved castes and backward classes"  RSS functionary as quoted in The Indian Express

The Hindu reported that the meetings of Javadekar and other important portfolio holders with RSS pracharaks were about how "several of these organisations wanted to express their reservations about the government policy," a source from the BJP is quoted in the report as saying. Earlier this month, RSS affiliate organisation, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal (BSM) organised an event to push their recommendations to the TSR Subramanian's committee, which had been rejected, to Prakash Javadekar.

In a Hindustan Times report, Mukul Kanitkar, organising secretary of the BSM is quoted as saying, "The HRD ministry has made some parts of the policy public and we will discuss the policy with experts and give our suggestions too."

The Indian Express article states that the Subramanian's committee had received 80,000 suggestions. Even Smriti Irani, the former HRD minister (and now Minister of Textile) had repeatedly come under criticism for saffronising the education system  a criticism she has vehemently rubbished. And the RSS too has been open in it's criticism of the current state of affairs in education  that it doesn't provide "spiritual integration".

The 6-hour-long closed-door meeting between Javadekar and the RSS will perhaps have its own story to tell in the coming weeks.
New Delhi: Launching an offensive against the Prime Minister over price rise, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said after coming to power Narendra Modi has not said anything on the issue and demanded that he give a date by when the prices of pulses will come down.

"You may make as many hollow promises as you want, but give us a date by when the prices of daal will come down," Gandhi said in Lok Sabha during a debate on price rise.

In his first major intervention in the monsoon session, Gandhi said the price of pulses and vegetables have gone over the roof after the NDA came to power and the farmers have not been able to get any benefit of the steep rise in the price of these commodities.

Recalling Modi's speech at a poll rally in Himachal Pradesh in February 2014, Gandhi said while attacking the then UPA government over the issue, he had said said that 'ma-bachche raat raat rote hain, aasoon pee ke sote hain' (mother and child cry the whole night and sleep drinking the tears).

"What a dialogue," Gandhi said thrice, taking a dig at Modi who was not present in the House.

"I want to remind the Prime Minister of the promises he made to the people of the country during the poll campaign, which Modiji does not talk about now and has forgotten. He had also promised that when the BJP government comes to power, it will bring down the prices," Gandhi said.

Listing out the prices of vegetables and pulses, Gandhi said in 2014, the price of tomato was Rs 18, which has shot up to Rs 55 in 2016. Urad and tur dal, priced at Rs 70 and 75 in February 2014, has gone up to Rs 160 and Rs 180 this month.

He said there was a gap between the minimum support price for tur dal given to the farmers was Rs 45 whereas its price in the market was Rs 75. Now, the MSP has risen to Rs 50, but the price of the pulses was now Rs 180. "So, there is a gap of Rs 130 in the NDA government. Where is this Rs 100 going," Gandhi asked.

"During elections, Modiji had said 'make me a chowkidar' (watchman). Now, there is a theft of dal under the very nose of the chowkidar. But the chowkidar has not uttered a word. He is mum. ... Now he has become a big person. Leave that job of chowkidari to the Congress," Gandhi said. In reference to a BJP slogan 'Har Har Modi' used during the Lok Sabha polls, he said "now people are saying 'Arhar Modi'."

Taking a jibe at the NDA's second "happy birthday" celebrations, the Congress Vice President said the Prime Minister did not even utter a single word about rising prices during this event and sought to know why he did that.

Accusing the government of waiving off Rs 52,000 crore of the corporates, Gandhi asked what benefit the government has given to the farmers and housewives of the savings amounting Rs 2 lakh crore it has made from the slump in the crude prices.

He also questioned the NDA's flagship programmes like Make in India, Stand Up India and said "the 'Make in India' programme has not got given a single job to the youth."
New Delhi: A united opposition on Thursday disrupted Rajya Sabha proceedings protesting against making Aadhaar card mandatory for availing government benefits like subsidised LPG, PDS supplies and pensions, forcing its adjournment thrice since morning.

The House was first adjourned till noon, then for about 15 minutes and once again till 2 pm as the Opposition uproar continued unabated.

Opposition TMC, BJD and SP had given notices for suspension of business to take up the issue which also found support from the Left parties and the Congress. The notices were rejected by the Chair.

While the government clarified that the unique identification number (UID) or Aadhaar card issued to citizens was not mandatory for availing government benefits and necessary instruction to this effect were being issued, dissatisfied opposition members trooped into the Well raising slogans, forcing adjournment of proceedings till noon.

Soon after the House assembled and listed papers laid, Naresh Agarwal (SP), Derek O'Brien (TMC) and Dilip Tirkey (BJD) said they had given notices under rule 267, but Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said their motion has not been permitted.

Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said the Centre has issued instructions to state governments to stop ration card benefits, pensions and subsidised LPG to those not having Aadhaar card.

As much as 40 percent of the population do not have Aadhaar card and the move will hit the poor hard, he said.

Derek O'Brien said the BJP-led government talks of cooperative federalism but takes decisions without discussing with states. Making Aadhaar mandatory will have serious repurcusions across the country, he said.

Tirkey (BJD) said with 20 per cent of the population in Odisha do not have Aadhaar card, the instruction by the Centre will only create problems for the poor.

In his response, Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu said the Act passed by Parliament provides that government benefits can be availed through Aadhaar cards.

The government, he said, has taken note of the concerns raised by members. "It (Aadhaar card) is not compulsory. If necessary, necessary instructions will be issued," he said.

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) - the scheme of paying government benefits directly to users, was started by the previous UPA government, he said, adding "DBT is need of the hour" as it helps eliminate corruption, middlemen and leakages.

Observing that Aadhaar will not be made mandatory till the entire population gets such cards or UID numbers, he said "I will ensure necessary clarification is issued at the earliest."
The overwhelming consensus in Karnataka is that the states Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has a remarkable knack for inventing troubles for himself.

The anti-superstition Bill that the chief minister, an atheist, has been struggling to pass for three years is one such. His difficulty arises from the fact that, in his cabinet, there are only two who support his venture: he himself and his law minister. First, he was forced to drop the word superstition from the Bill. And now, he is under pressure to drop the Bill itself, and at least for the time being, he has shelved it.

Making laws against specific superstitious practices has been easy, but a wholesale ban of superstitions is not. The Centre made a law banning Sati in 1987. Later, states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam enacted laws primarily aimed at witchcraft and witch-hunting, which are more rampant in India than you think. Last year, the Kerala government made a brave announcement about banishing evil rituals, but that was the last anybody heard anything about it.

Maharashtra first proposed an omnibus Bill against superstitious practices in 2003, but it was only after numerous amendments and ten years later that a watered-down version of it became law.

Siddaramaiahs original Bill  like the one in Maharashtra, its going through many changes  proposed to ban, among other things:

 Human sacrifice

 Animal sacrifice

 Made snana (a ritual that requires Dalits to roll over food left over by upper-caste men)

 Fire-walking

 Black magic

 Witchcraft, witch-hunting

 Bettale seve (nude worship)

 Exorcism

 Rituals to find hidden treasures

 Creating fear by claiming to have supernatural powers

 Threatening to invoke ghosts

 Extorting money in the name of god

 Astrology and numerology for gain

 Vaastu

There is no opposition to banning human sacrifice, witchcraft and black magic. And following an uproar, astrology, numerology and vaastu were quickly dropped from the banned list. But critics question the wisdom of prohibiting other practices, which they say are part of the culture and annual festivities for many communities. Siddaramaiah has no answers.

This is not to suggest that Siddaramaiah should give up. This is to point out that it is not easy. Here is why it is not.

First, take the latest instance.

On 21 July, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh shocked an unsuspecting state assembly when he dropped a pearl of wisdom, stating that ghosts were driving farmers to commit suicide. Taken aback by the uproar that it kicked off, the BJP minister later claimed that it was what the relatives of the dead farmers had said.

The Madhya Pradesh Congress leaders laughed at Singh. But if Congressmen imagine that their party is made up of people who are driven by nothing but rational thinking, their collective address is fools paradise.

Lets go back to 1951, when Jawaharlal Nehru, then Prime Minister, threatened to ban astrology. Angered by an astrologers prediction that an India-Pakistan war would break out soon, Nehru thundered at an AICC meeting: People rely more on astrology now than they did 20 or 30 years ago. We are a decadent people waiting on the stars.

I would like to pass a law against astrology and other forms of soothsaying, Nehru said, but did nothing of that sort. He knew that most of his ministers swore by astrology. And at least one, Home Minister C Rajagopalachari, was an amateur palmist himself.

Despite her socialist and progressive rants, Indira Gandhi was not only religious but also superstitious. Indiras personal physician KP Mathur said in his book The Unseen Indira Gandhi that the rosary of rudraksha beads she wore for good luck had been given to her by spiritual guru Anandmayi Ma. Indiras association with tantric and fraudster Dhirendra Bhrahmachari has been well chronicled by many writers. So was PV Narasimha Raos fascination for godman Chandraswami.

Superstition cuts across parties. Many top UP politicians including Chief Minister Akhiliesh Yadav are foolish enough to believe that Noida is a hell on earth and keep away from it. They believe that Veer Bahadur Singh, Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Mulayam Singh, Kalyan Singh and Mayawati lost power after visiting Noida.

In 2001, AIADMK leader Jayalalitha became Jayalalithaa, after she convinced herself that the extra a would bring her good fortune. When he was Chief Minister and later the Prime Minister, Janata Dal (S) leader HD Deve Gowda made no secret of the fact that all his important decisions were guided by astrologers.

Some Left leaders I know are secretly superstitious. They remind me of some pro-prohibition Congress politicians in Kerala who uncork bottles only in the middle of night.

Why on earth do otherwise intelligent, educated people put themselves to such thrall to superstition? asks Congress MP Shashi Tharoor quite innocently in his 2014 book India Shashtra: Reflections on the nation in our time. Tharoor was bold to ask that question, but not bold enough to give the answer which he knows.

The answer is there for all of us to see. Politicians, whether they are rationalists or not (and most of them are blind believers in ridiculous things), are terrified of banning superstitions. Many superstitious practices and even gory rituals are faithfully observed by several Hindu castes. For politicians, their votes are too precious to monkey around with.

Thats the lesson Siddaramaiah is learning the hard way.

The Anti-Superstition Law was not part of the 2013 election manifesto of the Congress in Karnataka. But after coming to power, Siddaramaiah made a proud announcement to introduce it. He even made it a point to visit Chamarajanagar, a place jinxed like Noida and associated with bad luck.

Recommendations of an expert committee led to the first draft of the Bill which, when circulated, raised a hue and cry from political and religious leaders.

After some twists and turns and redrafting, what once was Evil, Inhuman and Superstitious Practices Prevention and Eradication Bill has now become Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Bill. The new title is similar to that of Maharashtras law.

Gone is the word superstitious from the title of the new draft. Also gone are astrology, numerology and vaastu from the banned list. But there is still no unanimity over which other practices to be permitted and which to be banned. A contentious issue is the inclusion of made snana, prevalent in the coastal districts, in the list.

The question remains over whether a mere law can banish superstition. Another question Siddaramaiahs critics within his own Congress ask is whether the Chief Minister, besieged by a wide range of scams and facing flak over the suicides of police officers, should tear his hair over a Bill such as this when elections are two years away.

For now, Siddaramaiah has referred the Bill to a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa. The fact that Thimmappa has been a critic of the Bill is a clear hint that Siddaramaiah has pigeon-holed it.

(Author tweets @sprasadindia.)
Berlin: Germany will remain open to refugees but will do "everything humanly possible" to ensure security, Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed Thursday, as she defended her migration policy while reassuring a country shaken by a series of attacks.

Merkel said that only by "sticking to its principles" could Germany overcome the major test it is facing after four violent attacks since 18 July, three of which were committed by registered asylum seekers.

She described the attacks as "shocking and depressing," and said that the perpetrators had mocked Germany by posing as refugees. But her government would not rescind its offer of refuge to those fleeing war and conflict, she added.

"I am just as convinced today as I was before that we can do it  we can live up to our historical responsibility," Merkel said, reiterating her mantra that Germany can integrate the 1.1 million refugees who arrived in the country in 2015.

She outlined a nine-point security plan, which she said includes a lower threshold for the deportation of failed asylum seekers, an "early warning system" for radicalization among refugees and the deployment of soldiers in domestic counterterrorism operations.

Critics say Germany's Bundeswehr is neither trained nor equipped to participate in police operations during terrorist attacks. Merkel said "it is now time" for soldiers to undergo the training they require to be "integrated" into the fight against terrorism.

The security plan also includes the creation of a central agency tasked with decrypting online communications for the purpose of national security and the acceleration of plans for intelligence-sharing with other countries.

The four incidents since 18 July included an axe-and-knife attack on a commuter train near Wuerzburg, a mass shooting in Munich, a knife attack in Reutlingen and a suicide bombing in Ansbach.

"The fact that two men who came to us as refugees are responsible for the deeds in Wuerzburg and Ansbach mocks the country that took them in," Merkel said.

"It mocks the many other refugees who truly seek our protection against violence and conflict."

She warned against a blanket suspicion of Muslims as a result of the attacks, insisting that Germany was "not in a war or fight against Islam, but in a fight against terrorism."

Merkel noted that the battle against Islamic State would not take priority over the fight against other crimes such as acts of right-wing extremism, which have risen dramatically since the beginning of 2015.

The Munich shooting, in which nine people died and dozens were injured, was carried out by a German-Iranian teenager who reportedly admired Adolf Hitler and Norwegian far-right terrorist Anders Behring Breivik.

"Don't follow those who carry hate in their hearts," Merkel said in response to the rise in racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism in the country.

Germany's right-wing political upstart Alternative for Germany (AfD) has seized on the upsurge in violence to accuse Merkel of making the country a target for terrorists.

The attacks have increased misgivings within Merkel's own conservative political bloc  made up of her Christian Democrats and its Bavarian sister party CSU  about her promise of sanctuary to all those fleeing the civil war in Syria.

The CSU government in Bavaria, where three of the attacks took place, on Thursday formulated its own counter-terrorism strategy, saying it would hire 2,000 new police officers by 2020 and introduce tougher screening of refugees.
Beijing: China and Russia will hold joint naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, Beijing's defence ministry said Thursday, after an international tribunal invalidated the Asian giant's extensive claims in the area.

The drills will be carried out in the "relevant sea and air of the South China Sea", defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told reporters at a monthly briefing.

With international diplomatic tensions mounting and Washington regularly sending warships into the strategically vital area to assert the right to freedom of navigation, the move could see vessels from several of the world's most powerful militaries in the same region at the same time.

The drills aimed to "consolidate and develop" China and Russia's comprehensive strategic partnership, and "enhance the capabilities of the two navies to jointly deal with maritime security threats" Yang said.

The announcement comes after a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that there was "no legal basis" to Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, embodied in a "nine-dash line" dating from Chinese maps of the 1940s and extending almost to the coasts of other countries, which have competing claims.

China has built a series of artificial islands on rocks and reefs in the area hosting facilities capable of supporting military operations, widely seen as an attempt to bolster its control of the waters.

The tribunal ruling  in a case brought by the Philippines  infuriated Beijing, which rejected it as "waste paper" and reiterated its right to declare an Air Defence Identification Zone controlling flights over the area.

China and Russia have close military and diplomatic ties, often in opposition to the West, particularly the United States, and their leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin enjoy a tight relationship.

The two sides hold joint drills regularly "on land and sea", Yang said, which "contribute to peace and stability."

September's exercise was "routine" and "does not target any third party", he added.

Last August, the two powers  who were allies then rivals during the Soviet era  carried out military exercises in the waters and airspace of the Peter the Great Gulf, south of the Russian Pacific city of Vladivostok, involving 22 vessels, up to 20 aircraft and more than 500 marines.

In May last year, they conducted their first joint naval exercises in European waters in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, China's farthest-ever drills from its home waters.

Xi and Putin meet frequently and their countries, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, often take similar stances there on divisive issues such as the conflict in Syria.

Sensitive factors

In response to Beijing's increased activity in the South China Sea, the US began a series of "freedom of navigation" operations in the area, sailing naval vessels within 12 nautical miles  the normal territorial limit around natural land  of reefs in the region.

The missions were widely seen as an attempt to push back against China's increasing assertiveness, although the Pentagon said they were also a warning to Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines.

On Monday, US National Security Adviser Susan Rice told Chinese officials in Beijing that the US intended to continue its patrols in the region, while the vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Fan Changlong, warned that ties between the two powers could easily fray.

"We should be honest with ourselves that deep down in this relationship we're still faced with obstacles and challenges," Fan said, adding that military ties had been "impacted by some complicated and some sensitive factors".

Rice noted that "risks of unintended consequences" of the two countries' forces operating in ever-closer proximity had been reduced thanks to better communication and other confidence-building measures.
Atlanta: The Democratic National Convention's lineup of speakers has highlighted an increasingly diverse country that could soon elect the first female president to succeed its first black chief executive.

Yet the stream of women, African-Americans, Latinos, gay Americans  from US senators and celebrities to activists and, on Thursday, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton herself  also serves as a reminder of Democrats' struggles to connect with most heterosexual white men.

"It's just sad," says Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, a Democratic strategist turned Donald Trump supporter who says his party "has abandoned" culturally conservative white men like himself.

Vice President Joe Biden confronted the reality Wednesday, telling delegates in Philadelphia that Trump's claims of being a middle-class savior are "malarkey" and that the Republican presidential nominee and billionaire real estate mogul "doesn't have a clue about the middle class." Earlier in the day, Biden told MSNBC that Democrats have "done the right thing" for white working-class voters, but still haven't "spoken to them."

It's a long-developing gap that bolsters Republican control of Congress and most statehouses. It could play into the hands of Republican Trump, whose path to victory depends on whites drawn to his blistering critiques of elitism and "political correctness" in the America of Clinton and Barack Obama.

White men still make up about a third of the typical presidential electorate and will be crucial to Trump's fortunes in Rust Belt states that have seen a declining middle class. They also could tip the balance in battlegrounds like Virginia and Florida, states Obama won twice.

Saunders says both parties play "wedge and identity politics" on many issues. Republicans emphasized "law and order" at their Cleveland convention, while Democrats on Tuesday welcomed "Mothers of the Movement," black moms whose sons died at the hands of police. Republicans heard National Rifle Association leaders; Democrats are featuring families of gun violence victims.

Democratic pollster Mark Mellman described "a cultural gap," with both parties playing to their advantages. But Saunders says Trump taps into a "legitimate" frustration acute among small-town and rural white men whose fathers and grandfathers once helped elect Democrats.

"They see no opportunity, no hope," continued Saunders, who advised John Edwards' presidential campaigns and Jim Webb's brief 2016 bid. "Then they see Democrats up there talking about diversity and trends and what we'll be like in 40 years. This country needs help now."

Democrats insist they understand the sentiment.

Former President Bill Clinton, speaking Tuesday on his wife's behalf, told of campaigning this year in West Virginia  a now heavily Republican state the former president won twice  in front of coal miners who blame job losses on Democrats' policies. "If she wins, she is coming back for you to take you along on the ride to America's future," Clinton recalled telling voters.

The white Pittsburgh police chief, Cameron McLay, told Democratic delegates that police and their communities can work together. The top organized labor leader, Richard Trumka, who is white, made the traditional appeal that Democrats are the party of workers.

Democrats' vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine, who is white, pitched his middle-class values Wednesday, touting his upbringing in Kansas City, the importance of his family and the influence of his faith, which he called his "north star for orienting my life." Clinton aides have touted Kaine's standing across Virginia, including some conservative, rural pockets.

Robby Mook, Clinton's campaign manager, said Wednesday that Clinton will address working-class issues in her nomination acceptance, as well.

In 2012, exit polls showed Republican Mitt Romney won 62 percent of white men to Obama's 35 percent. Measured another way, white men made up less than quarter of Obama's national vote, compared to about 44 percent of Romney's total.

Current polls suggest a more pronounced gap this year, a trends evident on the ground.

In St. Clairsville, Ohio, not far from where both Clintons campaigned this spring, barber shop owner Kent Jenewein estimated that "more than 90 percent" of his clients, nearly all white men, back Trump  in a county Obama won in 2008. Clinton, Jenewein said, "doesn't understand us."

Mellman, the pollster, says Democrats can make "marginal gains" among non-urban whites, including men, in the same way Republicans are seeking marginal upticks in support from African-Americans and Latinos. Trump could also drive up his support among white men only to see Clinton buoyed with better support than Obama had from white Republican women who dislike Trump.

Clinton insisted during the primaries that she won't overlook white men. "Let's be honest," she said in her own Appalachia campaign stop. "Some (of you) find it hard to think about voting for any Democrats. ... But I'm going to keep trying to convince people otherwise."
One of nine suspected militants killed in a police raid in Bangladesh this week was a Bangladeshi-American who was a friend of one of the gunmen who attacked a cafe on 1 July killing 22 people, police said on Thursday.

The attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery, a cafe in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter, was one of the most brazen militant assaults in the country's history.

Most of the 22 people killed were foreigners and police have been scouring the country for accomplices of the five gunmen who were all killed when police ended the siege.

On Tuesday, police raided a building in a Dhaka suburb and killed nine militants, who police said were from the same domestic group as the cafe attackers, and who had been plotting their own similar attack.

Seven of the nine dead militants had been identified from their fingerprints, which are taken when national identity cards are issued, and one turned out to a wanted Bangladeshi-American, said Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman.

"Shazad Rouf, 24, was an American passport holder and had been missing for six months," Rahman told Reuters.

Rouf's father had filed a missing person report for him on 6 February, the spokesman said, adding that Rouf had been wanted by police in connection with a case filed under an anti-terrorism law on suspicion of plotting a subversive act.

Also wanted in connection with that case was one of Rouf's friends, who was also one of the five cafe attackers, Nibras Islam, Rahman said.

Rouf was from a well-off family in Dhaka, Rahman said, though adding he had no information about his U.S. connection.

A US embassy spokesman declined to comment immediately.

Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the cafe attack but the government has dismissed suggestions the group has a presence in the country.

Instead, authorities have blamed the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh domestic group, which has pledged allegiance to Islamic State, for the cafe attack.

In the past year, al Qaeda and Islamic State have made competing claims over the killings of liberals and religious minorities in the mostly Muslim nation of 160 million people.

While authorities blame the violence on domestic militants, security experts say the scale and sophistication of the cafe attack suggested links to a trans-national network.

Islamic State has warned that violence would continue until Islamic law was established worldwide, saying in a video the Dhaka cafe attack was just a glimpse of what was to come.
Philadelphia: President Barack Obama delivered a powerful endorsement of his onetime rival Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, saying she is the most qualified person to succeed him at the White House.

Obama's speech capped a night of tough talk about Republican Donald Trump from an array of heavyweight speakers including Vice President Joe Biden, Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine and independent former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Here are some key quotes from the third day of the convention in Philadelphia:

Most qualified

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America."

 President Barack Obama, with a nod to Clinton's husband, former president Bill Clinton

Meaning of democracy

"Our strength, our greatness does not depend on Donald Trump. In fact, it doesn't depend on any one person, and that in the end may be the biggest difference in this election  the meaning of our democracy."

 Obama

Not a clue

"He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class? Give me a break! That's a bunch of malarkey! This guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class  not a clue. (...) He has no clue about what makes America great. Actually, he has no clue, period."

 Vice-President Joe Biden, laying into Donald Trump

Wrecking ball

"Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth. Not one word! (...) Our nation, it is just too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew."

 Senator Tim Kaine, Clinton's vice-presidential running mate

Ultimate trust

"As he's serving our nation abroad, I trust Hillary Clinton with our son's life."

 Kaine, whose son is a Marine and deployed two days ago to Europe

Con artist?

"Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's running his business? God help us. I'm a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one. (...) We must unite around the candidate who can defeat a dangerous demagogue."

 independent former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg

Inconceivable!

"He asked the Russians to interfere in American politics. Think about that. (...) As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyber attacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be that irresponsible."

 former CIA director and secretary of defense Leon Panetta, on Trump's suggestion that Russia hack into Clinton's emails

Sound of death

"It takes about five minutes for church bells to ring 49 times... One minute for a gun to fire so many shots, five minutes for bells to honor so many lives."

 Christine Leinonen, the mother of one of the 49 victims of the Orlando club massacre, leaving delegates in tears with her poignant four-minute speech on the need for stronger gun laws

Madam President

"Speaking is difficult for me, but come January, I want to say these two words  Madam President!"

 former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head in 2011 by a deranged gunman

Healing, hope, Hillary

"It's healing time. It's hope time. It's Hillary time."

 veteran civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, urging delegates to repeat the phrase with him
Philadelphia: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is a fraud, a liar and a hypocrite, top Democratic leaders and speakers at the party's national convention said on Wednesday as they lashed out at the billionaire

from New York.

Raising questions on Trump's business acumen, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "I am a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one!" to loud cheers from the audience.

"Trump says he will punish manufacturers that move to Mexico or China, but the clothes he sells are made overseas in low-wage factories. He says he wants to put Americans back to work, but he games the US visa system so he can hire temporary foreign workers at low wage. He says he wants to deport 11 million undocumented people, but he seems to have no problem in hiring them," Bloomberg said.

"Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy. He wants you to believe that we can solve our biggest problem by deporting Mexicans and shutting out Muslims. He wants you to believe that erecting trade barriers will bring back good jobs. He is wrong on both counts," he said.

The former New York Mayor said that though Hillary Clinton may not be the "perfect candidate", there is "no doubt" in his mind that she is the right choice.

California Governor Jerry Brown also laid into Trump, calling him a fraud and a liar.

"Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud. Trump says there's no drought in California. I say Trump lies. So, it's not surprising that Trump chose as his running mate a man who denies that there''s such a thing as evolution," he said.

Brown said while Trump only talks, Clinton gets things done.

"As Secretary of State, she paved the way for the historic Paris Climate Agreement, an agreement which 200 nations, including China and India, enthusiastically embraced. And Mr Trump, he says: The world be damned, I'm tearing it up," he said.

"Trump and those who live in climate denial say otherwise. They tell us we have to choose between saving the economy and saving the planet. Donald Trump and the climate deniers are dead wrong  dangerously wrong," Brown said.

Rear Admiral (retd) John Hutson expressed fears Trump would abandon allies and let more countries get nuclear

weapons.

"He lies about donating to our veterans and called the military I served in a disaster'. It's embarrassing enough that he's the face of one of our political parties. The real disaster is what would happen if we let Donald Trump become the face of the country we love," he said.

Kristen Kavanaugh, co-founder of the Military Acceptance Project, said Clinton understands the importance of a strong military and diplomacy.

"She knows we're stronger when we work with our allies to keep us safe, and she has a specific plan to defeat and destroy Islamic State. She has the experience, temperament, and steady hand to lead," she said.

"I don't trust Donald Trump. The military is defined by discipline. Leadership. Integrity. Those are the qualities that drew me to serve. And those are the very qualities that Donald Trump lacks. He suggests abandoning our closest allies. He praises dictators who've killed Americans. He says we should allow more countries to get nuclear weapons," Kavanaugh said.

Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley lashed out at Trump saying he has been a bully his whole life.

"But here's what I learned on playgrounds in Catholic school: all bullies are cowards in disguise. But unlike that immigrant-bashing, carnival barker, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton actually knows the enduring symbol of America is not a barbed wire fence. It is the Statue of Liberty!" he said.

O'Malley, a former presidential aspirant, also targeted the real estate mogul's assertions on climate change.

"Donald Trump doesn't believe in science. He says, 'the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese.' If the Chinese were really capable of designing some kind of diabolical farce to hurt America, they wouldn't invent global warming. They'd invent Donald Trump," he said.

He said Trump insults people who disagree with him and makes his followers fearful. "He feeds off of a deep-seated

and dangerous anger."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said: "When Trump decided to run for President, he probably said to himself: I'm an egomaniac. I don't believe in science. I think women are inferior. Where would I feel at home?"
ANSBACH, Germany Mohammad Daleel made a mess of his escape from Syria to Europe three years ago - he was detained and fingerprinted in Bulgaria before a mysterious benefactor gave him a free plane ticket to help him get to Germany.

The 27-year-old also bungled a suicide bomb attack in the Bavarian town of Ansbach on Sunday, days before he was to be deported back to Bulgaria. He first failed to get past ticket collectors into an open-air concert packed with 2,500 music lovers and then set off the detonator but not the bomb itself.

Daleel killed himself in the attack carried out in the name of Islamic State and injured 15 people in a crowded wine bar next to the entrance of the concert, but his heavy black backpack packed with explosives and shrapnel failed to go off.

The partial explosion destroyed the table and chair he was sitting at, and caused lacerations to several patrons nearby. But most of the glasses on nearby tables remained upright and hardly any of the courtyard's windows were damaged.

"It wasn't a bomb that went off, it was only the trigger," said Ralph Millsaps, a retired U.S. army officer who was drinking wine at a table just six meters away from Daleel at Eugen's Weinstube bar, and was left with deep cuts on his side from wooden splinters.

"We're extremely fortunate that the main charge didn't go off," Millsaps told Reuters in his soft North Carolina twang. "There were 25 people in the courtyard of the wine bar and another 30 outside on the alley in front. We wouldn't be here anymore if the bomb had gone off."

The attack has prompted further criticism and concern about Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door refugee policy, which has seen more than a million migrants enter Germany in the past year, many fleeing war in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Her political opponents say the policy has allowed Islamist militancy to take hold in the country, while there is growing fear among the general public.

The picture of Daleel that emerged from a dozen interviews in Ansbach, a pleasant cobblestone-street town of 41,000, is one of stark contrasts.

Much is unclear, including whether the Syrian came to Europe with the intention of carrying out an attack, or was "radicalised" while in the West; and whether his actions were driven by ideology, mental illness or a combination of both.

At the three-storey refugee shelter where he lived, on a hill overlooking the town, many of those who knew him described a quiet but friendly young man, a loner with long black hair who kept mostly to himself. They said he spoke English fairly well, and was eager to find a job and start a new life in Germany.

But another character has also surfaced: a shrewd figure who managed to foil previous attempts by German authorities to deport him back to Bulgaria  his first documented point of entry into the European Union  by exploiting legal loopholes.

What drove Daleel to try to commit mass murder is also unclear.

Investigators found a video on Daleel's phone in which he pledged allegiance to Islamic State and are examining whether he might have been sent to Germany as part of a "sleeper cell".

Yet those who knew him at the shelter said he was not particularly religious, a sentiment echoed by his psychotherapist Gisela von Maltitz, who is based in the town of Lindau, a two-hour train journey from Ansbach. She said Daleel was mentally scarred and left suicidal by the death of his wife and son in Syria and by being tortured.

'RAMBO'

"We called him 'Rambo' because of his long hair and muscles," said Mahmood Mubaritz, who lived in the same refugee shelter, adding that he bore a resemblance to American actor Sylvester Stallone.

"He had very strong arms and liked to wear tight, sleeveless shirts. He wanted to show us he was a strongman."

Mubaritz, who came to Germany four years ago from Pakistan, said he could not fathom how the quiet man he knew could have carried out such an attack. He lived with Daleel and 26 others over the past year in a former budget hotel that was converted into the shelter to house an influx of migrants.

The shelter's name is actually "Hotel Christl" but the "l" was broken off and the giant sign atop the rundown building now reads: "Hotel Christ."

A spate of attacks in Germany since July 18 has left 15 people dead and dozens injured. Last week a 17-year-old refugee from either Pakistan or Afghanistan who had links to Islamist militancy attacked and stabbed four tourists from Hong Kong on a train near the Bavarian town of Wurzburg, about 80 km from Ansbach.

Investigators of the Ansbach bombing are trying to find out when Daleel might have been recruited by Islamic State, and who may have supported him in Germany and ordered him to carry out the attack.

Authorities searching his room at the Hotel Christl found diesel fuel, hydrochloric acid, alcohol, batteries, paint thinner and pebbles  the same materials used in the bomb  along with computer images and film clips linked to the jihadist group, and a substantial amount of cash far in excess of what refugees receive from the German government.

Investigators said he had an "intensive" phone message exchange with someone who was in the Middle East shortly before the blast. "The exchange appears to have ended immediately just before the attack," said Bavaria's state interior minister Joachim Herrmann.

Authorities are also looking into Daleel's account of his journey to Germany, documented during sessions by psychotherapist Von Maltitz, managing director of the Exilio refugee support group which offers mental health services to migrants.

Daleel told von Maltitz that a benefactor paid for his passage from Bulgaria to Austria, from where he travelled over the border to Germany. "Fortunately I found a Syrian man who bought an airplane ticket for me to Austria," he said.

Investigators will likely seek to shed light on who the benefactor was, as well as other unknowns, including why Daleel was detained in Bulgaria and subsequently released.

'SUICIDAL'

Despite Daleel's professed allegiance to Islamic State, von Maltitz said she had seen no indication of any link to radical Islamist ideology, or religion at all.

"A connection to Islam doesn't match the picture I had of him at all," said the therapist, who added she had 40 sessions with Daleel between May 2015 and January this year. "He never made any kind of comment in that direction at all, about Islam or any other religion."

"He had been badly tortured in Syria," she said. "His wife and small child had been killed in Syria when a building collapsed on them after an explosion. In Bulgaria he was in prison and maltreated," she added. "We're certain that the information he supplied was truthful."

Von Maltitz, who said Daleel's death had freed her from patient confidentiality obligations, had scheduled further appointments with him for this week but he had postponed them until Aug. 1.

The therapist said she repeatedly intervened with authorities not to deport him. "He was suicidal," she said, adding that the prospect of deportation to Bulgaria "scared him horribly".

Mubaritz at the refugee shelter also said Daleel had shown no overt signs of religious faith. "I never saw him praying," he said. "He was definitely not a fanatical Muslim."

He said he had talked with the Syrian about how to find a job in Germany and encouraged him to apply at the McDonalds restaurant in town where he worked as a cook and cashier.

They talked sometimes in the communal kitchen or on the terrace in front of the shelter, where Daleel also helped repair the bicycles of other refugees.

"He was always smiling and always seemed to be happy even though he was alone most of the time and tended to stay in his room," said Mubaritz. "I think he was eager to find a job in Germany and stay here."

'HUMAN BEING'

A 21-year-old Ethiopian refugee who gave his name as Jamal Hassan said the Daleel he remembered at the shelter was more of a brooding character.

"He seemed serious and kept to himself," said Hassan, who came to Germany six months ago after crossing the Mediterranean from Libya to Italy. "I never saw him smiling."

A German teenager living across from the shelter said Daleel was known in the neighbourhood as a friendly man who liked to watch the world go by from his top-floor flat.

"I thought he was a nice guy," said Nick Geier, 14. "He used to smile and say hello. He certainly didn't look like someone who would do something like this. I'm really afraid now."

Geier's father Alexander, 41, added: "We were stunned when we heard what he had done."

Daleel had hired a lawyer to help him successfully defeat two attempts by German authorities to send him to back to Bulgaria, citing his mental instability, according to his therapist.

But his bid to stay eventually failed this month, and his deportation notice was issued on July 13.

Eleven days later, he carried out his attack.

He died from internal injuries suffered from the blast even though an off-duty German nurse rushed to try to save him and three days later was still going through a jumble of emotions about the attack.

"Almost everyone at the wine bar had run inside but I saw one man lying on the ground," the woman, who asked to be called Sabine, said in an interview. "I didn't know he was the attacker. I just thought he was someone who had been overlooked in all the chaos. There wasn't any pulse in his wrist but I felt a pulse in his neck."

She said she tried to keep him alive until rescue crews arrived moments later even though it was all for naught.

"Anyone else would have helped him too," she said. "I really can't understand those who said 'he's a terrorist, let him die'. In my eyes he was a human being."

(Editing by Pravin Char)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
What is common to the mass anti-corruption protests in India in 2012, the upsurge in Brazil against the rising costs of transport and government spending on sporting infrastructure in 2014, the so-called snow revolution in Russia in 2011 in favour of fair elections and the 2011 pro-democracy stir in China  apart from the fact that these are all Brics nations?

At the heart of each one of these stirs is a story of marginalisation. Of a perception of being side-lined by a political and economic process that favours processes rather than people, which favours the well-connected at the expense of the excluded.

Zoom out a little. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and its companion agreement, the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), are being negotiated in secrecy. Whistleblowing website Wikileaks' leaking of some of the draft chapters has caused consternation among the general public. Zoom out a little more from trade deals to geopolitical divorce. A slim majority of people in the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union because they felt that the British government had lost the power to make laws to a supranational European entity in Brussels. Even Donald Trump is promising to rip up unfair trade deals that have shafted working class Americans.

The root of all this rage is not difficult to understand: Its a belief that power does not really rest with the people, as is the implicit promise in a democratic society, but is concentrated instead in the hands of unaccountable leaders.

Which is why, as India assumes the chairmanship of the Brics this year, it may want to give thought to encouraging greater engagement between governments of the grouping of emerging global economic giants and civil society. As one of the Brics nations with a strong democratic tradition and a vibrant civil society, India could play a key role in ensuring that the Brics does not become another non-transparent and unaccountable geopolitical acronym.

A promising start was made in 2013, when Brazil took the initiative to hold a dialogue with civil society organisations for their inputs about the Brics process. That tradition continued with South Africa in 2014 and Russia in 2015 and looks set to continue this year in India. In fact, the Ministry of External Affairs is funding a Civil Brics conference in October, which will run parallel to the summit. A series of consultations in the run up to October will try and engage with trade unions, farmers unions and unorganised workers and what Brics means to them. One such event is being organised in New Delhi this week by Oxfam India and the Peoples Budget Initiative coalition.

The Brics group of nations  comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  account for 43 percent of the worlds population, 25 percent of the worlds GDP and 30 percent of its landmass between them. They are also home to 50 percent of the worlds poor. This is why it is important for the Brics to engage with their citizens and their civil societies to get their inputs about the process. In turn, the latter will be hoping to influence the official outcome in some way, which may or may not happen.

An important demand of civil society has been to 'institutionalise' the civil Brics process. Even though the process started as a dialogue between the govt and civil society three years ago, and graduated to a formal process of exchange of views in 2015, it hasn't been institutionalised yet. Doing that, will ensure commitment to transparency and openness on the path of the Brics and willingness to engage with civil society in public opinion. The civil Brics happens at the discretion of member countries, but institutionalising it will ensure that it will happen regardless of who becomes the chair.

A more practical issue could be that trade deals, at least at the negotiating state, need to be done in secrecy. A former Indian trade negotiator, who was involved in WTO talks, said that the art of the deal (to borrow a popular phrase being thrown about these days) requires that your opposite number should not have a clue about what you have in mind, or any aces you may have up your sleeve. Any information they get will weaken your hand.

However, in the interests of a fair and transparent Brics, it is better to engage with civil society. And India, with its strong democratic traditions and a robust civil society can play a strong role in ensuring this.
BERLIN Police in Bremen, Germany, on Wednesday hunted for a 19-year-old Algerian refugee who had fled a psychiatric facility earlier in the day yelling, "I'll blow you up," but said they had no evidence he had any violent plans or ties to Islamist groups.

Police said that when the man was in custody this past weekend for several thefts, he had sympathised with Islamic State and a gunman who killed nine people at a shopping centre in Munich last Friday. But they said there was no further evidence of any ties.

It was the latest incident to cause jitters in Germany after a spate of attacks that have claimed 15 lives since July 18, including those of four attackers. German officials have linked two of the incidents to Islamic State.

Authorities evacuated a shopping centre in Bremen, about 40 km from the medical facility, after people identified a man who had been acting suspiciously as the missing patient.

A spokesman in Diepholz, where the man had been held by police, said authorities were taking the incident seriously given the current situation in Germany, but emphasised that there was no evidence of an imminent attack.

"We only have these statements. We have no evidence of any concrete plans or even any ties to Islamic State," he said.

The man was moved into psychiatric care after he tried to hurt himself multiple times and authorities determined he had consumed drugs and posed a possible danger to himself and others. He escaped from the facility early on Wednesday.

Police in Bremen said they were continuing to scour the shopping centre for the man, who may have been carrying a backpack, and any objects he might have left behind.

There were no reports that he was carrying a weapon, they said.

Earlier, a suitcase exploded near a reception centre for migrants in southern Germany, but authorities said the blast may have been caused by an aerosol can, and there was no sign of any explosives involved.

(Reporting by Ralf Bode and Andrea Shalal; Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Matthew Lewis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
United Nations: India's hopes for a permanent seat on the Security Council were dampened as the General Assembly decided to push further negotiations on reforms to the next session after discussions this year failed to make headway.

The Assembly on Wednesday unanimously approved the decision to roll over further action and to set up an "open-ended working group" on Council reforms.

"It is unfortunate that the 70th anniversary of the United Nations was not able to build up momentum with a view to reaching an agreement on this important item of the agenda of the General Assembly," India and its reforms allies, Brazil, Japan and Germany, said in a joint statement.

Speaking on behalf of the four nations, Brazil's Permanent Antonio Patriota told the Assembly: "The longer we postpone a decision on the reform of the Security Council, the greater discredit brought upon the United Nations in its core function of promoting peace and security."

The four countries jointly work for expanding the Council's permanent membership and mutually support each other for permanent seats and are known as G4.

After more than 20 years of stalling, the Council reform process gained momentum last year when a negotiating text was adopted by the General Assembly overcoming sustained opposition to it from a determined small group of countries like Pakistan and Italy.

The adoption of the text was a breakthrough as meaningful negotiations could not be held without such a document.

It had been expected that the momentum would continue and the reforms would be adopted in the current year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the world body.

The negotiating text was created on the basis of a survey carried out by Courtenay Rattray of Jamaica, the previous chair of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on Council reform, and it was adopted by the Assembly due to the insistence of Sam Kutesa, the president of the last session of the Assembly.

Luxembourg's Permanent Representative Sylvie Lucas, who heads the IGN now, said the discussions held this year produced elements of convergence on two of the five issues  the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly and the size of an enlarged Council and its working methods.

Most members supported increasing the total number of Council members from 15 to the mid-20s and for making the Council's working more transparent and involving non-member countries in its activities.

Patriota contested Lucas's contention that there was no "convergence" on the other three issues, the most crucial of which is expanding the permanent membership.

"We regret, however, that other important patterns on the remaining three clusters were not reflected as leading towards convergence," he said. "It is obvious to any observer that a growing majority of Member-States supports expansion of the Security Council in both categories (of permanent and non-permanent). Yet we failed to register such an evident and quantifiable convergence in writing.

"Member-States also argued that the issue of under-representation of developing countries in the current format of the Security Council should be addressed. Such a suggestion was not captured either," he added.

"We would have preferred to see Elements that reflected the positions of participants in a comprehensive manner."

In May, India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin told the negotiations that of the 122 countries that made written submissions for Rattray's survey, 113  or more than 90 percent  supported expanding both categories of Council membership.

They include the 54 members of the African Union, 42 from the L.69, which is a group supporting reforms, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members, the G4 and 21 others, in addition to two permanent members, Britain and France, he said.

The 13-member group known as Uniting for Consensus (UfC), which included Pakistan and is led by Italy, is opposed to adding permanent members.

The current 15-member Council has five permanent members with veto powers and none of them are from Africa or Latin America.

The UN began in 1945 with five permanent and six elected members on Security Council when the world population was 2.35 billion and the organisation had 51 member nations.

Four more non-permanent members were added in 1965 and there has been no further changes, except for replacing Taiwan with China as a permanent member in 1971.

Meanwhile, the wave of independence that followed the collapse of colonialism took UN's membership to 193 countries. The global population is now more than 7.3 billion.
SEOUL Malta has denied visa extensions for North Korean workers, effectively expelling them, due to a diplomatic campaign by South Korea and human rights groups, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

South Korea has been pressing the few countries that have ties with North Korea to push for changes in the isolated state, which has been criticised for its human rights record and for channelling wages earned by its workers abroad back to the North.

Malta has denied visa extensions for about 20 North Korean workers who had been employed at a construction firm and a clothing maker there, Yonhap reported, quoting unidentified sources in the Malta government and the companies.

All of the workers had since left Malta and returned to North Korea, Yonhap reported.

A diplomatic source in the capital, Valletta, said Malta had taken the move after a push by South Korea and human rights groups that raised concerns about the conditions faced by the North Korean workers, according to Yonhap.

Officials at Malta's consulate in Seoul could not be reached for comment.

North Korea has come under growing diplomatic pressure since its January nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to a new U.N. Security Council resolution in March tightening sanctions against Pyongyang.

South Korea has been making diplomatic efforts to engage North Korea's old allies to press for change in the isolated state.

Earlier this year, Namibia halted ties with two North Korean state-run companies that had built a munitions factory and were involved in projects for its military to comply with U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang, according to Namibian media and the South Korean government.

Poland has not issued new visas for North Koreans this year in reaction to the North's nuclear test and rocket launch at the beginning of the year amid concerns that Pyongyang may be subjecting its workers to conditions that violated their rights.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Paul Tait)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Myanmar's decision to shake up its multi-billion dollar jade business is a ground-breaking opportunity to stop human rights abuses and increase transparency, but more needs to be done to create a more inclusive economy, activists said on Thursday.

The government announced late on Wednesday it will not renew mining permits for jade and other gemstones and that no new permits will be granted until a reformed legal framework is in place, local media reported.

"This is a game changer," Juman Kubba, senior campaigner at British-based charity Global Witness, said of the announcement.

The poorly-regulated industry, estimated to be worth $31 billion, almost half of Myanmar's economic output, has been accused of looting the country's mineral wealth with little regard for local people and the environment.

A 2015 Global Witness report said a string of military figures and drug lords secretly controlled and profited from the trade in jade, a green stone mainly used for ornaments and jewellery.

Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was swept into office in April after winning a landslide election last year, but the military, which ruled Myanmar for nearly half a century until 2011, still holds immense power.

"It suggests Aung San Suu Kyi's government is serious about reform and could help turn the page on the ruthless military rule, cronyism and human rights abuses of the recent past," Kubba said.

Deadly accidents in Myanmar's jade mining areas, where small time prospectors and big firms vie for the precious stone, have underscored the sector's lax safety rules and a lack of accountability.

Last November, a massive landslide swept through a mining encampment in Kachin State, which produces some of the world's highest-quality jade, killing more than 100 people.

The jade industry has also been accused of creating social problems since narcotics addiction is rife among gem scavengers who come to the mining areas in hope of finding lumps of jade overlooked by big miners.

The struggle over control of the jade business also remains a major driver of armed conflict between the Myanmar army and the Kachin Independence Organisation.

Matthieu Salomon, Myanmar manager for U.S.-based charity, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), said the reported announcement opened the door to reform of the gemstone industry and an end to human rights abuses in the sector.

"It has the opportunity now to set up a framework for a responsible and sustainable business, which forms part of a broader, more inclusive economy for Myanmar," said Salomon.

Campaigners urged the government to follow up the announcement with an agreement on how to share the benefits of the jade industry in a transparent way.

The government should also introduce environmental and social measures to protect against landslides and to address local grievances fairly, the NRGI said.

As a participant in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, a global standard to promote accountable management of natural resources, Myanmar should publish more data on permit holders, owners of jade companies and detailed sales records, the NRGI said.

(Reporting by Astrid Zweynert, @azweynert; Editing by Katie Nguyen; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, which covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Paris: The second man who attacked a Normandy church during a morning mass this week, slitting the throat of the elderly priest, is a 19-year-old Frenchman from eastern France, the prosecutor's office said on Thursday.

An official in the prosecutor's office said it was "very probable" that the man, identified as Abdel-Malik Nabil Petit Jean, was the same man pictured in a photo distributed to police services four days before the attack and obtained by The Associated Press. The information accompanying the photo of an unidentified man said the person pictured "could be ready to participate in an attack on national territory".

UCLAT, an agency that coordinates the anti-terrorist fight, said it obtained the photo from a trusted source.

Petit Jean and another 19-year-old, Adel Kermiche, were killed by police as they left the church on Tuesday in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray. An elderly man among the five people in the congregation was seriously wounded by knife slashes. One of three nuns present escaped and alerted police.

Petit Jean was born in eastern France, in Saint Die des Vosges, in eastern France, the prosecutor's office said. He was identified via his DNA. Kermiche was from Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray.

A man detained after the attack was still being held for questioning, the prosecutor's office said.

The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group, which released a video on Wednesday allegedly showing Kermiche and his accomplice clasping hands and pledging allegiance to the group.

In it, Kermiche identifies himself by the nom de guerre Abu Jaleel al-Hanafi, and says Petit Jean is called Ibn Omar.

The UCLAT flyer to law enforcement said the person in the photo "could already be present in France and act alone or with other individuals. The date, the target and the modus operandi of these actions are for the moment unknown."

The church attack came less than two weeks after an attack by a man barreling his truck down a pedestrian zone in Nice, on the Riviera, that killed 84 people celebrating France's national day.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack, too, as well as two attacks that followed in Germany.
BERLIN Police special forces in Germany's fourth largest city were searching an employment agency building on Thursday after witnesses told police they saw an armed woman, a police spokesman said.

The spokesman said that they had just detained a suspect on another matter at the employment agency when witnesses said they had seen an armed woman walking around in the building.

Bild newspaper had reported the special forces operation while the local Express newspaper had reported that an apparently armed man had been seen in the building.

(Reporting by Berlin newsroom)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Czestochowa: Pope Francis, visiting a shrine cherished by Poles, praised native son St. John Paul II on Thursday and honoured the countless "ordinary yet remarkable people" in Poland who held firm to their Catholic faith throughout adversity in the former Communist nation.

The Argentine pontiff, who had never set foot in Eastern Europe before this week's five-day pilgrimage to Poland, gazed in apparent awe for several minutes as he studied the Jasna Gora monastery shrine's iconic image of the so-called Black Madonna. The faces of Mary and Baby Jesus in the icon  an object of veneration starting in the 14th century  are blackened by centuries of varnish and candle soot.

A silver screen was raised slowly and dramatically to unveil the image as Francis stood silently and then prayed.

Then, during an outdoor Mass in the southern city of Czestochowa before a crowd that organizers put at 600,000, Francis lavished praise on Poland's legacy of steadfast devotion as he urged Poles to hold fast to their faith.

As the 79-year-old pope walked up to the altar he tripped and fell, but quickly rose, helped by priests, and went on to deliver a long homily. Church officials said Francis was not hurt and did not complain afterward.

The Mass was held in celebration of this year's 1,050th anniversary of Poland's acceptance of Roman Catholicism. The baptism of a medieval king in 966 put Poland on course to be part of the Latin-speaking Western world, setting it apart culturally from Orthodox nations in the region. Polish President Andrzej Duda and other political leaders were among those attending the Mass.

"Our minds turn to so many sons and daughters of your own people, like the martyrs who made the defenseless power of the Gospel shine forth, like those ordinary yet remarkable people who bore witness to the Lord's love amid great trials," Francis said in his homily, speaking in Italian and pausing for a priest to translate his words into Polish.

He cited two beloved Polish saints, praising those "meek and powerful heralds of mercy who were Sts. John Paul II and Faustina. Through these channels of his love, the Lord has granted priceless gifts to the whole Church and to all mankind."

Francis then recalled the far less famous soldiers of the faith in Poland.

"Your own history, shaped by the Gospel, the cross and fidelity to the church, has seen the contagious power of a genuine faith, passed down from family to family, from fathers to sons and above all from mothers and grandmothers, whom we need so much to thank," he said.

Francis urged Poles to stay united even as their nation is divided over the issue of refugees and migrants, especially those who aren't Christians. He prayed that Poles would have "the desire to leave behind all past wrongs and wounds, and to build fellowship for all, without ever yielding to the temptation to withdraw or to domineer."

The right-wing government which came to power in Poland last year has faced international suspicion that it has eroded past democratic gains, and critics say there has been a rise in xenophobic sentiment.

Worry about bad weather prompted a last-minute change the pope's travel plans, with Francis opting to take a car instead of a military helicopter to Czestochowa, 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Krakow. He returned to Krakow by helicopter.

Francis' visit to Poland centers on a Catholic youth jamboree that has drawn hundreds of thousands of participants.

After resting in the afternoon the residence of the Krakow archbishop, Francis rode in an electric tram through the heart of Krakow with disabled young people  a gesture underlining his mission to fight climate change and encourage more humanity for the disadvantaged.

As archbishop of Buenos Aires in his native Argentina, he rode public transport to inspire humility among church hierarchy.

In place of the usual destination indicator on the tram were the words "Tram del Papa"  Italian for "the pope's tram." He rode it to Blonia, a park where he was joining tens of thousands of young Catholics participating in World Youth Day, a global gathering which runs through Sunday.

The mood ahead of his arrival was joyful, with people singing and dancing to lively tunes as they waved flags from places as different as Tennessee and Turkey. Security was tight following a string of attacks in Europe, and people were warned over loudspeakers not to leave their bags unattended.
New York: Michael Bloomberg, elected mayor of New York City as a Republican, offered a forceful denunciation of fellow New York billionaire Donald Trump on Wednesday at the Democratic convention, describing the GOP presidential nominee as a "risky, reckless, and radical choice."

One of the nation's richest men, Bloomberg drew upon his business background in his unorthodox convention speech in Philadelphia to make the case that a Trump administration would be disastrous for the nation's economy.

"Trump has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies and thousands of lawsuits and angry shareholders and contractors who feel cheated and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off," said Bloomberg, now an independent. "Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's running his business? God help us."

"Truth be told," said Bloomberg, "The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy."

A three-term mayor who left office in 2013, Bloomberg considered making a third-party run for president this year before opting against a campaign, expressing worry he would siphon away votes from Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and inadvertently help elect Trump.

Though Bloomberg said that Clinton was "not a flawless candidate," he praised her work ethic, intelligence and attempts at bipartisanship that made her "the right choice  and the responsible choice  in this election."

"To me, this election is not a choice between a Democrat and a Republican," said Bloomberg, wearing a purple tie and exhorting fellow independents to join him in supporting Clinton. "It's a choice about who is better to lead our country right now, better for our economy, better for our security, better for our freedom, and better for our future."

While in office, Bloomberg had a cordial relationship with Clinton, who, as a senator from New York, was involved in the city's post-9/11 rebuilding effort. He did, too, with Trump, whom he knew from New York's glitzy social circuit and from dealings with him as a developer.

But Trump's hardline approach to immigration alienated Bloomberg, who often makes the case that an open immigration policy is needed to keep the nation's economy growing. He deemed Trump's economic plan "a con" and "a disaster in the making."

"He would make it harder for small businesses to compete, do great damage to our economy, threaten the retirement savings of millions of Americans, lead to greater debt and more unemployment, erode our influence around the world, and make our communities less safe," Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg has also become arguably the nation's leading gun-control advocate, spending millions of his own fortune to finance candidates and groups that call for the restriction of firearms. Trump, meanwhile, has courted the support of the National Rifle Association, a pro-gun lobbying group that frequently criticizes Bloomberg.

Trump did not immediately respond to the speech.

The Clinton campaign believes that Bloomberg's appearance, scheduled in a prime-time slot, shows the breadth of support for the ex-secretary of state. Clinton aides expressed hope he would sway independent voters and make further appearances on her behalf.

Bloomberg, worth an estimated $47 billion, is the founder of the financial news and information provider Bloomberg LP. He was a political novice when he launched an unlikely bid for mayor in 2001. Largely a social liberal but a fiscal conservative, he served for 12 years, overseeing a gilded age in the nation's largest city even as the gap between its rich and poor grew.
Seoul: South Korean protesters clashed with police on Thursday as they tried to disrupt the opening in Seoul of a Tokyo-funded foundation for women forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.

The plight of the so-called "comfort women" is a hugely emotional issue that has marred relations between Seoul and Japan for decades and which, for many South Koreans, symbolises the abuses of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean peninsula.

Last December, the two nations reached a "final and irreversible" agreement, under which Tokyo offered an apology and one billion yen (USD 8.5 million) to open the foundation for the dwindling number of comfort women who are still alive.

But the deal was condemned by some of the women and South Korean activists, who took issue with Japan's refusal to accept formal legal responsibility.

"You can't silence the victims with money!" scores of protesters chanted at Thursday's opening event, which they picketed with banners reading: "This is not what the comfort women want!"

Several college students forced their way into the venue where foundation officials were due to hold a press conference, and were forcibly removed by police.

"Listen to the voices of the victims!" one protester shouted tearfully as police carried her and other activists out by their arms and legs.

The Reconciliation and Healing Foundation tried to play down the protests, saying opposition to the deal with Tokyo was limited to a vocal minority.

"Some victims I met expressed gratitude for reaching the deal while they are alive," the foundation's head Kim Tae-Hyun told reporters.

She said she had talked with 37 of the 40 surviving South Korean comfort women and claimed many of them supported the foundation.

"The deal is not completely satisfactory but we shouldn't let these controversies put out this small light of hope that we managed to find," she added.

Her comments did little to mollify the protesters, one of whom threw liquid pepper spray in Kim's face as she left the venue, forcing her to go to hospital for treatment to her eyes.

Mainstream historians say up to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea but also other parts of Asia including China, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II.
When Hillary Clinton announced Tim Kaine as her running mate in the presidential election, it came as a surprise to many for quite a few reasons. Several observers were expecting either a Latino politician (Tom Perez, Julian Castro, Xavier Becerra and Ken Salazar were frontrunners) or a female (read Elizabeth Warren) to be chosen. Others found that Kaines views on a hot button topic like abortion did not match those of Clinton and it could cause trouble later. A deeper look into Kaines political career, however, proves that actually, it was not such a surprising choice after all.

Yes, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine is not comfortable with abortion. According to OnTheIssues.org, he claimed in 2005 that he has a faith-based opposition to abortion. However, that does not mean he is favour of banning the practice either, the way Republicans believe. It shouldn't be outlawed, he said in 2008. He supports Roe versus Wade (a landmark abortion case), promotes abstinence and believes women must be given the right to make healthcare decisions.

Compare this to Clintons stand on abortion. According to CBS News, Clinton stated during a Democratic debate in March, "Under Roe versus Wade, women have this right to make this highly personal decision with their family. We've got to continue to stand up for a woman's right to make these decisions and to defend Planned Parenthood."

If they differ on anything related to abortion, it is the source of funding, but as The Wall Street Journal points out, even that difference is not a significant one. Clinton believes that the Hyde Amendment, which does not allow federal funds to be used for abortion, must be repealed. Kaine, however, supports the amendment. But WSJ quoted a campaign spokesperson as saying that despite his personal views, Kaine is committed to carrying out Secretary Clintons agenda. There goes that debate. If anything, it only portrays Kaine as a leader who is willing to listen to his people rather than enforcing his opinions on everyone.

One of the reasons that Democrats were wondering if Clinton will pick a Hispanic running mate was because immigration has become a vital issue this election. And the constituency that is desperately hoping for reform in this sector is the Latino votebank.

Outgoing president Barack Obama has been a keen advocate of immigration reform and the Supreme Courts indecision on the DREAM Act was a big blow to immigration activists. Clinton has also advocated immigration reform; she says on her official website, If we claim we are for family, then we have to pull together and resolve the outstanding issues around our broken immigration system. The American people support comprehensive immigration reform not just because its the right thing to doand it isbut because they know it strengthens families, strengthens our economy, and strengthens our country We cant wait any longer for a path to full and equal citizenship.

A Hispanic running mate would have ensured that Democrats will bag the Latino vote. Historically, the Latino voters have been supporters of the Democratic Party: In the 1992 and 1996 elections, Bill Clinton received 61 percent and 72 percent respectively of the Latino vote, according to the organisation, Latino Vote Matters. In 2000, 62 percent of the Latino voters chose Al Gore, while 58 percent wanted John Kerry in 2004. That number increased significantly during the 2008 and 2012 elections when 67 percent and 71 percent of Latino voters cast their ballots for Barack Obama.

With the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump alienating Hispanics several times  whether its by calling Mexican immigrants rapists or demanding their deportation  it is only more likely that the Latino voters will turn towards Clinton. But nothing can be taken for granted in this election, as the very rise of Trump shows. Choosing a Latino politician may have garnered Clinton votes, but it would also mean pushing other voters to accept two firsts for the country  a female president and a Latino vice president  at the same time. Unhappy voters may either turn towards Trump or simply abstain from voting, both of which are disastrous for the Clinton campaign.

Kaine is the perfect choice because he and Clinton are on the same ground when it comes to immigration reform. In fact, Kaine created history in 2013 when he became the first senator to give a speech in Spanish (or any language other than English) in the Senate. And the subject of his speech? Immigration. According to his official website, Kaine was voicing his support for the bipartisan Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernisation Act. He actually said, I think it is appropriate that I spend a few minutes explaining the bill in Spanish, a language that has been spoken in this country since Spanish missionaries founded St. Augustine, Florida in 1565. Spanish is also spoken by almost 40 million Americans who have a lot at stake in the outcome of this debate.

Kaine flaunted his Spanish skills again during his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. When I lived in Honduras, I learned that the best compliment you could give someone was to say they were listo ready, he said. Not intelligente  smart. Not amable  friendly. Not rico  rich. But listo. Because what listo means in Spanish is prepared, battle-tested, rock-solid, up for anything, never backing down. And Hillary Clinton is lista.

Kaines bilingualism can be seen as an effort to draw in the Latino voters without alienating the average white American. Of course, not all Latinos were happy with this middle ground.

Speaking Spanish is not the only qualification to win over Latino voters. Mainstream political media needs to stop that narrative now.  Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) July 23, 2016

Rather than just speaking Spanish, please try engaging with us a whole person. Not a language, not a class, not any one thing. Whole people.  Mathew Rodriguez (@mathewrodriguez) July 23, 2016

As Kaine continues on the campaign trail, his interviews to Spanish media are only going to increase. And he still has three months to convince the Hispanics that just because Castro didnt get the nomination doesnt mean they are going to be shortchanged.

In fact, NBC News reports that Castro, Becerra and Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who had endorsed Castro are now supporting Kaine. Palomarez told NBC News, that Kaine is "a great choice." Part of the reason he believes that is because Kaine has worked extensively on the Senate Task Force for Corporate Diversity set up by Sen. Bob Menendez.

Kaines likeability is already drawing attention from voters across the board. As one Twitter user put it while listening to Kaines speech:

My conservative white dad, born and raised on a farm in Western Kansas, just texted: "I like this guy."  TC (@tchop__StL) July 23, 2016

There are jokes being made about how Kaine can take over the Cool Uncle crown from Joe Biden. And his takedown of Donald Trump also garnered a lot of praise. He used statements made by Republicans themselves to attack Trump and why his catchphrase Believe me is rubbish:

Don't take it from me. Take it from former First Lady Barbara Bush. She said she didn't know how any woman could vote for him after his offensive comments. Or John McCain's former economic advisor  who estimates Trump's promises would cost America 3.5 million jobs. Or the independent analysts that found Trump's tax plan, a gift to the wealthy and big corporations, would rack up $30 trillion in debt. Or John Kasich, the Republican governor who had the honour of hosting the Republican Convention in Cleveland but wouldn't even attend it because he thinks Trump is such a moral disaster. Or take it from the guy who co-wrote Trump's autobiography. For Trump, he said, 'Lying is second nature to him.' So, do you believe him? Does anybody here believe him?

Kaine comes across as a leader willing to consider views that are different from his own, is able to speak Spanish, can effectively take down Trump and most likely, even Mike Pence. Considering all this, Kaine is the right choice for Clinton.
Almost two weeks have passed since a coup was attempted in Turkey. A vast majority of the people share the opinion that if the coup had succeeded, it would have been disastrous for the country considering the degree of political polarisation within Turkey that has been arising for last couple of years. In the wake of the coup attempt, an anti-coup stance has become a unifying force for different political factions and there is no doubt that such a stance represents a shift in Turkish politics since the army staged three coups successfully in the history of modern Turkey without any notable resistance from people.

Regarding the anti-coup stance shared by both the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Opposition parties currently represented in parliament, the most significant event in the last week was the anti-coup and pro-democracy rally which the main Opposition party Republican Peoples Party (CHP) held in Istanbul. Tens of thousands of people joined it. Kemal Klcdaroglu, the leader of CHP, delivered a speech at the gathering and read a 10-point manifesto denouncing the military coup, including a call for the consolidation of libertarian democracy and strengthening the rule of law in Turkey.

When we look at the dominant theme seen at the rally, it can be easily noticed that crackdowns following the coup attempt have raised concerns among participants. The crowd chanted the slogan neither coup nor dictatorship, addressing President Recep Tayyip Erdogans consolidation of absolute power. On the day before the rally, pro-Kurdish and left-wing party Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), which is the second largest Opposition party in the parliament, held its own rally in Istanbul. That rally too condemned the attempted coup and protested Erdogan and his governments post-coup crackdown and the state of emergency that signals an authoritarian drift for Turkeys democracy.

The other remarkable development of the last week was Amnesty Internationals report claiming that suspected coup plotters and supporters are being tortured. The report uncovered abhorrent practices halted by the security forces. According to Amnesty International, there is credible evidence that many of the people who have been detained since the coup attempt, are being subjected to beatings and torture, including rape, in official and unofficial detention centres in the country.

Although Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag has denied the allegations voiced by Amnesty International, there are plenty of videos that have been widely circulated on social media websites including Twitter and Facebook showing detainees being beaten. Furthermore, after imposing a three-month state of emergency, the first decree that Erdogan and his government issued extended pre-charge detention limit from four to 30 days. The European Convention of Human Rights was also suspended. This is raising widespread concerns around potential human right violations and limitations on monitoring that has been imposed by the decree.

The human rights backlash in the coup attempts aftermath signals a shift in the political discourse and agenda of AKP. In 2002, AKP came to the power by using the rhetoric of zero tolerance for torture and demonstrating its commitment to European Union (EU) pro-reform agenda. The reforms Turkey carried out in the last decade, such as abolition of the death penalty by the three-way coalition government before the AKP and legal reforms on pre-trial detention terms by AKP government to prevent torture, were the outcomes of Turkeys European Union accession negations. Once AKP was deemed as a pro-EU party, it enjoyed support from pro-Western liberal intellectuals and the public in Turkey while establishing its hegemony. Yet, since 2010, Erdogan and his government have seemed to put pro-democracy discourse aside for the sake of absolute power, seeking a more powerful presidency.

Following the failed coup attempt, Erdogan has said several times that he is ready to reinstate the death penalty for those involved in the attempted military coup. He made these statements in defiance of EU warnings underlining that death penalty would bar Turkeys EU accession. He also slammed European Union over its reactions on his pro-death penalty stance. Besides that, the state-run Anadolu news agency featured video footage in which detained coup plotters, mostly generals, were asked by the police to identify themselves in front of the camera in the police headquarters, and it is very clear that most of them were beaten and bruised. Since these generals left hundreds of innocent people dead, a vast majority of the people do not problematise that scene and feel it is justified. Yet, if the state-run news agency publishes footage showing evidence of torture without any hesitation, then it is apparent that Turkey is witnessing a rollback in human rights as it aspires towards consolidating power.
Pyongyang: North Korea's top diplomat for US affairs on Thursday said that Washington "crossed the red line" and effectively declared war by putting leader Kim Jong Un on its list of sanctioned individuals, and said a vicious showdown could erupt if the US and South Korea hold annual war games as planned next month.

Han Song Ryol, director-general of the US affairs department at the North's Foreign Ministry, said in an interview that recent US actions have put the situation on the Korean Peninsula on a war footing.

The United States and South Korea regularly conduct joint military exercises south of the Demilitarized Zone, and Pyongyang typically responds to them with tough talk and threats of retaliation.

Han said North Korea believes the nature of the maneuvers has become openly aggressive because they reportedly now include training designed to prepare troops for the invasion of the North's capital and "decapitation strikes" aimed at killing its top leadership.

Han says designating Kim himself for sanctions was the final straw.

"The Obama administration went so far to have the impudence to challenge the supreme dignity of the DPRK in order to get rid of its unfavorable position during the political and military showdown with the DPRK," Han said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The United States has crossed the red line in our showdown," he said. "We regard this thrice-cursed crime as a declaration of war."

Although North Korea had already been heavily sanctioned internationally for its nuclear weapons and long-range missile development programs, Washington's announcement on July 6 was the first time Kim Jong Un has been personally sanctioned.

Less than a week later, Pyongyang cut off its final official means of communications with Washington known as the New York channel. Han said Pyongyang has made it clear that everything between the two must now be dealt with under "war law."

Kim and 10 others were put on the list of sanctioned individuals in connection with alleged human rights abuses, documented by the United Nations Human Rights Commission, that include a network of political prisons and harsh treatment of any kind of political dissent in the authoritarian state.

US State Department officials said the sanctions were intended in part to highlight those responsible for the abuses and to pressure lower-ranking officials to think twice before carrying them out.
Washington: WikiLeaks released audio recordings on Wednesday apparently hacked from the Democratic National Committee's servers, including a message from an irate Hillary Clinton supporter demanding the party stop "bending over backwards" for Bernie Sanders.

Links to the 29 recordings were posted on Twitter a few hours before US President Barack Obama took the stage in Philadelphia to address the party's national convention, a meeting that formally nominated Clinton as the Democratic candidate for the White House.

The confab was meant to be a show of unity, but instead has exposed the raw anger of Sanders supporters who feel disenfranchised by the primary process.

The WikiLeaks files seemed timed to embarrass the party and Clinton, although the audio recordings did not appear to contain any bombshell revelations.

They came after the anti-secrecy website on Friday leaked 19,000 emails from the accounts of several top Democratic party leaders.

At least two email messages suggested an insider effort to hobble Sanders' upstart campaign against Clinton -- including by seeking to present him as an atheist in deeply religious states.

The uproar following the leak forced party chief Debbie Wasserman Schultz to abruptly announce her resignation on the eve of the convention she was meant to preside over.

In one audio recording, the angry Clinton supporter said in her minute-long voice mail that she was "furious" about what she perceived as party support for Sanders and giving the self-described democratic socialist "too much influence."

"Bernie is the worst person in the world to even be running in the Democratic Party because he's not a Democrat," said the unidentified woman, who noted she was on a fixed income and had donated $300 to Clinton.

"Quit acquiescing to this person who likes to play the victim card and who also has been attacking Hillary, which gives Trump all his talking points. I will leave the Democratic Party if the Democratic Party continues to coddle Bernie Sanders," she said.

It was not known which party official the woman was trying to reach.

In another recording, a woman - possibly the same person in the earlier call - was upset the party was letting Sanders supporter Cornel West serve on the platform committee, calling him "trash."

The audio files also provided a small glimpse of the daily inner workings of the party, with a staffer from an ambassador's office calling to make sure her boss received an invitation to a St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House.

Former ambassador to Austria William Eacho left a message to get details on an invitation from Wasserman Schultz to attend a dinner with Obama.

It was not immediately clear if the audio recordings were part of the original cache of 19,000 emails and attachments released by WikiLeaks on Friday.
Behind the colonial facades of Havana's historic hotels, times are changing as Cuba and the United States start to rebuild their fractured relationship.

The recent opening of the Four Points Havana marks a significant milestone in the easing of economic restrictions between the two countries. Managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, it is the first American-operated hotel in Cuba since the 1959 revolution effectively ceased diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It's far from being the last  Starwood will assume management of a second hotel, the Gran Caribe Inglaterra, at the end of August, and Marriott International has also received clearance from the U.S. government to carry out business transactions on the island.

Significant tourism growth to come

Although it's still illegal for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba for general tourism, the Obama administration is allowing "purposeful travel" for things like medical and religious missions or "people-to-people" visits  and these changes are expected to have immense effect on Cuba's lodging industry.

The Wall Street Journal reported more than 450,000 U.S. citizens or residents were among the 3.5 million tourists to visit Cuba in 2015, a year in which the total number of visitors rose 17 percent from 2014.

American visitors in the first half of 2016 grew 26 percent from the same time in 2015, contributing to the estimated 2.1 million total visitors who arrived in the first half of the year. That pace is likely to continue, which would far outpace Cuban officials' estimate of 3.8 million tourists by year-end.

Second-half growth will be boosted by an increasing number of direct flight connections between the two countries. Eight U.S. airlines were recently awarded a total of 20 daily nonstop commercial routes between U.S. cities and Havana.

What does it mean for hotel brands?

"U.S. tourists are travelling to Cuba in an increasingly high number, but the country does not currently have enough hotel rooms to accommodate the influx of visitors," says Fernando Garcia-Chacon, Executive Vice President, JLL. "This gives hotel developers an opportunity to expand into Cuba and leverage the lack of supply."

Though the opportunity is ripe, U.S. hotel brands will face several challenges as they enter the Cuban lodging market. Foreign investors aren't allowed to own private property in the country, and any employee they hire must be acquired through the Cuban government. Additionally, all purchases for the hotel must be made through a state agency.

"Hotel owners and developers who are prepared to adapt to the unique complexities of operating a U.S. hotel in Cuba will benefit from the increased number of tourists," adds Garcia-Chacon. "As additional economic restrictions are lifted, more hotel companies will realize the opportunities Cuba has to offer."

About JLL

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo installed 13 new cabinet ministers in his government Wednesday, including a former general accused of human rights abuses during the country's brutal occupation of East Timor in the 1990s.

Wiranto is taking on the portfolio of chief security minister from Luhut Pandjaitan, who was named chief minister for maritime affairs. Wiranto headed the military in 1999 when the army and paramilitary forces went on a bloody rampage when East Timor voted to become independent. He was indicted by a United Nations tribunal for crimes against humanity, but as yet to face trial.

Pandjaitan's new post comes as tensions in the Asia-Pacific region are rising over China's claims to much territory in the South China Sea.

Another major figure named to Widodo's new cabinet is Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a reformist and currently a managing director of the World Bank, who will serve as finance minister. Indrawati served in the post from 2005 to 2010, when she was praised for guiding Indonesia's economy through the 2008 global financial crisis.

Shakeup called self-serving

While Widodo issued a statement describing the changes as a practical necessity aimed at "strengthening the administration performance," some say the shakeup may be part of efforts to shore up his own political influence.

"Indonesia is facing difficult challenges so the president feels the need to reshuffle the cabinet ... [but] I believe the president in making his decision is still taking into consideration the interest of political parties," said Rahadi Tegu Wiratama, a Jakarta-based global affairs analyst, echoing concerns voiced Wednesday by Amnesty International.

Contempt for human rights

"Gen. Wiranto is the chairman of the Hanura [People's Conscience] Party who supported Joko Widodo during his 2014 presidential campaign," the Britain-based human rights group said in press release responding to the cabinet reshuffle. "He ran unsuccessfully for president of Indonesia in 2004, and ran unsuccessfully for the vice presidency in 2009."

"Widodo's decision to make Gen. Wiranto Indonesia's most powerful security official a mere day after Indonesia ordered the execution of 14 death row prisoners shows contempt for human rights," the group said.

"This is adding insult to injury," said Josef Benedict, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for South East Asia and the Pacific. "A day after ordering a fresh round of executions, Jokowi has now decided to hand control of the country's security apparatus to someone who was indicted for crimes against humanity by a U.N.-sponsored tribunal."

Still, some Indonesians are optimistic about some of the new appointments.

"When I saw the names of the new ministers, especially in economic team, I'm quite optimistic," said Yudani, an employee for a privately held company in Jakarta. "Particularly with Sri Mulyani, who has experience as a former economic minister at the World Bank. I think that's useful ... to stabilize our economy."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has firmly rejected calls to reverse her open door policy toward refugees following a string of attacks in the country within a week.

Speaking to reporters Thursday in Berlin after interrupting her vacation, Merkel said the assailants wanted to undermine Germany's sense of community and the countrys openness and willingness to help people in need. Germany firmly reject that, she said.

"The terrorists want to make us lose sight of what is important to us, break down our cohesion and sense of community as well as inhibiting our way of life, our openness and our willingness take in people who are in need ," Merkel said. "They sow hatred and fear between cultures and they sow hatred and fear between religions. We stand decisively against that."

She called the four most recent terror attacks in Germany shocking, oppressive and depressing, but not a sign that authorities have lost control over the situation.

Referring to the four terror attacks in Germany since July 18 and deadly attacks in France, Belgium, Turkey and in the U.S. state of Florida, Merkel said that "taboos of civilization had been broken, when attackers targeted public places "where any of us could have been," Merkel said.

"These attacks (in Germany) combined with what we've seen in Nice, and the horrible murder of a Catholic priest in Normandy the day before yesterday, the massacre of gay and lesbian people in Orlando a couple of weeks ago, the terrorist attacks in Belgium and again and again in Turkey with also German victims - these attacks are shocking, oppressive and depressing. Civilized taboos have been broken, the attacks happened in places where any of us could have been."

Merkel said she will continue to insist that Germany will manage the challenges it faces. The government will do everything humanly possible to ensure security in our free, democratic state of law,'' she said.

A spate of attacks in Germany since July 18 left 15 people dead, including four attackers, and dozens injured.

Three of the four attackers were asylum-seekers. For two of the assaults Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Merkel, however, reaffirmed her position that Germany would uphold its principles in giving shelter to those who need and deserve it.



Since last year, Germany opened its borders to over one million migrants and refugees fleeing war, persecution and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and most of them from Syria.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has taken the stage on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, to praise his boss, President Barack Obama, and to tout the qualifications of the party's 2016 presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton.

Biden told delegates Wednesday night that no one is more passionate about this country than Clinton. It's her life story, he said.

Obama is the featured speaker of the night, and will tell Americans why he thinks Hillary Clinton, his one-time secretary of state, should replace him in the White House when he leaves office next January.

In excerpts of remarks issued hours before his speech, the president said there has never been anyone, man or woman, more qualified than Hillary Clinton to be president.

"Nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. Until youve sat at that desk, you dont know what its like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war. But Hillarys been in the room; shes been part of those decisions. She knows whats at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran. Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect. And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

Obama has already made one joint campaign appearance with Clinton. He plans to spend much of October rallying voters to her side in the weeks before her November 8 national contest against Republican Donald Trump, a real estate mogul seeking his first elected office.

It is a switch from 2008, when Obama defeated Clinton in a months-long race for the Democratic presidential nomination, and then named her as the country's top diplomat after he won the presidency.

In his final months as the American leader, Obama is particularly aware of his legacy and knows that Clinton, a kindred politico with similar views on fighting terrorism, immigration, health care, abortion, gay rights and climate change, would leave many of his policies in place, while Trump has pledged to almost immediately undo them.

Tough words for Trump

Obama in recent days has increasingly disparaged Trump's candidacy, but told NBC News that his election is possible. Trump, a one-time television reality show host, has edged ahead of Clinton in some national political surveys after claiming the Republican nomination last week.

"It is the nature of democracy that until those votes are cast and the American people have their say, we don't know," Obama said of Trump's chances of becoming the American leader. But Obama said that while Clinton "has put out very specific plans and programs and is telling you exactly what she's going to do," Trump has not.

"What I think is scary," Obama said, "is a president who doesn't know their stuff and doesn't seem to have an interest in learning what they don't know.

"I think if you listen to any press conference he's given, or listen to any of those debates, basic knowledge  about the world or what a nuclear triad is or where various countries are or, you know, the difference between Sunni and Shia in the Muslim world  those are things that he doesn't know and hasn't seemed to spend a lot of time trying to find out about," Obama said.

Trump, at his news conference, said Clinton has been "bought and sold 100 percent by special interests and lobbyists. It's going to be four more years of Obama, and a lot of people think that will be worse."

Bill Clintons address

On Tuesday night, Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, offered an impassioned speech for her, recounting his courtship of her in the 1970s while they were in law school and family life with their daughter, Chelsea, through the past 30-plus years.

He told the convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a national audience that his wife "is uniquely qualified to seize the opportunities and reduce the risk we face, and she is still the best darn change-maker I have ever known."

At the end of the evening, 43 pictures flashed across a screen at the convention, each showing one of the men who has served as president of the United States, along with that of Obama, the country's 44th chief executive. The screen then shattered into virtual pieces, revealing Hillary Clinton, via satellite from New York.

"It's been a great day and night," she said. "What an incredible honor you've given me." She said Democrats had put the "biggest crack" yet in the so-called glass ceiling preventing women from advancing to higher jobs. Clinton spoke about the significance of the moment to any young girls who were watching.

Hillary Clinton officially secured the nomination Tuesday when Bernie Sanders closed the customary roll call of states by asking the convention to select her by acclamation, or unanimous vote. Clinton did the same in 2008 in support of her then-rival, Obama.

But the move by Sanders did not go over well with some of his supporters, who staunchly oppose Clinton and have not accepted his calls for them to support her. Several hundred of them walked out of the convention hall and staged a sit-in protest.
Myanmar police have detained seven colleagues from a border unit after nearly 300,000 methamphetamine tablets were found hidden at their camp, a senior official told Reuters on Thursday.



Acting on a tip-off, police raided a Border Police camp in a remote area near the frontier with Bangladesh and found the drugs buried in the camp kitchen.



"The police found a total of 292,500 stimulant tablets hidden in the ground inside the kitchen," Soe Linn Aye, a senior officer at national police headquarters in the capital, Naypyitaw, told Reuters.



The haul was estimated to be worth 580 million kyat ($490,000), he said.



Myanmar has for decades been a major producer of opium and its refined form, heroin, and in more recent years it has also become a major supplier of the stimulant methamphetamine.

Narcotics pose a major headache for the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which governs the large, impoverished and fractious country after winning a landslide election victory in November.



Most drugs are produced in border areas controlled by ethnic minority rebels or by militias allied with the military.



Myanmar's western border with India and Bangladesh is an important route used to smuggle chemicals for the production of methamphetamines into Myanmar.



The manufactured drugs are then smuggled back the other way, into South Asia, experts say. Drugs from Myanmar also flow north into China and east into Southeast Asia.



Experts fear that Myanmar could soon see an explosion in methamphetamine use. The drug is already widely used in different parts of Asia.
As the grandson of one president and the son-in-law of another, he observed firsthand the history made during the administrations of President Dwight Eisenhower and President Richard Nixon.

But even though David Eisenhower spent a fair portion of his life in the White House, he is most impressed with the history that surrounds him today in one of this city's most famous and recognizable landmarks: Independence Hall.

Its not just an historic building in the town where he now works and lives, he explains. Its the embodiment of the American Revolution, the place where the country's leaders gathered to chart the path forward for a new nation.

It is a celebration of Americas origins, he told VOA in an interview on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

Hoping to make history

The Democratic National Convention this year is using the slogan Lets Make History Again, a nod to the city's role in founding the United States in the 18th century.

Philadelphia is important because it was the first national capitol of the United States, explained Lee Arnold, director of collections at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

"Everything you know about the founding of this country happened here," he said. "The three crucial documents that are the legal basis for our country  the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution  all were written here. No one else can say that.

The historical society owns early drafts of all three documents.

Housed under heavy glass protection and displayed under staff members' watchful eyes, those documents are part of the historical societys contribution to PoliticalFest, a six-day celebration of history and politics that concluded Wednesday. It was designed to lure the DNC's tens of thousands of visitors not only to the Pennsylvania Convention Center but to six other sites scattered around the city.

Unlike Independence Hall, some institutions dont necessarily top tourists' lists.

One that gets overlooked is the Library Company of Philadelphia, whose collections of important historical items include a book annotated by Thomas Jefferson, a lock of George Washingtons hair and a plaster mask of Abraham Lincoln made during his lifetime. Those presidential items are just some of the relics and rarities on display.

Arnold said he hoped the city's visitors would appreciate history beyond the convention hall: I want everybody in Philadelphia, when they get on that plane" leaving the city, to be "smarter than when they got off it. I want them to learn something.

Personal touch

Thanks to the historical society's unique collections, visitors also might leave knowing more about their personal histories.

We are also one of the largest genealogical libraries in the country," Arnold said. "We dont just concentrate on Pennsylvania; we collect genealogy for every state east of the Mississippi River.

Among the many important family history documents is a small, finely preserved booklet Arnold eagerly showed off.

He gingerly turned to the first page as he described the booklet's importance. Handwritten in 1776, it is a lengthy extract from a journal, each page outlining the details and rigors of military life in colonial New York. The journal begins just over a month "after independence was declared, Arnold added.

The letter, dated August 27, 1776, outlines the Battle of Long Island, in which American forces engaged the British military in what today is New York's borough of Brooklyn. The battle marked the beginning of major combat in the Revolutionary War.

The first sentence reads, This morning before day, the camp was alarmed by an attack.

The last page of the 240-year-old document bears the signature of Colonel Samuel Atlee, who provided his account of the conflict while serving under then-General Washington.

Samuel Atlee is this reporters ancestor, the brother of my fifth great grandfather, William Augustus Atlee.

Not everyone can have a connection to where someone sat and wrote on a piece of paper about their experiences," Arnold said. "... Its really wonderful.

If you can personally feel history, this might be how.
A day after Turkey dismissed more than 2,400 military personnel, its Supreme Military Council gathered in a hastily planned meeting for appointing their replacements.

Turkey's military leaders must fill vacancies for 149 generals and admirals, nearly half of its 358-member contingent, who are suspected of being involved in the July 15 failed coup attempt.

The early Thursday meeting brought together Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and commanders of Turkey's army, navy and air force.

Just before the meeting, two of Turkey's top-ranking generals resigned. Land Forces Chief of Staff General Ihsan Uyar and Training and Doctrine Command head General Kamil Basoglu stepped down.

Thursday in Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Turkish authorities were within their rights to "pursue the coup plotters with all the means and possibilities of the state of law." But she expressed concern the Turkish government's crackdown may not be "proportional".



"But in a state of law, and that is what causes me concern and I am following very attentively, the principle of proportionality applies. And this principle of proportionality must be respected under all circumstances. And my concern arises from the fact [that authorities] are moving very hard and this principle of proportionality is perhaps not always at the center," Merkel said.



The Turkish government also moved to shut down 131 television channels, newspapers and other media outlets. It has issued 89 arrest warrants for journalists, 17 of whom are already in custody.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Turkish authorities Thursday to stop its "sweeping purge of the media," and to allow all journalists to work freely at this critical time for the country.

"The scale of this rout of the media is staggering," CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. "Instead of channeling the overwhelming support it has received from across the political spectrum to unite the nation, the government is exploiting a failed coup to silence the critical press when Turkey most needs pluralistic media."

Troubling trend

Most of the newly issued arrest warrants were targeted at journalists allegedly affiliated with U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Erdogan government claims was the mastermind of the attempt to overturn failed coup earlier this month.

Arrest warrants were issued for 47 former members of the editorial staff of the country's largest daily, Zaman, and at least one journalist was taken into custody. The U.S. State Department said such moves against news media represent a "troubling trend."

Zaman, which was placed under state control four months ago, had been closely connected with the Gulen movement. Since March, the newspaper has taken a strongly pro-government stance in its reporting.

The crackdown on journalists comes as part of a wider purge of government officials and academic leaders following the coup, which left nearly 300 people dead.

In a statement posted Wednesday on its website, the Turkish-American Scientists and Scholars Association (TASSA) said it is very worried about "the long-term adverse impact that recent events might have on higher education, academic freedom, and scientific advancement in Turkey," and urged government leaders to elevate democracy and academic freedom in the country.

Turkish media reported last week that the country's higher education board demanded the resignations of 1,577 university deans, while the education ministry had fired 15,200 teachers across the country.

Authorities at the interior ministry dismissed nearly 9,000 employees, it has been reported, and the finance ministry fired 1,500 people. Hundreds more were fired in the religious affairs directorate, the family and social policy ministry and the prime minister's office.

In total, about 10,000 Turkish officials have been detained and another 50,000 have been suspended in less than two weeks.
Daring to take on China in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the Philippines went to an international tribunal for justice, and won big. But it turned out to be a pyrrhic victory.

Beijing came back with such ferocity and manipulative diplomacy that other Southeast Asian countries that have similar disputes with it are apparently backing down.

One by one, their positions became clear at meetings this week of Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asian nations, a gathering that was supposed to unanimously call out China for a host of actions in the resource-rich South China Sea  building artificial islands and military airstrips, sending warships, staging live-firing exercises and shooing away fishermen from other countries.

And so, the four-day conclave in Vientiane, the Laotian capital, ended Tuesday with Chinas muscles bulging more than ever, and the vaunted unity of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in disarray.

Neither China nor ASEAN emerged from the Vientiane meetings with honor, said Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, a Singapore-based think tank. Its a sad state of affairs when expectations of ASEAN being able to do anything to lower tensions in the South China Sea are zero, and instead the focus is on whether it can get its act together.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. sought to put a positive spin on the developments.

Whether or not you will say that this is a triumph of China or a triumph of the Philippines, or a defeat of China or a defeat of the Philippines, the fact is clear, he told reporters in Manila yesterday. This is a victory for ASEAN for upholding the very principles of international law and [] more importantly, pursuing our negotiations in the dispute in a peaceful manner.

Be that as it may, the actual resolution of this dispute between China and the Philippines is a matter between China and the Philippines, he said, reflecting a position that suits China perfectly.

The first coup de grace China dealt was at an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting, where it successfully prevented a joint communique from mentioning the July 12 ruling by the Hague-based arbitration panel in favor of the Philippines. While the communique did express concerns about the tensions in the South China Sea, it did so without naming China.

A millstone around the neck of ASEAN  Southeast Asias main grouping  is that it can issue statements only when there is consensus among all 10 members. China leveraged that by ensuring that Cambodia and Laos would not provide that consensus. Both countries receive massive aid from China, which recently announced a USD600 million package to Cambodia.

As an association, ASEAN loses power and relevance when it punts on the most important regional issues, said John Ciorciari, a Southeast Asia expert at the University of Michigan. Yet ASEAN operates by consensus, and when push comes to shove, national interests tend to trump regional solidarity.

Aid has won China some close friends in Southeast Asia, and Cambodia in particular has been quite willing to cast vetoes on communique language inimical to Chinese interests, he said.

China does not accept the arbitration panels ruling, and says all disputes should be settled bilaterally through negotiations. It did not participate in the panels hearings, and insists that almost all of the South China Sea, which is ringed by claimants China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan, belongs to it historically.

It also accuses outside parties  the United States, Japan and Australia  of needling ASEAN countries and raising tensions. After ASEANs failure to rebuke China, those three countries issued a joint statement in Vientiane saying they strongly oppose any coercive unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions.

China lashed out at them yesterday, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying in a statement that the three countries were fanning the flames of regional tension.

Now it is the time to test whether you are peacekeepers or troublemakers, he said.

Diplomats who attended the Laos meetings said it was interesting to see that claimant countries appeared less enthusiastic than others in wanting to rebuke China. Even the Philippines was not too forceful in asking for strong language in the joint ASEAN statement. It repeatedly pointed out that the ruling by the arbitration panel was the result of its unilateral lawsuit, implying that ASEAN should not get involved.

Malaysias foreign minister didnt even show up for the meetings. At a later meeting of ASEAN and Asia-Pacific nations, Brunei took pains to praise Chinas leadership, according to diplomats who attended the meeting.

And on Tuesday, Vietnams deputy foreign minister, Le Hoai Trung, told The Associated Press that his country prefers bilateral dialogue with China, which Beijing wants.

The Philippines is in a tight spot because even though it went to the tribunal and won, that was under the previous government of Benigno Aquino III. President Rodrigo Duterte, Aquinos successor, has made friendly overtures to Beijing and is leaning toward bilateral negotiations.

But the bottom line is that the tribunals decision, although legally binding, is non-enforceable. The arbitration panel didnt take a position on who owns the disputed territories, which include reefs and rocky outcroppings in the vast sea. It concluded only that many of them are legally rocks, even if theyve been built into islands, and therefore do not include the international rights to develop the surrounding waters.

Now it is up to China to decide what concessions it wants to make, and how much pressure the smaller countries can take.

At this point, it [the ruling] is not a magic stick [] its not a solution to everything, but rather it needs to be combined with other measures, said Tran Viet Thai, deputy director of the Institute of Strategic Studies, a Vietnamese government think tank.

China is showing no signs of slowing down its efforts to exert control over the South China Sea.

State-run companies are joining forces to offer luxury cruises in the waters. Three companies dealing in shipping, tourism and construction will contribute to running as many as eight cruise liners by June 2017 to service a region through which an estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes each year. Theyre also building four docks, which will be able to handle 2 million passengers a year.

One of Chinas main cellphone carriers, China Telecommunications Corp., has extended 4G service to several disputed South China Sea islands. Its competitor China Mobile Communications Corp. already offers similar services.

Along with creating new islands by piling sand on top of coral reefs, China has built airstrips, harbors and lighthouses that is says will benefit fishermen and ship owners who transit the strategic waterway.

Clearly, China is not giving up the sea  tribunal or no tribunal  yet the ruling will continue to hang over it like a dagger.

Its impossible for [the ruling] to be irrelevant, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters in Manila, where he made a stop after the Laos meetings.

But we are not trying to create a confrontation. We are trying to create a solution, he said. Vijay Joshi, Vientiane, AP
Turkey was riding high in 2010, casting its brand of Islamic piety, Western-style democracy and economic growth as a regional model amid popular upheavals in the Mideast and North Africa.

Six years later, it is mired in tension with neighbors and allies, dominated by a president seeking to increase his constitutional powers and now enmeshed in a purge of large sectors of society after an uprising by renegade military officers.

The changes that led to this turn in Turkeys fortunes include internal rifts  the collapse of a Kurdish peace process and the alleged erosion of democratic rights under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are among them  as well as the war in Syria and other regional chaos in which Turkey has taken sides.

Erdogan is also sparring with the United States, a NATO ally, over his demand that Washington extradite Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Turkey accuses of orchestrating the July 15 coup attempt.

And on Aug. 9, the Turkish president is scheduled to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in an effort to repair strained ties following Turkeys apology for shooting down a Russian fighter jet last year. The breach has cost Turkey an important source of tourists, and stalled energy deals.

Turkeys trajectory in the past decade represents the struggle of a strategically located nation, spanning the Asian and European continents, to shine on an international stage. Now, after the failed uprising, the government is trying to rid the military, judiciary and other institutions of suspected Gulen supporters.

Nearly 16,000 people were detained for questioning over suspected links to the coup attempt, and about half were arrested to face trial, Interior Minister Efkan Ala said.

On Wednesday, authorities issued warrants for the detention of 47 former executives or senior journalists of Turkeys Zaman newspaper for alleged links to Gulen, who denies any involvement in the coup attempt. Such detentions have raised concerns that people could be targeted simply for criticizing the government.

The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders condemned Turkeys purges of journalists, saying they have assumed increasingly alarming proportions.

Criticizing the government and working for media outlets that support the Gulen Movement do not constitute evidence of involvement in the failed coup, said Johann Bihr, who heads the organizations Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk.

Turkeys Justice Ministry denied an Amnesty International report alleging that some of those detained were tortured. Correct arrest and custody procedures were being applied under a three-month state of emergency announced last week, it said.

Reflecting tension with allies, Turkey has complained of a lack of strong support from European nations and the United States for the governments sweeping efforts to weed out suspected plotters and Gulens supporters.

Until now, we have not received the backing and the statements that we, the whole of Turkey, expect from these countries, said Energy Minister Berat Albayrak, who is also Erdogans son-in-law.

A linchpin of Turkeys former appeal was its now-moribund bid to join the European Union, and Turkish rhetoric described the country as a bridge between the West and Muslim countries. Turkey even sought to facilitate talks between archenemies Israel and Syria, though that effort collapsed after Israels 2008-2009 Gaza war.

Turkey was a shining star in the region. It was a country whose word was listened to, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, Turkeys main opposition leader, said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday.

However, this has been lost to a great extent because Turkey intervened in the internal affairs of other countries, Kilicdaroglu said.

At the time, Turkeys leaders said they had to adjust their policy of diplomatic outreach, dubbed zero problems with neighbors, because of rapidly unfolding, historic change.

Erdogan supported the revolt against Egypts Hosni Mubarak in 2011, but has frosty ties with military rulers who toppled Islamist leader Mohammed Morsi in 2013. Also in 2011, the Turkish leader backed NATO air strikes in Libya, which descended into more chaos after Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafis death.

Erdogan previously vacationed with Syrian President Bashar Assad, but demanded his ouster as the conflict intensified there. Today, after allegedly tolerating a flow of weapons and fighters to Syrian rebel groups, Turkey hosts 3 million Syrian refugees. It has suffered extremist bombings after backing the U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic State group, and attacks from Kurdish separatists.

Although Turkey has couched foreign policy in terms of human rights, detractors claim Erdogan, a Sunni Muslim, was leaning toward a sectarian position in various conflicts and using language seen as critical of Shiite Muslims in Iraq and elsewhere.

Internally, the coup attempt by suspected supporters of Gulen exposed deep tensions in Turkey, fueled partly by concern that the president is pushing toward autocratic rule. While Erdogan has presided over the ruling partys extraordinary electoral success since 2002, he has also alienated secular Turks who believe he wants to impose an Islamic lifestyle.

A police crackdown on demonstrations in 2013 that began as a protest against the urban development of Istanbuls Gezi Park killed a dozen people and undermined Turkeys credentials as a stable democracy.

Turkeys robust economic growth during Erdogans early years in power was the envy of the region, but Standard & Poors recently downgraded its credit rating for Turkey deeper into junk status, citing the failed coup and political turmoil. Erdogan said there were no justified reasons for the downgrade, declaring: Our economic indicators are so much better than most countries in the world.

However, Dani Rodrik, an economist at Harvards Kennedy School of Government, suggested in an email to The Associated Press that Erdogans recent overtures to Russia and Israel were flip-flops that reflected worries about the Turkish economy and efforts to revive business.

Turkonfed, a non-governmental group that represents Turkish businesses, welcomed a recent meeting in which Erdogan and two opposition leaders discussed national unity.

Tarkan Kadooglu, president of the business group, said: The society is in need of a political language that is uniting, not one that is polarizing. Christopher Torchia, AP, Istanbul

The latest developments

 Turkish state media says Turkey has shut down dozens of media organizations, including 45 newspapers and 16 TV stations.

 State media says close to 1,700 officers discharged from military following failed military coup.

 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concerns at the Turkish governments restrictions on individual rights under the state of emergency imposed after a failed July 15 coup.

 A lawyer said the eight Turkish military personnel who fled to Greece in a military helicopter after the failed coup have earned a postponement in the discussion of their applications for political asylum.
The attempted military coup in Turkey earlier this month marked a regression to less stable times for the geopolitically vital country, strategically saddled on the boundary between Europe and Asia. From the outsiders perspective, the role of Turkey as a former regional model is being pulled into question as president Erdogan strengthens his constitutional powers, sweeps away extensive democratic rights and cracks down on dissenting journalists. Together with the collapse of the Kurdish peace process and the countrys involvement in the Syrian Civil War, Turkeys choices are inviting ever-more serious threats  both inside and out. READ MORE

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EXTRA 2610  Tense Turkey
JAPAN The former employee accused of killing 19 disabled people and injuring others at a care home in Japan moved briskly and methodically inside buildings and rooms he knew, finishing the deadliest mass attack in postwar Japan in less than one hour, officials said.

INDONESIA rebuffed appeals from distraught relatives, rights advocates and foreign governments to abandon plans to execute 14 people for drug crimes as preparations intensified at the prison island holding death row inmates.

AUSTRALIAN officials confirmed that data recovered from a home flight simulator owned by the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 showed that someone had used the device to plot a course to the southern Indian Ocean, where the missing jet is believed to have crashed. More on p16



NORTH KOREAs top diplomat for U.S. affairs told The Associated Press that Washington crossed the red line and effectively declared war by putting leader Kim Jong Un [pictured] on its list of sanctioned individuals. More on p12

NEPAL Thirteen people were killed and 35 others sustained injuries yesterday when a passenger bus veered off the mountain highway and plunged some 200 meters down in Dhankuta District of Nepal, some 600 kilometers east of capital Kathmandu.



INDIA Wildlife workers have rescued six rhino calves from being washed away by floodwaters that have swamped a national park in northeastern India. Torrential monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding in Assam state and forced around 1.2 million people to leave their water-logged homes. The rains have also flooded vast tracts of the Kaziranga National Park, home to the worlds largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros.



FRANCE Vacationers in the French Riviera city of Cannes have been banned from bringing big bags to the beach for security reasons in hopes of deterring a terrorist attack. Cannes Mayor David Lisnard says the restriction seeks to stop bags that could contain explosives or weapons and allows police forces to intervene in a pragmatic way.

SOUTH SUDANs army pledged to investigate allegations its soldiers raped civilians after the United Nations said it documented 120 cases of sexual violence during fighting in the capital earlier this month.
HANSEN  Southern Idaho Muzzleloaders Association will hold its next shoot at 9 a.m. Saturday at Langford Flats in the South Hills.

The shoot will be hosted by Broken Nipple and Grizzly, and its time for members to start thinking of whom they want for 2017 officers.
Volunteers  St. Lukes Home Health and Hospice is looking for new volunteers to join its team to share compassion and care and increase the quality of life for patients and their families. The program is designed to offer companionship and socialization to patients as well as respite and support for the caregivers. Information: Marie Sharp, 208-814-7603 or sharpm@slhs.org.

Volunteers  Hospice Visions Inc. is looking for volunteers to visit with patients and their families, do minor home modifications such as grab bars, and also volunteer Light Touch Massage therapists, hair dressers, meal assist volunteers, and to play music and games with hospice patients. Volunteers are needed with licensed certified therapy animals to love our hospice patients in their own homes or assisted living centers. Hospice Visions is looking for volunteers interested in doing art projects with patients or filming and creating a Life Legacy Video, or to take someone to the store, run an errand or out for a drive. Veterans can become a Vet-to-Vet Volunteer and visit with other veterans. Volunteers are also needed to assist with fundraising events and provide office assistance. Information: Nora at 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org.

Volunteers  Idaho Home Health and Hospice needs volunteers who will bring compassion, support and dignity to those facing a serious, life-limiting illness and their families. Volunteers can choose between offering respite to family caregivers or provide support with administrative tasks. Information: Heidi Walker, 208-734-4064 or Heidi.Walker@LHCgroup.com..

Drivers  The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program in Twin Falls. Volunteers will drive patients to and from medical treatments. Commitment is flexible. Information: Renae Delucia at renae.delucia@cancer.org or 702-891-9023.

Volunteers  The Twin Falls County Historical Society is seeking volunteers for various programs and general support. Volunteers are needed to paint, weed, clean or work on docent projects and fundraising. No minimum amount of hours, commitment is flexible. Fill out an application at the Twin Falls County Historical Museum (Union School at Curry), open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: 208-736-4675.

Volunteers  Interlink Volunteer Caregivers provides volunteers to help elderly, disabled and chronically ill people live safely and independently in their homes. Volunteers assist with transportation to health-related appointments and essential errands, light housekeeping chores, friendly visits, yard maintenance and simple home repairs. Carpenters and handymen are also needed. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage and covered with excess auto liability insurance. Commitment is flexible with no minimum hours required. Information: Edie, 208-733-6333 or ivcofmv@gmail.com.

Drivers  The Twin Falls Senior Center delivers meals to homebound seniors in the Twin Falls area Monday through Friday, and the routes take an hour or less to complete. Commitment is based on your availability; pick a day of the week or drive once or twice a month, pick a week to drive, or be a substitute driver. Volunteers must be 18 years of age with their own car, and have proof of liability insurance. Drivers receive 54 cents a mile fuel reimbursement. Information: Sandee Earl, 208-734-5084.

Volunteers  St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center is in need of volunteers for a variety of positions from shuttle drivers to care volunteers to gift shop volunteers and more. The medical center is looking for pleasant, and friendly individuals with a sincere interest in voluntary services offered to patients, visitors, employees and guests. Meet new people and learn new experiences and challenges. Information: Kim Patterson at 814-0861 or kimpa@slhs.org, or visit the Volunteer Services Office, lower level at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center; 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls. Applications are available at the Front Information Desk.
TWIN FALLS  The College of Southern Idahos Herrett Center for Arts and Science is launching a new after-school program for teenagers in September.

The free program  open to students in ninth through 12th grades  is funded by the Idaho Humanities Council and is the first of its kind in Idaho.

Participants will go on field trips and hear presentations from guest speakers.

The teens will have a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Herrett Center with a diverse group of new peers, Herrett Center Education Facilitator Laura Browarny said. Were creating a safe place for open dialogue about the past, present, and future of southern Idaho.

There will be time for teens to connect with each other and share their opinions, she said. Snacks will be provided.

The After School Teen Community for the Humanities will meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for 12 weeks starting in mid-September at the Herrett Center on the CSI campus in Twin Falls. A few Saturday field trips will take the place of weekday meetings.

Space in the program will be limited to 25 students. Transportation to and from the Herrett Center may be arranged.

Applications are being taken now through Sept. 6. Members will be notified of their acceptance to the program by Sept. 9.

The program website and online applications can be found at http://herrett.csi.edu/teens/. For more information, call 208-732-6664 or email lbrowarny@csi.edu.
TWIN FALLS  Brad Little says his background and his relationships with local governments are strengths that he would bring to the set him apart from Gov. C.L. Butch Otter, who he is seeking to replace when the governor retires.

Im obviously a small-agriculture, rural-community guy, and I think thats part of the perspective I bring and come from, Little, Idahos lieutenant governor and the only official candidate in the 2018 race for governor, told the Times-News editorial board Wednesday.

Little pointed to his background, noting he has spent his entire career in Idaho, an implied difference with Otter, who as well as his career in state politics spent six years in Congress. Little comes from a ranching family from Emmett, managed his family ranch for decades and spent years on the board of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry.

Little also said, while Otter doesnt have a bad relationship with local governments in Idaho, his own is probably better.

I think this need for robust growth in these rural communities is really important, he said.

Little and Otter are both Republicans. Many Idaho political observers had expected Little to run for governor, but he put an end to the speculation by filing the paperwork a month ago, making him the first official candidate to succeed Otter, whose term ends in 2018 and who had already said his third term would be his last.

Little will likely face opposition both from within his party and without. While no Democrats have declared their candidacy, state Democratic Party spokesman Dean Ferguson said several people are interested in the gig.

At least a couple I know of would be competitive, Ferguson said.

And while Little considers himself to be a conservative Republican  moderate in Idaho is a relative word, he said  many expect him to face a primary challenge from the right, as well. One name that has frequently been floated is U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador. Labrador told Boise State Public Radio earlier this year that he was focused on winning his re-election bid to Congress and would give it serious consideration after that.

Little said his own governing philosophy starts from an almost libertarian standpoint of why should government be doing this, period? But, he said, Idaho needs infrastructure and human talent to be competitive.

I think Im very representative of the Republican Party in Idaho, Little said.

Little said he has been a huge supporter of the Otter administrations plans to improve education, an area where the state cut deeply during the recession but has started to increase spending again over the past two years. Many of the increases and innovations have stemmed from the recommendations of the governors education task force. Little introduced a resolution during this years legislative session endorsing the states goal of boosting the number of 25-to-34-year-olds with post-high school degrees to 60 percent by 2020.

Election 2016

Little said he plans to vote for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, viewing him as better than the alternative. He said he worries about the federal debt, and that states with growing economies will be better situated if things go badly.

Frankly, I hope that President Trump gets in and does start making drastic changes, and some of the things the federal government does, they quit doing, and he practices true federalism and sends a lot of those responsibilities back to the state, Little said, citing education, transportation funding and some environmental issues as areas where states should have a bigger role and the federal government a smaller one.

Many people have not been participating in politics, Little said, and its a good thing if Trump brings some of them in. Little said many people are angry at the federal government, and that both Trump and Bernie Sanders, who ran for the Democratic nomination but lost to Hillary Clinton, tapped into some of the same feeling at opposite ends of the political spectrum.

If he brings a bunch of new people to the process, that is good, Little said of Trump. Our democratic republic only works if there is participation.
TWIN FALLS  Karen Fothergill is not a full-time artist, but shes always an art teacher.

Even during summer break.

In June, she taught courses at Camp Masterpiece, a week-long fine arts camp held at the College of Southern Idaho, for children in kindergarten through seventh-grade.

Saturday will mark the 25th year Fothergill has helped organize the Magic Valley Art Councils Kids Art in the Park. Its an event that brings more than 350 children to Twin Falls City Park to take art classes. Fothergill is in charge of recruiting teachers, ordering supplies and making sure the workshops are age appropriate.

First and foremost, I am an art teacher, Fothergill said. Its so good for kids to be expressive. To feel like they are a part of something.

When school starts back up in September, she will have worked in the Filer School District for 15 years. She is the only full-time art teacher in the district.

Over the years, she has received many accolades. In 2013, she was named Idaho State Art Teacher of the Year and the High School Teacher of the Year from the Idaho Art Education Association. She has also served as the associations past president and co-president. In 2009, she won the Twin Falls Mayors Award in Support of Art Education.

In July, she was handpicked by Idahos governor for her latest award.

Fothergill was selected to receive the 2016 Support of Arts Education award from Gov. C.L. Butch Otter and first lady Lori Otter. There were 11 winners including CSIs Camille Barigar, who received an award for Excellence in Arts Administration.

I feel pretty honored definitely, Fothergill said. It was a surprise to me. I didnt know they nominated me.

Fothergill was nominated by the Magic Valley Arts Council, a program she has been involved with since the 1990s. She was its coordinator from 1991 to 1997.

Shes been an incredible advocate over the years for youth art programs, said Carolyn White, MVAC executive director. Shes just had a huge impact on people in this area.

Fothergill started out as an art teacher at Gooding High School and later worked at Twin Falls High School. She opened the Creative Art Center from 2000 to 2005, where she taught art classes to children and adults, before starting the art department in Filer.

I built the program up in one semester, she said. Ive been really happy there.

Her teaching style is to give students the tools they need in an environment that fosters their creativity.

When she was a college student, her favorite teacher was Phil Sultz, who taught art at Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo.

He was so passionate, she said. He would dance around when drawing.

Though she started out as an artist, Fothergill said, she was always meant to be a teacher. She used to play teacher as a child and make up worksheets for her two younger brothers.

I feel like there are a lot of good art teachers, she said. Im not perfect. I just put a lot of love into what I do. I really want to get to kids spirits and help them. And I think I do that. I help them find who they are and they teach me too.
Its always been my conviction that if Hillary Clinton could be appointed president, shed do a bang-up job. Getting elected, however, might prove more difficult. Michelle Goldberg does an excellent job defining the problem in a Slate article about why so many people say they hate her.

Theres a reason actors do screen tests, Goldberg writes. Not everyones charm translates to film and video. For as long as Hillary Clinton has been in public life, people whove met in her person have marveled at how much more likable she is in the flesh than she is on television.

As a friendly acquaintance since 1980, Id second that. My wife, who worked with her on the board of Arkansas Childrens Hospital, will hear nothing against her. We recently read a Facebook posting from a friend in Eureka Springs. Neither a big shot nor a political activist, she was profoundly touched that after her husband died in a bicycle crash, one of her first callers was New Yorks newly elected senator. Hillary had left Arkansas for good, but not its people.

But no, her personal warmth doesnt always come across on TV. Shes anything but a natural actress. However, like most pundits, Goldberg glosses over the issue thats plagued Hillary since Bill Clintons first term: the unrelenting hostility of Washingtons courtier press.

People say they dont trust the media, and then they credit the imaginary scandals this cohort has peddled for 25 years. The exact causes of Clinton-hatred among the press clique remain obscure. Was it Bill Clintons humble Arkansas origins? Humbling the Bush family? Failing to pay homage to society hostess Sally Quinn? Nobody knows.

Todd S. Purdum has recently offered a classic in the genre: a compulsively disingenuous Politico piece entitled Why Cant Hillary Stop Fudging the Truth? It begins by describing a brief, but revelatory exchange between Clinton and Charlie Rose.

Asked about her damn emails, and FBI Director James Comeys press conference about them, Hillary tried to broaden Roses focus.

Well, I would hope that you, like many others, would also look at what (Comey) said when he testified before Congress, she said, because when he did, he clarified much of what he had said in his press conference.

If youre like most Americans, you dont know that when Comey testified, he was forced to walk back his assertion that the FBI found three (out of 30,000) documents marked classified among her emails.

Were they properly marked? Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) asked.

No, Comey answered.

So wouldnt the absence of such markings tell her immediately that those three documents were not classified?

That would be a reasonable inference, Comey said.

In other words, contrary to the FBI directors grandstanding press conference and a million Republicans chanting Hillary lied, there were zero documents marked classified on her server. Not one.

So was Comey dissembling during his press conference? Or had he made an honest error? Pundits like Purdum know better than to ask. He never acknowledged Comeys walk back. No, the real issue was Hillarys sloppiness, and her forgetting Comey used that exact word.

The pattern is unmistakable, Purdum scolded, from the Whitewater inquiry (when she resisted disclosing documents about a failed Arkansas land deal) ... to the Rose Law Firm billing records (which infamously and mysteriously turned up in the White House residence after shed said they were missing) to the Monica Lewinsky affair and the State Department emails themselves.

A more misleading paragraph would be hard to imagine. In fact, the Clintons voluntarily delivered Whitewater documents to the independent counsel, but not to New York Times reporters whose inept, downright deceptive reporting created the bogus scandal.

If there had to be an investigation, they wanted a real one.

Also, the famous billing records didnt turn up in the White House residence, mysteriously or otherwise. An aide found them in a box under her desk in the Old Executive Office Building, where shed misplaced them. (They were Xerox copies, incidentally. Hence no motive for hiding them existed.)

Once found, of course, they vindicated Hillarys sworn testimony. See Joe Conasons and my book The Hunting of the President for details.

As to the Monica Lewinsky affair, is there anybody in America who doesnt know Bill Clinton played slap and tickle with a young thing at the office and lied about it?

How is that his wifes fault?

Anyone whos followed Hillary Clintons political career has seen this happen time and again. Ballyhooed charges of wrongdoing and/or perjury that collapse in the light of evidence, only to have newly imagined allegations follow almost at once.

Can you say Benghazi?

Some years ago, I got to ask the late televangelist Jerry Falwell on camera which of the Ten Commandments was the worse sin, adultery or false witness? Falwell had peddled the Clinton Chronicles, hysterical videos charging the president with drug smuggling and murder.

To his credit, Falwell said they were equally bad.
This appeared in the Idaho Statesman:

The bad news came last April when the Idaho Legislature walked away from its 2016 session without hammering out a solution to assist the estimated 78,000 Idahoans who face today and tomorrow without health insurance. The good news is that members of the Legislature  in the form of the bipartisan Healthcare Alternatives For Citizens Below 100 Percent of Poverty Level committee, made up of Idaho House and Senate representatives  is back talking about care for our neighbors who dont make enough money to enroll in the Your Health Idaho exchange, and who make too much to benefit from coverage under Medicaid.

There is also uncertain news wrapped up in a big question: Can this body move beyond the stalemate of the last several years and provide policy to get health care to the Medicaid gap population? We think it can. In fact, it must.

The numbers just dont add up to keep doing what we are doing  delivering health care to people in a crisis through emergency rooms and such. It costs more than it would if Idaho decided to expand Medicaid and gain access to federal money, which is what 31 other states have done. Or, in lieu of that, fashion a more customized plan by taking advantage of waiver options.

We are concerned about some things that came up as the Wednesday meeting came to a close, such as hedging bets with plans that assume the Affordable Care Act might not be in force in January when a new president and Congress take office.

Backup or alternative plans are worth discussion, but no one is going to unravel the ACA overnight. And besides, Idaho should want to care for those 78,000 people no matter what happens on Election Day.

We were encouraged the committee wants to examine what other states have done, because it makes sense to take advantage of things that worked and avoid those that didnt.

We are also encouraged by something Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-Inkom, said near the close of the session: This committees work cant be data rich and policy poor.

He encourages his colleagues to focus, move quickly, act and come to a conclusion. We couldnt agree more. The people in the gap are depending on it.
Outspoken Kuwaiti Member of Parliament, Abdulhameed Dashti, famous for his strong criticism of other Gulf States was sentenced in absentia to 14 years and 6 months in prison by a Kuwaiti court on Wednesday.

The MP was sued for his statements deemed endangering the countrys diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as well as for his urging people to join Hezbollah.

Abdulhameed Dashti described the sentence as oppressive but he didnt state if he would appeal the verdict. Anyways, he can lodge an appeal only if he is in Kuwait.

Dashti is one of the nine Shias in the 50-seat parliament and his criticisms of Sunni states has often been seen in certain quarters as a backing to Iranian policies.

He had termed the intervention of Saudi forces to quell the 2011 demonstrations in Bahrain under the wave of the Arab Spring as an invasion while scolding the authorities in Manama for their policies. His support for President Assad has also raised eyebrows as the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council are united against the government in Damascus.

He also wanted to question the Foreign Minister on Kuwaits participation in the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, arguing that the countrys participation in the war is a violation of the constitution. His colleagues in the parliament countered his request, viewed as a support to the Houthi Movement, dominated by Shias, allegedly backed by Iran.

MP Dashti left Kuwait in March for medical treatment in Britain but it is still unclear if he will return home to challenge the 11 years and six months sentence for insulting Saudi Arabia and the 3 years in prison for a similar action against Bahrain. His sentencing could increase over the next couple of months as he has several other court cases trailing behind him.
The visit of a former Saudi military general together with a delegation of academics and businessmen to Israel has been described as an isolated event by an unnamed governmental official.

The visit does not reflect the views of the Saudi government, the official was quoted by al-Hayat newspaper as saying, while reports emanating from Israel claim that Riyadhs permission was likely necessary for such a visit to take place.

Saudi Arabia, like the majority of other Arab states, does not have official relations with Israel and the unnamed official referred to the Jewish State as the occupied territories of Palestine.

During their visit, the delegation met with director general of the foreign ministry Dore Gold, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai, and several Knesset members from the opposition at the King David hotel in Jerusalem. The delegation also toured the West Bank city of Ramallah and met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as well as other Palestinian officials.

Such visits are considered by Tel Aviv as a milestone in its effort to have official diplomatic ties with Arab States.

Saudi Arabia bans its citizens from visiting Israel and does not grant entry visas to Israelis.

The presence of businessmen in the delegation hints that they could be eyeing investment opportunities and partnership as the Capital Market Authority, Saudi market regulator, prepares to ease restrictions for foreign investors, even though it is unlikely that Israeli companies will be authorized to operate in the kingdom. Israel has already positioned itself as a renowned technological center especially for innovative startups.
Qamishli, referred to as the capital of self-declared autonomous Kurdish state on Syrian territory, suffered its first major attack with a truck bomb that killed at least 40 people and injured more than a 100.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack as a response to the crimes committed by the crusader coalition aircraft in the town of Manjib where the Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces are fighting.

Joan Ibrahim, commander of the Kurdish security forces, promised to revenge the dirty attack on the city.

According to IS, the attack targeted a complex of Kurdish administration buildings, including the defense ministry. The area is considered as a secure zone and that has raised questions as to how the truck came close to the area amid several checkpoints. The town is close to the Turkish border and is dominantly in the hands of the Kurds but pro-Assad forces control the airport.

Director Rami Abdel Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the blast is the biggest in Qamishli in terms of both the toll and the damage since the beginning of the war. Rescue workers are still trying to help those trapped under the rubble and also pull out dead bodies. IS has attacked several Kurdish cities in the past but Wednesdays attack seems to be the most fatal in a single explosion.

Kurdish fighters have been very influential in the fight against the IS and they have proven to be the most successful ground force in terms of reclaiming and controlling territories from the extremist group.

IS-linked militants have increased the scope of attacks in several countries especially in the Middle East and Europe. Their tactics can simply be benchmarked as kill as more people as you can regardless of them being civilians or serving in the military.
Within a week, Israeli authorities have announced the planned construction of more than 1000 housing units in the occupied Palestinian territories prompting condemnation from the EU and the US.

Jerusalems Major, Nik Barkat, said the plans are not new, and were approved three years ago and the latest action concerned technical details of plot distribution within the previously approved project in a recent municipal planning committee.

A 770 housing plan unit in the settlement of Gilo was announced on Monday followed by the publishing of tenders for 323 units in East Jerusalem settlements on Wednesday.

EU spokesperson David Kriss said the decision undermines the viability of a two-state solution and raises legitimate questions about Israels long-term intentions given that some Israeli ministers have stated that there should never be a Palestinian state.

This pattern of provocative and counterproductive actions raises serious questions about Israels ultimate commitment to a peaceful, negotiated settlement with the Palestinians, he said.

Israels major ally, the US, also criticized the decision. State Department spokesman John Kirby warned Israel that its policy of continuing to occupy Palestinian lands and settling on them risks entrenching a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict as stated in the Quartet report prepared by the United States, European Union, Russia and the UN.

Although the settlements are illegal under international law, Israel continues to defy the international community with the support of the US.

The latest talks between Palestinian and Israeli authorities date back to 2014 and efforts to revive them have barely progressed.
Moroccan authorities have announced this Wednesday the arrest of 52 Islamic State suspects who were planning terror attacks in the North African kingdom.

The Isis militants were captured in an impressive anti-terror operation launched by the Moroccan security services which seized weapons and bomb-making materials.

The 52 arrested were among 143 people investigated in many Moroccan cities and towns, said a statement released by the interior ministry.

They were planning to create an Islamic State province (Wilayat) in Morocco, added the statement, noting that the militants were also planning to kill Moroccan security and military officers as well as tourists, and launch terror attacks targeting prisons and festivals and other institutions in the country.

Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation, the judicial part of the Moroccan domestic intelligence service, has tracked suspected militants since Islamic State established itself as a global threat.

The North African kingdom, an ally of the West against Islamist militancy, has been on high alert since 2014, when IS took control of large swathes of northern Iraq and Syria.

Morocco has dismantled 38 suspected militant cells with Islamic State ties since 2013, the statement said, adding 159 cells had been found since 2002.

The North African country has been the target of militant attacks, most recently in 2011 in Marrakesh, when an explosion in a cafe killed 15 people, mostly foreigners.

Morocco has worked out a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy that includes vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and counter-radicalization policies.

This strategy has been built on a global approach based on prevention, anticipation, education, rehabilitation, eradication of terrorism roots and international cooperation.

The North African country has placed counterterrorism at the top of its priorities following the Casablanca terror attacks in 2003 and the subsequent attacks of 2007 and 2011.

In 2015, Moroccos counterterrorism efforts mitigated the risk of terrorism but the country continues to face threats, largely from numerous small, independent violent extremist cells.

According to foreign intelligence reports, approximately 1,500 Moroccans are believed to have joined terrorist organizations since 2011, with 719 fighting alongside ISIS.

The Moroccan government is concerned about the potential return of veteran Moroccan jihadist fighters from those conflict zones to conduct possible terrorist attacks at home.
How it all began

Around age 6, a completely mobile Arredondo noticed that he felt tired when walking long distances and fell more often than his classmates.

It was hard to keep up with the other kids, he said. When I used to go up the stairs or curbs, it was really hard. Those muscles werent as strong, I guess, so I couldnt do those things.

Arredondos difficulty with movement was not just on his own radar. His mom and his teachers noticed, too.

Becoming a patient at Stanford was a new opportunity for Edgar to have life.

At 9 years old, he had a muscle biopsy. He was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease that causes muscle breakdown and weakness. It typically affects muscles in the thighs, hips, shoulders and pelvic area.

Arredondo got around mostly by walking until he entered junior high, when he opted to use a wheelchair to navigate the campus. Other than that, the condition did not faze him. School was going well and he had a loyal group of friends. They would include me in everything, even if I couldnt do anything, he said.

When he was a high school freshman, Arredondos dystrophy began to show its unpredictable side. He felt very weak, had little appetite and often couldnt keep his food down.

After a series of tests, it was determined that the disease was affecting a very important muscle: his heart.

With muscular dystrophy, you get a dilated cardiomyopathy, a weakness of the heart muscle that is in direct parallel to the skeletal muscle, Rosenthal said.

Arredondo was referred by Childrens Hospital Oakland to Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford, the only pediatric heart transplant center in Northern California.

Its a referral his family is very grateful for.

Becoming a patient at Stanford was a new opportunity for Edgar to have life, said Imelda Arredondo, Edgars mother. The doctors and nurses love their work. They worry not just about the patient, but the family, too. No matter your background they treat you good.

Ventricular assist device program

Mending poorly working hearts is nothing new for Packard Childrens. For years, the program has been using medications and VADs to keep childrens hearts functioning while they await a transplant.

Historically, life with a VAD has meant staying inside the hospital. Rosenthal and his team pioneered the use of durable VADs in kids, building the foundation for a treatment program that includes living at home and going to a mainstream school. The result for many patients is a higher quality of life.

In 2010, we started using a VAD called the HeartMate 2, which is totally implanted in the body and has wires on the outside that are easier to care for, nurse practitioner Aileen Lin, RN, said. Most places werent trying this in kids yet. At the time, it was a huge push in the field.

It takes a lot of manpower to get these kids back to being kids, which is one of the main goals of pediatric VAD support.

In Arredondos case, the pressure in his lungs was too high to allow for an immediate heart transplant, so the care team decided that a VAD would allow the lungs to recover and the pressure to fall so that he could undergo a heart transplant in the future.

In addition to providing medical care, a significant part of the VAD program is dedicated to educating patients and their families about the device, setting patients on a path to outpatient life.

We train parents and siblings how to be VAD active, Lin said. We teach them how to change the batteries and when to call the hospital. We also inform the emergency medical service providers in the community where the patient lives to make them aware.

When they were in high school together, Arredondos sister Viviana would help him change his batteries every day at lunchtime.

We learned to make the VAD a part of our lives. Sometimes when our mom is not home at night, I help Edgar get in bed and connect him to his home monitoring system, Viviana said.

The program also addresses patients concerns about issues such as body image, being reliant on a machine and getting treated differently. This support makes patients and their families feel confident about living life outside the hospital.

Our hospital community is very motivated to be involved in the care of these patients. It takes a lot of manpower to get these kids back to being kids, which is one of the main goals of pediatric VAD support, said nurse practitioner Jenna Murray, RN, a ventricular assist device coordinator.

On the horizon

In Rosenthals view, the VAD program is just one example of Packard Childrens commitment to the field of transplantation  and to pushing the envelope in pediatric VAD research.

Some exciting developments are on the horizon. First is a national trial for a new kind of pediatric VAD, spearheaded by Christopher Almond, MD, assistant professor of pediatric cardiology. There are also plans to organize a national trial of the Berlin Heart, one of the first VADs, to look at alternative ways to provide care that will reduce the risk of stroke for patients.

We have had a longstanding interest in how to use VADs in children, and we want to carry that into the future, as well, said Rosenthal.

As for Arredondo, he has made a lasting impression on the hearts of his health-care team.

This is especially true for Lin, who has taken care of him from the beginning and even attended his high school graduation.

I feel incredibly lucky to know someone like Edgar and to be a part of his care, Lin said. Its amazing to see him endure all of these things and take it all in stride. He hasnt missed a step.
Activities in Zimbabwes second city of Bulawayo ground to a halt on Tuesday as hundreds of women demonstrated peacefully to protest the governments handling of the deteriorating economy of the country.

We are in the streets to denounce the injustices and brutality of the police and to ask the government to resolve the socio-economic crisis, said Jenni Williams, president of an organization called Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA).

According to AFP, most protesters who gathered in Bulawayo waved the Zimbabwean flag, which has become the rallying symbol of citizen protest in the country.

Violence is the weapon of the weak, one of many placards at the event read.

The demonstration was one of the biggest popular protests in years against the 92-year-old Mr. Mugabe, whose increasing frailty has fuelled political infighting and instability in this Southern African nation.

It followed weeks of mounting popular anger as the government has struggled to pay civil servants, who are the biggest work force in Zimbabwes formal economy.

Government officials described the protesters as criminals and said they were backed by opposition parties.

Opposition parties, and even some of Mr. Mugabes former allies, have expressed support or sympathy for the protesters, who do not appear to have political links.
Salah Nur Ismail also known Salah Badbado, a former Somali MP was among two suicide bombers that carried out attack on African Union forces base in Mogadishu on Tuesday, Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab militants said on Monday.

The former MP who turned militant since 2010 drove a truck-packed with explosives into the gates of Halane, the largest military base for African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) which is located next to Mogadishu airport.

Salah Nuh was among the braves who have carried out the attack on Halane military base, the group said in statement.

The statement also read He was a former lawmaker but he has repented from the apostasy in the year 2010 when he publicly announced defecting from the apostates.

He killed at least 15, including AU and Somali soldiers.

An audio message purportedly recorded a few hours before the former MP carried out the attack was also broadcasted by the militants on their Andalus radio station.

In his allegedly audio message, the former MP said this suicide task we are going to is for the sake of Allah and it is a religious duty. We have chosen to please Allah and to harm the infidels more than they have harmed the Muslim nation.

As a reminder, Salah Badbado was member of Somali federal parliament in the transitional government from 2000 to 2004.

He was representing his constituency in Sanag region before defecting to the armed group Alshabaab in 2010.
Veteran opposition leader in the Democratic Republic of Congos (DRC), Etienne Tshisekedi came home on Wednesday after he left the country to seek medical treatment in Belgium two years ago.

The 83-year-old, who went to former colonial power Belgium in 2014, landed in the afternoon to a massive welcome by hundreds of his supporters waving his flag at the airport from districts across the city of 11 million.

An ex-prime minister and former ally of notorious dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, veteran politician Etienne Tshisekedi, is preparing once more to pick up the opposition baton in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He is widely expected to lead the opposition charge to force incumbent president Joseph Kabila out of power when his second term expires later this year.

President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, is required by term limits to step down this year, but opponents accuse him of delaying the Nov. 27 poll to cling to power. The government says logistical and budgetary constraints make it unrealistic to hold the election on time.

Note that, Tshisekedi has emerged as Kabilas main opponent following a meeting of Congolese opposition parties in the Belgian capital Brussels earlier in June. The meeting included the G7 coalition, which recently pronounced businessman Moise Katumbi, the former governor of DRCs mineral-rich Katanga province, as its candidate for the presidency.

Etienne Tshisekedi will join an opposition demonstration scheduled for the weekend.
Ghanas Supreme Court on Wednesday jailed two radio panelists and a journalist who threatened the lives of judges of the West African nation.

The panelists, Alistair Nelson, Godwin Ako Gunn and host of the show on local radio network Montie FM, Salifu Maase were found guilty of contempt charges relating to death threats on the lives of two Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood.

Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn allegedly threatened to finish the Supreme Court judges if they made any judgment against the Electoral Commission in the ongoing court case challenging the validity of the voters register. The two have since been widely chastised over the comments.

The three are to spend four months behind bars and ordered to further pay $2,500.

The court further ruled that failure to pay the fine by Thursday July 28th will attract an additional months jail sentence.

Management of Accra-based Montie FM, owned by Network Broadcasting Limited, has banned the two panelists until further notice.

The radio station, in a statement signed by its General Manager, Mutala Mohammed, has also rendered an apology to Chief Justice Theodora Georgina Wood and the judiciary in general over the death threat issued by two of its panelists.

Their lawyers pleaded with the court that, they are first time offenders and the court should have mercy on them but the presiding judge stated that the media and all radio panelists must learn valuable lessons from todays ruling and stop unnecessary attacks on the courts and its judges.

Emmanuel Vitus, Accra
The Kenya Pilot Association (KALPA) has called for an overhaul of Kenya Airways (KQ) management over massive losses recorded since last year.

According to the airlines pilots, the board and senior executives of Kenya Airways lack the ability to steer the carrier out of its current loss-making streak.

KALPA reaffirms its lack of confidence in the board of directors and top-level management overseeing the recovery of Kenya Airways, the union said in a statement.

Kenya Airways is one of the largest carriers in Africa and ferries 10,000 passengers a day with a fleet of Boeing and Embraer jets.

The carrier has been reducing its fleet, selling assets, including planes, and plans to lay off 600 people as it tries to stay in operation after three and a half years of financial losses.

The airline reported a net loss of 26.2 billion shillings ($258m) in the year ending March, up from a net loss of 25.7 billion shillings, a year ago.

In February, the airline turned to global consulting firm McKinsey & Company to draw up a restructuring plan which includes laying off 600 employees, about 15 percent of its workforce.

As a reminder, the pilots grounded dozens of flights on April 28 when they went on strike demanding the removal of CEO Mbuvi Ngunze and other senior executives.
Morocco security authorities announced Wednesday the arrest of 52 suspected terrorists equipped with firearms and explosives in a large scale anti-terrorism operation.

The 52 alleged terrorists according to the ministry of interior were nabbed on July 19 in several cities of the North African countries and accused of pledging allegiance of the Islamic State (IS) group. The suspected terrorists were also in possession firearms, rounds, manuals and several tools for the fabrication of explosives, the ministry also said in a statement.

The suspects were also planning terror attacks against security establishments, recreation centers, detention centers, cultural festivals, the statement said. The suspected terrorists were also planning attacks against security forces and tourists thanks the documents seized.

The intervention of Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) unveiled planned cyber-attacks on the government to undermine the security of the Kingdom.

The arrestees had been using social media to promote IS and to convince minors to travel to conflict zones, the ministry further reported.

143 were initially arrested but 52 have been maintained in custody and will be sent to court for terrorism related charges once the investigation are wounded.

The latest operation is the largest ever since the creation of BCIJ; one year ago.

Morocco has since 2002 dismantled 153 terror cells, 38 of them over the past three months.
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Posted on: July 28, 2016



SERVICE TO MAN IS SERVICE TO GOD



The story of how Swami Karunyananda

came to live with Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

- Part 3

Part 1 || Part 02





Swami Karunyananda is perhaps the only person who came to Swami as a 60 year old and still managed to stay with Him and serve Him for four decades! A common sight for the regular Puttaparthi visitor in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, Swami Karunyananda happily gave up an entire service organisation he had started from scratch in order to find ultimate fulfilment of his life. From walking behind Bhagawan holding an umbrella to holding the empty pot from which Baba manifested vibhuti galore; from staying with Swami to travelling with Him to distant places - Karunyananda was blessed with it all. His is a story extraordinaire of a mans passion for service and Gods appreciation of it.





Faith, miracles and doubt

In an enlightening discourse on the way one should lead ones life, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba gave a simile on why the human mind doubts the Avatar (God in human form).

When you hear the word, Rasalu mango, you conceive of a sweet juicy fruit; but, when you have the fruit actually in hand, you are pestered by doubts whether it is really Rasalu, whether it will taste sweet or sour.



Where only the Name of the Lord is concerned, there is faith. However, when a form accompanies the name, there is doubt and a tendency to check and test. It appears as though very few are immune to the doubts that arise from the form. Even Swami Karunyananda was no exception.



His arrival at the lotus feet of Bhagawan Baba had been the culmination of a lifetime of service which he rendered first in his individual capacity and later through the Gowthami Jeeva Karunya Sangham. Among the several activities taken up, the prominent ones were giving refuge to refugees from Burma during the 2nd World War, rehabilitation assistance to the flood-stricken people of Orissa (today called Odisha), famine relief in Rayalaseema, a leprosarium in Rajahmundry, an old-age home each for people and for cows and a local library for school children. Seeing God in society and nature had taken Karunyananda face-to-face with God on Earth.

Swami gave Karunyananda ample proof of His omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience. One day, when he was in Puttaparthi, Swami walked up to him and said,



Look at your nurses! They were careless and neglected their duty. You must instruct them to be careful and see that patients are not neglected.

"This lady came and helped", said the grateful mother Kameshwaramma

pointing to this very picture of Swami!

Karunyanandas face went blank. He had no idea of what Swami was saying. He immediately made enquiries from the Sangham and what he heard simply thrilled him.



Kameshwaramma was a pregnant widow at Rajahmundry and also had two young children to take care of. Karunyananda came to know of her situation. So, he had the trio taken under the care of the Sangham. He personally instructed the nurses to tend to Kameshwaramma. Weeks later, he had travelled to Puttaparthi. Though the nurses tended to the woman, they went out to watch a movie one night. That happened to be the fateful night when Kameshwaramma developed labour pains. She cried out in pain and fear but there was no nurse to attend on her. At that moment, a strange looking lady walked into the room. With great expertise and immense love, she delivered the baby, soothed Kameshwaramma and walked out. The nurses returned and hurried to Kameshwarammas bedside hearing the wailing of a baby.



This lady came and helped in the delivery, she said pointing to a photograph.



It was a picture of Bhagawan Baba!



Yet Karunyananda was plagued by doubts! For nearly nine years after that wonderful tour with Baba in 1956, Karunyananda kept getting doubts of Swamis divinity. That is the power of Maya that accompanies any Advent.



Testing times



When he saw Swami materialise vibhuti effortlessly by the wave of a hand, Karunyananda thought that it was some sort of an optical illusion. On one occasion, Swami gave the vibhuti to him. Karunyananda quickly deposited the ash into a small metal, air-tight box and locked it with a key. He opened it several days later and saw that the vibhuti was still there. That convinced him that the ash was not just a magical hoax! He did not know then that Swami had planned a bigger proof for him along with a wonderful opportunity. That came during the Dasara festival.

Karunyananda accompanied Swami on to the dais where a silver idol of Shirdi Baba awaited them. All the devotees had assembled in the hall and were singing bhajans in full fervour. Swami asked him to pick up a small wooden pot and hold it upturned above the idol of Shirdi Baba. Karunyananda did as he was told. Swami pulled up the sleeves of His robe beyond His elbows. Stepping forward, He inserted His right hand into the empty pot. In an instant, Karunyananda felt it becoming very heavy. The next instant, Swami began rotating His hand and vibhuti began to pour out copiously from the pot on the silver idol. The vibhuti Abhishekam had just begun!



Previously, when Swami had done the vibhuti Abhishekam, Karunyananda had suspected that Swami must have closely packed the holy ash in the pot. But now, all his doubts melted away. Swami smiled and pulled out the hand from the pot. The vibhuti shower ceased! Swami then put in the other hand and began to twirl it. The vibhuti shower resumed. This alternating between the right and left hand went on till the whole idol was immersed in a mound of ash. Swami turned around and exited the dais. Karunyananda placed the empty wooden pot on the floor and walked down in a daze. He knew that he had just witnessed a unique miracle from the closest quarters possible. Swami blessed him with that magical opportunity to hold the wooden pot during Dasara for several years.



Swami Karunyananda holding aloft the pot during the Dasara Vibhuti Abhishekam

that Bhagawan would perform

With regards to doubting God, we learn another very critical insight from Karunyanandas life - that doubt can take a very subtle form too. That happens when we question Gods wisdom consciously or unconsciously. There is this incident recorded in the book Tapovanam - Sri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra by Santisri Jandhyala Venkateswara Sastry about which Swami Karunyananda also reportedly spoke during a World Conference at Prasanthi Nilayam. (In all probability, this episode took place in May 1974 before the 2nd World Conference in Puttaparthi in November 1975.)



Karunyananda had accompanied Swami to Mumbai. On Swamis command, he was given a room situated on the ground floor right beneath the Divine Residence. Karunyananda bolted his room door from the inside and decided to take some rest. As he sat by the window, his eyes fell on the slum beyond the compound wall. (Even to this day, just across the high walls of Sathyadeep at Dharmakshetra, is an expansive slum.) Karunyananda was very disturbed by what he saw.

Just outside the compound wall, some children were vying with stray dogs to grab crumbs of food from discarded leaf-plates! This scene filled him with shock and distress.



Is it so ironical that human beings are competing with dogs to eat the discarded food when God in human form is present in this very building, he thought.



He had barely completed his thought when he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. He turned around and found Swami smiling, looking into his eyes! Karunyananda was flustered,



How did You enter my room Swami, when I had bolted the door from inside?



Karunyananda, if I want to come in, can mere bolts come in My way? I've come to take you for meals.



It took a few moments for Karunyananda to digest the fact that Swami had simply dissolved through a closed door. It was not as if he doubted Swamis divinity. He was simply struck in awe. It would still take him time to get used to living with God.



I dont feel like eating Swami...



Why?



"Swami, I'm troubled by a small doubt. You are God incarnate and present here right now in this body. But just look there, behind that wall, where some children are fighting with stray dogs to pick up crumbs of food from the garbage. How can this be explained Swami?



With utmost patience, Swami explained,



Karunyananda, you think I do not see what you see. It is the other way round. You do not see what I see. The beings you see there had spent their earlier lives in ease and luxury. They disdainfully ate from tables heavily laden with every kind of rich food, pecking a little from this and a little from that plate. They threw away much more than they ever ate, discarding precious food. Hence in this birth they're picking up what they had earlier so recklessly wasted and consigned to the garbage dump.



It was an important lesson for Karunyananda. He understood that when we question Gods wisdom, we have made the assumption that our wisdom is better or our heart is more compassionate than His.



Familiarity breeds...



Familiarity breeds neglect if not contempt. And that happens even with miracles. As observed in the later years (1990s), there would be applause whenever Swami materialised a ring or chain for someone in public view. The same applause would be missing is the materialised object happened to be vibhuti! Why this differential response? Is the creation of vibhuti any easier or less magical than materialising a metal object?



No.



Then?



The fact is that Swami would materialise vibhuti several times during almost every darshan. We just got used to the vibhuti materialisation. Materialisation of a ring or chain (or a bracelet or watch) was rare. This is clearly a case of familiarity breeding neglect.



However, there is another possibility. Familiarity can also breed faith. That is what happened with Karunyananda.

Over time, he stopped getting amazed by the miracles of Swami because he knew very well that they were no big deal for the Lord. His focus shifted from the magic of Swamis acts to the magic of Swamis message - and how He lived it. So inspired was he that, in 1972, Karunyananda shut shop at the Jeeva Karunya Sangham and dedicated all his energies and attention towards Swamis mission. It was a huge step - sacrificing what the world would have called as the culmination of 75 years of his life. Instead of lording over his own organization, he decided to be a servant at the Lotus Feet. Karunyananda did it gladly without regret because he was convinced that just as he had aligned individual interests (Vyashti) towards community and societal interests (Samashti and Srishti), he now had to align those towards Swami (Parameshti).



That is precisely what he did also. However, it is not as if he forsook the organization. He only gave up all attachment towards it. Though he dedicated himself to Swami completely and increasingly stayed at Prasanthi Nilayam, he settled in Puttaparthi only from the 6th of September, 1987.



But before that happened, he had many interesting experiences.



Living with God



Karunyananda became Swamis companion wherever He travelled, however far or near the place may be. Once when he was with Swami at Sivam in Hyderabad, he had a deja vu of his Dharmakshetra experience.

Holding an umbrella for the Sun of our lives during festivals was a

special privilege Swami Karunyananda was blessed with

Once again, he was staying alone in a room below Swamis room. Early in the morning, he heard a whisper,



Karunyananda, get up.



He was startled to see it was Swami!



It is already 4 am, all devotees are awake and getting ready. You too wake up.



Karunyananda quickly found his bearings and got out of bed. Swami then gently asked,



Do you have an extra shaving blade which I can use?



Swami! I had bolted the door from inside... And You did not even tap the door!



Nevertheless, he gave a shaving blade to Bhagawan, after which Swami opened the door that was bolted from inside and went out.



Karunyananda not only witnessed Swami travel through doors but also across miles. This though was an indirect witnessing. Sitting next to Swami one day, he observed that Swami seemed to freeze rigid in a sort of trance. Minutes later, He opened His eyes, looked to Karunyananda and said,



I have just returned from Madras. Papam (Alas!) Vijayalakshmi is suffering very much. I went to the hospital. I gave her prasadam and there is no problem with her now. She will be alright.



Karunyananda just nodded and Swami continued on with the schedules of the day. Several days later a letter arrived which Swami told Karunyananda to read. It was from the devotee Vijayalakshmis family from Madras. It read that they were grateful to Swami for being their life support but they were disappointed that He had left without accepting any food or offerings!



In those days when even a wired telephone was a luxury, many such episodes of Swamis travel would have been missed by the devotees because they would have no way to know where Swami actually was! Many times He would surprise devotees with His visit and therefore, there would be no way of knowing whether it is the real Swami or the trance-travel Swami. But does that matter? (Maybe a bit for the chronicler as many miracles go undocumented because they have not been identified.)



Karunyananda accompanied Swami even to Kashmir in 1980. The Indian Airlines flight which was ferrying the Lord and His entourage to Kashmir made a brief stopover at Chandigarh. Devotees had gathered at the airport - men, women and children, gaily dressed - and were chanting bhajans with great fervour. They were praying to their Bhagawan to alight and give His benediction. Swami was touched by this spontaneous flow of devotion and agreed. A ladder was arranged for, and as the sun rose up in the horizon that morning, Bhagawan descended from the plane and blessed the gathered hundreds. Needless to say, they were thrilled and shouted in exultation,



Jai! Jai! Jai!



Karunyananda possibly experienced the oneness of the individual, society, nature and God in that moment because there were tears streaming down his cheeks. The 84-year old turned to Mr. Kamal Sawhney who was seated beside him and remarked,



Do you observe the childlike innocent devotion of these people? Who says this is Kali Yuga? I tell you, this is Sathya Yuga - the golden age.

Continued service to society



As stated earlier, Karunyananda did not stop his service - he merely realigned it along with Swamis word. Such was his thirst to serve and his faith in Swamis words that the Lord chose to publicize him during the 60th Birthday discourse.



For full eight days, hundreds of thousands of people are treated as guests and breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided in festival style. When ten persons are fed free, the host desires that it should appear with huge headlines in newspapers. But, who craves for publicity when one's dear relatives gather for meals at home. Though lakhs of people share in the hospitality, one finds no hurry and no parading.

When I entertained the idea of granting this boon to everyone drawn to the Birthday festival, Dr. Bhaskara Rao from West Godavari District and Karunyananda from East Godavari District arrived at Kodaikanal and prayed that they be blessed with the sacred responsibility. I warned them that the lakhs would be too big a burden, but they persisted, saying:



With Your blessings, we can take on even crores.



And, promptly, without any fuss, 5000 bags of rice reached here from those two districts and from Krishna, Guntur and Nellore districts. Hundreds of bags of wheat, flour and suji arrived from Punjab, followed by the same number of sugar and jaggery bags from U.P. From Madras huge quantities of pulses were brought by members of the organisation. Did anyone demand or ask for these? Can you get them by asking for them or demanding that they be given? Try and see what happens. Everything was offered spontaneously, silently, sincerely, with so much love and humility. This is their homage of Thyaga, of service through sacrifice.



Does anyone need to say anymore?



Swami also blessed Karunyananda to pay his Guru Dakshina to Malayala Swami by being instrumental for the Sadhus Meet at Prasanthi Nilayam from 2-4 January 1987. The Sadhu Parishad had been established by Malayala Swami (a realised soul, eager to save erring mankind by spreading the illumination gained by ascetics and mystics) in 1965. As a result, hundreds of monks and renunciants from the Sadhu Parishad assembled in Swamis presence. As the Sanathana Sarathi reports,



The Conference provided a unique experience to the hundreds of monks. They were thrilled by the impact with the Avatar and enthused to adopt the Message, He exemplifies. Everyone felt the urge to share with impoverished rural folk their knowledge of spiritual texts, their understanding of the mysteries of God, Nature and Man their evaluation of different Sadhanas and their wealth of peace, joy and love. Swami Vidyaprakasananda encouraged this resolve when he spoke on the need to practise and deepen faith thereby. Others like Swami Bhakthirasananda and Swami Aseshananda confessed like Swami Bhoomananda, the President of the Parishad, that Prasanthi Nilayam and Swami have been enshrined in their hearts and that the resurgence of Universal Love will be translated into the Sadhana of Seva.



The journey complete - Vyashti to Parameshti via Samashti and Srishti





Swami Karunyananda was made to deliver hundreds of talks by Bhagawan during many occasions - Dasara, Birthday, Shivarathri - and to specific groups. Swami sent him to certain places to deliver talks and inject inspiration. In multiple discourses, Swami referred to the points that Karunyananda had made in his talks. Yet, Karunyananda remained firmly grounded - never allowing pride or ego to puff him up. In fact as Mr. Ameya Deshpande recollects,



When I was studying in the Primary School, whenever Swami came, He always brought along Swami Karunyananda. His place in Swamis car seemed permanently reserved. He was Car-unyananda. In spite of that, he never took any unfair advantage of his proximity. Swami would alight from the car and walk into the school but Karunyananda would remain standing at the car itself. He wouldnt want to come in between us and Swami or even block our view of him. Swami would sit on the chair and notice that Karunyananda was missing. He would call out to him. Then, Karunyananda would come wading through us, humbly bending and walking, apologising for causing inconvenience to us. I simply marvelled at his humility... and that too when he was more than ninety years of age!



Prasanthi Nilayam began to change rapidly but Karunyananda remained the same. His relationship with Swami remained the same. Though he stopped assisting Swami after he turned 95, it is a tribute to the purity of his life that Karunyananda walked without a walking stick even on turning 100! Till the very end, he lived in his residence in South Prasanthi, walking to the mandir for darshan. Babas grace towards one who had dedicated his life for humanitarian service was evident from his agility and vigour even at 102!



The saint merged peacefully at the Lotus Feet of his Lord on the 8th of October, 1997. He was 103 then. Bhagawan Himself paid tribute to Swami Karunyananda during the course of His Dasara discourse that evening.



You may all know what happened today. Karunyananda had been with Swami for forty years. He was a centenarian. Today his body merged in the five elements. For the passing of any person, the time, the place and the circumstances have to come together. Here in this hall the recitation of the Vedas is going on. The Jnana Yajna is being performed. He was listening to all these sacred things. He went to sleep at night and passed away in his sleep. He came to Me a week ago. Swami asked him.



"Karunyananda! What is it you want?"



He replied: "I need nothing. I only want to merge in Your Lotus Feet. There is no purpose in my continuing."



I asked him why he was speaking in this manner:



"What more is there for me to enjoy in life? I have experienced everything. I have stayed and moved with Swami for forty years."



He came with Me to Kashmir and Shimla, Gaya and Prayag. He came with Me to all places, wherever I went. Staying with Me, he passed away with a sense of fulfilment.



Sorry, your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio.



Many years later, on the 22nd of August 2001, during His Ganesha Chaturthi discourse, Swami spoke of several devotees who led fulfilled lives and exhorted the youth to take them as role models.



Earlier, there was Seshagiri Rao in Prasanthi Nilayam. He was a great officer. He used to offer Arati. He lived for 100 years. Another person, named Kishtappa, came after Seshagiri Rao passed away. He used to come from a far off place on foot, sit through the Bhajans and offer Arati to Bhagawan. He too lived for 101 years. Surayya, a huge personality from Venkatagiri, with a height of 6 feet and 3 inches, was also here. He was a celibate. When I took rest at night, he used to come slowly and massage My feet. When I said,



"Surayya, My feet are not paining. You need not press My feet," He said,



"Swami, You do not have any pain, but if I do not press Your feet, I will feel pain. So let me massage Your feet."



He used to leave the room only after I closed My eyes and pretended to sleep. He did this service till his last day. He too lived for 100 years. Karunyananda Swami also lived for 100 years. Kasturi was supposed to have died very early. But after entering Prasanthi Nilayam, he lived for ninety years.

Whoever came here lived long. What is the reason? They were thinking of God all the time. This ensures long, healthy and divine life. There are many people who do physical exercise and take medicines to remain healthy. But these people never took any medicines. If they had any problem, they came to Me to take vibhuti Prasadam. They led their lives in this manner. There should be more and more such people. The youth should have them as their role models.

Part 1 || Part 02



- Aravind Balasubramanya

Radio Sai Team


Credit: University of California, San Francisco

School children drink more water if the traditional water fountain is replaced by a dispenser with cups, according to findings of a study led by researchers at UC San Francisco.

In the study, published July 7 in Preventing Chronic Disease, researchers compared water intake over a four-month period among students at 12 low-income middle schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. They found that nearly 20 percent more children drank water at lunch in the schools that provided dispensers, cups and signage in cafeterias, compared to the schools that provided drinking fountains minus cups and signage.

U.S. legislation requires that schools offer drinking water where meals are served. While health efforts have focused on reducing access to sugary drinks in schools, few initiatives have aimed at improving access to drinking water, the authors noted.

"Typically, water fountains are not appealing places to drink," said first author Anisha Patel, MD, assistant professor in the UCSF Division of General Pediatrics and a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco. "The water fountain may be used to prop up the mop and broom; there may be debris and other hygiene concerns; and it is difficult for children to drink more than a few sips from a fountain unless schools provide cups."

Water Drinking Touted in School-Wide Campaigns

In the study, the water dispensers were promoted over a six-week period via school-wide audio announcements, parent newsletters, posting of signage and student incentives. The four schools that served as a comparison group did not promote water drinking.

Results were obtained from student surveys and researchers' measurements of the volume of water taken from the dispensers.

No differences were found in the students' consumption of sugary beverages, milk or fruit juice.

"Making drinking water more accessible to students may not be sufficient to change drinking habits," said Patel, who is also affiliated with the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF. "We need supportive school district policies, environmental changes and more substantial education to help people turn to water as their default to quench thirst."

One-fifth of students at low-income San Francisco Bay Area middle schools drink sugary beverages at lunchtime, mainly brought from home or purchased on their way to school, according to a 2015 study co-authored by Patel. A growing body of research has linked sugary drinks to significant health conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and liver disease.

Explore further Most schools meet USDA drinking water mandate, more steps needed to encourage consumption

More information: Anisha I. Patel et al. A Trial of the Efficacy and Cost of Water Delivery Systems in San Francisco Bay Area Middle Schools, 2013, Preventing Chronic Disease (2016). Anisha I. Patel et al. A Trial of the Efficacy and Cost of Water Delivery Systems in San Francisco Bay Area Middle Schools, 2013,(2016). DOI: 10.5888/pcd13.160108
UCSF has assembled a team, led by Paul Volberding (second from right), MD, that is trying to eradicate AIDS disease forever. Credit: Steve Babuljak

The sun, barely penetrating the summer fog, dully illuminated the hallways of San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) on July 1, 1981, as Paul Volberding, MD, started his first day of rounds and met his first patient as a UCSF faculty member. For Volberding, that day and that patient are unforgettable.

"He was a 22-year-old man with a strong Southern accent," recalls Volberding. "He was estranged from his family and completely alone." The patient was covered with the reddish-brown lesions common to Kaposi's sarcoma, a then-rare, slowly progressing cancer that usually afflicted elderly patients. "To see this young man with disseminated Kaposi's, it was just striking  a very unusual situation," he says.

Despite extensive interventions, the man died quickly from multiple infections. "Medically, he was amazing and challenging  but socially, too. Even our most disconnected and marginalized patients often have someone present to help."

Soon after, Volberding's rounds were filled with dying young people. "That first case told us where we were going to be for the next 30 years," he says.

At the Epicenter of an Epidemic

That first patient inspired Volberding to begin the search for a cure to what soon became known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus that attacks the immune system. Volberding, director of the AIDS Research Institute and director of research for Global Health Sciences, came to UCSF in 1978 as a medical oncology fellow and researcher in the virology laboratory of Jay Levy, MD, who co-discovered HIV in 1984. Volberding left Levy's lab to take the clinical job at SFGH (now Zuckerberg San Francisco General), not realizing that he was leaving a retrovirus laboratory to work in the middle of a retroviral epidemic.

With the outbreak rapidly expanding, Volberding and his colleagues were spread thin as the number of sick and dying patients increased daily, and haunting photos of skeletal young men filled the media. "It was a death watch," says Jay Kerzner, a longtime patient of Volberding's who was diagnosed with HIV in 1986. "People were just wasting away."

In a time when gay men experienced open discrimination, hospitals also turned away patients out of fear and incomplete knowledge. Instead, Volberding stepped into the center of the maelstrom. His wife, Molly Cooke, MD, also worked in the middle of the epidemic as the hospital's then-chief resident in medicine. Despite waking in a sweat from recurring nightmares about passing the virus to their young children, Volberding and two of his SFGH colleagues  Donald Abrams, MD, and the late Constance Wofsy, MD  founded one of the nation's first AIDS-designated clinics in Ward 86 at SFGH. They also developed the San Francisco Model, a comprehensive treatment model emphasizing compassion and respect and encompassing social services, which was soon emulated around the globe. In the face of growing fear of the virus, they accepted all patients who needed treatment, regardless of their means.

Volberding's dedication has never ceased. Widely considered one of the world's leading AIDS experts, he has worked on clinical trials for HIV-related malignancies and antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) and has supported research by other UCSF faculty members, who now investigate HIV/AIDS in more than 60 countries. He also co-directs the UCSF-Gladstone Center for AIDS Research. Ward 86 is now considered one of the top-rated medical care facilities for AIDS in the world, and the World Health Organization recently endorsed the San Francisco Model as the minimum standard for HIV care.

Today, Volberding is tackling what may be his toughest task yet: leading a team trying to eradicate the disease forever.

Shrewd Virus Still Infecting Millions

Although the global HIV pandemic has claimed an estimated 39 million victims, the advent of ARTs slowed the progression of the disease. HIV attacks the immune system, specifically its CD4 cells (T cells), making the body more likely to succumb to infection. ARTs have been highly effective at keeping the virus from infecting new cells in HIV-positive individuals. But as soon as a patient goes off ARTs, HIV bounces back, giving evidence the infection hibernates within the system. AIDS was initially considered a disease affecting homosexuals, sex workers, and IV drug users. "They called it the 'gay cancer,' says Kerzner, referring to the early days of the epidemic.

But the face of AIDS has changed. HIV now infects mostly women and children. Women are twice as likely to acquire HIV during intercourse and today account for more than half of all people living with HIV. Despite all we know, in 2014 alone there were roughly 2 million new infections globally, 220,000 of which were of children infected by HIV-positive mothers. Seventy percent of the global HIV-positive population lives in sub-Saharan Africa, where people often must walk for a day or more to reach public transportation to treatment centers. More than 60 percent of those infected cannot afford treatment or are far from a treatment facility. Their plight makes clear the need for a safe, economical, orally administered, and transportable cure.

Driven by a sharper understanding of the nature of HIV infection and a growing population without access to care, many international AIDS organizations have launched concentrated programs to end AIDS. "We are at a unique moment in history. Over the next five years we have a fragile window of opportunity to shift gears and put the global HIV response firmly on the fast-track to end the AIDS epidemic," Michel Sidibe, the executive director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), recently declared.

Quickening the Pace

Credit: University of California, San Francisco

Fully aware of the challenges ahead, the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), which focuses on accelerating cure research by breaking down traditional barriers, launched its "Countdown to a Cure for AIDS." The initiative is strategically investing $100 million in uncovering the scientific basis for a cure by 2020. The strategy looks not only at the brilliance of the science but also at the excellence of the collaboration.

Interested in finding the best team to uncover a cure, amfAR invited qualified individuals to submit proposals for funding. Among those invited was a San Francisco-based, self-assembled, multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists, clinicians, and industry experts with a phenomenal combined history clinically and in the lab. Many of the individuals have collaborated on HIV cure research for more than three decades. The team includes specialists from UCSF, the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, the Blood Systems Research Institute, Gilead Sciences, the Infectious Disease Research Institute, and other academic and industry partners.

On World AIDS Day 2015, December 1, amfAR revealed the cornerstone of its initiative: the establishment of the amfAR Institute for HIV Cure Research, led by Volberding and based at UCSF's Mission Bay campus. "The potential for this team of researchers to develop a cure is unparalleled" says Rowena Johnston, PhD, vice president and director of research at amfAR.

amfAR awarded the team $20 million to begin its investigations. HIV is adept at concealing itself within the body, making it harder to eradicate, so the team's main objective is to harness the power of the innate immune system to push the virus from its hiding places and eliminate or control the virus once it has revealed itself  a strategy referred to as "Shock and Kill."

amfAR identified four key scientific challenges  charting, understanding, recording, and eliminating (CURE)  which constitute a research roadmap of barriers to an HIV cure and also represent the four modules of the institute's research focus. Each of the four research modules has a specific purpose within the effort to locate, shock, and kill HIV wherever it is hiding.

HIV stealthily infiltrates and hides within the body, confounding researchers with its game of hide-and-seek. The Charting module seeks to identify and chart the "safe houses" where HIV hides, even in the presence of suppressive ARTs. Charting researchers will figure out which organs harbor the virus, in which cells and at what stage the virus hides, and whether these hiding places vary by gender. Using tissue samples, the team will then determine whether the virus found is "replication-competent." Although HIV reproduces at alarming rates, up to 90 percent of the viruses in infected cells have mutations or deletions, making them unable to infect other cells. However, even incompetent HIV cells produce inflammation and compromise immunity.

Capitalizing on that inflammation and then stimulating a T-cell response in an attempt to find an interaction that reduces toxicity yet allows for destruction of the hidden HIV reservoir, is the work of the Understanding module. Encouraging the inflammation in a way that is therapeutically meaningful without harming the patient is essential. "We are right on the knife's edge. Too much stimulation can produce a toxic effect. Not enough, and we don't rouse the virus out of its slumber," says Warner C. Greene, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine, microbiology, and immunology at UCSF and the director, senior investigator, and Nick and Sue Hellmann Distinguished Professor of Translational Medicine at the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology. With the majority of HIV viruses being defective, unveiling the lingering sleeping viruses that are able to spread is crucial.

Using the immune response as a map, the Recording module will locate and determine the size of the dormant HIV reservoir by focusing on evolutionary and genetic insights to gauge the size of the reservoir and determine how it can best be destroyed.

The Eliminating module hopes to lure the virus out of hiding by stimulating toll-like receptors (TLRs). The TLR class of proteins plays an important role in the immune response and the body's ability to recognize invading pathogens. With data from Gilead Sciences indicating that stimulating TLR-7 pushes HIV out of hiding and increases the effectiveness of vaccines, this module is focused on manipulating TLR-4, TLR-7, and TLR-9 to test the shock-and-kill curative hypothesis in preclinical and, eventually, human trials.

Collaborating for a Cure

The ambitious five-year timeline means the CURE team will need to take risks and push boundaries, working closely to inform next steps in the discovery of a cure  a cure that would fundamentally change the lives of tens of millions of people and end one of the worst infectious disease epidemics in human history. "HIV research has evolved from a process of discovery to a technological challenge," says amfAR's Johnston. "And now it's reached a critical mass. Bringing powerful new technologies, brilliant minds, and financial resources to bear, we believe it's a challenge we can overcome."

With the potential to help so many, the amfAR team is poised to discover the scientific basis for a cure. "UCSF has been there right from the beginning of HIV," says Volberding, who holds the Robert L. Weiss Memorial Chair for HIV/AIDS Research. "We've been committed to this epidemic for a long time, many of us collaborating as a team for decades. Now we are bringing it full circle and coming together to find a cure. It's a great UCSF story!"

Patients whose lives were changed by the advent of ARTs are also feeling a glimmer of hope. "What would a cure feel like? After a 30-year struggle with this disease myself . . . I wish it had come earlier," says long-term survivor Kerzner. "But I can't even think about a cure without remembering so many lives cut short by HIV. It would mean the end of a very dark era. A cure would mean a more hopeful future for so many people around the world."
The formation of large numbers of polyps in the colon has a high probability of developing into colon cancer, if left untreated. The large-scale appearance of polyps is often due to a hereditary cause; in this case the disease can occur in multiple family members. Under the leadership of human geneticists of the University Hospital Bonn, a team of researchers discovered genetic changes in the MSH3 gene in patients and identified a new rare form of hereditary colon cancer. The results have now been published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Colon polyps form like mushroom-shaped growths from the mucosa and are several millimeters to several centimeters in size. They are benign and generally do not cause any symptoms - however, they can turn into malignant tumors (colon cancer). Physicians refer to the development of a large number of polyps in the colon as "polyposis." Scientists have already discovered several genes associated with a polyposis. "However, about one-third of families affected by the disease do not have any abnormalities in these genes," says Prof. Dr. Stefan Aretz, head of the working group at the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Bonn Hospital. Therefore, there would have to be even more genes involved in the formation of polyps in the colon.

Together with pathologists from the University Hospital Bonn, scientists from the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven (USA), and the Frankfurt University Hospital, the team working with Prof. Aretz investigated the genetic material (DNA) of more than 100 polyposis patients using blood samples. In each patient, all of the about 20,000 protein-coding genes known were simultaneously examined. In this process, the scientists filtered the rare, possibly relevant genetic changes out of the gigantic quantity of data, like the proverbial needle in a haystack. In two patients, genetic changes (mutations) were discovered in the MSH3 gene on chromosome 5.

Proof of causes is like a trial based on circumstantial evidence

"The challenge is proving the causal connection between the mutations in this gene and the disease," says Prof. Aretz. The process is similar to that of a trial based on circumstantial evidence. Family members also play a role here: The siblings with the disease have to have these same MSH3 mutations as the patient who was first examined, but not the healthy relatives. That was the case. In addition, the scientists investigated the consequences for patients resulting from the loss of function of the MSH3 gene. "It involves a gene for the repair of the genetic material," reports Dr. Ronja Adam, one of the two lead authors from Prof. Aretz's team. "The mutations cause the MSH3 protein to not be formed." Since the protein is missing in the cell nucleus of the patients tissues, there is an accumulation of genetic defects. The mutations which are not repaired then predispose to the more frequent occurrence of polyps in the colon.

The newly discovered type of polyposis, in contrast to many other forms of hereditary colon cancer, is not inherited dominantly, but instead recessively. "This means that siblings have a 25 percent chance of developing the disease; however, the parents and children of affected persons only have a very low risk of developing the disease," explains Dr. Isabel Spier from the Institute of Human Genetics, who was also very involved in the study.

Opportunities for better diagnoses and new drugs

The annual colonoscopy is the most effective cancer screening method for polyposis patients. As a result, the development of colon cancer can be effectively prevented. By investigating the MSH3 gene, a clear diagnosis can be made prospectively in some other, previously unexplained polyposis cases. Afterwards, healthy persons at risk in the family can be tested for the mutations. "Only proven carriers would need to take part in the intensive surveillance program," says the human geneticist. In addition, science would gain new insights into the development and biological foundations of tumors through the identification of mutations in the MSH3 gene. Prof. Aretz: "The knowledge about molecular mechanisms which lead to cancer is also a precondition for the development of new targeted drugs."

Explore further Certain types of polyps may warrant keeping closer tabs on the colon

More information: Exome sequencing identifies biallelic MSH3 germline mutations as recessive subtype of colorectal adenomatous polyposis, The American Journal of Human Genetics, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.06.015 Journal information: American Journal of Human Genetics Exome sequencing identifies biallelic MSH3 germline mutations as recessive subtype of colorectal adenomatous polyposis, The
A Wright's stained bone marrow aspirate smear of patient with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Credit: VashiDonsk/Wikipedia

Adelaide researchers have made a world-first breakthrough in the early detection of patients' resistance to a common treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia, offering some hope that the patients' treatment could be changed sooner to improve their chances of survival.

The researchers  based in the Cancer Theme at the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine  have developed a new test that they believe could be adopted by doctors worldwide.

The results of this research are now published online ahead of print in the international journal Leukemia.

Lead author and postdoctoral researcher Dr Laura Eadie says one-in-five chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients are resistant to the leading treatment of their condition.

"The development of the targeted drug Glivec for chronic myeloid leukaemia has been one of the most remarkable success stories in cancer treatment over the past two decades. This is because the drug targets the mutant protein that causes their leukaemia," Dr Eadie says.

"However, about 20% of patients have a poor response to Glivec, and until now we haven't fully understood why. Unfortunately, this means that one-in-five patients could be receiving treatment that ultimately is not benefitting them, losing response to therapy and reducing their chances of survival."

The study looked at the role of P-glycoprotein, a protein that pumps many drugs  including Glivec  out of leukaemia cells.

"Some patients were found to have higher levels of P-glycoprotein in their leukaemic cells after just a few weeks of starting therapy. These patients were much more likely to develop resistance to Glivec later on," Dr Eadie says.

"We've found the greater the increase in P-glycoprotein in patients, the greater their risk is of becoming resistant and not responding to their drug any more, or even succumbing to their disease."

The research team's work shows, for the first time, that assessing a patient's levels of the P-glycoprotein soon after they start receiving Glivec therapy will help to predict that patient's long-term response to the drug.

"This new test, developed in our laboratory, may provide an opportunity for doctors around the world to change treatment strategies for those patients most at risk of doing poorly on Glivec before they actually lose response to the therapy," Dr Eadie says.

Dr Eadie is also the recipient of a 2016 Fulbright South Australia Postdoctoral Scholarship. Next month, she will travel to the United States to continue research into leukaemia, based at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee.

This work will continue her focus on the effectiveness of leukaemia treatments and the mechanisms of resistance in patients.

"I hope that by better understanding the key drivers of response and resistance in patients, these research findings will help to inform clinical practice and ensure the best possible chance of patient survival," she says.

More information: L N Eadie et al. The clinical significance of ABCB1 overexpression in predicting outcome of CML patients undergoing first-line imatinib treatment, Leukemia (2016). Journal information: Leukemia L N Eadie et al. The clinical significance of ABCB1 overexpression in predicting outcome of CML patients undergoing first-line imatinib treatment,(2016). DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.179
Patient choice and the use of the private sector for hip surgery in Scotland was found to be associated with a decrease in NHS provision and may have contributed to an increase in age-related and socio-economic treatment inequalities, according to research by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

The study, published in the Journal of Public Health by Oxford University Press, is the first to look at the impact of diverting NHS funds to the private sector on NHS provision.

By comparing rates of hip surgery carried out by NHS and private providers, the study suggests that the more contracting undertaken by NHS Boards in Scotland with the private sector, the greater the reduction in NHS provision. Patients aged 85 years and over or living in the more deprived areas of Scotland may have also been disadvantaged since the introduction of the Patient Choice policy in 2002, through lower increases in treatment rates compared to other groups.

Lead author Graham Kirkwood from QMUL said: "The claim made by NHS Scotland's 2003 white paper that the additional use of the private sector would provide 'sustainable local solutions to long waits' for elective hip replacement is not supported by the evidence. The involvement of the private sector was supposed to provide extra capacity to tackle long waiting times, so in theory, we should see NHS treatments stay at the same level or increase. Instead our results show the level of NHS treatments going down during a period of high private sector activity."

Between 2006/07 and 2008/09, an increase in the number of treatments commissioned from the private sector by NHS Boards was found to be significantly associated with a decrease in the number of treatments commissioned from the NHS. This period represents the peak of private sector activity, and the study authors say the association may have been due to the signing of the first block contract (worth 18.7m) between the NHS and the private healthcare sector in Scotland in November 2006.

Those NHS Boards with the greatest use of the private sector for elective surgery experienced the largest reductions in direct NHS provision and of those Fife, Grampian and Lothian NHS Boards had not recovered 2006/07 levels of in-area provision by 2012/13.

The study looked at changes in treatment inequality following the introduction of the Patient Choice policy in 2002, a policy whereby patients can choose to obtain their treatment from an out of area NHS provider or a private provider, funded by the NHS. From 2002/03 to 2012/13, patients aged 75-79 years increased their treatment rate by 65.7 per cent, while those aged 85 years and over increased their treatment rate by 31.3 per cent.

The researchers also looked at the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), where different SIMD quintiles represent 20 per cent of the Scottish population living at a certain level of socio-economic deprivation. From 2002/03 to 2012/13, the two least deprived quintiles SIMD 4 and 5 increased their treatment rates by 67.3 per cent and 85.4 per cent respectively while the two most deprived quintiles SIMD 1 and 2 increased their treatment rates by 47.7 per cent and 49.5 per cent respectively.

Co-author Professor Allyson Pollock from Queen Mary University of London said: "The 2010 UK wide Equality Act legislated for public bodies such as the NHS to tackle inequalities in the delivery of care by a range of factors including age, sex and socio-economic deprivation. Our results are therefore concerning and complement other studies that have shown that the private sector is risk averse and more likely to select out healthier and less poor patients.

"It is current Scottish government policy to eliminate the use of the private sector for elective surgical NHS care, although concerns are being raised over increasing use of the private sector in the past few years. In contrast, England is now dismantling its NHS and accelerating privatisation.

"It has been estimated that since April 2013, 5.5 billion worth of clinical contracts have been won by private sector companies. This is in addition to the continuing 5 billion Independent Sector Treatment Centre programme. It is likely that the policy of contracting with private providers for NHS care, combined with NHS expenditure cuts, will accelerate the closure of local NHS hospitals and services and negatively impact on equalities."

Explore further NHS Scotland reduces post-code lottery for hip replacement surgery

More information: 'Patient choice and private provision decreased public provision and increased inequalities in Scotland: a case study of elective hip arthroplasty'. G. Kirkwood, A.M. Pollock. Journal of Public Health 2016. Journal information: Journal of Public Health 'Patient choice and private provision decreased public provision and increased inequalities in Scotland: a case study of elective hip arthroplasty'. G. Kirkwood, A.M. Pollock.2016. jpubhealth.oxfordjournals.org/  0.1093/pubmed/fdw060
Overall incidence of type 2 diabetes has stabilised over recent years, according to a new study published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes), whilst mortality has declined, suggesting that increasing prevalence of the disease within the population may be attributed not to increasing numbers but to longer survival of patients with diabetes. The findings were not equal across the population, however: significant differences are noted based on gender, age, and socioeconomic status.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in all high-income countries, with significant health and economic implications. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that USD 156 billion was spent on diabetes health care in 2015, and that this is likely to rise to USD 174 billion by 2040. In Scotland, the prevalence of all types of diabetes has increased from 3.2% in 2004 to 5.1% in 2013. The distribution of demographic characteristics across the country is stable, so trends in prevalence are influenced by the balance between changes in incidence and mortality. The authors suggest that an understanding of these trends is necessary as new approaches in prevention and treatment are planned, so that interventions can be targeted to those sections of the population that are most at risk.

The study focused on trends between 2004 and 2013 in Scotland, and was conducted by Dr Stephanie Read, University of Edinburgh, UK, with colleagues from various Scottish universities and NHS (National Health Service) organisations, on behalf of the Scottish Diabetes Research Network. Data regarding diabetes diagnosis, population estimates, and numbers of deaths each year grouped by age, sex, and deciles of SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) were obtained from the Scottish Care Information - Diabetes database and National Records Scotland. Incidence was considered as events per 1000 person years. Trends in incidence and mortality were analysed across the age, sex and SIMD groupings. The age range considered was 39-90.

The study found that incidence rates over the whole study period decreased for older men and women, increased slightly for younger women, and increased for younger men, although the incidence rate for younger men declined after 2009. Whilst incidence declined over all socioeconomic groups the decline was slower in the more deprived groups and from 2010 the incidence in the most deprived groups appeared to increase, which the authors suggest may lead to widening inequality in diabetes incidence. Incidence in men was higher than for women in all age groups.

The authors suggest that incidence rates may have stabilised partly because of a reducing pool of undiagnosed cases. This comes after marked increases in incidence during the 1990s and 2000s following changes in the diagnostic criteria made by the World Health Organisation in 1998, and an intensification of diagnostic activities in these decades. They also suggest that stabilisation of the incidence of adult obesity, an established risk factor for type 2 diabetes, will have helped stabilise diabetes incidence rates. Other European studies have also noted a stabilisation and/or decline in incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Overall, standardised mortality rates declined by 11.5% for men and 15.7% for women during the study period, with similar declines across all ages and deprivation groups. Mortality rates were higher in the most deprived groups compared to the least deprived groups (We are only able to provide estimates for the most deprived and least deprived men and women aged 65 years, as shown in figure 2 in the full paper.

The finding that mortality rates for people with type 2 diabetes had declined has been mirrored in previous studies, including in Denmark, Australia and the USA. The authors note, however, that the decline in mortality might not be due to earlier diagnosis or improved diabetes care. Whilst in 2014 the Scottish Diabetes Survey showed that during the study period there had been an increase in the numbers of people showing good diabetes control (as indicated by glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] below 7.5% (58 mmol/mol)), mortality rates for people with type 2 diabetes remained 40% and 80% higher, for men and women respectively, than for those without diabetes. The authors recommend further research to identify the relative contributions of better treatment and better survival rates for people with type 2 diabetes.

The authors conclude: "Despite improved mortality rates, type 2 diabetes confers an excess risk of death compared with the non-diabetic population...there is still scope to address the increased mortality associated with diabetes."

They add: "Major inequalities by age, sex and socioeconomic status in type 2 diabetes incidence and mortality indicate that effective approaches to treatment and control will need to address existing inequalities."

Explore further Type 1 diabetes associated with increased risk of some cancer types

More information: Stephanie H. Read et al. Trends in type 2 diabetes incidence and mortality in Scotland between 2004 and 2013, Diabetologia (2016). Journal information: Diabetologia Stephanie H. Read et al. Trends in type 2 diabetes incidence and mortality in Scotland between 2004 and 2013,(2016). DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-4054-9

Provided by Diabetologia
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Georgia and Turkey look to build HPP on river Mtkvari

Georgia and Turkey are jointly looking at ways to deepen energy cooperation and build a hydroelectric power plant on the river Mtkvari, which originates in Turkey then runs eastward across Georgia and Azerbaijan and finally flows into the Caspian Sea.The two countries started negotiations to renew an agreement signed five years ago and create a new project based on scientific and environmental findings, announced Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili while assessing his official visit to Turkey.In his words, the Georgian delegation has returned from Turkey with very positive and welcoming results.Sensitive topics, including building of hydroelectric power plant on the river Mtkvari were discussed - negotiations will be resumed based on the relevant researches, said Kvirikashvili.Furthermore, Kvirikashvili said his visit to Turkey was "extremely successful, as the two neighbouring countries switched their strategic partnership to a "qualitatively new level.During the visit, Georgia and Turkey signed five agreements that envisaged strengthening their bilateral strategic partnership.We have achieved number of agreements in Turkey. We have opened new negotiations on a free trade deal which will increase the list of products that may enter the Turkish market from Georgia, said Kvirikashvili.Other important agreements that were reached between Georgia and Turkey were related to the agriculture, transport, healthcare sectors.It is also very important that we signed an agreement that ensures Georgian probationers will serve their probation period in Georgia and vice versa, Kvirikashvili added.Georgia and Turkey have also signed a Declaration and as a result of this high-level Strategic Cooperation Council was established.Turkey has been Georgias strategic partner for the last 14 years, and during this time Georgia has attracted more than $1 billion in investments from Turkey, said the Government of Georgia.
Russia to impose ban on Georgian wines and mineral waters

By Messenger Staff

Russias legislative body, the State Duma, has recommended the government to ban import of wine and mineral water Borjomi from Georgia, Russian media reports.It stressed that the Duma International Affairs Committee is preparing a statement which strongly condemns the decision of Georgia and five other countries to join the European Union (EU) 's decision on extending sanctions against Crimea and Sevastopol."We are obliged to react to this, said Russian MP Ian Zelinsky.The lawmaker says these countries committed "stupidity", as in response, they would be affected by Russias counter-measures.As it is known, Georgia has joined the EU decision to extend sanctions against Crimea and Sevastopol until June 23 2017.The decision was also joined by Montenegro, Albania, Liechtenstein, Norway and Ukraine.It is not for the first time that the Russians have threatened to imposed a ban on Georgian products.Previously, Russia imposed import bans on Moldovan and Georgian wines in late March 2006.Then the Chief Sanitary Inspector of Russia, Gennadiy Onishchenko, claimed that heavy metals and pesticides had been found in Georgian and Moldovan wines, and that there were falsified alcoholic products labelled as wines.The Russian Consumer Agency assured that it had examined 21 types of Georgian wine sold in Moscow and concluded that 85.7% did not comply with sanitary requirements. Pesticides were discovered in 60% samples of Moldovan and 44% samples of Georgian wine.From May 2006, the Russian government also banned the import of Borjomi Mineral Waters.Georgia was sure this was a political move, as Russia tried to trigger confrontations in Georgia. Prior to the Russia-Georgia war of 2008, in 2006 Moscow deported thousands of Georgians from Russia.Economic ties between Georgia and Russia were partly restored after the Georgian Dream (GD) party came to power in 2012.Since 2013, Georgian wine and mineral waters have gradually returned to the Russian market.The recent statement from Duma confirms that Russian political and economic issues are inseparable, and the country is continuing to use economics as a lever to punish those opposing its interests.This is why depending only on the Russian market will always be risky and dangerous for Georgia.
The News in Brief

A total of 12,000 families have received new homes from the government since 2012 - Giorgi Kvirikashvili



198 families will get living spaces to their ownership in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Khoni and Lagodekhi, - Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said at the governmental session yesterday.



As the head of the government said, 12 000 families have got their living spaces or new apartments to their ownership since October 2012.



"Today we are discussing the issue of legalization of 198 houses in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Khoni and Lagpdekhi. 12 000 families have already got their living spaces or new apartments to their ownership in since October 2012. We are continuing this process. In particular, this is being carried out by the Ministry of Refugees together with the Ministry of Economy, said the PM. (IPN)







President claims Georgian media have become more anti-Western



Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili claims the media in his country are publishing more anti-Western stories now than they used to.



In an interview with the program Archevani on Rustavi 2 TV on Tuesday evening, he said that there is more anti-Western reporting because todays government is not applying restrictions on anti-Western oriented people as the previous government used to do.



But Margvelashvili said he thinks that the Georgian Dream government is acting appropriately.



We have to work hard to reassure people who claim that Georgia is better off in the [Russian-led] Eurasian Union. A person who tells me that if I become a member of the European family I will lose my Georgian-ness is falsely embracing pseudo-traditions, he told the TV talk show.



The President added that he cant see any evidence that the government is encouraging or financing pro-Russian TV channels.



Margvelashvili brought up two reasons for why he thinks Russian propaganda in Georgia has increased: firstly because of government does not arrest or persecute people for being anti-Western, but tries to reassure them instead. He also believes that Russian propaganda has become more sophisticated.



Soft power is working more effectively today, he said, adding that the Russian propaganda used to be more radical.



During the interview, the president said he is on better terms with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili than his predecessor, Irakli Gharibashvili. The reason, he explained, is that the current Prime Minister is more constructive.



Kvirikashvili is interested in discussing issues, topics and business. He never wants to talk about some third person or relations with someone else. Our cooperation is much more serious than what I had with his predecessor. This is how Kvirikashvili is, he never gossips, he said. (DF watch)







Constitutional Court Rejects Oppositions Complaint Against Electoral Redistricting



There is no instance of manipulation in the redrawn boundaries of electoral district, carried out by the Parliament in December 2015, Georgias Constitutional court ruled on July 20.



Lawmakers from the UNM opposition party filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court on June 1, claiming that the boundaries of the electoral districts were gerrymandered to the detriment of opposition parties.



The Constitutional Court ruled that arguments provided by the applicants and analysis of boundaries of electoral districts do not show instance of abuse of electoral geography. Therefore, the constitutional complaint was rejected in this part.



In another part of the same complaint, the applicants argued that tasking the Central Election Commission (CEC) to define boundaries of 30, out of 73 single-mandate constituencies, without setting clear criteria was fraught with risk of gerrymandering.



While the boundaries of 43 single-mandate districts were defined by the amended electoral code, delimitation of boundaries of remaining 30 constituencies  among them of Tbilisis 22 electoral districts, as well as 3 districts in Kutaisi; 3 in Batumi, and 2 in Rustavi, was carried out by the CEC.



Opinions of eight judges, participating in the adjudication, have split on this issue.



Outgoing chairman of Constitutional Court, Giorgi Papuashvili; deputy chairman of court Konstantine Vardzelashvili, as well as Ketevan Eremadze and Maia Kopaleishvili backed this part of the complaint.



But four other judges  Zaza Tavadze, Lali Papiashvili, Tamaz Tsabutashvili, and Otar Sichinava  were agains it; consequently, this part of the complaint was also rejected.



The ninth member of the Constitutional Court, Merab Turava, did not participate in the adjudication; but his vote would not have been decisive anyway as six votes were required for the complaint to be successful.



Parliament adopted amendments to the election code in December 2015, through which election districts were redrawn to narrow a huge discrepancy in size of single-mandate constituencies by merging some small districts and dividing larger ones.



As a result, the boundaries of single-mandate constituencies no longer coincide with those of administrative borders of municipalities.



The number of voters in each election district now varies from 41,598 in the smallest (Tbilisis single-mandate constituency covering mostly the capital citys Vake district) to 54,168 in the largest (Rustavis one of the two single-mandate constituencies). Before the redistricting, number of voters was ranging from over 150,000 in the largest one to less than 6,000 in the smallest one.



The Venice Commission, Council of Europes advisory body for legal and constitutional affairs said that the legislative amendments which redrew the single-mandate constituencies, were an important step forward to hold elections respecting the principle of equal suffrage, but it also criticized the legislation for lacking a specific method for establishing constituencies and criteria for permitted deviations in the number of voters among districts.



Georgia has a mixed electoral system in which 73 lawmakers are elected in 73 single-member constituencies, known in Georgia as majoritarian mandates (a candidate has to win over 50% of votes in order to be an outright winner in the first round, otherwise a second round should be held), and rest 77 seats are allocated proportionally under the party-list contest among political parties, which clear 5% threshold in nationwide popular vote. (Civil.ge)






Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla said late Wednesday he will ask Gov. Rick Scott to fill the two vacancies on the Environmental Regulation Commission and ask the board to reevaluate its decision, made Tuesday, to increase the limits on cancer causing substances in Florida's drinking water sources.

"I stand in opposition to the Environmental Regulation Commission's vote to approve new water standards that permit increases in the levels of several known carcinogens in Floridas waterways,'' the senator said in the statement. "While some aspects of the proposal are positive, including the regulation of 39 chemicals not currently regulated by the state, other aspects of the proposal are simply unacceptable."

Diaz de la Portilla, a Republican from Miami, took the unusual break from the Republican governor on an issue that has caused enormous concern among environmentalists. He is in a competitive re-election race in a newly-drawn Senate District 37. He faces state Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez who was among several Miami-Dade officials who spoke in opposition to the rule and last week sent a letter to Scott urging him to postpone the vote until he filled the vacancies. The governor did not respond to the letter. Download Dade Elected Official Letter to DEP on Toxic Levels_72116 (1)

Diaz de la Portilla noted that had the governor filled the two vacancies -- one for a person representing environmentalists and another representing local government -- the measure may not have passed 3-2.

"I cannot help but think that the vote would have not been 3-2 in favor, but 4-3 against, had a full commission been given the chance to vote on this proposal,'' Diaz de la Portilla said.

Here's Diaz de la Portilla's statement:
@doug_hanks

The family chart of Miami politics can make for some interesting dotted lines when mapping alliances. Take the Suarez family.

Xavier Suarez, a former Miami mayor, holds the Miami-Dade Couty Commission seat vacated by Carlos Gimenez (a former Miami city manager) for his successful run for Miami-Dade mayor in 2011. Suarez's son, Francis Suarez, sits on the Miami City Commission and is running for his father's old job: Miami mayor.

The elder Suarez had considered challenging Gimenez in the 2016 mayoral race and depleted most of his campaign war chest last summer running attack ads against him before opting to run for reelection to the county commission instead. So perhaps it's not a surprise that the two aren't close. But it's certainly interesting to consider who Gimenez considers his top ally on the Miami City Commission: Francis Suarez.

"Frankly, to be totally open about it, the person that influences the mayor and has access to him is my son," Xavier Suarez said during a meeting Thursday with the Miami Herald Editorial Board. "I don't have a lot of access to the mayor. I don't know why. That's one of the things he should improve on."

A response from Gimenez's office emphasized the friction between the two camps. Wrote Gimenez spokesman Michael Hernandez: "Mayor Gimenez speaks very frequently with members of our Board of County Commissioners, including Commissioner Suarez. It is yet another curious statement from the Commissioner from District 7 who often calls the Mayor's Chief of Staff, Communications Director and Deputy Mayors whenever he has an issue which requires administration attention."

Asked to weigh in, Francis Suarez wrote: "The Mayor certainly has been accessible to me and we have collaborated on a lot of issues that benefit our residents. Come to think of it, I can't think of an elected official in Miami-Dade County that I don't have access to."

We should also mention: Gimenez is running against school board member Raquel Regalado, whose father, Tomas Regalado, is mayor of Miami and frequently scraps with the younger Suarez on city matters. Should Raquel lose the county mayoral race in August, she's considered a top contender to either challenge Suarez to succeed her father as city mayor or run for the commission seat that Francis Suarez will be vacating.

Yes, we need a chart.
@PatriciaMazzei

PHILADELPHIA -- Perhaps the most raw moment of the Democratic National Convention came Wednesday night when a woman from Polk City, Florida, stepped up to the lectern.

"It takes about five minutes for a church bell to ring 49 times," Christine Leinonen said as she began to weep. "I know this because last month, my son, Christopher, his boyfriend, Juan, and 47 others were murdered at a club in Orlando."

Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center fell to silence. On the convention floor, a Florida delegate waved a rainbow flag.

"Christopher was my only child," Leinonen continued. "As I used to tell him, 'You can't do better than perfect.'"

Her only child, who was known as Drew, liked Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Leinonen said. That's why she came to to convention: to speak on his behalf and advocate for Clinton and her support for gun control. A former Michigan state trooper, Leinonen

"The weapon that murdered my son fires 30 rounds in one minute," Leinonen said.

Even before Leinonen finished speaking, thousands of delegates rose to give her a standing ovation.

She concluded with a hug from two Pulse survivors -- Brandon Wolf and Jose Arraigada -- who then walked her off stage.

They wrapped their arms around each other.

Photo credit: J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press
@PatriciaMazzei

A super PAC tied to U.S. House Republican leaders debuted a website Thursday trying to link Democratic congressional candidates to Hillary Clinton's email scandal on the same day she will accept her party's presidential nomination.

Among the 12 targeted candidates are Miami's Joe Garcia and Annette Taddeo, who are vying to challenge Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo.

Behind the "ImWithCareless" website is Congressional Leadership Fund -- a group that, along with its sister nonprofit American Action Network (which can raise secret "dark" money) spent about $20 million on 2014 House races, including about $1.3 million in Curbelo's 26th district.

"Putting politics before principle, Annette Taddeo and Joe Garcia are Ready for Hillary regardless of how untrustworthy and reckless shes found by voters or even the FBI," said Ruth Guerra, Congressional Leadership Fund's deputy communications director. "Democrats proudly embracing Hillary Clinton will have to explain to voters why they continue to stand by her record of scandals and dishonesty."

Democrats are similarly trying to portray House Republican incumbents and challengers as allied to GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
@PatriciaMazzei

Marco Rubio's going up on the TV air in Florida ahead of the Aug. 30 primary in which the Republican senator faces a challenge from Sarasota developer Carlos Beruff.

The 30-second spot, titled "Keep America Safe" and featuring footage from Rubio's presidential run, ties Democratic Senate contenders Alan Grayson and Patrick Murphy to presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

"All three support the disastrous Iran deal, and would close Guantanamo," the ad's narrator says. "Standing in their way? Marco Rubio."

Sounding a bit like Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, the narrator later intones that Rubio "took on Obama to block refugees from terrorist countries."

Beruff's campaign called the ad "fiction," saying Rubio tweaked his stances on refugees -- and missed important Senate work.

"Considering Marco Rubio's record of missing votes and ignoring his duties as Senator, it's no surprise his campaign and his establishment allies in Washington would have to make things up," spokesman Chris Hartline said in a statement. "But his record is clear: Marco Rubio just can't make up his mind on the issues that matter to Floridians and only fights the Obama Administration when it is politically convenient. Florida voters are fed up with this kind of failed leadership."
While electronic music production has come to dominate popular music and hip-hop, certain aspects of its making might seem inaccessible: The public typically only sees a DJ huddled behind a laptop and other controllers.

The third annual Digital and Analog Technologies Conference, a festival dedicated to traditional and experimental styles of electronic music and accompanying visual art, can offer a remedy and primer this weekend, particularly on Sunday when the event moves into Caras Park.

A company called Patchwerks from Seattle, for instance, will set up a "synthesizer petting zoo," where passers-by can "play with synthesizers and MIDI controllers, and new instruments and old instruments and get a hands-on experience," said DAT co-organizer Logan Foret.

Early in the day, Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker offer a free workshop called "Color in Electronic Music." Reyes-Whittaker, whose music spans numerous genres while retaining melodic warmth, recently released an album of Latin standards translated onto synthesizer for Los Angeles label Stones Throw. Later in the day, he'll perform a set under the name GB, i.e. Gifted and Blessed.

Another workshop will be led by Richard Devine, an Atlanta musician and sound designer who's recorded music for seminal electronic label Warp Records and worked on video games, including "Wolfenstein." Devine is well-regarded within the industry for his technical prowess  he's designed sound patches, among other behind-the-scenes projects. He'll discuss "Modular Synthesis," one of the foundational processes of electronic music.

Elsewhere, DAT will have the offerings of a friendly Caras event: food, a kids' dance party, plus DJs later in the afternoon and evening for the festival's "Sonic Sunset."

They'll perform surrounded by elaborate decor resembling a Japanese-style ricepaper wall with lattice, and floral chandeliers descending to the stage, created by Bitterroot Flower Shop.

***

DAT was founded three years ago by longtime members of the Missoula music scene: Tara Emery, Chris Henry and Foret.

Regarding the "conference" in its title: Three days' worth of live performances by well-respected artists from larger electronic music hubs in the United States and Canada are supplemented by educational elements. They've always included workshops led by visiting professionals.

Another workshop leader this year is Charles Nichols, a composer and violinist who teaches at Virginia Tech. The former Missoula resident will perform here as well with Modality, a band of which he's still a member. The band recently recorded a new album of electronic improvised music.

Visual art is key as well, and the festival features multiple showcases of "immersive video environments," in which performers can blend lighting, video and audio design in ways that are difficult to translate.

"So much of this stuff is so forward-thinking that there's not any other platform that you're going to be able to see it on," Foret said.

Foret said that DAT is a boutique festival  in previous years the majority of the attendees came from outside of Missoula. They included label owners, curators, gallery owners, festival designers and more, mingling in an intimate environment. He said they expect that this year, more Montanans will attend, as there aren't competing local electronic music festivals on the same weekend.
I got restless last week and decided to head Chinook salmon fishing on Fort Peck Reservoir. You read this correctly: Chinook salmon are biting on Fort Peck.

I have been receiving pictures of king salmon that weigh 10 to 22 pounds for about two weeks from Bill Zahradka of Wolf Point. Zahradka is the official salmon slayer of the Montana Outdoor Radio Show and no angler has fished for as many months for salmon on Fort Peck as Zahradka. From April up until now the salmon slayer and whoever is lucky enough to be on board with him are catching salmon.

Some days are better than others but Zahradka cant remember when he got skunked. You know it's fishing, some days are real good and some days are a little slower, when we catch more lake trout than salmon, he said. Zahradka believes this just might be the best Chinook salmon season ever on Fort Peck.

He is not alone. Anglers who have been targeting salmon have been catching fish since the first part of July on the face of the dam. It is still early, because August is normally a lot better month than July, but all indications are that when the salmon head to the dam next month, it wont be unusual to catch your daily limit of five.

Eddie Mindt and his wife are the new managers of the Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop by the dam at Fort Peck, and he told me that local anglers are telling him that they have not caught as many king salmon as they have caught this July. This is the first year that we have taken over the Lakeridge and because of the success the locals have been having, we have increased out flashers, squid, and salmon tackle 300 percent over what the previous owner had, and when a certain color is working, we cant keep it in stock.

Mindt says it is just the boost that he was hoping for when they took over the business in April. If this salmon season is good, we will see folks from North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and even Canada. We feel very fortunate that this is happening now.

For lodging and daily salmon information Mindt has set up a salmon hot line. You can reach it by calling 406-526-3597. The basic equipment that you will need to fish for salmon is the ability to troll 2 mph, downriggers, or dipsy divers that will get your flasher and squid down 60-80 feet.

To view some samples that the Salmon Slayer uses log onto montanaoutdoor.com. Zahradka is always generous with information that will help other anglers understand better how to catch salmon on Fort Peck.

You need to hunt for them around the lake. They are migrating towards the dam and feeding on the cisco as they go, so the first thing I would look for is the bait fish (balls of cisco), the chances are if you find the bait fish there will be salmon close by below them.

Downrigger Dale and I had a chance to fish with Zahradka last Saturday and Sunday. In those days we landed 16 salmon with the biggest being 16 pounds. Sixteen Chinook salmon in two days! Not bad for a body of water in Montana, and we cant wait for August.
University of Montana forest ecology Professor Andrew Larson recently published research estimating the abundance of morel mushrooms after a wildfire in Californias Sierra Nevada.

So many people love to harvest and eat morel mushrooms, Larson said, but there is very little research that measures the abundance of morels after a forest has burned. We wanted to give forest managers concrete data on morel abundance.

Larson and his co-authors conducted their study in the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot, a long-term research site located in Yosemite National Park. A fire burned the research site in September 2013, killing more than 70 percent of the trees. Researchers then surveyed for morels in May 2014 in 1,119 small sample plots within the research site.

Where morels were found, researchers discovered most of the ground surface was 100 percent burned by fire. Morels typically are found close together, yet unevenly distributed across the landscape.

According to Larson, burned white fir forests in Yosemite alone could produce an average crop of more than 1 million morels per year, a sustainable amount for recreational picking.

The magnitude of post-fire morel production, especially the first year after fire, clearly supports the parks current rule allowing people to pick one pint per day for personal use.

At the start of their study Larsons team was surprised by how little research has been conducted on morel mushroom productivity.

We reviewed every published paper on post-fire morel mushroom productivity we could find, Larson said. Amazingly, only three earlier studies  in Alaska, Oregon and British Columbia, Canada, provide statistically sound estimates of morel abundance after forest fires.

Much is still unknown about where morels grow after a fire, so Larson and his co-authors also propose a conceptual model to guide future research that could explain the mushrooms spatial distribution in burned areas.

Their paper, Post-fire morel (Morchella) mushroom abundance, spatial structure and harvest sustainability, was published June 27 in the journal Forest Ecology and Management and is available online at sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112716303413.

Missoulian Staff
When John King picked up the phone in his office last week and saw a call from a number in Oklahoma, he thought it was related to the heavy haul trucks that are part of his Corvallis-based business, J&J Excavating and Trucking. Instead, the caller started the same diatribe King says hes heard hundreds of times over the past three months.

He said the threatening calls and emails started in late April after one of his employees alerted him to a Facebook post showing a photo of a four-plex apartment his firm built near Corvallis, with a note saying it was "rumored'' the building would be used to house refugees.

While the post was taken down within days, King said the damage was already done. It had gone viral and King said threats against his life, business and family began to pour in from around the country and Canada.

The Ravalli County sheriff investigated the posting and some of the calls and recently closed its case.

But King said the harassment has continued. And the Oklahoma call was typical.

He went through the same deal saying how bad it was and how terrible I am, King said. What he said after that made my heart drop. He said I know exactly what you look like, I know what youre wearing today, and he described exactly what I had on that day, and he knew what my truck looks like and what the license plate was.

King said the four-plex had been planned for at least a year  long before refugee resettlement became a hot-button issue in the Bitterroot  and it was never intended to house refugees.

King contacted the sheriff after he saw the Facebook post to enlist help in getting it removed.

The sheriffs investigation concluded the post had originated at the University of Montana, where it had been put up by a student as part of a class assignment.

King believes all of the threats he has received have come from people who are not from the Bitterroot area.

Nonetheless, he said he left his house in the morning two weeks ago and found a doll made of newspaper with a noose around its neck hanging from his mailbox. And last week someone parked in front of his house shortly after 2 a.m., fired several rounds into the air then drove off. King said a neighbor who saw the car said it had Illinois license plates.

Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman said King hasnt shared reports of the hanged doll or the gun shots with law enforcement. And without new information, his office has closed the case after investigating the source of the Facebook post and some of the subsequent calls and letters.

The person who posted the photograph, we didnt find anything criminal in her actions, Hoffman said. He declined to name the original poster, the class she was in or the professor.

There was nothing we could prosecute at this time," the sheriff said. "We were never able to identify who had made those threats.

Hoffman said he wants the case to be a warning about the potential dangers of social media.

The only thing I was left with was to make sure that people understood that if you post or repost, that if you dont verify the facts on that somebody could get hurt, Hoffman said.

In the months since the post went up on Facebook, King said he disconnected his home phone to stop the constant calls from getting through.

Despite warnings, King said several real estate agents in the Hamilton area have continued to share the refugee story, and said business has been down 40 percent over this time last year.

I think some of them think this is a joke and nothing will happen in the Bitterroot Valley, King said. Rumors are one thing but when its peoples lives and my family its another.
Former Missoula County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg said Wednesday that County Attorney Kirsten Pabst should apologize not only to me personally but also to the attorney generals office and the DCI investigators for wasting their time" looking into whether he swiped files from a secure area.

Van Valkenburgs statement came after the state Attorney General's Office released a letter Wednesday saying it found a total absence of evidence to support the accusation by Pabst, Van Valkenburg's successor. The allegation triggered a review by the state Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

I was confident all along that no other result would be reached, Van Valkenburg said. No fair-minded person would think that I did anything wrong, let alone commit a crime.

"I respect his decisions even when I don't necessarily agree," Pabst said Wednesday.

The county attorney said her office takes information security very seriously and "would have involved law enforcement regardless of who had gotten inside."

In May, she issued a news release saying that Van Valkenburg was suspected of stealing a box of unknown, original files and/or property from an area where confidential criminal justice information is kept.

Van Valkenburg said the box he found in the basement file room of the Missoula County Administration Building contained personal photos, birthday cards, bank statements, campaign finance reports, travel receipts and personal legal education material.

He said he found the items, which he said were boxed up when he swapped offices years ago, while looking for research about the history of past Missoula County attorneys.

After the Missoula Police Department investigated the incident, the case was passed along to the Division of Criminal Investigation. When Pabst declined to comment in May she said, "I will let the investigation, when complete, speak for itself."

After reviewing the DCI's findings, Assistant Attorney General Brant Light said in a letter dated July 18, and released Wednesday, that it does not appear a crime took place.

The investigation did not reveal anything other than Van Valkenburgs personal items being removed from the secure file room, Light said.

The DCI found that before entering the storage room, Van Valkenburg and Karol Jedrykowski received permission from the Missoula County Facilities Manager Larry Farnes, Light said in the letter. Farnes first consulted a legal advisor for the Missoula Board of County Commissioners.

A building supervisor escorted Van Valkenburg and Jedrykowski into the room, where the supervisor said Van Valkenburg grabbed a box with his name on it. He showed the supervisor what was inside before leaving with Jedrykowski and, according to the letter, the items appeared to be personal.

Pabst said Wednesday that as county attorney, "I have a responsibility to protect people's private data and former county attorneys should share those concerns. Finally, the law protects us all, and applies to all, even retired prosecutors. The investigation is complete and I will accept the conclusion and get back to the work of protecting our community."

In May, Van Valkenburg said he suspected Pabsts accusation was in response to his request to appear as a friend of the court in the Cody Marble case, which Pabst had filed a motion to dismiss.

Marble was originally sent to prison in 2002, during Van Valkenburgs time as county attorney, for raping a 13-year-old boy while they were in custody in a Missoula juvenile facility. Marble's accuser later recanted his testimony, and then recanted his recantation. In August 2015, the Montana Supreme Court remanded the case back to Missoula County District Court, asking it to re-examine retired Judge Douglas Harkins decision to deny Marble a new trial. Marble was released April 21.
We're not going to spend a lot of time talking about what happened.

Not that Austin Police Officer Bryan Richter's June 2015 takedown  let's not dignify it by calling it an "arrest"  of 26-year-old school teacher Breaion King is not worthy of discussion. As seen in a dashcam video unearthed last week by the Austin American-Statesman, Richter, who is white, hauls King, who is African American, out of her car, twice slams her to the ground, shackles her hands behind her back and forces her down to the hood of his patrol car, her arms held high to maximize pain and compliance.

King's sin? During a traffic stop, she gave Richter a little lip. "Could you please hurry up?" she snips. And he proceeds to lose his mind.

So what happened is certainly worth talking about. But it is what was said afterward that is ultimately more insidious. King, shackled in the back of a police cruiser, is convinced her mistreatment is related to the color of her skin. She asks another white officer, Patrick Spradlin, if he believes racism still exists.

Spradlin answers affirmatively. "But let me ask you this," he says. "Do you believe it goes both ways?"

She says yes, but starts explaining about how whites have more power. Spradlin isn't buying it. "Why are so many people afraid of black people?" he asks. "... Violent tendencies. ... That's why a lot of the white people are afraid and I don't blame them."

Spradlin is speaking, mind you, to a slightly built woman his beefy colleague just violently assaulted for no reason other than pique. More to the point, he is speaking to a woman whose heritage includes 400 years of kidnapping, lynching, bombing, burning, rape, riot and, yes, police brutality, at the hands of people who look like him.

But it is "black people"  note that no other qualifier is necessary  who, he says, have these supposed "violent tendencies."

And let us not ignore Spradlin's talk of how racism "goes both ways." Here's what King was trying to explain when he cut her off:

The black person who doesn't like white people can call names, maybe even physically assault some individual. But she has virtually no power to express that bigotry with impunity upon multiple victims through public institutions. If she is a cop she cannot, for example, physically assault white motorists for no reason and expect to get away with it. By contrast, do you know how Bryan Richter was "punished" for his brutality?

He had to go for counseling. Oh, and extra training.

Spradlin is not alone in embracing false equivalence, though. A 2011 study by Professors Michael Norton of Harvard and Samuel Sommers of Tufts University, finds that many white Americans now identify bias against them as a bigger problem than bias against blacks.

They can point to no statistic to support this absurd idea  there is none. Unfortunately, the new American ethos, as illustrated vividly last week at the GOP Convention, holds that the truth you "feel" is more authoritative than the truth that is actually, well ... true.

Since the video of Richter's brutality came to light, the police chief and various city officials have pronounced themselves appalled and there is talk of reform. That's all well and good, but this is bigger than police. Police reflect the society they serve. So, though most of them would know better than to say it out loud, Spradlin's thinking recurs in landlords who won't rent, bankers who won't lend, doctors who won't treat, executives who won't hire.

It recurs in an ongoing daily act of battery upon African-American aspiration. And hope. And faith.

Bryan Richter assaulted Breaion King. Of that, there can be no doubt. By contrast, Spradlin only talked to her, their conversation calm and composed. But make no mistake.

He assaulted her, too.
As a county commissioner, third generation Montanan, hunter, hiker, fisherman and a strong supporter of public access to public lands, I am deeply troubled by a recent opinion piece by John Sullivan and Hannah Ryan (co-chairs of the Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.)

The piece grossly misrepresents HR 2316, the Self-Sufficient Community Lands Act, and falsely demonizes Congressman Ryan Zinke's support of the bill.

Their statement that the bill "legislates the transfer of millions of acres of public lands and jeopardizes the health of America's national forest system, fish and wildlife habitat, and public access to quality hunting and fishing" is not factual.

Number one, our national forest system is already in jeopardy for multiple reasons: antiquated laws, budget cuts to managing agencies and excessive litigation, to name a few. The bill clearly protects access rights: "nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit or restrict access to National Forest System land included in a community forest demonstration area for hunting, fishing and other related purposes."

I am disturbed by their statement about the bill being for the sole purpose of generating revenue for counties and local governments." This bill is about forest health, enhancement of habitat through scientific management of forest lands that are already suitable for timber harvest and in dire need of modern forestry management. It is also about effectively managing the wildland-urban interface and protecting our homeowners and communities from the threat of wildland fire.

Equally important is providing for the financial viability of counties with an abundance of federal and state lands within their borders. Our tax revenue capacity is based upon real property owners, federal and state lands are exempt from local taxation.

As a sitting commissioner, I see first-hand the battle to fund basic services when over 80 percent of your taxable base is federally or state owned. With no reallocation of Secured and Rural Schools funding by Congress as of yet, coupled with minimal production of timber off of the forest, we are struggling to provide basic services.

With the collapse of the timber industry and the challenges to mining, our economy has been devastated, we have gone from one of the strongest economies in the state to the poorest, and much of it due to outdated federal regulation and serial litigation by extreme environmental organizations.

In my position as commissioner, trying to provide for the health, safety and economic welfare of our citizens, I applaud Congresss attempt at common-sense management options, bringing federal, state and local governments together working for sound natural resource management on our public lands, providing counties the opportunity to protect our citizens from wildfire, and providing for forest health and economic well being. I find Congressman Zinkes vote far from hypocritical, but in line with his stated values. I encourage each of you to read the actual bill and determine for yourselves the intent and to what level the Congressmans vote upholds the Montana ethos.

***

Mark Peck is county commissioner in Lincoln County. He served four years as the director of emergency management for Flathead County where he worked extensively on wildland-urban interface and wildland fire response. Prior to taking office, he served as the Libby unit manager for the Montana Department of Natural Resources, overseeing, among other things, 32,000 acres of school trust lands.
Despite the crowing by the state of Montana, the Legislatures 2015 vote on the CSKT Compact was ruled unconstitutional because the Compact created a separate, new immunity for the State of Montana. The Montana Constitution requires that the Legislature needed a two-thirds vote to pass SB 262 in 2015. And that it did not get.

The only question presented to the court was whether the vote itself  not the compact  was constitutional. Both the state and the CSKT tried to add other issues not relevant to that key question. In a political handoff to them, the ruling agreed with some of the issues, including whether certain language in the compact could be severed. Those political tidbits did not convey constitutionality to the compact  because that was not the question.

The operative concept here is that the Legislature must act to fix the immunity language in the Compact. This will require the Legislature remove the immunity language or return the compact to the Legislature to achieve the two-thirds vote necessary to convey to Montana immunity from potentially billions of dollars of damages, costs, and attorneys fees resulting from the implementation of the compact.

With this court ruling, it is simple: a two-thirds vote was needed in the Legislature to pass SB 262. The CSKT Compact thus remains stuck in court for the foreseeable future. All spinning aside, it is time for the state of Montana to stop misleading its citizens. A fox doesnt crow.

Catherine Vandemoer, Ph.D.,

Polson
Kudos to the University of Montana for offering an overwhelming number of programs and activities and support and academic programs with Native American Students top of mind  Free soup every other Wednesday attendance has grown to 100  UM also offers academic success workshops  a beading circle  (MSU on Hot List" for Native Americans, UM Left off  Missoulian, July 18).

Kudos also to President Royce Engstrom for hosting the soup line. To be fair more challenging academic programs are listed, but still. If UM offers indisputably what Montana Native American students need, why do they vote with their feet and go to Bozeman or Los Angeles? Reminiscent of Victorian England and the Salvation Army, the soup symbolism is powerful, although it leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Seriously!

Instead of empowering the peoples premiers (the first inhabitants) via a specifically targeted curriculum with courses on cultural/textual critique, history, serious psychology, UM gives them soup.

Instead of explaining the genocide, giving them theoretical tools to put their history in perspective and help them move forward while retaining the memory of the terrible, tragic past, UM gives them beading circles (an activity N.A. students are already familiar with.) Also why no mention of the native languages taught in the NAS program (Salish or Arapaho, taught by Professor Greymorning)?

No wonder UM cannot compete with other universities on the hot list.

Perhaps, instead, as a solution to enrollment woes, President Engstrom should make a habit of hosting weekly soup lines for the Missoula homeless. Some could qualify for grants. He could also sponsor Syrian immigrants (if they have children, future students) to come and settle in the Bitterroot Valley. Why not?

Time to re-read Oliver Twist. Not one dull moment at UM.

Michel Valentin (UM professor and EPIS member),

Missoula
BUTTE  Montana Resources set off quite a blast Wednesday afternoon in the Continental Pit.

So much so  the 1:02 p.m. blast registered a magnitude 2.9, said Mike Stickney, director of the Earthquake Studies Office, Bureau of Mines and Geology, on the Montana Tech campus.

People in the Montana Standard's second-floor newsroom felt the floor shake. The Standard's office at 25 W. Granite Street is about 1 miles from Montana Resources' mine operation on Shields Avenue.

Stickney called MR's blast "bigger than usual."

Mark Thompson, Montana Resources' manager of environmental affairs, said Wednesday afternoon that the blast was not bigger than normal, but that the geometry of the blast resulted in the vibration wave becoming amplified.

Thompson said the blast was monitored, and the monitor indicated it was within regulatory limits.

"This happened to be an oddball," Thompson said. "Were investigating."

Stickney said others around town who felt the blast called the earthquake office to ask what happened.

A quake of magnitude 2.5 to 3 in the smallest generally felt by people, according to the Associated Press.

SUSAN DUNLAP,

Montana Standard
BILLINGS  Montana Gov. Steve Bullock did not answer the call during Tuesdays roll call delegate vote to nominate presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during the Democratic National Convention.

A superdelegate, Bullock sat out the nominating convention. Hes one of only three Democratic governors not attending.

He wanted to stay in state, said Jason Pitt, Bullocks campaign spokesman. Hes got an important job making sure we remain the most prudent state in the country and standing up for public lands.

Pitt said Bullocks skipping the debate has nothing to do with the governor, who is seeking re-election, not wanting to be associated with Hillary Clinton.

Clinton lost the Montana primary to Bernie Sanders. She received 44 percent of the vote. Scant public polling in the state suggests that Trump has a sizable advantage over Clinton in Montana, as well.

Earlier this month, the 538 Blog by New York Times pollster Nate Silver, gave Trump a 21.4 percent lead over Clinton in Montana. Trump actually did 7.8 points better in Montana over his Democratic adversary than Mitt Romney did over President Barack Obama in 2012.

Of the 16 states where Republicans did best in 2012, there were only two so far, according to 538, where Trump is currently polling better than Romney did in the last presidential election: Montana and West Virginia.

Bullock was in Helena on Tuesday, where he announced several new research grants for businesses.

West Virginia was devastated by a once-in-a-thousand-years flood at the end of June that killed at least two dozen people. Communities are still recovering. Like Bullock, Tomblin wanted to stay in state, according to West Virginia staff.

Lolo M. Moliga, the Democratic governor of American Samoa, was also unable to attend.

Of the governors attending the Democratic National Convention, most had speaking parts or played roles on panel discussions about government issues. All of them, under Democratic Party rules, had superdelegate status, meaning they werent bound to vote for a specific candidate based on the primary results in their states.

Montanans voted for Clinton 14 to 12, with Sanders falling two short, despite winning the state primary. That means the states superdelegates put their support behind Clinton.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., did attend. He spoke to Montana delegates at a Tuesday morning breakfast and then spoke at the Democratic National Committees Rural Council about agriculture, energy, infrastructure and education.

"This convention is about uniting around the important issues facing middle class families., Tester said in a statement to the Gazette. From ensuring folks have good-paying jobs to making college affordable and health care accessible, this convention provides an exciting opportunity to come together and rally support for strong Montana values."

Bullock did get a shout-out from the Montana delegation during the roll call vote.

"The home of our great Gov. (Steve Bullock), who is protecting our public lands and all of our rivers that run through it," the delegation said, introducing the state. The clip played live on CSPAN.
HELENA  Insurers say they're hemorrhaging money in the Montana health insurance marketplace set up under Obamacare, and one company plans to cut back on policy options to stop the bleeding.

PacificSource, the state's smallest marketplace insurer, told regulators on Tuesday it won't offer a pair of individual health plans next year, citing losses averaging $1,100 per insured member last year.

The company also plans to cut back on coverage costs by limiting sales of one of its policies, the SmartHealth Network, to seven Billings- and Missoula-area counties.

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Montana Health Co-op, the two other companies selling plans on the state-run exchange, detailed a similarly dire financial forecast.

All three appeared at a public hearing to make the case for significant proposed price hikes on plans purchased through the marketplace, which opened in 2014.

Representatives with each company agreed they simply arent taking in enough in premiums to cover the cost of claims and called for 20 to 62 percent average rate increases to make up for higher-than-expected medical service and pharmacy costs.

They also pointed to ballooning payments made to Montana health care providers and nixed federal subsidies among reasons for the suggested price jumps.

Dozens of residents, regulators and marketplace experts turned up at Tuesdays public hearing, including some who questioned the insurers math.

In a Q-and-A session with a state-contracted auditor, Co-op board member and former state Auditor John Morrison publicly cast doubt on the size of Blue Cross requested rate increase, which came in roughly three times higher than those submitted by other marketplace insurers.

I find it shocking, he later told the Independent Record. Particularly in light of (the outside auditors) data, which shows the cost drivers are the same as in other states.

Ive never seen anything like it.  I think you can really only interpret it as Blue Cross either wanting to abandon the individual market, or profiteer.

Spokesman John Doran said Blue Cross, as the largest player in the marketplace, tended to incur higher costs on account of processing claims submitted from a much larger share of the states population. He said Blue Cross had operated in the state for 75 years and intended to stick around for another 75 years and beyond.

About 80,000 Montanans buy individual plans through Montanas insurance marketplace. Officials said more than half  among them enrollees who buy via healthcare.gov and receive a premium-capping tax credit  will not be significantly impacted by the proposed rate increases.

But about 35,000 Montanans could face the full force of the premium spikes.

Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen advised those potentially affected by the increases to see if they qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or a tax credit, if they havent already done so.

Lindeen cautioned she has no statutory authority to reject rate hikes, but said there had been some discussion among state lawmakers about changing that during the upcoming Legislative session.

A final determination on the rates will be announced by Aug. 19.

Tuesdays rate hearing came amid a nationwide wave of similarly sized premium increase proposals  hikes that have revived the grudge match between Obamacares backers and detractors.

Proponents of President Barack Obamas signature legislative achievement have blamed Republican obstructionism for some of the laws growing pains.

They point to a well-publicized statewide surges in federally subsidized health care enrollment as evidence of the laws success.

Opponents say a second-straight year of premium hikes could portend doom for the controversial health care law. Marketplaces created under the legislation have seen a rash of insurance company departures in recent weeks.

A second public hearing on the rates is planned Aug. 3, in Room 148 of the library at Montana State University Billings, 1500 University Drive in Billings.

Public comment also can be submitted through Aug. 5 at csimt.gov.

Open enrollment for 2017 begins in November.
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Police reports

MULTIPLE TRUCK THEFTS

Trucks were broken into Tuesday night near the Butte Country Club, and police believe the thefts are connected. A truck owner on Bantry Way called police at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday to report a wallet missing credit cards and $30 in cash were taken. Another Bantry Way resident reported a white iPad Mini, a Bose headset and bolt-cutters were missing. A White Boulevard resident told police at 8 a.m. that a purse containing credit cards had been stolen, and that their dogs had barked at someone outside the house at 10:30 p.m. Monday. A Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol and holster were stolen from a truck parked on the 2700 block of Phillips Street. Police said none of the vehicles showed signs of forced entry.

CAR HIGH-CENTERS ON TRACKS

Police arrested a Butte woman who high-centered her 1998 Ford Taurus on the railroad crossing on Holmes Avenue at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Caitlin Smith, 27, failed a field sobriety test, and blew a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. Smith also had a warrant for arrest for contempt of court from Butte city court, and police found a syringe in her backpack. Police arrested Smith on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, contempt of court and possession of drug paraphernalia.

TRESPASSER ARRESTED FOR METH

Pine Street residents called police at 3 a.m. Wednesday because of an unknown man knocking on doors in the neighborhood. Police arrested Quinton Mahkuk, 34, of Georgetown Lake on two misdemeanor counts of trespass. While searching Mahkuk at county jail, police found a spoon and small plastic bags, one of which contained .4 grams of methamphetamine. Mahkuk was further charged with a misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony possession of dangerous drugs.
Chief Executive Matt Vincent is pledging additional opportunities for people to weigh in on where to relocate the countys vehicle and maintenance shops, and hes not putting an end date to that process.

The county announced a new webpage on the topic Thursday, a day after Vincent told commissioners there will be more public meetings and perhaps tours of potential sites so people can size them up in person.

Commissioners and county officials could revisit the issue on a weekly basis, he said, until we feel comfortable with another recommendation. Even then, he said, another public hearing would be held so people could again voice opinions.

The council will make any final decision, but Vincent said Thursday they can have as long as it takes to select the best site.

The shops must be moved because they sit atop polluted Parrot mine tailings that are to be removed from an area behind the Civic Center. Gov. Steve Bullock has said he wants the state to begin removal yet this year.

Planning Director Jon Sesso sent commissioners a letter July 15 recommending the shops be moved to a site just north of their current location once mine waste is removed from that area, too. Members of Restore Our Creek and other citizen activists cried foul, saying they had no input into the proposal.

Restore Our Creek wants a flowing Silver Bow Creek through the heart of Butte if an adequate supply of water can be found and made workable. Many of its members dont like the proposed site just northeast of the Civic Center, saying there are better, non-industrial things to do with the land.

County officials already had to rule out two previous locations.

Vincent said early this week the state, which is paying to relocate the shops, can start moving some of the Parrot tailings in the coming weeks even if the county does not have a new site for the shops.

Vincent told commissioners Wednesday night that Butte architect Steve Hinick will draw renderings of how the shops could be situated in other locations. Six sites already have been analyzed in depth, costing the state $56,000, but some residents are suggesting entirely new sites be explored.

Vincent suggested commissioners and others could visit those sites with the conceptual drawings so they would be more informed. Commissioner John Sorich said that was a great idea.

The council was given all comments gathered during a public meeting Monday night and Vincent said he is having a public comment form created so all residents can weigh in. They can also do that by going to www.co.silverbow.mt.us and clicking on City-County Shops Relocation Information and Comment Form.
Rev. Glenn E. Truscott was born in Butte, Montana, to Alida, Lila, (Hanson) and Glenn E. Truscott in 1921. (Rev.) Glenn spent his pre-teen years on a sheep ranch across the Big Hole River from the small ranching town of Divide, Montana. Upon graduation from the one-room grade school in Divide, hed drive a Model-T to Butte for high school. There hed often board with an aunt, especially during winter months when driving the Model-T over the pass to Butte was dicey and frigid.

After graduation from Butte High School, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as an Aviation Machinist Mate and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During World War II Glenn was on the flight deck of the USS Hornet in April of 1942 during the historic launching of (then) Col. Doolittle and his group of sixteen B-25s for their attack on Japan. A month-and-half later he went through the Battle of Midway. Later, during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, the USS Hornet was again under attack by Japanese dive-bombers. There the order to abandon ship came and the USS Hornet was sunk. Picked up by a destroyer, he was assigned to another aircraft carrier.

After the war ended Glenn was on the carrier USS Valley Forge, which sailed around the world promoting peace during 1947 and 1948. That cruise enabled him to visit his English family roots in Cornwall. Then the Korean War started in 1950. Off of that nations coast he served on the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea. Glenns 20-year Navy career also saw him on the aircraft carriers USS Lexington and USS Yorktown.

Stateside, he was stationed on naval airbases located at Astoria, Oregon, Coronado, California, twice near Corpus Christi, Texas, and lastly on Whidbey Island, Washington. Between the two Texas assignments he was assigned to the Sangley Point Naval Air Base, which was the across bay from Manila, Philippine Islands.

Glenn retired from military service on Whidbey Island, Washington, in 1960 moving to Deer Lodge, Montana, where he became a Methodist minister. This second career took him to many churches and communities throughout western Montana where he was the resident pastor. These were: Townsend, Radersberg, Toston, Fromberg, Edger, Roberts, Cascade, Sunnyside, Sand Coulee, Dutton, Brady, and finally Anaconda. His duties often required him to circuit ride two to three of these churches at a time, much like his inspiration: the legendary Brother Van Orsdel, who preached across frontier Montana. Besides conducting funerals at many other churches, Glenn also pinched preached at Bannock, Wise River, Buttes Mountain View Methodist Church and Clarkston, Washington Methodist Church.

In 1944, Glenn married his high school sweetheart, Lenore Waters, whose father was the proprietor of The Hub, a mens western clothing store that served Butte, Montana, for over 50 years. Glenn and Lenores wedding took place in Astoria, Oregon, and left for their honeymoon in a Greyhound bus. Lenore then lived at all of the stateside naval air bases where Glenn was assigned, plus 18 months with him in the Philippine Islands. She also assisted at all of Glenns ministry locations. Except for the later churches, Glenn and Lenore moved and served with up to three sons in tow. They were married for 72 years.

He retired from the ministry in 1983; moving from Butte, Montana, to the Evergreen Estates in Clarkston, Washington during 1998. But, Glenn and Lenore continued to travel the globe, mostly on cruise ships. However, Glenns favorite sport was fly-fishing the rivers and streams near Butte. Hed often save up his allotted military leave to spend them as a 30-day stretch in Montana visiting relatives and of course fishing.

Reverend Glenn died July 26, 2016, at age 95 and is survived by his wife Lenore, his three sons and their wives: Glenn Jr. and Roberta of Coeur dAlene, Idaho, Don and Melody from Bainbridge Island, Washington, and Tom and Tana in Clarkston, Washington. In addition, he has five grandchildren  Seth, Ben, Hana, Ian and Ciera, plus a recent great-granddaughter, Iolana. Another great-grandchild is due soon. All his sons, their wives and children enjoy wading northwestern waters, fly poles in hand.

A graveside interment service will be held in Buttes Mount Moriah Cemetery at 10 a.m. July 30, 2016. Please direct any memorials to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1621 Thornton Ave., Butte, Montana 59701 for its music program as he loved to sing in church choirs. Express condolences at www.wayrynen-richards.com or go to www.mtstandard.com.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will institute "hoot-owl" fishing restrictions on many western Montana rivers and streams  including Silver Bow Creek and the Upper Clark Fork River  beginning Friday, July 29, due to warm and rising water temperatures.

The restrictions will close fishing daily from 2 p.m. to midnight until conditions improve. Hoot owl restrictions apply to the following stretches of water in west-central Montana, effective Friday:

Blackfoot: Entire length

Entire length Blackfoot tributaries: North Fork and Copper, Monture and Morrell Creeks

North Fork and Copper, Monture and Morrell Creeks Bitterroot: Tucker Crossing, downstream to confluence with Clark Fork (~47 miles)

Tucker Crossing, downstream to confluence with Clark Fork (~47 miles) Upper Clark Fork: From headwaters where Silver Bow and Warm Springs Creeks join to Rock Creek (100 miles)

From headwaters where Silver Bow and Warm Springs Creeks join to Rock Creek (100 miles) Silver Bow Creek: From the confluence with Blacktail Creek to its mouth and confluence with Warm Springs Creek.

Limiting fishing to the cooler morning hours is very important to reducing stress on fish right now, especially with a weather forecast that continues to be hot and dry, said Pat Saffel, FWP Fisheries Manager in Missoula.

Other fishing restrictions in Region 3 still in effect include:

Big Hole River: Maiden Rock Fishing Acess to Notch Bottom Fishing Access; Notch Bottom Fishing Access to the confluence with the Beaverhead River; Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to North Fork Big Hole River Mouth

Maiden Rock Fishing Acess to Notch Bottom Fishing Access; Notch Bottom Fishing Access to the confluence with the Beaverhead River; Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to North Fork Big Hole River Mouth East Gallatin River: Spring Hill Road Bridge (Hwy411) to the confluence with the Gallatin River

Spring Hill Road Bridge (Hwy411) to the confluence with the Gallatin River Gallatin River: Confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks to Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners

Confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks to Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners Jefferson River: Entire river

Entire river Madison River: Ennis Dam to the mouth

Ennis Dam to the mouth Ruby River: Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River

For up-to-date information on restrictions related to drought, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/.
"Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. -- -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Last week, the Montana Supreme Court bent the long moral arc toward justice.

It decided that a Yellowstone County court got a wrongful termination decision horribly wrong. The high court said that former Colstrip Police Chief Larry Reinlasoder had indeed been fired for good cause, namely creating a pretty uncomfortable, if not hostile, work environment.

The Billings Gazette covered the trial in Judge Russell Faggs court extensively and it made statewide news when Reinlasoder sued his former employer for wrongful termination. A jury agreed that Reinlasoder was not fired properly and awarded nearly $300,000 in damages. Many readers were shocked because the evidence seemed so convincing.

Reinlasoder had sent pictures of people having sexual intercourse to other employees. He sent pictures of genitalia. He invited female employees to watch pornography with him at work. As police chief.

Despite this testimony and evidence, the jury didnt believe the city of Colstrip had been justified in firing him.

Last weeks decision by the state Supreme Court was great news for employees and employers alike, as well as correcting what was simply a mishandled case.

The Reinlasoder verdict was dangerous for several reasons. First, it could have a very dangerous chilling effect for cases moving forward. In other words, employees who may experience similar sexual harassment in the workplace could be fearful coming forward to report such incidents, knowing that juries and courts may not take them seriously.

Moreover, the original Reinlasoder verdict may have put employers in an equally awful position. Had the verdict been allowed to stand, the city of Colstrip would have been in an unwinnable position. It would have had employees who would have clearly been in an extremely uncomfortable, if not hostile work environment while at the same time not being able to fire a manager (and police chief) who was making unwanted sexual suggestions. In other words, either way, the city of Colstrip could have been sued.

The high courts decision means that Colstrip will not be punished for clearly doing the right thing. And terminating Reinlasoder seemed clearly to be the right thing.

There was no question that Reinlasoder sent the images and messages to employees. Some employees clearly felt uncomfortable having pornography sent to them and being invited to view it. There were witnesses to those conversations, even though Reinlasoder did not recall them at the trial. The state Supreme Court said that just because Reinlasoder didnt seem to remember didnt invalidate the concern or the evidence.

If Colstrip had not acted to protect its employees who felt that those overtures created a hostile work environment, then they could have been sued by them.

The Supreme Court opinion, written by Justice Jim Rice, said the case should have been decided in the citys favor based on Montana law and undisputed facts. The uncontested evidence showed Reinlasoder sexually harassed an employee, the Supreme Court said. Sexual harassment is unquestionably a legitimate business reason or reasonable job-related grounds for dismissal that satisfies the good cause standard contained in (Montana law).

We believe that courts of appeal, like the Montana State Supreme Court, should be cautious about overturning the verdict of a jury. However, in such an egregious case, making sure that justice is really served was just too important.

For the sake of employers, employees and the good name of police who dont engage in that kind of outrageous behavior, this District Court judgment against the city of Colstrip needed to be reversed.

-- The Billings Gazette
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POLSON  The owners of a dog kennel between Charlo and St. Ignatius whose website says they raise our puppies in the most loving, humane, clean environment possible are facing a potential felony charge of aggravated animal abuse.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said 11 of the more than 120 dogs at the kennel were seized Tuesday after deputies arrived at LDR Kennels with a search warrant after receiving a complaint.

The kennel is owned by Larry and Nadene Latzke, who were cited for aggravated cruelty to animals.

The Lake County Attorneys Office will decide what, if any, charges will be formally filed against the Latzkes, Bell said, after veterinary reports on the seized dogs are completed and prosecutors can review them.

The rest of the dogs remain at LDR Kennels, located off U.S Highway 93 on Dublin Gulch Road.

Bell said his office received a complaint asking for a welfare check on the dogs.

Deputies Taylor Bleazard and Clay Shoemaker were told there was a terrible smell coming from the kennel and that they had seen one dog with its hair matted and smelled like urine, and the dog did not look in good health, Bell said.

Bleazard did some digging, according to Bell, and discovered that the Sheriffs Office had received previous complaints about the kennel.

In the past the owners of the kennels would not let the officers check the dogs, the sheriff said.

Armed with that history, this time the deputies applied for, and were granted, a search warrant.

It was served at 7:53 a.m. Tuesday.

Life Savers Animal Rescue of Polson accompanied the sheriff, undersheriff and deputies to the location, and assisted with evaluating the 120-plus dogs at the kennel.

Some of the 11 seized for further evaluation and treatment were later returned, but others were not, Bell said.

The LDR Kennel website says Nadene Latzke has been raising puppies for 25 years, and Larry Latzke began working with her in 2002.

The website offers Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds for sale. It claims the dogs are definitely loved and socialized.
Civil #: 16-001325

Special Execution

Ditech Financial LLC,

VS.

Bryan J. McNelly; Parties In Possession; Sara J. McNelly, ET AL.

As a result of the judgment rendered in the above referenced court case, an execution was issued by the court to the Sheriff of this county. The execution ordered the sale of defendant(s) Real Estate Described Below. To satisfy the judgment. The property to be sold is

Lot 4, of Riverview Addition to the City of Muscatine, Muscatine County, Iowa. More propertly known as:

Lot 4, in Riverview Addition to the City of Muscatine, in Muscatine County, Iowa Street Address: 1309 Smalley, Muscatine, IA 52761

Property Address: 1309 Smalley, Muscatine, IA 52761

The described property will be offered for sale at public auction for cash only as follows:

Sale Date: 08/30/2016

Sale Time: 9:30 am

Place of Sale: Muscatine County Jail Lobby, 400 Walnut Street, Muscatine

This sale not subject to redemption.

Property exemption: Certain money or property may be exempt. Contact your attorney promptly to review specific provisions of the law and file appropriate notice, if applicable.

Judgment Amount: $86,181.47

Costs: $32,249.47

Accruing Costs: Plus

Interest: $4,897.00

Sheriffs Fees: Pending

Date: 07/15/2016

Attorney:

Emily Bartekoske

1401 50th St., Ste. 100

West Des Moines, IA 50266

(515)223-7325

C.J. Ryan

Muscatine County Sheriff

Melissa Hurlbut

Civil Deputy
MUSCATINE, Iowa  A Fruitland woman has entered a guilty plea after being charged with two counts of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class C Felony, and one count of tampering with records.

Calista Marie Hubbard, 30, was charged after she documented that she was administering hydrocodone, a schedule II narcotic, to a resident at Lutheran Homes Care Center where she worked as a nurse, but instead kept it for herself, according to the court documents.

The incidents occurred around January 22, January 28, and March 22, 2016, according to online court records.

Hubbard pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance and one count of tampering with records. The second count of possession of a controlled substance will be dismissed, according to the plea agreement.

Hubbard was arrested in May. She originally entered a not-guilty plea in mid-June.

An order has been filed for a pre-sentence investigation to be conducted. She is being represented by Muscatine attorney Douglas E. Johnston.

Her sentencing hearing has been set for 9:45 a.m., Friday, Sept. 9, in Muscatine County District Court.

Emily Wenger of the Muscatine Journal
COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa  Columbus Junction city officials agreed Wednesday that with just three days to go before more than 10,000 bicyclists and other support teams inundate the community, preparations were about as complete as they could be.

The 2016 Des Moines Registers Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is scheduled to pass through Columbus City, Columbus Junction, Fredonia and Letts on Saturday, before ending the day in Muscatine.

Local planners have been busy preparing for the even for the past several months.

It seems to be coming together well, community development director Mallory Smith, who has been helping to lead the local planning for the event, reported to the city council.

Smith praised the effort Bev Nielsen had made to help organize the local effort and especially getting other local residents to volunteer their help.

She has done a good job and reached into (a lot of groups), Smith said.

Even so, Smith said if anyone still wanted to volunteer, there were still places for them. She said riders would be routed past the citys historic Swinging Bridge and welcomers would be especially busy at that point.

I feel we have enough, but we can always use more, she said, pointing out Washington, which will be final overnight stop for the riders, was also still asking for volunteers.

Smith said the local planning had always focused on a countywide effort and she was pleased with the response from throughout the area.

The collaboration has been fantastic. It will be a good day, she said, pointing out the planners had relied heavily on advice provided by West Liberty veterans of last years RAGBRAI pass-through.

According to Smith, that advice had included providing plenty of portable toilets and a map. She said riders and businesses would both benefit from those suggestions.

Mayor Dan Wilson pointed out the citys maintenance staff had been busy the last few weeks patching streets, getting junk vehicles removed and generally spiffing up the community.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Saturday will also be the final day of the Louisa County Fair. RAGBRAI riders will be able to catch a view from State Highway 92 as they leave the community.

There is a lot going on, (but) it will come and go quickly, Wilson said.

In other action, area residents Cindy Grimm and Pat Dessner met with the council to update members on the countywide effort to place a Freedom Rock at the All-Veterans Memorial near Grandview.

The two said the rock, which would be painted by Ray Bubba Sorensen II, Greenfield. When completed, Louisa Countys rock would be the 49th rock painted by Sorensen in honor of all armed forces veterans.

The aim of the Freedom Rock project is to have a rock in each Iowa county.

The two women also said the rock could become a significant tourism attraction as more of the rocks show up throughout Iowa.

I think we are going to find people going from rock to rock, Grimm explained.

She said a committee of county residents was now busy raising money so Sorensen could begin work. She said a rock had already been located and donated, along with other in-kind support, so cash was now needed.

City officials wasted little time in supporting the effort, agreeing to donate $1,000 to the project.

Tell (other communities) its 50 cents a head, councilmember Mark Huston suggested.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  For the second time in less than a week, there has been a shooting in a Muscatine neighborhood.

According to a press release from the Muscatine Police Department, officers were in the area of the 600 block of Spring Street at about 2:44 a.m. Thursday when they heard several gun shots.

Upon investigation officers found the victim in the No. 6 alley 600 East suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

The unidentified victim was transported to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City by Muscatine Fire Department ambulance. The victim's condition was not available.

No further information was available Thursday from Muscatine Police.

Officers located several shell casings in the area. Police are asking for the publics cooperation in the investigation of this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Muscatine Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Officer Anthony Arnaman 563-263-9922 Ext. 249.

Authorities are continuing to investigate a shooting in the 600 block of Sycamore Street which occurred Tuesday morning.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Older Iowans will be the beneficiaries of several pieces of legislation which were promoted by members of the Older Iowans Legislature.

The OIL, an all-volunteer, non-partisan, non-profit organization advocated for an additional $1 million in funding for the one-stop resource program LifeLong Links operated by the six Area Agencies on Aging. This funding establishes a foundation on which this much used program can operate and build upon in the future. Lifelong Links is a service which guides Iowas seniors, those living with disabilities, and caregivers to services available to help them achieve a quality of life which allows individuals to remain in their homes as long as possible.

The Iowa General Assembly and the Governor also approved a $61,334 increase for an Elder Abuse Specialist, a $20,000 increase for the Office of Substitute Decision Maker and $100,000 for a Medicaid Manage Care Ombudsman.

The Older Iowans Legislatures advocacy for these resources for Iowas seniors began las September when members from across the state met for two days in the Iowa House Chamber at the State Capitol. The delegates discussed the challenges facing Iowas seniors and zeroed in on three issues which they felt would improve the quality of life for Iowas seniors. Beginning last January OIL members contacted their elected representatives to promote passage of these bills.

Helene Magee, Dubuque, OIL chair, said, Funding for these programs is a sign that the Legislature is aware of the challenges Iowa faces as the Baby Boomer population ages. She continued, OIL members would like to thank the Legislature and the Governor for stepping up to the plate to fund these programs at a time when the state faced a tight budget and the challenges of switching the States Medicaid program to managed care.

The Older Iowans Legislature invites all Iowans over the age of 50 to come to Des Moines this September 26 and 27 to meet in the House Chamber. Delegates will sit in a legislators chair and have the opportunity to voice their opinion on what they want OIL to advocate on their behalf to the Governor and to the 2017 session of the Iowa General Assembly.

The Older Iowans Legislature participates in the Elevate Aging Coalition which includes the Iowa Association of the Area Agencies on Aging, AARP, the Alzheimers Association, The Hale Group, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans, Iowa CareGivers, Jewish Family Services, Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Iowa Department on Aging.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  A reminder about the route RAGBRAI wil be taking into Muscatine Saturday.

The riders will travel on County Road G28 to Hershey Avenue and then to Mississippi Drive. Cyclists will take a right turn at Iowa Avenue and go down to the dip site on Muscatine riverfront.

The bypass ramps at Hershey Avenue will be closed.


























Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
South Africa should only start the process of building several nuclear stations after it has fully completed its current coal power station project, civil action group Outa said on Thursday.

The Department of Energy could release its request for proposals for nuclear bids any day, having delayed this process from March 31. The main contenders to build the nuclear reactors include Russia, France, the US and China.

Outa spokesperson on nuclear Ted Blom told Fin24 on Thursday that CEO Brian Molefe told an investor session on July 5 that Eskom had been nominated with the full nuclear programme.

If that is the case, Blom said Eskom was not in a position to think about any more construction projects as its current new build project was so far behind schedule.

This comes after massive cost and time overruns at Eskoms Medupi and Kusile power stations are expected to further strain Eskoms financial resources, EE Publishers investigative editor Chris Yellend said on July 6.

The 4 764 MW Medupi coal-fired power station has been under construction since 2007, while the 4 800 MW Kusile coal-fired power station has been under construction since 2008.

However, Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe told Fin24 on Thursday that Blom was incorrect.

The nuclear programme is essentially run by the Department of Energy and not Eskom, he said. Once they are done with process, the project will be owned and operated by Eskom. It is not running the project itself.

Everything will be handled by the Department of Energy, he said. The department will consult with us for input based on experience that we have accumulated over 30 years from running the Koeberg nuclear power station. It will be on making the recommendations.

Kelvin Kemm, Necsa chairperson and a member of the ministerial advisory council on energy, told Fin24 on Thursday that Eskom has not been mandated to run the full programme.

Undoubtedly at this stage, Eskom is earmarked to be the owner and operator, as it is a function of the state power utility to sell electricity at a profit so that it can expand the amount of energy it produces.

Eskom has to double the electricity usage of the nation to produce electricity and to provide it extremely well, he said. It should not be aiming to get into construction.

Kemm indicated who he believes will run the nuclear build programme.

Its my position that we bring as much private enterprise together in a collective to optimise skills in the country, he said. The nature of the new build will be multi-subcontractor projects through one centralised command centre.

It wont be one organisation that does the construction, he said, adding that 50% of the project will be sourced from local South African companies.

The decision about who exactly will build the new nuclear has not been decided.

He believes a private company should be contracted to oversee the centralised command office and report directly to the Department of Energy.

Blom disagreed with Kemms assessment that South Africa needed to double its energy usage.

I am quite in awe of nuclear and I was once authorised to work in nuclear, he told Fin24. The fact of the matter, however, is that it will take too long to build the power stations.

It will take at least 15 years and during that time the technology will change, he said. Currently, we have 42 GW with another 9 GW coming online with Medupi and Kusile.

The mining industry is closing down, he said. Mines and smelters use between 60% and 70% of Eskoms electricity. In five years time, we wont have any more mines, which means we dont require as many power stations.

Further, he said renewable energy and energy-efficient power systems will further decrease the level of power needed.

Focusing on Eskoms poor track record at Medupi, Kusile and Ingula, Blom said Eskom could not get involved in any more projects.

We remain unconvinced about the estimated R1trn nuclear energy plan, which will devastate the shrinking of the South African economy, while this state-owned entity continues to drown the nation with increasing energy costs along with incomplete and grossly over-run energy projects, Blom said in a statement on Thursday.

Outa claims that Eskom is withholding crucial facts that will reveal why it cannot be entrusted with the nuclear programme.

According to Outa, these include the gross over expenditure and delays at Medupi, which now has an expected cost by completion in excess of R200bn. Given that an off the shelf solution could have been acquired by Eskom for under R35bn and the entire plant built within 48 months  as was accomplished by Tata Energy at Mundra Power station at the same time at Eskoms new power projects got under way, the public have every right to be extremely angry with Eskom at how this debacle has played out over the past four years.

Outa claims it also includes oversight of the critical shortage of water for the Medupi plant, which has resulted in a need to commission a water pumping and storage facility that will probably not be available until 2024. Without the additional water, which will have to come from Lesotho, the Medupi power plant cannot operate as intended and designed, no matter what spin Eskom proffers.

Gross over expenditure, delays and irresponsible contracting at Kusile, where the coal supply agreements have yet to be signed, despite several years of negotiation, is another crucial fact. In addition, construction has been slowed down to snails pace as Eskom failed to budget and raise capital in accordance with acceptable worldwide practice for this project, says Outa.

Additional to the gross over expenditure, delays and incompetent commissioning of Unit 3 at Ingula Power station, this unit suffered a severe malfunction on its first day of operation and some two months thereafter, Eskom has yet to inform the public of this disaster, following incorrect procedures being followed at Unit 3 at Ingula. Such basic incompetence is extremely costy to society and an embarrassment to the world.

Outa also questions why Eskom directors have recently only paid themselves an R18m bonus  when the performance pact between Eskom and its shareholder clearly stated that if there were transgressions bigger than R10m in any financial year, bonuses would be forfeited.

Fin24

More energy news

The case for nuclear energy in South Africa

No load shedding for the foreseeable future: Eskom

Medupi and Kusile power stations will cost over R100 billion more
The 2016 Sun International CEO SleepOut is due to take place tonight, with many high-profile CEOs braving the cold to sleep on the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg.

According to reports by journalists at the scene, before the event got underway protesters tried to enter the area where the SleepOut was being held  resulting in the police firing rubber bullets to disperse them.

According to eNCA, a group of EFF members marched on the Nelson Mandela Bridge where the event was taking place.

A student leader who spoke to the Northcliff Melville Times said the protesters were shocked at being attacked so brutally by police.

We started protesting at around 4pm this afternoon because of the living conditions of the place where we stay and to our surprise stun grenades and rubber bullets were shot at us, he said.

He told the newspaper that the protest was a combined effort of Wits, UJ, Rosebank College, and Damelin students, and was led by the student body of the EFF.

The protesters dispersed after the police took action against them.

More on protests

SABCs problems go way beyond its policy on protests

SABC agrees to show violent protests
The Department of Home Affairs launched its new eHomeAffairs system in 2016, which lets South Africans apply for their ID document and passport online.

Home Affairs tested the system with FNB and Standard Bank before opening it up to citizens between 30-35 years old.

Since then, the system has been expanded to allow 25 to 40-year-old South Africans to apply.

When applying for a new Smart ID, you can choose to collect it from a bank branch, provided you are a client of ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, or Standard Bank.

If you select a bank branch, you are asked to book an appointment to have your fingerprints captured and photograph taken.

Should you not be a client of one of the supported banks, or there isnt a branch near you that processes Smart IDs, you will have to visit a supported Home Affairs office.

Once your application is paid and your biometric data is captured, Home Affairs will send you an SMS when your smart ID or passport is ready for collection.

The list of banks with Home Affairs branches in them is shown below.

Banks where you can apply for your Smart ID

Branch City Address ABSA Centurion Lifestyle Centurion Centurion Lifestyle Centre, c/o Old Johannesburg Road & Lenchen Ave ABSA Towers North Johannesburg 180 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg ABSA Ghandi Square Johannesburg Ghandi Square, Johannesburg FNB Towers Johannesburg Civic Towers, 41 Stiemens St, Johannesburg FNB Menlyn Square Pretoria c/o Lois Ave and Gobie Street, Newlands FNB Merchant Place, Rivonia Johannesburg 4 Merchant Place, Cnr Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive FNB Centurion Lifestyle Centurion Centurion Lifestyle Centre, c/o Old Johannesburg Road & Lenchen Ave Standard Bank Centurion Centurion Standard Bank Building, 1263 Embankment Rd Standard Bank Killarney, Rosebank Johannesburg Killarney Mall, c/o Riviera Road and Killarney Ave Standard Bank Canal Walk, Cape Town Cape Town Shop 599LL, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City Dr Standard Bank Johannesburg Johannesburg 5 Simmonds Street Nedbank Rivonia Johannesburg Rivonia Village, c/o 9th and Rivonia Blvd Nedbank Lakeview, Roodepoort Johannesburg 16 Constantia Dr

More on the Smart ID

Smart ID card registration open to more South Africans  details

This is how great the new Smart ID online application is

The bank branches where you can apply for your Smart ID card

Get your Smart ID card online  eHomeAffairs launcheds
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has urged Russia to find the missing emails of Hillary Clinton, while she was secretary of state, drawing condemnation from his Democratic rival.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump told reporters in Miami on Wednesday. I think youll probably be rewarded mightily by our press!

Trump was referring to emails on Clintons private email server that she deleted because she said they were private before she turned other messages over to the State Department. The FBI declined to prosecute Clinton over her email practices but its director said she had been extremely careless handling classified materials.

Clintons campaign quickly responded to Trumps latest statement, calling it the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against a political opponent.

This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue, Clintons campaign said in a statement.

But shortly after Trumps comments, his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, took a different stance and warned of serious consequences if Russia interfered in the election.

If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences, Pence said in a statement.

Russia has brushed aside suggestions it was involved. I dont want to use four-letter words, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters on Tuesday.

WikiLeaks emails

In the same news conference on Wednesday, Trump dismissed suggestions that Russia had sought to influence the US election by engineering the theft of Democratic Party emails released by WikiLeaks last week.

The Democratic Party chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, resigned on Sunday after the leaked emails showed party leaders favouring Clinton over her rival, Senator Bernie Sanders, for the presidential nomination.

Al Jazeeras Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Philadelphia, where the Democrats are holding their presidential convention, said Trumps latest statement could help Clintons party deflect the criticism and internal dissent they had been facing following the leaks.

This seems to be a welcome gift for the Democratic Party, given the fact that they are trying to distance themselves from the content, which shows that they colluded in favour of Hillary Clintons candidacy over Sanders, Halkett said.

Representatives from Clintons campaign have previously claimed that Russians hacked computers belonging to their party, and released those emails on the eve of the partys convention to benefit Trumps candidacy.

Serious consequences

But Trump dismissed the claims of his role in the leak, saying it was not clear who hacked those emails, and describing the incident a sign that foreign countries no longer respected the US.

Trump, whom Democrats have accused of having cozy ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, repeatedly declined to condemn the actions of Russia or any other foreign power of trying to intervene in the a US election.

He also has downplayed his affection for Putin and said he would treat the Russian leader firmly, though he said he wanted to improve relations with Moscow.

Elie Jacobs, a cyber-security expert from the Truman National Security Project, said it was likely that Russia was involved with the hacking  but doubted links to Trump.

I think this was purely an act of cyber warfare, and thats really the larger story, and less about what it has to do with the political cycle right now, Jacobs told Al Jazeera.

US President Barack Obama, meanwhile, said anythings possible when asked during an interview whether the Russians could be working to sway the election toward Trump.

Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin, Obama said during the sit-down with NBC News that aired on Tuesday.

And I think that Trumps gotten pretty favourable coverage back in Russia.

Al Jazeera

More on security

LastPass accounts can be completely compromised

TechCrunch hacked by OurMine
Mass shootings claimed the lives of 486 Americans from 2000 to 2013, according to FBI statistics, and such assaults have become more frequent in the last decade. So what could city leaders in Napa do if a gunman burst into an office, a courtyard or the council chamber?

That most sobering of emergency scenarios was the subject of a Tuesday forum involving council members, planning commissioners and more than 40 other city commissioners and staff members. Their goal was to learn how best to stay alive  and not become another grim statistic  should an attacker arrive with guns blazing and multiple deaths on his mind.

Napa scheduled the forum after various city departments conducted their own emergency response training, in some cases with help from the police department. But a rash of deadly incidents in the civilian world  from the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida to terror incidents last week in Germany  brought a renewed sense of urgency to instructors and officials alike.

This is not just training, but about whats in the headlines right now, said Adam Davis, a Napa Police detective and a member of the forces special enforcement unit, before leading the training program in the City Hall chamber.

Saving oneself from a mass shooter depends on understanding that most such workplace attackers care only about inflicting the most deaths possible, with no attempt to select particular victims, said Davis. As such, he told Napa leaders, preparation and decisiveness are the most important skills  starting with the decision to find a quick way out, hunker down if no escape is possible, or attack the attacker as a last resort.

The first and best option is to flee from danger, and Davis called on officials to have a planned escape route from their offices or City Hall. Those escaping an attacker should help others escape but make their exit even if others are reluctant, and ought not to try to move the wounded or go back for their belongings, he added.

Workers who must hide instead of running away need to barricade themselves out of the shooters view with the sturdiest furniture or objects at hand, avoid windows, lock and block any doors, and silence themselves and their phones, Davis said. But he warned that abandoning even a small chance of escape  or burrowing in with no exit route  can be a deadly decision, and cited the example of victims who were found curled in fetal positions, with bullet holes in the head, after the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007.

If employees are trapped by an attacker and have no alternative but to fight their way out, he urged, they must act as aggressively as possible  for instance, by grabbing any sharp objects on hand or using a fire extinguisher to blind a gunman or club him into submission.

Davis exhorted city workers forced to attack an attacker to fully commit themselves and rush him as a team if possible. If there are 10 of you, one may get shot, but chances are the other nine can hold him down or hold the gun down, he said.

Fight with all you have. If youre injured or shot, keep fighting. Do not give up no matter what. The only time you should give up is if youre dead.

Council members and commissioners also received guidance on defusing situations when an angry City Hall visitor behaves in a threatening way without brandishing a weapon. If the mayor believes danger is imminent during a meeting, a panic-alarm button is available to silently alert officers at police headquarters next door.

Though the citys safety officer, Chris Piper, asked officials not to use the button simply to force malcontents out of the building, he also hoped they would be comfortable to err on the side of safety.

Im not going to tell you to not press that button unless theres guns blazing, he told members of the council, planning commission and advisory bodies for housing, parks and senior services. If you reach that level of discomfort, do it. Just understand that its no small thing.

Afterward, Mark Lucas, a member of the city Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, admitted the prospect of openly discussing what to do with a killer on the loose had kept him awake and thinking the previous night  but ultimately all the more determined never to become a victim.

Im not going to just [lie] on the ground, let someone shoot me, he said. The key is having numbers.
Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, will host his annual pasta dinner in Napa Valley on Sunday, Aug. 7. The public is invited to enjoy an evening with family and friends, wine, a silent auction, great food and music by Sweet Burgundy.

This year, Thompson has invited his colleagues, Krysten Sinema of Arizona and Eric Swalwell, who represents the East Bay, to attend as his guests. In Congress, Representatives Sinema and Swalwell are leaders of the Future Forum, which aims to bring energetic, innovative and forward-looking leadership to address the 21st century challenges the U.S. faces today.

The event will be from 5-7 p.m. at The Ranch Winery, 105 Zinfandel Lane, St. Helena.

Tickets are $25 for adults, and children under 12 years are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance, at the door the day of the event, or at: www.mikethompsonforcongress.com. For more information, call Mary Jane Bowker at (707) 226-8989.
Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading.

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A Spare the Air alert has been issued for the Bay Area for Thursday because smog is forecast to be at unhealthy levels, regional air quality officials said.

The alert from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the fourth in a row and the 12th this summer season.

Smog from motor vehicles combined with smoke from the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County is expected to present heightened impacts to residents in the region, district spokesman Tom Flannigan said.

Persistent high temperatures and light winds will enhance that impact.

Every day smog affects residents, but the elderly, young children and people with lung and heart conditions are especially susceptible to smog, Flannigan said.

Those especially susceptible will feel the effects right away on Spare the Air days, he said.

So air quality experts are asking residents across the Bay Area to find another way to travel such as carpooling, taking transit, walking, biking or driving an electric vehicle.

Driving less or driving an electric vehicle are the most effective ways to reduce smog, air district officials said.

Residents should limit outdoor activities to the early morning or late evening hours when the level of smog is lower, according to the district. Smog can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain, trigger asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs and worsen bronchitis and emphysema.

Residents are more likely to adopt modes of transportation other than driving alone when their employers encourage them, air district officials said. Employers with 50 or more full-time employees are required to offer commuter benefits to their workers.

A list of commuter programs available in the Bay Area can be found at www.stacommutetips.org.

Residents can find out when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect by registering for email alerts at www.sparetheair.org, calling (800) HELP-AIR, downloading the Spare the Air smartphone app or checking Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter.
Calistogas Castello di Amorosa, 4045 N. St. Helena Highway, will host its annual harvest celebration and grape stomp competition from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. The event includes wine and food stations, live music, underground tours and harvest and winemaking demonstrations. Cost is $95 for members and $125 for guests. Grape stomp teams are made up of 10 people and pay an additional $15. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 967-6274.

The authentically styled 13th-century medieval Tuscan-style castle is open at 9:30 a.m. each day for general admission tours and tastings, $25 or $35, or guided tours with tastings of premium wines, $40. The guided tour takes an hour and tasting takes 45 minutes. It closes at 6 p.m. from March through October and 5 p.m. from November through February.

Numerous other wine tasting experiences are offered, including those ranging from $1,000 per couple to $20,000 per couple.

Castello di Amorosa owner Dario Sattui searched for a suitable piece of property for many years and bought the 170-acre property in 1993. According to Sattuis written history of the castle, the property included vineyards, a Victorian home and a building permit for a large winery building that took the former owner 13 years to procure. Today, Sattui is in his early 70s.

Sattui writes he started drawing up plans for an 8,500-square-foot winery with caves in early 1994. He also began replanting 30 acres of vineyards with sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The replanting would take two years. The history was finished in March 2011.

Sattui had long dreamed of building an authentic medieval castle and spent years traveling to Italy studying the architecture, which included taking a tape measure, sketch pads, a camera and a hammer, if needed, to get into an abandoned and neglected building. Little did he know when he started that his winery would take 14 years to build, that he would run out of money for its construction and have to borrow from both V. Sattui, his winery south of downtown St. Helena, and Wells Fargo Bank. He also feared that it wouldnt get done in his lifetime, but it did, finally opening in April 2007.

Construction began on Jan. 5, 1995, according to Sattuis history. His crews, at one time expanded to 64 people, spent 10 hours a day, six days a week building the structure. It took the crews 10 years to build the 80 different rooms underground that make up 80,000 square feet.

The entire winery is 121,000 square feet, with 107 rooms, 95 of which are devoted to winemaking. There are eight levels, four underground and four aboveground. Features of the property include a church, drawbridge, courtyard, watch tower, torture chamber with an authentic iron maiden, loggia (a covered exterior gallery with one wall open to the elements and supported by arches or columns), deep-well, secret passageways and an outdoor oven.

At the beginning of the construction, Fritz Gruber, a master builder from Austria and an expert in medieval design and building techniques, brought a crew with him to Calistoga to teach his skills to construction foreman Lars Nimskov, a naval architect from Denmark, and his crew.

Sattui brought nearly 200 containers of old handmade materials from Europe for his project, including nearly 1 million handmade antique bricks from torn-down Hapsburg palaces, obtained by Fritz Gruber.

Sattui writes that if the construction wasnt done perfectly, the crews would tear it down and build it again.

After 10 years of construction, Sattui replaced Nimskov with Italian Paolo Ardito from Bologna as construction foreman.

The completed castle includes five defensive towers with battlements, 1,000-pound hand-hewn doors from Italy and a 12,000-square-foot Grand Barrel Room, featuring 40 Roman cross-vaulted brick ceilings. Builders and artisans were brought from eight countries to lend their expertise, including artists who spent 18 months painting frescoes inspired by those in Siena, Italy, in the Great Hall. Other artisans include Georgio Mariani of Assissi, Umbria and his father, brother and uncle, who made all the lamps, iron gates and iron pieces by hand over an open forge.

The architect for the project was St. Helenas Lail Design Group, with Doug Osborn in charge.
Astronaut Mark Kelly Thank you, everyone. I speak to you tonight as the proud son of two New Jersey cops; as a veteran of 39 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and of 25 years in the United States Navy. And as a former NASA astronaut who flew four missions to space. My decades as a pilot, military officer, and astronaut gave me a unique perspective. From above, I saw our country at its best. I also saw humanity at its worst. I saw us lead an international coalition against the illegal invasion of Kuwait. I also saw the devastating human effects of war itself. From orbit, I saw our planet as a perfect blue marble. But I also saw shrinking glaciers and rainforests. At war and in space, I saw American leadership on display. But I was always frustrated to return to a country that struggles to address some of our biggest problems here at home.

Governor Jerry Brown: As we just saw, climate change is unlike any other threat we humans face. It is overarching and affects the entire earth and all living things. It is slow. It is relentless. And it is subject to irreversible tipping points and vast unknowns. Combating climate change, the existential threat of our time, will take heroic effort on the part of many people and many nations. Make no mistake, climate change is REAL. The vast majority of world leaders and climate scientists, like those at NASA and the Department of Defense  indeed, almost anyone who chooses to think  believes in the science of climate change and sees the moral imperative to take action.
Matviyenko: Russia will continue mediation for signing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty

Politico: Scholz and Macron threaten U.S. trade retaliation

U.S. must strengthen its defense against growing threats from both China, Russia

EU reaches agreement to ban new cars with internal combustion engine by 2035

Benny Gantz: Future of Israel and Turkey is promising

EU Special Representative for South Caucasus arrives in Armenia

Lazarevsky Club meeting underway in Yerevan, Moscow

Yellen sees no sign of recession in U.S. economy in near future

Cannes palm trees promenade named after Charles Aznavour

Pashinyan: Armenia agrees to work on basis of main principles proposed by Russia

CIS prime ministers meeting kicks off in Kazakhstan

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Newspaper: Karabakh people to make appeal to Armenia authorities

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Bloomberg reports fuel shortages in some parts of Europe

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Lebanon, Israel sign deal on maritime border demarcation

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Putin outraged by US assassination of General Soleimani: What is this all about?

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BREVARD COUNTY, Florida  The number of cases of the Zika virus that have been confirmed on Floridas Space Coast increased from 6 to 8 on Wednesday. All Zika cases in Brevard County, Florida have been travel-related and not locally acquired.



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As of July 27, 2016, there have been 328 confirmed cases of the

mosquito-borne

Zika virus in the Sunshine State. The Florida Department of Health is expanding its ongoing investigations with two additional possible non-travel related Zika virus cases in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.





While local transmissions have not occurred in Brevard County, local transmissions are possible if a Zika infected visitor or returning traveler is bitten by mosquitoes that then spread the virus to other people they bite.





A recent NASA study predicted that locally acquired outbreaks are most likely to occur in Florida during July during peak mosquito and travel season.





Although the Zika virus pandemic has afflicted much of Latin America and the Caribbean and is most likely to gain a foothold in the continental U.S. through Florida this summer, President Barack Obama and Congress

from those countries.





The Zika virus is spread by bites from two

species:

(primarily) and

, both found in Florida.

In addition to the Zika virus,





According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, babies born with the Zika virus transmitted from their mothers who contracted the disease while pregnant have developed microcephaly  a disease which causes the babies brains and heads to shrink. Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should avoid travel to Zika-affected areas, including Florida.





The Florida Department of Health announced in June that there had been the first confirmed case of microcephaly in a baby born in Florida.





Florida counties where the Zika virus has been detected as of July 27, 2016 (excluding 53 pregnant cases):





County Number of Cases (all travel related) Alachua 5 Brevard 8 Broward 55 Charlotte 1 Citrus 2 Clay 3 Collier 4 Duval 6 Escambia 2 Highlands 1 Hillsborough 10 Lake 1 Lee 6 Manatee 1 Martin 1 Miami-Dade 96 Okaloosa 2 Okeechobee 1 Orange 40 Osceola 18 Palm Beach 18 Pasco 6 Pinellas 7 Polk 12 Santa Rosa 1 Seminole 12 St. Johns 3 St. Lucie 1 Volusia 5 Total cases not involving pregnant women 328




21:20

Never one to pull his punches, a combative Donald Trump on Friday said he wanted to "hit" several Democrats who spoke against him "so hard, their heads would spin".

The Republican presidential nominee often uses the term "hit" to mean verbally attack, rather than physical contact.

After hearing speeches at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this week, Trump said he wanted to "hit a number of those speakers so hard, their heads would spin. They'd never recover".

The real estate tycoon zoomed in on one speaker especially, though he didn't mention his name, CNN reported.

"I was going to hit one guy in particular, a very little guy," Trump said to laughs at a campaign rally in Iowa.

"I was going to hit this guy so hard his head would spin, he wouldn't know what the hell happened," he reiterated.

Trump said this individual "came out of nowhere" and had done work with him in the past. "He made deals with me. 'Will you help me with this? Would you make this deal and solve the problem?' I solved the problem," Trump said.

Several speakers this week have gone after Trump including Michael Bloomberg. The former New York City mayor made a surprise endorsement over the weekend for Hillary Clinton, and described Trump in his convention speech last night as a "dangerous demagogue."

Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine also targeted Trump, mocking the businessman's tendency to bolster his promises with a plea of "believe me."

"He said a lot of things about me, I never met the guy," Trump said. "I mean the things that were said about me. I mean, should I go through some of the names?"

Trump recalled telling a friend this week that he wanted to retaliate against the people who slammed him at the convention, mentioning current New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio by name.

"I was going to say that de Blasio is the worst mayor in the history of the city, but I didn't say it," Trump said to laughs. "He's a terrible mayor. I was going to say that, but now I won't say it."
BENGALURU: The concept of Virtual Reality (VR) is embarked from the sci-fi movie Star-Trek, which they called Holodecks. To bring this technology to real world, Google introduced the Google Cardboard headset for smartphones and thousands of applications. But Google has released its latest headset Daydream which is a successor of its VR Cardboard to compete with HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift. Showing the new VR in this years I/O Developer Conference, reports reveal that Google shuts down an internal project to create a high end standalone VR project.

The new VR model of Google is also called as Cardboard 2.0 that consists of a headband which has been designed with precision to properly fit. This headset is compatible with Daydream-certified smartphone which has Android N. This headset also features a controller, emulator and a remote which controls motion. A report from Recode says that the VR project started inside the X Research Lab of Google, with 50 employees creating a separate Operating System (OS) for the device that is unique from Android. And now this project is dismantled in favor of Android.

Additionally, a report from Engadget reveals that Google is eyeing to take Microsoft's HoloLens, a mixed reality headset, making it Google's standalone device. Googles version of HoloLens will not require a computer or mobile to charge it. Also, the headset features a screen which offers good user experience, making even the real life boring! This version of VR will be more in-line with augmented reality systems, and will mainly focus on gaming.

Read Also:

Get Ready to Ditch the Flimsy Glasses and Experience a New Level of 3D Cinema

Blackberry Offers Secured Apps Via Microsoft's Azure Platform
According to the official, the security forces backed by aircrafts attacked Taliban hideouts on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Over 20 militants were also arrested in Saripul Province, the official added.

--IANS ask/vm

( 67 Words)

2016-07-28-12:06:23 (IANS)
Japanese cuisine has developed through centuries of social and economic changes. With an aim to promote the Japanese cuisine the world over, the Washoku World Challenge is being organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. The event saw participation of foreign Washoku chefs. "It is unprecedented Washoku boom. But currently sophisticated skill and some elements are not inherited. This is the 4th competition. There are many excellent chefs more than Japanese chef. We would like to introduce them all over the world," said Head of Judge Washoku World Challenge, Kihachi Kumagai. Washoku World Challenge has been established as the biggest and authorized Japanese cuisine competition. The judge of this competition, Yukio Hattori, runs a cooking school. "In this school, there are more than 130 overseas students from Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam and other Asian countries. There are around 100,000 Washoku restaurants in the world. Unfortunately some of them are disappointed. Utilizing ingredients of soup is the key issue to cook Washoku. In this competition the subject is treating soup, soy sauce and mirin (sweet sake for seasoning)," said Judge Washoku World Challenge, Yukio Hattori. The hotel provides all comfort and facilities to the guests including multiple drawers, a safe, large refrigerator and even microwave. Its interiors are designed to suitable for foreign guests. The guests can also enjoy the great view from the restaurant on the top floor while having breakfast. "We would like to welcome the guests not only from Japan, but also from the rest of the world. We also want our guests to know more about the Toyoko Inn from Japan," said Director GM Toyoko Inn (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., Yuki Fukushima. In areas such as Southeast Asia and Africa, water shortage and water quality remains a major concern. Yamaha Motor has been contributing in providing safe drinking water to the villagers in Indonesia. The Clean Water System of Yamaha Motor has a simple build based on the "Slow Filtration" purification functions from the nature which can be operated by local residents. The residents have even started water related businesses such as selling drinking water to nearby villages and areas. In future, along with further market research and developing products that are suitable for various areas, we strive to make improvement on the local water supply situation and to assist enrich local residents' life. Yamaha has developed different equipments that are suitable for the specific locations and aims for further expansion. (ANI)
Banking operations will be impacted across the country on Friday with around 10 lakh bankers of 40 private and state-run banks striking work in protest against the central government's banking policies, a union leader said on Thursday. "The strike is on. We are not aware of any case filed by the banks or the Indian Banks Association (IBA) to restrain the nine unions of UFBU (United Forum of Bank Unions) from striking," C.H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary of the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), told IANS. Earlier this month, major bank unions deferred a two-day strike call for July 12 and 13 following a restraint order by the Delhi High Court. The unions in the banking sector had given the strike call protesting against the merger of the five associate banks of the State Bank of India (SBI) with SBI and the privatisation of IDBI Bank. The union is opposed to the government's decision to merge the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur (SBBJ), State Bank of Travancore (SBT), State Bank of Patiala (SBP), State Bank of Mysore (SBM) and State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH) with the SBI. "The strike will involve employees and officers of public sector banks, old generation private banks and foreign banks with a total of more than 80,000 branches," he said. According to him, the banks may be filling up the automatic teller machines (ATM) numbering around 200,000 in the country to facilitate cash withdrawals. "We wanted to strike when Parliament is in session. Though the strike is on a Friday, the next day is a full working day for the banks. There will be no bunching of holidays," he said. Venkatachalam said the strike was against the unwarranted banking reform measures. The nine constituent units of UFBU are: AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF, INBOC, NOBW and NOBO. According to Venkatachalam, unmindful of the adverse implications, the government was pursuing the reform measures in the banking sector like inadequate infusion of capital in public sector banks which will result in reduction of government's equity capital and create compulsion for higher extent of private capital leading to privatisation of banks. He said the unions also opposed the decision to privatise IDBI Bank by reducing the government capital to less than 49 per cent, proposals of consolidation for public sector banks but expansion for private sector banks, giving licences to corporate houses to start banks, ineffective steps to recover the bulging bad loans in the banks, and rather showering concessions to the defaulters and others. "We demand that willful and deliberate defaulters should be declared as criminal offenders and punished," he said. Venkatachalam said the total bank loans wilfully defaulted by borrowers was Rs 58,792 crore. He said the total quantum of bad loans of the government owned banks stood at Rs 539,995 crore as on March 31, 2016. "But the government and the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) are not taking tough measures to recover the bad loans. Even the (defaulters') names are not being published," he said. --IANS vj/mr ( 515 Words) 2016-07-28-14:22:02 (IANS)
"Our entry into the smartphones and television category in India is a strategic move that reinforces our commitment to lead technology and innovation," said Praveen Valecha, Regional Director, TCL India, in a statement.

The Rs 10,990 TCL 562 smartphone features 5.5-inch full HD IPS display, octa-core Helio P10 MT6755M processor, 3GB RAM and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.

The device has 32GB internal memory, 13MP auto-focus rear camera with LED dual tone flash and a 5MP front camera with wide view angle and houses 2960mAh battery.

The Rs 37,990 48-inch Curved full-HD smart TV comes in a sleek design and has functions like screen mirroring, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct and App Store.

TCL D2900 series includes two models one in 40-inch (priced at Rs 20,990) and another in 32-inch (priced at Rs 13,990) screen sizes, and are equipped with ASIC processor, two USB ports and HDMI port.

TCL 43-inch flat Ultra HD TV is priced at Rs 31,990.

--IANS anuj/na/mr

( 216 Words)

2016-07-28-14:28:01 (IANS)
New Delhi, July 28 (ANI-BusinessWireIndia): Junckers, a leading solid hardwood-flooring brand of Denmark has opened its exclusive DESIGN STUDIO in New Delhi with redefined designs with its vast experience of space and its diverse flooring range. If comfort and designs are high on your wish list for setting up your abode, Junckers has it all. The Design Studio of Junckers displays beautiful designs in huge array of colors, shades and style. This is an ideal place for people to walk in or come with their architects/designer to choose from the best Scandinavian shades and design available. Junckers new Design Studio is located at the posh area of Greater Kailash, M Block Market. From high end home decor showrooms to interior design boutiques, the place has it all. Catering to people from all walks of life, the stores here offer a pleasant departure from the conventional decoration seen at most home decor shops in the city. In order to give a look and feel to the customers, various patterns have been made on the display flooring at the studio, depicting different colors / species which could be combined to give it a great and a different look. This Studio offers exquisite range of flooring from Black Oak Textured and Brushed Desert Gold to classic Beech Sylvared in different shades of pink, yellow, green etc. With its sheer elegance, charm and durability, Junckers is a popular choice in most modern homes. It is durable and very well suited for any design style from rustic to contemporary. "Earlier our marketing and selling was limited to a select group of architects, and specifically to hospitality. But, we are now gearing up to penetrate deep into different segments of the country's hardwood flooring market, and would further expand our canvas to the residential sector," said Country Manager-Indian subcontinent, Suresh Kumar Mansukhani. "The company is eyeing 600000 square feet of sales in India for this financial year, and is targeting three-fold growth in the following financial year on the back of upcoming luxury housing projects including Supernova by Supertech in Noida, Wave Infra, Central Park II and III, Lodha's, DLF and others," added Mansukhani. (ANI-BusinessWireIndia)
Fortis Healthcare launched 'More to Give' campaign on the occasion of Kargil Diwas on July 26. The nationwide campaign is aimed at sensitizing people on the concept of organ donation as well as encouraging them to pledge their organs in an effort to save precious lives and positively impact the well-being of the nation. Campaign brand ambassador Irrfan Khan launched the campaign with Mr. Malvinder Mohan Singh, Executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare, Mr. Bhavdeep Singh, CEO, Fortis Healthcare and Dr. Avnish Seth, Director, Fortis Organ Retrieval & Transplant, Fortis Healthcare. This was followed with a panel discussion on a television channel. Speaking passionately for the cause, Mr. Malvinder Mohan Singh, Executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare, said, "The 'More to Give' campaign is critical for a country like ours as very little is known about organ donation and the many lives it can save. We are seeking a cultural change that will elevate the cause of organ donation and position it as one of the greatest self-less acts by an individual, that could give a fresh lease of life to a number of terminally ill patients. A gracious gift to make, even in ones passing. The objective of this campaign is to create widespread awareness and encourage more and more people to register as organ donors as each one of us has the power to give and save lives." Campaign Ambassador Irrfan Khan said, "On Kargil Divas, we salute the spirit of all the countrymen who have fought and are fighting for our nation without caring for their lives. I am proud to be associated with the 'More to Give' organ donation initiative as it encourages people to support many more lives and stay alive in many generations to come. I urge all fellow Indians to support the cause and pledge to donate their organs." Mr. Bhavdeep Singh, CEO, Fortis Healthcare shared that, "The demand for organ transplant has greatly increased over the years due to higher instances of organ failure in patients on the one hand and improvement in transplant outcomes on the other. However there is a deep chasm between demand and supply due to lack of knowledge and priority given to it. We believe this campaign will touch people's hearts, and prove to be a game changer for organ donation in India." Dr. Avnish Seth, Director, Fortis Organ Retrieval & Transplant, Fortis Healthcare shared that, "We are presently faced with serious organ shortage with patients dying while waiting for transplants. For instance, only 15000 kidney transplants are carried out against the demand of nearly 2, 20,000 and only 2000 liver transplants are carried out in India whereas over 100,000 patients die due to fatal liver diseases. This unique campaign aims to take the lead to further the cause of organ donation with public and stakeholder support." The cause of organ donation does not enjoy a prominent place in the minds of Indians. Each year thousands of people die while waiting for a transplant, because no suitable donor can be found in time for them. The Fortis 'More to Give' campaign aims to aims to address the existing negative perceptions and a general lack of actionable concerns that are the biggest challenges in the way of increasing donor numbers, It will activate the nation's conscience by sharing stories of disabled war veterans who have actually pledged to donate organs. By enlisting war veterans into the cause of organ donation and making them the ambassadors for this cause, the campaign will motivate more citizens to register for organ donation. The campaign will spread the message is that if war veterans can give, why not each one of us? (ANI)
Frowning upon the regular full-body exams for skin cancer, members of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) said that there is not enough proof that they are more beneficial than damaging. The federally appointed panel of medical experts gave the visual screening a rating of "I," which suggests that there was "insufficient" evidence for it to weigh the potential benefits against possible harms for Americans of average risk. However, the panel's statement, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, got a thumbs down from the American Academy of Dermatology. In an invited commentary, Drs Martin Weinstock and Hensin Tsao agreed that the evidence doesn't meet the task force's standards, but they also questioned whether those standards are appropriate. Weinstock of the Brown University said, "If you were to take a poll among practicing dermatologists, you'd find the vast majority believe that early detection reduces risk of death from melanoma. Skin self-examination and clinician skin examination are a means of early detection. That's the predominant tool that we have. It makes eminent sense that primary care doctors should be trained to do examination for melanoma." But Weinstock acknowledged that in the task force's typical hierarchy of evidence, the "gold standard" is not the opinions of experts, but systematic reviews of data from a series of well-controlled randomized clinical trials. There isn't, and may never be, such evidence regarding melanoma screening, Weinstock said. Clinical trials to determine whether widespread melanoma screening would prevent deaths have to be very large to be definitive, principally because deaths from the condition are not common. No country has yet been willing to spend the many millions of dollars required to fund a large enough trial. Instead, the USPSTF reviewed the mixed evidence from controlled observational and epidemiological studies. At least some of those suggest both that early screening could save lives and that presumed harms such as overdiagnosis, unnecessary specialist visits and unnecessary surgeries don't emerge when properly trained clinicians and even laypeople conduct visual screening, Weinstock said. Given a likelihood of little harm, but a potential life-saving benefit, Weinstock and Tsao of Massachusetts General Hospital argue, the task force could consider a different standard for judging the procedure. "The evidentiary standard needs to be further refined to be appropriate to the modest magnitude of potential harms of a properly performed skin cancer screening," they wrote. Skin cancer screening, Weinstock noted, is not an invasive procedure like a colonoscopy. For exams with potential serious medical consequences, the highest standards make clear sense. But for melanoma screening, a clinician simply looks at the skin, often while examining a patient during a routine office visit. Meanwhile, freely available training, such as the online course INFORMED that Weinstock helped to create, includes advice on when to appropriately reassure patients that skin lesions are not cancerous. In their article, Weinstock and Tsao raised four other questions about the task force's approach to considering visual skin screenings: - Overdiagnosis: While it is likely to a degree, Weinstock said, that is true of many screenings that are recommended, including for lung or breast cancer. If screening can save lives, it may still be worthwhile. - Assessing risk: To determine whether someone has no known special risk, such as large numbers of moles or atypical moles, a clinician would have to do essentially the same visual inspection that would be done to screen for melanoma anyway. - Advances in medications: New treatments for melanoma thankfully may save lives, but that could make it even harder to devise a definitive study that would show whether more widespread screening also saves lives. - Self-examination: The task force is preparing a separate report on consumers conducting their own screening. Weinstock calls that an "artificial distinction" in that the dialogue between doctors and patients routinely means that self-screening and clinical screening are closely linked. In the end, the duo acknowledged that more evidence would be helpful. "Going forward, it is imperative to develop the requisite evidence and the appropriate evidentiary standards to advance this area of public health," they wrote. The commentary appears in JAMA. (ANI)
Responding to Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Harish Rawat's earlier statement on incursion of Chinese troop into Chamoli district, Minister of State Home affair, Kiren Rijiju today said it was not very serious issue and they will resolve it on ground level. "The briefing that we have received from DG of the Indo Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) according to that some incident of incursion has been witnessed there. But that is not a very serious issue," said Rijiju. He further stated that the Uttarakhand officials and People Liberation Army (PLA) of China was present there and had a little verbal fight over the border line but later went back to their region. In the context of air violation by the Chinese Army Rijiju said, "Air violation was there but up to the border area and the face off was not that serious issue." "There is no demarcation between China and India, due to that little tiff takes place over there," he further added. When asked whether India will discuss this issue in Diplomatic Forum he refused to do so and said that the issue will be resolved on ground level. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, today confirmed an incursion by Chinese troops into Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. "The state revenue authorities were there for mapping of our land and they noticed their presence. Earlier, there were sporadic incidents, but this time it is happening at a larger scale. However, I think that there is nothing to be alarmed as the activities were noticed in Chinese territory," Rawat told ANI. However, later in the day Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, made a somersault saying there is an increase in the number of Chinese troops along the Indian border, but ruled out any incursion into Indian territory. Uttarakhand shares a 350 kilometer long boundary with China and similar attempts at Chinese incursions have been reported in the past. The last reported Chinese incursion in the state was when the word 'China' was inscribed on rocks near Mana Pass in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. (ANI)
Taking cognizance of the seriousness of China's incursion in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government's silence on this issue indicates they are scared from China, just as they are scared from Pakistan. "If the Chinese are encroaching our borders and has occupied the land, then it is a matter of great concern. The BJP Government is already scared from the government of Pakistan and now it seems to be scared even from China," he said. "The Chinese are doing this deliberately. They even betrayed India during the NSG talks. The matter should be passed and the Defence Minister should make a statement in the forum in the House of Parliament." Echoing similar sentiments, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the BJP government over this issue and said, "Whatever incursions are taking place on the border, whether it is of Pakistan or China, if the Government will be silent on every issue it will create a bad impression among the people of the country." Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added that he had always talked about his success of creating a good impression with other nations, but it seemed like everyone was turning their backs on India. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, today confirmed an incursion by Chinese troops into Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. "The state revenue authorities were there for mapping of our land and they noticed their presence. Earlier, there were sporadic incidents, but this time it is happening at a larger scale. However, I think that there is nothing to be alarmed as the activities were noticed in Chinese territory," Rawat told ANI. When asked if the Government of India should take strong action, the chief minister said, "The Government of India is alert and will take necessary measures at the right time." Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said appropriate action would be initiated after going through a detailed report in this regard. "The Indo Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) personnel are monitoring the border area. We need to assess the extent of intrusion. We will seek a detailed report and then see what is to be done," Rijiju told media persons outside the Parliament. However, later in the day Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, made a somersault saying there is an increase in the number of Chinese troops along the Indian border, but ruled out any incursion into Indian territory. Uttarakhand shares a 350 kilometer long boundary with China and similar attempts at Chinese incursions have been reported in the past. The last reported Chinese incursion in the state was when the word 'China' was inscribed on rocks near Mana Pass in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. (ANI)
Days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) constituted an expert team to explore possible alternatives to pellet guns amidst strong criticism, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has asked the government to review their use for crowd control in Kashmir, saying untrained personnel have made the pellets lethal. Hearing a related Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a division bench of Chief Justice N Paul Vasantha Kumar and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar observed: "You may treat it (pellets) as non-lethal but an untrained person makes it lethal. We hope it is reviewed." "Can't you employ orthodox methods like water cannons and teargas to disperse the crowds?" the High Court said. While the government informed the court that 2000 paramilitary CRPF personnel were also injured in the protests since July 9, the High Court said: "People's protesting does not mean you should render them disabled." Disapproving the use of pellets, the High Court observed: "Pellet gun is being used indiscriminately. Maximum people have suffered injuries in eyes and other vital parts of the body." In response to the High Court's observation that it will be difficult to treat the patients suffering from shrinkage of eyeball after three weeks, Advocate General Jahangir Iqbal Ganai said, "We have best doctors available at SMHS hospital." The High Court, however, retaliated: "We don't question the competence of our doctors but are concerned about equipment." In his status report, the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar has stated that since July 9, the department of Ophthalmology at SMHS hospital has received 183 patients out of whom 148 have undergone primary repair "under all aseptic measures." Terming media reports that six patients have lost vision in both eyes as "untrue", the report said: "20 patients have bilateral eye injury out of which three patients are badly injured and are still under treatment/management and it is too early to comment that these patients have lost their vision in both the eyes." "It is true that one eye of 10 patients was badly damaged at the site of impact due to pellets and accordingly their one eye was eviscerated to prevent sympathetic ophthalmitis in the other eye," the status report said. The status report revealed, "130 patients, and not 140 as reported in media, need secondary intervention after three to four weeks which includes retinal surgeries." The High Court was informed that for speedy disposal of retina patients, the services of internationally-renowned retina surgeon in India Dr S Natrajan, Director Adity Jyoti Mumbai, and his team have been sought from July 26 to assist the three retina surgeons already existing in the faculty of Government Medical College, Srinagar. "The department has taken all precautions to provide best possible treatment to these pellet injury patients to prevent shrinkage of eye ball and subsequent visual disability," the status report read. The government also informed the High Court that GMC Srinagar has taken steps to treat the pellet injury cases on priority, which also includes conducting retinal surgeries. "An expert team of retina surgeons from All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi was invited to assess/examine and advice regarding management of these patients and they were satisfied with the treatment provided by the department of Ophthalmology," the government said. The pellet gun has been in use in the Valley since 2010. Pellets are loaded with led and once fired disperse into huge numbers. Pellets penetrate the skin, especially soft tissues and eyes. (ANI)
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan is leading a high level delegation to India from 27th July to 30th July.

During this visit, the Bangladeshi delegation will call on President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On July 28, there will be Home Minister level talks between delegation led by Bangladesh Home Minister and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The Indian delegation will consist of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and officers of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Border Security Force (BSF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Coast Guard and others.

During these talks, there will be review of Land Boundary Agreement implementation, security and border management and related issues.

The delegation will also be visiting Udaipur and Kolkata during stay in India. (ANI)
When asked about Akhlaq's family claiming fabrication of lab reports of beef found in their home, he said, "The issues which divide society keeping them alive is the conspiracy of the Centre."

Taking a stand on the beef controversy, Raj Babbar said, that Uttar Pradesh Government is deliberately keeping communal issues alive in the state.

"Keeping the communist issues like Dadri, Kirana or Muzzafarnagar alive in the state is a failure of the state", Raj Babbar told ANI.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been cornered on issues related to consumption of beef in states where the BJP is in power.

Yesterday, Hindu Dal activists roughed up two women in Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly carrying beef.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh said on the Mandsaur incident that action will be taken against those who take law into their own hands.

This news comes two weeks after four Dalit men were publicly thrashed for allegedly skinning a cow in Una, Gujarat. The incident led to protests across the states and was raised in Parliament.(ANI)
Sexual harassment is a menacing act prevailing in India for a long time, in spite of various laws and thousands actions taken into concern. Workplace, in some cases, are of no difference. Hence, Kanishk Agarwal, founder of law firm CriTaxCorp have pointed out some useful tips for organisations and the senior management personnel, in order to curb manifestation of sexual harassment at workplace. Here are 10 useful pointers for the employers and the senior management to imbibe in the organisation to take prompt and strong actions against sexual harassment taking place in their workplace. Firstly, Employers should constitute an internal complaints committee (ICC) which entertains the complaints made by any aggrieved women and the names of ICC members should be kept confidential to avoid abuse of power or reluctance amongst employee to complaint. Secondly, actions on the recommendations made by ICC members should be taken by the employer seriously, whether the same relates to adopting measures to redress SH at workplace or in regard to a complaint finding. Thirdly, managers/supervisors shall take prompt action for any repeated sexual innuendo, obscene jokes and lewd remarks or whistling which is happening under their watch. Fourthly, ICC should never be biased towards any complaint received by them. If a complaint is received, then it should be addressed as per the book procedure and none of the ICC members should be biased when enquiring into the complaint. Fifthly, take prompt actions once you get to know what happened to the victim. Strategize a strong course of actions or steps to be taken once it comes to your notice. One should not sit on information if tormenting matters to be taken into consideration. Sixthly, HR persons to be included in the core committee to discuss the necessary way forward and the HR personnel should be in employees reach for open or closed discussion sessions. HR should also be highly sensitised about intricacies of SH because they are the first point of contact for any employee to confront about any SH incident Seventhly, one should never go for suggestive comments, try avoiding the sexual mockery of the incident Eighthly, managers/supervisors should engage in an informal chat with the female of the organisation to understand if they are facing any such issues in the team. Ninthly, if an employee voices a complaint of sexual harassment, never react to that issue negatively by retorting at the person. According to the law it is illegal to retaliate against employees who file legal complaints. Finally, have a soothing environment of working, counselling sessions can be provided. The victim must not feel alienated in case she faces such an atrocious incident of SH. Adoption of a clear and effective policy that is devoted to sexual harassment and will comprise of things like - a clear and concise definition of sexual harassment, zero tolerance nature in case of any such terrible incident takes place, a proper investigation to be initiated for any complaints gets lodged and more. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned hearing into the defamation case filed against Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over his alleged remarks on the Mahatama Gandhi killing till August 23. Hearing the matter, Justice Dipak Mishra raised questions on the procedure followed by the magistrate in the defamation case. The apex court said the trial court had asked the police for a report following a defamation complaint against Gandhi instead of examining the evidence. The court said the police have no authority to conduct inquiry into a criminal defamation, adding that only a magistrate inquiry can be conducted in such cases. The apex court also said after its judgment in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy's case, where the criminal defamation was upheld, the police have no authority to conduct an investigation. Signalling major trouble for Gandhi, the apex court earlier on July 19 rapped the Congress vice-president, saying he must face a trial. Gandhi, who was charged with defamation over his statement, accusing the RSS of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, had earlier urged the apex court to quash the case against him. The Congress vice-president has maintained that his statement on RSS' involvement in the Mahatma Gandhi killing was a historical fact and his counsel has asserted that his statement was within his right to free speech. The case was by filed by RSS worker Rajesh Kunte against Gandhi in a Maharashtra court for allegedly blaming the RSS for Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. On May 7 last year, the apex court had stayed the proceedings against the Congress vice-president, pending before a magisterial court in Bhiwandi of Maharashtra's Thane district. It was alleged by Kunte, the secretary of Bhiwandi unit of RSS, that the Congress vice president told an election rally at Sonale on March 6 that "RSS people killed Gandhiji". He said the Congress leader had sought to tarnish the reputation of the Sangh through his speech. Following the complaint, the magistrate's court had initiated proceedings and issued notice to Gandhi directing him to appear before it. The Congress leader then approached the high court seeking exemption from appearance and quashing of the complaint. Gandhi's lawyers had argued that complaint was motivated and malafide and deserved to be quashed. (ANI)
After going hammer and thongs at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central Government in the Rajya Sabha over atrocities on Dalits and religious minorities, especially Muslims, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati on Wednesday said so far, they were torturing men, but now they have started torturing women as well - nothing could be more shameful than that. Continuing his tirade even outside Parliament, the BSP chief said, "Since the BJP-led government was formed at the Centre, all across the country, especially in the BJP-ruled states, people of weaker sections and religious minorities, particularly Muslims, are being tortured at every level." "Gujarat is a BJP-ruled state, where Dalit youth were tortured in the name of cow protection. Even as the matter was yet to be settled down, two women of the Muslim community were tortured and thrashed badly in front of police and people, which is not good. So far, they were torturing men, but they have now started torturing women also. Nothing could be more shameful than that," Mayawati told reporters. Earlier, the Rajya Sabha witnessed a stormy protest over reports of a cow vigilante group allegedly thrashing two women in Madhya Pradesh, with Mayawati taking on the ruling BJP. She was soon joined by opposition parties, who protested against the incident. The BSP chief further cornered the government on Gujarat's Una issue, where four Dalit men were allegedly tortured by a cow vigilante group, which led a massive protest by the Dalit community. Soon the protesting members took to the Well of the House, raising slogans against the government. Seeking the government's response over the issue, Deputy Chairperson P.J. Kurien urged the protesting members to return to their seats. To which, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi asked the opposition members to serve a notice to have a full-fledged discussion on the issue. (ANI)
Saying that maximum people have suffered eye injuries, the court asked the government to file a response and review the use of pellet guns.

The court asked the Assistant Solicitor General of India to look at other means of crowd control.

The court said the high number of injuries to the civilians was due to untrained security personnel using pellet guns.

The observation came after Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General of Police had said that 114 companies of the paramilitary forces, which were undergoing training elsewhere, had to be summoned to Kashmir to control the recent unrest.

The court also asked the government to restore mobile phone services in the valley as the ban was affecting the people.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has set up a seven-member expert committee for exploring the other possible alternatives to pellet guns.

The committee will submit its report within two months. (ANI)
A roundtable conference on "Bamboo regulatory regime and transit access in northeast India" was held here recently at Nagaland Bamboo Resource Center. Representatives from Tripura and Mizoram also participated the seminar initiated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Opening the conference, Nagaland minister for Forest, Environment and Wildlife Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire said that it could be an important component for development and an effective means to improve the livelihood of the people. He also assured that the present government would work towards evolving a conducive policy for furtherance of bamboo sectors in Nagaland and the enterprisers and at the same time support the farmers to build up a strong local economy. Kire also shared that relaxation of entry fee on transit from one state to another will enhance the movement of bamboo and reduce transportation cost. Parliamentary secretary for Industries and Commerce, Amenba Yaden also opined the necessity 'to put heads together' to formulate a standard national norm, whereby all hindrances pertaining to free movement of bamboo and its products are curtailed. Advisor to Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), Naiba Konyak also spoke at the inaugural session and highlighted the Naga tradition and customs on the use of bamboo. It may be mentioned here that despite its classification as a species of grass, bamboo is still considered as a forest product under Indian law (Indian Forest Act of 1927), and thus is treated as equivalent to wood product. Over the years, several voices have emerged calling for review of this policy and to exclude bamboo from the list of forest product. The northeast region whose combined territory constitutes only 8 percent of the country is producing 66 percent of India's total annual bamboo production. During the technical sessions, resource persons dwelt on topics like - Govt of India guidelines on bamboo transit, taxes and regimes on bamboo transit, use of bamboo for livelihood, key issues for development and export of bamboo products, etc It may also be mentioned that presently, Nagaland Bamboo Resource Center is providing trainings to young entrepreneurs on the use of bamboo. Furniture, basketry, decorative items, bamboo charcoal, etc are being produced at this center. (ANI)
New Delhi, July 27 (ANI-NewsVoir): Rediff's Rakhi gifts store is now live for siblings looking forward to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with gust and pomp. The online store showcases over 5000 latest Rakhi styles and more than 3.5 million products for gifting. Rediff's Rakhi store is now in its 16th consecutive year of operation and continues its tradition of enabling sisters to send Rakhi's to their brothers abroad. Sisters can select from a range of Designer Rakhi's made with auspicious material like Mauli, Rudraksha, Kowdi, Kundan and Zardosi for their beloved brothers in USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, UAE or any other country abroad. Or if you stay in any of these countries, the online store enables you send a Rakhi gift back to your brother in India. If you are buying Rakhis for your kids, then look no further as they will love the Spiderman, Hanuman, Doraemon, Minions and other favorite cartoon characters adorning their cute little wrists. The thread festival also brings along with it the ethnic stuff for folks who like to celebrate Raksha Bandhan the traditional way. The shop features Pooja Thalis with Shagun Elements like Roli, Chaval, Mishri, Chandan Powder and more. Sweeten the Raksha Bandhan offering with choicest Mithais including mouth-watering Kaju Katlis, Motichur Laddoos, Barfis, Soan Papdis and loads of other delicacies. There are fantastic gift hampers and thali hampers on sale with Chocolates, Mithais, Dry Fruits and more. Brothers can express their love by sending a return gift selected from a range of over 3.5 million products on the marketplace, including a collection of Designer Sarees, Anarkali Suits, Printed Cotton wear, Kurtis, Handbags, Perfumes, Jewellery, mobile cases and a host of other attractive products. Hurry and don't miss out on the chance to get the Rakhis and gifts delivered to your beloved siblings on or before Raksha Bandhan festival on 18th August 2016. (ANI-NewsVoir)
Zohana met the boy Tinu on a social networking site and got married to him earlier this year as per Hindu rituals.

Swaraj took to Twitter to offer her help and wrote in a typical Haryanvi dialect, "Bhau ka visa badhane khatir arjee dakhil kar di ho toh manne copy de doh." (If you have given an application for visa then give a copy of it to me.)

The expiry of visa has now become a major concern for the couple.

The love between the couple is said to have blossomed during their interaction on social networking site following which they decided to get married. (ANI)
Demanding that a criminal case must be filed against Bharaitya Janata Party (BJP) MP Bahadur Singh Koli, who was caught on a CCTV camera slapping a toll attendant in Bharatpur of Rajasthan, the Congress Party today said the arrogance of power has now reached its zenith, adding the top brass at the Centre must apologise to the nation for this completely unbecoming and unacceptable act. Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot said this is not for the first time that something like this has come from the end of the ruling BJP at the Centre. "It is well-established that the leaders of the BJP, MLAs, MPs, the ministers continuously flout the norms, not only legal norms but today we have seen a sitting MP from Rajasthan is slapping and beating up people in the middle of the road," Pilot told ANI. "What more can be said about this. It is completely unbecoming, it is completely unacceptable. Is this the preaching that they give to the MPs when they meet every Tuesday in Delhi? The BJP leadership at the Centre must apologise to the nation, must take strict action," he added. Pilot said the BJP now stands exposed in the eyes of the public. "The arrogance of power has now reached its zenith. And the leadership of the BJP must actually apologise to the nation for the behavior of their MP," he added. The Congress leader further said it's about time that the BJP takes strict action, launches a police complaint against Koli and makes an example of how people should not behave in public life. "There must be a criminal case filed against that man because if another person would have done the same thing, the law would take swift action. And here is a gentleman, a sitting MP, is in broad daylight attacking people and showing how powerful he is only because he is from the BJP and from the ruling party," he added. The toll attendant was thrashed by the BJP MP after he tried to stop his vehicle, which crossed through the toll plaza without paying. The MP's man later came out of the car and hit the attendant in the middle of the road. Two policemen at the scene of incident, however, did not object to the MP's behavior. (ANI)
In a blow to India's effort to bring back 'Kohinoor' diamond from the United Kingdom, Minister of Asia and Pacific affairs Alok Sharma on Wednesday said his government does not believe that "there is any legal ground" for restitution of the diamond. "It is a longstanding position of the U.K. Government that we don't believe that there is any legal ground for restitution of diamond," said Sharma, the first British Minister to visit India since Brexit. After the subjugation of Punjab in 1849 by the British forces, the properties of the Sikh Empire were confiscated and the Kohinoor was also transferred to the treasury of the British East India Company in Lahore. Later, the diamond was shipped to Britain and was handed to Queen Victoria in July 1850. It was cut to improve its brilliance and was mounted into Queen Victoria's crown. The diamond now sits in the tower of London along with along with the Crown Jewels. The people of India have been demanding the return of the 105-carat diamond, which the British Government rejected in 2013. Stressing that certain news items appearing in the press regarding the Kohinoor were "not based on facts", the government had on April 19 reiterated its resolve to make all possible effort to bring back the Kohinoor in an amicable manner. "The factual position is that the matter is sub judice at present. A PIL has been led in the Supreme Court, which is yet to be admitted. Besides, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar was asked to seek the views of the Government of India, which have not yet been conveyed," said a government statement. The NDA Government had on April 18 told the Supreme Court that as per the Ministry of Culture, India should not stake a claim to the famed Kohinoor diamond as it was "neither stolen nor forcibly taken away". Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the government, said this was the stand of the Culture Ministry. "Ministry of External Affairs is also a party and their response is yet to come," he informed the court. He also told the apex court that the Kohinoor diamond was handed over by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to the East India Company." Pandit Nehru also said, "To exploit our good relations with some country to obtain free gifts from it of valuable articles does not seem to be desirable. On the other hand, it does seem to be desirable that foreign museums should have Indian objects of art." However, it may be noted that ever since he has taken over as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's efforts led to three significant pieces of India's history coming back home, and thus, Indians hope that the Kohinoor would also be brought back from the U.K. In October 2015, German Chancellor Angela Merkel returned a 10th century Indian statue of Goddess Durga that was stolen in 1990 and found in 2012 at a museum in Germany. In April 2015, then Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper returned a sculpture known as the 'Parrot Lady', which dates back to almost 900 years. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, on his India visit in 2014, had returned antique statues of Hindu deities that were in Australian art galleries. None of these gestures affected India's relations with Canada, Germany or Australia. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who as the Chief Minister got back the ashes of Shyamji Krishna Varma almost 70 years after his death. Thus, with regard to the Kohinoor too, we remain hopeful for an amicable outcome whereby India gets back a valued piece of art with strong roots in our nation's history. (ANI)
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan is leading a high level delegation to India from 27th July to 30th July.

During this visit, the Bangladeshi delegation will call on President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

There will be Home Minister-level talks between delegation led by Rajnath Singh and his Bangladesh counterpart.

The Indian delegation will consist of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and officers of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Border Security Force (BSF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Coast Guard and others.

During these talks, there will be review of Land Boundary Agreement implementation, security and border management and related issues.

The delegation will also be visiting Udaipur and Kolkata during stay in India. (ANI)
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday said that incursions by the Chinese troops disturb the peace, adding that efforts should be made to maintain normalcy in the region. NCP general secretary D .P. Tripathi was reacting to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat's statement on Wedensday that Chinese troops had transgressed into Chamoli district in the state. "Incursions disturb the peace of the border so we have appealed to our govt to talk to the Chinese government that peace and normalcy should be maintained on the border," Tripathi told ANI. However, he later clarified saying, "The state revenue authorities were there for mapping of our land and they noticed their presence. Earlier, there were sporadic incidents, but this time it is happening at a larger scale. However, I think that there is nothing to be alarmed as the activities were noticed in Chinese territory." Similarly, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju also said that he was briefed by Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force, wherein it was mentioned that no intrusion like situation occurred. Uttarakhand shares a 350 kilometer long boundary with China and similar incursion attempts by the Chinese have been reported in the past. The last reported Chinese incursion in the state was when the word 'China' was inscribed on rocks near Mana Pass in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. (ANI)
Sources, meanwhile, said the Home Minister will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism at the meeting.

At the 13th SAARC Summit held in Dhaka in November 2005, the Heads of State decided that the SAARC Interior/Home Ministers would meet annually preceded by a meeting of the Interior/Home Secretaries to strengthen cooperation in the area of counterterrorism, which they agreed was a challenge to all states and a threat to humanity, and could not be justified on any grounds.

The first meeting of SAARC Interior/Home Ministers was held in Dhaka on May 11, 2006, followed by a meeting in New Delhi in 2007. (ANI)
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who is leading a high-level delegation to India, arrived here on July 27.

His interaction with the Union Home Minister is expected to further strengthen and enhance the excellent cooperation between the two countries on security and border management matters.

The Indian delegation will consist of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and officers of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Border Security Force (BSF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Coast Guard and others.

During the talks, there will be review of Land Boundary Agreement implementation, security and border management and other related issues. (ANI)
Ishfaq Wani has paid a huge price for taking to the streets screaming slogans of 'azadi' - he will now limp for life. The young Wani had no idea of the impending personal disaster when he, along with hundreds of others, poured out of their homes in Achabal town a day after security forces killed a militant commander on July 8. The mob of which he was part tried to attack a police station that also houses a Central Reserve Police Force company. The security personnel used both firearms and pellet guns to control the situation. "At one point I sat down to drink water which a woman offered. As I stood up, I felt a sharp object hit me twice," Wani told IANS, slowly opening up after initial reluctance to recount his pain. Wani, 27, collapsed in pain, blood rapidly oozing from his leg. For a moment he breathed deep and thought he was about to die. Others in the protest hurriedly put him on a hand cart and rushed him from the riot zone to a primary health centre. Given the scale of injuries, doctors referred him to the Bone and Joint Hospital in Srinagar. His family shifted him to a private hospital. Wani, pursuing Masters in tourism, is one among six children in his family. His father died in 2014. The only bread earner is another brother, Lateef, who runs a small photography shop. After 14 long agonizing days in hospital, Wani returned home, still in severe pain. Doctors say he might never walk normally again. When IANS met him, Wani was barely moving in his muddy house, using a walker. Wani has been operated upon. "He may need ORIF - Open Reduction Internal Fixation. It's going to be difficult for him because trauma always has a physiological side effect," an orthopaedic doctor who did not wish to be named told IANS. Pain is writ large on Wani's face. He has teary eyes when he speaks. Like Wani, over 50 people were injured on July 9 at Achabal town in Anantnag district. Three protesters were also killed. Another youth, Imlaq Magray, was hit by a pellet on his right eye. Magray, who too comes from a poor family, was warded in a Srinagar hospital for 11 days. When he returned home, his mother was overjoyed. But she was shattered to learn he had lost vision in his right eye. The 19-year-old is the youngest among eight siblings -- all unemployed. He is admitted in an Amritsar hospital. Magray's mother insisted that his son never took part in any protests. "Yes, he went out that day... But he always stays away from these 'azadi' marches," a weeping Saja told IANS. The Kashmir Valley has so far witnessed over 50 deaths, four in Achabal town alone. Thousands have been injured in the violence which followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen operational commander Burhan Wani. Across the valley, people are furious over the widespread use of pellet guns that have blinded dozens of young men. There are growing demands for a ban on the pellet guns. Even if the ban comes by, it will make little difference to Wani and Magray. Wani will limp for ever and Magray, unless he is very lucky, will never never see from his right eye. (Aadil Mir can be contacted at aadil.hussain@ians.in) --IANS ahm/mr/ruwa/ky ( 575 Words) 2016-07-28-14:10:02 (IANS)
Describing Mahasweta Devi's death as West Bengal losing a "glorious mother" Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced the eminent writer and social activist will be cremated with full state honours. The Ramon Magsaysay Award winner died following cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure at a city hospital. She was 90. "India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Her death is akin to Bengal losing her mother," Banerjee now in Delhi said. "Her last rites will be performed with full state honours tomorrow (Friday) at a city crematorium. "Tonight her mortal remains will be kept at the Peace Haven and on Friday morning she will be taken to Rabindra Sadan for the people to pay their last respects," said Banerjee who is expected to reach the city at night. Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in from all quarters. "She will always remain a light to follow for all those who fight for the society. She would often ask us to go to the tribals and experience their extraordinary and beautiful world. She used to say that it's the tribals who actually can teach us about civilisation," said national award winning filmmaker Goutam Ghose. "There are some who attain immortality through their work. Mahasweta Devi is one of them. Mahasweta Devi is dead, long live Mahasweta Devi," said acclaimed actor-director Rudraprasad Sengupta. "Not only through her literary creation but personally as well she led from the front in the fight for the masses. I always found her busy writing letters to different organisations in her bid to solve people's problems. Everybody will feel her absence," said thespian Bibhash Chakraborty. Noted actress Shaoli Mitra also condoled her death hailing Mahasweta as a brave fighter. Filmmaker Govind Nihalni, who in 1998 directed the touching Hindi movie "Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma", adapted from Mahasweta Devi's novel, recalled those times. "During the making of 'Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma' and even after that she was always there to support me. She was happy at the way the film had turned out. Every director who adapts a work of literature looks forward to it, because if the writer doesn't like the adaptation the director feels sad," Nihalni said. Veteran Bengali litterateur Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay referred to her compassion for the downtrodden and the guts to protest all injustice. "I feel lonely. She was a personality imbued with the spirit of protest and humane feelings. "She had deep compassion for tribal people and those living in the margins. She was a complete human being," said Mukhopadhyay. Film director Aparna Sen said she was true to her beliefs in her work. "This is an irreparable loss not only for the literary world, the way she led her life, there was no gap between her work and belief". --IANS and-dd-ssp/bim/bg ( 482 Words) 2016-07-28-18:46:01 (IANS)
India is in touch with the Indonesian leadership to get clemency for an Indian who is set to be executed for drug trafficking. Indian embassy officials in Jakarta are trying to ensure that all legal recourse is exhausted before the death penalty is carried out against Gurdip Singh, who has been sentenced to death along with 13 others from Indonesia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Pakistan. They are set to be executed later on Thursday. "Afdhal Muhammad, the legal representative of Gurdip Singh was of the view that he can file for presidential clemency under the relevant law before the President of the Republic of Indonesia," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing here on Thursday. "The embassy sent a note verbale to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia requesting that all legal recourse should be exhausted before the death penalty is carried out," he said. Singh was arrested on August 29, 2004, at the Soekarno Hatta Airport in Jakarta on charges of drug trafficking, for attempting to carry 300 gms of heroin. The Tangerang Court awarded him capital punishment in February 2005 against the prosecutors request for 20 years imprisonment. Swarup said that Singh's appeal against the death penalty was turned down by the High Court of Banten in May 2005. He then appealed to the Supreme Court which also upheld his death penalty. He is presently detained at Nusakambangan Pasir Putih, Cilacap. Indonesia lifted a moratorium on the death sentence in 2013. As we speak, our embassy consular officials are camping in Cilacap and have met Gurdip Singh, Swarup said. They are reaching out to the foreign office and the senior leadership in Indonesia. They are also in constant touch with his wife and brother in India and keeping them informed of the current situation. On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the government was making last minute efforts to save Singh from execution. --IANS ab/rn/vm ( 338 Words) 2016-07-28-18:54:01 (IANS)
A Lok Sabha panel meant to probe AAP lawmaker Bhagwant Mann's alleged breach of Parliament security on Thursday gave him 48 hours to present his case in writing, informed sources said. Mann, who appeared before the Committee, expressed his readiness to give an unconditional apology if it felt he had made a mistake by recording a video of Parliament Complex and uploading it on Facebook. But the panel expressed its displeasure over Mann's response, saying the AAP leader had mixed up his unconditional apology with references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the terror attack on the IAF base in Pathankot. "This doublespeak is not acceptable to the Committee. He has been given 48 hours to present his case in writing. He has asked to appear before the Committee on Monday," a source told IANS. Earlier, Mann, in a five-page letter to the Committee, said if the committee felt he had made a mistake, he was ready to tender unconditional apology. But Mann insisted that Modi should also be summoned by the Committee as he had allowed Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI to visit the Pathankot airbase after the terror attack. The nine-member panel is headed by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya. The Committee is holding meeting daily as it has to submit its report by August 3 until when Mann has been told not to attend Parliament. The Speaker said Mann's act of making a video had put the security of Parliament in peril. The AAP maintains no security breach has taken place and that the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Congress and the Akalis had ganged up against the Lok Sabha member from Sangrur in Punjab. On his part, Mann has maintained that he took a video of how members' questions for zero hour were subject to a lottery every day and that this was meant to educate his electorate. --IANS bns/mr ( 323 Words) 2016-07-28-20:44:05 (IANS)
The government on Thursday denied any incursion by Chinese troops in Barahoti area of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, saying it was just a transgression. "There was no incursion as reported in media. It was just a transgression from Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)," Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in the Lok Sabha making a statement on the issue. The Minister said there is a well defined mechanism to settle such transgressions. He said the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China "has not been demarcated" and due to this perception of differences arise. "Sometimes transgression takes place," he added. Parrikar said that instances of transgression from the Chinese side have come down. The opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress raised the issue in the House. Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said the incursion took place near Chamoli and the Chinese troops had come around 200 metres into Indian territory. "There were reports that the Chinese troops had also misbehaved with the local revenue department official in the area," the Congress lawmaker said. Scindia said this was not one of a kind incident as such incursions were reported in Uttarakhand in 2014. He said Chinese troops have previously tried to cross over to Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh. Supporting the concern of the Congress member, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy demanded a statement from the government. Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said the Indian government needed to be more careful and cautious about China's intentions. "I have always cautioned about China," he said. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Uttarakhand MP B.S. Koshiyari said the matter was "serious". However, he insisted that it would not be proper to blame only the central government in case such incursions had taken place. "The local state government too has its role in these matters," he said. "Chinese people do come to the border areas from time to time but they go back when confronted by Indian security personnel," Koshiyari added. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government is firm that "it will not spare any action" to protect the country's international borders. --IANS ps/rn ( 368 Words) 2016-07-28-21:24:01 (IANS)
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has suspended two officials including a Assistant City Planner (ACP) and Section Officer in connection with Sunday's Film Nagar Cultural Centre (FNCC) building collapse. Municipal Commissioner Janardhan Reddy suspended ACP Shekar Reddy and Section Officer Malleswar of GHMC's Jubilee Hills circle yesterday for their failure to notice and act on the illegal construction taking place inside the FNCC, according to Corporation officials here today. Two workers were killed and several others injured in the incident. GHMC has also sealed the FNCC premises and further action will be taken on receipt of a report from JNTU technical team. Permission giving to illegal structures attracts punishment, officials warned. Following the incident, the corporation has taken up steps to examine the structural stability and safety of all new constructions in the city. GHMC Commissioner also directed the engineering wing to inspect all the identified construction sites and submit reports by August 3. The Civic body has already identified nearly 2,000 dilapidated structures of which 752 have been demolished and 200 cases are in court, the officials said.UNI KNR CS 1127 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-855371.Xml
A wreath laying ceremony was heldat the Victory War Memorial here today to pay homage to the solidiers of all three services who have sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War in 1999. A defence statement said, ''to commemorate the victory of our nation in Kargil in 1999 and in dedication to the memory of the personnel of all three Services, who laid down their lives for the Motherland, "Kargil Remembrance Day" is celebrated on July 26 every year.'' ''The day marks the victory of human spirit and patriotism in the torrid heights of Kargil and Battalik. It also marks the height of professional ethics of the Indian Armed Forces'',the release added. To pay homage to the soldiers of all three Services, who made the supreme sacrifice for our Nation during MayJuly 1999, the solemn ceremony was conducted at various War Memorials in the Country where the sacrifices made by the three Services were remembered and the brave soldiers honoured. In Chennai, a Wreath Laying Ceremony was held at the Victory War Memorial. Senior serving and retired officers of the three Services, Junior Commissioned Officers and Jawans laid wreaths and paid floral tributes at the War Memorial. A well turned out and smart guard saluted with arms and the last post was sounded followed by observing a two minute silence. Lieutenant General Jagbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area was the senior most military dignitary present on this solemn occasion, the statement said.UNI GV CS 1525 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-855895.Xml
Police said the victims have been identified as Somashekar andBasavalingappa (70), residents of Vijayanagar in Bengaluru.

The car hit the median, jumped across it and collided with another car.

Seven people travelling in both the cars were injuredand are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Bengaluru andRamanagaram, M.K. Thammaiah, Deputy Superintendent of Police(Ramanagaram subdivision), said.

Somashekar and his family members were on their wayto Melkote in Mandya district. Both the vehicles were badlydamaged. Traffic was disrupted for a while following the accident.

A case has been registered at the Ramanagaram Traffic policestation. UNI BSP CNR CS 1803

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-856374.Xml
Protesting against the government's decision of closure of government schools and hostels with less number of students, Students Joint Action Committee (JAC) had given a call for state-wide bandh of all educational institutions on August 1. All India Student Federation State President M Subba Rao while releasing a wall poster for the bandh here today alleged that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu assured free education from KG to PG. But government schools and hostels were being closed on the pretext of no sufficient students, he added. UNI DP cs 2020 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-856810.Xml
Reiterating that all the provisions of Bifurcation Act 2014 should be fulfilled, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu felt that even if the private member bill, moved by the Congress MP in Rajya Sabha was passed over the Special Status to AP, it would not rpt not be an Act. Addressing a press conference here today, the Chief Minister said that it is being said that since the private member bill was not a financial bill. Even it is passed in the Rajya Sabha, it would not rpt not be an Act, he added. Mr.Naidu said that he had asked his MPs to ensure that all the issues of the state were addressed and resolved in the Parliament. He said that he had appealed to all political parties at the inter-state Council meeting, which was held few days ago in New Delhi, to extend support to AP in getting assurances fulfilled. The disputes between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana should be resolved by Parliament, he said. "The issue is that the provisions of Bifurcation Act 2014 should be fulfilled and the disputes and issues between the two Telugu states-- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana should be resolved, he said and flayed that Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated irrationally doing injustice to the residuary state of AP. UNI DP CS 2011 /2038 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-856911.Xml
According to CPN-MC Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal's secretariat, top leaders of the parties including Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Dahal held a meeting this morning and discussed contemporary political issues including preparations for the new government, reports the Himalayan Times.

During the meeting it was also decided to hold talks with other political parties to form a national consensus government.

The two parties also decided that they extend support to the Local Body Reconstruction Commission to make the restructuring of local bodies more scientific and effective in consultation with major political forces of the nation. (ANI)
The Hindu traders were shot while having tea at a stall in Ghotki's town of Mirpur Mathelo, reports the Dawn.

The police said that 17-year-old Dewan Sateesh Kumar succumbed to his injuries while his friend Avinash is in a critical condition.

"A local trader Dewan Satesh Kumar has been killed," the Dawn quoted Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ghotki Masood Ahmed Bangash as saying.

He added the police with the help of Rangers are trying to defuse the tense situation, which emerged after the villagers in Mehran Samejo near Daharki caught a Hindu man desecrating pages of the Quran.

The Hindu community here reportedly demanded the protection of their lives and properties in wake of the communal tensions.

The locals here said the Hindu suspect Amar Lal is a drug addict and his mental condition is unstable, adding that he converted to Islam a month ago.

The leaders of various religious parties, including the Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), have demanded severe punishment for the accused.

Meanwhile, all big and small towns including Daharki, Mirpur Mathelo, Ubauro and Khan Pur Mehar of Ghotki district remained closed today due to communal tensions. (ANI)
The police have said the parents of a British woman of Pakistani origin along with her former husband and two others have been booked for killing her in a village near Mangla in Pakistan's Jhelum district. Syed Mukhtar Kazim, the husband of 28-year-old Samia Shahid, alleged that his wife was killed by her family in the name of so-called honour as she married him against the will of her parents. Kazim lodged an FIR on July 23 against Samia's father Chaudhary Shahid, mother Imtiaz Bibi, sister Madiha Shahid, cousin Mobeen and the deceased woman's former husband Chaudhary Shakil under Sections 302 (premeditated murder), 34 (common intention) and 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code, reports the Dawn. Samia's death was reported by her father to the Mangla Police on July 20. The suspects, who have so far denied the charges, insist that Samia died of cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, a police official said the body samples of the deceased have been sent to the forensic laboratory in Lahore and the result was awaited. Samia, a beauty therapist from Bradford, was previously married to her cousin Shakil but the couple reportedly parted ways after divorce in May 2014. She then married Kazim of Taxila in September 2014 and the couple started living in Dubai. Kazim has in the FIR claimed that Samia had been killed by her relatives, who had refused to accept their relationship because he did not belong to their community. He added that his mother-in-law phoned Samia on July 11 asking her to come to Pakistan to see her ailing father. Samia arrived in the country on July 14. Kazim said that his wife's phone was switched off on July 20 and he contacted Mobeen, her cousin, who told him that she had suffered a heart attack. He then reached Pakistan on July 21. Reports suggest that Naz Shah, a member of British Parliament from Bradford, had asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to intervene in the matter. (ANI)
The Australian High Commission in New Delhi had in an official release said the festival will be held from August to November and will bring an exciting and diverse program of the finest classical and contemporary performing and visual arts from India to the audiences across six Australian cities.

The festival will also include a number of community activities and collaborations with local artists.

This cultural celebration will extend and deepen the longstanding relationship between both nations by giving the Australian audiences an opportunity to experience a program, including exhibitions, theatre, dance and music.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in 2014 announced the 'Festival of India in Australia'.

The festival follows the Australian Government's 'Oz Fest', a major cultural festival in India that ran from October 2012 to February 2013, the statement added.

The Australian Government has committed $200,000 to the festival through the Department of Communications and the Arts and a further $50,000 from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australia India Council.(ANI)
The deceased has been identified Abdus Sattar, 45, of Chandpur.

Khilgaon OC (Investigation) Mohammad Assaduzzaman confirmed the matter, reports the Dhaka Tribune. He said the incident might have taken place over a conflict regarding property.

He said the injured have been taken to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

One of the injured security guard, Mostafa, said that a group of 10 people, including locals, attacked them with sharp weapons at around 2 a.m. local time. (ANI)
Assistant Professor Shohel Mahmud of the forensic department said they began the autopsy at 11:30 a.m. local time, reports the Daily Star.

Shohel Mahmud along with his colleagues Kabir Shohel and Prabir Biswas are conducting the examination.

However, no case has yet been filed in connection with this case as the autopsy is on.

Yesterday, a joint force drive in Dhaka's Kalyanpur area named operation 'Storm 26' neutralised nine militants and arrested one after an overnight standoff.

During the raid, thirteen locally made grenades, around five kilogrammes of gel, 19 detonators, four 7.62mm pistols, seven magazines of 7.62mm pistols, 22 bullets, three commando knives and 12 guerrilla knives and two black flags with Arabic letters were found.

Reports suggest the detainee claimed that he was a militant of the Islamic State, but Bangladesh's Police chief. said the terrorists belonged to the banned Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) outfit.

The police said that these militants had a lot in common with those terrorists, who attacked Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's diplomatic zone on July 1 and Sholakia Eidgah on Eid. (ANI)
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his concern over Turkey situation but said that he trusts the government and people of Turkey will transform this moment of uncertainty into a moment of unity. When speaking over the phone with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the secretary-general "expressed his concern over the extent of the recent governmental decree regarding the implementation of the state of emergency, which enlists a number of measures restricting the full exercise of individual rights," Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared state of emergency for three months following a failed coup attempt on July 15, which was crushed the next day. At least 290 people, including more than 100 "coup plotters," were killed, authorities said. Ban welcomed the announced release of 1,200 military detainees, but also noted worrying reports of mistreatment and abuse of some of those who are still in custody and their detention conditions, the spokesman said. The UN chief also underscored his deep concern about the scope of continuing widespread arrests, detentions and suspensions, which reportedly cover many segments of Turkish society and government institutions, Haq said. "Heartened by the government and opposition rallying around upholding the republic, the secretary-general trusts that the Government and people of Turkey will transform this moment of uncertainty into a moment of unity, preserving Turkey's democracy," he added. --IANS pgh/ ( 253 Words) 2016-07-28-06:40:01 (IANS)
Italian President Sergio Mattarella said that his country should not enter the age of anxiety, after the latest spate of terrorist attacks in Europe. The president made the remarks a day after the French church attack in Rouen, in which a priest was killed by armed men. "We must prevent the victory of fear. We cannot allow our country, and the whole of Europe, to enter the age of anxiety," he said during a ceremony here on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Italian Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti on Wednesday said special forces of the army were collaborating with parts of the Carabinieri (national gendarmerie) and police in order to prevent terror actions in Italy. These units have carried out four drills and they have plans for the worst scenario in every city, Pinotti told a press conference for the national security. "We are working, anyway, mainly to prevent this from happening. Then, as I have always said, no country is risk-free, it is evident from the manner in which these actions are performed," she said. The defense minister also said people living in Italy must know the state is working for them. Law enforcement agencies, the army, intelligence services and the judiciary are doing everything possible to guarantee the safety and peace of those living in the country, she added. Pinotti said Italian police had arrested two alleged Islamic fundamentalists. "This proves the work of our security forces, who pay attention to every signal. In that case, a photo had been published on the web through a cell phone, showing an Islamic fighter with his gun. I highlight this to say that every signal is taken into consideration in order to do the preventive work," she said. --IANS pgh/ ( 300 Words) 2016-07-28-07:22:01 (IANS)
"I humbly accept my party's nomination to be Vice President of the US....And can I be honest about something? I never expected to be here," NBC News quoted Kaine as saying.

A day after making Hillary Clinton the first female major party presidential candidate in US history, delegates to the DNC approved her Vice President pick by voice vote in a departure from the usual protocol.

Amid a mix of applause and protests, the chair declared the motion approved with the support of two-thirds of the 4,763 delegates, EFE news reported.

Kaine, 58, was mayor of Richmond and Virginia governor before being elected to the Senate, where he has served on the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees.

He is fluent in Spanish. He also spent working with missionaries in Honduras.

--IANS ksk

( 167 Words)

2016-07-28-08:54:01 (IANS)
The Indonesian authorities have directed the spiritual advisers and families of inmates on death row to prepare for executions tonight as coffins were ferried to the prison island of Nusa Kambangan this morning. Fourteen prisoners, including the inmates from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and South Africa, and four Indonesians, on death row have been moved to isolation holding cells on Nusa Kambangan. All were found guilty of drugs offences, reports the Guardian. Earlier, the name tags were issued to the family members, government officials and spiritual advisers to specify their relationship to the inmates, an indication that executions were imminent. Human rights groups have criticized this practice and argued that many of the cases of prisoners on death row in Indonesia are marked by questionable and inhumane practices, including beatings, torture and forced confessions. The embassy of Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts over recent days to stop the execution of Zulfiqar Ali, while Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted that "last-minute efforts" were also underway to save Indian national Gurdip Singh. A vigil has been planned in Jakarta on Thursday evening, where 1,000 candles will be lit in front of the state palace in peaceful protest. Indonesia resumed executions in 2013, ending a four-year unofficial moratorium on the death penalty. In face of strong international criticism, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has defended the use of capital punishment, arguing the country is facing a drug emergency. Last year, the execution of two Australian men, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, and six others by Indonesia drew global condemnation. According to Amnesty International, at least 165 people are on death row in Indonesia and more than 40 percent of those for drug-related crimes. Executions for drug-related crimes are in violation of international law. (ANI)
Acting Judge Ruhul Amin of Dhaka Senior Special Court 1 issued the arrest warrants on Wednesday while accepting the charges levelled against 87 BNP-Jamaat leaders and activists in the case after they did not appear before the court, reports the Dhaka Tribune.

The court also directed the officer-in-charge of the Motijheel Police Station to submit reports by September 18 on execution of arrest warrants in the case.

Apart from Salima Rahman, the arrest warrants were issued against BNP joint secretary general Barkatullah Bulu, BNP chief's press secretary Maruf Kamal Khan and her personal assistant Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas. (ANI)
The students, selected from at least 1,000 applicants, were nominated to receive post-graduate or under-graduate scholarships in the fields of science, arts, management, medicine and engineering, an official from the Sri Lankan Higher Education & Highways Ministry said at a ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.

According to the official, these students will spend over five years in China on average in Peking University, Zhejiang University and others, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I would like to mention here that the selection process was done in a fair and transparent way and the selected candidates are the most suitable and qualified people among the applicants," the official said.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yi Xianliang also attended the ceremony and jointly awarded scholarships to the students. China will extend full support to Sri Lanka in all fields including education, Yi said.

--IANS ask/vm

( 169 Words)

2016-07-28-13:26:03 (IANS)
Bani Zaid was once a staging ground for rebel attacks on government-held Aleppo, Xinhua news agency reported.

In July, over 70 persons were killed in Aleppo in rebel shelling from Bani Zaid.

Over the past week, the Syrian Army effectively cut off the Castello road, the last rebel supply route connecting rebel-held areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo with the eastern districts.

On Wednesday, military helicopters dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on Aleppo, urging the rebels to surrender and the civilians to cooperate with the Syrian Army.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad declared an amnesty on Thursday, offering pardon for rebels who surrender within three months and kidnappers who release their victims within a month.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian Army and the rebels.

--IANS sm/lok/mr

( 165 Words)

2016-07-28-17:08:02 (IANS)
Pakistan on Thursday said it is unaware if there will be any talks on the table between Islamabad and New Delhi on the sidelines of seventh SAARC meeting on August 4, in wake of Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh visit to the country. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, pointed that on such occasions, there are expectation of meetings on the sidelines, but, so far no decision has surfaced. Rajnath's visit to Islamabad comes after the Kashmir valley went through protests, following the death of Burhan Wani, the poster boy of Hizbul Mujahideen. Wani was killed by security forces in an encounter on July 8 and buried in his native place Tral on Saturday, while violent mobs attacked installations of police and paramilitary forces at various places in the Valley and set ablaze several buildings including three police installations. The civilian death toll since July 8 unrest stands at 47 with one policeman also dead. Rajnath would attend the SAARC Home/Interior Ministers meeting in Islamabad on August 3 and 4. Sources said the Home Minister will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism at the meeting. At the 13th SAARC Summit held in Dhaka in November 2005, the Heads of State decided that the SAARC Interior/Home Ministers would meet annually preceded by a meeting of the Interior/Home Secretaries to strengthen cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism, which they agreed was a challenge to all states and a threat to humanity, and could not be justified on any grounds.(ANI)
QUETTA, July 27, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Security officials examine a damaged vehicle at the blast site in southwest Pakistan's Quetta, on July 27, 2016. At least eight people were injured when a bomb went off near a convoy of security forces in Pakistan's southwest Quetta city on Wednesday night, local Urdu media and officials said. (Xinhua/Irfan)

ISLAMABAD, July 27 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were injured when a bomb went off near a convoy of security forces in Pakistans southwest Quetta city on Wednesday night, local Urdu media and officials said.

Sarfraz Bugti, Home Minister of Balochistan province with Quetta as the capital city, confirmed that four security personnel were also injured in the attack.

He said that the convoy of paramilitary troops Frontier Corps (FC) was on its routine patrolling across the city when it was targeted by a remote controlled device at Sariab Road area of Quetta.

He said that some unknown militants blew up explosives materials fixed on a flyover as soon as the security forces vehicle passed by it, and fled the scene.

The injured people have been shifted to a nearby hospital where two of them are said to be in critical condition.

Bugti said that if the doctors suggested, the critically injured people will be airlifted to the countrys southern port city of

Karachi for better medical treatment.

The Home Minister said that four vehicles including two jeeps of FC, the flyover and a nearby bakery were partially destroyed in the blast.

The bomb disposal squad said that an estimated two to four kg of explosives were used in the blast.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Police cordoned off the area for investigations.

The Chief Minister of Balochistan province Sanaullah Zehri condemned the blast and vowed to root out militancy from the region.

He also directed hospital authorities to provide best possible medical treatment to the injured people.
ZAGREB, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic said on Wednesday the country's economic growth could reach 2.5 percent this year thanks to positive indicators in the first half of the year.

All the most important indicators, including industrial production, consumption and tourism were increasing, he said, adding the economy would grow 2.5 percent by the end of the year, more than previously expected of 2 percent.

"In the first six months the number of employed people increased by more than 100,000, while unemployment continued to fall," Oreskovic said.

Meanwhile the government would increase revenues from privatization to reduce public debt which is now at 87 percent of GDP, he added.

Last year, Croatia's economy started to recover from six consecutive years of recession with a growth of 1.6 percent. Enditem
by Larry Neild

LONDON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Britain's newly- appointed Northern Powerhouse minister Andrew Percy visited three major cities to meet civic leaders in the north of England Wednesday to reaffirm the British government's commitment to the region.

The tour is intended to confirm the government's prioritization of the ambitious plans first conceived two years ago by former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to build a Northern Powerhouse.

It was the first official tour of the region by Percy since his appointment by Prime Minister Theresa May.

He visited the northern cities to hear for himself how devolving greater power from Whitehall to city halls, and greater investment is already leading to the creation of jobs and stronger economic growth, said a government statement.

Percy said: "Building the Northern Powerhouse is a long-term government priority and central to our plans to re-balance the economy.

"As a proud Northerner, I am determined to ensure that people in every part of the north, from large cities to small rural communities, enjoy greater control over their lives and stronger, more sustainable economic growth."

"This government will continue to support major investments to unlock the potential of the north and ensure that every area benefits from a growing economy," said Percy, citing foreign investment, improving transport and creating new jobs as key commitments.

During the past two years there has been 127 percent growth in the number of foreign direct investment projects in the Northern Powerhouse, with the North West region outperforming every other region in Britain, said a Whitehall spokesman.

The concept of a Northern Powerhouse was conceived by Osborne and former premier David Cameron as a strategy to re-balance the growing economic divide between the north and the London-centered south east of England.
NAIROBI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has recorded a 13.2 percent year-on-year increase in government revenue collection for the financial year ending June 2016, despite slim corporate tax earnings and low import volumes reflecting the slowdown of the global economy.

Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Njiraini told reporters on Wednesday that the annual earnings rose to 11.98 billion U.S. dollars in the financial year ending June, up from 10.5 billion dollars received in 2014/15.

However, the official said the collection for the past financial year was below the authority's target of 12 billion dollars. Enditem
JERUSALEM, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Archaeologists have discovered a 1,600-year-old Roman pot factory in northern Israel, the Israel antiquities authority said in a statement on Wednesday.

It was exposed in archaeological excavations ahead of the construction of a new residential quarter in the town of Shlomi.

The antiquities authority said the ancient workshop features some unique elements. "The kiln, used to fire the jars, is the only one known to date in the country to have been hewn entirely in bedrock," it said in a statement.

"The kiln was meticulously constructed," said Joppe Gosker, excavation director.

"It consisted of two chambers -- one a firebox in which branches were inserted for burning, and a second chamber where the pottery vessels were placed that were fired in the scorching heat that was generated," the director said.

According to Anastasia Shapiro, a geologist with the excavation expedition, the features of the rare can be explained by the special geological conditions found in the area of Shlomi.

"Here there is chalk bedrock, which on the one hand is soft and therefore easily quarried, and on the other is sufficiently strong to endure the intense heat," she said. Enditem
NAIROBI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will create an international taxation center to help in the global crackdown against tax avoidance, a senior official said on Wednesday.

John Njiraini, the Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), said the formation of the international tax office would enable Kenya to curb tax evasion.

The office would be used to combat tax avoidance systems allegedly masterminded by foreign multinational firms.

"We are focusing on international taxation," Njiraini told a news conference. "The Parliamentary Committee on finance is keen on the issue of international taxation."

Njiraini said the authority was looking for cooperation with foreign firms through the tax office.

"They will be required to file their policies dealing with issues such as international taxation with us. We are focused on the profiling of international transactions. We will advise on the policies and whether they are adequate to ensure full compliance with the tax laws," Njiraini said.

"We are developing our capacity to deal with the issues of international taxation and we feel the requirements are increasing within Africa," Njiraini said.

Njiraini also said Kenya was training staff to handle the taxation of oil sector and other related fields once the country begins exploiting some newly discovered minerals as well as crude oil.

African countries have been battling with the problem of tax avoidance. A recent report by a joint investigating team formed by the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa said that in 2015 African countries lost 50 billion U.S. dollars, through tax avoidance schemes.

Last year, the KRA reported the retrieval of 148 million dollars from 30 foreign multinationals, which were part of a scheme to avoid the payment of taxes. Enditem
In this picture taken on June 28, 2016, seven-year-old Aarushi (R), who was born with a rare blood disorder and was diagnosed with hepatitis C from a contaminated transfusion, plays with her cousin at her home in New Delhi. Government documents released in June 2016 showed more than 2,000 people said they had contracted HIV from transfusions in the 17 months to March. (AFP/File Photo)

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- HIV infection in mothers can disrupt the development of the gut microbiome of their HIV-uninfected babies, potentially explaining why these infants are more vulnerable to death and disease, a study suggested Wednesday.

Conducted in 50 Haitian mother and infant pairs, the study published in the U.S. journal Science Translational Medicine, linked microbiome disruptions in these infants to changes in the composition of the HIV-positive mother's breast milk.

The findings could open the door to treating these at-risk babies with probiotics or prebiotics to help ensure normal microbiome development, researchers from the Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) said.

Worldwide, more than a million infants are born annually to HIV-infected mothers. While most of these children escape HIV infection, they still are at greater risk of morbidity and at nearly twice the risk of mortality than infants who are not exposed to HIV.

In the new study, Jeffrey Bender and colleagues at the CHLA compared the microbiomes of 50 Haitian babies and their mothers, half of whom were HIV-positive and the other half HIV-negative.

"In contrast to the mostly consistent microbial communities identified in all of the mothers, the microbiomes of HIV-exposed, uninfected infants were strikingly different from infants born to HIV-negative women in the same community," said Bender.

The gut microbiomes of HIV-exposed, uninfected infants were less diverse and less mature, and displayed altered composition of the bacterial community, it found.

Furthermore, the oligosaccharide composition of breast milk, one of the key routes by which moms pass bacteria to their babies, differed between HIV-infected and uninfected mothers.

Oligosaccharides, indigestible carbohydrates in milk, are thought to serve as a prebiotic that promotes the growth of "good" gut bacteria.

Altogether, it may be the combination of slight disturbances in the HIV-infected mothers' own microbiome and differences in the oligosaccharide composition of breast milk that may explain changes in their infants' microbiome.

"Providing infants with important beneficial bacteria (probiotics) or potentially specific milk oligosaccharides (prebiotics) may potentially improve long-term outcomes, although this remains to be thoroughly investigated and tested," they wrote in the paper.
PRAGUE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Republic will strengthen surveillance of the border with Germany because rejected asylum seekers in Germany might try to enter neighboring countries, said Czech Interior Minister Milan Chovanec on Wednesday.

According to Chovanec, some German politicians say thousands of failed asylum seekers will be expelled from the country.

"It is a serious concern that these people might try to cross the border illegally into neighboring countries. For this reason, we will continue to strengthen surveillance of the Czech-German border," Chovanec was quoted as saying during a cabinet meeting.

Chovanec said that the country has already identified some particular sections of the border where the guarding to be reinforced, and some of these border sections are close to the German asylum centers.

He said the Czech Republic has resettled four Syrian refugees within the migrant quotas. The Interior Ministry does not expect further refugees to be admitted to the country this year, as the Greek authorities could not find the 10 migrants who should be taken over by the Czech Republic. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) continued "to receive deeply disturbing reports of sexual violence" in South Sudan, and stepped up patrol to protect civilians in the world's youngest country, a UN spokesman told reporters here Wednesday.

The reports included "rape and gang rape, by soldiers in uniform and men in plain clothes against civilians, including minors, around UN House and in other areas of Juba," the capital of the war-torn country, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here.

Since the start of the current violence in Juba, UNMISS has documented at least 120 cases of sexual violence and rape against civilians, Haq said. "It has stepped up its patrols in and around the Protection of Civilians sites, as well as in Juba city."

In addition, mitigating measures are in place where UNMISS force provides protection at designated times to women when they have to go out of the Protection of Civilians sites to collect firewood and procure other non-food items, he said.

"We have called on all parties to the conflict to take personal responsibility for the immediate sanctioning of their soldiers involved in these unspeakable acts of violence," Haq added.

UN officials said that the situation in South Sudan remains fluid and uncertain. The clashes between government and opposition forces took place in Juba early this month, leaving some 272 people dead, including 33 civilians.

The country again plunged into conflict in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup, which the latter denied, leading to a cycle of retaliatory killings. Enditem
Turkish policemen attend the funeral ceremony of special forces police officer Meric Alemdar killed during the failed July 15 coup, at the Kocatepe mosque in Ankara on July 21, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua)

ANKARA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,684 military personnel, including generals, were discharged from Turkish armed forces on Wednesday with a statutory decree after the failed coup attempt, local media NTV reported.

Discharged military personnel were identified as members or related to the Fethullahist Organization.

The U.S-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen is accused by Ankara of plotting the July 15 coup attempt.

A total of 149 generals and admirals were dismissed from the army, according to the official gazette published on late Wednesday.

Meanwhile, 1,099 commissioned officers and 436 non-commissioned officers are among the dismissed.

Gendarmerie and coast guard command ships were also brought under control of the interior ministry.

According to the official gazette, three news agencies, 23 radio stations, 16 TV channels, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishing houses were also closed.

A total of 8,651 soldiers, which made up 1.5 percent of the military's total personnel, took part in the failed coup attempt, the Turkish general staff said on Wednesday.

So far, 10,012 soldiers have been detained as a part of the investigation into the coup attempt, which left at least 290 people, including more than 100 "coup plotters," killed, authorities said.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton takes photos with supporters as she campaigns at East Los Angeles College in Los Angeles, the United States, May 5, 2016. (Xinhua/File Photo)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- With her poll numbers dropping to a 20-year low, U.S. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton desperately needs the democratic convention in Philadelphia to be a success to boost her in the polls.

The start of the Democratic National Convention has been overshadowed by leaked emails that show the Democratic National Committee (DNC) tried to tip the scales in favor of Clinton over challenger Bernie Sanders, whose supporters are holding gatherings in Philadelphia to protest what they called a rigged election process.

At the same time, the Republican National Convention just wrapped up last week, giving Republic nominee Donald Trump a boost in the polls that caused him to take the lead by a hair in the Real Clear Politics average of polls earlier this week.

The New York real estate tycoon has also surged ahead in certain polls, such as a CNN poll on Monday that saw him sprint ahead to lead Clinton by five points.

And perhaps boding worst of all for Clinton is that a Gallup poll released Monday showed that her image is at a 20-year low, with a whopping 57 percent of Americans viewing her unfavorably and a mere 38 percent viewing her favorably.

Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies, of the Brookings Institution told Xinhua that Clinton needs a good convention because national polls currently show her running behind Trump.

"Voters don't trust her and feel that she is not a strong leader. Combined with the DNC email scandal, it is a rough way to start her convention," he said.

Clinton has been dogged by scandal after scandal over her three decades in politics. Those include her being investigated by the Justice Department over her use of a personal and unprotected email server to conduct business while she was Secretary of State.

They also include her perceived mishandling of the security situation in Benghazi, Libya, in which a U.S. consulate was attacked by terrorists, ending with the death of four Americans including a U.S. ambassador.

The good news for Clinton is that almost every nominee gets at least a six-point bounce, so she should be back in the lead by next week. But the race remains close and is likely to be competitive throughout the fall, West said.

Despite the unfair treatment by the Democratic Party in the primaries, Sanders on Monday night also called on voters to back Clinton against Trump.

"Sanders was very helpful to Clinton in his convention speech. He informed his supporters about the stakes of the election and why they should support Clinton," West said.
UNITED NATIONS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that another attack occurred at Al Salam camp for displaced families, south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, earlier Wednesday, the third one during the past three months, a UN spokesman told reporters here.

"Three mortar shells were fired into the camp, one falling in the centre of the camp and two others falling in a market area, injuring four children who have been taken to hospital for treatment," said Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman.

UNHCR strongly condemned the attack, he said.

On July 5, three people were reportedly killed and 13 others injured in an attack on Al Salam camp, also known as Al-Takia camp, UNHCR said.

UNHCR has been working in Al Salam, the largest camp for internally displaced persons in Baghdad, with its partners to provide upgraded shelters for families who had fled from Salah al Din and Anbar governorates in 2014 and 2015. There are currently 1,550 families -- more than 6,000 people -- living at the site.

The latest Iraq Displacement Tracking Matrix, conducted by the International Organization for Migration, identified 3,418,332 internally displaced Iraqis -- 569,722 families -- from Jan. 1, 2014 through March 31, 2016.

Considering the available information, the UN Humanitarian Country Team has increased the humanitarian response planning figure from 3.3 million to 3.4 million internally displaced persons. Enditem
BERLIN, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Police evacuated a shopping mall in northern Germany on Wednesday, looking for an escaped patient from a psychiatric hospital.

Witnesses reported a suspicious man in a shopping mall in the northern German city of Bremen to police at around 16:30 (1430 GMT), Bremen police said in a statement.

The police failed to found the person in a subsequent action and asked all people to leave the mall in order to "minimize potential risks".

According to the police, the suspect was a 19-year-old Algerian run away from a psychiatric hospital.

Special forces entered the mall shortly after 21:00 (1900 GMT). It could not be ruled out that the suspect was still inside the building and left a dangerous object, reported local media, citing police sources.

A police spokesman said the man had expressed sympathy with attacks in Munich and the terror in the psychiatric ward. Enditem
CLEVELAND, July 22, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Donald Trump speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, the United States, July 21, 2016. New York billionaire Donald Trump officially accepted the presidential nomination of the U.S. Republican Party Thursday night on the final day of the Republican National Convention. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Wednesday said he hoped Russian hackers have obtained 33,000 emails that his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton deleted from her private email server.

"If they hacked, they probably have her 33,000 emails. I hope they do," Trump told reporters at a press conference in Miami.

"You'd see some beauties, so we'll see," Trump said, adding that Russia "will probably be rewarded mightily by the press" if obtaining these emails.

In a tweet posted online earlier Wednesday morning, Trump said "If Russia or any other country or person has Hillary Clinton's 33,000 illegally deleted emails, perhaps they should share them with the FBI."

Trump made the remarks at a time when Clinton is to accept the Democratic Party's nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The convention is overshadowed by a scandal over some leaked emails from officials of the Democratic National Committee, which exposed that they worked in favor of Clinton against her rival Senator Bernie Sanders while they were supposed to remain neutral. The outcry over the emails led to the resignation of Democratic Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

This scandal further tarnished Clinton's already negative image while pushing away many of Sanders supporters, who the Clinton campaign hopes will shift their support to Clinton after Sanders' exit.

The Clinton campaign blamed Russian hackers for leaking the emails on the Wikileaks website, citing Moscow is trying to help Trump win the election because of his pro-Russian position. The Trump campaign has denied such accusations.

Clinton has been widely criticized by her use of a private email account and a private email server installed at her home while she was secretary of state in the first term of the Obama administration.

Clinton has handed over about 30,000 work-related emails to the State Department, but she deleted about half of her emails that were "personal" in nature.

Though declining to press criminal charges against Clinton, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) faulted her for being "extremely careless" in handling classified information.

The Clinton campaign on Wednesday blasted Trump for calling on Russia and other hackers to find Clinton's deleted emails.

"This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue," Clinton's senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.
UNITED NATIONS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- UN drug office said on Wednesday that it will step up efforts to stem financing of foreign fighters with a new project supporting states to specifically target funding of the Islamic State (IS), also known Da'esh, a UN spokesman said.

Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Yury Fedotov made the remarks at a security conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, said Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, at a daily news briefing here.

At the meeting, Fedotov said "Terrorism is now more of a threat to international peace and security than ever."

"As you are aware, international efforts, both political and military, have helped to halt the expansion of Da'esh in recent months. However, while the capacity and territorial control of Da'esh have begun to diminish in Syria and Iraq, the group remains a formidable threat," Fedotov said.

The executive director noted that UNODC is helping countries through its Global Programme on Strengthening the Legal Regime against Foreign Terrorist Fighters in the Middle East, North African and Balkan Regions.

"Challenges range from the use of information technologies to spread violent extremist ideologies, to the flow of foreign terrorist fighters across borders," he said, adding that the rapidity of these changes could be seen in the growth of Da'esh.

Some 99 delegations from 46 countries and international organizations are taking part in the meeting, which focuses on cooperation in combating terrorism.

In December 2015, the UN Security Council stepped up its efforts to cut off all sources of funding for the IS and other terrorist groups, including ransom payments, no matter by whom.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-nation UN body called for enhanced actions, from closing financial system loopholes to stopping the abuse of charitable causes, as well as updating the existing ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.

With terrorists increasingly employing elusive tricks to raise and transfer funds, covering their tracks and leaving little evidence to identify tainted resources, the international community must stay ahead of the curve to combat their ploys, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in last December, noting that many states have yet to set up the necessary legal regimes and institutions to identify and freeze terrorist assets. Enditem
LUXEMBOURG, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Luxembourg on Tuesday welcomed the first group of refugees relocated from Italy, according to the Luxembourg government on Wednesday.

The 20 people, including 15 adults and five children, were among the 557 refugees that Luxembourg pledged to receive from Greece and Italy by the end of 2017.

Luxembourg has already resettled 39 asylum seekers from Greece.

The action falls under the plan set out in September 2015 by the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, which agreed to redistribute a total of 40,000 refugees to other EU countries from Greece and Italy.

The member states participating in the mechanism will receive a lump sum of 6,000 euros (about 6,660 U.S. dollars) for each relocated person.

In the first six months of 2016, Luxembourg has in total received 893 new applicants for international protection. Enditem
MEXICO CITY, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's navy intercepted two boats off the country's south Pacific coast and confiscated 847 kilograms of cocaine, the Naval Secretariat reported on Wednesday.

"Naval personnel on maritime aerial patrol ... detected two small vessels 104 nautical miles (about 192.6 kilometers) southeast of Acapulco, Guerrero," and reported the sighting to officials, "who immediately took action to intercept them," the navy said.

One boat was carrying 25 sacks containing 752 packets of cocaine, while the other was carrying 25 drums of fuel, eight of which still contained gasoline.

The boats, drugs and three crew members have been turned over to officials at the Public Prosecutor's Office in the port of Acapulco, the navy said.

There has been an increase in the seizure of drugs at sea as a result of the strengthening of maritime area patrol capacity, naval intelligence and monitoring of the coast, the navy said.
MINSK, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) plans to export 1.3 million tonnes of potash to China by the end of 2016, the press service of BPC said on Wednesday.

On July 14, BPC reached an agreement with the consortium of Chinese buyers (Sinochem, CNAMPGC, CNOOC) on the contract prize of 219 U.S. dollars per tonne for the delivery of potassium to China.

The price has been set for 2016 with the term of delivery till Dec. 31, 2016.

The Belarusian company noted that the agreement will balance supply and demand in the market, strengthen the momentum of economic activity, create a solid foundation for world producers and consumers of potassium to determine future business strategies.
UNITED NATIONS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Inter-Government Negotiations of the UN Security Council reform, or IGN, should continue to be led by UN member states, said a Chinese envoy to the United Nations Wednesday.

The UN General Assembly adopted a brief and technical decision to roll the IGN process over to the next session in a plenary meeting.

"The IGN should uphold the ownership and leadership of the member states and be based on the positions, proposals and suggestions and ideas of the entire membership," said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, after the decision was adopted at the meeting.

Since 2009, IGN has in general followed the UN membership-led principle. However, there have also been some missteps, Liu said.

The envoy said that during the current General Assembly session, the member states conducted "candid and in-depth" discussion on the five categories of issues concerning Security Council reform. "The IGN has returned to the right track of UN membership ownership and leadership," Liu added.

China welcomes the positive efforts made by General Assembly president Mogens Lykketoft and Luxembourg's envoy to the UN, Sylvie Lucas, who has been the IGN chair since October, 2015, Liu said.

China hopes that the IGN during next session of GA will continue to uphold the leadership of the member states, and that all sides will continue to undertake extensive and democratic discussions on the five category of issues, meet each other halfway and gradually foster conditions for seeking a package of solutions and finding the broadest consensus, said Liu.

"China stands ready to work with all stakeholders to contribute to moving forward the Security Council reform along the line of conforming to the common interests of member states and long-term interests of the United Nations," he noted.
MINSK, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The conflicting parties in eastern Donbass region of Ukraine failed to reach an agreement on pulling back the forces along the contact line, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Special Envoy Martin Sajdik said on Wednesday.

One of the key issues of the contact group meeting has not been resolved, Sajdik told reporters after the meeting of the contact group on Ukraine in Minsk.

He said he hoped that the relevant sides will reach a consensus at the next meeting in the Belarusian capital.

Sajdik also called on the conflicting parties in Donbass to implement all Minsk agreements by the end of this year.

"They expect the results from us in the fall. We extended the Minsk agreements at the end of last year, therefore, we should strive to implement an agreement this year," the special envoy stressed.

In order to peacefully settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine, concerned parties signed a ceasefire agreement in Minsk in September 2014 and then in February 2015, with representatives from Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany reaching a new agreement in the Ukrainian capital.

The next meeting of the contact group in Minsk is scheduled for Aug. 3.
LOME, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation among China, the United States and Africa can effectively fight maritime piracy in Africa, a UN senior official said here on Wednesday.

UN General Secretary special representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas made the remarks on the sidelines of the two-day meeting which kicked off on Wednesday.

About thirty diplomats and experts from Africa, China and the United States discussed collective strategies to address maritime security, protect the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea and promote peace in the Sahel region.

The first day of trilateral consultation among Africa, China and the United States has laid the ground for further cooperation on fight against maritime piracy in Africa, he said.

"China and U.S., two world powers and members of the UN security council, have close partnership with African continent," he said.

"If these two powers can cooperate with the African continent, especially in the field of maritime security, then Africa will benefit from their expertise as well as of their technology in the fight against piracy."

Chambas, also chief of UN Bureau for West-Africa and Sahel, said that African continent needs strategic partners to address maritime security challenge it is facing.

He also underscored that China and the United States can mount a tangible fight against illicit trafficking conducted by sea toward the African continent.

"These trafficking, involving narcotics, firearms and petroleum are likely to destabilize African countries and hinder their development, as they nurture violence and instability," he said.
MELBOURNE, July 28 (Xinhua) -- With Australia's official census set to be conducted next month, concerns have been raised for older Australians who might not be able to negotiate the online interface.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has predicted the Aug. 9 census will be the nation's largest ever online event, with more than 15 million people expected to log on to fill in their details.

But simply getting access to the internet is expected to challenge many older Australians, Council on the Ageing's Victorian head Ronda Held said in News Corp newspapers on Thursday.

"For many older Australians the new census arrangements will present difficulties especially for those who do not have a computer," Held said.

"It is likely to increase confusion and anxiety among older people who will need to get a paper form by telephoning and quoting a 12-digit census login number."

Australia's last census, taken in 2011, was to be completed on a paper form which was mailed and distributed to homes around the nation, while the 2016 edition the first to be largely held online.

Households will be mailed a unique, 12-digit login code, which they will need to access the online interface, but Victoria's Census Director Annette Kelly said while most would be happy to use one of their computer or smartphone to complete the online census, there was an option to call up the ABS to request a more 'traditional' paper form.

She said people, including older Australians, who wish to fill in the census physically, should wait for their instruction letter to be mailed to them before they contact the ABS.

"They can ring the automated phone service, punch in their code and they'll have a form delivered priority mail to them," Kelly said.

Anyone who prefers to fill out the information on a physical piece of paper can return it easily with the prepaid envelope, she added.

Also new in this year's census is the option to describe one's sexual identity, as an increasing number of Australians identify as neither male nor female, while the "no religion" option will be moved from the bottom to the top of the religious affiliation section after it was, for the first time, the most popular option in 2011's census.

Director of the Census National Management Unit, Sam Thomas told the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) the change was made after research suggested that many who may have been brought up with religion might have been choosing their religion as it was higher on the list.

He said some people might not have seen the "no religion" option, whereas this time around, people who are actively religious will have to actively seek out their religion, giving a "more accurate" snapshot.

"We believe that it's more consistent with the rest of the questions on the form, the way they're structured, and should lead to a more accurate response," Thomas told the SBS.

Meanwhile ABS census head Duncan Young told News Corp on Thursday that the online privacy of Australians would be protected, and downplayed any concerns by saying the ABS had and will continue its "100-year unblemished record" of confidentiality.

Those who choose to not participate in the census would receive a visit from an ABS volunteer, while a sustained failure to fill in the information could result in a fine.

"You may be subjected to (a fine of) 135 U.S dollars on the day that you refuse to fill the form in," Kelly said.

Last census, there were fewer than 100 prosecutions across the country for those who refused to take part in the compulsory count.
MELBOURNE, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Prominent Australian business executives have urged all Australian companies to tap into the "golden age" of trade with China.

Speaking at the Australia-China Business Week forum in Melbourne, chief executive of the Swisse vitamin company, Radek Sali, revealed Chinese consumers accounted for half of Swisse's sales despite the company only launching in Shanghai in June.

"I think it's the dawn of a new golden age for goods and services that trade from Australia, and those businesses that are awake to it and put in strategies ... that take advantage of this amazing opportunity will be in a very strong position," Sali said in comments by the Australian media on Thursday.

"There's this (Chinese) middle class that's 300 million strong and growing at a rate of five million every five years; I don't see many other demographics or profiles from other countries that have similar opportunities.

"This is a very exciting time for Australian companies that think China."

Sali said that as the economy adjusted to the post-mining boom, Australia was perfectly positioned to prosper from Chinese consumers.

Peter Nathan, chief executive of a2 milk, said that Chinese demand for premium products was showing no signs of tailing off.

"We see the demand for quality food products from our part of the world as being a long-term trend," Nathan said at the Australia-China Business Forum.

"The Chinese in particular have a thirst for high-quality premium brands that provide real and perceived health benefits so on that basis we see it as a long-term opportunity.

"If you have a premium brand you are in a very different space to a commodity which is subject to the vagaries of the commodity price cycle."

Nathan said he was confident a2's trade with China will not be impacted by new Chinese foreign goods laws.
Photo taken on June 26, 2016 shows Nepalese Police personnel guide children through floodwaters in Bardiya, some 400 km southwest of Kathmandu, Nepal. (AFP Photo)

KATHMANDU, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Nepalese government on Wednesday decided to allocate 750 million Nepalese rupees to address the current havoc created by flood, landslides and inundation of settlements across the country.

The meeting of the Home Ministry held at the National Emergency Operation Center on Wednesday decided to allocate the budget for immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the victims.

The amount will be allocated from the Central Disaster Relief Committee of the Home Ministry to the affected district administrative offices. Earlier, the committee had asked the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to extend financial support to resolve the ongoing crisis.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Bhim Rawal said that the government will act immediately to rescue the victims from hard-hit areas, relocate the risky settlements and provide necessary relief materials.

The meeting directed security agencies to act in a planned way to execute the rescue and relief drive, urging them to consider the possible risks. The meeting demanded strong coordination between theNepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force.

In addition, the meeting directed concerned agencies to arrange clean drinking water, necessary food items and primary health services to tackle the possible epidemic of water-borne diseases which are common during such disasters.

Issuing a statement on Tuesday about the latest update, the Home Ministry informed that 28 people had lost their lives since Monday in the disasters across the country. However, local media reported Wednesday that the death toll has risen to over 50.

Hundreds of houses have been waterlogged and many have been swept away in different parts of the country, especially in mid-western and eastern development region whereas thousands have been displaced.

Photo taken on June 26, 2016 shows floodwaters surround a dwelling in Bardiya, some 400 km southwest of Kathmandu, Nepal. (AFP Photo)
by Carlos Acat-Koch

LIMA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Peru's president-elect Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has urged his cabinet to strengthen ties with the grassroots, saying the central government must work hand in hand with regional and local decision makers.

At a meeting with foreign correspondents in Lima on Tuesday, Kuczynski laid out his plans to tackle the country's pressing problems, including the lack of access to basic services that still affects large portions of Peru.

Between 30 percent and 40 percent of Peruvians have no access to potable water or plumbing and education, while crime is a growing concern, said Kuczynski, who is to take office on Thursday.

"We have five years to govern (until 2021). It is a very short time and that's why we have to work from the grassroots. The grassroots are the people and the cities," Kuczynski said.

"The central government is very high up and very far away from the people. We have to get it closer to the (local and regional) governing agencies, which see the people every day," he added.

To help him achieve his goal, Kuczynski recently unveiled his cabinet led by economist Fernando Zavala as president of the council of ministers, or prime minister.

The two previously worked together during the presidency of Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), when Kuczynski was economy and finance minister and Zavala was deputy minister. In the final year of Toledo's term, Kuczynski was named prime minister and Zavala became economy and finance chief.

Among other things, Zavala's mission will be to build bridges with a legislature controlled by the powerful Keiko Fujimori-led opposition Popular Force party, which holds 73 of the 130 seats.

Kuczynski's ruling Peruvians for Change party holds just 18 seats, while the Broad Front holds 20. The remaining seats are scattered among three other parties.

The incoming president has said he is confident of being able to reach agreements with the opposition on fundamental issues.

The Economy and Finance Ministry will be headed by Alfredo Thorne, a trained economist with a PhD from Oxford and a master from Cambridge.

Thorne's resume includes stints at the World Bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank and Mexico's Banorte-IXE financial group.

Ricardo Luna, a former fellow student of Kuczynski from Princeton, will be heading the Foreign Relations Ministry, following diplomatic posts in Britain and the United States.

Kuczynski has not signalled any major foreign policy objectives, saying the ministry should maintain friendly ties with all countries and stand up for democratic principles.

His cabinet has been described as more technical than political in nature, perhaps because Kuczynski is known more for his private-sector experience than public posts.

Following the unveiling of his cabinet, a survey showed that more than 60 percent of the people have confidence in Kuczynski's ability to lead the country.
CANBERRA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has on Thursday launched the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), an intelligence agency designed to "stay ahead" of and disrupt any threat to national security.

Australia's justice minister, and minister assisting the prime minister on counter-terrorism, Michael Keenan launched the agency on Thursday, and said it would work with Australia's existing counter intelligence bodies to ensure Australia has the resources to "keep our communities safe."

He said the formation of ACIC was "critical" to the future of Australia's national security, as terror-related threats were "rapidly changing."

"We know that the national security threat to our nation and globally is unprecedented," Keenan said in a statement on Thursday.

"Since Sept. 12, 2014, when the national terrorism threat level was raised, 44 people have been charged as a result of 16 counter terrorism operations around Australia -- that's over half of all terrorism related charges since 2001."

"This new agency is critical to the future of Australia's national security because it is vital our law enforcement and protection agencies have accurate information and intelligence to respond to immediate threats."

According to Keenan, ACIC has been active since July 1, and he said it had already delivered valuable information on organized crime, as well as the movements of foreign fighters and potential terror targets.

"The ACIC will close information gaps between law enforcement agencies and link intelligence data to help identify links between organized crime and national security investigations, including foreign fighters, terrorists, extremists and their supporters, to provide a broader picture of imminent threats," Keenan said in the statement.

"This is already paying dividends. Since the ACIC commenced operations on July 1 it has delivered intelligence on terrorism, financial crimes and criminal gangs, and worked to thwart the illicit drug market -- collaborating with partner agencies to seize more than 280 kilograms of methamphetamine worth a street value of at least 200 million U.S. dollars in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia."
by Wang Zhengrun, Mao Pengfei

SAO PAULO, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The New Development Bank (NDB) set up by the BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- will help break the stranglehold of the U.S. dollar on global trade, a Brazilian expert has said.

"The establishment of the NDB is part of a desire to help crisis-hit countries without having to go to the World Bank or the IMF (International Monetary Fund)," Bruno Martarello de Conti, an economics professor and BRICS expert at the State University of Campinas in Sao Paulo, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

On July 21, 2015, the NDB officially opened in Shanghai with its main focus on projects in infrastructure and sustainable development.

"The multilateral institutions set up after World War II were all centered around the U.S. dollar. The IMF lends loans in the U.S. dollar and they have to be paid back in the same currency. About 80 percent to 90 percent of international trade is denominated in the U.S. dollar," the expert said.

"Therefore, the BRICS and the NDB can try and make operations in their own currencies, such as the renminbi or the real. It will foster the use of other currencies, which is important for the international monetary system," he added.

Another interesting aspect is that the BRICS nations are ready to share some of their international reserves to help each other out at difficult moments, said Martarello de Conti, referring to the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, a reserve pool worth 100 billion dollars to be set aside for liquidity measures and crisis protection.

"When one of them is in crisis, they will have access to these reserves instead of seeking credit from the IMF, which imposes many constraints. We can set our own criteria for sharing these reserves, without depending on the IMF," he said.

The NDB's potential, the expert said, is not limited to the five BRICS countries. "The idea is to invite other countries in Latin America, Africa and even Greece to join the NDB. All the periphery countries can see the NDB as an important source of funds, in parallel of the World Bank."

Besides, closer BRICS collaboration can bring its member countries closer together, Martarello de Conti said, citing the example of the China-Brazil cooperation.

"Chinese investment is very important for Brazil as it can be a source of demand for our economy to rebound," he said, urging the two countries to work together on infrastructure.

"For example, China imports many soybeans from Brazil, but crops are mostly in the central-western states of Goias or Mato Grosso, states that are far from the shore. For the soybeans to get to the ports, they travel a long way by truck, making them even more expensive for the Chinese," he said.

"Constructing a railway would be good for both Brazil and China, as imports would be at a lower cost," he added.

Martarello de Conti said that the NDB can be a source of important funding for infrastructure in Brazil, saying that "we have the Brazilian Development Bank, which is important but has its limits. The NDB can be important for our development."
SEOUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Samsung Electronics, South Korean tech behemoth, posted better-than-expected earnings in the second quarter thanks to solid demand for its flagship Galaxy smartphones, a regulatory filing showed on Thursday.

Operating profit was 8.14 trillion won (7.22 billion U.S. dollars) in the April-June period, up 18 percent from a year earlier. It surpassed market expectations of 7.4 trillion won on average, marking the largest in nine quarters since the first quarter of 2014.

Revenue increased 5 percent over the year to 50.94 trillion won in the second quarter, and net income rose 1.7 percent to 5.85 trillion won.

Samsung's smartphone business generated 4.32 trillion won in operating profit, account for more than half of the company's total profit thanks to demand for Galaxy S7 smartphone series.

It marked the first time in two years that Samsung's smartphone profit topped 4 trillion won. The smartphone unit's operating profit tumbled to 1.75 trillion won in the third quarter of 2014 after peaking at 6.7 trillion won in the second quarter of 2013.

Samsung sold 16 million units of Galaxy S7 series in the April-June period alone, while demand for lower-priced models such as Galaxy A and J series contributed to the smartphone division's outperformance.
by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Despite much recent controversy surrounding U.S. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, she has one secret weapon: her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

Bill Clinton, one of the country's most popular presidents, spoke on her behalf on Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, and experts said that will help Hillary in the race for the White House.

"Bill Clinton did a terrific job presenting the human side of his wife. He showed how she is a change agent and has a demonstrated record of impact throughout her life," Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

The folksy Bill Clinton is an asset to Hillary in that he is comfortable and at ease in front of an audience, and has thrived on connecting with large audiences during his nearly 40-year career in politics.

While Hillary is often criticized as stiff and robotic in public, Bill is relaxed and adept at reading audiences and understanding what resonates with them.

In a bid to humanize Hillary, he spoke at length about how the two met 40 years ago, both being students at Yale law school.

Cracking jokes from time to time in the self-deprecating style he's known for, Bill Clinton told the enthusiastic crowd how he pursued and eventually married Hillary.

The speech resonated with the crowd, and experts said it will help Hillary in her bid to capture the country's highest political office.

"Bill provides an unparalleled amount of expertise and political charisma to the campaign -- if he remains disciplined and on message," Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, told Xinhua.

"Consider it almost a 'two-for-the-price-of-one' situation," he said.

Bill could also help Hillary peel off some of the white working-class voters on whom Trump is depending to whisk him into the White House.

Analysts said Trump needs around 92 percent or 93 percent of rank-and-file Republican voters -- many of whom are white blue collar males -- in order to clinch the White House.

If Bill Clinton could make more inroads with this group, who supported him while he was president, that could bode well for Hillary.

"Bill will be a useful surrogate on the campaign trail who could limit Trump's inroads into white working-class voters that are the only remaining path to victory for Trump in Rust Belt states," Mahaffee said.

Moreover, Bill Clinton's White House oversaw one of the largest economic expansions in U.S. history, although critics argued that the invisible hand of the market -- particularly the rise of the Internet and technology -- was responsible, not the government.

But whatever the case, many voters over age 40 hold fond memories of the Bill Clinton years, and feel the idea of Bill being back in the White House -- this time as first husband -- is appealing.

Bill Clinton is also one of Washington's most talented fundraisers, and could be of enormous help in that area.

"He will help on the fundraising front. A former president brings star talent to an event and helps to raise cash for the campaign," West said.
SYDNEY, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Global giant BHP Billiton Ltd on Thursday said its accounts will take up to a 1.3 billion U.S. dollars' hit to help cover the cost of Brazil's fatal Samarco mine disaster.

The three tiered tailings dam at the Samarco project collapsed in November last year, destroying nearby villages and towns, killing 19 people and leaving over a quarter of a million without potable drinking water. Samarco is an equal share joint venture with Brazil's Vale.

While the Samarco project is still subject to a civil suit seeking up to 43 billion U.S. dollars in compensation, BHP said the 1.1 billion U.S. dollar to 1.3 billion U.S. dollar provision is its share of the current funding obligations under an agreement it entered into with local authorities in March.

It will also provide a further 134 million U.S. dollars to help compensate those hit by the dam's spill, while maintaining the agreement is the best way for long-term site and community clean up.

"The recognition of the provision demonstrates our support for the long-term recovery of the communities and environment affected by the Samarco tragedy and the belief we have that the Agreement is the most appropriate mechanism to do this," BHP Billiton chief executive Andrew Mackenzie said in a statement.

The 1.3 billion U.S. dollar provision also reflects the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the nature and timing of a potential restart to Samarco operations. The company is providing a short term loan facility of 116 million U.S. dollars to carry out remediation and stabilization work to support Samarco's operations, with funds only to be released as required.

"The short-term facility announced today will preserve the value of BHP Billiton's investment while we continue to monitor developments," BHP said.

"The safe restart of the Samarco operations remains an important priority, along with the restructure of Samarco's debt."

By mid-morning on Thursday, BHP's shares were up 11 Australian cents (8.26 U.S. cents), or 0.58 percent at 19.98 Australian dollars (15.00 U.S. dollars), in line with gains on the broader market.
VANCOUVER, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A Canadian woman whose drunk driving left four people dead in January received a 10-year sentence on Wednesday.

Catherine McKay, 49, pleaded guilty in June to four counts of impaired driving that killed a whole family. In the accident in January, McKay failed to stop her car and collided with another car carrying a couple with their two children. They all died later.

Police officers found after the crash that McKay's blood-alcohol level was three times of the legal limit, according to a report by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
WELLINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A state-owned Chinese agricultural company has taken a cornerstone share in small New Zealand dairy firm Mataura Valley Milk to enable a major expansion, the dairy company said Thursday.

China Animal Husbandry Group (CAHG) will hold 71.8 percent of Mataura Valley in exchange for funding the construction of a nutritional powders manufacturing plant, valued at 200 million NZ dollars (142.06 million U.S. dollars), near the South Island town of Gore.

The new plant, which would create at least 100 new jobs, was designed to tap into the growing global demand for nutritional powders, especially infant formula, Mataura Valley director Aaron Moody said in a statement.

"The global infant formula market was worth 57 billion NZ dollars (40.51 billion U.S. dollars) in 2013, and the market in China alone is expected to reach 38 billion NZ dollars (27 billion U.S. dollars) by 2017," said Moody.

"The appetite for nutritional powders is huge with China's imports of infant formula growing by 51 percent in the 12 months to February 2016. Importantly, the price for infant formula and growing up milk powders is less reliant on the global commodity dairy price."

The state-of-the-art pharmaceutical standard plant would produce infant formula, ultra-high temperature cream and small amounts of skim milk powder, using locally sourced raw milk for global markets.

"The relationship with China Animal Husbandry Group, provides us the confidence to proceed with the plant and excellent access to the rapidly growing demand in the Chinese market," Moody said.

Local dairy farmers, who would supply the plant, would hold 20 percent of the company, and another New Zealand dairy firm, BODCO would hold 5.6 percent, while the rest would be held by mostly New Zealand investors.

CAHG's investment in Mataura Valley had been approved by the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office as well as the Chinese government.

Construction of the plant is expected to start in October.
MEXICO CITY, July 27 (Xinhua) -- An 86-year-old Mexican drug lord will be moved from prison to serve the remainder of his 40-year sentence under house arrest, Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said Wednesday.

Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo's transfer is imminent after federal prosecutors lost their appeal to keep him in prison, Chong told reporters.

"By order of a judge, we have been instructed to liberate him to serve the rest of his sentence at home," the minister said.

A court has ruled that Fonseca, who was imprisoned in 1985 for his involvement in the torture and death of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agent, should be allowed to serve the remaining nine years of his sentence at home.

Fonseca, along with drug lords Rafael Caro Quintero and Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, led the now-defunct Guadalajara cartel, which dominated Mexico's drug trade in the 1970s and 80s.
WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday reaffirmed the necessity of close U.S.-German counterterrorism and broader security cooperation.

In a telephone talk, Obama expressed condolences over the attacks in southern Germany, the White House said, adding that the U.S. government offered its full support to Germany as the investigations into the recent violent attacks proceeded.

Germany was shocked by four violent attacks within last week in the southern part of the country.

On Sunday, a 27-year-old Syrian blew himself up and wounded 15 people outside a music festival in Ansbach, a city in the state of Bavaria.

It happened just hours after a 21-year-old Syrian refugee killed a pregnant Polish woman and injured two people with a machete in Reutlingen, a city in Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Over the phone, Obama and Merkel also discussed the situation in Ukraine and reiterated the urgent importance of durably ending the violence in eastern Ukraine by rapid implementing the Minsk agreements.
BRASILIA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's labor market shed more than 530,000 jobs in the first half of 2016, the worst since such statistics began in 2002, said the General Labor Registry on Wednesday.

In June alone, 91,000 jobs were lost, a drop for the 15th straight month.

From June 2015 to June 2016, Brazil lost 1.765 million jobs.

The steady loss of jobs is linked to the strong recession dragging down the Brazilian economy, which contracted by 3.8 percent in 2015 and is expected to shrink by 3.1 percent in 2016.

"The economy is in a slow process of recovery. Month after month, the negative rate of job losses is shrinking. If we compare this June to June 2015, we can celebrate," Labor Minister Ronaldo Nogueira told a press conference, recalling that the country lost 111,200 jobs in June 2015.

Commerce has been hardly hit, losing 254,000 jobs in 2016 so far. Manufacturing has shed 140,000 jobs, the services sector lost 124,000 jobs and construction 114,000 jobs.

The agricultural sector registered the biggest gain of 90,000 jobs, followed by public administration, which added 18,000 people to the payroll.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Yang Luyu, former mayor of Jinan City in east China's Shandong Province, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and removed from public office for multiple violations.

The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) announced on Thursday that Yang, also former vice head of the CPC Jinan municipal committee, was found to have been involved in corruption and other violations of the Party's rules.

Upon the approval of the CPC Central Committee, the CCDI carried out an investigation into Yang's case.

The probe found that Yang violated the Party's political code of conduct and resisted the Party's investigation.

It found that the former mayor attended banquets in violation of the Party's "eight-point rules" and did not report personal information required by relevant authorities, the CCDI said in a statement.

The statement said that Yang has taken advantage of his position and accepted gifts and money in return for benefits for others when selecting officials. Yang was also found to have been involved in the trade of power and money for sex and other violations.

The statement said that as a senior official of the CPC, Yang has lost his beliefs, violated the Party's code of conduct in a serious manner and did not cease his violations after the CPC 18th National Congress.

The CPC Central Committee has approved his expulsion from the Party. The State Council has approved his removal from office.

His illegal gains should be confiscated and the case should be transferred to judicial organs for investigation into alleged crimes, the statement said.
HANOI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Over 1.468 million person-times of Chinese tourists are expected to visit Vietnam in the first seven months of 2016, up 54.5 percent year-on-year, said Vietnam's General Statistics Office (GSO) on Thursday.

During seven-month period, the country is likely to welcome over 5.552 million person-times of foreign tourists, up 24 percent year-on-year.

Among the figure, some 4.66 million person-times arrive in Vietnam by air, up 28.7 percent year-on-year. Other 806,400 person-times travel to Vietnam by road, up 8.2 percent year-on-year while some 86,300 person-times go to the country by sea, down 22.4 percent, said GSO on its website.

From January to July, tourists from Asian countries coming to Vietnam total at some 3.967 million person-times, up 29.5 percent year-on-year. Growth is seen in major markets including China (up 54.5 percent year-on-year), South Korea (up 37 percent), China's Taiwan (up 15.9 percent), Thailand (up 37.2 percent) among others.

Meanwhile, the number of visitors from Europe reaches 900,600 person-times, up 14.1 percent year-on-year while those from Americas and Australia are 450,800 person-times and 195,700 person-times, respectively.
WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The United States is "deeply concerned" by reports that Israel has published tenders for 323 units in East Jerusalem settlements and "strongly" opposes the move, the U.S. State Department said Wednesday.

"We strongly oppose settlement activity, which is corrosive to the cause of peace," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

These steps by Israeli authorities are the latest examples of what appears to be a steady acceleration of settlement activity that is "systematically undermining the prospects for a two-state solution," Kirby said.

Israel occupied the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip territories, where 5 million Palestinians lived, during the 1967 Mideast War. The last round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority ended in April 2014 with no results.

Since then, the peace process has been stalled due to deep differences over borders and continued Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank. By now, there have been no serious actions to resume the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

The United States also expressed concerns about recent increased demolitions of Palestinian structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which reportedly have left dozens of Palestinians homeless, including children.

More than 650 Palestinian structures have been demolished this year, with more Palestinian structures demolished in the West Bank and East Jerusalem thus far than in all of 2015, according to the U.S. State Department.

Kirby said the move is part of an ongoing process of land seizures, settlement expansion, legalizations of outposts, and denial of Palestinian development that risk entrenching a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict, citing a recent report by the Middle East Quartet, which comprises the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia.

"We remain troubled that Israel continues this pattern of provocative and counterproductive action, which raises serious questions about Israel's ultimate commitment to a peaceful, negotiated settlement with the Palestinians," the spokesperson added.
SEOUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's imports of German luxury vehicles surged in the second quarter amid falling domestic car exports, customs data showed on Thursday.

Imports of foreign luxury cars jumped 21.5 percent from a year earlier to 2.96 billion U.S. dollars in the April-June period, according to Korea Customs Service (KCS). The number of imported cars increased 16 percent to 93,000 units.

Among the total, German diesel car imports accounted for about 60 percent, with most of demand being focused on vehicles having an engine capacity of more than 1.5 liters.

The import expansion came as a temporary cut here in consumption tax for cars boosted demand for luxury cars, while major foreign luxury carmakers launched new models.

Auto exports reduced 13.1 percent over the year to 9.64 billion dollars in the second quarter. The number of exported cars declined 13.6 percent to 686,000 units.

Car exports to the United States fell 12.3 percent, with those to Saudi Arabia, Canada and Russia posting a double-digit slide. Those to Australia and Britain increased 24.9 percent and 4.2 percent each.

The customs agency said economic slowdown in emerging economies weakened demand for locally-made vehicles amid fiercer competition in the global auto market.

Auto export prices averaged 14,056 U.S. dollars in the second quarter, up 0.7 percent from a year earlier. Car import prices advanced 4.7 percent to 31,725 dollars.
Our city's high-tech legacy should be leveraged toward tourism and convention growth, say experts in the travel and airline industry.

Lockheed Martin has enlisted New Mexico Tech as a partner in its bid to assume management of Sandia National Laboratories.

DOJ Federal Monitor James Ginger will release his third report on APD reform efforts today.

Former Bernalillo County Sheriff and New Mexico Secretary of Public Safety Darren White says, "This year I cant back the GOP," and has consequently endorsed his former boss, Gary Johnson, for POTUS.

High temperatures, sparse rainfall and the subsequent need for more water by farmers along the middle Rio Grande have resulted in a 17 mile section of the river running dry.

Trout fishing along the Pecos River can be enhanced by using simulators, bead-head prince nymphs or worms; meanwhile try angling at Isleta Lakes in the early morning while using garlic chicken liver or shrimp as bait.

Meanwhile, here's some local hip-hop about our fabulous Duke City!
COLOMBO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen Sri Lankan students will go to China to further their studies after being awarded Chinese Government Scholarships, a Sri Lankan official said on Thursday in Colombo.

The 15 students, selected from some 1,000 applicants, have been nominated to receive the postgraduate or undergraduate scholarships, in the fields of science, arts, management, medicine and engineering, D. C. Dissanayake, secretary of the Sri Lankan Higher Education & Highways Ministry, said in a speech introducing the general situation of the scholarship, after awarding the scholarships to the students at a ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.

According to Dissanayake, these students will spend over five years in China on average in Peking University, Zhejiang University and others.

"I would like to mention here that the selection process was done in a fair and transparent way and the selected candidates are the most suitable and qualified people among the applicants," said Dissanayake.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yi Xianliang also attended the ceremony and jointly awarded scholarships to the students. China will extend full support to Sri Lanka in all fields including education, Yi said.

"The 15 of you are a team of ambassadors, a diplomatic corps in China. You will promote friendship and cooperation between the two sides," Yi said at the ceremony.
NEW YORK, July 28, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Huang Xueping (1st R), head of the Chinese delegation to the UN Military Staff Committee, introduces an exhibition of Chinese military peacekeepers to Herve Ladsous (2nd R), UN under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations and Atul Khare (3rd R), UN Under-Secretary-General for field support, in New York, the Unites States, July 27, 2016. Chinese peacekeepers are showing great professionalism, dedication and generosity to UN peacekeeping operations, said Herve Ladsous on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Shi Xiaomeng)

UNITED NATIONS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese peacekeepers are showing great professionalism, dedication and generosity to UN peacekeeping operations, said Herve Ladsous, UN under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations, on Wednesday.

Ladsous made the remarks at a reception held by China's permanent mission to the UN to mark the 89th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Before the reception started, a crowd of diplomats and UN officials stood in silent tribute to three Chinese peacekeepers who died in Mali and South Sudan in the past two months when they were participating in peacekeeping operations.

Ladsous commended China's contributions to UN peacekeeping and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Chinese peacekeepers.

Ladsous said he is "very impressed" by the progress China has made to implement its pledge to establish an 8,000-strong standby peacekeeping force.

China is now the second largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping and the largest troop contributor among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

To date, China's armed forces have sent over 30,000 officers and soldiers to 24 UN peacekeeping missions, and 13 of them sacrificed their lives, according to Huang Xueping, head of the Chinese delegation to the UN Military Staff Committee.

Currently, the Chinese armed forces are comprehensively implementing the important pledges China had made at last year's UN peacekeeping summit and have achieved concrete progress, said Huang.

"China will further play its role as a responsible major power, take more international responsibility and obligations, and contribute more to the cause of peace and development of mankind," he said.

Echoing this point, Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, said the Chinese government and the PLA will work with great commitments for world peace and will continue to bring more support to UN peacekeeping operations.
SEOUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Corporate bond sales in South Korea posted a double-digit decline in the first half of this year as investors refrained from purchasing high-risk bonds, financial watchdog data showed on Thursday.

Bonds issued by general companies amounted to 18.9 trillion won (16.8 billion U.S. dollars) during the January-June period, down 18.9 percent from 23.32 trillion won a year earlier, according to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).

The reduction came as investors rushed to high-rated bonds. Unsecured corporate bonds with a credit rating of AA or higher accounted for about 81 percent of the total issuance in the first half.

Combined bond sales, including asset-backed securities (ABS) and bonds floated by banks and financial institutions, reached 57.39 trillion won in the first half, down 9.6 percent from a year ago.

As of end of June, outstanding corporate bond sales reached 408.65 trillion won, up 2.2 percent from a year ago.

Sales of commercial paper (CP) and other short-term electronic bonds jumped 9.0 percent over the past year to 680.59 trillion won in the first half as companies depended on short-term debts amid reluctance to buy long-term bonds.

Equity debt financing, including rights offering and initial public offering (IPO), was 3.56 trillion won in the first half, up 59.0 percent from the same period of last year.
PHNOM PENH, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian court on Thursday ordered self-exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy to pay a compensation and fine of 160 million riel (40,000 U.S. dollars) after the court found him guilty of defaming National Assembly president Heng Samrin.

"The court orders Sam Rainsy to pay a compensation of 150 million riel (37,500 U.S. dollars) to the plaintiff and a fine of 10 million riel (2,500 U.S. dollars)," said the verdict pronounced by Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge Ros Piseth.

The verdict was released after a 40-minute hearing in which the plaintiff's lawyer was present, as Sam Rainsy and his lawyer were absent.

Heng Samrin filed a defamation suit against Sam Rainsy in December after the opposition leader posted a video clip on his Facebook page in November, claiming that Heng Samrin, who was the top leader during the 1980s regime, had indicted late King Norodom Sihanouk of being a traitor and sentenced him, in absentia, to death.

Sam Rainsy, leader of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, has been in self-imposed exile in France since November to avoid a two-year-prison sentence in a 2008 defamation case brought by Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong.
VANCOUVER, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The provincial government of British Columbia in west Canada on Wednesday ruled out any change to the controversial tax levied on residential property purchased by foreigners.

B.C. Premier Christy Clark said in the provincial capital of Victoria that her job was to "make sure we put British Columbians first. So we are not going to be exempting anyone, we are not exempting pre-sales, we are not amending the legislation to change pre-sales."

Clark was referring to the new rule introduced by the B.C. government on Monday, under which a 15-percent foreign buyer tax will be applied to residential real estate deals in Metro Vancouver -- Vancouver City and its surrounding areas -- to curb surging housing prices.

As many as 3,000 pre-sale deals (mainly condos) by non-Canadians will be hit by the new policy, according to Canada's Urban Development Institute.

Clark said her government is on "good legal ground" and people have a week to close their deals before the tax takes effect on Aug. 2.

Many local realtors complained about the new rule, saying it would drive foreign investment away from the real estate market and adversely affect the local economy.
Cai Mingzhao (R), president of Xinhua News Agency, receives the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award presented by UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Cai Mingzhao, president of Xinhua News Agency, received the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award on Thursday.

The award, established in 2012, was presented by UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe.

The award recognizes Cai's personal contributions to the vision of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 through exemplary leadership or a novel approach, according to a statement.

"The award is a recognition of Xinhua's efforts in helping prevent and control the AIDS epidemic, as well as Xinhua's support to the UN," Cai said in his keynote speech.

"Achieving zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths will be a great success in the history of civilization," he said, adding that Xinhua is proud to be able to contribute to this historic process.

In March in Nairobi, Cai was presented a certificate of Excellence in Advocacy and Leadership on Environment by UN Environment Programme in recognition of Xinhua's leadership, innovation and inspiration in raising awareness of environmental issues.
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 18 militants have been killed and 17 others injured as security forces pounded Taliban positions in Dasht-e-Archi district of the northern province Wednesday night, an army spokesman in the northern region Nasratullah Jamshidi said Thursday.

According to the official, the security forces backed by aircrafts attacked Taliban hideouts in parts of the restive Dasht-e-Archi district late Wednesday night killing 18 rebels on the spot and injuring 17 others.

Without commenting on the possible casualties of security personnel, Jamshidi also reported arresting 20 more militants in Saripul province on Wednesday.

Taliban militants who have been fighting the government to regain power, are yet to make comment on the claim.
CANBERRA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Australia is on track to eliminate Hepatitis C in ten years if the current trend of people living with the virus getting new antiviral treatment continues, said a new analysis released on Thursday, the World Hepatitis Day.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Sussan Ley said that 20,000 Australians had already begun treatment to cure their debilitating Hepatitis C since the government first listed the breakthrough medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in March 2016.

She said about 5,000 of these Australians have already completed their course of treatment and early-indications show them to be free of the blood-borne liver disease.

Data from the Kirby Institute at University of New South Wales shows that more than 22,470 Australians have already commenced treatment, a massive increase from the 2,000 to 3,000 people with Hepatitis C treated annually prior to the listing.

"Australia is leading the world in the treatment of Hepatitis C, with the most rapid uptake of new treatments seen anywhere in the world, thanks to the unique approach Australia has taken in making these medicines available without restriction." said Professor Greg Dore from the Kirby Institute.

"This represents a huge leap forward in public health. To put this into perspective, we are on track to cure more people with Hepatitis C this year than in the past 20 years of interferon-therapy," he said.

The new treatment is administered as a course of pills that is consumed for three months and has a 90-percent cure rate.

The drugs, which include Harvoni, Sovaldi and Daklinza, previously were prohibitively expensive at 66,000 AU dollars (50,000 U.S. dollars) a course.

Now that the drugs are listed on PBS, patients can access them for 7 to 14 AU dollars (5.25 to 10.5 U.S. dollars) a month if they have a healthcare card, or 36 to 72 AU dollars (27 to 54 U.S. dollars) for everyone else.

Hepatitis Australia CEO Helen Tyrrell said that the wave of people who had been treated was "frankly phenomenal" but that Australia must keep up the momentum in order to make the elimination of Hepatitis C a reality within a decade in Australia.

Hepatitis C is a significant public health issue in Australia. In 2014, it was estimated there were more than 230,000 Australians were living with chronic Hepatitis C, which is a blood-borne virus.

Minister Ley said part of the challenge now was ensuring that people were aware they had the disease and there were cures available at a subsidised rate on the PBS.

"Today's 7th annual World Hepatitis Day is an occasion to celebrate the enormous strides our nation is making in the world-wide effort to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health concern," she said.

"The Department of Health, Hepatitis Australia and other health care organisations have worked closely to promote testing and access to these new cures and this work will continue until Hepatitis C has been eradicated in Australia for good."

It costs the Australian government 1 billion AU dollars (750 million U.S. dollars) to put the drugs on PBS list. The move makes Australia one of the first countries in the world to publicly subsidise the drugs for their entire population, no matter what a patient's condition is or how they contracted the disease.

In 2010 the World Health Organization made World Hepatitis Day one of only four official disease-specific world health days, to be celebrated each year on the July 28.
CANBERRA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Thursday delayed making a decision about whether or not it will endorse former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's bid to become the next United Nations secretary-general.

Rudd, who requires formal government baking before his bid could be considered by the UN, will speak privately with sitting Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull before any decision is made pubic.

Although the government said it would make a decision on Rudd's bid on Thursday, Turnbull said it was not high on the list of priorities for a government which has only just been re-elected.

"We've considered this issue and I owe Mr Rudd a telephone call before I say anything more about it publicly," Turnbull told the press on Thursday.

There is a strong push from within the coalition cabinet not to endorse Rudd, while there has also been plenty of outside support for the former Labor prime minister.

Earlier on Thursday, acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek urged the prime minister to put aside childish politics to endorse Rudd, as there is no one more qualified for the job in Australia.

"If the cabinet today decides not to offer its endorsement to Kevin Rudd, it will show that the petty, small-minded right-wing of the Liberal Party have Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop on a short leash," Plibersek said.

"Malcolm Turnbull should have the courage to stare down the extremists in his own party and put the national interests first instead of putting his factional fears above the national interest."

It is believed Rudd's strong relationship with both the United States and China would strengthen his bid, should the government endorse him.

"(Rudd) is a distinguished former prime minister of Australia, a very successful foreign minister, a diplomat, a very successful diplomat with decades worth of diplomatic experience," she said.

"He's acknowledged in the United States as an expert on China and Asia more generally. His skill is acknowledged around the world."

Turnbull is expected to make a public announcement on Friday.
SINGAPORE, July 28 (Xinhua) -- International Enterprise (IE) Singapore's Going Global with Innovation (GGI) conference on Thursday attracted over 400 participants from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to discuss innovative business operations for overseas growth.

Innovation, a key focus of Singapore's Committee on the Future Economy, is also the driving force for companies to prepare for the economy of the future, including SMEs. The GGI conference showcased how companies can adopt practical applications of innovation through business strategies as well as business operations, such as product or solution offerings, marketing and HR practices.

Chief Executive Officer of IE Singapore Lee Ark Boon reiterated the importance of innovation for internationalization at the conference.

"Singapore companies are renowned for trust, quality and reliability, but these will become insufficient. Innovativeness, from products and services, to processes and functions, should be the hallmark of our future enterprises," Lee added.

Innovation in business strategies, marketing and HR were three themes echoed throughout the discussion. During the conference, participants delved deeper into how the three themes could be applied to their businesses.

GGI is part of IE Singapore's series of flagship events aimed at driving change and growth of Singapore SMEs to prepare them for overseas expansion.
A Sri Lankan Buddhist monk blesses an Indian ambulance in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, July 28, 2016. The emergency ambulance service set up with the assistance from the Government of India was launched on Thursday at the Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Xinhua/A. Rajhita)

COLOMBO, July 28 (Xinhua)-- India on Thursday said that India's Development Cooperation with Sri Lanka is based on the choices and priorities set by the people, the leadership and the government of Sri Lanka.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday that the partnership between India's capacities and Sri Lanka's needs is not only touching the lives of the people, it also shows the path of constructive regional cooperation.

"India's Development Cooperation with Sri Lanka enjoys a wide spread of projects throughout Sri Lanka in different areas of economic activities. But it must happen as per your aspirations. It is for this reason that our cooperative projects rely on the choices and priorities set by the people, the leadership and the government of Sri Lanka," he said.

The Indian prime minister expressed these views in a video message delivered in Colombo to coincide with the launch of an emergency ambulance service in the western and southern provinces of Sri Lanka.

The project is being implemented through grant assistance of government of India of around 7.55 million U.S. dollars. Project elements include an emergency response centre, deployment of 88 ambulances in the southern and western provinces and recruitment and training of nearly 600 Sri Lankan personnel to implement the project.

"If yesterday it was in Northern Sri Lanka that we dedicated the fruits of our partnership, then today inauguration of this joint project will carry forward our cooperation in southern and western provinces of Sri Lanka," the Indian prime minister said.

The Indian prime minister also said that India stands for a united, stable and prosperous Sri Lanka and the emergency ambulance service is a unique example of this friendship.
CANBERRA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The royal commission on the Northern Territory's juvenile detention centers will look into a broad scope of aspects, including the whole justice system and culture, when investigating the scandal, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said at a press conference in Canberra on Thursday.

Former Supreme Court judge Brian Ross Martin has been appointed as head of the royal commission, which was announced by the prime minister on Tuesday morning hours after the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC)'s investigative program "Four Corners" revealed on Monday night that teenagers in Don Dale juvenile detention center in the Northern Territory had been brutally abused.

At the first cabinet meeting after the election Thursday morning, ministers have agreed on the royal commission inquiry's terms of reference.

Attorney-General George Brandis outlined the terms of reference, saying the inquiry will examine the treatment of children detained at all youth detention facilities run by the NT government, including but not limited to the Don Dale facility.

It will also look into whether any such treatment might have breached federal or NT law, human rights obligations, duty of care or any other rules; what mechanisms and safeguards were in place and why they failed; whether there were "any deficiencies of the organisational culture" in NT youth detention facilities"; and whether more should have been done by the NT government.

Turnbull said it was important to recognise that 95 percent of juvenile detainees in the Northern Territory were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

Martin then said at the press conference that whether racism does or doesn't play a role will be a part of the inquiry.

Turnbull refused to extend the royal commission inquiry beyond the Northern Territory, saying he would like to see the inquiry drags on like many previous royal commission inquiries do.

The commission is expected to report to government on March 31, but Martin said he would request extra time if needed.

"That is tight when one looks at the breadth of the terms of reference," he told reporters. "But given some hard work, hopefully we'll meet it."
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Sui Fengfu, former deputy head of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee, stood trial on corruption charges at a court in Shenyang, Liaoning Province Thursday.

According to the indictment by the Shenyang City Procuratorate, between 2003 and 2014, Sui abused his position in various areas, including project contracting, project approval, product promotion, as well in regards to the official selection and promotion of several companies and individuals.

Sui is accused of accepting gifts and money totalling over 10.44 million yuan (1.57 million U.S. dollars), both personally and through his wife, Deng Yongqin.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, while Sui and his lawyers conducted cross-examination.

In his final statement, Sui confessed to his offenses and expressed regret.

About 50 people, including Sui's family, representatives of national and local legislators, political advisors, journalists and members of the public were present at the open trial.

The final court ruling will be announced at a later date.
NEW DELHI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Amid escalating tensions between two nuclear neighbors - India and Pakistan, India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Islamabad next week to attend a two-day South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, local media reported Thursday.

Singh is scheduled to attend home ministers' conference from Wednesday and will be accompanied by senior officers of his ministry.

According to India's official broadcaster - All India Radio (AIR), the conference will focus on strengthening of network among police authorities of SAARC member -countries and enhancing information-sharing among law enforcement agencies.

Singh's visit had come at a time when the two countries are engaged in a face-off over situation in restive India-controlled Kashmir, which is reeling under intense anti-India protests.

The protests broke out in the region on July 8 after the killing of a top militant commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) Burhan Muzaffar Wani, along with two associates. The 22-year-old Wani was poster boy of HM, region's indigenous militant outfit.

New Delhi accused Islamabad of instigating the ongoing violence that so far has claimed around 50 lives.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif eulogized Wani as a "martyr" and accused New Delhi of using blatant force against Kashmiris. Sharif even stated his country was waiting for Kashmir to become part of Pakistan, a statement sharply reacted by India and described as "delusional though dangerous dream."

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.
DAMASCUS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued a decree Thursday, offering amnesty to armed rebels who surrender to the government within three months, according to state news agency SANA.
Photo taken on May 23, 2016 shows a bird view of Lhasa. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Like many places in China, Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, has expanded rapidly in past decades.

Photo taken on May 23, 2016 shows a street of Lhasa at night. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

The rapid development is partly owed to the epoch-making railroad.

Photo taken on May 23, 2016 shows a bird view of Lhasa. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

The Qinghai-Tibet Railroad, the world's highest and longest plateau railway, was the first to connect Tibet with the rest of China. Over 10 years, the railway has served as a route to development and prosperity. The railway project has also set a good example in environment and wildlife protection.

A train runs on a bridge in north Tibet on June 26, 2007. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Tibetan antelopes wander along a section of the Qinghai-Tibet railroad in Hol Xil on March 11, 2016. (Xinhua/Wu Gang)

Tibet recorded 10.6 percent GDP growth during the first half of 2016 thanks to investment in infrastructure and local industries, atop 25 Chinese provinces and municipalities as of July.

Photo taken on May 17, 2016 shows Liuwu new district of Lhasa. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

In 2015, the per capita disposable income of urban residents in the region was 25,457 yuan (3,807 U.S. dollars), compared with 565 yuan in 1978, and that of farmers and herdsmen last year was 8,244 yuan, representing an average annual increase of 12 percent, according to government statistics.

A Tibetan woman weaves traditional Tibetan cloth on March 17, 2010. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Tibet's robust growth is underpinned by strong investment in infrastructure.

Photo taken on May 23, 2016 shows a bird view of Lhasa. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Photo taken on May 23, 2016 shows a street of Lhasa at night. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Villagers sell home-made blanket in Lhasa on Jan. 26 2009. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

The autonomous region has also invested heavily in tourism, bottled water industry and food manufacturing in hopes of making them into pillar industries to drive sustainable growth in the long term.

Tourists take photos in front of the Potala Palace on May 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Photo taken on May 23, 2016 shows a cafe where the Potala Palace can be seen in the distance. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Last year, 20.2 million tourists visited Tibet, 11 times more than before the Qinghai-Tibet Railroad was put into use, while tourism revenue exceeded 28 billion yuan, 15 times more than a decade ago.





An entrepreneur introduces his product to a visitor in Lhasa's makerspace for start-ups on July 26, 2016. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

In July, Tibet's first makerspace for start-ups went operational in Lhasa. Ten businesses and six teams have settled in so far.

Tibetan opera actors perform at an opening ceremony celebrating the construction of Lhasa's heating system on April 28, 2012. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

The makerspace covers an area of 1,050 square meters with more than 100 working seats. Besides basic working space and start-up training, it provides services such as business registration, intellectual property rights consulting service and legal service.
ANKARA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Five security personnel were killed and 11 others wounded in two separate attacks by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in Turkey late Wednesday, local media reported Thursday.

Three soldiers were killed when PKK militants detonated roadside explosives by remote control during the passage of an armored military vehicle in a rural part of southeastern province of Siirt. A soldier was wounded in the attack, Dogan News Agency said.

The other attack, a car bombing, occurred at a police control station seven km from the central province of Hakkari. Two police officers were killed and 10 other officers and a civilian wounded in the bombing and subsequent firefight.

Over 40,000 people have died in clashes with the PKK since 1984, when the group first started its anti-government attacks.

More than 500 members from the Turkish security forces and thousands of PKK members have been killed in Turkey and northern Iraq since July 2015.

The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and Turkey.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Having stopped in 17 cities and flown approximately 43,000 kilometers, Solar Impulse 2, the sun-powered airplane, has successfully landed in Abu Dhabi, concluding its round-the-globe journey and becoming the first aircraft to circumnavigate the globe without a drop of liquid fuel.

The aircraft began its journey by taking off from Abu Dhabi on March 9, 2015, traveled through the airspace of India, Myanmar, China, Japan and the United States and landed in the cities of Ahmedabad, Nanjing, San Francisco, New York, Seville and Cairo.

While in New York, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with the two pilots, saying that "the plane's technologies can help halve the world's energy consumption, save natural resources and improve our quality of life."

Solar Impulse 2 is the second of its kind under the Solar Impulse project, which is privately financed by Swiss engineer Andre Borschberg and psychiatrist/aeronaut Bertrand Piccard.

The two men behind the project also took turns to pilot the aircraft during its world journey.

Solar Impulse 1, the prototype, was designed to remain airborne up to 36 hours and conducted its first test flight in December 2009.

Piccard and Borschberg completed successful solar-powered flights from Switzerland to Spain and then Morocco in 2012 with the prototype, and conducted a multi-stage flight across the United States in 2013.

Completed in 2014, Solar Impulse 2 carries more solar cells and more powerful motors, and the wingspan has also increased to 71.9 meters.

Here are some key events of Solar Impulse 2's 17-leg journey:

July 23, 2016: It left from Cairo and arrived at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates, after flying more than 40,000 km, completing an around-the-world journey.

July 11, 2016: It took off from Seville, the fourth-largest city in Spain, and landed in Cairo in 48 hours and 50 minutes, flying over the Mediterranean Sea.

June 20, 2016: It departed from New York and landed in Seville in 71 hours and 8 minutes, completing the first transatlantic solar and electric crossing.

June 11, 2016: It took off from Lehigh Valley in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and landed in New York in 4 hours 41 minutes.

May 25, 2016: It left Dayton in the U.S. state of Ohio and arrived at Lehigh Valley in 16 hours and 49 minutes.

May 21, 2016: It departed from Tulsa in the U.S. state of Oklahoma and arrived in Dayton in 16 hours and 34 minutes.

May 12, 2016: It took off from Phoenix in the U.S. state of Arizona and landed at Tulsa International Airport in Oklahoma in 18 hours and 10 minutes.

May 2, 2016: It left San Francisco and arrived in Phoenix in 15 hours and 52 minutes.

April 21, 2016: It took off from Kalaeloa, Hawaii, and arrived at San Francisco in 62 hours and 29 minutes, completing a crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

June 28, 2015: It departed from Nagoya in Japan and arrived in Kalaeloa in 117 hours and 52 minutes, breaking the world record for distance and duration for solar aviation, as well as the world record for the longest solo flight.

May 30, 2015: It took off from Nanjing in China and made an unintended stop in Nagoya because of bad weather after taking off from Nanjing on May 30. The flight time was 44 hours 9 minutes.

April 20, 2015: It left Chongqing in China and landed in Nanjing in 17 hours 22 minutes, after a 3-week standstill in Chongqing.

March 29, 2015: It took off from Mandalay in Myanmar and landed in Chongqing in 20 hours 29 minutes after a challenging flight over the Burmese mountains, making it the first solar airplane that landed in China.

March 18, 2015: It departed from Varanasi in India and landed in Mandalay. During the journey, Piccard, who was piloting the plane, beat Solar Impulse 2's own speed record by flying at 216 km/h.

March 18, 2015: It left Ahmedabad, India, after a suspenseful wait because of customs issues and landed in Varanasi in 13 hours 15 minutes.

March 10, 2015: It took off from Oman and landed in Ahmedabad in 15 hours 20 minutes, making it the first solar aircraft that landed in Asia and also completing a record-breaking flight in terms of distance flown with a solar plane.

March 9, 2015: Solar Impulse 2 took off from Abu Dhabi and landed in Oman, the first leg of its around-the-world journey, in 13 hours and 1 minute.
Cai Mingzhao (R), president of Xinhua News Agency, receives the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award presented by UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- President of Xinhua News Agency Cai Mingzhao on Thursday received the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award in the Chinese national capital.

The award, established in 2012, was presented by UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe.

The award recognizes Cai's personal contributions toward the vision of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 through exemplary leadership or a novel approach, according to a statement.

"The award is a recognition of Xinhua's efforts in helping prevent and control the AIDS epidemic, as well as Xinhua's support to the UN," Cai said in his keynote speech.

"Achieving zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths will be a great success in the history of civilization," he said, adding that Xinhua is proud to be able to contribute to this historic process.

Xinhua, as China's state news agency and an international media organization, has closely watched and provided timely, objective and comprehensive coverage of global efforts and progress in fighting AIDS. It has taken advantage of its resources and a global news gathering network to release hard news, promote exemplary practices and encourage people from all walks of life to join HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.

Xinhua has cooperated with UNAIDS in diverse fields. Cai and Sidibe in March signed an MOU in Geneva, Switzerland, to enhance strategic cooperation between Xinhua and UNAIDS in news reporting, social media and themed activities.

For three days in June, Xinhua played a UNAIDS video clip on the Times Square billboard in New York to highlight the importance of a fast-track approach to ending the AIDS epidemic.

Xinhua has signed MOUs on cooperation with UNAIDS and 10 other UN agencies. In March in Nairobi, Kenya, Cai was presented a certificate of Excellence in Advocacy and Leadership on Environment by the UN Environment Programme in recognition of Xinhua's leadership, innovation and inspiration in raising awareness of environmental issues.

Cai said Xinhua will continue to explore new ways to cooperate with UN agencies, support the UN's undertakings and help improve the well-being of the human race.
DAMASCUS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday offered amnesty to armed rebels who surrender to the government within three months, state news agency SANA reported.

According to a presidential decree issued by Assad, the pardon covers whoever held or possessed weapon for any reason, if they turn themselves in to the authorities within a three-month deadline starting Thursday.

The decree also promises pardon to captors who release their victims unharmed without ransom. This item gives the kidnappers one month to respond to the amnesty in order to be covered.

The pardon offer came one day after Assad told a Greek TV that the rebels who surrender themselves would be granted amnesty.

Throughout the country's five-year crisis, Assad has granted several pardons in a bid to quell the momentum of the pro-longed crisis.

The latest pardon came as the Syrian army has been making strides in the northern city of Aleppo against the rebels, particularly those holed in the eastern part of the city.

On Wednesday, the General Command of the Syrian Army said it had dropped tens of thousands of leaflets over the eastern part of Aleppo city, urging the rebels to surrender and the civilians to cooperate with government forces.

The leaflets also provided directions of safe exists for civilians to leave the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.

Government forces and allied fighters have cut the last rebel supply route into eastern Aleppo.
DAMASCUS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Syrian government forces and allied fighters on Thursday captured a key rebel stronghold in the northern city of Aleppo, the latest in a string of victories over the rebels in the strategic city, state news agency SANA said.
HANOI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The 6th bilateral meeting on anti-drug cooperation between Vietnam and China was held Thursday in Vietnam's central Khanh Hoa province, some 1,040 km south of capital Hanoi.

Speaking at the meeting held by General Police Department under Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security, An Guojun, deputy secretary-general of the National Narcotics Control Commission under China's Ministry of Public Security, said further strengthening anti-drug cooperation and improving cooperation levels between China and Vietnam are of great significance in the work of anti-drug of the two countries, contributing to making positive changes in regional and global anti-drug situation.

Dong Dai Loc, deputy director of Vietnam's police general department, said Vietnam and China are facing hikes in activities of trans-national crime organizations in illegal production, sale and transportation of drug in more complicated ways.

After the 5th bilateral meeting in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province in October 2015, the two countries have carried out a narcotics suppression campaign along the shared border and gained practical results, reported Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA on Thursday.

During the first half of 2016, Vietnamese authorities have detected over 10,000 drug-related cases and arrested over 15,000 people with a large amount of heroin, opium, synthetic drugs and marijuana among others.

From the beginning of 2015 to the end of the first quarter of 2016, China had discovered 78 drug cases with over 100 people with 171 kg drugs seized.

Chinese representatives said at the meeting that Vietnam has become a hub of transporting drugs originating from the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent areas to China.

Participants at the meeting shared information on drug criminals over the past time, as well as experience on situation of the drug addicted and anti-drug education in each country among others.

The third campaign on joint offensive against drug criminals along Vietnam-China shared border will be implemented, reported the VNA.
KATHMANDU, July 28 (Xinhua) --China topped the chart in making foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nepal in the last 2015-16 fiscal year, pledging more than one-third of total FDI commitments the country received.

According to the Department of Industry (DoI), which registers industries, investment pledges from China stood at 57 million U.S. dollars (6.21 billion Nepalese rupee) against the total FDI pledge of 140 million U.S. dollars (15.13 billion Nepalese rupee) last fiscal that concluded in mid-July.

Britain with investment pledge of 19 million U.S. dollars (2.07 billion Nepalese rupee) came second followed by India in third place with pledge of 18 million U.S. dollars (1.94 billion Nepalese rupee). Switzerland and the United States came fourth and fifth.

Not only in terms of total investment pledge, China also topped the list of total number of industries registered in Nepal last year, according to DoI.

A total of 125 industries containing FDI from Chinese were registered in the last fiscal year out of total FDI-based industries of 341 registered at DoI.

"Chinese investment in Nepal has been pouring because there has been growing connectivity and interactions between the two sides," said DoI spokesperson Rudra Bahadur Malla.

"China also has surplus resources because of its high level economic growth over the last several years and the Chinese investors want to invest their surplus cash in Nepal."

However, Nepal's private sector believes that there is still too much room for attracting more investments from China.

Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, president of Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Nepal is yet to receive large scale Chinese investment that could change the fate of the nation.

Meanwhile, Nepal received far less FDI pledge in 2015-16 compared to the previous fiscal year. The Himalayan nation had received FDI pledge of 626 million U.S. dollars last year, according to DoI.

"As Nepal plunged into political turmoil following the promulgation of new constitution last year and faced subsequent blockade in southern border points for four and half months, foreign investors seemed less attracted to invest in Nepal," said Malla.
BAMAKO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Mali special forces have arrested Mahamoud Barry alias Abou Yehiya, a top commander of the Ansar Dine terrorist group that has been accused of carrying out numerous attacks in northern Mali, a security source said Wednesday.

The source said Barry was arrested on Tuesday near Wagadou forest, close to the border with Mauritania.

The suspect who was born in 1979, is a close confidant of Amadou Kouffa, the leader of Macina Liberation Front, a terror group that closely works with Ansar Dine.

The source said Barry was the commander of the attack against Nara police brigade in June 2015.

He was also accused of being part of the terrorists who planned last week's attack against a Malian army camp in Nampala, Central Mali, which left 17 soldiers dead and 35 others injured.
DAMASCUS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Syrian government troops and allied fighters on Thursday captured a key rebel stronghold in the city of Aleppo, the latest in a string of victories the army made in the city, state news agency SANA said.

Government forces regained full control over the notorious Bani Zaid district in the eastern part of Aleppo, and bomb squads have started dismantling booby-traps, said SANA.

Bani Zaid was once the staging ground for rebel attacks on the government-controlled western parts of Aleppo that involved mortar shelling, improvised rockets, and booby-trapped gas cylinders.

Civilians in Aleppo's western part have repeatedly urged government forces to "wipe out" Bani Zaid from existence following hundreds of deadly attacks over the past couple of years, SANA said.

Earlier this month, over 70 people were killed in Aleppo in rebel shelling from Bani Zaid.

The advance on Bani Zaid is the latest in a series of victories declared by government forces in Aleppo.

Over the past week, the Syrian army effectively cut off the Castello road, the last rebel supply route connecting rebel-held areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo with eastern districts in Aleppo.

With that, the rebel-held districts in eastern Aleppo have become completely besieged.

On Wednesday, military helicopters dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on rebels-held areas in Aleppo, urging the rebels to surrender and the civilians to cooperate with the Syrian army, while offering them safe exits out of eastern Aleppo.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad declared amnesty on Thursday, offering pardon for rebels who surrender within three months, and kidnapers who release their victims within a month.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels.

In the summer of 2012, thousands of armed militants stormed residential districts of Aleppo from its countryside, striking the economic nerves of the Syrian government.

The rebels captured several districts in east Aleppo and tried repeatedly to expand their presence to government-controlled areas in the west.

The rebels laid siege to western Aleppo districts after cutting the international road to Aleppo in 2014, a siege broken later by the Syrian army, with the help of Hezbollah.
LOME, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Most participants attending the Africa-China-U.S. two-day tripartite talks for peace in Africa that opened on Wednesday are calling for a win-win partnership between Africa and China as well as the U.S. in order to boost security on the continent.

The talks, being held in the run up to an extraordinary security summit of the African Union later this year in Lome, will focus on improving maritime security and promoting peace in the Sahel.

About 30 African, Chinese and American diplomats are taking part in the tripartite talks that are being held behind closed doors.

Those taking part in the talks include the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in West Africa and the Sahel Mohamed Ibn Chambas, special representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs Zhong Jianhua, and Princeton Lyman, senior advisor to the U.S. President.

Other participants include representatives of the Economic Community of West African States, the Economic Community of Central African States, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the G-5 Sahel.

"This first day of the tripartite talks enabled us to lay the foundation for fruitful collaboration between the three parties with a view of carrying out an effective war against maritime piracy in Africa, especially in the Gulf of Guinea," Chambas, told Xinhua in an interview in the Togolese capital.

He said the African continent which has maritime security challenges, requires strategic partners to overcome the challenges.

"China and the U.S., two global powers and members of the UN Security Council, have close relations with Africa. If the two powers can cooperate with Africa, especially in the area of maritime security, Africa will benefit not only from their expertise but also from their technology in fighting against piracy," the UN envoy said.

By harmonizing our efforts and means in a win-win partnership, Africa, China and the U.S. will achieve tangible results in the fight against all forms of trafficking through the sea on the African continent, Chambas said.

Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey urged participants to take the opportunity to propose pragmatic solutions to the security challenges facing the African continent.

"Whether on sea or land, the issue of peace and security in Africa is a major challenge that we can no longer neglect or ignore," he said.

"The situation is very serious that measures so far taken, whether at the national or regional level, cannot achieve the desired results," Togo's chief diplomat said.

Due to the worsening security situation, there is need to urgently review our plans and strategies to achieve lasting peace on the African continent, Dussey said.
NIAMEY, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (FDS) have unilaterally launched a major operation against Boko Haram terrorist group within the territory of neighbouring Nigeria, local media in Niamey reported Wednesday.

According to different sources, a long line of FDS armoured vehicles on Monday passed through Diffa to "Doutsi" bridge along Komadougou Yobe river that separates Niger and Nigeria.

The objective is to neutralize resistance by Boko Haram sect and capture the Nigerian town of Damasak which is considered as a stronghold of the terror group.

The Nigerien soldiers are more determined to eliminate this terrorist sect, the same sources reported.

However, the government has not revealed any information regarding the said operation.

Boko Haram sect which launched attacks in 2009 in northern Nigeria and later in other neighbouring countries like Niger, Cameroon and Chad, has killed over 20,000 people and led to displacement of over 2 million others.

In Niger in particular, since February 2015, the terrorist sect has carried out numerous deadly attacks in the eastern regions neighbouring Nigeria like Bosso and Diffa, leaving hundreds of civilians and soldiers dead, and thousands others displaced.
KATHMANDU, July 28 (Xinhua)-- China-Nepal bilateral cooperation deals on connectivity, trade and transit should not be affected by the recent political change in Nepal, experts said here on Thursday.

"China and Nepal have been enjoying friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations back in 1955 and it needs to be further enhanced in the present context," Former Nepalese diplomat Dr Mohan Lohani told Xinhua, adding that recent bilateral cooperation projects between the two countries should not be halted due to political changes in Nepal.

Dr Lohani, who is also a political commentator, stressed the importance of effective implementation of agreements on connectivity, trade, commerce and transit reached between the two countries during Prime Minister K.P Sharma Oli's visit to Beijing in March this year.

"Transit transport agreement is one of the milestone agreements between Nepal and China signed during the prime minister's visit. The deal was aimed at reducing Nepal's overwhelming economic dependence on India which will give the landlocked Nepal access to the sea via the Chinese ports," Lohani said.

He added the next government should sincerely go forward for the effective implementation of the 10 various transit and commerce related-deals so as to promote the country's national interest.

Former Foreign Secretary Madhuraman Acharya also holds similar views.

"Deals between China and Nepal signed during Prime Minister Oli's Beijing visit should be implemented and the change of guard in the country should not affect such deals," he said.

"Such bilateral deals should be owned up whoever comes in power. The respective states have their moral and international obligations in the implementation of such treaties or deals."

Infrastructure expert in Nepal, Dr Surya Raj Acharya, opined that Nepal-China agreements during the prime minister's Beijing visit had offered a rare opportunity for Nepal to embark on a new area of infrastructure development, industrialization and economic growth by utilizing China's capital, technology, market and access to global value-chain.

Though the agreements are just on paper so far, Acharya said that overwhelming majority of Nepalese people see these agreements as important means to meet their aspiration for prosperity of the country.

"People will be keenly watching the response of the new government on these agreements. Not implementing these would certainly incur a heavy political cost for the new government," he said.

While announcing his resignation at the parliament session on July 24, Prime Minister Oli had expressed doubt whether the next government would implement deals with China.

Outgoing Prime Minister Oli's Foreign Affairs Advisor and expert on Foreign Affairs Gopal Khanal said that the deals signed between China and Nepal should be fully implemented by the next government for the sake of the country's long-term socio-economic development in order to promote friendly ties between the two countries.

Earlier in April, a high-level committee under the leadership of Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi comprising senior officials of different ministries was formed by the Oli-led cabinet to expedite implementation of the accords signed with China and India.
Screenshot of Kosrae island's location from google map.

SYDNEY, July 28 (Xinhua) -- By paying only 49 U.S. dollars for a raffle ticket, an Australian man has won the chance to become the owner of a 16-room Pacific island resort.

The man, identified only as Joshua from New South Wales, the east coast of Australia, bought one ticket among tens of thousands that Doug Beitz and his wife, who are present owners of the resort, issued in April.

According to earlier reports by the Guardian, the Beitz couple, also Australians, built the 16-room Kosrae Nautilus Resort in 1994 and they got the idea to raffle off the resort from their son.

With over 53,000 tickets having been sold across the world, the couple can return to Australia's Queensland to spend the rest of their life as millionaires.

In a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday evening, Joshua's winning number is ticket 44,980. The Beitz couple has contacted him to confirm his winning of the debt-free, profitable resort, which has more than 20 years left on its lease.

Several people, including some ticket-buyers, congratulated Joshua on the Internet, calling the draw an "awesome dream."

Kosrae, occupying around 108 square kilometers with a population of over 6,000 people, is located approximately 600 km north of the equator, between Guam and the Hawaiian Islands. It has direct flights from Guam and Hawaii.
CLEVELAND, July 22, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Donald Trump speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, the United States, July 21, 2016. New York billionaire Donald Trump officially accepted the presidential nomination of the U.S. Republican Party Thursday night on the final day of the Republican National Convention. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

PHILADELPHIA, the United States, July 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and other heavyweight Democrats on Wednesday launched a concerted offensive on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and vouched for Hillary Clinton, as the 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) entered its third day.

The November election is not a "typical election," but a "big" and "more fundamental choice" for the American people, Obama told some 5,000 delegates of the DNC at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

"What we heard was a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world. There were no serious solutions to pressing problems -- just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate," he said.

Trump, a New York real estate billionaire, "is selling the American people short," said Obama, calling on the nation "to reject cynicism, reject fears."

Obama spared no effort in praising Clinton, who officially captured her party's presidential nomination on Tuesday, becoming the first woman ever nominated for U.S. president by a major political party.

"There has never been a man or a woman ... more qualified than Hillary Clinton to be president of the United States," he said as the crowd burst into cheers.

After Obama said he is "ready to pass the baton" to Clinton to conclude his speech, the woman he hoped to be his successor made a surprise appearance on stage to greet him with a long embrace, closing the convention.

Obama gave the keynote speech to cap the night in which Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia took the stage for the first time as the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

"I humbly accept my party's nomination to be Vice President of the United States," a smiling Kaine said to thunderous applause.

Kaine, 58, a low-key Spanish-speaking politician, devoted much of his speech to introduce himself, telling his personal story.

He is expected to cement Clinton's lead among Hispanic voters and offer her a political boost among Virginia's independent voters and moderate Republicans displeased with Trump.

Kaine took a swipe at Trump for his business record, credibility, Trump University and his proposals to build a wall along the Mexican border, saying Trump "has a habit of saying the same two words right after he makes his biggest promises -- 'believe me.'"

Vice President Joe Biden also pitched in for Clinton, casting the former U.S. first lady and secretary of state as a person who knows about the problems of the middle class and who has always been in public life.

Clinton "knows," he repeated over and over. By contrast, Trump has no clue, he said.

Biden called Trump "a man who embraces the tactics of our enemies, torture, religious intolerance," urging the American people not to vote for "a man who exploits our fears of ISIS (the Islamic State) and other terrorists, who has no plan whatsoever to make us safer."

Both Obama and Kaine gave acknowledgement to Bernie Sanders, Clinton's bitter rival in the primaries, in a bid to rally millions of Sanders' supporters behind Clinton in the Nov. 8 general election.

The divided Democratic Party scrambled to rescue the four-day convention from a political uproar as the disclosure of nearly 20,000 emails from the DNC has reopened the bruising wounds from the primary season.

The emails, published by WikiLeaks on Friday, showed that the DNC officials who were supposed to remain neutral during the primary contest conspired against Sanders, who has championed a "political revolution" electrifying millions of supporters.

Though the DNC issued a formal apology to Sanders on Monday over the leaked emails scandal, thousands of Sanders' staunch supporters have taken to the streets during the convention to voice support for Sanders and his progressive agenda.

Sanders, a senator of Vermont, endorsed Clinton when he spoke on the opening night of the convention Monday. During the roll call vote of states to nominate Clinton as the Democratic standard-bearer on Tuesday, Sanders also took a symbolic move for party unity, saying he wanted to suspend the procedural rules and name Clinton the Democratic nominee.

Pro-Sanders delegates continued to express their anger and lash out against the DNC on Wednesday, with Hollywood star Susan Sarandon joining a protest in the media pavilion, the second of its kind since Tuesday.
Cai Mingzhao (R), president of Xinhua News Agency, receives the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award presented by UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A senior United Nations (UN) official on Thursday acknowledged China's encouraging progress in combating HIV/AIDS, saying new successes have been achieved in the country.

China has made "a lot of progress," said Michel Sidibe, UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), citing the reduced rate of HIV-related deaths and the increasing number of people on treatment.

"Since 2014, we have not had any babies born with HIV in Beijing, which is very important," Sidibe told reporters during a visit to Xinhua News Agency.

He highlighted the importance of China's nationwide program on mother-to-child transmission to control the epidemic among children.

"The only challenge that we are still having is how to reach men having sex with men, how to reach sex workers, and how to make sure infections among those groups can be controlled," Sidibe said.

The UN official also applauded China's contribution to the work of UNAIDS.

"China, particularly the government, has been very helpful, supporting us to negotiate a new political declaration, which is key for the future," he said.

Key Chinese leaders have been fully committed to fighting stigma and discrimination, often with new policies that can be really helpful, Sidibe added.

During the visit, Sidibe presented the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award to Cai Mingzhao, president of Xinhua, in recognition of Cai's personal contribution to the vision of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 through exemplary leadership or a novel approach.

The award granted to Cai also recognizes the commitment of the Chinese government to combating HIV/AIDS, Sidibe said while addressing the award ceremony.

There have been encouraging results in the fight against AIDS globally, with the number of people receiving treatment increasing from 1 million or less in 2000 to 17 million today, Sidibe said, highlighting the media's contribution.

"All of that (progress) would never have happened without you, without our collective efforts, without solidarity ...We can't reach people without innovation, without news, without information, without a new way to communicate," he said.
SHENZHEN, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland delegation led by Vice Public Security Minister Chen Zhimin met with officials from Hong Kong to discuss the reciprocal notification mechanism between the police of both sides in southern Guangdong's Shenzhen on Thursday.

It is the second meeting on improving the notification mechanism between mainland and Hong Kong officials. On July 5, Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun met with a Hong Kong delegation in Beijing.

The two sides have agreed to write new content into the original text of the notification mechanism, including language on "adhering to the 'one country two systems' principle, according to the Constitution, the Basic Law and other laws adopted by the two sides, and upholding the principles of acting lawfully, seeking common ground while reserving differences, mutual benefits, and protecting human rights."

The scope of the content, time requirement and notification channels will be "modified and improved," according to a statement released after the meeting.

Officials have pledged concerted efforts to make the notification mechanism more standardized, smooth, transparent and convenient to better protect the interests of residents on both sides, deal with cross-border crimes, and maintain long-lasting prosperity and stability of the mainland and Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong delegation was led by Lai Tung-kwok, Secretary for the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

Mainland officials with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the General Administration of Customs also attended the consultation.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Around 7.51 percent of China's industrial businesses are "zombie companies," according to a recent research paper, which recommended deregulation to allow them to perish.

"Zombie companies" are economically unviable businesses, usually in industries with severe overcapacity, kept alive only with aid from the government and banks.

A report released by Renmin University of China found that in 2000, about 30 percent of China's industrial firms were "zombies". During 2005-2013, they represented around 7.51 percent.

Compiled on the basis of a survey of roughly 800,000 companies, the report said zombie firms are more prevalent in underdeveloped western and northeastern China. State-owned enterprises and large and medium-sized companies have the highest ratio of zombie firms.

The report asked the government to reduce regulation and be more cautious in applying industrial policies. Banks should be free from administrative influence when making lending decisions.

Nie Huihua, an economics professor at Renmin University of China and a key author of the report, said the government should keep policy consistent to eliminate the companies' hopes of receiving policy support in the future.

"Zombie companies" have become a problem in China as the country battles severe overcapacity in key industrial sectors such as steel and coal.

Analysts said streamlining zombie companies could raise fears about employment in the short run, but killing them off is essential to China's long-term economic health.
HANGZHOU, May 27, 2016 (Xinhua) -- A press briefing on the 100-day countdown to G20 Hangzhou Summit is held in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 27, 2016. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

by Xinhua Writer Wu Xia

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The G20 summit to be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou in early September is unlike any previous one: it will be hosted by the largest developing country in the world. But a key question remains: can China succeed in shaking the world's 20 biggest economies out of their torpor?

China has high hopes for chairing a successful G20 summit, the country's biggest diplomatic event of the year. With the two-day meeting less than two months away, plenty is already on the table, including a Beijing-led push to upgrade the G20 from a crisis response mechanism to a long-term governance platform.

The economic weight and growing agility of China in managing international affairs, experts say, would prove advantageous in getting things done at the forum, particularly in bringing major industrialized economies as well as emerging markets together to tackle the root causes of faltering global growth.

LONG-TERM GOVERNANCE

The G20 mechanism, as a primary platform for international economic cooperation, has long focused on coordinating monetary and fiscal policies among the world's top developed and developing nations in response to global financial crises.

But after eight years of slow recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, an urgency can be felt across G20 members for collective action on more fundamental aspects of the global economy.

A highlight of the upcoming summit will be developing a G20 blueprint for innovative growth, which includes a concrete action plan for building a new industrial revolution and the digital economy.

"It is the first G20 summit with a focus on the long-term impetus of global growth," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a briefing late May.

"Fiscal and monetary policies can only serve as countercyclical tools that help smooth out volatility in the short term," said Professor Zhu Jiejin of Fudan University. "It's just like medicine. It may cure an illness, but does not strengthen the health of an economy."

Zhu said the consensus on innovation had been a hard-won achievement under the Chinese presidency, especially given the severe market volatility in the first quarter of 2016.

"It is not easy for China to stay focused on a long-term agenda when some are calling for short-term stimulus packages," Zhu said.

Swiss Finance Minister Ueli Maurer underlined China's emphasis on fostering innovation and other structural reforms, which, he said, were important to raise productivity and ensure the quality and sustainability of growth.

"In this respect, the G20 Blueprint on Innovative Growth represents an ambitious agenda toward a new paradigm for growth based on knowledge and on new and cleaner technologies," he told Xinhua. "Many countries have, since the global financial crisis of 2008/09, relied too heavily on monetary and fiscal easing,"

Another eye-catching item on the agenda is going to be outlining steps to implement the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the first time development is being given priority in a global macro-policy framework.

Huang Wei, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that "developed countries cannot thrive alone in this increasingly interconnected world. Developed and developing countries need to pool their resources to reverse sagging global growth."

Huang noted the systematic nature of implementing the United Nations development goals, which incorporate social and environmental dimensions as well as growth. "Only with a holistic approach can we solve fundamental problems in the global economy," she told Xinhua. "The G20 used to deal with only specific problems."

According to Chen Fengying, a researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, the G20 has expanded its main policy goal for strong, sustainable and balanced growth that was laid down at the Pittsburgh summit in 2009. "It is not easy for China to host a fruitful summit when there is no apparent crisis," she said. "But China has made an unprecedented contribution to the G20 by charting out a new future."

Moreover, amid sluggish trade and weak investment, the G20 under China's presidency this year opened up a new and more substantive avenue for stimulating growth: a trade ministers meeting to promote international trade and investment.

"We cracked some real issues, because China took the initiative of setting up the trade and investment working group and put in lots of work, which has been very productive," said Rita Teaotia, commerce secretary of the Indian Department of Commerce.

"From the Hangzhou summit onward," said Chen, "there will be two wheels driving the G20, with the traditional finance ministers and central bank governors meeting, and the new mechanism of trade ministers' meeting."

This could be one of the biggest breakthroughs at this year's summit. Many of the long-term structural problems in the global economy have to do with trade and investment, she said.

SHAPING THE AGENDA

At this year's G20 summit, China will also be playing a more prominent role in international affairs.

"This will be the first time that China hosts a global economic governance summit, unlike chairing regional meetings such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation," said Chen. "It is a good opportunity for China to exercise its power in global economics."

She explained that because the G20 is an international forum with no secretariat or enforcing agencies, the outcome of the summit is to a large extent determined by the will of the host country.

"As a big country, China has the influence to push for specific goals, especially when they coincide with the interests of other countries," she said, praising China's concrete action plans in the context of vaguer pledges of past years.

Zhu stressed that China, as the biggest developing country, has the responsibility to promote more balanced governance of the global economy.

"The birth of the G20 has broken the myth of the G7 and allows for the exploration into diverse paths of growth," he said.

According to statistics from the International Monetary Fund, emerging and developing economies are home to 85 percent of the world's population, accounting for almost 60 percent of global GDP and contributing to more than 80 percent of global growth since the 2008 financial crisis. China alone has contributed 35 percent to global growth in the past five years.

The view of China's growing role in global economic governance is widely shared.

"There is probably some means for building new institutions given the rise of Asia and rise of China," said Tim Harcourt of the University of New South Wales in Australia. "I think in some ways the G20 can play that role."

China is now in a position to assert its influence in the management of the global economy, according to a report that was released in March by the London-based Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs. Other countries are ready to learn from China's experiences in transforming its economy, it added.
THE HAGUE, July 28 (Xinhua) -- After the fall in the first quarter Shell posted another decline of income and earnings in the second quarter of 2016, mainly due to the low oil prices, the Anglo-Dutch oil and gas company announced on Thursday.

The income attributable to shareholders in the second quarter of 2016 was 1.058 billion euros (1.175 billion U.S. dollars), compared to 3.591 billion euros in the same quarter one year ago. In the first half of 2016 Shell's income attributable to shareholders was 1.494 billion euros, a major drop compared to the 7.582 billion euros in the same period in 2015.

The earnings on a current cost of supplies basis (CCS), excluding identified items, were 941 million euros in Q2 2016, compared to 3.387 billion euros in Q2 2015.

"Downstream and Integrated Gas businesses contributed strongly to the results," CEO Ben van Beurden reacted in a press release. "However, lower oil prices continue to be a significant challenge across the business, particularly in the Upstream."

"We are managing the company through the down-cycle by reducing costs, by delivering on lower and more predictable investment levels, executing our asset sales plans and starting up profitable new projects," the CEO continued.

On Feb. 15, 2016, Shell completed the acquisition of the British oil and gas company BG Group. "The integration of Shell and BG is making strong progress, and our operating performance continues to further improve," Van Beurden commented.
ISTANBUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish university on Thursday nominated those "heroic" Turks who resisted the July 15 coup attempt for the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize.

"We decided to nominate the heroic Turkish people, who stood against the coup d'etat risking their own lives, for the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize," Mustafa Aydin, president of Istanbul Aydin University, told a press conference.

Hundreds of thousands of Turks flocked to the streets across the country when a minority faction within the military tried to overthrow the government.

The coup was crushed by early morning of July 16, in which 246 people were killed and 2,186 others were injured.

Since the night of the coup, so-called "democracy watch" rallies have been organized every night in city squares across the country.

"The people did not only destroy the treacherous plan to overtake the nation with their peaceful resistance, they also showed Turkey's strong commitment to democracy," Aydin said.

Academicians from the university said they would prepare "solid evidence," including video coverage and detailed documents, for the Nobel nomination.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Global and Chinese auto makers have recalled a record 8.8 million defective vehicles in the first half of the year, more than double the number for the same period last year.

China recalled 5.59 million defective vehicles in 2015, according to Yan Fengmin, a department director in charge of law enforcement with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), on Thursday.

Over 34 million vehicles have been recalled since China began the recall system in 2004, according to Yan.

Of the 103 recalls in H1 this year, 29 were due to airbag defects, involving nearly 4.9 million vehicles. Engine problems were another major reason for recall, involving over 2.2 million vehicles.

Japanese auto makers recalled the largest number of vehicles at nearly 5.7 million units in 40 batches; followed by U.S. carmakers' 2.5 million units in 16 batches; and German automakers' 458,900 units in 23 batches.

China is the world's biggest auto market. In H1 this year, China sold 12.83 million vehicles, up 8.14 percent year on year.

In 2015, auto makers sold 24.59 million vehicles in China, up 4.7 percent year on year. It was the slowest pace in three years, following a 6.9-percent rise in 2014 and a 13.9-percent gain in 2013.
TANGSHAN, Hebei, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Guochang took a photo of his son's name on a large memorial in downtown Tangshan City on Thursday. He has done this every year on July 28 since the wall was erected in 2008.

"I have taken one photo for every year my child has missed," said Zhang, 75, taking out a napkin to dry his eyes.

He lost his 7-year-old son in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Tangshan on July 28, 1976. The fatal disaster killed 242,769 people and critically injured another 164,851.

About 40,000 people were at the memorial wall on July 28 his year, many left flowers under the 7.28-meter high, 500 meter long memorial wall, which features the names of the 240,000 that died in the disaster.

"My sister loved beautiful things. We always got on very well, even when we were youngsters. I wish I could tell her about how Tangshan has changed," said Song Zepu, 80.

Many flower baskets were laid in front of the monument. A large banner, signed by many residents of Tangshan, reads: "Tangshan quake survivors say hello to all the people of our nation and show respect to the People's Liberation Army".

Hundreds of veterans from the southwestern province of Sichuan and central Hubei attended the memorial.

"I was a soldier in Tangshan. I was a survivor and a rescuer," said Fu Xiheng, 62, who came to Tangshan with his wife from Yibin City, Sichuan.

"We had to dig through the debris to search for people with our hands. Many of the rescuers seriously injured their hands, and many had cuts so deep you could see the bones, " he recalled.

The veterans laid a flower basket at around 3 a.m. Thursday.

Ma Guoshun lost his eight-year-old brother in the quake. He and his wheelchair-bound father travelled 30 km to the memorial park. Due to his poor eyesight, it took the father an hour to find the name of his son.

"My younger son was a bit naughty. Seeing his name, I remembered how excited he was about starting school that year," the father said.
KABUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was injuried as a bomb blast hit Khair Khana area on the northern outskirts of Kabul on Thursday, a security official said.

"A magnate bomb attached by terrorists on a police van went off in Kabul Thursday afternoon injuring at least one police personnel and damaged the vehicle," the official told Xinhua on the condition of anonymity, saying authorized officials would brief the media later.

The blast occurred in a market in Lycee Maryam at around 3:00 p.m. local time (1030 GMT).

The Interior Ministry has yet to make comment on the incident.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday flagged off the commercial operation of the country's first China-assisted standard gauge railway.(Xinhua/Yang Hongjie)

ABUJA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria marked a symbolic progress of railway service when its first completed standard gauge railway modernization project assisted by China, was open for commercial operation.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday flagged off the commercial operation of the rail service, linking the capital city Abuja and the northwestern state of Kaduna, following the smooth completion of the railway construction by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The completed project is part of the railway modernization initiative by the West African superpower which aims to replace the existing narrow gauge system with the wider standard gauge system, while allowing high-speed train operations on the railway network.

Spacious and bright platform of Nigeria's first China-assisted gauge railway that opened to traffic on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Jiang Xintong)

With nine stations and a design speed of 150 km per hour, the Abuja-Kaduna rail line covers a distance of 186.5 km.

Buhari said the train service will provide the much-needed alternative transport link between the nation's capital city and Kaduna State, a corridor of growing labor force which has a huge potential for industries and agricultural activities.

"We are on the threshold of presenting to Nigerians a standard gauge railway train service that will be safe, fast and reliable," the Nigerian leader said.

The track of Nigeria's first China-assisted gauge railway that opened to traffic on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Jiang Xintong)

Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi said the project, partly funded by the Export-Import Bank of China, is a significant milestone in the history of Nigeria.

According to him, the completion of this project and the commencement of its commercial operation is a turnaround in the country's transport sector, particularly as it contributes to the development of the economy.

Passengers descended stairs to board Nigeria's first China-assisted gauge railway that opened to traffic on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Jiang Xintong)

In an interview with Xinhua, Yuan Li, the chairman of CCECC, said the completed rail line would ease the traffic congestion between Abuja and Kaduna.

The railway will reduce the travel time between the two cities to one hour, he added.
SHENZHEN, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Police in south China's Guangdong Province on Thursday handed over a suspect in a grave robbery and murder case to Hong Kong at the request of the region's police, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

The case dates back to March 14 when a currency exchange store was robbed and its keeper was murdered. On March 17, Hongkong police offered tips to their Guangdong counterpart that suspect Kit Kwun-kwok had escaped to the mainland the day the case occurred and requested cooperative investigation.

Police in the two regions have since kept in touch over the latest progress of the case under a law enforcement notification mechanism between the two sides, the ministry said in a statement.

The suspect was ultimately arrested in a factory in Shenzhen by Guangdong police and later confessed to the crime. The public security department of Guangdong immediately informed Hong Kong police of the development.

"The transfer showcases the firm will of mainland and Hong Kong police in joint criminal crackdown and warns outlaws that neither the mainland nor Hong Kong is a 'harbor" for crimes," the ministry said.

Official figures show that Guangdong police have sent a total of 172 suspects back to Hong Kong since 2000.
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COLOMBO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said on Thursday that Canada encourages Sri Lanka to take advantage of the current momentum to move forward on reforms, including those to strengthen good governance and economic stability.

"It is clear that delays in the implementation of these critical reforms are not in the public interest," he said following talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera.

Dion, who also had talks with President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, said that Canada has much to share with Sri Lanka including the experience on issues of official languages, the devolution of power, sustainable economic development, empowerment of women, legal expertise and youth skills development.

"Canada is committed to helping Sri Lanka further strengthen democracy and peace for all of its citizens. We note the importance of meaningful international involvement in such accountability and reconciliation mechanisms," he added.

The top Canadian diplomat also said there is a need to focus especially on communities most directly affected by the conflict and Canada is ready to contribute to the re-establishment of livelihood opportunities for those displaced.

"Canada would like to explore our trading relationship, because this is for the mutual benefit of both of our people. Partnership opportunities are on the horizon in sectors such as aviation, infrastructure, power supply, clean technology and agri-foods," the minister added.

He noted that the long-term objective in post-war Sri Lanka must be to respect distinct identities while working to bring them together to strengthen the whole country, adding that in a time where apprehension between peoples is causing havoc, trust must triumph.
DAMASCUS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Syrian authorities announced on Thursday the opening of three safe exits for civilians to leave rebel-held areas in the north of Aleppo, according to state news agency SANA.

Citing Aleppo's governor, Muhammad Olabi, SANA said the three safe passages have been prepared to allow civilians to leave rebel-held districts in the east of Aleppo as well.

"The governorate has finalized all arrangements and measures to secure the safety and accommodate civilians leaving the eastern districts of Aleppo with temporary shelters equipped with the necessary medical and aid services," the governor said.

Olabi said that transportation has also been secured to take families to the new shelters.

Meanwhile, SANA, citing locals in the east of Aleppo, said rebels have been preventing dozens of families from leaving Aleppo.

Aleppo, Syria's largest province and once a thriving economic metropolis, has witnessed intensified violent battles lately as the Syrian army advances against the rebels in the north.

The new development comes as government forces, supported by the Lebanese Hezbollah and Russian air cover, made sweeping progress against the rebels.

The advance began last week when Syrian forces successfully intercepted and severed the last rebel supply route connecting rebel-held areas in the north of Aleppo with rebel-held ones inside the city itself, mainly in the east.

With the Castello road, as it was known, severed, the rebels in eastern Aleppo became completely isolated and besieged.

Army units on Thursday stormed into and regained control over the notorious Bani Zaid district in eastern Aleppo.

That area was once the rebels' main launching pad for attacks against government-controlled areas in western Aleppo.

As the army advanced, government aircraft dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on Wednesday, urging rebels in Aleppo to surrender in exchange for a pardon.

The army also asked that civilians to cooperate with the military, as the army prepares for their safe exit out of eastern Aleppo.

On Thursday, President Bashar al-Assad offered amnesty to rebels who disarm and surrender themselves within three months, an offer also extended to kidnappers who release their hostages within a month.

The new steps were said to have been executed under Russian supervision.

"To assist civilian hostages kidnapped by terrorists, as well as militants who choose to lay down their weapons," Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Thursday, "the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of warring parties, together with Syrian authorities, will open three humanitarian corridors in Aleppo."

"I want to emphasize that we are taking this step, first and foremost, to ensure the safety of Aleppo residents," the minister said.

He also urged international organizations to take part in the humanitarian operation in Aleppo.

The Syrian and Russian offers appear to have had some results.

The pan-Arab al-Mayadeen television station said three armed rebel groups have agreed to lay down their weapons in exchange for a safe passage out of Aleppo city toward the province's western countryside.
JAKARTA, July 28 (Xinhua)-- The anti-terror squad of Indonesian police, Densus 88, has captured six militants allegedly linked with the suicide bombing at a police station in Central Java earlier this month, police said here on Thursday.

Three of the militants have been declared suspects on the deadly strike, and detained, said Martinus Sitompul, national police spokesman.

"H, HAR and AH have been sent to prison as they become suspects,"he said at the police headquarters, referring to the initials of three militants.

On July 5, suicide bomber Nurrohman blew himself at the compound of the police station in Solo city of Central Java.

The blast killed the bomber and seriously injured one police officer.

Nurrohman had escaped police hunt six months before he launched the strike. He was a group member of Arif Hidayatullah alias Abu Mush'ab, which is under similar terrorist cell with Bahrun Naim, the mastermind of the suicide bombings in Jakarta on Jan. 24 in which eight people were killed and 28 others injured, according to the police.

Last week, Indonesian security forces shot dead the most-wanted terrorist figure in the country, Santoso alias Abu Wardah, who led East Indonesian Mujahidin (MTI) which has affiliation with the IS group in Syria.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Businesses and financial institutions from China and Africa signed a total of 39 deals worth around 17 billion U.S. dollars here Thursday.

The deals were clinched on the eve of a meeting regarding the results of last year's Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
YANGON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar police confiscated 34,000 Yaba pills worth of 843,170 U.S. dollars at Yangon International Airport, local police said on Thursday.

The authorities seized the stimulants, carried by a 24-year-old woman, who planed to o take Malaysia Airlines' flight, MH-741 to Malaysia, a Yangon police officer told Xinhua.

The woman, who came from Zalaun township in Ayawaddy region, will be charged over .

Opium production in Myanmar once registered a drop in 2007, but it went up in 2014, then it fell again slightly in 2015-2016, according to official figures of the police force.

According to the police official, there were 6,414 drug-related cases in 2015 and 3,244 as of May 2016 in Myanmar. The authorities seized 168 kg heroin, 800 kg opium and 49 million stimulants in 2015, while 100 kg opium and 43 million stimulants were seized as of May 2016.
TOKYO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday ordered relevant ministries to beef up security at care facilities for disabled people, following Tuesday's knife attack at a care facility in eastern Japan leaving 19 people killed.

Abe made the instruction at a meeting attended by his ministers, including Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Yasuhisa Shiozaki and Chairperson of the National Public Safety Commission Taro Kono.

During the meeting, Abe ordered a review of the current state system for compulsory hospitalization of people considered at risk of harming themselves or others.

The prime minister asked ministers to consider ways to improve safety at care facilities and the follow-up system for patients discharged from psychiatric facilities following compulsory hospitalization.

Offering condolences to the families of the victims, Abe said it was deplorable that so many innocent, defenseless people were killed and injured.

The attack has left people feeling very anxious for their own safety, said Abe, vowing to thoroughly investigate the case, work out preventive measures and do utmost to prevent a recurrence.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, also present at the meeting, said at a press conference that the facility had installed surveillance cameras, but they were not able to prevent the occurrence of the attack.

He stressed the importance of testing and verifying the effectiveness of countermeasures, as well as fortifying safety precautions.

At least 19 people were killed and 25 injured in the knife attack early Tuesday morning at a care facility for people with mental disabilities in Kanagawa Prefecture, west of Tokyo, making it one of Japan's deadliest mass killings since World War II.

The 26-year-old suspect named as Satoshi Uematsu was reportedly sent letters to local politicians in February in which he threatened to kill many people with intellectual disabilities.

After that, he was committed to a mental hospital in February, but was released in early March. His hospitalization took place under the law which authorizes hospitalize persons without their consent if they are considered to pose a danger to themselves or other people.
LANZHOU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- At dusk, herdsman Dondrup drove some 100 sheep back to the flock. When he reached a stretch of sand, he stopped and scattered them. He hoped their dung could help the grass grow.

Dondrup's home is in Maqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Gansu Province. The county sits on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, China's "mother river," which runs 5,464 km across the country from west to east before entering the Pacific.

Between Dondrup's family pasture and the river, there is a rolling sand belt that stretches some 100 meters. It used to be fertile grassland. Newly planted willows and sea buckthorn shoots reflect human attempts at controlling the sand.

The county has some 1.28 million hectares of grassland and 374,666 hectares of wetlands formed by the flow of meltwater from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Since the 1980s, the wetlands have shrunk and the sand has encroached on the prairie as a result of over-grazing, burrowing by rats, and wind erosion. This has raised fears that the "mother river" that has sustained China for thousands of years might someday dry up.

"When grandpa was young, there was not a single grain of sand in our pasture. My father has witnessed one-third of the pasture turn into sand. It is time for people of my generation to take some action," Dondrup said.

In order to turn things around, the county has turned to a combination of measures to fix the problem since 2013, such as introducing a grazing ban, combating rats, and increasing vegetation coverage.

In 2015, some 3,333 hectares of grass and about 90,000 trees were planted, and 4,180 hectares of wetlands were treated.

As grassland and wetlands are key to the livelihood of local herders, the environmental upgrading efforts unavoidably affect how they make a living.

"In order to help recover the grassland, I had to cut my cattle population from 500 to 200," Dondrup said. The government has been offering subsidies, but the amount is far from enough to cover the loss.

"But still, I think it's the right thing to do," he said, adding that the grass on his pasture has become much more lush since reducing his cattle.

Having witnessed the changes, more locals are joining the sand control army, and some are turning from livestock to tourism for a living.

Dondrup's neighbor, Zhoima Gyabug, sold all his cattle last year. He opened a Tibetan-style hostel and has been investing the money he makes from tourism into environmental control.

He planted 1,600 willow trees and has invested in treating over 12 hectares of grass in his own pasture for the past year.

"Tibetan people have an awe for nature. They have demonstrated great passion in environmental protection under the guidance of the government," said Lhamogya with the local animal husbandry, veterinary medicine and forestry bureau.

The provincial and prefecture governments have been working to beautify natural landscapes through garbage clean-up and building tourism facilities. Local people can also obtain financial support from the government to open hostels.

The central government initiated a flood control program on the Maqu section of the Yellow River in November 2015 in an effort to prevent the expansion of sand brought by the river.

To heal the fragile ecological system, local officials have called for more action.

The cattle population on the grassland still exceeds the ideal by some 50 percent, Lhamogya said.

"To further cut the cattle population, we need to maximize the value of the cattle by extending the industrial chain and developing the processing industry," he said. "We also have precious grassland mushrooms and medicine, which have yet to be developed."

Yang Changde, head of the agriculture and animal husbandry bureau of Gannan, said, "There are still no existing models for the treatment of desertified grassland and wetlands on the plateau. Hopefully scientists and experts will join us to offer some technological support."
MOSCOW, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Russia and the Syrian government started a large-scale humanitarian operation to provide assistance to the population of Syria's northern city of Aleppo, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.

Aleppo, strategically located near Syria's border with Turkey, is Syria's largest city and once an economic hub, and it is also a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels.

"The Russian center for reconciliation of warring parties together with the Syrian government will open three humanitarian corridors to provide assistance to people who were taken hostage by terrorists," Shoigu told a ministry meeting.

Mobile centers will be opened near these corridors to provide food and medical assistance, Shoigu said, adding that food, medicines and other essentials will be airdropped to the population unable to leave the city.

The fourth corridor will be opened in the north of Aleppo for the safe passage of armed militants who want to lay down their arms, Shoigu said.

The operation is needed to confront the humanitarian situation in Aleppo and its suburbs, which deteriorated as terrorist groups including the Islamic State (IS) and the al-Nusra Front had intensified attacks on settlements and positions of government forces, he said.

Over the last two weeks, eight terrorist attacks were carried out at positions of Syrian government forces with participation of 21 suicide bombers who used three infantry fighting vehicles and 12 car bombs, which killed over 500 people and injured around 2,000 more, Shoigu noted.

United Nations spokesperson Alessandra Vellucci said on July 12 that an upsurge in violence in and around Aleppo has blocked the only road providing access to some 300,000 civilians living in eastern parts of the war-torn city.

Shoigu added that Russian experts were currently in Geneva, Switzerland to work with their counterparts from the United States and other countries on joint measures to settle the conflict in Aleppo.

The minister also invited other organizations working in Syria to join the large-scale humanitarian relief operation.

In a bid to quell the pro-longed crisis, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued a decree earlier in the day, offering amnesty to rebels who lay down their arms and surrender to authorities within a three-month deadline starting Thursday.
A citizen mourns for relatives killed in the 1976 Tangshan earthquake in front of the Earthquake Monument in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, July 28, 2016. In the early hours of July 28, 1976, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the city in Hebei Province, killing over 242,000 people. Local residents came to the Tangshan Earthquake Ruins Memorial Park and the Earthquake Monument to show love to their deceased family members and friends on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhao Liang)

TANGSHAN, Hebei Province, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Standing on the rubble of Tangshan 40 years ago, orphan Zhang Dongyi saw his world collapse, and so did the city in northern China's Hebei Province.

Forty years later, Zhang, 54, is a senior technician with the Tangshan branch of the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (formerly the Tangshan rolling stock plant).

"The past four decades have changed a lot," he said.

"From destruction to prosperity, Tangshan is a miracle."

The year 1976 was tragic for China. Three of its most venerable leaders, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De all died in the year. In the early hours of July 28, one of the deadliest earthquakes of the 20th century razed the city of Tangshan, killing more than 240,000 people and injuring another 160,000.

THE QUAKE

Thursday is the 40th anniversary of the disaster.

Zhang remembered being just a regular naughty boy before the quake, but then everything changed.

"Life was carefree until that day," he said.

Before the quake hit, Zhang was watching a movie, which was about the thoughts of Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong. In Zhaogezhuang village, where he lived, people were noticing that things seemed unusual somehow.

"Water in the wells was muddy, and chickens refused to return their sheds," he said.

"Some of them even flew up into trees." But the villagers didn't realize what was in store for them.

At midnight, he was awaken by a violent shake. Outside his window, he saw lightening and trees being uprooted in strong winds. Zhang fell to the ground.

Before he could get up, his house collapsed. It was 3:42 a.m.. When he was rescued at dawn, he found he had injured his nose; you can still see the scar to this day. His sisters were injured and sent to hospital, while his parents died after the roof collapsed on them.

In Zhaogezhuang, 400 out of a 1,000 villagers died in the quake. The Tangshan rolling stock plant where Zhang's father worked, founded in 1881, was destroyed.

In the disaster Liu Jiang lost his father. The then 20 year-old miner was installing equipment in the mineshaft when he felt tremors that made it difficult for him to stand.

"The first thought that came to my head was war," Liu said.

The earthquake cut off the power supply and disabled elevators. They went back up to ground-level only to find all the buildings surrounding the mine had collapsed.

"Corpses and injured people were everywhere, and the water became red," he said.

Survivors joined in the rescue efforts. Without advanced equipment, they dug out more than 16,000 people with their bare hands.

REBUILDING

Despite a severe shortage of resources and only 10 percent of the world average GDP per capita, China was determined to carry out the post-quake rebuilding without the help of other nations.

Only five hours after the quake, Feng Lindi, a steel worker, returned to his workshop.

"Nowadays you might question my motives, but in those days people had faith," said Feng.

"We heard of Western media reports saying Tangshan had vanished from the surface of the earth, and we were determined to show the world we had not."

On August 25, four weeks after the quake, steel bars rolled out from the furnace at Feng's workshop.

"We swarmed to the platform at the foot of the furnace, laughed, cried and shouted 'Long live Chairman Mao'," he said.

"It's a mixed feeling you won't understand."

Slowly but surely, homes, factories and public facilities were rebuilt. The central government allocated 500,000 tonnes of steel, 500,000 cubic meters of lumber, 2.5 million tonnes of cement, and more than four billion yuan to facilitate the post-quake rebuilding.

"At least 120,000 construction workers were hired from neighboring cities in Hebei to help with the civil construction, as many local workers had died in the quake," said Chang Qing, a 82-year-old photographer who has recorded Tangshan's reconstruction for four decades.

Altogether 650,000 homes were destroyed in the quake and not a single building remained standing.

"Tents were set up on the ruins and there was no empty ground in the city for new homes to be built," said Chang.

"Reconstruction had to start in the suburbs, and sprawl to the city center after residents had moved into new settlements in the outer areas."

For eight years, Chang's family lived in a small prefabricated house. In the hardest days, they lived on food relief and rain water from a muddy pond. For many months there were no fresh vegetables, and pickles were their only dish.

"There were 23 people from five families in the neighborhood, mostly women and orphans. I was one of only three healthy men able to do the tough jobs such as carrying fuel or cutting firewood," said Chang. "Together we helped ourselves in order to survive."

Two years after the quake, China started its reform and opening up.

"Reform accelerated China's development and spurred industrial growth in Tangshan, a city famous for its resources and chemical industries," said Professor Gao Minjie from the Tangshan Party School.

Businesses in Tangshan kept expanding in the post-quake era, spurred on by a growing demand for coal, steel and other resources.

The state-owned Kailuan Mining Group began sending its workers on training tours to Japan, Europe and America in the early 1980s.

A Tangshan-based overseas engineering company won its first international contract in 1985.

The first high-rise building, the Tangshan Hotel, was built in 1983, but was soon overtaken by the countless skyscrapers that make Tangshan the modern city it is today.

"Every new building is a monument," said Chang, who still records the city's changes with his camera.

"It's a relief I can do something for the sake of those who died in the quake -- the new city was built on top of them."

TRANSFORMATION

After the quake, Tangshan spent one decade on reconstruction, one decade on revitalizing, and two decades going through rapid economic growth, said Jiao Yanlong, party chief of the city.

"As a resource-oriented industrial city, Tangshan has to speed up the transformation of economic growth and restructuring, and improve the quality and efficiency of development," Jiao said.

Relying on heavy industry as its mainstay, the city has been plagued by emerging problems such as overcapacity and pollution during development.

Tangshan has contributed to half of the steel production capacity in Hebei, one of the world's major steel-production bases

"Hundreds of steel plants were built in Tangshan at the peak time but only a dozen of them can surpass an annual output of one million tonnes," said Wang Jianping, a retired steel worker.

Plenty of resources have been consumed by these iron and steel factories, but they often pollute water and generate harmful emissions.Under such circumstances, many have turned their eyes to a greener economy.

Ye Jinbao was owner of an iron and steel factory in Qianan city,Tangshan. Overcapacity and cut-throat competition forced Ye to sell his factory, and he vowed he would never again make a living from projects that caused heavy pollution again.

He spent nearly 500 million yuan (75 million U.S. dollars) constructing a manufacturing base for his new biopharmacy business in 2010.

With an annual investment of more than 50 million yuan in research and development, his new company has recorded profits since 2015.

Zhang Dongyi remembered having a difficult time in the 2000s, before his company sent technicians to study in Germany. They came back with the advanced technology and knowledge that enabled them to produce high-speed trains.

In 2015, the city's GDP reached 610 billion yuan, 73 times what it was 40 years ago.

By the end of 2015, it had reduced production capacity by 10.9 million tonnes of iron and 23.6 million tonnes of steel. That year, the number of days with serious pollution was 42 times less than in 2013, and PM2.5 dropped by over 26 percent.

COMMEMORATION

Liu Jiang can see the changes in Kailuan.

"It was dirty in the past. When it rained, water on the ground became mud. Now even the mineshaft is as clean as a station hall," he says.

Many more changes can be seen in Tangshan.

On the site of Zhang Dongyi's destroyed home in Zhaogezhuang, now sits South Lake park, venue for the Tangshan International Horticultural Expo.

Looking into the future, Tangshan is ambitious.

Wang Chunyan, vice head of the Tangshan city planning bureau, told Xinhua that it was a goal of Tangshan to become a core part of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integration.

"We will become an important city for regional economic cooperation in northeast Asia, with a new industrial base and an international cargo port," she said.

In some parts of the city, however, time seems to frozen at that tragic moment from 40 years ago.

The ruins in former Tangshan rolling stock plant are preserved as part of the Tangshan Earthquake Memorial Park, where a black wall was built for survivors to mourn and remember the dead. Many of the names of the dead are inscribed on the wall, though many names are missing.

On quake anniversaries many people gather here, some cleaning bricks where names of their beloved are inscribed, others gently whispering to the wall, their pain never fully going away.

Zhang Dongyi never visits the park at such times.

"The occasion makes my heart ache," he said.

For him, commemoration is something private.

Several years ago, he burned a letter to his parents in heaven, in which he told them how he entered his father's company, and became a senior technician, and now has apprentices of his own.

"Father told me to work hard, and mom wanted me to be a good man, which I have always remembered."
CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- "The masks we make can last for hundreds of years," said Sonam Tengpa, 60, who has been making Tibetan masks for 45 years, holding a perfect 300-year-old mask that was given to him by his teacher.

While the masks will be there for years to come, Tengpa is not sure if the craft itself can survive another 300 years.

The masks were originally used in ritualistic and ceremonial dances, they are now used in Tibetan opera.

Tengpa lives and works in Dege County in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The county is the location of Dzogchen Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Nyingma arm of Tibetan Buddhism.

Sonam Gyaltsen, Tengpa's teacher, was an eminent monk in the monastery. At seven years old, Tengpa became his apprentice.

CULTURAL RELAY

"It was a sensitive period then," Tengpa recalled, referring to the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). "My teacher was seriously worried that our culture would be lost, so he was especially diligent in teaching me everything he knew."

Tengpa said he would always remember his teacher's last words: "Do not use your skills to satisfy a greed for money; help the monastery whenever you can; and train apprentices, pass it on."

The baton was in Tengpa's hand and he carried it with pride. For him, passing on his skills was his most important life mandate. Becoming a mask teacher at 15, he has had more apprentices than he can count.

The problem is, few continue with the craft.

"Probably they think this is not decent work, dealing with clay and mud all day, or perhaps they simply don't have the patience," Tengpa said with a sigh.

Tibetan mask is made of clay, glue and cloth. Wet clay is first molded and then air-dried. The clay mould is then covered with soft paper, on top of which layers of cloth are glued.

Between the layers of cloth, more wet clay needs to be added. "You can only glue one layer of cloth a day as it takes time for the wet clay to dry before you add another layer," Tengpa said, "six layers at the front and 12 layers at the back."

A mask takes anywhere from a week to a month to make.

Tengpa had to break some rules for this craft to last. Dzogchen Monastery dictates that students can only be male, but Tengpa taught the craft to his children, including his daughter.

"My only wish is to pass on this craft," said Tengpa.

PURITY AND PERFECTION

Tengpa is also bothered by students leaving before they complete their study.

Years ago, he visited a monastery in Qinghai Province, where he saw a soft and deformed mask. A monk in the monastery told him the mask only lasted for 15 years, adding, "It was made by a student of master Sonam Tengpa in Dzogchen Monastery."

Feeling uneasy upon hearing his name, he examined the mask carefully and found that the integral clay layers in the front section of the mask were missing.

Later, he ran into the apprentice. "He had gained a lot of weight, with many decorations around his neck and looks wealthy," said Tengpa, "I couldn't even believe my eyes."

The student offered to treat Tengpa, but he refused. "I told him 'If you don't know how to make the mask, just ask me. But don't make substandard products'," Tengpa said. "I told him about my experience in Qinghai, he felt ashamed and returned money to the monastery."

Now Tengpa tells each apprentice that they can only leave when they have completed their study.

"If they are not sure about something, they can always contact me and I'm ready to help. All I hope is that the culture will not be tarnished by greed," said Tengpa.
MANILA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday threatened to withdraw the unilateral ceasefire that he declared with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) after the rebel group launched ambush that resulted in the death of a government militiamen in the Davao del Sur the other day.

Duterte, during his visit to a military camp in Lucena City in Quezon, said he demanded an immediate explanation from the CPP in connection with the incident in which one was killed and another three were injured.

Duterte said he relayed his message to the NDF that he wants the CPP to make it clear if they are serious about the peace negotiations and if they have control over their armed men on the ground.

The president said the members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) are part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Duterte also said that he expects disciplinary actions to be taken against the members of the NPA that were involved in the attack saying that under the government those who violate the law, including members of the police and military, will be penalized when they break the law.

"I demand an answer as to who broke the law, they must be put under disciplinary actions otherwise we don't have a deal. That is my deal," he added.

The president declared a unilateral ceasefire during his state of the nation address on Monday as a sign of goodwill and provide a conducive atmosphere to the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF that would resume on August 20 to 27 in Norway.

He said apart from the ceasefire the government has already started the process of issuing a safe conduct pass for members of the communist rebels that would participate in the peace talks.

Duterte had urged the military for understanding as he explained anew why he had to declare a ceasefire with the communist group.

He reiterated that apart from his desire for peace, as commander in chief and president of the country he had to think of the welfare of the general public and what is good for everyone.

Duterte said he knows that a lot of the military men and even policemen are resistant to the truce especially after many of their colleagues had died during operations, but there had already been a lot of deaths and the war had already gone too long.

The communist rebellion has killed 30,000 people since 1960s, and the NPA is believed to have fewer than 4,000 men today, down from a peak of 26,000 in the 1980s, according to the military.
ANKARA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- There has been a noticeable rise in anti-American sentiment in Turkey over Ankara's request to extradite a cleric accused of being the mastermind of a recent coup attempt, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday.

In an interview with broadcaster CNN Turk, Cavusoglu said Turkish-U.S. ties would be adversely affected if Washington does not extradite Fethullah Gulen, who now resides in Pennsylvania.

The United States insists on "concrete evidence" linking Gulen to July 15 coup attempt as a precondition to his extradition.

Turkish authorities said at least 290 people died in the coup, including more than 100 "coup plotters."

On Wednesday, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told broadcaster Haberturk TV that Ankara has received intelligence that Gulen may flee to a third country that does not have an extradition treaty with Turkey.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yilirim has also repeatedly urged Washington to agree to sending Gulen back to Turkey.

"Turkey and the U.S. have had friendly, amicable relations, and have been allies and strategic partners for a very long time," Yilirim said in an interview with The Guardian on Tuesday. "We do not believe that the U.S. will support this terrorist organization's leader."
DAMASCUS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday called on Syrian people to stand by the army to eradicate terrorism.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Palace, Assad said the Syrian army is determined to root out terrorism, "particularly after the terrorism was exposed to aim at Syria, as a homeland, civilization, people and identity."

The statement said the national reconciliation is an important way to end the violence, and for Syrians to return to safety and security.

"The president called on everyone to return to the homeland and drop weapons and they will find that Syria, as always, is the warm lap for everyone," the statement added.

On Thursday, the president offered amnesty to rebels who disarm and surrender themselves within three months, an offer also extended to kidnappers who release their hostages within a month.

The statement highlighted the pardon, describing it as "an opportunity for all those with weapons to express their belongingness to the homeland, and to listen to the national voice that urges them to abandon violence to get engaged in the reconstruction process in Syria."

Assad's call comes as the Syrian army is making sweeping progress against the rebels in Aleppo city in the north.

The advance began last week when Syrian forces successfully intercepted and severed the last rebel supply route connecting the rebel-held areas in the north of Aleppo with others inside the city, mainly in the east.

With the Castello road severed, the rebels in eastern Aleppo became completely isolated and besieged.

Army units on Thursday stormed into and regained control of the notorious Bani Zaid district in eastern Aleppo, which was once the rebels' main launching pad for attacks against government-controlled areas in western Aleppo.

As the army advanced, government aircraft dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on Wednesday, urging rebels in Aleppo to surrender in exchange for a pardon.

The army also asked local civilians to cooperate with the military, as the army prepares for their safe exit out of eastern Aleppo.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), visits a memorial to leave flowers and pay his respect to all those who died in the devastating earthquake and heroes sacrificed in the earthquake relief work at Tangshan Earthquake Memorial Park in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

TANGSHAN, Hebei, July 28 (Xinhua) -- On the 40th anniversary of the Tangshan earthquake, President Xi Jinping said the country's disaster prevention, reduction and relief capabilities should be improved.

Xi made the remarks on Thursday during an inspection tour of Tangshan in north China, where he visited a memorial, leaving flowers and paying his respects to all who died in the devastating earthquake.

The 7.8-magnitude quake struck the city of Tangshan in Hebei Province on July 28, 1976, killing more than 240,000 people and destroying virtually all buildings.

China has suffered some of the world's worst natural disasters, which are diverse, frequent, hit many parts of the country and cause severe damage, Xi said during a meeting with provincial and city officials.

Despite notable improvements to China's disaster relief system, there is still room for improvement, Xi said.

The government is shifting priority from relief to prevention, from divided efforts to comprehensive preparation, and from reducing damages to addressing risks, he said.

Legislation and leadership will be improved, and attention will be given to streamlining mechanisms, improving monitoring and prevention of natural disasters, enhancement of disaster resistant urban and rural infrastructure, and better training and organization of the public.

Warning that the country is entering a critical stage in flood control and relief, Xi underscored that the lives and safety of the public were the government's top priorities.

The military and civilian sectors will work closely to respond to emergencies, try their best to ensure the safety of people and reinforce large reservoirs, he said.

Xi promised that the government will spare no effort in searching for the missing, treating the injured and taking care of the deceased.

Residents in flood-hit regions will be relocated to safe and sanitized locations with the supplies they will need, he added.

LEGACY OF TANGSHAN

"An earthquake destroyed this city 40 years ago, but it didn't destroy the will of the people of Tangshan or the soldiers and civilians across the country," Xi said in the Tangshan Earthquake Memorial Park.

Xi hailed the people of Tangshan for their selflessness, unity, resilience and hard work following the earthquake, stressing that these qualities are exactly what the country needs to build a "moderately prosperous society in all respects and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation".

While visiting the city's paraplegic rehabilitation center, Xi voiced his admiration for a couple who were both patients and now actively participate in community work and write poems and novels.

Xi encouraged patients at the center to value life and health and strive to make their lives splendid, while lauding the medical workers' thorough and meticulous services.

The city has recovered and prospered after the devastating earthquake because of the unity of its people under the leadership of the Party, he said.

Tangshan is an example of the excellence of the Party leadership and socialist system, Xi said.

Xi urged the city to carry on upholding the spirit and to take the lead in the ongoing economic restructuring and reform drive.

At an exhibition on the city's recovery and development over the past four decades, he noted that Tangshan had a lot to gain from the Belt and Road Initiative and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development.

The president also instructed Hebei Province to take the full advantage of its proximity to the two municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin and advance its environmental protection and poverty alleviation work.

He also visited a local community and toured the World Horticultural Exposition in Tangshan.
Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao addresses the opening ceremony of the 1st Asian-African Youth Festival in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping called on young people from Asia and Africa to strive for the rejuvenation of the two continents under the guidance of the Bandung Spirit on Thursday.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the opening ceremony of the first Asian-African Youth Festival held in Beijing.

Xi proposed to hold an Asian-African youth festival last year when attending the Asian-African Summit and activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in Indonesia.

The Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation is a product of the Asian-African Conference in 1955, also known as the Bandung Conference.

The Bandung Spirit has played a major role in advancing Asian-African cooperation and pushing international relations towards the correct direction, Xi said.

He urged Asian and African countries to strengthen their unity and deepen their cooperation, so as to better serve the people of the two continents.

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech to 600 young delegates from 36 Asian and African countries.

Li expressed the hope that young people from Asian and African countries would become a new force for Asian-African friendship and cooperation, and jointly create a bright future for the two continents.

He called on young people to foster a keen sense of community of shared destiny and strive for building a new type of international relations with win-win cooperation at its core, safeguarding the rights and interests of developing nations.

The Belt and Road Initiative has provided a platform to encourage innovation and start-up businesses among young people, he said.

Li expressed the hope that Asian and African youths will strengthen communication and mutual learning, carry forward the traditional friendship between the two peoples and create a new culture of cooperation.
CAIRO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian court decided Thursday to jail former top auditor for one year for spreading false news about corruption involving billions of dollars in Egypt, state TV reported.
Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei (C), Shanghai Mayor Yang Xiong (R) and President of the New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS K.V. Kamath attend the launching ceremony of the bank in Shanghai, east China, July 21, 2015. (Xinhua/Zhang Chunhai)

by Wang Zhengrun, Mao Pengfei

SAO PAULO, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The New Development Bank (NDB) set up by the BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- will help break the stranglehold of the U.S. dollar on global trade, a Brazilian expert has said.

"The establishment of the NDB is part of a desire to help crisis-hit countries without having to go to the World Bank or the IMF (International Monetary Fund)," Bruno Martarello de Conti, an economics professor and BRICS expert at the State University of Campinas in Sao Paulo, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

On July 21, 2015, the NDB officially opened in Shanghai with its main focus on projects in infrastructure and sustainable development.

"The multilateral institutions set up after World War II were all centered around the U.S. dollar. The IMF lends loans in the U.S. dollar and they have to be paid back in the same currency. About 80 percent to 90 percent of international trade is denominated in the U.S. dollar," the expert said.

"Therefore, the BRICS and the NDB can try and make operations in their own currencies, such as the renminbi or the real. It will foster the use of other currencies, which is important for the international monetary system," he added.

Another interesting aspect is that the BRICS nations are ready to share some of their international reserves to help each other out at difficult moments, said Martarello de Conti, referring to the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, a reserve pool worth 100 billion dollars to be set aside for liquidity measures and crisis protection.

"When one of them is in crisis, they will have access to these reserves instead of seeking credit from the IMF, which imposes many constraints. We can set our own criteria for sharing these reserves, without depending on the IMF," he said.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (C) poses for a group photo with the heads of foreign delegations before the opening ceremony of the First Annual Meeting of New Development Bank in Shanghai, east China, July 20, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

The NDB's potential, the expert said, is not limited to the five BRICS countries. "The idea is to invite other countries in Latin America, Africa and even Greece to join the NDB. All the periphery countries can see the NDB as an important source of funds, in parallel of the World Bank."

Besides, closer BRICS collaboration can bring its member countries closer together, Martarello de Conti said, citing the example of the China-Brazil cooperation.

"Chinese investment is very important for Brazil as it can be a source of demand for our economy to rebound," he said, urging the two countries to work together on infrastructure.

"For example, China imports many soybeans from Brazil, but crops are mostly in the central-western states of Goias or Mato Grosso, states that are far from the shore. For the soybeans to get to the ports, they travel a long way by truck, making them even more expensive for the Chinese," he said.

"Constructing a railway would be good for both Brazil and China, as imports would be at a lower cost," he added.

Martarello de Conti said that the NDB can be a source of important funding for infrastructure in Brazil, saying that "we have the Brazilian Development Bank, which is important but has its limits. The NDB can be important for our development."
ISTANBUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Two top U.S. intelligence bodies are being accused in an indictment of providing training to followers of the alleged mastermind behind the failed coup in Turkey, state-run Anadolu Agency said Thursday.

"The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided training in several subjects to the cadre belonging to the Gulen movement," the indictment was quoted as saying.

It was referring to Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric based in the United States. The Turkish government has been accusing Gulen and his followers in the military of orchestrating the coup bid.

Ankara has demanded that the U.S. extradite Gulen, but Washington insists on "concrete evidence" linking Gulen to the July 15 coup attempt as a precondition for his extradition.

Turkish authorities said at least 290 people died in the coup, including more than 100 "coup plotters."

Prepared by the Edirne Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and accepted by the Second Heavy Penal Court, the indictment said the operations carried out by prosecutors and security officials during the Dec. 17 process can be taken as a good example.

The "Dec. 17 process" refers to the corruption probe launched on Dec. 17, 2013, which targeted senior government officials and led to a rivalry between Gulen and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Some in Turkey, including government ministers, have referred time and again to U.S. involvement in the failed coup, despite vehement denial from Washington.

"This attempt aimed to weaken the state with all its institutions by getting rid of the government completely," the indictment said. "Those in the Gulen movement who work in the judicial and security institutions and who received the aforementioned training, took on this task and moved into action."
ZAGREB, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A person from Cologne, Germany wanted by Interpol on suspicion of terrorism was arrested near the southern Croatian town of Omis, police said on Thursday.

The 52-year-old man was identified as Murat Catulay, of Kurdish origin, who is believed to have been involved in several terrorist attacks across Turkey between 1989 and 2001, local media reported.

Catulay, who faces a life imprisonment sentence in Turkey, was arrested on Wednesday when he was on vacation with his family near Omis and was made to appear before an investigating judge at the Split County Court, according to police.

The court set a bail at 50,000 euros (55,470 U.S. dollars), police added. Enditem
MANILA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government is targeting to allocate 3 billion Philippine Pesos (63.67 million U.S. dollars) next year for the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 to help address unexpected pregnancies, especially among the teens, government chief economist said Thursday.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia told the foreign press that of about 10 million Filipino girls with ages between 15 to 19, about a million of them became pregnant.

He said the future mostly of those who got pregnant "is shut" because they discontinued schooling.

He said the government has to "speedily and fully implement" the reproductive health law.

The proposed budget for the law in 2017 will be higher from the current budget of about 2 billion pesos, Pernia said.

Part of the plan is to have a massive information campaign about sexuality, especially among the youth, and the distribution of contraceptives, he said.

President Rodrido Duterte announced in his State of the Nation Address last Monday that his administration will fully implement the Reproductive Health Law despite continued opposition from the Catholic Church.
GENEVA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The UN Special Envoy for Syria warned Thursday that the situation in Syria's second-largest city is extremely concerning, with only two to three weeks of supplies remaining for Aleppo's desperate population.

"The city is de facto besieged because it is almost militarily completely encircled. The clock is therefore ticking, there is no doubt about that," Staffan De Mistura told the press after a weekly humanitarian taskforce meeting here.

A Russian and Syrian scheme to open corridors for those seeking to flee Aleppo was noted by the envoy, adding that it will be discussed with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

"I also want to be able to have my colleagues on the humanitarian side to analyze the information they may be getting on how this Russian initiative fits in with a humanitarian initiative," he said.

The provision of humanitarian aid this month has been severely hampered by ongoing fighting between warring factions.

Latest UN figures reveal that over 1.11 million civilians have received multi-sectoral assistance since relief operations kicked off in February this year.

Though a marked improvement compared to 2015, this number falls far short of targets set by the UN.

With UN-mediated negotiations seeking to broker an end to the five-year conflict still on hold, De Mistura said efforts were ongoing in a bid to resume talks towards the end of August.

He said he will be traveling to Tehran shortly, while his team will discuss ideas with Syrian authorities in Damascus in the coming days in view of facilitating the launch of talks next month.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a press conference in Berlin, Germany, on July 28. 2016. German Chancellor Angela Merkel repeated her immigration mantra "We can do it" on Thursday after recent string of attacks shocked the country, while raising a nine-point plan to ensure security, which includes increasing security personnel, establishing an information center, and enhancing international cooperation. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

BERLIN, July 28 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her confidence in coping with refugee challenges on Thursday, repeating her mantra "We can do it" while raising a nine-point plan to ensure security after recent terror attacks in the country.

Merkel interrupted her vacation after four attacks claimed more than 10 lives in southern Germany within the past week. Three of the four attackers were refugees, two had connections with the Islamic State.

"We are facing a huge test," said Merkel at a press conference in Berlin. "In Germany, in Europe, in our neighboring countries, terror prevails."

She condemned the recent attacks saying they were "shocking, distressing and depressing," and that measures needed to be taken to ensure security.

Merkel announced a nine-point plan which included lowering the hurdles for the expulsion of asylum seekers, adopting an early warning system for radicalization among refugees, and joint exercises of the police and armed forces.

In addition to this, the plan would see the establishment of a central agency to decrypt Internet communication, passing an European weapon directive to prevent trading weapons online, enhancing international intelligence cooperation and strengthening work with countries in the Middle East and North Africa to reduce the number of refugees seeking asylum in Europe.

"Several months ago, I said in this hall that Germany is a strong country. This (refugee) issue is our national task," the Chancellor said, referring to last summer when she introduced her famous tagline "We can do it" and opened borders to refugees.

Over 1 million refugees flocked to Germany last year. The German population was welcoming at first, but public opinion has shifted somewhat after mass sexual assaults by refugees in Cologne on New Year's Eve.

Recent terror attacks have put more pressure on Merkel for her refugee policy and have fueled anxieties that far-right parties' political influence will increase.

"I did not say that it would be an easy task," Merkel told reporters about finding a solution to the refugee crisis, adding she had expected challenges ahead when she made the decision to open borders last summer.

She said Germany would stick to its principles and continue to grant asylum protection to those fleeing wars.

"I am convinced, just as earlier, that we can make our historical task well in the time of globalization," Merkel reiterated. "We can do it."
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- China hopes India will jointly maintain peace and stability along its border, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said Thursday.

"We hope India will continue to implement the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries about the border issue," said Yang Yujun, spokesperson with the Ministry of Defense, commenting on reports regarding India's construction projects in Ladakh in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

China's border troops continue to adhere to bilateral agreements and do not cross over from China-controlled border areas, Yang said.

"China and India are neighbors and partners, not foes and rivals. It is the common wish of Chinese and Indian people to maintain peace and stability along the border," he said.
CAIRO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian court decided Thursday to jail a former top auditor for one year for spreading rumor about corruption involving billions of dollars in Egypt, state TV reported.

Hisham Genina, former chief of Egypt's Central Auditing Authority (CAA), made statements late 2015, when he was in service, alleging mass corruption in the country involving over 600 billion Egyptian pounds (67.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2015 alone.

Besides the jail term, Genina will also have to pay a fine of 20,000 Egyptian pounds.

The sentence, handed down by New Cairo Misdemeanor Court, can still be appealed.

In January, an Egyptian committee formed by order of President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi refuted Genina's charges against state institutions of massive corruption as "misleading and exaggerated."

Genina was sacked in March by a presidential decree.

Corruption has been deep-rooted in Egypt over the past few decades. Several former senior officials have been referred to trials over the past few years for relevant charges.

An Egyptian court confirmed in January a three-year jail sentence against ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his two sons for squandering 125 million Egyptian pounds of the budget allocated for the maintenance of presidential palaces.
Syrian university students donate blood for people at the Blood Bank in Damascus, capital of Syria, on May 9, 2016. (Xinhua/Ammar)

GENEVA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The UN Special Envoy for Syria warned Thursday that the situation in Syria's second-largest city is extremely concerning, with only two to three weeks of supplies remaining for Aleppo's desperate population.

"The city is de facto besieged because it is almost militarily completely encircled. The clock is therefore ticking, there is no doubt about that," Staffan De Mistura told the press after a weekly humanitarian taskforce meeting here.

A Russian and Syrian scheme to open corridors for those seeking to flee Aleppo was noted by the envoy, adding that it will be discussed with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

"I also want to be able to have my colleagues on the humanitarian side to analyze the information they may be getting on how this Russian initiative fits in with a humanitarian initiative," he said.

The provision of humanitarian aid this month has been severely hampered by ongoing fighting between warring factions.

Latest UN figures reveal that over 1.11 million civilians have received multi-sectoral assistance since relief operations kicked off in February this year.

Though a marked improvement compared to 2015, this number falls far short of targets set by the UN.

With UN-mediated negotiations seeking to broker an end to the five-year conflict still on hold, De Mistura said efforts were ongoing in a bid to resume talks towards the end of August.

He said he will be traveling to Tehran shortly, while his team will discuss ideas with Syrian authorities in Damascus in the coming days in view of facilitating the launch of talks next month.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- China unveiled its first nationwide regulation on on-demand mobility (ODM) services Thursday, granting legal status to the industry.

A document released by the State Council, China's cabinet, featured guidelines on the registration and operation of ODM companies.

Previously, firms like China's Didi Chuxing and American counterpart Uber had operated in a gray area in China, as it is illegal for private cars to charge passengers for journeys.

The latest document specifies that ODM firms do not need to own their fleet, effectively allowing private cars to join the party.

Vehicles and drivers providing online-ODM services can apply for a license collectively.

ODM companies will be responsible for the qualification of their fleet and drivers, the document said.

A provisional rule released by the Ministry of Transport on the same day set out detailed requirements for ODM companies and drivers.

Cars are no longer allowed to offer rides after they clock-up 600,000 km or have been in use for eight years, while drivers must have no criminal record for drug, driving, alcohol or violent offenses, according to the rule.

It requires ODM companies to pay taxes and buy insurance for passengers, while banning them undercutting market prices, which it said would disrupt market order.

Didi Chuxing and Uber's popularity has been a source of ire among taxi drivers who must pay high franchise fees while competing with ODM services.

Thursday's document demanded taxi companies reduce high franchise fees and encouraged firms to provide online-booking services or merge with ODM companies.

About 96.6 million Chinese, or about one in every 14, hailed a taxi via online ODM services in 2015, while 21.6 million people booked private cars online, according to China Internet Network Information Center.

There are 1.39 million taxis across the country, carrying more than 100 million people per day on average.

Vice Minister of Transport Liu Xiaoming said China was the first country in the world to roll out national regulations on online ODM services, which are forbidden in most foreign countries including Germany and Japan.

He said the policy was made after thorough investigation and research and drew extensively on the views of various groups.

"Our principle is putting passengers first and meeting their demands [...] the bottom line is passenger safety and fair competition," Liu told a press conference on Thursday.

The latest policy was welcomed by both ODM companies and taxi operators.

Didi Chuxing released a statement calling the move "a milestone in promoting steady and healthy development of the ride-hailing industry."

The new policy shows the government's recognition and support of online ODM services, according to a statement from Uber.

"It's good for fair play between ODM and taxi services," said Jin Kai, spokesperson of a taxi company in east China's Zhejiang Province. "Now our drivers have more confidence in the industry."

The new policy has been welcomed by transportation experts and the public.

"The policy respects the laws of the market," said Guo Jifu, director of Beijing Transportation Research Center, "now ODM companies will have to play according to the rules."

Yu Mingyuan, a researcher with the Ministry of Transport, said the policy chimes with the Internet Plus economy, and it will push the taxi industry to improve their service.

Fu Weigang, executive director of Shanghai Institute of Finance and Law, called the new policy "a great step forward," but as it is currently only provisional, he said, there is still some uncertainty.

Meanwhile, while the regulation has left the pricing of ODM services to the market, it has also given local governments pricing power.

"Local governments will have to roll out more detailed policies," said Gu Dasong, a transportation expert with Southeast University, Nanjing.
MACAO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Macao's strategic location in maritime silk road and its connection to many countries and regions along the "Belt and Road" will help the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) go global, the special administrative region's financial chief said during an international forum on Thursday.

Macao's Secretary for Economy and Finance Leong Vai Tac told the opening ceremony of 2016 China (Macao) Traditional Medicine International Cooperation Forum, which is held here on Thursday and Friday. Over 600 delegates will focus on the issues including TCM oversea development, TCM cooperation along the "Belt and Road", TCM oversea registration and regulation, and other issues.

Deputy Director of State Administration of TCM Ma Jianzhong said that Macao should make the best use of its advantages and actively promote the TCM development along the "Belt and Road."

"Macao should participate in the establishment of overseas TCM centers, showing the charm and vitality of Chinese traditional culture to overseas people, making TCM a bridge to promote the exchange between peoples of China and other countries," Ma added.

The first edition of this forum was held in Macao in 2015. The Macao SAR government has always supported the industrialization and internationalization of TCM, such as initiating Guangdong and Macao TCM Cooperation Industrial Park, helping the World Health Organization set up a Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine in Macao, and holding traditional medicine workshop for Portuguese-speaking countries. Enditem
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (R) meets with Sudanese Presidential Assistant Awad Ahmed al-Jaz, in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Thursday met with Sudanese Presidential Assistant Awad Ahmed al-Jaz, pledging to promote pragmatic cooperation.

Sudan is a reliable friend and partner of China in Africa and Arab states, Zhang said, adding that China and Sudan had established a strategic partnership last September, which has elevated ties.

Zhang called on two sides to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of two countries to explore new pragmatic ideas and upgrade cooperation to realize common development, mutual benefit and win-win results.

Zhang called for the full use of the bilateral energy cooperation committee to consolidate cooperation in oil and gas, and expand cooperation in agriculture, industrial capacity, mining and renewable energy.

Al-Jaz said Sudan-China ties have seen sound development and Sudan is willing to participate in the Belt and Road initiative and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.
UNITED NATIONS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday announced the appointment of Natalia Kanem, who is from Panama, as assistant secretary-general and deputy executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Kanem brings to the position more than 25 years of strategic leadership experience in the fields of medicine, public and reproductive health, peace, social justice, and philanthropy, a UN spokesman in a press release. She started her career in academia with the Johns Hopkins and Columbia University schools of medicine and public health.

While a Ford Foundation officer from 1992 to 2005, she funded pioneering work in women's reproductive health and sexuality as the Foundation's representative for West Africa, said the spokesman. She then served in the Foundation's headquarters, becoming deputy vice-president for its worldwide peace and social justice programmes across offices in the United States, Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Kanem served as founding president of the ELMA Philanthropies Inc., a private institution focusing primarily on children and youth in Africa, since the institution's inception until 2011.

From 2012 to 2013, she was a senior associate of the Lloyd Best Institute of the West Indies, which is dedicated to the development of the Caribbean. Since 2014, Kanem has been serving as UNFPA representative in Tanzania, said the spokesman.

Kanem holds a medical degree from Columbia University in New York and a Master's in Public Health, with specialization in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, from the University of Washington in Seattle, a city in the U.S. state of Washington.

She is also a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University in History and Science. Enditem
KATHMANDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen people were killed and 35 others sustained injuries on Thursday when a passenger bus veered off the mountain highway and plunged some 200 meters down in Dhankuta District of Nepal, some 600 kilometers east of capital Kathmandu.

The ill-fated passenger bus met the accident at Sidhuwa village in Dhankuta District when it was en route to Sunsari District from Tehrathum District, local media said.

"The injured are receiving treatment in local hospitals in Dhankuta and Dharan. Doctors have told us eight of them are in critical condition," Police Officer Bibhuti Raj Pandey told local media.

Pandey attributed the accident to thick fog and torrential rainfall. Enditem
PYONGYANG, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday lashed out at the growing U.S. military presence in South Korea, describing U.S. troops in the South as a "time bomb."

A spokesman for the National Peace Committee of Korea accused the United States of sending a Patriot PAC-3 anti-ballistic missile battery for a military drill from Okinawa to a U.S. Air Force base in the city of Kunsan in South Korea, in the wake of a joint decision by Seoul and Washington to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) on the Korean Peninsula.

The drill was aimed at rapidly shipping the missile interceptor from Japan to South Korea should a conflict happen on the peninsula, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

"These are extremely dangerous military provocations as they further escalate tension on the Korean Peninsula and disturb regional peace and security," the spokesman said in a statement carried by the KCNA news agency.

The spokesman said that U.S. troops stationed in South Korea would be the primary target of any DPRK strike, urging South Korea to change its pro-America policy and call for a withdrawl of U.S. forces from the peninsula.

Last week, the DPRK fired off three ballistic missiles, which were believed to be two medium-range Rodong missiles and one short-range Scud, in a show of force against the THAAD deployment in the South.

The missiles launch came six days after Seoul and Washington agreed to deploy the missile interceptor system to Seongju county, some 250 km southeast of Seoul, by the end of next year.
BRATISLAVA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia received the third biggest net sum from the European Union (EU) budget in 2015, with the country's income from the EU amounting to 3.095 billion euros (3.401 billion U.S. dollar) last year.

The head of the European Commission representation in Slovakia, Dusan Chrenek, announced the figures on Thursday.

Only Bulgaria and Hungary were bigger net recipients than Slovakia, which each drew 3.73 billion euros from the EU budget last year.

When calculated per capita, each Slovak received 689 euros from the EU budget and contributed 128 euros to it last year, making a net profit of 561 euros per person from EU membership.

"European funds significantly help Slovakia's development. More intensive use of European funds significantly contributed towards higher economic growth and the creation of new jobs last year. I believe that further European funds allocated for Slovakia will be efficiently used and will improve the lives of Slovak citizens," stressed Chrenek.

Slovakia used the biggest portion from last year's incomes on economic, social and regional cohesion projects. (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollars) Enditem
LEEDS, Britain, July 28 (Xinhua) -- This year marks not only 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare, but also that of the great Ming dynasty playwright Tang Xianzu. Students from China and UK's universities on Wednesday performed the two drama masters' works on the stage of Leeds University.

To commemorate both anniversaries, students from the University of Leeds and the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing jointly performed Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Tang Xianzu's A Dream Under The Southern Bough, as part of the Leeds Intercultural Theater Festival.

With the two texts and the overarching theme of "dreaming," UIBE's students perform a piece inspired by the mechanical and fairies in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, while students at the University of Leeds performed a contemporary response to Tang Xianzu's A Dream Under The Southern Bough.

Both pieces are set in the same woodland location with characters and stories entwining and overlapping. Each story can be performed individually but can be only fully appreciated when combined together. The two "dreams" bring together Shakespeare and Tang Xianzu as well as Britain and China.

Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming addressed the crowd before the performance, stressing the two playwrights are considered as the "soul of the age" in the renaissance of the West and the humanist enlightenment of the East.

"This was by no means a mere historical coincidence. These two literary giants did not just happen to be Chinese and British during the same historical period. In fact, Tang and Shakespeare are the best examples to show that China and the UK are both great nations with a time-honored culture and history," Liu told the audience.

He said the show is the fruit of collaborative work of artists and students from China and Britain. "It is a creative interpretation of Shakespeare's and Tang's classic works. This ingenious re-production transcends time and culture, and brings two literary masters to the same stage," Liu said.

Professor of Chinese Theatre Studies Ruru Li from East Asian Studies at the University is one of those leading the Anglo-Chinese theatrical project.

"The project is making people think about the value and relevance of two classic plays to contemporary society and will also enhance cultural exchange between China and the UK," she said.

Steve Ansell is artistic director of the University's stage@leeds theatre. He co-wrote the new production with School of Performance and Cultural Industries colleague Dr. Adam Strickson and is also directing it.

"This is a ground-breaking project that will provide two groups, from two cultures, the opportunity to creatively explore, understand and appreciate each other's similarities and distinctions through the work of two great writers and the shared language of theatre," he said. Enditem
A Turkish national flag is seen on Eyup sultan mosque on July 26, 2016 in Eyup district in Istanbul, following the failed military coup attempt of July 15. (AFP/Xinhua photo)

ANKARA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's Foreign Ministry has dismissed 88 of its employees, including two ambassadors, in investigations following a failed coup attempt, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday.

The dismissals come as one of many throughout the process of cutting all ties to the so-called Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), local media quoted Cavusoglu as saying.

He was referring to Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric Ankara accuses of being the mastermind behind the July 15 coup attempt, which left at least 290 people dead, including more than 100 "coup plotters."

Turkey has demanded that the United States, where Gulen resides, repatriate him.

Washington insists that Turkey provide "concrete evidence" directly implicating Gulen as a precondition to his extradition.

In a related development, two generals on Thursday submitted their resignations from the Turkish General Staff, the Dogan News Agency reported.

A total of 1,684 military personnel, including 149 generals and admirals, were discharged from the Turkish armed forces on Wednesday, local media reported.

Authorities say the discharged military personnel were members of or were indirectly related to FETO.

So far, 10,012 soldiers have been detained in the ongoing investigation.
Demonstrators seen through a hole in hotel`s a window near Istanbul's Taksim Square wave Turkish flags on July 24, 2016 during the first cross-party rally to condemn the coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (AFP/Xinhua photo)

ISTANBUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Two top U.S. intelligence bodies are being accused in an indictment of providing training to followers of the alleged mastermind behind the failed coup in Turkey, state-run Anadolu Agency said Thursday.

"The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided training in several subjects to the cadre belonging to the Gulen movement," the indictment was quoted as saying.

It was referring to Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric based in the United States. The Turkish government has been accusing Gulen and his followers in the military of orchestrating the coup bid.

Ankara has demanded that the U.S. extradite Gulen, but Washington insists on "concrete evidence" linking Gulen to the July 15 coup attempt as a precondition for his extradition.

Turkish authorities said at least 290 people died in the coup, including more than 100 "coup plotters."

Prepared by the Edirne Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and accepted by the Second Heavy Penal Court, the indictment said the operations carried out by prosecutors and security officials during the Dec. 17 process can be taken as a good example.

The "Dec. 17 process" refers to the corruption probe launched on Dec. 17, 2013, which targeted senior government officials and led to a rivalry between Gulen and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Some in Turkey, including government ministers, have referred time and again to U.S. involvement in the failed coup, despite vehement denial from Washington.

"This attempt aimed to weaken the state with all its institutions by getting rid of the government completely," the indictment said. "Those in the Gulen movement who work in the judicial and security institutions and who received the aforementioned training, took on this task and moved into action."
NAIROBI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has voluntarily repatriated 18,278 Somali refugees from the Dadaab camp in northeast Kenya since December 2014.

UNHCR said in its report released on Thursday that 12,177 refugees out of the 18,278 refugees were repatriated this year.

It said some 1,278 returnees were supported to voluntarily return to Somalia between July 1-15.

"Some 1,128 returnees were transported by road, while 150 persons returned to Mogadishu by flight," UNHCR said.

Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp, was set up over 20 years ago to house people fleeing conflict in Somalia.

Kenya, in collaboration with UNHCR, is working on the voluntary repatriation of over 300,000 refugees living in Dadaab after Nairobi announced the closure of the camp last month, citing security and environmental concern.

Kenya claims Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which carried out the massacre of 148 people at Kenya's Garissa University in April 2015, has hideouts in Dadaab.

UNHCR on Tuesday appealed to donors for an additional 115.4 million U.S. dollars for the voluntary return and reintegration of Somali refugees.

UNHCR said the funds requested will also go towards relocation of 31,000 refugees from Dadaab to Kakuma refugee camps in northwest Kenya and verification of camp population.

It had previously appealed for 369.4 million dollars for the "Somalia situation".

"With this additional ask, and with some reprioritization of projects, UNHCR's total revised 2016 requirement for this response in the affected countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia) is now 484.8 million dollars," it said. Enditem
ANKARA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday the National Intelligence Agency (MIT) and the General Staff should be under the control of the presidency, CNN Turk reported.

The MIT and the General Staff currently report to the prime minister's office.

The comments came after Turkey's Supreme Military Council (YAS) convened in Ankara on Thursday to discuss restructuring the country's military following a failed coup attempt on July 15.

Days earlier, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the decisions of YAS will be shared with the public following the approval of President Erdogan.

Meanwhile, Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said on Thursday the assets of 3,490 detained judges and prosecutors would be confiscated under the investigation of the Fethullahist Organization, local newspaper Haberturk reported.

The U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen is accused by Ankara of plotting the July 15 coup attempt.
FRANKFURT, July 28 (Xinhua) -- German police on Thursday searched a building in the western city of Cologne over a report that a woman was threatening people with arms.

Police were informed that a woman was threatening people with unidentified arms in the building of the labor office in Cologne, according to local media reports.

Police cordoned off the building but found nothing suspicious.

German police have been put on high alert as a series of attacks have hit various cities in Germany recently. Enditem
STOCKHOLM, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Sweden wants to speed up the process for migrants to establish themselves in the country and save resources by improving collaboration between key authorities, the Swedish cabinet office said Thursday.

It has decided to extend a pilot program that was carried out at various locations around Sweden. The aim was to develop a tailored service for newly-arrived migrants in order to help them start working or studying more quickly.

The pilot project involved Sweden's National Employment Agency, the Social Insurance Agency, the Swedish Pensions Agency and the Tax Agency.

The results were positive, according to a project evaluation cited by the cabinet office. It said that newly arrived migrants have benefited from the chance to meet with cross-disciplinary teams of professionals.

Migrants in their initial establishment process usually wait an average three to four weeks before meeting with state authorities. Under the pilot scheme, the waiting time was reduced to an average four hours.

The evaluation also showed that the scheme has led to significant savings in public resources.

Against that background, the government has green-lighted an extension of the work until Dec. 31, 2017, tasking the authorities involved with continuing to simplify and streamline establishment processes for newly arrived migrants in Sweden. Enditem
DAMASCUS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front group announced on Thursday breaking its ties with the larger al-Qaida terrorist group.

In a video-taped message, the group leader, known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, announced that his group is no longer part of the al-Qaida, changing the group's name into Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, Arabic for the Front for Conquering the Levant.

The move came almost a week after the Unites States and Russia announced that al-Nusra will always be deemed as a terrorist group, agreeing to jointly carry out strikes against this group.

In his televised message, al-Jolani said the move came to strip the West of any pretext to strike Syrians.

Meanwhile, the U.S. state department said that the Nusra announcement could be a "rebranding exercise."

According to al-Arabyia TV, the al-Qaida told Nusra that it could break organizational ties with global al-Qaida to preserve its unity and continue its battle in Syria.

The Nusra Front announced its formation on Jan. 23, 2012.

In November 2012, Western media said al-Nusra was the most successful arm of the rebel forces.

Ten days later, the United States designated al-Nusra as a terrorist organization.

In early 2015, there were reports that Qatar and other Gulf states were trying to get al-Nusra to split away from the al-Qaida, after which they would support al-Nusra with money.

Now, observers express pessimism about the split, which could usher in a fresh support to the newly named group. Enditem
Photo taken on July 23, 2016 shows the funeral scene for Chinese UN peacekeeper Yang Shupeng held in Laiwu Battle Memorial Hall in Laiwu, east China's Shandong Province. Chinese UN peacekeepers Li Lei and Yang Shupeng were killed on the evening of July 10 after a mortar shell hit their armored vehicle during fighting between two army factions in Juba, capital of South Sudan. (Xinhua/Gao Qimin)

by Xinhua writer Gu Zhenqiu

UNITED NATIONS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Two Chinese UN peacekeepers were killed on July 10 during fierce fighting in Juba, the South Sudanese capital, between rival factions of the country's army, bringing the number of fallen Chinese blue helmets up to 13 since Beijing jointed the UN peacekeeping operations 26 years ago.

Their sacrifice once again mirrored the huge difficulties in the painstaking UN efforts to maintain peace and security in the world and China's great contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

This will not scare away China because the largest developing country firmly supports UN peacekeeping operations and has always taken an active part in them. China will further play its role as a responsible major power, take more international responsibility and obligations and contribute more to the cause of peace and development of mankind.

The peacekeeping operations organized, led and coordinated by the United Nations, the most universal and legitimate international body in the world, are of vital significance to safeguard international peace and security.

China began its participation in the UN peacekeeping operations in 1990, when Beijing sent five military observers to the Middle East. China has over the years contributed a total of more than 30,000 peacekeepers. At present, nearly 2,500 Chinese peacekeepers are serving in nine UN peacekeeping operations.

The past years saw even more active Chinese participation in the UN peacekeeping operations, with tremendous increases both in scale and in the number of the troops contributed to the UN peacekeeping forces.

For example, in late 2013, China, for the first time, dispatched a security forces of 170 soldiers to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.

China also sent support detachments, such as engineers, transportation and medical corps, to UN peacekeeping operations.

China, a developing country as it is, now is the largest contributor of UN peacekeeping funding among developing countries, and also the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the Security Council.

Currently, China is the second-largest country to share United Nations' peacekeeping costs from 2016 to 2018, just behind the United States, accounting for 10.2 percent of the total. China's contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations budget rose from 6.6 percent to 10.3 percent, surpassing Japan for the first time.

China and the United Nations have started working further toward establishing a Chinese peacekeeping standby force. To follow through on China's pledge to establish a peacekeeping standby force of 8,000 troops, a working group from the Peacekeeping Office of China's Defense Ministry paid a visit to UN headquarters in New York from June 20-24. UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operation Herve Ladsous and UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare met the working group.

With their professional performance, Chinese peacekeepers have won recommendations from the United Nations, local governments and people as well as fellow peacekeepers of other UN member states.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told Chinese leaders during his visit to China early this month that China has played a leading role in UN peacekeeping missions, sustainable development, dealing with climate change, combating epidemic diseases and other areas.

More specifically, other top UN officials spoke highly of China's contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.

For example, Ladsous and Khare praised Chinese peacekeepers for their great professionalism, dedication and generosity in carrying out UN peacekeeping operations. They said the well-equipped Chinese peacekeeping troops are a reliable force in UN peacekeeping operations and they look forward to a greater role played by China in UN peacekeeping.

"China now has become over recent years a very important contributor," Ladsous told Xinhua. "Chinese units are very well-equipped and are well-trained."

"Chinese peacekeepers have never ever had any misconduct of discipline," Khare said against a backdrop of alleged sexual abuse committed in Africa by peacekeepers from other countries.
This undated NASA image obtained on February 5, 2016 shows Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell, Apollo 14 lunar module pilot standing by the deployed U.S. flag on the lunar surface during the early moments of the mission's first spacewalk. AFP PHOTO / NASA / Handout

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. astronauts who flew the Apollo moon-landing missions in the 1960s and 1970s are experiencing higher rates of heart problems that are thought to be caused by their exposure to deep space radiation, new research said Thursday.

Apollo astronauts are the only humans that have traveled beyond Earth's protective geomagnetic field, while other manned spaceflight has taken place exclusively in low Earth orbit, where such protection against space radiation is still present.

In the new study, researchers from the Florida State University compared the cause of death for seven Apollo lunar astronauts to 35 astronauts who flew only in low Earth orbit and 35 astronauts who never flew orbital missions in space.

They found that 43 percent of deceased Apollo astronauts died from a cardiovascular problem. That is four to five times higher than non-flight astronauts and astronauts who have traveled in low Earth orbit.

"We know very little about the effects of deep space radiation on human health, particularly on the cardiovascular system," Professor Michael Delp of the Florida State University, who led the study, said in a statement.

"This gives us the first glimpse into its adverse effects on humans," Delp said.

To test a possible mechanistic basis for these findings, the researchers exposed mice to the type of radiation that Apollo astronauts would have experienced.

After six months -- the equivalent of 20 human years -- the mice demonstrated an impairment of arteries that is known to lead to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in humans.

"What the mouse data show is that deep space radiation is harmful to vascular health," Delp said.

The findings were published in the British journal Scientific Reports.

The Apollo program, most notable for landing men on the moon, ran from 1961 to 1972. The program included 11 manned flights between 1968 and 1972, nine of which flew beyond Earth's orbit into deep space.

Of the 24 men who flew into deep space on the Apollo lunar missions, eight have died and seven were included in the study. The eighth, Edgar Mitchell, died after the data analysis had been completed.
BEIRUT, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's former Minister of Trade Adnan Kassar hailed here Thursday the positive outcome of the "Beirut to Beijing" event organized in the Chinese capital.

The event, launched through the Fransbank group Kassar presides, started on July 15 and is continuing till the end of the month.

"We are proud to organize this event that aims at strengthening culture, tourism and trade exchange between China and Lebanon," Kassar told a press conference.

Extending his gratitude to the Lebanese Embassy in China, the Union of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture and the Chinese and Lebanese officials, Kassar said "through their efforts this project achieved a great success."

"We are organizing 'Beijing to Beirut' event in the Lebanese capital in this November with the participation of an official Chinese delegation and delegates from the Chinese private sector," he said. Enditem
by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- As a political figure around for three decades, U.S. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton will face a tough challenge to show Americans that she's an agent of change in Thursday night's acceptance speech, amid a lackluster economy and a sense that the U.S. is losing ground abroad.

Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) comes at a time when the former U.S. secretary of state is running neck-in-neck in the polls against her Republican rival Donald Trump, who is ahead by a hair.

"The most important thing Clinton needs to do in her speech is to explain how she is a change agent," Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

Trump has tried to position Clinton as the candidate of the status quo and she has to dispel that view and show how she can implement serious changes in public policy, West said.

In recent remarks, Trump referred to Clinton as old hat and someone incapable of turning around the nation's flaccid economy.

"If she can do that, she will be in good position for the fall campaign," West said.

Clinton will need to convince a number of different groups of her capabilities to preside over the world's No.1 economy.

"Democrats want to know that she takes their issues seriously. This includes addressing income inequality, climate change, and Wall Street regulation. They want to know that she shares their basic values and knows how to improve economic mobility in the United States," West said.

For their part, independents want reassurance that Clinton is honest and trustworthy, at a time when Clinton - with a history of shady dealings - is dogged by more than one scandal.

West said Trump has effectively painted her as "corrupt Hillary," and this has hurt her standing with independents. The former first lady needs to let them know she understands their concerns and that she is worthy of their vote.

Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, said blacks, Latinos, single women and independents all want to hear different things.

"Independents want to hear that she did not take away from the primaries to move too far to the left, though she is aware that the political system needs to be reformed," he said.

African Americans will want to hear about police reform at a time when tensions between blacks and police are at a high point, and just after a few incidents in which black men were killed by police in high profile cases that fueled anger among African Americans nationwide.

"African Americans, single women and Latinos want to hear she understands the urgency of fighting for policies ranging from police reform to immigration reform and that she won't compromise away those goals from day one," Zelizer said.

Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, said much of Clinton's speech will likely focus on the themes she's discussed already about having an experienced, steady hand as leader; that her election represents a historic step for the U.S. with her as the first female president; and that she can represent an America that is moving forward, rather than clinging to a vision of how the past was better.

Democrats want to hear how she will continue to push forward on the progressive agenda of U.S. President Barack Obama and how she can continue to build on his legacy in a wide range of areas.

There will likely be criticism of the Republican Congress, at a time of ongoing bitter partisan divide, and there will be little said about reaching across the aisle, Mahaffee said.

"For Clinton, this is an opportunity to build on the themes of hope and optimism that have resounded through the past days of the convention, and to contrast with the doom and gloom being espoused by Trump," he said.

While both Clinton and Trump have similar unfavorable ratings, this is an opportunity for Clinton to build on that contrast between her vision and Trump's, he said.

Additionally, while the convention has built enthusiasm among the Democratic base, her speech presents an opportunity to reach out to independents and moderate Republicans who are increasingly concerned about the prospect of a Trump White House, Mahaffee said.

Indeed, while Trump has galvanized blue collar white males - a large group that is increasingly struggling to make ends meet - many others in the party have expressed concern over what they view as a hot-headed and unpredictable candidate.

West said Clinton's speech Thursday night is important because it will lay the groundwork for the fall campaign.

"Early impressions matter and she needs to give voters a better sense of who she is and what she plans to do as president," West said.
JERUSALEM, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's attempt to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian in an event in the Egyptian embassy in Israel on Thursday.

"We welcome the efforts by Sisi to advance peace and we welcome efforts to incorporate other Arab states in this effort, as part of a broader peace between all peoples of the Middle East," Netanyahu said, according to a statement by the prime minister's office.

The Israeli prime minister made the remarks when attending a reception in honor of Egypt's National Day in the Egyptian embassy. The event was also attended by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

Netanyahu praised the close ties between the two countries, saying the 1979 peace treaty between them shows that peace between Israelis and Arabs is "possible."

Israel is facing increasing international pressure to resume peace talks with the Palestinians, as a 10-month long wave of violence claimed the lives of 34 Israelis and 219 Palestinians. The last round of talks ended abruptly without results in April 2014.

Israeli leaders have voiced their support for Sisi's statements in May, in which he stressed the importance of the involvement of Arab countries in the peace process. They favored this initiative over a French one, calling to convene an international forum later this year in Paris.

Relations between Israel and Egypt have warmed up in recent years under Sisi's leadership, after several years of strain under the leadership of former President Mohammad Morsi from the Muslim Brotherhood.

In 2012, Egypt recalled its ambassador during Israel's Gaza operation. A new envoy was sent by Sisi in February.

Furthermore, Egypt's Foreign Minsiter Sameh Shoukry visited Israel earlier this month, the first such visit since 2007. Enditem
U.S. Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton (R) and U.S. President Barack Obama are pictured on the third day of the 2016 U.S. Democratic National Convention, at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on July 27, 2016. (Xinhua/ Photo/Li Muzi)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- As a political figure around for three decades, U.S. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton will face a tough challenge to show Americans that she's an agent of change in Thursday night's acceptance speech, amid a lackluster economy and a sense that the U.S. is losing ground abroad.

Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) comes at a time when the former U.S. secretary of state is running neck-in-neck in the polls against her Republican rival Donald Trump, who is ahead by a hair.

"The most important thing Clinton needs to do in her speech is to explain how she is a change agent," Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

Trump has tried to position Clinton as the candidate of the status quo and she has to dispel that view and show how she can implement serious changes in public policy, West said.

In recent remarks, Trump referred to Clinton as old hat and someone incapable of turning around the nation's flaccid economy.

"If she can do that, she will be in good position for the fall campaign," West said.

Clinton will need to convince a number of different groups of her capabilities to preside over the world's No.1 economy.

"Democrats want to know that she takes their issues seriously. This includes addressing income inequality, climate change, and Wall Street regulation. They want to know that she shares their basic values and knows how to improve economic mobility in the United States," West said.

For their part, independents want reassurance that Clinton is honest and trustworthy, at a time when Clinton - with a history of shady dealings - is dogged by more than one scandal.

West said Trump has effectively painted her as "corrupt Hillary," and this has hurt her standing with independents. The former first lady needs to let them know she understands their concerns and that she is worthy of their vote.

Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, said blacks, Latinos, single women and independents all want to hear different things.

"Independents want to hear that she did not take away from the primaries to move too far to the left, though she is aware that the political system needs to be reformed," he said.

African Americans will want to hear about police reform at a time when tensions between blacks and police are at a high point, and just after a few incidents in which black men were killed by police in high profile cases that fueled anger among African Americans nationwide.

"African Americans, single women and Latinos want to hear she understands the urgency of fighting for policies ranging from police reform to immigration reform and that she won't compromise away those goals from day one," Zelizer said.

Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, said much of Clinton's speech will likely focus on the themes she's discussed already about having an experienced, steady hand as leader; that her election represents a historic step for the U.S. with her as the first female president; and that she can represent an America that is moving forward, rather than clinging to a vision of how the past was better.

Democrats want to hear how she will continue to push forward on the progressive agenda of U.S. President Barack Obama and how she can continue to build on his legacy in a wide range of areas.

There will likely be criticism of the Republican Congress, at a time of ongoing bitter partisan divide, and there will be little said about reaching across the aisle, Mahaffee said.

"For Clinton, this is an opportunity to build on the themes of hope and optimism that have resounded through the past days of the convention, and to contrast with the doom and gloom being espoused by Trump," he said.

While both Clinton and Trump have similar unfavorable ratings, this is an opportunity for Clinton to build on that contrast between her vision and Trump's, he said.

Additionally, while the convention has built enthusiasm among the Democratic base, her speech presents an opportunity to reach out to independents and moderate Republicans who are increasingly concerned about the prospect of a Trump White House, Mahaffee said.

Indeed, while Trump has galvanized blue collar white males - a large group that is increasingly struggling to make ends meet - many others in the party have expressed concern over what they view as a hot-headed and unpredictable candidate.

West said Clinton's speech Thursday night is important because it will lay the groundwork for the fall campaign.

"Early impressions matter and she needs to give voters a better sense of who she is and what she plans to do as president," West said.
WASHINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- There have been 14 civilians killed in U.S. airstrikes conducted in Iraq and Syria from July 28, 2015 to April 29 this year, the U.S. Central Command reported Thursday.

"We deeply regret the unintentional loss of life and injuries resulting from our airstrikes and express our sympathies to those affected," the Command said in a news release.

The civilian deaths occurred in six separate U.S. airstrikes during the period, it claimed.

On April 29 this year, four civilians were killed in Mosul of Iraq during a U.S. airstrike targeting Neil Prakash, an external operations facilitator of the terror group Islamic State (IS), according to the release.

Three civilians were killed in each of three other U.S. airstrikes, including one near Idlib, Syria on July 28, 2015, one near Al Qaim of Iraq on Feb. 15, 2016, and one in Mosul on April 5, 2016, the release said.

One civilian was killed in Sharqat of Iraq on April 26, 2016 during a strike on an IS checkpoint, it said.

Only one civilian was reportedly wounded in a strike on Feb. 16, 2016 in Ar Rayhaniyah, near Mosul.

The U.S.-led counterterrorism coalition "takes all reasonable measures to avoid non-combatant casualties during the course of military operations," the release alleged.

The Central Command did not elaborate if the strikes were conducted by manned jets or drones.

The White House recently released a report on the civilian fatalities in U.S. drone strikes from 2009 to 2015, estimating that some 100 civilians were killed during 473 U.S. drone strikes in regions where the U.S. is not at war.

But human rights groups following the U.S. drone strikes criticized the report for apparently underestimating the number of real civilian casualties in such strikes.

A recent report from the London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism, a non-governmental organization, shows that the U.S. drones have caused 492 to 1,100 civilian deaths in Pakistan and other countries since 2002.
By Chris Dalby, Juan Limachi

LIMA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was sworn in as the president of Peru on Thursday, promising a social revolution and to build a modern, safe country, free of discrimination.

The new president, who will govern until 2021, was sworn in during a ceremony in Parliament from former president Ollanta Humala.

"I want a social revolution for my country, so that in five years, Peru can be a fairer, more equal and more united country, which will make it a more modern country," said Kuczynski in his over 40-minute inaugural address to the nation.

He outlined his government's main objectives for his mandate, including "creating access to opportunities...through a magnificent education system and a healthcare system focused on people's needs."

Kuczynski added that his vision of a modern Peru also meant a fair judicial system, as well as having security conditions to ensure peace on the streets.

Crime has been a particular concern for Peruvians during this election cycle as insecurity has been on the rise. Furthermore, the country has been plagued for years by "extortion", meaning almost daily acts of petty corruption, including police asking for money to simply do their jobs.

Acknowledging that Peru, despite a healthy economy, still faces broad inequality, Kuczynski vowed to find a way to raise the salaries of the 7 million poorest Peruvians.

According to Kuczynski, his government would focus on "how to put money in the pockets of Peruvians, and raise their access to essential services...which are extremely costly for the poor."

Among other related objectives, he promised to close gaps in society's access to healthcare and social security.

While Peru is seen as a solid bet among foreign investors, its economy has stagnated in recent years. Kuczynski, an experienced banker and economist, will need to find ways to kickstart it.

Kuczynski also said his administration would come down hard on acts of corruption, as he feels a modern country must also be an honest country.

"To succeed in this, we need a president totally committed to the fight against corruption. I will not allow my officials and closest collaborators to fall to the indignity of corruption," he pointed out.

He was also very clear in sending a message that any member of his government found to be corrupt would be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.

In other policy promises, Kuczynski pledged that more attention would be given to Peru's remote, border areas, that a fiscal reform would lower the tax burden on Peruvian businesses, and that productive sectors would be encouraged to formalize their labor situations.

One announcement that is likely to play well internationally was that Peru remains fully committed to the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with Kuczynski saying his government's goals are aligned with it.

Finally, the president said that Peru would finish the process to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2021, which he said would be evidence of Peru's commitment to integral development.

This pledge raised some eyebrows among the media, with the Peru21 news platform expressing doubts that this would be possible, given that the OECD is known as "the club of the rich."

The OECD has already outlined four areas Peru needs to work on if it hopes to join: build a decentralized fiscal regime, allowing for regions to offer better public services; implement policies to favor economic diversification and broaden the export basket; ensure better coordination between urban and rural policies while striving for improved collaboration between Lima and regional governments; and improving national statistics and information systems in order to improve public policies.

In the days leading up to his swearing-in, Kuczynski has also had to deal with the shadow of former president, Alberto Fujimori, currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for crimes against humanity.

His daughter, Keiko, was defeated by Kuczynski in the race for the presidency but her Popular Force (PF) party holds an absolute majority in Congress.

This has led to PF lawmakers encouraging Kuczynski to pardon Fujimori but both the new president and his predecessor, Humala, categorically ruled out doing so.

Having won the presidential election by the narrowest of margins (0.24 percent), Kuczynski cannot afford to alienate Keiko Fujimori and her PF party, for fear of seeing his ambitious agenda surrendered to legislative gridlock.

Kuczynski has appointed an uncontroversial cabinet of technocrats and experts, few of them tied to the rivalry with Fujimori, which was widely praised.

However, Peruvians risk being particularly impatient with any delays, with Humala leaving office with a record low popularity rating of 19 percent.
HELSINKI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Finnish Defence Forces have prohibited playing Pokemon Go in military areas such as barrack compounds, Defence Forces newspaper Ruotuvaki on Thursday.

Leutenant-colonel Teemu Hokkanen from the operation section of the High Command described the location information combined with pictures as the risk.

The world popular game uses the location data, photo and compass capabilities of mobile gadgets.

The Defence Forces published last week restrictive guidelines for apps that feature virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR).

Additional rules for Pokemon Go were considered necessary due to its wide popularity in Finland.

There have been restrictions prohibiting taking snapshots or videos of military installations as well.

Conscripts are allowed to use their mobile handsets while serving in the military. They can either maintain their civilian subscription numbers or use prepaid cards. Enditem
by Mahmoud Fouly

CAIRO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has recently been hosting dialogue between conflicting Libyan parties and seeking stability of the neighboring turmoil-stricken country due to the Libyan strategic significance for the Egyptian national security and also as part of the Egyptian ongoing war against terrorism, said Egyptian political experts.

Over the past two days, Egypt hosted high-profile talks between head of Libya's UN-brokered unity government Fayez Serraj and head of the Libyan parliament Aqila Saleh in an attempt to resolve the political deadlock in Libya.

"The meetings aimed to bring the views closer through a Libyan dialogue to find the suitable solutions in order to maintain the interests of the Libyan people," the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday.

Saleh's parliament backs Libya's strong military general Khalifa Hifter but rejects the Serraj's unity government, which is the main reason for the stalemate.

STRATEGIC DEPTH

Egypt used to host Libyan parties separately, but this time the new development is that both parties, Serraj and Saleh, are present face to face for the first time in months.

"Egypt gives the Libyan issue a strategic priority, as Libya's division represents strategic danger and extraordinary security threat to Egypt, which cannot afford dealing with a divided Libya," said Ahmed Eliba, a researcher at the Cairo-based Regional Center for Strategic Studies.

Eliba explained that Egypt tries to limit the differences between the two parties for a future settlement, expressing belief that a resolution will gradually be reached sooner or later to end the current crisis.

"The current Libyan political crisis practically divides the country in half and drags Libya to further division. So Egypt works hard to eventually reach a settlement in Libya via direct talks between the two parties, as their separation would deepen division in the country," the expert told Xinhua.

He argued that Egypt seeks to avoid dealing with a divided Libya and so it works on a settlement between Tobruk and Benghazi.

For his part, Mohamed Megahed al-Zayyat, adviser to the Regional Center for Strategic Studies, said that Libya is "a basic element for the Egyptian national security," stressing that stability in Libya is a necessity for the Egyptian administration.

"The lack of a central state in Libya now opens door for the growth of terror activities in Libya and the centralization of terror groups that may directly undermine the Egyptian national security," Zayyat told Xinhua.

He added that such Egyptian initiatives clearly indicate Egypt's return as an active player in the Middle East region with a strong regional role that has been missing for a long time.

ANTI-TERROR WAR

Egypt has been suffering growing anti-government terrorist activities since the military removed former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 and launched a massive security crackdown on his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Later on, the new military-oriented leadership declared a "war against terrorism" nationwide, fighting against affiliates of the regional Islamic State (IS) militant group in the country's Sinai Peninsula and also those in the Western Desert.

In July 2014, at least 21 Egyptian soldiers were killed and several others wounded in a terrorist attack against security forces at Al-Farafra Oasis in the country's Western Desert. Later in February 2015, the IS militant group released a video showing beheading of 20 Egyptians near the Libyan city of Sirte.

"Egypt's mediation in Libya talks is an Egyptian precautious policy within the framework of its war against terrorism. The anti-terror war should not be restricted to the Egyptian territories but should extend to the areas via which militants can infiltrate into the Egyptian borders," Zayyat said.

The expert argued that Libya in particular is a center of terror activity that directly poses a threat to the Egyptian national security.

Saeed al-Lawindi, a political researcher at Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said that the weapons used in the Farafra Oasis attack turned out to be coming from Libya, and so Egypt works on uprooting the resources for terrorism in Libya to prevent the couttry from turning into a den for IS militants.

"Also the case of the 21 Egyptian Copts slaughtered at the Libyan coast is a strong signal that the Libyan security and stability influences Egypt and its citizens," Lawindi told Xinhua. Enditem
SAN JOSE, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Costa Rica's National Coastguard Service seized 2.29 tonnes of cocaine on Thursday off the coast of the Pacific Ocean, as the drugs were being transported in a fishing boat.

The Ministry of Public Security informed that the vessel was intercepted off the coast of Cabo Blanco, 120 kilometres west of capital city San Jose. Aboard the boat 164 packs loaded with cocaine were found with a total weight of 2,296 kilograms.

The Costa Rican fishing boat named "Costa del Sol Z" was being crewed by three Nicaraguan men and one Costa Rican.

The ministry added that the drug shipment was counted on the dock of the Costa Rican Institute of Fish and Aquaculture (Incopesca) in the city of Puntarenas, 90 kilometers west of San Jose.

The government body explained that the crew were arrested and sent to the State Prosecutor's Office where they will face up to 20 years imprisonment for internationally trafficking drugs.

So far in 2016, Costa Rican authorities have reportedly confiscated over 10 tonnes of cocaine in various raids. Enditem
U.S. Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton (R) and U.S. President Barack Obama are pictured on the third day of the 2016 U.S. Democratic National Convention, at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on July 27, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

By Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has been dogged by controversy in recent weeks, but this week' s Democratic National Convention may give her the bounce she needs to come back.

In recent days, leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee showed that the organization tried to tip the scales in favor of Clinton to win against her opponents -- mainly rival Bernie Sanders, during the primaries.

The scandal has grabbed headlines nationwide and sparked angry protests by Sanders' supporters outside the convention's venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and comes as Clinton is running neck-in-neck with her Republican rival Donald Trump.

But despite all that, Clinton is still expected to see a boost in the polls.

"Clinton will get a bump out of the Democratic convention," Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

"It is a week of mostly positive coverage for her," West said. "Speakers are extolling her virtues and contrasting her favorably with Donald Trump."

Clinton's predicted bounce in the polls is expected to help her overcome the uptick in the polls Trump saw after last week' s Republican convention, which put him ahead in the polls by a hair.

"This will counter the boost Trump got last week from the Republican convention," West said.

He said women, independents and young people are seeing positive portraits of Clinton' s life and this will help humanize her beyond the stereotype that has been built up on her by the Republican Party (GOP).

Indeed, Hillary's husband Bill Clinton, one of the country' s most popular presidents, spoke on her behalf on Tuesday night at the Democratic convention, which experts said will help Hillary in the race for the White House.

In a bid to humanize Hillary, Bill spoke at length about how the two met 40 years ago, both being students at Yale law school. Cracking jokes from time to time in a self-deprecating style he' s known for, Clinton told the enthusiastic crowd how he pursued and eventually married Hillary.

Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, told Xinhua that certainly any candidate can benefit from a convention bump, and Hillary is no different.

"Her unfavorable numbers would be a concern if there were a major gap between her and the Republican candidate, but with Trump as the GOP nominee, he also carries an equally bad unfavorable rating-so that is almost a wash," Mahaffee said.

"I think it is too soon to say how much of a bump she will exactly get, but if the appearance of popular Democrats like Bill Clinton, (Vice President) Joe Biden, and (U.S. President) Barack Obama overshadows much of her early controversy, that momentum could provide a decent bounce," he said.

While Clinton has been embroiled in scandal in recent months, many Americans have simply shrugged their shoulders and moved on, Mahaffee added.

Related

News Analysis: Hillary Clinton has secret weapon in her husband

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Despite much recent controversy surrounding U.S. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, she has one secret weapon: her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

Bill Clinton, one of the country's most popular presidents, spoke on her behalf on Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, and experts said that will help Hillary in the race for the White House. Full story

Feature: Clinton's historic nomination: a moment of joy and indignity

by Xinhua writers Zhou Xiaozheng, Zhu Lei, Lu Jiafei, Xu Jianmei

PHILADELPHIA, United States, July 27 (Xinhua) -- "I was so happy that I cried. I used to ask my God to let me live so I can see this," 102-year-old Geraldine Emmett kept telling reporters who lined up for brief interviews with her on Tuesday.

Just an hour ago, in a state-by-state roll call, the retired educator from Arizona, a delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, announced that Democrats in her state had awarded Hillary Clinton 51 of their total 85 votes. Full story

Profile: U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton

PHILADELPHIA, United States, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Hillary Clinton on Tuesday became the first woman to run for president on behalf of a major U.S. political party.
UNITED NATIONS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday announced the beginning of the initial phase of voluntary relocations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Tomping Compound to the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site 3 adjacent to UN House in the capital Juba, a UN spokesman told reporters here.

"The decision to relocate people was made due to inadequate humanitarian infrastructure and capacity in Tomping," Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here. "It is also intended to provide them with better conditions and humanitarian services that are already in place in the Protection of Civilians site."

This is a coordinated effort by UNMISS and humanitarian partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is providing logistical support.

"The Mission says that it had sought security assurances from the government, National Security Service and Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in order to guarantee the safe passage of the displaced people from Tomping to Protection of Civilians site 3," Haq said.

"UNMISS will be providing force protection to the convoy from Tomping to the final destination, while the Joint Verification Monitoring Mechanism, with support from the South Sudan National Police Service, agreed to deploy in strategic areas along the route to ensure the convoy's timely passage," he said.

UN officials said that the situation in South Sudan remains fluid and uncertain. The clashes between government and opposition forces took place in Juba early this month, leaving some 272 people dead, including 33 civilians.

The country again plunged into conflict in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup, which the latter denied, leading to a cycle of retaliatory killings. Enditem
Spotlight: Peru's new president outlines ambitious vision in inauguration speech Xinhua Weibo Facebook Twitter Reddit Diigo Delicious Digg Linkedin MySpace Sina Weibo Kaixin Renren Q-zone Tencent Weibo Sohu Weibo NetEase Weibo Source: Xinhua | 2016-07-29 07:02:09 | Editor: huaxia Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski cheers with gestures of victory in the Torre Tagle Palace in Lima, capital of Peru, on July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Eddy Ramos/ANDINA) By Chris Dalby, Juan Limachi LIMA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was sworn in as the president of Peru on Thursday, promising a social revolution and to build a modern, safe country, free of discrimination. The new president, who will govern until 2021, was sworn in during a ceremony in Parliament from former president Ollanta Humala. "I want a social revolution for my country, so that in five years, Peru can be a fairer, more equal and more united country, which will make it a more modern country," said Kuczynski in his over 40-minute inaugural address to the nation. He outlined his government's main objectives for his mandate, including "creating access to opportunities...through a magnificent education system and a healthcare system focused on people's needs." Kuczynski added that his vision of a modern Peru also meant a fair judicial system, as well as having security conditions to ensure peace on the streets. Crime has been a particular concern for Peruvians during this election cycle as insecurity has been on the rise. Furthermore, the country has been plagued for years by "extortion", meaning almost daily acts of petty corruption, including police asking for money to simply do their jobs. Acknowledging that Peru, despite a healthy economy, still faces broad inequality, Kuczynski vowed to find a way to raise the salaries of the 7 million poorest Peruvians. According to Kuczynski, his government would focus on "how to put money in the pockets of Peruvians, and raise their access to essential services...which are extremely costly for the poor." Among other related objectives, he promised to close gaps in society's access to healthcare and social security. While Peru is seen as a solid bet among foreign investors, its economy has stagnated in recent years. Kuczynski, an experienced banker and economist, will need to find ways to kickstart it. Kuczynski also said his administration would come down hard on acts of corruption, as he feels a modern country must also be an honest country. "To succeed in this, we need a president totally committed to the fight against corruption. I will not allow my officials and closest collaborators to fall to the indignity of corruption," he pointed out. He was also very clear in sending a message that any member of his government found to be corrupt would be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. President of Peruvian Congress Luz Salgado (L) puts the Presidential Sash on President-elect Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (R) during the constitutional presidential power transmission ceremony at Congress in Lima, capital of Peru, on July 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Carlos Lezama/ANDINA) In other policy promises, Kuczynski pledged that more attention would be given to Peru's remote, border areas, that a fiscal reform would lower the tax burden on Peruvian businesses, and that productive sectors would be encouraged to formalize their labor situations. One announcement that is likely to play well internationally was that Peru remains fully committed to the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with Kuczynski saying his government's goals are aligned with it. Finally, the president said that Peru would finish the process to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2021, which he said would be evidence of Peru's commitment to integral development. This pledge raised some eyebrows among the media, with the Peru21 news platform expressing doubts that this would be possible, given that the OECD is known as "the club of the rich." The OECD has already outlined four areas Peru needs to work on if it hopes to join: build a decentralized fiscal regime, allowing for regions to offer better public services; implement policies to favor economic diversification and broaden the export basket; ensure better coordination between urban and rural policies while striving for improved collaboration between Lima and regional governments; and improving national statistics and information systems in order to improve public policies. In the days leading up to his swearing-in, Kuczynski has also had to deal with the shadow of former president, Alberto Fujimori, currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for crimes against humanity. His daughter, Keiko, was defeated by Kuczynski in the race for the presidency but her Popular Force (PF) party holds an absolute majority in Congress. This has led to PF lawmakers encouraging Kuczynski to pardon Fujimori but both the new president and his predecessor, Humala, categorically ruled out doing so. Having won the presidential election by the narrowest of margins (0.24 percent), Kuczynski cannot afford to alienate Keiko Fujimori and her PF party, for fear of seeing his ambitious agenda surrendered to legislative gridlock. Kuczynski has appointed an uncontroversial cabinet of technocrats and experts, few of them tied to the rivalry with Fujimori, which was widely praised. However, Peruvians risk being particularly impatient with any delays, with Humala leaving office with a record low popularity rating of 19 percent. Xinhua Weibo Facebook Twitter Reddit Diigo Delicious Digg Linkedin MySpace Sina Weibo Kaixin Renren Q-zone Tencent Weibo Sohu Weibo NetEase Weibo Back to Top Close
BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Leading scholars from the U.S. Columbia University have clearly expressed their optimism about Chinas ability to achieve its economic target for 2016. Marcos TroyjoDirector of the BRICLab and Jan Svejnar, economics professor, of the university, made this during their exclusive interviews with Xinhuanet recently. They believe that Chinas growth target of 6.5-7 percent of the year is realistic and achievable, especially because China has been very successful in re-balancing its economy.

It[China] avoided the Asian crisis in the second half of the 1990s, it avoided the great recession that affected most of the world during the last decade, and it has the potential reserves in terms of improving efficiency, Jan Svejnar said. Based on the facts, China should be able to grow at about 6.5 percent, maybe even 7 percent, in the current year, and even the next several years, Jan Svejnar said.

While cautioning about possible external factors standing in the way, Jan Svejnar persisted that the goal is still realistic to achieve considering the overall conditions. Meanwhile, Macros Troyjo stressed that China is becoming a big player in foreign markets, not only as a source of exports, but also as a source of foreign direct investment.

This adds to the complexity of Chinas economic structure and will keep expansion rate at a very high level, he commented. Macros Troyjo complimented on Chinas trajectory towards becoming the second largest economy in the world, being particularly impressed by the expansion of Chinas investment in research and innovation.

I remember when I worked in diplomacy twenty five years ago, only about 0.5 percent of Chinas GDP was going to research and development. Now its nearly two percent, said Macros Troyjo. China has been investing a lot in areas like solar energy, wind energy, robotics, fine chemistry, Nano technology, which make for the platform of the fourth industrial revolution, according to Macros Troyjo. If China is competitive and successful with those, China will take another major leap forward and become an innovation-driven economy, he stressed.

Macros Troyjo also highlighted that managing the transition from a low-cost and export-oriented economy to one that is more tech-intensive and also focused on the domestic market is a big challenge.

And it takes time, energy and resources, particularly to cultivate more talents in the technologically intensive areas, he added.

But I think China is doing its homework right. I think its managing quite exceptionally this transition from a low-cost country to becoming a nation that actually creates incremental contribution to value addition, said Macros Troyjo, citing Chinas leading position in the world in research and investment in solar energy.

The two scholars were in Beijing to attend a high-level roundtable conference on the Role of the State in Economic Growth as part of the Columbia University President's Global Innovation Fund, in collaboration with the Columbia SIPA, Columbia Global Centers of Beijing, Initiative for Policy Dialogue, and Tsinghua University.
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
BP records $720M 2016 2nd Qtr profits

(The company ex- plained that underlying replacement cost profit is adjusted for non-operating items and fair value accounting effects.) Compared with a year earlier, BP noted that the underlying second quarter result was impacted by lower oil and gas prices and significantly lower refining margins, but this was partly offset by the benefit of lower cash costs throughout the group as well as lower exploration write-offs.

The Brent oil marker price averaged US $46 a barrel in the second quarter, up from $34 in the first quarter but still significantly lower than $62 a year earlier. While improved from the previous quarter, refining margins were the weakest for a second quarter since 2010. In the first half of the year, BP received $1.9 billion from divestments, including the partial sale of its interest in Castrol India.

At the end of the second quarter BPs gearing level was 24.7 percent, within the target range of 20 percent to 30 percent.

Providing details of its results, BP said, Underlying operating cash flow2 for the quarter  before pre-tax Gulf of Mexico payments  was $5.5 billion. This strong underlying cash flow resulted from continuing reliable operation of assets.

Progress also continued in resetting BPs capital and cost base.

BPs cash costs3 over the past four quarters were around $5.6 billion lower than in 2014 and BP continues to expect these costs for 2017 to be $7 billion lower than in 2014. Organic capital expenditure for the first half of 2016 was $7.9 billion; full year 2016 capital expenditure is now expected to be below $17 billion. BP, parent company of bpTT, also stated that it has drawn a line under Deepwater Horizon liabilities at $61.6 billion.

Earlier in July, BP announced that it had made significant progress in resolving outstanding claims from the Deepwater Horizon accident and oil spill, including claims associated with the Plaintiffs Steering Committee settlement and by individuals and businesses that opted out of and/or were excluded from that settlement. The progress made in resolving the opt-out and excluded claims was confirmed by a court order of July 14. As a result, BP can now reliably estimate all remaining material liabilities in connection with the incident.

BP has taken a net post-tax non-operating charge in the quarter of $2.8 billion. This includes a pre-tax non-operating charge of $5.2 billion associated with the Deepwater Horizon liabilities and other positive tax credits. Including fair value accounting effects and inventory gains, this resulted in a reported loss for the quarter of $1.4 billion.

Commenting on the matter, BPs Group CEO, Bob Dudley, said We will always be mindful of what we have learned from that tragic accident. BP today is a stronger, more focused and more disciplined company. We continue to actively develop a strong, balanced portfolio and we are managing the business for value over volume. Our relentless group-wide focus on capital and cost discipline is helping BP to become much more efficient ainvestment needed for future growth. Looking forward, Dudley said the company expects the external environment to remain challenging however BP has a strong pipeline of new projects which will add 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day of new production capacity by the end of next year.

Beyond this lie further opportunities, including a number which we expect to deliver through innovative structures such as the recently announced Aker BP venture.

We are delivering significant improvements to the business that will stick at any oil price. We are now well down the path of transforming our business to compete, whatever the future holds. We now see a much stronger outlook for BP and are focused on growth, both for this decade and beyond, Dudley stated.
Economic advisor warns against exaggerating effects of Brexit

Speaking during a recent webinar on the subject Caricom, The Caribbean and Europe: Rethinking Trade, Assistance and Integration Post the Brexit Referendum, Ruprah said, the master agreement with the EU will remain in place, including with the UK, until the divorce terms have been settled and, who knows, they may fall in love again. He said Brexit has a negative impact, uncertainty always has a negative impact on economic growth and economics in general but we are talking about two years, three years, four years before any kind of negotiation could go ahead. He added that the new Prime Minister of the UK, Theresa May has said that she is going to inform the European Council of Brexit early next year, so we know that a formal notice of exit will be given to the European Council next year, but apart from that, he said, the only thing we are certain about is that we are uncertain. Also speaking on the panel was Richard Bernal, Pro Vice Chancellor Global Affairs at the University of the West Indies. He lamented that the Caribbean hasnt made full use of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiated between the EU and CARIFORUM (the 15 CARICOM states and the Dominican Republic) in 2008. The aim of the EPA, which included substantial EU aid for trade, was to help Caribbean countries expand their economies and make it easier for people and businesses from the region and the EU to invest in trade with each other and create jobs.

Bernal said the EU is not the regions major trading partner, although the UK market within the EPA remains important. According to Bernal, The negotiations for the exit are likely to take several years which means the EPA remains in place. Built into that agreement are various institutional arrangements to review and recalibrate the agreement. When the UK does in fact leave that agreement, I see no reason why the agreement has to be renegotiated, Britain has dropped out and will not be applying it. What has to be renegotiated is the UKs relationship with CARIFORUM, but the agreement doesnt have to be renegotiated. David Jessop, a consultant with the Caribbean Council, noted that after the signing of the EU CARIFORUM EPA the EU negotiated and signed trade agreements with many other partners so that the world today is replete with agreements covering various disciplines and areas.

He added, so in a way the EPA itself is no longer a best practice in terms of that trade and investment relationship and thats going to be a big issue as we go forward not only with the UK but also with the European Union. Not to mention the fact that the EPA is not fully implemented in all of the CARIFORUM partners yet so there is already a deficiency on the CARIFORUM side.

He added that Within the CARIFORUM, what weve seen over the years is that the non- CARICOM partners of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, although its a full member of CARICOM now, have really outperformed the CARICOM members in terms of trade, investment flows and also even development assistance and it also shows the fact that in that period both the UK and the broader EU have had a greater amount of interest with the rest of the region than just with CARICOM. So the real question is how can the region compete faced with all these new actors coming in? Another panellist said the region needs to prepare people to assess, review and project what it is going to do because the changes are already happening. The Brexit is just the cherry on the pie of something that has been happening for ten years, which is very bad performance in the relationship with the EU.
Global Chamber to help companies gain access to international markets

He said the Global Chamber has the potential to expose companies to new clients, investors, solutions and innovation as well as to take individual entrepreneurs, CEOs and leaders and provide them with the global support system to grow and access opportunities both for themselves and for their organisation.

He said the journey today has taken over three months  three months of training, recruitment, and branding, but that he wouldnt be at the function if he wasnt a witness to the benefits of the global chamber.

He said After searching for solutions to a project that I was working on, in a matter of five days with the help of the Global Chamber and the business services department, I was able to access an expansive network at the Global Chamber that connected me to companies that not only existed with that project but opened up possibilities of several other companies and other projects that created a pipeline that continues to flow today. Necessity is not just the mother of invention. I took the need to survive, added the skill of networking, layered on some globalisation, took action and I am here to share this global opportunity with you. Welcome to Global Chamber Trinidad and Tobago. Moderator Wendell Constantine said the Global Chamber was founded in Phoenix, Arizona, by Doug Bruhnke, now recognised as Chief Executive Officer and founder, in November 2014, and the Global Chamber was launched to the world with an ambitious plan to establish itself in more than 550 metropolitan areas and attract more than one hundred thousand members in the next few years.

Speaking by Skype to guests at the launching ceremony, Bruhnke welcomed Port-of-Spain to the stable of metropolitan areas around the world which are part of the Global Chamber.

Bruhnke explained that the idea for the chamber came after a remark by the son of a Senator in Phoenix, Arizona, that Weve got to keep foreigners out of Arizona because they take our jobs. He said he was inspired to do something to change such ideas. He said the next day he invited a number of people to talk about international business and within a few hours 40 people signed up. He said over the next seven years the association grew with tens of thousands of people expressing an interest in his idea. About a year ago, Bruhnke continued, the nascent chamber began to build a network of chambers and now has 65 branches in 25 countries. He said that the Global Chamber wanted to have a presence in 110 metropolitan areas by the end of this year and in 550 metropolitan areas around the world by 2020.

On its website, the Global Chamber describes itself as a thriving community of professionals, mentors and innovative companies taking on the world of global business.

Catherine Kumar, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, who attended the launch of the Global Chamber, said the new body is different from the local chambers such as the one she leads because of its access to markets outside of Trinidad and Tobago where our business people need to expand. The launch of the Global Chamber took place before the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerces recent trade mission to Panama. Kumar said the chamber had contacted the local chamber in Panama but they were unable to help.

What the Global Chamber is able to do is contact persons at that location and provide the assistance that you need, the research that you need. So they have a group of staff which will be able to do all the research that you need and sometimes our members call us and they are interested in other jurisdictions and they would ask us for information on it and we dont have the information, so we have to stop and research and call somebody in that country or if there is an ambassador, speak to that ambassador.

In this way we could let the member, or we could go for the member to the Global Chamber to get the information that they need.

So I think it should help in companies gaining access to new markets and getting information on new markets and increasing their exports.
Sheldon Powell, first member of Global Chamber

He said the company uses five principles to highlight billionaires in the US and the app tracks their portfolios to see what they invest in, which sectors they believe in and how much of their net worth they invest in each sector and stocks. So you, as an individual downloading our app can have that first world exposure where you can invest through our app. Youre buying and selling stocks, currencies, bonds on the international market from your mobile with virtual funds. Weve created what is called the Virtual Order Management System built in the phone where you can buy and sell any asset class you like. You also have the option to follow the billionaires in real time. Get into their minds to see what they are thinking, what they invest in. Powell said for those who download the app, Shares Trading Group will start them off with a virtual fund of US$25,000 to practice making investments in order to build their confidence. He said after the virtual funds run out, the investor can approach any investment bank and begin investing for real.

Jamaica-born Powell, 29, told Business Day he is a Chartered Algorithmic Trader. Algorithmic trading is defined by Investopedia as a trading system which uses advanced and complex mathematical models and formulas to make high speed decisions and transactions in the financial markets. It says that Algorithmic trading, also known as algo trading and black box trading, is a trading system that involves the use of fast computer programmes and complex algorithms to create and determine trading strategies for optimal returns. According to Investopedia, algorithmic trading is most often used by large institutional investors because of the large amount of shares they buy every day.

Complex algorithms allow them to get the best possible price without significantly affecting the stocks price and increasing purchasing costs.

Powell said the main benefit of joining the Global Chamber was the fact that it was globally connected.

Were an international company, our products and services are structured around the global market. The chamber is structured across every continent across the globe which gives us global access to our potential clients and business communities that we could reach out to. He said he grabbed the opportunity to join the Global Chamber because of the mentoring opportunities offered by the new business body and its extensive business network with contacts with every major chamber in the world.
Business association inaugurates Buy Arima Campaign 2016

At a business breakfast workshop and conference meeting on July 12, the ABA launched its Buy Arima Campaign 2016. The campaign seeks to gather the support of the Burgesses of the Chartered Borough, to purchase from businesses within the borough.

Held at the Eastern Credit Union, Conference Centre, Sorzano Street, Arima, the 6:30 am meeting saw many new business faces seeking interest in the affairs of Arima.

Former Minister in the Ministry of Finance and economist Conrad Enill addressed the meeting. He said,  We have been in a recession for the last ten years. The first thing you have to do in a recession, is to adjust your attitude. Without trying to sound too much like the angel of gloom, Enill did tell the businessmen that they would have opportunities between 2016 and 2018 that they never had before.

Prepare yourselves for when the growth comes. Change your mode and conversation. Included in the discussion was the implementation of discount cards to be provided by members of the ABA. And while the discussions were supposed to be about the development of the Arima Business Association, during the question and answer segment businessmen took the opportunity to make mayor George Hadeed a little uncomfortable in his seat.

Raj Jadoo, owner of Jadoos Bookstore on Broadway, ensured that his frustration with the wrecking service in Arima was highlighted. Jadoo stated that the wreckers where removing cars illegally on many occasions and that it was hampering businesses. He also pointed out that there was a significant increase in the vagrant population and that many of those that make the streets their home were not from the borough.

There was one particular issue Jadoo raised that seemed to catch the mayor by surprise. According to the businessman, there were some roadside vendors who were selling pornographic DVDs to children, discreetly plying the trade by hiding the movies in shoe boxes.
TT/Jamaica  Issues for reflection

Certainly, we must all agree that there have been issues that weigh on the relationship between Trinidad and Jamaica. However recently there has been an increasing number of complaints from Jamaican nationals of ill treatment by immigration officials on arrival in Trinidad and Tobago, leading to their deportation. That this ignited calls for the boycott of Trinidad and Tobago goods meant that this was a deteriorating situation which required some fair degree of finesse and diplomatic tact.

Certainly it would appear that there is quite a lot of work to be done in order to find acceptable solutions to all the issues that have arisen and which would require technical solutions as well as further political involvement. Some of these issues include the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), petroleum pricing and a bilateral framework arrangement with Trinidad and Tobago.

The trade imbalance between the two countries remains an area of concern for the Jamaicans who hold the view that cheap, subsidized energy gives this country an unfair advantage.

While trade and immigration issues have grabbed media headlines, properly addressing the CSME could assist in dealing with some of the trade and immigration issues.

It is important that we place the present difficulties in some form of historical context. These challenged relations with Jamaica go back many decades. We need to understand that there has been a long history of disagreements on free movement of people and trade between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

In fact, if the work of Martin Ira Glassner (October 1970) is read and the supporting documents reviewed, it would appear even before and during the time of the Federation, Jamaica wanted free movement but this was opposed by Trinidad and Tobago.

Jamaica did not want to cede control of economic development to a Federal Government. On the other hand, Trinidad feared inundation by poverty-stricken residents of the smaller islands attracted by Trinidads strong economy and relatively high standard of living.

Protectionist policies were merely a tool to secure nationalist interest.

Have those nationalist tendencies subsided? It would appear that the governments of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago demonstrate an understanding of their value to the integration movement and are syllogistically mirroring the roles adopted by France and Germany in providing leadership to CARICOM partners. Of course we have to be wary here. There appears to be an emphasis on bilateral arrangements.

How are these initiatives that are to be discussed going to work within the CSME. Are the impediments for the free movement of goods and services going to be removed only for the two countries? Is the solution to be imposed on the other members of CARICOM? Of course one would agree that these have been problems for far too long.

There is the attempt to increase investment flows between our countries and to develop mechanisms to facilitate closer trade cooperation and the resolution of trade issues.

There is also an attempt to strengthen cooperation in the areas of energy, tourism, air and sea transportation, and technical and cultural exchanges, including cooperation in sports, film, fashion and the creative industries.

One wonders about the CARICOM strategic plan that was developed in 2014. Were these items not part of the plan? An interesting question for the future of the CSME- what are we in Trinidad and Tobago to make of Jamaicas establishment of a Commission to assess the benefits of its participation in CARICOM? What if the recommendation is based on the very low levels of interregional trade (less than 20%) and Jamaica is best served by going it alone, what will be our response? Local politics in Jamaica won out and the referendum there sealed the fate of the Federation many years ago.

The issues we are dealing with has a history and require statesmanship. Let us learn the lessons of Brexit and have our people seize the need for each other. Determining the nature of the relationship is critical going forward.
TSTT molding future leaders through Vacation Internship Programme

This programme allows young adults the opportunity to gain work experience in their area of study which in turn can assist them in building essential skills such as time management, career management and customer service. Throughout this process, we not only contributing significantly to the development of our countrys youth, but creating TSTT ambassadors at our institutions of higher learning. Also in attendance were prominent and respected TSTT employees who volunteered to become mentors to the aspiring interns during the six-week internship programme.

Melisa Balroop, who volunteered for the first time this year said she was heartened to give of her time and share her expertise with the students as they are the nations future leaders.

Im close to 18 years of service with TSTT and this is a great opportunity to give back and be capable to help a young person develop themselves. I look forward to the programme as I believe it will boost their self-confidence and allow them to apply their field of study in a real life setting so that they can become well-rounded individuals for the world of work. The interns, who have been placed in various departments throughout the Company, looked ready for the task ahead and were all smiles as they eagerly participated in the interactive orientation session. They also vowed to make the best of the rare opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest talent in the telecommunications sector.

Alex Antoine, 18, a second year Computing student at the University of the Southern Caribbean, who is originally from Tobago but resides in Maracas St Joseph, was in high praise of the programme which he said will give him the opportunity to gain hands on experience and put his skills to the test.

I am expecting to gain experience and be part of a large organisation so that I can put what I have learnt in my field into practice. Im also hoping that there is an opportunity to work with TSTT outside of the internship programme as they are the number one service provider in the country. Twenty-year-old University of the West Indies student, Christine Burnley, echoed similar sentiments. Currently in her third year pursuing International Relations, the Maloney resident said she was happy to see that TSTT took such a keen interest in helping to mold the nations youth.

Im a very shy person but in my field of study I will need to break out of my shell. Im glad that one of the things that we will be taught is self-confidence because Ill need to be comfortable with public speaking so Im really looking forward to that aspect of the programme. I really have to say thank you to TSTT for remembering the youth and helping us to grow and succeed. And in her closing remarks, Linton encouraged the students to maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude in the office.

Make a valuable contribution, have a voice, cultivate team spirit and an environment of trust and remember to persevere even when your ideas meet resistance, she said
Missing man found...in Golden Grove Prison

Speaking to his 76-year-old father John Sylvester Hollingsworth, Newsday was told that Nigel was found by police in an abandoned house in the Arima area.

Police officers arrested and charged the mentally disabled man for breaking and entering and larceny, and Hollingsworth is expected to appear before an Arima magistrate on August 10.

This was not the first disappearance for Hollingsworth. He first went missing from his Sugar Apple Santa Rosa Heights, Arima home, seven years ago, and was later found at a house in Arima. He was then sent to St Anns Medical Facility, but was discharged when his mother came from New York to take care of him. However she died a year and a half ago.

Newsday was also told that he gave an alias to police officers, which is why initial searches for Hollingsworth at the police stations proved futile. After weeks of searching to no avail, relatives decided once again to search the jails for the missing man.

They gave a description of the man to prison officers, who came up with a match.

Hollingsworth is still in remand until his court appearance in August.

His father told Newsday that he was elated that he was found, but added that he is doing everything he can to get him into a safe place, where he can be properly taken care of.

I am jubilant and happy because we found my son, said the elder Hollingsworth.
Toco man in court for Tobago murder

Daniel, 30, was stabbed to death near the Livewire Bar in Lambeau, Tobago on being confronted by a group of men. The autopsy later revealed that he died from a single stab wound to the chest.His death was the first murder recorded in Tobago for 2016. In 2015 there were seven murders in Tobago.

Charles was not called upon to plead as the charge, which is a capital offence, and was laid indictably.

He was remanded into custody to reappear on August 24.
5 years jail for ganja

Baptiste, 51, pleaded guilty in the San Fernando High Court before Justice Hayden St Clair Douglas on July 21.

He was charged for trafficking in 25 kilos of marijuana on April 6, 2004. Baptiste, a father of two who hails from Gasparillo was before Justice St Clair Douglas after a jury was empanelled.

Attorney Subhas Panday represented him while senior State attorney Trevor Jones prosecuted.

He had earlier maintained his innocence but on July 21, in the High Court, Baptiste threw in the sponge and pleaded guilty.

The judge remanded him into custody and postponed sentencing to yesterday. Inspector Michael Seales, President of the Police Social and Welfare Association (PSWA) was a Constable back in 2004 when he was driving an unmarked police vehicle accompanied by other officers, when they received a wireless report.

A white Royal Saloon car, driven by Baptiste, overtook the police vehicle but was subsequently intercepted.

Upon searching the vehicle, the police officers discovered a bag containing 24 red, taped packages of marijuana on the floor of the front passenger seat. Baptiste told the police: Boss, a man paid me $200 to collect that green for him. Baptiste had been out on bail in the sum of $150,000, awaiting trial for the past 12 years.

In passing sentence yesterday, Justice St Clair Douglas told Baptiste that his plea of guilty was a belated one, which came after the jury of nine members was selected and he was arraigned.

However, the judge added, it was not the courts view that the drugs were his (Baptiste) own.

Neither did he seek to attempt to sell it, the judge added, but he attempted to benefit by transporting the drug.

Baptiste was 39 at the time of his arrest.

Justice St Clair Douglas said, In 2004, you made a living as a PH driver. You took a job that was a wrong decision.

And that decision in the context of the law has to have consequences.

The court has an obligation to the wider society which is over and above the individual.

Offences of this nature have far-reaching consequences that is beyond the individual. The judge told Baptiste that the starting point in the process of sentencing would be eight years.

When a third is deducted, the sentence that is left is five years and six months.

He ordered Baptiste to begin serving the jail from July 21, when he first pleaded guilty.
Western cops brace for St James crime rise

Mitchell was killed in what was believed to be a reprisal for the death of Mark John, who was killed 12 days earlier.

Police sources told Newsday that officers of the Western Division CID, led by Insp Hospedales and co-ordinated by Snr Supt Ramdhanie, went into the Bournes Road area on Tuesday night and conducted several exercises. Police nabbed four men wanted in connection with recent shootings and robberies in the area. Sources indicated that detectives will be interviewing the four in connection with recent murders.

Sources also said that heightened patrols are going to be conducted in the area until they are satisfied that the safety of the public is ensured.

Newsday understands Mitchell was buried under Muslim rites next Tuesday. According to reports, at about 2 am last Sunday, Mitchell was called out of his Dundonald Hill home by a man known to him.

The man invited Mitchell to come out and take a smoke.

Mitchell and another man walked along a track near the formers home. Minutes later, rapid and loud gunshots rang out. Hours later his body was found in a bushy area near the track. His companion was taken to hospital, where he is being treated for gunshot wounds to his arm.

Less than a fortnight earlier, on July 12, at 5.30 am, a man who was on his way to work, came across the body of 27-year-old Mark John along a track in Bournes Road.

John was shot several times. It was reported that loud explosions were heard in the area at about 11pm, the night before, but residents were too afraid to investigate. Investigations into the murders of Mitchell and John are continuing.
Bittersweet Lamb

The 2016 Africa Film Festival Trinidad and Tobago is an opportunity to see the continent in all its complexity.

In delivering the opening remarks at the Central Bank Auditorium, festival director, Asha Lovelace, acknowledges the profound impact the continents cultures and people have had on the world at large and the Caribbean in particular.

The hope is that by opening a window to African cinema we in the diaspora will find inspiration It is our hope that here in TT we will be inspired by the ingenuity of African cinema to create a local film industry that tells our own stories.

In order to do this we need a vision of ourselves that looks beyond Hollywood and connects to other parts of the world, she said.

The festival began in earnest last Friday with the Movie Maxi initiative collaboration with the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago that brought film to the Brian Lara Promenade with a screening of South Africas first dance film, Hear Me Move.

Last Monday, Yared Zalekes Lamb debuted at the Central Bank Auditorium, Port-of-Spain.

Lamb, the first ever Ethiopian film to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival as an Official Selection in 2015, received rave reviews.

The film stars Rediat Amare (Ephraim), Kidist Siyum, Welela Assefa. It was made in the rural Ethiopian village of Kissoye and features breathtaking views of the countryside.

A film dripping with emotion, Lamb follows Ephraim and his companion, the sublime sheep, Chuni. All but orphaned in drought-riddled Ethiopia, Ephraim finds solace in his interaction with the sheep a substitute for less than meaningful interactions with his human relatives.

Ephraims turn as a wandering loner, bent on saving his bleating friend from becoming part of the main course of a holiday meal, even in a time of hardship, is an ode to enduring friendship.

Ephraims affection for Chuni deepen after he loses his mother to famine and his father sends him and Chuni to live with distant relatives in a greener part of the country. He soon becomes homesick and when his uncle orders him to slaughter Chuni for a holiday feast, Ephraim comes up with a plan to save the sheep and return to his fathers home Producing the film was a challenging project for Zeleke in a country where young film-makers face many difficulties, impossibilities and with no support system in place.

These films show us what is possible if we invest in our own creativity, Lovelace says, like the film-makers and communities behind the blossoming of African cinema, we too, can draw on our talents and use our imagination to address the issues we face here in the Caribbean.

v Like the communities in Laventille, she continued, that in the face of the banning of drums and many aspects of African culture, created a new musical instrument out of what other people discarded, we too, can draw on our imagination and creativity to rebel against injustice and find solutions to the challenges that we face. She asked her audience to imagine the possibilities for arts, education, business, tourism and trade, should we as a country tap into our inherent creativity.

Ingrid Ryan Ruben, director of culture at the Ministry of Community Development Culture and The Arts, said it was important for our people to see themselves to get a real sense of spirit and to find our grounding as a society.

Ruben noted that images of people of African descent range from the content of the Blaxploitation era to the chronically oppressed, and these less than complimentary images have affected us and become part of our psyche.

She noted that with the advent of Nollywood films, from Nigeria, despite the poor production quality, there was a connection that stayed with their viewers, this, Ruben says, is telling.

Bollywood is important to our culture and psyche, so too is Nollywood so too is the film from Latin America, the more we see of that, the better we are able to define and describe ourselves in film, the better we are able to accept ourselves on screen because the less of ourselves we see, is the less we want to see. Ruben thanked Lovelace for her commitment to bringing well-produced African film to local silver screens.

Fitzgerald Hinds, MP for Laventille East/Morvant, recalled finding his moorings in the knowledge of African heritage and tradition, an education obtained on the street corners of the urban communities surrounding the capital city. He too, lauded the thinking behind the festival.

The African story is in so many ways familiar and relevant to us in the Caribbean and the diaspora, he said. Through these forums we can strengthen the cultural ancestral bond.

It will also offer participants a unique opportunity to connect with the rich mosaic on the African continent. With the major Emancipation celebration days away, Hinds hoped that the AFTT would serve as a platform for citizens to contemplate Africas vast history and remind people of African descent that African history did not begin with slavery.

Tonight, AFTT Classics and the Film Programme of the University of the West Indies will feature the final film, Sembene! in a three-day screening of the work of Senegalese auteur Ousmane Sembene, a film-maker and activist considered to be the father of African cinema. The free viewing will be at the UWI Film Studio, 12 Carmody Street, St Augustine from 7 pm.

AFTT Junior will today also feature movies for children including the animated movie the Legacy of Rubies, winner of the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Animation, at the Little Carib Theatre, White and Roberts Streets Woodbrook, at 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. A repeat screening of Lamb takes place at 2 pm at the Little Carib today.

Lamb has been described by one reviewer as bittersweet but Lamb would also work as a film to show your children  it might allow them an emotional connection to ways of life so rarely explored on film.

AFTT continues tomorrow to Sunday with 15 films from Zambia, Kenya, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Morocco and more as an engaging precursor to the 2016 Emancipation celebrations.

Showtimes are 2 pm, 5.30 pm and 8 pm at the Little Carib Theatre.

The AFTT s Fever, an Afro dance party, takes place tomorrow from 9 pm at Euphoria Lounge, Woodbrook. Admission is free for patrons who show their ticket stub from Fridays movie screening.

For more info: and/or tickets: www.

africafilmtt.com or contact the AFTT at 796-8988 or info@africafilmtt.com.
Explore Tamana Bat Cave

The cave attracts visitors from all over the world and the colony in the cave is the second largest in the region. The highest is located in San Antonio, Texas, called Brackens Cave. The bats eat a variety of foods, and some are insectivores, frugivores (fruit eaters), nectarivorous and sanguivorous (vampire bats).

The highlight of the evening begins at dusk when the bats migrate from the cave in search of food.

This spectacular event can last for several hours as thousands of bats leave the cave in a spiral formation. Bats play a significant role in keeping mosquito populations under control, and one bat can consume as many as 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour.

The Tamana Bat Cave has two distinct chambers; the first runs parallel to the surface while the second descends vertically underground.

To explore the cave one has to crawl through a narrow entrance located further up the hill. Inside the cave, thousands of frenzied bats of different sizes and species hang in clusters from the walls and ceiling. The ground is covered with thick layers of bat guano and is home to countless cockroaches. Although, eerie bats are harmless and do not attack anyone. Crawling through the cave one is sure to get their clothes soiled, and some may prefer to stay at the top for the migration.

The cave exit, located on the other end requires one to do some rock-climbing and is an adventure to get to the surface.

The exploration of the cave is a short 20-minutes trek that leads up the mountain. On arriving at the cave, there is the option to continue onwards for another half hour to the summit of Mt Tamana.

Visible at the top, one can see splendid views of Trinidads Northern and Central Range.

During the rainy season, the trail gets muddy so bring along a change of clothing and footwear, rubber gloves, torchlight, repellent, extra water to wash hands and camera.

On Saturday Island Hikers visits Tamana Bat Cave Rating: 3 easy Assembly 1 pm at the corner of OMeara Road and Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Arima Return by 7 pm Hiking time: 20 mins (short uphill climb) Exploration inside the cave and to the summit of Mt Tamana is optional.

For more info: www.islandhikers.

com
Franklin: God punishes you when you turn away poor people

He made the comments yesterday at the stakeholders meeting with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Local Government Authorities (TTALGA) held at the auditorium of the Chaguanas Borough Corporation (CBC).

The Minister urged the audience, which consisted mainly of representatives of the 14 municipal corporations, that in the event they cannot assist somebody, they must make that person feel that attempts were made to do so.

That is the cultural shift that has to take place. You see it happen in the food chain, Khan added.

He noted that at many fast food outlets, including KFC, staff members appear to be courteous to customers. As such, they use remarks such as Welcome to KFC and Have a nice day.

Whether they mean it or not, they have to say it. Your philosophy and mind-set must not be to turn away people. You should not break the law, because some people come in with some ridiculous requests. We need to instil a culture of assistance, urged Khan.

He admitted that he feels strongly about customer relations and further urged the gathering to go the extra mile to assist people. Khan admitted that there were many accusations made during the public consultation about corruption and he charged that this Government will not turn a blind eye.

One of the most disturbing things in Trinidad and Tobago over the last decade or so, is corruption within the public service.

So as part of this legislative reform, we plan to amend the Integrity in Public Life Act and other relevant legislation to include chief executive officers.  On the issue of structure and human resource capacity and capability, Khan said suitably qualified personnel ought to be chosen to do their respective tasks.

The minister explained: It cannot be a friend and family thing because these people will have tremendous responsibility, tremendous access to State resources and they will be in charge of dispensing State resources to the benefit of the population. On the issue of productivity, Khan explained that he received too many letters of complaints from members of the public who stated that as early as 9 am, high ranking officials are already in the rum shops. Some of these officials include senior people such as county superintendents, road officers, supervisors and foremen, to name a few.

Khan explained: We cannot implement this system without improvements in productivity.

I still maintain the principle that productivity is a function of management. If you let productivity go solely in the hands of the labour movement, you will lose your case. It must be a joint consultative process. If you are a senior manager and there is a lack of productivity in your department, you are accountable. The minister insisted that while Local Government election is a political phenomenon, local government reform is not.
Hope we dont need detectors

He made the comment in response to a view expressed by head of the local Catholic Church, Archbishop of Port-of-Spain Joseph Harris that the Church may consider having metal detectors at in churches as these are open places of worship.

Imam Ali said this country cannot believe it is immune to the global realities of terrorism and violence in the name of religion.

We would all become aware that there is a risk and we may have to resort to that if it doesnt change, if it doesnt change in time. I hope we wouldnt get there in Trinidad because we all love the country. People may avoid going to the mosque, the temple, the church. This is the frailty of the human mind. We are hoping that things do not reach that stage and there would be some rethinking by individuals who may wish to react in a certain manner that is not fitting with the rest of society, Imam Ali said.

The Imam said these kinds of acts took away a persons peace of mind when they take away that place of worship.

We all hope and pray that we have not reached that stage where we will have to put bars on the church that is normally left open.

Most churches were left open, but I guess it is different now. The mosques you can go to morning, noon and night, its open, you go in and pray. I think the mandir is the same. There are people who would want some sort of safety and to feel safe in the church so they go there, they run for safety in there, he said.

Ali said these attacks had to be dealt with on a societal level, adding if the doors of mosques, churches and temples had to be locked up or monitored, it says a lot for the society in which we live. International militant terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the murder of Roman Catholic priest Fr Jacques Hamel, 84, whose throat was slit by two men as he was reciting prayers during early morning Mass in a Church in France.

Secretary General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) Satnarayan Maharaj said it was unfortunate that a religious leader had to die at the hands of an assassin while performing his religious duty before the faithful. However, Maharaj did not see implementing metal detectors as a way to deterring such acts in TT.

I see some people are suggesting the need to put metal detectors in all churches and I believe that is a retrograde step. If somebody wants to do you something, the metal detector will not stop them.
Where are the kids?

Among her last words to her husband Krishna were, where are the kids? In a bid to save her life, doctors sedated her on October 11, 2009. She never awoke. Nerys, the daughter she gave birth to on September 30, 2009, has never known her mother.

After years in a coma, the primary school teacher died on March 22, 2014, leaving behind three children: Nerys, 6, teenagers Nicholas and Naomi, and her husband. The circumstances which lead to her death, at age 41, are now engaging the High Court.

On Tuesday, Justice Frank Seepersad called, once more, for the establishment of a Medical Review Board to assist in negligence claims. This, in light of the fact that the claimant asked eight doctors to testify as experts. All declined.

A Newsday review of court filings revealed Solange was treated by at least ten different doctors during an ordeal which saw her transferred repeatedly between the Chaguanas Health Facility; the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC); and the Community Hospital of Seventh Day Adventists.

At least ten doctors are mentioned in the court papers as being among the officials that, at various stages, saw her.

But Krishna alleges negligence on the part of the North Central Regional Health Authority, the overseeing State body. A statement of case states Solange, a Standard One teacher at Melville Memorial Girls Anglican Primary School, Belmont, was fine after she gave birth to her third child on September 30, 2009. She had normal childbirth at EW MSC, where she had also attended pre-natal clinic.

She was discharged on October 2, 2009.

Yet, days later, Solange became unresponsive at the family home at Chaguanas.

She was treated at the Chaguanas Health facility and had several seizures.

According to letter written by Krishna in 2010 to the Minister of Health Therese Baptiste- Cornelis, Solange asked me what had happened. I told her I thought she blacked out on the recliner. She then asked me, where are the kids? I told her they were in the car...I was then asked (by a nurse) to wait outside. After more seizures, Solange was transferred to the EW MSC, according to the 2013 statement of case. The seizures continued there, even after the maximum amount of valium. Though Solange had no history of being hypertensive, she was found to be. Infections and respiratory problems were identified.

The claimant was told the patient suffered cardiac arrest while being intubated, the attorney states.

CPR was performed. A decision was taken to sedate her.

The claimant was made to understand by (a doctor) on October 12, 2009, that his wife, the patient, would come out of the sedation when they stopped the medication/sedation on the same day, the attorney says in the legal filing. That never happened.

Eventually, residual placenta was discovered.

Eclampsia was suspected. Placenta was removed and was found to be infected.

She was discharged.

Without Krishnas consent, she was taken to the Community Hospital on October 16, 2009, because of a lack of bed space. He was only formally told his wife was in a coma on December 4, 2009.

She was taken back to EW MSC on January 15, 2010.

At or around 2:45am on January 16, 2010, the claimant found his wife on a gurney in the corridor at the EW MSC without any life support whatsoever and placed on her were her personal belongings, the court filings state. Krishna wrote the Health Minister on July 1, 2010.

The claimant alleges gross negligence by the State. Lawyers are set to argue that medical systems should have ensured the removal of the placenta after delivery.

There should have been proper checks before discharge.

These children have been deprived of the love, care and affection of their mother, the attorney states. Solanges fellow teacher at Melville Memorial Girls, Kathleen Hazel, yesterday said, She was a very good teacher, very quiet, but assertive and very spiritual.

She went home on maternity but never came back. Someone took over her class until she was replaced. The students were counseled. Through his lawyer, Ramchandani, Krishna declined comment saying the matter had left his family shattered.
RBL launches its AAdvantage Visa Infinite credit card

General Manager of Electronic Channels and Payments at RBL, Anthony Wong, speaking at the launch, said the card was designed with the savvy traveller in mind, (allowing) cardholders to capitalise on the cards special features by offering a particularly unique array of benefits and amenities much in keeping with the demands of frequent travel, while giving you all the rewards that go hand-in- hand with Visa and American Airlines (AA). Wong made it clear that while there are other Visa products on the market, many of which offer valuable AAdvantage miles for travel on American Airlines, the Republic Bank AAdvantage Visa Infinite credit card comes with many additional benefits.

For starters, cardholders are automatically enrolled in the AAdvantage  programme, allowing you to earn miles from everyday purchases, which, when combined with AA miles earned from flying American and over 20 other participating airlines, staying at hotels and renting cars, can be redeemed for incredible travel rewards around the World. Additionally, new Visa Infinite applicants will receive 7,500 AAdvantage miles once they spend US$5,000 and over in the first three months after approval of the card. Wong was addressing guests at the cards local launch, held at Fanatic Kitchen Studio, Dere Street, Port-of- Spain, on Tuesday evening.

Turning his attention to the needs of business travellers, Wong noted that AAdvantage Visa Infinite cardholders have access to AAs Priority Pass Lounge Facility, which gives them access to more than 900 airport lounges worldwide in over 400 cities.

This means you are provided with unfettered access to all the facilities required to transact your business or even simply to relax. The lounges offer quiet and comfortable places to wait for flights, with complimentary refreshments, free internet connectivity and state-of- theart conference spaces, giving you the right settings in which to entertain colleagues, clients and guests. Other benefits include Price Protection Insurance up to US $4,000 per account per year (Signature/ Platinum $2k), Baggage Delay Insurance up to US $600 (Signature $500), Baggage Loss Insurance for up to US $3,000 (Signature US $1,000), Travel Accident Insurance for up to US $1.5 million (Signature US$1M, MC Gold/AA $250,000) and International Emergency Medical Services up to US $200,000 (Signature - $200k, Platinum US $150,000). Wong said all of this comes with RBLs signature chip and pin technology, as well as easy-to-access client emergency and assistance services. Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is the first English-speaking Caribbean country in which the Visa Infinite AAdvantage Card is available.

This countrys Olympic-bound laser sailor, Andrew Lewis, was presented with his own Republic Bank AAdvantage Visa Infinite credit card at the launch. Lewis was scheduled to leave the country yesterday (Wednesday) en route to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where the 2016 Summer Olympics takes place from August 5 to 21.
UWI mourns Prof Persauds passing

Beckles expressed gratitude to Prof Persaud for his many contributions to the University and society at large. The release stated, The University of the West Indies Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) and the rest of The University community extend deepest condolences to the family of Professor Bishnodat Vishnu Persaud on his passing.

In tribute to Professor Persaud, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles expressed, It is indeed sad when The University and the Caribbean lose such a brilliant mind like Professor Persauds.His visionary leadership sought to increase the capacity of our institution to address issues of sustainable development and even as our region continues to grapple with the global economic recession and other sustainability challenges, we hold a deep sense of gratitude for the foundation he created. I am confident that his legacy will live on.'

Professor Persaud was the founding Director of the ISD, formerly The University of the West Indies Centre for the Environment and Development (UWICED) in 1992. He was The UWIs first Chair of the Centre sponsored by the Alcan Bauxite Company in Jamaica and the first Professor for Sustainable Development. Before assuming office as Director of UWICED, Professor Persaud served as a Research Fellow and also Head of the Institute for Social and Economic Research (now the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies/SALISES ) at the Cave Hill Campus. He was made an Honorary Professor of The UWI when he left in 1996.

Other accomplishments by Persaud included serving on the Commonwealth Secretariat as Director and Head of its Economic Affairs Division for ten years. Additionally, he served as member of the United Nations Secretary Generals High Level Committee on Development Policy; as member of the UN sub-committee which suggested the classification of Least Developed States and he was also an advisor to the World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat on Small States.

Among his other career accomplishments include the authoring and co-authoring many journal articles, book chapters and technical reports about development and the environment and sitting on a number of governmental and inter- governmental commissions of enquiry. He also served as a Senior Associate of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery for many years

Coordinator of the ISD, Dr David Smith, expressed his personal tribute noting that, Professor Persaud brought to The UWI a new approach and new thinking to environment and development and was able to generate a great deal of interest in sustainable development research and formed strong linkages with NGOs and civil society practitioners in the field.

The Institute for Sustainable Development values highly the foundation he laid.
Kamla: Is Sandals a case of cat in bag?

There has been no official decision on the issue and thus far Government officials have repeatedly emphasised talks are ongoing.

However, in a media release, the UNC political leader said Sandals was involved in a dispute with the Antiguan Government and cited unfavourable customer reviews.

She queried reports that moves to bring the resort chain began from before Dr Keith Rowley became Prime Minister  from the time he was Opposition Leader.

Against this background we ask whether Dr Rowley did the necessary checks on this organisation before making a deal. said Persad- Bissessar. Are we buying cat in bag based on some agreement struck between two people, the details of which are not known? Dr Rowley and the Government must come clean on all of this. The Opposition Leader said a media report recently said Rowley struck a deal in 2015 with Sandals boss Gordon Butch Stewart while Rowley was still Opposition Leader.

Stewart was quoted as saying Rowley approached him about the possibility of establishing a Sandals development on the island.

If that is so, it might explain why Dr Rowley has taken such a keen interest in this project and why he is fast-tracking it, Persad-Bissessar said. The PM has stated that a Sandals development in Tobago would add 750 rooms to the islands hotel stock and its recognisable brand name would bring significant benefits for Tobago tourism. But thats three or more years down the road.

Dr Rowley is not addressing the present problem of empty rooms in Tobago, nor is he presenting a plan to attract tourists today. She further stated, With no information on which to assess this project other than the PMs eagerness to get it done, we are yet to understand exactly how Sandals would provide the answers to the countrys tourism problems. What exactly would Sandals Tobago offer that is not available at Sandals resorts in Jamaica, Antigua or St Lucia? The Opposition Leader added, Mr Stewart claims that Dr Rowley approached him with the idea in 2015. If that is so, what deal did Dr Rowley make when he was not in a position to offer Mr Stewart anything? What is the deal now that Dr Rowley is PM and can offer concessions? Was the 2015 deal a private one involving Dr Rowley and Mr Stewart alone? Was the PNM involved? If the party was involved, what was the nature of its involvement? Citizens have a right to ask these questions and we demand answers before the Government commits to Sandals. With further reports that one proposed site for the hotel is No Mans Land, which is owned by Clico, Persad-Bissessar said court action could cause delays.

If Mr Duprey is ready to go to court with Sandals insisting on the No Mans Land site, the legal battles could delay the project way beyond the term of this Rowley administration, Persad-Bissessar said.
What you need to know about the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday in Ames

news
10th Anniversary of Ministry of Earth Sciences (2006-2016) & Foundation Day

New Delhi, Thu, 28 Jul 2016 NI Wire

The Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated the 10th anniversary and Foundation Day yesterday.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan released the Vision and Strategy Document for next 15 years (up to 2030) at the Foundation Day function at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

The Minister lauded the excellent achievements of the Ministry and the Scientists for their remarkable work which impacts the lives of the common man in many ways.

The Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S.Chowdary in his address on the occasion highlighted the achievements of the Ministry and congratulated the Scientists for the outstanding work.

The Foundation Day lecture was given by Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences was established in the year 2006 by bringing agencies of meteorology, ocean development and operational seismology activities under one umbrella. The sole purpose of the endeavour was to address holistically various aspects relating to earth system processes for improving forecast of the weather, climate and various natural hazards. The Ministry inter alia is responsible for development of technology towards the exploration and exploitation of marine resources in a sustainable way for the socio-economic benefits of the society. The mission of the Ministry is to provide services for weather, natural hazards, climate, ocean and coastal state, seismology, and exploring marine living and non-living resources and the Polar Regions.

Over the past few years, the quality of weather, climate, ocean and seismological services have improved due to systematic efforts in augmenting atmospheric, coastal and ocean observations and survey, geophysical observations, polar research, developing adequate modelling strategy, conducting cutting edge research and investing in human resources development. There is a considerable scope for further accelerating these initiatives to enable the country to become a world leader in providing high quality services, and contribute to economic and societal benefits.

The National Awards for Excellent Scientific Work and Certificate of Merit to Distinguished Scientists, Young Scientists and School Children were also presented on this occasion.

Source: PIB
Akira fans come together to unveil new poster with Sonakshi Sinha

Bollywood, Thu, 28 Jul 2016 NI Wire

Mumbai, July 28th, 2016: The very cool Sonakshi Sinha is all set to don a fierce avatar for her next action thriller Akira. The movie has been garnering a lot of attention amongst fans with its hard hitting story and Sonakshi's never seen before.

For the launch of the third poster of the film the makers used the unconventional idea of including the fans of the movie to unveil the poster along with the lead actress Sonakshi Sinha!

The trailer and the other posters had became a rage on the net soon after their release, hence going by the growing fan following of the movie it was only befitting to include the fans in launching the 3rd poster of the movie.

Fans are eagerly waiting to catch Sonashi throw some kicks and punches on the silver screen, and the anticipation on social media is evident by the high level of engagement and chatter that is present now .

Akira also features Konkona Sen and Anurag Kashyap in pivotal roles.

The trailer launch was also crafted strategically to ensure that the asset goes viral instantly . After a successful on-ground launch of the trailer in an event comprising of a huge gathering of college students along with the media, fans became impatient for the trailer to be officially released in the digital space.

The studios had planned to use the eagerness of the fans and audiences and use it as a trigger to give an unprecedented push to the unit. Sonakshi then took to an impromptu live chat on Facebook where she suddenly released the trailer online, amidst a live audience of nearly 20 k fans who had gathered in just about 15 mins.

Fox Star Studios presents a Fox Star Studios and A. R Murugadoss production. Directed by A. R. Murugadoss, Akira starring Sonakshi Sinha is slated to release on 2nd September 2016.

Watch the trailer here: Akira Trailer Sonakshi Sinha A.R. Murugadoss Releasing 2nd September 2016

View More : 'Akira '
A THREAT TO ALL HUMANITY



By Chuck Baldwin

July 28, 2016

NewsWithViews.com

When it comes to constitutional government, the whole left-right, conservative-liberal, Republican-Democrat, even Christian-secular paradigms are, for the most part, an illusion. Over most of the last century, conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats, and Christians and secularists have collectively jettisoned constitutional government in favor of a Welfare State, a Warfare State, a Nanny State, and a Police State.

So-called conservative Republicans like to talk about limited government, but in reality Republican presidential administrations and Congresses have equaled or sometimes even surpassed Democrats in exploding the size and scope of government. Likewise, liberal Democrats like to talk about ending foreign wars and so-called free-trade deals that favor international corporations, but in reality Democrat presidential administrations and Congresses have done nothing to bring the troops home or dismantle job-killing free-trade deals. After all of the campaign rhetoric, both major parties in Washington, D.C., have become nothing more than water boys for the 1 percent donor class.

Over the past several decades, Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, Christians and secularists have, for the most part, supported the creation of the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, the indefinite detention sections of the NDAA, the militarization of our local and State law enforcement agencies, the draconian, liberty-killing, blatantly unconstitutional Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ubiquitous government spying of the American people, endless wars of aggression overseas, the war on terror at home, ad infinitum.

It seems that the vast majority of liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, secularists and Christians want bigger, more intrusive government. It is not just inner city blacks (who often vote Democrat) who are taking advantage of Americas monstrous welfare system, so are a huge percentage of whites (who often vote Republican) from suburbia. I will make an educated guess that one will find as many so-called Christians living on the government dole as those who profess no faith. Plus, if you think that only liberals and secularists are getting abortions, think again. Some studies indicate that over half of the people asking for abortions are professing Christians. The paradigms mentioned above are all but useless.

Look at how Democrat and Republican presidential candidates feel they must go kiss the rings of the Zionists in Tel Aviv; look at how they grovel and pander to the globalist elite at the Council of Foreign Relations (CFR), Trilateral Commission (TC), and Bilderbergs; and look at how quick they all are to go to war--and STAY at war.

When the Patriot Act was being rushed through Congress by G.W. Bush, I was living in a rather large metropolitan area in the southeast. There were over 100 Southern Baptist churches in my area. Thats JUST Southern Baptist churches. That doesnt count all of the other brands of Baptist churches and all of the other denominations in town. Hundreds and hundreds of churches. Guess how many pastors joined together to oppose the Patriot Act. Youre looking at him, pal. In my town, it was me and the ACLU that stood in opposition to the passage of the Patriot Act. You read it right: the conservative Chuck Baldwin and the liberal ACLU. So much for labels. In fact, when it comes to Big Brother and the Warfare State, labels mean absolutely nothing.

This is what most people just dont understand: the Constitution is neither a conservative nor liberal document. The Natural rights of man are neither conservative nor liberal, neither Christian nor secular. Our Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights were meant to protect the Natural rights of ALL men. And when it comes to opposing Americas burgeoning Police State and endless wars of aggression, throw political and ideological labels away: they mean absolutely nothing.

I have often said that when it comes to voting for candidates for federal office, we should focus much more on whether one is a globalist or nationalist than whether they are conservative or liberal. And I hesitate to use the word nationalist, because too many people associate that word with the phony American exceptionalism philosophy that is used to foment most of these endless international wars that the U.S. engages in. I actually prefer to say one is either a globalist or an AMERICAN, because historic American ideology (until the Twentieth Century at least) considered foreign entanglements anathema.

However, since World War II, globalists have controlled every presidential administration of both parties (with the possible exceptions of John F. Kennedys and Ronald Reagans) and most of the U.S. Congresses. This reality has brought America to the brink of a Police State and World War III. And, again, neither Republican nor Democrat, conservative nor liberal, Christian nor secularist means diddlysquat when it comes to stopping this juggernaut.

Preventing the complete implementation of a Police State and the advent of World War III is going to take a consortium of strange bedfellows--such as what happened when Bob Barr (representing the ACLU) and I teamed up to oppose the Patriot Act.

For example, I find it incredible that the only people Ive heard who are trying to warn the world of how close we are to global nuclear war are progressives (aka liberals). And they are warning that if Hillary Clinton (a liberal) is elected, World War III is almost inevitable. I remind you the following report is produced by progressives, NOT conservatives. Plus, at least some of the people who report for this organization would identify themselves as atheists or agnostics. And THEY are warning us about the liberal, Hillary Clinton.

Listen to what THEY say in this video report:

The leading likes of the so-called progressive movement argue that it is the lefts duty to vote for this neocon warmonger. But the consequences of this strategy may well lead directly to nuclear war.

Hillary Rodham Clinton is a Wall Street-backed warmonger whose potential election as President of the United States this November poses an existential threat, not just to Americans, but to all of humanity.

As First Lady and then as Senator, she actively supported the USs illegal wars of aggression abroad.

She not only admitted the USs role in creating Al Qaeda:

[Hillary Clinton speaking] When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, we had this brilliant idea that we were gonna come to Pakistan and create a force of Mujahideen, equip them with stinger missiles and everything else to go after the Soviets inside Afghanistan.

But then, despite this admission, as Secretary of State, her support of the war on Libya and the jihadis in Syria directly led to the rise of ISIS and the migrant crisis in Europe.

She was the one who announced the USs so-called Asia Pacific Pivot that has seen more US military forces being placed in the Asia Pacific as a direct military threat to China.

And she has stated in no uncertain terms that Russia and Iran will be militarily targeted in a Clinton Presidency and that the nuclear option is as always on the table.

Hillary Clinton is a neocon, a war hawk, a liar, and unindicted criminal and a Wall Street puppet. Why is it then, that those on the so-called progressive left, who would be warning against her if she had an R next to her name, are instead lecturing other leftists that it is now their duty to fall in line and help her get elected?

[Michel Chossudovsky speaking] In so many words, Hillary Clintons foreign policy stance is to blow up the planet. She has made statements to the effect that a first-strike nuclear attack against Russia or Iran is on the table, so that if she is in the White House she could in fact unleash the unspoken which is World War III. I think this is something we have to address, both in terms of analysis, but in terms of political choice. So that anybody who wants to blow up the planet is not progressive. Secondly, she has a criminal record. Not only in regards to the email scandal but also in relation to the Clinton Foundation which is involved in fraud, money laundering, political cronyism, etc. It is amply documented. So that, in effect, the choice of the American people is to elect a war criminal.

It is no hyperbole to say that the election of Hillary Clinton as President this November would be one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the United States and perhaps the world. It is incumbent on people of all stripes, American and non-American, Republican and Democrat, progressive and libertarian, anarchists and those who have never thought about politics a day in their life to protest her nomination at the Democratic National Convention, work against her campaign for President, and divert the nightmare that is now coming into view.

Watch the video: Hillary Clinton: A Threat To All Humanity

I have been trying to warn people for decades about the threat that the Clinton and Bush families pose to the future of the United States. In reality, the Clinton and Bush families are ONE CRIME FAMILY. They represent corruption, criminality, corporatism, cronyism, and global cannibalism to the nth degree. For twenty out of the last twenty-eight years, America has had either a Bush or a Clinton in the White House. And to the chagrin of Democrats who thought they were getting change with Barack Obama, for the past eight years, he has simply treaded water for the Bush/Clinton regime. And with Hillary winning the Democrat nomination, they are back. And as Ted and Heidi Cruz are ardent GW Bush disciples, had Ted won the GOP nomination, globalists would have had the presidency locked up. (Despite the allegations of some, I am still unconvinced that Donald Trump is a globalist; I tend to think he is not. However, I suspect Mike Pence might be a closet globalist. If Pence is a globalist, we could be looking at another Reagan/Bush scenario--and we all know what happened to Reagan, dont we? But I will leave that subject for another column.)

Hillary (along with Bill, and GHW, and GW--and never forget to include Newt Gingrich among the globalist elite) is the globalists globalist. She is EVERYTHING the CFR, TC, and Bilderbergs want. And there is nothing that enriches globalists like war. The Bushes and Clintons have kept America at war for over two decades (and Obama did nothing to change it; in fact, he escalated it), but World War III is what the global gamemakers long for.

Let me pause here to encourage readers to purchase the book War Is A Racket by Major General Smedley Butler (USMC). Read this short book, and you will understand how the top 1 percent is enriched by war. Nothing enriches the elite like war. Nothing. And the bigger the war, the bigger the riches.

Find General Butlers book in my online store here: War Is A Racket

A Hillary victory puts the Bush/Clinton Crime Family back in the White House. And lets be clear: the two main goals of Hillarys administration would be the full implementation of a Police State in America (including gun confiscation) and the advent of World War III. And right now, it seems that some progressives understand the danger more than many Christians and conservatives.

Again, throw the labels and the paradigms away. Hillary Clinton is a threat to all humanity.

P.S. As the DHS continues to escalate Police State training tactics throughout Americas law enforcement agencies, it means the chances of citizens being subjected to all kinds of bullying by police officers also escalates--not to mention the shoot first, ask questions later mentality that is growing exponentially among law enforcement personnel. It is very incumbent on citizens to have a good grasp of their constitutional rights when confronted by a policeman. In these days and times, knowing what to say and what not to say and what to do and what not to do can literally save your life.

My constitutional attorney son, who was a prosecutor before becoming a defense attorney, has put together an outstanding video that teaches people the do's and don'ts when contacted by police, whether it be a traffic stop or something else. What Tim teaches will help citizens better protect liberty in their communities and will help policemen to be better peace officers. Yes, I recommend this video for honest lawmen as well.

The video is called Police Contact: How To Respond. I highly recommend this video to everyone. Order the DVD here.

[If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link.]

[I also have many books and DVDs available for purchase online. Go to Chuck Baldwin Live Store]
The fourth low production rate copy of the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter has been spotted



The J-20 will fly at up to 1305 mph

The appearance of LRIP aircraft suggests that the type is nearing introduction into service with the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force. A number of J-20s have been seen on satellite imagery at the China Flight Test Establishment base at Xian-Yanliang. The latest report to Congress on Chinese defense developments by the U.S. Department of Defense suggests that the J-20 could become operational in 2018.

The J-20 appears to be designed for long-range interception with an emphasis on frontal-aspect low-observability. It has an infrared search and track sensor and possibly also an electro-optical distributed aperture system (EODAS), the latter a Chinese-designed system similar to that on the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. The weapons are carried internally, with a central bay expected to contain four beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs). There is also provision for two short-range AAMs in two separate weapons bays on each side of the fuselage.

The main question that is left for the design is the powerplant, with all J-20s built so far being powered by two Russian Saturn AL-31 engines. China hopes eventually to install 180-kN (40,000-pound-thrust)-rated WS-15 turbofans. But Chinas jet engine development program has been stymied by manufacturing and reliability issues. Even the less ambitious WS-10 turbofan is yet to fully enter service with the single-engine Chengdu J-10 fighter, although it has been flying on the twin-engine Shenyang J-11 Flanker since 2010.
Leaves are falling, the air is crisp and deer season is right around the corner. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this time of year. Becoming involved in hunting a few years ago gave me yet another reason why I look forward to fall.
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French President Tuesday declared France at war following Islamist attack on a church at Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray which left the priest assassinated.

Francois Holland on visit to the scene of the attack also announced that the Islamic State (IS) group has declared war to France.

We are in front of a group, Daech that has declared war to us. We must wage that war by all means, in accordance the law, reason why we are a democracy, Holland said using Arabic name of the group.

Two attackers in Tuesday assaulted Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray Catholic Church in the morning, taking the six people among whom the priest hostage. They slaughtered priest Jacques Hamel, 86 and wounded four other people. One woman managed to escape and informed security forces.

The security forces took position in front the church and later killed the two attackers. Authorities identified one of the terrorist as Adel Kermiche, 19, unknown to security forces.

Kermiche on the other hand has been on anti-terrorism services radar after trying two times to travel to Syria in March 2015 and May 2015, reports say. He was arrested on May 22, 2015, jailed for six months before being released and placed under electronic surveillance.

The attack, according to French Le Monde occurred the period he was allowed to move out: between 8:30 and 12:30, Monday through Friday.

IS claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement released on its media, Aamaq.

In a televised address to the nation in the evening, Holland urged French to continue forming a bloc to win the war against hatred and fanaticism.

He also noted that the war against IS will be long and France will win.

Following the attack, the EU leaders pledged to stand with France in the fight against barbarity.

More than ever, all over Europe, solidarity and cooperation will be essential in the fight against barbarity and to ensure that our shared values prevail, wrote Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the European Commission.

EUs foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also followed suit to express her solidarity with France and offered her condolences to the victims families and Catholic Church.

Targeting a man of faith, of any faith, is always a crime against our common humanity because it means targeting the deeper essence of our lives, believers and non-believers alike, she said.
Libyas UN-backed Prime Minister Faiez Serraj Monday formerly protested at French military presence as he met with French envoy at the sidelines of Arab League Summit in Nouakchott, Mauritania, reports say.

Serraj according to media team of his government had demanded from French Ambassador Antoine Sivan an official explanation from the French government about the truth of what happened.

The GNA considered the French presence in Libyas eastern region as a breach of international norms and sovereignty which it rejects, said a statement from the Government of National Accord.

The GNA was annoyed last week after French President Francois Holland confirmed three of French military officers died in a helicopter crash during an intelligence operation in the East of the country along with forces loyal to General Khalifa Hafter; a staunched opponent of the GNA.

France, UK, US and several western countries have endorsed the GNA and have pledged to assist the UN-back government to rebuild the country, now in a shambles, following the death and demise of Muammar Gaddafis regime in 2011.

Antoine Sivan reportedly reiterated his countrys support for the GNA and promised a formal note to explain the circumstances of the incident.

Protests erupted last week in the west of the country to protest against French military presence. Protestors burned the French flag and called on the GNA to step down.
UNSMIL Head Martin Kobler Monday received a blow as Libyan army commander backed by the House of Representatives (HoR) threatened to attack any oil vessels entering Libyan waters if not authorized by National Oil Company (NOC) recognized by the HoR.

Army Chief of staff Abdelrazak Nazhuri said the vessels will be attacked by army aviation if they enter the ports.

Any movement of any vessels or oil tankers toward the Libyan territorial waters without prior agreement with the NOC affiliated to the Libyan parliament will be targeted, he said in a statement.

The threat comes at the back of a controversial deal between Kobler and Ibrahim Jadhran, commander of powerful militia; Petroleum Facilities Guard. The deal even though not clearly laid out stipulates that Jadhran reopens eastern oil terminals he blocked for three years and receives fat cheque, to the tune of $180 million, reports say.

The deal was denounced by reunified NOC chairman, Mustafa Sanalla who slammed and Kobler and the UN-backed Presidential Council. Sanalla in a letter to Kobler argued that Jadhran is a war lord and a deal with him could encourage other militia strongmen to copy extortion tactics of an entirely malevolent influence, with no concept of national interest.

Jadhran reportedly called on the PC to respect the deal otherwise he will withdraw his support to it.

Libya following the collapse of Gaddafis regime has seen its NOC spitted into two. The HoR in the East along with its allied government based in Beida set up their own NOC while the NOC in Tripoli has pledged allegiance to the PC.

The two institutions accepted to reunify this month for the benefit of the country which has seen its oil production plummeting. The PC needs the relaunch of oil production to its full capacity in order to meet economic and financial challenges that have gripped the country.

Countrys oil production has gone down from 531 million barrels in 2012 to 146 million barrels in 2015.

Nazhuris threats further jeopardize the stability of the NOC and de factor that of PC and the Government of National Accord (GNA).
Morocco will build shelter for populations which have camped in capital Bangui as they ran way from violence, reports say.

huffpostmaghreb.com relaying information from local media from the country announced that Morocco as a result of agreement with Central African Republic(CAR) government will build a number of houses in capital Bangui to shelter waves of populations running away from violence.

CAR collapsed in civil war in 2013 with two camps opposing each other. Muslims united under the militia Seleka have been confronting Christians and animists armed group known as anti-balaka.

No detail has been leaked how the houses will be allocated but areas around the capital international airport have been adopted as sites for the construction due to presence of water and power facilities, reports say.

Thousands of people including Muslims and Christians died in the three-year civil war.

Morocco also played a great role in the recent November African trip of Pope Francis who visited the country to promote peace and reconciliation.

Moroccos secret intelligence services helped secured a safe trip for the Pope.
The reinvigoration of Moroccos diplomacy in Africa and its willingness to join the African Union are indicators of a broader ambition to expand its influence and defend its position on the Sahara issue, says Stratfor, a US-based geopolitical intelligence firm.

Morocco has been laying the economic and diplomatic groundwork to extend its reach into the continent for decades, and its efforts might soon pay off, Stratfor said in an analysis published on its website.

Having heavily invested in bolstering its economic and diplomatic ties with other African nations over the past two decades, Morocco finally feels compelled to return to the continental bloc and to boot out the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic at the same time, the US firm noted.

In this respect, Stratfor points out to the support Morocco enjoys in several African countries as evidenced by the withdrawals and suspension of recognition of the SADR by many African nations.

At the most recent African Union summit in Kigali, 28 of the blocs 54 members reportedly voiced their support for Morocco, said the US firm that specialized in strategic issues.

Yet, Morocco has to maneuver against Algeria and its allies who staunchly defend SADR membership of the African Union, noted Stratfor.
Thursday 28

Ozark Sharks (Syfy 7pm) Syfy turned into a goofy, shark-based channel so slowly, we barely noticed.

Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle (Comedy 11pm) Who needs celebrities to roast? Comedians go head-to-head with one another in a battle of wits and insults.

Friday 29

Tallulah (Netflix streaming anytime) This comedy-drama, written and directed by Sian Heder (one of the writers for Orange is the New Black), stars Ellen Page as a free-spirited young babysitter who kidnaps/rescues a toddler from an irresponsible mother then seeks the help of her ex-boyfiends estranged mother (Allison Janney).

Saturday 30

Stride Gum Presents Heaven Sent (KASA-2 7pm) Skydiver Luke Aikins marks a new first in the history of his sport when he jumps out of a plane with no parachute, no wingsuit, no nothing. I dont know how hes going to survive, but it makes me want chewing gum really bad.

Thank God Its Friday (TCM 12:45am) This is as archeological a study of the Disco era, circa 1978, as you are likely to find. Be on the lookout for young Jeff Goldblum, Debra Winger and Donna Summer. Oh, and thats Terri Nunn from the New Wave group Berlin as a high school contest winner.

Sunday 31

Teen Choice 2016 (KASA-2 7pm) John Cena and Victoria Justice host. Charlie Puth and Serayah (whoever they are) perform.

Sharknado: The 4th Awakens (Syfy 6pm) Sure, these Sharknado movies are dumb as all hell, but youve got to give them credit for self-awareness. Half the cast of Baywatch is in this onejust to give you an idea of how non-serious it is. Also, Gary Busey is here. He may have just wandered on to set. We cant be sure.

Monday 1

Future-Worm! (Disney XD 9am) A 12-year-old builds a time machine out of a lunchbox, teams up with a super-powered futuristic worm and travels through time having various animated adventures. Makes sense to me.

Tuesday 2

The Nazi GamesBerlin 1936 (KNME-5 7pm) Sure, our Olympic athletes have got the Zika virus, super bacteria in the water, a collapsing government infrastructure and assorted drug-fueled kidnapping gangs to contend with in Rio this summer. But at least theyre not up against the Nazis.

Wednesday 3

Beat Bugs (Netflix streaming anytime) This computer-animated music series for kids is notable because it features cover tunes from the Beatles catalog. Among the artists covering the Fab Four: Eddie Vedder, Pink, Sia, The Shins, Of Monsters and Men, Chris Cornell and Regina Spektor. I suspect a lot of parents will be listening in.
An International Monetary Fund delegation is expected in Cairo this weekend to discuss a multibillion-dollar support program for cash-strapped North African country.

The Egyptian economy has been hit badly by terror attacks and political unrests. The country has been suffering from severe foreign currency shortage since the beginning of the year. This was mainly because of damage to the tourism industry after a terrorist bomb brought down a Russian airliner shortly after takeoff from an Egyptian airport. All 224 people on board were killed.

Egyptian government pins high hope to get emergency IMF loans and obtain a three-year support program worth $7bn a year. Cairo says IMF plan would help Egypt complete its own reform program which includes measures such as introducing a value added tax, reducing government spending and increasing exports.

According to the Head of the IMFs Middle East department Masood Ahmed, the Egyptian authorities have asked the IMF to provide financial support for their economic program.

We welcome this request, and look forward to discussing policies which can help Egypt meet its economic challenges, he added.

Egyptian central bank devalued the countrys currency in March by about 13 per cent, but the move failed to halt the slide of the Egyptian pound on the black market for foreign currency where demand for dollars has remained high.

Manufacturers and importers have been complaining that restrictions on access to dollars were strangling the economy. The country largely depends on foreign investments and tourism for hard currency but those have suffered because of instability and terror threats.
Pope Francis, head of Roman Catholic Church Wednesday indicated that the world is at war but rejected claims that religion is the source a day after two Islamic State (IS) sympathizers slit the throat of a Roman Catholic priest in France.

Speaking to reporters on his plane en route from Rome to the Polish city of Krakow, Pope Francis argued the world is at war but media and world leaders shy away to say it.

We must not be afraid to say the truth; the world is at war because it has lost peace,

This is war. The world has been at war for a while now  We had the war of 1914, then the war in 1939-45, and now this one, he added.

When I speak of war I speak of wars over interests, money, resources, not religion. All religions want peace, its the others who want war.

The pontiff who is attending the week-long international event known as World Youth Day condemned the killing of Father Jacques Hamel, 86 on Tuesday at Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in his church.

The priest was slaughtered by two IS militants who stormed the church as Hamel was leading morning mass. The attackers were killed by security forces.

This priest, who died as he was leading churchgoers to prayer, is one [victim], Pope Francis said.

But how many Christians, how many innocent children [have died]? he added.

Pope Francis touched down in the Polish city to attend the World Youth Day, one of the biggest catholic gatherings in the world.

Polish authorities who have been reluctant to receive migrants fleeing war in Syria have reportedly mobilized around 20,000 security forces to secure the event. Authorities have also banned gas tankers and large trucks from entering the city.

Up 2 million youth across the world are expected to attend the event.
The stage of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Welcome, I guess, to my New York live-blog of the two conventions of 2016. Settle in, calm your nerves (mine will be frayed enough for all of us), have a drink (or a joint), and enjoy!

If you want to send me your thoughts as the events proceed, email me at sully@nymag.com (if youre a recovering dishhead, you can also always use the old email address). Please refresh to update.

11:52 p.m. Amen:

The most powerful image in this election so far. pic.twitter.com/0cc0L60zBo  Marc Ambinder (@marcambinder) July 28, 2016

11:41 p.m. Its been a long and entirely unexpected journey with this extraordinary figure. Ive doubted and panicked, Ive hyper-ventilated and wept, Ive worried and persevered. We did a lot of that together, you and me. But I have one thing to say: he never let us down. He kept his cool, he kept his eyes on the prize, he never embarrassed and almost always lifted us up. He is a living, walking example of American exceptionalism, of why this amazing country can still keep surprising the world.

Readers know how I feel about the Clintons. But this is not about them or me. Its about an idea of America that is under siege and under attack from a foul, divisive, dangerous demagogue. If you backed Obama, there is no choice in this election but Clinton. This is not a election to seek refuge in a third party or to preen in purist disdain from the messy, often unsatisfying duties of politics. It is an election to keep the America that Obama has helped bring into being, and the core democratic values that have defined this experiment from the very beginning: self-government, not rule by a strongman; pluralism and compassion rather than nativism and fear; an open embrace of the world, and not a terrified flight from it.

But you know what Obama gave us tonight? He gave some of us hope. Again. Thats what he does. And we will never see his like again.

11:40 p.m. America, you have vindicated that hope.

11:35 p.m. A defense of civility and honesty and decency and hard work. As his grandparents taught him. Defining America not by what we fear but what we have in common. This is a master-class in summoning a country to believe in itself again.

11:31 p.m. Hes got this. One more time.

11:29 p.m. America is not about Yes, he will but Yes, we can. Democracy over tyranny.

11:27 p.m. The arc of history is long:

American exceptionalism and greatness, shining city on hill, founding documents, etc--they're trying to take all our stuff  Rich Lowry (@RichLowry) July 28, 2016

Well, you gave it all away to a thug.

11:25 p.m. This is essentially a defense of democracy against tyranny. Which is the choice in this election.

11:23 p.m. We can honor the police and treat every family fairly. His non-zero-sum argument is the same as it was in 2004.

11:20 p.m. We dont look to be ruled. Thats the core issue in this election: Trumps attempt to redefine America from the country that created self-government to one that worships a strongman. Obama sees the real divide here.

11:17 p.m. Hes defending America  from Trump.

11:15 p.m. Hes making a key case to the struggling middle classes not to trust this buffoon who has only showed any interest in those less fortunate than himself when he wanted their votes.

11:13 p.m. Classic Obama line: Dont boo. Vote.

11:11 p.m. She never, never quits. True that. Hitch used to say of the Clintons  with a snarl  that they are always the last person to leave a meeting. Contemplating Trump, Im beginning to see that as a backhanded compliment.

11:06 p.m. Its morning in America. He still has faith. People sometimes ask me how I could have been a Reagan fan and then a passionate Obama supporter. Well: just listen to this speech.

11:01 p.m. Can I just say that I always believed we could get marriage equality under this president. But to hear him list it as one of his proudest accomplishments brings a lump to my throat. We did it. But he was integral to bringing it home.

10:59 p.m. And the Dems now own optimism. This is truly the Democrats Reagan. Now can we elect his George H.W. Bush?

10:57 p.m. Four More Years!

How many more years would Dems nominate Obama were it not for that constitutional amendment?  Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) July 28, 2016

10:54 p.m. Ive never felt this way about a president, so I might as well admit it. Against hideously graceless opposition, in the face of extraordinary odds, facing immense crises, he stayed the course and changed this country. This election is, at its core, about not letting a bigot and a madman take that away from all of us.

10:52 p.m. From Philly:

There is some serious anticipation in this room for the president. Feels like the crowd wants to say a last, loud thank you.  Matt Bai (@mattbai) July 28, 2016

10:50 p.m. POTUS is not going to speak till after 11 p.m. But this video is affecting. And its building.

10:47 p.m. A reader writes:

Kaines best line is saying that he trusts Clinton with the life of his son, a marine. Military families  and the terror of serving under Trump  need more attention in the campaign.

10:43 p.m. Two parents of service-members build to the commander-in-chief. Its a poignant rebuke to the Benghazi exploitation. Have you noticed that the Dems have all but co-opted the Republicans usual ownership of national pride and military service?

10:40 p.m. A gold-star mom is a surprising but genius intro to the greatest president in my lifetime.

10:33 p.m. I like this emphasis on trust. Trump is an obvious con-artist and insecure liar. And its good to hear a Jesuit-educated nice guy pointing it out. Not a barn-burner; but the crowd was respectful, and warm. He made a sharp decision to reach out to the Bernie-supporters, disarming and almost co-opting them. Then he was home-free.

10:31 p.m. Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth.

10:28 p.m. Heh:

I just figured out the Tim Kaine pick: he is too bland and indistinct for any conceivable Donald Trump insult nickname to stick.  Conor Friedersdorf (@conor64) July 28, 2016

10:25 p.m. Kaine seems a bit of a lightweight after so many heavy-hitters, but hes an engaging and sympathetic figure. And now that hes taking on Trump, hes gaining traction. Great to hear him going after the tax returns scam.

10:21 p.m. Heh:

If Joe Biden is your favorite uncle, Tim Kaine is your favorite assistant vice principal.  Simon Owens (@simonowens) July 28, 2016

10:19 p.m. A nice embrace of Sanders to deflect the hard lefties from Cali.

10:18 p.m. Underwhelmed by Kaine tonight. But I guess its hard to present your own resume and inspire people. Still:

Kaine: "Somos Americanos todos."

Trump: Illegal immigrants are killing your children  Nicholas Thompson (@nxthompson) July 28, 2016

10:12 p.m. Such a Catholic vibe tonight.

10:10 p.m. A winner:

10:00 p.m. Nice linkage between Tim Kaines Marine son and Donald Trumps disparagement of NATO allies. The Dems really are playing the patriotism card against the Kremlin-friendly Republicans.

9:57 p.m. Will the far left try and sabotage Tim Kaine? That is the question 

9:49 p.m. A reader writes:

Wonder if you caught what Ive been noticing: The keynote speeches here at the DNC contain some themes that the GOP used to have a monopoly on: Values, American greatness and exceptionalism, support for the military, etc. and we need to join together to save the country.



Meanwhile, Trump and his ilk have disparaged the military, want to expand torture, and repeat the line that the country is going down the tubes, and that only he can fix it. Almost overnight, the Republicans have embraced that which they abhorred in their opposition.

9:48 p.m. Yes!

"Together, let's elect a sane, competent person."  Josh Barro (@jbarro) July 28, 2016

9:45 p.m. I have a feeling that Bloomberg managed to move more actual undecided votes to Clinton than any other speaker so far. A brilliant move by the DNC.

9:43 p.m. This is a building theme from Biden to Bloomberg: refuse to surrender to fear. America never gives in to fear.

9:40 p.m. This is a crisp, smart and devastating analysis of the damage Trump would do to the economy. This election has to be about this choice: between a madman and a politician. This is not reality television. This is reality.

9:39 p.m. Trump says he wants to run this country the way he runs his business? God help us. Im a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one.

9:37 p.m. Bloomberg is speaking to people like me. He wants a problem-solver not a bomb-thrower. He knows business. Trump knows very little about business. This is effective beyond this hall.

9:36 p.m. Cant resist:

Biden: This Weed Really Creeps Up On You #DemsInPhilly  Onion Politics (@OnionPolitics) July 28, 2016

9:31 p.m. A reader channels my fury:

You know what, Ive had it up to my goddamned eyeballs with these petulant, perpetual college freshman booing and chanting. Tape all your damned mouths until youre ready to use them for something useful.



Im a lifelong solid Democrat. A stereotypical one even. Skeptical of patriotism and the greatness of America. I went into this convention very lukewarm on Hillary. I was voting for her, but primarily because when the choice is a neo-fascist or not a fascist, you choose not a fascist. Thats your damned duty as an American.



But after the last few days, watching these bozos push their whiny lips out and shout down and boo decent people who have worked for decades to make this country better, Im 100% with her. Im fully on board. And it was that petulant attitude of the Bernie diehards that did it. I dont think Ive ever felt this patriotic. Its my dutyall of our dutiesto keep this fascist buffoon out of the Oval Office. And that the Bernie-or-busters and the craven GOP enablers of Trump cant see that, or feel that, or understand that, makes me incensed. I will not let them pout or pander us into armbands. No fucking way.

9:28 p.m. I might add that I wanted Biden to be the nominee. I think he could have destroyed Trump in the debates. And I think he could have narrowed Trumps advantage among white middle-class Americans. But, hey. It didnt happen. And we now have a republic to save.

9:27 p.m. We own the finish line! I loved this speech  because it came from the gut of the America I know and love. It was triumphant and patriotic and feisty. And the choice could not be clearer:

Biden: Never bet against America.

Trump: Please come hack America.  Nicholas Thompson (@nxthompson) July 28, 2016

9:26 p.m. Biden is on fire with a moral  yes a moral  repudiation of the un-American poison of Donald Trump.

9:23 p.m. Thank God Biden is able to take it straight to the fascist buffoon, to insist that this election really is about the soul of this country, and the survival of the West.

9:20 p.m. Joe rips into Trump. Thats a great point about someone famous for saying the words Youre Fired! Hes targeting Trumps grip on the white working classes. Directly.

9:18 p.m. Biden finally conveys what economic insecurity means. And manages to connect Hillary to it.

9:14 p.m. Thats a lovely Hemingway line. And a paean to the unbreakable spirit of the people of America. How do you not love this guy?

9:11 p.m. Will the left nihilists let Tim Kaine speak?

9:10 p.m. Joe Time:

Video Extended By Four Minutes So Biden Could Have More Time Work Out Kinks Of Tear-Off Suit #DemsInPhilly  Onion Politics (@OnionPolitics) July 28, 2016

9:06 p.m. Another reader writes:

From what Im reading on Twitter these leaked voicemails include those from children and family of DNC employees. This is fundamentally un-American and odious. Obviously Trump, Assange, and Putin are in league. I can hardly believe this is happening. Whoever can help keep pressure on the media to report exactly what this is must do so.



What is to stop any of our private and petty conversations from being exposed by Trump or Assange or Putin  fascists all? It is the lowest form of tactic to go after someones family. Every business and citizen in this country should be concerned.

Putting Trump in the presidency could expose all of us to the long arm of the Russian deep state. He knows no decency, no boundaries, no rules.

9:05 p.m. A reader writes:

For as good as the stagecraft has been at this convention so far, someone better be planning tonight to relocate the chairs of the California and any other Bernie Bros delegations to somewhere west of Bum Fuck Egypt. These assholes are likely to interrupt Clintons speech the whole time if not.

Agreed. Theyve gone from dissent to destructiveness.

9:02 p.m. Yes, the left heckled and tried to shout down a man defending the laws of war and the integrity of the military:

Decent Panetta speech the political force of which Sanders delegates completely nullified.  Ramesh Ponnuru (@RameshPonnuru) July 28, 2016

Some of the Bernie brigades want Trump. It would make them feel pure.

9:01 p.m. Heh:

2008 GOP: I can see Russia from my house.

2016 GOP: RUSSIA IS CALLING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE.  heidi heilig (@heidiheilig) July 27, 2016

8:59 p.m. They seem to be having a real problem with some of the California Bernie morons. Their nihilism is almost as complete as Julian Assanges.

8:57 p.m. And the Democrats start chanting USA to shut down the far left disrupters. Yes, this is actually happening:

A hall full of Democrats just booed down the group chanting "No more war."



I don't know what country I live in any more.  Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) July 28, 2016

8:56 p.m. The hard left is objectively pro-Trump, isnt it?

8:54 p.m. Panetta says what needs to be said. And the Bernie freaks are trying to drown him out.

8:52 p.m. Finally, a speaker arguing that only Clinton can defeat ISIS. Donald Trump asks our troops to commit war crimes. And it seems the Bernie bots are trying to disrupt the proceedings again. Two words: useful idiots.

8:51 p.m. The DNC is sounding like the old RNC. Panetta is the grown-up exposing the childish antics of a treasonous buffoon.

8:50 p.m. A great line:

Kristen Kavanaugh This election is not just about Donald Trumps judgment. Its about our own.  Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) July 28, 2016

8:48 p.m. The chanting was apparently from the usual Bernie bots in the California delegation  to demand someone be allowed in. Why would they care if they interrupt a vital part of the message tonight?

8:47 p.m. This Marine is telling it like it is. God bless her. Meanwhile, a reader writes:

Thanks for touching on the religious sentiments of so many of the convention speakers. Pew has found repeatedly that African-Americans are the most devoted religious racial group in the U.S., by a considerable margin. And yet, white evangelicals do not align themselves with this significantly godly group of people; infuriatingly, they align themselves with a moral nihilist who specifically targets their fellow Christians for scapegoating because of the color of their skin.



Ive given up hope that any of Trumps supporters will feel even an iota of shame for their behavior, but Im glad to see these speakers deep and abiding faith put on clear display so that some light is shone on the hypocrisy.

8:44 p.m. I cant tell you how glad I am they are taking on Trumps endorsement of war crimes, mass murder of civilians and torture. Trump is a profound threat to the U.S. military, its laws, its discipline, its future.

8:43 p.m. The actual quote from the admiral: I served in the same Navy as John McCain. I used to vote in the same party as John McCain. Donald, youre not fit to polish John McCains boots. Fanfuckingtastic.

8:41 p.m. Something is going on in the crowd  chants and heckles, though its not clear to me whats going on.

8:39 p.m. A very welcome exposure of Trumps embrace of war crimes as a national policy. And of Trump as a walking, talking recruitment video for terrorists. Now hes putting the boot into Trumps alliance with Putin.

8:38 p.m. Getting a former rear-admiral to tell Trump he isnt fit to polish John McCains shoes is a nice touch. More please.

8:36 p.m. Brain-fart. I meant Julian Assange, not Edward Snowden, earlier. Apologies.

8:33 p.m. This DNC attack ad on Trumps reckless foreign policy uses Reagan and many Republicans against him. More please. This core message  that Trump deeply threatens national security and global order.

8:30 p.m. Panetta is up next, and I hope will rip into Trumps treason. Meanwhile, a reader writes:

Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.  Ronald Reagan, 1987



Mr. Putin, breach my opponents firewall.  Donald Trump, 2016

Trump is the abolition of Reagan.

8:28 p.m. Of course they didnt:

Wikileaks could have screened voicemails and excluded personal messages from family and children from dump but of course it didn't  Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) July 28, 2016

8:27 p.m. This Broadway chorus is such blatant pandering to the gays. I know of a few in Philly who are having a gaygasm right now.

8:24 p.m. Now Wikileaks dumps voicemails from the DNC  as Snowden Assange, in league with Putin, gets his revenge. Who would have thought that Donald Trump would have his most loyal supporter in Snowden Assange? Actually, strike that. It was entirely predictable.

8:22 p.m. Gabby Giffords: Speaking is difficult for me. But come next January I want to say two words: Madam President. If that doesnt make Democrats stand up and cheer, what would?

8:19 p.m. The gun control section of this convention has been buttressed by its embrace of the police. And, of course, who doesnt love Mr Astronaut?

8:13 p.m. When they write the history of these two conventions, a huge amount of time will be devoted to the grief of mothers. One convention used that grief to demonize an opponent; the other used it to highlight the issues of gun control and racial justice. What has struck me about this week has also been the overt Christianity that these mothers have expressed, their forgiveness of murderers, their endorsement of love. There has been a Christian subtext to the DNC utterly absent from the pagan cruelty and fear of Cleveland.

8:08 p.m. Good to know that Im not the only person marinated in Catholic values who finds Trump a horrifying candidate:

Catholics who attend Mass weekly have increased their support for the Democratic nominee by 22 percentage points relative to 2012.

This isnt a vote for Clinton so much as a clear understanding that Trump is the nemesis of any Christianity worthy of the name.

8:00 p.m. One of the enduring questions of this campaign has been what, if anything, could Donald Trump do or say to be rebuked by his own party. Today, it seems to me, we reached peak insanity  when an actual nominee of a major party called on a foreign government to use the fruits of its espionage to help defeat his opponent.

And this was not any foreign government. It was the government of Russia, a kleptocracy sustained by permanent war. Republicans once insinuated that Democrats were somehow soft on Moscow. And now we have the GOP nominee openly in league with the Russian dictator, brazenly saying he might not defend NATO allies from Russian aggression, suggesting he might recognize Putins illegal annexation of Crimea, and bizarrely claiming that Putin had called president Obama the n-word.

One candidate in this election is unhinged, treasonous, contemptuous of American liberties, and at war with the core interests of the Western democracies. And an entire political party is refusing to call this out. They are cowards and quislings and pathetic appeasers. Their party deserves to be eviscerated in this election. If it isnt, if their nominee wins, it will be America that will be eviscerated.
President Obama speaks at the DNC. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump launched his career in conservative politics by challenging Barack Obamas claim to American identity. On Wednesday night in Philadelphia, Obama returned the favor.

The president did not ask to see the moguls birth certificate. Nor did he engage with the (disconcertingly plausible) theory that Trumps candidacy is being aided by a hostile foreign government. Rather, Obama argued that the intolerant authoritarianism that Donald Trump embodies is alien to our nations bedrock values.

Hes betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election, Obama said of the GOP nominee, in his address to the Democratic National Convention. That is another bet that Donald Trump will lose. Because hes selling the American people short. We are not a fragile or frightful people. Our power doesnt come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We dont look to be ruled.

Later, the president reminded his audience of how deep his own roots in this country  and its value system  actually go. If Trump wins the presidency, it will be because he convinced a large number of hardworking white people in small-town America that he is their voice. But in Philadelphia, the first black president argued that he  not Trump  is the true inheritor of such salt-of-the-earth folks collective wisdom.

You know, theres been a lot of talk in this campaign about what Americas lost  people who tell us that our way of life is being undermined by pernicious changes and dark forces beyond our control. They tell voters theres a real America out there that must be restored. This isnt an idea that started with Donald Trump. Its been peddled by politicians for a long time  probably from the start of our republic. And its got me thinking about the story I told you 12 years ago tonight, about my Kansas grandparents and the things they taught me when I was growing up. They came from the heartland; their ancestors began settling there about 200 years ago. They were Scotch-Irish mostly, farmers, teachers, ranch hands, pharmacists, oil-rig workers. Hardy, small town folks. Some were Democrats, but a lot of them were Republicans. My grandparents explained that they didnt like show-offs. They didnt admire braggarts or bullies. They didnt respect mean-spiritedness or folks who were always looking for shortcuts in life. Instead, they valued traits like honesty and hard work; kindness and courtesy; humility; responsibility; helping each other out  And what my grandparents understood was that these values werent limited to Kansas  They knew these values werent reserved for one race; they could be passed down to a half-Kenyan grandson, or a half-Asian granddaughter; in fact, they were the same values Michelles parents, the descendants of slaves, taught their own kids living in a bungalow on the South Side of Chicago.

Here, Obama articulates an alternative to Trumps white identity politics, by arguing that at the core of his own white ancestors identities was a commitment to the universal values of empathy and tolerance.

The president went on to argue that the durability of such values would prevent Trump from ever setting foot in the Oval Office:

America has changed over the years. But these values my grandparents taught me  they havent gone anywhere. Theyre as strong as ever; still cherished by people of every party, every race, and every faith  Thats why anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end.

In likening Trump to Americas historic enemies, Obama framed the mogul as an alien in our midst: He may have convinced half the country that hes one of us, but soon theyll recognize him for the stranger that he is. In the presidents telling, that moment of recognition wont come when the American people catch a glimpse of some secret document, but rather, when they take a harder look into the mirror.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

At around the time President Obama took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, rowdy protesters  many who appeared to be Bernie supporters not quite ready to embrace the partys nominee  blocked entrances and pushed up against the fence of the convention hall, breaching the security gate. Police swarmed and arrested some of the demonstrators. New York was there to capture some of the cuffings.

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
Photo: Rembert Browne

At the Republican National Convention in Cleveland everything was anti-Hillary. From the speeches inside the Quicken Loans Center, to the vulgar or even violent T-shirts for sale outside, the enemy was clear.

Photo: Rembert Browne

Photo: Rembert Browne

The party was supposed to be uniting this week, to begin a solidified fight against Trump, but among this group, the focus was clearly not on November just yet; it was still on this week and the many weeks of primary battles that had come before it.

Even a Westboro Baptist Church group, spewing their typical hate, could not truly distract Bernie supporters. The Evangelicals were more of an annoyance, with Bernie supporters occasionally walking up to them and mocking them. But they didnt seem to lose focus  Hillary was still the main enemy.

At the entrance to the arena, Bernie supporters were begging those of us heading into the building not to vote for Clinton. A woman said to me, Shes a crook, you cant let her win. If you closed your eyes and just listened, youd be hard-pressed to determine if you were in Cleveland or Philadelphia.

Photo: Rembert Browne

Inside the arena, it finally began to feel like a pro-Hillary week was possible. But there was something uncomfortably elitist about shielding ourselves from the credential-less, unscreened critics in the streets. Conversely, there was also something that felt ignorantly privileged about Hillary Clintons critics outside, this idea that they know whats better for the country than the person who started the movement they had joined. Did they really think that Trump winning in November was less troubling than Bernie losing to Hillary in July?

The elitism and the privilege were a reminder that Id observed and met a ton of white people in the past ten days: the Trump masses in Cleveland; the Republican anti-Trump people in Cleveland; the Trump protesters, most of whom were white, in Cleveland. And the pro-Bernie/anti-Hillary protestors outside of the arena in Philly  again, mostly white; the pro-Hillary people in the arena. And the Westboro Baptist clan, all of whom were white.

Disruptions, protests, and overall beef is nothing new to conventions  or elections. Deep disagreement over the direction of the country is a hallmark of presidential campaigns. But there is something unique happening in this election cycle that Ive witnessed at both conventions. Its a culture clash, a war over the future of white identity. The Clinton, Trump, and Sanders campaigns have not only built bases of support, but their supporters have distanced themselves from one another. Its white people fundamentally disagreeing with other white people, not only about which white people to believe in, but also how white people should be white.

Trump, Clinton, and Sanders have essentially split White America  a group that is often thought of more as the norm than an actual race  into six splinter groups: You have white Republicans voting for Trump; white Democrats voting for Hillary; white Democrats voting for Trump because they dont like or dont identify with Hillary; white Republicans voting for Hillary because they think a Trump victory will wreck the party; whites of either party or none voting for Jill Stein or Gary Johnson because they refuse to cast a ballot for either major-party candidate; and white people sitting this election out.

With the political nature of whiteness itself up for grabs in this election, now everybody is trying to play identity politics. So far, people of color are being enlisted  sometimes earnestly, sometimes cynically  to make candidates more likeable, more relatable, more right. During the Republican convention, Latina women were used as self-hating immigration pawns while a black sheriff and a black preacher were called upon to criticize Black Lives Matter. And that made Trumps white base feel like they had proof that their beliefs on immigration and the police were unimpeachable. And then there have been minorities of all types in both the Bernie and Hillary camps, doing what most white people cant: giving an assurance that this is the person thats going to do the best for those groups. Its what we saw from Michelle Obama on the first night of the convention, the Mothers of the Movement on night two. Their presence  because they are trusted  is the thing that will put many people on Hillarys side.

Its also what we see outside of the arena, with minorities of all types  even as the minority outside  continuing to stump and shout against Hillary. The masses for Bernie stayed plentiful through Wednesday. A collection of mostly white people were chanting, Hey hey, ho ho, Hil-la-ry has got to go. Next to them, a group of black people  a group that was also in Cleveland  was saying, Hey hey, ho ho, the DNC has got to go, then into If we dont get no justice, then they dont get no peace, then into Black Lives Matter!

When the Black Lives Matter chant began, the anti-Hillary chant stopped and that group moved to another part of the road. When they were far enough away, they started up again: Hey hey, ho ho, Hil-la-ry has got to go. Identity crisis averted, for now.
Do you feel ignored by the Dems? Photo: Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Tonight the odds are reasonably high that President Obama and Vice-President Biden  and, for that matter, Senator Kaine  will answer the charge that Democrats are avoiding any discussion of terrorism (other than the aftermath of 9/11) at their convention. Hillary Clinton will almost certainly talk about it, too.

But there is some evidence in both parties that a bad old habit is coming back: the tendency to talk predominantly about issues of most concern to the party base, and where the partys policy prescriptions are relatively popular, and refuse to talk about anything else.

For many years, Democrats avoided talking about national security partly because they thought they looked and sounded weak on the subject, and partly because they figured if voters were absorbed with good Democratic issues like education and health care and wages theyd forget to worry about threats to the country. Republicans had a mirror-image delusion, trying hard to ignore their issues to the benefit of our issues.

One of the reasons Bill Clinton did well politically is that he refused to play that silly game and talked about crime and national security and, yes, even welfare dependency. You can make a good argument (on welfare policy, anyway) that he made the mistake of adopting conservative policies to address these problems. But he recognized something very simple: When politicians refuse to talk about something voters care about, voters fill in the blank with whatever distorted attributed positions the other side suggests. So when Democrats ignored crime as a Republican issue and Republicans accuse them of hating cops and sympathizing with violent criminals, a lot of voters had no real reason to conclude otherwise.

Republican George W. Bush (or his brain, Karl Rove) got this basic point, insisting on offering conservative prescriptions to improve education, to cover prescription drug costs for seniors, and to deal with the problem of undocumented workers. He even addressed Social Security, though his desire to reform the program and improve its solvency by simply reducing benefits was a little too apparent.

The issues discussed at this years Republican convention were remarkably straitened. One of them, climate change, was naturally ignored because most Republicans dont even believe in it. But big areas of economic policy, education policy, health-care policy, environmental policy, food and nutrition policy, and on and on, were at most paid lip service in Cleveland. And even on issues they did address, they often exhibited a cramped perspective: By refusing to acknowledge the issue of police misconduct toward the minority citizens they are supposed to correct, their silence encouraged the impression that they thought police should be able to do any damn thing they want, and that the odd beaten or murdered African-American John Q. Citizens was just the price to be paid for keeping crime under control. Is there any wonder Republicans continue to struggle with minority voters?

But Democrats are making the same mistake if they minimize discussion of terrorism specifically or national security generally, or of immigration enforcement, or of crime policy. On the racially fraught subject of policing, Republican charges that Democrats dont give a damn about police or even public safety gain traction they do not deserve from a convention where murdered police officers and their families are rarely mentioned.

Again, refusing to cede ownership of entire issue areas to the other party does not mean accepting their policy prescriptions; indeed, it means denying false choices between, say, strong and proactive policing and the liberties of citizens who ought to be presumed innocent when walking the streets or driving their cars.

Political parties ought to have something to say about any issue voters legitimately care about, if only to show they are listening. And any ideology worth having doesnt let its acolytes fall silent when an inconvenient topic comes up. Convention managers in Philadelphia should remember that in the remainder of the Democratic convention.
Photo: Science Photo Library

In one of the rare inversions of the patriarchy, inherited color deficiency  colloquially and inaccurately called color blindness  affects men way more often than it does women. As Dr. Andrea Thau, the president of the American Optometric Association, explained to Science of Us, the good news is that if you have color deficiency, youll be less fooled by camouflage. The bad news is that you cant distinguish some colors, which makes it hard to be a cop, a pilot, or a fashion designer.

Passed from moms to sons, the research indicates that for males, congenital color deficiency affects 2 percent of blacks, 3 percent of Hispanics, 3.5 percent of Asians, and 8 percent of whites. But it hits less than 0.4 percent of girls across ethnicities. People can also gain color deficiency due to disease, injury, or exposure to certain chemicals, and like everything else, you can expect your perception of color to get worse as you age.

To see whether you have red-green color blindness, click through a few slides in one of the most popular color-blindness tests, developed by Japanese ophthalmologist Dr. Shinobu Ishihara in the 1910s. The slides are beautiful, in their particularly clinical way, and youll see them differently depending on your eyes.

Are You Color-Blind? Sit approximately two feet from your screen, with each circle at eye level.

Soft natural light is best, with no glare on your screen.

Click reveal to to see your results.

Note: This test cannot guarantee complete accuracy. Your screen and quality loss of online images may affect the original colors used. If these tests suggest you may be color-blind, you should seek professional confirmation. Show results 45 Normal color vision

Nothing The majority of color-blind people cannot see this number clearly. Show results 3 Normal color vision

5 Red-green color blindness

Nothing Total color blindness Show results 74 Normal color vision

21 Red-green color blindness

Nothing Total color blindness Show results 6 Normal color vision

Nothing The majority of color-blind people cannot see this number clearly. Show results 42 Normal color vision

2, faint 4 Red color-blind people will see a 2, mild red color-blind people will also faintly see a number 4.

4, faint 2 Green color-blind people will see a 4, mild green color-blind people may also faintly see a number 2.

With the Ishihara test, the dots come in different colors. If you have normal vision, Dr. Thau explains, then its easy to see whatever number is there. But if you cant see all the dots, youll see another figure, since only a subset of the dots will be available. Its important for parents to get their kids tested for color blindness, Dr. Thau says, by age 2 or 3, since so many instructions kids get in elementary school are color-based. And while an online test is fun, its important to get it done by a doctor.

If you want to take care of your color perception, invest in quality sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection, she says. Thatll protect the color receptors in the cones in the your eyes  so that as you age gracefully, youll be able to zoom in on color and detail.
Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Actress and outspoken rose-drinker Diane Kruger recently broke up with her boyfriend of ten years, Joshua Pacey Jackson. Now she is on a tropical vacation. I say: Thats the way to do it.

Kruger has been posting several photos of herself enjoying rain-forest-like terrain at an undisclosed location, including this photo of her looking good in a bikini:

If you recently broke up with a boyfriend and can afford to do what she is doing, why not?

Jackson, meanwhile, was recently spotted in West Hollywood, California, according to People. He has not updated his Instagram since the split.
Photo: John Taggart/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Two doors down from the gluten-free food stand, directly in front of the Wells Fargo Centers front entrance, is the most-photographed inanimate object at the Democratic National Convention: a sign for the all-gender bathroom. In one 15-minute stretch, I counted 16 people entering the bathroom to use it, I presume, for its intended purposes  and seven people using its sign, I presume, for Instagram. So good! said a boy wearing dozens of colorful bracelets.

This years Democratic platform includes a provision to oppose state legislation denying the right to access public spaces from LGBT individuals, which would likely include North Carolinas controversial law limiting transgender access to gendered bathrooms. Or as 65-year-old Oregon delegate Tessa James Scheller put it, Public restrooms are for the public. I am part of the public. Scheller transitioned five years ago and has used womens restrooms ever since. Some advocates and cities have gone even further, introducing legislation to require gender-neutral restrooms in public spaces.

The most frequent phrase from people who have used the DNCs all-gender bathroom is this: It was fine. A pair of middle-age white ladies  one straight, one lesbian  photographed the sign before walking in. We saw it and thought it was cool, they told me on the way out. Did they use it? Of course! We just walked in, walked out. Its no different from the bathrooms in your house. When men are at my house, I let them use it.

The sign on the all-gender bathroom is made from foam board and is not permanent. The bathroom in question is a converted ladies restroom, I assume because urinals might get awkward. There are two rows of stalls that face one another, adjacent to a bank of sinks. Usage seems evenly divided between the genders. I took a shit in the all-gender bathroom and it was great, one straight man told me. I walked in and saw a pair of pink ballet flats pointing at me, and I was like, Dope, shes pooping too. So I sat, shit, did some stuff on my phone. Then we both came out, washed our hands, did that thing where we look at ourselves in the mirror, and left. No women or children were harmed. In fact, every person who used the all-gender bathroom while I was observing it (from the outside and in a super-polite-but-still-really-fucking-awkward way) found the experience fine. Well, all but one  the armed policeman in a padded flak jacket declined to speak to the press.

There were a few minor complaints about the all-gender bathroom. One man, a six-seven volunteer from Chicago, noted that a man of his stature will need a steady hand when dealing with toilets that sit low, as the ones in the all-gender bathroom did. Some men, evidently, do not possess this: When I went in there was a group of guys and it was totally disgusting. Pee all over the seats, one woman complained. Not that either gender has a monopoly on bathroom filth. I dont know who else used it, a white-haired man in a navy blazer said. But I do know this: They didnt flush. I guess it doesnt matter which gender, the problem is still the same.

Though literally everyone I spoke to had a pleasant  and sometimes enlightening  experience in the all-gender bathroom, my first encounter with the post-gender bathroom was less auspicious. On the first day of the convention, the unfortunate confluence of pouring rain and hundreds of confused Uber drivers stalling in a line around the outer periphery of a vast expanse of stadium parking lot resulted in hundreds of guests, delegates, and journalists arriving in the Wells Fargo aren soaked to the bone. I squishy-shoe waded to the nearest restroom, the all-gender one. (Theres another upstairs.) Inside, men and women of all ages and ethnicities were equally bedraggled. We made small talk and laughed while squeezing liquid out of our clothes, unspooling reams of white paper towels for drying our shoes and hair. Then one man took it further. He was elderly, very thin, and dressed politely in a button-down shirt and light summer trousers. He had an unlit cigar in his mouth. He unbuttoned his top button, then wiped off his neck. He unbuttoned two more, then dried off his chest. Soon the man with a cigar had taken off his shirt and was unbuckling his pants. I considered taking a picture, but the politics of the moment were intense and confusing, so I just left.

Now, one might think that this anecdote would feed conservative anxiety about who gets to use which bathroom. It does not. Transwomen are women, so they should be able to use womens restrooms. Transmen are men, so the same logic applies there. Lots of people have different bodies and do different things in the bathroom, Scheller points out. You could change a colostomy bag, or use a catheter, or use whatever set of genitals you have, as long as you have the door shut. And, though I did not speak to cigar man, based on the nature of his unblinking stare when he made eye contact with me, I am quite certain that he was a straight man.

One person had no review of the all-gender bathroom: Tessa James Scheller. So far she has only used the womens. All-gender bathrooms are a great thing to make available, she agrees, but thats not likely to be the only solution. The solution that works best, that is most cost-effective, is for people to understand that public restrooms are for the public, she reiterates. That which occurs with the door shut inside a public restroom is, after all, private.
Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier are charged with trying to kill their friend for Slender Man. Photo: Courtesy of the Waukesha Police Department

Two Wisconsin girls charged with attempting to kill their friend for Slender Man, a terrifying internet character, should be tried as adults, a state appeals court ruled Wednesday. If convicted as adults for the May 2014 attack, Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser, who are both now 14, could go to prison for up to 65 years.

The girls are accused of luring a then-sixth-grade classmate into a wooded park and stabbing her 19 times with a knife to impress Slender Man  an internet meme known in internet subcultures, fanfiction, video games, and elsewhere for stalking and torturing humans, especially children. The Slender Man is tall, thin, faceless, and always in a black suit.

Related Stories Why Did Two Girls Want to Kill for Slender Man?

All three girls were 12 years old at the time of the attack. Weier and Geyser are charged with stabbing their friend after a sleepover in Waukesha, Wisconsin, a suburb about 20 miles west of Milwaukee. Deserted, the girl crawled to a road and was discovered by a cyclist. When police found Weier and Geyser on the citys outskirts that day, they said they were on a 300-mile trek to Slender Mans mansion in an upstate national forest, where they would live as his servants. The victim recovered and (amazingly) returned to school three months later.

Weier and Geyser have been in custody since they were charged. In Wisconsin, anyone 10 or older is considered an adult when facing first-degree attempted homicide charges, but the girls defense attorneys argued they should be tried in juvenile court, saying each suffered from mental illness and wouldnt be properly cared for in adult prison.

The appeals court disagreed, saying if the girls were found guilty in juvenile court they would be released at age 18 with no supervision or mental health care. It also cited evidence showing the nature of the attempted murder (violent and planned for months) made trying the case in juvenile court inappropriate. If convicted as juveniles, they could face prison time until age 25.

The girls can reportedly appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. A status conference is scheduled for August 19. Meanwhile, this original image of Slender Man will haunt you forever:

The original Slender Man image, which first appeared online in 2009 and inspired reinterpretations by horror fans.
She sounds mentally ill.

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This is BEYOND indescribable.

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Holy shit. This is so crazy and awful. I can't believe this happened to her--actually I can, ugh.



So Melina Matsoukas and other people working on the show knew what happened, but no one did anything to help her? That's so scary and disgusting.

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this is so confusing to read op, i know you said you didn't include all the tweets but there's no explanation for why she got detained initially. like, even if it was a bullshit reason i'm assuming she explains what made the police feel as though she needed to be arrested



ETA okay i went to her twitter and i still don't see where she explains what happened as far as the initial arrest goes? i'm not trying to discredit here but these tweets do sound as if she has some sort of mental illness and she just says "anyway because of what you all did i got detained by police twice whilst living on my own in an air bnb in venice." and then goes on to describe the cops walking her out of her apartment but why were they even there in the first place? and then the cops came back the night after her release? there's a huge chunk of this story missing.



Edited at 2016-07-28 07:08 pm (UTC)

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I didn't see any when I was looking through her TL earlier. She didn't thread them together either.

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The first time they walked me out of my apartment, put me in a van. I was screaming because I was scared.  cecile emeke (@cecileemeke) July 28, 2016





A white man came and put a red cloth over my mouth and screamed at me to shut up and sedated me via injection in the arm.  cecile emeke (@cecileemeke) July 28, 2016





I woke up in a hospital alone. Scared. No money, no phone, no one would speak to me.  cecile emeke (@cecileemeke) July 28, 2016





and then the second time:



That night I saw my weed guy and told him what happened and was crying because I was in LA alone. He tried to warn me.  cecile emeke (@cecileemeke) July 28, 2016





He told me to never open the door unless they had a warrant. I got SO high that night, I was so scared and alone. The police came again.  cecile emeke (@cecileemeke) July 28, 2016





This time there was an ambulance, fire brigade and a bunch of police. The fireman at the window told me to open the door. I was so scared.  cecile emeke (@cecileemeke) July 28, 2016

I'm going to put them in the post, but she doesn't go into detail about why she was arrested either time. This is what she said on twitteR:and then the second time:

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yeah this still isn't making any sense to me, like obviously it happened because she has the paperwork and stuff but i wonder what made the cops come. with this and the bbc thing, i'm starting to wonder if she's been having breakdowns on set or something and the people there thought she was going to harm herself? like why did the police come

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do we think her neighbors filed a complaint because it was airnbnb and technically it wasn't her space? i've seen neighbors get fucking brutal about airbnb rentals in certain areas. it's so gross but they might have been told she was breaking in??

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What was going on that a fireman was at her window and not the door?

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Yeah, the "what you all did" part is confusing. Maybe she can't say for legal reasons.

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here's what i know about los angeles/southern california law enforcement: they target black people without cause and they will conjure cause later. there doesn't need to be a good reason or logical justification. they're counting on the idea that you can't afford a lawyer, that you'll be saddled with a mediocre public defender, that you'll feel hopeless, take the plea deal and serve a few years. california's private prison system is modern day slavery. they make goods for negligible wages.

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I googled her name and then her name and arrest. I found nothing. She never seems to say why the police detained her twice in Venice Beach, but it seems she high when it happened.

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She sounds unwell. They don't detain you in psych and drug you for no reason and her story is all over the place.

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this is fucking disgusting

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Oh shit. Did the 'Insecure' team call the police on her or random people?

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The way her tweets read the Insecure people didn't call the police but she blames them because she had to live in a sketchy part of L.A. on her own dime because they didn't pay her an advance (and are now refusing to pay her anything at all).

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Is Venice sketchy? I'm staying there next week

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This is crazy, but it's also a lot of crazy things to happen to one person all at once for allegedly no reason. Hmm.

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Did the police think she was breaking into her rental, like Skip????



What was the "reason" for arresting her? And being drugged while held against your will is a literal nightmare scenario, this poor woman.

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It doesn't sound like she was arrested at all. It sounds like she was detained for involuntary treatment due to a mental condition.

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I don't understand why the BBC called the police on her... am I missing something in her story?

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She was detained in L.A. got flown home after her work was done and went straight to set working for BBC and had a nervous breakdown due to what happened in L.A. That's why the BBC called the police.

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Hm okay. It's a bit strange to me that the BBC would call the police over a nervous breakdown, the whole thing seems insane and like there's another side to the story.



I hope she gets help/better in any case.

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She doesn't explain the "reason" for any of her arrests. The police just came and arrested her.

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I went to her Twitter and as far as I can see she doesn't give any reasons for why the police were called in both instances. Like apparently there were fire trucks and ambulances sent for her, just....uh....because?



Not to get all ~armchair doctor~ here but it does sound like she has a mental illness.

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a few stray thoughts since this story is infuriating me



- this happened in a liberal city, in a liberal state. no where in america is safe.

- the police are racist scum, there are no good eggs. the system is racist trash, there is no trusting it.

- hollywood is garbage. they better pay this woman.

- the black lives matter conversation needs to highlight black women's suffering more. it's not just black men who are targeted. emeke is strong for speaking up and out and for not taking this quietly. she deserves justice.

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Or maybe she was actually having serious mental health issues and she was detained for her own well-being.

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i'll take her word for now. i'm open to the possibility that she has a real problem and that people tried to get her help. but calling the police seems like the worst course of action.

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lmfao @ your comments throughout this post & your username

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ita, especially your last point, I am very frustrated that when black lives and all the issues surrounding it are discussed, black women after often left out, or are only included as an afterthought.





It also frustrates me that so often, when black women are included (see the DNC), often they are mothers, and to me it sends a message that these issues primarily effect black women by proxy, and not directly.

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i understand nothing

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This sound so awful. Why not call for medical help and/or her family?

She sounds like she has a problem but that's not excuse for that treatment, wow...

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what i'm trying to figure out is what prompted the police to come the first time and what i'm thinking is that whoever she rented the airbnb from didn't get it cleared with their landlord? or their neighbors? i've had airbnb hosts cancel on me last minute because of shit like that, so i wonder if that has something to do with it??



either way, this is a horrifying story.

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I hope she's okay. I'm not trying to minimize her trauma from this experience but I too wish she had given a little more background about this whole situation. Her tweets are always kind of weird tbh but I don't think that necessarily means she's mentally ill. Idk. She's probably really stressed out from everything that has happened. But she was also high (both times)? I wouldn't even know how to deal with or react to that situation. I hope she has a good support system at home and is able to continue the good work she does.



Edited at 2016-07-28 07:20 pm (UTC)

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Across the U.S., Western Europe, and even in parts of Asia, coal is in secular decline. There will be very few coal power plants built in many western countries in the coming years if environmentalists have their way, and the superior economics of natural gas are piling on even more pressure. Yet there is still at least one major European nation where coal is thriving; Poland.

Poland may not be as economically developed as Britain, Germany, or France, but the country still has roughly 40 million people putting it in the top ranks of largest European countries. And Poland loves coal. The country produces 90 percent of its electricity from coal, and the government there is doubling down looking to build still more.

Building more efficient coal power plants will get us better results in cutting CO2 emissions than building renewable energy sources like wind or solar, says Energy Minister Krzysztof Tchorzewski, a member of the Law and Justice party, came to power in October with union backing after it pledged to preserve mining jobs.

All of this coal power is a double-edged sword. Coal has helped preserve more than 100,000 mining jobs across Poland, and the countrys economy is holding up about average for the EU as a whole. Poland has hit some hiccups in the last year, but thats about par for the course for all major nations within the EU. On the other hand, the use of coal is clearly having a detrimental effect on some aspects of Polish quality of life. For instance, the World Health Organization estimates that two-thirds of the EUs most polluted cities are in Poland especially in the mining region of Upper Silesia. Related: Oil Heads Lower For Sixth Day In A Row

Polands Law & Justice party has been a big supporter of the coal industry including encouraging three of the major utilities to invest potentially 1.5 billion zloty in a stake in restructured mining company Polska Grupa Gornicza. PGGs business is looking shaky despite the new capital infusion and its unclear if the company is viable in the long run. Part of the problem may be that the Polish coal mining industry is structurally too inefficient for the modern economy and to compete in the long run against clean energy alternatives such as like windmills.

Poland is probably the future of coal in more ways than one. The durability of the coal mining industry is at least partially based on entrenched industry interests helping to promote the industry through the power of government. In the absence of government intervention, coal-rich Poland would still be using some coal just as the U.S. is, but probably not to the degree it currently does.

The future of coal is going to be increasingly reliant on preservation of the status quo. Regardless of whether one thinks global warming is a particular problem or not, it is clear that coal is a less attractive power option than natural gas or renewables. Coal requires difficult and dirty mining operations that employ people but in backbreaking work. Renewables and natural gas employ fewer people, but in arguably more pleasant and higher value-add functions.

Despite all of this, unions in Poland are predictably behind coal though including the powerful Solidarity union. Given that, it is unlikely coal will be going anywhere soon in Poland.

By Michael McDonald of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Despite a weakening U.S. dollar wafting smelling salts under the nose of the crude market, prices are still unable to pick themselves up off the canvas, heading lower for a sixth consecutive day. Hark, here are five things to consider in the crude market today.

1) Theres a couple of tidbits out about Iran today, which has sent me delving into our ClipperData to see the lay of the land. While much is being made of Irans ramp up into Asia, and specifically India, China is the largest recipient of Iranian crude in the first half of the year  double that of India at ~600,000 barrels per day.

We are, however, seeing a ramp up in recent months into Europe, as Iran adjusts its focus to further claw back market share. While Iranian barrels arriving in Europe at the start of the year were minimal, we have seen this picking up strongly in the last few months. Our ClipperData show increasing exports into the Netherlands, France, Turkey, Spain and Greece, lifting European arrivals to close to 450,000 bpd in June.

(Click to enlarge)

2) The chart below is from the mighty @jkempenergy, plotting weekly and monthly gasoline product supplied (aka demand) on the same chart. This illustrates that either monthly data is set to move considerably higher when the summer months are reportedor weekly data is overestimating demand. (a hint in the form of a movie title: I know what you did last summer).

(Click to enlarge)

3) In stark contrast to the colossal impact that Chinese stockpiling has had on the global oil market this year and last, Indias strategic reserve-building effort is likely to have the most minimal of influences, given its modesty.

We discussed last week how India is looking to add a further 91 million barrels of SPR capacity in a second phase by 2020  in addition to 39.1 million barrels of capacity being completed at three locations (Visakhaptnam, Mangalore and Padur) by the end of this year. The completion of this first phase is estimated to only require up to 200,000 bpd through the rest of the year. Related: Oil Majors Show Interest In Cyprus Offshore Bid Round

4) While crude inventories are over 61 million barrels higher than year-ago levels, and with gasoline stocks up over 25 million barrels, distillate inventories appear the only ones insulated from the current glut. That said, as refiners look to shift away from gasoline and maximize diesel yields, distillates could be the next shoe to drop

(Click to enlarge)

5) Finally, our ClipperData show we have seen 19 cargo loadings since the start of LNG exports from Chenieres Sabine Pass export terminal. Through June we have seen 15 loadings reach their destination  mostly to Latin America, but also to the Middle East, Portugal and India. Related: World Bank Lifts 2016 Crude Price Forecast But Glut Continues

The first cargo for Spain was loaded this month, and has already arrived at its destination of Reganosas Mugardos LNG terminal.

(Click to enlarge)

Export capacity is set to ramp up through the duration of the decade. While global export capacity is expected to increase by 45 percent, the share for the U.S. of the global market is estimated to rise to 14 percent.

(Click to enlarge)

By Matt Smith

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British Petroleum, the first oil major to announce results on Tuesday, has reported the lowest refining margins for the April to June period in the past six years. The global refining marker margin, which stood at $13.80 a barrel in the second quarter of this year, has dropped down to $10.70 a barrel in the third quarter to date. Last year, the third quarter margins were a healthy $20 a barrel.

This news doesnt bode well for the large oil companies, which now have to deal with lower crude oil prices and lower refining margins.

The upstream business  the business of exploring for reserves and production  had taken a huge hit due to the massive drop in crude oil prices. Consider ExxonMobil, the only company among the five oil majors, which has a profitable upstream business. Its upstream net income, which was $27 billion in 2014, shrank to $7 billion in 2015.

On the other hand, all the oil majors reported a spurt in downstream margins since 2014, which seems to be waning.

The crash in oil prices in late 2014 brought refineries worldwide a pleasant surprise: booming margins, said Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at consulting firm Energy Aspects Ltd. in London. But now, the market is changing, reports Bloomberg.

In the latest quarter, BP has seen its downstream earnings drop to $1.51 billion from $1.87 last year, and $1.81 billion in the first quarter of this year.

What is more concerning is that BP expects margins to remain under significant pressure.

High gasoline demand in late 2015 and early 2016 absorbed the increased refining by the oil companies. Healthy refining margins also helped the oil companies survive the sharp drop in crude oil prices in the first quarter of 2016.

However, the outcome of the increased refining is that the U.S. gasoline storage of 241 million barrels is the highest for the peak driving season in the U.S. since 1990, when the government began watching these statistics, reports CNN Money.

On Tuesday, the U.S. gasoline futures dropped below $1.31 per gallon, the lowest for the summer season, in more than a decade, reports Bloomberg.

What this has led to is that the upstream segment, which was sort of recovering with oil prices close to $50 a barrel, is again looking shaky with oil having dropped to $42 a barrel and the downstream, which was supporting the profits, is floundering.

There will be weakness in the second half of this year because of refineries, said Ahmed Ben Salem, an analyst at Oddo & Cie in Paris. Even though the companies have been successful in reducing costs, there are still some big challenges ahead for BP and the other oil majors, reports Bloomberg.

The net debt to capital of BP has increased, from 18.8 percent to 24.7 percent. The net debt has increased from $24.8 billion to $30.9 billion.

The majors arent going to get the cash flow from downstream that they were hoping, said Harold Skip York, vice president of integrated energy at consulting firm Wood Mackenzie Ltd. in Houston. They have some discretionary capital spending they could cut in 2017.

With both the crude oil prices and gasoline prices tanking, the road ahead looks patchy for the oil majors.

By Rakesh Upadhyay for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices plunged on Wednesday as the EIA shocked traders once again, raising the possibility that the oil markets are not as close to balance as once thought.

The EIA revealed several worrying signs for the oil markets. First, crude oil inventories actually increased by 1.7 million barrels for the week ending on July 22, the first increase in over two months. Oil stocks rose to 521.1 million barrels. And in another worrying sign for product markets, gasoline inventories also increased for the week, rising by 0.5 million barrels, the fifth increase in the past six weeks. Gasoline inventories are now sitting largely unchanged from March levels, despite hopes and expectations that the summer driving season would cut down on the high levels of supply. Citigroup now estimates that gasoline inventories around the world have topped 500 million barrels.

The figures came as a surprise, with analysts expecting a drawdown in crude oil stocks. Judging by the reaction in the markets, oil traders did not like the data. As of midday trading on July 27, WTI dropped more than 2.5 percent and Brent was down more than 3 percent. WTI is now moving close to the $40 per barrel threshold, a level not seen since April.

"The bottom line is the street has gotten it wrong are far as the oil markets achieving supply-demand balance this year," Tariq Zahir, crude trader and portfolio manager at Tyche Capital Advisors, told Reuters. "We will likely break through the $40 levels in days and weeks to come."

One intriguing piece of data from the EIA report was the fact that refineries slightly dialed back on processing, with refinery runs falling by 277,000 barrel per day for the week ending on July 22, and utilization rates declining by 0.8 percentage points. This does not come as a surprise. Refining margins have shrunk amid oversupply, hurting downstream earnings. And reports have surfaced that refineries are starting maintenance season early, getting ready for winter fuel blends. A decline in refining will reduce pressure on brimming storage levels for gasoline, helping to ease the glut. Related: Why Saudi Arabia Continues To Pump Crude At Record Levels

One of the largest U.S. refiners is confident that the glut of gasoline stocks wont be long lasting though. "I don't think there's really a concern about being able to clear out the overhang of summer gasoline and moving it into the market," Valeros senior vice president of supply and operations Gary Simmons said. Low margins will scare away refiners from overproducing like they did last year, when a large contango encouraged storage.

Not everyone agrees. With record levels of gasoline storage, it will take time for consumers to burn through the inventories. Coming out of the summer, these tanks will still be full, Mark Benigno, co-director of energy trading at INTL FCStone Inc., told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. Related: What Will Happen To Turkeys Energy Security Following The Failed Coup?

At the same time, if refineries do cut back, it would mean that crude stocks might stop declining  and last weeks data showing an uptick in crude inventories is one piece of evidence backing up that trend. The effect on oil prices will likely be mixed and uncertain  improvement on gasoline inventories but bad news for crude demand. Mark Benigno of INTL FCStone Inc. told the WSJ that this dynamic could cause oil prices to fall back to $40 soon.

Following Wednesdays data release, crude prices are already not far off from that mark, sitting just above $42 per barrel. WTI is down 19 percent since June, closing in on bear market territory, which is generally defined as a 20 percent drop from a recent peak. And as the FT notes, oil traders will watch the 200-day moving averages, technical trading ranges that could spark a stronger sell off if prices drop below the floor.

It doesnt look the bulls will be back in charge of this market any time soon, Tamas Varga at London-based oil brokers PVM, told the FT.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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ExxonMobil Corp and Petrochina Co. have filed offers to develop two oil fields in southern Iraq, which are expected to pump 550,000 bpd, Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Fayyad Al-Nima told Bloomberg in an interview published on Wednesday.

Exxon and Petrochina have tabled proposals to further develop the oil fields Artawi and Nahran Omar and are in talks with Iraq, which is trying to keep its total output at some 4.8 million bpd until the end of the year, the minister told Bloomberg. The two fields are currently producing around 70,000 bpd and Iraqs oil ministry wants to launch the development project in six months, according to Al-Nima.

Iraq, whose oil reserves are the worlds fifth-largest, seeks to boost oil output as crude prices continue to remain low and Islamic State stubbornly holds onto large territories in the north of the country. Iraq biggest oil fields lie in the south and are insulated from the insurgents in the north.

According to Bloomberg data, Iraq produced 4.3 million bpd in June 2016, up by 32 percent from the 2014 average.

Exxons bid in Iraq is not the only overseas piece of news about hydrocarbon development for the U.S. group this week. Exxon was among the oil majors which had expressed interest in a tender for hydrocarbon exploration offshore Cyprus, whose deadline for bid submission expired last Friday.

Exxon is bidding for Block 10 in the third licensing round for hydrocarbon exploration in consortium with Qatar Petroleum. Exxon and Qatar Petroleum will be competing for Block 10 with an Eni/Total consortium and with Statoil. This round of licensing bids was particularly attractive after recent gas discoveries offshore Cyprus, Egypt and Israel.

Cyprus is expected to decide whom to award the blocks to in early 2017.



By Tsvetana Paraskova

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Hess Corporation has announced it plans to take legal action against Schlumberger. Hess is looking for US$40 million from Schlumberger over claims that the company provided Hess with a defective valve which shut down three wells and slowed production at a field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Hess maintains that Schlumberger owes between US$30 and US$40 million for remediation fees related to the shutdown of wells at the Tubular Bells oil field 135 miles southeast of New Orleans. Hess executives also said that the company plans to seek additional compensation from Schlumberger but did not name an amount.

The Tubular Bells field has four wells, and two of those were closed in the second quarter for regular maintenance for 31 days. According to Hess, the faulty valve resulted in the closure of a third well in July. Hess contends that the closure caused it to lower the full-year production guidance for the field from 25,000 barrels per day to 10,000. Hess owns a 57 percent stake in the project, and Chevron holds the balance.

Greg Hill, the chief operating officer at Hess called the situation extremely disappointing, adding: It relates to some quality control and some of the components of the valve. Hill did not say if his company would seek arbitration or would look for redress through the courts.

Representatives from Schlumberger were unavailable for comment on Wednesday. Nothing had been filed in U.S. courts as of Wednesday. Hess did state that it expects the platform to be back online later in the year. On Wednesday, Hess reported a smaller than expected quarterly loss. Hess, and other oil producers have recently been at odds with Schlumberger and other providers over financial issues, including prices.

By Lincoln Brown for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
With the oil industry still in the doldrums, some businesses have come to the conclusion that even in such a depression fun could be had. Norwegian company Edda Accommodation, which specializes in housing for oil platform workers, has just completed its maiden rig-spotting cruise.

The tourists who signed up for the trip  all 120 of them  were not allowed to go onboard the platforms for security reasons but they nevertheless were all happy with the experience, according to the Guardian which interviewed some of them. The workers on the platforms were also apparently happy to see some visitors and greeted the cruisers with flares and water canons. One of these was the Troll A platform  one of the biggest and heaviest human-made structures in the world.

The trip lasted four days, and costs between $700 and $3,500. The high-tech vessel Edda Fides took its passengers around three offshore fields in the Norwegian part of the North Sea  Troll, Balder and Ringhorn. Then the tourists were taken further up north.

The hotel manager of the Edda Fides, Bjorn Erik Julseth, told the Guardian, There was little activity, so we used our creativity to come up with ideas. We organised this trip in six weeks. Like many other energy-related industries platform staff accommodation providers have also suffered the consequences of persistently low oil prices.

Oil is the main source of Norways wealth. The price rout from the last two years has shaken up the economy pretty badly  earlier this year, the government was forced to resort to its sovereign wealth fund, worth some US$819 billion, for the first time ever. The fund was set up in better times, in 1996, and is the largest sovereign fund in the world, with investments in 9,000 companies across 75 countries.

Norway has the third-largest public spending portion in the OECD  it accounts for 60 percent of annual GDP and much of it comes from the oil industry.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Turkey has detained the general manager of the Petkim petrochemical refinery, Sadettin Korkut, in what seems like an extension of the post-attempted-coup purge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently enforcing in the country.

Korkut is one of the dozens of Petkim employees who have been fired since the local energy authority called upon companies to dismiss supporters of US-based Fethullah Gulen, whom Erdogan is blaming for the July 15 coup attempt.

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, which holds 56 percent in the Petkim refinery via two Turkish subsidiaries, said on Thursday that Korkut had been dismissed on Wednesday. SOCAR also appointed SOCAR Greeces current head Anar Mammadov to serve as general manager at Pektim.

Pektim is just one of many investments SOCAR has in Turkey. The Azeri company is building the STAR Refinery on the Aegean coast, which is expected to start test production in 2017 and go online in 2018. The refinery is planned to have an annual capacity of 10 million tons, including 1.6 million tons of naphtha to feed the Petkim plant. The refinery is also designed to produce diesel, jet fuel and LPG.

SOCAR also holds a majority 58-percent stake in the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) project, planned to ship gas from Azerbaijans Shah Deniz-2 gas field to Turkey and on to southern Europe, as an alternative to the Russian gas supplies.



Since the attempted coup in mid-July, however, not only has confidence in Turkey waned but concerns over the countrys energy security have also increased. Turkey has suspended, removed or sacked at least 60,000 employees in the judiciary, military, education and security services since July 15. In recent days, the purge has extended to media organizations, energy firms and the financial sector.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
B.C. government says it won't support 2030 Winter Olympics bid

The province announced Thursday it will not support a potential bid for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, a decision that has disappointed the First Nations who were hoping to host the games.
First came the story of the alleged Russian hacking of the e-mails of the DNC. Mind boggling as it was, the networks just repeated the mantra that those nasty Russians did this, but never offered one shred of evidence to support their outrageous accusation. A couple of "anonymous "sources were mentioned, but not a bit of proof. Not the slightest bit of proof. It was an exercise in pure propaganda. Over and over in the reporting, Russia was blamed without citing any evidence. The fact is, no one knows who hacked the DNC, but a great American hero Edward Snowden, said if the Russians did it the NSA would know it right away. They don't know it!! This is just an outstanding example of neocon war rhetoric and the demonizing of the target for the future war that the US is provoking between the US and Russia. Putin, of course, is always depicted as a satanic figure, and some right wing cooks like John McCain, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, and Hillary Clinton, have even compared him to Hitler. Let's see now, wasn't that the same term used by neocons about Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi? It was President Bush who went one step farther and said Saddam Hussein was even worse than Hitler. Corporate media has obviously been hijacked by the neocons, the same corporate media, and pretty much the same group of neocons, who repeatedly echoed lies and whipped the US public into hysteria, thus supporting the illegal, unnecessary, immoral war on Iraq and its nonexistent WMDs.

For the sake of argument, let's assume the Russians did in fact hack the DNC. Is that any worse than the US government tapping the phones of almost every world leader? Why, if the Russians are so evil for doing this, is it not mentioned that we have been caught doing far worse? Is Obama worse than Putin for tapping the phones and emails of world leaders, or is it ok if we do it, but not for others? How many times will the public fall for the same corporate media trick?

The second example was the bait and switch tactic used to protect the DNC, the Democratic Party, and Hillary Clinton. Media's tactic to divert your attention from the contents of those leaked e-mails was to shift the attention from the content, to those nasty Russians. The content has not been discussed at all. Media did what your brother did to you when he wanted your potato chips. Your brother pointed to something in another direction and exclaimed "hey, look at that"!! Your attention was diverted to "that", and he stole your chips. Media diverted your attention to "that", Russia, so you would never know just how corrupt and crooked the Democratic party leadership really is.

The leaked e-mails made one thing very clear. Debbie Wasserman Shultz was caught doing very shady, unethical, and disgusting things to the Sanders campaign. Despite her resignation, Hillary Clinton the Warrior Queen, immediately rallied to Schultz's cause, and rewarded her by bringing Shultz into the campaign. The message sent by the Warrior Queen, is that corruption and unethical tactics that help the Clinton cause will be rewarded. Is that what we want in a president?

Corporate media serves as a mouthpiece for the official government line, and it also serves the neocon need for blood and war with Russia. Do you really want a war with Russia? You had better turn off the propaganda machine and tune in to alternative news, so we don't have a nuclear war with a rebuilt and powerful Russia. What could cause a nuclear war with Russia?? How about overthrowing a democratically elected pro-Russian leader in the Ukraine, how about installing nuclear equipped missiles all around Russia, how about sending the US navy into Russia's back yard in the Baltic Sea, how about conducting war games 300 yards from the Russian border, and how about blaming Putin and Russia for hacking the DNC without on bit of evidence? How many pokes at the Russian bear before he turns on you with nuclear violence?? Putin recently spoke at length with international journalists and told them they were not reporting on the seriousness of the possible nuclear confrontation with the US. He said he was extremely worried because people have not been told just how serous this confrontation has become.

Folks, corporate media and neocons are brewing something very horrible for the world. Tune into what is going on, by tuning out corporate media, before you find yourself in a nuclear holocaust.
A few hours before the Democrat Party made history on July 26,2016 with the nomination of the first female to head a major party presidential ticket in America, Ray Lewis stood across from Philadelphia's City Hall holding a sign that contradicted the position of his previous profession: policeman.

Standing about four miles from the meeting site of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Lewis, a retired Philadelphia Police Department captain, held a sign demanding the legalization of marijuana.

Support for reform of laws criminalizing marijuana is included in the DNC's Platform. But the legalization advocated by Lewis and millions across America is not a position held by Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party's official candidate for the 2016 presidential election. Clinton's vice-presidential pick, Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine also opposes legalization.

Donald Trump, the Republican Party candidate for president, also opposes legalization. Trump has adopted the same 'Law-&-Order' campaign mantra of Richard Nixon, the discredited former U.S. President who launched the 'War on Weed' in the early 1970s"a few years before Nixon's unprecedented resignation for serial misconduct. Trump's VP pick, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, opposes legalization.

Former law enforcer Ray Lewis quickly cited his past experiences as a policeman when asked why he endorses the legalization of the long outlawed marijuana.



Ray Lewis - Retired Philadelphia Police Department captain LBW Photo

(Image by Linn Washington Jr.) Details DMCA



"As an ex-cop, without a doubt, I know [marijuana] should be legal. It is a disgrace that we arrest and incarcerate for something that is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco, two substances that are legal," Lewis said.

"White America needs to know that marijuana is not the problem. The problem is the prohibition of marijuana," Lewis said before his presentation at a pro-pot/anti-Drug War rally across from Philadelphia's City Hall where many in attendance openly consumed the illegal substance.

"The trillions of dollars spent on marijuana enforcement over the years could have been spent to change conditions like poverty and poor education in our schools," Lewis noted.

The legal and social status of marijuana is the subject of intense debate and reexamination in America. Public opinion polls in recent years register a majority of Americans supporting legalization including increasing numbers of conservative Republicans.

While federal law stills bars all possession and use of marijuana over two-dozen states and Washington, DC now allow the medical use of marijuana.

Further, four states and Washington DC have fully legalized marijuana for adult use. Tens-of-millions in new tax revenues from marijuana sales have flowed into coffers of states that have legalized marijuana. (Legalized marijuana sales/use in DC sparked opposition from Republicans in Congress delaying implementation.)

Philadelphia is the largest city in America to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, treating possession with a traffic ticket like citation instead of the former practice of expensive custodial arrests and court adjudications.

Retired police captain Ray Lewis criticized the documented racial discrimination in marijuana law enforcement where African Americans sustain more severe enforcement than whites despite white using marijuana more than blacks.

Prejudicial policing that targeted African-Americans triggered approval of decriminalization in Philadelphia in 2014.

Yet, despite Philadelphia's decriminalization blacks remain the predominant persons arrested for marijuana violations in the city. In 2015 black adults comprised 82 percent of all marijuana enforcement arrests while black teens totaled 74% of juvenile arrests according to an analysis of law enforcement statistics conducted by Chris Goldstein, author of the Philly 420 Blog. Philly.com, the web portal of the company that owns the city two largest daily newspapers, publishes the 420 Blog.

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Last night on the third day of the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, the city where, arguably, American freedom and democracy were born, at least for white men, an American president of Kenyan descent faced members of his own party, and the American people at home in their living rooms watching television. Easy, composed and "in his element," President Barack Hussein Obama made the case for his would-be successor, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. It was a remarkable speech, filled with soaring rhetoric and common sense logic much to the delight of Democrats all over the country.

I have to say it. The man still has it -- in abundance. That Obama is immensely charismatic is a gross understatement. Tall, lean, handsome and possessing a unique voice -- a mixture and blend of baritone and tenor -- that was at times scolding, sometimes humorous, cajoling and blunt, he spent his considerable political capital betting on his preferred presidential candidate. At times I was fleetingly reminded of the old West when you hired a gunslinger to defend your ranch. And what a Hillary gunslinger Obama was!

Couching his speech in American multiculturalism - a body of thought in political philosophy about the proper way to respond to cultural and religious diversity -- President Obama gave first an account of his seven and a half year stewardship, a mixed bag of blessings, and then outlined exactly who Hillary Rodham Clinton is and why she deserved to be President of the United States.

It was not a self-aggrandizing, fawning, begging, genuflecting rhetorical meme that characterized the Republican Party's convention where the exalting and nauseating praising of Donald Trump brought back stark memories of pre-1939 Germany. By contrast, this was a blunt, no-frills examination of Ms. Clinton's long and checkered history as the quintessential American public servant. From advocating for the disabled, poor children, and a leading proponent of universal healthcare, President Obama laid it all out - simple, uncluttered, clear and unvarnished.

President Obama also took umbrage with Trump's naked and shameless appeal to xenophobia - the fear of that certain people in a society are perceived to be foreign or strange. Xenophobia can manifest itself in many ways involving the relations and perceptions of an "in group" towards an "other or out group," including a fear of losing "traditional" identity, suspicion of "the other's" activities, aggression, and desire to eliminate its presence to secure a presumed purity.

Xenophobia can also be exhibited in the form of an "uncritical exaltation of another culture" in which a culture is ascribed "an unreal, stereotyped and exotic quality". All of this Obama rejected and argued for American multiculturalism as a bedrock of American exceptionalism. In fact, President Obama's version of multiculturalism is about the existence, acceptance, or promotion of multiple cultural traditions within the United States of America. He sees an inclusive, diverse and integrated America based on timeless values of honesty, "love for thy neighbor," sacrifice and welcoming to those who see America as a land of freedom and liberty. He said that Hillary Clinton gets it.

And rare for American presidents Obama acknowledged that "I may have let your down sometimes." Implicit in this statement was what he did not literally say -- I'm sorry I sometimes did not live up to your expectations. That from an American president, where the historical characteristic and persona of the office is a tough-talking, swaggering, uncompromising, triumphalist, white generalissimo, was a clear departure from the norm, and demonstrated Obama's humility, compassion and, yes, humanity. At that moment I remembered how he cried at the mass killing of little children at Sandy Hook and was so shook up with gratitude for his campaign staff in 2012 that he was again moved to tears. That's the exception -- American presidents are supposed to be tough and tough guys don't cry.

But to my mind President Obama's speech was his attempt to rally and energize the winning coalition that gave him victory in 2008 and again in 2012. It's the reason for his singling out Bernie Sanders by name in his speech that was a tacit acknowledgement that he -- not Hillary Clinton -- was part custodian of the Obama Coalition. The president knows that politics is all about arithmetic and he knows that Hillary will need to syphon off working class males from the Trump supporters and that he, Obama, with Senator Sanders's help, has to convince young voters, especially those on university campuses across the nation, to come out and vote for Hillary Clinton in November. It was the reason for unleashing Vice President Joe Biden the tough-talking, darling of the white working class.

Underscoring the president's speech was the elephant in the room -- racism. And while he did not call it by name there were numerous references to societal difficulties and the climate of non-cooperation that he's had to endure as president. To be sure President Obama is not responsible for the fact that Donald Trump is the Republican Party's presidential nominee. But the fact that Trump's meteoric political rise comes in the waning days of President Obama's time in office is no accident or coincidence. I am of the view that President Obama's electoral victory helped pave the way for the rise of Donald Trump and, more importantly, Trumpism -- the anti-immigration, anti-trade, nativist, xenophobic, jingoistic, law and order sentiments that have now gone American mainstream.

White hatred for Barack Obama was so pervasive that even so-called "moderate Republicans" refused to rein Trump in as he attacked the American president first questioning his place of birth, his religion and his commitment to "defend America from all enemies foreign and domestic." By the time 2015 came around the Republican Party was in open civil war and disarray surprising the party's political and media elites by it passion and strength. Suddenly, the Frankenstein monster that they created and gave life to was out of control as it drew on the deep anxieties, anger at the GOP Establishment, closet racism and fears of losing its dominant place in America's cultural space. In many ways Donald Trump also represents the face of anti-multiculturalism.

Trump and certain ultra-right elements of the Republican Party have long pushed the idea that America is being overrun and overtaken by non-white people with different values that threaten traditional, conservative "American values." This has been inspired by the fact that day by day America is fast becoming a multi-colored society where white people will not be the dominant majority in as near as 30 years. And for the past seven and a half years this has been symbolized by a man of Kenyan ancestry -- with, as Obama himself said during his 2004 convention speech, "a funny name."

But back to Hillary Clinton who is poised to make more history as America's first female president. One of the main reasons that she's disliked by some, thought of as untrustworthy by others, and literally held to a higher standard when compared to male politicians is that she is, plain and simple: a woman. Male politicians get away with all kinds of crap, pull every shenanigan -- sometimes far worse than Ms. Clinton's real of perceived disproportional transgressions - and are either forgiven or redeemed by a population that still undervalues women, especially in politics. Had Hillary Clinton been a man there would be no endless "investigations" of emails, his conduct, and just about EVERYTHING that she has done. Reminds me of the Salem Witch Hunts.

Infact, there is NO AMERICAN POLITICAL LEADER LAST OR PRESENT THAT HAS BEEN SO THOROUGHLY AND CONSISTENTLY INVESTIGATED. The fact that she's been able to beat back and triumph over these sustained and unrelenting attacks, criticisms, insults etc. FOR OVER 30 YEARS is the first testament to her incredible fortitude and ability to focus. Now, I'm not suggesting that she's perfect -- far from it. She's made political mistakes and she's embraced a hawkish foreign policy that has liberals and the Left scratching their heads. These are facts. But that does not in ANY WAY negate the fact that in 2016 she is the most qualified candidate to be President of the United States.

So after all is said and done the American people face two clear and distinct choices this November: One (1) elect a candidate who NEVER HELD public office, failed in business, and represents the WORST of American society and values. Or two (2) elect a candidate, who for all her flaws is a decent, fair-minded, people-oriented and honest leader. As Sun Tzu said: Know your enemy and know yourself and VICTORY IS CERTAIN. Let's not be fooled by the Republican conman: He's a good marketer. He understood that his controversial, bombastic and inflammatory statements are representative of Republican conservative resentment of "political correctness." The problem is that his ability to articulate and say what they think in blunt, unvarnished verbosity -- embarrasses the hell out of them.

Hillary Clinton deserves our vote and support -- she's earned it and then some. Yes, we can cherry-pick her record and come up with things we do not like. But that's true of every politician in American politics today. Pardon the analogy, I rather to stick with the Devil I know and understand than the one I don't know. I respectfully submit that Hillary Clinton's strengths, experience and record of accomplishments on behalf of working people, the disabled and the downtrodden outweighs her mistakes and shortcomings. For this reason and my fear of the alternative -- Vote Hillary Clinton in November.
Photo and video coverage of the DNC convention-- a lot you won't see on the MSM

Saturday, I tried to attend the DNC Rules Committee hearing. The public was locked out.

Locked out crowd shouting Open the door at DNC Rules committee meeting #DNCinPHL #NeverHillary https://t.co/hhvEXbJzGZ at https://t.co/hhvEXbJzGZ  (((rob kall))) (@robkall) July 23, 2016

Later, I went down to the People's Revolution Conference and heard Nina Turner and Jill Stein.

On Monday, I took the train into Philly to cover the protests outside the Western Union Stadium, where the DNC convention is being held. It got interesting once I was on the subway platform. A SEPTA worker announced that the subway would not go all the way to the stop at the DNC convention, the AT&T station. It's the one you get off at for the stadiums. Only people with DNC credentials could go past Oregon avenue, the stop before the stadium stop-- about a half mile away. I knew because I've walked it before. I asked him why. It didn't seem reasonable. He said it was because of the protesters and he thought it was the secret service who had ordered it. But there were hardly any protesters on the subway and they were very quiet. I'd picked up a press credential on Saturday when I went to the DNC pre-convention Rules Committee hearing at the Convention Center. That worked to enable me to stay on the train through to the AT&T stop. But when I got off, the station was surrounded by heavy gates, a ton of police and a guy who told me that my pass was only good at the Convention Center, not at Western Union Stadium, where the DNC meeting is being held. So I had to take the subway back to the Oregon Ave. stop and walk the half mile. As I was walking it started drizzling, with really nasty dark storm clouds gathering overhead. Right when I arrived back at the ATT stop, the clouds broke open and torrential rains came down. I'd brought an umbrella AND a disposable plastic poncho. But they didn't do much good. I was soaked through and through after ten minutes. I did get some good footage though. Check it out. As the rain worsened, more and more people were leaving the scene. They'd walked from City Hall down to Roosevelt Park, several miles, in sweltering upper 90s heat. It was time to go home. But some stayed and made it clear, that for some Bernie supporters, some very wet, drenched dedicated Bernie supporters, there would not be party unity, as they chanted, "Hell no, DNC, we won't vote for Hillary. Here's a woman holding a sign that sort of says what I proposed in the article I wrote yesterday morning, before going to my stress test, Maximize Chaos At DNC Convention to Make a Miracle Happen

Protest sign at DNC Convention

(Image by Rob Kall) Details DMCA



Protest sign at DNC Convention

(image by Rob Kall) License DMCA A few blocks from the stadium, there's an overpass. A few hundred Bernie supporters were gathered there, under it, escaping the torrential rain. A few dozen were singing. That's me singing harmony.

Protest sign at DNC Convention

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Protest sign at DNC Convention

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Protest sign at DNC Convention

(image by rob kall)

After the rain stopped I found this gal holding her sign.



Protest sign at DNC Convention

(Image by Rob Kall) Details DMCA



Protest sign at DNC Convention

(image by Rob Kall)

After walking back to the Oregon ave. subway stop I got on the subway, only to find that they'd re-opened the AT&T stop. I could have waited and taken the easy, dry way. But I would have missed the singing, the posters.

Wednesday, I again took the train into Philly, heading to the Occupy DNC protest, across from City Hall.

When I arrived socialist Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant was speaking. She's amazing. I was able to speak briefly using the same mike she's using, to give my take on value of Bernie's platform, which I wrote about here: The Dem Platform Fulfills Bernie's Bottom Up Vision of Change. It was nice to meet some OpEdNews readers there.

There were a lot of protesters filling the square, a lot more than I ever saw before, even during Occupy.



Protest at Occcupy DNC

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I briefly saw Jill Stein, being escorted by Philly Police-- not secret service, but nice to see that she was accorded the respect of a presidential candidate.



Jill Stein being escorted by Philly Police

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Westboro Baptist Church was there, but there was a woman with a yellow sign adding a different perspective.



Westboro Baptist Church at Occupy DNC

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Here's a look at the future of politics.



Kids supporting Jill Stein and Bernie at Occupy DNC

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The sign on the left, below may seem extreme, but it's kind of what the DNC may have done, rigging the election so Hillary would win.



Protesters at Occupy DNC Philly

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I loved this sign. I've written that I feel a part of my job is to be an awakener.



Protester at Occupy DNC in Philly

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More pics:



Code Pink's Jodie Evans showing the sign she was going to unfurl at the DNC convention later in the evening

(Image by Rob Kall) Details DMCA





Protester at Occupy DNC: Vote 3rd Party

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I'll be heading back down in less than three hours.
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Rob Kall demonstrates how the Bottom-Up revolution has ushered in a business, political and social upheaval the likes of which we've never seen. Bottom-Up: Tapping the Power of the Connection Revolution is a must read book that you need, to understand how this revolution affects every area of your life and the opportunities it is creating."



Jim Donovan, author, happy@work - 60 Simple Ways to Stay Engaged and Be Successful


Bill Clinton & mining financier Frank Giustra, $31.3 million donor to Clinton Foundation

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For those of us with hopes riding on the millennials' revolution, it was disheartening to watch Hillary's young Director of Communications Outreach Jess McIntosh sanguinely embracing an imaginary Democratic Party unity on Democracy Now! (July 25). She seemed genuinely surprised when Sanders supporter Norman Solomon disagreed.

Bill and Hillary have been a close working team for over three decades and she stands on his record. Never has she publicly objected or disconnected herself from his deplorable abuses of power and betrayals of public trust. So we have a conjugal employment record to review in evaluating her job application.

I suspect Jess was just in grade school when the CIA chose Mena, Arkansas for its port of entry smuggling cocaine from South America to secretly fund the Contras in Nicaragua. It seems unlikely that choice would have been made without the knowledge, permission and likely complicity of the state's governor, Bill Clinton.

And back in 1984, near the millennial generation startup, Governor Clinton launched a long and lucrative relationship with the mining industry, lunching with Jean Raymond Boulle, owner of American Mineral Fields. AMF joined forces in 1987 with Jackson Stephens - whose Indonesian tycoon business partner later gave millions of illegal dollars to Bill's 1996 presidential campaign - to mine Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only known viable diamond deposit in North America. Clinton had appointed his friend Karen Lackey as Commissioner for Parks and Tourism and used influential business friends to reverse a mining prohibition by the National Park Service.

AMF later relocated its international headquarters to Hope, Arkansas, Bill's home town, and was prominently involved in Borneo gold mining under bloody Indonesian dictator Suharto and efforts to displace French and Belgian mining companies in Congo/Zaire that unleashed the Rwandan genocide and subsequent mineral wars with Clinton's secret support - which he lied about - that killed millions. (See my May 29 OpEdNews story.)

The Clinton corruption is both bottomless and indiscriminate, not simply limited to corrupt allied dictators but to our Cold War adversaries as well, again including the mining industry. A story appeared last year in the New York Times headlined "Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal."

The story cited a January 2013 Pravda report detailing how the Russian atomic energy agency, Rosatom, had taken over a Canadian company with uranium-mining stakes stretching from Central Asia to the American West. "At the heart of the tale are several men," the Times disclosed, "leaders of the Canadian mining industry, who have been major donors to the charitable endeavors of former President Bill Clinton and his family. Members of that group built, financed and eventually sold off to the Russians a company that would become known as Uranium One."

The plot continues, "As the Russians gradually assumed control of Uranium One in three separate transactions from 2009 to 2013, Canadian records show, a flow of cash made its way to the Clinton Foundation. Uranium One's chairman used his family foundation to make four donations totaling $2.35 million. Those contributions were not publicly disclosed by the Clintons, despite an agreement Mrs. Clinton had struck with the Obama White House to publicly identify all donors."

Based on public records reviews and numerous interviews including a preview by Brookings Institute scholar Peter Schweizer of his now-published book, Clinton Cash, "The sale gave the Russians control of one-fifth of all uranium production capacity in the United States. Since uranium is considered a strategic asset, with implications for national security, the deal had to be approved by a committee composed of representatives from a number of United States government agencies. Among the agencies that eventually signed off was the State Department, then headed by Mr. Clinton's wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton."

Let's now go back 20 years to the scandal known as "Chinagate," the subject of a prolonged Judicial Watch lawsuit. Considered among the most serious scandals in U.S. history, Chinagate involved the transfer of some of America's most sensitive nuclear missile and satellite technology to China, allegedly in exchange for millions of dollars in contributions to the 1996 Clinton-Gore re-election campaign and the DNC.

Nolanda Hill, business partner and confidante of Clinton's Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, testified that the Clinton White House told Brown to "delay the [Judicial Watch] case by withholding the production of documents prior to the 1996 elections and to devise a way not to comply with the court's orders."

Hill also testified that Brown, killed in a plane crashed inexplicably off-course during a trade mission to Croatia, told her that Hillary conceived of the scheme to sell trade mission seats in exchange for campaign contributions. Brown complained of being "Hillary's blankety-blank tour guide" and had recently threatened to expose the Clinton's Asian fund-raising scheme to protect his son from prosecution. Soon after the crash and two days before a scheduled interview by the Air Force, the Croatian in charge of the airport's navigation system was found dead with a bullet hole in his chest.

Threatened by the damaging corruption evidence, the Commerce Department requested judgment against itself to avoid further exposure. The court refused and allowed continued discovery into illegal concealment and destruction of government records. Congressional investigations, FEC investigations, and criminal inquiries by the Justice Department and FBI followed. Ten years after the election, an appellate court approved an award of $900,000 to Judicial Watch but nobody has gone to prison. Their nine lives are apparently not yet exhausted.

As I watched Jess speak earnestly of how Democrats "put families first" I could only think of the thousands of Libyan, Syrian and Honduran families bombed, killed and driven from their homes, communities and the ruins of their countries due in great part to the actions of Hillary Clinton. Hopefully Jess' naivete and vulnerability to propaganda is atypical of her generation.

Trump is a novice, a political wild card with no relevant work history or resume to evaluate, but Hillary has a long, deeply corrupt and repeatedly deadly work history. How can prospective employers ignore that?

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Erdoganism is a new terminology introduced by the opinion writers against President Tayyib Erdogan who has launched a cleansing operation in the civil and military bureaucracy in the aftermath of July 15 abortive coup blamed on the US-based pro-Israel cleric, Fatehullah Gulen who is described by Pape Escobar as a CIA asset.

Tufail Ahmed, Director, of the Washington-based South Asia Studies Project at the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) says "Erdogan is a dictator, coup was Turkey's hope for democracy."

"Elections are just one pillar of democracy. However, terrorist groups like Hamas in Gaza, the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt and hidden jihadists like Erdogan have figured out that they can use elections as a means to acquire power and change the system" he went on to say.

"Erdogan seeks to revive the Ottoman Caliphate. For Erdoganism, Islam matters, not the people," Tufail said adding: Erdoganism is seen as Islamism.

Tufail sees Erdogan's massive purge in civil and military bureaucracy as advancing his the Islamist agenda. Erdogan has dismissed 2,745 judges including members of Turkey's highest judiciary board. He cancelled the licences of 21,000 private school teachers. Around 50,000 soldiers, police, judges, civil servants and teachers have been suspended or removed. To expand the scope of Islamism after the failed coup, Erdogan ordered 1,577 deans of universities to resign, Tufail added.

To prove his point Tufail recalled that after Erdogan came to power, Turkey lifted rules banning women from wearing headscarves in the country's state institutions. In 2014, it permitted girls as young as ten to wear scarf in schools. Erdogan's policies are directed at transforming Turkey into a Sharia-compliant state. Erdogan declared that women cannot be equal to men, saying manual work is against the "delicate nature" of women. Like the Taliban, Erdogan objected to the use of the term "moderate Islam" noting: "Islam cannot be classified as moderate or not."

Surprsingly, Tufail is silent about the Gulen movement which has been accused of master minding the failed coup. According to Al-Monitor columnist, Mustafa Akyol, the Gulenists have indeed created a parallel state within the state.

Mustafa Akyol says that the infiltration of state institutions -- especially strategic ones such as the police, the judiciary and the military -- by the Gulen community is a fact harped on by journalists for decades. When President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002, the infiltration went even further, for Erdogan considered Fethullah Gulen a key ally.

He also said that not just the government, but also the chief of staff, the National Intelligence Organization, all major opposition parties, mainstream secular media, many anti-Erdogan journalists and most nongovernmental organizations seem to all agree that this coup was mainly a Gulenist operation, as a last-ditch effort to topple Erdogan, who had become the Gulenists' No. 1 enemy.

Gulen came to America in 1998, reportedly to seek medical treatment. Since then, he's directed his global empire from Pennsylvania. A federal judge granted him a green card in 2008.Shortly after he left for America, a series of secretly recorded sermons featuring Gulen aired on Turkish television. In one of them, he told his followers:

"You must move in the arteries of the system without anyone noticing your existence until you reach all the power centers...You must wait for the time when you are complete and conditions are ripe, until we can shoulder the entire world and carry it..."

"You must wait until such time as you have gotten all the state power, until you have brought to your side all the power of the constitutional institutions in Turkey " Now, I have expressed my feelings and thoughts to you all in confidence. Know that when you leave here -- as you discard your empty juice boxes, you must discard the thoughts and the feelings that I expressed here."

In 2006, former police chief Adil Serdar Sacan estimated that the Fethullahcis held more than 80 percent of senior positions in the Turkish police force. "The assertion that the TNP (Turkish National Police) is controlled by Gulenists is impossible to confirm but we have found no one who disputes it," wrote James Jeffrey, the then US ambassador in Ankara, in a 2009 cable. [Dier Spiegel]

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said any country that stands by Fethullah Gulen will not be a friend of Turkey and will be considered at war with it.

Interestingly, almost two thirds of Turks believe Gulen was behind the coup attempt, according to a poll released on Tuesday. The Andy-Ar survey showed 64.4 percent of respondents believed Gulen was behind the coup attempt, while 3.8 percent blamed the United States, 3.6 percent foreign powers and 2.2 percent President Erdogan.

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See original here

The day after Senator Bernie Sanders spoke at the Democratic National Convention and urged his supporters to work to ensure his former rival wins the presidential race, we host a debate between Clinton supporter Robert Reich, who served as labor secretary under President Clinton, and Chris Hedges, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who backs Sanders.

This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.

AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org. Our special, "Breaking with Convention: War, Peace and the Presidency." I'm Amy Goodman, with Juan Gonzalez.

JUAN GONZALEZ: As we continue to talk about the Democratic National Convention, we're joined now by two guests. Joining us from Berkeley, California, is Robert Reich, who served as labor secretary under President Clinton and is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. And here in Philadelphia is Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. His most recent book is Wages of Rebellion: The Moral Imperative of Revolt.

And I'd like to begin with Robert Reich. You're a -- you were a Bernie Sanders supporter. You're now backing Hillary Clinton. You're not at the convention, but your perspective on what you saw last night and the possibility of the Democratic Party uniting behind Hillary Clinton, or a group of the Sanders supporters going with Jill Stein?

ROBERT REICH: Well, it's very hard to tell what the delegates are going to do. And it's very hard to tell -- even harder to tell what the electorate is going to do. You know, this is a very agonizing time for many Bernie Sanders supporters. I, with a great deal of reluctance initially, because I've known Hillary Clinton for 50 years -- 50 years -- endorsed Bernie Sanders and worked my heart out for him, as many, many people did. And so, at this particular juncture, you know, there's a great deal of sadness and a great deal of feeling of regret. But having worked so long and so many years for basically the progressive ideals that Bernie Sanders stands for, I can tell you that the movement is going to continue. In fact, it's going to grow.

And right now, at this particular point in time, I just don't see any alternative but to support Hillary. I know Hillary, I know her faults, I know her strengths. I think she will make a great president. I supported Bernie Sanders because I thought he would make a better president for the system we need. But nonetheless, Hillary Clinton is going to be the nominee. I support her. And I support her not only because she will be a good president, if not a great president, but also, frankly, because I am tremendously worried about the alternative. And the alternative, really, as a practical matter, is somebody who is a megalomaniac and a bigot, somebody who will set back the progressive movement decades, if not more.

AMY GOODMAN: Chris Hedges?

CHRIS HEDGES: Well, reducing the election to personalities is kind of infantile at this point. The fact is, we live in a system that Sheldon Wolin calls inverted totalitarianism. It's a system where corporate power has seized all of the levers of control. There is no way to vote against the interests of Goldman Sachs or ExxonMobil or Raytheon. We've lost our privacy. We've seen, under Obama, an assault against civil liberties that has outstripped what George W. Bush carried out. We've seen the executive branch misinterpret the 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force Act as giving itself the right to assassinate American citizens, including children. I speak of Anwar al-Awlaki's 16-year-old son. We have bailed out the banks, pushed through programs of austerity. This has been a bipartisan effort, because they've both been captured by corporate power. We have undergone what John Ralston Saul correctly calls a corporate coup d'etat in slow motion, and it's over.

I just came back from Poland, which is a kind of case study of how neoliberal poison destroys a society and creates figures like Trump. Poland has gone, I think we can argue, into a neofascism. First, it dislocated the working class, deindustrialized the country. Then, in the name of austerity, it destroyed public institutions, education, public broadcasting. And then it poisoned the political system. And we are now watching, in Poland, them create a 30,000 to 40,000 armed militia. You know, they have an army. The Parliament, nothing works. And I think that this political system in the United States has seized up in exactly the same form.

So, is Trump a repugnant personality? Yes. Although I would argue that in terms of megalomania and narcissism, Hillary Clinton is not far behind. But the point is, we've got to break away from -- which is exactly the narrative they want us to focus on. We've got to break away from political personalities and understand and examine and critique the structures of power. And, in fact, the Democratic Party, especially beginning under Bill Clinton, has carried water for corporate entities as assiduously as the Republican Party. This is something that Ralph Nader understood long before the rest of us, and stepped out very courageously in 2000. And I think we will look back on that period and find Ralph to be an amazingly prophetic figure. Nobody understands corporate power better than Ralph. And I think now people have caught up with Ralph.

And this is, of course, why I support Dr. Stein and the Green Party. We have to remember that 10 years ago, Syriza, which controls the Greek government, was polling at exactly the same spot that the Green Party is polling now -- about 4 percent. We've got to break out of this idea that we can create systematic change within a particular election cycle. We've got to be willing to step out into the political wilderness, perhaps, for a decade. But on the issues of climate change, on the issue of the destruction of civil liberties, including our right to privacy -- and I speak as a former investigative journalist, which doesn't exist anymore because of wholesale government surveillance -- we have no ability, except for hackers.

I mean, this whole debate over the WikiLeaks is insane. Did Russia? I've printed classified material that was given to me by the Mossad. But I never exposed that Mossad gave it to me. Is what was published true or untrue? And the fact is, you know, in those long emails -- you should read them. They're appalling, including calling Dr. Cornel West "trash." It is -- the whole -- it exposes the way the system was rigged, within -- I'm talking about the Democratic Party -- the denial of independents, the super delegates, the stealing of the caucus in Nevada, the huge amounts of corporate money and super PACs that flowed into the Clinton campaign.

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Reprinted from The Nation

Philadelphia -- President Obama and Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine did something very smart Wednesday night. They talked about Bernie Sanders. Indeed, they talked up Bernie Sanders.

The crowd at the Democratic National Convention, which has not always cheered in unison this week, cheered robustly when the president declared:

"Democracy works, but we gotta want it -- not just during an election year, but all the days in between. "So if you agree that there's too much inequality in our economy, and too much money in our politics, we all need to be as vocal and as organized and as persistent as Bernie Sanders' supporters have been. We all need to get out and vote for Democrats up and down the ticket, and then hold them accountable until they get the job done."

The references to Sanders came from a president and a Democratic nominee for vice president who devoted substantial portions of their speeches to hailing Hillary Clinton, the party's nominee for president. Obama and Kaine were not objecting to the fact that Clinton beat the senator from Vermont for the nomination, and that tomorrow night she will deliver her acceptance speech.

Rather, they were acknowledging that the passionately progressive campaign that Sanders ran this year secured more than 13 million votes, won 23 primary and caucus contests, and brought almost 1,900 delegates to the convention floor.

Obama and Kaine know that Sanders accomplished something this year. They are certainly aware that recognizing this accomplishment could help in the work of pulling together a party that is still struggling to achieve unity.

Kaine -- the centrist former governor and senator from Virginia who was certainly not the first choice of most Sanders backers for the vice-presidential nomination -- mentioned Sanders early in his speech. Noting that he serves on the Senate Budget Committee with Sanders, the Virginian described the Vermonter as an ally in the critical work of finding resources for education and health-care projects. When that line drew a loud cheer, Kaine ad-libbed a line that was not in his prepared text: "We all should feel the Bern and we all should not want to get burned by the other guy!"

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Bud Pierce for Governor

Salem, OR  Poll numbers released Wednesday by Clout Research show an extremely tight race between incumbent Governor Kate Brown and her Republican challenger Dr. Bud Pierce.

These poll numbers are not surprising to me, said Dr. Pierce. Since the primary, many polls have indicated a similar trend. This is more evidence that it is already a tight race between myself and the governor.

The poll shows Pierce is just 1.4% behind Brown, within the surveys margin of error. The survey found that 43.4% of people would vote for Brown and 42% would vote for Pierce.

Among independent voters, who are key to this election, Pierce leads Brown 41% to 29%.

I think voters like my message of being open and transparent with them, said Pierce. Since the primary election Ive been out in many Oregon communities spreading the word about what I would do to improve Oregon, if elected Governor. Kate Brown has basically been an invisible candidate, not attending debates or answering tough questions. The governor has only been accessible to insiders and lobbyists. Ive tried to make myself accessible to the people and the media.

This poll was conducted July 9-13th by Clout Research and surveyed 701 likely voters by telephone with 551 respondents by landline and 150 by mobile phone. The survey carries a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error is 3.71%.

Heres a link to the survey: http://cloutpolitical.com/or-governor-race-in-dead-heat-measure-97-losing-ground/

Media coverage of the new poll

Oregonian: New poll shows Oregon governor race in virtual tie

KOIN/Portland Tribune: Poll: Brown, Pierce in dead heat in governors race

KTVZ: New poll: Gov. Brown, challenger Pierce in dead heat

KXL: Brown And Pierce Virtually Tied

KOBI: Oregon Governor race heating up

Bud Pierce, M.D, Ph.D. is a business owner and senior partner of Hematology/Oncology of Salem, one of the last physician owned practices on the West Coast. He announced his candidacy for governor on Sept.10, 2015, on the Republican ticket and won the partys nomination for Governor in the May primary. You can view his website at: www.BudPierce.com
Pakistan and Afghanistan should overcome their differences: John McCain

WASHINGTON: The Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services, John McCain, has urged the United States, Pakistan and Afghanistan to overcome their differences and get down to the business of fighting terrorists.



In an opinion piece published in The Financial Times on Tuesday, Senator McCain argued that without Pakistans cooperation, the US mission in Afghanistan would become immeasurably more difficult.



The sooner the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan get down to the business of fighting their common terrorist enemies together, no matter where they hide, the better off the nations, the region and the world will be, he wrote.



Mr McCain visited the Pak-Afghan region in the first week of July and in Pakistan, he met civilian and military leaders and discussed counterterrorism efforts with them. He also visited North Waziristan.



He wrote that the visit had convinced him that the US mission in Afghanistan was the same now as it was in 2001: to disrupt and defeat terrorist networks. He also realised that enhanced cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan was essential for defeating these terrorists.



The visit, he added, has also convinced him that the strategic imperative for improved relations between the US and Pakistan was clear: the safety of American troops and the success of their mission in Afghanistan. It was also important for the stability of the region and for the national security of both Pakistan and the US.



The senator noted that limitations on US assistance to Pakistan and congressional reluctance to approve subsidies for the sale of defence articles had added to existing tensions between the two governments.



Despite this and other recent difficulties, the US and Pakistani leaders cannot allow ambivalence and suspicion to fester. Common interests in counterterrorism, nuclear security and regional stability are too important and too urgent, he wrote.



Senator McCain acknowledged that for too long, the US has viewed the bilateral relationship only through the prism of Afghanistan. To achieve real progress, the US must make clear its enduring commitment to Pakistans stability and economic growth.



He also urged Pakistan to take on and eliminate havens for terrorist groups such as the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-i-Mohammad that operate within its borders, attack its neighbours and kill US forces.



This will be difficult for Pakistan. It will require political will and entail costly sacrifice in blood and treasure. That is why there will be sceptics in the country opposed to decisive efforts to defeat extremism, he noted.



The senator pointed out that sceptics had advised Pakistani leaders not to confront the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan as well but they dealt successfully with TTP terrorists after Peshawar school attack in December 2014.



During my visit to Miramshah in North Waziristan, I saw the citys bazaar that once housed bomb-making factories, arms dealers and office fronts for terrorist groups, he wrote. Thanks to the actions of Pakistani soldiers, this death market is no more.



Senator McCain argued that now Pakistan had the opportunity to prove the sceptics wrong again by taking on terrorist groups that targeted Afghan, Indian and US forces in the region with the same energy with which it had pursued the fight against the Pakistani Taliban.



By taking on all terrorist groups operating in its territory, Pakistan will find that the US remains willing and able to assist in this fight and develop an enduring strategic partnership, he concluded.
Target killers receiving financial assistance from South Africa, Thailand UK: Sindh Rangers

KARACHI: The Rangers authorities have revealed Wednesday that target killers in Karachi are receiving financial assistance from South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom.



While briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, the Rangers authorities informed that 7950 operations were conducted across the metropolis since September 2013. Around 6361 suspects were handed over to police and 221 were handed over to FIA and other law enforcement agencies. 1158 suspects were released without registration of the First Information Report (F.I.R), 1,313 were released on bail while 188 were convicted in various cases. A total of 1,236 alleged terrorists, 848 target killers, 403 extortionists and 143 kidnappers were among those arrested during these raids.



Alleged target killers confessed to targeting 7224 persons in the city, the paramilitary Rangers stated. 1,313 operations were conducted against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), 1,035 against Peoples Aman Committee and 28 operations were carried out against Awami National Party (ANP). The Rangers authorities further reported that there was an 80% decline in terror related incidents, 75% in target killings, 85% in extortion cases and 83% reduction in incidents of kidnapping. The report comes a day after two army men, Lance Naik Abdul Razzaq and Sepoy Khadmin Hussain were shot dead when motorcycle gunmen opened fire on their pick-up truck near parking plaza in Saddaq area of Karachi.



Pakistan Rangers Sindh also rejected allegations of human rights violations in the Karachi operation and said law and order situation in Sindhs capital had improved a lot due to the operation and more than 90 per cent people are in the favour of operation.



Colonel Qaisar of Pakistan Rangers Sindh, while briefing over the Karachi operation to the Senates Standing Committee of Human Rights, said that prior to the Rangers operation in Karachi in 2012-13, seven killings were registered on daily basis in which almost two were targeted and at least one was the kidnapped case. Before the operation, Karachi was sixth-most violent city in the world.



He said that the Rangers were given powers for operation in Karachi and after been given a mandate to take action against terrorism, target killing, kidnapping and extortion, it overcame organised violence and destroyed TTP and other banned outfits successfully. He said DG Rangers Sindh strictly ordered that only the guilty should be arrested. Rangers accomplished 7950 operations, arrested some 6,361 criminals, who were handed over to Police, and 221 other wrongdoers were also handed over to FIA, ANF and Customs.



Rangers arrested 1,236 terrorists and 848 target killers and they confessed that they had also killed almost 7,000 innocent people. He said that 403 extortionists and 103 kidnapers were also arrested. During the operation, 30 Rangers personnel were martyred. He rejected MQMs assertion that it was being targeted in the Karachi operation, saying Rangers was also taking actions against Amin Committee and other groups. He said that 478 people were arrested from other parts of Sindh and handed over to Police.



He pointed to a survey and said that 90 per cent people were satisfied with the performance of Rangers and 88 per cent are in favour of it staying in Karachi till fully restoration of peace. He also rejected blame of human rights violations and said Rangers were operating according to their assigned mandate. He said that all operations were intelligence based.



Representative of Sindh Police, while briefing the panel, said that arrested people are from all communities and no specific community was being targeted. He said almost 100 police personnel were sacked from their jobs over the complaints from public.



Earlier, special invitee of the meeting Senator Tahir Mushahadi blamed Rangers for targeting only the Urdu speaking community. He said that 70 custodial deaths took place and the Army Chief himself ordered enquiries of these murders.



He said cases under the anti terrorist law, cases were registered against 25 elected representatives of MQM. Our partys head speeches were banned on media, which is also a human rights violation he added. Chairperson of the committee Nasreen Jalil said that the National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) should commence investigation regarding torture and extra judicial killings in Karachi.
Waseem Akhtar sent to prison on judicial remand

KARACHI: Although police claimed on Wednesday that Waseem Akhtar, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader and its Karachi mayor-designate, had confessed to his involvement in the May 12, 2007 mayhem before a joint investigation team, the legality of the JIT itself and the veracity of his alleged confession are questionable.



While Mr Akhtar and his party insisted that he had made no confession or even a disclosure about the May 12 events, police claimed that they had a JIT report in which Mr Akhtar confessed that he planned the violence on the instruction of the partys high command.



Police not only showed Mr Akhtar arrested in seven cases relating to the May 12 episode, but also leaked to media an alleged investigation report in which he apparently took responsibility for the violent events that occurred in 2007.



Mr Akhtar, who was arrested on July 19 in a case over treatment of wounded terrorists and militants at Karachis Dr Ziauddin Hospitals, was remanded in police custody on July 21 in two cases regarding listening to the speeches of MQM chief Altaf Hussain.



When the remand ended on Tuesday (July 26), the investigation officer produced him before the administrative judge of the antiterrorism court and claimed that Mr Akhtar had also been arrested in seven cases pertaining to attempted murder and arson on May 12, 2007. He requested the court to remand him in police custody.



The court, however, turned down the IOs request and sent Mr Akhtar to prison on a judicial remand.



While any claim made by police in remand papers is not a confession  an admission of guilt is of no legal import if not recorded before a judicial magistrate  TV channels flashed breaking news that Mr Akhtar had confessed to his involvement in the May 12 mayhem.



Several TV channels held talk shows on the alleged confession without examining whether he had really done so.



Although the Sindh home department has not notified any joint investigation team comprising officials of intelligence agencies, police and Rangers to interrogate Mr Akhtar, TV channels claimed that they had seen the report of a JIT in which Mr Akhtar  who was adviser to the Sindh chief minister on home affairs in 2007  admitted that he had planned the May 12 mayhem in the city to sabotage the visit of the then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry.



A senior police officer told reporters that Mr Akhtar had said many things during interrogation, but made no confessional statement.



Seven police officials  a DSP, four inspectors and two sub-inspectors of Malir police  investigated the Karachi mayor-designate, but they named themselves a joint investigation team.



According to their report, Mr Akhtar had confessed that he planned the May 12, 2007 violence with the help of then in charges of MQMs Lyari and Gulshan sectors and on the directives of the party high command.



The report went on to read that the sole purpose was to prevent any rally being taken to receive the then deposed chief justice of Pakistan at Karachi airport.



The Muttahida said that its mayoral nominee had not given any confessional statement about the May 12 happenings in police custody.



At a press conference, senior MQM leader Kanwar Naveed Jameel read out a hand-written note from Mr Akhtar in which he denied and condemned all false and concocted stories claiming that he had taken responsibility for the May 12 violence.



The letter, which Mr Akhtar gave to his lawyers during a meeting at the Karachi central prison on Wednesday, read: I have not made any new disclosures or given a confessional statement with regard to the May 12 [incidents]. I repeated my previous statements that there should be an open inquiry by the superior judiciary.



Mr Akhtar requested all media houses to verify any negative news about him before airing it. Mr Jameel said that the fake and fabricated investigation report made by certain police officials was solely aimed at defaming Waseem Akhtar. He remains the MQMs candidate for the office of Karachi mayor and will soon be honorably acquitted in all cases.
Credit: Shutterstock

Amazon recently announced plans to test a drone delivery system in parts of the UK that are hard to access with conventional delivery methods. While much attention has focused on the service it would provide to Amazon customers, the really interesting story is what this agreement with the British government tries to achieve on a much broader level.

If successful, it will essentially create a high-altitude floating highway between 200 and 400 feet above the ground, within which a whole range of activities could be performed. As a result, everything from drone ambulances to drone police surveillance are on the cards for our future. So how ready are we for this transformation of air space?

Amazon's announcement reveals the plan focuses on three key aspects of drone technology that the UK's Civil Aviation Authority has said it wants to see innovation in.

The first of these is collision avoidance technology, the kind you already find in cars, where sensors detect how close the car is to another object or vehicle and prevents it from crashing. This is important because present rules ban users from flying their drones outside of their line of sight, so they can always take control if there's a problem. Collision avoidance does away with that need because the drone would be able to stop itself from causing accidents.

The second technology is fully autonomous systems, essentially intelligent flying machines that would require very little  if any  human control. Such devices could be capable of deciding where and when they fly, and could be mixed use systems. The same drones could conceivably be used to provide emergency support to patients in need of blood quickly, or for delivering a stove to campers who forgot to pack everything.

The third objective is to test out a system that would enable a single operator to fly multiple drones at the same time. This points to the possibility of fleets of flying objects that could undertake any number of operations, from police surveillance and crowd management, to disaster monitoring and rescue operations. For example, if a mountaineer is lost in the hills, a single operator could manage a number of drones to fly across a region and identify the site where the person is located. Together, the drones will share information to speed up the process and ensure support is provided as quickly as possible.

Ready for launch. Credit: Amazon

Cracking these technological challenges is a core priority for drone regulators, not least because it will open up drones for use in all kinds of other capacities. For instance, in the last two years, researchers have been developing a drone ambulance. This is essentially a flying defibrillator that could be sent out to someone having a medical emergency and used by a bystander to provide essential care when no other alternative is available. We can expect to eventually see drones flying urgent medical products around the UK, helping to save lives and beat the current limitations of ground deliveries.

Amazon already has a remarkable delivery network and moving into drones at this early stage will ensure it dominates future airborne delivery systems, as well as adding to its brand image of being a technology innovator. So, it's reasonable to assume that the British government is working with Amazon to enhance its capacity to pursue a range of other drone applications, from connecting drones to smart city technology to enabling all kinds of surveillance. After that, a wide variety of commercial interests will follow with any number of claims being made to occupy our low-level air space.

Privacy concerns

These prospects won't sit well with everyone and there are already indications of how the public will resist such trends. In the US, for example, a project called "No Fly Zone" allows people to register the air space around their homes as private and is calling on drone manufacturers to pre-program their machines to avoid it.

The proliferation of drones around us in the world also raises the questions of how they will all be organised. Will drones be flying around randomly, avoiding each other with their collision avoidance technology? There is a good chance that a drone highway will actually mirror our present-day road network.

The advantage of this would be that drones could count on an established configuration of routes that are mapped out around the world. This may not be the most direct flight path but it takes into account that drone highways, like our present road network, will become quickly congested. This kind of issue shows why we need some sensible rules to avoid catastrophic failure.

Explore further FAA tells drone owners to skip registration firms

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.


An African elephant family in Amboseli, Kenya. A Stanford scientist is among those calling for an international effort to save large animals from extinction. Credit: Varun R. Goswami

What will the world look like as iconic wild animals such as rhinos and tigers go extinct? Among other impacts: diminished biological diversity, fewer ecotourism job opportunities and the loss of benefits science is only beginning to discover, according to a call to action issued by a team of international scientists, including Stanford biologist Rodolfo Dirzo.

Published in the journal BioScience, the 13-point declaration emphasizes the need to acknowledge threats, halt harmful practices, commit to conservation and recognize a moral obligation to protect the planet's large animals.

"Working with this group of colleagues to articulate the emergency of the issue and to develop a declaration was a logical step to try to promote awareness and action on the part of society at large," said Dirzo, who is the Bing Professor in Environmental Science at Stanford and, by courtesy, a senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.

Dirzo's previous research has shown how critical large animals are in regulating disease risks for humans, preventing wildfires and spreading plant seeds, among other benefits.

About 60 percent of the world's largest animals are threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation. Among the most serious threats to endangered animals are the expansion of livestock and crop operations, illegal hunting, deforestation and human population growth.

Large animals are extremely vulnerable to these threats in large part because they require large areas and have low population densities  especially true for carnivores. "Under a business-as-usual scenario, conservation scientists will soon be busy writing obituaries for species and subspecies of megafauna as they vanish from the planet," the researches write.

The group of zoologists, ecologists and conservation scientists calls for a comprehensive global strategy that substantially increases political will and funding for conservation through binding regional and international frameworks. Such a strategy would involve expanded interventions at scales relevant to animals' habitat needs and large-scale policy shifts to alter the ways people interact with large animals. Key to this effort, the scientists write, is understanding the value and importance of local human needs and combining international financial support with a coordinated multilateral approach to wildlife conservation.

Because regions with the greatest diversity of big animals, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, often lack the resources to implement effective conservation strategies, "the onus is on developed countries," the researchers write.

By showing consensus, the scientists write, they hope to "galvanize opinion, catalyze action and establish new funding mechanisms."

Explore further Conservation scientists call for global strategy to halt threatened animal extinctions
Luxury yacht in a marina. Credit: Shutterstock images

A new study has examined the varying fortunes of the world's richest people between 1988 and 2012 to identify which parts of the world the top 1% come from.

It finds that compared with previous decades, many more of the global super-rich are from emerging countries, with a corresponding decline in the share of those from advanced economies. The region with the fastest growth in its share of the world's richest elite is developing East Asia and the Pacific, explained largely by China's economic rise. Researchers calculated the global distributions of income based on household surveys and income tax records. They find that the United States still dominates with 38% of the individuals in the global top 1% in 2012, but this is much smaller than in 1998 when Americans made up nearly half of this group. By contrast, China's share in the global top 1% rose from 1.3% to 3.4% between 2005 and 2012. Its share of the world's billionaires is much larger  in 2016, it is 14%.

The working paper by researchers from the University of Oxford and King's College London finds that citizens of the advanced economies still make up the biggest share at 79% of the global top 1% in 2012. They calculate, however, that this share is on a downward trend, and is 7-11 percentage points lower than between 1988-2005. The study also finds that in the ranks of the global top 1% in 2012, Japan is second to the United States, with a share of 8.5%; followed by Germany at 5.8%, France at 5.4%, Brazil at 5.3%, and the United Kingdom in sixth position at 4.7%.

The researchers combined two sets of data: national household surveys covering most of the global population and economy, and top income shares from the World Top Incomes Database (estimated from income tax records). They applied econometric techniques to produce a global income distribution with fine-grained estimates of the rich in each country. The top income shares described here are based on purchasing power parity (PPP), whereby researchers adjust market exchange rates between countries to estimate the purchasing power of each country's currency.

The study describes China's rise as 'clear', but says the country's impact is 'modest', accounting for 2.2 million of the 70 million people in the global top 1% in 2012. The other giant of the developing world, India, accounts for fewer than 130,000 of this group despite rapid economic growth over the last 30 years and despite having 4.6% of the world's billionaires in 2016.

Overall, the study finds there is less of a gap now between the world's advanced and developing countries compared with previous decades, but inequalities still remain very high. The researchers show that Brazil is the developing country with the largest share of the global 1%, with 5.3% in 2012. They remark that not only is Brazil large and relatively prosperous but it also has a very high level of inequality; so while rich Brazilians are particularly rich, allowing them to cross the threshold, the incomes of the non-rich are correspondingly lower. The fact that both China's and India's shares of billionaires are disproportionately higher than their share of individuals in the global income top 1% also suggests they are particularly unequal at the very top compared with other countries.

The authors are Professor Sudhir Anand, from the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford, and Dr Paul Segal, from the Department of International Development at King's College London. Professor Anand comments: 'The turning point for the emerging economies appears to have been around 2005. That is when its citizens increasingly started to enter the ranks of the global rich. This trend was undoubtedly reinforced by the global financial crisis in 2008, which slowed growth in the advanced economies. But developing countries were already beginning to catch up before then. As long as emerging economies continue to grow faster, which seems likely for the near future, the trend will continue with developing countries comprising an increasing share of the global top 1%.'

Dr Segal adds: 'We can only speculate on what it means to have poorer countries represented in the global elite. It is by no means clear that the rich from traditionally "poorer" countries will contribute to declining global inequality, or bring benefits to the less fortunate. We see inequalities within countries remaining high, and senior executives and business owners may find they share less in common with citizens of their own country than with their counterparts in other countries. They become a global class of their own.'

Explore further Preserving forest carbon sinks top of donors' climate mitigation agenda

More information: Who are the Global Top 1%? Who are the Global Top 1%? www.economics.ox.ac.uk/Departm  are-the-global-top-1
Credit: Texas A&M University

Researchers in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University are making cars smarter and driving safer through cutting-edge technology and research.

Dr. Thomas Ferris, assistant professor in industrial and systems engineering, and his students in the Human Factors & Cognitive Systems Laboratory are collaborating with principle investigator Robert Wunderlich, researchers at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), the University of Houston, the University of Michigan and Texas Tech University. This mega-team is investigating possible human- and vehicle-driven causes of unintended vehicle acceleration. The research was prompted after a series of accidents occurring in Toyota vehicles from 2002 to 2010.

"Unintended acceleration accidents are a complex problem with many potential causal factors," Ferris said. "Humans are not very good at problem-solving under this sort of cognitive state so we are trying to use the computational power of the vehicle to detect when drivers exhibit particular stress patterns. If the car knows that the human driver is under the influence of a particular stressor, it can provide support that is more appropriately tailored to the driver's cognitive state."

A government investigation of the events was unable to definitively determine the extent of accidents that could have been attributed to vehicle malfunction or human error. As part of a lawsuit settlement, Toyota pledged $30 million to support independent research on ways to make vehicles safer.

"As part of the settlement, Toyota set aside a large sum of money for driving safety research," Ferris said. "Whether or not it was a vehicle malfunction, Toyota set the money aside to apologize and make the world a safer place."

Credit: Texas A&M University

The 'super-group', as Ferris has termed the group of transportation research collaborators, has a goal of developing a system that can be installed in an advanced vehicle to detect when a driver's cognitive state turns problematic.

"This could be a high workload or the driver involving themselves with a secondary task, such as texting and driving," Ferris said. "Imagine the number of lives that could be saved if automation was used to detect these distractions and do things to make the vehicle a safe place."

The research is being conducted in a simulation facility at TTI, as well as a test track at Texas A&M's RELLIS campus. Participants spend time driving in a simulator in the lab, or in a real vehicle on a controlled course, while being monitored using biometric sensors. Researchers monitor heart rate, galvanic skin response, thermal imagery and the amount of sweat a person produces to determine different patterns in changing levels of stress. By using the simulator, researchers are able to explore additional driver conditions, as it allows safely simulated unintended vehicle acceleration or distracted driving.

"What we are actually able to detect is a pattern in sympathetic autonomous nervous system arousal," Ferris said. "When a surprising, mentally challenging, or strongly emotional experience occurs, the driver is feeling their sympathetic nervous system preparing to fight or flight  to assess a potential threat and to focus cognitive efforts on that threat."

This is helpful to the person if they are trying to flee an attacking tiger, but can impair the ability to maintain control of a complex system such as a modern vehicle. In addition to distractions, a driver's cognitive state could also be impacted by stress from an emotional response, being overworked or lack of sleep.

Credit: Texas A&M University

After the system determines the driver is operating under a problematic state, the researchers test several techniques to help the driver recover, such as disengaging the transmission, or removing distractions to call attention back to the road. This can be achieved by a flashing light on the dashboard or by turning off the radio.

Although the researchers are some distance away from installing this device in all new cars, the group is currently testing a prototype device developed by members of the research team. A number of upcoming studies will test this and other potential solutions in simulation studies, on the controlled test-track and maybe even in vehicles on active roadways. The idea is to ultimately test research participants in a realistic setting with real distractions and real emotional responses encountered in traffic.

The super-group published the first article earlier this summer in Scientific Reports, an online open-access research journal from the Nature Publishing Group. The article, 'Dissecting Driver Behaviors Under Cognitive, Emotional, Sensorimotor, and Mixed Stressors,' received an altmetric score of 303 only five days after being published online. This score is based on the number of downloads, amount of press coverage and social attention.

The article has since been covered by numerous media outlets including Medical Daily, Reuters, and Gawker.

While the current funded project will be completed at the end of the calendar year, the group has already begun exploring funding to continue this work. Its desire is to have the system installed in all new vehicles to save the lives of many drivers.

Explore further A sixth sense protects drivers except when texting

More information: I. Pavlidis et al. Dissecting Driver Behaviors Under Cognitive, Emotional, Sensorimotor, and Mixed Stressors, Scientific Reports (2016). Journal information: Scientific Reports I. Pavlidis et al. Dissecting Driver Behaviors Under Cognitive, Emotional, Sensorimotor, and Mixed Stressors,(2016). DOI: 10.1038/srep25651
Grey reef sharks. Credit: Guillaume Funfrock

It stands to reason in a healthy environment that prey should always vastly outnumber the predators that eat them. But researchers reporting in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on July 28 have found that sometimes, even in the most untouched environments on the planet, that food pyramid can be turned upside down.

"Our findings confirm that in pristine remote coral reefs, sharks can be numerous, sometimes even outnumbering their prey at local scales," says Johann Mourier (@SharkMourier), now at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

Researchers based at the Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement (CRIOBE) in Perpignan, France made this discovery in the southern pass of Fakarava atoll, a reserve in French Polynesia that hosts as many as 900 reef sharks. French Polynesia is unusual in that targeted shark fishing has never taken place there. The sharks in that part of the world have also been protected since 2006 in what is now the biggest shark sanctuary in the world.

Fishes living in the pass don't provide all those sharks enough to eat. The new study shows the sharks get by thanks to spawning aggregations of fish that concentrate prey from multiple reefs, conveniently delivering themselves directly to the sharks.

In fact, it was the spawning fish that brought Mourier and his CRIOBE colleagues to Fakarava in the first place. The channel is renowned for its grouper spawning aggregations, which take place every year in June and July. When the researchers got there, they were surprised by what they found.

A school of groupers gathering to spawn. Credit: Laurent Ballesta/Andromede Oceanologie et Blancpain Ocean Commitment

"We noticed the massive number of sharks in this channel, especially gray reef sharks, and questioned how such a large number of sharks can be maintained and where they find their food," he recalls. The researchers decided to expand the scope of their study, to jointly study the shark and spawning grouper populations and their interactions.

The researchers used underwater surveys and acoustic telemetry to assess the number of sharks living in the pass and their feeding behavior.

While sharks had been known to target fish spawning aggregations, the findings are the first to suggest that this strategy plays such an essential role, the researchers say. The discovery also has important conservation implications.

"Implementing strong shark protection laws is unlikely to be sufficient to maintain high numbers of sharks if not jointly implemented with conservation of fish spawning aggregation," Mourier says. If overfishing leads to a loss of those aggregations, sharks "will have no other choice than undertaking energetically costly, wider-range foraging to meet energy requirements."

The findings suggest that the natural abundance of sharks living on coral reefs might have been lost in many places due to human influence. Conservation of fish spawning aggregations together with shark fishing bans might help to bring the predators back.

The researchers say they'd now like to follow long-term trends on this extraordinarily remote coral reef. They are also using novel data-loggers and animal-borne video cameras to better characterize predator-prey interactions between sharks and their prey over the course of a year.

Explore further Comparative analysis reveals use patterns of deeper Caribbean coral reefs by shark species

More information: Current Biology: Mourier et al.: "Extreme Inverted Trophic Pyramid of Reef Sharks Supported by Spawning Groupers" DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.05.058 Journal information: Current Biology Current Biology: Mourier et al.: "Extreme Inverted Trophic Pyramid of Reef Sharks Supported by Spawning Groupers" www.cell.com/current-biology/f  0960-9822(16)30555-3
Is antivirus software already dead? That's certainly what George Candea believes, and he's not the only computer security expert who says so. "Large enterprises and government agencies often deploy antivirus software to satisfy legal obligations or to meet contractual requirements, not because they really believe that the software can defend them," says George Candea. Together with some of his former PhD students, the EPFL professor founded Cyberhaven, a startup that is developing a brand new approach to computer security. And their results are promising. In a third party test, their solution warded off all 144 cyber attacks that had been hand-crafted by professional penetration testers, whereas so-called heuristic modern security products caught just over 20 of them. As for the best classical antivirus software tested, it only caught one. "I think it just got lucky!," muses the researcher.

Since it was founded in early 2015, Cyberhaven has had revenues of 640,000 dollars. This is encouraging for such a young company, and it enabled them to raise more than two million dollars in a first round of financing from Accomplice, one of the most active early-stage venture capital firms on the US East Coast. Cyberhaven will use the funds to set up its office in Boston and fuel the growth of its R&D team in Switzerland, at the EPFL Innovation Park.

Cyberhaven's solution is marketed mainly to enterprises and government agencies, which are all targets of sophisticated cyber attacks. Cyber criminals develop targeted malware that is unique to each of their attack campaigns. As a result, most of today's security products are not effective against such new attacks. So organizations try to have defense perimeters within defense perimeters to build up so-called "defense in depth." "Information security officers eventually reach the point where their infrastructure is so complex that they simply cannot manage it anymore," says George Candea.

Defending "data in operation" against attack

The team of EPFL researchers developed a completely novel approach to defend sensitive documents against cyber attacks in a way that significantly simplifies an organization's security infrastructure. The approach complements what is perhaps the most effective security tool today, namely encryption - available in a wide variety of programs we use daily, including Microsoft Office.

Alas, encrypting documents is not enough to safeguard them. When opening an encrypted file, such as a text document, the application must first decrypt it in order to operate on it. As a result, the document's data is exposed. By exploiting vulnerabilities in applications like the Word text editor, malware hijacks them and steals all the documents that the application can access and decrypt. This is a real Achilles' heel of enterprise security, and encryption cannot solve it.

Cyberhaven's solution safeguards sensitive documents together with the relevant applications in a safe haven. "Only documents that are safe for these applications can enter the safe haven, and that also protects the integrity of the applications. Our defense technology is based on deep application analysis and has nothing to do with heuristics-based solutions that try to guess malicious behavior. We literally analyze every instruction, we never guess." Developing the technology took seven years of research at EPFL and is protected by four EPFL patents that have been licensed to Cyberhaven.

Neutralize malware instead of trying to keep it out

Unlike traditional defense techniques, Cyberhaven does not aim to keep all malware out of the enterprise but instead prevents it from acting. "Instead of building a fortress with many weak walls, we protect individual workflows that correspond to users' activities, such as the preparation of a quarterly financial report or the negotiation of a new inter-governmental agreement. By combining document encryption with Cyberhaven, it will no longer be necessary to use dozens of different security products to protect yourself; this will make your security infrastructure simpler and stronger."

"Expanding into the USA enables us to continue growing in Switzerland"

According to George Candea, fundamental academic research with novel perspectives is required to solve today's computer security problems. "Sometimes the industry can be stuck in a rut, so I believe it is up to researchers to rethink the problems from the ground up and come up with solutions." And, to fulfill their mission, this team of researchers is taking the execution of their vision in their own hands: Cyberhaven's leadership is entirely composed of former PhD students from George Candea's lab at EPFL.

Cyberhaven now has eight full-time employees in Switzerland. One of the co-founders, Vova Kuznetsov, has taken over the reins and is setting up the company's headquarters in Boston. "Switzerland has exceptional talent and quality infrastructure, but it is also a small market. By expanding into the US, we make it possible to grow our R&D in Switzerland, explains George Candea. And the US is not just a huge market, it is also an opportunity to compete with the very best, and that pushes us to become better."

Explore further Is it time to uninstall antivirus software?
BOLTON  A bear attacked a steer at a farm on New Vermont Road in recent days, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation has been trying for days to try to catch it.

The 600-pound cow suffered deep leg cuts from the scuffle with the large bear, which cow owner Wayne Smith believes happened over the weekend. He said the injuries were noticed a day or two after they happened, and the DEC confirmed the injuries appeared to be from a bear attack.

Smith said the cow, which he also called a steer, needed surgery but is expected to recover.

It looks terrible but it is doing better, he sad.

Smith said he blames a bear that has been around the North Bolton area for two to three years and has been getting increasingly aggressive, raiding bird feeders and garbage cans and even climbing the steps of his home during one foray.

Ive been here 30 years and weve never had anything like this, he said. People need to know that this aggressive bear is out there.

The bear went through an electric fence to get into the pasture and maul the cow, which was one of several in an enclosed three-acre pasture.

Bolton Supervisor Ron Conover said Smith made him aware of the incident on Tuesday, and the town animal control officer is monitoring the situation.

There is a trap set up to try to capture the bear, Bolton Police Chief James Neumann said.

DEC spokeswoman Emily Kilburn confirmed that the agency has set a trap to catch the bear, but as of Thursday morning, the trap remained empty.

DEC will continue to monitor the situation, she said.

Smith said conservation officers indicated the bear would probably be euthanized in light of its aggressiveness.

Smith, who owns Lake George Camping Equipment & Marina in Bolton and raises cattle organically for meat, said the trap had been set up for two days and had not attracted the animal yet.

Black bears generally eat berries, acorns and other vegetation in the woods and fields, but will occasionally attack and eat other animals.

A dry spring and summer has resulted in more bear nuisance complaints around New York, as there isnt as much natural food in the woods as usual during dry periods.

It is rare for a bear to attack livestock, especially large animals like the steer attacked in Bolton, Kilburn said. Once a bear does attack livestock that bear is more likely to do it again. When the weather is dry and there is little natural bear food it is more likely that they will look for more human food sources, including livestock.
A member of the North Warren Emergency Squad was taken to the hospital Sunday evening with non-life-threatening injuries after a Queensbury man crashed into his emergency vehicle on Main Street.
City leaders in Saratoga Springs have no good reason for shutting out Dave Petronis and his gun show from the City Center, which, we imagine, is why they refused to come to their phones recently when a Post-Star reporter called.

They know they cant justify a refusal to rent the City Center to a reputable businessman who has been staging his shows there for decades.

They know their exclusion of Mr. Petronis, which is damaging to his business, is based on nothing but their own dislike of the product he sells.

Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen has admitted publicly that the action against Mr. Petronis stems from personal bias, saying the gun shows do not fit with her vision of the city.

What does fit with her vision of the city, apparently, is the sale of alcohol  lots and lots of alcohol that gets sold in bars and restaurants to people who sometimes go out and drive drunk, frequently get in fights on the street and, occasionally, hurt or kill someone.

Meanwhile, we know of no public safety threat posed by the gun show and no harm that has ever come about because of it.

Were not saying the city should ban booze (although an earlier closing time for bars would make sense). But we are saying that expelling the gun show from the city has no justification in reason or fact, and its unfair.

The irony of the situation is that, because of New Yorks exemplary and strict gun laws, our state has no gun show loophole. Every buyer at Mr. Petronis show and other gun shows has to undergo a background check, just as they would if buying a gun in a shop.

In principle, the city should not discriminate against legitimate, respectable businesses that want to rent the City Center, based on some vague vision. We suspect this vision has more to do with political beliefs than with any thought of benefiting the city.

Pushing out the gun show, which attracts thousands of shoppers and buyers, can only hurt the city financially. But since Mr. Petronis is looking for another venue for his show, we urge him to at least make a call to the Glens Falls Civic Center. The Civic Center is big enough, and it has a parking garage available for an event of this size.

In particular, Saratoga Springs should not discriminate against Mr. Petronis, because he has a long record of running safe, well-organized shows. He seems like an ideal customer for the City Center.

We wonder whether the Saratoga Springs Democrats  who initiated this ban and who control the City Council  arent exposing the city to the loss of more business. Its possible other groups will be offended by the forcing-out of the gun show and will take their convention or trade show business elsewhere.

The Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee should reconsider the stand it has taken against gun shows. Instead, it should issue a statement that we are lucky to live in a state where, because of strict laws, gun shows pose no threat to public safety. Then it should let Mr. Petronis show back in to the City Center.

Post-Star editorials represent the opinion of the Post-Star editorial board, which consists of Publisher Terry Coomes, Controller/Operations Director Brian Corcoran, Editor Ken Tingley, Projects Editor Will Doolittle and citizen representative Stuart Ginsburg.
News reaching Pulse.com.gh is that he would be buried later in the evening as Islamic custom dictates, with the funeral rites hosted at the Global Haulage premises at Achimota in Accra.Alhaji Idris Amadu was 72 years old and founded the Global Haulage Company, a renowned company in Ghana, which has been operational in Ghana since 1953.

READ MORE: In Sunyani JHS boy dies for love

Under the parent company, the Global Haulage Group Limited can boast of a number of subsidiaries like Royal Bank, Imperial General Insurance, Federated Commodities, Trans Royal Ltd, Cocoa Merchant, Royal Commodities, Isudam Constructions and Global Automobile Limited.
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings launched the attack when she took her turn at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Conversation Series Wednesday evening.

Konadu said no country has ever seen real economic growth and development by taxing everything, essential mocking the taxing of Pampers and sanitary pads.

No country has ever developed through over taxation.

Even a new born baby with the Pampers have taxes on it.

The government is telling us only a few Ghanaian pay taxes. The NDP wants to differ. Everybody pays tax on rural water, [National Health Insurance Scheme] NHIS  these taxes are on everything that we buy," she said.

Konadu promised to revise the country's tax system if she is voted into office.

She also bemoaned media reports that businesses are relocating to neighbouring Ivory Coast due to the country's power challenges.
The renowned banker, during her Keynote speaker lecture at the 10th Anniversary Public Lecture of the PENVARS Journal of the Pentecost University College was addressing the topic: Growing Entrepreneurial Talent- A Challenge for Ghanas Educational Systems.

The concept of entrepreneurship has been with us since creation. At a point, we seemed to have drifted away from it especially at the commencement of Western education- the eagerness and the joy to go through the academic process for a white collar job may have illusioned us as a people.

Did we lose the way? Maybe yes!...the attention of many tertiary institutions to bring back entrepreneurship may back my earlier answer. The trade that we were all trained with, such days when a child grew up with a handy-work had been exchanged with good education yet inadequate jobs in the long run for these same elite. Did we misunderstand education at all? Or did we embrace it without looking?

To Mrs. Abiola, entrepreneurship courses should not only be for tertiary level students but also from the basic schools. Entrepreneurship should start from the primary schools, she reiterated.

The concept of entrepreneurship has a wide range of meanings. On the one extreme, an entrepreneur is a person of very high aptitude who pioneers change, possessing characteristics found in only a very small fraction of the population.

On the other hand, in the words of Landau, entrepreneurship is the process whereby people, money, market, production facilities and knowledge are brought together to create a commercial enterprise which did not exist before. An entrepreneur is a catalyst of change!

According to the well-known banker, entrepreneurship is the most effective way to bridge the gap between knowledge (formal or informal) and the market place through the creation of enterprises. Due to this, we must not lose sight of the important role education plays in developing the characteristics that are critical to nurturing successful entrepreneurs.

As Ghanas educational system seeks to identify, create and nurture a breed of next generation of entrepreneurs who will identify and pursue opportunities for the advancement of humanity, we should be mindful of the fact that, successful entrepreneurship requires sacrifice and other personal attributes such as confidence, autonomy, strong work ethic, vision, empathy and self-control, Mrs. Bawuah added.

She said, Every man has a creative ability in him or her waiting to be discovered. It may be one or two or even five talents- every man at least has one talent

Mrs. Bawuah continued by saying, the challenge for every educational system is to help every man discover and nurture that ability without conditions. In 2015 alone, UBA empowered 10,000 entrepreneurs in Africa. To her dismay, only 36 Ghanaians applied for the begging funds.

READ MORE: United Bank For Africa UBA signs agreement to issue MasterCard in Africa

She encouraged Ghanaians to take advantage of such opportunities and harness their God given talents.

According the Accelerating Entrepreneurship in Africa by The Omidyar Network, only 14% of Ghanaian entrepreneurs feel they have the expertise to manage new firms as against Kenyas 23%, a situation Mrs. Bawuah found worrying.

However, she noted that, in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor-2015/2016 Global Report, there were 27.9% female entrepreneurs as against 23.45% male entrepreneurs in Ghana in 2013, a picture she felt was rather encouraging.

Again, according to the Status of Entrepreneurship Education in Colleges and Universities in Sub-Saharan Africa by Jean Kobongo, in sub-Saharan Africa, there are 86% of Universities that offer entrepreneurship course. However, 28% out of this have a programme specializing in entrepreneurship and only 7% have an entrepreneurship development centre.

She called on stakeholders to help bridge this gap by providing funding and the environment that would facilitate the development of entrepreneurs.

Mrs. Bawuah further on challenged the audience with the words of Steve Jobs, Your time is limited, so dont waste it living someone elses life. Dont be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other peoples thinking. Dont let the noise of others opinions drown out your own inner voice; and most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

If entrepreneurship is well harnessed, there is the possibility of creating more jobs, driving economic growth and development, enhancing competition, innovation and productivity.
Our health system is really not a system because it is not working, Nana Konadu said at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Conversation Series on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Donor funding for AIDS dwindling

Despite the gloomy picture the former first lady painted about Ghana's health delivery system, she praised the effort of nurses and health professionals working under strenuous conditions.

Mrs Rawlings also took aim at the government's performance in the sector, attributing the outbreak of typhoid, yellow fever and yaws to 'incompetent governance.'

Diseases that have been eradicated from our country have resurfaced; yellow fever, typhoid, yaws, scabies all due to poor sanitation and incompetent governance.

She added: a single family, as in extended family, regardless of financial status that has not lost a family member to an illness or disease that could have been treated if timely proper care had been administered.

Health professionals are frustrated due to their inability to help save their patients as a result of ill-equipped hospitals and a bureaucracy that stifles their dedication.

We need to create a system that supports our dedicated healthcare service men and women whilst weeding out those who are guilty of malpractice, she said.
We all wear a mask; a wise man once said. We all live a lie! And at some point or the other, who they think we are will be different from who we really are. Fact or Fiction? Truth or Dare? Our secrets no matter how long we hide them will eventually stare us in the face . And trust me, it will be on a day like Any Other Monday
"Nana Konadu and her NDP hasn't said anything. Looks jittery and unprepared. # #," one twitter user said.

Others compared her to her daughter, Zenator Agyeman Rawlings, who is standing on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress as the Parliamentary Candidate for the Korle Klottey Constituency and thought Zenator would be better than her as president.

One user by name @LepGee sarcastically said he want a one-on-one debate with Konadu after she sounded "terribly terrible."

"I want to go one-on-one with Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings in an IEA Debate

"Listening to Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and Im crying. She's terribly terrible," he said.

At the start of her presentation, she made it known that she was initially scheduled to speak for 45 minutes but the time was prone down to 30 minutes which she thought was not enough for her.

Running against time, Konadu said she will leave out some details in her policy statement to enable her touch on other policy areas.

She accused the government of doing little in the health sector over resurfaced diseases such as yellow fever, typhoid, yaws, scabies.

On the economy, she bemoaned the high taxes on Ghanaians and businesses, warning that the move could collapse local industries.

Konadu promised to revise the country's tax system if she is voted into office.

She also bemoaned media reports that businesses are relocating to neighbouring Ivory Coast due to the country's power challenges.
Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe, and two panellists Alistair Nelson, and Godwin Ako Gunn in in prison for 4 months for threatening the lives of the Supreme Court justices.

A statement issued by George Loh and Nana Ato Dadziethe lawyers for the three said though they do not support the comments made by their clients, the sentence handed them is too harsh.

We do admit some of the statements uttered by some of our clients are unacceptable. We nevertheless consider custodial sentence of four months imposed by the Supreme Court as being excessive and harsh.

READ ALSO: Reaction from social media users

Under Article 72 (1)(a-d) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President of the Republic, may, acting in consultation with the Council of State, decide to exercise the Prerogative of Mercy or just grant amnesty to convicted people.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hannah Tetteh is one of the many people in the NDC who have described the punishment as harsh.
Assibey-Yeboah challenged the agreement on the basis that it does not have parliamentary approval.pp

In dismissing the suit, the five-member panel, presided over Justice Jones Dotse, indicated that they will give their reason for the dismal in the full judgment which will be filed at the court's registry.

Dr Mark Assibey Yeboah filed the suit against the Attorney-General, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ecobank at the Supreme Court for going ahead with the Karpower agreement without recourse to parliament.
Dr. Mark Assibey Yeboah filed the suit against the Attorney-General, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ecobank at the Supreme Court for going ahead with the Karpower agreement without the approval of parliament.

The suit was to challenge the constitutionality and legality of the agreement that was worth $100 million in return for 450 Megawatts of power from Turkey.

According to government, the move was part of an attempt to provide emergency solutions to the countrys energy crisis.
The notice announcing the viigil said

A convener of the group Owula Mangortey said they are hopeful President Mahama will evoke article 72 of the constitution when continuous pressure is mounted .

Pressure has been mounting on President Mahama to exercise his prerogative powers of mercy to get the Montie trio released from jail.

READ ALSO: NDC gurus sign petition to free Montie 3

Mangortey who is also a traditionalist from Shai-Osudoku said they expect to see and will see Mugabe, Ako Gunn and Alistair walking the streets of Accra within the next few days.

Some NDC sympathisers have vowed not to vote for the governing party if they do not get the three men released.

The slogan of the pressure group is Evil Triumphs When Good Men Keep Silent.
A statement signed by party chairman Kofi Portuphy said,

The three, Alistair Nelson, Godwin Ako Gunn, and Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe. were found guilty of contempt. A statement issued on Wednesday evening, and signed by the partys Chairman, Kofi Portuphy, said though they respect the verdict of the court the party is extremely disappointed and saddened by the severity and harshness of the punishments imposed on them.

READ ALSO: Reaction from social media users

The party also cannot comprehend how the apex court

The two panellists during a discussion on Montie FM threatened to kill judges of the Supreme Court. The judge who presided over the case, Sophia Akuffo handed them a four-month prison sentence along with a fine of GHc 10,000 each. The four directors of Network Broadcasting Limited, owners of Montie FM; Ato Ahwoi, Edward Addo, Kwesi Kyei Atuah, and Kwesi Bram Addo, are also to pay a fine of GHc 30,000.

Owner of Zeze media (frequency owners of Montie FM 100.1) Harry Zakuor, is also to pay a separate fine of GHc 30,000. The statement concludes by calling on all members of the NDC to exercise restraint and also draw lessons from this matter. The National Democratic Congress strongly associates itself with all well-meaning Ghanaians who have condemned the judgment of the court. We call on the millions of supporters of the National Democratic Congress to exercise restraint and refrain from any conduct that will undermine the peace of the country. The party also calls on all to draw lessons from this unfortunate event.

In 2013 during the famous election petition two people a journalist Ken Kuranche and a political commentator Stephen Atubiga were jailed for comments made on the case deemed contemptuous by the Supreme Court

Below is the NDCs full statement

THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS CONDEMNS JAILING OF A JOURNALIST AND TWO PANELISTS BY THE SUPREME COURT OF GHANA

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has learned with utter shock, disbelief and dismay, the jailing of a journalist and two Ghanaian citizens by the Supreme Court of Ghana after contempt proceedings. While respecting the verdict of the court and reiterating our condemnation of the utterances and comments made by the three, the party is extremely disappointed and saddened by the severity and harshness of the punishments imposed on them.

Our utter disappointment not only stems from the fact that the accused persons themselves, demonstrated considerable remorse but also there has been an overwhelming outpouring of both condemnation of their conduct and pleas for the court to be lenient in its judgment and avoid custodial sentence. The party is particularly concerned about the devastating impact that this judgment will have on the ability of citizens of Ghana in whom sovereignty resides, to express themselves freely as enshrined in the constitution.

We are unable to reconcile our claim of a free democratic state in which the rights of citizens are paramount with such excessive censure of the right to free expression. This judgment sends an unfortunate impression about Ghana, its judiciary and severely dents our enviable reputation as a beacon of democracy on the African continent and beyond. The judgement also may undermine our position among countries with the freest media in the world. We are completely astonished that the Supreme Court of Ghana which should be at the forefront of efforts to guarantee the liberties and freedoms of all Ghanaians appears to have taken the lead in limiting same.

We find it strange that Frequency Owners and Directors of a media house can be held liable for the views of panellists. This is akin to holding the members of the court responsible for the conduct of their wards, guests and employees. To commit citizens of Ghana to jail on account of what they have said at a time when democratic societies are moving away from such a practice would appear to roll back all the gains made since the repeal of the criminal libel law.

In many countries, the laws on contempt are being reviewed to check the sweeping powers that it gives the court to investigate, prosecute and sentence contemnors in their own cases. In addition the law on contempt as applied in this case presumed the accused guilty and imposed on them the burden of proof of innocence contrary to the principles of fair trial.

The NDC considers it a paradox that the same Supreme Court that has placed an injunction on the constitutionally mandated body- the National Media Commission (NMC) from exercising its mandate of regulating media standards and content (Content Standards Regulation 2015) appears to be the same body usurping the powers of the Commission by giving directives on policy, content and programmes.

Also we believe that the time has come for the powers of the Supreme Court and all arms of government to be put in proper context and where it is found that it enables the semblance of arbitrariness, steps taken to protect the citizenry. The National Democratic Congress strongly associates itself with all well-meaning Ghanaians who have condemned the judgment of the court. We call on the millions of supporters of the National Democratic Congress to exercise restraint and refrain from any conduct that will undermine the peace of the country. The party also calls on all to draw lessons from this unfortunate event.

Signed

Dr. Kofi Portuphy
This was after a set of regulations needed to govern the operations of an Interconnect Clearinghouse was placed before the house by the National Communications Authority.

The Interconnect Clearinghouse independently measures the volume of calls transferred between telcos, in order to aid the NCA and the Ghana Revenue Authority to ascertain monies and taxes payable by telcos.

Though the Interconnect Clearinghouse would immediately impose more cost on the services of the telcos, the NCA has opted to bear the cost until January, 2018.

Mr. Tevie who was present at Parliament said, The Authority will continue to undertake its regulatory functions with integrity and transparency to ensure quality provision of ICT regulatory interventions for the benefit of Ghanaians, William Tevie told Parliament on Wednesday.

The LI 2234 regulates the activities of the service providers who connect and route traffic through an Interconnect Clearinghouse, as well as the legal framework through which Interconnect Clearinghouses would operate.
The partnership is designed to give Airtel Premier as well as gold and silver tier Airtel Rewardz customers, exclusive discounted offers on airfares to cater for their aviation needs. The offer applies to Kenya Airways tickets to any destination.

According to Frank Djan, Head of Customer Experience at Airtel, the aim of the partnership with Kenya Airways is to enrich the lives of its customers and reward them for their loyalty over the years.

As the foremost sub-brand dedicated to serving the telecom and lifestyle needs of high value customers, we are delighted to partner with Kenya Airways, one of Africas leading airlines, to offer Airtel customers discounts on airfares to enrich their lives and cater to their travelling needs. Through this partnership, customers travelling on Kenya Airways to various destinations stand to benefit from discounted fares of up to 15%.

This partnership allows our Premier, Gold and Silver Tiered Airtel Rewards customers the opportunity to benefit from this exclusive offer to all destinations on Kenya Airways. To access this unique benefit, customers should simply send an email to airtelpremier@gh.airtel.com or call 303 and we will take care of the rest. he continued
Born in 1989 and raised in Mombasa Kenya, he ventured into music through school festivals. He hung out with local artistes who mentored him through his personal struggles, including the loss of one of his siblings, as he passionately pursued music as both therapeutic and a career path. After a chance meeting with Gyptian at a local show, he was inspired to record original material and debuted in 2010 as a sensational dancehall artiste with the single Weak Inside - a nationwide hit.

The single won him the Best Video of the Year 2010 at the Nzumari Awards and the Best Video of The Year Coast Music Awards. In 2012, he dropped another hit single Kupe where he was featured by OgopaDeejayzArtist and Guru Col.Mustafa. Having also shared a stage with the likes of Jaguar and Sauti Sol, he decided it was time for him to pause and develop his own unique sound, later on meeting and collaborating with local producer, Motif_On_The_Beat (Morris Kobia). Their collaboration produced successful DJ Dubplates for local DJs, at a time when he also doubled as a jingle maker for some advertisement agencies.His consistency and passion for music developed Qritiqals signature sound; a go between dancehall, soul and R&B, where his high tenor range, in contrast with his laid back delivery gives him a unique tone and flow. This had him handpicked for the theme song of Kenya's legendary DJ Joe Mfalme. Still, success and the right attention seemed to elude him as he kept doing pro-bono gigs while trying his best to cater for his younger brother and only surviving family member. He eventually settled in Nairobi  the music capital of Kenya, where he was discovered by Chocolate City Music Kenya, the sister company to Chocolate City Music Nigeria; home to internationally known acts like Ice Prince Zamani, Koker and MI Abaga.Get ready Africa, its about to get Qritiqal!
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
The rap icon who has been careful to keep his family out of the eye of the media, was beyond disappointed to discover that it did no good.

An article with a photo of Tameka turned up online on July 26 via Farrah Gray's website, forcing Method Man to request that it be pulled down.

"I am asking if u could please take this down..My wife deserves her privacy and to be left alone.. Thank u!"

The rapper went further to plead via Twitter, Ill ask again could u Please take it down, if u [have] any decency in u. Please!, all to no avail.

Finally giving up, Method Man took one last shot at Internet trolls, tweeting:

"I've lost faith in human decency and I will not feed the trolls any longer. F--k u all. 1."

Very little is known about Tameka who is a Cancer survivor from 2006, and their three children and Gray's article threatens everything he has taken years to build.
Now, one half of the music duo, Paul Okoye took to Instagram today, July 28, 2016 sharing a photo of the two brothers with the caption, "Family is everything." He shared another throwback photo of the group writing, "History it's all Good."

Inside sources have revealed to Pulse that Peter Okoye, Jude Okoye and Paul Okoye would release a video soon announcing that they are back together as a creative unit. Also, in the video Jude Okoye and Paul Okoye would accept Peter Okoye's apology and say they have forgiven their prodigal brother.

ALSO READ: Singer remembers late mum amidst family drama

Meanwhile, Jude Okoye is back as the manager of Psquare and according to Peter Okoye's statement the group is set to hit the music scene with new music videos and ideas.

In July, Peter Okoye threatened to sue his brother Paul Okoyefor performing at a concert in Congo with the Psquare brand.
Believe it or not Kemi Olunloyo has apologized to the sons of late Henrietta Kosoko over the statement she made about the late actress.

"I sincerely apologize to Taiwo the son of Henrietta Kosoko and Jide Kosoko. My reaction from Morenike Kosoko angered me. Calling me the wizard of prostitutes Olosho Asewo is uncalled for. I had my two children out of wedlock because of domestic violence at 27yo and late Henrietta also had the twins for another man she left too" wrote Kemi Olunloyo on her Instagram page on July 27, 2016.

ALSO READ: Who is going to miss Kemi Olunloyo

She further wrote "I have learned not to engage Nigerians on social media who say such garbage to me. I had a right to be angry at the time but anger is not the answer. May Henrietta rest in peace and not hell and to Jide Kosoko stay strong. I hurt those young men and once again I'm sorry for saying that out of anger."

I must say 2016 has been a year of surprises. Only last week Cool FM Freeze apologized to those had offended within the last one year. Now it's Kemi Olunloyo's turn. Who says miracles can't still happen? Kemi Olunloyo has just apologized for her words. This is borderline remarkable. This doesn't happen everytime.

For years Kemi Olunloyo has prowled the Nigerian space of the Internet, dropping her unfiltered views and opinions like bombs during an air strike. She has made some of the most controversial statements online and she can least be described as a polarizing figure. Kemi Olunloyo takes no prisoners. She is bullish and does not back down on what she believes in.

Her online ways have attracted not only fans but an army of critics who believe that she is the queen of trolls who must be banished from the Internet. On July 14, 2016 she announced that she was leaving the Internet and went ahead to delete her social media accounts. She was back a week later on the behest of another controversial social critic Femi Fani-Kayode.

I was expecting her to come back with fire and brimstone. It was therefore a pleasant surprise when I saw her apologizing to the Kosoko boys. I guess being a savage all the time is not cool. You have to switch it up sometimes and have a bit of heart.
According to these unconfirmed reports doctors in LUTH had already told Ahmed Mayowa Shukurat's family that her case was advanced and it was too late for her to be saved but the family still went ahead to raise funds by deceiving Nigerians that her cancer was curable.

Also Toyin Aimakhu who spearheaded the movement to save Ahmed Mayowa Shukurat's life yesterday took to her Instagram page to say that the #SaveMayowa campaign was fake and Nigerians should stop donating.

"Please to the public this is so fake, no more GoFunds on behalf of Mayowa and whoever is behind this shame on you. Please disregard any information/s about her pls.

If you need any info please kindly get in touch with me please and will bring more info tonight again, whoever created this acct shame on you again and lastly to all our Pastors, Alfas and traditionalists and everyone please she needs our prayers more now please and Im sure god wants to use Mayowa case to let us know we Nigerians love ourselves and we are the best country in the world.", she wrote on her page.

Toyin Aimakhu took a step further by taking members of the Nigerian police force to LUTH to arrest Ahmed Mayowa Shukurat's brothers. You can see her in LUTH today in the videos below;

Pulse went to LUTH to investigate if the accusations were true.

Speaking to Ahmed Mayowa Shukurat's sister Ahmed Mariam at LUTH she told Pulse that Toyin Aimakhu's accusations are untrue and unfounded.

"I don't know why Toyin Aimakhu and Linda Ikeji are saying we are scamming Nigerians. It's a lie! No doctor ever told us my sis cannot survive this they just told us to do something and take her out of the country. Nigerians we did not scam u ooo it's a lie oo. Linda Ikeji has never been in this story and now she's just cooking up everything to just...

"Right now my sis is in d room crying. I don't know what Linda wants from us. It is true. she has ovarian cancer. We sent the medical report we posted everything on line. At least we posted everything online.

"No doctor ever told us it's stage four. It's not until two weeks ago they told us she has ovarian cancer. So even if we know she's going to die we have to do something. Nobody even asked her to do the video she did it herself she's tired.. I don't know where Linda cooked d story" she told Pulse exclusively.

By the time Pulse got there Toyin Aimakhu and some relatives had been moved to the Area D Police command Mushin, Lagos.

Meanwhile, we had a chat with her cousin, Olamide who told Pulse her travelling plans are already underway.

He said,

"To my surprise. I got here this morning around 12. I got a call from my friend that there's a scene happening that Toyin Aimakhu came in.

A brother of mine asked her to move out that Mayowa has to rest. Her travelling plan is already underway. Toyin came in this morning, she received a call from someone and the person told her that she heard from someone from a Doctor that it is a scam that they said my cousin is going to die. She heard it from a doctor here.

There is no doctor here that has come out to say my cousin is going to die. If they had even told us Mayowa is going to die, would we still come out to raise the money. There's a clause if the hospital told us we wouldn't have raised the money. We want our cousin to live, she needs to live. The family has been trying from the first stage."

Also confirmed sources at the hospital disclosed Aimakhu did not come to find out from LUTH about the said patient, Ahmed Mayowa Shukurat.

According to them the medical certificates don't bear the letter head of LUTH.

Ahmed Mayowa Shukurat's family has released a general statement denouncing the allegations. You can read it below;
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
The pretty lady who shared the news via her Instagram page () posted her picture after graduating with caption; "Today I became the first Black woman in the world to be awarded with a Masters in Psychology for Fashion. I have always and will always fight for the inclusion and positive representation of Black and minority ethnic women worldwide. It is pivotal that the marks we leave on this world are visible for all to see so that future generations of little black girls know that their achievements are boundless".

"From incidents as severe as Black men and women being executed at home and abroad to something as pathetic as being told that your skin is too dark for a makeup brand (that actually happened to me last week, shout out @clinique ) we face many challenges as a community. With this small step and the many steps, I hope to take in the future I hope to further the narrative of black girls being powerful, beautiful, intelligent and of course - magic! #blackgirlmagic #blacklivesmatter #melanin #love #strength #support #blackwomen #style #fashion"

The fashion psychologist who completed an internship with designer Lulu Guinness earlier this year studied Psychology at University College London before starting her MA at London College of Fashion.

"I believe that fashion is an incredibly powerful force, not only in the way it can change our behaviour as mentioned before, but also in the way it fosters positive societal changes" Forbes-Bell revealed to Josh De Souza Crook of LCF News.

A fashion psychologist not only concerned with the style/fashion bits but with human behaviour as a whole in relation to fashion with interests in all aspects of fashion i.e from designing to supply, purchase/merchandising and so on.

ALSO READ:Lola OJ shows 4 ways to style a bomber jacket
Punch reports that Alu, a trader at a market on 23 Road in FESTAC, had reportedly abducted the girl identified as Victoria, after her parents sent her out of the house to search for the lost card after she was sent on the errand.

The suspect who saw the girl roaming along Adeola Street in Amuwo Odofin area, took her to a shop in the market where he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her throughout the night.

His bubble was burst the following morning when he was spotted leaving the shop at about 5am, with the child strapped to his back.

Those who saw him, knowing he had no child of his own, became suspicious and queried him on how he came about the girl but when he could not give a reasonable explanation, he was apprehended, poured ashes on him and alerted the police at the FESTAC division, who arrested him.

At the station, the defiled girl was said to have told the police how Alu had abducted her, took her to the shop and raped her all night. She was subsequently taken to the Mirabel Centre at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, where a test carried out on her revealed that she had been raped.

The suspect allegedly told the police that he had met the girl crying on Adeola Street and asked her what was wrong.

She said her parents sent her to buy a recharge card, but it got missing and as a result, she was chased out.

I told her to follow me to a place and promised to take her home afterwards. She agreed and that was how I took her to the shop. We only slept together; I didnt touch her.

Alu was thereafter dragged before the court presided over by Magistrate A.O. Adegbite, on one count of rape, an offence the police prosecutor, Francisca Job, said contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

When the charge was read to him, Alu pleaded not guilty and elected summary trial.
The victim identified as Chinedu Ikejiaku, according to the Secretary of the Limpopo Chapter of the Nigerian Union, Collins Mgbo, was killed by guards of a private security firm at about 8.00 p.m on Tuesday after a little skirmish.

Mgbo, in the statement, said the 35-year-old Ikejiaku, was an indigene of Ogwa, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State and was married with three children.

One of our members here, Ikejiaku Chinedu, was killed at the outskirts of Polokwane, Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Information available to us showed that guards of the security company chased and arrested him, he was beaten.

The autopsy result we have showed that there were bruises all over his body, showing that he was beaten to death or suffocated.

The case has been reported to the South African police for investigation and the police assured us of thorough investigation to ensure that justice is done.

We have also reported this incident to the national secretariat of our union in Pretoria.

The President General of the Union, Ikechukwu Anyene, on his part, said it had received report of the incident.
The Florida health department said it has identified an additional case of Zika in Miami-Dade County, where it was already investigating a possible case of Zika not related to travel, and another case in Broward County, where it has been investigating a non-travel related case.

"Evidence is mounting to suggest local transmission via mosquitoes is going on in South Florida," said CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said.

"These cases fit similar transmission patterns for mosquito-borne diseases such as Chikungunya that we've seen in South Florida in years past."

To confirm whether Zika is being transmitted locally, epidemiologists must survey households and neighbors within a 150-yard radius around the residence of the person who has Zika, which constitutes the flying range of the mosquitoes that carry the virus.

According to the U.S. Zika response plan, Zika transmission is defined as two or more cases not due to travel or sex with an infected person that occur in a 1-mile diameter over the course of a month. Evidence of the virus in local mosquito populations can also be used to confirm local transmission.

Florida heath department officials said investigations into the new cases begins today. The state is urging residents and visitors to participate in requests for urine samples by the department in the areas of investigation. These results will help the department determine the number of people affected.
This is contained in a statement by Salihu Isah, the Special Adviser to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Malami disclosed that the Body of Attorneys-General meeting was expected to consider and adopt the draft National Policy on Prosecution, Code of Conduct and Guidelines for Prosecutors.

According to him, the policy documents have been considered and approved for submission to the Body by the Solicitors General and Permanent Secretaries Forum at its meeting in October, 2015.

The National Policy on Prosecution is intended for all officials and agencies involved in prosecution of crime management, evidence gathering and investigation.

It identifies and articulates best practices, capacity improvement and incentives to enhance the productivity of prosecutors.

"It also addresses the needs and expectations of prosecutors in the Ministries of Justice, specialised prosecuting agencies and private legal practitioners occasionally involved in prosecution," he said.

Similarly, a two-day stakeholders meeting on the implementation of the outcome of the London Anti-Corruption Summit and the Open Government Partnership is to begin in Abuja on Thursday.

The meeting is expected to articulate the nations progress since President Muhammadu Buhari presented the country's statement on actions that will be implemented by the government of Nigeria on anti-corruption reform.

Subsequent to this, Nigeria also submitted a letter of intent to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to the OGP Secretariat through the Office of thee Attorney General of the Federation.

"The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is an international multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving governments transparency, accountability and responsiveness to citizens.

The OGP provides a policymaking platform that brings together government and civil society champions of reform to make governments more effective and credible through greater openness.

ALSO READ: Senate threatens to order Malami's arrest for shunning summons
Abdulmumin Jubrin has on Thursday, July 28, 2018 accused Speaker Yakubu Dogara of harassing staff of the appropriation secretariat

Jubrin said Dogara ordered the shutdown and movement of all computers from the appropriation secretariat to the speakers' office.

"The secretariat staff are being harassed to keep quite and suppress facts," Jibrin said.

"There has also been an attempt to break into my office at the House. I know he wants to tamper with documents critical to his and the three others future investigation and prosecution but unfortunately for him we already have enough evidence in our possession.

"I know he wants to tamper with documents critical to his and the 3 others future investigation and prosecution but unfortunately for him we already have enough evidence in our possession.

Jibrin said he has compiled a list of "corrupt members" which he will be submitting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He stated that the Transparency Group was constituted to "cleans the House" of corruption and corrupt members.

"Five members of the Gombe caucus addressed the press today in a show of shame and succeeded in only rehearsing the accusation of lies leveled against me by speaker Dogara. Two of them are part of the list of corrupt members I will be submitting to the EFCC.

"My response to them is they should simply read my full reply released yesterday and join the transparency group. An alliance of hundred of members to cleanse the House of corruption and corrupt members. They act Honourably by calling on Speaker Dogara to listen to the call of Nigerians to reconvene the house immediately so that an independent investigation can commence," he said.

He called on Speaker Dogara to reconvene the House immediately so as to allow for independent investigation into the matter.
MASSOB made the comment via a statement released by leader, Uchenna Madu.

The statement reads in part:

MASSOB has discovered the major reasons behind President Buharis pathological and sentimental hatred against Ndigbo and Biafrans in general which is his perceived pathological envy against the entrepreneurship, economic prowesses, establishment, domineering and industrious nature of Igbo people.

Buharis grouse against Ike Ekweremadu is because hes Igbo man not PDP; if a non-Igbo PDP senator replaces Ike Ekweremadu, Buhari, Tinubu and their likes will relax their nerves.

MASSOB also reminds Ndigbo that this is the time of Onye Aghala Nwanne ya (Be your Brothers keeper). President Buhari is always rattled and unsettled whenever he sees, hears or encountered the magnanimity of economical dominance and booming enterprising exploits of Ndigbo both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
It was gathered that pupils of the school resumed normal and peaceful learning activities over a month ago, which seemingly buttresses the Nigerian Army's statement that the terrorists have been defeated.

Freelance journalist, Femi Owolabi, who visited the public primary schools in Chibok and shared photos from Junior Day Secondary School, said the academic condition of the the kids has degenerated.

"These kids have now become academically poor," he said.

Some of them cannot even write their names correctly again. Theyve been out of school for years, and most of them have been on the farm with their parents, Owolabi quoted one of the teachers as saying.

ALSO READ: New video shows kidnapped Chibok girls are alive and well

On the night of April 14 - 15, 2014, 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in Chibok, but 57 of them managed to escape over the next few months.
Mr Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja in a statement issued to newsmen.

He said that Okoroafor and the two others were arraigned on Thursday on a 15-count charge of conspiracy and stealing public funds of more than N25 million.

He said that the two others arraigned were Okoroafors treasurer, Christian Chukwu Owo, and the administrative officer, Mrs Anne Eke Agwu.

He said that the accused were bought before Justice E.A. Ngene of the State High Court, Afikpo

According to the EFCC spokesman, Okoroafor and his alleged accomplices were reported to have at various times between 2013 and 2015 raised vouchers for payments.

He said that the payments were supposedly for contract awards, salaries and Independence Day celebrations in the names of staff of the council, who denied receiving such funds.

``Investigation revealed that the accused persons padded their salaries and that of other staff in connivance with a staff of the bank where the local governments account is domiciled.

``The investigation showed that the sum of N16 million and eight million naira were at different times traced to the accused persons account which their income profile could not justify, he said.

Uwujaren said that when the charges were read to accused, they pleaded not guilty.

He said that counsel to the accused persons; M.O. Njoko and B.O Igwenyi (SAN) asked the court to release their clients on bail.

The court granted bail to each of the accused persons in the sum of N500,000 and one surety each in like sum.
Idris gave the warning when Operatives of the IGPs Intelligent Response Team (IRT) arrested a notorious kidnapping gang terrorising law abiding citizens in Rivers and its environs.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Don Awunah, in Abuja.

Idris also warned that anybody found guilty of any offence would be dealt with accordingly.

The statement listed the four suspects as Herbert Oriminagbe (28yrs), Chijioke Akah alias Kottos (35), Kelechi Nwaordu alias Seedof (38) and Nelson Ajumogobia alias Ibios (21).

It said that the gang met its end when it kidnapped a woman and her one-year-old daughter from her Port Harcourt home, demanding the sum of N2.5 million as ransom for their freedom.

The statement said that based on credible technical intelligence generated by the IRT, this was, however, agreed as bait.

It said the kidnapping gang was smashed when in their attempt to claim the said amount at the agreed point, Operatives of IRT engaged them, rescued the victims and arrested four of the kidnappers.

It said that in their confessional statements, the suspects admitted that they were also responsible for the kidnap of one Undunobuk and other innocent Nigerians.

``Going through a laptop computer recovered from them, it was discovered that the real owner, Undunobuk, was once robbed in his Port Harcourt residence.

``And later kidnapped to unknown seaside only to be released on the payment of N1.3 million ransom, the statement said.

It also quoted the Inspector-General as saying that the police had the technical and intelligence capacity as well as the capability to reduce the perceived rise in crime such as kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism.
In a recent report on how the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration is battling corruption in Nigeria, The Economist referred to the finance minister as being not readily relinquishing her principle, or course of action in the government's battle against corruption.

ALSO READ: Kemi Adeosun admits Nigeria is in recession

Adeosun, who insisted governors must make their finances public before receiving a second federal bailout, was hailed for her work in reforming the country's badly injured economy.

Her implementation of the Treasury Single Account was referred to as the biggest coup of all her strategies in handling the Nigerian economy while her ability to strike out thousands of ghost workers off the public payroll was also hailed.

Furthermore the report noted that though financiers reckon that some of the ideas of Adeosun could serve as a lesson to others in West Africa, it might yet teach other countries a thing or two about transparency.
Mohammed made the call at the opening of a workshop for Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba, the minister said the review had become necessary to better inform Nigerians on military operations.

Mohammed said the success of internal security operations by the military was largely dependent on public support and cooperation which must be anchored by the media.

He said the nature of insurgency in the north east, militancy in the Niger Delta, kidnappings and herdsmen/farmers clashes, required prompt and correct information from the public for the military to contain.

`` Nigerian Armed Forces have over time discharged its internal security operations creditably.

``What remains is for the civilian populace to rise to the security situation in our land by mobilising support for security forces.

``To achieve this, I will recommend the review of the militarys public information strategy to enlighten Nigerians about the important roles the military have been asked to play in the country."

The minister commended the efforts of the armed forces in containing insurgency in the past one year and pledged the ministry's support for the military at all times.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin solicited improved media support for the military's operations across the country.

He said the workshop was apt given the myriad of challenges facing the military in its operations across the country and the north east in particular.

Olonisakin assured the media of a better working environment with the military but urged for greater understanding from the media.
NDA made the comment via a statement released by spokesman, Mudoch Agbinibo.

The statement reads:

The NDA intelligence agency gathered that the said peace talk or dialogue by the federal government is a delay tactic employed by the federal government to enable their purchased drones that are said to arrive latest end of August from the United State.

This whole thing makes us to wonder what kind of country is this. We can all see that President Buhari- led government is a fraud. They are not serious about any dialogue and made it seems the Niger Delta Avengers are the ones not ready for dialogue.

Mr. President you can purchase all the drones in Europe and Untied State. It will not stop the Niger Delta Avengers from bringing the countrys economy to zero. The worse you can do is to kill poor innocent people which the military is good at, but know the Nigeria Economy will suffer.
Kaoje said this in Abuja at the unveiling of a Unity Task Team set up by an NGO to change the mindset of youths to embrace the unity and progress of Nigeria.

The initiative is being championed by an NGO, Salute Nigeria Initiative, headed by its Coordinator-General, Amb. Chielo Ojirika.

Kaoje said that it was time to begin to change the mindset of Nigerian youths in such a way as to portray the good image of the country to the outside world.

He said that changing the mindset of youths to positive issues would promote economic development, project moral behaviour and portray the country positively to the international community.

The former minister, however, called on the Federal Government to provide a pleasant environment and job opportunities for the teeming youths.

"I think basically if we come together and throw away the negative vices like armed robbery, those breaking pipelines and the likes, Nigeria will begin to progress.

"The mindset of the youths must be changed toward developing the nations economy. It must also be changed to all those negative issues disturbing this nation.

"Most of these vices are coming up because there are no jobs. There are too many people out there who have gone to school and have no work to do.

"So, it is the task that one must take very seriously by providing the atmosphere whereby Nigerians can be employed.

"And if the youths have something doing, then the negative thinking of Nigerians will change.

"Any body, who is a member of an armed robbery gang, will begin to have something to do and together the country can be conducive for everyone to live in.

Kaoje further urged Nigerian youths to be proactive and to run away from listening to anyone calling on them to carry out criminal activities.

According to him, these criminal activities are capable of jeopardising the career of youths, while preventing them from being the future leaders of our great country.

"It is time for you to start contributing meaningfully and positively to the growth and development of our great country, Kaoje said.

The Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr Mike Okiro, said there was an urgent need to change the mindset of the youths and elders to move the country forward.

Okiro, who was represented by his Media Assistant, Mr Kayode Ibitomi, said the emergence of Boko Haram insurgency and Niger Delta Avengers was due to idleness of youths.

He said that prior to the emergence of insecurity, there was economic development in all parts of the country.

Okiro said it was high time the government began to think of how to engage the youths positively.

Also speaking at the occasion, Amb. Chielo Ojirika called on the avengers to sheath their swords and focus on developing the economy.

"Nigerias peace has not been threatened like this before as it is today.

"There is agitation from every part of the country in terms of segregation and as a non-governmental organisation, we cannot continue to keep quiet.

"What we are trying to do is to see how we can sensitise the Nigerian people, especially the youths on the need for us to come together, stick together and realise the dreams of our founding fathers.

"The founding fathers of Nigeria in the likes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, the Awolowos, they all came together despite their different cultural and religious background.

They were able to achieve peace and unity in Nigeria.

"So, why do we want Nigeria to cease to exist in our time?

Ojirika called on political organisations to remain undaunted and be committed to the delivery of dividends of democracy.

He also called for peace and unity in the country adding that "it is only when we are united that we can develop.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Comrade Usman Danjuma was appointed as a youth ambassador on national development and peace.
I have said that on the issues in the Niger Delta, the terrain, the historic nature of the issues and challenges are such that military solution may not be the way forward, the governor said according to Leadership.

For us who are products of political system and who are at this level, we have a duty to mobilise communal and local leadership. We also have a duty to support the work the intelligence and security agencies are doing and we have a duty to ensure that issues are better appreciated and we fill the communication gap. And where there are issues those issues need be addressed.

It is also our duty to network like Im doing to ensure that problems that are identified as the main cause of some of these challenges are looked into. The military solutions as I have always maintained is not the right option. We are hopeful that the ongoing discussions will yield the desired result.

I have always been in support of negotiations and dialogue as the sustainable way forward. Dialogue will bring out the issues and then we will all unite around these common issues to move our country forward, he added.
Dickson gave the commendation while answering questions from State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

The governor said that his position was contrary to the propaganda and the name-calling that some politicians in Bayelsa and Abuja embarked upon in the course of the political process in his state.

``I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate Mr. President for his non-interference in the political processes that played out in Bayelsa in the last general elections.

``And as you are also aware, yesterday the Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja delivered judgment upholding my election and affirming my emergence as a true product of the democratic exercise of rights of our people in the December 5, 2015 and January 9.

``Again, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Mr President for his non-interference contrary to the propaganda and the name dropping that some politicians back home and even in Abuja embarked upon.

``There was no name they didn't call, there is no claim that they didn't make but I'm telling Nigerians, I'm telling Bayelsans to disregard all that propaganda.

``The President never had anything to do by way of negatively influencing of the last general elections in Bayelsa and also the outcome of the Tribunal proceedings.

``That is important because if our nation must move forward, if our democracy must be strengthened, if our nation must move forward, if our democracy must be strengthened, if our nation must be stable, then institutions must be allowed to grow.

On the destructive activities of the Niger Delta militants, Dickson expressed the hope that the ongoing dialogue with the belligerent groups would ensure the desired peace in the region.

He advised community, political leaders and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta to work together and support security agencies in fostering better understanding of aggrieved individuals and groups in the region.

According to him, military option alone cannot address the unrest in the Niger Delta.

``Of course, as you know Bayelsa is central to the maintenance of law and order and stability in our country, particularly, in the Niger Delta region.

``Bayelsa is the epic centre of the issues that have to do with the Niger Delta.

``And we had fruitful discussions on the need for political leaders, governmental and political leaders to work together to support the work of the security agencies and foster better understanding of even people, who have grievances.

``We are committed to doing that together.
undefinedon his official Facebook page. Hours later, the video was deleted.

Photos of Ani Iyoho on a hospital bed also surfaced online.

ALSO READ: undefined

Iyoho who recently completed filming of the movie "Blurred Lines" in Ghana, returned to Nigeria to film the fire scene.

He took to his Instagram page to share the below update:

"Wrapped up on here in Accra, Ghana directed by Dickson Dzakpasu . I'm heading to Lagos, Nigeria tomorrow to finish the hottest scene on Directed by Stanlee Ohikhuere .

"I call this wrap scene the because we will be playing with . I'm about to go down in history as probably the first Nigerian to be set on fire in a. I'm about it.

"I hope it goes well. I have a lot of faith in the artist Dorothea Kwofie . She assures me I'll be alright and she's the best SFX artist I know in Africa so I believe her. Looking forward to this."

Read conversation between Iyoho and Ohikhaure below:

Kelechi Udegbe who is also part of the upcoming movie, took to the comment section to express his excitement.

According to TNS, an undisclosed source revealed the alleged 'stunt gone wrong' to be a well planned publicity stunt.

Na lie, Ani is fine. Nothing happened to him, the source said. He has been attending several events after we completed shoot. I dont know if the director is in on this stunt but we discussed something like that a few weeks ago.

ALSO READ: undefined

As at time of this report, Ohikhuare and Iyoho have not been available as all attempts by Pulse Nigeria to reach them have been unsuccessful.
The Rivers APCs comments were contained in a statement released by Chairman, Davies Ibiamu Ikanya on Wednesday, July 27, 2016.

The statement reads:

We heartily congratulate President Buhari and Rt. Hon. Amaechi on this historical development which will greatly relieve Nigerians travelling from Abuja to Kaduna and vice versa of much stress and financial burden.

We celebrate their determination and commitment, which made the completion of this epochal project initiated by the administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo at this point in time a reality.

Amaechi has truly demonstrated that he merits the title of Train Driver General of the Federation whose main mission is to run the trains in existing and new railway lines all over Nigeria.

We are proud to be associated with him as he continues to show himself to be a great product and Ambassador of the Niger Delta and of good governance in Nigeria. With this feat achieved in less than a year of his ministerial appointment, everyone can now see the wisdom of President Buhari in appointing Amaechi to head the Ministry of Transportation at this time.
In a new report, the US-based rights group documented an increase in the detention of children in six conflict-affected countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian territories, Nigeria and Syria.

"As governments try to respond to armed conflict and the rise of armed extremist groups like ISIS and Boko Haram, we've been seeing a very alarming trend," said Jo Becker, HRW's director of advocacy for children's rights.

"Governments are detaining thousands of children, without charge, often for months or years, and often subjecting them to torture and ill treatment."

In Syria, now in its sixth year of war, at least 1,433 children have been detained, but only 436 have been released, the report said quoting the Violations Documentation Center in Syria.

At least 100 of the thousands of tortured detainees documented in the "Caesar" photographs smuggled by a Syrian defector were boys under the age of 18, according to Human Rights Watch.

These include 14-year-old Ahmad al-Musalmani who was arrested in 2012 when Syrian officers found a recording of a song protesting Bashar al-Assad's rule on his cellphone. He died in detention.

- Confessions from children -

In Iraq, where security forces are battling to re-take territory held by IS jihadists, at least 314 children including 58 girls have been charged or convicted of terrorism-related charges, the report said quoting UN figures.

Women and children are arrested for alleged terrorist activities by men in their families, and in some cases subjected to severe beatings, burns with cigarettes, and electric shocks to obtain confessions, said the report.

A 10-year-old boy who was arrested by Iraqi security forces in 2012 described how the men held his head near a car tire and threatened to run him over unless he told them where his parents allegedly hid weapons.

Nigeria's military battling the Boko Haram insurgency has rounded up and detained thousands of people, mostly men and boys as young as nine.

The report quoted findings by Amnesty International that between February and May this year, 11 children under the age of six, including four babies, died in Giwa barracks in northeast Nigeria.

Amnesty International estimates that at least 120 children are still held in appalling conditions in Giwa barracks, with many locked up for months or even years.

The report cited UN figures showing that children detained in Afghanistan had been subjected to torture more frequently than adults, possibly because authorities felt they could extract information more easily from child detainees.

All six countries cited in the report are signatories of the UN convention on the rights of children, which recognizes that any person under the age of 18 must benefit from special protection measures under international law.
Army General John Nicholson said the incident took place in the last few days in Nangarhar province, but did not specify exactly when it happened. Two of the injured service members have returned to duty, while three others were evacuated but are "in good spirits" and are expected to make a full recovery, he said.

"None of these are life-threatening injuries," Nicholson said in a briefing with reporters on Thursday. Their injuries were sustained from small arms fire and shrapnel, he added.

President Barack Obama in January gave U.S. commanders broader authority to target Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan. Since that time the territory controlled by the group has shrunk from about 10 districts in the southern part of Nangarhar province to parts of three or four districts, Nicholson said.

Also since that time, the number of Islamic State fighters has shrunk from 3,000 in January to 1,000 to 1,500 now, he said.

Most of Islamic State's fighters in Afghanistan previously fought for the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, Nicholson said, and hail from Orakzai Agency in Pakistan near the Afghan border.

"They were former members of the TTP, complete with their leadership, who wholesale joined Islamic State ... earlier this year," Nicholson said. "Seventy percent, roughly, of those fighters are from the TTP and many of them are Pakistani Pashtun from the Orakzai Agency."

Other Islamic State members in Afghanistan were originally part of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, another militant group, he said.

Last week more than 80 people were killed in a suicide attack in Kabul targeting Afghanistan's Hazara minority. The attack on Saturday, against a demonstration by the mainly Shi'ite Hazara, was among the worst in Afghanistan since the fall of the former Taliban regime in 2001, and was claimed by Islamic State.

Nicholson compared the bombing to recent attacks claimed by Islamic State in Europe and the United States, and emphasized that their footprint in Afghanistan was shrinking.
"Attackers from Burundi's ruling party youth league tied up, brutally beat, and gang-raped women, often with their children nearby," said Skye Wheeler, women's rights emergencies researcher at Human Rights Watch.

"Many of the women have suffered long-term physical and psychological consequences," Wheeler added.

Nkurunziza's controversial but ultimately successful bid for a third term last year triggered a deadly crisis that has left more than 500 people dead and driven around 270,000 to leave the country.

Several hundred women have reported rapes since then, according to the UN, with the true figures believed to be much higher.

Willy Nyamitwe, a presidential spokesman, said in a series of tweets that the Human Rights Watch publication was "full of errors" and designed to "demonise" his party's youth wing.

"The Imbonerakure are not a gang of rapists. The stigmatisation of @HRW is dangerous and puts their credibility into question," he posted.

Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 70 rape victims in the Nduta refugee camp in western Tanzania who said they had fled following attacks by Imbonerakure.

Testimony revealed the rapes appeared to be motivated by the women's husbands' political affiliations with opposition groups, who were also harassed, beaten and even killed.

"Men armed with guns, sticks, or knives have raped women during attacks on their homes, most often at night," the rights group said, resulting in unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Victims either recognised Imbonerakure foot soldiers, who often control entire towns and villages, or were told that their partner's support for opposition parties was the reason they had been targeted as they were assaulted.

Some women described being raped close to the Tanzania border by men believed to be Imbonerakure, who then "ordered the victims to return home, or verbally harassed them for attempting to leave."

The UN Security Council is under pressure to take action in Burundi, where the descent into violence has raised fears of mass atrocities, similar to those that convulsed neighbouring Rwanda in 1994.

France has presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council that calls for deploying up to 228 UN police to Burundi to monitor human rights and help quell violence.
Witnesses told local media that the Somali immigrant, identified as Abdirahman Abdi, 37, was beaten by Ottawa police officers. A video from a bystander showed him in a bloodied shirt lying face down on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back and his pants pulled down before paramedics arrived.

While incidents of this type are rare in Canada, they are not unheard of and the death echoed similar events in the United States where allegations of police brutality and racial bias have sparked protests. Some confrontations in the United States were also caught on video.

Some people have expressed frustration that Abdi's death has not attracted as much attention as a number of incidents in the United States.

"There's a thirst publicly to have this conversation, and not to have it in the American context, but to have it in our context," said Rodney Diverlus, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest. Family spokeswoman Nimao Ali said in a statement earlier this week that Abdi had been dead for 45 minutes before he arrived at the hospital.

Naeem Malik, president of the Ottawa Muslim Association, which is covering the cost of Abdi's funeral on Friday, said he used to see Abdi and his brother at mosque.

"He was mentally not capable of doing things," said Malik. "He used to kind of mumble. I don't know whether it was due to the mental problem or maybe there were speech problems."

A protest march is scheduled for Thursday in Montreal, and nearly 200 people are confirmed to attend, according to a Facebook event page.

Referring to whether race was a factor in Abdi's arrest and death, Amira Elghawaby, a spokeswoman for the National Council of Canadian Muslims, said, "That is a legitimate question people are asking and there will be a need to hopefully find some answers as to how or whether there was prejudice at play here."

Abdi's death comes as the Black Lives Matter movement ramps up activity in Toronto, Canada's largest city, and follows the death of two non-white men at the hands of police in that city in recent years.

"This is another deadly display of the police penchant for offering triggers over treatment," tweeted Anthony Morgan, a Toronto lawyer.

Last year, a Toronto police officer shot and killed Andrew Loku, a 45-year-old Sudanese immigrant with a history of mental illness. No charges were laid.

ALSO READ: Canadian Police use Rap lyrics to encourage road safety

A Toronto police officer was convicted in January in the shooting death of Sammy Yatim, 18, after an altercation on a streetcar.

Earlier on Wednesday, Baltimore's top prosecutor dropped all remaining charges against police officers tied to the case of black detainee Freddie Gray, whose death led to protests last year.

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Merkel returns to Berlin to hold a news conference at 12 p.m. (1100 GMT) after a spate of attacks since July 18 left 15 people dead - including four attackers - and dozens injured.

Two assailants, a Syrian asylum seeker and a refugee from either Pakistan or Afghanistan, had links to Islamist militancy, officials say.

The attacks have burst any illusions in Germany that the country is immune to attacks like those claimed by Islamic State in neighbouring France.

Politicians from left and right say Merkel's refugee policy is at fault, after more than a million migrants entered Germany in the past year, many fleeing war in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq.

"All our predictions have been proven right," Horst Seehofer, Bavaria's state premier and a long-standing critic of Merkel's open-door refugee policy, said on Tuesday. "Islamist terrorism has arrived in Germany."

Seehofer demanded that Merkel's government adopt tougher security measures and tighter immigration policies.

Merkel has been on holiday in northern Germany since chairing a security meeting on Saturday, leaving Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere - who twice returned from vacation in the last 10 days - to present the government's response.

Unlike French President Francois Hollande, who on Tuesday visited Normandy where two assailants killed a priest, Merkel has not been to the scene of any of the attacks in Germany - an absence that has raised questions about her leadership.

"How big will the pressure on Merkel be?" asked mass-selling daily Bild. Business daily Handelsblatt said: "Above all, the new situation puts the chancellor in a difficult position."

Merkel's popularity, already eroded by the refugee crisis, is likely to suffer again after a temporary boost following Britain's vote last month to leave the European Union.

After a 27-year-old Syrian with Islamist ties blew himself up in the town of Ansbach on Sunday, Sahra Wagenknecht of the far-left Linke party criticised as "flippant" Merkel's mantra of "Wir schaffen das", or "We can do this," for handling the influx.
They said an investigation was continuing.

Police said that when the man was in custody this past weekend for several thefts, he had sympathised with Islamic State and a gunman who killed nine people at a shopping centre in Munich last Friday. But they said there was no further evidence of any ties.

Germany remains on edge after a spate of attacks that have claimed 15 lives since July 18, including those of four attackers. German officials have linked two of the incidents to Islamic State.

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday to offer his condolences over the recent attacks in southern Germany, according to U.S. and German officials.

Obama offered Germany the U.S. government's full support as investigations into the attacks proceed, the White House said in a statement.

Authorities had evacuated a shopping centre in Bremen, about 40 km (25 miles) from the medical facility, after people identified a man who had been acting suspiciously as the missing patient.

A spokesman in Diepholz, where the man had been held by police over the weekend, said authorities took the incident seriously given the current situation in Germany, but emphasised that there was no evidence of an imminent attack.

"We only have these statements. We have no evidence of any concrete plans or even any ties to Islamic State," he said.

The man was moved into psychiatric care after he tried to hurt himself multiple times and authorities determined he had consumed drugs and posed a possible danger to himself and others. He escaped from the facility early on Wednesday.

Police in Bremen said they were continuing to scour the shopping centre for the man, who may have been carrying a backpack, and any objects he might have left behind.

There were no reports that he was carrying a weapon, they said.

ALSO READ: Germany Axe Attack - Islamic State flag found in room of attacker

Earlier, a suitcase exploded near a reception centre for migrants in southern Germany, but authorities said the blast may have been caused by an aerosol can, and there was no sign of any explosives involved.

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The government's action to remove children from the streets, "including those forced to beg by their Koranic teachers... is an important step in reforming a deeply entrenched system of exploitation," Human Rights Watch and a coalition of 40 Senegalese children's rights groups said in a statement.

During the first half of this year, at least five children living in Koranic schools died, allegedly from beatings by their teachers or in traffic accidents while out begging, the groups said.

They noted a pattern of beatings and sexual abuse against the talibes, typically boys between five and 15.

"Talibes have suffered abuses and dangers that no child should ever have to face," said Corinne Dufka, HRW's West Africa director.

"While the government's recent actions are commendable, removing talibes from the streets will not lead to long-term change unless Koranic schools are regulated and offending teachers are held accountable," she added.

On June 30, Senegalese President Mack Sall ordered the sweep of children begging in the streets, sending them to transit centres before being returned to their parents.

By mid-July authorities had removed more than 300 children, including many talibes, from the streets of Dakar, the rights groups noted.

And while there has been a slight increase this year in the arrests of alleged abusive teachers at the Koranic schools, there have been few prosecutions and none over forced begging, the groups added.

"Senegal should prioritize adoption of the currently stalled draft law to regulate Koranic schools, which would impose universal standards and eliminate begging," the groups' statement said.

However, the head of the national federation of Koranic schools, Mustapha Lo, has protested that the street sweep was taken without consulting Muslim educators and downplayed the concerns relayed by children's charities.

"The majority of us manage our Koranic schools without making the children beg on the streets. Some Koranic teachers do that because they lack any other financial means," Lo said.
Heavy fighting involving tanks and helicopters raged in Juba for several days between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice President Riek Machar earlier this month. At least 272 people were killed before the leaders ordered a ceasefire.

UN spokesman Farhan Haq said the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan continued to receive "deeply disturbing reports of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, by soldiers in uniform and men in plain clothes against civilians, including minors, around U.N. House and in other areas of Juba."

Haq said U.N. peacekeepers had stepped up patrols and were also providing "protection at designated times to women when they to go out of the Protection of Civilians sites to collect firewood and procure other non-food items."

The United Nations is protecting tens of thousands of people at sites in Juba and elsewhere in South Sudan. Haq said the United Nations called on all parties to immediately sanction the soldiers responsible for "these unspeakable acts of violence."

South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, descended into civil war after Kiir fired Machar as vice president in 2013. More than 10,000 people have been killed and some 2 million displaced, many of whom fled to neighboring countries.
"If we do not act now, the human suffering will only get more extreme," Stephen O'Brien told a Security Council meeting called to discuss the crisis.

"We have to stop this  we can with will, money, urgency and coordination."

More than nine million people are in need of urgent food aid in the region  seven million of them in Nigeria.

The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs stressed that Boko Haram's violent campaign "is as much or now even more a humanitarian catastrophe as it is a security priority."

Boko Haram has coerced more than 50 children to carry out suicide bombings from January to June of this year, said O'Brien.

He expressed frustration with the lack of international attention to the plight of those affected by Boko Haram's campaign.

"I have been shouting into what feels like an empty room to highlight the dire situation in the Lake Chad Basin," he added.

O'Brien renewed calls for donor funding to support humanitarian efforts.

ALSO READ: Boko Haram terrorists launch four strikes on Lake Chad area

Only 28 percent of the UN's appeal for $279 million in funding has been pledged, and requests for funds to help Niger, Cameroon and Chad are also underfunded, he said.

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders also raised alarms, saying its teams had recently found extremely high levels of malnutrition in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state.

The group called for a major humanitarian response and said the crisis should be declared a "level 3" emergency  the most severe and large-scale according to the United Nations.

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Malta has denied visa extensions for about 20 North Korean workers who had been employed at a construction firm and a clothing maker there, Yonhap reported, quoting unidentified sources in the Malta government and the companies.

All of the workers had since left Malta and returned to North Korea, Yonhap reported.

A diplomatic source in the capital, Valletta, said Malta had taken the move after a push by South Korea and human rights groups that raised concerns about the conditions faced by the North Korean workers, according to Yonhap.

Officials at Malta's consulate in Seoul could not be reached for comment.

North Korea has come under growing diplomatic pressure since its January nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to a new U.N. Security Council resolution in March tightening sanctions against Pyongyang.

South Korea has been making diplomatic efforts to engage North Korea's old allies to press for change in the isolated state.

Earlier this year, Namibia halted ties with two North Korean state-run companies that had built a munitions factory and were involved in projects for its military to comply with U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang, according to Namibian media and the South Korean government.

Poland has not issued new visas for North Koreans this year in reaction to the North's nuclear test and rocket launch at the beginning of the year amid concerns that Pyongyang may be subjecting its workers to conditions that violated their rights.

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Republican National Convention delegates in Cleveland last week embraced a freewheeling, policy-light lineup, reveling in messages of salvation from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's inner circle, while expressing their fears that America has become less safe.

A man wearing an orange jumpsuit and Hillary Clinton mask told Reuters he had been asked to take pictures standing next to "hundreds" of convention-goers, while "lock her up" - a cry to imprison Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - became the crowd's go-to chant.

The few remaining, weary Ted Cruz supporters found a rallying cry in the former Republican presidential candidate's refusal to endorse Trump, a moment of party discord that prompted security to escort Heidi Cruz out of the convention hall and away from irate, yelling Trump supporters.

At this week's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, erstwhile candidate Bernie Sanders worked to build a bridge over troubled waters (yes, Paul Simon performed the song of that name). At the end of a roll call of state delegations, he called for Clinton to be nominated by voice vote - a show of support and a bid for unity after a bitter primary campaign.

The move prompted deafening cheers on the convention floor - as well as a boos from Sanders supporters, who, on occasion, could be seen angrily arguing with Clinton backers.

And there were celebrities - actresses Eva Longoria, Lena Dunham, America Ferrera, Sigourney Weaver and Elizabeth Banks drew shrieks and cheers from the crowd. But Clinton's convention was heavy on policy and calls to public service.

Former President Bill Clinton received a rock star's welcome before ticking off a list of his wife's civic accomplishments. First lady Michelle Obama drove some members of a rapt audience to tears when she declared, "I wake up in a house built by slaves."

Reuters photographers caught up with several convention-goers, both Republican and Democrat, and asked "If you could speak to your nominee, What would you like them to know about your hopes for the future of America?" Here are some of their responses:

"Thank you for having my back," Sharon Jackson, a delegate from Alaska at the Republican convention, said, referring to Trump.

Barbara Finger, a delegate from Wisconsin at the Republican conclave, also expressed gratitude to the New York businessman.

"Keep going the way you are," she said. "Make America great again."

Lavon Bracy, a Democratic delegate from Florida, expressed her support for Clinton at her party's convention, emphasizing the importance of unity.

She said she hopes, "We can all live together in harmony and understand that we have differences and appreciate those who are different."

Democratic delegate Alvin Peters of Panama City, Florida, said he, too, hoped for brighter days.
Lighting the way to McAfee Pass a waning moon led 21 locals the 10.7 miles that climb almost 3,000 feet to the top of the Silver Peak Range on their way from Fish Lake Valley to the Old School Saloon terminus 34 miles away in Silver Peak for the 22nd annual Silver Peak or Bust hike.
The Quad-Cities unemployment rate rose slightly in June as the region continued to see job losses in manufacturing, which is having an impact on other job sectors, a labor analyst said Thursday.

Unemployment in the bistate metropolitan area was 5.6 percent last month, up from 5.3 percent a year ago, according to statistics from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, or IDES. The Quad-Cities lost 5,500 total nonfarm jobs over the year, a 2.9 percent drop.

The Quad-City region was one of four Illinois metro areas reporting over-the-year increases in unemployment. Eight areas saw decreased unemployment and two were unchanged.

According to IDES, 10,684 people were unemployed in the Quad-Cities in June. That compared to 10,375 a year ago and 10,271 in last month.

The area's labor force declined by 6,300 workers, or 3.2 percent, over the year to 189,196 in June.

"We are continuing to see declines in the number employed in the labor force, part of it is declines in the manufacturing sector and declines in professional services that feeds into it," said Tom Austin of IDES.

Job declines were reported in these sectors: professional-business services, down 2,000; educational-health services, down 1,400; manufacturing, down 1,100; and retail trade and leisure-hospitality, both down 1,000. Payroll gains were reported in the government and construction sectors, which both increased by 700 jobs over the year.

Austin said declines in retail trade and leisure-hospitality have a connection to the job losses in manufacturing, which have been ongoing.

"Employers, such as retailers, may not add as many people if they are not seeing as much business as a year ago," he said.

The growth in the government sector, he said, "also depends on when schools let out for summer from one year to another. But typically, we see growth as summer programs and park programs increase.''

Austin said the Quad-Cities continues to rank in the middle to lower in unemployment rates when compared to Illinois' other metro areas. The highest unemployment was 7.1 percent in Danville. The lowest unemployment was 4.7 percent in Springfield.
For the second day in a row, the Bettendorf School Board met in a closed session to discuss pending litigation involving the Bettendorf Community School District.

Both board members and Michael Raso, the interim superintendent of the district, refused comment after a 40-minute closed-door meeting Wednesday.

The meeting began 8 p.m. at the district's administrative center and adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

"Because this was a closed session, I am not at liberty to discuss what was on the agenda," Stacey Struck, a board member in her first year of service said.

Raso also refused comment, citing the closed session, which is allowed under Iowa law when a current or imminent lawsuit is discussed.

On Tuesday, the board met, again in closed session. The same reason was cited on the agenda: "To discuss pending litigation."

Neither the public or the media was allowed in the closed school board session. At Wednesday's session that included three media representatives and Mark Kuntz, a Bettendorf Middle School faculty member.
A 34-year-old Fulton, Illinois, man listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry as a sexual predator has been arrested on home invasion and sexual assault charges, Fulton Police said Wednesday.

Samson Scott Pepper was being held Wednesday night in the Whiteside County Jail on $200,000 bond after authorities charged with him with one count of home invasion, a Class X felony under Illinois law, and one count of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony.

In Illinois, a Class X felony carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years, while a Class 1 felony carries a prison sentence of four to 15 years.

According to Fulton Police Lt. Donnie Pridemore, on Sunday, Fulton police were sent to the 700 block of 12th Avenue for a disturbance in the roadway.

Pepper, of 1009 4th St., Apt. 3, had left the scene, Pridemore said.

On Monday, Fulton police located Pepper and arrested him on a charge of domestic battery. After further investigation the charges were upgraded to home invasion and criminal sexual assault, Pridemore said.

According to Rock Island County Circuit Court electronic records and the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, on Aug. 10, 2000, Pepper pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse with the victim being between the ages of 13 and 16.

The victim was 14 years old at the time of the abuse, while Samson was 18 years old, according to the sex offender registery.

Samson was sentenced to four years on probation and 120 days in the Rock Island County Jail, according to Rock Island County Circuit Court electronic records. Samson satisfactorily completed his probation in on Aug. 10, 2004.

However, according to Rock Island County Circuit Court electronic records, he was convicted in March 2004 on charges of failing to report a change of address with the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, a Class 4 felony, for which he was sentenced to 18 months on conditional discharge and seven days in the Rock Island County Jail.

Also, in December, a warrant was issued in Rock Island County for Samsons arrest on a charge he violated the sex offender registry law a second time. The charge is a Class 2 felony that carries a prison sentence of three to seven years. He was arrested on that charge in June.

On Friday, Samson made an appearance in Rock Island County Circuit Court on that violation charge. Trial was set for Sept. 19.
The last of four teenagers charged with an assault on a 12-year-old boy on March 8 has pleaded guilty in Scott County District Court.

Christian Mendoza, 17, of Davenport, pleaded guilty to willful injury resulting in bodily injury and criminal gang participation, both Class D felonies.

He will be sentenced Aug. 31.

Police say Mendoza and co-defendants Mateo Villagomez, Julian Mancera and Dejonte Davis assaulted the 12-year-old with bricks, bats and a hammer at the Sugar Shack, 1939 W. 4th St., Davenport.

The boy suffered a brain bleed and lacerations to his head and face. He was taken to the pediatric intensive care unit at University Hospitals, Iowa City, and later was released.

Villagomez, 16, Mancera, and Davis, both 15, have pleaded guilty as youthful offenders to charges stemming from the incident.

Youthful offenders are tried in adult court, but, if convicted, they are remanded back to the juvenile court for sentencing. Prior to their 18th birthday, they will return to adult court where a judge will determine whether to impose a sentence or discharge them, among other sentencing options.

A juvenile court judge on Monday ordered Davis to be remanded to the custody of the Department of Human Services for placement in a structured treatment facility.

Mancera and Villagomez earlier this month were remanded to the custody of DHS for placement at the Iowa State School for Boys in Eldora, Iowa.
PHILADELPHIA  Increasing Americas use of renewable energy, especially biofuels, should be a top priority for Hillary Clinton should she move into the White House in January, Iowa 2nd District Rep. Dave Loebsack said Wednesday.

It would be good for the environment and the economy  and good for Iowa, Loebsack said during a panel discussion of energy-related issues in Philadelphia where he is attending the Democratic National Convention.

Not only does he want to see biofuels use increased to the volumes specified by Congress, but Loebsack called for undoing the five-year phase-out of tax credits for wind and solar.

We need to make sure those industries can stand on their own, he said.

Loebsack, an Iowa City Democrat who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, offered his views along with other current and former elected officials and regulators at a forum hosted by Politico and sponsored by Vote4Energy.com, a voter education project of the American Petroleum Institute, which is a trade association for the oil and gas industry.

Also, we need to be sure that we dont continue to help the fossil fuel industry with special tax breaks, Loebsack said. Its not a level playing field. Weve got to make it a level playing.

Thats not likely unless Democrats somehow were able to take over the House, not just the Senate, he said.

He called it a false choice when people play energy against the environment.

In Iowa, when it comes to the environment and jobs, there is not a trade-off, Loebsack said. If we can continue to do what we do on the renewable fuels front, its good for the environment, its good for the economy, its good for jobs. We dont have to make a choice between working for the environment and good jobs. We can have both in Iowa. We have had that.

In response to a question about climate change as a voting issue, Loebsack said it bothers him when people ask whether he believes in climate change.

Its like its some sort of faith, he said. Its reality.

However, moving from fossil fuel, which scientists say contributes to climate change, to clean energy will not happen overnight and the government must do everything it can to provide incentives for renewable energy.

We cant just flip a switch, Loebsack said. It wont change overnight because the politics arent there for it to change overnight.
PHILADELPHIA  A member of President Barack Obamas administration since the beginning, Tom Vilsack said Thursday that he supports Obamas call to elect Hillary Clinton as his successor to continue Democrats work in the White House despite public polling that shows a large percentage of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction.

Obama gave the keynote address to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night here, saying he is ready to pass the baton to Clinton, his former secretary of state.

But only one-fourth of Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in the country, according to recent Pew Research Center survey data.

Vilsack, the former Iowa governor who now is U.S. agriculture secretary, told reporters Thursday that despite those figures, the president should not shy away from making the case for Clintons election as an extension of his administration.

I think its appropriate for (Obama) to make sure that people understand where we were (before he was elected in 2008), Vilsack said shortly after speaking to convention delegations from Iowa and Wisconsin. "We were on the precipice of a serious economic collapse. He saved this country."

Vilsack also noted that while Americans may not be confident in the countrys direction, Obamas recent approval ratings have been solid: 50 percent of Americans approve of the way he is handling his job, while 44 percent disapprove, according to Pew.

Obamas second-term approval average of 46 percent is on par with Ronald Reagans second-term average of 49 percent and below Bill Clintons of 55 percent but above George W. Bushs of 30 percent.

I think the president did a great job (Wednesday) night of reminding people where we were in 2009, how far we have come and how we still have work to do. And its important and necessary that that work continue, Vilsack said. As he tells that story  where we were, where we are and where we need to go  I think it will be quite supportive for (Hillary Clinton).

Vilsack downplayed not being chosen as Hillary Clintons running mate; she instead chose Tim Kaine, a U.S. senator from Virginia. Vilsack also was in the running to be John Kerrys running mate in 2004.

As an old trial lawyer, my father-in-law used to say, 'You celebrate your victories for 24 hours, and you mourn your losses for 24 hours,' Vilsack said. With the importance of this race, I only took 12.

Vilsack, whose duties as ag secretary will end with Obamas term in January, said he is focused on the election and not a possible role in a Clinton administration, should she win.

I told people, Ill wash the dishes. Ill take the trash out. Ill do whatever we have to do, Vilsack said. Shes got to get elected.

Because only just more than a third of U.S. voters have a favorable opinion of Clinton, according to Real Clear Politics average of recent national polls, Vilsack said it will be crucial for those who have known and worked with Clinton to convey their support to voters.

Vilsack has known Clinton since she was first lady, when she helped his struggling 1998 gubernatorial campaign that ultimately was successful.

Its up to people that know Hillary Clinton. We need to make sure we get out and tell the story of Hillary. I have great confidence that if we tell that story, people are going to understand who she is and what she has done all of her life, Vilsack said. Im confident that over time were going to continue to see growing support.
Donald Trump never met a conspiracy theory he didn't like -- until now.

He has dabbled in, among other things, the notion that President Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya, that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was murdered and that Ted Cruz's father was involved in the JFK assassination.

But on one topic, Trump is conspicuously incurious: the suggestion that he is complicit in a plan by Vladimir Putin to influence the U.S. election. Consider how Trump might react to the following fact pattern if the candidate involved weren't "Donald Trump" but -- let's pick a name at random here -- "Hillary Clinton":

The candidate's real estate empire, unable to borrow from most U.S. banks, gets capital from Russian sources. Such transfers couldn't occur without Putin's blessing.

The candidate's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, has worked extensively for pro-Putin oligarchs.

One of the candidate's foreign policy advisers, Michael Flynn, was filmed sitting with Putin at a Moscow banquet celebrating a Russian propaganda network.

Another adviser, Carter Page, has close ties to Gazprom, the Russian energy company under Putin's thumb.

One of the only interferences the campaign made in the Republican platform was to remove language calling for "providing lethal defensive weapons" to Ukraine in its fight against Russian-backed separatists.

The candidate cast doubt on the utility of NATO and said he might not come to the aid of Baltic members of the alliance attacked by Russia.

Putin has aimed to destabilize rival powers by supporting extremist parties in several European countries. His state news outlets have been heavily supportive of the candidate.

The Russian ambassador to the United States attended a campaign speech by the candidate, and Putin described the candidate as "talented." The candidate said he was honored.

Russian intelligence hacked the Democratic National Committee and, experts say, handed the emails to WikiLeaks for release on the eve of the Democratic convention.

If the Clinton campaign were so extensively interwoven with Putin's Russia, it's a safe bet that Trump would be demanding that Clinton release her tax returns to prove that she's not beholden to Putin -- just as he demanded that Obama release his birth certificate.

He would also very likely float allegations masquerading as questions by using the phrases "a lot of people have said" or "I'm hearing," or "there's something we don't know about." But Trump, I'm hearing, won't be doing that in this case. So let's help him. The following are all phrases Trump has used to float conspiracy theories -- but this time applied to his Putin ties -- combined with wild Trump-style speculation.

A lot of people have said Putin is trying to get Trump elected so he can blackmail the American president. Somebody told me Trump would completely go out of business if Putin took back all the Russian money he let Trump have. I don't know exactly what's going on, but I just heard Trump's airplane would be grounded immediately.

Manafort helping the oligarchs? Flynn having dinner with Putin? Page getting money from Gazprom? No coincidence! Now it's coming out that Putin wants to destabilize America. There's something fishy about the whole thing.

And why did Trump propose changing NATO and Ukraine policy in ways that would benefit Putin? Obviously some people think it's evil intentions. I think it's incompetence. Regardless, a lot of people think it's evil intentions.

I don't bring up the possibility that Trump has already been bribed or blackmailed by Putin because I don't know enough to really discuss it. I will say there are people who continue to bring it up because they think it was absolutely bribery and blackmail. I don't do that because I don't think it's fair.

I'm hearing it's a big topic, the question of whether Trump is guilty of treason. I'm not sure. I mean, let people make their own determination. Trump never denied that Putin was his patron.

He cannot give us his tax returns. He didn't pay his taxes, or, if he did, there's something in those returns that is very bad for him. Now, somebody told me -- and I have no idea whether this is bad for him or not, but perhaps it would be -- that he owes billions to Putin. Somebody said, 'Maybe that's the reason he doesn't want to show his returns.' I don't think so. I just don't think he paid his taxes.

Why is Trump so emphatic about not talking about his Putin connections? He gets it better than anybody understands. There's something going on. There's something we don't know about. I don't know. All I know is what's on the Internet. Wow!
Jon Alexander Editorial Page Editor Editorial Page Editor, Quad-City Times Follow Jon Alexander Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

I just can't help it. I'm skeptical of Hillary Clinton. Polls show I'm not alone.

What's not so clear, however, is whether the doubts about the Democratic presidential nominee are justified.

I came of age in the era of Bill Clinton -- impressionable years filled with congressional investigation after congressional investigation. Monica Lewinsky became a household name. A cigar and blue dress dominated the news.

The Clintons, the narrative went, can't be trusted.

The fact is, though, that after all of those probes, the president's philandering was the best congressional Republicans could do. Bill Clinton wasn't the first man in power to burn his family. Nor the last. Ever since, Republicans in Congress have spent millions on weakening Hillary Clinton's political position. A quarter-century of even the most half-baked investigations will skew public perception.

It's been said time and again that Hillary Clinton is the "most qualified" candidate to ever seek the White House. She was a hands-on first lady who didn't stick to non-controversial hug-the-children programs. No, she took on health care. She lost. But she went there, and she did it in a time when women were still limited by the weight of oppressive social norms. In so doing, she unburdened her Generation X successors with much of the rhetorical load long used to oppress women in this country.

Clinton successfully ran for U.S. Senate in my home state, where she articulated full-throated support of the Defense of Marriage Act, which limited such unions to the heterosexual variety. She's since flipped on that position, and a heap of others. As secretary of State, Clinton proved herself to be a true believer in American interventionism. She repeatedly fell to the right of President Barack Obama on foreign policy. She was the hawk in an administration notably skittish about putting boots on the ground. Domestically, Clinton is a neo-liberal corporatist, much to the chagrin of her party's left-wing. Her long-held support for free trade is suddenly out of sync with the left and the right. She's since waffled on that, too.

The fact is, Republicans are wrong when they call Clinton "a left-wing liberal." Those with any intellectual honesty know it. Obama was, by and large, a slightly leftward tack from the centrist paradigm established by Clinton's husband. A Hillary Clinton White House would, realistically, be a move rightward, albeit slightly.

Nonstop allegations from conspiracy theorists, the Internet's unprecedented ability to disseminate false or twisted information, a reality television culture and an opponent in Donald Trump who's mastered self-promotion -- 2016 might be the worst possible cycle for Clinton's make-or-break run for the White House. Trump's policy is nothing but vague promises and rhetoric bereft of meaningful detail. Clinton couldn't be more opposite. She speaks the language of a parliamentarian.

Clinton's handle on the specifics might have played well when George W. Bush was mangling the English language. That was a different time. This is an election where sound bites come 140 characters at a time.

My skepticism of Hillary Clinton remains. Some of it is her own doing. She comes across as entitled. To call her handling of the private email server problem poor would be an understatement. To say she "lied" might be too blunt. But, assuredly, she used legalese to mislead. And, in so doing, only solidified the probably unfair caricature her opponents have spent decades crafting.

Yes, Clinton has changed positions throughout her career. In some instances, she probably has evolved. People do that. In others, ambition propelled her "evolution."

I still have my doubts about Hillary Clinton. I'm just not sure how many of these suspicions are reasonable or fair.
SPRINGFIELD  As a history major at Illinois State University in the late 1990s, Samuel Wheeler was a self-described "library rat."

Leafing through a book of Civil War photographs one day at the Milner Library, he came across a powerful image of a young soldier who was killed at Burnside's Bridge during the Battle of Antietam.

"He looked just like one of my friends," Wheeler said. "Just like him, just a dead ringer."

The chance encounter with that picture "brought home that immediacy of history  that all of a sudden, it wasn't 150 years ago; it could have happened just right now to somebody that was one of my friends," he said.

From then on, Wheeler, a 38-year-old Springfield native who graduated from Illinois State in 2000 and went on to earn a doctorate in history at Southern Illinois University, was hooked on the Civil War and its most iconic figure, fellow capital city resident Abraham Lincoln.

The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Board of Trustees this week named Wheeler Illinois' 10th state historian. In that role, he will oversee research and collections at the state historical library, created in 1889 and now part of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Wheeler, who has been a research historian at the library and museum since 2013, sees it as his job to help bring the state's history to life for Illinoisans and people around the world, just like that photograph of the soldier at Antietam did for him.

"It's so much more than just Abraham Lincoln or those soldiers that fought in the Civil War from the town that you're from," Wheeler said this week, sitting in his office at the presidential library in downtown Springfield.

Illinois has long been viewed as a state that, in many respects, serves as a demographic and economic microcosm of the United States as a whole, he said.

Wheeler, who will receive $70,000 a year in the new job, succeeds Thomas Schwartz, who left in 2011 to become director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum in West Branch, Iowa. His selection comes as the Lincoln institution and the state Historic Preservation Agency seek stability following a period of controversy over their management structures and leadership.

Alan Lowe, who was the first director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and took over as director of the Lincoln library and museum July 11, had a hand in selecting Wheeler.

"I was impressed by Sam's love of Illinois history, his experience as both a researcher and teacher and his ideas for engaging the public," Lowe said in a prepared statement. "Filling this position is an important step forward."

Wheeler's experience as a teacher came at Southern Illinois, where he served as a teaching assistant and lecturer for courses on subjects that included Illinois history and the Civil War era.

Kay Carr, who chairs Southern Illinois' history department, said Wheeler was highly regarded among students and faculty.

Carr also oversaw the committee that reviewed his dissertation, which covered an aspect of Lincoln's life often overlooked or dismissed by other scholars: his poetry.

"It's a tough thing to go into Lincoln studies of any sort because a lot has been done," Carr said. "So it's difficult sometimes to find an angle to pursue that is unique, but he did find that, and he did an amazing job."

Wheeler said he was drawn to Lincoln's verse, published anonymously, because it revealed aspects of his character that were often otherwise hidden.

"To me, he became infinitely more interesting when I sort of took those poems at their face value and tried to figure out what he was talking about," Wheeler said.

As state historian, Wheeler wants to help scholars, teachers, students and the general public gain that kind of deeper understanding of Lincoln and the larger story of the land he called home.

"Illinois history needs a champion," Wheeler said.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa  With Kirkwood Community Colleges 2.5-megawatt wind turbine at his back, Gov. Terry Branstad on Wednesday shared the latest development in Iowas growing wind industry  a $1 billion investment in wind power by Alliant Energy.

Thats a billion with a B, said Branstad. Thats a big number.

Over the next five years, the company plans to add up to 500 megawatts  equal to 200 of Kirkwoods turbine  to expand its renewable energy infrastructure. The project is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in property taxes and result in more than 1,500 jobs at the height of construction, according to company officials.

Branstad was joined by Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Alliant Energy CEO Patricia Kampling in making the announcement.

Doug Kopp, Alliants senior vice president, said the plan  which requires approval from the Iowa Utilities Board to proceed  is to invest the majority of funds into expansion of the utilitys Whispering Willow Wind Farm in Franklin County. But wind energy development possibly could take place elsewhere in the state, he added.

At this point we have something thats in-hand, it works, we know its a good site, he said. So there will definitely be a significant portion built at that site.

Kampling said Alliants announcement was timed to reap the benefits of wind energy production tax credits.

We are making this investment today so we can maximize the full value of available renewable energy tax credits to benefit our customers, she said.

Wednesdays announcement comes just months after MidAmerican Energys announcement in April of plans to spend $3.6 billion on 1,000 wind turbines in Iowa. Similar to Alliants project, MidAmericans entire $3.6 billion is to be recouped through federal tax incentives over 10 years.

Construction on MidAmericans project could begin next year, with the majority of the project completed in 2017 and 2018.

Alliants Whispering Willow Wind Farm, which spans 33,000 acres, began commercial operation in late 2009 and boasts 121 turbines with a capacity to generate 200 megawatts, or enough energy to power about 50,000 homes, according to the utilitys website.

Its an honor to be with you today as you embark on yet another historic contribution to Iowas renewable energy story, Reynolds said during Wednesdays news conference. In Iowa, we like to lead and we definitely are leaders in renewable energy.

Iowa ranked second last year among all states in net electricity generation from wind, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

More than 31 percent of Iowas total electricity generation came from wind, a larger share than any other state, according to the administration.

Reynolds said more renewable energy creates an economic driver for added growth in Iowa.

Having a cleaner energy mix is key to attracting new investment in Iowa, she said.

The wind project is part of Alliants plan to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent from 2005 to 2030.

If Alliants request for advanced ratemaking principles is approved, the utility expects to re-prioritize its 2016-2019 construction expenditure plan.
A roundup of items from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia:

VILSACK SHARES PERSONAL STORY: U.S. Agriculture Secretary and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack wanted to inspire Democratic activists to work hard over the next three months to elect Hillary Clinton as president, so he shared his story of a good friend who worked hard for Vilsack, even in that friends final days.

Speaking at the morning gatherings of the Iowa and Wisconsin delegations to the Democratic National Convention at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Vilsack implored activists to not be content with their attendance at the convention, but to also go home and start the hard work of the presidential campaign.

Vilsack shared the story of his good friend Mark Weiner, a Democratic activist from Rhode Island who died Tuesday. Weiner, who had leukemia, passed away at his home just as he was preparing to travel to the convention, according to the Providence Journal.

Vilsack said Weiner, also a close friend of the Clintons, supported Vilsack as Clintons running mate and made calls on his behalf, even though he was living in hospice.

He cared that much about our country, Vilsack said. Each of us needs to care that much about this election, and if we do, were going to make history.

Former president Bill Clinton mentioned Weiner during his address to the convention Wednesday night, saying he and Hillary cried when they learned of his passing.

STRATEGIC MISTAKES: Just like it was a strategic mistake for him not to campaign in Iowa in the 2004 Democratic caucus campaign, retired Gen. Wesley Clark told Iowa delegates to the Democratic National Convention it would be a strategic mistake to elect Republican Donald Trump.

Clark, who now works with Americas Renewable Future, which promotes ethanol and other fuels, said electing Trump would be the biggest mistake in history. No other presidential candidate, he said, has shown less willingness to respect other people, less attention to detail or less respect for his opponent.

Clark also suggested Trump violated the Logan Act when he encouraged Russian cyber-hackers to look for Hillary Clintons 30,000 lost emails. The Logan Act forbids Americans from siding with its enemies.

FORMER REAGAN OFFICIAL, IOWA NATIVE FOR CLINTON: Doug Elmets, an Iowa native who worked for Republican President Ronald Reagan, spoke in support of Hillary Clinton at the convention Thursday night.

Elmets, who grew up in Des Moines, contrasted Reagan with current Republican nominee Donald Trump, whom he called a petulant, dangerously unbalanced reality star.

I knew Ronald Reagan. I worked for Ronald Reagan. And Donald Trump, you are no Ronald Reagan, Elmets said.

Elmets said he will for the first time vote for a Democratic presidential candidate and encouraged concerned Republicans to do the same.

Elmets has donated to both Republican and Democratic state candidates in California, where he lives.

 Times Bureau
NATION

Senator: Trump comments are act of treason

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez said Thursday that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's comments about Russia exposing Hillary Clinton's emails are an "act of treason."

The New Jersey Democrat says the United States' role in the world matters and he can't accept someone who thinks Russia is a friend or who would negotiate with North Korea.

"When I see Donald Trump who says that Vladimir Putin and Russia should ultimately create a hacking of emails of a presidential candidate, which is an act of espionage, I consider that an act of treason," Menendez said at a state Democratic breakfast as part of the party's national convention.

Menendez was the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before voluntarily stepping down last year after he was indicted on corruption charges. He has pleaded not guilty and faces trial later this year.

Settlement final in Duckworth case

The Illinois Attorney General's office says a settlement in the workplace retaliation lawsuit against Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth is final and the plaintiffs can't back out even if no paperwork was signed.

The two women who sued Duckworth said this week they wanted out of the agreement because they felt the congresswoman was tarnishing their reputations by calling their allegations false. But Attorney General spokeswoman Maura Possley said Thursday the agreement reached last month with a judge is final.

Duckworth is speaking at the Democratic National Convention Thursday night. She faces Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk in a November election.

Duckworth denies the allegations from Christine Butler and Denise Goins that she violated ethics laws by reprimanding them when Duckworth led the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

WORLD

Indonesia executes 4 drug traffikers

Indonesia executed four drug traffickers on Friday and said it had not yet decided when 10 others convicted of drug crimes would be put to death.

Deputy Attorney-General Noor Rachmad said one Indonesian and three Nigerians were executed by firing squad not long after midnight local time.

The government had said earlier in the week that 14 people on death row, mostly foreigners, would be executed on the Nusa Kambangan prison island.

Those executed Friday were Indonesian Freddy Budiman and Nigerians Seck Osmane, Michael Titus and Humphrey Jefferson. The bodies of Osmane and Titus will be flown to their home country and Jefferson will be buried in Indonesia.

Turkeys top military commander keeps job

Turkey's top military commander, who was held hostage during an attempted coup, kept his post Thursday, while the general who served as acting chief of staff was promoted following a purge in the military following the failed putsch.

Hulusi Akar, a four-star general, retained his position as chief of staff, the presidency announced after a meeting of the Supreme Military Council, representing the commanders of NATO's second largest army.

The decisions came after Turkey discharged nearly 1,700 officers, including 149 generals and admirals, suspected of involvement in the July 15 attempted coup. A senior Turkish official described the actions as "dishonorable discharges."

Thousands visit pope in Poland

Pope Francis blessed hundreds of thousands of faithful Thursday at a shrine in Poland, paying tribute to a beloved native son, St. John Paul II, honoring the countless "ordinary yet remarkable" Poles who defiantly clung to their faith during Soviet-bloc communism and establishing this pontiff's drawing power in a country where being Catholic is often equated with being Polish.

Francis, who had never set foot in Eastern Europe before this week's five-day pilgrimage to Poland, gazed in apparent awe for several minutes as he studied the Jasna Gora monastery shrine's iconic image of the so-called Black Madonna. The faces of Mary and Baby Jesus in the icon  an object of veneration starting in the 14th century  are blackened by centuries of varnish and candle soot.

Pilgrimages to Jasna Gora, often by faithful trekking long distances, are part of many Polish Catholics' identity and upbringing.
That it is the duty of all persons in the service of the United States, as well as all other inhabitants thereof, to give the earliest information to Congress or any other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds or misdemeanors committed by any persons in the service of these states, which may come to their knowledge.

-Continental Congress Resolution, July 30, 1778

That resolution, passed two years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, indicates just how important the Founding Fathers believed whistleblowers to be. The resolution was the result of a case in which 10 sailors and Marines reported the Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy Esek Hopkins as being unfit for command. Allegations against Hopkins included treating prisoners of the Revolutionary War in the most inhuman and barbarous manner, failing to attack a British frigate and allowing the enemy to escape and stating he would not obey Congress (The Whistleblowers Handbook by Stephen Martin Kohn, executive director of the National Whistleblower Center).

Hopkins was suspended and eventually relieved of duty but not before he sought revenge on some of the whistleblowers through court martial and other legal means. The Continental Congress passed the resolution enshrining whistleblowing as a duty and authorized the government to assist in the defense of those Hopkins sued.

This Saturday is National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, as approved by the U.S. Senate.

Last week, area attorneys, judges and law enforcement officials met with Richard Moberly, interim dean and professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law, on the topic of whistleblowers.

Most employees stay quiet when they discover misconduct out of fear of retaliation, but efforts are underway to change that. In the wake of the 2002 Enron scandal, laws encouraging whistle blowing and protecting whistleblowers have increased, Moberly said. In addition to more and better legislation, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of whistleblowers in several recent cases.

One way agencies have encouraged whistleblowers is through the payout of bounties. Federal agencies have awarded millions of dollars to whistleblowers  paid out of fines and penalties due to the agencies from the offending corporations. Corporations have also taken steps to protect whistleblowers by instituting codes of ethics, hotlines and internal reporting channels, Moberly said.

One phenomenon that is becoming more common is attorneys whistle blowing on their clients, setting up a conflict with the traditional norm of attorney-client confidentiality. State ethics rules for lawyers and regulations established by various agencies  such as the Securities and Exchange Commission  serve as guidelines as to when attorneys should and can blow the whistle. Sometimes those rules and regulations overlap, but many times they do not and attorneys should take care to review what they are required to do.

Attorneys should also encourage companies they represent to establish strong ethics and reporting channels.

A strong ethical culture will help prevent misconduct, Moberly said.

Most whistleblowers are loyal employees who want the best for the company. If they believe there is a strong internal system they can trust, they will report misconduct internally before taking it to outside agencies like the federal government or media. Companies should train managers and supervisors on encouraging and protecting whistleblowers and have a process to seriously investigate allegations and rectify any wrongdoing.

Companies can generally save money (in fines and penalties) and jobs if the incidents are reported first internally and corrected, and if whistleblowers are protected so a retaliation lawsuit is avoided.

Organizations that fight whistleblowers are going to be on the wrong side of history, Moberly said.

While in Chadron, Moberly also discussed the UNL College of Law program, which was named the best value law school by the National Jurist in 2015, and its interest in creating a Rural Law Opportunities Program with colleges across the state, including CSC. That program would be modeled after the Rural Health Opportunities Program already in place with the Nebraska Medical Center.
The federal government took another step this month toward terminating South Dakota's controversial immigrant-investor center, referring to the state's attempts to save and defend the program as unpersuasive, erroneous and unacceptable.

The stern language is included in a notice dated July 7. In that notice, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it had determined  following a previous warning to that effect  that the South Dakota Regional Centers participation in the federal EB-5 visa program should be terminated.

The termination is not yet final, because the USCIS sent its decision to its own Administrative Appeals Office for a review due to the complex and novel issues raised in the case, according to the July 7 notice. That office attempts to resolve appeals within six months, according to the USCIS website.

The grounds for termination, mentioned in the earlier notice of intent and again in the new notice of termination, include the diversion of millions of investor dollars away from intended purposes.

In the new notice, the USCIS says those diversions and other issues "cast considerable doubt on the credibility of the (South Dakota) Regional Center, all of its operations, and its ability to promote economic growth in compliance with the Program.

The EB-5 program name is shorthand for the employment-based, fifth-preference visa, which is a permanent-residency green card offered to foreigners who invest a minimum of $500,000 in job-creating projects in the United States. The investments are handled by dozens of EB-5 regional centers around the country, including the one in South Dakota, which is one of only a few state-run centers.

The South Dakota Regional Center has been mired in controversy and scandal since the October 2013 death of Richard Benda, the former head of what was then called the Department of Tourism and State Development. Bendas death was ruled a suicide, and it was soon revealed that he had been facing potential prosecution for allegedly stealing state grant money intended for a meatpacking project that received EB-5 funding in Aberdeen.

Further revelations about the state's EB-5 center have since spawned several lawsuits, some changes to state laws and policies, and an ongoing state criminal prosecution of Joop Bollen, the man who ran the EB-5 center first as a state employee from 2004 to 2009 and then as a private contractor from 2009 to 2013.

The USCIS decision to terminate the South Dakota Regional Center comes about nine months after the USCIS issued its notice of its intent to do so. That initial notice listed numerous grounds for termination, mostly predicated on examples of mismanagement by state government, by Bollen and by Bollens company, SDRC Inc., which operated the regional center on behalf of the state.

The mismanagement included, among other things, the diversion of at least $1.7 million of investors money to a offshore holding company in Cyprus; the diversion of more than $3 million for unapproved expenses; and the diversion of more than $12 million to initially service debt underwritten by a lending company in the British Virgin Islands and then to buy that same lending company.

After the USCIS issued its notice of intent to terminate the South Dakota Regional Center in September, South Dakota was given 30 days to offer evidence in opposition.

The states evidence was prepared and submitted by a Tennessee law firm, Baker Donelson. The states contract with the firm includes billable rates up to $500 per hour with a cap of $75,000 on total payments. The state has so far paid the firm about $22,000.

But the USCIS was not swayed by the firm's arguments or those of SDRC Inc., some of whose correspondence was included with the state's evidence. The July 7 USCIS notice includes a point-by-point takedown of both the state's and Bollen's claims.

In one example, the state Governors Office of Economic Development, which has operated the regional center itself since terminating a contract with SDRC, Inc. in 2013, argued that it could not provide missing data to the USCIS because SDRC Inc. has never supplied a complete set of records.

But the USCIS noted that the state had two years from the time it terminated its contract with SDRC Inc. until the USCIS issued its notice of intent to terminate the regional center to get the information.

This should have been ample time for the State to obtain the relevant records, the USCIS notice says.

On the issue of diverted funds, the state attempted to argue that it was unaware of the diversions by Bollen and SDRC and is therefore not culpable, while SDRC Inc. attempted to argue that the diversions were not improper.

The USCIS rejected all of those arguments while casting doubt on the states purported ignorance of the diversions, asserting the states responsibility to monitor Bollen and SDRC Inc. and labeling the diversions as impermissible.

While the state has sought to distance itself from Bollens handling of the regional center as a private contractor, the USCIS said that the regional center designation in 2004 was granted to the state of South Dakota, and it has always been the states responsibility to ensure monitoring, oversight and due diligence.

South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who was lieutenant governor under then-Gov. Mike Rounds when the alleged improprieties happened, has kept the states regional center open to avoid negative consequences for foreigners who made investments through the center. Last year, the state estimated that 270 foreigners were awaiting approval or denial of visas for investments they made through the center. On Wednesday, Tony Venhuizen, chief of staff to Daugaard, said the number has been whittled to 75 or 80.

The USCIS website offers some further perspective on the potential fate of those investors: An EB-5 investors conditional permanent resident status, if already obtained, is not automatically terminated if that individual has invested in a new commercial enterprise associated with a regional center that USCIS terminates.

Meanwhile, South Dakotas plan to keep its regional center on life support for the benefit of investors has not impressed the USCIS, which noted that the state has not fulfilled its monitoring and oversight responsibilities since terminating the SDRC, Inc. contract in 2013 and is unlikely to do so in the future.
The two hikers who went missing overnight Wednesday in Badlands National Park were found this morning and are safe, according to authorities.

Val Bak, 24, and Katie Jacob, 23, of Connecticut, were found by search and rescue and the U.S. Park Service at approximately 10:40 a.m. Thursday about 2-3 miles from Sage Creek Campground in Badlands National Park. Authorities originally reported the hikers are from Vermont.

A release from the Pennington County Sheriff's Office says the hikers were first spotted by rescue teams at 9:30 a.m., but it took an hour to reach them.

"They were a bit thirsty, but were fine," the release says.

Authorities announced this morning they were searching for the women, who were reported missing at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday after Bak and Jacob texted a friend saying they were lost. The search was suspended after 2 a.m. today for safety reasons, then resumed at daylight.

Agencies responding to the scene included the Badlands National Park Rangers, Pennington County Search and Rescue, Wall Volunteer Fire Department and the Pennington County Sheriffs Office.

The sheriff's office also admonished hikers to be prepared before heading outside.

"Dress appropriately, bring a well charged cell phone and a compass or gps device, and have plenty of water on hand. Never take off without letting family or friends know where you are going and when you plan to return," the release says.
The recent addition of a South Dakota man to the U.S. Marshals Service "15 Most Wanted" list is a first for the state, according to the federal agency.

David Allen Bonness, 48, has been sought by Pennington County authorities for more than seven years on 17 counts of criminal pedophilia, rape and sexual contact with a child.

The U.S. Marshals, who have been involved in the search for Bonness since February 2009, on Tuesday promoted him to their most wanted list of fugitives because of an open spot, said deputy marshal Brent Johnson, a member of the Black Hills Fugitive Task Force.

The agencys headquarters in Washington, D.C., decides who to include on the list after considering various factors. Those include the violent nature of a fugitive's crime and the time he has been on the run, Johnson said in a phone interview.

As far as we know, this is the first top 15 that weve had out here in South Dakota, he said.

There are currently 11 other men on the Most Wanted list shown on the U.S. Marshals Service website.

The fugitives, all male, range in age from 34 to 70. Six are charged with killing someone or attempting to kill another. Four are charged with sex-related crimes. The others involve firearms and fraud.

Charges against Bonness stem from 2008 allegations he sexually assaulted a girl in Pennington County for five years, starting when she was 12, according to a U.S. Marshals news release.

Bonness was brought in for questioning. When asked to give a DNA sample, Bonness stopped the interview and was allowed to leave," the release said. "The following day, police obtained a search warrant to collect Bonness DNA, but they were too late. The accused allegedly fled the area.

A warrant for his arrest was issued on Jan. 22, 2009. Now the Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Bonness, who also goes by David Allen Nuse, is white, 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes.

Authorities say he has ties in Wyoming and Nebraska, but could be anywhere in the country. He also could be using another name.

"Based on the nature of his crimes, Bonness poses a significant threat to the public, especially children," according to the U.S. Marshals.

Anyone with information on Bonness' whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or email usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.
PIERRE  In a split decision Wednesday, the South Dakota Brand Board awarded proceeds from a sale of 46 head of cattle to a rancher from the Manderson area.

Gilvern Keester is to receive $53,064.03 minus legal expenses. Keesters brand was on 33 of the heifers, steers and bulls.

A rival rancher, Curtis Temple, claimed the animals were stolen from him but declined to pay for DNA tests used in the case by the state Division of Criminal Investigation.

Thirteen of the cattle didnt have brands. The DNA testing indicated they didnt belong to Temple.

Temple told the board he was tardy in his branding. His land surrounds property owned or used by Keester.

The two men have a years-old feud that at one point reportedly involved gunfire, according to testimony presented Wednesday.

Temple secured a restraining order against Keester over a 2013 dispute but neither side could provide the board with the legal history that led to the no-contact order.

The showdown over the 46 head of livestock came at the Philip livestock market on March 10, 2015. Keester hauled the 13 heifers, 22 steers and 11 bulls from Manderson.

Temple told the board he heard through the grapevine about the sale and went to Philip, where he attempted to load the cattle into his trailer.

A hold was placed on the cattle but they eventually were sold two weeks later.

Board member Myron Williams of Wall made the motion Wednesday to award the sale proceeds to Keester, minus expenses. The vote was 3-1, with Scott Vance of Faith and chairwoman Wanda Blair of Vale agreeing and Bart Blum of Reliance opposed.

The fifth member, Lyla Hutchison of Wounded Knee, removed herself from the hearing and the deliberations. She said she had a land arrangement with Temple.

So thefts legal now? Temple said to the board as he left the room after the vote.

He has 10 days to appeal.
The Rapid City School Board approved a proposal on Monday to give the districts substitute teachers a boost in pay this year.

The text of the proposal states that the action is being taken out of a desire to keep RCAS wages competitive with surrounding districtsallowing us to increase our fill rates and attract the most qualified substitute teachers.

One of those substitute teachers is Dawna Tsitrian, who has subbed in Rapid City classes for 15 years. A retired public school teacher, Tsitrain said this will be the first raise she has received in several years.

Im very appreciative, she said. Im very grateful to the substitutes who have led the cause.

Retired teachers like Tsitrian will receive $105 every day they sub, a $10 raise from their current wages. The pay for long-term subs will go from $125 a day to $150 a day. Most of the other categoriescertified substitutes, and those with and without Bachelors degreeswill receive $5 to $10 daily raises.

I think its awesome, said Judith Looyenga, who has subbed in Rapid City for about two years. Its hard to make a living no matter what you do. But every little bit helps.

As a substitute with a Bachelors degree, Looyenga sees the new wage increase as incentive to push herself to get a certification.

It might inadvertently be opening some doors that I otherwise wouldnt have explored, she said.

Every employee in the Rapid City school district received a wage increase this year thanks in part to a $2 million surplus and $5.2 million in new funds from the state. The passage of the statewide half-cent sales tax increase allowed the district to increase salaries for teachers, while newly identified local surplus funds were used to increase the wages of the districts support staff and administrators.
A timeline of some major developments related to South Dakota's EB-5 regional center:

2004: The federal government approves an application for a state-run regional center in South Dakota to handle investments made as part of the federal EB-5 program, which grants U.S. residency to foreigners who invest at least $500,000 in job-creating projects.

2009: A company called SDRC Inc. is awarded a contract to take over operation of the regional center on behalf of state government. The company is owned by Joop Bollen, who formerly ran the regional center as a state employee.

2013: The state terminates its contract with SDRC Inc. after federal investigators begin looking into potential improprieties in the operation of the regional center. The body of Richard Benda, the former state employee who oversaw the contract with SDRC Inc. and then went to work for the company, is found in rural Lake Andes. His death is deemed a suicide, and it's revealed that he was facing potential prosecution for allegedly stealing state grant money intended for an EB-5 project.

2015: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announces its intent to terminate South Dakota's EB-5 regional center, citing numerous examples of mismanagement.

2016: Joop Bollen is charged in state court with five counts of unauthorized disposal of personal property subject to a security interest, in connection with his handling of EB-5 funds. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issues its determination to terminate South Dakota's EB-5 regional center but refers the decision to an Administrative Appeals Office for further review.
Ex-CEO charged with $15 mln embezzlement to stay in detention - court

MOSCOW, July 28 (RAPSI)  A court in Vladivostok has extended the detention of Andrey Poplavsky, the former CEO of a state organization established to oversee the implementation of a presidential decree on the construction of the Primorye Oceanarium, who stands charged with embezzling over one billion rubles ($15.3 million), RIA Novosti reports on Thursday.

The court has extended the detention of Poplavsky until November,  a court representative told the agency.

According to a representative of the regional Prosecutors Office, the defense asked the court to change the pretrial restrictions from detention to a house arrest, whereas the prosecution insisted to extend detention until November.

Poplavsky served as a director at the Direction on construction management in the Far Eastern Federal District, which was established in 2005.

Initially, the Primorye Oceanarium was planned to open at the beginning of the APEC 2012 summit in Vladivostok, but the commissioning date was postponed several times.

On March 21, Oleg Shishov, the former CEO of Mostovik construction company, was sentenced to three years in prison for complicity in embezzlement at the Primorye Oceanarium.

Shishov, whose company was involved in the construction of facilities for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testified against Poplavsky.
HELENA  The battle for Montanas lone U.S. House seat continued its focus on public land management Wednesday, as Democratic candidate Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau launched her public lands agenda and traded barbs with her opponent, Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, over voting records.

Public lands and who should own and how to manage and fund them has become a central campaign issue between the term-limited Democrat and the first-term congressman. Both have campaigned as opponents to federal land transfer to state or private hands while portraying each other as taking disingenuous votes.

Juneau characterized herself at Spring Meadow Lake State Park in Helena as a champion of public lands and access.

Public lands offer a promise to every hardworking Montana family that they can access the very best our state has to offer, not just for the wealthy and not just for the privileged, she said.

Juneau rolled out the four priorities of her public land policy. She opposes wholesale transfer or sale of public lands. She supports legislation to put more people to work in Montanas forests via support of collaboratively developed projects. She wants to cut red tape for companies obtaining recreation permits. And she wants to strengthen funding for land management, specifically for firefighting, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and addressing maintenance backlogs in parks and forests.

Juneau pointed to her role on the Land Board, voting for timber sales and to open access, as a track record of supporting practical policy that improves local economies.

Instead of Washington, D.C., deciding whats best for our land from a top down approach, we need to collaborate with communities to improve the health of our forests and put more people to work, she said.

As Juneau touted her work on the Land Board, state Republicans and Zinkes campaign hammered the Democrat for votes to sell state-owned lands and her depiction of Zinkes public land record.

Denise Juneau is absolutely a liar and a hypocrite on selling public lands, Zinke spokeswoman Heather Swift said. She is launching false attacks against Ryan Zinke, wrongly claiming he is selling land, but she has actually taken votes to sell public land. She made her position that there is no black and white on this issue but has personally voted to sell land.

At issue is the state Land Banking Program. The program allows sale of state parcels with proceeds placed in a trust for the purchase of new state lands.

Juneau defended her votes as opening up new access while disposing of often land-locked state parcels. During her time on the board, DNRC recorded 37,000 acres of new access and $68.4 million in timber revenue creating more than 4,000 timber jobs, according to the campaign.

Wednesdays news conference also follows Juneau and several conservation groups criticizing the congressman for his recent vote for H.R. 2316, a bill allowing the creation of appointed advisory committees to decide management of designated community demonstration forests. While the bill does not transfer ownership, critics still characterized Zinke as a flip-flopper on land transfer, saying management transfer was a new approach tantamount to ownership transfer.

A Billings Gazette story this week said Juneau misses the mark in connecting management transfer with ownership transfer. The article cited a fact check by Ballatopedia and the bills language in its conclusion.

Juneau did not reply to the Gazettes request for comment, but was asked Wednesday whether she and the conservation groups were misleading on Zinkes vote.

Juneau maintained that she stands with the conservation groups and that they only spoke to management.

Congressman Zinke did take a bad vote on transferring management to politically appointed boards, taking millions of acres out of state public hands and putting it in a board thats not accountable to the public, she said.

It was Zinkes votes and support for policies, Juneau said, that put public lands and management funding in jeopardy.

The campaign pointed to Zinkes support of Wisconsin Republican Rep. Paul Ryans 2014 budget, which proposed selling lands to pay down the national debt.

Swift countered that Zinke supported the framework of the bill before he was elected, but did not say hed vote for it. She emphasized several votes against federal land transfer that broke party lines as evidence that Zinke is unwavering in his public land support.

Many of the policies Juneau supports Zinke has already worked to pass, including wildfire funding reform and the funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Swift said.

(Juneau) rolled out her public lands positions today and it included absolutely zero new ideas and she even included legislation Zinke has cosponsored and voted for in the House, she said.

Swift did not answer a question about the League of Conservation Voters giving Zinke a 3 percent rating this year.

Juneau challenged Zinkes record on LWCF Wednesday, saying that as he touted his votes that broke party lines in favor of LWCF, he recently voted for the Houses Interior Appropriations Bill, reducing funding by nearly $130 million next year.

Theres a lot of talk coming out of our congressman that says he wants to permanently reauthorize (LWCF), but at the same time hes taking votes to cut that funding  so its a hollow promise, Juneau said.
The plume of smoke flowing from the Bitterroot Mountains northwest of Hamilton on Tuesday night was from the lightning-caused Cedar fire in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Idaho.

The 420-acre blaze is in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness two miles northwest of Elk Summit and 11 miles south of Powell Ranger Station, according to the Bitterroot National Forests Facebook page.

There are no new fires on our forest, said Tod McKay, Bitterroot National Forest public affairs officer.

McKay said single-engine air tankers are loading and flying from the Hamilton Airport to fight a new fire on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

That fire was reported at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Amy Baumer, spokeswoman for the Salmon-Challis forest.

The fire had reached 300 acres by 6:30 p.m., a news release said. Firefighters fought the blaze with two loads of retardant, and a medium helicopter doing bucket drops, with four crew members from the Salmon Helibase.

Baumer said a 20-person crew and heavy helicopter was on its way from Bozeman. An additional crew and an additional helicopter also have been requested.

Firefighters reported isolated torching in the blaze that is burning in grass and lighter fuels, she said.

Salmon-Challis District Ranger Ken Gebhardt said, We are working closely with the Lemhi County and North Fork Fire Departments and the County Search and Rescue to make certain everyone is safe and informed about the fire.

Lance Vandenboogart, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Missoula, said they noticed the smoke in the Bitterroot Valley.

Yesterday our visibility satellite imagery showed a plume of smoke and that may have settled in the valley from the Cedar fire, Vandenboogart said. Were not expecting any wet systems to help with putting the Cedar fire out. This weekend well see less scattered showers, warmer temperatures and increasing wind Saturday and Sunday.

Over the next few days, temperatures will increase a few degrees each day, Vandenboogart said

This is a hot part of the summer and the averages are running 5 degrees above the normal of 85 to 90, he said. In the extended forecast, temperatures should cool to the mid- to low 80s for next week. That could help with the fire activity, but no major rain systems are predicted.
People shout slogans and wave Turkish national flags as they have gathered in solidarity night after night since the July 15 coup attempt in central Ankara, Turkey, July 27, 2016. REUTERS

ANKARA/ISTANBUL: Turkey on Wednesday deepened a crackdown on suspected followers of a US-based cleric it blames for a failed coup, dismissing nearly 1,700 military personnel and shutting 131 media outlets, moves that may spark more concern among its Western allies.

So far, tens of thousands of people  including police, judges and teachers  have been suspended or placed under investigation since the July 15-16 coup, which Turkey says was staged by a faction within the military loyal to the Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania but whose movement has a wide following in Turkey where it runs a large network of schools, has denied any involvement in the failed putsch.

Western governments and human rights groups, while condemning the abortive coup in which at least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured, have expressed concern over the extent of the crackdown, suggesting President Tayyip Erdogan may be using it to stifle dissent and tighten his grip on power.

Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possibly death on the night of the coup, denies the crackdown has wider aims and says the Gulen movement threatened democracy by attempting to build a parallel state within the military, media and civil service.

On Wednesday, the military dishonourably discharged 1,684 of its personnel, a Turkish government official said, citing their role in the failed coup. Of those, 149 were generals and admirals, said the official, who requested anonymity. Data show that would represent roughly 40 percent of all generals and admirals in Turkeys military.

Broadcaster CNN Turk has reported that more than 15,000 people, including around 10,000 soldiers had been detained so far over the coup, citing the interior minister. Of those, more than 8,000 were formally arrested pending trial, it said.

In addition, the government said in its official gazette that three news agencies, 16 television channels, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers have been ordered shut down.

These moves, which follow the closure of other media outlets with suspected Gulenist ties as well as the detention of journalists will further stoke concerns among rights groups and Western governments about the scale of Erdogans post-coup purges.

The United States said on Wednesday it understood Turkeys need to hold perpetrators of the attempted coup to account, but said the detention of more journalists was part of a troubling trend.

JOURNALISTS DETAINED

Turkey ordered another 47 journalists detained on Wednesday, singling out columnists and other staff of the now defunct Zaman newspaper, the government official said. Authorities in March shut down Zaman, widely seen as the Gulen movements flagship media organisation.

The prosecutors arent interested in what individual columnists wrote or said, said the official, who requested anonymity. At this point, the reasoning is that prominent employees of Zaman are likely to have intimate knowledge of the Gulen network and as such could benefit the investigation.

However, the list includes journalists, such as Sahin Alpay, known for their leftist activism who do not share the religious worldview of the Gulenist movement. This has fuelled the concerns that the investigation may be turning into a witch-hunt of the presidents political opponents.

The media reported on Monday that arrest warrants had been issued for 42 other journalists, 16 of whom have so far been taken into custody.

Alpay is a former official of Turkeys left-leaning, secularist main opposition CHP party. The Dogan news agency said police raided his home in Istanbul early on Wednesday and detained him after a 2-1/2-hour search of the property.

Separately, Turkeys capital markets board said it had revoked the licence of the head of research at brokerage AK Investment and called for him to face charges over a report he wrote to investors analysing the coup.

SPIRIT OF UNITY

Erdogans ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party and opposition parties, usually bitterly divided, have demonstrated a rare spirit of unity since the abortive coup and are seeking consensus on constitutional amendments partly aimed at cleansing the state apparatus of Gulenist supporters.

A senior AK Party official said on Wednesday the parties were discussing plans to increase parliamentary control of a key state body that appoints judges and prosecutors.

Also on Wednesday a government official said Turkish special forces were still hunting in the hills around the Mediterranean resort of Marmaris for a group of 11 commandos who are believed to have tried to capture or kill Erdogan on the night of the coup, when he was on holiday in the area.

In testimony provided following his detention, Major General Mehmet Disli, the brother of a prominent ruling party lawmaker, strongly denied allegations that he was involved in the coup, saying he had been forced by the plotters to mediate with the chief of the militarys General Staff on July 15.

General Staff head Hulusi Akar was held hostage for hours by the plotters, but refused to join their coup.

Erdogan, a popular but polarising figure who has dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade, will chair an annual meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) on Thursday after vowing to restructure the armed forces following the coup.

The General Staff said 35 planes, including 24 fighter jets, 37 helicopters, 74 tanks and three ships had been used by the coup plotters, NTV reported. It put the number of soldiers from the Gulenist network involved in the attempted putsch at 8,651, or about 1.5 percent of the armed forces.

In Greece, authorities on Wednesday postponed hearings for eight Turkish soldiers who sought asylum there after fleeing Turkey. The men  three majors, three captains and two sergeant majors  deny being involved in the coup, but Ankara has branded them traitors and is demanding their extradition.

Erdogan has also signalled the country might restore the death penalty in the wake of the failed coup, citing strong public support for such a move, though the European Union has made clear this would scupper Turkeys decades-old bid to join the bloc.

PIVOT TO MOSCOW

Turkish officials have complained of what they perceive as a lack of support from the EU over the coup, while European leaders have urged Ankara to show restraint and a sense of proportion in bringing those responsible to justice.

The attempted coup has also tested Turkeys ties with its NATO ally the United States, where Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile since 1999. Responding to Turkeys request for Gulens swift extradition, Washington has said Ankara must first provide clear evidence of his involvement in the coup.

Gulen lives in a secluded compound in Pennsylvanias Pocono Mountains, but Erdogan has reason to worry about the reclusive clerics reach inside Turkey. In 2013, his followers in the police and judiciary opened a corruption probe into business associates of Erdogan, then prime minister, who denounced the investigation as a foreign plot.

The strains with the EU and the United States have coincided with Turkeys renewed push to repair ties with Russia, badly hurt last November by the Turkish downing of a Russian jet involved in military operations in Syria, and Moscows subsequent imposition of trade sanctions.

On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said talks with Russian officials this week on improving bilateral relations had taken place in a very positive atmosphere.

Simsek, respected by Western investors as a safe pair of hands in guiding the Turkish economy, also said he saw no reason to downgrade Turkeys credit rating following the coup.

Standard & Poors recently revised the countrys sovereign debt outlook to negative from stable and Moodys has said it will review the rating for a possible downgrade.
Dhankuta, Nepal: The death toll in the Dhankuta road accident has climbed to 11 as four other persons died during the course of treatment at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan on Thursday afternoon.

The police have confirmed the death of 11 persons including former Minister of State for Finance Hariraj Khewa.

Atimaya Tamang, Tara Basnet and her three year old daughter, and Bedprakash Agrawal including Minister of State for Finance Khewa had died in the spot.

Likewise, among the four persons, who had breathed their last in the hospital, two are identified as Homa Paudel and Sanam Tamang.

The ill-fated bus with registration number Ba 2 Kha 7366 that was en-route to Dhankuta from Mudhe Shanishware of Sankhuwasabha district met with an accident in Sindhuwa of the district.

It is said that 50 passengers were on board. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accident had occurred due to brake failure of the bus. Among the two dozen injured, seven persons are reported as critical.
RAMPUR (Palpa), July 28: The flood triggered by incessant rain in the Kaligandaki River has swept away a swathe of 76 Ropanis of land in vicinity of human settlement.

Local farmers have been battered with the swollen river taking away their fertile land. The river had caused big damages to 42 Ropanis in Rampur municipality-1, Tildanda, eight Ropanis in ward no 14, 13 Ropanis in ward no 15 and 13 Ropanis at Gadapani of Gajarkot.

Likewise, the river has also eroded fertile land at Barkheghat of Sankhar. The abrupt flooding in the river has covered the paddy seedlings with concrete and boulders

"The flood has caused damages to the paddy field no sooner the seedlings turn green. We are very much worried of eking out our lives with the disaster crushing our key source of livelihood", said Laxman Pant, a farmer.

The roaring Kaligandaki has eroded the land of around a dozen farmers of mapur-14, informed Damodar Timilsina, a local. RSS
THEY WILL NOT PROCRASTINATE

A2A rejected the opposition proposal

A2A informed the Government late yesterday that the proposals of the opposition representatives in the Government are not acceptable for the company.

The Government announced that it the first proposal is unacceptable for A2A because it is inconsistent with the structure of output option negotiated with the Government, and the second because the Italian company does not want to postpone the conclusion of the contract.

The proposal of the opposition was that the company A2A has the obligation to sell to the state of Montenegro and it to buy shares that the company holds in EPCG at a cost of 250 million euros.

They also recommended to postpone adoption of the Draft shareholding agreement after the parliamentary elections if for any reason A2A rejects the offered options.

"Deputy Prime Minister Vujica Lazovic informed today before noon Deputy Prime Minister Milorad Vujovic about the response of the Italian side and invited the representatives of the opposition in the government of electoral confidence to behave professionally and not to obstruct regular activities of the Government and project-oriented activities that have long been initiated with politically motivated moves", said in a statement.

Lazovic stated in a letter to Vujovic that blocking of capital projects is not protecting of interests of the state and citizens,"which you are allegedly advocate for."

"I take this opportunity to once again draw attention to the fact that the attitude of the opposition troika changed from day to day and attitudes that were present at the first meeting are not included in the proposal that was submitted yesterday. It is both professionally and politically irresponsible to deliver proposals that are deliberately vague, legally unfounded and designed exclusively as an instrument for deceiving the public. If the real intention was to protect the national interest, the elapsed time was more than enough to formulate proposals and legally binding amendment to the Contract in a manner acceptable to the Parties. However, such proposals of the opposition have only confirmed that the text of the contract which was established by the Government is good and that there are no elements that can be additionaly worked on and that they are compliant with international standards and best practices," it was stated in a letter of Lazovic.
The Daily Star, July 27, 2016

ASIAN EDITORS CIRCLE - ASIAN NEWS NETWORK (ANN)

[The challenge before us ] Bangladesh a the people, government, civil society, intelligentsia, media, etc. a is still reeling from the events of July 1 that saw the killing of 20 people; 17 foreigners and three Bangladeshis.

Mahfuz Anam

The Indian subcontinent was partitioned in 1947 on the basis of religion. Bangladesh was born 31 years later, in 1971, on the basis of nationalism, democracy and secularism. Democracy we lost first, in the mid-seventies and then in the early eighties, and are yet to recover it fully. Secularism, which was on a gradual decline, now faces its most severe threat.

As a freedom fighter I remember, as I we sat glued to a one-band radio, on the evening of December 16 1971, along with others in a guerrilla camp, listening to the surrender ceremony of the Pakistani army to the joint command in Dhaka and shouting aJoy Banglaa (Victory to Bangla), I was certain that my new country would be a place of prosperity, freedom and religious harmony. Never again would a Muslim or a Hindu lose his or her life for religion.

On the night of July 1, as most inhabitants of Dhaka stayed up all night watching the hostage tragedy on television unfold and hoping that the end would not be as tragic and gruesome as we were beginning to fear, I could hardly imagine that it was the same country to whose birth I, with millions of others, had contributed.

Bangladesh - the people, government, civil society, intelligentsia, media, etc. - is still reeling from the events of July 1 that saw the killing of 20 people; 17 foreigners and three Bangladeshis. Two police personnel also died while trying to fight the terrorists in the first rescue attempt. It was not only the act of cold blooded murder but also its bestial nature and the age of the perpetrators-between 20 and 28 years- that has raised many questions as to where the country has come in terms of values and beliefs in its post- independence period.

As a people, we firmly believed that our culture and history, especially the syncretic Islam that we practice here, and our religiosity that blended our diversity and devotion to produce a living culture of tolerance and openness, was enough to protect us from the extremism that seems to afflict so many other countries where Islam is the dominant religion.

We proved to be so thoroughly and tragically wrong.

Our government made the cardinal mistake of being in denial from the start, thinking that any admission, either of the seriousness of the initial killing of bloggers, atheists and LGBT activists, or of any outside link will provide an excuse for the international community to term us as terrorist or a terror prone country with all its paraphernalia of negative advisories and other possible restrictions and actions.

This led to the initial downplaying of the gruesome murders of writers, publishers and free thinkers as aisolated incidents aand not taking timely steps to galvanize serious and effective preventive measures that could have prepared us better to handle the situation that we unfortunately faced on July 1.

The ever vigilant Bengali intellectuals, known for their anti-colonial and anti-imperialistic struggles and for being the first to raise their voice against all forms of oppression and for their uncompromising stance against extremism and for secularism, appear to have failed to fully grasp what was happening around them. Instead of making a robust call for waking up to the fundamentalist threat they made the fatal error of allowing themselves to be sucked into partisan politics and rather than being the voice of freedom and democracy that they traditionally were, they became a tool of the two dominant political parties who, for their own narrow ends, flirted with the fundamentalist forces whenever it suited them.

Civil society, especially the grassroots based non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which were spread throughout different corners of the country, appear also to have failed to grasp the spread of extremism. For, ordinarily they should have been among the first to sense what was happening on the ground in the remote areas. Here again, the government, in its deep suspicion of the role of the NGOs and mainly considering them to be peddling a donor-driven agenda, probably ignored whatever warning they might have given, if at all.

Media must also accept its share of the blame for not going deep enough with investigative reports to challenge the governments narrative that these were aisolateda incidents, and that everything was under control with the leadership repeating for years the policy of azero tolerancea of extremism; all the while it grew under the very feet of the administration. A few who tried to project a different story were branded as trying to damage the image of the country and for working for interests inimical to that of the country.

The challenge now before all of us is to determine how deep and wide the spread of extremist ideologies is, how entrenched is the threat and, more importantly, how we can effectively fight it.

The first question to face is where is all this extremism coming from? So far the culprit was thought to be poverty, ignorance and the Madrassa based education. The rural religious schools were generally considered to be the breeding ground of fundamentalist ideals and activists. However, the killings at Holey Artisan Bakery showed that only one of the five kids that carried out the massacre came from a Madrassa. As we discover the identity of others it is becoming increasingly clear that most of these kids come from middle and upper middle class, have studied at expensive English medium schools and private universities, few had even studied abroad. They were the usual boisterous kids, donning T-shirts and jeans, frequenting hangouts like youngsters of that age do everywhere in the world. So what had gone wrong with these kids and at what point in their lives?

There is no denying the fact that the overall impact of religion in general has significantly risen in the country. It is more a part of our lives than ever before. More men and women are seen in religious clothing and men sporting beards. Friday prayers are far more widely participated in than ever before. Religion, no doubt, is in the air.

People of Bangladesh are traditionally religious. However, our religiosity must be clearly distinguished from extremism some signs of which we see today. It is also true that there has been an overall corrosion of secular principles in Bangladesh. It is a fact that when bloggers, atheists, so-called free thinkers and LGBT activists were being murdered one after another there was a murmur that since they criticised religion and some professed not to believe in any they, somehow, deserved to be punished.

So where do we go from here?

We are still to gauge the full impact of terrorism on our lives. But the normal is no longer so. Personal lives are restrained, social lives significantly narrowed and public gatherings are few and far between. Shopping malls and restaurants are almost empty and roadside shopping is down. Factories are running and our major export, the readymade garment sector, is still holding in terms of order. However, many buyers are refusing to come to Bangladesh. Many countries and foreign businesses are considering declaring Bangladesh as a non-family post, with some having already done so. Some big international conferences - many business related ones - are being shifted away from Dhaka.

The good news is that our government appears to have moved away from the denial mode and by the large-scale anti-militancy operation that we are seeing it appears we have taken the threat seriously. However, so far the moves have been by the police and other law enforcers. Those familiar with religion based extremist movements say that these are not mere law and order problems that can be solved simply by use of force. The challenge here is to awin the hearts and mindsa for which there must be motivational campaigns alongside the use of force. The campaign at Dhaka University launched last Monday, is a step in the right direction but needs to be replicated all over the country.

Bangladesh has a long history of resilience and of beating the odds. From a country of disasters we are now a country of doers and achievers, almost always proving our skeptics wrong. It is my deeply held belief that in fighting back extremism we can prove to be equally successful. The balance between religion and culture ingrained in our tradition, the hospitality inherent in our society, our unique blend of Islamic heritage and Bengali heritage, our fundamental nature of tolerance, our tradition of openness and acceptance of the other, our rich heritage of political struggle have prepared us well to resist a fundamentalist and extremist thrust.

It is what makes us unique as Bangladeshis that will, in the end, help us win in this battle against extremism.

The writer is Editor and Publisher, The Daily Star, Bangladesh. This is part of a series of columns by editors from the Asian News Network (ANN) and published in member newspapers across the region.
PEOPLES UNION FOR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS

HOLY COW, UNHOLY CARCASS AND DALITS

28 July 2016

PUDR condemns the incident of flogging, stripping and parading of seven men belonging to the chamar caste by vigilante gaurakshaks on 11 July 2016 in Mota Samadhiyala village, Una taluka, Gir Somnath District Gujarat, which has brought the Brahmanical character of Hindutva cow politics and the caste character of the state to centre stage. It has been widely reported that the assault took place just outside the police station, using the lathis of the on-duty policemen.

There is a spontaneous and widespread outburst of the people across the state against this brutal attack. People have shown their anger in different forms. We support the laudable form of protest adopted by Dalit groups first in Una on 19 July, subsequently in other districts of Gujarat, which reveals the duplicity in the acow politicsa of the casteist Hindutva forces. By dumping carcasses of cows outside offices of state authorities, dalit protestors are challenging the gaurakshaks, and the police machinery that supports them, to deliver on their self-proclaimed duty of protecting their holy cow.

Vigilante gaurakshak groups, who are attacking Muslims for transporting cattle allegedly for cow slaughter or allegedly possessing or eating beef, are also targeting members of Dalit communities engaged in skinning carcasses of cattle, tanning or for eating beef. Significantly and ironically these activities are mandated as Dalits traditional occupations within Brahmanical Hinduism, and then the same Dalits are being termed as anti-Hindu for carrying out the tasks assigned to them for legitimising the attacks by the Hindutva flag bearers. With rituals of purity and pollution at its core, Brahmanical Hinduism perpetrates structural caste-based violence through division of labour, relegating apollutinga tasks of skinning, disposing carcasses to Dalits, who are already landless. Labour relations around cow and cattle involve a variety of occupations including killing cattle in slaughter houses to supply the meat, or collecting carcasses of cattle that die naturally, skinning the carcasses livelihoods. All these are structured along lines of caste community, Gauraksha and beef politics, and now, under the garb of cow protection, RSS and VHP are further perpetrating the structural violence, inherent to the Indian caste system.

The recent protests against the Una incident in Gujarat in which more than 20 Dalits attempted Suicide, many vehicles were torched, highways blocked and 1 policeman died of injuries following stone pelting is the biggest Dalit movement witnessed in the state in the last 30 years, since the community had agitated for reservation in 1985. The force of the agitation has also brought to light other recent incidents of assault on Dalits by vigilante gaurakshaks in the area and other parts of the state and country. NDTV has for instance, reported a similar assault against 7 tannery workers in Rajkula, Gujarat on 22 May by gaurakshaks alleging that the Dalits had slaughtered the cow. The attack on Dalits by these vigilante groups is not confined to Gujarat but also in other parts of the Country. In Koppa in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka a Dalit family was attacked by Bajrang Dal members in Koppa on 24 July, over allegedly cooking beef in their house, when there is no ban on beef in the state. Significantly the police initially arrested the victims on grounds of cruelty to animals and took action against the attackers only after protests by Dalit rights groups. In Delhi, on 24 July, Hindutva supporting aSingh Senaa members inflicted physical violence and verbal abuse on Dalit groups led by Youth for Buddhist India, demonstrating against the Una incident at Jantar Mantar. On 26th July, two Muslim women were slapped abused for an hour by a vigilante mob in Mandsaur Railway Station, Madhya Pradesh for possession of Beef and have been booked for lack of permit to sell the meat. The failure of the police to protect the Dalits and Muslims and act against the aggressor gauraksha groups was the common factor in all these assaults.

The protests by Dalits in Gujarat are a strong indictment of justice system of the state which has failed to provide redress against the high rates of caste atrocity. Gujarat accounts for only 2.33% of Indias Dalit population, yet ranks in the top half of country in the incidence of crimes against Dalits. As per 2013 NCRB data, only 2.5% cases registered for crimes against Dalits secured a conviction in the state, when the national average stood at 23.8%. In 2014, this was 3.5% against a national average of 28.8%. This has only recently climbed up to 6% in 2015, but continues to be weighted heavily against the victims throughout the justice chain, from the police, prosecutors and judges. This dresses atrocities with an alarming degree of impunity, such that the gaurakshaks were emboldened to shoot and circulate videos of their own crime, ironically as a awarninga to others.

The Una incident and the subsequent mass protests across the state compel us to look at caste-based hierarchies, and occupational structures around the cow, that are centrally implicated in Hindutva politics, and underlie the extreme forms of violence perpetrated by vigilante cow protectors on Dalits and Muslims. The current governmentas staunch endorsement of the politics of gauraksha, manifested in the blatant impunity enjoyed by such vigilante groups, reveals a serious threat to democratic rights to life with dignity and livelihood. The protests expose the fact that those who promote the ideology of Hindutva and the rhetoric of a pan-Hindu nationalism, with the cow as its symbol, stand for a fundamentally unequal, oppressive society. And when state authorities promote these the implications for democracy are indeed very grim.

PUDR demands:

1. Strict action against the gauraksha groups and samitis under the SC & ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, and for inciting hatred against communities

2. Action against the police personnel for dereliction of duty.

3. Discontinuing all proceedings against the victims of cow protection vigilante groups, be it for possession, transport or consumption of beef, or for cruelty to animals

Deepika Tandon

Moushumi Basu

Secretaries, PUDR

source: http://www.pudr.org/?q=content/holy-cow-unholy-carcass-and-dalits
Has Mel Gibson been forgiven? And is his Hacksaw Ridge the most violent movie ever made in praise of pacifism? Well, judging from the fact that Gibson's name never appears in the new trailer for his upcoming Hacksaw Ridge - not even as a piece of text in a billing block - the answer to part A would appear to be either 'no' or, at the very least, an awful lot of fear from Lionsgate that the answer is probably no. And the answer to part B? That would appear to be a , 'Hell, yes' with the only title that could conceivably give it a run for its money being Gibson's own Passion of the Christ.

HACKSAW RIDGE is the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss [Andrew Garfield] who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. He was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon, as he believed that while the war was justified, killing was nevertheless wrong. As an army medic, he single-handedly evacuated the wounded from behind enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers and was wounded by a grenade and hit by snipers. Doss was the first conscientious objector awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Now lined up to premiere in Toronto there are clearly big plans and hopes for this one and with its blend of religion, explosions, and explicit violence all wrapped up in a message of 'Well done, this guy, for not shooting people but, god damn, doesn't it look awesome when we blow people up?' it may very well be the sort of film Middle America embraces en masse, even if Gibson does revert to telling us what he thinks about the Jews between now and then. It's sort of the movie that Trump America seems to want and deserve right now.

New trailer? That's down below.
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July 28, 2016

New Fair Punishment Project report laments frequent and persistent use of juve LWOP in one Michigan county

In this post earlier this year, I noted the new initiative emerging from Harvard Law School's Charles Hamilton Houston for Race & Justice and its Criminal Justice Institute called the Fair Punishment Project (FPP). And the first big project of the FPP was this interesting report highlighting the history of Philadelphia frequently using life without parole sentences for juvenile murderers. Now, as reported via this blog posting, FPP has another notabe report on this topic focused on another region another northern state. Here are the details (and links) via the start of the blog posting:

A new report [focused on Michigan juvenile sentencing realities] highlights Wayne Countys frequent use of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences, calling the county an extreme outlier in its use of the punishment. The report also criticizes D.A. Worthys decision, which was announced Friday, to again seek life sentences for at least one out of three individuals currently serving this sentence. The report urges District Attorney Kym Worthy to adopt a new approach to dealing with juveniles in response to the U.S. Supreme Courts recent ruling in Montgomery v. Louisiana, which determined that the courts prior decision barring mandatory life without parole sentences for youth must be applied retroactively, and that the punishment is only appropriate in the rarest of cases where a juvenile is determined to be irreparably corrupt. The report, Juvenile Life Without Parole in Wayne County: Time to Join the Growing National Consensus?, notes that Wayne County is responsible for the highest number of juvenile life without parole sentences in the country now that Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams has recently announced that he will not be seeking LWOP sentences for any of the individuals previously sentenced to JLWOP there. Currently there are more than 150 individuals serving JLWOP in Wayne County. While Wayne County has just 18% of the statewide population, it has at least 40% of the JLWOP sentences in the state of Michigan. Most incredibly, African-Americans are 39% of Wayne Countys population, but more than 90% of the individuals serving juvenile life with parole sentences from the county are Black. D.A. Worthys office obtained 27 JLWOP sentences during her tenure.

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It may not surprise you to learn that Donald Trump has many supporters among the netizens of Reddit, the notable man-heavy online birthplace of such movements as Gamergate and the push to remove onetime company CEO Ellen Pao. And tonight on their own subpage, of /r/The_Donald, a virtual shrine to an orange godhead, they'll put questions to their would be leader himself. In an Ask Me Anything or "AMA" session, Donald will respond as he does best, or really as he does only: off the cuff and to very select questions.

As moderators write, however, there is concern about spamming and protests, so they've taken extra precautions. "For this AMA we have temporarily taken extra security measures to keep our community free from troublemakers," they write. "We built the wall 10 ft taller, you might say. Comments from brand new accounts are among those that will be removed by the automoderator. Accounts that are less than 30 days old AND that have less than 500 combined karma are ineligible and their comments will be automatically removed."

Donald is to go on at 7 p.m. EST  very soon  and he has already posted his first missive. "Hello The_Donald readers and the entire Reddit community," Trump writes, "This is going to be SO huge and I'm looking forward to answering your questions. I'm doing this in flight to visit the great people of Toledo, OH, so Internet connection might be spotty -- I promise you, I'll answer all the questions I can. I want to do BIG things for America and as your President, I WILL Make America Great Again!"

In an example of nice timing, Reddit's CEO just told Adage that they've got a brand new advertising plan and are themselves going to be SO huge in the future, a rival of Facebook's etc. etc., since they're ready to "grow up."

"Reddit users don't like being bullshitted," CEO and cofounder Steve Huffman bullshitted to Adage. "Reddit is a platform where you can call people out on it. And a lot of traditional advertising feels like we're being taken advantage of and nobody likes that. But when advertisers come with honest intentions we see a much higher level of engagement with the brand. We don't see hostility and we have valuable connections." Nah.

So far in the AMA, a pseudo celebrity has emerged to ask some questions: Milo Yiannopoulos, recently banned from Twitter, is apparently still active on Reddit and already fomenting about Hillary Clinton under his nom de guerre "yiannopoulos_m / Dangerous Faggot - MILO." His questions have been met with cries to "Get Milo to the top!" and "Milo for press secretary!"

Related: Bedlam At Reddit As Moderators Strike
Testimony in the federal criminal trial against PG&E concluded Wednesday, and the prosecutor in the case didn't go out without some scathing rebukes of the company's mismanagement and greed that led to the 2010 San Bruno gas main explosion that claimed the lives of eight people and destroyed 38 homes. As the Chronicle reports, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Schenk said in closing arguments, "For years they trained engineers to act more as businesspeople than as engineers. The motive was profit over safety. He also said it was a company that had "lost its way" that made inspection decisions "for financial, not technical, reasons."

PG&E's lead attorney in the case, Steven Bauer, called the six-year federal investigation "an elaborate second-guessing exercise." He also argued, "We have to manage these pipes in reality, not against some ideal standard that no one has ever lived up to, and described PG&E employees as decent people doing their job the best they could."

As KRON 4 notes, "Schenk reminded the jury, however, that PG&E is not on trial for causing the explosion, but rather for allegedly misleading the NTSB about its testing policy and violating the safety law requirements."

Previously in the trial, the prosecution presented an internal document from the company from 2008 showing a list of five Corporate Business Priorities, the fifth and last of which was safety. The first: earnings per share.

Having already paid a $1.4 billion fine for the explosion to the California Public Utilities Commission, PG&E will be on the hook for another $562 million in fines if they're found guilty of all criminal charges in this case.

Jurors were set to begin deliberations today after the conclusion of the defense's closing arguments.

Previously: PG&E Put Safety Literally Last On Its List Of Priorities, Documents Show
Big news! There's finally an opening timeframe for Tartine's major new expansion in the Mission, Tartine Manufactory, which will be sharing part of the same building that's home to Heath Ceramics and Blue Bottle, at 18th and Alabama. Husband-and-wife owners and partners Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Prueitt made the announcement in the Wall Street Journal today that they're finally opening in the next couple of weeks, in early August.

Not only will this mark a major expansion for Robertson's highly in-demand bread-making operation, but it will feature a full-service restaurant as well, and an ice cream stand, too.

The project has gone through a couple of iterations since it was first announced in 2014. First, Bar Tartine and its chefs, Cortney Burns and Nick Balla, were originally involved and planning to run the restaurant portion, and then there was the plan for Tartine to merge with Blue Bottle, which has a coffee kiosk in the Heath space. The merger soon fell through, however, with both companies deciding last December to stay separate, and Burns and Balla are now in the process of buying Bar Tartine for themselves, running it separately as well as a restaurant to be named Crescent.

The new Tartine Manufactory, designed by L.A.-based studio Commune, will feature an all-day restaurant the likes of which Prueitt and Robertson haven't run before in terms of its scale and menu. Breakfast and lunch will feature fresh items both hot and cold, but mostly things that don't have to be made to order like roasts, salads, and soups. At night, the 120-seat space will become a full-service restaurant, with a liquor license, and waitstaff. The menu hasn't yet been revealed, but you can get some hints via Prueitt's Instagram, where she's been documenting the recipe-testing process for months. Claypot spicy caramel ribs look to be featured, and porchetta, and gluten-free popovers. Robertson also hints that, at least at lunch, there will be simple broths with greens that are best eaten with bread.





Director of Operations Vinny Eng tells SFist that dinner will be launching in the fall, under savory chef Sam Goinsalvos, who comes from Il Buco Alimentari in New York. Until then, the Manufactory will open with just breakfast and lunch.

Prueitt will oversee the pastry side of things, and is also unveiling some brand new, Tartine-branded ice cream, Tartine Cookies & Cream. It will be made fresh daily with milk delivered that day, and she tells the Journal, "Were going to use water buffalo milk and Jersey cow milk to make soft serve and a gelato-style ice cream thats ultrasmooth. She adds, regarding the freshness of the other ingredients she'll be using, "It baffles me how so many places make stuff that doesnt have strong, fresh flavors."

The new operation also means that Robertson's bread will now be available all day long at both the Manufactory and the original bakery at 18th and Guerrero, where before it only came out of the oven and went up for sale at 4:30 p.m.

It sounds like there's a plan to, at least a bit, compete with Blue Bottle and develop Tartine's own line of coffee  with a shelf life  sourced and roasted by an in-house team headed by former Verve Coffee guy Chris Jordan, which will be served day one. And the ice cream will ultimately be available for sale on a retail basis as well, going head to head with one of the bakery's original 18th Street neighbors, Bi-Rite Creamery.

Stay tuned for more menu details and an exact opening date as we get them.

Previously: The Manufactory Will Be The Name Of Tartine's New Bakery And Restaurant At Heath Ceramics
Green & gold multi-piece meteor just flew south of Bridgeport and the Bodie Hills, California #easternsierra pic.twitter.com/r2mMqNOPLW  Jeff Sullivan Photo (@JeffSullPhoto) July 28, 2016

A bright light seen streaking across the skies of California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Colorado wasn't, as you might have hoped, aliens coming to deliver us from the mess that is 2016. In fact, in a revelation that's par for this year's course, it wasn't even a meteorite: It was trash. Space trash, but still, trash.

Witnesses reported seeing the lights flash across the skies of at least five western states at around 9:47 p.m. Pacific Time, sending them straight to various social media platforms for speculation, conspiracy-mongering, and blurry photos and video.

Giant meteorite in the sky over Oakland whoa pic.twitter.com/uAHfwMJjIf  (((X to the M))) (@xaviermalina) July 28, 2016

Will be surprised if it was a meteorite... i think it's something that we sent up that broke and junk is falling down. #fireball #SoCal  SUNRISE (@sonaa2014) July 28, 2016

Who said the #DeltaAquarids #MeteorShower was average?! Tonight we had a super awesome #meteor. It was huge and I am still seeing more.   Juleah Kaliski (@JuleahKaliski) July 28, 2016

#abc7eyewitness #UFO #LongBeach just leaving the Long Beach town center when I just saw this in the sky don't know what it is but it's on fire from what it looks like A video posted by Natascha W (@midnightangelwings23) on Jul 27, 2016 at 9:42pm PDT

We just saw a huge #meteorite split over LA!!!!!! Wowww. Check out my (poor quality) video below  pic.twitter.com/gZmJl4igls  atty blatt (@AtticusBlatt) July 28, 2016

"It appeared to be a meteorite shower breaking up in the atmosphere," - Lt. John Gannon, LASD Industry Station.  Brian Day (@sgvcrime) July 28, 2016

What the heck was that? A missile? A ufo? Or a meteor? #abc7 #abc7eyewitness @ABC7 over the city of San Fernando! pic.twitter.com/hmzCvQ7Pwe  Angel (@SFV91340) July 28, 2016

A spokesperson with the California Highway Patrol says that they received "hundreds" of calls regarding the lights across the state from people afraid that the blaze was an airliner in distress.

Others noted that the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower was set to peak Wednesday evening, leading many to speculate that that was the fireball they were witnessing was a meteorite entering our orbit.

Speaking to the San Jose Mercury News Dylan Kuhlmann says that "Even after deciding it was a meteor, it was unnerving," Kuhlmann said.

"We all agreed that if the world wasn't ending, it was an awesome experience just watching it fly."

Speaking with ABC 7, Livermore, CA resident Bryan Fagundes says that "From the west sky we saw this shooting star coming across from the east."

"I thought about making a wish, but then it kept going. One of the neatest things I've seen in a while."

According to US Strategic Command spokesperson Julie Ziegenhorn, a Chinese CZ-7 rocket re-entered the atmosphere at the time the bright lights were spotted, but when contacted by SFist she would not confirm that the fireball was definitely the rocket, saying that we should "contact the Chinese authorities."

Jonathan McDowell, a scientist from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, was less circumspect, asserting that the lights were indeed that now-decaying rocket, reentering the earth's atmosphere in one last blaze of glory before its demise.

Observation reports from Utah indicate the second stage from the first Chang Zheng 7 rocket, launched Jun 25, reentered at 0440 UTC  Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) July 28, 2016

Confirmed by @SpaceTrackOrg @JointSpaceOps that the CZ-7 rocket, object 41628, reentered 0436 UTC over 119W 37N heading E over Nevada, Utah  Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) July 28, 2016

(McDowell, a prolific tweeter, goes on at length regarding the dead rocket. You can take in all his thoughts here.)

Spaceflight Now, which characterized the light show as "space junk from Chinas newest satellite launcher," says that "the relatively slow speed of the fireball  it took nearly a minute to cross the sky  ruled out a natural origin."

If McDowell is correct in his estimates of the rocket's size of 6 metric tons, it's "among the largest objects to come back to Earth unguided over the last few years."

And by object, we mean garbage. beautiful, flaming space garbage.

#abc7eyewitness over Victorville - space junk or meteor pic.twitter.com/VtBZKJXufT  Brent Hubbard (@bhbbrd43) July 28, 2016
Two University of San Francisco students were hitting the books in the University Center Tuesday morning when three suspects entered the building and one of them began hitting the students. NBC Bay Area reports that the two suspects also robbed them of their possessions in the process.

School officials sent out a crime bulletin yesterday which detailed the assault and robbery. It apparently went down in the third floor Parina Lounge, and is believed to have occurred after the suspects stole a laptop from somewhere else on campus.

"This is normally a very safe atmosphere for students, whether studying or socializing," Lieutenant Kevin Dillon of the USF Department of Public Safety explained to NBC. "This is very random."

Although police believe three suspects were involved, they are not all reported to have done the actual punching. Apparently one served as a lookout while a woman struck the students in the face. No word on what the third suspect was up to  perhaps taking in the campus sights?

According to the crime bulletin, the two victims were treated for injuries. The suspects were seen fleeing toward Fulton Street after the attack, and police are reviewing surveillance video. No arrests were made.

Related: Masked Men Tie Up SF State Students And Steal Their Stuff
According to a news release from the Sioux County Sheriff's Office, an investigation found that 27-year-old Victor Tellez, of Rock Valley, was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado north on Elmwood Avenue when he veered onto the east shoulder of the road, lost control and entered the west ditch, where the vehicle rolled over. Tellez was ejected from the vehicle. Authorities do not believe he had been wearing a seat belt.
SIOUX CITY | 1st Lt. Trisha Theisen of the 185th Air Refueling Wing received a special opportunity Wednesday, thanks to her service in the Iowa Air National Guard.

With help from the Hiring Our Heroes program, Theisen was named 'Roadie for a Day' for the rock band KISS, which played Wednesday night at the Tyson Events Center.

Backstage, Theisen was invited to help with various tasks for the roadies, such as sound check, stuffing tote bags with merchandise for VIPs and equipment set up.

"Obviously they (the band) make a lot of money, and for them to give back and understand the importance the military has on our country is really humbling and just really cool," said Theisen. "So to be a part of this day -- its a pretty big deal."

KISS' Roadie for a Day program started at the beginning of its Freedom to Rock Tour 2016.

Among other perks for Theisen and her husband, Master Sgt. Jason Theisen, who accompanied her, were VIP access to backstage, a private pre-show acoustic set performed by the band members sans makeup, and exclusive Hiring Our Heroes/KISS T-shirts.

Theisen was selected for the roadie gig through a process of Hiring Our Heroes, a program which works with local military communities across the country to designate the roadies in each U.S. city on the Freedom to Rock Tour 2016. The program is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that helps former and present service members and their families find civilian employment.

"Its fun having them; most of them are really excited," Robert John Wood, a KISS roadie, said of the roadies for the day. "Its so new to them to be by rock stars and stuff. For most of them, this is a vacation. This isnt work, this isnt really a job."

Theisen has been in the military since 2001, when a cousin recommended she join to help pay for college. Instead, she fell in love with the fast-paced job and made it her career. She said her favorite part is the travel.

"The 185th is constantly deploying all over the globe," said Theisen. She currently performs a variety of duties around the 185th, serving as Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Public Affairs Officer, and helps the wing commander pen speeches.

Theisen has particularly enjoyed visiting Washington, D.C. with her husband as part of her service with the 185th.

"I'm from a small town; I never wouldve thought I wouldve had the opportunity or money to do that," said Theisen.

Theisen and her husband, Jason, also in the 185th, have two children, a 4-year-old and a 5-year-old.

"It's been a long time since I've been to a concert," said Theisen. "My husband and I -- we're so busy, we never really get the opportunity or take the time to go be together. So today is really cool for Jay and I."
MOORHEAD, Minn. | Erik Runquist saw it for a moment. Then it was gone.

Walking a tract of Nature Conservancy-owned prairie outside Moorhead, Runquist caught a glimpse of a Dakota skipper, a thumbnail-size, orange and brown butterfly. It perched atop a coneflower before disappearing into the prairie grass.

"Skippers are evasive. You may get only a few seconds to be able to find it before it zips off the coneflower, especially if it's a windy day," said Runquist, the Minnesota Zoo's butterfly conservation biologist. "Once they get in flight, it's almost impossible to find them again."

Fifteen years ago or so, it wasn't so hard to spot a Dakota skipper in Minnesota. But something's changed. Butterflies that once numbered in the millions have virtually disappeared from Upper Midwest prairies.

Another once-abundant butterfly, the Poweshiek skipperling, has also vanished in that time. There hasn't been a sighting here since 2008. It's on the federal endangered species list.

Runquist and other scientists aren't sure what's happening, but they worry the butterflies' disappearance is an ecological warning shot, a sign of a larger environmental problem on the prairie.

"Butterflies are tremendously sensitive to small changes in environmental conditions," he said. "They've alerted our attention that, yeah, there are probably some pretty significant problems on our prairies that we weren't necessarily tuned to."

Prairie butterfly populations naturally declined as Minnesota prairies were turned to farmland over the past century, but their dramatic decline in the past 20 years has scientists puzzled.

"We don't have a cadaver to do post-mortem on," said Robert Dana, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources entomologist who searches for Poweshiek skipperlings and Dakota skippers at sites across the state every year.

Prairie butterflies began to disappear rapidly in the early 2000s, despite efforts to preserve and restore prairies, he said. "It's very disconcerting to discover that after saving so many prairies, we are not yet on secure ground with the insects."

It doesn't help that Poweshiek skipperlings and Dakota skippers spend their lives in an area the size of a Walmart parking lot  bad weather at the wrong time in the butterfly life cycle can wreak havoc on local populations.

Dana, though, says there's a long list of potential reasons the butterflies are in trouble.

Fragmented prairie habitat, invasive predators like the multicolored Asian lady beetle, climate change, and pesticides are a few of the possibilities.

Scientists are monitoring several prairie locations for pesticide contamination. They are also trying to get a better idea what prairie habitat gives the butterflies the best chance of survival.

Runquist has a federal permit to capture female butterflies. He keeps them in paper cups lined with grass for a couple of days while they lay eggs. He then returns them to the prairie.

Harvesting the eggs is part of an ambitious plan to save these once abundant species.

"No other organization or agency in the world is rearing and breeding Dakota skippers or Poweshiek skipperlings," said Runquist.

The Minnesota Zoo now has about 300 Dakota skippers bred in captivity. Runquist hopes that number will double by next year. The plan is to release some butterflies into the wild next summer to boost breeding populations.

The zoo plans to do the same with the endangered Poweshiek skipperling, although there's no guarantee of success. In the wild, only about 3 percent of butterfly eggs survive to adulthood. The zoo has raised the survival rate to nearly 30 percent. But if something on the prairie is killing the butterflies, the captive bred butterflies might not survive.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last year designated about 19,900 acres of critical habitat in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota for the threatened Dakota skipper, and about 25,900 acres in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin for the endangered Poweshiek skipperling.

The prairie problems, however, might be bigger than two butterflies.

The DNR is now monitoring 13 prairie insect species, and it appears nearly all are in decline, as are many bird species that feed on them, Dana said.

"If we are indeed depopulating these prairies of their insect fauna, that's going to have consequences for the grassland birds that use these habitats," he said. "It is a big deal."
SIOUX CITY | Mayor Bob Scott and members of the City Council will be available to meet with community members during their monthly "Coffee with Council" at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 4 in the council chambers at City Hall.

"Coffee with Council" is an informal event that allows Sioux City residents to meet with council members and discuss community issues in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Yamanashi City, Japan, delegation will be in attendance at this month's coffee.

The City Council chambers are located on the fifth floor of City Hall, 405 Sixth St.
In a 2009 interview, Sarah Jane Moore said this to critics of her release from prison after 32 years for the attempted assassination in 1975 of President Gerald Ford:

We have a Constitution and we have laws. Regardless of who you are, there were conditions to be met for me to be paroled, and I met those conditions. If people object to that, write your congressman and ask that your law be changed.

She's right, of course. And, in our view, federal and state laws should prevent freedom for anyone involved in even the attempted assassination of the president.

We reflect on this subject in light of a federal judge's decision on Wednesday to grant John Hinckley Jr. release from a Washington, D.C., psychiatric hospital after more than 35 years for the 1981 shooting of President Ronald Reagan, White House Press Secretary James Brady, Washington police officer Thomas Delahanty and Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy.

We understand Hinckley's case is unique because he was not convicted of crimes (in 1982, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity of all charges in connection with the Reagan assassination attempt). However, a small number of unsupervised visits to family outside hospital grounds, something enjoyed by Hinckley for many years, strikes us as enough freedom for him, and we oppose his full release from St. Elizabeth's Hospital. After all, he did shoot the president of the United States.

When released, Hinckley will join Moore, who was paroled in 2007, and Lynnette Fromme, who was released from prison in 2009 after serving more than 30 years for the attempted assassination of Ford in 1975, as attempted killers of an American president walking the streets as free citizens.

That, in our view, is mind-bogglingly wrong.

We are no legal experts, certainly, but we believe federal and state laws should, in some way, ensure anyone who tries to murder the president forfeits full freedom forever and remains locked up, somewhere, for the rest of her or his life.
URBANDALE, Iowa | Gov. Terry Branstad is floating a new compromise he hopes will generate state money to address water quality concerns while balancing future needs for school infrastructure and other conservation, resource protection and recreational purposes.

Branstad told members of the Westside Conservative Club he would be open to repurposing the penny sales tax for school infrastructure set to expire 2029 by continuing the tax and splitting the ongoing proceeds with five-eighths going to education and three-eighths going into a constitutionally protected natural resources trust that Iowa voters approved in 2010.

I throw that out as a possibility of what we could do and do it without raising taxes, the governor said. Id be willing to consider replacing it, so its not a sales tax increase -- one expires and the new one could go 5/8 for school infrastructure and 3/8 for that. Then you would meet two commitments.

Branstad said he would support a plan that won bipartisan support in the Iowa House last session that proposed to shift $478 million over 13 years to water quality projects from a water-metering tax and the gambling-funded state infrastructure account. However, majority Senate Democrats balked at that plan fearing it would shift money from other priorities like education.

Currently, Republicans control the Iowa House by a 57-43 margin while Democrats hold the edge in the Iowa Senate 26-23 over Republicans.

Sen. David Johnson of Ocheyedan has declared himself an independent with no party affiliation after ending his GOP membership. The future of water quality and a number of other state issues will be decided by the outcome of a November election that could shift the balance of power at the Statehouse.

At the start of the 2016 session, Branstad unveiled a plan to divert to water quality programs some future revenue from the local-option sales tax devoted to school infrastructure projects. According to his offices estimates, the plan would have generated $4.7 billion over 32 years for water quality programs.

But legislators of both political parties were cool to the proposal, since it dipped into a funding stream approved by voters for education.

Johnson, who is midway in a four-year Senate term, said the state faces major demands on the education and environmental fronts that need to be addressed next session.

If we dont make the environment the No. 1 issue this session, it will be a failed session. I consider last session a failure because we didnt take up anything substantial to deal with water quality and the issue just gets worse and worse, Johnson said in an interview Tuesday.

Weve got to make some major moves and that means funding. Theres going to be a tax increase somewhere this next session. I really believe it, added Johnson, who tried unsuccessfully last session to gain support for a revenue-neutral plan to incrementally raise the sales tax from 6 percent to 6.375 percent over three years for the natural resource trust fund while offsetting it with corresponding phased adjustments to the Iowa income tax filing thresholds.

On Wednesday, Branstad flatly rejected raising taxes to fund water quality needs.

Im willing to look at options, the governor said in an interview, but not something that raises taxes.
WINNEBAGO, Neb. | Known as the "world's oldest powwow," the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska's Annual Homecoming Celebration is reaching a milestone this weekend: 150 years.

Organizers say the homecoming celebration, which began Wednesday night and continues through Sunday evening, is an opportunity to celebrate the tribe's heritage and honors veterans of all wars.

The tribe's celebration commemorates the April 1866 return of the tribe's last war chief, Chief Little Priest, and some 75 members of the Fort Omaha Scouts Company A. In July of that year, Chief Little Priest's brother Grey Wolf held a celebration of his life and deeds, beginning the tradition that is now entering its sesquicentennial.

Chief Little Priest, who had been wounded in battle, died that September.

This year's celebration began at dawn Wednesday, as two of Chief Little Priest's descendants, Greg and James Neff, hoisted an 1866 replica flag to the top of its pole.

Powwow spokesman Randy DeCora said watching the Neffs, who are both military veterans, raise the flag their ancestor would have ridden under was a special moment.

"It was a heart-chilling moment," DeCora said. "To know that the descendants of not only our great war chief, but the scouts' descendants as well, are still here."

Flags representing 70 or more fallen veterans, including Little Priest, will continue to be raised each morning at 6 a.m. and retired at 5 p.m.

Winnebago Tribal Council member and Vietnam veteran Jim Snow said thousands come to the annual ceremony each year, hailing from dozens of states and Canada. He said military service runs deep in the tribe's heritage, as is recognizing those who have fought before them.

"We take great pride in honoring our vets," he said.

Events for the celebration begin 1 p.m. Thursday and continue through 7 p.m. Sunday. The lineup of events includes a competitive Wilderness Run, softball and horseshoe tournaments, vendors with Native American food, arts and crafts, and drumming, singing and dancing competitions.

Admission for the weekend is $5 and free for veterans with ID, senior citizens, Winnebago Tribe members and those 6 years old and under.
SIOUX CITY | The March 30 death of a Cherokee, Iowa, man who was acquitted of the murder of a 2-year-old girl following a high-profile trial in 2000, has been ruled an accident by the office of the Iowa State Medical Examiner.

Deputy State Medical Examiner Dennis Klein said Wednesday afternoon that the death of 41-year-old Jesse Wendelsdorf was caused by ethelyne glycol poisoning. Ethelyne glycol is a chemical commonly found in antifreeze. Klein said examinations ruled the death an accident.

Darrell Simmons, special agent in charge with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said Wednesday that antifreeze was found in the vicinity of Wendelsdorf's body upon his death.

He said it's nearly impossible to tell if Wendelsdorf ingested the antifreeze with the intent to kill himself.

"He didnt leave a note saying anything that would lead you to suggest it was a suicide," Simmons said. "We have seen people in the past who have used it to try and get drunk off of it. Either they didnt realize the effects of it or didnt care, but I dont know that well ever know what he was thinking."

Wendelsdorf died March 30 after being taken to UnityPoint Health -- St. Luke's in Sioux City in serious condition two days before. The Iowa DCI immediately launched an investigation into his death to determine whether it had been accidental.

In April, a state official determined more testing was needed beyond a regular autopsy.

Wendelsdorf and his then-girlfriend, Heidi Watkins, both were charged with first-degree murder after the Jan. 4, 2000, death of Watkins' 2-year-old daughter, Shelby Duis. The girl's battered and bloody body was found in a bedroom of their Spirit Lake, Iowa, home.

The emotional and sometimes bizarre case gained media attention throughout the state and around the country.

A Buena Vista County jury in July 2000 acquitted Wendelsdorf of first-degree murder and sexual abuse in connection to Shelby's death.

Wendelsdorf was sentenced to federal prison in 2006 for selling methamphetamine. He served a portion of a nine-year sentence before an early release.
With six hours to spare before the Scene of the Crash Rockabilly Car Show began last Friday, Kara Rempe was spending her time relaxing inside the air-conditioned Ickey Nickel Bar & Grill, escaping the grueling summer sun while she still had the chance.

Her dark hair was fashioned in loops and large curls, and she wore a handmade yellow dress marked with black polka dots and matching trim. If that didnt scream pinup already, the soft makeup and bright red lipstick sure as hell did.

And thats the idea. Rempe and a few other modern-day pinup girls would be serving as guest judges for the Scene of the Crash Rockabilly Car Shows pinup contests. As founder of the local pinup club Siouxland Darlings, its necessary to take part in these types of events. The group was created a few months ago and has more than 300 followers on Facebook.

I just wanted a group of girls who liked the same thing as I do: the style of the pinup, said Rempe, who is originally from Oskaloosa, Iowa. She partly created the group to connect with other people outside her work and relationship circles.

Pinup models date back many, many years. The name is derived from the way glamour photos or posters of models were pinned up on walls for display.

Is there a particular look for a pinup girl? Yes and no. Rempe said there are so many different styles that are portrayed today.

Mostly the vintage, retro look, she said. But theres rockabilly, psychobilly, modern, alternative. But we enjoy the old-school look.

Rempe added that she was introduced to the world of pinup through her fiance Rodney Reisdorphs involvement with cars, especially the old classics. But she also remembers liking the pinup style long before the two met.

All my Halloweens I would do a 50s girl in a poodle skirt, year after year, said Rempe. But I really didnt start dressing in [the pinup model style] until three or four years ago. I guess I was just kind of nervous about it. Now that Im older, I dont care what people think and I enjoy that look. So I just do it.

With her newfound admiration for pinup, Rempe also decided to compete in pinup contests at car shows. She entered four and ended up winning three.

You meet so many girls doing it and we all get along, said Rempe. You end up meeting new friends around the whole Midwest.

There are about four Siouxland Darlings so far, but Rempe said shes hoping the group grows in number and becomes involved in volunteer work in the community.

I definitely want us to be known out in the public that we are volunteers and want to help our community out, said Rempe. Were open to do any kind of volunteer work for events. We want to be known as more than just pretty faces.
Ogling through the photos of sugar-coated tallywackers and frosted mammaries on the Mildly Dirty Pastries Facebook page, your debauched and depraved Weekender staff members had one question on their minds: Are those candied dongers cream-filled?

Actually, those erect cupcake toppers are crafted from marshmallow fondant, Angie Ramirez pointed out. And sometimes she adds little googly eyes and an agape mouth for an extra bit of fun. Hey, if youre going to bake sweet treats for an 18-and-older crowd, youre expected to cross the line a few times.

Ramirez is the proprietor of Mildly Dirty Pastries, an at-home baking service that specializes in dirty cupcakes for any naughty occasion. Barely a month old, Mildly Dirty Pastries has a menu of delicious treats decorated to resemble the lewdest parts of the human anatomy  boobies, dongs and even coochies!  which are just perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

In fact, thats how the idea for Mildly Dirty Pastries got started. Ramirez and her group of friends had a tradition of baking wacky cakes for everyones birthday  the frosting was decorated haphazardly, the cake wasnt allowed to cool and they would almost always be eaten right away.

One of my cousins, who was in the group of friends, was getting married and we decided we needed to do something big for her, said Ramirez. We were trying to find out how to make her bachelorette party dirty, but we couldnt find anything.

She even ventured over to Doctor Johns Lingerie Boutique, but only found adult-only cake toppers. Ramirez thought back to the tradition. Why not just bake something dirty herself?

The first batch of Ramirezs mildly dirty pastries consisted of cupcakes in the shape of breasts and fondant penises planted atop frosted cakes.

We made a joke out of it at first, but I started thinking about it said Ramirez, who contemplated the idea of creating her own home bakery business. Theres nothing like this here in Sioux City, I might as well just try it out. If theres a market for it, might as well.

With no professional culinary background  although she is seeking to take college classes in culinary arts  Ramirez created Mildly Dirty Cupcakes as a hobby. Although Ramirez is the architect behind her crude confectionary creations, she admits shes not the biggest fan of cakes or sweets.

Which is really weird, she said with a laugh. I just like decorating, but Im not very good at art or anything like that. There was something about baking that I liked.

Shes even dabbled in other difficult baking projects. For her husbands birthday, Ramirez concocted a cake decorated to look like the cover of Pink Floyds rainbow and prism Dark Side of the Moon album, a band her husband enjoys listening to. Her baking and decorating pastime grew even more when she received a KitchenAid mixer as a gift.

I started getting more into it at that point, said Ramirez.

And ever since she formed Mildly Dirty Pastries, Ramirez has been steadily practicing whenever she can find time. Shes even come up with other non-dirty sweets to share, like pina colada and margarita cupcakes served inside a martini glass and with a slice of lime.

I even made a groom and bride [cupcakes]. There are some with bras for girls night out. I made some gay pride ones. Once the name gets out there, I could make some breast cancer awareness pastries. Im trying to expand from the idea of just having pastries for bachelorette parties or something. Thats why its Mildly Dirty Pastries.

She shares photos of her creations on the Mildly Dirty Pastries Facebook and Instagram pages. All the while shes pushing herself to improve. Her next endeavor? Finding a tastier alternative to those fondant flutes.

Im working on making [the fondant] taste better and incorporating it with the taste of the cupcake to make it just feel whole, said Ramirez.

Ultimately, Ramirez is making her indecent sweets for fun and isnt expecting a booming success. She admits she hasnt had too many customers yet but there are future orders already in the books. But most importantly, shes having fun with her new hobby.

Its great! said Ramirez. Making something like a wedding cake can be super stressful. You have to make sure everything is perfect for that. With this, if I mess up, I can make something fun out of it Actually thats how the vagina ones came to be.
Do you have a retail storefront?

Are you a contractor that is supplying services at someones house or place of business?

You should be using a business sign, like a sandwich board or a lawn sign, to draw in traffic or build awareness for you business. Signage is an excellent way to help generate sales leads for your company.

Below are 7 tips that will help you generate a higher percentage of sales leads:

7 Tips for Your Business Sign or Lawn Sign

Phone Number

This is just basic common sense. But believe it or not, business owners forget to add this one important piece of information to a business sign.

So that you can track your results from any lawn signs, use a unique phone number that people can call. By doing this, you will be able to see how many leads came from that phone number. A great service for this is Toll Free Forwarding or Google Voice.

Your Address

If you have a retail establishment that you want people to go to, why not list your address on your business sign? It should help you to drive foot traffic to your retail location.

A Strong Call To Action For An Offer

Do you want to get someone to do something? If so, you need to have a call to action. Basically, you need to tell people what you want them to do.

A suggestion that ties into the next 2 tips (QR Codes and Text Codes) is to have a coupon or special offer that allows you to capture an email and other relevant information. By capturing an email, you will have the ability to continually market to someone with an email newsletter.

A QR Code

Add a QR code to your business sign that is tied to a special offer or something that a potential customer may want. The QR Code should send the person to a mobile ready landing page that has a sign up form.

Once the person signs up for your offer, they will be sent an email with a code or a coupon. A service that I have used before is Kawya.

Text Code or SMS Code

A text code or SMS code will allow a person to text a specific keyword to and assigned short code. This may sound confusing, but in reality, all you do is find a SMS marketing provider and register a keyword. Then you will be able to start directing people to a specific landing page on your website.

I interviewed Jed Alpert, who wrote The Mobile Marketing Revolution and he stated that the:

. . . response rate from adding a text code on a sign is up to 10 times greater compared to no code.

I can confirm this as I have a client where we added a text code to a radio ad they were running and they saw a twenty-fold increase in sales leads from that spot.

Heres one more use for a text code: Place one on your vehicles so that people will connect with you.

For the QR code and the text code, have separate landing pages and coupons and coupon codes. You want to do this so that you can track a conversion rate.

For example, you can see how many people used your text code by the number of hits to a specific page. Then you can see how many people sign up for an offer and finally, the amount of people who redeem your coupon or offer.

Website Address

Make sure that you add your website address to your business sign. If your domain is too long, use a shortener like Bit.ly or get a separate shorter domain that redirects to your website.

Bit.ly allows you to make a vanity url and you can also track the clicks from that specific url. As a suggestion, make sure that if you have an offer on your business sign  that the Web address corresponds with that offer. Dont just send them to your homepage as your conversion rates will be far lower by doing this.

Email Address

Create a unique email address to put on your business sign so that you can track the amount of inquiries that come in.

Add all of these tips to your business sign and you should see an increase in the amount of sales leads that you generate. By the way, this isnt just for signs. Use these different tactics on business cards, letters, mailers and other printed material that you have as well.

If you have other business sign tips, please share them in the comments.
Investors can now buy equity in private companies through online platforms, which has led people eager to invest in startups to consider purchasing shares through these portals. But before people become invested in equity, they should think about how they will get their money out. We dont yet have an efficient secondary market for private company shares.

The Challenge of Exiting Crowdfunding Investments

Business angels and venture capitalists usually achieve liquidity when the companies they finance are acquired or go public. But its not likely that most investors in crowdfunding portals will achieve liquidity that way. Most of the companies raising money through these platforms arent the type to go public or be acquired.

Moreover, crowdfunding will lead to a smaller fraction of private companies having these types of exits. Crowdfunding will increase directly the number of young companies getting financed, but wont influence the number of IPOs or acquisitions very much at all. If crowdfunding leads more companies to receive investment, but doesnt alter the number experiencing an IPO or acquisition, it will exacerbate the startup investment liquidity problem.

Strategic and institutional investors might someday become buyers of crowdfunding shares, David Freedman and Matthew Nutting argue in their book Equity Crowdfunding for Investors: A Guide to the Risks, Returns, Regulations, Funding Portals, Due Diligence, and Deal Terms. But, these investors arent going to do much to make a market for those shares initially. Strategic and institutional investors focus their financing activity on the highest performing fraction of businesses backed by angels and other early investors in private companies. They arent likely to be interested in the shares of most companies that raise money through equity crowdfunding.

Other individual investors might want to buy these shares, Freedman and Nutting explain. But that wont happen while the startups are still selling shares through crowdfunding. Just as people dont buy previously lived-in homes while builders are still offering brand new dwellings, investors wont buy shares from others when they can purchase them from the companies themselves.

More importantly, for these shares to really trade between investors, we need a secondary market where buyers and sellers come together. The intermediaries that currently match buyers and sellers for private company shares probably wont create these secondary markets. The currently market-making entities typically seek the approval of the companies that issue the shares before accepting transactions, making them a better fit for selling employees shares than investors equity. In addition, these transactions are labor-intensive, which will deter most entities from making markets for small lots.

Then there is the information problem. Potential buyers will have a difficult time getting accurate data on the private companies they are considering buying. No analysts cover these companies or provide reports about them. Few of the businesses have audited financial statements to provide to potential investors.

Before investing in private companies, investors should consider how they will liquidate their holdings in the future. Right now its possible to buy shares in private companies quite efficiently. But its not yet possible to sell those same shares easily.
No small company wants to go out of business, yet many do. And the younger the company, the greater the likelihood that it will.

According to the SBA Office of Advocacy (PDF), about two-thirds of businesses with employees survive at least two years, but only 50 percent make it to the five-year mark and just one-third celebrate their 10-year anniversary.

The rates of companies that go out of business have changed little over the past 20 years, the SBA says, and are consistent across a range of industries, including manufacturing, retail trade, food services, hotels and construction.

Why do small companies fail and go out of business?

Unfortunately, the reasons are many and all too common. Here are ten to consider, along with advice on what the business can do to avert disaster before it strikes.

Why Small Companies Fail

1. Starting for the Wrong Reason

According to Forbes, more than 500,000 businesses are started each month  many for the wrong reason. Case in point, an electrician who worked for a building contractor decided that he no longer needed to answer to an employer and could do better financially by stepping out on his own.

What he failed to realize, however, was that although he had the skills to do the electrical work, he lacked the acumen to manage a business successfully. Over time, his enthusiasm waned. He shut down his fledgling company and, happily, went back to work for his previous employer.

Unlike the unfortunate electrician, you stand a much better chance of success if you start your business for the right reasons. These include having a passion for what youll be doing, a positive mindset that keeps you going when others give up and a willingness to learn the skills needed to run a business.

2. Insufficient Capital

Starting a business without sufficient operating capital is almost certainly a death-knell. Not only that but many new business owners underestimate the perils of riding the cash flow roller coaster. In fact, according to Hiscoxs 2015 DNA of an Entrepreneur Report, 21 percent of US entrepreneurs have resorted to using their credit cards to fund their businesses.

Failure to manage cash flow is what caused one marketing consultant to lose his business. Used to a regular paycheck, he failed to realize that clients can take weeks or even months to pay. Being forced to take on expensive loans just to survive left him with no choice but to shutter his business and find a job with another firm. Protecting your capital before you start your business gives you a good buffer for the ebbs and flow in your business. In fact as per Hiscox Business Insurance, one third of small business owners dont have insurance and one in three small business owners get sued even if they havent made a mistake and have to spend a chunk of their capital combating lawsuits. Getting the right liability insurance for your business is the first step to helping you manage your cash flow better.

Before starting a company, it is vital to ascertain how much money you will need to cover startup costs and to keep the business running for the first year or two. Use a startup calculator like this one from the Wall Street Journal. Also, sit down with a financial advisor or SCORE mentor to discuss your plans.

3. Improper Planning

Lack of proper planning is another common reason small companies fail and go out of business. All too often, entrepreneurs focused on achieving their dream of financial independence fail to take the painstaking but necessary step of creating a strategic business plan that factors in components such as workforce needs, analysis of competitors, sales and expense forecasts and marketing budgets.

One burgeoning entrepreneur, enthralled with the idea of becoming a salon owner, started her business without first conducting market research to see if the area could support such an endeavor. Try as she might, she was never able to build a customer base strong enough to keep her doors open.

To better ensure success, take whatever time you need to create an effective business plan. Many companies have software to make the job easier and faster. It doesnt have to be reams of pages long  some companies even offer one-page plans. Regardless of length, planning is critical.

4. Poor Management and Leadership

Effective management and leadership skills are essential to business-building success, and a lack of either can lead to confusion and conflict within the ranks, poor morale and reduced productivity.

Make it a priority to acquire the skills needed to strengthen areas where you know you are weak. Read books on leadership from authors such as John Maxwell, Stephen Covey, Peter Drucker and Sheryl Sandberg; join peer advisory groups like Vistage or take an online course in leadership from Dale Carnegie.

The bottom line: Your employees look to you for leadership  so lead!

5. Expanding Too Quickly

More than one company has experienced bankruptcy as a result of the business owners reach exceeding his grasp concerning expansion.

Decide about expansion only after carefully reviewing, researching and analyzing what you will need regarding new employees, facilities and systems. While it may be feasible to do much of the work yourself early in the life of your business, that wont be the case after your expand. Just keep in mind, slow and steady wins the race.

6. Failure to Advertise and Market

An adage says, When business is good, it pays to advertise; when business is bad, you have to advertise.

Many companies go out of business purely because the owner failed to promote and market. The if you build it, they will come mentality doesnt work in an age when consumers can choose from among a multiplicity of options. You have to get your message seen and heard.

While traditional methods of advertising are still useful, one of the best ways to market your business is with a website. Even in 2016, nearly half (46 percent) of all small businesses do not have one, according to a report from the research firm Clutch. So just by creating a site, which you can do using any number of self-service platforms, you put yourself ahead of many of your competitors.

While youre at it, set up profiles on social networks where your customers gather. Also, start an email newsletter and advertise on Google and Facebook  both of which are inexpensive ways to build a presence online.

7. Lack of Differentiation

Youve heard of the term, Unique Value Proposition (UVP, for short). That describes the qualities, characteristics, products or services that differentiate a business from its competitors. The problem is, too few businesses actually have a UVP, or they fail to make it clear what theirs is  probably because they dont know themselves.

To determine your value proposition, use a tool like the Value Proposition Canvas, which makes it explicit how you create value for your customers and even helps you to design products and services your customers want. Once you know the UVP, communicate it clearly, to customers and staff.

8. Unwillingness to Delegate

Entrepreneurs can often be their own worst enemies in that they seek to do everything themselves. One extreme example comes from a CEO of a small but growing engineering firm who, after 10 years was still emptying the dishwasher in the employee break room.

As an entrepreneur, you may think, No one can do it better than me. Or, If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Or, I cant trust anyone else with this responsibility. That attitude can lead to a sense of overwhelm and burnout.

The remedy: Learn to delegate busywork (emptying a dishwasher certainly qualifies) to others while concentrating on the tasks that contribute to the growth of the company, like casting vision and grooming others for positions of leadership.

9. Unprofitable Business Model

Just because you have a business idea about which youre excited doesnt mean its a good one. Thats where creating a business plan, conducting marketing research and seeking the advice of others can be a lifesaver.

Also, it pays to ask yourself questions like: Is there a customer base for this product or service? Is there a proven revenue model? How long would it take to bring the business to market and at what cost?

10. Underestimating the Competition

A final reason worth mentioning for why companies go out of business is underestimating the competition.

Even if you have a sound business model, plenty of funds to operate and the necessary management skills to be successful, you still face one daunting challenge: the competition.

You may be a David surrounded by several Goliaths; thats particularly true if youre in the retail trade, located where there is an abundance of big box stores.

Also, you have to consider disruptive startups who may be building a better, cheaper, faster, more convenient, higher-quality mousetrap.

To increase your chance of success, conduct a competitive analysis as part of your overall market analysis. Assess your competitors strengths and weaknesses and implement strategies to improve your competitive advantage.
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge from a few years back? The viral videos had everyone from LeBron James to former President George W. Bush getting buckets of icy water dumped onto their heads  all for a good cause, of course.

The Ice Bucket Challenge was created to support research into a cure for ALS, or Lou Gherigs Disease. But after several months of people dumping ice cold water on themselves, some were starting to show skepticism about what this challenge could actually accomplish.

Well, those viral videos got so much attention that they also caused donations to come pouring into The ALS Association  to the tune of approximately $115 million. And thanks to that funding, researchers have now identified a gene that is linked to the disease. Thats a major breakthrough that wouldnt have been possible had all those people not been willing to make frozen, sopping wet fools of themselves.

The Takeaway of This Viral Marketing Example?

And viral videos dont just make a difference when it comes to raising money for a good cause. Businesses can also use them to get messages across or even raise money. The important thing is to have a goal in mind for those videos  otherwise you may find yourself with a bunch of really enthusiastic fans but no clear way for them to help you reach your business goals.
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley called Republican nominee a "bully racist," during his speech Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention. (Photo: Hannah Klarner)

PHILADELPHIA

(July 27, 2016)Ex-presidential candidate and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley on Wednesday used some of the toughest language of the Democratic National Convention to tear into Republican nominee Donald Trump."It's time to put a bully racist in his place, and it's time to put a strong woman in hersthe White House!" a shirt-sleeved O'Malley told the roaring delegates in the packed Wells Fargo Arena.O'Malley attacked Trump as an "immigrant-bashing carnival barker.""Hillary Clinton understands the enduring symbol of America is not a barbed wire fence. It is the Statue of Liberty," the former governor said, making an obvious dig at Trump's proposal to build a wall on the border of the United States and Mexico.O'Malley addressed global warming, mocking Trump's claim that the Chinese invented the idea as hoax."If the Chinese were really capable of designing some kind of diabolical farce to hurt America, they wouldn't invent global warming. They'd invent Donald Trump," O'Malley declared.On June 9, O'Malley officially endorsed Clinton, as did President Barack Obama.O'Malley has been using tough language against Trump for a while. He even edited his prepared remarks to add more fire to his assault on the Republican nominee.In February, O'Malley officially ended his presidential bid after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses. Speculation has been circulating this week at the convention over whether he will become the next chairman of the party."If they wanted me to be the DNC chair I would do it and do it well," O'Malley said in an interview with the Boston Globe. "But I am sure I am not the only person who could do that job well."O'Malley has had a long political career in Maryland. He was the mayor of Baltimore from 1999 to 2007 and then governor of the state from 2007 to 2015."Someone with that kind of experience has a future in politics or whatever they want to do," said Catherine Pugh, the Democratic candidate for Baltimore mayor. "It is up to O'Malley to make that decision."While he was in the governor's chair, O'Malley espoused progressive issues, including backing a ballot initiative that legalized same-sex marriage in 2012.O'Malley "accomplished a lot of groundbreaking things: same-sex marriage, repealing (the state's) death penalty, and gun protection," said Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, a convention delegate. "I hope he stays active in public service."Joseph Kitchen, a delegate from Fairmount Heights, called O'Malley a "strong progressive champion," and said the ex-governor would be a great party chairman."He is the person in the party who can get both sides to come together," Kitchen said. "We need one person who both sides can agree with."Delegate Brian Morrison, of Bethesda, said he thinks that having O'Malley as the next DNC chairman would be a "wonderful idea." He added, "It worked for Tim Kaine to further his career."It's "too bad the timing didn't work for him running for president, but I think he still has a lot to offer the public," said Morrison.Whatever O'Malley's next move ispolitical or nothe is going to go around the country to campaign for Clinton, Morrison said after speaking with O'Malley."I know Hillary Clinton. I've worked alongside her. I've competed against her," O'Malley said in his speech to the DNC on Wednesday. "Hillary Clinton is as tough as they come."
LA PLATA, Md.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: http://so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at http://so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at http://so.md/expungeme.

(July 28, 2016)The Charles County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest reports.THEFTS FROM AUTOS: Between July 27 and July 28, during the overnight hours, unknown suspect(s) broke into several cars on Walkaway Court in Bryans Road. Money and other small items were stolen. Pfc. D. Raby is investigating.DETECTIVES IDENTIFY AND ARREST BURGLARY SUSPECT: On July 27, detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division identified, as a suspect in a burglary that occurred at a business in the 5800 block of Gallant Green Road in Hughesville on July 25. The suspect was also linked to a theft at a church in La Plata in which the La Plata Town Police were investigating. Adams was charged with burglary, theft and destruction of property. Det. M. Kelly investigated.DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY: On July 27 between midnight and 3:15 a.m., unknown suspect(s) damaged several cars in the area of Oxon Court in White Plains. The suspects used white spray paint and sprayed profanity on the vehicles. Cpl. G. Barnhart, Sr. is investigating.CRIME SOLVERS OFFERING CASH REWARD IN ROBBERY CASE: On July 23 at 10:15 p.m., officers responded to the area of St. Marks Drive and Huntington Woods Drive in Waldorf for the report of a robbery. Two male victims were walking in the area when they were approached by two suspects who displayed a handgun and demanded the victims' backpacks and cell phones. The suspects then assaulted the victims and fled. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Tipsters may contact Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Pfc S. Hooper is investigating.
College of Southern Maryland Veterinary Assistant Program lab instructor Meg Hamilton, back, looks on as student Regina Baker practices sterile gowning and gloving techniques. The first of five courses in the 10-month program begins Aug. 23.

LA PLATA, Md.

(July 28, 2016)The College of Southern Maryland can get students on the path to a career in the fast-growing veterinary assistant field.Students can take advantage of CSM's career development training for veterinary assistants which begins in August and can be completed in less than a year. Registration for the prep course is now underway."The CSM Veterinary Assistant Program gets students into the field quickly," said Shaunda Holt, program coordinator for adults in the college's Personal Enrichment Department.The courses are taught from August to May. There are five classes that must be completed.CSM has offered its vet assistant program for 17 years. As of 2015, the 153-hour, five-class training program, which includes lecture and laboratory hours, ends with a veterinary assistant continuing education certificate from the college. Students must complete a no-cost application for the certificate."This certificate will afford students 'better than a foot in the door' opportunities for employment at laboratories, veterinary hospitals and animal sanctuaries," Holt said.The new laboratory portion of the program opened on the La Plata Campus last year. The lab offers hands-on experience for students in conjunction with the lecture portion offered since 1999."The curriculum was rewritten to provide more contact time with the students," said Susan Newhart, the course instructor who is a registered veterinary technician with 25 years of experience in the veterinary field. All of the program's instructors are certified technicians in the region.Employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations, and the median annual wage in the field was $24,360 in May 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Veterinary assistants feed and water animals, disinfect cages and work areas, sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment, provide routine post-operative care, and administer medication orally or topically as directed. Veterinary technicians have knowledge of the medical equipment (such as X-ray machines, heart machines, etc.), administer inoculations, prepare and restrain animals during procedures, suture and dress wounds, and advise pet owners on proper care. Veterinarians perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Besides preparing serums for prevention of diseases, a veterinarian assistant prepares tissue samples, takes blood samples and executes lab tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts.The first course is SCI-7090 Veterinary Assistant Preparation Course. The vet prep class will be offered 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 23-30 at the La Plata Campus in the Community Education Building, Room CE 101. To register and for more information, visit http://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/career-development/veterinarian/ Students in the class brush up on their basic skills and prepare to start classroom and lab training to become veterinary assistants. The nine-hour preliminary course is required for all students who wish to take the vet assistant series.Topics in the first class include problem-solving skills, written and verbal communication, math for medications, confidentiality, professionalism, ethics, and classroom and lab conduct. Those taking the class must be 18 years of age or older. Students must successfully pass the prep course in order to move on to the rest of the veterinary assistant series.The continuing education certificate also consists of these courses, which must be taken in order: SCI-7100 Veterinary Assistant I: Client Relations and Exam Room Procedures SCI-7110 Veterinary Assistant II: Diagnostic/Pharmacy SCI-7120 Veterinary Assistant III: Patient Care and Nursing SCI-7130 Veterinary Assistant IV: Surgery, Anesthesia, and Emergency CareFor information on the course, email conedops@csmd.edu or call 301-539-4760.For a complete listing of continuing education courses, including course descriptions, visit http://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/schedules/.
LA PLATA, Md.

(July 28, 2016)The College of Southern Maryland and a Calvert County nonprofit have teamed up to help motivated students for whom the cost of child care is an obstacle for reaching their educational goals.Grants up to $1,200 per semester from Calvert Family Advocates have been established at CSM to assist Calvert County families in achieving self-sufficiency. In its second year, this program provides funds to supplement child care expenses, enabling parents to attend classes and study. Applications for the program are now being accepted."Many CSM students are also parents; the child care grant provides monetary support for day care expenses to help these students focus their resources on school," said CSM Student Success Coordinator Laura M. Robins. "Having peace of mind that your child or children are safe and well cared for is the boost many students need to successfully receive their degree from CSM and obtain their career, academic and personal goals.""This grant is tremendously helping me out financially," said Chelsea Coffren, 25, the first recipient of a child care grant. Coffren, a single mother of a 4-year-old, is pursuing a degree in social sciences at CSM. "It is allowing me to provide child care for my son, so I can focus better on my career and schooling at the same time," she said.Karen Lane, executive director of Calvert Family Advocates, said her organization believes education is a key factor in a parent's ability to provide for their families.The grant program was designed to improve the retention rate of parents pursuing certificate or degree programs at CSM. "When we first presented the idea of a child care grant to Laura Robins, she welcomed the grant and said that the retention rate of students with children was poor. Most of these parents are working full time and are head of household," Lane said. "With such full plates, it is difficult for the students to maintain their class schedule, and they often drop out of school."Coffren knows first-hand that juggling the responsibilities of being a mother, working full time and going to school can be challenging. "Finding time for everything is difficult," she said. "Sometimes you feel like giving up, but you just keep going on for you, your family and your goals." The long-term success outweighs the struggle, she said."Some nights you may find yourself exhausted, but you just have to keep going," Coffren said. "I am forever grateful for the help I receive when it comes to achieving my degree."The mission of Calvert Family Advocates is to improve the lives of Calvert County's most vulnerable citizens by helping them help themselves, Lane said."We believe that by reducing the financial stress on these students they are more likely to stay in school and achieve their educational goals. With a certificate or degree from CSM they will have better job opportunities and therefore will be better able to care for their families," she said.Grant funding will be transferred from CFA to the child care provider for each month the student is enrolled. These needs-based grants will be offered as long as funding is available. The student may take courses at any CSM campus, online or both.Applicants must reside in Calvert County. The child care provider must be licensed to operate in the state of Maryland. Funding will be based on need and the student's commitment to completing a certificate or degree program. Funding will cease if the student withdraws from classes.Students must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file at CSM. To remain eligible for grant funding each semester the student must provide: Proof of a passing 2.0 grade point average for most recent semester completed Proof of enrollment at CSM for the semester for which the grant funding is being requested Updated Section III (Educational Information) of the grant applicationApplications are available at CSM's Prince Frederick Campus at 115 J.W. Williams Road and at http://www.calfam.org/childcare-grant/ . Incomplete applications will not be considered.Completed applications and supplemental information should be mailed to Calvert Family Advocates Child Care Grant Program, c/o Director, Calvert County Department of Social Services, 200 Duke St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678. For more information, email Kathy Knight at.knight@calfam.org.
(PGN) California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced his state Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention as proudly pro-lesbian, pro-gay, pro-bisexual and pro-transgender.

At our best, we dont tolerate our diversity, we celebrate our diversity, he said.

Newsom spent much of the rest of his brief address hammering Mike Pence, the Republican nominee for vice president, calling him the most anti-LGBT governor.

In Indiana, Pence signed into law a religious freedom law that created space for people to discriminate against the LGBT community. As a Congressman, he also proposed diverting Ryan White Act funding, intended for HIV/AIDS services, to institutions that seek to change a persons sexual behavior. The process is commonly called conversion therapy and has been widely discredited by health professionals.

Related: NH Senate Passes Ban On Gay Conversion Therapy for Minors

It was refreshing to see the first openly gay man speak at the Republican National Convention, Newsom said. But it doesnt remove the stain of selecting Mike Pence as vice president.

He called conversion therapy emotional torture, that tells young people they have to live a lie to survive.

Of Democrats, Newsom said, We believe you can be whoever you are and whatever you want to be. Thats what makes America great.
(WB) On the third night of the Democratic National Convention, President Obama led a series of heavy hitters who delivered speeches praising Hillary Clinton as the right candidate to lead the country.

Obamas speech, which was about 40 minutes long and the final speech of the night, marked his return to the Democratic convention stage 12 years after his keynote address propelled him to the national spotlight.

Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me, Obama said. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me. Because youre who I was talking about 12 years ago, when I talked about hope  its been you whove fueled my dogged faith in our future, even when the odds are great; even when the road is long. Hope in the face of difficulty; hope in the face of uncertainty; the audacity of hope.

Reflecting on his administration, Obama recognized achievements on LGBT rights, including the U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex marriage. The line generated significant applause from the audience.

And through countless acts of quiet courage, America learned that love has no limits, and marriage equality is now a reality across the land, Obama said.

Related: PA Group Uses DNC to Highlight Lack of Statewide Discrimination Law

Obama made an allusion to Dont Ask, Dont Tell repeal after saying when we change enough minds; when we deliver enough votes, then progress does happen.

Just ask the Marine who proudly serves his country without hiding the husband he loves, Obama said. Democracy works, but we gotta want it  not just during an election year, but all the days in between.

Cheering throughout his speech were attendees waving blue Obama signs reminiscent of campaign materials from his presidential bids. After Obama finished, Clinton made a surprise appearance at the convention. The two embraced on stage before jointly waving to attendees.

As for Donald Trump, Obama contrasted the Republican candidates proposed policies to Clintons. In one standout line referencing Trumps plan to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, Obama said, The American Dream is something no wall will ever contain.

Ronald Reagan called America a shining city on a hill,' Obama said. Donald Trump calls it a divided crime scene that only he can fix. It doesnt matter to him that illegal immigration and the crime rate are as low as theyve been in decades, because hes not offering any real solutions to those issues. Hes just offering slogans, and hes offering fear. Hes betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election.

Related: Bill Clinton Shouts Out LGBT Community in DNC Speech

Also speaking on Wednesday night was U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who formally accepted his partys nomination as the vice presidential nominee. Speaking in Spanish, Kaine said Clinton is right for the job because she is listo.

Because what listo means in Spanish is this, it means prepared, it means battle-tested, it means rock solid, up for anything, never backing down, Kaine said. And, friends, Hillary Clinton, she is listo!

Enumerating leaders whove moved America forward, Kaine referenced the slain gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk, saying, Martin had a dream and Cesar y Dolores said, Si se puede. And Harvey gave his life. Bill, Bill built a bridge into the 21st Century and Barack gave us hope. And now Hillary is ready.

Vice President Joseph Biden also made the case for Clinton by referencing her work seeking to help the disadvantaged.

Let me say this as clearly as I can, Biden said, if you live in the neighborhoods like the ones Jill and I grew up in, if you worry about your job and getting a decent pay, if you worry about your childrens education, if you are taking care of an elderly parent, then there is only one person in this election who will help you, only one person in this race who will be there, who has always been there for you, and that is Hillary Clintons life story.

Related: Democrats Ratify Most Pro-LGBT Platform Ever

Mara Keisling, a D.C. transgender advocate and member of the platform committee, said she couldnt decide who delivered the best speech on the third night of the convention.

I dont know if we have ever seen two speakers in one evening as good as Joe Biden and Barack Obama were tonight, Keisling said. Im not sure I could pick one over the other. They were both incredible.

Toward the end of his speech, Obama admitted hes essentially relinquishing his role as head of the Democratic Party, but believes hes leaving it in good hands.

America, you have vindicated that hope these past eight years, Obama said. And now Im ready to pass the baton and do my part as a private citizen. This year, in this election, Im asking you to join me  to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon whats best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation.
(PGN) When Delaware native Sarah McBride was a senior at American University, a friend introduced her to another woman who found her way to Washington from the Northeast.

Her friend hoped I could give her advice on coming out as a public person, said Mara Keisling, who moved from Pennsylvania to direct the National Center for Transgender Equality.

By 2013, when McBride was student body president, she had already worked on campaigns for Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and Attorney General Beau Biden.

In McBrides last week as a student, she came out as transgender in the pages of her college newspaper.

Shes so intelligent and so caring, Keisling said. She has a really amazing story to tell and shes a good, solid speaker.

On Thursday, McBride will address the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, making her the first transgender speaker at a political convention.

Her resume packs a punch. She came to her position at the Human Rights Campaign after a stint at the Center for American Progress and an internship at the White House.

McBride also served as the primary spokesperson for the successful effort to add gender identity and expression to Delawares nondiscrimination and hate-crimes laws, and fought for gender-neutral housing at American University.

Related: Letter to the Editor: Transgender Healthcare Discrimination Must End

Speaking to PGN in 2014, McBride said people often asked her, before she came out, why she worked for LGBT rights.

There were three answers, but I only gave two, she said. that it was the right thing to doand that I have always been passionate about LGBT issues because my oldest brother is gay. The third was that I was transgender but I didnt say thatI gave an answer that was so glaringly incomplete.

After McBride came out, she found love with Andrew Cray, a fellow activist. They married in August 2014, a few days before he died of cancer. Keisling attended the wedding. The two had become good friends by that point.

Keisling said she hoped McBrides story would touch people.

This is just one more chance to talk to the American public and say, Hey, were just people. Were part of the fabric of this country.'

We always do better when we tell our personal stories, Keisling added. Thats what America needs to hear.

Another Pennsylvanian, Physician General Rachel Levine, said she would be glued to the television for McBrides speech. She met McBride briefly in Washington.

Shes an absolutely wonderful young lady, Levine said. Its so thrilling she has the opportunity to speak. I think shell talk about the importance of treating people equally.
During his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland Thursday, Donald Trump again called for the repeal of the restrictions on tax-exempt religious organizations getting involved in politics.

Known as the Johnson Amendment, devised in 1954 Lyndon B. Johnson when he was in the U.S. Senate, the law prohibits religious organizations from directly or indirectly participating in political campaigns. The penalty for such activity is the loss of an organizations tax exempt status.

You have so much to contribute to our politics, yet our laws prevent you from speaking your minds from your own pulpits, said Trump as he thanked the evangelical community for their support.

It was a repeat of similar remarks he made earlier this year.

I have so many ministers that are endorsing me. So many friends and pastors. And theyre all afraid to get too involved because they dont want to lose their tax exemption. It really is a serious problem because theyre so afraid to talk . . . theyre afraid to get involved politically, said Trump in February.

But long before Trump joined the presidential race, many pastors, including anti-gay pastors Jerry Falwell and Pat Roberson, had a history of speaking out on political and social issues, including making political endorsements. In 2008, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) was credited with helping pass Proposition 8 in California, which made gay marriage illegal at the time. Earlier this year, a group of black pastors endorsed Hillary Clinton.

In 2015, Los Angeles Times reporter David Lauter cited Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy in an article he wrote about the possibility of churches losing their tax exempt status for speaking out against gay marriage.

In his Obergefell v. Hodges opinion, the ruling that legalized same sex marriage nationwide, Kennedy wrote, Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.

Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, is worried repealing the exemption rules could cause tremendous damage to religion. The Republican platform seeks to turn Americas houses of worship into miniature political action committees, wrote Lynn in statement. I cant imagine a more disruptive idea for our nations religious community or a real impediment to campaign finance reform.

Added Lynn, Religious communities are places Americans can go to escape the partisan divide of red and blue that has polarized our nation. Repealing the no-politicking rule would inevitably lead some houses of worship to focus on supporting candidates in exchange for financial and other aid.

Bishop John Joseph Reid, of Divine Mercy Chapel in Wilton Manors, said that repealing the restrictions would embolden the churches that are already involved in politics. It would, he said, give them more power and influence. Its going to be worse for everybody. Theyll be using their churches, creating more fear and more hatred.

Pastor Leslie Rutland-Tipton of Church of the Holy Spirit Song in Wilton Manors said the law doesnt impact her church because politics is kept far away from the churchs activities. Our church does not engage in political lobbying or action. The church is not the place for that. She joked that her church has too much religious and spiritual work to finish to spend time on politics.

As for the churches that do get involved in politics, she said they should take a look at why they exist.

I also believe it is a good attempt to maintain the separation of church and state, so that we don't have what we are seeing more and more of- candidates tripping over themselves trying to prove their religious bonafides, said Rabbi Noah Kitty of Congregation Etz Chaim.

But Kitty added that ultimately its hard to trust what Trump says.

The problem with Trump having a position on anything is that he is as likely as not to change his mind, she noted.
In the ribcage-like network of streets that make up Hong Kongs evolving Sai Ying Pun district, a quiet yet devastatingly stylish new coffee spot can be found in a space that once housed a kindergarten. Hints of its former incarnation can be seen in the wrought-iron depictions of Disney characters at the entrance, but otherwise, its a new startthe signature geometric lines of Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, who was tasked with the interior design, and a set of dramatic glass-and-steel concertina windows immediately tells you this particular venue is not quite like its neighbors.

I Love You So Coffee (ILYSC) is less a stand-alone cafe and more a coffee concession that takes up the front of house at the 8,000-square-foot Potato Head, the zeitgeist-nailing Balinese lifestyle brand that opened its first Hong Kong venue earlier this summer. Set among working-class barbershops, tiny estate agents, and local diners, ILYSC has just recently started catching the attention of bleary-eyed commuters and curious denizens, who can now either grab a brew starting from 7:30 in the morning, or take a cheeky midafternoon coffee break in the eccentric, brightly colored lounge/bar beneath its futuristic canopy of hanging greenery.

Just as the Potato Head concept is new to Hong Kong, ILYSCs pedigree is perhaps better known among Tokyoites, who had the chance to experience its first incarnation as a tiny coffee pop-up that operated during British design collective Tomatos 25th Anniversary Exhibition O, hosted in the Japanese capital earlier this spring. That particular project was conceived by Trey Shores, the global development director for PTT Family, the company behind the Potato Head brand. Something of a brew nerd himself, Shoress coffee journey has included stints under the tutelage of veterans and legends such as George Howell and Scott Rao, the latter playing a key part in the design of I Love You So Coffees program along with Fuglen Coffees head roaster Kenji Kojima.

For the Hong Kong opening, they tapped the expertise of Vassily Lissouba, an international coffee trainer and barista who cut his teeth at Anthony Bendas legendary Cafe Myriade in Montreal, Canada, working alongside Rao. It should come as no surprise then that the brew bar showcases beans from Vancouvers 49th Parallel Roasters (a longtime Myriade co-conspirator), five varieties of which I was lucky enough to try over the course of one stormy afternoon, along with fresh croissants from Bread Elements (one of Hong Kongs best purveyors of quality carbs). The bar will more likely host two to three seasonal offerings that will rotate every two to eight weeks.

There was an Ethiopia Deri, a fabulously fresh and zingy coffee that 49th Parallel describes as being full of Meyer lemon and yellow-plum flavor; I added a slight touch of jasmine tea and juiciness that keeps going to my own notes. Another Ethiopia coffee, the Bokasso (like the Deri, also from the Sidamo region), is also a fresh crop release, which is apparent the moment this silky coffee touches down on your palate: a light, cucumber freshness makes it incredibly easy to drink, and I thought it also showcased a slight shiso-like pizzazz. We also sampled 49th Parallels Colombia Buena Vista (smells like gummy bears! tweeted the roaster back in June), Guatemala Poaquil, and Guatemala San Juan. The only espresso we tried was an Ethiopia Biftu Gudina (aka Epic Espresso), brewed to precision using a Decent Tamper and a two-group La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machine with built-in scales in the drip trays. Everything else? Surprisingly, batch brewed on a FETCO.

The thing about batch brew, Lissouba admits, is that its a method with an unfortunate reputation, something hes adamant should change. Unless youre lucky, youll end up being served coffee that is likely to have been brewed more than an hour and a half ago, he says of cafes that give batch brew a bad name. By then, it will have developed sour, astringent flavors, and lose most, if not all of its vibrancy. Its no wonder people go for the freshness of a pour-over, if given the choice. But if done right, some of the best coffee of my life came out of batch brew, he says with a shrug. The quality of the extraction is great.

Giving it a go wont break your bank, in any case. Currently, batch brews are priced at HK$30 (US $4) a cup, whereas the pour-overs are more in line with typical Hong Kong prices at HK$50 ($6.50) a popa system that Lissouba hopes will encourage more customers to try it out. Two of my favorite products are coffee and pastries, he explains. Coffee is complex, aromatic, and unique. Pastries require a high level of cooking and preparation. When you have both, you can have a highly enjoyable gastronomic experience without paying for a fancy restaurant.

With I Love You Sos combination of a super-stylish environment, killer beans, and consistent brews, we cant imagine declaring anything less than love for this little neighborhood coffee bar.

Charmaine Mok is the digital editor-in-Chief at Hong Kong Tatler. Read more Charmaine Mok on Sprudge.
Washington, July 27, 2016 (SPS) -The UN Security Council on Tuesday called for the resumption of talks between the Polisario Front and Morocco, which should lead to the holding of self-determination referendum for the Sahrawi people.

The "members of the Security Council have underlined the importance of relaunching direct talks (between the Polisario Front and Morocco) to reach a political solution guaranteeing self-determination for Western Sahara people," said President of the Security Council Koro Bessho.

The representative of Japan, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, was hosting a press conference after the briefing of Herve Ladsous, Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations on MINURSO.

Questioned whether the Council has examined the letter sent Friday by Polisario Front and in which the Sahrawi side urged it to adopt urgent approach for the resumption of talks, Bessho said that the "members (of this UN body)" have stressed the importance of relaunching this political process."

The Council members agreed on the need to resume discussions and consultations for in a bid to reach solution which provides for Sahrawi people self-determination, he added.

The Polisario Front has denounced in a letter, the blockades set by Morocco to the UN process, hindering the holding of a fifth round of negotiations, though planned by the Resolution 2285 (2016), extending the mandate of MINURSO.

In his statement after the meeting, held behind doors and attended by Kim Bolduc, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to

Western Sahara, Bessho said the UN body was informed of the condition of the mission return to activity, in accordance with this resolution.

The "Council expressed the wish that Minurso return to full functionality as soon as possible," he said.

The observation made by UN General Secretariat and Security Council stressed that "the mission has not yet reached full functionality," he added.

The dscussions during the meeting revolved around the necessary staff for the operation of MINURSO, according to Bessho who assured that the

Security Council would continue to follow up this question.

However, no date has been set for the return of other civilian personnel groups of MINURSO, he said. So far, only 25 out of 85 civilian members of the mission have returned to their posts in Al-Ayun. SPS

125/090/700


MOSCOW (Sputnik)The humanitarian situation has deteriorated in South Sudan since fierce clashes renewed in the country between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and those supporting First Vice President Riek Machar earlier in July. Over 300 people reportedly have died in the clashes, with over 40,000 people displaced.

"The recent deadly escalation of hostilities in South Sudan is extremely worrying and threatens the very fragile situation in the country. The EU stands by those most in need caught up in the conflict. The emergency aid will address the overall deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country, providing crucial supplies such as food and nutrition, water and sanitation, protection and healthcare," EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides was quoted as saying in the release.

All parties to the conflict must fulfill their obligation to provide "unhindered and safe" humanitarian access to the people in need, Stylianides added.
Becker asked Norwood whether the historic nature of Hillary Clinton becoming the first female president was enough to override the war-hawk militarism espoused on the stage.

"For me personally, Hillary being the first woman presidential nominee of a major party is not all that important," said Norwood. "It is the worst type of identity politics, to prioritize representation above any kind of substantive change. Otherwise you could say that Margaret Thatcher was a great step forward for feminism."

Has the DNC been successful at rebranding Hillary Clinton as a candidate of the people?

"Having Clinton appear like she has broad grassroots support is a little difficult, more difficult than for some candidates, but if you have got a good stage manager then you can do a pretty good job of it," remarked Aiken. "I personally regard Clinton as the imperialist candidate, and I regard Trump as getting to be the loose-cannon candidate, but I intend on voting for a socialist candidate."

Why is the so-called Establishment opposed to Trump?

"Trump has an extensive business record, but Hillary Clinton is a quote-un-quote public servant, which means a servant of Wall Street. We can look at her record as [US] Secretary of State, during President Obamas first term in office, to get a taste of what a Clinton foreign policy would look like; extreme regime change operations," said Aiken.

The Democrats now face the challenge of selling a neoconservative brand forged by Hillary herself for a party whose rank-and-file are largely on the Left. Fear-mongering, sabre-rattling, and American exceptionalism appear to be the best idea they have come up with so far.
The Iranian collector moved to Munich in 1962, and throughout his life collected rare Islamic manuscripts. However, after his death in 1997, many of ancient artifacts went missing.

Over the last five years, German police have been engaged in tracking the missing manuscripts. As a result, 174 of the missing texts were found in the cache of a residential basement. It occurred that the person had a free pass to the collectors house and the Iranian collector probably trusted him.

The total value of the recovered manuscripts is estimated at 3 million euros.
The company, a service center chain called "Ruki Iz Plech" ("Helping Hands") has recently issued a call for a noble Pokemon hunter to help their boss chase these elusive digital creatures across Moscow  and theyre not joking.

Sputnik managed to contact a company representative who confirmed that the job ad is genuine and not a hoax, and that over 500 applicants have already sent their resumes.

"Our CEO became a passionate Pokemon hunter, but doesnt have enough time for it. A person to achieve unparalleled results in this game for a fair salary is required," says the ad.
Barahoti has been a disputed stretch of land since 1958, but neither China nor India has previously placed armed personnel in the region.

These new allegations come amid escalating tensions between New Delhi and Beijing. Earlier this month, India deployed nearly 100 tanks to the Ladakh region, also along the Chinese border. In response, Beijing warned of potential economic consequences.

"A great number of Chinese firms, including smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi and PC computer maker Lenovo, have turned their eyes toward India," said Chinas Global Times in an editorial.

"However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near Chinas border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment."

India also expelled three journalists working for Chinas Xinhua News Agency.
There is also a degree of skepticism, the source says, as even among North Korean soldiers propaganda leaflets and CDs are considered a bigger threat.

While Pyongyang's accusations are questionable, considering the geographical location of Yalu river, the North Korean Ministry of People's Security and other public agencies are nonetheless reportedly urging residents to stay alert to the danger of snakes at all times, citing cases of people dying from bites.
TASHKENT (Sputnik)  Uzbek President Islam Karimov held Thursday a Security Council meeting on the situation on the country's southern borders, including the border with Afghanistan, the presidential press service said.

"During the meeting, held by President and Security Council Chair Islam Karimov, the issues of ensuring security and addressing threats and challenges on the country's southern borders were discussed," the press service said.

Another topic of discussion was the strengthening of anti-terrorist cooperation with neighboring states in the region.
TOKYO (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, media reported that the Japanese man who was on a visit to Beijing, but did not return home on time, might have been detained by Chinese authorities, possibly on suspicion of spying. The man works for an organization dealing with exchanges between Japan and China.

Japan's government "is not engaged in such activities toward any country," Suga was quoted by the Kyodo news agency as saying with regards to the spying allegations.

The government is reportedly assisting the man through Japan's Embassy in Beijing, and working to confirm the circumstances of his detention.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said on Thursday that the country must boost its counterterrorist efforts amid increasing number of terrorist attacks across the world.

"The outbreak of terrorist attacks against civilians is increasing overseas Prevention comes as the top priority when it comes to terrorism," the prime minister said, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency, during a visit to a police and military anti-terrorism training session near Seoul.

South Korean government organizations must strengthen coordination in countering potential terrorist threats, he stressed.
It is one of the biggest seizures of cash by India's customs department in the last five years.

"Five passengers were intercepted after they had boarded the flight. Their detailed personal research resulted in the recovery of [164,000] Euros. They had concealed the money in their rectums," Customs Commissioner Sanjay Mangal told reporters.

The recovered foreign currency was seized under section 110 of India's 1962 Customs Act, and all five were placed under arrest under section 104 of the 1962 Customs Act.
ANKARA (Sputnik)  Supporters of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey accuses of orchestrating the recent botched coup, could try to stage one more coup, in Kyrgyzstan, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday.

"If a coup to take place in Kyrgyzstan, it will be staged by Gulen's movement. It is the biggest threat for Kyrgyzstan," Cavusoglu said in an interview televised on CNN Turk.
A meeting between the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers was held in Lahore, Pakistan from July 25 to 28th during which a range of issues including the prevention of cross-border smuggling, the swift return of people mistakenly crossing the border and incidents of unprovoked firing at the Line Of Control were discussed.

This was a regular meeting between BSF and Pakistan Rangers; it was held in Pakistan in Lahore. The BSF delegation was led by Director K. K. Sharma while the Pakistan delegation was led by Major General Umar Farooq Burki, Director General of the Pakistan Rangers. The meeting was held is a cordial and cooperative atmosphere and a consensus war reached that since the last such meeting in Delhi in September, 2015, there has been greater adherence to the ceasefire along the international border, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said during a press conference today.
Is there a bias in Indias legal system, with 94 percent of Indians on death row being either Muslim or Dalit (untouchables)? This June 18 Facebook post by Alex Paul Menon, an Indian Administrative Services officer, has landed him in hot water. The state of Chhattisgarh government has served him a show cause notice to appear in front of a court for criticizing the country's justice system.

According to the Chhattisgarh administration, Alex Paul Menon has violated the code of conduct rules for Indian Administrative Service officers. He has questioned the Indian judicial system. The Chhattisgarh government has taken serious note of his Facebook post; therefore a show cause notice has been issued to him, asking him why he shouldn't be tried in court. He has to reply within a month.
US manufacturing giant Boeing has failed to fully comply with the terms of a defense deal to provide Very Heavy Lift Transport Aircraft, worth billions of dollars. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), India's top auditing body, published a report slamming Boeing for not providing contractually-specified flight and maintenance training facilities, despite three whole years passing since the 2013 deadline. As a result, the Indian air force is unable to fly or maintain the aircraft, undermining the very purpose of the deal.

The CAG report says, "As per the offset contract signed in June 2011, the simulator services were to be made available within two years i.e. by July 2013; however Boeing has yet to setup simulator services in India, which is affecting operation of the aircraft."

As part of the offset deal, Boeing was to set up a unique C-17 platform training facility for maintenance training at cost of USD 38.21 million and a C-17 simulator center for flying training at cost of USD 96.87 million by July 2013. The training requirement for initial qualification, quarterly skill reviews, additional instruction and special operations tests was estimated to entail 1,700 hours per year for the aircrew of the C-17 Squadron.
The approximate number of Daesh fighters operating in Afghanistan has decreased to 1,000-1,500 members from some 3,000 estimated earlier, the general said

The US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan formally ended its operations in December 2014 after a presence in the country since 2001 to help local authorities to defeat the Taliban Islamist movement. Afghanistan, however, continues to be in political and social turmoil as jihadist groups take advantage of the instability in the country.

US President Barack Obama announced prior of the July 8-9 NATO summit in Warsaw his decision to leave 8,400 troops in Afghanistan in order to demonstrate to NATO partners US leadership and enduring support for the mission in the country.

The Afghan armys casualty rate is running twenty percent higher than in 2015, US Forces Afghanistan Commander said.

The [Afghan army] casualties are trending about 20 percent higher, Nicholson told journalists.

In 2015, the Afghan forces took 20,000 total casualties, which itself is a high figure for a young army, Nicholson noted.

Many of the casualties suffered by Afghan forces have occurred at static checkpoints, Nicholson said, and while reducing dependency on checkpoints is an objective, they are important for political and social reasons in lending a sense of protection.
Bakar said, "We cannot confirm anything. Whatever findings now are not conclusive until we recover the black box which will tell us what actually happened if not, everything else is speculative." When asked whether police had ruled out suicide, he responded, "I never rule out anything."

Even though Bakar claimed that Malaysian police have not given documents to foreign agencies such as the FBI, Malaysian transport minister Liow Tiong Lai, confirmed that Malay authorities and the FBI worked together to analyze data found on the simulators hard drives two years ago.

On Wednesday, Lai asserted that there was no evidence of Shah plotting the same course as MH370 on his flight simulator software.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull did not offer any new details on what was found on the machine earlier this week, saying that it was Malaysias case to handle, since they were taking the lead on investigating the downed craft.

He told reporters, "I just note that even if the simulator information does show that it is possible or very likely that the captain planned this shocking event, it does not tell us the location of the aircraft."
He also told the official that "There are 800 million people with disabilities worldwide," and that, "Money is spent on them. It should be used for other purposes."

In response to his pronouncements, executives at the Kanagawa Kyodokai company, which operate the care home, consulted with police officers and installed 16 additional security cameras. They stayed in close-enough contact with police that officers at the Tsukui Police Station knew an emergency call from the facility would likely involve Uematsu. Police warned staff at the facility to not let him in and to call if he showed up.

Such an incident seemed likely on June 4, during an annual summer festival. Kaoru Irikura, who heads the facility said, "Because he used to be in charge of the event, we were concerned that he might show upI gave firm instructions to staffers to report it immediately if he dropped by."
"We regard that as the act of a villain, who is a crazy person. All these facts show that the United States is intentionally aggravating the tensions in the Korean Peninsula," Han said.

"Nobody can predict what kind of influence this kind of vicious confrontation between the DPRK and the United States will have upon the situation on the Korean Peninsula. By doing these kinds of vicious and hostile acts toward the DPRK, the US has already declared war against the DPRK.

"So it is our self-defensive right and justifiable action to respond in a very hard way."

In response, Katina Adams, a US State Department spokeswoman for East Asia and the Pacific, stressed that Washington continues to call on Pyongyang, "to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further destabilize the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its commitments and international obligations."

She also defended the war games taking place next month, maintaining that they are meant as a show of solidarity.

"These exercises are a clear demonstration of the US commitment to the alliance," Adams said.
BAKU (Sputnik)  Azerbaijan is prepared to integrate its electric grid into that of the North-South energy corridor connecting Iran and Russia, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev said Thursday.

"The August meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran will be promising in terms of resolving a number of issues, achieving concrete results and completing the project in the near future. Azerbaijan is technically fully prepared to join its energy system with that of Russia and Iran," the minister said in an article published by Azerbaijan's official newspapers.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russian oil company Rosneft and Venezuelas state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) signed on Thursday a deal on strategic partnership between the two energy companies, Venezuela's Energy Ministry said.

"Today we are signing important agreements between Rosneft and PDVSA. A strategic alliance!" the South American nations Energy Ministry tweeted.

A source close to the talks between the two national energy giants told RIA Novosti that the companies planned to work together on Venezuelas shale oil development, as well as oil and petroleum products trading.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia's Roscosmos space corporation might receive an order for the supply of components for Iranian satellites, Russian Minister of Communications and Mass Media Nikolai Nikiforov said Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Nikiforov and Iranian Minister of Communication Mahmoud Vaezi met in Moscow and discussed a number of issues.

"Iran is very interested in the experience of the Russian space program, including in the sphere of communication. Indeed, my colleague [Vaezi] has repeatedly talked about the interest in the use of Russian satellite technology. This is being discussed with the Roskosmos corporation. The Russian satellites constructors have a very good chance of getting the orders and the contracts for Iranian projects. I know that the negotiations are on the way. It necessary to wait for the results," Nikiforov told Rossiya 24 news channel.
Earlier Johnson said that Britain would "still have access to the single market," despite the June 23 vote.

Even Brexit Minister, David Davis  thought to be about as hardcore a euroskeptic as one could get  has called for "taking a little time before triggering Article 50."

The Brexit Minister has predicted a likely UK exit from the EU in/or around December 2018. Meanwhile Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, has said that he expects the relations between Britain and the EU to be resolved by 2020.

"I think it doesn't make any sense to trigger Article 50 without having a period of reflection first, for the cabinet to determine exactly what it is we're going to be seeking and in what timescale," Fox said.

Again, it's the cautiousness of these statements which is striking  and the contrast with the "lets bring it on" bravado of the referendum campaign.

Legal 'Derailments'

Other factors, and not just the government dragging its feet, could scupper Brexit.

A number of legal challenges have either been launched or are being planned. The main argument behind them seems to be that the Brexit vote is not legally binding on Parliament and that Article 50 should not be invoked unless it has Parliamentary approval.

Scotland, which voted to stay in the EU in the referendum, could also help derail Brexit  by providing the UK government with an excuse not to go ahead.

A couple of weeks ago, after meeting Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Theresa May said:

"I have already said that I won't be triggering Article 50 until I think that we have a UK approach and objectives for negotiations  I think it is important that we establish that before we trigger Article 50."

With Scotland dead against Brexit, is it ever likely that we'll get a "UK approach"?

You can imagine Theresa May's speech a few years down the line:

"I wanted to carry out Brexit, but we couldn't get a 'UK approach' so unfortunately, for the sake of the unity of the United Kingdom, we'll have to delay sending off Article 50 still further."

The Tories would effectively be blaming the Scots for not carrying out their promises. How very convenient!

The Big Shots

If Brexit is delayed indefinitely, and eventually scrapped altogether, then some very powerful people will be mightily relieved.

While a section of the Establishment did support Leave, what commentator John Rees has called "the power brokers of the world system," backed Remain.

We're talking here about the giants of western financial capital, the big banks: Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan each donated around US$658,000 (500,000) to the "Britain Stronger in Europe" campaign; the big multinational corporations and billionaire capitalists like George Soros and Sir Richard Branson.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The man was arrested at the main station in Bremen late on Wednesday, police said as cited by N-TV. He was reportedly intending to catch a train to the town of Syke, located south of Bremen.

The shopping mall in the German northwestern city of Bremen was evacuated on Wednesday after the 19-year-old entered it with a large backpack and yelled "Ill blow you up." No explosives were found at the mall, according to police.

Police said that the Algerian man had made statements sympathizing with the Munich gunman and extremists of the Islamic State (ISIL, also known as Daesh) terrorist group, banned in a range of states. The comments were reportedly made while the man was in custody last weekend for multiple thefts.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Vatican treasurer, Cardinal George Pell, is calling for an investigation into media and police claims that he was involved in sexual misconduct with relation to children, the clerics office said in a statement.

"The cardinal calls for an investigation to assess whether any actions of elements of the Victoria Police and the ABC program amount to a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice," the statement says as quoted by The Otago Daily Times on Thursday.

On Wednesday, ABC TV aired a story featuring multiple allegations of Pell abusing little boys, starting from the 1970s. Pell has stressed that the allegations, particularly from two men who claim that he abused them, when they were little, while serving as a priest in Ballarat, in the Australian state of Victoria, are not true.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov is not ruling out the possibility that the Balkan countries may fall victim to terrorist attacks, local media reported Thursday.

"As the [Islamic State] has been losing territory on the battlegrounds in Syria,.. in Lybia, a vast share of these people try to return or some who reached EU territory together with migrants might try to take such action," Ivanov said, as quoted by the Macedonian Information Agency.

He said that intelligence and law enforcement agencies were on alert and were closely monitoring those returning from Syria and the regions affected by the activity of the Islamic State terrorist group, outlawed in many countries including Russia. Ivanov said that at least 86 people had so far returned to Macedonia from these regions.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to El Mundo newspaper, citing sources close to the investigation, some 10,000 euros ($11,000) were found in the brothers' apartment, which were presumably expected to be sent to Daesh militants.

The investigators are yet to determine when exactly the brothers began to send money to Daesh, which is outlawed in many countries around the world including Russia.

One of the brothers is reported to have worked as a painter, while the other one was a salesman.
KIEV (Sputnik)  Ukraine plans to provide gas transit to the European Union this year at a volume of 70 billion cubic meters, head of the Ukrtransgaz gas transportation system operator Igor Prokopiv said Thursday.

"Today, we expect 70 billion cubic meters," Prokopiv said at a press conference.

Andriy Kobolev, CEO of Ukraine's national energy company Naftogaz, said earlier Kiev appealed to Brussels after claiming that Russia lowered gas pressure along the transit pipeline.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  An upcoming second visit to Crimea by a delegation of French lawmakers on July 28-31 is proof that anti-Russia sanctions imposed by the West have no effect, French parliament Foreign Affairs Committee member Thierry Mariani, who will lead the delegation, told Sputnik on Thursday.

In July 2015, a group of 10 French deputies visited Crimea for the first time despite domestic and European criticism. The lawmakers said at the time that what they had seen in the region was completely different to how it was usually portrayed in Western media.

"This time around we have to choose from a lot of candidates. One half of our delegation consists of new deputies and another half  of ones that traveled to Crimea a year ago. This shows that the sanctions against Russia and sanctions promised for the parliamentarians who traveled to Crimea a year ago have absolutely no effect," Mariani said ahead of his meeting with Russian parliament speaker Sergei Naryshkin.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Tuesday, two armed men took five people hostage at the Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray church in the Seine-Maritime commune. The attackers were later killed by law enforcement, while at least one hostage has died. The Daesh terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack. Shortly following the attack, one of the assailants was identified as 19-year-old Adel Kermiche.

The second attacker was Abdel Malik Petitjean, also 19, actively monitored by local police for some five days before the attack, according to the Tendance Ouest broadcaster.

Petitjean had not been previously convicted, so the authorities did not immediately have his fingerprints nor his DNA, which greatly delayed the formal identification, the broadcaster stressed, adding that the DNA samples of his mother helped reveal his identity.
ATHENS (Sputnik)  The Greek authorities have repeatedly tried to relocate migrants staying at the port to refugee reception centers over recent months. Conditions in the port have progressively worsened as migrant numbers swelled, leading to clashes between different ethnic groups and causing unsanitary conditions. Around 6,000 people were squatting at the port in April.

On Monday, around 1,000 people remained in Piraeus, with the number reaching zero after the last 426 people left the port on Wednesday, heading to reception centers across the country, according to the coordinating body.

A total of 57,027 refugees were registered by the body on Thursday morning. The last 24 hours saw the arrival of 108 refugees in Greece, with 35 arriving on the island of Lesbos and 72 arriving on other islands.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  French President Francois Hollande announced plans to create the National Guard to protect the country's citizens, amid the increased terrorist threat on French soil, the Elysee Palace said in a statement Thursday.

According to the statement, the decision was taken after Hollande's meeting with the lawmakers.

"President of the Republic [Hollande] decided to establish the National Guard from the existing operating reserves," the statement reads. He also expressed the intention to "as soon as possible begin the establishment of this structure, which would serve to protect the French people."
The editorial decision not to publish photographs of known terrorist attackers also follows the recent murder of a Catholic priest in Normandy.

"We owe it to all the victims of the criminal group known as Islamic State [Daesh] and since Tuesday 26 July, we owe it to the memory of Father Jacques Hamel, assassinated in his church," Jerome Fenoglio said.

The image of Adel Kermiche, who is accused of murdering Hamel, has been blurred by many media organizations.

First Le Monde, now French BFMTV chooses not to publish pictures of terrorist attackers #France #Lemonde https://t.co/2cmjONri0G  Gavin Lee (@GavinLeeBBC) July 27, 2016

However, there are concerns that banning pictures from broadcast media and newspapers won't go far enough to combat the "posthumous glory" afforded by accused terrorists.

Fenoglio warns that without a "conscious effort on the part of companies controlling social networks and mass media," it would be harder to resist the "strategy of hate" Daesh.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The victims in the 2014 crash that led to the death of French Total oil and gas company CEO Christophe de Margerie in Russia face two civil lawsuits totaling nearly $230,000, one of the defenders lawyers said Thursday.

"So far two civil suits have been declared: 1.2 million rubles [$18,000] from Vnukovo airport and 14 million rubles [$211,000] from Unijet [airplane operator]," Leonid Kurakin told RIA Novosti.

Earlier in the day, a snowplow machine driver and a senior shift engineer admitted their guilt in the crash in a Moscow courtroom.
ROME (Sputnik)  There is currently no country in the world with a zero level of terrorist threat, Italy's Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti said on Thursday.

"We know that there is no country with zero risk. After the terrorist attack in [the Paris concert hall of] Bataclan we have raised the alarm level of and work with great attention to prevent possible tragedies related to terrorism," Penotti said, speaking at the Raitre television program.

She stressed the importance of the cooperation of all citizens in countering terrorism and noted that the authorities were responsible for making the right decisions in emergency situations.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has toned down his criticism of local lawmakers' visit to what Paris deems an occupied Crimea , in a sign of warming relations between the two countries, a senior French politician Thierry Mariani said Thursday.

A group of dozen lawmakers led by French parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee member Mariani will visit Crimea on July 28-31, after travelling there last summer. The French Foreign Ministry officially protested the visit.

"The reaction of the incumbent [Foreign] Minister of France to this visit was a low-key reaction," Mariani said at a press conference in Moscow. "I believe that the political climate between our countries is evolving, improving."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  National and regional legislatures in France and Italy have been calling on the national governments to scrap sanctions against Russia, saying they hurt local economies. Most recently, Belgian Peoples Party challenged the EU sanctions in a motion to the national parliament.

"As we see, many members of the European parliaments start to realize that the anti-Russia sanctions are not working and [are] ineffective," Mariani, a member of French parliaments foreign affairs committee. I know that other parliaments in Europe will support motions of lifting anti-Russia sanctions," the lawmaker told journalists, adding the French parliament had set an example for the rest of Europe.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault declared in Washington, DC last week that Paris was willing to phase out restrictions it imposed on Russia in 2014, after Frances both legislative chambers voted for this earlier this year.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The trial of 14 alleged supporters of radical Islam kicked off in a regional court in the Bulgarian town of Pazardzhik with a defense lawyer being fined for boycotting proceedings, media reported Thursday.

According to The Sofia Globe, Defense lawyer Altai Kuzev verbally clashed with prosecutor Nelly Popova over Popova's accusation that he was mocking prosecution witness Petar Tonchev, after which Kuzev left the courtroom, but has failed to return after the recess and was thus fined 500 leva ($284) by the judge.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Thursday an increase in the number of security forces in Germany and across Europe after a string of Islamist attacks in the region.

"We have already considerably increased the number of security jobs across Germany but also in the [European] Union," Merkel said at the annual press conference.

The chancellor said this was part of the ongoing effort to prevent terror attacks in Europe, alongside with the creation of an anti-terror center inside European police Europol.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the country's authorities would accelerate the process of deportation of migrants who are unable to receive asylum in the country on Thursday.

"The German government will speed up the deportation of migrants, who can not rely on being granted asylum in the country," Merkel told reporters.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Following a series of terror attacks on the so-called soft targets all across Europe churches have also become vulnerable to attacks as they bear historic and sacred value for Europeans, the executive director of Vienna-based Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe told Sputnik on Thursday.

"There is no question, given the recent targeting of soft targets across Europe, that places of worship are indeed vulnerable. In fact, because many churches are both sacred places, as well as historic and important symbols of Europe's heritage and civilization, they may be more attractive targets for attack," Ellen Fantini said.

Fantini's statement comes against the backdrop of an attack on a church in northern France. On Tuesday, two armed men took five people hostage at the Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray church in the French region Normandy, murdering the local priest Father Jacques Hamel. French President Francois Hollande said that the incident was a terrorist attack, adding that the attackers had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State militant group.
Slovakia holds the current rotating presidency of the EU and will play a major role in the political maneuvering ahead of Britain invoking Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, which triggers a minimum two-year negotiating period during which Britain's exit and new deal with the EU is planned.

May has already held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande  both seen as crucial cogs in the wheels of renegotiation. But Slovakia's role will be critical for another reason.

The In-Out referendum on Britain's membership of the EU was largely fought on the issue of immigration. Feelings are running high over the sheer volume of EU migrant workers flooding into Britain.
The London High Court Thursday (July 28), ruled that Corbyn had the right to be automatically included on the ballot papers, after a leadership election challenge followed a vote of no confidence in him, which he lost by 172 to 40.

Under Labour Party rules, those wishing to stand in a leadership election must have at least 50 signatories from the Parliamentary Labour Party. Since he cannot win more than around 40, he argued successfully that  as the incumbent  he had to right to be automatically included in the ballot, without the need for signatories.

The case was brought by Labour donor Michael Foster against the Party's general secretary, Iain McNicol, after the Labours national executive committee (NEC) ruled that Corbyn could automatically be on the ballot paper.
Skeptics of the so-called new welfare state have accused the PM of trying to offset the latest tough fiscal measures by introducing a new social policy to help the poorest families in Greece.

One economist told Sputnik that the new package is "limited."

"I welcome the measures, but there are dozens of thousands of people who are living in terrible conditions and they are in dire need of any [kind of] help from the government," Yannis Koutsomitis, a Greek Eurozone analyst told Sputnik.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)The High Court in London ruled on Thursday that UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn could stay on Labour leadership ballot.

Earlier in July, Labour Party's donor Michael Foster contested the party's decision to automatically put Corbyn's surname to the ballot paper without nominations from at least 50 members of parliament.

"Accordingly, the Judge accepted that the decision of the NEC [the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party] was correct and that Mr Corbyn was entitled to be a candidate in the forthcoming election without the need for nominations," the ruling published on the Judiciary of England and Wales government website said.
Head of Ukraine's Naftogaz state energy company, Andriy Kobolev, said on Wednesday that Russia had reduced gas transit deliveries, and lowered pressure in pipelines on entry to Ukraine.

"The reduction of transit via Ukraine results from current weather conditions and decreased consumer demand," a Gazprom Export spokesman told RIA Novosti.
France, which has 120,000 police and military deployed around the country, currently has 12,000 reservists. They consist of 9,000 military police officers and a further 3,000 regular police officers.

On Wednesday Cazeneuve said that the appeal has been met with enthusiasm by French citizens, and that 2,500 people had expressed their interest in the previous ten days.

The idea of a National Guard was proposed in January by France's Socialist Party, whose leader Jean-Christophe Cambadelis called on the "public spirit and patriotism" of French people to support the security services and "revive a tradition that dates back to the 1870 French Revolution."

Elsa Di Meo, the Socialist Party's National Secretary for Promotion and Republican Values, told Sputnik that she sees the project as an opportunity for young people to build solidarity with one another.

"For me, this is a chance for young people to come together, first to remember the values of the Republic," she said.

"There is are no easy answers to this new form of terrorism, because we are seeing unexpected attacks by lone wolf attackers, like the one in the church on Tuesday."

Republican Party Senator Francois Grosdidier, member of the Senate Information Commission on the organization, establishment and funding of Islam in France, said that the government needs to take more measures besides a National Guard.

"Our judicial system strongly protects individual rights, we have seen this for example in the case of the release of this latest terrorist after the case was heard in the appeal court. He was considered dangerous, he had tried to travel to Syria twice and never should have been freed, even under surveillance," Grosdidier said.

"We have intelligence weaknesses, too, we have been talking about it for the past year and a half. We need to establish an effective regional intelligence service, prison intelligence and have a single center that has all the information and resources at its disposal."

"We need to better observe the internet, we know that everything is planned using the internet, even if this is a lone wolf," Grosdidier said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Ankara deported one of the attackers in a church in Normandy and subsequently notified French authorities regarding the issue, a senior Turkish official told the Daily Sabah on Thursday.

On Tuesday, two armed men took five people hostage at the Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray church in the Seine-Maritime commune. The attackers were later killed by law enforcement, while at least one hostage has died. The Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) jihadist group claimed responsibility for the attack. Wuithin short time, the two were identified as Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean.
BERLIN (Sputnik)  The European Union has been struggling to manage a massive refugee crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people leaving conflict-torn countries in the Middle East, mainly Syria and Iraq, as well as North Africa and other regions, to escape violence and poverty and seeking asylum in Europe.

"After the Paris terrorist attacks, we know that the Daesh have used and can use refugee movements to infiltrate Europe with terrorist forces," Merkel told reporters.

The chancellor added that international terrorism was a threat to Europe as well as to Syria, where a large number of the refugees come from. At the same time, a number of Islamists have also made their way from Europe into Syria, she said.


ROME (Sputnik)Italian law enforcement authorities are doing serious work in prisons aimed at the prevention of terrorist threats, Minister of Justice Andrea Orlando said Thursday.

"There are 30 prisoners linked to terrorist activities in our jails, and about 300 people, who represent an increased risk in terms of radicalization. All of them are under control," Orlando told the Italian La7 television channel.

He said that the penitentiary system has recently been exposed to a number of measures for coordination and monitoring, because prisons are a place where radical ideas spread rapidly, and prisoners may easily become involved in terrorist activities.
However, the government in Warsaw said it would ignore the ruling, refusing to publish it. Under the Polish constitution a ruling does not become final until officially published.

Condemnations and Sanctions

Both the Council of Europe and the European Commission have condemned the move and being anti-democratic.

Finally, after months of negotiations, the Commission has adopted a 'Rule of Law Recommendation' on the current situation in Poland, setting out the Commission's concerns around the functioning of the Constitutional Tribunal, and recommending concretely how these concerns can be addressed.

In a statement it said:

"The Commission believes that there is a systemic threat to the rule of law in Poland. The fact that the Constitutional Tribunal is prevented from fully ensuring an effective constitutional review adversely affects its integrity, stability and proper functioning, which is one of the essential safeguards of the rule of law in Poland. Where a constitutional justice system has been established, its effectiveness is a key component of the rule of law."

The Commission has now given Warsaw three months to change its position or face sanctions which could mean losing its voting rights in the EU institutions, marking a new low in EU-Polish relations.
"I had palpitations, chest pains."

Staedtler says that passers-by did not come to her aid, and that "the attackers were laughing at me."

After the two men disappeared into some nearby bushes, the victim decided to call 110, the police emergency number. However, she was stuck on hold for several minutes until a police officer answered the phone.

"I wanted a police car to come, the men were still around," she explained.



"In an emergency, help was on hold," B.Z. Berlin reported.

"However, the police told me to go home and fill out a form online."

Staedtler eventually got a police reaction the next time she phoned.

"Two very friendly officers came and took my statements about the men, and about the lack of assistance from the police."

However, Staedtler said that she has not heard from the police since then, and B.Z. suggests the failing could be due to overstretched police resources; in May there was an average of 3,433 calls daily to the 110 emergency number.

This year in the Gleisdreieck park alone, 94 offenses were committed up to the middle of June, after 167 were recorded for the whole of last year.

According to German police statistics for 2015, a total of 6,330,649 crimes were committed in Germany last year, an increase of 4.1 percent compared to the previous year.
Speaking to the online newspaper, Ukrainian economist and political scientist Alexander Dudchak suggested that Pyatt's words were just the latest example of "double-talk" by US officials.

"In principle, there are really no grounds for saying that Russia is waging an 'energy war' against Ukraine," the expert noted. "Just recall how many times Kiev has declared that it would never use Russian gas  that it would get by without it, that it was too expensive. And what has Russia's response been? Basically to calmly saying 'you don't want it? Ok, what's the problem here?"

"I don't understand where Pyatt sees this Russian 'war' against Ukraine. His conclusions are closer to the 'information warfare and ideological front' than the energy sector."

At the same time, Dudchak noted, the American ambassador is not entirely wrong, but not for the reasons he believes. "Ukraine's dependence on gas really has been reduced, regardless of where it comes from. The truth is that the country's economy needs less and less gas, since consumption has declined. Factories, facing a lack of demand for their products, are curtailing production. As a consequence, [at the current rate] we will soon be freed from any dependence on natural gas entirely."
The arrest itself doesn't appear to be the problem; it's how they were arrested that has led to a social media backlash against the burger chain.

While what @ByronHamburgers did might be "legal" it is also a morally reprehensible act of entrapment. #BoycottByron  Danielle DASH (@DanielleDASH) July 28, 2016

Sources told the Spanish website that staff had been told by management to attend a training day. Shortly after the staff arrived  so did Home Office officials to arrest any migrants deemed "irregular."

A spokesman for Byron said some staff members were arrested on suspicion of not having the right to work in the UK and possessing fraudulent work permits.

"The Home Office recognizes that Byron as an employer is fully compliant with immigration and asylum law in its employment practices, and that Byron had carried out the correct 'right to work' checks on staff members, but had been shown false/counterfeit documentation."

The Home Office has confirmed that 35 people were arrested from Albania, Brazil, Nepal and Egypt, adding that Byron had carried out the correct "right to work" checks but had been provided with fake documents.

Subsequently, Byron won't face any penalty action.

So, here's an unpopular opinion. Today's blog on why #byronburgers has done nothing wrong: https://t.co/Ks4i0p4qAf  The Secret Barrister (@BarristerSecret) July 28, 2016

Deputy leader of the Green Party Amelia Womack said that:

"The bosses at Byron should be utterly ashamed of themselves for turning these people's lives upside down."

.@Amelia_Womack responds to allegations about Byron Burger. Saying bosses should be 'ashamed'. #boycottbyron pic.twitter.com/WbGfUJqZjT  Matthew Butcher (@matthew1butcher) July 27, 2016

The hashtag #BoycottByron quickly ensued on social media with the burger chain accused of laying an immigration trap for its workers.

Spanish newspaper El Iberico reportedly told panicked staff that they knew what was going on when Home Office staff entered the training room and said:

"We prepared this."

The boycott has since gone viral on social media with some Twitter users calling the restaurant "morally repugnant" and guilty of exploiting immigrants before deporting them.

So #byronburgers will not face with penalties even though they employed so called "illegal immigrants".How fair is that? #boycottbyron  Gokhan Kurtaran (@gokhankurtaran) July 28, 2016

It is a criminal offence, punishable by an unlimited fine and up to five years in jail if a person or a company is found to be employing someone, knowingly, or have reasonable cause to believe that the employee is not allowed to work in the UK due to their immigration status.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The European criticism of the rule of law in Poland is not directed at the country itself but at the breach of law and democracy by the current conservative Law and Justice government, a spokeswoman for the opposition Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) told Sputnik on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the European Commission warned Poland that the country had not sufficiently addressed its initial concerns about the Constitutional Court reform and gave Warsaw three months to guarantee the tribunal's independence.

"We do not consider the measures taken by the EU so far as being 'against' Poland. They are against the breaking of law and against the detriment of democracy in Poland that is being done by the present Polish government," Anna-Maria Zukowska, who is also vice-president of the Mazovia Province branch of the party, said.


WASHINGTON (Sputnik)Economic pain suffered by European Union (EU) resulting from sanctions against Russia will push the 28-nation bloc to abandon penalties against Moscow, French Ambassador to the United States Gerard Araud told guests at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, DC on Thursday.

Im not speaking of the French on that but I wont bet we will keep the sanctions over and over and over, Araud said. I think there will be a moment when some European countries will tell us, Sorry but your sanctions dont work, and they hurt us, so we have to find something else. 

The ambassador said the sanctions have been especially painful for the French economy, compared to the US economy.
In less than a year's time, Twardowski complained, Poland, "once hailed as a success story of European expansion," is facing a situation where the "success and vitality" of the country's democracy "are being called into serious question, for the first time since its emergence from the Cold War."

For now, the analyst wrote, EU observers have focused almost all their attention on the consequences of the UK's decision to leave the EU, leaving the crisis between Warsaw and Brussels to temporarily fall off the radar.

But Brexit never really posed a serious threat to the EU, according to Twardowski. "The original bedrock of the European project was, after all, Franco-German unity. It later grew to include other countries and a broader mission of, among other things, bolstering the rule of law. The UK was always an unenthusiastic participant in that wider project, so the past few weeks' market gyrations notwithstanding, the EU will continue without it."

In fact, the conflict between Brussels and Warsaw is actually much more dangerous, the analyst said.

"The EU is far less likely to survive the degradation of its norms by member states that were admitted a decade ago at great risk and expense for the union. The EU's success depends not only on open trade and free movement, but on a common conviction that Europe cannot be divided along the lines of rule of law."

Unlike the UK, which is likely to be made an example of in order to dissuade others from holding similar referendums, Poland, according to Twardowski, "offers Euroskeptics a more attractive path forward. If the EU fails to address Poland's democratic backsliding, as it failed to deal with Viktor Orban's Hungary, Euroskeptic parties may attempt to achieve some of their goals by denigrating EU norms while extracting only the benefits of EU membership."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Bulgarian Parliament has adopted a new anti-terrorism law which limits the rights of civilians in the event of a terror threat, local media reported on Thursday.

According to Blitz newspaper, the Bulgarian lawmakers voted 133-5 in favor of a controversial law, which enables armed forces and military to use force against civilians who show resistance or refusal to obey the law enforcement bodies in the event of a terror act.

The law also bans Bulgarians from moving to another place of residence, as well as to leave the country and visit certain places, sites and areas without the government's permission. It prohibits them from contacting certain persons, without permanent visits to the police station as well.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)The Italian government launched a project on Thursday worth 1.5 million euros (almost $1.6 million) which seeks to increase the migrants' awareness of danger and violence during their trip to Europe in a bid to discourage refugees from sub-Saharan Africa from coming to the European states.

"Europes migrant crisis is an epochal struggle. This communication campaign is just one of the ways in which we are seeking to tackle the crisis," Italys Interior Minister, Angelino Alfano was quoted as saying by the Local.

Under the project, called Migrant Aware, a series of videos and recordings will be posted online to warn refugees coming from sub-Saharan Africa of the dangers of violence and exploitation they face when crossing the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea trying to enter wealthy European countries.
The government of Norway has confirmed that it is considering shifting its border slightly so that one of two peaks of Mount Halti can become a part of neighboring Finland. Giving Finland a new highest point, the move would be intended as Norway's birthday present to Finland, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its independence.

"There are a few formal difficulties and I have not yet made my final decision," said Norwegian prime minister Erna Solberg. "But we are looking into it."

Mount Halti is made up of two peaks, one historically Norwegian and one historically Finnish. Both peaks currently belong to Norway. The proposed step will essentially return the Finnish peak back to Finland.
The 77-year-old conservative narrowly defeated his right-wing rival and daughter of a jailed former Peruvian president, Keiko Fujimori, in the run-off vote last month.

"I want a social revolution for the country, it is my desire to see Peru as a more modern and fair country in five years," Kuczynski told the Congress after the official ceremony.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Washington has offered Moscow to impose a week-long regime of silence in Syria in order to filter out the so-called "moderate" opposition, the Russian Izvestia newspaper reports.

"During talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry held in Moscow on July 14-15 and at the bilateral ministerial meeting held on the sidelines of the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] summit on July 26, the American delegation offered to introduce a regime of silence for seven days in order to separate the moderate opposition from terrorist groups," the newspaper said on Thursday citing a source familiar with the US-Russia talks.

According to the source, the United States wants Russia and coalition forces to stop airstrikes against terrorists in Syria for one week.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia and the Syrian government have launched a joint large-scale humanitarian relief operation in Aleppo, establishing three corridors for civilians and one for militants with weapons and equipment, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.

We have repeatedly called on the warring parties to reconcile, but every time the militants violated the cessation of hostilities, shelled villages, attacked the positions of government troops. As a result, a complex humanitarian situation has been created in Aleppo and its suburbs, Shoigu told reporters.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russian Defense Ministry Sergei Shoigu called Thursday on international organizations to take part in the humanitarian operation in Syria's Aleppo.

"We are offering the international organizations working in Syria to join this operation," Shoigu said.

Earlier in the day, the minister said Russia and the Syrian government had launched a joint large-scale humanitarian relief operation in Aleppo, establishing three corridors for civilians and one for militants wishing to lay down arms.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Syrian President Bashar Assad issued a decree on Thursday officially confirming an amnesty for rebels who lay down arms.

Armed fugitives hiding from justice shall be exempt from liability if they surrender and hand over their weapons to the competent judicial authorities or the police within three months from the date of this decrees publication, the document states.

Previously, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu called on the Syrian government Thursday to guarantee its amnesty for rebels who declare their willingness to surrender.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Aleppo has been split between Syrian government and opposition forces occupying respectively the western and eastern districts. The parties have been assaulting each other despite the agreed ceasefire.

"The EU calls for an immediate humanitarian pause in fighting to ensure medical evacuations and the delivery of medicine, food and water from and into Eastern Aleppo," the EU officials said in a joint statement.

They said the eastern areas were facing starvation in a few weeks after the only road into eastern Aleppo was cut off earlier in July. The statement also called for an immediate lifting of sieges across Syria and unhindered country-wide humanitarian access.
The SAAs elite assault troops  the Tiger Forces  in the meantime seized the Castello Amusement Park, also called the Castello complex.

It means that the government troops are moving ever closer to imposing a military blockade on rebel suburbs in eastern Aleppo.

Formerly, the Castello road served as the last supply line to thousands of Islamist insurgents in Aleppo.

Vzglyad notes that the balance of military forces on the ground and the configuration of the front line show that neither al-Nusra nor any other jihadist units trapped in Aleppo are able to break out of the trap as their supply routes with other militants in the Anadan Valley or in Idlib have been fully cut off.

And if five-six days ago they were undertaking active attempts to counterattack in the central parts of the city, around its railway station, nowadays they have halted all of them.

Up to 200,000 residents remain in the districts still controlled by the jihadists. All of them could move to the government-controlled areas through a relatively small neutral district and a checkpoint in the center of the city.

The website notes that there are six-seven times more residents, not taking into account the refugees in western Aleppo which is under control of the legitimate government.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders, or MSF) is interested in Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's call on international organizations to take part in Russia-backed humanitarian operation in Syria's Aleppo, the head of mission in Russia for MSF Operational Center in Brussels (OCB) told Sputnik on Thursday.

"As stated many times before, MSF is very concerned about the people of Aleppo, and the estimated 250,000 people trapped in the east of the city. MSF is thus interested in this call from Defense Minister Shoigu, and we are willing to make contact with the MoD [Ministry of Defense] to get accurate and comprehensive information on the conditions," Ewald Stals said.

Earlier in the day, the Russian defense minister said the country and the Syrian government had launched a joint large-scale humanitarian relief operation in Aleppo, establishing three corridors for civilians and one for militants wishing to lay down arms, and said that Moscow offered the international organizations working in Syria to join this operation.
The declaration, dated to the year 1917 and over 100-years old, was a document from the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour to a renowned leader of the Jewish Community at the time, Lionel Walter Rothschild. The declaration made official the British state's support for a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine and facilitated the United Kingdom's mandate for Palestine in 1922.

It explicitly said that the British government at the time, favored the creation of a "national home for the Jewish people in Palestine," Mr al-Maliki said:

"We are working to open up an international criminal case for the crime which they committed against our nation  from the days of the British manage all the way to the massacre which was carried out against us from 1948 onward."

Israel claimed independence in the year 1948 after the British mandate expired. In the subsequent Arab-Israeli war, approximately 700-800,000 Palestinians were displaced, promoting a huge demographic shift in favor of Israel. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is yet to issue a statement concerning Mr Abbas' statements.

Whether or not the international community will take Abass' statements seriously remains to be seen, but it marks an unprecedented move in British-Palestine relations over the last decade.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) conducted 25 airstrikes against the terror groups positions in Syria and Iraq on Wednesday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a press release.

"In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL [IS] targets," the release said on Thursday. "Additionally in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes with and in support of the Government of Iraq."

In Syria, the 14 strikes destroyed vehicles, fighting positions and tactical units near three cities, including Manbij and Mara, according to the Central Command.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The new round of intraSyrian talks in Geneva is unlikely to be the last as the parties to talks are still not ready to formulate a final plan for political transition in Syria, Tarek Ahmad, a member of the Hmeimim group of internal Syrian opposition, told Sputnik on Thursday.

On Tuesday, following the trilateral Russia-US-UN meeting, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said that the parties had made progress and that the negotiations could resume by the end of August.

"The next round of talks in Geneva could become a small step forward but it is unrealistic to think that it would become the last and final [stage]. There are still too many problems and disagreements between the parties. It is unlikely that a final plan for a political transition will be formulated," Ahmad said.
This point of view has been echoed by Dr. Bassam Abu Abdallah, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Damascus University, who told the newspaper that Syria is not counting on the negotiations in Geneva, but rather on a rapprochement between Russia and Turkey.

The Riyadh-formed High Negotiations Committee (HNC) is prone to US influence and the influence of the Middle Eastern states and is not acting in the interests of Syria, he said.

While he does not expect any progress in the negotiations, the expert suggests that the failed coup attempt in Turkey will push Ankara to reconsider its foreign policy objectives.

The US has been accused of being behind the attempted military overthrow, he said. Washington is also for the further break up of Syria and for creating Kurdish autonomy.

All the above, he said, is unacceptable to Turkey, and so it will try to get closer to Russia and Iran and might make the decision to close its border with Syria which will result in a dramatic change in the balance of powers on the battlefield, he concluded.

Recent reports suggest that the next round of intra-Syrian talks could be scheduled for the end of August.

The Syrian government delegation, as well as three opposition groups  the Riyadh-formed HNC, the Moscow-Cairo and the Hmeymim groups  have been taking part in the UN-mediated Geneva talks on the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The latest round of talks took place in Geneva on April 13-27. The HNC walked out of the negotiations, citing the continuous fighting in Syria and the lack of progress on humanitarian issues.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson pointed out in a joint communique on Thursday the need to increase efforts to combat terrorism in Syria.

"The ministers emphasized the need to increase efforts to combat terrorist groups in Syria, be they Daesh [Arabic acronym for the Islamic State] or Jebhat al-Nusra. They stressed that there can be no lasting political solution or return to stability in Syria so long as Syrian civilians continue to be massacred," the communique read.

According to the communique, the ministers also welcomed US and Russian efforts to reach an agreement on Syrian conflict settlement in coordination with the United Nations.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Syrian government army took control of the Palestinian refugee camp Handarat south of the Mallah Farms area near the city of Aleppo, media reported Thursday.

According to the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen TV channel, the liberation of Handarat will put an end to the presence of armed militants in one of the areas in Aleppo's north. It is expected that the battles will move further to the region bordering with Turkey, the media added.
Earlier this month, elements of the Turkish military attempted to carry out a coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party. Since then, speculation has emerged that the coup may have been orchestrated by followers of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish billionaire preacher who is in self-imposed exile in the United States.

Speaking at an expert panel organized by the Rossiya Segodnya news agency on Thursday, German political scientist Alexander Rahr suggested that if some foreign power is proven to have been involved in the attempt to overthrow the Turkish government, Ankara will be forced to radically reconsider its geopolitical alignment.

"As far as Turkey is concerned, if it turns out (and it is no longer possible to hide anything) that the attempted putch against Erdogan was somehow sponsored by Saudi Arabia, or by other states  if it turns out that once again, as in 1980, US intelligence is behind the coup, I think that the question of Turkey's exit from NATO can be put on the agenda."
ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkey's Supreme Military Council held a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, earlier on Thursday to review the situation in the armed forces in light of the July 15 coup attempt.

"Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, Land Forces Commander Gen. Salih Zeki Colak, Air Force Commander Gen. Abidin Unal, and Navy Commander Adm. Bulent Bostanoglu will continue work in their posts," Kalin told reporters.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Moscow and Damascus had launched a joint large-scale humanitarian relief operation in Aleppo, establishing three corridors for civilians and one for militants wishing to lay down arms, and said that Moscow offered the international organizations working in Syria to join this operation.

"A special emphasis was put on explanation of Russia's approach to establishing humanitarian corridors, creation of meal sites and first-aid centers to Aleppo's civilians. A call to inform their capitals about the initiative of the Russian defense department and to consider the possibility to provide necessary help to the Syrian population was directed to the foreign military representatives," the statement said.
NEW YORK (Sputnik)  The Turkish government is using the recent failed military coup to silence a vast array of media outlets critical of its positions, Committee to Protect Journalists Coordinator Nina Ognianova said in a statement on Thursday.

"The scale of this rout of the media is staggering," Ognianova stated. "Instead of channelling the overwhelming support [the Turkish government] has received from across the political spectrum to unite the nation, the government is exploiting a failed coup to silence the critical press when Turkey most needs pluralistic media."

On July 15, elements of the Turkish military attempted to topple the government, but were suppressed by the following day. Soon after the attack, Turkish authorities began a purge of numerous institutions, including of media outlets. On Wednesday, prosecutors ordered the arrest of the latest 47 journalists.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russian military transport plane delivered more than 15 tonnes of UN humanitarian aid to residents of Syria's city of Deir ez-Zor, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

"Aircraft of Russia's aviation company Abakan Air has delivered more than 15 tonnes of UN humanitarian cargoes to the city of Deir ez-Zor besieged by the terrorists of the Islamic State [Daesh]," the ministry said in a daily bulletin posted on its website.

According to the bulletin, Russian military has also delivered some 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid, mostly food supplies, to low-income families of Syria's provinces of Hama, Damascus, Latakia and Aleppo.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Over 1,000 Russian servicemen took part in field firing exercises in South Ossetia, the press service of Russia's Southern Military District announced on Thursday.

"The divisions of the Russian military base in the Southern Military District, stationed in the republic of South Ossetia, conducted field firing at the Dzartsemi firing range," the press service said in a statement.

The drills involved T-72A tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, 2S12 Sani mortar systems, AGS-17 and RPG-7 grenade launchers, and small arms, according to the ministry.
BEIJING (Sputnik)  Russia and China will hold joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, the Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said Thursday.

"Based on the consensus reached by the parties, the Chinese and Russian navies will hold joint Sea Cooperation-2016 exercises in the South China Sea in September," Yang told a briefing, noting that the drills "are not aimed at third countries."

A highly-contested region through which roughly $5 trillion in international trade passes annually, most of the waterway is claimed by China, though there are overlapping claims by Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.
"Judge for yourselves," Mardasov suggested: "On July 26, after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke of progress in talks on Syria. In particular, [he talked] of coordination in airstrikes against Daesh (ISIL/ISIS) and the Al-Nusra Front, and a simultaneous halt to the bombing of the 'moderate' insurgents. However, these 'moderates' have not left the front lines and continue to fight Assad's army. If Moscow is on Damascus's side, it has an obligation to help it repel these attacks. It seems that pressure from Washington has forced us to step aside, but what if this is just a formality?"

The heart of the issue, according to the journalist, is that it matters little if the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces are the ones bombing the terrorists, or if it's the Syrian Air Force doing it. "What difference does it make if it's Russian or Syrian pilots at the controls of the Su-24s? The main thing is that the bombs drop on their designated targets. If the Syrians begin using the upgraded bombers, will it be difficult to figure out who blew up another camp of 'moderate' rebels  Russian or Syrian air power? Damascus, unlike Moscow, is not conducting any negotiations with Washington, and consistently calls all armed opposition in Syria 'terrorists'."

Asked to comment on the delivery of the Su-24M2s, military expert Yakov Kedmi, a former high ranking official in the Israeli intelligence services, told Svobodnaya Pressa that the delivery was planned long ago. "After Russia actively got involved in the Syrian conflict, Moscow also simultaneously began activities to restore the Syrian Armed Forces, the Syrian Air Force first and foremost. This included the modernization of the Su-24MK, and their equipment with the SVP-24 special computing subsystem designed to increase bombing precision many times, along with the training of pilots and maintenance personnel."

The decision on the number of planes, according to Kedmi, has to do with the number that the Syrian Air Force is currently capable of absorbing. "Factually," the expert noted, "the Syrian Air Force significantly increased its involvement in the fighting following the withdrawal of Russian aircraft from the Hmeymim Airbase. Syrian pilots began carrying out up to 30 sorties a day, which is a strong showing for this country's Air Force."
India's failure to resolve the deadlock with France on the proposed procurement of Rafale fighter jets has translated into a realization by the Defense Ministry that it needs to hone the negotiating skills of its officials. The Ministry is devising a special course for its negotiators.

"We need to build upon our negotiation skills and we are working on that as we are trying to work out courses for enhancing negotiation skills of all those who are dealing with procurement," Air Vice-Marshal M. Baladitya said.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)A fresh meeting of the Russian-Chinese intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation will be held in the near future, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Thursday.

"Regular contacts between the heads of our defense ministries are of special importance in our relations. We are planning to hold a fresh meeting of the Russian-Chinese intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation soon," Antonov said.

Antonov said the Russian-Chinese military-technical cooperation is not aimed against third countries, stressing that the main common enemy is global terrorism.
The weapons deliveries are being made despite the fact that some of these groups, including Daesh and al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra Front, are under a UN arms embargo.

Furthermore, in addition to the sale of mothballed weapons stocks left over from the Cold War, Wilcken emphasized that the report has also shown that there are new stocks, "manufactured as recently as 2015."

Asked to comment on the arms trade from the standpoint of international law, the researcher noted that the evidence points to these arms sales being illegal. He pointed out that the "common thread" between the EU and international level legislation formally governing Eastern European countries' behavior "is that arms cannot be transferred if there is substantial risk that they will end up being used to systematically violate human rights. In this instance, I think that the risks are very, very high. We have seen that there is a huge surplus of arms being used by these armed opposition groups, by Islamist extremist groups in the region."

Wilcken also emphasized that one of the more concerning aspects to this case was the fact that the trade is so out in the open. "There is a very small covert trade around the world, which is often very concerning, but [then] you have this massive overt trade by the big traders, often into situations where there is a very high risk that the weapons will be used to destabilize regions and systematically violate human rights."
ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik)  Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov proposed on Thursday to merge national databases of terrorists for more effective fight against terrorism.

"Those databases in Europe in the framework of the Interpol, the European Union, Russia and other states should be united. The UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate is supporting us in this issue Almost every security service has a huge amount of information. But that are separated databases, which should be united," Bortnikov told journalists after a meeting of the heads of special and security services and law enforcement.

Bortnikov added that Russia created two databases of terrorists. One of them is open and contains information about people committed crimes and terrorist organization. "Up to date 30 security services and 24 states have joined the open database," Bortnikov noted.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Canadian military personnel will take part in the Panama Canal drills, known as PANAMX, on July 29 through August 5 to practice canal traffic protection measures, Canada's Department of National Defense said in a press release on Thursday.

"Participation in Exercise PANAMAX contributes to the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces, allowing the Canadian Armed Forces to meet the likely tasks that the Government of Canada will assign," the release stated.

The exercise, led by Chile, Colombia and Peru, is sponsored by the US Southern Command, and has the total of 20 participating members.
At least 35 planes were used, 24 of which were fighter jets. Other aircraft included refueling tankers, as well as 37 helicopters.

On the ground, coup-supporters commandeered 37 tanks and 246 armored vehicles.

The statement affirmed that Turkey maintains the strength to put down future threats. Writing for AntiWar.com, Jason Ditz isnt so sure.

"With Turkey continuing to sweep up more and more people in its purge, particularly from the military, many analysts are calling Turkeys military a 'broken force,' and with so much of the military leadership swept up, its going to take a long time for it to recover," he writes.
Vocal Europe (@thevocaleurope) July 28, 2016

A recent poll conducted just before the failed coup attempt found that only 17% of Turks welcomed the United States in the country and anti-American sentiment in Turkey has only grown as the US refuses to extradite the alleged coup mastermind, Fethullah Gulen, with US officials citing US law that requires a certain evidentiary standard be met before conducting such proceedings  evidence that they say Ankara has failed to provide.

Jorge Alvarez (@jealvarezb343) July 28, 2016

As the protest march continues to grow in size, the potential exists that protesters may ultimately clash with NATO forces.

Vocal Europe (@thevocaleurope) July 28, 2016

The US State Department issued a warning to US personnel serving in or near Incirlik Air Base and cautioned that the American Consulate in Adana will close promptly at 4pm to avoid conflicts with demonstrators.

Travel  State Dept (@TravelGov) July 28, 2016

An additional warning been issued for Americans traveling to Turkey that a massive anti-American protest is also scheduled to take place in Ankara at 5:30pm and that US citizens should "be aware."

Travel  State Dept (@TravelGov) July 28, 2016

Local reporters indicate that police have been deployed to block the entrance of the protesters who are chanting against the United States, Israel and calling for the immediate shutdown of Incirlik Air Base with some demonstrators saying that they are using the base to kill their "brothers" throughout the Middle East.

Mete Sohtaoglu (@metesohtaoglu) July 28, 2016

A large convoy of vehicles are in line with the thousands of protesters which threatens to great complicate the already tenuous security situation near the critical NATO base.

Fer G (@FGunay1) July 28, 2016

The protests were broken up after they began nearly five hours earlier with police first blocking the roadways heading to the Incirlik airbase and then subsequently demanding that demonstrators disband.

Mete Sohtaoglu (@metesohtaoglu) July 28, 2016


The trajectory of development of bilateral ties between certain countries sets the level of interdependence between them, Suleyman Sensoy told Sputnik Turkiye.

He further noted that there have been profound changes in Turkeys foreign policy towards Russia, with apparently quite a new paradigm at hand.

The political analyst explained that it derived not only from the recent twists in the relationship between Turkey and the West. The roots of the relationship between Turkey and Russia lie deep underground, he said. Virtually, the relations with Russia to a large extent define the position and significance of Turkey at the international arena. And thus the Russian-Turkish ties acquire not only regional but global importance.
Russia, he added, is playing a key role in settling of the Syrian crisis and has a very serious influence in this respect.

Siyanek Dibo reminded that Syrian Kurds are fighting against Daesh and noted that they expect to be supported in this fight. According to the politician, all the global powers should take an active part in the fight against terrorism.

He also commented on the operation to liberate the city of Manbij.

Many positions in the city have already been retaken from Daesh. In the nearest future the whole city will be cleaned from terrorists, he said, adding that the Kurds and other civilians in the city districts have been subjected to persecution for four years already.

The Federation of North Syria  Rojava was declared on March 17 as a de facto autonomous region originating in three self-governing cantons in northern Syria: most of al-Hasakah Governorate, the northern parts of Al-Raqqah Governorate and the northern parts of Aleppo Governorate were arranged into a federation.

It is unrecognized as autonomous by the government of Syria.

According to the Kurds, Rojava is one of the four parts of the so-called Greater Kurdistan, which also includes parts of southeastern Turkey (Northern Kurdistan), northern Iraq (Southern Kurdistan), and northwestern Iran (Eastern Kurdistan).
Asked whether anyone in Poland actually believes in the nonsense about an imminent Russian invasion, Trukhachev noted that unfortunately, propaganda can go a long way. "The sentiment of a 'frightening Russia' looking to come and take over Poland is supported by the ruling Law and Justice Party." Within that party, the analyst noted, the kinds of anti-Russian remarks regularly made by Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz and Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski in particular tend to stand out.

"These men are out and out Russophobes with a deformed imagination who see a 'Russian threat' behind every cornerTheir antics are necessary to divert the attention of ordinary Poles from an economic policy which hasn't been all that successful, and so that the EU and NATO might give Poland extra money. After all, they're not going to give out much money for Poland's industry and agricultureBesides its proximity to Russia, Poland doesn't really have any special trump cards in its foreign policy deck."

Presently, Trukhachev noted, "in Poland, to varying degrees, over 80% of the population is fearful of Russia. Given the two countries' difficult common history, this is quite understandable. However, the figures of those who believe that a war between the two countries is possible is significantly lower. The idea of transforming Poland into an arena for combat operations finds little sympathy in Polish society, and most Poles do not want to fight with Russia for any reason."

As for the NATO battalions being deployed in Poland and the Baltics, the political scientist compared these to the phenomenon of wild animals marking their territory. "Their purpose is to show Russia who's boss in the region. At the same time, the Poles and the Balts want to be assured that they will not be abandoned in the face of 'terrible Russia'. What's more, in Poland even many hawks would prefer that Poland fights Russia using the US military."
Debrer noted that both Ansbach bomber Mohammad Deleel  a Syrian refugee  and Afgani migrant Muhammad Riyad, who terrorized the train in Wurzburg, had been inspired by Daesh.

On the other hand, it turns out that Munich shooter Ali David Sonboli, a German of Iranian descent, could have been a follower of Norwegian ultra-right terrorist Anders Breivik.

While it is believed that a 21-year old Syrian asylum seeker stabbed a woman to death in the city of Reutlingen in an alleged crime of passion, the question remains why he also injured two passing pedestrians, the journalist remarked.

In the wake of the violent attacks, the German Chancellor has interrupted her vacation to hold a press conference in Berlin, Deutsche Welle reports.

"Political pressure is believed to be the key reason for Merkel to cut her vacation short and move up the large press event, traditionally held at the end of August each year The Chancellor is now under fire from both the opposition and some allies over the 'failed' migrant policy," the media outlet elaborates.

Merkel has come under fierce attack from both right and left-wing parties within the German Bundestag for her refugee policy.

"For security reasons, we cannot allow even more Muslims to come to Germany without control," AfD vice chief Alexander Gauland said, as quoted by Deutsche Welle, while left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht denounced Merkel's "We can do it" policy as "flippant."

What has happened in Germany in the last ten days mark a watershed in the history of Angela Merkel's leadership, Debrer believes.

"In the span of just a few days, this string of heinous assaults has shaken a nation that already seemed on the verge of becoming unhinged. Something good has ended  or so it feels  and we don't know what's next," Richter said, echoing the Russian journalist.
However former US ambassadors to Russia and Ukraine Michael McFaul and Steven Pifer respectively were quick to suggest that Trumps words about Crimea were a returned sign of sympathy to Russia from its preferred candidate.

Trump will consider lifting sanctions against Russia and recognizing illegal annexation of Crimea. No wonder he is Kremlin's favored candidate, tweeted Steven Pifer, a researcher at the Brookings institution and former US Ambassador to Ukraine (1998-2000).

#Trump would consider lifting sanctions on #Russia & recgonizing illegal annexation of Crimea. No wonder he is Kremlin's favored candidate.  Steven Pifer (@steven_pifer) 27  2016 .

His words were echoed by Michael McFaul, the US Ambassador to Russia in 2012-2014:

Why Putin loves Trump: Trump to look at recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, lifting sanctions, he tweeted.

Why Putin loves Trump: Trump to look at recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, lifting sanctions https://t.co/2IqaSKnKKr  Michael McFaul (@McFaul) 27  2016 .

Anders Aslund, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington and an expert in the Russian economy also took the politicians words seriously, urging the Republicans to reconsider the support of their candidate.

Can any serious republican support Trump after his statements on Russia & Crimea today?  Anders Aslund (@anders_aslund) 27  2016 .

However, New York Times journalist Jonathan Martin suggested that they were just words said in a hurry to get away from some journalists, which the politician used just to make a getaway.

However Chairman of Russias Federation Council Committee on international Affairs Konstantin Kosachev believes that the politician has voiced the request of the American society for rapprochement with Russia.

He added that Trump has repeatedly proved that he, like no other in the US, feels the exact public demand for a change of course and the mood of a significant part of the electorate, tired of the Clintons and the Bushes.

So the mere fact that he believes it is possible or necessary over and over again to speak on the topic of rapprochement with Russia, this time with regards to Crimea, speaks for itself: certain public sentiment about Russia is becoming more common and can bring more winning points politically, he added.

Meanwhile the Crimean authorities have invited the US Republican presidential nominee to visit the Peninsula to see for himself the everyday life of ordinary Crimeans.

Nobody has cancelled a proverb that a picture is worth one thousand words. There are many distortions about Crimea voiced in the West. We welcome all the friends who come to have a rest and to see for themselves that we reside in peace and prosperity, Crimea's First Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Sheremet told RIA Novosti.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Russia may use the aftermath of the failed coup attempt in Turkey to come between Turkey and its NATO allies, US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said on Thursday.

"I think Putin, being the opportunist that he is, if he can see a way to drive a wedge between Turkey and the west, specifically Turkey and NATO, he will," Clapper stated at the Aspen Security Forum.

However, Clapper went on to say that such a strategy would not work because Turkey enjoys the safeguards and protections provided by the NATO alliance.
And picking up on our coverage of the DNC in Philadelphia, we hear from journalist Emmett Rensin about just how divided the convention hall is, and demonstrations from Bernie Sanders supporters outside.

Also later, a federal court rules that its cool with the FBI placing bugs outside courthouses, but could that implicate attorney-client privileges in the US. Also, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said something stupid, and the Clinton campaign is trying to put out the flames.
KHABAROVSK (Sputnik)  The Russian Eastern Military District air defense forces have repelled a number of simulated enemy air attacks as part of ongoing exercises, the district's spokesman said Thursday.

On Wednesday, large-scale air grouping and missile defense management exercises kicked off in the district. Over 8,000 Russian servicemen and 1,000 pieces of military equipment, including around 100 aircraft and helicopters, as well as Pacific Fleet warships, are involved in the drills.

"Today, air defense forces repelled massed air attacks by simulated enemies over 10 times as part of aviation group and air defense management exercises that had begun earlier," Alexander Gordeev said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia will deploy Admiral Kuznetsov, the country's only aircraft carrier , in the Mediterranean Sea before the end of 2016 for a period of up to four months, Adm. Igor Kasatonov, the former head of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, said in an interview.

Earlier in July, a source familiar with the matter told RIA Novosti that the aircraft carrier would be deployed in the Mediterranean no sooner than October.

"The ship will set off [for the Mediterranean] at the end of the year. The carrier battle group, which will include several screening ships, will be formed. Allegedly, a nuclear multi-role submarine will be [in the group]. The ship's deployment is designed to last for 3-4 months," Kasatonov, who also was the first deputy commander of Russia's Navy, told RIA Novosti.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia will finish the construction of the naval base in country's port of Novorossiysk located at the country's Black Sea coast by 2020, Adm. Igor Kasatonov, the former head of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, said in an interview.

"It is difficult to announce the final terms of the base construction yet, but we will certainly finish it by 2020," Kasatonov, who also was the first deputy commander of Russia's Navy, told RIA Novosti.

He added that the construction of the base's western breakwater, which was important to protect ships from stormy weather, was expected to be finished in 2016.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Russian Navy will receive the Admiral Gorshkov, the lead ship of its class and the first Project 22350 frigate, on November 22, the Russian Navy's former First Deputy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Igor Kasatonov said.

"The Admiral Gorshkov, the lead ship of the project 22350 frigate series, should join the Russian Navy on November 22 this year, an event which will be attended by top government officials. The Admiral Kasatonov will be transferred to the Navy in late 2017. It will pass all test stages and will join the Navy," Kasatonov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

The admiral, who also served as the head of Russia's Black Sea Fleet between 1991 and 1992, added that the Admiral Golovko, the next ship of the series, would join the Navy after 2020.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  A snowplow machine driver admitted his guilt in the 2014 crash that led to the death of French Total oil and gas company CEO Christophe de Margerie, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported from the courtroom Thursday.

De Margerie died on the night from October 20 to October 21, 2014, when his business jet crashed in Moscows Vnukovo airport. De Margerie was the only passenger on board the aircraft in addition to three French crew members who also died in the crash.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the detained on suspicion of bribery governor of Kirov Region on Thursday, replacing him with the chief of the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadaster and Cartography (Rosreestr).

"Impeach Nikita Yuryevich Belykh from office of the Governor of Kirov Region in connection with the loss of the Russian Presidents confidence," a decree published on the Kremlin website states.

The Kremlin press service later said Putin appointed head of Rosreestr Igor Vasiliev as interim Kirov governor.
NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  Former shareholders of defunct Yukos oil producer have abandoned their claim to arrest Russian state assets in India, lawyers representing Russia in Yukos assets litigation in an Indian court confirmed Thursday.

"Former Yukos shareholders withdrew their action on arrest of Russian assets in $50-billion compensation, awarded by the Arbitration Court in the Hague in July 2014. We don't have an official notice from the court yet, but one of our lawyers attended the court session, and informed us", Andrei Kondakov, director general of the International Center for Legal Protection.

The withdrawal was made after a Thursday session of the High Court of Delhi, where three cases related to lawsuits over Yukos assets, filed by Group Menatep Limited (GML)  Yukos Universal Limited, Veteran Petroleum  Hulley Enterprises Limited, were reviewed.
The new third-generation airborne command post is based on a modified Ilyushin Il-96-400 wide-body aircraft. It should be noted that late in 2015 the Russian military has already received a second-generation 'doomsday plane' based on an Ilyushin Il-80 aircraft.

Igor Korotchenko, military analyst and editor-in-chief of the National Defense magazine, told Sputnik that the 'doomsday plane' is designed to provide command and control of Russian military and strategic nuclear forces in case of a major conflict or even a full-scale invasion of Russia. He further explained that the aircraft essentially balances out the command and control system as the Russian General Staff and National Defense Control Center also have a number of mobile underground and airborne command centers.

"It ensures the inevitability of a nuclear retaliatory strike in case any country uses its nuclear weapons against Russia. Basically, this airborne command post ensures that no attack against our country goes unpunished. Any state that may threaten the safety or territorial integrity of the Russian Federation, that may launch a war or a sudden attack, would face retaliation," Korotchenko said.
Beijing is reportedly preparing to launch the world's first "quantum satellite," as a proving ground for various unnamed experimental communication technologies, according to The Sun

If the first satellite is a success, it will serve as proof of concept for the construction of an advanced and secure communication network based on quantum transmissions.

The idea behind the technology is to send protons, a primary element in an atom, over long distances. Arranged in specific configurations, the protons can be used to send encrypted messages that will be difficult to decode by a third party and hard to tamper with, as any interference would leave a obvious trace.
Kaspersky has shared four free decryption tools on its website to help users fight ransomware, and the company is hard at work making more.

"All the tools are free of charge, that's the whole idea  we don't charge users anything. We want to pull the angle out of ransomware, we don't want it to be successful anymore and that's why we're going after the servers with the keys so we can give users the possibility to decrypt their file for free."

The new initiative is called "No More Ransom," and so far it contains more than 160,000 keys which will help victims to retrieve their data.

According to Kaspersky, the number of victims of ransomware is growing at an alarming rate: in 2014-2015 there were 131,000, which rose to 718,000 in 2015-2016.
PHILADELPHIA  Protests against presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party continued for a fourth day on Wednesday outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia.

"We want to take back our farms, food, families and freedom," Ethan, a self-described farm activist, told Sputnik on Wednesday.

Ethan paraded his alpaca down Philadelphia's Broad Street to the DNC site in south Philadelphia.
Winnie predicted that the continuing reverberations from the scandal would inflict lasting damage on Democrats unity because they confirmed the widely-held suspicions among Sanders supporters that the leadership was determined to marginalize and defeat them.

"If I was Bernie Sanders [supporter], I would be very outraged by this. This will impact on the ability of the Democrats to unite. You are seeing Sanders people who refuse to go along with the Clinton narrative. They refuse to accept her," he explained.

The WikiLeaks revelations would also prove devastating for Clinton with the American public, Winnie predicted.

"People in the United States view her as untrustworthy as someone who gets away with things that other people are not allowed to," he pointed out.

Winnie said he also believed efforts by Democratic leaders, including President Barack Obama, to distract public attention and blame Russia for the leaks would fail for lack of proof.

"Concerning the alleged Russian hacking, we do not know for sure. There is no definitive proof of official Russian involvement," he noted.

Winnie added that the real scandal was the failure of Clinton and the DNC to take basic responsible security precautions.
PHILADELPHIA (Sputnik), Joanne Stocker  Lange joined other Sanders supporters and delegates in walking out of the convention after Clinton was officially nominated by the Democratic party for the US presidency on Tuesday night.

"[Clinton is] actually an appendage of the military-industrial complex," Lange said on Wednesday. "Her foreign policy is nothing but more and more war."

He explained that Clintons advocacy for military intervention was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people in Libya.


WASHINGTON (Sputnik)The United States on Thursday successfully launched Atlas V rocket with NROL-61 spy satellite from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United Launch Alliance (ULA) said.

According to the translation aired by the ULA, the rocket was launched at 8:37 local time (12:37 GMT).

The satellite is put into orbit on behalf of the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The first US flight to Cuba operated by JetBlue Airlines will take off on August 31, the airline announced in a statement on Thursday.

"JetBlue today announced it will launch flights to Cuba on August 31, 2016," the statement said.

The first flights will all leave from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in the US state of Florida and head to the Cuban city of Santa Clara, the airline noted. A one-way ticket will cost 99 dollars.
Trump has said that the US has "bigger problems than Assad." The US, according to him, should "stop nation-building. We can't do it. We have to build our own nation."

He has also lambasted the invasion of Iraq: "We got rid of Saddam, and now it's a disaster.

"It was a lot better than it is right now," Trump said.

At a Foreign Policy Professionals for Hillary gathering Kagan was quoted as saying that: "I would say that a majority of people in my circle will vote for Hillary."

Sputnik spoke to Glasgow Caledonian University's Dr Mark McLay about why Neoconservatives who are overwhelmingly Republican would support Democrat Clinton.

"Donald Trump's main approach is American first, which reminds many people of an organization of the same name in the 1930s that tried to stop America becoming involved in WW2. He talks about moving back from the rest of the world and focusing on America. So I think Trump scares these Neoconservatives, who are very pro-intervention and believe it is America's role to act as the world's policeman. However Hillary Clinton has always been more hawkish in her foreign policy, which the Neoconservatives like," Dr McLay told Sputnik.

"She was the main driver behind president Obama's decision to get involved in Libya, while Obama is now on record as saying that its one of his biggest foreign policy regrets.

"She was also instrumental while secretary of state in bringing lots of countries together to impose harsh sanctions on Iran."

The Neoconservative movement is credited with championing and launching the invasion of Iraq in 2003, a move which earned it widespread condemnation in years to come within liberal circles in the United States and globally.
While the air base has 15 F-35s, only 12 have received the modifications necessary to meet combat readiness requirements. These include adequate lightning protection and fuel system improvements.

In March, tests showed that the aircraft suffered from a software glitch that affected the planes radar systems and flight performance. The 12 F-35s have received a patch that fixes these previous issues, according to tests performed with a separate squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.

"Weve deployed with the current software we had and it worked," Carlisle said, according to Defense News. "The Marines have deployed with it in its current configuration.

"Its not quite up to where we wanted to be, but theres workarounds."
NEW YORK (Sputnik)  A police officer from St. Louis, Missouri was sentenced to more than four years in prison for assaulting an arrestee, the US Department of Justice said in a statement on Thursday.

"A former St. Louis Metropolitan Police officer was sentenced to 52 months in prison late yesterday for depriving an arrestee of his civil rights by assaulting him and forcing a gun into his mouth while the victim was handcuffed," the statement noted.

According to evidence presented before the court, officer Thomas Carroll, 52, assaulted a man who was already under arrest because he was unlawfully in possession of a credit card that belonged to Carrolls daughter.
PHILADELPHIA (Sputnik)  Democratic Party presidential nominee Hillary Clinton will start a war over Syria if she is elected president of the United States, Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein told reporters at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia.

"She [Clinton] wants to start an air war over Syria," Stein said on Thursday.

Furthermore, Stein said that the United States would see wars expand under a Clinton administration.
PHILADELPHIA (Sputnik)  US Democratic Party leaders efforts to undermine Senator Bernie Sanders presidential campaign were apparent before WikiLeaks released nearly 20,000 Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails last week, three Sanders campaign volunteers told Sputnik at the partys convention in Philadelphia.

"[I am] disappointed, but not surprised the media is not focusing on the real issue, which is the content of those emails," Sanders campaign volunteer Autumn Summers told Sputnik on Thursday.

The email release was vindicating because volunteers had believed for months that the Sanders campaign was being restricted, volunteer Alex Deitrich said.
Environment and Climate Change Canada told the National Observer that its enforcement officers are now determining whether there may have been a contravention of federal environmental and wildlife legislation before, during, or after the leak. Husky Energy employees failed to contain the spill where it began on Thursday, and roughly 1,570 barrels of crude oil and other contaminants flowed into the waterways where Prince Albert and North Battleford get their drinking water.

"Our environmental emergencies officers are on-site to assess the situation and to provide scientific advice to inform cleanup options, said an email statement from the federal department. They are also collecting samples to better understand the characteristics of the spilled oil and its behavior in the North Saskatchewan River As this is a matter under investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russian experts have been sent to Geneva to work out a set of joint measures to stabilize the situation in the Syrian city of Aleppo at the request of US State Secretary John Kerry, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.

In accordance with the request of the President of Russia, at the personal request of US Secretary of State, send to Geneva a team of experts to work out joint measures to stabilize the situation in the Aleppo region, Shoigu said in a televised address.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting a number of opposition factions and extremist groups. On February 27, a US-Russia brokered ceasefire came into force in Syria. Terrorist groups such as Daesh, as well as Jabhat al-Nusra (Nusra Front), both outlawed in Russia and a range of other states, are not part of the deal.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Turkeys Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Thursday intelligence indicated that exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of masterminding a recent coup plot, may leave the United States for countries including Canada, Egypt or Australia.

"There are reports from intelligence that [Gulen] could escape to other countries," Bozdag said in an interview with the Haberturk broadcaster before listing the cleric's possible destinations, including South Africa and Mexico.

He further accused Gulen of preparing "for 40 years" the ouster carried out by a military faction on July 15-16 that lead to nearly 300 deaths and a mass crackdown.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Thousands of children in conflict-affected areas have been detained for vague reasons, and without legal charge, an international human rights watchdog said on Thursday.

"In countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria, hundreds of children may be detained at any given time for alleged conflict-related offenses. Many children are detained on the basis of groundless suspicion, flimsy evidence, or broad security sweeps. Some are detained because of alleged terrorist activities by family members. They are often denied access to lawyers and relatives, and the opportunity to challenge the basis of their detention before a judge," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report.

According to the report, the children are often exposed to coercive interrogations and torture as they are being extracted intelligence information. The conditions of detention are "frequently appalling," which also puts them at additional risk of physical and sexual violence.
GENEVA (Sputnik)  Russian military experts will arrive in Geneva on Friday to meet with their US counterparts to discuss the situation in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told Sputnik on Thursday.

"Our military experts will arrive [in Geneva] tomorrow," Gatilov said.

He added that the military experts will continue the work on the comparison of the maps pinning down locations of terrorists in the war-torn country.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia is interested in investments, including from China, in mineral resources exploration, Russian Natural Resources and Environment Minister Sergei Donskoi said Thursday.

"We are interested in [attracting] investments in geological exploration, including from Chinese companies. Soon we will have the opportunity to demonstrate the high investment potential of the use of subsurface resources in the Russian Far East at the Eastern Economic Forum. I know that today, it is investors from China who are showing great interest in the event," Donskoi said on his Facebook page.

Chinese investors are expected to contribute up to 90 percent of the funds to finance 10 percent of the projects estimated cost, with the rest coming from the venture's initiators and lenders.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Head of Russia's Investigative Committee Alexander Bastyrkin and Egypt's Prosecutor General Nabil Sadek have agreed to exchange data and to intensify direct contacts between investigators in a probe over the crash of a Russian passenger plane on the Sinai Peninsula, a spokesman for the Investigative Committee said Thursday.

Sadek is currently on a visit to Moscow to discuss bilateral cooperation with Russian officials.

"The sides have agreed on the need to develop bilateral cooperation in this [crash investigation] case, including through expedient exchange of information and intensification of direct contacts between Russian and Egyptian investigators and experts," Vladimir Markin said.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russia and Turkey discussed the resumption of charter flights and the tourist flow during a recent visit of a high-ranking Turkish delegation to Moscow.

"I think that the full resumption of tourist flow is possible only next year," Sokolov said in an interview with Rossiya 24 television.

Sokolov stressed that Turkish airports must enhance security screening at their facilities to meet international standards.
Since its inception in 1990, the Industry Day celebration at Grand River Raceway has been enthusiastically supported by the Ontario Harness Horse Association.

In the early days, the organization hosted the Backstretch Olympic Games with such epic events as water-pail and bandage-rolling contests. More recently, OHHA created the Best In Show Awards, providing cash prizes to the caretakers of horses racing on the Industry Day card.

For the events 26th edition on August 1, OHHA is providing $1,500 in total prizes  $100 to the top five in each of the following categories: Best Of Show Head-To-Toe; Horse & Groom; Above & Beyond (braids, sparkles, etc.).

Judges for the Best In Show will circulate throughout the paddock on Industry Day. The winners will be announced on the tracks website and social media later that evening.

Post time for Industry Day on August 1 is 1:30 p.m. Festivities and the broadcast kick-off at 1 p.m. Complete event details are available at IndustryDayCelebration.com

Event hashtag: #industryday26

To view Monday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Monday Entries - Grand River Raceway.

(Grand River Raceway)
Lyons Again and Russian Kisses shared the spotlight at Grand River Raceway on Wednesday evening (July 27), each scoring wins in their respective $7,500 Preferred 3 assignments.

Owned by Geoffrey Lyons Mound and trained by Bruce Goit, Lyons Again went wire-to-wire to win the Preferred 3 Pace for horses and geldings with Bob McClure in tow.

McClure sent Lyons Again to the lead from post two while pocketing Raylan Givens (Clarke Steacy) through a :27.2 first quarter before Warrior Call (Brad Forward) tipped out from fifth off the turn heading to the half in :56.4. However, Lyons Again remained strong on the lead to three-quarters in 1:25.4 with Saulsbrook Peach (Robert Shepherd) rallying three-wide off the stalled cover of Warrior Call and closing hard in the stretch. However, Lyons Again held off Saulsbrook Peach down the stretch to win by one length in 1:56 flat. Haydens Little Man (Jason Ryan) followed two and a half lengths behind in third off a three-hole trip while Ciona Bromach (Anthony Haughan) and Warrior Call completed the top five finish order.

Lyons Again paid $6.90 to win as the 2-1 second wagering choice to favourite Cobalt Man (Alfie Carroll), who followed in seventh-place throughout. The win was the first of the Dragon Again gelding's four-year-old campaign in six attempts.

The Isabelle Darveau-trained Russian Kisses converted off a pocket trip two races earlier to win the distaff division for driver/owner Robert Shepherd.

The six-year-old Badlands Hanover mare tracked 6-5 favourite Katherine B (Brad Forward) through fractions of :28.2, :58.2 and 1:27.4 before sprinting through along the inside lane to score the 1:57.3 victory. Polk Dot Hanover rallied four-wide around first over Windsong Glamorous (Bob McClure) and Pinky Tuscadero (Mike Horner), and stormed home to finish within one length of the winner, just ahead of Katherine B. Windsong Glamorous was fourth while Insincerity (Jason Ryan) edged out Pinky Tuscadero for the final paycheque.

Sent postward at odds of 7-2, second favourite Russian Kisses paid $8.90 to win. She notched her second win of the year from 10 starts.

To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Grand River Raceway.
On July 16, 2016, Georgian Downs celebrated families and the midpoint of the Racing Under Saddle Ontario season with a $5,000 RUS handicap race, however, Norwegian native Marit Valstad marked the end of a special chapter of her life on that night.

While winning would have been icing on the cake for Valstad, she was happy to finish third thus tallying another solid season in RUS Ontario as she prepares to move home to Norway permanently.

Valstad rode in her first race in 2000 at her home track of Leangen in Trondheim, Norway and continued to perfect her craft even after arriving in North America where racing under saddle was nothing more than a dream. In the early stages in Canada, a handful of people believed something new in Standardbred racing was needed and to that end RUS Ontario was born. Current President Julie Walker and a small group of highly dedicated people -- Valstad included -- worked tirelessly to get under saddle racing into the mainstream, including going before the then Ontario Racing Commission to achieve pari-mutuel wagering on the under saddle product in 2014. Walker and Valstad also worked together to give anyone wanting a chance to try riding Monte that opportunity. As racing under saddle gained traction, RUS Ontario added teaching clinics, which include training tips for riders, equipment seminars and a fitness test fashioned after the ones given in Norway and Sweden so riders can test their strength and readiness to race under saddle.

Valstad has viewed racing under saddle from a unique perspective because Monte (the European term for racing under saddle) was just getting started in Norway when Valstad was a teenager. However, by the time she moved to Canada, her home country had developed a thriving RUS circuit. But when Valstad arrived in North America, she found the new continent facing the same struggles Norway had just worked through. Ontario riders where having the same difficulties Norwegian riders had to surmount in the daunting task of convincing trainers that working trotters under saddle would lead to better muscle, more balanced gaits and noticeable attitude changes. While the challenges have been great, the rewards have been countless too. One of the exciting facets of racing in Canada is that race riders train most of their mounts too and that adds a special connection for the horses and the riders. In addition, the uniqueness of females being the majority participants in racing under saddle gives young girls role models in racing. For many youngsters all over the world, the chance to come to North America and be a part of Standardbred racing is a dream, and for Valstad, the chance to be able to participate as a race rider in Canada is a lifetime accomplishment.

As she prepares to return to Norway, Valstad, the 2014 RUS Ontario high point rider, reminisced about her time as a pioneer RUS rider in Canada. She especially enjoyed the Norway-Canada Challenge races that pitted three Canadian riders against three invited riders from Norway. Also standing out in her mind was the 2014 Exhibition Mohawk Racetrack race where she and her standout mount from that year, Radical Dreamer, capped off a terrific season by dead heating for the win. Valstad noted that just racing over the world famous Mohawk oval is a fantasy for many youngsters; however, arriving in the winner's circle is indescribable. As well, in 2015, the Harlequin RUS Invitational attracted a field of star riders from across the globe including the winningest Monte rider of all time, Belgian native Philippe Masschaele. Once again, Valstad toured the Mohawk oval, this time riding in close quarters with the John Campbell of Monte racing. While Masschaele won the race impressively, Valstad still cherishes her memories of having raced in the company of a legend.

For Valstad, the return to Norway is another exciting adventure, but she will miss the media and fanfare that surrounds racing under saddle in Canada, including meet and greets in the grandstands where fans can get up close and learn about racing under saddle. She will also miss the many photographers that find RUS exciting and attractive to photograph. Their generosity with their time and skills has resulted in many permanently preserved memories for Valstad, and these she will take home with her and be able to look back fondly on a dream come true as she helped Monte racing grow roots in her second home land.

The RUS Ontario seasons continues on August 1 at Grand River Raceway as part of the Industry Day celebrations, as well the racing under saddle excitement will touch down in Hanover, Ont. at Hanover Raceway on August 20.

(RUS Ontario)
After Hambletonian Week is over, a large number of owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, caretakers, journalists and race fans from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe will all be boarding planes and heading to Ireland.

They will be going to Dublin to take in the Ladbrokes Vincent Delaney Memorial Weekend, which will take place on the weekend of August 13.

But two very prominent owners and breeders in the industry, Joe Bellino  of Rocknroll Heaven, Pet Rock and Bellino Racing stardom  and Adam Bowden  of Diamond Creek Farm, Pure Country, Creatine and Divine Caroline fame  will head to Dublin for more than just a great vacation. They will be sponsoring races that weekend at Portmarnock Raceway, and are excited to feel the passion for harness racing that the Irish and UK horsemen and women have for the sport.

The reason that both of these men are not just coming over on holiday, but sponsoring races, came about because of their Facebook friendship with Derek Delaney, the chairman of the Vincent Delaney Memorial Weekend (VDM).

Derek, along with his brother James, run Oakwood Stud, a prominent breeding and training facility in Ireland and where they stand the former top racehorse, Foreclosure N.

Back in 2011, Derek and James lost their younger brother, Vincent, age 27, after a massive heart attack. Young Vincent was helping run the farm, working with the yearlings and showing great promise in the sport. To honour their late brother, they developed a race in his memory that has grown to become the richest and biggest stakes weekend in all of Ireland and the UK.

To Joe Bellino, his Facebook friendship with Derek Delaney has grown to the point where barely a day goes by that they are not in contact with each other via FB messenger.

I have become great friends with Derek through Facebook, Bellino explained. We have a lot in common, we both lost our brothers, and I think that has some special meaning to me.

I am always looking to help (sponsor) groups that help promote harness racing, Bellino explained when asked what prompted him to sponsor the Rocknroll Heaven/Pet Rock Irish-American FFA Pace at Portmarnock Raceway that weekend.

Derek has a lot of the same love that I do for harness racing, Bellino said, We speak almost every day about racing. I have never met the guy face-to-face, but we are like best friends. It will be so great to finally meet him.

I have never been to Ireland, Bellino said. My mother is from the Dublin area. Maybe I will meet someone who knew her family.

We are so excited about this trip, Bellino explained, That my wife and I are bringing her mom and most of our team over with us. Maybe eight to ten of us are coming to Ireland."

What does Bellino look forward to most on this trip?

Meeting Derek and his family and then the two race days, Bellino said. Im ecstatic about all of this. I dont go much to the races here in America. Even for the big races as we feel it is taboo, but I cant wait to come to Portmarnock Raceway for Dereks big weekend.

Ive never been to Ireland and am really excited about going, Bowden said. My wife, Lindsay, and I are looking forward to this trip and we are even leaving the kids are home.

It was Heather Vitale who first came to me to consider sponsoring a race in Ireland at the Vincent Delaney Memorial Weekend, Bowden said. I wanted to make sure if I was sponsoring a race that I would be to come over and attend. I could not do it last year, but made it a priority for this year and its all come together nicely.

Adam and Diamond Creek Farm are the name sponsors of the inaugural filly final of the VDM.

The story that Heather told us about the VDM weekend was really intriguing, Adam explained, Then I started reading about it online and then got a hold of Derek. He and others from Ireland and the UK have purchased horses from us over the years and this is a great way to give back and what Derek and his brother James are doing is inspiring in memory of his brother.

Derek has developed this race and made it really big, Bowden said. They are promoting our sport and Derek has pretty much accomplished all the goals he has put to his committee. Their ability to get this race weekend so popular it is attracting people from all over the world is pretty neat and I wanted to be part of it.

Is there any Irish blood in the Bowden family?

Probably, Bowden laughed. I would have to say yes figuring if you go back far enough we would find some Irish blood.

Everyone I have ever talked to about this race weekend has said what a wonderful place it is, Bowden said, Were really excited to experience whatever comes our way. Hopefully I will love it so much I will want to come back again next year. Its really shaping up that way.

Joining Bellino and Bowden on this special adventure to Ireland will be Hall of Fame announcer Roger Huston and harness racing personality Heather Vitale, each of whom will make their third straight trip for the VDM.

Newcomers this year include North Americas leading driver in 2015, Aaron Merriman, Heather Wilder from the Meadows, Hanovers Murray Brown, Heather Vitales mom (Joanne Looney-King) and sister Susan and Canadas darling owner, breeder and journalist, Sydney Weaver and her family.

Returning for his second year at the VDM is Dexter Dunn, the reigning world driving champion along with an entire tour group from down under. Other prominent breeders, owners and horsemen from down under include Alan Galloway, John McDermott, Bill Hutchison, Clive Dalton, Peter Ferguson, Peter Larkin and Steve Phillips.

It is just so grand that Joe and Adam and everyone is coming to Ireland for the VDM, Derek Delaney said. My brother James and I and the VDM committee are so thankful to Joe and Adam for their sponsorships and for their friendship. And for sure we will be showing everyone a great time, great racing and hopefully everyone will go home and tell their friends how they must come over to Ireland next year. Thats the impression we love to leave with our guests.

(VDM)
The memory of Ray Brienza, the dean of harness racing reporters in New Jersey, will be commemorated by the New Jersey chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association with the installation of a print of his Communicators Hall of Fame portrait on Saturday, July 30, 2016 in the press box at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Brienza was a writer and columnist for The Star-Ledger for nearly 40 years, as well as the associate dean emeritus for admissions at New York University's School of Medicine. He passed away on Friday, November 6, 2015. He was 80.

While attending Rutgers-Newark, Brienza began covering harness racing at Newark's Weequahic Park in the 1950s for the now-defunct Newark News. He assumed the harness racing beat at The Star-Ledger in 1972 when Newark News folded, reporting and handicapping for nearly 40 years.

Ray loved harness racing and provided daily coverage for the sport for many years in one of the states largest newspapers, said Moira Fanning, president of the NJ USHWA chapter. He was a respected and knowledgeable reporter and a press box fixture every night the Meadowlands raced.

Brienza won three John Hervey Awards, as well as the 2004 President's Award from the United States Harness Writers Association, for writing excellence, and his contributions were recognized by that group in 2007, when he was inducted into its Communicators Hall of Fame in Goshen, NY.

Brienza had a concurrent career in higher education, spending 31 years at the NYU School of Medicine as its associate dean of admissions and financial aid before retiring in 2004. NYU established the Raymond J. Brienza Scholarship Fund to support needy students of high academic merit.

Born in Newark, Brienza lived in South Orange, NJ for nearly 50 years. He was married to his wife, Una for 43 years until her passing in 2002. They had six children and six grandchildren.

(NJ chapter USHWA)
Horseman George Berkner, 74, perhaps best known for campaigning BGs Bunny, but more recently training 2010 New Jersey Classic winner BGs Folly and Feeling You, and co-owning Rockeyed Optimist, passed away on Thursday, July 28. Berkner had battled cancer for more than a year.

BGs Bunny won the 1977 Meadowlands Pace and set a 1:54 world record by a whopping five lengths in the process. Unfortunately, the euphoria from the big win didn't last long, as BGs Bunny shattered a sesamoid in five places in the race and never made another start.

Born in New York City, in Manhattan's Washington Heights district, Berkner's father was a tool-and-die maker who liked to make a trip to the track. When young, George took a summer job as a waiter at Kuschner Country Club in Monticello  he was conveniently close to Monticello Raceway.

Berkner got his first job working with horses in the Anthony Abbatiello Stable. He stayed there until he was drafted for service during the Vietnam War.

Berkner was in the Army for roughly seven months and was stationed in Hawaii where he learned that he had been discharged because of a family hardship. At that point, Berkner was the only male left in his family. He came home and returned to Monticello Raceway to get a job.

His next employers were Maurice Pusey, who had worked as an assistant for Clint Hodgins, and Sam Caton.

Not long afterward, Berkner moved to California to train there for three years. When he moved back to the east coast, he again settled at Monticello.

While at Monticello, Berkner met Bob Greenberg, who owned a bus line which specialized in transporting handicapped children in New York City.

At the 1975 Old Glory Yearling Sale, Berkner bought a colt named Cooring for $15,000 that had a bog spavin. Taking the initials from their first names, the colt was renamed BGs Bunny, with Bunny a reference to a bunny Greenberg kept on the mirror of his car.

In later years, Berkner developed 1989 Little Brown Jug winner Goalie Jeff. When the colt was in training, Berkner was still trying to take it easy after having suffered a heart attack in the previous year, so he began to work with young trainer Mark Loewe. Goalie Jeff was sold to a group formed by Tom Artandi and went on to win the Jug.

Berkner trained horses for the late Alan Kirschenbaum, his close friend from the days when Kirschenbaum worked for him. Among Kirschenbaum's horses were the money-making overachiever Little Steven and Feeling You, who finished second in the Tarport Hap and Lynch Memorial.

Berkner is survived by his wife, Ginny; daughter, Mara Shad Berkner; and a grandson.

Funeral arrangements will be posted when available.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of George Berkner.

(With files from harnessracing.com)


SWINDON, UK, July 27, 2016 / SWINDON, UK, July 27, 2016 / Standard Newswire / -- More than 10 million people now turn to the Digital Bible page on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/DigitalBible ) for their source of daily Bible encouragement. The page that is operated by United Bible Societies combines Scripture verses on the major themes of the Bible with captivating visual imagery. Twelve volunteers from every continent manage ministry aspects like personal prayer and counseling done through the site. The page was started in February 2009 by the Bible Society of New Zealand, but today encouraging Bible verses are posted in 5 languages: English, Afrikaans, French, German and Tagalog.

Over half a million people engage with the page each day, making it one of the top Christian social media pages in the world. Still, Adrian White, Chief Operating Officer of UBS, says that the page's huge popularity is due to providing Bible verses that address Gods answers for human needs. Digital Bible future plans are by no means modest. In 2016 the site will introduce live meetings of followers to honour and celebrate God together and currently volunteers for new languages are recruited with the help of Bible Societies.

About United Bible Societies:

United Bible Societies is a global network of Bible Societies working in more than 200 countries and territories across the world. Together, United Bible Societies members are the worlds biggest translator, publisher and distributor of the Bible. Bible Societies are also active in areas such as HIV/AIDS prevention, trauma healing and literacy. United Bible Societies works with all Christian Churches and many international non-governmental organisations. In addition to above discussed Facebook Digital Bible page UBS also operates similarly named The Digital Bible Library, the largest Scripture database that accelerates the translation process, safeguards texts and provides qualified ministries and organisations access to a standardised platform for rapid global Scripture delivery so that they can distribute translations and media files through websites, apps, print on demand, and other means. Read more: www.unitedbiblesocieties.org.
It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here.
Editors note: Today we continue a two-part report on candidates for the 19th District Position 1 House seat. Today we profile challengers Tim Sutinen, Val Tinney and Jim Walsh. Wednesday we profiled Teresa Purcell and incumbent J.D. Rossetti.

Tim Sutinen

Tim Sutinen said there's one major obstacle to local jobs growth  red tape.

The Longview business owner said if elected to the 19th District House seat, his first priority would be a faster permitting process for facilities and businesses interested in locating in the area.

"There are a lot of problems getting environmental permits," he said in an earlier interview. "We have legislated ourselves into a jobs abyss."

Sutinen supports Northwest Innovation Works' methanol plant in Kalama. But on the Millennium coal terminal in Longview, he said his support is conditional upon railroad improvements being paid for by those who "use and make money from the railroads, not the taxpayers."

It's the fourth time Sutinen has run for a 19th District House seat, but the first time as a Democrat. The choice irked party regulars because Sutinen's views are well right of even the conservative Democrats that occupy the 19th District seat.

Sutinen said labels change and that he's not a "typical party type of guy."

Sutinen opposes Initiatives 1491, which would prevent high-risk individuals from obtaining firearms, and Initiative 1464, which would end the sales tax exemption for Oregonians in Washington. He also opposes any attempt to create a state income tax. He says the state has enough revenue to improve schools in accordance with the State Supreme Court's McCleary decision without needing to raise taxes. It's a matter of improving spending priorities, he said.

Sutinen has spent a little over $12,000 on his own campaign, according to the Public Disclosure Commission.

Val Tinney

Val Tinney said Republicans are making a comeback, and she wants to be part of it.

Republicans are two seats away from gaining the majority in the House and can block proposals from Seattle that would devastate our area.

What Ive seen coming out of Olympia hurts jobs, family and the community, said Tinney, of Castle Rock. If we take the majority back, we can make some real changes.

The real estate broker said she's running because Democrats have used to the appointment process to help safeguard their control of 19th District seats.

It is frustrating to see so many politicians appointed  without the voters ever being given a choice, she said.

She says she is a strong advocate for private property rights.

Tinney supports the Millennium coal terminal in Longview and Northwest Innovation Works methanol plant in Kalama. She recalls opposing the siting of a state prison in the area decades ago.

At that time I was opposed to it because everybody said that we can do better, Tinney said. I just find it so ironic.  Here we are 25 years later, and we have not brought in one substantial employer.

Tinney said as a former Cowlitz Gun Club member, she is a stronger supporter of Second Amendment rights but supports background checks and keeping firearms out of the hands of mentally unstable people. But she said she would vote against Initiative 1491 because it "takes away due process."

Tinney strongly opposes Initiative 1464 to lift the Oregon sales tax exemption and said she supports the two-thirds supermajority vote for tax increases.

She has received nearly $17,000 in independent campaign expenditures from the Washington Realtors PAC, according to the Public Disclosure Commission. Thats more than the $13,000 she has raised in her campaign.

I was not aware that they were contributing," she said. I was really, really excited to be endorsed by them because they do a lot on behalf of homeowners and property rights issues."

Tinney said if confronted with vote that pitted her opinion against the majority viewpoint, she would side with the latter.

I think it would be difficult, but I do think you need to vote what your constituents want you to vote, she said.

Tinney said if elected, she would want to be on the Agriculture Committee because its affects property rights. She said she would also want to work on the Transportation Committee to address congestion.

She said she thinks she would work well with state Rep. Brian Blake, the other 19th District House member, because even though hes followed party lines a lot, hes still pretty much a moderate.

I always want to ask him when hes going to switch sides, Tinney joked. Im just really excited to see the direction the state is going.

Jim Walsh

Jim Walsh said the state political divide is not Republicans against Democrats, but urban versus rural communities. And he, too, is angry at the carefully choreographed appointment process Democrats have used for more than 20 years to control the 19th District.

This district needs to change the way it elects representatives, Walsh said at a League of Women Voters candidate forum earlier this month.

Walsh said the district needs real change that promotes economic growth and uses its natural resources effectively.

The Aberdeen Republican opposes the gas tax plan the Legislature adopted in 2015 to fund billions of dollars in transportation projects, including $110 million in rail projects in Kelso and Longview's industrial corridor. The rest of the 19th District didn't get much from the program, and that riles Walsh.

It is unconscionable to me that representatives from this area either supported or allowed it, Walsh said, adding that the Department of Transportation is a political "disaster" controlled largely by Puget Sound Democrats.

Walsh supports both the Millennium coal terminal in Longview and Northwest Innovation Works methanol plant in Kalama. He opposes initiatives 1491, on gun control, and 1464, on the sales tax exemption. Walsh also said he wants to see fewer regulations and permits that deter businesses from locating in the area.

Walsh said he would use his judgment when he votes on issues he disagrees with constituents on. But he said his views largely align with the district, so it wouldnt be a problem.

This district I really believe is uniquely positioned to lead a new coalition, a new block, a new sensibility in the Legislature, Walsh said. We are an odd bird but a good bird.
Kunal Khullar

Elon Musks grand plan to create a massive factory in the Nevada desert is said to be shaping up well as Tesla invited select journalists to visit the site last Tuesday. Gigafactory, the $5 billion 5.8 million square-feet battery-manufacturing plant should start operations by 2018 and will be fully operational by 2020.

According to various reporters who were got the tour of the plant have confirmed that only 14 percent of the construction is complete with 1.9 million square-feet of operational space. About a 1,000 workers are working seven days a week to complete the plant which will be a jewel-shaped building having a roof covered with solar panels.

Until now the company was importing its batteries from Asia but to meet the demand of 5,00,000 electric cars per year, it has to produce them at this factory. By doing so, the company will be able to innovate faster and also save about 30 percent of the costs.

To manufacture the batteries at the gigantic plant, Tesla has partnered with Panasonic in spite Panasonic Executive Vice President Yoshihiko Yamada calling the idea crazy. According Yamada, the production capacity of this factory would exceed the global capacity of the industry. However the overwhelming response for the upcoming Model 3 that saw close to 4,00,000 investing to buy the electric vehicle back in spring was enough to convince Yamada.

The partnership will let Panasonic install its own equipment and manage its own employees at a separate facility inside the Gigafactory. Panasonic has invested about $1.6 billion to make battery cells from raw material which will then be moved to the Tesla assembly lines, where theyll be repackaged into battery modules for electric vehicles.This makes the production of Teslas new cars much more efficient as opposed to getting the batteries made overseas.

This is also a positive step for Musks Master Plan Part Deux where he mentioned a plan to create transform Tesla into a company that builds electric vehicles, batteries to store the power, and the solar panels to generate that power.
Nimish Sawant

Xiaomi has just announced the much rumoured laptop that it was expected to launch since end of 2014. With the Mi Notebook Air, Xiaomi has entered the PC segment with two new laptops. With the naming convention used, it is no doubt as to where the inspiration comes from.

For all practical purposes, Xiaomi has given consumers an affordable Windows-based alternative to the Apple Macbook Air. The two variants of the Mi Notebook Air - with 13.3-inch and 12.5-inch Full HD displays - come in a metal body with the silver coloured one looking quite like a MacBook Air without the Apple logo, when seen from the front. The absence of any Xiaomi branding on the front flap could be due to the fact that the laptops are actually made by a Xiaomi subsidiary called Tian Mi. Both laptops run Windows 10 and weight less than 1.5 kg. One look at the slides shown during the launch will tell you that every comparison was made with the Apple MacBook Air: 13 percent thinner at 14.8mm; ultra thin bezel; 11 percent smaller body than a 13.3-inch MacBook Air and so on.

The 12.5-inch model with Intel Core M3 along with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage costs RMB 3599 (approx Rs 36,200). The higher end 13.3-inch Mi Notebook Air comes with Intel Core i5-6200U processor, discrete Nvidia GeForce 940MX graphics solution, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage is priced at RMB 4999 (approx Rs 50,200).

Looking purely at the price point on offer for the specifications on board, it seems to be a good deal. The build quality seems good from the photographs we have seen and the chiclet keyboard with backlit keys, slim form factor and light weight are definite incentives. Xiaomi is known for the aggressive pricing of its products and they have continued that approach in this new segment as well. But user experience is an altogether different matter and that can only be commented on, after actually using the product. Not to forget, Windows 10 is notorious for random bugs which can really ruin the experience at times.

So far, so good. But at a time when PC shipments are on the decline and laptop shipments are will see some fall over the years, as can be seen from the chart above, it is a bit surprising to see Xiaomi enter this new space. The laptop space already has a lot of incumbents, and the only new thing Xiaomi brings to the table is the economical price point.

Metal body laptops which are this thin and light, cost a pretty penny. Xiaomi would definitely have its eyes on prospective buyers looking at this category, but cannot afford the premium that is associated with it. In the 13.3-inch segment there are products such as the MacBook Air which is around Rs 65,000; Dell XPS 13 which is upwards of Rs 75,000 and HP Envy 13 which is again close to Rs 65,000. Xiaomis Mi Notebook Air at RMB 4999 (approx Rs 50,200) offers a better alternative to the other two Windows laptops.

With smartphones, Xiaomi really started the trend of getting affordable phones with great specs. If it is able to do that for the laptop segment, then that would be a feather in its cap. But one must keep in mind that players such as Dell, HP, Lenovo and others have been in operations for years and offer a much wider product portfolio. With just two laptop variants in its arsenal, Xiaomi certainly cant compete with the big boys in terms of market share.

Secondly, markets such as China or India where Xiaomi would expect to sell most of these laptops, also pose a hindrance. There is an increasing propensity for people in these parts, to bypass the PC/laptop altogether to go mobile first. According to IDC Research analyst Bryan Ma, Chinese notebook market will see a decline by 10.4 percent in 2016 as compared to a 9.3 percent decline worldwide.

Thirdly, Xiaomi has been trying to get into a lot of new product segments in its effort to create a Mi ecosystem of products. This year itself, Xiaomi launched the Mi Max, which is a 6.44-inch phablet which Xiaomi insists on calling a smartphone. Then there was the Mi Drone which was launched at RMB 2999 (approx Rs 30,200) with a 4K video camera and at RMB 2499 (approx Rs 25,200) for the Full HD camera. And now the two laptops.

It is really difficult to gauge whether Xiaomi intends to be in these segments for the long run, or it is just a means to pacify the investors, after it could not meet its sales and revenue targets for 2015. We had observed in the past how Xiaomi adopting the offline sales model now was a sign of its desperation to grab some lost marketshare. The Mi Notebook Air seems to be a really bold move to create a market share in a category that is on a steady decline.

Bottomline is, hardware sales numbers can just get you so far. And whats to stop other Chinese players or even the incumbents from launching their own laptop brands to cut Xiaomi on the pricing front - just like they did with the smartphones. The Mi Notebook Air will run on Windows 10 and apart from the Mi Sync and the ability to unlock the Mi Notebook Air with the Mi Band, there isnt much of a Xiaomi touch on the product. So unlike say the MIUI, there isn't much of the software or services play here. Maybe Mi Cloud can be a point of revenue with its cloud storage feature, but that's about it so far. Xiaomi says it wants to bridge the gap between performance and portability and make it easier for young adults to buy an affordable PC which can be used for productivity. All said and done, it is still an uphill task to really make an impact in the laptop segment, as Xiaomi did with the smartphones.
Karbonn Mobiles partners with Staqu, an artificial intelligence research company, to introduce AI enabled fashion search feature in its new range of smartphones- Fashion Eye & Fashion Eye 2.0. Karbonns new Smartphone range comes integrated with a Fashion app which allows users to search for an outfit by simply clicking its picture. The AI engine of the app automatically recognizes the print, patterns and colours of the outfit to give relevant results aggregated from over 4 million fashion products. It also allows users to compare prices and pick up the best deals available on outfits and accessories of their choice.

Fashion has been one of the most popular search categories in eCommerce. Karbonn has collaborated with the leading AI start-up for the development of an intuitive app uncomplicating fashion search and discovery while offering intelligent recommendations on latest fashion trends basis users past searches and ongoing trends in the market. The app uses a special compression technology to offer fast search results and seamless experience on varied data speeds.

Commenting on the launch Mr. Shashin Devsare, Executive Director, Karbonn Mobiles says, With an aim to bring value-added services to its consumers, Karbonn mobiles have forged one of the strongest VAS partners network in the country to enrich its users Smartphone experience. Our partnership with Staqu is another step towards dissolving adoption barriers by offering users a seamless online buying experience regardless of their digital proficiency. Amassing a base of an estimated 20 thousand users within the beta phase of the app launch, we are highly confident about the consumer response to our Fashion Eye range expecting it to push our VAS revenue streams to go upto 10-15% by the end of FY 2016-2017.

Atul Rai, CEO, Co-Founder Staqu Technologies, said, We are excited to be partnering with Karbonn, pioneering the synergy between an Indian AI Research company and an OEM. By amalgamating expertise from different domains, we are enabling the native capabilities of the mobile camera, with an intelligent deep learning based engine. The product makes fashion discovery for users extremely simple, which, essentially is what the modern day smartphone user needs right now! We are affirmative that our users will recognize the unique capabilities of Fashioneye, utilizing the same to simplify their fashion ecommerce experience, said Atul Rai, CEO, Co-Founder Staqu Technologies.

In addition to the Fashion Eye app, both the devices are equipped with plethora of features like: Android 5.1 Lollipop and a 1.3 Ghz Quad Core processor. Both the smartphones have strong battery backup of 2000 mAh to give its users a seamless browsing experience throughout the day. Staqu used its research prowess in image understanding technologies to create user-based recommendation engine that performs real time trend analysis in fashion. This will be achieved by detailed and automated analysis of users preferences and fashion choices along with real-time analysis of trends that, in India, are majorly set by celebrities and films. All this will be presented to the user right at the main page of the Fashion Eye application making it a seamless and hassle-free discovery experience for the user.

Karbonn Fashion Eye

Splendid Photography experience- 8MP Rear camera with flash and 0 MP Front camera

8MP Rear camera with flash and 0 MP Front camera Massive memory  1GB RAM+ 8GB ROM with expandable Micro SD upto 32GB

 1GB RAM+ 8GB ROM with expandable Micro SD upto 32GB Matchless performance  3GHz Quad Core Processor for lag-free performance and smooth gaming

 3GHz Quad Core Processor for lag-free performance and smooth gaming 7 cm (5) IPS full lamination HD, 2.5 curved glass display

Unbeatable Price- INR 5,490/-

Karbonn Fashion Eye 2.0

Impressive Photography- 8MP Rear camera with flash and 0 MP Front camera

8MP Rear camera with flash and 0 MP Front camera Better Display- 7 cm (5) IPS full lamination HD, 2.5D curved glass display

7 cm (5) IPS full lamination HD, 2.5D curved glass display Multi-Taskers Delight  2GB RAM+16 GB ROM

 2GB RAM+16 GB ROM Smooth Performance and Gaming  1.3GHz Quad core processor

 1.3GHz Quad core processor Long Battery Life- 2000mAh

Unbeatable Price INR 6,490/-

@Technuter.com News Service
Assad offers amnesty to Syria rebels who surrender

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued several amnesties in recent years, including one in July 2015 for people who have dodged service or defected from the army.

AFP, Damascus :Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday offered an amnesty to armed rebels battling his forces if they surrender, the official SANA news agency reported."Everyone carrying arms... and sought by justice... is excluded from full punishment if they hand themselves in and lay down their weapons," SANA said, quoting a presidential decree on the three-month amnesty offer. The reprieve also includes any rebel who frees a hostage, according to the decree text.The offer comes as opposition neighbourhoods of Aleppo city are effectively surrounded by pro-government forces, sparking fears for the more than 200,000 people trapped there.Assad's ally Russia said Thursday it had launched a "large-scale" operation with the Syrian government to open humanitarian corridors for civilians and fighters fleeing the northern city.Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian news agencies that three humanitarian corridors were being opened "to aid civilians held hostage by terrorists and for fighters wishing to lay down their arms" and one more corridor to the north of the city for rebels to flee with their weapons.Assad has issued several amnesties in recent years, including one in July 2015 for people who have dodged service or defected from the army.Syria's UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said this week he hopes peace talks aimed at ending more than five years of brutal conflict could resume at the end of August.More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war began in March 2011 with anti-government protests that were met with a brutal regime crackdown.Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch accused the Syrian regime and its ally Russia on Thursday of extensively using banned cluster munitions in their offensive against rebels in the war-torn country.The New York-based watchdog said it had documented 47 cluster munition attacks that killed and injured dozens of civilians in rebel-held areas in three provinces since May 27.Many of these attacks took place north and west of Aleppo, as Russia-backed regime forces sought to besiege the opposition-controlled part of the northern city, it said.Russia in September launched a campaign of air strikes in support of Bashar al-Assad's regime."Since Russia and Syria have renewed their joint air operations, we have seen a relentless use of cluster munitions," said Ole Solvang, deputy emergencies director at HRW."The Russian government should immediately ensure that neither its forces nor Syria's use this inherently indiscriminate weapon," he said.HRW in December said it had documented the use of cluster munitions on 20 occasions since Russia launched air strikes on September 30."Although Russia and Syria are not members of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, they are still bound by international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, which prohibits indiscriminate attacks," HRW said.Cluster munitions contain dozens or hundreds of bomblets and are fired in rockets or dropped from the air.Widely banned, they spread explosives over large areas and are indiscriminate in nature, often continuing to maim and kill long after the initial attack when previously unexploded bomblets detonate.More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
3 activists of HuT held, another 4 taken on remand

Chittagong Bureau :

Detective Branch of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) detained three activists of Hizbut-Tahrir while they were distributing their leaflets at Stadium Market area in the city on Tuesday night .

The arrested were identified as Mohammad Ismail Hossain, 25, a student of International Islami University, Chittagong, Amiruzzaman Parvez, 35, a former student of govt. City College and Nazmul Huda, 25, a MBA student of BGC Trust University.

Additional Deputy Commissioner AAM Humayun Kabir told the newsmen that police arrested 3 members of the banned Islamist organization in the port city while they were distributing leaflets at the Stadium Market area at 11 pm last night.

Arrested men are the members of banned Islamic outfit Hizbut Tahirir.

Meanwhile a Chittagong court on Wednesday granted three-day remand to another four suspected members of banned militant outfit Hizbut Tahir in a case filed under the Anti-terrorism Act.

The court of Metropolitan Magistrate Nazmul Hossain Chowdhury, granted the three-day remand to each one of them after the investigation officer prayed for a 10-day remand in a case filed under the Anti-terrorism Act with Panchlaish thana, court sources said.

The alleged Hizbut Tahir members were identified as Foysal Bin Aziz, 24, Sultan Mohammad Khan, 29, Ariful Islam, 24 and Fakhrul Abedin, 26.

A team of Bakalia police arrested Aziz for his suspicious movement from Kolpolok Residential area under Bakalia thana and later, based on information provided by him, police arrested the three others from Mehidibag area under Panchlaish thana in the city.Later, police recovered some Jihadi books, leaflets and press releases from their possessionand a case was filed under the Anti-terrorism Act with Panchlaish thana of CMP.
Bitap's Life We Desire; Life We Gain at AFD

Sheikh Arif Bulbon :

A solo painting exhibition titled Life We Desire; Life We Gain by artist Bitap Shavan Bachhar was held at La Galerie of the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD) in the city's Dhanmondi

area recently.

Dr A A M S Arefin Siddique, Vice-Chancellor of University of Dhaka, Prof Nisar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts of University of Dhaka and Prof Dr Asim Sarkar, Provost of Jagannath Hall of DU, among others, were present at the inauguration of the exhibition, while Prof Dr Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Vice- President of AFD, and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) gave welcome speech on the occasion.

Throughout the last decade, Betap has been running his imagination over the human psychology prevalent in our society and he found out that unhappiness formulates from the

natural manifestations where man desires something but gets another thing instead. This unhappiness,

experienced by many from numerous disappointments for the duration of their lives, promulgates the

collective depression of the society.

The artist tried to bring that out in his paintings, along with the social bondages and customs that are

burdensome to a human. In his artworks, the conflict between desire and destination is sometimes the main point that he prefers to show.

Technically, the medium is oil based, which is essentially Betaps favourite medium here because of its flexibility, durability and scope to work

in details. Almost all of the artworks are life-size as the artist would like

to exhibit the visceral feelings of

his subjective motives.

Born in 1985 in Satkhira, Betap

completed his BFA and MFA from Dhaka University and got the top position in merit list. n
Procession towards PMO foiled

Police charge batons and fire teargas shells to foil the attempt of Nat\'l Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Natural Resources, Power and Port while marching towards Prime Ministeras Office protesting signing of Rampal Power Plant Project near Sundar

Staff Reporter :

Police on Thursday foiled a procession towards the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) protesting the signing of contract of Rampal Power Plant Project.

The National Committee to Protect Oil-Gas-Natural Resources and Power-Port held a brief protest rally in front of the National Press Club at about 11:00am to press home for its seven-point demand, including cancellation of the signing

of a contract for implementing the Rampal Power Plant Project near the Sundarbans.

Later led by Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah and Anu Mohammad, convener and member secretary of the national committee respectively, brought out a procession towards the PMO amid police barricade.

As soon as the procession reached near Shahbagh crossing, police barricaded them. As the leaders and activists tried to break the barricade, police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse them. Police also picked up six to seven people from the spot.

Earlier on July 12, Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Pvt) Limited (BIFPCL) signed the agreement for Main Plant EPC (Turnkey) Package with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), India, ignoring repeated protests from green activists, environmentalists and political parties.

The experts cautioned that the climate, topography, land use pattern, wetlands, floral and faunal diversity, capture fisheries tourism and the quality of air and water - both on the surface and underground - in the Sundarbans would be badly affected permanently if the project is implemented.
We`ll carry Clinton to victory: Obama

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton hugs President Barack Obama after she joins him on stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Internet photo

US President Barack Obama has implored voters to help continue his legacy by carrying Hillary Clinton to victory at the polls in November. Mr Obama praised Mrs Clinton at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia, as the most qualified person ever to run for the White House.He said voters faced a choice between hope and fear, attacking "home-grown demagogue" Republican Donald Trump.Mr Trump responded by rejecting the president's optimistic portrayal. "Our country does not feel 'great already' to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair," he said on Twitter.Mr Obama recounted his key victories over his past eight years in office and painted an optimistic future.He extolled Mrs Clinton's character, calling her a "leader with real plans to break down barriers, blast through glass ceilings and widen the circle of opportunity to every single American". Mr Obama described his nation as "full of courage", "decent and generous", but also concerned about racial divisions and "frustrated with political gridlock". President Obama is good at this. He's really, really good at this. For all his flaws - and conservatives will be quick to point them out - he's always been able to deliver a pitch-perfect speech on the biggest stages, and this was no exception. It was the kind of speech that had some conservatives shaking their heads, wondering how their party ceded the optimistic high ground to their opponents. Mr Obama even quoted Ronald Reagan's "shining city on a hill" line, if only to make the political shift all the more clear. When he mentioned Mr Trump, there were boos. Mr Obama said: "Don't boo, vote." He said Mr Trump "calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say I know plenty of businessmen and women who have achieved remarkable success without leaving a trail of lawsuits and unpaid workers and people feeling like they got cheated." Mr Obama added: "Does anyone really believe that a guy who spent his 70 years on this Earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion, your voice? No."Praising the qualities of American people, Mr Obama said: "Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me." The former secretary of state joined him on stage for a hug after he finished speaking. Writing in the Washington Post, EJ Dionne Jr says that Mr Obama's mission in his speech was to try "to safeguard his legacy by ensuring his time in the White House would not be seen by history as having culminated in the election of Donald Trump. And so he went to work, combining rational argument with evangelical exhortation in the classic Obama fashion".Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Michael Shear in the New York Times recall Mr Obama's speech at the 2004 convention that thrust him into the national spotlight, in which he rejected the "politics of cynicism". His challenge now, they say, is "to find a way to acknowledge that the political divides he promised to bridge have only grown deeper and more acrimonious while arguing persuasively that the way to rise above them is to elect Mrs Clinton". On the Politico website, Michael Hirsh says Wednesday's speeches confirmed "a dramatic shift, perhaps even a reversal, of the roles the two major parties have been identified with for several decades. For the first time, perhaps, since Vietnam, the Democratic Party is now the party of national security expertise."In his response, Mr Trump said in a statement that the Democrats had described a vision of America that did not exist for most people. Seventy percent of Americans thought the country was on the wrong track, said the hotel developer, who defied all predictions to win the Republican primary contest. "Never has a party been so disconnected from what is happening in our world." Vice-President Joe Biden earlier delivered his own spirited address, saying Mr Trump "backs torture", "religious intolerance" and "betrays our values". "He has no clue about what makes America great," Mr Biden said, before the crowd started chanting, "Not a clue!"
Trainer Rayhan

Staff Reporter :

Police have identified another slain militant as Rayhan Kabir, who was killed along with eight others in the Tuesday's special drive of joint forces in the city's Kalyanpur. He was the trainer of "Gulshan Holey Artisan Bakery attackers, police also claimed.

With revealing of Rayhan's identity, whereabouts of eight militants out of nine have been uncovered by police going through the database and verifying the fingerprints preserved in Election Commission. All the eight militants went missing from their houses ranging from six months to two years. This kind of hiding is popularly known as 'Hijrat' among the radicals. Of the eight slain militants, three were students of North South University, three were from madrassa background, one was student of Noakhali Government College and another was less-educated.

"Rayhan hailed from Pashua Tangailpara village under Etakumari Union of Pirgachha upazila in Rangpur district. He trained the militants who were involved in killing 20 people, including 17 foreigners, at Gulshan on July 1. After 25 days, the investigators got information about Kalyanpur hideout and conducted the operation," Chief of Counter Terrorism and Transitional Crimes Unit, Monirul Islam, said.

He said Rayhan's organizational name was Tarek. He was the commander of Dhaka area of Jamiatul Mujahedin Bangladesh [JMB].

"Tarek was accused in the police murder case Baroipara area of Ashulia. Besides, we've got information about two other trainers who had set up training camps at a char of Sadullahpur in Gaibandha district. Of them, one was Tarek," he noted.

"His father Shahjahan Kabir is a farmer. His parents left home hearing that their son was killed in joint forces drive. A local madrassa student Rayhan entangled himself with militancy after he fled away from his house three years ago. After that, he never returned. He took a job at a garment factory in Dhaka," the CTTCU Chief said.

When contacted, Officer-in-Charge of Pirgachha Police Station Aminul Islam said: "Rayhan passed Dakhil from Dewan Saleh Ahmed Madrassa in 2013..So far as we know, Rayhan came to see his ill mother at Rangpur Medical College Hospital in April. He was youngest among two brothers and two sisters."

In another drive, the police detained slain militant Abdullah alias Motaleb's father Sohrab Ali and elder brother Nurul Islam yesterday from their residence at Ballavpur under Nababganj upazila in Dinajpur.

Police, however, said that they were sent to Dhaka for DNA matching. Family members and local people told the police that they do not want body of Abdullah for burial.

Meanwhile, police on Wednesday night filed a case under Anti-Terrorism Act under clauses 6(2), 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 against the slain militants with Mirpur Model Police Station.

"The case has been filed against nine dead, one detained and another absconding militant. Besides, several other unidentified persons were also accused in the case," OC Mirpur Bhuiyan Mahbub Hossain said.

The relevant court on Thursday directed the concerned authority to submit report by 19 September. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sazzadur Rahman passed the order.

On the other hand, police took Mamtaj Parveen, wife of Taj Manjil's owner Atahar Uddin, on two-day remand for allowing tenants without verifying their information. Police said that Atahar Uddin has been absconding since joint forces operation.
WikiLeaks releases audio from Democratic Party hack

AFP, Washington :

WikiLeaks released audio recordings on Wednesday apparently hacked from the Democratic National Committee's servers, including a message from an irate Hillary Clinton supporter demanding the party stop "bending over backwards" for Bernie Sanders.

Links to the 29 recordings were posted on Twitter a few hours before US President Barack Obama took the stage in Philadelphia to address the party's national convention, a meeting that formally nominated Clinton as the Democratic candidate for the White House. The confab was meant to be a show of unity, but instead has exposed the raw anger of Sanders supporters who feel disenfranchised by the primary process. The WikiLeaks files seemed timed to embarrass the party and Clinton, although the audio recordings did not appear to contain any bombshell revelations. They came after the anti-secrecy website on Friday leaked 19,000 emails from the accounts of several top Democratic party leaders.

At least two email messages suggested an insider effort to hobble Sanders' upstart campaign against Clinton - including by seeking to present him as an atheist in deeply religious states.

The uproar following the leak forced party chief Debbie Wasserman Schultz to abruptly announce her resignation on the eve of the convention she was meant to preside over.

In one audio recording, the angry Clinton supporter said in her minute-long voice mail that she was "furious" about what she perceived as party support for Sanders and giving the self-described democratic socialist "too much influence." "Bernie is the worst person in the world to even be running in the Democratic Party because he's not a Democrat," said the unidentified woman, who noted she was on a fixed income and had donated $300 to Clinton. "Quit acquiescing to this person who likes to play the victim card and who also has been attacking Hillary, which gives Trump all his talking points. I will leave the Democratic Party if the Democratic Party continues to coddle Bernie Sanders," she said.

It was not known which party official the woman was trying to reach. In another recording, a woman-possibly the same person in the earlier call-was upset the party was letting Sanders supporter Cornel West serve on the platform committee, calling him "trash." The audio files also provided a small glimpse of the daily inner workings of the party, with a staffer from an ambassador's office calling to make sure her boss received an invitation to a St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House.

Former ambassador to Austria William Eacho left a message to get details on an invitation from Wasserman Schultz to attend a dinner with Obama. It was not immediately clear if the audio recordings were part of the original cache of 19,000 emails and attachments released by WikiLeaks on Friday.
3 held over killing boy by 'pumping air thru rectum'

UNB, Narayanganj :

Police in a drive arrested three boys from Jatramura in Rupganj upazila here on Thursday in connection with the killing of a 10-year old textile mill worker by pumping air into his body through his rectum.

The arrestees were Rakib, 12, Shohel, 13, and Akash, 12, residents of the area, said Superintendent of Police (SP) of the district Dr. Khandaker Mahid Uddin. On July 24, Sagar Barman, son of Ratan Barman of Rajipur village of Khaliajuri upazila of Netrakona district, was killed allegedly by pumping air into his body through his rectum at the textile factory in Rupganj upazila.

Ratan Barman, father of the victim, filed a case against 6-7 unidentified people with Rupganj Police Station on Sunday night in this connection.
Anti-terrorism bodies to have all local representatives:Ashraf

UNB, Dhaka :Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam on Thursday said all the local public representatives will be included in the anti-terrorism and militancy committees.The committees, formed by the local administration, will be apolitical, he told reporters while emerging from the annual conference of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) at the Secretariat. The 4-day DCs' Conference 2016 ends on Friday. "They'll, of course, be included. All the elected representatives of local government bodies-Municipality and Union Parishad - will be included," the minister said replying a question whether the BNP-Jamaat men who are now public representatives in the local government bodies will be there in the committees.He said the local representatives must be there in the grassroots anti-terrorism and militancy committees. The committees may be extended to the grassroots levels, if needed, he added.The DCs are always ready to curb terrorism as they can play a crucial role in containing it, Ashraf said.
Kalyanpur militant was grandson of Monem Khan

Akifuzzaman Khan

Risingbd.com :A militant, who was killed in Kallyanpur raid, has been identified as grandson of Abdul Monem Khan, former governor of East Pakistan.Monem Khan was the governor of erstwhile East Pakistan before being independent Bangladesh- from 28 October 1962 to 23 March 1969. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Unit Chief Monirul Islam said that according to the data, militant Akifuzzaman Khan was grandson of former East Pakistan governor. He was also a student of North South University. Earlier, the autopsy of bodies of the nine people who were killed in police firing during Tuesday's raid in capital's Kalyanpur.Police claimed that all of nine people were members of outlawed militant outfit Jama'at-ul Mujahideen, Bangladesh, notoriously known as JMB, although the photographs released by the police showed that the killed people were carrying flag of Middle-East based international terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS).Monem Khan was a loyal aide of Ayub Khan and infamous for repression on the Bengali nationalists during the regime. Due to his active collaboration with Pakistan Army against Bangladesh Independence Movement, Monem Khan was assassinated by Muktibahini guerrillas at his residence in Dhaka during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
Dialogue on joint strategy to implement SDGs urged

Citizen\'s Platform for Sustainable Development Goals, Bangladesh, organised a dialogue at the Brac Centre Inn in the city on Thursday. Among others, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal took part in the dialogue.

UNB, Dhaka :Experts and prominent citizens at a dialogue here on Thursday stressed the need for formulating a comprehensive homegrown strategy with the coordinated efforts of policymakers and civil society members for successful implementation of the SDGs.They also identified some challenges like ensuring good governance, building democratic institutions, enhancing institutional capacity, strengthening local government bodies and checking corruption and creating employment for the implementation of the SDGs by 2030. 'Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh', an initiative that includes over 30 civil society organisations aiming to contribute to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), arranged the dialogue at Brac Centre Inn. Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) is acting as the secretariat of the platform.Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, senior secretary and member General Economics Division (GED) Planning Commission Prof Dr Shamsul Alam, ex-caretaker government advisers Syed Manzur Elahi, and Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Nijera Kori Coordinator Khushi Kabir, Sujan General Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, among others, spoke at the programme held with eminent citizen Prof Anisuzzaman in the chair.
Canadian citizen Tamim Chy was regular visitor to Kalyanpur den

HuJI members' families used to get financial help in case of anyones death

Sagar Biswas :Tamim Chowdhury, leader of a faction of banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahedin Bangladesh [JMB], now conducting terror acts in Bangladesh being inspired by global terrorist organization Islamic State [IS], used to pay visit to Kalyanpur den regularly. Intelligence sources said the recent wave of killings in Bangladesh attributed to a regional franchise of ISIL, is led by Tamim Chowdhury, a Canadian and former southwestern Ontario resident.He returned to the country about two years back and coordinating the terror attacks taking shelter at a secret place, the sources said, adding that detained Rakibul Hassan Regan [who was caught alive at Kalyanpur] divulged the information to the police. In the case, filed by the police with the Mirpur Model Police Station on Wednesday night over Kalynpur incident, also mentioned the above information about Tamim Chowdhury.Sources close to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Headquarters said that Tamim Chowdhury played a key role to establish a link between the local militants and international terrorist outfits. During preliminary interrogation Regan also disclosed to the investigators that apart from Tamim Chowdhury, the Kalyanpur den was also regularly visited by Khalid, Mamun, Ripon, Manik, Zonayed Khan, Badal and Azadul Kabir alias Kabiraj. "In the meetings, the militants used to inspire themselves with discussing religious subjects and Jihadi matters. Leaders of other banned militant outfits assured them of giving money, arms-ammunition-explosives, training and consultancy, Regan also divulged to the police," Chief of Counter Terrorism and Transitional Crimes Unit, Monirul Islam. "Of the names disclosed by Regan, most were false or organizational names, except Tamim Chowdhury and Zonayed Khan. So far as I know, the militants take false names to conduct operation in disguise. For that reason, the sleeper cell members cannot describe names or other identities of top ranking leaders if they are arrested," he said.Meanwhile, the terrorist outfits are providing money and other assistance to their members if any of them is killed in performing Jihad. Families of 51 members of Harkat-ul Jihad Al Islami [HuJI], who are now engaged in war in different countries, are getting regular monetary assistance from the organization. Intelligence officials have gotten the above information quizzing three HuJI operatives, including its Dhaka city commander Nazimuddin.Sources said several members of banned Islamist outfit HuJI are now engaged in 'Jihad' in Syria and Afghanistan. According to information available, two HuJI operatives were killed in Afghanistan recently. Some of them also have returned in the meantime."The HuJI members who are engaged in war or killed in foreign lands; or whom have been awarded death sentence or imprisonment - their family members are getting financial assistance from the militant organization," Monirul Islam, also Additional Commissioner of DMP, said.It is learnt that, the fund is collected from like-minded persons and organizations. Police seized 5000 Jihadi books raiding a publication farm in the city's Banglabazar, which is owned by organizational secretary of HuJI Khaled Saifullah alias Sogir-bin Emdad.
Trial against ex-MP Rony begins

Court Correspondent :

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court of Dhaka on Thursday framed charges against former lawmaker Golam Maula Rony in a case filed for assaulting journalists in 2013.

Magistrate Snigdha Rani Chakraborty of the CMM Court framed charges in presence of Rony, who was a former Awami League MP, elected from Patuakhali. The court fixed October 20 to record the depositions of the witnesses.

The case record says, on July 20, 2013, Rony assaulted the Independent Television's reporter Imtiaz Momin and

their cameraperson Mohsin Mukul in his Topkhana Road office in the capital. The authorities of the television immediately filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station against Rony alleging that he had beaten up their journalists.

Shahbagh Police Station Sub-Inspector Abu Zafar submitted the charge sheet of the case in the court against Rony on June 26, 2014. However, the process of the case remained adjourned following a revision case filed with the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court of Dhaka.


Central Jail goes to Keraniganj today

Prisoners to be shifted in two phases

Staff Reporter :Dhaka Central Jail, now located on Nazimuddin Road in the capital, would be shifted to Keraniganj today (Friday) amid tight security as the construction work of the new Central Jail has already been completed. "More than 228 years old Dhaka Central Jail is now being shifted to Keraniganj with the accommodation capacity for nearly 4,590 prisoners," said Additional Inspector General of Prisons Colonel Md Iqbal Hasan.When contacted Iqbal Hasan told The New Nation on Thursday that prisoners will be shifted in two phases today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday).Replying to a query about the number of prisoners, he said it is not possible to disclose the number of the prisoners right now for the sake of security reason. The new jail has been built on 194.41 acres of land at a cost of Tk 406 crore at Tegoria at Rajendrapur under South Keraniganj, adjacent to the Dhaka-Mawa Highway. Dhaka Central Jail was the biggest jail in the country, located in the old part of the capital. During the time of the East India Company in 1788, the jail was opened after setting up a criminal ward there. In 1929, jails in Dhaka and Rajshahi were declared as Central Jails. Earlier on April 10, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the newly constructed central jail. About 6000 prisoners will be shifted to the new jail, according to sources. The prisoners will be shifted to new jail in prison vans. Additional members of different law enforcement agencies and intelligence personnel will be deployed in and around the both Dhaka Central Jail and new jail in Keraniganj. Besides, law enforcers will remain stationed when the prisoners will be shifted to the new jail. Meanwhile, authorities concerned of the new jail have completed all preparations to receive the prisoners. All sorts of materials have already been shifted from the Dhaka Central Jail to the new jail in Keraniganj, about 12 kilometers away from the capital.In the newly constructed modern jail, 4,000 barracks have been constructed for male prisoners, 100 for male adolescent prisoners, 30 for male mentally challenged prisoners, 200 for woman prisoners, 40 for female adolescent prisoners, 20 for female mentally challenged prisoners, while 60 classified wards and 400 cells have been constructed for dangerous prisoners.A 20-bed capacity hospital, a modern hospital with 200-bed capacity and a day care centre have also been set up at the new central jail. Besides, residential buildings and jailors colony have also been constructed in the new modern central jail.
AL vs BNP party fight is irrelevant for the crisis

Talk shows in electronic media could most effectively voice people's concern over sensitive national issues. When public safety or protection of life and property is at high risk, militancy is threatening the state spreading panic at all levels and businesses are facing major setback, some talk shows waste time highlighting the party fight between Awami League and BNP is so irrelevant that right solution is not considered important.

It often looks like a live drama in anger and body language of participants, defending party lines and blaming each other particularly when mid-level Awami League and BNP leaders sit turning the overheated discussion to confrontation of their own. The main issue is lost.

People had expected electronic media would play a significant role to analyse the serious crisis for a rational solution. The proper persons who have knowledge about the problem of violent reaction should be heard.

The young ones who are killed as terrorists or who kill others cannot be lightly taken. It is alright for those who want to divert attention from our own cause of anger and frustration. It is easy to say that our young ones are influenced by international terrorism and there is no cause in the country for the young ones to feel ready to give their lives.

We have to accept that international terrorism has their own cause, and our terrorism has our own cause. And terrorism in Bangladesh has grown over the years and it cannot be true that international terrorism has entered Bangladesh suddenly.

The crossfire killings and forced disappearances have been going for years. Police killed nine militants on Monday at Kalyanpur area and without going into controversy of the situation and whether they could be arrested alive; it appears that militancy has already turned into a political blame game to implicate the opposition BNP and Jamaat being behind it. But what is not highlighted is that boys of Awami League families have also been found killed as terrorists.

The nation is too much worried by killing events and do not want to hear about a party blame game.

What we want to say is that Tv talk shows are exploiting controversial political issues often misleading the real crisis.

Blaming BNP or Jamaat is not enough, the government has to ensure safety of the people. It is the government's own responsibility and competence.

Some of our journalists cannot forget that by being party activist of the government, they have become so unhelpful to solve the real crisis in Bangladesh. We are given theories of international terrorism found in other countries, but no help in our situation.

The government must ensure safety and normalcy. If not the government has to accept its failure. In this regard, responsible people from the government and police need to explain why the panic of insecurity is not contained for normal activities to be possible.

The party power struggle between Awami League and BNP denied good governance and now we have terrorism.
I just spent a weekend in Thailand at the Techsauce Summit. It was a great conference, and it reminded me of the time Ive spent in Asia lately. After the books Digital Bank and ValueWeb were translated into Korean, Chinese and soon to be Japanese, I guess the region is interested in my thinking. Or maybe its more a reflection of the rise of FinTech Asia, the Silicon Dragon.

Interestingly, its a very different flavour of FinTech though. We probably already know about how Alibaba is different, and the heavyweight battle between them and Tencent. That is why Citibanks Digital Disruption report makes it clear that China is different.

From Citibanks Digital Disruption Report

And the internet financial sector in China is huge. McKinsey estimate $1.8 trillion, of which most is payments.

From McKinsey

For example, you may be aware that China has a unicorn called Lufax, one of the biggest Fintech Unicorns in the world, but you may not be aware that half of the Top 10 Chinese unicorns are Fintechs.

From FinTek Asia

This might account for the reason we have seen a spike in FinTech investments in the region this year. For example, whereas the $50 billion of funding from 2010 to 2015 was mainly pouring into firms like Funding Circle, Betterment, Lending Club, Square, Stripe and company; this year has been all about FinTech Asia.

From Life.SREDA

That $10.6 billion figure for the first half of 2016 is already more than double the $4.6 billion invested last year which, in itself, was a steep rise over the $797 million invested in 2014. And, as can be seen, its not just China but across all of Asia.

From Citibanks Digital Disruption Report

Asian FinTech is all about new ideas and new models. There are incumbent led changes too  remember Frank from OCBC and Breeze from Standard Chartered?  but its not the same as what we see in Europe and the US. For example, there is a massive population in Asia that is unbanked, and mobile smartphone developments are creating new models of financial inclusion, especially in the Philippines and Indonesia. Equally, its a region that has seen the rise of the new middle class, with millions of consumers gaining disposable income to afford aspirational products and buying much of it online.

Alibaba, Flipkart,Tencent, Lazada and Snapdeal are some of the largest e-commerce players in Asia, but credit card usage is still low. As a result new payment systems are needed, as online commerce today in many regions means that you order online and pay cash on delivery. That is why mobile money systems are proving a success, with Philippines leading the region. This is because the Philippines has two of the earliest pioneers in mobile money: Smarts Smart Money launched in 2001 and Globes GCash launched in 2004. Since the launch of Smart Money and GCash, Filipino consumers have shown rapid uptake of the services used for a range of transactions, from remittances to bill payment. You can read more in Tech in Asia.

Therefore, when we look at the region in this light, its obvious that there will be an explosion of new ideas and new business models coming from Asia, with Singapore and Hong Kong being key focal points.

From TechSauce Summit

Whilst Hong Kong is the bridge to China, Singapore is the hub for Southeast Asia.

Over 520 FinTech companies were founded in Southeast Asia in the last ten years, with two-third of these companies founded since 2012. Singapore had the highest number of start-ups (~210), followed by Indonesia (~113).

Investment tech, payments, mobile payments and lending segments witnessed significant investment activity. Payments (2C2P, Numoni) and investment tech (JustCommodity, M-DAQ) are the top two funded FinTech sectors in SEA, accounting for $80M and $120M of investments respectively. Bitcoin and lending saw the highest number of start-ups in 2014 and 2015.

East Ventures, 500 Startups, and Golden Gate Ventures are the most active investors in SEA FinTech startups. Notable investments in the past year include investment tech startup M-DAQs $82M raise from EDB Investments, and mobile wallet Momo, which raised $28M from Standard Chartered and Goldman Sachs.

In fact, Southeast Asia is a hotbed of innovation, as can be seen from this chart:

From Tech in Asia

In terms of who to talk to when it comes to Asian innovations, there are many lists of Fintech influencers, but this one is pretty good from FinTech Asia:

China

Lucy Peng, CEO of Ant Financial

A former school teacher, Peng leads the financial arm of Chinese ecommerce titan Alibaba Ant Financial operates a money market fund, peer-to-peer lending, and microloans, while also investing in startups.

Wei Hopeman, Managing Partner at Arbor Ventures

Prior to establishing Arbor Ventures, Hopeman formerly served as the Head of Asia for Citi Ventures and managed the private equity practice at Winnington Capital. An advocate for women in the fintech and startup sector, she was previously the Vice Chairman of Women in Leadership in China.

Hai Yin, CEO of ZhongAn Insurance

Zhong An was the first insurance company in China to sell policies and handle claims online. It now sells insurance policies to vendors on Taobao, and Hai says the company will experiment with using data generated online to assess and control risk.

Hong Kong

Janos Barberis, CEO of FinTech Hong Kong

FinTech Hong Kong is a web platform that connects 619 influencers, mentors, and enthusiasts in the city, along with dozens of startups and events. Barberis founded the SuperCharger, an accelerator backed by Chinese search giant Baidu and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Steve Monaghan, Limited Partner and True Global Ventures

Monaghan specializes in the creation of business models exploiting market asymmetries to create new businesses. He has a proven track record in Asias financial world, including retail banking, consumer finance, and corporate and investment banking. In addition to his role at True Global Ventures, Steve is the regional director accountable for group innovation at AIA.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Mikaal Abdullah, CEO of 8 Securities

Abdullah co-founded 8Securities, Asias first socially networked trading portal based in Hong Kong. He writes about startups, digital marketing and UX for several Asia technology blogs and is a mentor at Chinaccelerator and Startups HK.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

George Harrap, CEO of Bitspark

Bitspark pioneered the worlds first cash in cash out remittances via Bitcoin. Harrap is a blockchain evangelist, speaker, and guest writer on tech blogs.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Simon Loong, CEO of WeLab

WeLab operates in both Hong Kong and mainland China as a peer-to-peer lending platform. A former commercial banker with 15 years experience at Citibank and Standard Chartered, Loong aims to offer alternatives to borrowers who struggle to obtain funds from lenders that use traditional risk-checking tools.

(LinkedIn)

Sam Allen, CEO of CompareAsiaGroup

CompareAsiaGroup operates a comparison platform for financial, telco, and utility products across Asia. Prior to CompareAsiaGroup, Allen spent nine years as director in KKRs portfolio operations team and a member of the Asia Leadership Team.

(LinkedIn)

India

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, CEO of One97

Sharma founded One97 and Paytm. Paytm lets users recharge their phones, pay bills, shop, and book travel online.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Aman Narain, CEO of BankBazaar International

BankBazaar is an online financial services website offering instant access and quotes on loans, credit cards, savings and insurance products. It partners with over 35 leading financial institutions in India. Narain is the former Global Head of Digital Banking for Standard Chartered and a strategic advisor at Smart Karma, Intelligent Investing and Aleph Labs.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Shikha Sharma, CEO of Axis Bank

The head of Indias third-largest private bank, sharma strengthened Axis Banks retail lending franchise, enlarged its investment banking and advisory capabilities, and developed a comprehensive portfolio of products in the payments space. Since her appointment to CEO in 2009, the banks stock has appreciated by 90 percent.

(LinkedIn)

Chanda Kochhar, CEO and MD of ICICI Bank

Kochhar helped to shape Indias retail banking sector. She focuses on bringing mobile banking to rural areas.

Indonesia

Adrianna Tan, founder of Wobe

Wobe allows low-income men and women in Indonesia become sales agents by allowing them to easily buy and resell phone credit at a fair price. Tan is also the founder and managing director of the Gyanada Foundation, a non-profit in India that helps girls get a better education.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Japan

Katsuaki Sato, CEO of Metaps

Metaps online payment service Spike allows mechants to process up to $10,000 per month for free. Sato believes the current business model of payments is obsolete, and banks as they are now will not exist in the future.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Takako Kansai, CEO of Zaim

Zaim lets anyone track of their finances by connecting credit cards, bank accounts, and receipts scanned with a phone camera. Zaim aggregates local data on insurance and government support programs to help users with their tax returns. She says people in Japan spend too much on insurance, and wants to change that.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Tomoyuki Sugiyama, CEO of Crowdcredit

Crowdcredit is a peer-to-peer lending platform for emerging markets. It raises funds via crowdfunding in Japan to finance SME and personal loans in Latin American countries.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Malaysia

Bruno Araujo, CEO of iMoney.my

iMoney.my is a financial comparison website that caters primarily to the Malaysian market. Araujo grew the company to a $20 million valuation in two years.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Yuen Tuck Siew, CEO of Saving Plus

Yuen grew an online financial comparison site to a full-stack fintech solution for customer acquisition and management. He has a fundamental belief that consumers should be able to apply for any financial product, anytime, anywhere and from any device. His mission is to build Saving Plus into the Amazon of Financial Service.

(LinkedIn)

Myanmar

Brad Jones, CEO of Wave Money

An executive in digital finance, Brad Jones run joint venture between Myanmar telco Telenor and bank Yoma Bank. The company will provide mobile financial services to the masses in Myanmar.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Pakistan

Faisal Khan, CEO of Faisal Khan & Company

A Pakistan-based consultant and blogger specializing in banking, payments, an fintech. Khan covers cutting-edged technologies and explains how specific innovations work. He also conducts market analysis, product reviews and report summaries.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Philippines

Ron Hose, CEO of Coins.ph

Coins.ph was developed for the Philippines since many of the citizens there do not have bank accounts. In May 2014, Coins.ph organized and hosted Asias first Bitcoin hackathon.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Mikko Perez, founder of Ayannah

Ayannah provides digital financial services to the worlds unbanked. Perez remains actively involved in initiatives that support social entrepreneurship and sustainable development in emerging markets.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Singapore

Scott Bales, author of Innovation Wars

Founder of Metlifes Innovation Centre, Bales now runs Innovation Labs Asia in Singapore. Hes a founding member of Next Bank, the vice president of The Mobile Alliance Singapore, and holds advisor positions at Fastacash, Our Better World, The HUB Singapore, and Apps 4 Good.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Rob Findlay, SVP at DBS Bank

Aside from consulting on developing and leading a customer experience design practice at DBS, Findlay has served as a mentor for startups in the IBM Watson New Venture Challenge and Startupbootcamp FinTech in Singapore. Hes also the founder of Next Money, an open and collaborative community driving change for the better in the banking industry through design, innovation and entrepreneurship.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Brad Paterson, VP and Managing Director of APAC at Intuit

Paterson is small business enthusiast with a passion for all things tech, including payments. He is responsible for Intuits expansion across Asia-Pacific. Intuit makes personal finance and tax software for small businesses.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Joe Seunghyun Cho, Chairman of Marvelstone Group

Marvelstone Group is a private investment group that develops and invests in growing businesses, with finance as its core strength. Cho is the founder and chairman, who ensures that the groups resources are fully optimized.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Tyson Hackwood, Head of Asia at Braintree

Hackwood leads the expansion of Braintree in Asia and its mobile payments system. Previously, he played a role at PayPals New Ventures team and led the establishment of Paypal Here.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Dinesh Bhatia, CEO of TradeHero

TradeHero is a learning and trading tip platform for financial retail products. Bhatia was listed among the 100 Most Creative People in Business for 2015 Award by Fast Company.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Bank

Gupta has led the Singaporean bank for the last five years. He focuses on innovation and customer experience, emphasizing the need for banks to embrace the digital transformation.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Tobias Puehse, VP of Innovation Management APAC at Mastercard

Tobias (Toby) Puehse leads innovation management for MasterCard Digital Payments & Labs in Asia Pacific. He is actively involved in the creation of Smart Nation technology in Singapore. In 2016, Toby was named one of Asias Top 100 Leaders in FinTech.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Raghav Kapoor, Smartkarma

Smartkarma is the premier collaborative marketplace for Asian investment research and analysis. He was ranked as Asias number one investment idea generator from 2011 to 2013, based on the performance analysis of over a million top investment ideas.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Matt Dill, Senior VP, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Visa

The responsibility of extending the reach of Visas payment network falls to Dill. Its his job to identify, develop, and commercialize relationships with partners in Southeast Asia.

(LinkedIn)

Shailesh Naik, CEO of Matchmove

Matchmove is an enterprise platform provider of mobile commerce, social enterprise and gamification solutions. Launched the first pan-Asia cloud-based mobile payment card with American Express and Mastercard.

(LinkedIn)

South Korea

Soyeong Park, CEO of PayGate

PayGate is a cross-border online payment process handling company with over 17 years of experience and supporting over 3,000 merchants. Park was also instrumental in the launch of Koreas first fintech forum in late 2014.

(LinkedIn)

Thailand

Jun Hasegawa, CEO of Omise

Omise is a payment gateway in Thailand offering a wide range of processing solutions for businesses. Hasegawa, a Japanese-American, says the company will expand to Japan to tackle payment gaps there next.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Vietnam

Christian Konig, Fintech expert

A mentor, speaker, and expert in financial products, Konig splits his time between Zurich, Ho Chi Minh, and Singapore. He wear many hats and publishes on several blogs.

(LinkedIn, Twitter)

Pham Thanh Duc, CEO of M-Service

Momo, M-Services premier product, offers a mobile wallet and payment app and a banking service for those without a traditional bank account. Momo plans to grow its banking network to 11,000 agents by the end of 2017.

Although it's missing some key folks like Matt Dooley (HK) and Slava Solodkiy (Singapore).

Anywho, the bottom line is that if your eyes are focused upon London and Silicon Valley, youre missing the key developments of the Silicon Dragon and that would be a mistake.
"Whoever uses a fraudulent computer network protocol address (IP address) by using a false address or a third-party address by any other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery, shall be punished by temporary imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dhs500,000 and not exceeding Dhs2 million, or either of these two penalties."

If you get caught using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the broader of United Arab Emirates (UAE), you could face temporary imprisonment and fines of up to $545,000 (~Dhs2 Million).Yes, you heard that right.Online Privacy is one of the biggest challenges in today's interconnected world. The governments across the world have been found to be using the Internet to track people's information and conduct mass surveillance.Here VPNs and proxy servers come into Play.VPNs and proxy servers are being used by many digital activists and protesters, who are living under the most oppressive regimes, to protect their online activity from prying eyes.However, using VPN or proxy in the UAE could land you into great difficulty.The UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued new sovereign laws for combating cyber crimes, which includes a regulation that prohibits anyone, even travelers, in the UAE from using VPNs to secure their web traffic from prying eyes.According to the laws, anyone using a VPN or proxy server can be imprisoned and fined between $136,000 and $545,000 (Dhs500,000 and Dhs2 Million).The laws have already been issued by the UAE President and have now been reported to the official government news service WAM.For those unfamiliar, Virtual Private Network (VPN) securely routes your Internet traffic through a distant connection, protecting your browsing, hiding your location data and accessing restricted resources.Nowadays, VPNs have become a valuable tool not just for large companies, but also for individuals to dodge content restrictions as well as to counter growing threat of cyber attacks.The UAE's top two telecom companies, Etislat and Du, have banned VoIP -- the phone calling features in popular apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger and SnapChat that deliver voice calls over the Internet for free -- from within the Gulf nation.However, soon the vast number of UAE residents who use VPNs and proxies within the UAE for years to bypass the VoIP ban could be in difficulty.Out of two new laws issued last week, one lays out fines for anyone who uses a VPN or proxy server, local news reports . The new law regarding VPNs states:The new move is in favor of telecom companies for whom VoIP 'over-the-top' apps have long been a major issue, as consumers no longer need to pay international calling rates to speak to their loved ones.
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ...

[For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien...

Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many...

Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

[BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm...

Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...

How to choose a sextoy for Indian

Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.

Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points:  Does the size fit you (the partner)?

Does the size fit you (your partner)?

Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?

Price range

First of all, the choice of size is quite important.

Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.

For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.

Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.

Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.

If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.

Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.

Finally, there is the price range.

The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.

Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.

Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?

I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.

For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.

If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.

How to buy sextoys in India

The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.

For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.

Sextoy is one of them.

Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.

SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.

They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.

Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.

To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.

ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.

Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.

Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.

Cautions for Indians using sextoy

When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind

Keep sex toys clean

Watch out for electrical leakage

Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy

As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.

Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.

It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.

In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.

Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.

If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.

You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.

Summary

What did you think?

In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.

The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.

As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.

However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.

If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?

Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.

I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it.
The Shawnee Hills Arts Council presents Conor McPherson's "The Weir," a single reader's theater performance at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Anna Arts Center, 125 W. Davie St.

"The Weir is a spirited Irish tale of humor, heartbreak and events that haunt us," according to a news release from Christian Moe, the play's director and narrator.

The performance features local actors Sarah Dubach, Kim Curlee, Stevel Falcone, Pete Houseman and Jim Lambert.

Moe describes the play as "set in a remote rural pub in northwest Ireland. Three local bachelors and a married man greet a young woman newly arrived in the area. They entertain her  and hope to scare her a bit  by telling ghost stories. But the waters shift when the woman reveals a startling story of her own."

Tickets are $10, available at the door or in advance by contacting fancynsy2@hotmail.com or by calling 618-614-4080.

 The Southern
Three years ago, Illinois became the last state in the nation to legalize the concealed carrying of firearms. Since then, the Illinois State Police has distributed more than 181,000 licenses, according to a recent report by the organization Reboot Illinois.

A number of Southern Illinois counties appear high on the list of per-capita concealed carry license holders, and Pope County leads the group, with 42.3 license holders per 1,000 residents.

Reached by the Southern last week, Pope County Sheriff Jerry Suits said, We havent had any troubles down here at all with it (the concealed carry law), and I dont expect any troubles with it. Its a good thing for Illinois, and I think its a good thing for Pope County.

Sean Smoot, director and chief legal counsel at the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, agrees that the concealed carry law has had minimal effects on law enforcement.

So far its had, frankly, very little impact, Smoot said. I think there were concerns voiced by opponents to the law that it would create a more dangerous atmosphere for law enforcement officers. We have not seen that bear out since the law has come into place. The fact of the matter is, it seems to me, that most of the folks who apply for and get concealed carry permits are very conscientious about the law.

Most concealed carry advocates seem to feel the same way  the bad guys arent the people who go through the red tape to obtain a concealed carry license. A high price tag also acts as a deterrent for would-be criminals, some say: Setting aside the cost of a firearm and ammunition, the concealed carry application fee costs $150, and required 16-hour training courses range from $150 to $300.

Bill Fenton opened his Murphysboro gun shop, Alpha and Omega Guns and Gear, in August 2015, about a year after state officials began issuing concealed carry licenses. A sizable portion of his clientele legally carries concealed firearms, and Fenton does too, each and every day.

People are realizing whats going on, that the worlds getting a little scary, and theyre choosing to protect themselves by carrying a weapon, he said.

Fenton, who also teaches concealed carry training courses at his facility, said the law has led to robust sales of smaller handguns in his store  models such as M&P Bodyguards, Ruger LC9s, Sig Sauer P238s.

I think as long as people do it correctly, go to a reputable trainer and learn the law, its a very good thing, Fenton said.

But according to the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, there are other factors at work.

While we do know that the majority of gun owners are lawful gun owners, one point is that theyre lawful until theyre not, but the other piece is that every gun starts out as a legal gun, said executive director Colleen Daley.

The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a national public interest law firm that publishes information on gun laws, gave Illinois a B+ on its 2015 gun law scorecard. But Illinois neighbors fared poorly: Missouri and Kentucky both received Fs. With a C-, Iowa is our best-graded neighboring state.

Illinois actually has some decent gun laws, Daley said.  But what we ultimately find is that loose gun laws in states surrounding us are leading to high crime rates and the illegal trafficking of firearms onto the streets in cities like the city of Chicago, where weve seen, unfortunately, a really high number of gun deaths this year: over 2,300 have been shot in the city of Chicago this year.

Although its often mislabeled as an anti-gun group, ICHV calls itself a gun violence prevention organization that does not oppose the Second Amendment.

We respect the law, Daley said. Right after the concealed carry law became law in Illinois, we spent a year traveling around the state, doing concealed carry education forums so that people understood what was happening businesses, individuals, because no one knew. This is new to us.

The Illinois concealed carry law prohibits license holders from carrying weapons in 23 places, such as public transit and public festivals; consequently, its considered one of the strictest concealed carry laws in the country. Pro-gun groups have lobbied relentlessly to loosen those restrictions, and ICHV has pushed back.

When the concealed carry law was making its way through the legislative process in 2013, pro-gun groups argued that the measure would significantly decrease crime. So far, that hasnt been the case, Daley said.

Weve seen an increase in crime. And thats not just in Illinois, thats across our country right now, and now we have 50 states where people can legally carry firearms, she said.

But its hard to tell whether the spike in crime is directly tied to concealed carry law, since pro-gun groups have squashed efforts to conduct thorough research on gun violence, Daley said.

ICHV is hoping to get a measure through the legislature that would require firearm dealers to be licensed in Illinois. According to a 2016 poll, 85 percent of Illinois voters support the proposed change to the law.

It comes down to educating people, Daley said. The other side has this one message, which is not true, that theyre trying to take your guns away. There is not a measure that we have ever supported or proposed that would take a law-abiding gun owners gun away from them. Its just this misinformation that people have.  Most people support the idea of keeping people safe.
DU QUOIN -- Jean A. Ibendahl, 98, of Du Quoin, formerly of Tamaroa, passed away at 11:23 a.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Du Quoin.

Jean had been a school teacher at Hillsboro, Wilmington, Decatur and Du Quoin. She had earned her B.S. and Masters Degree in Education from the University of Illinois from 1952 until 1957. Her teaching fields were English, History, Political Science, Sociology, and Girls Physical Education. She had no children, but she considered some of her former students as her children. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville.

Jean was an Ag in the Classroom Adviser for the USDA in Washington, D.C. from 1981 until 1991, which she was instrumental in forming and which is still going on today. She was author of Pork Primer, a 200-page textbook, published in 1978. Jean was listed in the Whos Who in the Midwest; 2000 Women of Achievement, The World Whos Who of Women, 1973; and Whos Who of American Women.

She was very active in many Republican organizations including Perry County Republican Women. For 18 years, she served as officer and/or chairman of American Agri-Women and was member of other various agriculture organizations. She was a 4-H club leader of Du Bois Pioneers, a member of the Perry County Historical Society and a member of the National Legislative Committee of Farm Bureau. She was a worldwide traveler, traveling to 21 different countries and 43 different states. On some of these travels, she went for the United States Department of Agriculture or Illinois Department of Agriculture.

She was born June 10, 1918, at Bement, the daughter of Charles and Minnie (Burns) Ayres.

She married Calvin F. Ibendahl on Dec. 31, 1958, at Tucson, Arizona and he preceded her in death Sept. 20, 2006.

She is survived by one brother-in-law, Edgar Ibendahl and wife, Sue, of Nashville; three nephews, Gregory Ibendahl, Doug Ibendahl and Steven Ibendahl; several other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one brother, Stanley Ayres.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, July 29, at Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin, with Rev. Jim Barnett officiating.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in Tamaroa Cemetery.

Friends may make memorials to the Perry County Historical Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
Ted Cruz's electrifying performance at the 2016 Republican National Convention will be long remembered, and deservedly so. At a critical moment, when the party of Lincoln had uncomfortably but nonetheless thoroughly embraced a lifelong Democrat/reality star/violence-abettor  and when few leading Republicans had demonstrated the courage to oppose him  Cruz did. Politicians live for the adulation of crowds, and it's bracing, even thrilling, to see one stand up straight when suffering their jeers. Cruz was particularly effective because he dropped the Southern preacher style he affected during the primaries and spoke plainly.

And yet, and yet. One can never quite get over the sense with Cruz that everything is calculated. He took a risk, yes, but there is high potential gain for him in being perceived, whatever happens in November, as the voice of pure Republican conservatism. Cruz was a pillar of strength last night, God bless him. But let's not forget that John Kasich has not bowed to the orange god either, nor has Mitt Romney, or Ben Sasse, or many others.

There is so much to admire about Cruz  and I don't doubt that if his plan had worked and he'd been elected, he would have made a good president  but he also must bear some measure of responsibility for what has happened to the Republican Party, and thus, to the country. Together with talk radio and Fox News celebrities, Cruz wove the tale of Republican Party betrayal that so alienated and embittered Republican voters against his own party. From the moment he arrived in Washington, Cruz lacerated Republicans as part of the "Washington cartel." His specialty was the attention-grabbing gesture, such as his filibuster against Obamacare. It had no chance of success, but positioned Ted Cruz very well with the "base."

Cruz was crucial in portraying the Republican leadership  which, while not perfect, had certainly held the line against President Barack Obama  as corrupt and complicit in everything Obama had done. In June 2015, for example, he mocked: "Why is it that Republican leadership always cuts deals with Democrats and with Washington and throws overboard the conservatives that, come October and November in an election year, they are desperately asking them to turn out and elect them to power?"

When he won Iowa, he proclaimed it a "victory for every American who has watched in dismay as career politicians in both parties refused to listen and too often fail to keep their commitments to the people."

And as Trump rose in the polls and became a dire threat to nearly everything conservatives claim to cherish, Cruz adjusted his positions (endorsing deportation of illegal immigrants and their American citizen children, for example, and opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership) and kept praising the New York fraudster. Should Trump apologize for what he said about Mexican immigrants being rapists? Cruz: "I think he's terrific. I think he's brash. I think he speaks the truth." Trump's critics were "silly" and "politically correct." Cruz applauded Trump for "taking on the Washington cartel." As late as December 2015  after Trump mocked a handicapped reporter, after he made reference to Megyn Kelly's menstrual cycle, after he called on a crowd to "rough up" a protester  Cruz called Trump "terrific."

Clearly, the senator was gambling that the reality star would implode and Cruz would be waiting to net Trump's fans. That's a motive, but not an excuse. By praising him so often and so unequivocally, didn't Cruz help to detoxify Trump? Cruz is a decent and honorable person, but he abetted Trump's indecency until Trump's muzzle swung in his direction. And by sowing so much unfair suspicion about the Republican Party, didn't Cruz help create the "burn it down" mood of 2016, which, in the end, devoured Cruz's own hopes, along with so much else?

Politicians position, hedge and dodge. Understood. But when that positioning comes in the form of undermining a key institution, i.e. the Republican Party, it's playing with fire. Institutions take decades or generations to build. The Republican Party, for all its faults, was the only vehicle for conservative ideas in our society. Ted Cruz, Laura Ingraham, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and the rest picked an ironic time to undermine it, since the party has never been more thoroughly conservative (at least as reflected in elected officials) than it was in 2016.

Now, with a Trumpified Republican Party, conservatives are homeless and arguably crippled. If Trump wins, the transmogrification of the Republican Party will be total and "conservatives" will be Trumpites. If he loses (which is much more likely), the stain of Trumpism may keep Republicans from the White House for another generation. Either way, conservatism is the loser.
A man sentenced to 20 years in prison in the death of a Holly Hill man got out early. Now hes accused of murdering someone in Berkeley County.

Kenneth Campbell Jr., 26, of 521 Jametrice Lane, St. Stephen, is facing five charges in a Berkeley County case that left one man dead and a woman injured. He is one of five suspects in the July 21 home invasion and shooting.

Campbell faces one count each of murder, attempted murder and first-degree burglary. He also faces two counts of armed robbery.

He was originally charged with murder in the Sept. 24, 2012 death of 39-year-old Richard Davis, who was found in his yard with a gunshot wound to his head.

Co-defendant Jordan Akeem McDaniel, 27, of St. Stephen, was also charged with murder in the death.

In October 2015, Campbell pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in McDaniels death. Circuit Judge Ed Dickson sentenced Campbell to 20 years in prison.

McDaniel wasnt cooperative, First Judicial Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe said.

On April 21, 2016, Campbells public defender and prosecutors asked Dickson grant Campbell an order of protective custody.

According to courthouse documents, both the prosecutors and public defenders had concerns regarding the above-referenced inmate at the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, S.C. This inmate is scheduled to be a witness in an upcoming trial at the Orangeburg County Courthouse during the week of April 25, 2016. The Defendant he is testifying against has known family members and associates residing at Lee Correctional Institution.

Dickson signed the order, which stated, the defendant be placed into protective custody at the Bamberg County Detention Center in Bamberg, South Carolina until this matter is disposed of.

On April 25, McDaniel pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Davis death.

On the same day, Dickson reduced Campbells sentence to ten years. It was suspended to time served and five years of probation.

Dickson granted Campbell credit for the 1,211 days he already spent incarcerated.

McDaniels sentencing in the Holly Hill case will come after hes sentenced on unrelated federal charges.

A sentencing date for McDaniels federal charges has not yet been set.

Pascoe said that Campbell cooperated in the case concerning Davis death and agreed to testify against McDaniel.

It appears the judge gave great weight because (Campbell) cooperated by testifying against the alleged triggerman in the case, Pascoe said.

Pascoe said the sentence reconsideration was left up to the judges discretion.

Now, less than three months after Campbells release, hes facing multiple charges in the Berkeley County case.

Campbells warrants in that case allege he was one of the suspects who ambushed two people upon their return to a Martha Lane residence in Huger.

Campbell allegedly forcibly robbed them at gunpoint of a purse which contained approximately $3,000 cash, a cellphone and their two motor vehicles, the warrant states.

Before taking their vehicles, Campbell and others allegedly forced them into the house, ransacked it for additional items, bound the victims hands with heavy-duty tape and killed 27-year-old Kadeem Johnson by shooting him in his head after forcing him to kneel, the warrant states.

The woman was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina hospital where she is undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds to her hands and chest.

According to the Berkley County Sheriffs Office, Jacob Malachi Mouzon, 17, of Bonneau, and Drake Edward Campbell, 18, of St. Stephen, are also charged with murder. Both suspects are also in custody.

The sheriffs office named a fourth suspect on Wednesday: Sherrod Deon Palmer, 23.

Palmer is believed to be armed and dangerous. If anyone knows Palmers whereabouts, contact 911.

The office has not yet named a fifth suspect.
Orangeburg native Jaime Harrison, chair of the S.C. Democratic Party, addressed the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.

Harrison also had the opportunity to announce South Carolinas results on Tuesday.

Below are his Thursday remarks, as prepared for delivery:

"Good evening, I am Jaime Harrison, chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

"As a demagogue preaches nostalgia for the past, its worth remembering our past.

"In 1948, a 10-year-old girl in Orangeburg dragged bags of cotton under a searing S.C. sun. That girl was my grandmother. Millions of other Americans lived separate, unequal lives.

"In 1960, a college student was arrested in Orangeburg for protesting that unjust system  and in jail, met his future wife. That student was Jim Clyburn.

"Thanks to him and countless other marchers, Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Johnson correctly predicted Democrats would lose the South for a generation as a result.

"But to paraphrase JFK, now the torch has been passed to a new generation of Southerners  diverse, progressive and fed up with Republicans failed governance and dangerous divisiveness.

"When this generation hears Donald Trump claim that America was only great in some bygone era, we know painfully well we cant go back to the old America and the old South.

"Democrats believe in a new South because no matter your race, immigration status, income, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, we all have the same aspirations for high-quality education, good jobs, safe neighborhoods, health care and retirement.

"These aspirations were my grandmothers, who now sees her grandson as the first black party chair in South Carolina.

"These aspirations were Jim Clyburns, who became majority whip of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Only Democrats can help all Americans fulfill these aspirations.

"After the horrific massacre at Emanuel AME Church, South Carolinians united to take down the Confederate flag.

"But we cant pat ourselves on the back for taking down the flag until we take down the barriers to education and health care. We cant pat ourselves on the back for being polite until we do what is right.

"Secretary Clinton  who followed her heart to Arkansas  understands that the American Dream extends beyond the Mason-Dixon Line and that South Carolinas motto  while I breathe, I hope  applies to all. She is strongly supporting all of our state parties with a 50-state strategy because we are stronger together, and only together will we more truly become one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Former state Rep. Bakari Sellers, D-Denmark, spoke at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.

His remarks included:

Tonight I join you, just a kid from Denmark, S.C. where we have three stoplights and a blinking light, to stand here at this crossroad of our nations history as proof that anything is possible.

I join you tonight born out of struggle, a product of the civil rights movement, the son of Gwendolyn Sellers and Cleveland Sellers, who missed the birth of his oldest child, my sister, because he was in prison for fighting for what he believed in.

They taught me not only the words of Frederick Douglass, If there is no struggle, there is no progress, but also the words of our state motto Dum spiro spero, While I breathe I hope.

I am a product of their struggle, I am the product of that hope and Im not the only one. The truth is every single one of us is a product of struggle, our lives were made possible through struggle and hope.

And now Democrats, now more than ever, we must continue to embrace our history, recognizing that the party of Barack Obama was first the party of Fannie Lou Hamer and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party; that before there was a Hillary Clinton, there was a Shirley Chisholm; that once we fought just to be seated but now I stand before you ladies and gentlemen unbowed, unbroken and unafraid.

Thats what America is: its an unlikely story of struggle and hope that joins us together as we dare to march forward. And Im here to tell you that Hillary Clinton knows that because shes been part of it her entire life.
PHILADELPHIA -- If political conventions tell us anything beyond the predictable, the one held last week in Cleveland and the other going on this week in Philadelphia pose contrasts so stark that one wonders if the two groups hail from the same country. Hint: One of them didn't present a diverse cross-section of America.

Whereas Cleveland's arena was a relatively sparsely populated panorama of predominantly pale faces animated by anger, Philadelphia's is a teeming, multicolored mass of (mostly) joyous celebration. In starkest contrast, Bernie Sanders, unlike Republican runner-up Ted Cruz, handed the baton and a passionate endorsement to his party's nominee.

The Democratic convention managed to wrestle unity from the Sanders crowd while Republicans left their gathering as divided as ever. Not even the storied email scandal -- the hacked Democratic National Committee files released on convention eve, not Clinton's private server -- muted the enthusiasm of delegates.

On opening night, a series of speakers carefully culled from the trove of democratic demographics related personal stories that were lovely and touching, if at times it felt like a group therapy session. Then along came comedian Sarah Silverman, who broke the spell with a little reality therapy, telling the "Sanders or Bust" crowd, "You're being ridiculous."

Did she just say that?

This is what passes for scandal when banal DNC emails make one yearn for the days of gloved burglars with flashlights. Even speculation about Russian intelligence being behind the hack and trying to influence the outcome of the presidential election (really?) pales next to the flesh-and-blood drama of Watergate.

The Russian conspiracy theories, loosely posited by the Clinton campaign and others, go something like this:

Donald Trump has expressed admiration of Vladimir Putin. Trump has recently turned more pro-Russia, suggesting he wouldn't interfere with Russian aggression if NATO members don't pay a fair share for their defense. Oh, and Trump has refused to release tax returns. Might they reveal business associations with certain Russian parties?

Then, too, the hackers, who did not breach the Republican National Committee, according to the FBI, could just be messing around.

Either the Russians have no interest in what Republicans chat about or they don't need to spy because (cue Bourne Identity soundtrack) Trump and Putin are already in constant contact. Actually, rumor has it that Trump's hairdo conceals a chip that feeds his thoughts directly into a computer located in an underground silo in remotest Kamchatka, where analysts celebrate the coming New Russian Empire with shots of Trump Vodka.

But I digress.

After Silverman, who was paired with the formerly funny Sen. Al Franken, came a series of heavy hitters, including fellow Sens. Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Sanders with affirming and unifying messages. First lady Michelle Obama, who stole the show, was gracious as she serially insulted Trump without once mentioning his name -- the ultimate putdown.

Contrast this to the direct, full-frontal, name-calling insult-a-thon that has been the Trump campaign. Even winning the nomination failed to improve his mood or personality. Winning has always been Trump's endgame, so why wasn't he happy?

By contrast, there's no reason to imagine that the first woman ever to be nominated to the presidency will maintain a grim expression as Trump did following his nomination. He obviously made a decision to forgo the victor's grin and instead bear the countenance of a general about to enter war. Happy warrior isn't in his repertoire.

Whatever one's political persuasion, objectively, the future belongs to the party that reflects the nation it aspires to lead. This would not be the party whose platform, though not binding, seeks to undo many of the rights -- reproductive choice and same-sex marriage -- that most Americans find acceptable.

The math simply doesn't support a viable Republican Party without a long period of reconstruction following the Trump demolition. This is true if Trump wins or loses.

In the meantime, sentient Americans aren't the only ones worried about what comes next. On Tuesday, I moderated a panel before an international audience hosted by National Democratic Institute. A woman from Africa summarized the sentiments of the larger group with her question. Noting that people around the world depend on the United States to be the shining light for all, she asked: Who is the best to provide the moral leadership of America?

The world awaits our answer.
We are very happy to be able to provide Santee State Park with this valuable tool that may save a life. Santee State Park is a very popular camping and fishing destination, and many of those visitors are older and at a higher risk for a cardiac emergency. You hope you never have to use an AED, but you want it nearby if you need it, RMC Foundation Director Margaret Frierson said.
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/By Azernews/

By Gunay Camal

Anar Mammadov has been appointed new director general of the Turkish Petkim petrochemical complex, Turkeys Public Disclosure Platform (Kamuoyunu Ayd?nlatma Platformu - KAP) reported on July 28.

Mammadov replaced Sadeddin Korkut in this post.

Petkims previous director general Korkut resigned and was later arrested on charges of being involved in Fethullah Gulens movement.

Later it was reported that Korkut was detained in connection with the complaint of one high-ranking official of the company, who was dismissed earlier, SOCAR told Trend July 28.

Also, some officials of SOCAR Turkey Energy company, Turkish subsidiary of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, resigned in connection with the military coup attempt in Turkey, local media reported.

Among those resigned are Omer Adsiz, director of PR department at SOCAR Turkey, Ilgar Mehmetoglu, director of the companys HR department, Cetin Korkut, director of the companys IT department, as well as Fuat Ulagay, director of HR department at Star refinery.

Earlier, Sabah newspaper reported that the Turkish government is expanding the fight against the supporters of Gulens movement in the countrys energy sphere.

As part of the fight against the movement of Fethullah Gulen, who was reported to be involved in the military coup attempt in the country, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority has appealed to all energy companies of the country demanding to dismiss Gulens supporters, according to the report.

Twenty-five employees of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority were earlier dismissed over the military coup attempt in Turkey.

The July 15 coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,000 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration into Turkish state and government establishments, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the "parallel state".

The General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces has said that 8,651 servicemen of the armed forces participated in the military coup attempt in the country. The rebels used 35 planes, 37 helicopters, 246 tanks and three vessels during the military coup attempt in Turkey.

MP from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Umit Bozdag recently warned that militia, who are still loyal to Gulen can attempt for a new military coup in the coming months.

There is still danger in Turkey. Threat will exist as long as FETO followers will be among the Turkish armed forces. We can face the threat of a coup from the army at every turn, until all of them are cleaned up, he said.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizade has met with Pakistani Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan to discuss the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.





They hailed Azerbaijan's and Pakistan's constantly supporting each other. "Both countries' heads of state have significantly contributed to the development of bilateral relations," they noted.





The two hailed a variety of humanitarian and social projects which were implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and noted the importance of enhancing economic and trade ties.





Highlighting the socio-economic development in Azerbaijan, as well as favorable conditions created for foreign investors, activities of industrial towns and investment parks and other economic and trade opportunities, the Ambassador noted the Pakistani businessmen would be able to take advantage of this situation. Minister Dastgir Khan recalled Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz this January in Davos. He hailed great potential for further development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.




Construction work continues in military units under the instructions of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, the Defence Ministry said.





The Defence Ministrys management inspected the quality of construction work carried out in the buildings of medical diagnostics, headquarters, and in other administrative buildings and facilities of the military hospital, which is being built in the city of Ganja. Chief of Central Medical Department, Major General Natig Aliyev informed the Minister about the course of the construction work, the Ministry said.





Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov inspected conditions created in the newly-established therapeutic unit of the mobile field hospital, and gave his relevant recommendations and instructions. Then the Minister met with the staff of one of the tank units located in the frontline zone. He viewed the training center, military equipment and vehicles of the military unit here, the Ministry said.




Hungary attaches great importance to developing relations with Azerbaijan, said Head of the Hungarian-Azerbaijani Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group Marton Gyongyosi as he met member of the country`s Parliament Ganire Pashayeva.





They discussed development of relations between the two countries, as well as spreading the realities on the Khojaly massacre in Hungary.





Ganire Pashayeva applauded cooperation between Azerbaijan and Hungary, provided an insight into the cause and consequences of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.





The MP expressed believe that the Head of the Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group would strengthen his efforts for further delivering the realities about Khojaly massacre in Hungarian society.





Marton Gyongyosi, in turn, assured that he would try his best for boosting Hungarian-Azerbaijani ties, adding both countries were interested in developing relations even further.




An Azerbaijani delegation led by Chief of the State Security Service lieutenant-general Madat Guliyev has participated in the 15th meeting of Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law Enforcement Organizations in Sankt Petersburg, Russia.





Madat Guliyev has delivered a speech at the meeting.





Some 99 delegations from 46 countries and international organizations took part in the meeting, which focuses on cooperation in combating terrorism.





The participants discussed issues that call for finding joint solutions based on international law, and the proposals will help strengthen the world countries security and international stability.




/By Azernews/

By Rashid Shirinov

On July 22, anti-corruption center Transparency International published a report presenting the efforts aimed to reform Armenian police system. the OSCE attempts to change the Armenian police over the past 13 years, in particular since 2008, have been fruitless so far.

Despite enormous efforts and diligence, Armenian people keep witnessing the increasing aggression and illegal actions of the countrys police.

Hundreds of thousands of citizens have been deprived of their right to peaceful assembly and many hundreds were illegally detained and suffered physical offenses, the Transparency Internationals report states.

The latest events on seizure of a police service station in Yerevan by armed attack of a group Sasna Tsrer showed the peak of violence of the Armenian police troops. That reminds the March events of 2008, when the protests of the Armenian citizens against the rigged presidential elections were cracked down by police and Serzh Sargsyan came to power in the country.

Sasna Tsrer demands the release of political prisoners and the resignation of the president of Armenia. These demands are largely shared by people, who are upset with the problems of their country, namely corruption, social injustice, poverty, unemployment and the consequent emigration.

Many people consider the uprising to be the last resort to save the countrys future and, hence, a growing number of people join the civic actions in defense of the rebels. From the first day of the seizure, Armenian people started their protest actions against authorities by gathering on the Khorenatsi Street and some other main venues of the capital. Every evening they conduct rallies in front of the police cordon in protest against the current government and police system.

Since the seizure started on July 17, Armenian police has clashed with hundreds of demonstrators who showed support for Sasna Tsrer. The police officers fired tear gas, detonated smoke grenades and additionally used stones in order to calm protesters down. Thousands of peace activists were detained and taken to police stations everyday, where they suffered from police abuse. Only for July 27, the number of detainees increased 150. This confrontation is still being observed in the main streets and squares of the Armenian capital.

Lawlessness of the police and their impunity transformed Armenia into a police state  the police deprive the opposition of its right to free speech, that brings dictatorship and tyranny to Armenia.

It is obvious that the efforts made by OSCE as well as other international organizations to reform the police sector in Armenia has failed, Transparency International mirthlessly finished its statement. It is evident that Armenian police receives all instructions from the unfortunate government system of the country, and no reforms can change the situation until the top management resigns. That is exactly what the Armenians claim at their rallies.




/By Azernews/

By Nigar Abbasova

France plays an important role in strengthening of the educational system of Azerbaijan, French Ambassador to Baku, Aurelia Bouchez said while addressing a meeting held afterwards the entrance exam to the newly-established University of France-Azerbaijan (UFAZ).

She mentioned that the cooperation in the education field started with the establishment of the French lyceum in Baku.

It is pleasant that the cooperation has already reached a new, higher level. UFAZ is a project realized between the two countries and two universities. Earlier, Azerbaijans Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov met with the rector of Strasbourg University of France, Alain Beretz. The sides are expected to sign an agreement on the functioning of the University, she said.

Deputy Education MinisterJeyhun Bayramov, in turn, informed that applicants, who scored 500 points (which is considered to be a high grade) at national entrance exams in the first group of specialties, were eligible for participating in the UFAZ exam.

He mentioned that the project has already aroused big interest in the country adding that the University will positively influence the cooperation between France and Azerbaijan.

The project UFAZ will be implemented jointly by the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) and the French Universities of Strasbourg and Rennes on the initiative of the Azerbaijani and French presidents

An international academic staff of high qualified French and Azerbaijani professors will deliver lectures mainly in the English language, while the French language will be gradually integrated.

Opening of the UFAZ in Baku will be beneficial primarily to students, as they will be provided with a double diploma.

In 2016/2017 academic year, ASOIU will start teaching in four specialties including Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Geophysical Engineering and Development and exploitation of oil.
Dentons, a leading law firm, has advised Qurayyat Desalination, a special-purpose company formed by Hyflux and Modern Channel Services, with respect to the Qurayyat independent water project (IWP) in Oman.



Qurayyat Desalination was awarded $250-million contract to design, build, own and operate the Qurayyat desalination project in Qurayyat, Oman, by the government-owned Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) under a 20-year water purchase agreement.



The project will add another 200,000 cu m per day of drinking water to the countrys water supply.



The transaction reached financial close in June and involved cross-border elements across Oman, Singapore, the UK and the UAE.



Dentons Middle East senior partner, Neil Cuthbert, said: "We are delighted to have worked with Hyflux and Modern Channel Sources on this independent water project in Oman, particularly as it was Hyflux's first build-own-operate (BOO) project in the Middle East."



The Dentons team was led by Cuthbert and assisted by partners Ian McGrath in Istanbul, Ian Dalley in Abu Dhabi and Paul Sheridan, Andrew Figgins and Sadaf Buchanan in Muscat, as well as Dubai associates Carina Onzer and Mona Hammadi.



Dentons' leading energy and project finance teams have an in-depth understanding of the Oman market, having first advised on the privatisation of the sultanate's power and water sector in the late 1990s. The team has since worked on many power and water projects in Oman, advising both the government of Oman as well as the private sector, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service


Technology innovation, healthcare, education and fintech are key opportunity areas for entrepreneurs in the Middle East to leapfrog into the 21st century,, said experts during a live Twitter chat hosted by YPO, a premier chief executive leadership organisation.



The chat featured global and regional experts discussing entrepreneurship and business trends in the Middle East. The one-hour event took place in collaboration with Wamda, a platform and community that aims to accelerate entrepreneurship in the region, in an effort to create more support for the next generation of leaders in the Middle East.



YPO and Wamda posed questions to Marwan Kheireddine (@mar1_k), chairman of the board at Al Mawarid Bank and former minister in the Lebanese government, and Chris Schroeder (@cmschroed), author of Startup Rising and an active supporter of the startup ecosystem in the Mena region. Both participants are entrepreneurs themselves and members of YPOs network of more than 24,000 chief executives and business leaders in more than 130 countries.



The discussion shed light on the hubs at the forefront of the regional entrepreneurial scene, as well as global insights on how to accelerate entrepreneurial success and create disruptive innovation in the Middle East.



Kheireddine and Schroeder agreed that the Middle East has a huge pool of youthful talent and resilience  and that this is only set to grow due to the next generations dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit.



Both YPO members felt that technology was the future when it comes to growing businesses and mobile talent in the region.



Kheireddine explained: Think the internet of things, think 3D printing, think healthcare. Think portable electronic devices with sensors and gyros. Governments need to understand that technology eliminated borders and that you can create a product and sell it worldwide from your bedroom. Countries must concentrate on infrastructure development  increasing internet speeds and bandwidth, which decreases barriers to entry.



Throughout the region there has been a call for diversification away from the oil and gas industry, and this has been identified as a key governmental focus for the present and foreseeable future, said Kheireddine.



With diversification in mind, the YPO members were asked about the entrepreneurial areas they thought were thriving in the Middle East.



Schroeder said: Anyone solving local or regional problems such as logistics, language and content, sensitivities on health and education will thrive, adding his prediction that regional solutions will also succeed in other emerging growth markets. I predict that within the decade there will be globally competitive software  beyond growth markets  that will come from Mena.



Disruption is often talked about at length in business, and both participants agreed that there is room for disruption in the Middle East.



Schroeder concluded: If you remember me for nothing else today, be it this: everywhere and every industry is ripe today. Disrupt or be disrupted.  TradeArabia News Service
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the worlds largest district cooling services provider, will showcase its latest efforts to adopt environmental initiatives at the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex 2016) in October.



The event, organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), will be held from October 4 to 6 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE.



This annual exhibition provides opportunities for associations, corporations and companies from all over the region and the world to discover the latest technology related to the water, energy, and environment sectors.



The show serves as a platform for companies to reveal their forthcoming projects.



The 18th Wetex exhibition is expected to be the largest in its history in terms of the number of exhibitors, display area and number of visitors. This year, it is expected to attract 1,900 exhibitors from 46 countries, 22,600 visitors from 65 countries, and the total area is expected to exceed 63,700 sq m.



Wetex is an international platform which reflects on the UAE and its leaderships commitment to promote latest technological solutions in the field of energy and sustainability. It also serves as an ideal venue for displaying environment-friendly energy solutions in order to achieve a better life for generations to come. Empowers participation is part of its pioneering role as one of the largest companies working to develop and spread the latest technology in the field of district cooling worldwide. We have also a mandate of helping developing countries adopt sustainable solutions for the advancement of the energy and production sectors, said Ahmad Bin Shafar, the CEO of Empower.



Wetex 2016 will be held under the umbrella of the third Green Week. It also coincides with the first Dubai Solar Show and the third World Green Economy Summit (WGES).



Empower will showcase its latest efforts to adopt environmental initiatives, exchange ideas and suggest the best ways to use energy, added Bin Shafar.



Empower looks forward to signing new contracts, building partnerships, and looking at the latest technology in the energy, environment and sustainable development, and both current and future projects regionally and worldwide, he said. - TradeArabia News Service


Qatar Airways Cargo, a leading international cargo carrier, has launched a new freighter services to New York (US) and Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada), adding to its rapidly growing network of 54 dedicated cargo routes.



Services to New York and Halifax are scheduled with a frequency of one flight per week every Wednesday from Luxembourg, its new European hub, operated with a Boeing 777-200 freighter that offers 103 tonnes of cargo capacity, added the Peninsula Qatar report.



In addition to regular cargo goods, these new flights will allow Qatar Airways Cargo to facilitate the transport of lobster and seafood, major exports from both cities, to Europe, the Middle East, South and North East Asia via Doha, it said.



The new cargo service complements the existing belly-hold cargo on the airlines commercial flights, which recently doubled. Increasing passenger demand to Americas financial centre, New York prompted Qatar Airways to add a second daily service with an Airbus A350 XWB to the city from March 1 this year.



The airline has served the city daily since the initial route launch in 2007 with a Boeing 777 aircraft. The double-daily passenger flights to New York currently offer 125 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity each week.



The commencement of a service to Halifax will increase Qatar Airways presence in Canada, creating jobs in its cargo operations in Halifax.



The airline also operates three passenger flights weekly from Montreal to Hamad International Airport (HIA), its state-of- the-art hub in Qatar and has offices in Montreal (Quebec) and Toronto (Ontario), added the report.
India signed a contract on Wednesday to buy four maritime spy planes from Boeing Co for about $1 billion, defence and industry sources said, aiming to bolster the navy as it tries to check China's presence in the Indian Ocean.



India has already deployed eight of the long-range P-8I aircraft to track submarine movements in the Indian Ocean and on Wednesday exercised an option for four more, two defence ministry officials and an industry source told Reuters.



"It's a follow-on order, it was signed today," a defence ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to make announcements on procurements.



A second defence official confirmed the value of the contract at about $1 billion and said the aircraft were expected to enter service over the next three years.



Amrita Dhindsa, a spokeswoman for Boeing defence, space, and security in India, said she was not in a position to say anything on the contract and referred all questions to the defence ministry.



But she said the P81 was an aircraft used for not only for long-range patrol but was also equipped with Harpoon missiles for anti-submarine warfare.



India has been building up its naval surveillance capabilities since China's navy expanded its reach and sent submarines, including a nuclear-powered boat that docked in Sri Lanka, across the Indian Ocean.



The deal, signed during a visit by the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Frank Kendall, marks a further tightening of India's ties with the United States, which has emerged as a top arms supplier in recent years for India's largely Soviet-equipped military.



A US embassy spokesman was not immediately available for comment.



Boeing last year completed the delivery of the last of the aircraft under the previous order worth $2.1 billion, an industry source said.



The Indian navy has deployed some of its P8-I aircraft to the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands near the Malacca Straits and two other routes into the Indian Ocean for military and commercial shipping. - Reuters
Oracle today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NetSuite, the very first cloud company. The transaction is valued at $9.3 billion.



Oracle and NetSuite cloud applications are complementary, and will coexist in the marketplace forever, said Mark Hurd, chief executive officer, Oracle. We intend to invest heavily in both products  engineering and distribution."



NetSuite has been working for 18 years to develop a single system for running a business in the cloud, said Evan Goldberg, founder, chief technology officer and chairman, NetSuite. This combination is a winner for NetSuites customers, employees and partners.



NetSuite will benefit from Oracles global scale and reach to accelerate the availability of our cloud solutions in more industries and more countries, said Zach Nelson, chief executive officer, NetSuite. We are excited to join Oracle and accelerate our pace of innovation.



The transaction is expected to close in 2016. -TradeArabia News Service


Bahrainis wanting to travel to Europe this summer are facing difficulties in obtaining Schengen visas, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.



To read further, please visit GDNonline.






Demand for air travel to France and Nice, the country's second most popular destination after Paris, has dropped again after an attacker killed 84 people in the city on the French Riviera on July 14, according to travel data analysis company ForwardKeys.



France's tourism industry had yet to fully recover from assaults in Paris in January and November last year, which were also claimed by Islamic State, when Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a truck into a crowd of revellers on Nice's Promenade des Anglais.



Daily net international bookings to Nice for future arrivals, combining cancellations of previous bookings and a decline in new bookings, dropped by 57 per cent in the period July 15 to 23, compared with the previous year, ForwardKeys said on Thursday.



ForwardKeys said flight bookings for travel in August and September were already down before the July attack but have since taken another knock.



Bookings for travel to Nice for August and September were down 14 percent compared with last year before July 14, but are now down 19 percent, while bookings for France as a whole are down 20 per cent, compared with a drop of 16 percent before July 14.



"Ever since the Charlie Hebdo attack last January, France has been suffering from a reduction in tourism confidence and just as bookings started to recover, another attack has taken place," ForwardKeys co-founder and CEO Olivier Jager said in a statement.



Air France-KLM on Wednesday raised concerns over the attractiveness of France as a destination, saying the attacks were hurting demand from travellers from Japan, China and the United States.



Analysts will also be watching quarterly earnings from Groupe ADP, which runs Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports in Paris, later today for the effects of lower travel demand on results. - Reuters
Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has welcomed Simon Casson as the group's new president, hotel operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa.



Casson is currently regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. He will continue to be based in Dubai, transitioning from the resort to Four Seasons corporate office in the Dubai International Financial Centre.



A native of the UK, Casson joined Four Seasons 27 years ago and has held management positions in London, Washington DC and Doha, where he served as the opening general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Doha for nine years. In 2011 Casson was promoted to regional vice president, overseeing properties in Europe and the Middle East. Since 2013 he has been posted in Dubai where he opened Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach to great acclaim. During this time Casson also chaired the company's Global Spa Task Force, overseeing Four Seasons spa efforts worldwide.



In his new role Casson will lead hotel operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, supporting the companys focus on product and service differentiation as it continues to extend its presence across the region with new properties opening soon in London (Ten Trinity Square) and Kuwait City, as well as a recently announced resort in Hvar and a second luxury property in the Seychelles on Desroches Island. - TradeArabia News Service
BILLINGS, Mont.  Landowners, environmentalists and public health workers petitioned Montana regulators on Tuesday to require companies to more fully divulge which fracking chemicals they use to produce oil and gas.

Dozens of chemicals, some of them hazardous to human health and the environment, are used as part of the process technically known as hydraulic fracturing, in which millions of gallons of fluid are pumped deep underground to release oil and gas trapped in shale or other rock formations.

A 2011 state rule allows companies to conceal chemicals they consider to be trade secrets. Officials can request the full ingredients list in the event of a spill or release of the fluids.

Critics say the trade secrets exception represents an unlawful loophole, violating the publics right to know about chemicals that can contaminate groundwater and pollute the air.

Tuesdays legal petition, from a coalition represented by the environmental law firm Earthjustice, asks the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation to tighten its rules.

Earthjustice attorney Katherine OBrien says companies should have to justify any fracking ingredients withheld, as is done in Wyoming. Also, disclosures should be made before drilling starts instead of after its completed, she said.

Its important for people who are living and farming and ranching near fracking operations to understand what chemicals they are being exposed to right now. It doesnt necessarily take a spill to pose a health risk, OBrien said. Theres really no reason Montana deserves less access than their neighbors in Wyoming.

Oil and gas board Administrator Jim Halvorson says the 2011 rule was crafted to conform with state and federal laws allowing companies to keep confidential proprietary information about whats in their fracking fluids.

The board felt that its proposed rule was adequate at the time it was adopted, he said. Well review the petition for rulemaking and make a decision after thats been done.

The matter is likely to come up at the boards August 11 work meeting, Halvorson added.

State law gives the board 60 days to either reject the request or begin a new rule-making process.
Leaders of Caspers civic auditorium project, The Lyric, are revising their business plan and finalizing a building design before beginning fundraising this fall in the midst of an economic downturn.

People ask me -- youre going to do this during the downturn? acknowledged board member John Bailey at a community meeting Tuesday afternoon. These kind of projects are vitally important to the economic growth of our community.

Bailey said that for an economy that struggled with such a huge reliance on natural resources, a public performance space could help bring other kinds of jobs to Casper.

This is the kind of thing young people look for in bringing their businesses in, he said.

Executive director Glenda Thomas said she couldnt release any figures until the business plan was completed at the end of September, but the group still needs to build the main performance space within the old Iris movie theater building along West Yellowstone Highway at Ash Street. Constructing the auditorium will require partial demolition of the existing building.

Thomas said the revised business plan will take into account the difficult economic climate and look for savings.

Were trying to be really careful, Thomas said. I wouldnt necessarily call it a scale back. Id call it looking at the space to make sure were using the most economic way of doing it.

To revise the plan, the Lyric has conducted four meetings over the past two weeks with community groups in Casper that might use the auditorium once completed. Board members also toured public auditoriums around the state and beyond, including in Gillette, Laramie, Montana and Colorado.

Thomas said those tours helped identify essential parts of the auditorium and areas where they could exercise more discretion. For example, the current plans call for building technical spaces for performance crews in the basement.

We were looking at cutting that, and those other places said, dont do it! Thomas said. If youre trying to get any kind of shows, those are things youd need."

The Lyric opened the lobby for event bookings in January after using a Housing and Urban Development grant for basic renovations, including installing a catering kitchen. Thomas said the space has hosted 20 events with more booked for the coming months, including a wedding ceremony to be held in one of the old movie theaters.

During a presentation to the Casper City Council on Tuesday night, board president Brendan Bummer said the full auditorium could open in as soon as two years but might take up to four for fundraising and construction to be complete.
Grownup Stuff

Patio talks at trails

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC) is once again hosting summer afternoon programs on pioneer and Wyoming history. These short interpretive programs, ranging from 20-45 minutes, are free and open to the public.

July 30, 1 p.m. Native American Spiritual Traditions: Stop in and help us welcome back Willie Leclair, Wyoming's resident ambassador for the Eastern Shoshone people! Willie brings articles of worship and describes their significance as he explains a Shoshone spiritual perspective on the world and the human being's place in it. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with a Shoshone cultural interpreter!

July 31, 1 p.m. Pioneer Doll Making: During the early days of America, children often played with dolls. Dolls could be soft and cuddly, such as a rag doll or made from other items found in the home. Dolls were easy to make and were generally made from scraps of fabric already available. Since these dolls were homemade, surely no two were ever the same! Join NHTIC volunteer Jean Smart as she illuminates the most popular of these early American pastimes.

For more information, please contact Jason Vlcan at (307) 261-7780.

Four Casperites in state Dem delegation

Four Casper Democrats will be among the 18 Wyoming delegates attending the National Convention in Philadelphia through Thursday. Michael Bond, Natrona County educator, Mary Hales, Wyoming national committee woman, Brenna Cain and Matthew Frias (alternate) were chosen at the State Convention in Cheyenne on May 9 to represent Wyoming.

Of the 18 delegates going, seven represent Hillary Clinton, seven represent Bernie Sanders, and the four super delegates represent Clinton. The super delegates are from the Wyoming Democratic Partys elected leadership; they are State Chair and Vice Chair, National Committee Woman and National Committee Man.

Wyoming will be represented on three national DNC committees during the convention. On the Platform and Credentials committees, representing Bernie Sanders, will be Richard Kusaba and Michelle Argento, respectively, while Bonnie Brown Koelb will be on the Rules and ByLaws committee, representing Clinton.

Ana Cuprill, Wyoming Democratic state chair, said the states 2016 Platform adopted at the May 9 convention will be considered along with those from all other states during the National Convention.

Wyoming Blues Challenge

Calling all Wyoming Blues Bands and Solo/Duo Blues acts. Here's your chance to represent Wyoming in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge. Prelims will be held on August 7 at the Alibi Pub in Laramie and August 20 at the Attic above the World Famous Wonder Bar in Casper. Finals will be held on September 18 in the ballrooms at the Parkway Plaza. If you think you have what it takes, contact Rick Davis at wyomingblueschallenge@gmail.com to get rules and receive your entry information.

Jonah Bank celebrates 10 years

Jonah Bank of Wyoming has been building a better Wyoming for 10 years. Come celebrate with us. Caspers celebration will take place from 4 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, August 11, at Jonah Bank on the Platte River (777 West First Street).

Jonah Bank of Wyoming was established in 2006 and continues to build a better Wyoming through support of Wyoming small businesses and their employees. The bank strongly believes in old fashioned, relationship-based banking where your banker is your neighbor, friend and most importantly, your partner in growing your business. Jonah Bank is dedicated to the communities it serves, with two locations in Casper (777 West First Street and 3730 East Second Street) and two in Cheyenne (2015 Central Avenue and 205 Storey Boulevard).

New displays at senior center

What is Zentangle? Zentangle is a fun, relaxing ,easy method of drawing that creates structured images.

Visit the Senior Center at 1831 E. 4th St. to view this fascinating display of amazing drawings by local artists. Also featured is a collection of Japanese collectibles including pottery, clothing, dishes and more.

For more information, call 265-4678.

Veteran Cigar Night

Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., all veterans are invited to Veteran Cigar Night at the Casper Cigar Company, 4717 W. Yellowstone Highway, sponsored by Casper Cigar Company. There is no cost to attend.

This is a time and place for our community's combat veterans to relax and share their stories with other combat veterans while enjoying a good cigar. Veterans receive 20 percent off cigars. For more information, call Josh Cruse at 307-337-4400 or josh@caspercigar.com

Submit to miniature show

ART 321/Casper Artists Guild would like to invite all artists to submit entries in our 22nd Annual International Miniature Art Show 2016. You can find the specifications on entries and entry forms by visiting our website at art321.org and looking under Exhibits.

Fees and entries are due July 30, 2016. The show opens to the public on August 4, 2016, and closes August 27, 2016.

Cash awards and ribbons will be given. Size of cash awards will depend upon number of entries.

Dr. Valerie Innella Maiers is the show judge. She teaches art history and museum studies in the Visual Arts Department at Casper College.
A carnival worker accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a 5-year-old boy in Casper will go to trial.

Circuit Court Judge Brian Christensen ruled Thursday morning that the case against Joshua Winters has probable cause to proceed in district court.

Winters was captured on surveillance video July 18 at the El Mark-O bowling alley playing video games with the alleged victim and two older boys, Casper police detective Anthony Stedillie said during a preliminary hearing.

After the older boys left, police said Winters and the youngest child walked about a mile to the North Platte River.

He was lured away by the suspect with promise of video games, Stedillie told the court.

Stedillie said Winters took off all his clothing and walked into the river. He then allegedly grabbed the boy, dragged him into the water and swam to the opposite bank, where he sexually assaulted the boy.

A woman found the boy at an intersection and drove him to the Mills Police Station.

Winters, who worked as a food vendor at the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse of a minor and second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. He faces life in prison and is currently being held at the Natrona County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.

According to court documents, Winters told police the childs brother stole money from his wallet while at the arcade. Winters said he and a child left the arcade to recover the missing money. However, the boy jumped or fell into the North Platte River and Winters went in to save him. Winters passed out on the bank after the rescue and the child was gone when he woke up, he said.

The alleged assault took place after the two exited the river and entered a patch of dense foliage.

Any individual could be completely camouflaged from view after just going a few yards up the bank, Stedillie said.

Winters warned the boy that if he screamed Winters would kill him, according to the documents.

Stedillie said a bloodhound was used to identify where the two entered and exited the river. The entry point was along 13th Street near the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, and the two exited on the opposite bank.

A witness who was driving on 13th Street saw a man and a young boy in the river and pulled over to ask if they needed help.

Everybody is fine, Winters told the witness, Stedillie said. The witness then saw the boy climb onto the bank of the river and walk into the foliage followed by Winters.

Surveillance cameras captured a man and boy clearly recognizable as Winters and the alleged victim walking by the Mills water treatment plant, Stedillie said. Eleven minutes later, video allegedly shows a shirtless Winters running by the water treatment plant in the opposite direction.

Defense attorney Robert Oldham said if Winters had wanted to access the treed area he could have simply walked across a nearby bridge. He also asked whether there was any evidence that Winters forced the boy to go with him to the river or to enter the foliage.

It did not appear that the victim was being physically forced, Stedillie said.

Winters had been hunched over and occasionally fidgeting while awaiting his hearing but smiled and laughed while conferring with Oldham. Several supporters of the victim and his family were in the courtroom and appeared distraught throughout the hearing.
A University of Wyoming professor has been hired as dean of Yale Universitys School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Ingrid C. Burke, who has been director of the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at UW since 2008, will start at Yale in October.

Burke said she loves the impact the Haub School has had on natural resources decisions in Wyoming and the West. She hopes the position at Yale will allow her to be involved in similar types of decisions on a global scale.

I think I can help bring some of that real-world problem solving certainly to the education at Yale and hopefully to some of their outreach efforts as well, Burke said. It was hard to resist.

Burke is an ecosystem ecologist with a focus on semi-arid rangelands, according to her website.

The lack of open spaces is going to be a problem, frankly, for me, Burke said. Im going to try and capitalize on the water.

Yales statement noted that the Haub School was one of the top Western academic institutions focusing on natural resources and said Burke had helped build the schools global reputation.

She is a respected intellectual leader in the United States and internationally, Yale president Peter Salovey said in the release.

Burke received her doctoral degree in botany from the University of Wyoming and said she hopes to foster connections between UW and Yale.

I love everything about the state, the people, Burke said. I dont expect to leave Wyoming behind.
Calmer winds helped firefighters stop a wildfire from destroying seasonal homes Wednesday in a rural area of western Wyoming.

The Lava Mountain Fire in the Shoshone National Forest has burned 18 square miles and is threatening about 290 homes and guest ranches. About 900 people have been evacuated from the area, but no buildings have lost.

We got it stopped just as it got into the subdivision a little bit, fire spokesman Nick Mickel said.

Better weather conditions kept the fire less active, allowing firefighters to keep any homes from being burned, Mickel said.

Were not experiencing today the level of fire activity that we had yesterday up to this point, he said Wednesday afternoon.

Wyoming state forester Bill Crapser said on Tuesday that the rough terrain, dry fuels and windy weather were making the fire particularly challenging to attack.

The fire, which was started July 11 by lightning, is burning in beetle-killed timber.

Almost 750 firefighters are assigned to the fire. On Tuesday, Mickel said a top-level incident management team had been called to take command of operations. More specialized firefighters and large air tankers were put into service, and Gov. Matt Mead activated a National Guard medivac helicopter and its crew to assist.

Similar weather conditions are expected to continue through Sunday.

In neighboring Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Cliff Creek Fire has grown to 33 square miles, but much of the growth occurred in wilderness areas.

Where its burning in the wilderness and wilderness study area, were not overly concerned; thats where we want it to go, fire spokesman Andy Lyon said.

Meanwhile, containment increased to at least 60 percent on two wildfires in the Bighorn National Forest.

The Hatchery Fire near Ten Sleep has burned more than four square miles. It showed minimal activity on Wednesday, and firefighters focused on patrolling the perimeter.

The Arden Fire, about 35 miles east of Greybull, has burned 544 acres.

There are nine active wildfires in the state.
Members of the Wyoming National Guard are assisting residents of Pine Bluffs after a severe hail storm hit the area Wednesday.

Gov. Matt Mead activated 27 Guardsmen on Thursday to respond to the Laramie County town on the Nebraska border, according to a press release from the Wyoming Military Department.

The soldiers and airmen will help residents board up windows and doors, the release said. More storms were predicted to pass through the area later in the day.
Provocative U.S. House candidate Rex Rammell has dropped out of the race and endorsed fellow Republican Darin Smith.

Rammell, who has goaded his opponents by claiming their staffs were gay, that they were afraid of horses or were not religious enough, said he chose Smith for his deep faith and conservative values. He claimed he has polling data that showed Smith was first in the race, which he declined to make public, and was best situated for beating Liz Cheney, daughter of the former vice president, in the Aug. 16 primary.

Rather than split the votes, the one that had the best chance of winning should be endorsing the other one, said Rammell, a Gillette veterinarian, at a news conference in downtown Casper.

Rammell and Smith, who was also at the event, met at the Wyoming State GOP Convention in April. As they became friends, they discovered they both had similar viewpoints and religious sensibilities, Rammell said.

Rammell said he is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Smith said he is an evangelical Christian.

Both Darin and I represent the faith community, Rammell said about Smith, a Cheyenne attorney who does humanitarian work for the Christian Broadcasting Network.

But Smith interjected.

Im running for Congress, not pastor, he said.

Despite eight Republicans remaining in the race, its now a two-way race between Cheney and Smith, Rammell said.

Smith concurred, then said that it is a four-way race among him, Cheney, Tim Stubson and Leland Christensen.

The Casper poll said its a four-way race because its 60 percent undecided, Smith said, referring to a Casper Star-Tribune and Wyoming PBS poll that showed 52.3 percent were undecided.

Rammell  who has run for U.S. Senate from Idaho in 2008, Idaho governor in 2010 and Idaho House in 2012  claimed he hired a pollster to survey Wyoming voters and that the results showed Smith in first place.

Results of the only independent poll about the GOP contest were made public late Wednesday, commissioned by the two media organizations. It showed Cheney with 20.7 percent, Stubson with 8.7 percent, Christensen with 4.1 percent and Smith with 2.5 percent.

Smith on Wednesday said he possesses polling that showed he was doing better than the Star-Tribune/PBS poll. After saying he could win the undecided voters described in the Star-Tribunes poll, he said the poll wasnt accurate because it showed Rammell with just 0.8 percent. And everyone he talks to is voting for Rammell, he said.

Neither candidate released his polling but criticized Cheney for not releasing her polling data.

Although Smith is trying to attract religious and nonreligious voters, he sounded a note to resonate with the desires of the Christian right, saying at the end of the press conference: Judge Neely, if you can hear me, Im going to fight for you.

Ruth Neely is a Pinedale magistrate who is arguing before the Wyoming Supreme Court she does not have to marry same-sex couples because of her religious convictions. The Wyoming Judicial Conduct and Ethics Commission is recommending she is removed from office because shes in violation of the states judicial conduct code, which she swore to abide by in an oath.

Ballots have already been printed with Rammells name on them, according to the Wyoming Secretary of States Office.
ASPEN, Colo.  A Colorado Springs man has been accused of pointing a gun at others and taking a man hostage at a camping area in Independence Pass.

The the man faces a felony charge of first-degree kidnapping and a misdemeanor count of prohibited use of a weapon after the incident on Wednesday.

Police say the man was holding another man hostage near two vehicles about 11 miles east of Aspen. The hostage was able to run away from the scene and officers arrested the suspect.
LARAMIE  A man has been sentenced to prison for choking a woman in Wyoming after previously being deported from the U.S. for a violent felony conviction.

34-year-old Jesus Antonio Gomez pleaded no contest to the felony strangulation charge in May. He was sentenced Tuesday to three to five years in prison.

District Court Judge Jeffrey Donnell noted that Gomez has five pages of criminal history and recommended that he be placed in an intensive treatment unit.

Defense Attorney Candace Pisciotti had requested a shorter prison term for Gomez. She said he has a severe drug problem and has held himself accountable for his actions.

Gomez acknowledged the previous deportation but told Donnell he had to come back to the U.S. because his family lives there.
SALT LAKE CITY  The Mormon church has pulled its 15 missionaries out of Turkey, citing concern about unstable conditions there.

A news release from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says the missionaries were transferred to Germany and will work with the Turkish-speaking population in Berlin.

The church says it plans to send the missionaries back when things return to normal in Turkey. A violent attempted coup on July 15 recently heightened tensions in the country.

The Mormon church's website says it has one active mission and 439 members in Turkey.
It is a bit of a challenge to hear Brian McBride, the soft-spoken owner of Arizona Beer House, over the chatter of customers during an interview on a recent Friday afternoon.

Since opening a year ago, craft beer enthusiasts have flocked in droves to this popular spot, the east side of Tucsons answer to Tap & Bottle, with 35 taps and nearly 400 bottles to choose from.

The Beer House, in the old Original Santa Fe Tile Company at East Broadway and South Kolb Road, can get slammed on weekends.

Its been that way since the beginning.

It was crazy when we first opened, McBride said. We were busy our first week and it hasnt slowed down. The support weve seen has been overwhelming.

In honor of its one year in business, McBride and his crew of east-side beer slingers are throwing an all-out anniversary bash this Saturday, July 30.

The family-friendly party will feature carnival games and an hourly dart throw for prizes, a stilt walker, balloon artist, a 21-and-older scavenger hunt and even a water slide.

On hand to assist will be Ellen McBride, Brians sister and manager at the Beer House. David McBride, Brians brother and business partner in the venture, lives in California, but will be there in spirit.

Arizona Beer House is a family affair nearly a decade in the making. Brian is a longtime craft beer aficionado.

Many a family trip over the last 10 years has been planned around potential visits to far-flung breweries.

Ive always loved chasing down beer, Brian said. It got to a point where my kids would ask which breweries we were going to see before vacations.

Brian, who sold plumbing supplies before entering the business, said he and his brother had long talked about opening a place in Tucson that served craft beer and wine, with a particular focus on what was being created in Arizona.

The goal was simplicity.

We wanted a place where people could come and relax with no televisions, no Wi-Fi, he said. People could sit with each other for hours and just talk.

Arizona Beer House seems to fit the bill.

On Fridays and Saturdays, you look across the bar and no cellphones are out, he said, his voice barely audible amid the packed house of customers. Everyone is socializing. It is great.
Two longstanding Fourth Avenue bars have been fined at total of nearly $10,000 by the state liquor board for violating liquor laws, documents show.

Maloneys Tavern, 213 N. Fourth Ave., was cited for five violations and fined $8,000 by the Arizona Department of Liquor in June, according to documents obtained through a public-records request.

In addition to the fine, an employee is facing felony assault charges in connection with the January incident involving a patron who was seriously injured.

OMalleys Bar and Grill, 247 N. Fourth Ave., was also cited for three violations, and paid $1,625 in fines, records show.

The department of liquors investigation began after the Star reported in December that police records showed several violent incidents occurred at OMalleys and Maloneys between February and August 2015, including a homicide. However, a check of the departments database showed no violations for either bar in 2015.

State law requires that a bars owner or manager report any violent incident that occurs on the premises to law enforcement or the liquor department within seven days.

When contacted by the Star in December, department spokeswoman Lee Hill said there were no open investigations or violations for either of the bars in 2015. The Star, however, had police reports documenting the incidents at the bars.

Hill confirmed they had not received the reports, prompting the states investigation.

OMalleys

In January, the Star reported the departments Liquor License and Control division decided OMalleys violated state laws by not alerting authorities to two aggravated assaults that occurred on the premises.

The incidents, which took place in February and May 2015, involved women who were struck on the head with beer bottles while inside the bar, records show.

In the February assault, a security guard handed the victim a bandage and told her she needed to go to the hospital, since she was bleeding profusely.

In May, police interviewed a woman who said shed been hit on the head with the bottle while dancing.

After OMalleys security separated the two women, the victim was asked to leave, along with her assailant, according to a Tucson police report, obtained through a public records request.

In both cases, the victims contacted police on their own, once theyd arrived at the hospital. Tucson police verified that no calls to 911 had been made from the bar, following either assault, department of liquor documents show.

The bar paid $875 in fines for the two failures to report, and an additional $750 for an employee who was intoxicated or disorderly while on duty, according to department of liquor documents.

In January, an investigator with the department was conducting youth alcohol enforcement in front of the bar, when a customer was escorted out of OMalleys, department documents show.

The man, who was behaving aggressively, was taken to the ground by security and restrained, at which point an employee came out of the bar and made antagonizing gestures at him.

The investigator reported that the employee reached towards his belt line and made the gun gesture with his hand.

When questioned about his behavior, the employee said the customer had made him mad. The incident was referred to the compliance unit, since the employees behavior could have led to a more serious situation.

OMalleys is also facing a lawsuit by the families of four people killed in a DUI crash last July. The suit alleges negligence by the bars staff in over-serving the driver, Jesus Olea.

Owner Brian Cummings could not be reached for comment.

Maloneys

A January altercation led to an $8,000 fine for Maloneys, after it was cited for five violations.

On Jan. 8, a department of liquor investigator was working downtown, when he encountered a commotion outside of Maloneys, according to department of liquor documents.

A crowd of patrons hovered and created a circle around an individual who was laying face first on the street, the investigator wrote in his report.

The man laying on the ground was not moving, and appeared to be unconscious, he wrote.

The state of unconsciousness lasted for at least 20 minutes straight until emergency services were rendered, the report said.

When questioning witnesses, the investigator learned that an employee of Maloneys, Clinton Gray, had slammed the victim onto the ground after he had resisted leaving the bar.

The victim suffered a broken collarbone, brain bleed and a punctured left ear drum, and multiple witnesses confirmed that Gray had used excessive force.

The eyewitness account shows the culpability of Clinton Gray, and the fact he knowingly left the scene without rendering aide, according to the investigators report.

Test results indicated the victims blood alcohol content was well above the legal limit.

The department of liquor found that Maloneys committed the following violations: Failure to protect the safety of patrons, selling liquor to an intoxicated or disorderly person, intoxicated on premises for 30 minutes, employee disorderly on duty and a serious act of violence occurring on the premises.

The Pima County Attorneys Office has charged Gray with aggravated assault and aggravated assault with serious injuries, both felonies. His case is pending in Pima County Superior Court.

Maloneys ownership changed hands in December, with the new owners purchasing the rights to the Maloneys name and logo, said Jennifer Eversten, a spokeswoman for Prime Steak Concepts, the corporation that owns other Maloneys locations.

There is no other association between (the Tucson) location and our company, she wrote in an email.

New owners Joseph and Rebecca Harris could not be reached for comment through their attorney, John J. Brady.

Both Maloneys and OMalleys have had a total of 13 violations with the department of liquor, many of which are related to violence.
Several Tucson businesses and homes were raided by authorities Wednesday morning, as part of a multi-city operation with the DEA targeting the synthetic drug "spice," officials said.

Officials served 32 federal search warrants in Tucson, Denver and Long Beach, California, and 18 people were arrested, said Erica Curry, a spokeswoman with the Drug Enforcement Administration. It's unclear how many of those arrests were in Tucson.

"The DEA led multiple enforcement operations in Tucson and the surrounding area this morning as part of a long-term federal investigation involving the sales and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as "spice," Curry said.

More than $350,000 in cash, 600 pounds of synthetic cannabinoids and several luxury vehicles were seized in the raids. In addition, law enforcement was able to dismantle a possible spice lab, she said.

Those arrested will be facing federal charges, Curry said.

The effects of synthetic cannabinoids range from feelings of euphoria to altered perception and psychosis, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. They can also lead to violent behavior and suicidal thoughts.

Since May 1, the Tucson Fire Department has responded to 192 calls for spice overdoses, said Capt. Barrett Baker, a department spokesman. In June and July of 2015, the department reported 60 calls for spice overdoses.

Baker said it's an "ebb and flow" from month-to-month, with slower months averaging 30 calls. But, the monthly average of spice overdoses recently has been upward of 65 per month.

This operation will be instrumental in restoring the quality of life for the neighborhoods impacted by the effects of the spice epidemic," said Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus, whose officers also took part in the raids.

More than 100 federal, state and local law enforcement officers assisted in the operation, Curry said.

The DEA did not list where the raids took place, but federal agents and local law enforcement officers were seen raiding the Chihuahua Market on South 12th Avenue near West Irvington Road. Tucson police officers and Border Patrol agents were seen outside the Blue Moon Smoke Shop in the 4300 block of South Sixth Avenue.

Meanwhile, Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik said he would ask the council to consider a ban on the sale of the substances, which are often sold as "incense" or "potpourri." His request is already backed by a second member of the Council, Regina Romero.

Calling the various substances "nasty" drugs that ruins lives, Kozachik says he wants to give law enforcement the tools to curb its use.

"Law enforcement is like a cat chasing it's tail trying to keep up with how the stuff is manufactured. We owe it to residents, public safety and public health workers to craft as broad an ordinance as we can so anybody caught selling or distributing these synthetic drugs are busted," he said.

In a memo to staff, Kozachik suggest a potential ban on the sale, distribution, or possession with the intent to sell spice or any related products.
Two midtown private schools are scrambling to correct city zoning violations with the new school year just weeks away.

The schools, Pathways School and Veritas Academy, are within blocks of each other in midtowns Palo Verde Neighborhood.

Pathways, 3618 E. Pima St., is a new school serving students with special needs and Veritas, 2151 N. Palo Verde Blvd. serves Christian students who are home-schooled part time.

Unlike district and charter schools, private schools must abide by city code, said John Beall, section manager for entitlement and special exception at the citys planning and zoning department. The heads of both schools said they were unaware of that fact.

There are requirements for educational uses regarding hours of operation, outdoor activities, vehicular and pedestrian access, passenger drop-off areas and the size of the campus, according to Beall.

Both Pathways and Veritas are on the campuses of churches in a residential area and neither meet the 5-acre requirement to operate a school, which is why they need to apply for special exceptions.

The schools violations came to the citys attention when members of the Palo Verde Neighborhood Association contacted Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozachik.

Both schools were operating in good faith, he said. Neither of them were trying to slip through the cracks.

But they must still go through the proper rezoning process, he added.

Ronni Kotwica, president of the neighborhood association, said she and other neighbors did not know that Veritas was operating as a school and that another one, Pathways, was going to open in August.

In Veritas case, neighbors didnt realize it was a school for several months; neighbors only found out after members of the senior community neighboring the school complained of noise.

They started noticing all of the screaming and yelling at 7:30 in the morning up until 5:30 in the afternoon, Kotwica said.

Both schools are working to make amends, Kozachik said. They have met with the neighborhood association and city officials to start the process for special exceptions.

The process can take four to six months, he said. In the meantime, with the stipulation that both schools go through the proper zoning process, they would be issued temporary certificates of occupancy so they could open for the new school year.

For Veritas, a school of about 90 students, there are additional conditions. The school must work to rectify the disruption to the neighboring community.

That means extending an existing block wall, moving around playground equipment and increasing supervision of children during school hours, said Christopher Barnes, head of Veritas Academy.

Were sorry for any of the problems that we have had, he said. Were working to be good neighbors.

Pathways School is assessing what renovations need to be made for the special exception process, said Debra DeLabio, the schools director. Upon receiving the notice of violation from the city, the school immediately sought out an architect and began the application.

Were moving forward feeling very positive, she said. We intend to do everything that were expected to do under the guidelines of the city.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Los Angeles regional office is recommending a denial of a federal Clean Water Act permit for the proposed Rosemont Mine.

But a decision by the Corps -- which can be appealed -- could be six months off, a Corps spokeswoman said.

The Corps' L.A. district commander sent the recommendation this week to the agency's San Francisco-based South Pacific Division Commander's Office, a Corps spokesman said Thursday afternoon. Corps spokesman Dave Palmer declined to discuss the recommendation or release a copy. The recommendation was received on Monday by the Corps' San Francisco office, said Heather Babb, a Corps spokeswoman working in that office.

But if it had been a recommendation to approve the permit, it would have gone directly to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under Corps procedures. That would give EPA a chance to decide if it wishes to elevate consideration of the proposed permit to the Corps' Washington, D.C., office.

This is just the first step in what could be a long, complex process in deciding on this permit, one of two major federal approvals that the copper mine needs. If the South Pacific Commander, Mark Toy, denies the permit, Rosemont applicant Hudbay Minerals Inc. can appeal the denial to a Corps review officer.

The Corps' South Pacific Division's initial projection is that it could take six months to issue its decision "due to the complexity of the permit application and the extensive administrative record" on it, Babb said.

"We do not have the exact timeline for a decision at this time," Babb said.

The Corps has been tight-lipped on its views on Hudbay's most recent mitigation plan for the mine, which involves buying and preserving 4,800 acres of private land and restoring some of it. The agency had criticized earlier versions of the plan as inadequate.

The mine would extract 243 million pounds of copper from private land in the Santa Rita Mountains southeast of Tucson, and dispose its tailings and waste rock on nearby Forest Service land.
"Speaking is difficult for me. But come January, I want to say these two words: 'Madam President,'" former Tucson Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords told the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night, bringing down the house.

Giffords became an advocate of gun control after being shot in the head and gravely wounded in the Jan. 8, 2011 mass shooting in Tucson.

She walked onto the stage in Philadelphia unassisted and without the cane she has used since recovering from the shooting.

Here is the text of the prepared remarks she delivered:

"Hello, fellow Democrats!

"What a crowd!

"Im honored to be here today.

"We have important work ahead of us.

"Work that will determine the future of our country.

"Are you ready?

"Im ready.

"In Congress, I learned a powerful lesson.

"Strong women get things done!

"Hillary is tough.

"Hillary is courageous.

"She will fight to make our families safer.

In the White House, she will stand up to the gun lobby.

"Thats why Im voting for Hillary!

"Speaking is difficult for me.

"But come January, I want to say these two words,

 'Madam President.'

"Thank you very much."
Dont count on North American forests to bail the planet out of climate change, says a new study whose authors include four University of Arizona researchers.

For years, scientists and government agencies have said forests are carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by fossil fuel burning.

The Environmental Protection Agency says U.S. forests removed 11.5 percent of all C02 emissions in 2014. The Forest Service pegs the removal rate at 10 percent to 20 percent in a given year. Globally, a 2011 study published in Science magazine estimated that forests and other land-based ecosystems remove 25 percent to 30 percent of all greenhouse gases.

But the new study concludes that warmer weather nationwide and drier weather in regions such as the Southwest will reduce North American forests growth rate through the 21st century. Climate change probably will slowly reduce the rate at which forests absorb carbon, so forests may become sources of carbon, not sinks, the study finds.

For most of recent history, forests have played a significant role mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, the study says. But the possibility that rising temperatures can reverse this trend has the potential to accelerate climate change beyond critical tipping points, it adds.

The study combined computer model forecasts of rising global temperatures with an analysis of 2 million tree ring records, covering 1900 to 1950 at 1,457 sampling sites across North America.

Its like a thermostat gone bad, said one of the studys UA researchers, Margaret Evans, an assistant professor in dendrochronology at the schools Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, in a news release. Forests act as a carbon sink by taking carbon dioxide out of atmosphere, but the more the climate is warming, the slower the trees are growing, the less carbon they suck up, the faster the climate is changing.

The studys results dont mean we should give up on forests as a carbon buffer, she added in an email. Instead, the study suggests that society needs to reduce fossil fuel emissions to keep forests operating as they have.

The ecosystem is telling us global warming is a much more immediate problem than people realize, and we are closer to a tipping point than we thought, in which northern forests are starting to respond negatively instead of positively to higher temperatures, Evans said.

In the U.S. southwest, We are in one of the bulls-eye areas of climate change, where weve already been seeing definite temperature increases as well as more pronounced droughts, said Brian Enquist, another of the studys UA researchers. This area is already seeing a disproportionate reduction in forest growth, he said.

You go on Mount Lemmon right now and youll see increased numbers of drying and dying trees, from increased temperatures and decreased precipitation, said Enquist, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology.

The study was published last week in the journal Ecology Letters. It also relied on researchers in Montana, Pennsylvania and Switzerland and was partially financed by the UA.

The study is very significant in estimating future carbon budgets  the amount of CO2 that can be emitted into the atmosphere and still keep temperatures from rising no more than the goal of 2.7 to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit set by the 2015 Paris climate accords, said Diana Liverman, co-director of the UAs Institute for the Environment.

If forests die back or reforestation is more difficult, then it will make it more difficult to use forests to mitigate emissions  or may make forests a larger source of emissions, Liverman said.

The 1998 Kyoto Protocol, the worlds first big emissions-reduction effort, allowed for carbon credits for reforestation and creation of new forests, but not for protecting existing forests, Liverman said. But the Paris climate accord gives countries credit for protecting existing and new forests.

The Paris commitments probably dont assume that climate change will reduce the forests ability to absorb carbon, she said. So a country that hopes to meet its commitments through forest restoration or other land use management may have to try harder at that, or have to do more to mitigate fossil fuel combustion, she said.

The study predicted the slowest future forest growth rates  up to 75 percent slower in some areas  would occur in the interior West, including the Southwest, the Rockies, interior Canada and Alaska. Growth rate increases would be limited to coastal areas in the Pacific Northwest, the Florida Panhandle, northeastern Quebec and the Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, the study says.

This study makes a very good case that we cant assume that forests will remain carbon sinks into the future, said Mark Harmon, an Oregon State University forest science professor who wasnt involved with the study. But predicting forests future response is challenging, partly because so many moving parts are involved and because the response is unlikely to be uniform across the forests, he said.

What is not understood is whether the processes releasing carbon will also slow in the future, he said.

A Forest Service ecologist, Sean Healey, said the threat that this study identifies to forests ability to store carbon is certainly credible. But Healey noted that the study didnt consider other disturbances and changes that can affect forests.

Also, forests growth rate isnt the biggest factor affecting their ability to store carbon, said Healey, of the services Rocky Mountain Research Station in Ogden, Utah. More important are the trees age and the impacts of various disturbances, such as fires and insects  all the cataclysms that might happen to a forest, some related to climate, some not, Healey said.

Evans said the relationship between temperature and the carbon-absorbing behavior of forests has long been a matter of scientific uncertainty.

A commonly held theory is that there is whats known as a boreal greening effect in the far norths boreal forests from higher temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The theory is that those forests would then remove more CO2 from the atmosphere, reducing climate change impacts.

The researchers were startled to find no evidence through their computer models that boreal greening will occur, they said. They found boreal forest growth is limited by high temperatures because higher temperatures mean drought stress, trees pushed to their physiological limits and not able to grow as well, the UAs Evans said.

Also, some of the studys predictions about the northern forests are already coming true, researchers said. In Alaska, trees once projected to respond positively to warmer weather are already responding negatively, literature from other research and NASA satellite data show, Evans said.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP)  There were three new faces at second-shift roll call at Bloomington Police Department headquarters Monday afternoon.

Mocha, Angel and Romeo showed up. The standard poodle, Bernese mountain dog and Newfoundland, all good-sized canines, visited the squad room to spread love and goodwill.

And to get their bellies rubbed. All 120 pounds of Romeo rolled sideways, and there he was, balanced on his back, four furry, bear-sized paws up in the air.

BPD Chief Mike Diekhoff obliged, offering a few scratches. His three mutts at home would not be happy about the attention he paid Romeo.

Cops around America have been facing more than the usual amount of job-related stress as shootings by police and of police have shaken the core of the nation. So Kimberly Goy from the Monroe County Humane Association arranged for three ambassadors from the VIPaws program  volunteer handler and animal teams that bring joy to people in venues ranging from libraries to nursing homes  to stop by.

"Cats are great too," Sgt. Shane Rasche uttered quietly as the dogs lolled around the room while a dozen uniformed officers got updates from the two previous shifts.

Goy said it made sense for the dogs to visit the police station given recent events, and Diekhoff welcomed the idea. "In light of everything going on in the country, and the additional stress officers are going through, what better place to bring the dogs?"

Kroger provided a giant cake thanking officers for what they do every day, and Baked! sent chocolate chip and s'mores cookies. There also was Starbucks coffee. No doughnuts.

And surprisingly, no dog treats.

For Julie Miller's Romeo, rescued from a puppy mill, this kind of therapy visit is old hat. As she explained how the Newfoundland visits libraries, nursing homes and other sites to get petted and adored, the giant dog walked in a circle around Diekhoff, essentially tying the police chief up with his leash. He was trapped, momentarily. By a dog.

Sgt. David Alley took time to pet the dogs and ruffle their fur. He understands how a dog can make a difference, often a substantive difference, in the quality of a human's life.

Waiting for him when he gets off his shift, always happy to see him, are his 12-year-old Labrador retriever, Maggie, and his 5-year-old pit bull, Gabe.

"They offer unconditional love and loyalty," he said. "When you have a bad day and come home, they give you that look, that 'I still love you' look," he said.

He acknowledges the special way service dogs can heal and soothe a soul. "Having an animal like that can help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder," Alley said. And diminish the worries and stress of a long night out protecting the public.

___

Source: The (Bloomington) Herald-Times, http://bit.ly/2at1YIg

___

Information from: The Herald Times, http://www.heraldtimesonline.com

This is an AP-Indiana Exchange story offered by The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
Backpack? Check.

Water bottle? Check.

Lunch box? Check.

Immunizations? 

As children head back to school, Pima County health officials are reminding parents of the importance of vaccinating their children, not only for their own protection but also for the protection of others.

As a county, Pima is among the best vaccinated, lessening the likelihood of measles or whooping cough outbreaks, but the level of coverage at each individual school is what will make the difference in whether your child is at risk of being exposed to an infectious disease.

What are the rules?

In Arizona, students are required to provide proof of immunizations to attend school. Failing to do so can result in a child being kept out of school until documentation is provided.

For a list of required vaccines by grade level, click here.

But Arizona law also allows parents or guardians to file statements objecting to immunizations based on medical reasons as well as religious and personal beliefs.

State data collected on vaccination rates for preschoolers, kindergartners and sixth graders show that less than 3 percent of Pima County students at each level opted out of vaccines for non-medical reasons, compared to the statewide percentage that ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 percent.

Is my childs school safe?

By and large, our public school districts do an amazing job at making sure children are vaccinated, said Dr. Francisco Garcia, Director of the Pima County Health Department.

At a minimum, 90 percent of a school's students should be vaccinated to create "community immunity," which lessens the likelihood of an outbreak, Garcia said. But a disease like measles, which is much more contagious and more easily spread, has a higher standard of 93 percent minimum coverage.

Search our database of Pima County schools to find out whether your child's school meets community immunity levels needed to lessen the likelihood of an outbreak. The state does not release vaccine data for schools with less than 20 children in a grade level to protect student privacy:

Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up

The exception

While traditional school districts are known to have higher levels of vaccinated students, health officials have seen bigger gaps in private and charter schools, Garcia said.

Overall, nationally there is a really good understanding of why parents choose to not immunize and if you look at the national trend, youll see there are many more non-medical exemptions among people who have higher levels of education and higher levels of income, Garcia said.

At charter schools, the reason may not necessarily be a matter of students opting out, but rather one of resources, Garcia said.

By design, charter schools dont necessarily have all of the infrastructure that is required to pull vaccination information, so the person recording whether the school is in compliance and collecting all of the forms may not have the same degree of training and ability, Garcia explained.

Are vaccines safe?

In the past, infectious diseases have been known to wipe out populations, but that is no longer the case thanks to vaccines, Garcia said.

The vaccines we have today are the safest vaccines weve ever had and the benefits to their individual child and the other children in their lives is tremendous, he said. "Even within your household, if you dont vaccinate your kindergartner for measles and if you have a newborn at home, he or she is very vulnerable should they come into contact with measles."

Where can I vaccinate my child?

Part of the reason Pima Countys vaccination rates are among the best in the state has to do with efforts by health department officials to make getting children immunized as convenient as possible.

Pima County Health Department clinics provide free child immunizations Monday through Friday.

Appointments are encouraged to reduce wait times but walk-ins also are welcome and there is no charge for children. Please bring your childs shot record.
Help India!

By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,

Lucknow: Numbers do matter. Perhaps relying on this the war over Muslim votes is heating up even beating the winter chill in UP elections. With no exact figures available, mostly on the basis of previous census Muslims matter in at least 130 assembly constituencies.

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Logic is simple: Corner their votes to reap political benefit. Lets have a look at the stand of various political parties and how they are faring till now (January 18, 2011).

Samajwadi Party

Presently, the main opposition party led by socialist Mulayam Singh Yadav in the state is vouching for returning to power. Since its formation on 4 October 1992, the party considers Muslims as its core base. From its inception, it harvested Muslim votes, thanks to Babri masjid issue. The party lost them considerably in 2009 over Mulayams bonhomie with estranged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kalyan Singh. To regain the lost ground, what is Samajwadi Party doing? Have a glance.

Major Highlights

1. Reinducted fire brand leader Azam Khan in the party.

2. Azam Khan is the star campaigner accompanying Mulayam.

3. Raking up Babri Masjid issue starting from 22/23 December 1949 when idols were kept inside the Masjid.

4. Highlighting self-proclaimed 15 percent recruitment of Muslims in police during its regime.

5. Countering Minority Reservation issue of Congress terming it not enough.

6. Promising Muslim reservation in proportion to their population (nearly 18 percent).

7. Loan waiver up to Rs 5000 to weavers.

8. Free power to weavers.

9. Breaking up Peace Party for stake in Muslim votes.



A scene of Muslim Maha Panchayat held in Moradabad on 16th October 2011



Bahujan Samaj Party

The party in power led by Chief Minister (CM) Mayawati is a slow and steady starter in campaign. Party believes in simple logic: Get Muslim votes and Dalits, Form government. It gave 84 tickets to Muslims but social engineering formula mentions only Brahmins. Relying heavily on its cadre since its inception in 1984, Mayawati is yet to hit the road for campaigning. Not much emphasis is laid directly on Muslims but it is left to the individual Muslim candidates to garner their community votes.

Major Highlights

1. Arbi Urdu Farsi University (non functional)

2. MSDP programmes  None of the building functional.

3. No-riot claim.

4. Do not support 4.5 percent reservation from OBC quota to Muslims.

5. Wrote letters to PM for Muslims backwardness.

Indian National Congress

The grand old party is trying to get its root after lying in wilderness for nearly 23 years. The party hanged out several carrots to Muslims with an eye on assembly polls. Surprisingly, none of them are working in its favour. The community is still finding it difficult to digest Congress-(even poll pundits dont understand why the community which solidly backed it in 2009 Lok Sabha elections is totally aloof in 2012 assembly elections).

Major Highlights

1. 4.5 percent Minority quota (read Muslim)

2. Batla House encounter fakelater disowned.

3. 6000 crore package to weavers. Claim to benefit three lakh weavers.

4. Rs 1015.70 crores given under MSDP.

5. Merit Cum Means scholarships to minority students.

6. Circular to banks for making loans to Muslims.

Congress scion Rahul Gandhi is making announcements about the Muslim welfare schemes. Hardly anyone of them is visible on ground. The strategy is simple: Blame BSP for them and get votes. However, in reality it would have been easily done with checks and balances during their implementation. Muslims dont expect any miracle from them and thus are not getting associated with the party.


Help India!

By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net

Srinagar: In an initiative that could be termed as sigh of relief for many youths in Kashmir, Pune-based Borderless World Foundation in collaboration with its Jammu and Kashmir chapter and Department of Ophthalmology, SMHS Hospital in Srinagar is conducting free Retinal surgeries of victims who have been injured by pellet guns.

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J&K Police Officer chasing protestors with a pellet gun (Photo By_ Raqib Hameed Naik)



Since last two days, a team of four doctors headed by Dr S Nataranjan who is a Padma Shri awardee along with the Director Aditya Jyot Hospital Mumbai, are camping in SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.

In the last two days, we have conducted 24 major retinal surgeries and till 3 pm on Thursday, we have done eight surgeries and we are expecting to treat 12 more victims by evening, Office Administrator, Borderless World Foundation, Haris Abrar told TwoCircles.net.

Notably, this initiative has nothing to do with the central government announcement of sending expert doctors team to valley for treating pellet victims.

In the back drop of internet blockade in the valley, the BWF J&K team is finding it hard to disseminate the information about free specialized treatment among people.









As of now we are only treating patients who are presently in ophthalmology ward of SMHS hospital. We are making calls to people, to let the information about free eye surgery flow to every pellet victim so that they dont lose their vision, the Administrator told TCN.

Earlier the J&K BWF was planning to take serious cases of pellet victims to Mumbai hospital but later cancelled their plans as arranging logistics was becoming a major issue for the organization.

The influx of patients with pellet injuries in eyes is such that another team of three doctors from Bangalore is scheduled to arrive in Valley on Sunday for the sake of patient care.

Three more doctors are coming, he confirmed.

The BWF has requested patients injured in pellet firing to visit the Department of Ophthalmology, SMHS Hospital or contact the Office Administrator of Central Office Borderless World Foundation. They can contact Haris Abrar Kashmiri on 8715038918, Khurshid on 941902894/ 9999991406, Ms Gitanjoli 8493926889, and Miss Iqra on 9622585341 or 0194-2430448.

Importantly, last week the J&K High Court had called for an immediate end to the use of pellet guns . The court had also directed the government to provide necessary treatment to all those injured in the ongoing unrest and shift those, who needed specialized treatment to other states.


Celebrities have rallied around Leslie Jones after she quits Twitter due to vile racist abuse.

The comedian has experienced weeks of racism through Twitter since the remake of Ghostbusters, in which she stars as subway worker Patty Tolan, was released.

Whilst many have been critical of the all-female remake, Jones has received particularly negative attention due to her race.

After being targeted with unrelenting racism, Jones decided to "expose" her trollsby retweeting their messages, which included likening Jones to apes and abhorrent racial slurs.

She has since been greeted with a wealth of support from fans and celebrities alike with the #LoveForLeslieJ hashtagtrending on twitter.

I leave Twitter tonight with tears and a very sad heart.All this cause I did a movie.You can hate the movie but the shit I got today...wrong  Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) July 19, 2016

Original Ghostbusters star Dan Akyroyd, who plays Ray Stantz in the 1984 film, has leapt to the defence of Jones branding her trolls nothing but "insignificant gnats."

Director of the new reboot, Paul Feig directly tweeted Jones a heartfelt tweet, reminding her that "she did nothing to deserve this. The internet is filled with good people but there are a few pieces of shit out there."

Leslie Jones is one of the greatest people I know. Any personal attacks against her are attacks against us all. #LoveForLeslieJ @Lesdoggg  Paul Feig (@paulfeig) July 18, 2016

Scandal star, Kerry Washington also tweeted her support for the actress.

"Wow. Yet another example HURT PEOPLE. HURT PEOPLE", she tweeted. "Intolerable trolling. So much ignorance & hate. I Stand with #LeslieJones #LoveforLeslieJ".

Emmy awarding winning actress Viola Davis expressed solidarity with Jones, posting an image of the actress and referring to her as "sis."

Wow. Yet another example: HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE. Intolerable trolling. So much ignorance & hate. I stand with #LeslieJones #LoveforLeslieJ  kerry washington (@kerrywashington) July 20, 2016

Fellow comedian, Amy Schumer warned that Jones "will be back with a vengeance" and praised her strength, beauty and hilarious nature.

She was not alone in this opinion, with Jane Lynch retweeting her and adding a simple "Love for @Lesdoggg".

.@Lesdoggg is hilarious and strong and beautiful and she will be back with a vengeance I can't wait for you to see what she is capable of  Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) July 19, 2016

Pitch Perfect star Anna Kendrick chose not to give the trolls any more attention opting instead to focus on Jones' recent success.

James Corden, Olivia Munn and Elizabeth Banks followed suit and kept their tweets focused purely on their love for Jones.

Just left @Ghostbusters and had SO MUCH FUN! That sequence in the smoke was everything!! #AnswerTheCall #GirlsKickingAss #LoveForLeslieJ  Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) July 19, 2016

@Lesdoggg Simply, I love you   Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) July 19, 2016

I absolutely LOVE @Lesdoggg And so does everyone I know. I hope she can feel that right now x x x  James Corden (@JKCorden) July 19, 2016

Former Disney child star ofWizards of Wavery Place,Jake T.

Austin expressed his upset at how celebrities are treated on Twitter. "Twitter used to be a safe place for celebs & fans to interact", he writes, "but the way that it's been used against @Lesdogg is disgusting and hateful."

Chrissy Teign shared similar views directly tweeting Twitter urging them to take action.

Twitter used to be a safe place for celebs & fans to interact but the way that it's been used against @Lesdoggg is disgusting and hateful.  Jake T. Austin (@JakeTAustin) July 19, 2016

I love you, @Twitter. I love you so much. But please get it together. Stand up for your users who deserve better.  christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) July 19, 2016
Estrogen is considered to be a unique hormone in females that has an impact on voiding function. Animal models and clinical epidemiologic studies showed high correlation between estrogen deficiency and female overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. We designed a population-based cohort study from a national health database to assess the association of estrogen deprivation therapy and female OAB.

This study examined the records of 16,128 patients ranging in age from 18 to 40 that were included in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in the years between 2001 and 2010. Of these, 1008 had breast cancer with hormone therapy only and the other 15,120 controls did not have breast cancer or hormone therapy. All patients with neurologic diseases and those with pre-existing OAB identified by information in the NHIRD database were excluded. OAB was defined by medications prescribed for at least 1 month. Risk of new onset OAB in the breast cancer and nonbreast cancer groups was estimated. Fourteen patients (1.4%) experienced OAB in the breast cancer group. Overall, breast cancer with estrogen deprivation therapy increased the risk of OAB by 14.37-fold (adjusted hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval 7.06-29.27). Subgroup analysis showed that in the older age breast cancer group (36-40), a lower Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score and antidepressant medication use for at least 30 days had an impact on the increase of OAB risk. After adjustment of variables, the higher CCI and the use of antipsychotic drugs increased risk of OAB 3.45-fold and 7.45-fold, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier analysis of OAB-free survival in the breast cancer group showed a significant time-dependent increase in incidence of OAB.

Estrogen deprivation in young patients with breast cancer increased the risk of OAB. The OAB development rate was steady and fast in the beginning 3 years after estrogen deprivation. This result indicates a role of estrogen in the modulation of female voiding function.

Medicine. 2016 Jul [Epub]

Chen-Li Cheng, Jian-Ri Li, Ching-Heng Lin, William C de Groat

aDivision of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital bInstitute of Medicine, Chun Sang Medical University cDepartment of Medicine and Nursing, Hungkuang University dDepartment of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan eDepartment of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27428195
Two new ant species have been named after Game of Thronesdragons Viserion and Drogon. The spiked ants, which are very dragon-like, have been named Pheidole drogon and Pheidole viserion.

Pheidole drogon

Here's the video of the black species called Pheidole drogon released by PLOS media on YouTube. As you can see from the volumetric surface rendering rotational video, this ant is a "major worker" (specializing in defense and breaking down food) with a huge head:

Pheidole viserion

This ant is a minor worker, a less specialized "caste" of worker ants. The Pheidole viserion is a gold-hued ant, with colors that resemble the white/gold Viserion dragon from Game of Thrones.

Despite their fearsome appearance, the ants called Pheidole drogon are actually quite shy. As Eli Sarnat from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology recently explained, these ants are usually the first to run away from any kind of danger. The spiky body plan is useful since it may discourage birds from attacking, because the spikes could get stuck in a predator's throat.

The researchers

The new species have been identified by Dr. Georg Fischer, Dr. Eli Sarnat, and Prof. Evan Economo from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, who used cutting-edge 3D-imaging technology to help document several new ant species in papers published in PLOS ONE.

According to Economo, head of OIST's Biodiversity Unit, "this is one of the first studies in ant taxonomy to use micro-CT." Through this technique, an ant is scanned and can be virtually analyzed, dissected, and shared with other scientists around the planet.

A striking exception

As reported in the abstract of Sarnat, Fiscer, and Economo's study titled Inordinate Spinescence: Taxonomic Revision and Microtomography of the Pheidole cervicornis Species Group, "The ant genus Pheidolefor all of its hyperdiversity and global ubiquityis remarkably conservative with regard to morphological disparity. A striking exception to this constrained morphology is the spinescent morphotype, which has evolved multiple times across distantly related lineages of Indoaustralian Pheidole."
Taikang Life, one of China's biggest life insurers, has become the single largest shareholder of Sotheby's, the auction house, by acquiring a 13.5 percent stake.

According to a regulatory filing on Wednesday, Taikang owns Sotheby's shares worth around $233 million, ahead of other top investors including Third Point, BlackRock and Point 72 Asset Management. Sotheby's has a market capitalization of $1.84 billion.

Taikang's chairman and CEO is Chen Dongsheng, also the founder and president of China Guardian Auctions Co, one of China's largest auction houses. He is married to Chairman Mao Zedong's granddaughter, Kong Dongmei..

Sotheby's has said that it is in direct competition with China Guardian Auctions in the Chinese art market. China is the third-largest market for Sotheby's, behind the US and the UK. Last week it reported 22 percent year-on-year growth to $461.5 million during the first half of 2016.

Taikang said in the regulatory filing that it had expressed support to Sotheby's board and management for its broader strategic initiatives, "and provided suggestions regarding future director nominations." Such nominations could include persons associated with Taikang, the insurer said.

Tad Smith, Sotheby's chief executive, said in a statement that the auction house's board had met with Taikang's executives and "warmly welcome their support of Sotheby's strategic initiatives." Smith said he expects "all shareholders, clients, and staff will benefit" from the move.

Taikang's filing follows a May disclosure that Singapore-based Sotheby's shareholder Shanda Payment Holdings Ltd is poised to increase its stake. Tianqiao Chen and Chrissy Qian Qian Luo, co-founders of Shanda, owner of 2 percent of Sotheby's, received US antitrust approval allowing them to CEO is

Sotheby's earlier fought a bitter proxy battle with activist Dan Loeb's Third Point LLC. In May 2014, it settled, agreeing to appoint Loeb and his two nominees, Olivier Reza and Harry J. Wilson, to its board. Third Point was Sotheby's largest shareholder until Wednesday's filing, which shows that Taikang has overtaken the hedge fund.

Marcato Capital Management, the activist hedge fund, has also amassed an active 9.7 percent stake. Billionaire trader and collector Steve Cohen's Point72 Asset Management also recently built a 5.5 percent stake.

Taikang, Third Point, Marcato, Point72 and Shanda collectively own about 43 percent of Sotheby's, based on the latest available disclosures.
Cambodian tourism sector to accept Chinese currency yuan Updated: 2016-07-28 13:30 By Yu Xiaoming(chinadaily.com.cn)

Angkor Wat, Cambodia. [Photo/IC]

Cambodia's Tourism Ministry has unveiled a policy to encourage the sector to accept renminbi, or the yuan, as part of a drive to attract tourists from China, a local newspaper reported on Wednesday.

"This decision was made last month when the 'China Ready' white paper was released," Tith Chantha, a secretary of state at the ministry, was quoted as saying by the Khmer Daily.

"There will be no difficulty accepting Chinese yuan, it's the same as accepting the US dollar," he said.

"Accepting renminbi could attract more Chinese tourists. It is also helpful for local enterprises, because they don't need to exchange currency anymore," he added.

If renminbi can be circulated in Cambodia, it will promote the development of Cambodia's tourism sector, Tith Chantha said.

The Ministry of Tourism earlier released a white paper titled "China Ready for Cambodia Tourism" outlining a five-year strategy for attracting Chinese tourists to the country with the aim of getting 2 million of them to visit the country per year by 2020.

China is the second-largest source of tourists to the country after Vietnam, according to a Cambodian tourism data.

In the first four months of this year, Cambodia recorded about 275,000 Chinese tourist arrivals, up by 13.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Last year, 694,712 tourists from China visited the kingdom and this was a 24 percent increase from 2014.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) earlier predicted that China will become the largest outbound tourism market by 2020, with the number of tourists traveling abroad hitting 200 million.
Over 1.46 m Chinese tourists to visit Vietnam in 7 months Updated: 2016-07-28 15:50 (Xinhua)

HANOI - Over 1.468 million person-times of Chinese tourists are expected to visit Vietnam in the first seven months of 2016, up 54.5 percent year-on-year, said Vietnam's General Statistics Office (GSO) on Thursday.

During seven-month period, the country is likely to welcome over 5.552 million person-times of foreign tourists, up 24 percent year-on-year.

Among the figure, some 4.66 million person-times arrive in Vietnam by air, up 28.7 percent year-on-year. Other 806,400 person-times travel to Vietnam by road, up 8.2 percent year-on-year while some 86,300 person-times go to the country by sea, down 22.4 percent, said GSO on its website.

From January to July, tourists from Asian countries coming to Vietnam total at some 3.967 million person-times, up 29.5 percent year-on-year. Growth is seen in major markets including China (up 54.5 percent year-on-year), South Korea (up 37 percent), China's Taiwan (up 15.9 percent), Thailand (up 37.2 percent) among others.
China tops in FDI pledges to Nepal in 2015-16 fiscal year Updated: 2016-07-28 17:26 (Xinhua)

KATHMANDU - China topped the chart in making foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nepal in the last 2015-16 fiscal year, pledging more than one-third of total FDI commitments the country received.

According to the Department of Industry (DoI), which registers industries, investment pledges from China stood at $57 million (6.21 billion Nepalese rupee) against the total FDI pledge of $140 million (15.13 billion Nepalese rupee) last fiscal that concluded in mid-July.

Britain with investment pledge of $19 million (2.07 billion Nepalese rupee) came second followed by India in third place with pledge of $18 million(1.94 billion Nepalese rupee). Switzerland and the United States came fourth and fifth.

Not only in terms of total investment pledge, China also topped the list of total number of industries registered in Nepal last year, according to DoI.

A total of 125 industries containing FDI from Chinese were registered in the last fiscal year out of total FDI-based industries of 341 registered at DoI.

"Chinese investment in Nepal has been pouring because there has been growing connectivity and interactions between the two sides," said DoI spokesperson Rudra Bahadur Malla.

"China also has surplus resources because of its high level economic growth over the last several years and the Chinese investors want to invest their surplus cash in Nepal."

However, Nepal's private sector believes that there is still too much room for attracting more investments from China.

Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, president of Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Nepal is yet to receive large scale Chinese investment that could change the fate of the nation.

Meanwhile, Nepal received far less FDI pledge in 2015-16 compared to the previous fiscal year. The Himalayan nation had received FDI pledge of $626 million last year, according to DoI.

"As Nepal plunged into political turmoil following the promulgation of new constitution last year and faced subsequent blockade in southern border points for four and half months, foreign investors seemed less attracted to invest in Nepal," said Malla.
China's cabinet urges fulfilling overcapacity cut targets Updated: 2016-07-28 10:17 (Xinhua)

BEIJING - China's cabinet on Wednesday called for all-out efforts to meet overcapacity reduction targets in the steel and coal industries.

The market mechanism should be used to advance the capacity cut, which is a major task of the country's supply-side structural reform drive, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

China aims to pare steel production capacity by 45 million tonnes and shave off coal capacity by over 250 million tonnes in 2016.

Companies with excessive capacity should be offered support when carrying out restructuring, and those producing substandard products or failing to meet environmental and energy-saving requirements should be shut down, according to Wednesday's statement.

Differential water and electricity prices and credit policies should be rolled out to force firms to address outdated capacity.

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of steel and coal. The two industries have long been plagued by overcapacity and felt the pinch even more in the past two years as the economy cooled and demand has fallen.

In the first half of this year, China only accomplished about 30 percent of this year's reduction targets for the steel and coal sectors, according to officials.

The State Council also called for faster implementation of major projects and more involvement of private investment to stabilize growth.

Banks should lend more to small and micro businesses to create more jobs and can not arbitrarily withdraw or delay their loans, it said.

In addition, the cabinet noted that the tax burden on financial industries should not be increased after an expansion of a reform to replace business tax with value-added tax.
Flooding fuels food safety concerns Updated: 2016-07-28 10:41 (Xinhua)

Armed police rescue residents in Xiaxi village, Yutian town in South China's Jiangxi province on July 18, 2016.[Photo/IC]

BEIJING - Severe flooding across large parts of the country has raised fresh concerns about food safety.

Since the rainy season began in early June, millions of domestic animals have been washed away in flooding, authorities said.

In Anhui Province, one of the worst-hit areas, about 80,000 pigs and more than 12 million chickens and ducks were carried off by floodwaters.

In Hubei Province, more than 80,000 pigs and over 3.6 million chickens and ducks died, while in Jiangxi Province, about 5.2 million chickens and ducks were lost.

Many are worried that the meat might find its way to markets around the country.

China's food safety credentials took a hit when high-profile food scandals shook consumer confidence, particularly in 2008 when melamine-tainted baby formula caused at least six infant deaths and made a further 300,000 ill.

In recent years, public anger has mounted over reports that illicit pork has found its way on to Chinese dinner tables. Illegal vendors reportedly salvage dead animals from rivers or lakes, before processing and selling the meat. Last year, police in southern China's Guangdong Province dealt with a case in which suspects sold more than 3,500 kg of tainted pork each day, according to the provincial public security bureau.

"There are floods everywhere, and I'm worried that I might accidently eat meat from drowned pigs or chickens," said Mao Xiaoli, a resident in Xinjian County, Jiangxi.

Some regions have properly handled the dead animals. In Xiushui County, Jiangxi, farmers buried pigs killed in recent floods.

"As required, the pigs were buried at least two meters deep. We used three giant excavators to dig the holes," said Zheng Guangcai, head of local veterinary services.

Others appeared more casual about carcass disposal. In Anqing city, Anhui, the head of a local farming cooperative said that about 2,000 drowned ducks were simply "thrown away."

"There are too many and it is impossible to handle them all properly," he said.

In Xuancheng City, Anhui, floods killed or washed away more than five million chickens and ducks.

"About 60,000 ducks in our village were washed away this year, and we still have not found them," said Hu Yiqun, a village leader in Xuancheng's Huaining County.

Last week, Anhui government issued a notice demanding supervisors prevent such meat from reaching the dinner table.

An Anhui government official said that illegal meat processing is difficult to spot because "there are too many places to check in a vast area."

"Some illegal processors just salvage the dead animals from the water and sell them direct to consumers," he said. "Some use the meat to make products like sausages."

Zhu Liangqiang, head of Anhui Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, said that it was essential for the government to prevent any illegal meat from entering the market by strict supervision of transportation, processing and sourcing of animals.

"Only with tight supervision can we guarantee food safety," he said.


Globalization and its disconnect Updated: 2016-07-28 07:50 By Stephen S. Roach(China Daily)

A European Union flag is held in front of the Big Ben clock tower in Parliament Square during a 'March for Europe' demonstration against Britain's decision to leave the European Union, central London, Britain July 2, 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

While seemingly elegant in theory, globalization suffers in practice. That is the lesson of Brexit and of the rise of Donald Trump in the United States.

Truth be known, there is no rigorous theory of globalization. The best that economists can offer is David Ricardo's early 19th century framework: if a country simply produces in accordance with its comparative advantage (in terms of resource endowments and workers' skills), presto, it will gain through increased cross-border trade.

Trade liberalizationthe elixir of globalizationpromises benefits for all. That promise arguably holds in the long run, but a far tougher reality check invariably occurs in the short term. Brexit is just the latest case in point.

Voters in Britain objected to several of the key premises of European integration: free labor mobility and seemingly open-ended immigration, regulation by supranational European Union authorities, and currency union (which has serious flaws, such as the lack of a fiscal transfer mechanism among member states). Economic integration and globalization are not exactly the same thing, but they rest on the same Ricardian principles of trade liberalizationprinciples that are falling on deaf ears in the political arena.

In short, globalization has lost its political supportunsurprising in a world that bears little resemblance to Ricardo's two centuries agoand therefore Ricardian principles seem irrelevant today. Paul Samuelson, who led the way in translating Ricardian foundations into modern economics, reached a similar conclusion late in his life, when he pointed out how a low-wage technology imitator like China could turn the theory of comparative advantage inside out.

But it is not just a problem with an antiquated theory. Recent trends in global trade are also flashing warning signs. According to the International Monetary Fund, annual growth in world trade volume has averaged just 3 percent over the 2009-16 periodhalf of that from 1980 to 2008. With world trade shifting to a decidedly lower trajectory, political resistance to globalization has only intensified.

Globalization has run into trouble even before. Globalization 1.0the surge in global trade and international capital flows in the late 19th and early 20th centuriesmet its demise between World War I and the Great Depression. Global trade fell by some 60 percent from 1929 to 1932, as major economies turned inward and embraced protectionist trade policies, such as the US' infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930.
No need to make a song and dance about math Updated: 2016-07-28 07:50 By Xiong Bingqi(China Daily)

Wang Chengjun from Shanghai gives a class at Wroxham School near London. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

The British Department of Education announced recently that half of the primary schools in England will teach mathematic in the "Asian way", for which the government will provide huge funds to pay for teaching materials and teachers' training.

Because of the poor performance of British students in the Program for International Student Assessment, coordinated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Shanghai students' stellar showing in the assessment, many Britons had been asking the government to adopt the "Shanghai method" of teaching math. BBC has even made a documentary on how to introduce the Chinese math teaching method to British schools.

These developments have prompted some in China to assume the Chinese education model has got the global stamp of excellence. But let us not jump to conclusions.

Although the "Shanghai method" will be used in England's primary schools and teachers will be trained to follow it, it doesn't mean they have turned to the "Chinese education model" to achieve success.

Different from China's unified education administration system, schools in the United Kingdom enjoy a lot of freedom when it comes to managing their affairs. True, the British education authorities will provide teaching support and training service for schools, but the teachers will have the final say in the use of the "Shanghai method". This means teachers, two from each school, will indeed participate in the training programs but may not follow the "China model" in its entirety.

Besides, the education evaluation system in the UK is also different from China's. In China, math is the core subject in senior high school and the college entrance examination, and therefore China has a unified teaching standard for math and all students have to learn it. But in the UK, not everyone is expected to learn math because basic education in that country is focused more on the characteristics and interests of students. That may also be the reason why UK students' overall math score is not so high.

Given these facts, it is possible that teachers in England's primary schools will change their teaching style to a certain extent, but students and their parents may not support the complete change of the method to teach math, let alone having a unified standard like China for the subject.

Of course, an improvement in the math-teaching method may increase students' scores, which is what foreign teachers praise Chinese students for. But a student cannot become a top talent if he/she is good only at math but lacks sound knowledge of other subjects and is devoid of the innovation spirit. For example, Chinese middle school students are good at winning top prizes in international competitions but few grow up to be top scientists.

The problem in China is that despite having strong opinions on education, parents don't have a say in the teaching method because Chinese schools don't recognize the existence of parents' or teachers-parents' committees. But in the UK, parents' opinions matter a lot when it comes to teaching methods, which allows students to pay more attention to the subjects they are interested in rather than beating their brains out to learn something they don't like.

China's basic education system has a problem: it uses the same standard to evaluate all students. This means more than the teaching method, the problem is with the assessment system. Therefore, there is no need to believe China's basic education system is excellent just because schools in some countries follow the Chinese teaching model.

The author is deputy director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute.
How China, Russia can counter THAAD threat Updated: 2016-07-28 07:50 By Ding Gong(China Daily)

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the US Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. [Photo/Agencies]

The United States is busy preparing to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system in the Republic of Korea ignoring the strong protests by China and Russia, which justifiably say it will pose a strategic threat to their security. And the US-led NATO is consolidating its presence in Eastern Europe. What are the motives behind these chessboard moves?

At the turn of the new century, the US began its largest strategic adjustment since the end of the Cold War, shifting its strategic focus from Europe and the Atlantic to the Asia-Pacific. Right after George W. Bush took office as US president, his administration made the decision to change the oversea deployment pattern of the US military, from the previous 60 percent for Europe and 40 percent for the Asia-Pacific to 50 percent each for the two regions. It also listed China as a major competitor for the first time. The Bush administration failed to make the strategic adjustment only because of the Sept 11, 2001, attacks and the "war on terror" that followed.

Ever since President Barack Obama entered the White House he has been determined to advance the "pivot to Asia" strategy to overcome the "threat" China's rise poses to the US' hegemony in the Western Pacific. The Obama administration's strategic push has continued uninterrupted despite the political turbulence in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis and the rise of the Islamic State. NATO's eastward expansion and "pivot to Asia" both are the result of the change in the established international order and the US' altered strategic perception, and they reflect the change in its strategic focus at different times.

Some White House officials believe US-Russia relations are not parallel to US-China ties, because they view a power game between the US and Russia as one between "a superpower and a power" but find it difficult to define any game between Beijing and Washington. Given this fact, the US-led eastward expansion of NATO is secondary in importance to the "pivot to Asia" strategy. According to some in the US, the "pivot to Asia" is a strategic design relevant to the US' overall development, while the plan for Russia's containment in Europe is a kind of tactical move.

In the context of "pivot to Asia", the US has intensified its efforts to unite its allies in Asia in order to forge an Asian version of NATO.

Compared to the impact of NATO's eastward expansion on Russia, the "pivot to Asia" strategy will create more strategic pressures on China. Though China and Russia don't want a confrontation with the US and will not forge a formal alliance, they have been forced to stand closer to cope with the strategic squeeze applied by the US and its allies.

China's top strategic priority is to ease the huge security pressures and meet the challenges created by the US' strategic shift to the Asia-Pacific. Since the Asia-Pacific is a region the US will pay special attention to, it is expected to focus its energy and resources on it to check China's rise after putting continuous pressure on Russia.

To deal with the US' strategic squeeze, China and Russia should intensify their cooperation in Northeast Asia, a region easier for them to work together compared with areas like the South China Sea. As a start, they should take necessary measures to counter the threat posed by THAAD's deployment in the ROK because the Washington-Seoul move will break the delicate strategic balance on the Korean Peninsula.

Moreover, while reiterating its strong resistance to THAAD, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should abandon its nuclear program and stop testing missiles in order to prevent the US and the ROK from using those as an excuse to expedite the deployment of THAAD.

The author is an assistant research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The COSCO SHIPPING Panama makes its entrance during the inauguration ceremony for the expanded Panama Canal in Panama City, on June 26. Xinhua

The expanded Panama Canal is shaping up as a win-win situation for Chinese companies and the economy of the US East Coast.

Some entities that stand to benefit are the conglomerate Evergreen Group of Taiwan and COSCO SHIPPING of Shanghai, and PortMiami in Florida, now that larger cargo ships can traverse a deeper Panama Canal and reach the Eastern Seaboard.

"We welcome the expansion of Evergreen Line at PortMiami," Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said last week. "PortMiami's more than $1 billion of completed infrastructure projects are paying off!"

The Evergreen Line has a new service that will stop at Singapore, Hong Kong, Chiwan port in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo port in Zhejiang province, and Manzanillo, Mexico, before crossing the Panama Canal and docking in Houston, Mobile, Alabama, Miami, Jacksonville, Florida, and Durban, South Carolina.

Evergreen Line recently upgraded the sizes of its Fast East container ships, more than doubling capacity to 8,452 shipping containers each, reported the Jacksonville Business Journal. They can move as much as two traditional Panamax ships but use 40 percent less fuel.

PortMiami Director and CEO Juan M. Kuryla said cargo lines transiting the port can reach 70 percent of the US market within four days, and there is a tunnel directly connected to the US Interstate Highway System.

On July 12, the Evergreen Ever Lambent container ship became the first vessel to traverse the expanded Panama Canal en route to Baltimore, Maryland.

Baltimore expects its port to benefit the most from the expanded canal, said James White, executive director of the Maryland Port Administration.

"I think the tide has turned for us in a positive way," White told the Baltimore Sun.

On June 26, the COSCO Shipping Panama, hauling 9,472 containers, made the first official voyage through the expanded canal, which was upgraded at a cost of $5.25 billion. The ship had set sail from the Greek port of Piraeus two weeks prior.

"The expansion of the Panama Canal, a critical shipping lane in the world that links the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, will have a major impact on various shipping markets, including those from the East Coast of America to the Far East, from Europe to the West Coast of America, and from the East to the West Coast of America," COSCO Chairman Xu Lirong said that day.

The giant Maersk Line is rerouting its Asia-East Coast service through the new canal.

"Using the new Panama Canal locks, Maersk Line is able to significantly reduce the transit days from Asian to North American ports. The transit times from Shanghai and Ningbo to Newark, Norfolk and Baltimore are now five to 10 days faster," the Danish company said in a July 21 release.

A liquefied natural gas tanker loaded on the US Gulf Coast and bound for Asian markets could cut its travel distance by about 5,000 nautical miles and seven to nine days, according to Martin Houston, co-founder of Tellurian.

The Boston Consulting Group and C.H. Robinson, a transportation logistics company, estimated last year that as much as 10 percent of the container traffic from East Asia to the US could shift to US East Coast ports instead of landing on the West Coast and finishing the journey by truck or rail.

That would reroute volume "equivalent to building a new port roughly double the size of the ports in Savannah and Charleston", the firms said.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said that a $1.3 billion project to raise the 85-year-old Bayonne Bridge will enable ships to pass under the span by late 2017.

"The old Panama Canal was an impediment to deploying ships to the East Coast of the United States from Asia," said CEO James I. Newsome III of the South Carolina Ports Authority, which is planning to dredge Charleston, South Carolina's 45-foot-deep harbor to 52 feet.

Newsome said that if Asian cargo bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, landed in Los Angeles, it would cost $2,000 to send it across the US by rail. If it landed in Charleston, it would cost only $600 by truck.

The Panama Canal, which the US financed and engineered, was completed in 1914. The US turned over sovereignty to Panama in 1999.

The canal's cargo capacity has doubled, and it has a third lane to accommodate larger ships that can carry about 14,000 containers, up from 5,000.

It hasn't been all smooth sailing, though. On Monday, the COSCO Panama, hit a wall in a new canal lane, the third incident since the June ceremony.

Amy He in New York and The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at williamhennelly@chinadailyusa.com
President Xi Jinping greets US National Security Advisor Susan Rice during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. The two sides agreed to effectively control their differences.[Photo by WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY]

Despite recent tensions in the South China Sea, Washington has made it clear to Beijing that President Barack Obama wants a stable transfer to the next US leader of the progress made on ties with Beijing during his eight years in office.

US National Security Advisor Susan Rice brought the message during her latest visit, a source with the Foreign Ministry told China Daily on Wednesday.

"Rice spent roughly 70 percent of her time in meetings here discussing cooperation, and only 30 percent on other issues," said the source, who requested anonymity.

Rice was in China from Sunday to Wednesday, mainly to prepare for Obama's attendance at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in September. She met with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials, including State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

The visit came amid tensions in the South China Sea after Beijing rejected a July 12 arbitration ruling in a case unilaterally brought by the Philippines over maritime disputes with China.

"Both sides agreed that we won't let disputes define the relations," the source said.

News releases issued by both sides afterward focused on bilateral cooperation, without directly mentioning the South China Sea issue.

However, the source said the two sides did discuss issues including the South China Sea and the advanced missile defense system that the United States and the Republic of Korea decided to deploy in the ROK, a move that has drawn strong opposition from China and Russia.

"We made our stances clear that the US should not cite the tribunal ruling on the South China Sea issue and that inappropriate handling of the THAAD anti-missile system will overshadow China-US relations," he said.

Rice spent a long time discussing anti-terrorism cooperation in meetings with Chinese officials, and she also touched on many other topics, including a bilateral investment treaty and military cooperation, he added.

"She also said that President Obama is glad to see a prosperous China, which is in the interests of the US, and that Washington is willing to work with Beijing to ensure a successful G20 summit," the source said.

Liu Youfa, former vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said, "Rice's remarks sent a signal to some Asian countries that the US-China relations are not only about the South China Sea.

"It is also a warning that these countries' plan to take advantage of conflicts between the US and China to seek their interests is unsustainable and shortsighted."

Jin Canrong, dean of the School of International Studies with Renmin University of China, said that US Secretary of State John Kerry took a similar low-profile stance on Monday while meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

"Washington has noticed the anger in China against the US on the South China Sea issue, not only from the government but also the ordinary people. They know that is not good for US interests."
Obama, Merkel stress anti-terror cooperation following attacks Updated: 2016-07-28 13:34

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday reaffirmed the necessity of close US-German counterterrorism and broader security cooperation.

In a telephone talk, Obama expressed condolences over the attacks in southern Germany, the White House said, adding that the US government offered its full support to Germany as the investigations into the recent violent attacks proceeded.

Germany was shocked by four violent attacks within last week in the southern part of the country.

On Sunday, a 27-year-old Syrian blew himself up and wounded 15 people outside a music festival in Ansbach, a city in the state of Bavaria.

It happened just hours after a 21-year-old Syrian refugee killed a pregnant Polish woman and injured two people with a machete in Reutlingen, a city in Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Over the phone, Obama and Merkel also discussed the situation in Ukraine and reiterated the urgent importance of durably ending the violence in eastern Ukraine by rapid implementing the Minsk agreements.
Special Anglo-Chinese play celebrates playwrights Tang and Shakespeare Updated: 2016-07-28 18:53 By Wang Mingjie(chinadaily.com.cn)

A special production, A Midsummer Nights DREAMING Under the Southern Bough, is staged at the University of Leeds on July 27, 2016. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

To mark the 400th anniversary of the death of playwright William Shakespeare and his Chinese counterpart Tang Xianzu, a special production, A Midsummer Night's DREAMING Under the Southern Bough, was staged at the University of Leeds.

The show is a mash-up of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare's comedy of magic and mismatched love, and Tang's A Dream Under the Southern Bough, an opera about a soldier's fantastical journey through a kingdom of ants.

The global collaboration was jointly performed on Wednesday by students from both the University of Leeds and Beijing's University of International Business and Economics.

Speaking at the event last night, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming said: "More than 400 years ago, two drama masters - Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare - were born in China and Britain. Tang and Shakespeare had completely different cultural backgrounds. But this didn't prevent them from creating equally popular plays that have been passed on from generation to generation."

A special production, A Midsummer Nights DREAMING Under the Southern Bough, is staged at the University of Leeds on July 27, 2016. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

The two great playwrights died in the same year, 1616. They are considered the "soul of the age" in the Renaissance of the West and the humanist enlightenment of the East.

Liu said, "This was by no means a mere historical coincidence. These two literary giants did not just happen to be Chinese and British during the same historical period. In fact, Tang and Shakespeare are the best examples to show that China and the UK are both great nations with a time-honored culture and history."

He added, "During President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UK last year, he proposed that China and the UK could jointly commemorate the 400th anniversary of the passing of Tang and Shakespeare."

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming joins the cast and crew for photo taking after the show. [Photo/Provided to China]

"This is an excellent opportunity to advance and deepen exchanges and mutual understanding between the peoples of our two countries. This proposal was immediately greeted with warm enthusiasm from the cultural and educational circles of our two countries," he said.

Li Ruru, Professor of Chinese theatre studies at the University of Leeds, who is one of those leading the Anglo-Chinese theatrical project, said, "Shakespeare and his Chinese contemporary Tang Xianzu are the greatest playwrights of their respective theatres. Their plays make us weep, laugh and imagine; they also touch our hearts and souls."

"Our project, with Chinese students working on an English play and British students on a Chinese play, allows the two traditions to talk to each other and the two groups to commune with spirit, voice, body, and breath. It is a genuine intercultural practice, both thought-provoking and a great pleasure for everyone involved.

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming speaks at the opening of the Leeds Intercultural Theater Festival on July 27, 2016. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

"The project is making people think about the value and relevance of two classic plays to contemporary society and will also enhance cultural exchange between China and the UK."

Contact the reporter at: wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Beijing looksto safeguard region's parity Updated: 2016-07-29 01:43 By li xiaokun(China Daily)

Military weighs 'necessary measures' for national security, strategic balance

The Chinese military said on Thursday that it will consider taking "necessary measures" to protect national security and regional strategic balance, in response to the decision by the United States and the Republic of Korea to deploy an advanced missile defense system in the ROK.

China seeks development of its own missile defense system, Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun confirmed at the ministry's monthly news conference.

"We will closely follow relative moves of the US and the ROK and will consider taking necessary measures to protect national strategic security and regional strategic balance," Yang said.

Yang also responded to a report on Monday in PLA Daily that quoted missile defense expert Chen Deming as saying that Beijing has the capabilities for a land-based defense system to intercept missiles midway in their trajectory.

"China seeks moderate development of its anti-missile capabilities to protect national security and raise defense capabilities. It is not targeting any country or target and will not impact global strategic stability," Yang said.

Washington and Seoul said in a joint announcement on July 8 that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system will be deployed to deal with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

China and Russia expressed strong opposition to the system, whose radar will be capable of monitoring missiles in the two countries, saying it will destabilize the balance of security in the region.

Xie Yongliang, an expert at the PLA's Academy of Military Science, said the repeated success of China's midcourse missile defense tests shows that "China has fully grasped key technologies about anti-ballistic missiles".

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said it is unwise for Seoul to accept the deployment of THAAD on its territory.

"China and Russia will certainly strengthen military implementation targeted at the THAAD system, which will actually push the ROK to the front line of confrontation of major powers".

Yang also announced that China and Russia have decided to hold a joint military exercise in the South China Sea in September. He said the "routine" exercise will deepen ties between the two nations and two militaries and "strengthen the two navies' capabilities to jointly handle security threats from the sea", adding that it is not targeted at third parties.

China and Russia have held joint maritime exercises annually since 2012. The two countries take turns holding the drills in their adjacent waters.

Vladimir Petrovsky, a researcher at the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said the regional tensions have become a common concern for both countries, and military cooperation such as joint drills is a good way to respond to threats in the region.

Ren Qi contributed to this story.
Lock and Load in Texas Updated: 2016-07-29 04:34 By May Zhou(chinadaily.com.cn)

Photo by May Zhou/China Daily

In China, civilians aren't allowed to possess firearms. But in the US, the Second Amendment allows it, and at a shooting range in Texas,Chinese Americans tell of their like for guns  and for some, their need, May Zhou reports from Houston.

It's a hot and humid Saturday morning in July at the American Shooting Centers, the largest outdoor gun range in Houston.

The heat didn't stop a group of Chinese from gathering at the range to practice, to learn and to share their interest and, for some, their love for guns.

Some are experienced gun shooters, such as Zhou Jianhang, who works in the petroleum industry.

"I have been shooting for more than 10 years now, and I am also a casual gun collector," said Zhou. He brought to the range a modern AR short-barrel rifle as well as a M1 Garand, a US military rifle used in World War II.

There were novices, such as Candy Xu: "This is the second time I have come to a gun range, I just got started." She was learning how to shoot a pistol.

Also at the range, a young couple from China visiting friends in Houston. "This is a man's game, it feels so thrilling," said the husband, Chen Jun, who was firing a pistol while his wife, Yu Min, stayed behind him covering her ears.

With the exception of the visiting couple, the Chinese at the range belong to the Houston Asian Network of Gun Owners (HANGO), an organization formed through the popular Chinese social media website Wechat.

According to Joy Fang, a financial analyst and one of the administrative officers at HANGO, due to the limit of 500 members per Wechat group, HANGO consists of a few other groups to include all interested parties. "We probably have 700 to 800 people in total, discounting some overlaps in the groups," said Fang.

Photo by May Zhou/China Daily

New gun policy

HANGO was started last summer by Nancy Bo, owner of a data analysis company. "Last year, when Texas' gun policy was changed from concealed handgun license (CHL) to license to carry (LTC), many people panicked and worried about open-carry guns in public places," she said.

Bo wanted to calm down her Chinese colleagues, and invited a gun instructor to put on a seminar about gun knowledge and safety for them. In the past year, HANGO has held four such seminars with lectures by gun instructors, police officers and experienced gun owners such as Zhou.

Some of the Chinese at the range own guns.

For Zhou, guns have been an obsession since he was a child.

"I have always liked guns but never had the opportunity to fire one when I grew up in China. When I first came to the US, I had the misconception that only US citizens could buy guns," he said.

When he realized that he could own a gun before becoming a US citizen, Zhou started going to gun ranges and collecting guns. He also tried hunting deer, boar and goose.

In the past decade, Zhou has collected historical guns used by the militaries of the US, the Soviet Union, Germany and China during World War WII. As an engineer, Zhou said he's interested in mechanical devices.
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Workers of An Giang Agriculture and Food Import and Export JSC process pineapples for export.  VNA/VNS Photo Vu Sinh

HA NOI  The country posted a trade surplus of nearly US$1.8 billion in the first seven months of this year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

GSO experts attributed the surplus to a rise in export values, while import revenues declined. The nations export turnover during the period rose 5.3 per cent year-on-year to $96.83 billion, while its import value saw a modest reduction of 1 per cent to more than $95 billion.

Of export turnover, foreign-invested businesses generated $68.9 billion, up 6.5 per cent year-on-year, while the remainder of $27.93 billion came from domestic firms, surging 2.5 per cent on-year.

Some key export staples, during the first seven months, included mobile phones and components up 13.5 per cent to $19.5 billion; textile and garments up 5.4 per cent to $13.2 billion; electronics and components up 9.5 per cent to $9.4 billion; and footwear up 8 per cent to $7.53 billion.

Encouraging export growth was also seen in handbags, wallets, suitcases, hats and umbrellas, seafood, cashew nuts as well as fruit and vegetables.

However, exports of some products declined in this period, with crude oil slipping 44.5 per cent to $1.4 billion, cassava and cassava products slumping 28.5 per cent to $614 million, rubber down 10 per cent to $679 million and steel and iron sinking 3 per cent to $988 million.

As for imports, machines, equipment, oil and gas, as well as many raw materials, which account for nearly 92 per cent of the countrys total import values, dropped 5.8 per cent year-on-year to $15.4 billion in seven months. Petroleum, animal feed also saw yearly reductions of 17 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively.

GSO said China remained Viet Nams largest import market. From January to July, Viet Nam imported $27.4 billion worth of goods from China, nearly four times and five times higher than figures from Japan and the EU. That has resulted in a trade deficit of $16.7 billion Viet Nam recorded with the neighboring country.

Viet Nam was striving to fetch a total of $178 billion from exports by year-end, up 10 per cent from a year ago, and control trade deficit at 5 per cent.  VNS
Le Van Hoang, 26, develops his own trademark for a clean coffee product called "Enjoy" in the Central Highlands province of ak Lak. His clean product is winning the hearts of more and more people in Viet Nam.  VNA/VNS Photo Hung Thinh

HA NOI  Digital marketing has proved to be vital as a bridge bringing Vietnamese brand names to international markets, heard attendants at the Viet Nam CEO Summit 2016 held in Ha Noi yesterday.

The marketing tool is expected to be strongly developed in Viet Nam in the near future as it enables the quick launch of new products and access to niche markets.

In this context, traditional advertisements should be integrated into digital marketing to better develop brand names.

Professor John Quelch

Professor John Quelch from Havard Business School told the summit, entitled Breakthrough Marketing: New Case Studies from Harvard, that a deep understanding of customers could create powerful marketing strategies. This would also affect businesses strategies for brand names, products, communication, prices and distribution.

He said that since the markets have become more wide and sophisticated, especially when Viet Nam joins a range of trade agreements such as AEC and TPP, marketing strategies should represent customer segments.

Marketers should balance demands from several segments while being flexible in responding to changes of technology, customers and society.

For more than 50 years, the wave of start-ups has been expanding in the US, Japan, China and Southeast Asia. With the advantage of young populations and continuous development of smart phones which have strongly affected consumption habits and business methods, Viet Nam has gradually seen changes in start-up development.

Start-ups should search for flexible marketing strategies that are suitable to their scale.

The professor also suggested businesses to frequently renew their products and services, choosing customer segments, managing profitability and setting clear targets.

Vu ang Vinh, Viet Nam Reports general director  the organiser said the event aimed to connect businesses leaders, specialists in Viet Nam and international partners to exchange experiences to develop the local market and better integrate into the global market.

Viet Nam CEO Summit 2016 attracted the participation of more than 350 Vietnamese businesses from Top 500 biggest firms (VNR500), Top 500 fast development firms (FAST 500), Best Prospect 500 and Top 1,000 biggest tax payers.

Under the event, Viet Nam Report honoured Top 10 commercial banks in Viet Nam and Top 10 prestigious insurance companies 2016.  VNS
Around 3,000 business conditions under circulars have expired since July 1, 2016, and have been replaced by 50 new decrees. This was a breakthrough in the local business environment and was good news for the local business community. But local enterprises were still worried about thousands of other business conditions that still exist in laws, decrees and legal documents of ministries.

au Anh Tuan, head of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) told Vietnam News Agency about those issues.

How does the removal of 3,000 business conditions effect the business community?

The removal of 3,000 business conditions has been implemented according to the Law on Investment 2014. The Government set a deadline of July 1 for abolishing 3,000 business conditions with the aim of seriously implementing new versions of the Law on Enterprise and the Law on Investment.

The new versions of the two laws came into effect on July 1, 2015 and from April 2016. Ministries and industries were encouraged to compile new decrees on business conditions as requirements of the two laws.

Firstly, the Government has asked ministries and industries to cooperate closely with the VCCI, the representatives of local business communities, and the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), an independent institute, in reviewing business conditions.

That was a positive signal for improving the local business environment and reducing business conditions.

Creation of a good business environment is one of the Governments important tasks in the coming time.

The 3,000 business conditions must stop effective of July 1. Is it an urgent deadline?

I think if the process of renewing business conditions had started early, it would not be urgent. The VCCI and ministries have tried our best to review those conditions but we have suffered pressure from the July 1 deadline because it was the deadline for abolishing 3,000 conditions and also of issuing new decrees on business conditions to replace the 3,000 conditions cut.

Therefore, the process of replacing new regulations on business conditions has not happened as expected.

I think the process of compiling the new regulations needs more time to collect opinions from enterprises. The ministries and industries started to collect opinions from the end of April, so process of compiling 50 new decrees on business conditions after abolishing the 3,000 conditions on July 1 was shorter. That meant the process of collecting opinions from enterprises and the people and predictions of impacts from the new decrees on the local business community were not fully complete.

The process of building 50 new decrees has met the deadline, but has not ensured that all the interests of people and enterprises are part of the new decrees.

What are your comments about the quality of the new decrees that have been compiled in a short time?

Converting from circulars to decrees is to protect the peoples right of free business. Many business conditions in the circulars were less than transparent so the VCCI, ministries, industries and the Government Office reviewed those circulars for weeks to create more transparency for those conditions and abolish conditions that were not suitable.

The work to convert from tens of circulars to one decree was not easy, therefore, I am not satisfied with the process of compiling the new decrees on business conditions. I think if we had had more time, we would have done the process better.

How is the process of reviewing business conditions after July 1?

The process of reviewing business conditions will continue after July 1 because some business conditions can be renewed to be more transparent, specific and positive. Meanwhile, some big issues have not been discussed. For instance, during reviewing those conditions, the VCCI has found that some business lines do not need business conditions so the state should abolish those conditions, including the trading of franchises, because a franchise is a business model but not a conditional business line.

The proposal is not solved because the issue is related to so many regulations under different laws that the Government has directed the Ministry of Planning and Investment to solve the issue.

It is certain that the 50 new decrees on business conditions or the 3,000 old business conditions did not cover all existing business conditions in Viet Nam. Those conditions are under circulars while many business conditions have existed in laws that were not reviewed.

Therefore, July 1, 2016 is the moment to start reviewing business conditions and the process of reviewing business conditions will be promoted further in the future when implementing the Law on Enterprise 2014, the Law on Investment 2014 and the Governments Resolution 35 and Resolution 19. - VNS
HA NOI  A performance of Russian classical music will be the highlight of the Toyota Concert 2016 in Ha Noi and HCM City next month.

Japanese conductor Honna Tetsuji, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Viet Nam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO), said he selected only Russian music for the concert because "Russia and Viet Nam have a significant bond".

"Russian music became a part of life of many Vietnamese, who studied and lived in Russia. Russia is also the homeland of many great composers, whose masterpieces are valuable treasures of the worlds classical music," Tetsuji said.

Under the baton of Tetsuji, the VNSO will play music from the opera Ruslan and Ludmilla by Mikhail Glinka.

The concert will also feature the piano soloist Vu Ngoc Linh, who will play the Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 by Sergei Rachmaninov.

Linh became playing the piano at six and then enrolled in the School for Young and Gifted Kids in Moscow, and then the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He then went back to Viet Nam to continue his studying at the Viet Nam National Academy of Music.

In 2001, Linh was awarded a full scholarship to study in the US. During this period, he won several prizes from various piano competitions in the US. In 2004, Linh bagged first prize of the Piano and Orchestra Competition in New Jersey. One year later, he took the second prize of a piano competition held by the New Jersey Music Teachers Association.

In 2009, the pianist continued to sharpen his skills by pursuing his masters degree in Australia.

Despite having performed with several symphony orchestras in the US, Russia and Viet Nam before, Linh said he is nervous to play this piece by Rachmaninov for the first time.

"However, I believe that my strong bond with Russia will help me to play the work emotionally," said the 34-year-old artist, who is now a piano lecturer of the Viet Nam National Academy of Music.

At the concert, Linh will also present the Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op. 64 by P.I. Tchaikovsky.

This work was written from May to August 1888 and first performed, under Tchaikovskys own baton, in St Petersburg on November 6, 1888. Although this work is not among his most famous it was one of the more popular symphonies during World War II.

Symphonies by Tchaikovsky are something Linh is familiar with, allowing him to attract fans, including conductor Tetsuji.

The Japanese conductor explained why he decided to invite pianist Linh to perform at the Toyota Concert 2016.

"I once saw Linh perform when he played a work by Tchaikovsky at the grand hall of the Viet Nam National Academy of Music. The performance was great," Tetsuji said.

Held by the Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) in collaboration with the VNSO, the Toyota Concert 2016 will take place at Ha Noi Opera House on August 5&6, before travelling to HCM City for two shows at HCM City Municipal Theatre on August 10&11.

Tickets for the concerts are available at the Ha Noi Opera House (Tel: 0913489858) and the HCM City Municipal Theatre (Tel: 0989874517).

All the concerts proceeds will go to the Toyota Scholarship for Young Vietnamese Music Talents, aiming to encourage Vietnamese musicians to develop their skills, as well as making more contributions to the development of Vietnamese music.

According to oan Thi Yen, a TMV representative, more than 640 scholarships were given to musical talents since the scholarship was founded in 2009.  VNS
On occasion of the Independence day of Peru today (July 28), Viet Nam News presents an article written by Luis Tsuboyama, Charge daffaires of the Embassy of Peru.

On the 195th anniversary of the independence of Republic of Peru, it is good time to look back the achievements that Peru and Viet Nam have made so far, as well as the outlook both will pursue in the coming years.

The political and diplomatic relations between the two countries have been enhanced in a wider and deeper way. This has been shown through the bilateral meeting between Mr Ollanta Humala Tasso and Mr Truong Tan Sang, on the sideline of the APEC Leaders Summit held in Manila, the Philippines last year. Both leaders were committed to share experiences in successfully implementing the Trans - Pacific Partnership (TPP) once it comes into force. Also, it was agreed that Peru and Viet Nam will support each other and work closely to ensure the success of the APEC hosting roles (2016 and 2017).

It must be highlighted that during the APEC Summit this year in Lima, the new President of Viet Nam - Mr Tran ai Quang will be meeting with the just-elected President of Peru - Mr Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, to discuss ways to improve the relations between the two countries in a more integrated world. It is hoped that the co-operation agreements on fishery, drug control, and culture will be signed by this time, which would certainly contribute to a deeper relationship between the two nations.

Ancient history: The photo shows an image of Machu Picchu, the Lost city of the Incas. Photo www.lonelyplanet.com



Last year, we witnessed the signing of the establishment of Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technical Co-operation between Peru and Viet Nam. This, together with the TPP, certainly paved a way for developing the economic links between the two countries. To prove this, the two-way trade turnover increased to US$395 million in 2015 (a growth of 128 per cent compared to 2013). The investment of Viettel and PetroVietnam in Peru has continued to expand, which boosts the flow of Vietnamese people coming to work. Also, more and more Vietnamese businessmen have visited Peru for exploring the business opportunities (an increase of 300 per cent in the number of visa applications).

On cultural promotion, the word Peru has become known to more Vietnamese people, especially the youth. This is promoted through a series of activities and initiatives that the Embassy of Peru in Viet Nam has been carrying out with its Vietnamese partners. To begin with, the club Peru and friends has been founded at the Olympia School in early 2016, and run by its students. Since the establishment, the club has organised some activities within the school such as: Peruvian corner, presentation of Peruvian gastronomy in order for the other students to learn about Peru. Also, a course of Latin American history was delivered to a class of young students at the Spanish Faculty  Ha Noi University, led by the Embassy of Peru.

To continue the promotion of Peru in Viet Nam, the gastronomic festival and the business seminars (e.g. Coffee, Maca and Tourism) have been organised successfully in Ha Noi and HCM City, and will be replicated in other cities. It is hoped that the people - to - people relationship will be a cornerstone contributing for a better understanding of Peru in Viet Nam, and creating awareness of our millenary history, diverse culture, multiethnic identity and positive economic growth.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese diva Ha Tran, who lives in the US, will meet her domestic audience during a mini-show at La Plume Bar & Lounge this Saturday.

Her show, Ha Acoustic, is part of the concert series La Plume and the Friends, organised on the last Saturday night of every month at the venue  a favourite destination for locals and expat nights out.

During the show, the famous songstress will sing 20 of her favourite songs. Several of them were written by Tran Tien and Bao Chan, who laid the foundation for Viet Nams easy listening music genre. The songs include Sac Mau (Colour), Que Nha (Homeland), Dong Song Mua Thu (Autumn River), Pho Ngheo (Poor Street), Ben Em La Bien Rong (Boundless Ocean by Your Side), and Noi Nho Diu Em (Nostalgia).

Unlike any of her previous performances, Ha will present all these songs in the accoustic style.

The La Plume Bar & Lounge is located in the Press Club Building at 59A Ly Thai To Street, on the 3rd floor. The show runs from 8.30-10.30pm on Saturday.  VNS
Deputy Luu Binh Nhuong from the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre speaks at the 14th National Assembly meeting yesterday.  VNA/VNs Photo

HA NOI  National Assembly deputies have pinned high hopes on the Government for the 2016-2021 tenure after hearing Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucs inaugural address on Tuesday, in which he pledged to build a Government serves the people and spurs growth.

Luu Binh Nhuong, a deputy from the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre, said he was impressed by the PMs speech as it demonstrated the Governments resolve to implement Party policies.

Issues raised by the Government leader including training and handling environmental pollution are important to national socio-economic development, he said.

Ngo Sach Thuc, a representative from the northern province of Bac Giang, said the PM focused on the Governments tasks for the next five years.

The Government should take more drastic actions, turn words into actions and complete institutions to build a rule-of-law State, the deputy suggested.

Applauding the actions the Government has taken over the past three months since it was elected by the 13th NA last April, lawmaker Nguyen uc Kien from the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang reviewed the Governments performance in tackling marine pollution caused by Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Co. Ltd and the severe drought in the southwestern region.

PM Phuc and the new Government built trust and met the expectations of the people thanks to actions towards multiple economic matters, especially regarding the business climate and competitiveness.

Kien stressed that the PMs meetings with labourers were a new step taken by the new Government.

Le Thi Thuy, a representative from the northern province of Hai Duong, said the PM and the Government have kept watch on all matters and expressed her hope that the PM and the Government will achieve the action plan set for the next five years.

The Government is likely to meet the aspirations of voters and people nationwide, the deputy said.  VNS
A delegation of top Vietnamese leaders laid wreaths and paid tribute to heroic martyrs at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs in Ha Noi yesterday on the 69th National War Invalids and Martyrs Day.  VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI  A delegation of top Vietnamese leaders laid wreaths and paid tribute to heroic martyrs at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs in Ha Noi yesterday on the 69th National War Invalids and Martyrs Day.

The leaders included Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, former Party General Secretary Nong uc Manh, President Tran ai Quang, former President Tran uc Luong, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, former NA Chairmen Nguyen Van An and Nguyen Sinh Hung, and President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan, among others.

They then paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum.

Delegations from the Central Military Commission, the Ministries of Public Security, and Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Ha Noi municipal Peoples Committee also laid wreaths at the Heroic Martyrs Monument and President Ho Chi Minhs Mausoleum.

Candles were lit at more than 2,000 cemeteries nationwide at the same time on the evening of July 26 in commemoration of war martyrs.

A number of gifts were also presented to Heroic Mothers, invalids and families of martyrs across the country.

Nearly 1.2 million Vietnamese soldiers died in wars defending the country and in international missions, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.  VNS
HA NOI  As many as 96.96 per cent of deputies at the first session of the 14th National Assembly yesterday approved a resolution determining there will be 27 members of the Government in the 2016-2021 tenure, the same number as the previous tenure.

Under the resolution, the Government comprises one Prime Minister, five Deputy Prime Ministers, including one Deputy PM cum Foreign Minister, and 21 ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies.

The five Deputy PMs are Truong Hoa Binh, Pham Binh Minh, who is also Foreign Minister, Vuong inh Hue, Vu uc am and Trinh inh Dung.

Deputies also proposed that the Government should assign a Deputy PM to control agriculture, climate change and environmental protection affairs and a Deputy PM to manage matters related to seas and islands.

Earlier, 95.75 deputies also approved a resolution on the NAs supervision programme in 2017.

According to the resolution, in its third plenum, the NA will discuss an additional Government report on the socio-economic plan and State budget in 2016, and draw up a plan for early 2017, together with a report on the State budget balance for 2015 as well as reports from agencies.

Deputies are scheduled to conduct question and answer sessions, and touch upon law enforcement in food safety in the 2011-2016 period.

In the fourth plenum, they will give comments on the Governments report on the implementation of the socio-economic plan and State budget in 2017, as well as reports on the performance of ministries and agencies. During the meeting, deputies will also discuss the execution of laws in State administrative reform from 2011-2016.

On July 28, the legislators are scheduled to approve the PMs proposal to appoint Deputy PMs, ministers and other Cabinet members through secret voting.

Earlier, yesterday, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc proposed the structure of the Government for the 2016-2021 tenure during the 14th National Assemblys first session.

According to his proposal, the Governments structure will remain at 27 members, including one Prime Minister, five Deputy Prime Ministers, including one Deputy PM cum Foreign Minister, and 21 ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies.

Head of the National Assembly (NA)s Law Committee Nguyen Khac inh delivered a report on the number of Government members, in which the committee agreed with the Prime Ministers proposal as this structure accords with the legislatures resolution on the structure of the Government, and proved effective in the previous tenure.

However, several members of the NA committee proposed assigning one Deputy PM in charge of agricultural affairs, and assigning a Cabinet member to undertake the Foreign Minister post.

High-ranking officials elected

ang Thi Ngoc Thinh, Vice President.

Legislators cast secret ballots to elect the Vice State President, Chief Judge of the Supreme Peoples Court and Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy in Ha Noi yesterday on the sixth working day of the 14th National Assemblys first session.

Some 478 out of 488 deputies present at the plenary sitting, or 96.76 per cent of the total lawmakers, voted for ang Thi Ngoc Thinh as Vice President for 2016-2021. With 473 approval votes, or 95.75 per cent, Nguyen Hoa Binh was elected as Chief Judge of the Supreme Peoples Court. Some 448 deputies, or 90.69 per cent, chose Le Minh Tri for the post of Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy.

The parliament then approved draft resolutions on electing the positions with a majority of for votes.

Nguyen Hoa Binh, Chief Judge of the Supreme Peoples Court.

n his inaugural address, Binh vowed to absolutely be loyal to the nation, people and the Constitution, and make concerted efforts to fulfill the tasks assigned by the Party, the State and people.

He pledged to build a court system that protects justice, human rights, citizens rights, socialism, the States interests, and legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals.

Binh called on legislators to increase their supervision over all-level courts activities in order to make the court a symbol of justice, deserving of peoples expectations.  VNS
The HCM City Peoples Committee has approved a plan to modernise fire-fighting facilities and equipment by 2025.  Photo baodatviet.vn

HCM CITY  The HCM City Peoples Committee has approved a plan to modernise fire-fighting facilities and equipment by 2025.

Under the plan, the city will spend VN8.1 trillion (US$363 million), including VN2.3 trillion ($103 million) from the State budget, to buy 258 fire trucks, 61 water pumps, and 10 lifeboats and water cannons.

In the next five years, 5,000 fire hydrants will be set up on city streets.

Training courses on fire-fighting and rescue for police fire brigades will also be offered.

Under the plan, five new fire-fighting forces in districts 5,7,10, Phu Nhuan and Thu uc will be established by 2020.

In 2025, a training centre for fire prevention and fighting will open in Binh Chanh District.

The city said that it would hold more fire-safety inspections and offer training in fire prevention measures to factories, companies and owners of major construction projects.

The city will also invest in projects to upgrade electronic control systems for fire-fighting and rescue activities.

Foreign and private organisers and investors will be encouraged to provide funds for the field.

The citys fire-fighters have been successful in minimising the number of fires, and have rescued hundreds of people, as well as saved assets worth trillions of ong per year.

But fire-fighting forces are still in need of improvement.

Newly hired fire-fighters are not professionally trained because most of them began work directly after their Army service.

The fire-fighting force has faced shortages of equipment, including fire engines, rescue facilities and protective clothing.  VNS
The HCM City Department of Transport has called on the administration to build smart parking lots at hospitals to meet the burgeoning demand for parking space at most of them.  Photo tne.vn

HCM CITY  The HCM City Department of Transport has called on the administration to build smart parking lots at hospitals to meet the burgeoning demand for parking space at most of them.

It urged the Peoples Committee to assist in their construction by offering developers a 50 per cent loan interest subsidy.

The Tan Phat Equipment Joint-Stock Company has offered to build the smart lots under BOT (build-operate-transfer) mode using technologies from Japan and South Korea, the department said.

They would be built on existing lots or other locations in the hospitals, it said.

Demand for parking space at hospitals is massive, overloading existing lots in most places, it said.

Due to a shortage of space, many vehicles are then parked on pavements or even roads, worsening traffic congestion and even causing accidents, it said.

En-parking

The city is considering the construction of smart parking lots.

Experts and officials made a number of suggestions at a recent conference on building en-parking systems in the city and southern provinces.

An en-parking system is a cylinder-shaped glass-walled multi-storey building equipped with lifts to raise and lower vehicles.

Attendees at the conference said each 400sq.m building can accommodate up to 120 automobiles, or 10 times the capacity of a similar surface parking lot.

Their cost is estimated at US$3.2 million, and the fee for an hour of parking is expected to be $1.5.

Bui Xuan Cuong, director of the department, said the city would mobilise investment from the private sector for building them.

The meeting was organised by the department and the Association of Bridges, Roads and Seaports.  VNS
HA NOI  A Vietnamese flight attendant and her male companion have been arrested by Noi Bai International Airport Customs while trying to smuggle more than 3kg of gold into South Korea.

Flight attendant Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh, 34, and Nguyen Ngoc Sang, 30, passed the security checkpoints with four gold bars being undetected.

They then hid the bars under a seat on the flight from Noi Bai to South Koreas Incheon International Airport late Tuesday.

The two suspects told police they did not declare the gold bars to customs officials and planned to sell them in South Korea for profit.

Anh was reported to be an air stewardess.

Last year, Captain Nguyen Van Dung, 35, and flight attendant Nguyen Tuan Phong of national carrier Vietnam Airlines were arrested for smuggling 6kg of gold at Gimhae International Airport in Busan City in South Korea. VNS
HA NOI  All cases causing airway insecurity at levels B and C (A is the highest level) in the first six months this year were made by people, and this fact raised a red alarm about work force quality in the airway sector, said the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV).

o Quang Viet, deputy director of the CAAV, said that reasons related to people included the flight crew not assessing the situation well, not obeying the instructions strictly, or workers operating equipment not controlling the equipment properly.

Viet said that in the short term, port authorities in northern, central and southern areas must have more training to improve skills of resolving problems.

Pilots must raise their awareness and responsibility in their own and the flight crews work.

More training should also be given to workers operating equipment to minimise problems caused by people, he said.

Viet said that it was regulated that the country needed at least 27 airway security supervisors. But at present the country has only 17. The CAAV also needed five supervisors on flight safety management based on recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The CAAV asked airlines to commend about 20 outstanding workers to appoint them as supervisors.

Recently the CAAV appointed one worker, but ICAO did not agree because workers who had studied finance or trading did not have the capacity of supervising, said Viet.

Director of the CAAV Lai Xuan Thanh said that the most important work in the coming time was renewing the training to improve work force quality.

The training must start from real demand of airlines, said Thanh.

Reports of the CAAV showed that the country saw 175 cases causing airway insecurity in the first six months of this year for planes on domestic airlines, a decrease of 14.6 per cent compared with the same period last year.

One case was in level C, 32 others in level D and 140 others in level E.

For planes on international airlines, the country saw 25 cases in level B, four in level D and 20 in level E.  VNS
BOGOTA  The United Nations will coordinate some 500 international observers to verify that FARC rebels comply with a ceasefire and surrender weapons once a peace deal is signed, Colombias Congress said on Wednesday.

The Colombian government and the Marxist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are in the final phase of four years of talks that it is hoped will result in a peace deal putting to an end a half-a-century of conflict.

The rebels last month signed a ceasefire and disarmament deal with the government, with the aim of becoming a political party.

The government said it hoped to move on to a full peace deal within weeks.

"Five hundred international monitors from 15 countries will ensure" the ceasefire and disarmament of the FARC once the agreement is signed, Senate President Mauricio Lizcano said.

He made the announcement after meeting with Jean Arnault, the UN representative to the peace talks.

A total of 15 per cent of the observers will be European and 85 per cent Latin American, Lizcano added.

Some 100 will come from Argentina, 85 from Paraguay, 75 from Chile, 30 from Cuba and 30 from Spain. Mexico, Bolivia, Guatemala, Sweden and Germany have not yet said how many they will send.  AFP
PARIS  Just days after authorities mooted suspending the ocean search for missing flight MH370, researchers suggested on Wednesday that the debris zone may stretch a further 500km north.

A team of Italian scientists used computer modelling, into which they fed data on ocean currents and winds over the past two years, to try and pinpoint the Malaysia Airlines planes likely underwater grave.

They also added information on the location of five confirmed pieces of debris found to date -- two in Mozambique and one each in Reunion, South Africa, and Mauritius.

"One of the most important findings is that everything that has been discovered so far is indeed compatible with the area where the authorities are searching," lead researcher Eric Jansen of the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change in Italy said.

"The most likely (crash) area we found in our simulations overlaps with the official search area," he said. But it also stretches a further 500km north.

"If nothing is found in the current search area, it may be worth extending the search in this direction," said Jansen, while conceding "the area is very large."

Last week, Malaysia, Australia and China said hopes of finding the doomed plane were fading and the search would be suspended if nothing is found in the current search zone.

The Boeing 777 vanished on March 8, 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 people aboard. It remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history.

The Australian-led search operation is scanning the seafloor at forbidding depths within a 120,000sq.km area -- nearly the size of Greece.

"I dont expect really that the authorities will change their opinion based on this" new data, said Jansen.

"The search is incredibly expensive and has being going on for two years," he said, adding: "it is, of course, a question of money."

Jansen described the disappearance of the plane as "bizarre".

"It is important to understand what happened, not only for all the people directly involved, but also for the safety of aviation in general," he said in a statement issued by the European Geosciences Union, which publishes the Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences journal in which the study was carried.

"We hope that we can contribute to this, even if our study is just a small piece of a very complicated puzzle."  AFP
Heartbreaking family update after mother-of-six was killed in horror crash Hannah Fraser's father and stepmother are trying to make it from the United Kingdom to Australia in time for their daughter's funeral.

Firefighter unions latest message to Andrews Government More than a hundred fire trucks in Victoria will carry pointed messages about the Andrews Government as part of a union campaign in the lead up to next month's state election.

Family of Aboriginal teen who died in apparent suicide after sexual abuse back calls for inquiry Police believe 15-year-old Layla Leering took her own life after being raped in the Northern Territory community of Bulla in 2015.

Duttons declaration to voters amid Labors big mess The Opposition Leader said the Prime Minister "might write me off" but he believes Australians will vote the Coalition back into power in 2025 to clean up "the big mess" Labor will leave behind.
WATERLOO -- Farmers State Bank, 131 Tower Park Drive, will host a trip to the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 17.

The bank will provide transportation to the Iowa State Fair for Older Iowans Day. Those ages 60+ receive discounted admission and special events planned for that day.

The bus will leave Jesup at 7:30 a.m. and Waterloo at 8 a.m.

Registration deadline is Aug. 8, and cost is $35 per person for FSB customers and $40 per person for noncustomers. Sign up at www.FSB1879.com/events or call Mary Jean Bloes at 827-1050 in Jesup or Abby Sears at 287-3961 in Waterloo.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo police officer will receive an award for his quick actions tending to a man injured in a traffic collision earlier this month.

Officer Jordan Ehlers had only been on the job about four months when he responded to a crash and found the driver unconscious and struggling to breathe, said Director of Safety Services Daniel Trelka.

Ehlers, the first officer on the scene, secured the drivers head and opened his airway so he could breathe freely, Trelka said.

Paramedics with Waterloo Fire Rescue arrived a short time later and took the injured man to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital, where his prognosis wasnt good.

But the man survived, and four days later walked into the police station to thank officers involved in the call.

Trelka will present Ehlers with a commendation for his work Monday.

Ehlers had been an officer with the La Porte City Police Department and started with the Waterloo force in February.

According to police, the accident happened at about 8:50 p.m. July 16 in the 700 block of Mullan Avenue. The driver was flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City by helicopter.

An emergency room doctor who treated the driver at Allen told police if Ehlers hadnt worked on the airway right away the driver likely would have died, and Ehlers actions saved the mans life.
PHILADELPHIA  As Cory Booker left a room full of Iowa Democrats, shaking hands and snapping selfies as he went, a man approached him and declared, I hope to work for you in 2024!

During this weeks Democratic National Convention, Booker has helped his already-rising political star among Democrats, including from first-in-the-nation voting Iowa.

The U.S. senator from New Jersey gave a well-received address to the convention earlier this week. On Wednesday morning he was similarly well received when he spoke to Iowa Democrats.

Booker burst on the national scene years ago, first as mayor of Newark and then in the Senate. He was mentioned as a possible running mate for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Bookers remarks and his reception among Democrats this week will only further speculation that he could run for president in the future.

I think in those speeches he really stuck the landing, said Iowa delegate Zach Wahls of Iowa City. People in the (Iowa) delegation, (Bernie) Sanders and Clinton supporters both seemed to really resonate with what he had to say.  I expect you might be hearing more from Sen. Booker in the coming years in Iowa.

Wahls described Booker as an interesting blend of New Jersey, Southern preacher and social media guru. Booker is known for his Twitter account, which has more than 1.7 million followers.

Bookers convention speech Monday night, in which he drew on the famous Maya Angelou poem Still I Rise, drew rave reviews from Democrats, although shortly after it was eclipsed by an even more roundly applauded address by first lady Michelle Obama.
URBANDALE -- Gov. Terry Branstad is floating a new compromise he hopes will generate state money to address water quality concerns while balancing future needs for school infrastructure and other conservation, resource protection and recreational purposes.

Branstad told members of the Westside Conservative Club he would be open to re-purposing the penny sales tax for school infrastructure set to expire 2029 by continuing the tax and splitting the ongoing proceeds with 5/8 going to education and 3/8 going into a constitutionally protected natural resources trust that Iowa voters approved in 2010.

I throw that out as a possibility of what we could do and do it without raising taxes, the governor said.

Branstad said he would support a plan that won bipartisan support in the Iowa House last session that proposed to shift $478 million over 13 years to water quality projects from a water-metering tax and the gambling-funded state infrastructure account. However, majority Senate Democrats balked at that plan fearing it would shift money from other priorities like education.

At the start of the 2016 session, Branstad unveiled a plan to divert to water quality programs some future revenue from the local-option sales tax devoted to school infrastructure projects. According to his offices estimates, the plan would have generated $4.7 billion over 32 years for water quality programs.

But legislators of both political parties were cool to the proposal, since it dipped into a funding stream approved by voters for education.

Im willing to look at options, the governor said in an interview, but not something that raises taxes.
PHILADELPHIA  The Democratic narrative of Iowas U.S. Senate race this year has been challenger Patty Judge will give Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley the fight of his political life.

The six-term senator has coasted to re-election five times, capturing more than 60 percent of the vote each time. However, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman has given Democrats an opening this year by refusing to hold hearings on President Barack Obamas nominee to fill a Supreme Court vacancy.

Grassley, 82, may sit on the nomination of federal Judge Merrick Garland, but, Democrats say, Patty Judge is the judge Grassley cant ignore.

Polls have shown widespread dissatisfaction among Iowans, including Republicans, with Grassleys refusal to hold hearings. Judge told Iowa delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia Thursday thats working to her advantage.

We are on the right track with this campaign, she said at the delegations daily breakfast meeting. Our polling is getting better every day. Chuck Grassley is more unhappy every day, which pleases me.

However, Judge, 72, admitted this race is no cakewalk for her.

This is a big race. This is the toughest race I have been in in my life and I know that, said Judge told the delegates. She was elected twice to the Iowa Senate and as secretary of agriculture, before serving one term as Gov. Chet Culvers lieutenant governor. They lost their bid for a second term.

She warned that GOP groups, the NRA and the Koch Brothers will unleash bucket loads of money against me because Judge supports what she called common-sense gun control.

As many party leaders have done throughout the week of the national convention, Judge made a plea for party unity.

I cant do this by myself, she said. I need each and every one of you.

Whether you were in the Hillary camp, whether you were in the Bernie camp, whatever, we will not win this race, my race, we will not win Kims race, we wont win Monicas or Jimmys if we are not together, Judge said, referring to Kim Weaver, Monica Vernon and Jim Mowrer in the 4th, 1st and 3rd U.S. House districts, respectively.

The issues that have been brought forward by Sanders camp are important. They are things that need to be on our agenda, Judge said, adding that if elected, I will be proud to serve beside Sen. Bernie Sanders.
WATERLOO  The city has ponied up property tax rebates to help a local chemical company expand.

Waterloo City Council members voted unanimously Monday to support giving 50 percent tax breaks on a planned $16 million expansion at Hydrite Chemical Co., 2815 WCF & N Drive.

While the rebates were the standard incentive package provided under the citys economic development program, Community Planning and Development Director Noel Anderson said they were particularly critical to this project.

Hydrite Chemical was awarded state tax credits through the Iowa Economic Development Authoritys High Quality Jobs Program, which require local match. The citys tax rebates barely met that threshold.

If we would normally not give rebates they would not have been able to take advantage of the states tax credit program, Anderson said.

Councilman Tom Lind questioned why the rebates are necessary when he frequently hears property tax rates are not the critical factor in determining where companies locate.

We always have to give tax rebates, Lind said. If our levy rate was at a reasonable amount would we continue to have to give these kinds of tax rebates to get people to redevelop or move to Waterloo?

Anderson said most Iowa cities provide tax breaks to lure development, regardless of the tax burden.

Cedar Falls has a lower levy rate and they still give tax rebates as well, he said. Its a competition-type thing to be able to attract businesses here.

Anderson said national publication surveys vary on the relative importance of tax rates in determining where businesses choose to locate.

Its really hard to say what attracted a business to the area, he said. Was it the work force? Was it the tax rate? Was it the water and sewer capacity? Theres a lot of different factors in there.

Mayor Quentin Hart pointed out Waterloo just ended its second-best construction year in history based on permit values.

Even with conversation about (the tax rate), companies are looking at a myriad of different factors that would make them move to an area or bring their business to an area, he said.

The Brookfield, Wis.-based Hydrite has operated a plant in Waterloo for 38 years.
WATERLOO  The city has renewed two downtown revitalization contracts for another year.

City Council members voted unanimously Monday to approve a new $40,000 pact with Main Street Waterloo and another $72,000 for Vandewalle and Associates to continue providing consulting services on projects in the central business district.

While nobody spoke in opposition to the new one-year contracts, Councilman Tom Lind said he wanted better information in the future about what Main Street and Vandewalle do throughout the year.

When I look at the scope theres a lot of redundancies, I think, Lind said. Before we spend that amount of money we really should know what were buying.

Community Planning and Development Director Noel Anderson said he would try to set up work sessions in the future for both entities to provide details about their work.

Resident Terry Stevens also asked the city to consider extending Main Streets downtown boundaries north of Franklin Street to help revitalize businesses on the east side of the city.

Main Street Waterloo provides design review for downtown improvements, puts up flowers and holiday decorations, holds events like Fridayloo and lines up volunteers and sponsors for downtown events. It also advocates for existing and new businesses.

Vandewalle and Associates, of Madison, Wis., was initially retained in 1999 to help develop a downtown revitalization master plan, which led to the current Vision Iowa projects, Cedar Valley SportsPlex and Cedar Valley TechWorks.

The firm has been retained by both the city and Waterloo Development Corp. for the next 16 years to help implement downtown projects, which also include Grand Crossing and wayfinding signs.

The scope of work allows the city of Waterloo to use Vandewalle and Associates for planning, renderings for site development when speaking with developers, as well as creating business plans and recruiting tenants and new businesses to the area, Anderson said.
RUDD | A Rudd woman has won an appeal of her enticement of a minor conviction.

The Iowa Court of Appeals Wednesday ruled substantial evidence does not support Lacey Lea Holtz's conviction on that charge, a Class D felony. The appeals court has ordered the charge be dismissed.

Holtz, 33, was accused of getting a 14-year-old boy to smoke from a glass pipe containing marijuana in August 2014.

She was found guilty by a Floyd County jury in April 2015. She was given a five-year suspended prison sentence and put on probation for three years. One of the conditions of her probation was that she avoid bars, taverns and liquor stores.

The appeals court ruled the unlawful act Holtz was accused of enticing the boy to commit -- possession of marijuana -- is not the type of conduct the statute against enticement of a minor is aimed at because "it is not an unlawful act committed 'upon' another."
By The Associated Press Jul. 26, 2016 | 07:42 PM | PHILADELPHIA, PA

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes has portrayed Donald Trump as "an unsteady, unqualified bully" while offering insights about Hillary Clinton's personal side in a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Grimes on Tuesday recounted her long friendship with Clinton, and stressed Clinton's support for equal pay for women, voting rights, affordable health care and pensions for retired coal miners.

Grimes described Clinton as a family-oriented grandmother who enjoys watching HGTV and eating buffalo wings. She recalled how Clinton checked up on her while she was in law school and was the first to call her after her grandmothers died.

She portrayed Trump as "an unsteady, unqualified bully who points fingers rather than offering a hand to those who are defenseless."

Grimes lost to Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell in a high-profile race in 2014.
MSPs that want to be successful in the long run must look at cybersecurity as a foundational service, one they must excel at 
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Canl Bahis siteleri sektoru son derece onu ack ve farkl ozelliklere sahip bir sektordur. Elbette bahis secenekleri arasnda yuksek kazanc getiren alan kuskusuz canl bahistir. Peki, canl bahis nedir?

Canl Bahis Nedir?

Canl bahis adndan da anlaslacag gibi devam eden musabakaya bahis yapmaktr. Bu bahis musabaka devam ederken de yaplabilir olmasdr. Basta futbol olmak uzere voleybol, tenis, hentbol, basketbol, buz hokeyi ve masa tenisi gibi spor organizasyonlarna canl bahisler yaplabilmektedir. Canl bahis siteleri bu oyunlarn hepsine yuksek oranlara bahis yapmanza imkan tanr. En fazla tercih edilen futbol canl bahisleri diger alanlara gore daha fazla on plandadr. Siteden siteye degisen sartlar ve uygulama esaslar soz konusu olsa da kurallar sabittir.

Canl bahisi populer klan ve heyecan katan en onemli ozellikle musabakann basladg ana dek bahis yapabilmedir. Canl bahis icerisinde yer alan secenekler kazanma sansnz da dogrudan arttrmaktadr. Ilk korneri kim kullanr, ilk tac, gol, sar kart, krmz kart gibi futbol musabakas icerisinde olabilecek hemen hemen her seye bahis yaplabilmektedir. Normal bahisegore de son derece yuksek oranda olmas avantajl yonlerini ortaya koymaktadr. Nitekim dogru secenek ksa surede kazancl ckmanza etki edecektir.

Strateji ve dogru analizle 90 dakika gibi bir surede anaparanzkatlayabilirsiniz. Tabi bunu basarabilmek icin mutlaka musabakaya dair ayrntlar iyi degerlendirmek gerekir. Soz konusu musabakann detaylarn inceleyip, cezal, sakat oyuncu veya performans dusen takm oyunu gibi detaylar bilmek canl bahiste kazanc belirleyen onemli unsurdur. Guvenilir Canl bahis hem heyecanl zaman gecirmeyi hem de musabakalar takip ederken para kazanmay saglamaktadr.

Canl Bahis Nasl Oynanr?

Bahislerinizi guvenilir sitelerden gerceklestirdiginiz zaman herhangi bir sekilde para cekme de sorun yasamazsnz. Guvenilir bahis siteleri tespit edip sonrasnda da uyelik islemlerini tamamlamanz gerekmektedir. Belirlenen uyelik sartlarn yerine getirip hesabnza da paray aktardktan sonra bahis islemlerini sorunsuz yapabilirsiniz. Peki, canl bahis nasl oynanr?

Oncelikle bahis konusunda mutlaka dogru site arastrmas yapmalsnz. Yapacagnz arastrma neticesinde buldugunuz site uzerinden canl bahisislemlerini gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Bunun icin uye olup, hesaba para atp, canl bahis bolumune girmelisiniz. Sonrasnda dahil olmak istediginiz musabakann saatini ogrenip, gerekli analizleri yapmalsnz. Tahminlerinizi belirledikten sonra karsnza ckacak olan bahis sayfasndan istediginiz hamleyi yapmalsnz. Bahis tutarn belirledikten sonra musabaka baslayacaktr.

Canl bahis diger normal bahis esaslarna gore farkllklar icermektedir. Bunlardan en onemlisi musabakann gidisatna gore islem yapabilir olmaktr.Ayrca musabakann 2. Yarsna gore hamle yapp ayr bir bahisin soz konusu olmas da ciddi avantajdr. Dogru hamle ile sizde istediginiz bahisi yapp kazanc elde edebilirsiniz. Nitekim canl olarak yapacagnz bahis icin mac oncesi raporlara gore hareket etmek onemlidir. Cunku takmlarn durumlarn analiz etmek tahmin gucunu arttracaktr. Misal tamnn en iyi oyuncusu sakat ya da kart cezals ise takmn performansnda dusus yasanacaktr. Buna ek olarak takmn deplasman performans ile evinde ki performans ayr olacaktr. Burada da takmn musabakay nerede yaptgna bakmak gerekir. Bu ayrntlar da iyice analiz ettikten sonra bahsinizi yapp kazanmann keyfini yasayabilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri

Son derece yuksek getiriye sahip bahis sektoru uzun zamandr faaliyet gostermektedir. Cok ciddi rakamlarn soz konusu oldugu bu sektor zamanla sanal ortamlara donusmustur. Elbette guvenli ve bir o kadar da avantajl olan bu siteler cok yonlu frsatlar sunmaktadrlar. Canl iddaa siteleri gerek yeni uyelere gerekse de hali hazrdaki uyelerine bolca bonus frsatlar vermektedir. Yatracagnz tutara gore belirlenen bonuslar site icerisinde rahat hareket etmenizi de saglayacaktr.

Canl bahis sitelerini kullanmadan once mutlaka guvenli olup olmadgna goz atmalsnz. Zira baz kullanclar guvenli olmayan sitelerden yaptklar islemlerden dolay magdur olmaktadrlar. Nitekim guvenli ve sorunsuz hizmet sunan yurt ds site tercih etmek en dogru secenektir. Sektorde uzun yllar faaliyet gosteren siteleri tercih edebilirsiniz. Bu alanda yer alan yabanc siteler musteri memnuniyetine onem vermektedir. Oncelik site kullanclarn sorunsuz sekilde bahislerini yapabilir olmasn saglamaktr. Bahis sitelerinde amac hem daha fazla kullancya hizmet vermek hem de sektorde emin admlarla ilerlemek onceliklidir. Dogru site tercihi ile sizde canl bahislerinizi sorun yasamadan gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Sizler icin hazrlams oldugumuz canl bahis siteleri listesi su sekildedir;

Mobilbahis Tempobet Bets10 Bahigo 1xbahis Betboo Youwin Superbahis

Sralams oldugumuz bu siteler sektorde basarl islere imza atms sitelerdedir. Canl bahis konusunda beklentileri karslayacak olan bu siteler sizlere kolaylk sunmaktadrlar. Bol bonuslu secenekle de sizlere farkl bahis yonlerini sunacaklardr. Sistemsel etki icerisinde her zaman etkin sonuc alabilmek icin surekli olarak faaliyet icerisindedirler.

Canl Bahis Taktikleri

Bahis sektorunun en fazla dikkat edilmesi gereken hususu dogru taktik ve dogru tahmindir. Elbette dogru tahmini yapabilmek icin analizi cok iyi yapmak gerekir. Canl bahis taktikleri arasnda ilk sra analiz gelmektedir. Analiz yapamadgnz zaman basarl tahminlerde bulunmanz pek de mumkun degildir. Cunku bahiste onemli olan konu musabakann analizini cok iyi yaplmas gerektigidir. Canl bahisin ozelliklerini iyi bilmek ve nasl bir hamle yapacagnz bilmek gerekir. Ozellikle riskli maclarda yaplacak degerlendirmeler cok daha onemlidir.

Canl bahis yapacaklarn takip edecegi degerler takmlarn durumlar ile alakal olmaldr. Performans uzerine kurulu bahis sisteminde takm degerlendirmesine iyi bakmak gerekir. Iki takmn son 5 macta nasl bir sonuc ortaya koyduguna bakarak hareket etmek onemlidir. Ayrca hangi takm evinde daha iyi performans sergiliyor diye de ayrca bakmak gerekir.

Analizlerle alakal puan durumlarna da goz atmak cok onemlidir. Puan degerlendirmesinde oncelikle takmlarn ihtiyaclar ile dogru orantl hareket etmek gerekir. Cunku olusturulan performans takmn da durumunu ortaya koymaktadr. Nitekim istenilen sonucu elde edebilmek icin tum ayrntlar bilmek gerekir. Takm ici duzenden tutunda da takmn son durumuna kadar her ayrnt onemlidir. Iki takmn birbirleri arasnda ki sonuclar da incelemek gerekir. Burada dikkat edilecek detaylarn basnda maclarda kac gol oldugu ve gollerin hangi dakikalarda atldgdr. Cekismeli gecen musabakalarda bazen goller ilk yarda daha fazla olurken baz maclarda da ikinci yarda daha cok gol olmustur. Iki takm arasnda ki maclarda gollerin cogunlugu ilk yarda geliyorsa buna gore bahis yapabilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Bonuslar ve Kampanyalar

Bahis yapanlar veya yapmay dusununler sitelerin sunmus olduklar frsatlar merak etmektedirler. Cunku siteler daha fazla kullancya erismek icin her donem kampanyalar duzenleyerek kullanc odakl hamleler yapmaktadrlar. Canl bahis bonuslar ve kampanyalar oldukca populer olup, siteler bu konuda adeta birbirleri ile yarsmaktadrlar. Birbirinden farkl ozelliklere sahip olan kampanyalar size frsatlar sunmaktadr. Daha cok kazanma ihtimalinizi arttran bu bonuslar daha cesur olmanza da dogrudan etki edecektir. Nitekim bonuslar sitelerin cekiciligini ve avantajlarn arttrmaktadr. En cok kazandran canl bahis siteleri bedava bonuslar ve kampanyalar icin http://www.milano2018.com/canli-bahis-siteleri-2022/ linkinden yardm alabilirsiniz.

Hos geldin bonusu ile baslayan ve sonrasnda para yatrdkca bonus veren cok sayda site bulunmaktadr. Canl bahis bonusu veren siteler yeni uyelere sunduklar frsatlar farkl kampanyalarla mevcut uyelerine de sunmaktadrlar. Hali hazrda siteyi kullananlarn da bonus frsatlarndan yararlanmalar icin donemsel kampanyalar olusturmaktadrlar. Boylece baska sitelere gidisler olmayacag gibi site de daha keyifli zaman gecirmek mumkun klnmaktadr. Bu tur eklentiler yapan sitelerde musteri memnuniyeti daha fazladr.

Bahis siteleri ozellik ve uygulama bakmndan farkllklar bunyelerinde bulundurmaktadrlar. Verilen bonuslarn olusturulmas ve kullanclar aktarlmasnda yatrlan para miktarlar belirleyici olmaktadr. 1.000 TL yatran bir kullanc yuzde 20 bonus frsat olan bir kampanyadan 200 TL bonus kazanabilmektedir. Yatracag tutar 10.000 TL oldugunda bu bonustutar 2.000 TL olabilmektedir. Gerceklesen ve uygulanan esaslar tamamen donemsel olarak yaplan kampanyalarla alakaldr. Iyi Canl bahis siteleri bonuslar ve kampanyalar icin sitelerin vermis oldugu oranlar takip edebilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Para Yatrma

Online Canl bahis yapacaklarn merak ettigi konulardan bir digeri de para yatrma islemleridir. Oldukca onemli olan bu konuda hata yapmamak cok onemlidir. Canl bahis sitelerine para yatrma islemi sanlann aksine son derece basittir. Oldukca basit ve uygulama esas dogru etki olusturan bu yapda sizde islemi rahatca tamamlayabilirsiniz. Para yatrma konusunda su yolu izleyebilirsiniz.

Guvendiginiz ve herhangi bir sekilde aklnzda soru isareti kalmayan bahis sitesine uye olmanz gerekmektedir. Uyelik islemini sorunsuz sekilde tamamladktan sonra para yatrma islemine gecebilirsiniz.

Kullanacagnz siteye uye olduktan sonra karsnza kullanc ad ve sifresini gireceginiz yer gelecektir. Buraya giris yaptktan sonra site icerisine islemlere devam edebilirsiniz.

Sitede yer alan para yatrma sekmesine tklayp sonrasnda karsnza gelen sayfay inceleyebilirsiniz. Para yatrma bolumunde yer alan ksma ne kadar para yatracagnz yazp devam tusuna basmalsnz.

Yatrmak istediginiz tutar girip sonrasnda da devam tusuna bastktan sonra karsnza kart bilgilerinizi gireceginiz sayfa gelecektir. Kredi kart kullanarak para gondermek isteyenlerin tercih ettigi bu sayfa tum bilgiler girilip islem onaylanmaldr.

Canl bahis sitelerine para yatrma islemini gerceklestirmek icin hesaba havale secenegini de kullanabilirsiniz. Site icerisinde musteri hizmetleri ile iletisime gecerek banka hesap numaralarn ogrenebilirsiniz. Belirtilen IBAN numarasna istediginiz tutar havale edebilirsiniz. Havale ederken acklama ksmna yazlacak bilgilere dikkat etmelisiniz.

Kredi kart veya banka havalesi ile gerceklesen para yatrma islemi sonucunda site hesabnzdan bakiyenize bakabilirsiniz. Bakiyenize gore dilediginiz sekilde bahislerinizi gerceklestirebilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Para Cekme

Canl bahiste dogru hamleler ve dogru tahminler sonucunda kazandgnz bedeli geri almak isteyebilirsiniz. Kazanclarnz istediginiz banka hesabnza cekebilmek icin uymanz gereken kurallar soz konusudur. Oncelikle bahis sitelerinden para cekebilmeniz icin uye olurken dogru bilgi paylasmnda bulunmanz gerektigidir. Cunku canl bahis sitelerinden para cekme islemi icin kullanc hesab ile talep edilen banka hesap bilgilerinin ortusmesi gerekir. Yani uye olurken verilen bilgi ile banka hesab kime ait ise o bilgiler ayn olmaldr. Bu uygulama sitenin hem kullancsn hem de kendisini guvene alma politikasdr. Ayrca frsatclarn onune gecerek yeni bir uye olusumunun da onune gecmek amac gutmektedir. Uye olan kisi farkl para cekilme talebi verilen hesap farkl oldugunda para cekme islemi gerceklesmeyecektir.

Bahisleriniz sonucunda kazanc elde edebilir ve bu kazancnz da hakknz olarak almak isteyebilirsiniz. Burada son derece basit uygulama soz konusu olurken siteler aras farkl gorunumler soz konusu olabilir. Fakat yine de tum sitelerde uyenin site icerisinde para cekme bolumune girmesi yeterlidir. Burada cekilecek olan tutarn belirlenmesi ve hesap numarasnn girilmesi ile birlikte islem onay gerekecektir. Para cekme taleplerinde sizden gerekli bilgiler istenmekte ve havale islemi istenilen bilgiler esliginde yurutulmektedir. Dogru bilgi paylasmak sorunsuz para cekebilmeniz en onemli kuraldr. Istenilen bilgiler girildikten sonra site sorumlular gerekli kontrolleri yapp herhangi bir sorun yoksa ksa surede hesabnza gerekli paray aktaracaklardr.

Canl Bahis Sitelerinden Para Cekmek Icin Istenen Belgeler

Bahis sitelerine uye olduktan sonra baz kullanclar para cekme taleplerinin karslanmadg konusunda sikayetlerde bulunmuslardr. Bu sikayetlersektorde uzun zamandr bulunan guvenilir bahis siteleri de yer almaktadr. Fakat sikayetlerin dayanaklarna bakldgnda ise islerin tamamen farkl oldugu gorulmektedir. Yasanan bu durum kullanclarn hatal bilgi girmesi ve uyelik bilgileri ile banka bilgilerinin uyusmamas ile dogru orantldr. Birde canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler eksik ya da hatal olarak sunulmus olabilir. Ortaya ckan karsklar neticesinde para cekme talebinde bulunan kisi istedigini alamadg icin sikayetci olmaktadr. Oysa ki istenilen bilgiler dogru ve istenilen evraklar eksiksiz sunulsa para cekme islemi sorunsuz olacak.

Sitelerin para cekme konusunda dikkatli hareket etmesi hilelerin ve illegal faaliyetlerin onune gecmek adnadr. Cunku baz kullanclar farkl bilgiler vererek ikinci hesap acabilmektedirler. Bazen de bilincsizce hatal bilgi girilebilmektedir. Hatal islemlerin cozumu konusunda islem yaptgnz sitenin musteri temsilcileri ile gorusebilirsiniz. Talepleriniz dogrultusunda para cekme islemlerinde ki sorunlar giderilecektir. Canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler listesi su sekildedir;

Kullanc bilgileri ile banka bilgilerini karslastrmak icin kimlik fotokopisi

Banka hesap bilgileri

Ikametgah ve kisiye ait herhangi bir fatura.

Kacak Iddaa

Turkiyede dogrudan bahis yapmak icin resmi kanallar kullanlabilmektedir. Fakat tercih edilen ve oran olarak cok daha fazla frsatlar sunan kacar iddaasiteleri bulunmaktadr. Bu siteler kanunlara aykr sekilde yaplmakta olup, yasal bir dayanag yoktur. Elbette bu sitelerin kurulus merkezi Turkiye olmayp, ds ulkelerdedir ve faaliyetler belirlenen siteler uzerinden yaplmaktadr. Kacak Iddaa oldukca riskli olup, cok dikkatli olunmas gerekir.

Kacak Bahis

Kanunlar cercevesinde istediginiz gibi bahis yapamayabilirsiniz. Bahis yapabilmek icin ya kanuni olarak sorun olmayan ulke dsnda ki kumarhanelere gitmeniz veya kacak bahis sitelerinden islem yapabilirsiniz. Zira bu durum tehlikeli olsa da cok sayda site guvenli sekilde bu alanda hizmet vermektedir. Kacak bahiste oldukca fazla secenek bulunurken yuksek oranda kazanc sunuyor olmas da ragbeti arttryor.

Illegal Bahis

Bahisin bircok alanda yasak oldugu Turkiyede bu alanda cok sayda yabanc merkezli siteler hizmet vermektedir. Illegal bahis sektorunde faaliyet gosteren siteler guvenli hizmet anlays ile kullanclarna frsatlar sunmaktadr. Yurt ds merkezli bu siteler sorunsuz sekilde hizmetlerini surdururken bulunduklar ulkelerde kanunlara uygun sekildedir. Elbette faaliyet noktasnda bulunduklar ulkelerde sorun teskil etmese de Turkiyede faaliyet gostermeleri kanunin yasaklanmstr.

Yasads Bahis

Gerek olusturulan etkenler gerekse de ortaya konulan riskler yasads bahis de oldukca tehlikelidir. Kanunlarn mudahil olduklar bu alanlar da hem kullanclar hem de populer bahis yaptranlar tum riskleri goze almaktadrlar. Fakat yasaklardan uzak sekilde guvenli hizmet sunan siteler de bulunmaktadr. Takipler neticesinde kapatlan sitelerin muhakkak alternatifleri kurularak yollarna devam etmektedirler.

Canl Iddaa Siteleri Nelerdir?

Dunya genelinde kabul gormus cok sayda guvenli hizmet veren populer bahis siteleri bulunmaktadr. Elbette bu siteler dunyann bircok ulkesinde faaliyet gosterse de Turkiyede yasaktr. Sektorde yer alan cok sayda legal iddaa siteleri bulunmaktadr. Herhangi bir kanunsuzlugun olmadg bu sitelerden hzl ve guvenli islem yaplabilmektedir. Tabi bu sitelerde uygulanan oranlar yasal olmayan sitelere gore daha dusuktur. Illegal sitelerin tercih edilme sebeplerinin en onemli etkeni de olusturulan oranlardr. Peki, Iddaa siteleri nelerdir? Faaliyetleri ve uygulama esaslar nelerdir?

Turkiyede faaliyet gosteren yasal iddaa siteleri listesi su sekildedir;

Iddaa

Bilyoner

Tuttur

Birebin

Oley

Nesine

Misli

Iddaa

2004 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslayan Iddaa Spor toto tarafndan kurulmus olup, ilk etapta bayilik seklinde calsmaya baslamstr. Elbette zamanla gelisen teknolojiye ayak uydurarak internet uzerinde de populer bahis severlerin hizmetine sunulmustur. Kuruldugu donemde devletin resmi kurumu olarak faaliyet gosterirken gelinen yeni donemde ozellestirilmistir.

Bilyoner

Turkiyede faaliyetine 2006 ylnda baslayan Bilyoner ilk ozel yasal bahis sitesi olma ozelligine sahiptir. Guvenilir bahis siteleri Turkiyede bunlardr. Ksa surede populer olan site halen faaliyetlerini sorunsuz sekilde surdurmektedir.

Tuttur

Ksa surede adndan bahsettirmeyi basaran Tuttur 2009 ylnda faaliyetlere baslamstr. Guvenilir bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almstr. Gunumuze dek bircok alanda populer bahis yapanlara frsatlar sunarken avantajlar ile de begeni toplamstr.

Birebin

Kullanc odakl calsmalar surdurse de 2011 ylnda sektore giren Birebindiger sitelere gore daha az ragbet gormektedir. Bahis oynamak ise bu sitede oldukca kolaydr. Elbette farkl yaklasmlara sahip olmasndan dolay ilerleyen sureclerde adndan sklkla bahsettirecek gibi gorunuyor.

Oley

2009 ylnda Dogus yayn gruplarnn istiraki olarak kurulmus olup yasal olarak herhangi bir sorunu olmayan sitelerdendir. Bahis siteleri arasnda hzl cks yapms bir sitedir. Oley yapms oldugu yenilikler ile kullanclarn da dikkatini ksa surede cekmeyi basarmstr.

Nesine

Birbirini takip eden surecte Nesine de yine 2006 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslamstr. Yasal bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almay basaran firma ksa surede sevilen ve ragbet goren bir site olmustur.

Misli

2009 ylnda sektore cok hzl giris yapan Misli cok sayda reklam filmi ile on plana ckmay basarmstr. Internet uzerinden hem yasal hem de sorunsuz hizmet veren bahis sitelerinden bir tanesi olmustur.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Kayt ve Uyelik Islemleri

Her zaman populerligini koruyan ve surekli gelisim gosteren canl bahis gun gectikce daha da gucleniyor. Bahis oynamak icin ise sitelere uye olunmas gerekir. Yuksek getirisi ve begeni toplayan faaliyetleri ile cok sayda site bu alanda faaliyet gostermektedir. Elbette sorunsuz sekilde uye olmanz ve faaliyetler gostermeniz de oldukca kolaydr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri dakikalar icerisinde gerceklestirilecek yapya sahiptir.

Uye olacagnz siteyi belirledikten sonra siteye girmeniz gerekmektedir. Girdiginiz sitenin ana sayfasnda uye ol ya da kayt ol bolumu bulunacaktr. Siteler arasnda degiskenlik gosteren bu alanda temel unsurlar bulunmaktadr. Elbette farkllklar olsa da temelinde benzer bilgiler uye olmak isteyen kisilerden talep edilmektedir.

Uye ol bolumune tkladktan sonra karsnza uyelik bilgi formu ckacaktr. Bu formda sizin kim oldugunuzu ogrenmek ve sitenin guvenligini saglamak adna islemler yaplmaktadr. Uyelik formunda yer alan ad soyad bolumunu eksiksiz ve dogru sekilde doldurmalsnz. Sizden bu formda istenen bilgilerin tamamn girmeniz istenecektir. Istenen bilgiler mutlaka dogru ve eksiksiz sekilde olmaldr. Eksik veya hatal bilgi uyelik islemlerinde sorun teskil edebilir. Yine de yanls bilgi girisine ragmen uyelik islemleri tamamlanabilir. Fakat boyle bir yol izleyenler sonrasnda buyuk skntlarla karslasabilirler. Bu skntlarn basnda da para cekme islemlerinde yasanan sorunlardr.

Uyelik islemleri dikkatli ve ozenle doldurulmas gereken yapdadr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri gerceklestirilirken verilen bilgiler site yonetimi tarafndan muhafaza edilmektedir. Herhangi bir sekilde 3. Sahslarla paylaslmas gibi bir durum soz konusu degildir. Bu faaliyetleri surduren sitelerin guven unsurlar arasnda bu nokta onceliklidir.

Bahis sitelerine uye olurken hatal bilgi paylasmnda bulunmak size faydadan cok zarar verecektir. Diyelim ki bilgileri hatal girdiniz ve uyelik onayland. Uyelik tamamlandktan sonra siteye para yatrdnz ve kazanc elde ettiniz. Kazancnz sonrasnda hesabnza almak istediginizde karsnza banka bilgileri bolumu gelecektir. Para cekme talebi gerceklestikten sonra site uyelik bilgileri ile banka hesap bilgileri ortusmez ise paranz alamazsnz. Boyle bir durumla karslasmamak adna bu hususa ayrca dikkat etmelisiniz.
Jul 28, 2016 | By Alec

As Minecraft proved to the world, blocks  regardless of their size  are at the core of every possible structure. But what if those blocks themselves could perform certain functions, without the need for complex electronics and motors? That, in a nutshell, is what a team of Dutch researchers have developed in collaboration with Israeli colleagues. Their 3D printed metamaterial blocks hide programmable geometric patterns that perform a certain function when exposed to pressure. Perfect for customizable prostheses that can bend in a certain direction, or for custom shoes.

This remarkable material breakthrough was realized by researchers Corentin Coulais, Eial Teomy, Koen de Reus, Yair Shokef and AMOLF group leader professor Martin van Hecke. It has just been unveiled in a paper entitled Combinatorial Design of Textured Mechanical Metamaterials, published in the influential Nature journal.

While a complex achievement, it is best illustrated by the remarkable rubber block visible above. Actually consisting of numerous building blocks, these have been programmed to deform in a certain pattern when exposed to pressure. In this particular case, several blocks bulge out to form a smiley face  but the same principles can be applied to very large 3D printed cubes with predictable and functional deformations as well. In science the smiley seems to be the gold standard when you claim you are able to make any shape you want, but we could have made anything else, says Coulais.

But programming those cubes can be really tricky. Combining several blocks with different orientations quickly creates a complex 3D jigsaw puzzle that can seize up if not properly designed. The orientation of the blocks in the metamaterial is important. Under pressure, all of the hollow and bulging sides must fit exactly together. Most of the stacks are 'frustrated': somewhere within two hollows or bulges meet. However a large number of fitting solutions for this three-dimensional puzzle were found, professor Van Hecke explained.

The trick is to ensure that a bulging block is always surrounded by neighbors who can accommodate that bulge. When you only have two, its fairly easy to do. What becomes hard is when you have a full stack, says Coulais. Whenever we add a new cube, we have to make sure it fits with the previously arranged ones. But if done right, very complex functions can be realized.

This is so remarkable because it goes against deformation principles to some extent. Generally speaking, atoms and molecules determine the properties of the materials. But metamaterials (which are man-made) seem to break this rule. In the case of metamaterials, the spatial structure determines the material's behavior, explains professor van Hecke. For example, a pattern of holes in a sheet of material gives rise to a mechanical response that is completely different than in the same material without holes. We also wanted to investigate this phenomenon for a three-dimensional pattern of holes.

Originally, the Dutch scientists used software to bring the metamaterial blocks together one by one. But soon they realized that the process can be much simpler, for adjacent slices of a cube have to be mirror images of each other to fit. This means that the configuration of all the blocks that make up a metamaterial cube can be determined by rearranging the surface blocks.

Whats more, a lot of different options are possible. Van Heckes colleagues from the Tel Aviv University in Israel calculated the number of possibilities to create non-blocking stacks of different cubes. For one cube of 14x14x14 building blocks that is a number with no less than 65 figures, says Van Hecke. For each possible stack the deformation within the cube results in a specific pattern on the sides of the cube. By smartly combining the building blocks we can program the material such that every desired pattern appears on the sides of a compressed cube. Surprisingly such a cube can also be used to analyze patterns. If we press it against a pattern of hollows and bulges then we measure a force that is dependent on the patterns.

Theoretically at least, this creates a lot of possible applications. Coulais believes that this ability to program materials with certain motions can be very useful for prosthetic limbs, for instance. For those limbs, its obviously the goal to make joints bend in a certain direction, and that is exactly what these 3D printed materials can do. Being able to handle and play is really part of the research, because some of the things we see often come up as a surprise, Coulais added.

But Coulais is also thinking about another interesting property of the material. For the material becomes squishier if you push against it with the pattern encoded inside it. If you push on this object with a smiley texture, its going to be softer than if you push with another pattern, says Coulais. This could make it perfect for wearable objects that need to be comfortable and supporting, such as custom shoe insoles that feature an outline of your foot.

Other more complex applications are also on the horizon, such as 3D printed wearables that need a close fit to the body. If we can make the building blocks more complex or produce these from other materials then the possibilities really are endless, the professor adds. One thing seems clear: metamaterials are the future.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Jul 28, 2016 | By Tess

Le FabShop, the French 3D printing design studio which brought us a number of stunning 3D printable interior decor pieces, fun trinkets, and useful tools, has unfortunately just announced its liquidation. After 18 months of fundraising and searching for investors, the design studio is being forced to shut its doors and liquidate its assets after being in receivership for nearly a year.

Bertier Luyt, who founded Le FabShop in 2012 in Saint-Meloir-des-Ondes, made the announcement on July 27th in an emotional blog post. The company, which employed a number of talented 3D designers and makers such as Canadian Samuel N. Bernier, was not only responsible for a number of innovative, stylish, and often amusing designs, but was a pioneer of introducing 3D printing technologies into the French and European markets.

The sole distributor of MakerBot 3D printers in France, Le FabShop had been suffering financially for some time (as a result of the 3D printer companys overwhelmingly slighted printer model) and decided to focus its efforts on 3D designing and innovations in other areas. And while the designs put out by Le FabShop are undeniably impressive, such as their 3D Printed Paris Lamp, this adorable childrens mobile, and a slew of other pieces, the company could unfortunately not recover from its losses.

As Luyt explains in his blog post, Today, it is with our head held high that we write the last pages of Le FabShops history. A number of traces of our journey will always remain, however, such as 3D models, books, and ideasI thank all those who have supported us for months, those who reached out to us with possible solutions, and those who called to check in.

While the design studio is regrettably closing its doors after 4 years of dedicated work, Luyt is not worried about his employees whose talents and hard work will surely lead them to other fulfilling jobs within the 3D printing industry. As of now, there is no word on what will happen with Paris Maker Faire, which Le FabShop held the licensing to.

Here at 3Ders, weve been avid followers of Le FabShops work and designs and, like Bertier Luyt, have no doubt the FabShop team will go on to bigger and better things. To pay homage to the French 3D printing pioneers, we invite you to check out some of Le FabShops best 3D printed designs (all open-source of course!) and innovative ideas.

Be sure to check out Le FabShops Thingiverse page for more.

Posted in Fablab

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Helen De Cruz in The Prosblogion:

Can you tell me something about your academic position, and about your current religious affiliation/self-identification  please feel free to say something about your religious upbringing or history, or anything else that might be relevant to your current religious affiliation.

I am James B. Duke University Professor of Philosophy at Duke University in Durham NC, where I am Co-director of the Center for Comparative Philosophy. I was raised as a Roman Catholic and still have that Catholic boy inside me. I received a fantastic education from nuns, most of whom had never been to anything that we would call college. I get Catholicism. It is in my blood and bones. It is familiar. In Rome last year, my wife and I visited Saint Peters, many other churches, went to vespers at a convent, and I was consistently moved, engaged. But I havent practiced since I was a young teenager. I was bothered by hell, specifically the idea that a good God would have such a place, by the emphasis on sexual sins, and by a sincere worry that although Jesus might be understood as a prophet, as he is in the Koran, but was simply nowhere good enough to be God.

So, I am a certain kind of atheist, a philosophical one, who has never heard a substantive conception of God, the sort that is presented in creedal religions (I believe in god the Father almighty) that I thought the weight of reasons supported belief in. The reasons always seem to weigh against actually believing in THAT God. This philosophical orientation goes well with a certain resistance to epistemic over-confidence that is needed to speak confidently about the existence or nature of ones God or gods.

In part, I have been too impressed, in a good way I think, by my interest and study of other great world religions to be confident about the creedal parts of the Catholicism I was raised in, which I was told was the one true religion.

More here.
Back in the early 1900s, there weren't a lot of women photographers. Or a lot of women backpacking through the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada. And, there certainly weren't a whole lot of women trekking through said terrain, laden with their own heavy camera equipment, only to strip off their clothes (or those of their friends) and lie supine on some high, open-air precipice to snap a titillating self-portrait. Anne Brigman did all that, and at a time when most women were sipping tea at home, constrained in Edwardian corsets.





Brigman was born in Hawaii in 1869 to Christian missionary parents who doubtless could never have imagined the risk-taking, trailblazing dame she'd become. Had they, perhaps they wouldn't have moved 16-year-old Anne to Los Gatos, where she would be forever imprinted by the Bay Area's forward-thinking arts scene. She ran in circles where she befriended the likes of Jack London and tried her hand at painting, but it wasn't until her 31st year, in 1900, that she photographed her first portrait.





Brigman's star rose quickly from thereshe showed in her first exhibit in San Francisco in 1902, won a photography prize from a Los Angeles salon, and was published later that year in an SF-based magazine called Camera Craft.





It was shortly thereafter, reports Rachel Myrow for KQED Arts, that Brigman began her life-changing forays into the Sierra Nevada, hiking in for several days to shoot the Pictorialist nudes, set against rugged Northern Californian backdrops, that would become her calling card. Brigman's works of this period are reminiscent of Greco-Roman mythology, with an echo of classical paintingjust the kind of creative departure from realist photography that would land her a membership as one of the few West Coast photographers in Alfred Stieglitz's New York-based Photo-Secessionist movement.





In the Heart of the Wild: Anne Brigman and Her Circle, now open at the New Museum of Los Gatos (NUMU), displays the photography (and poetryshe published her own volume, Songs of a Pagan, in1949) of Brigman alongside that of her contemporaries of the time, including Edward Weston, Imogene Cunningham, and Judy Dater. The exhibition is a must-see for photography buffs and feminists alike. In the meantime, for more on Brigman's life in the Bay Area and her artistic legacy, we suggest reading Myrow's lovely KQED piece here. // Through Jan. 8, 2017; NUMU, 106 E. Main St. (Los Gatos), numulosgatos.org







Anne Brigman's "Female Nude Standing on Large Rock Over a Lake," 1923. (Courtesy of J. Paul Getty Museum)










Raises $10 Million in Oversubscribed Share Placement

Perth, July 28, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited (Altech/the Company) ( ASX:ATC ) has welcomed a number of institutional investors onto its share register as a result of a AU$10 million oversubscribed share placement (the Placement). Placement shares will be issued at 14 cents per share, which represents a 14% discount to the price of the Company's shares at the close of trade on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on 21 July 2016.



Highlights:



- $10 million raised via share placement to institutions, professional and sophisticated investors



- Placement was heavily oversubscribed



- A range of quality institutional investors join Altech's share register



Funds raised from the Placement will be applied to finalising the detailed design of the Company's proposed Malaysian high purity alumina (HPA) plant, completion of independent due diligence associated with finalising debt financing, closure of debt financing and for general working capital purposes.



Approximately 71.4 million new shares will be issued under the Placement in two tranches. An initial tranche of approximately 39.2 million shares, in accordance with the Company's residual placement capacity under ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A, will be settled on 3 August 2016. A second tranche for the balance of the shares will be subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting of the Company to be convened in mid-September 2016.



The Company is delighted that high-quality investment institutions predominantly from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Asia have participated in the Placement and now join the Company's share register. The Company will continue to focus on building institutional support for its HPA project in preparation for a project finance equity raising that will be required once debt funding arrangements have been finalised.



Altech managing director, Mr Iggy Tan said, "The Company is extremely pleased with the quality and calibre of institutions that have joined our share register as part of the Placement. Most of the participants were surprised as to how advanced the Company is with its HPA project, with the bankable feasibility study completed, off-take in place and the advanced nature of debt funding, all of which has transferred directly into demand for the Placement, which was subsequently heavily oversubscribed.



"Institutional investor representation on the Company's share register has increased from around 9% to closer to 23% following the Placement, with plans to grow it over time", Mr Tan concluded.



Perth stockbroking firm DJ Carmichael Pty Ltd and Empire Capital Partners with offices in Hong Kong and Perth were the respective lead and co-manager of the Placement.



As the Company has already conducted a share purchase plan (SPP) during the proceeding 12-months (March 2016), the Company is unable to offer an SPP to existing shareholders as part of this capital raising (ASIC regulation of not more than $15,000 per shareholder via an SPP each 12 month period).



About Altech Chemicals Ltd





Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is aiming to become one of the world's leading suppliers of 99.99% (4N) high purity alumina (Al2O3) through the construction and operation of a 4,500tpa high purity alumina (HPA) processing plant at Johor, Malaysia. Feedstock for the plant will be sourced from the Company's 100%-owned kaolin deposit at Meckering, Western Australia and shipped to Malaysia.



HPA is a high-value, high margin and highly demanded product as it is the critical ingredient required for the production of synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is used in the manufacture of substrates for LED lights, semiconductor wafers used in the electronics industry, and scratch-resistant sapphire glass used for wristwatch faces, optical windows and smartphone components. Increasingly HPA is used by lithium-ion battery manufacturers as the coating on the battery's separator, which improves performance, longevity and safety of the battery. With global HPA demand approximately 19,000t (2018), it is estimated that this demand will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% (2018-2028); by 2028 HPA market demand will be approximately 272,000t, driven by the increasing adoption of LEDs worldwide as well as the demand for HPA by lithium-ion battery manufacturers to serve the surging electric vehicle market.


Quarterly Report for June 2016

Perth, July 28, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Venus Metals Corporation Limited ( ASX:VMC ) are pleased to provide the Company's Quarterly Report regarding activities conducted during the quarter ending 30th June 2016, which include:



- Poona Lithium Project: Recent sampling at Poona has confirmed the presence high-grade lithium mineralisation within the project area associated with metasomatically altered pegmatites. Results from Poona include rock chips of 2.01% Li2O & 1.54% Rubidium (Rb).



- Greenbushes East Lithium-Tantalum Project in WA: A number of priority target areas have been identified with regional radiometrics showing a zone of potassic enrichment (not dissimilar to the Greenbushes mine itself) which is indicative of underlying intrusive stratigraphy - pegmatites have also been mapped in the area.



- Nardoo Hill Lithium Project: Nardoo Hill pegmatites outcrop over an extensive area and a significant number of rockchip samples returned assays highly anomalous in lithium (up to 0.27% Li2O) ,Niobium and Tantalum including: 42.8% Niobium (Nb) & 13.1% Tantalum (Ta) confirming the potential of the area to host high-grade lithium, Ta and Nb mineralisation.



- Wodgina South (Pilgangoora region) Lithium-Tantalum Project: Recent reconnaissance sampling across three identified target areas has returned a significant number of surface samples hosting anomalous lithium (up to 6567 ppm (0.66%) Li2O & 3134 ppm Rb) associated with pegmatites and their host stratigraphy.



- Curara Well Gold-Diamond-Base Metals Project- Doolgunna Region Company has been awarded a $150,000 grant toward drilling on the Curara Well Gold-Diamond-Base Metals Project at Doolgunna Region, under WA Government Exploration Incentive Scheme Co-funded Exploration Drilling Programme.



To view the report, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/380495E6





About Venus Metals Corporation Limited





Venus Metals Corporation Limited (ASX:VMC) is a West Australian based Company with a focus on gold, base metals, vanadium and lithium exploration projects. The Company aims to increase shareholder value through targeted exploration success on its projects.

The Company's major gold project is the Youanmi Gold Mine, located 500km north-east of Perth. The Youanmi Gold Mine is now jointly owned by Venus Metals (30%) and Rox Resources Limited (70%); Indicated and Inferred Resource of the mine is in excess of 3 million ounces of gold.
Albuquerques bustling startup community will be in the national spotlight this fall, and one lucky new business will become $100,000 richer when Steve Cases Rise of the Rest bus tour pulls into the Duke City on Oct. 6.

Case, co-founder of AOL and chairman and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based investment firm Revolution Growth LLC, chose Albuquerque as one of five cities in the Southwest for this years tour. Its the fifth since Case launched Rise of the Rest in 2014.

Each tour aims to highlight local progress in building startup entrepreneurial communities, potentially drawing more business and investor attention to the cities visited. The tour includes meetings with local startups, business accelerators and community leaders in the selected cities, which also includes Omaha/Lincoln, Neb., Denver, Salt Lake City and Phoenix.

The tours highlight is a pitch competition where eight to 10 local startups in each city compete for a $100,000 prize. To date, the bus tours have generated from Case more than $2 million in investments in 20 startups in cities across the U.S.

Albuquerque in on the tour this time because of its vibrant and growing focus on entrepreneurship and startup development, Case told the Journal.

Albuquerques startup community is showing incredible momentum, Case said. We want to shine a spotlight on whats happening here. The city is on the rise, but theres still a lot more work to be done.

Case said Albuquerques focus on entrepreneurial development is building a base for prosperity.

Mayor Richard Berry has made entrepreneurship and startups a centerpiece of economic development, he said. Its still small, but its growing, and if people in Albuquerque come together to back entrepreneurship, it will continue to rise.

Berry said the tour can boost the citys efforts.

We have a great community here in Albuquerque, constantly lifting up our startups and entrepreneurs, helping us gain momentum, Berry said in a prepared statement. By being chosen as one of five cities for this incredible opportunity, it shows that we are a city on the rise, a place where you can thrive and be supported as an entrepreneur.

Startups interested in the pitch competition can submit applications through Sept. 7. In most cities, about 100 startups apply to enter, and up to 10 of the most promising ones are selected to compete.

The pitch event, however, is less about the $100,000 award than about boosting participating businesses, Case said.

We want to create more momentum for all the startups that pitch, he said. We want to bring more attention to them to lift their potential to find business partners. We hope the increased visibility this brings to Albuquerque could also generate more interest in general in investing here.
SANTA FECentury Bank and the Artyard Master Condominium Association are appealing to state District Court against city governments recent approval of apartment complex in the city-owned downtown Railyard.

The Santa Fe City Council last month approved plans for the 58-unit Railyard Flats on a site near the existing ArtYard Condominiums, now majority owned by Century Bank after that complex underwent foreclosure proceedings several years ago.

The appeal notice contained no details as to the basis for the appeal. The City Councils June 23 formal findings of facts and conclusions of law, spelling out legal justification for approving the Railyard Flats, is attached as an exhibit. The filing asks only that the court clerk place the appeal on the docket.

Santa Fe attorney Frank Herdman, who is representing Century Bank, and bank president Don Padgett did not return phone messages from the Journal seeking comment and clarification Wednesday.

But during Planning Commission debate over Railyard Flats, a Century Bank representative expressed concern about parking for and the size and density of the planned apartments and said interest from potential tenants for ground floor commercial space waned after Railyard Flats was proposed.

Named as defendants in the court filing are the projects developers  Dallas-based Aberg Property Co.  the city of Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Railyard Community Corp., the non-profit organization created to manage the Railyard on behalf of the city.

Richard Czoski, executive director of the Railyard Community Corp., provided this statement:

Without getting into the merit or lack of merit of an appeal, we do not understand Century Banks motives in filing a Notice of Administrative Appeal. We have always believed that development of the vacant parcel next to Century Banks building in the Railyard would increase the value of their building as well as provide 58 moderately priced rental units so desperately needed in Santa Fe.

After an extensive public process the Railyards Flats project received unanimous approval by both the Planning Commission and City Council. We feel the Railyards Flats project will be beneficial to the Railyard as well as the city as a whole.

A message left with Aberg Property Co. also was not immediately returned Wednesday.

Approval for the project came despite public opposition from neighbors whose main complaint was over parking. The City Council allocated 58 parking spots now available to the public for Railyard Flats parking  one for each unit  when it approved the plan.
GRETNA, La.  The Latest on the fatal shooting of a suspect by a sheriffs deputy in a New Orleans suburb (all times local):

5:15 p.m.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand is calling his deputy one of the luckiest men in America after a suspects weapon malfunctioned as he pointed it at the deputy.

At an afternoon news conference Wednesday, Normand said the encounter Tuesday night between Deputy David Dalton and 17-year-old Devon Martes (mar-TEZ) was akin to an O.K. Corral shootout.

Surveillance video captures the fatal shooting and shows Martes pointing what appears to be a gun at a sheriffs deputy inside a warehouse of The Times-Picayune newspaper in a suburb of New Orleans.

Normand says Martes and another suspect were stealing rims off trucks when deputies were called to the scene. He says the other suspect remained at large Wednesday.

(This item has been edited to reflect that the suspects last name was Martes, not Montes).

____

2:45 p.m.

A suspect shot to death by a sheriffs deputy in a New Orleans suburb has been identified.

Jefferson Parish deputy coroner Dr. Granville Morse identifies him as 17-year-old Devon Martes (mar-TEZ) of Metairie.

The shooting happened late Tuesday at a warehouse of The Times-Picayune. Security video posted on the Nola.comThe Times-Picayune website shows the suspect pointing what looks like a firearm toward the deputy before being shot. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normands office says in a news release that the shooting happened as deputies responded to a call about suspicious activity near a new car storage lot.

Deputy David Dalton pursued one suspect to the warehouse. The sheriffs office said the suspect was armed with a 9 mm handgun when Dalton shot him.

Normand has scheduled a 3 p.m. news conference.

(This item has been edited to reflect that the suspects last name was Martes, not Montes).

___

1:15 p.m.

A surveillance video captures the fatal shooting of a suspect who pointed what appears to be a gun at a sheriffs deputy in a New Orleans suburb.

The shooting happened late Tuesday at a warehouse of The Times-Picayune. The video posted on the Nola.comThe Times-Picayune website shows the suspect pointing what looks like a firearm toward the deputy before being shot (http://bit.ly/2aeaKnG).

Jefferson Parish Newell Normands office says in a news release that the shooting happened as deputies responded to a call about suspicious activity near a new car storage lot.

Deputy David Dalton pursued one suspect to the warehouse. The sheriffs office said the suspect was armed with a 9 mm handgun when Dalton shot him.

The sheriffs office plans to hold a 3 p.m. news conference to discuss the shooting.

___

6:45 a.m.

A suburban New Orleans sheriff has called a news conference to discuss the overnight shooting death of a suspect by a deputy.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normands office called the conference for Wednesday afternoon. He says the shooting happened Tuesday night in Metairie (MEH-tur-ee). Deputies were responding to calls about suspicious activity on the Interstate 10 service road near a new car storage lot. They spotted a man running toward a garage in a nearby building.

A sheriffs news release says the suspect pointed a gun at a pursuing deputy. The deputy, David Dalton, fired six shots.

The release says the suspect, so far identified only as a black male, was armed with a 9 mm handgun. Daltons race was not immediately known.

Deputies searching the vehicle lot discovered a new pickup truck on blocks with two wheels missing.

___

5 a.m.

A sheriffs office says a man has been shot and killed by deputies outside New Orleans.

WWL-TV (http://bit.ly/2auNFD2 ) reports Jefferson Parish deputies were responding Tuesday evening to reports of an alleged robbery in Metairie. Witnesses reported that two men were rolling something shiny down the street. The two men were later seen running toward an Interstate 10 service road.

Jefferson Parish sheriffs deputies responded and reported seeing a man going into a newspaper warehouse. A deputy followed the man into the garage and told authorities the man turned around and pointed a gun at him.

The deputy fired six shots, one of which was fatal. The Sheriffs Office says the man was armed with a 9mm handgun.

Neither the name of the deceased man nor the name of the deputy has been released.
SANTA FE  A Democratic Party official has filed an ethics complaint against the Republican nominee for secretary of state, Nora Espinoza, claiming that her campaign finance reports contain violations of state law.

The complaint, filed last week with the Secretary of State by Robert Lara of Las Cruces, treasurer of the state Democratic Party, said there are multiple violations of the Campaign Reporting Act and administrative rules in reports Espinoza filed this year.

The contest between Espinoza, a state representative from Roswell, and Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver, the Bernalillo County clerk, is the only statewide race on the Nov. 8 ballot, and its already intense.

The winner will complete the term of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran, who resigned last year, pleaded guilty to misusing campaign funds to cover gambling debt, and was briefly jailed.

We are reviewing the complaint, Espinoza told the Journal in an email Wednesday. To my knowledge I have no errors on my report.

She also said the Toulouse Oliver campaign files phony complaints to shift the focus from her record and positions.

Among the allegations against Espinoza: She didnt identify specific vendors and spending for credit card reimbursement, failed to report the purpose of some expenditures, and didnt properly identify the occupations of some donors who gave $250 or more.

The complaint cited dozens of entries on her reports for which the occupations of contributors  some of whom gave as much as $2,500  were listed as Business, Business man, Business woman or Business person.

Lara said the public has a right to informed of what industries and individuals may be attempting to purchase influence in the elections process.

The complaint also says Espinoza ignored the secretary of states instructions not to list couples as individual contributors, to properly keep track of individual contribution limits. It cited more than 150 instances in which couples were listed.

And the complaint says Espinoza didnt report as an expenditure, or as an in-kind contribution, legal work done by lawyer and state Rep. Zach Cook, R-Ruidoso. Cook filed a complaint last month with the secretary of state  which was publicized by Espinoza  contending that Toulouse Oliver violated campaign finance laws in 2014. The complaint said a contribution one political action committee gave another that was earmarked for a TV ad supporting Toulouse Oliver should have been reported by her.

Toulouse Oliver has told the secretary of state the allegations are frivolous and clearly politically motivated, the complaint was filed too late, and the PAC-to-PAC expenditure wasnt a contribution to the candidate. The complaint is pending.
Marble Brewery is in some good company this week.

The Albuquerque-based craft brewery sent a team to San Diego to work on a collaboration beer at Stone Brewing, a Southern California powerhouse ranked as the 10th largest U.S. craft brewery by the Brewers Association. Ted Rice, Marbles president and brew master, said the collaboration also features Colorados Odell Brewing Co. (No. 32 on the Brewers Association list.)

Weve done collaboration brews, but not at this level, Rice said. Working with the brewery thats the size of Stone is a next-level engagement for us.

Rice said the plan is for a still-unnamed pale, hazy, 8-percent, hop-forward, delicious American ale. It will be a 130-barrel batch, and brewing is taking place this week.

It will be available on draft only, but Rice said if the response is positive enough, the beer could earn a spot on Stones 2017 production and bottling schedule.

While its New Mexico small-brewers license prohibits Marble from selling any out-of-state beer, Rice said the plan is to get the collaboration brew to Albuquerque consumers by distributing it to other Albuquerque bars. He said it should be available by late summer.
An effort is under way to ensure that workers in Albuquerque have paid sick leave so they are no longer forced to choose between coming in to work sick and a paycheck. The proposal, the Healthy Workforce ABQ Ordinance, is expected to be on the ballot this fall.

Approximately 107,000 workers in Albuquerque currently do not have any form of earned sick days. They face numerous difficulties as a result.

For example, Claudia had a full-time fast-food job in college and had to work when she was ill. She couldnt risk calling in sick because her employer would cut her hours the next week as a penalty. Aside from causing her stress, such practices increase the likelihood of having sick workers in contact with the public.

The Healthy Workforce Ordinance would give workers like Claudia the most basic of sick-time protections. It provides that an employee may use earned paid sick time if she or a family member is ill or injured or otherwise needs medical care.

Workers could also use earned sick time for an absence related to domestic violence, sexual assault or criminal stalking.

Employees would earn sick days at a rate of at least one hour for every 30 hours worked. If the employer is a large employer  40 or more employees  it must allow employees to use 56 hours of accrued earned sick days per year. Small employers must allow employees to use 40 hours of accrued earned sick days per year.

It is important to understand that the proposed ordinance allows employers to provide more generous benefits than the minimum earned sick-time requirements outlined above. For example, many employers offer broad paid time off policies that give employees the freedom to use paid time off for illnesses, vacation time, or any other reason, without a separate accounting for the reason an employee took the time off.

Similarly, some employers allow employees to earn more sick time or paid time off than the Healthy Workforce ABQ ordinance requires, or to take more time off per year.

The proposal couldnt be clearer. It does not affect more generous plans like these because they meet the minimum requirements for earned sick time. Section 13-16-3(D) states, an employer with a paid leave policy that meets or exceeds the requirements of this Ordinance is not required to provide additional paid sick time or in any way reduce the benefits provided to employees. Section 13-16-7 provides that the law does not prohibit an employer from establishing more generous polices.

Studies show that other cities that have passed ordinances like this one have benefited economically.

For example, after passing their respective earned sick-time ordinances, both Seattle and San Francisco saw positive job growth in the period after their laws took effect, and this job growth was much higher than in the surrounding areas for both cities. In Connecticut, over a quarter of employers reported improved morale, 12.5 percent reported increased employee motivation, 10.6 percent reported increased loyalty, and 14.9 percent reported increased productivity after implementation of the states paid sick days law.

Earned sick time for everyone is the right thing to do for our families and our economy. These are workplace protections that most of us take for granted, and its time to extend them to everyone who needs them.
This letter is in response to the proposed paid sick leave ordinance. This letter was composed and submitted by the New Mexico Roofing Contractors Association.

The NMRCA would like to go on record as being against the proposed ordinance and hope city elected officials will understand and give due consideration to our reasons for doing so. It is important to note that we are a trade organization that values our employees and weve spent considerable time and money trying to make conditions for our workers a priority.

We have, for example, organized an effort to increase the state wage rate for our workers and we continuously look for opportunities to train our workers on safety matters.

The proposed paid sick leave ordinance will slow job growth, it will discourage the hiring of new employees and it will discourage employers from opening shop in Albuquerque.

Some of the specific reasons that the proposed ordinance would be a disaster for a business are:

Tracking compliance of companies not located within the city would be difficult at best and make for unfair costs to companies located within the city limits. Companies not located within the city would not have to be in compliance with the ordinance making for unfair costs to companies located within the city limits.

This could cause companies to relocate outside of the city limits to escape the burden, resulting in a loss of tax base for the city.

The carry-over provision of sick days would allow an employee to accrue with no maximum limit and then after five years, an employee would have anywhere from five to eight weeks of time off that an employer would have to pay for.

The burden of proof is upon an employer to prove that an employee is not abusing the program and a simple investigation into an abusive concern, exposes an employer to civil actions.

We also note that the definition of a family member has not been properly addressed and exposes the program to unintended abuse.

As Jason Espinoza and Lynne Andersen said in their recent op-ed piece on the issue, this proposed ordinance will change the way most businesses in Albuquerque pay their employees. It is written as a one-size-fits-all system. The proposed ordinance is overly prescriptive and complicated.

A healthy work force is in the best interest of New Mexico as a whole. It is in the best interest of employees and employers.

The New Mexico Roofing Contractors Association supports all companies in their pursuit of a healthy and happy work force; however, this proposed ordinance goes about it in a way that will negatively affect small business and place too much burden on them.

It is way too stringent and places too much of a burden on the employer.

It would create an unfair advantage for any out-of-city construction bidders, and it would be terrible for Albuquerque.

The NMRCA adds our name to the long list of trade associations and business organizations who have already publicly opposed this ordinance: the Coalition for a Healthy Economy, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, Apartment Association of New Mexico, Associated Builders and Contractors Inc, Associated Genera Contractors New Mexico, American Subcontractors Association of New Mexico, Commercial Association of Realtors New Mexico, Albuquerque Economic Forum, Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Home Builders of Central New Mexico, NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry, New Mexico Restaurant Association, and New Mexico Utility Contractors Association.
CHICAGO  Lately, it seems as though white bashing is a socially acceptable norm.

Imagine if media outlets ran headlines describing a large gathering of African-Americans as a sea of black faces. Or one like this, Republicans: In Your Black Faces, Young Democrats of America!!! How about this one: Dem Convention Full of Angry Old Black People ?

Its difficult to envision this going over well, though no one thought twice to write headlines like these about whites.

So if everyone knows that treating ethnic and racial minorities as stereotypes is disrespectful, mean-spirited and divisive, why is it OK when it comes to whites?

The hatin-on-white people of the world had their latest day of fun last week when Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan posted what U.S. News & World Report gleefully labeled, Possibly the least-diverse selfie, ever. The story went on to repost some pretty puerile race-based putdowns.

Many publications joined in the taunting. Paul Ryan Posts a Selfie with a Whole Bunch of White Interns, said Slate. Youll Be Blinded by the White in Paul Ryans Capitol Hill Intern Selfie, said an Esquire post.

Until very recently, I had rarely heard people of nonwhite races or ethnicities talk such smack about white people as a whole. But as racial tensions rise, its becoming more common.

Its not just the tacky headlines over what is really a bit of distraction  Republicans have mostly young white people on staff, stop the presses! (And what would have happened had there been a few brown and black faces in that picture? Any number of tweeters, Facebook posters and others would complain that those few nonwhite people were Uncle Toms, self-hating, etc., etc.)

The real problem is that people who tear down whites as a general group in response to the few whites who arent tolerant or inclusive of minorities arent doing anyone any favors.

It is true that there are real race problems in America and that many of them are due merely to the fact that the power structure has been built around a historically larger population of whites  61.6 percent today  than of other races and ethnicities.

This dramatic shift doesnt make it all right for those of us who care about racial equality to paint with too broad a brush and start acting as though all white people are angry bigots looking to oppress people based on the color of their skin.

And I say those of us who care about racial equality and not people of color because as far as I can tell, some white people seem to feel even more aggrieved about their fellow whites whiteness than anyone else.

Michael Moore published Stupid White Men:  And Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation! back in 2001. Chapter Four states: White people scare the crap out of me and lists steps  white people should not be hired for jobs, white people should not marry each other  for how to correct our race problem.

(Moore neednt have worried about that last one. Our demographic changes are in no small part a result of the historically high levels of interracial marriage in this country. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2013, 6.3 percent of all marriages were between spouses of different races, up from less than 1 percent in 1970.)

Stuff White People Like, the blog that lampooned affluent, environmentally and socially conscious, anti-corporate white North Americans, who typically hold a degree in the liberal arts, came along in 2008.

These days BuzzFeed makes money through viral posts like 21 Things White People Ruined in 2015, 28 Simple Things All White People Just Love To Do and the quiz How Stereotypically White Are You?

I repeat, vehemently: There are undoubtedly some racist white people out there, and the number of Ku Klux Klan chapters more than doubled from 2014 to 2015. But lets take a reality check here: They do not represent the vast majority of white people. And even if they did, vilifying whites isnt going to get us any closer to fixing Americas race problems.

When we choose to reduce anyone to their race, ethnicity or hair, skin or eye color, we really degrade each other and ourselves.

Email: estherjcepeda@washpost.com. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group.
SAN DIEGO  With Democrats gathered in Philadelphia for their national convention, Latinos must accept the hard truth: The Democratic Party, for which theyve done so much, has not done right by them.

In fact, Latinos are being humiliated by Democrats, who they assume are in their corner  mostly because, when it comes to Latinos, Republicans alternate between the profane and the offensive.

You might think that a community that has given a majority of their votes to Democrats in the last 14 presidential elections would get some respect from party leaders. Youd be wrong.

Thanks to hacked emails released by WikiLeaks, we know that a clueless DNC staffer named Rebecca Christopher  in a message dated May 6  flippantly used a Mexican food reference to describe Democratic Latino outreach efforts. Christopher wrote to colleagues:

Attached is a script for a new video wed like to use to mop up some more taco bowl engagement, and demonstrate [that] Trump actually isnt trying.

And the Democratic Party is trying to get Hispanic votes? With what  more taco bowl engagement?

That condescending and offensive phrase is Christophers alone. She could have chosen any words to get her point across, and she went with those.

This whole food fixation sounds familiar. On Cinco de Mayo, Donald Trump mocked Hispanic voters by tweeting a photo of him eating a taco bowl with the caption: I love Hispanics!

A Democrat running for president would never say something so insulting, right? Wanna bet?

In 2008, during her first White House bid, Clinton tried to inspire Hispanics in a Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas by insisting that Americans problems are connected even though we treat them as though one is guacamole and one is chips.

In the civil rights movement of the 1960s, African-Americans held up placards declaring: I am somebody.

Today, Latino voters need to hold up signs that say: I am not somebodys favorite food item.

But as insults go, the taco bowl slight wasnt the worst thing that Democrats did to Latinos recently. That prize goes to Clinton herself for skipping over rising star Julian Castro and choosing as her running mate Tim Kaine, who is generously described as a boring white guy.

Personally, Im glad to see a white male get this gig. They never get anything.

All Castro did was campaign with Clinton, try to make her more popular with Latinos, help rebrand her as La Hillary, defend her email shenanigans, and dismiss GOP investigations into the Benghazi attacks as a witch hunt.

The housing secretary also praised Clinton during an interview in violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits partisan political activity by federal employees  even those being considered as vice presidential candidates.

Im not upset that my friend was passed over. I never expected him to be chosen by Clinton. I knew this was a tease.

But Im furious at the cynical, dishonest and manipulative way in which this whole VP selection process was handled by Team Clinton. Democratic Party insiders were telling me as early as six months ago that Castro was out of the running.

The reason: Trump, who is especially hateful toward Latinos.

As it became clear that the Manhattan real estate developer was going to win the Republican nomination, it also became clear that Clinton was going to automatically get 70 to 80 percent of the Latino vote. She didnt need Castro anymore.

What she needed was someone to make her more palatable to working-class white males. Enter Kaine, who has been lobbying for this job for the better part of a year.

To make things worse, the Clinton campaign picked up a line that Kaines Senate staffers have been advancing for months  emphasizing that Kaine speaks Spanish.

The point was to undercut the competition.

Like many second- and third-generation Mexican-Americans whose parents and grandparents were discriminated against for not speaking English, Castro doesnt speak Spanish. So what? Today, about 70 percent of Latinos speak English proficiently.

Message to Republicans: We dont all eat taco bowls. Message to Democrats: We dont all speak Spanish.

So, if Castro was indeed out of the running months ago, why did Clinton and other Democrats keep dangling his name in front of Latino voters like a carrot put in front of a burro to get it to pull a plow? Thats just cruel.

Why? Because when youre talking about human beings in terms of taco bowls, burros are a step up.

Copyright, The Washington Post Writers Group.
Donald Trumps recent declaration that it may be time to abandon the North American Treaty Organization is causing serious international consternation, not only to U.S. diplomats and U.S. allies, but also to members of his own party. And correctly so.

Last week, in an interview with the New York Times, Trump was asked if he would come to the aid of NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania if they were attacked by neighboring Russia. Trump said, If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes.

Reminded that the U.S. is obligated by the NATO treaty to do so and asked what would happen if the countries had not fulfilled their obligations, Trump said only, Im saying, right now there are many countries that have not fulfilled their obligations to us.

In April, Trump suggested he might consider withdrawing the U.S. from the 28-member alliance. Its possible that were going to have to let NATO go, he said. When were paying and nobody else is really paying, a couple of other countries are but nobody else is really paying, you feel like the jerk.

He has a point about our NATO allies paying their fair share. President Obama has recently echoed that concern, referring to some of the members as free riders.

But this is about more than who has alligator arms and cant pick up the dinner check. This is an international alliance that has been in place since 1949 to protect our allies and U.S. interests in Europe.

Even now NATO has put more troops and equipment in the Baltics to deter Russian aggression. That was the right move.

You can rest assured that Russian President Vladimir Putin is enjoying Trumps naive shoot-from-the-lips foreign policy taunt. After all Putin has said NATO is one of Russias biggest strategic threats, according to a story in last Sundays Journal.

Also in April, Trump said he would call up all of those countries  and say fellas you havent paid for years, give us the money or get the hell out. Id say youve gotta pay us or get out. Youre out, out, out  Maybe NATO will dissolve, and thats OK, not the worst thing in the world.

But Trump, the ultimate deal maker, is missing the larger point that having military and political alliances and keeping troops and bases in place in Europe are important parts of the United States role as a superpower in keeping the global peace and maintaining our supremacy, militarily and economically. As a real estate mogul, Trump should know that location always matters. Its not just about who hasnt paid up.

So while Trump implies there will be no help for NATO allies unless their accounts are paid in full, he might want to remember that support works both ways. As Michael McFaul, a contributing columnist to the Washington Post pointed out in a recent opinion piece, aptly titled Mr. Trump, NATO is an alliance, not a protection racket, after the 9-11 attacks our NATO allies stepped up and sent forces in support of our efforts against al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

And with the ultimate ramifications of the Brexit vote still up in the air  in which NATO member Great Britain decided to leave the European Union  the importance of a strong NATO alliance is magnified. This is not the time to loosen ties to our European allies.

Trumps U.S.-against-the-world attitude belies the very real fact that there is a global geopolitical imperative for the good guys to stick together. Because there are some really bad guys out there who mean all of us harm.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
A man who fled from police on four flat tires after running over a spike belt near Route 66 Casino crashed into a store front in Nob Hill Wednesday evening, according to a spokeswoman for New Mexico State Police.

He was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Sgt. Elizabeth Armijo said the man was initially spotted by the Acoma Police Department and State Police officers took over the chase. Armijo said she didnt know the suspects name but had been told he was wanted on a felony warrant for a shooting in Bernalillo County. She didnt know which shooting.

After driving east from the casino with four flat tires, the suspect exited Interstate 40 at Carlisle, Armijo said.

He drove south on Carlisle and crashed near Carlisle and Central, she said. He was coherent and talking but had to be extracted from the vehicle.

The passenger, a woman, was detained for questioning.
An attorney representing Albuquerque Public Schools board member Analee Maestas said she is working diligently to resolve questions surrounding a receipt the state auditor claims she doctored.

Marc Lowry of the Rothstein Law Firm released a statement Wednesday noting that over her last 47 years as an educator, this single receipt for $342.40 is in dispute.

Dr. Maestas brings the highest level of integrity to her public service.  Dr. Maestas is working diligently to resolve this issue, and looks forward to returning to her full-time job as the Executive Director of La Promesa Early Learning Center once a full review of this case is completed, he wrote.

The longtime administrator and former APS board president is fighting for her career in the wake of state Auditor Tim Kellers claims that she wrote over a cleaning company receipt to receive $342.40 in improper reimbursement from the state Public Education Department.

Maestas said the cleaning took place at La Promesa, a charter school she founded, but Keller determined it was actually done at her home.

On Tuesday, La Promesas governing council placed her on indefinite paid administrative leave from her position as executive director. It also approved a new procedure that requires a council member to review and sign off on administrative reimbursements.

Previously, Maestas and her daughter, who works as the schools assistant business manager, could approve reimbursements without any other oversight.

PED and the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office have received copies of Kellers report and are conducting their own investigations.

Maestas may face felony charges and loss of her educational licenses if the district attorney and PED agree with Kellers findings.
PHILADELPHIA  Two members of New Mexicos congressional delegation took turns in the national spotlight at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night  one touting Hillary Clintons plans for advancing womens interests and the other urging the election of Democrats to the U.S. House.

During his time on stage, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said legislative progress will improve in Washington if Democrats recapture the House in November. Many national political prognosticators have said that is unlikely to happen.

Hillary Clinton is the president who will lead us, but she needs a Congress that will work with her, Lujan said. For nearly six years, Republicans have held the majority in the peoples House. But clinging to that majority is the only thing theyve accomplished. For nearly six years, House Republicans have put party over country.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has long criticized Lujans ability to attract top-notch candidates in key districts and said hes now saddled with a presidential candidate with high unfavorable ratings among voters.

House Democrats will have a hard time saying theyre the party of change considering they are officially stuck with the incredibly unpopular Hillary Clinton at the top of their ticket, NRCC spokesman Bob Salera said in a statement Wednesday.

Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, an Albuquerque Democrat, used her time on stage to explain how Clinton would help women and their elderly parents. Lujan Grisham said she is her own mothers primary caregiver. Lujan Grisham has introduced legislation that would provide tax breaks and other relief to families who have elderly, infirm family members at home.

Hillary Clinton understands we need to support the millions of families who are caring for their aging or disabled family members, Lujan Grisham said. When she says shell fight for an America where every woman has the economic security she needs to live the life she wants and deserves, I believe her. Because when Hillary Clinton says shes going to do something, she gets it done.

Hillary Clinton stands with us, and were with her. And we will be stronger as a nation with Hillary Clinton as the next president.

The convention hall had a much more upbeat feel Wednesday night than it did on Monday and Tuesday, when delegates for Bernie Sanders loudly protested Clintons nomination.

On Wednesday, the discord seemed to have largely disappeared as Democratic delegates of all stripes showered love on Vice President Joe Biden and Gabrielle Giffords, a former congresswoman from Arizona who was nearly killed in her Tucson district by a deranged constituent with a gun.

Later in the evening, the atmosphere in the Wells Fargo Center crackled with energy as excited delegates heard a performance by rocker Lenny Kravitz before a speech by President Barack Obama.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

Robert Neely, his wife and his young daughter had just moved to Gallup and were planning to spend a weekend in Albuquerque when those plans came to a tragic end.

In fact, the family never made it to their hotel.

A suspected drunken driver  and three-time felon  smashed into their vehicle, killing Neely and injuring his wife and 6-year-old daughter, police said.

Moments before Robert Neely took the Louisiana Boulevard exit off Interstate 40 late Friday, his wife, Gina, climbed into the back seat to charge her phone  the power socket in the front seat didnt work.

The next thing they heard was a big boom, Neelys brother Jeff said.

A pickup truck driven by a man who police believe was intoxicated collided with the sedan carrying the Neely couple and their daughter, Hannah. Emergency crews had to cut Robert Neely, 69, out of the car, and he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, police said. His wife suffered four broken ribs and a broken collarbone, and their daughter sustained minor injuries, Jeff Neely told the Journal by phone. He lives in Ohio, but has been talking to Gina daily.

Witnesses said the pickup ran a red light before colliding with the Neelys vehicle, according to court documents. The driver of the truck, Brian Leonard, has since been charged with vehicular homicide. Court records show he has one prior DWI conviction.

During his first appearance on Sunday, Metropolitan Court Judge Chris Schultz noted that Leonard had three prior felony convictions. Those include receiving a stolen firearm, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to online court records.

Police said Leonard was on probation at the time of the wreck.

The Neelys moved to Gallup about two months ago, and Robert was working for the Gallup Indian Medical Center as a respiratory therapist, Jeff Neely said. Before landing in New Mexico, the Ohio native worked at hospitals in Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas and most recently, Nashville, Tenn.

The family was planning to spend a couple of days in Albuquerque, but the wreck occurred before they even checked into their hotel, Jeff Neely said.

He believes that Ginas plan to charge her phone in the back seat may have saved her life.

If she hadnt been in the back, Jeff Neely said, she might have died, too.

He did not know whether she was wearing a seat belt, but Hannah was buckled into a car seat.

Leonard, 28, who is from a small community on the outskirts of Gallup, told police he was in a hurry to get home, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. He attempted to flee the scene twice, once managing to slip out of the back of a police cruiser, officers said.

Though he told officers that he had not been drinking, police said Leonard performed poorly on field sobriety tests, smelled of alcohol and was slurring his words, according to the complaint. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and a blood test was taken to determine any alcohol level.

Leonard remains in custody at the county jail on the vehicular homicide charge and a probation violation warrant.

Jeff Neely said Gina Neely was released from the hospital Wednesday.

I guess shes taking it as well as could be expected, Jeff Neely said, adding he didnt believe the full shock had hit her yet.

For now, shes left struggling to decide how to tell her child that her father is dead, Jeff Neely said.

Its a shame that this happened to someone, he said. Especially when he has a 6-year-old daughter. And thats the real tough part.
Gov. Susana Martinez said Wednesday that she supports a state agencys decision to close a wing of the state-run Turquoise Lodge Hospital that treats teenage addicts, saying the center would be better used for treating adults.

The state Department of Healths announcement that it plans to close the 20-bed adolescent addiction treatment program on Aug. 7 evoked criticism and disappointment from advocates who say New Mexico desperately needs a facility that provides medical detoxification for young addicts.

Martinez repeated the explanation last week from Department of Health officials that the center is underutilized, with an average census of five youths per day in fiscal year 2016, which ended June 30.

Thats an expensive facility for just five juvenile patients, Martinez said after a news conference at a Walgreens pharmacy in Albuquerque. The teenagers now served at the center can receive treatment at other facilities, she said. Its just not being utilized very much at all, but there is a definite need for the greater number of adults who need that treatment.

The adolescent program at the state-run hospital in Southeast Albuquerque has an operating budget of $2 million a year. It was intended to provide 30-day medical detoxification and follow-up treatment for up to 10 boys and 10 girls ages 14-18 from across the state.

The Department of Health said the hospital will expand programs directed at adults, including long-term outpatient treatment.

Also Wednesday, Martinez applauded Walgreens for installing medication disposal boxes at five New Mexico pharmacies where patients can deposit unused, expired and unwanted medicines, both prescription and over the counter.

Walgreens has installed the disposal boxes in two Albuquerque pharmacies, including one at 9700 Menaul NE, where Martinez held the news conference. Others are located at 3400 Coors NW, 4051 Southern Blvd. in Rio Rancho, and 3298 Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe. A fifth box is located at a pharmacy in Las Cruces.

Walgreens officials said the company plans to install the disposal boxes in 500 U.S. pharmacies to prevent narcotic painkillers and other medications from being abused or contaminating community water supplies.

Martinez also highlighted a new state law that allows pharmacists to dispense a drug without a prescription that can reverse the effects of an overdose from narcotic painkillers or heroin.

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, now is available at 147 New Mexico pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS, and many other chain and independent pharmacies, officials said.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

Can a school police officer arrest a middle school student for burping in class on purpose?

A federal appeals court says yes, based on state law that prohibits anyone from interfering in the educational process of a public school.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver said district judges were correct in granting summary judgment to two Cleveland Middle School officials and a police officer involved in the arrest of a seventh-grader after his burping disrupted a class. The ruling dismissed claims of excess force and unlawful arrest brought by the students mother against the three.

The court, in a split decision, ruled that Principal Susan LaBarge, Assistant Principal Ann Holmes and school police officer Arthur Acosta were entitled to qualified immunity. Qualified immunity protects government officials from civil damages as long as their conduct does not violate clearly established constitutional rights. Quoting an earlier case, the court noted the doctrine, Put simply  protects all but the plainly incompetent or those who knowingly violate the law.

The appeals court resolved two lawsuits assigned to different judges involving the same student, F.M., for the May 2011 burping arrest and a subsequent strip search at school in November that yielded no drugs but turned up prohibited items including a red bandanna in a backpack and a belt buckle with a marijuana leaf decoration.

In the first instance, F.M., then 13, was sent to the hall to sit during a physical education class after he emitted fake burps and ignored the physical education teacher who ordered him to stop. In the hall, he continued to lean into the doorway and burp and laugh, prompting the teacher to call the school resource officer. Acosta, the officer, escorted the boy to administrative offices and then to his police unit, where F.M. was handcuffed and taken to the juvenile detention center.

Acosta said he had probable cause to arrest F.M. for violating a state statute that says no one may willfully interfere with the educational process of any public  school by committing, threatening to commit or inciting others to commit any act which would disrupt, impair, interfere with or obstruct the lawful mission, processes, procedures or functions of a public  school.

The boys attorneys at the Kennedy Law Firm argued that the statute never envisioned the degree of punishment he received. The middle schooler, they said, was being a class clown at worst, engaging in behavior that for generations would have resulted in after-school detention, writing lines or calling in his parents.

But the court said the text demonstrates the Legislatures intent to prohibit a wide swath of misconduct that interferes with educational conduct.

Judge Neil Gorsuch wrote a four-page dissent, disagreeing respectfully with Chief Judge Timothy Tymkovich and the opinions author, Judge Jerome Holmes.

If a seventh-grader starts trading fake burps for laughs in gym class, whats a teacher to do? Order extra laps? Detention? A trip to the principals office? Maybe. But then again, maybe thats too old school. Maybe today you call a police officer, he wrote. He said that although his colleagues suggest the law permits the handcuffs and trip to juvenile detention, Gorsuch remains unpersuaded.

The New Mexico Court of Appeals, he said in the dissent, long ago alerted law enforcement that the language the officer relied upon for the F.M.s arrest does not criminalize noises or diversions that merely disturb order in a classroom.

Quoting Charles Dickens, he said, Often enough, the law can be `a ass  an idiot and there is little we judges can do about it, for it is (or should be) emphatically our job to apply, not rewrite, the law enacted by the peoples represenatives. Gorsuch said he admired his collagues for reaching a result they no doubt dislike but believe the law compels.

Meanwhile, the majority also cited case law in finding that Holmes, the assistant principal, had reasonable grounds to believe a search of F.M. and four other students in a separate incident months after the burping arrest would reveal evidence of wrongdoing after she had received a report of seeing him involved in what looked like a drug exchange on school grounds.
The Albuquerque Public Schools administrator who crafted the districts controversial transgender procedural directive responded to a variety of questions from community members Wednesday night.

Janalee Barnard, director of APS Title IX anti-discrimination program, participated in a public forum held during the school board equity and engagement committee meeting.

A dozen people  roughly equal numbers of critics and supporters  lined up to offer their opinions and ask Barnard about the new rules, which allow transgender students to change their name, gender pronoun and clothing to match their identity. Most controversially, they can also use restrooms and locker rooms where they feel comfortable.

Barnards responses shed light on some of the details:

There is no budget for the directive, and Barnard imagines there will be practically no costs involved.

APS has been training groups of employees about the new rules during the summer and will continue through the fall. Schools with transgender students got top priority.

Transgender students will fill out a confidential Gender Support Plan form outlining their preferred accommodations; for instance, whether they want access to restrooms that align with their gender identities or use a single-stall restroom.

APS employees who dont support the directive still need to comply with the rules.

Teachers and school administrators will know which students have identified as transgender. Any other kids who try to enter facilities for the opposite sex will be disciplined.

Barnard said the district adopted the directive in June to follow federal law and provide a safe environment for transgender students.

It is a work in progress  we will be adding and modifying, she said.

Adrien Lawyer, co-director of the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, applauded APS for holding the forum and creating rules that protect transgender youth.

I think APS is doing the right thing, and they have been really tireless, he said. This is not just lip service. This is real.

Attendee Lorenzo Espinosa disagreed, saying he didnt think the board really listened to the critics. He also didnt like the forums rule that each speaker could only talk for 30 seconds.

Its too short, Espinosa said. The time they are giving us gets shorter and shorter, and the questions are still there.

A devout Catholic, Espinosa read the board passages from a Nebraska bishops article titled Transgenderism: The Tyranny of Tolerance.

Espinosa told the Journal he believes transgender people have a mental disorder similar to anorexia or bulimia.

God created us male and female, he said.

Board member Peggy Muller-Aragon also expressed doubts about the directive and worried that sexual assault victims could be traumatized by the possibility of sharing a restroom with someone who is biologically the opposite gender.

Muller-Aragon made a motion to table the directive until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on transgender accommodations. The motion did not receive a second.
LAS CRUCES  A Mexican national was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Las Cruces to 21 months in prison for his role in a scheme that used stolen identities from Dona Ana County voters to collect nearly $12,000 in fraudulent tax returns.

Armando Gutierrez-Torres, 51, was sentenced as part of an agreement in which he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of public money and conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft.

Gutierrez-Torres was arrested in May 2015. The scheme involved several employees from the Clerks Office, including Maria Ceniceros, a former document technician who authorities say used her position to access voter information and file fraudulent income tax returns with the stolen identities.

Ceniceros, 44, also was arrested in May 2015, along with her daughter and husband, who were both charged in the scheme. Ceniceros has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of public money and conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft. Last month, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

In accepting his plea agreement in October, Gutierrez-Torres admitted that he asked Ceniceros in November 2014 for the voter identifiers of people born in 1995, which were then used to file fraudulent federal income tax returns.

He also admitted that he asked Ceniceros to mail fraudulent tax returns to the IRS and cash return checks in the amount of $11,963.73.

Ceniceros has previously admitted that she took identifying information from 111 people, including their names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers.

After Gutierrez-Torres completes his prison sentence, he will be deported to Mexico, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

But he and Ceniceros are still facing state charges. Both were indicted by a Dona Ana County grand jury on those charges in June 2015.

Gutierrez-Torres is charged with one count of racketeering, a second-degree felony, and three counts of conspiracy, each fourth-degree felonies. He also is charged with one misdemeanor count of money laundering. Ceniceros is charged with 123 counts, including 113 counts of identity theft, a fourth degree felony. She also is charged with racketeering, fraud, forgery and conspiracy.

Their trials have been scheduled to begin on Sept. 19 in 3rd Judicial District Court in Las Cruces, court records show.



2016 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.)

Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

_____
Unity BPO, an Albuquerque health care technology business, plans to hire nearly 300 full-time employees over the next few years as part of its expansion plans, Gov. Susana Martinez announced Thursday.

The jobs come with salaries ranging from $38,000 to $90,000. The average salary for the positions will be in the $55,000 range, Unity CEO Steve Wade told the Journal.

About 75 percent of the new hires will be clinical analysts working with medical professionals over the phone and using other technology to assist with healthcare information technology issues such as those involving electronic medical records. The companys current staff of clinical analysts solve tens of thousands of such issues a month, he said.

Wade said to qualify for the entry-level clinical analyst posisitons, candidates will need a high school degree, a technical certification and a background in healthcare. All the positions will come with competitive benefits that include a 401k, he said.

The company, at 7601 Jefferson NE, was recently spun off from Kemtah Group, an Albuquerque-based information technology management and engineering firm.

New Mexico has an ideal business climate for growing our business, Wade said at a news conference. We could locate elsewhere, but places like Austin, Denver or Phoenix wouldnt provide incentives such as JTIP, LEDA or Rapid Workforce Development. These generous incentive programs help us grow our business and create more jobs in New Mexico.

Wade also said he believed his companys responsibility was not only to bring new jobs to Albuquerque, but to attract other healthcare companies to the city.

The states Job Training Incentive Program has awarded Unity $517,000 to help hire and train 70 health IT professionals with health domain understanding and IT skills by the end of the year. The company will add more than 200 additional new employees within the next two years.

Unity specializes in providing clinical, managed, professional, and telehealth services to hospitals, physician practices, private networks and clinics, as well as home health, hospice and skilled nursing providers, according to its website.

It has 35,000 clinical contacts monthly, its website said.

Unity BPO is the kind of company we want to see grow and help diversify our economy, said Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela. They are creating economic-base jobs, bringing new dollars to our state and expanding our private sector economy.

Kemtah, which provides a comprehensive suite of IT services to clients in 26 states, has been seeing big growth. It signed a $20 million contract in September with Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago. The General Services Administration also selected Kemtah in early October as part of a team that will manage a new five-year, $50 million IT services contract.

We all full well know what we need, which is a whole lot more announcements like Unitys, said Albuquerque Economic Development President Gary Tonjes.
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has taken notice of the Duke Citys emerging arts community.

The foundation sought out 516 Arts to be part of the Regional Regranting Program, which is now called the Fulcrum Fund.

The fund will provide grants of $2,000 to $5,000 totalling $50,000 in the first year.

The funds are set more like seed money, said Suzanne Sbarge, executive director of 516 Arts. There are many projects that need a little money to get things on track.

516 ARTS launched the program in March with a call for proposals, from which the guest jurors have selected 11 proposals to receive a total of $50,000 from the 89 proposals that were submitted.

Applicants were from an 80-mile radius around Albuquerque, including Santa Fe, Jemez, Torreon, Los Lunas, Madrid, Ribera, Glorieta and Los Ranchos.

Those selected are:

 Russell Bauer of Albuquerque for The Edible Carnival;

 Sheri Crider of Albuquerque for Launch Sculpture Residency at The Sanitary Tortilla Factory;

 Ginger Dunhill of Glorieta for Broken Boxes Podcast;

 Bradford Erickson of Albuquerque for The Small Engine Gallery;

 Roberto Espinosa of Albuquerque for She/Rider;

 Jane Gordon of Albuquerque for What Becomes;

 Aryon Hopkins of Albuquerque for Dry Mtn;

 Candice Hopkins of Albuquerque for Off Lomas;

 Marya Jones of Albuquerque for ABQ Zine Fest;

 Billy Joe Miller of Albuquerque for Loie Fuller-inspired performance/installations; and

 Daisy Quezada of Santa Fe for Present Cartographers.

Sbarge says the funds are available to foster the development and presentation of artist-led projects and programs that are direct, accessible and open to the public.

Funded activities may include a new exhibition or exhibition series, the ongoing work of an arts venue or collective, a public art project, a one-time event or performance, publications directly related to the visual arts, an online project, an artist residency, a series of film screenings and more.

The jurors were Romi Crawford, Associate Professor in Visual and Critical Studies and Liberal Arts at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Al Miner, Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; and Joey Reye, Curator of Engagement & Dialogue at Movimento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana in San Jose, Calif.
BATON ROUGE, La.  The gunmans bullets that killed three law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge also targeted the country and touched the soul of the entire nation, Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday at a memorial service for the fallen officers.

We need to heal, said Biden, who was joined at a Baton Rouge church by Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, the officers widows and hundreds of others.

Biden spoke directly to the three officers relatives from the stage. He promised them that a day will come when the memory of their loved ones will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye.

They were defined by their courage, he said. It matters who they were, and it matters who we are as a country.

Baton Rouge police officers Matthew Gerald, 41, and Montrell Jackson, 32, and sheriffs deputy Brad Garafola, 45, were shot and killed by Gavin Long, an Army veteran from Kansas City, Missouri, outside a convenience store on July 17.

Authorities say the gunman was targeting police officers.

When that assassins bullet targeted our heroes  and he was an assassin  he not only targeted them, he targeted the city. He targeted his country, and it touched the soul of the entire nation, Biden said.

Long, 29, also wounded three other officers before a SWAT officer gunned him down. Long killed the officers less than two weeks after protests erupted in Baton Rouge over the death of Alton Sterling, a 29-year-old black man who was shot and killed during a scuffle with two white police officers. The killing was captured on cellphone video and circulated widely on the internet.

Biden said he heard that Sterlings aunt embraced the father of one of the slain officers during a chance encounter after the shooting. He said they prayed together because loss is loss is loss.

Lynch said it can feel as if the world is broken beyond repair after tragedies like the deadly shootout in Baton Rouge. But she said the gathering shows the community is united by collective heartache and a common humanity.

We are not alone, she said. The pain that we feel is shared by everyone, as is our hope in the future that has always been this nations guiding star.

Lynch is scheduled to remain in Baton Rouge through Friday afternoon to meet with local police officials and other first responders. The Justice Department is investigating Sterlings death. The two officers involved in his July 5 shooting were placed on administrative leave

Rosie Hernandez, whose nephew who is a Baton Rouge police officer, attended the service with her husband. She said she is confident that the ceremony will help unite a community that has been grappling with racial tensions.

Out of this tragedy, the hope is that we will become a closer community, she said.

Sheriffs Deputy Nicholas Tullier was critically wounded and has remained in a hospital since the shooting.

Jackson, a corporal, was a 10-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department. He was married and had a 4-month-old son. Days before he was shot to death, Jackson posted a message on Facebook about the difficulties of being both a black man and a police officer in the tumultuous aftermath of Sterlings shooting.

Please dont let hate infect your heart. This city MUST and WILL get better, wrote Jackson, whose funeral was Monday.

His widow, Trenisha Jackson, smiled broadly as she encouraged audience members to stand up, raise their right hands and repeat these words after her: I will not let hate infect my heart.

Garafola, whose funeral was Saturday, is survived by a wife and four children: sons ages 21 and 12, and daughters ages 15 and 7.

His widow, Tonja Garafola, recalled trying to find her husband on the morning of the shooting and described how her heart sank when he didnt answer her call. She found out he had been shot about an hour later.

Since then, our children have slept in our bed just so they can feel  the presence of their dad, she said.

Gerald was a former Marine and Army veteran who served three tours in Iraq before joining the police force nine months ago. His wife, Dechia Gerald  now a widow with two young daughters  called him my blue-eyed rock in a written tribute she read aloud Thursday.

My heart is heavy, but the admiration and pride I feel gives me the strength I need to carry on, she said.
SANTA FE, N.M.  A Texan man who had just been released from jail is behind bars again in New Mexico for allegedly robbing a store in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe police say 22-year-old Justin Pruitt is being held without bond after being accused of robbing the Arcade News shop early Wednesday.

Police say Pruitt took $60 after telling the store clerk that he had a firearm.

Pruitt also allegedly placed a cigarette lighter against the clerks neck to pretend he had a weapon and then punched the victim in the face before fleeing.

He was later located and arrested on suspicion of armed robbery with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence.

Police say Pruitt had recently been released from a jail in New Mexicos Taos County.
The New Mexico Private 100 is back  a chance to showcase your companys importance to the states economy.

The annual program features a list of the top 100 privately held companies in the state based on revenue, a lineup usually as diverse as the New Mexico landscape.

Moss Adams LLP, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Modrall Sperling are sponsoring the 2016 New Mexico Private 100 in conjunction with the Journal s Business Outlook.

What impresses me, year after year, is the tremendous economic boost these 100 companies give to New Mexico. They represent billions of dollars in annual revenue and thousands of jobs around the state, said Jennifer Noya, marketing partner at Modrall Sperling.

The New Mexico Private 100 program is an excellent event that recognizes a diverse group of privately held companies within our great state, Steve Keene, Partner In Charge for Moss Adams Albuquerque. Each year we are excited to welcome new companies to the list as well as admire the longevity of the companies we welcome back to the list every year.

To qualify for the list, the company must be privately owned and headquartered in New Mexico. It may be any type of business except an accounting firm, cooperative, depository financial institution, law firm or securities broker-dealer. There is no minimum or maximum number of employees or sales revenue.

The nomination requires each company to report revenue for ranking purposes. But information will be kept strictly confidential  financial information will be used solely for ranking purposes and wont be disclosed in the final list.

Other restrictions may apply, and the nomination form provides details.

Nomination forms can be found at mossadams.com/nmprivate100. The deadline to apply is Aug. 19. For more information about the nomination form or the New Mexico Private 100 program, contact Cindy Miller or Amanda Marquez at nmprivate100@mossadams.com or 505-878-7200.

Last years list featured a wide array of companies, from the would-be Greek restaurant that pivoted to become a multistate pizza chain to the gym company that flourished by bucking convention. The companies come from all over New Mexico, though those headquartered in Albuquerque dominate, and sectors are as varied as health care and automotive.

A common thread was that all help boost the states economy and provide jobs for thousands of New Mexicans. Last years 100 companies had a combined $4.2 billion in revenue and 9,105 employees.

The Private 100 originated in 1988 and was revived in 2012 after an eight-year hiatus.

The New Mexico Private 100 is an opportunity to honor the top 100 privately held companies in the state and recognize the significant contributions these companies make to the New Mexico economy, said Paul Mondragon, Market President Bank of America.

A special issue of the Journal s Business Outlook this fall will feature the Private 100.
Second Judicial District Judge Alisa Hadfield has a raft of motions to hear before the trial of former Albuquerque police officers Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez for second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a homeless camper in the Albuquerque foothills two years ago  17, to be precise.

But the one that has drawn the most heat revolves around the question of whether a blue wall of silence exists at the Albuquerque Police Department, and if it has any bearing in the criminal case, set for trial in September.

When special prosecutor Randi McGinn listed her expert on police procedures, Jeff Noble, as a witness who will testify about an alleged code of silence, Perezs lead attorney, Luis Robles, asked the court to exclude him.

Robles argued that the prosecution wants to call police officers liars if they dont support the state in their testimony.

Its beyond outrageous, he said.

McGinn offered up an email from a former officer as evidence of the code. The email to unknown buddies says that the retired officer got a call from ex-APD Chief Joseph Polisar seeking any dirt you can share with attorneys defending these guys about the expert cuz two Albuquerque cops are being (politically) charged with murder for shooting some homeless guy who was armed with two knives.

Robles noted that the email never mentions either Perez or Sandy by name, though the facts correspond to the shooting of Boyd in March 2014 in the Albuquerque foothills.

But there was more, and today Hadfield will continue the hearing.

How she rules on the motions, which are likely to be announced in a written ruling, will dramatically shape the jurys view of what happened when officers responded to the scene.

Prosecutors want to exclude the audio portion of an amateur video shot by a man living close to the scene and who comments on what he believes he has seen and heard. Elicia Montoya, also a special prosecutor, called it prejudicial, unhelpful and verging on voyeuristic. And there are aspects of it that are misleading, she said.

Attorney Nick Autio of Perezs defense team, in contrast, characterized that request as The state  asking you to exclude one of the most important pieces of evidence that exist. He said the neighbors video is relevant because the jury will be asked to decide if Boyd, who had two knives but was surrounded by almost 20 officers, posed a threat of harm or death to the officers. The neighbor recognized that Boyd was a danger (and) was not cooperating with police, Autio said.

Meanwhile, Perez wants to keep out video from police cameras showing that, after the fatal gunshots, when Boyd was facedown in the dirt, another officer shot him with beanbag rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun, and a police dog was deployed, biting Boyd in two places. That video will only serve to inflame the jury against both defendants, Autio said.

The judge has much more to ponder, including whether to admit evidence on training and standard operating procedures, and if a jury may hear about Boyds possessions in his foothills tent home  two Bibles, childrens books and $9 in cash.
The downtown Albuquerque office building that once housed Public Service Co. of New Mexico is up for sale.

Alvarado Square, 415 Silver SW, is listed on the online auction site FRE.com. The auction deadline is Sept. 15. The minimum bid for the eight-story, 251,000-square-foot-building is nearly $3 million, although its suggested value is $6.5 million, according to FRE.com.

Tim With and Keith Bandoni, commercial real estate brokers with Colliers International New Mexico, are representing the seller, Hunter Keith Industries, which built Alvarado Square expressly for PNM Resources in 1980.

Empty for nearly two years, the Class A building represents about eight percent of the total office inventory in the central business district, With said, adding that he expects interest in the property to be brisk. A bid deposit of $10,000 is required.

PNM consolidated its downtown Albuquerque operations and no longer needed the space, but its lease was in effect until November 2015.

With said the seller is motivated to liquidate the property, which has no debt, and put the proceeds into another investment. It is definitely not a distress sale, said With, adding that the property is ideal for a single user, but is flexible enough for a mixed-use component, such as hospitality and retail-related businesses and government tenants.

Bandoni confirmed Alvarado Square was on the market for $11 million in 2013 when Bernalillio County officials seriously considered the possibility of buying it. Negotiations hit an impasse.

It would be a great opportunity for them to circle back and save a significant amount of money to consolidate their operations, which Bandoni said are spread around a half dozen buildings in the downtown area.

The prospect of purchasing a new county building is still on the table for discussion, county spokeswoman Tia Bland said. The county is considering several options and Alvarado Square is on the radar. The subject could be on the agenda at the County Commission meeting on Aug. 23.

One challenge for purchasers is that Alvarado Square doesnt include a parking structure.

Tim With said the area has an enormous amount of public parking nearby as well as accessible bus and rail service. Its just one block from the Alvarado Transit Center.

The paucity of parking didnt dissuade insurer Molina Healthcare of New Mexico from moving into a 400,000-square-foot building downtown with only 60 parking spaces. And that building at Fourth and Tijeras is 90 percent occupied, With added.

Bandoni said partnering with FRE.com is a good move, since the company has a national and global reach. A spokeswoman for FRE.com said the company has a 70 percent closing rate.
A month after her friend reported finding a body on a ditch bank in the North Valley, deputies determined 27-year-old Feliciana Medina struck a man, then reversed her car, fleeing the scene, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

On June 27, around 3 a.m. Krystal Baca called the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office saying her friend Evelyn told her to report finding a body lying on the ditch bank near Edith and Montano NW. Deputies found the dead man, Florencio Zubia, lying face down. They said they tried to contact Baca again for more information but her phone was disconnected.

About a month later, on July 23, New Mexico State Police found Baca in a stolen car near the La Luz Trailhead, according to the complaint.

They interviewed her and about the body and she told them she was a passenger in a gold Toyota Corolla and Medina was driving. She said they were headed northbound from Montano when they struck a man lying on the ditch bank and drove away.

The owner of the Toyota later told deputies Medina had borrowed her car that night to pick up some food and then didnt answer her phone. She said Medina returned the car the next day freshly washed and didnt say anything about a crash, according to court documents.

Medina was found a short time later and arrested. She is charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing great bodily harm and was booked into the county jail.
Two advocacy organizations have sued Arizonas Medicaid agency over claims that thousands of immigrants who qualify for full medical benefits were wrongly precluded from renewing them.

The William E. Morris Institute for Justice and the National Health Law Program say about 3,500 refugees and other immigrants who were already receiving full benefits were kicked off due to a mistake by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. The issue was discovered last October.

The agencys deputy director said she could not comment on pending litigation.

The organizations filed the suit in Tucson last week alleging that many immigrants who were already receiving full medical benefits were downgraded to emergency benefits only after reapplying. They say AHCCS didnt properly notify the group of mostly refugees about why they had been denied.
ACAs library of educational tools help members improve their business practices. ACA also holds the most popular industry conferences and offers credentialing for collectors, attorneys, and more. ACAs Training Zone subscription gives agencies access to almost all of our education for one low cost.
Sage has launched a chat bot for accounting in partnership with bot platform Gupshup.

The bot, named Pegg, enables users to log expenses, check invoices, track payments and more via the chat apps Facebook Messenger and Slack. The bot was launched at Sage Summit 2016, being held this week in Chicago.

Gupshup CEO Beerud Sheth described Pegg as a lightweight program that is ideal for todays sharing economy. Having co-founded Gupshup after finding success with Elance, the online staffing platform for freelance workers, Sheth believes that Pegg will find a foothold among freelance and gig-work accountants very quickly.

Bots are not a new gimmick, Sheth told Accounting Today. They represent a paradigm shift just as desktop computers did in the 1980s, websites in the 1990s and apps in the 2000s. Bots are far superior to apps in terms of software updates, and they are also less expensive to develop.

Apps have to be optimized for each platfrom on which it operates, whether it is a desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone. The software updates require user participation, which Sheth notes most users hate doing. A bot such as Pegg takes care of its own updates.

Also, Sheth told Accounting Today, bots have far more potential for customization than apps, since they learn user behavior along the way.

Pegg contains natural language processing abilities that enable users to say things in more than just one way. Sheth also noted that Pegg makes accounting invisible  the business user simply exchanges chat messages with the bot while the bot does the accounting behind the scenes. Users can tell the bot about expenses and other accounting information, and can also upload images of receipts on the go, which Pegg records. Users can access simple reports at any time which list all transactions, expenses only or income only. The link generated by Pegg to view the reports expires after every use to preserve security.

Over 65 percent of small businesses continue to largely rely on spreadsheets and manual recordkeeping practices that are not only inaccurate and time consuming, but also incredibly tedious and costly to maintain, said Kriti Sharma, global director of mobile product management at Sage, in a statement. Gupshups industry-leading cross channel bot platform has given us the ability to overcome the complexities of todays accounting software and offer a fun, intuitive and accessible experience to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Pegg is available to a global audience and supports any currency. To use the bot, visit hellopegg.io.
IMGCAP(1)][IMGCAP(2)]The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, together with its Global Forum members, is intent upon providing transfer pricing tax risk assessment assistance to tax administrations.

Knowledgeable CPA firms that understand this tax risk assessment regime can benefit from applying enumerated and replicating transfer pricing assessment processes for its clients. Alternatively, the CPA firm could seek to replace its tax administration activities. In either situation, CPA firms might seek to obtain these benefits as being a cost center or a profit center.

The OECD and its member countries are seeking to tax multinational enterprises in a more effective manner than in the past. These members are developing transfer pricing audit mechanisms to achieve that efficiency objective. The OECD now realizes the risk assessment objective is more difficult than originally contemplated.

The OECD realizes it reached a transfer pricing stumbling block because member tax administrations lacked the knowledge to thoroughly audit their multinational enterprises. The OECD is now working on an alternative to this limitation. The members are helping member countries undertake their own transfer pricing risk assessment process, knowing that process is more cumbersome than initially contemplated.

Business Opportunities

The OECD issued the draft transfer pricing risk assessment package in April 2013, and its analysis is near completion. CPAs and their coordinate transfer pricing specialist firms appear to have two divergent but distinct business opportunities:

1. The CPA firm could establish mechanisms to better track the tax administrations transfer pricing risk analysis of its multinational enterprise client base.

2. The CPA firm could replace the tax administrations role in undertaking the transfer pricing risk assessment process; and, if the law permits, bid for this opportunity.

We suggest CPA firms can develop a strong position in tracking a client enterprises transfer pricing risk assessment activities. The CPA firm could apply transfer pricing related strategies by reverse engineering the transfer pricing process, undertaking in-depth industry studies for their business segments, and applying financial analytical techniques. The CPA might want to consider three planning options:

1. Take advantage of scalar economies and offer these services to existing multinational enterprise clients.

2. Poach business from other CPAs who fear to tread into this multinational business opportunity.

3. Coordinate with a transfer pricing specialist firm.

It is often cumbersome for a tax administration to develop transfer pricing risk assessment functions. Tax administrations should consider relying on private sector accounting firms to achieve this transfer pricing objectives. In our view, CPA firms and transfer pricing specialist firms are better positioned to conduct the transfer pricing risk assessment process for the tax administrations.

Understanding the Transfer Pricing Risk Assessment Process

Activities that a multinational enterprise conducts potentially might cause an enterprise to face transfer pricing risks for countries within its purview. The OECD Global Forum recognizes that each tax administration operates only with finite resources. No country has the enforcement resources to perform thorough transfer pricing audits affecting every potential situation.

The OECD recognized that tax administrations needed help in selecting the right transfer pricing for audit. The draft transfer pricing risk assessment handbook assembles recent country procedures, methods and practices to enable the tax administration to develop its own transfer pricing risk assessment approaches.

A tax administration contemplating setting up a multinational enterprise transfer pricing audit might require many inputs. This analysis is likely to involve the client companys data files, specific attention by many auditors, foreign travel, site visits, analysis of the enterprises financial and economic data, extensive knowledge of the enterprises business and those of its competitors, and involvement by transfer pricing experts, to examine just a few considerations.

Tax administrations need to be careful in marshaling their resources as they undertake a transfer pricing audit. In short, tax administrations themselves face transfer pricing risks. The question then arises as to whether the tax administration can shift this audit assessment risk to private sector professionals, and if so, which professional segment would be most valuable to the tax administration.

Multinational enterprises will need to consider many factors in determining to partner with a transfer pricing specialist firm, and then to select a transfer pricing specialist firm. We expect a multinational enterprise to consider a transfer pricing specialist firms expertise, efficiency, reputation and costs before agreeing on the contractual terms.

Transfer Pricing Risks and Functions

A CPA firm conducting a transfer pricing risk analysis process on behalf of a multinational enterprise client normally would undertake a comprehensive review of the enterprises functions and risks. Such activities might include the following 10 categories:

1. Recurring transactions taking place among members of the group, focusing on repetitive smaller transactions of the enterprise;

2. Large, complex or one-time transactions between members of the enterprise group;

3. The enterprises non-compliance history;

4. Financial results that differ from the enterprises industry results;

5. Actions under which the enterprise shifts income toward low-tax jurisdictions;

6. Whether the enterprises activities reflect recurring losses, recurring low profits, or low return on investment;

7. Ascertaining whether intra-group services shift profits to tax-favored entities;

8. The nature and extent of royalty fees, management fees and insurance premiums;

9. The presence of excessive debt within the corporate group; and

10. The presence of intangibles shifted to or from related parties.

Transfer Pricing Risk Assessment Retainer Agreements

A CPA firm contemplating arranging a transfer pricing risk assessment relationship with a multinational enterprise might consider the following facets:

1. What specific risks does the CPA firm undertake when it establishes a transfer pricing risk assessment retainer agreement with a multinational enterprise?

2. What success parameters should the retainer agreement address regarding the transfer pricing risk assessment process?

3. What remedies would the multinational enterprise have if it does not like the finished product?

4. Should the transfer pricing risk assessment retainer agreement specify a standard of care and responsibilities?

5. What remedies should apply if the tax administration rejects or modifies the transfer pricing risk assessment?

6. How does a CPA undertaking a transfer pricing risk analysis interface with the CPA firm that has responsibility for the audit?

Both CPA firms and transfer pricing specialists need to be cautious when entering into transfer pricing risk assessment arrangements. Rarely, but in some situations, a CPA firm might be viewed as the perpetrator of a multinational enterprises aggressive tax behavior, including deliberate income shifting or worse. Such a transfer pricing risk arrangement mechanism might cause an uncomfortable arrangement for the CPA firm and the client, reflecting bad behavior to the tax authorities.

Robert Feinschreiber and Margaret Kent are attorneys and counselors with TransferPricingConsortium.com.
By Derrick Broze

A federal judge has ruled that law enforcement may continue to place recording devices in public places because it does not violate the constitutional guarantee against warrantless searches and privacy protections.

On Friday July 22, U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton issued a 17-page ruling which found the practice of placing recording devices on the steps of courthouses in Oakland and Martinez, California to be unsettling, but not in violation of the Fourth Amendment. The four defendants in the federal criminal fraud case are accused of rigging real estate bids throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

In an attempt to eavesdrop on the conversations of the defendants, the Federal Bureau of Investigations placed microphones in a light fixture on the steps of the Almeda County Courthouse and just outside the Contra Costa County Courthouse, among other locations. The information gathered from the conversations was then used as evidence in grand jury proceedings.

The defense called the secret recordings a violation of Fourth Amendment protections against illegal search and seizure and asked for the evidence to be suppressed. Judge Hamilton ruled that the four defendants did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy when speaking in public about the alleged fraud.

While the court agrees with defendants that it is at the very least unsettling that the government would plant listening devices on the courthouse steps given the personal nature of many of the conversations in which people exiting the courthouse might be engaged, it is equally unrealistic for anyone to believe that open public behavior including conversations can be private given that there are video cameras on many street corners, storefronts and front porches, and in the hand of nearly every person who owns a smartphone, Hamilton wrote in her ruling.

The four defendants, Michael Marr, Gregory Casorso, Javier Sanchez and Victor Marr, are accused of conspiring to restrain competition by agreeing not to compete with one another during auctions for foreclosed properties and then splitting the proceeds or taking place in private secondary auctions known as rounds.

The defense team attempted to argue that the men were huddled together speaking in hushed tones, indicating a significant effort to keep their conversations private. Judge Hamilton disagreed, noting that the recording devices did not amplify the sound and that all four men can be heard discussing their plan in normal voices and even shouting over a jackhammer at one point.

Privacy advocates are concerned the ruling could establish a precedent allowing law enforcement to eavesdrop on attorneys and clients discussing aspects of their cases outside the courtroom, Courthouse News writes. Despite the privacy worries, Judge Hamilton assured the court that, It is unlikely, and certainly unreasonable, for attorneys to risk breaching their confidential communications with clients by discussing sensitive matters out in the open, in conversational tones, in front of a public forum such as a courthouse.

Still, there is reason to be concerned about the government installing hidden recording devices in public. As with other surveillance tools like the Stingray cellphone surveillance, once the feds are caught they drop the evidence so they do not have to offer an explanation. If law enforcement is not even willing to legally use these tools and provide valid reasoning to justify the use of invasive tools, what is the point of spending millions of dollars on surveillance equipment?

For more information on this case and examples of surveillance see:

Why Is The Federal Government Planting Microphones In Public?

Why Is The Federal Government Installing Mysterious Boxes On Utility Poles?

Image Credit: TheFreeThoughtProject.com

Derrick Broze is an investigative journalist and liberty activist. He is the Lead Investigative Reporter for ActivistPost.com and the founder of the TheConsciousResistance.com. Follow him on Twitter. Derrick is the author of two books: The Conscious Resistance: Reflections on Anarchy and Spirituality and Finding Freedom in an Age of Confusion.



Derrick is available for interviews. Please contact Derrick@activistpost.com

This article may be freely reposted in part or in full with author attribution and source link.
By Josh del Sol

In a public meeting at FCC headquarters on July 14, the agency which once served the people instead acted like tyrannical thugs, in an escalating series of remarkable events.

First, they prevented wireless science advocates from displaying a simple sign, violating their First Amendment rights in a public venue. Then, a security guard forcefully prevented a t-shirt from being taken out of a bag, by a former Congressional candidate with opposing views.

Next, a Bloomberg reporter had his credentials confiscated  almost unbelievably  for merely talking with the former Congressional candidate.

Following these incidents, the reporter, Todd Shields, was visibly irate with FCC Commissioner Tom Wheeler  who also happens to be the former president of CTIA, the wireless industrys lobbying organization.

Moments ago I was attempting to talk to to some people who came to attend the meeting and have concerns about radiation and 5G. And your security force intervened  told the guy he couldnt show me the t-shirt he wished to display at the meeting, forced him to put it away, and confiscated my FCC-issued ID. Is this consonant with the discussion that ought to be taking place here, and whats your reaction to this action by your staff? -Todd Shields, Bloomberg reporter, to FCC Chair Wheeler [on video above]



Bloomberg reporter Todd Shields had his credentials confiscated  for talking with a former Congressional candidate about 5G and health concerns.

And in the Q&A that followed, the former Congressional candidate Kevin Mottus successfully added another dose of truth the narrative.

Hey Tom, with the NTP study showing wireless causes cancer sub-thermally, how can you proceed with more wireless expansion, with FCC standards only recognizing thermal effects  ignoring thousands of studies showing cancerous effects, neurological effects, reproductive harm, immune system disorders people are being electrosensitive  Kevin Mottus, former Congressional candidate, to Wheeler [on video above]



After about 20 seconds of yielding the floor to Mottus, Wheeler interrupted, dodged this very appropriate question, and diverted to an FCC-compliant journalist:

Lydia, do you have a question?

(Which, on the video, almost sounds like a Wheeler Freudian slip: Litigate. Do you have a question?)

Why is the FCC resorting to Gestapo-like tactics of suppression and outright intimidation?

The issue here, is that the Federal Communications Commission just rubber-stamped their rollout of 5G cellular technology, which while increasing throughput, would blanket all planetary life with ultra-high microwave frequencies  24Ghz and up. The fact that these frequencies have never been tested as safe is not stopping corporate-government plans for an unleashing of massive infrastructure.

But there have been thousands of published peer-reviewed studies that indicate the proliferation of microwave (wireless) technologies is not safe to biological life. (See meta-study links here, here, here and here.)

So, because theres a lot of money in a wireless economy and the data-harvesting that comes with it  trillions, in fact  Big Industry has bought the science, bought lawmakers, ruled the proliferation of microwaves as safe, and infiltrated the FCC along with most international health agencies.

And in the face of this willful, for-profit negligence, instead of employing conscience and responsibility, theyre actively silencing all opposition. You know, those of the human species that pay attention to passe concepts like science and reason.

Here are some snippets from FCC Chair Wheeler, at his June 20 press conference:

5G will use much higher frequency bands [24 to 100+ GHz] antennas that can aim and amplify signals massive deployment of small cells tens of billions of dollars in economic activity hundreds of billions of microchips if something can be connected, it will be connected unlike other countries we wont wait for the standards  Tom Wheeler, FCC Chair [on video above]



Paraphrased: We cant let life get in the way of profit. We want to make billions from all of you, and control everything. And in doing so, were not only going to willfully ignore science, were going to remove the idea of standards and initiate a free-for-all.

If unchecked, what could this lead to?

The implications of all of this are very far-reaching. How far? Well, to find out, lets start with what we know.

Its pretty clear at this point that we have a government that has been taken over by corporate interests. In order to increase their power and control even more, they plan to exponentially ramp-up the deployment of technology everywhere, which a vast body of science clearly says is harmful.

If unchecked, this will almost certainly lead to an increase in cancer and other ailments associated with exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Havent we had enough of for-profit agendas putting profits before health?

From a surveillance standpoint, we already know there is a sinister spying agenda operating behind the scenes. The rollout of 5G technology  especially in the standardless, profit-centered way Wheeler describes  would indeed open up a considerable new threat to basic rights.

If everything is connected, you can bet that as many details as possible about our actions will be tracked and stored somewhere  like the $2B NSA facility in Blufdale, Utah. And there is extraordinary market value in this. A director at NARUC stated that the value of data harvested just by smart utility meters will likely be worth a lot more than electricity itself, which is a $2.2 trillion market globally.

But besides being creepy and making the 1% even richer, there are clear warning signs that a control-oriented governing system could easily take an indexed catalog of all of your actions and use it against you in a multitude of ways.

For example, increasingly-instrusive pre-crime operations are already planned in Miami. And insurance providers are checking their customers Facebook data to influence premiums and even coverage availability. So its really not unreasonable to see how a governing body concerned primarily with staying in power, could restrict rights or remove privileges for behavior that is deemed to be not aligned with national interests.

So, tracking is not OK unless we are absolutely convinced that the governing body of that system truly respects individual rights and has the best interests of the people in mind. And right now, we are not even close to having such leadership in our governments.

Wheelers vision of 5G would significantly enable those who are motivated by power and money to use technology to rule over everyone else. In order to protect our lives and future, we must not allow that to happen.

While we would all like to have fast Internet, we must now look closely at the downside of this technology, and take constructive action. This can understandably be difficult, due to the considerable attachment that we have to both our devices and the sense of immediate gratification that we obtain from using them.

How we will save our world: Individual responsibility, accountability and liability

In addition to an interview with Kevin Mottus, last Sunday I Skyped with Dafna Tachover, an Israel-based attorney who was present at G-Day, last Thursday.

Tachover, who is among millions now who have directly experienced microwave radiation harm after becoming sensitized to it, says that the only way forward is individual accountability and liability. In my view, she is obviously right.

Until theres personal accountability and liability, this systematic problem that repeats itself will happen again, and again, and again, and it has been. So, we learned that the tobacco industry was lying to the public, bluntly  to the public, to the government, to health organizations  without any hesitation. Was anyone sued? No. Was anyone found personally accountable? No. So thats actually what enables this kind of behavior to happen again and again. This is the action we should take: we should make it clear to those government people  or you know, if we talk about wi-fi in schools, the school principals, who do have personal responsibility and liability to protect childrens health  to make sure they know they will be found personally liable for the harms they cause. They have a position of trust, and they betrayed that trust. And they should be found liable. It should be civil liability and criminal liability.  Dafna Tachover, attorney [on above video]

Former Congressional candidate Kevin Mottus spoke about the urgency of the situation.

My background is as a medical social worker. And when I was in the hospitals I saw young salesman and lawyers coming in with brain tumors, and healthy otherwise, other than the tumor  and doctors asking them about their cell phone use. So I was clued in very early with these heavy users and the tumors it was causing. Schools are now our most dangerous places to be. You have 20-40 wireless transmitters in their iPads and wireless laptops, and then you have 2-3 commercial-grade wireless routers. So you have, really, the setting of the most significant exposure in our country, and the most vulnerable population being exposed are small children  which we know are 3 to 4 times as sensitive to all environmental hazards. We are microwaving our population and wondering why our cancer is going through the roof and chronic disease is going through the roof. Its really very sad. I spoke to Congressman Grayson from Florida, and while I was talking with him, one of his staffers, Joe, came up to me. And he said, What are you talking about? I said, Im talking about wireless cell phones causing brain tumors. He said, Thats interesting, because I had a brain aneurysm and Im lucky to be alive. Its also interesting because my buddy just died from a brain tumor. So, people are definitely getting sick. And you need to ask them, Does your face tingle when you use your cell phone?. Do you have difficulty sleeping? Have you ever gotten nauseous using the phone? Do you feel funny when youre around wi-fi, or getting close to it? And youll be surprised  people are getting sick. For instance, I spoke to Congressman Rush. Congressman Rush has a salivary gland tumor, which Israel has associated with cell phone use. We need to stop this before they [FCC] auction the [ultra-high frequency] spectrum. Kevin Mottus, former Congressional candidate, California [on above video]

What can I do to stop this crazy plan!?

FIRST: SEND A LETTER, EMAIL OR CALL

Our friends at parentsforsafetechnology.org have put together an action page for writing, calling and emailing Congress, the FCC and others. Use this platform and templates to let them know firmly that you:

Accept their oath of office to defend the Constitution, and all of your rights. Will hold them responsible, liable and accountable if they do not stop harmful 5G technology in its tracks. Demand the 1996 Telecommunications Act be immediately repealed. (This industry-penned law took away local rights to refuse cell tower installations on health or environmental grounds.) Demand that the responsibility of electromagnetic frequency (EMF) safety standards be transferred to an independent, science based panel that represents the people. (The FCC has NO ONE who is qualified to protect the health of the people, because it was never part of their mandate.)

This is the warning shot. While all know more than letters to our reps will be needed to right the ship, this is where it starts. So do this first.

Then, to join the movement and be kept informed of organized actions going forward, be sure to subscribe your email to parentsforsafetechnology.org and to our site, takebackyourpower.net.

SECOND: GO TO YOUR REPS

Mottus is calling on everyone to go to speak with your government reps in DC  and to go in person if at all possible.

You know where the Congressmen are. You know where all of the committees are. Go. Educate them. Go like the wireless industry goes, time after time, to the FCC.

Mottus is inviting all anyone who wants to join him in DC for the next session of Congress (between September 6 to October 6), to email him at truthaction@protonmail.ch.

It is also very important to contact your local governments, to let them know that they, too, will be held individually accountable and liable. In Wheelers June 20 talk, he very clearly identified the role that local governments will play, if their plan of 5G is to be successful or not.

THIRD: ACCEPT YOUR OWN ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ENVISION THE POSITIVE OUTCOME

This is as much about standing up to the harm-doers and holding them accountable, as it is about holding yourself accountable to do the right thing. Not to take the world on your shoulders, but to do the right thing and stay connected with others who are likewise committed.

In this process, were remembering who we are, as co-creators of reality. Were accepting responsibility for the fact that we let the situation become what it is today, because of our passive trust in those who have become corrupted  but were forgiving ourselves, trusting in the greater flow, and coming together.

Though it can be painful to face the situation and accept the necessity of our action, we just have to do it. Were now seeing clearly that in order for the human species to make it through this threshold, individual rights must be protected.

It is not OK to suppress free speech. It is not OK to suppress science; whenever this happens the resulting harm is enormous. And it is not OK to prioritize power and greed above life itself.

So the only way left is to grow up, individually and as a species. When we do this  by taking responsibility and putting our Inspired Will into the world  we open the door to a future of awakening, freedom and peace for all humanity.

References:

1) Book: Captured Agency: How the Federal Communications Commission Is Dominated by the Industries It Presumably Regulates, by Norm Alster of Harvard Ethics Dept:

2) $25M US Govt study finds cellular radiation causes increase in cancer (May 2016):

http://microwavenews.com/news-center/ntp-cancer-results

3) Thousands of studies that cumulatively prove negative effects caused by wireless radiation:

http://bioinitiative.org

http://powerwatch.org.uk/science/studies.asp

http://emf-portal.de

http://justproveit.net/studies

http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/resources/resources-scientific-studies-into-the-health-effects-of-emr/

4) LeBron James remembers his spring surgery on jaw tumor: It was a nerve-racking experience

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/10/lebron_james_remembers_his_spr.html

5) Telecom and Insurance Companies Warn of Liability and Risk

http://ehtrust.org/key-issues/cell-phoneswireless/telecom-insurance-companies-warn-liability-risk-go-key-issues/

6) 34 Scientific Studies Showing Adverse Health Effects From Wi-Fi:

http://wifiinschools.org.uk/30.html

7) Radiofrequency science charts to visually compare studies, radiation intensities and biological effects:

http://www.bioinitiative.org/rf-color-charts/

8) Apple manual states to keep your iPhone away from your body at all times:

http://www.newsweek.com/iphone-6-bendgate-apple-says-your-iphone-shouldnt-go-your-pocket-avoid-273313

9) Study: Mobile phones are cooking mens sperm:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/12167957/Mobile-phones-are-cooking-mens-sperm.html

10) Brain surgeon Dr Charlie Teo warns against mobiles, wireless home appliances:

http://www.news.com.au/technology/brain-surgeon-dr-charlie-teo-warns-against-mobiles-home-appliances/story-e6frfro0-1225791947213

11) American Academy of Pediatrics warns: Limit childrens exposure to cellphones:

http://www.today.com/video/pediatricians-warn-limit-childrens-exposure-to-cellphones-559871555807

12) More than 60 international warnings on Wi-Fi and microwave radiation:

http://www.safeinschool.org/2011/01/international-warnings-on-wi-fi.html

13) A List of Teacher Unions and Parent Teacher Organizations Taking Action On Wi-Fi (USA, Canada, UK, etc):

http://safetechforschoolsmaryland.blogspot.com/2016/02/teacher-unions-and-parent-teacher.html

14) TED Talk on smart meter harm, from a former Environmental Engineer in Silicon Valley:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0NEaPTu9oI

15) Insurance giant Swiss RE has given electromagnetic frequencies the highest possible long-term risk rating:

https://takebackyourpower.net/major-insurance-firm-swiss-re-warns-of-large-losses-from-unforeseen-consequences-of-wireless-technologies/

16) Another insurance giant, Lloyds of London, will not insure anything wireless:

http://www.naturalhealth365.com/wi-fi-radiation-electromagnetic-fields-lloyds-of-london-1356.html

17) Risk Management Magazine  The Invisible Threat: Radiofrequency Radiation Risk

http://www.rmmagazine.com/2010/08/01/the-invisible-threat-radiofrequency-radiation-risk/

18) US CDC retracts cellphone radiation warning following pressure from industry lobbyists:

http://microwavenews.com/news-center/caution-vs-precaution

19) WHO involved in suppression of additional science showing harm, since 2011:

https://takebackyourpower.net/tag/who/

20) Study Uncovers How Electromagnetic Fields Amplify Pain in Amputees

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2016/2/3-31891_Study-Uncovers-How-Electromagnetic-Fields-Amplify-_story-wide.html

21) CEO of 1 Billion-dollar U.K. company speaks out on microwave sickness:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4DKNs0G2kU

22) Dozens of specific scientific abstracts that all show harm:

http://emfsafetynetwork.org/shortcut-to-science/

23) Solutions: Reducing Wirelesss Radiation and EMF:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWCk7RYGGS4

24) Solutions: Reducing Your EMF Exposure:

http://www.emfanalysis.com/solutions-interview/

25) How to Install Wired Internet in Your Home:

http://www.emfanalysis.com/how-to-install-wired-internet-in-your-home/

Josh del Sol is the director and producer of Take Back Your Power, a revelatory documentary feature film uncovering the worldwide smart metering and grid agenda. Watch the film and subscribe to updates at www.takebackyourpower.net, and follow him via twitter @TBYPfilm.
Most parents (not all) think the best place for their students to do homework is quietly at a desk...
Media Kinnect has been awarded the digital mandate for Indiabulls Housing Finance, the 2nd largest housing finance company in India, in a multi-agency pitch.

The agencys understanding of the sector coupled with the creative thoughts and strategic approach towards media buying/planning was the decisive factor for the win.

The mandate includes Digital Media buying/planning, creative strategy, social media, SEO, video production, and strategic 3rd party digital tie-ups across platforms.

The relationship kicked off with a digital first campaign for their latest technology led product innovation - Indiabulls e-Home Loans, an end-to-end online home loan service. With this every stage of the home loan process is now digitized, meeting the needs of the future ready customer for whom convenience is key.

The campaign #HomeClickHome has been conceptualized to launch the innovative product. The campaign will primarily be a video led campaign, where customers are directed to the landing page where they could experience/apply for their e-home loan. This landing page will be promoted with strategic media spend across SEM, display, video and social.

Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd. (IBHFL), a part of the Indiabulls Group, is the 2nd largest housing finance company in India. It is a AAA rated company having serviced more than 8 lakh customers since inception. The company today has disbursed over Rs. 1.3 lakh crore of loans and is known for its customer first approach & ease of availing home loans.

Media Kinnect is an independent media arm of Social Kinnect with the primary focus of online media planning, buying and creative strategy a unit which is heavily ROI driven and provides performance based buying by using the most efficient forms of digital media. They leverage new media technologies like programmatic, dynamic retargeting, audience pooling, and will continue to adopt, test and implement various forms of such emerging technologies. Their clients include PNB MetLife, LODHA, Abbott, Zee TV, HDFC Ergo amongst many more.
The Australian Department of Defence today confirmed BAE Systems Australia and Land 400 bid partner Patria as one of two tenders selected to take part in the 12-month Risk Mitigation Activity for the Australian Army's Land 400 Phase 2 combat reconnaissance vehicle programme.





BAE Systems Australia has offered the AMV35  Patrias modern, agile, highly protected military-off-the-shelf Armoured Modular Vehicle integrated with the combat-proven E35 turret from BAE Systems Hagglunds.



BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips said: BAE Systems will produce the AMV35 in Australia if we are selected as the successful tender. This will secure and retain in-country capability and contribute significantly to the Australian economy throughout the expected 30-plus year life and sustainment of the vehicles.



Our three test vehicles are built and ready for the Australian Defence Forces test and evaluation program. Our team is now focused on maturing our in-country manufacturing plans to ensure we provide the Australian Army with the best capability while also delivering the maximum economic benefit across our Australian supply chains.



Mika Kari, President of Patrias Land business said: BAE Systems and Patria have together developed a great solution for Australian soldiers and the Australian economy. We are now in a position for the AMV35 to be evaluated, continue our partnership with BAE Systems and forge stronger links with Australian industry.



BAE Systems is committed to embedding as much Australian industry content in this vehicle as possible and to helping grow local industrial capability, with the manufacturing, technology and intellectual capability transitioning to an Australian production line.



Both Patria and BAE Systems Hagglunds have transferred technology involved in the production of the AMV and the E35 turret to several other countries, successfully demonstrating capability transfer and the in-country economic advantages this brings, including long term sustainment, upgrade and maintenance activities.



SAAB defence products feature as sub-systems in the AMV35 vehicle and weapon system. In July 2015, SAAB Australia and BAE Systems Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing both organisations to collaborate to maximise Australian industry involvement and further develop Australian capability through the Land 400 project



The announcement was made by the Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, today.



BAE Systems Australia has offered the AMV35  Patrias modern, agile, highly protected military-off-the-shelf Armoured Modular Vehicle integrated with the combat-proven E35 turret from BAE Systems Hagglunds.



BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips said: BAE Systems will produce the AMV35 in Australia if we are selected as the successful tender. This will secure and retain in-country capability and contribute significantly to the Australian economy throughout the expected 30-plus year life and sustainment of the vehicles.



Our three test vehicles are built and ready for the Australian Defence Forces test and evaluation program. Our team is now focussed on maturing our in-country manufacturing plans to ensure we provide the Australian Army with the best capability while also delivering the maximum economic benefit across our Australian supply chains.



Mika Kari, President of Patrias Land business said: BAE Systems and Patria have together developed a great solution for Australian soldiers and the Australian economy. We are now in a position for the AMV35 to be evaluated, continue our partnership with BAE Systems and forge stronger links with Australian industry.



BAE Systems is committed to embedding as much Australian industry content in this vehicle as possible and to helping grow local industrial capability, with the manufacturing, technology and intellectual capability transitioning to an Australian production line.



Both Patria and BAE Systems Hagglunds have transferred technology involved in the production of the AMV and the E35 turret to several other countries, successfully demonstrating capability transfer and the in-country economic advantages this brings, including long term sustainment, upgrade and maintenance activities.



SAAB defence products feature as sub-systems in the AMV35 vehicle and weapon system. In July 2015, SAAB Australia and BAE Systems Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing both organisations to collaborate to maximise Australian industry involvement and further develop Australian capability through the Land 400 project.
NORAD, NORTHCOM, Mexican Air Force coordinate on illicit-flight exercise

The early morning call came through the command center here near Peterson Air Force Base on July 27 -- a simulated illicit flight was heading out of the United States to Mexico.



"We have at least two individuals on a watch list, with cash and weapons destined for Merida, Mexico," the Transportation Security Administration representative at North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command said on the call. "Aircraft is currently south of Corpus Christi, 10 miles heading south."



In the command center, communications in English and Spanish wafted through the air, as U.S. officials and members of the Mexican Air Force tracked the movement of the illicit flight.



The U.S. government monitored the flight over the skies of Texas before handing off the tracking to Mexico as the flight entered Mexican airspace. In the afternoon, the same plane headed back from Mexico to the United States, this time with Mexico monitoring the flight and then handing off the tracking to the United States.



The live-fly event was part of Amalgam Eagle 16, a tactical exercise between the U.S. and Mexico aimed at strengthening information sharing and response cooperation for real-life scenarios, NORAD and NORTHCOM officials said.



Cooperation critical in complex exercise



Participants were in federal agency locations in the U.S. and in command centers here and in Mexico City. U.S. agency participants included U.S. Customs and Border Protection, TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration.



The simulated real-world scenario was complex and involved many moving parts, explained Joseph Bonnet, the director of joint training and exercises for NORAD and NORTHCOM.



"Amalgam Eagle is important because it is a mechanism to build trust and mutual confidence for the United States and Mexico," he said.



"It also has served to improve our partner's capacity and capabilities and broaden their participation across their interagency and whole of government," Bonnet said. "That makes us all stronger."



The exercise highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation, intelligence sharing and coordination with partners in the defense of the homeland, Bonnet said. Mexico is an important partner in that mission, as is Canada, he noted.



Bonnet said the Amalgam Eagle exercise, now in its third year, has grown each time, with Mexico taking responsibility for about half of the exercise this year.



A NORAD and NORTHCOM official pointed out how interoperability of communications systems was key in the exercise, allowing the U.S. and Mexico to communicate in two languages.



Those systems are vital in exercises like this and in real-world scenarios, as those programs can be applied in a number of languages to allow for communications with other international partners, the official said.



Protecting the homeland



The exercise provided valuable experience in working with partners both in the U.S and in Mexico, said Air Force Lt. Col. Chris Power, the deputy division chief of NORAD operations support.



"Mexico shares a border with the U.S., a very critical border, so it is important to us to keep up good relations with our partners to the south," Power said.



He pointed out that Mexico used some new communication tools for the first time during this exercise. It was a great opportunity to practice information sharing, he said.



"Personally, it is good to see that our Mexican partners are just as passionate about defending the homelands as we are, as well as our partner to the north in Canada," he said.
ANG, Romanian AF partnership soars over Campia Turzii

Thousands of Romanian and European spectators marveled at aerial acrobatics in the skies and combat capability displays on the ground during an air show and open house at Campia Turzii, July 23.



For the women and men of the Romanian Air Force's 71st Air Base and the U.S. Air Force's 194th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, the event marked a milestone in their ongoing mission to foster interoperability and strengthen the partnership between the two countries.



The aviation demonstration took place during the middle of the 194th EFS's six-monthslong theater security package deployment to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which aims to bolster the U.S.'s continued commitment to the collective security of NATO and its dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.



The unit was comprised of more than 200 California Air National Guard Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno ANG Base, California, as well as active-duty Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Airmen piloted, maintained and supported the deployment of 12 F-15C Eagles throughout nations including Romania, Iceland, U.K., Netherlands and Estonia.



"It's important that our two great air forces fly and train together face to face," said Maj. Gen. Jon Kelk, the ANG mobilization assistant to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander and the commander, chief of staff of the California ANG. "We can develop plans and strategies, but if the Romanian pilots are here and the U.S. pilots are here and we're not flying and training together, we're missing something. This exercise is a bilateral example for the U.S. and Romanian air forces that we are able to fly and train together face to face, and we all bring something unique and valuable to this training event."



The F-15Cs took to the skies alongside the 71st AB's MiG-21 fighter aircraft and Puma helicopters for the air show, the second engagement of its kind at Campia Turzii under OAR, and the bilateral flight training, also known as Dacian Eagle 2016.



"Dacian Eagle 2016 continued the tradition of the bilateral Romanian-American exercises conducted at the 71st AB," said Romanian Air Force Col. Marius Ouatu, the 71st AB commander. "The purpose of this exercise is increasing the level of preparedness and interoperability of the participants. The exercise is an opportunity for practicing the techniques, tactics and procedures associated with standard air operations in accordance with NATO standards through the execution of joint flights with our American partner."



Kelk added that the participation in Dacian Eagle as well as the air show happened within a broader context of transatlantic operations, and that the emphasis on training was paramount.



"We learn from each other and how to operate together and in this day and age; interoperability is key to the larger goals of the NATO alliance," the general said. "These training deployments enable us to learn the capabilities of our aircraft and their aircraft, but more importantly, how we can take those aircraft and use them together to meet our objectives."



USAFE-AFAFRICA maintains its global presence based upon the total force cooperation among the active-duty, National Guard and Air Force Reserve components.



Additionally, the National Guard State Partnership Program, which includes theater security package deployments, provides support for combatant commanders security cooperation objectives. The current 32 SPP relationships among the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command equal a fifth of all military-to-military activities within both theaters. USAFE-AFAFRICA leverages this interaction to promote airpower and increase interoperability with allies and partners in Europe and Africa.



Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the deputy adjutant general of the California Military Department, also attended the event.

"I think what we've learned today is that American fighters and Romanian fighters can fly and train together in this environment," Beevers said. "We're here today to reassure everyone across Europe that NATO, the American Air Force and the Romanian Air Force can work together cooperatively to deliver high value and demonstrate we have a good deterrent effect across Europe to deter aggression and reassure our partners."
Australian officials confirmed on Thursday that data recovered from a home flight simulator owned by the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 showed that someone had used the device to plot a course to the southern Indian Ocean, where the missing jet is believed to have crashed.



There has been confusion over exactly what was found on Capt. Zaharie Ahmad Shahs flight simulator since New York Magazine reported last week that an FBI analysis of the device showed Zaharie had conducted a simulated flight to the southern Indian Ocean less than a month before the plane vanished along a similar route. The magazine cited the discovery as strong evidence that the disappearance was a premeditated act of mass murder-suicide at the hands of the captain.

Malaysia immediately rejected the report as false. Malaysias national police chief, Khalid Abu Bakar said Malaysian police had never handed any document or information to any authority abroad including the FBI  a perplexing statement, given that Malaysias own transport minister confirmed two years ago that Malaysia was working with the FBI to analyze data from the simulators hard drives.

Adding to the confusion, Australias Joint Agency Coordination Center  which is overseeing the search for the plane off Australias west coast  subsequently issued a vague statement that seemed to imply such a route had been found on Zaharies machine. The agency then cautioned that evidence of the route did not prove that Zaharie had planned to steer the plane off course and showed only the possibility of planning for such an event.
It shocks animal lovers like us that, when the world over people are realising the futility and cruelty in keeping animals captive and demanding the closure of Zoos, the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan also known as Byculla Zoo in Mumbai has gone ahead with the plan to import Humboldt Penguins, Otters and set up an aquarium that requires a mindboggling 2.4 million litres!! The animals dont belong from tropical climate like ours, and the effort being taken to create similar environment for them is nothing but shocking.

Maharashtra is a state prone to drought, and has been constantly struggling with water woes. Against an average recommended supply of 135 litres per consumer per day (lpcd), the BMC supplies only 90 lpcd, rural consumers receive 25 lpcd water. Last year 3,228 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra the highest in 20 years, taking the total number of farmers taking their own lives since 1995 above the 60,000 mark, the highest in any state of India. Even today, despite good monsoon the city is experiencing 20 to 40 per cent water cuts. The Byculla Ward, where the proposed facility is located has been experiencing 30 per cent water cuts for the last 4 months, and experiences severe flooding during the shortest spells of rains. And in a state like this, the government wants to set up new facilities for animals hugely dependent on water and power?

This year, the government banned use of swimming pools, stopped water supply to malls. The Bombay High Court had asked BCCI to shift IPL matches out of Maharashtra  all because of sever water scarcity. When the next crisis hits, water will have to be judiciously distributed among people.

Extensive air-conditioning is required for the upkeep of penguins and I suspect that it will be in excess of 30 tonnes atleast. And the power situation in the state is no better. Despite the government and private power producers arranging an additional supply of 700MW of power, the shortage in peak season in Maharashtra is expected to increase by 25% from the current figure of 4,400-4,500MW to 5,400- 5,500MW. Which means, against the states power requirement, areas could selectively be without power for over 15 hours a day! At the proposed facility, I have personally clicked pictures of air-conditioning of a high order being installed in the zoo. Since Maharashtra is witnessing power shortage and relying on states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Jharkhand why has the government given a nod for this project? And when power cuts become the norm, will the governments priorities be penguins and fishes or farmers and voters? Do visit the Byculla zoo premises and see the state of enclosures, facilities and the infrastructure being set up exclusively for the penguins, and the situation there is nothing but dismal.

(This is the first part of the article and the remaining portion will continue tomorrow)

Anand Siva / S. Krishna kumar

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
They demanded an apology from shopkeepers for hurting their religious sentiments.

Parsis held demonstrations for the first time at Heera Panna Shopping centre, Haji Ali to protest against shopkeepers for selling shoes containing the pendant of holy angel Asho Farohar. They also chanted slogans against shopkeepers and tried to disrupt their business. Shopkeepers were forced to shut their shops for an hour for hurting the religious sentiments of members belonging to Parsi community. They also demanded an apology from shopkeepers.

Zenobia Khodaiji, patron member of Red Swastik Society said, We are deeply upset with the misuse of our Zoroastrian religious symbols. After reaching the shop we were shocked to watch Asho Farohar pendants attached on male shoes. All the members of our community condemn this issue and we have asked them to tender an apology. Shorn of all mystic ornamentation the symbol of Farohar actually depicts the Concept of Creation. Farohar is our Prototype and is our Guardian Angel residing in the Spiritual World. How can they display such shoes in their shops? They have hurt our religious sentiments and degraded Asho Farohar, she added.

Faravahar or Asho Farohar is said to be a reminder of ones purpose in life, which is to live in such a way that the soul progresses towards frasho-kereti, or union with Ahura Mazda, the supreme divinity in Zoroastrianism. The word faravahar actually is Pahlavi, or Middle Persian. It derives from ancient Iranian (Avestan) word fravarane which means I choose. The choice is that of the Good, or the Good Religion of Zarathushtra.

Earlier also, an e-commerce site had found itself in trouble after images of doormats containing Hindu deities photos were displayed on its website. Netizens soon started a campaign to boycott the e-commerce platform as it had to remove those products from its website.

Declining Parsi population in the city

Parsis population in India fell by 18% in the 2001-2011 decade and dropped to just a little over 57,000, according to Census 2011. In the 2001 census they numbered around 69,000. While Parsis expected the number to fall, the drop is even more drastic than most predicted. This is the sharpest fall in the communitys population after 1981 when the census reported a 27% fall over the previous decade.

While the population in Maharashtra has fallen by 9,885, Gujarat has seen a relatively smaller decline of 1,867. Delhi and Haryana, however, have seen a tiny increase of 19 people and 59 people respectively. The difference between men and women is almost insignificant. The number of Parsi men declined by 17% and women by 18%. The earliest Parsis came to the subcontinent more than 1,000 years ago from Persia where they flourished until the advent of Islam. Over the centuries, they maintained their distinct customs but integrated themselves into Indian society.
Renowned Bengali author and activist Mahasweta Devi passed away, leaving behind a formidable literary legacy that focused on the lives of marginalised communities. A strong woman of my country, who never hesitated to speak upfront, she had the guts to call a spade a spade. She was always busy and cared least for glamour or that attention. She was very humble but never allowed anyone to waste her time. Her writings have deep impact on readers. At the same time, she was a social activist.

Devi had recently been spearheading the movement against the industrial policy of the West Bengal government, the state of her domicile. She built her status for truthfulness and courage by standing her ground and speaking her mind in the face which annoy and put pressure for those in power. However, this reputation was soiled in the last five years.

Specifically, she had stridently criticised confiscation of large tracts of fertile agricultural land from farmers by the government and ceding the land to industrial houses at throwaway prices. She had connected the policy to the commercialisation of Shanti Niketan of Rabindranath Tagore, where she had spent her formative years. Her lead resulted in a number of intellectuals, artists, writers and theatre workers joining together in protest of the controversial policy and particularly its implementation in Singur and Nandigram. She was a supporter of Budhan Theatre  the theatre group of Chhara Denotified Tribals of Gujarat.

After the 2006 Singur movement lead by Mamata Banerjee, the author, over 80 years of age at the time, became an advisor to the Trinamool leader, who turned to her regularly for guidance. Devi was also easily the tallest figure in the group of intellectuals who stood by Mamata at the time. She spent years researching, writing on and campaigning for welfare activities for the tribals of Bengal, especially the Lodha and Shabar communities. Though, Mahasweta Devi was a bitter critic of the Left for the past 10 years, her intellectual moorings were initially with the Left. Arguably her most-famous book, Hajar Churashir Maa (Mother No 1084) was based on the mother of a Naxalite in the tumultuous 70s in Kolkata and was made into a popular Bollywood movie starring Jaya Bachchan.

She was awarded the Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith awards for literary excellence. Devi helped tribals and the rural dispossessed in organising themselves in groups so that they could take up development activities in their own areas. She founded several grassroots level societies for the welfare of tribals.

She was born in 1926 in Dhaka, now in Bangladesh, to literary parents. Her father, Manish Ghatak, was a well-known poet and novelist of the Kallol movement, had used the pseudonym Jubanashwa. Ghataks brother was noted filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak. Mahaswetas mother, Dharitri Devi, was also a writer and a social worker whose brothers were very distinguished in various fields.

Mahaswetas first schooling was in Dhaka, but after the partition of India she moved to West Bengal in India. She joined the Rabindranath Tagore-founded Vishvabharati University in Shanti Niketan and completed a B.A. (Hons) in English, and then finished an M.A. in English at Calcutta University. She later married renowned playwright Bijon Bhattacharya, who was one of the founding fathers of the IPTA movement. In 1948, she gave birth to Nabarun Bhattacharya, one of Bengals and Indias leading novelists, whose works have been noted for their intellectual vigour and philosophical flavour. Devi got divorced from Bijon Bhattacharya in 1959. She had her personal side too. She was a lady who dared to walk out of a troubled marriage to a famous personality in order to make her own space for her writing and creativity. Journey was not easy as she had to go through social dishonour, and people were not kind to her for taking such a bold decision. Devi was unaccepted and disowned by many. She worked at various places for a livelihood; any how she used to manage her maintenance. She lived with the pain and loss of being severed from her only child. Her relationship with her son always remained complex and troubled.

With all odds, she made space for herself. She lived her life to the fullest and she dared to fullfill her dreams and left for heavenly abode by giving so much intellectual treasure to others.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
MUMBAI: A MCOCA court on Thursday convicted twelve accused and acquitted ten in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case. Among the 12 convicted is key LeT operative and 26/11 plotter Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari, alias Abu Jundal. The MCOCA court said that this was a larger conspiracy to strike terror and they (accused) were calling it jihad.

Abu Jundal and others found guilty in 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case by MCOCA court in Mumbai  ANI (@ANI_news) July 28, 2016

The MCOCA court said that this was a conspiracy after 2002 Gujarat riots to eliminate the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and VHPs Pravin Togadia.

On May 8 2006, a Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested three terror suspects on Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad and apprehended three terror suspects and seized 30 kg of RDX and 10 AK-47 assault rifles.

The special court framed charges against the accused in August 2013.

However, the trial was stayed by the Supreme Court for a temporary period after one the accused challenged the constitutional validity of certain provisions of MCOCA. The stay was later lifted in 2009.

(With Agency Inputs)
One of the key plotters of 26/11 Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal and 11 others were on Thursday convicted by a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case. The court acquitted eight others in the case while trial of two accused have been separated.



The MCOCA court said that this was a larger conspiracy to strike terror and they (accused) were calling it jihad.

Special MCOCA Judge Shrikant Anekar delivered the verdict after final arguments in the case concluded recently following a ten-year-long wait. The court also dropped MCOCA charges in the case, in which 22 people, including Lashkar-e-Toiba operative Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, were arrested.

The MCOCA court upheld the prosecutions claim that this was a conspiracy after 2002 Gujarat riots to eliminate then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi and VHP leader Praveen Togadia.

Based on a tip-off, the plan was foiled by a team of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). On May 8, 2006, the squad chased a Tata Sumo and a Tata Indica car on Chandwad-Manmad Highway near Aurangabad and arrested three terror suspects  Mohammed Aamir Shakil Ahmed, Mohammed Juber Sayyed Anwar and Abdul Azeem Abdul Jameel Shaikh alias Raja  who were in the Tata Sumo.

The Tata Indica car, which was allegedly driven by Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal currently in Arthur Road jail for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack, had under mysterious circumstances managed to escape the ATS team that was chasing them.

On May 8, 2006, a Maharashtra ATS team arrested three terror suspects and seized 30kg of RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets after chasing 2 cars on the Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad.

Jundal, a Lashkar operative, was at the time apparently driving one of the cars and got away. The terrorist, who hails from the Beed district of Maharashtra, is said to have driven to Malegaon, after which police say he escaped to Bangladesh and then Pakistan.

He was deported to India from Saudi Arabia in 2012. Later, charges were framed against the arrested accused in August 2013. During the trial, the prosecution examined 100 witnesses while defence lawyers examined 16.

The trial was stayed by the Supreme Court for a while after one of the accused challenged constitutional validity of certain provisions of MCOCA. The stay was vacated in 2009. In August last year, the Bombay High Court directed the lower court to expedite the trial.
Turkey has ordered the closure of scores of media outlets and discharged 149 generals as part of a deepening crackdown that followed the failed coup earlier this month, official sources said.

According to a government decree published in Turkeys official gazette, the closure involves three news agencies, 16 television stations, 23 radio stations, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers.

The decree did not give the names of those media outlets to be closed but according to a list obtained by the CNN-Turk channel they include mainly provincial titles but also some well-known national media.

These include the Cihan news agency, the pro-Kurdish IMC TV and the opposition daily newspaper Taraf.

Also to be shut are the Zaman newspaper and its English-language sister publication, Todays Zaman, which, like Cihan, were part of a holding linked to the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen until being put into state administration earlier this year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Gulen, a former ally, of masterminding the failed July 15-16 coup, a claim the cleric has vehemently denied.

Crackdown on army

Confirming the government decree, a Turkish official said the discharged army commanders included 87 generals in the land army, 30 from the air force and 32 admirals.

CNN-Turk said a total of 1,684 military personnel had been discharged since the botched attempt to remove Erdogan from power.

Turkey declared a three-month state of emergency and detained more than 13,000 people in the military, judiciary and other institutions following the foiled coup.

Under the state of emergency, Turkish authorities can hold suspects in detention without charge for up to 30 days before they are taken to a judge to decide whether to remand them in custody.

In an interview with FRANCE 24 last Saturday, Erdogan said the emergency powers were necessary to cure his country of separatist terrorist organisations, which he likened to a cancer.

But the wave of arrests has alarmed Turkeys NATO allies and European leaders, amid fears the Turkish president may be exploiting the fallout from the failed coup to crack down on dissenting voices.

Turkey to close all army high schools

The Turkish government is also set to issue another decree to close down military high schools and restructure war academies in the wake of the failed coup attempt.

After the publication of the new decree on Thursday, all military high schools will be shut, and all cadets will be transferred to regular state schools, Al Jazeera Turk reported on Wednesday citing government sources.

A total of 8,651 soldiers took part in the failed coup attempt and 1,214 of these soldiers were military students, according to the Turkish military.

(With Agency/Al Jazeera/France 24 Inputs)








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Religious intolerance has now spread among all countries in the world. Minorities are facing discrimination in almost every part of the world. Evil people are found among all communities and they always spoil the true face of their religion or community. Majority of Chinese are humanity lovers and support all religions. But some of them are hurting religious sentiments of minorities by putting several restrictions upon them. It should not be happen in such powerful state.

China has huge number of Muslim population around 21millions. Since last few years, Chinese Muslims are facing discrimination while performing their religious prayers. Many Muslims from all over the world condemned news of such discrimination and urge UN to take action against this abhorrent act.

Muslims are banned to carry out obligatory religious practices that include fasting and growing beards in some parts of China. So called Muslim terrorist organizations are provoking Chinese Muslims to stand against Non-Muslims to attain their rights.

According to recent media reports, some of the Chinese Muslims are joining ISIS in Iraq and Syria after having religious restrictions in China. They are developing hatred towards other religions after experiencing restrictions. Religious intolerance has destroyed many countries across the world. Hence, China must take necessary actions to keep harmony among the nation.

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited Mosque in Muslim majority area of Western china and denies all charges that give rise to discrimination towards Muslims. He further said: Muslims should practice their religion and carry forward the patriotic tradition. Muslims must oppose illegal religious infiltration activities.

In past few years, China has also faced terrorist attacks like other countries. In 2011, 65 people were dead in deadly attack in western city of Kashgar. Just three years later, a mass knife attack happened at the Kunming Railway Station that resulted into 29 deaths and 130 injuries. All these attacks were conducted by Muslim extremists.

Chinese government is planning hard to keep harmony among all religious sects living in China. Now, our world must be free from this torment of terrorism and let the people live with love and peace.
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2016 - A streams potential for small-scale, run of river hydropower can now be assessed by a new computer modeling package developed by a team of engineers at Oregon State University (OSU). Run of the river hydropower is one where little or no water storage is provided.

The free, open source software program will allow engineers and policy makers to make better decisions about hydropower development and investment, both in the U.S. and around the world, say the researchers.

Small-scale hydropower continues to be popular because it can be developed with fairly basic and cost-competitive technology, the team says, and does not require large dams or reservoirs to function. The researchers say this is an option to produce electricity thats of special importance in the developing world.

These types of run-of-river hydropower developments have a special value in some remote, mountainous regions where electricity is often scarce or unavailable, says Kendra Sharp, professor in humanitarian engineering at OSU. There are parts of northern Pakistan, for instance, where about half of rural homes dont have access to electricity, and systems such as this are one of the few affordable ways to produce it. The strength of this system is that it will be simple for people to use, and its pretty accurate even though it can work with limited data on the ground.

One of the most basic approaches to develop small-scale hydropower is to divert part of a stream into a holding basin, which contains a self-cleaning screen that prevents larger debris, insects, fish and objects from entering the system. The diverted water is then channeled to and fed through a turbine at a lower elevation before returning the water to the stream.

The modeling system does not require data that is often unavailable in foreign countries or remote locations and it is easy to use, say the researchers. Importantly, the program can consider hydropower potential not only in the present, but also in the future  as projected changes in climate and stream runoff occur, the researchers say.

Learn about the benefits of subscribing to Agri-Pulse. Sign up for your four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription.





Most previous tools used to assess specific sites for their small-scale hydropower potential have not been able to consider the impacts of future changes in weather and climate, the team says, and are far too dependent on data that is often unavailable in developing nations.

Findings on the new assessment tool have been published in Renewable Energy, in work supported by the National Science Foundation.

To request a copy of the software, contact Kendra.sharp@oregonstate.edu

#30

For more news, go to:
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2016 - Primary energy consumption fell slightly in 2015 as a decline in coal use exceeded increases in natural gas, petroleum and renewables use, says a report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). In most cases, changes between 2014 and 2015 reflect longer-term trends in energy use, says EIA.

Coal consumption declined by more than 12 percent in 2015, says EIA, and it is now at its lowest level since 1982. Coal supplied 16 percent of total U.S. primary energy use in 2015, down from 18 percent in 2014, the report shows. Nearly all coal is used for electricity generation.

As domestic natural gas production continues to reach record levels, natural gas prices have remained low and natural gas consumption increased more than any other energy source in 2015, says EIA, accounting for 29 percent of total primary energy consumption. EIA says the low natural gas prices have led to increased use of natural gas-fired generators in the electric power sector.

Lower gasoline and diesel prices led to increased vehicle travel. U.S. petroleum consumption grew by 2 percent in 2015, EIA says. Exports of U.S. petroleum products also continued to grow, driven largely by demand in South and Central America, the report says. Exports were up 467,000 barrels per day from 2014, to 4.3 million barrels per day.

Like what you see here? Agri-Pulse subscribers get our Daily Harvest email and Daybreak audio Monday through Friday mornings, a 16-page newsletter on Wednesdays, and access to premium content on our ag and rural policy website. Sign up for your four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription.





Renewable fuels use continued to grow in 2015, the report shows, especially in the electric power sector. Both wind and solar generation expanded significantly, says EIA, growing by 31 percent and 5 percent, respectively, in 2015. Increases in wind and solar were slightly offset by a decline in hydroelectric generation, which fell for the fourth consecutive year because of drought conditions on the West Coast.

Several nuclear plants were retired in 2013 and 2014. Nuclear electric power remained relatively flat in 2015, the EIA report shows. No nuclear plants were retired or came online in 2015, EIA says.

#30

For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com
July 27, 2016

BAGHDAD, Iraq  Iraqi parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri suddenly announced July 17 the formation of a parliamentary committee tasked with amending the country's constitution. While this is not the first time that calls have been made to amend the Iraqi Constitution, no serious steps had been taken.

Although Article 142 of the constitution defines the mechanisms and methods for amending the constitution, differences have prevented the parliament's political blocs from doing so. They have not managed to reach the consensus required to hold a referendum on amendments to the constitution.

In 2006, the Iraqi parliament formed another committee tasked with amending the constitution. But this committee failed to reach a final agreement on the articles that need to be changed. In 2010, parliament chose not form a similar committee despite the fact that Article 142 of the constitution provides for the formation of a parliamentary committee to amend the constitution.

Surprisingly, Jabouri called upon the parliamentary blocs July 17 to field candidates for membership in the constitutional amendment committee amid a major political and popular split over several issues. Chief among these are reform, governmental change, the formation of regions, disputed areas, Federal (Supreme) Court matters, the provinces, oil and gas, the National Guard and the ongoing war with the Islamic State (IS).

The parliament's political blocs have different views regarding both the importance and timing of the formation of the committee and the articles that should be amended, especially considering that these blocs have come to know which articles and paragraphs have worked and which ones have not during the 11 years in which the constitution has been implemented. It should be noted that some articles still have not even been implemented yet. Chief among these is Article 140, which stipulates the normalization of the situation between Arabs, Kurds and Turkmens in disputed areas, such as the province of Kirkuk.

Raad al-Dahlaki, a parliamentarian for the National Forces Alliance and member of the Legal Committee, told Al-Monitor, "The task of drafting or amending the constitution is not the preserve of the political class alone, as this is an issue that involves society as well; hence the need for the constitutional amendment committee to include politicians, artists, athletes, actors and other segments of society so that the constitution could truly reflect the community."

He added, "Limiting the constitutional amendment process to political blocs will create the need to amend the constitution whenever a new parliament is elected."

Dahlaki said that the constitution needs amendment at the level of the "transitional articles, and the articles that define the identity of Iraq must be revised so that Iraq's Arab identity is ensured. Also, the powers of the prime minister should be reduced and divided between the president and the speaker of the parliament.

Reform Front parliament member Muhammad Saihood said the attempts to amend the constitution have repeatedly failed due to the sectarian quotas that are behind all of the country's problems. Saihood told Al-Mada Press on July 20, "The Front is behind the idea to form a committee to amend the constitution. This time around, we will not let those seeking to take quotas obstruct our work and the amendments will pass because the front enjoys a majority in parliament."

National Alliance parliamentarian Salim Shawqi told Al-Monitor, "The formation of a committee to amend the constitution is stipulated by the constitution and the Iraqi parliament is obliged to form this committee."

"There are controversial articles such as Article 140, which is related to Kirkuk, and others related to the method of forming regions, the powers of the president, the sharing of financial resources, the sharing of power, the law of provinces, the issue of multiple citizenship and the personal status law."

The Kurdistan Alliance bloc opposes amending the constitution despite its desire for at least Article 140 to be amended. The article provides for the holding of referendum in Kirkuk to have it annexed to the Kurdistan region by the end of 2007; however, some believe this date needs to be changed as it is badly outdated.

Zana Roustaa, a parliamentarian with the Kurdistan Alliance bloc who was nominated for the membership of the Iraqi constitutional amendment committee, told the Rudaw network July 18, "Some Arab parliamentarians are proposing to amend the Iraqi Constitution, which provides for a good part of the rights of the Kurdish people."

He indicated that some believe the Kurds have too many rights "and are asking for the amendment of the constitution out of regret" of the rights' being granted. He said Kurds oppose any alteration of their rights, and as a result, "The Kurdish blocs do not want the constitution to be amended."

According to Article 142, a referendum on amended articles shall be successful if approved by the majority of voters nationally and if not rejected by two-thirds of the voters in three or more governorates. Otherwise, the amendments are deemed null and a new parliamentary committee is to be formed to discuss the articles in question. This means that even if 15 provinces approve the amendments, but two-thirds of the voters of the other three provinces reject the amendments (there are 18 Iraqi provinces), then the amendments fail to become the law of the land.

Also, the constitution stipulates that the amendments must be made with the consent of all the members of the parliamentary constitutional amendment committee. In other words, these conditions make the constitution amendment process a very difficult task. Add to this the deep differences over Kirkuk; the powers of the president, the prime minister and the speaker of the parliament; the provinces; dual citizenship; the personal status law; the transformation of the parliamentary system into a presidential one and the description and identification of the state. Even the preamble of the constitution is disputed.

This all requires from the parliamentary constitution amendment committee a great deal of time, a set of political compromises and perhaps a series of historical compromises that would have to enjoy popular near unanimity at a time when the conflicting parties in Iraq do not seem to be willing to make such compromises.
July 28, 2016

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a dinner party on July 10 in Jerusalem to honor Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who had come to Israel in a first visit of its kind since 2007. Shoukry accepted Netanyahus demand for help from Egypt to return the Israeli missing soldiers held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to a July 11 article posted on the website of the Hebrew-language Channel Arabil.

But with the deteriorating bilateral relations between Egypt and Hamas due to the latters ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, some questions are perplexing observers. How can Hamas count on Egypt to be a mediator between the movement and Israel? Can the current Egyptian regime help Israel retrieve its missing people? Which is the alternative state for Egypt that could play the role of mediator between Hamas and Israel to conclude a new prisoner exchange deal?

Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas military wing, posted on April 1 photos of four Israelis who it is reportedly detaining, including photos of soldiers Shaul Aaron and Hadar Goldin. While Hamas has claimed they were taken captive during the last Israeli war on Gaza, Israel maintains that both were killed in battle and Hamas is holding their remains.

To even consider a new exchange deal, Hamas first wants Israel to free the Palestinian detainees that it had rearrested after their release as part of the Gilad Shalit exchange deal in October 2011. Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar addressed Israel during Hamas celebration of its 28th anniversary in Gaza on Dec. 14, 2015, saying, You must free the detainees who were released as part of the Gilad Shalit deal. We will not speak another word about this issue unless they are released and unless you vow that this will never happen again.

Hamas is keeping mum about the issue. When Al-Monitor tried to talk to some of its leaders, they avoided the topic. Only one official agreed to give some details, on condition of anonymity.

He told Al-Monitor, Hamas does not want to discuss any new exchange deal before Israel releases 50 Palestinians that it rearrested after freeing them as per the 2011 Gilad Shalit deal. Hamas has transmitted this message to Egypt, considering the latter was the mediator in the Shalit deal.

He said that Hamas is afraid of Egypts brokerage of any potential deal with Israel, under the current Egyptian regime, as Hamas and Egypt have not been on good terms; Egypt accuses Hamas of raiding Egyptian prisons at the same time as the outbreak of the January 25 Revolution against former President Hosni Mubarak and of offering logistics support for the perpetrator of the blast of the Dakahlia Security Directorate at the end of December 2013. Hamas denies these allegations.

He added, Clearly, the current Egyptian mediation is not strong enough, as Israel rearrested the Palestinians it had released. Besides, Israel is constantly breaching the Egyptian-brokered truce agreement with the Palestinian resistance, which put an end to the last war on Gaza. For instance, Israel is targeting farmers in the east of Gaza and fishermen off the Gaza coast almost daily.

The official said, Egypt is not lifting a finger to stop these breaches and it has not forced Israel to commit to the Gilad Shalit deal or to the truce. For that reason we have our doubts about whether to accept Egypts brokerage in a potential deal.

Political science professor at the Islamic University in Gaza Walid al-Mudallal said that Egypt is not currently Hamas favorite mediator due to its policies against the movement. For instance, Hamas was left alone to face Israels breaches of the Gilad Shalit deal, not to mention that Egypt accused Hamas of assassinating Egyptian public prosecutor Hisham Barakat on June 29, 2015.

Mudallal told Al-Monitor, Hamas needs a mediator to help it conclude a new huge exchange deal, as it has four Israelis in detention. Therefore, it wants a deal that is more widescale compared to the one in the past [Gilad Shalit deal], which saw the release of more than 1,000 detainees in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

He said, I think the most suitable country to play a role here is Turkey, rather than Egypt. Turkey enjoys special relations with Hamas and has the approval of Israel, especially in the wake of the June 27 reconciliation agreement between Israel and Turkey.

Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a political science professor at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, agreed with Mudallal that Turkey could play a role Hamas welcomes more; however, he did not rule out Egypts possible brokerage.

Abu Saada told Al-Monitor, Hamas should improve its relations with Egypt. For that reason the latter might accept to play the mediator, but the movement wants Egypt to force Israel to abide by the Gilad Shalit deal. I think Hamas needs to feel that Egypt is handling its responsibility as mediator in the past deal before accepting its mediation in a new deal.

However, for his part, political analyst Talal Awkal believes Egypt is the best country to play the role of mediator between Hamas and Israel due to the geographic proximity between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Besides, Egypt is among the key Arab countries that played a pivotal role throughout history in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This role first started with the participation of Egypt in the Arab war against Israel in 1948, followed by Egypts control of the Gaza Strip (1949-1967) and then its participation in the war against Israel in 1967. Egypt also made efforts to resume peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi suggested in May reuniting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Netanyahu in Cairo to resume the negotiations.

Awkal told Al-Monitor, Egypt is a strong mediator for both parties. It is close to Palestinians and Israelis alike. Israel wants to maintain strong relations with Egypt as part of its openness policy to neighboring Arab nations. Hamas wants Egypt to offer some facilitations in dealing with the Rafah crossing, and it also wants to improve relations with the latter. Moreover, Hamas will accept Egypts brokerage to avoid its wrath.

He said that Egypt has strong cards it can play against Hamas to force it to accept a deal to release the Israeli soldiers. Egypt can tighten measures on closing the Rafah crossing, for instance. He added, however, that Hamas will not cave in to such pressure. It has real goals to fulfill by detaining the Israeli soldiers: Hamas wants to release Palestinian detainees, and it cannot give up this condition because this release will increase its popularity by far.

Although Hamas has its doubts about accepting Egypts brokerage in any potential exchange deal with Israel, it might have to welcome this brokerage ultimately, in the hope of improving relations between the movement and Egypt and facilitating opening the Rafah crossing for Palestinians.
July 27, 2016

Although the Gaza Strip is not a state, military coups have constituted a part of its modern history and have left their mark on the daily lives of its inhabitants. Turkey's failed military coup July 15 did not pass unnoticed in Gaza; it stirred the memory of Gazas residents and divided them between supporters and opponents.

This was not the only coup that caught Gazans interest. The Gaza Strip also bore the brunt of the coup in Egypt on July 3, 2013, that led to the ouster of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. Egyptian authorities immediately took measures against Gaza, as Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. These measures included closing the Rafah land crossing for long stretches of time and destroying thousands of tunnels between the Egyptian and Palestinian borders.

The Hemaya Center for Human Rights had published in September 2013 a statement saying that destroying the tunnels without offering a legitimate substitute is an actual participation in tightening the siege [on Gaza], prolonging it and increasing its pressure on the Palestinians, not to mention crippling the life of the inhabitants.

Ever since, the crisis has escalated in unprecedented ways: unemployment has surged to more than 65% and Gazas economy is on the verge of collapse, according to World Bank reports, amid the halted reconstruction process and the extreme overpopulation in a surface area of 365 square kilometers (141 square miles) with roughly 5,000 persons per square kilometer (roughly 13,000 persons per square mile).

Despite the accumulating crises in the Gaza Strip, the Turkish coup attempt topped the headlines of local newspapers and social media networks. Ibrahim al-Madhoun, a political analyst who writes for Al-Risala newspaper, wrote on his Facebook page July 17, Our interaction with Turkeys coup is a bit exaggerated, in reference to the attention it generated in Gaza.

Perhaps this major interaction stems from a previous experience with military coups.

Even though Hamas had won 76 seats out of 132 in the Palestinian legislative elections in early 2006, the security institutions affiliated with the Palestinian Authority (PA) remained under Fatahs control. Consequently, tension rose between the security officers and the armed men of the executive power formed by Hamas at the time. The clashes peaked on June 14, 2007, when Hamas took control of all security locations in Gaza; 417 people died in the incidents. Hamas supporters still call this event the military settlement, while opponents call it the coup.

Writer Akram Atallah commented on the similarities between the Turkish and Gazan coups in an article in Al-Ayyam newspaper July 17. He wrote, Gazans know what a coup means and are well aware of its results on the country, citizens and freedoms when arms rule. But, ironically, the supporters of a coup in Gaza strongly refused the coup attempt in Ankara, while the opponents of a coup here supported the coup in Ankara.

The supporters of the Turkish coup at first believed that the collapse of the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would shake Hamas. Mazen Ajour wrote July 15, Hamas is teetering, indicating that Hamas is losing most of its supporters in the region. On July 16, Rami Abu Shawesh posted the following message on his Facebook page: A coup in Turkey and joy in Gaza.

For his part, author Mahmoud Juda justified this support and wrote on his Facebook page July 16, Some of the Gazans support for the coup against Erdogan irritated Hamas. In these Gazans' view, every supporter of Hamas [such as Erdogan] has contributed to the continuation of their suffering and has therefore conspired against them. [Based on that], they wished [that this supporter] be brought down every day, every moment.

Hamas supporters hoped for Erdogans victory. Before the coup failed, Madhoun posted on his Facebook page July 15, It is too early to interpret what is happening in Turkey. If Erdogan succeeds, he will become stronger than ever. If he fails, God forbid, the entire system will be convulsed.

After the coup failed, he wrote July 16, Fatahs supporters had originally backed the failed coup in Turkey and were glad at the misfortune. Hamas supporters sadness and shock turned into joy.

Hamas celebrations went beyond social media. Dozens of marches were organized, expressing happiness at the failed coup; images were seen showing Ismail Haniyeh, the deputy head of Hamas political bureau, carrying a cake decorated with an image of himself and Erdogan.

Activists have mocked these activities and Hamas' defending the democratic choice of the Turkish people, as Hamas has not taken part in legislative elections since the end of its legitimate rule in January 2010. Journalist Abeer Ayyoub asked on her Facebook page July 16, Do those supporting the Turkish peoples choice dare to have their own choice in Gaza?

On the Gazans interest in what is happening in Turkey, Ayyoub wrote July 17, The Gazan streets reactions to the failed coup in Turkey were greater than the [Gazan] streets reaction to the death of three kids who were burned [because of a fire resulting from a candle] due to the power crisis in Gaza.

Human rights activist Mohamed Abuhashem wrote on Facebook on July 17, Imagine if the people in Gaza had taken to the street during the Hamas coup in 2007?!!! Not only the Turkish people are worth respecting  the revolutionaries too  who refused to kill their fellow citizens.

Contrary to most of the political comparisons by social media activists, Taher al-Nunu, the spokesman for the former Hamas government, wrote on Facebook July 16, I did not want to dwell on the past, but today is very similar to yesterday when the executive authority thwarted the 2007 security forces' coup and protected the peoples democratic choice.

Sarcasm reached its peak in the response to the remarks of Mushir al-Masri, Hamas youngest member of parliament. He said in a speech July 16 during a march in Jabaliya refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, that he is ready for the bloodshed on Turkey's shores. In response, images of people in swimming suits crowding the shores of Turkey circulated on social media.

Activist Faisal al-Rifai wrote on Facebook on July 17, In light of parliamentarian Masris remarks, I would like to ask how we can accept a system of governance in secular Turkey and support the Turkish government that embraces such doctrine, while we reject the least secular aspects in Palestinian society, particularly in Gaza.

The interaction and great interest in Turkish affairs are not spontaneous. Rather, they reflect Turkeys strong role in the system of international balances and its historical impact on the Gaza Strip  going back to when the Ottoman Empire ruled Palestine from the early 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century.
July 27, 2016

The trial of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier Elor Azaria is underway. In March, Azaria shot to death Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, who lay on the ground wounded and incapacitated after he stabbed another IDF soldier in Hebron. In testimony on the witness stand July 24, Azaria said the scene of the incident had not been managed properly following the attack. You can see civilians walking around  photographers entering the zone  in what should have been a closed military area. Azaria described his commanders as complacent. During his three days of testimony, Azaria also attacked the senior command echelon of the IDF and claimed, They threw me to the dogs because of their fear of the press, the media.

We cannot ignore the fact that Azaria did not operate in a vacuum. The public atmosphere that existed in Israel encouraged shooting to kill with regard to every terrorist with a knife, without holding anyone accountable. A series of politicians from the right and the center contributed a great deal to the creation of this atmosphere. After the Azaria incident, I wrote an article for Al-Monitor in which I quoted the words of a lawyer who specializes in human rights, Michael Sfard: If I were the defense attorney for the young man from Hebron, I know who I would have summoned as my first witness claiming that the responsibility for the killing cannot be borne solely by an 18-year-old boy. Sfard was referring to the words uttered by Yesh Atid Chair Yair Lapid in October 2015 at the beginning of the current terror wave: With zero tolerance. You see someone with a knife, you see someone with a screwdriver, you should shoot to kill, don't think twice."

In the first weeks of the wave of terror attacks that started at the beginning of September 2015, the expression on everyones lips was, If someone comes to kill you, arise to kill them first'' (Talmud, tractate Berakhot 58a). Many of the attack scenes were conducted in this vein. Video clips of Israeli civilians were disseminated on the internet in which one could see evidence of the Israeli itchy-finger-on-the-trigger syndrome. The IDF and entire security system fell silent during this period and did not condemn or take action against those who shot those Palestinian attackers who did not threaten the lives of the soldiers. This was the policy and the atmosphere that allowed an IDF soldier to shoot 18-year-old Hadil Hashlamoun at the checkpoint near the Cave of the Patriarchs on Sept. 22. In a video clip that was disseminated later, it is clear that the soldiers life was not in danger.

At the Qalandia West Bank checkpoint April 28, Home Security Ministry security guards shot to death two siblings, Maram Abu Ismayil and Ibrahim Salah Tahah, even though the guards lives were not in danger. This incident was especially salient because the brother and sister were, according to a video, at a great distance from the guards, who acted in blatant violation of orders. Afterward, a police investigation unit opened an investigation against them, yet so far the guards have not been put on trial.

There is a long list of incidents in which security force members violated the rules, but one of them is especially prominent. During Nakba Day events in the territories in May 2014, border policeman Ben Deri opened fire with no apparent reason and killed youth Nadim Nuwara close to the Bitunia checkpoint. In a security-camera video clip that was also disseminated by the BTselem organization, one can clearly see the soldiers commander take the weapon away from him after the shooting. But aside from that, at the time, no one was called to account  until the clip was circulated and a public outcry erupted.

This was the atmosphere in which Azaria operated. And Azaria, too, was only taken into detention after the video clip was made public by BTselem.

In an interview I conducted in April with Imad Abu Shamsiya, the B'Tselem photographer who documented the incident in Hebron, Abu Shamsiya drew attention to the fact that, shortly before the shooting, Azaria is seen taking off his helmet, handing it over to his commander and whispering something in his ear. It is only after that when he shoots the assailant. After the shooting and killing of Sharif, Azaria was not immediately arrested, and no one took his weapon away from him.

All of the above by no way reduces Azaria's responsibility. Even at this stage of the trial it is clear that Azaria operated contrary to orders  and his actions reflect the way a blind eye had been turned all along to this kind of behavior, especially when the persons involved were not documented by cameras. The Israeli media also contributed to this general mood when it screened the executions perpetrated on incapacitated attackers, over and over, without anyone asking incisive questions like: Why is no one putting an end to this? Is this the way to cope with a terror wave? What will be the ethical, legal and security-related ramifications that the IDF will be forced to confront on the day after?

The unclear, shadowy policy regarding the way IDF soldiers and Border Guard policemen are to act in the event of terror attacks was not sharpened, and fire engagement rules as seen in other incidents documented by civilians were not enforced even after Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot told high school students in Bat Yam in February, I don't want a soldier to empty a magazine on a girl with scissors.

His words, implying that IDF soldiers have itchy fingers on the trigger, generated an extensive public storm and attracted a great deal of criticism against the chief of staff, who had allegedly doubted the ethics of the army. Unfortunately, his words did not manage to avert the shooting by Azaria.

The question of questions that must be clarified now is whether Azaria is the only guilty party in this incident. Perhaps there are many others who are also responsible for the current state of affairs, and they must also be held accountable. In fact, the military court is not dealing with an incident involving one soldier alone, but with a series of politicians who disseminated the feeling that a soldier is allowed to fire at a girl with scissors and to kill an assailant who no longer endangers him.
July 28, 2016

This week, the Saudi Foreign Ministry clarified that a delegation headed by retired Gen. Anwar Eshki that visited Israel July 22 did not represent the views of the government in Riyadh. In response to a question by pro-Saudi newspaper Al-Hayat, the Foreign Ministry said that the Saudi government has no ties to Eshki and the likes of him. The likes of Eshki was a reference to Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, who in recent years has met openly with former senior Israel Defense Forces officials Yaakov Amidror and Amos Yadlin, both retired generals. The Saudi general and prince have granted generous interviews to Israeli media outlets, maintain ties with Israeli peace organizations and sit alongside Israeli delegates at international conferences around the world.

Eshki himself recently told Israeli publication Yedioth Ahronoth, My government did not ask me to conduct negotiations, and the Israeli side was not given such a mission or authorization either.  I dont need permission because I am not a government official and not in any official capacity. If I were in an official capacity, this would not have happened. I define all the meetings I had with the Israelis as private and noncommittal conversations.

Nonetheless, Middle East scholar Matti Steinberg, who documents the steps taken both to promote the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and to undermine it, suggests reading between the lines of the Saudi Foreign Ministrys reaction. There, he identifies a half-hearted admission that the government does indeed sanction the visit, given that the Saudi Interior Ministry specifically bans travel to Israel (as well as to Iran, Iraq and Thailand).

Theres no doubt that the visit was authorized and quietly initiated by the Saudis behind the scenes, said Steinberg, formerly a special adviser to heads of the Shin Bet security service. I think that Egypt, too, within the framework of President [Abdel Fattah] al-Sisis initiative, was in on the secret. One can also assume that without a green light, the retired general would not have met openly with the top official of Israels foreign service, Foreign Ministry Director-General Dore Gold, and with Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, the most senior IDF officer in the West Bank.

Eshki was quick to shake off the bear hug bestowed on him by members of the political opposition he met in Jerusalem. Israel will not be able to establish relations with the Gulf states, and Saudi Arabia foremost, before it signs a permanent agreement with the Palestinian Authority, the retired general said in a July 24 interview on Israel's Army Radio. There will not be peace first with the Arab states, but rather with the Palestinian brothers first.

Afterward, Eshki wrote on Facebook, I visited Palestine at the honorable invitation of the heads of the PA and I found it besieged by enemies who harass its residents. In the same breath he directed a barb toward friends who abstain from visiting them, hinting at Arab personalities who support the Palestinian cause remotely and make do with convening conferences and delivering enthusiastic speeches from afar  the emir of Kuwait, for example. On July 25, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah vowed to participants of the Arab League conference in Mauritania that his country would work toward convening an international conference to discuss the Israeli damage to the Palestinian children.

The prime minister of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, declared at the summit, The Palestinian issue is at the top of the Arab Leagues priorities. But the low level of the participants, the decision to cut the summit to a single day and the speakers own words indicate that the agenda of the Arab leaders is totally different. The vast majority, including Sisi and Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, stayed home.

The speeches and resolutions focused on ways to fight against the terror organizations threatening the existing order in the Arab states. Behind Eshkis unofficial visit and the official one July 10 by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to Israel are common enemies in the battle for regional hegemony, headed by Iran and the Islamic State.

In an interview he gave last month to Yedioth Ahronoth at a conference in Doha, Eshki was frank in saying, Circumstances have changed," and "Today we can easily single out common enemies. Domestic Saudi circumstances have also changed. In the era of the previous monarch, the one who launched the Arab Peace Initiative, there was no chance of reaching a real and comprehensive peace, said the retired general. Based on personal knowledge, he added that its possible under Salman.

I know Israel has reservations about the peace plan, Eshki noted. We have already received comments and requests for revisions. Some of them can be resolved.  Today we can conduct talks and discussions and examine your demands. In saying this, he contradicted the claims by Israeli opponents of the initiative that the document constitutes an inviolable dictate to Israel.

The Arab willingness to give Israel an advance payment in the form of normalizing ties with the Arab world without receiving anything in return on the Palestinian front signals a change in the Arab Leagues strategy. The normalization card was offered as collateral, to be redeemed the day Israel announces its adoption of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

Israels right-wing government portrays the public diplomacy being conducted by Egypt and Saudi Arabia as proof that its concept of peace in return for peace has been successful. Important Arab states are willing to openly embrace us even though we have not given up one inch of the West Bank and even as we continue to control Al-Aqsa Mosque, conveniently forgetting Israel handing over the Sinai Peninsula.

Given the governments current makeup, one outpost in the southern Hebron hills is equal to diplomatic relations with all the Arab states. To advance the Arab Peace Initiative and to change its place on the regional map, Israel must first change its own internal political map.
dollar general after.JPG

Three former Walmart Express stores in Alabama will soon take on a new identity.

Dollar General announced this week it has purchased 41 old Walmart Express stores, three of which are in north and south Alabama. The company plans to move 40 existing Dollar General stores into the sites this fall, but has not released which stores will relocate.

The acquisition includes the following Alabama properties, which operated under the Walmart Express banner until Jan. 28:

Ashford: 18 Apple Way

Gurley: 6361 U.S. 72 East

New Hope: 10188 U.S. 431 South

"Dollar General is excited to add these locations to our existing store base," CEO Todd Vasos said in a statement. "We look forward to the opportunity to better serve our customers in these communities by continuing to provide the convenience and value they expect from Dollar General."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Crystal Ghassemi, a spokeswoman for Dollar General, said the new stores in Alabama will be about 12,000 square feet each, which is bigger than the company's traditional 9,000-square-foot locations.

The larger sales floors will allow Dollar General to expand its food offerings to include fresh meat and produce.

"We also plan to operate the fueling stations at these stores, but this is not our first venture into fuel," she said. "We currently have a test project at a location in Hanceville, Alabama where we are testing fuel."

There is no specific timeframe on when the Ashford, Gurley and New Hope stores will open, but all three locations should launch by October. Ghassemi said current employees will transfer to the new locations when construction is complete.

Additional career opportunities will be posted at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

Walmart announced in January it would shutter 269 stores worldwide, including 154 in the U.S. and nine in Alabama. The Alabama closures included the Walmart Supercenter in Fairfield and Walmart Express locations in Grant, Headland, Ashford, Slocomb, Abbeville, Gurley, Snead and New Hope.
"Bourne" movie fans can check out a prop from the series' latest film this weekend at two Alabama movie theaters.

Advanced Optical Systems' Huntsville-based fingerprint scanning technology, ANDI OTG, is set to appear in "Jason Bourne," an American spy action thriller with actor Matt Damon. The movie, a sequel to "The Bourne Ultimatum," will release this Friday in theaters nationwide.

To celebrate his company's cameo, AOS Director of Business Development Chris Centamore said the ANDI OTG mockups from the movie will be on display in Huntsville for two weeks. Here's where you can see the touch-free scanning devices for yourself:

Monaco Pictures

TouchStar Cinemas/Madison Square 12

ANDI OTG, which is FBI certified and in its third generation, takes up to 10 fingerprints and is the fastest fingerprinting solution available. The system can handle large crowds and is well-suited for gate access at high-traffic events or in airports around the world.

The devices have been placed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and in airports in Amsterdam and Germany. The company is also talking with U.S. Customs and Border Protection about using the technology.
Shipt John Hand

Tech company Shipt put up a sign on the side of the John Hand building.

(File/John Hammontree)

Shipt has only existed for about two years, and it's already expanded across 10 states and made its mark on the Birmingham skyline.

The grocery e-commerce company just got the resources to grow a lot more: Shipt has secured $20.1 million in Series A funding, or the company's first round of significant venture capital financing.

"Over the past year, we have laid a strong foundation for our business and scaled our service across the country. This funding is the catalyst that will propel us to the next level," Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Shipt, said in a press release. "We are ready to put this funding to work strategically, so we can cultivate new partnerships and continue building the best way to buy groceries."

The funds will allow Shipt to continue to scale its model to new cities and start delivery from more grocery stores. In Birmingham, Shipt only delivers from Publix and Western Market, though it delivers from other stores in cities where such stores don't exist.

Shipt also plans to start delivering alcohol, though that remains illegal in Alabama.

Shipt operates sort of like Uber does, but for groceries. Customers pay a membership fee, whether monthly or annually, and open the Shipt app. They select their groceries - orders are free with membership if they're over $35 - and independent contractors choose to accept or reject the order. They're trained in produce selection and will contact the customer if the store is out of an item on their list, then they deliver the bags to the customer. Customers can get their groceries as soon as an hour after the order is placed, or they can schedule it for within an hour at some later time in the day.

Shipt operates in 27 cities in 10 states and has more than 5,000 independent shoppers.

Series A funders include Greycroft Partners, Harbert Growth Partners and e.ventures.

Shipt launched as a same-day delivery company for retailers including Target, Best Buy and Home Depot. The company launched the grocery delivery portion last year and no longer offers deliveries for other retailers.
On a rainy afternoon when David Nuttall was 8 years old, he took out a sheet of paper and began drawing a detailed map of a place that didn't exist.

Maps in fantasy novels annoyed him because they weren't specific enough. Too many blank spaces.

His maps were based on real places. They had waterways, railroads and gridded city streets crowded with rows upon rows of tiny houses.

That afternoon, once he'd filled one sheet of paper, he looked up and saw the rain hadn't stopped. So he filled another, and another.

"I kept going," he recalled, "until I had 30 pages across the floor."

Nuttall, who was born in Wales and grew up in England, has been drawing maps ever since. Obsessed with them from age 5, he memorized map legends and knew exactly how to color-code any item on a British Ordnance Survey map.

On family car trips he'd beg to get to be the navigator, and try to persuade his parents to detour to interesting places he found on maps: a ruined abbey, a castle, an old railway line. At 16 he got a job with the British government as a cartographer.

An ocean away and more than 20 years later, Nuttall is now a professional artist with a light-filled studio at the historic Lowe Mill in Huntsville, Ala. He sits at a WWII-era U.S. Air Force drafting table and creates meticulously detailed maps on a variety of canvases: paper, wood, photographs, the human body.

Most of his maps are crafted after the style of the highly-detailed British Ordinance Survey maps he loved as a child. More recently he's expanded to airline flight pattern maps, nighttime-view maps, subway maps and railroad route maps.

"I always do fiction, but I don't do fantasy," he said. "Everything has to be based in the real world, our world. I call them hand-drawn plausible fictitious maps."

The Royal Academy

Back in January, Nuttall submitted one of his maps to be considered for the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Art in London. Now in its 248th year, it's the world's largest and oldest public-submission art exhibit.

The piece is called "The Fictional City of Alefano and Surroundings," and took him about four months of off-and-on work to complete. It's drawn on a piece of birch wood; Nuttall let the grain of the wood dictate the map's topography and waterways.

Once he painted in the main bodies of water and rivers, he used Google Earth and other maps to determine what location on earth had rivers similarly situated. He settled on northeastern Italy. After that, it was time to add roads and railroads.

"None of it is preplanned, none of it's drawn out in advance," he said. "I just know that the main town is going to be where the river crossing is. The river crossing is at the narrowest point of the river, and then I start as organically as I can, filling it in."

After the roads, he fills in the buildings - hundreds of tiny squares and rectangles populating the towns and villages.

"When I'm drawing it, I'm actually seeing it as real, seeing it in 3-D in my mind, and imagining what the buildings are," he said. One town is near the river crossing, but there's no town on the other side because the terrain is too steep. He explains it all as if it were perfectly obvious and, above all, logical.

The center of the largest city on the map has irregular roads as though it was built in medieval times. The roads straighten into a more grid-like pattern as the town spreads out from its center "because that's what happens in the real world."

Human terrain

Nuttall has lived in Huntsville for the past 20 years: "I moved here because of a girl."

He met his wife while she was working in England for Intergraph. They eventually moved to Huntsville, where Nuttall spent 13 years working for Intergraph, traveling around the country to teach public safety agencies like police and fire departments how to update their 911 maps.

About six years ago, he and his wife, artist Jodi Nuttall were at the art show of a friend when Nuttall noticed a painting done on a piece of wood.

"From where I was standing, I saw the grain more distinctly than the art and thought, that looks like a map," he said. He went home, found a piece of wood in his garage, and drew a map on it.

He also created nighttime maps of city lights - "They're 20,000-foot-high views at night, looking down on places that don't exist" - and photographed interesting surfaces around Lowe Mill to use as canvases for more maps.

After he was laid off from a mapping software job about three years ago, he decided to concentrate exclusively on his art.

"I thought, why am I trying to do something to fund my art? Why don't I try art full time?"

He began his Human Terrain series, where he draws maps on a human model, using the contours of the person's body to dictate the map's topography. He uses non-toxic pens and spends several hours - the longest work took 9 hours - drawing on a person's body. For commissioned works, he'll draw a city set wherever the model prefers, say, Australia.

When he's finished, he photographs them from various angles.

Inside jokes

Nuttall learned in May that the Royal Academy chose his map of Alefano for its Summer Exhibition. He's one of only three artists living and working in America to have been chosen.

"It was a very weird feeling," he said. It was the first time he'd ever submitted a work of art to the competition. "All the famous artists have exhibited there. I knew I'd be going and having my art in the same place as artists whose work is priceless."

All the place names on the Alefano map are in Italian, and although they're fictional, Nutall added in a few jokes.

There's a city on the map called Happy Devil, and another called Boring Village - "it's ironic because the street layout is not boring," he said - and there's another city whose name means "Above the Lake of Doom," which sits, appropriately, near the Lake of Doom and the Village of Doom.

It's a technique he employs in his other maps, which bear city names in the languages of the countries in which they are set, from Croatia to British Columbia to Iran. He even created a fictional character set for a fictional map of South Korea.

Future collaborations

In the past year, Nuttall has seen interest grow in his work. Last year he gave a TEDx talk in Huntsville and held his first solo art show. The Ordnance Survey, Britain's mapping agency, featured him on its blog, and he published an article in the British Cartographical Society's journal. He's steadily gained more commissioned works.

"My friends in England who always knew I made maps because I'd draw then on my tea breaks at work, they would tease me about it and now they're saying, 'Oh, so you are a legitimate artist now?'"

For a commissioned work, he asks the buyer about family, pets, childhood places and favorite pastimes. He works those into the maps he creates but "I don't tell them where everything is, so I'll hide things on the map for them to find. It's playful, but still realistic."

He's got a healthy following on social media, and has even collaborated with other artists through mediums like Instagram.

Within the next few years, he'd like to create a line of textiles - blankets, pillows, clothing, bedspreads - featuring his maps. He plans to visit other cities and offer Human Terrain sessions there. He'd like to illustrate a coffee table book.

"There's a lot of stuff in my head," he said.

When he needs to relax, he draws airline routes. "These are a good way to shut my brain off. If I draw a continent and I've got five different airlines and I have five different colors, and there are the hubs (cities), how do I fly from one hub to another without crossing any line of the same color?"

Dozens and dozens of lines arc gracefully across the page on one of his airline maps, which are drawn freehand - like all his other maps - without rulers or other tools.

"I actually started doing these on an airplane," he said. "I had finished my book, there was no movie, and I'd read the entire airline magazine. I looked in the back of the magazine and said, 'There's a map. I can do that.' So I did."
Nearly 50 years after Helen Keller's death, she's speaking once again, through the poetry and other writings of award-winning poet Jeanie Thompson, the executive director of the Montgomery-based Alabama Writers' Forum. Thompson will celebrate the launch of her new book, "The Myth of Water: Poems from the Life of Helen Keller," tonight at Page & Palette bookstore in Fairhope.

Thompson, a Decatur native, has always admired Helen Keller, who was born in Tuscumbia in 1880. When she read Keller's "Light in My Darkness," Thompson was "struck by the way Helen described her spiritual life," she said. "It reminded me of how I see poetry and art."

Reading that book made her want to investigate Keller further. And then, when she found "Helen Keller: A Life" by Dorothy Herrmann, she was inspired by a love story that even she hadn't heard before.

According to Herrmann's account, when Keller was living in Massachusetts, after graduating from Radcliffe College and becoming the first deaf-blind woman to receive a bachelor of arts degree, she employed a young man named Peter Fagan as her corresponding secretary, answering all the letters she received by hand.

Keller and Fagan fell in love and planned to marry. When they went to get their marriage license in Boston, a newspaper reporter spotted them and wrote about it. Keller's family "was not happy," Thompson said, "and her mother decided to get Helen and bring her back to stay with her sister, Mildred Tyson, in Montgomery."

Anne Sullivan Macy, Keller's teacher and companion, was convalescing in Puerto Rico at the time, so Keller's family used that as an excuse to make her return to Alabama. Even so, she continued to exchange letters in braille with Fagan, and they made plans to elope. Keller sat on the porch all night waiting for him to come, but he never did - and she never heard from him again.

In Keller's autobiography, "Midstream," which was written when she was in her mid-50s, she writes, "I know what it's like to be loved" and called her relationship with Fagan "a little island of joy."

"She was very anguished over it," said Thompson. "All this basically broke my heart. The thwarted elopement happened within two blocks of where I was reading her biography."

After a few years of trying to decide what to do with Helen Keller as a subject, Thompson wrote her first persona poems, from Keller's viewpoint, in 2006. For the next 10 years, she worked on the book with limited time to write. (In addition to her full-time job, she was teaching in the Spalding University low-residency MFA writing program in Louisville, Ky.)

Though she didn't plan it this way, Thompson said that the book's debut coinciding with Hillary Clinton's historic Democratic nomination for president is "a strange synchronicity." "It fits right in with Helen's advocacy. She was a suffragette."

Keller also focused on "bringing attention to the fact that the deaf and blind community should not be treated as less because of their disability," Thompson said. Through her work for other deaf and blind people, and her advocacy in politics and the arts, Keller "gave her heart to the world."

The book is arranged in "roughly chronological" order. After each of the 34 poems, Thompson provides dates and short notes to help the reader understand the context.

Most of the poems are written from Keller's point of view, with a few notable exceptions. One poem is imagined from the perspective of Enrico Caruso, "the world's most famous tenor," who sang Keller an aria as she explored his face with her hands.

Keller "looks like she's swooning" in the photo from that moment that appeared in an Atlanta newspaper, Thompson said. "I love opera, so I could really understand what that was like."

Another memorable experience, when American sculptor Jo Davidson arranged a "touch tour" for Keller in Italy, also captivated Thompson, who wrote a poem in which he talks about watching her discover the marble figures with her hands.

In one section of the book, Thompson strings together a sequence of four long poems about Keller's "incredibly connected" relationship to Anne Sullivan Macy, who famously taught her that words correspond with objects. "It's more of a musical piece, in movements," she said. "I wrote the longest poem at the end, as a way to have Helen almost sing about Annie. It's like a gift to Annie, a love song."

For a decade, Thompson has worked to express what she imagined to be Keller's thoughts and feelings through poetry. "I tried to get inside the mind, heart and emotions of this person," she said. "I had to empathize to the point of speaking for her. It's kind of like an actor springing into character, except you're writing the script, too."

Thompson took a few mini-retreats to help her "get into the zone," including stints at Mount Cheaha and the Wolff Cottage at the Fairhope Center for the Writing Arts.

When she was in Fairhope, she enjoyed spending time with her mother, Katherine Wade Thompson, who lived there for the last 15 years of her life. "She was a political activist who got me interested in politics," she said. "It's amazing that this book, dedicated to her, is launching on the night Hillary Clinton is accepting the nomination for president."

At her reading and book-signing, an American Sign Language interpreter from the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind in Mobile will accompany her. "In the spirit of Helen Keller, I don't think I can go out with this book without an interpreter. I'm really excited about that dimension of it. It's like watching the poems dance, from a non-signing point of view."

Thompson plans a "north Alabama launch" of the "The Myth of Water," published by The University of Alabama Press, in Keller's hometown, in September.

Jeanie Thompson will read from and sign "The Myth of Water" on Thursday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Page & Palette bookstore in Fairhope.
Southern Baptists have been fighting gambling since the days of brush arbor revivals across the South.

They remain some of the staunchest opponents of gambling, believing it promotes immorality and hurts the poor.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who took office flouting his reputation as a staunch Southern Baptist upholder of morality, has now called for a special session to consider a state lottery.

The minister assigned to lead the Southern Baptist fight against gambling in Alabama questions Bentley's motives.

"Either his morals are not as strong as he claims they are, which we've already seen, or this is a distraction from the scandal," said the Rev. Joe Godfrey, executive director of the Alabama Citizens Action Program, an anti-gambling lobby supported by the Alabama Baptist Convention.

"I've talked to a lot a lot of pastors who are fed up with him," said Godfrey, a former president of the state Baptist convention.

Regardless of Bentley's motives, Godfrey is gearing up for yet another fight against lottery proposals.

The Rev. Joe Godfrey, executive director of ALCAP, will lead churches in the fight against a state lottery in Alabama.

"It's a regressive tax on the poor," Godfrey said. "It's deceiving people into thinking it's their ticket out of poverty. They're going to advertise it and sell lottery tickets in poor neighborhoods, and people will spend their entire paychecks. Most of those tickets will end up in the trash."

Then the state's social services agencies will be beset by chronic gamblers and the social problems they cause, including increased Medicaid rolls, Godfrey said. Instead of fixing Medicaid funding, it will create a bigger drain on state services, he said.

"You're not going to sell enough lottery tickets to sustain it," he said. "It's not producing wealth. It's draining money out of the economy. When people buy lottery tickets, they're not buying goods and services. They're not paying sales taxes. The state will have to raise taxes."

If the state votes to overturn its constitutional ban on lotteries, a push for casinos will be next, Godfrey believes.

"If people vote to allow a lottery, the legislature can come back and put in place casinos," Godfrey said.

"I think it's smoke and mirrors. I think the ultimate goal is to get casinos. They'll come back and say the lottery revenue is not coming in like we thought it would; we need casinos, slots, keno, terminals. It'll be a constant battle from now on."

When he was pastor of First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove, Godfrey had an older couple in the congregation who went to a Mississippi casino and gambled away everything they had, including the mortgage to their house. Gambling addicts then often turn to churches for assistance, he said.

"If we had casinos, they will go on a regular basis," he said. "They will go every day and sit and gamble all day and lose everything they have."

While many in Alabama travel to other states to gamble, it's not as much a drain as if gambling were more available closer to home, Godfrey believes.

Gambling revenues mainly benefit casino owners, he said.

"The gambling bosses will own this state," Godfrey said.

"A very small amount goes to state government," he said. "When they opened Birmingham Race Course, we were told Birmingham City Schools would never have to worry about revenues again. You see how that turned out. If you look at schools in Mississippi, they are at the bottom of the pile. It doesn't help their schools. Then people don't have money to spend on goods and services when they lose all their money gambling. You'll see more of that."

Although churches staunchly opposed past efforts to create a state lottery, a major factor in keeping them out of Alabama, church opposition has faded as gambling becomes more acceptable, Godfrey admits.

Even Baptist and Methodist churches that once held the line on gambling now see prominent members going across state lines to buy lottery tickets and play at casinos and questioning the traditional moral stance against it.

So the front line of defense in the past now may be vulnerable.

"It's going to be the churches that have to fight it," Godfrey said. "Churches don't have the money and reserves they did in the late 1990s. The recession has hit them hard."

Churches will be hit again if a lottery passes, he believes. "When gambling addicts go broke, they're going to come to the churches looking for help," Godfrey said.

Now Republicans looking for alternatives to income, sales and property tax increases are more likely to resort to a lottery as an alternative, he said.

"This is not going to be good for the economy," Godfrey said. "It sucks money out of the state. You have to raise taxes to sustain services. It's the worst way to raise money. It's still a tax. It's a regressive tax on the poor."

The real solution to state budget problems is courageous leadership, Godfrey said.

"We need to come up with a tax plan that's fair and equitable and cut the budget," Godfrey said. "If you're depending on gambling, you're in trouble. Gambling does not solve economic problems, it makes them worse. When the recession hit, Nevada had some of the highest unemployment rates, foreclosure rates, suicide rates. People stopped going out there to gamble when they didn't have money. Our budget situation is bad, but It'd be worse if we had a lottery."

States that use lottery money for college scholarships have had to raise academic standards for earning the scholarships, which means that children who attend poor schools with few resources often have a lesser chance of getting scholarships, he said.

"In Georgia, poor people are buying lottery tickets to pay for rich kids to go to college," he said.

"It's like Robin Hood in reverse. It's robbing from the poor to give to the rich."

Lottery income also pays for advertising that targets the poor, he said. "The government is asking citizens to invest in worthless lottery tickets," Godfrey said. "It's just sad."
Etowah County investigators say a pregnant Gadsden woman took methamphetamine.

Sheriff Todd Entrekin said Sara Ashley Sims, 27, of Gadsden, was arrested Wednesday on chemical endangerment of a child charges.

Entrekin said Sims failed a drug test with the Alabama Department of Human Resources while pregnant. She tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.

Sims was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash bond. She must successfully complete a drug treatment program as a condition of the bond and be supervised by Etowah County Community Corrections.

Etowah County DHR is also involved with the case.
Pat Upton, an Alabama native who toured and composed with the group "Spiral Starecase," died today at the age of 75.

Upton, a native of Geraldine, also was on stage for the final show of Ricky Nelson, the 50s TV star and 60s pop star who played his final gig at Upton's club in Guntersville before his plane crashed.

Upton grew up in Geraldine, and performed with his brothers in a gospel group. While in the Air Force, he joined a band that evolved into Spiral Starecase (the name borrowed from a movie of that era, and intentionally misspelled) that had had the hit "More Today Than Yesterday" in 1969. The song peaked at 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that year and earned a gold disc.

After the band broke up, Upton went back to being a session musician and later played guitar on Nelson's last album. Nelson asked him to join a tour to promote the record.

"It was going to be two or three months," Upton said in a 2013 interview with AL.com. "It wound up being nearly four years."

Nelson played his final concert in Guntersville, on Dec. 30, 1985. He performed at PJ's Alley, which Upton owned. On the night of the final show, Nelson asked Upton to fly with him to Dallas. But Upton was too busy with his club. He took Nelson and Helen to the airport, ran an errand, then returned and had one last good-bye.

"I just try not to dwell on it," he later said of the evening.

After the show, Nelson and his band loaded a DC-3 at Guntersville Airport en route to Dallas, where he had a New Year's Eve booking. Four hours into the flight, the plane crashed, killing Nelson, his fiancee Helen and five members of his band.
Bolivia has one of the highest rates of gender violence, with nine in 10 women experiencing it in their lifetime.

Brisa de Angulo was raped repeatedly as a teenager by an adult member of her own family. When she finally mastered the courage to seek help and report the sexual assault, she said her family tried to silence her.

I was intimidated and blamed by the authorities, my community, and my extended family, she recalled. My extended family tried to silence me in order to maintain the prestige of the family and to prevent other instances of incestuous sexual violence from coming to light, she told Al Jazeera.

Bolivia has the highest rate of violence carried out by partners against women in Latin America.

According to the UN, 35 percent of women are victims of violence at some point in their lives globally. This means more than one billion women worldwide are affected by violence, Dubravka Simonovic, the UNs Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, explained to Al Jazeera.

In Bolivia, however, the number is a staggering 90 percent.

The Bolivian government has been implementing progressive measures to address violence against women.

In 2013, the country introduced a harsher sentencing framework in cases involving violence against women, increasing the incarceration period for a felon convicted of femicide to 30 years.

Currently, the Justice Minister Virginia Velasco and the Magistrate Council are introducing a new method for fighting violence against women: to apply for public office, Bolivians now must produce a document stating that they have no criminal record of gender violence, or violence against a family member.

This new method has sparked hope among those working with victims of sexual violence. The new law sends a signal that we hope will continue to change attitudes in terms of how women in Bolivia are valued  said Tanya Sukhija, the sexual violence programme officer at the NGO Equality Now.

READ MORE: Bolivian women mining for a living and for respect

The dangers of coming forward

De Angulo is one of the seven out of 10 women (PDF) in Bolivia who are victims of sexual abuse.

The difficulties she has faced in getting justice occur across the globe, said Simonovic.

Globally, the phenomenon of underreporting cases of violence, in particular domestic violence, is widespread. In the majority of countries with available data, less than 40 percent of the women who experience violence seek help of any sort, Simonovic explained.





Among women who do, most look to family and friends and very few look to formal institutions and mechanisms such as police and health services, because coming forward can be a stressful and life-threatening event for the victim.

During my pursuit of justice, my house was stoned and set on fire twice. My life was threatened many times during the trial process, de Angulo said.

Simonovic explained that women face numerous barriers when seeking help, including the lack of services; fear of reprisals by the offender as well as family and community members; reluctance due to shame or embarrassment; the potential impact on womens custody of children; fear of reliving the experience of violence when testifying before court; the feeling that the police could do nothing to help; and wanting to keep the incident private.

De Angulo recalled how these barriers affected her own case.

The prosecutor threatened to jail me if she found any inconsistencies in my story, De Angulo said. She said that even if my story was true, I should remain silent because it would be cruel and selfish to disclose and ruin my aggressors life by sending him to jail for seven years.

She remembers how, as an adolescent girl standing in court, she was deeply hurt by this attitude. He will be in jail for seven years, but I will suffer the consequences of his actions for the rest of my life, she had responded to the prosecutor.

De Angulos case is currently before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), although she filed it in 2012. Hers is one of thousands of cases involving violence against women in Bolivia.

According to Brendan Martin from Equality Now, the Commission has a serious backlog. Last we heard, they were still dealing with cases from the early 2000s, Martin said.

Effectiveness of laws

Ten women are killed every month in Bolivia  one woman every three days.

In October 2015, the Attorney Generals Office registered 32,999 cases of domestic violence against women.

Other numbers suggest that the problem is even bigger. The World Health Organization reported that 53 percent of Bolivian women have been affected by some form of domestic violence. According to the Ministry for Equal Rights in Bolivia, nine out of 10 Bolivian women are victims of violence.

For Simonovic, the law constitutes an important step towards preventing gender violence. Violence against women is a human rights violation in itself and a form of sex and gender-based discrimination which precludes the possibility for women to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms, she said.

Jennifer McCleary-Sills, director of Gender, Violence and Rights for the International Center for Research on Women, however, believes that the new policy can work in theory, but that it requires commitment and enforcement in order to be successful. Otherwise, she said, its little more than just words on paper.

Harsher sentences will work, McCleary-Sills thinks. But this assumes that the penalties go beyond paper and are actually applied in real cases of violence.

Nevertheless, these laws could make Bolivia an example to follow for other countries.

It has the potential to establish an important starting point for many countries, which should consider the adoption of similar measures, Simonovic said.

Rosa Jalka de Alpi, the executive general at the Bolivian human rights organisation CDIMA, agrees, and explained to Al Jazeera how the new regulations on holding public office are a breakthrough in the states efforts to combat violence against women.

But she said the law doesnt go far enough, as most of the population is employed in the informal sector or other occupations, where such laws do not exist, and as such perpetrators in these sectors are not impacted by this law.

READ MORE: The Bolivian teenager turning e-waste into robots

While the law may deter some potential perpetrators, the solution, de Alpi said, is in education, in identifying violence, in promoting womens rights, and in knowing what services and institutions are available.

In the home, children need to be raised without violence, encouraged to have high self-esteem. Sexist attitudes must be rejected  especially the prevailing patriarchal culture. Women themselves need to help break the cycle of violence, de Alpi said.

For de Angulo, the most important thing is that victims should be taken seriously.

Victims receive tremendous pressure from society to remain silent, and we as advocates must seek to remove any obstacles that make breaking this silence more difficult.

De Angulo and thousands of women in Bolivia have a long struggle ahead of them. Laws and agreements alone will not solve the problem.

Though Bolivia has many good laws in place and has signed numerous human rights treaties, its culture lags far behind its legal framework, de Angulo said. It is a culture that takes a womans life every three days.
The issue is getting more media exposure, more people are aware  we are on the brink of changing  policy stands.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  Eva Putzova held a banner with a simple message just outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) floor on Tuesday: I support Palestinian rights.

I think its time that Democratic candidates  Hillary, Bernie or anybody else  start taking the issue seriously and start a real national conversation and get behind all human rights, including Palestinian rights, said Putzova, a city council member from Flagstaff, Arizona.

She was among many pro-Palestine activists at the DNC this week who came out in a show of force unprecedented at other political conventions. They marched and rallied, held talks and town halls, carried signs and, at one point, raised a Palestinian flag on the convention floor.

The issue is getting more media exposure, more people are aware, Putzova said. I think we are on the brink of changing the policy stands of the US, but it will take all of us to push the political elite. I think [Palestinians are] a community that has been marginalised for so long.

An issue that was once sidelined even in progressive circles, Palestine was pushed to the forefront of the electoral campaign this year, with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders showing that policy change on a seemingly intractable conflict is possible.

In a debate last April, he pushed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to call the 2014 Israeli war on Gaza disproportionate. He said the US and Israel need to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity and that the US has to play an even-handed role. Sanders, however, was also criticised for not denouncing Israel more forcefully, and for the ousting of his campaigns Jewish outreach director, who slammed Israels prime minister in a Facebook post.

A month later, Sanders assigned James Zogby, an advocate for Palestinian rights, and four others, including one of two Muslim congressmen, to the platform-writing committee, signalling his attempt to revise the partys long-standing policy that favoured Israel.

It took the work of a mass movement and a courageous person like Bernie Sanders, because if Bernie hadnt elevated it, it wouldnt have happened, said Zogby, also President of the Arab American Institute, in a talk attended by pro-Palestine supporters in Philadelphia. He gave us a qualitative boost forward.

READ MORE: Muslims at the DNC  Taking a stand against Islamophobia

Whats on the platform?

On the DNC sidelines, pro-Palestine supporters discussed how the conflict with the Israelis was playing out on the domestic policy platform.

But in stark contrast to public support and activism, the partys platform, which now supports a $15 minimum wage and Wall Street reform, did not include references to the Israeli occupation and its settlements.

Zogby said Clinton supporters cut out these references, fearing retribution from billionaire mogul and Republican donor Sheldon Adelson. On an official level, Clintons backers said the call for negotiations for a two-state solution in the partys platform was sufficient.

Going into the platform-writing committee, Zogby said he and other Sanders delegates were expecting to discuss removing a reference to Jerusalem being the undivided capital of Israel, and opposition to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

We wanted to strike the BDS line, we wanted to strike out a line on Jerusalem, said Zogby, who is also on the DNCs executive committee. I thought that would be the fight. I had no idea the fight would end up being over occupation and settlements.

They lost on all counts, and pro-Clinton supporters said they couldnt change the language. Heres what they told me: We cant do it because Adelson will come out against us,' Zogby said. He will come after you no matter what you do. The people who like [Adelson] wont vote for you.

READ MORE: Who is Sheldon Adelson and can he sway the US election?

The platform committee discussions leading up to the DNC also spurred controversy, as civil rights activist and scholar Cornel West made an impassioned appeal to change the language to include an end to occupation and illegal settlements.

He called Palestine a Vietnam War issue for young Americans, and likened the partys indifference to the conflict to the same apathy to these Negroes in the Jim Crow era.

Despite the fact that the resolution was voted down, some believe that the discourse on Palestine has shifted.





For the first time, the platform reflected the right of Palestinians to independence, sovereignty, and dignity in addition to Israels security. In a recent poll (PDF) of American attitudes on the conflict, 49 percent of Democrats said they recommended economic sanctions or other more serious action to counter settlement construction.

A changing conversation

The conversation has improved a lot  it is broader and more inclusive, said Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota, another Sanders pick on the DNC platform committee. Over the past few years, members of Congress have gone to the Holy Land, not only to Israel, but also to Palestine. The perspective is changing, and its a good time to continue the work that youre doing.

Palestine supporters are banking on the presence of many activists and progressives in the city, in part because of Sanders candidacy, to expand and change the debate on the conflict.

They are also aware that the share of younger Americans sympathising with the Palestinian cause has risen significantly in recent years  from 9 percent in 2006 to 20 percent in July 2014, and finally to 27 percent today.

We have seen some fairly remarkable changes in the landscape of how the issue of Palestine and Israel is being addressed  both in the news media and particularly within progressive circles, said Mike Merryman Lotze, the American Friends Service Committees (also known as the Quakers) Palestine-Israel programme director.

If we look back where the conversation was 15 years ago today, even really five years ago, we have to recognise that we are now in a fundamentally different place, he said.

That marks a shift  and that conversation has been pushed by the grassroots progressive movement.

READ MORE: US Democratic Party  Closer to justice on Palestine?
Gondia, India  For 25 years, the Lifeline Express has been travelling through India to bring health services to millions of Indians who are in need of surgery, treatment and diagnostics but have no access to medical care. The hospital train is their only hope for a cure.

The train is the flagship of Impact India Foundation, working in partnership with the Indian Railways.

In a meticulously orchestrated project, the best specialists in the country volunteer to travel thousands of kilometres to participate in missions and bedside care.

In April 2016, in the sweltering heat, the Lifeline Express spent four weeks in the heart of Gondia, a city of 176,000 mainly rice and tobacco farmers, located a 15-hour train ride northeast of Bombay.

There are fewer than 10 doctors to every 10,000 inhabitants in India, so many people must travel hundreds of miles to reach the nearest hospital.

While the countrys pharmaceuticals industry is a key supplier of generic medicines to the developed world, India lags behind in matters of sanitation and public health.

The hospitals in smaller cities such as Gondia often lack specialists and only provide basic care for patients.

Equipped with two fully functioning operating rooms, the doctors at Lifeline Express restore eyesight through cataract operations, correct cleft palates, and offer dental services for hundreds of people, among other treatments.
American and Kurdish ties are close but nothing fundamental has changed, yet.

Michael Knights is the Lafer Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He specialises in the politics and security of Iraq. He has worked in every Iraqi province and most of the country's hundred districts, including periods embedded with Iraq's security forces.

On July 12, the United States signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) regarding US-Kurdish military cooperation in the next stage of the war against the self-styled Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

On the Kurdish side, the agreement was signed by acting Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Karim Sinjari, and the US side was represented by Elissa Slotkin, the acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs.

After the agreement the Kurdish leadership met on July 14 with US Central Command commander General Joseph Votel.

Battle on the horizon

The meetings are a further indication that the battle of Mosul is fast approaching, and that the Iraqi Kurds are expected to play a critical role in the encirclement, liberation and subsequent stabilisation of the city.

On the symbolic front, the US leaders have recently expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of the Peshmerga, who have suffered 1,466 killed, 8,610 wounded and 62 missing in their war against ISIL, according to a June 14 press release by the KRG.

This was important because Kurdish leaders have often complained that the US has shown a preference for arming and equipping the federal governments Iraqi army rather than the Peshmerga.

On the symbolic front, the US leaders have recently expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of the Peshmerga, who have suffered 1,466 killed, 8,610 wounded and 62 missing in their war against ISIL, according to a June 14 press release by the KRG. by

According to officials that I talked to on both sides of the deal, the agreement will also release new US aid to the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

Though the KRG asked for $197m per month to cover incremental war costs, the Pentagon rationalised this figure down to around $60m.

This is not an open-ended arrangement: It will only cover the operating expenses of the Peshmerga forces involved in the Mosul operation for the duration of their involvement, totalling around $415m.

Military equipment also continues to flow into Kurdistan, including planeloads of German, US, French, British and Hungarian munitions, weapons and non-lethal supplies.

OPINION: Liberating Mosul will not solve Iraqs problems

But these imports are not direct arming of the Peshmerga of the kind called for by US legislators, but blocked by the Obama administration in June 2015.

Though aid is now being flown direct into the KRG, the manifests of aircraft are approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defence.

Intensive training

If anything is changing, it is the scale and effectiveness of the anti-ISIL coalition effort to train and equip the Peshmerga.

Since January 2015 the coalition has run the Kurdistan Training Coordination Centre (KTCC), a 300-person training mission manned by German, Italian, British, Finnish, Dutch, Norwegian, Hungarian and American troops.

From January 2015 to April 2016 the KTCC trained nine sets of Peshmerga troops at five KRG bases, graduating roughly 500 troops each time. Though useful, this training was only four weeks long and mainly focused on squad and platoon-level tactics involving fewer than 40 soldiers.

The new Modern Brigade Course (MBC) training offered since April 2016 is a big step forward.

The training is 10 weeks long, allowing units to build greater skills and cohesion, and giving time for advanced training in battlefield life-saving, anti-tank operations and defence against chemical weapons.

The MBC training also allows larger company-sized units  of around 100 soldiers  to practise coordinated operations in realistic urban warfare environments resembling Mosul.

The two 600-men MBC courses that were completed so far have also seen the fielding of US brigade equipment sets, as opposed to the mishmash of equipment used by previous sets of trainees.



OPINION: World leaders perpetuate failed anti-terror policies

Kurdistan is now receiving the equipment allocated under the KRGs $353.8m share of the $1.6bn Iraq Train and Equip Fund (ITEF) approved by the US Congress in November 2014 (PDF).

Each MBC course sees the Peshmerga receive 36 mortars and around 160 tactical and engineering vehicles. Training is also being provided to maintain the new equipment.

Whats after?

Yet, while these steps are positive for the Kurds, it is harder to know whether the train-and-equip effort will be sustained after Mosul.

This might be the preference of Baghdad and of regional players such as Iran.

Indeed, Peshmerga spokesman Jabar Yawar was quick to refute the idea of permanent US military bases in the KRG when he spoke to Rudaw on July 20, possibly mindful of sensitivities in Tehran and Baghdad.

In another scenario  for instance triggered by the election of a Kurd-friendly Donald Trump  the US security cooperation effort in Kurdistan could become even larger and more permanent.

For the Kurds, the only near-term option is to maximise the goodwill of international players by treading a fine line, supporting the Mosul battle while simultaneously reassuring regional actors in Tehran and Baghdad.

Michael Knights is the Lafer Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He specialises in the politics and security of Iraq. He has worked in every Iraqi province and most of the countrys hundred districts, including periods embedded with Iraqs security forces.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
On the 65th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, lets #StandAsOne with our 65 million forcibly displaced people.

Our world today has one million people who have fled violence or persecution for each year the United Nations Refugee Convention has existed.

The Refugee Convention was adopted in 1951 and defines who is a refugee. It outlines their rights and the legal obligations states must uphold to protect these vulnerable men, women and children. It is a convention that I and many others have benefited from.

Sixty-five years on, we have 65 million people on the move searching for safety, dignity and hope  the highest number of forcibly displaced people since records began.

It is a world that is increasingly hostile to them, as menacing xenophobic and racist rhetoric grows.

Triggered in the aftermath of the two world wars, the 1951 Convention was initially to protect European refugees, but this was expanded to every nationality in 1967 as the challenge of forced displacement was seen as global.

READ MORE: Why Al Jazeera will not say Mediterranean migrants

How ironic this history is  and what a betrayal. Currently we are faced with Fortress Europe, where the EU trades human beings for political concessions with Turkey, and others appear to be following suit.

The conflict in Syria has been a major source for the 65 million figure, but a great many others are also fleeing violence in South Sudan, Burundi, Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere.

The 1951 Convention is for refugees who  along with asylum seekers  account for around a third of the worlds 65 million forcibly displaced people. The majority of them flee to areas within their home countries.

The responsibility for protecting all of these vulnerable people, be they internally displaced, a refugee or an asylum seeker, needs to be shared, and fairly.

Flawed system

That is not happening. As Oxfam recently revealed, the worlds six richest countries host fewer than 9 percent of refugees and asylum seekers: the United States, China, Japan, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, many developing nations are shouldering the duty of protecting refugees: Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon, South Africa and the Occupied Palestinian Territory host more than 50 percent of the worlds refugees and asylum seekers, but account for fewer than 2 percent of the worlds economy.

The talks happening now in New York are tough and September may be tougher. But the toughest situation of all lies with those 65 million people who are searching for safety, dignity and peace every day, many fleeing violence and bloodshed. by

As bleak as this is, there is potentially some hope for our brothers and sisters fleeing conflict and persecution as countries not hosting their fair share of refugees may step up.

In September, US President Barack Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will host two summits on refugees and migrants.

The base agreement for the UN Summit is being fiercely debated now in New York. Member states are struggling to commit to changes to the status quo that would mean their sharing responsibility more equally and offering better protection for refugees, where they also assist them and the communities hosting them.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for world leaders to commit to sharing the responsibility for protecting refugees, so it is not left to a handful of poorer countries.

Member states must agree on a robust framework to welcome, protect and assist refugees and follow up on individual commitments.

They too must ensure that all people on the move, independent of their status and whether they have crossed a border or not, have their rights protected and that they receive the protection and assistance they need.

The talks happening now in New York are tough and September may be tougher. But the toughest situation of all lies with those 65 million people who are searching for safety, dignity and peace every day, many fleeing violence and bloodshed.

The world has changed in the 65 years since the Refugee Convention first came about, but our compassion and sense of responsibility must remain intact.

Let us stand as one with the 65 million.

Winnie Byanyima is a grassroots activist, human rights advocate, senior international public servant, world-recognised expert on womens rights, and currently the executive director of Oxfam International.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Report details deeply disturbing cases of rape and gang-rape by soldiers and men in plain clothes in Juba.

The UN says there have been at least 120 cases of sexual violence and rape against civilians in South Sudans capital Juba since fighting broke out three weeks ago between troops loyal to the countrys rival leaders.

Heavy fighting involving tanks and helicopters raged in Juba for several days between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice President Riek Machar earlier this month.

At least 272 people were killed before the leaders ordered a ceasefire.

Farhan Haq, UN spokesperson, said on Wednesday the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan continued to receive deeply disturbing reports of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, by soldiers in uniform and men in plain clothes against civilians, including minors, around UN House and in other areas of Juba.

Haq said UN peacekeepers had stepped up patrols and were also providing protection at designated times to women when they to go out of the Protection of Civilians sites to collect firewood and procure other non-food items.



UN eyes world court to try S Sudan atrocities

The UN is protecting tens of thousands of people at sites in Juba and elsewhere in South Sudan. Haq said the UN called on all parties to immediately sanction the soldiers responsible for these unspeakable acts of violence.

An earlier report, released in March, indicated that children and the disabled in the country had been burned alive and pro-government militia allowed to rape women as a form of payment.

Rights groups have also accused South Sudans military of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, descended into civil war after Kiir fired Machar as vice president in 2013. More than 10,000 people have been killed and some two million displaced, many of whom fled to neighbouring countries.

Kiir reappointed Machar earlier this year under a peace deal agreed in August. But Machar left Juba following the outbreak of violence earlier this month and Kiir replaced him on Monday with General Taban Deng Gai, a former chief opposition negotiator who has broken ranks with Machar.

Machar has said he will return to Juba only after international troops are deployed as a buffer force to separate his forces from Kiirs.
Al Jazeera obtains exclusive video of Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, saying groups name has changed to Jabhat Fath al Sham.

Al Jazeera has obtained exclusive video of the former leader of al-Nusra Front confirming the Syria-based armed groups split from al-Qaeda.

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani appeared in camera for the first time to announce his groups name has also changed to Jabhat Fath al Sham, or The Front for liberation of al Sham.

We declare the complete cancellation of all operations under the name of Jabhat al-Nusra, and the formation of a new group operating under the name Jabhat Fath al-Sham, noting that this new organisation has no affiliation to any external entity, Jolani said.





The release of the video on Thursday followed earlier reports that the leader of al-Qaeda had approved the split, so the Nusra forces could concentrate on their fight against the Syrian government and other rebel groups.

We look at it with relief

Al-Nusra first surfaced on the internet in early 2012 to claim responsibility for suicide bombings in Aleppo and Damascus.

The well-armed group, with highly trained fighters, has since staged numerous attacks on security forces  as well as on other armed groups in the country.

READ MORE: Russia, Syria to open exit route for Aleppo civilians

It is sanctioned by the UN Security Council and listed as a terrorist group by the US and Russia.

In February, the US and Russia excluded the group, as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) from a cessation of hostilities deal aimed at ending the fighting in Syria.

Reacting to Jolanis declaration, Farah al-Atassi, a spokeswoman for the High Negotiations Committee, the Syrian oppositions main negotiating bloc, said it was still very premature to predict the full consequences of the split from al-Qaeda.

Atassi added, however, that she was hopeful that the move would rid powers such as Russia of their reasoning for bombing Syria.

We look at it with relief, she told Al Jazeera from Washington DC, minutes after Jolanis announcement.

This will reflect somehow positively on the Free Syrian Army (FSA) who has been fighting ISIL and al-Nusra for the past six months, because Russia is bombing and hitting FSA positions and civilian neighbourhoods with the excuse that they are hitting al-Nusra.

Mixed reaction

Al Jazeeras Mohamed Jamjoom, reporting from Gaziantep on the Turkish side of the Syrian-Turkish border, said the initial reaction from members of the opposition within Syria was decidedly mixed.

All the opposition activists weve spoken with inside Syria told us they were not surprised by the announcement; there had been mounting speculation in the last few days that this was going to happen, Jamjoom said.





A few told us they believed that by al-Nusra separating itself formally from al-Qaeda and changing its name, as well as by speaking about unifying in the fight in Syria, that that meant that the US and others would no longer consider al-Nusra to be a terrorist organisation; that more international backers would be behind rebel groups.

However, most of the activists in Aleppo did not really believe what Jolani is saying; they dont trust the motivations, Jamjoom added.

Some of them wondered whether this was some kind of publicity stunt to get more support from the international community, with many wondering whether this was going to have any practical impact.

View from Washington

Later on Thursday, the White House said its assessment of al-Nusra had not changed, despite the announcement that that the group was cutting its ties with al-Qaeda.

There continues to be increasing concern about Nusra Fronts growing capacity for external operations that could threaten both the United States and Europe, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters at a briefing.

We certainly see no reasons to believe that their actions or their objectives are any different, US State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

They are still considered a foreign terrorist organisation, Kirby said. We judge a group by what they do, not by what they call themselves.

Al Jazeeras Rosiland Jordan, reporting from Washington DC, said the White House considered Nusra a security threat to the US and its interests.

When the US made the decision to declare Nusra a terrorist organisation [in 2014], there was a lot of criticism, notably coming from members of the Syrian opposition who said Nusra had the best trained, most effective fighters in their efforts to topple the government of [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad, Jordan said.

But the US government was not moved, saying that they considered its [Nusras] de facto ties to al-Qaeda to be a very serious problem.
Salah Nuh Ismail and second attacker targeted AU peacekeeping forces main base on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people.

A former member of Somalias parliament was one of two suicide bombers behind a deadly attack on international troops near Mogadishus international airport, according to the armed group al-Shabab.

Salah Nuh Ismail, also known as Salah Badbado, and an unknown second assailant detonated cars loaded with explosives at the gates of the main base of an African Union (AU) peacekeeping force on Tuesday morning.

The attack on the AMISOMs Halane base was the latest by al-Shabab, which wants to topple Somalias internationally backed government and rule the Horn of Africa country.

Al-Shabab regularly attacks AMISOM, which is made up of about 22,000 military personnel from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and other African countries helping to support Somalias government and army.





In a pre-recorded audio message released on Wednesday by the pro-Shabab radio station Andalu, Ismail said: This is my last message to my fellow Muslims. I am prepared to launch this attack against the infidels with expectation of martyrdom from Allah.

Ismail left government in 2010 to join al-Shabab after serving as a parliamentarian for a decade, accusing the government of abandoning religious principles.

Ismail, who was from Somaliland, joined parliament in 2009 as one of 275 Islamists nominated by Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, the then Somali president.

Vehicle explosions

Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al-Shababs military operation spokesman, confirmed Ismails participation in the attack.

Salah defected from the parliament in 2010, joined us and repented, and he became a martyr today, Abu Musab told Reuters news agency.

The current so-called Somali government lawmakers should follow suit. We are telling them to take part in the jihad via the same procedures.

Somali security officials have yet to confirm the bombers identity.

READ MORE: Meeting al-Shababs exclusive leader

At least 13 people were killed in Tuesdays explosions, which were quickly claimed by al-Shabab.

Several buildings used by the UN are near the capitals Aden Adde International Airport, as are barracks used by AU troops, who are in Somalia to help the government fight al-Shabab.

Thirteen people died in the two suicide vehicle explosions, Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for Banadir administration, the local government, told Al Jazeera by phone from the scene of the blasts.

Nine of the dead were security for the UN and three were civilians. Five people were also injured in the explosions.

Caught in the blast

Police said the first attacker detonated a car bomb and the second tried to storm the base on foot, but was shot and exploded at the gate.

The security guards were caught in the blast as they escorted UN personnel into the base.

In December 2014 al-Shabab fighters breached the Halane bases security perimeter before engaging troops in a gun battle that lasted several hours and killed at least three soldiers.

The AMISOM force, deployed in Somalia since 2007, has managed to push al-Shabab out of Mogadishu.

However, the fighters still hold large expanses of territory and frequently launch hit-and-run attacks.
The use of restraints and tear gas on juveniles could be in violation of UN conventions against use of torture.

The use of hoods, restraints and tear gas on Australian aboriginal children in youth detention centres by police, as shown in footage released this week, could violate the UN treaty barring torture, according to a UN official.

Australias Northern Territory on Wednesday suspended the use of hoods and restraints on children after the broadcasting of CCTV footage showing guards at a juvenile detention center teargassing aboriginal inmates and strapping a half-naked, hooded boy to a chair.

Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister, has ordered a Royal Commission in the treatment of children in the detention center, the most powerful inquiry in the country, rejecting calls for a national inquiry.

Juan Mendez, UN special rapporteur on torture, told Australias Radio National on Thursday that the video suggested that torture may have taken place and welcomed the inquiry but warned against limiting its scope.

Its hard to tell only from the video or the press coverage but I do think that its a very worrisome development that can amount to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under any circumstance , he said.

He said that there was no question that very severe pain and suffering had occurred and that the perpetrators seem to be representatives of the state.

If others knew and did nothing, they too could be punished alongside those who actually committed the violence, he said.

The footage, showing six aboriginal boys being stripped naked, strapped to a chair with a hood, thrown by the neck into a cell and held for long periods in solitary confinement, was shot between 2010 and 2014 at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre near Darwin in the Northern Territory.

A report into some of the incidents by the Northern Territory Childrens Commissioner in 2015 found fault with the guards behavior, but the findings were disputed by the then head of prisons and not acted upon, said Australian Broadcasting Corp, who aired the footage.

The Northern Territorys corrections minister was sacked on Tuesday, just hours after the broadcast.

The case highlights concern about the disproportionate numbers of aboriginal youth in custody, with indigenous leaders calling for politicians to deal with the wider issue of the treatment of Aborigines in Australia.

Aborigines comprise just three percent of Australias population but make up 27 percent of those in prison and represent 94 percent of the Northern Territorys juvenile inmates.

Australias roughly 700,000 indigenous citizens track near the bottom of almost every economic and social indicator for the countrys 23 million people.
Abdel-Malik Petitjean, who took hostages and killed a priest in Normandy, had Islamist militant links, source says.

Police have identified the second assailant who attacked a church in northern France this week as a 19-year-old known to security services as suspected of having Islamist militant links, sources say.

Police on Thursday identified the man as Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean from a town in eastern France on the border with Germany, a judicial source told Reuters news agency.

Security services had in June opened a special file on Petitjean for becoming radicalised, a police source said separately.

The government has said there are about 10,500 such people in France.

Petitjean and an already identified accomplice, Adel Kermiche, took hostages at a church in Normandy on Tuesday before slitting the throat of an elderly priest at the altar.

Kermiche, also 19, had been awaiting trial on terror charges and had been fitted with an electronic tag despite calls from the prosecutor for him not to be released.

ISIL releases video

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) released on Wednesday a video that purportedly shows the two men pledging allegiance to the group, which is led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and operates in parts of Syria and Iraq.

The footage, which was posted on Wednesday on the ISIL-linked website Amaq, appears to show two young men naming themselves as Abu Omar and Abu Jalil al-Hanafi and reciting a pledge of allegiance to Baghdadi.

READ MORE: ISIL releases video of French church attackers

Al Jazeeras Natacha Butler, reporting from Paris, said the assailants entered the church during a morning service.

There were worshippers there; there were nuns; and they took those people hostage, including that priest who was killed. One of the nuns managed to escape, French radio reported, and it was that person who raised the alarm and called the police, she said.

Special forces arrived shortly after and the hostage-takers were killed when they tried to leave the church.

On high alert

The Normandy attack came as France was on high alert after the attack in Nice earlier this month which killed 84 people and a string of deadly attacks last year claimed by ISIL.

The country is in a state of emergency and has boosted visible police presence.

The security measures have been extended four times since assailants, who pledged allegiance to ISIL, struck Paris in November, killing 130 people at restaurants, a concert hall and the national stadium.

The Nice attack has touched off a bitter political spat over alleged security failings, with the government accused of not doing enough to protect the population.
Resignations, on eve of Supreme Military Council meeting, in protest against mass dismissals in wake of failed coup bid.

Two high-ranking Turkish officers have resigned just hours before the countrys Supreme Military Council began a meeting to discuss a review of the armed forces.

The generals handed in their resignations in protest against the governments ongoing dismissals in the aftermath of the failed coup attempt of July 15, sources told Al Jazeera on Thursday.

CNN Turk identified them as Kamil Basoglu and Ihsan Uya, both high-ranking members of the land forces.

The council comprises the heads of the various divisions of the army, as well as Turkeys prime minister and the defence minister.





It is responsible for promotions and removals and also helps to set the direction of the armed forces.

The Supreme Military Council meeting was scheduled to be held in the beginning of August but it was advanced by a week, Al Jazeeras Almutaz Billah Hasan reported from Ankara.

For the first time, the meeting is taking place in Ankara at the Cankaya palace of the prime minister instead of the military headquarters.

Fikri Isik, the Turkish defence minister, is attending the meeting, which is being chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The meeting will last just one day as opposed to the usual three, and will address the failed coup attempt, a new military structure, possible promotions of at least 91 officers, and the latest dismissals within the army.

The Turkish government has dismissed more than 1,223 officers from the army, including 130 generals, since the failed coup attempt.

On Thursday, Turkish media sources reported quoting Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Turkish foreign minister, that 88 employees had been laid off from his department.

At the same time, the government has shut down several media outlets, including 16 television channels and three news agencies that are said to be supportive of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based exile and businessman blamed by the Turkish government for the failed coup attempt.
At least 17 soldiers loyal to renegade general die in clashes with rival faction for the control of Benghazi city.

Clashes between two rival factions in Libya fighting for control of the eastern city of Benghazi have killed at least 19 fighters and wounded several more.

Forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, a renegade general, clashed with fighters loyal to the Shura Council of the Benghazi Revolutionaries (SCBR).

At least 17 pro-Haftar and two SCBR fighters were killed, and more than 20 were wounded.

Haftars self-proclaimed Libyan National Army has carried out air strikes in Benghazi, under the control of the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, including in the citys Ganfouda district.

READ MORE: Fierce fighting rages in Libya

The attacks have endangered the lives of scores of detainees being held captive in Benghazi, according to Amnesty International, the international rights body.

Haftar and his forces have a strong presence in eastern Libya and have refused to recognise the UN-backed unity government.

The fighting in Benghazi came as a military commander in eastern Libya told AFP news agency on Thursday that French, British and US soldiers were reported to be in Libya to monitor the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group.

French, American and British soldiers are in the Benina base near Benghazi, said Saqr al-Jaroushi, whose forces are allied with a government based out of the eastern city of Tobruk.

Foreign soldiers

Jaroushi said around 20 soldiers at the base were charged with monitoring the movements of the Islamic State jihadists and how they store ammunition.

There are no [foreign] pilots fighting in the place of our pilots and fighters, he said.

Other foreign military personnel carry out similar tasks across Libya, including in the capital Tripoli and in Misrata, a city in the west.

READ MORE: Tripoli condemns French military involvement

But Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA) said on Tuesday it had summoned Frances ambassador to protest against the presence of French special forces in eastern Libya.

The summons came after France confirmed last week that three of its soldiers had been killed when a helicopter crashed near Benghazi.

France said they were conducting intelligence operations.





Since the confirmation of the French deaths, there have been protests against both the French presence and the GNAs leadership in Tripoli and Misrata.

The GNA said in a statement it considered the French presence in Libyas eastern region as a breach of international norms and sovereignty which it rejects.

Fayez Seraj, the GNA head, demanded from Antoine Sivan, the French ambassador, an official explanation about the truth of what happened.

France and other Western powers have backed the GNA, the result of a UN-mediated deal signed in December. But the GNA has so far been opposed by Haftar and his allies in the east.

The confirmation of French special forces in Libya comes on the heels of the release of leaked tapes from the Benina air base, made public earlier this month, suggesting that British, French, Italian and US forces have been coordinating air strikes in support of Haftar.

Last year, Haftar launched a self-declared campaign to drive rebel fighters, including an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, from Benghazi. He refuses to support the UN-backed government because his forces were once loyal to a rival government.

READ MORE: Report: ISIL losing in Iraq, Syria; gaining in Libya

Elsewhere, Libyan forces said they have recaptured Sirte from ISIL. The advance came after heavy fighting leading up to the weekend, which killed dozens of people.

Families are returning to the city after spending months away to escape violence.

ISIL had controlled the city since late last year.

Though a recent lull in fighting allowed businesses to reopen, a heavy security presence remains to ensure ISIL fighters do not return.

Sirte was ISILs most important base outside Syria and Iraq; its loss would be a major setback for the group.
The group of mostly foreigners will be put to death for drug crimes in the countrys third round of recent executions.

Indonesia has rebuffed appeals from distraught relatives, rights advocates and foreign governments to abandon plans to execute 14 people for drug crimes as preparations intensified at the prison island holding death row inmates.

A convoy of ambulances, most of them carrying coffins, arrived on Thursday morning at the port town nearest to the Nusa Kambangan prison island, where the mostly foreign drug convicts will be executed by firing squads.

Al Jazeeras Step Vaessen, reporting from Jakarta, said the execution was imminent, and that the prisoners have been taken to the execution site.

All signs are there, she said. For the very last time, relatives of 14 prisoners have traveled to the prison island, where the executions are going to take place tonight.

Officials began tightening security at the prison several days ago, with more than 1,000 police sent to Cilacap, the port town, and the island.

The European Union and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Indonesia to impose an immediate moratorium on executions and the Indian and Pakistani governments said they were making urgent efforts to save two nationals among the condemned.

Doubts about legitimacy

Indonesia has not released an official list of those to be executed but the countrys attorney general said 14 people would be put to death.

Community Legal Aid Institute, which is involved in some of the death-row cases, has given names for four Indonesians, six Nigerians, two Zimbabweans, one Indian and one Pakistani.

Lawyers and rights groups have raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the convictions in several of the drug cases, including that of Pakistani Zulfikar Ali, Indonesian Merri Utami and Nigerian Humphrey Jefferson.

About 10 women protesting in Cilacap against Utamis death sentence were taken away in a police van on Thursday.

Muhammad Rum, a spokesman for Indonesias attorney general, said the executions are the implementation of our positive laws and will not be delayed or stopped.

All the cases have gone through a long legal process, including appeals, he said.

They all have been given chances at all stages.

The foreign ministry also defended the use of capital punishment and the legal process.

Family appeals

In Cilacap, the sister-in-law of Michael Titus, a Nigerian sentenced to death, said his Indonesian wife was returning to Indonesia from West Africa in the hope she would be able to see him a final time.

We will keep fighting to seek justice for our family, said the relative, Nila, who used one name. Michael is not alone. He has a wife, kids.

From Pakistan, a sister of Ali made an emotional appeal to the Indonesian authorities to review his case.

Family members said the Indonesian government had arranged a final meeting between Ali and his wife and mother, who traveled to Indonesia.



Indonesian president says drugs are destroying his countrys future generations

My brother is not a drug smuggler. I swear he is innocent, said Sajida Bibi.

I want to see my brother alive, she sobbed. Dont send his body to us.

Justice Project Pakistan, a group that provides free legal representation, said Alis confession following his arrest in November 2004 was obtained by police torture.

It said his case has not been properly reviewed by Indonesian authorities despite an internal government investigation which cast doubt on the conviction for drug trafficking.

The Indonesian government says the death penalty is necessary for drug crimes because the country is facing a drug epidemic, particularly affecting young people. But critics argue that capital punishment is not an effective deterrent and some have also questioned the accuracy of the governments drug abuse statistics.

It would be the third set of executions under President Joko Jokowi Widodo, who campaigned on promises to improve human rights. His two-year-old administration will have executed more people than were executed in the previous decade. Fourteen were put to death last year.

The government of Jokowis predecessor did not carry out executions between 2009 and 2012, but resumed them in 2013.

Worldwide, China is believed to be the country with the highest number of executions but it does not release figures. Amnesty International estimates several thousand people are executed in China each year.

Of the more than 1,600 publicly announced executions last year, Amnesty says nearly 90 percent of them were in three countries: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran.
In first half of 2016, 740 people were made homeless by the Israeli army, which says the structures were not approved.

Approximately 740 Palestinians, including 384 children, were made homeless during the first six months of 2016 after the Israeli military tore down their housing structures in the occupied West Bank, according to new figures.

In a report published on Wednesday, Israeli human rights organisation BTselem said 168 Palestinian homes were demolished across Area C between January 1 and June 30  more than in all of 2015.

The figures do not count multiple demolitions of the same housing unit.

Area C, which comprises 60 percent of the West Bank and is home to about 300,000 Palestinians, is under full Israeli military, security and administrative control.

Settlement expansion

Separate BTselem data looking at demolitions over the past decade showed that most of the destruction was carried out in small, underprivileged communities far from the city centres, in areas such as the South Hebron Hills and the Jordan Valley.

They target Palestinian areas that are sparsely populated, as the people there do not have political clout, BTselem spokesperson Sarit Michaeli told Al Jazeera.

Israeli authorities want them to move into Area B in order to use Area C for settlement expansion. Thats the crux of the issue.

Area B, comprising about 22 percent of the West Bank, is under Israeli security control, while the Palestinian Authority runs civil affairs.

While tenants may be previously aware of a demolition order, Michaeli says Palestinians are not informed when their housing structure will be demolished.

Israeli authorities justify home demolitions by claiming such structures were built without permits.

Since the construction of these buildings has not been approved by the relevant authorities, enforcement measures were taken against them, a spokesperson for the Civil Administration, Israels military governing body in the West Bank, told Al Jazeera.

Palestinians have repeatedly said their building permit requests are rejected or unanswered.

UN figures published last year showed that Israeli authorities approved just 1.5 percent of all requests for building permits submitted by Palestinians between 2010 and 2014.

According to BTselem, demolitions are taking place under flimsy pretexts such as illegal construction  a spurious claim given the absence of any real possibility for Palestinians to build legally in the area.

This governmental policy, implemented systematically for years, constitutes the forced transfer of protected Palestinian residents within the occupied territory, in breach of international humanitarian law, the groups report said.

Israel occupied the West Bank after the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Since then, Israel has built 125 Jewish-only housing settlements  considered illegal under international law  across Area C, according to BTselem figures.

More than half a million Jewish Israelis live in such settlements, with further plans to expand them.

READ MORE: Israel vows more settlements amid West Bank violence

Alaa Tartir, programme director of Al-Shabaka Palestinian Policy Network, an independent think-tank, said home demolitions need to be understood within this broader picture of Israeli oppression and tactics of forced transfer.

Territorial expansion and annexation remain at the core of the Zionist project and demolishing houses is one of the tools it uses, Tartir told Al Jazeera from Geneva, Switzerland.

With every house Israel demolishes, peace becomes more elusive and unattainable.
Nepalese army called in to help as monsoon rains kill 64 people, with at least 20 still missing.

Floods and landslides have left 64 people dead after heavy and steady monsoon rains hit Nepal. A further 20 remain missing, and thousands of others have been forced to leave their homes.

Many houses and bridges have been swept away in several parts of the country as the torrential downpours caused rivers to burst their banks.

At least 36 people have died in the Pyuthan district in western Nepal.

Meanwhile, the district police office in Butwal is quoted by the Himalayan Times, saying the flooding has put more than 6,000 people at risk and police are working to move them to a safer area.

Pyuthan and Butwal are among 14 of Nepals 75 districts affected by the floods and landslides triggered by the monsoon rains.

The Nepal army is racing in to help evacuate hundreds more from flooded villages as the waters continue to rise after swollen rivers breached their banks and inundated many homes.

Water levels were close to dangerous levels along the Saptakoshi and Narayani rivers. In fact, water flow in the Saptakoshi river has now crossed this years highest mark after 10 days of persistent rain.

The situation is particularly desperate this year because millions of Nepalis are still living in tents or makeshift huts after the devastating earthquakes that killed nearly 9,000 people in 2015.

Floods and landslides are common in Nepal during the southwesterly monsoon season which runs from June to September.

The death toll runs into the hundreds every year.
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski vows to kick-start slowing economy as he takes oath of office as Perus new leader.

Former Wall Street banker Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has been sworn in as Perus new president.

The conservative politician, who is known as a technocrat with a polished resume, choked up as he took the oath of office on Thursday, before donning his new red-and-white presidential sash over his pinstriped suit.

I will seek equity, equality and fraternity among all Peruvians, he said, vowing not just economic, but human growth.

His predecessor, Ollanta Humala, left office after a tenure marked by constant cabinet changes and an increase in crime.

As he starts his term in office, Kuczynski is hoping to to kick-start the slowing economy and unite a country deeply torn by a close election.

READ MORE: Kuczynskis camp claims victory in Perus presidential race

He has always been right of centre, but now he is talking about starting a social revolution, Al Jazeeras Mariana Sanchez, reporting from the capital, Lima, said.





He doesnt want to be speaking about the mega-projects his government is going to do, she said.

He wants to speak about how he wants to give [basic services to] 30-40 percent of Peruvians who lack access to them.

Oxford graduate Kuczynski, 77, defeated Keiko Fujimori in a hard-fought presidential election last month which was decided by a razor-thin margin.

Kuczynski won 50.1 percent of the vote, while Fujimori, the daughter of jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori, got 49.9 percent.

But, even though she lost the election, Fujimoris Popular Force Party won an absolute majority in congress.

READ MORE: Keiko Fujimori concedes defeat

It is going to be difficult for Kuczynski to govern, said Al Jazeeras Sanchez.

Fujimoris party won an absolute majority in congress, which was unprecedented.

Some of the congressmen from Fujimoris Popular Force Party are already saying that they will not give a green light to everything Kuczynski proposes.

However, Kuczynski said he wanted to be optimistic about the future, Sanchez added, pointing out that the Perus constitution gave the president powers to not have to ask for approval from congress for every project that he does.

Kuczynski said that he will be asking for reasonable things, said Sanchez. He is trying to have a closer approach to Fujimoris party.

New president has Hollywood links

Kuczynski is a cousin of Franco-Swiss filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard and his American wife, Nancy, is a cousin of the Hollywood actress Jessica Lange.

His father, a doctor, was an officer in the German army in World War I but fled when Adolf Hitler came to power. In Peru, he worked treating lepers in the Amazon jungle, where he spent part of his childhood.

Kuczynski was educated at a school in northern England and studied piano and flute at Londons Royal College of Music, according to his CV filed with the electoral authorities.

READ MORE: Vigilantes take the law into their own hands

He then studied at Oxford University and Princeton before working in Latin America for the World Bank.

He says he was expelled from Peru in a military coup in the 1960s while serving as head of the state reserve bank. He lived in the United States for years, working for banks and other companies.

He returned to Peru in the 1980s and served in various ministerial posts on and off over the following decades.
Scientists searching for ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections say they have found a new potential weapon in an unexpected place: the human nose.

The promising compound is produced by a nose-dwelling bacterium, and is able to kill a disease-causing, antibiotic-resistant superbug, the researchers said in a paper published on Wednesday by the journal Nature.

It was completely unexpected to find a human-associated bacterium to produce a real antibiotic, said study co-author Andreas Peschel of the University of Tubingen in Germany.

We have started a larger screening programme and we are sure there will be many additional antibiotics that can be discovered from these sources.

In the past, most new antibiotics have been discovered by sifting through soil samples. The last new class of the drugs to reach patients was discovered in the 1980s.

The scientists found Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the noses of about 30 percent of people, raising the question why the other 70 percent were not beset by this staph bacterium. A hardened variety, known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is among the superbugs that pose a growing health problem worldwide.

The researchers said that another in-nose bacterium  called Staphylococcus lugdunensis  appeared to be keeping the rival staph at bay in some people by producing its own antibiotic.

WATCH: Antibiotics Resistance: The End of Modern Medicine

Peschel and his colleagues isolated the new antibiotic, which they called lugdunin, and tested it on mice whose skin had been infected with Staphylococcus aureus. They found it was effective in clearing the bacteria in most cases.

Tests to see whether the new antibiotic would work in humans have not yet been conducted.

Finding one that works against MRSA would be a great success because more people are expected to die from infections with resistant bacteria than from cancer in 10 years time, said Peschel.

So far, staph does not seem to be able to adapt to lugdunin. For whatever reason it seems to be very, very difficult for Staphylococcus aureus to become resistant to lugdunin, which is interesting, Peschel said.

However, Kim Lewis and Philip Strandwitz, two scientists at Northeastern University in Boston who were not involved in the study, warned that lugdunin itself might not be a safe treatment because it appeared likely that the antibiotic could be harmful to human cells.

READ MORE: Can ancient remedies head off super-bug crisis

But in a commentary published alongside the original paper, they said the approach taken by Peschel and his colleagues could lead to further antibiotics discoveries.

Peschel said he did not believe lugdunin was particularly toxic but noted that research is only just the beginning.

Even if the new antibiotic turns out not to be suitable it might be possible to adapt the bacterium or transfer key genes to innocuous germs that could then be used to fight MRSA.
Human Rights Watch report finds an increasing number of children in conflict zones are being detained without charge.

Children caught in conflict-affected areas are often held without charge for months as national security threats, with some being tortured or dying in custody, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

In a report released on Thursday, the US-based rights group said that countries embroiled in war or conflict are increasingly arresting children with alleged linked to armed groups, or because of alleged terrorist activities by family members.

The governments of these countries are often emboldened by new counterterrorism legislation, using flimsy evidence and broad security sweeps to arrest children, claimed HRW.

Children, including infants, are also being arrested along with their mothers for security-related offences, said the report.

Governments are trampling on childrens rights in a misguided and counterproductive response to conflict-related violence, Jo Becker, childrens rights advocacy director at HRW, said.

The group specifically examined the detention and treatment of children in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Iraq, Nigeria, Syria and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

The report collected hundreds of interviews conducted with current and former detainees, including children, as well as UN documentation and other sources.

Farah: Scarred by Gazas War

In countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Nigeria, Somalia and Syria, hundreds of children may be detained at any given time, according to the report.

Physical abuse is also an issue. International standards require considerations, such as that the parents be present during a childs interrogation, said Sari Bashi, HRWs Israel/Palestine country director.

When previous reports regarding childrens arrests were brought before Israeli police, they would say it was the military who was responsible, or claim that there was no complaint filed.

Most of these children would not lodge a complaint because they are afraid, said Bashi.

READ MORE: Rise in Palestinian children held by Israel alarming

In some countries, children are more likely to be tortured. Interviews carried out by the UN in Afghanistan found that a higher percentage of children reported abuses compared with adults.

According to the report, US forces also detained children in Afghanistan, with the US authorities claiming that the children were captured engaging in anti-coalition activity.

The US also detained minors in Guantanamo Bay for up to 10 years. The report states that the children were allegedly subjected to torture. Currently, US forces would turn children over to Afghan authorities after detaining them for a few hours or days.

HRW also quoted a UN report saying at least 257 children were arrested and detained by armed forces in the DRC during 2013 and 2014.

It said 29 children interviewed last December by HRW reported being detained in appalling conditions in a military prison. All were accused of fighting for a rebel group, but only two said they were active fighters, HRW said.

We are urging governments to end detention of children without charge and ensure they are treated in accordance with international juvenile justice standards, which prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration, said Becker.

The report comes days before a UN Security Council debate on children in armed conflicts.
The convicts were shot by firing squad at the Nusa Kambangan penal island shortly after midnight local time.

An earlier version reported that two Nigerians, one South African and one Indonesian were executed. That was incorrect. Three Nigerians and one Indonesian were executed.

The Indonesian government has carried out four of the planned executions of 14 people found guilty of drug crimes, Al Jazeera has learned.

The convicts were shot by firing squad at the Nusa Kambangan penal island shortly after midnight on Friday local time (17:00 GMT on Thursday) amid pouring rain, according to TV reports.

Deputy Attorney General Noor Rachmad also confirmed the executions to reporters, according to the AFP news agency. But Rachmad did not say why the 10 other drug convicts had not been executed.

Al Jazeeras Step Vaessen, reporting from Jakarta, said among those who were executed were three Nigerian citizens and one Indonesian.

All the others are still waiting their trials to be re-examined, our correspondent said. Its not very clear what actually were the last conclusions [and] why these executions didnt take place. But the government is saying it has something to do with legal issues.

The lawyer of Pakistani prisoner Zulfikar Ali had earlier told our correspondent that his client was not among those who had been executed.

Al Jazeeras Vaessen said there had been a lot of pressure until the last minute to stop the executions.

OPINION: Indonesias dramatic executions hide the real problem

The executions were the third set carried out since President Joko Widodo took office in October 2014.

Widodos two-year-old administration will have executed more people than were executed in the previous decade. Fourteen were put to death last year. But one prisoner, a woman from the Philippines, was spared the death penalty at the last minute.

The European Union and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had called on Indonesia to impose an immediate moratorium on executions, and the Indian and Pakistani governments also made urgent efforts to save two nationals among the condemned.

The Indonesian government said the death penalty is necessary for narcotics-related crimes because the country was facing a drugs epidemic, particularly affecting young people.

But critics argue that capital punishment is not an effective deterrent and some have also questioned the accuracy of the governments drug abuse statistics.

The government of Jokowis predecessor did not carry out executions between 2009 and 2012, but resumed them in 2013.
Rescued at sea, refugees are subject to kidnapping, torture and rape in Libya, according to Doctors Without Borders.

Poverty, persecution and conflict are among the reasons refugees were forced to flee their homelands.

By the time they were rescued from sinking boats on the Mediterranean Sea, they had another more urgent motive: escape from Libya.

Endalkachew Gebrehiwot, a refugee, told Al Jazeera that during the 10 months he was in Libya, human smugglers had kidnapped him twice.

Unable to pay a $4,500 ransom, he said the smugglers forced him to work and whipped him every day with electrical cable.

It is the will of God, that I survived. You dont expect to survive that concentration camp, he said.

Kim Clausen, from the Doctors Without Borders organisation, described the conditions in Libya as horrible.

Right now, [whats] going on in Libya, its what wed call slave trading, its forced prostitution, mass rapes. Its torture. Its kidnapping for ransom by the smugglers and they sell the refugees.

Endalkachew said the situation was so bad, he would rather die at sea than remain in Libya.
Besieged Aleppo residents distrustful of Russia-Syria plan to give civilians and surrendering rebels way out of city.

Russia and the Syrian government have said they will open up a route to give besieged civilians, as well as rebels willing to surrender, a way out of the northern city of Aleppo.

Backed by Russian air strikes, the Syrian army has been increasingly encircling the divided city, targeting opposition fighters every day and cutting off all supply routes into the rebel-held part of Aleppo.





In a televised speech on Thursday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced joint plans between Moscow and Damascus to open three humanitarian corridors in order to help civilians who were kept hostage by the terrorists as well as the fighters who want to lay down their arms.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has also offered a general amnesty for rebels who want to give up their weapons and surrender to authorities over the next three months.

The Syrian government has reportedly been dropping leaflets detailing safe passage routes for more than 300,000 trapped civilians in Aleppo. In text messages to civilians and fighters, the army also urged residents on Tuesday to join the national reconciliations and expel the mercenary outsiders from the areas where the citizens reside, according to the state-run news agency SANA.

READ MORE: Syrian army cuts off last supply route to east Aleppo

Al Jazeeras Mohamed Jamjoom, reporting from Gaziantep on the Turkish side of the Syrian-Turkish border, said, however, that Aleppo civilians were suspicious and distrustful of the proposed plan.

Everybody weve spoken to on the ground in Aleppo says that not only do they not trust either the Syrian regime or the Russians to implement this plan  and that the rebel forces will be safe if they surrender or if civilians flee through these corridors  but they also say it does not make sense to them that this would be carried out in this way.





Jamjoom added that many Syrians said they would have preferred such a plan to be carried out by the UN or aid agencies.

They feel that if they stay inside Aleppo, the siege is only going to get worse and the humanitarian crisis is only going to increase. They say if they leave, they fear they will be treated harshly by Syrian forces, Jamjoom said.

They dont know what to do.

Commenting on the Syrian-Russian proposal, Staffan De Mistura, the UN special envoy for Syria, said the UN, like everyone else, was not consulted on the matter beforehand  but that it was willing to find ways to coordinate with Russia on the plan.

The city is de facto besieged, because it is almost completely militarily encircled, said de Mistura, adding there were only two to three weeks of supplies left.

The clock is therefore ticking, there is no doubt about that.

The Russian government said it welcomed international aid organisations, which operate in Syria, to join the operation.

Humanitarian groups have warned of a major catastrophe if the siege on the rebel-held east of Aleppo continues, with medical facilities, bakeries and warehouses reportedly being hit.

Some 300,000 residents are trapped in the eastern part of the city, according to the UN.

READ MORE: Air strikes pound Aleppo as UN eyes new Syria talks

Once Syrias largest city, Aleppo has been roughly divided between government control in the west and rebel control in the east since mid-2012.

Assad has issued amnesty offers several times in the past in the course of Syrias civil war, now in its sixth year. The offer is largely seen by opposition fighters as a publicity stunt and psychological warfare against the rebels.

De Mistura said this week he hopes peace talks aimed at ending more than five years of brutal conflict could resume at the end of August.

In the past few days, dozens of Syrians have been reportedly killed in separate attacks across the divided city.

The Syrian conflict began as a mostly unarmed uprising against Assad in March 2011, but it quickly escalated into a full-blown civil war between the government, armed opposition fighters and hardline groups.

More than 280,000 Syrians have been killed in the conflict.
Arrests and detention of loyalists of ex-PMs Thaksin and Yingluck come ahead of August 7 charter referendum.

Eight Thai politicians are facing charges of sedition and for spreading false information about the draft constitution, local reports said, a development that creates a climate of fear in the country ahead of a referendum, according to a rights group.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said on Thursday that the politicians, who are loyalists of former Yingluck Shinawatra, would be tried in a military court, and that their detention would continue for at least a week.

But those who were detained, including a suspended provincial chief and a former member of parliament, told local media that the letters distributed to their supporters were only expressing opinions about the proposed new charter, which seeks to return the country to civilian rule in 2017.

A referendum on the new constitution is scheduled for August 7.

Is Thailand on its way back to democracy?

The members of the Pheu Thai Party from the northern Chiang Mai province were taken into military custody on Wednesday. Their party is headed by Yingluck, who was ousted by the military in 2014. Yinglucks brother Thaksin also served as prime minister before being ousted by a similar coup in 2006.

Among those who will be charged are Boonlert Buranupakorn, the suspended president of the Chiang Mai provincial administrative organisation, his niece Tasanee Buranupakorn, a former member of parliament from Chiang Mai, and her sister, Thanthip.

They all belong to the Buranupakorn family, a major supporter of the former ruling party, whose stronghold includes the Chiang Mai province and the city of the same name.

Earlier, Boonlert was ordered to be suspended by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha for his alleged role in distributing the letter discussing details of the proposed constitution. He is said to be travelling abroad.





Unjustified arrests and charges

In a statement to Al Jazeera, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the arrests showed that Thailands military junta officials desperately want to win the vote.

These arrests, and hauling the suspects into military detention, absolutely contravenes Thailands international human rights obligations. The charge of sedition is being used like a hammer to pound anyone that says things the military junta doesnt like, Brad Adams, HRWs Asia director, said.

Adams also called on the UN and member countries to publicly condemn the arrests, and demand the government end its campaign of repression.

According to local media reports, the week-long detention period of the local politicians was ordered by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Prawit, who is also in charge of the countrys defence ministry, told reporters on Wednesday that there was substantial evidence to file the charges.

But Tasanee, the former MP, denied the government allegations.

I am confident the letters which were used to accuse me contain no information which breaches the laws. No efforts have been made to distort or falsify the draft charter, Tasanee was quoted by the Bangkok Post as saying on Wednesday.

More than 50 million registered voters are expected to vote in next months referendum on the countrys 20th constitution, which was drafted by the military.
Vice President Biden tells Democratic convention that Trump cannot be trusted with presidency

US Vice President Joe Biden accused Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump of being an opportunist who hasnt a clue about how to make America great.

Speaking at the Democratic Party Convention on Wednesday night to endorse Hillary Clinton as the partys presidential nominee, Biden took aim at Trumps trademark reality TV slogan, Youre fired, saying the billionaire businessmans cynicism was unbounded.

Think about that, Biden said. How can there be pleasure in Youre fired?

He has no clue about what makes America great. Actually, he has no clue  period.

Biden said Trump was unfit to be elected to the White House on November 8.

The threats are too great, the times are too uncertain, to elect Donald Trump as president of the United States, he said.

Grabbing the spotlight at a news conference in Miami earlier in the day, Trump urged Russia to find and release tens of thousands of emails that Clinton did not hand over to US officials as part of a probe into her use of a private email system while she was secretary of state.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump told reporters.

Former CIA Director and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told the Democratic convention that Trump had sided with Russia by asking for their services in hacking Clintons emails, which should be enough to disqualify him from ever becoming commander-in-chief.

Its inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be this irresponsible, he said.

Clintons campaign quickly responded to Trumps statement, calling it the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against a political opponent.

This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue, Clintons campaign said in a statement.

Trump steals the show

Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett said the Democratic Party was able to pivot and attack Trump on his request for Russia to hack Clintons emails.

But at the same time, Donald Trump is also benefiting from this, Halkett said at the convention.

Once again hes stolen the show. We are talking about Donald Trump again. And when we are talking about Donald Trump we are not talking about the Democratic convention, she said.

The Democrats just cant seem to win  they want to be talking about issues. They want to distance themselves from the Republican convention of a week ago and show how they are different. The problem is this email controversy, that seems to cloud Clintons campaign, just wont go away.

In his speech to the Democratic convention, businessman and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said people needed to unite to defeat Trump, who he called a dangerous demagogue.

Im a New Yorker and I know a con when I see one, Bloomberg said of Trump.

The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy.

The Clinton campaign has sought to portray Trump, who has no experience in public office, as temperamentally unfit for the White House.

They have contrasted Clintons long experience and foreign policy skills with Trumps maverick position on international relations, which Clinton campaign chair John Podesta has described as unsteady, unfit and dangerous.

Trump has proposed temporarily banning Muslims from entering the country and building a wall on the border with Mexico to stop illegal immigrants.
Residents expelled by Israel to the besieged Gaza Strip 14 years ago say they have been estranged from their origins.

Gaza City  Fahmi Kanans only desire these days is to be with his elderly father, whose health has rapidly deteriorated in recent months.

I want to see my father before any bad news strikes me, Kanan, 47, told Al Jazeera from his home in Tel al-Hawa, Gaza.

But an impassable distance separates father and son: While Kanans father remains in their hometown of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, Kanan was expelled 14 years ago to the besieged Gaza Strip.

He was among several dozen West Bank residents exiled by Israel to Gaza or Europe as part of a deal with the Palestinian Authority (PA) to end Israels 2002 siege on the Church of the Nativity during the second Intifada. The siege was part of Israels effort to apprehend a number of wanted Palestinians holed up inside the church.

INTERACTIVE: 24 Hours in Gaza

More than 200 people barricaded ourselves inside the church, but Israel had identified 39 as terrorists who had to be deported to lift the siege, Kanan recalled, noting that he had sought refuge in the church as violence raged in the area. He acknowledged that he was among the wanted men, having fought to resist the Israeli occupation.

Although the deal was supposed to involve only a temporary exile, Kanan said, Israel has not allowed any of the expelled Palestinians back home to the occupied West Bank. They have been kept apart from their families and relatives, as Israel has refused to grant them permits to travel from Gaza into Israel through the Erez crossing.

Hope has shrunk, and I fear I can only be back if I am carried in a coffin. by Majdi Danaa, 37

Although it is also possible to exit Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt, this crossing is frequently closed, and the expense of the journey is much greater, Kanan said. Although his family has taken this journey twice without him over the past 14 years to visit grandparents and relatives in Bethlehem, Kanan himself is not allowed into the West Bank owing to Israels ban.

Some of the other Palestinians who were expelled to Gaza under the 2002 deal have had parents and other family members in the West Bank die, without being able to bid farewell or even attend their funerals.

Majdi Danaa, 37, received news of his fathers death a year ago.

The exile has deeply estranged me from my origins, Danaa told Al Jazeera. Hope has shrunk, and I fear I can only be back if I am carried in a coffin.

Danaa said he had been engaged to a woman in Bethlehem before his expulsion, and he planned to return to marry her  but when his exile continued indefinitely, he was ultimately forced to give up.

I kept waiting until I realised that it was totally pointless, Danaa said. Years later, in 2009, he married a woman from Gaza, and they now have two children.

Throughout the course of their exile, the group has appealed to international bodies and human rights organisations such as the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, asking for help to end their ordeal  but their pleas have been to no avail.

Contacted by Al Jazeera, the UN and the ICRC said the issue was outside their mandate.

IN PICTURES: Nakba  Palestinians will return to their stolen lands

Kanan and some of the other exiled men also blame the PA for their predicament, citing indifference from the Palestinian leadership.

We feel that we are abandoned and banished from all sides, he said.

PA spokesperson Yousef el-Mahmoud told Al Jazeera that the Palestinian government was working to aid Kanan and the other exiled men.

Our goverment follows the issue of those deportees with great concern, Mahmoud said, noting discussions were under way in this regard, but he would not provide specifics.

Every spring, upon the anniversary of their exile, those living in Gaza reiterate their demands to return home. They believe their situation could be settled through negotiations between the PA and Israel, or possibly through a future prisoner exchange deal  but so far they have yet to see any progress.

Meanwhile, the men continue to languish in exile.

Raed Abiat says the years he has spent away from his family and hometown have left him with a heavy heart. He is deeply concerned about the health of his father, who suffers from an aggressive form of cancer.

I am deprived of my right to take care of my father when he is in an acute need for me to be with him, Abiat told Al Jazeera in a broken voice.
UN says groups establishing 10-member council to run the country is a clear violation of the Yemeni constitution.

The UN has criticised an agreement signed by Yemens Houthi rebels and ousted president Ali Abdullah Salehs party to form a political council to run the country.

Farhan Haq, spokesman of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said on Thursday the unilateral decision was not in line with the peace process and endangered the substantial progress made during the Kuwait talks.

It is a clear violation of the Yemeni constitution and the provisions of the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] initiatives and implementation mechanism, Haq added.

The agreement was struck earlier on Thursday between Salehs General Peoples Congress Party (GPC) and Ansar Allah, the political arm of the rebel Houthi movement.

The proposed council would include 10 members  five from each side.

READ MORE: 200,000 suffer under Houthi siege in Yemens Taiz

Yemen has been torn apart by conflict since 2014, when Houthi rebels, allied with troops loyal to Saleh, captured large swaths of the country, including the capital, Sanaa.

A coalition assembled by Saudi Arabia launched an air campaign against the rebels in March 2015. Since then, more than 9,000 people have been killed and 2.8 million driven from their homes.

In a statement published on Yemens Houthi-run SABA news, the parties who signed the deal said the insolence of the Saudi assault and its coalition in continuing to kill our people and destroy public and private properties motivated the agreement.

ANALYSIS: How can wartorn Yemen find peace?

It said the deal was signed by GPC deputy head Sadeq Abu Ras and the Houthis Ansar Allah political council chief, Saleh al-Samad, and outlined a basis for running the country and managing state affairs on the basis of the existing constitution.

The statement also said the agreement would entail a rotating leadership, including a president and a deputy from each ally.

The talks under way in Kuwait have made little progress on UN peace proposals, which include a Houthi withdrawal from cities captured since 2014 and the creation of an inclusive, more democratic government.

Exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi demands the implementation of the UN security council resolution which stipulates the withdrawal of armed groups from all cities. The Houthis demand a share of power in any new government.

Responding to the formation of the 10-member council, Yemens government said on Thursday the peace negotiations have completely ended.

We have participated and exercised patience for the sake of our people and we end the negotiations for their sake, Abdullah al-Olaimi, deputy director of the Yemeni presidents office and a member of the government team to the UN-brokered talks being held in Kuwait, said on his Twitter account.

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Hadis government said the rebels had fired the bullet of mercy, killing off the talks.
Editors note: This film is no longer available for online viewing.

Mohamed Jabaly, 24, aspires to make films in Gaza City, despite the lack of water and electricity, and closed borders that are part of every normal day under the seven-year Israeli blockade of Gaza. While many young people dream of leaving Gaza, Mohamed wants to help.

When he hears the news of a new Israeli offensive on Gaza in July 2014 he decides he cannot merely wait for death but must do something. He joins an ambulance crew to document the war. Mohamed comes of age among broken bodies, terrified families, and the constant risk of sudden death. He had never witnessed the effects of violence up close.

Within the first few days of war, he finds himself helping victims of a massacre. It felt like being in the middle of a theatre play. I saw blood. I tasted the pain in the eyes of women, fear in the faces of children. To whom could I show these images that are not merely images? he says.

The ambulance team is led by captain Abu Marzouq, who saved lives in many of Gazas wars. At first, the captain is intense and a little intimidating, and each day Abu Marzouq and the crew are in the eye of the storm. When four nine-year old boys are hit by a missile on a Gaza beach, they are one of the first ambulance crews to arrive.

Mohamed cannot tell his family what hes going through. He begins to feel close to his crewmates, who joke and encourage one another despite the fear. Abu Marzouq takes Mohamed into his confidence, and Mohamed discovers a man full of life and love for his co-workers.

DIRECTORS VIEW

By Mohamed Jabaly

The film is a personal story, as seen through my own eyes and the people with whom I worked during the war. The film is about human connections and does not seek to campaign for any political party or policy, nor assign blame. This is not because I dont see the urgency of the political debate or the importance of accountability, but because I am a storyteller who believes that personal stories can open the way and show us what we have in common: human decency and human dignity.

My war experience was very hard and I am still trying to understand my feelings. The filmmaking process forces me to do this and this is a good thing. I travelled to Norway in October 2014 to participate in a conference and screen some of my short films. Actually, I should have been in Norway earlier but the war prevented me from going. I was supposed to stay for only one month but, after only one week, Egypt closed the border with Gaza. I went from being stuck inside Gaza to being stuck outside of Gaza. My Norwegian hosts and friends were very generous and understanding. They also helped me to come out of myself and urged me to make this film.

But I was thinking of home all the time. I was walking around with the burden of war inside of me. When I was filming the ambulance team, I knew how important it was to make this film  everybody knew that  but I didnt know when or how to do it. The ambulance crew asked me again and again, When will you finish this film? We need to see ourselves. We need to see how we are working during the war.

It was a heavy responsibility but it also gave me a feeling of pride that I might be able to contribute something.

The people of Gaza know how hard is to live under constant attack, but not everyone sees the details up close. Few people are really on the front line, close to everything. Even though I myself had lived through two wars and two Intifadas before, nothing prepared me for my experience during the last war in 2014. Every phone call was bad news  one after the other. And it got worse and worse. It could have been my family or my neighbours. Our ambulance could be hit at any time. It was the first time in my life that I had been so close to a situation like this. I began to understand that each TV image was just a small part of a bigger story. Even though I had lived in Gaza all my life, I was shocked every day, moment after moment.

When people in Gaza see this film, I think they too will be shocked. They will be sad, remembering the war and everything they have lost. But I think they will also feel glad that this war will be remembered, that no one can say it never happened. No one can erase or deny our pain. The world must remember.

Both inside and outside of Gaza, people will see how we survive. The film must also remind people we are still alive; that we can still smile and that we remain hopeful. The best thing about the war was that I gained a new family in the ambulance crew. I learned what hard work and courage really looks like. And I felt and received real love.
Both supporters and opponents of medical marijuana agree there is a lot of work left to be done in Floridas budding industry.

The states first authorized medical marijuana dispensary, Trulieve, opened its store Tuesday in Tallahassee.

Brady Bauer, a 20-year-old UF aerospace engineering senior and president of UFs chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said the stores opening is great news.

Our main goal is to diminish the stigma about stoners, Bauer said.

He said the low-THC strain being sold is safe for children and will lead to even more effective legislation.

Karen Goldstein, the executive director and founder of Floridas state chapter of NORML, said the stores opening shows progress, but it only represents a small step forward for her organizations mission to end the prohibition of adult use of marijuana.

Goldstein said low-THC levels will only help a small number of patients, and the state needs to grow both its legislation and dispensaries.

Id like to see the state have regulated adult use of marijuana, Goldstein said. Treat it like alcohol.

She said her organization is hopeful Florida legislators will consider the successes of other states, such as Colorado, that allow easy access to medical marijuana.

Making something illegal doesnt regulate it, and it doesnt make it stop, she said.

Amendment 2, which would expand the list of medical conditions that qualify a patient for medical marijuana, along with the number of places it could be purchased, will be on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Calvina Fay, the executive director of the Drug Free America Foundation, an organization that fights the use of illicit drugs and the legalization of marijuana, said a synthetic form of THC (Marinol) is already legal in Florida and on a federal level.

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We dont really need a constitutional amendment that would forever alter our states constitution and would open the floodgates for anyoneto get high with marijuana under the guise of medicine, said Calvina Fay in a statement provided by her communications staff.

It remains to be seen if these dispensaries that are now opening can be properly regulated, Fay said.

There are currently five other companies growing marijuana and awaiting approval to begin selling, according to the Florida Department of Healths website, and two of the companies are based in Alachua County.

Patients need to be approved by one of Floridas 82 doctors before ordering from dispensaries, according to DOH. The closest approved doctor is Dr. Justin Davis in Archer, Florida, about 20 minutes from Gainesville.

As for UF Health Shands, the hospital will not distribute medical marijuana while it remains federally illegal, because that could threaten UFs federal funding, said Rossana Passaniti, the hospitals media relations coordinator.
Authorities arrested a Gainesville man Wednesday evening after they said he robbed the Campus USA Credit Union on Archer Road, causing a multi-agency manhunt and leaving some residents blocked from their homes.

At about 1:40 p.m., William Rossignol, 31, showed the bank teller what looked like a handgun, Gainesville Police spokesman Officer Ben Tobias said.

Rossignol is suspected of robbing a Wells Fargo bank July 20, and Tobias arrested him Nov. 4, 2015, for stealing an iPad from a room at GPD headquarters, according to multiple press releases.

Rossignol then drove a stolen Honda Accord at about 100 mph before parking at Lexington Crossing Apartments and running, Tobias wrote in an email.

The complex was blocked for about six hours.

We know that hes a drug user; we know that hes desperate, Tobias said during the search.

CeAra Anderson, who lives in one of the blocked search areas, said her young niece was home.

They told me that its not safe for me to go home, so I dont think its safe for her to be at home, she said.

As the search began to end at about 8 p.m., Rossignol was seen at the intersection of Southwest 31st Drive and 41st Place, he wrote.

Authorities arrested Rossignol on charges of grand theft auto, robbery and fleeing. They took him to the Alachua County Jail where, as of press time, he remains without bond.

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Gainesville residents can beat the heat with a cold treat during Miracle Treat Day, a charity event benefiting UF Health Shands Hospital.

Childrens Miracle Network hospitals and Dairy Queen have teamed up across the country to donate $1 or more from each Blizzard Treat sold today to support hospitalized children.

Seven local stores and 16 additional franchise locations across Florida will participate, according to the Miracle Treat Day website.

To promote attendance, the Archer Road location will host local Childrens Miracle Network ambassadors from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to Matt Romkey, the director for CMN at UF Health Shands Childrens Hospital.

Guests can meet the ambassadors, who are children who have been treated at the hospital.

Our ambassadors are very thankful for the amazing care that they have received, and they willingly volunteer their time to spread the impact that it has had on their lives, Romkey said.

Miss America titleholders, women who have placed in Miss Gainesville, Miss Teen Gainesville and other local competitions, will also attend the event, he said.

This is the 10th annual Miracle Treat Day, with about $35,000 raised at last years event for the childrens hospital, according to a press release.

We are hoping to raise even more this year, Romkey said. We have a lot of operators who have stepped up and are donating everything except the cost of the Blizzard, and we are very appreciative of these franchises for contributing at such a high level.

To see all participating locations, visit miracletreatday.com.

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During Tuesdays Student Senate meeting, the Student Senate unanimously approved nine bills that will put nine amendments to the constitution on the Spring 2017 ballot, including one for online voting.

The amendments were previously voted on in past elections but the recent Supreme Court decision, Interpretation of The University of Florida Constitution: Section 4 Article VIII, removed them June 25.

The amendments were removed because they didnt meet a 60 percent vote of approval. The ruling said students who dont vote for a certain amendment while filling out a ballot will be counted as being against the amendment.

One of the biggest criticisms the Supreme Court received was its decision to remove online voting from the constitution. However, with the passing of the Amendment to Student Body Constitution Article VI bill, online voting will be back on the ballot in Spring 2017.

During the public debate, Ben Duong, a 21-year-old UF microbiology and political science senior, said students will not read through nine lengthy amendments, which will cause them to fail.

Instead, he said the Student Senate could make amendments for online voting and anti-discrimination to pass them into law.

This Student Government Body has elected to compile three of the UF Supreme Court rejected amendments into a single amendment for the Spring 2017 ballot, to be voted upon alongside eight other amendments, he said. This will serve to do nothing more than bury online voting.

Chase Werther, a 19-year-old UF philosophy sophomore, shared a similar opinion.

Werther said the time it took students to vote in past elections was only two minutes, and voter turnout was still low.

She said more amendments will cause the rate to be even lower.

If we combine this with the Supreme Courts decision to count those who dont vote on a referendum as people who actually voted, we will be sending online voting on a suicide mission, Werther said.

Several other amendments include an update on the UF anti-discrimination policy, the option to decrease Student Senate members in Fall and Spring from 60 maximum to 50 maximum, a change of the start date for Summer Replacement Senator nominations, and the option to make the Head of Departments terms to expire at the same time as the elected executive officials.

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Other amendments would change the responsibilities of the Student Honor Court Chancellor, a position that no longer exists, to the Chief Justice and Elections Commissions, while striking any references to Student Honor Court from the Constitution.

Students can find the full bills on the UF SG website by visiting Resources, clicking Senate and then Bill 2016-1049 to 2016-1054 under the Bills section.
           2005     ..        
The United Kingdom made a manifesto commitment in 2015 to stand up for human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. In practical terms this has led us to: Support 360,000 vulnerable people with cash transfers following the El Nino induced drought Help reduce maternal deaths from 960 per 100,000 in 2010 to 651 []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...










ACTUALITES Ideologies like [Islam (ISIS), Hindutva (cow vigilantes) etc] do not require organization proper

Alwihda Info | Par Hem Raj Jain - 28 Juillet 2016



Bengaluru, India

Dear Editor



Such:- (i)- Communal ideologies never die till have power (through territories) (ii)- Medieval Hindutva (cow vigilantes) ideology can be partially defeated by referendum in India on beef eating (iii)- Medieval Islamic ideology can be defeated by retrieving POK and ultimately by Realizing 'Common Wealth'.



------ Recently the Indian Parliament and media have been discussing hotly the violence inflicted on people (mainly on Muslim and Dalit community) by Hindutva forces (cow vigilante brigades) all over India (latest being in Una, Gujarat and Mandsaur, M.P.). During these debates and discussions one point has been raised repeated by the people from Hindutva forces (India level organization such as BJP, RSS, VHP, Bajrangdal etc) that these cow protection organizations are not formally part of their India level organizations hence Hindutva forces cannot be blamed for these physical violences & other crimes by cow vigilantes.



But this is an untenable and flawed argument because ideologies do not require organization proper. This is evident in case of ISIS also where Jihadis all over the world are killing innocent people without these Jihadis (inspired by medieval thinking) becoming a member of ISIS organization. Rather ISIS does not have any global organization. Similarly these cow protection organizations or even individuals are fired-up by the ideology of Hindutva without being formal member of either BJP or RSS or VHP or Bajrangdal etc.



Here one more thing is common. Whether it is medieval ideology of ISIS or of Hindutva forces they all derive strength when they acquire territory in order to become State (even loosely). ISIS is having territories in Iraq, Syria, North-Africa etc. As far Hindutva forces they have governments of BJP at center and in many States of India. Therefore unless Hindutva forces (BJP in its present form) is dislodged from power from Centre and States, these communal forces of Hindutva (including cow vigilantes) will not be eliminated.



But this is a tall order because medieval communal forces can be defeated only by modern ideology of human rights friendly democratic-secular-socialism. Whereas it is not merely BJP rather all the political parties of India have compromised in this matter as given below - though (as was natural) the main beneficiary of this compromise has been Hindutva forces [through BJP which has come in power in center and in many States due to Hindutva forces gaining center stage of Indian politics after victory of India in 1971 in Bangladesh war which infuriated West (led by USA) which allegedly (like Taliban in Afghanistan to defeat USSR) encouraged Hindutva forces starting with JP movement of seventies (in which RSS played major role in arranging crowds), Khalistan movement of early eighties (in which Police did not enter even after murder of Police officer at Golden temple) hence culminating in Operation-Blue-Star and assassination of Indira Gandhi, Ayodhya movement since late eighties launched by Hindutva forces (culminating in demolition of Babri Masjid and communal riots including massacre in 2002 at Gujarat) etc]:-.



(1)- To what extent India compromised on Secularism is evident from six writ petitions which, in order to restore secularism in India, I repeatedly ask Muslims / secularists to file in Supreme Court of India about (i)- Legally expected restoration of Status-quo-ante of Babri Masjid which was demolished in 1992 in the presence of Observer of Supreme Court (ii)- Query about retrieve of POK in the interest of removal of AFSPA etc from J&K (unlike Hindu majority Goa the POK has not been retrieved by so-called secular India and even Bangladesh was not assimilated in 1971 despite collapse of two nation theory because both are Muslim majority) moreover Indian military does not have courage to take-on the military of Pakistan for the retrieve of POK and instead showing its bravery by training guns at the civilians / citizens of India in Kashmir (iii)- Prosecution against guilty found by Sri Krishna Commission about 1992-93 communal riots in Mumbai / Maharashtra (while rightly asking for deportation / action against Dawood Ibrahim etc, the guilty of serial blasts which were direct fallout of said riots) (iv)- Identification, tracking and deportation of illegal immigrants, mainly from Bangladesh (v)- Quashing of discriminatory (especially against Muslims) Reservation Policy (vi)- Delhi 1984 & Gujarat 2002 riots about section 130 & 131 Cr.P.C.



(2)- As far socialism which is nothing but joint-capitalism or mixed-economy where State-capital should also have sanctity and should be deployed (like private capital) profitably especially in the interest of eliminating unemployment (especially by constructing residential and commercial building which can be given on rent to be decided by statutory Rent Commission). But in India (like in USSR which got dismantled as it too squandered State-capital) most of the Public Undertakings have been allowed to run in loss. The worst part of it is that State-capital (out of Tax) to the tune of ~ $ 15 Trillion is not being recovered by GOI. Hence two writ petitions are needed in Supreme Court about (i)- Constitutional obligation about Public debt under Article 292 & 293 and not under unconstitutional FRBM (ii)- Recovery of Rs ~ 1,000 Trillion tax out of black money (declared illegally as agricultural income to avoid tax) which, if recovered, can solve most of the problems being faced by India especially arising due to economic hardship.



(3)- As for human rights (necessity in any democracy) India is yet to give the crucial institutions of health-care and education under the control of the people. Though in first stage it can easily be done regarding health-care institutions by modifying ESI [Where representatives of the contributors (employees and employers) should be there in management in addition to representatives of the government].



(4)- This medieval mindset of all the political parties of India has already brought India at a situation where Government of India is fearing another break-up of India by Pakistan as is expressed in the article A Proxy War In Kashmir in TOI on July, 26 by Union Minister for I&B and Urban development M Venkaiah Naidu. Islam, unlike Christianity and Hinduism, is a politics based religion hence serves the purpose of ideology. Old ideology can be replaced only by a better ideology [in terms of being more humane (necessary in any democracy) and capable of providing more economic & military power]. Hence Hindus thought that secular-socialist ideology of post partition democratic India will not only be better for India in every sense of the term but will also make India such an attraction that Pakistan and Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) will one day come back to India after renouncing two-nation-theory. But due to betrayal of secular-socialist ideology by Hindu majority India this so-far has not happened.



(5)- On the contrary Pakistan and its Jihadis have smelt blood (in unrest in Kashmir after killing of Burhan) for the purpose of snatching Muslim Kashmir if not entire J&K from India. Venkaiah does not realize that two nation theory (the basis of Indias partition in 1947 on the basis of religion) is presently being buttressed by Caliphate factor aroused by ISIS which even triggered recent failed coup in Turkey where disgruntled elements in Turkey were against President Erdogan who is allegedly trying to bring Caliphate back in Turkey and then in all Muslim majority countries (which was dismantled after World War I and which triggered mass movement in India by Congress under the leadership of Gandhi for the restoration of Caliphate). The Caliphate is appealing to all the Sunni Muslims ( ~ 87 % of global Muslim population) because like three other major human blocks namely Christians (with NATO), Chinese and Hindus it will bring Sunni Muslims also under one military authority (which will help Sunni Muslims in finding solution to gory problems like chronic Palestine problem, chronic Kashmir problem, Syria problem etc). In this caliphate factor Pakistan is important to Sunni-Muslim-World due to its Nukes which will further give teeth to Sunni Muslim unified military power under Caliphate.



(6)- Hence India is unnecessarily fretting & fuming [at what Pak PM Nawaz is saying and doing for snatching Muslim Kashmir (if not entire J&K) from India] without understanding that if Nawaz does not do so then Jihadi-Islam of Pakistan [which, as per media, has already laid down the lives of ~ one hundred Thousand Jihadis (including from J&K, including POK) for Kashmir] will make political life of Nawaz untenable and if these Jihadis do not do so then the chances of the entry of ISIS / Caliphate will increase exponentially in AF-PAK-Kashmir region. Therefore it is dishonest on the part of India in general and Venkaiah in particular to blame Pakistan for still relying on Islam, because it is the very basis on which Pakistan came in existence in 1947.



(7)- Moreover Venkaiah is grossly underestimating the intelligence of Kashmiris when in said article is unnecessarily giving importance to what former Home Minister Chidambaram said in a TV interview about honoring the grand bargain promised by India (of keeping only defense, foreign affairs, currency and communication with Union) at the time of accession of J&K to India. The Kashmiris have refused to fall in the trap of Venkaiah and Chidambaram and no less than a person former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a TV interview has already said that the problem is now political [because now separatists (whos numbers are increasing rapidly due to two nation theory after killing of Burhan) are questioning the very accession of J&K to India].



(8)- For any politician elections are important. In case of all the political parties (except BJP) it is the cadre of the party which brings or motivates or cajoles people to go to polling booth for casting their votes. But in case of BJP more than its party cadre it is the member of RSS, VHP, Bajrangdal etc who do this job. Hence it is impossible for any elected member (or aspiring to be an elected member) including PM Modi of BJP to defy the dictates of Hindutva forces [RSS, VHP (including caw vigilantes) , Bajrangdal etc]. Though medieval Hindutva ideology will be defeated completely only when BJP (in its present form) is dislodged from power from center and States but partially and to a great extent it can be defeated if demand is effectively raised in media and in Parliament for carrying out referendum in India about fundamental right of Indians to eat beef too, if they so want.



(9)- As far medieval Islamic ideology, in the present circumstance it can be defeated only by retrieving POK by India militarily [without bothering about Nukes of India and Pakistan because in ultimate analysis after-all it is white-mans burden. Especially after BREXIT where under international pressure (of West, the USA & Europe who are increasingly becoming the victim of terrorist attacks) the Common Wealth of 53 countries (and more bordering Muslim countries by willing assimilation) will be REALIZED sooner than later, in the interest of eliminating global Jihadi terrorism].



Regards



Hem Raj Jain



(Author of Betrayal of Americanism)



Bengaluru, India







Dans la meme rubrique : < > Le rugby a Madagascar : le pays fou du rugby TeslaCoin : plateforme de trading ou cryptomonnaie ? Tchad : un projet dassistance et de protection en faveur des migrants au Batha Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
The newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Liberia, Mr. Suleiman Braimoh, presented his letter of credence to H.E. Marjon V. Kamara, the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia today. During the meeting on Thursday, Mr. Braimoh expressed enthusiasm and affirmed his commitment to providing overall leadership in the development []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
Many banks and financial entities envision the blockchain as delivering value to their customers in the form of reduced fees, faster funds transfers and simplified processes. Much less heralded, but potentially far more dramatic, is the transformational impact the blockchain could have on the worlds massive unbanked population.

The blockchain first achieved notoriety as the backbone of bitcoin, the web-based cryptocurrency. By using distributed networks of computer users to record and secure transaction records almost instantaneously, the blockchain has the potential to bypass the need for correspondent banking and other intermediaries for, say, international money transfers. But for those who lack an entree into basic financial services, blockchains accessibility and scalability could make it a practical gateway to the global economy.

The convergence of mobile money and digital finance has already given rise to innovations like M-Pesa and many other services to help more than 400 million people living in cash-based eco-systems have formal financial service, according to GSMA.

Despite the significant headway in recent years made by providers in reaching areas previously untouched by banking services, more than two billion potential financial services customers remain stranded. In an industry characterized by geographic fragmentation, mobile money providers have yet to find a clear path to achieving significant scale required to realize network effect for long-term viability.

Among many other uses, the blockchain could bolster these efforts by becoming the backbone to open the closed-loop mobile money services. Right now, certain payments services only work between two parties if they both have accounts. Similarly, mobile money services, often developed by the mobile operators themselves, often didn't allow for consumers to easily pay each other on separate mobile networks. But the blockchain could expand interoperability to link these fragmented, closed loop services both domestically and internationally.

In addition to enabling more unbanked users to send money to other unbanked users, such a backbone would serve to connect the banked with unbanked users in areas such as cross-border remittances and cross-border business-to-business payments.

Considering both the interoperability value proposition and blockchains ability to significantly improve the cost structures of inefficient cross-border payments, financial institutions understand the stark reality: the incumbents can no longer dismiss disruptive blockchain technology as a viable means to serve the unbanked masses. Doing so would mean disintermediation by competition seeking to serve the next few billion participants of the global economy.

The opportunity to reach this population is further bolstered by trends around smartphone adoption. Just as banked customers in developed markets embraced smartphones, populations in emerging markets are expected to replace their mobile feature phones with smartphones as costs are driven down  specifically with low-cost, open-platform Android devices manufactured in China and India. The affordable devices will provide them with access to the next generation of data-rich, user-friendly financial service applications.

Underpinning these applications will be the blockchain, which will supply an infrastructure that can dramatically reduce the cost of operations and support new business models aimed at sustainably serving the poor. Blockchain technology, in conjunction with Android smartphones, can revolutionize the speed of open innovation, bridging the distance between Silicon Valley and The Great Rift Valley.

Blockchains promise extends well beyond financial services; it extends into adjacent verticals such as healthcare and land rights. The common denominator that will link all digitally enabled services could very well be blockchain-enabled digital identity systems, securely stored and managed in a distributed ledger.

A cryptography-protected ID, accessed by a unique combination of private and public keys and verified with biometrics, also has the potential to allow users to control their own data, deciding how much of it to share. It is also conceivable that unbanked refugees might rely on the blockchain to be issued an ID so that they can begin their lives anew, free from the threat of a corrupt government subverting their rights. These same refugees, or similar populations, may have their land titles and deeds documented in the tamper-proof blockchain for proof of ownership upon return to their homeland. These same titles and deeds could act as securitization for credit.

As of now, however, competing efforts to demonstrate its value are still in their embryonic and experimental stages.

As the race to develop both public and private blockchains  not to mention, combinations of the two  intensifies, a set of much-needed best practices should emerge. While the blockchain may ultimately reshape many transaction-related practices, the technology still faces a host of tough-to-tackle obstacles, ranging from legal and regulatory issues to concerns about vulnerability. Security fears have recently been raised anew after the Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)  in this case, an investment fund based on smart contracts for Ethereum  was exposed as having a dangerous software loophole.

But the potential for the blockchain to serve as connective tissue for the large unbanked market should make longstanding deterrents dissolve. The promise of the blockchain could provide financial services companies with a real business solution to serving the worlds poor.

Menekse Gencer is PwCs global payments fintech leader.
Islamic supremacy is arriving in medical settings using stealth means, or what is often referred to as creeping sharia. Common themes include Muslim health care workers refusing to uphold infection control protocols, Muslim medical students refusing to study topics they deem forbidden according to Islamic law, Muslim visitors in hospitals ignoring hygiene guidelines to protect patients, and hospitals bending over backwards (or is it forwards?) to accommodate Muslim demands above and beyond anything done for members of any other religious or demographic group. Also covered are outright acts of violence perpetrated by Muslim men who attack hospital personnel.

Islamic supremacy + dhimmitude = the end of civilized societies. Before I begin the (by no means exhaustive) list of how this equation is playing out in health care settings throughout the West, Id like to share a personal story.

Shortly after the 9/11 Islamic terror attacks I had occasion to speak with a Muslim doctor who lived down the street from me. At that point in time I was completely ignorant about Islam and was, in fact, still a leftist (though wouldnt be for much longer).

The doctor, a meticulously groomed, soft-spoken, modern-appearing man made it clear that, among other things, he believed that Muslim females become mature when they turned nine and therefore can be married at that age. I ignored the alarm bell that went off in my head when he made that statement. Of course Ive long since realized that this highly educated doctor who worked at a prestigious hospital had sanctioned, at the very least, child rape (in keeping with the teachings of his prophet, the king of all pedophiles, Mohammed).

And therein lies the rub with Muslim doctors, as with all Muslims. If they are good Muslims and follow the teachings of the Quran, their values will necessarily be in direct conflict with our own.

So with that in mind, let me begin our tour through Islamic supremacy in medical settings right here in the United States.

An Islamic medical association operating in this country was identified by the Muslim Brotherhood as one among several organizations of our friends -- friends that could help the MB advance their goal of destroying America from within. Part of the associations oath includes: We serve no other God besides [Allah] and regard idolatry as an abominable injustice.

Islamic supremacy also asserts itself through lawfare as when a Muslim medical student who was dismissed due to poor academic performance sued the medical school on grounds of discrimination. Another case involved a Muslim health care worker who was fired because she refused to get a flu vaccine (required in hospital settings to protect patients) claiming the vaccine violated her Islamic faith because it contained a pork by product and that the entire affair violated her civil rights.

In addition to lawfare there are many other ways Muslims push for special accommodations such as Muslim doctors and advocacy organizations calling on health care personnel to be more knowledgeable about Muslim traditions so they can better meet the needs of their Muslim patients.

And so hospitals across the country are implementing an array of services for Muslim patients, including halal meals, alternatives to medications that contain alcohol and/or pork derivatives, gowns for women designed to protect their modesty, early morning and late night appointments during the month of Ramadan, hiring more Muslim chaplains, handing out Qurans to the parents of Muslim children after theyre born, providing prayer rugs, hosting Iftar events, and setting up prayers rooms exclusively for Muslims who often find existing multi-faith prayers rooms offensive and/or inconvenient.

One town in Illinois proposed a Muslim-centric medical facility replete with many of the features noted above as well as Arabic-speaking staff, private rooms to ensure a Muslim standard of modesty, and space for ritual foot baths. The state rejected the plan but it was resubmitted without any references to sharia law.

There has also been a proliferation of medical outreach programs for the Muslim community along with sensitivity training for medical staff who are expected to become so well versed in the array of Muslim patients needs that they can discern differences between the needs of a Muslim from Pakistan compared to a Muslim from Saudi Arabia.

The Muslim-as-victim meme rears its head as well, such as the idea that Muslims dont have access to healthcare, as was recently asserted by the vice president of cultural competence at a medical center in Brooklyn, NY.

And when Muslims do access health care, special demands may be made as when a Muslima in New Jersey went to an emergency room complaining of chest pain and insisted on a female (corrected) technician after she was told shed need an electrocardiogram. No male technician was available and she was informed of her options. She decided to sit and wait. After several hours her husband requested she be transferred to a different hospital. The couple then sued, claiming the Patients Bill of Rights entitled the Muslima to her demands.

The issue of Muslima patients demanding same-sex health care professionals in emergency situations is one I expect to escalate, as is happening in Europe. But first, lets take a quick detour to Canada where medical professionals banned virginity tests and the issuance of chastity certificates (popular in the Muslim culture) after the discovery of four dead Afghan women who were victims of honor killings. Elsewhere in Canada on a maternity ward where shared rooms arranged four beds with privacy curtains in between, a Muslim couple received greater levels of privacy than were afforded to others when their demands ejected at least one non-Muslim couple out of the ward and into a much more costly private room that the couple had to pay for.

In Europe the situation is even more dire. And pervasive.

In the UK, an 87-year-old Alzheimers patient was forced to wait for care after she fell because the Muslim charge nurse withheld assistance until he finished his prayers. This delay in care lasted five to ten minutes. The patient died shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, in at least one British hospital, staff were turning the beds of Muslim patients up to five times a day so patients could face Mecca while they pray. Then staff turned them back when the patients were finished. Staff were also expected to provide Muslim patients with running water so they can wash their feet before prayer.

And then there is the issue of traditional Muslim attire, much of which doesnt meet standards for infection control. The National Health Service requires staff providing direct care to patients to be in short sleeves to reduce the risk of transmitting increasingly deadly pathogens from one patient to another. Since many Muslim women consider it immodest to expose their forearms, some have refused to do so for proper hand-washing or scrubbing in prior to surgery. So the NHS developed disposable sleeves for Muslim health care workers who have direct patient contact.

Naturally the tale above would not be complete without the Muslim-claiming-discrimination story as when a British radiographer who was faced with having to choose between losing her job or complying with the dress code, chose Islam over her job, then complained about having to make the choice. Meanwhile, the Islamic Medical Association in the UK upheld the Islamic tenet that Muslim women out in public must be covered, stating: No practicing Muslim woman -- doctor, medical student, nurse, or patient -- should be forced to bare her arms below the elbow.

But it doesnt stop there. (It never stops when it comes to Islamic supremacism.) Some Muslimas working in hospitals in the UK also want sterile hijabs to wear in the operating room and a private place to scrub in so their modesty can be protected. Some Muslim health care workers also refuse to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer because they claim it is forbidden according to Islamic law.

And what of British Muslims studying to work in health care? Well, some have refused to attend classes or learn about anything that conflicts with the teachings of the Quran, such as material on evolution and health issues related sexual promiscuity and/or alcohol consumption. The commitment to avoid all things alcohol-related also impacts patient safety when Muslim visitors to hospitals refuse to use anti-bacterial gel before entering patient wards, ignoring signs posted throughout British hospitals asking visitors to use the gel in order to reduce the spread of infection. (Of note, there is nothing in Islamic law that would suggest Muslims cannot use alcohol-based sanitary gels and it appears that some Muslims are using this as a point of leverage to assert supremacy. See here, here, and here.)

The final exhibit of the UK tour is a Muslim dentist who insisted his female patients wear hijabs, keeping a stash of head scarves in his office to give them. He abandoned at least two patients in acute pain who refused to don the hijab and on at least one occasion provided lesser quality care to a patients son when the mother agreed to wear the hijab but apparently didnt answer a question about her sons prayer habits in a way that pleased the dentist. Of note, the dentists younger brother is an Islamic extremist who stated that the 9/11 terror attack served the pleasure of Allah.

Throughout Europe it has also become increasingly common for Muslim men to physically attack male doctors. In some cases, women are denied urgently needed medical care because their spouses are adamant that they be attended to by a female, or not be attended to at all.

In France, a newborns father called the midwife a rapist then broke into the locked delivery room after seeing a nurse remove his wifes burqa so she could give birth, hit the nurse in the face, and demanded she put the burqa back on his wife. In another case a Muslim male physically attacked a gynecologist who stepped in to assist with his wifes complicated delivery. A few months prior to that, another doctor was attacked by a knife-wielding Islamist.

In Belgium, when a Muslim woman needed an emergency c-section, her husband blocked the door to the operating room because the anesthesiologist was a male. After being told no female anesthesiologists were available a two-hour stand-off ensued after which time an imam was called upon who allowed the doctor to administer an epidural through a tiny opening in the womans burqa. A female nurse performed the surgery while the anesthesiologist remained outside the room shouting instructions to another nurse who was monitoring the anesthesia. An organization of anesthesiologists stated there have been other such incidents involving Muslim patients and their families.

In Sweden, its more of the same. When a male doctor answered an urgent call to assist with a mother who was bleeding heavily after giving birth, the womans husband screamed at him to leave the room immediately. When the doctor refused, the husband and the brother-in-law physically attacked him.

In addition to Muslim males becoming enraged if a male health care provider attends to their wife, there other things that may set them off. (Like just about everything.) And so a Turkish Muslim went on a violent rampage in a Catholic hospital in Germany because there were too many crosses on the walls.

Barbarism meets the West. (And I havent even touched upon the abject madness that has unfolded in hospitals across Europe as invaders invade en masse, here, here, and here.)

As the Muslim population in a society increases, expressions of Islamic supremacy become more and more aggressive. How it manifests in health care settings is just one of many ways in which the West is slowly and steadily being taken down by those who embrace an ideology that mandates nothing less than world domination.

Hat tips: Atlas Shrugs, Jihad Watch, Islam in Europe, Fox News, NY Times, Washington Post, Fox News, Boston Herald, Front Page Magazine, Discover the Networks, BBC, Daily Mail, Metro UK, Telegraph, The Guardian, Nursing Times, Modern Health Care, Middle East Forum, Islam in Europe, Islamist Watch, The Whig, The Age, Religion News, Europe1, Lancet, Society for Human Resource Management, Wikipedia, and Daniel Pipes whose 2007 comprehensive overview of the subject matter provided a wealth of material
For an outsider striving to make sense of American politics watching the choreographed conventions in Cleveland and Philadelphia, the best short introduction to the subject is Angelo M. Codevillas The Ruling Class: How They Corrupted America and What We Can Do About It (2010). Since its publication I have recommended this monograph, that might easily be read at one sitting, to my students interested in getting a hold of contemporary American politics, and an insight as to why Americans are so greatly discontented with the direction in which their country is headed.

A ruling class is a self-perpetuating entity made up of people separated from the rest, as Codevilla reminds his readers, by shared values of privileges and entitlements that give them a sense of superiority to decide for others how their lives should be managed. Tocqueville, the French aristocrat who wrote the most celebrated book on American democracy, would not be surprised in reading Codevilla for he foresaw and forewarned that no free republic could be insulated indefinitely against the corrupting tendencies of fallen human nature.

According to Codevilla, Differences between Bushes, Clintons, and Obamas are of degree, not kind. And since the 2008 election no Republican leader in the Congress challenged the assumptions of the Democrats and defeated their policies has meant, therefore, that the Ruling Class has a party: the Democrats.

The disdain with which the ruling class looks upon the rest is somewhat tolerable as long as that disdain is well disguised by hypocrisy. But eventually the disguise crumbles given the certitude and arrogance that characterize the self-regard of the ruling class. We might be witnessing something of this as Americans head into their November election.

The nomination of Hillary Clinton by the Democratic Party as its standard bearer for the 2016 election displays the utter disdain the ruling class holds for the American people. Here is a nominee who barely escaped indictment by the FBI for gross negligence in how she mishandled classified information while serving as secretary of state, apart from her long and dismaying history of questionable judgments and conduct in public life and in her role as first lady.

If Americans, or at least a majority of them, have not completely lost their own self-regard as a free people then the November election should turn out to be a referendum on the ruling class, and a massive repudiation of Hillary Clintons sense of entitlement to be the first woman elected President of the United States. It is not unlikely that such an outcome in the November election is in the making given how the most improbable candidate in recent American politics, Donald Trump, won handily the Republican nomination as an outsider.

Whatever the outcome in November, the most fascinating story in American politics at least since the end of the Cold War is the emergence of Trump as the standard bearer of the GOP in the 2016 presidential election. His candidacy was derided by just about everyone commenting on American politics when Trump announced in June 2015 he would seek the Republican nomination. But that Trump eventually defied all odds in winning the nomination had as much to do with his own larger than life persona as a business tycoon from New York City, as it had to do with the Trump phenomenon or the rising tide of support he received from common Americans who had become thoroughly disgusted with how their republic has been abused by the ruling class.

One of the key assumptions of the American ruling class is, as Codevilla writes, that its members are the best and brightest, while the rest of Americans are retrograde, racist, and dysfunctional unless properly constrained. A people long abused by such disdain will have their revenge, and Hillary as a representative of the ruling class is woefully lacking in charm and warmth that might have been compensated by her political career if it was not as riddled by questions of impropriety and misconduct.

But Trump has been subject to fierce criticisms by many members of his own party, despite his winning the Republican nomination. To his critics he is an untrustworthy representative of those conservative values - limited government, low taxes, free trade, globalism, open borders, internationalism in terms of defending freedom abroad and nation-building - that seemingly came to define Republicans in the post-Reagan era. But to his supporters, especially common working-class Americans in fly-over country, Trumps robust call for America first as the core-driving principle of his views on trade, immigration, security, and jobs is what made for the Trump phenomenon.

There is another side to the Trump phenomenon - the seemingly unbreakable bond that Trump has forged with his supporters across America - that has been insufficiently noted or, perhaps, is more clearly visible when American politics is observed from the outside. I mean by this a sense of noblesse oblige that is perceptible in understanding the support, or even affection, of working class Americans for Trump as a business tycoon and an outsider in politics seeking to be their president.

It was said of Franklin Roosevelt that his politics could best be described not in terms of ideology, but as one driven by a sense of noblesse oblige. This idea is rarely considered and will likely be dismissed as sentimentalism, when politics is viewed more or less under prevalent circumstances as cynical exploitation of the weak and the uninformed for personal or class interests.

The idea of noblesse oblige is that with immense wealth and its privileges come a sense of responsibility towards society and people, of returning in some gratitude what a person of such wealth owes them in public life.

During the past hundred years and more since the turn of the last century there have been three individuals elected to reside in the White House who were born into wealth, the two Roosevelts, Theodore and Franklin, and John Kennedy. They entered politics driven in part by the sense that they owed their country service in terms of leadership given their good fortune. Their wealth gave them advantage in politics their opponents did not possess, most important of which was that they were not personally beholden to any special interest to gain and maintain office.

But also what stood out in their politics, despite the different circumstances when they sought the highest office, was the manner in which they identified themselves with the interests of the working class. They spoke for the less advantaged, for the poor, the unemployed, the sick and the hungry, and in defending them they became politically unbeatable by opponents who were seen lacking in those qualities of human warmth, decency, courage, and generosity that made the Roosevelts and Kennedy so irresistibly charming to average Americans in their time.

Trump is seen by his supporters as the first blue-collar billionaire. They see him as their champion and defender of their countrys interests without being beholden to any special interest group. His political slogan Make America Great Again resonates with the average hard working patriotic Americans, and it is not sentimental or corny to them as it sounds to the sophisticates in the media and in the academia or those who emulate the ruling class.

The whimsicality of Trumps behavior in public, which grates upon those who see him as a boor or a bully, ironically endears him to that largest segment of the American public that gets ridiculed or punished by political correctness regulated and imposed by the ruling class. How much of Trumps whimsicality is an act or a character trait might be endlessly debated between his supporters and his opponents, while wealth insulates him among those who count as voters as wealth insulated the Roosevelts and Kennedy.

Then there are the Clintons, Bill and Hillary, and the record of their public and private lives. Americans have watched Clintons in public life for the past three decades, and many will recall how they have grimaced hearing or reading some of the sordid stories involving them while they acquired wealth in elected office.

Americans are generally aware of self-aggrandizement of the Clintons, of Bills exploitation of women and Hillarys cover up of her husbands sex crimes, of the lies Clintons tell and the sort of casualness Hillary displays whether answering questions about Benghazi or how she would put coal miners out of work.

Clintons are the embodiment of the consummate political insider in Washington deeply distrusted by a majority of Americans. They are members and beneficiaries of the ruling class that, as Codevilla reminds his readers, has undertaken wars it has not won, presided over a declining economy and a ballooning debt, made life more expensive, raised taxes, and talked down to the American people. Hence, in recent years, Americans conviction that the Ruling Class is as hostile as it is incompetent has solidified.

In contrast Trump is not only an outsider, he is a business tycoon who has nothing personal to gain except stand at the receiving end of relentless abuse from the surrogates of the ruling class for the threat he poses to their interests. So why has Trump walked on to the political stage to subject himself to their slings and arrows of outrage, smear, and insults?

For cynics, Trump is one of them cynically exploiting the political discontent of Americans for his own profit. But for middle America that Trump is responding to the distress call of his country as a patriot is an act they can relate to, since they have done the same in their capacity as patriots whenever their country was in distress.

If this simple notion that noblesse oblige has motivated Trump to seek the presidency and help fix Americas problems spreads among common Americans, he will be unbeatable in November as were once the Roosevelts and Kennedy in their time.

Salim Mansur teaches in Western University, London, Ontario and is author of the award winning book Delectable Lie: a liberal repudiation of multiculturalism.
Michelle Obama's 2016 speech to the DNC stands in sharp contrast to an essay written in the early 1990s by Glenn Loury titled "Free at Last? A Personal Perspective on Race and Identity in America." Loury recounts how, as a young black man growing up on the South Side of Chicago, he lacked the courage to stand up for a friend named Woody, who had "a Negro grandparent on each side of his family but looked like a typical white boy." Woody never chose to pass as a white person yet, when both young men attended a political rally and Woody stood to speak "[h]e was cut short before finishing his first sentence by one of the dashiki-clad brothers-in-charge, who demanded to know how a 'white' got the authority to have an opinion about what black people should be doing. That was one of [the] problems, the brother said, we were always letting white people 'peep our hole card,' while we were never privy to their deliberations in the same way." Loury explains that a

silence then fell over the room. The indignant brother asked if anyone could 'vouch for this white boy.' More excruciating silence ensued. Now was my moment of truth; Woody turned plaintively toward me, but I would not meet his eyes. To my eternal disgrace, I refused to speak up for him. He was asked to leave the meeting, and did so without uttering a word in his own defense.

In recalling this painful memory of "betraying someone he had known for a decade," Loury describes how "...this desire to be regarded as genuinely black... dramatically altered [his] life. It narrowed the range of [his] earliest intellectual pursuits, distorted [his] relationships with other people, censored [his] political thought and expression, informed the way [he] dressed and spoke, and shaped [his] cultural interests. Some of this was inevitable and not all of it was bad, but in his experience the need to be affirmed by one's racial peers can take on a pathological dimension."

So what does this have to do with Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama? She and her husband have never evolved from their strident, all-consuming race-consciousness and "addiction to indignation." As a student, "Miss Robinson wrote a senior thesis entitled 'Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community.'" Some excerpts from the thesis include the following:

Predominantly white universities like Princeton are socially and academically designed to cater to the needs of the white students comprising the bulk of their enrollments.

[My Princeton experiences] will likely lead to my further integration and/or assimilation into a White cultural and social structure that will only allow me to remain on the periphery of society; never becoming a full participant.

I have found that at Princeton, no matter how liberal and open-minded some of my white professors and classmates try to be toward me, I sometimes feel like a visitor on campus; as if I really don't belong. Regardless of the circumstances under which I interact with whites at Princeton, it often seems as if, to them, I will always be black first and a student second.

In defining the concept of identification or the ability to identify with the black community I based my definition on the premise that there is a distinctive black culture very different from white culture.

Consequently, it should come as no surprise that even as First Lady of these United States, Michelle believes "that... as a member of the Black community [she is] somehow obligated to this community and would utilize all of [her] present and future resources to benefit this community first and foremost. But how does she benefit them?

She and her husband cannot shed the belief that "being an authentic black person involves in some elemental way seeing oneself as an object of mistreatment by white people, while participating in a collective consciousness of that mistreatment with other black people." Thus, America is reminded that Michelle "wakes up every morning in a house that was built by slaves." Does she explain that Hillary Clinton -- the woman she supports -- received enormous sums of money from countries where slavery still exists? Does Michelle proudly assert the enormous strides America has made in ending slavery whereas the African nation of Mauritania is now the number one slave capital of the world? Does Michelle acknowledge the blood spilled by black and white people who despised slavery and gave the last true measure of their devotion? Does the First Lady acknowledge that the Democratic Party voted against the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments? Does she remind her audience that the Republican Party was the party of ending slavery and that the KKK was actually the military arm of the Democratic Party?

Hardly.

Whereas Loury asserts that "as long as [he] believed that his personal identity as a black American was necessarily connected to [the] country's history of racial violation, and derives much of its content from [his] sharing with other blacks a recollection of and struggle against violation, [he] was destined to be in a bind, Michelle and Barack Obama continue to carry a personal grudge against this country.

Eventually, Loury began to comprehend that if he did not conform to the perceived black "loyalty test" he would be an outsider. As his "...understanding of [black] history began to clash with the black consensus, and [his] definition of the struggle took on a different, more conservative form from that popular among other black intellectuals, [he] found himself cut off from the group, [his] racial bona fides in question."

Consequently, he was forced to consider his "intellectual integrity" against the backdrop of a "collective consciousness of racial violation" -- which one would truly define him? Ultimately, Loury no longer believed that "the camaraderie engendered among blacks by their collective experience of racism constitute[d] an adequate basis for any person's self-definition." (Loury's thinking on these topics has changed since that essay was written, but not completely.)

Yet consider the demeaning and patronizing response of Mrs. Obama who on November 3, 2014 stated [a]nd thats my message to voters, this isnt about Barack, its not about a person on that ballot -- its about you. And for most of the people we are talking to [blacks], a Democratic ticket is the clear ticket that we should be voting on, regardless of who said what or did this -- that shouldnt even come into the equation. When asked by a reporter "...if we go out to the polls, ...can we do soul food after we vote?" Mrs. Obama replied: Absolutely. I give everyone full permission to eat some fried chicken after they vote [.]"

In a speech she delivered at the opening of the new $420 million Whitney Museum in New York City on May 7, 2015, Mrs. Obama asserted that too many nonwhite minorities do not feel "welcome" in America's museums and cultural centers:

You see, there are so many kids in this country who look at places like museums and concert halls and other cultural centers and they think to themselves, well, thats not a place for me, for someone who looks like me, for someone who comes from my neighborhood. In fact, I guarantee you that right now, there are kids living less than a mile from here who would never in a million years dream that they would be welcome in this museum. And growing up on the South Side of Chicago, I was one of those kids myself. So I know that feeling of not belonging in a place like this. And today, as first lady, I know how that feeling limits the horizons of far too many of our young people.

Is anyone forcibly preventing these young people from enlarging their worldview? The narrow thinking of the Obamas and other leftists who demand historical victimization is the only barrier here.

Unlike Loury, who asserts that "a personal identity wholly dependent on racial contingency falls tragically short of its potential because it embraces too parochial a conception of what is possible, and of what is desirable," the Obamas hate the progress that America has made. They distort history to make it appear that America of the 21st century is the same America of the 18th century.

Thus, and ironically to the extent "that individual blacks see [themselves] primarily through a racial lens, they sacrifice possibilities for the kind of personal development that would ultimately" benefit them -- all with the blessings of the first Black Caucasian President and First Lady and their disingenuous statements. This is because in identity politics, the political is tribal and personal. Policies matter less than racial allegiances."

It was most telling that the DNC convention began with a "racial anthem" popular in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Loury realizes that his "sons will be black men of the twenty-first century, but not by their singing of racial anthems peculiar to [his] time. Theirs will be a blackness constructed... out of the external givens of their lives... animated by a Spirit whose basis lies deeper than the color of any man's skin [.]

The Obamas, who have reaped the rewards of black privilege beyond their wildest imaginings, continue to resort to the life-defeating attitudes that keep far too many blacks from aspiring to the best that America has to offer. Michelle Obama simply will not contemplate that blacks "are so much more than the one[s] wronged, misunderstood, underestimated, derided, or ignored by whites." Unlike Loury, Michelle Obama refuses to acknowledge that challenges for people, derive not "from their racial condition, but rather from [their] human condition. While race is not irrelevant, "racial identity alone cannot provide much guidance in the quest to discharge the responsibilities of being a father, a son, a teacher, an intellectual, a Christian, [and] a citizen." It continues to be unconscionable that Democrats, with their ideology and legislation "hold back young black souls from flight into the open skies of American society."

To hear Glenn Loury, Professor at Brown, please view this 13-minute video.

Author's note:

In the interest of full disclosure, Glenn Loury continues to evolve and has moved away from some of the conservative views he previously held. See here. The point as originally made in the article continues to stand on its own merit.

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com
To shamelessly plagiarize from Dickens, American education is in the best of times and the worst of times. We turn out the world's best scholars, yet we wallow sadly behind many sister nations in the schooling of our young.

The national urgency for educational improvement is a standard rallying cry for every civil servant, from the sparest schoolhouse to the Capitol dome, but how can we seriously pursue excellence in learning when the centerpiece of our nation represents the single largest educational failure in American history: the president of the United States?

The president is the beneficiary of by far the greatest access to information, knowledge, and learned opinion in the world, all at his beck and call, yet in seven and one half years in office, Mr. Obama has learned nothing.

How can this be?

Mr. Obama arrived in the Oval Office on January 20, 2009, fully formed. He already knew all the answers; the questions were irrelevant. Anyone who had trekked through college could recognize Mr. Obama immediately. He was a sophomore  and a perpetual sophomore at that.

College freshmen labor through stacks of books, gruff professors, painful self-doubts, humiliating Greek beanies, and oceans of beer before crawling onto the soothing shores of the sophomore experience. As freshmen, they had paid their dues. Some had learned physics, others literature, and some yet how to tap a keg. But regardless of the subject matter, they all had learned something.

After the freshman rite of passage, sophomores emerge as a different breed. They know stuff, and they're not shy about it. With egos reflated, sophomores venture forward to take their place among the academic elite, oblivious to the fact that they have barely anted into the great game of arts and sciences. Professors award them for their improved thought processes, even if their conclusions make little sense. Psychology faculty recruit them for social experiments when in need of naive and gullible subjects.

Sophomore year is a life stage; unfortunately for some, it becomes a lifestyle.

Mr. Obama, at the sage age of 47, entered the Oval Office knowing all there is to know  a full-fledged sophomore. He knew he could rule with impunity. Barely a year into his reign, Mr. Obama put forth some dazzling displays of his cerebral completeness. At the State of the Union address in 2010, Mr. Obama brandished his sophomoric ruler to smack the knuckles of the Supreme Court justices seated before him for their legal stupidity in Citizens United v. FEC. He then wrapped up his first two-year tour by trading the passage of a bizarre version of health care legislation for control of the House. Doubling down on his wise foolishness, Mr. Obama gave away the Senate in 2014. Serious damage was inflicted on the American people, but the most severe collateral damage for his omniscience was wrought upon his own party. What college junior would sacrifice the control of Congress for a bowlful of beans or a piece of legislation he had neither written nor read?

One of Mr. Obama's handy homilies is "it's the right thing to do," a phrase that led him to do a lot of things: rob from the rich; abandon Iraq (and Israel); and love all of Islam, Putin, and the Iranian mullahs, to cite a few. The consequences of these "right stuff" programs are well known. Mr. Obama has been so enamored of his sophomoric ideas that he has shown no concern for, or even understanding of, their consequences  an apt definition of moral narcissism, and a trait pervasive throughout political progressivism.

Sophomore year for Mr. Obama has stretched toward eight, time needed to manacle the U.S. economy and spiral a precarious world order into chaos. How did he manage all this mayhem? Some point to his staff appointments, laden with the inexperienced and lightweights, but he had the benefit of seasoned and gifted men and women as well. Others have contended that he was too smart for his own good. They may be on the right track. Sophomores are smart  as long as they stick to the academic confines of textbooks, classrooms, and dorm chatter. The real world is made up of juniors and better, those who have wrestled with the sirens and demons of their sophomore year  and moved on.

As John Maxwell warned, "the greatest enemy of learning is knowing."
Hillary Clinton campaign manager Robbie Mook recently suggested that Russian intelligence leaked Democrat National Committee (DNC) emails in an attempt to undermine his candidate and promote Donald Trump. In doing so, Mook followed the example of his master, or perhaps her direct instruction, for bamboozling a compliant press and public when confronted with negligence or wrongdoing. This means nestling a kernel of possible truth within a humongous lie, as in turning Republican dislike of the Clintons into a "huge right wing conspiracy." Or denying that classified material ran through Hillary's server by claiming that nothing was ever "marked classified at the time" (though eventually even this truth kernel rotted away).

It's certainly possible that mischievous Russian hackers supplied Wikileaks with embarrassing emails that demonstrated yet again the corruption within the Democrat machine, as the DNC (supposedly unbiased) tipped the scales in favor of Hillary. It is quite another to deduce from this that Russia's goal is to promote Trump over Clinton. In fact, the idea is fairly preposterous, from the standpoints that this would be an operation with a reasonable chance of long-term success and that Russia would find a Trump presidency preferable.

Mook, and his boss (having barely survived her own email scandal), evidently launched this desperate gambit to divert attention from Clinton's almost certainly hacked private email server, by implying that Trump is at worst some kind of Russian agent, at best a patsy. That this charge got even a little traction in the pro-Clinton mainstream media, rather than the approbation and ridicule it would have received had a Republican suggested the same of a Democrat, only proves that most mainstream "journalists" are totally in the tank for Hillary, regardless of how low she stoops.

Having said all that, evidently there is a fairly strong likelihood that the Russians were behind the hack and dissemination of the emails. This hardly means that that Putin wants to tip the election in favor of Trump over Clinton. Mathew Rojansky of the Wilson Center notes:

What is harder to believe is that Vladimir Putin is specifically picking sides, or that he actually thinks that a blatant external intervention of this type can have a predictable effect on U.S. voters that would necessarily be good for Russia. Sure, there has been plenty of hype about Donald Trump's connections to Russian oligarchs and some shady sounding potential real estate deals in the post-Soviet space. And Putin would have every reason to like Trump's talk about playing hardball with NATO allies and his campaign's apparent opposition to providing the Ukrainians with lethal weapons. Yet none of that is evidence that Trump is in any way Putin's man, much less that Putin would think he can intervene in the U.S. election and get a good result for Russia. If anything, the now very public insinuations about the Trump organization's Russian ties or the suggestion that Putin is backing Trump against Hillary could alienate some very important swing voters, including Americans of Polish, Ukrainian, Baltic, and other East European descent concentrated in swing states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Russians have a lot of strange misconceptions about American politics, as we do about theirs, but they're well enough informed to know how badly this could backfire.

That fairly puts paid the idea that Trump is a Russian agent or that Putin is trying to rig the election to get Trump in the White House. But there is more to consider than that. What Rojansky diplomatically omits is the flip-side of the coin: why Putin would rather actually have Hillary in the White House.

The past eight years have been something of a field day for the Russians vis-a-vis the United States and the West, thanks in large part to Barack Obama, Hillary, and a collection of generally like-minded European leaders. In fact, Russia under their collective watch is seeing some of its traditional grand historic ambitions coming within reach. From the Middle East to the Baltic, the weaknesses of Obama and Hillary have transformed the Russian position for the better.

Russia's primary historic strategic concerns on its Western flank have been controlling or influencing the border nations that lie on invasion routes each way. Under Obama-Clinton, Russia forestalled the installation of defensive missile batteries in Poland, occupied Ukrainian Crimea, seized the eastern extremities of that country, and placed it under immense pressure. In the north, the Russians have aggressively pushed up against the Baltic states while regularly harassing NATO ships and planes, without suffering any effective riposte.

A second historic Russian interest is securing its southern flank and its access to warm water ports. Again, under Obama-Clinton this has been a substantial success. Russian intervention in the Syrian civil war allowed the establishment of a permanent warm water base for the Russians in Syria. U.S. support of Turkish strongman Recep Erdogan (at one time considered Obama's best buddy among foreign leaders) has helped push that longtime Russian rival and occasional enemy farther away from its Western alliances and weaken and destabilize that country, especially militarily. Another win.

A third historic Russian interest is the southwest Asia. The so-called "Great Game" conducted between the British and Russian Empires in the late 19th century was largely over Iran. Iran now is an effective Russian ally and, thanks to Obama-Hillary, will soon be a nuclear-armed one, under Russian suasion. Iran threatens Western interests in the Persian Gulf while Russia's own energy pipeline of oil and gas run securely to the north.

Finally, there is the Middle East itself, where Russia under the Soviets took great interest and invested substantial treasure. The Soviets successfully courted Egypt, the Arab world's largest and most influential nation, while pressuring Israel, the West's outpost in the region. However, following a series of unsuccessful wars against the Israelis, the Egyptians abandoned the Russians in the 1970s and became an important American ally. This major American foreign policy success, like so many others, has also been laid waste by Obama-Clinton. Russia is quickly becoming Egypt's primary arms supplier (as it had been before the U.S. supplanted it forty years ago) as Egypt's government reacted poorly to America's abandonment of Hosni Mubarak and embrace of the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt is another major Russian coup gained under Hillary's incompetent watch.

But it gets even better for Putin. For even as Egypt slides back into the Russian fold, its militarily and technologically adept neighbor and former foe, Israel, is also warming to Putin, thanks to the cold shoulder of Obama-Clinton, one which will almost certainly continue under Hillary's watch  she who shrilly harangued Benjamin Netanyahu over some imaginary insult or another. Her party's platform is now chock full of anti-Zionist ninnies, and her top aide's family is closely tied to the Muslim Brotherhood. Today Israel's crack pilots coordinate their bombing runs in Syria with Russians and allow Russian planes to invade Israeli airspace, while Russia now purchases Israeli drones.

So please explain, Mr. Mook, why Vladimir Putin would prefer to have Trump in the White House when Hillary has already done so much for him.
"The lowest form of popular culture - lack of information, misinformation, disinformation and a contempt for the truth or the reality of most people's lives - has overrun real journalism." Carl Bernstein

It is safe to say that Carl Bernstein did not mean to indict the left when he wrote the above, since he is a man of the left. But his words are a fair description of what ails the left and much of the right, and not just in journalism. Contempt. This was exemplified yesterday by the words of Nancy Pelosi when she said:

So many times white non-college educated white [sic] males have voted Republican, they voted against their own economic interests because of guns, because of gays, and because of God, the three Gs, God being the woman's right to choose.

These words are reminiscent of Obama's derisive "bitter clingers" comment to the swells in San Francisco years ago, in Pelosi's own neighborhood. Her comment perfectly epitomizes the level of contempt the left has for the millions of Americans leftists view as lesser beings, those in flyover country, those who take issue with them on any one of the issues she mentioned.

Add Pelosi's comments to the texts of the leaked DNC emails in which DNC officials mock gays, African-Americans, and Bernie Sanders and his supporters and plan their sabotage of Sanders, Trump, etc., and a more complete picture of the left's hypocrisy emerges. They claim to be the advocates of people they actually revile! We the people are objects of ridicule, use, and abuse in their quest for power.

And what of the millions of truly disenfranchised citizens who supported Sanders, who support Trump  for virtually the same reason: anger? They are to be exploited, lied to, manipulated into mind-numbed Democrat voters along with the millions of immigrants the left is importing in order to firm up the base. As Obama ticked off his "successes " last night, each of them a lie (Iran deal; Obamacare; ending the war in Iraq; the economy; bin Laden, as if killing him ended terrorism, etc.), many of those people whom he has betrayed still believe in him. They vote (68%) in polls that the country is heading in the "wrong direction" but still vote approval of Obama (50%)! They are misinformed, hurting, to be sure, and they deserve better.

It is Obama's policies that have made them desperate, that have deleted ninety-five million people from the labor force, put fifty million people on food stamps, increased the debt by $10T, whose policies directly led to the rise of ISIS and the explosion of terrorism across the world. He has put not just America in grave danger; he has, by leading from behind, engendered chaos around the world. And he is proud of what he has done. That is the conundrum.

Did he set out to undermine, weaken, and endanger the U.S.? Or has he done so due to sheer incompetence? The answer may be both: he loathes the nation he leads, wants to take us down several pegs, and is incompetent. He thinks he is Saul Alinsky-savvy and devious, but he is really Al "I invented the internet" Gore arrogant and Michael "there is no terrorist threat" Moore naive. His denial of the obvious has been cataclysmic for the hundreds of thousands of Christians and Muslims murdered by ISIS throughout the Middle East and now Europe. And his policies also have been devastating to the millions of African-Americans increasingly unemployed thanks to his economic and regulatory dictates and his open borders immigration mandates at home.

For once, he actually referred positively to the Declaration of Independence last night. He did not mean it. He is on record discounting the Constitution to which the Declaration is precursor for being a document of "negative rights." He has not, these past seven years, respected it one bit. He has abrogated it over and over again, and the Republicans in Congress have done nothing to stop him. Thus, Donald Trump is the outlier candidate no one saw coming, least of all mainstream Republicans.

Apparently the Trump and Sanders supporters have finally caught on the to left's true character: contempt for everyone who is not one of them.

"The only cure for contempt is counter-contempt." H.L Mencken

Counter-contempt may be what alters the electoral landscape this year.
You've got to hand it to Donald Trump. He is, in the words of Mollie Hemingway (citing a Rush Limbaugh catchphrase), "living rent free inside the DNC's head." He has completely, totally upstaged Hillary Clinton by sarcastically asking the Russians to hack her email system to recover the 30,000 deleted documents.

The reaction to his suggestion was swift  and idiotic.

Politico:

Donald Trump's call on Russia to hack Hillary Clinton's emails has shocked, flabbergasted and appalled lawmakers and national security experts across the political spectrum, with one saying it was "tantamount to treason." Few would argue Wednesday that what the Republican presidential nominee said will directly cause Russia to conduct more cyber-espionage against the U.S. than it already is doing. But several described Trump's statements as dangerous for America's global standing. Some echoed the Clinton campaign in calling the comments a threat to national security.

So Clinton's emails are, in fact, a matter of "national security"? That's not what Democrats have been saying about them.

Its just one more example of the reckless and dangerous comments that Donald Trump makes that compromises American foreign policy objectives," said Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Leon Panetta, a former CIA director, told CNN's Christiane Amanpour that Trump's comments were "beyond the pale" because he was "in fact asking the Russians to engage in American politics." Later during a panel at the University of Pennsylvania, Panetta ramped up his rebuke, calling Trumps remarks a threat to our national security. An aide to House Speaker Paul Ryan, the Wisconsin Republican who has endorsed Trump, added, meanwhile, that "Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug" and that it should stay out of the U.S. election. The United States should not tolerate Russian meddling in Novembers election, said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.). Period.

All of this sturm und drang about Trump and Russia is meant to obscure the truth: that Democrats can blame Putin and Russia all they want, but the fact is, they wrote what was in the emails. This, of course, is the crux of the matter. The rest is fluff churned up to distract from the corruption and cronyism revealed in the emails.

I don't know if Trump anticipated the hysteria his comment about Russia hacking Clinton would generate. But it's clear that it was a deliberate gambit to insert himself into the news cycle in order to do what he does best: make himself the story.

The Hill:

They have no idea if its Russia, if its China, if its somebody else, the GOP nominee said in an interview aired Thursday on "Fox and Friends." "Who knows it is? Trump said Democrats are trying to distract voters from a trove of Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails leaked last week. The real problem is what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee, he told host Brian Kilmeade. "They talk about religion, they talk about race, they talk about all sorts of things, including women. What they said on those emails is a disgrace. Its disgraceful, its disgraceful. Theyre just trying to deflect from that. Trump on Wednesday said he wished Russian hackers find tens of thousands of emails deleted from Clintons server. If they hacked, they probably have her 33,000 emails, he said during a press conference at his Miami-area hotel. "I hope they do. Russia, if you are listening, I hope you are able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by the press.

Trump's problem is, will the voters take the Democrats' charges to heart, or will they recognize that Trump was being facetious? For those predisposed to hate Trump, the charges will resonate. Otherwise, the incident is not likely to change minds.
The Bernie Sanders faction of the Democrats has not reconciled itself to supporting Hillary Clinton, no matter what the TV commentators and polls claim. Yesterday, they managed to disrupt the appearance of V.P. nominee Tim Kaine.

Very few pictures seem to exist of it on the web. Could that mean a media blackout?

Banner just unveiled at DNC as Kaine takes the stage. pic.twitter.com/DaL7VHGqpt  Pete Schroeder (@peteschroeder) July 28, 2016

Rachel Stoltzfoos of the Daily Caller noticed, even if the MSM didnt.

Democrats unfurled a massive banner that read Election Fraud, #Wikileaks as vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine took the stage Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention. The banner hung briefly over the railing just above the section where Vice President Joe Biden is sitting, along with his wife Jill and other VIP guests, directly across from Kaine.

Great placement! I bet that took some careful planning.

Now, we are supposed to believe that time will heal the wounds between what the Sandersistas see as a corrupt, war-mongering tool of Wall Street and the partys left. Maybe for some. But we have some more emails to look forward to, if Julian Assange is to be believed. And we also see Donald Trump unafraid to raise uncomfortable issues about Hillary, the Dems, and the media.

This year is not like other elections.
Her rigged race against Bernie told us little about her plans for America.

The themes of this Democrat convention include unity, children, women, family, racial, gender, with accompanying appeals for justice and human rights for the various and sundry aggrieved groups.

Consequently, the exercise has been a whiplash combination of appeals for unity with an emphasis on diversity. Love everyone, but not Republicans. Theyre bad.

All the while, the search for unity within the Democratic Party has been the consistent backstory.

Only time will tell if Bernies appeal for unity persuaded his legions to back her through November.

In the short run, Hillarys acceptance speech should give us clues as to the style of campaign shell run against Trump.

With the assistance of media allies who helped her parry Bernies unanticipated strength, shell cast Trump as a dark, evil, divisive, arrogant bully...etc. Red meat for conventioneers.

But will she fall back into her 2008 primary campaign mode, where she offered up a policy-wonk cornucopia of big-government plans worthy of a proud modern American progressive?

By way of preparing to hear her Thursday evening speech, a sampling  albeit tedious reading, with highlighting added to ease the pain  of her 2008 efforts to sell her candidacy to Democrat primary voters will attune our ears to hear if Plans-a-Plenty Hillary will resurface in the weeks ahead. The dates of the speeches link to the entire speech.

Today I want lay out a ten point agenda for government reformA plan to make our government work for all Americans again. April 13, 2007

Today, I'm announcing a seven point plan to lower health care costs for all Americans and again to make our healthcare systemthe best in the world. May 24, 2007

I'm proposing a new progressive plan to restore that American dream and to give all Americans the chance to compete and prosper in the global economy. May 29, 2007

Today, I want to lay out my three point plan for how I wouldbring our troops home, work to bring stability to the region, and replace a military force with a new diplomatic initiative to engage countries around the world in securing Iraq's future and America's national security interests. July 10, 2007

I will direct the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare a comprehensive plan to provide the highest quality health care, disability benefits, and social services for every single service member. July 10, 2007

So as part of this global humanitarian effort, governments in both the Middle East and the West as well as here in the United States, have to take in asylum seekers, with the Commissioner of Refugees developing a plan to help them return to Iraq once the country has stabilized. July 10, 2007

Today I'm announcing another one of my plansto create a fund called the Green Building Fund: 1 billion dollars a year that will be given in grants to states and localities to help make buildings more efficientput 50,000 people to work. July 24, 2007

The other parts of my energy security plan would be to create a 50 billion dollar fund. The model for this comes from things we've already done: the Apollo program, the Manhattan Program. July 24, 2007

Sotoday, I am announcing my Youth Opportunity Agenda -- which goes hand in hand with the Opportunity Compact. This is my plan, as your President, to build that village. July 27, 2007

So that's why today I'm announcing a four-part plan for how I, as president, would address abuses across the mortgage industry -- a plan to curb unfair lending practices and hold brokers and lenders accountable, give families the support they need to avoid foreclosure, and increase the supply of affordable housing. August 7, 2007

My Rebuild America Plan which will create millions of good new jobs, elevate our standard of living, and enhance our ability to compete in the world marketplace. August 8, 2007

And these are the key components of my health care plan--lowering costs for everyone, improving quality for everyone, and providing coverage for everyoneThat is what my Health Care Quality Plan tries to do. And next month, I will announce my plan for universal coverage. August 23, 2007

We need to get back to a sense of responsibility in the federal government and then we've got to look at how we're going to create new jobs by a new energy plan that puts people to work in America by going ahead and combating global warming right here at home. September 15, 2007

Today I released my agenda to restore and strengthen the civil rights mission of the Department of Justice. It is a five-point plan that will meet the challenges of this time. The first is to begin undoing the damage of the past years. I want an Attorney General who will conduct a thorough review and report back with recommendations on how to restore the Department's traditional role in enforcing civil rights and respecting the rule of law.  September 15, 2007

I have proposed creating a health information technology infrastructure as part of my health care plan, the American Health Choices Plan. October 4, 2007

The Strategic Energy Fund is only the beginning. In the coming weeks, I will outline in more detail my plans as President to move toward energy independence. October 4, 2007

[O]n Thursday I will outline my plan for making college affordable, including modernizing the HOPE Scholarship Program that provides tax credits to help young people attend college. October 8, 2007

I'll be outlining in more detail my plan to help Americans save, invest, and build wealth for retirement tomorrow because we know we've got to tackle that as well. October 8, 2007

Today I propose a new economic blueprint for the twenty-first century economy: A plan to create the new, good jobs essential to broad-based prosperity, to restore fairness to our economy, and to renew that basic bargain that if you work hard you can get ahead and we will put our fiscal house in order. October 8, 2007

I believe we can create jobs if we invest in our infrastructure -- our roads, our bridges, our public transit, and our virtual infrastructure, which is why I appreciated Deb talking about my Connect America plan. October 11, 2007

And today hereI want to unveil my plan as president to expand access to the American dreamFirst, I will create a new, $3,500 college tax creditunder my plan we'll work to hold college costs down and we will hold colleges accountable for the results. October 11, 2007

I've laid out my plans to bring our troops home from Iraq and demand that the Iraqis take responsibility for their own country, replace our military involvement with an intensive diplomatic initiative in the area. October 16, 2007

So as president, I will move to establish the 21st-century oversight we need in a 21st-century global marketplace. I will call for an immediate review of these new investment products and for plans to make them more transparent. November 19, 2007

My American Health Choices Plan lets you keep your existing coverage if you like it, but it provides affordable choices if you don't have them, and it covers every single American. November 24, 2007

I've put forward a plan to crack down on unscrupulous mortgage brokers, to end lending abuses, and expand the financial counseling programs that have been shown to reduce defaults and foreclosures. December 5, 2007

[Remarks on an Economic Stimulus Plan] [M]y [tax] plan focuses on middle class and hardworking families who deserve the relief and need the help right now First, I'm proposing a thirty billion dollar fund to help hard-hit communities and distressed home owners whether the foreclosure crisisSecond, I'm calling for comprehensive action to end the housing crisis and keep it from dragging down the entire economy[N]ext, we've got to invest in emergency energy assistance for families with skyrocketing heating bills this winterFourth, I would extend and expand unemployment insurance, including doubling the number of weeks people are eligible for assistanceI would immediately implement a Green Building Fund to rebuild and renovate public buildings like schools, like municipal buildings, like law enforcement buildings, to make them more energy efficientI would also pursue a crash weatherization plan to help people insulate their homesWe need to have a Strategic Energy Fund that is looking at how we have new technology like what you are doing right here, with everything from our vehicles to our homes to our businesses to our utilities and make it a comprehensive plan. January 11, 2008

I think that the people of Nevadawant somebody who's going to give them solutions, not just rhetoric. They want to hear what it is you're going to do, and I have been very specific about my plans, because I want to be held accountable. January 19, 2008

We need both an immediate, short-term plan to jumpstart the economy  and a long-term economic vision with strategies to keep the economy going well into the futureWe have to stop the crisis but then we have to plan for an economy that will keep generating good new jobs, and clean energy is our best betWhat we have to do is have a plan to create good jobs and restore fairness to the economy. We need to renew the promise of America that if you work hard, you can get ahead. We need to return to fiscal responsibility, so that Washington once again lives within a budget, just like you and your family has to do. January 24, 2008

I have plans to create five million new, green collar jobs. Andmy opponent [Obama] doesn't have much experience creating jobs at allNow, if only he would just copy my health care plan and provide coverage for every single American! So there's the difference between us  speeches versus solutions. Talk versus action. February 13, 2008

I'm not just going to talk about what's wrong with NAFTA, I'm going to fix it and I have a four-point plan to do exactly that. February 19, 2008

Senator Obama promises to withdraw from Iraq within 16 months. But his top foreign policy adviser said he's not really going to rely on that plan. I guess that plan is just words, too. March 11, 2008
Republicans in Congress have been clamoring for months for the IRS to investigate the Clinton Foundation for numerous crimes. Yesterday, IRS chief John Koskinen agreed to refer questions about the legality of the Clinton Foundation activities to the agency's office of exempt organizations.

It has been erroneously reported that the IRS was launching an investigation into the activities of the Clinton Foundation. In fact, no such formal investigation has been called for. The agency's exempt organization office will review the charges and make a determination as to whether the FBI and other investigative bodies should be called in.

The distinction is important, because there's a good chance that no such investigation will be called for, and the Foundation will continue its criminal activity.

The Hill:

"This program considers all referrals and will send you a separate acknowledgement letter when it receives your information," Koskinen said last week in a letter to Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Blackburn and dozens of other Republican House members sent a letter to Koskinen and the heads of the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission earlier this month asking the agencies to investigate the Clinton Foundation. The lawmakers said that media reports and IRS filings "portray a lawless 'Pay to Play' enterprise that has been operating under a cloak of philanthropy for years and should be investigated." The Republicans' letter stated that the foundation's initial application with the IRS for tax-exempt status in 1997 does not mention that it would conduct activities outside of the United States. "As a result, the foundation's global initiatives appear to be unlawful pursuant to IRS guidance," the lawmakers said. The lawmakers also expressed concerns in their letter about the fact that Laureate International Universities has donated to the foundation and an entity run by Laureate's founder received millions of dollars in grants from the U.S. Agency for International Development while Hillary Clinton was secretary of State. They also are concerned that the chairman of a uranium-mining company donated money to the foundation, and Clinton was among the Obama administration officials who approved the company's sale to the Russian government. The IRS said Wednesday that it is standard procedure to direct referrals from outside groups to offices within the agency. "We forward all referrals to the appropriate area for consideration of whether there are issues that justify further review," the agency said in a statement. Koskinen said that the IRS can't disclose actions it might take based on the information the lawmakers provided due to a statute that protects the privacy of taxpayers' information.

The way Koskinen describes this action would lead one to believe it's a matter of routine. But this request comes from one of the most important "outside groups" in the country: the U.S. Congress. You would think he would treat the matter with a little more gravity.

This is one reason why there are calls to impeach Koskinen: his arrogant dismissal of the Republican Congress. His refusal to fully comply with subpoenas as well as his dismissive attitude on display during congressional hearings has enraged many members.

No doubt, a determination whether the IRS should investigate the Foundation won't come until after the election.
Earlier this week, the Turkish government hinted that their crackdown on regime opponents was almost over.

But yesterday, there was another round of closings and dismissals of suspected coup supporters. More than 100 opposition media outlets were shuttered, with thousands of people losing their jobs. And another 1,600 high-ranking military officers were given dishonorable discharges.

Politico:

Turkish authorities announced Wednesday the dismissal of more than 1,600 military personnel and the closure of over 100 media outlets, following a failed coup earlier this month. Three news agencies, 16 television stations, 23 radio stations, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers, were ordered closed, AFP reported, citing a Turkish official confirming a government decree published in the official gazette. The decree also saw 87 land army generals, 30 air force generals, and 32 admirals, dishonorably discharged over their involvement in the attempt to seize power on July 15, which left more than 200 people dead. About 1,000 officers and 400 junior officers were also dishonorably discharged.

If that many general officers were involved in the coup, it wouldn't have failed. Instead, President Erdogan is using the coup to replace officers who aren't entirely convinced he is the second coming of Mehmed VI  the last sultan of Turkey  with officers who are personally loyal to him.

As for the closing of opposition media, nothing else adequately demonstrates Erdogan's contempt for freedom and the rule of law. So in essence, there is now an authoritarian Islamist government occupying one of the most strategic places on Earth, vital to European security and economic health.

It couldn't get much worse.
The Baltimore judicial railroad of the six police officers who handled Freddie Gray has come to an end. We have just heard of some justice coming from Mobtown!

The final charges against Baltimore police officers involved in the Freddie Gray case have been dropped[.] ... The state's attorney in Baltimore on Wednesday dropped all remaining charges against three city police officers awaiting trial in the death of Freddie Gray, ending one of the most closely watched  and unsuccessful  police prosecutions in the nation. ... [P]rosecutors were unable to secure a single conviction during the first four trials[.]

For a prosecutor who had just been humiliated in a court of law, she seemed rather arrogant:

As a chief prosecutor for Baltimore City, I took an oath to uphold justice, and to treat every individual in my jurisdiction equally and fairly under the law. I take my oath very seriously. Since the start of my administration, we have been and continue to be wholly committed to creating a fair and equitable justice system for all. And holding people accountable for crimes that they commit regardless of age, race, color, sex, creed, socioeconomic status or in this case, occupation. As a chief prosecutor, elected by the people of Baltimore City, I made a promise that my prosecutors and I will never cower from our obligation to prosecute crimes where we believe we have probable cause that a crime was committed[.]  And despite the challenges of not having an independent investigatory agency to work with us throughout this [prosecution] we still are grateful for the opportunity to show the world the reality of the justice system from start to finish. At every step of the way, due process was afforded to all of these officers[.]

Ms. Mosby had the results of the investigation for less than 24 hours (so much for due process) before she went out and attempted to poison the jury pool (hung jury on the first shot). She made a complete ass out of herself, overcharging officers who were guilty of, at most serious, department policy violation. Her excuse of a lack of an "independent investigatory agency" is humorous. If she had asked the U.S. attorney, the Maryland attorney general, or any other agency to assist in this investigation, any one of those individuals would have been there. But she wanted to ride these innocent officers to the next level of her political career. It remains to be seen whether this disaster has stopped, but if I were Ms. Mosby, I'd be speaking with a lawyer in preparation for the coming civil suits.

Does Ms. Mosby not think Vogue will be calling for an interview? She seemed so cocksure last year, with more than enough evidence that Gray injured himself to raise reasonable doubt before she brought the case to a grand jury. But she went on. Perhaps she hoped an O.J. Simpson jury would find them guilty in spite of the evidence. Perhaps she wanted a political victory to boost her future to a federal judgeship or high Department of Justice position. Or she expected to use this to lead her to the mayor's office.

There are multiple people relived right now, such as the six officers who've had their lives and careers destroyed by Ms. Mosby's attempted railroad. Cops in general are having a sigh of relief, knowing there is some chance of justice against a radical prosecutor.

And the man most relieved? Mike Nifong. He's off the hook as the greatest example of prosecutor misconduct in the modern era.

No, I don't think Vogue will be calling soon.

Update. The Slammer comments:

Michael A. Thiac is a police patrol sergeant and a retired Army intelligence officer. When not patrolling the streets, he can be found on A Cop's Watch.
Its hard to believe that it has been almost fifty years since the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders of 1969. Unfortunately, we are reminded of these murders on too regular a basis. They were again in the news recently when Gov. Brown overruled the parole boards recommendation to release Leslie Van Houten, one of several Manson Family members convicted of murder.

Good call  she is where she belongs.

If you lived in southern California at the time, you likely have strong memories of those events. It was an unusually hot August that year, when the Tate murders hit the news. Six people were killed in horrifically brutal fashion. One of the victims, actress Sharon Tate, was eight and a half months pregnant; her baby was the sixth victim. Tate was also the wife of director Roman Polanski, which magnified the crimes visibility.

The next night, in upscale Los Feliz, two more people, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, were also murdered.

As the details came out, the inhumanity, the cruelty involved, was shocking, even to hardened investigators.

All of southern California was on edge. My aunt and uncle lived in the area but moved in with another uncle for a period of time. The edge abated only after arrests were made. The trials of the killers, Leslie Van Houten, Tex Watson, Susan Atkins, and Patricia Krenwinkel, ended on March 29, 1971, when four (Linda Kasabian was granted immunity) of the five killers were sentenced to death. The ringleader, Charles Charlie Manson, was convicted later.

The relatively straightforward trial lasted nine months. The case against Charlie differed dramatically, as Manson was not present at the murders. Thus, the D.A., the late Vince Bugliosi, had to prove that Manson held sway over these people to the extent that they murdered at his command  not an easy task. Charlie helped him in this effort when he carved an X (later modified into a swastika) into his forehead. His followers watching the trial followed suit. Bugliosi later stated that his case was made at that point.

Benicia resident Donna Wigand was director of behavioral and mental health services for Fresno County while Charlie was incarcerated at nearby Corcoran State Prison. During that time, members of her staff had the opportunity to evaluate Manson. They described him as narcissistic, psychopathic, and sociopathic, a description that should surprise no one.

Prosecutor Vince Bugliosi summed Charlie up:

Of all the murderers, rapists, thieves and assorted other criminals I prosecuted, the only one that truly frightened me was Charlie Manson.

Manson received the death penalty, a sentence never meted out.

The California chief justice was a Brown appointee: Rose Bird, a far-left extremist adamantly opposed to the death penalty. As a result of Birds activism, the sentences for all death row inmates were commuted to life.

Leslie Van Houten was granted parole in April at her 21st hearing. This is the ruling Gov. Brown overruled.

Manson was denied parole for the 12th time on April 11, 2012. He will not be eligible again until 2031.

Tex Watsons last hearing was in November 2011. The next one will be this November.

Susan Atkins died in prison in 2009, after 18 parole hearings were denied.

Patricia Krenwinkel, denied twelve years ago for the 13th time, is eligible again in 2018.

Many of the Manson Family members have turned their lives around. Leslie Van Houten is a model prisoner, received a college degree, and is well known for helping other prisoners.

Tex Watson became an ordained minister and is counseling fellow murderers.

I am glad that Governor Brown denied parole. I cannot help but wonder: did guilt for the continuation of the pain to the survivors play any part in his decision? Would release have eased or magnified their suffering?

It is the responsibility of the justice system to assure all of us that the victims of crime are also considered in evaluations of leniency.

There is today a never-ending debate over the death penalty. Those seeking to eliminate it would better serve humanity if they demonstrated a level of empathy for the victims families equivalent to that displayed for the killers.
On July 13, 2016, the House passed by a 245-to-182 vote the Conscience Protection Act, which would provide legal protection to doctors, nurses, hospitals, and all health care providers who choose not to provide abortion services as part of their health care practice.

This is important and necessary because states such as California and New York, along with Obamas Department of Health and Human Services, require all health plans to cover all abortions, including late-term abortions. As a result, health care providers who refuse to perform abortions risk their jobs. This bill is strongly supported by the U.S. Conference of Bishops, the Christian Medical Association, the National Association of Evangelicals, the Knights of Columbus, and other groups.

The news is not that 245 congressman voted to protect health care workers, but that 182 congressmen (Democrats) voted against. Obama should be asked if he will sign. Hillary must be asked if she supports the bill.

The law is to protect the employment rights of those who oppose abortion. It should be a no-brainer with 435 in the House, 100 in the Senate, and Obama signing it immediately. We protect the employment rights of whistleblowers and jury members, on race, sex, color, national origin, age, and other reasons. Why not protect the employment rights of those who refuse to kill an unborn child?
The Galaxy Note 7 is shaping up to be the biggest launch of the year, as far as smartphones go. Part of that is due to the overwhelming success that the Galaxy S7 has had, since it launched in late February (made available in early March). Of course, the rumor mill has definitely helped build the hype for the Galaxy Note 7 which Samsung will be announcing at Unpacked on August 2nd. Some of the rumored specs for the device include a 5.8-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display (that would be a 25601440 resolution panel, the same as the Galaxy S7, just a bit larger), a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor with 6GB of RAM and at least 32GB of storage (there has been talks of a 64GB and 128GB model being available as well). The specs all look pretty decent, and about what you would expect from a high-end smartphone in the second half of 2016. Except the battery size. Reports are showing it as being a 3500mAh battery. Which is smaller than the Galaxy S7 Edge, which has a smaller display.

Now that battery size is indeed bigger than the Galaxy Note 5s last year. Which sported a 3000mAh battery. Now it is also true that the Galaxy Note 5 had some superb battery life. And was a major step-up for Samsung, after putting out the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge earlier on in the year, both of which had terrible battery life  with battery capacities of 2550mAh and 2600mAh respectively. Which means that the Galaxy Note 5 had quite a bit of optimization going for it. Then we look at the Galaxy S7 with its 3,000mAh battery and the Galaxy S7 Edge with its 3600mAh battery. Both models have been praised for having amazing battery life. Even while playing Pokemon GO. Which leads us to doubting how well the Galaxy Note 7s battery life will really be. Of course, we have no concrete proof of what the battery life will be like on the Galaxy Note 7 at this point, but looking at specs along, it doesnt look to promising.

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Think about it, the Galaxy Note 7 is going to sport a larger 5.8-inch display than the Galaxy S7 Edge. The resolution will be the same, but since its a 0.3-inch larger display, its going to chew up a bit more of that precious battery life. Not something that most of us will want, but will sacrifice because we want the larger display. Now the Snapdragon 821 isnt a huge change over the Snapdragon 820, so the processor should still perform just as well, in terms of sipping the power from the battery  instead of draining it. With the S Pen and its software, we shouldnt see much in terms of issues either. Since that software doesnt use much battery, but it is something that the Galaxy Note 7 has that the Galaxy S7 does not. All that with a smaller battery. While that may not equate to bad battery life, it could definitely be better, and consumers should definitely expect better from Samsung, especially if the rumored pricing is anything to go by.

Lets look at why the Galaxy Note 7 may have a smaller battery. The obvious reason is due to the S Pen taking up more space. Seeing as the Galaxy Note 7 does need to have a silo for the S Pen to slide into, when its not in use. That does take up a bit of space from the Galaxy Note 7, but where the device is larger  in comparison to the Galaxy S7 Edge  it shouldnt be that much of an issue. Of course, whatever Samsung is doing to fix the S Pen issue that arose with the Galaxy Note 5 last year, may also take up more space within the device.

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However, its also important to remember that the battery is typically one of the last things that goes into a smartphone, when its being built. By the time engineers get around to putting a battery into the smartphone, the rest of the phone is already built, for the most part. That includes how thick the device will be, what materials will be covering the back of it. As well as where all the components inside the device are. Like the processor, camera, headphone jack, charging port, RAM and everything else. This is why we are seeing smartphones like the Moto Z coming out with a tiny 2600mAh battery inside. The battery is basically the glue that holds everything together, inside, since it takes up whatever space is left.

Looking at this from Samsungs perspective, they may be putting in a smaller battery to force users to upgrade more often. Right now, most people arent upgrading every year. Instead they are upgrading every two years and some are waiting three years before buying a new smartphone. Thats not what Samsung wants to hear. They want to see you upgrading your phone each and every year. In fact, if you upgrade twice a year, they would be even happier. But how does that relate to the battery? Well the Galaxy Note 7 will have a non-removable battery. Batteries typically only have around 400-500 charge cycles before they need to be replaced, because they cant hold a charge any longer. After around 6 months, the battery life on most lithium ion batteries start to decrease. So what was once a great smartphone with great battery life, becomes a great smartphone that always needs to be plugged in and charged. This is what forces people to upgrade. Since they cant just pop out the battery and pop in a new one, unfortunately. While this is a long shot, it could be part of Samsungs decision.

Now of course, we could be wrong. The battery isnt that much smaller, and the display isnt that much bigger than the Galaxy S7 Edge. But that would mean that Samsung did some pretty good software optimization to make the battery last even longer. Something that every manufacturer definitely needs to work on. Software optimization can go a long way, in terms of battery life as well as performance. Just take a look at those smartphones running the Snapdragon 810 last year. Some were a hot mess, while others performed beautifully, like the Nexus 6P from Huawei and Google. Hopefully, the Galaxy Note 7 does have superb battery life. Its one of the features that users have loved so much about the Galaxy Note lineup (besides the larger display and S Pen stylus).

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It wont be long before we know for sure that the Galaxy Note 7 has either good or bad battery life. As the device is being announced on August 2nd, and is slated to be available shortly thereafter. Wed also urge you to take the numbers that Samsung puts with the battery size, with a grain of salt. Manufacturers always seem to say that the battery can last you a good day or so. But in actuality, thats not always true. Take Motorola for example with the original Moto X. They said it could get 24 hours on a single charge. While mostly everyone that owned the Moto X 2013 was charging their smartphone at least twice a day. Luckily, the Galaxy Note 7 will likely sport Quick Charge or their Adaptive Fast Charging solution  this will depend on whether its sporting a Qualcomm or Exynos chipset, which also depends on the region.
Although Samsungs Galaxy Note 7 has been extensively leaked and rumored throughout these past few months, Samsung has kept quiet in regards to its upcoming flagship and this shouldnt come as a surprise to anyone who is at least familiar with the companys way of revealing new, top-tier products. As the weeks and days go by and as we approach the month of August, it appears that Samsung is beginning to tease its fans and build up some excitement around the upcoming device. Specifically, the first official TV commercial for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was recently uploaded to YouTube by Samsung Mobile Korea, and while the video doesnt give us a complete view of the smartphones overall design, it does offer some clues and teasers regarding some of its new features.

The TV ad is 30-seconds long and aims to tease and highlight some of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7s selling points. To begin with, the video confirms the presence of a fingerprint scanner, and also emphasizes on a new pattern lock screen option, which was previously spotted in leaked images along with the rumored iris recognition sensor. Next up, although again  the smartphone itself doesnt make an appearance, the ad seems to confirm that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be the first Note in the series to boast waterproof capabilities. An IP68 certificate was rumored before, and would give the device the ability to take a dive in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without taking damage. The ad also reconfirms that the next Note in the series will skip a digit, and wont be called the Samsung Galaxy Note 6. This is due to the idea that Samsung may want to bring its Galaxy Note lineup in line with the Galaxy S series, in order to avoid confusion amongst consumers.

Last but not least, the ad ends with a confirmation that the next Samsung Galaxy Note will be officially introduced in August. Samsung previously announced that it will host an unveiling Unpacked event on August 2nd, and its very likely that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be unveiled on that particular date. Until then, Samsung will likely continue to build the hype with new videos and teasers.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTWyapuLNdI
While Sony might be a name that we associate with all sorts of technology, not limited to great 4K TVs and pretty decent smartphones, the Japanese giant also makes their own components for devices, too. While Samsung is one of the few device manufacturers out there that can genuinely claim to make the vast majority of the components in their smartphones, Sony isnt too far behind. Its well-documented that Sony makes some of the best camera hardware in the world, and this extends to teeny, tiny smartphone cameras as well. In fact, many of 2016s greatest devices have sensors sourced from Sony, with more on their way. One thing that we might not have thought of Sony making, is their own batteries, which sadly seems to becoming to an end, as Sony has agreed to sell their battery division to Japanese firm, Murata.

Sony and Murata have signed a memorandum of understanding that the latter will absorb the formers Sony Energy Devices Corporation as well as its operations in China and Singapore. Its worth noting that this memorandum is a non-binding one, so theres a chance that such a deal might not ever be reached, but with Sony looking to streamline things and keep their core money spinners, namely their Camera and PlayStation divisions going strong, cutting dead weight seems like a smart move. With this deal, which is said to be completed by Q1 of 2017, if it ever goes ahead, would see Murata Manufacturing, a Chinese name known for creating smaller components such as capacitors and other essential pieces of the puzzle inherit some of Sony Groups R&D facilities in Japan and elsewhere related to battery technology, too.

For Sony, this is perhaps a way of getting rid of a division that doesnt quite bring in the sort of money that they need it to, and in the wake of their purchase of Toshibas imaging division, the firm could do with a cash infusion. It could however, be something that Sony comes to regret. Theres no telling what Sonys Energy Devices division is currently researching, or how far theyve come, but with battery technology working their way into everything from cars to drones, Sony could be walking away from a future profitable asset. Regardless, this move will probably enable Sony to streamline and better focus on core products and if nothing else, serves as a bittersweet reminder of just how big Sony have been at one point in time.
Samsung has been among the years brightest performers in smartphone markets across the world thanks to impressive sales of its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge flagship phones. With reports emerging that the company aims to sell as many as 350 million smartphones next year, S&P Global Ratings has also joined its list of admirers by giving the company an A+ long-term corporate credit and debt ratings as well as an A-1+ short-term corporate credit rating. The much-respected credit rating agency has based its ratings on Samsungs strong cash flows as well as the ability of the company to maintain its cash reserves despite increasing dividends to shareholders in the coming years.

Despite facing strong competition from rival phone makers in a volatile smartphone market, Samsung has been able to keep its chin above the water thanks to its diverse businesses and its ability to offer high quality premium products to customers. Apart from smartphones and tablets, the company is also a market leader in developing memory chips and display panels both for its products as well as on contract for a number of other technology companies. S&P Global Ratings adds that Samsungs chip-making business will remain profitable for the next three years despite the industry facing slowing demand owing to market saturation. We expect Samsungs continued large investments in technology and fabrication facilities and high entry barriers in the chip industry to enable the company to sustain its leading position over the next two to three years, said Han Sang-yun, a credit analyst at S&P. The ratings agency also believes that Samsung will be able to keep its smartphone business stable and profitable in the next twelve months.

Despite such positive signs, S&P has also warned that Samsungs ratings may suffer if the company faces a sharp downturn in its smartphone business, is unable to maintain its operating margin above 10% or if the company gets overly aggressive in conducting acquisitions, share buybacks or investments. Even though such possibilities might occur in the future, the picture so far this year has been quite rosy. Samsung is expected to reap as much as $6.8 billion in profits in the second quarter of the year on the back of impressive sales of its memory chips as well as the new Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge handsets. At the same time, the company has also fared well in mobile communications, 5G technologies and IT consulting which have helped it in maintaining its cash flows and overall profitability. With the company set to launch the much-awaited Galaxy Note 7 and also mass-producing 6GB RAM units, it may fare equally well in the third quarter despite the launch of Apples iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus handsets.
Council of Europe outlaws Scottish governments anti-family fascist plan

To Scotland, where the council of Europe has outlawed a local fascist plot. The Scottish Government wanted teachers, State-approved workers, doctors  whoever  to treat all other parents and guardians as suspects.

Since 2014, the Scottish government passed a law that every child in Scotland should have a named person  such as a teacher, social worker or health visitor  to look after their welfare up to the age of 18.

No need for parents. The State is in total control. It has the final say.

Revolting.

A flagship government plan to assign a state-appointed figure to oversee the welfare of every child in Scotland has been blocked after the Supreme Court ruled that the controversial named persons scheme was unlawful.

Good.

Judges said the proposals breach rights to privacy and a family life under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Simon Calvert, spokesman for the No to Named Persons (NO2NP) campaign, adds:

Its wonderful news for mums, dads and children all across Scotland who no longer have to worry about this unjustified invasion of their private lives. To many of them the named person scheme felt like a legal battering ram to gain access to their homes. The court has taken sides with ordinary families and put the Scottish Government back in its place.

Sense prevails. The Scottish State recoils.

Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney insists the campaigners bid to scrap the named person scheme has failed as amending the wording of the law could still allow it to go through. He said it would still be implemented nationally at the earliest possible date once changes have been made. Ministers remain absolutely committed to the named person policy, developed over several years in consultation with a wide range of individuals and organisations working across Scotland, to support children and families.

The good old SNP, eh.

Spotter: Evening Times

Anorak

Posted: 28th, July 2016 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
Arsenal: Wenger makes way for Eddie Howe because the Press are clueless

Is Arsenal Wenger going to sign a new contract and extend his tenure as Arsenal manager? The BBC leads with that AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is well-placed to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

The Daily Mirror agrees. It says Eddie Howe touted as possible Arsene Wenger replacement?

The Mirror and BBCs source is the Daily Star.

In an EXCLUSIVE David Woods says Arsenal earmark Englishman as potential Arsene Wenger replacement. Arsenal fans should be pleased. Howe is erudite, young, talented, a winner and a fast learner. But on what is the story of Howe to Arsenal based? What is Woods evidence that Howe is in line to replace Wenger? Is it just an educated guess?

Wenger has been at Arsenal for 20 years and is entering the final 12-months of his current contract. Although there is no suggestion he is heading for the chop immediately, Starsport can reveal the Gunners board would not have stood in Wengers way if he had wanted to take over as England boss next summer, as the FA had originally wanted.

Would. If. Not many facts there.

England never did go for Wenger. The FA never did wait a year for him to leave Arsenal, as the Star reported they would do.

Woods adds:

Its a clear signal that Arsenal are now preparing for life after the 66-year-old.

Wenger is 66. Of course Arsenal are preparing for life after the man has left. Wenger is in the final year of his current deal. They would be mad not to have a plan. Just look at what happened to Manchester United when Ferguson left.

And Arsenal have advance warning. The Mirror set the date of Wengers leaving, telling us in January 2016 that the Frenchman will leave the Gunners on June 30 2017:

There is not a single fact to support the story of Howe to Arsenal. The Press are as clueless about what Arsenal will do after Wenger as they were when the Gunners hired the man. Back in 1996, Johan Cruyff was the favourite to replace Bruce Ricoh.

As Nick Hornby put it:

I remember when Bruce Rioch was sacked, one of the papers had three or four names. It was Terry Venables, Johan Cruyff and then, at the end, Arsene Wenger. I remember thinking as a fan, I bet its fucking Arsene Wenger, because I havent heard of him and Ive heard of the other two. Trust Arsenal to appoint the boring one that you havent heard of.

And the Press asked Arsene who?

Anorak

Posted: 28th, July 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Key Posts, Sports, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
(ANSA) - Brussels, July 28 - Italian MEP Cecile Kyenge told ANSA on Thursday that scrapping the integration ministry was a mistake. "Italy must adopt a national integration plan (to prevent radicalization and combat Islamist terrorism)," said Kyenge, who was integration minister during the previous Enrico Letta administration. "Italy should reinstate the ministry...shutting it down was a mistake". As well, Italy should speedily "complete the citizenship law, which is one of the most powerful tools for inclusion" of second- and third-generation immigrants, Kyenge said.

Congo-born Kyenge, Italy's first black cabinet minister, earned a place among American magazine Foreign Policy's list of 'Leading Global Thinkers of 2013' for her work to "fight persistent xenophobia in Europe".

An ophthalmologist by profession, Kyenge was appointed integration minister under the left-right government of Enrico Letta in April 2013, just two months after being elected to Italy's Lower House as an MP for the center-left Democratic Party (PD).

Her nomination was met by racist insults from far-right groups and the anti-immigrant Northern League, with ex-minister Roberto Calderoli likened her to an orangutan.


(ANSA) - Rome, July 28 - The floor of the Senate on Thursday approved a bill reforming the Italian State budget with 184 votes in favour, 23 against and 15 abstentions. The bill, which incorporates the current annual 'stability law' on the public finances into the State budget, was not amended during its passage through the Senate after being approved by the Lower House.

The reform, a private member's bill signed by Budget Committee head Francesco Boccia, also features several changes to Italy's budget documents.

Among other things, it beefs up the ability of the premier's office and the economy ministry to act in the period between two annual budget laws if individual ministries overspend.

It also features the inclusion of a well-being index in the government's economic blueprint, the economic and financial document (DEF).

Many experts have said too much emphasis is placed by leaders on boosting gross domestic product (GDP), which focuses on economic factors and does not include other aspects affecting people's standard of living and happiness, and have called for the use of other indexes that take account of factors such as education, health, crime and the environment.


Migrants: numbers from Egypt to Italy double in 2016

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JULY 28 - The number of migrants heading to Italy from the Egyptian coasts has doubled so far in 2016 compared to the previous year, the director of Italy's domestic intelligence agency Aisi told the parliamentary committee for security Copasir on Thursday.



The instability in Libya and the resumption of departures from Egypt means that the number of arrivals remains at critical levels, and that overall the first seven months of 2016 have seen a similar trend compared to 2015, Aisi Director Mario Parente said. (ANSAmed).




ROME - Four-month-long restoration work to bring back to its original splendor the Hercules Room of 15th-century Palazzo Venezia in downtown Rome has kicked off.

The room will be open to the public during the restoration as of September.

Funded with a donation of 150,000 euros by the Silvano Toti Foundation, the work will concern the room's wooden ceiling and frescoes representing some of the 12 labors of Hercules, which have been attributed by a number of art historians to Italian Renaissance master Andrea Mantegna.

The renovation will be carried out by L'Officina, a restoration consortium directed by Paolo Castellani, an art historian at the Polo Museale Lazio, the State museums of the region around Rome.

The room is one of the most important and refined at the palace built by Cardinal Pietro Barbo in the mid-15th century, shortly before he became Pope Paul III.

The director of the Polo Museale of Lazio, Edith Gabrielli, told ANSA that museum authorities chose to renovate the room because it is artistically one of the most valuable and interesting in Palazzo Venezia.

''We picked this room because it has one of the palace's most interesting set of frescoes and because it represents a tassel of Renaissance art in Rome that still needs to be discovered''.

A refined man and a collector, Pietro Barbo originally used it as a regalia room.

It is located on the first floor, also called 'piano nobile' in ancient Italian aristocratic palaces because it was where the noble owners would live.

The wooden ceiling and top part of the walls feature, among others, family crests and the representation of some of the 12 labors of Hercules, a series of episodes concerning penance tasks carried out by the great Greek hero.

Restorers Isabella Righetti and Rita Ciardi told ANSA that renovation work is urgently needed because of repeated and heavy-handed work carried out in the past.

They spoke in particular about ''disinfecting the wooden part of the ceiling and consolidating the plaster and painting''.

The restorers also said dried pigments used in previous restoration works hid the artworks' original colors.

''By cleaning them, we hope to rediscover the polish of the paintings, which were supposed to look like large windows that were open towards the outside''.

The restorers said they hoped to discover how the room was originally decorated and, in particular, who worked on the frescoes.

Art historians have long debated on the artist's identity and many believe he probably came from northern Italy.

More than one historian has attributed the work to Mantegna, who was an apprentice of Paduan painter Francesco Squarcione.

Others have instead attributed the artwork to an anonymous miniature painter at the pope's court.

Gabrielli said she doesn't believe Mantegna painted the frescoes.

However, she said the room is of fundamental importance ''to shed light on Roman Renaissance, which has been studied but not sufficiently examined because it has been partly obscured by the more famous Florentine Renaissance''.
ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JULY 28 - The following are some of the main events scheduled in the Euro-Mediterranean area for today: MADRID - Spanish king Felipe VI will continue consultations with party leaders in view of possibly forming a new government to avoid early elections. SAINT-ETIENNE-DU-ROUVRAY (FRANCE) - A march in white will be held to pay homage to Father Jacques Hamel, an 86-year-old priest whose throat was cut in a terrorist attack on Tuesday as he was officiating over morning mass in the village near Rouen.



HAMMAMET - Internationl festival of music, ballet and theatre (to August 20). (ANSAmed).




MADRID - A controversy has been stirred in Malaga following the authorisation by the People's Party-led (PP) city government to build a dog park on the grounds of the largest mass burial site from the Spanish Civil War, where remains have been found from about 1,000 victims of the Franco regime.

"The agreement that we had reached with the city hasn't been respected," said Jose Sanchez, president of the Malaga Historical Association.

"The grave site was supposed to be enclosed and honoured, but instead it was turned into a toilet for dogs," he told radio station Cadena Sur. The city council's Socialist group called for the authorisation to be revoked, as well as for the resignation of the city's urban assessor.

The city has responded to the controversy by saying it will "do what's necessary".

Remains from the victims of Franco who were thrown into mass grave number eight in Malaga were exhumed in 2006 and transferred to a historic place in the city.

There are still dozens of Spanish Civil War mass graves throughout the country.

The most famous of them, which still hasn't been identified, is near Granada and contains the remains of poet Federico Garcia Lorca, who was shot by Francoists in 1936.
Puglia olive trees released in Xylella probe Xylella emergency over, say Lecce prosecutors

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JULY 28 - Lecce prosecutors on Thursday released 2,223 olive trees that had been marked for felling in a bid to stop the spread of the fatal Xylella bacteria. The trees had been seized by court order last December as part of an investigation into 10 people including researchers, Puglia regional officials, and former special commissioner for the Xylella emergency, Giuseppe Silletti.



The Xylella state of emergency is over and the trees in question are no longer at risk, prosecutors said.



The Europan Commission last Friday opened new infringement procedures against Italy over alleged delays in implementing measures to stop the spread of the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria that kills trees.



A letter of formal notice was sent to the government on grounds "it is extremely important that Italy fully enacts" measures to stop the spread of Xylella, a Commission spokesperson told ANSA.



This is the second infringement procedure to be opened against Italy in relation to Xylella after the EC took issue with its alleged failure to fulfil its obligations in the plan to eradicate the bacteria in December 2015.



Xylella was first detected in southern Italy in 2013, marking the first outbreak of its kind in the EU.



It reportedly caused about a million olive trees in Puglia to die as of summer 2015.



Italy started chopping down affected olive trees in Puglia in April last year, after the epidemic prompted France to declare an embargo on products from the southern Italian region at risk of infection from the deadly pathogen.



However the cull was suspended following an appeal and legal action by environmental associations and Puglia farmers, who said it is excessive.




ISTANBUL - In the wake of the failed coup attempt by the Turkish military, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government have ordered the closure of 130 media outlets, including 45 newspapers and 16 TV channels, ANSA sources said.

The closures were included in the official state of emergency announcement published in the country's Official Gazette.

Along with news agency Cihan, Turkish daily Zaman, and TV channel Kanalturk, the closures also included 23 radio stations, 15 magazines, and 29 publishing houses.

Arrest warrants were issued for 47 journalists who used to work for Zaman, which was seen as supportive of the Gulen movement and was Turkey's most widely read daily prior to a government seizure in early March.

On the list of the journalists to be arrested were famed opinion writer Sahin Alpay, who was handcuffed in front of his home in central Istanbul, as well as the former editors of the English-language version of Zaman, Bulent Kenes and Sevgi Akarcesme.

Those arrests came in addition to the 42 other journalists for whom arrest warrants were issued on Monday.

The government decree also ordered the arrest of 1,684 military personnel, among whom figured 149 generals and admirals, bringing the overall arrest total to 15,846 - 10,012 of whom are soldiers.

That figure doesn't include the more than 70,000 people dismissed from civil service jobs or private jobs with licenses to teach.

At least 1,617 employees were dismissed from service in 41 universities, and 234 academics have been arrested, all of whom came under accusation of having ties to Fethullah Gulen, who the government has said was the coup's mastermind.

The Turkish Army completed a count of its "traitors" within the ranks, who it said participated in the attempted coup, resulting in a total of 8,651 "terrorists in uniform", representing 1.5% of the Army overall.
French religious leaders ask Hollande for increased security Military presence to hit 10,000, with 4,000 soldiers in Paris

(ANSAmed) - PARIS, JULY 28 - French religious leaders met on Wednesday with President Hollande to ask for increased security in places of worship, following the attack in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray on Tuesday in which two armed teens claiming allegiance to ISIS took four people hostage and killed 84-year-old Catholic priest Father Jacques Hamel.



On Tuesday, Hollande spoke with Pope Francis and said France will "do everything to protect our churches and our places of worship".



French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the country's anti-terrorism operation "Sentinelle" will increase military presence to 10,000 soldiers, 4,000 assigned to Paris and the remaining distributed throughout the province.



He said more than 23,500 agents from the police, gendarmerie military police, soldiers and reservists will be dispatched overall.



On Wednesday the country's National Police Inspectorate (IGPN) issued its report on security the night of July 14 attack in Nice, when a lorry plowed into a Bastille Day crowd, leaving 84 people dead and 303 wounded.



Cazeneuve had ordered the IGPN investigation in a "gesture of transparency and truth for the victims and their families" following accusations of inadequate security.



The report said that security was adequate, with the presence of 64 national police officers in addition to municipal police, and said accusations of inadequate security were "the result of a poor understanding and interpretation of the facts".(ANSAmed).




TEL AVIV - The Israeli government supports an initiative by a private non-governmental organisation to send humanitarian aid towards the area around the Syrian city of Quneitra, Israel's deputy minister for regional cooperation Ayoob Kara told the Jerusalem Post.



Kara said the aim was to create a "safe zone" for the city's 200,000 inhabitants.



"The Islamic State is in a phase of retreat and in that area the Free Syrian Army and Al-Nusra front are operating," said Kara. He said Israeli policy was based on two key elements: easing the transfer of humanitarian aid, but not accepting refugees.



The statements gained the support of the Amaliah NGO, run by an Israeli-American businessman Moti Kahana, which aims to send medical help to create a field hospital. It will also send food and education material, but none of its members will enter Syrian territory.



The aim is to set up a "safe" area in the Golan Heights run by local forces which Israel can trust, Kahana said.



"In any case we do not want radicals to reach our border," said Kara.
Italy elected OSCE president in 2018 Unanimous vote by 57 member countries

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JULY 28 - The 57 member nations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Thursday elected Italy 2018 president. "This decision fully represents the recognition of our country's commitment and the desire to actively contribute to peace and stability in Europe," said Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni. Beginning on January 1, Italy will be working closely with Germany which is the 2016 OSCE president, and Austria (2017 president) as part of the so-called OSCE Troika, Gentiloni said.



Italy's agenda will focus on a solution to the Ukraine crisis, the migrant and refugee crisis, and strengthening the partnership with countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, the minister said.



The Vienna-based OSCE is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization set up during the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) held in Helsinki, Finland in 1975. Its mandate includes arms control, human rights, freedom of the press, fair elections, early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. Its 57 member nations are in Europe, northern and central Asia, and North America. OSCE stretches "from Vancouver to Vladivostok (and its) concept of security is now more relevant than ever," said Gentiloni.



"The method that led to the Helsinki Act is being looked at with growing interest... to lay the groundwork for a new order in the Mediterranean". (ANSAmed).




Featuring a new avionics suite with the Prodigy Touch flight deck, based on the Garmin G3000, and modified Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F1-E engines, offering more speed with superior hot-and-high performance, the Phenom 100 EV will enter the market in the first half of 2017.

The aircraft will enjoy dual launch customers, each with unique operating requirements. Mexicos Across, a premium business aviation services provider, will benefit from the aircrafts hot-and-high performance out of its base at Toluca International Airport (TLC). Emirates Flight Training Academy recently upgraded its earlier order for five Phenom 100E to Phenom 100EV becoming the first flight training organisation in the world to train cadet pilots using this platform.



The Phenom 100 revolutionized the entry-level segment when it set new standards for comfort, performance, and operating costs, said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. The new Phenom 100 EV will deliver even greater performance and operational capability while preserving its low operating and maintenance costs.



Emirates Flight Training Academy, set to open in October 2016, will offer state of the art facilities including a young and modern aircraft fleet for training cadet pilots. Within its enhanced curriculum, cadets will progress from training on single engine piston aircraft to the jet-powered Embraer Phenom 100 EV. We selected the Phenom 100 because we considered it to be the entry-level jet that will offer trainees unmatched systems integration and ease of operation, a high utilisation design, low operating costs, airliner-grade performance and docile flying characteristics, said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. Our cadets will benefit from next generation technology, speed and thrust for their training missions in the Phenom 100 EV.
A typical week sees the airline operating more than 3,600 flights, with over 96,000 flights operated in the first half of 2016. Emirates is the worlds largest international airline currently serving 154 destinations across 81 countries on six continents operating 252 aircraft. The airline is also the largest operator of the Airbus A380, with 81 of these double-decker aircraft serving over 40 global destinations. Over 50 million passengers have flown on the Emirates A380 since it began service in 2008. Emirates also operates the largest family of Boeing 777 aircraft, with 157 of these popular wide-bodies connecting Dubai to 109 destinations around the world. The Emirates Boeing 777 has flown over 226 million passengers since 2004.
TAV Airports Holding Executive Board Member & CEO Sani Sener said in a statement:

Global security concerns continue to dominate the agenda in the global aviation sector. Security concerns are affecting passenger behavior and decreasing travel to countries like ours with intense security issues. We have been operating Ataturk Airport, the third largest hub of Europe since year 2000 and we consider it our home. While it is one of the best protected places in our country as we see time and again all over the world, sometimes it is not possible to stop terror attacks.

From our experience in 14 countries and 65 airports around the world, we know that recovery from one-off security shocks is fast. We operate in a resilient sector that reacts to crises with fast recoveries. We have experienced this many times in the past.

The passenger weakness manifested itself especially in the second quarter but still the overall passengers increased 3% YTD in our portfolio. In this background, the passenger mix in Istanbul Ataturk Airport has shifted more towards transfer passengers with Origin and Destination (O&D) passengers showing more sensitivity to security risks. In this environment, we have completed the extension gates in Istanbul Ataturk Airport and the runway and taxiway rehabilitation works in Tbilisi Airport.

Words can't express how saddened we are by the loss of our employees and passengers who lost their lives in the heinous attack on our airport. I extend my deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. In the aftermath of attack all members of the TAV Airports family acted very professionally and opened the airport to operation in a very short amount of time. I would like to extend my deep gratitude to all members of the TAV Airports family who showed their support and solidarity in very trying times. We will work together and do our best to heal ourselves and continue serving our passengers as best as we can.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. 14 lawmakers have joined MP Nikol Pashinyans petition on convening an extraordinary session in Parliament.

MP Pashinyans assistant Hakob Simindryan told ARMENPRESS five other lawmakers have expressed willingness to join.

Rule of Law faction also said it will join. We have sent the form to them. Within the next half an hour we will sum up the results, Simindryan said.

He said if within 24 hours after taking the form less than 44 have signed it, then the session wont take place. The deadline is 17:00.

According to Regulation laws, an extraordinary session can be convened if it is initiated by the President of Armenia, the Government or the 1/3 of lawmakers
By Marquise Clarke

In a landmark case, the Hagues Permanent Court of Arbitration delivered a unanimous decision earlier this month supporting the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China over part of the South China Sea. The case brought by the Philippines was the first time the Chinese government had been brought before an international court.

Many companies and investors within ASEAN are naturally waiting to see what impact the case might have on relations between the economic bloc and China, if any. However, while the South China Sea decision has instigated a series of negative effects which might be felt in the short-term, these are widely expected to be manageable, with long-term effects minimal.

The Politics of Economics and Trade in Southeast Asia

China

On a variety of fronts, China has found itself conflicted with existing international institutions and norms. In recent years the country has objected to global climate initiatives and the promotion of the Asian Development Bank, and it is increasingly clear that the Middle Kingdom is unafraid of allowing these conflicts to escalate. Disputes in the South China Sea are another such example, albeit of a very different nature.

While the South China Sea disputes help to assert Chinese influence militarily, they naturally ostracize many key trading partners  significant assets in Chinas mission to solidify its economic presence within the region. Although The Hague ruling is unlikely to threaten existing trade flows, the manner in which future conflicts are resolved will play a significant role in the ability of China to promote economic cooperation. Most significant in this respect is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)  a key response to the U.S.s TPP.

ASEAN

For ASEAN, the South China Sea disputes have tested the collaborative strength of the region. Many different ASEAN members are at odds with one another concerning how conflicts in the sea should be approached, with some more closely allied with China than others.

Internally within ASEAN, however, it is highly unlikely that the blocs disjointed response to the dispute will spread into current economic arrangements. The trading relationship within ASEAN is cemented through negotiations on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and this will not change.

Third Parties

Apart from China and ASEAN, the South China Sea dispute has also increased the already public tension between the U.S. and China. Many countries in ASEAN have publically declared their interest in signing the U.S.s Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and this interest would likely intensify should China choose to sever ties with any of ASEANs members.

Economic Relations between China and ASEAN

Many different industries in ASEAN are dependent on Chinese imports, meaning any stop in trade relations between the two would have an immediate effect.

In recent years, China has actively pushed for economic and trade cooperation with Southeast Asia through a number of different vehicles, with the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (ACFTA), RCEP, and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road being three prime examples. While these efforts have done little to alleviate tensions in the South China Sea, they are indicative of how important ASEAN and China view one another as trading partners.

Looking Ahead

In the long-term, it is expected that trade relations between ASEAN and China will not substantially deteriorate, with RCEP and, to a lesser extent, ACFTA playing important roles. In the short-term, cooperation between ASEAN and China will likely be strained, but certainly will not cease.



About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email asean@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. 

Annual Audit and Compliance in ASEAN

For the first issue of our ASEAN Briefing Magazine, we look at the different audit and compliance regulations of five of the main economies in ASEAN. We firstly focus on the accounting standards, filing processes, and requirements for Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. We then provide similar information on Singapore, and offer a closer examination of the city-states generous audit exemptions for small-and-medium sized enterprises.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership and its Impact on Asian Markets

The United States backed Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) includes six Asian economies  Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, while Indonesia has expressed a keen willingness to join. However, the agreements potential impact will affect many others, not least of all China. In this issue of Asia Briefing magazine, we examine where the TPP agreement stands right now, look at the potential impact of the participating nations, as well as examine how it will affect Asian economies that have not been included.

An Introduction to Tax Treaties Throughout Asia

In this issue of Asia Briefing Magazine, we take a look at the various types of trade and tax treaties that exist between Asian nations. These include bilateral investment treaties, double tax treaties and free trade agreements  all of which directly affect businesses operating in Asia.
by Mathias Hariyadi

The government is preparing the execution of 14 prisoners of different nationalities within three days. They are all accused of drug dealing or drug possession. Msgr. Suharyo asks the faithful for special prayers "so that capital punishment is removed from our legal system." The European Union demand the suspension of executions. India and Pakistan appeal to save the lives of their citizens.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  "I encourage all Catholics in the diocese to recite a special prayer, with the hope that one day a moratorium on the death penalty is approved and it is abolished from our legal system", is the call to all the faithful by Msgr. Ignatius Suharyo, archbishop of Jakarta, after the news that by the end of the week 14 death row inmates will be executed in Indonesia.

In a message posted on social media, the Archbishop, "personally concerned by this issue," asked all the priests of his archdiocese to "spread the Catholic Church teaching on this subject, and at the same time pray for those who are close to death. "

Those condemned to death were locked in solitary confinement for two days in the prison of Nusakambangan, Cilacap (Central Java) and by 31 July will be executed by firing squads. Attorney General M. Prasetyo confirmed that the executions will be carried out. The prisoners, all accused of drug dealing or drug possession, come from Indonesia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, India, and China. Today the authorities have handed over 14 coffins to the prison staff.

Msgr. Suharyo criticized the great media exposure to the executions. The Archbishop then quoted the encyclical Evangelium Vitae of St. John Paul II (1995): "Based on Catholic teachings, we consider legitimate the death penalty when the criminal works are extremely serious, but the judges should be advised to prefer other options if possible, to protect the dignity of the human person.

For some time the Church in Indonesia, together with the Commission of Justice and Peace, have been strongly opposed to executions planned by the Jakarta government. The Commission has created a team of 11 lawyers who work pro bono for the innocent people who are mistaken for drug traffickers. In recent days the inclusion of Merri Utami on the list of 14 convicted has made headlines. The Indonesian migrant worker, was punished with the death penalty in 2003 for possession of a kilo of heroin. Yesterday a group of peopledemonstrated in front of the government building demanding her release: in fact, the woman is the victim of a scam devised by the traffickers, who planted the drugs on her without her knowledge. The case is very similar to that of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino woman also on death row (but not included in this round of executions).

Jakarta has been criticized by the international community over its use of the death penalty. The European Union has asked the government to suspend the killings. Today, the Indian Foreign Minister addressed a final appeal to the Indonesian government to save the life of a 48 year old accused of drug dealing. Even Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to obtain the suspension of the sentence for its own citizens.

Indonesia has one of the strictest anti-drug laws in the world, to fight what President Joko Widodo has called "a national emergency." From 1979 to 2015,66 executions have been carried out.
The archbishop met with Aung San Suu Kyi on Martyrs Day. He calls for Christians and Muslims to have the same access to ministers. Muslim leader welcomes the idea, but government official declines to comment.

Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Mgr Charles Maung Bo, archbishop of Yangon, has asked State Counsellor and Minister Aung San Suu Kyi that all religious communities, not only Buddhists, be allowed to work directly with the government, to advise and assist the national reunification process in interfaith harmony.

So far the Myanmar government, including the former military junta, has had relations only with the Buddhist community.

Card Bo met two met Ms Aung San on 19 July, Martyrs Day, which commemorates the death of Bogyoke Aung San, Suu Kyis father and Burma's independence hero, who was assassinated along with eight of his companions in 1947.

The Nobel peace Prize invited religious leaders at her Yangon home for a joint ceremony (pictured).

The cardinal suggested that representatives of religions other than Buddhism should be available to advise the ministry, said U Aye Lwin, the leader of the Islamic Council of Myanmar Interfaith Friendship Group, who was also present at the meeting.

His suggestion is good because the religion ministry has lacked the other religions representation. Im also satisfied with it, said the Muslim leader.

Director of the Ministry of Religion and Culture U Aung San Win declined to comment when asked for a response to the cardinals suggestion.

I would like to remind everyone that according to the 2008 Constitution, all citizens have freedom of religion. They are able to observe their religious holiday. For example, Christians can celebrate Christmas, and Muslims can observe Eid, he said. I think the law is clear.

Myanmars previous military government and the National League for Democracy-led government have been subject to pressure from Buddhist fundamentalist groups (like Ma Ba Tha), who oppose minorities and back the notion of a state religion".

In 2015, Ma Ba Tha pushed for laws to defend race and religion" with specific provision on polygamy and conversions that targeted Muslims, accused of growing in number.

Census data released on 22 July show however that Muslims constitute only 2.3 per cent of the population or 1.1 million. Buddhism is by far the largest religion at 89 per cent, followed by Christians at 6.9 per cent.
Built 600 years ago, the imperial palace has a drainage system that works better than modern ones. Despite weeks of pounding rains across China, hundreds of water spitting dragon-shaped drainage points in the Forbidden City release excess water and prevent flooding. Online humour stresses how modern drainage systems can't even beat the ancient ones that were erected six centuries ago!"

Beijing (AsiaNews/Shangaiist)  After weeks of floods across China, only one place seems safe and dry, the Forbidden City.

Built 600 years ago under the Ming Dynasty, Beijing's imperial compound has not suffered any of the flooding that has affected many Chinese provinces.

Due to its ancient drainage system, the Forbidden City has responded better to the emergency than modern buildings and skyscrapers.

On the outside of each chamber, there are a number of dragon-shaped drainage points. When a rainstorm comes, the water can flow out each off these spouts, creating a spectacular scene of "thousands of dragons spitting water".

The palace also has a complex sewage system that allows the water to disperse, preventing overflows.

With heavy rainstorms pounding cities across northern China, including Beijing, netizens couldn't help but notice how dry the ancient palace looked, and made some snarky comments.

"The drainage system is indeed very good, but that's because it was built 600 years ago," one netizen wrote in.

"Of course the drainage system in the Forbidden City is excellent. Those who didn't work hard to build the damn thing were beheaded as a warning to others back in those days. Now, even with awful drainage systems, we can't even find someone to blame," another chimed in.

"With all our technological advances, modern drainage systems can't even beat the ancient ones that were erected six centuries ago!" one web user sighed.
by Sumon Corraya

The language organization has to update security procedures in all schools. Smooth running of English exams guaranteed, for high schools.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - The British Council, the most popular English language school in Bangladesh, has closed all offices nationwide. The decision was taken yesterday as a "temporary measure adopted to review the security procedures" after the Dhaka cafe massacre.

The international organization's directors issued a statement that reads: "We hope to reopen the offices and resume normal activities once the new security measures are put in place. During the temporary closure period, customer service will respond to requests via email, website and Facebook during office hours. We apologize for any inconvenience caused".

In Bangladesh, the first school was founded in 1951 in the capital. Later offices were opened throughout the country, and count thousands of students.

British Council examiners oversee British exams in secondary schools in the country. An official said that the closure will have no effect on the examinations scheduled to be held regularly.

The choice is dictated by widespread concerns following the terrorist attack took place in a bar in the diplomatic area last July 1, which resulted in 20 victims. The tension, already high because of the numerous incidents of violence against religious minorities, has worsened after the Eid al-Fitr attack and the killing of nine Islamic militants two days ago.

Barbara Wickham, director of the institute in Bangladesh, said: "We recognize that people are increasingly concerned for their safety in public places. The safety of our staff and customers is our most important priority. "
by Vincenzo Faccioli Pintozzi

A delegation of about 50 young people from the area of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar is in Krakow to join the rest of the young people from around the world. Forgiveness, reconciliation and the Eucharist "are our encouragement to overcome the pain of the pogroms". John, 21, speaks of the impact of the vocational centers: "Come and See is a beautiful invitation. And in my heart I feel a love that I can not express. Perhaps it is the Lord who calls me, maybe not. But I could not go home without talking to a priest".

Krakow (AsiaNews) - The martyrs of Orissa "spiritualy accompany not only us, but all the young Indian pilgrims. This is because their death has changed our faith, not in a deeper way but certainly making us more aware. Thanks to them and World Youth Day we learn mercy, says John. He is 21 years old, from the "warrior" caste and comes from the diocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. Accompanied by three priests, a group of 50 young people are in Krakow for the XXXI World Youth Day, and have among them a Hindu girl who is considering starting the catechumenate.

The Indian presence in Poland is not impressive: The Orissa delegation do not know the exact numbers, but estimated at about 500 fellow countrymen. However after Italy, France and Poland of course the Indians on the streets of the cultural capital of the country seem the most numerous: singing, involving other young people, bring their flags to every event.

John lost a close friend in the pogrom of 2008. Still today he carries a photograph in his wallet. "He is not a martyr  he tells AsiaNews - because he had no alternative to a violent death. Even in life he was not a hero. But for me his death, somewhat 'normal' way even if tragic, deepens our faith. If God chooses the humble to be his witnesses, my friend was one of them".

On 23 August 2008, a Maoist group killed Hindu leader Saraswati Laxanananda in his ashram, in Kandhamal District, a fact the group readily admitted. However, the followers of the radical Hindu cleric blamed Christians, whom he had criticised for a long time because of their social involvement with tribals and Dalits (outcaste) and had accused - along with bishops, priests and nuns - of proselytising.

In Kandhamal, Hindu extremists unleashed the most violent persecution against the Christian minority that India had ever seen. Overall, the pogrom forced 55,000 Christians to flee, with 5,600 houses and 415 villages raided and set on fire. According to government figures, 38 people were killed and two women raped. Scores of people were injured and permanently maimed. The Church and social activists reported instead the destruction of almost 300 churches, plus convents, schools, hostels and welfare facilities. At least 91 people died, 38 immediately, 41 from injuries sustained in the violence, and 12 in police action.

John's friend, Rajesh, was one of the victims "not counted". The government says the boy, "is considered a so-called 'white' death because the victim died of a stray gunshot wound. To me that's okay, I do not seek revenge. I would perhaps like to see more justice, but this is an evil that affects India and the whole world". The trip to Poland "is an opportunity for me to remember him. During one of the morning catechesis in Hindi I spoke of his death, and many people asked me more".

John is not only a regular of the catechetical meetings and appointments with Pope Francis, who tonight will meet with young people in Blonie Park for the first major youth event. The young Indian spent two days prior to the beginning of the WYD in close contact with one of the priests of the vocational centers scattered around the city. Like every WYD, the Krakow edition it is not only dedicated to the theme chosen by the Pope - this year "Blessed are the merciful" - but also of the sacrament of reconciliation and vocations.

This experience "satisfied me beyond belief. The theme chosen by my companion was 'come and see', which I know is a very common theme in European vocational centers. And indeed I did: he took me to a seminary, we spoke with a contemplative religious, but most of all I was heard in a way I had never been listened to before". The young man concludes: "I feel a love that I can not express at heart. Perhaps it is the Lord who calls me, perhaps not. But I could not go home without talking to a priest".
Disney Announces Reboot Of 'The Rocketeer'

Trending News: 'The Rocketeer' Is Getting A Reboot With A Major Twist

Why Is This Important?

Because Nazis still want jetpacks, apparently.

Long Story Short

Disney recently announced that The Rocketeer  the forgettable 90s film that gained a massive cult following post-theatrical release  is getting a sequel/reboot. In what's described as a big twist, the titular role will be played by a young black woman.

Long Story

I don't remember much about The Rocketeer, save for that it came out in 1991 and I was obsessed with it. I remember the kickass helmet, jacket and jetpack that, in use, defied the laws of physics. I remember a scene where he used chewing gum to plug his leaking fuel tank. I also remember attaching myself to the end of my rope swing via belt in an attempt to mimic his flying position, and (probably) irreparably damaging internal organs in the process. But beyond that, it's a fuzzy memory.

That's why it's a good thing Disney recently announced that it's bringing back The Rocketeer  only this time, with a twist.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, they've hired Max Winkler and Matt Spicer to write the script for the film, which as of now will be called The Rocketeers (the 's' is how you know it's better!) and has no release date.

All THR knows for now, however, is that the leading role will be filled by a young black actress, obviously a significant departure from the original. That's likely due to the fact that the film will be as much a sequel as it is a reboot, taking place six years after the first film. Apparently, scientists still believe that jetpack technology is the key to turning the tides of war, as though airplanes didn't already exist.

THR does a good job of pointing out that when the first film hit theaters in 1991, its $46.6 million take was considered a failure by the studio (to be fair, it did come in fourth that weekend behind some now-classic movies). The movie quietly built a cult following, however, and Disney began to consider a reboot around its 20th anniversary in 2011. The massive success of Iron Man that year apparently cemented that decision, because a story about a guy flying via rocket power is definitely what people liked the most about Iron Man.

Because studios are under the gun to make money and now have more competition than ever, don't expect the trend of rebooting proven successes from the past to end anytime soon. The results can be horrendous (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), benign (Transformers) (God dammit, Michael Bay) or actually pretty good (Ghostbusters).

In a certain sense, what Disney's doing with The Rocketeer(s) is somewhat admirable  instead of returning to the same well, they're taking an underperforming concept and giving it a chance to thrive for a new audience in a new era.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Are people going to complain about this ruining their childhood, too?

Disrupt Your Feed

I like this idea. If you're gonna mess with something I remember fondly, really take it in a new direction  don't tease me by making something that's almost as good as the original, but falls short.

Drop This Fact

The original film's producers actually found an authentic Enigma Machine and filmed a scene where Neville Sinclair used it to code a message, but it never made it to the final cut.
French Media Will No Longer Publish Names, Images Of Terrorists

Trending News: French Media Is Taking Away The One Thing Terrorists Want Most

Why Is This Important?

Because maybe this will help deter some young people from killing themselves and others for no good reason.

Long Story Short

In a bid to avoid posthumous glorification of terrorists, several high-profile French media outlets have decided to no longer publish their names and photos following their attacks.

Long Story

Responsible journalism or self-censorship? Thats the question French media executives are wrestling with, and its an important one.

In the wake of the latest terrorist outragethe murder of an elderly priest in a Normandy church by two teenagersseveral prominent French news organizations have decided they will no longer give the perpetrators the attention they crave.

Le Monde, perhaps the countrys best-known paper, published an editorial headlined Resisting the Strategy of Hate saying that all elements of French society, including the media, have a stake in the ongoing fight against terrorism and all must do their part. It had already decided against using ISIS documents and propaganda and, following the July 14 Bastille Day attack in Nice, Le Monde decided against running photos of the man responsible. That decision will be in place going forward.

Several other TV and radio stations are following Le Mondes lead, but certainly not all. The executive director of news at Frances state-run broadcaster told The Guardian that, Our duty is to inform, its the right of citizens to be informed. And we must resist this race towards self-censorship and grand declarations of intention.

He added that keeping the public uninformed would be even more harmful, and that a blanket ban is pointless given the ubiquity of social media.

Other newspapers and media organizations, including Liberation, Nouvel Observateur and Le Figaro, have also said they will not follow Le Mondes decision.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Is self-censorship the right response?

Disrupt Your Feed

The perpetrators, says French psychoanalyst Fethi Benslama, leave their identity cards  they want to be identified very quickly.

Drop This Fact

The New York Times identified 247 people killed in eight different terror attacks over a single two-week period in March.
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More lawyers are giving more than 80 hours of pro bono work every year, a new study has found. But the results also revealed that more lawyers are giving less pro bono hours.



The study also found that lawyers employed at law firms donated an average of 70 hours each year, while their corporate peers donated an average of 36 hours.



In the survey conducted by Robert Half Legal, it found that 30 percent of lawyers reported giving more than 80 hours to pro bono work annually. This is a marked 7% increase from the firms previous survey in 2014.



One percent of lawyers said that they give 80 to 99 hours, down from 2 percent in 2014. Meanwhile 20 percent reported 100 to 199 hours and 9 percent indicated 200 or more hours, up from 17% and 4%, respectively.



On the other hand, 16% of respondents said that they give less than 10 hours to pro bono work yearly, significantly up from 8% in 2014. Seven percent said they give 10 to 19 hours, down from 9%.



In the middle, 19% reported giving 20 to 39 hours (down from 18%), 6% said 40 to 49 hours (down from 11%) and 19% gave 50 to 79 hours (down from 22%).



Providing pro bono legal services not only benefits the recipient and local community, it's also good for business, said Charles Volkert, executive director of the specialist legal staffing and consulting firm.



A strong volunteer program can help lawyers hone skill sets and gain valuable experience in new practice areas, leading to greater job satisfaction, improved retention rates and enhanced client service.



The results of the study which was conducted by an independent research firm may indicate a trend that is seeing lawyers lesser inclined to giving pro bono hours decreasing their pro bono hours on a yearly basis and lawyers more inclined to donate hours increasing their pro bono hours.



According to Robert Half Legal, the study found that the average number of annual pro bono hours lawyers reported is 64, an 8% increase from 2014. This exceeds the 50 hours the American Bar Association recommends.



The study is based on 350 telephone interviews with lawyers at law firms and companies in the United States and Canada.


Yahoo General Counsel Ronald Bells severance pay as Verizon Communications acquires Yahoo for US$4.83 billion could be as much as US$9 million.



The amount is based on a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) DEF 14A filing by Yahoo on May 23, Bloomberg Law pointed out.



However, to receive his golden parachute, the 50-year-old lawyer and senior executive must qualify under two requirements.



On page 93 of the definitive proxy statement, Bell will receive US$7.77 million in restricted stock units which will vest immediately if the stipulations of his severance plan are satisfied.



Furthermore, he will receive a US$1.2 million cash bonus, US$54,000 in health payments and US$15,000 in outplacement benefits.



The US$9 million total, according to Yahoo, is based on the companys per share closing price of US$33.26 on 31 December 2015.



According to Bloomberg Law, the price of the stock has fluctuated since then and that Yahoo also said that the calculation does not include stock options which have already vested.



For the severance package to be activated Yahoo must undergo a change in control and Bells employment needs to be terminated.



On Monday, Verizon said it will buy Yahoos core internet assets in a multi-billion all-cash deal, intending to merge it with its AOL unit it bought in 2015 for $4.4 billion.



This marks the end of the independence of one of the internets earliest trailblazers which has continually lagged behind more agile competitors in recent years.



Marissa Mayer, Yahoos last CEO and a former top Google executive, stands to receive a $54.8-million severance pay, according to the SEC filing.



Mayer has said that she intends to stay at Yahoo, but a report from Re/codes Kara Swisher revealed that a source has said Mayer will only stay at the company until shortly after the deal is completed.



The filing also revealed that chief revenue officer Lisa Utzschneider and chief financial officer Ken Goldman have $19.8-million and $16.1-million severance pay packages, respectively.


Hi everyone,



So my partner and I applied for the 820/801 Visa on 05AUG15.

We got an email the other day saying we have "moved in the que" and will be allocated a case officer in the near future. It also said now is the time to get the medical assessment done. We did that yesterday morning and it already says in the portal that the "Medical approval has been provided".



My partner was freaking out for a couple of days about having to wear a gown and get 'fingered' , poked and prodded by a doctor for a few hours. This wasn't the case, the staff at the Bupa Clinic in Brisbane were very professional, friendly and down to earth. It took a full hour from check-in to check-out and we are thoroughly impressed at how smooth the process was. Not really daunting at all.



As for the 820 Visa, we are not really nervous about its approval because we have provided the documents as per the check-list along with some other bits and bobs I got as tips from the lovely people on this forum.



The only thing I am getting stuck on is the 801 process.... It is as simple as Immigration checking to make sure we are still together or is it more comprehensive? I cant really find much information as to the 801 process and what documents we should provide when that time comes.

We were really slack with rounding documents up until the last minute for the 820 visa so I want to be more organised for the 801.
Dear All,



I was granted a SI 189 Visa in March 2016 and made my first entry into Australia in May 2016 to activate my Visa. But my work place is Dubai, UAE and have no plans to go back to Australia in the near future. Now the question are



1. How long do I need to be present and working in Australia to be eligible for applying citizenship?

2. What are the pre-requisites for applying Resident Return Visa for that country?

3. What happens if I don't go to Australia for work during the validity of my Visa which will expire in March 2021? Will I still be eligible to apply for a Resident Return Visa then? Or I need to start afresh the Visa process as per the standards defined in 2021?



Regards,

Ranganath
After several false starts, Toyotas luxury brand, Lexus will finally be launched in India in 2017.

The full-size LX SUV is likely to be the first car to be introduced in India.

After evaluating the Indian luxury car market for several years, Toyota has finally given the green light for the launch of the Lexus brand in India. In fact, way back in 2011, Toyota had confirmed that the Lexus brand would launch in India in 2013 but the big jump in customs duties to 100 percent on fully imported cars in the 2013-14 Union Budget forced Toyota to shelve the project at the last minute.

With no plans to locally assemble Lexus cars in India, the Japanese brand would have been badly hit by the high customs duties on imports and hence be at a huge price disadvantage against the locally built German brands.

Toyota has however revived its plans to bring Lexus to the market and is banking on the growing number of benefits hybrid cars are beginning to enjoy in India. Firstly, the customs duties on imported cars are lower overall for hybrids. In addition, under the FAME scheme, hybrids above four-metres long get a concession of up to Rs 1.38 lakh, which is a healthy benefit even on a Rs 1 crore luxury car. And with the odd-even restrictions in Delhi becoming a more regular feature and possibly spreading to other cities, a hybrid car, which is exempt from the rule, is even more attractive.

Its not clear which models Lexus will first introduce but its likely the company will follow a top-down strategy and eventually bring in its entire range. First up could be the full-size LX SUV followed by an entry-level ES 300h hybrid sedan.

With its hybrid range, Lexus is hoping to compete with diesel luxury cars by offering superb refinement, a smooth and easy driving experience and the cleaner perception hybrid cars have today.
SUV

However, the added pair of doors has a much more important story to tell - we must tip our pixels to digital artist X-Tomi for delivering the image.It all has to do with the Bugatti sedan that was previewed by the Galibier 16C Concept back in 2009 (check out the image gallery). You see, Bugatti CEO Wolfgang Durheimer had planned for the practical Molsheim machine to enter production, but while he was serving Audi, his replacement Wolfgang Schreiber axed the sedan, much like it happened with various Bentley proposals - the VW Group scheme means the two crown jewel brands get the same CEO.Now that Durheimer is back at the helm of the French brand, he has expressed his intentions to put a four-door Bug into production. Nevertheless, things aren't that simple.With the Dieselgate scandal have raised the caution level among investors up to the point that selling the brand altogether was considered at a certain point. While Bugatti overcame that potential crisis, its VW Group safety depends on the profit it brings.While the automaker lost money on each Veyron it sold, things have changed with the Chiron. The latter brought Bugatti back in the black and it all started with the automaker applying many of the lessons learned with the Veyron to increase the efficiency of the design and production process. Factor in the fact that the "average" Chiron client spends around $330,000 on options and it all starts making sense.Even so, Bugatti has decided to skip a Roadster incarnation of the Chiron and thus the potential sedan can't come to the market just because the CEO favors this model over the other three options currently being considered for a second model line.The other potential future Bugattis include the obvious, an electric vehicle, as well as a more affordable go-fast vehicle. While Lamborghini ditched the 2008 Estoque sedan concept to build the Urus SUV, it's still too early to make Bugatti-related predictions.
Mercedes-Benz has broken ground in North Charleston, South Carolina, the place where it will build a new factory where it will make the Sprinter van
4Motion

TDI

Adaptive Cruise Control

We'll start with a bit of history, reminding you that the previous Crafter shared its underpinnings with the Mercedes Sprinter. The 2017 model is an all-VW development, with the company building a new production site in Wrzesnia, Poland, specifically for this purpose, with the plant set to kick off with a workforce of 3,000.Aside from the rear-wheel-drive andall-wheel-drive versions, the new Crafter brings a front-wheel-drive option, as part of the benefits brought by the fresh platform.The architecture is dressed in styling cues that bring the large van in line with Volkswagen's passenger cars. However, as most, if not all members of the segment, the front end clearly dominates the visual side of the vehicle. Speaking of the design, the 2017 model comes with a drag coefficient of 0.33, the lowest in its class. We must also add the three possible chassis lengths, with just as many roof height options. The company will also release basic "cab" versions waiting to receive various conversions destined for a wide range of purposes. Single and double cab incarnations will be offered.Behind the office-attitude fascia of the Crafter, we find the automaker 's refreshed 2.0Nutzfahrzeuge four-cylinder turbodiesel engine family, which now complies with Euro 6 emission standards. Those of you who are familiar with the T6 will recognize the units, as we're dealing with 102, 122, 140 and 175 (bi-turbo) hp versions. In the gearbox department, customers can choose between manual and automatic units.As for the cabin, this also offers car-like design, as well as fit & finish - the image gallery also allows us to see the interior of the new Crafter.With the 2017 Crafter introducing electric power system to the segment, this has allowed for a host of active safety system to be added to the commercial vehicle. From a cross-wind feature to trailer-destined assistants and, the list is long and things don't end here.Other active safety features include active LED headlights, a reverse camera, a rear traffic alert system, as well as parking sensors. On the passive safety front, the Crafter comes with front, side, as well as head airbags for the driver and passenger).The new Crafter is scheduled to make its debut this September, at the Commercial Vehicle IAA in Hanover. Earlier this year, we wrote about a potential US market entry for the large van, but nothing is official yet.
In its most recent Summer Studio, located in glamorous Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Rolls-Royce has unveiled a pair of bespoke models, in the form of a Wraith and a Dawn. The two are made to celebrate the brands summer studio, which will be open until September 2016, and are stunning examples of the creativity and character of the brand from Goodwood.Both cars were commissioned to reflect the atmosphere of one of the most exclusives enclaves in the world, and each bears the name Porto Cervo in its designation. They have been embellished with emeralds, so that they can showcase the colors of Porto Cervo.Lets start with the bespoke Wraith , a model that has been painted in a two-tone silver exterior. Its color reflects the dimming of daylight, and features a purple feature line. The figurine on top of the radiator grille, the famous Spirit of Ecstasy, is softly illuminated from the cars grille.Once the doors are opened, viewers will observe several shades of purple, blue, slate, and black, in a choice meant to evoke the feeling of calm as night falls over Porto Cervo. The cabin is upholstered with ostrich leather for more depth and texture.Meanwhile, the second bespoke model, a Rolls-Royce Dawn , has been designed to capture the vivid color of the Porto Cervo seascape. Therefore, Rolls-Royce used an emerald green exterior, which was matched with a seashell and green leather interior. The ornaments are made from teak wood, and even the trunk mat is made from the same material.The bespoke Dawn features a set of emeralds placed into white gold, along with a mother of pearl. The ornaments are put on the fascia of the dash to complete the visual harmony of the vehicle. The emeralds are set in the shape of the emblem of Porto Cervo.
That being said, we don't really know what the car looks like now after the men with the pencils had over three months at their disposal to fine-tune what will eventually become Tesla 's first mass-market product. However, we've been warned as early as the March preview not to expect any significant changes, so we're not. On the other hand, close to three weeks ago Elon Musk came out and said that one of the biggest issues the public had with the initial design - the opening of its trunk - has been taken care of.Judging by his statement at a recent event held inside the company's Gigafactory in Reno, Nevada, the mid-July deadline for "pencils down" has been respected, meaning that everything is going as planned for the Model 3. That is exactly what the 373,000+ people who have already placed an order for the $35,000 electric sedan would like to hear.Unsurprisingly, Musk is even more confident than that. He says that Model 3 production is on track to meet the half million units by 2018 target, and it all has to do with the new manufacturing process. What's more, he says that once in full production, the new model should bring the company about $20 billion in revenues per year, with $5 billion in gross profit. That's consistent with the 500,000 units per year target sold for an average of $40,000.The media event also meant that members of the press were able to get a closer look at the car everyone's talking about at the moment, including a beautiful red example with the turbine wheel design (courtesy of Electrek ). It may be a bit hunchbacked, but it's the sexiest automotive hunchback we've ever seen.
All of those water bottles are made from plastic, and the material is known for not being friendly to the environment . Unfortunately for the planet, humans are not that careful with plastic, and most of it does not get recycled , and ends up in oceans or polluting some other part of the globe.Fortunately, not all businesses feel that they cannot change anything, and C3 Ventures is one of them. While you may not have heard of them, C3 Ventures is a supplier for Tesla Motors . They have announced an investment in Flint Michigan , which will create nearly 380 jobs.This investment is not just a factory, as it will recycle plastic bottles collected from the city. While most urban settlements would require similar facilities, Flint was the perfect choice for C3 Ventures, as the town sufferes from a sustained consumption of plastic bottles that would have otherwise not been recycled.Work at the site will begin this fall, so it will take some time until the collected bottles are being turned into automotive components. The first parts will be ready by October, and some of them will be used in the Tesla Model 3, while others will go to the rest of the Tesla Motors range.The new parts will be made through the process of injection molding, and all of the required tools for production will be located in Flint. The company has received a $5.7 million loan with the aid of the Michigan Business Development Program, to assist with the relocation of their tooling and with the recruitment process. At first, the facility will only have 50 employees, but it plans to have 380 once it reaches maximum output.The move made by C3 shifted production from China to the USA , something that one rarely sees these days. Local authorities hope that other companies will be inspired by the investment and will do their part to support the city of Flint.
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (right) presents a gift to Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. Photo: Paul Clinton

Mercedes-Benz will shift production of vans it sells in the U.S. and Canada to North Charleston, S.C., by the end of the decade with a plant that nearly triples its existing manufacturing footprint.

Surrounded by dignitaries such as Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Gov. Nikki Haley, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler leaders celebrated the start of construction at a July 27 ceremony. They also provided more details about their plans to stop importing the vans from Dusseldorf in a complex assembly process to avoid the "chicken tax" assessed on trucks built in Europe. The tax assesses a 25% tariff on the vehicles, Graham said.

Instead, Mercedes-Benz will invest $500 million to expand its existing assembly plant to 1.1-million square feet from the 409,000-square-foot space. Mercedes-Benz will also construct a marshalling yard for finished vehicles of 2.8-million square feet.

The plant will also help Mercedes-Benz meet increasing demand for its full-size Sprinter and mid-size Metris models. The company sold about 29,800 vans in 2015, a 16% increase over the prior year, said Bernie Glaser, vice president and managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

"Over the last few years, we've seen very steady growth [in van sales]," said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. "This is what we're counting on in the future."

The expanded plant will create 1,300 new jobs at the plant and 400 new jobs at local suppliers. Auto Truck Group and Knapheide will build upfitting facilities near the facility.

The plant will simplify production of the Sprinter and Metris. Since 2006, Mercedes-Benz has been using a semi-knock-down process of building the vans in Germany, then disassembling them for shipment through the Charleston port. Van bodies, engine and powertrain kits, and other parts arrive separately and must be reassembled before being shipped to customers.

Elected South Carolina leaders praised Mercedes-Benz for investing in the region during remarks to a group of media members, plant employees, and company associates. During a light-hearted moment, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey urged Mercedes-Benz to build a pickup truck at the plant.

"This is the Deep South," Summey said. "I need for you to develop a line for a pickup truck."
When the FAA changed its certification process in April to include TSA security vetting, one unintended consequence was that the tradition of student pilots flying their first solo on their birthday fell by the wayside  until today. Acting on a request from GA advocates including AOPA and EAA, the FAA said today it has adjusted the application process so pilots in training can apply for a temporary certificate that will allow them to fly as soon as they turn 14, for gliders or balloons, or 16, for all other aircraft.

Soloing on their birthday is a huge milestone for many young pilots, the same way getting a drivers license on their birthday is for many American teenagers, said Justin Barkowski, AOPAs director of regulatory affairs. We asked the FAA to restore this rite of passage, and we appreciate the agencys willingness to accept many of our recommendations.

The FAA said that starting today, a student pilot can submit a paper application up to 90 days before his or her eligible birthday, allowing time for the application to be processed and the student to be vetted by TSA before their birthday. Once approved, the FAA will provide the student with a temporary authorization to exercise the privileges of a student pilot certificate, through the Airmen Online Services section of its website. The temporary authorization will be available on the students birthday and remain valid for 60 days. The FAA will mail a permanent certificate to the student pilot within that 60-day window.
If the age of the piston engine flight recorder isnt upon us yet, you can see it from AirVenture 2016, where Jeff Van West spoke with Chris VanHorn from a company called Airbly. They make a clever cockpit monitoring system that automatically records critical flight parameters and downloads them to a smartphone for storage and analysis. Hear the full podcast here.
Heather Penney, the National Program Chair for the RISE ABOVE: WASP project, is a former fighter pilot for the Air National Guard and air racer. She hopes the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots will serve to inspire young people, especially women. She spoke with AVwebs Elaine Kauh about theCommemorative Air Forces upcoming film and educational exhibit.
28 July 2016 11:15 (UTC+04:00)

Armenian armed units shattered ceasefire a total of 12 times throughout the day, Azerbaijan`s Defense Ministry said.

The ceasefire was also violated in Chilaburt village in Tartar region, Horadiz village in Fuzuli region, Mehdili village in Jabrayil region, as well as nameless hills in Goranboy region.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2016 14:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Rallies on support of Sasna Tsrer group, who for the 12th day seize the building of a police station in Yerevan, are still ongoing. Activists keep gathering on the Freedom square of the capital and Khorenatsi street next to the building of seized police station. Some 150 people were detained yesterday on this street.

Moreover, police arrested 64 people on July 26 near the police station on suspicion of illegal acquisition and possession of weapons.

We demand the authorities to release all detained by the police, and the President Serzh Sargsyan to resign, the protesters on Khorenatsi street and the Freedom square claim every day. However, the authorities do not react on this statements. Police pulled together additional forces to the area adjacent to the police patrol service.

Yesterday, the police received a call about a bomb scare on the territory of the TV company Armenia in Davitashen district of Yerevan. Currently, the police, emergency and cynologists with dogs work for detection of the bomb in the TV building.

This is not the first bomb alert for the last few days. The police previously received a false alarm on a bomb in the territory of Zvartnots airport.

Meanwhile, the court made the decision to arrest a member of the armed group Aram Manukian, who is currently placed in a hospital together with his father Pavlik Manukyan. Recenlty, the Armenian National Security Service has submitted a request for the arrest of Pavlik Manukyan too. Both Manukyans are charged in accordance with articles on seizure of buildings and structures and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.

On July 17, a group of armed men entered the territory of the Armenian police patrol department in the Erebuni district of Yerevan and took several people hostage. The attackers demanded the release of Armenian opposition figure Jirair Sefilyan, who was arrested nearly a month ago on charges of illegal possession of arms. They also claim resignation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

Following the long-lasting talks, the armed group on July 23 released all of the hostages. Nevertheless, they refused to lay arms down and surrender to the authorities.

On July 27, the group took new hostages. They were four ambulance doctors who arrived at the police station to assist the wounded in the shootout between the police and Sasna Tsrer members. Following that, one of the hostages was released, whilst the others are still being kept in the station.

From the first day of the seizure, Armenian people started their protest actions against authorities by gathering on the Khorenatsi street and some other main venues of the capital. Every evening they conduct rallies in front of the police cordon to stop the implementation of a special operation against the armed group.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2016 10:46 (UTC+04:00)

The development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan was mulled as Bakus Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizade has met with Pakistani Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, Azertac reported.

They hailed Azerbaijan's and Pakistan's constantly supporting each other. "Both countries' heads of state have significantly contributed to the development of bilateral relations," they noted.

The two hailed a variety of humanitarian and social projects which were implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and noted the importance of enhancing economic and trade ties.

Highlighting the socio-economic development in Azerbaijan, as well as favorable conditions created for foreign investors, activities of industrial towns and investment parks and other economic and trade opportunities, the ambassador noted the Pakistani businessmen would be able to take advantage of this situation.

The minister, in turn, recalled President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz this January in Davos.

He hailed great potential for further development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The fundamental building block of the bilateral relationship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan is military cooperation. The sides intend to join efforts to gain access to modern technologies, as well as modernize their potential.

Azerbaijan and Pakistan also focused on the development of economic relations. The two countries have agreed on boosting bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

Although the countries enjoy very close friendly relations at diplomatic level, these close ties have not been translated into significant commercial gains. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan stood at $2.8 million in 2014, according to the Azerbaijan State Customs Committee.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2016 14:36 (UTC+04:00)

The volume of trade turnover between Iran and Azerbaijan is estimated to surge by at least 80 percent over the current Iranian year (to end March 21), an Iranian trade official told Trend.



Considering the close diplomatic ties between Tehran and Baku and also existing plans for cooperation between the two neighboring countries, the level of trade turnover is expected to hit $1 billion on the medium-term, Mohammad-Ebrahim Naghizadeh, Irans commercial attache to Azerbaijan, told Trend.



Saying that the value of trade turnover between the neighboring countries increased by 66 percent over the first half of 2016, the attache added that there has been a rapid acceleration in the growth of Azerbaijans

exports to Iran.



Naghizadeh mentioned that the boom in the growth of Azerbaijans exports to Iran came as a result of policies adopted by Azerbaijani government aimed at reforming its economic structure and the promotion of exports and production.



The Islamic Republic imported worth of $15.4 million of goods from Azerbaijan over the first quarter of the current Iranian calendar year which started March 20, according to the latest statistics by Irans Custom Administration,.



The commercial attache describes this years increase in the level of Azerbaijans exports to Iran as tremendous, saying that the volume of Azerbaijans exports to the Islamic Republic over the whole last year stood at $15.5 million.



Naghizadeh further touched upon plans for booming transportation cooperation between the two countries saying that an ongoing construction project for linking the railways of Iran and Azerbaijan is of priority.



He said connecting Iran-Azerbaijan railways will contribute to the reduction of transportation costs as well as booming their volume of trade turnover.



Cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan in transportation sector will also help increasing the volume of their exports to other countries such as Russia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, he added.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2016 13:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Extension of the presidential term from five to seven years in Azerbaijan is in line with the legislation of the country, Siyavush Novruzov, deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, told Trend.

He said that a seven-year presidential term will allow full implementation of the program set by the President. Novruzov mentioned that the seven-year presidential term exists in around 30 world countries, underlining that the proposed amendment on a new presidential term in Azerbaijan has been stipulated by several factors.

The point is that the municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections have been held in Azerbaijan for three consecutive years. Each political organization as well as other structures engaged in the process spend one year on the preparations for elections. Therefore, the various structures have been dealing only with election in the country for three years, he added.

He said that other factors necessitating to prolong the term include certain issues connected with the economy and governance.

These issues include resolving social problems, improving work and creating new jobs," he added.

Highlighting other amendments proposed to the Constitution Novruzov said that the establishment of the first vice-president and vice-president positions in Azerbaijan targets presenting the country in the international arena becomes more and more relevant.

The amendment on the extension of the office term of the President is proposed to Article 101.1 on procedure of elections of the president of Azerbaijan. The proposal is part of a draft Referendum Act envisaging amendments to the Constitution of the country.

The Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan approved the draft amendments to the Constitution at its meeting on July 25.

The Court concluded that the changes proposed by President Ilham Aliyev are in line with the requirements of the Constitution of Azerbaijan and may be put up for a nationwide vote.

The results of the Referendum which is scheduled for September 26, 2016 will be announced till October, 21

--

Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2016 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Camal

While world headlines focus on the push for a new regional cooperation format, the date of Azerbaijani, Russian and Iranian presidential summit is approaching with critical topics to be discussed and decisions to be made.

Looking at the current geopolitical situation under which the presidential troika will meet, Ilham Aliyev, Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rouhani will not lack topics for discussions. Nevertheless, Iranian officials earlier announced that Baku and Tehran will ink deals on railway financing, while media reported that new arm deals maybe signed between Moscow and Baku.

The agenda of the August 8 trilateral summit is expected to include gas projects, the North-South Transport Corridor, Nagorno-Karabakh and regional issues, including discussions on the Caspian Sea status.

"The main thing on the agenda is transit transportation, and second, trade between our countries and countries of the region, and also tourism. [The presidents] will touch upon critical problems of our region, including security problems, Middle East problems, and countermeasures against terrorism," said earlier Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific Affairs Ibrahim Rahimpour.

Commenting on Putins visit to Baku, Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vladimir Dorokhin told local media that Putin will not be going empty-handed to Baku.

Many questions have accumulated that need to be discussed by the presidents of our countries. Putin will not be coming empty-handed. In Azerbaijan, they are also preparing for this meeting. They will analyze what has been done and what remains to be done. New orders will be given. Therefore, the Russian President is coming on a working visit, not just for show. This visit will contribute to improving Russian-Azerbaijani relations.

Tehran, which earlier faced a number of economic and political sanctions due to its nuke program, has repeatedly announced that in the post-sanction era it will not forget the countries, which backed it under the sanctions' pressure.

Moscow and Tehran preserved their close ties despite certain ups and downs in recent years. Tehran and Moscow share joint viewpoints towards various regional issues, including Syrian crisis. Baku also backed Tehran during its hard times, being against any other solution to the nuke problem despite political dialogue.

Linking Asia to Europe, Azerbaijan stands at a strategic point between East and West, and is important country for both Tehran and Moscow.

Being both a former Soviet state and a part of the Muslim world, Azerbaijan lacks any problems with understanding either Russia or Iran. The country also shares borders with both, along with keeping good trade ties. Thus Baku can play a unique role in forming a Baku-Tehran-Moscow bloc.

Economic issues

Tehran seeks ways to supply its natural gas to new markets, while assuring Moscow that it will not be competing with Russia, and Azerbaijan seeks to be a gas hub for transporting Caspian gas to Europe. The West is interested in blocking Russian gas supplies to whichever market, and does not seem to be happy with rapprochement of Azerbaijan and Iran with Russia, while both Baku and Tehran seek to open an energy window for themselves.

The upcoming trilateral summit will be a good platform to give a large impetus to the development of cooperation between the three countries in the energy sector, believes Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev.

Aliyev, talking to the official press, has claimed that holding of the meeting, in a post-sanctions period of Iran, and in Azerbaijan, which established an image of a reliable partner and a major participant in global energy and communication projects, will give impetus to the formation of new regional partnerships.

The meeting of the presidents of the three countries in Baku will take place on the backdrop of rapid developments in world politics and their impact on the geopolitical map of the region. In the difficult period of the formation of a new world order, Azerbaijan will again be at the center of world's attention by hosting such an important meeting in a trilateral format," the minister added.

Aliyev believes the new relationships that were established among the three regional neighbors after lifting of sanctions with Iran, primarily contributes to emergence of good prospects for cooperation in the energy sector.

The August meeting can be a platform that will give impetus to the development of energy cooperation through the coordination of the interests of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia, which pursue independent energy policy. Among the crucial projects realized by the three countries are a project on interconnection of electric power systems of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia and creation of corridors for the transport of gas from Russia and other Caspian countries, he said, emphasizing that the Baku meeting will accelerate the realization of these projects.

The minister added that Azerbaijan, from a technical point of view, is ready to merge with energy systems of Russia and Iran in the framework of the North-South Energy Corridor Project.

Combining power systems of the three countries will create an opportunity for the expansion of export-import operations. Azerbaijan will strengthen its position as an exporter and transporter of electricity and get huge dividends for transmission of electricity.

Azerbaijan also presents the most economically justified and shortest route for trade that can connect Iran's southern ports to Russia and through there to Europe.

The North-South corridor is a large-scale transportation project, promoted by Moscow, Baku and Tehran. The corridor, between St. Petersburg and Mumbai (India), is over 7,000 kilometres long. This corridor, designed to transport goods from India, Iran and other countries to Russia via the Caspian Sea and further on to Western and Northern Europe, will compete with the Suez Canal. Namely the North-South project will soon become a transport axis of the whole region, the main hub of which is Azerbaijan.

Caspian Sea

The agenda is also expected to include discussion on the Convention on the Caspian Sea document, which would define ownership of the Caspian among its littoral states.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier said progress had been made toward reaching agreement on the convention, expressing hope the document could be signed in 2017.

But there are still differences about wording of the document that would impact oil-drilling rights of Caspian states, as well as fate of future pipelines, and in Baku the three presidents may discuss the challenging issues.

Nagorno-Karabakh

The long-lasting Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be another topic of the August meeting, as for Baku this is the main challenge for the regional cooperation and development.

Both Tehran and Moscow does not want a hot point so close to their borders. Russia, a big global player and a member-state of the OSCE Minsk Group established to mediate between the parties to the conflict, made huge efforts to calm down the tense situation emerged after the April escalation. Meanwhile, Tehran has repeatedly voiced its readiness to mediate between Yerevan and Baku to achieve a peaceful resolution.

Baku may take an advantage of the August talks to once again show the threat that the occupation of its territories by Armenia poses to its regional neighbors and jointly realized projects, and achieve exert of some pressure on Yerevan to take constructive position in peace talks.

---

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28 July 2016 16:23 (UTC+04:00)

An Azerbaijani delegation led by Chief of the State Security Service lieutenant-general Madat Guliyev has participated in the 15th meeting of Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law Enforcement Organizations in Sankt Petersburg, Russia.

Madat Guliyev has delivered a speech at the meeting, Azertac reported.

Some 99 delegations from 46 countries and international organizations took part in the meeting, which focuses on cooperation in combating terrorism.

The participants discussed issues that call for finding joint solutions based on international law, and the proposals will help strengthen the world countries security and international stability.

---

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28 July 2016 14:26 (UTC+04:00)

Turkeys Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has expressed confidence that the United States wont reject Ankaras request to extradite Fethullah Gulen, the Haber7 newspaper reported July 28.

He pointed out that Turkey and the U.S. are strategic partners.

The prime minister said he doesnt believe that the U.S. will support the leader of the terrorist group.

Earlier, Turkish presidential administration told Trend that Ankara will do its best to extradite Fethullah Gulen, who is considered to be the organizer of the coup attempt.

According to the administration, the coup attempt shows that Turkey was facing the threat of a terrorist attack.

"The fight against Gulens movement still remains one of Turkeys main priorities," the administration said.

The administration also stressed that if the US is a strategic partner of Turkey, it should extradite Gulen to Turkey.

The administration added that the extradition of Gulen will greatly weaken the terrorist organization, which is hostile to the interests of the Turkish people.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.

---

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28 July 2016 15:38 (UTC+04:00)

Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir held negotiations, where the sides discussed topical issues of bilateral relations, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reported on July 28.

The sides also exchanged views on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the OIC (the Organization of Islamic Cooperation) Foreign Ministers Council, which is to take place in Tashkent in October 2016.

Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir praised Uzbekistans vision and approaches with regard to the countrys priorities within its chairmanship in the OIC Foreign Ministers Council that are united in the slogan Education and enlightenment  path towards peace and creativity.

The two foreign ministers noted the two sides interest in progressive development of bilateral cooperation in various spheres and successful holding of the upcoming 43rd session of the OIC Foreign Ministers Council in Tashkent.

The Uzbek minister also participated in a meeting of senior officials of the OIC member countries, where the preparation for the upcoming OIC meeting in October in Tashkent was discussed.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation was established in September of 1969 to ensure Islamic solidarity in social, economic and political spheres. The organization has 57 member states.

---

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28 July 2016 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Iran is currently engaged in strengthening of relations with the African states.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that his trip to West Africa will introduce a new chapter in relations of the Islamic Republic with the African region. Zarif made the remark during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Guinea Mamady Youla.

Hailing the ties between Tehran and Conakry, he underlined that the two countries enjoy close ties and the ongoing visit will contribute to the expansion of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in economic and commercial spheres.

Youla, in turn referred to the potential of his country for cooperation with the Islamic Republic, adding that he supports presence of Iranian companies in Conakry.

Saying that a large economic delegation accompanies him in the African tour, the foreign minister called for expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

Four-nation tour to West Africa is expected to improve bilateral diplomatic and trade relations between the countries. The country is willing to bolster its presence in the continent by means of strengthening political, trade and investment ties, following the removal of sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Iran already has a significant presence in agricultural and economic projects in some African countries and has been a major contributor to humanitarian missions across the continent over the past years.

Earlier, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab-African Affairs talking to IRNA said that Iran has set a new target for reaching a higher level in boosting trade relations with Africa over the next five years.

Zarif has arrived in Guinea after visiting Nigeria and Ghana as part of his West Africa tour. He is accompanied by political and economic delegation on his six-day visit to Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Mali.

The Iranian foreign minister has already paid two official visits to Africa. He visited Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania in February 2015. He also paid a visit to the North African countries of Tunisia and Algeria in August 2015.

--

Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2016 15:34 (UTC+04:00)

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will discuss a number of important economic and political issues during the meeting in St. Petersburg on August 9, Turkish presidential administration told Trend on July 28.

Fighting the terrorist organizations in Syria is among the issues planned to be discussed during that meeting, said the presidential administration.

Moreover, the presidents are expected to discuss the joint energy projects of Russia and Turkey, such as the Turkish Stream gas pipeline and the construction of Akkuyu nuclear power plant.

The parties will also discuss the ways of further developing the relations between Ankara and Moscow, said Turkeys presidential administration.

Earlier, Turkeys Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources told Trend that Ankara can unfreeze the Turkish Stream project. Currently, this issue is under consideration, said the ministry.

The relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated after the Su-24 bomber incident in 2015.

On June 27, Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident.

Earlier, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, commenting on the improvement of relations between Turkey and Russia, thanked Azerbaijan for its contribution to normalization of the relations.

---

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28 July 2016 17:04 (UTC+04:00)

Incirlik airbase was the think tank of plotters in Turkey, the Sabah newspaper reported on July 28.

Reportedly, a day before the military coup attempt, the generals supporting Fethullah Gulen gathered at Incirlik airbase for a secret meeting.

The fact was revealed after the testimony of one of the detained Turkish generals who were involved in the military coup attempt.

Moreover, reportedly, a US lieutenant general, whose name hasnt been disclosed yet, also participated in this meeting.

The July 15 coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,000 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration into Turkish state and government establishments, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the "parallel state".

The General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces has said that 8,651 servicemen of the armed forces participated in the military coup attempt in the country. The rebels used 35 planes, 37 helicopters, 246 tanks and three vessels during the military coup attempt in Turkey.

The Turkish president declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.

---

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28 July 2016 17:31 (UTC+04:00)

Turkey and Russia will restore the pre-crisis relations, Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci told the TGRT TV channel July 28.

He noted that Moscow and Ankara need to develop the relations.

Earlier, Turkish presidential administration told Trend that Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will discuss a number of important economic and political issues during the meeting in St. Petersburg Aug.9.

Fighting the terrorist organizations in Syria is among the issues planned to be discussed during that meeting, said the presidential administration.

Moreover, the presidents are expected to discuss the joint energy projects of Russia and Turkey, such as the Turkish Stream gas pipeline and the construction of Akkuyu nuclear power plant.

The parties will also discuss the ways of further developing the relations between Ankara and Moscow, said Turkeys presidential administration.

The relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated after the Su-24 bomber incident in 2015.

On June 27, Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident.

Earlier, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, commenting on the improvement of relations between Turkey and Russia, thanked Azerbaijan for its contribution to normalization of the relations.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Sunshine in the morning followed by mostly cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 79F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 48F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
A new coffee and snack concept selling Country Choice bakery items has been launched by petrol station brand Jet across its forecourt network.

The fuel brand has partnered with coffee vending and espresso machine provider Expresso Plus to roll out Snack on the Go display shells with self-serve food-to-go units selling hot and cold food, drinks and treats.

Jet dealers will be able to choose items from Country Choices full bakery range including muffins, pasties and croissants and tailor what they sell to suit their customer demographic at different times throughout the day, a spokeswoman told British Baker.

Jet hopes the tie-up with Expresso Plus, which also works with brands including Lavazza, PG Tips, and Nescafe, will drive footfall across its sites.

The demand for food-to-go in the convenience sector has seen a 33% year-on-year growth, said Lauren Tyler, marketing manager, at Expresso Plus.

Breakfast-to-go has seen the highest increase with 64% of consumers [source: Allegra 2015] buying a hot drink with their purchase. Forecourts are ideally placed to capitalise on this trend.

Stuart Cufflin, transport and retail contracts manager at Jet, added: Were always looking to help Jet dealers drive footfall onto their forecourts and we believe Snack on the Go will do just that. With the continued trend toward forecourts becoming convenience destinations, coffee and food-to-go present strong commercial opportunities that dealers can  and should be taking advantage of.

In April Country Choice launched a range of bake-from-frozen sausage rolls.
A 1920s land boom era hotel in Lake Wales is being restored to its former glory.

Ray Brown hopes to restore "green monster"

Old windows, stone flooring being restored

Brown hopes to get financing for project



Developer Ray Brown bought the Walesbilt Hotel from the city years ago with the dream of restoring it.

Brown has had issues getting financing for the project, but he has now completed about a quarter of the work without getting all the financing in place. He wants to make sure the hotel doesn't get torn down.

It had been an eyesore for decades. That's why he's taking on the risk of the project.

"Well, I knew if I didn't, it would get knocked down," Brown said.

Crews are busy at work restoring old windows and doors and stone flooring.

Steve Quillian with Wood Window Makeover in Tampa is restoring the massive old wood windows. He appreciates Brown's vision for keeping the historical details of the building.

"Oh yea, I really do," he said. "Being able to put something like this back together is a cultural thing. It's part of our history and who we are."

Long time Lake Wales resident Roscoe Williams was always fascinated by the old hotel that folks called the "green monster" because of its former unusual color.

Williams believes in Brown's determination to restore the building, so he is putting in lots of volunteer hours.

I said to my wife, boy if I had the money to restore this place," he said. "Hey, I would have invested in Ray simply because of his determination."

Brown said he is hoping to get financing needed to complete the multi-million dollar project in a few months. If that works out, he hopes to have the hotel open to the public about a year and a half later.
Alessi Bakery in Tampa has a tasty way to predict the presidential election.

Cookie race heating up in Tampa

So far, more Trump cookies have been sold at Alessi Bakery

Both will be on sale through the November election

The shop will be selling cookies decorated with the faces of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.

A lot of people smile, a lot of people laugh," said manager Jason Alessi. "They say I really have to get one of those.

Customer Al Shams bought a Donald Trump cookie.

I originally wanted the Mickey Mouse cookie but they didnt have it," Shams said.

Michelle Verdisco bought one of each.

Because one of my kids loves Trump and one loves Hillary," Verdisco said.

The bakery has made candidate cookies for past presidential elections. Alessi said the numbers bought have proved a good predictor for who will win the race.

It could. It actually has in the past," Alessi said. "I think in the last couple of elections, it turned out to be pretty accurate in terms of who has won.

As of Wednesday, more Trump cookies have been sold than Clinton ones. Both will be on sale through the November election.
What would you do if you were stuck in a building with a gunman?

Active shooter training



Event being held at the Coliseum in St. Pete



Participants will be taught to avoid, deny, defend

INFO: St. Pete Police & Fire Active Shooter Training



A St. Petersburg community event, focused on active shooter training, wants to help with that terrifying scenario.



Law enforcement says its a sign of the times, and while its a situation you hope to never find yourself in, its one St. Petersburg Police and St. Petersburg Fire Rescue want you to be prepared for.



St. Pete Police and Fire teamed up to host the seminar Thursday evening at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg.



Theyll be using a program developed by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.



Citizens will be taught the avoid, deny, defend strategy.



The event is free to attend, but you are asked to RSVP as seating is limited.



Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the seminar runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
As the country buries the most recent police officers killed in ambush attacks, members of Brevard Countys various police departments are reflecting on the lives lost in Texas and Louisiana.

Recent murders of police heightens bonds between law enforcement



Officers from FL traveled to pay their respects to Dallas, Baton Rouge



"It's part of that 'thin blue line' family," one Brevard officer said



"I wouldn't give it up for anything, it helps put things into focus," said Officer Chris Livingston of the Melbourne Police Honor Guard.

Officer Livingston just returned from Baton Rouge, where three officers were gunned down on July 17.

While there, he participated in two different funerals -- East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy Brad Garafola, and Baton Rouge Police Officer Matthew Gerald.

"It was about a 20 mile processional from the place of service to the burial site," he recalled. "Every bridge was lined with people, draped flags, the roadway was completely lined with supporters. They were appreciative of us being there in their time of need.

Officer Livingston said the funeral services both had slideshows filled with pictures of each officer and their families.

"It's amazing when you see the different photos, and you recollect how many of those photos you've taken with your family," he said.

Melbourne sent honor guard officers to both Dallas and Baton Rouge to help honor those who were killed.

"No matter how bad things get, we always have each others backs," said Livingston. "It's part of that 'thin blue line' family."
Saying he's more optimistic about the country than ever before, President Barack Obama said Wednesday there's never been a man or a woman  "not me, not Bill"  who's more qualified than Hillary Clinton to be president.

In his speech at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, he said, "Nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. Until youve sat at that desk, you dont know what its like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war. But (Clinton) has been part of those decisions."



Arriving to chants of "Yes, we can," Obama also defended his two terms in the White House, citing a rebounding economy and resilience in the face of global terror threats.

The America I know is full of courage, and optimism, and ingenuity. ... Sure, we have real anxieties  about paying the bills, protecting our kids, caring for a sick parent. We ... are shocked and saddened by the madness of Orlando or Nice. ...

But as Ive traveled this country, through all 50 states; as Ive rejoiced with you and mourned with you, what Ive also seen, more than anything, is what is right with America," Obama said.

The president headlined the night's speakers and followed vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine, who tore into Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as a "guy who promises a lot" but follows up with "believe me." Kaine underscored his work on the Senate Armed Services and Senate Foreign Relations and Budget committees.

Other speakers included Vice President Joe Biden and wife, Jill; Michael Bloomberg; former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly; and Christine Leinonen, the mother of a Pulse shooting victim. Leinonen, accompanied by Pulse survivors Brandon Wolf and Jose Arraigada, is the mother of Drew Leinonen, who was killed in the attack in Orlando.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said if elected to the White House, Clinton will advocate progressive policies, push for a fair Supreme Court and gun control. Jackson said she understands the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and also said Sanders has energized the 2016 race.

"The Bern must never grow old," Jackson said, but that "it's healing time. It's hope time. It's Hillary time."

Earlier in the day, some Bernie Sanders supporters rejected calls for party unity, even as their former presidential candidate continued to try to rally Democrats behind Clinton. Thousands have taken to the streets during the convention to support the Vermont sentor and his progressive agenda.



Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Big Thicket National Preserve Superintendent Wayne Prokopetz announced Wednesday that the preserve will issue free hunting permits beginning Thursday, Sept. 1 until February 28, 2017.

Permits will be issued at the preserve visitor center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Big Thicket hunting permits allow hunters to take white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, feral hog and waterfowl.

Everyone who hunts in Big Thicket National Preserve must have a Big Thicket hunting permit and show current Texas Hunting Licenses in order to obtain the permit.

All hunters must apply in person and may hunt in only one of six non-day use units.

Parents or guardians will no longer be able to get permits for their children.

Hunters who failed to return harvest cards for the 2015-2016 season will not be eligible to hunt in Big Thicket National Preserve this upcoming season.

The deadline for returning hunter harvest cards after the 2016-2017 season will be April 3, 2017.

The number of permits issued for each hunting unit varies based on the size of the unit and wildlife management goals for that unit.

The number of permits issue per unit has not changed from last season.

The following numbers of permits, by hunting unit, are available: Beaumont Unit200; Beech Creek Unit150; Big Sandy Creek Unit400; Jack Gore Baygall Unit400; Lance Rosier Unit900 and Neches Bottom Unit150.
Bridge City municipal court judge, James B. Scales III was publically reprimanded earlier this month for changing the information on a citation and leaving a voicemail for the defendant shortly after, according to a public reprimand issued by the State Commission of Judicial Conduct.

Earlier this year, the defendant, Ashley Riddling, received a traffic citation for "Failure to Stop for a School Bus," and later pleaded "not guilty."

After requesting a jury trial, there was conflict with the date given to Riddling.

In the process of trying to resolve the conflicting date, Judge Scales requested Riddling to speak with him inside the courtroom with no prosecutor present.

When she approached Judge Scales, she saw him use a pen to change the ticket from "Failure to Stop for a School Bus" to "Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection."

Judge Scales then asked Riddling if she wanted to pay the entire $275 fine for an expired inspection sticker or enter into a payment plan. Riddling agreed to pay the entire fine that day.

When Riddling later told her friends about her experience with Judge Scales, they told her that it didn't seem right. One of the friends went on to report the incident to the Bridge City Chief of Police who contacted Judge Scales.

Shortly after, Judge Scales called Riddling to leave the following voicemail:

"Yeah, this is Judge Jimmy Scales, city of Bridge City, looking for Ashley Riddling. I need you to call me back. It seems like you're running your mouth on something that you shouldn't be. And, uh, maybe we need to have a little discussion on it. Be sure and call me back now. I don't want to have to send somebody after [you]."

Riddling described the message as "threatening, intimidating and harassing."

About a week after the incident, Riddling received a letter from Judge Scales informing her that, on his own motion, he had ordered a new trial on the original "School Bus" citation, and the court refunded her the $275 fine.

Thereafter, Judge Scales recused himself from the pending case and the prosecutor later dismissed the charge.

In a written inquiry to the Commission, Judge Scales wrote that he "left the voicemail message only to let her know that he wanted to talk about what she had said to the police; to refund her money and to reset the case for trial."

Judge Scales admitted that many of the facts were true, in his written response, but stated that Riddling had "embellished" the interactions in the courtroom.

He admitted to no prosecutor being present in the courtroom during the incident, changing the original citation, negotiating a plea with Riddling and leaving her a voicemail.

According to Sclaes in the inquiry, he thought he had the authority to take such action.

The Commission concluded that Judge Scales failed to comply with the law, failed to maintain professional competence, failed to treat Riddling with the requisite dignity and courtesy expected of a judicial officer and engaged in improper ex parte communications.

The Commission decided to issue a public reprimand to Judge Scales for violation of canons of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct to "protect the public confidence in the judicial system," according to the reprimand.

Judge Scales declined to comment over the public reprimand.
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The postponement Thursday of a Jefferson County criminal hearing for Liberty County Constable John Joslin means the elected official won't answer to the misdemeanor perjury charge until October, more than eight months after his arrest.

Joslin, who has repeatedly said he is innocent, has already pleaded not guilty to two felony charges in a second criminal matter that originated with an investigation into a Beaumont man pretending to be a cop.

With a little more than three to months to go before he officially wins a second term in office, Joslin is also suing the state law-enforcement commission to have his license reinstated.

Joslin, 47, continues handling the administrative duties of the sixth precinct, though he's not wearing a uniform or carrying a gun or badge, his attorney said.

The legal quagmire stems from an investigation into Michael Gelagotis, a Beaumont man convicted this year of impersonating police and unlawfully possessing body armor.

Gelagotis, already once convicted for impersonating police in Jefferson County, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison and is now facing federal firearms charges.

Joslin was one of two licensed police officers implicated because of their alleged relationships with Gelagotis.

Joslin has already pleaded not guilty in Liberty County to two felony counts of tampering with a governmental record.

He has said he also intends to plead not guilty to the misdemeanor perjury charge out of Jefferson County. Joslin's announcement hearing was postponed Thursday until Oct. 6.

"We're trying all of these cases," Joslin's attorney Chris Tritico said.

Tritico said the Jefferson County case was delayed in part because he's been unable to obtain access to evidence he requested through discovery.

In the Liberty County cases, Joslin is accused creating a document authorizing issuance of a peace officer ID card while knowing it was false, according to the indictment.

The ID card was used to defraud a security system supplier and uniform store, the indictment says.

Joslin was indicted Jan. 25 in Jefferson County on accusations that he lied to investigators about the nature of his relationship with Gelagotis.

Joslin faces two to 10 years in prison if convicted of the felony charges.

Joslin won his primary re-election bid over two challengers on March 1, and faces no opponent in the November general election.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement suspended Joslin's license May 2, citing newly amended state law that allows the agency to take action against officers indicted on felony charges.

Tritico filed suit in Travis County, arguing in part that the suspension violates Joslin's right to due process.

While challenging it, Joslin is honoring the suspension by not wearing a uniform or carrying a gun or badge, the attorney said.

Over his 20-year career, Joslin has also worked for the Beaumont ISD police department, Cleveland Police Department, Chambers County Sheriff's Office and other agencies.

He was first publicly linked to Gelagotis, the convicted fake lawman, in a video taken of a ceremony during halftime of a Houston Rockets game. Gelagotis was introduced as a "special deputy" from Joslin's office.

Joslin has previously told The Enterprise he had no knowledge Gelagotis was misrepresenting himself and that he made him an honorary deputy for one night only for the event.

Former Beaumont PD Sgt. Keith Breiner pleaded guilty in May to abuse of official capacity.

A 2015 police report laying out cause for Breiner's arrest claimed the long-time officer without authorization signed correspondence on a department letterhead that requested a rifle for the department to sample for a one-year period.

Gelagotis, not charged with wrongdoing in that matter, emailed the letter to the gun manufacturer on Nov. 7, 2013, the affidavit stated.

Breiner received one year of probation and a $500 fine and was permanently stripped of his TCOLE license, court records show.

EBesson@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/EricBesson_news
A new study indicates medical errors are a much larger problem than previous studies implied, with nearly 50 percent of surgeries encountering a medical error or unintended drug side effect, according to Albany Daily Star.

Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital researchers examined 277 procedures at the hospital where they observed a high prevalence of medical errors. The figure is higher than previous studies because those studies relied of self-reported medical errors.

Here are four key notes:

1. The most commonly observed mistakes entailed providers administering incorrect dosages.

2. Of the adverse drug events researchers noted that might have led to patient harm, 30 percent were deemed significant and 69 percent were considered serious.

3. Less than 2 percent of adverse drug events were deemed life-threatening.

4. Researchers noted procedures surpassing six hours had a greater chance of subsequent issues.

"We definitely have room for improvement in preventing perioperative medication errors, and now that we understand the types of errors that are being made and their frequencies, we can begin to develop targeted strategies to prevent them," the researchers concluded.

More articles on quality & infection control:

Global surgical instrument tracking systems market to reach $204.8M by 2021: 4 takeaways

3 challenges ASC face in multidisciplinary antibiotic stewardship program implementation

Inpatients vs. outpatient ACL reconstruction: Is there a significant difference in postoperative discomfort?
Here are 30 updates for ASC leaders to note from the past month.

DOJ files suit against 2 payer megamergers

The Justice Department's antitrust officials made a much-anticipated move by filing a suit against the pending Anthem/Cigna and Aetna/Humana mergers. Officials say the megamergers would reduce competition, and consumers would bear the burden of the deals  escalated prices.

CMS proposes 1.2% payment increase & 7 new quality reporting measures in 2017 for ASCs

CMS released its 2017 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule, which aims to enhance Medicare patients' quality of care. Based on the policy changes in the proposed rule, CMS projects ASC payments would increase 1.2 percent. The seven measures are: ASC-13: Normothermia Outcome; ASC-14: Unplanned Anterior Vitrectomy; and ASC-15(a-e), which includes five measures collected using the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey.

Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush's medical office building, ASC gets green light from village board

The Oak Brook (Ill.) Village Board approved the construction of an outpatient orthopedic care building, which will include an ambulatory surgery center. The new facility is a joint venture between Rush University Medical Center and Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, both based in Chicago.

Ambulatory Surgery Center at St. Mary suffers data breach affecting 13k patients

After suffering a ransomware attack, Langhorne, Pa.-based Ambulatory Surgery Center at St. Mary sent letters to nearly 13,000 patients whose personal information may have been breached. The ASC discovered the breach on June 1 after staff members noted encrypted files on an internal network.

Cleveland Clinic anesthesiologist Dr. Marc Feldman found dead in motel

Cleveland Clinic anesthesiologist Marc A. Feldman, MD, was found dead in a motel room on June 29. When first responders arrived on the scene, he was not breathing, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Yearlong investigation finds 2.4k+ physicians sanctioned for sexually abusing patients

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution conducted a yearlong investigation, which found more than 2,400 U.S. physicians were sanctioned for sexually abusing their patients. AJC's investigation found state medical boards permitted more than 50 percent of the sanctioned physicians to keep their licenses, despite the accusations being proven true.

Industry pays optometrists $18.2M under Physician Payments Sunshine Act

During the first year of mandatory reporting under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, optometrists accepted cash, cash equivalents or in-kind payments surpassing $18.2 million, $13.2 million of which the industry paid to the top 10 percent of payment recipients. The researchers found the average transaction value reached $111.

Aetna to sell billion-dollar assets to minimize regulatory concerns

To stifle regulatory concerns over its $37 billion Humana merger, Aetna plans to sell billion-dollar assets. Sources claim Aetna and advisers are working on an asset portfolio that could limit any substantial overlap between Aetna and Humana's operations if the assets are divested.

AmSurg's Sheridan acquires AllegiantMD

Sheridan, the physician services division of AmSurg, acquired AllegiantMD, a provider of radiology services in Tampa, Fla. Sheridan's current radiology profile consists of more than 300 radiologists at 150 facilities throughout the United States.

American College of Physicians names AmSurg's Dr. Robert Musselman a fellow

American College of Physicians named AmSurg Partner Robert F. Musselman, MD, a fellow. Dr. Musselman practices at Rockville, Md.-based Endoscopic Surgical Centre of MarylandNorth.

SCA partners with Raritan Valley Surgery Center

With this partnership, SCA's New Jersey footprint increases to 13 locations and 19 additional physicians. RVSC is a physician-led surgery center, jointly owned by SCA and physician investors.

MFC pens letter of intent to acquire Unity Medical and Surgical Hospital

Per the letter of intent, Medical Facilities Corp. would acquire an indirect 83 percent interest in the physician-owned medical and surgical hospital. MFC is funding the deal on available cash as well as a draw of MFC's credit facility.

Connecticut co-op faces steep financial troubles, begins 'wind-down' process

After facing financial struggles, Connecticut's co-op, HealthyCT, is under supervision and will start a "wind-down" process. The state said, although it filed a supervision order, HealthyCT's shut down is not definite, and the co-op may cease being under supervision if it does better financially.

Illinois regulator signs order to prevent co-op from paying government

Illinois Department of Insurance Acting Director Anne Melissa Dowling issued an order requesting Land of Lincoln Health, the state co-op, not pay the federal government until the government gives the co-op money owed under the risk-corridor program. Land of Lincoln Health maintains the government owes the co-op almost $73 million under the Affordable Care Act's risk-corridor program.

Illinois co-op Land of Lincoln Health to shut down

After suffering $90 million losses last year, Illinois co-op Land of Lincoln Health is shutting down. The news comes nearly two weeks after Illinois Department of Insurance Acting Director Anne Melissa Dowling issued an order for Land of Lincoln Health to not pay the federal government in an effort to avoid "an immediate liquidation" of the co-op.

Physician dies following attack by patient at Dallas hospital

A patient at 144-bed Timberlawn Mental Health System in Dallas has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a physician he assaulted. The patient attacked Ruth Anne Mardock, MD, Thursday afternoon after Mr. Cason was told he would be transferred to another facility. The patient tackled Dr. Mardock in the hallway outside his room. During the confrontation, which was caught on video, the physician's head hit the floor and she lost consciousness, according to the police documents.

Global endoscopy devices market to reach $36.5B by 2022

The market was valued at $22.6 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $36.5 billion by 2022. The growing incidence of gastrointestinal conditions and colon cancer as well as the high demand for minimally invasive surgeries will spur the market's growth.

New York regulator 'conditionally' approves Aetna-Humana merger

Sources familiar with the payer matter said New York's insurance regulator conditionally approved the $37 billion Aetna/Humana merger. New York was one of the last U.S. states to approve the deal. An Aetna spokesperson said the payers now have 90 percent of the necessary state approvals.

CMS: Healthcare spending to rise 5.8%

From 2015 to 2025, CMS projects healthcare spending will rise 5.8 percent. While physician and clinical services spending rose 5.4 percent in 2015, medical prices increased merely 0.8 percent last year. Physician prices fell 1.1 percent last year.

CMS open to MACRA delay

In a meeting with the Senate Finance Committee, CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt said the agency would consider delaying Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which is currently set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. CMS is also open to different start dates to allow providers and practices sufficient time to prepare for MACRA.

Physicians fight to retract BMJ medical error study

Two physicians wrote a blog post, arguing the BMJ study represents "a shoddy piece of scientific and statistical work which cannot stand the close scrutiny of peer physician researchers and professional statisticians," and claim the study is not a meta-analysis since researchers derived data from one 2004 Healthgrades study. Retraction opponents claim it is unfair to use the word "meta-analysis," as the Johns Hopkins study authors did not use the term in the paper.

Former Kaiser anesthesiologist claims cost-cutting measures jeopardized patient safety; files lawsuit

Erik Franck, MD, a former anesthesiologist with Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente, filed a $9 million lawsuit against the health system. The suit claims Dr. Franck complained about the cost-cutting measures and was later fired.

Gunman kills 2 at Parrish Medical Center

Early Sunday, a gunman entered a patient's room at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Fla., and killed an elderly female patient and hospital employee. The attack appears to be random and the suspect is being held without bond on two counts of first-degree murder.

UnitedHealth suffers additional $200M losses

UnitedHealth lost an additional $200 million from the Affordable Care Act exchanges in the second quarter of 2016. However, the payer had 28 percent increase in profits, growing by $10.2 billion compared to the second period last year.

ASGE names Dr. Kenneth McQuaid president

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy named Kenneth R. McQuaid, MD, president. Dr. McQuaid is chief of medical service and chief of gastroenterology at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. He is also vice-chairman of the medicine department and a professor at University of California San Francisco School of Medicine.

Humana to leave most ACA exchanges after losing $1B

Humana reported it will leave almost half of the Affordable Care Act's exchanges in 2017 after suffering losses totaling $1 billion last year. The payer said during an earnings report it will participate in "no more" than 11 state marketplaces.

Nobilis names Kenneth Efird president

As president, Mr. Efird will oversee Nobilis' operating units and will lead the execution of the company's strategic plan. Previously, Mr. Efird was the company's chief operating officer and chief business development officer.

Upstate Spine & Neurosurgery Center, Orthopaedic Associates merge to open $7.2M ASC

Two Spartanburg, S.C., practices, Upstate Spine & Neurosurgery Center and Orthopaedic Associates, are opening a physician-owned ambulatory surgery center. The $7.2 million ASC will offer orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery and pain management.

US insurers pay nearly $8k more for TKR than other developed countries

U.S. insurers pay $28,184 to hospitals and physicians for a total knee replacement, nearly $8,000 more than Switzerland payers, which pay $20,132. Leading payers in Spain only pay $6,687. For a total knee replacement, U.K. insurers pay $18,451, New Zealand insurers pay $16,508 and Australian insurers pay $15,941.

Gastroenterologists make $380k annually

Medscape Gastroenterologist Compensation Report 2016 found gastroenterologists earn $380,000, on average, up 3 percent from 2015.

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Nearly 10 years ago, Meridian Surgical Partners, an ambulatory surgery center management and development company, acquired an interest in Miami-based Coral Gables Surgery Center.

In 2006, the surgery center was comprised of seven physician partners and 15 additional credentialed physicians who performed outpatient surgical procedures in orthopedics, pain management, plastic surgery, general surgery and urology. The bulk of the center's case load was ophthalmology, which accounted for 72 percent of the ASC's revenue.

However, competition in the Miami area posed obstacles; there are 23 free-standing facilities and 27 hospital-based facilities vying for the region's nearly 2.3 million residents. CGSC competes with 20 other surgery centers within a 10-mile radius who offer similar services.

Meridian's partnership with CGSC thrived in the ophthalmology space until 2013 when several factors threatened the ASC's sustainability:

 Coral Gables Surgery Center lost its largest referral source for ophthalmology cases, which led to a 30 percent reduction in ophthalmology revenue.

 Three high-volume physicians retired, which resulted in a high concentration in some specialties as well as operational issues from minimal succession planning.

 Unforeseen market attrition.

In the wake of such obstacles, Meridian went to drawing board to devise a plan to revive the ASC and bolster revenue.

"We found ourselves in a turnaround position and quickly began thinking about how our expertise and experience in the high acuity arena could benefit Coral Gables Surgery Center," says Cathy Kowalski, RN, executive vice president and COO, Meridian. "The most critical piece to ensuring we could implement a strategy to reposition the center in terms of specialty mix was to hire the right administrator."

In February 2014, Maria Freed joined the surgery center to work hand-in-hand with the ASC's staff to learn how to transition the center from an ophthalmology center to a leader in the spine and orthopedics arena.

"We chose Maria because she had years of proven healthcare leadership experience and understood the market and culture," Ms. Kowalski adds. "She knew the most effective ways to recruit physicians."

4 turnaround strategies

1. Physician recruitment

After meeting with staff members, Ms. Freed learned the center's clinical staff would quickly be able to transition to spine and pain procedures despite mainly doing ophthalmology for the last several years.

"After several discussions, I felt comfortable moving forward to recruit more physicians in the orthopedic and spine specialties," Ms. Freed says.

A key component in physician recruitment is meeting physician's expectations, and assuring potential physicians that Coral Gables Surgery Center could meet their needs based on the center's skilled and efficient clinical team. Ms. Freed highlighted CGSC's expedited OR turnaround time, which yielded less wait time for the physician and patient. Physicians also had the opportunity to undergo a trial period for the center to ensure the partnership would benefit both the physician as well as CGSC.

"The trial period is the time when we prove to them that this should be the destination for their qualified outpatient procedures," Ms. Freed says. "Once they use us, they like it here."

To bring in physicians from other specialties including general surgery and podiatry, Ms. Freed went out into the community to market her center to physicians and payers who were not aware CGSC was expanding its offerings.

"I realized early on we had an awareness issue. I was able to network in the community by attending and participating in business-to-business events such as the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce," she adds. " I am very intentional about being 'out' of the office to be visible among physicians, payers and clinics."

2. Payer relations

"Having a corporate management partner, Meridian Surgical Partners, made a big difference in how we were able to secure profitable managed care contracts," Ms. Freed explains.

Meridian's managed care team crafted messaging, conducted analysis and helped the center negotiate contracts with both regional and larger payers to make it possible for CGSC to bring on new physicians in different specialties. "Their expertise was crucial in the complex agreements for the higher-acuity procedures we wanted to perform at the facility," Ms. Freed adds.

Being part of Meridian's network gives Ms. Freed access to other ASCs with spine and orthopedic programs. Ms. Freed can translate what was successful at other centers into CGSC.

3. Relationship with local clinics

Ms. Freed spends a significant amount of time working to establish relationships with other healthcare facilities. She notes many Miami clinics operate under a health maintenance organization and cater to an aging population. These clinics often provide free transportation and other amenities to serve the needs of this demographic.

"This is a very high touch type of environment, and I began having discussions with these clinics to let them know that our plans would make is possible for their patients to safely and cost-effectively have a variety of outpatient surgical procedures performed at our center," Ms. Freed says. "Many were under the impression we were just an eye center, so these discussions were helping to deliver our message about the changes."

4. Vendor relations

When working with vendors, Ms. Freed educated many vendors about their ASC's spine and orthopedic needs. Many vendors are not well-versed in the unique challenges ASCs face in obtaining sustainable reimbursement rates. She found working with vendors who saw the big picture proved more beneficial as they had more programs available to help CGSC improve its volume.

"Implants are always a challenge for podiatry, spine and orthopedics," she says. "We ultimately worked with vendors who could truly partner with us to reach our goals."

Outcomes

Since the turnaround strategy began, CGSC has increased its physician base by:

 Four physician partners

 Two orthopedic surgeons

 One ophthalmologist

 Eight physician utilizers

 Four podiatrists. The additions led the ASC to develop a Podiatry Residency program with a local facility.

 Three general surgeons

 Two neurosurgeons and the reengagement of two existing neurosurgeons that collaboratively developed the ASC's spine program.

 By the end of 2015, 37 percent of the ASC's active, credentialed physicians were new within the last two years.

After two years of efforts, the center was able to distribute profits to physician partners in September 2015. Additionally, year-end 2015 EBITDA increased 90 percent over 2014 when the ASC reached a break-even status.

To drive profits, Ms. Freed will continue fostering strong physician relations.

"Moving forward we are placing more focus on succession planning and the life cycle of the center," she says. "I believe it's important to build physician relationships as part of a long-term plan. For example, I am working with a doctor, among others, who recently relocated from Puerto Rico and I know he is not going to flood us with patients. However, making sure our pipeline is robust is important to future success."

Read the entire case study online here.

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Certive Solutions, a provider of revenue cycle management solutions, reported revenue of $568,821 for the month ended June 30.

The company said it is the highest months revenue in Certives history.

Of the $568,821 total revenue, $454,203 was generated by the companys Titan Division, with an operating margin of $301,648 or 66 percent of revenue.

Certive Solutions said its Omega Division continues to expand its hospital footprint in the northwestern part of the country and expects significant near-and long-term growth over the coming months.

Van Potter, CEO of the company, stated in a news release, Certive is converging into a full service outsourcing alternative for U.S. hospitals. Our growth in revenues over the past few months is a significant indicator of the confidence shared by our clients. Our focus on high margin revenues segments and the provision of much needed services ensures not only our growth but the continued growth of our clients.

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Hospitals and health systems have more to lose than organizations in other sectors when it comes to hacks. Patient data sells for more money than any other kind of information on the black market. Adding insult to injury, a new report suggests that the healthcare industry is hit significantly harder by ransomware than in any other  88 percent of attacks hit hospitals.

Of the 88 percent of ransomware attacks that occurred in healthcare organizations, 94 percent were linked to a specific variant of software called Cryptowall, according to Solutionary's Security Engineering Research Team Quarterly Threat Report for Q2 2016.

One reason hospitals may be particularly vulnerable is they use so many systems and devices that there are more entry and pivot points for cybercriminals to exploit, according the report.

The most important steps in protecting your companys and your customers data from the growing malicious ransomware onslaught are ensuring that you have a robust backup and recovery process, and that your security software is up-to-date and able to detect the most recent ransomware variants," Rob Kraus, director of research for Solutionary's SER team, said in a statement. "As the threat continues to evolve, it will be crucial for organizations to have defined incident-response procedures and proper detective and preventive controls in place to reduce ransomwares impact."

Some of the most high-profile hospital data breaches in 2016 have been due to ransomware. In March, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in California was locked out of its EHR for a week, and providers were forced to revert to pen and paper until the decision was made to pay hackers $17,000.

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Executives are looking more to their chief information officers, data experts and IT team overall to improve care and hospital operations more than they ever did in the past. That's because the awareness is growing that IT, whether via analytics or electronic systems, can be an incredibly effective tool for providers. But that doesn't mean every hefty IT investment is a good one.

At a panel at Becker's 2nd Annual CIO/HIT + Revenue Cycle Conference in Chicago on July 27, a group of experts shared their insights on the best methods to use when measuring the success or failure of potentially transformative technologies. One way to go about doing so is to boil projects down to their return on investment, says Jayashree Raman, senior vice president and CIO of Cooper University Healthcare in Camden, N.J.

"My mantra is 'All IT projects are business-driven and IT-enabled,'" Ms. Raman says. "We have an IT governance team that looks at ROI on multiyear projects based on qualitative and quantitative outcomes that the business has defined. As long as the business can justify these projects in terms of ROI, they'll be successful."

For many, ROI is best measured by looking at an IT initiative's impact on patient outcomes. The larger the measurable improvement in patient care, the more money a hospital stands to save, make and the more good it can do for patients. But measuring and linking patient outcomes to IT is a long and difficult process.

"Our internal running joke is we've never seen any project meet its ROI, because to do your due diligence and follow up with measuring ROI takes years," says Nayan Patel, director of information technology for The Heart Hospital Baylor in Dallas. "Because of that I'm focused on looking at what are the ultimate outcomes you're trying to improve, so monitoring the measurement of those outcomes is what we focus on."

As a way to manage the mountains of data that various electronic systems collect in hospitals, some organizations have begun to develop in-house integrated data portals, according to Mr. Patel. These can be used to make sense of and standardize disparate data that may contain the seeds of important clinical insights and the evidence of ROI.

Bradley Clegg, DO, CMIO for MetroHealth in Wyoming, Mich., says this kind of data standardization can also demonstrate to physicians that the IT they sometimes struggle with does give them useful insights. Getting physicians and other healthcare workers on board with a standardized method of data collection will make assessing IT investments a smoother process.

Taking an approach that brings clinical leaders into the fold can also shore up Ms. Raman's business-driven but IT-enabled mantra for producing ROI, she says.

Upon joining Cooper University Healthcare, Ms. Raman says one of her earliest projects was an IT implementation she worked on with the system's CNO. Once they were ready to roll out the project, Ms. Raman asked her CNO who the business-side point person was going to be. When she was told no one from the business side was ready to oversee the rollout, Ms. Raman pumped the brakes on the implementation.

"There's no system that goes in without support from a business partner," Ms. Raman says. "I told her I needed someone from that side of things to drive this, and we will be there to enable the technology. We aren't going to start the project until someone is willing to take ownership of it. Every initiative needs to be a synergistic relationship."

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St. Louis-based Ascension has named Sean Mills CFO of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, N.Y., part of the Ascension Binghamton Ministry Market.

Mr. Mills, a certified public accountant, has 14 years of finance, administration and public accounting experience. He spent 11 of those years working in healthcare. He joins Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital from Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, N.Y., where he served as assistant vice president and CFO.

"As we continue to build our national finance team into a collaborative, trusted, strategic business partner on our journey to an integrated health system, Sean will provide strategic financial counsel and oversee financial operations for Lourdes, and be an important part of the Ascension Finance leadership team," said Rhonda Anderson, senior vice president and CFO for Ascension Health.

Mr. Mills will begin his new position Aug. 15.

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More than 500 nurses and supporters picketed Wednesday outside of Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minn., over contract negotiations, according to a Duluth News Tribune report.

The Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents 1,300 registered nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth and Essentia Health-St. Mary's Hospital-Superior (Minn.), said nurses at the hospitals are frustrated with the lack of progress on contract negotiations.

According to the union, nurses have been negotiating with Essentia Health since April. The union claims Essentia is trying to force nurses into unacceptable concessions on health insurance while rejecting nurses' proposals "to ensure nurses have the right number of patients at one time in order to care for them safely."

Nurses and supporters are calling on Essentia to negotiate a fair contract.

Maureen Talarico, a spokeswoman for Essentia, said in the report that the system "value[s] and respect[s] the care and dedication that our nurses give to our patients" and looks forward to continuing talks with the workers.

"Both sides want a fair agreement that will benefit nurses," Ms. Talarico added. "We are positive that a fair and balanced agreement can be reached."

Negotiations are slated to continue in August.

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The National Labor Relations Board has sued Barstow (Calif.) Community Hospital, alleging unfair business practices and labor code violations, according to a Courthouse News report.

Here are five things to know about the lawsuit.

1. The NLRB filed the lawsuit July 21 following complaints from the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee union, according to the report.

2. In the NLRB's federal complaint, the labor board said BCH last year began requiring intensive care nurses to do electronic full-body patient assessments every four hours; stopped giving nurses annual pay raises; and unilaterally altered its disciplinary policies on overtime, Courthouse News reports. The NLRB said the union requested information about these changes, but the hospital refused to provide that information.

3. Furthermore, the NLRB claims the hospital did not intend to truly negotiate with nurses, and all of its proposals were either "predictably unacceptable" or aimed at weakening the union's bargaining authority, according to the report.

4. Hospital spokesman John Rader told Courthouse News in an email: "Barstow Community Hospital is aware of the lawsuit filed by the National Labor Relations Board. This is an interim, legal matter with no impact on our daily operations. Patients can continue to count on us for safe, quality care."

5. Courthouse News reports that the NLRB wants an injunction to stop the hospital from enforcing its new policies and an order that it supply the union the requested materials and bargain in good faith.

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A Virginia man faces felony charges after authorities busted him for defrauding numerous patients by selling them an herbal mixture he claimed could cure cancer, according to The Washington Post.

Peter B. Adeniji, 67, was arrested Monday after a Prince William County drug task force raided his office and home. Mr. Adeniji was charged with five felony counts of fraud, seven counts of operating a medical practice without a license, four counts of dispensing drugs without a license and one count of money laundering.

Mr. Adeniji is not a licensed physician, but his website claims he "has over 20 years of experience in the practice of naturopathic and holistic medicine." He also claims on his website that his treatments can reverse several diseases, including multiple sclerosis, inoperable brain tumors, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, breast tumors, congestive heart failure and prostate cancer, according to the report.

This is not the first time Mr. Adeniji has faced charges over his herbal mixtures. He pleaded guilty to felony fraud and practicing medicine without a license in June 2008. He was sentenced to five years in prison, but after striking a plea agreement with prosecutors and paying restitution, Mr. Adeniji spent less than four months in jail, according to the report.

Mr. Adeniji's office was in Manassas City, Va., but police believe he may have had patients across the nation and internationally.

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Anthem saw financial gains in the second quarter of 2016 due to an increase in Medicaid membership, but higher costs from the insurer's Affordable Care Act plans dragged down its bottom line.

Here are five things to know about Anthem's financial results for the second quarter.

1. Anthem saw revenue rise 7.2 percent year over year to $21.46 billion in the second quarter. The financial boost was partially attributable to a 0.4 percent increase in medical enrollment during the second quarter. The growth was largely due to gains in Medicaid business.

2. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers selling individual health plans are required to have a medical loss ratio of at least 80 percent, meaning they must spend at least 80 cents out of every premium dollar on customers' medical care. Anthem reported a medical loss ratio of 84.2 percent in the second quarter of 2016, an increase from 82.1 percent in the same period of the year prior.

3. Like many other insurers, Anthem said it expects to lose money on its ACA plans this year. The insurer said its worse-than-expected results on the ACA business were attributable, in part, to expenses related to enrollees' chronic conditions. Anthem is a major player in the ACA marketplace, with 923,000 exchange enrollees across 14 states, according to The Wall Street Journal.

4. Anthem faces lawsuits from the Department of Justice and attorneys general from several states aiming to block its acquisition of Cigna. However, in the company's earnings release, Anthem President and CEO Joseph Swedish said the insurer is devoted to the deal.

"Our commitment to the pending Cigna acquisition remains as strong as ever and we believe this acquisition will further advance affordability and quality for our customers," he said.

5. Anthem ended the second quarter with net income of $780.6 million, down 10.1 percent from net income of $859.1 million in the same period of 2015.

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First Trust has cut its branch numbers to 30 across Northern Ireland, and reduced its headcount from around 1,200 to 700 staff

There are fears First Trust could shut branches across Northern Ireland as part of a review of its banking operations here, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.

An internal bank memo says it will assess and determine the optimal branch footprint for its business here.

And the Financial Services Union (FSU) says it is concerned about the implications the review will have for both staff, customers and branches.

First Trust has cut its branch numbers to 30 across Northern Ireland, and reduced its headcount from around 1,200 to 700 staff.

And its understood the FSU has written to its members, addressing its concerns over what the review could mean for staff.

In a letter to members, it says Brendan OConnor, managing director of First Trusts parent company AIB Group (UK), held a conference call with its committee where he outlined how he and his leadership team intended to review the future structure of First Trust bank over the coming months.

It says management will engage with the union to agree how best to implement the recommendations of the review.

It comes after First Trusts boss in Northern Ireland, Des Moore, said he couldnt rule out further branch closures here.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph in January, he said: You couldnt (rule it out).

The business model would always be under review. The Northern Ireland banking market is extremely competitive. You have to make sure all facets of your operation are done on an optimum cost basis.

Larry Broderick, general secretary of the FSU, confirmed it has advised its members that First Trust Bank plans to review its future structure.

Given the recent announcement by Bank of Ireland to close more than 20% of its branch network in Northern Ireland, we are concerned about the implications the review will have for both staff, customers and branches.

This issue is not, however, just about individual bank branches  it is about the provision of vital banking services in local communities throughout Northern Ireland. This is something which requires a wider political and societal discussion.

Accessible banking services are vital for small businesses, those with little or no access to online services and those who prefer to do their business in person.

A spokesman for First Trust Bank said: We continually keep our operations in all markets under review to ensure we are operating effectively and efficiently as possible.

Just last week, Bank of Ireland revealed its shutting eight locations across Northern Ireland  almost a quarter of its 36 branches.

The recent closure of the Belleek branch in Co Fermanagh was also branded a blow to the local community, as it was the last bank branch open in the village.

Bank of Ireland says the closures will happen on a phased basis commencing late autumn 2016.
The artists impression of the new 30m headquarters of Allstate in Belfast

Insurance giant Allstate has broken ground on its new 30m headquarters in Belfast, which will house the firm's 1,300 staff.

The six-storey building will be based close to Central Station in the city centre, and will create 150 construction jobs over the next two years.

The development will feature sociable working spaces, a restaurant, outdoor terrace and software development labs.

US-owned Allstate bought the land from Belfast City Council last year in a deal worth approximately 1.7m.

The office building is being developed by architects WDR & RT Taggart in partnership with Newry construction company O'Hare & McGovern.

Allstate NI is the largest IT employer in Northern Ireland and has offices in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane.

It was set up in 1998 as Northbrook Technology, before being re-branded 10 years later under the Allstate banner.

The Northern Ireland company provides software development services and business solutions for its parent firm.

Visiting the new site in Belfast yesterday, Allstate's executive vice-president Suren Gupta said Northern Ireland was "an excellent source for talent, and the Allstate NI employees play a vital role in our strategic global technology delivery model".

"Our investment in this new flagship office in Belfast demonstrates our commitment to Northern Ireland," he added.

The area of the site extends to around 1.8 acres to the rear of the former Maysfield Leisure Centre, close to Central Station.

In October, the Belfast Telegraph revealed that call centre firm Concentrix, which is currently converting the nearby Maysfield Leisure Centre into its new base, raised a series of objections to Allstate's plans for headquarters nearby.

Allstate NI's managing director John Healy said: "The new Belfast office will be a ground-breaking facility for Allstate. The new development increases the size of our current Belfast office and gives us the opportunity to create an inspirational working space fit for a world-class technology organisation with a commitment to innovation, imagination and building digital technology of the future."

Also attending yesterday's official start of work on the new office was Economy Minister Simon Hamilton, who said the firm had been "a significant part of the business landscape here for almost 20 years".

"It's great to see that the company is continuing to invest in Northern Ireland," he added.

"The fact that they are choosing to locate this impressive headquarters in Belfast demonstrates confidence in our highly educated workforce, competitive cost base and our research and development capability.

"This is further proof that Northern Ireland is an attractive base for award-winning international companies.

"My number one priority is to attract more and better jobs to Northern Ireland. I want our brightest and best young people to be able to find their dream job here rather than having to leave in search of work."

Meanwhile, Concentrix has started work on its own office building nearby at Maysfield Leisure Centre.

The new base, which is located a short distance away from their current offices, will accommodate up to 1,600 staff.

The company is expected to continue to grow its workforce over the next couple of years.

The new building is the first to be wholly owned by the US business in Belfast. Concentrix first set up in the city in 2011 after it bought Gem, a Northern Ireland call centre company that was co-founded by Philip Cassidy in 2000.

At the time, the firm employed approximately 700 people. Since then, Concentrix has more than doubled that workforce.

That is also expected to increase with the company's new base.
Pete Boyle and Belfast Lord Mayor Brian Kingston as high-street retailer PANDORA celebrates new beginnings in Northern Ireland with the official opening of its flagship concept store in Belfast. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

High-street retailer PANDORA celebrates new beginnings in Northern Ireland with the official opening of its flagship concept store in Belfast. Pete Boyle, franchise owner of PANDORA Belfast and chief executive of Argento pictured at the new store. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Pete Boyle, franchise owner of PANDORA Belfast and chief executive of Argento and his wife Ciara are pictured at the new store. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Pandora has opened a new store in Belfast city centre, making it the largest outlet in Ireland.

The store is located in Cornmarket, with the smaller Pandora outlet on William Street, Victoria Square closing as part of the move.

The move has generated five full-time permanent jobs as well as opportunities for seasonal staff.

A special customer launch will take place on Saturday at the store starting at midday.

The first 100 customers through the door will receive a free Pandora bracelet.

Franchise owner Pete Boyle said: As a city, Belfast is a thriving shopping destination so the opening of our flagship store at Cornmarket will really amplify our position in Northern Ireland as a leading jewellery brand.

We had set our sights on the opening of a mega store for some time now so we are proud to make this a reality having signed a ten year lease. The sheer size of the outlet will allow us to offer an unrivalled customer experience in addition to being able to attract visiting tourists.

Belfast Lord Mayor Brian Kingston said it was a "delight" to officially open the flagship store.

He said: "The megastore is a fantastic asset to the high street and demonstrates the confidence investors are having in our city by committing to long term leases and the creation of jobs.

Revitalising Belfast's city centre is a priority for the council and I am pleased that a store opening of this size will continue to increase the footfall to the Cornmarket area.

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Stephen FitzPatrick, from Pandora, said: The opening of our new Belfast store will further strengthen our brand presence in the region, whilst communicating our focus on expanding our branded sales network within Ireland. The store will allow us to continue to drive our mission to become the worlds most loved jewellery brand
More than 200,000 people have taken advantage of new pension freedoms since they were introduced last year, new figures show.

The Treasury said a total of 232,000 people have benefited from flexible access to their pension pots following the Government's reforms.

In the second quarter of 2016 the number peaked at 159,000; however, this was partly down to the introduction of compulsory reporting in the industry in April.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Simon Kirby said: "It's only right that people should have a choice over what they do with their money and today's figures show that pension freedoms continue to be a popular choice.

"Our pension reforms have already given hundreds of thousands of people access and responsibility over their hard-earned savings and we will continue to make sure that the pension freedoms work well for everyone."

The new freedoms give people aged 55 and over a wider range of choices over how they use their pension pot, rather than being required to buy a retirement income called an annuity.

The Government is planning to extend the freedoms further from April 2017, giving millions more people the ability to sell income from their annuities, subject to agreement from their provider.

It has also announced plans to protect consumers by capping early exit fees and allowing earlier access to the Government's free guidance service Pension Wise.

It comes after the Pensions Regulator this week said pension saving is becoming "the norm", with two-thirds (66%) of employees now active members of a pension scheme, compared with just 47% in 2012.

But a former pensions minister warned that many of the six million people who have automatically enrolled in a workplace pension are saving far short of what they will need when they retire.

Steve Webb, now director of policy at Royal London, said the contributions must be increased to a "realistic level" urgently.

Under the automatic enrolment scheme, employees contribute a portion of their wages into their pension, with contributions also coming from employers as well as tax relief.

The minimum contributions are due to be gradually phased upwards.
The company offers a range of routes, taking in Cork, the Cliffs of Moher, Westport, Dublin, Belfast, Bushmills and the Giants Causeway

There could be caviar for breakfast and a private tour of Titanic Belfast.

And when you are not sightseeing, you will be reclining on some Antrim-crafted seating on Ireland's answer to the Orient Express.

If you have more than 2,600 to spare, that is.

Craftsmen at Antrim fit-out company Mivan have completed work on a 2.5m project to upgrade former Irish Rail carriages into cabins worthy of a 3,160 (2,645) price tag.

That is the cost - per person - of a two-night trip branded The Realm of Giants by luxury travel company Belmond.

The journey starts in Dublin, heads up north for a private tour of Titanic Belfast, and then makes for Bushmills and the stunning Giant's Causeway.

By way of comparison, just under 2,000 can buy you five nights off-season in Dubai's luxury Palm Hotel - and that is including flights.

Punters interested in Belmond's offer will travel on the Grand Hibernian train, which yesterday made the journey from Mivan's Antrim HQ to Dublin.

Simon Calder, travel correspondent at the Independent newspaper, said wealthy Americans, Asians and Australians, rather than the home traveller, were Belmond's likely targets.

He added that the price tag of more than 1,000 per day was similar to that found on Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient Express, and the Blue Train tour, a luxury route in South Africa.

"The sort of people who are doing this have plenty of disposable income and are not price-sensitive," Mr Calder explained. "It can actually be quite difficult to spend lots of money on luxury travel, short of chartering a private jet. But these are people, most likely rich Americans, who will think nothing of spending up to $4,000 on this kind of journey.

"They'll be thinking: 'So long as Belmond takes care of us and gives us every possibly luxury, we don't mind the cost.'"

A five-day, four-night trip taking in Cork, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and Westport, costs 5,420 (4,537) per person. A six-night tour adding a longer stay in Dublin and a visit to Northern Ireland costs 7,772 (6,506) per person.

Menus and wine lists are yet to be announced, but Belmond will reveal within the next few weeks the name of a famous chef who will prepare the meals.

A description of the Realm of Giants tour explains that passengers can expect "leisurely breakfasts" and "sumptuous dinners" - and on the second night their dinner will be served amid the backdrop of a traditional Irish music session.

With smoked salmon, eggs, truffles and caviar available for breakfast on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, expectations will be high for the Grand Hibernian.

Mr Calder said he was already a fan of our rail offering, even without the extras planned by Belmond.

"I love the value on Northern Ireland Railways, in particular the 22 family and friends tickets that gets up to six people anywhere by train (or bus) in the country for a day," he said.

"In comparison, the Grand Hibernian is more than 100 times more expensive, but I have no doubt that there will be takers.

"Belmond is a company with a good, strong brand in the luxury market, and this will attract rich individuals from North America, Asia and Australia. Besides the short-term gains, it should bring longer-term benefits once people discover the warm welcome and fabulous attractions of Northern Ireland."

Mivan factory supervisor Jonny Boyle, from Glenarm, Co Antrim, said the Belmond job was one of the most complicated projects he had worked on in his 14 years at the company.

"We're used to doing this type of thing for luxury cruise ships, but this time we were working in a corridor of just 600m while everything from the electrics to plumbing was going on," he added. "From the word go, everything - the en suites, desks, beds - was five-star, but it's nothing we're not used to."
Cara Delevingne got the biggest cheer from the audience for her Drop The Mic rapping on The Late Late Show

Cara Delevingne could have a rap career ahead of her after winning a vicious battle with Dave Franco and James Corden on the British host's The Late Late Show.

The model-turned-actress took chunks out of her opponents as the trio traded insults on everything from famous older siblings, acting ability and Corden's weight in a rap segment called Drop The Mic.

Corden took the microphone first, taunting Now You See Me 2 star Franco that they actually meant to book his more successful actor brother James, before turning his acid tongue on Delevingne and her new film.

"You're perfect for Suicide Squad - I'm being heartfelt, because when I see you act, it makes me want to kill myself," he rapped.

She shot back: "You'll kill yourself, you promise, is that a fact? I've never heard a better reason for me to act."

Referencing her friend Taylor Swift, Franco, 31, said he hoped there would not be bad blood after he rhymed:"You think you're an actor, in movies right now, t rying to hide an accent thicker than your eyebrow."

He continued: "You're real famous now but the comedown will be hellish. You're not a household name because no one can f****** spell it."

As the rounds went on, Delevingne, 23, kept the abuse coming, bringing both boys down with a jab at their love lives.

"You're both shorter than me and I think that you'll find, I've hooked up with hotter girls than both of you combined," she spat.

Corden did not escape either, and was labelled a "less talented, much fatter Mr Bean" and "a sad, bloated James Bond" by Franco.

But the 37-year-old presenter cut both of them down to size, calling Delevingne a "copy" of older sister Poppy.

"You and Dave have one thing in common, you're only famous now because your older sibling's awesome," Corden jeered.

It was left to the audience to decide the winner, and the loudest cheers rang out for Delevingne, who grabbed all three microphones and dropped them to the floor in triumph.
Alexis Conran is among those in the Celebrity Masterchef final (BBC)

Louise Minchin, Jimmy Osmond and Alexis Conran have made it into the Celebrity Masterchef final.

Sid Owen was eliminated from the BBC cookery programme at the end of Thursday night's show after failing to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace, as well as four restaurant critics.

The former EastEnders actor presented guest judges Grace Dent, Toby Young, Richard Vines and Joe Warwick with gazpacho soup with crab on toast followed by a dish of halibut, two cauliflower purees and vegetables.

Owen's starter was not well-received, with Dent commenting "there's no place in civilised society for cold soup".

The actor's second plate of food also failed to impress the critics, with Young commenting: "We don't need two cauliflower purees."

Torode said that the fish dish "needed seasoning" and Wallace agreed, adding that "there wasn't any cooking" involved.

Following his exit from the competition, Owen said he was "proud" to make it so far.

He said: "I've got to take my hat off to the other three, they're really good cooks."

The final of Celebrity Masterchef will see Minchin, Osmond and Conran take part in the Chef's Table challenge, hosted by Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar at Benares restaurant.

They will have to impress some of the UK's top chefs with their food, including Cyrus Todiwala, Alyn Williams and Ed Baines.

The final task will be to cook a three-course meal for Torode and Wallace in order for them to choose the champion.

:: The Celebrity Masterchef final airs on BBC One on Friday at 8.30pm.
Roger Daltrey said fans of The Who will have something special to look forward to at rescheduled concerts

Frontman Roger Daltrey has promised fans of The Who "something special to look forward to" after the band's UK tour was postponed.

Five show dates due to take place in Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Sheffield and Birmingham in August and September have now been pushed back to 2017.

The band said it was to coincide with two shows at London's Royal Albert Hall in honour of the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT).

Speaking on a visit to a new TCT unit in Glasgow on Thursday, the charity's honorary patron Daltrey said: "We postponed it so we can do the Albert Hall next year because we want to do two shows for charity.

"Half of our band live in America now as well, so it made sense to have the shows together."

The rescheduled shows will have a new set including an acoustic version of rock opera Tommy.

Daltrey added: "We want to change the show a bit so it gives us a chance to do that. It'll be something special to look forward to."

Tickets for the cancelled shows will be valid for the new dates while refunds are being offered for those who cannot make the new dates.
One of the most common sexual positions has also been deemed the most dangerous by a group of scientists

The woman-on-top position was held responsible for half of all penile fractures sustained during intercourse in cases recorded at three hospitals, according to researchers in Brazil.

Scientists say this may be because the woman controls the penis with her entire body weight landing on it and is unable to interrupt it when it suffers a wrong way penetration.

The harm is usually minor for her and with no pain, but major for the penis. Positions involving the woman on all-fours were also involved in 29 per cent of fractures.

Meanwhile, the safest position in the bedroom was revealed as the man-on-top or missionary position.

The authors examined the cases of the 44 men who attended three hospitals in the city of Campinas, Brazil, with a suspected fractured penis over a thirteen year period. Forty-two of the cases were confirmed by doctors.

Twenty-eight fractures were sustained during heterosexual sex, four during homosexual sex, six after penis manipulation and four in circumstances which remain unclear.

Half of the patients described hearing an audible crack and feeling pain after the incident. Most attended hospital within the next five or six hours.

The authors noted that the injury is relatively uncommon and can cause embarrassment among those who do suffer a fractured penis, meaning they often put off seeking medical treatment.

The paper concluded: "Our study supports the fact that sexual intercourse with 'woman on top' is the potentially riskiest sexual position related to penile fracture.

"When the man is controlling the movement, he has better chances of stopping the penetration energy in response to the pain related to the penis harm, minimising it."

The study was first published in the journal Advances in Urology in April 2014

Source Irish Independent
A Co Tyrone mum has released a heartbreaking video of her 10-year-old son suffering a seizure in a bid to save his life.

Charlotte Caldwell took the difficult decision to film Billy in an attempt to raise enough money to pay for potentially life- saving treatment for the youngster.

The mother, from Castlederg, hopes the harrowing footage will reveal the reality of living with severe epilepsy and encourage people to donate to her cause.

Billy has intractable epilepsy and is status epileptic, meaning he could die at any time as a result of his seizures.

Charlotte (48) said: "I love him and I'm just trying to save him."

Billy began to suffer seizures when he was just 14 weeks old. At his worst, he had more than 100 every day.

He was just a baby when doctors in Belfast told Charlotte there was nothing more they could do to help and said to take him home to die.

However, she refused to accept the prognosis and instead launched a fundraising campaign to take him to America for specialist treatment.

Mother and son spent two years in Chicago, and Billy made an incredible recovery before returning to the UK, where he underwent more intensive therapy at a hospital in Oxford for a further two years.

After four years away from friends and family, Charlotte and her son returned to Northern Ireland and continued with their lives.

However, just over a month ago, Billy's condition took a turn for the worse, leaving him suffering a growing number of potentially deadly seizures.

Charlotte said: "From my perspective, every time he has a seizure I wonder if he is going to come out of it or if it will be the seizure that kills him.

"I'm upset because I never anticipated that we would be back in the same situation where I am doing everything I can to keep him alive and to stop him from becoming disabled.

"He won last time and beat his seizures, and it's like round two for him.

"I'm upset because the services still aren't here in Northern Ireland to help him.

"I suppose I took it for granted that while his seizures were controlled that if he got ill again the help would be there, but that isn't the case.

"When he has a seizure now, I'm holding my breath to see whether he comes out of it."

Charlotte also revealed that as well as increasing in number, the seizures were additionally growing in duration.

Just a few nights ago, her son suffered the worst attack he has experienced in years, and Charlotte was moments away from ringing 999.

"He sleeps in bed with me because they could happen at any time, and I don't think I ever drop into a deep sleep because I'm always on edge," the anxious mum explained.

"I will drift off and then panic and jump up and touch him to make sure he's still alive. I'm terrified he's going to die and I don't even realise."

Charlotte is trying to raise 300,000 to take Billy back to the same hospital in Chicago where he received treatment after doctors in Belfast sent him home to die when he was a baby.

"It was a hard decision to film one of Billy's seizures, but I want people to see what it is really like," she said.

"Billy has a good quality of life. Despite everything, he can still walk and he enjoys things like horse-riding, but I can already see him getting worse with the seizures. Any one of them could kill him and I am just terrified that I'm going to lose him." To make a donation to help pay for Billy's treatment, visit the Keep Billy Alive 2 Facebook or Just Giving pages.

To find more about how to support the campaign, email keepbillyalive2@yahoo.com or ring 07540 356 389; 07968 508 250; 07749 315 345 or 07899 910 358
The boy's mother wept as the alleged offences were read out.

An alleged professional teenage shoplifter has been refused bail to protect storekeepers in Belfast, a judge ruled today.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified, steals to order in return for cash to fund his drug habit, police claimed.

He appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court charged with committing 14 offences in a four-month crime spree on Thursday.

The youth allegedly stole tanning products, quantities of meat, cheese, laundry detergent, fabric softener and deodorant from convenience stores, chemists and a service station in the city.

His 12 alleged thefts, between April 7 and July 22, involve goods with a total value of 956.

Two further counts of going equipped for theft with a large black hold-all were also put to him.

Standing outside the dock, the teenager spoke only to confirm he understood the charges, replying: "Yes."

Beside him his mother wept as the alleged offences were read out.

An investigating police officer strongly opposed bail being granted to the accused.

"He would be described as a professional shoplifter," she claimed.

"He steals to order and uses the money to go out and buy drugs."

The officer contended that the shoplifting had inflicted considerable loss on local businesses.

"His mother is at her wits end," she added.

Denying bail, District Judge Liam McNally held that it was one of the rare cases where a defendant under 18 should be kept in custody.

"I'm quite satisfied I would be failing in my duty (if I released you)," he told the youth.

"The shopkeepers in this town would be at risk of losing further property."

The accused was remanded into the juvenile justice centre to appear again before Belfast Youth Court next week.
The owners of a dog saved from destruction after authorities ruled he was a pit bull, but not a dangerous one, have said they are over the moon with delight.

Leonard Collins and Joanne Meadows spearheaded a high-profile campaign to secure the release of their beloved Hank after Belfast City Council removed him from his home.

Two weeks on, the council has announced that while an expert has assessed the pet to be a "pit bull terrier type" he does not pose a risk to the public.

It has recommended that Hank is exempted from the dangerous dogs legislation that requires the destruction of specific breed types. The recommendation has to go before a judge for approval next Tuesday. If the expected approval is granted, Hank will be returned home.

"We are delighted, we are over the moon," said Mr Collins.

"We would dispute the findings that Hank is a pit bull but obviously that will come another day, we are just very happy that the council have agreed with us that he is not a dangerous dog and that he's a family pet - a much-loved pet - and that he can come home."

Mr Collins said while he was overjoyed at Hank's reprieve, he still was determined to challenge the legislation under which he was originally seized.

An on-line "Save Hank" petition had secured almost 285,000 signatures before Thursday's announcement by the council, while a Just Giving legal fighting fund had raised around 19,000.

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell and boxer Carl Frampton were among those who backed Hank's campaign. Mr Collins and Ms Meadows, who insisted Hank was a Staffie/Lab cross, also appeared on nationwide media, including ITV's This Morning show, to highlight their case.

Mr Collins, a 33-year-old student, said he wanted to explore the possibility of using the money raised to launch a challenge against Stormont's breed-specific dangerous dog legislation.

"Now it becomes about using the momentum and the clear support that there is and clear belief that the public has that BSL (breed specific legislation) is flawed and using that to force change, that's what we are determined to do," he said.

"We can't in all good conscience accept the help we have received and then decide this fight isn't for us. We are determined."

He said he had concerns about conceding in court next week that Hank was a pit bull.

"In order to get Hank home we feel we have no choice, but we are now looking at the legalities of agreeing to it, but then challenging it later on," he said.

A rally organised by Hank's owners against dangerous dogs legislation is set to go ahead next Sunday.

"Now it looks like Hank will be able to attend himself," said Mr Collins.

Announcing the decision on Hank's fate, a Belfast City Council spokesman said: "It is anticipated that this matter will be brought through the courts as quickly as possible, following agreement from all parties on the recommended conditions, enabling Hank to be returned to his owners.

"He will remain within the council's care until then and we again reassure all those who expressed an interest in Hank's welfare that his needs are being met, and will continue to be met, during this time."

In response, the Save Hank Facebook page simply stated: #hanksbeensaved.

The council spokesman said the dog expert had identified "some behavioural issues" with Hank but he said the council believed those could be addressed through "additional training".

He added: "The council has a statutory responsibility to protect the health and safety of the public by carrying out its duties under the current breed specific legislation, which is set by the Northern Ireland Assembly and not Belfast City Council. This involves following the legally accepted assessment process to determine whether a dog is a banned breed and, if so, whether they pose a danger to the public."

The spokesman said 12 of 13 dogs assessed by the council to be pit bulls since 2011 had been exempted and returned to their owners.

In 2012, a family pet called Lennox was put down after the council determined it was a pit bull. The destruction came after a high-profile, two-year legal fight by the dog's owners.

Indicating the extent to which the story has penetrated the local news agenda, the council decision was met by almost immediate statements from senior politicians.

Democratic Unionist MP Gavin Robinson, who represents the east Belfast constituency where Hank was seized, said: "I am pleased that a positive outcome has been reached in this case. I know how stressful it has been for the family over the last number of weeks, but it appears the council have been working through the necessary systems as quickly as possible."

Alliance Party deputy leader Naomi Long said the case demonstrated the need to change laws surrounding dangerous dogs.

"As a dog owner, I know only too well the suffering Hank's owners Leonard and Joanne must have gone through since he was taken from them," she said.

"I have been in contact with them and know they will be absolutely delighted by this news.

"I have long argued for the need to change breed-specific legislation and indeed remove it entirely if possible. The focus should be on the deed, not the breed. It is not acceptable that a dog who has now been found to be no threat to the public could have potentially been put to sleep because of an outdated law."
Leonard Collins and Joanne Meadows at home after their dog Hank was seized by Belfast City Council

Leonard Collins and Joanne Medows from east Belfast after they found out that their pet dog Hank has been saved. Pic by Peter Morrison

Hank, the dog isolated from his owners after it was seized by Belfast City Council, does not pose a risk to the public and looks set to be returned to his owners.

Leonard Collins and Joanne Meadows spearheaded a high-profile campaign to secure the release of their beloved Hank after Belfast City Council removed him from his home.

Two weeks on, the council has announced that while an expert has assessed the pet to be a "pit bull terrier type" he does not pose a risk to the public.

The council has recommended that Hank is exempted under dangerous dogs legislation. The recommendation has to go before a judge for approval. If the expected approval is granted, Hank will be returned home.

An assessment of the animal concluded that although it was a 'Pitbull Terrier type' it's behaviour indicates that it is not a risk.

It means the 23-month-old family pet can be returned to his owners following court approval.

Leonard and Joanne said they are delighted he is coming home.

Leonard said: "He is more than a pet - he's my best friend and it'll mean so much to have him home."

Belfast City Council said in a statement: "Hank first came to the attention of the council due to concerned members of the public raising a welfare issue. He has displayed some behavioural issues but, having worked with him since he was taken into our possession, and, in light of the expert opinion received, we believe these can be addressed through additional training.

"Subject to this court approval, and with the agreement of his owners, Hank will be the 12th dog to be placed on the exemption register and returned to their owner by the council since 2011, out of 13 dogs assessed to be pit bull types during this period.

"All 12 have had conditions attached to their return which are aimed at addressing issues of public safety."

A post on the Save Hank Facebook page said: "We have received word from Belfast City Council that their assessment has concluded.

"They have deemed Hank to be 'Pitbull Terrier type' but his 'temperament is such that it does not pose a risk to the public'. The court hearing for the exemption order is set for next Tuesday.

"Effectively this means that Hank will almost certainly come home on Tuesday!!"

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Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Hank the dog with owner Joanne Meadows Leonard Collins with his dog Hank, who was seized by authorities amid claims that he looks like a pit bull (Leonard Collins/Joanne Meadows/PA) Hank with his owner Joanne Meadows Leonard Collins and Joanne Meadows at home after their dog Hank was seized by Belfast City Council Kevin Scott / Presseye Hank as a pup / Facebook

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It is understood canine expert Peter Tallack flew to Belfast from England on Wednesday and inspected Hank to determine whether or not he is a pit bull.

The council added: "It is anticipated that this matter will be brought through the courts as quickly as possible, following agreement from all parties on the recommended conditions, enabling Hank to be returned to his owners.

"He will remain within the councils care until then and we again reassure all those who expressed an interest in Hanks welfare that his needs are being met, and will continue to be met, during this time.

"The council has a statutory responsibility to protect the health and safety of the public by carrying out its duties under the current breed specific legislation, which is set by the Northern Ireland Assembly and not Belfast City Council. This involves following the legally accepted assessment process to determine whether a dog is a banned breed and, if so, whether they pose a danger to the public."

Hank was seized by the council two weeks ago after being reported because he "looked like a pit bull".

A petition in support of his release gathered more than 275,000 signatures.

Among those backing the campaign are X Factor host Dermot O'Leary and celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell.

The family have asked for people to update their Facebook status to #savehank on Thursday to show their support for the campaign.

Meanwhile, figures have shown that the vast majority of suspected illegal dogs in Northern Ireland prove not to be banned breeds.

Councils investigated more than 240 cases in the last four years.

Yet just four - one in every 60 - ended with the dog having to be destroyed.

Most cases resulted in the animal being cleared.

The figures, revealed in an Assembly question, lend weight to claims that councils are taking an over-zealous approach to family pets.

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt has also thrown his weight behind the campaign.

Mr Nesbitt said the legislation in Northern Ireland is flawed.

"This represents the ugly and deeply unfortunate consequences of Northern Ireland continuing to implement the flawed and archaic breed-specific legislation which we have been calling to be reviewed or scrapped for some time," he said.

Mr Nesbitt added: "The old fashioned and prescriptive thinking that all dogs of a certain breed are dangerous is incompatible for 2016."

Statistics obtained by the UUP via Assembly questions show that between 2011 and 2015 councils investigated some 243 dogs.

Most were cleared. Thirteen were seized and 13 were voluntarily surrendered. Just four were destroyed after being deemed a banned breed.

Mr Nesbitt added: "My party has been able to reveal that dozens of dogs are investigated each year, with over 240 suspected banned or prohibited being affected over the last four years. The vast majority of these have been cleared early on, with most of those seized or voluntarily surrendered dogs also being returned to their owners.

"That clearly illustrates why the breed-specific legislation is no longer fit for purpose."

Mr Nesbitt said the UUP was considering a Private Members Bill to repeal the Dangerous Dogs Order 1991.

Owners Leonard Collins and Joanne Meadows claim he is a staffie-labrador cross, and has never shown aggressive behaviour. A Save Hank Facebook page has more than 70,000 followers and a fundraising page set up to help pay legal costs has so far raised over 18,000.

Belfast City Council statement on Wednesday

Belfast City Council wishes to clarify some matters in relation to the case of Hank the dog.

The council has a statutory duty to enforce breed specific legislation, which is not set by us, but by the Northern Ireland Executive. Our principal duty in relation to this legislation is protecting the health and safety of the public, a duty carried out across the city by our dedicated and experienced officers.

Under the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 as amended, both the dogs characteristics and behaviour must be assessed to determine whether it is a banned breed and, if so, whether it poses a danger to the public.

A full assessment is being undertaken to ascertain whether Hank is a pitbull terrier type dog, which are banned under the legislation.

The legally accepted test is by way of assessment against a breed standard, partly due to the fact that it is recognized that DNA testing is not an adequate indicator to assess this type of dog. The assessment is a two-part test, in relation to both Hanks physical characteristics and his behaviour.

We acknowledge the interest expressed in Hanks case and are working very hard to complete this assessment, using appropriate experts, as quickly as possible; we will, of course, inform Hanks owners of the outcome of this assessment as soon as it has been completed.

There are three options open to the council:

if the dog is not a banned breed, i.e. a pit bull terrier type, it is returned to its owner;



if the dog is deemed to be of a banned breed, but judged not to be dangerous, it may, with court approval and conditions attached, be placed on the councils exemption scheme and returned to its owner, with conditions attached which the owner must comply with; or



if the dog is deemed to be of a banned breed, i.e. a pit bull terrier type, and judged to present a danger to the public, the matter is referred to the courts for a magistrate to decide whether a destruction order should be issued.

Some coverage of this case has omitted any reference to the behavioral part of the assessment, creating the impression that a finding that Hank is a pit bull terrier type will inevitably result in him having to be euthanized.

This however is not the case. Since an exemption scheme became available, the council has been able to return ten out of the eleven dogs it has found to be pit bull types to their owner, under appropriate conditions sanctioned by the courts.

Welfare

Hank is being well looked after, and his medical and dietary needs are continuing to be met.

All animals in our care are kept in DAERA-approved facilities. Hank has been attended daily to facilitate settling in, and his welfare is also being met through veterinary examinations, and the use of toys and bedding, supplied by his owners.

While we were unable to walk him initially during the settling in period, staff have worked very hard to build a sound relationship with Hank, and he is now being walked, with staff hoping to continue this on a daily basis.

Visits from dog owners are not permitted  this is to help with the settling in process, and to ensure the security of all those animals in our care, as well as the health and safety of staff.

We have written to Hanks owners to update them on his current welfare, and clarify the assessment process. We have also explained that we will continue to keep them informed, via their legal representatives, about the outcome of his assessment and what option we intend to pursue, once this has been completed.

Feedback

The council has received a large volume of correspondence in relation to this issue. As the assessment process is still ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further on specific details of this case.

All feedback has been received and logged, but it is our priority, as well as our responsibility, to ensure that we carry out our duties under the current legislation, as well as maintaining our duty of care towards staff employed to carry out these duties, and continuing to provide a good level of service to our ratepayers.

Social media, in particular, has become a key means of updating people about, and responding to queries in relation to all our services and facilities, and we will continue to apply our house rules to these channels in order to provide our usual service.

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The funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

The funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

The funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

The funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

The funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

The funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

Cliodhan Maire McStravick (Orange Dress) carries a picture of her mum as the funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

The funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

Cliodhan Maire McStravick (Orange Dress) carries a picture of her mum as the funeral of Michelle McStravick takes place at St MacNissi's church in Randalstown on July 28 2016 ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph )

Mourners at the funeral of a mother killed in a car crash in Co Antrim have been told of the "tremendous legacy" she leaves behind.

Michelle McStravick (35) and Lorraine Clyde (56), from the Antrim area, both died in the crash on Monday morning in Randalstown.

It is understood both women worked as care assistants for Homecare Independent Living in Coleraine.

Michelle's funeral took place today at St MacNissi's Church in Randalstown.

Lorraine's funeral service will be held at St Comgall's Church in Antrim on Friday leaving her The Meadows home at noon. It will then proceed to Roselawn Crematorium for 2.30pm.

Michelle had a teenage daughter and was also a popular fitness competitor, winning trophies for body-building.

Addressing Michelle's daughter Cliodhan during the homily, Fr Diarmuid Sheehan said her mother left behind a "living legacy".

She was urged to "remember the special times with your mother, and recall them often in your heart as you might look at a special photograph".

He said: "Certainly there were things your mother wanted to do on earth that she was not given the time to do. Yet she leaves a tremendous legacy. Not only the legacy of how she touched so many peoples lives, But You, Cliodhan, are the main legacy, you are a living legacy.

"There's something of your mother in you; in who you are, in how you act, in what you say. It is true you are your own unique person, yes, but you, are very much your mother's daughter. That resemblance, that heritage, is a blessing.

"Your mother I am sure had dreams and hopes for you. Like any loving parent, she wanted your life to be even better, happier, and more complete than her own. I'm sure she also had dreams and hopes for herself and looked forward to a long life.

"Cliodhna, by the way you live your life, by living with honour, compassion, and joy, you can realise the dreams your mother had for you and even the dreams she had for herself.

"You are her legacy, and a wonderful legacy you are and will be. Live your life well. With your grandfather and grandmother to help you, I know you will be supported in their great love for you."

Fr Diarumuid told the congregation how the need for an explanation is "natural and normal" and how it is at the forefront of their minds.

He said: "It demonstrates how we wanted, how we expected Michelle to continue as our companion on life's journey for many, many years to come.

"A death like this slaps us in the face, and we want an explanation.

"We want to know who's responsible, who's to blame, who's the bad person in the picture. We want rationality, cause and effect, a fair universe, even if we must bear the guilt ourselves.

"We want answers, solutions. We want to figure out this loss, make sense of it, and get under control what feels to us so painfully out of control.

"No doubt each of us here has felt this struggle inside us somewhere along this road of grief, and there may be people here who feel this terrible struggle now.

"The loss tastes bitter in our mouths, in our hearts, and rightly we revolt against it, we demand an explanation, even from God. Maybe we are told that what afflicts us, this grief that has attached to it a beloved name and face, is part of the human condition, evidence of a flawed universe, a world radically incomplete.

"We know this. But in all this we find precious little comfort."

He urged those present to "live each day to the full".

He said: "Finally a word to all of us, myself included. For all of us and in particular you her friends, her peer group, todays tragic loss is also an occasion for us to examine our own lives. None of us know the day or the hour death will come knocking on our door. This shouldn't frighten us but what it could do is to encourage us to live each day to the full. To be attentive to our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

He added: "And in the meantime as we await our own homecoming to heaven, I leave the last word to one of Michelles quotes: You have to take the good with the bad, smile when you are sad, love what you have got and remember what you had"

Heartfelt messages and flowers were placed at the junction of the Church Road and the Moneyrod Road in Randalstown, where the tragedy happened.
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland recommended the disciplinary action after investigating a complaint made by the boy's mother

A police officer has been disciplined after a complaints watchdog found he did "virtually nothing" for almost a year to investigate a serious assault on a schoolboy.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland recommended the disciplinary action after investigating a complaint made by the boy's mother.

Ombudsman investigators found the officer made some initial inquiries but then "failed to progress the case in any significant way for 10 months".

The watchdog said the officer could provide "no valid reason" for his inaction.

In the wake of the 2014 assault, which left the Co Down schoolboy with a broken front tooth, a suspected broken wrist, a black eye and bruising, his mother made repeated attempts to contact the investigating officer, with no success.

She told the Ombudsman she tried the number he had given her, and left a message, but received no reply.

She later tried to contact him via the PSNI's non-emergency 101 number, which she called three times.

The woman still received no response, despite the call handler advising during the third call that the officer's sergeant would be informed.

Only once during this 10-month period did she manage to speak to the officer. That was when he returned a call after she learned that he had failed to submit paperwork relating to the case.

When questioned by the Ombudsman's team about the complaint, the officer said he had been busy with a number of other cases and had, on occasions, been extracted from his investigative role to perform other duties.

He also claimed he had forgotten the password for his answerphone and had not used that number for a long time. However, he did accept he had received one message which he failed to reply to.

A Police Ombudsman investigator said it was "unacceptable" that the officer had provided the boy's mother with a contact number that he did not use.

When asked why it had taken almost a year for him to secure consent to access the boy's medical and dental records, the officer said he had forgotten about it. He also admitted incorrectly dating a statement taken from the boy.

The Ombudsman's office said the PSNI had implemented a recommendation to discipline the officer.
Members of elite counter-terror units, including the Garda emergency response unit and the Army Ranger Wing, as well as other key components, like the military ordnance section, have been training together on how to combat the jihadi threat

Garda and military intelligence units have increased their monitoring of suspected Isis sympathisers based in the Republic of Ireland in an attempt to prevent the spread of violent attacks to the country.

Senior security advisers are particularly concerned at the rise in the number of 'lone wolf' strikes on mainland Europe.

For some time, officers have been convinced that the most likely threat of an international terrorist incident would emerge from a loner who had been radicalised over the internet.

As a result, specialist sections of the Garda and the army have been keeping a close watch on the activities of the listed suspects to determine if they have been involved in either attempting to attract fresh support from vulnerable young people now living here or encouraging others to become involved in violence.

The growing frequency of the attacks in countries such as France and Germany is also being kept under review by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald and other relevant government ministers.

A spokesperson for Ms Fitzgerald said Ireland "cannot consider itself immune from the threat posed by international terrorism and extremism.

"There is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism. The level of threat is kept under constant review by An Garda Siochana, particularly in the light of ongoing developments."

A full-time Garda liaison officer based in Ireland's embassy in Paris is liaising with his French counterparts.

"Combating terrorism is a top priority for the Tanaiste and the additional 55m provided to An Garda Siochana a few weeks ago took into account the extra demands arising from measures to deal with the threat from international terrorism," the spokesperson said.

The threat level in the Republic had been raised from low to moderate early last year in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo murders in Paris.

It has not been changed since then, despite the Bataclan and other attacks on that city in November and subsequent atrocities.

Ireland has vowed to play its part in the EU response to jihadi terrorism and the onus is on the Garda anti-terrorist units and military intelligence to keep a tight watch on the movements and contacts of the small group of Isil supporters based in this country.

Ireland has been used in the past as a base for logistics support, with sympathisers raising funds, providing crucial documentation - such as forged passports and identity cards - and helping al-Qa'ida activists who wanted to lie low for a while.

Gardai are also in regular liaison with their counterparts in both in the UK and continental Europe in relation to tracking the movements of suspects and sharing intelligence.

This sharing played a role in preparing a dossier on a Jordanian man, who has since been deported after he had been deemed to be a focal point for recruiting extremists to fight in Syria.

Security measures already in place at airports and other possible areas for attack have also been put under review and, where deemed necessary, have been reinforced.

Members of elite counter-terror units, including the Garda emergency response unit and the Army Ranger Wing, as well as other key components, like the military ordnance section, have been training together on how to combat the jihadi threat.

An agreement signed by the Department of Justice and the UK Home Office has significantly boosted port security by giving the go-ahead for the exchange of details of passenger lists for all airline and ferry companies operating within the common travel area.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Paul Kehoe has said there is still just "a low to medium" threat from Islamic extremist terrorism here following the "scary" attacks in Europe.

He told the Irish Independent: "We're in a changing world. What we have seen and witnessed both on television screens and written media and radio media over the last few weeks, it's absolutely scary stuff. The world is changing but An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces are very well equipped to deal with whatever eventuality may arise.

"But let me state also that we are at a low to medium risk here. We are an island nation and at the same time we have to be ready for every eventuality.

"We have people assessing this on an ongoing basis with An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces. We are ready for any eventuality that may arise.

"I'm confident of the advice I'm getting from the Defence Forces that we are at a low to medium risk."

Irish Independent
A man has been charged in connection with the murder of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Sinn Fein's former senior administrator turned British agent Donaldson was shot dead at a remote cottage in Doochary, Co Donegal, on April 4, 2006.

On Tuesday two men were arrested in Co Donegal.

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A man in his 70s is due to appear before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Thursday afternoon.

The second man in his 40s has been released without charge. A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Donaldson was a veteran republican who had served in the Maze Prison alongside hunger striker Bobby Sands and was a close confidant of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.

Following devolution, Donaldson went on to become a senior administrator for Sinn Fein at Stormont.

In 2002 he was arrested in a raid on the Sinn Fein offices as part of a PSNI investigation into an alleged republican spy ring.

In 2005 Adams announced to a Press conference that Donaldson had been an informer. He is believed to have been a double agent who had worked for police and MI5 for 20 years.

He was murdered just four months later in Donegal.
Marta Herda told detectives they were constantly arguing about their relationship and that they had been arguing in the car when she drove into the water

Polish waitress Marta Herda has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering the man by driving him into a deep harbour, where he drowned.

The 29-year-old was a good swimmer and knew that her passenger could not swim, when she drove her Volkswagen Passat through the crash barriers at South Quay, Arklow shortly before 6am on March 26, 2013.

She escaped through the drivers window at the harbour but her colleagues body was found on a nearby beach later that day. A post-mortem exam found that 31-year-old Csaba Orsos died from drowning and not from injuries related to the crash.

The trial heard that the handbrake had been applied before the car entered the water and that the only open window was the drivers.

Ms Herda of Pairc Na Saile, Emoclew Road, Arklow, Co Wicklow was charged with murdering the Hungarian.

She pleaded not guilty and went on trial at the Central Criminal Court earlier this month.

The jury heard that Mr Orsos was in love with her. Herda told gardai that she didnt feel the same way, and that he had spent two years following her, phoning her and sending her messages.

On the day of his drowning, she showed them a love letter he had sent her the previous year. She told detectives they were constantly arguing about their relationship and that they had been arguing in the car when she drove into the water.

Read more

Read More

A security guard had heard the car coming at speed from the town. He said that it had seemed to stop momentarily before picking up again. He heard nothing else for three or four minutes. He then saw and heard a woman screaming as she ran towards the town.

Gardai then found Herda soaking wet and frothing at the mouth a short time later. She told them that there was someone in the water and that they had to help.

The search for her passenger began as she was taken to hospital. She told a paramedic: He shouldnt have been there. I drove the car into the water,. He testified that she was concerned and kept repeating the name, Csaba.

She later told a garda that he was dead because of his love for her. She said it was 24 hours a day and that she couldnt take it anymore.

People think this funny but not for me, she said on the day of the drowning. The second year it no longer funny.

She said that he had got into her car and wanted her to drive to the beach, but that he began screaming at her.

She said she remembered hitting the accelerator.

I feel I have enough of this, she said. I drive to water. I cannot take this anymore.

She said she recalled being under the water.

I screamed his name. I saw ladder and got out, she said.

She was arrested on suspicion of murder more than four months later and denied in garda interviews that she had driven into the water deliberately. She was asked why she had told a garda on the day of the incident: When I drove into the water, I wanted this all to stop.

She replied that she did want it all to stop and for him to leave her alone. She said he had been screaming in the car and shed wanted him to stop.

She said she was hoping to save him if she had seen him in the water. She said she had to fight for her own life under the water.

I would never want to hurt anyone or even to destroy my car, she said.

CCTV footage showed her driving to the part of Arklow where Mr Orsos lived around 5.30am, and a witness heard the driver having a heated argument on the phone. Call records showed that she rang the deceased three times around that time and a postman found his front door wide open later that morning.

Her interviewer put it to her that she had lured him out of his house.

This is horrible, she responded. Everyone is looking at this story from the last few seconds.

She said it had been going on for two years.

Yes, I was stressed and nervous, she said, when asked if the car was going fast.

I didnt want to drive there. It was an accident, she said, explaining that they had been arguing in the car.

I couldnt understand what he was saying and then, bang, she said.

She agreed that he was a nuisance and a pest. She said she had told him she could never be with someone like him because he would lock her somewhere.

Herda turned away from the jury and wept silently as a video was played of the deceased celebrating his last birthday with her and his family in his home.

His brother could be heard telling her that she was his present. She could be heard replying that she had come to warn the deceased that his manager knew he had lied when he had rung in sick.

In his closing speech, the prosecutor said her car was used as an instrument of murder.

Her barrister said that it would be suicide if she had driven into the harbour deliberately and that there was evidence that she wasnt suicidal.

The jury of eight men and four women began deliberating on Monday morning.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy told them that they had three possible verdicts open to them: guilty of murder, acquittal or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

The jury returned to court at 11.36 on Thursday morning, having spent eight hours and 11 minutes deliberating. They had found her guilty of murder by a majority of 11 to one.

Herda showed no emotion as the registrar read out the verdict, but became emotional when the court rose for a number of minutes before sentencing. She was comforted by her legal team and a number of friends.

Herda wept uncontrollably as Mr Justice McCarthy signalled for her to stand while he imposed the mandatory life sentence. She was then led away from her friends by prison officers.

The eight men and four women of the jury returned to court to hear the victim impact statement of Csaba Orsos brother read to the court.

Garda Catherine ORourke, the family liaison officer, entered the witness box to deliver the statement written by Zoltan Sandro.

When I had to identify my dead brother, my heart teared apart (broke) because of the pain, he said. I remember every moment of it, it will stay with me forever. He was so cold. I would have never thought that this way I have to say goodbye to him. Sometimes because of the pain in my chest I want to scream.

He said that, he had since dreamt that his brother was walking towards him on the beach, dead, waking him up from his dream, cold and shaking.

But next day again I dreamed with him as he was walking towards me pale without t-shirt, he explained. I woke up.

He said that, after travelling back to Hungary, he kept thinking that it wasnt true and he had to remind himself that he had seen him in the bag.

Trying to go asleep or just to watch TV I just looked at the ceiling, having the feeling that the ceiling is coming down, knowing that he is in the coffin, he recalled. I had no air, I had to get outside.

He said that his son was three at the time and repeatedly asked him why he cried.

I am not the same man who I was, he said.

We went through a very stressful time, he explained. When I had to tell my family what happened I couldnt tell my mother. I rung my older brother. I had to scream Yes its true, I saw it.

He said that his brother couldnt tell her either. He told her that her son had been knocked to the rocks but the media spread the news fast and he had to tell her the truth.

She has heart problems, thats why we didnt want to tell her, he explained. Its a miracle that she is still alive.

He explained that his son had loved his uncle a lot and he didnt tell him he had died for two years.

Csaba was his best friend, he said.

He used to give him Kinder eggs, toys and clothes.

He adored Csaba, all the time playing hide and seek with him, he continued. When flying back he asked why Csaba isnt coming? What could I say, with the coffin in another plane. I had to lie. I told him he went to work on a cruise ship, thats why he has no time.

He said that the whole family, including the deceased, had gone to Dublin Zoo just weeks before his death. He said that everybody enjoyed it, especially his son, Milan, who used to say theyd go there again with his uncle.

They cant see each other anymore, he noted.

He said that his wife was five months pregnant when his brother had died and that he was very happy when his wife had asked him to be Godfather to the new baby.

"But because he is dead he cant see my daughter, Maya, he cant play with her, they would have adored each other, he said. I tell a lot of stories about Csaba to Maya. When my wife took Maya out to the cemetery, Maya climbed up the head stone kissing Csabas picture.

He said the Brooklodge Hotel had kept his position open for a year in case he wanted to return to work. The trial heard that this was also where his brother and Herda worked.

I didnt have the strength, he admitted. Occasionally I thought about it, ok I return, but I realised I could not work with a smile anymore there, everything would remind me of Csaba.

He said it was no good without him. He had taught him the language and everything about catering. He said his plan to work in Ireland for a long time had been shattered.

While at home, I had no work and my daughter was just born, but we didnt return, he said. I collected rubbish in a train station just to have something to spend on food.

He thanked God that he got a stable job after a couple of months.

He said that he and his siblings rarely talked about their brother.

Everybody is suffering in silence, he said.

My kids are the ones giving me life and strength to survive this horrible thing, he explained, adding that they were also giving strength to his mother and siblings.

I wish that the pain that we have, nobody would feel, there is nothing more, he said.

He said that he was afraid of water and that he got sick and found it scary when it entered his mind that his brother had drowned. He said he had gone for a walk along the river in Dublin a couple of days ago, but had to cross the road because he was afraid.

I cant swim and I regret it for all my life because while the emergency services were looking for Csaba I couldnt do anything, he said. I couldnt jump in to help him.

He said that he sometimes couldnt look in the mirror.

He just wanted to be happy, he concluded. Family, kids, things that everybody wants, but he will never have a chance for all this because he died.

Irish Independent
Henry McLeish has called on Scottish Labour to sever its ties with the wider UK party

Former first minister Henry McLeish has called on Scottish Labour to cut its ties with London, arguing that an independent party north of the border is now "essential".

Mr McLeish said UK Labour is facing "a summer of discontent and bitter infighting" with the leadership contest between Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith.

He argued the growing divisions within the party have left it "nowhere" in the debate over the UK's departure from the European Union (EU).

Mr Corbyn - who is the odds-on favourite to win the leadership contest due to conclude in September - is "not the answer to Labour's decline or long-term recovery", Mr McLeish insisted.

With Scotland facing the prospect of a second independence referendum as a result of the majority of Scots voting to remain in the EU, the former Labour first minister said the Scottish party must think beyond the leadership battle.

"In the short-term we will be wrapped up in the leadership campaign," he said.

"We need now to think beyond the next two months and prepare for every eventuality in Scotland and Britain as the political fall-out from June 23 continues and uncertainty deepens.

"Scotland could see Home Rule, a form of federalism, independence or some other, as yet unknown, four-nation constitutional solution.

"Regardless of the outcome, an Independent Labour Party (ILP) in Scotland is essential.

"The ILP imprint would send a powerful message of Scottish identity and politically-distinctive policies. This is the time for the Scottish party to act."

Leader Kezia Dugdale sought greater autonomy for the Scottish party last year while her deputy Alex Rowley advocated an independent party.
A businessman from England has failed in his legal challenge to have three charges against him, which are linked to the sectarian murder of Catholic civil servant Paul McCauley, dropped.

In a reserved judgment at Londonderry Magistrates Court, District Judge Barney McElholm said he was satisfied that the defendant, Charles Buckingham (61) from Margate in Kent, had been properly connected to the charges and that the prosecution should continue.

The charges relate to the murder of Mr McCauley who died last June, nine years after he sustained critical brain injuries when he and two other men were attacked by a loyalist mob as the victims were attending a barbecue in the Waterside area of Derry on July 16, 2006.

Two local men are currently on bail awaiting trial for Mr McCauley's murder, they are Piper McClements and Matthew Gillen, who is an employee of the defendant. Buckingham is charged with withholding information from police about Mr McCauley's murder, with withholding information about an offence of grievous bodily harm with intent and with withholding information of an offence of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

The businessman is alleged to have committed the three offences last December 16.

His prosecution follows a conversation he had with the defendant Gillen when they were both in Scotland last December. Their conversation was secretly recorded by the police and after the defendant Buckingham failed to pass on the information Gillen had told him about the incident in Chapel Road, he was arrested on April 6.

Buckingham's legal team argued that because the alleged offences of withholding information had occurred in Scotland, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland had no jurisdiction there and therefore the defendant could not be tried for the alleged offences.

Mr McElholm said the law stated that there were no geographical limitations in respect of police investigations, adding even though the defendant Buckingham had never set foot in Northern Ireland, he believed a person did not have to be present in a jurisdiction to commit a crime there.

There was, he said, no territorial jurisdiction.

The case was adjourned until August 24 for an update from the PPS.
The papier mache versions of the royal couple and Prince Harry

The Prince of Wales was unable to contain his laughter after catching sight of Prince Harry immortalised in papier mache.

Charles cried out "Harry" when he was confronted with a row of royal heads made from old newspapers and wallpaper paste, and pointed to his son - a bright pink ball, with eyes, a nose and a ginger beard and hair made from string.

Charles and wife Camilla came across the art display as they toured the Sandringham Flower Show, and were in good spirits, joking and laughing with visitors.

The papier mache heads, depicting everyone from the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were created by pupils from Flitcham Church of England Primary School.
A 27-year-old Syrian asylum seeker who blew himself up in the southern German town of Ansbach was chatting online with a still-unidentified person immediately before the explosion, Bavaria's interior minister has said.

Attacker Mohammed Daleel died and 15 people were wounded when his bomb exploded outside a wine bar on Sunday night after he was denied entry to a nearby open-air concert because he did not have a ticket.

"There was apparently an immediate contact with someone who had a significant influence on this attack," state interior minister Joachim Herrmann said in Bavaria, news agency dpa reported.

It was not clear whether Daleel was in contact with Islamic State or where the other person involved in the conversation was, Mr Herrmann said.

He said investigators checking the assailant's mobile phone came across the "intensive chat" and that "the chat appears to end immediately before the attack".

"Because of witness testimony on what happened and also the course of the chat, there are indeed questions about whether he intended to set off the bomb at that moment," Mr Herrmann said.

On Tuesday night, the online magazine of IS said the attacker spent months planning the attack, once even hiding his homemade bomb in his room in a state-supported asylum shelter moments before a police raid.

The weekly Al-Nabaa magazine's report added that Daleel had fought in Iraq and Syria with a branch of al Qaida and IS before arriving in Germany as an asylum seeker two years ago.

Mr Herrmann said a roll of 50-euro notes was found on the attacker. It is unclear where the money came from - but it is "unlikely that it could have been paid for solely from what an asylum seeker in Germany gets in the way of pocket money". He did not disclose the total value of the cash.

The Ansbach explosion was the last of four attacks in Germany in a week, two of which were claimed by IS. Islamic extremism was not the motive in the other two - including the deadliest, Friday's shooting in Munich in which nine people were killed.

The German government said US president Barack Obama offered his sympathy to Chancellor Angela Merkel over the attacks in a phone call on Wednesday. Both stressed their will to continue fighting international terrorism together and with determination, the government said.

The attacks have brought Mrs Merkel's policy of welcoming refugees - more than one million last year - under renewed criticism.

A senior figure in the nationalist Alternative for Germany party, which has no seats in the national parliament but saw its popularity surge after last year's migrant influx, suggested that there should be "a halt to immigration for Muslims to Germany" until all asylum seekers now in the country have been registered, checked and had their applications processed.

"For security reasons, we can no longer afford to allow yet more Muslims to immigrate to Germany without control," Alexander Gauland, a deputy party leader, said in a statement. "There are terrorists among the Muslims who immigrated illegally and their number is rising constantly."

But interior ministry spokesman Johannes Dimroth said that "for some time" all new arrivals have been registered and checked against security databases.

As for whether people could be treated differently depending on their religion, "as I understand it that simply would be incompatible with our understanding of freedom of religion", he said.

Conservative politicians have called for an increased police presence, better surveillance and background checks of migrants - and new strategies to deport criminal asylum seekers more easily.

Al Nabaa's Arabic-language report on the attacker said he initially fought against government forces with al Qaida's branch in Syria before pledging allegiance to IS in 2013. He also helped the group with its propaganda efforts, setting up pro-IS accounts online.

In Germany, he started making the bomb, a process that took three months, al Nabaa wrote.

IS earlier claimed the Ansbach attack, publishing a video it said was of Daleel pledging allegiance to the group and vowing that Germany's people "won't be able to sleep peacefully anymore". It appears to be the same video as the one found by German investigators on the suicide bomber's phone.

Daleel unsuccessfully sought asylum in Germany and was awaiting deportation to Bulgaria.

The bloodshed in Germany began on July 18, when a 17-year-old from Afghanistan wielding an axe attacked passengers on a train near Wuerzburg, wounding five people before he was shot dead by police. IS claimed responsibility.

German train operator Deutsche Bahn said it would invest heavily in increased security and hire hundreds of security staff to control trains and train stations across the country.

The city of Munich said it is re-evaluating security for the annual Oktoberfest and is considering banning backpacks from the popular beer festival.

AP
Bernard Lee was taken away by armed police to a detention centre run by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection

The family of an Irishman who was detained in error by armed police in Perth are appealing for the Australian government to release him.

Bernard Lee (26), who is originally from Greystones, Co Wicklow, has been living and working legally in Western Australia for the past seven years.

However on Monday evening he was arrested by armed police and immigration officers at the home he shares with his partner in Highgate, Perth.

Authorities claimed that he had been issued a letter refusing his application for a residents visa and cancelling his current business visa, and that he was in breach of the 20-day period to leave the country.

Mr Lee had recently applied for an employer-sponsored residents visa before his detention.

Neither Mr Lee nor his Australian lawyer dealing with the case on his behalf had received such a letter.

He was taken away by armed police to a detention centre run by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), which is located 90km northeast of Perth, where he has since been detained.

Officers for the DIBP have admitted to Mr Lees family they made a mistake and that no such letter was ever issued to Bernard or his lawyer. However, they have not committed to any intention of releasing him.

The Wicklow mans family have said that an appeal process against the wrongful detention could take weeks or months, and are pleading with Australian officials to release him.

Bernard does not want to appeal the decision of the Department of Immigration and Border Control because we have been advised that such appeals take months or years, during which time the person is kept in detention. He just wants to come home on the flight he booked for next week, Bernards father Norman told the Irish Independent.

We have been advised that the Australian Immigration authorities regularly detain people in this facility for months without reason while they process paperwork, said his brother Robert.

My mum is seriously ill and has intense migraines from worrying about it, he added.

Ironically, Bernard had booked a flight out of Australia for next Wednesday to join his Australian girlfriend in Europe, where they plan to celebrate his brothers engagement with his family in Ireland.

The immigration lawyer has however advised that, based on his experience of Australian immigration system, it is unlikely that Bernard will be allowed to take his flight out of Australia and will instead be incarcerated for weeks or months.

The detention centre, Yongah Hill in Northam in Western Australia, is composed of four compounds.

It made international news last September when a 40 year old man doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire, after being held there for about eight months.

A 27-year-old detainee had also died there shortly beforehand, after being held for three years.

Over the last year, there has also been a focus on violent brawls involving detainees at the centre, which houses convicted criminals, asylum seekers and others.

The family are appealing for the assistance of anyone in Australia who may be able to help secure Bernards release from detention, to allow him to come home to Ireland.

Irish Independent
People stand in front of a make shift memorial in front of the Saint-Etienne du Rouvray church on July 27, 2016, after the priest Jacques Hamel was killed on July 26 in his church during a hostage-taking claimed by Islamic State group.

The head of a religious order in Co Down who knew slain Father Jacques Hamel has revealed that Church land beside the scene of the murder was given by Catholic authorities to Muslims to build a mosque.

Father Mark Ephrem Nolan (58), Prior of the Benedictine Monastery of the Holy Cross near Rostrevor, said such attacks could happen anywhere, and confirmed Fr Hamel had good relations with those of the Islamic faith in the local area.

Belfast-born Fr Nolan, who met Fr Hamel (86) through his work in a neighbouring parish in Normandy, added: "I spoke to a Sister there this morning who is a close friend of the Sister who escaped from the church and raised the alarm.

"She normally goes to Pere Jacques' Mass in that church every morning, but had to go to her work as a prison chaplain on Monday. She is very shocked.

"The shock is worse now the news has had time to sink in. Fr Jacques was a quiet, holy man who worked all his life for people in impoverished areas, much in the mould of Pope Francis.

"He led a pure, simple life, with an emphasis on building friendships. Church authorities facilitated the giving of land beside his church to local Muslims to build a mosque, and they were given use of the parish hall and other facilities during Ramadan."

Fr Nolan revealed his order included a monk who had been a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Rouen, where Fr Hamel was brutally killed by extremists in his church in an act Islamic State has claimed responsibility for.

Despite the attack, the cleric said Catholics and Muslims in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, the town in Normandy where Fr Hamel died, got on well with one another.

"There is a large Muslim population there, and relations are normally very good between the communities," said Fr Nolan, who was born in 1958, the year Fr Hamel was ordained.

"Efforts have been made by the Christian community to be welcoming to Muslims.

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"The Sisters even give reading lessons to Muslim kids in tower blocks.

"IS is trying to destroy those good relations. They target those areas, and Fr Hamel was very aware of that.

"I don't think that there is an immediate threat here, because we don't have a strong inter-faith connection - which is a shame - but no one thought it would have happened in Normandy on Monday. If it could happen there, then it can happen anywhere.

"IS activists are out to heighten tension and jeopardise good relationships where they exist."

Fr Nolan met Fr Hamel while he was a monk at L'Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec in Normandy in the 1980s and 1990s, close to the Archdiocese of Rouen, where Fr Hamel was a diocesan priest.

He facilitated community meetings and retreats for nuns who worked in Fr Hamel's parish.

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"I would have seen him at celebrations I attended, and he appeared as a discreet and humble man," he recalled.

"More recently, around 2004, when he retired from the role of parish priest in the next parish, he became a priest in residence at St Etienne - probably working and administering all the more, since he was relieved of the administrative duties of parish priest.

"His proximity to the people was his major characteristic. He was regarded as a genuinely holy man. The way he celebrated the Eucharist and other sacraments in the parish made him extremely popular. His parishioners requested that he should lead their family and community celebrations.

"I was aware of Pere Jacques more recently through the many positive things I heard about him from the Sisters who continued to minister in the parish, or, having moved on to other ministries, retained links with it. Over the years a number of those Sisters have visited our monastery at Rostrevor."

Ironically, Fr Hamel's last pastoral letter to his parish in June, which was received by Fr Nolan, called for communities to live together and "accept each other as they are".

"It's a very poignant letter," Fr Nolan told the Belfast Telegraph.

"I think his words of encouragement to his parishioners in this are words he speaks from beyond the grave.

"His call today is the call he reiterated so often in his lifetime - a call to reach out to those who are different, a call to be welcoming, a call to seek to be friendly in others' regard, a call to do everything that we can to foster and maintain good relationships so as to contribute to peace in the world.

"He talked about taking risks to build friendships, so people don't feel alone. He never really retired, and kept on working for people. He was the favourite priest for weddings, baptisms and funerals, and he will be very sadly missed.

"A constant theme in his preaching and in the prayer intentions he formulated at liturgical celebrations was that each morning at Eucharist he encouraged the people gathered to pray for peace in the world.

"He asked people to be aware in their prayer of those who were less fortunate.

"He also asked that people pray that we might learn to better live together in accord and in harmony.

"He wanted people to be full of the joy of friendship, so that they can better walk the road together.

"His last word in his pastoral letter was 'mercy'. I think that's what he would want to come out of this tragedy."
The Nusra Front has been one of the most powerful armed groups fighting the Syrian government

The leader of Syria's Nusra Front has said his group is changing its name, claiming it will have no more ties with al Qaida in an attempt to undermine a potential US and Russian air campaign against its fighters.

The announcement is the first time that an entire branch of al Qaida has said it is leaving the terror network.

But the move took place with the endorsement of al Qaida's central leadership and its ideology remains the same, raising questions about whether the change really goes beyond the new name, the Levant Conquest Front.

The United States, which considers Nusra a terrorist organisation, immediately expressed its scepticism.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the US continues to assess that Nusra leaders intend to attack the West and said the US-led military campaign is focused on a number of extremist groups, including Nusra and Islamic State.

But the step could complicate US efforts in Syria.

Without the al Qaida name, the group will now seek to expand its alliances with other Syrian rebels, including relative moderates backed by Washington and its allies.

Those factions may then oppose international air strikes against Nusra fighters, arguing that they are now simply fellow rebels against president Bashar Assad, not an al Qaida affiliate.

Nusra's leader, Abu Mohammed Golani, made his first appearance showing his face in the video message, aired on the Syrian opposition station Orient TV and Al-Jazeera.

Sitting between two bearded men, Golani said the delinking from al Qaida aimed to remove "pretexts" by the US and Russia to strike other rebel groups while claiming they are targeting Nusra.

He underlined the step took place with the blessings of al Qaida's leadership, and he thanked them for their understanding. He also said the move upholds dictates of Osama bin Laden and was necessary "to protect the Levantine Jihad".

"We decided to cancel work under the name of Nusra Front and form a new group under a new front called the Levant Conquest Front. This new front will have no links to any outside groups," he said.

Before his announcement, al Qaida's central leadership gave its blessing in a message from Ahmed Hassan Abu el-Kheir, the deputy of al Qaida chief Ayman Zawahri. He said in an audio file posted online that the Nusra Front should do "whatever protects the interests of Islam and Muslims and protects jihad" in Syria.

He also urged the Nusra Front to unite with other factions against "Crusaders" and form a good "Islamic government".

The message also included a brief comment from Zawahri, saying: "The brotherhood of Islam is stronger than any organisational links that change and go away." It was not clear when he made those recorded comments.

Ludovico Carlino, a senior analyst with IHS Country Risk, a risk assessment group, called the move "a smart public relations exercise".

Breaking from the al Qaida brand removes an obstacle to creating a broader alliance with Syrian Islamist rebel factions, Carlino said. It will allow the group "to embed itself more deeply in the Syrian insurgency and to indoctrinate local Syrians to its jihadist ideology, while retaining its long-term goal of establishing Islamic governance in Syria".

Nusra, for example, has been seeking an alliance with the powerful hardline Islamist rebel faction Ahrar Sham. But Sham has been reluctant, seeking to be closer to the Syrian opposition political scene dealing with the West. For example, its leaders approved the US-Russia-backed Geneva peace process, though it has not taken part. Nusra's purported break with al Qaida could ease its reluctance.

Currently, the US and Russia are trying to hammer out an agreement on a new military partnership in Syria. One leaked US proposal would call for a sharing of intelligence and targeting for strikes against IS and Nusra on the condition Russia commits to convince its ally Assad to ground Syria's bombers and start a political transition process.

Washington and its allies have been pressing Syrian rebel factions to distance themselves from areas where Nusra is active. But the efforts have had little success, given Nusra's prowess on the battlefield. The attempt to cut a clear line between rebels and Nusra could be even more difficult after Nusra's announcement.

Mr Earnest acknowledged the difficulties, saying it is complex to distinguish between extremist groups and moderate opposition groups and those complexities are not diminished by Nusra's public denial that it is associated with al Qaida.

US air strikes have targeted the group in the past, including a wave of attacks that Washington said hit a cell called the Khorasan Group that was plotting terror attacks abroad.

The Nusra Front was created in January 2012 and emerged as one of the strongest groups fighting against the forces of Assad and his allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah.

It has also been in a fierce rivalry with IS. IS leader Abu Bakr Baghdad tried to force Nusra to absorb into his ranks. But Golani refused, pledging his allegiance directly to Zawahri, who went on to throw Baghdadi and his group - at the time al Qaida's Iraq branch - out of the terror network.

IS conquered large parts of Iraq and Syria and declared its own "caliphate", fighting any group - including Nusra and other rebel factions - that refused to submit to its rule. Nusra, in contrast, took a more pragmatic path, forming alliances with other rebels, particularly those with Islamist ideologies.

Although not as brutal as IS, Nusra Front militants have been accused of atrocities, including gunning down more than dozen members of the Druze community last summer. They shot an alleged prostitute in the head on camera in front of a group of people in Idlib province and arrested a number of opposition activists earlier this year for taking part in protests. The group has also crushed a couple of US-backed rebel groups, confiscated their weapons and arrested their leaders. It has also been blamed for kidnapping journalists.

AP
The murder of an elderly Roman Catholic priest in a church in northern France has been one of the headline stories in the news over the past few days. The killing came in the wake of a series of terrorist atrocities in France and in Germany, and yet it somehow stood out.

There was something particularly shocking about the murder of the priest within a church building. Churches are generally seen as places of sanctuary and safety. Yet, in this case, the murder took place in a place of worship.

Here in Northern Ireland, down through the years of the Troubles, we saw a number of occasions when people were murdered in churches, or when they were entering or leaving a place of worship.

David Stanley Wray was a member of the RUC Reserve in Londonderry and was married with two children. The family attended Claremont Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, May 20, 1979, he had just got out of his car to go into the morning service when two IRA gunmen murdered him in front of his two teenage children.

Norman Duddy was an inspector in the RUC, and had been stationed in Londonderry for 22 years. He served on the committee of Strand Presbyterian Church and also sang in the choir. On the morning of Sunday, March 28, 1982, he was murdered by two masked IRA gunmen as he was leaving the church with his young sons after the morning service.

Karen McKeown was a Sunday school teacher in Albertbridge Congregational Church in east Belfast and was also active in the Girls Brigade and the church youth group. The 20-year-old student was murdered on October 17, 1982, by an INLA gunman. He came up behind Karen and shot her in the back of the head as she was standing outside the church.

Judge William Doyle, meanwhile, was murdered on Sunday, January 16, 1983, as he left midday Mass at St Brigids Roman Catholic Church at Derryvolgie Avenue in south Belfast. He had just got into his car to drive away when two IRA gunmen approached the vehicle and opened fire, hitting him five times and seriously injuring a 72-year-old woman sitting beside him.

Mountain Lodge Pentecostal Church in south Armagh was the scene of a multiple murder on Sunday, November 20, 1983. The evening service was under way and the congregation were singing the old gospel hymn, Are You Washed in the Blood of the Lamb? Suddenly, republican gunmen entered the building and killed three of the elders  John Victor Cunningham, David Wilson and William Harold Brown. Seven other people in the little church were wounded by the attackers.

The shocking murders were later claimed by the Catholic Reaction Force, but it is widely believed that the killers were members of the INLA.

Mary Travers was shot dead on Sunday, April 8, 1984, as she was leaving St Brigids Roman Catholic Church with her family. Her father was a judge. Later, Danny Morrison described the murder as regrettable, but understandable.

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The IRA also murdered Patrick Thomas Kerr, a Roman Catholic prison officer, on February 17, 1985, as he was leaving a service in St Patricks Cathedral in Armagh. Two of his children were with him and witnessed the killing of their father, who was shot three times in the head at point-blank range.

Cardinal O Fiaich later said: Can anyone conceive of a greater crime than to murder a man in front of his family as he was coming from worshipping God?

The IRA also murdered Sergeant Hugh McCormac, a member of the RUC, on Sunday, March 3, 1985. Mr McCormac sang in the choir at St Gabriels Retreat at the Graan, near Enniskillen, and had just arrived with his family when he was killed by two terrorist gunmen.

The republican movement wants to rewrite the past, to impose its perverted narrative of the Troubles and to shift the blame on to others.

That is why it is of paramount importance to remember the reality of what was done by the IRA and other terrorists.
In America, Donald Trump is turning up the heat in the debate on terror by attacking France and Germany for being too soft and not rising to the challenge.

Under a Trump presidency, the citizens of both nations would, therefore, be subject to more intense security scrutiny on entering the US.

The best form of security is effective intelligence. Elaborate, but meaningless, footage of the police and army scrambling around in hot pursuit is presumably intended to reassure everyone that the bad guys are on the retreat. Generally, they are long gone before the first TV news crew arrive to beam the images around the globe that are meant to soothe all our fears.

Neither Mr Trump's raucous bluster, nor the ineffectual floundering of the police and military, as they seek to project an image of authority and natural order, are greatly helping matters.

If you want to combat terror, you need to know where your enemy is. You need to know how they think and you need to have preventative measures in place. Should these fail, then you need to have effective reaction forces at the ready.

Over recent weeks, there has been very little evidence that any of this is happening in Europe. If you look further afield at the weekend carnage in Afghanistan and Iraq, you can see how these failures are having an even more appalling impact on civilian populations.

The only effective way to defeat terror is to remove the threat - and that involves a multi-faceted intelligence-driven approach, which no amount of rhetoric, or posturing, can replicate.

ED TOAL

By email
As the dust settles on what has been one of the most astonishing periods in British politics, the reality of the Brexit decision is beginning to become clearer.

Perhaps one of the most astonishing elements in the entire Leave campaign is the support it enjoyed from the Democratic Unionist Party and its valiant leader, Arlene Foster.

I would consider myself relatively sane and fairly tuned-in to the political comings and goings in Britain and Ireland. Therefore, I cannot for the life of me conceive why the leader of unionism in the north would wish to rip us out of the European Union and reinstate a hard border around the six counties.

It certainly does seem that Fermanagh's answer to the Iron Lady believes that the Atlantic Ocean starts at Belcoo and that the dreaded rebel republic does not exist.

Her efforts to pull us back to the days of isolationism are completely out of touch with the more open-minded and outward-looking younger generation of nationalists and unionists in the north.

It appears that Arlene views the north as the last bastion of Britishness that needs to be protected from the Brussels bureaucrats and the Catholic, toe-tapping, Guinness-guzzling southerners who still have their eye on her beloved Ulster.

What is also quite unbelievable is the fact that Arlene, a former Minister of Finance as well as Minster of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, fails to recognise the catastrophic impact that Brexit will have on the fledgling economy in the north.

Having one small part of Ireland outside the European Union and the rest in the bloc, as well as the introduction of the inevitable customs posts and tariffs, is a throwback to the Dark Ages.

Perhaps the greatest irony of the last few weeks is the fact that Arlene's backing of Brexit may lead the way to a unified Ireland - or, at least, act as a catalyst for it.

It would not be the first time a unionist leader made such a catastrophic error.

M HAGAN

Omagh, Co Tyrone
Terrorist atrocities inside churches were not unknown during the Troubles. Most infamous of all was the 1983 murder of three worshippers at a Pentecostal church in Darkley, Co Armagh, by the so-called Catholic Reaction Force. Even by our standards, though, the murder of a priest in Normandy, whose throat was slit by Islamic militants as he served Mass in his small rural church, was shocking.

That it's only the latest in an ongoing series of attacks by Islamic militants is what's really shaken Europe's sense of equilibrium. An axe attack on train passengers in Bavaria; the death of a suicide bomber outside a rock festival in the same part of Germany; a pregnant woman hacked to death at a bus stop by a Syrian refugee; most awful of all, the murder of 84 people celebrating Bastille Day on the promenade in Nice.

Turning on the news right now is like stepping into a real-life house of horrors, not knowing what we'll see next. There's a feeling that no one and nowhere is safe, and it's hard to believe that it was only a month ago that the UK voted to leave the European Union. If a week is a long time in politics, the last 30 or so days have been a positive eternity.

Back then the talk was all of widespread "buyer's regret", as voters who'd opted to get out of the EU woke up to the ominous realisation that it had happened and they would now have to live with the consequences.

As the weeks have gone by the mood has shifted. The economic sky hasn't fallen in yet - though there's plenty of Chicken Littles wishing that it would - and the elevation of Theresa May as Prime Minister led to a new confidence that there was a steady hand on the tiller as the country headed into negotiations on a new trade deal with Brussels.

Then the latest wave of terrorist attacks began.

Not all of them turned out to be related to the recent influx of refugees. The multiple shootings at a shopping centre in Munich were the work of a disturbed young German-Iranian man more inspired by mass shootings, such as those of Right-wing Norwegian nationalist Anders Brevik, than Islamic State. Ultimately, it didn't matter. The headlines simply added to the fear that Europe is in crisis and that the two main pillars of the EU are both at the epicentre of a perfect storm.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to open the door last year to more than a million refugees from Syria and Iraq now looks like political suicide, while Francois Hollande's socialist government is facing terminal unpopularity amid accusations that it cannot keep French people safe, and has even lied in an attempt to cover up its failings.

Europe is rudderless and suddenly the decision to get out looks less crazy than it did when the votes for Brexit were counted.

The attempted coup in Turkey, with more dead in the streets, merely added to the paranoia. This in a country that was being groomed for EU entry only a short time ago. Suddenly it too was succumbing to apparent chaos.

The poet WB Yeats' words never sounded more apt: "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world."

Smug Remain supporters blamed the Brexit vote on an irrational fear and loathing of foreigners, but it's not so much immigration that troubles voters so much as a feeling that Europe is not prepared for the huge changes which allowing in so many people so quickly will bring.

Europe has embarked on a huge experiment in how to successfully integrate millions of strangers that has never been undertaken before, certainly not in the middle of an economic downturn EU power-brokers show no signs of knowing how to end, either.

Add to that cocktail of instability the fact that a large percentage of those arriving into the EU are young men, the very group most likely to be radicalised, and it's no wonder that far from regretting the loss of the EU, many who weren't sure if they'd done the right thing are now glad to be rid of it.

Most refugees are not violent or extreme, but how are we supposed to tell the difference between those who are and those who are not when even the security services aren't able to screen them effectively?

If they settle in Europe, what's more, how can we be sure that their children and grandchildren won't grow up to despise their adopted countries in the same way that so many second and third-generation Muslims in the ghettos on the outskirts of Paris have learned to hate France? We can't.

Faced with that uncertainty, it's hardly unnatural to feel some comfort at having called a halt to this madness while we still can.

When a car's out of control, the best policy is to apply the brake.

There hasn't been a major terrorist incident in Britain since the July 7 bombings in 2005 and, while there are no guarantees that there won't be bloodshed on British streets at some future date (plots are being thwarted regularly), there's also no evidence of any downside to having more control over who gets to come here from parts of the globe whose cultures remain hostile to our way of life.

It can't hurt, let's put it that way.

It's not as if British voters are alone in feeling that the European project is cracking under the strain. There's palpable disquiet in France.

The clamour for 'Quitaly' - as the Italian proposal to leave the EU is called - is growing.

Even a deputy from Chancellor Merkel's own conservative bloc in the Reichstag has said "we have to regain sovereignty" - and while it's always ominous to hear a man with a German accent talking about the need for the Fatherland to assert itself, it is a reminder that Britons who felt disquiet about the effects of mass immigration were not deranged for wanting to control their own borders.

Those who backed Brexit were made to feel ashamed for being out of step with respectable opinion in Europe. Instead, it's becoming clearer that it's EU elites who are out of step with ordinary people, who are scared and apprehensive and desperately in need of reassurance.

France and Germany should be given every neighbourly assistance to defeat the evil in their midst; but as Europe comes more and more to resemble a sinking ship, there's nothing wrong with breathing a sigh of relief that we're no longer one of the passengers.
By Zohaib Zafar

There is a lot of talk over Radical Islam. Some go as far as saying that using this term is the key to fighting ISIL while others refuse to use the term at all. The truth about this term is very simple even if the debate over it has seemed to go nowhere.There is no doubt that ISIL is a group of radical Muslims but we have to evaluate what the term radical Muslim really means. Some of the greatest Islamic revivalists of this past century have been radical Muslims. The word radical is defined by Merriam-Webster as being very far from the center of public opinion. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Mohammad Ali Jinnah were two Muslim men who both strongly advocated for the separation of state and religion in their respective homelands of Turkey and Pakistan but, initially, both were highly unpopular. Indeed, they were radical Muslims who ultimately helped bridge the gap between the West and the Muslim World. There is a countless number of Muslims who are striving to change the status quo for the better and are highly unpopular for various reasons. For example, just recently Hamza Abbasi, a popular Pakistani actor who tried speaking out against the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan was literally banned from television. Can you imagine Brad Pitt risking his career and life for the rights of a persecuted minority? That is basically what just happened in Pakistan. Pretty radical.

Although ISIL is condemned by almost everyone Muslim and Non-Muslim alike, it is far more than just a bunch of radical Muslims. ISIL is composed of terrorists and violent demagogues who are fundamentalist religious clerics. These clerics are funded by oil rich nations and individuals that want to spread hatred of the West in the name of Islam. For example, recently it was discovered that Zakir Naik, an Indian religious cleric may have inspired one of the terrorists in the Dhaka terrorist attack. The Dhaka terrorist attack was carried out by fundamentalists who had been regularly watching Naiks programs for years. Naik has been banned from traveling to the United Kingdom as well as Malaysia. When questioned about Osama Bin Laden, he refused to denounce him. If the majority of Muslims are peaceful then why is Naik so successful?

There is no centralized authority in Sunni Islam and Sunni Muslims often even declare one another non-Muslim through the practice of Takfir. This points to a fundamental weakness within the Islamic World. There is no unity and the lack of moderate leadership allows the fundamentalism that Naik preaches, as well as rogue terrorist groups such as ISIL, to gain more legitimacy. Perhaps the most that has been done in the Islamic world to combat terrorism has been done by powerful political and religious leaders who command respect through their character alone. No one else comes more to mind than His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who resides in London and is perhaps one of the most powerful Muslim leaders in the World with tens of millions of followers all around the World. His Holiness is solely a spiritual leader and has no political aims. His Holiness understands that a battle for the hearts is taking place between ISIL and true Islam. In light of this he has visited many bodies of government around the World including Capitol Hill here in America as well as the British Parliament in London where he resides. He represents a form of Islam that is tolerant, peaceful and welcoming to all. He is truly the antithesis of ISILs so called caliph.

On the other hand, there is currently no political leader in the Muslim World who is sufficiently fighting ISIL and its ideology. So far, the only person who has stepped up is King Abdullah of Jordan. King Abdullah is a political leader who understands the militaristic challenges that lie ahead with ISIL, however he only has authority of a country that is smaller than the state of Indiana.

These leaders have made significant progress in fighting ISIL and America must work with them rather than against them. We must align ourselves with peaceful Muslims and help defeat ISILs narrative of a war between Islam and the West.
Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari wears a hood to hide his face as police escort him into a court in New Delhi to face charges related to the 2008 Mumbai attack, July 5, 2012.

An Indian court Thursday found 12 men guilty of procuring weapons and explosives as part of a conspiracy to assassinate political leaders including Indias current prime minister who were accused of fanning the Gujarat communal riots in 2002.

Among those convicted in the case linked to a weapons haul in Maharashtra state 10 years ago is Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari, alias Abu Jundal, who is accused of playing a key role in the Mumbai terror attack of November 2008.

This was a conspiracy after the 2002 Gujarat riots to eliminate then Gujarat CM [Chief Minister] Narendra Modi and VHP [Vishwa Hindu Parishad] leader Pravin Togadia, the Maharashta Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) court said while delivering the verdict.

The week-long violence claimed the lives of 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus, according to official figures. The riots broke out after a train full of Hindu pilgrims was set ablaze, killing 58 people.

Modi, who was Gujarats chief minister at the time, and Togadia, leader of right-wing Hindu nationalist organization VHP, were accused of instigating Hindu mobs to attack Muslims, but those charges were never proven.

100 witnesses, 2,000 documents

On May 8, 2006, more than four years after the riots, a team from Maharashtra states Anti-Terrorism Squad chased two cars on the Chandwad-Mammad Highway, near Aurangabad, and arrested three suspects from one of the intercepted vehicles.

Jundal, 35, who was allegedly driving the second car, managed to elude police and drove to Malegaon, from where he escaped to Pakistan through Bangladesh and then to Saudi Arabia, the prosecution said.

Both vehicles were recovered by police who seized 30 kg (66 pounds) of RDX explosive material, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets from them.

Jundal, alleged to be one of the handlers of the 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) members who launched a series of coordinated terror strikes in Mumbai on Nov. 26, 2008, which killed 164 people, was arrested in 2012 after Saudi Arabia deported him to India.

Following Jundals arrest, the countrys National Investigation Agency (NIA) brought charges against 22 people for the 2006 weapons haul, under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act.

While the court convicted 12 of them, eight were acquitted, one testified against the others and one has fled. Sentencings are expected early next week.

The trial, which concluded in March, saw prosecutors examine 100 witnesses and more than 2,000 documents. They claimed there was direct evidence to link the weapons to Pakistan.

Soft-spoken

Analysts closely following the case expressed surprise at the conviction of Jundal, known to be a soft-spoken electrician from Maharashtras Beed district.

Although I believe that the judiciary is impartial, the draconian laws of India allow the evidence required to be of much lesser quality while giving security forces vast powers to cook up confessions, Irfan Engineer, director of the Mumbai-based Institute for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, told BenarNews. Under such laws, even human rights bodies are unable to defend those on trial.

The Urdu press had frequently come out in Jundals defense based on interactions with his family and friends saying he was wrongly accused as there was no evidence to link him to the weapons haul, Engineer added.

Senior criminal lawyer Amit Khemka also raised doubts, citing the delayed verdict.

Jundal was deported in 2012. Why did it take four years to deliver a verdict in the case? The whole purpose of conviction is defeated in such cases, he said.

Such trials should be held on a day-to-day basis. The courts need to scrutinize the witnesses to be examined on the basis of their relevance so that the case can be dealt with in a timely fashion, Khemka told BenarNews.
Bangladesh police exhibit guns and knives recovered from an apartment where officers killed nine suspected militants, in Dhaka, July 26, 2016.

A man that trained terrorists who massacred 20 hostages in a Dhaka cafe attack and an American were among nine suspected militants killed in a raid this week in the city, police said Thursday.

Raihan Kabir (alias Tareq), a commander of the banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, was one of two people who trained the men who carried out the deadly siege, and fellow JMB member Shehzad Rouf Arka was a dual U.S.-Bangladeshi citizen, officials said.

According to them, Arka was a friend of one of five men who attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe in Dhakas Gulshan 2 neighborhood on July 1, and were later killed when security forces stormed the restaurant.

Tareq trained the Gulshan attackers in a shoal in northwestern Gaibandha district, Monirul Islam, chief of the Bangladeshi polices counter-terrorism and transnational crimes unit, told reporters in Dhaka on Thursday.

He said Tareq was also wanted by police for the killing of a policeman, Constable Mukul Hossain, in a machete-attack by two motorbike-riding extremists on a highway outside Dhaka on Nov. 4, 2015.

Police knew Kabir as Tareq, and investigators were able to identify eight of the nine slain suspects from their fingerprints which were on file in a national database.

Police also confirmed that one of the nine, Arka, was a U.S. passport holder. The website of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police posted his passport number and year of birth, 1992, in confirming that he was an American citizen.

Officials at the U.S. embassy in Dhaka, however, declined to confirm whether Arka was an American citizen, citing privacy laws prohibiting disclosure of such information. An official from the embassy accompanied Arkas father to the Dhaka Medical College on Wednesday, where an autopsy was performed, according to Bangladeshi media reports.

Arkas father could not positively identify the body and asked that a DNA test be done to determine if the remains belonged to his son, local reports said.

Arka was a friend of Nibras Islam, who was among the five who attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery, Monirul Islam said. Police earlier identified Nibras Islam as a student at Monash University Malaysia.

Pro-IS chants

According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Masudur Rahman, the nine suspected militants who were killed in a Tuesday raid on an apartment building in Dhaka belonged to the same militant group, JMB, which attacked the cafe in the citys diplomatic quarter.

According to Bangladeshi authorities, the nine who were hiding out in the apartment were plotting a terrorist attack on a similar scale, when police and security forces closed in on them.

Nine of 11 suspected JMB members were killed when police launched a pre-dawn raid on a six-story apartment block in Dhakas Kalyanpur neighborhood. Officers recovered handguns, grenades, explosives, two Islamic State flags, laptops, mobile phones and extremist literature from the apartment, authorities said.

A 10th suspect was captured in the raid but the 11th managed to escape.

Witnesses told local media that the militants shouted pro-IS slogans showing their support for Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the self-proclaimed Islamic State.

IS claimed responsibility for the cafe attack and other recent attacks in Bangladesh targeting members of religious minorities as well as foreigners, among other types of victims, but Bangladeshi officials have consistently denied that IS has a presence in the country.

Despite witness accounts at the scene of Tuesdays raid, Inspector General of Police A.K.M. Shahidul Hoque told reporters that police had found no link between the JMB cell and the Middle East-based extremist group.

They are the JMB members, he said.

Hoque maintained that JMB members were responsible for the attack on the cafe as well as a suicide attack that targeted the nations largest Eid prayer service on July 7, which left two policemen, a civilian and a militant dead.
Indonesian Womens Coalition of Cilacap protest at ijayapura Pier, Cilacap, Central Java, as they ask for clemency for death row inmate Merri Utami, July 28, 2016.

Indonesia executed four drug convicts by firing squad early Friday (local time), but postponed putting to death 10 others who faced capital punishment, officials said.

An Indonesian, two Nigerians and a South African were executed at Nusakambangan, a prison island in Central Java province, at around 12:45 a.m., Deputy Attorney General Noor Rachmad told reporters.

Pending executions of the 10 other drug felons were postponed indefinitely, Noor added but without giving a reason.

They [the four] are executed first because of their roles as drug dealers, suppliers and dealers. The executions took place at the police station at Nusakambangan, Noor said, adding, This was through a comprehensive consideration because their acts were massive. 

He identified the executed convicts as Indonesian Freddy Budiman, Nigerians Humprey Jeff Ejike Eleweke and Michael Titus Igweh, and South African Seck Osmane.

This is not a fun job. For us, this is really a sad job because it involves peoples lives, AFP quoted Noor as saying. This was done not in order to take lives, but to stop evil intentions, and the evil act of drug trafficking.

"As of now, we don't know whether the others will seek clemency. There are many considerations that must be studied," he said.

The final hours

Hours earlier on Thursday, family members and lawyers representing the 14  identified as four Indonesians, five Nigerians, and one each from India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and South Africa  revealed that their executions would take place on Friday morning.

Yes, it is final. The execution will be conducted after midnight. We, the family have been told by the prosecutor. We and our lawyers had been gathered inside, a relative of one of the convicts told BenarNews upon leaving a closed-door meeting at the Cilacap District Attorneys office on Thursday evening.

According to Indian media reports, Indias foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj, was busy Thursday with eleventh-hour efforts to win a reprieve for Gurdip Singh, the lone Indian among the 14 convicts condemned to die in Indonesia.

The executions of the four were the third set carried out under the administration of President Joko Jokowi Widodo since he took office in October 2014. Previously, Indonesia executed eight drug convicts, including two Australians, a Brazilian and two Nigerians, on April 29, 2015, and six others drug felons on Jan. 18, 2015.

Ricky Gunawan, a lawyer representing Ejike Eleweke, complained about the process.

From Monday until now, the process has not been transparent, Gunawan told BenarNews, pointing out that officers had told him and his clients family only that they should be ready on Thursday night.

In Jakarta on Thursday, Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo asked all parties to not speculate about when the imminent executions would occur.

This is about a persons life. Even though they are guilty and lose their right to live, they have to be respected, appreciated , he told reporters.

Every minute, every second, there is an appeal. It is not a simple thing. Be patient, he said, adding that his office had considered all aspects of judicial decisions in each death-sentence case.

Once you take the life of a person, you cant return it, he said.

Final preparation

Throughout the daytime, ferries carrying 17 ambulances and coffins departed Wijayapura Pier for Nusakambangan island, the penal island Cilacap regency.

Dozens of armed police officers patrolled the area, which was barricaded and closed to the public. All told, about 1,500 personnel were deployed to maintain security around the executions.

This ambulance will go straight to Nusakambangan, I do not know when I will return, said Saripto, a driver waiting for the ferry.

Ambulances wait on Wijayapura Pier to be ferried to Nusakambangan island, July 28, 2016. (Kusumasari Ayuningtyas/BeritaBenar)

Protests

While preparations continued on the island, activists from the Indonesian Women Coalition in Cilacap, rallied in front of the Wijayapura pier in the late afternoon to protest against the scheduled execution of Merri Utami, an Indonesian female convict.

We support the execution of a drug kingpin, but Merri is a victim, said a protester identified as Muji.

The rally lasted less than 10 minutes before police broke it up, taking the protesters into custody to be questioned at a police station.

Amnesty International also protested the executions, according to The Guardian.

There is no evidence to support President Widodos position. The death penalty does not deter crime, said Josef Benedict, Amnesty Internationals deputy director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Carrying out executions will not rid Indonesia of drugs. It is never the solution, and it will damage Indonesias standing in the world.

Arie Firdaus and Tia Asmara in Jakarta contributed to this rep
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First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





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For Immediate Release, July 27, 2016 Contact: Collette Adkins, (651) 955-3821, cadkins@biologicaldiversity.org Iowa Proposes to Rein in Turtle Trapping Would Limit Collection of Common Snapping, Painted, Softshell Turtles DES MOINES, Iowa Iowa wildlife officials proposed today to restrict collection and killing of four species of wild turtles. The regulations, if finalized, would impose seasons, daily bag limits and possession limits for common snapping turtles, painted turtles, spiny softshells and smooth softshells. Common snapping turtle photo by Dakota L. Photos are available for media use. Its great that Iowa is finally clamping down on exploitation of its turtles, said Collette Adkins, a senior attorney at the Center, which in 2009 sought a ban on commercial turtle collecting in Iowa. The new proposals are a welcome step, but a complete ban on commercial trapping is needed to fully protect turtles. Iowa currently allows year-round commercial collection of the four turtle species covered under the new proposal without any daily bag or possession limits. The proposed regulations protect the four turtles during their peak mating season by prohibiting commercial collection prior to July 1. But year-round recreational collection of common snappers is still allowed. The states proposal also sets daily bag and possession limits with a total possession limit of 90 turtles caught for commercial purposes. In addition, egg-laying females are protected during most of their nesting season through a prohibition on harvest within 100 yards of a river or a stream between July 1 and July 15. More than 2 million wild-caught, live turtles are exported from the United States each year to supply food and medicinal markets in Asia, where native turtle populations have already been depleted by soaring consumption. Adult turtles are also taken from the wild to breed hatchlings for the international pet trade. Large adults, females in particular, are the most valuable and therefore a primary target of commercial trappers. Yet such trapping can cause population declines even in some of the most common freshwater turtles. Were so glad that states across the country are now restricting turtle slaughter, said Adkins. Turtle trappers in the United States are catching and exporting millions of wild freshwater turtles every year, devastating populations that are already suffering from a lot of other threats, like habitat loss, water pollution and road mortality. House File 2357, signed by Gov. Terry Branstad earlier this year, instructed the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to adopt rules establishing commercial and recreational seasons and daily catch limits on turtles. The state agency will consider a complete ban on commercial turtle trapping following the 5-year study also mandated by the new law. Many surrounding Midwest states have determined their turtle populations can only be sustainably managed by banning all commercial collection (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois and Indiana). Background

The United States is a turtle biodiversity hotspot, home to more types of turtles than any other country in the world. As part of a campaign to protect this rich natural heritage, the Center in 2008 and 2009 petitioned Iowa and other states with unrestricted commercial turtle collection to improve harvest regulations. In 2009 Florida responded by banning almost all commercial collection of freshwater turtles from public and private waters; in 2012 Georgia approved state rules regulating the commercial collection of turtles; and Alabama completely banned commercial collection. In response to a 2011 Center petition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in May added four turtles  including common snapping turtles, smooth softshell turtles and spiny softshell turtles that are found in Iowa  to a list called CITES Appendix III. Trade in Appendix III species requires an export permit and documentation that the animal was caught or acquired in compliance with the law, allowing the U.S. to closely monitor trade. The animals must also be shipped using methods designed to prevent cruel treatment. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


For Immediate Release, July 27, 2016 Contact: Aruna Prabhala, Center for Biological Diversity, (510) 844-7122

Andrea Jones, National Audubon Society, (415) 388-2524

Blake Matheson, Monterey Audubon Society, (831) 596-9990

Larry Silver, California Environmental Law Project, (415) 515-5688 Legal Action Launched to Protect Western Snowy Plovers From California Beach Resort Construction of Sprawling Eco-Resort Will Likely Kill Threatened Shorebird SAND CITY, Calif. Environmental groups today sent a formal notice of intent to sue Security National Guarantee, the developer behind the Monterey Bay Shores Resort, a sprawling resort planned along the Monterey Bay that will bring thousands of visitors and harm a rare bird species, the western snowy plover. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has repeatedly criticized the development and argued that take  that is, the death or injury  of western snowy plovers will likely result from construction and use of the resort. This so-called eco-resort will dramatically transform this stretch of California coast and could put one of the states rarest birds directly in harms way, said Aruna Prabhala, a staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. Before construction begins on the development, SNG needs to do a lot more work to ensure that western snowy plovers wont be hurt or killed during construction. Originally proposed in 1998, the current version of the development covers a 40-acre site and includes 184 hotel rooms, 184 condominiums, restaurants, spas, swimming pools and a conference center. Extensive new infrastructure and related development of the site are expected to attract thousands of residents and visitors to the fragile and sensitive beachfront that western snowy plovers rely upon for nesting and foraging. Enough is enough, said Andrea Jones, director of bird conservation for Audubon California. We are long past the time when putting a development on our sandy beaches and dunes makes any sense. Western Snowy Plovers are already listed under the Endangered Species Act because of habitat loss, and this project specifically takes away more habitat where the birds have been known to breed, forage, and spend the winter. Since 2008 the Fish and Wildlife Service has repeatedly criticized the developers failure to protect listed species on the site and determined that if construction of the resort moves forward, the project will result in take of plovers. One of the most threatened shorebirds in North America, the animals were protected under the Endangered Species Act as threatened in 1993, but their population has continued to decline since then. Todays legal notice warns that if SNG fails to follow the course laid out by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Coastal Commission  to prepare a habitat conservation plan in support of an application for an incidental-take permit  the developer will be subject to litigation under the Endangered Species Act for harming the rare and vanishing birds. Todays notice of intent was filed by Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, National Audubon Society and Monterey Audubon Society. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


No. 837, July 28, 2016 EPA Admits Airplane Pollution Is Climate Danger But Has Yet to Act

Yes, airplane pollution is a scourge on the planet; no, we still haven't done anything about it, said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday. After nine years of delay, the agency published an "endangerment finding" admitting that rapidly growing emissions from aircraft disrupt the climate and endanger human welfare -- but failed to move forward on rules to reduce those emissions.



The Center for Biological Diversity and allies first petitioned the EPA in 2007 to regulate carbon emissions from aircraft under the federal Clean Air Act. Finally the agency began evaluating the climate risk of airplane pollution in 2014, shortly after environmental groups filed a notice of intent to sue for the second time over the agency's failure to act.



"EPA officials have at last acknowledged airplane pollution's obvious climate threat, but they're still not actually cutting the airline industry's skyrocketing emissions," said Vera Pardee, senior counsel at the Center. "Decisive federal action on the problem is critical to catalyzing change on a global scale."



Read more in The New York Times.

Who Really Belongs on California's Flag? For years a grizzly bear has graced California's state flag -- but there hasn't been a grizzly roaming the Golden State since 1924, when the last one was shot. We think it's time to bring grizzlies back to the state's wildest places.



This week the Center launched a series of fun PSAs to raise the profile of grizzlies in California and encourage people to sign a petition urging the state's Fish and Wildlife Commission to consider bringing these bears back to their native home in the Sierra Nevadas, where there are 8,000 square miles of prime habitat.



In our four short videos, California archetypes make their case to be featured on the flag instead of the bear.



"Grizzly bears lived in California long before it became a state, and they deserve a home there today," said the Center's Jeff Miller. "Returning these incredible animals to remote portions of our state would be a key step in rewilding parts of California and saving one of America's most iconic animals. It's time to bring back the bears."



Check out the PSAs and sign the petition.

Study: Confronting Climate Change Is Corals' Only Chance

People have long known that "the rainforests of the sea" -- our planet's beautiful, biodiverse coral reefs -- are increasingly endangered due to a variety of threats, from pollution to habitat destruction to overfishing. But a groundbreaking new analysis, coauthored by a Center scientist, now shows that global climate change far surpasses any localized factors; that is, hedging risks to a particular reef system won't save it unless the larger problem is also solved. This study largely settles a debate within the scientific community about the relative importance of local versus global causes of declining coral reefs.



The global CO 2 problem is causing both coral bleaching (when heat-stressed corals expel the colorful algae they need to survive) and ocean acidification (which depletes seawater of the compounds that corals need to build their skeletons).



"To save coral reefs," says the Center's Abel Valdivia, one of the paper's authors, "we must reduce our overreliance on fossil fuels and lead global efforts to swiftly and drastically cut carbon emissions. Local management alone won't cut it."



Read more from Abel and follow the Center on Medium. Prominent Scientists Urge End to Public Lands Coal Leasing

More than 65 prominent scientists this week urged the Obama administration to fight global warming by ending coal leasing on public lands. In a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Drs. James Hansen, Ken Caldeira, Mark Jacobson, Michael Oppenheimer, Susan Solomon, Stuart Pimm and dozens of other climate and environmental scientists pointed out that most U.S. coal deposits must stay in the ground to avert climate change's most damaging effects.



The letter comes as the U.S. Department of the Interior embarks on an environmental review of the federal coal-leasing program, which alone accounts for 13 percent of all U.S. fossil-fuel carbon emissions.



"Top climate scientists are speaking out about the need to end public coal leasing once and for all, and President Obama would be wise to heed their warning," said Shaye Wolf, climate science director at the Center. "It makes no sense for the federal government to undermine the climate fight by letting companies dig up more of this incredibly polluting fossil fuel from our public lands."



Read more about the letter in our press release.

Frostpaw Marches for Climate Action in Philly The Center's Frostpaw the Polar Bear took his urgent climate-action message to the Democratic National Convention this week after visiting the Republican convention in Cleveland. The faux-bear carried a sign reading "Stop Corrupt Fossil Fuel Money" and marched from City Hall to Independence Mall in 95 degree temperatures in the March for a Clean Energy Revolution.



"I'm in a much better situation than the polar bears of the Arctic," Center Senior Counsel Bill Snape told passersby, feeling the heat as he inhabited the sweltering bear suit. "Their habitat is literally melting. Melting precipitously. So this is our lighthearted way to remind people: We need to stop climate change now. Not tomorrow, not next week. Now."



Check out this coverage of Frostpaw's appearances in Philadelphia (including a video of Bill's statement).

Lawsuit Filed for Rare California Fish and Kangaroo Rat A dam on California's Santa Ana River, plus mismanagement of the river's flood-control projects, are threatening two species. The Santa Ana sucker, a tiny algae-eating fish that has vanished from 95 percent of its habitat since the 1970s, and the San Bernardino kangaroo rat, a small, hopping mammal with powerful hind legs, are both at risk -- so on Monday the Center and partners announced our intent to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their failure to assess potential harm to these animals.



The Army Corps originally consulted with the Service on impacts to the endangered Santa Ana River woolly star plant and kangaroo rat in 2002. But new critical habitat was designated for the Santa Ana sucker in 2010, and the Corps failed to follow the prescriptions of the original consultation and has never considered the effects of the overall operation of the Santa Ana River Project on the species.



"These animals are on a downward slide toward extinction," said Ileene Anderson, a senior scientist with the Center. "The Army Corps needs to do its duty to the American people by consulting with the Fish and Wildlife Service to identify and remedy any harm resulting from mismanagement of the Santa Ana."



Read more in The Press-Enterprise.

16 States Targeted to Clean Up Ozone Pollution The Center and allies have just sued the EPA over its failure to make sure plans are in place for cleaning up ozone pollution in 16 states -- including California and New York -- plus Washington, D.C. Ozone pollution poses serious health risks for the 90 million-plus residents of these areas, including increases in lung diseases like asthma and heart attacks.



This pollution also harms wildlife and ecosystems; for example, long-term ozone exposure can stunt growth and injure leaves in trees and forests. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to take action on ozone -- but the agency still hasn't corrected violations of air-quality standards made back in 2008.



"We can't wait any longer while air pollution keeps causing hospitalizations and premature deaths across America," said the Center's Jonathan Evans.



Read more in our press release.

Wild & Weird: The Wingless, Awesome World of Dragonfly Larvae

Sometimes you think you know a guy -- or in this case, a dragonfly. But then a new detail surfaces and changes everything. For instance, the dragonflies you see hovering above a pond have a secret, wingless and watery past that accounts for no less than 95 percent of their lifespan.



Dragonflies exist in a nymph or larval stage for two to five years, lurking beneath the surface of fresh water, breathing through gills in their abdomens, and voraciously hunting prey with their prehensile and extendable jaws. Only toward the end of their lives do these wingless dragon-nymphs crawl out of the water and, in a process known to science as "emergence," shed their larval skin and fly away -- to then live for only one or two short months in flight, eating and mating as adult dragonflies.



Watch our new video of dragonfly nymphs, full of amazing footage of these wingless aquatic predators. Kieran Suckling

@KieranSuckling

Executive Director View this message in your browser and share it on social media.



Photo credits: Airplane by Eric Prado/Flickr; California flag ad courtesy Center for Biological Diversity and Gyro; coral reef by Abel Valdivia, Center for Biological Diversity; wolves by John Pitcher; climatologist Dr. James Hansen by 350.org/Flickr; Frostpaw by Clayton Norman, Center for Biological Diversity; Santa Ana sucker by Paul Barrett, USFWS; brown bear (c) Robin Silver, Center for Biological Diversity; air pollution by Jay Peeples/Flickr; dragonfly by Macroscopic Solutions/Flickr.



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Fast-growing Zimbabwean tobacco firm Savanna Tobacco has acquired the Remington Gold brand from local manufacturer Cut Rag Processors.

Image by 123RF

With the addition of the Remington Gold brand, Savanna Tobacco now holds four of the Southern African regions leading cigarette brands.

Nick Hales, CEO of Savanna Tobacco, says the IP acquisition strengthens Savannas brand portfolio and provides additional choice for customers. Remington Gold is a long-standing brand of impeccable credentials in the Zimbabwean and regional markets. This acquisition is in line with Savanna Tobaccos strategy of organic brand growth and acquisition, says Hales.

Remington Gold was launched in Zimbabwe in 2001, for local and export markets. The brand will now benefit from the synergies at play in the Savanna Tobacco stable. Distribution of Remington Gold products will be optimised for geographical reach and spread in all markets, and its marketing and merchandising efficiencies will be improved.

Remington Gold will create value from its identified markets segments and price point, and play a key role in Savanna Tobaccos overall price segmentation strategy and brand architecture, says Hales.

With the acquisition, Savanna Tobacco now owns four key brands  Pacific, Branson, Pegasus and Remington Gold, all of which are positioned to offer high quality and competitive pricing.

Savanna Tobacco has also expanded its market reach into eight countries and rebranded its Pacific brand portfolio to give pan-African consumers access to world class quality and style while still catering for local price sensitivity and pack size requirements.

Savanna Tobaccos updated go to market strategy now delivers industry-leading margins for every channel level and has stepped up support for the important small and micro-enterprise sector.
When Instagram was bought by Facebook in 2012, it was only two-years old and comprised 13 people. The startup used their digital smarts to change the concept of photography as we knew it, and it paid off - a total of $1 billion in fact.

Anthon Muller, executive head: enterprise mobility pre & post sales, Vodacom Business.

Kodak, by comparison, at one point employed a whopping 140,000 staff members. The one-time industry giant, established in the 1800s, filed for bankruptcy protection in 2012 and today has a market capitalisation of less than $1 billion. Kodak's fall from grace now serves as a stark warning of the peril that awaits companies that dont adapt to digital change and embrace the technologies that come along with it.

If youre not going to digitally transform your company and adopt new technologies, youre going to go out of business. These were the words of Anthon Muller, executive head: enterprise mobility pre & post sales for Vodacom Business, at the Cape Town ICT Summit this week. He spoke on the current business buzz-phrase digital transformation, which he says needs to be decoded into simpler terms that are applicable to all levels of business  from SMEs, to government and multinationals. According to Muller, SMEs equate to approximately 55% of South Africas GDP, so its especially important that they are digitally enabled and that it's made more affordable for them to do so.

Enterprise mobility 101

Part and parcel of digital transformation is enterprise mobility. If youre in the dark about what this means Muller gives the following definition: "enterprise mobility is the set of tools that need to be adopted in order for [digital] transformation to occur." These technologies, he says, are needed to remain competitive, by improving products and services, as well as streamlining business processes within the organisation.

Transformation needs to extend to the individual as well. Muller asks the question: "how are we as employees transforming as individuals to adapt to the jobs of the future?" We have a personal responsibility to adapt our skill-sets accordingly and acquire new ones.

A rough guide

Muller offers the following key considerations when embarking on a transformation journey.

Culture and leadership: Yes, the big back-end systems and data centres are important, but digital transformation ultimately begins with [company] culture. If business leaders and senior executives dont have a good grasp of the concept it wont filter down correctly to employees. Its not the sole responsibility of the CIO either. Leadership needs to buy into digital change and invest in it.

Creativity and design thinking: Get creative! How have you done business up to now, and how are you going to do business going forward? Can anything be changed for the better? The answer is probably yes. Its important to note that these decisions cannot be made by the executive board in isolation, because the really creative ideas often sit with ones employees. The creativity is there, but a think tank needs to be created so that the innovation can be harnessed.

Balance  inside and out: Transformation cant only be worthwhile for your end customers. Internal systems need to be considered as well. How can digital transformation be used to make things simpler for employees? It must be remembered that a company that is digital on the inside also attracts new talent, namely the AlwaysOn workforce that thrives working from just about anywhere. Flaunt your digital wares to attract the right talent.

Holistic approach: Look at digital transformation as a holistic process and approach it as such. Theres no quick fix, and doing a patchy job will inevitably result in problems down the line. Remember, its a journey.
The current online advertising environment can be confusing and seemingly fragmented with native advertising, premium display advertising and now programmatic advertising being thrown in the mix. Added to this potentially confusing selection of media available are ad networks and ad exchanges - elements that can confuse even the most seasoned media buyer. This article intends to simplify the difference between the two.

What is an ad network?

Typically ad networks syndicate inventory from a vast variety of publishers and their business model is to mark-up that inventory and sell it on for a profit. Essentially, ad networks were created to assist marketers to be able to buy inventory from a wide variety of publishers, in one place. Because the list of publishers and inventory is so extremely vast on an ad network, it can become difficult to verify that you actually get the impression you bought.

123RF

In addition, some ad networks will focus on the quantity and reach of their network and some will focus on the quality and value of the inventory. It can be quite a minefield  especially for a novice programmatic buyer. The plus side of ad networks however, is they have in-house sales teams that, if they do their jobs well, are there to guide and assist advertisers.

What is an ad exchange?

An ad exchange is the technology platform that allows for a far more controlled and transparent environment. Buyers can actually see the exact price that an impression is being sold by a publisher, (which is not marked up by the exchange). The ad exchange is a way for buys and sellers to come together and transparently do business.

Network vs Exchange

The most commonly used metaphor to describe the difference between the ad network and the ad exchange is the stock market. In this scenario, the ad exchange is the stock market itself, whereas the ad network are the stock brokers. Got it? No? Heres another one; imagine the ad network is a multi-national grocery chain store. By the time you purchase a product  do you know exactly where it has come from? And I mean exactly? Probably not. Purchasing a product from this store has the farmer/producer mark-up, transport and shipping costs and then the retailer mark-up. In comparison, the ad exchange can be seen as a farmers market; you buy your product direct from the farmer  you can see where the product has come from and you can buy exactly what you want, without compromising on quality. In addition, there are no daisy-chain mark-ups because youre buying direct from the source.

So what is the best option?

As with anything, its always important to do your own research before delving into the unknown. It is also important to bear in mind that even in an ad exchange there will be resellers pretending to sell direct from the publisher to the media buyer. However, for the novice programmatic buyer, ad exchanges are far more user-friendly.

In South Africa, you can take it a step further and utilise a semi-private ad exchange, which gives you even more certainty and transparency as in those cases you will only be buying from sellers that you trust. This way, you know exactly where your ad is being shown, and more importantly to whom.
MasterChef Australia co-judge, chef and restaurateur George Calombaris is back in South Africa for this weekend's Good Food & Wine Show, where foodies now have the chance to play 'MasterChef'. The Chef's Table is an interactive culinary masterclass new on the event's menu and accompanies the relaunch of the rebranded GF&WS.

Calombaris trip to Johannesburg follows the recent launch of his fifth cookbook: Greek, and with Womens Month commencing on Monday, it's wonderful that his mum has had an influence on his love for the cuisine and even contributed a chapter of recipes.

I asked Calombaris more about this gorgeous bundle of Greek goodness and why he's excited to be one of the headline chefs at the GF&WS this year

Your new cookbook features traditional Greek food with a modern twist. In your video on Penguins website (video embedded below), you mention, Its Greek, but it doesnt look typically Greek. Its not cliche. Explain how you've modernised one of your standout dishes and what this adds to the classic version. Your new cookbook features traditional Greek food with a modern twist. In your video on Penguins website (video embedded below), you mention, Its Greek, but it doesnt look typically Greek. Its not cliche. Explain how you've modernised one of your standout dishes and what this adds to the classic version.

Many of those recipes are my interpretation of the Greek cuisine and dishes that have inspired me on my travels back to Greece. For example, with the souvlakis I have taken inspiration from the classic gyros  typically using chicken and pork, but given them a modern twist.

You've even taken Eton mess and given it a Greek spin, calling it Hellenic mess. What was the thought behind this? You've even taken Eton mess and given it a Greek spin, calling it Hellenic mess. What was the thought behind this?

I loved how such simple ingredients can create something so delicious. Therefore, I decided to incorporate your typical Greek flavours - rosewater and ouzo - and it was a winner.

What do you love most about Greek cuisine and how does your newest cookbook portray this? What do you love most about Greek cuisine and how does your newest cookbook portray this?

I love its simplicity and how the simple dishes can be bursting with flavour. Greek food is my heritage, it is what I know, it is what I love and it is what Im proud of.

How has your mother influenced your love for the cuisine and cheffing/the restaurant business? What is your fondest cooking memory growing up? How has your mother influenced your love for the cuisine and cheffing/the restaurant business? What is your fondest cooking memory growing up?

She definitely influenced my love for the Greek cuisine and how food can bring people together. I used to love it when mum would make me Avgolemono (egg and lemon soup).

As your fifth cookbook, what have you learnt from compiling previous ones? What makes this one extra special, or what is it about this one that you're most proud of? As your fifth cookbook, what have you learnt from compiling previous ones? What makes this one extra special, or what is it about this one that you're most proud of?

It took me three years to bring this book to life. It is always a long and very enjoyable process. My mum also contributed recipes for a chapter in the book. I think I am most proud that my kids can see this and see the work I have done.

Why a lemon on the cover? Who illustrated it, and who is the magician food photographer? Why a lemon on the cover? Who illustrated it, and who is the magician food photographer?

Lemons are much used in Mediterranean cooking. The artist was Evi O, from Sydney, and the photographer was Earl Carter.

George Calombaris

Comment on your trip to South Africa for the GF&WS: Comment on your trip to South Africa for the GF&WS:
Massmart's long-running battle against the big retailers over long-term lease exclusivity agreements is set to continue after the Competition Tribunal decided on Wednesday to reserve judgment until a later date on whether to hear the matter.

In June 2015, Massmart lodged a complaint referral with the tribunal against Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Spar, and the South African Property Owners Association, in which it alleged they were engaging in a prohibited practice in contravention of sections of the Competition Act.

In August 2015, Shoprite, Spar and Pick n Pay each filed a pleading known as an exception to the Massmart complaint.

In December, Spar filed an application to stay proceedings pending the outcome of the grocery retail sector market inquiry.

The retailers have been arguing their cases since Tuesday as to whether the tribunal should hear Massmarts complaint.

The legal teams of Pick n Pay, Spar, and Shoprite have asked that Massmart pick up the costs if the tribunal decides in their favour.

Part of the relief Massmart seeks from the tribunal is for it to rule that all existing exclusivity clauses the respondents have signed be declared null and void  a move Spars representative, Anna Annandale, said could have far-reaching consequences, especially with the market inquiry under way.

But Frank Snyckers, on behalf of Massmart, said the outcomes of the inquiry would merely be recommendations and nonbinding.

"The inquiry is broader and general and is not aimed at making a finding or validating a fact," he said. Snyckers said for as long as the referral proceedings did not continue, Massmart would be suffering a significant prejudice.

"The inquiry will release its findings and recommendations provisionally next year May. But that is not up to Massmart or the commission.

"But no matter what happens in the inquiry, we will continue to be excluded from competing nationally, as findings will be nonbinding," he said.

Massmart  which owns retailers such as Game and Dion Wired  first filed a complaint with the competition authorities in September 2014, which the commission refused to probe.

The inquiry into the grocery retail market will focus mostly on the effect of national chains on small independent grocers.

Lease agreements will be one of the many issues discussed.
The City of Tshwane launched its first ever Agropolitan Village, the Tshwane Food and Energy Centre (TFEC), located on a 200Ha plot in Bronkhorstspruit, just outside Pretoria, South Africa.

The R40m Agropolitan Village will contribute to the citys food security through livestock production and energy security through the establishment of a photo-voltaic solar power plant and reuse of livestock organic waste as feedstock for renewable energy production (biogas).

According to the City of Tshwane, the project started operating late last year. Currently, there are 25 local people from the nearby Rethabiseng township who work in the village. The locals, who have received formal training in planting vegetables and becoming chicken farmers, work and reside in the village.

Thami Motau, a mother of two from Rethabiseng, told SAnews that through the establishment of the project, she is now able to plant vegetables and become a poultry farmer. I was unemployed for a very long time. I thank the City of Tshwane for bringing this project to us, she said.

Another beneficiary, John Masanabo, 67, a father of four, told SAnews that he has been unemployed since 1998. I thank our government for bringing this project to us as we will be able to support our families, he said. Masanabo, who has received training in planting vegetables and poultry farming, is currently taking care of 1,500 chicks that are expected to be sold soon.

The project is a Mayoral flagship project that will assist the city in its transition towards being a low carbon, resource efficient and climate resilient City. According to the City of Tshwane, the project is the first of its kind in the country.

Speaking at the launch, the City of Tshwane Mayor Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said he was grateful for the project as it was going to help the local residents, especially the youth.
South African Express Airways commemorated this year's International Mandela Day by joining in a global initiative called 'International Mandela Day 2016: Stop Hunger Now Worldwide "Follow the Sun" Meal Packaging Event' - a global movement to eradicate hunger.

SA Express CEO Inati Ntshanga explained the motivation of the airlines staff to participate, as being inspired by the plight of almost three million South African schoolchildren who go to school hungry each day. According to Statistics SA, 16% of South Africans have inadequate access to food. Our team felt they could do no less than Graca Machel, Chief Patron of Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa, who just the week before joined hundreds of volunteers in packing meal packs to feed the hungry. We are proud to emulate our beloved statesmans widow in giving 67 minutes towards Mandela Day, as over 40 of our staff similarly rolled up their sleeves and got involved.

Ntshanga said after the event, This was a particularly exciting initiative which literally spanned the globe and involved countless people of all nationalities. With the focus as always on combatting the worldwide scourge of poverty and malnutrition, we partnered with Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa, an NPO that focuses on food distribution in Southern Africa.

It's in our hands now

The involvement of SA Express staff in Corporate Social Investment activities is a critical element in enabling the business, employees and communities to work together towards joint socio-economic interests.

The 40 plus SA Express employees were bussed to Carnival City last week to do their bit for a global effort that was expected to result in 10 million meals packaged. The meals will be delivered to charities in a series of events across the entire circumference of the globe, chasing the sunrise from East to West.

First to get busy was Stop Hunger Now Malaysia and ending in the West with Stop Hunger Now US. However, for us, the centerpiece was Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa. In recognition of our special relationship with Nelson Mandela, South Africa ambitiously set itself a target of packing two million meals during the day, out of the global target of ten million, said Ntshanga.

To meet its daunting target, Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa hosted events across no fewer than seven cities in South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Nelspruit, and Pietermaritzburg. SA Express staff were joined by teams from a number of other large corporates each dedicating their now iconic 67 minutes to the Nelson Mandela cause of eradicating malnutrition and poverty. The parcels were then distributed to needy early development centers throughout the country.

Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandelas birthday on 18 July 2009 by unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly. It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made a year earlier, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the worlds social injustices when he said that it is in your hands now.
South Africa's 162 beautiful, sun-loving dragonfly species are helping conservationists, water managers, and farmers to get to grips with the state of local freshwater sources such as dams, rivers, and streams. Two Stellenbosch University (SU) researchers wrote a book which sets out how these insects can be used as freshwater monitors.

The new 224-page full colour Manual of Freshwater Assessment for South Africa: Dragonfly Biotic Index is written and compiled by Prof Michael Samways, renowned insect conservationist of the SU Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, and water ecologist Dr John Simaika, a research fellow in the SU Department of Soil Science. Using dragonflies in freshwater assessments is so simple because they are relatively easy to identify, says Prof Samways. All you need is a good guide, a pair of close-focus binoculars, and a sunny day.

The book synthesizes the research they have been doing together over the past decade to compile an easy-to-use biotic index that is relevant for South African water systems. In the process, they have also been involved in finding new species or re-discovering ones that were thought to have become extinct. The manual, which contains full-colour photographs and line drawings, can also be used as a field guide to locate and identify dragonfly species. Many of the photographs were taken by the authors themselves during the course of their research work on dragonflies, a broad term used for the true and familiar dragonflies as well as the small and usually more slender and delicate damselflies.

Dr Simaika describes the book as an easy read. It is easily accessible, as anyone can download it, print it or share it, anywhere in the world, he notes. The manual is available as a book or on CD, and will also be made available to download for free in the near future. It is published by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), as part of its Suricata series.

Books such as this one are a great starting point for getting people to care about something. If only one in ten readers were to think more deeply about freshwater conservation, then we will have done a good job, adds Dr Simaika. I hope it will also encourage people already working in the water sector, particularly in the water resource arena, to think differently about freshwater biodiversity conservation, which all too often takes a back seat to providing water for human uses.

Brachythemis lacustris, Red Groundling - John Simaika

Why use dragonflies to assess freshwater systems?

Dragonflies are found in all parts of the world, except in the Polar regions. Some are highly sensitive to any human impact, while others are real opportunists that are able to live in the most artificial of habitats, such as cattle troughs and even bird baths. This range of sensitivities makes dragonflies very useful as good indicators of freshwater quality and conservation, says Prof Samways.

When a water system becomes degraded through for instance pollution or damming there is always a change in the species found in an area, with a shift from sensitive specialists towards more generalists that are not that particular, he elaborates. "If you know which species are present in and around a water source you are able to measure the extent to which a freshwater body is, for instance, returning to its original condition after being polluted or after the clearing of alien plants.

How does the scoring system highlighted in the manual work?

Prof Samways and Dr Simaika developed their dragonfly biotic system over the course of the past decade. One of the advantages of the dragonfly biotic index is that you do not have to wade into the water to collect samples when you want to do an assessment, but can do so from the reasonable comfort of a streambank or the edge of a dam, Prof Samways adds on a practical note.

The index takes three main features of each of the 162 South African species into account. Scores are given to each species, and these can be weighed up when weighing up the state of different water sources.

Syncordulia gracilis, Yellow Presba - John_Simaika

The features used are:

 The general distribution of a species (for instance, if it is commonly found over a wide area, or only in a few localities);

 Its threat status (whether it is rated as threatened or near extinct on the so-called Red List of the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources); and

 Its sensitivity towards changes by humans to the water sources around which it is found.

When a system deteriorates there is a shift in the total scores of all the species present, from high to low. When the system improves again, there is a subsequent shift in the other direction. In short, we can use dragonflies to determine whether we should be worried about a system which is going downhill, or how well we are doing to improve another,  adds Dr Simaika.
The Community Plumbing Challenge, which was held in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, recently, was inspired by the concept that "focused design" can drastically improve even the poorest of living environments.

Dave Donald (Healthabitat) addressing international and local community teams at the 2016 Community Plumbing Challenge held in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, South Africa in July. Image credit: Gallo Images/ Lefty Shivambu

Communal toilets have long been problematic for Diepsloot residents because of overcrowding, being dysfunctional and poorly designed, compromising the health and dignity of people.

During the week of 9 - 15 July 2016, eight defunct communal toilets were plucked out of the ground in Diepsloot Extension 1, where four international student teams (representing Australia, India, United States and South Africa) collaborated to develop the most effective and sustainable new upgrade solutions. Teams assembled and tested their new designs, supporting WASSUP to reinstall and reconnect these communal toilets for local Diepsloot residents.

Focused design to improve residents immediate environments goes a long way in improving health and alleviating the factors that create abject poverty and deepening inequality. While a number of factors need to align for real social change to occur, the assertion is that small amendments to the environment make a difference.

The late Paul Pholeros, architect and co-founder of Healthabitat, a key instigator of the Community Plumbing Challenge (CPC), believed that closing the gap in health involved good design, working with local communities, and always starting a project with skilled trades and tools.

Pholeros believed overwhelmingly that people are in fact the solution. And that to fix health hardware doesnt require any grand plans or large sums of money when we work with local teams, skills and labour ready on day one of any project to make real improvements.

Since 2013, Healthabitat has worked with local Diepsloot plumbing organisation WASSUP, Sticky Situations and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to repair and upgrade over 50 existing toilets in Diepsloot. This month, Healthabitat were once again the design and advocacy partners in the CPC2016 and guided teams through their design and implementation efforts.

The recent CPC2016 collaboration is an example of the power and potential of participatory decision-making and monitoring in a community. Says Sean Kearney of IAPMO, We worked hard to tailor this programme to local contexts with the aim of responding to the real needs of the community. While the problems may seem complex, we have no doubt that together we will find innovative ways to solve them.

Follow the Facebook page for developments at CPC2016.
It was a staggering feat, a car that went faster than the speed of sound. On 15 October 1997, Andy Green travelled across the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, in the Thrust SSC at 763.035 mph, or Mach 1.02 . Two decades on, that record remains unchallenged. Until now.

Back in 2007, a small team of British engineers headed up by Richard Noble and Andy Green decided to have a pop at the world land speed record once more. This time, their sights were set on 1,000mph. A rocket scientist was brought in to design the largest hybrid rocket system ever developed in the UK, a structural engineer was brought in to design the cars internal structure and I was invited to join the team along with Ron Ayers to ensure that this car would, indeed, remain a car and stay firmly planted on the ground. Ron and I would be responsible for the aerodynamic design of the car. It would be called Bloodhound.

I must confess that none of us anticipated back then that it would take quite so long to get to this point. Ambitious engineering projects, however, do have a habit of overrunning. This particular one, completely dependent on sponsorship and operating through a major global recession, has been no different.

A leap of faith

So, here we are. We have completed the extensive seven-year design process, including multiple design iterations and optimisation cycles.

We have built the car and revealed the real thing to the world. We have even practised the loading of the car onto the transporter plane soon to take us to our high speed test site on the Hakskeen Pan in South Africa.

We have also recently signed a major new sponsorship deal which means that the funding is now in place to start the vehicle testing. We will finally discover whether or not all of our design and modelling work has been correct. This is the moment that the adventure gets real. Did we get it right?

You might be concerned that we are about to attempt a 1,000mph land speed record when all of our understanding of the cars aerodynamic behaviour has been done using computer modelling  in a 'virtual wind tunnel'. We have not done real world wind tunnel testing or rocket sled testing to double check our results. Bear in mind that if weve got this wrong then we could easily generate sufficient lift to project Bloodhound SSC skywards. Equally, too much downforce and we might find ourselves with the worlds fastest plough.

Author provided

Back in the 1990s, when computer modelling was the primary tool for the aerodynamic design of Thrust SSC, extensive validation of the computer model was undertaken using a scaled model of the car strapped to a rocket sled. Comparison of data originating from the scaled rocket sled model and the computer predictions gave the Thrust SSC engineers the confidence they needed to press ahead and build the car.

This time we are doing things differently. Computational aerodynamic modelling has come so far in the last 20 years that this time around we will be using the car itself to validate the computer model that was used to design it.

Author provided

But dont worry, we wont be heading out to our test site in South Africa and telling Andy to 'put his foot down' straight away. Over the next couple of years, starting with 'low speed' runway testing at Newquays AeroHub in Cornwall we will slowly be increasing the speed of our test runs. The surface of the car itself is covered with about 200 pressure sensors and data from these sensors will be compared with the computer model predictions that were used to design the car in the first place.

Driving through the sound barrier

One of my jobs after each run will be to check this mass of data and help decide whether or not we have the confidence in the computer model to try going a little faster on the next run. Of course, my hope will be that the computer model predictions and the cars sensor data track neatly next to each other as we increase the cars speed. But this is now the real world and there might be times when we have to (metaphorically) put on the brakes and ask ourselves some difficult questions. This, perhaps, will require us to tweak the computer model or even tweak the cars design itself.

And we want to keep everyone involved and engaged in this process. All of the data coming from the cars sensors will be made available to the public after every run so that you can help us with this data analysis. We will be streaming the test runs live across the internet so you can follow our progress every step of the way.

The adventure is certainly now getting very real indeed
Kagiso Shanduka Trust (KST) recently visited five schools in Free State's Motheo District to deliver the first in its series of Grade 12 Schools Talks. The talks aim to help matric learners understand the challenges and opportunities facing them in their immediate future, as they prepare for the tertiary stage of their education.

Kealeboga Moremba, Communications Officer for KST, hosted the talks, emphasising five realities that would prove useful to learners as they took the next step in their school careers. Moremba drew attention to the following points:

You do not need to attend a private school, or come from an affluent background, in order to be a high achiever. You can create a great future, regardless of your past. Become an inspiring success story that motivates your community and fellow learners to pursue excellence. It is impossible to accomplish anything without hard work. Hard work helps you maintain consistency. Perseverance is critical. Even if you do not have a glowing academic record, it is never too late to give of your best  and when you start trying, youll start succeeding. Success is a state of mind, but you need to get the foundations right. Nutritious foods provide fuel for body and mind, while rest and exercise are also vital. Reading up on study and exam tips can have a significant impact on your academic performance. You will also put yourself in a position of strength by reading up on tertiary institutions and finding out as much as you can about the career and qualification you are interested in and about university life in general. Dont disregard the impact of peer pressure. Surrounding yourself with positive people will keep you motivated, but beware of those who might bring you down. As the saying goes: birds of a feather flock together.



The talks were held from 20 - 21 July 2016, with a KST team initially visiting six schools: Popano Secondary School, Ntumediseng Secondary School, Leratong Secondary School and Kgauho Secondary School all in Botshabelo; as well as Tlotlanang Combined School and Strydom High School in ThabaNchu. The schools selected for the programme already receive curriculum support from KST.

For the Grade 12 School Talks KST distributed information packs, sponsored by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Damelin College and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), providing the learners with crucial information on bursaries and careers.

The talks are being hosted as part of KSTs aim to support South Africas youth, while specifically motivating Grade 12 learners to achieve good results and ensuring their preparedness for tertiary studies.

We specifically chose to pilot this project during Mandela Month, as it is a time when South Africans reflect on how they can lend others practical assistance, KST Operations Manager, Kaya Nyati, commented. The timing was also pertinent as matriculants are about to embark on the second half of their final year of school; a critical stage in their education.

This isnt simply about enthusing learners, but also about empowering them with information, and helping them find solutions to study challenges. We also offered them sound guidance on what to expect from their first year as university students  important, because this is a stage of life and transition many learners find difficult, Nyati concluded.
Students could be able to enrol for pre-medical training courses as early as next year at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as it forges ahead with plans to open the doors to its medical school in 2020.

Vice-chancellor Derek Swartz said many senior doctors in Nelson Mandela Bay were keen to teach at the medical school.

NMMU would work with Walter Sisulu University (WSU), which had extended professorships to a number of Port Elizabeth specialists in the public sector last year.

Paediatric cardiologist Dr Lungile Pepeta, specialist gynaecologist Dr Mfundo Mabenge, gastroenterologist Dr Fikile Mbete and psychiatrist Dr Zukiswa Zingela have been offered professorships by WSU.

Swartz said their expertise could be harnessed for the medical school.

NMMU would situate the medical school close to a large public hospital.

"For us, it would preferably be Dora Nginza Hospital which will then be supported by core academic departments at our Missionvale university campus.

"As hospitals fall under the national and provincial departments of health, we would naturally have to secure [their] agreement on the best location."

Plans for the medical school included building a covered pedestrian bridge across Uitenhage Road for the safe and easy passage of staff and students.

"The new medical school will certainly make Nelson Mandela Bay an even more attractive place to settle and invest in," Swartz said.

At present, NMMU was focused on getting a Bachelor of Medicine (MBChB) programme up and running, with specialist training to follow. "This is our plan unless government requests an earlier uptake," he said.

The medical school would be a public facility and its core costs would have to be underwritten by the Treasury, as part of the higher education budget.

"The Department of Higher Education and Training has already made provision for this expansion in the national enrolment planning process," Swartz said.

"We will also raise capital in the private and philanthropic markets.

"If [all] goes according to plan, the first intake for the MBChB degree will be in January 2020, and pre-medical training in 2017-18 if the necessary programme approvals are secured.

"I have already been approached by many highly skilled medical practitioners with expertise and passion for teaching [who want to serve] in professorial and other associated capacities in the new medical school."

Source: Herald via I-Net Bridge
Meet Sarah, your travel expert

Spurred by the worldwide growth of mobile devices, the series was created exclusively for mobile devices and shot in a vertical format. The videos are short, sharp and entertaining. They offer a comprehensive guide to Africa through more than 100 different videos.

Ryan Rapaport, Rhino Africa's creative director, explains: "The most exciting thing for us is that our travellers can now confidently travel throughout Africa and feel like they have us alongside them with the correct and up-to-date information in the palm of their hands. The series will tackle all the top destinations in Africa and cover topics such as when to go, what to pack and what to do. Its everything a first-time traveller to Africa could wish to know, and were very excited to get it in the hands of our travellers and for them to use it and take advantage of it."

The project was a reaction to the fact that people are changing the way they use the internet. In 2014, mobile overtook desktop in terms of the number of users and time spent on the internet. Alongside this development, vertical video has also grown exponentially through social media startups such as Snapchat and Periscope. By 2019, 80% of internet traffic will be video. Rhino Africa recognised the massive opportunity to move into this space and Rhino Africas Travel Tips was born.

"Our favourite aspect about our Travel Tips segment is that our travellers can now quite literally keep us in their pocket as they travel around the continent. We know all of our destinations like a leopard knows its spots and we've ensured that all of our information is up-to-date and now available to our travellers in the palm of their hands and at the mere push of a button. Travel Tips is precisely the sort of thing travellers need: short, concise, informative, and useful information that is on hand anytime, anywhere," says Rapaport.

The series will cover the most popular destinations in Africa such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls, the Kruger National Park, Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya just to name a few. Rhino Africa encourages viewers to leave questions regarding African travel in the comments section, which they will answer as the series progresses.

*This article has been updated.
The UCT GSB's Women in Business Conference is returning for the 17th time, and this year's edition will offer both a major networking opportunity and a unique perspective on rising above challenging circumstances.

The 17th Women in Business Conference (WIB) at the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) will feature a stellar line-up this year, including Gabi Lowe, ongoing crusader for the Jenna Lowe trust, Dermalogicas Cherie Keating, and keynote speaker Zukie Siyotula, former Divisional CEO in a leading investment company.

Most importantly, say organisers of the schools WIB Committee, the conference will also help raise funds for a bursary for a deserving female business student in 2017.

Siyotula, one of only 12 individuals across Africa recently recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Young Global Leader, is the former Divisional CEO in a leading investment company and has served on a number of non-profit, public and listed boards including, but not limited to Shell SA, Altech Netstar, Vodacom SA, SAfripol, STISA and Sekelo Oil Trading. She previously held senior positions at Barclays, Old Mutual and South African Breweries.

Lowe, mother of the late Jenna Lowe, is an ongoing custodian of the Jenna Lowe Trust, which is perhaps best known for spearheading Jennas Get me to 21 organ donation awareness campaign. Jenna suffered from an extremely rare lung disease known as Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, and the Trust continues to fight for patients in a similar plight.

Cherie Keating, MD of Dermalogica SA, started at Dermalogica at the age of 19 and rose through the ranks, from sales to education and general management, eventually becoming the director of Dermalogica South Africa.

A panel discussion will be moderated by respected academic and consultant Dr Linda Ronnie. Panellists include Joy-Marie Lawrence admitted attorney and Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) graduate of the GSB along with Lelemba Phiri, Chief Marketing Officer of fintech startup, Zoona. Phiri has been identified as one of Africa's most influential women by CEO magazine, and in 2015 was awarded the Rising Star Award at Zambian Women of the Year Awards.

The 2016 Conference theme is Resilient and Resourceful and is run by students on various post-graduate programmes at the GSB and who are part of the Women in Business (WIB) committee. The event aims to celebrate the achievements of businesswomen in South Africa who have made  and continue to make  a distinguished contribution to society.

In line with this goal, funds raised through the conference go towards supporting deserving, but financially disadvantaged, women to enrol in the GSBs Academic Programmes, namely the MBA and PGDip, says Heloise Janse van Rensburg, WIB committee member.

The conference offers an array of experiences and tools to inspire female leaders to be fully involved in making a positive difference in business and our communities. It offers an enriching platform to motivate, inspire and connect women of all industries and experience.

Delegates will have the opportunity to network with over 350 members of the business community, as well as receiving exposure to a number of high profile sponsor companies. These will include representatives from telecoms, FMCG, retail, and consulting.

The WIB Conference has run annually since 1999 during Womens Month. Other, concurrent initiatives running in August at the GSB include the GSB Womens MBA Info Session Breakfast on 26 August, and a Distinguished Speakers Programme with Professor Shirley Zinn.

Professor Zinn holds an M.Ed from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and a D.Ed from Harvard, and was crowned Top Woman in Business and Government in 2008. Most recently, she received recognition as the author of Swimming Upstream: A story of grit and determination to succeed, the remarkable memoir of her fight to rise above the circumstances she was born into.

The 2016 Women in Business Conference will be held on Friday 12 August at the Belmont Square Conference Centre in Cape Town. Tickets are available at R750 for individuals or R675pp for corporate groups of 10 or more. More information about the Conference is available on the GSBs Facebook page, under Events, as well as via email from Women in Business, az.ca.tcu.bsg@ecnerefnocbiw.

Companies can negotiate sponsorship in exchange for brand exposure, and are invited to donate raffle prizes, silent auction prizes, or goodie-bag items.

For more information about the event, please visit http://www.gsb.uct.ac.za/s.asp?p=257&intEventID=578.




Bernard Fehon, international entrepreneur and founder of the CEO SleepOut global brand, has jetted in to Johannesburg, the scene for the second ever CEO SleepOut on the Nelson Mandela Bridge - yes, it's set to be the coldest night of the year - and that's the point.

In an exclusive interview, Fehon shared the history of the CEO SleepOut and its uniqueness over other fundraising events typically held at night.

For one thing, while only in its second year locally, CEO SleepOut has been running globally for over a decade now, with the first rendition taking place in Sydney back in June 2006, following a few months of planning. Thats true staying power, as is the fact that the global funds raised snowball heavily each time its held  so much so that Ornico actually brought home international AMEC awards for partnering with last years local CEO SleepOut campaign, for excellence in communications measurement and evaluation.

Fehon attributes the global campaigns success to its uniqueness. It marries the typical concept of high-profiled citizens raising funds for the needy at night, not with a frankly inappropriate fancy catered dinner and ballgowns, but instead with having them experience a night of homelessness first hand  out in the cold, on the bridge, and raising funds by doing so, much in the way that schools raise funds by hosting sleepovers on their grounds.

Secondly, the CEO SleepOut is by no means just a single night CSI event. Its a factor of lasting CSR success, as Fehon explains the experience actually changes the way CEOs think. It brings these critical social issues firmly into focus for them instead of having them swept under the corporate rug.

Bridging the gap: True corporate understanding of social issues

Thats the ultimate benefit for businesses that take part in the SleepOut  the fact that its the C-suite that gets involved, not just the companys marketing department looking for a quick reputational boost. In fact, Fehon says the SleepOut has such a profound effect on some CEOs that they go on from the experience to identify issues in their own staff that could lead to homelessness down the line. A CEO SleepOut doesnt just raise funds, it raises awareness.

This is especially important as SAs designated month for CSR-centricity comes to an end and the majority of businesses typically put their CSI thinking back in the box for another year. Its especially fitting where government actually mandates corporate social consciousness, so the movement shifts from mere compliance to creating conscious capital in initiating change and empowering the local community.

In 2010, Ali Gregg noted the impact of CEO SleepOut while in Sydney, grasped the ethos and enormous impact it could have in SA, and set about planning last years initial local event. In total, 247 CEOs took part and over R26m was raised in funds. Thats an incredibly high fundraising bar to beat, but we just might do it. Heres hoping this years event is even more effective.

Click here for more on the 2016 Sun International CEO SleepOut, taking place on Thursday, 28 July, on the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg and here for more on Ornicos AMEC award-winning involvement with the initial run of the SA campaign.
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We have arrested Khaing Myo Tun from Baukthi Su ward of Sittwe at around 3 pm, as he was charged by the Sittwe Township Court following the complaint by a lieutenant colonel based in regional headquarter in last May. Presently Khaing Myo Tun is being lodged at Sittwe prison, said the officer.

The ALP is an Arakanese ethnic armed group, which had signed a ceasefire agreement with the U Thein Sein government in State level. But lately the ALP issued a statement criticizing the Burma Army for its human rights violation particularly in the issue of ongoing conflicts between the Arakan Army rebels and Myanmar Army troops.

On 27 April, colonel Htin Lin, who is the Minister of Security & Border Affairs in Arakan State government, summoned Khaing Myo Tun along with Khaing Ray Lin to Sittwe to warn against the ALP statement.

The State Minister informed Khaing Myo Tun and Khaing Ray Lin that they would be prosecuted if their allegations against Myanmar Army turned incorrect.

Later Khaing Myo Tun was charged with the defamation case (not having respect to Burma Army) under the act 505 (B) and act 505 (C) by the Sittwe township court.

Khaing Myo Tun was summoned by the court many times, but he avoided the directive and did not prefer to attend the proceedings. Hence we detained him after the Sittwe Township Court issued a warrant against Khaing Myo Tun, added the police officer.
The message was conveyed to a Myanmar delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Major General Aung Soe which is on a two-day visit to India. The stand is being seen as a climb-down as India had earlier requested Myanmar to hand over the top leadership of the outfit, the report said.

The NSCN-K has said it will not participate in the forthcoming Union Peace Conference and is not attending the current Mai Ja Yang plenary meeting.
The appeal was made at a press conference on Monday held at party headquarters in Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State, and led by Nai Kyan Yit of the partys central executive committee, Joint-secretary (1) Nai San Tin and Joint-secretary (2) Nai Than Shwe.

We have not yet received the [recognition] letter that we asked for. They [NMSP] already held a press conference but they still have not recognized us. They have never given us this acknowledgement in the past, so we cannot move forward until they issue the statement recognizing our party, said Nai Kyan Yit.

Mon State has two major ethnic Mon political parties, the Mon National Party and the AMDP. Of the two, the NMSP has traditionally allied with the MNP while the AMDP describes its activities as closely aligned with public priorities.

The announcement follows a meeting between the NMSP and AMDP on July 8 intended to secure AMDP cooperation in the lead up to NMSPs Mon National Conference, and for the AMDP to seek formal recognition from the resistance group.

At a press conference on July 12, Nai Win Hla, the head of NMSPs Home Affairs Department, said the NMSP already extended this acknowledgement to the political party.

We accepted what the [AMDP] has already achieved [for Mon people]. This acknowledgement is for them to know. If its primarily for the public to know, we already made a public announcement as well. Regarding this [acknowledgment], we already submitted our letter to [the AMDP].

According to the NMSP, arrangements have been made for 40 Mon political party members to attend their national conference next month, but AMDP representatives will only decide to join after an invitation is received, said Nai San Tin.

Nai Win Hla added that AMDPs progress would be reported regularly to NMSPs central executive committee and outcomes would be shared during press conferences.

Reported by: Min Thitsar Khine
FREED PHOTOGRAPHY

WASHINGTON  Three groups are threatening to challenge the constitutionality of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's revised pay-to-play rule for municipal advisors.

The revised rule, approved this month by the Securities and Exchange Commission, would take effect beginning Aug. 17. It would put non-dealer muni advisors and MAs acting as third-party solicitors on a par with dealer advisors and underwriters by restricting their political contributions to issuer officials to prevent them from engaging in pay-to-pay practices.

The Center for Competitive Politics, the New York Republican State Committee, and the Tennessee Republican Party, all urged the SEC in comment letters to disapprove the Rule G-37 revisions, warning they would restrict political speech and violate the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The CCP is a nonprofit organization that promotes and defends free speech and other First Amendment rights through litigation, communication, activism, and education. The two state Republican groups challenged a previous rule from the SEC aimed at preventing investment advisors from engaging in pay-to-play practices. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia dismissed that lawsuit on a technicality, finding the two groups missed the 60-day deadline to challenge the rule after it went into effect.

Jason Torchinsky, a partner at Holtzman Vogel Josefiak Torchinsky PLLC and one of the lawyers in the Republican committees' challenge to the IA rule, said Wednesday that the SEC's approval of the changes is a "regulatory expansion of limits on the right of individuals to engage in First Amendment protected activity" that "should be subject to a court challenge." He added he believes a challenge will be brought but said details are not yet available.

David Keating, the CPP's president, said the group is "very disappointed the SEC did not consider less restrictive alternatives that could avoid limiting First Amendment rights" and that the rule "is highly vulnerable to a challenge in court."

Rule G-37 was challenged by an Alabama bond dealer William Blount soon after it was approved for dealers in April 1994. He argued the rule violated his constitutional right to free speech. The DC appellate court rejected that argument in 1995, ruling G-37 was "narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest." The Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal of that ruling.

But that was a different high court. More recent Supreme Court decisions have overturned restrictions on politically motivated expenditures, such as in Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission in 2010.

In announcing the SEC's approval of the revised G-37, MSRB executive director Lynnette Kelly said, "The integrity of the municipal market will be well-served by the regulations to help ensure that all municipal advisors that do business with state and local governments do so based on the merits of their work and not on financial influence."

She added that the MSRB has "conducted its municipal advisor rulemaking in the most transparent and rigorous manner" by incorporating significant public and industry input. The self-regulator is "pleased to have created balanced rules that protect the interests of state and local governments," Kelly said.

The pay-to-play rule, along with other recently approved regulations on core duties of municipal advisors and gifts and gratuities limitations, is part of the MSRB's multi-year effort to extend its regulatory regime to municipal advisors to comply with a mandate of the Dodd-Frank Act.

The revised Rule G-37 will prevent both dealers and MAs from engaging in negotiated municipal business with an issuer for two years if the firm, one of its municipal finance professionals or municipal advisor professionals, or a political action committee that is controlled by either the firm or a professional associated with the firm, makes a significant contributions to an issuer official who can influence the award of negotiated muni bond business for dealers or MAs.

However, an MFP or MAP will be allowed to give a de minimis contribution of up to $250 to any candidate for whom he or she can vote for without triggering the ban. There is still no such exception for a firm.

The rule also divides MA firms into two categories, those that act as third-party solicitors and those that do not. Under the approved rule, an MA third-party solicitor is generally an MA that solicits an issuer or other municipal entity for compensation, even if that MA also provides advice to municipal entities.

Dealers and non-dealer MAs can trigger the two-year ban in different ways.

Dealers can only be subject to a ban on municipal securities business if a contribution is made to an official who can influence the selection of a dealer. Similarly, a non-solicitor MA can only be subject to a ban on municipal advisory business if a contribution is made to an official who can influence the selection of an MA. A temporary ban on negotiated municipal advisory business would include both a ban on advising the issuer or other municipal entity on certain matters and soliciting the municipal entity on behalf of third-party dealers, municipal advisors, and investment advisers.

Dealers that are also MAs could also be subject to a "cross ban" on business, consistent with the type of influence held by the official to whom the contribution was made. A "cross ban" would treat a dealer-MA firm as a single economic unit. For example, if an MFP or MAP of the firm makes a contribution to an official who can influence the selection of dealers and MAs, the firm is subject to a temporary ban on both types of business. However, if an MFP or MAP of the firm makes a contribution to an official who only has influence over one type of business, the firm would be subject to a two-year ban on only that business.

The factors triggering a temporary ban on business for municipal advisor third-party solicitors differ from those for non-solicitor MAs. For MA third-party solicitors, the ban on negotiated municipal advisory business would apply if the official getting the contribution has influence over selecting MAs, dealers, or investment advisors. If a dealer hires a municipal advisor third-party solicitor, the dealer also may be subject to a two-year ban on municipal securities business if the solicitor contributed to an official who could influence the selection of dealers. Similarly, if a municipal advisor hires an MA third-party solicitor, the municipal advisor also may be subject to a ban on municipal advisory business if the solicitor contributed to an official who has influence over selecting MAs.

The SEC also approved related changes to MSRB Rules G-8 and G-9 on books and records and preservation of records. The rules will now require dealers and MAs to disclose to the MSRB on a quarterly basis information about contributions made to issuer officials, payments made to political parties of states or political subdivisions, contributions made to bond ballot campaigns, and muni transactions done with issuers. A new requirement for MA third-party solicitors will require them to list the names of the parties from whom they've solicited business as well as the nature of the business solicited.
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NEW DELHI (PTI): Nearly a month after its bid for NSG membership was stalled by China and some other countries on the ground that it was a non-NPT signatory, India on Wednesday said countries like Brazil, Argentina and France became members of NSG when they were not signatory to the NPT.



Replying to a written question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said it is understood that consultations on the issue of membership are ongoing within the NSG and the government continues to engage with all NSG members for an early decision on India's application.



The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Plenary meeting in Seoul on June 23-24 concluded without a decision on India's membership following a stiff opposition by China and some other countries. They opposed entry of a non-NPT signatory into the 48-nation grouping.



"The following countries became members of NSG without first being members of the NPT: Argentina, Brazil and France," said Singh, who also asserted that India has a well-developed and diversified indigenous nuclear power programme.



Membership of the NSG would place the existing cooperation India has with other countries such as Canada, the UK and the US on a predictable basis and facilitate the enhanced investments, industrial tie-ups and technology access required to accelerate augmentation of nuclear power capacity in India, Singh added.


Last week on Branding Strategy Insider we explored How the Fox News brand reached cult status and we looked at how this media giant did several crucial things right to become the most profitable cable news outlet on Television.

This week we examine how another brand achieved the same feat but in a surprisingly different way; without the power of compelling creative, paid media or even a dedicated website for its flagship brand.

Remember we define cult status as a place beyond brand loyalty and even brand advocacy. A place of brand insistence where there are no substitutes. Where the notion of a substitute is flatly rejected.

Sriracha has taken its place as one of the cult status brands.

The first thing you need to know is that Sriracha is actually the generic term for a type of hot sauce, not a trademarked brand name. It originates from the coastal town of Si Racha (hence the name), in eastern Thailand. Immigrant David Tran, who sold his concoction in used Gerber baby food jars in Vietnam, brought his love and his recipe for Sriracha to the US, selling it out of the back of his car in 1980. Today, Huy Fong Foods (Trans company named after the ship that brought him to the US) is a multi-million dollar food phenomenon, even catching the attention of film documentary producers in Hollywood and industry opinion makers like Bon Apetite.

Aside from the simple fact that brand cultists crave Sriracha and put it on almost everything, what is the secret sauce behind this not so secret sauce brand? Among the many factors that are necessary ingredients in building a food brand like Sriracha (taste, quality control, recipe versatility, etc.), the brand excels where thousands of hot sauce labels, whether local, regional or national, never reach. Weve identified five areas that marketers will find noteworthy:

1. The Anti-Brand Brand

This is perhaps its greatest anti-marketing, marketing asset. The irony is that in a world that loves brands, Sriracha sauce resonates because it doesnt follow the expected marketing template of other packaged goods brands with the use of advertising. In fact, Huy Fong Foods is quite proud of that. It has no marketing department. No sales force. Even in the hot sauce category this is considered a risky and inhibiting move for any number of reasons: limiting share growth, non-support of distribution, inviting competitors, etc. But remember, cult brands can do things others cannot.

2. The Beautiful Ugly Package

There are so many Vietnamese logographs on the bottle that one writer observed, it could be a 101-level course in the language. The rooster rendering is crude. The packaging is functional but hardly P&G standards. And yet, who would ever change it? The utilitarian green cap is even spoken of with great affection by food critics. Its not the quality of the graphic design that makes the brand rather its consistent, unwavering use, that makes the design meaningfuland a thing of beauty to the brand cult.

3. A Great Humble Story

Great brands have great stories about their beginnings, their climb to success and their subsequent fame. Sriracha has all the ingredients for a great story as well as a great hot sauce. The storyline goes something like: Immigrant leaves war-torn communist country for America with a recipe for hot sauce in his pocket and a dream in his heart to bring flavor to a nation of blandness. Founder David Tran is the brand, the story is real, and the passion is as authentic as the bottle.

4. Mass Appeal, One On One

While Sriracha sauce is used as an ingredient by several major restaurant chains in their recipes and sauces, the brand is enjoyed most as an individual food enhancer by individuals, and thanks to Amazon, they can be enjoying it anywhere. Driving this mass brand appeal, one customer at a time, is Srirachas embrace of social mediaa strategy that both reinforces and stimulates the growth of the brand cult without the commercial stigma of TV spots and billboards. While the brand boasts that it sells itself and that its growth is by word of mouth, it gets a little help online. For example, the brands Facebook page is sophisticated in content and management with over 280,000 followers. There youll find incentives, recipe book offers and announcements from the Rooster Room plant gift shop and annual Chile Grinding Event tours.

5. The Coolest In Hot

Craft beers, electronics, cars and jewelry are a few of the categories where brands thrive on the cool factorthat heightened sense of self-image by the use or association with a particular brand. The sum total of its anti-brand approach, unsophisticated packaging, storied beginning, and consumer engagement are just a few of the many factors that contribute to its coolness, while its flavor profile is anything but, of course. Being cool and desirable is the first step in developing a brand cult following, as Sriracha sauce so ably demonstrates.

Today, 36 years after David Tran started his brand in LAs Chinatown, it can been seen dressing burgers in ballparksIn Atlanta or elsewhere, carried on their persons by the cult of Sriracha consumers far and wide. All while breaking the rules and building a hot brand.

As you aim for cult brand status, sometimes the best path is to take the one less traveled. In Srirachas case, that applies to a lot of things as weve seen. So ask yourself:

Am I relying too much on a traditional marketing strategy and tactics to build my brand?

Is the media that I use truly reflective of my brand?

Is my packaging reflective of my brand? Does it reveal the authentic nature and essence of my brand?

Does my brand have a story and am I telling it?

Where does my audience most want to engage?

Where are there growth opportunities by doing the opposite of the competition?

The Blake Project Can Help: The Brand Storytelling Workshop

Branding Strategy Insider is a service of The Blake Project: A strategic brand consultancy specializing in Brand Research, Brand Strategy, Brand Licensing and Brand Education

FREE Publications And Resources For Marketers
Energy giant EDF is to press ahead with building the first new nuclear power station in the UK for a generation after final approval from its board.

After years of delay, a board meeting in Paris voted by 10-7 to give the go ahead for the 18 billion Hinkley Point power station.

The vote was closer than expected but was warmly welcomed by business groups and trade unions, with 25,000 jobs now set to be created.

A company statement said: "At its meeting on 28 July 2016, EDF's Board of Directors made the final investment decision and gave the President the authorisation to ensure its full execution in the framework of the signature process of all the contracts and agreements necessary to build the two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point C (HPC) in Somerset, in south-west England.

"Following this decision, the conditions have been met to allow EDF to sign the contracts with the British Government, EDF's historic partner China General Nuclear Power Generation (CGN), and the main suppliers of the project.

"The HPC Project is a major element of the Group's CAP 2030 strategy.

"The two EPR reactors at Hinkley Point will strengthen EDF's presence in Britain, a country where its subsidiary EDF Energy already operates 15 nuclear reactors and is the largest electricity supplier by volume.

"HPC will also enable the Group to mobilise all its significant nuclear engineering skills following the final investment decision.

"The first concrete of reactor 1 of HPC, scheduled for mid-2019, will coincide with perfect continuity with the start-up of the EPR at Flamanville, scheduled for the end of 2018.

"HPC is a unique asset for French and British industries as it will benefit the whole of the nuclear sectors in both countries and will support employment at major companies and smaller enterprises in the industry."

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: "The UK needs a reliable and secure energy supply and the Government believes that nuclear energy is an important part of the mix.

"The Government will now consider carefully all the component parts of this project and make its decision in the early autumn."

No signings will be held on Friday and there are no plans for Mr Clark to visit Hinkley.

He only returned to the UK on Thursday after a three-day trade visit to Japan, where he discussed plans for new nuclear plants in this country.

He will now take time to study the details of the board's approval.
A man in his 70s is due before the Special Criminal Court this afternoon charged in connection with the murder of Denis Donaldson in 2006.

The Sinn Fein official was shot dead at his home in Cloghercor, Co Donegal in April 2006.
By David Raleigh

A Co Clare paedophile, who had a previous conviction for sexually abusing two young sisters, has escaped a jail sentence after pleading guilty to sexually interfering with another young girl.

Judge Tom O'Donnell, presiding, said the girl told her parents, but after they initially confronted Patrick Boddy, the matter was "in an Irish way swept under the carpet".

Boddy was later arrested and admitted four offences of indecently assaulting the girl, after she made another complaint against him, when she was an adult.

Boddy, (aged 67), of Ard na Culla, Ennistymon, was jailed in 2013 for four years with the final two years suspended, for sexually abusing two sisters, one of whom was just four at the time.

Today, Boddy was convicted of four charges of indecent assault, contrary to Section 10 of the Criminal Law Rape Amendment Act 1990.

The sexual assaults took place on various dates between May 1986 and May 1990.

The court did not object to the media identifying Boddy, a former security guard.

Outlining the facts Judge Tom O'Donnell said Boddy abused the girl by "touching, massaging her genital area, and kissing her".

Boddy told the girl she would "be in awful trouble" if she told anyone about the abuse.

"The victim's family became aware (of the abuse) but nothing formally was done at the time. The victim confided in her sister and the accused's wife was told, but she went into a state of absolute denial," said judge O'Donnell.

Boddy "played down" the accusations after his wife and the girl's parents challenged him. The matter "petered out" after that, the judge said.

Judge O'Donnell praised the victim for her "enormous courage" in making the second complaint, "particularly after (initially) bringing it to the attention of others - but in an Irish way, matters were swept under the carpet, which must have been extremely confusing for someone so young."

He said the victim continued to show "incredible resolve" by making another complaint when she was an adult.

Boddy had used the girl for his personal "sexual gratification" from when she was aged seven to 11.

Handing down a two-year sentence which he suspended for a four-year period, the judge noted Boddy's guilty plea, his current poor health, and his expressed remorse.

He said Boddy had already "lost his family, his marriage and his standing in society".

He placed Boddy on the sex offenders register for five years.
The Unite union has today called on the Government to heed the findings of a recent poll which showed almost two-thirds of people in Ireland favour a referendum on TTIP and CETA.

The recent Red C poll found that 74% of those polled believe that the proposed trade deals should be put to a referendum, with the figure rising to 80% among women and 82% among those aged 18-24.

The poll, commissioned by the campaign organisation Uplift with the support of Unite, also found that just 20% of respondents believe that US or Canadian corporations should be allowed to sue EU governments in respect of policy or legislative changes which might affect profits.

Just been contacted by staff from within the Euro Parliament and told I must remove this video. I won't be. #TTIPhttps://t.co/JkVLDyxMdQ  Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (@lukeming) May 4, 2016

Unite has consistently argued that the implications of TTIP and CETA are so far-reaching that they need to be put to a referendum, and these poll findings show that 74% of respondents  nearly three quarters agree, said Unite regional secretary Jimmy Kelly today.

Both proposed deals include so-called investment court systems  unaccountable arbitration bodies which will allow private corporations to bypass Irish courts and sue governments for compensation in respect of policies which reduce current or anticipated profits.

Such policies could include labour rights, consumer protections and environmental regulations.

Again, the verdict of public opinion is unequivocal: just 20% of those polled by Red C believe that US or Canadian corporations should be allowed to sue European governments in respect of policy or legislative changes which may affect their profits.

Unite is calling on the Government to heed these poll findings and state now that these deals will be put to the people in a referendum before Ireland signs up to them.

Uplift Director Siobhan ODonoghue added: This Red C poll shows clearly that Irish people stand for democracy and want the right to decide on these toxic deals. Government is listening to big business, not the people who they are elected to serve.

A referendum on TTIP and CETA would balance the power of corporations and put the decision on the future of our democracy in the hands that matter - the peoples hands.

Expert legal opinion says the government could be constitutionally required to hold a referendum on certain aspects of the deals specifically, the part that allows corporations to sue governments in private, Ms ODonoghue noted.

RED C interviewed a random sample of 1004 adults aged 18+ by telephone between June 11-13, 2016.
Vodafone Ireland has today announced new roaming, bill pay and pay-as-you-go (PAYG) plans for customers.

Red Connect, an integrated European tariff for Vodafone bill pay customers offers unlimited calls and texts back to Ireland and within the country they are visiting without being charged extra.

Customers will also have access to all of their home data and international allowances as part of this tariff.

Red Connect customers will be able to use their phones in Spain just as they do in Ireland without the need for changing their behaviour because they worry about costs, said Vodafone.

Vodafone has also announced the launch Chat Extra, a pay-as-you-go offering customers unlimited cross-network calls with unlimited cross-net texts and 1GB of 4G data for 20.

Vodafones PAYG offers now centre on three key options; 20 Chat Extra, 20 Data Extra and 30 Extra.

All Vodafone PAYG plans now include superfast 4G at no extra cost across all top up offers.

Introducing the refreshed plans, Vodafone Ireland Consumer Director, Lutfu Kitapci said, We understand that consumers want simple and transparent mobile phone plans so we are delighted to introduce our revised bill pay and Pay As You Go tariffs.

We know that many customers turn off their data when abroad because they worry about bill shock.

Red Connect is a first for the Irish market giving customers a full European plan so they can use their phones the same way at home or abroad without any worry about additional costs.

The introduction of Chat Extra is an exciting addition to our Pay As You Go portfolio, giving our customers unlimited cross network calls, cross net texts & 1GB of 4G data for just 20.

This is a first for Vodafone Ireland and when coupled with our 90% 4G coverage our customers can now use their smartphones to their full capabilities at great value.

Our three new plans give customers the freedom to use their devices in ways that best suits their needs.
French officials have identified the second man involved in the murder of a priest in a Normandy church during morning Mass.

The French prosecutor's office said he was Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean, 19, from eastern France.

He was spotted last month in Turkey as he supposedly headed to Syria but returned to France instead.

The prosecutor's office identified him following DNA tests on his corpse.

A security official confirmed that he was the unidentified man pictured on a photo distributed to French police on July 22 with a warning that he could be planning an attack.

Four days later, Petitjean and another 19-year-old local man, Adel Kermiche, stormed the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray during Mass on Tuesday.

They held five people hostage - the priest, two nuns and an elderly couple - before fatally slashing the priest's throat and seriously wounding the other man.

Another nun at the Mass slipped away, raised the alarm, and the attackers were killed by police as they left the church.

The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group, which released a video allegedly showing Kermiche and his accomplice clasping hands and pledging allegiance to the group.

Petitjean was born in eastern France, in Saint-Die-des-Vosges, but recently lived in the Alpine town of Aix-les-Bains where his mother lives, the prosecutor's office said.

Kermiche was from Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, where the attack took place in north-west France.

A youth believed to be 16 was detained after the church attack and is still being held for questioning.

Turkey spotted Petitjean at a Turkish airport going to Syria on June 10, said a security official.

On June 29 he was flagged to French authorities and immediately put on a special watch list.

Petitjean did not go to Syria but turned around and returned to France on June 11, said the official.

It is not clear what caused Petitjean to turn around.

However in recent months IS propaganda has encouraged Western recruits in particular not to join extremists in the war zones in Syria or Iraq but to remain home and carry out attacks.

The French anti-terrorism coordinating agency Uclat issued the photo of a man on July 22.

It warned police that the person - without a name but who turned out to be Petitjean - "could be ready to participate in an attack on national territory."

Uclat said the person in the photo could already be present in France and act alone or with other individuals.

It was not immediately clear how the two men knew each other or when Petitjean travelled from eastern France to Normandy in the west.

The church attack came less than two weeks after a man barrelled his truck down a pedestrian zone in Nice, on the Riviera, that killed 84 people celebrating France's national day, Bastille Day.

IS also claimed responsibility for that attack as well as two others that followed in Germany.

A gathering this weekend to honour victims of the Nice attack was cancelled on Thursday after authorities said law enforcement was too busy protecting against threats.

However a march on Thursday in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray is still expected to take place.
Five people have been arrested following an incident at a job centre in Cologne in Germany.

German media is reporting that police were called to the scene after a group of people threatened staff at the centre.
The Indonesian government has executed four drug traffickers, giving a reprieve of uncertain duration to 10 others it had said would also be put to death.

One Indonesian and three Nigerians were executed by firing squad not long after midnight local time, deputy attorney-general Noor Rachmad said.
Chris Evans will face no further investigation into an allegation he sexually assaulted a woman in the 1990s.

The allegation, made to British police on May 23 this year, related to an incident that was said to have occurred in Tower Hamlets, east London.
Pope Francis has praised Poland's first pope, the late St John Paul II, on his five-day visit to the country as he visited a shrine cherished by Poles.

Francis also honoured the countless "ordinary yet remarkable people" who held firm to their Catholic faith throughout adversity in the former Communist nation.

The Argentine pontiff, who has not been to Eastern Europe before, gazed in apparent awe for several minutes as he studied the Jasna Gora monastery shrine's iconic image of the so-called Black Madonna.

The faces of Mary and Baby Jesus in the icon - an object of veneration starting in the 14th century - are blackened by centuries of varnish and candle soot.

A silver screen was raised slowly and dramatically to unveil the image as Francis stood silently and then prayed.

Then, during an outdoor Mass in the southern city of Czestochowa before a crowd that organisers put at 600,000, Francis lavished praise on Poland's legacy of steadfast devotion as he urged Poles to hold fast to their faith.

As the 79-year-old pope walked up to the altar he tripped and fell, but quickly rose, helped by priests, and went on to deliver a long homily.

Church officials said Francis was not hurt and did not complain afterwards.

The Mass was held in celebration of this year's 1,050th anniversary of Poland's acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

The baptism of a medieval king in 966 put Poland on course to be part of the Latin-speaking Western world, setting it apart culturally from Orthodox nations in the region.

Polish president Andrzej Duda and other political leaders were among those attending the Mass.

"Our minds turn to so many sons and daughters of your own people, like the martyrs who made the defenceless power of the Gospel shine forth, like those ordinary yet remarkable people who bore witness to the Lord's love amid great trials," said Francis in his homily.

Jesus Christ encourages us to lift up our eyes and to dream lofty dreams. During these days of the WYD, Jesus wants to enter our homes.  Pope Francis (@Pontifex) July 28, 2016

He spoke in Italian and paused for a priest to translate his words into Polish.

He cited two beloved Polish saints, praising those "meek and powerful heralds of mercy who were Sts John Paul II and Faustina.

"Through these channels of his love, the Lord has granted priceless gifts to the whole Church and to all mankind."

Francis recalled the far less famous soldiers of the faith in Poland.

"Your own history, shaped by the Gospel, the cross and fidelity to the church, has seen the contagious power of a genuine faith, passed down from family to family, from fathers to sons and above all from mothers and grandmothers, whom we need so much to thank," he said.

Francis urged Poles to stay united even as their nation is divided over the issue of refugees and migrants, especially those who are not Christians.

He prayed that Poles would have "the desire to leave behind all past wrongs and wounds, and to build fellowship for all, without ever yielding to the temptation to withdraw or to domineer."

The right-wing government which came to power in Poland last year has faced international suspicion that it has eroded past democratic gains, and critics say there has been a rise in xenophobic sentiment.

There was a last-minute change to the pope's travel plans due to concern about bad weather.

Francis opted to take a car instead of a military helicopter to Czestochowa, 100 kilometres from Krakow, but returned to Krakow by helicopter.

Francis' visit to Poland centres on a Catholic youth jamboree that has drawn hundreds of thousands of participants.

Francis rode in an electric tram through the heart of Krakow with disabled young people after resting at the residence of the archbishop of Krakow.

The gesture underlined his mission to fight climate change and encourage more humanity for the disadvantaged.

He had ridden public transport to inspire humility among church hierarchy as archbishop of Buenos Aires in his native Argentina.

The words Tram del Papa - Italian for "the pope's tram" - went in place of the usual destination indicator on the tram.

Francis rode it to Blonia, a park where he was joining tens of thousands of young Catholics joining in World Youth Day, a global gathering which runs until Sunday.

The mood ahead of his arrival was joyful, with people singing and dancing to lively tunes as they waved flags from places as different as Tennessee and Turkey.

Security was tight following a string of attacks in Europe, and people were warned over loudspeakers not to leave their bags unattended.
SINGAPORE: New York December cocoa is expected to retest a support at $2,280 per tonne, a break below which could...
NEW YORK: Oil prices settled up on Friday as hopes of stronger Chinese demand and a weakening US dollar outweighed...
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Aviation on Thursday said that the ministry cannot force airlines to...
The ACT government will give its employees free leave to fulfil Defence reservist duties under a new agreement signed on Thursday.

The deal struck between the ACT government and Department of Defence means ACT public servants will not need to use their annual leave when participating in the reserves.

Following the death, all army training exercises had been suspended. Credit:Glenn Campbell

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ACT government was one of the biggest employers of reserves in the territory.

"This is a further way that we can support volunteerism and community engagement, and a very important part of public life," he said.
Looking forward to the weekend already? Check out Canberra Weekender: What's on July 29-31.

Join Australian director Abe Forsythe for an advanced screening of new film Down Under, a black comedy set during the aftermath of the Cronulla riots, and Q&A session at Dendy Cinemas Canberra at 6.30pm.

Streets of Papunya at ANU Drill Hall Gallery presents the new generation of painters from the epicentre of Western Desert art. Until August 14.

Calling all Dr Who fans, a Canberra collector is trying to break the Guinness World Record with his collection. The Bigger on the inside: Collecting Dr Who is on at the Canberra Museum and Gallery until November 20. Free entry.

The ultimate foodie festival, the Canberra Region Truffle Festival continues for another year until August.

Come to the National Archives and explore exquisite garments, sleek fashion shoots, designers, retailers and bloggers in Faith, Fashion, Fusion - Muslim Women's Style in Australia. Until September 4.

Touch or click through for more David Pope

Today: Mostly sunny. Patches of light frost early this morning, light winds. Max 13.

Tomorrow: Cloudy, light winds. Min 1, max 12.

Saturday: Partly cloudy, light winds. Min 1, max 14.

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the afternoon. Min 3, max 14.
A Canberra man missing since Tuesday night was found early Thursday morning, police say.

Police said they held concerns for 26-year-old Kiet Ho's welfare when they appealed for the public's assistance in finding him on Wednesday.

Canberra man Kiet Ho was found early Thursday morning after being missing since Tuesday night.

He had last been seen dropping some friends home in Isabella Plains at about 10:30pm Tuesday.

Police thanked the public for their assistance in finding Mr Ho.
Macquarie Group has reaffirmed its earnings guidance that 2017 profit will be "broadly in line" with this year's record, despite softer first-quarter operating results.

The company's shares rose 1.9 per cent to $75.22 at 10.16am AEST.

Macquarie Group CEO Nicholas Moore will address shareholders in Melbourne on Thursday. Credit:Louie Douvis

Ahead of the company's annual general meeting, chief executive Nicholas Moore stuck to his forecast noting that earnings across Macquarie's six operating groups were "in line" with expectations for the three months ended June 30.

He noted earnings were lower in the quarter than the same period last year, but were up on the previous three months.
The Queensland export projects have pushed up the domestic gas prices at a time when electricity producers are turning increasingly to the fuel to cope with intermittent output from renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar farms.

A key part of the proposal involves establishing two gas markets  a southern hub in Victoria, which is the largest single domestic market for gas, along with a northern hub at Wallumbilla, in south-western Queensland. The existence of multiple other trading locations  there are also smaller markets in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide  has reduced market liquidity.

The surge in east coast gas prices as a result of the start-up of a series of export projects in Queensland has prompted the federal government to institute a shake-up of the market, which it hopes will limit rises in the price of gas.

The inefficient pricing and opaque contracts that have bedevilled the domestic gas market are to be blown wide open with the government backing the development of two gas trading hubs while also forcing open access to pipelines.

"East coast gas markets are undergoing a period of growth and change. Largely isolated point-to-point pipelines have developed into an interconnected network; and gas demand has increased to supply LNG exports," Mr Pierce said. "We are now seeing the impact of change on both the level and variability of gas flows and wholesale prices both in gas markets and electricity markets."

By concentrating wholesale gas trading at the two hubs in Victoria and Wallumbilla, this will improve price transparency, Mr Pierce said, while other measures are to be introduced to open up access to gas pipelines by auctions of unused capacity, for example. Large industrial users of gas have long complained they have not been able to access the pipelines to obtain gas since much of the capacity is locked up under long-term contracts.

The new pipeline trading system will enable users of the gas network to "book firm transportation capacity rights independently at each entry and exit point" in Victoria's system, the AEMC said.

Opening up capacity on the pipeline network is critical to succeeding in the development of a liquid wholesale gas market, it said. This will be done by the auction of pipeline capacity which has not been contracted on specially developed trading platforms.

By the end of 2018, all six of Queensland's gas export plants will be operating, with at least one of these projects continuing to source a large volume of gas from the market, which will reduce the volume of gas available for the domestic market, the AEMC said. Over the same time frame, as much as 450 petajoules of long-term gas contracts will expire, forcing gas retailers to secure new supply contracts.
Andrew Left, the Citron Research short-seller who shot to prominence following a bearish analysis of Valeant Pharmaceuticals, said Facebook could lose nearly a third of its market value or more as he bets against the social media giant's shares.

Left revealed to Bloomberg News last month that he was shorting shares of Facebook, citing increased competition from Snapchat and concerns over the company's ability to generate revenue through advertisements. His call goes against the vast majority of Wall Street, where 88 per cent of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg have a "buy" rating on the stock.

"It's not on my list in the way that other shorts have been on my list. What's amazing about Facebook is the amount of group-think involved, thinking that they can just evolve, evolve, evolve, without any hurdles in the way," Left said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

"I just think that expectations and investor expectations are a little bit outpaced the realities of what they're going to face in the next 12 to 24 months."
It's no exaggeration to assert that Hillary Clinton is among America's most unloved politicians. Nonetheless, at least half of the country's population will have reason to cheer her when she formally accepts the Democratic Party nomination for president on Friday morning Australian time, the first woman ever to top a major-party ticket. Having made what she says is the biggest crack yet in America's political glass ceiling, Mrs Clinton is now poised to shatter it entirely.

On any dispassionate assessment of her personal and professional qualities, Mrs Clinton must be considered the overwhelming favourite to win November's election. Her experience on the Washington and international political stages is vast and her grasp of policy detail solid. If her judgment and temperament have been criticised at times, Mrs Clinton's political instincts are generally sound. She's not afraid of changing her mind or altering direction when circumstances alter, and she naturally gravitates to the political middle ground. These are all are qualities and traits likely to sway those American voters still undecided about who to choose in November  the moderate ones at any rate.

Yet dispassionate analyses of presidential races rarely prove reliable. The well-connected and moneyed Jeb Bush was considered the Republican frontrunner when the primary season began last year. But unable to excite much interest among registered Republican voters, Mr Bush folded his tent in February  one of the first significant casualties of Donald Trump's remarkable surge to the top of the Republican ticket. Mr Trump skewered Mr Bush by calling him a "low energy" politician and, rightly or wrongly, a big segment of the electorate view Mrs Clinton as being equally as stodgy. Worse yet, they regard her as arrogant, untrustworthy, and thoroughly compromised by her close financial ties to corporate and establishment America.

Mrs Clinton's inability to decisively knock Bernie Sanders out of the primary contests and secure the nomination added further to her lacklustre standing. And she's been dogged throughout the long campaign by allegations of wrong-doing concerning her use of a private email server for official communications when Secretary of State.
Goldberg's parents on both sides had deep roots in Melbourne's Anglo-Saxon Jewish history from the early 19th Century. Harold Cashmore, an ancestor from his mother's side, founded the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in South Yarra in 1837  a congregation that Goldberg was asked to lead between 1983 and 1985 and which he rescued from financial collapse.

Lifetime membership of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, an honour he proudly shared with only one other person, Sir Elton John.

Scholarships in his name  one at his old Law School at Melbourne University and another at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra;

It is not possible in a few words to do justice to Alan Goldberg's outstanding life. There is the private life of a loved and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. And there is Goldberg's public life, which reached its highest point in the law  but also travelled down the paths of the arts, music, civil liberties, and the affairs of the Jewish community. Goldberg never sought recognition for his activities, but received many:

In 1976 he married Rachel Rynderman whose background was the polar opposite to his. Her Polish Jewish family survived World War II in Russia before coming to Australia. Their symbiotic relationship has provided so much enrichment and benefit to their family and friends. Rachel was always a source of inspiration and strength to her husband and their family.

They had two children, Anthony and Caitlin. Goldberg's family was his greatest pride and source of his greatest happiness. His children's partners, Mitchell and Larissa, and his grandchildren, Tessa, Ella, Nathan, Gideon and Guy, have all been a source of love and support to him.

Throughout his career he never ceased to be humble. In many speeches he referred to Golda Meir's observation to Moshe Dayan: "Don't be so humble you're not that good". Not surprisingly to those who knew him well, Goldberg was both humble and "that good".

Goldberg was a brilliant law student under the mentorship of Sir Zelman Cowen.

When he completed his degree, Sir Zelman arranged for him to undertake postgraduate studies at Yale University in the US.

His time in there was a critical period for his political (in Goldberg's word "intellectual") awakening, which he described as an "awakening to the horrors of racism and the very large number of people in the world in need of help". He was touched by Kennedy's assassination, Martin Luther King's assassination, the march on Washington and the effect on US society of the war in Vietnam.
The ABC has no licence to destroy the reputation of innocent people and Cardinal Pell, like all those who have allegations against them that have not been tested by the Courts, is entitled to the presumption of innocence- not immediate condemnation.

Cardinal Pell repeats what he told the ABC 730 Report before the broadcast, he refutes all the allegations made on the program.

He is entitled to a fair go.

While the Cardinal in no way wishes to cause any harm to those making allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against him, the simple fact is that they are wrong.

"I bear no ill will and have no desire to cause them harm but what they say about me is not true," Cardinal Pell said.

Nearly six months ago media outlets carried leaked stories of allegations against the Cardinal which were said to have been under investigation by the Victorian SANO Taskforce for over 12 months.

Despite this there has been no requests [sic] made by the Taskforce to interview the Cardinal and the Victorian Police Commissioner confirmed last month that no request to interview the Cardinal had been proposed to him as necessary.
The Deputy Mayor of a Sydney council told a senior bureaucrat she would be "better [off] as a housewife", as part of a string of text messages now the subject of a secret council report.

But Liberal councillor and Ryde deputy mayor Roy Maggio said he was not insulting the council's then top bureaucrat, Gail Connolly, in a text message exchange last December, when they were discussing looming plans to merge the state's councils.

"[I] hope we are sacked can't stand the incompetence," Mr Maggio wrote, in text messages a council bureaucrat confirmed were now the subject of a confidential inquiry. "How many times do I need to get you out of trouble?"

After Ms Connolly described the comment as offensive, Cr Maggio continued: "If you are offended then toughen up. It's been nice knowing you.
A bakery was the first stop for the owners of a Queensland dinosaur museum who managed to leave the property after being stranded for more than 10 days.

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum director David Elliot, who owns and runs the 1400 hectare flat-top plateau property outside Winton, said he and his wife Judy, along with a staff member and two volunteers had been stuck for about 10 days after rains of more than 110mm fell in the Winton area last week.

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, outside Winton, draws volunteers from all over the world. Credit:Australian Age of Dinosaurs

The couple, who live at the museum and who are no strangers to being stranded, having worked on remote cattle stations for years, had stockpiled food into their fridges and freezers after hearing the area may become flooded.

Mr Elliot said the roads to the museum had opened up on Wednesday afternoon, but he and his wife had crossed the creek last Saturday to go into town, stopping in for a much-needed coffee break.
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a South Korean national in Brisbane three years ago after organising a currency exchange online.

Sanghyun Hwang, 31, pleaded not guilty to murdering Min Tae Kim, 28, whose body was found stripped naked and buried in a shallow grave in the rear of a property in Algester in December 2013.

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a South Korean national in Brisbane three years ago.

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But a Brisbane Supreme Court jury found him guilty on Thursday with Justice Martin Daubney going on to sentence him to life imprisonment plus 18 months for interfering with a corpse.
From cyber warfare to disconnection from reality, this year's Melbourne International Film Festival has some thought provoking documentaries about where technology is leading us.

Zero Days

A documentary by Alex Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine), Zero Days posits that cyber attacks using malware in infrastructure computer systems  such as the Stuxnet virus taking control of machines in an Iranian nuclear plant  are the first chapter in a new history of warfare, the new weapon of mass destruction.

A scene from Alex Gibney's Zero Days.

Almost anything that depends on computer-based systems can be hacked into and attacked.
A Torquay man who made explosive allegations about Cardinal George Pell exposing himself to children first contacted police about the incident almost four years ago, before the child abuse royal commission started.

And the Ballarat swimming pool at the centre of separate historic child abuse allegations levelled against Cardinal Pell by two other men has been the subject of a police appeal for information about alleged sex crimes in the late 1970s.

In an interview with the ABC's 7.30 program on Wednesday night, Les Tyack accused Cardinal Pell of exposing himself to three young boys in the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club change rooms in 1986-87.

Mr Tyack told Fairfax Media on Thursday he first reported the incident to police in 2012 and that he had "absolutely no doubt whatsoever" it was Cardinal Pell he saw standing naked in front of the children.
Leafy Alphington is the latest Melbourne suburb that could see a new rail bridge soar across a main road and above homes as part of the state government's $5-$6 billion level crossing removal program.

The prospect of living within view of a rail bridge has angered some residents, who fear it will be ugly and intrusive. But the bridge would avoid the need to acquire homes on Grange Road, which is residential and a busy truck route that links with the Chandler Highway.

Residents have been presented with four options for the Grange Road level crossing removal, two of which  a road bridge and a road trench  would require "extensive land acquisition of private properties".
A 37-year-old Balcatta man has been charged by Child Abuse Squad detectives after allegedly sexually and physically assaulting a four-year-old boy in July.

Police will allege the man knew the boy.

A Balcatta man has been charged with sexually assaulting a four-year-old boy.

The man is accused of two counts of sexual penetration of a child, indecent dealing of a child and aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm.

He will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
October 25, 2022 17:10

Dollar falls, euro rises

The American dollars (USD) exchange rate against the Armenian dram (AMD) comprised AMD 400.91/$1 in Armenia on Tuesday; this is down by AMD 1.42 from Monday in the country, according to the official website of the Central Bank of Armenia, news.am informs.
An explosion in an apartment in a residential area of Malmo, Sweden's third largest city, sparked road closures and an investigation by the bomb squad on Thursday evening.

Local media reports said a blast occurred about 10pm local time shattering windows. It is unclear if anyone was inside.

According to The Expressen, surrounding streets were blocked. Residents were told to stay indoors while the bomb squad worked to clear the area. Initial reports were of no injuries.
Was there a murder 100 years ago at Yardley's Continental Tavern?

Frank Lyons began excavating the basement of the Continental Tavern in Yardley. He found a gun, bloody corset and part of a woman's purse.
Instead of last years 20 160 tons, by July 28, 2016 18 268 tons of apricot have been exported from Armenia.

July 28, 2016, 11:46 18 268 tons of apricot exported from Armenia

STEPANAKERT, JULY 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Armenian apricot has been exported mainly to the Russian Federation, Georgia and Belarus, Information and Public Relations Department of Armenian Ministry of Agriculture reports.
STEPANAKERT, JULY 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: In the photograph an Armenian man dances for his lost son.

I was a dancer before I was a photographer. Born in France, the grandchild of Armenian genocide survivors, dance was one of the few ways I could connect with a homeland I had never known. When I danced as an Armenian peasant, I became an Armenian peasant. It was a way to animate the stories my grandparents told. Dance inadvertently led me to photography, but the two had more in common than many think. Each combined artistic vision and technique. Each was about telling a story, the photographer said.

In 1988, an earthquake shook Armenia. Around 40,000 died and hundreds of thousands were displaced. I headed there with a humanitarian organisation and took my camera. Photography was a way to bear witness to the aftermath of the quake, but it soon became more than that: an archaeological enquiry into Armenian identity, culture and memory since the 1915 genocide.

Photography became my way of exploring this history. But I learned quickly that reportage couldnt tell the stories I needed to tell. Photography interested me; photojournalism did not because it could not explore what I came to learn was the heart of Armenian identity: poetry, communion with the land, and ancient folk traditions. Every time I shoot, Im face-to-face with a history that traumatised me as a child. In those circumstances, objectivity is a myth, he said.

In 1998, I found myself in Aparan, a large town an hours drive from Armenias capital, Yerevan. A local dance troupe was performing that evening, in the open air, with most of the suburb in attendance. The old, the young, everyone was present, sitting hunched on stools or cross-legged on the floor, transfixed. In the background, small mountains and jagged cliffs framed the scene.

As soon as I took my first shot, an old man approached me. Tears streamed down his face. He told me that his son had died. That he had been electrocuted, that he was his pride and joy, and that I looked just like him. He broke into sobs and moved towards me with outstretched arms. His name was Ishran.

I asked if he would dance for me, and he began dancing. The troupe paused and perched on an outcrop of rocks in the background. It was beautiful, not because the man is beautiful, but because he represents something deep inside the collective consciousness of the Armenian community: a celebratory resilience in the face of overwhelming loss, he said.

Concerning the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the photographer said every other state must follow the Bundestags decision.

The more Erdogan denies us, the stronger we become. We know what it is to disappear. And we resist that against all odds", Antoine Agoudjian stated.
After the police found out that the DNA on the belt matched to one of the Hawthornes on American Gothic, a full-blown investigation ensues. So which Hawthorne is the killer? And will they turn on each other?

The Cats Out Of The Bag

American Gothics The Chess Players starts with Tessa and Brady driving just after Brady said someone in Tessas family was the killer. Theyre rushing to get to Alisons debate so she isnt blindsided by the news. They dont get there in time, though. People start seeing the news on their phones and Alison gets a question about the Silver Bells Killers DNA matching someone in her family.

So the whole family meets to discuss the news, though Garretts mysteriously missing. They all need to get their DNA tested now. Tessa also admits that she let Brady test Cams DNA. The only thing that matters now, according to Alison, is which one of us is it?

American Gothic Recap: Are Cams Hallucinations Real? >>>

Are The Police Framing The Hawthornes?

Of course, the media starts to swarm the familys house. Brady goes outside to take care of it. At the same time, Madeline says that the police are framing their family. Brady comes back with some police officers from outside. They have a warrant to test all their DNA, even Tessas, who was only ten when the murders happened. They still need Garretts DNA so Alison says to take one of his cups.

Will The Hawthornes Turn On Each Other?

Madeline decides to cook for everyone, but they all think it looks super gross, so she has a completely normal reaction and smashes it on the ground.

Cam sends Jack to bed and they debate whether Garretts the killer or not. But Cam thinks Mitch did it. He tells them about his hallucinations of someone dragging a body down the stairs. He also tells them about the spindle. Thats enough, Madeline starts screaming. The cops and media want them to turn on each other, but she wont allow it. So she tells them all to go to bed like theyre all children.

Cam goes to hangout with Jack, who says that psychopaths decorate their homes with predatory birds. Their house just happens to be full of predatory birds. What a coincidence! Tom also tries to comfort Alison, but shes not feeling it. I guess thats Naomis department now, he says.

Sophie also shows up at the house later, but Cam cant sleep. Neither can Tessa or Alison. Cam goes to see Tessa, whos trying to convince herself that Garretts not the killer. They hangout in Garretts room and Cam notices a silver bell on the wall. He starts losing it. Alison, meanwhile, goes to read her dads favorite book Wuthering Heights. Instead, though, she finds some pictures and papers inside. So she goes to see Tessa and Cam and shows them the police report she found. Apparently their dad almost beat someone to death.

So they show the police report to Madeline, who calls it an isolated incident. It was her fault, apparently. Madeline admits she had an affair. She ended it when Mitch demanded her to, but the guy wanted to see her again. Mitch found them, beat the guy up and dragged him down the stairs. Thats what Cam saw. I swear to you, youre father was not the Silver Bells Killer, she says. Cam, understandably, thinks Madeline conveniently has an answer for everything. He thinks Madeline or Alison is the killer now. Then Alison says this is all Tessas fault because she let the police test Cams DNA and started this whole thing. They then decide they need to focus on finding Garrett.

The next morning, Alison attempts to make up with Tom. They both apologize, but Tom notices Alison getting a text from Naomi while shes distracted. He pretends to be her and invites Naomi over. Tessa also tells Brady about Garretts new doctor friend. He realizes Garretts with the daughter of the SKB victim, so they go to find them. Madeline also gets pissed that Sophies at the house.

Tom then goes to meet Naomi and says he wants to talk to her one-on-one. He says Alison told him all about their affair. Its part of their arrangement. She can sleep with whoever she wants if she tells him about it. Naomi says hes scared that their relationship is more than that and that hes losing her. Meanwhile, Cam overhears Sophie talking to her drug dealer, so he tells her to get out, but she was actually talking to a realtor. She wants them and Jack to all to get away together.

American Gothic Interview: Megan Ketch and EP on Tessas Role in the Family, Fine Art and More >>>

Garrett and Christinas Unfortunate Camping Trip

Garrett hears about his familys news on the radio. He takes Christina into the middle of the woods and takes her cell phone away so they can go camping, unplug, and get away from the noise.

Garrett says he didnt bring food. Instead, he wants to kill and eat a rabbit, but Christinas vegan. He was kidding, though. He has vegan chili.

Garrett admits that he lived in the woods for 14 years. He loved how simple it was. Christina asks if his family missed him. He missed his little sister. He then came back because Mitch was dying. He was going to leave after the funeral, but he stayed for Christina. So why did he leave Boston in the first place? I had to, he says. He decides to tell Christina everything.

Of course, thats when Garrett goes to get more firewood. While hes gone, some guys show up and harass Christina. Garrett comes back and says they can leave or stay. Then he pulls out a knife, so they leave. Christinas understandably upset and leaves. So I guess were not finding out Garretts story.

Brady and Tessa wind up going to Christinas apartment. But she, of course, isnt there. They go to the neighbor and find out that Christina and Garrett went camping. Brady wants to alert the police, but Tessa convinces him to find them together as long as he takes the lead. He tells her that he left his keys in Christinas apartment, so she goes to get them and he leaves without her.

Brady drives to the woods and tries to call Christina while the media leaves the Hawthornes house. They turn on the TV to find out that the police have launched a manhunt for Garrett. Just then, Christina hears Bradys message that Garretts an SBK suspect. Alison tells Tessa its time to accept the truth that Garretts the killer.

Christina accuses Garrett of being the killer and demands his car keys. He swears he wouldnt hurt her and complies. He then lunges for her and someone, its unclear who, ends up getting stabbed. At the same time, the DNA results come in.

Brady makes his way to Garretts truck, but Christina comes out covered in Garretts blood. But, it turns out, the DNA was a match to Mitch, not Garrett. They took Mitchs old bloody jersey from the high school and tested it. Garrett, meanwhile, is lying out in the woods dying.

American Gothic airs on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. on CBS.

(Image courtesy of CBS)
Its not getting any easier for Mike  or now, his cellmate, since Kevin helped him out  in prison with Frank around on Suits, but in Back On the Map, Harvey (and later Sean) may have a way to fix things. Meanwhile, Louis tries to find the perfect tenant for the offices only for that to backfire on him.

Here are the best quotes from Back on the Map.

Suits Recap: Gallo Continues to Threaten Mike; Louis Meets His Match>>>

You are going to the pep rally though, right?

Mike: So do we eat together in the cafeteria from now on or how does that work?

Kevin: You know this isnt high school, right?

Mike: Yeah, of course I know that. You are going to the pep rally though, right?

Exactly, which is why I will not stand for another firm to stick their promiscuous associates in my innocent incubator.

Louis: Donna, nobodys gonna be taking these offices without taking the bullpen. Its the heart and soul of this space.

Donna: And its also the heart and soul of you.

Louis: Exactly, which is why I will not stand for another firm to stick their promiscuous associates in my innocent incubator.

Every conversation weve ever had, including this one.

Donna: The only thing left for me to do is make sure you dont shit the bed in another interview.

Louis: What makes you think I would do that?

Donna: Every conversation weve ever had, including this one.

Louis: Fair point. Set it up.

So instead of coming down on me and Sean for doing our jobs, why dont you get over there and do yours?

Harvey: Donna, I dont give a shit about Louis and his tenants.

Donna: Well, I do. Because we all said that we would give everything we had to get this place back to where it was, and right now, Jessica has a prospect waiting for you in the conference room. So instead of coming down on me and Sean for doing our jobs, why dont you get over there and do yours?

Surprise, surprise.

Frank: You know, when I first got here, I didnt have a high school diploma.

Mike: Surprise, surprise.

Frank: Before you know it, I was a regular Poindexter just like you.

Mike: Congratulations. Your parents must be so proud.

Id say you should see the other guy, Mike, but there were three of them.

 Kevin



Im looking forward to being douche-mates.

 Stu to Louis

Holy goddamn shit, what have I done?

 Louis, after seeing Stu and the other new tenants

It means Im not finished enjoying this.

Louis: Donna, listen to me.

Donna: I know.

Louis: Then you know that I  

Donna: Shit the bed like you never have before?

Louis: I am so  

Donna: Banged the monkey? Screwed the pooch?

Louis: Donna, please  

Donna: Flinked the flank?

Louis: What does flink the flank mean?

Donna: It means Im not finished enjoying this.

I just saw our new tenants. A bunch of dickhead traders. Theyre gonna drive Louis crazy.

Harvey: Jessica, what can I do for you?

Jessica: What are you so happy about?

Harvey: I just saw our new tenants. A bunch of dickhead traders. Theyre gonna drive Louis crazy.

Prune juice, prune juice, you are so sweet, I love you all the way from my head down to my  Goddamn it!

 Louis, upon finding the fridge packed with Red Bull

Im your worst nightmare, because this quivering angry dildo isnt going away until it gets its satisfaction.

Stu: What kind of dildo puts bran bars and prune juice in a lease agreement?

Louis: This dildo. This dildo right here.

Stu: Are you nuts?

Louis: No. Im your worst nightmare, because this quivering angry dildo isnt going away until it gets its satisfaction.

Stu: What did you just say to me?

Louis: I just said, this dildo is gonna be in your face slapping it around, then up your ass marching you right out the door if it catches you in violation of your lease ever again.

Im not one to back away from a fight.

Rachel: Im not one to back away from a fight.

Professor Dunbar: Rachel, Im not asking you to back away from a fight. Im asking you to pick one thats more important.

Dont ever mess with a Harvard goddamn lawyer.

Stu: Youre a son of a bitch.

Louis: Yeah, a son of a bitch whos got the full weight of the New York City Legal Code on his side. And you just learned lesson number one. Dont ever mess with a Harvard goddamn lawyer.

Id rather not say, but it fit you to a T.

Maitre d: Excuse me, sir?

Harvey: Relax, I know where Im going.

Maitre d: Im sure you do, but I dont think youre going to find what youre looking for.

Harvey: What did you just say to me?

Maitre d: Im sorry, but you match the description of a man I was told would be walking in here right about now.

Harvey: And what exactly is the description?

Maitre d: Id rather not say, but it fit you to a T.

You have to make all of them afraid of you. Then the only impression theyll have of you is that youre one badass woman.

Rachel: Im taking a practical ethics course this semester.  My problems not with the textbook.

Jessica: Mike.

Rachel: One of my classmates stuck him in my face in front of the entire class to win an argument.

Jessica: And the only thing you want to stick in her face is your fist?

Rachel: Something like that. So the professor offered me an Innocence Project case, and I want to take it, but if I do

Jessica: The other students will think youre afraid of her.  Then you have to make all of them afraid of you. Then the only impression theyll have of you is that youre one badass woman.

Rachel: Why do I get the feeling that when you were in law school you went through something just like this?

Jessica: Rachel, I dont know if youve been paying attention, but I go through something like this every damn day.

What do you think Ive been doing to him for the last 10 years?

Stu: You serious about me sticking it to your partner?

Harvey: What do you think Ive been doing to him for the last 10 years?

Id like to apologize for saying what I said to Rachel Zane. I only did what I did because shes my intellectual and ethical superior. Im ashamed of myself, and I forfeit this competition.

 Naomi, reading the apology Rachel wrote



If youre really gonna pick getting back at Harvey over your own freedom, you really are the sorriest son of a bitch Ive ever met.

 Mike to Frank

Take a number, buddy, because one thing Im never gonna do is get involved with a shady piece of shit like you.

William: You know youre making an enemy of me for the rest of your life.

Harvey: Take a number, buddy, because one thing Im never gonna do is get involved with a shady piece of shit like you.

He takes one sip of this, well have to hear that story about the first time he got laid.

Jessica: Put some music on, because were back on the map.

Harvey: To being back on the map.

Jessica: To drawing a new one.

Harvey: Should we get Louis?

Jessica: Come on. He takes one sip of this, well have to hear that story about the first time he got laid.

Harvey: Wed be lucky if thats the story we get to hear.

Suits season 6 airs Wednesdays at 9pm on USA.

(Images courtesy of USA)
What you need to know to sign up for NJ Obamacare this year
STEPANAKERT, JULY 28, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: During the visit Minister Yolyan had meetings with Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, Minister of Energy Hamid Chitchian, Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh, Minister of Industries and Business Mohammadreza Nematzadeh.

During the meetings the Armenian-Iranian cooperation issues were discussed. The sides also touched upon a wide range of regional cooperation matters.

All discussions were held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and agreement.

The Iranian side expressed interest and willingness to realize different cooperation projects with Armenia, and expansion of partnership.

The sides touched upon the 3rd Iran-Armenia high voltage power transmission line and the gasification projects of Meghri and Agarak.

Possibilities of boosting the construction program of TPPs on Araks river were discussed.

The purchase and sale of gas and expansion of cooperation was discussed.

Agreements have been reached with Irans Minister of Petroleum to give a final legal solution to the issue soon.

The Iranian side expressed interest in investing in wind power in Armenia, to construct 50MW Wind Power Plants in Armenia as well as opening branches of prestigious Iranian producers.
Plans to build the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant near Burnham-On-Sea have suffered an unexpected delay after the government postponed a final decision until the early autumn.

French firm EDF, which is financing most of the 18bn Hinkley Point project in Somerset, approved the funding at a board meeting.

Contracts were to be signed on Friday. But Business Secretary Greg Clark has said the government will consider carefully before backing it.

According to reports, EDFs chief executive Vincent de Rivaz has cancelled a trip to the UK on Friday following Mr Clarks comments.

Critics of the plan have warned of environmental damage and potential escalating costs.

They are also concerned that the plant is being built by foreign governments. One third of the 18bn cost is being provided by Chinese investors.

EDF still hopes to have more than 2,500 workers on site by next year.

The news comes after a board meeting at French utility EDF  the company financing most of the project  which gave its go-ahead for the 18bn project.

Following that agreement, legally binding contracts will be signed and construction work could begin, if government backing comes.

EDF said it hopes to have more than 2,500 workers on site by next year. Announcing the approval of investment, EDF described the plant as a unique asset for French and British industries, saying it would benefit the nuclear sectors in both countries and would give a boost to employment.

Ahead of the vote on whether to approve the Hinkley project, Gerard Magnin, an EDF board member, resigned, saying the project was very risky financially. Earlier this year, EDFs finance director, Thomas Piquemal, also resigned amid reports he thought Hinkley could damage EDF itself.

Hinkley Point C is expected to provide 7% of the UKs total electricity requirement.

The project has been hit in recent months by concerns about EDFs financial capacity.

Despite the Chinese investment, Hinkley Point would remain an enormous undertaking for the stressed French company, which has had to raise money from its owners.

Earlier this week, EDF shareholders approved plans to issue new shares to raise 4bn euros (3.4bn) to help pay for the project.

The French state, which owns 85% of EDF, will buy 3bn worth of new shares in the fundraising.

Doubts have dogged the plans for the 18 billion project and several delays to a final decision have raised further questions.

Hinkley Point C would be a crucial part of the UKs future energy mix, providing 7% of the countrys total electricity needs when up and running in 2025. It is expected to create 25,000 jobs.
South-based regional Air Pegasus on Thursday cancelled all flights from Bengaluru Airport for the second day on the trot, amidst reports that lessors have taken repossession of two aircraft.


Amazon, the Seattle-headquartered e-commerce giant, has signed two high-profile office space deals in India during the April to June quarter (Q1), in sync with its rush to invest in the country.


With the launch of fourth-generation services by Reliance Jio Infocomm imminent, analysts have expressed concern over the slowdown in data growth by the countrys top mobile operator, Bharti Airtel.
Shanghai Group Co Ltd has agreed to buy an 86 per cent stake in Gland Pharma  backed by KKR & Co LP  for up to $1.3 billion, the largest inbound acquisition for the country this year.
India plans to block Tata Sons Ltds payment of a $1.17-billion arbitration award to NTT Docomo Inc, which is seeking compensation for its stake in the Indian conglomerates wireless business, people familiar with the matter said. The finance ministry wont grant an exemption to the Indian foreign exchange Act that Tata Sons would need to pay the money to its Japanese partner, according to the people. The government is wary of setting a precedent, as at least 10 other companies have sought waivers for similar deals, one of the people said, asking not ...
It's raining sops during the election year in the poll-bound and the latest is relief in power tariff to industry and domestic consumer. Deputy Chief Minister today announced that there would be no tariff revision for the domestic consumers and MSMEs in the state would be offered power at a concessional tariff.



This would incur an estimated Rs 250 cr per annum financial burden on state power utilities already reeling under losses. The doles announced in 2016-17 budget put a burden of Rs 1,200 cr on the state government and cash starved state government has no clarity on implementation of seventh pay commission's recommendations.



Badal today announced peak load hours restrictions surcharge of Rs 2 per unit has also been waived off thereby provided a big relief of Rs 200 crore per month to the industry. Sukhbir Singh Badal announced that small scale industries would be provided power at Rs 4.99 per unit which was Rs 5.85 per unit earlier thereby giving a relief of Rs 86 paisa per unit. He stated that this reduction would cost Rs 50 crore on state exchequer and government would provide this subsidy to the industry.
on Thursday posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 235.8 crore for the three month ended June 30, up 34.9% from a year-ago period. Total income grew 14.8% to Rs 1,593.2, compared with the corresponding period last year. Sequentially, the net profit was up 3.2%, while total income declined 0.9%.



Total income included revenues related to foreign exchange gains. Revenue from operations for the June quarter stood at Rs 1,555 crore. Revenue in constant currency terms declined 0.3% sequentially, while it grew 12.1% over the last year. "This quarter was all about execution. Despite the headwinds the industry is facing, we have seen growth in all our verticals," Sanjay Jalona, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director told Business Standard. "Margins have been under pressure for the industry as a whole."



Among verticals, BFS and insurance led the growth, contributing 25.3% and 22.1% of total revenues, followed by energy, which contributed 11.9% of the total. While the deal pipeline remained the same as the last few quarters, Jalona said, the quality of deals was changing. Deals now have the larger component of digital as the look to cut down cost of operations as well as headcount.



Close to 22% of the company's projects are around digital, he said. "Newer technologies like SMAC (social, cloud, analytics, mobility) can cut down cost significantly for . Customers are spending money on robotics as well as automation inorder to automate repetitive, manual jobs," he said. "For the IMS segment, the deal size is reducing as they have larger component of cloud now. For the business process automation, we are seeing a good deal pipeline as we have the capability as well as the right partners. "The company bagged a deal worth $50 million from the Central Board of Direct Taxes to provide comprehensive big data, analytics and surveillance solution across India so as to expand its tax base, said Jalona. Adding: "Another analytics deal, we have got from a lead bank related to compliance and risk. Over the long term, it is more than $20 million deal."



According to him, the company is focusing on five areas of growth  digital, analytics, IIoT, cloud apps and automation. Geographically, the growth was led by the US and Europe, which contributed 69.4% and 18% of total revenues, respectively, while revenues from India declined 2.1 percentage points sequentially to 5.7% of the total this quarter. "A lot of the projects in India have infrastructure requirement built into them, which we did last quarter. So this quarter, we saw a slight decline in India revenues. But with the CBDT deal coming in, we remain positive about India market."



The total head count for the company as on June 30 stood at 19,292, while the attrition rate (LTM) was 19.5%, compared with 18.4% in the last quarter and 20.1% in a year-ago period. The company, which went to IPO earlier this month, received a strong response from investors. The company's promoter and engineering & construction major L&T sold a part of its stake through IPO.
would continue to be chairman of United Breweries (UB), majority stake held by Dutch beverage maker Heineken, after a legal panel gave its affirmation for the liquor baron to continue in office.
registered a net profit of Rs 270 crore during the first quarter ended June of the current financial year, up 48% from a year earlier.

The gold loan financing company had made a profit of Rs 183 crore in April-June of 2015-16.

"Retail loans registered an increase of Rs 1,481 crore during the quarter as against Rs 1,000 crore in the last year, translating into an increase in growth rate of 48%," the company said in a release.

The asset under management (AUM) went up 6% to Rs 25,860 crore at the end of June 2016, as against Rs 24,409 crore last year.

Total income also registered an increase of 14% at Rs 1,143 crore in the quarter to June, from Rs 1,301 crore in the same period a year before.

Also, it completed acquisition of Muthoot Insurance Brokers Private as a wholly-owned subsidiary during the June quarter, which collected Rs 10 crore premium.

said the Sri Lankan subsidiary, Asia Asset Finance, has increased its loan portfolio by 50% to Lankan rupee 742 crore as of June 2016, from Lankan rupee 494 crore a year ago.

"Micro finance, gold loans, personal and business loans will be the major thrust areas for the company (the Lankan subsidiary), going forward," it added.

"The current excellent performance could be attributed to total revamp in collection mechanism, structural changes made in operations and improved customer sentiment due to better practices adopted by the company. We feel that with economic activities expected to pick up on account of the good monsoon, we should expect growth momentum to continue," said M G George Muthoot, Chairman, .

MD George Alexander Muthoot said: "Foray into other business segments is yielding benefits and business of these segments is picking up. We would like to tread a cautious path rather than be aggressive on these new segments."

The stock closed up 3.19% at Rs 318.65 on BSE.
At a time in which terrorist attacks around the blog seem to be happening with alarming regularity, there's no question that France has been especially affected.

Since the beginning of 2015, at least seven acts of terror in France have killed at least 230 people, with many more people injured.

Given that context, it's understandable why a prominent newspaper in that country would arrive at a decision like this one, outlined by the editor of Le Monde this week: "We will publish no more photographs of the authors of these killings, to avoid the effects of posthumous glorification."

From the other side of the ocean, it's easy for journalists in the United States to question this decision. We're trained to bring all the relevant information we can gather about the stories we cover to our readers and viewers, including the names and images of people who do horrendous things, such as driving an explosives-laden truck into a giant crowd with the intention of killing as many as possible.

That's why many in the media balked last year when a sheriff in Oregon, following a mass shooting at a college, refused to publicly state the suspect's name. "You will not hear anyone from this law enforcement operation use his name," he said, adding that doing so would "only glorify his horrific actions and serve to inspire future shooters.

As we find ourselves covering these types of stories more frequently, it's important for the media not to immediately shoot down these types of sentiments because there is real concern, especially in the digital and social media age, about attackers becoming inspired by media coverage.

But does that mean we should stop reporting the basic information we gather such as criminal suspect names or photos?

I don't believe that's the answer. But I also think the news media should take more care with how it reports that information. A suspect name should be published, but that doesn't mean it has to be referenced every 5 minutes on a newscast or put into giant font on a newspaper page.

The same treatment should be considered for photos and video clips. We don't need need to run them incessantly or in giant blocks of space. And if we have other images available, we don't need to show suspects' social media photos trying to look tough or cool.

We can also do a better job with language. Terms such "lone wolf" are not needed and only serve to sensationalize stories to the point that it could border on glorifying the person.

But it's also important that we do report on who these people are and are not. Especially today, when there's so much misinformation flying around when these stories break, it's vital that media do their job of gathering verified facts and informing the public about what we know.
National Aluminium Company (Nalco) will set up its long-awaited second aluminium smelter and power complex in Odisha within the premises of its present plant at Angul instead of the earlier identified location of Sundergarh.

The second smelter and power complex is expected to cost Rs 14,000 crore. Of this, the aluminium smelter with annual capacity of 0.4 million tonne will come up at an investment of Rs 10,000 crore. It will be accompanied by a 500 Mw captive power plant costing Rs 3,000 crore.
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State-owned has posted a net profit of Rs 79.13 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2016.

The bank had registered a net profit of Rs 301.98 crore in the corresponding April-June quarter of the previous financial year.

The are not comparable on account of exceptional write-off.

"Previous quarter are not comparable with the current quarter since there was an exceptional item of write off on account of fraud at three branches of Jaipur region," it said in a regulatory filing.

Transactions of these three branches are under investigation, pending which no additional provision is considered necessary during the quarter, it added.

Total income of the bank stood at Rs 6,419.12 crore for the reported quarter. It was at Rs 6,323.42 crore in the year ago period, it said in the filing.

The gross NPAs were 7.53% of gross advances in June quarter of the current financial year. In the year-ago period, it was 3.72%. Net NPAs stood at 5.04%, it stood at 2.36% in April-June quarter of 2015-16.

said it has upgraded NPAs of Rs 220.42 crore and also made recoveries of Rs 444.70 crore.

"Out of the total cash recover, the cash recovery in domestic NPAs amounted to Rs 444.70 crore which includes cash recovery in prudentially written off accounts amounting to Rs 82.35 crore," it said.

"To accelerate recovery performance under NPA, during the current financial year, one Bruhat Synd Adalat was conducted. Bank has mobilised 16,648 proposals involving one time settlement amount of Rs 84.69 crore," the bank added.

Among other key metrics, Syndicate Bank's interest income stood at Rs 1,479 crore during April-June of 2016-17. It was Rs 1,412 crore a year earlier.

However, the bank registered fall in global business at Rs 4.68 lakh crore from Rs 4.72 lakh crore a year ago. Hence, global deposits also fell to Rs 2.63 lakh crore from Rs 2.69 lakh crore.
Hyderabad-based simulation technology solutions company Limited today announced its biggest export order till date, of about Rs 30 crore from Egypt. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Egypt, has chosen to provide a range of training equipment including Smart Target Systems, according to the company.
A special MCOCA Court is expected to pronounce its verdict later Thursday in the 2006 in which one of the 22 accused is Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal.

The trial, which had resumed in 2013 after Abu Jundal's arrest, had concluded in March this year before the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) Special Court here.

It pertains to the May 8, 2006 operation by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad in which three terror suspects travelling in a car were nabbed on the Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad.

The ATS recovered from them 30 kg RDX, 10 AK-47 army assault rifles, 3,200 rounds of ammunition and other things, which were reportedly intended for carrying out terror strikes in the country.

Another suspect vehicle managed to give the slip to the ATS. It was believed to have been driven by Abu Jundal who escaped to Pakistan.

After Abu Jundal was nabbed in 2013, he revealed to the ATS another hideout from where they recovered 13 kg RDX, 1200 cartridges, 50 hand grenades, 22 magazine rounds.

A total of 22 accused were arrested, including Abu Jundal who is accused plotting the 26/11 terror attacks.

Earlier, the trial had been stayed by Supreme Court after one of the accused had challenged the constitutional validity of certain provisions in the MCOCA invoked on the accused. The stay was lifted in 2009.

In 2013 the ATS filed a charge-sheet against all the accused for plotting various terror strikes since 2006.
One of the original faces of the Paribartan Chai campaign that ushered in Mamata Banerjee to lead West Bengal, writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi, 91, died in Kolkata on Thursday.
In over two years of Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the Prime Minister-led Appointments Committee of (ACC) has ordered deputation of more than 25 IAS, IPS and IFS officers against the policy.


The Rajya Sabha passed the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015, on Thursday permitting the Centre to return Rs 36,125 crore to states that had lost forest cover to industrialisation and growth since 2006. The passage of the Bill would also ensure an annual fund flow to states, estimated at Rs 2,000-Rs 4,000 crore.
The Congress leadership, party President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi included, on Thursday indicated to the government that the outcome on its negotiations on the goods and services tax (GST) constitutional amendment Bill, particularly scrapping the one per cent additional tax on the interstate supply of goods, has been positive. This has paved the way for the government to take up the constitutional amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha as early as next week.
The assassin of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, was likely among the executed Auburn inmates buried in an unmarked graveyard on Fitch Avenue outside of Fort Hill Cemetery, records show.

Leon Czolgosz was executed on Oct. 29, 1901, and according to New York's The National Police Gazette, "arrangements were immediately made to bury the body in quicklime in the prison cemetery, which will speedily obliterate all trace of it." Reports in The Auburn Bulletin describes Czolgosz's burial on Fitch Avenue outside the gate of Fort Hill Cemetery.

The unmarked burial ground was discovered last weekend by the family living at 63 Fitch Ave. when they were doing some construction work. The Auburn Police Department confirmed Monday that the bones found were human, and they are currently at the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office to determine how many individuals may be associated, the sex and age.

Detective Bryant Bergenstock with the APD, told The Citizen Thursday that it does look likely that the remains are those of Auburn inmates.

"Based on the research and the historical data thus far, the remains are most likely that of former inmates from the correctional facility, however the investigation is ongoing," Bergenstock said.

The city of Auburn's Corporation Counsel has been in touch with an Albany attorney for the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, though Bergenstock said he was not involved with their discussion.

"DOCCS was contacted by the City of Auburn PD and is assisting in efforts to determine the origin of the remains," said Thomas Mailey, spokesperson for DOCCS.

Bergenstock said it is unknown at this time whether there are more remains currently on the Fitch Avenue lot. If there are more, he said, once the investigation determines who is responsible for them, "anything further will be turned over to that specific agency."

Historical records and newspapers read that the state of New York owned the land, formerly known as 47 Fitch Ave., in 1897 to 1909 as a convict cemetery. The lot changed hands to Auburn Button Works Manager J.H. Woodruff in 1909, and it's unclear when the land deeds failed to describe the burial ground on the property.

More recent land deeds, including in 2003 and 2014, do not include any mention of the land's prior purpose, county real property records show.

APD reminded the public that the land is private property, and anyone trespassing will be prosecuted.
At a meeting with Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday, a number of start-up enterprises asked for easier access to tax benefits and more incubation facilities, among others. The minister later told journalists that issues such as government funding and online selling of prescription drugs were also discussed.
Labour Ministry on Thursday expressed serious concern over comments from some organisations on certain provisions of the that prohibits employment of children below 14 years, terming these as "ill-informed".

"Such comments were ill-informed and misleading, reflecting inadequate understanding of the provisions and implications of the original the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 and of the Amendment Bill, 2016," the Ministry said in a press statement.

Earlier this week, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016, was passed by the Parliament.

The ministry asserted that the Amendment Bill clearly seeks to protect the Right to Education for those below 14 years by fixing defective provisions in the original Act, contrary to comments that it affects schooling and learning of poor children.

In addition, the Amendment Bill, 2016, provides for first-time protection for adolescents of 14-18 years.

"The comments by some organisations as reported in some sections of the media on some provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016 passed by the Parliament this week were far from the truth and were based on inadequate understanding of the provisions and implications of the original Act of 1986 and the Amendment Bill, 2016," the ministry said.

Such comments could mislead people and need to be avoided.

"Those comments have created an impression that the Amendment Bill allows first time employment of children below 14 years in family enterprises while no such provision was there in the original Act of 1986, adversely impacting their schooling and learning," it said.

The ministry clarified that the Section (3) of the original Act of 1986 while prohibiting employment of children in certain occupations provides clearly that nothing in this section shall apply to any workshop wherein any process is carried on by the occupier (owner) with the aid of his family or any school established by or receiving assistance or recognition from the government.

"This goes to prove that the original Act of 1986 clearly allowed children to be employed or engaged in all kinds of family enterprises without any restrictions," the ministry added.

Earlier in the day, the UN Children's Fund has voiced concern over the amended in India, saying it could legitimise family work and further disadvantage children from poor families.

The UN programme urged removal of certain provisions of the Bill and advocated establishing a robust monitoring mechanism with a thorough list of hazardous occupations for a stronger child protection framework.
In what could signal as the growing role of in governance more than a year after it was created, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of today to give concrete shape to the 15-year vision document for accelerating all round development of the country.
The government is looking to bolster investments in the tourism sector by setting up an investment desk at the tourism ministry.
The yields on the 10-year bond fell six basis points to 7.19 per cent on Thursday as foreign investors continued to pump in money into domestic debt, bringing about $1 billion in July alone.


India's largest insurer Life Corporation of India (LIC) has signed an agreement with private sector lender Axis Bank as its bancassurance partner wherein the bank will distribute LIC's products to its customers.



In the preliminary phase, the bank will distribute LICs life products across its branches in West Bengal, Bangalore and Haryana  Panchkula. Additionally, the bank will also provide post sales services such as premium collection and renewal of policies.
Following is the status of action taken to identify Directors of IIMs, NITs and IITs: .

.

(a) Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) .

.

For six new IIMs at Amritsar, Sirmaur, Bodh Gaya, Sambalpur, Nagpur, Vishakhapatnam advertisement has been issued and Search cum Selection Committee (SCSC) has been constituted for recommending a panel of names for consideration of the Government. The mentor Directors are looking after the six new IIMs till the appointment of regular Director. For IIMs at Ranchi, Raipur, Bangalore and Rohtak, the SCSC has recommended a panel of names, which are under consideration of the Government. For IIM Tiruchirappalli, IIM Udaipur and IIM Kozhikode advertisement for the post has been issued. Till the appointment of regular Director, the tenure of the outgoing Director has been extended or the senior most Professor of the Institute has been given additional charge in these Institutions. .

.

(b) National Institutes of Technology (NITs) .

.

For nine NITs at Allahabad, Durgapur, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kurukshetra, Rourkela, Surat, Tiruchirappalli and Warangal Search Committee has recommended a panel of names for final approval of the Visitor. For four NITs at Hamirpur, Suratkhal, Bhopal and Puducherry advertisement has been issued and applications have been received. The charge of the post of Director has been entrusted either to the Director of another NIT/ IIT or senior most Professor of the Institute. .

.

(c) Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) .

.

For six IITs at Tirupati, Palakkad, Bhilai, Dharwad, Jammu and Goa advertisement has been issued and applications have been received. .

.

This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey today in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha question. .

.
Several Government organisations like Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeiTY), have been supporting startups and innovation industries. .

.

During over last two decades, DST has provided over 250 crores in setting up of specialised institutional mechanisms spread across the country i.e Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park (STEP) and Technology Business Incubators(TBIs). The STEPs and TBIs are engaged in nurturing startups and since the year 2008, few of them have also been provided support totaling to about Rs.60 crores to implement the seed support system (SSS) for startups in Incubators. DSIR has provided a support of over Rs.225 crores to industries for development and demonstration of innovative technologies, since 1992 and a support of over Rs.25 crores to individual innovators, since 1998. Biotechnology Industry Research Assessments Council (BIRAC) under DBT has provided funding of Rs.677 crores to entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and translational organisations since 2012. DeiTY under a scheme for Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE), supports 27 TIDE centres up to March 2017 in the area of Electronics & ICT to strengthen the technology incubation centres at the institutions of higher learning. The outlay for each TIDE centre is Rs.55 lakhs for the entire duration. Rs.32.12 crores have been released to TIDE centres till now. The support certainly needs to be scaled up to bring in more and more state-of-the-art and affordable innovations into the market for the benefit of society. .

.

DST has introduced several new schemes namely National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI), New Generation Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (NewGen IEDC), Grand Challenges and Competitions for Scouting Innovations (GCC), Promoting and Acclerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups (PRAYAS), Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR), Start up NIDHI, Technology Business Incubator (TBI), Seed Support System (SSS), Accelerator, Centers of Excellence (CoE). .

.

The Government over the last two years has taken initiatives to promote innovations, such as announcement of AIM, SETU, Start-up/Stand-up India, IMPRINT, Uchhatar Aavishkar Yojana etc. DSIR on its part has a scheme which provides common research facilities including research, testing and quality control equipment in public funded institutions for the benefit of micro and small enterprises. BIRAC has initiated several flagship programmes such as BIG, SBIRI, BIPP, SPARSH, CRS and BioNEST that bridge the gap in the biotechnology innovation pipeline. In addition to this, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion has initiated a start-up fund of Rs. 10,000 crores. .

.

During 2016-17, DSIR has provided an amount of Rs 27 crore, DeiTY has provided Rs 3 crores and the budget of BIRAC is Rs 120 crores for the startup and innovation industries. DST has also earmarked a budget of Rs 180 crores to promote innovation and enterpreneurship. .

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The Government has identified 10 themes under the IMPRINT scheme to promote innovations and DSIR has been identified to pursue innovations in the areas of manufacturing technology and water resources. BIRAC has identified the areas of Biopharma including vaccines, bio-agriculture, bio-industrial and bio-informatics for building the national biotechnology capabilities and has initiated several new awards to promote innovations such as SITARE (BIRAC-SRISTI GYTI Awards), BIRAC Hackathons, BIRAC Technology Day Award and BIRAC Innovator Awards. Under the existing scheme of National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) of MSME, there is a component namely, Support for Entrepreneurial & Managerial Development of Small & Micro Enterprises through Incubators. Financial assistance (up to Rs.6.25 lakh per idea subject to a maximum of 10 ideas in each financial year) is given to the innovators for incubating innovative ideas that can be converted into business activities through Host Institutes i.e. engineering colleges, IITs, NITs, etc. in this scheme. .

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MSME gives National Award annually to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to promote innovations. Six awards, comprising three awards (first, second & third) to Micro & Small enterprises and three awards (first, second & third) to Medium enterprises are given. The first, second and third award carries a cash prize of Rs.3 lakhs, 2 lakh & Rs.1.5 lakh respectively including a trophy and certificate. .

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This was stated by the Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S.Chowdary in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. .

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AUBURN  A U.S. Army veteran admitted to assaulting an Auburn police officer Thursday in Cayuga County criminal court.

Christopher Ackerley, of 48 Havens Ave. in Auburn, pleaded guilty to felony second-degree assault, resisting arrest, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and obstructing emergency medical services.

According to Cayuga County Assistant District Attorney Chris Valdina, the 27-year-old was arrested Nov. 17 after police received a concerned call from the defendant's mother saying her son had threatened to harm himself.

"(Ackerley) ran into the woods behind Cayuga Community College and his mother said he could have a knife on him," Valdina said, adding that Ackerley was also intoxicated at the time. "The police set up a perimeter and (Ackerley) came out and immediately attacked an officer."

Still, Ackerley told a different story in court. He went into the parking lot behind the college to talk to police, he said, when an officer reached for him.

"I resisted arrest, we fell to the ground and I believe that the officer was injured as a result," Ackerley told Judge Thomas Leone.

The district attorney's office said the officer was out of work for three weeks with a concussion after the incident; thus, they recommended probation in addition to six months in Cayuga County Jail.

Leone agreed, stating he will likely sentence Ackerley to five years probation if he successfully completes treatment for alcoholism and mental health.

"I'm taking into account your mental health and your service to this county," Leone said, noting that he may consider the additional six months in jail if there are any issues between now and sentencing. "But this is your last chance."

Ackerley faced up to seven years in prison for the assault. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 10.

Also in court:

 An Onondaga County man has pleaded guilty to selling heroin in the town of Sterling.

Eric Adams, of 113 Dunning Dr. in Camillus, was charged in April 2015 with two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. The 50-year-old also had two misdemeanor charges pending from October: seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Adams only admitted to one count of third-degree criminal sale of a narcotic in court Thursday in exchange for three years in prison plus two years post-release supervision. That plea would satisfy all other charges, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said.

Adams faced a maximum of nine years in prison. He will also be ordered to pay nearly $800 in restitution.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20.
Bangladesh Home Minister calls on Prime Minister

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Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan, Home Minister of Bangladesh called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. .

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The Prime Minister condoled the loss of lives in the recent terrorist attacks in Bangladesh. Prime Minister reiterated Indias commitment to support Bangladesh in fighting against terrorism. .

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Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan thanked Prime Minister for Indias support and solidarity. He also briefed Prime Minister on the situation in Bangladesh. .

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The Home Minister level bilateral talks between India and Bangladesh were held here today. The Bangladesh delegation was led by the Home Minister Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan and Indian delegation by Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. .

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Shri Rajnath Singh condemned the horrific terrorist attacks in Dhaka in July, 2016 and conveyed his deepest condolences. He assured Bangladesh of Indias fullest support and cooperation in its fight against terrorism, fundamentalism and radicalism. Shri Rajnath Singh said that the two countries have to be vigilant at all times and channelise efforts to defeat the terrorism and ensure peace, security and prosperity between the two countries. .

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Shri Rajnath Singh recalled the excellent and friendly bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh and expressed deep satisfaction over the ratification of the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 and its Protocol of 2011 last year. He also expressed satisfaction on the timely completion of all aspects of the Agreement, signing of 30 boundary strip maps pertaining to erstwhile adverse possessions and un-demarcated areas, completion of ground demarcation work, orderly movement of those enclave dwellers who chose to move to mainland India, completion of citizenship formalities of erstwhile enclave residents on both sides etc. .

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Recalling the historic visit by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in June 2015, the two Home Ministers agreed that the visit had infused a new dynamism in bilateral relations, widening the avenues for cooperation between the two countries. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen this relationship further on the basis of friendship, trust and understanding for mutual benefit. .

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During the talks, the two countries recalled Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms Sheikh Hasinas address in the wake of terrorist attacks in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need to be united in the fight against terrorism and to be vigilant against the nefarious designs of destabilising elements in society, and appreciated various counter terrorism measures undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh to fight extremist and radical elements. The two sides agreed to further strengthen the ongoing cooperation between the security and investigative agencies of the two countries through a programme of training, capacity building, information exchanges, etc. .

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Both Home Ministers agreed on the need to immediately operationalise the Agreement on Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking. They expressed satisfaction over the signing of an addendum to the Bilateral Extradition Treaty of 2013 to further streamline the Treaty and to make it more effective. They also agreed on the necessity of signing a Repatriation Treaty to simplify and expedite the procedure of repatriation of each others nationals. Both sides also agreed to undertake urgent action for the repatriation of released prisoners and victims of human trafficking. .

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India and Bangladesh emphasized the need for speedy operationalization of three bilateral MoUs, namely, MoU between Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard for the Establishment of Collaborative Relationship to Combat Transnational Illegal Activities at Sea and Develop Regional Cooperation; MoU to Prevent and Counter Smuggling and Circulation of Fake Currency Notes; MoU on Bilateral Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking especially Trafficking in Women and Children; Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking signed during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh in June 2015. .

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Both sides emphasized the importance of effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries and to enable them to better monitor the identified vulnerable areas with a view to preventing criminal activities, irregular movement, acts of violence and loss of lives along the border areas. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the finalization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for allowing usage of Indian border roads for the construction and maintenance of Border Out Posts (BOPs) of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) as well as the use of Indian medical facilities in difficult areas along the border by BGB personnel deployed in the area. .

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The two countries expressed satisfaction at the regular interaction of different bilateral mechanisms including Home Secretary level talks, BSF-BGB DG level Conference, DG level meetings between Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guards, DG level meetings of the Narcotics Control Agencies of India and Bangladesh and noted that these regular exchanges helped to enhance understanding and resolve issues to mutual satisfaction. India and Bangladesh were satisfied that regular meetings between District Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates of border districts would facilitate resolution of issues pertaining to the border areas of both countries. .

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The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has been implementing a scheme namely Capacity Building for Developing Trauma Care Facilities in Govt. Hospitals on National Highways" since the 11th Five Year Plan with overall objective of bringing down preventable deaths because of road accidents to 10 per cent by developing a pan-India trauma network in which no trauma victim has to be transported for more than 50 kilometers and a designated Trauma Care Facility is available at every 100 Km of the National Highway. .

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During the 11th Plan, 140 hospital were identified for upgrading the Trauma Care Facilities along the National Highways. During the 12th plan, it has been decided to establish 85 additional Trauma Care Facilities preferably in States/UTs which were not covered in the 11th Plan. Besides Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has provided 134 advanceD Life Support AmbulanceS to the trauma care CENTRES, identified by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare during 2008-2013 under the National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme (NHARSS). .

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Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had launched three pilot project for cashless treatment of road accident victims on following stretches of National Highways:- .

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(i) Gurgaon - Jaipur stretch of National Highway (NH) No.8. .

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(ii) Vadodara Mumbai stretch of NH No. 8 .

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(iii) Ranchi Rargaon Mahulia stretch of NH No. 33. .

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The objective of the project was to save lives of accident victims by providing prompt and appropriate medical care during 'Golden Hour", and thereby reduce fatalities and disabilities due to road accidents. The project envisages transport of accident victims from the accident scene to hospital and, where required, from one hospital to another for treatment at a public or private hospital for the first 48 hours or Rs. 30,000/-, whichever is earlier. .

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This information was given by Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. .

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Vadodara to Mumbai National Highway corridor has been selected for upgradation to Expressway. Feasibility study of this corridor has already been approved. Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway is proposed to be constructed in following three phases. .

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Phase I: Vadodara to Talasari from Km 378.740 to Km 104.700 .

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Phase II: Talasari to Shirsad from Km 104.700 to Km 26.32 & SPUR to JNPT (Shirsad-Panvel) from Km 0.000 to Km 94.390 .

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Phase III: Shirsad to Dhisar from Km26.32 to Km 0.00. .

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It has further been decided to take up the Phase-I of Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway in two parts as under:- .

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Phase I Part A :- Vadodara to Kim (km 378.740 to km 254.430) .

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Phase I Part B :- Kim to Talasari (km 254.430 to km 104.700) .

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This information was given by Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. .

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The tally for Nikesh Arora's two-year tenure at SoftBank Group is becoming clearer: 31.5 billion yen ($300 million) in compensation and related expenses. The Japanese tech firm booked 6.8 billion yen in expenses arising from Arora's resignation last month, SoftBank said in a statement on Thursday. That's on top of 24.6 billion yen he received in compensation over the previous two fiscal years. In addition, the firm bought back 10.7 billion yen of its own shares from Arora, who served as SoftBank's president and wasn't its top executive. Not only is the headline figure an ...
Facebook's growth appears to know few limits. And even when one source of growth is set to slow down, the social network is ready with another.
Democrat will make her case for the White House on Thursday night, facing the tough task of equalling show-stopping speeches by President Barack Obama and others who have embraced her bid to become the first woman to be elected US president.
The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations (MoRR) has said that the number of Afghan refugees returning home from Pakistan is on the rise, adding that 10,000 have returned home in just four days and a total of 2,00,000 refugees have returned in the past six months.

According to Kabul, increasing pressure by Pakistani forces is believed to be the main reason for the influx of return of the refugees, reports the Tolo News.

"Following increasing tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the political pressure also increased on Afghan refugees, so repatriation levels increased in the wake of efforts made by government for voluntary repatriation; cash support also increased and these issues are the main aspects of the rise in the repatriations," said Hafiz Ahmad Miakhail, media advisor for the MoRR.

"Pakistan has imposed additional restrictions and pressure, police now easily arrest a refugee and investigate them, police arrested my son despite the fact he had a refugee card," he said.

However, the refugees who have returned showcase mixed feelings about their stay in Pakistan.

"We had a good life there, our children were at school," said one of the refugees, while the other said: "Pakistan has imposed additional restrictions and pressure, police now easily arrest a refugee and investigate them, police arrested my son despite the fact he had a refugee card."

Up to 1.5 million Afghan refugees still live in Pakistan. However, Pakistan has given the refugees a six months notice to leave.
As a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in Mumbai found 26/11 terror attacks key plotter Abu Jundal and 11 others guilty in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case, defence counsel Mubin Solkar on Thursday said one of the most important thing is that all the accused have been acquitted of the charge under MCOCA which is a huge setback for the prosecution.

"One of the most important things is that all the accused persons have been acquitted of the charge under MCOCA and this is of course a huge setback for the prosecution, who has been applying for the provisions of MCOCA continuously without total application of mind," he said, adding that today's acquittal under the MCOCA of all the accused is definitely something that should make these investigating agencies to rethink about invoking MCOCA in the future.

Elaborating on the court proceeding, he said, "In all, there were 22 accused in the case, of them one accused absconded and yet to be arrested, while another has been made approver, who is facing a separate trial. Thus, this trail was against 20 accused, of them 12 have been convicted, not sentenced as of now, while eight accused have been acquitted of all the charges."

"The court discarded as inadmissible many confession statements, which were recorded under MCOCA. And, when the judgment copies come, we will come to know what reasons the court has given for discarding those statements and acquitting all the accused under the MCOCA," said the defence counsel.

Talking about one of the accused- Feroz Deshmukh- he said, "As far as the question of Deshmukh arises, it has been said that his alleged confession was recorded, which he denied before the magistrate, who declared his confession inadmissible and acquitted him of this case."

In his statement, said Solkar, Abdul Samad had said a wanted accused had asked him to contact as he wanted some CDs.

"The court said presumably they were talking about the CDs of Dr. Zakir Nair, but this confession of Samad was also discarded by the court, saying it cannot be considered as evidence.

"When produced before the magistrate, Samad too rejected that he knew Feroz Deshmukh or had made any call to him. Samad further said he did not make any call to Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for such CDs, and thus the entire confession is false, which he claimed was deliberately imposed on him by the investigating agency," said the counsel, adding that Samad immediately 'retracted and disowned' the confession.

When asked who were on target and from where the arms and ammunition were procured, he said the court observed the accused who was sentenced got those things were imported from Pakistan to target some political and public functionaries.

"The court, however, accepted that the prosecution's case that the arms and ammonisation were brought for Narendra Modi and some others politicians," the defence counsel added.

The MCOCA court said that this was a conspiracy after the 2002 Gujarat riots to eliminate the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Praveen Togadia.

"Someone calling a government corrupt or unfit cannot be slapped with defamation prosecution," the court observed during the hearing.

The court also said this was a larger conspiracy to strike terror and they (accused) were calling it 'jihad'

On May 8, 2006, a Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) team chased a Tata Sumo and an Indica car on Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad and arrested three terror suspects and seized 30 kilogram of RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets.

Jundal, who hails from Beed district of Maharashtra, drove to Malegaon and a few days later he escaped to Bangladesh from where he fled to Pakistan, according to the state police.

Earlier, the trial had been stayed by the Supreme Court after one of the accused had challenged the constitutional validity of certain provisions in the MCOCA invoked on the accused. The stay was lifted in 2009.

In 2013, the ATS filed a chargesheet against all the accused for plotting various terror strikes since 2006.
The BJP's women wing staged a protest here on Thursday against BSP supremo Mayawati over her inaction against party cadres for insulting the family members of expelled saffron party leader Dayashankar Singh.

The agitators jostled with the police and tried to break the barricades. Carrying placards in their hands, they were also seen raising slogans against the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

However, BSP general secretary Naseemuddin Siddiqui earlier in the day refused to express any regret and said neither he nor his party workers said anything "obscene" or "objectionable" against Dayashankar's family during their protest last Thursday.

BJP leader Shrikanth Sharma told ANI yesterday that BJP was quick to expel Dayashankar for his derogatory remark against Mayawati, but on the other hand the BSP did not take any action.

Dayashankar, who was last seen at the temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand, on July 24, has been absconding ever since he was booked for his derogatory remarks against the BSP chief.

The complaint lodged by BSP secretary Mewalal Gautam alleged that Dayashankar's remark had hurt the feelings of his party workers and the Dalit community across India.
PENFIELD, N.Y. (AP)  Authorities say a man whose acid-disfigured body was found in the Finger Lakes region of New York was killed inside his home.

Investigators say 50-year-old Craig Rideout was beaten and strangled in the basement of his town house in Penfield last week before his body was dumped in the woods along a road 40 miles southeast of Rochester.

Police say acid had been poured on his face in an attempt to make identification more difficult.

Rideout, a father of seven children, was in divorce proceedings with his estranged wife, Laura. She and two of the couple's adult sons have been charged with tampering with evidence in the case.

Police say Rideout's minivan was found in a park-and-ride lot outside Rochester on Tuesday.

No one has been charged with killing Rideout.
Amid security concerns, the British Council in Bangladesh has temporarily closed all its offices till the review of security policies.

It also announced to reopen the offices once new security measures are in place, reports the Dhaka Tribune.

In a Facebook post, the flagship UK organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations has regretted its decision to shut down offices for security concerns and announced to reopen it once new security measures are in place.

However, it also said the customer services will be responding to queries through emails, Live Chat and Facebook in the usual office hours during this temporary closure.

This comes as Bangladesh faces serious security threats following the attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in which many foreigners were killed.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that a consensus was reached during the meeting between India's Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers held in Lahore from July 25-28.

"This was a regular meeting between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers. It was held in Pakistan from July 25-28 in Lahore. The BSF delegation was led by (BSF) Director General K.K. Sharma, while the Pakistan delegation was led by Director General, Pakistan Rangers, Punjab, Major General Umar Farooq Burki. The meeting was held in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere. Consensus was reached," MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media here.

Swarup said since the last such meeting in Delhi in September 2015, there had been greater adherence to the ceasefire along the international border.

"The DG BSF stressed the importance of vigilance against cross border infiltration to prevent terrorist activities and check smuggling and narcotics.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen measures to coordinate border patrolling on the respective sides of the border and address each other's concerns in a time bound manner," he added.

He said the BSF Director General invited the DG of Pakistan Rangers to visit India for the next round of these annual talks and the invitation was accepted.

The DG-level talks between the two sides are a bi-annual affair, but many a times these meetings have not taken place due to strain in relations.

The last such meeting between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers was held in New Delhi in September last year.

Last time, the two sides had decided not to fire heavy artillery like mortar shells and ensure that civilians living along the border were not harmed.

The two forces had also decided that their officials, right up to the level of Directors-General, will exchange mobile numbers, e-mail ids and fax numbers for swift communication to resolve disputes on the border running through Indian states of Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The bi-annual meeting between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers was held from July 25 to 28, in Lahore to discuss matters related to border management.

The BSF delegation was led by Director General, K.K Sharma and the Pakistan delegation was led by Director General, Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), Major General Umar Farooq Burki.

During the meeting, K.K Sharma stressed the importance of vigilance to against cross border infiltration to prevent terrorist activities and check smuggling in narcotics.

Both the sides discussed ways to strengthen measures to coordinate border patrolling on their respective sides of the border and address each others' concerns in a time bound manner.

The Joint Record of Discussion charting a future route map of cooperation between the two Border Guarding Forces was signed earlier in the day.

It was agreed that since the last such meeting in Delhi in September 2015, there has been a greater adherence to cease-fire along the International border.

Meanwhile, addressing a weekly press conference, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that during the meeting, the DG BSF invited DG Pakistan Rangers to visit India for the second round of this talk and he has accepted the invitation.

The DG-level talks between the two sides are a bi-annual affair, but several times these meetings have not taken place due to the strain in relations between India and Pakistan.
The Parliament on Thursday passed the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2016 with the Rajya Sabha's approval.

The bill provides for establishment of funds at the Centre and state levels for compensatory afforestation. Under the bill, states will get 42 thousand crore rupees for afforestation and related activities.

It also has a provision for setting up of authorities, both at the and state levels, for administration of funds and utilization of funds by the user agencies to undertake plantations, protection of forests and forest-related infrastructure development.

Replying to a debate on the bill which was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said that Odisha will get maximum amount of around six thousand crore rupees out of this fund.

He assured the Congress members that their demands of involvement of Gram Sabhas and local representatives while spending the fund will be incorporated in the rules.

He said, Clause Six of the Bill has the provisions of consultation with Gram Sabhas in the areas where Scheduled Tribes and other traditional dwellers are living.
A Dalit coupe was axed to death by a shopkeeper in Lakhmipur village of Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri district on Thursday for allegedly non-payment of Rs. 15 that they had borrowed from him.

Confirming the incident, Mainpuri District Magistrate Pramod Gupta said, "Bharat and Mamta, who were labourer, died on the spot after the accused, Ashok Mishra, attacked them with an axe. According to villagers, the matter was concerning Rs. 15 that led to a argument and resulted in the killings. The accused has been arrested and stringent action will be taken against him."

According to Bharat's mother, the couple had left home in the morning for sowing paddy, but they were stopped by the shopkeeper who asked them to payback his money that led to an argument between them. In the fit of rage, Ashok allegedly attacked them with an axe and they died on the spot.

The Mainpuri Police have arrested the accused and started inquest proceeding.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Bhagwant Mann, who today appeared before a probe panel, reiterated that he did not violate any security protocol by live-streaming a video of Parliament and requested that the matter should be closed.

This came after a committee of nine MPs reviewed the video posted by the Sangrur MP on Facebook, which showed his ride through layers of security to reach the Parliament.

Reports suggest that the committee members also met with the officers' in-charge of security in Parliament.

Prior to appearing before the panel, Mann in an exclusive conversation with ANI cried foul over the latest developments in this case and said that action must also be initiated against Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he allowed Pakistan's ISI to enter the Pathankot air base.

"I had tendered a written apology, but that was not considered sufficient. I will cite more examples and put forward my opinion before the committee today. But if you are associating my video with the notion that there can be an attack in the Parliament yet again then you should also summon the Prime Minister as he was showing the Pathankot air base to the ISI," Mann said when asked whether he regrets the incident.

Stating that this intention was not to violate the security arrangements, the AAP MP said that he just wanted the people to have a glimpse of how debate is conducted in the Parliament and how questions are picked on the basis of lucky draw.

"I had apologized in writing to Madam Speaker on the very first day when this incident was raised. But she did not find my apology sufficient and constituted a committee. So, I have given the reasons today and will also brief them about the same personally that several incidents of security breach took place earlier and they have been pardoned," said Mann.

"I had sought permission for a lawyer, but the committee said there is no debate today. Today you just have to put forth your opinion and asked that you can do it yourself," he added.

Mann earlier said that he had made no mistake, and thus, the matter should be closed.

In a five-page written reply to the nine-member committee led by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, the Sangrur MP stated that he had made no mistake, while citing some of the earlier incidents to buttress his claims.

Interestingly, Mann had earlier in an apologia addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan offered "unconditional apology", saying his intention was not to expose the Parliament security but to inform his voters' about the procedure involved in raising a question during the 'Zero Hour'.

The committee will submit its report by August 3.

The Speaker has barred Mann from attending the proceedings of the House till a decision on the matter was reached.

Earlier, Mann accused the Centre and other opposition parties of giving a political twist to his apology to the Speaker with regard to his controversial live streaming of Parliament.

Mann said, "My apology has not been accepted. It is being given a political twist and colour. The opposition and my rivals are saying that my membership of parliament should be terminated; that I am a danger to this country.
Fintech startup EarlySalary.com announced its operations in Delhi NCR today after five months of piloting with its mobile app based lending product and building Algorithm based underwriting.

After successful beta phase in Pune and Bengaluru it has started to go live with real time loans processing capabilities and added Chennai and Mumbai operations in quick succession and now include cities like New Delhi and Noida.

EarlySalary operates similar to cash advance or cash withdraw from a credit card or salary advances and is targeted at young working professionals who run out of salary money during the month end.

This helps them sustain lifestyle without the need to borrow money from friends and relatives. Earlysalary.com uses new age along with the user's Social Worth Score to approve and process loans.

"Delhi NCR is one of the fastest growing markets and houses many young working professionals. With the launch of EarlySalary.com in New Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida, we aim to bring a quick solution to their instant cash requirement and help them sustain their lifestyle throughout the month," said Co-founder and CEO at EarlySalary.com, Akshay Mehrotra.

"We are extremely proud of our new-age 'Social worth Score System', that allow loan decision in 10 minutes. With this automated machine decision, we hope to do inorganic growth and double our loan volume every month for next quarter," added Akshay Mehrotra.
Hafiz Saeed, the head of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jamaat-ud-Dawa ( JuD ), is now also in-charge of the ISIS operations inside Afghanistan, thus adding yet another terror title to his name according to revelations made by the Afghan Government and quoted by the Voice of America.

The VOA quoting the Afghan Defense Ministry said this disclosure was made during a meeting between the Afghan and Pakistani military officials in Kabul on Tuesday. The Afghan side confronted the Pakistanis with information that Hafiz Saeed, currently the former leader of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), is also managing the activities of the dreaded Islamic State in Afghanistan.

Saeed is wanted in India for plotting terrorist attacks on its soil, including the heinous 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people.

The United States says Saeed has ties with al-Qaeda and has a $10 million bounty for information leading to his arrest.

The allegations have, however, been rejected by the Pakistani authorities and the Islamist clerics.

So far, Pakistan has not yet responded to the Afghan allegations implicating Saeed in the ISIS terrorist attacks in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Defence Ministry's assertions about Saeed has now created confusion in Pakistan, as reporters and the Pakistani officials earlier on Wednesday tried to determine whether the Afghan officials were confusing the internationally-wanted terror leader with an ISIS commander, who shares his same name.

The head of Islamic State's local branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) is also named Hafiz Saeed Khan. He, however, is not believed to be related to the LeT leader.

During the meeting, the Afghan side called on Islamabad to prevent IS terrorists from entering Afghanistan and harming its people.

The trilateral discussions were convened to discuss issues related to border security and mutual concerns stemming from Pakistani construction activities along their 2,600 kilometer shared porous border, called the Durand Line.

??The statement also expressed "serious concerns of Pakistani forces'" for allegedly carrying out construction and firing artillery along Afghan border areas without consulting the Afghan government.

The Islamic State militants have stepped up their attacks in Afghanistan. Last week , three suicide bombers struck a civilian protest rally in Kabul, killing at least 80 people and wounding more than 230 others.
With 28 July being observed as World Hepatitis Day, here are some things that you should know about the "silent killer" disease.

About one million Indians are at risk of acquiring the hepatitis B infection and about 10,000 die from the hepatitis B virus (HBV) every year. This is a vast number, especially considering the fact that it is a vaccine-preventable disease.

According to Zoya Brar, founder and CEO of Core Diagnostics, "This shows that there is a 'KAP (Knowledge/ Attitude/ Practice)-gap' for hepatitis B in our country. Unfortunately, the disease is plagued with a lot of misconceptions and stigma. Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids infected with the HBV enter the body of a person who is not infected."

She added, "People can become infected at birth (spread from an infected mother to her baby during birth), sex with an infected partner, sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment, and exposure to blood from needle sticks injuries or other sharp instruments."

Brar noted that if a person, who has been exposed to HBV, gets the Hepatitis B vaccine and/or a shot called 'HBIG' (Hepatitis B immune globulin) within 24 hours, the infection may be prevented. Once injected, one can develop antibodies that protect him/her from the virus for life.

"Since many people with Hepatitis B do not have symptoms, doctors diagnose the disease by one or more blood tests. These tests look for the presence of antibodies or antigens. There are many different blood tests available to diagnose HBV infection. The most popular and commonly performed test is the test for the Australia antigen or HBsAg. This test has a high sensitivity and specificity for detection of the HBV and is supplemented by other tests like HBcAg, HBeAg, HBV-DNA, and liver function tests. There is no medication available to treat acute hepatitis B," she said.

The hepatitis B and C viruses are blood-borne infections that are spread through parenteral route. In India, we should be worried, because 3-6 billion injections are given each year, of which two-thirds are unsafely administered. This makes a large part of the population vulnerable to viruses transmitted through the blood.

These silent killers live inside a body for decades, without showing any symptoms. When symptoms finally appear, they signal that the liver itself has been affected, making treatment difficult. Another reason doctors are worried about the spread is because hepatitis B is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV and hepatitis C is 10 times more infectious. Yet, while people are by and large aware of HIV, there is little awareness about hepatitis.

Dr Siddharth Srivastava, associate professor of gastroenterology in GB Pant Hospital, Delhi, said, "The irony is that hepatitis B has a vaccine, but no cure, while hepatitis C has no vaccine, but does have a cure. Laid down WHO safe injection protocols should be followed by healthcare practitioners. However, patients too need to be vigilant and know of the safe injection practices, like the use of sterile, single-use, reuse prevention syringes."

He added, "Staff should wash their hands before administering the injection, and they should clean the area of the injection adequately. They should definitely not be touching the injection with their hands. This year's call for the eradication of hepatitis by 2030 can be partially achieved if these are followed."

Varun Khanna, managing director at BD-India, said, "Hepatitis is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV and we recognize the fact that Hepatitis is a growing problem. Alarming statistics have shown that 40 percent of the new Hepatitis B and C cases are due to unsafe injection practices. BD is engaged in several projects to improve clinical practices including safe injections and blood collection practices. It is imperative to spread awareness among medical practitioners, patients and the public at large about the dangers of unsafe injection practices in spreading this easily preventable disease.
A Pakistani Hindu teenager was killed and another seriously wounded after armed men opened fire on them in Mirpur Mathelo.

Satesh Kumar, 18, and his friend Avinash, 17, were sitting outside a restaurant near Iqbal Petrol Pump in Mirpur Mathelo when two gunmen, riding a motorcycle, opened fire on them and fled from the scene, reports the Express Tribune.

As per the locals, the fatal attack was part of a backlash against an alleged act of blasphemy committed by a Hindu man in nearby Daharki on Tuesday.

The police, however, claimed the motive behind the attack was personal enmity.

The victims were taken to the Civil Hospital where Kumar succumbed to his injuries.

SSP Ghotki Masood Bangash claimed that the attack was triggered by personal enmity and was not linked to the blasphemy incident.

The teenagers were attacked around an hour after members from the Hindu and Muslim communities met to discuss a blasphemy incident that took place earlier in the day and decided to maintain law and order in the area.

A day after a Hindu man was arrested in Daharki on charges of blasphemy, all markets in the district remained closed and heavy contingents of law enforcers were deployed.

Meanwhile, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took notice of the attack in Mirpur Mathelo and asked the Sindh Government to take immediate action against the culprits.
One person was killed and another was injured in a two-vehicle crash near a popular eatery in Owasco Wednesday night.

The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office said the crash occurred at about 9:41 p.m. on East Lake Road, which is also Route 38A.

Chloe Calhoun, 18, of Auburn was driving a 2005 Ford Escape and had just exited the Tom Thumb Drive In parking lot. Her vehicle was heading north when it was struck from behind by a 2013 Chevy Avalanche operated by Dain Schneider, 33, of Owasco.

Calhoun, a 2016 Auburn High School graduate, was transported to Auburn Community Hospital and then airlifted to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where she died as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.

Schneider was transported to Upstate University Hospital and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries, authorities said.

The sheriff's office said the drivers were the only occupants in their respective vehicles. Investigators said they could not immediately comment on what factors may have contributed to the crash, saying the investigation was continuing.

The speed limit along the two-lane stretch road by Tom Thumb, where vehicles frequently enter and exit the parking lot, is 55 mph.

The sheriff's office asks anyone who witnessed the crash or either vehicle prior to the accident to contact Detective Brian Schenck at (315) 253-3545.

The stretch of road near Tom Thumb was also the site of a fatal crash on July 11, 1979. Carmela Galbato, wife of longtime drive-in owner Thomas Galbato, was struck by a drunk driver while walking from the family's nearby home to the restaurant.

Thomas Galbato has spent many years raising awareness about drunk driving dangers through an organization called CARM (Curb Alcohol Related Mortalities).
Sri Lanka's Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilake on Thursday said the country will soon establish an Independent Media Commission after arriving at a consensus with the heads of the media institutions, journalists, academics and public.

Briefing the press at the Department of Government Information, Karunathilake said the new commission would not be enforced on journalists at all.

Deputy Minister Karunaratne Paranavithana joining the occasion highlighted there is a very bad situation regarding the country's media sector and it cannot be kept unregulated.

"It is required to bring up new rules and laws. The proposed independent commission is currently preparing a concept paper," the Colombo Page quoted Paranavithana as saying.
As the Patna High Court on Thursday cancelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Chhedi Paswan's Lok Sabha membership for concealing information in election affidavit, the latter said he respects the court's order, but it was politically motivated and he would surely challenge the verdict.

"I respect the court's order, but it was politically motivated. I will challenge the verdict. How my membership could be cancelled on this basis? Four lakh people had voted for me, and a single person will end my (Lok Sabha) membership. I have many constitutional remedy, and I am not worried about it," the former Sasaram MP told ANI.

"I have nothing to hide, I will surely challenge this verdict," he added.

He further said, "There was no criminal case against me. The matter was related to a project over Durgavati river. I was staging a sit-in protest in the interest of people, which is not a criminal matter, it's a social issue. The issue of public interest has been turned into criminal offence."

Pleading innocence, the former BJP MP said, "Though the information was not required in the affidavit, I missed it inadvertently. The mistake was not made by me, actually. My son was filling the form and he asked me to canvass in my constituency and he would get the form completed. I thought he got it completed. This is the matter."

The judgment was delivered by a single judge bench headed by K.K. Mandal on a plea filed by Ganga Mishra, who accused Paswan of concealing information regarding criminal cases registered against him in the affidavit filed with the Election Commission.
After sharing a screen space with The Rock and Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra is now all set to share the stage with people like Hugh Jackman, Salma Hayek at this year's Global Citizen Festival.

The 33-year-old actress will host the event for some of the top music stars like Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Selena Gomez, Major Lazer and Metallica, reports the Billboard.

Also, Usher, Chris Martin, Ellie Goulding, Eddie Vedder, Yandel and Yusuf/Cat Stevens will join these headline-making performers for their special guest performances.

Along with Priyanka, Jackman and Hayek, the Global Citizen Festival will be hosted by celebs like Deborra-lee, Neil Patrick Harris, Chelsea Handler and Seth Meyers.

According to the festival website, it is a free-ticketed event in which you have to earn the ticket "by taking action to help solve the world's biggest challenges."

"Over the last five years, Global Citizens around the world have taken more than 6 million actions in the fight against extreme poverty - actions that are set to affect the lives of over 650 million of the world's most marginalized people. This year's festival - and this incredible lineup - is an annual touch point to hold our world leaders to account on their commitments to solve the world's biggest problems," said Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen.

The fifth annual festival is set to take place on September 24th at Central Park, New York.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has said that the government is not working to achieve numbers for TRP but their aim is to fulfill the promises made and work for the welfare of the people of the state.

She appealed to the media to cooperate to highlight the good works done by the government. She said Rajasthan Model of Development is making its identity in country and around the globe.

Addressing the 'Business Standard Rajasthan Round Table - 2016' at hotel Marriott on Wednesday, she said steps like creating investor friendly atmosphere, introducing labour reforms, strengthening of infrastructure, Ease of Doing Business etc. has brought Rajasthan in the front line of investment destinations of the country.

The Chief Minister said people generally talk about negative things while positive side should also be seen.

"Media can play important role in highlighting the works done. Positive works in the state should also be appreciated," she said.

She assured that things are going to change in the state in the next two and half years.

"Our labour sector reforms that aimed at Ease of Doing Business by small units without compromising the interests of labour are the benchmark for the rest of the country. Through 'Nyay Aapke Dwar' campaign more than 20,000 camps have been organised in these two years. Total 522 Gram Panchayats were declared litigation free; 15 lakh revenue records were updated and more than 69 lakh families have been benefited in these camps, she said.

The Chief Minister, while mentioning Resurgent Rajasthan summit, said our aim never was to achieve numbers.

"We engaged with our industry partners and presented them incentives that were attractive. 470 MoUs with an investment projection of USD 50.26 Billion have been signed so far. A large proportion of the proposed projects are in various stages of implementation. The next step is to bring to the farmer the best in technology. In November this year, the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet is being organized with this objective in mind," she said.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Pakistan to attend the meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation's (SAARC) Home/Interior Ministers on August 3 and 4.

Sources, meanwhile, said the Home Minister will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism at the meeting.

At the 13th Summit held in Dhaka in November 2005, the Heads of State decided that the Interior/Home Ministers would meet annually preceded by a meeting of the Interior/Home Secretaries to strengthen cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism, which they agreed was a challenge to all states and a threat to humanity, and could not be justified on any grounds.

The first meeting of Interior/Home Ministers was held in Dhaka on May 11, 2006, followed by a meeting in New Delhi in 2007.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be representing India at the seventh SAARC meeting in Islamabad on August 4.

"The Home Minister will be representing India at the seventh meeting of the SAARC ministers of Interior/Home, which is being hosted by Pakistan on August 4 in Islamabad. This would be preceded by the seventh meeting of the SAARC secretaries of Interior/Home on August 3. The seventh meeting of the SAARC immigration authorities will take place on August 2," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media here.

He said the sixth round of the meeting was held in Kathmandu in September 2014, where Singh and the then home secretary Anil Goswami had participated.

"These meetings discuss regional cooperation on a number of security-related matters and take stock of progress in various regional mechanisms. Our participation is in the context of our neighbourhood first policy and our commitment to regional cooperation within the SAARC framework," he added.

Swarup said the meeting provides an opportunity for India to underline the high importance it attaches to achieving forward movement on security cooperation in the region.

Rajnath would attend the SAARC Home/Interior Ministers meeting in Islamabad on August 3 and 4.

Sources, meanwhile, said the Home Minister will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism at the meeting.

At the 13th SAARC Summit held in Dhaka in November 2005, the Heads of State decided that the SAARC Interior/Home Ministers would meet annually preceded by a meeting of the Interior/Home Secretaries to strengthen cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism, which they agreed was a challenge to all states and a threat to humanity, and could not be justified on any grounds.

The first meeting of SAARC Interior/Home Ministers was held in Dhaka on May 11, 2006, followed by a meeting in New Delhi in 2007.
Bringing much needed respite to Delhiites, the 17 auto-rickshaw unions, which were part of the strike called against the app-based taxis, called off their strike in Thursday evening.

In a press statement, the Delhi Government said that strike was called off by the unions after a meeting with the government officials.

In the meeting it was decided that vehicles, registered outside Delhi, if operate as auto or taxis, then action would be taken against them. The action may include both challan and seizure of the vehicle.

During the course of the meeting, it was also decided that the autos and taxis coming from NCR would not take away commuters outside Delhi.

The auto-rickshaw strike against app-based cab services left commuters stranded in the capital.

This was the second instance in the year that an auto strike had taken place in the capital.

The indefinite strike was called by a Joint Action Committee formed by 20 auto and taxi (kaali-peeli) unions, demanding the government to take strict action against app-based services such as Ola and Uber.

The Delhi Government had in April promised to come up with a feasible solution to the issue, but nothing has been done so far.
Hollywood star Matt Damon recently got a surprise visit by 'The Smartest Man on Earth' Prof. Stephen Hawking on the sets of 'Jason Bourne.'

Recalling the moment, Matt Damon revealed on Australian news-program, 'The Project,' "We were shooting in Tenerif in the Canary Islands for Jason Bourne and they were doing this event honouring Stephen Hawking and Prof. Hawking came on the set that day. It was amazing. We kind of shut down everything for few minutes and everybody went to say hello and I said to him, 'Excuse me Prof. Hawking, I'm sorry I'm wearing these dots on my face. They are trying to make me younger for the movie.' I was talking with his nurses and he was composing a sentence on his computer. His nurse looked at me and said there's something Prof. Hawking would like to say to you and she turns the screen around."

"It said, 'It's easy to be younger. Just make time.' It was like a mic drop. That was so cool. It was one thing that he shared with me and it was funny at the same time it was double entendre. It was exactly what you'd expect from the smartest man on earth," he added.

The fifth installment of the Bourne series focuses on unexpected reappearance of 'Jason Bourne' several years after the conclusion of 'The Bourne Ultimatum' and at a time when the world is faced with unprecedented instability.

For 'Jason Bourne,' Damon is joined by Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel and Tommy Lee Jones, while Julia Stiles reprises her role in the series.

The movie, also dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, is set to release in India on August 5 in 3D and 2D.
On a consolidated basis, Bharti Airtel's net income fell 30.8% to Rs 1462 crore on 7.9% increase in total revenues to Rs 25546 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 27 July 2016.

The consolidated revenues grew 8.4% to Rs 25546 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015 on an underlying basis, adjusted for Africa divested operating unit and tower assets sale.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 16.4% to Rs 9591 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The EBITDA margin edged up to 37.5% in Q1 June 2016 from 34.8% in Q1 June 2015.

The company has adopted Indian Accounting Standards (Ind-AS) for its consolidated results effective 1 April 2016 with periods reinstated for like to like comparison.

Consolidated mobile data revenues grew by 34.1% to Rs 4640 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

India revenues grew by 10.3% to Rs 19155 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. This was led by healthy growth of 9.1% in Mobile, 11.0% in Homes, 22.2% in Digital TV and 10.4% in Airtel Business on year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis.

The company has realigned its India segment reporting in line with management reorganisation. Consequently, Airtel Business also now includes the erstwhile Corporate fixed line voice and fixed line data business which was hitherto reported with Telemedia segment. Mobile data revenues cross Rs 3500 crore and at Rs 3525 crore grew by 35.1% Y-o-Y, led by increase in the data customer base by 19.1% and traffic by 54.9%. Mobile broadband customers increased by 68.3% to 36.6 million from 21.7 million in the corresponding quarter last year. Data average revenue per user (ARPU) has moved up by Rs 21 Y-o-Y to Rs 202 in Q1 June 2016, led by 28.1% increase in usage per customer. Mobile Data revenues now contribute to 23.7% of Mobile India revenues vis-vis 19.2% in the corresponding quarter last year.

Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (Sun Pharma) will be in focus. Sun Pharma including its subsidiaries or associate companies) and its wholly owned subsidiary and Almirall yesterday, 27 July 2016 announced a licensing agreement on the development and commercialization of tildrakizumab for psoriasis in Europe. Tildrakizumab is an investigational IL-23p19 inhibitor currently being evaluated in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Under terms of the license agreement, Almirall will pay Sun Pharma an initial upfront payment of US $50 million. Phase-3 studies of tildrakizumab have recently been completed. Sun Pharma will be eligible to receive development and regulatory milestone payments and, additionally, sales milestone payments and royalties on net sales, the terms of which are confidential. Almirall will be able to lead European studies, and participate in larger Global clinical studies for psoriasis indication subject to the terms of the Sun Pharma - Merck agreements, as well as certain cost sharing agreements. Sun Pharma will continue to lead development of tildrakizumab for other indications, where Almirall will have right of first negotiation for certain indications in Europe. Additionally, the license agreement has a provision for possible co-promotion agreement at some point in the future, subject to certain conditions. The announcement was made before market hours today, 28 July 2016.

Seperately, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries said it signed an agreement with RPG Life Sciences on 27 July 2016 to divest seven prescription brands in India, owned by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and its subsidiary, for a consideration of Rs 41 crore. The seven divested brands include brands used for treatment of respiratory-track infections, urological disorders, cardiovascular diseases and brands in health supplements segment. This divestment is subject to receipt of Competition Commission of India's (CCI) approval. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 27 July 2016.

Asian Paints consolidated net profit after minority interest rose 17.9% to Rs 535 crore on 10.2% increase interest from operations to Rs 4082.10 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. Profit before depreciation, interest, and taxes (PBDIT) rose 20.9% to Rs 820.30 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 27 July 2016.

K.B.S. Anand, Managing Director & CEO, Asian Paints said that the decorative business segment India registered double digit growth during the quarter. Lower raw material prices led to improved margins. Industrial business registered good growth in the industrial liquid paints category for the company's joint venture (JV) AP-PPG while the other JV PPG-AP saw good demand in the auto original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and general industrial segment. The company's international business performed well, aided by good growth in markets like Nepal, UAE and Fiji. Both the segments in the home improvement category -- the Kitchen (Sleek) and Bath (ESS ESS) businesses -- delivered good topline growth in the quarter as compared to the previous year.

On a consolidated basis, Bajaj Holdings & Investment's net profit fell 7.72% to Rs 565.84 crore on 27.35% decline in total income to Rs 119.92 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 27 July 2016.

Eicher Motors unveils its Q1 results on Thursday, 28 July 2016.

L&T Infotech (LTI) yesterday, 27 July 2016 announced a strategic partnership with GE Digital combining the company's diverse industrial capabilities with GE's Predix cloud-based operating system for the Industrial Internet. LTI and GE Digital will collaborate to develop innovative digital-industrial solutions powered by Predix analytics and real-time insights to enhance competitiveness and transform the way companies manage their assets and workforce. LTI and GE Digital will explore the concept of an Innovation Center to tap into their rich industry knowledge to quickly bring to market scalable digital solutions based on reallife scenarios.

NHPC said that the Unit #1 of Parbati- III power station which was shut down since 28 March 2015 has been restored on 26 July 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 27 July 2016.

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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the amendment in relevant clauses of the Central Agricultural University Act (CAU), 1992 to include State of Nagaland under the jurisdiction of CAU, Imphal.

After inclusion of State of Nagaland under jurisdiction of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, the College of Veterinary Sciences in Nagaland will produce the much-needed professional manpower in the fields of animal husbandry, which will facilitate socio-economic growth in the region.

The new college will help familiarize the farmers with new techniques, thereby contributing to the production and productivity of domestic animals in the State of Nagaland.

The amendment will help the State of Nagaland reap the benefit of the CAU, Manipur, which is established for the entire North Eastern Region.

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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has decided to rescind the earlier decision of the Government to set up the Concurrent Evaluation Office (CEO) for managing Concurrent Evaluation Network (CENET) in Ministry of Rural Development.

The CEO was envisaged to undertake concurrent evaluation of Rural Development programmes in conjunction with Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the erstwhile Planning Commission.

The decision will pave the way for a need based strengthening of the Economic and Monitoring Wing of the Ministry of Rural Development for managing and carrying out evaluation studies of Rural Development programmes.

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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the revised cost estimate for Rs. 3727.30 crore for the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP). This approval ensures completion of the projects under NATRIP which is an important Initiative by the Government of India for the establishment of the global test centres in India. This will address the R&D requirements of the automotive industry, full-fledged testing and homologation centres. The places are within the Northern auto-cluster at ICAT-Manesar, Haryana and Southern auto-cluster at GARC-Oragadam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu and up-gradation of existing centers at ARAI- Pune and VRDE-Ahmednagar in Maharashtra for Western auto-cluster.

The NATRIP project is required:

To adopt global best practices to ensure road safety, environmental protection etc. in design, manufacture, testing and operation of motor vehicles in India since India is signatory to UN Regulation on Harmonisation of Vehicle Specifications under WP-29 of 1998.

To support Automotive Mission Plan 2016-26 sets the Indian automotive & component manufacturers for becoming globally competitive for export with aim to scale up exports to the extent of 35-40% of its overall output over the next 10 years

To make Indian vehicles comply with global standard of safety (in line with UN Brasilia resolution) to reduce the high number of casualities and road accidents (i.e. 1.46 and 5.01 lakhs respectively in the year 2015).

To help the MSMEs for development and certification of auto-components, both for OEMs and after sale parts.

The essential components include world class labs for Powertrain, Passive Safety Tests l (including crash tests), Tracks for proving technology (including the High Speed Track at Indore), fatigue and certification, Electro-magnetic Compatibility tests, Noise Vibration & Harshness tests, CAD & CME and Infotronics. Many of the labs are already operational. These infrastructure will also enable the vehicle and component manufacturers to develop and get certificates in the country, for automotive products which confirm to the world standards thus implementing the 'Make in India' objective.

The following is the summary of the automotive client base and services offered, in order to make NATRiP centres locally and globally competitive and to make them fully integrated with the established Auto Hubs so that Indian industry is world class and export competitive by giving impetus to the Make in India program as well.

(a) Categories of customers served:

Four wheeler manufacturers/Commercial vehicle manufacturers/ Three wheeler Manufacturers/ Two wheeler Manufacturers/Construction equipment vehicle manufacturers/ Agriculture equipment (Tractors) manufacturers/E-Rickshaw manufacturers/ Bus body Manufacturers/ CNG-LPG kit retrofitters/Automotive & Non-Automotive engine Manufacturers/DG set manufacturers/Automotive Component Manufacturers.

(b) Services offered:

i. Certification of various vehicle categories, including HEV/EV/Diesel/Gasoline/CNG/LPG etc. as per CMVR-1989.

ii.

Certification of notified components of vehicle as per CMVR-1989 and related IS/AIS.

iii. Export certification for vehicles and components for Europe/South Africa/Malaysia/ Indonesia/Brazil etc. for Indian manufacturers, in collaboration with other authorized agencies.

iv. Developmental testing for the automotive industry, OEMs and components both, for their product development needs.

v. Execution of specific product development projects for the automotive industry.

vi. Developmental vehicle/fleet testing, performance evaluation and endurance testing.

vii. Technology development and R&D projects

viii. Data collection for new regulations framing.

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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the establishment of a new AIIMS at Bhatinda in Punjab under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).

The institution shall have a hospital with capacity of 750 beds which will include Emergency/Trauma Beds, AYUSH Beds, Private Beds and ICU Speciality & Super Speciality beds. In addition, there will be an Administration Block, AYUSH Block, Auditorium, Night Shelter, Hostels and residential facilities.

The cost of the project for establishment of the new AIIMS in Bhatinda shall be Rs. 925 crore. The above cost estimate does not include recurring costs (wages & salaries and operation & maintenance expenses). The recurring expenditure will be met by the respective new AIIMS from their annual budgets through Grant-in-Aid to them from Plan Budget Head of PMSSY of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The new AIIMS at Bhatinda will provide super specialty health care to the population while creating a large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region that can be available for primary and secondary level institutions/facilities being created under National Health Mission (NHM).

The institute will also conduct research on prevalent regional diseases and other health issues and provide for better control and cure of such diseases.

The project will be completed in a period of 48 months from the date of the approval by the Government of India. It consists of a pre-construction phase of 15 months, a construction phase of 30 months and stabilization /commissioning phase of 3 months.

The population in Punjab and adjoining regions will be benefited by this AIIMS.

Background:

The Central Sector Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) was first announced in August 2003 with the primary objective of correcting the regional imbalances in availability of affordable/reliable tertiary level healthcare in the country in general, and to augment facilities for quality medical education in under-served or backward States, in particular. Under this scheme AIIMS have been established in Bhubaneshwar, Jodhpur, Raipur, Rishikesh, Bhopal and Patna while work of AIIMS Rae Bareli is in progress. Also, three AIIMS in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri in Guntur (A. P) have been sanctioned in 2015.

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Sales rise 7.99% to Rs 685.21 crore

Net profit of Glaxosmithkline Pharma declined 23.13% to Rs 72.27 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 94.01 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015. Sales rose 7.99% to Rs 685.21 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 634.49 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015.685.21634.4913.1917.51114.37151.01109.00146.0972.2794.01

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Sales decline 59.84% to Rs 6.96 crore

Net profit of Gujarat Intrux declined 62.86% to Rs 0.26 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 0.70 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015. Sales declined 59.84% to Rs 6.96 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 17.33 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015.6.9617.337.769.640.621.290.391.050.260.70

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On 10 August 2016

HB Estate Developers will hold a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company on 10 August 2016, to consider and take on record the Unaudited Financial Results of the Company for the quarter & three months ended on 30 June 2016.

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With effect from 16 August 2016

Hero MotoCorp announced that Sunil Kant Munjal, Joint Managing Director, Hero MotoCorp, and Chairman, Hero Corporate Service, intends to focus his time and energy on his independent and core businesses, and to pursue new business interests. He will step down from the Board of Hero MotoCorp once his tenure as the Joint Managing Director of the Company comes to an end on 16 August 2016.

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Shares of 10 logistics companies were up 0.3% to 5.4% after media reports suggested that the Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the constitutional amendment bill on Goods and Services Tax.

Snowman Logistics was up 4.2% at Rs 88.15. Gati was up 3.1% at Rs 176.50. Allcargo Logistics was up 5.4% at Rs 200.90. Aegis Logistics was up 0.8% at Rs 123.85. VRL Logistics was up 2.7% at Rs 357.20. Transport Corporation of India was up 4.1% at Rs 363.80. Gateway Distriparks was up 1.3% at Rs 273.90. Container Corporation of India was up 0.3% at Rs 1,471. Blue Dart Express was up 0.5% at Rs 5,955. Sical Logistics was up 2.4% at Rs 159.35.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was currently up 100.77 points or 0.36% at 28,125.10

According to media reports, the Union Cabinet yesterday, 27 July 2016, approved amendments to the constitutional amendment bill on Goods and Services Tax (GST). The government has reportedly accepted a key demand of Congress to remove a 1% tax on inter-state transactions in the GST regime. The government has also agreed the demand of the state governments of full compensation for revenue loss for five years. The original GST bill provided for a graded compensation of 100% for the first three years, then 75% and 50% for the next two years, respectively.

The GST bill is likely to be moved in the Rajya Sabha next week. The Rajya Sabha has already allotted five hours for discussion on the GST bill, according to media reports. The GST bill, which has been approved by the Lok Sabha is pending in the Rajya Sabha due to Opposition resistance. The BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre has a comfortable majority in the LoK Sabha. However, the coalition does not enjoy a majority in the Rajya Sabha. A constitutional amendment bill requires at least 50% attendance and support of two-third of those present and voting in the house. For the GST bill to become a law, the bill also needs to be approved by half the state assemblies after its passage in the parliament.

GST, touted as the single biggest indirect taxation reforms since independence, will simplify and harmonise the indirect tax regime in the country. The GST seeks to create a seamless national market in the country by replacing plethora of state taxes and central taxes by one tax. The month-long monsoon session of the parliament will conclude on 12 August 2016.

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On 27 July 2016

Meghmani Organics announced that an accidental Fire broke out at 10.25 p.m. on Wednesday, 27 July 2016 in one of the Manufacturing Sections at its Pigment Manufacturing Division situated at Plot No. Z31, Z32, Dahej SEZ Limited, Dahej, Bharuch, Gujarat, (India).

The Plant has four Manufacturing Sections supported by other sub-sections. Only one manufacturing section of Beta Blue got affected due to fire.

All the staff members are safe and no one was injured during the incident.

The Company is ascertaining the loss and also investigating the cause of the fire.

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For lapses in KYC/AML norms

Corporation Bank announced that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in exercise of powers conferred under Section 47(A)(1)(c) read with the Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 has imposed a penalty of Rs. 1 crore on the Bank due to some lapses in KYC/AML norms, along with some other Banks.

The Bank has already taken necessary preventive measures / action plan to avoid such recurrence.

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WASHINGTON  Once in a while, in political campaigns filled with "definitive" incidents, there is one event that stands out as truly defining the character of the political figure in the spotlight.

Is he or she an angel in disguise? Simply a normal, nothing-special, nothing-awful sort of person? Or perhaps a truly mischievous scalawag?

Actually, this moment has already happened in Donald Trump's bumptious campaign, offering so much clarity about his personality and thinking that it is well worth recalling in some detail.

Although many Americans would be hard put to explain exactly what NATO  the North Atlantic Treaty Organization  does, most would be familiar with the term. NATO! It rings clear and it's concise. Some might even know that it is essentially an alliance, born in the days following World War II, among the nations in the democratic West to keep totalitarian Russia out of our hair and out of our cities.

But few would probably know the 1949 treaty that established NATO stipulates in Article 5 that an attack on any one of the 28 members represents an attack on all. The alliance is REQUIRED to come to the defense of any member country attacked. This stipulation has served the nations of Europe well, and it is downright precious to Eastern European nations like Poland and the small Baltic countries of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, who have long been victims of both brutal Nazi and Soviet occupation.

In fact, Article 5 was invoked in NATO headquarters in Brussels the morning after the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers on 9/11, and aid was immediately and urgently proffered to the United States.

NATO came up in an interview in The New York Times last week in which Trump stunned many in the foreign policy halls when he said he might reconsider America's promise of immediate NATO response -- and make it contingent upon whether the country under attack had paid its dues! (It must be noted that the U.S. contributes a larger amount to NATO than the other countries, but the ideal is that every member pays 2 percent of its income on defense.)

Asked about aiding the vulnerable Baltic countries, Trump told the Times, "If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes." Asked then what he would do if not: "Well, I'm not saying if not. I'm saying, right now there are many countries that have not fulfilled their obligations to us."

One can almost imagine the scene:

Ministry of Defense, Riga, Latvia: "Washington ... Washington ... The Russians are coming ... Russian planes attacking on the eastern border near ... Rezekne ..."

Trump's office in the White House: "Hey, don't try to stiff-arm me! Have you got that 2 percent in yet? I'm waiting for the check."

Ministry of Defense, Riga: "WHAT???"

Melania's voice on Trump's office phone: "Darling, this is my part of the world. You should help them ... Please ..." Phone calls fade away.

What we have learned since then is that Donald Trump's business interests in Russia are far larger than many were aware of, from his Miss Universe Pageant in Moscow in 2013 to scores of contacts with the corrupt world of Russian business. His campaign manager, Paul Manafort, worked for years for Viktor Yanukovych, the disgraced pro-Russian ex-president of Ukraine, who was thrown out in 2014.

Trump seems strangely to be openly fond of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he is known for at least once tweeting, pleased and puffed up, that a new era of cooperation was possible because "Putin likes me."

Actually, there is little question that strongmen like Trump and Putin not only tend to like each other, but that they also study each other. While researching my biography of Fidel Castro, "Guerrilla Prince," I soon discovered the degree to which Castro studied other demagogic strongmen, including Mussolini, Hitler and the many Spanish caudillos, not for their ideas but for their techniques.

What is new here, however, is what appears to be the Russian attempts to hack into the Democratic National Committee's emails, which came close to destroying the opening ceremonies of the Democratic convention Monday night. Presumably, their goal was an attempt to throw the election to Donald Trump, whom of course Putin "likes."
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries rose 0.53% to Rs 812 at 10:35 IST on BSE after the company and Almirall announced a licensing agreement on the development and commercialization of tildrakizumab for psoriasis in Europe.

The announcement was made before market hours today, 28 July 2016.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 95.05 points or 0.34% at 28,119.38.

On BSE, so far 41,306 shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 2.92 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 815.50 and a low of Rs 809.25 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 965.15 on 20 August 2015. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 706.40 on 24 November 2015. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 27 July 2016, rising 4.37% compared with 6.14% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, falling 0.76% as against Sensex's 7.52% rise.

The large-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 240.68 crore. Face value per share is Re 1.

Tildrakizumab is an investigational IL-23p19 inhibitor currently being evaluated in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Under terms of the license agreement, Almirall will pay Sun Pharma an initial upfront payment of $50 million. Phase-3 studies of tildrakizumab have recently been completed. Sun Pharma will be eligible to receive development and regulatory milestone payments and, additionally, sales milestone payments and royalties on net sales, the terms of which are confidential.

Almirall will be able to lead European studies, and participate in larger Global clinical studies for psoriasis indication subject to the terms of the Sun Pharma - Merck agreements, as well as certain cost sharing agreements. Sun Pharma will continue to lead development of tildrakizumab for other indications, where Almirall will have right of first negotiation for certain indications in Europe. Additionally, the license agreement has a provision for possible co-promotion agreement at some point in the future, subject to certain conditions.

Almirall is a global company based in Barcelona dedicated to providing valuable medicines and medical devices through its R&D, agreements and alliances. The company's business covers the whole of the drug value chain. Almirall has presence across Europe as well as in the USA.

Dilip Shanghvi, Managing Director, Sun Pharma said that the company is committed to growing dermatology franchise, with tildrakizumab as company's lead investigational compound. The company continues to build its pipeline and capabilities in this important therapeutic area of significant unmet need, he added.

Separately, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries announced after market hours yesterday, 27 July 2016 that it signed an agreement with RPG Life Sciences on 27 July 2016 to divest seven prescription brands in India, owned by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and its subsidiary, for a consideration of Rs 41 crore. The seven divested brands include brands used for treatment of respiratory-track infections, urological disorders, cardiovascular diseases and brands in health supplements segment. The divestment is subject to receipt of Competition Commission of India's (CCI) approval.

Shares of RPG Life Sciences jumped 12% to Rs 394.80 after the announcement.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' consolidated net profit rose 92.7% to Rs 1713.69 crore on 21.5% growth in net sales to Rs 7413.87 crore in Q4 March 2016 over Q4 March 2015.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is a specialty generic pharmaceutical company and India's top pharmaceutical company.

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Ishfaq Wani has paid a huge price for taking to the streets screaming slogans of 'azadi' - he will now limp for life.

The young Wani had no idea of the impending personal disaster when he, along with hundreds of others, poured out of their homes in Achabal town a day after security forces killed a militant commander on July 8.

The mob of which he was part tried to attack a police station that also houses a Central Reserve Police Force company. The security personnel used both firearms and pellet guns to control the situation.

"At one point I sat down to drink water which a woman offered. As I stood up, I felt a sharp object hit me twice," Wani told IANS, slowly opening up after initial reluctance to recount his pain.

Wani, 27, collapsed in pain, blood rapidly oozing from his leg. For a moment he breathed deep and thought he was about to die.

Others in the protest hurriedly put him on a hand cart and rushed him from the riot zone to a primary health centre.

Given the scale of injuries, doctors referred him to the Bone and Joint Hospital in Srinagar. His family shifted him to a private hospital.

Wani, pursuing Masters in tourism, is one among six children in his family. His father died in 2014. The only bread earner is another brother, Lateef, who runs a small photography shop.

After 14 long agonizing days in hospital, Wani returned home, still in severe pain. Doctors say he might never walk normally again. When IANS met him, Wani was barely moving in his muddy house, using a walker.

Wani has been operated upon.

"He may need ORIF - Open Reduction Internal Fixation. It's going to be difficult for him because trauma always has a physiological side effect," an orthopaedic doctor who did not wish to be named told IANS.

Pain is writ large on Wani's face. He has teary eyes when he speaks.

Like Wani, over 50 people were injured on July 9 at Achabal town in Anantnag district. Three protesters were also killed. Another youth, Imlaq Magray, was hit by a pellet on his right eye.

Magray, who too comes from a poor family, was warded in a Srinagar hospital for 11 days. When he returned home, his mother was overjoyed. But she was shattered to learn he had lost vision in his right eye.

The 19-year-old is the youngest among eight siblings -- all unemployed. He is admitted in an Amritsar hospital.

Magray's mother insisted that his son never took part in any protests.

"Yes, he went out that day... But he always stays away from these 'azadi' marches," a weeping Saja told IANS.

The Valley has so far witnessed over 50 deaths, four in Achabal town alone. Thousands have been injured in the violence which followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen operational commander Burhan Wani.

Across the valley, people are furious over the widespread use of pellet guns that have blinded dozens of young men. There are growing demands for a ban on the pellet guns.

Even if the ban comes by, it will make little difference to Wani and Magray. Wani will limp for ever and Magray, unless he is very lucky, will never never see from his right eye.

(Aadil Mir can be contacted at aadil.hussain@ians.in)

--IANS

ahm/mr/ruwa/ky
Veteran Communist leader and former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has expressed unhappiness over the appointment of Harvard University professor Gita Gopinath as the economic adviser to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a letter to CPI-M chief Sitaram Yechury.

However, Communist Party of India-Marxist party secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said the appointment has been approved by the state unit of the party.

In his letter to Yechury, Achuthanandan has said that Gopinath's policies do not match the economic policies of the party.

The appointment of Gopinath was confirmed earlier this week after the 38-year-old economist said that her position is just honorary and she is not moving to Kerala and will not be involved in economic policy decisions.

The top Congress party leadership here had earlier expressed "surprise" at the appointment of Gopinath.

Balakrishnan told the media on Thursday that the appointment of Gopinath was discussed at the state party level and the state secretariat had cleared it also.

"Just because she has been appointed the advisor does not mean that we will take all what she says. She will only give her advice," said Balakrishnan.

--IANS

sg/rn/bg
The Algerian Olympic Committee has sent 64 athletes to compete in 13 sporting disciplines in the Rio Games to be held from August 5 to 21.

Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Wednesday met with the Algerian delegation here, as he conveyed them encouragement of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, reports Xinhua.

Minister of Sport and Youth, EL Hadi Ould Ali, and President of the Algerian Olympics Committee, Mustapha Berraf, attended the ceremony.

Algeria expects to grab 4-5 medals in Rio. The North African nation won one gold medal in London Games (2012) thanks to 1,500m champion, Taoufik Makhloufi.

--IANS

tri/vm
Militant commander Burhan Wani would have been given a "chance" but the Jammu and Kashmir government didn't know he was one of those in the hideout where he was killed, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Thursday.

It was the first comment from Mehbooba Mufti on the shootout of July 8 and sparked a controversy with the National Conference calling her remarks "a cruel joke from a completely clueless" Chief Minister.

Mehbooba Mufti said security forces told her that "three militants were hiding" in a house in south Kashmir's Kokernag area "but they didn't know who they were".

"How do we know about an encounter? What can I say? I believe that had they known he (Wani) was there, he would have been given one chance as the situation was fast improving in the state," she told reporters.

She seemed to suggest that had anyone known that Wani - a social media savvy rebel commander who was popular among young Kashmiris - was at the hideout, the government would have made arrangements to prevent the situation "from turning to what it is today" after his death.

Mehbooba Mufti said the situation turned volatile very fast in the valley and the government did not have the luxury of time to prepare and prevent widespread violence in the aftermath of the Hizbul Mujahideen commander's killing.

She said the then National Conference-led government of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had enough time to prepare security measures when parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged in New Delhi on February 9, 2013.

"When Afzal Guru was hanged, Omar knew (about it). So he made all the arrangements in advance. We knew nothing and we came to know suddenly (about Wani's killing). But despite that, we tried to impose curfew so that children do not come out."

The National Conference ridiculed Mehbooba Mufti's statement. "It is ironic and ridiculous that the Chief Minister is terming Burhan Wani's killing a coincidence."

A National Conference spokesperson said the government had already "released lakhs of rupees as reward money from the Chief Minister's secret fund for those who took part in the encounter.

"If Mehbooba Mufti is deluded into thinking that she can try to make a case that she wasn't aware of the encounter where a special team was dispatched from Srinagar to neutralize Burhan Wani, she is living in her usual fool's paradise."

Earlier, senior PDP leader and MP Muzaffar Beigh had sparked controversy saying the security forces had violated the guidelines on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) laid down by the Supreme Court for any counter-terror operation.

Wani's killing along with two of his aides has sparked the deadliest wave of unrest the Kashmir Valley has seen in years.

Nearly 50 people have been killed and thousands injured in the days of violence. The valley remained under continuous curfew for more than two weeks before it was partially lifted on Tuesday.

But normal life remained paralyzed on Thursday for the 20th day in a row in the entire Kashmir Valley due to a separatist-called shutdown and the government-imposed curfew at some places in south Kashmir.

Violent protests erupted at many places in the valley where there was no curfew on Thursday.

In south Kashmir's Shopian district, young men took out a motorbike rally, holding Pakistani flags. Police used tear gas to disperse them as some protesters halted their bikes and threw stones at security forces.

Clashes between security forces and protesters also erupted in at least a dozen places in Srinagar.

The curfew is likely to be reimposed across the Kashmir Valley on Friday as separatists have urged people to reach Jamia Masjid in Srinagar's volatile Downtown area for midday congregational prayers.

No mass prayers were held the last two Fridays in the biggest mosque in the state.

--IANS

sar/mr
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Shashi Kant Sharma on Thursday here signed 11 audit reports of United Nations (UN) bodies, including that of Unicef (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), an official statement said.

"Shashi Kant Sharma, along with Mussa Juma Assad, Auditor General of Tanzania, and Amyas Morse, Auditor General of the United Kingdom, approved and signed 11 UN audit reports on Thursday, as approved by the Board (United Nations' Board of Auditors)," the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

The reports will be presented to the UN General Assembly and to other governing bodies. The reports cover important UN agencies like Unicef, UNDP, UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), UN-Women, UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) and the UN Headquarters, among others.

Sharma is here to attend the 70th regular session of the United Nations' Board of Auditors, held at the UN headquarters.

--IANS

mm/rn/vt
A Cambodian court on Thursday found Sam Rainsy, leader of the country's main opposition party, guilty of defamation in one of the judicial cases against him.

Rainsy has been asked to pay almost $40,000 to the state and the plaintiff, National Assembly President Heng Samrin, following the opposition leader posting a video on social networks in November 2015, Efe news reported.

The video showed a speech dating back to 1980 when then monarch Norodom Sihanouk criticised the government, which was then led by Heng Samrin.

Rainsy has been in self-exile in France since last November, after a court issued an arrest warrant to carry out his 2011 conviction in absentia.

Kem Sokha, the vice president of Rainsy's Cambodia National Rescue Party, is also under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit. He has been holed up at his party's headquarters since the end of April, when the authorities tried to arrest him for failing to respond to court notices regarding a trial against him.

Twenty-six people continue to languish in Cambodian prisons on charges related to their political activism laid against them since July 2015.

Tensions in the country have heightened since the July 10 murder of political analyst Kem Ley, whose funeral was attended by tens of thousands of people.

--IANS

ksk/vt
The opposition Congress, Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress on Thursday raised in the Lok Sabha the incursion by Chinese troops along the Uttarakhand border earlier this month.

Jyotiraditya Scindia of the Congress and others raised the issue during zero hour.

Scindia said the incursion took place near Chamoli and the Chinese troops had come around 200 metres into Indian territory.

"There were reports that the Chinese troops had also misbehaved with the local revenue department official in the area," the Congress lawmaker alleged.

Scindia said this was not one of a kind incident as such incursions were also reported in Uttarakhand in 2014.

Moreover, Chinese troops have also previuosly tried to cross over to the Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh, he alleged.

Supporting the concern of the Congress member, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy demanded a statement by the Home Minister or the Defence Minister.

Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said the Indian government needed to be more careful and cautious about China's intentions.

"I have always cautioned about China," he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Uttarakhand MP B.S.Koshiyari, also said that the matter was "serious".

However, he insisted that it would not be proper to blame only the central government if at all such incursions had taken place.

"The local state government too has its role on these matters," he said.

"Chinese people do come to the border areas from time to time but they go back when confronted by Indian security personnel," Koshiyari added.

Responding to the agitated members, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government is firm that "it will not spare any action" to protect the country's international borders.

--IANS

nd/ksk/vm
The four Dalit youths thrashed by cow vigilantes near Gujarat's Una town on July 11 have been admitted to the Civil Hospital here after their health deteriorated.

Hospital sources said besides physical injuries, the youths were under psychological trauma because of the severe flogging by the cow vigilantes, that has caused nationwide outrage.

The victims, Ramesh Sarvaiya, Ashok Sarvaiya, Vashram Sarvaiya and Bechar Sarvaiya, had been admitted in Rajkot civil hospital after they were brutally beaten with iron rods and steel pipes in their village, Mota Samadhiyala, in Gir Somnath district.

They were discharged on Tuesday and went to their village. On Wednesday, their health deteriorated and two of them reportedly even vomited blood.

Government officials made arrangements to bring them to Ahmedabad for further treatment.

As news of the youths being brought to Ahmedabad spread, many political leaders and their sympathizers crowded the hospital.

To ensure proper rest to the victims, the administration has made tight security arrangements at the hospital's trauma centre.

However, leader of opposition in Gujarat assembly and Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela, besides an AAP delegation headed by its state convener Kanu Kalasaria met the victims on Thursday.

--IANS

desai/rn
First-ever parents-teachers meeting in Delhi government schools will be held on July 30, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Thursday.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Delhi government has decided to hold the parents-teachers meetings (PTMs) twice every year in schools run by it.

"This is the first ever PTM being held in government schools, that too on such a large scale. So far, the PTMs were not held in government schools at all. But now the PTM will be held biannually in government schools," said Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

Not revealing the amount, he said that the government sanctioned separate budget to organise PTMs in nearly 1,000 schools run by it.

"Welcoming teams have been formed to look after the parents during the meeting. Separate budget allocation is also made to organise to the PTMs," he told reporters here.

"The focus of the PTM will be to encourage one-to-one communication between parents and teachers. The parents should celebrate the occasion as it is being held to improve the quality of education in schools," he added.

He also urged the parents to give feedback and share the grievances during the meeting.

Sisodia also announced that on every Friday between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., the education officials would be available at their offices to meet the parents and register their complaints or feedback.

During the PTM, the government will also apprise the parents about the initiatives taken by the government to improve the quality of education in its schools.

--IANS

av/am/lok/vt
Robbed playing 'Pokemon Go'

A man was robbed on the west side of Flagstaff while playing "Pokemon Go."

According to the police report, a man called 911 at approximately 2 a.m. last Thursday after a friend told him he had been assaulted in the parking lot located at 2750 S. Woodlands Village Blvd. The victim, who had been drinking most of the night, purchased a six pack of beer and withdrew $100 from an ATM at the nearby Walmart at about 1 a.m.

He told police he started playing "Pokemon Go" as he walked away through the parking lot. While he was looking down at his phone, the victim felt something hit him hard in the back of the head. He blacked out briefly.

When he regained consciousness, he said, there were four Native American males digging through his pockets. They ran away after he started swinging his fists at them. The victim said the suspects took the $100 he had withdrawn from the ATM.

After the assault, the victim frantically called his friend to pick him up. The victim had a bloody laceration on the back of his head. Medics treated him at the scene but he refused to go to the hospital.

The investigation is ongoing.

Charged with DUI

 Anthony O'Brien Larzelere, 23, of Fort Apache was arrested by Flagstaff Police Department on a DUI charge at 1:43 a.m. this past Friday.

City and county residents who want to report a crime but wish to remain anonymous may call Silent Witness at 774-6111 or (877) 29-CRIME, submit a tip online at www.coconinosilentwitness.org, or text the word Flagtip along with your information to 274637 (CRIMES). Rewards of up to $2,000 are given for information that leads to an arrest.
At least four unidentified persons robbed around Rs 80 lakh from two staff members of a rice trader who were returning to their shop after collecting the money from a market in west Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area on Thursday, police said.

The robbery took place near an underpass at Shakur Basti in west Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area around 10.40 a.m. when the two staffers were coming back from the market after collecting the money from traders, a senior police officer told IANS.

"About four unidentified persons intercepted the vehicle of the staff and snatched the bag with the cash," the officer said.

The police was informed around 12.30 p.m., the police officer said.

According to the police, the trader's staffers had about Rs 80 lakh in cash with them in the bag.

The staff members were identified as Aman and Sonu, both in their 20s. They are the relatives of rice trader Ved Prakash.

The police also said that they are investigating the robbery and questioning both the staff members of the shop.

--IANS

aks/lok/vt
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said he expected an Olympic Games full of passion and joy.

Bach, who arrived here on Wednesday, was greeted by his counterpart at the Rio 2016 Organising committee, Carlos Nuzman, and a host of smiling volunteers at the airport, reports Xinhua.

"You can already feel the Olympic energy here in the airport, in the city, with all the smiling volunteers full of excitement," Bach was quoted as saying by the Rio 2016 official website.

"There are high expectations because of the passion of Brazilians for sport, their joy of life, the fantastic venue we're going to see - it will be a great Olympic atmosphere."

The IOC president also expressed confidence that the final details are being well looked after as the world arrives in the host city.

"There is always one issue or another to be solved in the last days before the Olympic Games," he said. "We're looking forward to a great Games and we've always had confidence in Brazil and the Brazilians."

--IANS

tri/bg
The government is planning to modify the rules of the Medical Council of India to make it compulsory for all physicians to prescribe medicines with generic names, Chemical and Fertiliser Minister Ananth Kumar said on Thursday.

In response to a calling attention motion in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said the Ethics Committee Regulation of the Medical Council of India (MCI) is proposed to be modified to make prescribing generic medicines compulsory.

Under the amended regulation, "every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters and he/she shall ensure there is a rational prescription and use of drugs".

The minister also said the issue has been taken up with the health ministry to make it mandatory for doctors to prescribe generic medicines and to allow pharmacists to substitute generic medicines for branded medicines.

Ananth Kumar said availability of good quality medicines at reasonable price is a high priority area for the government and steps taken include bringing out a revised National List of Essential Medicines and inclusion of more medicines in the list.

"The price of medicines included in the NLEM have gone down in the recent past as a result of the downward trend in the wholesale price index," the minister said.

He also said the Department of Pharmaceuticals is aiming to open 3,000 'Jan Aushadhi' outlets to market generic medicines at fraction of the MRP.

--IANS

ao/bim/bg
More and more people are gradually viewing social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and enterprise social media LinkedIn negatively than in the past, an interesting study has revealed.

The team from American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ASCI) which tracks opinions of search engines, news outlets, social media sites and other 'e-businesses' found that consumers view Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn more negatively than in years past, bizjournals.com reported.

Facebook and Twitter saw the largest declines -- at nine per cent and eight per cent, respectively.

An increase in restless user base on some of the largest social media sites is forcing advertisers and the businesses who run them to put their money elsewhere.

The declines are driven in part by the presence of advertising on services that are still regarded as "free", the report said.

"Consumers have not fully accepted advertising as a necessary cost for online services they have come to expect as free," Claes Fornell, ASCI chairman, was quoted as saying.

"There is little companies can do to change that perception beyond making sure that those advertisements are relevant and non-disruptive," he added.

Facebook was mired in controversy over "curated" news where it was accused of political bias in its "trending news" section after news broke that stories from politically conservative sources were sidelined. However, the company denied such a bias.

Earlier this year, reports said that Twitter irked many users when it tweaked its newsfeed from a chronological system to a new algorithm based system. It has also failed to keep pace with ever-evolving social apps including Snapchat, Imgur and Instagram.

"It's impossible for global brands with massive user bases to like Facebook and Twitter to keep everyone happy," ACSI managing director David VanAmburg added.

--IANS

sku/na/bg
Jupiter's Great Red Spot with its swirl of reddish hues may be the mysterious heat source behind the planet's surprisingly high upper atmospheric temperatures, new NASA-funded research suggests.

The Great Red Spot (GRS) has delighted and mystified since its discovery in the 17th Century.

It is two-three times as wide as Earth and is seen by many as a "perpetual hurricane" with winds peaking at about 400 miles an hour.

Here on Earth, sunlight heats the atmosphere at altitudes well above the surface - for example, at 250 miles above our planet where the International Space Station (ISS) orbits.

Scientists have been stumped as to why temperatures in Jupiter's upper atmosphere are comparable to those found at Earth, yet is more than five times the distance from the Sun.

Researchers from Boston University's Center for Space Physics set out to solve the mystery by mapping temperatures well above Jupiter's cloud tops using observations from Earth.

They analysed data from the SpeX spectrometer at NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

By observing non-visible infrared light hundreds of miles above the gas giant, scientists found temperatures to be much higher in certain latitudes and longitudes in Jupiter's southern hemisphere, where the spot is located.

"We could see almost immediately that our maximum temperatures at high altitudes were above the Great Red Spot far below - a weird coincidence or a major clue?" said James O'Donoghue from Boston University.

The study, appeared in the journal Nature, found that the storm in the Great Red Spot produces two kinds of turbulent energy waves that collide and heat the upper atmosphere.

Gravity waves are much like how a guitar string moves when plucked, while acoustic waves are compressions of the air (sound waves).

Heating in the upper atmosphere 500 miles above the Great Red Spot is thought to be caused by a combination of these two wave types "crashing," like ocean waves on a beach.

"The extremely high temperatures observed above the storm appear to be the 'smoking gun' of this energy transfer," said O'Donoghue.

"This tells us that planet-wide heating is a plausible explanation for the 'energy crisis,' a problem in which upper-atmospheric temperatures are measured hundreds of degrees hotter than can be explained by sunlight alone," he pointed out.

This effect has been observed over the Andes Mountains here on Earth and may also be happening elsewhere in the outer solar system.

Scientists believe this phenomenon also occurs on giant exoplanets orbiting other stars.

NASA's Juno spacecraft, which recently arrived in Jupiter's orbit, will have several opportunities during its 20-month mission to observe the Great Red Spot and the turbulent region surrounding it.
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Thursday refused to quash the FIR lodged against former BJP state Vice-President Daya Shankar Singh and asked the state government to respond to a petition moved by the leader now in the eye of a controversy.

A bench of Justice Ajay Lamba and Justice Ravindra Nath Mishra (IInd) fixed August 8 as the next date of hearing of the case.

The expelled BJP leader was booked for making objectionable remarks against Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati.

Daya Shankar Singh had approached the high court seeking to quash the FIR against him and also to put on hold his impending arrest, which seems imminent as a lower court has issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

In a related development, women leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party held a massive demonstration in the state capital seeking arrest of BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui for making obscene remarks against Daya Shankar Singh's wife and daughter.

Meanwhile, state BJP President Keshav Maurya visited Daya Shankar Singh's wife Swati Singh, who is admitted to a city hospital with low blood pressure and other ailments.

--IANS

md/bim/vt
India and Bangladesh on Thursday agreed on the need to operationalise the agreements on combating terrorism, organized crime and illicit drug trafficking.

Uinon Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured Bangladesh of India's fullest support and cooperation in its fight against terrorism, fundamentalism and radicalism.

"The two countries have to be vigilant at all times and channelise efforts to defeat the terrorism and ensure peace, security and prosperity between the two countries," said Singh.

The India-Bangladesh Home Minister level talks expressed satisfaction over the signing of an addendum to the Bilateral Extradition Treaty of 2013 to further streamline the treaty and to make it more effective.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and his Indian counterpart Singh also agreed on the necessity of signing a Repatriation Treaty to simplify and expedite the procedure of repatriation of each other's nationals, said a home ministry statement.

Both sides also agreed to undertake urgent action for the repatriation of released prisoners and victims of human trafficking.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen the ongoing cooperation between the security and investigative agencies of the two countries through a programme of training, capacity building, information exchanges, read the statement.

India and Bangladesh emphasized the need for speedy operationalization of three agreements - MoU between Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard for the establishment of collaborative relationship to combat transnational illegal activities at sea and develop regional cooperation.

MoU to prevent and counter smuggling and circulation of fake currency notes; MoU on bilateral cooperation for prevention of human trafficking especially trafficking in Women and children; rescue, recovery, repatriation and reintegration of victims of trafficking, the statement added.

Both sides emphasized the importance of effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries and to enable them to better monitor the identified vulnerable areas with a view to preventing criminal activities, irregular movement, acts of violence and loss of lives along the border areas, it further added.

--IANS

sid/rn
India's hopes for a permanent seat on the Security Council were dampened as the General Assembly decided to push further negotiations on reforms to the next session after discussions this year failed to make headway.

The Assembly on Wednesday unanimously approved the decision to roll over further action and to set up an "open-ended working group" on Council reforms.

"It is unfortunate that the 70th anniversary of the United Nations was not able to build up momentum with a view to reaching an agreement on this important item of the agenda of the General Assembly," India and its reforms allies, Brazil, Japan and Germany, said in a joint statement.

Speaking on behalf of the four nations, Brazil's Permanent Antonio Patriota told the Assembly: "The longer we postpone a decision on the reform of the Security Council, the greater discredit brought upon the United Nations in its core function of promoting peace and security."

The four countries jointly work for expanding the Council's permanent membership and mutually support each other for permanent seats and are known as G4.

After more than 20 years of stalling, the Council reform process gained momentum last year when a negotiating text was adopted by the General Assembly overcoming sustained opposition to it from a determined small group of countries like Pakistan and Italy.

The adoption of the text was a breakthrough as meaningful negotiations could not be held without such a document.

It had been expected that the momentum would continue and the reforms would be adopted in the current year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the world body.

The negotiating text was created on the basis of a survey carried out by Courtenay Rattray of Jamaica, the previous chair of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on Council reform, and it was adopted by the Assembly due to the insistence of Sam Kutesa, the president of the last session of the Assembly.

Luxembourg's Permanent Representative Sylvie Lucas, who heads the IGN now, said the discussions held this year produced elements of convergence on two of the five issues -- the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly and the size of an enlarged Council and its working methods.

Most members supported increasing the total number of Council members from 15 to the mid-20s and for making the Council's working more transparent and involving non-member countries in its activities.

Patriota contested Lucas's contention that there was no "convergence" on the other three issues, the most crucial of which is expanding the permanent membership.

"We regret, however, that other important patterns on the remaining three clusters were not reflected as leading towards convergence," he said. "It is obvious to any observer that a growing majority of Member-States supports expansion of the Security Council in both categories (of permanent and non-permanent). Yet we failed to register such an evident and quantifiable convergence in writing.

"Member-States also argued that the issue of under-representation of developing countries in the current format of the Security Council should be addressed. Such a suggestion was not captured either," he added.

"We would have preferred to see Elements that reflected the positions of participants in a comprehensive manner."

In May, India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin told the negotiations that of the 122 countries that made written submissions for Rattray's survey, 113 - or more than 90 percent - supported expanding both categories of Council membership.

They include the 54 members of the African Union, 42 from the L.69, which is a group supporting reforms, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members, the G4 and 21 others, in addition to two permanent members, Britain and France, he said.

The 13-member group known as Uniting for Consensus (UfC), which included Pakistan and is led by Italy, is opposed to adding permanent members.

The current 15-member Council has five permanent members with veto powers and none of them are from Africa or Latin America.

The UN began in 1945 with five permanent and six elected members on Security Council when the world population was 2.35 billion and the organisation had 51 member nations.

Four more non-permanent members were added in 1965 and there has been no further changes, except for replacing Taiwan with China as a permanent member in 1971.

Meanwhile, the wave of independence that followed the collapse of colonialism took UN's membership to 193 countries. The global population is now more than 7.3 billion.

--IANS

al/mr
With the search for the missing Indian Air Force (IAF) transport plane over the Bay of Bengal continuing without much headway, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has decided to postpone the testing of its air breathing engine to a future date, said a senior official.

"There are no signs of any IAF plane debris on the sea. The search is on," a senior official of Indian Coast Guard told IANS.

"The testing of the scramjet engine has been postponed without any timeline. We do not want to pressurise since the search for the IAF's AN-32 plane is on over the Bay of Bengal," a senior official of told IANS preferring anonymity.

Officials of the had earlier said the scramjet engine would be tested this week.

During the testing, the air space would be required to be kept clear so that no plane comes in the path of the speeding up rocket and traffic in the sea is also stopped.

Aircraft and ships of the IAF, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard are searching over the Bay of Bengal for any signs of the missing AN-2 plane, which went missing on July 22 with 29 people on board.

Officials said before the launch of any rocket, IAF, civil aviation and naval authorities would be informed about the rocket flight timings so that the air and sea are clear.

Traffic on the sea is stopped so that ships/boats do not come in the path of the falling burnt out stages/rocket engine or even the rocket when they fall into the sea.

According to the ISRO, the scramjet engine will be tested on a RH-560 sounding rocket.

The scramjet engine, used only during the atmospheric phase of the rocket's flight, will help in bringing down the launch cost by reducing the amount of oxidiser to be carried along with the fuel.

According to the Coast Guard official, there are no traces of oil on the sea surface that could be connected to the missing plane.

"We are also very much disturbed and worried about the 29 people on board the IAF plane and their relatives. Even if one takes into account five people in the families of the missing people then around 150 family members are directly impacted," the Coast Guard official said.
Actress Jennifer Garner and actor Ben Affleck, who announced their split last year, are reportedly not considering a reconciliation.

Despite multiple reports claiming that they are getting back together, a source has claimed that Garner and Affleck are "100 percent still separated", reports people.com.

"Jennifer did not take Ben back. There are no plans for a second honeymoon anywhere," the source said, adding that the two stars, who remained friends after announcing their split last year, "are focussed on co-parenting for the kids' sake".

Garner and Affleck announced their split last year after ten years of marriage.

The two are still on good terms and spend time together a lot for their three children -- 10-year-old Violet, 7-year-old Seraphina and 4-year-old Samuel.

--IANS

ank/rb/vm
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning until 11 p.m. this evening for northern Arizona locations below 4,000 feet. Temperatures are expected to climb up to 115 degrees in those areas.

The agency warned that those who undertake strenuous activity outdoors or those with health conditions who don't have access to air conditioning may experience heat related illness. Day hikers on Bright Angel trail should descend no more than 1.5 miles. Physical activity is discouraged between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Following the arrest of two suspected Islamic State sympathisers by the Kerala Police, the BJP state unit on Thursday demanded a probe into a claim by one of the arrested accused that 700 persons from the southern state were converted to Islam.

Arshid Qureshi and Rizwan Khan -- alleged to be close to controversial preacher Zakir Naik of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) -- were picked up in Mumbai in a joint operation by the Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad and the Kerala Police. They were remanded in police custody by a Kochi court on Monday.

"Qureshi claims 700 persons from the state had been converted to Islam. So, there is need for a full-fledged probe. The Indian Union Muslim League (second biggest party in Congress-led United Democratic Front) should now apologise for their defence of the IRF activities," state BJP General Secretary M.T. Ramesh told reporters here.

He said the activities of certain organisations claiming to be religious study centres in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts should also be looked into.

"Several of these centres are said to be recruitment centres for terrorist activities and it has to be probed," Ramesh added.

--IANS

sg/tsb/vt
B.K. Birla group company Kesoram Industries is planning to invest Rs 600 crore -- Rs 350 crore in the tyre business and Rs 250 crore in the cement business -- as capital expenditure in the current fiscal, a top company official said on Thursday.

"We have plans for capital expenditure. The capital expenditure will be Rs 600 crore in this fiscal of which Rs 350 crore will be invested in tyre business and Rs 250 crore will be for cement business," said the company's whole-time director and Chief Financial Officer Tridib Das.

"Rs 600 crore capital expenditure will be over and above Rs 500 crore which is already booked as work in progress," he said on the sidelines of the 97th Annual General Meeting of the company.

"In the cement business, capital investment will be made for purchasing land and to improve the injection of fly ash," he said.

The company continues to focus on and strengthen its tyre business even though it sold its tyre manufacturing plant at Laksar in Haridwar to JK Tyre for an enterprise value of Rs 2,195 crore.

It has been concentrating on building its Balasore tyre manufacturing plant as a state-of-the-art facility. The Odisha plant capacity stands at 275 tonnes a day on bias tyre and it produces 1.85 lakh tyres a month for two-three wheelers.

"Rs 300 crore will be invested for producing passenger car radial tyre at the Balasore plant and the capacity for it (passenger car radial tyre) will be 2.9 million tyres a year," he said.

Commercial production of passenger car radial tyres is expected from April next year, he said.

--IANS

bdc/lok/bg
Eminent activist-writer, honoured with Padma Vibhushan and Magsaysay Award for her decades of crusade for the rights of tribals and the marginalised, Mahasweta Devi died at a city nursing home on Thursday following prolonged old-age complications. She was 90.

"She passed away at 3.16 p.m. following a cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure," a doctor attending on her confirmed. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Jnanpith winner would be given a state funeral on Friday.

Mahasweta Devi is survived by her daughter-in-law and grandchild. Her son pre-deceased her two years back.

In a six-decade long literary career, she authored over 120 books, comprising 20 collections of short stories and around 100 novels, and contributed innumerable articles and columns to newspapers and magazines, a large number of them woven around tribal life.

Adopting a simple style laced with colloquial words and expressions, Mahasweta blended oral histories with contemporary events to portray the sufferings of the tribals in the hands of upper-caste landlords, money lenders and government servants.

The novel "Aranyer Adhikar" (The Occupation of the Forest), dwelling on Birsa Munda's revolt against the British, fetched Mahasweta Devi the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979. "Choti Munda evam Tar Tir" (Choti Munda and His Arrow), "Bashai Tudu", "Titu Mir", are among other masterpieces.

Another famous novel published in 1975 -- "Hajar Churashir Maa" (Mother of 1,084), inspired by Maxim Gorky's "Mother" -- has the backdrop of the Maoist movement.

From the late '70s, she began to intervene directly and championed the cause of two tribal groups -- the Lodhas of erstwhile Midnapur district and the Kheria Sabars of Purulia -- who were among those notified by the British in 1871 as "criminal tribes".

Mahasweta Devi later came to be revered as "The Mother of the Sabars". Simultaneously, she lent her weight to the tribal struggles in various other states.

People from across the fields of art, culture, cinema and paid tribute to her.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described her as "a voice of compassion, equality and justice", while Congress President Sonia Gandhi described Mahasweta Devi as "India's conscience keeper, whose words echoed her inner voice, representing the voiceless and faceless countrymen".

"Mahasweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen," tweeted Modi.

"Through her writings, Mahasweta Devi incessantly fought against injustice, oppression, inequality and bias," said Sonia.

Mamata Banerjee said Mahasweta's demise was akin to West Bengal losing a "glorious mother".

"Her last rites will be performed with full state honours tomorrow (Friday). Her mortal remains will be kept at Rabindra Sadan on Friday for the people to pay their last respects," said Banerjee who cut short her Delhi visit to rush back to the city.

Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, living in self-exile, remembered the litterateur's support during "bad times".

Filmmaker Govind Nihalni, who in 1998 directed the touching Hindi movie, "Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma", adapted from Mahasweta's novel, recalled those times.

"During the making of 'Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma', and after, she was always there to support me. She was happy at the way the film had turned out," said Nihalni.

Another film director, Mahesh Bhatt tweeted: "The woman who walked with the broken and refused to sit with the 'great' writer Mahasweta Devi passes away in Kolkata".

"She will always remain a light to follow for all those who fight for the society. She used to say that it's the tribals who actually can teach us about civilisation," said National Award winning filmmaker Goutam Ghose.

Veteran Bengali litterateur Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay referred to her compassion for the downtrodden and the guts to protest against all injustices.

"She was a complete human being," said Mukhopadhyay.

Film director Aparna Sen said she was true to her beliefs in her work.

Born in 1926 at Dhaka, presently the capital city of Bangladesh, into a family of poets, writers, and artists, Mahasweta Devi was moulded as a child in the rich milieu of Bengali high culture. Her father poet-novelist Manish Ghatak and mother writer-social activist Dharitri Devi shaped her liberal outlook. Legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak was her uncle.

She cleared her graduation with English honours at Rabindranath Tagore-founded Visva Bharati at Santiniketan, and later got her M.A. degree from Calcutta University. She taught at a city college for two decades, before deciding to devote all her time to writing and activism.

In 1997, she received the Magsaysay, with the award citation saying, alongside her creative writing, "Devi bombarded the government with complaint letters and published a profusion of articles documenting abuses by police, landlords, politicians, and officials against tribal communities. Passionately, she made their cause her cause."

In the 1980s, Mahasweta also successfully campaigned for the release of women kept in West Bengal jails for years as non-criminal lunatics.

--IANS

and/ssp/rn/vt
"All through my life, I've done whatever I felt like doing" -- this quote aptly describes the fiercely independent-minded Mahasweta Devi, the doyen of activist-writers in India, who died on Thursday aged 90.

The Ramon Magsaysay and Jnanpith awardee Bengali novelist penned telling commentaries on the sufferings and oppression of tribals, and in a rarity for a city-bred writer, came down from the ivory tower to mingle with them.

She shared their food and huts, tried to understand their problems and fought the powers-that-be to uphold the rights and better the living condition of these backward people.

In her six-decade literary career, she authored over 120 books, comprising 20 collections of short stories and around 100 novels and contributed innumerable articles and columns to newspapers and magazines, a large number of them woven around tribal life.

Adopting a distinctly matter-of-fact style free from sentimentality, Mahasweta vividly portrayed the sufferings the tribals endured at the hands of upper-caste landlords, money-lenders and government servants, and chronicled the stories of tribal resistance and protests.

"Aranyer Adhikar" (The Occupation of the Forest), dwelling on Birsa Munda's revolt against the British, fetched Mahasweta the Sahitya Akademi award in 1979. "Choti Munda evam Tar Tir" (Choti Munda and His Arrow), "Bashai Tudu" , "Titu Mir" are among other novels that come under the genre. Her short story collections, including "Imaginary Maps" and "Breast Stories", "Of Women, Outcasts, Peasants, and Rebels", and short stories "Dhowli" and "Rudali" also deal with tribal life.

Another famous novel published in 1975 -- "Hajar Churashir Maa" (Mother of 1084) -- inspired by Maxim Gorky's "Mother", has the backdrop of the Naxalite movement. It narrates a mother's efforts to understand her son, who dies as a Naxalite fighter.

(It was turned into an extremely touching Hindi movie, "Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma", featuring Jaya Bahaduri, in 1998)

Mahasweta's debut book in 1956 was a lucid life sketch "Jhansir Rani" (the Queen of Jhansi) describing the bravery and martyrdom of Laxmibai. She also wrote popular humorous pieces and stories in children's magazines like Sandesh.

Mahasweta had deep respect for tribal life and culture, highlighting the absence of the caste, dowry systems and gender discrimination in their society -- and was convinced the "so-called mainstream" had nothing to offer.

"The tribals are more civilised than us," she would often say.

In 1978, Mahasweta championed the cause of two tribal groups -- the Lodhas of the erstwhile Midnapur district and the Kheria Sabars of Purulia -- who were among those notified by the British in 1871 as "criminals". Though these tribes were denotified after independence, the stigma remained and they faced trouble whenever crimes were committed in their vicinity.

Purulia soon emerged as the epicentre of Mahasweta's activism and she came to be revered as "The Mother of the Sabars". Simultaneously, she lent her weight to the tribal struggles in various other states.

In 1998, Mahasweta's speech at Vadodara on the plight of India's denotified tribals influenced the formation of the Denotified and Nomadic Tribes' Rights Action Group (DNT-RAG) mass organisation that now keeps vigil against such atrocities.

That protest was a second nature to the 1926-born Mahasweta, daughter of poet-novelist Manish Ghatak and writer-social activist Dharitri Devi, was amply evident through the decades. In the 1980s, moved by the miseries of women confined to Kolkata jails for years as non-criminal lunatics, Mahasweta wrote sharp and incisive articles in newspapers demanding their release, forcing the West Bengal government to free and rehabilitate them.

Mahasweta, who obtained a B.A in English from Bolpur-based Vishva-Bharati University founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, led militant protests in the first decade of the 21st century against private promoters for undertaking "mindless constructions" in the Khowai region -- close to the university -- one of the Bard's favourite haunts.

Then Bolpur Lok Sabha MP Somnath Chatterjee once bitterly complained that the octogenarian Mahasweta had even kicked a foundation plaque.

Though she criticised their violent acts, Mahasweta found merit in the Maoists' cause.

"Their crime is they dared to dream...The right to dream should be the first fundamental right of people," she said during a memorable key-note address at the Jaipur Literary Fest in 2013.

Earlier, she had demanded the withdrawal of the security forces deployed in areas hit by left-wing extremism.

In the twilight years of the state's erstwhile Left Front government, Mahasweta mobilised the civil society against the regime's "forcible" acquisition of agricultural land for setting up big industries in rural pockets like Singur and Nandigram.

She wholeheartedly backed the then opposition leader Mamata Banerjee, who became chief minister in 2011, ending the 34-year Left rule.

The two enjoyed great chemistry, but Mahasweta did not shy away from calling the Banerjee regime "fascist" for banning a rally and banishing anti-government newspapers from state-aided libraries.

Mahasweta's initial schooling was at her birthplace Dhaka -- now in Bangladesh -- before the family moved to India after the partition. She completed her MA in English from the Calcutta University.

She had a love marriage with playwright Bijan Bhattacharya, a founder of the left-leaning Indian People's Theatre Association, and their only child Nabarun was born in 1948. The couple divorced in 1959, and Nabarun -- a left radical who died in 2014 -- never quite saw eye to eye with Mahasweta.

She taught at a college for two decades and also dabbled in journalism. She subsequently quit the lecturer's job in 1984, devoting all her time to the pen and activism.

Her work as an activist and writer received wide recognition. The honours showered on her included the country's highest Jnanpith literary award (1996), the Magsaysay (1997) the Padma Shri (1986), the Padma Vibhushan (2006) and the Bangabibhushan (2011).

Apart from "Hazar Chaurasi..." four of her other creations have been made into films -- "Sunghursh" (1968), "Rudaali" (1993), "Maati Maay" (2006) and "Gangor" (2010).

Mahasweta's incessant attacks against the Indian state for oppression and exploitation of its own people masked a deep love for the country.

The way she eulogised India at the 2006 Frankfurt Book Fair was a case in point: "... Dil (heart) is always Hindustani (Indian)... My country, Torn, Tattered, Proud, Beautiful, Hot, Humid, Cold, Sandy, Shining India. My country."

And she was extremely satisfied with the way her life had panned out. "Life has been too absorbing," she would say.

(Sirshendu Panth can be contacted at s.panth@ians.in

--IANS

ssp/vm/hs
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rejected calls to change Germany's refugee policy despite the recent attacks involving asylum-seekers.

She said the asylum seekers responsible for deadly attacks in Ansbach and Reutlingen had "shamed the country that welcomed them" but that those fleeing persecution and war had a right to be protected, The Independent reported.

The attackers "wanted to undermine our sense of community, our openness and our willingness to help people in need. We firmly reject this," BBC quoted Merkel as saying.

Merkel also proposed new counter-terrorism measures to improve security, which included information sharing, deciphering web chatter and tackling arms sales on the internet.

Two recent attacks in Bavaria were both by asylum seekers.

A suicide bomb attack in Ansbach on July 24 that injured 15 persons was carried out by a Syrian who had been denied asylum but given temporary leave to stay.

On July 18, a teenaged Afghan asylum seeker attacked train passengers with an axe in Wurzburg after declaring allegiance to IS and was shot dead by police, The Independent reported.

Both men had claimed allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group.

The deadliest recent attack -- in Munich on July 22 which left nine persons dead -- was carried out by a German-Iranian teenager but was not associated with the IS terrorist group.

Markel insisted that those fleeing persecution and war had a right to be protected, and Germany would "stick to our principles" in giving shelter to the deserving.

Referring to the attacks that have taken place in France, Belgium, Turkey, the US and elsewhere, she said "taboos of civilisation" had been broken, and they were intended to "spread fear and hatred between cultures and between religions".

But in reference to her famous phrase "Wir schaffen das!" --"We can do this" -- uttered in 2015 when she agreed to take in a million migrants, Merkel said: "I am still convinced today that we can do it."

"It is our historic duty and this is a historic challenge in times of globalisation. We have already achieved very, very much in the last 11 months," she noted.

Merkel also said that "besides organised terrorist attacks, there will be new threats from perpetrators not known to security personnel".

To counter this, she said: "We need an early alert system so that authorities can see during the asylum request proceedings where there are problems."

Merkel added: "We will take the necessary measures and ensure security for our citizens. We will take the challenge of integration very seriously."

--IANS

ask/vt
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the death of eminent writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi and described her "a voice of compassion, equality and justice."

"Mahasweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality and justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP," tweeted Modi.

Mahasweta Devi died in Kolkata on Thursday following prolonged illness. She was 90.

--IANS

sid/kb/vt
AAP leader Ashutosh on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed on social media those who have given death threats to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders.

"When Kejriwal claimed (on Wednesday) that Modi was planning to kill him, it was not a baseless allegation. A Twitter handle that goes by the name 'Nikunj Sahu' had abused Kejriwal and also given death threats to him," the Aam Aadmi Party leader alleged.

He said Sahu worked in the Information Technology cell of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Modi was following him till 3 p.m. on Thursday.

"He is openly asking for Kejriwal and AAP MLAs to be shot dead. I don't understand what is the need for our Prime Minister to follow such people? What is forcing him?" Ashutosh asked.

He said BJP MP Giriraj Singh urged Twitter to reactivate Sahu's account when it was blocked for using abusive language.

"When users complained about the language (used), Sahu's account was blocked by Twitter. However, union minister and BJP MP Giriraj Singh had appealed to Twitter and the account was reactivated," the AAP leader told reporters here.

Ashutosh demanded to know why no police action was taken against people who openly threatened Kejriwal.

"While our MLAs are arrested after minor complaints, no action is taken against people like Sahu who are openly threatening Kejriwal with death," he said.

--IANS

av/am/tsb/mr
Fifty-two people suspected of having links with the Islamic State (IS) have been arrested in a nationwide operation in Morocco, the country's Interior Ministry said.

Moroccan security services led on July 19 a coordinated operation targeting 143 individuals suspected of having propensity to extremism and pledging allegiance to the IS, a statement said on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministry said the suspects used social networks to spread IS propaganda and send minors to conflict zones.

It said the operation also led to the seizure of weapons, nail boxes and electric wires used to manufacture explosive devices, it said.

The ministry added that since 2002, 159 terrorist cells have been dismantled, which had close ties with terrorist groups that are active in Iraq and Syria, including the IS.
The New Islamabad International Airport (NIIA), which can host A-380, the world's biggest passenger aircraft, will be fully operational by June 2017.

The schedule date of completion of all construction work of the project is December 25 this year, the Daily Times reported on Thursday.

The first green-field airport in Pakistan, it is being constructed near Fateh Jang, some 20 km from Islamabad and 23 km from Rawalpindi.

The airport will have 90 check-in counters, parking for 22,000 vehicles, maintenance hangar, a 15-gate terminal with 10 remote gates, duty free shops and two runways.

--IANS

ksk/mr
No concrete evidence on the missing AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has emerged so far, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The minister said that based on inputs, areas of three oil slicks, five transmission intercepts and 24 floating objects have been thoroughly investigated by ships and aircraft, without any concrete evidence emerging with respect to the missing IAF AN-32, till date.

"The 22 floating objects recovered have been determined to be not related to the missing aircraft," Parrikar said.

He said naval submarines are also searching the designated area and the search efforts are focused on the surface as well as underwater domain to look for survivors and debris.

The plane with 29 people on board, including six crew, went missing shortly after taking off from Chennai for Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on July 22. Those aboard included six crew members, 15 personnel from the IAF, army, navy and Coast Guard, and eight civilians who were family members of the personnel.

The recorded transcript of air traffic radar showed the last pick-up of the aircraft was 151 nautical miles east of Chennai when it took a left turn, with rapid loss of height from 23,000 feet.

Parrikar said the ongoing search is also being supplemented by the use of Indian satellites, such as Cartosat 2A and 2B, which can cover swathes as big as 22x27 km and have resolutions of 0.8 km.

"The area is being frequently imaged by the satellites. Several inputs and leads on floating objects and possible transmission have been picked up from satellite imagery and air surveillance efforts. Each of these have been thoroughly investigated by ships and aircraft," Parrikar informed.

"However, no concrete evidence with respect to AN-32 has emerged so far," the minister said.
The teenage boys who were struck by lightning while summiting Humphreys Peak last week were part of a growing number of hikers who dont take the necessary precautions when venturing into northern Arizonas forests and wilderness, said the man who oversees the countys search and rescue program.

The reason? Coconino County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll took out his cell phone.

If you get into trouble, this is what (they think) gets you out, he said. What happens is we see people who don't carry survival things anymore because they don't think they're going to need it and if they get into trouble they're going to call.

The two 17-year-olds and one 18-year-old from the Phoenix area were struck by lightning just before 1 p.m. on July 20 at the top of the mountain. Wade Young, 17, was killed by the bolt and the two others were injured.

The storm that was rolling over the San Francisco Peaks when the trio summited Humphreys brought more than 100 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes to the area between noon and 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

A Sheriffs Office report released Monday stated that Youngs pants and leg hair showed signs of burning or singeing that are consistent with grounding markings from a lightning strike. After trying unsuccessfully to give Young CPR, 17-year-old Jaxson Baxter and 18-year-old David Lyons were instructed by search and rescue to leave Young at the summit and head to safer ground. At 7 p.m., more than six hours after he had been struck, search and rescue members reached Young lying in the large ring of rocks next to the Humphreys Peak sign.

Blind to the weather

Search and rescue officials said its hardly unique for visitors like Young and his friends to continue hiking up Arizonas highest peak even in the face of risky conditions. According to dispatch calls and officer reports, at least two other hikers climbed the exposed ridge and summited the mountain that afternoon.

Many people know a storm is coming and keep heading up the mountain anyway, said Pat McGervey, recreation planner with the Coconino National Forests Flagstaff Ranger District.

This is a unique opportunity and people sometimes put safety behind the desire of reaching the summit, McGervey said. There are signs of the weather that would normally turn somebody around but they have summit fever.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the number of times search and rescue gets called to Humphreys Peak is the second highest among all places in Coconino County, said Paul Dawson, volunteer coordinator with the Flagstaff Ranger District.

The number of injuries on the mountain is what drove the Forest Service to partner with Northern Arizona University, Friends of Northern Arizona Forests and Coconino County Search & Rescue to establish a preventive search and rescue program. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the summer season, volunteers staff a tent at the Humphreys Peak trailhead and talk with visitors about hiker safety and preparedness, the chance for inclement weather and lightning, wilderness stewardship and other topics, Dawson said.

Volunteers try to pinpoint hikers who look like theyre underprepared for the 10-mile roundtrip hike, Dawson said.

A lot of times folks will have stuff in their car and won't feel like carrying it, he said

Because the program just started last year, data isnt available on the programs effectiveness yet, he said.

Beyond those PSAR volunteers, some of whom hike up the trail as well, its not often that a Forest Service employee will be assigned to patrol the route, especially on weekdays, McGervey said. The sign kiosk at the trailhead makes no mention of lightning danger besides a general warning about intense storms.

But the fatality doesnt mean the Forest Service will be changing the way it manages the trail, McGervey said. Because the area is designated wilderness, Forest Service intrusion is supposed to be minimal, he said.

The direction is to provide visitors the most freedom possible and the least amount of restrictions while still protecting the resource and the wilderness character, he said.

Driscoll, while pointing out the fallacies of depending on cellphones in the wild, also credited the devices with allowing dispatchers to communicate with Baxter and Lyons the importance of leaving the summit before either of them got struck by lightning again.

Having those phones may have saved them, he said.
Pakistan national Zulfiqar Ali, who is facing imminent execution in Indonesia after being convicted of drug-related charges in a controversial trial, has seeked help from the government to delay his sentence, a media report said on Thursday.

"Kill me 10 times if I'm found guilty. I'm ready for it. But if I'm innocent then please spare my life," Zulfiqar told Dawn online.

"We leave our country only to make lives of our family better. We don't go to other countries to get involved in criminal activities."

On Wednesday evening, the Attorney General of Indonesia announced the death penalty would be applied to 13 men and one woman as a punishment for drug-related crimes, EFE news reported.

The executions could take place as early as Friday.

Among the death row inmates comprises Ali, four Indonesians, including the woman, six Nigerians, a Zimbabwean, an Indian, and a South African.

Ali urged the Pakistan government to take up his case with the Indonesian authorities. Zulfiqar believed that his execution could still be put on hold if both the governments take up the matter on embassy level, Dawn online reported.

Zulfiqar, 52, is the only brother to six sisters. He has been languishing in Indonesian jails for 12 years, and was the sole breadwinner for his family.

He was arrested in November 2004 in connection with a 300-gram heroine case in Jakarta, Dawn online added.

Indonesian Ambassador Iwan Suyudhie Amri was also summoned to the Foreign Office over the expected execution.

After restarting the death penalty last year, Indonesia has planned to execute 16 prisoners this year and up to 30 in 2017.

As of June, some 152 inmates in prisons nationwide are awaiting execution, according to Indonesian authorities.

--IANS

ksk
Paving the way to unlock Rs 40,000 funds to establish corpus at the national and state levels to pay for afforestation activities, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Compensatory Afforestation Bill, 2015.

"We are giving money to those who have lost in the race of development," Anil Madhav Dave, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, told the upper house.

The bill seeks to create a Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) and a Compensatory Afforestation Fund for both states and the Centre. Each state will get its share in the funds.

"When I talk about jungle, it has two components: Tribals living in the forest and the animals. When we say Scheduled Tribes, forests and wildlife are attached. We are habituated to seeing it in compartments," Dave said.

The funds will be primarily spent to compensate for loss of forest cover, regeneration of forest ecosystem, wildlife protection and infrastructure development.

Of the fund corpus, the Centre will get 10 per cent and the remaining will be distributed among the states.

This is one of the major amendments to the earlier version of the bill. In 2013, the share of the states was increased nine-fold to 90 per cent. The Comptroller and Auditor General though took a note of the lack of preparedness among the state forest authorities to utilise the funds.

Odisha will receive the highest Rs 5,996 crore. The funds for 13 other states have been fixed, depending on their respective forest covers and other projects. The remaining states will receive Rs 1,000 crore each.

Among other states, Andhra Pradesh will receive Rs 2,223 crore, Arunachal Pradesh Rs 1,462 crore, Chhattisgarh Rs 3,861 crore, Gujarat Rs 1,100 crore, Himachal Pradesh Rs 1,395 crore, Jammu and Kashmir Rs 926 crore, Jharkhand Rs 3,099 crore, Karnataka Rs 917 crore, Madhya Pradesh Rs 3,460 crore, Maharashtra Rs 2,435, Rajashtan Rs 1,425, Uttar Pradesh Rs 1,314 crore and Uttarakhand Rs 2,210 crore.

Former Environment Minister and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh earlier sought amendment to the clause that stressed on disbursement and utilisation of the funds by the states. However, he withdrew the amendment later.

"Normally, I would have moved this amendment but in view of the written assurance by the minister that the spirit of the amendment will be reflected in the rules and that if the rules are insufficient, he will come back in one year's time, I am withdrawing it," Ramesh said.

He said his amendment sought to ensure that the CAMPA funds are used wisely.

The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in May. Dave's predecessor and now Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar, while presenting the report card of the Environment Ministry in May, held the unlocking of the limited funds under the CAF Bill as one of his major achievements.

--IANS

ao-kd/tsb/vt
A bill to amend the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, was passed by parliament on Thursday doing away with the time limit for public servants to furnish details of their assets and liabilities, which as per the original act was July 31 every year.

The Lokpal and Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, was passed by the upper house on Thursday.

It allows extension of the time given to public servants and trustees and board members of NGOs, receiving government funds of more than Rs 1 crore or foreign funding of more than Rs 10 lakh, to declare their assets and those of their spouses.

Speaking on the bill, Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said the government had no intention to dilute the Lokpal bill.

"We have no intention to dilute or to deviate from the Lokpal bill. Government stands by Lokpal Act and is committed to implement it in letter and spirit," he said.

"The message should also not go out that members have joined together to get away from provision of stating their assets. It is also a fact under the Representation of People Act what we are declaring is much more than any other class or section of society," the minister said.

He added that the amendment is needed as the deadline for declaration was just two days away.

Congress leader Anand Sharma, participating in the short-duration debate on the bill, urged the government to fulfill the task of appointing Lokpal.

"This bill is being passed to have time to reach clarity and there is no intent to dilute the bill. It is important for the entire house to bear in mind this country has seen enough turbulence. There was agitation, there was demand and then this bill was brought. It is incumbent on the present government to complete the process and appoint Lokpal, so the purpose of law is achieved," Sharma said.

The Left parties refused to support the bill.

"The CPI-M and Left do not support the bill. Lokpal should be made more stringent," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader T.K. Rangarajan said.

"Normally, the corrupt people put their money on (in the name of)their wife and their children. They have two-three wives... We cannot support all these corrupt people," he said.

The bill was later passed with voice vote.

--IANS

ao/rn/vt
Warsaw, July 28 (IANS/AKI) Pope Francis stumbled and fell on Thursday as he celebrated mass at Poland's holiest site, the medieval Jasna Gora monastery near the southern city of Czestochowa.

The 79-year-old pontiff tripped on a steps at the altar and had to be helped to his feet by the Vatican's master of ceremonies, Guido Marini.

Francis was apparently uninjured and amid tight security finished the event, which was aired to a television audience of millions.

The hill-top shrine is home to an ancient Catholic icon believed to work miracles.

During the open-air mass attended by tens of thousands of people, Francis thanked citizens of the former Communist-ruled nation for keeping their faith through adverse times.

Francis held mass at Jasna Gora before he headed to the World Youth Day celebrations in the southern Polish city of Krakow, being attended by some 1.5 million young people from around the world.

The five-day visit is the first by Francis to Poland, one of Europe's most deeply Catholic nations.

--IANS/AKI

mr/
Actress Surveen Chawla says her "first love" will always be Punjabi films.

The 32-year-old has worked in Punjabi films like "Dharti", "Taur Mittran Di", "Saadi Love Story", "Singh vs Kaur", "Lucky Di Unlucky Story" and "Disco Singh".

"I am so happy and feel so proud to be a part of the change in Punjabi films... Punjabi films will always be my first love," Surveen told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The actress credits Punjabi films for giving her "a lot of love and a humongous fan base".

"I belong there and that is going to be my first love. I will contribute to it in any which way I can and then it also of course depends on the right roles," added the "Hate Story 2" star.

Currently, Surveen is seen in the second season of television drama series "24" starring Anil Kapoor and will soon be seen in the celebrity dance show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa".

--IANS

dc/rb/vt
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday charged the Narendra Modi government with gross failure to keep prices of essential commodities under control.

Gandhi also challenged Prime Minister Modi to announce a date by which the prices of essential commodities like dal and vegetables will decrease.

"Modiji, jitne khokhle vaade karne hai kariye... Stand Up India, Make in India. Par is house ko ek tareekh de dijiye jab market mein daam kam ho jayenge (Modiji, make as many empty promises as you want... Stand Up India, Make in India. But please announce a date in this house when the prices will come down)," Gandhi said in a brief speech in the Lok Sabha participating in the general discussion on price rise.

Directing his ire at the Prime Minister, the Congress leader recalled that Modi had made a series of promises in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and promised to bring down prices.

"You had made a good speech then. But now that you are the Prime Minister, we want to ask you one question... why the prices have not come down," Gandhi said.

Gandhi claimed that compared to 2014, prices of certain essential items have gone up by anything between 100 per cent and 300 per cent.

"There is a huge gap between the market price and the minimum support price," something not seen during the Congress-led UPA rule, Gandhi said.

Reminding the Prime Minister of his election speech in Uttar Pradesh in 2014 -- when Modi had said he wanted to be a "chowkidar (guard)" for the country and not the Prime Minister, Gandhi said the task of safe-guarding interests of poor people now should be "left to the Congress".

Gandhi lamented that today a huge quantity of pulses are being lootedunder Modi as the "guard".

"Now you are the Prime Minister... you have become a big man. Why should you be a chowkidar too? Leave that duty to us, the Congress party today," Gandhi said amid strong protests from the BJP members.

The BJP fielded Hukumdev Narayan Yadav immediately after Gandhi's speech and the lawmaker from Bihar denied the Congress leader's allegation that the Modi government has been responsible for price rise.

"Contrary to allegations made by Rahul Gandhi, the Modi government has catered most for the welfare of the poor people. Opening of bank accounts under the Jan Dhan scheme for the rural people and cheap LPG made available to poor people only shows government's commitment to the poor," Yadav said.

--IANS

nd/bim/vt
In a rare case, a woman gave birth to conjoined twins, having two fully developed heads joined from above the chest and three arms, including a third arm protruding from the back, a doctor said.

The conjoined twins was delivered at the BMC's Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Hospital, or Sion Hospital, by the gynaecologist unit's Y.S. Nandanwar and his team of neonatologists on Wednesday morning.

The 26-year old mother - whose identity was not revealed - delivered the twins through Cesarian section, in the 37th week of pregnancy, Nandanwar said on Thursday.

The twins share a common heart, urinary bladder, genital and two lower limbs. The twins weighed 3.67 kg at birth.

The condition of the mother - who has earlier given birth to two normal daughters - and her twins is stable and they are doing fine, Nandanwar said.

The conjoined twins were diagnosed during an ultrasonography test conducted at Sion Hospital during the woman's 32nd week of pregnancy, he added.

The twins are now under the care of paediatrics surgeon Paras Kothari to examine whether they can be separated without risking their lives.

--IANS

qn/rn
Actor Simbu, who has crooned chartbusters such as "Loosu Penne" and "Diamond Girl", has lent his voice for a special track in Sai Dharam Tej's upcoming Telugu entertainer "Thikka".

"After Dhanush, Tamil actor Simbu has crooned a song in the album. It's a peppy number and since composer Thaman and Simbu have already worked together on a few songs, they enjoyed collaborating again," a source from the sets told IANS.

Directed by Sunil Reddy, "Thikka" also stars Larissa Bonesi and Mannara Chopra in the lead.

The film's audio will be launched later this month.

--IANS

hp/nv/vm
As the rain started lashing his house in south Bengaluru, Ujjawal Kumar, 42, found that a big pipe had burst, causing the water to seep through the tiles and the walls of his house. Fortunately, help was at hand via a home-services provider, who also conducted a leakage audit to prevent further damage.

"The civil engineer from OTJ247.com found that the water pipeline between the living room and the bathroom had burst causing seepage. Everything was repaired in just a week's time," Kumar told IANS.

The firm has been receiving constant queries for conducting leakage audits.

"Till date we have received around 30-40 queries for leakage audits and these figures are expected to go up to 100-150 by the end of this monsoon season," OTJ247.com Founder & CEO Prashant Rai told IANS.

The 10-months-old firm recently launched its mobile app for the Android version and the iOS version is expected soon.

Like Kumar, Hiran Bhuyan, 56, living in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, got worried after she noticed a leaky tap in her home. With the monsoon around, she didn't want this to snowball and so opted for a leakage audit.

Bhuyan immediately approached UrbanClap -- another home-services provider -- and was much relieved after a professional visited her home, replaced the leaky tap and inspected the entire network.

"The leakage check was for free drive from UrbanClap. However, for the tap that needed to be changed, the plumber went to a hardware shop, bought another tap and replaced it," Bhuyan told IANS.

Founded in November 2014, UrbanClap proved to be a saviour for Bhuyan. An easy-to-use mobile app, it offers services across more than 80 categories, with leakage audit being highly used during monsoon.

"Our professionals are equipped to handle a thorough audit of water leakages in a home. Starting from the main water pipe, they carefully check each fixture for leaks and come up with the right solution for any damage," UrbanClap co-founder Varun Khaitan told IANS in an e-mail interview.

Timesaverz is another player in the market that helps people ease their problems, especially during the rains.

Based in Mumbai, Timesaverz came into existence in April 2013 and has since then been dealing with problems like leakages, dampness of walls and drainage problems during rainfall, among others. The firm has been primarily active in six cities -- Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. It is now planning to expand in Ahmedabad and Chennai as well.

One can avail of their services over a call or through their website or even the mobile app.

"We offer multi-platform customer-touch points in the form of app, website and call-to-book for ease of booking services. However, the app available on both Android and iOS devices is the most preferred mode of booking," Timesaverz.com Co-founder Debadutta Upadhyaya told IANS.

Leakage audit involves a thorough inspection of home spaces for services like water proofing and plumbing. As monsoon is here, many are opting for this practice to safeguard their homes.

In case you also suspect any leakage at your home, don't worry. The solution is handy. Pick your phone and take a smart decision today.

Get a leakage audit done before the rains hit you hard.

(Akanki Sharma can be contacted at akanki.s@ians.in)

--IANS

akn/na/vm
Zen Technologies Limited, a pioneer in simulation technology-based training solutions, on Thursday announced it had bagged an export order of Rs 30 crore, its biggest ever, from the Defence Ministry in Egypt.

The client chose Zen Technologies to provide a range of training equipment, including Smart Target Systems.

Zen emerged as the front runner against tough international competition from global companies, the Hyderabad-based company said in a statement.

"Zen Technologies has, over the years, emerged as a strong player in the field of defence training simulation in India and endeavours to expand its presence abroad, specifically in the Middle East and Africa.

"The order from the Egyptian government is a reflection of our commitment towards providing the best training tools to security forces to tackle and neutralise both external and internal threats," said Ashok Atluri, CMD, Zen Technologies.

He said ministries of defence of different countries have been showing intense interest in Zen's training solutions, especially Combat Training Centre.

--IANS

ms/tsb/bg
Today is Thursday, July 28, the 210th day of 2016. There are 156 days left in the year.

Today's highlight:

On July 28, 1976, an earthquake devastated northern China, killing at least 242,000 people, according to an official estimate.

On this date:

In 1540, King Henry VIII's chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, was executed, the same day Henry married his fifth wife, Catherine Howard.

In 1655, French dramatist and novelist Cyrano de Bergerac, the inspiration for a play by Edmond Rostand, died in Paris at age 36.

In 1794, Maximilien Robespierre, a leading figure of the French Revolution, was sent to the guillotine.

In 1821, Peru declared its independence from Spain.

In 1866, British children's author Beatrix Potter was born in London.

In 1914, World War I began as Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

In 1932, federal troops forcibly dispersed the so-called "Bonus Army" of World War I veterans who had gathered in Washington to demand payments they weren't scheduled to receive until 1945.

In 1945, a U.S. Army bomber crashed into the 79th floor of New York's Empire State Building, killing 14 people. The U.S. Senate ratified the United Nations Charter by a vote of 89-2.

In 1959, in preparation for statehood, Hawaiians voted to send the first Chinese-American, Republican Hiram L. Fong, to the U.S. Senate and the first Japanese-American, Democrat Daniel K. Inouye, to the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he was increasing the number of American troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000 "almost immediately."

In 1984, the Los Angeles Summer Olympics opened.

In 1995, a jury in Union, S.C.,, rejected the death penalty for Susan Smith, sentencing her to life in prison for drowning her two young sons (Smith will be eligible for parole in 2024).

Thought for Today: "Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich."  From the Tao (dow) Te Ching, the sacred book of Taoism.
At a time when the is running a major campaign to project former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit as Uttar Pradesh's CM candidate for the coming Assembly elections, a blog by Sandeep Dikshit, Sheila's son and a former Lok Sabha member of Parliament, is bound to roil the waters. In his blog, Sandeep, who was also a key member of Rahul Gandhi's strategy team, accused the party leadership of promoting people in Delhi who abused and maligned his mother. "I am in the Congress, but as far as its Delhi unit is concerned, I cannot accept a leadership whose sole objective was to discredit the government in Delhi under Sheila Dikshit... I am informed that I am not particularly liked for my rebellious nature and irreverent attitude," he wrote. Wonder how his comments will affect his mother's prospects in UP.
After successfully bringing back several Indians in difficult situations in foreign countries, the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken up the case of a female elephant stuck in . The elephant landed in an island in the neighbouring country when flood waters washed it away from the Kaziranga National Park. The ministry sprung into action when the government informed it about the elephant's whereabouts and expressed its willingness to send the animal back. A three-member team is getting ready to go to to bring it back. A lot of planning is underway since the only channel of evacuation would be the waterways connecting India and Bangladesh.
Chinese regulators are cracking down on short-term investments - again. The country's bank watchdog is considering barring smaller lenders from the riskier and most lucrative parts of the country's $3.5 trillion market for wealth management products, Reuters reported on July 27. The move should help to protect savers and limit the hazards caused by repackaging loans as short-term investments. But it will probably just shift risk to different parts of the financial system.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi today expressed "anguish" over the loss of 47 lives in violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Kashmir and urged people to shun the path of confrontation and embrace peace.

Violent clashes have rocked the Valley since July 8, when Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by security forces in an encounter.

"While expressing anguish over the loss of lives and grievous injuries caused to people, Gandhi appealed the people to shun the path of confrontation and maintain calm," a Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman said here.

The Congress president made the statement during a meeting with JKPCC chief G A Mir, who had called on her at her residence in Delhi on Thursday, the spokesman said in a statement.

"Mir called on Gandhi at her residence and briefed her about the current unrest prevailing in the Valley," he said.

He said both the leaders discussed the socio-political scenario in the state and other issues of public importance.

"Mir also apprised Gandhi about the losses caused in the backdrop of the protests in the Valley," he added.

Kashmir remains fragile, though curfew was today lifted in the state, barring Anantnag town, as the situation improved.

On wednesday, the curfew was re-imposed in parts of the Valley to thwart a separatist march to Kulgam district.

Normal life, however, remained paralysed for the 20th consecutive day on Thursday, due to a strike called by separatists.

Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed while public transport vehicles remained off roads.

At least 5,500 people, including over 3,000 security forces' personnel, have been injured in the violence.
Two things have happened this week: Delhi Chief Minister has announced he will travel to Rome to attend the ceremony granting sainthood to Mother Teresa; and has declared that he is afraid that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may hatch a plot to kill him.


Two kawad pilgrims died today in two separate incidents when they were in the middle of their journey here, police said.

In the first incident, A 20-year-old kawad pilgrim was electrocuted when he came in contact with an electric wire.

Suraj, a resident of Ghaziabad was electrocuted when he came in contact with an electric wire inside the camp on Shamli



road, police said.

In another incident,a pilgrim died due to cardiac arrest when he was returning from Haridwar.

The victim has not been identified yet, police said.
Ten years after ATS recovered a huge haul of arms near Aurangabad, a special court today held Abu Jundal, the key plotter of the Mumbai attack, and 11 others guilty but dropped the stringent MCOCA charge against them.

Out of total 22 accused in the case, the court acquitted eight others while trial of two accused has been separated as one of them was declared hostile after he turned approver, while another accused is absconding.

One of the 12 persons found guilty today was Faizal Ataur Rehman Sheikh who is on death row in the July 11, 2006 Mumbai train bombings case.

Six persons are shown wanted in the case.

Special MCOCA Judge Shrikant Anekar delivered the ruling, days after conclusion of final arguments in the case, following a ten-year-long wait.

The court convicted Jundal under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act, Explosive Substance Act and Indian Penal Code, while others under varying charges. Charges against them under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) were, however, dropped.

The court accepted the prosecution's contention that the cache of arms and ammunitions that the ATS had intercepted from two cars had originally been procured from Pakistan.

While convicting Lashkar-e-Toiba(LeT) operative, Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, and 11 others, the court observed that ATS could not substantiate the charges of MCOCA against them, even as it accepted direct and substantial evidence presented by the agency in the case.

On May 8, 2006, a Maharashtra ATS team chased a Tata Sumo and an Indica car on Chandwad-Manmad Highway near Aurangabad and arrested three terror suspects and seized 30kg of RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets.

Jundal, allegedly driving the Indica, managed to give police the slip.

The court observed that the accused had a common thought process for Islam and they wanted to wage jihad.

The judge also accepted prosecution's case that the accused wanted to strike terror in the minds of the people and wanted to eliminate public figures like (the then) Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi and Hindu leader Praveen Togadia (of VHP).

The judge said that the accused wanted to avenge developments unfolded after the Godhra riots in 2002.

He also accepted ATS' case that Jundal was driving the Indica car.

According to police, after the ATS intercepted the vehicles, Jundal, who hails from Beed district, drove to Malegaon and a few days later he escaped to Bangladesh from where he fled to Pakistan.

He was deported to India from Saudi Arabia in 2012. Later, charges were framed against the arrested accused in August 2013.

The judge said the court has discarded seven confessions in the case and accepted other three, while observing that the accused had extensively used mobile and internet facility.

In one of the confessions, an accused had said that



another absconding accused, who was in Bangladesh, wanted CDs of speeches of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

The court observed that police did not investigate further on that direction.

Meanwhile, all convicts pleaded for lighter sentence and leniency.

The court will start hearing the arguments on quantum of punishment from tomorrow.

Jundal told the court in Marathi that he and his family members suffered a lot over last few years.

"My father had a paralytic attack and my mother had heart problem and hypertension," he said, adding that his sister was divorced because of his arrest.

Jundal told the court that he has been in a solitary confinement in Arthur Road prison here and has suffered "inequality" during incarceration.

"I took human rights certificate course, sociology and MA course in jail," he told the court, adding that there was no criminal case against him before 2006.

Claiming that he was a sole breadwinner for his family, Jundal said he has been implicated in many of the cases post 2006.

He said he was undergoing medication in jail for kidney ailment.

Meanwhile, one of the acquitted persons, Firoz Deshmukh denied the charge that he was working as librarian with Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) in Mumbai.

"I never worked for IRF. I have never met or worked for Zakir Naik. I am not his follower, though I have heard about him," Deshmukh told reporters.

The special court had framed charges against the 22 accused in August 2013.

During the trial, the prosecution examined 100 witnesses while defence lawyers examined 16.

The court had granted bail to ten accused during the trial.

The trial was stayed by the Supreme Court for a while after one of the accused challenged constitutional validity of certain provisions of MCOCA. The stay was eventually vacated in 2009.

The Bombay High Court had also earlier directed the lower court to expedite the trial.

Other convicts, barring Jundal and two others whose trial has been separated, are identified as: Mohammed Amer Shakil Ahmed Sheikh, Mohammed Mujaffar Mohammed Tanvir, Mushtaq Ahmed Mohammed Ishak, Javed Ahmed Abdul Majeed Ansari, Afzal Khan Nabi Khan, Dr Mohammed Sharif Shabbir Ahmed Billal Ahmed Abdul Razzaq, Sayyad Akif Sayyad Zaffaruddin, Afroz Khan Shahid Khan Phatan, and Mohammed Aslam.
Five more people died today in flooding in Bihar, taking the death toll to 22, while 17.85 lakh have been hit in 10 districts as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today made an aerial survey of the five flood-hit areas.

Kumar made the survey of flood affected areas of Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Kishanganj and Araria districts.

He held a review meeting with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Purnea division to take stock of pace of relief and rehabilitation work in the inundated areas.

Flooding in Bihar is mainly due to heavy rainfall in Nepal's catchment areas as a result of which water from the swollen rivers are discharged towards the neighbouring areas in Bihar.

The Disaster Management Department had put the death toll at 17 yesterday. Five more deaths were reported today taking the toll to 22, it said.

The department officials said 17.85 lakh people residing in 1,630 villages in 49 flood-affected blocks of 10 districts have been rendered homeless.

The 10 districts which are affected by the flood are Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Bahgalpur, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul and Gopalganj.

Around one lakh hectares of land have been affected by the floods caused due to rise in the water levels of Mahananda, Bakhra, Kankai, Parmar and Kosi rivers of the state.

Around 3.88 lakh people have been displaced while 1.36 lakh people have taken shelter in the 357 relief camps run by the government.

Crops, spread over 50,000 hectares of land, valued at Rs 2.04 crore have been damaged by the flood.

Meanwhile, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) said its nine teams have been pressed into service to rescue people in most sensitive flood areas.

NDRF teams are engaged in the most flood-affected Araria, Purnea and Kishanganj districts to carry out rescue work. An NDRF team has been sent to West Champaran and Gopalganj districts.

Besides, SDRF teams have also been deployed in the flood affected districts especially in the three districts of Araria, Purnea and Kishanganj.

15,000 packets of dry food have been sent to Purnea from Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Saharsa, Madhepura for distribution among the flood affected people.

The dry food packet includes - 500 gm of sattu, 2 kg of chura (bitten rice), 250 gm sugar, small salt packet, candle, match, box, a torch, powder milk among others.

Twins were born on a NDRF boat today while being taken to



Mohanpur primary health centre (PHC) in Bihar's Patna district, a NDRF release said.

Later, the newborns and the mother were admitted to Mohanpur primary health centre, it said, adding this is the third time when babies were delivered on an NDRF boat while being taken to the hospital.

The NDRF team was asked for help by Rekha Devi's (25) family members. Within 50 minutes, a NDRF boat reached Chandrapura village from Kachi Dargah in Patna.

The team took the woman and other family members on the boat but she gave birth on the boat while being taken to PHC.

In order to speed up relief and rescue operations in view of floods in the state, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today inspected the relief camps in Bhagalpur.

The CM held a meeting to review the flood situation with top officials and gave necessary directions in this regard, an official release said.

Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, Disaster Management Department Principal Secretary Vyasji and District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, DIG and IG were also present during the meeting, it said.

Kumar later reached Purnea where he also held a meeting with top officials regarding the flood relief operations being carried out in Purnea, Araria and Kishanganj.

The CM will visit Katihar tomorrow where he is to inspect relief camps and review the relief and rescue operations in the district, the release added.
The street lights in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada, Guntur and Kurnool cities, which are gearing up for the upcoming 'Krishna Pushkaralu' festival, will be replaced soon with LED bulbs.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a unit of the Energy Department of Government of India, has invested Rs 360 crore to replace all street lights with LED bulbs in the three cities.

EESL intends to install 80,591 LED bulbs. Out of this, 69,797 bulbs have so far been installed.

The programme has been taken up to provide better lighting in the cities which are visited by a large number of pilgrims during the festival.

According to a press release by 'Energy Conservation Mission' of Andhra Pradesh, the AP government has set a target to complete the replacement programme by August 5, a week before the commencement of the festival on August 12.

The LED bulbs will have Centralised Control Management System (CCMS) with the installation of 7,000 control boxes.

The Pushkaralu is a festival held in river Krishna where devotees take a sacred bath in the water to wipe off all their sins.
Floods and landslides in Nepal have killed at least 77 people while hundreds of others were forced to flee their homes as torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc in the country, prompting deployment of the army for rescue and relief operations.

Heavy rains have caused massive floods and landslides in in many parts of the country, putting thousands of lives at risk.

Scores of houses and bridges have been swept away in several parts of the country as incessant rains have swelled rivers.

Since Monday, at least 77 people have been killed in floods and landslides, the Kathmandu Post reported.

Nine persons are still missing.

The worst-hit district was Pyuthan, where at least 36 have died and dozens of houses have been swept away.

Around 200 families have been displaced due to floods and landslides, officials said.

Floods have also swept away four micro-hydropower projects, police said.

Most of the affected people were earthquake victims who were living in quake-damaged houses after repair, police said.

Tens of thousands of Nepalese are still living in tents following the last year's devastating earthquakes that killed nearly 9,000 people.

Government authorities scrambled to put in place a disaster management system.

Army personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in 14 flood affected districts.

Soldiers and volunteers used rubber boats to rescue people marooned by the flooding, while helicopters are being used to drop food supplies.

Over 600 flood victims who were stranded since Monday night due to flooding in Rapti river in Chaupheri village in Banke were rescued yesterday.

Water levels in Narayani River crossed the danger mark yesterday.

Residents living in the surrounding areas have moved to higher grounds. All the floodgates of the Gandak Barrage bordering India have been opened.

However, water levels were now slowing receding in Koshi river.
Eight rhino calves from Assam's Kaziranga National Park, who were swept away in the floods, have been safely rescued so far, officials said today.

A team of Assam forest department and a mobile veterinary service team from the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) have rescued eight baby rhinos aged between one month and a year in the last 2-3 days.

Rathin Barman, Deputy Director of Wildlife Trust of India, which runs the CWRC, said everyday they are coming across distressed calves of the famed one-horn rhinoceros in the flooded Brahmaputra.

Two of them were rescued during the day as field staff used boats to reach them and pull them out using ropes.

"They were found separated from their mothers after being washed away in the floods. We have rescued them and they are under treatment at our veterinary centre which is 5 km away from the main gate of the park," Barman told PTI.

Led by Barman, a team of over a dozen workers, besides forest department officials, has been trying to rescue the wild animals displaced in the floods.

"Some of them are in a critical condition because they were about to get drowned before we saved them. They are also suffering from severe trauma of the floods. We are hopeful that all of them will be fine very soon," he said.

Adult rhinos usually try to escape to the Karbi Anglong hills on the southern side of Kaziranga which does not get submerged during floods.

Located on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park, one of India's UNESCO world heritage sites, is facing a major wildlife crisis this year as large portions of its area have been inundated in what are being described as the worst floods in a decade.

The rescue team have also saved about 50 hog deer who live in the Kaziranga and nearby forests.

Some deer have already died after being hit by vehicles on the NH-37 when they tried to escape from the flooded Kaziranga, Barman said.
At least nine persons were killed and one missing in fresh round of heavy rains in China, taking the death toll in different parts of the country to 173 and those unaccounted to 126 missing since last week.

Nine persons were killed and one went missing in heavy rains in southern China this week, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said in a statement today.

Strong rain, gales and hail had hit 68 counties in eight provincial-level regions.

More than 7,500 people have been displaced and some 6,000 people are in urgent need of basic living assistance, it said.

The disasters destroyed 500-plus houses and ruined 1,800 hectares of crops, with direct economic losses estimated at 280 million yuan (USD 42 million), state-run Xinhua agency reported.

In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, heavy rain, hail and strong gales over the last two days have led to direct economic losses of over 18 million yuan.

Also, the civil affairs and finance ministries today allocated 150 million yuan to help people in the flood-hit provinces of Henan and Shanxi through emergency relocation, transitional settlement, reconstruction of damaged houses and compensation for those who have lost loved ones.

Heavy rain plagued north China last week, leaving 164 people dead and 125 missing, according to official figures released on Monday.

In the hardest hit provinces of Henan and Hebei, 514,000 people have been displaced and nearly 125,000 people are in urgent need of basic living assistance.

The city of Anyang in Henan has allocated 200 million yuan, and governments in Shanxi at various levels have sanctioned 28 million yuan in local relief funds.

The ministry said that basic living conditions for people in disaster-hit areas in Henan and Shanxi have been ensured, and local production is returning to normal.

Over 1,340 people have been killed or missing in natural disasters in China so far this year, the Ministry said on Tuesday.
Keeping up its attack on the Centre, Aam Aadmi Party today alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the "kingpin" behind the "targeting" of its MLAs in Delhi and claimed more of its legislators may be arrested but the party won't be cowed.

"Our two MLAs - Naresh Yadav and Amanatullah Khan -- were arrested in a day. Police misbehaved with Khan's family and forcibly picked him. The same treatment has been meted out to Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birlan. The kingpin behind the subsequent attacks on our MLAs is Modiji only," senior party leader Ashustosh alleged during a press conference.

"Similarly, MLA Sharad Chauhan was interrogated for over nine hours, that to regarding an issue in which an FIR was registered after AAP's intervention," he added.

Ashutosh referred to arrests of 10 MLAs, income tax raid against one legislator and "attempts to disqualify" 21 MLAs appointed as parliamentary secretaries to ministers through "false allegations".

"I have got to know from my sources that Rakhi and Chauhan may also be arrested by this evening. But we just want to say that the country is watching all this and Modiji we are not scared of anything," he said.

His remarks came a day after party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at the PM, even saying that Modi may "get me killed" and asked AAP MLAs to be ready for "ultimate sacrifice" in the wake of "unprecedented crackdown" by the BJP government.
An employee of Qatar Airways working at the Indira Gandhi International airport here has been booked on charges of extortion after he was allegedly caught taking Rs 35,000 cash from a Doha-bound flyer.

Officials said the incident took place late night on July 26 after CISF personnel detected the foreign airline employee taking some cash from the passenger on CCTV.

The Qatar Airways employee has been identified as Prashant Bhatia and was handed over to the IGI police after he reportedly could not give a satisfactory reply as to why he accepted cash from the flyer when his travel documents were in proper order.

"He has been booked under Section 384 (extortion) of IPC and investigation is on. Prima facie it looks like this was a ploy by Bhatia to extort money from low profile and desirous flyers going to Gulf countries and ensuring them a seat on the airline," said a senior police officer.

The passenger from whom the accused was taking money has given a complaint to the police. The cash of Rs 35,000 paid by him was recovered from Bhatia, he said.

A response from Qatar Airways in this regard was awaited.

Police said that they are questioning the accused as it was suspected that a network of airport staff were involved in extorting money from low-profile, needy passengers going to foreign countries for job opportunities.

Sources said that security agencies also questioned the supervising staff of Qatar Airways which said that they have no policy to take cash from any passenger.
As a last ditch effort to save an Indian man from execution on drug charges in Indonesia, India has requested that country to exhaust all legal recourse before carrying out the death penalty.

Gurdip Singh, 48, was found guilty by an Indonesian court of trying to smuggle in 300 grams of heroin and was handed death penalty in 2005. He is among the death row convicts who are likely to be executed tomorrow.

MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Indian Embassy officials in Jakarta are reaching out to the Indonesian foreign office and the senior leadership of the country on the issue.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last night had said government was making last minute efforts to save Singh



"Afdhal Muhammad, the legal representative of Singh was of the view that he can file for Presidential clemency under the relevant law before the President of Indonesia. The Embassy sent a Note Verbale to Indonesia's Foreign Ministry requesting that all legal recourse should be exhausted before the death penalty is carried out," Swarup said.

Singh, who hails from Jalandhar in Punjab, is among 14 people who are facing execution after the authorities decided to resume implementing death penalty. The decision has been criticised by human rights organisations.

The 14 convicts to be executed include persons from Indonesia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

Singh was arrested on August 29, 2004, at the Soekarno Hatta Airport on charges of drug trafficking. The Tangerang Court awarded him Capital Punishment in February 2005, against the prosecutors' request for 20 years imprisonment.

His appeal against the death penalty was turned down by the High Court of Banten in May, 2005. He then appealed to the Supreme Court which also upheld his death penalty. He is presently detained at Nusakambangan Pasir Putih, Cilacap.

"As we speak, our Embassy Consular officials are camping in Cilacap and have met Shri Gurdip Singh," said Swarup adding the officials are also in constant touch with Singh's wife and brother in India and keeping them informed of the current situation.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday had said government was making last minute efforts to save Singh.
Five men, arrested for alleged involvement with Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), today denied before a court here the allegations of conspiring, recruiting Indian youths and establishing a base for terror outfit.

The accused, while beginning the arguments on framing of the charges, claimed innocence before Additional Sessions Judge Reetesh Singh.

The accused persons -- Mohd Asif, Zafar Masood, Mohd Abdul Rehman, Syed Anzar Shah and Abdul Sami -- were charged by the Special Cell of Delhi Police for alleged offences under the provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Advocate M S Khan, appearing for some of the accused persons, submitted before the court that the probe agency lacked evidence against the accused to put them on trial.

They were arrested between December 2015 and January 2016 from different parts of the country.

Besides the five arrested accused, the agency also charged 12 others who are at large and the court had earlier issued non-bailable warrants against them.

The absconding accused are Syed Akhtar, Sanaul Haq, Mohd Sharjeel Akhtar, Usman, Mohd Rehan, Abu Sufiyan, Syed Mohd Arshiyan, Syed Mohd Zishan Ali, Sabeel Ahmed, Mohd Shahid Faisal, Farhatullah Ghori and Mohd Umar.

All 17 have been chargesheeted for alleged offences under sections 18 (punishment for conspiracy), 18-B (punishment for recruiting of any person or persons for terrorist act) and 20 (Punishment for being member of terrorist gang or organisation) of the UAPA.

The probe agency has alleged that terror outfit Al-Qaeda was trying to set up its base in India under the banner of AQIS and some youths from districts of western Uttar Pradesh had already left India and joined its cadre in Pakistan.

It claimed that one of the modules of the outfit was active in Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh.

It alleged that the accused were in touch with terrorists from Pakistan, Iran and Turkey via social media and mobile phones, and they had visited these countries and had also financed AQIS and motivated the youths for 'Jehad'.

The FIR in the present case was registered after arrest of Asif on December 14 last year.
An army jawan was arrested for allegedly abducting a 23-year-old girl at Nagla village in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar pradesh, police said on Thursday.

Rahul, the jawan posted in Hisar, Haryana, was arrested on for abducting the girl from the village on July 22, they said.

A case has been registered against him following a complaint by the girl's family. The jawan, who was married, was allegedly pursuing the girl.

The girl will be produced in the court to record her statement under Section 364 of CrPc.
Army jawans have been deployed to rescue people in the flooded regions of Assam and Bihar.

On request from the civil administration, the Army has swung into rescue operations in the flood-affected regions of Golaghat, Jorhat, Bongaigaon, Goalpara and Chirang districts of Assam and Katihar district of Bihar, army officials said.

One team of approximately 50 persons each alongwith engineer assets and speed boats were dispatched to Golaghat, Jorhat, Bongaigaon, Goalpara & Chirang districts of Assam.

So far approximately 250 people were rescued by the Army and the operations were still continuing, they said.

Moreover, two columns each having approximate strength of 80 alongwith eight speed boats were rushed to Karwa and Balrampur sub-division of Katihar district, Bihar last evening.
A day after police filed an extortion complaint against rebel BJP MLA Nalin Kotadiya, an audio clip having purported conversation between him and Gujarat BJP Treasurer Surendra Patel, where they are discussing money matters, surfaced today.

In the clip, Kotadiya is heard saying a builder, who is his friend's son-in-law, has agreed to pay Rs 4 crore as party fund if the state government gives permission for construction on an agriculture land owned by the realtor. The land is situated in Laxmipura village on the city's outskirts.

On other side, Patel says the permission has already been given at the "CM's level", and he had no role in it.

As the issue created ripples in political circles, especially in BJP, party spokesperson Bharat Pandya promptly came out with a clarification, denying any involvement of the government or the ruling party in the matter. He said the MLA from Dhari, Amreli district is wrongfully dragging the government and BJP in his personal matter.

"The entire issue is related to a personal transaction between a builder and Kotadiya. As the deal did not go through, an FIR was registered against Kotadiya yesterday.

"Thus, the government is no way involved in it. It is wrong on part of Kotadiya to make baseless allegations against BJP or government," said Pandya.

In the audio clip, possibly recorded by Kotadiya through his phone and which went viral today, he first asks Patel to clarify whether he had played any role in clearing the file of the builder, Haresh Vasani.

"Haresh is my friend's son-in-law. In the past, I wrote a letter to the government to clear his land in Laxmipura. Now, some reports alleged I took money for this favour. When I met Haresh, he told me he got clearance because of your intervention. So, I want to know what is the truth, because I have not taken any money," Kotadiya is heard telling Patel.

Kotadiya, who sounds upset about reports he had taken money in lieu of his favour to the builder, says he will call a press conference to make things clear.

In his reply, Patel says the nod for construction on the land had been granted at the "CM's level", and he was not involved in the decision.

"This was done from Ben's (an apparent refence to CM Anandiben Patel) level. I am not involved in it. People from Khodaldham Trust became mediators in that. I have not taken any money. There is no need to clarify anything to media. Just leave this issue," said Patel.

Not satisfied with the answer, Kotadiya claimed the builder has agreed to give Rs 4 crore to BJP as party fund if his file is cleared.

The FIR was filed against Kotadiya on a complaint by builder Madhubhai Vasani (a relative of Haresh), who alleged the MLA demanded Rs 2 crore from him, a charge he denied.
Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh today claimed that chief minister Parkash Singh Badal acquired land for the construction of SYL in Punjab.

"Today, I challenge you, Badal to deny or dispute one single word of what I will be saying and quoting about your role in getting the foundation of the SYL laid down just to please your personal friend Devi Lal", Capt Amarinder dared Badal, adding, "you better look at yourself than level baseless charges on the Congress".

On the sidelines of 14th session of 'Halqe vich Captain', here, he also asked Badal on what he was going to do, in case the Supreme Court decides against Punjab on the SYL (Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal) issue.

"Yes we have decided to resign the same day in case SC decides against Punjab, you tell the people of Punjab what you are going to do", he asked Badal, while daring him, "will you also like to resign along with us?"



Reacting to Badal's criticism of his announcement about resigning on the issue, Capt Amarinder said, "Badal was trying to lay the blame on the Congress party for laying the foundation stone of the SYL, while actually it was he as the Chief Minister who had acquired the land for the purpose in 1978 and also taken money from Haryana".

Giving details, he claimed, Badal issued the notification for land acquisition for the SYL on February 20, 1978 vide notification numbers 113/5/SYL and 121/5/SYL under section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act.

With this, the process of land acquisition started, he pointed out.

The PCC president disclosed that this was acknowledged by Devi Lal in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on March 1, 1978, where he proudly claimed that it was because of his personal relationship with Badal that he had convinced him (Badal) for land acquisition for the SYL.

"For personal relationship with Devi Lal, Badal put Punjab's interests at stake", Capt Amarinder alleged.
Leading car manufacturer has moved the National Green Tribunal (NGT) arguing that the idea to ban diesel vehicles across the country was like a "corporate death penalty", as it impacts the existence of the company.

In its plea, the automobile company said ban on the registration of diesel vehicles manufactured by the applicant company is unfair and unjust as it was complying with all laws. It further said any restriction would severely impact its sales and the livelihood of thousands of people engaged in the automobile sector.

"The imposition of ban on registration of diesel vehicles is in the nature of a corporate death penalty as it impacts the very existence of the company. A ban order is an extremely harsh/excessive punishment and ought to be imposed in circumstances where a party commits a serious violation and not when there is no violation," added.

The petition, which is likely to come up for hearing before a bench headed by the NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on August 2, has sought impleadment in a case filed by lawyer Vardhaman Kaushik on air pollution in Delhi.

The plea, filed through advocates Vijay Sondhi and Cauveri Birbal, said there is no link between engine capacity and emission levels and according to the Motor Vehicles Act, the engine capacity of a motor vehicle is not even a factor that is taken into consideration by the government for prescribing the applicable mass emission standards.

On December 11, 2015 the tribunal had banned registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) noting that diesel was the prime source of pollution.

Later, the Supreme Court ordered that the diesel-run standard utility vehicles and cars having engine capacity beyond 2000 cc would not be registered in Delhi-NCR.

Subsequently, the tribunal, which was restrained by the apex court from dealing with matters on air pollution in Delhi, expanded the ambit of hearing by seeking responses on worsening air quality in metropolises like Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
The first-ever meeting of BRICS Employment Working Group (BEWG) here discussed crucial issues including those on entering Social Security Agreement (SSA) between the member-countries and employment generation, Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said today.

"On Social Security Agreement...We already have agreement with 19 countries including Malaysia and Singapore (with whom) we have bilateral agreement. Now we also dicussed about BRICS countries having agreement with India on Social Security so that our migrant workers can be benefitted," Dattatreya, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, told reporters.

The two-day meeting of BEWG to shape the agenda for labour and employment track in BRICS, which concluded here today, saw deliberations including on 'Employment Generation for Inclusive Growth,' 'Possible Social Security agreements amongst BRICS nations' and 'Networking of Labour Institutes of BRICS nations'.

"A broad consensus on these issues was reached during these deliberations which will get fed into the forthcoming BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial declaration under the Indian Presidency, during the meeting of BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial scheduled to be held on September 27-28 at Agra," Dattatreya said.

This meeting will prepare the technical papers and many of discussions will take place at ministerial meetings in September in Agra, he said, adding "we, in India, have PM Rojgar Yojana.. We can exchange that type of programmes (best practices) with other countries."



The government is committed for job security, wage security and social security for workers and "our top priority is employment generation," Dattatreya said, adding "I am happy more and more investments are coming to India from different parts of the world."



He further said a model law that allows shops, malls and other establishments employing 10 or more workers, to operate throughout the year received Cabinet approval recently, which will give them the flexibility to open and shut at their convenience.

"It also provides for women to be employed on night shifts with adequate safety and security. The model Bill once adopted by states is likely to boost job opportunities, without compromising on salaries, social protection and safety to the workers. It has been sent to all state governments and now it is upto state governments to implement," the minister added.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has travelled to Warsaw in a bid to reassure the Polish government that the hundreds of thousands of Poles living in Britain still had a post- future there.

"I want to be clear that Poles living in the UK continue to be welcome and we value the contribution they make to our country," May told reporters yesterday during a joint press conference with her Polish counterpart Beata Szydlo in Warsaw.

At some 790,000, Poles make up by far the largest community of some three million European Union migrants living in the United Kingdom and Polish is the second-most spoken language there.

Migration featured as the main hot-button issue for voters wanting Britain to leave the EU during the heated campaign in the run-up to the referendum last month.

"I fully expect and intend to be able to guarantee the rights of Polish citizens when we leave the EU," May said, but also demanded reciprocity.

"The only circumstances in which that would not be possible would be if the rights of British citizens living across the EU were not guaranteed," she said.

Yesterday, May had offered the same reassurances in Bratislava to her Slovak counterpart Robert Fico, whose country currently holds the rotating half-year EU presidency and has around 90,000 of its nationals living and working in Britain.

But May also stressed that "there was a very clear message from the British people in the vote that they want us to ensure that we can have some control on the movement of people from the EU into the UK in the future."



The Polish and British prime ministers announced they had decided to hold annual bilateral summits.

May said: "I have offered to host the first of those in the UK."



Szydlo for her part said the European Union needed to engage in some soul-searching after Brexit and make the necessary changes "to become a stronger institution."



The bloc "has to give thought to what happened that such an important country, with such a big economy, decided to leave the European Union," she said.
The BSF, in a joint operation with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and district police, today arrested one person and seized over 600 gm of narcotics from a house in the border area of Farakka in Malda district.

Acting on a tip off regarding movement of smugglers with consignment of narcotics near the border area of Farakka, a special operation was lauched today at around 00.30hours, a release from the BSF said.

"At about 01.45 hrs, troops of 24 Bn BSF alongwith local Police- Gulabganj and NCB officials- Kolkata launched a search operation at the house of one Bakul Mia (40) and seized four packets containing light-yellow colour substance, each weighing approximately 100 gms," the release said.

Another four packets with brown colour substances, each weighing approximately 50 gms, were also seized, it added.

These packets, totally weighing 630 grams, is suspected to be heroin, the release said adding that the operation party immediately took custody of Bakul Mia, also the owner of the house.

Incidentally, during this year, the BSF- South Bengal Frontier seized a total of 1965 gm of narcotics and apprehended three smugglers, the release stated.
Uttarakhand Congress today welcomed the expansion of Harish Rawat's Cabinet which saw induction of two MLAs from Garhwal region as ministers saying it reflected the Chief Minister's political maturity.

"Expansion of the cabinet is the chief minister's prerogative. And the wisdom with which he has chosen new faces for his cabinet shows his political maturity. In the present political circumstances there could not have been a better decision," Pradesh Congress President Kishore Upadhyay said in a statement here.

Uapadhyay was in favour of early expansion of the state cabinet in view of the proximity of the state assembly elections due early next year.

Congratulating Nav Prabhat and Rajendra Bhandari, the two new members of Rawat's Cabinet, he said both of them had held ministerial positions in the past and the state as well as the Congress party was bound to benefit from their experience.

Rawat expanded his Cabinet earlier today inducting two ministers from Garhwal, a move being viewed as an attempt to satisfy leaders from the region, who had often complained of neglect.

Both Prabhat and Bhandari are legislators from Garhwal region representing Vikasnagar and Badrinath constituencies respectively in the state Assembly.
Comptroller and Auditor General Shashi Kant Sharma, along with auditor generals of other countries, on Thursday, signed 11 United Nations (UN) Audit reports.

Sharma is at UN Headquarters in New York to attend the 70th regular session of the United Nations' Board of Auditors.

"Sharma, along with auditor generals of Tanzania Mussa Juma Assad and the United Kingdom Amyas Morse, approved and signed 11 UN Audit reports on Thursday, as approved by the Board," the office said in a release issued from here.

These reports will be presented to the General Assembly of the UN and other governing bodies.

The reports cover important UN bodies like UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UN-WOMEN, UNOPS and UN Headquarters, among others.
Using glamour to deglamourise drug addiction among people, especially schoolchildren, two NGOs have roped in noted celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Sunil Gavaskar as part of a campaign to spread the message of "getting high on life and not drugs".

The campaign launched on July 26 in Mumbai today travelled to Delhi and apart from Bachchan and Gavaskar, enjoys support from famous actors including Jeetendra, John Abraham and Poonam Dhillon.

"Drugs have been glamourised in films and rock concerts and media indirectly has also promoted its use. And therfore we thought of using glamour to deglamourise drug adiction," said Yusuf Merchant, President of Mumbai-based Drug Abuse Information Research and Rehabilitation Centre.

At a press conference here, a nearly 10-minute video carrying messages from the various celebrities endorsing the campaign was also played.

Keshav Palita, President of Delhi-based Universal Education and mental Health Advancement Foundation, the partner in the campaign, said, "Some of the people who resort to substance abuse are very talented, intelligent and beautiful



people, and our aim is to take away from drugs to something else that keeps them still creatively active and satisfied."



Merchant said, "Our organisation targets 6th graders in schools who are still not exposed to the menace and tries to nip it in the bud. Once they take to substance abuse, it is difficult to wean them back.
The censor Board has denied certification for screening of Malayalam movie 'Ka Body Scapes', revolving around a gay love story, saying it has portrayed Hindu gods in poor light and has 'vulgar' and 'offensive' scenes.

The movie has been produced and directed by New York based Jayan Cherian, who helmed the controverisal film "Papilio Buddha".

The CBFC regional officer here said the movie has several 'objectionable' contents and scenes and giving a certificate to it would amount to violation their norms and guidelines in this regard.

"Our revising committee, which saw the movie, felt that the entire content of the feature film is ridiculing, insulting and humiliating Hindu religion," A Prathibha, regional officer of the CBFC here, told PTI.

"The movie also has derogatory words used against women. We have a set of norms and regulations to give certification and cannot violate them while certifying a movie. So, we refused to give it certification for public screening," she said.

The officer added that the director-producer could approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal and file an appeal in this regard within 30 days.

The director, who is abroad, is now planning to move the High Court to get the certification, his advocate said.
Asserting that providing special status will not automatically solve all problems of Andhra Pradesh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said the Centre will fulfill all promises made in a "record time" as he listed out a slew of initiatives taken for the state's development.

Intervening in the short duration discussion on grant of special status to Andhra Pradesh in Rajya Sabha, he said no government has ever done as much as by the NDA government for the state in the country's history.

Responding to demands for granting special status to Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said the matter has been hanging fire as the previous Congress-led UPA government which bifurcated the state had not brought this in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

"The only measure of granting special status to Andhra Pradesh will not solve all the problems of the state automatically," he said.

"Whatever is required, the Central government is doing for Andhra Pradesh. Whatever has been promised we will fulfil them in record time. No government has done this much for Andhra Pradesh so far in the country's history," he said.

He said something has been promised on issue of revenue deficit to Andhra Pradesh, but figures are not matching and the Finance Minister is working out to resolve the issue.

Attacking the Congress, Naidu said the intention of the previous government was not sincere as it did not include the granting of special status to Andhra in the Act itself even though it was suggested by him and his party at the time.

"I demanded and requested you that this special status issue be included in the Act itself. I wanted that this should have been included in the bill itself so that there is no problem in implementing it as it would have become binding on everybody," he told the opposition members.

He said Congress member Jairam Ramesh, who was then a Minister and authored the bill, had replied to him on this issue that they did not want to take the bill back to Lok Sabha as its own members were protesting.

Naidu said this government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken several initiatives that includes setting up of AIIMS, IIT and the Polavaram project besides setting up many other institutes across Andhra.

He also targeted the Congress for carrying out Andhra's bifurcation at the last minute just before they were going out of power and did not bring the bill since 2004 to 2014.
A Chennai-bound Oman Air flight from Muscat today made an emergency landing at Goa International airport in Dabolim after a woman passenger was taken ill.

"There was (an) emergency landing due to a medical reason at 7 AM today. Oman Airway's flight that was flying to Chennai from Muscat had a woman passenger who reported sick mid-air," Dabolim Airport director, Bhupesh Negi told PTI.

The passengerwas later declared dead by doctors, he said.

The flight later took off to its scheduled journey.

Meanwhile, Goa Police, which lodged a case in this regard, said the woman passenger was referred to government- run Cottage Hospital at Chicalim, near the airport.

"She was declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital," a police official said.

Details of the passenger were awaited.
China and Russia will hold a joint naval drill in the disputed South China Sea in September, Chinese Defence Ministry announced today, days after an international tribunal struck down Beijing's expansive claims over the strategic waters.

Navies of China and Russia will hold a joint drill in South China Sea in September, Yang Yujun of spokesperson Defence Ministry said here.

The drill, codenamed Joint Sea-2016, is a product of the consensus reached by the two sides, Yang said.

Though the navies of the two countries have been holding annual exercises, this year's exercises come in the backdrop of a tribunal appointed by the Permanent court of Arbitration struck down China's claims all most all over the South China Sea and upheld the Philippines rights over the area.

Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan opposed China's claims. US which extends tacit backing to them to assert their claims against China has been sending naval ships and military aircraft to maintain freedom of navigation in the disputed area.

Washington called on Beijing to implement the tribunal verdict saying that it is binding. China has rejected the tribunal verdict but expressed willingness to resolve the dispute directly through the parties concerned.

Held on both land and sea, the drill is a routine one between China and Russia, and does not target any third party, Yang said.

The drill will consolidate and develop the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, deepen pragmatic and friendly cooperation between the two militaries, and enhance the capabilities of the two navies to jointly deal with maritime security threats, Yang said.

Last year China and Russia held joint military drills in the Sea of Japan and the Mediterranean.

(Reopens FGN 18)



Beijing announced the drills days after it successfully manoeuvred a statement in the just concludedASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Lao's capital Vientiane mentioning a word about the South China Sea arbitration.

"Although the South China Sea issue was mentioned many times in the communique, it only gave a general overview of principles that must be stuck to. Most foreign media view the communique as a triumph for China's diplomacy", state-run Global Times said in an editorial.

Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are prominent members of ASEAN, (Association of South East Asian Nations).

Asked whether China would use three airstrips it build on the disputed islands in the South China Sea would use for military purposes,Yang said priority would be given to the civilian usage.

But at the same time he said a military aircraft has landed in one of the islands recently to airlift an injured person for medical treatment in the mainland.
China is harbouring major drug lords who smuggle narcotics into the Philippines, the president said today as he pressed on with his ruthless war on crime.

Rodrigo Duterte made the remarks even as the two countries continue to bicker over an international tribunal invalidating Beijing's extensive claims to the South China Sea.

"Where is the big fish (in illegal drugs)? If you want them, go to China. Look for them there," Duterte told soldiers and police during a visit to a military camp.

"I wanted to talk to the ambassador. That is how serious it is. Now, how do I fight this? We cannot just go there and just declare war," he added.

He did not identify the alleged drug lords and a Chinese embassy spokesman could not be contacted for comment.

Duterte had previously asserted that most of the illegal drugs in the Philippines originated from China and that many Chinese had been arrested for smuggling drugs into the country.

But it was the first time he explicitly named China as the lair of those responsible for the trafficking.

Duterte has openly called for the killing of drug dealers and police figures show at least 316 such suspects have been slain since he took office on June 30. Police say the killings were in self-defence.

However local media agencies have posted even higher totals of deaths, with human rights advocates warning that these may be extra-judicial killings.

Last week the Chinese embassy in Manila issued a statement saying that Beijing was offering its support to Duterte's drug crackdown.

"China has expressed explicitly to the new administration China's willingness for effective cooperation in this regard, and would like to work out a specific plan of action with the Philippine side," the embassy said.

Beijing is known to execute drug offenders and in recent years has put to death several Filipinos found guilty of smuggling narcotics into China.

Duterte, who was elected on May 9 after running on a fierce anti-drugs platform, reiterated during the visit that his special envoy, former president Fidel Ramos, would soon be going to China to discuss the dispute over the South China Sea.

Ties between the two countries have frayed after the UN-linked tribunal ruling, which was widely seen as a victory for the Philippines.

China previously offered to reopen talks with the Philippines on the issue but only if it disregarded the tribunal decision. The Philippines refused.
In the largest acquisition of an Indian company by a Chinese firm, Shanghai Group Co today agreed to buy Hyderabad-based drugmaker Gland Pharma Ltd for about $1.26 billion (nearly Rs 8,500 crore).

Fosun Pharma will acquire 86 per cent of Gland Pharma for $1.26 billion, the KKR-backed Indian firm said in a statement adding that a definitive agreement has been signed for the deal.

Gland Pharma's founders and US private equity firm KKR, who jointly hold around 96 per cent of the drugmaker, will sell most of their stake to Fosun.

"Based on the agreement, Fosun Pharma will purchase all shares of Gland owned by KKR Floorline Investments Pte Ltd in addition to shares purchased from other shareholders of the company," it said.

Gland founder P V N Raju and his son Dr Ravi Penmetsa will continue to be on the Board, and Dr Penmetsa will continue as the Managing Director and CEO.

The family will retain a stake in Gland.

Established in 1978, Gland develops and manufactures generic injectables for use in nearly 90 countries on five continents, with a focus on the Indian and US markets. It owns four factories.

Injectables are widely used medicines administered through vials, syringes, bags and pumps and are harder to make than regular medicines.

KKR, which invested in Gland in 2014, is exiting the firm completely.

While privately held Gland Pharma's line up of therapies includes antibiotics, oncology and cardiology treatments; Shanghai-based Fosun Pharma's product lines range widely from cardiovascular drugs and cancer treatments to diagnosis equipment and scalpels.

"We looked at many partners with the help of KKR and as we went through this process we felt Fosun suits us the best because they are a conglomerate, they have a lot of resources, they are worldwide and they also have which is a multinational. They have a presence in Israel, they have R&D in the US," Penmetsa said.

The Chinese firm has several R&D centres and manufacturing in China and they are also strong in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), he added. "So, we felt that this will really compliment what we already created.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas provided legal advice to KKR and Gland. Jefferies acted as exclusive financial advisor to Gland and KKR.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, the statement said.

Chen Qiyu, Chairman of Fosun Pharma, said, "We are pleased to incorporate Gland into the Fosun Pharma family. Gland's management team, along with support from KKR, has done a tremendous job in growing its business to become the global leader in the generics injectables industry."



The deal, he said, will greatly strengthen Fosun Pharma's global presence and accelerate our speed of internationalisation. It will enable us to provide more high- quality products and services to our patients worldwide.

"Fosun Pharma is dedicated to implementing our investment model of 'Combining China's Growth Momentum with Global Resources' with the win-win cooperation with Gland," he added.

Penmetsa said, "This transaction truly demonstrates the strong expertise of our people and the potential for Indian to improve healthcare in markets worldwide. We look forward to continuing our work to research, develop and provide medical products from India and continue to add capacity at our facilities.
The incident regarding Chinese troops entering the border district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand is that of "transgression" and not "incursion", the government said today.

Responding to queries from the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the border has not been demarcated and the two sides have a "different perception" about it.

He said on July 22, two PLA soldiers entered 200 metres in Barholi area of Uttarakhand inside the Indian territory and the villagers warned them.

"The Line of Actual Control (LAC) has not been formally demarcated. So there is different perception about this of both the sides," he said, adding that there are mechanisms like flag meetings by both the sides to resolve such issues.

"During such meetings, we have made our protests to the Chinese side. There was no incursion, only transgression," Parrikar said.

The Minister said every year, there are about 400-500 incidents of transgression, but this year it has come down.

Parrikar also noted that it is the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under the Ministry of Home Affairs that takes care of the LAC and not the Defence Ministry.

The debate also saw a bonhomie between the Congress and the BJD. The Congress members were aggressive over the issue and asked Parrikar to respond.

When the Minister said the boundary has not been demarcated, Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD) strongly objected to it.

At this point, Congress President Sonia Gandhi intervened and lauded Mahtab for raising the point.
"12 Years a Slave" star Chiwetel Ejiofor will star opposite Robert Redford in Netflix's new drama "Come Sunday".

The true-story drama, about an evangelical minister, will be directed by Joshua Marston of 'Maria Full of Grace'.

Ejiofor is in negotiations to portray an evangelical minister while Redford is set to play Oral Roberts, said The Hollywood Reporter.

"Come Sunday" revolves around the story of Carlton Pearson (Ejiofor), a renowned evangelical minister in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who stirs up controversy with his statement that there is no hell. He loses everything and must rebuild his church and his family and find his own personal faith.
Telangana CID, probing the leak of Medical EAMCET-II question paper, today arrested two persons and found that two sets of the paper were leaked prior to the examination conducted earlier this month.

The agency has also identified some suspected middlemen during the investigation.

"In the investigation conducted so far, some brokers and sub-brokers belonging to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru and other places have been identified," a CID release stated.

The duo, identified as Vishnudhar alias Vishnuvardhan and Thirumal alias Thirumal Rao, were arrested from Hyderabad.

"Vishnuvardhan and Rao allegedly contacted students, parents and took about 25 of them to Bengaluru where one Rajagopal Reddy arranged practice of questions and answers to them (before appearing for the exams)," the release said.

On July 25, the CID had registered a case under relevant sections of IPC and other provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractices and Unfair means) Act, 1997, after it found in its preliminary inquiry that there was prima facie a case for registering an FIR.

As part of its investigation, CID had yesterday taken three persons into custody, who it said came together, took out the question paper and trained some students who appeared for the exams and subsequently got more marks.

"During the course of investigation, suspected students were secured by the CID and were thoroughly examined. It was established that Telangana State EAMCET-II-2016 (Medical) question papers (two sets) were leaked before the date and time of exam," the agency said.

Investigation also revealed that students appearing for TS EAMCET-II-2016 (Medical) examination from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were taken to camps set up in at least at five cities about two to three days prior to the exam and were given practice with the leaked copies of two question papers consisting of 320 questions with correct answers, CID said.

The Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test (EAMCET-II) was conducted on July 9 and the results were declared on July 14. The examination was conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad.

Following reports about the leak of the question paper ahead of the examination, the JNTU officials had requested Telangana DGP Anurag Sharma to look into the issue, who in turn ordered a preliminary inquiry by CID on July 20.

According to reports, few candidates who got a rank in thousands in Andhra Pradesh EAMCET had got a rank below 500 in Telangana EAMCET-II.
Remarks made by Hillary Clinton in India in 2005 favouring outsourcing, are being targeted in a political advertisement released by a pro-Donald Trump super-PAC, carrying the message - "she's earned India's trust."



The advertisement by the political action committee 'Rebuilding America Now' features Clinton, then a Senator, at a conclave hosted by an Indian media house in New Delhi in 2005.

The ad plays her remarks on outsourcing in which she says: "I don't think you can effectively restrict outsourcing, there is no way to legislate against reality so I think that the outsourcing will continue; but I don't think there is any way to legislate against outsourcing. I think that is just a dead end."



The ad says that Clinton gave the speech and "then got a million dollars from India in 2008 for the Clinton Foundation."



The advertisement ends with the messages -- "Outsourcing jobs for dollars" and "She's earned India's trust."



A report in the New York Post said Clinton's campaign is "pressuring" TV stations across the country to stop airing the ad sponsored by the pro-Trump super-PAC.

The campaign claims it is "directly contradicted by evidence in the public record."



The Clinton campaign contends that the donation was made in a different year, the New York Post report said.

A lawyer for 'Rebuilding America Now', Cleta Mitchell said in the report the advertisement "is well within the scope of important public discourse."



Trump had alleged that Clinton received funds from Indian political leaders and institutions in return for supporting the India-US civil nuclear deal.

The Trump campaign had published these allegations in a 35-page booklet last month.

Clinton has rebutted these allegations several times in the past.

In an earlier statement, the Trump campaign had cited a New York Times report alleging that as early as 2008, Indian politician Amar Singh had donated between USD 1,000,001 and USD 5,000,000 to the Clinton Foundation.

"Singh visited the US in September 2008 to lobby for a deal allowing India to obtain civilian nuclear technology; then-Senator Clinton assured him democrats would not block the deal," the Trump campaign had alleged.
Complaints were received recently that controversial preacher Zakir Naik's Peace TV was being shown by some cable operators in Kurnool and Aurangabad and the details were provided to the district authorities for action, Rajya Sabha was told today.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said in a written reply that complaints about telecast of unauthorised channels were forwarded to authorities concerned.

"Recently, such complaints were received against some cable operators from some districts such as Kurnool and Aurangabad regarding carriage of Peace TV channel, which were forwarded to the District Collector for necessary action by the authorised officers under the Cable Act," Naidu said in his reply.

Peace TV, run by Naik's Islamic Research Foundation, is known to telecast his speeches.

Naik's "provocative" speeches had reportedly inspired some of the terrorists who carried out Bangladesh's worst terror attack at a cafe in Dhaka that left 22 dead earlier this month.

In a written response to another question, Naidu said the Shyam Benegal panel which was constituted to submit its report on the functioning of CBFC, had submitted its first report in April and the final report last month.
In first official comment, India today said the three Chinese journalists of state-run agency Xinhua were denied visa extension as there were issues relating to their "conduct not being in conformity" with the provisions of the visa rules.

"This matter has been under discussion for some time now. Visa of the Xinhua Bureau Chief in New Delhi had expired on the 31st December, 2015, while visas of the two Xinhua correspondents in Mumbai, had expired in March, 2016. When the time came for renewing their visas, there were issues relating to their conduct not being in conformity with the provisions of the visa rules.

"Short-term extensions were given to them in the expectation that they would be replaced. Thereafter, we made it clear to Xinhua that it would not be possible for us to extend the visas of the journalists concerned beyond 31st July, 2016," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Asserting that the ministry has been in touch with the Chinese side on this matter, he said government expects no issues when their replacements come in due course.

With the expansion of bilateral ties between India and China, the resident journalists in both countries have a key role in increasing mutual understanding and appreciation and contributing to stronger people to people ties, he said.

In this regard, MEA will continue to facilitate the work of the resident journalists from all countries and their periodic replacement in accordance with the applicable laws, he added.
With the tiff between reporters and lawyers over media coverage of a case showing no signs of abating, Kerala Congress today sought the Governor's intervention to settle it and BJP asked the government to call an all party meeting to end the impasse.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President V M Sudheeran in a letter to Governor Justice (retd) P Sathasivam requested him to take the initiative in "lifting the ban of media persons from entering the court premises".

Sudheeran said the Governor should hold talks with the Chief Minister, High Court Chief Justice, Chief Information Commissioner and representatives of Bar Councils and journalists and reach a consensus acceptable to both parties.

BJP State General Secretary M T Ramesh alleged that with the restriction for media persons in courts, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was implementing an undeclared ban across the state.

"The government is denying the people's right to know," he said, adding the 'silence' of the Chief Minister, who has to take steps to end it, was a mystery.

He demanded that an all-party meeting be convened to discuss all these matters.

Protests by advocates against the media started last week over coverage of a molestation case involving a government pleader, Dhanesh Mathew Manjooran at Kochi.

He was arrested on July 15 on the charge of allegedly attempting to molest a woman in a lane in that city.

On July 20, some lawyers had allegedly attacked media persons outside the High Court in Kochi, injuring five persons.

Media persons under the banner of Kerala Union of Working Journalists had then staged a sit in and gave it up after assurances of action.

The next day, some lawyers went on a rampage at district court complex in Thiruvananthapuram, pelting stones and empty beer bottles at media persons, injuring at least five of them.

KUWJ has demanded a probe by an Assembly committee and strict action against those responsible.
AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, arrested for allegedly threatening a woman after she visited his residence to raise the issue of power cuts, was today granted bail by a Delhi court with a warning that he shall neither contact nor threaten the complainant in the case.

The court also directed the Okhla MLA, who was in judicial custody since Tuesday, not to create any law and order problem in the area and further not to incite his supporters to indulge in any criminal activity.

"Considering the facts, nature of allegations levelled against the accused, Amanatullah Khan is admitted to bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety of like amount to the satisfaction of the concerned magistrate and with the condition that he shall join investigation as and when required by the investigative officer.

"He shall not directly of indirectly contact complainant and threaten or intimidate her. He shall not try to influence prosecution witnesses or tamper with the prosecution evidence. Accused is directed not to create any law and order problem in the area and further not to incite his supporters to indulge in any criminal offence," Additional Sessions Judge Raj Kumar Tripathi said.

The court, after hearing the arguments for nearly an hour, ordered the release of the MLA, while noting that the 35-year-old complainant, who had alleged that Khan tried to run his car over her, has already been provided adequate protection by the police and "thus, there is no possibility of him tampering with the prosecution evidence or influencing the witnesses."



The judge also said, "The accused is a public servant and sitting MLA. He has deep roots in the society. There is no possibility of his absconding or fleeing from justice or not facing trial in the case. He is not required for custodial interrogation," while noting that Khan had earlier been remanded to two days police custody.

According to the police, on July 22, the woman had recorded her statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC alleging that when she was returning from the MLA's residence, a vehicle, in which Khan was sitting, tried mowing her down.

She also claimed that a motorcycle tried to run over her when she was on her way to the court to record the statement.

Prior to that, she had on July 19 filed a complaint with police alleging that at the AAP MLA's residence in Jamia Nagar, a youth had on July 10 abused her and threatened that she would be killed if she did not stop politicising the matter.

Khan had moved the session court seeking bail after a



magisterial court sent him to 14-day judicial custody on the ground that he might influence witnesses and hamper investigation, if released.

Seeking bail for the accused, senior advocate H S Phoolka submitted that Khan had been falsely implicated by the woman and the complaint was motivated.

Opposing the bail plea, special public prosecutor Rajeev Mohan said that the woman was harassed and portrayed as extortionist by the accused in a press conference after she lodged an FIR against him.

He further said other accused persons who threatened and abused her, were yet to be identified.

The court, however, granted the relief to the accused, saying only for the purpose that the other accused persons who are alleged to be involved in the case are to be identified and arrested, he cannot be kept in custody for indefinite period.

The woman, a resident of Jasola, had said that she had telephoned Khan on July 10 and later went to his Batla House residence to raise the issue of power cuts with him after which she was allegedly threatened by the youth.

An FIR was subsequently registered in this regard under sections 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC.

After her statement to the magistrate, Section 308 (Attempt to commit culpable homicide) of IPC was added to the FIR. Khan had, however, said he did not even know if the woman came to his residence.
Central government employees and NGOs receiving government funds now need not declare their assets by the deadline of July 31 as Parliament today approved an amendment in the Lokpal Act to extend the timeline.

The amendment to Section 44 of the Lokpal Act was approved by voice vote by the Rajya Sabha today, a day after the Lok Sabha did the same.

While moving the bill to amend the Lokpal Act for consideration of the House, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said it is an immediate necessity and the provision will be examined in detail by a Parliamentary Standing Committee which will possibly submit its report before next session of Parliament.

During a brief discussion, the Opposition asked the government to adopt this law without any dilution.

Naresh Agrawal of Samajwadi Party said he was opposed to the Lokpal Act as this is not good for democracy and constitution. "Can the country's Prime Minister be dishonest and Lokpal be honest," he asked.

Replying to the concerns raised by the members, Singh said: "There is no intention to dilute or to delay the Lokpal Act. The government is committed to implement this law in letter and spirit".

He also said the message should not go out that members of this House have joined hands to prevent declaration of their assets.

"Under the People Representation Act, what we declare is more than enough, regardless of the fact that we have Lokpal Act or not," Singh said, adding that exercise to amend this Act has been done in good faith and is only to extend the deadline with only two days left. It gives relief to 50 lakh government employees.

The amendment pertains to Section 44 of the Lokpal Act which deals with declaration of assets and provision of making the assets public, he said.

As per the rules notified under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013, every public servant shall file declaration, information and annual returns pertaining to his assets and liabilities as well as for his spouse and dependent children on March 31 every year or on or before July 31 of that year.

In April, the government had extended the date of filing returns by public servants from April 15 to July 31. This is the fifth extension in the deadline since the Act came into force in January 2014.

As per rules, organisations receiving more than Rs 1 crore in government grants and donations above Rs 10 lakh from abroad fall under the ambit of Lokpal.

(Reopen PAR35)



Participating in the debate, Congress member Anand Sharma said: "There should not be dilution and delay in Lokpal Act."



He asked the government to complete the process and adopt the Lokpal Act. "There is a need for accountability, probity and transparency".

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu assured Sharma that there is no intention to dilute or delay this law.

Naresh Agrawal of Samajwadi Party demanded that there should be fresh discussion on the Lokpal Act.

Swapan Das Gupta (nominated member) said the appropriate name of this amendment should be "penance amendment".

The Lokpal Act was "virtually done at gun point" as political class did not apply mind because of undue pressure and influence by activists.

D Raja (CPI) said there should be no dilution of the Lokpal Act and it should be for limited purpose that is to extend deadline.

Rajeev Shukla of Congress said politicians should declare their assets to the Election Commission.

T K Rangarajan, a CPI (M) member, did not support the amendment to the law and said disclosure should be made.
A 22-year-old dealer of an e-commerce major has claimed that he was allegedly abducted for a ransom of Rs 10 crore, police said today.

As per the complaint filed by the dealer, whose identity has been withheld, he was forcefully put into a four-wheeler by six persons on gun-point on July 23, Thane police Public Relations Officer Sukhada Narkar said.

According to the complaint lodged this morning, the abductors also snatched from the dealer Rs 2 lakh cash, his mobile phone and gold jewellery.

Later, he was taken to a room in Khanivali and the abductors demanded Rs 10 crore as ransom and threatened him of dire consequences if he failed to give the amount, the officer said.

Police said the dealer has named six persons in his plaint.

A case under relevant sections of IPC and the Arms Act was registered, police said, adding investigations are underway.
A Bangladeshi court today upheld the death sentences of six of the ten militants of the outlawed JMB convicted in the 2005 twin bombings at a court premises in which eight people, including four lawyers, were killed.

After hearing the death references and appeals, the High Court upheld the death sentences for six and ordered life in prison for two and acquitted two others.

In 2013, Dhaka's Fast-track Trial Tribunal sentenced all of them to death in the twin blasts at the Gazipur Bar Association's auditorium.

Deputy Attorney General Sheikh AKM Moniruzzaman Kabir told reporters after the verdict that they will appeal against the decision of commuting sentences and the acquittals.

On November 29, 2005, blasts rocked the court premises.

The bomber, who died on the spot, was later identified as Azad. He was a member of the Jamaa'tul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) suicide squad.

Gazipur Bar's former general secretary Amzad Hossain, lawyers Nurul Huda, Anwarul Azam and Golam Faruk and four others died later of injuries sustained in the bombings.

Police initiated a case against a number of JMB leaders including Shaykh Abdur Rahman and Ataur Rahman Sani, the suicide attacker and his accomplices.

Two years later, police submitted the chargesheet, accusing 15 JMB leaders and operatives in the case.

But the names of Azad and his accomplice Molla Omar Shakil, Rahman, Sani and another top JMB leader, Khaled Saifullah, were dropped as they were all dead by the time formal charges were brought against them.

In April 2011, a Gazipur court indicted the 10 remaining JMB members accused in the case.
A defiant Bhagwant Mann today appeared before the committee probing the Parliament House videograhpy episode and sought to drag the Prime Minister into the controversy by demanding that he too be summoned for "inviting" Pakistan's ISI to the Pathankot airbase after the terror attack there.

The AAP Lok Sabha member from Sangrur appeared before the panel which grilled him for nearly an hour and fifteen minutes over his making a video of the Parliament House complex, thereby allegedly compromising its safety and security.

The committee was "upset" with his response, which several members felt showed he was "not serious". The committee expressed its unhappiness over Mann's demand to summon the Prime Minister.

Earlier today, Mann submitted a five-page response to the committee headed by BJP's Kirit Somaiya in which he said "assuming" he was wrong, he had offered "most humble and unconditional apology".

The committee has given him time till Monday to alter the contents of his letter if he so desired and asked him appear again at 3 pm.

Referring to the terror strike on the Pathankot airbase in January, Mann said in his letter that Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited a team from Pakistan, which also had members from its spy agency ISI, to visit the airbase.

He alleged that the ISI personnel carried out reconnaissance of the strategic base and drew maps which compromised the security of the establishment.

Mann said the mandate of the committee should be expanded to investigate the security breach due to the entry of ISI personnel at the airbase and demanded that the panel "summon" the Prime Minister and record his "submission" in the matter.

At the same time, he said that he had not committed any act "which would amount to breach of security of Parliament and request that the present inquiry be closed without further action".

Somaiya later dubbed the contents of the letter as "contradictory and confusing" and said the committee expressed it displeasure on the issue.

Mann also said the footage of Parliament complex is available with various channels and that the virtual tour of the building is also available on the Lok Sabha website.

In the nearly 12-minute video, apparently shot on July 21, Mann gives a running commentary as his vehicle crosses security barricades and enters Parliament. "I'll today show you something you would not have seen earlier," he says.

Mann then enters a room where questions to be taken up by Parliament are being sorted and describes the process.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel today rebuffed calls to reverse her welcoming stance toward refugees in the wake of a series of brutal attacks in the country.

Merkel, who interrupted a summer holiday to face the media in Berlin, said the four assaults within a week were "shocking, oppressive and depressing" but not a sign that authorities had lost control.

The German leader said the assailants "wanted to undermine our sense of community, our openness and our willingness to help people in need".

"We firmly reject this," she said at a wide-ranging conference.

Merkel repeated her rallying cry from last year when she opened the borders to people fleeing war and persecution, many from Syria, which brought nearly 1.1 million migrants and refugees to the country in 2015.

"I am still convinced today that 'we can do it' -- it is our historic duty and this is a historic challenge in times of globalisation," she said.

"We have already achieved very, very much in the last 11 months."



Merkel was speaking after a axe rampage, a shooting spree, a knife attack and a suicide bombing stunned Germany, leaving 13 dead, including three assailants, and dozens wounded.

Three of the four attackers were asylum seekers, and two of the assaults were claimed by the Islamic State group.

Merkel said that she would not allow jihadists, following a series of deadly attacks in France, Belgium, Turkey and the US state of Florida as well as Germany, to keep her government from being guided by reason and compassion.

"Despite the great unease these events inspire, fear can't be the guide for political decisions," she said.

"It is my deep conviction that we cannot let our way of life be destroyed."



While the German political class has largely called for calm, opposition parties and rebels from Merkel's own conservative bloc have accused her of exposing the country to unacceptable risks without stricter controls on people let in.

"Islamist terrorism has unfortunately arrived in Bavaria," the state's interior minister Joachim Herrmann told reporters today, renewing calls by his Christian Social Union party for an upper limit on the number of new asylum seekers.

"We are awaiting urgent action from the federal government and Europe -- now is the time to act."



The deadliest attack came on Friday when a German-Iranian teenager who was born and raised in Munich opened fire at a downtown shopping mall, killing nine people before turning the gun on himself.
Members, cutting across party lines in Rajya Sabha, today passionately pleaded the NDA government to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh and honour the promises made by the previous government while bifurcating the state in 2014.

Members of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), an ally of BJP, as well as Congress, CPI-M, JD(U), Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) and Trinamool Congress asked the government to implement the AP Reorganisation Act properly as the House took up a short duration discussion on the issue.

Congress member K V P Ramchandra Rao had moved a Private Member bill in the House for grant of special package to Andhra Pradesh last Friday but it could not be taken up then as the House could not function on that day due to ruckus over the controversial filming of Parliament complex by AAP's Lok Sabha member Bhagwant Mann.

Since the start of this week on Monday, Congress had been strongly insisting on taking up the bill and even disrupted the House for two days on the issue.

The government has contended that the bill is a money bill and hence it cannot be taken by Rajya Sabha. The matter is pending before Rajya Sabha Chairman.

Initiating a short duration discussion on the debate, former Union Minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked NDA government about the status of implementation of six assurances that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had made while passage of the Act in February 2014.

"Out of six assurances, two of them have been implemented. I request the Finance Minister to shed light on other assurances, particularly on granting special status and a special package to the state," he said.

The NDA has already initiated measures to execute the Pollavaram project and announced funds for seven backward districts of AP, he said.

Ramesh said the then Prime Minister had assured granting of Special Category status to AP for five years. "When then PM made this assurance, Venkaiah Nadu had said it should be for 10 years and not five years," he said.

He also wanted to know the status of implementation of the Act, specially with regard to "Section 93, 94 (1 and 2), Section 84 and 85, Section 90 (4) and Section 46 (2 and 3).

(Reopen PAR40)



TDP leader C M Ramesh demanded grant of special status to Andhra Pradesh saying the state is facing revenue deficit.

"We are facing revenue deficit after bifurcation. If Andhra Pradesh has to be developed, special status should be given," he insisted.

"People in the state are waiting for this special status. It has become a disease and people are thinking that there would be better life after getting special status. AP is in a problematic situation, please help us," he pleaded.

He also noted that the previous government had given assurance of special status to AP for five years and then BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu had insisted for 10 years.

"This has not been implemented yet. ...Naidu is being blamed for this," he said adding the AP has not been able to sustain due to low per capita income of the state and less number of urban population.

Noting that his party had not supported the bifurcation of AP then, Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said, however, the NDA government should implement the Act and keep the promises made by the former Prime Minister on floor of this House.

"As far as Andhra Pradesh is concerned, certain assurances were given in this House. The government may change, but it must be implemented. ....You have to assure whether you are going to fulfill those promises," he said.

He said the Centre has not compensated Andhra Pradesh for revenue deficit even as the state has passed two budgets and no action on granting special status to the state.

Yechury also said it was not a valid objection to object that a private member bill on granting special status to AP is a money bill as this can be decided by the Supreme Court.

Naresh Agrawal (SP) asked the government to fulfill the promises made to AP, while also drawing the attention of other states like UP and Bihar which are also poor and require special status.

Despite most Prime Ministers having been from UP, the state has not yet been developed, he said, while demanding a special status to the state.

Pleading the government to implement the assurances given to AP in letter and spirit, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (AITC) said 10 states including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have inherited huge debt and they need special help from the Centre.

"I urge the centre to call the meeting of state chief ministers to solve the problem of debt burden. Otherwise, there will be serious financial crisis," he said.

He also demanded the Centre to clear pending dues of Rs 6,500 to West Bengal at the earliest and not give step motherly treatment to the state.

Ali Anwar Ansari (JD-U) said, "We stand with them, we support their demand," and asserted that the government should also consider special status to Bihar.

He alleged that the Centre yields to those who agitate violently and not those who demand peacefully.

Veer Singh (BSP) said the special status to AP should be given for 10 years and suggested the government to set up a Special Development Board.

K V P Ramachandra Rao (Cong) said there have been some



rumours that he would withdraw the private members' Bill, and he asserted that he would not do so "under any circumstances."



He also questioned how his Bill could be termed as a Finance Bill and that too one year after it was submitted.

Rao said the promises that were made by the Manmohan Singh government at the time of the bifurcation of the state were "supported by you(BJP)."



He said the government should not hide behind technicalities and grant what was assured otherwise people would doubt an elected government.

Pressing from grant of special status, Rao said that during the division of Andhra, Seemandhra region had lost heavily.

After Rao spoke, Deputy chairman P J Kurien said that his private member's would be taken up on August 5.

However, immediately Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman got up and said that while he was speaking, Rao had referred to some papers in his hands, which he called cabinet minutes.

"How did he get hold of them?" questioned Sitharaman. To this, some members said Rao had referred to Congress Working Committee minutes.

V Vijaisai Reddy (YSRCP) said the five crore people of Andhra Pradesh have been given a "raw deal" and "are desperately waiting for justice."



He said the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had given an assurance that Andhra Pradesh would be made a special category state and that demand should be fulfilled.

Referring to a statement made by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Reddy recalled that he had said the government is a continuous entity and sought that the assurances made be fulfilled.

Reddy also said that the private member Bil should not be treated as a money Bill. He said if the Bill was treated as a money Bill, then 70 to 75 percent Bills coming to the House would become money Bills. He said granting of special status is definitely "sanjeevni" of lifeline for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is a fraud, a liar and a hypocrite, top Democratic leaders and speakers at the party's national convention said today as they lashed out at the billionaire from New York.

Raising questions on Trump's business acumen, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said: "I am a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one!" to loud cheers from the audience.

"Trump says he will punish manufacturers that move to Mexico or China, but the clothes he sells are made overseas in low-wage factories. He says he wants to put Americans back to work, but he games the US visa system so he can hire temporary foreign workers at low wage. He says he wants to deport 11 million undocumented people, but he seems to have no problem in hiring them," Bloomberg said.

"Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy. He wants you to believe that we can solve our biggest problem by deporting Mexicans and shutting out Muslims. He wants you to believe that erecting trade barriers will bring back good jobs. He is wrong on both counts," he said.

The former New York Mayor said that though Hillary Clinton may not be the "perfect candidate", there is "no doubt" in his mind that she is the right choice.

California Governor Jerry Brown also laid into Trump, calling him a fraud and a liar.

"Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud. Trump says there's no drought in California. I say Trump lies. So, it's not surprising that Trump chose as his running mate a man who denies that there''s such a thing as evolution," he said.

Brown said while Trump only talks, Clinton gets things done.

"As Secretary of State, she paved the way for the historic Paris Climate Agreement, an agreement which 200 nations, including China and India, enthusiastically embraced. And Mr Trump, he says: The world be damned, I'm tearing it up," he said.

"Trump and those who live in climate denial say otherwise. They tell us we have to choose between saving the economy and saving the planet. Donald Trump and the climate deniers are dead wrong - dangerously wrong," Brown said.

Rear Admiral (retd) John Hutson expressed fears Trump



would abandon allies and let more countries get nuclear weapons.

"He lies about donating to our veterans and called the military I served in a disaster'. It's embarrassing enough that he's the face of one of our political parties. The real disaster is what would happen if we let Donald Trump become the face of the country we love," he said.

Kristen Kavanaugh, co-founder of the Military Acceptance Project, said Clinton understands the importance of a strong military and diplomacy.

"She knows we're stronger when we work with our allies to keep us safe, and she has a specific plan to defeat and destroy ISIS. She has the experience, temperament, and steady hand to lead," she said.

"I don't trust Donald Trump. The military is defined by discipline. Leadership. Integrity. Those are the qualities that drew me to serve. And those are the very qualities that Donald Trump lacks. He suggests abandoning our closest allies. He praises dictators who've killed Americans. He says we should allow more countries to get nuclear weapons," Kavanaugh said.

(REOPENS FES 18)



Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley lashed out at Trump saying he has been a bully his whole life.

"But here's what I learned on playgrounds in Catholic school: all bullies are cowards in disguise. But unlike that immigrant-bashing, carnival barker, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton actually knows the enduring symbol of America is not a barbed wire fence. It is the Statue of Liberty!" he said.

O'Malley, a former presidential aspirant, also targeted the real estate mogul's assertions on climate change.

"Donald Trump doesn't believe in science. He says, 'the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese.' If the Chinese were really capable of designing some kind of diabolical farce to hurt America, they wouldn't invent global warming. They'd invent Donald Trump," he said.

He said Trump insults people who disagree with him and makes his followers fearful. "He feeds off of a deep-seated and dangerous anger."



Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said: "When Trump decided to run for President, he probably said to himself: I'm an egomaniac. I don't believe in science. I think women are inferior.
A doctor has been booked for allegedly raping a Dalit woman when she had gone to his clinic here, police said today, as medical fraternity alleged he was falsely implicated in the case at the behest of a senior UP minister.

The incident took place on Tuesday when the woman, a Samajwadi Party activist, had gone to the clinic of heart specialist Dr Taj Mohammad.

A complaint under IPC sections 376 (punishment for rape), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was registered against the doctor yesterday, a police officer said.

The incident took a political turn with the medical fraternity alleging that Mohammad was implicated in the "false" case at the behest of senior Uttar Pradesh minister and Rampur MLA Azam Khan. They demanded that the case be handed over to the CB-CID.

Opposition BSP and RLD demanded an impartial investigation in the case.

The Indian Medical Association appealed to the Superintendent of Police to probe the matter impartially.
Efforts to hammer out a consensus on the Goods and Services Tax bill gathered momentum today for its likely tabling in the Rajya Sabha next week with the government reaching out to opposition parties even as Congress described the exercise as "constructive and positive".

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanyam today held several rounds of talks with leaders of Congress and other parties including the Samajwadi Party, JD(U) and CPI(M).

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Anand Sharma and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha participated in the discussions with Jaitley. There were two rounds with the Congress leaders.

"Serious effort is being made to bring a consensus on the GST bill," Sharma said without disclosing details on whether the Congress was insisting on its standing about putting a cap on the levy in the Constitution bill.

Congress sources said party Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expects a positive outcome from these consultations. They said the discussions have entered a "decisive and positive phase".

"Talks are on with various parties on GST and so far things are moving forward as expected," a senior government functionary said adding the effort is on to present it in the Rajya Sabha next week.

Sources say Jaitley told the opposition leaders that government wants to bring consensus on the GST and was ready for talks with any leader even during the weekend to hear out and address their concerns on the issue.

A top congress leader, however, said they were awaiting the draft of the legislation after "extensive talks" with the government and hoped for a "positive outcome".

At the meeting of Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Upper House today evening, the GST bill was not discussed as it has already earmarked five hours for the bill last week.

Jaitley also met SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and held talks with other leaders also.

Sources add that the government is also in touch with AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa on the key bill.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked to Yadav when the



Rajya Sabha was adjourned briefly during the Question Hour. Modi remained seated in the House during the brief adjournment and spoke to Yadav and another SP member Neeraj Shekhar.

Meanwhile, five parties, including the Left, today asked the Centre to assure states that their financial needs will be taken care of before the GST Bill is brought, which they allege seeks to take away states' right to raise resources.

This was conveyed by them to Jaitley when leaders of the parties in Rajya Sabha belonging CPI(M), CPI, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party and BJD met him.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the Constitution amendment bill would make the states "to come with a begging bowl to the Centre, placing them at the Centre's mercy."



He said the GST Bill would deprive the states of their "right to raise resources" through sales tax, surcharge or cess.

"The state governments will be deprived of their only right to raise revenue as this right will be abolished with the Bill" as they would not be able to impose any cess even during an emergency or natural disaster, he said, adding that this was conveyed to the Finance Minister at the meeting.

"The GST Bill is only meant for imposing a tax. It does not deal with Centre-State relations. So, a resolution has to be found outside the Bill and the government has to come out with an assurance," the CPI(M) leader said, adding that "we will have to see how the government addresses this issue."



Regarding the meeting, Yechury said "we were merely informed about the discussion the government had with the Congress. There was no scope for a discussion."



He also said there is "nothing in writing so far" on what the latest bill actually says.

Accusing the Narendra Modi government of going by the strength of the parties in Parliament to hold discussions on the GST bill, he said "so we are immaterial in terms of number of seats we have. It is a game between the BJP and the Congress".

Asked whether Jaitley indicated by when the bill will be brought to Rajya Sabha, the CPI(M) leader said "there is no indication. It will all depend on what is happening between the BJP and the Congress."



The government is working to address the concerns raised by opposition parties, including Congress, on the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, known as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill.

The Bill seeks to introduce a system for uniform taxation across the country and has been pending for a long time.
Payal Abdullah, the estranged spouse of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cannot be given government accommodation on security grounds, which is available to SPG protectees only, the Centre today told the Delhi High Court.

The Ministry of Urban Development told Justice Indermeet Kaur that the government accommodation, on security grounds, can be made available to private persons only when they are SPG protectees.

"It was declared that under the office memorandum of 2000 issued by the Directorate of Estate, Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, that no government accommodation will be allotted to any private person on any security consideration, except to Special Protection Group (SPG) protectees.

"Omar Abdullah has demitted the office of Chief Minister in January 2015 and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed assumed charge as the chief minister of the state on March 1, 2015 therefore, the petitioners were not entitled to occupy this premises, 7, Akbar Road (type VIII) bungalow, New Delhi, since the same was made for official use of Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir," the affidavit, filed by the Centre, said.

The court on July 12 had protected them from being evicted from their government residence here till July 28 and this was today extended to August 4.

The affidavit, filed through Central government's standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia, said that Sayeed died on January 7, 2016 at AIIMS due to multiple organ failure, after which his daughter, Mehbooba Mufti, took oath as the Chief Minister.

Concurring with the stand of the Centre, state Advocate General Jahangir Iqbal Ganin said the state was faced with an extremely piquant situation in as it does not have an appropriate accommodation to house the Chief Minister in New Delhi befitting her position and security imperatives.

"The state government is not required in law to provide any residential accommodation to any of its Z or Z+ protectees. It is for the protectee to decide his/her residence and accordingly the state government provides the security detail, in coordination with the local police if the said protectee resides in Delhi," the state government said in its affidavit.

The response of the Centre and the state government came in the backdrop of the court's notice on the plea of Omar's estranged wife that if she and her children are entitled to an alternate government accommodation, then the Centre be asked not to evict them till a suitable house is alloted to them.

She had also said the future house should be well equipped to accommodate security personnel in its campus.

The state government, in its affidavit, said, "the petitioners (Payal and her kids) can only reside in government accommodation through official position enjoyed by Omar Abdullah and they have no independent right claim or lien on the said premises nor do they hold any official position under the state government or government of India".

In the plea, the wife and sons of Omar Abdullah, have claimed the Centre, through a letter dated September 9, 2015, allotted the 7-Akbar Road bungalow to the state of Jammu and Kashmir as the Chief Minister's residence with retrospective effect from August 11, 2009, without following the due process of law, which was thus illegal.

They have contended that even now the website of the Department of Hospitality and Protocol of Government of Jammu and Kashmir shows that the residence of Chief Minister of the state was at 5, Prithviraj Road.

Their petition, filed through advocate Amit Khemka, has claimed that they moved the high court as Omar Abdullah in his response to the estate officer's show cause notice had said he was no longer in occupation of the said premises and hence the authority was free to take whatever steps necessary to take over the premises.

The petitioners, including the two children, have sought parity with Priyanka Gandhi, Subramanian Swamy and several others who have been granted government accommodation on security grounds.

The petitioners have contended that the eviction order was passed without allowing them to lead evidence and without granting any personal hearing to them.

As per the eviction order, the petitioners were given 15 days to vacate the premises.

The petitioners have sought that they be either allowed to continue at Bungalow No. 7, Akbar Road, or allotted another suitable government accommodation where the security personnel, numbering 94, can effectively protect them.

She, in the plea, has said she has a flat in the city but it would be "totally insufficient for making elaborate security arrangements for their protection" as there are other flats in the same building.
Books promoting hatred towards non-Muslims were allowed on book shelves in UK prison libraries till recently despite an internal review calling for their removal, it emerged today.

Among the prohibited titles are a tract described as the'Mein Kampf'of Islamist terrorism, a pamphlet extolling the virtues of violent jihad and a book urging Muslims to fight and subjugate unbelievers.

According to a BBC report, an inspection team led by Ian Acheson, a former UK Home Office official and former prison governor, first alerted the UK's Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to the presence of the books in November 2015.

Acheson then submitted his report in March 2016 and the order to remove the books was only made on or after June 20.

"I made it clear to the Ministry of Justice last November that...My assumption was that urgent action will be taken to remove these materials. Their free access to vulnerable and suggestible prisoners is an obvious security risk," Acheson was quoted as saying.

In evidence to the House of Commons Justice Committee last week, he said his investigation had found "numerous examples" of books that were "extremist in nature in prison chaplaincies".

The banned titles include 'The Way of Jihad' by Hassan Al-Banna; 'Milestones' by Sayyid Qutb; 'The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam' by Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi; 'Towards Understanding Islam' by Syed Abul Ala Maududi; and 'Fundamentals of Tauheed' by Bilal Philips.

Copies of one or more of the publications were found in chaplaincy rooms at nine of 11 prisons that were inspected during the review of radicalisation behind bars.

Among them were high-security Category A prisons in England and Wales.

Prisons in England and Wales held 12,328 Muslim inmates at the start of this year, 131 of them convicted terrorists. A further 1,000 were considered to be at risk of radicalisation.

"We take the threat of radicalisation and extremism extremely seriously," a Home Office statement said.
The Central Crime Branch today informed the Madras High Court that film producer Madhan, who was reported missing in May after an alleged failed business transaction with SRM group, is very much alive.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police S Radhakrishnan, who is investigating the case, told a Division Bench of justices S Nagamuthu and V Bharathidasan that the materials collected till date prima facie reveal that he is very much alive.

The officer informed the court while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Madhan's mother that he is hopeful of locating and securing Madhan in due course.

Radhakrishnan filed a status report in the court on two cases entrusted to him for investigation.

While one was the missing case pertaining to Madhan, the other was regarding cases filed against him and others for allegedly collecting money with false promise to get medical admissions in a leading private medical college.

Expressing satisfaction with the investigation, the bench gave two more weeks to continue the probe and adjourned the matter for two weeks.

On June 6, Madhan's mother had filed the HCP seeking a direction to Virugambakkam police to produce her son before the court.

The court had on June 9, entrusted the probe of tracing Madhan with Central Crime Branch and directed it to file a status report.
The Madras High Court today granted conditional bail to five advocates who were arrested for laying seige to the High Court premises here during a protest against recently amended Advocates Act on July 25.

Justice S Vaidyanathan granted conditional bail to the advocates and directed them to remain in Villupuram district for two weeks.

They were ordered to be released on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each and two government sureties for the like amount.

The lawyers were directed to present themselves before the Villupuram Town Police Station daily at 11 am and 4 pm and then report before the B1 North beach police station daily until further orders.

The advocates, who have been charged with damaging public property and obstructing the government servants from discharging their duty during the protest, shall go alone and should not indulge in any unlawful activities, the judge said.

The Madras High Court had in May amended rules under which lawyers could be barred from practice on disciplinary grounds.

The amended rules were made part of Rule 14 of the High Court by virtue of powers conferred on court under the Advocates Act, 1961.
Snapdeal's merchant lending program- Capital Assist will now be managed by Freecharge.

Under the new arrangement, sellers on Snapdeal, Shopo and Freecharge will be able to access working capital in a time efficient and cost effective manner to grow their businesses.

Capital Assist, launched by Snapdeal in August 2014, enables banks & NBFCs to provide working capital to sellers based on their performance and track record at Snapdeal's marketplace. It has signed up with 25 financial institutions including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Yes Bank.

***



86,000 students compete in TCS Software Testing Contest * Tata Consultancy Services today announced today that more than 86,000 college students across India competed in the fourth edition of TCS Software Assurance Contest, TESTimony.

"This year, the contest witnessed more than 86,000 registrations from 10 regions in India. The 10 finalist teams contested for the top three spots at the TESTimony 2016 grand finale in Pune," TCS said in a statement.

Launched in 2013 by TCS, TESTimony, a game-based software testing contest.

***



Huawei, SOS Children's Village India join hands for CSR * Huawei India today announced its CSR partnership program Daksha with SOS Children's Villages India to support education and child welfare.

As a part of the Daksha program, Huawei India connects with 982 children to support quality education for children living in 10 SOS of India across Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said it was good that Home Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Pakistan for the SAARC ministerial conference as the two countries need to remain engaged.

"Good to see that in spite of the rants on TV & the trolls on Twitter @rajnathsingh will travel to Pakistan," Omar wrote on twitter.

He was reacting to reports that the Home Minister will go to Pakistan to attend the SAARC conference.

"We need to remain engaged," Omar said.

Rajnath will be on a two-day visit to Islamabad to attend the SAARC ministerial conference beginning August 3.

In an earlier tweet, the opposition National Conference working president hit out at Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

"Nice to see her looking so happy with the mess she has made of the state. I guess remorse is expecting too much!" Omar said.

He was commenting on a photograph showing a smiling Mehbooba Mufti heading towards her PDP's office for the 17th foundation day of the regional party.
Goodricke Group Ltd, part of Camellia Plc of UK, registered export revenues of Rs 143 crore in 2015-16 from branded teas, a top company official said today.

Goodricke's CEO and MD AN Singh said that the company has taken a strategic shift towards branded teas which give a steady flow of income although the returns are not high.

In 2014, 20 per cent of the revenues accrued from exports.

Speaking to reporters after the company's AGM here, Singh said that in 2014, the company's exports stood at 4 million kilos.

However, the figures are not comparable as this year's AGM is for a 15-month period.

The company saw 44 per cent growth in exports in volume terms last year.

Crop output during 2015 was marginally lower due to severe drought, Singh added.
Admitting that a lot remains to be done to promote entrepreneurship, the Commerce and Industry Ministry today said it will take up all the issues raised by startups with the concerned ministries and regulators.

The Ministry today convened a meeting of 28 startups to know their issues and concerns.

After the meeting, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the participants raised concerns related to taxation, regulators and compliance burden.

"We were keen to know their views on how their start-up activities are going on, their expectations from the government and the difficulties they have. The difficulties may be relating to various ministries... What is it that they want us to do further," she told reporters.

The Ministry, later in a statement, said the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) would be taking steps to address the issues and concerns raised by the startups.

It said the details of the compliances of central and state laws would be posted on the Startup India portal. The DIPP also promised to facilitate the meeting of various startups with the concerned departments so that they can take up their issues directly with them, the statement said.

"DIPP would also explore the possibility of developing an app which would enable startups to know which subject relates to which ministry or regulator; and it would prepare a handbook to guide startups on various compliances and the processes involved," it added.

The Ministry said since the launch of the action plan, considerable progress has been made.

"However, a lot remains to be done. The ministry believes the way forward is to have all the stakeholders on board to take the initiative forward and act as a facilitator for startups to flourish," it said.

With the agenda of creating a conducive ecosystem, the government is reaching out to all stakeholders to discuss key concerns that need to be addressed, the statement said.

During the meeting, Sitharaman said this is the first in a series of dedicated meetings the government will be holding in order to bring all stakeholders of the startup ecosystem on board, which will help India become one of the best business destinations in the world.

She urged the participants to feel free to write to the government on any issues and not wait for a meeting.

Some of the issues that were raised related to making compliances easy, IPR pendency period, lack of prompt response from incubators for issuing recommendation letters, complicated paper work involved in all government compliances, tedious import/export procedures, need of clear definition of Aggregators under the service tax, among others, the Ministry said.

Some startups suggested to have a checklist for all the state and central compliances on the Startup India portal.

Startups further suggested that as done by the



government, banks should also be asked to exempt the startups from turnover and experience criteria to enable them to participate in the procurement process, the Ministry said.

"The participants mentioned the difficulties faced by them in inter-state movement of goods. They suggested that all states should be asked to take the declarations online and receive taxes online," it said.

Suggestions were also made with regard to doing away with the requirement of maintaining manual registers for compliance under labour laws.

They also mentioned that access of credit through banks should be simplified and the time taken should also be reduced, the Ministry added.

For easier compliance towards various rules and regulations, the participants suggested that a handbook should be prepared and put on public domain.

On intellectual property rights issue, the DIPP informed that the capacities of IPR offices have been enhanced considerably in the last 6 months.

This would reduce the time being taken for examination of patent applications to 18 months by March 2018 compared to over 5 years now.

Similarly the time taken for examination of trademark applications will become 1 month by March 2017.
The government plans to pump in around Rs 4,000 crore in road projects in Tripura through PWD and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).

The state has 853 km of national highways, of which 731 km are with the state PWD and 122 km with NHIDCL, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said in a statement.

Four projects are currently on in the state, with a total length of 147 km and total project cost of Rs 1,162 crore.

One project with a length of 24 km and total project cost of Rs 42 crore is likely to be awarded in next three months, and another three projects with a length of 110 km and cost of Rs 470 crore are under DPR and various stages of award. These are likely to be awarded in the next one year, it added.

Under the Central Road Fund (CRF), Rs 20.42 crore have been allocated to the state during 2016-17. Twelve projects amounting to Rs 57 crore have been sanctioned under the scheme. Four new National Highways have been declared in the state with a length of 388 km, it said.

Some of the important projects include Agartala - Khowai, which is a new highway with a length of 55 km.

The ongoing projects include Agartala-Udaipur which has 48 km with a cost of Rs 369 crore, being implemented by NHIDCL and due for completion in 2018 and Udaipur-Subroom highway which has a length of 74 km and project cost of Rs 498 crore and is due for completion in 2018.

The road connectivity to Tripura has been adversely affected due to the bad condition of about 7 km of NH-44 between Lowairpoa to Churaibari , but major efforts are being taken to restore the highway.

Joint Secretary and Chief Engineer level officers have visited the site. Measures like bamboo piling followed by sand blanket layering, filling up of potholes with stone, metal and granular material were taken to stabilise the roads.

Innovative technology geo-textile and Geo-Grid and soil stabilisation are being used. IIT Guwahati has been requested to find long term solutions to the perennial problem.

Similarly, restoration work on alternative road from Chandkhira to Kurti bridge (NH-208A) in Assam has also been taken up by the PWD.

Road construction and maintenance in the North Eastern states, as also in other hilly regions is fraught with difficulty. Slope and soil stabilisation are major concerns here, especially due to the heavy rainfall.

It is very difficult to proceed with construction work during the rainy seasons as the area becomes slushy due to water logging.
The CBI today opposed before a court here the bail pleas of two persons arrested in a graft case involving Delhi CM's former Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar, saying allegations against them were serious and they cannot claim parity with Kumar who was recently granted the relief.

Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar heard the arguments on the bail applications of Kumar's close aide Ashok Kumar and Managing Director of a PSU R S Kaushik and reserved the order for August 1.

The bail plea moved by both the accused persons on the ground of parity with Kumar, who was granted bail on July 26 by the court, was today opposed by the probe agency.

While opposing Ashok's application, the agency said that his offences were serious as he was working on behalf of Kumar and was a connection between him and private firm, Endeavour Systems Pvt Ltd (ESPL).

The agency had earlier claimed that ESPL was floated by Kumar for the award of government contracts worth over Rs 50 crore.

Regarding Kaushik, who is Managing Director of Delhi government undertaking Intelligent Communication Systems India Ltd (ICSIL), the CBI alleged that he was responsible for giving contracts, on Kumar's behalf, to ESPL.

It also said that for this purpose, Kaushik manipulated the terms and conditions of the tendering projects with the sole purpose to benefit the firm.

The court had earlier sought CBI's response on their bail pleas while issuing notice to the agency.

Besides Kumar, Ashok and Kaushik, the CBI had also arrested former Deputy Secretary in Kejriwal's office Tarun Sharma and Kaushik's predecessor G K Nanda.

The five accused were arrested on July 4 in connection with the case of allegedly showing undue favours to a private company in award of government contracts worth over Rs 50 crore.

The agency had also arrested Dinesh Kumar Gupta and co-owner of the private firm Sandeep Kumar in the case.

CBI had registered a case against Kumar and others in



December last year alleging that the officer had abused his official position by "favouring a particular firm in the last few years in getting tenders of Delhi government departments".

The accused have been charged under section 120-B of IPC (criminal conspiracy) and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act relating to criminal misconduct for allegedly favouring ESPL in bagging of five contracts.

CBI has alleged that the accused persons had entered into a criminal conspiracy and caused a loss of Rs 12 crore to the Delhi government in award of contracts between 2007 and 2015, and claimed that the officials had taken "undue benefit" of over Rs three crore while awarding the contracts.

This is the same case in which the agency had come under scathing criticism from court which had directed it to return documents sought by Delhi government seized during December 15, 2015 search of Kejriwal's office.

Arrest of the top state government official had triggered a political storm with the Delhi government accusing Centre of indulging in "political vendetta" and "paralysing" governance.
In a bid to increase green cover, Gujarat Forest Department will plant 10 crore trees during the ongoing 'Van Mahotsav', state cabinet minister Mangubhai Patel said today.

The 67th 'Van Mahotsav' began yesterday at Verakhadi in Anand district, about 60 kms from here.

"Gujarat Chief Minister Anadiben Patel yesterday commenced the 67th Van Mahotsav. The Mahisagar Van will be developed as an eco-tourism spot," Patel, state minister for Forest and Environment development, told PTI.

"We will be planting 10 crore trees during the 'Mahotsav' across the state. We have already planted over 4,000 trees and another 85,000 saplings will be planted at the Mahisagar Van," he said.

The Chief Minister has announced that on August 7, trees will be planted across Gujarat, he said.

"Tree plantation drive will also be carried at Kaprada village in Valsad district on July 30, Mota village in Surat district on August 4 and Bhuchar-Moti village in Jamnagar on August 24," he added.
Director Vikramditya Motwane's much-delayed film, "Bhavesh Joshi", is finally greenlit with Anil Kapoor's son Harshvardhan as its lead.

The 25-year-old actor, whose first film "Mirzya" is yet to be released, today began shooting for the Phantom Films' next.

It is apparently about a Gujarati boy blessed with superpowers.

Harshvardhan posted a collage of Vikram's four pictures, which have the director showing off his t-shirts that have captions written over them.

The filmmaker seems to be taking a dig at himself as the first caption reads, "Mera Bhavesh Aayegaa," while the next in line is "Postponed twice". The third reads, "3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks 6 days later..." and the fourth shows, "Action" written on the t-shirt.

"harshvardhankapoor#bhaveshjoshi #vikramadityamotwane #finaly #shootday #gameday @fuhsephantom here we go," the young actor wrote alongside the collage.

Vikram announced the project in 2013 and actor Imran Khan was supposed to play the lead role. Later, he got replaced by Sidharth Malhotra.

Last year, however, the filmmaker said the project had to be shelved.
The Haryana government has framed a state-level Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) co-ordination committee on education with an aim to fill funding gaps in the government school projects.

Considering the presence of a large number of corporate houses in the state, the Haryana government has formulated an implementation plan for its CSR policy, in a bid to improve the quality of education in the state, Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said.

"Fortunately, Haryana has a large number of reputed corporate houses and the government is keen to attract CSR funds directly or indirectly apart from the state budget allocated for education so as to inject quality in education system," he said.

Sharma said this committee would identify and attend to priority area components, supplementing government activities without replacing them and forming action plans.

It would coordinate and channelise the efforts to achieve goals and facilitate CSR works through implementing agencies like the NGOs and Corporates.

It would monitor and review CSR activities implemented by various agencies, handhold, coordinate, facilitate and monitor the impact on Education Development Index (EDI) of the state or district and share best practices in CSR among corporates.

He said there would be three separate committees so as to evolve a more scientific and professional approach in the execution of CSR activities effectively.

These are State-Level Steering Committee in Education (SLSC), Core Committee (a sub committee of SLSC) and District Level Steering Committee in Education, he said.

He said that State-Level Steering Committee would have Additional Chief Secretary, Secondary Education, as its chairperson.
The Delhi High Court today closed the hearing of the plea seeking action against former Delhi Law Minister Jitender Singh Tomar for enrolling as an advocate on the basis of an allegedly "false and bogus" graduation degree.

Justice Indermeet Kaur disposed of the plea on the ground that the Delhi police was already investigating the matter and the Disciplinary Committee of the lawyers body is probing into the issue of his degree.

"In view of the action taken by the Delhi police and other authorities concerned, there is no point of keeping the writ petition pending," the court said.

Recently BCI has ordered verification of the degrees of the lawyers on the direction of Supreme Court. The move holds more significance after Tomar's degrees were found to be fake.

The court allowed Tomar's plea to transfer his enquiry related to his degree to Bar Council of India (BCI), after it was told that the tenure of the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) ended, due to which there is delay in ongoing enquiry ordered by the lawyers body.

The court's order came on the AAP's lawmaker application seeking closer of the petition, by advocate Santosh Kumar Sharma, on the ground that he was already facing prosecution in a criminal case on the same issue.

The case has been brewing prior to Tomar's election as an MLA, as a petition was filed before High court on February 4 last year, alleging that he had given "false information" in his affidavit while filing his nomination.

In his plea, Sharma has claimed that Tomar had submitted a "fake and bogus" undergraduate degree in science from Avadh University to get enrolled in the Bishwanath Singh Institute of Legal Studies College (BSILS), Munger (Bihar) where he had purportedly studied LLB.

He was enrolled as a lawyer by the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) on the basis of a law degree from this college.

Taking note of the plea, the high court had asked BCD to



complete the inquiry as expeditiously as possible after giving due opportunity to all concerned.

50-year-old Tomar, MLA from Trinagar, was arrested on June 9, 2015, following an investigation into a complaint by BCD that he had obtained a fake law degree from Bihar college. Tomar is currently on bail.

An FIR was registered against him on June 8, 2015, at Hauz Khas police station and he was booked for alleged offences of cheating, forgery, using forged documents, forgery with intent to cheat and criminal conspiracy.

Interestingly, the BSILS College in its affidavit before Delhi High court had said that Tomar had been a bonafide LLB student though he had completed his LLB in four years and not three years.

In contrast, the Tilka Manjhi University, which is the affiliating university for the Law college, has said that the roll number given by Tomar does not match with their records.

BCI in its Certification of Practice (CoP) 2015 had asked all State Bar Councils to implement the verification process for the lawyers at the earliest. Under the new law, every advocate needs to submit all his original degrees with the Bar Council he is registered with.
A division bench of the Hyderabad High Court today set aside an order issued by Telangana government notifying the qualifications for appointment of Vice-Chancellors.

D Manohar Rao, a retired professor of Osmania University, had challenged the Government Order (GO) on the ground that it would dilute the academic qualifications and experience required for the post and result in lowering the standards at the university.

Rao had filed the petition against the state government's action of amending the AP University Act, 1991 and laws governing other universities existing in the state enabling the government to appoint VCs directly without consulting the Governor.

The petitoner argued that the government had reduced by five years the requirement of 10 years of teaching experience as a professor mandated under the law for appointment as VCs.

The bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Dileep B Bhosale set aside the GO, ruling it could not have diluted the qualifications mandated by the University Grants Commission.

The bench directed that the new recruitments for the post of VCs be done on the basis of the earlier criteria.

The bench, however, allowed the prayer of the government to suspend the operation of the order for four weeks to enable it to approach the Supreme Court.

Except for the Vice-Chancellors of Palamuru and Telangana Universities, all the VCs appointed by the government recently have more than 10 years experience as professors.
With Daniel Craig's return to James Bond franchise looking uncertain, actress Caterina Murino feels Tom Hiddleston would be the best from the list of actors running for the job.

Names of several actors like Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Hiddleston among others have been going around to play the British spy on screen if Craig steps down.

Caterina, who appeared in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale" as Solange Dimitrios, feels Hiddleston could be perfect for the role.

"For me, it is Tom Hiddleston. I love him. I have seen so many of his performances and even physically (he is perfect). Yesterday I read a list of many other actors who can be bond too but for me it is only Tom," Caterina told PTI.

"But apparently Sam Mendes in an interview said there is no one who will feature as bond from the list," she added.

Craig had earlier said that he would rather "slash" his wrists than play Bond again. The Italian actress says she understands why the 48-year-old actor may not be willing to go back to the character.

"The role requires a lot of hardwork. I think that's why in an interview he said that he would rather slash his wrist. The role is very intense. To go back and do it, is tough. I did a two-film series called 'XIII: The Conspiracy'.

"I loved the role and it became such a huge success that the French and the Canadian decided to the series. I went back three years later to do the same role, and I didn't know what more can you add to the same role. So this could be one of Daniel's huge stress, to go back and do the role again," she said.

The 38-year-old "Voice from the Stone" actress also does not rule out the chances of a female James Bond in the future.

When asked if that could be a possibility, she said since Barabara Broccoli, producer of the Bond films starring Pierce Brosnan and Craig, was "so ahead of times", it can happen.

"You know, it can be. Barbara in the years has been so advance in her approach, she has really been ahead of times even when it comes to having Bond girls, so why not."



Caterina, meanwhile, is all set for her Bollywood debut in "Fever".

The suspense-thriller, starring Rajeev Khandelwal and Gauhar Khan, has been directed by Rajeev Jhaveri.
Hillary Clinton will mark a new chapter in American political history tomorrow when she delivers acceptance speech of her nomination as a first woman presidential candidate by a major political party in the US.

In her speech, she is expected to lay down her vision of America and what she intended to accomplish in the next four years if she is elected as the next president of the US in the November general elections.

Clinton, 68, is the first woman to be nominated as a presidential candidate by a major political party - this breaking into the penultimate glass ceiling of the American political system.

She is facing a tough challenge from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

On January 20, 2017, she could be the first woman to be sworn in as the president of the US.

The Democratic National Convention said Clinton would be introduced by her daughter Chelsea Clinton.

Former US President Bill Clinton would be here inside the Wells Fargo Center when his wife, the former First Lady and the former US Senator from New York, delivers her acceptance speech.

For the past several decades in her public life, Clinton has been a strong advocate of women rights, children and down trodden not only in the US but also across the globe.

She was the first to say "women's rights is human rights".

Her relationship with India and Indian Americans is well known.

As US Senator from New York she founded Senate India Caucus - the only country-specific caucus in the Senate.

As the Secretary of State in the first term of the Obama Administration, she launched the first ever India-US Strategic Dialogue, thus institutionalising the India-US ties.

Clinton has been a frequent traveler to India and she has several Indian Americans in her campaign staff playing key role in her election strategy and policy making.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh's wife Pratibha after she skipped today's date in connection with the alleged money laundering case against her husband and others.

Official sources said Pratibha was scheduled to appear before the investigating officer of the case today but sought exemption citing some personal reasons. They said she has now been summoned to appear next week, the third date of her appearance.

Incidentally, the Delhi High Court is expected to hear tomorrow Singh's plea where he had sought a direction to the agency to not take any coercive step against him in the wake of the arrest of LIC agent Anand Chauhan in the case.

The agency has also attached assets worth about Rs eight crore against the Chief Minister earlier this year. Singh has denied allegations of any wrong doing by him and his family.

ED had filed a case under criminal provisions of money laundering laws after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by the CBI in this regard in September last year.

ED had also conducted searches in this case last year in Delhi, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

The agency is probing allegations against Singh and his family members of having amassed wealth of Rs 6.1 crore between 2009-11, disproportionate to his known sources of income, while serving as the Union Minister of Steel.

The CBI FIR (First Information Report) had named Singh, Pratibha Singh, Chauhan and his brother C L Chauhan and they were charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

CBI suspects that during the 2009-11 period, Singh allegedly invested Rs 6.1 crore in life insurance policies in his and his family members' names through Chauhan claiming this money to be his agricultural income.

It alleged that Singh attempted to legitimise the same as agricultural income by filing revised Income-Tax returns in 2012.

The agency had earlier told the court that Singh while serving as Union Minister invested huge amount in purchasing LIC policies in his own name and his family members through Chauhan.

"Further, Virbhadra Singh, while functioning as Union Minister, Government of India during the period from May 28, 2009, to June 26, 2012, acquired assets, disproportionate to his known sources of income to the tune of Rs 6,03,70,782 and further tried to justify the same in the form of agricultural income.

"Pratibha Singh, wife of Virbhadra Singh, Chauhan, with whom Virbhadra Singh has signed the alleged MoU for managing his apple orchard and Chunni Lal Chauhan, proprietor of M/s Universal Apple Associates, who purportedly showed purchase of apple of Shrikhand Orchard, have facilitated in justifying the disproportionate assets of Virbhadra Singh and thereby abetted the offence," the ED had alleged.
US President Barack Obama today said that in eight years of his presidency he has aged but not his "brilliant wife" Michelle who continues to "inspire" the nation as the First Lady.

"Twelve years ago tonight, I addressed this convention for the very first time," Obama, 54, said as he started his address to the thousands of his party delegates, leaders and supporters in this American city.

He was referring to his address at the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004.

"You met my two little girls, Malia and Sasha - now two amazing young women who just fill me with pride. You fell for my brilliant wife and partner Michelle, who's made me a better father and a better man; who's gone on to inspire our nation as First Lady; and who somehow hasn't aged a day," Obama said.

"I know the same can't be said for me. My girls remind me all the time. Wow, you've changed so much, daddy. And it's true - I was so young that first time in Boston. Maybe a little nervous addressing such a big crowd," Obama said amidst laughter from the audience.

"But I was filled with faith; faith in America - the generous, bighearted, hopeful country that made my story - indeed, all of our stories - possible," Obama added.
Under fire for asking Russia to find the missing emails of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump today said that he was "kidding" when he made the statement.

His remarks on these lines during a conference in Miami yesterday was considered by the top Democratic party leadership as seeking Russian intervention in the US election system and a national security issue.

The Clinton Campaign issued a statement condemning Trump.

Later in the night, several speakers, including the former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, slammed the Republican presidential nominee for asking the Russians to find out the missing 33,000 emails of Clinton and released them.

"I'm being sarcastic," Trump said in an interview to Fox .

"But you have 33,000 e-mails deleted, and the real problem is what was said in those e-mails from the Democratic National Committee. You take a look at what was said in those e-mails, it's disgraceful. It's disgraceful," Trump said.

"They talk about religion, they talk about race, they talk about all sorts of things, including women, and what they said in those e-mails is a disgrace," he said.

"You have to be kidding," Trump said in response to another question.

The Republican presidential nominee reiterated that the Russian President Vladimir Putin is a better leader than his American counterpart Barack Obama.

"I said he's a better leader than Obama. I said he's a better leader than Obama, because Obama's not a leader, so he's certainly doing a better job than Obama is, and that's all. Now look, you have to understand, Putin -- if we could get along with Russia, I think that would be a good thing, not a bad thing. We don't get along with Russia. We practically don't get along with too many," he insisted.

Trump said he would not tell what he would be doing with Russia when he is the president.

"I'm not going to tell you what I'd do. Why would I tell you a thing like that? Wouldn't that be crazy, to tell you what I'd do? You react at the time," he said.

"Part of the problem with this country is they go and they say, we're going to do this, we're going to attack here, we're going to send this many men -- no, no. You've got to keep it a little bit secret, got to keep it a little bit secret. You got to have it to yourself a little bit," Trump said.
Illicit poppy cultivation in the border districts of West Bengal and smuggling of the contraband across the border to Bangladesh and elsewhere are worrying intelligence authorities because it has turned out to be among the the principal sources of funds for terror outfits like the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh.

CID sources told PTI that the strategic position of these districts facilitated rise in illegal cultivation of poppy, which "has become a major fund generating business drawing several hundreds of youths into it".

Apart from Malda district's Ratua, Kaliachak and Baishnabnagar, poppy is also allegedly secretly grown at Nowada and Beldanga in Murshidabad district besides Dubrajpur, Ilambazar and Kankartala in Birbhum district.

Such cultivation was also found in Patrasayar, Indas, Onda and Barjora in Bankura and Ketugram, Mangolkote, Kaksa, Purbasthali, Katwa, Galsi and Laodaha in Burdwan, the sources said.

"Much evidence is there that the money earned from this cultivation goes to the terror groups through different channels including hawala. The money might have also gone to suspected ISIS agents through JMB," the source said.

"A large number of locals, mainly youth, are involved in cultivating it mostly in areas which are not frequented by locals," he said.

The district administration with the assistance of the NCB, local police and the BSF had destroyed 4,000 acres of poppy crop last year, whereas around 1,000 acres have been destroyed this year so far, police sources said.

According to a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) report compiled in 2011-2012, the agency had destroyed poppy crops cultivated in around 714 acres of land in the state, out of which 711 acres lay in the Malda district while the other three were in Hooghly and Burdwan districts.

"It must be mentioned that the illicit cultivation of poppy is spread over Malda's Kaliachak and Baishnabnagar and these are the areas where the fake Indian currency notes (FICN) cartels are also tracked," he said, adding that in the last couple of years several raids and arrests had been made in Kaliachak.

The CID source said that illegal poppy cultivation had



spread to villages on the zero line where the Border Security Force had almost no reach.

According to him, the link between FICN and poppy was helping the growth of terror networks in the state.

The youths involved in illegal poppy cultivation are also being usedin drug-peddling, besides smuggling fake currency.

According to the source, there is a close connection between the fake currency rackets and cultivators of illegal poppy in the state.

"On smuggling drugs across the border to Bangladesh one receives fake currency in return... It's actually over the years that Malda has become a major transit of FICN," he said citing a National Investigation Agency (NIA) 2012 report.

He said that earlier farmers in Malda were primarily into producing raw silk yarn and mango, but the easier process of cultivation and the prospect of earning huge money have lured them into cultivating the illegal crop.

"The white latex collected from the opium poppy is the main product for heroin production and the collection of latex is generally done by the children.... Heroin brings in more money for these people," he said.
The Monetary Fund on Thursday said it had not yet decided to resume a bailout of war-torn Ukraine, which the crisis lender halted over corruption concerns last year.

A spokesman for the Fund had earlier this month held out the possibility of a resumption by the end of July.

Since last August, Ukraine has received no new disbursements from a USD 17.5 billion bailout package approved in April last year.

"We expect that Ukraine would be taken up by the executive board sometime when the board reconvenes. Possibly in August or September," spokesman William Murray told a news conference.

Any resumption of funding would have to be approved by the board, which represents 189 member countries.

Ukraine is currently awaiting the next USD 1.6 billion tranche from the bailout, intended to help stabilise the country following the 2014 ouster of the pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych. So far USD 6.6 billion have been disbursed.

After two years of war, the country has suffered deep economic contractions, with GDP dropping 9.9 per cent last year after falling 6.6 per cent in 2014.

Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in February that, without substantial anti corruption and reform efforts from officials in Kiev, a resumption of funding could be difficult.

Reforms prescribed by the IMF have been tough and unpopular in Ukraine but local lawmakers have approved measures proposed by the Fund.
India and Bangladesh today agreed to enhance cooperation on anti-terror efforts with Dhaka saying that New Delhi will be "side-by-side" with it in fighting terrorists.

The India-Bangladesh Home Minister level dialogue also amended bilateral extradition treaty to facilitate prompt exchange of each other's wanted terrorists and other criminals.

"We have decided to enhance our anti-terror cooperation in all sphere. India will be side by side with Bangladesh in fighting terror," Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said after the delegation level talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.

Asked about involvement of ISIS in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka where 22 people, including one Indian girl, were killed, Khan said "all terrorists were home grown. There is no ISIS in Bangladesh".

The Bangladeshi Minister said in today's talks, activities of terror group like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh were discussed besides other groups operating in both the countries.

"There was no discussion on ISIS," he said.

Khan also denied discussing about Islamist preacher Zakir Naik, whose sermon allegedly inspired one of the terrorists who attacked the Dhaka cafe on July 1.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who participated the dialogue, said it was a "very good" meeting where there was not a single issue where the two sides disagreed.

"It was a very good discussion. There was no difference even in one point," he said, adding there will be more frequent interaction between security officials of both the countries.

The meeting agreed to hold the Home Minister level talks in every two years instead of present three years, sources said.

Other issues which figured in the meeting include enhancement of security along the international border, visa, infiltration, smuggling of narcotics and cattle, etc.

Bangladeshi counter-terror officials, accompanying their Home Minister, met officials of the National Investigation Agency while officials of Border Guard Bangladesh met their counterparts of Border Security Force.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrish and Director Generals of Border Security Force and Narcotics Control Bureau participated in the talks.

During the meeting, Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured



Bangladesh of India's fullest support and cooperation in its fight against terrorism, fundamentalism and radicalism, an official statement said.

Singh said the two countries have to be vigilant at all times and channelise efforts to defeat the terrorism and ensure peace, security and prosperity between the two countries.

The Home Minister expressed satisfaction over signing of 30 boundary strip maps pertaining to erstwhile adverse possessions and un-demarcated areas, completion of ground demarcation work, orderly movement of those enclave dwellers who chose to move to mainland India, completion of citizenship formalities of erstwhile enclave residents on both sides, etc.

Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen this relationship further on the basis of friendship, trust and understanding for mutual benefit, the statement said.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen the ongoing cooperation between the security and investigative agencies of the two countries through a programme of training, capacity building, information exchanges, etc, it said.

Both Home Ministers agreed on the need to immediately operationalise the Agreement on Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

They expressed satisfaction over the signing of an addendum to the Bilateral Extradition Treaty of 2013 to further streamline the Treaty and to make it more effective.

They also agreed on the necessity of signing a Repatriation Treaty to simplify and expedite the procedure of repatriation of each other's nationals.

Both sides also agreed to undertake urgent action for the repatriation of released prisoners and victims of human trafficking.

India and Bangladesh emphasised the need for speedy operationalisation of three bilateral MoUs, including MoU between Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard for the Establishment of Collaborative Relationship to Combat Transnational Illegal Activities at Sea and Develop Regional Cooperation and MoU to Prevent and Counter Smuggling and Circulation of Fake Currency Notes.

Earlier, the Bangladeshi delegation, led by their Home Minister, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed with him issues concerning both the countries.

(Reopens DEL 53)



Both India and Bangladesh delegations emphasised the importance of effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries and to enable them to better monitor the identified vulnerable areas with a view to preventing criminal activities, irregular movement, acts of violence and loss of lives along the border areas, the statement said.

Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the finalisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for allowing usage of Indian border roads for the construction and maintenance of Border Out Posts (BOPs) of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) as well as the use of Indian medical facilities in difficult areas along the border by BGB personnel deployed in the area.

The two countries expressed satisfaction at the regular interaction of different bilateral mechanisms including Home Secretary level talks, BSF-BGB DG level Conference, DG level meetings between Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guards, DG level meetings of the Narcotics Control Agencies of India and Bangladesh and noted that these regular exchanges helped to enhance understanding and resolve issues to mutual satisfaction.

India and Bangladesh were satisfied that regular meetings between District Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates of border districts would facilitate resolution of issues pertaining to the border areas of both countries, the statement said.

Bangladesh Home minister will visit Kolkata and is expected to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
India's push to achieve urgent reforms of the this year and secure a permanent seat has suffered a setback when the General Assembly decided to roll over discussions on reforming the world body's top organ to its next session.

India along with the G4 nations said it is "unfortunate" that momentum could not build up over the issue in the current session.

Brazil's envoy to the UN Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, speaking on behalf of the G4 groups of Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, lamented that the UN had not been able to push forward and achieve success in implementing the long-pending reform of the 15-nation powerful Council.

"There was huge expectation that time had arrived for us to move into concrete negotiations. It is unfortunate that the 70th anniversary of the UN was not able to build up momentum with a view to reaching an agreement on this important item," Patriota said in the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

India has been pushing for completing reforms of the in the 70th session of the General Assembly, which will end in September this year.

Taking consensus action on Wednesday, the General Assembly adopted an oral decision paving the way for Member States to continue discussions on reforming the Security Council during its 71st session, which will commence in September.

The Assembly reaffirmed its central role on the issue of Security Council reform.

Speaking for the G4, the Brazilian envoy described the Security Council reform as one of the most pressing issues still pending on the General Assembly's agenda.

It was crucial that Member States engage in real, text-based negotiations if the process was to have any meaning, he said.

While the elements of convergence on two of the five key issues pertaining to the reform process could be considered useful to the extent that they identified some already-known trends on the positions and proposals of Member States, other important patterns on the remaining three clusters were regrettably not reflected as leading towards convergence.

He added that it was obvious that a growing majority of Member States supported the Council's expansion in both membership categories, but that had not been registered in writing.

Member States had also argued that the under- representation of developing countries should be addressed, yet that suggestion had also not been captured.

"The longer we postpone a decision on the reform of the Security Council, the greater discredit brought upon the United Nations in its core function of promoting peace and security," he said adding, "We can no longer go around in circles on Security Council reform."
To become self-sufficient in minerals, India must start mining in the asteroid belt, scientists said here today.

"Earth's resources are finite and there is a shortage of minerals. The next best opportunity is to trap resources lying in the objects near the earth," eminent nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar told reporters here.

He said besides we can take steps to tap some asteroids in the outer space for mining.

Even the moon is rich in minerals, said Kakodkar, Chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC).

TIFAC Executive Director Prabhat Ranjan said the potential exploitation of moon and asteroids as a mineral resource can be a big game-changer.

He said a US-based private company is already planning to send the first commercial space mission to exploit such resources.

"In the next 10 to 15 years, we expect that outer space would be exploited for mineral wealth and India should not lag behind," Ranjan said on the sidelines of a function of the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute here.

He said according to a NASA estimate, the amount of mineral wealth in the asteroid belt would be equivalent to USD 100 billion.

Dr Srikumar Banerjee, former Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), said the future lies in mineral wealth mining in the space.
India stands for a united, stable and prosperous Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, emphasising that India's development cooperation with the country will be as per the aspirations of its people and leadership.

In a video message on the launch of India-assisted emergency ambulance service for western and southern provinces of Sri Lanka, Modi said, "Today, the partnership between India's capacities and your needs is not only touching the lives of our people, it also shows our path of constructive regional cooperation."



"India's development cooperation with Sri Lanka enjoys a wide spread of projects throughout Sri Lanka in different areas of economic activities. But it must happen as per your aspirations. It is for this reason that our cooperative projects rely on the choices and priorities set by the people, the leadership and the Government of Sri Lanka."



Underlining that India stands for a united, stable and prosperous Sri Lanka, he said, "That is also the goal of our partnership. And the emergency ambulance service is a unique example of this friendship."



Prime Minister Modi said the free ambulance service project, being implemented through grant assistance of India of around USD 7.55 million, represents a "concrete result" of how the close partnership between India and Sri Lanka benefits the people on the ground.

"It is another example of how Indian experiences, capacities and best practices can fulfil the needs of our friends in Sri Lanka," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the two countries have enjoyed trade and cultural relations for over centuries.

"We must strive to further strengthen our relations with India," Wickremesinghe said.

"I asked the Prime Minister Modi if we could obtain this (ambulance) facility. He agreed without any hesitation. Modi is a man with humble beginnings he has overcome many hardships in life so he is aware of the value of such a service to the rural folk," he said.

During his visit to Sri Lanka in March last year, Modi had received a request for assistance for setting of the emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka.

After the visit, Wickremesinghe, wrote to Modi for support for setting up of an emergency ambulance service and its operations for the first year.

Modi had assured full support. The decision was formalised in September 2015 during the visit of Wickremesinghe to India.

India's development portfolio in Sri Lanka is nearly USD 2.6 billion, out of which USD 436 million is pure grants.
An 18-year-old Indian-American girl has become the youngest delegate at the Democratic National Convention here which has nominated Hillary Clinton as the party's presidential candidate.

Sruthi Palaniappan from Cedar Rapids and a student of the Harvard University is a big supporter of Clinton, the first woman to be nominated as a presidential candidate by a major political party.

Her father Palaniappan Andiappan is also attending the convention as a member of credentials committee.

Sruthi has been the centre of attraction among the media here and the delegates along with Jerry Emmett, a 102-year-old delegate from Arizona who is the oldest delegate at the convention.

In addition to being the youngest delegate, Sruthi made history on Tuesday when she was given an opportunity to represent Iowa during roll call votes.

"I am extremely thankful for the surreal opportunity to have represented the Iowa delegation as a roll call speaker and to have been a part of the historic nomination process of our next president," she said.

"Together, we have made history by electing the first woman presidential nominee of a major political party- Hillary Rodham Clinton," Sruthi wrote on her Facebook post.

Sruthi said being elected as the party's delegate was a long process.

"But I'm extremely glad that I have been able to immerse myself at every step along the way and witness the political process first-hand," she said.

Highly impressed by the electrifying speech given by President Barack Obama, Sruthi said the American Dream is something no wall will ever contain.

"President Barack Obama, thank you for gracing us with your beautifully moving words. It was simply an honour to be in your presence and witness the pure emotion that emanated from your voice.

"Obama's legacy and efforts will live on when Clinton and her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine become the new President and Vice President of the United States," she said.

"We really do need to unite together in order to defeat the Republican nominee (Donald Trump). If we let Donald Trump take over the presidency, really terrible things will take our county several steps back," Sruthi was quoted as saying by the local KCRG TV.
The level of optimism among India's chief financial officers about business environment for the July-September quarter touched a five-quarter high, a survey finds out.

The Composite CFO Optimism Index for July-September (Q3 of 2016) rose by around 6 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis and 16 per cent year-on-year, Dun & Bradstreet said in a report.

"The continued stability in the rupee and the debt market even after Brexit has boosted the optimism level of the CFOs," Arvind Raghav, Director, Dun & Bradstreet India, said.

As per the findings, nearly 77 per cent of the CFOs expect domestic macroeconomic scenario to remain favourable in July-September of 2016 as against 65 per cent in the preceding quarter.

Around 57 per cent and 62 per cent stated no change in need for raising short-term and long-term funds, respectively, for the third quarter of this year.

"The thrust in policy continuity as evident in the clearance of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the marked increase in the productivity level in Parliament demonstrates the government's intent in improving the business scenario," Raghav added.

Raghav further noted that " about the development of the La Nina weather pattern, an imperative for revival in demand scenario, especially in the rural segment, has infused buoyancy to the confidence level".

More than 50 per cent expect availability of funds in the market to increase, and around 56 per cent CFOs are optimistic about the liquidity position of their company.

The survey revealed that even as more than two-thirds of the CFOs anticipate cost of funds to remain same or come down, more than half expect availability of funds to increase.
today executed four drug convicts, three of them foreigners, by firing squad, an official said, pushing on with a campaign of capital punishment that has sparked a storm of global anger.

However 10 expected to have faced the firing squad, including nationals from Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, were not put to death.

Officials did not give a reason for the reprieve, but the prison island where they were expected to be executed was hit by a major storm as the other sentences were carried out.

"This was done not in order to take lives but to stop evil intentions, and the evil act of drug trafficking," Noor Rachmad, deputy attorney general for general crimes, told reporters.

The executions came after days of protests with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the European Union voicing opposition to the plan.

It was the first round of executions in since April last year when authorities put to death eight drug convicts, including two Australians, which sparked outrage.

Friday's executions came after a day of frenetic activity, with distraught relatives travelling to Nusakambangan island to say farewells to their loved ones and ambulances carrying coffins over to the heavily guarded penal colony.

The executed Indonesian was named as Freddy Budiman, while the three others, Nigerians, were: Seck Osmane, Humphrey Jefferson Ejike Eleweke and Michael Titus Igweh.

Two people whose cases had raised high-profile concern among rights groups were not executed.

The first was Pakistani Zulfiqar Ali, whom rights groups say was beaten into confessing to the crime of heroin possession, leading to his 2005 death sentence.

The other was Indonesian woman Merri Utami, who was caught with heroin in her bag as she came through Jakarta airport and claims she was duped into becoming a drug mule.

It was the third batch of executions under President Joko Widodo, and means 18 drug convicts -- mostly foreigners -- have been put to death since he became leader in 2014.

Widodo has defended dramatically ramping up the use of capital punishment, saying that is fighting a war on drugs and traffickers must be heavily punished.

But his execution drive has shocked the community and disappointed activists, particularly as hopes were high that Widodo, seen as a fresh face in a political world dominated by figures from Indonesia's authoritarian past, would improve the country's rights record.
Indonesia rebuffed appeals from distraught relatives, rights advocates and foreign governments to abandon plans to execute 14 people, including an Indian, for drug crimes as preparations intensified at the prison island holding death row inmates.

A convoy of ambulances, most of them carrying coffins, arrived Thursday morning at the port town nearest to the Nusa Kambangan prison island, where the mostly foreign drug convicts will be executed by firing squads. Officials began tightening security at the prison several days ago, with more than 1,000 police sent to Cilacap, the port town, and the island.

The European Union and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Indonesia to impose an immediate moratorium on executions and the Indian and Pakistani governments said they were making urgent efforts to save two nationals among the condemned.

Indonesia has not released an official list of those to be executed but the country's attorney-general said 14 people would be put to death.

Community Legal Aid Institute, which is involved in some of the death row cases, has given names for four Indonesians, six Nigerians, two Zimbabweans, one Indian and one Pakistani.

Lawyers and rights groups have raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the convictions in several of the drug cases, including that of Pakistani Zulfikar Ali, Indonesian Merri Utami and Nigerian Humphrey Jefferson. About 10 women protesting in Cilacap against Utami's death sentence were taken away in a police van on Thursday.

But Muhammad Rum, a spokesman for Indonesia's attorney-general, said the executions are the "implementation of our positive laws" and will not be delayed or stopped. All the cases have gone through a long legal process including appeals, he said.

"They all have been given chances at all stages." The foreign ministry also defended the use of capital punishment and the legal process.

In Cilacap, the sister-in-law of Michael Titus, a Nigerian sentenced to death, said his Indonesian wife was returning to Indonesia from West Africa in the hope she would be able to see him a final time.

"We will keep fighting to seek justice for our family," said the relative, Nila, who used one name. "Michael is not alone. He has a wife, kids."



From Pakistan, a sister of Ali made an emotional appeal to the Indonesian authorities to review his case. Family members said the Indonesian government had arranged a final meeting between Ali and his wife and mother, who traveled to Indonesia.

"My brother is not a drug smuggler. I swear he is innocent," said Sajida Bibi. "I want to see my brother alive," she sobbed. "Don't send his body to us.
Senior IAS officer B K Prasad, who probed the Ishrat Jahan missing files case, was today appointed as Secretary, National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Tribes.

Prasad, who is working as Additional Secretary in Home Ministry, was due to retire on May 31 after completing 60 years of age of superannuation. He was, however, given two months extension which was to end on Sunday.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved appointment of Prasad to the new post for two years, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.

The Commission, which works under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was constituted in 2005 to study various developmental aspects of De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic tribes in the country.

Prasad, who was in for allegedly 'tutoring' a witness in connection with the enquiry into the case, is a 1983 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

The government had earlier appointed Maharashtra cadre IAS officer Bipin Bihari Mallick as his replacement in the Home Ministry.

In the aftermath of the controversy surrounding the issue of missing papers from the file dealing with the filing of affidavit in Ishrat Jahan case, the Home Ministry had ordered an enquiry by Prasad on March 14, this year. The panel has submitted its report on June 15.

19-year-old Ishrat Jahan and three others were killed in an alleged fake encounter in Gujarat in 2004. The Gujarat Police had then claimed those killed were LeT terrorists and had gone there to assassinate the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The papers, which disappeared from the Home Ministry, include the copy of an affidavit vetted by the then Attorney General and submitted in the Gujarat High Court in 2009 and the draft of the second affidavit vetted by the AG to which changes were made by the then Home Minister P Chidambaram.
Actress Isla Fisher says she does not like to discuss her private life.

The "Home and Away" star turned down the questions of TV hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch on their show "Sunrise" about her husband Sacha Baron Cohen while promoting her children's book, reported FemaleFirst.

"He's not here doing the interview. I don't like talking about my private life," she said.

Fisher, 40, has three children with husband Cohen and she said there is a lot of fun that goes on in their home.

"Yes, I think there's a lot of mischief that goes on in our house and a lot of fun."



Earlier, the "Bachelorette" star was more open about her family life with the "Zoolander" actor and her children.
The United States slammed as "provocative" Israeli plans to build hundreds of new settlement homes in annexed east Jerusalem, saying they seriously undermined the prospect of peace with the Palestinians.

"We are deeply concerned by reports today that the government of Israel has published tenders for 323 units in east Jerusalem settlements," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement yesterday.

"This follows Monday's announcement of plans for 770 units in the settlement of Gilo."



"These steps by Israeli authorities are the latest examples of what appears to be a steady acceleration of settlement activity that is systematically undermining the prospects for a two-state solution," Kirby said.

"We remain troubled that Israel continues this pattern of provocative and counterproductive action, which raises serious questions about Israel's ultimate commitment to a peaceful, negotiated settlement with the Palestinians."



Palestinian leaders and the United Nations joined in condemning plans advanced this week for 770 new homes that would expand the Gilo settlement on the southern perimeter of east Jerusalem.

They are part of a larger Israeli plan for around 1,200 units approved some three years ago, according to Ir Amim, an NGO that monitors Israeli settlement activity.

Israeli settlements in east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank are viewed as illegal under international law.

They are also considered major stumbling blocks to peace efforts as they are built on land Palestinians view as part of their future state.

A recent report by the diplomatic Quartet -- the United States, European Union, Russia and the UN -- said settlement expansion was eroding the possibility of a two-state solution to the conflict.

Kirby also voiced concern about increased demolitions of Palestinian structures in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, which reportedly left dozens of Palestinians homeless, including children.

"More than 650 Palestinian structures have been demolished this year, with more Palestinian structures demolished in the West Bank and east Jerusalem thus far than in all of 2015," he said.

"As the recent Quartet Report highlighted, this is part of an ongoing process of land seizures, settlement expansion, legalizations of outposts, and denial of Palestinian development that risk entrenching a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict."



Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967. It later annexed east Jerusalem, which Palestinians view as their future capital.
JNU has ordered an enquiry against a professor who was suspended earlier this week following allegations of financial irregularities.

"The Vice Chancellor has ordered an enquiry against Dr Ashish Agnihotri and he has been given 10 days to submit a written statement in his defence of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour listed in the memo issued to him," a senior university official said.

Agnihotri, a professor at JNU's Centre of Languages and Vice President of JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA), was earlier this week suspended by the university following complaints that he claimed LTC and medical reimbursements of over Rs 50,000 in respect of his parents by submitting false certificates.

"The VC has also asked the professor to not leave Delhi till the enquiry is underway and suspension in effect without obtaining prior permission," the official added.

Agnihotri, when contacted refused to comment on the issue.

JNUTA has come out in his support alleging that the administration is indulging in "witch-hunting" of teachers and claimed that the professor has accepted his "unintentional lapse" and hence his suspension be revoked.
Protesting against the restriction imposed on the media from covering court proceedings, Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) today called for a boycott of advocates and their programmes in the state.

However, the state committee of KUWJ said reporters would continue to cover the court proceedings.

"Media fraternity will boycott the lawyers and their programmes in protest against preventing them from covering court proceedings," KUWJ office bearers said here.

They alleged that advocates use the media for fame, praise them secretly, but reject them publicly.

"No programmes of such advocates will be covered by the media," KUWJ President P A Abdul Gafoor and Secretary C Narayanan said.

They also appealed to the high court judges to take steps to provide media access to the courts judgements and that of lower courts in order to ensure accuracy in reporting.

The move comes as sequel to the tiff between journalists and lawyers of Kerala High Court on July 19 and 20, over recent media coverage of an alleged bid by a government pleader to molest a woman in the city.
Taking suo moto notice of assault on a sessions judge in Mandsaur district a few days ago, Madhya Pradesh High Court has initiated a petition against the state government and the concerned officers.

Mandsaur Additional Sessions Judge Rajvardhan Gupta was beaten up by some people after a boy was hit by his car and got injured at Sunthod village on July 23, according to the police.

A video of the incident had gone viral.

The petition would come up for hearing on August 1.

The High Court Registrar General Manohar Mamtani apprised the acting Chief Justice Rajendra Menon who decided to take up the case suo motu, a release from the High Court administration said.
One militant of KCP identified as Oinam Somenchandra was arrested from Jaipur Khunou in Bishnupur district last night by Manipur police.

The 32-year-old, though associated with KCP which is engaged in Suspension of Operations with the Centre and the state government, was also found to have links with the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM), the police officer said.

The militant was accused of hurling hand grenades and invvolved in extortion activities from general public, the police officer said.
Sri Lanka's opposition led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched a five-day protest march today to highlight the government's "repression" and "poor" economic management.

Rajapaksa said the opposition protest march was to highlight the government's repression and poor economic management due to which people are facing hardships. He also criticised the proposed Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India.

He said that unemployment is one of the issues faced by the public and the government has failed to address this.

The police had obtained court orders to prevent the protest rally.

The march was to begin in the central district of Kandy town but had to be shifted to Peradeniya following the court order. The march will end in Colomboon August1 with a public rally.

"No government before this had tried to stop this kind of democratic action. This government tried to stop this," Rajapaksa said.

He said the current unity government is doing this out of fear from the Joint Opposition (JO) led protest march.

Rajapaksa said the JO respected the court order by moving the venue.

"This group is trying to block investigations against them for their corrupt action, Minister of Highways Lakshman Kiriella said.

"They lost two national elections last year. Now trying to topple the government without giving the government the chance to work," Kiriella said.
The Law Commission has reviewed the criteria of judge-population ratio for determining the number of judges needed which the Chief Justice of India had cited to say that India needed 50 judges per million people, the government said in the Lok Sabha today.

In the presence of the Prime Minister on April 24, CJI T S Thakur had lamented the government's "inaction" in increasing the number of judges from the present 21,000 to 40,000 to handle the "avalanche" of litigations, saying, "You cannot shift the entire burden on the judiciary".

He had said "nothing has moved" since 1987 when the Law Commission had recommended increase in the number of judges from 10 judges per 10 lakh people to 50.

Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary said at the inauguration of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices Conference here in April, the CJI had cited the 120th report of the Law Commission brought out in 1987 for increasing the ratio of judges per million of population to 50.

"However, the criteria of the judge-population ratio for determining the adequacy of the judge strength in the country has been reviewed by the Law Commission in its 245th report (submitted in 2014) prepared on the directions of the Supreme Court," he said in a written reply.

The apex court had asked the law panel to evolve a method for scientific assessment of the number of additional courts to clear the backlog of cases.

"In the 245th report, the Law Commission has observed that filing of cases per capita varies substantially across geographic units as filings are associated with economic and social conditions of population. As such, the Commission did not consider the judge-population ratio to be a scientific criterion for determining the adequacy of the judge strength in the country," the minister said.

The Commission had found that in the absence of complete and scientific approach to data collection across various high courts, the 'rate of disposal' method to calculate the number of additional judges required to clear the backlog as well as to ensure that the new backlog is not created, is more pragmatic and useful, Chaudhary said.

Addressing a press conference to mark two years of the Narendra Modi government, then Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had last month virtually said the same thing. But this is for the first time that the government has made the observation on the CJI's remarks in Parliament.
A LeT 'Ameer' was leading the funeral procession of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani who was killed in an encounter, Mumbai attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed has claimed, in a pointer to the Pakistan-based terror group's role in anti-India protests in Kashmir Valley.

"Burhan Wani was martyred. Lakhs of Kashmiris came to the streets to attend his funeral. Did you see a man who was being carried on shoulders by the crowd? Do you know this youth who was leading the procession? Do you know who he is? He is 'ameer' of LeT," said Saeed, the founder of Laskar-e-Taiba (LeT).

His statement that LeT 'Ameer' Abu Dujana was leading Wani's funeral procession earlier this month after the young Hizb commander was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir was made at a rally in Faisalabad, about 185 km from here.

Saeed, designated a terrorist by the United States with a USD 10 million bounty on his head, heads the Jamaat-ud-Dawa( JuD), which is seen as a front group for the outlawed LeT.

He also claimed that Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi called him over phone and sought help.

"Asiya Andrabi called me over phone and asked, 'where are my Pakistani brothers? We are in trouble'," Saeed said.

"I told my Pakistani brothers to respond to her call. It was immediately decided to send a group to Kashmir and within three days all preparations were done. Several people from Faisalabad went to Kashmir," he said.

Saeed, who travels freely and gives speeches inciting people to attack Western and Indian interests, had warned more violence in Kashmir in a recent interview.

The LeT was behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and was banned in Pakistan in 2015.
Jared Leto is aware that Heath Ledget cast a long shadow with his depiction of Joker but the actor is confident that his interpretation of the comic villain will be different in "Suicide Squad".

Ledger's iconic performance in "The Dark Knight" won him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Leto, 44, says he loved Ledger's take on the infamous character.

"Heath did an impeccable, perfect performance as the Joker," the actor told Rolling Stone magazine.

"It's one of the best performances ever in cinema. I had met Heath before. I didn't know him well, but he was a beautiful person."



Leto, who graces the cover of the magazine for its August 11 issue, says he was hesitant about following in Ledger's legacy but then accepted the role as Joker has had a long past in cinema with Jack Nicholson portraying the role in 1989's "Batman".

"I think had it only been portrayed by Heath and it was never a comic book, maybe I would have felt that would be inappropriate. But I thought that given the history, it was OK. The good thing about other people having done this is that you know what direction not to head in.
'Practical Guidance', an innovative online solution to reduce the time-consuming research on legal process, has been launched in India by LexisNexis.

The work-flow based solution was launched in association with Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) which would help the researchers, lawyers, students and academicians.

"With Lexis Practical Guidance, we have tried to re-engineer how things are done and, in particular, how we can make operations quick, trackable and efficient, saving both time and money," Mohan Ramaswamy, Managing Director of LexisNexis India said during the launch event which was attended by SILF's President Lalit Bhasin along with other law firm partners, senior advocates and corporate counsel.

A statement issued by the firm said that LexisNexis has developed a premium content for India in partnership with SILF and some eminent corporate/general, uniquely aimed at the Indian market, with currently offering modules in Companies Act, Mergers and Acquisitions, Enterprise Corporate Management, Commercial Contracts and FEMA.

Speaking at the occasion, Bhasin said "this strategic partnership combines our and LexisNexis' expertise in developing indispensable knowledge resources with the aid of our legal experts' knowledge, principles and practices to produce the best, most reliable and user-friendly content for legal professionals.
In one of the largest bancassurance partnerships since life insurance policy sale by banks was liberalised, industry behemoth LIC and third largest private sector lender Axis Bank today entered into a tie-up to sell the former's products.

The financial institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), under which Axis Bank branches will be selling LIC's policies, a joint statement issued here said.

This is one of the biggest tie-ups announced after financial sector regulators liberalised norms governing the sale of insurance products by banks, called Bancassurance, under which lenders were allowed to sell products of multiple insurance companies in 2013-14.

"The coming together of the two major reputed organisations would enable them to combine and utilise the synergies for enhancing customer satisfaction," LIC executive director for bancassurance Mukesh Gupta said.

"Over the past five years, the life insurance business at Axis Bank has grown at a CAGR of over 25 per cent. The partnership with LIC would enable us to further expand our existing bouquet of offerings," Axis Bank retail banking head Rajiv Anand said.

To start with, Axis Bank branches in Bengal, Bengaluru and Haryana's Panchkula will start selling LIC's multiple products, the statement said.

LIC commands a 76.8 per cent market share in policies and 70.4 per cent share in first premium, while Axis Bank has a network of over 3,000 branches, including extension points.
India should pro-actively search for an alternative to the Soviet built AN-32 transport aircraft, one of the IAF planes which has gone missing over the Bay of Bengal on July 22, the Lok Sabha was told today.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahtab expressed concern that the IAF transport plane was still missing despite a combined search by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and the IAF.

He strongly pleaded that it was time India looked for an alternative as it faced a strange situation as regards supply of spares in the wake of the break-up of the Soviet Union.

Mahtab said that while the engine part of the plane was being built by Russia, other components are being manufactured by neighbouring Ukraine, the two countries which are not on the best of terms.

Noting the importance of transport planes at times of war, he recalled that the USA had not responded to urgent pleas from India to provide such planes to rush troops to the border when China attacked in 1962.

Deepender Hooda (Cong) sought a statement from the government over the missing transport aircraft.
Four states, including Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, may soon join the Centre's UDAY scheme meant for revival of debt-stressed power distribution companies.

"Power Ministry talks with Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on UDAY scheme are at advance stages. These states are likely to join the scheme very soon," a source said.

Madhya Pradesh can formally ink the agreement in a few weeks, the source said.

Madhya Pradesh discoms have an accumulated debt of Rs 35,000 crore. The state is estimated to get benefit to the extent of Rs 11,500 crore during next three years of the turnaround. Following the reforms, it could go up to Rs 14,500 crore annually.

In the case of Tamil Nadu, the source said the total debt is Rs 67,000 crore, including around Rs 46,000 crore in the distribution segment. It is estimated that during three years of the turnaround, the state will get cumulative benefit of Rs 18,600 crore. After three years, the annual benefits are estimated at Rs 22,420 crore.

Power Minister Piyush Goyal has recently met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in an effort to get the state on board on UDAY.

Similarly, Telangana discoms' debt stands at around Rs 6,700 crore. For the three years of reforms, the cumulative benefit is estimated at Rs 6,000 crore, following which the state will see it go up to Rs 6,100 crore annually.

Puducherry has a debt load of Rs 423 crore and will get benefits of Rs 440 crore annually after implementation of UDAY scheme in three years.

Earlier this week on Tuesday, Manipur became the 14th state to join the UDAY scheme, for which the gains translate into around Rs 263 crore. It is also the first North Eastern state to opt for UDAY for improving efficiency of its discoms.

The UDAY scheme was launched by the Centre in November last year to revive debt-laden power distribution companies.
Opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro say they have been arrested for their political activities and subjected to torture including brutal beatings and electric shocks, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said.

At least 21 opposition activists have been arrested since May, and most report being tortured or otherwise abused in custody, the New York-based rights group said on Wednesday.

Some of those arrested said they were forced to confess to crimes they did not commit or threatened with rape or murder, said the group, which based its findings on interviews, court documents and police records.

With oil-giant Venezuela's economy pushed to the brink of collapse by the crash in global crude prices, Maduro is fighting off opposition efforts to make him face a recall referendum.

Opponents have sought to rally mass protests to pressure the leftist leader. The authorities have responded by arresting opposition figures.

HRW called on the Organization of American States to step up pressure on Maduro's government to investigate alleged abuses and release prisoners who have been arbitrarily detained.

"Without strong regional pressure, the Venezuelan government may well believe that it can get away with brutal and authoritarian punishment for dissent," the rights group's Americas director, Jose Miguel Vivanco, told a press conference in Buenos Aires.

He said Venezuela is currently holding some 90 political prisoners.

The report, presented in the Argentine capital, documents 21 cases.

They include that of 20-year-old student Jose Gregorio Hernandez Carrasco, who was arrested for alleged violence against the security forces at a protest in Caracas on May 18.

"He was beaten and tortured and finally agreed to sign a confession because his abusers threatened to rape him," said the report.

"The torture included applying electric shocks, covering his head with a plastic bag to choke him and placing a stick on his rectum and threatening to rape him.

"Hernandez Carrasco remains in detention and subject to criminal prosecution, despite the fact that the attorney general's office failed to present any credible evidence against him," it said.

Maduro's government denies holding political prisoners.
Opposition parties in Maharashtra Legislative Council today demanded a CBI inquiry into the over Rs 350-crore Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) road scam.

The state government, however, said the probe will be transferred to the investigative agency "only if required".

Senior Congress member Narayan Rane, while raising the issue through a calling attention motion, alleged that the scale of corruption (in BMC) has gone beyond Rs 9,000 crore in the last three years.

"This year alone corruption worth Rs 352 crore has taken place," he said.

"The difference between the scheduled rate and market rate is as much as 60 per cent that led to irregularities in awarding contracts (in road department). The government should reveal the names of the politicians, who are in partnership with companies that receive contracts," Rane added.

Therefore, the government needs to transfer the inquiry to the CBI so that a detailed probe can be undertaken, he added.

Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde challenged the government to hand over the audit of the BMC road department to Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), if it had "guts".

Backing Rane, Congress group leader Sharad Ranpise said the government should intervene in BMC's affairs and considering the quantum of irregularities, should "dissolve the BMC".

Responding to the Opposition's demands, Minister of State for Urban Development Ranjit Patil said, "An inquiry is already on. If required, the probe will be transferred to the CBI and the CAG will be asked to conduct an audit as per the procedure."



"If there are irregularities, they will be out in the inquiry report. Until now, only five out of 200 roads inquiries have been completed," he added.

The minister also clarified that blacklisted contractors have not been awarded any contract, however, they will have to complete the work already awarded to them before being denied new works.

Replying to Ranpise, Patil said, "The contracts have been awarded by the standing committee as per proper procedure.
Protests intensified on Thursday in several parts of north Karnataka against the Tribunal's interim order rejecting Karnataka's petition seeking 7.56 tmcft for drinking water projects.

Tension gripped most parts of northern Karnataka like Gadag, Hubballi, Dharwad, Haveri, Belagavi where police have made tight security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident.

Shops, commercial establishments and educational institutions at most places remained shut, officials said.

Protests by several organisations and farmers are also being held across the state, including Bengaluru.

Pro-Kannada and farmer associations have called for 'Karnataka Bandh' on July 30 against the interim order.

Karnataka, which has locked horns with neighbouring Goa on the larger issue of sharing Mahadayi river water between both the states, had petitioned the tribunal seeking release of 7.56 tmcft of water for Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.

The tribunal, which gave its interim order on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both Karnataka and Goa, had rejected the state's plea citing various grounds including ecological damage that the project may cause.

The Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) project, which will utilise 7.56 tmcft from the inter-state Mahadayi river, is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

Reacting to the order, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had on Wednesday said Karnataka in its petition, asked for 7.56 tmcft for drinking purpose which should have been given priority according to Water Policy.

Siddaramaiah had led an all party delegation to the Prime Minister seeking his intervention for an out of court settlement of the issue. Karnataka Legislature had also passed a resolution seeking the Prime Minister's intervention.

Goa government had earlier rejected Karnataka's attempt for out of court settlement of the dispute, stating that the people of the state felt it was more prudent to settle the dispute through the Tribunal.

Reacting to the order, BJP leader and former water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai said it was against natural justice.

Claiming that the tribunal has not considered the Central Water Commission's report and also not yet received any assessment, he asked the state government to immediately go before the Supreme Court.
A litterateur with the zeal of an activist, Mahasweta Devi used creative expression as a tool to fight for the rights of the indigenous people and marginalised sections.

With the sincerity of an activist and the passion of a writer, the Bengali writer was the voice of the oppressed in her novels and short stories, which won her a number of awards including the Padma Vibhushan, Magsaysay, Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith.

All her acclaimed works like 'Hajar Churashir Ma' (Mother of 1084), 'Aranyer Adhikar' (Right to the Forest, 'Jhansir Rani' (The Queen of Jhansi), 'Agnigarbha' (The Fire Within), 'Rudali', 'Sidhu Kanhur Daakey', etc give us invaluable insights into the lives of the oppressed class.

A number of her works have been adapted for the silver screen. Govind Nihalani's 1998 Hindi film 'Hazaar Chaurasi ki Ma' (The Mother of 1084) is based on her Bengali novel on the emotional struggles of a mother who tries to understand the reasons behind her son's involvement in the Naxalite movement.

In 1993, Kalpana Lajmi also made the award-winning 'Rudaali' on her novel by the same name chronicling the life of professional mourners upon the death of upper-caste males in Rajasthan.

Italian director Italo Spinelli also made the multi-lingual 'Gangor' based on her short story 'Choli Ke Peeche' about the rights of women.

Going beyond her role as a writer and journalist, Devi also helped tribals and the rural dispossessed in organising themselves in groups so that they could take up development activities in their own areas.

She founded several grassroot level societies for the welfare of tribals.

Despite enjoying celebrity status in her home city,



Devi's lifestyle was simple and modest.

Born in 1926 in Dhaka to middle-class parents, her father Manish Ghatak was a renowned poet of his time and uncle was filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, one of the front runners of parallel cinema movement in India.

She studied at Rabindranath Tagore's university in Santiniketan and married eminent playwright Bijon Bhattacharya, one of the founding members of the Indian People's Theater Association. The couple divorced later on.

Their son Nabarun, who passed away in 2014, was also a well-known poet and novelist who won the Sahitya Akademi award.

During her lifetime, the writer-activist also taught English literature in a college and also wrote for newspapers on topics related to rural India.

In one of her speeches she had remarked that social activism was the driving force of all her literary activities, be it literature, newspaper columns or the journal she edited.

For her novels and short stories, she travelled deep into rural areas to research the oral history of tribal communities especially in adjacent Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal.

Her historical fiction 'Aranyer Adhikar' (Right to the Forest), for which she won the Sahitya Akademi award, India's highest literary accolade, in 1979 is about the life and struggles of tribal leader Birsa Munda and the famous Munda rebellion against the British in the late nineteenth century.

In 'Agnigarbha', a collection of four long stories about the Naxalite tribal unrest, and in the novel 'Bish-Ekush' (1986), she chronicled untold stories about the Naxalite movement.

Other notable works of the prolific writer include 'Chotti Munda 0 Tar Teer (Chotti and His Arrow, 1979), 'Subhaga Basanta' (1980) and 'Sidhu Kanhur Daakey' (1981).
Mahindra's Farm Equipment Sector (FES), a part of the USD 17.8 billion Mahindra Group, today launched its first custom hiring centre for farm equipment rental business under its 'TRRINGO' initiative.

Focused to bring in new age digital technology to the tractor rental business, TRRINGO is expected to significantly increase the reach of farm mechanization, the company said.

The first centre was inaugurated by Karnataka Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda at Hithnal Hobli in Koppal District, in the presence of other company officials.

Speaking at the inauguration, Arvind Kumar, CEO - TRRINGO, M&M Ltd said that as part of the MoU signed with the Government of Karnataka, TRRINGO's first custom hiring centre in Koppal was being inaugurated.

"With our first set of custom hiring centres, we will reach out directly to the farmers and enable them to deploy mechanisation technology on a pay per use basis without having to invest in the asset," he said.

Further, it will generate rural employment and help bridge the gap between requirement and availability, offering farmers easy access to a wide variety of tractors, he said.

Kumar said Karnataka is an important market for the company and going forward its aim is to expand operations by setting up key hubs in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

TRRINGO, the first-of-its-kind farm equipment aggregator service, allows farmers to rent tractors and other mechanized farm equipment for completing their farming requirements without any investment, the company said in a release.

A call to the help line number '1800-266-2668', connects the farmer to the TRRINGO call center and immediate assistance through the nearest available tractor or equipment vendor is provided, the company said.

TRRINGO provides a unique business model based on franchisees where a rural businessman can invest in 5 tractors and equipment and set up a hub or a centre for operations, the release said.
The Supreme Court today sought a clarification from a two-judge bench, which had found 634 medical students guilty of adopting unfair means in their entrance tests but had differed on quantum of sentence, as to whether it can hear the entire matter afresh.

A three-judge bench comprising justices J S Khehar, Kurian Joseph and Arun Mishra is hearing the matter which has been referred to it as the two-judges bench failed to arrive at a consensus regarding award of punishment to be meted out to the 634 students.

The students were found guilty of adopting unfair means in getting admissions in Madhya Pradesh medical colleges through VYAPAM.

While Justice J Chelameswar wanted the students to serve as doctors for five years in Army before being granted licence to practice as doctors, Justice A M Sapre ordered them to take up the entrance test afresh. However, both the judges had concurred that the students were guilty.

The three-judge bench today agreed to the contention of senior advocate Shyam Diwan, representing the students, that the judgement has not arrived at any conclusion.

The bench then decided to seek opinion of the previous bench as to whether it can hear the entire matter afresh.

The apex court had on May 16, in its verdict had failed to arrive at a consensus leaving the fate of the 634 students to hang in balance.

Medicos had challenged two verdicts, delivered in 2014, of the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissing their pleas against cancellation of their results in the entrance examinations, being held from 2008 to 2013, by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB), also known as VYAPAM.

In its inquiry, the examination board had concluded that the exam process was "tampered with" and these 634 medicos were the beneficiaries of "manipulated examination process".

Referring the divergent verdict to Chief Justice T S Thakur for "further orders", Justice J Chelameswar had said that he favoured permitting students to complete studies and "compensate" society by serving in Army without any claim.

Justice Sapre had said it is collective responsibility of the government (central/states), educational institutions to ponder over and evolve a uniform policy in a comprehensive manner to firmly deal with such activities in the larger public good.
A man was arrested today for allegedly possessing 116 bottles of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in his house at Hasanganj in Munger district in Bihar, where consumption of liquor is prohibited.

Acting on a tip off, police raided the village and arrested Kishor Yadav from his dilapidated house and seized 116 bottles of IMFL, Superintendent of Police Ashish Bharti said.

Yadav had allegedly brought the consignment of liquor from Jharkhand for selling it to local consumers at a premium.

Yadav's two other associates, Santosh Yadav and Shatrujeet Yadav, managed to escape ahead of police raid, he said.

Bihar was in April declared a dry state with the Nitish Kumar government imposing a total ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol including IMFL.
The mayor of this largely white, historically working-class Boston suburb is promising not to remove a Black Lives Matter banner from City Hall despite complaints from police officers in the state.

Mayor Joe Curtatone, a white Democrat, said yesterday it's "OK to disagree" and the only way to resolve the impasse is through an "open dialogue" about race.

"That sign is not coming down," he insisted while standing in front of City Hall flanked by the police chief and two deputy chiefs.

The Somerville Police Employees Association and other police unions said they'd peacefully rally last evening outside City Hall, where the sign has hung for nearly a year, to demand Curtatone remove it.

The police union's president, Michael McGrath, said his officers support the "core goal" of the Black Lives Matter movement but believe the banner sends an "exclusionary message" and is disrespectful to officers.

"In the face of the continuing assassination of innocent police officers across the country ... It is irresponsible of the city to publicly declare support for the lives of one sector of our population to the exclusion of others," McGrath said in a statement this week.

Curtatone, the son of Italian immigrants and the mayor since 2004, has argued that standing up for minority residents and supporting police officers aren't "competing interests."



He noted the city has also hung a banner over police headquarters honoring the officers slain in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"Both of those banners are hanging for the same reason: Too many people have died in a cycle of violence that needs to be stopped," he said in a statement.

When asked yesterday whether he thought it was appropriate to place the Black Lives Matter banner on a government building, he replied: "No one can sit out this conversation. Where this is happening is in cities. This is the grassroots level."



Curtatone hung the 4-foot-by-12-foot banner over City Hall's main entrance in August 2015 at the request of a local Black Lives Matter chapter. At the time, he said it was meant to recognize that "structural racism" exists in society and stressed it was not a criticism of his police department.

The police banner hangs over the police headquarters entrance and says, "In honor and remembrance," with an image of the Dallas Police Department badge and a black band across it.
Menopause and insomnia may increase a woman's risk of ageing-related diseases and early death, new research has claimed.

Researchers found that menopause accelerates biological ageing and that insomnia, which often accompanies menopause, also has a clear association with age acceleration.

The findings, which suggest that both factors could increase women's risk for ageing-related diseases and earlier death, contribute to increasing evidence of the biological clock's variability, researchers said.

"Our study is the first to demonstrate that menopause makes you age faster," said Steve Horvath from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in the US.

Not getting restorative sleep may do more than just affect our functioning the next day, said Judith Carroll from UCLA.

"It might also influence the rate at which our biological clock ticks," said Carroll.

"In the women we studied, those reporting symptoms such as restless sleep, waking repeatedly at night, having difficulty falling asleep, and waking too early in the morning tended to be older biologically than women of similar chronological age who reported no symptoms," she said.

Both studies used a genetic "biological clock" developed by Horvath, which has become a widely used method for tracking the epigenetic shift in the genome.

Epigenetics is the study of changes to DNA packaging that influence which genes are expressed but do not affect the DNA sequence itself, researchers said.

In the menopause study, researchers tracked methylation, a chemical biomarker linked to ageing, to analyse DNA samples from more than 3,100 women enrolled in four large studies.

Researchers measured the biological age of cells from blood, saliva and inside the cheek, from 3,100 women to explore the relationship between each woman's chronological age and her body's biological age.

"We discovered that menopause speeds up cellular ageing by an average of six per cent. That does not sound like much but it adds up over a woman's lifespan," said Horvath.

"Take, for example, a woman who enters early menopause at age 42. Eight years later, her body would be a full year older biologically than another 50-year-old woman who entered menopause naturally at age 50," he said.

In the sleep study, researchers drew their data from more than 2,000 women. Using the epigenetic clock, they found that postmenopausal women with five insomnia symptoms were nearly two years older biologically than women the same chronological age with no insomnia symptoms.

"We cannot conclude definitively from our study that the insomnia symptoms lead to the increased epigenetic age, but these are powerful findings," said Carroll.

The findings were published in the journals PNAS and Biological Psychiatry.
The interim order of the Mhadei water tribunal generated much heat in the Lok Sabha today with Karnataka members seeking a solution to the water crisis in four districts of the state hit hard by the decision.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Prakash Hukkeri (Congress) spoke of the protests in Belgaum, Gadag, Bijapur and Dharwad districts in the wake of interim order.

The tribunal had directed the Karnataka government not to divert 7.56 TMC water from the Mhadei river to the Malaprabha basin.

The issue witnessed charges and countercharges from BJP and Congress members from the state and at one point, Congress members stormed the Well when the ruling party attempted to target the Congress chief.

BJP member Suresh Angadi attacked the Karnataka government for "not acting properly" on the issue, which was strongly protested by Congress members. Angadi was supported by his party colleagues from the state including B S Yeddyurappa.

Goa and Karnataka are currently battling out a dispute over the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura dam project across the waters of the Mhadei river at a central tribunal. Mhadei, also known as the Mandovi river, is known as a lifeline in the northern parts of the state. It originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji in Goa.

Congress members demanded that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar spell out the government's position, but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said she would not allow anyone to speak. Ananth Kumar hails from Karnataka.
Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today informed the Assembly that motive behind the murder of gangster Ashpaq Bengre at Colvale jail was not yet known.

"The deceased and the person who is arrested for killing shared the same cell. They never had any dispute or fight in the past. So there is suspicion that there is some other motive for the murder which we are yet to ascertain," Parsekar said, speaking on demands for grants of police and jail departments.

Bengre was facing more than 16 cases in Goa, Karnataka and Chandigarh.

The Crime Branch, which is investigating the murder, has arrested Pravin Karbotkar who is involved in 13 cases across Goa and Maharashtra.

Parsekar said they were in the same cell as both were undertrials.

"There is some force behind the murder. I don't want to make any comment on the issue as Crime Branch is investigating the case," the Chief Minister said.

The CM also said that undertrials and convicts are kept in separate wings in the Colvale jail.

Referring to the complaint by anti-mining activist Ravindra Velip that he was assaulted in Sada sub-jail where he was lodged for protesting against the transportation of iron ore, Parsekar said the magisterial inquiry found out that there was no truth to it.

Velip had complained that on March 24 this year he was blindfolded and assaulted inside the Sada sub-jail.
South Korean police launched an investigation today after 200 badges featuring the portrait of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il were found at a hotel near the country's main airport, Yonhap agency reported.

Police found the badges scattered on a flowerbed at the Grand Hyatt near Incheon International Airport and have launched a joint probe with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) into the source of the pins, South Korea's Yonhap said.

Police officials and the NIS both declined to comment on the matter to AFP.

All North Korean adults are required to wear a pin that bears the image of founder Kim Il-Sung or his son, Kim Jong-Il -- or both -- as a token of their loyalty to the leadership.

In South Korea, wearing or even possessing such a badge would be illegal since praising the North in public is punishable by law with up to seven years in jail.

The badges were found just a day after the South Korean military said it discovered bags of North Korean propaganda leaflets floating down the Han River that flows through Seoul.

The leaflets contained threats to launch missile attacks on the South as well as the usual propaganda messages, the defense ministry told reporters.

It was the first time the North had attempted to float leaflets into the South in such a way. Normally they are tied to helium balloons and launched over the border.

Tensions on the divided Korean peninsula have been running high since Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a series of ballistic missile tests.

Last week, the North fired three ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) in an exercise aimed at simulating pre-emptive attacks on South Korean ports and airfields hosting US military "hardware".
North Korea's top diplomat for US affairs said on Thursday that Washington "crossed the red line" and effectively declared war by putting leader Kim Jong Un on its list of sanctioned individuals, and said a vicious showdown could erupt if the US and South Korea hold annual war games as planned next month.

Han Song Ryol, director-general of the US affairs department at the North's Foreign Ministry, said in an interview that recent US actions have put the situation on the Korean Peninsula on a war footing.

The United States and South Korea regularly conduct joint military exercises south of the Demilitarised Zone, and Pyongyang typically responds to them with tough talk and threats of retaliation.

Han said believes the nature of the maneuvers has become openly aggressive because they reportedly now include training designed to prepare troops for the invasion of the North's capital and "decapitation strikes" aimed at killing its top leadership.

Han says designating Kim himself for sanctions was the final straw.

"The Obama administration went so far to have the impudence to challenge the supreme dignity of the DPRK in order to get rid of its unfavourable position during the political and military showdown with the DPRK," Han said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The United States has crossed the red line in our showdown," he said. "We regard this thrice-cursed crime as a declaration of war."



Although had already been heavily sanctioned internationally for its nuclear weapons and long-range missile development programs, Washington's announcement on July 6 was the first time Kim Jong Un has been personally sanctioned.

Less than a week later, Pyongyang cut off its final official means of communications with Washington known as the New York channel. Han said Pyongyang has made it clear that everything between the two must now be dealt with under "war law."



Kim and 10 others were put on the list of sanctioned individuals in connection with alleged human rights abuses, documented by the United Nations Human Rights Commission, that include a network of political prisons and harsh treatment of any kind of political dissent in the authoritarian state.

US State Department officials said the sanctions were intended in part to highlight those responsible for the abuses and to pressure lower-ranking officials to think twice before carrying them out.
Actress Nargis Fakhri has refuted reports she is planning to quit the Hindi film industry and go back to the US.

Fakhri has been long plagued with media reports that she was unhappy post break-up with actor Uday Chopra and wanted to return to her home in New York.

The 36-year-old actress shared a post on Instagram today along with a picture of her upcoming movie "Banjo" and cleared that she has no plans to leave Bollywood.

"Looking forward to finishing my assignment in the US and being back to start promoting #Banjo in a few weeks!!! #noplanstoquit #hatersgonnahate #allelsearebaselessrumours."



Also starring Riteish Deshmukh, "Banjo" is a musical action drama film. It will hit theatres on September 23.
A woman Naxal was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra today as the Naxals started their annual martyrs' week, police said.

The rebels observe the martyrs' week from July 28 to August 3 in the memory of their slain comrades.

The ultras have put up banners and posters in some places, appealing the people to participate in the martyrs' week. The district borders on Chhattisgarh.

A police release said that an unidentified woman Naxal was killed in an encounter in the forest near Bhimpur village under the jurisdiction of Pendhri police station this morning.

There was an exchange of fire between the state police's C-60 commandos and the Quick Response Team jawans and the Naxals in which a woman Naxal was killed, it said.

She had not been identified yet, it added.

A rifle, 25 backpacks, five tents and Naxal literature were found on the spot.

Meanwhile, the buses of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) have stopped plying in remote areas of the district, fearing increased violence by the Naxals during the week.

Pavan Wasamwar, the chief of MSRTC bus stand here, said buses were not plying in Bhamragad, Sironcha, Korchi, Malewada, Manpur, Rangi, Etapalli, Angara, Vikaspalli, etc.

The services would be closed in these areas till August 3. Private operators too have stopped services there, he said.
There is a huge unmet demand for credit among small enterprises and are cashing in on this as their distribution reach remains unmatched by banks in areas such as microfinance, used vehicle financing and rural housing, says a Morgan Stanley report.

According to the financial services major, though private sector banks are leading the charge in retail sector, non-banking companies (NBFCs) are quite close on their heels.

"Just as stock market investors were writing obituaries of that did not make the cut for banking licences, a new cycle was emerging for some of these companies," the report said, adding asset quality for top-tier over the last two years has held up better than expected.

The top 12 NBFCs with about $92 billion of retail loans are barely 5 per cent smaller in size than the corresponding retail books of the top five private sector banks, Morgan Stanley said, quoting Kotak Institutional Equities and company data.

Moreover, NBFCs now have a large presence in most retail lending segments and are estimated to account for a 44 per cent share in automobile loans and a 52 per cent share in loans against property, it added.

"Microfinance is seeing a huge boom after having absorbed the shocks from the Andhra Pradesh crisis five years ago, the report said, adding "there is a huge unmet demand for credit among small enterprises, where cash flows are difficult to assess and a residential property may be the only collateral".

Interestingly, the outperformance of NBFCs has coincided with a period of rising stress in the corporate loan books of most state-owned and some private sector banks that were focused on project .

"Arguably, these 'corporate' banks have been preoccupied with recognition and resolution of these nonperforming loans and have left an open space for NBFCs and consumer-focused private sector banks to grab share," the report said.
Despite facing a financial crunch, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has decided to implement the recommendations of the for its employees.

"After the notification of recommendations of the by the Centre, it has been decided that the NDMC would also implement the recommendations of the for its employees as it is," NDMC Standing Committee Chairman Pravesh Wahi said.

"We hope this would boost the morale and improve efficiency of the employees," he said.

The matter would soon come up in the NDMC House and sources said it is likely to be cleared by it.

"The civic body had made a provision for implementing it in its budget. And, now it will come up before the Standing Committee and is likely to get cleared by it and the House," a civic official said.

"Although we are facing a financial crunch yet this decision has been taken keeping in view the interest of the employees," Wahi said.

He claimed, once the process is completed, the NDMC would be the first local body to implement the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission.

"Employees of the corporation have to work under pressure, besides facing situations arising due to financial position, yet they work in the interest of citizens. Hence, it has been decided in their interest. And, we hope, this would certainly improve our services too," Wahi said.
NIA today questioned Bahadur Ali alias 'Saifullah', a Pakistani national allegedly working for Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit, about involvement of his group in spreading violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

A fourth-class dropout Ali, who hails from Jahama village of Raiwind in Lahore, was arrested from village Yahama in Mawar area of Qalamabad, Handwara, in North Kashmir on July 25. The Army had recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pistols and Indian Rs 23,000 from his possession.

A team of NIA officials led by a Deputy Inspector General took the custody of 22-year-old from Handwara court and brought him here for a thorough interrogation, including carrying out some scientific tests.

The captured militant had told his interrogators in Srinagar that he had been hiding in the forests of Handwara and receiving infiltrating groups from PoK before sending them further into the Valley, the sources said.

The interrogation of Ali, who has been brought on a five-day NIA remand, is expected to throw some light on sudden spurt of infiltration into the valley.

Ali was trained at a Lashkar camp in PoK, including in map reading and operating GPS devices.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju called Ali a "very good catch" and said his arrest will lead to many successes. He said the arrested militant would be "big handle for us".
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today made an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Bihar and gave necessary instructions to officials for carrying relief and rescue operation in inundated areas.

Kumar undertook his aerial survey in two phases.

In the first phase, he had a look at the flood condition in areas like Vaishali, Gopalganj, Motihari, Bettiah and Chapra affected by Ganga and Gandak rivers, an official statement said here.

In the second phase, he made an aerial survey of flood-hit Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria and Kisanganj where rise in water level in Mahananda, Kankai, Retua, Mechhi and Bakra rivers due to water discharge from Nepal, many areas have been inundated.

Around 25 lakh population was affected by floods in different parts of Bihar.

Later, the CM held a review meeting on flood at Purnea with Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Water Resources Arun Kumar Singh, Energy secretary Pratyay Amrit, Secretary Road Construction Pankaj Kumar, Purnea Commissioner and District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of the affected districts.

The CM instructed officials to distribute dry ration and cooked food to people reeling under floods.

He said villages, where communication has been snapped, should be approached with boats and with the help of NDRF and SDRF personnel to distribute relief material among the flood-hit people and to distribute halogen tablets for purification of drinking water in these areas.

During the review meeting, Kumar was told that more than 200 relief camps were working in the affected areas, the release said.

The state Disaster Management Department said at least 22 people have died in floods in ten districts of Bihar so far.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Diwakar Raote has taken the 'no helmet, no fuel' decision with good intentions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the State Assembly here today.

"Raote took the decision with good intentions, in view of the fact that making the wearing of helmets mandatory was not yielding much results as far as road safety is concerned," Fadnavis said.

"I will discuss this matter with Raote and see if a way out is possible," Fadnavis said.

He was responding to former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's demand for reconsidering the 'no helmet, no fuel' decision for two-wheelers.

"Petrol and diesel retail outlets across the state have threatened to shut down their establishments from August 1 if the government doesn't withdraw its decision," Pawar said.

The dealers have decided not to pick up or stock petrol and diesel at 4,500 pumps in the state, including 500 in Mumbai, Pawar, NCP MLA, said.

On July 21, Raote had announced the new rule in the Legislative Assembly to promote road safety and save lives.

Mumbai had topped the charts in road accidents among 50 cities with population of over a million with 23,468 accidents last year.

Maharashtra was ranked second after Tamil Nadu in the country with 63,805 road accidents in 2015, according to a report released by the Road Transport Ministry in June this year.
As the grassland in Sardarpur sanctuary in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh is shrinking due to the farming, not a single lesser florican bird has been spotted in the area this monsoon.

Lesser floricans, an endangered species, fly to grasslands of Madhya Pradesh every monsoon for breeding.

But no bird has been spotted at Sardarpur Sanctuary, which is specially developed for them, this season, said the Indore Range Chief Conservator of Forest Purshottam Dhiman.

"We are hopeful that these birds will be seen building nests in August when the grass grows tall," he said.

Dhiman conceded that the grassland in the sanctuary had shrunk in some areas due to farming in the land which comes under the revenue department, thus affecting the habitat of lesser floricans.

These birds are the smallest members of the the bustard family in India and are locally known as 'likh' and 'kharmor'.

Ornithologist Ajay Gadikar said only one lesser florican was seen in Sardarpur last year.

Earlier this month four lesser floricans including three females were spotted at Sailana wildlife sanctuary in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh.

According to Ajay, Dhar, Jhabua and Ratlam districts are their favourite breeding areas. They are also spotted in Rajasthan and Gujarat during this season, he said.
No Dalit family in Kallimedu village here has planned to embrace Islam following refusal of permission to them by upper caste Hindus to perform rituals during a temple festival, the district administration today asserted.

There were reports that following denial of permission to the Dalits by caste Hindus to conduct rituals at the ancient Badrakaliyamman temple, coming under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Departments, at Kallimedu during the Tamil month of Adi, the Dalits had planned to embrace Islam.

A R A Jayaraj, Revenue Divisional Officer of Nagapattinam, who conducted a spot inquiry at the village on the reports, said the Dalit families had stated that they have not taken any decision on converting to Islam.

"The Dalit families had categorically pointed out that the reports about their alleged plan to convert to Islam were only rumours," Jayaraj told PTI.

Vedaranyam DSP Pon Karthik Kumar, Tahsildar Ilangovan and Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment Executive Officer Manavalan were also present during the spot inquiry, Jayaraj said.

People belonging to a particular Hindu community of this village and two other neighbouring villages act as the custodians for the five day festival beginning on August 8.

Over 200 Dalit families of this village have long been claiming the rights to perform rituals during the festival.

Ahead of the festival, a few days back, Dalit families reiterated their long pending demand.

Following this, alarge number of police personnel have been deployed at the village as a precautionary measure, Jayaraj said.

He said the Joint Commissioner of HR and CE would hold talks with the leaders of the Dalits and various Hindu organisations tomorrow to find an amicable solution to the issue and ensure peaceful conduct of the festival.
Expelled BJP leader today failed to get a stay on his arrest from Allahabad High Court which directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file its reply by August 5 on his plea challenging the lodging of FIR against him for allegedly using derogatory language against BSP supremo Mayawati.

The Lucknow bench comprising justices Ajai Lamba and Ravindra Nath also directed that a copy of the reply be provided to the petitioner's counsel and fixed August 8 as the next date of hearing.

Singh had moved the HC challenging the FIR lodged against him by BSP leaders after he used derogatory language against party chief Mayawati. In his petition, Singh had sought direction for stay on his arrest in the case.

An FIR was lodged against Singh on July 20 at Hazratganj police station here under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for his remarks against Mayawati.

The complaint, which was lodged by national secretary of BSP Mewalal Gautam, alleged that Singh's remarks had hurt the feelings of BSP workers and the Dalit community across the country and were aimed at provoking them.

Referring to Singh's comments telecast on national TV channels, Gautam had said they were so derogatory that they could not be mentioned in the complaint and so a CD of the speech was being submitted.

"Singh was aware that his offensive comments could trigger a strong reaction and riot," the complaint said, adding it amounted to an offence under the SC/ST Act and a case needed to be lodged against him.

Singh, who was state BJP vice president, was expelled by the party for six years in the wake of the storm triggered by his remarks against the BSP supremo and has since gone underground.

Earlier, a local court issued a non-bailable warrant against the sacked BJP leader on an application from district police.
US President Barack Obama will spearhead a Democratic effort to paint Donald Trump as unfit to be commander-in-chief today, hoping to capitalise on the mogul's missteps in an escalating scandal about alleged Russian spying.

Trump courted outrage as Democrats gathered in Philadelphia for day three of their national convention by encouraging Moscow to hack the email of his election rival Hillary Clinton.

Obama will be one of a string of Democratic national security heavyweights -- from former CIA director Leon Panetta to Vice President Joe Biden -- who will appear before the convention to explicitly and implicitly question Trump's temperament.

In an interview, Obama warned that "anything is possible" when it came to November's election.

"What I think is scary is a president who doesn't know their stuff and doesn't seem to have an interest in learning what they don't know," he said, referring to Trump.

Obama, acting as a character reference for his former primary foe and secretary of state, will also make the case that Clinton is uniquely qualified to be president.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America," Obama will say, according to released excerpts of his speech.

"You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. Until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war," he will say.

"But Hillary's been in the room; she's been part of those decisions."



In an incendiary press conference, Trump launched a pre-emptive attack against Obama, calling him "the most ignorant president in our history."



The Republican nominee also caused howls of outrage from Democrats, with a reference to thousands of Clinton emails held on a private server that were deleted.

"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing." Trump said.
A day before the joint meeting on sharing of Mahanadi water, the Odisha government today said it has not received any DPR from Chhattishgarh as claimed by Union Minister of State for Water Resources Sanjeev Balyan.

"The claim that the Chhattisgarh government had informed us about the Kelo project in 2006 and had waited till 2009 for our response is completely false. Moreover, Chhattisgarh's claims that they had informed us about the Arpa-Bhainsjhar project in 2015 is also incorrect," a senior official at the Odisha Water Resources Department told reporters here.

BJD spokesman P K Deb alleged that the Union minister has made misleading statement in the House.

BJD has moved a privilege motion in the Lok Sabha in this regard, he said.

Meanwhile, in response to BJD moving privilege motion against him, Balyan told an Odiya channel that he presented the facts in the House based on the documents given by the Chhattisgarh government.

"I presented the facts, which were made available to me by the Chhattisgarh government. Chhattisgarh government said that they shared DPR with the Odisha government and that is what I informed the House," Balyan said.

"If there is any disagreement on the facts presented, then BJD members should table facts to counter Chhattisgarh's claims," Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

Odisha Chief Secretary A P Padhi and other officials of the Water Resources Department will represent the state in the joint meeting scheduled to be held tomorrow in New Delhi.

Earlier, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "What is more unfortunate is the false and misleading statement of Mr Balyan, Minister of State, Water Resources, on the floor of Parliament.
Opposition members in the Lok Sabha today expressed concern over incursion by Chinese troops in Chamoli district of Uttarkhand and wanted immediate steps to counter such actions while cautioning the government about intentions of China.

The issue was raised by Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia who said People's Liberation Army had transgressed the border on land and by air in Chamoli district earlier this month when its men stationed themselves 200 metres inside the Indian territory.

Scindia, who was supported by his party colleagues, expressed surprise that neither the Home Minister nor the Prime Minister chose to clarify on the serious matter.

Speaking in similar vein, Saugata Roy of Trinamool Congress said attack helicopter of the Chinese army had also transgressed into the Barahoti area and the Chinese army told an Indian revenue official there to go back.

Noting that Uttarakhand has a 350-km long border with China, Roy called for immediate steps to check such transgressions.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav used the ocassion to caution the government about the intentions of China which he described as "dhokebaz desh" (deceitful country).

"It is a deceitful country. When it is down it will keep mum, but when it is strong it will create problems," said Yadav, noting that he had also been a former defence minister.

Contending that India faces no problem from Pakistan which can be tackled easily, he said there should be no bonhomie with China given the fact that it had attacked India in 1962 soon after then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru unveiled the red carpet for Chou En Lai, his Chinese counterpart.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that for the government the security of the borders and the unity and integrity of the country is above everything.

Concurring with opposition leaders, he said Indian army was second to none in valour. He said he would bring the issue to the attention of the ministers concerned.

Bhagat Singh Koshiari, BJP member and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, claimed that no such transgression had taken place. He said it was a usual occurence that the Chinese troops come into the no-man's land but soon go back.
A top Pakistani court has allowed the examination of a boat used by the 10 LeT terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack, overturning an anti-terrorism court verdict which it termed as "flawed".

"The Islamabad High Court has set aside the verdict of trial court (Anti-Terrorism Court) in Mumbai case for not allowing sending of a commission to Karachi for inspection of Al-Fauz boat used by Mumbai attack terrorists," Chaudhry Azhar, prosecution chief in the Mumbai attack case, said.

He said the High Court termed the trial court decision "flawed and not in accordance with law" and allowed examination of the boat in the port city of Karachi.

The prosecution in May had challenged the trial court's decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat 'Al-Fauz' used by Mumbai attack terrorists so that the vessel could be made "case property".

Al-Fauz is in the custody of Pakistani authorities in Karachi, from where the 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack that claimed 166 lives.

The High Court, however, has not specified in its order whether it is necessary to form a commission comprising prosecution and defence lawyers for the inspection of the boat.

"The trial court is likely to send court officials for the inspection of Al-Fauz since it has received no direction of forming a commission for the purpose," another court official said.

"The trial court will nominate the official(s) for the inspection of the boat in the September 7 hearing," he said.

The trial court yesterday held a hearing in the Mumbai attack case in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

It was informed that Pakistan had not received a reply from India about sending its 24 witnesses here to record their statements in the case. The court adjourned the proceedings in the case till September 7.
After much delay, Parliament today passed a bill which will pave the way for "unlocking" of about Rs 42,000 crore earmarked for forest land which is lying unspent for about four years.

The Rajya Sabha passed by voice vote the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2016 which has been hanging fire since May last year when it was approved by the Lok Sabha.

The bill seeks to provide for setting up of funds under the central public accounts and that of each state governments for undertaking plantation, assisted natural regenation, protection of forests and forest related infrastructure development.

This law will ensure expeditious utilisation of accumulated unspent amounts available with the ad hoc Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) which is presently around Rs 42,000 crore.

90 per cent of the amount will go to states and the remaining will be there with the central government.

"The money available under this fund is huge. This fund is not of anybody but of Team India," Minister for Forests and Environment Anil Madhav Dave said while replying to a debate on the bill.

He said the money would be "returned" to the states which have suffered deforestation on account of development.

Asserting that government is committed to the development, Dave said the funds would be released at the earliest.

Odisha would get the maximum amount of about Rs 6,000 crore, followed by Chattisgarh which will get Rs 3,861 crore and Rs 3,459 crore for Madhya Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh will get Rs 2,223 crore, Arunachal Pradesh Rs 1462 crore, Gujarat Rs 1100 crore, Himachal Pradesh Rs 1395 crore, Jammu & Kashmir Rs 926 crore, Jharkand Rs 3099 crore, Karnataka Rs 917 crore, Maharashtra Rs 2,433 crore, Rajasthan Rs 1425 crore, Uttar Pradesh Rs 1,314 crore and Uttarakhand Rs 2,210 crore.

The minister said that bill has been prepared taking into account the Forest Right Act.

"We will have to keep faith on the state governments. They are competent and elected. Spoonfeeding goes against the spirit of federal structure. We hope that the states would use the funds wisely," Dave said.

On the concern expressed by some members that the bill does not empower "forest dwellers, tribals and gram sabhas", the minister assured the House that the rules under the law would be framed after necessary consultations with Gram Sabhas. He said the consultations with Gram Sabhas would even be recorded.

Dave also assured the House that if the rules are not found to be adequate, the government will "revisit" it after one year. The minister said the entire process would be democratic.

After his assurance, Congress members Jairam Ramesh said that he would not move amendment to the Bill. His party colleagues Subbirami Reddy and Hussain Dalvai also did not move their amendments, leading to its smooth passage.

(Reopen PAR36)



Giving assurance to the House, Dave said the government has always followed a principled process of public participation in development process.

"If the expenditure is to be undertaken on land covered by Gram Panchayats in areas which are covered under the Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, the rules will provide for the necessary consultations with the Gram Sabha," he said.

The procedure for the effective consultation in formulation of the projects and expenditure to be undertaken would be specified in the rules, he said, adding that record of consultation would be maintained.

He assured the House that if there are any concerns with the rules on consultation with Gram Sabhas in the Bill, the same will be reviewed after one year.

The Bill provides for transfer of 90 per cent of the accumulated amount, which presently is at Rs 40,000 crore (excluding about Rs 2000 crore of interest already accrued on amounts presently being kept as FDs) to the States.

The funds would be utilised for creation and maintenance of compensatory afforestation and execution of other activities for conservation, protection, improvement and expansion of forest and wildlife resources of the country.

The remaining 10 per cent would be retained at the national level to be used for monitoring and evaluation of activities to be undertaken by the Centre and States/UTs as well as providing research and technical support to States.

All fresh amounts to be realised by the States in lieu of forest land to be diverted for non-forest purpose will be deposited directly into the funds to be created under public account of the respective State.

The passing of the Bill would facilitate make available more than Rs 6,000 crore per annum to the States/UTs for conservation, protection, improvement and expansion of forest and wildlife resources of the country.

Availability of these amounts will not only help the States/UTs and local communities to ensure better management of their forest resources but will also result in creation of more than 15 crores man-days of direct employment.

A major part of these amounts will be used to restock and improve quality of degraded forests, which constitutes more than 40 per cent of the total forest cover of the country.

Apart from creation of direct employment, utilisation of these amounts will result in increased availability of timber and various other non-timber forest products, and will thus help in improvement of the overall living standards of the forest dependent communities.
The Patna High Court today set aside the election of Chhedi Paswan, the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Sasaram (reserved) parliamentary constituency, for "suppressing" details of criminal cases pending against him.

A bench of Justice Kishore Kumar Mandal held Paswan's election as "null and void" on a petition filed by Ganga Mishra, a voter, challenging the election on the ground that the latter (Paswan) "suppressed" information with regard to criminal cases pending against him while filing the election affidavit.

Paswan had defeated the then Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar in 2014 general elections.

Appearing for Paswan, advocate Sanjay Kumar Manu contended that his client did not hide any information as rules suggest that a candidate has to mention in the nomination papers only those cases in which either the candidate has been convicted for more than two years or where charges have been framed.

The cases about which it was said that Paswan did not mention deliberately, the fact is that he had neither been convicted for more than two years nor charges had been framed against him at the time of filing of nomination papers, Manu argued.

Talking to reporters after the judgement, the MP's lawyer said he would challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court.
Sugar prices are expected to remain under pressure due to an estimated supply gap of 3.5-4 million tonnes in the next marketing year starting October, former Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said today.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo also asked the industry to be prepared for any government action, including possibility of import of raw sugar to boost domestic supply and check prices.

"This year, sugar production situation is good. But I don't see similar situation in the next year. In 2016-17, there will be 3.5-4 million tonnes gap in demand and supply," Pawar said at the 74th annual convention of the Sugar Technologists' Association of India (STAI).

Sugar rates, which at present are ruling in the range of Rs 34-38/kg, may come under pressure due to a likely gap in supply and demand, he said.

"Next year, with a gap of 3.4 to 4 million tonnes of sugar, there will definitely be an impact on prices and the government will take some steps and the industry should be ready for that," he noted.

The government has projected sugar output to decline to 23-23.5 million tonnes in 2016-17 marketing year (October- September), as against 25.1 million tonnes in the current year. Meanwhile, industry body Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has pegged sugar output at 23.26 million tonnes for next year.

Pawar said the country's sugar demand is around 25.6 million tonnes and is expected to grow at 3-4 per cent per annum. By 2020, sugar demand is pegged at 30 million tonnes.

Apprehensive about the government's policies to check price rise in sugar, Pawar asked the industry to be prepared for the possibility of sugar imports.

"A suggestion has been made to import raw sugar to bridge the gap. There are other alternatives and I hope the government will take appropriate action," he said.

To curb price rise in sugar, the government has recently imposed 20 per cent export duty on sugar and withdrawn cane production subsidy to the mills.

Expressing concern over low cane productivity and cyclic



nature of the crop, Pawar urged the government to take "proactive steps" to promote modern technologies, including genetic engineering to address biotic and abiotic stress.

He also said that a Pune-based institute has developed a transgenic sugarcane plant, and the government should allow field trial of it in restricted areas under the supervision of agriculture universities.

The NCP leader said that Indonesia has developed saline and drought-resistant cane variety and the government should "give a serious thought to this" if the variety has given good results.

Pawar asked the sugar mills to take ethanol blending programme seriously and ensure sufficient supply to the oil marketing companies (OMCs).

"I am informed that distilleries are not able to meet the requirement of OMCs. I think, time has come you take this seriously. There may be some hurdles and this should be sorted out amicably," he advised.

Not only cane crop productivity should be raised, the mills should use modern technologies to reduce cost and make more viable business, he added.

Former President Pratibha Devisingh Patil asked the industry to focus on use of drip irrigation in cane cultivation and also favoured use of GM cane varieties to boost crop yields.

She urged the sugar technologists to work on developing small size machines for use in cane farming while suggesting sugar mills to focus on energy conversion and conservation.

"There is immense scope to improve production both in field and factory, for which technology is the key," she added.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today attacked former Rajya Sabha MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, saying "opportunists" and "fugitive" leaders like him have no place in the state politics and people will teach him a lesson like they taught Surjit Singh Barnala and Manpreet Singh Badal.

He said though Sidhu, with whom SAD has had a running feud, had deceived his party in the hope of a "bright future", people of state would not forgive him and teach him a lesson for "treachery" because they have a strong dislike for people who deceive their parties.

"Opportunists and fugitive political leaders like Sidhu have no place in Punjab politics and people will teach him a befitting lesson," Badal told a gathering during Sangat Darshan in Bhadaur assembly segment here.

The Chief Minister said, bereft of any ideologies both these leaders (Barnala and Manpreet), had back stabbed their mother parties and Sidhu was not an exception.

He said, Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP was proving to be a haven for all the "fugitives" and "unprincipled" politicians, who hardly have any base among people.

He said, in fact, AAP was a band of opportunists and fugitives who have joined hands for looting the people of state.

"These people don't have any ideological bonding but have joined hands in the false hope of assuming power in the state," Badal added.

Making a scathing attack on state Congress Chief Amarinder Singh, he said the Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar has a proven anti-farmer track record.

Citing an example, he said SAD-BJP alliance had been providing free power to farmers but during Amarinder's tenure as CM it was discontinued, putting enormous burden on them.

Badal alleged that the state Congress Chief was "part and parcel" of the conspiracy to rob state's water by constructing Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal.

"It is on record that Amarinder had welcomed the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to lay foundation stone of this canal," he added.

Lauding the Centre's announcement to set up an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda, he said it would prove to be a boon for the residents of Malwa region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended full support to Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism in the wake of several terror attacks in that country.

Modi conveyed this when Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan called on him here.

The Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to support Bangladesh in fighting against terrorism, an official release said.

Khan briefed the Prime Minister on the situation in Bangladesh and thanked him for India's support and solidarity.

The Prime Minister condoled the loss of lives in the recent terrorist attacks in Bangladesh.

Altogether 22 people, including an Indian girl, were killed in a terror attack at a cafe in Dhaka on July 1.

A Bangladeshi-American was among the nine suspected Islamists killed in a raid in Dhaka by police which claimed yesterday to have foiled a mass terror attack bid.

The Bangladesh Home Minister later met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a delegation level talks where both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on anti-terror efforts with Dhaka saying that New Delhi will be "side-by-side" with it in fighting terrorists.
An internal probe has found the security contingent in Nice was "not undersized" on the night of the Bastille Day truck attack that killed 84 people, the French authorities said Wednesday.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve ordered the investigation as the government faced fierce criticism from the opposition over security for the July 14 event.

The head of the national police internal affairs division, Marie-France Moneger-Guyomarc'h, described the squabble as "the result of poor understanding and interpretation of information."



She said that 64 national police and 42 municipal police were deployed to secure a fireworks display on the Nice seafront for the July 14 national holiday.

A truck driven by Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, a 31-year-old Tunisian, rammed into the revellers, killing 84 and injuring more than 300. Bouhlel was shot dead by police.

Opposition politicians had contested the figures for police deployment, with regional president Christian Estrosi slamming "state lies".

President Francois Hollande is facing mounting demands to improve security after a string of terror attacks, dating back to January 2015, left at least 230 people dead and hundreds injured.

Pressure on Cazeneuve intensified when a local police officer, Sandra Bertin, accused his ministry of trying to bully her into altering a report on police deployment on the night of the attack.

Bertin, who was in charge of the video surveillance system in Nice on the night of the massacre, said on Sunday she was told to describe a police presence that did not match what she had seen on the security camera system.

Bertin is a strong supporter of Estrosi and has fiercely criticised the Socialist government through social media networks, Le Parisien newspaper reported Monday.

Cazeneuve filed a lawsuit for libel against Bertin, saying her accusations were "likely to give birth in the public mind to the idea that the ministry and the minister have communicated false information" regarding the Nice massacre.
Power Ministry is planning to organise an international conference of Power Ministers to improve co-operation in area of energy.

"As many as 24 countries have already confirmed their participation in the Switch Conference 2016. It is good idea to hold an International Power Ministers' Conference there," Power Ministry Piyush Goyal said.

During the Switch Conference scheduled on October 6-10 at Vadodara, the Power Ministry has planned to hold a conference of state power, coal and mines ministers. Power Ministers from various countries will also participate in the conference.

Switch is one of the largest electrical expos in the country. It represents one of the biggest networks of electrical manufacturers, innovators, technologies and partners in the industry.

It sees footfall of over 8,500 key buyers and more than 1,00,000 visitors. It represents a growth opportunity unlike any other for the electrical industry.

Promoted by the government of Gujarat, under Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL), this biennial platform is aimed to rev up India's power sector.
The Central Information Commission has directed the army to provide details of soldiers whose bodies were mutilated by insurgents and enemy soldiers during skirmishes on Pakistan and China borders.

The case resulted from a RTI application filed by Abhishek Shukla in 2013 as the army decided to keep under covers the information in this regard about the soldiers who had given supreme sacrifice for the country fighting enemies.

"People of the country have right to know about the soldiers who lay down their lives in the line of duty," Information Commissioner Divya Prakash Sinha said.

The army which was supposed to respond to an RTI application within 30 days, according to the law, took nearly 78 days to give its first response, after repeated reminders, to the RTI application rejecting to share any details citing section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act to withhold the information.

Section 8(1)(a) exempts information which can prejudicially affect security of the country.

The first appeal before the senior officials of the army challenging the decision of Central Public Information Officer was also summarily rejected without going into the merits of arguments presented by the appellant.

Reluctant to share any information, the army raised an additional argument during the hearing before Sinha, a former senior Intelligence Bureau officer, saying that its Headquarters does not maintain the information of soldiers whose bodies have been mutilated by the enemy/terrorists.

The appellant countered it saying if they do not maintain the information, how was army citing national security to deny it and they could have said it in the RTI response.

The applicant also cited the statement given by the the



then Defence Minister A K Antony in Rajya Sabha where he had given details of an incident of January 8, 2013.

"On 8th January 2013; a Pak Border Action Team (BAT) ambushed our patrol party in Krishna Ghati, Mendhar Sector in which Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh and Lance Naik Hemraj were killed. Lance Naik Hemraj was found beheaded and both bodies were mutilated. In addition, their weapons (INSAS) were taken," Antony had said.

As per law, the information which can be placed before Parliament cannot be denied to a citizen under the RTI Act.

The appellant also cited a press conference of the then Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh who had accepted that the two jawans of Kumaon regiment had been beheaded by Pakistani army in 2012.

The peition said if the Defence Minister of the country and the Army Chief can make public the kind of information sought by him, how can it be rejected taking excuse of the national security.

Agreeing with the contention of the appellant, Sinha rejected the arguments of the army which had claimed it was a sensitiveissuethat can prejudicially affect security of the country.

"Defence Minister has placed on record information regarding brutal killing/mutilation of soldiers on LoC in Rajya Sabha. Army Chief has also given details of the same in a press conference. Commission does not find any reason for withholding the same. Contention of CPIO to invoke section 8(1)(a) todeny theinformationisrejected," Sinha said.

He directed the army to provide the details sought by the appellant within 15 days.
Normal banking operations may take a hit on Friday, as public sector bank employees will go on strike to protest against the proposed merger of associate with SBI and banking reforms announced by the government.

The United Forum of Unions (UFBU), an umbrella organisation of nine bank employees and officers unions representing 8 lakh staffers, will go ahead with the strike, potentially affecting services like cheque clearances, cash deposit and withdrawal at branches and other facilities.

Most banks, including SBI, informed customers that banking services would be hit on July 29 due to the strike at all on "issue and demand to stop banking sector reforms".

"The All India State Bank Officers' Federation and the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation are members of UFBU. Thus, it is likely that the bank will also be impacted to some extent by the said strike calls," SBI said in a statement.

According to All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) General Secretary C H Venkatachalam, the conciliation meeting with the Chief Labour Commissioner on July 26 did not yield any positive results though UFBU is willing to reconsider the strike call if the government considers their demand and addresses it.

"The unions were ready for meaningful discussion, but the government only tried to justify their present policy decision on banking reforms and hence, there was no meeting point," he explained, trying to justify the proposed action.

Ashwani Rana, vice-president of the National Organisation of Bank Workers, another affiliate of UFBU, said the strike call stands for Friday, but banks will work as usual on Saturday.

Unions, which are protesting against FDI in the banking sector, are pressing for various demands, which include one not to privatise public sector banks and increase private capital in such banks, Rana said.

The unions are also opposed to the move to privatise regional rural banks and consolidate and merge banks, among others, he added.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's helicopter today made an emergency landing due to inclement weather in a village of Rajsamand district while she was on her way to Sirohi, officials said.

"All are safe," Mahendra Bharadwaj, press advisor of the CM said, adding, the helicopter took off at 10.27 AM from Jaipur and landed after one hour in an open field in '73' village in Rajsamund, 334 kms from here.

Raje was on her way from Jaipur to Sirohi, 416 kms from here.

"The CM was onboard the helicopter along with the staff members when the helicopter made an emergency landing in '73' village due to bad weather," Rajsamand collector Archana Singh said.

Senior district administration and police officials reached the spot, police control room said.
Pakistan's sustained support to cross-border terrorism will be raised by Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his two-day visit to Islamabad to attend the SAARC ministerial conference on August 4.

During his stay in Pakistan, the minister will be representing India at the 7th meeting of SAARC ministers of Interior/Home but there is no bilateral meeting scheduled with his Pakistani counterpart, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

This will be the first visit by any senior Indian leader to Pakistan after the Pathankot attack on January 2, which created tension between the two countries.

Asked specifically if the Home Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Swarup said, "He is going for a multilateral event...There is no such proposal. He (Rajnath) is going for a multilateral SAARC event."



According to sources in Home Ministry, Singh is expected to bluntly ask Pakistan to stop sponsoring acts of terror in India and also raise the issue of slow pace of probe into the Pathankot airbase terror attack, which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, and the trial into the Mumbai terror attack case in that country.

On what kind of signal India, which has postponed the resumption of Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in wake of Pathankot terror strike, was giving by sending the Home Minister to Pakistan, Swarup said,"Our participation is in the context of our 'neighbourhood first' policy and our commitment to regional cooperation within the SAARC framework.

"The meeting also provides an opportunity for us to underline the high importance we attach to achieving forward movement on security cooperation in the region."



In previous meetings as well, India has participated at Home Minister and Home Secretary level, he noted.

He also reiterated that India wants a peaceful, cooperative relations with Pakistan and is prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Islamabad in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

It is incumbent on Pakistan to create such an atmosphere, he added while stressing that humanitarian issues such as fishermen are important to India.

Rajnath's visit comes in the backdrop of growing strain in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made provocative statements on the Kashmir situation in the wake of Burhan Wani's killing on July 8. Wani was a wanted terrorist Commander of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen.

Not only did Sharif praise Wani but he also remarked that "Kashmir will one day become Pakistan", a comment which evoked a sharp reaction from External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his dream of the state becoming a part of his country "will not be realised even at the end of eternity".

Singh will be accompanied by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and several other senior officers of the Home Ministry.

Key issues like fight against terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms and how to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat such menace will figure in the SAARC meet.

The three-tier meeting will begin at the joint secretary- level on August 2 and then move on to Secretary and Home Minister-level meetings.

The meeting will also focus on strengthening networking among police authorities of SAARC member-countries and also enhance information-sharing among law enforcement agencies.

(REOPENS DEL 31)



Asked if India would raise the issue of arrest of a Pakistani terrorist during an encounter in Kashmir recently, Swarup said ministry was waiting for a "full read out" from security forces for future course of action.

According to official sources, the militant apprehended by security forces during an encounter in Naugam sector near the LoC in Kupwara district of Kashmir on Tuesday was a Pakistani national.

On the elections in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), he said it was a "farcical exercise" to cover up their illegal occupation but India believes that through their "sham tactics", they will not succeed in "sinister designs".

(Reopens DES 59)



The Home Minister remained non-committal when asked whether he would tell Pakistan to handover underworld don Dawood Ibrahim to India, during his visit to that country.

"Abhi shant rohiye (please be quiet)," he said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister on Thursday expanded his Cabinet, inducting two ministers from Garhwal, seen as an attempt to assuage leaders from the region, who has often complained of neglect, ahead of next year's assembly polls.

Vikasnagar MLA Nav Prabhat and Badrinath MLA Rajendra Bhandari were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Krishna Kant Paul at a simple function at the Raj Bhawan in the presence of Rawat and a host of dignitaries.

With assembly election in Uttarakahnd due next year, induction of the two Garhwal leaders is seen as Rawat's attempt to address grievances in a section of the party about alleged neglect of the region in appointments to important posts within the party and government.

The resentment had been voiced even by Pradesh Party President Kishore Upadhyay on a couple of occasions.

Two berths in Harish Rawat's Cabinet had been vacant for some time. While the one held by late Surendra Kumar Rakesh fell vacant in February last year following his death, the other one fell vacant after former agriculture minister Harak Singh Rawat revolted against his own government in March this year.

A series of developments had led to imposition of President's rule in the state which was subsequently scrapped by the Supreme Court and Rawat government was reinstated.

The strength of the Ministry is now 12 including Rawat.

had recently been to Delhi to discuss Cabinet expansion with party chief Sonia Gandhi.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today expanded his Cabinet, inducting two ministers from Garhwal, seen as an attempt to assuage leaders from the region, who have often complained of neglect, ahead of next year's assembly polls.

Vikasnagar MLA Nav Prabhat and Badrinath MLA Rajendra Bhandari were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Krishna Kant Paul at a simple function at the Raj Bhawan in the presence of Rawat and a host of dignitaries.

With assembly election in Uttarakahnd due next year, induction of the two Garhwal leaders is seen as Rawat's attempt to address grievances in a section of the party about alleged neglect of the region in appointments to important posts within the party and government.

The resentment had been voiced even by Pradesh Party President Kishore Upadhyay on a couple of occasions.

Two berths in Harish Rawat's Cabinet had been vacant for some time. While the one held by late Surendra Kumar Rakesh fell vacant in February last year following his death, the other one fell vacant after former agriculture minister Harak Singh Rawat revolted against his own government in March this year.

A series of developments had led to imposition of President's rule in the state which was subsequently scrapped by the Supreme Court and Rawat government was reinstated.

The strength of the Ministry is now 12 including Rawat.

Harish Rawat had recently been to Delhi to discuss Cabinet expansion with party chief Sonia Gandhi.
People who repeatedly face racial discrimination may have increased mental health problems, a new study has found.

Several studies have already linked racial discrimination to poor mental and physical health but no study has ever studied the impact numerous attacks over time have on a person's mental health, researchers said.

The new study looked at the accumulation of experiences of racial attacks over time including being shouted at, being physically attacked, avoiding a place or feeling unsafe because of one's ethnicity.

"Studies that assess the association between racial discrimination and health, or examine exposure at a certain point in time, underestimate the harm of racial discrimination on the mental health of ethnic minority people and its contribution to ethnic inequalities in health," said Laia Becares from University of Manchester in the UK.

In the study, increased mental health problems were shown to be significantly higher among racial minorities who had experienced repeated incidents of racial discrimination, when compared to ethnic minorities who did not report any experience of racism.

The study also found it was the fear of avoiding spaces and feeling unsafe due to racial discrimination that had the biggest cumulative effect on the mental health of ethnic minorities.

"This finding would suggest that previous exposure to racial discrimination over the life course, or awareness of racial discrimination experienced by others, can continue to affect the mental health of ethnic minority people, even after the initial exposure to racial discrimination," said Becares.

The research used the ethnicity sample of Understanding Society which is a dataset used to examine research questions with participants over time.

This allowed researchers to add up all experiences of racial discrimination that people have experienced across five years to find out whether these were associated with changes in mental health.

"Our research highlights just how harmful racial discrimination is for the health of ethnic minorities. We see how it the more racism ethnic minority people experience, the more psychological distress they suffer from," said Becares.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Public Health.
Retail investors can access the government securities (G-Sec) market, being used currently by the large institutional players, in a seamless manner from August 16, the Reserve Bank of India said today.

The secondary market in G-Sec predominantly comprises of banks, primary dealers, insurance companies, mutual funds, financial institutions and other institutional investors.

Most of these entities maintain their holdings in G-Secs in their Subsidiary General Ledger (SGL) with the Public Debt Office of the central bank.

RBI aims to facilitate efficient access to the retail individual investor to "the same G-Sec market being used by the large institutional investor in a seamless manner".

"It has been decided to allow Demat Account Holders of NSDL and CDSL to put through trades in Government Securities on the NDS-OM platform through their respective Depository Participant (DP) bank which is an SGL Account Holder and a direct member of NDS-OM and CCIL," RBI said.

An Implementation Group was constituted to recommend specific measures to enable seamless movement of securities from SGL form to demat form and vice versa and to provide demat account holders a functionality to put through trades on Negotiated Dealing System - Order Matching (NDS-OM).

Taking into account the recommendations of the Group, RBI said the Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) was advised to put in place necessary arrangements in coordination with the depositories viz NSDL and CDSL to enable demat account holders to trade on NDS-OM.

"Further operational details of the Scheme will be issued by CCIL separately. The guidelines shall be effective from August 16, 2016," the central bank said in a statement.

Primary members of NDS-OM who are also Depository Participants can grant demat account holders access to the NDS-OM Web Module for placing buy/sell orders directly on NDS-OM.

Individuals holding demat accounts can instruct their Depository Participants to place orders on their behalf.

RBI said that primary members would ensure that demat account holders do not place sell order without sufficient balance of securities in the demat account.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today said railways has to fulfill its social obligations while running it as a commercial organisation.

Addressing the General Managers conference here, Prabhu said constant efforts should be on to find ways to increase passenger and freight traffic and also the share of non-fare revenue as railways is facing challenges.

"If we have to run it as a commercial enterprise, we cannot fulfil social obligations and if we have to fulfil the social obligations, we cannot run it as a commercial enterprise. But we have to fulfil our social obligations while running this as a commercial enterprise," Prabhu said.

He said railways needs to strike a balance between Japanese and Chinese railway financial models.

Emphasising on station redevelopment through PPP route, he said "It is a priority for us. Joint ventures with states are very much necessary. Railways cannot work only with our own resources. Hence, PPP route should be explored wherever possible.

"To benefit the states, we have already spoken to World Bank, IDFC, ICICI, to fund the joint venture projects. A Holding company will take over many of the railways' subsidiaries. We are also working on many ideas to improve the functioning of the Railways."



He said for the first time the freight rates have been reduced by the Railways to attract traffic.

"If we do not think about competition, we cannot improve. At the micro level, we should see how the competition is faring. We therefore, have to properly make our pricing policy for both passenger and freight traffic. And at the same time we have to keep long term interest of the railways in mind," Prabhu said.

Referring to the need for expansion of the Railway infrastructure, Prabhu said "If you want to grow, you need to invest. If you want to invest, you need to find the way."



He said this year's targets not only have to be met but to be exceeded.

Emphasising on investment, he said "China invests heavily for the development of their railways. Extra Budgetary resources are necessary for the development of railways. We must also invest in our Railways. We have already begun investment into railways system. If we do not, we cannot grow."



He called upon General Managers to be in regular touch with the respective Chief Ministers of the State with a view to facilitate execution of projects in that State.

Referring to the financial burden because of the implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission, Prabhu said, "We have to work on cutting expenditure and analyse operational and development issues and make out a strategy to deal with them.

Railway Minister also emphasised on the need to adopt



hundred percent transparency in the functioning of all aspect of the railways activity.

He suggested that all GMs and DRMs should create a Special Cell and create competition among them to foster competition in transparency.

Prabhu also suggested to find a mechanism to make use of the experience of the retired railway officers with a view to get ideas for the improvements in railways functioning.
Seventy-seven kg of processed sea cucumber worth Rs 7.7 lakh, meant to be smuggled to Sri Lanka, was seized by coastal marine police at a village near Mandapam this morning.

The sea cucumbers were seized from Marakaiyarpattinam village and one person was arrested in this connection, police said.

Sea cucumbers, which play an important role in maintaining the marine ecological system, have been classified as endangered species and their harvest banned under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Four motorcycle-borne robbers allegedly looted Rs 80 lakh from two persons at gunpoint in west Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area this morning, police said.

The incident took place when Shubham and Aman, aged around 20 years, were going on a scooty to deposit the money of their uncle Ved Prakash, a wholesale rice trader, in a bank at Naya Market in Sadar Bazar, a senior police officer said.

As they reached near Shakurbasti underpass, four motorcycle-borne robbers intercepted them and took away the money at gunpoint, the officer said.

The duo, made a phone call and after some time police arrived at the spot and made preliminary enquiries, the police officials said.

Shubham and Aman were questioned and a case under relevant sections of IPC has been registered at the Punjabi Bagh Police Station, the official said, adding CCTV footage of the area are being examined to identify the accused.
Rajya Sabha members today asked the government to ensure "effective implementation" of the compensatory forest afforestation fund, with some seeking steps to protect the rights of tribals and other forest dwellers.

The demand was raised during a debate in the Upper House on the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Bill 2015, which will pave the way for unlocking of nearly Rs 41,000 crore earmarked for forest land, lying unspent for about four years.

The CAF Bill will ensure expeditious utilisation of accumulated unspent amounts available with the ad hoc Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) which is currently about Rs 41,000 crore.

Initiating the debate, Bhupender Yadav (BJP) said India had failed to give rights to the forest dwellers especially tribals since 1947, but given finally in 2006.

"This government wants to ensure that the country's green cover grows and the rights of those living in the forests are protected. This fund will be spent in a transparent manner," he added.

Emphasising on the "effective implementation" of the fund, Chaudhary Munawar Saleem (SP) said the amount of around Rs 42,000 crore was not "adequate" and the Centre should contribute more in it.

"Another issues is that the bill says that equal amount will be given to all the states, but I want to say that area of the states and their population should also be considered while allocating the funds," he added.

P Rathinavel (AIADMK) said the key to increase the green cover was through better conservation practices and law. He too rooted for effective implementation of the fund and stressed that states should be "adequately supported" for forest conservation and afforestation programmes.

Mohd Nadimul Haque (TMC) said the rights of forest dwellers would be with the tribals and the implementation of the bill should be entrusted to the states. He also called for a state-level monitoring group to check that the fund is properly spent.

Harivansh (JD-U) emphasised on protecting the rights of



the forest dwellers especially the tribals. "In various reports it has been found that programmes for enhancing green cover have not been properly implemented. Centre must ensure that this fund is effectively utilised," he said.

C P Narayanan (CPI-M) said in most cases, powers and resources have not been passed on to the local bodies, which has adversely impacted the implementation of various programmes.

"This should be checked in case of this fund and all care should be taken to ensure that the rights of the forest dwellers, especially the tribals, are protected," he added.

He said that afforestation was "required and important", but it has to be undertaken in a scientific manner.

Dilip Kumar Tirkey (BJD) voiced his party's support for the Bill, but said the money must be utilised in a proper manner by the National Authority and should not be spent on anything else but for research purposes relating to afforestation.

Tirkey cited the example of China saying India too must adopt technology whereby uprooted trees can be planted somewhere else.

Veer Singh (BSP) said the Bill will help in utilising money deposited for compensatory afforestation and help usher in a Green India, thereby reducing the pressure on forests.

"It has been stipulated that states must have 33 per cent under forests but trees are being felled. Therefore this Bill becomes very important," Singh said, pointing out that afforestation should be done on both sides of the national highways and in properties belonging to Indian Railways.

NCP leader Praful Patel said "development and forests are two things which have to be taken together but this is a big challenge... There is no doubt that Rs 42,000 crore must be transferred as soon as possible to states because they are the ones who have to implement it".

He also stressed on proper utilisation of the fund and said that simply planting trees was not sufficient but "we need to have plants which are useful and ensure that they benefit the communities."



"Going in for random afforestation is not a good policy. This money must be spent intelligently, uniformly and wisely, that is the need of the hour," Patel said.

Pointing out that the Bill had a "limited" scope, D Raja of CPI said that forest dwellers are mostly tribals or Dalits whose livelihood depends on forests and asked how would their concerns be addressed. He asserted that despite the Forest Rights Act, the forest dwellers were being "forcibly evicted".

Raja stressed that "gram sabha's opinion has to be taken



into consideration because they represent the villagers and forest dwellers. They (Gram Sabha) must be taken into confidence. I agree with Jairam Ramesh (Congress leader) that Gram Sabha's approval or sanction is necessary."



Congress leader Digvijay Singh said he supported the idea behind the Bill but not the manner of implementation prescribed. He alleged that the Tribal Affairs Ministry had not been involved in the consultation while drafting the Bill.

Asserting that "Gram Sabhas should be the centre of everything", Singh charged that forest dwellers were being forcibly evicted, requesting that no work should be started as long as the cases pertaining to them are not settled.

He urged the government to review the bill and give some powers to state authorities.

Pointing out that "regeneration of forests has a lot of potential," Singh said the Government must give importance to employment generation while using the Rs 42,000 crore fund.

Singh expressed apprehension that the money will be utilised for paying salaries of officers instead of afforestation purpose, while opposing the procedure of implementation of the Act saying the Gram Sabha was not represented and it opened a window for eviction of forest dwellers, most of whom were tribals.

Lal Singh Vadedia (BJP) said the funds would be used for compensatory afforestation so that the impact of deforestation can be contained. He said the interests of forest dwellers and tribals should be taken into account.

"We cannot depend only on officials. We will have to take the forest dwellers and tribals into account. Award should be given to states which have done a good job," Vadedia said, adding, "We should pass this Bill without any Opposition".

DMK leader TKS Elangovan lamented the "diversion" of forest land for non-forest purposes. "We should not divert forest area for industrial or other purposes," he said.

Claiming that the "Compensatory Afforestation" in the title of the Bill denotes "relocation" of forests, he said it should be renamed as the "Targeted Afforestation Fund" Bill.

BJP's Harshwardhan Singh said the government was determined to get the Bill passed, adding that India needs to improve its carbon credits.

He said the "only way to revive forests is to give them proper protection", noting that "We will not be successful without taking taking the local communities and villagers into confidence".

Shiv Sena's Anil Desai expressed his party's support for the Bill, saying all states in the country stand to gain.

He too stressed that the Gram Sabha must have a say and the rights of the tribals and adivasis must be protected.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will attend a three-day mega event in the east of England to celebrate the golden jubilee of UK-based charity Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh.

"As a kick start to the year-long celebrations, we have embarked upon organising an unprecedented residential gathering of over 2,200 Hindus from across the UK and Europe from 29 to 31 July at Hertfordshire County Show Ground, near Luton," Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) UK said in a statement.

'Sanskriti: Mahashibir 2016' beginning tomorrow has been organised by HSS to celebrate its golden jubilee year.

"The venue will be transformed into a fully tented (over 400 tents) township, with all facilities and amenities. The theme of this historic gathering is sanskaar (values of life), sewa (selfless service) andsangathan (community spirit)," the statement added.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chiefBhagwat is the chief guest of the event and will join thousands of Hindus in one of the many tents and address the gathering on Sunday, the concluding day of the Mahashbir.

"Every effort is made to use recyclable materials in the construction of site and activities (avoiding plastic materials). The idea is to generate awareness of environmental sustainability in the participants, majority of whom will be youths. Number of prominent personalities from world over will be visiting the event to address and interact with the participants," HSS UK said.

The charity is an RSS-inspired organisation dating back to the 1960s and describes itself as a social-cultural national organisation of Hindus with over 110 weekly activity centres across the UK and a national average weekly attendance of over 2,000.

It was in the earlier this year as part of an undercover television investigation that showed one of its teachers making anti-Muslim and anti-Christian remarks to some students.

The UK Charity Commission, which registers and monitors all charities in the country, launched an investigation into the footage in February 2015.

"We can reassure the public that we take these issues seriously," a spokesperson had said.

HSSUK had stressed that the individual caught on camera was not an office-bearer, adding that it will take "even greater care that no views are expressed from its platform that could directly or indirectly promote interfaith discord".
The Supreme Court today appointed senior lawyer Ashok Desai as amicus curiae to assist in an appeal of Uttar Pradesh against a High Court order on a PIL pertaining to referring rules of business and the principle of authentication of government files, to a larger bench.

"We appoint Mr. Ashok Desai as an amicus curiae to assist us in the matter," a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and R F Nariman said when senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, representing Uttar Pradesh, intimated that another senior lawyer Anil Diwan, whose name was suggested by the court, was not available due to his poor health.

The state administration has filed an appeal in the apex court against the decison of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court to refer the PIL to a larger bench.

Activist Nutan Thakur, in her PIL in the High Court, had raised questions relating to the decision making process being adopted by the state Government in terms of the provisions contained in the Rules of Business framed by the Governor under Article 166(3) of the Constitution.

Article 166 provides that the Conduct of Business of the Government of a state, according to which all executive actions of the state Government are to be expressed to be taken in the name of the Governor.

The PIL had sought a direction to the chief minister that he should direct bureaucrats in his office to stop signing documents in the name of the CM.

The apex court, which had issued the notice on the appeal of UP, had asked the counsel for the state to file an affidavit explaining the position existing in the state, "regard being had to the constitutional provisions, the rules of business and the principle of authentication.
The ruling and Opposition parties today engaged in a war of words over the alleged telephonic conversations between former Maharashtra Revenue minister Eknath Khadse and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Raising the issue through an adjournment motion, Congress MLC Sanjay Dutt rubbished the clean chit given to the beleaguered minister by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claiming that the ATS has cleared him of links with Dawood, and the Bombay High Court had disposed the matter.

"The judge has clearly mentioned that they have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations made by the petitioner. Then how can Chief Minister claim that the matter has been rejected by the HC," he questioned quoting the HC judgement.

"The investigation is being conducted only in respect of one telephone number while the complaint was against two numbers. What happened to the second number ?" he asked.

He sought to know that when an inquiry is in progress, on what basis has Khadse been given a clean chit.

Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde also backed Dutt and said the government needs to make its stand clear on the issue.

Parliamentary Affairs minister Girish Bapat then said that rules are not being followed while raising motions over issues.

"The Chair is allowing members whose names are not even mentioned to talk over issues. This is injustice," he said.

Council Chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar later rejected the motion over discussion on the issue.

Earlier this month, Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had told the Bombay High Court that its preliminary inquiry has found that there was no exchange of calls between Khadse and the fugitive gangster and that no terrorist link was found, as alleged by a Gujarat-based hacker Manish Bhangale.

The high court, after disposing of Bhangale's petition had aske him to appear before the crime branch as and when required and provide the information he has.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today informed the Madras High Court that the scope of probe into the multi-crore illegal granite quarrying scam was enlarged against several firms on the basis of FIRs registered in connection with it.

After perusal of the status report filed by the Assistant Director of the Directorate, the First Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan adjourned the matter to October 4 after government counsel submitted the cases are in the final stage and he required 10 days time.

"It is suffice to say that the matter has not reached the conclusion though it is stated that in the main cases, investigations are in final stages."



The ED report said that after going through FIRs filed by Madurai police and preliminary enquiries it has registered seven Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), and taken up the probe under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

ECIRs were registered against Olympus Private Limited, PRP Exports and Palanichamy and others on the basis of the FIRs.

It also submitted that the charge sheets filed in these were awaited from Law Enforcement Agency (LEA).

The report pointed out that that the scope of the probe under PMLA was enlarged in the case against PRP Group of companies, to cover 47 FIRs registered against the group.

The ED said it was also examining other FIRs furnished by police for identification of further proceeds of crime, which involved money laundering.

The status report said if the police report mentioned offences leading to identification of 'proceeds of crime' involving PMLA, the ED would proceed further in this matter.

Senior IAS officer U Sagayam had been appointed as Legal Commissioner by the court to look into illegal mining charges.

The court had on February 15 directed the Tamil Nadu government to furnish it details on steps taken on Sagayam's report, which had said the actual loss to the exchequer was more than Rs 1,11,000 crore due to illegal mining in Madurai district.

Sagayam was appointed as Legal Commissioner to look into allegations of illegal mining on a PIL filed by social activist "Traffic" Ramaswamy.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday claimed that the security forces were unaware of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's presence at the scene of the July 8 encounter.

"How can one know everything about every encounter?" Mehbooba asked.

"As far as I know, what I heard from the police and the army, who said they only knew that there were three militants inside the house but did not know who they were," she said.

The chief minister told reporters that had the security forces known about Wani's presence inside the house in Kokernag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district, it would have been possible to keep the situation from turning to what it is today.

"I feel if they knew, perhaps we would not have such a situation when the overall situation in the state was improving, so it could have been a chance," she said.

The police and intelligence agencies are saying that they did not know who was there, she said.

The chief minister said the government did not get enough time to make arrangements to contain the situation, unlike when Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged in 2013.

"When Afzal Guru was hanged, then chief minister Omar Abdullah knew, so he made all the arrangements before-hand. We knew nothing and we came to know suddenly. But, despite that, we tried to impose curfew so that children do not come out," she said.

Violence has rocked the Valley since July 8, when Wani was killed in an encounter, leaving 47 people dead. At least 5,500 people, including 3,000 security personnel, have also been injured.

Mehbooba said an atmosphere should be created in the state for peace dialogue and the government would do everything to provide relief to the people affected by the violence.

"An atmosphere should be created in where there is dialogue, transparency like in former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's time when a peace process was started and there was ceasefire with Pakistan," she said.
In a bid to control the damage over continuing protests, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said the security forces were not aware of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani's presence during the raid at his hideout in which he was killed.

Mehbooba also indicated that had the security forces known about Wani's presence the situation could have perhaps been controlled better.

She said had the security forces known about Wani being present inside the house in Kokernag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district, it would have been possible to keep the situation "from turning to what it is today."



"I feel if they knew, perhaps we would not have such a situation when the overall situation in the state was improving, so it could have been a chance," she told reporters.

The statement from the Chief Minister came immediately after opposition National Conference Provincial President Nasir Wani said the Chief Minister was aware of the operation and had also rewarded the officials who led the operation in which 22-year-old Wani was killed on July 8.

"How can one know everything about every encounter?"



"As far as I know, what I heard from the police and the army, who said they only knew that there were three militants inside the house but did not know who they were," she told reporters here.

The statement comes nearly three weeks after Wani along with two others were killed at Kokernag in South Kashmir.

Additional Director General of Police S M Sahai had told reporters after the operation that the Chief Minister was aware about the operation.

T he police and intelligence agencies are saying that they did not know who was there, Mehbooba said.

The chief minister said the government did not get enough time to make arrangements to contain the situation, unlike when Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged in 2013.

"When Afzal Guru was hanged, (then chief minister) Omar (Abdullah) knew, so he made all the arrangements beforehand. We knew nothing and we came to know suddenly. But, despite that, we tried to impose curfew so that children do not come out," she said.

Violence has rocked the Valley since July 8, when Wani was killed in an encounter, leaving 47 people dead. At least 5,500 people, including 3,000 security personnel, have also been injured.

Mehbooba said an atmosphere should be created in the state for peace and dialogue and the government would do "everything" to provide relief to the people affected by the violence.

"An atmosphere should be created in Jammu and Kashmir where there is dialogue, transparency like in (former Prime Minister Atal Behari) Vajpayee's time when a peace process was started and there was ceasefire with Pakistan," the Chief Minister said.
Several countries, including Spain, Canada, Germany and the UK, have shown keen interest to participate in the Union government's flagship Smart City project, the Parliament was informed today.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Urban Development Rao Inderjit Singh said other countries that have evinced interest to participate in the project include China, Singapore and South Korea.

Currently, he said two foreign agencies - US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and French Agency for Development (AFD) - have inked MoUs with states and union territories for participation in development of various smart cities.

USTDA has signed MoUs with Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to develop Visakhapatnam, Allahabad and Ajmer as smart cities respectively.

AFD has signed MoUs with Maharashtra, Chandigarh and Puducherry for development of Nagpur, Chandigarh and Oulgaret, Singh said.

The government has earmarked Rs 48,000 crore for develpment of 100 smart cities across the country.

Under the programme, each selected city will be given Rs 500 crore over a period of five years by the Centre with the respective states expected to make the matching contribution.

As many as 33 cities have been identified so far under the programme.
The Chhattisgarh government has issued a show cause notice to IAS officer Alex Paul Menon for his recent post on Facebook questioning the Indian judiciary.

A 2006 batch officer, Menon, who is presently the CEO of Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS),had purportedly put up a Facebook post on June 18 "is there a bias in India's legal system with 94% of Indians on death row being either Muslim or Dalit ?"



The post drew criticism in social media dubbing it as a voice against the country's judicial system by an IAS officer.

"He (Menon) had posted a comment on social media which was construed as a violation of conduct as per All India Service rules. His comment was perceived as criticism of the judiciary which is a part of the government.

"Hence, a show-notice has been issued to him asking why an action shouldn't be taken against him," State's General Administration Department Secretary, Nidhi Chibber told PTI.

An all-India service officer should not make such comments with any kind of media against the policy or working of the government, she said adding the officer has been asked to reply within a month in the notice and further action will be taken accordingly.

When contacted, the officer refused to comment.

Menon was in limelight in 2012 following his abduction by Maoists during his tenure as Collector of Sukma in Bastar region.
In order to make parents of government schools students as "stakeholders" of education, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today announced a mega Parents-Teachers-Meeting (PTM) on July 30 which he described as first positive dialogue between parents and teachers.

The Deputy Chief Minister has asked the parents of 16 lakh students studying in government schools to celebrate the mega PTM as a festival and said that on the lines of private schools, PTM will now be held at government schools.

Sisodia, who also holds the Education portfolio, said the PTM will be held twice a year to make parents feel proud that they are also part of the several initiatives being taken by the AAP government.

"We have constituted welcoming teams in schools for the parents so that they feel proud and for this, government has set aside funds. The timing of PTM will be different in morning and evening shift schools.

"It is important to communicate the initiatives of Delhi Government in education, so that parents utilize these schemes properly," he said while addressing a press conference.

Sisodia said that in theory, PTMs were supposed to happen at government schools, but they weren't, excluding exceptions, adding that the thought behind this mega event is to open the gates of schools for the parents of the children and leave behind closed spaces in government schools.

"We want to make PTMs a regular affair to keep parents in loop. At this meet, parents can seek details of performance of their children and get updated with all activities and initiatives taken by the government," he further said.

Sisodia said government was improving quality of education in its schools everyday through policies, new infrastructure including CCTVs, classrooms and furniture.

He also said that government has directed all its senior officials of the education department including directors, deputy directors, and assistant director to hold a meeting with parents of government schools' students from 12 to 1 PM on Friday every week to address their issues.
A longtime Beatrice pastor and community leader will pack up his books and bags next month and start his retirement with a trip to Scotland followed by a new home in Lincoln.

The Rev. Jimmy Shelbourn will give his last sermon at First Presbyterian Church on Aug. 7.

Ive been thinking about it and working on it for weeks and weeks, Shelbourn said. What do you say when its your last opportunity to say something?

Shelbourn has been the pastor at First Presbyterian for 31 years.

I want to give them hope for the future, he said. If the only reason they come to church is because they love Jimmy, then Im a failure. They should be coming to church because they love Jesus Christ.

Shelbourn, from Broken Bow, moved to Beatrice from Louisville, Kentucky, where he obtained schooling and his first job as a pastor. He thought he would be in Beatrice for eight to 10 years and move on, he recalled.

There was never a good reason to leave, he said. The more rooted I got in Beatrice with family, it never made sense to leave.

Now, its time. Shelbourn gave his notice to the church one year ago, so leaders could find a new pastor. John Duling will fill in as the interim pastor starting Aug. 14.

My wife Carol has been retired for seven years, Shelbourn said. We could never do retiree things. I felt it wasnt fair to keep her waiting.

The couple will leave Aug. 9 for a trip to Scotland, where they have been before. It's a retirement gift to ourselves, Shelbourn said. Theyll move in September to Lincoln to be close to their son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren.

Theyre members of Westminster and we always knew wed attend Westminster, Shelbourn said. The pastor knew this and he called me and said theyre really shorthanded and need some help.

Its hard to stop completely.

Shelbourn said hell miss Beatrice and First Presbyterian, but he intends to stay in touch with the goings-on of the town.

Its a congregation that since day one, I felt grace-filled affection for their pastor, Shelbourn said. Its one reason why pastors stay so long at this church. ... Its been a real joy to serve here. Good folks.

Shelbourn said hes buried nearly 200 individuals, but hes also baptized several and officiated the weddings of those and others.

You form affectionate relationships with these people, and then they die, Shelbourn said. On Sunday, I baptized a baby whose mother I also baptized 30 years ago. Ive done several of those. You stay a pastor somewhere long enough and get to participate in those things. Its pretty neat.

Shelbourn described Beatrice as a town that has a significant drive to make things better. He cited Main Street Beatrice, the new library, the new high school and the Beatrice Humane Society shelter, which just received enough funding for ground preparation on a new building to start this week.

As the Beatrice Humane Society board president and secretary, the project is close to Shelbourns heart.

What a wonderful way to cap off my career, he said.

Shelbourn said that when he was hired on at First Presbyterian, he was told he must be civic-minded and active in the community. He delivered.

At different points throughout the last 31 years, Shelbourn has served as board president for Gage County Heart Association, Beatrice Childrens Theatre, the Beatrice Public Library and Beatrice Ministerial Association, Beatrice Noon Kiwanis Club and the Beatrice Humane Society. He also acted in Community Players productions, volunteered at the Community Pantry and Emergency Services and dedicated time and energy in other avenues.

He was a Beatrice Kiwanian for 31 years.

He was a very, very active Kiwanian, Beatrice Kiwanian Ross Bauman said. He was always willing to step forward and get involved in projects. We really miss him. Great humor and great wit.

Shelbourn led the music portion of the group's meetings for several years and gave occasional programs related to religion.

Jimmy Shelbourn is probably the most knowledgeable historian about religion I have ever met, Bauman said. His ability to bring out things that the average person doesnt know is just amazing.
Six rhino calves, displaced in the current floods in the famous Kaziranga National Park in Assam, have been rescued, a forest official said today.

A team of the Assam Forest Department and a mobile veterinary service team from the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) have so far rescued six baby rhinos aged between one month and a year.

"They were found separated from their mothers after being washed away in the floods. We have rescued them and they are under treatment at our veterinary centre which is 5 km away from the main gate of the park," Rathin Barman, deputy director of Wildlife Trust of India, which runs the CWRC, told PTI.

Led by Barman, a team of over a dozen workers, besides forest department officials, has been trying to rescue the wild animals displaced in the floods.

"Some of them are in a critical condition because they were about to get drowned before we saved them. They are also suffering from severe trauma of the floods. We are hopeful that all of them will be fine very soon," he said.

Adult rhinos usually try to escape to the Karbi Anglong hills on the southern side of Kaziranga which does not get submerged during floods.

Located on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park, one of India's UNESCO world heritage sites, is facing a major wildlife crisis this year as large portions of its area have been inundated in what are being described as the worst floods in a decade.

The rescue team have also saved about 50 hog deer who live in the Kaziranga and nearby forests.

Some deer have already died after being hit by vehicles on the NH-37 when they tried to escape from the flooded Kaziranga, Barman said.
Seventy seven Tamil Nadu fishermen, who were released following the orders of the Sri Lankan government, were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line today.

The fishermen reached Karaikal coast, from where they would travel to their respective destinations, Fisheries department Additional Director K T Gopinath said.

Prior to their departure, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka provided them new clothes and other essential items, he said.

The fishermen from Nagapattinam, Pudukottai and Ramanthapuram districts were arrested by the Lankan Navy while fishing in their territorial waters between May 31, 2016 and July 15, 2016 and lodged in prisons in that country.

They were released on July 26.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a series of letters, urging him to take steps to secure their release.
Commerce and Industry Ministry today discussed various issues, including taxation and compliance, with start-ups and decided to take up the matter with the departments concerned, going ahead.

The ministry has convened the meeting of founders of 28 start-ups to get a grasp on their issues and concerns.

After the meeting, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the budding entrepreneurs raised concerns related to taxation, regulators and compliance.

"We were keen to know their views on how their start-up activities are going on, their expectations from the government and the difficulties they have. The difficulties may be relating to various ministries... What is it that they want us to do further," she told reporters.

She said they have given their inputs.

"Sectoral issues were also there on which I have instructed the secretary (DIPP) to ensure the concerned inter-departmental meetings are held for sectoral purposes," she added.

"About the 'funds of funds', they want if things can be simplified from the Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI) level."



Sitharaman assured them that the ministry will work on the matter.

A representative from the e-pharma industry too voiced concern about certain regulatory issues at the meeting.

An official said the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) will hold a meeting with respective departments and regulators to resolve the issue of e-pharmacy.

"We will follow all the issues with respective ministries and departments. Most of them talked about reducing the compliance burden in areas like environment, labour and inter-state issues. But many matters were beyond start-ups," the official added.

The participants include Practo, mapmygenome, Delhivery, Urbanclap, Ola, Paytm and CarDekho.

For mapmygenome CEO Anu Achrya, resolving compliance issues is a priority to promote start-ups in the country.

"There are issues related with states and the Centre also," she said.

Allinnov Research and Development Director S Sundarpaul acknowledged the government taking steps, but "things are difficult on the ground".

"Creating a single window system for start-ups will help them a lot," he added.

On tax holiday, the ministry has already demanded an increase in the period to 7 years, from 3.
The crucial Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which looks after the nuclear arsenal of the country, has been kept out of the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The SFC has been included in the list of 26 intelligence and security agencies, which are exempted from providing information under the transparency law, said a senior official in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which acts as a nodal authority for implementation of the RTI law.

The responsibility of the Strategic Forces Command is to operationalise the directives of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), which is under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's control.

The Command has the sole responsibility of initiating the process of delivering nuclear weapons and warheads after acquiring explicit approval from the NCA.

The DoPT has issued a notification in this regard without citing any reason for exempting the SFC. The first Commander-in- Chief of the Command was appointed in 2002.

The organisations like the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, National Investigation Agency, Special Protection Group and Financial Intelligence Unit, among others, are exempted from providing information under the .

However, the information pertaining to the allegations of corruption and human rights violations shall be provided by these 26 organisations, the Act says.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will lead the Indian delegation that would attend the canonization ceremony of Mother Teresa in the Vatican City on September 4.

"In view of the importance we attach to canonization of Mother Teresa, Government of India's delegation will be led by the External Affairs Minister. The composition of the delegation is presently being finalised," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Yesterday, a senior Delhi government official had said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be travelling to the Vatican as he has accepted the invitation of Missionaries of Charity to attend the event. Kejriwal had worked with Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata before he joined the Indian Revenue Service.

According to sources, Kejriwal will be joined by his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee.

Mother Teresa, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, will be declared a saint by Pope Francis on September 4. The announcement regarding her canonization was made by the Pope in March.
Tata Sons today denied strongly the speculation that its assets in Britain could be seized following the London arbitration award against the group in the Tata Tele-Docomo case last month.

The company also said that though it has time till August 2, it hopes to deposit the entire amount of USD 1.17 billion with the registrar of the Delhi High Court by tomorrow.

On June 23 this year, the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) had asked the Tatas to pay up USD 1.17 billion to Japanese partner Docomo.

Following this Docomo has obtained an exparte order from the commercial court in London to enforce the award in Britain. Because the order was obtained exparte, Tata's arguments have not yet been heard, Tata Sons said in a statement this evening.

"We would like to clarify that the London commercial court has granted Tata Sons a period of 23 days, starting July 27, 2016, to apply to set aside the exparte order. The arbitral award cannot be enforced until the end of that period, or until any application made by Tata Sons has been finally decided upon.

"Further, the British assets of Tata Steel and Jaguar Land Rover are not owned by Tata Sons. These are subsidiaries of Indian public listed companies of which Tata Sons is a promoter with a minority shareholding of not more than 30-35 per cent," the statement said.

The statement pointed out that these companies are not party to the arbitration proceedings, and therefore no award has been issued against them. Therefore, it follows that the award cannot be enforced against those companies.

The company further said it has made its position clear in statement on July 26 to the Delhi High Court.

"Tata Sons has from the outset underlined its commitment to honouring its contractual obligations to Docomo, and has taken every possible step keeping in mind the interests of all stakeholders and in accordance with the laws of the land," it said.

"The regulatory approval for performance of the arbitral award of the London Court of International Arbitration has been denied by the Reserve Bank. However, in the Delhi High Court, Tata Sons, as a gesture of good faith and without prejudice to its rights, has in line with its earlier offer to Docomo, committed to deposit the entire amount of the arbitral award by August 2, 2016, with the Delhi High Court Registrar," the company said.

The statement further noted that the Delhi High Court has given time till August 30, 2016, for both parties to try and resolve the outstanding issues between them.

Fulfilment of the arbitral award requires conformance to Indian regulations and laws, and Tata Sons is committed to be in full compliance with all such requirements, it said.

The company had earlier said it has been consistently underlining its commitment to honour the contractual obligations with NTT Docomo, and has taken every possible step to keep the interests of all stakeholders in mind.

The arbitral award is the result of a two-year tussle between the partners in their failed joint venture Tata Teleservices in which NTT Docomo of Japan holds 26 per cent stake which it had picked up in November 2008 for USD 2.7 billion or about Rs 12,770 crore at the then exchange rate.

At that time Tata Sons held 38 per cent in the CDMA operator and the deal valued the company at USD 10.38 billion.

According to their initial agreement in 2008, the largest Japanese teleco was given the option of exiting the venture after a three years at a predetermined share price, which was to be bought by Tata Sons or an external buyer which the Tatas were to arrange.

By 2014, as Tatas failed to get a buyer, Docomo decided to exit, at a time when the share price of Tata Teleservices has plunged far below the earlier decided exit agreement.

Unable to find a buyer, Tata Sons sought the permission of the Reserve Bank to buyback the shares at the previously agreed price but was told no, on the ground that such a transfer could not be made on a subsequent date at a predetermined share price, according to existent forex and securities norms.

Following this Docomo went in for international arbitration, which ended in the Japanese company getting awarded USD 1.17 billion in compensation.
The Tamil Nadu government has moved the Supreme Court seeking review of its judgement in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case in which it was ruled that the Centre has "primacy" over states' right to grant remission.

The petition sought review of the apex court's verdict in December last year virtually overturning the State government's clemency decision.

A five-judge bench had said the State governments must secure "concurrence" of the Union government before freeing convicts in certain cases.

The review petition said as per the Criminal Procedure Code, the central government had no primacy in matters relating to remission or commutation of sentence and that it was "erroneous" on the part of apex court bench to hold that Centre had a "special status" under the constitutional scheme.

"In the case of remitting the sentence of the convicts, it is the State government which is the executive authority more competent to decide the outcome of such release/remission of convicted persons because of its proximity to the facts and circumstances relating to the case pertaining to conviction of the convicts," it said.

The court, which had settled questions arising out of Tamil Nadu government's decision to free Gandhi's assassins, had dealt elaborately with the situations where the Centre will prevail over states' decision to grant remission which included cases where their powers are co-extensive, where trial has been held under central laws or conducted by agencies like CBI, or when they pertain to death penalty.

The Constitution bench had said states cannot exercise "suo motu" the power to grant remission without any specific plea from the convicts.

The apex court had on February 20, 2014 stayed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to release three convicts -Murugan, Santhan and Arivu, whose death sentence had been commuted to life term by it two days before.

The Supreme Court had later also stayed the release of four other convicts -- Nalini, Robert Pious, Jayakumar and Ravichandran, saying there were procedural lapses on part of the state government.

Santhan, Murugan and Arivu are currently lodged in the



Central Prison, Vellore. The other four are also undergoing life sentence for their role in Gandhi's assassination on May 21, 1991 in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

The Center had asserted that the killers of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi did nor deserve any mercy as the assassination was the result of a conspiracy involving foreign nationals.

The Tamil Nadu government, on the other hand, had asserted that the states have power to grant remission under the law and trashed accusations that its decision to release the seven convicts was "political and arbitrary".
Hollywood star Tom Cruise is pictured trapped in a mock-up of an overturned number 25 bus, while filming "The Mummy" in London.

The 54-year-old actor has previously been seen shooting with "Peaky Blinders" star Annabelle Wallis, reported Digital Spy.

Cruise's role is expected to follow in the footsteps of the archaeologist Rick O'Connell famously played by Brendan Fraser in the 1999 film.

Sofia Boutella will play the actual Mummy, while Russell Crowe is reportedly lined up to appear as Dr Jekyll in a cameo - before getting his own solo film.

Not much is known about The Mummy's plot, other than it's set in the present day.

"Prometheus" and "Doctor Strange" writer Jon Spaihts is working on the script, with JJ Abrams's "Fringe" co-creator Alex Kurtzman directing.

"The Mummy" is scheduled for release on June 9, 2017.
Transgender identity should no longer be classified as a mental disorder in a World Health Organization list of diseases, according to a study presented in Mexico.

Violence and social rejection are the cause of mental distress and impairment among transgender people, not their gender identity, according to the research published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry.

"If it's not a disease now, then it never was. This should be clear," Eduardo Madrigal, president of the Mexican Association of Psychiatry, said yesterday at a conference.

The field study was conducted between April and August 2014 among 250 transgender adults who were receiving health care services at the Condesa Specialized Clinic in Mexico City.

The group went through an interview which found that 83 percent had experience distress over their gender identity during adolescence.

It is the first in a series of similar studies that will be conducted in Brazil, France, India, Lebanon and South Africa.

The results will be presented at the 11th revision in 2018 of the WHO's International Classification of Diseases, a diagnostic tool for health care providers around the world.

"This reclassification will not only promote discussions for new health policies for the trans community to have better access to health services, but it will also help to reduce the stigma and rejection that they are victims of," said Ana Fresan, one of the study's authors.
Former CIA chief and Defence Secretary Leon Panetta today lambasted Donald Trump for encouraging Russia to find Hillary Clinton's missing emails-- a move seen as sanctioning cyber spying by a foreign power, saying such a man cannot be the commander-in-chief of the US.

"As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyberattacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be this irresponsible. Donald Trump cannot become our commander-in-chief," Panetta said in his address to the Democratic National Convention here.

Arguing that this was no time to roll the dice and gamble with America's national security, Panetta said in an unstable world, the country cannot afford unstable leadership.

"We cannot afford who believes America should withdraw from the world, threatens our international treaties, and violate our moral principles. We cannot afford an erratic on our nuclear weapons," Panetta said in his address.

"He asked the Russians to engage in American politics. Think about that for a moment. Donald Trump is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States to affect our election," he said.

Referring to Trump's comments that he gets his foreign policy from watching TV and running the Miss Universe Pageant, Panetta said the situation was deadly serious.

"Donald Trump asks our troops to commit wars, endorse torture, spurns allies from Europe to Asia, suggests more countries to have nuclear weapons, and praise dictators from Saddam Hussein to Vladimir Putin," he said.

Panetta said Hillary is determined to defeat those who threaten the United States - be it Al Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, or al-Shabab.

"Terrorists who pervert the teachings of Islam to kill innocent people going about their daily lives, people travelling through airports in Brussels and Istanbul...These murderers must be stopped," he said.

He said Clinton is the only candidate who has laid a comprehensive plan to defeat and destroy ISIS and keep America safe. "She is smart. She is principled. She is tough and she is ready. Hillary is the single most experienced and prepared person who has ever run for president.

Former Maryland Governor Martin O' Malley said Trump has



been a bully his whole life.

"But here's what I learned on playgrounds in Catholic school: all bullies are cowards in disguise. But unlike that immigrant-bashing, carnival barker, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton actually knows the enduring symbol of America is not a barbed wire fence. It is the Statue of Liberty!" he said.

"Donald Trump doesn't believe in science. He says, 'the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese.' If the Chinese were really capable of designing some kind of diabolical farce to hurt America, they wouldn't invent global warming. They'd invent Donald Trump," he said.

Malley said: "Donald Trump doesn't fight for you. Instead, he insults people who disagree with him. He makes his followers fearful of tomorrow. He feeds off of a deep-seated and dangerous anger."



Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid said with Hillary in the White House and a majority in the Senate, Democrats will keep fighting for immigration reform that keeps America true, clean energy that keeps it strong, a Supreme Court that keeps the country just, and background checks for gun buyers and an assault-weapons ban that keeps it safe.

"When Trump decided to run for President, he probably said to himself: I'm an egomaniac. I don't believe in science. I think women are inferior. Where would I feel at home?" Reid said.

(REOPENS FES 16)



In a statement, Stephen Miller, senior policy advisor to Trump Campaign, alleged that Panetta ignored Clinton's rush towards war in the Middle East and her deadly and calamitous invasion of Libya, which further proves her a reckless risk too grave for any American family.

"It is alarming that Leon Panetta would, through his silence, excuse Hillary Clinton's enablement of foreign espionage with her illegal email scheme and her corrupt decision to then destroy those emails and dissemble her 'private' server to hide her crimes from the public and authorities. He better than most should know how many lives she put at risk," Miller said.
Press Release:

2016 Governor's Award for Volunteer Service Recipients:

Donna Ethier - Catawba County

Jesse Milliken - Union County

William Rowland - Lenoir County

Patricia Likes - Lee County

Jonathan Jones - Gates County

Henry Thornton - Rockingham County

Linda Walters - Durham County

Cassandra Jones Garrison - Dare County

Barbara Roberts - Alamance County

Jane Dennis - Mecklenburg County

Clara To - Orange County

Lillian Wright - New Hanover County

CPM Wolverine Proctor - Davidson County

Kelli Crawford - Guilford County

Ann Lowder - McDowell County

Dan Pearson - Forsyth County

Gary Poe - Ashe County

Arthur Kluttz - Cabarrus County

Dr. Pelham Thomas - Jackson County

Haywood Baptist Men Association - Haywood County

Randolph Hospital Volunteer Mentor Team - Randolph County

Contact: Crystal Feldman

Crystal Feldman govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory recognized 21 volunteers from throughout North Carolina for their community service today during a ceremony at the State Capitol Building. Recipients of the 2016 Governor's Award for Volunteer Service were from 21 counties throughout the state, ranging from teenagers in high school to others nearly 90-years-old and above and were recognized for service in 11 categories.said Governor McCrory.The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service within the Office of Governor McCrory grants awards to nominees in categories including individual, family, group/team, youth, senior, mentor, faith-based, disaster, national service, corporate/business, perseverance in volunteerism and lifetime achievement.Ethier volunteers with the Rape Crisis Center of Catawba County. She has spent the last two years pursuing improved access to services for victims of sexual violence. Ethier has researched grant opportunities for Frye Regional Medical Center, made toolkits for nurses and ER staff, and secured equipment to better serve victims of sexual assault that come into the emergency room.Milliken has volunteered nine years at the Union County Community Shelter and now serves as the current board chair. Milliken's leadership helped to build the organization from a budget of $280,000 to over $1 million in a five-year period. Thanks to his efforts in raising awareness and funds, the shelter has transformed from a small staffed emergency service shelter to leading homeless individuals and families to permanent housing. The community shelter estimates it prepares approximately 50,000 meals per year.Rowland has spent 57 years documenting the complete history of the CSS Neuse. The CSS Neuse was a Civil War-era steam-powered ironclad ship. Rowland's work has been very beneficial to the CSS Neuse State Historic Site and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural resources. In 1964, Rowland discovered the remains of CSS Underwriter in the Neuse River at New Bern. In addition to his work on the Neuse, Rowland volunteered with the Lenoir County Emergency Services for twenty-five years.Likes has volunteered with the Christians United Outreach Center of Lee County for six years. She oversees programs, training volunteers, and coordinating special services such as Easter baskets, Thanksgiving turkeys, and Christmas gifts for families. Likes has also been instrumental in providing bilingual interpretation during her over 2,000 volunteer hours last year. Likes also devotes many hours as the youth director at her church, to The Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, American Red Cross, United Way, AmeriCorps, community youth program and the Crisis Pregnancy Center.Jones volunteers much of his time for the children of Gatesville Elementary School PTA. He is in charge of all of the fundraising for the school's needs and has held multiple fundraisers every year, raising over $22,000 to assist Gatesville Elementary. Jones also volunteers with 4H as a coordinator and chaperon and has helped with the Wounded Warriors Turkey Hunt for the last four years.For the last 43 years, Thornton has served as an excellent role model to young men in the community as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 566. Since 1973, Thornton has mentored 65 boys that have earned their Eagle Scout rank. He has served Troop 566 in numerous ways on many different committees and completed countless additional training.For the last nine years, Walters has volunteered in countless ways for Hillandale Elementary School and for the past two years at Riverside High School. She encourages parent involvement and organizes many programs and projects at the school. Walters has been a Girl Scout leader for the past nine years, planning and preparing troop meetings, camping trips, and service projects. She also volunteers her time with children at the Durham Children's Choir.Garrison is active in the Community Emergency Response Team and a member of the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles. She volunteers her time at the Dare Home Health and Dare Hospice. Garrison provides care and compassionate support for patients and their families.For 28 years, Roberts has volunteered at the Friends of Alamance County Public Libraries. She shelves books, trains new volunteers, and helps with library programs and events. She has also been involved in numerous Alamance County nonprofits and organizations including Alamance Arts, Meals on Wheels, PTA, Alamance Children's Theatre, Pink Ribbon Committee, and the Alamance Service League.Dennis has volunteered with the Girl Scouts Hornet's Nest Council for 33 years as Troop Leader, sales manager, and member and chair of multiple committees. She helped with an outreach troop at Rama Road Elementary, offering a girl scout experience to girl's who may not be able to participate in a traditional troop setting. Dennis recently began helping a "Girls Go Beyond" program at the elementary school, sharing her passion with girls who may not have had the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts due to socio-economic barriers. She has managed around 90 Girl Scout Troops, serving over 1,000 girls a year.To is a rising senior at East Chapel Hill High School and volunteers at the Triangle Disability Awareness Council. She also volunteers at the Morehead Planetarium summer camp, Duke Hospital, youth summer programs and music camps, and as a peer tutor.As the older sister of two siblings with Down syndrome, Wright was inspired to found the first ever high school chapter of Best Buddies. Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities form meaningful friendships. Lillie has served as President of the club since its inception and served more than 75 students, with and without disabilities. Along with Best Buddies, Wright serves as a counselor for PALS Summer Camp for young adults with Down syndrome and their peers.CPM Wolverine Proctor is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of processing equipment. They are active in the community and the entire plant was eager to help with the project of making a cauldron for the Special Olympics. When they heard about the need, CPM Wolverine Proctor employees went to work. Material and labor costs for making this cauldron well exceeds over $5,000 and has over 80 hours of labor involved. In addition, five to six volunteers are sent to the local competition to assist.Crawford is the volunteer coordinator at the Greensboro Science Center that includes a zoo, aquarium and museum. She has approximately 750 volunteers and three programs that rely heavily on the work her volunteers provide. Crawford and her volunteer program have benefited the community in various ways through assisting scout groups, fundraisers, and raising awareness through "Endangered Species Day" and "World Oceans Day".Lowder has dedicated most of her 88 years of life to volunteer service. She founded Girl Scouts in McDowell County and was also involved with the Boy Scouts. She has a passion to help others and has helped many to obtain their certification with first aid, water safety and lifeguarding. Lowder and her husband had a passion for making memories for children and built Camp Carolina on their property and operated this camp free to campers. She also volunteered for the American Red Cross, Asheville Rehabilitation Center and YMCA of Western North Carolina.Pearson has given 20 years of volunteer service, 20-25 hours per week, 48 weeks each year to Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. He assists with the building of 15-20 new houses for low income Forsyth County residents each year and repairing nearly as many. Pearson also developed the Cornerstone Leadership program that provides training to anyone willing to lead crews of Habitat volunteers. He has also taken on the responsibility for the development of the new Construction Technology Center.Poe has volunteered for over a decade with the Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission. He has been a board member and leader of the We Care committee, providing assistance to 700 people each year. The goal of the committee is to raise funds for people in need of fuel assistance and help with utility bills for the elderly and families with young children. Poe is a leader in numerous activities to help those in need, including the "Keep the Heat On" soup luncheons, and many fundraisers.Kluttz has dedicated 75 years of service to the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department. He became a member in 1941, has won firefighter of the year at the county and state level, and became Fire Chief in 1963. Kluttz has served in all positions of the Cabarrus County Firefighters Association. Even after retirement and at 91 years of age, he serves as a mentor to the department. He is also a founding and current member of the American Legion Post 301.Dr. Thomas has worked with Meals on Wheels and as a ramp builder for Project Care for 40 years. He shares his talents of music by singing and playing the mandolin at local nursing facilities and participating at Adult Day Care programs. Dr. Thomas is known for greeting many people with a joke, bringing a smile or laugh. Many students were blessed to benefit from his lectures that he taught at Western Carolina University before he retired.The Haywood Baptist Men build handicap ramps weekly for the elderly and handicapped. It's not unusual to have anywhere from 9-21 volunteers working a job. This group has been volunteering for almost 20 years.This 10-person mentor team volunteers in nine departments of the Randolph Hospital. This year, Volunteer Services was faced with the challenge of electronic training for all active members and ten volunteers were chosen to serve as mentors for the training procedure. This group went above and beyond and many stayed past their regular shift to teach a training class. Several volunteers rearranged their personal schedule to meet with volunteers one-on-one when they needed special care. These 10 people were always available for anything they were asked to do and more.
Turkey's top military commanders met today to replace almost half of their generals in a radical shake-up after the failed coup, as authorities shut down dozens of media outlets in a widening crackdown.

The hastily convened meeting came after the government ordered the discharge of 149 generals -- nearly half the armed forces' entire contingent of 358 -- for complicity in the putsch bid.

In a separate move, a total of 131 newspapers, TV channels and other media outlets were being shut down.

The July 15 rebellion, which saw plotters bomb Ankara from war planes and wreak havoc with tanks on the streets of Istanbul in a bid to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has sparked a backlash affecting all aspects of Turkish life.

So far almost 16,000 people have been detained in a crackdown -- the magnitude of which had caused international alarm.

The meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) began in Ankara at around 1400 IST, bringing together Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and the army, navy and air force commanders, along with other top figures untarnished by the coup.

In a possible move to pre-empt its decisions, two of Turkey's top ranking generals -- Land Forces Chief of Staff General Ihsan Uyar and Training and Doctrine Command head General Kamil Basoglu -- resigned just before the meeting, the Dogan agency said.

Eighty-seven land army generals, 30 air force generals and 32 admirals have been dishonourably discharged over their complicity in the failed coup, a Turkish official said, confirming a government decree.

In addition, 1,099 officers and 436 junior officers have received a dishonourable discharge, according to the decree.

The council will decide on the personnel changes required after the coup, with lower-ranking officers expected to be fast-tracked to fill gaps in top positions.

In a symbol of the military's waning power, the meeting is being held at the Cankaya Palace of the Turkish premier in Ankara and not, as is customary, at military headquarters.

It is expected to last just one day, as opposed to up to three days in the past, a Turkish official said.

In the wake of the coup the military has already lost control of the coastguard and gendarmerie, which will now be the responsibility of the interior ministry.

The army said Wednesday that 8,651 of its military personnel had been involved in the rebellion -- 1.5 per cent of its total number -- along with 35 planes, 37 helicopters, 74 tanks and three ships.
Two Indian death row convict in Qatar are moving the country's Supreme Court against the punishment handed to them by a lower court order for allegedly murdering an elderly Qatari woman.

In January last year, a court had held three Indians -- Subramanian Alagappa, Sivakumar Archunan and Chilladurai Perumal -- guilty of murder and awarded them death sentence.

With the help of the Embassy, the three Indians had filed an appeal in the Appeal Court against the Lower Court's verdict.

The Appeal Court in its judgement, upheld the Lower Court's verdict in respect of Alagappa and Perumal while commuting death sentence of Archunan into life imprisonment, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

He said the three Indians were arrested in February, 2012 on the charges of murder of an elderly Qatari woman and that consequent upon award of death sentence, the Indian Embassy has taken up their cases, seeking an Emiri or a Royal Pardon.

"The Embassy has obtained a copy of the verdict, and a lawyer, hired by the embassy is making preparations for the Supreme Court Appeal in order to file it within the stipulated time," said Swarup.
Taxi aggregator on Thursday announced the 'Mi Pan Malak' scheme to encourage taxi and auto drivers across the megapolis to join its platform.

Under the scheme, the drivers can avail offers and services through Uber's partnerships with leading financial institutions and car manufacturers with a down payment of as low as Rs 25,000, said in a statement here.

Presently, 'kaali-peeli' drivers rent taxis for 12-hour shifts paying as high as Rs 600 per shift (excluding CNG), claimed.

With the same amount of money, these drivers can own their vehicles, it said.

This comes at a time when taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers across all major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kochi, have been organising protests, saying that on- demand taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola are a threat to their livelihoods.

They are also demanding better rules to level the playing field regarding pricing. While cab aggregators operate on-demand based surge pricing, regular taxis have to abide by government-mandated ceilings on the minimum and maximum fares.

"At Uber, we are keen on building micro entrepreneurship by providing flexible economic opportunities for all. Through this special scheme, we wish to encourage existing taxi and auto drivers to become financially independent by reaping the benefits of our platform," said Shailesh Sawlani, General Manager, Uber Mumbai.

Uber claims that at least 30% of its existing driver partners in Mumbai are ex-taxi, auto and radio taxi drivers.

In February this year, during the 'Make in India' week hosted by the Centre, Uber signed an agreement with the Maharashtra government's Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department (SDED) to create 75,000 new economic opportunities, including a focus on training women and people from marginalised societies.
The UGC has sanctioned Rs 800 lakh to Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in the 12th plan, of which Rs 320 lakh has already been released, Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, has said.

The minister stated this in a letter to Prof Richard Hay, Lok Sabha MP, who had raised the issue in the house on efforts being put in by the university at Kalady in preserving the rich heritage of India.

"Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Shri Lal Bhadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan New Delhi and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupathi, three deemed universities under this ministry have libraries where rare valuable manuscripts related to different branches of Sanskrit literature- Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Astrology, Vyakaran, Vedanta, Sankhya Yoga Nyaya, Music and Ayurveda are preserved, some of which belong to the period of Vikram Samvat1800-2000 and some are even more ancient', he said.
Britain's temples and gurudwaras are among a wide range of places of worship that could benefit from a new UK government scheme providing additional security to such places in the wake of spike in hate crimes following Brexit.

The Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme was launched by UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd on Tuesday as part of a wider UK government crackdown on a spike in hate crimes following Britain's vote to leave the European Union last month.

"Representatives from religious communities have raised concerns about crimes which range from graffiti to arson attacks. We will consider bids from places of worship in England and Wales to provide protective security measures," a UK Home Office statement said.

Places of worship will be required to provide supporting documents to show they need increased security, including police reports, records of incidents, photographic evidence or insurance claims and will need tocontribute 20 per cent of the total costs.

The bids under the fund, which will be open until September, will cover security equipment such as CCTV, perimeter fencing, access control gates, door locks and security doors.

Funding provided under the new scheme would also include the appropriate labour cost to install the security equipment.

The initial funding for the scheme has been assessed at 2.4 million pounds over three years, to be reviewed in light of the response to the first round of bids.

Hindu Forum of Britain, an umbrella body of Hindu organisations in the country, described the new fund as "great news" and urged its members to bid for additional security.

The programme is aimed at providing "security hardening measures for places of worship that have been subject to or are deemed to be vulnerable to criminal damage and extreme physical attacks."



"It will also identify places of worship through independent and expert review at greatest risk of criminal damage and would potentially benefit from the implementation of new measuresand mitigating the impact of hate crime offences, including but not limited to criminal damage such as vandalism, graffiti and arson and public order inside the property," Home Office said.

The Jewish community will be exempted from the new scheme as a similar commitment was made to fund Jewish community sites through a grant administered by the UK's Community Security Trust.

Recent figures showed there have been more than 6,000 reports of hate crime to police since June 23, when Britain voted for Brexit.

The daily rate of hate crimes peaked at 289 on June 25, the day after the referendum result was announced.
Ukraine's UN ambassador today dismissed as "null and void" a decree by President Vladimir Putin incorporating annexed into the southern region of Russia.

Volodymyr Yelchenko said he will ask the Security Council to issue a statement reaffirming Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the decree, even though he fully expects Russia to block it.

"The decision is null and void as any other decision taken by so far," Yelchenko told reporters, adding that there was "indignation" in Kiev over the move.

The proposed statement would refer to a UN General Assembly resolution that rejected Russia's 2014 annexation of .

"We would not be surprised if Russia will block this press statement but it will show again who stands where," said the ambassador.

Putin issued a decree merging Crimea into the southern federal district of Russia to strengthen the work of federal state bodies, the Kremlin press service said.

Wading into the US election campaign, the Ukrainian ambassador said he expected any future US president to respect UN decisions rejecting Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said he would consider recognising Crimea as part of Russia and lifting sanctions imposed on Moscow in response to the land grab.

"Mister Trump is not the president of the United States, at least not yet," said Yelchenko.

"There are well-known decisions of the United Nations," he added. "I am pretty sure that any US government will pay full respect to those decisions.
Unaccounted Indian currency worth Rs 39.97 lakh has been seized from a passenger bound for Sri Lanka at Chennai airport, customs officials said today.

Acting on a tip-off, customs officials intercepted the passenger bound for Colombo late last night and seized the currency from his baggage, they said.

The passenger, hailing from Ramanathapuram, was detained for questioning.

Further investigations were on, they added.
A 54-year-old man, wanted in three cases of human trafficking and absconding for the past six years, has been arrested from southwest Delhi, police said today.

Jaswinder Singh alias Barhmi was arrested by Crime Branch sleuths near Barat Ghar on Main Sagarpur Road, said Ravindra Yadav, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime).

He had been absconding since 2009 and was wanted in three cases registered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport police station.

Singh visited Libya and Saudi Arabia in the 1980s in search of work. During that period, he came in contact with Balbir and joined him in sending people abroad on forged passports and visas.

The accused was arrested for the first time in a case registered under various sections of the IPC and Passport Act registered at Chanakyapuri police station in 1985.

In 2009, two similar cases and later another case in connection with human trafficking was registered against him at IGI airport police station.

He was absconding since as the police tried to nab him. He was declared a proclaimed offender by the courts, the officer said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today assured the Legislative Council of verifying the proofs against the "tainted" ministers and taking action against them, in a bid to pacify the Opposition, which has had refused to let the House function for three consecutive days over the issue.

"The ministers have explained their stand on the charges levelled against them. The Leader of the House has answered as well. Yet, the Opposition is unsatisfied with our replies which were based on proofs as well," Fadnavis said.

"However, we are ready to examine all the proofs submitted by the Opposition and verify them. If any truth is found in them, we won't hesitate to take immediate action against the concerned ministers," he said.

The Chief Minister's reply satisfied the Opposition members, who agreed to let the House transact business as per schedule.

The Congress and NCP had not allowed the House to function throughout the week seeking inquiry against the "tainted" ministers under the Commission of Inquiry Act.

"Despite all the proofs submitted against the ministers in the House, the Chief Minister is issuing clean chits to his ministers. Those who are accused of corruption are giving themselves a clean chit because they know the CM will back them despite their wrongdoings," Leader of Opposition in the Council Dhananjay Munde had earlier said.

The House was repeatedly disrupted by the opposition members, who would troop into the Well and shout slogans against the government.

Congress member Sharad Ranpise had sought to know how could those who are accused of irregularities defend themselves and give themselves a clean chit?



"An inquiry should be conducted under Commission of Inquiry Act," he had said.

Members also said that unless the government cedes to their demand of ordering an inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act by a sitting High Court judge, they would not let the House function.

Meanwhile, addressing the the Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis said, "If you (opposition) have new evidence as you claim, please submit it to the government. But desist from making repeated allegations without substantiating your charges," he said.

He was responding to Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil's charge that new evidence has surfaced against Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, who was inducted as Labour Minister ahead of the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Assembly here.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat said the



issue has already been discussed in the House and as such, no fresh debate could be held on the same, which left the Opposition fuming prompting them to raise slogans against the government. The Assembly was adjourned for 15 minutes.

When the proceedings resumed, Fadnavis said, "If Vikhe Patil has any fresh evidence, he should submit it, or else these allegations will be treated as political charges and will get a similar response."



The Opposition has levelled allegations of irregularities and graft against several ministers, including Pankaja Munde, Girish Bapat, Vishnu Savra, Vinod Tawde, Deepak Sawant and Ravindra Waikar, among others. The legislators had asked for inquiries under the ACB.
Scientists have discovered the world's oldest evidence for cancer and bony tumours in human ancestor fossils found in South Africa, dating back to nearly two million years, suggesting that these deadly diseases may not be a consequence of modern lifestyles.

The discovery of a foot bone dated to about 1.7 million years ago from Swartkrans in South African, with definitive evidence of malignant cancer, pushes the oldest date for this disease back from recent times into deep prehistory.

Although the exact species to which the foot bone belongs is unknown, it is clearly that of a hominin, or bipedal human relative, according to researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand and the South African Centre for Excellence in PalaeoSciences.

Scientists also identified the oldest tumour ever found in the human fossil record, a benign neoplasm found in the vertebrae of the well-known Australopithecus sediba child, Karabo from the site of Malapa, and dated to almost two million years in age.

The oldest previously demonstrated possible hominin tumour was found in the rib of a Neanderthal and dated to around 120,000 years old.

"Modern medicine tends to assume that cancers and tumours in humans are diseases caused by modern lifestyles and environments," said Edward Odes, doctoral candidate at University of the Witwatersrand.

"Our studies show the origins of these diseases occurred in our ancient relatives millions of years before modern industrial societies existed," Odes said.

The cancer in a foot bone, a metatarsal, was identified as an osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer which usually affects younger individuals in modern humans, and, if untreated typically results in early death.

"Due to its preservation, we don't know whether the single cancerous foot bone belongs to an adult or child, nor whether the cancer caused the death of this individual, but we can tell this would have affected the individuals' ability to walk or run," said Bernhard Zipfel, a scientist at University of the Witwatersrand.

"The presence of a benign tumour in Australopithecus sediba is fascinating not only because it is found in the back, an extremely rare place for such a disease to manifest in modern humans, but also because it is found in a child," said Patrick Randolph-Quinney from the University of Central Lancashire in the UK.

"This, in fact, is the first evidence of such a disease in a young individual in the whole of the fossil human record," he said.

"Not only has there been an assumption that these sorts of cancers and tumours are diseases of modernity, which these fossils clearly demonstrate they are not, but that we as modern humans exhibit them as a consequence of living longer, yet this rare tumour is found in a young child," said Lee Berger, from University of the Witwatersrand.

The research was published in the South African Journal of Science.
In light of continued developments, primarily since 2008, there exists in these United States a Legal System which operates on a proved Two Tiered approach to justice rendered, which primarily benefits Democratic Elites and Woke Ideological Virtue Signalers, representing their co-dependent wards, to the expressed exclusion of normal hardworking American citizens: What is your suggestion in remedying this widespread injustice and, if not corrected, its existential outcome for our Constitutional Republic?

Complete overhaul of the Department of Justice and their enforcers - the FBI - to reflect a far more honest justice system to keep patriots remaining calm.

Disband the FBI, and request that congress investigate all unethical and non patriotic practices to partially right the wrongs of a distrusted and politically weaponized "Department of Justice."
Yemen's government said today that peace talks underway since April had ended without agreement after Shiite rebels and their allies formed a 10-member "supreme council" to run the war-torn nation.

"The negotiations have completely ended," said Abdullah al-Olaimi, deputy director of the Yemeni president's office and a member of the government team to the UN-brokered talks being held in Kuwait.

"We have participated and exercised patience for the sake of our people and we end the negotiations for their sake," Olaimi said on his Twitter account.

In Riyadh, President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government said the rebels had "fired the bullet of mercy" killing off the talks.

UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the rebels' move "contravenes" their commitment to the peace process and "represents a grave violation" of UN Security Council Resolution.

The Shiite Huthi rebels and the General People's Congress of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh earlier announced the formation of "a supreme political council of 10 members".

They did not name the council's members.

"The aim is to unify efforts to confront the aggression by Saudi Arabia and its allies," they said in reference to the Riyadh-led Arab coalition that launched a military campaign against the rebels in March 2015 in support of Hadi.

The job of the council would be to "manage state affairs politically, militarily, economically, administratively, socially and in security".

Ould Cheikh Ahmed who has been brokering 100 days of talks aimed at a peaceful settlement condemned the move without formally announcing the collapse of negotiations.

"This is a clear violation of the Yemeni constitution" as well as Resolution, he said in a statement released in Kuwait.

The resolution calls on the Huthis to withdraw from territories they occupied in 2014, to hand over their arms and return state institutions to the legitimate government.

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi said the rebels' announcement amounted to a "new coup".

The rebels have "missed an opportunity for peace which the Yemeni people needed", Mikhlafi said on his Twitter account.

"We call on the community to condemn the new coup against the constitutional legitimacy and hold the Huthi-Saleh alliance responsible" for the failure of the talks, he said.

The rebels overran Sanaa in September 2014 and expanded their control to other parts of .

In February last year, they had set up a "Supreme Revolutionary Council" to run the country after they announced the dissolution of the government and parliament.
Zen Technologies, simulation technology based training solutions companies in India, has been selected by Egypt to provide range of training equipment including smart target systems for its military.

The order worth about Rs 30 crore is the largest international order bagged by the company.

Zen Technologies emerged as the front runner against tough international competition from global firms, a company statement said.

Ashok Atluri, CMD, Zen Technologies said the firm over the years has emerged as a strong player in the field of defence training simulation in India and it has been their endeavour to expand presence abroad, specifically the Middle East and African region.

"The order from the Egyptian Government (MoD) is a reflection of our commitment towards providing the best training tools to security forces to tackle and neutralize both external and internal threats," he said.

Atluri added that various players globally have been showing intense interest in their training solutions especially 'Combat Training Centre' and hence they are looking forward to more breakthroughs in the coming months.
The pastor who launched a social media campaign criticising the government and then left the country for his safety is calling for a massive but peaceful uprising.

Evan Mawarire told an emotional crowd at a university in South Africa on last night that once was promising but had been reduced to "horror and unimaginable disappointment."



Frustration has been growing in the southern African nation amid a collapsing economy and allegations of corruption.

People across the country earlier this month staged the largest anti-government strike in nearly a decade.

President Robert Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980 and is the world's oldest head of state at 92, has responded by saying that people who aren't happy should leave.

Many have. Most of the people cheering, laughing and crying in the audience last night were from Zimbabwe, part of an exodus of hundreds of thousands of people into neighbouring South Africa over the years.

Mawarire said Zimbabwe's government "cannot deal with people that are genuinely peaceful," and he called on fellow citizens to rewrite the country's future. "Catastrophe has been our story for far too long," he said.

He also addressed concerns that he had left the country for good, while acknowledging the risks involved in speaking out.

"My country is . It is my home. I live there," he said. "If you are going to arrest me, you will arrest me at home. If you are going to kill me, you will kill me at home." Mawarire has refused to engage in violence.

"Violence begets violence, and that is something that you and I have to make a decision to be different on going forward," he told the crowd.
Police have arrested a senior official from Zimbabwe's war veterans' association after it accused President Robert Mugabe of "dictatorial" behaviour in a shock rupture with the 92-year-old leader, lawyers said today.

Veterans of Zimbabwe's 1970s independence war, who had previously been loyal Mugabe supporters, last week issued a statement bitterly denouncing the president, who faces growing signs of opposition.

Douglas Mahiya, spokesman for the War Veterans' Association, was arrested yesterday in Harare, according to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) group.

"Information presently at hand is that the police are charging him with subverting a constitutional government and insulting the office of the president," the lawyers said.

A Mahiya family lawyer confirmed the arrest to AFP, but declined to comment further.

The association's secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda, was also taken from his rural home in Gokwe, north west Zimbabwe, after being summoned for police questioning.

"His whereabouts are currently undetermined, as are the charges or allegations against him," ZLHR said.

Recent demonstrations, the largest in many years in Zimbabwe, have been triggered by an economic crisis that has left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers.

More than 90 per cent of the population is not in formal employment after years of economic decline under Mugabe's rule.

Police today declined to comment on the two cases, a day after the president vowed to punish the unnamed authors of the war veterans' criticisms.

"When we find out who the people were, the party will discipline them. The punishment will be severe," Mugabe said in a speech yesterday to supporters outside the headquarters of the ruling ZANU-PF party.

In a dramatic change of stance, the liberation war fighters last week vowed not to support Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980, if he sought re-election in 2018.

"You can't maintain a dictatorship by arresting people for speaking their mind," Rugare Gumbo, a war veteran and former senior government official, told AFP.

"It's unfortunate that war veterans are being victimised."



Starting in 2002, the veterans led the government-backed seizures of white-owned commercial farms, in what Mugabe said was a reversal of imbalances from the colonial era.
European stocks slipped on Thursday, weighed down by weak updates from companies including Dialog Semiconductor and oil major Royal Dutch Shell.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index dipped 0.1 per cent, while the FTSEurofirst 300 index fell 0.2 per cent.

Dialog dropped 8 per cent, among the worst-performers on the STOXX 600, after the German company cut its 2016 sales outlook, while Shell fell by 3.9 per cent after it reported a profit slump.

Analysts noted that Dialog's update was even more disappointing given a well-received update earlier this week from Apple - Dialog's biggest client  which saw Apple shares rise in New York.

Shares in British bank Lloyds also fell 3 percent after Lloyds warned of a likely drop in demand caused by Britain's vote to quit the European Union and added it would accelerate its cost-cutting plan.

The STOXX 600 has rebounded by around 10 per cent from a low point reached on June 27 after the shock Brexit vote, but it remains down by around 6 per cent so far in 2016.

Credit Suisse's equity strategists said that many investors remained pessimistic about European equities.

Italian banks' bad debts remain a cause of concern, and the Credit Suisse strategists added Brexit had reawakened fears among U.S clients over the euro zone, with valuations at levels last seen during the Greek economic crisis of 2011.

"Outflows are close to record highs, valuations are back to Greek crisis lows on P/E relatives yet earnings and economic momentum are showing signs of relative stability," they wrote.

Roche Brune Asset Management fund manager Gregoire Laverne and Prime Partners' chief investment officer Francois Savary saw some positive signs from the European corporate results season.

Finnish refiner Neste surged 10 per cent to a record high after its second-quarter profit beat forecasts, while engineer Rolls Royce jumped 12 percent after forecasting an improvement in profit.

"European companies are generally looking to be on the right sort of path. Even if sales are not necessarily increasing, margins are increasing," said Laverne, European equities fund manager at Roche Brune Asset Management.
MUMBAI (Reuters) - India will allow individuals to bid in the government's treasury bill auctions to encourage wider participation, the Reserve Bank of India said on Thursday.

The RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, who is stepping down after his term ends on September 4, has been keen to bring retail investors into government bonds to improve the breadth of the market.

Individual investors will be able to buy a maximum 5 percent of the amount of the issue, or any other percentage within that range determined by the RBI, a central bank statement said.

The facility will be operational from August 3.

Currently commercial banks are the biggest buyers of these short-term papers.

(Reporting by Devidutta Tripathy and Suvashree Dey Choudhury; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Bernie Woodall

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co reported weaker-than-expected profit in the second quarter and declared that the U.S. auto industry's long recovery was at an end, sending its stock and those of other auto companies tumbling.

Ford shares slumped nearly 10 percent in morning trading on Thursday, after Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks told reporters the U.S. economic recovery is "maturing," and forecast sales would be weaker in 2017 than in 2016.

Ford's market valuation was down more than $5 billion since Wednesday's stock market close.

Shares of General Motors Co skidded about 4 percent as its market value fell about $1.7 billion. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV shares dropped more than 5 percent following Ford's results as the Italian-American automaker's market cap lost $460 million since Wednesday's close.

Shanks said weakness in North America, where Ford generated 90 percent of its $2.99 billion pretax profit in the latest quarter, threatened the automaker's earlier forecast that it would equal or beat last year's pretax profit of $10.8 billion.

Ford said it will cut production in the second half of the year to reduce inventories of vehicles and accelerate cost-cutting efforts.

The company now expects the U.S. economy to grow 1.9 percent to 2.3 percent this year, lower than its previous expectation of 2.1 percent to 2.6 percent growth. The Federal Reserve last month trimmed its forecast for U.S. economic growth to 2 percent from 2.2 percent in March.

Ford's downbeat view of the U.S. market contrasts with that of rival General Motors, which last week raised its outlook for full-year results and reported stronger margins in its North American operations.

SIGNS OF STRESS

Ford's second-quarter net income fell to $1.97 billion, or $0.49 per diluted share, from $2.16 billion, or $0.54 per share a year earlier. Excluding one-time items, Ford earned $0.52 per share, against analyst expectations of $0.60 per share.

Second-quarter revenue was $39.5 billion, up 6 percent from a year earlier, beating analyst expectations of $36.3 billion. Automotive revenue was $37 billion.

Ford's results showed signs of stress in various ways. In North America, revenue grew 2 percent to $23.8 billion for the quarter.

But discounts, or sales incentives, took $999 million more out of the latest quarter's pretax profit than in the second quarter a year ago, and pretax profit in the region fell by 5 percent to $2.7 billion.

Ford's operating automotive margin in North America was 11.3 percent, down from 12.2 percent a year earlier.

"The competitive environment has increased as demand has slowed," Chief Executive Mark Fields said during a conference call with investors. "This has resulted in higher industry incentives ... as various competitors protect their share."

Many analysts and industry executives have warned that the U.S. auto market was headed for a downturn after record sales of 17.47 million light vehicles in 2015.

Worries about U.S. demand also weighed on motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson, which Thursday lowered its 2016 U.S. sales outlook and warned of weakness in other markets.

WEAKNESS IN ASIA

Ford had trouble outside North America and reported its first quarterly loss in the Asia Pacific in three years, in part because of a weak performance in China.

Additionally, Shanks said a weaker British pound following the June 23 vote by Britain to leave the European Union, known as "Brexit," cost the company about $60 million in the quarter.

The 2016 impact of Brexit on Ford is expected to be $200 million, he said, and each year until Britain leaves the EU will cost the company $400 million to $500 million, Shanks said.

He said there was too much uncertainty to predict what will happen once Britain leaves the EU.

Shanks said all options are on the table for cost cuts in Europe but he added the company at this point is not ready to announce any plant shutdowns in Britain.

Ford said its cost also rose for safety recalls, which are counted as part of its net income. The expense to cover recalls relating to air bag inflators made by Takata Corp was about $100 million in the quarter, Shanks said.

Europe was a bright spot for Ford; it made second-quarter pretax profit of $467 million in the region, up 190 percent, and a pretax margin of 5.8 percent. But Europe's auto sales industry wide are expected to weaken in the coming quarters, Shanks said.

The third quarter will be weaker than normal, Shanks said. Instead of contributing to about 25 percent of the company's annual profit, the third quarter's contribution this year will be about half that, he said.

That will largely be due to costs for a new F-Series pickup truck heavy duty lineup, the first full redesign for the products in 19 years.

In early afternoon trading, Ford shares were down about 9.6 percent at $12.51.

(Editing by Bernadette Baum and Chris Reese)
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The Editorial/Content team at Business Standard has not contributed to writing or editing these articles.

For further information, please write to assist@bsmail.in
Womens health products and services offer an opportunity for businesses to capitalize on an underserved category.

Several successful companies focus on hygiene and reproductive products, like LOLA, a subscription service for feminine care products, and Thinx, underwear that is worn during menstruation.

Other startups, like Natural Cycles and Ava, provide tools that track menstrual cycles.

This article is for anyone interested in learning about startups that provide goods or services focusing on womens health.

Long overdue, the conversation around womens health has finally entered mainstream discourse, but there is still a ways to go. Startups, many spearheaded by female entrepreneurs, are adding to the open dialog about womens health, and creating goods and services that increase accessibility to products in this category. Here are five businesses that help to promote womens well-being.

LOLA

LOLA, a subscription service for feminine hygiene products, was created by Jordana Kier and Alex Friedman to fill a gap in the marketplace.

We were able to get groceries, beauty products and dry cleaning delivered to our door, Kier said. But for some reason, we were still making last-minute tampon runs to the drugstore every month, even though it was never any surprise that we would need them.

Our goal was to help women feel empowered to ask questions about their feminine care and informed enough to make educated choices about the products they use, Kier continued. Long term, the vision for LOLA is to provide all women with the products they need throughout their entire reproductive cycles and beyond. To us, the entry of other startups into the space further validates the importance of all-natural products.

LOLA deliveries come in discreet boxes that contain 18 tampons, available in three sizes (light, regular, super) consistent with industry standards.

It was important to us to build our subscription model to be a service we would want to use ourselves, so we make it really easy to adjust, skip or cancel at any time, Friedman said.

LOLA sells products made from 100% cotton, hypoallergenic material that doesnt contain any synthetics, chemicals or dyes. Additionally, LOLA tampons are wrapped in BPA-free compact plastic applicators. This is an important selling point, since customers want sustainable products and packaging.

FYI: There are other subscriptions that cater to lesser-known markets. We made a list of nine delivery services that serve unique markets.

Thinx

The undergarments made by Thinx offer a new freedom: the ability to wear underwear during menstrual cycles without the use of traditional hygiene products.

According to the Thinx site, the top layer of the underwear fights bacteria and absorbs any liquid into the thin layer right beneath it, so you always stay dry. The product comes in a variety of styles and absorbency levels.

Thinx, along with its partner organizations, seeks to create initiatives and programs to help women. For instance, Thinx worked with AFRIpads, which manufactures reusable cloth pads in Uganda. Local women are trained to sew and sell the products, empowering the women to become entrepreneurs. Additionally, local Ugandan girls can purchase the affordable pads, keeping these young students in school all month.

The company has received positive customer testimonials from women with menstrual irregularities, women with disabilities and transgender people.

Key takeaway: Thinx says it values corporate social responsibility. Learn more about how companies can incorporate social responsibility into their business practices.

Natural Cycles

Natural Cycles is an app that monitors menstrual cycles. It can tell you when your next period is due, and when you are likely fertile, ovulating or pregnant.

Natural Cycles is backed up by well-researched, large-scale clinical studies, said Raoul Scherwitzl, co-founder and chief executive of Natural Cycles, in a statement. We know we are dealing with womens lives here, and we take that very seriously.

According to the site, app users are encouraged to enter their body temperature daily, or as often as possible, to help identify fertile days and track ovulation.

Health apps are an important part of daily life for many women, which means the information provided by them impacts their health and well-being, Scherwitzl said.

Ava

Another cycle-tracking company is Ava, which makes a fertility-tracking wearable bracelet. Founded in 2014 and launched in 2016, the company aims to advance womens reproductive health by using artificial intelligence backed by clinical research.

Avas bracelet uses sensor technology and artificial intelligence to detect the users most fertile days. According to the companys website, the bracelet is worn only during sleep, and the device informs the wearer of the five most fertile days of their cycle in real time with 90% accuracy while also delivering personalized insight about reproductive health and pregnancy. The bracelet tracks five physiological signals of changing hormones: skin temperature, breathing patterns, heart rate variability, resting pulse rate and perfusion (blood circulation through tissues).

Ava has also expanded its efforts by working with WINFertility, a fertility benefits management company that offers services around fertility health benefits (access to technology, doctors and emotional support) to employers all over the United States to improve and strengthen womens health.

Did you know?: Many female entrepreneurs have overcome challenges and adversity. We talked with seven entrepreneurs about the problems they faced as women and how they overcame these hurdles.

TruScreen

TruScreen is a medical device company, founded and based in New Zealand, whose focus is getting an early start on detecting cervical cancer. The company developed an AI-enabled device that detects precancerous and cancerous cervical changes in real time using optical and electrical measurements of cervical tissue.

While TruScreen doesnt currently have a strong presence in the United States and does not replace cervical cancer screening by a medical professional, the company does have access to European markets and targets low- and middle-income countries where routine cervical cancer screening is less accessible. Currently, TruScreen is the primary screening method in major hospitals in Vietnam.

Bassam Kaado contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.
Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Steel on Wednesday reported a multi-fold jump in its consolidated net profit at Rs 1,109 crore for the quarter ended on June 30, 2016.

The firm had clocked a net profit of Rs 21.19 crore in the year-ago period, it said in a BSE filing.

Total consolidated income, however rose marginally by 2 per cent to Rs 12,885.81 crore in April-June this fiscal from Rs 12,647.35 crore during the same quarter in 2015-16.

The firm said crude steel production grew by 14 per cent to 3.87 million tonnes (MT) during the June quarter in 2016-17 from 3.40 MT during the same quarter in 2015-16, while sales grew 8 per cent to 3.34 MT from 3.11 MT during the period.

During the quarter, steel production ramp-up in the industry was ahead of expected demand pick-up in the latter part of the year, JSW Steel said in a statement.

At the same time, domestic apparent demand growth was almost flattish (0.4 per cent y-o-y), it added.

"With strong and remunerative export orders, the company strategically re-focused on the exports sales during the quarter, which grew by 39 per cent y-o-y, cushioning the impact of flattish domestic sales," the firm said.

The company has also been focusing to increase branded and automotive steel products sales. During the quarter, the sales to the automotive sector grew by 16 per cent y-o-y compared to 12 per cent y-o-y growth in the Indian automotive production.

Sales of Branded steel products also increased by 15 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y). Overall, sales of value added and special products sales grew by 4 per cent y-o-y in the quarter, it added.

On outlook, the firm said India's economic growth continues to improve gradually.

"Normal monsoons and 7th Pay Commission awards are likely to drive consumer discretionary spending going forward.

However, government's measures to pump prime the economy and progress on various policy reforms are key to drive an uptick in steel demand growth," it added.

In India steel production ramp-up was ahead of expected demand pick-up crude steel production increased by 4.8 per cent y-o-y in the June quarter this fiscal, whereas apparent finished steel consumption grew by only 0.4 per cent due to sluggish demand conditions, JSW Steel said.

At the same time, steel imports remained at elevated levels. Imports in March 2016, surged by around 60 per cent.

More than 50 per cent of current imports are happening at prices below MIP levels for the respective product category, it added.

Overall imports into India have fallen by only about 1/3rd from the pre-MIP level as against expectations of a 50 per cent drop. Therefore, widening of MIP scope, effective implementation, monitoring and extension of MIP provisions is imperative for the health of the steel industry, it said.

On the global situation, the firm said rising global steel prices in March and April drove a sharp increase in steel production in all major regions during April-June on 2016 calendar year (except Europe and South America).

Global steel capacity utilisation in June 2016 jumped to 71.8 per cent. With surge in production not being supported by underlying demand, prices started declining May onwards, but of late they have firmed up again mainly on restocking demand led by infrastructure and construction sectors in China.

"However the global steel industry continues to face headwinds of weak demand and overcapacity. Exports from steel-surplus countries (like China, Korea and Japan) continue to increase," it said.

In the absence of effective tariff measures, South East Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe continue to see surge in imports whereas the US is able to clampdown imports with imposition of trade remedial measures, it added.


To exploit investment opportunities in the tourism sector, the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) and Invest India will be setting up an investment desk, a senior government official said on Thursday.

"The emphasis so far has been on attracting tourists but now the time has come to focus on creating quality infrastructure and filling the gaps on the supply side to allow tourists to have a fulfilling experience," said Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism at the second edition of FICCI's 'Tourism Investors Meet 2016'.

In a bid to develop the core infrastructure , a Task Force was being created by the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Railways to improve the connectivity to tourist destinations, Zutshi said.



"The government has been facilitating the private sector investors by improving ease of doing business, introducing single window clearance, business friendly policies and creation of land banks for investors. There is immense scope of investment in the hospitality sector as there was a shortage of almost 190,000 rooms at present," he added.



Mr. Zutshi said that the government was planning to organize 'Incredible India Tourism Investors' Summit 2016' in September to showcase the plethora of investment opportunities in areas of infrastructure development, both from India and overseas.

The main objective of the summit is to position the Indian tourism sector for attracting large investments and presenting to the investors tangible investment-ready projects in different states of India.
India's push to achieve urgent reforms of the UN Security Council this year and secure a permanent seat has suffered a setback when the General Assembly decided to roll over discussions on reforming the world body's top organ to its next session.

India along with the G4 nations said it is "unfortunate" that momentum could not build up over the issue in the current session.

Brazil's envoy to the UN Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, speaking on behalf of the G4 groups of Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, lamented that the UN had not been able to push forward and achieve success in implementing the long-pending reform of the 15-nation powerful Council.

"There was huge expectation that time had arrived for us to move into concrete negotiations, It is unfortunate that the 70th anniversary of the UN was not able to build up momentum with a view to reaching an agreement on this important item," Patriota said in the General Assembly here yesterday.

India has been pushing for completing reforms of the UN Security Council in the 70th session of the General Assembly, which will end in September this year.

Taking consensus action yesterday, the General Assembly adopted an oral decision paving the way for Member States to continue discussions on reforming the Security Council during its 71st session, which will commence in September.

In giving effect to that "technical rollover", the Assembly reaffirmed its central role on the issue of Security Council reform, known formally as "the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council".

Speaking for the G4, the Brazilian envoy described Security Council reform as one of the most pressing issues still pending on the General Assembly's agenda.

It was crucial that Member States engage in real, text-based negotiations if the process was to have any meaning, he said.

While the elements of convergence on two of the five key issues pertaining to the reform process could be considered useful to the extent that they identified some already-known trends on the positions and proposals of Member States, other important patterns on the remaining three clusters were regrettably not reflected as leading towards convergence.

He added that it was obvious that a growing majority of Member States supported the Council's expansion in both membership categories, but that had not been registered in writing.

Member States had also argued that the under- representation of developing countries should be addressed, yet that suggestion had also not been captured.

"The longer we postpone a decision on the reform of the Security Council, the greater discredit brought upon the United Nations in its core function of promoting peace and security," he said adding that "We can no longer go around in circles on Security Council reform".



The Brazilian envoy stressed that people expected from "bold leadership" and a "commitment to change" from the world body in the wake of the unprecedented crises and threats to security being faced across the world.

"Most of have already understood that holding on to status quo cannot be an option," he said adding that not having text-based negotiations is not a "sustainable state of affairs" and the reform must be completed within a fixed time frame.

The Assembly also decided that its upcoming discussions would build on the positions and proposals made by Member States and reflected in the decision and its annex circulated on 31 July 2015 and use the elements of convergence circulated on 12 July 2016 to help inform its future work.

India had been strongly pushing for completing the long-pending reforms of the Security Council by the end of the 70th anniversary of the UN this September.

India's former Ambassador to the UN Asoke Mukerji had last year noted that India was among the first to seek to conclude the UNSC reform process by the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.

"It is our hope that with the adoption of this Decision, we will now move purposefully towards concluding our negotiations during the 70th Session, so that we fulfil the unanimous mandate given by our leaders in the World Summit of 2005 for 'early reform' of the Security Council to make it ...'more broadly representative, efficient and transparent and thus to further enhance its effectiveness and the legitimacy and implementation of its decisions, " he had said.
Owing to quality medical services coming at a cheaper price, India is witnessing a swelling number of patients from other countries each year boosting medical tourism. According to the data available with Ministry of Tourism, as many as 96,856 foreigners have visited India on Medical Visa till June this year.

In 2013, 56,129 foreigners visited India on Medical Visa that increased from 7,5,671 in 2014 to 1,34,344 in 2015 with largest number of patients thronging from Bangladesh. "India is receiving a huge number of patients from other countries because doctors and medical services in India are astoundingly great and can be availed at a cheaper price. Cosmetic procedures like lasers, Botox and skin surgeries such as facelift and nose jobs etc are very costly in other countries. There is an array from patients running towards India, especially from Bangladesh and Afghanistan because these kinds of surgeries are not covered in any kind of insurance," said Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a noted Dermatologist based in New Delhi.

"I receive 30 to 40 patients every month who come on Medical Visa from other countries. I also get many patients from Europe because in India we use European machines that are otherwise very costly in other countries and definitely attract patients to rush for availing these services," she said. Rehana from Korea has recently got a nose job, control depth peel and multivitamin (cosmetic skin treatments) done at Dr Bhardwaj's clinic that would have cost her over Rs 60,000 to 70,000 in her country. In India she availed the services for Rs 35, 000 only with good results.

Majority of private hospitals in Delhi receive good number of patients from other countries, hospitals in NCR are also swarmed with patients on Medical Visa. "Besides metros, multispecialty hospitals in NCR like Faridabad and Gurgaon have been witnessing a robust growth over the years in terms of international patient footfalls. On an average we have 2000 international patients visiting our hospitals for their medical needs. Majority of our overseas patients are from the Middle East countries, Afghanistan, South Africa, Nigeria and others," said Neha Pandey, Director, International Marketing, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, adding "overseas patients are coming for treatments like cancer, neurosurgery, cardio vascular, knee replacement, bariatric and aesthetics. But in the last two months there has been a dip in the footfall s as they are finding it difficult to get their medical visa ."
With a little over nine years since the first iPhone was launched in June 2009, Apple's CEO Tim Cook at an employee meeting in Cupertino announced that the company recently sold the billionth iPhone.



"iPhone has become one of the most important, world-changing and successful products in history. It's become more than a constant companion. iPhone is truly an essential part of our daily life and enables much of what we do throughout the day. Last week we passed another major milestone when we sold the billionth iPhone. We never set out to make the most, but we've always set out to make the best products that make a difference," said Tim Cook, CEO, Apple Inc.

ALSO READ: Apple 'looks forward' to opening retail stores in India: Tim Cook

The sale of iPhone has been falling for two quarters and in March this year, Apple has announced the launch of the iPhone SE, an iPhone with a 4inch display. At the earnings call on Tuesday, Cook stated that Apple has sold 40.4 million iPhones in the third quarter of 2016, down from 47.5 million iPhones for the same quarter year ago. Cook also stated, ""We had a very successful launch of iPhone SE and we're thrilled by customers' and developers' response to software and services we previewed at WWDC in June."

ALSO READ: Xiaomi rolls out its first laptop

Apple has even compiled and shared the data on how long some of the household names and consumer goods took to reach one billion milestone, which reports cars took 131 years, personal computer took 27 years, Disney Theme Parks took 49 years to welcome its billion guest worldwide and Coco Cola took 58 years to manufacture one billion gallons of Coca Cola Syrup.

Apple iPhone Timeline



2007

January 9, 2007: Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone to the world at the MacWorld. Claims combining three products-a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls and internet connection device with desktop like email, browsing.

June 29, 2007: The first iPhone went on sale on sale at 6:00 PM on the first come, first serve basis. The sale was restricted to two units per customer and the 164 Apple stores were open till mid-night.

September 10, 2007: Apple took the market by storm with the iPhone as the company announced selling 1 million iPhones in just 74 days.



2008

June 9, 2008: Apple announces the successor to the original iPhone, the iPhone 3G

July 11, 2008: Apple iPhone 3G goes on sale. It also introduces the world the concept of an App Store, a single store for downloading apps on the smartphones with a single touch. It already had 500 apps at the launch. I millionth iPhone 3G units sold over the first weekend, on July 14.

2009

June 8, 2009: Apple iPhone 3GS announced, designed on the lines of the iPhone 3, it featured improved battery life and better camera.

June 19, 2009: Apple iPhone 3GS goes on sale.



June 21, 2009: Crosses one million sale for the iPhone 3GS on Sunday, within three days of the launch.



2010

June 7, 2010: Apple iPhone 4 launched. Looks completely different from the iPhones launched in the past.



June 15, 2010: iPhone 4 pre-order begins

June 24, 2010: iPhone 4 goes on sale in US, France, Germany, Japan and the UK

2011

August 24, 2011: Steve Jobs resigns as the CEO of Apple. Tim Cook named as the new CEO.



October 4, 2011: Apple iPhone 4S announced. Pre-bookings start on October 7

October 5, 2011: Steve Job dies, diagnosed with a pancreas neuroendocrine tumor in 2003 and died of respiratory arrest related to the tumor

October 14: iPhone 4S goes on sale in US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the UK on Friday, October 14.



2012

September 9, 2012: Apple announces iPhone 5, thinnest and lightest iPhone till date with a 4inch Retina display.

September 14: Prebookings for the new iPhone 5 begins

September 21: Goes on sale in US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK on Friday, September 21



2013



September 10, 2013: Apple announces two new iPhones - iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. iPhone 5s Features 64-bit A7 chip, All-New 8 Megapixel iSight Camera with True Tone Flash & Introduces Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor. iPhone 5c has hard-coated polycarbonate body and comes in five different colours.

September 13: Prebookings for iPhone 5c begins

September 20: Sales of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c begins in US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK



2014

September 9: Apple announces iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Increases the display size to 4.7inch and 5.5 inch respectively

September 12: Pre-order for both the models begin

September 19: iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus go on sale in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK

September 22: Apple sold over 10 million new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models, in just three days after the launch on September 19.

2015

September 9: With incremental changes, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus announced. Both the smartphones feature a 3D force touch that can sense the difference between a tap and a press. Launches a new rose metallic colour too.

September 12: Pre-order for the new iPhones begin

September 25: Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus goes on sale in 12 countries.



2016

March 21: Apple launches iPhone only once every year. But after the September launch of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, Apple announced yet another smaller variant of iPhone, the iPhone SE. The iPhone SE was available for pre-order on March 24 and went on sale on March 31

July 27: Apple sold the billionth iPhone.


The Central Bank has imposed a fine of 675,000 on AXA Insurance Limited due to breaches in respect of the Minimum Competency standards and Consumer Protection Code.

In November 2014, the Central Banks Consumer Protection Supervision Division conducted an on-site inspection of Axa's branch office in Derry and Head Office in Dublin.

The inspection focused on Axa's claims department, in particular on the team whose main function is to process motor and property claims.

Members of that team operate a prescribed script function, which means that they must operate within a narrow and rigid set of criteria and according to a prescribed script and routine.

According to the Central Bank's statement during the course of the inspection, a number of suspected breaches of the MCR, the MCC and the 2012 Code were identified.

The breaches have been accepted by Axa as part of the Settlement Agreement.

Commenting on the ruling the Central Banks Director of Enforcement, Derville Rowland, said, The purpose of these standards is to ensure individuals acting for or on behalf of regulated entities in the provision of advice and associated activities, have a minimum acceptable level of competence to deal with consumers. In accordance with the standards, regulated entities must ensure that staff who provide advice to consumers on retail financial products hold a recognised qualification or have gained an appropriate level of experience through working in the industry.

Non-adherence to the Minimum Competency standards can affect the quality of service provided to consumers and creates an unacceptable level of risk to consumers in their dealings with regulated entities by, amongst other things, exposing them to unqualified and/or inexperienced staff. He added.



Source: www.businessworld.ie
Irish recruiters are already filling jobs for financial services firms which are shifting some operations from the United Kingdom, with Dublin moving fast to steal a march on rivals just a month after Britons voted to leave the European Union.

While France has begun courting bankers with new tax breaks for expatriates and Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Luxembourg are also making pitches, Ireland is presenting itself as the only English-speaking country that offers a base in the euro zone and a future in the EU.

Before the June 23 referendum, the government warned that a departure of Ireland's nearest and biggest trade partner from the EU would pose "a major strategic risk", with exporters to Britain particularly worried.

But Brexit also presents opportunities for Ireland, which has decades of experience in attracting multinational investment, and it is determined to seize them.

Ireland is already one of the world's largest centres for "back office" banking functions such as settling transactions, many of them farmed out from London - Europe's financial capital but whose future outside the EU is beset by uncertainty. On top of that, Ireland hosts a growing financial technology industry.

Some headhunters say it's too early to spot any definite trend. Nevertheless, Dublin-based Sigmar Recruitment is more than doubling its own workforce, hiring 150 extra staff over the next two years to handle foreign demand that was already increasing before the referendum and has accelerated since.

"We have two particular projects relocating from the UK and then maybe another three that were considering two to three locations across Europe ... and those have all gone in Ireland's favour," said Robert Mac Giolla Phadraig, Sigmar's Chief Commercial Officer. "The headcounts for some of the projects are anywhere between 50 and 200."

He told Reuters that Sigma now has to find candidates for a total of 1,500 to 2,500 positions, mainly from U.S. and European firms. The jobs are in many areas including internal departments that ensure firms are complying with regulatory rules on managing their financial risk, as well as financial technology and IT support.

MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN EVER

A major opportunity for Ireland is the risk to London-based operations if Britain loses access to the EU's "passporting" arrangement, which allows businesses regulated in member states to sell financial services across Europe.

Beazley Plc, which manages six Lloyd's of London syndicates, said last week it was working to get European insurance licences for its Irish reinsurance business. British asset manager M&G Investments, the fund arm of insurer Prudential, is also looking at expanding its operations in Dublin.

Brightwater, another specialist Irish financial recruiter, has got go-aheads from bigger companies, mostly banks, for jobs in the "low hundreds" moving from Britain, according to head of marketing Eileen Moloney.

Other firms are at an earlier stage of planning, such as DueDil, a financial technology startup employing just under 100 people in London that was looking at expanding into Europe regardless of the referendum result.

"What Brexit does is it makes us re-evaluate the distribution and types of teams we would be hiring," co-founder and chief executive officer Damian Kimmelman told Reuters.

Kimmelman gave inside sales - those made over the phone or online rather than face-to-face with clients - as an example.

"Should we hire our inside sales (team) in the UK or should we hire them in Ireland? Ireland's always been attractive as a hub for inside sales, but it becomes even more attractive now than it was before," he said, adding that his firm could be employing 20 people in the country within a year.

TRICKLE, NOT A TORRENT

The pick up in Ireland has coincided with flagging recruitment in Britain even before the referendum, due to uncertainty over its outcome. British recruiter Hays said net fees in the UK and Ireland fell 4 percent on a like-for-like basis in the quarter to end-June, but taken alone, fees in Ireland grew 22 percent.

Randstad, the world's second largest employment services company, has seen a low level of hiring in the British financial sector, its CFO told Reuters.

The state agency in charge of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland reports similar trends to the recruiters.

"From our end, Brexit is coming up in all our discussions with clients and potential clients," said Martin Shanahan, the chief executive of IDA Ireland which reported a pick up in jobs in the first half of the year following record growth in 2015.

"The most significant increase is in financial services. We've seen a major increase in traffic into Ireland over the past number of weeks across all areas - banking, insurance, funds and payments - wanting to talk to us about possibilities."

Shanahan, who oversees a strategy responsible for around 190,000 jobs or almost one in every 10 Irish workers, also sees opportunities in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors and expects it will be well into next year before the full impact becomes apparent.

Companies hunting for the right talent in Ireland, where unemployment has halved to 7.8 percent since 2012 amid a sharp economic recovery, will still have abundant choice, if initial inquiries are anything to go by.

Recruiters say they've seen big jumps in British-based candidates seeking Irish positions since the referendum. Some are Irish looking to return home, but others are Europeans and Britons who now consider Ireland a more stable place to work.

Job website Indeed.com says searches for Irish positions made from Britain were 2.5 times higher in the days after the vote than the average before, and have remained at a high level.

Ireland also appeals to companies due to its easy access to the United States.

Joe Bollard, head of International Tax Services for EY in Ireland, said he is aware of one new FDI investor that has already gone back to its board to reconsider a decision to base its European headquarters in Britain.

The company was starting the process of hiring, leading to several hundred jobs long term. Although a large number may still go to Britain, Bollard said Ireland is the most likely credible alternative because of its record in the sector involved.

"It's a trickle rather than a torrent at this early stage but this does create a real medium term window of opportunity for Ireland," said Bollard. (Reuters)



Source: www.businessworld.ie
Rethinking the American Union of States for the Preservation of Republicanism

The purpose of this article is three-fold: First, I want to be provocative and get readers thinking. Second, I wish to educate the reader on our founding principles. And third, I hope to encourage the reader to read the book Rethinking the American Union for the Twenty-First Century, written in part and edited by Donald Livingston, founder and president of the Abbeville Institute. I enjoyed the book immensely and wanted very much to help get the word out.



I think the best way to encourage one to read the book Rethinking the American Union for the Twenty-First Century is to hook him or her using one of the more thought-provoking themes of the book. And so, this article is composed in great part using selected portions from one of the chapters in that book which I found most interesting - "American Republicanism," authored by Livingston), with a discussion of nullification, interposition, secession, and federalism by myself. Credit, of course, goes first and foremost to Professor Livingston.



Article IV of the US Constitution guarantees to every State in the Union "a Republican form of government." It is known as the "Guarantee Clause." It has not been widely interpreted, but constitutional scholars think it ensures that each State be run as a representative democracy or a dictatorship, preventing any initiative to change a State constitution to provide such. The Supreme Court has essentially acknowledged that it doesn't have the slightest idea what it means, has been reluctant to specify exactly what a "republican form of government" means and has left the clause devoid of meaning. Historically, however, republics have had distinct characteristics, namely that its citizens make the laws they are to live under, that there is a Rule of Law, and that the republic itself be relatively small with respect to population and territory, to ensure that representation is meaningful.



The American system of 1789 was not a republic. It was a federation of republics - each state itself a republic - but the Union itself was not a republic. "A federation of republics is not itself a republic, any more than a federation of country clubs is not in and of itself a country club." Under the Constitution of 1787, the central government could rule over individuals but only under the powers delegated to it by the sovereign States. All other powers of sovereignty belong to the States, expressly reserved through the Tenth Amendment, by the natural law of sovereignty, and contractually by force of the compact theory characterizing the Constitution. Given this framework, the final safeguard for a truly republican form of government for the people in America was, and could only be, some form of lawful resistance to the concentration of coercion in the federal government, which includes state interposition, nullification, or secession. These remedies are included in the "reserved powers" belonging to the States.



Nullification is a legal theory that holds that a State has the right to nullify, or invalidate, any federal law which that State has deemed unconstitutional. If the authority for the federal government only comes from the highly-contested and debated powers that the States agreed to delegate from their reservoir of sovereign powers, as listed in the Constitution, any federal law, policy, action, or court decision that exceeds such grants of power is "null and void" and lacks enforcement power. Since the federal government will always seek to support and enforce its laws and actions, it must be the States, as the parties to the Constitution and the ones which suffer the usurpation of powers with each unconstitutional action, which must rightfully declare "unconstitutionality" and prevent them from being enforced on a free people. Because the right of nullification is not prohibited by the Constitution (nor is it even addressed), it is reserved by the States under the Tenth Amendment.



Interposition is another claimed right belonging to the States. Interposition is the right of a State to oppose actions of the federal government that the state deems unconstitutional by in order to prevent their enforcement. The very definition of a tyrannical government is one that imposes unconstitutional actions on its citizens. Tyranny is arbitrary rule. Interposition is the actual action, whether legislative or otherwise, to prevent an unconstitutional federal law or action from being enforced on its people. The most effective remedy against unconstitutional federal action, as emphasized by both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, is nullification together with interposition. Interposition finds its roots in the Supremacy Clause. While the Constitution and the laws made in pursuance are considered the supreme law of the land, laws (and other actions) not grounded in rightful or legitimate Constitutional powers are not supreme and the States are well within their powers to prevent such usurpation of government power belonging to their sphere of authority.



Secession, like nullification and interposition, is not prohibited by the Constitution (or even addressed), and hence, is a reserved right of the States.



Nullification and interposition were invoked in 1798 by Kentucky and Virginia to identify the Alien & Sedition Acts as unconstitutional and to prevent citizens of those states from being imprisoned essentially for their exercise of free speech and press. Secession was threated in 1815 by Massachusetts after it characterized Jefferson's embargo against Great Britain and his Louisiana Purchase and then Madison's War of 1812 as a history of abuses against the North, with an intent to further the interests of the South. All three States' Rights' remedies were regularly invoked in the antebellum period, in every section of the Union, to assert State sovereignty and to constrain the central government. As of 1860, the central government was out of debt and imposed no inland taxes. It existed simply off a tariff on imports and land sales. The Supreme Court was tightly constrained in its exercise of judicial review. It challenged the constitutionality of acts of Congress only twice - in Marbury v. Madison (the Judiciary Act of 1789) and the Dred Scott decision (the right of a slave to challenge his status in a non-slave state when brought there by his master). States and localities in almost all States in the North refused to comply with the Fugitive Slave Act (nullification), either by statue or by civil acts of disobedience, and most strikingly, the Wisconsin legislature and the State Supreme Court in 1854 and 1859 outright challenged the constitutionality of the Act (citing coercion of the states and state officials). South Carolina nullified the Tariff of 1828, citing the improper nature of the tariff, changing it from an ordinary tariff (for revenue collection for the government) to a protectionist tariff (to provide direct funding of "improvements" for the North, as well as other enormous benefits), and claiming it was nothing more than a federal scheme to directly enrich the North at the great expense of the South.



Today, it is taught and it is believed that the "checks and balances" in the American system are only those between the president, Congress, and the Supreme Court. We know about the veto procedure, the ratification process for treaties, appointments (including federal court justices) and judicial review (this last check is not in the constitution actually but a creature of the Supreme Court itself!) The purpose of our Separation of Powers and our series of checks and balances is to prevent the consolidation of power in any one branch of government and any one group of representatives. But only a very limited number of Americans understand and appreciate that the greatest check on the consolidation of power comes from the unique design feature of our government established by the States and our Founding Fathers in the conventions and debates creating the Constitution - and that is Federalism. Federalism is idea that real power is shared by the members of the "federation," which are the States, with the creature they created (the federal government), which is the reservoir of powers expressly delegated to it by the US Constitution. Federalism is a "sharing" or "division" of power among sovereigns in order to prevent concentration and tyranny. The idea is that the government, as a sovereign with very limited and expressly delegated powers, and the States, as sovereigns retaining all other powers of government, will jealously guard their sphere of power and will watch, ever-so-vigilantly, the actions of one another. What more effective check on government power could there be !! Sovereign versus sovereign, which is what the term "dual sovereignty" refers to. Or, as I like to refer to this design feature: "Titan versus Titan" (a reference to Greek mythology). Sadly, this most effective check on consolidation of power in DC has been effectively eroded - mainly at the hands of the US Supreme Court. The checks from the States on central authority in the form of nullification, interposition, and secession have now been ruled out. And this is just another way of saying that the federal government can define the limits of its own powers. And that is what the American colonists and ratifiers of the Constitution drafted in Philadelphia in 1787 meant by "absolute monarchy." Alexander Hamilton, in a speech to the New York Ratifying Convention on June 17, 1788, explained it this way: This balance between the National and State governments ought to be dwelt on with peculiar attention, as it is of the utmost importance. It forms a double security to the people. If one encroaches on their rights they will find a powerful protection in the other. Indeed, they will both be prevented from overpassing their constitutional limits by a certain rivalship, which will ever subsist between them. Sadly, this most effective check on consolidation of power in DC has been effectively eroded  mainly at the hands of the US Supreme Court. The checks from the States on central authority in the form of nullification, interposition, and secession have now been ruled out. And this is just another way of saying that the federal government can define the limits of its own powers. And that is what the American colonists and ratifiers of the Constitution drafted in Philadelphia in 1787 meant by absolute monarchy. Ask yourself this: Which branch of government ruled out the essential and natural remedies of nullification, interposition, and secession? The answer is the US Supreme Court, supporting the ambitious plans of the federal government and improperly relying on Marbury v. Madison (1803) and the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution for authority. For a State to treat its decisions with less than full support would bring the full resources of the federal government into its backyard. It's happened before. Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Rather than interpreting the Constitution, which pretty much is its sole task, the Supreme Court has redefined a new political and government system, one that is quite different from the one entrusted to us by our framers and founders. When authority taken by the federal government falls outside of the enumerated powers, it makes no sense to ask the federal government to rule on whether the federal government has the power or not. The States, the ones which debated and ratified the Constitution for THEIR benefit, have no umpire on the bench. As historian Tom Woods points out, if the federal government is allowed to hold a monopoly on determining the extent of its own powers, we have no right to be surprised when it keeps discovering new ones.



So, it is no surprise that the Supreme Court consistently and steadily handed down decision after decision to strip the States' of their natural remedies against the Titan seeking to subjugate them - the federal government. Again, the Supreme Court is itself a branch of the very government that seeks to benefit from the consolidation of power it wants by weakening the States. What better way to get the States to calm down and get in line?



Ask yourself this: Which party ruled out the essential and natural remedies of nullification, interposition, and secession? The answer is the US Supreme Court, backed up by the coercive and ambitious aims of the federal government. It is no surprise that these decisions were made by the Supreme Court, which is itself a branch of the very government that seeks to benefit from the consolidation of power it wants and from the weakening of the States. What better way to get the States to calm down and get in line?



Thomas Jefferson was skeptical of the federal judiciary and warned that they had the greatest potential to undermine republican government. In 1823, he wrote: "At the establishment of our Constitutions, the judiciary bodies were supposed to be the most helpless and harmless members of the government. Experience, however, soon showed in what way they were to become the most dangerous; that the insufficiency of the means provided for their removal gave them a freehold and irresponsibility in office; that their decisions, seeming to concern individual suitors only, pass silent and unheeded by the public at large; that these decisions nevertheless become law by precedent, sapping by little and little the foundations of the Constitution and working its change by construction before any one has perceived that that invisible and helpless worm has been busily employed in consuming its substance. In truth, man is not made to be trusted for life if secured against all liability to account."



If you believe, as most Americans seem to believe (because of government indoctrination), that States no longer have the rights of nullification, interposition, and secession because of the action of one man, a virtual dictator, Abraham Lincoln, then you must reconcile the fact that no State any longer enjoys a republican form of government, as guaranteed in Article IV. That is, they no longer enjoy a republican form of government under any historical understanding of what such a government is nor under the vision of our founders. That notion has now decayed into a legal fiction.



But if the States are not republics, what are they? Donald Livingston argues that the answer was given by Alexis de Tocqueville in his assessment of the French Revolution. According to de Tocqueville, the French revolution was intended to overturn the monarchy and return power to the people by creating a republic but in reality, it fundamentally changed nothing. The coercive government of the monarchy was simply replaced by a different type of coercive government. The monopoly over government and land created by Kings (Divine Right of Kings) is a doctrine that embodies two bodies of the king. This duality is symbolized by this famous phrase: "The King is dead! Long live the King!" The first body of the king was the flesh and blood; the mortal body. The second body was the monopoly, or the artificial corporation, established by birth-right and familial ties. Both bodies are coercive in nature since they are not "of the people" and can never truly represent them. When de Tocqueville said that the French Revolution fundamentally changed nothing, he meant that all that it did was kill the first body of the king. It left the second body of the king intact, merely changing its name from the "Crown" to the "Republic." The revolution merely replaced the person of the king with a fictitious "nation-person." In other words, what was created after the French Revolution was an absolute monarchy without the monarch; a regime that had all the major defects of a monarchy but none of the benefits. The post-French Revolution era of "republics" would increase government centralization beyond the wildest dream of any monarch. The German economist, Hans Hoppe, estimates that before the mid-nineteenth century, monarchs, as bad as they might have been, were never able to extract more than 5-8 percent of the gross national product (GNP) from the people, whereas "republics" have been able to exploit over 60 percent.



In his war to prevent Southern independence, Lincoln and the perversely-named "Republican" Party destroyed the two American institutions that had made true republicanism possible in a region on our continental scale - State nullification and secession. Without these rights, there can be no practical check to centralization and oppression of government, and hence, no practical way to ensure that the People of the several States are guaranteed a republican form of government.



Is it possible to have an exceedingly large republic, such as the size of our current-day United States? British philosopher David Hume once considered the question of a large republic. He proposed the first model of a large republic in his essay "Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth," which was published in 1792. Hume's model did not physically seek to divide territory up physically into individual sovereigns but rather to decentralize government power so as to preserve the human scale demanded of republican self-government. The question is whether this can realistically be done.



Hume agrees with the republican tradition that "a small commonwealth is the happiest government in the world within itself." But Hume's model of a large republic, in contrast to the historically small republic, would be to order the large republic in such a way as to have all the advantages of a little republic. The question is whether Hume's model is translatable to the real world: Can the size of a republic be expanded without destroying those values unique to republican government (self-government and the rule of law) that require a human scale.



Hume's idea of a large republic is something of the size of Great Britain or France. (Remember his essay was written in 1792!) As a comparison, Great Britain is approximately equivalent in size to Wyoming and France is approximately equivalent in size to Texas. In Hume's model, the republic is divided into 100 small republics, but with a national capital. Each of these small republics is then divided into 100 parishes. The members of each parish meet annually to elect 1 representative. This yields 100 representatives in each small republic's legislature. The legislature selects from among its members 10 magistrates to exercise the executive and judicial functions of the republic and 1 senator to represent the republic in the national capital. That yields 100 senators, from among which 10 are chosen to serve as the national executive and judiciary.



Laws would be proposed by the national senate and passed down to the provincial republics or ratification. Each republic has one vote regardless of population, and the majority rules. To free the provincial legislature from having to vote on every trivial law, a bill can be sent instead to the ten provincial magistrates in each republic for ratification.



How does Hume's large republic compare to the "highly-centralized regime" that the United States has become today? Hume's republic has 100 senators in the national capital representing the individual States, as we do. But the legislative body representing the nation of individuals is located in the several capitals of the provincial republics. This provides three essential advantages. First, it provides a better and more republican ratio of representation to population. Hume's republic is the size of Britain, which in his time had some 9 million people; yet his regionally dispersed legislature jointly yields 10,000 representatives. [100 x 100]. By contrast, the United States has 305 million people, which is 34 times as many inhabitants. Its representative body contains not 10,000 representatives but only 435 representatives - a number that Congress capped by law in 1911. Hume's large republic provides a ratio of 1 representative for every 900 people, and so it is of a republican scale. This is very important !! The United States' system provides 1 representative for every 700,000 people, which is not even remotely within a republican scale.



And if you are thinking that this unrepublican character of the United States can be remedied by abolishing the law setting the cap at 435 and increasing the number of representatives in the US House, you will need to understand that judging by the size of legislatures around the world, 435 is just about the right size for a lawmaking body. Everything in nature has a proper size for optimum functionality. A cell can only grow to a certain size (a certain volume-to-cell-surface ratio) so that it can absorb nutrients, eliminate waste, and respire most efficiently. A jury of 12 is perfectly suited to determine the facts of a case; a jury of 120 would be dysfunctional. When the first US Congress met in New York in 1789, there were 65 representatives. There was 1 representative for every 60,000 people. James Madison thought that was an inadequate ratio to adequately represent the people in a republic. When the number of representatives was capped at 435 in 1911, the population in the United States was 93,863,000. That means that there was 1 representative for every 215,777 inhabitants. If we were to use the same ratio that was used in 1789 - 1: 60,000 - there would be over 5,000 members in the House of Representatives. This would be impossibly large for a lawmaking body. Size does matter.



So, if the number of representatives in Washington DC cannot be increased as the population increases, then we have clearly reached the point where talk of republican self-government is utterly meaningless. We are merely a republican in name only. In the not too distant future, the population of the United States will reach 435 million. This would yield one representative for every million persons. Who could honestly believe a regime under this system could be described as a republic?



The point is that a country can literally become too large for self-government. It becomes unresponsive to the people because its representatives cannot possibly represent the interests of all its constituents.



If the United States has indeed reached the point of political obesity, then the only remedy would be to downsize. The United States will need to be downsized either through peaceful secession movements or through a division into a number of federative units forming a voluntary commonwealth of American federations - an idea that Thomas Jefferson was fond of.



For the moment, let's put peaceful secession aside (which would divide the Union into distinct territorial jurisdictions or would create individual, independent sovereigns). Suppose that the United States adopts such a model as Hume's large republic. This would require abolishing the House of Representatives in Washington DC (Yay!) and transforming the State legislatures into a joint national legislature. The Senate would propose legislation to be ratified by a majority of the States, each State having one vote.



Consider trying to enact the unpopular legislation passed in 2009 and then 2010 under such a model. Of course, I'm referring to the Bailout bills and the stimulus packages of 2009 and then the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (or grossly referred to simply as the "Affordable Care Act'; or aptly named "Obamacare") of 2010. A strong majority of Americans opposed the bailouts for the monster banks whose corrupt and inept policies caused the financial meltdown in 2009, the economic stimulus packages that they knew wouldn't work, and Barack Obama's healthcare plan of some two thousand pages, rushed through after secret meetings and secret deals and with publicly-acknowledged privileges given to some states and not others, and admissions by its leading supporters (Democrats) that they hadn't even read it. To this should be added that many believe that Congress has no constitutional authority to bailout businesses, let alone arbitrarily choosing which ones to provide federal aid, nor to impose a national healthcare plan, regardless whether it is good or not and whether or not it would help certain citizens out. Now, had these bills been sent down to the State legislatures for debate and ratification, as required by Hume's large republic model, their defeat would have been so certain that they probably would never have even been proposed in the first place.


Was the EU right not to sanction Spain and Portugal?

Published on July 28, 2016

Story by euro topics

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Despite their high budget deficits, the EU Commission has decided not to impose any kind of fines on Spain and Portugal. Some commentators argue that this undermines the EU's Stability Pact, while others say that punishing two countries in such difficult situations is pointless.

Commission undermines stability pact - Handelsblatt, Germany

The EU Commission made its decision with other potential deficit sinners in mind, criticises the Handelsblatt: "How can anyone continue to take the Brussels budget watchdogs seriously if they never sanction violations of the stability pact? ...The governments in Lisbon and Madrid both made costly election promises and at the same time have recoiled from implementing key structural reforms. The Commission should at least have reacted with a minimal symbolic punishment. But its failure to do so maybe have something to do with other chronic budget violators. In 2017 - a presidential election year - France is supposed to finally push its state deficit below the three-percent mark. ...The Commission would not be able to let France get away with it next year if it had punished Spain and Portugal this year. Which is why they got off scot-free." (28/07/2016)

EU gives in to southern member states again - De Telegraff, Netherlands

The EU Commission has lost all credibility, De Telegraaf maintains: "Spain and Portugal are not sticking to the rules. Yet Brussels has decided to give them (even) more time to get their affairs in order. No punishment, then. EU Economic Affairs Minister Pierre Moscovici has justified the decision saying that mistakes were made but it's the future that counts now. But isn't credibility a key factor for the future? The Eurozone is turning more and more into a monetary union in which weak members aren't being corrected in time, and are bailed out as soon as things start going wrong. The results of the bank stress tests come out this week. Will the member states fill the gaps with tax money, contrary to the new agreements? That will be another test for Brussels' steadfastness." (28/07/2016)

Not a victory for Spain's government - El Pais, Spain

El Pais applauds Brussels' decision not to sanction Spain for its excessive deficit for the time being is a wise one but says that the Spanish government can't chalk it up as a success: "It's clear that the Spanish economy didn't deserve this punishment - unlike the government, which cut taxes in the middle of the budget consolidation programme - and that even a modest fine wouldn't solve the problem of financial stability. Even if the economy got off lightly (for the time being at least - because a resolution on structural funds is still pending) no one can call this a political triumph after four years of failed deficit correction. It has to be said, though, that the conditions imposed by Brussels are difficult to fulfil. This year the deficit has exploded and to bring it down to below 5 percent again would be an almost impossible feat. Especially bearing in mind that the transitional government is simply using stop-gap measures to resolve a problem that, as Brussels keeps stressing, is of a structural nature." (28/07/2016)

A politically wise decision - Der Standard, Austria

Der Standard argues that the EU Commission has made the right decision: "It reflects the historic conflict between Germany and France that has been playing out in the Eurozone since 1998, with the other states in between. In Berlin are the guardians of the purist euro doctrine, in Paris the statists who put politics and growth before stability. From this perspective the Commission's decision not to impose fines on Spain and Portugal is a wise one. The Eurozone countries must act in unison, coordinate measures and create a flexible economic and monetary union. The Union has always fared better when its members seek profit and progress together rather than competing against each other. No one should be more aware of this than the euro's main beneficiary, Germany." (28/07/2016)

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30 Countries, 300 Media Outlets, 1 Press Review. The euro|topics press review presents the issues affecting Europe and reflects the continent's diverse opinions, ideas and moods.

Story by euro topics
"Turkey has changed, and Europe doesn't realise it."

Published on July 28, 2016

Story by Stefano Fasano Translation by: Matteo Zambon

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Turkey coup attempt has shaken the countrys foreign policy, and the European Union, United States and Russia will hardly stand idly by. What can we expect in the near future? We asked Gianpaolo Scarante, Italy's ambassador to Ankara until 2015.

cafebabel: How will Turkeys foreign policy change after the coup?

Gianpaolo Scarante: Turkeys foreign policy change has already happened. The country has changed over the last 10 years, raising many concerns as it somehow distanced itself from Western and European interests. The Turkey that was part of NATO doesnt exist anymore. In its place is a country striving for its international identity, with a focus on the so-called "Neo-Ottomanism", the development of a Turkish area of influence. The question we must ask ourselves is to what extent, if any, is Turkish foreign policy still aligned with the interests of Europe and the West? It will inevitably grow more and more divergent over time  we have to get over it. I feel like Europe does not realise it.

cafebabel: Specifically, how will relations with Europe be affected?

Gianpaolo Scarante: If we look at the migrant deal, it is based on the assumption that Turkeys national priority is EU admission. In view of this assumption, Turkey was offered more visa and renewed negotiations in return for commitment to refugee issues. The harsh reality is that Turkey no longer regards EU admission as a priority. It would be unlikely to happen in the next few years, and they know it. The EU needs to realise that it isnt negotiating from a position of power; it isnt keeping Turkey under its thumb. Europe, as a whole, needs to take into account the entirety of its relations with Turkey rather than focusing on just one field (immigration, economy, etc.) at a time. Not to mention the frankly unacceptable regression that is currently setting the country back decades in terms of civil rights and personal freedom.

cafebabel: How will Turkeys relations with the United States and Russia change?

Gianpaolo Scarante: Turkey seems to be playing the field at the moment, as shown by signs of opening up towards Israel and Russia. To think that Ankara is at all costs allied with the West and the United States would be a mistake: Ankara will do what suits it. If that means an alliance with Russia, they will form an alliance of Russia. The Syrian crisis is a monumental failure for international diplomacy, the worst miscalculation ever made by Europe as we know it today. Theres a widespread attitude of pragmatism on the part of those involved, including the United States, who are now in the process of negotiating a partition of areas of influence in the Middle East with Russia. Turkey will choose whatever side looks more appealing. For example, if the Russians were to support them against the Kurds, the Turks will choose Russia. Today, Turkey is free, neither linked to NATO nor to the EU, and pursues national interests that dont necessarily converge with those of Europe and the West.

cafebabel: How credible is the threat of reinstating the death penalty?

Gianpaolo Scarante: Erdogan is a shrewd politician. Regardless of whether the death penalty will be reinstated, repression will be fierce, as we have already seen. Nonetheless, Erdogans threat has forced Europe to draw a red line over the death penalty  to say that if it is reintroduced, all negotiations will be suspended  which implies that negotiations might otherwise continue. I dont see it as a mistake on Erdogans part, I think it was more of a strategic move. Of course, actually reinstating death penalty would be a change of unprecedented gravity that would isolate Turkey even more.

Erdogans perception and reaction to events such as the recent coup attempt has been growing more and more impulsive over the last few years. Theres a real danger that repression may get out of control. This is what Europe should stand against, rather than the death penalty per se, which might just be a strategic move. With such harsh repression taking place in the country, we cannot even talk about negotiations or Euro-Turkish strategic relations. The fact that Turkeys level of basic civil rights has regressed by decades after the coup is unacceptable. As I said, EU admission is not Turkeys priority. Europe isnt negotiating from a position of force, and it needs to realise it very quickly. Now, I am well aware that politics cant always be moral, but we shouldnt accept such unethical politics either. Even when negotiating the migrant deal, ethics should have been taken into greater account.

cafebabel: What developments do you see for the future?

Gianpaolo Scarante: We have to focus on the whole story rather than small chunks. And the whole story tells us that the political, diplomatic, ideological structures that emerged after World War One and lasted for almost a century are now breaking down. We need to understand that this process is happening globally and must be dealt with globally. What worries me the most is the lack of awareness on the subject at the European level.

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Gianpaolo Scarante is currently Professor of the Theory and Practice of International Negotiations at the University of Padua.

Story by Stefano Fasano

Translated from "La Turchia e cambiata, e dobbiamo rendercene conto in fretta"
SHARE Royce Pantel Jr.

By Jamil Oakford, jamil.oakford@caller.com

An argument stemming from a husband's drinking habits turned violent, police said.

About 12:15 a.m. Thursday Corpus Christi police responded to an assault call in the 1600 block of Meeks Road in the Flour Bluff area. A 56-year-old woman was standing near the road and police noticed a scratch to her left cheek, abrasions and a noticeable bump on her head, a news release states.

She told police that after making a comment about her husband's drinking things became physical and she threatened to call 911, prompting the husband to take her phone, throw it and then hide it from her.

She told police the husband pushed and slapped her several times and pushed her into a wall causing her to hit her head.

Officers escorted the woman home, but her husband and 6-year-old son were not inside, police said. While police investigated, the husband and boy returned.

Royce Pantel Jr. was arrested under suspicion of assault causing bodily injury and interfering with an emergency call.

As of Thursday afternoon, Pantel is in the Nueces County Jail with bail set at $2,000, officials said.

Twitter: @Caller_Jamil
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Rosado (left) and Torres

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By Krista M. Torralva of the Caller-Times

Trial scheduled for next month for two men accused in a fatal stabbing at a Port Aransas bar will likely be delayed.

Lawyers for Dimalier Jeremias Rosado, 31, and Xavier Antonio Rivera Torres, 25, appeared briefly before 214th District Judge Jose Longoria on Thursday to seek additional forensic evidence.

Clyde Leonard, 44, was stabbed Feb. 14 during a confrontation with Rosado and Torres, witnesses said. The men, both of Puerto Rico, tried to re-enter the bar after they'd been asked to leave. Leonard was a longtime patron and acted as an "informal bouncer" when they returned, Port Aransas police said.

The men fled in a 2004 Chevy Malibu and drove toward the Port Aransas Ferry, which is less than a mile from the bar.

Torres and Rosado have pleaded not guilty to murder and remain in the Nueces County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail each. The trial is set to begin Aug. 22.

Staff writer Julie Garcia contributed to this report.

Twitter: @CallerKMT
Press Release:

Contact: Attila Nemecz

Attila Nemecz (252)-940-6387

WASHINGTON, NC Latino parents and students interested in finding out more about programs available at Beaufort County Community College are invited to Latino Family Night on Thursday, August 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Building 10 Multi-purpose Room. The evening will offer an opportunity for parents and students to learn about continuing education programs, associate degree programs, Early College High School, College and Career Promise and GED programs. Spanish-speaking staff and volunteers will be available to discuss programs with the community.This is the second time BCCC is holding the family night. Last fall about 50 people attended, including grandparents, parents and children. The admissions staff at BCCC has partnered with Juvencio Rocha-Peralta and AMEXCAN, the Association of Mexicans in North Carolina, Inc., to help remove the roadblocks many Latinos face in regards to higher education. Daniel Garza will speak to the audience about his experience with Early College High School in Columbia. Garza graduated from Columbia ECHS with an associate degree and a high school diploma. He is now a senior at Campbell University.The College and Career Promise program allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school. ECHS is a five-year program where high school students attend college classes and graduate with an associate degree on top their high school degree. These programs allow high school graduates to start at a four-year university as a sophomore or a junior, saving a family on tuition costs.These programs can be especially beneficial to Latino families who might face out-of-state tuition charges when they attend college. A family could be saddled with an additional $15,000 in tuition over the course of two years. This can make higher education extremely expensive or, even worse, inaccessible. By taking advantage of these programs that BCCC offers to all students, Latino families can make the dream of sending their children to college possible.Young students are not the only ones who can take advantage of programs at BCCC. "When parents start to hear about the opportunities we can provide for their children, they often ask, 'Can I do this program as well?'" said Michele Mayo, director of admissions and recruitment at BCCC. Parents can take advantage of GED programs or earn certificates such as the Community Spanish Interpreter certificate through the Continuing Education Department.Latino Family Night will offer a comfortable setting for families to get their questions answered and start down the road of higher education, and a rewarding career, for their children or themselves that they might otherwise see as impossible.
Columnist Dave McNeely

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It was ironic the Texas Legislature chose Aug. 1 for Campus Carry to become law.

That's the 50th anniversary of the day Charles Whitman went up on the University of Texas tower and started firing, killing 14 and wounding 32.

Campus Carry is the moniker that's been applied to the Legislature's legal insistence that licensed handgun owners can carry weapons not just on campuses, but into office buildings.

Most University of Texas at Austin students and faculty members, perhaps more than at any other Texas university, are staunchly opposed to the idea. Private universities were allowed to opt out. So far, every one that's considered it has done so.

When the news of the UT Tower sniper's massacre that day reached me on the TV news, I had just arrived in Evergreen, CO, with my family for a weeklong vacation. When the shooter was identified as Charles Whitman, I was stunned.

I had met Charlie a few weeks earlier, after moving my family from Houston back to Austin in early June to work in the Houston Chronicle's state capitol bureau.

My buddy Larry Fuess was working on a degree at UT in architectural engineering. He was my good friend from playing together in a rock and roll band at UT.

Eager to welcome us back to Austin, Larry and his wife Elaine invited us to go with them to their friend Charlie Whitman's birthday party. It was June 24, and Charlie, who had adopted Larry as his best buddy in architectural engineering school, was turning 25.

Charlie and his wife Kathy seemed to be nice, pleasant people. A few weeks later, we joined Larry and Elaine, Charlie and Kathy, and possibly another couple, for an evening cruise in the powerboat Larry kept on Lake Austin.

That was eight days before Charlie, a former marine, lugged a trunk with his deadly arsenal to the top of the UT tower and began shooting.

Whether Larry or Elaine foresaw that Charlie could commit such a heinous act is hard to figure. They knew he could be moody, and tremendously angry  though they didn't see that side of him much.

They also knew his mother had finally divorced his abusive father. In March, Charlie had helped her move from Florida to Austin, to be closer to Charlie and one of his two brothers.

The night before Charlie went up on the tower, Larry and Elaine stopped by Charlie's apartment about 7:30 p.m. to visit. Kathy was working at her telephone job.

They stayed two hours, sharing some ice cream from a passing vending truck, before Charlie left to pick up Kathy.

Sometime that night, Charlie murdered his mother, and his wife  probably to protect them from the grim backwash of what he was about to do. The next morning, he went to the tower.

LIFE Magazine, in its Aug. 12, 1966, account of the Tower massacre, closed by mentioning that Larry Fuess was on the UT campus mall that fateful day following his visit with Charlie the night before.

"The next afternoon, with the dead and wounded scattered like leaves on the ground, Larry Fuess crouched by a building and wondered, as did everyone on the campus, who in God's name was up there. The name of Charles Whitman flashed across his mind, and he was instantly ashamed that he could think such a thing of a friend. When it was over, Larry saw Charlie's body carried from the tower."

And now, half a century later, Texas legislators have allowed guns to be in more places on the campuses at UT and other state universities.

Backers insist it will arm the good guys to be there to take on the bad ones. At least, that's the argument of the NRA (National Rifle Association) and a lot of Republican legislators.

Opponents say it invites anger to escalate to death, and makes gun-toters, good or bad, the first targets in crisis situations.

Some of the people marching in the Black Lives Matter rally in Dallas July 8  when five cops were killed and seven others were injured, plus two civilians  were carrying assault rifles.

Suspecting that the gun-toters might be involved in the ambush on the cops, a picture of one of them was put up by the police on social media, to help track him down. It gained national attention.

Fortunately, he and the other gun-toting marchers weren't taken out by law enforcement.

So, now, allowing more guns on campus. Will it help prevent violence, or help subdue it if it occurs?

Will it provide the snap release of anger when confronting a professor about a bad grade to become murder?

Guess we'll see how it works out.

Contact McNeely at davemcneely111@gmail.com or 512-458-2963.
| BY Ricki Green |

Engine Group has launched an innovative campaign for Brazilian Beauty aimed at giving women the confidence to Believe in Beautiful.

The new direction is part of a drive to position the brand as more than a waxing and tanning service.

Says Tim Weger, managing director, Engine Group: There are so many ways Brazilian Beauty helps women feel better about themselves  so it was important to shift the focus from specific products and services to an emotional platform.

Central to the new campaign is a TVC that films various women reflecting on what they see in a two-way mirror. Without a word spoken, it captures moments of insecurity, discomfort and acceptance. As the supers explain, the message is: Look in the mirror. Thats your competition.

An interactive version allows online viewers to take the Mirror Test for themselves  utilising a computers webcam to display their reflection onscreen.

Rather than use typical models to represent the brand, a nationwide social media-led campaign was launched, inviting everyday women to be one of the new faces of Brazilian Beauty.

After receiving hundreds of video entries  in which applicants were asked to explain what beauty means to them  six finalists aged 13-61 were selected to be photographed by the world-renowned Israel Rivera for a campaign that includes Adshels, billboards, online and retail press.

Says Kory McAvoy, creative director, Engine Group: Every aspect of this campaign is about confidence  encouraging people to embrace their own kind of beautiful and believe in themselves. We cant change who we are. But we can change the way we think and feel about ourselves.

Creative Agency: Engine Group

Tim Weger  Managing Director

Kory McAvoy  Creative Director/Senior Creative

Ken Roney  Creative Director/Senior Creative

Mark Smith  Senior Writer

Gaby Bush  Writer

Sarah Deery  Account Director

Sarah Ferguson  Account Director

Eloise Eagles  Account Manager

Graphic Designer  Megan Le-Nguyen

Graphic Designer  Suvi Tikka

Senior PR Account Manager  Lily Lovell

Stills & Mirror Video Content: Agent K Creative

Israel Rivera  Photographer

Katrine Bowman  Producer

Music: Jarsonic

Composer  Raf Mikolajczyk

Producer  Daniel Gatland

Video Production  Brand Content:

Editor  Ricky Marks

Video Production  Mirror Content:

Editor  Annika Salisbury

Video Production  Keziah Content:

Director & Editor  Phoebe Galloway

Digital Production  Niche Studios

Developer  Mikael Wedemeyer
| BY Lynchy |

Future Hub, founded by Deryll Naidoo, is an innovative Melbourne-based trend forecasting company working with the most innovative people, businesses, brands and agencies at the vanguard of change.

Through a micro and macro lens, they forecast and create valuable communication that is effective at every stage of business and everyday life.

Driven by trend and social analytics, the Future Hub global team identifies Future Shifts, Impacts and Opportunities to prepare businesses, brands and people for the future.

Says Naidoo: We are living through seismic change greater than the industrial revolution. To survive in this new economy we need to shift the way we think, act and do to prepare for

change. We call this becoming Future Ready.

More than simply providing meaningful information, Future Hub has a growing targeted audience of 65,400+ people that we talk to everyday through our core Digital + Mobile Timeline Platform, Trend Reports and Social Channels. Our growing community tells us that there is a huge uptake in future focused content.

People are responding daily to our stories and the support we have received from like minded business people and influencers has been amazing.

Our trend categories are the hottest topics being discussed around the globe. These include Automation, Smart Cities, Autonomous Vehicles, Sharing Economies, Chatbots, Artificial Intelligence, Education, Technology, New Breed Creatives, Health, Innovators and more.

We have seen a significant uptake of our Annual Top Trends Report for 2016 which has reached a global audience across 6 continents. This tells us people need us.

Through our creative services departments, Future Hub will revolutionise the way brands connect to audiences through visionary futurised content and a pioneering platform that allows audiences to Time-Travel.

In all seriousness, we have the intelligence, data and a nose for future happenings to safely

visualise where our world is headed. Nothing has shifted our generation more than the coming of the Internet of Things, and we look forward to a healthy future working with a global audience.
The Credit Check: What's a good score and how do you get it?
FISHTAIL  Its not the wonder of hearing the bellow of a conch shell or the shock of seeing a giant jungle gym of logs resting in a grassy bowl on a Montana ranch, but the combination of the two that makes a visit to Tippet Rise Art Center so special.

Three hundred people, many from the Billings area, visited Tippet Rise last weekend to be part of the Inuksuit performance by the Excelsis Percussion Quartet and Montana musicians, including Billings Symphony performers. The piece was performed in and around one of the land-art sculptures, Satellite No. 5: Pioneer by Stephen Talasnik.

Take a free tour

Tickets are sold out to all of this season's concerts, but there are other opportunities to visit the 11,500-acre land art and music site. Free tours are offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 1, and tickets are still available to see televised operas and classical music concerts in the state-of-the-art Olivier Barn. Visiting Tippet Rise is an experience unparalleled anywhere I have ever been.

You can also bring a bike up and ride on a new winding bike trail that connects the sculptures, although getting to the first one is a doozy with a long hill up the first two miles. Go to tippetrise.org for more information.

Composer John Luther Adams wrote the 70-minute "Inuksuit" in 2009 to be performed by nine to 99 musicians. At Tippet Rise, it was performed by 40 musicians, including two noteworthy Billings percussionists, Luke Kestner and Matt Devitt. Doug Perkins coordinated the performance.

The musicians played traditional instruments like a xylophone, marimba and a triangle, but it was cool to hear the sounds improvised instruments make like plastic tubes that howl when you spin them.

The musicians were scattered around the hillside with the Beartooth Mountains as a backdrop. Cairns marked the trails cut into the hillside where musicians and the audience wandered, a fitting feature since "Inuksuit" refers to stones that guide the Inuit people across the Arctic tundra, and the cairn is the symbol for Tippet Rise.

'I'll remember this forever'

Ben Pitt, a 23-year-old graduate student at Boston Conservatory, flew to Montana to perform the piece after playing it recently in Boston with 90 musicians. He admitted that the music is a stretch for some people, but it forces musicians and audience members to be in the moment.

Who would have thought that in Montana this great music would happen with 40 people I just met, Pitt said. Ill remember this forever.

It was also a surreal experience for the audience.

One man sat throughout most of the performance with his head bowed between his knees. Tippet Rise founder Peter Halstead walked through the middle of the musicians and audience members, beaming and taking photos, including shots of the unusual, fish-like clouds hovering over the scene. Even the sky put on a show.

Audience members were encouraged to wander as the musicians strolled reverently through the hills as if they were reciting prayers to the land.

Adams is known for his environmental pieces, including his Pulitzer-Prize-winning work in 2014, Become Ocean. He was not on site but in a video interview about the piece, Adams said he wanted musicians and audience members to experience the magic of the moment.

He called it too big for a concert hall so he had no choice but to take it outside. One of his goals with the work is to explore the relationship between noise and silence.

When you welcome noise in, the whole world becomes music, Adams said.

The piece started with the sound of breath. You hardly noticed it because it mixed with the whoosh of wind coming through the tall grass. The music got louder and more chaotic and then a siren pierced the air.

It was so fitting that on a Montana ranch, part of which was founded by the family of pioneering modernist painter Isabelle Johnson, we could experience this mix of sound, art and land. I believe Johnson would have been right in the middle of the scene relishing the magic of the moment.
The B.C. governments blame non-resident homeowners campaign is now officially out of control.

Provincial leaders have just molested international homebuyers with a savage 15% land transfer tax. Worse, and incomprehensibly, theyve applied it retroactively and with no compunction to purchasers already locked into contracts, people with no other way out besides losing their deposit. This is how the premier wants B.C. to be judged by those outside our borders.

Of course, there are other countries with protectionist real estate practices. But there are also other countries that levy 80% marginal tax rates and jail women because they forgot their burkas. Taking cues from other nations is not, by default, sound.

Given the knee-jerk nature of this tax (the market got all of eight days notice to prepare for it), one wonders if B.C.s premier ever pondered its hypocrisy.

Yesterday I asked a personal finance guru, who shall remain nameless thanks to her vulgar response, whether the U.S. should retaliate and force onerous taxes on Canadian snowbirds. Its a legitimate question.

Those who exclaim, Yes! Protect hapless local Americans from marauding Canadian purchasers, should think about that response for a moment. For if Canada snubs international buyers, we cant argue against the same treatment for Canadians abroad. We have no basis to complain if other countries erect tax fences to shut our people out.

As important as it may be to stabilize home values, before exhausting other options and branding ourselves real estate protectionists, important questions should be considered:

How would we feel if the Americans slapped a demoralizing new retroactive tax on the half-million+ Canadians who own down south, and the millions more that will someday buy there?

How just is it for officials in Florida or Arizona or California to disadvantage and displace Canadians so locals enjoy cheaper homes?

How wise is it to discourage global investment in a country like ours, with its insufficiently diversified economy, and whose outlook deteriorates every time commodity prices drop 10%? (Note that many international investors and their executives, who invest and work in Canada, need second homes here.)

How much should pandering politicians put equity at risk for the 70% of Canadians who own homes, and the one in four seniors who depend primarily on home equity for survival?

Given the myriad of supply/demand factors driving home prices, to what extent does legal foreign buying (which likely accounts for just 1 out of 20 purchases long-term, most being high-end properties) really push up prices for working-class Vancouverites?

A key word there is legal. Fraudsters, money launderers and other criminal buyers must be chased down, fined, spend time in a 6x9 box and/or have their properties confiscated.

By contrast, overseas buyers who respect our rules and buy a second home here should be welcomed with wide open arms, for their diversity, capital and contributions can be a net benefit to this great country. In so many cases they invest here, spend here, help fund the educational system here and support Canadian jobs here (and lets not let student mansion owners distract from that message).

In cases where non-residents leave affordable housing vacant and dont invest in and foster employment, perhaps that specific practice should be discouraged. But how short-sighted it is to lump all non-nationals into that same boat.

At first blush, most people support higher taxes on Chinese, Korean, U.S., UK, Indian, Taiwanese and other non-Canadian buyers, and you can understand why. People are frustrated. They love Vancouver and they want a comfortable, affordable place to live in or near the city.

Heck, my wife and I lived in Vancouver for five years and we often wished we had enough money to buy a nice house near our workplace. But clearly, owning in a beautiful high-demand area in one of the worlds greatest cities was not our God-given right. Nor is it anyones.

Sometimes people who cant afford something have to make hard decisions, like commuting an extra 45 minutes, changing jobs, living in a condo, migrating or otherwise improving their lot in life.

Without fail, however, both people and economies ultimately adapt to affordability challenges. But it takes forethought and time, and politicians focused on upcoming elections dont feel they have that time. So we get short-term mindsets creating long-term policya bona fide travesty.

B.C.s new land tax reeks of hypocrisy. If this countrys leaders want to be open members of the global community, and benefit from international trade, and protect our ownership privileges abroad, and attract foreign investment, we simply cannot send a message to non-Canadians that theyre less valuable to our society than we are.
Contracts would be signed, then Capital Property would seek planning permission from the National Capital Authority - a process he expected to be "streamlined and non-contentious", given the authority had already seen the plans and it was designed to the authority's requirements - no more than 25 metres for the office block and meeting the maximum city height limit near Constitution Avenue.
"The campus can be a part of the city. One of the lessons that we've had [in Barcelona] is that we were transforming the precinct as a human laboratory, a laboratory of the city," he said. "The city was learning what to do. Here come new power sources, here come electric cars and so on."
A regional telehealth center based out of St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation has received $325,000 in federal funding to help provide medical services to rural communities.

The money, an annual grant award from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Resource Center Grant Program, will go to the foundation for its Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center.

"Our goal is to help expand health care to underserved populations and the way to do that, of course, is through telehealth, because it's an opportunity to provide care to patients that might not otherwise have access to it," said Bob Wolverton, NRTRC program director. "It's really an important step forward and we really want to help grow telehealth in our region."

The center serves as a resource for telehealth networks serving rural and underserved communities. The organization works with networks in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, Wolverton said.

"Healthcare is a constantly changing industry and virtual healthcare is the way of the future," said Eric Pollard, St. Vincent director of Virtual Health and Radiology Services. "The NRTRC can help pave the way forward with years of rural healthcare experience and a large collection of valuable resources that can be provided free of charge to the public. St. Vincent Healthcare is excited to be awarded another year of service for this valuable program."

Telehealth, also often referred to as telemedicine, uses electronic communications such as two-way video, email or wireless services to better serve patients by connecting them and their health providers with resources that would otherwise be out of reach.

That might involve a patient using technology to share health information from home with doctors who can help manage their care remotely, or a doctor in a rural area consulting with a specialist in another town on a difficult case.

Wolverton shared one example of an allergy and asthma specialist who treats patients in Idaho and Nevada, who spent much of his time traveling to and from patient appointments.

Working with Wolverton and the NRTRC, he set up a telehealth system that allowed him to visit patients electronically, letting him see more patients during the day and providing more immediate care for patients in remote areas.

Telemedicine is gaining ground nationwide  the American Telemedicine Association estimates that as many as 15 million Americans received some sort of telehealth care in 2015, up 50 percent from two years prior. Numbers are predicted to increase in the coming years, and state and federal authorities are looking at as an important health resource.

More than 30 states, including Montana, reimburse for telehealth services if that service would be covered during an in-person visit. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently recommended increasing coverage for a number of telehealth services beginning in 2017.

"The acceptance nationwide is just amazing," Wolverton said. "Telehealth is expanding all over the country. It's amazing where it will pop up and how it pops up."

The American Medical Association earlier in July also approved new guidelines for ethical telemedicine practice.

Wolverton said that his organization has worked with four hospital-based telehealth networks as well as a mental health network in Montana alone.

Just five or 10 years ago, setting up a telehealth network required a large hub hospital to purchase an assortment of expensive equipment, including video equipment, that might cost $30,000 just to set up services for one remote area.

Today, however, all they need is access to a secure networking site, compatible with federal privacy laws, a secure internet connection and the desktop or laptop computer that's already likely in the office.

"It's just becoming easier all the time because the technology's always changing," Wolverton said. "And a small hospital can really see the advantages of connecting via telehealth."
The deal will see the Ethiopian government-owned telecoms provider serve multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) services to CMC Networks carrier base and virtual network operator (VNO) clients into Ethiopia and across the globe.

"We are very excited to announce the partnership and interconnect with Ethio Telecom in Ethiopia and offer seamless connectivity to arguably one of Africa's fastest growing economies," said Grant Walker, CEO of CMC Networks, which serves the data communications needs of carriers and value-added resellers (VARs) into African and Middle Eastern countries.

"We look forward to serving data connectivity needs of telecommunications carriers, network integrators and VARs across the globe into Ethiopia."

CMC Networks owns in excess of 104 global PoPs which are integrated into other wholesale carrier partner networks in order to deliver a global wholesale footprint to the carrier community.
The trial of Colorado man charged with killing his wife more than 15 years ago in Montana has been delayed, and the suspect is out on bail aft
The drowning of Kathryn Laird and the subsequent 17-year struggle to bring her killer to justice will be chronicled Friday on "Dateline NBC."

The contrast of a tragic event in a picturesque setting has a certain allure for "Dateline" correspondent Keith Morrison. The scenery of Montana, an echo of the old west, has drawn Morrison to the state and the stories of its justice system several times.

Morrison's report on Laird's death will be the sixth Montana story he has reported on in the past four years.

The episode will detail Laird's unsolved murder, FBI agent John Teeling's meticulous investigation and the ultimate justice long sought by Laird's family.

Laird's murder went unsolved for 13 years before Teeling first picked up the case in 2012. The case stuck out when Teeling heard investigators suspected Laird's husband of holding her underwater until she drowned.

Teeling estimated spending more than 1,000 hours putting together the evidence that led to Brian David Laird's deliberate homicide conviction this year.

At Brian Laird's trial in March 2016, prosecutors argued Brian Laird killed his wife because he discovered she was planning to leave him.

"Here was a woman everyone could relate to," Morrison said. Kathryn Laird was a young woman still trying to find her path in the world, Morrison said. She was working a romantic job as a fishing guide on the Big Horn River. Still, family members and friends told investigators that Kathryn was fed up with her husband. She planned to make a change.

"And it was when she decided to make that change that she got killed," Morrison said.

Morrison and his team watched the Kathryn Laird case unfold, interested not only in her story, but the work of Assistant Attorney General Brant Light. Morrison called himself a fan of Light, who he lauded for the work the attorney has done to help prosecute cold cases in small communities with few resources.

Families need answers, no matter what those answers are, Morrison said. It is like something in the universe has gone off-kilter, and answers might help right it again, Morrison said.

"There is such a longing to know everything, no matter how painful," Morrison said.

The "Dateline" team came to film Brian Laird's sentencing, and they made an additional trip to interview family and friends of Kathryn Laird.

"These kind of stories are a window into human nature," Morrison said. He gets a chance to look into the souls of the people he speaks to. Morrison sees it as his chance to connect people with what could be going on around them.

There are statistics on the number of women who are killed by their abusive husbands when the wife tries to leave, Morrison said. This is a real danger in society and one people need to look out for, Morrison said.

Brian Laird denied "Dateline NBC's" request for an interview. Even after he was convicted, Brian Laird has maintained his innocence.

"Everybody has a story to tell," Morrison said about the people who continue to deny their guilt, even after conviction. "My job is to let them tell their story. Viewers can decide what they think."

The "Dateline" episode will air at 9 p.m. Friday.
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Phillips County Sheriffs Deputy Alan Guderjahn remained hospitalized Thursday after being stabbed several times during a confrontation with a young man outside Malta on Wednesday.

The suspect, 20-year-old Emil Ambrose Mecklenburg of Malta, was shot dead by the deputy.

Guderjahn is doing well and is still being held for medical observation in Great Falls, said the sheriffs department in a written statement. The deputy could be released from the hospital Thursday or Friday.

The state Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting with the incident and is still conducting interviews, executing search warrants, and processing evidence. Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Phillips County Attorneys Office and a coroners inquest will be scheduled, officials said Thursday.

The incident occurred after Guderjahn responded to a call of a suspicious man walking along U.S. Highway 191 near mile marker 122. The man pulled a knife on the deputy and stabbed him multiple times. Investigators closed the highway for several hours Wednesday.

Mark Hebert of The Phillips County News said a prayer vigil was to be held Wednesday for Guderjahn in Malta's Front Street Park.

Dan O'Brien, Phillips County deputy attorney, said to his knowledge the last officer related shooting in Phillips County occurred in 1997. In that case Deputy Brian Robinson responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle near a campground in Landusky. Two suspects shot and injured Robinson. He returned fire, killing both suspects.

O'Brien said the Phillips County Sheriff's Office employs seven patrolling officers including Sheriff Scott Moran.
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.
UK-based University of Lincoln has announced Global Postgraduate Scholarships for Indian postgraduate applicants for the Academic Year 2016-17. The scholarship worth 2000 is applicable for all the postgraduate courses including the MA and MSc Research degrees. However, the scholarships are not applicable for M.Phil. and Ph.D. Programmes. The Global Postgraduate Scholarship is also available for Indian students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements for a postgraduate degree course and plan to join Lincoln from Study Group's Pre-Masters course.

According to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2015, University of Lincoln is ranked in the top three nationally for student satisfaction. Its numerous courses including Journalism, Psychology, Drama, English and Sport & Exercise were rated amongst the best in the UK by students. These courses were ranked in top 20% in NSS 2015, with Psychology courses ranked number one nationally for the subject area and Biology & Design courses ranked second and third respectively.

Moreover, Lincoln's School of Computer Science (SoCS) is rapidly gaining popularity for its exceptional research work in human-computer interaction and robotics & autonomous systems, including the creation of some of the most intelligent systems like the mobile robots which are capable of meeting the complexities of real world.

With student population from about 100 nations, the University plays host to around 13,000 students and 1,500 staff. With ultra-modern facilities and leading experts from the fields,University of Lincoln offers a wide range of postgraduate courses including Accounting and Finance, Applied Mathematics, Art, Biotechnology, Engineering, Choreography, Digital Journalism, Clinical Animal Behaviour, 21st Century Literature, Culture & Heritage Management, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Crisis & Disaster Management, Design, Drama, Tourism & Marketing and many more. Each course comes with its own eligibility criteria, fee structure and duration.

The Global Postgraduate Scholarships will be granted to the self-funding students who meet the entry requirements as specified by the University. In order to qualify for the scholarship, the applicants are required to have a good Bachelor degree from a recognized institution with a minimum grade of 50% and applicants seeking Research masters degrees will need to provide research proposals.

The English language requirements are either 60% or above in Standard XII (awarded by a Metro/State Board)or an IELTS overall score of 6.0 or above with at least 5.5 in each element i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

For further details on the Scholarship Programme, students can visit - http://lincoln.ac.uk/home/studyatlincoln/scholarships/globalpostgraduatescholarships/

For further information about the postgraduate programmes offered by University of Lincoln, students can visit - http://lincoln.ac.uk/home/studyatlincoln/postgraduateprogrammes/
A courier and the ringleader in a meth distribution ring that brought 178 pounds of the drug to the Fishtail area were sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court.

Merrill Clark Gardner, 62, was sentenced to 15 years and three months in federal prison for coordinating the import and distribution of as much as 178 pounds of meth.

He was sentenced for one count of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters said that the conspiracy involved the largest amount of the drug shes seen as a federal judge.

In a separate hearing, 37-year-old Jason Harold Wacker received a sentence of 24 months in prison, as well as five years of supervised release afterward, for his role as a courier.

Wacker, who is from Sheridan, Wyo., had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He told investigators that he transported money to Arizona twice, and he brought new supplies of meth to Montana for distribution.

At least seven people tied to the drug ring have been charged in federal court, and more were involved in the operations, according to testimony from Robert Grayson, a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Using confidential informants, federal agents obtained a warrant and served it in June 2015. They obtained at least five pounds of meth and $102,000 from Gardners Fishtail house, vehicle and a stash house in Nye.

As the investigation continued, agents learned that Gardner contracted with at least three couriers who would drive to Arizona with drug proceeds. The courier would pick up more meth and return to Montana.

Wacker was a courier. Gardner provided the pickup for the trip. Wacker's meth addiction brought him into this work, and he was paid in user amounts of meth, said his attorney Murdoch Walker II.

Gardner paid a Nye man for use of his home as a stash house, according to Grayson. Additionally, he sold the meth to others who would distribute the drug in other areas of Montana.

For this central role in the operation, Watters denied a request by Gardners attorneys to remove a sentencing enhancement that deems a suspect an organizer in a conspiracy.

Wacker will be referred to the federal prison in Yankton, S.D., and recommended for substance abuse treatment. He will also be required to undergo treatment while on supervised release.

Gardner was referred to a federal prison in Sandstone, Minn., and will also be recommended for substance abuse treatment. He will be subject to five years of supervised release after his prison term.

Three other men were indicted alongside Wacker. Kenneth George Kramer, Gene Andrew Tufton and Juan Carlos Dorado are still set for trial in December.

A Helena woman, Rinda Lee Morgan, was sentenced in May to four years in prison for her role in the conspiracy. She took meth from Gardner in Fishtail and distributed it to others in the Helena area.

An Absarokee man, Brett Wade Clouse, pleaded guilty in June to charges that he was one of the couriers in Gardners organization.
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance named a new executive to lead and launch its cyber liability product line in New Zealand. AXIS Capital Holdings hired a former CNA executive for a senior, U.S. leadership role.

***

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance named Ian Marshall to lead its new cyber liability product line in New Zealand.

Marshall will be senior underwriter, Executive & Professional Lines.

Previously, Marshall was at Lumley General Insurance, where he was most recently senior underwriter, Liability Centre of Expertise. He also has prior experience working as senior underwriter, Professional Liability at AIG Insurance New Zealand Ltd.

***

A former CNA Financial Corp. executive joined up with AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. in a leadership role.

John Tatum is the new executive vice president and head of U.S. Programs for AXIS Insurance, a division of AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. For his new role, hes based in Chicago and Alpharetta, GA, responsible for all programs and binding authorities for AXIS Insurance throughout the U.S. market.

Tatum is a 20-plus-year insurance industry veteran. For 15 of those years he was at CNA, most recently senior vice president of the insurers Middle Market, Construction and Large Casualty business unit. While there, he led CANs Commercial Affiliation Marketing programs for more than 10 years.

Tatum will report directly to Carlton Maner, CEO of the U.S. division for AXIS Insurance.

Sources: BHSI, AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd.
Local government and economic development officials got an idea Wednesday of what is planned for the former federal building during a tour with the new owner and the engineering and construction firm that will be redesigning the facility.

Joe Holden, the managing member of WC Commercial LLC of Alaska, told the group that asbestos abatement in the building should begin within a couple weeks.

EEC of Billings, an engineering and construction firm, will redesign the exterior and help transform the five floors  more than 213,000 square feet  into space that can be leased by multiple tenants.

The building has been vacant for about three years. Parts of it  art deco tile reminiscent of the 1920s is one example  are still quite serviceable, and Holden said hes asking people whether they believe he should leave the colorful tile as it is. To date, opinion is divided, he said.

He said he also wants to showcase the metal artwork in the lobby.

We are going to make (the building) as nice as we can make it  something that the community can be proud of, he told the group. I like projects, and I think it can turn into a good investment. I see it as a diamond in the rough.

While the Billings City Council  represented by Dick Clark and Mike Yakawich  was included in Wednesdays hourlong tour, City Administrator Tina Volek said its way too soon for city officials to determine if theyll someday need space in the building, at 316 N.26th St.

The city has already solved its short-term space requirements for planning, public works and municipal court services, she said.

That has taken off the short-term pressure for additional space, she said.

Most of the interior walls are non-load-bearing, said Quentin Eggart, an engineer whos president of EEC. They can be easily removed, depending on what tenants require.

Some of the bathrooms must be remodeled, but the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system only requires updating  not replacing, according to Holden. Electrical conduits built into the floors will help make the space versatile for tenants.

Eggart said interior lighting will be replaced with energy-efficient LED lights. The parking area beneath the building, now with about 60 spaces, can be expanded to up to 100 slots.

The owners and Eggarts firm are still determining the renovation budget. Eggart said hes developing exterior plans designed to make the building look less like what it's been  a 50-year-old federal building  and transform it into something more inviting to prospective tenants.

The goal is for it not to look like a defunct old federal building, Eggart said. People expect an office building to have modern finishes, including such givens as modern lighting.

Wednesdays tour included stops on the third and fifth floors as well as the basement. Holden said hes holding off on allowing interior photos until the building has been renovated.

The timetable for completion of the asbestos abatement and renovation is six to 12 months, Eggart and Holden said.

Also along on the tour, Steve Arveschoug, Big Sky Economic Development executive director, said his agency has been working to identify tools to support the private investment that WC Commercial LLC has already made. He traveled to Washington, D.C., last week in search of help that might be available to help rid the building of asbestos, but thats kind of a dead end, he said.

But aid programs might be available for such necessities as increased parking, he said.
Ford is making the 2017 MY vehicles more appealing to those embracing fresh technology by bolstering the availability of its SYNC 3 connectivity platform.



Choosing a platform-centric approach, rather than going vehicle by vehicle, the SYNC 3 features new hardware and software for what the brand describes to be as faster and more intuitive performance, which allows users to connect their smartphones and access a variety of features, including hands-free phone calls and navigation.

Ford is not taking the traditional approach of introducing Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto on a few piecemeal models or as an expensive option on luxury vehicles only. The guesswork for consumers is over  if you buy any 2017 Ford vehicle with SYNC 3, you drive off the lot with both of these innovative technologies ready to go, said Jeffrey Hannah, Director of North America for global automotive technology research firm SBD.

Some of the apps available through SYNC AppLink are AccuWeather, AAA member services, Ford PASS, Pandora and Spotify, joined by Apple CarPlay, which is compatible with iPhone 5 and later models and allows drivers and passengers to access Siri voice controls, Apple Maps, Music, Phone Messages and third party apps, along with Android Auto, which can pair devices with Android 5.0 and higher.

Popular nameplates from the Blue Oval that have already moved into the 2017 MY are the Escape, Fusion and Explorer, while the F-150, Focus, Edge and Super Duty will arrive at dealerships by the end of this year.

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO
Australian fans of performance BMWs rejoice, because Alpina is headed to a Land Down Under.



The vaunted Bimmer tuner, which shares almost as close a relationship with the manufacturer as its own M division does, is hitting the Australian market for the first time. It has already received government approval to sell the B4 Bi-Turbo Coupe (based on the 4 Series) which will be available beginning in November. But Alpina has plans to bring in several more models as well.

Currently undergoing homologation are the B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible and both the sedan and wagon versions of the B3 Bi-Turbo (based on the 3 Series).

The In Motion Group will handle importation under the name Alpina Automobiles  Australia, initially through the BMW Doncaster and BMW Bundoora dealerships in Melbourne. Additional dealers are expected to be announced by year end.

Alpina sold a record 1,700 vehicles worldwide in 2014, and over 1,600 in 2015. Its arrival in Australia ought to help even further boost its global sales.

PHOTOS
Just a few months after Bill Kennedy became chairman of the board, the South Central Montana Mental Health Center confronted its biggest challenge ever. The state had contracted all its mental health care to a private, out-of-state managed care company. Montanas government-funded care system for low-income, mentally ill children and adults was upended, payments to mental health centers were changed, reduced and delayed. Clients were unable to navigate the new program, which at one point stopped filling prescriptions. The regional mental health center headquartered in Helena closed.

Kennedy led the Billings-based center through tough times that drained reserves within six months, forced staff layoffs and cut client services. The Mental Health Center survived and two decades later still serves residents of 11 counties.

With his retirement from the Yellowstone County Commission on Aug. 1, Kennedy will step down as the countys representative and Mental Health Center board chairman.

Kennedy has championed community mental health care for 24 years. He was on the board when the HUB drop-in center for homeless and seriously mentally ill adults was created on North 27th Street. He helped promote creation of the Community Crisis Center. Recognizing the need for ongoing local funding for the HUB and Crisis Center, Kennedy spearheaded the campaign for the county public safety levy that provides substantial annual support for those two programs.

Kennedy sees crucial connections between community mental health care and Montana State University Billings, where he will become president of the fundraising foundation. The university educates nurses, counselors, rehabilitation specialists and other health care professionals that are in high demand and short supply in the community and the region.

Kennedy has been a biennial fixture in the state Capitol, telling lawmakers what Yellowstone County and its neighbors needed for community mental health care.

Kennedys message has been consistent: Fund community services and you can cut down on institutional care. As a county commissioner, hes been a leader in the Montana Association of Counties and National Association of Counties health policy committees.

Known for being ubiquitous at community events, Kennedy has made speeches to praise suicide prevention walks and read proclamations for Homeless Persons Remembrance Day. Hes a frequent visitor at the HUB, a regular at Rainbow House Christmas parties and recently hosted a benefit art show for that Mental Health Center day treatment program.

Kennedys tireless advocacy has helped Yellowstone County and Montana sustain desperately needed community mental health service. His 24-year tenure as commissioner spans the continuing struggles of Montanans with mental illnesses, their families and dedicated health care providers.

There are still challenges. The Mental Health Center ran a $500,000 operating loss last year and is struggling to cope with changes this year in state and federal programs and its continued losses on Medicaid rates for psychiatrists.

Fortunately for our community, Kennedy expects to continue mental health advocacy after he retires from the county commission. The Mental Health Center Board will vote at its August meeting on adding another at-large seat. Kennedy has been asked to take that seat.
According to reports, the mother-in-law of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been kidnapped in Sao Paulo, Brazil with the criminals asking for $36.5 million in ransom.



News sources claim that the mother of Fabiana Flosi, Ecclestones wife, was abducted from her home in Sao Paulo near Interlagos earlier in the week. While local police have yet to comment on the reported kidnapping, the claimed ransom is the largest ever demanded in Brazil.

Veja reports that the kidnappers want the money to be paid in pounds sterling and divided into four bags of cash.

Bernie Ecclestone married Fabiana Flosi in 2012 after meeting her at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix. Ecclestones estimated worth sits at $3.1 billion.

This news is just the latest in a string of incidents raising questions about the countrys suitability for hosting next months Olympic Games.



Via Veja

PHOTO GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz are currently being challenged by consumer and auto safety advocates, who have asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the automaker over a TV commercial for the 2017 E-Class.



Their issue with the ad is that it could mislead consumers by overstating the sedans self-driving characteristics. In a letter to FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez, consumer and safety advocates claim the E-Class doesnt even meet the NHTSAs definition of a fully or partially self-driving car  and yet its marketed in a way that a reasonable consumer would believe it does, which in turn could give people a false sense of security in the ability of the car to operate autonomously.

According to Autonews, the letter is signed by leaders of Consumer Reports, the Center for Auto Safety and the Consumer Federation of America and by ex-NHTSA administrator Joan Claybrook.

While self-driving systems have come under intense scrutiny recently after a Tesla Model S driver died in a crash with the cars Autopilot driver-assist system engaged, Mercedes insist that its not their intention for people to get confused regarding what a driver-assist system is and can do. A company spokeswoman commented that the only connection between such a system and fully autonomous cars is that one leads to the other, but they are not the same.

The systems used in the new E-Class are clearly identified as driver assistance systems, which we have spent the better part of two decades developing in pursuit of an accident-free future, said the spokeswoman. The Future, featuring the F015 concept car, is intended to draw the connection between that vision and the innovations that are in todays Mercedes-Benz models.

In the YouTube version of the ad, dubbed The Future you do hear the narrator say Is the world truly ready for a vehicle that can drive itself? Ready or not, the future is here. However, the fine print at the bottom of the screen states that Vehicle cannot drive itself, but has automated driving features. The system will remind the driver frequently to keep hands on the steering wheel. Always observe safe driving practices and obey all road traffic regulations.

Safety advocates are saying that FTC guidance bars advertisers from using the fine print for contradictory statements in an ad, or to clear up false impressions the ad might leave.

Note: Mercedes have since made the video private.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photo: Contributed

Kelowna RCMP hope the lure of prizes will drive the message home that residents need to secure their vehicles.

Community policing co-ordinator Colleen Cornock appeared before council Monday with some sobering news  theft from vehicles is up 50 per cent over the first half of 2016, compared with 2015 numbers.

This despite a new program launched in 2015  Don't Be An Easy Target.

"We wanted to increase public awareness and seek their involvement in reducing theft from motor vehicles," said Cornock.

"The goal is to change behaviour, to remind people to remove valuables from their vehicles, to lock their vehicles and to report any suspicious activity to the RCMP."

Cornock said theft from vehicles is driving crime stats in the city. She reiterated that fact when questioned by Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, who wanted to know whether this type of crime was included within figures released by Statistics Canada last week showing Kelowna, and the Central Okanagan, has the second highest crime rate among major cities in Canada.

"All property is included, and that is a driver right now. Our crime prevention unit looks at the two main drivers right now in our crime stats: theft of bicycles and theft from motor vehicles."

Basran said it's important people know this when they point to local government and beyond to say 'you need more resources.'

"Really they need to be looking in the mirror and saying it actually starts at home with them," said Basran.

"Not saying we don't play our part, I'm not trying to say that, but the fact some people are leaving their vehicles unlocked count towards our crime statistics. It's absurd to me."

Basran said this program is a way for residents to play a part in reducing those crime numbers.

Don't Be An Easy Target was reintroduced earlier this month with a social media component attached to it.

Cornock said people are given a card which includes a static cling decal which reads, 'All Locked Up, and Nothing to Take.'

"All you have to do is put the decal on the driver's side window, take a picture of it, then go to the social media sites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and do a couple of hashtags for us: #kelowna, #dontbeaneasytarget.

"Automatically, you are entered in to win a $50 gift card from one of our retailers or restaurants within the city. We will be doing a draw every two weeks."

The decals can be picked up at the Rutland and KLO community policing stations, the main downtown detachment on Doyle, and soon at the Parkinson Rec Centre.
Photo: Konrad Pimiskern

A Kelowna man is ready to take on the leadership of the BC Conservative Party and do away with political correctness.

I want to bring common sense to B.C. politics and get rid of political correctness, said Konrad Pimiskern, a Kelowna financial advisor who felt compelled to enter the political arena this year.

Pimiskern is one of four people seeking the leadership of the BC Conservative Party.

I think everybody has a responsibility to serve in their community and I saw this as a really good opportunity to pitch in and make a difference, said Pimiskern.

He says he has not been involved in politics at all in the past, but felt it was time to put his hat in the ring.

I've been invited before, but this is the first time I felt like I could really make a difference, he said.

The politics or the mood, if you will, is saying they are ready to start getting some common sense back into their lives again. Not just in B.C., but all over the world.

He says he feels the same way everybody else does.

We can't believe the ridiculous situation we find ourselves in. With all this political correctness, it really has not been working for us, it has been working against us. I think people are ready to have change, constructive change.

Pimiskern says 'political correctness' is a problem in a wide range of issues.

Political correctness creates an environment where everybody is afraid to say anything about anything. We live in a world where the majority of people feel like they cannot use their voice because they are going to be ridiculed, said Pimiskern.

If they start talking about common sense ideas, they will get lambasted. People are tired of political correctness, they are tired of politicians, they are tired of the status quo, they are tired of feeling like everybody is making these really stupid decisions that are affecting real people in the real world.

He says he has fresh ideas for many political issues including homelessness, unemployment and the real estate boom.

He believes the BC Liberals just made a major mistake with the recently announced tax. Foreign nationals who buy real estate in Metro Vancouver will now pay an additional property transfer tax of 15 per cent.

From a financial advisor standpoint, they just knocked 15 per cent off the value of everybody's house, said Pimiskern.

He says additional taxes should only be levied against landowners that cannot prove a B.C. tax-paying resident is living in the home.

If you're not living there and you do not have a B.C. resident living there who is a B.C. taxpayer, you pay commercial rates.

He hopes to bring in legislation that would actually bring more foreign nationals into Canada to live and work and prosper here.

I would love for them to all become B.C. taxpayers, to all become citizens of this province. To contribute to our economy. To bring their ingenuity and bring their industry and their wealth to help build this province. As opposed to punishing them for showing up, that is so wrong.

Pimiskern was born and raised in West Vancouver, and moved his family to Kelowna in 2000. He has been married for 25 years and has three children.

We moved up here for housing reasons, I couldn't see myself living in a condominium with a family, he said.

It has been a really good decision for my family.

Pimiskern was announced as one of four people seeking the leadership of the BC Conservative Party last week.

He will run against Chloe Ellis, a professional advisor in the financial industry from Vancouver, Dan Brooks, the well-known former leader of the party and business owner from Vanderhoof and Jay Cross, a statistical analyst from the Lower Mainland.

The leader of the BC Conservative Party will be determined by mail-in ballot culminating at the Leadership Convention in Prince George on Sept 17, 2016.

For more information on Pimiskern and all the candidates click here.

To contact Pimiskern click here.
Photo: Jeff Cameron Racing

There's been an explosion in membership to a local Facebook group that wants the engines restarted on a race track near Vernon.

The number of people joining the 'Save the Motoplex Speedway' Facebook group rocketed in just hours on Wednesday, after word that no events were planned for the summer. The track's owner has been embroiled in a legal battle.

Our goal here is to see if there is enough interest from racers, fans and sponsors to save the facility, wrote Allen Hartley, host of the Facebook page.

Hartley suggested a number of ways the facility could be purchased, including through a cooperative society or a group of wealthy individuals but there has been no indication the track is for sale.

Whatever the case, Hartley's effort has growing public support. By 6 p.m. on Wednesday, 1,375 new members had joined, taking the total to more than 1,660.

Meanwhile the current owner of the track, Okanagan Aggregates Ltd., faces more time in court as a nearby land owner attempts to keep the gates shut for good.

In April, a B.C. Supreme court judge granted an injunction limiting the noise level at the Spallumcheen race track and ordered the company to pay $100,000 in damages to the developer of nearby Lawrence Heights.

In May, the land developer filed a notice with the B.C. Court of Appeal asking for the ruling to be set aside, in the hopes of obtaining larger damages and a complete injunction on noise-making activities.
Photo: CTV Qu Zhang Mingjie with daughter Wanting Qu, in an undated photo.

The mother of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson's girlfriend is facing the death penalty in China.

Chinese prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Qu Zhang Mingjie, mother of Chinese pop star Wanting Qu, for allegedly embezzling $69 million, according to an article in South China Morning Post Wednesday.

Zhang is accused of being part of a real estate scam in the city of Harbin, while she worked as a high-ranking official.

The deal involved transferring state-owned farmland to a private company.

She was first detained in 2014.

Qu has been an ambassador for Tourism Vancouver because of her fame in China, and recently released a song dedicated to her mother called Your Girl.

Though I havent been able to talk to her, feel her or reach her in anyway in the last two years, I know deep down in my heart, theres a place thats warm like the sun and bright like the moon, said Qu in a statement from her record label.

Its a place for a daughter like me and a mother like her. I believe that place exists in everyones heart. I hope she can hear the song and it gives her love and strength.

- With files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Contributed

Three men, alleged to have been involved in a confrontation and shooting at the notorious Green Valley Motel and Polson Park two years ago, have been committed to stand trial.

A lengthy preliminary hearing into the case against two of suspects, Adrian Dziedzic and Robin Rochemont, ended in Vernon provincial court last week.

Police reported multiple shots were fired during the incident on Aug. 12, 2014, which then led to a manhunt across the North and Central Okanagan.

This then led to a number of charges being laid against Rochemont, including attempted murder, while Dziedzic was charged with using a restricted weapon to commit robbery and discharge of a firearm.

The two next appear in court on Aug. 29 to fix a date for trial, according to Dan MacLaughlin, spokesperson for the Criminal Justice Branch.

A preliminary inquiry into the case against a third man, Jacob Lowes, ended in court this week.

Lowes, 30, was also charged with attempted murder following the shootout.

All of the men were known to police.

He appears in court on Aug. 8 to fix his trial date, McLaughlin said.
Photo: Contributed

Mel Arnold is ready and willing to step in and help resolve a land dispute in the Splatsin First Nation.

The North Okanagan-Shuswap Conservative MP said he has not spoken with representatives of the band yet, but he will be reaching out to see if I can offer any assistance.

At the heart of the matter is an ancestral burial ground located in a farmer's field near Enderby.

The band was to hold a referendum earlier this month to see if band members would accept $300,000 for the land, but a swell of opposition from band elders forced council and chief to cancel the referendum.

Chief Wayne Christian did not respond to requests for comment.

Arnold said attempts to correct it  referring to the referendum  have been made, but now the ball is in the court of Splatsin officials.

It's up to band as to what direction they want to go, said Arnold from his Vernon office. I will be trying to reach out to Chief Christian to see if my office can be of any assistance.

Arnold said he is unaware of any other situations like this one.

There were cases in Northern B.C. where they actually had to move burial sites because of reservoirs for the dams. In those cases, they moved the remains to a new site. That's difficult to do in this situation. It's unlikely it can be restored to its original condition, so what is the best solution moving forward?

Arnold said the land owner must also be considered in the situation.

Jody Leon has been speaking on behalf of the elders and she said the elders also want the farmer to be looked after.

The farmer was put in a very difficult position by his government, Leon told Castanet last week, adding the farmer did not know there was a burial site on the land, but the government did.

We have a very good relationship with the (farmer), but it must be uncomfortable for them as well, said Leon. We really want to acknowledge the farmer for making an agreement with the elders. It's not fair the government put the farmer in this position.

We definitely want to make sure he is taken care of. He is in a Catch 22 as well. He is very good friends with some of the members of our community and our elders.
Photo: UBC Okanagan

A local study has found childrens success in schools is tied to their teachers wellbeing

The ability of public schools to teach students in an innovative and relevant way starts with an education system that looks after the wellbeing of its teachers, according to a study from UBC's Okanagan campus.

It also starts with a greater emphasis on examining and replicating what is working as opposed to a more traditional approach of detecting and weeding out inefficiencies, says the study's author Assist. Prof. Sabre Cherkowski.

Education is key to the continued success of our society and there is often a focus on how we can best tailor and improve student learning, says Cherkowski. What this study confirms is that the more traditional approach of focusing on what isnt working and fixing it wont necessarily give us the results we want for our children.

Expanding on the current success of our education system and ensuring teachers are empowered to pursue innovation is what will continue to allow our schools to respond to the individual needs of students.

In her study, Cherkowksi interviewed school administrators in communities in British Columbias interior region.

The administrators identified a number of factors that can help ensure schools and the students flourish. Factors identified included encouraging teachers to take innovative risks, breaking down silos that may keep educators isolated from their colleagues, and ensuring that humour is present in the workplace.

This study highlights that it will be important for policy makers to consider the connectedness and wellbeing of principals and teachers when considering how to achieve desired outcomes in the education system, said Cherkowski.
A Kelowna mother is warning other parents that parks in Rutland might not be the safest place to let your children play.

She has found needles, drug paraphernalia, and garbage littered around Lions Park, Roxby Park, Ben Lee Park and Gerstmar Park.

Its terrifying, how do you teach your little one-year-old daughter to stay away from needles and not go near the shady individuals sleeping in the park, said the mother, who did not wish to be named.

In the last several months she says there has been an increase in those less fortunate camping out in the Rutland area.

There is definitely more of these people in our neighbourhood, it seems like they have moved from downtown to Rutland.

Dan Maja, senior bylaw officer with the City of Kelowna, says bylaw officers have been increasing patrols in the Rutland area.

We have had a few calls about people camping out, or setting up in the park, making a mess," he said. "They appear to be camping."

Ian Wilson, with the parks department, says his staff have also seen an increase in drug paraphernalia littered in local parks, specifically Lions Park.

Weve put out drug disposal units in washrooms, and put some out in some public spaces last year for the first time in hot spots where we have been finding a lot of needles, said Wilson. We have been trying a few different approaches.

However, Wilson says camping in public parks and using intravenous drugs isnt strictly a Kelowna problem; cities all over the province are battling the same issues.

Maja says bylaw will move people along if they are camping in the park, but during the day, if drugs arent used and no mess is being made, then parks are a public space for anyone to visit.

As the issue of camping in parks and using drugs persists, it appears neighbourhood fathers have taken it upon themselves to patrol close to their homes to protect their children.

They are picking up garbage at Quigley elementary, patrolling the perimeter looking for needles and drug paraphernalia to help keep the neighbourhood safe," the mother said.

It appears drug users are frequenting school yards with students being out of class for the summer; however children still play in the area, which becomes a concern for parents.
Now that the primaries are over, many folks are taking the temperature of Montanas political climate. It feels hot and divisive, and many believe Novembers results will have major implications. Many believe we are at a critical juncture in Montanas history. We see this, at One Montana, where we are trying to create a vibrant Montana through common ground.

Demographics show that by 2030 80 percent of Montanans will live in seven cities, most in western Montana. Increasing on-farm automation and consolidation in rural areas further drive migration to Montanas urban areas. In addition, more people are moving into Montana. These demographics reflect that rural-urban and east-west divides are real and growing.

These trends wont be just a demographic reshaping, but a seismic shift in the bedrock of Montanas culture, significantly affecting how we chart our future going forward. These shifts require collaboration to work across these divides, not divisive politics that will only highlight the differences.

Fortunately, our history shows that Montanans have collaborated, creating effective and enlightened solutions. The Stillwater Mining Good Neighbor Agreement was the result of rural and urban interests working together. Successes like the Blackfoot Challenge and the Montana Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program show that finding common ground and meaningful solutions can be a driving force in our culture.

Is it possible for Montana policy making to be more than a zero-sum game? Yes, but Montanans must demand a change in the tone of our political conversation.

Seek respect, not revenge

Candidates vowing to crush the other side are asking to be elected to carry out retribution on their opposition. Vengeance does not result in constructive public policy; it only brings reciprocating acts of retribution. Instead, the promise Montanans should demand from candidates is: I will respect other perspectives even if I dont agree with them and I will look for solutions that will help all Montanans.

Montanans agree that we live in a remarkable place. From the Rockies to our vast open spaces, Montana holds a singular place in the enlightened American experience. Once here, we never want to leave.

That leads to a simple conclusion: Were all in this together. We must find ways to communicate respectfully and productively with one another to keep Montana vibrant.

Rural-urban connections

Rural or urban, eastern or western, we are all interdependent. Urban Montana has essentials rural Montana needs  access to quality health care, higher education, and markets for agricultural and energy products. Rural Montana offers what urban Montana wants  clean water, wildlife, open space and energy resources. We might not share the same beliefs, but we all share the same air and water, the same education system, and the same natural resources. Above all, we share a love for the place we call home.

Good policy is the result of collaboration and reasonable compromise after healthy disagreement. However, constructive outcomes are possible only when communication and debate happen in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. An individuals judgment or position on a given issue is fair game, but attacks on character and integrity have no place in Montana.

After the election and the rhetoric subside, we still must work together to solve our problems. Victorious candidates must be capable of respecting and working with those who have differing views. This is the last best place - only we can keep it that way.
I

Photo: Getty Images

was asked recently why I write a weekly MP report given that some other members of Parliament dont.

The first reason is due to the fact the federal government is so vast, there is no shortage of policies, bills and legislation to inform citizens about.

The second reason is my favourite: my weekly reports provide an opportunity for citizens to share comments, questions and concerns on specific topics that are raised.

This is valuable because often topics that are of great concern to local citizens may not be the same topics that dominate media headlines.

Having a weekly MP report creates a good opportunity to take the pulse of how citizens in Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola feel about a wide variety of subjects.

In last weeks report, I asked for input on the idea of a federal government imposed national carbon tax. The response was not only overwhelming, but almost all the feedback was strongly opposed.

There were also a significant number of citizens who took the time to share the reasons why they opposed a national carbon tax.

Although many reasons varied, the most common was that many citizens are paying more attention to the relationship between their gross income and their net take home pay after income taxes.

At the same time. their net take home pay is increasingly being subject to a growing number of consumption based taxes and fees that further reduce the household buying power.

Many expressed a point of view that they cannot afford more taxation and as a result oppose another tax on something like gasoline that as many pointed out, is already heavily taxed.

Another point made by many was that government services and government could not function without burning carbon.

Flights by politicians to Ottawa or Victoria being one example, emergency service vehicles, transportation trucks that carry essential supplies and services were more examples and that a national carbon tax would increase the cost of government.

Another point made by some citizens was that while income taxes can be variable in a way to help those with lower incomes, often consumption based taxes apply equally regardless of income and some felt there was an element of unfairness in that.

Often various governments use rebate programs and/or direct payment subsidies such as the recently changed direct child care subsidy to help offset these increased costs.

But as another citizens pointed out these programs often only help certain families and not those who are low income who have adult children with severe challenges who cannot work, no children or are single.

There was no lack of different reasons why a national carbon tax was overwhelmingly opposed to the extent that only a handful of citizens voiced any support for the idea.

This feedback was helpful. If the Liberal government continues to try to force a national carbon tax, I will share many of the reasons that were provided to me over this past week opposing a national carbon tax.

Citizens deserve to be heard and the feedback from my weekly reports is part of what I will be sharing in September once the House of Commons is back in session.

In my view this is an important part of our democratic process in Canada.

Want to have a say in my upcoming MP reports? Is there a particular subject you would like to see covered in a future MP report?

Let me know an area of federal concern and while I may not be able to accommodate every request the most common topics that are raised will be mentioned in upcoming MP reports from now until September.

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla and writes this weekly report for his constituents. His website is danalbas.com.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Government of British Columbia Spirit of the West's John Mann receives the Order of B.C.

The highest honour the provincial government can bestow on its citizens was recently awarded to 16 British Columbians, but those from outside Victoria and Metro Vancouver missed out on the recognition.

The Order of B.C. has been given out annually for the past 27 years, recognizing exceptional individuals whose hard work, generosity of spirit and outstanding achievements have contributed immeasurably to the well-being of our communities, according to Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon.

This year, 10 recipients hailed from Vancouver, while three were from Victoria. The other three recipients were from Surrey, Tsawwassen and New Westminster.

Those in the rest of the province, including the Okanagan, were noticeably absent this year.

Over the years, government has worked to increase awareness of the province's highest honour to ensure that outstanding men and women from all eligible categories and from all parts of the province have an opportunity to be honoured, said a government press release.

According to the province, 215 British Columbians were nominated, with half of the nominations coming from outside the Lower Mainland.

In the 27 years the Order of B.C. has been given out, 402 people have received the honour.

The province says the Order recipients generally come from all over the province, in numbers proportionate to different regions' populations.

The Okanagan contains roughly eight per cent of B.C.'s populations, while Vancouver is home to just over 14 per cent.

For a full list of this year's Order of Canada recipients, including founding member of Spirit of the West, John Mann, head to the province's website here.
Photo: Contributed

UPDATE: 11 a.m.

Surrey RCMP advise that Kiley Baker, the 14-year-old female who was reported missing Wednesday afternoon has been located and is safe.

ORIGINAL: 6 a.m.

Surrey RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 14-year-old girl.

Kiley Baker was last seen Wednesday, on the 13700 block of 88th Avenue in Surrey, near the Bear Creek pool, about 1 p.m.

She is described as Caucasian, 14 years old, five feet six inches inches tall, weighing 140 pounds. She has a fair complexion and stocky build, blue short hair, and brown eyes.

Kiley was last seen wearing a black tank top, jean shorts and flip flops.

Anyone who may have seen Kiley or knows of her whereabouts is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or CrimeStoppers.
Photo: Flickr/RCMP

Two people were shot on the streets of Surrey overnight.

RCMP are investigating the incident in the Whalley area, at 135A Street and 108th Avenue.

Just after 3 a.m., a man was found suffering from a gunshot wound, and a second victim was located nearby as police combed the area

A discarded firearm was also found.

Both victims were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers canvassed the neighbourhood, seeking witnesses to the event. Police believe it was an isolated incident, Staff Sgt. M.A. Hedderson said in a press release.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.
Photo: Colton Zarowny

Two men and their dog fled the scene of a crash overnight in Glenmore.

About 2:40 a.m., residents of the Kelowna neighbourhood heard screeching tires and a loud crash at the intersection of Cross and Glenmore roads.

One resident tells Castanet he came rushing to help anyone who may have been injured and was told by police that two men with a Pomeranian-type dog were seen fleeing the area on foot.

The officer had apparently turned on his red and blue lights to pull over the vehicle for a broken headlight.

When the driver of the truck tried to evade police, he crashed into a street light pole.
Photo: The Canadian Press

John Nuttall hangs his head and promises he'll do better next time. Covert video played in British Columbia Supreme Court from the spring of 2013 shows the man Nuttall calls his Muslim brother berating him for pitching a poorly researched terrorism plot to hijack a commuter train on Vancouver Island.

The problem: passenger service on the Via Rail line had been discontinued years earlier.

The video is part of the evidence heard by Justice Catherine Bruce, who is due to decide Friday whether the Mounties induced Nuttall and Amanda Korody, his common-law wife, to commit terrorist acts.

Nuttall's plans for the train were caught on police surveillance video.

"It was just an idea I came up with off the top my head ... as I was sitting in the truck," Nuttall explains, averting his eyes. The methadone-dependent former drug addict, who lived on welfare with Korody in a Vancouver-area basement suite, typed up the plan several days before at the brother's insistence.

"This thing has to be prepared. It has to be researched," says the police officer posing as an Arab businessman and Muslim extremist.

Nuttall becomes more animated as he promises to do better, offering more ideas on top of others he had proposed, including hijacking a nuclear submarine, breaking Omar Khadr out of prison in Guantanamo Bay, and storming a Vancouver Island military base using AK47s and "Teflon-coated" bullets.

"I'm here to make what you have in your head become true, what you want in your heart to be reality," says the undercover RCMP officer, who is part of an elaborate sting operation.

On Canada Day of 2013, Nuttall and Korody were arrested and charged with multiple terrorism-related offences after planting what they believed were pressure-cooker bombs on the B.C. legislature grounds in an effort to kill as many people as possible.

A jury found the pair guilty, but their conviction wasn't recorded while lawyers argued whether police manipulated the couple into committing the crime. If Bruce rules they were not entrapped, then the pair's guilt will be registered and a date will be set for their sentencing hearing. If she decides they were entrapped, a stay of proceedings will be issued and Nuttall and Korody walk free.

The case sets two competing versions of the same story against one another.

In the narrative presented by defence lawyers, the RCMP acted on unreasonable suspicions to exploit two vulnerable people, herding them towards a manufactured crime that was planned, prepared and all but carried out by the police.

Nuttall's lawyers said substance abuse and mental health played a role and that was highlighted in one video clip played at the trial where Nuttall encourages Korody to wilfully forget the name of their new friend  the undercover officer  so as not to endanger him should they be captured and tortured for information.

The Crown argues that the Mounties acted on reports about a man openly espousing views and plans to commit violent jihad, or holy war. They say police went undercover to gauge Nuttall's seriousness, before gently guiding him towards one of the many plans he had proposed but which would pose the lowest threat to the public.

Crown counsel insisted undercover officers offered Nuttall and Korody numerous opportunities to abandon their plans.

In a telephone interview, Crown attorney Peter Eccles acknowledged Bruce faces a difficult decision that pits public safety against the acceptability of police tactics.

"The tension is between society's expectation that we are going to be kept safe from (lone-wolf terrorists), and the reality that doing so, taking the investigative steps to ensure these individuals don't act on their fantasies of violence and visions of hate and murder, is problematic," he said.

"Restrictions on the police's ability to investigate these things are necessary to some extent. But we also don't want to gut their ability to deal with (the threat)."

Lawyer Marilyn Sandford, who represents Nuttall, said a finding of entrapment in such a serious case would be highly unusual, but it could have repercussions for how police conduct undercover operations.

If the arguments from Nuttall and Korody's lawyers hold sway, this will be the first terrorism case to end in entrapment in North America, said Kent Roach, a University of Toronto law professor and anti-terrorism expert.
Photo: Danny Martin Danny Martin's stolen Honda CBR600RR.

A brazen motorcycle thief took advantage of one local rider's good nature Thursday morning in a Tim Horton's parking lot.

Danny Martin was grabbing a coffee at the Tim Horton's on Glenmore Road and Kane Road at 6 a.m. when a man approached him and asked about his bike, a silver Honda CBR600RR.

He was saying he was looking into buying a bike, and I talked to him for a few minutes, Martin said. He asked if he could sit on it, just to see what it was like.

The man started up the bike, and took it for a quick loop around the parking lot.

I was like, 'OK whatever,' it looked like he was going to park it for a second, then he just took off with my bike, he said.

Martin says people are always interested in his bike, so he didn't think much of chatting with the man.

There's tons of people that talk like that, I've let a hundred other people sit on my bike, he said. "Everyone's always wanting to look at it and sit on it, it's pretty common.

The man headed north along Glenmore with the stolen bike.

The thief had previously been inside the Tim Horton's, so Martin hopes he was caught on the security cameras inside.

Police have been notified of the theft and are looking for the bike.

The thief was wearing shorts and a T-shirt, and no helmet, when he took off.

Martin was not the only one who had his Honda motorcycle stolen recently.

Steve Grant had his Honda CBR600RR bike taken from outside his home in downtown Summerland sometime during Wednesday night, or early Thursday morning.

Grant's bike is black, with a Guinness beer logo on the side.
Photo: Google Maps

Kelowna RCMP are seeking witnesses following a possible attempted child luring at Ben Lee Park.

Const. Jesse ODonaghey says a mother and her child were at the parks playground when the woman spotted her daughter and a boy about six years old speaking to a man.

The mother watched as the boy went to his parents nearby and the man gestured to her daughter with both hands, while saying, 'come here, come here.' The child yelled for her mother, who confronted the man, who ran from the area, said ODonaghey.

RCMP flooded the area in search of the man, who reportedly left on foot towards Franklyn Road.



The man was described to police as:

Half Caucasian and half South Asian

In his mid-30s to early 40s

At least six feet tall

160 pounds

Medium athletic build

Short black hair

Clean cut with a chin-strap beard

Spoke with an accent

Wearing a black shirt with a white logo, bright blue board shorts and sneakers

Tattoo on right forearm, possibly of writing that wraps around his forearm

Investigators are interested in speaking with the family of the young boy who may have also spoken with this man, as well as any other witnesses who may have information to assist in this investigation, said ODonaghey. The RCMP would also like to urge the man himself, if he is reading this, to come forward and speak with police.
Photo: Contributed

A Fort St. John man says never again will he go for a backcountry run without bear spray after a confrontation in southeastern B.C.

Tom Coveney says he was running near the Fernie Alpine Resort, just south of Fernie, when he was challenged by a black bear.

He says it was "scary and surreal" as he tried to get to safety while the bruin made three bluff charges.

The speed of the bear amazed Coveney, who says running away was the "dumbest thing" he did.

He reached safety, unharmed and recounted his half-hour ordeal to conservation officers.

Coveney says he was told officers may trap and relocate the bear, but he's just thankful it was curious, not hungry.

"He never made a sound, he never stomped his feet, if he wanted to attack he could have, he had every opportunity to. It almost felt like it was a game," says Coveney.
Photo: District of Taylor

A northeastern B.C. community is discovering a little garlic can make a big difference when battling an itchy pest.

The District of Taylor, just south of Fort St. John, is using a garlic spray to fight mosquitoes  and Mayor Rob Fraser says it's working.

He says ball diamonds have now been misted with the 99 per cent garlic spray and a second application is planned.

Taylor councillors have been assured the spray can kill mosquito larvae while leftover sulphers, undetectable by humans, can deter adult mosquitoes for weeks.

Floods and heavy rains delayed the experiment but Fraser says Taylor residents are generally pleased and some have even bought the product and sprayed it themselves.

He says if the second application goes as well, council will have to decide on a budget to expand the project in 2017.

"The next phase (would) also have a look at the equipment. Right now, we're just spraying it with backpacks, so it is very labour intensive," he says.

Leduc, Alta., and Huntsville, Ont., have also used the environmentally friendly garlic solution to eradicate mosquitoes.
POLSON  Things could have gone much better for this years Flathead Lake cherry crop, where the harvest will continue for approximately a week. But it could have gone much worse just as easily.

As it is, high cherry prices nationally are helping to offset heavy rains earlier this month that damaged some of the local cherries.

Orchards have had to do a lot more sorting to cull out cherries that split because of the moisture, according to Bruce Johnson, president of Flathead Lake Cherry Growers, a co-op made up of roughly two-thirds of the areas 90 or so commercial orchards.

Normally, if theres a lot of damage, growers have to decide whether its worth it to pay to pick, sort and package their crop, Johnson said Monday.

Prices that range from $55 to $62 a box, according to Bigfork grower Dale Nelson, helped many growers decide to move forward with their harvests.

Prices are usually in the mid-$30 range, he said.

The rain didnt do us any favors, Nelson said. But were still able to pick because the price is so high.

The what-might-have-been scenarios range from one where Flathead orchards produced a bumper crop in a year when cherry prices happen to be significantly higher, to one where the fruit could have been left hanging on trees because of rain damage and more typical prices.

The growers, Johnson said, tend to deal in what-is realities rather than what-if speculation.

We had a big crop, he said. The trees were set heavy. But there are things over which we have no control.

When it rains while cherries are ripening  as it did when Lambert cherries, the traditional Flathead crop, were nearing harvest time  a crop can sustain damage.

Water tends to accumulate in the cup, the small indentation where the stem is located. When it happens as the cherry is growing and ripening, the stretching thin skin on the outside of a cherry  called the cuticle  more readily absorbs the water.

If it absorbs too much, it reaches a point where that thin skin cant contain both the increasing amount of sugar in the fruit, and the water too. It bursts.

It doesnt make the cherry inedible, but it makes it unsellable to consumers.

If the water stays too long, it can cause splitting, Johnson said. A good recipe for that is a hot afternoon where you get a thunderstorm, rain, and then it gets hot again. But it doesnt have to be that. If you get a big rain late and the cherries stay wet all night, thats a long time to have water sitting on the fruit."

Growers go to great lengths to get water off their cherries, hiring helicopters to hover over their orchards. The downwash from the blades shakes the tree branches and knocks water off the fruit.

One hired by an orchard that is not a part of the co-op crashed on July 9 after coming in contact with a power line near Yellow Bay. The pilot was not injured, and managed to maneuver his helicopter down after making contact with the line.

The co-op had two other helicopters working for its members, and we kept them pretty busy, Johnson said.

Growers are also benefiting from efforts in the past several years to diversify the cherry varieties they grow, mostly in an effort to extend their seasons deeper into August but helping in a year like this, when earlier varieties suffered splitting. Sweethearts are about to be picked, and Johnson said other varieties such as Lapins and Skeenas werent quite ripe enough to split when the heavy rains occurred.

There were a few growers who opted not to pick this year because of the splitting, Johnson said. That, and the culls, will likely bring the 2016 co-op crop in under 2 million pounds.

No ones going to get rich even with cherry prices high, Johnson said, but we should be OK.

He also noted that plenty of cherry stands remain open at orchards around the lake, and local retailers are advertising Flathead cherries. The fruit that didnt split looks and tastes like people expect from a Flathead cherry.
Photo: Darren Handschuh - File photo

Wanted: hot rods, rat rods, customs and more.

Salmon Arm GM is putting on a family fun day and custom car show Sunday, Aug. 21 and is looking for more cars.

Sales manager Dave Kenzie said a number of car clubs are already involved in the show, but the more the merrier.

Along with some of the hottest wheels in the region, there will also be a dunk tank, bouncy house, face painting and a barbecue by donation with money raised going to charity.

The fan favourite car winner will receive a trip for two to Las Vegas including air fare and accommodation.

The show will be taking place the same weekend as the popular Roots and Blues Festival at the car lot, 3901 11th Ave. NE, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 250-832-6066.
Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund says there is no reason for people to panic following a spate of shots fired incidents in the Greater Vernon area over the past number of months.

The latest shots fired took place at a house on Palfrey Drive West in Coldstream early Saturday morning.

It's another isolated case that's gonna happen in communities all over. Unfortunately it happened here and the RCMP, they're doing their investigation. They are dealing with the situation as we would expect them to do, Mund said Thursday.

Members of council met this week with members of the RCMP, including Supt. Jim McNamara  the head of the North Okanagan detachment, but the mayor stressed the meeting was one of approximately three yearly get-togethers with the police.

You never want to have shots fired (incidents), but you have to look at each case individually and say 'what was the reason for it?'

There is no need to panic, Mund insisted. It's a concern of everybody at city hall, but like I say, the RCMP, they're on it and I'm happy with that.

The RCMP's gang squad was called in to help the Vernon detachment in May following three shots-fired incidents in Vernon in less than a month. All were believed to be linked to the drug trade.

A 16-year-old male was arrested and charged after police found a loaded gun in his possession.

The three incidents included:

April 14, a family home on Pottery Road was hit by three bullets early in the morning, terrifying the family inside. No one was injured.

April 21, police responded to a report of a shots fired incident in the 3400 block of Okanagan Avenue around 5:30 p.m. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

May 8, a teenage boy was wounded when shots were fired in the 1500 block of 33rd Street just after midnight. Police said it was believed to have been a targeted incident and the male did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

Then on June 26, police responded to a call of shots fired at a home on Scott Road in the Okanagan Landing area. An examination of the scene confirmed the house was struck by bullets, police said. An adult and a child were at home at the time of the incident however no one was hurt.

with files from Darren Handschuh
Photo: NewsKamloops

Organizers of a panel discussion on the controversial Ajax Mine proposal on the outskirts of Kamloops hope to see a good turnout despite short notice and awkward timing on a Friday night at the start of a long weekend.

The panel, including Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, gathers Friday night, 7:30 p.m., at St. Andrews on the Square. Theyll be discussing impacts of the copper/gold open pit mine on the community and environment.

Mays availability was key to holding the discussion, said John Schleiermacher of Kamloops Area Preservation Association.

I think she was doing some routine travel and managed to work it into her schedule, he said. Weve been in contact with her for the better part of a year to try to sit down and talk about this.

B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver visited in March, partly to tour the Ajax site and learn more about the project. Schleiermacher said hes not sure how much May knows about the project but hes been sending her information.

The panel will also include Dr. Jill Calder of Kamloops Physicians for a Healthy Environment, Schleiermacher and local politicians, but details havent been confirmed.

KGHMs environmental assessment review was paused in May and will remain so until October in order for the applicant to prepare responses to more than 2,000 comments and questions.

The community advisory group working with the B.C. Environmental Assessment Agency requested an additional comment period once the company responds and the 180-day review resumes at Day 108. Their request was turned down.

It doesnt fit into their structured format, which is definitely slanted for a mine in a remote area, not for a mine near a city of 90,000 people, Schleiermacher said. Basically, were shut out of the process right now.

The advisory group still hold out hope for a federal full panel review, a request the City has made three times to two successive governments without success. Part of the idea of including May in Fridays discussion is to raise the profile of their concerns in Ottawa.

 NewsKamloops.com
Photo: Contributed

The trial of two Kelowna Hells Angels and three associates has wrapped up after months in B.C. Supreme Court.

Kim Bolan of the Vancouver Sun reports Justice Carol Ross is to hand down her ruling Sept. 30.

Hells Angels David Giles and Brian Oldham and associates James Howard, Michael Read and Shawn Womacks were charged with conspiracy to import cocaine. The three other co-accused have already pleaded guilty.

Giles and his associates were arrested after a federal investigation that netted $4 million in alleged drug money.

The investigation, dubbed E-PREDICATE, lasted more than 20 months and involved Canadian, U.S., Mexican and Panamanian law enforcement agencies.

Earlier this month, Giles' lawyer Paul Gill admitted his client intended to traffic 200 kilograms of cocaine in Canada, but did not necessarily intend to import the drugs.

This Wednesday, during final arguments, defence lawyer Ian Donaldson concluded on behalf of Oldham that there isnt enough evidence to convict the biker of conspiracy.

However, Chris Greenwood with the federal prosecution disagrees, claiming Oldham played a key role when he attended a meeting with Giles and an undercover cop.

He backed up the deal. In his capacity as a Hells Angel, he agreed to stand in Mr. Giles place for the express purpose of ensuring the cocaine could be obtained, Greenwood said in court.

Donaldson does not believe that just because Oldham was involved with the meeting he knew about the cocaine deal.

There are a variety of explanations that can be put upon Oldhams presence there. They include that Giles needs somebody at that meeting to demonstrate that person is a fellow motorcycle enthusiast  hes an Angel, shows a tattoo, that theres somebody available if something happens to (Giles), Donaldson said.

Giles' lawyer maintains his client was "played" by police at a time when he was sick and broke.

 with files from the Vancouver Sun
Photo: NewsKamloops.com

Dancers and their families from across Western Canada and the U.S. have begun arriving at the Kamloops Pow-Wow grounds for the 37th annual event, one of the largest on the North American powwow circuit.

Veronica Seymour, one of the events co-ordinators, said Thursday that things are getting hectic, as might be expected with 10,000 guests showing up at the Secwepemc Arbour site.

As tradition holds, the event gets underway with the first of four grand entries on Friday at 7 p.m. Successive grand entries take place Saturday at noon and 7 p.m., and on Sunday at noon.

They're expecting the usual heat along with thundershowers over the weekend and Friday's forecast of 34 C is consistent with past years. However, the weather may bring some relief Saturday and Sunday with temperatures dipping down to 26 and 22 C, respectively.

Seymour said they are expecting 1,000 dancers to compete over three days with 10-15 drum groups participating as well. This years host drum is Black Bear. Sage Hills will be honourary host drum.

The powwow has a total prize payout of $77,000. It also offers one of the richest 50/50 payouts at $3,500. In addition to dancing, there is an art, crafts and trade show as well as an auction set for Saturday.

 NewsKamloops.com
An action team put together to look at a possible multi-purpose cultural facility for the Greater Vernon area holds its first meeting Thursday.

The team will look at the cost and the structure of a building that could house both the Greater Vernon Public Art Gallery and the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives.

The current facilities are not able to adequately protect their collections, said Tannis Nelson, the North Okanagan Regional District's community development co-ordinator.

Speaking to the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Nelson said culture industries had a large impact on B.C.'s economy.

In 2014, the economic impact of culture industries in the province totalled $7.2 billion, she said.

Vernon has a tremendous potential because so much is under utilized, said Nelson. No local figures were supplied.

Nelson also made it clear any new building would be constructed in Vernon's downtown.

The development of a new multi-purpose cultural facility is to be in the city centre neighbourhood area. That says we're not putting it out at Marshall Field. It doesn't make sense.

However, Nelson made it clear there is no commitment to use land where an old flower shop sits on 31st Avenue, beside the bus loop. The land has been pinpointed for an art gallery in the past.

We've taken a step back and said 'we need to first determine what the size of the area is' so we haven't said the flower shop site is inappropriate yet but we have to first determine what the size and what the needs of the facility are and then we'll move to location.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A Toronto police officer who gunned down a troubled teen on an empty streetcar three years ago abused his authority in a way that undermines public trust in law enforcement and the justice system, a judge said Thursday in sentencing him to six years in prison.

In letting loose a second volley of shots on 18-year-old Sammy Yatim, Const. James Forcillo committed an "egregious breach of trust" and his sentence must serve as notice to other police officers that they should open fire "only as a last resort," Justice Edward Then told a Toronto court.

The sentence "should not be taken to reflect adversely on the well-deserved reputation of the Toronto Police Service nor diminish in any way the respect and support individual police officers deserve for the dangerous and important work they do," he said.

"However, when a police officer has committed a serious crime of violence by breaking the law which the officer is sworn to uphold, it is the duty of the court to firmly denounce that conduct in an effort to repair and affirm the trust that must exist between the community and the police to whom we entrust the use of lethal weapons within the limits prescribed by law."

Murmurs rippled through the packed courtroom as Then delivered the sentence. The disgraced police officer, wearing a dark suit, stood straight and stone-faced as he was handcuffed.

Yatim's parents looked at Forcillo, then turned to one another in silence. But outside the courtroom, Sahar Bahadi, Yatim's mother, said she remained outraged.

"He destroyed our family, he will destroy our lives," she said. "But he didn't show any kind of remorse."

"I am always angry. Since I lost my son, I am always angry. I have screams inside me and I have to control myself."

His father, Nabil Yatim, said he hopes the ruling will bring about change so that no other family has to suffer as theirs has.

Yatim's death on July 27, 2013, sparked public outrage in the city after a cellphone video of the shooting went viral.

In handing down the sentence, Then said the cellphone video was "powerful evidence" that what Forcillo said occurred on the streetcar that night did not actually happen.

The judge spent almost 90 minutes dissecting the evidence that came to light during the trial, delivering a series of stinging rebukes to Forcillo's conduct, saying his actions constituted "a fundamental failure to understand his duty to preserve all life, not just his own."

Forcillo did not mistakenly believe that Yatim was getting up after being struck with a first volley of bullets, as the officer testified in court, Then found. Instead, he based his decision to fire again entirely on the fact that Yatim had managed to recover his knife, he said.

Under police training, that alone would not justify shooting a suspect, the judge said. The second volley of shots was "not only contrary to (Forcillo's) training, but unreasonable, unnecessary and excessive."

What's more, "at no time prior to the second volley did Officer Forcillo attempt to communicate with Mr. Yatim, notwithstanding that he had obviously been injured by the first volley," he said.

"There was ample opportunity for Officer Forcillo to communicate with Mr. Yatim by engaging in verbal de-escalation or to issue commands in accordance with his training in order to allow Mr. Yatim to relinquish his knife."

Forcillo's lawyer, Peter Brauti, said an appeal has already been filed on the conviction and sentencing. Forcillo's lawyers were to seek bail for their client from the Ontario Court of Appeal later Thursday afternoon.

"It wasn't how we saw the nature of the offence," Brauti said.

Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto police union, called the entire case a tragedy.

"We go out there and do our professional job each and every day, and this decision is under appeal," he said. "This is a tragic day for the Forcillo family, the Yatim family  there will never be any good outcome from this, it's tragic all around."

After sentencing, Toronto police suspended Forcillo without pay, according to spokesman Mark Pugash.

Police Chief Mark Saunders said in a statement that Forcillo still faces a disciplinary matter in the Toronto Police Service Tribunal, but declined to comment on the criminal case.

"The last three years have been difficult for everyone involved, including the families of Sammy Yatim and James Forcillo. The Toronto Police Service will continue to protect and support the public, and each other, and I am certain members will continue to do their jobs professionally and with respect," he said.

The outrage over Yatim's death prompted Saunders' predecessor to launch a review of officers' use of force and their response to emotionally disturbed people.

Then rejected the defence's assertion that Forcillo should not be subjected to the mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for the attempted murder conviction. But he also said the Crown's request that the officer spend between eight to 10 years behind bars was "unreasonable."

The judge said he took into account Forcillo's overall "positive" character and lack of criminal record, and noted it was the only time the officer has fired his gun in his 3.5 years with the force.

That Forcillo will likely lose his job and will spend his time in prison in protective custody are also considered mitigating factors, Then said.

But he also found the aggravating factors  including that Forcillo failed to follow his training or use de-escalation techniques  "substantially outweigh" the mitigating factors.

Forcillo's lawyers, who had argued for house arrest instead of a prison sentence, filed a constitutional appeal, arguing the mandatory minimum was never intended to apply to peace officers who legitimately carry a gun at the behest of the state in order to protect society.

Prosecutors argued the mandatory minimum is meant to apply to everyone and that police officers shouldn't get special treatment. They also argued that Forcillo's case appears to be "among the most egregious examples of unjustified violence by a police officer in Canada."

Forcillo had been out on bail since being charged, but was taken to a holding cell in the courthouse immediately after sentencing.
Photo: Flickr/Canadian Forces

If your gaze happened to turn skyward Thursday morning, you may have noticed an unusual sight.

A pair of CF-18 fighter jets buzzed over Kelowna and landed at YLW.

Air Force Maj. Robert Frank confirmed CF-18 jets were in the vicinity.

He said the jets would have been on routine training exercises in the area, although he wasn't aware of any specifics. Those could include altitude or terrain training.

"They are always training. Canada plays an important role in continental air defence," said Frank.

"The fighter crew has to train to a very high standard, and has to maintain those skills."

The jets are based out of CFB Cold Lake.
Photo: Twitter - DestinationBC

When his son's small boat hit a 40-tonne humpback whale and almost capsized, 79-year-old Tony Morgan remembers flying through the air, hitting the water and then  utter blackness.

He thought he was about to drown as he inhaled a few gulps of sea water from eastern Newfoundland's Trinity Bay.

"I went right down into the dark part of the water," he says, recalling the bizarre collision Monday, somewhere between New Harbour and Chapel Arm.

"I kept my wits with me and I tried to get my rubbers off, but I couldn't. So I ... tried to get up out of it. And I wasn't making no headway. So I took a couple gulps of water and everything flashed for me ... I said, 'I'll end my life right there.'"

Then something strange happened.

Morgan recalls seeing a brief vision of his youngest brother Jerry, who died a few years ago of Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 62 years old.

"He must have pushed me up out of the water," he says. "Everything brightened right up ... Within one second, I broke up to the top and I saw the boat."

His rubber boots were filled with water and he wasn't wearing a life-jacket, but Morgan managed to swim to the boat, where his son Roger grabbed him by the belt and hauled him aboard.

Morgan says he never saw the whale, but his son later told him the behemoth barely budged when his six-metre boat hit the animal.

"The boat almost turned over," he says. "It turned 60 degrees  spun around."

In hospital, Morgan was treated for exposure and released, a bit sore and missing a front tooth but otherwise in good health.

"I still have a bad neck and a bad rump," says Morgan, who has lived in Whitbourne, N.L., for 70 years. "But I feel best kind right now."

"I'm in good shape. I'm on the go all of the time. I'm in the woods, I burn wood and ... I don't stop. I'm at it all day."

Morgan works part-time at his nephew's chicken farm. Before he retired, he held several jobs, including stints at a phosphorus plant in Long Harbour, managing a chicken farm and working at CN Rail.

On Monday, when he was on the water, Morgan was intent on catching cod as part of the province's popular recreational fishery. He says he plans to return to the bay to fish next week  and he says he's not worried about another close encounter with a whale.

"That's only a once-in-a-lifetime thing."
Photo: Wikipedia.

A small businessman in Vernon has finally had some good news after losing customers and having to layoff staff.

Henk Blok of Gemini Gas Springs Inc. has been waiting since June 22 for the Canada Border Services Agency to release a shipment of raw material from overseas. The shipment has been sitting at the port for weeks, but Block had word Thursday morning it had finally been released.

It's way out of control, said Blok, adding there had been two other one-week delays. I know there's a lot of contraband coming from offshore. But to hold it for six weeks doesn't make any sense.

I'm a small manufacturer. We try to keep manufacturing going in Vernon, but on a small scale.

Blok's problem was taken up by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce who quizzed members of the federal Liberal Pacific caucus last week.

We wish to express our concern with what appears to be an increase, or at the very least a lengthy time period required for inspections of product being imported through the Port of Vancouver, reads a statement from the Chamber. We appreciate that security is an issue we should all be concerned with and appreciate that due diligence is required when moving product through the countrys points of entry but that security must be balanced with the efficient flow of goods.

As well, staff for Okanagan Shuswap MP Mel Arnold sent 21 emails about the holdup to Ottawa with no answers, Blok was told.

I've had quite a few disappointed customers, he said, adding that some have turned to cheap, offshore springs from Asia and Turkey.

Blok also let three employees go this week, which he described as devastating. He hopes to rehire the workers once the shipment arrives.

To add insult to injury, Blok said he was told on Friday that he owed $80 to CBSA for the inspection that held up the shipment.
Photo: Contributed

A police helicopter took a look for a break and enter suspect from above Thursday, but the bad guy got away.

Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said Vernon RCMP were called following a break and enter Thursday afternoon near Kal Lake Provincial Park in Coldstream.

Air Services happened to be in area and took a look around. Nothing developed from it, Moskaluk said.
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Because nearly all of the night driving trips taken by drivers aged 16 or 17 years end before 12:00 a.m., NDRs beginning at 12:00 a.m. or later provide minimal protection. As states examine strategies to further reduce total fatal crashes among newly licensed teen drivers, they could consider updating their NDR to include earlier nighttime hours. The study results illustrate the importance of each state examining and balancing the unique needs for both mobility and safety of their teen population, particularly related to nighttime travel.

Approximately one third (31%) of U.S. drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes during 20092014 crashed during the night hours of 9:00 p.m.5:59 a.m. Among drivers involved in night crashes, 57% crashed before 12:00 a.m. State-level analyses revealed an approximately twofold variation among states in both the proportions of all drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes that occurred at night and the proportions of night fatal crash involvements that occurred before 12:00 a.m.

Driving at night increases the risk for fatal crashes all drivers, especially for young, inexperienced drivers. In recognition of this increased risk, 49 states and the District of Columbia include a night driving restriction (NDR) in their Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. However, in 23 states and the District of Columbia, NDRs begin at 12:00 a.m. or later, times when most teen drivers subject to GDL are not driving.

Fatal crash risk is higher at night for all drivers, but especially for young, inexperienced drivers (1). To help address the increased crash risk for beginner teen drivers, 49 states and the District of Columbia include a night driving restriction (NDR) in their Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. NDRs have been shown to reduce crashes among newly licensed teens, with higher reductions associated with NDRs starting at 10:00 p.m. or earlier (23). However, in 23 states and the District of Columbia, NDRs begin at 12:00 a.m. or later, times when most teen drivers subject to GDL are not driving. CDC analyzed 20092014 national and state-level data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) to determine the proportion of drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes who crashed at night (9:00 p.m.5:59 a.m.) and the proportion of these drivers who crashed before 12:00 a.m. Nationwide, among 6,104 drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes during 20092014, 1,865 (31%) were involved in night crashes. Among drivers involved in night crashes, 1,054 (57%) crashed before 12:00 a.m. State-level analyses revealed an approximately twofold variation among states in both the proportions of drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes that occurred at night and the proportions of night fatal crash involvements that occurred before 12:00 a.m. Because nearly all of the night driving trips taken by drivers aged 16 or 17 years end before 12:00 a.m., NDRs beginning at 12:00 a.m. or later provide minimal protection. States could consider updating their NDR coverage to include earlier nighttime hours. This descriptive report summarizes the characteristics of NDRs, estimates the extent to which drivers aged 16 or 17 years drive at night, and describes their involvement in fatal nighttime crashes during 20092014. The effects of NDRs on crashes were not evaluated because of the small state-level sample sizes during the 6-year study period.

NDRs are applied when teen drivers receive their GDL provisional license, which permits driving without an adult supervisor in the vehicle under prescribed conditions. NDRs specify the nighttime hours that a teen holding a GDL provisional license may not drive without an adult supervisor. As of January 2012, the District of Columbia and every state except Vermont had an NDR as a cornerstone of their GDL system.* GDL is designed to help young beginner drivers gain experience under lower-risk conditions. Two national evaluations conducted during 19862007 and 19962007 indicated that NDRs reduced crashes among newly licensed teens, with higher reductions associated with NDRs starting at 10:00 p.m. or earlier (23). However, in 23 states and the District of Columbia, NDRs begin at 12:00 a.m. or later (Figure).

NDRs also vary in terms of the ages covered. The NDR remains in effect until either the driver reaches a designated age (e.g., 18 years, 0 months), until the provisional license has been held for a specified period (e.g., 6 or 12 months), or some combination of age and time since licensure (e.g., 6 months or aged 18 years, whichever comes first). In 15 states and the District of Columbia, graduation from the NDR is not possible until age 18 years. In the remaining 34 states with an NDR, graduation is possible before age 18 years.

For this study, the ages and hours covered by NDRs were obtained from the compendium of GDL laws maintained by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. National estimates of the proportion of trips taken by drivers aged 16 or 17 years by time of day were obtained from the 2009 National Highway Travel Survey (NHTS), the most recent survey. Fatality data were obtained from FARS, a census of fatal traffic crashes maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. FARS defines a fatal crash as one in which at least one vehicle occupant or nonoccupant (e.g., bicyclist or pedestrian) involved in a crash died within 30 days of the crash. Analyses were restricted to drivers of passenger vehicles (i.e., automobiles, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and vans) aged 16 or 17 years. Records of 30 drivers were excluded because the time of the crash was unknown.

National and state-level FARS data from 20092014 were examined to determine the proportion of all drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes (fatal crash involvement) that occurred at night (9:00 p.m.5:59 a.m.) and the proportion of these drivers who crashed before 12:00 a.m. For the state-level analysis, six states that licensed drivers before age 16 years (Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, and South Dakota) were excluded because drivers could typically graduate from the NDR at age 16 years. Vermont, which does not have an NDR, also was excluded. State-level results were included for the states with 20 drivers in fatal crashes (N = 40) and 20 drivers in fatal night crashes (N = 30), respectively.

Nationwide, 1,865 (31%) of the 6,104 drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes during 20092014 were involved in night crashes (27% of drivers aged 16 years and 33% of drivers aged 17 years). Among drivers involved in night crashes, 1,054 (57%) crashed before 12:00 a.m. (60% of drivers aged 16 years and 55% of drivers aged 17 years). According to the 2009 NHTS data, drivers aged 16 or 17 years took an estimated 3.4 billion trips, with 10% ending during 9:00 p.m.11:59 p.m. and 0.8% ending during 12:00 a.m.5:59 a.m.; 93% of night trips ended before 12:00 a.m. (Table 1).

Among the 40 included states, 20 had NDRs that began at 12:00 a.m. or later as of December 31, 2014 (Table 2). Seven states either implemented an NDR or updated their NDR early in the 6-year study period (Table 2). Five NDRs had mixed starting times, depending on day of week, month, age, or length of time a license had been held; details are available at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website (http://www.iihs.orgexternal icon). In 13 states, the youngest exit age was 18 years, and in the 27 remaining NDRs, exit ages ranged from 16 years, 6 months to 17 years, 11 months.

Across the 40 included states, the proportion of drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes that occurred at night varied from 19% in Kentucky to 44% in New Hampshire (median = 31%) (Table 3). The proportion of drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in night fatal crashes that occurred before 12:00 a.m. varied from 35% in Washington to 78% in Indiana (median = 56%) across the 30 included states.
In 2014, 25.7% of U.S. adults had diagnoses of MCC. For 10 states, prevalence was higher than the national average. Adults living in the East North Central and East South Central regions had higher MCC prevalence estimates than the national average; prevalence estimates were lower among persons living in the Middle Atlantic, Pacific, and West North Central regions. Prevalence of MCC increased as age increased. Prevalence of MCC was higher among women than among men for the United States overall and in the East North Central, Mountain, New England, and West North Central regions.

One in four adults in the United States has multiple chronic conditions (MCC), defined as having two or more of 10 diagnosed chronic conditions. Care management of MCC presents challenges to both patients and physicians because of the substantial costs of treating more than one condition and the need to move beyond the traditional focus of care strategies on single conditions to coordinated care.

The prevalence and care management of multiple (two or more) chronic conditions (MCC) are important public health concerns (1). Approximately 25% of U.S. adults have diagnoses of MCC (2). Care management of MCC presents a challenge to both patients and providers because of the substantial costs associated with treating more than one condition and the traditional care strategies that focus on single conditions as opposed to enhanced care coordination (3,4). Maintaining surveillance, targeting service delivery, and projecting resources are all important to meet this challenge, and these actions can be informed by identifying state and other regional variations in MCC prevalence (5,6). Data from the 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were used to estimate prevalence of MCC (defined as two or more of 10 diagnosed chronic conditions) for each U.S. state and region by age and sex. Significant state and regional variation in MCC prevalence was found, with state-level estimates ranging from 19.0% in Colorado to 38.2% in Kentucky. MCC prevalence also varied by region, ranging from 21.4% in the Pacific region to 34.5% in the East South Central region. The prevalence of MCC was higher among women than among men within certain U.S. regions, and was higher in older persons in all regions. Such findings further the research and surveillance objectives stated in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) publication, Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Strategic Framework (1). Furthermore, geographic disparities in MCC prevalence can inform state-level surveillance programs and groups targeting service delivery or allocating resources for MCC prevention activities.

NHIS is a multistage health survey of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population conducted continuously throughout the year. Data on chronic conditions were collected in the NHIS Sample Adult Core questionnaire, in which a sample adult (the respondent) is randomly selected from among all adults aged 18 years in the family (a proxy respondent is used if a health condition precludes self-reporting by the sample adult). The final response rate for the 2014 NHIS Sample Adult Core questionnaire was 58.9% and included 36,697 adults.* Adults who reported a diagnosis of two or more of the following selected conditions were categorized as having MCC: arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease, diabetes, hepatitis, hypertension, stroke, or weak or failing kidneys. These conditions were selected to ensure an approach to measuring MCC consistent with previous research using NHIS data (2), and have been included in a condition list developed by HHS (7). Estimates were generated for 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, and nine U.S. regions. Crude estimates are presented, as they are useful for projecting resource and service delivery needs among adults, an important focus in the HHS MCC strategic framework (1) and in ongoing research on MCC (5,6). In addition to overall estimates, regional prevalence estimates were also calculated by sex and age. All estimates meet National Center for Health Statistics standard of reliability, and all state denominators had a nominal sample size of 250 persons, unless otherwise noted. For all estimates, sampling weights were used; analyses were conducted using SUDAAN 11.0 software to account for the complex sample design. Additional adjustments were applied for the measures of variance accompanying all state-level estimates.** All presented differences were found to be significant using two-tailed significance tests (p<0.05). Two-tailed significance tests comparing state and regional prevalence to national prevalence were adjusted to account for dependent samples using procedures described elsewhere (8).

One in four (25.7%) U.S. adults had a diagnosis of MCC (Table 1), and a number of state prevalence estimates differed significantly from the national average. Prevalence estimates of MCC were higher than the national average in 10 states (Kentucky [38.2%], Alabama [35.8%], West Virginia [34.6%)], Mississippi [34.2%], Montana [33.2%], New Mexico [32.9%], Maine [30.9%], Michigan [30.3%], Ohio [29.6%], and Pennsylvania [29.6%]), and lower than the national average in six states (Colorado [19.0%], Alaska [19.6%], California [20.1%], Wyoming [20.3%], Minnesota [20.4%], and New York [21.3%]) and the District of Columbia (19.2%) (Table 1) (Figure).

Reported prevalence estimates of MCC in the East South Central (34.5%) and East North Central (28.4%) regions were higher than the national average (Table 2). Prevalence estimates in the Pacific (21.4%), West North Central (23.4%), and Middle Atlantic (24.1%) regions were lower than the national average.

Women had higher prevalence of MCC than did men at the national level (27.2% versus 24.1%), as well as in the Mountain (28.1% versus 21.5%), West North Central (25.3% versus 21.2%), East North Central (31.4% versus 25.3%), and New England (29.0% versus 23.6%) regions. Compared with the average prevalence of MCC among U.S. men overall (24.1%), MCC prevalence was higher among men in the East South Central region (32.3%), but lower among men who lived in the Pacific (20.9%), West North Central (21.2%), and Mountain (21.5%) regions. Among women, national prevalence of MCC was 27.2%, and was higher among women who lived in the East South Central (36.3%) and East North Central (31.4%) regions and lower among women who lived in the Pacific (21.9%) and Middle Atlantic (24.1%) regions.

By age group, overall prevalence of MCC was lowest among adults aged 1844 years (7.3%), intermediate among persons aged 4564 years (32.1%) and highest among persons aged 65 years (61.6%); this pattern was observed in all nine U.S. regions. In regions where prevalence of MCC was higher than the national average (East North Central and East South Central), the prevalence of MCC for each age group was also higher than the national average in each respective age group (Table 2). However, among regions with prevalence estimates of MCC lower than the national average (Pacific, Middle Atlantic, and West North Central), only the Pacific region prevalence was consistently lower than the national average when stratified by age.
US States Childhood Obesity Surveillance Practices and Recommendations for Improving Them, 20142015

Kelly J. Blondin, MS; Catherine M. Giles, MPH; Angie L. Cradock, ScD; Steven L. Gortmaker, PhD; Michael W. Long, SD

Suggested citation for this article: Blondin KJ, Giles CM, Cradock AL, Gortmaker SL, Long MW. US States Childhood Obesity Surveillance Practices and Recommendations for Improving Them, 20142015. Prev Chronic Dis 2016;13:160060. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd13.160060external icon.

PEER REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction

Routine collection, analysis, and reporting of data on child height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), particularly at the state and local levels, are needed to monitor the childhood obesity epidemic, plan intervention strategies, and evaluate the impact of interventions. Child BMI surveillance systems operated by the US government do not provide state or local data on children across a range of ages. The objective of this study was to describe the extent to which state governments conduct child BMI surveillance.

Methods

From August through December 2014, we conducted a structured telephone survey with state government administrators to learn about state surveillance of child BMI. We also searched websites of state health and education agencies for information about state surveillance.

Results

State agency administrators in 48 states and Washington, DC, completed telephone interviews (96% response rate). Based on our interviews and Internet research, we determined that 14 states collect child BMI data in a manner consistent with standard definitions of public health surveillance.

Conclusion

The absence of child BMI surveillance systems in most states limits the ability of public health practitioners and policymakers to develop and evaluate responses to the childhood obesity epidemic. Greater investment in surveillance is needed to identify the most effective and cost-effective childhood obesity interventions.

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Introduction

The dramatic rise in childhood obesity in the United States during recent decades is well-documented (13). Height and weight surveillance data were critical in detecting the epidemic and motivating efforts to address it. However, few data are available to assess trends in small geographic areas. No surveillance system used to track childhood obesity nationally collects state-level measured data on height and weight. Biennially the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collects measured anthropometric data on a nationally representative, but not state representative, sample of children aged 0 to 19 years (4). For more than 3 decades, the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System provided state-level measured data on roughly 8 million children aged 0 to 5 years in low-income households that participated in federal maternal and child health programs, but that survey was discontinued in 2012 (5). The National Survey of Childrens Health collects parent-reported data on 95,000 children aged 0 to 17 years (6), and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System collects self-reported data from high school students in most states (7); both of these surveys collect state-representative data, but they rely on reported height and weight, which are less accurate than measured data (8,9).

Previous research on states measurement of child body mass index (BMI) has focused on identifying state surveillance legislation, describing best practices, and reviewing controversial school-based BMI screening programs (1016). In 2010, one study reported that 19 states had enacted BMI surveillance laws and regulations, but implementation of these policies lagged (10). Another study found that in 2012, 25 states had legislation requiring school-based BMI screening, but the study did not examine the extent of policy implementation (13).

The aim of this study was to assess US states child BMI surveillance practices and provide guidance for best practices. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic evaluation of state practices related to childhood obesity surveillance.

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Methods

We surveyed US states to learn about their practices related to childhood obesity surveillance. Consistent with established definitions of public health surveillance (17), we defined a BMI surveillance system as a program that meets 4 criteria: 1) height and weight are measured and reported by a trained professional; 2) data are state representative for the age groups included in the survey or census sample; 3) data are collected at least every 2 years with plans to continue; and 4) data are aggregated, analyzed, and reported at the state level.

From August through December 2014, we called the state health agency in all 50 states and Washington, DC, and asked to speak with the person most knowledgeable about child BMI surveillance practices in the state. We invited the identified key informant to participate in a telephone interview via an initial telephone call and up to 3 additional telephone calls or emails. If unable to reach the target individual, we attempted to identify an alternate informant and repeated the outreach and follow-up protocol.

We interviewed the individual identified as the most appropriate contact, using a structured interview guide developed to solicit information about state BMI measurement practices. We asked respondents whether they knew of any efforts in the state to routinely collect and analyze child height and weight data, and we asked a series of questions to determine whether the states practices met any or all of the criteria we used to define BMI surveillance. The interview included questions about state laws pertaining to physicals children undergo before starting school, state attempts to use electronic health records (EHRs) as a source of surveillance data, and any existing or pending legislation mandating collection of data on child BMI. The interview guide also included questions about funding sources and other resources required to implement a BMI surveillance program. We verified the accuracy and completeness of survey responses through a search of publicly available information on the websites of each states health and education agencies.

This study was approved by the Office of Human Research Administration at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health.

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Results

Our outreach resulted in telephone survey responses from key informants in 48 of the 50 states and Washington, DC (96% response rate). For the 2 states from which we did not receive a response, we identified a surveillance system in 1 state (New Mexico) and a school-based BMI measurement program without a data reporting component in the other (New Jersey) from information on the states health agency websites.

We found that 14 states (27%) conduct BMI surveillance consistent with the definition applied in this study (Figure) and that those states collect child height and weight data through several common approaches. Five states collect BMI data through a school-based survey, in which data on child health indicators are assessed at school for surveillance purposes only. Three states measure BMI as part of a school-based physical fitness test to assess selected measures that produce a composite score for physical fitness. Five states conduct BMI surveillance by using data collected through a school-based health screen, after which parents or guardians are informed of their childs measurement. A single state collects data on a randomly selected representative sample outside the school setting ( Table 1). Our survey found that state government administrators in 5 states were aware of their state conducting pilot evaluations of EHR-based child BMI surveillance.

Figure. State childhood obesity surveillance systems in the United States, 20142015. [A tabular version of this figure is also available].

Nine states attempt to take a census of all children in public schools in specific grades, and the other 5 states collect data from a representative sample of children. Coverage across grade levels among states conducting school-based BMI surveillance ranged widely, from a single grade in 2 states to 13 grades in 2 states (mean, 6 grades). Eleven of the states collect data annually and 3 states biennially. Eleven states collect and report locally representative data in addition to state data.

Although only 14 states maintain a surveillance system meeting our studys criteria, most states (n = 35) collect child height and weight data. Twenty-one states reported routinely collecting child BMI data but to an extent not fulfilling our standard for surveillance ( Table 2). In 7 states, the child BMI data collected are not state representative because, for example, districts collect and report data voluntarily. Six states do not aggregate, analyze, and report the child BMI data they collect, and 8 states collect child BMI data less often than every 2 years (on average, every 5 years). An additional 8 states conducted BMI surveillance at least once, many in the past 2 to 3 years, and some had plans to repeat the surveys.

Of the 14 states, 10 have legislation requiring child BMI surveillance. Pending legislation was not reported by any interviewees. Administrators in 6 states provided estimates of costs related to conducting BMI surveillance, and another 6 cited insufficient funding as an impediment to initiating, maintaining, or fully implementing surveillance efforts.

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Discussion

Our evaluation of US states childhood obesity surveillance practices found that only 14 operate BMI surveillance programs. States with surveillance programs used the data to detect disparities in the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. For example, Li and colleagues analyzed more than 1 million BMI records collected on children in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10 between 2009 and 2014 in Massachusetts and found a decline in obesity prevalence overall, but no improvement among children in low-income districts (18). Similarly, Drewnowski and colleagues analysis of BMI data collected during a census of children in grades 5, 7 and 9 revealed a significant association between California Assembly District poverty status and childhood overweight prevalence (19). Madsen and colleagues also used data from Californias statewide school-based BMI measurement program to explore the prevalence of overweight and obesity by race/ethnicity and sex. Their analysis of data collected between 2001 and 2008 on more than 8 million students revealed growing disparities whereby black, Hispanic, and American Indian children were more likely than non-Hispanic white and Asian children to have a high BMI, and black and American Indian girls were the only groups not to show improvement in overweight or obesity (20).

Surveillance data also show risk and protective factors for childhood obesity. For example, Alviola and colleagues analyzed BMI data for Arkansas children in even grades kindergarten through 10 during the 20082009 school year and reported an association between a schools proximity to fast food and the prevalence of obesity among its students (21). Likewise, Sage and colleagues used child BMI data collected in Texas public schools to investigate how neighborhood characteristics such as access to fast food, fresh produce, and recreation space relate to neighborhood-level obesity prevalence (22).

Child BMI surveillance data can also be used to assess the impact of childhood obesity interventions on obesity prevalence. Surveillance data collected in Massachusetts, Texas, and California are used to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multisector, multicomponent demonstration projects in those states (23). Given the value of child BMI data for understanding and mitigating the childhood obesity epidemic, the current shortage of state-level child BMI surveillance data undermines progress.

The practices of the 14 states conducting child BMI surveillance offer guidance on surveillance methods that can meet various budgets and public health planning needs. Ideally, state-level child BMI surveillance systems entail annual data collection on a large sample or census of children of a range of ages. Furthermore, longitudinal data (repeated measures collected on the same children over time) greatly enhance the ability to detect small but meaningful shifts in population-level BMI. Surveillance systems with these qualities provide the best data for identifying disparities in obesity trends, understanding determinants of local variation in obesity prevalence, and evaluating public health interventions locally. Three states (Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Texas) have exemplary surveillance programs; mandated by state laws, they collect BMI data annually on a census sample of children at 10 or more grade levels and can link data on individuals across years at the local level.

However, limited public health resources may hinder optimal state BMI surveillance. By including fewer grade levels, conducting surveys of representative samples, or collecting data every other year, states can conduct meaningful surveillance at a lower cost. Combining BMI measurement with an existing child health surveillance initiative such as the school-based oral health screening program is a cost-efficient surveillance approach (11).

Although school-based measurement is the most common approach for child BMI surveillance, it is not without limitations. Research has identified potential negative effects of collecting height and weight data in schools, including stigma, bullying, body image dissatisfaction, and disordered eating (16). Controversy surrounds the parental notification component central to BMI screening programs (24) and school-based BMI measurement generally (25). Other potential limitations include the cost of data collection, burden on school staff, potentially unreliable data quality, and exclusion of preschool-aged children and children in home or private schools. Some states are exploring alternative settings for collecting BMI surveillance data. Wisconsin is piloting in-home BMI data collection as part of a population-based random sample survey modeled on NHANES. Although this approach reduces the burden on schools and students, unless the sample is large and representative at the school district and/or city level, it will have limited utility for evaluating local trends and the impact of local policy changes and may be expensive.

Interest in using electronic health records (EHR) as a BMI surveillance system is increasing. Since 2009, BMI measurement is a requirement of the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, a tool used by more than 90% of US healthcare plans to measure provider performance (26,27). Moreover, the HITECH Act of 2009 authorized incentive payments to increase physicians adoption of EHR systems (28). However, EHR uptake by pediatric practices lags uptake by other practice types. As of 2012, only 14% of pediatric practices had adopted fully functional EHR systems and only 8% had adopted systems fully supportive of pediatric practice needs, including well-child visit tracking and anthropometric analyses (27,28). However, even universal adoption of EHR systems would not provide complete coverage of child and adolescent populations because of infrequent pediatric visits during later childhood, lack of medical care access among some sociodemographic groups, and frequent change of providers. Nevertheless, given expanded healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act and the frequency of pediatric visits, state public health officials will probably continue to explore the potential of EHR-based child BMI surveillance.

This study has several limitations. Although it is a review of state-level child BMI surveillance practices, it was limited by a lack of information on surveillance program costs and integrity. The survey questions about program costs and resource use did not yield adequate information to produce meaningful cost estimates. Only 6 states operating surveillance programs were able to provide qualitative or quantitative information about program costs during the interview. We learned that funding shortages often undermine surveillance programs and reduce the resources available to operate them; an in-depth analysis of the costs of various surveillance options should be conducted so that policymakers can weigh these costs against the potential benefits. In addition, we were unable to evaluate the quality of height and weight measurement practices in states conducting surveillance, a concern raised by the public health community (29).

Although we found that only 14 states have a child BMI surveillance system according to the definition applied in this study, many states conduct some degree of BMI surveillance. Many states recently conducted their first child BMI surveillance, suggesting that gaps in state data may be filled as states respond to the childhood obesity epidemic. Given recent evidence that the steep upward trend in childhood obesity rates in the United States may be leveling, at least among certain sociodemographic groups (19,30), public and political support for action may dwindle even though obesity rates are high and continue to increase among some groups. Particularly concerning is that national statistics, which suggest that childhood obesity rates may be leveling, may divert attention from disparities in child BMI according to socioeconomic status or race/ethnicity. State and local surveillance is better than national surveillance at capturing data on prevalence in local communities to identify those disproportionately affected.

Increasing investment in state and local child BMI surveillance is crucial to maintaining attention on the burden of childhood obesity in local communities. Locally representative child BMI data are also needed to evaluate the impact of policy and program efforts to reverse the epidemic. The public health community must make surveillance a priority to guide the investment of scarce intervention resources. Without a substantial increase in surveillance, policymakers have insufficient data to identify the most effective and cost-effective responses to the childhood obesity epidemic.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a grant from The JPB Foundation. It is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the views of the funder. The authors reported no financial conflicts of interest.

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Author Information

Corresponding Author: Kelly Blondin, MS, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2115 Milvia St, Ste 4, Berkeley, CA 94704. Telephone: 510-642-0295. Email: kblondin@ucanr.edu.

Author Affiliations: Catherine M. Giles, Angie L. Cradock, Steven L. Gortmaker, Harvard Prevention Research Center, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Michael W. Long, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC.

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References

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Tables

Table 1. Surveillance Practices of the 14 States That Have Surveillance Systems for Collecting Data on Child Body Mass Index (BMI), United States, 20142015a



State Methodb Sample typec Policy Mandated Grades Surveyed No. of Years Data Collected Survey Interval Longitudinal Datae Local Dataf Sample Sizeg Arkansas School health screen Census Yes Even K10 11 Annual Yes Yes 178,631 California School fitness test Census No 5, 7, 9 17 Annual Yes Yes 1,335,931 Florida School health screen Census Yes 1, 3, 6 7 Annual No Yes 484,694 Georgia School fitness test Census Yes 112 3 Annual Yes Yes 1,139,998 Maine School survey Sample Yes K, 3, 5 3 Biennial No Yes 11,484 Massachusetts School survey Census Yes 1, 4, 7, 10 3 Annual No Yes 205,975 Mississippi School survey Sample No K12 5 Biennial No No 480,321 New Mexico School survey Sample No K, 5 3 Annual Yes No 3,949 Pennsylvania School health screen Census Yes K12 7 Annual Yes Yes 1,803,689 Tennessee School health screen Census No Even K8, one high school year 7 Annual No Yes 276,877 Texas School fitness test Census Yes 38, one high school year 8 Annual Yes Yes 2,903,200 Utah School survey Sample No 1, 3, 5 5 Biennial No No 4,477 West Virginia School health screen Census Yes 2 10 Annual No Yes 8,591 Wisconsin Population survey Sample No Not reported 1 Annual No Not reported Not reported

Table 2. US Statesa (n = 21) That Collect Data on Child Body Mass and Meet at Least One Criterion for a Surveillance System but Do Not Have a Surveillance System, 20142015

State Method Surveillance Criteria Metb Height and Weight Measured by a Trained Professional Data Are Collected at Least Every 2 Years Data Are State Representative Data Are Aggregated, Analyzed, and Reported Alabama School-based oral health screen/survey X X X Alaska School-based oral health screen/survey X X X Arizona School-based oral health screen/survey X X X Colorado School-based oral health screen/survey X X X Hawaii School entry physical X X X Idaho School-based survey X X X Illinois School-based oral health screen/survey X X X Kentucky School entry physical X X X Louisiana School-based fitness test X X X Minnesota School entry physical X X X Nebraska School health screen X X X New Hampshire School-based oral health screen/survey X X X New Jersey School-based screen X X X New York School-based survey X X X North Carolina School entry physical X X X North Dakota School-based oral health screen/survey X X X Ohio School-based oral health screen/survey X X X Oklahoma School-based fitness test X X X South Dakota School-based survey X X X Virginia School entry physical X X X Washington, DC School entry physical X X X

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Fiji: Pacific Cement sales rise 19%

ICR Newsroom By 28 July 2016

Fijian manufacturer Pacific Cement has announced that over the past 12 months it has sold 150,561t of cement, of which 104,000 was consumed domestically, according to the Fiji Times.

This represents an increase over the preceding 12 months of about 19 per cent. Pacific Cement exports to destinations in the South Pacific, including Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Tarawa, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Wallis and Futuna, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.

Published under
WILLISTON -- The buildout of a pipeline system that likely spells the end of the truck and train boom in the Bakken is continuing.

The latest in the series involves a short segment of 12-inch pipeline that travels a mere 1.1 miles, but could have a major impact on Bakken crude. The line is being built by the Hess Corp.; and while short, it connects to something long indeed: the Dakota Access pipeline, which travels 1,172 miles to Patoka, Ill. Its maximum overall capacity is listed online as up to 570,000 barrels a day.

That line, which is being built by Energy Transfer Partners, can ultimately tie North Dakotas sweet Bakken crude  naturally low in sulfur  to other markets, including Texas, where ExxonMobil announced on Tuesday that it is expanding its ultra-low-sulfur fuel production at the Beaumont Refinery by 40,000 barrels a day.

The capacity of the Hess pipeline segment is listed as a maximum of 70,000 barrels, but is estimated to have a more normal throughput of 50,000 barrels a day.

The cost of the Hess midstream project is $4.5 million. A request for a building permit filed on behalf of Energy Transfer Partners with Williams County lists a Ramberg Truck Terminal project as $2.6 million. The application lists a pump house and a main meter as parts of the project.

The Hess connecting pipeline is to originate at the existing Ramberg Truck Facility, and extend to a new Energy Transfer Partners facility, which will be located 7 miles south of Tioga.

A representative with Dakota Access confirmed the Hess pipeline will tie directly into the Dakota Access project.

At the hearing in Tioga on Tuesday, company officials talked about the extra measures they will take for this short segment of pipeline, which will pass by a wetland on its way to Dakota Access. The area is also in the vicinity of the whooping cranes fall migration pathway.

Since construction is scheduled for the fall, they will be monitoring for the whooping crane, and if one is sighted within a half mile of the project, use of heavy equipment will be halted while it is within that range.

They will minimize water body crossings and avoid all wetland crossings entirely, according to documents filed with the PSC. A Hess representative did not immediately respond to a request for further clarification on the measures being taken for the wetlands safety.

The hearing was mainly attended by people with Hess, but Evan Whiteford, a marketing representative with the Laborers International Union of North America, did speak.

Ive been a pipeliner for nine years and worked all over the country, he said. I have come to give my highest regards to Hess. When it comes down to a company like Hess, they spare no expense on safety. It is top-notch.

Whiteford said his organization supports the project and hopes to see it go through.

This is going to produce some jobs, he said. Not a whole lot, its not a big project, but some. For the people living and working in the area, we need to see them moving forward.

Hess representative Stacy Thedford was asked to clarify how many jobs would be created.

This tie-in is part of our normal/base business, so we expect minimal impact, she said in an emailed response.

Thedford was also asked if the project represented any expansion in volumes being refined or gathered.

This project supports our long-term growth goals and market flexibility, she said.

The Ramberg truck facility is located in an area that has been the scene of high truck traffic and use by multiple oil companies. County officials estimated 700 trucks were using County Road 21. Williams County closed the road to truck traffic because it had become too damaged to be safely used.

That brought Hess North Dakota general manager, Stephen McNally, to a county meeting in April to discuss a fix for the road, even if it was only temporary, as the company was nearing a critical point for a pipeline project it estimated would take 100 of its 300 trucks off that road.

The county agreed to patch the road, and Hess helped with some of the expense, to keep the facility operational.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The tribe, represented by Earthjustice, alleges the corps violated the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws, after the agency issued permits this week for the 1,172-mile crude oil pipeline stretching from North Dakota to Illinois.

The tribe is seeking an injunction to stay the pipeline's construction until its case can be heard.

Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II said the tribe views the pipeline's current route as "unacceptable," because no matter what safety assurances are made, "we know pipelines can break and Standing Rock is the first to be impacted."

The complaint, filed in U.S. district court in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, says the corps wrote off the tribes concerns and ignored the pipelines impacts to sacred sites and water sources. The pipeline travels through the tribes ancestral lands and passes within half a mile of the reservation.

The corps puts our water and the lives and livelihoods of many in jeopardy, Archmabault said in a statement. We have laws that require federal agencies to consider environmental risks and protection of Indian historic and sacred sites. But the Army Corps has ignored all those laws and fast-tracked this massive project just to meet the pipelines aggressive construction schedule.

Archambault said the tribe felt like the corps was just checking an item off its to-do list after plans for the pipeline were already laid, rather than taking the tribe's concerns seriously.

"It fell on deaf ears," he said.

The corps approval of an easement allows Energy Transfer Partners, the company developing Dakota Access, to drill the pipeline under the Missouri River, just upstream of the reservation and the tribes drinking water supply.

Archambault said the tribe found, in an environmental assessment done as part of the corps' permitting process, alternate routes were discussed, including one that passed north of Bismarck, but the corps decided on the route least impactful to the company.

"But it has impact on all of our rights," he said.

The tribe says an oil spill at this site would "constitute an existential threat to the tribes culture and way of life."

There have been shopping malls that have received more environmental review and tribal consultation than this massive crude oil pipeline, Jan Hasselman, an Earthjustice attorney, said in a statement. We need to take a time out and ensure that the Corps follows the law before rushing ahead with permits.

Despite objections by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other organizations, construction of the pipeline has already begun in areas not under corps authority.

Energy Transfer Partners still need permits for action in five locations under corps jurisdiction  four in Illinois and one in South Dakota  which the corps' Omaha District spokeswoman Eileen Williamson said is in various stages of the permitting process.

Williamson told the Associated Press she couldn't comment on pending litigation, but that the agency's review of the pipeline found "no significant impacts to the environment or historic properties." She said Corps officials "met with tribal leaders on several occasions" and did their best to allay concerns.

The Tribune was unable to reach Energy Transfer Partners for comment.
Controlling the citys stormwater overflow will take multiple projects costing "tens of millions, according to Michelle Klose, director of utility operations for Bismarck.

Klose announced Tuesday she will bring a plan to the Bismarck City Commission in August to remedy the city's stormwater flooding and the sources that feed the citys drainage ditch -- but the problem is multifaceted and cannot be solved with one big project.

"It will take multiple solutions to correct the areas in the south Bismarck area," she said. "It is very complex."

And even with the corrections being drafted, she said there will still be flooding beyond two- and five-year flood events.

"Every time it rains really bad, our street is the only street on this trailer court that floods," said Jennifer Mahlmeister, a five-year resident of a trailer park near South 12th Street. "Sometimes, it comes down to the bottom step of our porch."

She has seen her street flood higher than a foot six times this summer at her trailer lot, and some are not convinced it is just stormwater.

"I don't know what it was. It was just nasty," said Russ Papke, a 20-year resident. "My dogs run into it. Kids get into it. That's my major concern. It could just be dirty, but it looked like more than that."

Papke and Mahlmeister were among 40 residents who signed a letter and complaint calling on the state Health Department to address inadequate infrastructure along South 12th Street and the surrounding areas. Petitioner and former City Commissioner Steve Schwab says it has led to flooding and the release of sewage during heavy storms over the past 20 years.

Jason Holzer and Keisha Lehde have lived there five years.

"I saw something like poop in the water, and toilet paper," Holzer said, pointing to a one-foot water mark against the trailer. "Our whole house was surrounded by water. It could be both (sewer and storm water)."

Klose said the city received no complaints of sewage being carried by floodwaters, either by phone or by letter, from any of the people who signed the petition. Her office was first notified after the state received the petition on June 30, she said.

None of the three families interviewed said they had contacted the city about the problem.

Klose said the city has been studying the capacity of the citys drainage ditch in certain rain events since 2013, and staff was on site to study how the system received the stormwater surge during a 2.5-inch rain in just a few hours.

"We haven't seen any factual basis to confirm any sanitary sewer overflow in the area," said Klose, who has been with the city seven months.

She said there are no direct connections between the stormwater and sewage lines, and they operate separately. She said manhole covers have come up near the Bismarck Event Center and water has flowed out, but those are not sewer lines and no sewage has contaminated the stormwater.

The watershed that feeds the drainage ditch starts at Bismarck High School. The western edge is at the Bismarck Airport and then moves east to Tavis Road.

The ditch originates at University Avenue and Bismarck Expressway, runs toward Wachter Middle School, curves around Reno Avenue and then continues southwest to the Missouri River. Along the way, more water sources feed the drainage.

"When you are dealing with the water flow of Main Avenue, you basically have a connection of lines that combine and bind all of those water connections together," said Klose.

For example, the intersection at Cash Wise shows a strong surge of stormwater during heavy rain events, Klose said, because the hill above it is a 50-foot drop and it makes a right angle before it comes to drain south. After the steep drop, much of the water is slowed.

At the same intersection, a small portion of water moves north from Airport Road and then flows west, contributing to the same drain. More water also comes from Bismarck Expressway. It can take two days to drain the stormwater after a 2.5-inch rainfall.

To combat the issue, Klose said the city is proposing multiple projects in the low-lying areas as part of the study, as well as other projects in the larger watershed.

There are box culverts that are being looked at. There are other ways to move water west, she said. "There is not one solution that fixes all the problems. There must be multiple solutions to fix the multiple problems."

As to the petition claims about sewage, Klose asks citizens to report such incidents as they occur.

"We will come out right away and address the situation, she said.


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Luxury hotels in the historic center for a Catholic family. Only luxury hotels can provide a paradisiacal vacation for a big Catholic family. A high-level vacation for families, children and not only. The gorgeous views, divine service, and the best location are all luxury hotels. Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and more. Everyone will find their place in this corner of paradise.

Popular destinations

Breckenridge, CO, United States

In Breckenridge, Colorado, there are plenty of places to visit, whether you're a nature lover or thrill seeker. For nature lovers, the Blue River runs right through town and there are plenty of trails to explore. If you're looking for a thrill, Breckenridge is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. There's also plenty of shopping and dining options in town, so you'll never run out of things to do.

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Savannah, GA, United States

Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful city with lots of places to visit, including Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Another place to visit is the Savannah History Museum, which is jam-packed with interesting exhibits on the history of the city.

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Naples, FL, United States

Naples is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Its also home to a wide variety of attractions, including world-class golf courses, vibrant nightlife, and interesting cultural experiences. Here are five places to visit in Naples, Florida:  Naples Pier: Stroll along the pier and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.  Fifth Avenue South: This popular shopping and dining district is home to eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and lively bars.  The Ritz-Carlton, Naples: This luxurious resort is set on 26 acres of pristine waterfront property and offers superb amenities, including a world-class spa and championship golf course.  The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: This zoological park is home to more than 700 animals representing 150 species, including flamingos, lemurs, and tigers.  Tin City: This eclectic shopping and dining district is housed in a series of restored waterfront warehouses and features eclectic shops, galleries, and award-winning restaurants.

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Louisville, KY, United States

Louisville is in the heart of Kentucky and is known for being the home of the Kentucky Derby. There are a lot of great places to visit in Louisville, including the Louisville Zoo, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Frazier History Museum. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars in Louisville, and it's a great place to visit for a weekend getaway.

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Galveston, TX, United States

Galveston is a Texas coastal town that is rich in history and offers visitors a variety of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include the Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and Historic Downtown. There are also a number of museums and other historical landmarks, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options.

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Omaha, NE, United States

The birthplace of Warren Buffett, Omaha, Nebraska, is a great place to visit. There are plenty of things to see and do in Omaha, from touring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to visiting the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Other popular tourist destinations in Omaha include the Joslyn Art Museum, the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, and TD Ameritrade Park.

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Columbus, GA, United States

Columbus is a charming small town in Georgia that is worth a visit. There are several places to visit in Columbus, including the Riverwalk, the Chattahoochee River, the National Infantry Museum, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The Riverwalk is a beautiful walkway along the Chattahoochee River that is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride. The Chattahoochee River is a great place to go fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The National Infantry Museum is a museum dedicated to the infantry of the United States Army. It is a must-see for history buffs. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a museum dedicated to space science. It is perfect for kids and adults alike.

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Anchorage, AK, United States

Anchorage is a great place to visit if you're looking for an adrenaline rush. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to rafting and fishing in the summer, Anchorage has something to offer everyone. In addition to its outdoor activities, Anchorage also has a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

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Portland, OR, United States

Portland is a city that is located in the US state of Oregon and it is known for its art scene, food, and coffee. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Portland, such as the Portland Art Museum, where you can see a variety of art from all over the world. Another place to visit is the Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. If you're looking for a place to eat, Portland has no shortage of amazing restaurants, such as Pok Pok, which serves Thai cuisine, and Le Pigeon, which serves French cuisine. And, of course, no trip to Portland would be complete without trying some of the city's famous coffee, such as Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

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Florence, Italy

No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Florence. This historic city is home to some of the country's most famous attractions, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David. There's also plenty to see and do outside of the city center, including the picturesque Tuscan countryside and the vibrant university town of Arezzo.

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Asheville, NC, United States

Asheville is a city in western North Carolina. It is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Buncombe County. Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the United States. The city of Asheville proper had a population of 84,236 in 2010. The city is known for its art deco architecture, mountain scenery and outdoor activities, and as the birthplace of American novelist Thomas Wolfe. It is also home to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the second largest craft brewery in the United States.

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Long Beach, CA, United States

There's plenty to do in Long Beach, California without ever having to leave the city limits. If you're looking for a little adventure, head to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a glimpse of the ocean's creatures or take a walk on the boardwalk at Rainbow Harbor. If you're more of a history buff, the Queen Mary is a must-see. This retired ocean liner is now a hotel and museum with plenty of stories to tell. And no trip to Long Beach is complete without a visit to the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States

Cincinnati is a city located on the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Ohio. The city was founded in 1788 and named after the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers. Cincinnati is a major U.S. city and the metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million people. The city is well-known for its German heritage, Oktoberfest celebration, and its variety of chili dishes. Cincinnati is home to three major sports teams: the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, MLB's Cincinnati Reds, and the NBA's Cincinnati Cavaliers. The city is also home to the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. The city's historic neighborhoods include Over-the-Rhine, Mount Auburn, and Hyde Park. Cincinnati is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of attractions and places to visit, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Newport Aquarium, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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Laughlin, NV, United States

Laughlin, Nevada is a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun and affordable vacation. There are plenty of casinos and resorts to choose from, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. Be sure to check out the local nightlife, and don't forget to take a trip down the mighty Colorado River.

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Anaheim, CA, United States

Anaheim, California is home to both Disneyland and California Adventure Park. The parks are just a short walk away from each other, and make for a great day of exploration. Anaheim is also home to the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks, so there's always a game to catch. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, Anaheim has a great shopping district and a variety of restaurants to choose from.

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Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Santa Cruz is a great place to visit! There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Boardwalk, the wharf, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Boardwalk is a great place to go for a walk, ride on the amusement park rides, and eat some of the delicious food. The wharf is a great place to go for a walk, eat some seafood, and listen to the street performers. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the area and to see some of the beautiful architecture. I highly recommend visiting Santa Cruz if you are looking for a fun and interesting place to visit!.

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Eugene, OR, United States

Eugene, Oregon is a great city to visit with a lot of places to see and things to do. One of the most popular attractions is the University of Oregon campus, which is home to a number of museums and a large football stadium. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with a number of theaters and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the dozens of parks and hiking trails in the area, and there are also a number of wineries and breweries in the area.

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Branson, MO, United States

There's plenty to see and do in Branson, Missouri, from state parks and amusement parks to theaters and shopping. Here are some of the most popular places to visit: Silver Dollar City is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." Table Rock State Park has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. The Titanic Museum features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. Branson Landing is a shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront. There's something for everyone in Branson, Missouri  come visit and see for yourself!.

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Panama City Beach, FL, United States

The white sand beaches and emerald waters of Panama City Beach, Florida, are a popular tourist destination. The city is home to numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants, as well as amusement and water parks. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and surfing.

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Monterey, CA, United States

Monterey is a coastal city in Monterey County, California, United States. It stands at the southern end of Monterey Bay, on the Pacific coast. The city is also the home of the Naval Postgraduate School. Monterey is the largest city in the Central Coast region of California. The main attractions in Monterey are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the downtown area.

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Norfolk, VA, United States

Norfolk, Virginia is a great place to visit for its historical places and military bases. Some places to visit in Norfolk are the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Norfolk Naval Station.

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Palm Springs, CA, United States

Palm Springs is a vibrant city located in the Coachella Valley and is known for its year-round sunshine, resort atmosphere and Mid-Century Modern architecture. Top places to visit include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons and Moorten Botanical Garden. For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale  the worlds largest vintage furniture and design event.

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Rochester, NY, United States

Rochester is a city in western New York State and is the county seat of Monroe County. Rochester is known for its annual festivals, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Rochester Fringe Festival, and the Holiday Folk Fair International. Places to visit in Rochester include the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Seneca Park Zoo.

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Pigeon Forge, TN, United States

Visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge for a unique experience. This museum is dedicated to the Titanic, one of the most infamous ships in history. Tour the ship and learn about the passengers and crew who were on board. You can even see the actual artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. If you're looking for a little more excitement, head to Dollywood. This amusement park is home to roller coasters, a water park, and plenty of other rides and attractions. Plus, the park is themed around the life and music of Dolly Parton. No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. These mountains offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Plus, the natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking.

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Jacksonville, FL, United States

Jacksonville is less than an hour's drive from the beaches of Amelia Island and St. Augustine, and a little more than two hours from Orlando. The city has a lot to offer visitors, including a riverwalk, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Jacksonville is also home to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.

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Minsk, Belarus

Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a city that has something for everyone. If you're looking for a little history, Minsk has plenty of it, with churches and monuments dating back to the 12th century. If you're looking for a lively nightlife, Minsk has that, too, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. And if you're looking for a little nature, Minsk has parks and gardens to enjoy. Here are just a few of the places you can visit in Minsk: The Holy Spirit Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Minsk, is a must-visit for history buffs. The National Library of Belarus is a huge library with more than 18 million items in its collection. The Opera and Ballet Theatre is a beautiful building that hosts performances of both opera and ballet. The Victory Park is a large park with a war memorial, a children's playground, and a lake. And for a little bit of nature in the heart of the city, the Botanical Garden is a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Minsk.

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Jaipur, India

Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is the capital of the state of Rajasthan and is known for its palaces, forts and temples. Some of the places to visit in Jaipur include the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal. Jaipur is also a great place to shop for traditional Indian handicrafts.

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Chicago, IL, United States

Chicago is a city full of culture and history. There are plenty of places to visit, such as the Willis Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago is also home to many restaurants and bars, so there is something for everyone.

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Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is a beautiful city located on the north island of New Zealand. There are many places to visit in Auckland, including the Sky Tower, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Auckland Domain. The beaches in Auckland are also worth visiting, especially Karekare and Piha. Auckland is a great place to visit, and I highly recommend it!.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you're looking for a city that's got it all, Amsterdam should be your go-to destination. From the city's lively and vibrant nightlife to its charming and quiet neighborhoods, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Anne Frank Huis, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, as these are some of the most popular attractions in the city. And if you're looking for a little bit of nature, be sure to take a walk or bike ride through Amsterdam's many parks.

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Berlin, Germany

There are so many great places to visit in Berlin that it can be hard to know where to start. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the fascinating Reichstag Building, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. If you're looking for a bit of history, make sure to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial or the DDR Museum. And for those looking for a bit more fun, there's always the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market or the Zoologischer Garten. No matter what your interests, Berlin is a city you won't want to miss.

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Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a city of contrasts with its gleaming temples and skyscrapers, chaotic markets and tranquil canals. While it's a popular tourist destination, Bangkok is a city that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Some of the top places to visit in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the floating markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

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Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a city in Belgium that is worth visiting. It is full of medieval charm and there are a lot of things to see and do. Some of the places to visit include the Markt, the Belfry, and the Begijnhof.

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Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a city in Belgium that is best known for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. But there is much more to see and do in Brussels than just indulge in the local cuisine. There are a number of interesting historical landmarks to visit, such as the Grand Place and the Atomium, as well as a variety of parks and gardens. And, of course, Brussels is also a great city to explore on foot.

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Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary's capital, is a city of thermal baths and medival, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Crowded with tourists, the city is bisected by the Danube River into the hilly Buda and the more developed and flat Pest. Among the main places of interest are the neo-Gothic Parliament, the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest, the Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda bank, and the State Opera House and Heroes' Square on the Pest side.

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Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a favorite tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. With its lively nightlife, gorgeous coastline and ample shopping opportunities, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the area's most popular attractions, such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, or the eco-friendly Turtle Beach. With its friendly people, delicious food and stunning scenery, Playa del Carmen is a place you'll never want to leave.

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Denver, CO, United States

Denver is a great city for visitors. There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of the top places to visit include the 16th Street Mall, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado State Capitol. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore. Denver is definitely a city worth visiting!.

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Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a city located in Ireland. It's a city full of culture, with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist spots are the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Dublin Castle. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to discover.

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Dusseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf, Germany is a city with many different places to visit. The city has a mix of old and new buildings, and a variety of activities to do. The best places to visit in Dusseldorf are the Konigsallee, the Rhine Tower, and the Oktoberfest. The Konigsallee is an open-air shopping mall that has many high-end stores. The Rhine Tower is the tallest building in the city and offers great views of Dusseldorf. The Oktoberfest is a week-long festival that celebrates German culture and food.

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh, Scotland is a beautiful city to visit. The architecture is very old and unique, and there are plenty of historical places to visit, like Edinburgh Castle. There are also plenty of parks and gardens, and lots of shops and restaurants.

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Rome, Italy

Rome is a city rich in history and filled with beautiful places to visit. Make sure to stop by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Also be sure to visit St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel while in Rome. If youre looking for a little more nature in your trip, head to the Villa Borghese gardens or the Janiculum Hill for some wonderful views of the city. And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a gelato!.

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New York, NY, United States

There are many amazing places to visit in New York State. Some of my favorites are the Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes. If you're looking for a city break, New York City is definitely worth a visit. There's endless things to see and do, from touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to visiting world-famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. No matter what your interests are, you'll be able to find something to enjoy in New York State.

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London, United Kingdom

London is a city rich in history and full of amazing places to visit. Some of my favorite places are Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. There is so much to see and do in London, you could spend weeks here and never run out of things to do. If you're looking for a city full of culture and history, London is the place for you.

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Madrid, Spain

Madrid is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. From the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum, theres plenty to see and do in Madrid. If youre looking for a little bit of nature, Madrid has plenty of parks, like the Buen Retiro Park, to relax in. And dont forget to try some of the delicious tapas and wine while youre in town.

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Memphis, TN, United States

The birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis is a city rich in history and culture. From Graceland to Beale Street, there are plenty of places to visit in Memphis. Be sure to check out Sun Studio, where rock 'n' roll was born, and the National Civil Rights Museum, which tells the story of the African-American civil rights movement. Memphis is also home to some amazing food, so be sure to try some of the city's famous barbecue and soul food.

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Miami Beach, FL, United States

There is much to explore in Miami Beach, from the famous Art Deco district to the vast beaches and crystal-clear waters. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while history buffs can explore the ancient burial mounds at Miami Beach. Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to keep them busy, with vibrant neighborhoods like Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive offering unique boutiques and award-winning restaurants. And of course, no trip to Miami Beach is complete without a visit to world-famous South Beach.

Miami Beach Luxury Hotels

Miami Beach Luxury Resorts

New Orleans, LA, United States

You can't visit New Orleans without trying some of the local food. Beignets, Po' Boys, and gumbo are just a few of the must-try dishes. While you're in town, be sure to check out the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral. If you're looking for some nightlife, Bourbon Street is the place to be. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Mardi Gras!.

New Orleans Luxury Hotels

Milan, Italy

Milan is a city located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination because of its historical and artistic heritage. Some of the places you should visit while in Milan are the Duomo, La Scala, and Castello Sforzesco.

Milan Luxury Hotels

Naples, Italy

Naples is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Italy. There are countless places to visit, such as the Royal Palace, the Museum of San Martino, and the Church of Gesu Nuovo. Naples is also home to excellent shopping and dining options. Be sure to enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city's many cafes and take a stroll through the picturesque streets.

Naples Luxury Hotels

Paris, France

Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, as well as a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene. If you're looking to explore all that Paris has to offer, here are some of the top places to visit: The Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is a must-see in Paris. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city, or take a ride on the elevator to the bottom for a closer look at the structure. The Louvre Museum: This world-famous museum is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa. The Notre Dame Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Make sure to climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. The Champs-Elysees: This famous avenue is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Be sure to wander down the street and take in all the sights and sounds. The Arc de Triomphe: This towering arch is another iconic landmark in Paris. Climb to the top for some amazing views of the city.

Paris Luxury Hotels

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Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a city rich in history and culture. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, and the nightlife is vibrant. Prague is a truly unique city and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic.

Prague Luxury Hotels

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. This paradise is a favorite destination for travelers looking for a Caribbean getaway. Punta Cana is home to a wide variety of resorts and activities, from enjoying the sand and surf to golfing, spas, and shopping. Nature lovers can also explore the areas jungles, caves, and waterfalls.

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Marbella, Spain

If you're looking for an idyllic and luxurious Spanish escape, look no further than Marbella. Located on the country's Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to stunning beaches, top-notch resorts, world-class golfing, and much more. A visit to Marbella is the perfect way to experience all that Spain has to offer.

Marbella Luxury Hotels

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Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is a city in Morocco that is full of culture and history. There are several places to visit in Marrakesh, including the Palace of the Bahia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. The souks (markets) are also a must-see, where you can find everything from souvenirs to spices to traditional clothing. Be sure to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or cafes in Marrakesh; the food is delicious and the atmosphere is always lively. Marrakesh is a wonderful city to explore and definitely worth a visit!.

Marrakesh Luxury Hotels

San Francisco, CA, United States

San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Here are some of the top places to visit: 1. Fisherman's Wharf: This neighborhood is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a popular pier where you can enjoy views of the bay. 2. The Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic bridge is a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco. 3. Alcatraz Island: This former federal prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It's a must-see for fans of history and crime dramas. 4. Chinatown: This colorful neighborhood is home to some of the best food in San Francisco. Be sure to check out the Dragon Gate entrance. 5. The Mission District: This trendy neighborhood is home to hip restaurants, bars, and art galleries.

San Francisco Luxury Hotels

Moscow, Russia

Moscow, Russia is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral. Other great places to see include the Bolshoi Theatre, Gorky Park, and the Tretyakov Gallery. There are also many churches and other historical buildings to explore. Moscow is a lively city with a lot of culture and nightlife. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Moscow.

Moscow Luxury Hotels

Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The city is built on a lagoon in northeast Italy and is known for its canals and gondolas. There are many places to visit in Venice, including the Grand Canal, St. Marks Square, and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is also home to many museums, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Venice Luxury Hotels

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria is a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Vienna, including the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna is also home to some of the world's best shopping, including the Karntner Strasse and the Graben. Finally, no visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing the city's world-famous nightlife.

Vienna Luxury Hotels

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is a marvelous city located in the heart of Switzerland. It is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From amazing restaurants and beautiful architecture to exciting nightlife and gorgeous parks, Zurich has something for everyone. Some of the most popular places to visit in Zurich include the Bahnhofstrasse, which is the city's most famous shopping street, the Lindenhof, which is a beautiful park with amazing views of the city, and Grossmunster, which is a stunning Romanesque church. Zurich is also home to some of the best museums in the world, including the famed Museum of Art and the Swiss National Museum. With its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, Zurich is a city that is definitely worth exploring.

Zurich Luxury Hotels

Acapulco, Mexico

If you're looking for a Mexican vacation spot with plenty of history and culture to explore, Acapulco is a great option. From the archeological wonders of the ancient city to the stunning coastal views, there's something for everyone in Acapulco. Plus, with its temperate climate, it's a great escape from colder winter weather.

Acapulco Luxury Hotels

Acapulco Luxury Resorts

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Nashville, TN, United States

One of the United States' most interesting places to visit is Nashville, Tennessee. There's plenty to see and do there, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Music is a big part of the city's history and culture, so be sure to catch a show while you're in town. Other popular attractions include the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, and the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Nashville is also a great place to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food. So if you're looking for an exciting and diverse city to visit, be sure to add Nashville to your list.

Nashville Luxury Hotels

Nashville Luxury Villas

Atlanta, GA, United States

What's not to love about Atlanta? From the iconic Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coke, from the Fox Theatre to Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta offers a wealth of destinations for tourists. Sports fans will want to check out the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and history buffs will enjoy the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Braves fans can take a tour of SunTrust Park, and shoppers will enjoy the many boutiques and malls in the city. There's also a great restaurant scene in Atlanta, and music lovers will want to check out the many venues offering live music. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation spot or a place to explore on your own, Atlanta is a great choice!.

Atlanta Luxury Hotels

Miami, FL, United States

The Magic City is a top tourist destination for a reasonthere are endless things to do in Miami! From exploring the trendy neighborhoods and dazzling beaches to soaking up the Latin culture and nightlife, Miami is jam-packed with amazing places to visit. Here are a few of our favorites: 1. Wynwood Walls: This outdoor art exhibit is a must-see for any art lover. The colorful murals are awe-inspiring and definitely Instagram-worthy. 2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This estate is dripping with luxury and opulence, from the grandiose architecture to the expansive gardens. It's the perfect place for a day of relaxation. 3. South Beach: This world-famous beach is a must-visit for any sun-seeker. The crystal-clear water and soft sand make for the perfect day-long beach getaway. 4. Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture at its best in Little Havana. From delicious food to lively music and dance, there's something for everyone in this vibrant district. 5. Art Deco District: This district is home to Miami's most iconic architecture. Take a stroll down the charming streets and admire the colorful buildings that make Miami so unique.

Miami Luxury Hotels

Miami Luxury Villas

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a must-see destination in Japan. There are endless places to explore in this city - temples, shrines, gardens, and more. The Shinjuku district is a great place to start, with its neon-lit streets and myriad shops and restaurants. For a taste of traditional Japan, visit the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa or the Imperial Palace. Nature lovers will enjoy the Hamarikyu Gardens or the Hama-rikyu Teien Garden. And for a unique experience, take a trip to Mount Fuji.

Tokyo Luxury Hotels

Tokyo Luxury Villas

Buenos Aires, Argentina

There are plenty of places to visit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Some popular tourist destinations include the obelisk, the Casa Rosada, and the Puerto Madero district. Every barrio (neighborhood) has its own unique culture and flavor. San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo are some of the most popular barrios. There are also many parks and plazas, such as Plaza de Mayo and Plaza de la Republica, that are worth checking out.

Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels

Hamburg, Germany

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany is Hamburg. From the lively and colorful harbor district to the grandiose City Hall, there is plenty to see and do in Hamburg. Some of the other popular places to visit include the Reeperbahn district with its pubs and nightlife, the Planten un Blomen botanical gardens, and the architecturally stunning Rathausmarkt square.

Hamburg Luxury Hotels

Lisbon, Portugal

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a city of fascinating contrasts. From its coastal location, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views, while its hilly, narrow streets are home to a maze of charming traditional homes and lively nightlife. A city of 7 hills, Lisbon is a bustling metropolis with something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit: The Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Lisbons most iconic landmarks. This 16th-century fortress and lighthouse is a must-see for visitors. The Alfama district, with its winding streets and tile-roofed homes, is the oldest district in Lisbon. This is the perfect place to get lost and explore the citys history. The Lisbon Zoo is a great place to enjoy a day out with the family, with over 2,000 animals from around the world. The Christ the King statue, located atop a hill in the suburb of Almada, offers impressive views of Lisbon and the river Tagus. The Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the Parque das Nacoes district, is home to more than 12,000 marine creatures and is one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Lisbon Luxury Hotels

Lisbon Luxury Villas

Malaga, Spain

Malaga is an attractive seaside city in southern Spain with a long history. There are many places to visit in Malaga, including the Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba fortress, and the Malaga Cathedral. Malaga is also home to a variety of museums, including the Picasso Museum. The city is well known for its beaches, and there are many delightful places to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea.

Malaga Luxury Hotels

Malaga Luxury Villas

Munich, Germany

When planning a vacation to Munich, Germany, be sure to include these top places to visit: The Marienplatz is a must-see square in the city center, featuring a beautiful Glockenspiel show and the Old and New Town Halls. The Englisher Garten, Europes largest city park, is a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. OlympiaPark is home to the famous 1972 Olympic Stadium as well as a huge amusement park. The Frauenkirche is a stunning church in the old town with a Glockenspiel of its own. Beer lovers will want to visit the Hofbrauhaus, the worlds most famous beer hall. For a bit of history and culture, check out the LudwigMaximilians-University and the Deutsches Museum. There is so much to see and do in Munich  these are just a few highlights!.

Munich Luxury Hotels

Granada, Spain

Granada is a city in southern Spain that is known for its Moorish architecture and history. The city is home to the Alhambra, a palace and fortress that was constructed in the late 1300s. Visitors can also enjoy the citys many churches, including the Cathedral of Granada. Granada is also a convenient base for exploring the other cities and towns in Andalusia.

Granada Luxury Hotels

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a city full of history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Palace of Parliament, which is the world's largest civilian building. Other places to visit include the old city center, which is full of charming streets and buildings, and the Botanical Garden, which is the largest botanical garden in Romania.

Bucharest Luxury Hotels

Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist destinations include the Piazza Maggiore, the Tower of Asinelli, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. There are also plenty of museums and churches to explore, and the city is full of charming restaurants and cafes. Bologna is an excellent destination for a vacation, and there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing city.

Bologna Luxury Hotels

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a port city in Portugal that is well known for its wine. It's also a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Porto, including the old city center, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the Clerigos Tower. Porto is also home to the famous Port wine caves, which are a must-visit for wine lovers.

Porto Luxury Hotels

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, located on the Rhine River in western Germany, is a city well worth visiting. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions include the Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the RheinEnergieStadion. Additionally, Cologne is home to a wide variety of museums, shops, and restaurants. In fact, the city has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Germany. So, if you're looking for a great European city to visit, be sure to add Cologne to your list.

Cologne Luxury Hotels

Istanbul, Turkey

If you're looking for an exotic and affordable vacation destination, look no further than Istanbul, Turkey. Filled with historical places to visit and bargains to be found, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque while you're there. Don't forget to bargain for the best prices when shopping in the bazaars, and enjoy some delicious Turkish cuisine while you're at it. Istanbul is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

Istanbul Luxury Hotels

Istanbul Luxury Villas

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a fascinating and exotic city that offers visitors a mix of traditional Middle Eastern culture and modern, cosmopolitan life. There are plenty of places to visit in Dubai, from the towering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the luxury shopping malls and luxurious hotels of the Palm Jumeirah. Don't miss a chance to experience an Arabian night out on an epic dhow cruise, or take a trip out into the Arabian Desert to see the stunning sand dunes.

Dubai Luxury Hotels

Dubai Luxury Resorts

Dubai Luxury Villas

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital of the province of Antwerp and has a population of over half a million people. Antwerp is a popular tourist destination due to its many historical buildings, museums, and art galleries. Some of the most popular places to visit in Antwerp are the Cathedral of Our Lady, the City Hall, the Rubenshuis, and the Antwerp Zoo.

Antwerp Luxury Hotels

Lyon, France

Lyon is a beautiful city in the south of France that is full of culture and places to visit. Some of the most popular places to visit in Lyon are the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, the Place Bellecour, and the Vieux Lyon. The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere is a beautiful cathedral that is a must-see when visiting Lyon. The Place Bellecour is a large square in the heart of Lyon that is full of restaurants and cafes. The Vieux Lyon is a district in Lyon that is full of old buildings and is a great place to wander around and take in the sights.

Lyon Luxury Hotels

Athens, Greece

If you find yourself in Athens, there are definitely some spots you won't want to miss. The Acropolis, Parthenon, and Olympic Stadium are all essential stops, but there are plenty of others, too. If you're looking for a bit of history, the National Archaeological Museum is a must-see, while nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens. If you're looking to relax, take a walk along the beach in Glyfada or head to the Plaka district for a charming and picturesque setting. No matter what you're interested in, Athens has something for you.

Athens Luxury Hotels

Athens Luxury Villas

Helsinki, Finland

While in Helsinki, make sure to visit these popular tourist destinations: The Senate Square and Lutheran Cathedral The Sibelius Monument Ateneum Art Museum Market Square Helsinki Zoo.

Helsinki Luxury Hotels

Vilnius, Lithuania

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a picturesque city with a rich history. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of charming churches, narrow streets, and pretty squares. There are also lots of museums and other places of interest to visit, including the Hill of Crosses, Gediminas Tower, and the Presidential Palace. Vilnius is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy in the evening.

Vilnius Luxury Hotels

Reykjavik, Iceland

A city of remote beauty, Reykjavik is teeming with interesting places to visit. One of the worlds most northern capitals, Reykjavik offers stunning landscapes and a wealth of cultural experiences. From the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church to the popular Golden Circle tour, theres plenty to see and do in Reykjavik. Be sure to check out the citys lively nightlife scene, too  you wont be disappointed!.

Reykjavik Luxury Hotels

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Some of the most popular places to visit in Glasgow include the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. There are also many wonderful parks and gardens to explore, including the Botanic Gardens and Glasgow Green. For those interested in history and architecture, there are many fascinating old buildings to see, such as the Glasgow Cathedral and the University of Glasgow. And for those looking for a lively nightlife, Glasgow has no shortage of pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

Glasgow Luxury Hotels

Los Angeles, CA, United States

As the birthplace of Hollywood and home to some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, there's no shortage of places to visit in Los Angeles. Start by exploring the city's iconic neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills and Hollywood, then venture out to attractions like the Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach and Disneyland. And don't forget to savour the city's world-famous cultural scene, with its abundance of museums, theatres and restaurants.

Los Angeles Luxury Hotels

Los Angeles Luxury Villas

San Diego, CA, United States

San Diego is a city located in California and is a major tourist destination. One of the main reasons people visit the city is for its many beaches. Coronado Beach, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach are some of the most popular and are all within close proximity to the city center. Other attractions in San Diego include the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the USS Midway Museum. Restaurants, bars, and shopping can be found throughout the city, and world-renowned museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, are also located in San Diego.

San Diego Luxury Hotels

San Diego Luxury Resorts

San Diego Luxury Villas

Washington, DC, United States

Washington, D.C. is a city full of history and places to visit. Some popular places to visit are the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian. D.C. is also home to a number of monuments and memorials, like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. There are also a number of museums in D.C., like the American History Museum and the National Air and Space Museum.

Washington Luxury Hotels

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Aside from its beautiful beaches, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Cancun. Some of the most popular attractions include the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, the eco-park Xcaret, and the nightclubs and bars in the resort district.

Cancun Luxury Hotels

Cancun Luxury Resorts

Cancun Luxury Villas

Virginia Beach, VA, United States

Virginia Beach is one of the top tourist destinations on the East Coast. From the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to the miles of sandy beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions to keep visitors busy. Some of the most popular places to visit in Virginia Beach include: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk: This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. First Landing State Park: This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. Cape Henry Lighthouse: This lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country and offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. There are plenty of other things to do in Virginia Beach, including dolphin and whale watching tours, kayaking, and golfing. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation or a romantic getaway, Virginia Beach is sure to please.

Virginia Beach Luxury Hotels

Virginia Beach Luxury Resorts

Beijing, China

If you're looking for an amazing cultural experience, be sure to add Beijing, China to your travel bucket list! With beautiful temples, charming hutongs (traditional alleyways), and a lively food scene, there's something for everyone in this bustling city. Plus, Beijing is home to some of the most iconic attractions in China, like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. So if you're looking for an unforgettable East Asian adventure, be sure to add Beijing to your list!.

Beijing Luxury Hotels

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a metropolitan city that is home to over 10 million people. It is a city full of culture, history, and a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of places to visit in Seoul, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and N Seoul Tower. The Jeongdongne district is a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture, and the Itaewon district is a great place to go for a night on the town.

Seoul Luxury Hotels

South Lake Tahoe, CA, United States

Known for its dramatic lake and mountain scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers visitors plenty of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include floating down the river on a tube, hiking the trails in the summer and skiing or snowboarding the slopes in the winter. The city also has a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, as well as casinos for those looking to try their luck.

South Lake Tahoe Luxury Hotels

South Lake Tahoe Luxury Resorts

Daytona Beach, FL, United States

Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is approximately 40 miles northeast of Orlando, and 85 miles southeast of Jacksonville. The city is known as "The World's Most Famous Beach." Daytona Beach is a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida. The Daytona Beach area is a popular tourist destination. It is well known for its beaches, sports events, and motorsports. Daytona Beach was the birthplace of NASCAR and home to its first track, Daytona International Speedway. Dayton Beach also features a large number of tourist-oriented businesses, such as motels, restaurants, and bars.

Daytona Beach Luxury Hotels

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The coastline of Rio de Janeiro is breathtaking, and the views from Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain are unforgettable. Rio's world-famous beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and the surf. The city's rich culture and history can be experienced in its many museums and in the lively nightlife. Rio is also a great place to shop for souvenirs.

Rio de Janeiro Luxury Hotels

Rio de Janeiro Luxury Villas

Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco is a town on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It's about an hour drive from San Jose and is a popular spot for surfers, sunbathers, and tourists. There are a number of beaches in the area, as well as restaurants, bars, and hotels. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the Costa Rican sun and beaches, Jaco is a great option.

Jaco Luxury Hotels

Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway is a city with plenty of places to visit. You can find the peace and tranquility of nature parks and green spaces, experience the city's vibrant nightlife, or take in the historical and cultural sights. Here are a few of the top places to visit in Oslo: The Royal Palace: Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Vigeland Park: Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. The Maritime Museum: This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. The National Gallery: The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. Aker Brygge: Aker Brygge is a popular waterfront district in Oslo, home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The area is a great place to people watch and enjoy the view of the Oslo Fjord.

Oslo Luxury Hotels

Lima, Peru

If you're looking for a city that's bursting with culture and flavor, Lima, Peru is the place for you! This vibrant destination is home to some of the most amazing places to visit in all of South America. From ancient ruins to lush rainforests, there's something for everyone in Lima. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions in this amazing city: The Larco Museum is one of Lima's top tourist destinations. This incredible museum is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. The Historic Center of Lima is a must-see for any history lover. This vibrant area is home to some of the oldest architecture in Lima, including the iconic San Francisco Monastery. If you're looking for a little bit of jungle in the city, head to the Parque de la Reserva. This lush park is home to beautiful gardens, a zoo, and even a butterfly farm! No trip to Lima would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca citadel is one of the most iconic sites in all of South America.

Lima Luxury Hotels

Ankara, Turkey

Ankara is the cultural and political center of Turkey. The city is home to many museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and is a popular destination for tourists. The Citadel, the Ataturk Mausoleum, and the War of Independence Museum are all popular tourist destinations in Ankara. The city is also home to a vibrant nightlife and is a popular destination for students.

Ankara Luxury Hotels

Birmingham, United Kingdom

There are plenty of great places to visit in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Some of the most popular places to go include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Black Country Living Museum. These places are all great for tourists, as they offer a variety of attractions, including beautiful gardens, interesting art, and a recreation of an old-fashioned town. Additionally, there are plenty of other great places to visit in Birmingham, such as the Jewellery Quarter and the German Christmas Market.

Birmingham Luxury Hotels

York, United Kingdom

With a rich history that spans back over 1,000 years, York is a must-visit destination in the United Kingdom. Explore the city's medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Ouse. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, such as the York Minster cathedral, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy in York.

York Luxury Hotels

Inverness, United Kingdom

Inverness, Scotland is a must-see destination on any traveler's list. Filled with rolling green hills, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in this charming town. Start by exploring the city center, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out the Inverness Castle, which offers commanding views of the area, and the Inverness Cathedral, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Outside of the city center, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. The Loch Ness Monster is said to make its home in the loch here, and visitors can take boat tours to hunt for the mythical creature. If you're looking for a more active adventure, take a hike in the hills or go fishing on the loch. No matter what you choose to do, Inverness is a beautiful and welcoming town that is sure to charm you.

Inverness Luxury Hotels

Marseille, France

The Vieux Port (Old Harbor) is the oldest port in France. It is a beautiful place to visit with its sailboats, restaurants, and cafes. The Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica is also worth a visit. It offers stunning views of the city. If you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, head to the La Canebiere. It's a wide avenue with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Marseille Luxury Hotels

Marseille Luxury Villas

Honolulu, HI, United States

Honolulu is a city located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, United States. It is the most populous city in the state of Hawaii and the county seat of the City and County of Honolulu. Honolulu is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is located in Honolulu. Other places to visit in Honolulu include Diamond Head, the USS Arizona Memorial, and Hanauma Bay.

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Bar Harbor, ME, United States

Famous for lobster and stunning ocean views, Bar Harbor is a popular destination in Maine. There are plenty of things to do in the town and its surroundings, including hiking, biking, whale watching, and exploring Acadia National Park.

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Colorado Springs, CO, United States

There are many places to visit in Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is a popular park with beautiful rock formations. Pike's Peak is a 14,115 foot mountain that offers great views and outdoor activities. The Broadmoor is a world-renowned resort with lovely gardens and a championship golf course. Royal Gorge Bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge and a popular tourist spot.

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Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States

Just an hours drive from the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach is a popular tourist spot, especially in the winter when the snowbirds migrate down. The seven-mile-long beach is known for its white sand and clear water and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a few stores.

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Biloxi, MS, United States

There are plenty of places to explore in Biloxi, Mississippi  from the citys iconic Beaches to the picturesque Bay Saint Louis. Venture into the citys downtown area to check out the many shops and restaurants, or take a walk along the shoreline. No matter what you choose to do, youre sure to have a great time in Biloxi.

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Palermo, Italy

If you're looking for a city with a rich and diverse history, Palermo is the place for you. This coastal city in Italy is teeming with medieval architecture, churches, and cathedrals. Be sure to check out the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Europe, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Sicilian government. Don't miss out on the city's vibrant nightlife and vast array of restaurants that serve up some of the best food in the country.

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Manila, Philippines

The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. There are plenty of places to visit in Manila, including the walled city of Intramuros, the Rizal Park, and the Manila Bay. The city is also home to a large number of churches, including the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church. Manila is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy.

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Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is an alpine village in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is famous for its ski resort, mountaineering and hiking trails. The views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt are iconic. The village is car-free, making it a cyclists' and pedestrians' paradise. There are many places to visit in Zermatt, including the village's beautiful churches, impressive museums, and great restaurants.

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Basel, Switzerland

Basel is a city located in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine. Basel has a population of about 176,000 and is the third most populous city in Switzerland. Basel has many interesting places to visit, including the Basel Munster, the Basel Rathaus (town hall), the Basel Zoo, and the Munsterhof, the old town square. Basel also has a number of art museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Fondation Beyeler, and the Schaulager. Basel is a great city to visit, and I highly recommend it!.

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Copenhagen, Denmark

There are a number of places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Rosenborg Castle Gardens. Tivoli Gardens is a beautiful amusement park that has something for everyone. It is perfect for a day of fun with family or friends. Nyhavn is a charming canal district that is popular for its brightly colored houses and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cruise down the canal or take a seat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. The Rosenborg Castle Gardens are home to a majestic castle as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. There is plenty to see and do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Steamboat Springs, CO, United States

Steamboat Springs is located in northwestern Colorado. The town is named for the steamboats that traveled up the Yampa River in the 1800s. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, known for its skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rafting.

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is home to many tourist attractions. Some popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Ferrari World Theme Park, and the Yas Island Waterpark. There are also a number of museums and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, making it a great destination for those looking for a mix of culture and leisure.

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Bogota, Colombia

There's a lot to see and do in Bogota. Some of the top places to visit include the historical La Candelaria district, the cobblestone streets of Plaza de Bolivar, the Monserrate mountain, the Bogota Botanical Garden, and the Gold Museum. La Candelaria is home to many brightly-colored colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Plaza de Bolivar is the center of Bogota and is surrounded by important landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the National Capitol. The Monserrate mountain is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views of Bogota. The Bogota Botanical Garden is the largest in Colombia and features a wide variety of plants and trees. The Gold Museum is home to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world.

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Cebu, Philippines

Due to its location and its rich history, there are plenty of places to visit in Cebu. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Cebu Taoist Temple, the Fort San Pedro, the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, and the Magellan's Cross.

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Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is a small town in Portugal with a population of around 22,000. It's located in the Algarve region and is a popular tourist destination. Some of the places to visit in Lagos are the beaches, the old town, and the Marina. The beaches are beautiful and there are a lot of them to choose from. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways with lots of shops and restaurants. The Marina is a great place to walk around and watch the boats.

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Medellin, Colombia

Some places to visit in Medellin, Colombia are: the Botanical Garden, the Ethnographic Museum, the Jardin Botanico, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Park of Lights, and the San Pedro Claver Church.

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Genoa, Italy

While there are many places to visit in Genoa, one of the must-sees is the city's cathedral. Dedicated to San Lorenzo, the church features an intricate Gothic facade and a Renaissance interior. If you're looking for a place to take in some stunning views, head to the Genoa Aquarium, which is located on the promenade stretching along the city's harbor.

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Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam. Its a bridge town thats best explored on foot. The narrow streets are a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. There are tailors, artisans, and lantern shops galore. The food is also some of the best in Vietnam. Be sure to try the local specialties, like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings.

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Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan is a city with a lot of culture and history. There are a lot of places to visit, like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. There are also a lot of great restaurants, like the Flame Club, which has a great atmosphere and delicious food.

Baku Luxury Hotels

San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

San Luis Obispo is a city located in the central coast of California. It's known for its natural beauty, relaxed vibe, and abundance of things to do. Some of the top places to visit in San Luis Obispo include the Madonna Inn, Hearst Castle, and the Paso Robles wine country. The city is also home to a variety of beaches, parks, and other attractions. In addition, San Luis Obispo is a great place to live, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

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Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The city is located on the west coast of the island and is the administrative, commercial, and industrial center of Sri Lanka. Colombo is also the center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with numerous Buddhist temples. There are a number of places to visit in Colombo, including the Galle Face Green, the Dutch fort, the Pettah Bazaar, and the Sri Lankan National Museum.

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Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia is home to some of the most stunning temples and historical landmarks in the country. The city is also a great place to enjoy traditional Javanese culture and cuisine. Some of the must-see places in Yogyakarta include the Borobudur Temple, the Prambanan Temple, and the Sultan's Palace.

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Cefalu, Italy

Looking for a beautiful and historic place to visit in Italy? Look no further than Cefalu. This town is teeming with history and stunning architecture, and its location on the coast makes it the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Don't miss the Duomo di Cefalu, a 12th century Norman church that is definitely worth a visit, or the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace.

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San Jose, CA, United States

San Jose, California, is home to a variety of tourist destinations. Some popular places to visit include the Winchester Mystery House, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. There are also a number of lovely parks, such as Kelley Park and Plaza de Cesar Chavez, that are well worth a visit. San Jose is also home to a number of great restaurants, so be sure to check out the local cuisine. Whatever your interests, San Jose has something to offer visitors.

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Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in China. There are many places to visit in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Victoria Peak, and the Temple Street Night Market. Hong Kong is also a great place to shop, with many high-end malls and markets.

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Orlando, FL, United States

Orlando is a city in the central region of Florida, in the United States. The city is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the metropolitan area also known as Greater Orlando. Orlando is well known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Other tourist destinations in Orlando include the Holy Land Experience, the Orlando Science Center, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the United States.

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Philadelphia, PA, United States

If youre looking for a place thats rich in history and culture, Philadelphia is the place for you. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Theres also a great variety of museums and other attractions to explore, such as the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum. And, of course, Philly is the birthplace of Americas favorite sandwich, the cheesesteak. So why not visit Americas most historic city and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?.

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Nice, France

France is known for its many beautiful places to visit, and Nice is no exception. With its stunning coastline and mild climate, Nice is a popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular places to visit in Nice include the Promenade des Anglais, the Castle Hill, and the Old Town. There is also a wide variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy in Nice. If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in France, Nice is definitely worth considering.

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Singapore, Singapore

Singapore is a popular tourist destination, brimming with cultural and natural attractions. From award-winning restaurants to serene gardens and pristine beaches, there is much to explore in this diverse city-state. Here are some of the top places to visit in Singapore: 1. Marina Bay: This iconic waterfront district is home to stunning architecture, world-class landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Gardens by the Bay: These stunning gardens feature a mix of plants from around the world, as well as towering sculptures and a biodome. 3. Chinatown: This lively district is home to traditional Chinese shops and restaurants, as well as vibrant street markets. 4. Little India: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture and colorful temples. 5. Sentosa Island: This resort island is home to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and a variety of entertainment options.

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Nottingham, United Kingdom

Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is one of the United Kingdom's major cities, with a population of over 321,000. The city is home to two universities, Queen's Medical Centre, and seven football grounds. Nottingham is known for its lace-making and bicycle manufacturing. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age. There are plenty of places to visit in Nottingham, including the Nottingham Castle, the Sherwood Forest, and the National Ice Centre. The city also has a lively nightlife, with a variety of pubs and bars.

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Cannes, France

Cannes is a city located in the south of France. Some of the places to visit in Cannes are the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and Le Suquet.

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Park City, UT, United States

Park City, Utah, offers visitors a wealth of places to visit and things to do. Main Street, with its charming shops and restaurants, is a must-see. The Park City Museum tells the town's fascinating history, and the Park City Utah Temple is a beautiful sight. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty of skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. And don't forget to visit the Olympic Park, where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held.

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Port Angeles, WA, United States

If you're looking for a quaint, small town to visit in the US, Port Angeles is worth a stop. Located in the state of Washington, it's right on the Pacific coast with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. There's plenty of things to do in the area, from hiking and fishing to whale watching and enjoying the local restaurants and breweries.

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Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States

If you're looking for a fun-filled Florida getaway, look no further than Fort Lauderdale! With its miles of pristine beaches, world-famous shopping and vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone in this seaside city. Here are some of the top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale:  Las Olas Boulevard: This popular shopping and dining district is home to some of Fort Lauderdale's most upscale boutiques and restaurants.  The Beach: With its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Fort Lauderdale's beach is a major draw for visitors.  The Everglades: Just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades are home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles and manatees.  The Broward Center for the Performing Arts: This world-class performing arts center is home to a variety of theater, dance and music performances. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Fort Lauderdale today!.

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Myrtle Beach, SC, United States

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to visit in the area, including amusement parks, beaches, and golf courses. Myrtle Beach also has a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants.

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Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is one of the most visited places in Austria. It is a city rich in history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, and the Salzburg Cathedral. There are also many hiking trails and parks to enjoy.

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Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya is an amazing city with plenty of places to visit and things to do. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Pattaya offers something for everyone. There are lovely beaches, interesting temples, great shopping, and exciting nightlife. With its moderate climate and affordable prices, it's no wonder Pattaya is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world.

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Dallas, TX, United States

Dallas is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is the ninth most populous city in the United States and the third most populous city in the state of Texas. Dallas is also the main city of the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city's prominence arose from its historical importance as a center for the oil and cotton industries, and its position as a major transportation hub for the South. Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. The city's economy is primarily based on banking, commerce, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare and medical research, and transportation. The city is home to the world's largest airline hub and the third largest cargo airport in the United States.

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Kolkata, India

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is located on the east bank of the Hooghly River. It is the second most populous city in India, after Mumbai, and the third most populous metropolitan area in India, after Mumbai and Delhi. The city is notable for its colonial architecture, art and culture, and for its overwhelming poverty. Kolkata is home to the Indian Museum, the Calcutta Stock Exchange, the National Library of India, and the Indian Statistical Institute.

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San Antonio, TX, United States

San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. There are plenty of places to visit in this city, from the well-known River Walk to the exquisite Spanish missions. If you're looking for a fun place to spend the day, you can't go wrong with San Antonio.

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Seattle, WA, United States

There are many wonderful places to visit in Seattle, Washington. Some of the most popular attractions include Pike Place Market, the Seattle Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture. There are also many parks and gardens, such as Volunteer Park and Seattle Chinese Garden, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops. Located on the other side of the world, Western Australia is a great place to visit for those looking for something different. Some of the most popular attractions include Rottnest Island, the Margaret River region, and Monkey Mia. There are also plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, such as Kings Park and Botanic Garden, as well as restaurants and shops.

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Liverpool, United Kingdom

Liverpool is a city located in North West England and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom. The city is known for its football teams Liverpool and Everton, The Beatles, and its maritime history. Liverpool is a popular tourist destination and is home to various tourist attractions including Mersey Ferry, Liverpool Cathedral, and Albert Dock.

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Malmo, Sweden

Malmo is Sweden's third largest city with a population of over 310,000. It is located in the province of Scania on the country's southern tip. Malmo is a vibrant city with a strong arts and cultural scene. There are plenty of places to visit in Malmo, including the Malmo Castle, the Botanical Gardens, and the Turning Torso skyscraper. Malmo is also home to a large shopping district and a lively nightlife.

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Gothenburg, Sweden

Goteborg, Sweden's second largest city, is a major port on the country's west coast. It's a popular tourist destination, known for its lively nightlife, beautiful architecture and delicious seafood. Some of the city's highlights include the Liseberg amusement park, the Botanical Garden, and the charming old town district. Goteborg is also home to a large number of museums, including the Volvo Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Universeum science center.

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Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and is a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Ljubljana, such as the castle, the old town, and the cathedral. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and parks. Ljubljana is a great city to explore on foot, and there are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

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Sydney, NSW, Australia

Australia is a vast country with plenty of stunning places to visit, but Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the beautiful beaches and lush national parks, there's something for everyone in this lively city. There's also a thriving food and nightlife scene, so you'll never run out of things to do in Sydney.

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Melbourne, VIC, Australia

There's a lot to love about Melbourne  its lively arts and culture scene, its parks and gardens, its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, and its stunning architecture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Melbourne: - Federation Square: This iconic square is a great place to people-watch and take in the city's impressive architecture. It's also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria. - Queen Victoria Market: This vibrant market is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike. It's the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, and offers a vast array of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and souvenirs. - Melbourne Cricket Ground: If you're a sports fan, be sure to check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is the largest cricket stadium in the world. It's also home to the Australian Football League, and has hosted a number of major sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby Union World Cup. - Royal Botanic Gardens: These beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and take in some of Melbourne's natural beauty. They're home to a number of different gardens, including the Australian Garden, the Sculpture Garden, and the Japanese Garden.

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Vancouver, BC, Canada

The top places to visit in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown. These are all must-see attractions that offer an array of activities, scenery, and history. Stanley Park is a world-famous urban park that features greenery, beaches, gardens, and a stunning view of the North Shore Mountains. Granville Island is a vibrant neighbourhood with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Gastown is the city's oldest neighbourhood and is home to charming cobblestone streets and funky boutiques. Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America and offers delicious food, interesting history, and vibrant culture.

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Toronto, ON, Canada

From the CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Distillery District, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Toronto, Canada. With something for everyone, Toronto is a great city to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!.

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Montreal, QC, Canada

Montreal is a vibrant city with something for everyone. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Notre Dame Basilica, the Olympic Stadium, and Mount Royal. The city is also home to a lively arts and culture scene, with theatres, art galleries, and music venues. Montreal is a great place to visit year-round, with festivals and events happening throughout the year.

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Seville, Spain

Seville is one of the most visited places in Spain for a plethora of reasons: its stunning architecture, tapas bars, flamenco and great weather. The Giralda Tower is a must-see when in Seville as is the Plaza de Espana. Andalusian culture is heavily present in the city and is best experienced by wandering the narrow streets and alleyways, popping into a lively tapas bar for a drink and some snacks or enjoying a flamenco show.

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Ocean City, MD, United States

Ocean City is a seaside resort town in Worcester County, Maryland, on the Atlantic coast. It is well known for its long promenade, its fishing, and its crab cuisine. There are plenty of places to visit in Ocean City, including the boardwalk, amusement rides, shopping, and restaurants. You can also visit the Assateague Island National Seashore, which is home to wild horses, or head to the nearby town of Berlin for more shopping and dining options.

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Cambridge, MA, United States

If you're looking for a quintessential New England town to visit, Cambridge, Massachusetts is the place for you. With its elaborate architecture and Colonial history, Cambridge is a lively town with plenty of things to see and do - perfect for a weekend getaway. Some of the places you won't want to miss include the Harvard University campus, the charming and lively shops and restaurants in Harvard Square, and the leafy paths of the Cambridge Common.

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Laguna Beach, CA, United States

Laguna Beach, California is a place known for its stunningly beautiful coastline, excellent restaurants, and art galleries. But there's more to Laguna Beach than meets the eye. Here are some of the best places to visit in Laguna Beach: Crystal Cove State Park: This state park is known for its coves, tidepools, and bluffs. It's a great place to go hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Heisler Park: This park is a great place for a walk or a picnic. It's also home to some of the best views of the Pacific Coast. Downtown Laguna Beach: This charming downtown area is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Aliso Beach: This beach is known for its excellent surfing and swimming conditions. It's also a great place to take a walk or enjoy a picnic.

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Hot Springs, AR, United States

In downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, you'll find historic buildings, antique shops, and art galleries. For nature lovers, there are also plenty of places to visit, including the Garland County Arboretum, Ouachita National Forest, and Hot Springs National Park. Spa enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day in one of the area's hot springs. And no trip to Hot Springs is complete without a visit to the world-famous Bathhouse Row.

Hot Springs Luxury Hotels

Sedona, AZ, United States

There are many places to visit in Sedona, Arizona. Among the most popular are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. The town's unique red-rock formations and ancient ruins offer plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Sedona is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Southwest.

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Boulder, CO, United States

Boulder, Colorado is a breathtaking city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is home to stunning views, ample outdoor recreation, and a lively arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the city's many trails, parks, and open spaces. History buffs will enjoy checking out the city's museums and historic sites. Culture seekers will appreciate the city's many theaters, art galleries, and restaurants. No matter what your interests, you'll find something to love in Boulder.

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Key West, FL, United States

Key West is a small island off the coast of Florida that is filled with history, charm, and fun places to visit. Its lush tropical setting and the laid-back vibe of the island make it a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway. There are plenty of places to explore in Key West, from the charming historic district to the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys. Here are some of the top places to visit in Key West: -The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This iconic museum is dedicated to the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West for over 20 years. -Duval Street: This lively street is the heart of Key West's nightlife and is home to many bars and restaurants. -The Southernmost Point: This landmark is located at the end of Duval Street and is the southernmost point in the continental United States. -The Key West Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists and offers stunning views of the island. -The African American Heritage House: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Key West. -The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This attraction is home to over 2,000 butterflies and a variety of other tropical plants and animals.

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Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden is a city with many places to visit. One place is the Vasa Museum, which is home to a ship that sunk in 1628 and was raised from the ocean floor 333 years later. The ship is preserved and on display in the museum. Another place to visit is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch. The palace is open for tours, and visitors can see the royal apartments, the throne room, and the Hall of State.

Stockholm Luxury Hotels

Destin, FL, United States

Looking for a place to visit in Florida? Look no further than Destin! This city is home to beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in Destin. Be sure to check out the Destin Harbor and the fishing pier for amazing views and plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a place to relax, head to the beach and enjoy the sun and sand. There's something for everyone in Destin, so be sure to visit this amazing city!.

Destin Luxury Hotels

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Ashland, OR, United States

There are many places to visit in Ashland, Oregon. Some of the most popular places are the Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, and Mt. Ashland. The Shakespeare Festival is a great place to see some of the best plays in the world. Lithia Park is a beautiful park with a river running through it. Mt. Ashland is a great place to go skiing in the winter.

Ashland Luxury Hotels

Seaside, OR, United States

One of the most beautiful places on the Oregon Coast is Seaside. With its wide, sandy beach and majestic promenade, Seaside is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to eat and shop, and the Seaside Aquarium is a must-see. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, whale watching, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the beach.

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Newport, RI, United States

Newport is a picturesque town located in southern Rhode Island that is home to some of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States. The city is known for its miles of beaches and historic mansions that line the coast. Some popular places to visit in Newport include the Cliff Walk, the Breakers Mansion, the Museum of Yachting, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Newport Luxury Hotels

Siena, Italy

Siena, Italy is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its well-preserved medieval city center. The city is famous for its art, food, and wine. Siena is located in the heart of Tuscany, making it the perfect base for exploring this beautiful region of Italy. Don't miss the Duomo (cathedral), the Piazza del Campo, and the Torre del Mangia.

Siena Luxury Hotels

Reno, NV, United States

Home to the University of Nevada, Reno and a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, Reno is a great place to visit. Some of the top places to see in Reno include the Nevada Museum of Art, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, and the Reno Events Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and skiing at Lake Tahoe and biking and kayaking on the Truckee River. In addition, Reno is home to a diverse array of restaurants and nightlife venues.

Reno Luxury Hotels

Atlantic City, NJ, United States

Atlantic City is a popular East Coast tourist destination, known for its boardwalks, beaches and casinos. There are plenty of places to visit in Atlantic City, from the Boardwalk Hall and the Absecon Lighthouse to the Atlantic City Aquarium and Lucy the Elephant. For a more thrilling experience, head to one of the city's casinos, where you can try your hand at blackjack, slots, roulette and more. Atlantic City also offers a wide variety of restaurants, from seafood spots to pizza places, so you're sure to find something to your taste. And if you're looking for some nightlife action, the city has you covered there too. Atlantic City is definitely a place worth visiting!.

Atlantic City Luxury Hotels

Atlantic City Luxury Resorts

Lake George, NY, United States

Looking for a place to visit in upstate New York? Look no further than the stunning Lake George. This picturesque locale is located in the heart of the Adirondacks and is known for its pristine beauty and terrific recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing, among other activities. Don't miss the chance to take in the spectacular views from the summit of Prospect Mountain or from the water's edge.

Lake George Luxury Hotels

Buffalo, NY, United States

If you're looking for a city that has it all, Buffalo is the place to be. From its vibrant downtown district to its abundance of parks and nature preserves, there's something for everyone in Buffalo. Here are some of the top places to visit in Buffalo: 1. The Buffalo Zoo - One of the top zoos in the country, the Buffalo Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. 2. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Buffalo's answer to the Louvre, the Albright-Knox is home to some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. 3. The Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village - This living history museum offers a glimpse into what life was like in Buffalo in the 1800s. 4. The Buffalo River - Take a walk or bike ride along the Buffalo River, one of the city's most picturesque areas. 5. Delaware Park - This large park is home to a variety of attractions, including a zoo, a golf course, and a nature preserve.

Buffalo Luxury Hotels

Rochester, MN, United States

Rochester, Minnesota is a city with plenty of places to visit. There's the Mayo Clinic, the Apache Mall, and several other shopping areas, as well as a variety of restaurants. There are also a few parks and golf courses. For those who love the outdoors, Rochester is also close to several state parks and the Mississippi River.

Rochester Luxury Hotels

Duluth, MN, United States

If you're looking for an amazing place to visit, Duluth, Minnesota should definitely be at the top of your list. This city is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, and there are plenty of things to do here that will keep you entertained for days on end. Some of the most popular places to visit in Duluth include the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Glensheen Mansion, and Chester Creek Park. Additionally, there are a number of excellent restaurants and shopping areas in the city, so be sure to explore everything that Duluth has to offer.

Duluth Luxury Hotels

Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Maputo, such as the Jose Eduardo dos Santos Museum, the Maputo Cathedral, and the Rua da Independencia. Maputo is also home to the Maputo Bay, which offers beautiful beaches and great seafood.

Maputo Luxury Hotels

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, located on the northeast coast of Spain, is a renowned tourist destination and one of the most popular cities in the world. There are plenty of places to visit in Barcelona, such as the Gothic Quarter, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parc Guell, La Sagrada Familia, and more. The city is also home to a lively nightlife and some of the best restaurants in the country.

Barcelona Luxury Hotels

Barcelona Luxury Villas

Split, Croatia

Split is a city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. It is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in Dalmatia. It has a population of over 200,000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area, which includes the City of Split and the surrounding towns, has a population of over 330,000. Split is a popular tourist destination and is the home of the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular tourist destinations include the Riva, the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Sustipan.

Split Luxury Hotels

Split Luxury Villas

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the administrative center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Adriatic".

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Dubrovnik Luxury Villas

Byron Bay, NSW, Australia

Byron Bay is a magical place. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The town is set in a beautiful location, surrounded by rolling green hills and the bright blue ocean. There's plenty to do in Byron Bay, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled trip. Some of the top places to visit in Byron Bay include the iconic lighthouse, the stunning beaches, and the lush rainforest. There's also a great nightlife and plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you're looking for an amazing Australian getaway, be sure to add Byron Bay to your list!.

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Wellington, New Zealand

If you're looking for a little slice of heaven on earth, look no further than Wellington, New Zealand. With its gorgeous landscape and plethora of activities, there's something for everyone here. Whether you're a nature lover or a city slicker, Wellington has something special to offer. Top Wellington attractions include the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, and the sprawling Te Papa museum. For those who love getting out into the great outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as lovely seaside towns and villages to explore. And of course, no trip to Wellington would be complete without trying some of the delicious local cuisine  be sure to sample a traditional Maori hangi feast! So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Wellington today and start planning your perfect holiday!.

Wellington Luxury Hotels

Saint Louis, MO, United States

If you're looking for a fun place to visit with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do, look no further than Saint Louis, Missouri. This vibrant city is home to a variety of interesting attractions, including the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. There's also no shortage of restaurants and shopping options in Saint Louis. So, whether you're looking for a place to explore new cultures and cuisines or you're just looking for a place to have some fun, Saint Louis is a great option.

Saint Louis Luxury Hotels

Bloomington, IN, United States

The city of Bloomington, Indiana is home to a variety of attractions and places to visit. The Indiana University campus is a popular destination, as is the city's historic downtown district. Monroe County Courthouse
BISMARCK  Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says a lawsuit brought by the North Dakota Farm Bureau seeking to overturn the states anti-corporate farming law is so vague that the state cant properly respond to it, but a lawyer for the plaintiffs says the complaint is specific.

The lawsuit filed June 2 in U.S. District Court in Bismarck claims the law passed by North Dakota voters in 1932 is unconstitutional and hurts farmers by limiting their ability to attract investment and secure financing and lowering the value of their farms.

Stenehjem, in a motion and memo filed Wednesday, asked the court to order the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint specifying which parts of the law violate the U.S. Constitution.

He argued that the anti-corporate farming law takes up nearly 20 pages of the North Dakota Century Code and the complaint makes only general and obscure references about the source of the unconstitutionality.

The Complaint is currently so vague or ambiguous that the State is unable to adequately prepare and frame a proper responsive pleading, the motion stated, later adding that the state should not be relegated to speculation or outright guesswork.

Fargo attorney Sarah Andrews Herman, who is representing the plaintiffs, said she was somewhat surprised by the motion, noting she had received a call from an assistant attorney general and referred him to similar complaints that successfully challenged anti-corporate farming laws in South Dakota and Nebraska.

I dont think there is any validity to that, she said. I think theres a lot of information there and were not trying to be mysterious at all, and I think they know what were talking about.

North Dakota is one of nine states that prohibit or limit corporate farming and is the only state with no exemption for livestock. The law contains an exemption for family corporations and limited liability companies with up to 15 related shareholders.

State lawmakers passed a bill last year that would have partially lifted the ban to allow for non-family corporate ownership of dairy and swine operations. But opponents led by the North Dakota Farmers Union gathered enough signatures to force a referendum, and residents voted down the exemptions on June 14.

Stenehjem noted that state and federal courts have consistently upheld North Dakotas anti-corporate farming law, but similar laws in other states havent always survived challenges.

South Dakota voters approved a corporate farming ban in 1998, but a group of feedlot owners, ranchers and landowners challenged the ban in federal court and won. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ruling in 2003, finding that the ban violated constitutional protections against undue burdens on interstate commerce.

The other plaintiffs in the North Dakota lawsuit are Thompson-based Galegher Farms Inc.; Wisconsin-based Breeze Dairy Group LLC, which is made up of five unrelated families who want to expand to North Dakota; and Wisconsin dairy farmer Brian Gerrits, one of the companys founders. The suit claims the ban discriminates against citizens of other states and interferes with interstate commerce.
The Democratic National Convention wraps up tonight with Hillary Clintons acceptance speech. It ends two weeks of political conventions, both well orchestrated, that went off without too many bumps in the road for the parties. The events of the last two weeks remind us that the primaries, caucuses and conventions are all about the political parties.

The parties control the rules, so the anti-Donald Trump movement didnt last long on the floor of the GOP convention and Bernie Sanders supporters were defeated when they arrived in Philadelphia. So both conventions focused on unity and the next few weeks will reveal which party did the best job of bringing members together and winning over independents and members of the other party.

There were disappointed members in both the Democratic and Republican delegations from North Dakota. There were Ted Cruz supporters and Sanders faithful who would have liked to have seen more of a floor battle. However, neither side had enough votes.

Some Democrats are unhappy because the party allows superdelegates, those holding office and party positions. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is a superdelegate, one of many who gave their support to Clinton, giving her the edge throughout the primary-caucus process. Heitkamp is the only Democrat holding a major elected-office in the state. As such, one would expect her to be held in high esteem in the party. That didnt spare her criticism as some delegates favoring Sanders argued she shouldnt have committed to Clinton so early, that she should have waited until the caucus before choosing a candidate. The majority of the North Dakota delegation favored Sanders.

In the end, Heitkamp didn't cast a vote at the convention.

Thats sour grapes by the Sanders' delegates. Many voters want to know who their congressional delegation and governor support throughout the process. North Dakotans were intrigued when Rep. Kevin Cramer came out in support of Trump and became an energy adviser to the candidate. They were interested in why he chose Trump and proud that a North Dakotan had become an insider with the leading presidential GOP candidate.

It was no surprise, even with their disagreements on energy policy, that Heitkamp came out in support of Clinton. The criticism Heitkamp received for her endorsement could be chalked up to a party involved in a lively debate. A debate, when over, could lead to a stronger party. That might be true on the national level, but its an iffy proposition in North Dakota. Heitkamp won a close Senate race against Rick Berg and if she seeks another term, will likely face another tough contest.

With that in mind, one would think it would be in the interest of state Democrats to do everything they can to improve Heitkamps chances. Unfortunately, the sniping is another sign of a party that has lost the ability to win elections. Heitkamp found a strategy that worked and Democrats should pay attention. North Dakota Democrats need all the help they can get and if the party does well in the national elections there could be some trickle-down benefits for them.

The next three months looks to be a fascinating time as the Trump-Clinton race unfolds.
With an eye on deadly opioid overdoses in Grand Forks and Fargo this year, people across North Dakota are creating public awareness about opioid abuse to get ahead of the problem in their own communities.

"Instead of reacting to what might happen, we decided to proactively increase awareness as to the issues that we're seeing statewide in the hopes that will help save lives, said U.S. Attorney Chris Myers.

Myers is hosting a forum at 6 p.m. Thursday at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck to have a frank conversation about the opiate problem, which local law enforcement has said is growing. Similar events were held in Grand Forks and Fargo after overdoses claimed the lives of over a dozen people in the region, according to the Fargo Forum.

"We're not going to arrest our way out of the opiate crisis," Myers said. "We're hoping the community will engage with us and help us."

Recently, the Bismarck Police warned residents of an increase in heroin use in the area, though it has not reached the scale seen in the eastern part of the state. Police said the increase is being caused partly by a drop in price  from $100 down to $40-$60 per dose  compared with prescription pills.

Since December, two people have died and another is on life support as a result of opiate overdoses in Bismarck, Sgt. Mark Buschena said. Other non-lethal overdoses have been noted, as well.

The big cities are not the only ones thinking about prevention.

Traill County officials planned a forum featuring Myers, a BCI agent and a doctor. About 170 people  a huge number for a county of about 8,000  attended the event in Mayville on July 11.

"Unless it is an event at the schools, that is probably as big an event as you're going to see in something like this," said Sheriff Steve Hunt.

Traill County District Health Director Brenda Stallman said audience members were full of questions: Where is there treatment? What do I do if someone I know needs help? We live in a rural area; are the drugs here, too?

Though there have been no reported overdose deaths in that county, opiates are abused there.

"It's close by," said Stallman. "It could easily be any of our students. ... People left a little unsettled.

Presenters told attendees about drug take-back programs and treatment in neighboring Fargo and Grand Forks. Stallman said she wants to start educating kids about opiates in school as a next step.

On the state level, the Department of Human Services is taking a long-term preventive approach. The idea is to teach people how to take prescription drugs responsibly in the hopes this will prevent misuse, a common pathway to heroin addiction.

Since May, the department has been taking out newspaper ads encouraging people to ask their doctors about naloxone, a drug that temporarily stops an opiate overdose. They have also created baggies for returning old pills to police stations and pharmacies, as well as information sheets about locking up medicines.

The materials are intended to encourage parents to explain to their kids why they take vitamins and cough medicine, instead of just feeding kids a dose, said Prevention Director Laura Anderson. Families should get into the habit of returning old pills so they will be less available for abuse.

"To have prevention efforts that are sustainable, you need to change the environment," Anderson said.

In perhaps a crystallization of all the efforts, the department devoted its booth at the North Dakota State Fair to prescription pills and opioids. Behavioral Health Prevention Specialist Tom Volk handed out materials and encouraged people to sign up for a raffle for prescription pill lock boxes.

"This is really good information for everybody with kids or thinking of kids," said Deb Frank, of Bismarck, who picked up a baggie at the booth.
Make-A-Wish(r) Alabama is granting a wish to a Fairhope teen with the help of the organization Jewelers for Children. Breanna,18, has Cystic Fibrosis and her wish was to go to Hawaii. Wismar Jewelry in Fairhope hosted a sendoff party at the store for Breanna on Wednesday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m.

Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry with the mission of helping children in need. Through relationships with charities such as Make-A-Wish(r), JFC has donated more than $48 million to programs benefiting children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse or neglect.

This nationwide success is due to the continuing generosity of jewelry trade organizations, jewelry and watch manufacturing companies, jewelry retail stores, individual jewelry professionals and jewelry consumers.

Wismar Jewelry is located at 2 S. Church St., Suite A, in Fairhope.

To learn more about Make-A-Wish(r) Alabama, contact Julianna Hallman at jhallman@alabama.wish.org or 205-254-1933

Make-A-Wish(r) Alabama grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish(r) is the world's largest wish-granting organization, serving children in nearly 50 countries on five continents. With the help of generous donors and more than 32,000 volunteers worldwide, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the world every 21 minutes on average. Since 1980, it has granted more than 350,000 wishes to children around the world.

In September 2012, Make-A-Wish(r) Alabama was established as an independent 501(c)(3) headquartered in Birmingham and is locally governed by a 16 member board of directors.
The sci-fi genre has seen a resurgence across the board in virtually every major medium. Its television though where the genre has really taken off. From the Syfy networks hit series, The Expanse to CBSs plans for a Star Trek revival, the genre has blown up on the small-screen. At Netflix, we see the genre taking an even more compelling turn, thanks to the thrilling work of the Duffer Brothers on Stranger Things. The series is set in 1980s Indiana and follows a group of kids who stumble on a secret government project that changes their lives forever. But even thats a massive simplification of a much more complex and nuanced story.

Stranger Things lives up to its name in every sense, helped by a solid cast (both children and adults), killer writing, and a subtle twist that gives us just enough to look forward to in the second season. More than that, Stranger Things ushers in the new age of sci-fi on TV, which coincidentally looks a lot like the a bygone era of science-fiction

1. It makes the old feel new again

The thing that immediately shines through the second you start watching this show is the eery 1980s vibe that feels reminiscent of Close Encounters of the Third Kind or E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. What we soon find out is that things are far less whimsical than your average Steven Spielberg-in-his-prime film. The show infuses elements of Stephen Kings horror sensibilities along the way and Stranger Things never feels like a by-the-book homage to Spielbergs heyday as a sci-fi filmmaker.

Stranger Things is a story that sets itself apart in every way. The show pits a group of kids against an inter-dimensional monster, the former helped by a telepathic young girl who escaped from a government facility. It takes a skilled creative hand to take an old concept and make it feel new again, and thats exactly what Stranger Things accomplishes in spades.

2. The soundtrack. Oh man, that soundtrack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpHNlx0pPIU

The art of the soundtrack has been lost on much of modern sci-fi TV, with most shows opting for your basic, run-of-the-mill foreboding-type music that could be copied and pasted into any other drama. When a show adopts a musical score specifically tailored for its unique tone, its not hard to perk up the second the theme song rolls across the opening credits. The Nerdist just about nails it, describing the synth-led soundtrack as a coalescence of John Carpenters and Tangerine Dreams extensive film scores.

3. A refreshing, original story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY

There are so many reboots, sequels, and adaptations out in the world right now, so when a series bubbles up with an entirely original concept behind it, viewers immediately take notice. Its usually just an added bonus when that story is halfway decent, but in the case of Stranger Things, we get all that and more. Of course this show will inevitably get extended and dragged on for as long as its popular, but theres something thrilling about witnessing the genesis of a brand new sci-fi story. Sure, the series admittedly borrows from a tried-and-true 80s aesthetic, but we also get an entirely original story that utilizes that 80s-feel more than its actual narrative elements.

4. Its confirmed the Duffer Brothers sci-fi expertise

Showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer, while not household names, have spent the last two years entering the world of sci-fi in style. Their first major project was just last year when the brothers got signed on write a run of episodes for M. Night Shyamalans Wayward Pines series. Season 1 of Wayward Pines was an interesting case study in and of itself into the resurgence of sci-fi television, despite a less-than-stellar second season that coincidentally didnt feature the Duffers as writers. Between that and their considerable work on Stranger Things, the duo has already put together an incredible resume of short-season sci-fi TV.

[Update, 9/1/16: Confirming prevalent rumors following the series positive reception, Stranger Things has officially been picked up for a second season]

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Plate 31: Le Cotinga pacapaca, male. Le Vaillant, Francois. Histoire naturelle dune partie doiseaux nouveaux et rares de lAmerique et des Indes. 1801. Digitized by The Field Museum of Natural History Library. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47511750. Description on pages 66-69.

In honor of the first Olympics to take place in Brazil, we are highlighting a book contributed by The Field Museum featuring birds of South America, Le Vaillants Histoire naturelle dune partie doiseaux nouveaux et rares de lAmerique et des Indes (1801). Among several titles chosen for digitization from the Field Museum Librarys impressive Edward E. Ayer Ornithological Library, housed in the collections of the Mary W. Runnells Rare Book Room, the entry for the volume in Catalogue of the Edward E. Ayer Ornithological Library characterizes it as a work intended to supplement his Hist. Nat. des Oiseaux dAfrique (q.v.) by describing and figuring birds not properly included in that work.

Published in eight parts, Histoire naturelle dune partie doiseaux nouveaux et rares de lAmerique et des Indes was available as a folio with both colored and uncolored plates; large quarto with colored plates only; and quarto, with uncolored plates only. Originally 240 plates were proposed, but ultimately only 49 were produced of species of Bucerotidae from Malay Archipelago and Cotingidae from South America. The Field Museums copy is a folio with both colored and uncolored plates.

Plate 37, color: Le Continga ouette, male. Le Vaillant, Francois. Histoire naturelle dune partie doiseaux nouveaux et rares de lAmerique et des Indes. 1801. Digitized by The Field Museum of Natural History Library. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47511812. Descriptions on pages 81-83.

Plate 38, uncolored: Le Continga ouette, male. Le Vaillant, Francois. Histoire naturelle dune partie doiseaux nouveaux et rares de lAmerique et des Indes. 1801. Digitized by The Field Museum of Natural History Library. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47511816. Description on pages 81-83.

Born to French naturalists in Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana (Suriname), Francois Le Vaillant (1753-1824) began collecting bird specimens and building his own cabinet (or collection of specimens) before the age of ten. The family returned to France in 1763, where Le Vaillant would eventually make connections with ornithologists, collectors, and patrons who would become supporters of his work.

Le Vaillant was one of the first naturalists to independently embark on long voyages to study subjects in the wild. Previous naturalists had generally conducted such fieldwork as part of larger scientific expeditions. Not an illustrator in his own right, Le Vaillant relied on renowned artist Jacques Barraband (1768-1890) and emerging technologies of the day to produce his books. As authors Sitwell and Buchanan point out: One interesting and sometimes confusing point is that some famous books are known by the authors name and not the artist. Le Vaillantwhose name appears on most of the great French bird books of that same period, was a naturalist who travelled far, but never drew any of the pictures for his books

Barraband painted the birds that Le Vaillant secured on his voyages in watercolors, which were then assembled using an elaborate mixture of processes  engraving, etching, colour printing and hand-finishing (Lambourne). Le Vaillant was fortunate in that Napoleon Bonaparte had imitated a policy of Louis XIV to create a series of publications that were then sent as presents to crowned heads, men of science, and learned bodies, in evidence of the splendours of the Empirein this manner many glorious books came into beingThe works of Le Vaillant owe their sumptuous character to the same impetus (Sitwell and Buchanan).

Le Vaillants travel memoirs contributed as much to his fame in his lifetime as his illustrated bird books: due to its popularity, Travels into the interior parts of Africa : by the way of the Cape of Good Hope in the years 1780, 8l, 82, 83, 84, and 85 (contributed by Smithsonian Libraries) was translated into English and German. Feeling pressured to write a sequel, New travels into the interior parts of Africa : by the way of the Cape of Good Hope, in the years 1783, 84 and 85 (also contributed by Smithsonian Libraries), contains an entirely fabricated account of a journey from the Orange River to the Tropic of Capricorn, though this was not discovered until after his death (Pasquier and Farrand). Ultimately, despite any embellishments, Le Vaillant will be remembered for having produced some of the finest bird books ever created.

Map, Foldout: Map of M. Le Vaillants Two Journies in the Southern Part of Africa. New travels into the interior parts of Africa : by the way of the Cape of Good Hope, in the years 1783, 84 and 85. Digitized by The Smithsonian Libraries. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47139301.

The images from Histoire naturelle dune partie doiseaux nouveaux et rares de lAmerique et des Indes are available in BHLs Flickr. Nearly all of them have been taxon tagged by volunteers with the scientific name of the species depicted, allowing you to easily determine the species in the image as well as search Flickr for one of the included species and find the image. Learn more about our citizen science Flickr tagging efforts.

Example of a taxon-tagged image from La Vaillants Histoire naturelle dune partie doiseaux nouveaux et rares de lAmerique et des Indes in BHLs Flickr.

References:
Martin Bradley tries out virtual reality in The Galaxy Lounge at Lollapalooza on Thursday. Samsung is the first-ever virtual reality sponsor for the music festival. (Keri Wiginton / Blue Sky)

If being in the audience at Lollapalooza isn't cutting it, some festivalgoers will have the chance to be onstage this year  through virtual reality, that is.

Samsung is the first-ever virtual reality sponsor for the music festival, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this Thursday through Sunday. It's planning VR experiences throughout Grant Park, including surfing and skateboarding, and a lounge where people can watch performances on VR headsets.

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Other sponsors who want to showcase virtual reality must use Samsung gear. And some of the company's experiences are a little exclusive.

Only people that own a Galaxy phone (and their plus-ones) will be allowed in The Galaxy Lounge, which holds about 400 people, said Derrin Woodhouse, head of experiential marketing at Samsung U.S. There will be free food, drinks and surprise performances. And it's positioned to give attendees uninhibited views of the Samsung Stage, where J. Cole, Radiohead and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will perform.

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Galaxy owners will also get the chance to win a trip to Lollapalooza in Berlin in September.

Over in VR-Palooza, which is open to everyone, there will be Samsung Pay Vending Machines, where only Samsung Pay users can win festival upgrades and perks. A similar machine is set up at the pop-up Lollapalooza store outside the festival on North Michigan Avenue.

All this exclusivity was created on purpose, of course, Woodhouse said.

"If you have our devices, this is your ticket into something exclusive," he said. "We actually want to showcase the things we're doing, and  (we're) creating that envy."

Samsung has a partnership with Facebook-owned virtual reality pioneer Oculus Rift, and was one of the first companies to bring a VR headset to market. Its $99 Gear VR headset gives Galaxy smartphone the ability to stream VR.

Non-Galaxy users will get a taste, too. At VR-Palooza, attendees can livestream performances from the viewpoint of the bands on the Samsung Stage using the headsets, which Oculus will power. They can also virtually skateboard in Malibu, surf in Tahiti and strap into a roller coaster, Woodhouse said.

"Every festival is doing a different experience," he said. "As a consumer now, we're spoiled to say, 'I want the enhanced experience, because that's going to give me the better opportunity to experience something live.'"

Jack Daniel's is also bringing virtual reality along with its whiskey, said Midwest marketing manager Lisa Estes.

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The company released a three-minute, virtual reality video earlier this month that gives viewers a 360-degree tour of the Tennessee distillery. It will use Samsung's headset to stream that video to attendees in its VIP and general area, Estes said.

amarotti@tribpub.com

Twitter @allymarotti
Coco Meers, founder and CEO of PrettyQuick, an on-demand beauty service booking app, talks about her experience starting a business at Technori. Meers touched upon the gender gap in the tech and startup industry and said more than half of PrettyQuick's staff is female. (Stacey Rupolo / Blue Sky )

PrettyQuick founder Coco Meers  hopes her 16-month-old daughter will never bat an eye at the idea of being a female founder.

"If she ever wants to start a company, I hope it'll be a no-brainer for her," she said. "Her friends will be venture capitalists, her friends will be software designers, and there will be no gender gap for her."

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Meers told the crowd at Technori Tuesday night in Chase Auditorium that she counts herself lucky to have had entrepreneurial women supporting her as she grew her company, not just with advice, but with capital.

Others should have that same chance, and the tech community needs more women  including in finance and late-stage companies  to help make that possible, she said.

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Meers left her job as a beauty industry marketing professional to go back to school in 2009 and get her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In 2012 she co-founded PrettyQuick, a spa and salon appointment-booking service. Groupon acquired her company last year.

Meers, who is still CEO of PrettyQuick, said the company expects to be in 40 markets by the end of the year.

Don't think of yourself as a female founder, or a black founder or any kind of minority founder, Meers said. Believe in yourself and deliver.

"It's about results," she said.

Meers was the first keynote speaker since Technori CEO Scott Kitun announced a push last month to get more women founders and keynotes to the stage. He's partnering with Women Tech Founders to get 50 percent representation every month.

Three companies represented Tuesday were founded or co-founded by women.

Chime, an app from SitterCity that lets parents view nearby babysitters, choose a time, book and pay for the sitter, was first to pitch, though it's more mature than the nascent companies that typically take the stage. SitterCity founder Genevieve Thiers  was expected to present but couldn't attend. Her husband and co-founder Dan Ratner  filled in.

Social Life Chicago founder Bolaji Sosan also pitched her startup, a digital publication geared toward young professionals.

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Other companies that pitched Tuesday include Crowdfind, a virtual lost-and-found; Konveau, which collects info and creates a personality test to help event attendees find people with similar interests; and Youngry, a Los Angeles-based platform that tells entrepreneurial stories.

Youngry won't be the last West Coast company to pitch on Technori's Chicago stage, Kitun said.

"It's vital for Chicago to start bringing all the startups in from New York City and the coasts so they want to (launch) here," he said.

This was Technori's 58th event in Chicago. More than 285 startups have pitched on its stage over the years, some of which have gone on to raise a total of more than $252 million in funding.

amarotti@tribpub.com

Twitter @allymarotti
Abbott Laboratories campus in Abbott Park, in Lake County, is seen on July 29, 2015. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

There's more evidence that Abbott Laboratories' pursuit of Alere, a health care diagnostics company, may have been a bad idea.

Alere faces a federal criminal investigation over its Medicare and Medicaid billing practices, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. News of the inquiry sent Alere's shares plunging nearly 29 percent Wednesday to $31.47 on the New York Stock Exchange.

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At Wednesday's close, Alere's stock is nearly $25 below the $56 a share Abbott agreed to pay in February to acquire the company based in Waltham, Mass. Abbott spokesman Scott Stoffel declined to comment.

Since the $5.8 billion deal was struck, Alere has disclosed a separate U.S. investigation of foreign corruption related to its international sales practices and failed to file its 2015 annual report on time.

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Abbott tried to back out of the deal by offering Alere $50 million to walk away. Alere rejected the offer.

asachdev@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @ameetsachdev
Alere investors went on a wild ride in the last 24 hours as the shares plunged following a report of a second Justice Department investigation of the medical test maker, then rebounded after the company said the probe was narrow in scope.

Alere's shares fell 29 percent to $31.47 on Wednesday -- their biggest one-day drop ever -- after the Wall Street Journal reported that the Justice Department's criminal-fraud unit sent the company a subpoena. Later that night, Alere issued a statement saying the investigation was focused on an area that accounts for less than 1 percent of its sales and isn't material. That sent the shares bouncing back, and they were up 22 percent to $38.28 at 1:35 p.m. Thursday in New York.

Along with the legal implications of the probe, it could also impact whether potential misconduct by Alere will help Abbott Laboratories get out of its offer to buy the troubled company for $5.8 billion. Alere also remains under investigation for alleged violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and sales practices in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The saga between the two companies is unlikely to abate in the near term as Abbott and investors wait for Alere to file formal documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission detailing its financial performance for 2015 and the first half of 2016, along with revisions for the previous two years.

Abbott has said it wants to exit the deal, and Alere is now trading in the same range it was the week before Abbott agreed to buy it for $56 a share in cash and take responsibility for Alere's $2.6 billion of debt.

Mark Massaro, an analyst at Canaccord Genuity, said the initial nosedive of Alere's shares was unjustified. The new investigation has a "zero probability" of breaking the deal, he predicted in a note to clients. Raj Denhoy, an analyst at Jefferies, agreed, writing that the latest issue "appears to be immaterial."

That may not stop Abbott from trying to back out. Earlier this year, Alere rejected an offer of as much as $50 million to rip up the contract. Alere expects Abbott to sue to break the deal next, after Alere files its delayed annual report, CNBC reported, citing people familiar with Alere's planning.

The latest investigation of Waltham, Massachusetts-based Alere concerns its billing practices for U.S. government insurance programs, including Medicare for the elderly, Medicaid for the poor and Tricare for the military, Alere said in a statement. The July 1 subpoena to Alere Toxicology Services Inc. seeks records dating back to 2010 related to patient samples tested at the pain management laboratory in Austin, Texas. The Journal reported that the Justice Department was interested in whether Alere might have covered co-payments for patients in those programs, which is illegal.

Alere said it is fully cooperating and "believes the matters to which the subpoena relates are not material."

Peter Carr, a Justice Department spokesman, Jackie Lustig, an Alere spokeswoman, and Scott Stoffel, an Abbott spokesman, all declined to comment further on Wednesday.
Major SABMiller shareholders have signaled they favor Anheuser-Busch InBev's revised $102 billion takeover offer as the board prepares to meet in the coming days to vote on whether it supports the deal, according to people familiar with the process.

Investors including Allan Gray, Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Elliott Management are among those prepared to back the offer, said the people, who asked not to be named because the details aren't public. Many shareholders view the takeover's potential collapse as a larger risk than accepting an offer that falls short of their expectations after AB InBev said its improved offer is final, the people said.

AB InBev this week raised its cash offer by one pound a share to 45 pounds and also increased the amount of cash for shareholders who choose a cash-and-stock alternative. SABMiller managers asked employees to halt integration work, knitting together the makers of brands including Budweiser, Beck's and Aguila, while they review the new offer. Chief Executive Officer Alan Clark said in an internal memo that "there should be no contact with AB InBev with immediate effect."

"It seems that AB InBev's improved and final bid has led others to recognize there was value in the price offered," Tom Russo, who manages $10 billion for Gardner Russo & Gardner, including $800 million worth of AB InBev stock, said in an interview. "I think the combination can release a significant amount of cost overlaps; there's an industrial argument and a commercial argument behind the transaction."

SABMiller needs the approval from holders of 75 percent of its shares if the board recommends the offer. Representatives for AB InBev and SAB declined to comment.

SABMiller's American depositary receipts gained as much as 3.1 percent. Shares of Molson Coors Brewing Co., which will buy SABMiller's stake in their joint venture as part of the AB InBev tie up, rose 4.4 percent to $97.52 at 1:42 p.m. in New York. The shares earlier jumped as much as 6 percent, the biggest intraday gain since October.

TCI Fund Management, Davidson Kempner and Elliott Management had asked SABMiller to reconsider AB InBev's bid in the aftermath of the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union last month, saying it was much less attractive following the pound's plunge, people familiar with the matter said previously.

SABMiller shareholder Aberdeen Asset Management has said the revised offer undervalues the company and remains unacceptable. Altria Group, SAB Miller's largest shareholder, said in a conference call Wednesday that it remains "excited about the proposed transaction."

If the deal doesn't close, AB InBev would need to book a loss of about $10 billion based on the fall of the pound, according to Susquehanna International Group analyst Pablo Zuanic. If SABMiller walks away, it loses a breakup fee of $3 billion. SABMiller's shares could also fall below 40 pounds if the deal collapses, from about 43 pounds Thursday, according to analyst estimates.
Donald Trump's longtime friend Thomas J. Barrack Jr. spoke glowingly about the Republican presidential nominee last week in Cleveland.

A California private-equity executive and founder of Colony Capital who has known the candidate for 35 years, Barrack praised Trump's leadership and perseverance, and he told stories about real-estate-development deals the two have done together.

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One deal that did not come up that night: Trump and Barrack's agreement to develop the Old Post Office in the District of Columbia into a 263-room luxury hotel, a partnership that never came to be.

The Trump Organization and Colony bid for the project together, and when the General Services Administration selected the two companies - beating out a bevy of other hotel and real estate bidders - federal officials expected that Trump's firm would serve as the lead developer, managing the day-to-day aspects of the project, and Colony would provide financial backing.

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Donald Trump's plan for the Old Post Office Pavilion in Washington, D.C., includes a 261-room deluxe hotel with three restaurants, a Trump-branded spa, plus a lounge, 35,000-square-foot banquet facilities and a museum. (Tracy A. Woodward / For The Washington Post)

The two companies issued a joint news release after being selected, stating they would co-invest. In the release, Barrack said he was "delighted to team with The Trump Organization to redevelop this historic American landmark while preserving its grandeur and elegance."

"As long-term investors in hospitality, we share the GSA's vision for transforming this iconic property into one of the finest destination hotels in the country. We look forward to working with the Trump Organization and GSA to make the redevelopment a reality," he said in the release.

Colony is a major global investor in real estate, a fact that bolstered Trump's efforts to secure the deal. At the time, Colony already had invested $45 billion in more than 14,000 corporate and real estate assets, ranking it among the top real-estate-investment firms worldwide.

Most commercial real estate developments are built through similarly formed partnerships, which allow multiple partners to share the risks of a project and the returns if it is successful.

But a year later, Trump said he and his daughter Ivanka, an executive at his company who leads the project, were reconsidering. Trump told The Post that he was "considering Colony and others" as investors and that "every bank wants to do this deal."

"We don't even need financing," Trump said at an event hosted by The Post. "We could do it in cash."

Soon thereafter the Trumps decided to put up the equity for the project themselves, investing $42 million of what they say is their own money and borrowing about $170 million from Deutsche Bank to finance construction. GSA officials have confirmed this arrangement.

Colony decided to pull out, though it made no announcement until Monday, when the company's public relations agency issued a statement to The Post that said: "Colony exited the joint venture after the project's timeline became too long for the firm. As the project evolved, cheaper sources of capital for longer term investment became available to Trump. Colony simply could not compete with more attractive financing."

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Given the loan from Deutsche Bank, this suited the Trumps fine. Ivanka has said on several occasions that she wants to keep the company in her family for generations, which is more easily achieved when the company controls a project on its own. Colony was not interested in staying in that long.

Ivanka and her family are now moving full steam ahead with the project toward a Sept. 12 opening. The Trump Organization has been hiring staff, booking events and showing the building to travel agents as construction crews work through the last few weeks of construction. Chef David Burke of BLT Prime is putting together a menu of steak and seafood offerings, and Italian suit maker Brioni will open its first D.C. location there.

Colony's exit will not look so good for Trump, however, if the Old Post Office deal goes sour - because then it will be his money to lose. Trump's campaign has prompted some business partners to cut ties with him, but it has also afforded him worldwide brand recognition.

Barrack, meanwhile, was given a prime slot at the Republican convention, preceding only Ivanka before Trump took the stage to accept the nomination. Barrack described Trump as a relentless and disciplined businessman.

"He really is better than the billing that you see, just as an administrator, as an executive, as a guy who can actually take care of the people that work for him and build teams," he said.
James Corden recaps the second night of the Democratic National Convention. July 27, 2016. (The Late Late Show with James Corden / YouTube)

Wow. President Obama on Wednesday night keynoted the Democratic National Convention. Bill Clinton spoke the night before, Michelle Obama the night before that. Who can the Democrats possibly get for Thursday night to round out such a lineup?

Oh, it's going to be Hillary Clinton? Hmmm. What's the Netflix password again?

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We are kidding, of course. The excitement about Clinton being the first female presidential nominee of a major party was palpable across the land Wednesday, from progressives who could barely hide their excitement at seeing another symbol of the patriarchy crumble to the late-night shows. Finally, they had an outlet for all those glass-ceiling jokes they've been saving up.

Actually, there was one.

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James Corden, on CBS' "Late Late Show," showed Clinton's video appearance Tuesday at the Philadelphia convention, which began with a shattered-glass effect.

"That makes sense," Corden said. "With Trump so close to the presidency, Hillary just became the largest break-glass-in-case-of-emergency ever."

But the broken ceiling didn't bother Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, because, according to Corden, the putative billionaire said "he will replace it with a reinforced titanium steel ceiling  and the women are going to pay for it."

Seth Meyers on NBC's "Late Night" used the first-female-nominee news as a setup. "It shows how far we've come as a nation," he said, "that a woman can be tied in the polls with a spray-tanned mentally ill business failure."

"Now it's time for women to screw some (stuff) up!" enthused Desi Lydic, a "Daily Show" correspondent.

Corden tied Hillary's making history to Bill's speech: "On a night when the first woman is nominated to take the highest office in the land, what you want is for her husband to take 45 minutes mansplaining why you should vote for her."

But Trump  like a toddler who "starts banging pots and pans" to bring attention back to him, said Trevor Noah on "The Daily Show"  had to come along to steal her thunder  or perhaps to ask Vladimir Putin to do it. Trump's news conference during the day, in which he essentially invited Russia to hack Clinton's emails, was a Trump misstep so large all the shows featured it.

"Is this finally going to be the thing where we say, 'He's gone too far, and send him home please?' " asked Larry Wilmore on "The Nightly Show." "Please let it be the thing because so far none of these were the things."

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 200 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves to delegates after her speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016. (Mary Altaffer / AP)

And on came a lengthy screen crawl of the many previous seeming Trump missteps that have not hurt him as a candidate.

Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show" went for the same idea from a different angle: "Critics were saying a statement like that could be considered treason. In fact, it's so serious that Donald Trump is now up 15 points in the polls."

Two hosts offered similar wordplay.

"I'm not sure why Trump would openly ask Russia to spy on Americans," Meyers said. "But he has his treasons."

"Donald Trump, the voice of treason," said Bill Maher of HBO's "Real Time" who did a live show after Obama's speech ended and labeled as "Vichy Republicans" party members who would not condemn Trump's remarks.

"Plainly Trump is a Russian agent," Maher added. "I mean, I don't know it for a fact, but a lot of people are saying it."

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Nah, said Jimmy Kimmel on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." "He has nothing to do with Russia. He stopped ordering wives from them years ago."

Noah thought a film reference apt. "Have you ever seen that movie 'The Manchurian Candidate'?" he asked. "It's about a Russian mole who's brainwashed to run for president. Trump is like if the Manchurian Candidate ran as the Manchurian Candidate."

Almost lost in the question of Trump's Russian ties was Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine speaking to the convention Wednesday, including more of his trademark Spanish-language flourishes.

"The thrilla who's vanilla," Stephen Colbert called him, on CBS' "Late Show." "They are pushing the Spanish thing so hard that tonight they introduced him by breaking him out of a pinata."

HBO's John Oliver, guesting on Colbert, said, "I've never seen anybody more about to break into a harmonica solo than that man."

But it kept coming back to Trump. In dealing with him, again, Noah's "Daily Show" Wednesday was interesting. The South African comic essentially turned over his first two segments to a jeremiad against the idea of a Trump presidency.

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"When you look at the two candidates side by side it's embarrassing that this is even a contest," he said. "Let's stop acting like a few of Hillary's failures define and tarnish her very successful career."

He cited a peace deal Clinton, as secretary of state, brokered between Israelis and Palestinians. "What was Donald Trump doing around the same time?" Noah asked. "Well, it turns out he was dealing with a different international crisis. While Hillary was handling peace in the Middle East, he was tweeting at Robert Pattinson that he should dump Kristin Stewart for cheating. Seven tweets, in fact."

All the late-night shows have been issuing the same warning with their jokes for months now, but this was likely the most direct, extended and passionate version.

Noah went on. Obama on Wednesday lauded Hillary Clinton as the most qualified person ever nominated for the presidency. By contrast, said Noah, "You'd look at Donald Trump's resume and say, 'Oh, I'm sorry, sir. We're looking for a president.' "

Noah was not alone. Warning against Trump was also the reason Colbert for a second time revived his "Stephen Colbert" character from his last show, "The Colbert Report." (Actually, he revived Colbert's "twin cousin," also named Stephen Colbert, because apparently "corporate lawyers" raised intellectual property objections to Colbert bringing the character back during the GOP convention; I'm sure we'll be reading more about that Thursday.)

But as his new character who is just like the old character, he said that both of the major-party candidates have branding problems. "If you don't like Wonder Bread, you're not going to like decades-old Wonder Bread. The same goes for the new McDonald's Angry Meal," said Colbert. "Yes, you might have to vote for a person you don't really want. But it's better than getting the person you really don't want."

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sajohnson@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @StevenKJohnson

STORIES:

Healing the Bern: The best late-night jokes about the DNC, Night 2

Convention chaos returns: The best late-night jokes from the DNC, Night 1

Review: How Trump's dark speech channeled Ethel Merman

'The Trumpening': The best late-night jokes about the RNC, Night 4

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'The Red Convention': The best late-night jokes about the RNC, Night 3

Melania, Melania, Melania: The best late-night jokes about the RNC, Night 2

Colbert for the win: The best late-night comedy from the RNC, Night 1







Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
The Biblioracle weighs in on the College Board's list of 101 Great Books Recommended for College-Bound Readers that has recently re-circulated among bookish types. (Hill Street Studios / Getty Images/Blend Images RM photo)

The internet is good for a lot of things: one of them is periodically dredging up old news and making it seem new, while another is stoking outrage.

These two things hit me simultaneously recently when the College Board's list of "101 Great Books Recommended for College-Bound Readers" re-circulated among book-ish types.

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The College Board is most known as the purveyor of the SAT exam  which, in this college instructor's opinion, should be consigned to the dustbin of history  and at some point in the not too distant past created this list of books for the "college-bound."

The book is stuffed with classics: "Beowulf, "The Canterbury Tales," "Oedipus Rex," four plays by Shakespeare, and of course both "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey."

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The most current book as far as I can tell is Toni Morrison's "Beloved," published in 1987.

But it's not the lack of currency that irks me, so much as the notion that such a list is a marker of what makes someone "college-bound." As with their signature test, this list sets up a barrier based in a fantasy of what separates those worthy of college from those who are not.

It has been long established that the SAT itself is not a reliable correlate to college success. It has shown to have both racial and socioeconomic bias, as people of means pay for expensive prep and tutoring that results in inflated scores. A much better predictor of college readiness is not a one-off aptitude test, but high school GPA, go figure.

If this list of books, which includes "Don Quixote," Dante's "Inferno," "Vanity Fair," "Madame Bovary," and "Moby-Dick," in addition to those above, is really what's recommended for the "college-bound" I know some English professors with Ph.D.s who aren't ready for college.

I do not dispute the cultural or literary worthiness of these texts. That is indisputable, but being college-bound shouldn't be about a checklist of books. Someone who is college-bound should be curious, should love reading, and therefore should eagerly seek out texts that feed this curiosity.

College is about what you plan to do, not what you've done.

We must give students the same kind of freedoms we routinely take for granted for ourselves. Reading literature should not be a chore, the books some kind of brain medicine. I can't imagine a more surefire way of defeating students than sticking slavishly to the College Board list.

Fortunately, the same day the College Board list resurfaced, the National Endowment for the Arts released an updated list of books for its Big Read program. Once hidebound in ways similar to the College Board list, the Big Read has adopted a stance that seeks to incorporate books that speak to what's happening in the world today alongside texts that inform our past.

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This year's additions to the Big Read programming include Claudia Rankine's "Citizen: An American Lyric," and "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, to go along with previously selected titles like "A Wizard of Earthsea" (Ursula K. LeGuin), "The Things They Carried" (Tim O'Brien) and "True Grit" (Charles Portis).

It's a list that invites readers of all kinds and demonstrates the variety of perspectives and experiences that knit the fabric of our nation. If I had to choose a list for the college-bound or non-college bound, I know where I stand.

Any time we frame books and reading as a wall to be scaled in order to achieve something, we are doomed, I say, doomed.

"Reading is fundamental." Remember that slogan? It's true, and not fundamental for success in school, or business, or anything else. It's fundamental because we are human.

John Warner's latest book is "Tough Day for the Army." Follow him on Twitter @Biblioracle

--

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The Biblioracle offers his recommendations

1. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl

2. "The Lake House" by Kate Morton

3. "Learning to Walk in the Dark" by Barbara Brown Taylor

4. "Devotion" by Dani Shapiro

5. "Nora Webster" by Colm Toibin

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 Karen H., Indianapolis

A list that illustrates what books can do to help illuminate the way in an uncertain world. My recommendation is a novel that doesn't do that so much as illustrate the difficulties and anxieties about navigating in our current climate. It gripped me completely and even gave me nightmares, which is high praise in my book: "Listen to Me" by Hannah Pittard.

1. "Winter Garden" by Kristin Hannah

2. "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara

3. "The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson

4. "Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg" by Irin Carmon

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5. "Hold Still" by Sally Mann

 Emma T., Kenosha

I have a feeling that Emma will enjoy the wit and sneaky depth of Sheila Heti's "How Should a Person Be?"

1. "Fool Me Once" by Harlan Coben

2. "The Wrong Side of Goodbye" by Michael Connelly

3. "Heat & Light" by Jennifer Haigh

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4. "Wilde Lake" by Laura Lippman

5. "Underground Airlines" by Ben Winters

 Jim P., Aurora

"Before the Fall" by Noah Hawley is an ingeniously structured suspense novel where the bulk of the action happens in the opening chapter and the tension revolves around not what happens, but why it happened, and what it means. I think it's a good pick for Jim.

--

Get a reading from the Biblioracle!

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Send your last five books to printersrow@chicagotribune.com. Write "Biblioracle" in the subject line.
New paperbacks to check out are "The Hand That Feeds You" by A.J. Rich, "This Is Not a Love Story" by Judy Brown, "Around the World in 50 Years" by Albert Podell, "The Prisoner of Hell Gate" by Dana I. Wolff, and "Our Man in Charleston" by Christopher Dickey. (Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)
Read 'N Feed Book Clubs members are so dedicated to each other, that they once met in the hospital room of a member who had a broken leg. (Jane E. Sorensen photo)

Who we are: We are the Read 'N Feed Book Club. Originally, we were all in Chicago, but now we travel to Wauconda and Elgin as well. Our discussion involves catching up on recent events in our lives before eating, then discussing books and authors during our meal and after.

Our meetings: We began in 2000, and meet every four to six weeks in one another's homes. Once we met in the hospital room of a member who had a broken leg.

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We liked: We loved "The Housekeeper and the Professor" by Yoko Ogawa for it's gentle style and expressed love of learning; "Out Stealing Horses: A Novel" by Per Petterson for it's beautiful evocative story of loss; "Homer & Langley: A Novel" by E.L. Doctorow, a fascinating and empathetic glimpse into the lives of the Collyer brothers; and "The Balance of Power" by Richard North Patterson. We felt the Patterson book was an education in the powerful role of gun manufacturers and their lobby.

We didn't like: We hated "Things You Should Know: A Collection of Stories" by A.M. Homes. Everything in this book of short stories was so ugly we didn't want to know any of it.

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What makes us unique: We have very eclectic tastes, but only read books that are available through the library. Also we are an intergenerational and diverse group. Every other month we read a different genre. Recently one of our original members passed away and left the group a bequest to spend on a reading adventure. We are now trying to decide what that might be!

Author we'd like to meet: We would like to meet both Jon Krakauer and Greg Mortenson and hope that they could share the true story about "Three Cups of Deceit: How Greg Mortenson, Humanitarian Hero, Lost His Way" with us.

Up next: Sonia Sotomayor's "My Beloved World.".

Responses are edited. Tell us about your reading life at printersrow@chicagotribune.com.
More than 120,000 people are on the nation's waiting list for an organ transplant, most of them for kidneys, and thousands die before receiving one because of a dire shortage of donors. (Molly Riley / AP)

Users of Tinder, the popular online dating app, usually swipe right on their mobile screens to gain a potential match. Come September, the same action might allow them to save lives by registering to be an organ donor.

The donor registration drive is the culmination of the partnership between Tinder and a nonprofit group called Organize, which aims to end the organ donor shortage. A similar campaign between Tinder and the National Health Service was carried out in Britain last year. Organize is also partnering with the comedy video website Funny or Die, Facebook, various universities and hospitals to launch apps and social media campaigns to boost registrations for organ donations.

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These partnerships were mentioned as part of a White House push last month to increase organ donations. That effort called for a more streamlined process for organ donations and an increase in research on fields such as tissue preservation and cell-replacement  that may eventually lead to organ replacement.

The wait for an organ transplant can be daunting. Half of all kidney transplant patients spend more than 3.6 years waiting for an organ. On average, 22 people die each day while on a transplant list.

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Traditionally, the registry for organ donation has been run through state motor vehicle departments, and people can register when getting their driver's license. But that doesn't capture everyone. According to the White House, 95 percent of Americans support organ donation but only half are registered as donors.

Dr. Thomas Fishbein, a transplant surgeon and the executive director of the MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, is optimistic about the Tinder and Organize partnership in attracting potential donors, especially younger ones.

His institute is trying a somewhat similar strategy by developing a free app that allows people to indicate their desire to be organ donors. The information would then be sent to the relevant donor registry and to friends or family members designated by the person who is signing up to be a donor. He said the app is slated to go live at the end of this year.

Fishbein spoke with Kaiser Health News recently about organ shortages and technology-centered solutions to attract donor. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: Why is there a discrepancy between the number of Americans who support organ donation and those who are actually registered as donors?

A: There is not an automated, standardized mechanism through which people  who might generally support organ donation  (can) in a very simple action become registered to be an organ donor. When you turn 16 or 17 and you get your driver's license, you are asked in many states, because the donor registry collaborates with the motor vehicle administration, if you want to be an organ donor and they print it right on your driver's license. Right there with a simple "yes" or "no," a check on the box, you're registered.

(Otherwise) you've got to figure out on your own how to become an organ donor. It's not that easy because you don't have an automatic interaction. Imagine if every year you fill out your income tax you have to check the box "yes" or "no"  "I will become a donor" or "I won't become a donor." You don't have to opt in, you can opt out, but at least you have an automatic interface and then you turn the form in and you are automatically registered.

Q: How did the idea for the app come about?

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A: We have within MedStar an institute called MI2 which stands for the MedStar Institute for Innovation. This app is Pete Celano's brainchild. He is a super technologically savvy innovator who comes up with things that bring health care to patients through technology. He happened to have a family friend who needed a transplant and was asked the question "Why the heck don't we have a super easy simple way that people can just register to be a donor?" That grew out of a simple personal, human interaction. So that's what transplants are all about  it all comes down to the human interactions that people have.

Q: Other initiatives focus very much on sharing personal stories on social media to attract potential donors. What do you think of this approach?

A: It's very individualized what people are comfortable with and not comfortable with. Some feel like their health care needs are very private and don't feel like sharing them. We've had patients who, for instance, did not want us to promote them in local or national news stories and other people are very extroverted and feel very comfortable with that. More and more, people are telling their stories and looking for specific donors who will help them.

We have over 1,000 patients right now sitting, waiting on our organ transplant list so we couldn't possibly get the attention of the news media for a 1,000 patients. The patient and the families may do that themselves.

We try to educate the community at large, I think, get (people) invested and active about the problem. Ultimately through actions like these  very easy interactions between a person and turning the idea of supporting organ donation into a concrete action  we're going to possibly in the future eliminate the shortage that we have now.

(Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.)

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2016 Kaiser Health News

RELATED STORIES:

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Pink for girls. Truck motifs for boys. A growing number of parents want to get outside those parameters when it comes to dressing their kids.

Kristin Higgins was adamant about not pushing "girly" stereotypes on her daughter, and painted her room in shades of green. Higgins later dressed her up in superhero costumes. But as her daughter got older, it took more work to locate items that broke the mold. For "Star Wars"-themed pajamas, she had to go to the boys section.

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RELATED: TRENDING LIFE & STYLE NEWS THIS HOUR

"It's hard to find gender-neutral clothing," said Higgins, 35, of Little Rock, whose daughter is now 6. "I want her to just get up and put on the clothing without thinking of putting on a costume, an identity."

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Shopping for her 7-month-old son, Higgins finds clothes mainly have pictures like fire engines or sharks. What about cats, cupcakes or hearts, she wonders.

For parents looking for clothes that defy gender norms, the options for back-to-school shopping are still limited  but they're growing. Some big retailers like Lands' End and Zara are making small changes to their offerings, while some frustrated parents have launched their own companies to make the items they wanted to find.

"There is really a sharp divide between what is considered girls stuff and what's considered boys stuff," said Courtney Hartman. She started Seattle-based Jessy & Jack, a collection of unisex T-shirts for kids that have robots and dinosaurs, and Free to Be Kids, where a shirt with the slogan, "I'm a Cat Guy" comes in blue, gray and yellow.

Companies like Jessy & Jack and a collection called Princess Awesome, where dresses have trains and planes, are among nearly 20 online brands that formed a campaign called Clothes Without Limits last year that they're reprising for the back-to-school season. Still, many of the items are not cheap  T-shirts at $20 can be pricey for growing kids.

Bigger companies are offering some options, after similar shifts in the toy and bedding aisles to more neutral signs and products. Lands' End launched a line of science T-shirts two years ago after a customer complained on social media that there was only one version for boys. As part of its new Cat & Jack brand of children's clothing that kids helped design, Target offers unisex-fit T-shirts online with slogans like, "Smart & Strong" and "Future Astronaut."

And fast-fashion chain Zara launched a collection in March for teens and older called "Ungendered" under its TRF line, which focuses on basics like T-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans. Experts and parents also notice that some images like dinosaurs are popping up on girls clothing under the Boden brand and others.

More has changed for girls clothes than for boys, but the vast majority of children's clothing is still gender-specific, says Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at market research group NPD Group Inc.

Martine Zoer, who founded Seattle-based Quirkie Kids because her sons wanted to wear pink, said that in response to her selling unisex shirts in that hue, she says she got emails saying, "Boys should not wear pink as it would turn them gay."

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A good portion of children's clothing buyers are grandparents who tend to embrace more traditional ideas, says Cohen, who doesn't expect large-scale change until the next generation starts having children.

"Once we get past the cultural discussion, that's when you'll see the (major) brands step out," Cohen said. "No one wants to risk the chance of rocking the boat."

Chris Guerin of Portland, Ore., says teaching his mother-in-law to buy clothes that don't reinforce gender stereotypes is a work in progress.

"When she goes shopping with Nana, she comes back with princess (outfits) and tiaras," Guerin says of his 3-year-old daughter. "We don't care for that. But it's hard to bring up the issue."

The differences crystallized in the late 1980s, according to Jo B. Paoletti, a professor of American studies at the University of Maryland and author of "Pink and Blue: Telling the Girls From the Boys in America." Paoletti noticed it when buying clothing for her daughter, who was born in 1982, and her son, four years later. By the mid-1990s, "pink-washing was widespread," she said. Even disposable diapers came in blue and pink.

In part, manufacturers and marketers wanted to boost sales to American couples having fewer kids, Paoletti said. She also reasoned that parents were rebelling against the more unisex fashions like corduroy pants they grew up with. But Paoletti said the change is harmful.

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"It encourages very young children  as young as 2  to judge and interact with others in highly stereotyped ways," she said. "We know, based on nearly 50 years of social science research, that stereotyped thinking hurts all of us, whether we are dealing with racial, gender, or any other form of stereotype."

Macy's says kids clothes are generally separated into boys and girls sections, but with an array of colors and styles in each. "A lot of kids apparel today is active  sweatpants and sweatshirts, graphic T's, etc.  and are inherently unisex," spokeswoman Holly Thomas said in an email.

Stores like J.C. Penney and Nordstrom say they listen to shoppers, but aren't getting customer requests to blur the gender lines.

Those behind the new brands say they're seeing the demand. Hartman said annual sales are pushing six-digit figures.

Higgins recalled that when her daughter was in day care, she came home crying because some boys made fun of her navy blue sneakers, calling them "boy shoes." She often puts together kid outfits from thrift shops, and as she thumbs through the racks reminds her daughter: "There are no boy colors. There are no girl colors."

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As naval battles go, the war of words between the U.S. Coast Guard and the captain of the worlds largest Viking longship was always a bit of a tempest in a teapot. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

As naval battles go, the war of words between the U.S. Coast Guard and the captain of the world's largest Viking longship was a bit of a tempest in a teapot.

But a week after he accused U.S. authorities of being "impolite," the Norwegian captain of the Draken Harald Harfagre moved to ease diplomatic tensions Wednesday after docking his warship at Navy Pier.

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Saying that he had been "a little drunk" when he last week complained to Chicago Inc. that the Coast Guard had sprung unexpected $400-an-hour pilot fees on his crew after it was invited to participate in this weekend's Tall Ships festival, Bjorn Ahlander said he was sorry to learn that the licensed pilots who guide large commercial ships on the Great Lakes have been receiving hate mail and even death threats in the wake of the spat.

"We don't want to interfere with politics in the United States," Ahlander said as his crew was feted by local Scandinavians who are helping to raise funds to ensure the Draken can complete its journey to Duluth, Minn., before returning back across the Atlantic. "We maybe could have been more prepared," he added.

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The Norwegian ship Draken Harald Harfagre is docked at Navy Pier on July 28, 2016, for the Tall Ships Chicago festival. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

"These pilots are just trying to follow the law and to make a living  we don't have any problem with them."

The Coast Guard, which sent a delegation to welcome the Draken on Wednesday and is also attempting to play down the dispute, says federal law requires all foreign-owned commercial vessels on the Great Lakes to pay for a licensed pilot.

While many pilots agree that a small wooden ship that is being sailed in a historical re-enactment like the Draken shouldn't be subject to the same fees as a large oil tanker, they are also obliged to follow the law, according to pilot Rory Grant, who was with the Draken on Wednesday.

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Grant, whose long blond hair and large bushy beard mean he could easily be mistaken for a Viking himself, said he was "very happy to be on this ship" and that he was "working with the crew to set things straight  we really hope that they can make it to Duluth."

That might mean the ship has to travel a straight route under motor, rather than using wind power on a less direct route, though the $400,000 total bill for pilot fees that the Draken's crew has quoted is likely on the high side, Grant said.

Ahlander was also joined Wednesday by a group that is campaigning to find a Chicago home for another Viking ship, built for Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and currently based in west suburban Geneva.

The Viking, a replica of the 9th century Viking ship Gokstad, was sailed from Norway to Chicago for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Here, it is moored on the shore of Lake Michigan with the fair's Manufactures Building, then the world's largest building, in the background. (Tribune archive photo)

During a ceremony, Ahlander was presented with the gift of a traditional Viking knife.

Brandishing it in his hand for comic effect, the captain told the Americans, "Nowadays we come as friends, but I might change my mind!"

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An Illinois Department of Corrections van carrying Drew Peterson arrives at the Randolph County Courthouse in Chester, Ill., on May 23, 2016. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

Drew Peterson delivered a rambling, crying, 40-minute rant before his murder case sentencing in 2013. On Friday, he will have the chance to speak out in court again  if he chooses.

The 62-year-old former Bolingbrook police officer is expected to be sentenced Friday on his conviction in May for a plot to kill the prosecutor who put him behind bars for the murder of his third wife.

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Peterson is serving a 38-year sentence at the Menard Correctional Center, just a few minutes away from the Randolph County Courthouse where a jury found him guilty of trying to arrange the hit on his nemesis, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow.

It is unclear whether Peterson will elect to speak prior to being sentenced. His attorney, Lucas Liefer, could not be reached for comment.

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Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker said he expects that Glasgow will deliver a victim impact statement to the court.

Peterson faces 20 to 60 years in prison for his conviction for solicitation of murder and solicitation of murder for hire, under which he will be required to serve 85 percent. Whatever term he receives will have to be served after his murder case sentence.

He is due to be paroled in 2047 at age 93 for the murder conviction. Even if he receives the minimum sentence Friday, it will virtually guarantee Peterson spends the rest of his life behind bars.

At the seven-day trial in May, the state's star witness, Antonio "Beast" Smith, testified he became friends with Peterson in 2013 while they were both inmates at Menard. Smith said he was later transferred to another prison, but not before Peterson approached him and asked if he could help find a hit man to kill Glasgow.

Smith later contacted the Will County state's attorney's office to tip off officials to the plan. He was transferred back to Menard and agreed to wear a wire for the FBI to record his conversations with Peterson.

Over the course of several weeks in November 2014, Peterson complained that Glasgow was obstructing his attempts to get his conviction overturned on appeal, and said he feared the prosecutor would find a way to charge him in connection with the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, who vanished from their Bolingbrook home in October 2007. She has never been found.

Her disappearance prompted Glasgow to reopen an investigation into the 2004 death of Peterson's third wife, Kathleen Savio, who was found dead in her bathtub as she and Peterson were completing a divorce. Savio's death, which had originally been ruled an accident, was reclassified as a homicide, and Peterson was convicted of her murder in 2012.

The cases garnered national headlines and inspired a made-for-TV movie starring Rob Lowe as Peterson.

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The hours of secretly recorded conversations made by Smith captured Peterson exulting over the prospect of the prosecutor's death, although Peterson never explicitly said he wanted Glasgow killed.

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At one point, Smith told Peterson he had arranged for his uncle to kill Glasgow by Christmas 2014.

"I told him what you said, that it's the green light on, that basically go ahead and kill him," Smith said in a Nov. 15, 2014, recording. "That's what you wanted, right? ... It ain't no turning back."

"OK, all right. I'm in," Peterson responded. "From the first time we talked about it, there was no turning back. ... If I get some booze in here, we'll celebrate that night."

At his murder conviction sentencing, Peterson railed against Glasgow and investigators in his address to the court, screaming that he did not kill Savio.

"Mr. Glasgow, all aspects of my life have been destroyed. Everything from my personal life to my professional life to my social life  all aspects have been destroyed," Peterson said at the time. "Never forget my face ... never forget what you've done here."

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Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, center, arrives for a hearing on Sept. 14, 2018 at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. His attorney announced that a jury will decide his fate. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

The mother of Laquan McDonald intends to fight the release of her son's confidential juvenile records to attorneys for a white Chicago police officer who fatally shot the black teen.

Following a hearing Thursday in Cook County juvenile court, the mother's attorney, Robert Robertson, called the request by lawyers for Officer Jason Van Dyke irrelevant because the officer didn't know McDonald's identity let alone his troubled past when he opened fire in October 2014.

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"It's an unnecessary character attack prior to trial," said Robertson, referring to the first-degree murder charges facing Van Dyke. The family received a $5 million out-of-court settlement from the city after McDonald's fatal shooting.

Robertson said that McDonald's mother, Tina Hunter, who is raising her daughter in the Chicago area, wants her privacy.

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"They really don't want themselves drawn into the public eye," he said.

In court Thursday, Steven "Randy" Rueckert, one of Van Dyke's lawyers, objected to another delay.

Laquan McDonald, 17, was fatally shot in October 2014 by a Chicago police officer. (Family photo)

Rueckert noted a special prosecutor in Van Dyke's criminal case who could be appointed as soon as next week will likely want to weigh in on the issue as well, causing further delays.

"I would like to look at these records as soon as I could," Rueckert said.

Judge Patricia Martin, however, gave Robertson until Aug. 10 to lay out his arguments in writing.

The officer's legal team has said little about its request for the typically confidential child-protection records, citing a "gag order" they said a judge presiding over the murder case at the Leighton Criminal Court Building had imposed on them.

The voluminous records chronicle the 17-year-old boy's often turbulent childhood growing up in state care.

Some child advocates cried foul at the request by Van Dyke's lawyers, saying the defense team was preparing to unfairly make the teen the bad guy.

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Warning: This video contains graphic content. Chicago officials released the police dash-cam video of the October 2014 fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald, 17, by a Chicago police officer. The Chicago Tribune edited this version only for length. (Chicago Police Dept./Handout)

But other veteran criminal defense lawyers defended the attorneys' actions as fulfilling their duty to fully prepare for the high-stakes trial.

The state's Juvenile Court Act governs who may review these court files and requires proper notice be given to all interested parties.

The court-ordered release in November of a video showing Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times caused a firestorm of protests in Chicago and led to calls for major police reforms and to a U.S. Justice Department investigation of the Police Department's practices.

His defense team has said Van Dyke feared for his safety and that of others when he opened fire at the knife-wielding teen that night. Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty.

Although Van Dyke did not know McDonald's identity until after the fatal encounter, the judge in his criminal case has the discretion to allow some of the teenager's history into evidence at trial if it is deemed relevant.

The documents, previously reviewed by the Chicago Tribune for a profile on his life, detailed McDonald's difficult childhood as well as his seven drug-related arrests.

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He became a second-generation state ward at a young age. He found stability in his great-grandmother's home, but McDonald often got into trouble as an adolescent in school and admitted using and selling drugs, as well as gang activity, while growing up in a rough West Side neighborhood, the records showed. His great-grandmother died in summer 2013.

Police have said that McDonald, who had PCP in his system, ignored repeated commands over several minutes to stop walking and drop the knife after officers responded to complaints that the teen had broken into vehicles in a South Side trucking yard. McDonald also had used a knife to slash the front tire and scratch the windshield of a police vehicle. Within seconds of arriving at the scene, Van Dyke opened fire, emptying his weapon.

More than a year passed before the officer was charged in November, hours before the release of police dashboard camera video that showed Van Dyke shoot McDonald as the teen walked briskly away from police.

The video contained no discernible audio but belied the written accounts of other officers at the scene that McDonald had lunged with the knife before Van Dyke opened fire.

Van Dyke, 38, a married father of two, has been suspended without pay. In an exclusive interview earlier this year, his wife told the Tribune her husband is traumatized that he took a life.

cmgutowski@chicagotribune.com

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Lisa Armond stood in front of the house where she and her sister grew up in the Back of the Yards and started counting down the block.



She stopped at a small frame house in the 800 block of West 50th Place, where a gunman had opened fire early Thursday during a party shortly after midnight. Her sister Kayana and a man were killed, two women were wounded and a 16-year-old died after what appeared to be an asthma attack.



"One, two, three doors down from where we lived our whole lives," Armond said, her cries growing louder, angrier. "This is the hardest thing. It's too hard."



The street was still stained with blood as Armond spoke Thursday morning. She and relatives of other victims said they were at a loss to explain the shooting, which occurred during a party for someone killed at a house party four years ago just across the street.



Some relatives heard the shooting may have been over a parking space, fueling their anger.



"This should have never happened to her," Armond said. "This is a senseless murder just like all the other murders that's happening in Chicago and something needs to be done about this because y'all leaving families without their loves ones, kids without their parents, without their siblings and cousins and etc. This ain't right."

Kayana was five days away from her 34th birthday and had three children, ages 14, 17 and 18. "How do you tell a child their momma is not coming home?" Armond said. "A 14-year-old teenager that understands. How you tell her?"



Her voice grew with anger as she condemned gun violence in Chicago.



"You just can't feel safe. This is horrible. This is horrible. This is horrible," she said. "They need to ... just knock all these houses down. These (people) don't deserve to live 15 minutes from Obama, 15 minutes from downtown."



Larry Childs, 54, said he was told his son Denzel died while saving a parking spot for a cousin. "It was supposed to be a celebration, a block party. And for this to happen? Over a parking spot? It's so sad and senseless."



Denzel Childs was a lifelong Chicago resident. He enlisted in the National Guard when he turned 17 and was honorably discharged two years later.



"I was against him joining the military but he convinced me," he said. "My son was thoughtful, well-loved by everybody. He wasn't in no gang. He was close to his family, responsible. He always stopped by to tell me he loved me."

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Lisa Armond, 40, cries on the 800 block of West 50th Place where four people were shot and two were killed, including her sister Kayana Armond, 33, the night before, July 28, 2016, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

'King Dell'

The party Wednesday night drew nearly 100 friends and neighbors to celebrate the 25th birthday of "King Dell," killed four years ago when a gunman with an AK-47 fired into a party in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. One other person was killed and three were wounded.



A friend of Kayana Armond said he heard arguing, then shots. He ducked and, when he looked up, saw Armond on the ground, a gunshot wound to her neck.



"It escalated so quickly," said Eric, a longtime resident of the block.



Eric said he stayed at her side until police arrived. "She was breathing when they pushed me back up off her," he said. She still had a plastic cup in her hand. Kayana was taken to St. Bernard Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.



Childs lay nearby, shot in the head, neck and chest. The ambulance took him away first, said Eric, who didn't want his last name used. Childs was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.



A 25-year-old woman was shot twice in the back trying to shield her friend Jaccarra Reeves from the gunfire, according to Reeves' mother, who credited the friend with saving her daughter's life. Reeves, 21, was shot in the hand. Both women were stabilized at hospitals.



Dozens of party-goers stayed in the street as police set up the crime scene. They pulled each other into private shouting matches, they held up their phones to record the officers, they cried on nearby stoops.

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Four people were shot, two fatally, and a 16-year-old girl died after an asthma attack at a block party in the 800 block of West 50th Place early on July 28, 2016, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

'She's shot right there'

A man in a Cubs hat walked close to the crime tape, bent his knees and pointed. He could see Armond's body if he looked the right way through the rows of officers' legs. She was lying on the sidewalk. She wasn't moving.



He brought two fingers to the back of his jaw, under his ear, as if feeling for his pulse. "She's shot right there."



A shirtless man  Armond's brother  walked quickly toward the line of officers at the crime tape. He got within a few feet of the nearest officers, pressing forward as they told him to stay back, when another man grabbed him from behind in a bear hug and dragged him away. They stayed down the block, one man embracing the other.



Meanwhile, a 16-year-old girl in the crowd, Jessica Williams, collapsed on the sidewalk, her hand to her throat. People clustered around, waving their hands to get someone's attention. "She can't breathe," they said.



The girl apparently had an asthma attack. She stayed on the ground, silent and barely moving. Paramedics put her on a stretcher and placed her in an ambulance that carried her to St. Bernard Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Autopsy results were pending further tests.



Police reported no one in custody Thursday afternoon and released no description of the shooter. Witnesses at the scene were being uncooperative, police said.



Deborah Reeves, 39, said she was grateful she did not have to plan a funeral for her daughter, thanks to the actions of her friend.



"Grateful is not even the word for it," Reeves said. "For me to try and express that, I would have to make up a word. I'm beyond grateful. If it wasn't for her, my daughter probably would be dead."



Reeves said her daughter will have to undergo reconstructive surgery. The family hopes doctors will be able restore full function to her hand.



"The love of her life is basketball," Reeves said. "When I first got to St. Bernard Hospital, she was screaming and hollering, 'How am I supposed to play basketball?' She has a long recovery with her hand, I'm quite sure.



"But you have people shot twice in the back, two funerals that have to be planned," she added. "I'm grateful."
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis on June 2, 2016. Teachers and the Chicago School Board are set to begin another round of contract talks soon. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago Teachers Union and the school board are set to begin a fresh round of contract talks that will take place as the school district readies a budget that officials say will be balanced despite a lingering $300 million deficit.

Officials for both sides said they have been discussing a bargaining schedule and plan to exchange contract proposals next week.

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The union has been without a contract for more than a year, and limited progress was made amid financial uncertainty for the district during negotiations over an education funding plan from the state. After legislators passed measures to help fund the system at the end of June, city officials declared Chicago Public Schools would begin classes on time in the fall.

"We're still looking for the special sauce that will hold a contract together," CTU attorney Robert Bloch said in an interview Wednesday. "The union is hopeful that the new funding will enable the school board to be able to afford a contract with the union, but we don't know."

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That new funding includes $250 million in additional property taxes the school board is expected to levy to help pay for ballooning contributions to the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund, $131 million in extra state funding and some $200 million of yet-to-be-finalized state money for pensions. The district is counting on all of that money to reduce its deficit this year.

Despite a remaining budget gap that CPS now puts at $300 million, the district has said it will present a balanced budget next month. CPS CEO Forrest Claypool has declined to say what assumptions that budget will make in terms of possible union concessions.

"We hope that CTU leadership will follow the example set by Springfield, the CPS administration and Chicago taxpayers  who have all accepted shared responsibility for our financial situation and chosen to put children first," Claypool said Wednesday.

Plans to renew contract negotiations came as aldermen and community members pushed the school board at its meeting Wednesday to reverse cuts to individual school budgets. The district distributed budgets to principals earlier this month that continued cuts made last February, but officials insisted that classrooms would not be affected.

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"We can't get basic transparency from our district, whether it's intentional or not," said Wendy Katten, head of the Raise Your Hand parent advocacy group, to the school board.

"And when CPS repeatedly tells the public that cuts didn't hit the classroom, it makes it difficult for us to advocate for the equitable funding Chicago students need and have an honest dialogue about state of our public education system."

To finance such an effort, community members urged the school board to back a City Council proposal that would increase CPS' share of surplus tax-increment finance district funds. City Hall says that would require a change in state law.

"In light of the current economic circumstances, a short-term infusion of funds back into our schools and neighborhoods will offset these drastic cuts," said Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, who recently submitted such a proposal to the council.

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Chicago Tribune's Hal Dardick contributed.

jjperez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @PerezJr
Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool speaks during a community meeting at Mather High School, at 5835 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago, on Monday, June 20, 2016. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday agreed to pay $250,000 to a law firm that formerly employed the school district's top attorney to handle a lawsuit that may never be filed.

While the contract for Jenner & Block was approved Wednesday, district records show the firm began billing the district for tens of thousands of dollars earlier this year. The firm once employed Ronald Marmer, the district's general counsel.

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Chicago Public Schools officials said Jenner & Block was enlisted as the district explored the possibility of filing a civil rights lawsuit over what district CEO Forrest Claypool described in a statement Wednesday as a "racially discriminatory state funding system."

"To avoid devastating classroom cuts and protect the civil rights of Chicago children, CPS hired the best legal representation possible," Claypool said in the statement.

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Claypool had said this spring that CPS would explore its legal options while it pressed lawmakers to overhaul the state's complex education funding formula.

Now that lawmakers have approved a series of measures that is expected to ease the district's financial pressures in the coming year, Claypool has backed off the threatened lawsuit.

"Fortunately, Springfield made significant strides toward equitable funding reform for this school year, and we look forward to working with lawmakers on a permanent solution," Claypool said.

Claypool said the potential lawsuit "is in deep freeze."

Marmer is among several of Claypool's former colleagues and past donors who have won district jobs and consulting contracts. Marmer, appointed by the school board in October as general counsel at an annual salary of $185,000, has contributed $24,000 to Claypool's political campaigns over the years, according to state campaign finance records.

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Marmer, reached by phone Wednesday, said, "I'm sorry, but I'm not taking calls right now."

A letter of agreement Jenner & Block sent to the district June 20 was signed by Marmer's top deputy Wednesday.

The memo said the work by Jenner & Block's attorneys would be billed "at a discounted blended rate of $295.00 per hour," plus "reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and internal charges." The agreement also said CPS would pay each of the firm's statements within 30 days of delivery or face potential interest payments.

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The firm sent the school board an invoice for nearly $42,000 at the end of April for 140 hours of work as well as postage and Westlaw research expenses, according to redacted records provided by CPS.

Three additional invoices released by the district, also redacted, were dated July 19 and total more than $140,000 for similar expenses. They also include travel expenses for one attorney to attend a "series of meetings with CPS staff."

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Twitter @PerezJr
Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield.

Topspin

The head of a nonprofit group that allegedly made a nearly $5,000 payment to a West Side alderman has been indicted for allegedly using state grant funds meant to provide summer jobs for youth to cover personal expenses and make other unauthorized payments.

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But the Wednesday indictment of Franshuan Myles, president and executive director of Divine Praise Inc., shed no new light on the alleged connection to 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin. In fact, the paperwork contained less detail than an earlier criminal complaint in her case.

That complaint said that in August 2011 Myles wrote a Divine Praise check for $4,932 to "Individual A," identified by the Tribune as Ervin, after her group received a $60,000 grant for youth employment. Notably, the indictment made no mention of Individual A.

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A source close to the alderman said Ervin and his attorney, Sam Adam Jr., have yet to meet with the feds to discuss the matter but plan to do so.

Michael Petro, Myles' attorney, said his client expected the charges, based on the earlier complaint, and was not cooperating with the government in its investigation.

Myles is accused of using grant funds to buy shoes, pay for a rental car, cover a Comcast bill, make cash withdrawals and pay money to others who didn't take part in the summer programs her group operated.

Petro said Myles' group had also received a $5,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation, and the payment to Ervin came from that money so he could buy back-to-school backpacks for kids in his ward. (Hal Dardick)

What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel is at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, where he's scheduled to speak to the Illinois delegation breakfast.

*Gov. Bruce Rauner will make an announcement about the Illinois Lottery at the Thompson Center.

*Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth is scheduled to give a prime-time speech at the Democratic convention.

What we're writing

*Duckworth sells powerful political brand at convention amid resurfacing of lawsuit.

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*The Rev. Jesse Jackson returns to convention stage backing Clinton as "trusted and tested."

*Obama chooses Jackson Park for presidential library, source says.

*Blagojevich to attend corruption resentencing via TV, not in person.

*CPS awards legal contract to firm district attorney used to work at.

*CTU, CPS set to begin fresh round of contract talks.

*Day of reckoning approaches for two Chicago towing companies.

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What we're reading

*Suburban top cop who took bullet for Reagan "hopes they're right" on Hinckley release.

*Lollapalooza hath arrived, here's a tip sheet (hint: go see LCD Soundsystem and Radiohead and Lana del Rey).

*BRB, booking flight to London for Harry Potter play based on this review.

From the notebook

*More Legionnaires' cases: Gov. Bruce Rauner traveled to Quincy on Wednesday, where he sought to ease concerns after two residents of the state-run veterans home there were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.

The cases come just one month after the Quincy Veterans Home unveiled a $5 million water treatment plant aimed at preventing the disease after more than 50 residents became ill last year, and 12 died from the severe form of pneumonia.

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"We cannot let that happen ever again," Rauner said.

Legionnaires' disease is contracted by breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria, which grows in warm water. It cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Rauner and health officials said the source of the latest outbreak is unknown. The governor noted the new system at the veterans home includes boiling water to 150 degrees to kill bacteria, as well as treating water with chlorine. Water is tested daily, and residents will have their temperatures taken every two hours to spot early signs of the disease.

Regional health care providers have also been sent an alert to look for symptoms of Legionnaires' as officials try to pin down the source. But Rauner said it's a difficult job, given the distance water has to travel from the city's treatment plant to the veterans home, where some pipes are more than 100 years old.

"We're battling a little bacteria that is pretty tough," Rauner said. "It is everywhere, and when the temperature goes up and things are humid and warm, the bacteria can have an advantage." (Monique Garcia)

*Much distance left to run: Chicago's not on the brink of financial ruin, but it has a long way to go before it sheds the junk bond rating assigned to it by Moody's Investors Service, analysts for the Wall Street ratings agency said Wednesday.

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The main problem? Debts, including those to the city's four worker pension funds, that are more than 9.4 times the city's yearly operating revenue -- compared with an average of 2.4 for cities across the country, the analysts said.

Even with Mayor Emanuel's record property tax increase aimed at restoring financial health to the city's pension funds for police officers and firefighters, debt for those two retirement funds could continue to grow for 15 to 20 years, analyst Matthew Butler said.

The city would have to come up with an additional $1 billion a year to make sufficient payments to stop all of its pension debt from growing, he added. And Moody's isn't likely to upgrade the city's credit rating until that debt does stop growing, he said.

Nevertheless, he credited Emanuel for the efforts he has made to address the debt problem he inherited from former Mayor Richard M. Daley. The growth in pension debt has slowed as a result.

Another problem: the lousy state of Chicago Public Schools finances, where debt ratings are even lower. Because CPS taxes the same folks as the city, the strain at the school district affects the city, the analysts said.

But they were careful to point out Chicago is not Detroit or Puerto Rico, governments that have defaulted on their debt payments. Chicago's finances are in better shape than those cities, and the economy in Chicago is "vibrant and growing," they said. (Hal Dardick)

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*Dold gets Argiris backing in IL-10: Wheeling Village President Dean Argiris is scheduled to endorse Republican U.S. Rep. Robert Dold for re-election on Thursday, putting a Democrat in his column as he faces a challenge from former Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider in the North Shore 10th Congressional District.

"While I'm a proud Democrat, I'm behind the people who go above and beyond for the residents of my community of Wheeling, which is why I'm putting all of my support behind Bob Dold," Argiris said in a statement. "Bob is a strong leader that spends copious amounts of time in our community helping constituents."

Argiris previously supported Schneider in 2014, and in the March Democratic primary he backed Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering over Schneider. (Rick Pearson)

*Proud papa: Ald. Roberto Maldonado, 26th, was quite happy for son Rene after learning the 15-year-old had qualified for the 2020 Olympic Trials in swimming.

The younger Maldonado will only be a sophomore at Jones College Prep, but he's already shown great promise as a swimmer, particularly when it comes to his times in the breaststroke, which qualified him for the trials. In addition to swimming for his high school varsity team, he's also a member of the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club.

The oldest of three Maldonado children says he hopes his dedication to swimming honors his late mother, Nancy Franco Maldonado, who died of pancreatic cancer late last year. (Hal Dardick)

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Follow the money

*Track campaign contribution reports in real time with this Tribune Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ILCampaignCash

Beyond Chicago

*Obama boosts Hillary Clinton in torch-passing speech.

*Kaine lays into Trump while introducing himself to nation in folksy fashion, lots of "ums."

*Trump calls for Russian hackers to find missing Clinton emails.

*Charges dropped against Baltimore officers in Freddie Gray case following courtroom losses.
PHILADELPHIA  The Rev. Jesse Jackson gave a full-throated backing of Hillary Clinton from the Democratic National Convention stage Wednesday, branding the former secretary of state as "trusted and tested and tried."

Jackson said Clinton could be trusted to make the right appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court, to take up gun control and bring Americans together instead of threatening to deport millions like Republican nominee Donald Trump.

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But while Jackson used his seven-minute speech to extol Clinton's virtues, he also sought to heal differences within the Democratic Party and divisions that have arisen after recent shootings of black men by white police officers and the recent killing of officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La.

"I stand proudly in support of the next president of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton," Jackson said, with pair of reading glasses perched at the tip of his nose. "And let me also congratulate Bernie Sanders for energizing this campaign with ideas and hope. The Bern must never grow cold."

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As he has repeatedly in recent years, Jackson also used his time at the microphone to advocate for stronger gun control laws. But in doing so, he also voiced concerns over the recent killings of police officers.

"Hillary understands the historic dimensions of the agony, hope and promise of Black Lives Matter. She knows our scars and our suffering," Jackson said. "The shootings of young black men must stop, and we deeply regret the killing of police officers with powerful assault weapons. Those police should be alive today. Ban assault weapons now."

In making his case for Clinton, Jackson also decried the spike in shooting deaths in Chicago.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 200 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves to delegates after her speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016. (Mary Altaffer / AP)

"She can be trusted to ban the assault weapons that have turned our communities into killing fields, with 2,300 shot in Chicago this year and nearly 250 killed this year alone," said Jackson, though the actual number is at least 377. "Ban these assault weapons now."

Jackson formally endorsed Clinton's presidential bid in June, as it became clear she would secure enough delegates to win the nomination. The backing also came shortly after Clinton's campaign announced she would speak at the annual convention of the Rainbow/Push Coalition that Jackson has run from the South Side for 50 years.

Prior to his endorsement of Clinton, Jackson had become close to Sanders, who endorsed Jackson's 1988 presidential bid.

Jackson passed over Clinton in 2008 to endorse then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, though Obama's star power already had begun to eclipse the reverend's role as a spokesman in the African-American community.

There were no signs of friction between the Clintons and Jackson on Wednesday, as the 74-year-old civil rights leader capped off his speech by removing his reading glasses and repeating the same thundering refrain nine times as the crowd rose to a loud standing ovation.

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"It's healing time! It's hope time! It's Hillary time!"

bruthhart@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @BillRuthhart
U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth delivers an address during the annual Midwest Regional Conference of EMILY's List, the nation's largest resource for women in politics, in Chicago on June 6, 2016. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

PHILADELPHIA  U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth didn't speak long at the Illinois Democratic delegation breakfast Wednesday, but she didn't have to. The standing ovation and the chanting of her name were preordained.

She tossed out a few jokes about U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, the Republican she hopes to dethrone this fall. She retold stories about growing up poor. And she alluded to her war-hero status in a gracious way, praising her fellow Democrats for participating in the democratic process, which she allowed was "probably just as patriotic as serving in the military."

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Moments later, Duckworth and a campaign staffer decamped to an out-of-the-way corner in the hotel lobby to get to work on what's expected to be a prime-time Thursday speech on the Democratic National Convention stage.

That the two-term congresswoman from Hoffman Estates still hadn't locked in her remarks on the eve of her moment in the national spotlight is a sign of the power of her personal story. An Iraq War veteran and the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress from Illinois, Duckworth isn't lacking for material that will play well with the convention crowd.

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On Thursday, Duckworth is expected to expand on the personal stories she shared with delegation members, with emphasis on how her childhood shaped her political beliefs. She'll relay how her family fell on hard financial times when her father lost his job midcareer, leaving the four-person family to pack into a studio apartment and rely on food stamps until they could get more financial stability. The story is meant to illustrate how government programs and support provided her with opportunities for success and shaped her Democratic views, according to the campaign.

The strength of Duckworth's political brand is such that Kirk already is spending precious cash to run early attack ads in an attempt to redefine Duckworth's shining image for voters. He's trying to paint her as just another partisan hack by tying her to her onetime boss, imprisoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich. At the center of the ad is a long-running lawsuit filed by two state veterans affairs employees who claimed Duckworth retaliated against them for whistleblowing.

That line of attack gained new life Wednesday, when the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Kirk's campaign pointed to a published report that quoted the two women who sued as saying they've changed their mind about a settlement announced a month ago and now want to proceed to trial.

The timing of that revelation has the effect of muddying the waters for Duckworth on what otherwise was an easy political momentum-builder. The tightly scripted, made-for-TV setting of the convention stage is a rare chance for candidates to introduce  or reintroduce, in Duckworth's case  themselves to an engaged, national audience of potential donors and supporters.

The Illinois Democratic Party, which already has anointed Duckworth its new political celebrity, is hoping her star power can help boost candidates up and down the ballot in November. The race also has national implications because Democrats are hoping to take control of the Senate and Kirk is considered the most vulnerable Republican seeking re-election this year.

Aside from being a darling of the Democrats, Duckworth's strategy for success Nov. 8 so far has hinged on a play-it-safe approach. She's spent much of the campaign season away from the glare of the Chicago media, opting instead to keep a low profile while her opponent contends with the controversial candidacy of Donald Trump at the top of his party's ticket.

"Did Mark Kirk talk yet? Did he speak here?" Duckworth said as she opened her chat with Illinois delegates Wednesday. "I mean, he's running so hard against his record as a Republican, I thought he might show up in Philadelphia and pretend he's a Democrat."

Indeed, Kirk has tried to distance himself from the GOP identity crisis brought on by Trump. The senator skipped the Republican National Convention and aired an ad touting himself as an "independent" voice for deeming Trump "not fit to be commander in chief."

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The ad handed Duckworth another easy punch line Wednesday.

"I should just actually take his commercial and pay to run it for him in central and southern Illinois and see how well that goes over," she said.

As much as Kirk is trying to put space between himself and the GOP, Duckworth has kept in lockstep with her party, and appears to be banking on that being enough to put her over the top. Historically, the approach has worked well for her.

Duckworth returned home from the Iraq war after losing both legs when a Blackhawk helicopter she was co-piloting was shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade. As she recovered, she was quickly absorbed into the network of Illinois Democratic powerbrokers.

Sen. Dick Durbin recruited her for a 2006 suburban congressional race. At the time, Democrats were keen on taking control of the House, and Duckworth had an uplifting tale as a veteran who had overcome extreme adversity.

Duckworth lost that race, but weeks later Blagojevich appointed her to head the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. When then-Sen. Barack Obama won the White House, he installed Duckworth as an assistant secretary of Veterans Affairs in his administration. And when Democrats redrew political district lines in 2011, they crafted a northwest suburban district specifically for her, cobbling together enough Democratic voters to favor one of their own.

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All of it laid the foundation for Duckworth's 2012 defeat of Republican Joe Walsh, a one-term firebrand tea party icon. Since that victory, her time in the House has been widely regarded as a steppingstone for an eventual Senate run.

Kirk has tried to get out in front of the challenge, running ads against Duckworth that label her "just another Chicago politician," while referencing a civil lawsuit against Duckworth that alleged workplace retaliation during her time as head of the state Department of Veterans Affairs under Blagojevich.

On June 24, the parties announced that the twice-dismissed lawsuit had been settled for $26,000 from the state, with no finding of wrongdoing. At the time, the Duckworth campaign called the settlement "appropriate for what was always a frivolous workplace case" and suggested the case was in the rearview mirror.

That characterization apparently aggravated the two state workers, and on the eve of Duckworth's convention speech they resurfaced, telling the Daily Herald they want to go to trial. Efforts to reach the women as well as their lawyers were unsuccessful Wednesday. Duckworth's campaign declined to comment, referring reporters to the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

A spokeswoman for the attorney general's office, which is representing Duckworth in the case, indicated there was no sign that the settlement had been disrupted. "We reached a final settlement agreement last month and the paperwork is being finalized," Madigan spokeswoman Maura Possley said.

No new motions had been set in the case, which had been slated for trial Aug. 15 pending settlement, the Union County circuit clerk's office said.

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With outside groups expected to spend heavily to promote Duckworth and attack Kirk as Democrats try to take the seat, Duckworth had the luxury of being able to fire back with her own TV ad last month, a spot that touts her military service while calling into question the military record of Kirk, a retired Navy Reserve officer.

On Wednesday, Duckworth said she's not taking anything for granted in her first statewide contest.

"I never said that this was an easy race. It's why I'm campaigning all across the state, by the way, something that Mark Kirk is not doing," Duckworth told reporters after delivering her breakfast speech.

Thursday night will mark Duckworth's third time on a national convention stage. During her prior speeches in 2008 and 2012, Duckworth used her status as a war veteran to vouch for Obama. This year, her standing as a minority woman could help with the Democrats' overarching strategy of playing up the diversity of their party to draw a contrast with the GOP and Trump's nativist campaign theme.

Chicago Tribune's Rick Pearson contributed from Chicago and Monique Garcia contributed from Springfield.

kgeiger@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @kimgeiger
Russia and the Syrian government will open humanitarian corridors in Syria's embattled city of Aleppo and offer a way out for opposition fighters wanting to lay down their arms, Russia's defense minister Sergei Shoigu announced on July 28, 2016. (Manu Brabo / AP)

MOSCOW  Russia and the Syrian government said they will open humanitarian corridors in Syria's embattled city of Aleppo on Thursday and offer a way out for opposition fighters wanting to lay down their arms, even as Syrian forces took another district from rebels in the city.

The Russian announcement by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu came as Syria's President Bashar Assad offered a general amnesty for rebels who give up their weapons and surrender to authorities over the next three months.

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Rebels and residents of Aleppo said they were deeply skeptical of the offer, and there was no immediate sign of people massing to leave the besieged parts of the city.

Rights groups said opening safe passages to civilians trapped in eastern Aleppo city won't avert a catastrophe and does not give Syrian and Russian forces carte blanche to further blockade the opposition-controlled territory.

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In a statement Thursday, the London-based Amnesty International said providing safe routes for those civilians wishing to leave is "no substitute for allowing impartial humanitarian relief for civilians who remain in opposition-held areas," many of whom will be skeptical about government and Russian promises.

"Providing safe routes for those civilians who wish to flee Aleppo city will not avert a humanitarian catastrophe," said Philip Luther, director of the Middle East and North Africa program for Amnesty.

"The fact that you provide this option doesn't mean that the people who stay behind are legitimate military targets," said Nadim Houry, the deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, in comments to The Associated Press.

For days now, Syrian government forces and allied troops have encircled the main rebel enclave in Aleppo, urging fighters there to surrender. The encirclement set the stage for a prolonged siege that the government hopes will eventually force the rebels to surrender, a tactic Assad's forces have used elsewhere, including in the central city of Homs.

But humanitarian groups have warned of a major catastrophe if the siege on the rebel-held parts of Aleppo continues. Some 300,000 residents are trapped in the eastern part of the city that is controlled by rebels, according to the United Nations.

Shoigu said in televised comments that President Vladimir Putin has ordered a "large-scale humanitarian operation" that will be launched outside Aleppo to help civilians as well as allow fighters who wanted to lay down the arms to surrender.

He said three corridors will be open for civilians and fighters who lay down their arms and a fourth corridor providing fighters a "safe exit with weapons."

"Given the fact that our American counterparts have not provided intelligence about the Nusra Front and Syrian Free Army squads (we) will create a fourth corridor for a safe exist with weapons in the north of Aleppo in the direction of the Castello highway," he said. The Nusra Front is al-Qaida's branch in Syria while the Syrian Free Army is the name of the main Western-backed rebels. Both have fighters in Aleppo.

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The U.N. envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said he wants to see how the United Nations could coordinate with Russia on its plan to help civilians and opposition fighters who lay down their weapons outside Aleppo, which he called "de-facto" besieged.

"In Aleppo, the situation is extremely serious, no doubt," de Mistura said. "There is probably  we heard  two to three weeks of supplies, and in view of the bombing of the warehouses, medical facilities, bakeries, and the need of treating wounded people when in fact medical facilities are being hit, the humanitarian situation is getting more and more concerning."

Meanwhile, the governor of Aleppo province, Mohammed Olbi, said three crossings have been opened for residents, adding that those who leave would be given temporary accommodation. Syrian TV said fliers have already been dropped on rebel-held areas of Aleppo urging people to take the government's offer of humanitarian corridors. The TV also aired a call from Aleppo clerics, calling on armed groups to drop their weapons.

There were no immediate signs of people converging on the crossings.

Bahaa Halabi, an opposition media activist inside Aleppo, said there are no corridors out of east Aleppo and even if there were, he would not take them.

"Definitely not. We will not surrender ourselves to the criminals. They are killing us every day. Slaughtering us, starving us, and besieging civilians," he said, speaking from the city via Skype.

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Fliers dropped on eastern Aleppo show corridors to government areas, according to Ibrahim Haj, who directs the media office. He said some families may send their women and children through the corridors but not men. Also, he said there is clearly little confidence in the government's amnesty offer.

"Most of the men  everyone here  is wanted by the regime," said Haj. "It's impossible for people here to go to regime areas."

Many male residents of Aleppo fear being taken in for their opposition activities or for mandatory military service.

Capitalizing on their push in battles over the past days, Assad's forces on Thursday took the Bani Zeid neighborhood on the northern edge of the Aleppo from the rebels as part of a steady advance meant to tighten the siege. State-run news agency SANA said the military has begun clearing land mines there and claimed dozens of gunmen laid down their weapons and surrendered in the neighborhood.

Assad's amnesty offer, which came in a presidential decree, included armed opposition fighters who surrender within three months and also urged all detainees to be freed. The decree, which was published by SANA, said that those who might set free their captives will be exempted from punishment if they turn themselves in within a month.

Assad has issued amnesty offers several times during Syria's civil war, now in its sixth year. The latest offer  like those before it  is largely seen by opposition fighters as a publicity stunt and psychological warfare against the rebels. More than a quarter of a million people have died and millions have been displaced since March 2011, when Syria's conflict erupted.

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Separately, Shoigu also said that Moscow is sending a top general and experts to Geneva at the request of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss the Aleppo crisis.

Shoigu said Putin, in response to a request by Kerry, ordered Gen. Stanislav Gadzhimagomedov and a group of experts to the Swiss city, which has hosted several rounds of Syrian talks and international negotiators trying to resolve the crisis.

Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA  The Democrats' historic handoff to Hillary Clinton arrived with affection from one ex-president and an endorsement from an outgoing one. But it also came with a warning: That last glass ceiling isn't shattered yet and Republican Donald Trump is a formidable foe.

Clinton formally captured the Democratic nomination Tuesday night and declared the barrier keeping women from the presidency nearly broken. Her husband, Bill Clinton, closed the historic night with an expansive and passionate testimonial, offering a deeply personal  though scandal-free  account of their relationship.

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It also was a policy-driven ode to the "best darn change-maker I have ever met."

On Wednesday night, President Barack Obama will make his case for electing the former first lady, senator and secretary of state as the first woman to occupy the Oval Office. But he will also tell Democrats to get serious.

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"Anything is possible," Obama said in an interview on NBC's "Today" show. "Anybody who goes into campaigns not running scared can end up losing," he said.

Obama also stirred a new fight with Trump in the interview, aired Wednesday.

The president has said Russians appear to be behind the hack of Democratic National Committee emails that toppled the party's chief earlier this week. Providing no evidence, Obama suggested in the interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin was actually rooting for Trump and said the GOP businessman has "expressed admiration" for Putin.

Trump pushed back on the Democrats' insinuations that Russia is trying to tip the scales in his favor.

"I have nothing to do with Russia," he exclaimed in a free-flowing news conference at his resort in Florida. "I said that Putin has better leadership qualities than Obama, but who doesn't know that?"

Wednesday night's Democratic session will include nods to the past and the possible future. Vice President Joe Biden will deliver his valedictory. Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, will get his turn in the spotlight.

Hillary Clinton was affirmed as the party's nominee Tuesday night at a convention that appeared to be finding its stride as it focused on appealing to the coalition Clinton will need to win  blacks, Hispanics, women and young people  and putting to bed the drama of formally defeating liberal challenger Bernie Sanders.

The base-boosting strategy has some Democrats worried Clinton is ceding too much ground to her opponent. Her convention has made little mention of the economic insecurity and anxiety that has, in part, fueled Trump's rise with white, working-class voters. Trump has cast himself as the "law-and-order" candidate and promised to get tough on terrorists. Democrats have rarely noted the threat of terrorism or the Islamic State group.

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Speaking on MSNBC Wednesday morning, Biden said his party has failed to connect with and show "respect" for white, working-class voters.

Trump accused Democrats of avoiding talking about the Islamic State group "because they grew it." In his news conference, he hammered Clinton on her trade policy, saying if she is elected she will flip her opposition to the Trans-Pacific trade deal. He also backed an increase to the minimum wage to $10 per hour.

During the Democrats' convention, the fallout from the hack and the effort to appease Sanders' fans have competed with the celebration of Clinton's landmark achievement. But Tuesday night's roll call vote sealed her nomination without trouble inside the hall and Sanders himself stepped up in the name of unity to ask that her nomination be approved by acclamation.

The unhappiest among his followers filed out, occupied a media tent and staged a sit-in, some with tape on their mouths to signify their silencing by the party. But a teary Sanders acknowledged the end. Obama was "kind enough to call," he said Wednesday in a meeting with New England delegates. "As of yesterday, I guess, officially our campaign ended."

The roll call vote was laden with emotion and symbols of women's long struggle to break through political barriers. Holding a sign saying "Centenarian for Hillary," 102-year-old Jerry Emmett of Prescott, Arizona, cast her state delegation's vote. She was born before women won the right to vote in 1920, and remembered her mother casting a ballot for the first time.

Said Clinton, in a surprise appearance on video at night's end: "We just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet." The crowd roared.

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Bill Clinton traced the couple's love story chapter and verse, starting from their meeting in a library and proceeding through his head-strong courtship and on through the years. Unsavory episodes, like his numerous dalliances with women in Arkansas and the nearly career-ending liaison with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, were omitted.

Associated Press
Within hours of their performance at a Donald Trump rally in Pensacola, Fla. Last January, the U.S.A. Freedom Kids were a sensation.

You remember the video: Three pre-teen girls in star-spangled outfits crisply working through simple choreography as they lip-synced an upbeat update to "Over There."

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That infectious performance kicked off a flurry of media appearances. The Freedom Kids told "Inside Edition" that Trump told them that he planned to listen to their CD all night. The group, which had been around for about two-and-a-half-years by that point, was a viral sensation largely inextricable from Trump himself.

Now, though, the relationship is different. Jeff Popick, father of the smallest Freedom Kid and author of "Freedom's Call" (the song performed at the Trump rally), told The Washington Post by phone on Monday that he planned to file a lawsuit against the campaign for violating its agreement with the group.

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"This is not a billion-dollar lawsuit," Popick said. "I'm doing this because I think they have to do the right thing. And if this means having to go through the court system to enforce them doing the right thing, then that's what I have to do. I'm not looking to do battle with the Trump campaign, but I have to show my girls that this is the right thing."

Popick is quick to explain that the agreement was not written down, but, instead, involves a series of promises from various agents of the Trump campaign which he says were then broken.

It started in Pensacola. When Popick first reached out to the Trump campaign about performing, he spoke with various people including former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski. His understanding from the campaign was that the Kids would make two appearances in Florida, where Popick lives. The first event didn't come to fruition, and Popick says he asked for $2,500 in payment for the second performance, in Pensacola. The campaign made a counter-offer: How about a table where the group could pre-sell albums? Popick took the deal.

When they arrived at the venue, though, there was no table, Popick says. The result was "complete chaos," he said. "They clearly had made no provisions for that."

Popick, believing that he was owed some alternate compensation, tried to contact the campaign afterward, without luck. In addition to costs spent on promotional materials for the non-existent table, Popick says, he also lost several promotional opportunities due to confusion over his relationship with the campaign.

When Trump made the sudden decision to skip the January Fox News debate and instead hold an event for veterans, a representative of the campaign called Popick to see if the Freedom Kids might perform. The call came the day before the event, Popick says, which was being held in Des Moines at 6:30 p.m. With the promise that the exposure from the event would be "huge," Popick readily agreed, and the kids and their parents packed up for a direct flight to Chicago and a long drive to Iowa.

It wasn't to be. When the plane landed, Popick had a message from the campaign staffer indicating that there was a change of plan. The campaign invited the performers to attend the rally, which they did, in their outfits. The campaign asked Popick not to talk to the media, he says, but then gave them seats within arm's length of the press. "They just were constantly coming over, wanting pictures," Popick said of the press. "They wanted to take pictures, they wanted to ask questions -- and I had to be a real jerk." The cost of the flights, rental car and hotel were all absorbed by Popick.

After that, he kept reaching out "again and again and again and again," without luck. He was passed around between staffers; calls went unreturned even after calls were promised. Emails Popick sent to the campaign (which he shared with The Post) detail the interaction between himself and the campaign and his ultimate request. "We are now asking and DEMANDING for what has been promised to us and is now long-overdue (and has been rightly earned by us); that is, a performance at the convention," an email dated July 9 reads. "Or, be made whole."

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An email to the campaign requesting their understanding of the agreement was not returned by our deadline.

"These are guys that insist they're straight shooters," Popick said, "'You may not like what we're going to say, but we mean what we say and we say what we mean' -- and they just would not say anything of any substance!"

"I've invested a lot of time, effort, money," he continued, "and it's just been complete silence."

It's worth noting that Popick's story mirrors analysis of Trump's record in working with small business owners, some of whom allege that the Republican nominee failed to live up to financial and other commitments he'd made to them.

Popick has consulted with an attorney who thinks he has a case. "We are owed compensation or, as the agreement is, a performance. That's what the agreement was," he said. "In lieu of compensation, in lieu of monetary compensation, that we would have this performance. It was largely a verbal contract, but a contract nonetheless and on two different occasions." He expects to file the lawsuit within a few weeks.

Popick came into the relationship as a Trump fan. "I grew up in New York, where he was sort of a celebrity before he was a celebrity," Popick said. "I admired what he was able to accomplish. I read all of his books at this point back probably decades. ... I was a fan before he was a candidate."

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He's not certain, though, if he's still a fan.

"At this point, my position is that I have no position, really," Popick said. "What he's done to my group or what he's not done for my group doesn't necessarily make him the best candidate, it doesn't make him the worst candidate. I still have to mull that over. He might still be the best candidate as president of the United States -- or not."

"What I think I've learned," Popick added, "is that I'm not qualified to be a political commentator."

If you're curious, the album will be out in early September. "Freedom's Call," which included the line "President Donald Trump knows how to make America great," will not be on it.
PHILADELPHIA  The Democratic National Convention lineup of speakers has highlighted an increasingly diverse country that could soon elect the first female president to succeed its first black chief executive.



Yet the stream of women, African-Americans, Latinos, gay Americans  from U.S. senators and celebrities to activists and, on Thursday, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton herself  also serves as a reminder of Democrats' struggles to connect with most heterosexual white men.



"It's just sad," says Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, a Democratic strategist turned Donald Trump supporter who says his party "has abandoned" culturally conservative white men like himself.



Even Vice President Joe Biden offered a noteworthy, if more muted assessment Wednesday. Democrats have "done the right thing" for white working-class voters, he said on MSNBC, but the party hasn't "spoken to them."



It's a long-developing gap that bolsters Republican control of Congress and most statehouses. It could play into the hands of Republican Trump, whose path to victory depends on whites drawn to his blistering critiques of elitism and "political correctness" in the America of Clinton and Barack Obama.



White men still make up about a third of the typical presidential electorate and will be crucial to Trump's fortunes in Rust Belt states that have seen a declining middle class. They also could tip the balance in battlegrounds like Virginia and Florida, states Obama won twice.



Saunders says both parties play "wedge and identity politics" on guns, gay rights and other issues.



Republicans emphasized "law and order" at their Cleveland convention, while Democrats on Tuesday welcomed "Mothers of the Movement," black moms whose sons died at the hands of police. Republicans heard National Rifle Association leaders; Democrats are featuring families of gun violence victims.



Democratic pollster Mark Mellman described "a cultural gap," with both parties playing to their advantages. But Saunders says Trump taps into a "legitimate" frustration acute among small-town and rural white men whose fathers and grandfathers once helped elect Democrats.



"They see no opportunity, no hope," continued Saunders, who advised John Edwards' presidential campaigns and Jim Webb's brief 2016 bid. "Then they see Democrats up there talking about diversity and trends and what we'll be like in 40 years. This country needs help now."



Democrats insist they understand the sentiment.



Former President Bill Clinton, speaking Tuesday on his wife's behalf, told of campaigning this year in West Virginia  a now heavily Republican state that Clinton won twice in the 1990s  in front of coal miners who blame job losses on Democrats' policies.



"Hillary sent me to tell you that if you really think you can get the economy back you had 50 years ago ... vote for whoever you want to," the 42nd president recalled telling miners. "But if she wins, she is coming back for you to take you along on the ride to America's future."



The white Pittsburgh police chief, Cameron McLay, told Democratic delegates that police and their communities can work together. The top organized labor leader, Richard Trumka, who is white, made the traditional appeal that Democrats are the party of workers.



Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, will speak Wednesday, and aides note he is well-regarded across his state, including in rural, Republican pockets. Kaine speaks effusively of his family and Catholic faith.



Robby Mook, Clinton's campaign manager, said at a convention lunch sponsored by the Wall Street Journal that Clinton will address working-class issues in her speech.



In 2012, exit polls conducted for the Associated Press and television networks showed Republican Mitt Romney won 62 percent of white men to Obama's 35 percent. Measured another way, white men made up less than quarter of Obama's national vote, compared to about 44 percent of Romney's total.



Current polls suggest a more pronounced gap this year, a trends evident on the ground.



In St. Clairsville, Ohio, not far from where both Clintons campaigned this spring, barber shop owner Kent Jenewein estimated that "more than 90 percent" of his clients, nearly all white men, back Trump  in a county Obama won in 2008. Clinton, Jenewein said, "doesn't understand us."



Mellman, the pollster, says Democrats can make "marginal gains" among non-urban whites, including men, in the same way Republicans are seeking marginal upticks in support from African-Americans and Latinos. Trump could also drive up his support among white men only to see Clinton buoyed with better support than Obama had from white Republican women who dislike Trump.



Clinton insisted during the primaries that she won't overlook white men. "Let's be honest," she said in her own Appalachia campaign stop. "Some (of you) find it hard to think about voting for any Democrats. ... But I'm going to keep trying to convince people otherwise."

Associated Press
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stands with vice presidential candidate Mike Pence after delivering his acceptance speech during the 2016 Republican National Convention July 21, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty Images)

Donald Trump's campaign has denied press credentials to a number of disfavored media organizations, including The Washington Post, but on Wednesday, the campaign of his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, went even further.

At Pence's first public event since he was introduced as the Republican vice presidential candidate two weeks ago, a Post reporter was barred from entering the venue after security staffers summoned local police to pat him down in a search for his cellphone.

Pence's campaign expressed embarrassment and regret about the episode, which an official blamed on overzealous campaign volunteers.

Post reporter Jose A. DelReal sought to cover Pence's rally at the Waukesha County Exposition Center outside Milwaukee, but was turned down for a credential beforehand by volunteers at a press check-in table.

DelReal then tried to enter via the general admission line, as Post reporters have done without incident since Trump banned the paper from his events last month. He was stopped there by a private security official who told him he couldn't enter the building with his laptop and cellphone.

When DelReal asked if others attending the rally could enter with their cellphones, he said the unidentified official replied, "Not if they work for The Washington Post."

After placing his computer and phone in his car, DelReal returned to the line and was detained again by security personnel, who summoned two county sheriff's deputies. The officers patted down DelReal's legs and torso, seeking his phone, the reporter said.

When the officers - whom DelReal identified as Dep. John Lappley and Capt. Michelle Larsuel - verified that he wasn't carrying a phone, the reporter asked to be admitted. The security person declined. "He said, 'I don't want you here. You have to go," DelReal said.

The security person wouldn't give his name when DelReal asked him to identify himself. He also denied DelReal's request to speak to a campaign press representative as he escorted the journalist out.

Officials of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department were unavailable for comment Wednesday night.

Trump has banned nearly a dozen news organizations whose coverage has displeased him, but reporters have generally been able to cover his events by going through general admission lines.

The incident involving DelReal marks another in a series of run-ins between the press and the campaign.

In June, Politico reporter Ben Schreckinger was ejected from a Trump event in San Jose, California, by a campaign staffer and a private security guard after he tried to cover the rally without the campaign's permission. In February a photojournalist from Time magazine, Christopher Morris, was roughed up by a Secret Service agent as journalists rushed to cover a protest at one of his rallies.

And Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski yanked and bruised the arm of a reporter for Breitbart News, Michelle Fields, when she tried to question Trump after a speech in March.

DelReal's experience on Wednesday elicited a rebuke from Post executive editor Martin Baron.

"First, press credentials for The Washington Post were revoked by Donald Trump," he said. "Now, law enforcement officers, in collusion with private security officials, subjected a reporter to bullying treatment that no ordinary citizen has to endure. All of this took place in a public facility no less. The harassment of an independent press isn't coming to an end. It's getting worse."

Officials from the Pence campaign initially said they were unaware of the Waukesha incident when asked for comment Wednesday night. But after a cursory investigation, one official, who declined to go on the record, said that no members of the campaign's staff were involved. He said volunteers went too far.

"It sounds like they misinterpreted what they were supposed to be doing," he said. "This is not our policy."
The third night of the Democratic National Convention featured a number of heavy hitters within the party including President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine.

I watched, tweeted and took notes on the best and the worst of the night that was. My picks are below.

Winners

Joe Biden: The Vice President did three things extremely well in his speech on Wednesday night: 1) Told his own story of loss and perseverance 2) Offered a full-throated testimonial on behalf of Hillary Clinton and 3) Smashed Donald Trump; "no major party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or has ever been less prepared," Biden said.

But, he did more than that too. Sensing that this was almost certainly a swan song for him in front of this sort of audience on a national stage. Biden delivered a powerful defense of the middle class and of the unique ability of Americans to overcome even the most difficult challenges. It was quintessential Biden -- a fundamental rejection of the dark vision of America offered by Trump in favor of the come-on-this-is-America spirit that the longtime Delaware Senator personifies.

The total package was absolutely outstanding -- a speech only rivaled at this convention by First Lady Michelle Obama's address.

Barack Obama: This was not a speech that will make it into the pantheon of Obama's best addresses. Obama is still better selling himself than he is serving as a surrogate for someone else. (That's not unique to him. Almost every politician is better at selling themselves. It's why they're politicians.)

But, Obama at 75 percent is still a better speech-giver than almost anyone else on the planet. He was gracious -- sharing credit with Clinton for the decision to go after Osama bin Laden. He was biting and tough on Trump, dismissing him as a "self-described savior." And Obama made a stirring case for American exceptionalism and the enduring power of the American experiment; "America is already great," he said at one point. "America is already strong."

And, Obama's close -- about the uniqueness of his own American story and all of our American stories -- was deeply compelling.

Michael Bloomberg: The former New York City mayor (and former Democrat/Republican) started off a little bit shaky -- getting a rough reception from the convention crowd when he talked about places where he disagreed with Hillary Clinton. But, Bloomberg found his mojo when he turned his rhetorical fire on Trump. And, man oh man, did he go after his fellow New York billionaire. "Let's elect a sane, competent person," Bloomberg said at one point. "Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's run his business. God help us," he said at another. It was a searing and effective critique coming from Bloomberg -- an unquestioned titan of business.

Martin O'Malley: The former Maryland governor took the stage just before 7:30 p.m. -- not exactly an ideal speaking slot. But, he did a lot with a little. He delivered a blunt and effective attack against Trump as anti-science and anti-worker.

It's time to put a racist bully in his place, and a tough woman in hers: The White House!

That got the crowd going and on his side. Plus, I loved that O'Malley came out without a suitcoat and with his tie loosened. We need less formality at these conventions! They are too stuffy and programmatic!

Christine Leinonen: The mother of one of the 49 people who were murdered at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, last month delivered a raw and emotional testimonial to her son's life. It was brutally hard to watch and almost impossible to forget.

Losers

Tim Kaine: The vice presidential nominee delivered a totally competent speech, introducing himself to a convention hall and a country that, largely, didn't (and doesn't) know him, touting Clinton's credentials for the top job and attacking Trump. But, that same speech contained a few groan-worthy lines -- "We should all feel the Bern and not get burned by the other guy" -- and too much "hey, do you remember" sort of phrasing. Also, please, Senator Kaine, never do the Trump impersonation again. I beg you.

It didn't help that Kaine was effectively sandwiched in between Biden and Obama, two incredibly gifted speakers who have been in front of these huge audiences a whole lot more than him. Kaine wasn't actively bad but he wasn't actively good either. Of course, he wasn't picked to be Clinton's vice presidential nominee because of his soaring rhetorical skills.

Leon Panetta: The former CIA Director, Secretary of Defense and California Congressman is one of the most respected voices on national security in Washington. And, it was clear from the start of his speech that he was tasked with delivering a serious and sober condemnation of Trump and his alleged inability to grasp the complexity of the threat posed by terrorism. Unfortunately for Panetta, his speech was the moment when the most committed Bernie Sanders supporters decided to make a statement; a chant of "no more war" broke out on the convention floor, forcing Panetta to pause his speech. It was an awkward moment that clearly took him by complete surprise.

Rahm Emanuel: The president's first chief of staff and the now-mayor of Chicago was a key cog in Obama's first term. But the celebratory video that led into the president's speech barely made mention of Rahm -- and, when it did, it cast him as the guy saying that the Affordable Care Act couldn't pass. Not great.

Microphones: It was cool to see all those Broadway stars singing "What the World Needs Now Is Love." But, why did they have so few microphones? The rush to pass the mic to the person to the right distracted from the overall effect. Make Microphones Great Again!

Chanting: If you're going to chant, you need to make it short and sweet. "Love trump hate" is a good slogan but as a chant? Doesn't work. Too muddled. And, when the California delegation started chanting in the middle of Rear Admiral John Hutson's speech, no one -- including Hutson -- knew what they were yelling. Come on man. What are we even doing out here, man?
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is shown coming out onto the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy to address the media in central London on February 5, 2016. (Ben Stansall, AFP/Getty Images)

Over at the CIA and the National Security Agency headquarters, they must be really enjoying watching Democrats in Philadelphia squirm over WikiLeaks' exposure of tens of thousands of internal Democratic Party emails. There's a word for what is happening in the intelligence community:

Blowback.

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Throughout the entirety of the Obama administration, nothing was done as WikiLeaks damaged our national security with its serial leaks of highly classified intelligence documents.

When in 2010 WikiLeaks released more than 76,000 secret intelligence documents  exposing "the identities of at least 100 Afghans who were informing on the Taliban, including the names of their villages, family members, the Taliban commanders on whom they were informing, and even GPS coordinates where they could be found," as I once opined  nothing was done.

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When in 2011 WikiLeaks released a trove of classified documents it dubbed the "Gitmo Files"  including secret details about the CIA's enhanced interrogation program  nothing was done.

When that same year WikiLeaks unleashed what founder Julian Assange called a "thermonuclear device"  its full, unredacted archive of more than a quarter-million secret U.S. diplomatic cables  nothing was done.

When in 2014 WikiLeaks released classified CIA documents exposing how CIA operatives maintain cover while traveling through airports  including guidance on how to survive secondary screening  nothing was done.

When in 2015 WikiLeaks released documents revealing that the U.S. government was spying on its allies, including listening in on the phone calls of three French presidents  nothing was done.

When in 2016 WikiLeaks published secret details of European Union military operations to intercept refugee boats traveling to Europe from the regions along the Libyan coast infested with terrorists from the Islamic State, nothing was done.

When in 2016 WikiLeaks exposed top-secret documents describing NSA intercepts of foreign government communications  including a private climate-change strategy meeting between United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin  nothing was done.

But WikiLeaks has finally crossed a "red line" (pun intended) that has earned it the Democrats' outrage. Instead of targeting the CIA or the NSA, WikiLeaks has gone after an organization Democrats actually care about  the Democratic National Committee.

WikiLeaks has released tens of thousands of emails showing that, while presenting itself as an impartial arbiter during the primaries, the DNC was, in fact, working overtime on Hillary Clinton's behalf to undermine Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. In one leaked email, DNC officials said they planned to expose Sanders as an atheist to Baptist voters in Kentucky and West Virginia. Others showed DNC staffers mocking Sanders supporters as "Bernie Bros" and plotting how to spin the narrative of his failure. Others reveal that the DNC and the Hillary Victory Fund apparently channeled money through state Democratic parties, perhaps in an effort to avoid contribution limits to her campaign. Other leaks include spreadsheets that appeared to match Democratic donors and fundraisers with appointments to federal boards and commissions once Clinton was elected. Still others show DNC staffers calling their donors "clowns" and promising to have one "sitting in the (expletive) corner I can find" at a DNC event. The convention in Philadelphia has been roiled by the revelations, which caused Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., to step down as chair.

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Democrats have no one to blame but themselves for this debacle. As I pointed out, there were many steps the Obama administration could have taken to stop WikiLeaks. It could have indicted Assange and his fellow WikiLeaks staffers and made clear that the United States will not tolerate any country  particularly NATO allies  providing them with a haven. The administration could have sought their extradition and  if the countries where they were hiding refused to cooperate  used existing Justice Department authorities to arrest them anywhere in the world, with or without those countries' consent. They could have used the assets of U.S. Cyber Command to carry out cyberattacks on WikiLeaks servers to disrupt its ability to disseminate classified information that puts lives at risk.

But it appears that the administration has done none of these things. In 2013, The Washington Post reported that "The Justice Department has all but concluded it will not bring charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for publishing classified documents because government lawyers said they could not do so without also prosecuting U.S. news organizations and journalists . . . unless he is implicated in criminal activity other than releasing online top-secret military and diplomatic documents." Seriously?

As for using our nation's offensive cyber capabilities to disrupt WikiLeaks' ability to disseminate classified information, that clearly has not happened. To this day, WikiLeaks' entire archive of stolen classified documents remains available on its website for anyone to read.

Now Democrats are paying the price for President Barack Obama's inaction. And WikiLeaks promises there is more to come. In a recent interview with CNN, Assange said he might soon release "a lot more material." That should have Democrats terrified.

Apparently, exposing intelligence sources and methods has not mattered enough for the Obama administration to do something about WikiLeaks. Maybe saving Hillary Clinton from further embarrassment, or worse, will finally spur them to action.

Washington Post

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Marc A. Thiessen is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former speechwriter for George W. Bush.
Martin Luther King Jr., center lower right, and supporters pause during a fair housing march through Marquette Park in 1966. King later said he had never seen mobs as hostile and as hate-filled as Ive seen here in Chicago. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stepped out of a car in Marquette Park on Aug. 5, 1966, he was met by a crowd in an ugly mood. That was nothing new for King. During his civil rights crusade, he'd often faced Southern mobs. The year before, police and sheriff's deputies brutally attacked a march he'd organized in Selma, Ala. But he saw something even more menacing in the faces of the 700 white protesters who confronted him on Chicago's Southwest Side, on that August day 50 years ago.

"I've been in many demonstrations all across the South, but I can say that I have never seen  even in Mississippi and Alabama  mobs as hostile and as hate-filled as I've seen here in Chicago," King told reporters afterward.

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King and hundreds of demonstrators had scarcely set out on a march to promote open housing when he was struck by a rock. "The blow knocked King to one knee and he thrust out an arm to break the fall," the Tribune reported. "He remained in this kneeling position, head bent, for a few seconds until his head cleared." Aides and bodyguards closed in around King, holding placards aloft to shield him from the missiles that followed.

King and the demonstrators had hoped to reach a real estate office on nearby 63rd Street, intending to demand that properties be rented and sold on a nondiscriminatory basis in the all-white Chicago Lawn neighborhood. Only a few of them made it before a riot broke out. At least 30 people were injured, some by a hail of bricks and bottles accompanied by racial epithets. Some counterdemonstrators were clubbed by baton-wielding police officers. More than 40 people were arrested when a crowd of whites blocked adjoining streets and cursed the police, several of whom were hurt.

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Aides shield the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. after he was struck by a rock in Marquette Park during an Aug. 5, 1966, march in Chicago. King moved to the West Side in early 1966 to fight racial inequality in housing. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

To some, the incident might have seemed a setback for King, the prophet of nonviolence. King saw it as all in a day's work.

"I have to do this  to expose myself  to bring this hate into the open," he said upon recovering from his injury.

King had come to Chicago to open a new front in the battle for racial justice. He had enlisted in that struggle during a 1955 boycott in Montgomery, Ala., of the public transportation system by blacks no longer willing to move to the back of the bus. King's powerful oratory made him the head of the emerging civil rights movement, and in the years that followed he campaigned against legally mandated segregation and for access to the ballot box denied to Southern blacks. By 1966, victory was in sight, if but dimly on the horizon. When Congress passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act, President Lyndon Johnson marked the historic occasion by handing King a pen with which he'd signed the legislation.

Yet to that point, the civil rights movement had scarcely been felt in the ghettos of Northern cities. Blacks had flocked to cities like Chicago hoping to escape Southern segregation, only to find that Jim Crow had followed them. By custom  sometimes enforced by violence  African-Americans were confined to inner city neighborhoods with rundown housing and overcrowded schools.

To publicize their plight, King moved into a shabby third-floor apartment on Chicago's West Side on Jan. 26, 1966. "We don't have wall-to-wall carpeting to worry about," he said of his new neighbors' living conditions. "But we have wall-to-wall rats and roaches."

The North Lawndale neighborhood, where King would maintain a symbolic presence for much of the year, had once been home to Jews, Czechs and Poles. But when blacks joined them, the older inhabitants left. Much the same occurred across the city, as the line separating black and white Chicago wasn't erased. It just moved a few blocks at a time. In its wake, it left blacks frustrated for having failed to escape segregation.

Among them was Percy Wilson, a construction worker who lived with his wife and children in a slum apartment in Lawndale. "I feel I live in a hog pen," Wilson told the Tribune in July 1966. "Sometimes I think I was better off in Mississippi."

King diagnosed the malady in a speech at Chicago's International Amphitheater on March 12. According to the Tribune's report, he urged blacks "to come forth out of your slum shock." And as action is a remedy for passive acceptance, he and his associates organized marches into all-white neighborhoods, producing headlines such as: "Crowds jeer at marchers on N.W. Side" and "King appears at 63D-Halsted boycott rally."

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That intersection marked a shopping area that once was second only to the Loop. But when the city proposed replacing 297 buildings with a modern shopping center, black residents saw its purpose as creating "a no-Negro buffer zone."

Taking up their cause put King on a collision course with Mayor Richard J. Daley, who was leery of King. The destination of one open-housing march was Daley's home in the Bridgeport neighborhood. He was outraged at King's condemnation of the public schools. In some overcrowded schools, black children were taught in portable classrooms rather than allowing them to transfer to schools in white neighborhoods.

"It's criminal to have our children have the kind of education they are getting," King said. "There may be another Plato or Einstein in a Chicago school."

King also had black critics, including Dr. J. H. Jackson, a Chicago clergyman and president of the National Baptist Convention, a major black denomination. When three nights of rioting broke out on the West Side in July, Jackson joined Daley in blaming King for preaching civil disobedience. Neither noted that King repeatedly disavowed the Black Power Movement's embrace of violence.

On Oct. 6, Jackson pronounced King's Chicago demonstrations a failure. "Not one definite thing was accomplished," he said. In fact, Chicago was as segregated as when he had arrived. Yet perhaps it was during his stay here that a seed was sown that would ripen into a movement that eventually elected Chicago's first black mayor in 1983 and blossomed into the election of another black man from Chicago as president of the United States in 2008.

Accordingly, the 50th anniversary of King's march will be celebrated with various events in Marquette Park. Yet in a real sense, it's marked there daily in nearby streets where blacks and Latinos live in well-kept homes on blocks that King's opponents thought were destined to be slums if minorities moved there. On summer evenings, black, brown and white people shoot baskets in Marquette Park, and every layup and 3-pointer redeems a promise King made at a rally on the eve of his 1966 march.

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"We are bound for the promised land," King told the crowd. "We will taste the honey of equality."

The Martin Luther King Jr. Living Memorial Project is planning events at Marquette Park to commemorate the 1966 march. More information is available at www.mlkmemorialchicago.org.

rgrossman@chicagotribune.com
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves to delegates after her speech during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016. (Mary Altaffer / AP)

With months of gloomy rhetoric and rafts of preposterous promises, with a chaotic convention in Cleveland and with troubling remarks Wednesday suggesting he'd be pleased if Russian cyberspies hacked Hillary Clinton's email account, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump set the ball on the tee for President Barack Obama.

Late Wednesday, Obama knocked it out of sight.

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Of course I agreed with most of what he had to say to the Democratic National Convention delegates gathered in Philadelphia. I'm unapologetic in my belief that Obama has been a remarkable president during difficult times and that history will judge him kindly.

But even his critics have got to acknowledge that as a matter of political stagecraft  of tone, of emotional range and of contrast to the fulminating Trump  Obama gave a convention speech for the ages.

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It touched all the bases. A little humility, a little boasting, a little religion and a lot of patriotic uplift. A generous, even gallant assessment of his party's nominee, his former rival Hillary Clinton, a sharp but not prolonged attack on Trump. Some nostalgia, some cliches, a few one-paragraph anecdotes, God bless the United States of America and out.

It would have been a good speech, even for the oratorically gifted Obama, under any circumstances. But coming just six days after Trump delivered the darkest, angriest, scariest, vainest acceptance speech in modern presidential history, it was devastatingly effective.

"Ronald Reagan called America a shining city on a hill. Donald Trump calls it a divided crime scene that only he can fix. It doesn't matter to him that illegal immigration and the crime rate are as low as they've been in decades, because he's not actually offering any real solutions to those issues. He's just offering slogans, and he's offering fear. He's betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election.

"That is another bet that Donald Trump will lose. Because he's selling the American people short. We are not a fragile or frightful people. Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way. We don't look to be ruled."

This passage had extra resonance because it came roughly 12 hours after Trump committed the biggest unforced error of his campaign  at a news conference in Florida he said, "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails (in Clinton's account) that are missing." The quip gave credence to suspicions that Russia is behind the recent WikiLeaks release of email records stolen from Democratic National Committee servers and sounded as though Trump were encouraging hostile foreign governments to conduct espionage in an attempt to swing the election.

Obama was batting cleanup in the featured lineup, following strong orations by Vice President Joe Biden and Republican businessman Michael Bloomberg, as well as a serviceably folksy debut on the national stage for Sen. Tim Kaine, the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

But supporting speeches, no matter how well-timed or well-written, don't win elections. Candidates do.

Clinton still needs a home run Thursday night to make her convention a success. An Obamaesque blast is too much to hope for. Just over the fences will do.

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Twitter @EricZorn
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- State Sen. Brice Wiggins (R-Pascagoula) delivered his legislative update to the Pascagoula City Council on Thursday morning to discuss a plethora of topics going on within the legislature.

Medicaid, education, and BP settlement money were key components of his presentation. According to Wiggins, Medicaid and education make up between 75 to 80 percent of the state budget. Ward 3 Councilman David Tadlock asked Wiggins if he thought Medicaid would eventually expand throughout the state. Wiggins responded, "No."

"Do I think that we would be doing a disservice if we did not examine what we need to do, I'd say yes," he said.

Wiggins noted that conversations have been had in regard to cutting down on fraud within the Medicaid system and that he believes legislators will have more in-depth discussions within the next year.

According to Councilwoman at-large Brenda Simkins, Medicaid exposure will only increase exponentially given the population increase with the "baby boomers" generation. Simkins continued saying the percentage of the population moving into an area of need is increasing. Wiggins agreed.

"You hit the nail on the head," Wiggins said. "Eighty percent of our Medicaid dollars are driven by 20 percent of the population. The majority of those are the elderly and the number one cost driver of Medicaid is long-term nursing home care. This is called the silver tsunami which is what is driving Medicaid costs."

Wiggins continued praising the city for its work such as the $40 million bond for Ingalls shipyard and its continued support from the state. The approval of funding for the Maritime Museum, $50,000 for the continued renovation of the La Pointe Krebs House, and Tideland funds were all listed as items that will be sent to Gov. Phil Bryant for consideration. Wiggins called these improvements positives for Pascagoula.

The state has also approved the Bayou-Yazoo project to the city of Pascagoula. According to Wiggins the project will be wrapped into the strategic stream restoration project and will cost a total of $5 million.

BP money is going to be a huge issue coming up, according to Wiggins.

"Pull up your britches and get ready for a fight," Wiggins said. "If you base it on the comments made by Representative Gary Chism, who is the House Insurance Chair, who in my opinion has not been friendly to the coast, his comments were that we don't deserve it. The great thing is that Gov. Bryant, Lt. Gov. Reeves and the Speaker of the House have said that the money should remain in South Mississippi. People like 'y'all' need to let them know how important that is not only to Jackson County, but the Coast in general."

"I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that money remains on the coast," Wiggins said.
Damarie Roman sits with Leon Cepeda, 2, Amora Lattrice, 10, and Emere Owens, 12, from her Peter Pan Home Day Care in the 8800 block of South Burley Avenue on July 27, 2016, the day after Africa Bass, 23, was shot and killed across the street. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Stepping out of her first-floor home day care center Wednesday afternoon, Damarie Roman sat on a handmade bench and watched a small commotion across the street. While Roman fussed with a toddler, siblings Emere, 12, and Amora, 10, studied the scene where a dozen women discussed the state of their South Chicago block.

In the shade of a large tree at 88th and South Burley Avenue, neighbors stood near where 23-year-old Africa Bass had been fatally shot overnight. The young mother had moved into the Germano-Millgate apartment complex only hours earlier. Bass, the fourth person shot nearby since June, died there on her son's fifth birthday.

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"There's a shield around my house 'cause I believe there are angels," Roman, 55, reassured Emere and Amora before they left for a roller skating party. "I believe it with all my heart."

When the Romans heard shots around midnight, Damarie called 911 while her husband, Alberto, ran across the street. He grew up in the Millgate apartment complex before buying the house where they live and run their Peter Pan Home Day Care. Bullet holes from previous shootings mark the exterior. The siblings, who joined Roman's program when they were babies, watched from their own apartment.

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"We couldn't really go out there because our mom didn't let us," Roman said the children told her over lunch. "We know the girl died and she had just moved in. We're sad because it was her kid's birthday."

Roman assured them Bass' son would still get his present. "I'm sure his mother had a real big surprise for him, and they're gonna give it to him later," she told them. She planned to pull out some children's books about understanding death later in the week.

Her journey to opening the day care started after losing her own son.

"He died in 1997, August 30th. Car accident," Roman said. "That was the most horrible experience for a mother. So I can feel this mother. She's got a double cry, and a double pain. You know why? 'Cause she got the pain of her daughter, and the pain of grandbabies that lost their mother. They will never understand. And they'll never know how much their mother really loved them.

"I promised myself that I would open a day care and I would give the kids all the love that I would have gave my son. His name was Peter, Pedro. And that's when I found the name Peter Pan, which was his favorite." Inside, the walls are painted with Disney murals, including Captain Hook over the "time out" chair.

She pulled a pitcher of iced tea from the refrigerator. "They need to get cooled down," Roman said, watching her neighbors talk across the street. Alberto carried it over with a stack of cups.

"My mission is to make a difference in a child's life and show them that there's something better out there," Roman said "Even though there's so much violence going on, there's something better out there for them. They could change the world themselves if they try to be different.

"I always tell my kids, 'You be a leader in life. Don't ever be a follower.' What you teach your son and daughter at home, that's what they practice out in the street. Because the learning starts at home, plus it starts in my day care."

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Roman said she met Africa Bass weeks earlier when she stopped by to ask about her services.

"I told her, 'I'll save you a space,'" Roman said. "All she said was, 'I'll be back.' I guess she didn't make it back."

(Yesterday, these blocks were homicide scenes. The day after a fatal shooting on their block, police tape is gone and residents live, work and play. Annually, more Chicagoans are shot and killed than there are days in the year, but there's a lot going on in our neighborhoods around the violence. Visit The Next Day collection for more.)
A grand jury has ruled three Mississippi police officers were justified in the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man whose weapon turned out to be a BB gun.

Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said Wesley Sheppard shot out a window in a vehicle with children inside and refused police orders to drop his weapon March 10. Police said Sheppard was standing on a bridge as he fired.

Miller said Thursday that Sheppard was hit by two bullets from about 50 yards as the three officers fired.

He identified them as Sgt. Will Hipple and patrol officers Lance Miller and Matthew Boone. Lance Miller is not related to the police chief. The chief said Hipple and Boone are white, and Miller is black. The victim in the shooting was white.

Miller released details of the shooting after the Harrison County grand jury ruled Monday the officers' actions were justifiable.

A three-paragraph document concluded: "After full and deliberate consideration of all the facts and circumstances leading up to the March 10, 2016, shooting of Wesley Alan Sheppard, and the circumstances as they existed at the time of the shooting, the Grand Jury finds no criminal conduct on behalf of the officers involved from the Biloxi Police Department and further finds their actions were appropriate."

Miller said Sheppard's weapon, a BB gun, looked like a long gun to police.

"Our department has a very strong policy in these types of encounters and the officers followed that policy," Miller said.

After the shooting, the officers were placed on administrative leave.

"Once our internal investigation was complete and there was no evidence the officers violated policy, they were allowed to return to work," Miller said

Miller said he was pleased the grand jury found no fault on the part of his officers. He said they have a combined experience of 30 years.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation was called in to investigate the shooting and their reports were submitted to the grand jury. The Gulfport Police Department's crime scene unit gathered the evidence.
Neuqua Valley High School graduate, Brendan Sigale, volunteers at The Farm in Aurora. He is planting tiny seeds into plugs which will be placed in a special germination tray. (Judy Buchenot / The Beacon-News)

You can't get any produce at any farmers market that is fresher than the produce Nick Marasco sells. He doesn't harvest the produce from its hydroponic home until the moment you buy it at the market. You can find his traveling farm at the downtown Aurora Farmers Market on Saturdays and at the Aurora Farmers Market East on Thursdays. He is at one market one week and the other market the next week.

Marasco, 37, is the urban farm director for The Farm, a Triple Threat effort located near downtown Aurora. Marasco was a Naperville Neuqua Valley science teacher for 14 years before he resigned a year ago to take on the challenge of establishing an urban farm that would engage local at-risk youth, provide volunteer opportunities and help bring healthy food into the community. "For the last five years that I was teaching, I was engaging a lot of students with aquaponics," he explains. "It really helped them recreate what happens in nature. I also started to see that this could have an impact on local food being sustainable which is one of my passions."

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Urban farm director Nick Marasco stands in front of a "field" of basil at The Farm near downtown Aurora. (Judy Buchenot / The Beacon-News)

After signing on to be a part of the Triple Threat non-profit organization, Marasco secured a grant from the Dunham Foundation to create an urban farm in Aurora. Marasco worked with a manufacturing company to custom design a system of 450 towers on 15 racks. The racks are on wheels and can be moved allowing him to take growing produce to a farmers market or to a classroom for instructional purposes. Currently he is growing various greens, lettuces and herbs but he is getting ready to start growing strawberries.

The process begins by planting seeds into little plugs filled with a growing medium. Former students and other Triple Threat youth help in this process. Recently Brendan Sigale, one of Marasco's former students, meticulously dropped tiny seed into plugs. The plugs are then germinated by being placed in a special tray that is flooded with nutrient filled water several times a day and exposed to bright lights. When the seeds begin to sprout, the plugs are inserted into towers filled with recycled plastic that aerates the roots and allows nutrients to reach the roots. The water is pumped into the towers from a 300 gallon tank. The water drips down the towers using the power of gravity and the runoff water is collected and returned to the tank so no water is wasted. Marasco carefully monitors the water and adds nutrients as they are needed.

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Lettuce grows in towers and is fed by nutrient rich water at this hydroponic farm in downtown Aurora. (Judy Buchenot / The Beacon-News)

"This style of growing uses about 90 percent less water than growing plants outdoors. Each day we use just a few gallons of water on all these plants," he says.

The towers are housed in a building that used to be a tire shop but was no longer in use. "The city of Aurora allows us to use this space that had been abandoned," explains Marasco, who lives in Yorkville. Light for the plants housed in the building comes from grow lights that slowly move up and down rods in front of the plants bathing them with light for 12 to 15 hours each night. "We do it at night because the cost of electricity goes down at night," notes Marasco.

Unlike traditional farming in a field, Marasco does not have to deal with E. coli or other problems caused by runoff from farm animals. The plants can be kept very clean since the environment is able to be controlled.

Marasco has only been growing produce for about six months, so he is still formulating the next steps. "Ideally, I would like to keep 95% of what I grew in the community. One of our ideas is to start a CSA (community supported agriculture group) for fresh herbs and greens year around. We are also exploring partnering with Two Brothers Roundhouse to offer a Triple Threat salad of the week using our lettuce. We need to prove the system first," says Marasco.

After seeds are planted in plugs at The Farm in Aurora, they are placed in trays under grow lights to germinate and sprout. The trays are flooded with nutrient-rich water several times each day. (Judy Buchenot / The Beacon-News)

At this point, it is hard to assess the cost of growing produce at the facility. Marasco says that the lettuce currently takes about 6 to 7 weeks from germination to harvest but he is experimenting with increasing the time the plants are exposed to the grow lights. "As technology costs go down, I think there will be a market for local fresh food grown this way," he says. "Right now, we have a cause attached to our food. We are growing to help fight the cycle of poverty by working with at-risk youth. We can also bring in students to see what we do here and take the towers to classrooms. This is a hybrid operation for business and education. There are a lot of possibilities."

One part of the process is teaching people to use the fresh produce. Volunteers have helped create recipes using the produce and prepare the different items for others to try. "There is a lot of interest in kale chips but we decided to try to put something on them other than salt and came up with strawberry and cream kale chips. Then we decided to try making Swiss chard chips to use the Swiss chard we grow." Marasco shares both recipes for others to try.

Judy Buchenot is a freelance writer.

Strawberry and Cream Kale Chips

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31/2 cups finely shredded dried coconut

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 cup artificial sweetener

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled

filtered water

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1 large bunch kale

Place coconut, sea salt, sweetener, vanilla and strawberries in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Add two tablespoons filtered water and process until mixture is a little thinner than nut butter, adding more water if needed. Wash kale, tear into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. Pour strawberry mixture over the kale. Use your hands to massage the mixture into the kale so that all the pieces are coated. Place on dehydrator sheets and dehydrate 8 to 12 hours until dry. Chips can also be made in an oven. Set oven at 200 degrees or the lowest setting possible. Place coated kale on a cookie sheet and bake four hours or until chips are dry. Check frequently because chips can easily be over baked.

Easy Spicy Swiss Chard Chips

1 part chili powder

1 part garlic powder

olive oil

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Swiss chard

Mix chili powder and garlic powder in a small bowl. Add enough olive oil to form a paste. Wash and dry Swiss chard leaves. Coat each leaf with paste. Dehydrate on low for 10 hours or bake at 200 to 250 degrees in an oven for four hours.
East Aurora School District 131 will change its insurance coverage for teachers who leave the end of the school year, a move school board President Annette Johnson said could help the district's hiring.

Under a new resolution approved by the school board, teachers who resign or retire after the last day of school can choose to remain covered by the district's insurance until Aug. 31.

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Previously, under a 2014 agreement reached between the administration and the teachers' union, most teachers' health insurance coverage would end the month in which they left, except for some who were grandfathered into previous policies.

Johnson said that policy encouraged teachers to hold resignations until August, so they could keep their coverage throughout the summer. But new teachers  particularly bilingual teachers  are difficult to hire in August. The district's high rate of turnover made the problem worse, she said.

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"We need to know about (resignations) as soon as possible so we can get the best teacher possible for the classroom," Johnson said.

Teachers can choose to receive their pay over the course of a full year. Under the old policy, they would not pay for insurance coverage when they were no longer covered, even if they chose to receive paychecks over 12 months, district officials said. Under the new policy, teachers who resign or retire at the beginning of the summer can choose to continue paying their portion of their coverage out of their paychecks until the end of the summer.

The new policy is in line with payment and insurance practices in neighboring West Aurora School District 129. It comes years after the district saw extensive problems with its insurance, including some that Johnson has said cost the district significantly.

Numbers made public in response to a Beacon-News open records request show 17 teachers submitted notices of resignation or retirement in August 2014, the first year the old agreement was in effect. In August 2015, 28 teachers resigned or retired.

Johnson said the district ended up starting the 2015-16 school year short more than two dozen teachers, and many classrooms were led by permanent substitutes.

While Johnson said she cannot know whether the insurance policy directly affected that scenario, she speculated it was one of the biggest factors. She also speculated the district is hurt when it is looking to hire teachers close to the start of the school year.

"Maybe you're getting the best," she said. "Maybe you are, maybe you're not. It's hard to tell. But you're not getting to pick from the biggest pool of teachers coming out of college or looking for jobs."

In response to a Beacon-News question, Director of Human Resources Steven Megazzini wrote in an email the district took no position on whether the insurance agreement and resolution encouraged or discouraged any type of action on the part of teachers.

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District administrators declined to provide information about the district's monthly insurance costs to the Beacon-News. Officials said no record existed that would show those costs, and the district was not required to create a document providing that information.

sfreishtat@tribpub.com

Twitter @srfreish
Beachgoers encounter more rocks and gravel than sand on the shoreline of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park, an area that has been hit hard by erosion. (Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

For two centuries, man-made structures that jut into Lake Michigan along the shore north of Chicago have impeded the natural southward drift of sand  the geological phenomenon that created the Indiana Dunes.

In cities like Waukegan, a buildup of sand has clogged harbors and marinas, interrupting commercial shipping and requiring expensive annual dredging. In other shoreline communities like Lake Bluff, there isn't enough sand, meaning frustrated leaders facing the shrinking of their beaches have resorted to trucking sand in and installing structures that safeguard their stretch of lakefront  but can further starve areas to the south.

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But the piecemeal approach to addressing the issue of sand in the lake has had limited success over the past several decades. Illinois State Beach Park in Zion, for example, has lost acres of wildlife habitat. A breakwater off the shore of Waukegan unintentionally created sand dunes at the local North Beach Park, while the amount of sand at beaches south of the structure  including Waukegan Municipal Beach  has diminished.

And, in areas without sand blanketing the clay lakebed, Lake Michigan waves have permanently carved out deeper shorelines, creating the conditions for higher and more violent swells, which in turn lead to accelerated erosion.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Ben Carbone, 5, throws rocks as he plays with his friends along the shoreline of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park, an area that has been the hardest hit by erosion, July 26, 2016, in Zion, Ill. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune)

Since March 2015, public officials and government agencies have come together in the first-ever attempt to develop a regional plan to manage sand for the public shoreline from Evanston north to the Wisconsin state line. The 32-mile stretch of lakefront along the North Shore is home to more than two dozen beaches, several marinas and harbors, some of the state's most expensive real estate and some of the most complicated coastal dynamics.

The so-called Illinois North Shore Sand Management Strategy, an initiative by the nonprofit Alliance for the Great Lakes and funded through a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, invited policymakers, scientists and businesses to identify issues stemming from the erosion of sand and brainstorm regional solutions.

But leaders seeking collaborative solutions recognize not everyone involved is likely to see eye-to-eye.

"We want to help communities make an informed choice on how they want to move forward as a region," said Diane Tecic, program director of the state department's Coastal Management Program. "There will be some trade-off here and there. There are competing interests. But we should approach it by asking, are there new ways to look at this that are going to better protect all interests that we have out there?

"No one can really address this big hairy issue alone," she added. "What we're trying to do is tie this all together."

At the group's most recent meeting on Tuesday in Waukegan, participants identified issues such as beach erosion taking a toll on tourism and the regulatory and permit hurdles involved with transferring sand in or out of the lakeshore. But they agree the biggest challenge will be financial: Whether a community has too much or too little lake sand, viable solutions carry hefty price tags.

Through surveying participants, the Alliance for the Great Lakes conservatively estimated yearly costs associated with managing the public shoreline along the North Shore at $3.7 million. Waukegan alone spends about $1 million annually to dredge sand trapped in its harbor, Mayor Wayne Motley said at a meeting of the group, according to its minutes. Off Zion's shore, a water-intake pipe, which used to be protected from pounding waves by a layer of sand, could cost about $9 million to replace or repair, Mayor Al Hill said at another meeting.

"For many of our communities, shouldering this burden alone is next to impossible ... and pulls valuable resources away from other community needs and projects," said Jim Anderson, director of natural resources for Lake County Forest Preserves.

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Compounding the issue of beach erosion is that lake levels, which are about 1 foot higher than the historical average, have also swallowed up sizable amounts of recreational shoreline. At Tuesday's meeting, Evanston Assistant City Manager Martin Lyons was among those lamenting the loss of beach  in Evanston's case, roughly 100 feet.

"It's all underwater now," Lyons said.

By looking at other regions of the country with similar problems, the working group examined a number of potential solutions, including the removal of some man-made shoreline structures and the addition of artificial offshore reefs to protect against waves.

The sand management group had planned to outline specific solutions at Tuesday's meeting, but members said more data collection and monitoring is needed before the group drafts concrete plans and suggests ways to overhaul regulations. The group now hopes to address those issues in a second phase this fall.

The DNR announced that it recently secured approximately $200,000 in a grant from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to map Lake Michigan's shoreline from Chicago to Kenosha, said Ethan Theuerkauf, a state coastal geologist. This fall, a helicopter carrying an electromagnetic photo array will measure sand thickness across the region in an attempt to identify areas of erosion and accumulation.

"One of the big gaps (of information) is how much sand is even out there," Theuerkauf said. "That's a big issue because sand is a dwindling resource. We get it all from Wisconsin and it gets trapped along shores, in harbors. ... That's the sand that nourishes our beaches. Just having a fundamental understanding where it is and isn't will make our management better."

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Dana Roeder, center, searches for interesting rocks along with her daughters, and mother, Cindy Throm, left, while wading in the water July 26, 2016, at Illinois Beach State Park, an area that has been hard-hit by erosion. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune)

The sand management effort will also look to engage private lakefront landowners, such as Northwestern University, in the near future. Wisconsin and Indiana have similar coastal management efforts and outreach to them will be critical going forward as well, Tecic said.

"We need to consider beyond the boundaries in Illinois," Tecic said. "It's just figuring out when. Wisconsin ... is critical for us because that's where we get our sand. If they are already thinking about it, we need to link efforts."

The next meeting will be held in the fall.

tbriscoe@tribpub.com

Twitter @_tonybriscoe
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- According to their Facebook profile, the Pascagoula Police Department arrested a man on Thursday for his role in a July 10 shooting that happened near Ingalls Avenue and Heidenheim Drive in Pascagoula.

Javon Lemuel Roberts, 29, of Moss Point was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault. Bond was set at $250,000 on each count.

Around 11 a.m. on July 10, officers responded to a report of shots fired near the intersection of Ingalls Ave. and Heidenheim Dr. When officers arrived, they found that two individuals have been shot. Suspects then fled the scene in a blue Nissan Maxima with an Alabama tag.

Police expect for more arrests to be made in this case. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Pascagoula Police Department at 228-762-2211 or Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.
Dr. Deepak Mital performs surgery on Dyamond Lindsey of Lansing earlier this month at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Lindsey donated a kidney as part of a three-way swap that allowed her mother Sonja to receive a donated kidney from someone else. - Original Credit: Daily Southtown (Advocate Christ Medical Center / Handout)

A 21-year-old Lansing daughter made medical history when she donated a kidney that not only saved her mother's life, but also helped save the lives of two others in San Antonio, doctors said.

Dyamond Lindsey was the first in Chicago area to donate a kidney to a stranger in a three-way swap that allowed her mother, Sonja Lindsey, 46, to receive a kidney from another stranger, according to Deepak Mital, the surgeon, and director of the kidney transplant program at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

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"For me it's a first; for the medical center, it's a first," Mital said.

San Antonio has the largest living donor transplant program in the country, Mital said, but, "They've never sent a kidney to Chicago before, so it's a bunch of firsts."

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Dyamond wanted to help her mother, who had been on dialysis since December 2014 waiting for a kidney donor. However, the mother and daughter were not a match. This donor-recipient process, which is orchestrated through the Texas Transplant Institute at Methodist Specialty Transplant Hospital in San Antonio, allows hopeful living donors who do not match their own loved ones to exchange their kidneys for others' kidneys.

In this case, Dyamond donated her kidney to a stranger, whose loved one donated a kidney to a second recipient, whose loved one donated a kidney to Sonja.

"They have a very busy program, and they were able to find a match for Sonja Lindsey," Mital said.

"I'm a fan of 'Grey's Anatomy,' and had seen an episode about paired kidney donation," Dyamond said in a statement. "I did this because if I didn't at least try, my mom was looking at a much longer time on dialysis waiting for a compatible kidney."

Sometimes, the chains of donor-recipient pairs can include five, 10 or more couples, he said. It is possible to live with one kidney. For people who really want to donate a kidney to save the life of a close family member or friend, this exchange opens a nation of possibilities, he said.

"There would be 6,000 more donor transplants in the U.S.," if more people participated in this type of kidney exchange, Mital said.

In simultaneous surgeries on July 21, the medical team in San Antonio removed the kidney from the donor there, packaged it in sterile ice and flew it on a chartered jet to Midway International Airport, where Mital's team delivered it to Christ Medical Center, where it was transplanted into Sonja.

"We got it here in the afternoon," the surgeon said. "The kidney worked right away. She no longer needs dialysis. There was no rejection."

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Sonja called the transplant "life changing."

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

"I'm making progress day by day," Sonja said. "Before I had my transplant, I was on dialysis three days a week," for about four hours each visit.

"It's very draining seeing your blood going through the machine, getting cleansed and put back into your body."

After Sonja's diagnosis, she went from working over 40 hours a week to being unemployed and a "daily routine of medical appointments," she said. She had journaled the details of her journey over the year and seven months before her transplant. She also lost 47 pounds.

Sonja called her daughter "courageous," and "a lifesaver." Dyamond is a senior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville studying business administration.

"The gift my daughter gave me means the world to me because she is willing to help me save my life," Sonja said in a statement. "I gave her life and in turn, she gave me back my life. I'm forever humbly grateful for what my daughter did."

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The exchange was done under the oversight of United Network for Organ Sharing, the non-profit organization that coordinates U.S. transplant activities, and in collaboration with the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, according to a press release from Christ Medical Center.

Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
The Fox River Country Day School property is one of the locations being considered for an Elgin Math and Science charter school. The city of Elgin owns the property and has sought users for it since the acquisition. (Mike Danahey, The Courier-News)

When the Illinois State Charter School Commission denied a proposed Elgin Math and Science Academy charter school in 2014, the board urged a rewrite of the original proposal and suggested organizers try again.

That rewrite is in the works now, according to charter school organizers.

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The Elgin Charter School Initiative hopes to have a new proposal in front of the Elgin School District U46 board this fall, said Kerry Kelly, one of the original charter school organizers.

Two years after the original proposal was denied there is more interest from the school board and additional funding available to make the charter school a reality, said Kelly and initiative treasurer Dennis Verges.

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The idea of a math and science charter school was first brought to the public in September 2012, with an informational meeting at Zion Lutheran Church on Elgin's southwest side.

After two years of planning, the Elgin School District U46 board rejected the proposal in June 2014, on a 6-1 vote.

"Dr. (Jose) Torres made it pretty clear he didn't want a charter school," Kelly said recently, announcing the restarted initiative.

Following the board's rejection of the plan, initiative members appealed to the state commission, asking to be set up under state supervision with U46 funding. That request was denied on an 8-0 vote.

However, the formal response provided following the vote encouraged the organizers to try again. "(The) Commission encourages the design team to continue its ongoing commitment to establishment of an alternative option in the community and to improvement of its proposal," the response reads.

"We were devastated  we didn't have backup plan," following the previous denial, Kelly said.

"It was hard to have the district opposing us, we believed we were bringing a fabulous program and curriculum," to the district, she added.

Now they do believe there is a majority of board members  and administrative support  to allow a charter school, the organizers said.

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One of the major concerns in 2014 was finances. In its denial response, the state commission noted that the charter school initiative was too reliant on funding from grant sources.

New, federal grant funding could bring in close to $1 million over three years for the school, Kelly said.

The one-time grant includes funds for design and operational budgets, she said.

This time around, the design committee plans to seek input from the current board, adding that District CEO Tony Sanders had also volunteered to review the application.

"(Sanders) is innovative and will do what is best for the district," Kelly said.

Sanders, who was the district chief of staff during the previous application process, noted that the district reviewed the previous application before it went to the board and made a recommendation at that time.

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"I have met with (Kelly) and others to further discuss their plans, and I did suggest we look at the finances  for them and for the district  before the application is filed," Sanders said via a text conversation with The Courier-News this week. Sanders was on vacation.

What seems to be helping this time around is the relationship between the board and charter school organizers have changed.

"We had an adversarial relationship with the board, even though the community wanted a charter school. That has changed  to what we would bring to the district  not opposition to the district. That has shifted the conversation," Verges said.

This time "instead of just popping in an application  we wile be seeking input from the district and the board," he added.

Other changes planned for the new proposal address special education and English language learning programs, Kelly said. While there is a perception that charter schools often miss those student populations, the Chicago-area charter school the Elgin group hopes to mirror has "a high level of special needs and high low-income," students, she said. "We have to take everyone who applies and comes through the door."

Potential sites for the charter school include the Fox River Day School property on Route 25, the Rakow School property which formerly housed Larkin Center students, or even under utilized schools within District U46, Kelly said.

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The organization is actively recruiting design team members to help work on the application and be involved with the school.

Team members with marketing, financial and outreach backgrounds are needed, Verges said.

Anyone who would like more information on the proposed charter school or to become a volunteer can email the design team at ElginCSI@gmail.com, or go to their Facebook page: Elgin Math and Science Charter School.

Janelle Walker is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
An Elgin man has been sent to prison for his role in unrelated gun and drug offenses, authorities said.

Victor N. Rivera, 24, of the 1000 block of Prospect Avenue, agreed to a sentence of 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections in exchange for a guilty plea to aggravated battery with a firearm, a class X felony, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a class 1 felony, according to a Kane County State's Attorney's news release.

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Rivera was at a resident's home in the 0-99 block of North DuBois Avenue at 4 a.m. May 27, 2015 when the two had a disagreement on the front porch, prosecutors said. The resident was going inside when Rivera shot him twice and fled, prosecutors said.

Police had been investigating Rivera prior to the shooting for his suspected involvement in illegal drug transactions, according to the release. On June 6, 2015, Elgin police stopped the car Rivera was driving, searched it and found 27.5 grams of cocaine, the release stated.

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He was later charged in both crimes and agreed this week to plead guilty, the release stated. He received eight years for the firearm offense and 10 years for the drug offense, to be served concurrent to one another, it stated.

According to Illinois law, Rivera must serve at least 85 percent of the firearm sentence and is eligible for day-for-day sentencing on the drug sentence. Rivera was given credit for 416 days served in the Kane County jail.
Kane County needs to bridge an estimated $5.6 million budget gap in the upcoming fiscal year to avoid unfreezing the county's property tax levy, but court and judicial officials cautioned any cost cutting measures cannot jeopardize or violate the Constitutional rights of residents.

State's Attorney Joseph McMahon's fiscal year 2017 budget asks for seven additional staff members  three assistant state's attorneys, two administrative assistants and two investigators  along with a 2.5 percent increase for existing non-union employees and $40,000 for training police officers to deal with mentally ill suspects.

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One assistant state's attorney would be assigned to a unit newly required by the Illinois Supreme Court titled the Conviction Integrity and Post-Conviction unit, McMahon said. The unit specializes in reviewing post-conviction appeals and reviewing older cases where a defendant claims he or she is not guilty or new evidence is found, he said.

"My responsibility, my moral responsibility, my ethical responsibility is to make sure the real offender is not still in the community and make sure we didn't prosecute the wrong person," McMahon said, adding the court modified the rules of professional responsibility for prosecutors in January. "I am now required to review, investigate, report or correct a conviction where a defendant claims he or she is actually innocent of the crime he or she was found guilty of. I have an ethical responsibility to take action."

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McMahon's proposed FY17 budget is about $800,000 higher than last year's, county documents show.

Public Defender Kelli Childress is requesting two assistant public defenders and three assistants in the FY17 budget for a total of about $520,000. Assistant Public Defenders each have 164 cases assigned to them, which is higher than surrounding counties and higher than recommended standards, she said.

"I have no paralegals, I have no legal secretaries, I have no IT person," Childress said. "There is no expertise in my office other than criminal defense. It is a difficult position for us to be in."

Public defenders must make a determination whether they can ethically handle and represent the number of cases filed and can file a motion asking the court not to assign further cases if they find they cannot properly represent defendants, Childress said.

"I am not telling you that is the position we are in, but we are really close," Childress said. "We have a lot of needs that have not been addressed for decades."

Childress said she understands the difficult position the county faces. If her requests are not possible, she asks the board create a plan to address the issues her office is dealing with, she said.

The board has been hearing and reviewing the budget proposals of each county department at its Committee of the Whole meeting as Kane County faces a $5.6 million gap between its expenses and revenues in fiscal year 2017. Kane County has had a frozen property tax for five years.

"I am very in favor of staying with the freeze, however, I do not have a vote," Chairman Chris Lauzen said. "But you do. The 24 members of the board do have a vote. Someplace within the next two to three months . you will be making a vote on wherever you stand between the spectrum of maximum tax and spend or a property tax freeze."

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"We also have to ask ourselves in the end if we do increase spending, is there a perceptible difference in the mind of our constituents," Lauzen said.

Lauzen said the proposed budgets of the State's Attorney and Public Defender alone total more than $1 million. Kane County could unfreeze the levy and increase it, he said. The maximum amount of a property tax levy increase allowed by a state tax cap law would result in an additional $967,000 per year, he said. The county's total budget proposal requests currently exceed that amount by five times so roughly 80 percent would still need to be cut from those proposals, he said.

The Chairman asked McMahon and Childress their opinion on what the county board should do given the situation.

"I am not going to answer that question," McMahon said. "I am up here today to talk about what I think the needs are to run my office. I have shared that with you. I have given you the cost estimate of that. I will have that conversation with you but not here in this setting."

Childress said she would not want to be in the board's position. "All I can tell you is I can't continue to provide these services within my budget," she said. Lauzen asked her again for her feedback. "I would never come in and ask you what the best defense in the next murder trial is," she said.

County Circuit Court Clerk Tom Hartwell said the judiciary needs to be fully funded. "The administration of justice is really a public trust," he said.

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The Committee of the Whole meeting took more than four hours with additional presentations from Hartwell, Sheriff Don Kramer and Coroner Rob Russell.

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
A judge on Wednesday sentenced a Colorado woman to three years of probation and ordered her to repay $154,900 to the South Elgin company she stole from in 2015.

Cindy Clark, 60, of Grand Junction, Colo., pleaded guilty in May to felony theft in connection to money she took from Custom Aluminum Products without its knowledge or the authority to do so. In court filings, prosecutors indicated the company did not know of Clark at the time of the May 2015 theft. Clark's guilty plea came shortly before she was scheduled to stand trial on the charges which were filed in July 2015.

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In addition to probation and the restitution, Judge Linda Abrahamson ordered Clark to perform 100 hours of community service, while also allowing her to return to Colorado.

Clark faced the possibility of prison time, but was eligible for probation under sentencing guidelines.

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Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
National Night Out events in Evanston are typically an opportunity for residents to come together on a summer evening and get to know their neighbors while taking a public stand against crime.

Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl is inviting residents to introduce a new element to the Tuesday, August 2 event, suggesting attendees bring the topic of race into their conversations.

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Tisdahl said in an announcement Tuesday that the idea grew out of a challenge from President Barack Obama earlier this month asking the nation's mayors to convene 100 community conversations on race relations, justice, policing and equality.

"This year, I am asking that neighbors use this occasion to discuss issues of race and equality in our community and what we as individuals can do to make a difference," she said in the announcement.

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The mayor even offered a few starter questions including, "How would you describe the overall state of race relations in out community?" and "What is each of us personally willing to do to make a difference?"

National Night Out celebrations in Evanston will be taking place at sites across the city. Tisdahl expressed hope that all residents will consider attending one of the events.

"Our country has been faced this summer with a series of incidents that have once again brought to the forefront issues of race and equality in society," Tishdahl said in the announcement. "In Evanston, we have come together many times to discuss these issues and strategize on ways to address them in our community. These discussions have been the foundation for change in ways we police our community, how we create jobs for those that need them most and for better ways of communicating with one another."

The mayor expressed hope residents will let her know what was discussed "and ideas you and your neighbors developed," she said.

National Night Out locations include:

 Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., where science, technology, engineering, art and math activities are to take place outside the library's Church Street entrance between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

 1500 Washington Neighbors, on the 1500 block of Washington Street, will feature a block party barbecue starting at 7 p.m.

 Brummel Park Neighborhood Watch will host a neighborhood walk beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Custer Avenue and Howard Street.

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 The Evanston Animal Shelter, 2310 Oakton St., invites community members to enjoy snacks and games while meeting some of the shelter's animals from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 A neighborhood meet-and-greet at Church Street and Dodge Avenue starting at 7 p.m.

 Penny Park, at Lake Street and Ashland Avenue, for a movie in the park. The gathering starts at 7 p.m., and the movie, "Inside Out," begins at dusk.

 Cartwright Park, 3300 Noyes St., will host a neighborhood gathering with food and drinks from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 Hidden Park Neighborhood Watch, Dobson/Brummel Park, at Ashland Avenue between Dobson and Brummel streets will host a neighborhood meet-and-greet session at 7 p.m.

Smith Park Neighborhood Watch, Smith Park, Ashland Avenue and Lyons Street, where a block party in the park will be held, featuring popsicles and treats starting at 7 p.m.

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bseidenberg@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter@evanstonscribe
Mora Award.jpg

L to R: Justin Smathers, Registered Nurse Patient Care Manager, Suzi Russell, Chief Nursing Officer, and Kim Henderson, Director of Emergency and Critical Care Services receive Hospital Excellence, Most Supportive Hospital Leadership, and Hospitals for Hope Platinum Awards.

(SRHS)

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The Department of Health and Human Services presented awards to more than several hospitals around the state for their efforts in achieving national organ donation performance standards and Singing River Hospitals were among those to receive the Hospital Excellence Awards.

The Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) hosted its third annual Spero Awards presented by Donate Life Mississippi on July 21 in Jackson. Recognized at the awards ceremony were hospital partners, medical professionals, corporate partners, and donor ambassadors who work in conjunction with MORA to promote organ, eye, and tissue donation to ultimately improve and save lives.

Fifteen Spero awards were handed out to individuals and hospital professionals from around the state. The awards were titled 'Spero' because the term is Latin for "hope." According to the release, Spero was the chosen title because of the hope a potential donor of organs or tissue can provide to those in need of a lifesaving organ or lifesaving tissue donation.

Also recognized at the awards ceremony was Ocean Springs Hospital who is also enrolled in the Mississippi Hospitals for Hope campaign. The project was developed to ensure hospitals around the state provided support and the resources necessary to participate in the national campaign.

Chief Nursing Officer for SRHS Susan Russell received an award for her role as the Most Supportive Hospital Leadership. According to Russell, she along with staff at SRHS are grateful to perform the job of saving lives.

"I'm proud to say that Singing River Health System was recognized more than any other hospital in the state," Russell said. "This is due to every single staff member's commitment to tissue and organ donation."
A seventh New York resident was arrested Wednesday for allegedly attempting to fraudulently purchase Apple products in Lake County.

The Deer Park Apple Store contacted police to report a woman was attempting to fraudulently purchase Apple products, according to a news release from the Lake County sheriff's office.

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Deputies arrested Simone L. Signorelli, 22, of Palisades, N.Y., who was subsequently charged with burglary, identity theft, possession of a counterfeit credit card and use of a fraudulent ID to commit theft, all felonies, police said.

Signorelli was ordered held on $250,000 bail Thursday, according to the release. She is scheduled to be back in court Tuesday.

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On Monday, sheriff's police announced six people from New York were charged in "an organized criminal enterprise" during which fraudulent transactions allegedly were attempted at the Deer Park store, authorities said.

Between last Wednesday and Sunday, six people allegedly tried to commit fraud at the store. The six were arrested and charged. Authorities successfully recovered more than $10,000 worth of stolen Apple products from the alleged suspects.

According to police, those arrested and charged were Nicole E. Cannon, 21; Gisselle Diaz, 41; Corbett Ortiz, 26; Quintin Ortiz, 18; Melinda Aquino, 21; and Frank Aulet, 20. All were charged with multiple felonies and were being held in the county Jail. Corbett Ortiz and Quintin Ortiz were being held without bail, according to the news release.

Twitter @NewsSun
Don't waste time on Route 53

The Route 53 extension is a tremendous waste of time and money on behalf of the taxpayers. I have lived in the area for 30 years, and we're still waiting to see Green Bay Road completed to the Wisconsin border. This was something that should have been completed 30 years ago. The same can be said of Route 137. It's not even on anyone's radar. Route 53 is a waste of time, money and effort.

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Distraught about Duke

David Duke, former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, feeling encouraged enough to launch a Louisiana senate run is as troubling a circumstance that we will ever see.

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Ranting about Rauner

Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Gov. Bruce Rauner said teachers in Chicago can't read. It never ends with these Republicans and their complete disgust for the middle class. This is exactly what you would expect from Rauner.

Presidential profiles

Donald Trump tweeted that Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine don't look presidential to him. This from the guy who mocked a disabled reporter on national television. Oh yeah, Trump is much more presidential.

Tax churches

Churches should give up their tax-free status. In this country, we have the separation of church and state. I think it's a great idea. People should be able to worship as they choose, but the churches should pay taxes.

Twitter @NewsSun

Talk of the County is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-4554 or email talkofthecounty@tribpub.com. For a continuously updating blog of Talk of the County comments, go to newssunonline.com/talk.
Nancy Braithwaite, internationally acclaimed performer and professor of clarinet at the Rotterdam Conservatory, will be one of the performers at a concert celebrating the 65th wedding anniversary of her parents, Bill and Dyllis Braithwaite of Barrington, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Barrington United Methodist Church, Algonquin Road and Route 59, Barrington Hills. The concert is free and open to the public.

Amarins Wierdsma, award winning violinist and granddaughter of the Braithwaites, Elaine Hou, international pianist and Rosalyn Wesley, well-known soloist, will also perform.

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Bill and Dyllis' children, Nancy, Gordon and Ann, their son-in-law Randy, and their grandchildren Amarins, Tsjalling, Austin, Preston, and Christopher are also joining in the celebration.

In lieu of gifts, there will be a free will offering to benefit the Braithwaites' favorite local charities: Let it Be Us, Family Service of the Barrington, A Long Swim and A Ride For Three Reasons..
A member of the Naperville Police Department SWAT team speaks with several young children during a 2015 event for National Night Out, which this year is being expanded to three days. (Naperville Police Department )

For three nights next week, residents of Naperville can meet with representatives of the city's police department and strengthen the bonds between community and the "thin blue line."

National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness as well as generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, according to a city of Naperville news release. Additionally, the events are designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships.

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National Night Out in Naperville begins Aug. 1 with a kickoff event at Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m. That night will feature events such as a Naperville Police Department kayak race and a Naperville Fire Department Water Rescue Team demonstration. A donated can of food is the price of admission.

On Aug. 2 there will be separate events, including cookouts, parades and other activities, being held in 35 neighborhoods throughout Naperville.

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The final program is an emergency vehicle show, including new and vintage police and fire vehicles, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 7 on Jackson Avenue between Eagle and Main streets.

In some communities across the country, it's been a rough summer as relationships between the police and residents have become strained, particularly in the wake of officer-involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota and the targeted shootings of police officers in Texas and Louisiana.

That's what makes events like National Night Out so important, Cmdr. Jason Arres of the Naperville Police Department said. Every night is an opportunity for members of the Naperville police to engage with the community and foster better relations, but National Night Out is "a time for us to make an extra effort," he said.

This marks the first time the city of Naperville has hosted a kick-off event for National Night Out, said Julie Smith, crime prevention specialist for the Naperville police.

"National Night Out has always been about residents getting outside and connecting with their neighbors in the community we all call home," Smith said.

"We all share one goal of a safe community for everyone to live, work and play in. We are truly fortunate to have the support of our citizens, but we know it's important to maintain that trust and continue to build positive relationships and promote positive community policing."

The planned expansion to three nights has been in the works for more than a year, which speaks to the value the department places on community relations, Arres said. It's important for the people to interact with police and other city officials during events like this, he said.

"Get out, interact with us, ask us questions. Sit in a squad car with us and have an even more interpersonal experience with police officers and other city employees," Arres said.

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While there may be broken relationships between officers and residents in some communities, Arres said that has not been the case in Naperville. The community has always shown appreciation for the department, but that has "increased since the assassination of the police officers in Dallas," he said.

Alex Keown is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
Northbrook Public Works employees were still working to patch Waukegan Road July 25, two days after a water main break closed traffic on the state route. (Irv Leavitt, Pioneer Press)

Two of the most fragile water mains in Northbrook lie under one of its busiest roads, a state highway, but the village has been unable to agree with Illinois officials on getting them replaced, Northbrook officials say.

That lack of common ground may have contributed to two water main breaks this year, they say, the most recent one causing significant inconvenience. The break of an 8-inch main under Waukegan Road near Linden Road at about 2:30 p.m. July 23 closed that highway until 12:30 a.m. the following morning. Installing the patch in the road, covering over 1,000 square feet and necessary to bring State Route 43 back to normal  10 inches of concrete topped by 10 inches of asphalt  promised to keep half the four lanes closed for a week, to allow concrete curing, Northbrook Public Works Director Kelly Hamill said.

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It was, he said July 26, the 27th water main break on record on the half-mile stretch of Waukegan between Shermer Road and Walters Avenue, and the seventh since 2012.

Northbrook has wanted to replace the two mains  a 4-inch main from 1922, and an 8-inch main laid in 1965  for years, but the Illinois Department of Transportation didn't want new mains put back under the road, where they could break again, and stall future traffic, village officials said. But putting them anywhere else was difficult, said Village President Sandy Frum, who said she'd been kept abreast of negotiations between the village and IDOT.

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Obstacles to moving the pipes away from the highway include steep inclines on the side of the road, she said. And some portions of the property on the side of the road aren't village property, and would have to be purchased outright by the village, which could, alternately, gain access to them through easement agreements.

IDOT spokesperson Gianna Urgo said IDOT generally permits the installation of utility facilities on state routes and generally requires all new utility installation to be out from under the road.

"Cases in which utilities cannot comply with this requirement are reviewed on an individual basis," she wrote in a July 28 email. "There are some instances in which relocation from under the road is not feasible, and in that case, the utility owner must present the hardship for [IDOT] to review and determine if an exemption is allowed."

"Keeping existing facilities underneath the road causes concerns for future problems that would disrupt the flow of traffic and inconvenience the motoring public," she wrote.

When the mains were first installed, Route 43 was a two-lane highway, and there wasn't much opportunity for conflict with IDOT. The mains "were in the right-of-way," Frum said, referring to the state-owned strip of land that extends beyond the road itself. "But now, they're under the second northbound lane."

Talks between the village and IDOT were underway earlier in the decade, but ultimately didn't go anywhere, she said. Things ultimately calmed down a bit, Frum said.

Main breaks were fewer, according to officials, and they were less messy, after Northbrook installed valves in 2012 that could reroute water so only a few homes would be dry during a mishap, according to village reports. Only three homes lost service July 23, Hamill said.

This recent stretch of luck and no major issues might have ended Jan. 14, when a main broke, but didn't stop traffic completely. After the most recent break, the situation has changed.

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"It's time to have conversations with them again," Frum said July 25, referring to IDOT officials.

Urgo said the agency is happy to work with the village going forward to address concerns.

Hamill said the July 23 main break was said to be caused by asphalt buckling, a condition IDOT had actually warned about in a July 20 press release. The combination of high temperatures and heavy rains can lead to seepage of water under roads, expansion and then pavement buckling and "blowouts," according to IDOT.

After the main broke, Hamill said, constant rain slowed the work of getting the water main repaired.

ileavitt@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @Irv Leavitt
Philadelphia

Odes to teachers and calls to prevent gun violence in classrooms highlighted the K-12 talk during Wednesday nights Democratic National Convention program, devoted mainly to boosting presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

During the final speech of the night, President Barack Obama said he was proud of teachers, but that more work remained to be done for every child who needs a sturdier ladder out of poverty and access to a quality education. He did not mention the Every Student Succeeds Act, which he signed last December and which reauthorized federal K-12 law for the first time in 15 years.

He emphasized Democratic nominees plan to ensure access to preschool. (She doesnt have a comprehensive K-12 plan, though.) And Obama praised Clinton for her work on behalf of students in special education, echoing the theme of speeches from Tuesday.

Several of the lead-up speeches also linked education to top Democratic priorities.

In his speech, Kaine recalled gun violence in Richmond, where he was elected mayor, as well as the horrible mass shooting at Virginia Tech University in 2007, and how the state responded by closing a loophole in the states background check for purchasing guns. He also discussed the states expansion of early education. (Kaine was introduced by Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, the ranking member of the House education committee.)

And as he did last week when he gave his first speech as Clintons vice-presidential pick, Kaine highlighted efforts to address school segregation by his father-in-law, former Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton.

He integrated Virginias public schools, so black and white kids would finally learn together, and the family enrolled their own kids, including his daughter, Anne, in those integrated inner-city schools, Kaine said of the former governor, who was in attendance Wednesday night.



And he highlighted his work with Sen. Bernie Sanders on the Senate budget committee to increase funding for education.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden also threw a spotlight on education, albeit briefly. The vice president praised teachers who buy school supplies for students out of their own pocket, and added, Being a teacher is not what they do, its who they are. And Jill Biden praised community colleges as Americas best-kept secret. Jill Biden is a community college teacher who has helped Obama lead an initiative for free community college .

Speakers Discuss Sandy Hook and Gun Control

Wednesday night here didnt focus so intently on education and children the way the previous nights speeches did . But in addition to Kaines speech, education did figure into remarks about gun violence, municipal infrastructure, and other topics over the course of the second-to-last night of the convention.

One of the most charged moments was when Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut spoke about the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. Murphy praised Clinton for being willing to take on the gun lobby and said he had had enough of shootings across the country and enough of children dying in our classrooms. Murphy held a push for greater gun control in the Senate that lasted 15 consecutive hours earlier this year.

Attacking Republican nominee Donald Trump for being in favor of putting more guns in schools for protection, Murphy said, This is a fate we cannot accept.

Right after Murphy spoke, Erica Smegielski, the daughter of Dawn Hochsprung, the Sandy Hook Elementary principal who was killed in 2012 by a gunman along with five other adults and 20 children, said she should be watching the DNC at home with her mother, not speaking at it. And she spoke in favor of fewer guns in schools, not more.

We dont need our teachers and principals going to work in fear. What we need is another mother whos willing to do whats right, Smegielski said in support of Clinton.

Children in Poverty and Bullies

Earlier in the evening, Scott gave a shout-out to Clinton for seeking educational equity and trying to help children reach their full potential.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the Democratic nominee will fight for universal prekindergarten. (Clintons record on early education in Arkansas got some attention in President Bill Clintons speech Tuesday night.) And former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, Clintons former rival for the Democratic nomination, bashed Trump by saying that instead of wages being too high (as the GOP nominee has said ), the costs of child care and the number of children living in poverty are too high.

Heres what I learned in elementary school on the playground: Bullies are just cowards in disguise, OMalley said in a jab at Trump.

The mayor of Flint, Mich., Karen Weaver, also spoke, calling attention to the lead poisoning of the citys water that continues to be an issue for Flint and other U.S. citiesWeaver called Flint a city in crisis. (Our own Corey Mitchell and Denisa Superville have written about lead in schools water this year.)

Moderate but Solution-Oriented?

Weve focused a lot on how delegates feel about Clinton. But what about her vice-presidential pick?

Reaction to Kaine from the perspective of education was generally positivebut hes also getting a boost from his wife from at least one delegate.

While theres some sentiment that Kaine is too moderate, Sandra Klassen, who is the subchair of Virginas delegates who backed Sen. Bernie Sanders, said those who know him best are enthusiastically behind the move.

He brings integrity and ethics to the ticket, said Klassen, who retired years ago from her job as the executive director of the International Council on Education for Teaching, a non-profit organization that works on global development through education. He is a genuinely nice person who cares about people.

And shes a big fan of Kaines wife, Anne Holton, who just stepped down as Virginias Secretary of Education. In fact, Klassen said she gave Holton a copy of Diane Ravitchs book, Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to Americas Public Schools. Holton appeared receptive to the books ideas, in Klassens view.

And Amy Laufer, a Clinton delegate and the chair of the Charlottesville City School board and a former middle school math teacher was unabashedly enthusiastic about Kaine.



My two sons who have special needs took advantage of his expansion of early-intervention services. In my mind he comes up with real solutions for real problems, she said.

Assistant Editor Alyson Klein contributed to this post.



Photos: An observer listens to a speech about gun violence by Erica Smegielski, the daughter of the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. who was killed in 2012, at the Democratic National Convention on July 27 (Deanna Del Ciello/Education Week); Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, left, waves as Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., center, hugs his wife Anne Holton on July 23 (Andrew Harnik/AP); Democrats on the floor the Wells Fargo Center at the DNC on July 27 (Deanna Del Ciello/Education Week)

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
Park Ridge acting Mayor Marty Maloney waves to spectators during the annual Memorial Day Parade in Park Ridge. Former President Bill Clinton's name-dropping of Park Ridge during his Tuesday speech at the Democratic National Convention was an exciting moment, the city's mayor acknowledges. (Patrick Gorski, Pioneer Press)

Former President Bill Clinton's name-dropping of Park Ridge during his Tuesday speech at the Democratic National Convention was an exciting moment, the city's mayor acknowledges.

"I think Park Ridge being talked about on a national stage  the parks, the schools, the sense of community in Park Ridge  I think that's great for Park Ridge," said acting Mayor Marty Maloney.

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In his remarks, Bill Clinton spoke of visiting future wife Hillary's hometown after the two met at Yale University. His mention of "Park Ridge, Illinois" drew applause from the convention crowd.

"Someone said, 'That's the biggest round of applause Park Ridge has ever gotten on the national stage,' " Maloney said with a laugh.

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Bill Clinton went on to call the Park Ridge of the 1970s "a perfect example of post World War II middle class America, street after street of nice houses, great schools, good parks, a big public swimming pool, and almost all white."

Though Park Ridge has historically been known as a conservative, Republican city, Park Ridge voters cast more votes for Hillary Clinton than for her Democratic opponent Bernie Sanders or any of the Republican candidates on the ballot during the March primary, results from the Cook County Clerk's Office showed.

Regardless of party affiliation, Maloney sees Hillary Clinton's candidacy for president and references of her being from Park Ridge as good promotion for the city.

"I'm the 'cheerleader in chief' of Park Ridge," Maloney said. "If Park Ridge is being talked about positively, I think that can only benefit us."

Some benefits, he said, could be visits from people curious to see the house on Wisner Street where Hillary Clinton grew up or catch a movie at the Pickwick Theatre, of which she has often spoken.

Name recognition may also lead others to visit the city or even consider moving there, Maloney said.

So should Clinton herself  a product of both Maine East and Maine South high schools  make a return visit to her hometown between now and presidential election in November?

"Because she is so polarizing, even that question is going to generate controversy," Maloney admitted. "But honestly, I think she should come back to Park Ridge before November. I'd love Mr. Trump to come to Park Ridge and speak to the voters as well."

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Supporters of each candidate are invited to follow, too, he added  especially if they decide to stop and have a meal.

"Our merchants would love it," Maloney said.

jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @Jen_Pioneer
Maine Township Supervisor Carol Teschky, right, reads a proclamation thanking Highway Commissioner Robert Provenzano for his years of service to the residents of Maine Township on July 26. Provenzano announced he was stepping down from his elected position. (Courtesy of Maine Township)

The Maine Township Town Board is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Aug. 1 to choose a replacement for elected Highway Commissioner Robert Provenzano, who resigned this week.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Road in Park Ridge.

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According to the meeting notice released by the township on Thursday, the process of selecting Provenzano's replacement will take place during closed session. The board will then make a nomination followed by a vote in open session, the notice says.

Township Supervisor Carol Teschky, who could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday, earlier told Pioneer Press that it is typical for a vacancy to be filled with someone already serving on the town board.

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"It doesn't have to be that way, but that's the Maine Township way," she said in June.

Provenzano announced his resignation during the July 26 meeting of the Maine Township Town Board, where he was accompanied by his wife, Jan, and son Chris Provenzano. The resignation is effective July 31, according to the township.

In June, Trustee Walter Kazmierczak of Park Ridge expressed interest in submitting his name for appointment to the highway commissioner seat. He could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday.

Provenzano told Pioneer Press in June that he planned to "retire" from his elected position this summer, several months before his term ends in the spring of 2017.

A resident of Des Plaines, Provenzano, was appointed highway commissioner in 1998 following the resignation of Bill Fraser, who had just been re-elected to a four-year term.

Prior to his role as highway commissioner, Provenzano, a Republican, served as township collector in 1993 and as trustee from 1994 to 1998. As highway commissioner, Provenzano's annual salary was set by the town board in 2012 at an amount of $89,952.

Maine Township's highway commissioner oversees a department of six paid, non-elected employees who are responsible for maintaining streets, sidewalks and storm sewers within the unincorporated area of the township that shares borders with Des Plaines, Niles, Park Ridge and Glenview.

jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com

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Twitter: @Jen_Pioneer
Joseph Lansdell, left, president of Poynter Sheet Metal Factory gives a tour to John Gregg, the democratic candidate for governor of Indiana, on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 in Indianapolis. (Jackie Molloy / AP)

INDIANAPOLIS  Indiana's reshuffled campaign for governor has a new look since Republican leaders have replaced Gov. Mike Pence on the November ballot with his move to the national stage as Donald Trump's running mate.

Republican Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb must quickly ramp up a campaign and has little more than 100 days to introduce himself to most voters around the state after his selection Tuesday as the new GOP nominee. Democrat John Gregg might need to refocus a campaign that was shaping up as a referendum on Pence.

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The next big decision will be Holcomb's selection of a lieutenant governor running mate, which is set to be formally approved by the Republican state committee on Monday. Gregg's running mate is state Rep. Christina Hale of Indianapolis.

Here are short profiles of Gregg and Holcomb and the campaign ahead:

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DEMOCRAT JOHN GREGG

Gregg, 61, is making his second run for governor after losing by about 3 percentage points to Pence four years ago.

Gregg was first elected as a state representative from a rural southwestern Indiana district in 1986 after working as a coal company lobbyist and starting a private law practice in Vincennes. Gregg held the top House position of speaker from 1997 through 2002, a time when Democrats controlled the House and governor's office and Republicans dominated the state Senate.

Republicans have criticized Gregg's tenure as speaker for draining a $2 billion state surplus, which was attacked at the time as unnecessary. A deal emerged that included Republican-backed tax cuts and increased spending Democrats sought for schools and road improvements.

Gregg was known as a social conservative in the Legislature, supporting a state law banning gay marriage. He now makes support of civil rights protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity a prominent part of his campaign following last year's national backlash over the state's religious objections law signed by Pence.

Gregg's campaign reported about $5.8 million in available cash as of June 30. Gregg has collected large sums from labor unions, who've been angered in recent years by the Republican-backed right-to-work law and the contentious repeal of Indiana's law for setting wages on public construction projects.

Gregg says the campaign issues remain the same and that he's focused on "cleaning up the mess that's been made" by the "Pence-Holcomb administration."

Since not seeking re-election in 2002, Gregg was interim president of Vincennes University in 2003-2004 and is a partner with the Indianapolis-based law firm Bingham Greenebaum Doll.

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Gregg and his wife, Lisa, live in the Knox County town of Sandborn. He has two adult sons from a previous marriage.

Indiana Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb talks about being named to replace Gov. Mike Pence as the Republican candidate for governor following his withdrawal to become Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate as Rep. Susan Brooks, right, R-Ind., and Jeff Cardwell, left, chairman of the Indiana Republican Party, look on during an announcement in Indianapolis, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. (Michael Conroy / AP)

REPUBLICAN ERIC HOLCOMB

Holcomb, 48, has never won elected office before and became the state's lieutenant governor in March, when he was picked by Pence for the positon after Pence's 2012 running mate, Sue Ellspermann, resigned from office.

Holcomb is an experienced political operative who served as 2008 campaign manager and top aide to former GOP Gov. Mitch Daniels, who made him the state Republican Party chairman in 2011. He left that position in mid-2013 to become U.S. Sen. Dan Coats' state chief of staff.

Holcomb spent 10 months running for this year's Republican U.S. Senate nomination but had little fundraising success before Pence tapped him for the Statehouse position.

Holcomb has embraced Pence's policies, saying they've led to job growth and a record state budget surplus in contrast to when Democrats last held the governor's office 12 years ago.

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"We cannot allow our state to slip and drift and go backwards to those days of debt and delayed payments to schools or unfunding important and critical infrastructure projects," he said.

Holcomb kept to Pence's stance on whether the state should expand LGBT civil rights protections, saying "we have a balance right now of protecting our religious liberties while making sure that we're not discriminating."

Pence's re-election campaign has about $7 million in cash, but some elections experts question whether that money can be transferred to Holcomb under federal rules that apply to Pence now that he's a federal candidate. The Republican Governors Association, which has donated more than $2 million to Pence, has pledged its support to Holcomb.

Holcomb and his wife, Janet, live on the northwest side of Indianapolis.

Associated Press
Residents concerned that a redevelopment contract being negotiated with a Chicago firm will lead to the loss of their homes demanded answers from Gary officials Wednesday at a City Hall forum.

More than 100 people crammed their way into the City Council chambers to express their concerns. Many speakers said they feared residents will lose their homes so that development can make way for more wealthy people who like the city's proximity to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

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Redevelopment Executive Director Joe Van Dyk said that some property owners could lose their land if they do not get caught up on their property tax payments, but that the expertise Maia Co. brings would help attract real estate developers who might not otherwise consider Gary for their projects.

The Maia Co. bid on the project in June and city officials say they'd like to reach an agreement by September, with work toward development progressing during the next six months. Officials on Wednesday said a Gary resident would be hired to ensure that local business interests would receive a share of any contracts that are issued.

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Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley is a partner in the company.

"No one in this group is from Gary. I don't see anyone who is black or Latino in this group," said Ruth Needleman, a retired labor studies professor at Indiana University Northwest, who added she believes the culture of Gary is too different from Chicago for the city's ideals to easily spread. "They don't have the culture, the artists, the spirit that Gary has."

The Rev. Charles Strietelmeier, of the Augustana Lutheran Church in Hobart, said he is skeptical that local residents will get a chance to participate in any future development that comes about with a Maia Co. deal.

"I don't see any attempt to get people who don't understand the (government) process involved," he said. "It's like a train that speeds past at 100 miles per hour that we would have gotten on if we'd had a chance."

While city officials in the past have tried to downplay the notion that Daley would be involved, Van Dyk on Wednesday said, "one thing (Daley) does really well is raise money."

Such money could be used by Maia Co. up front to get development and construction projects in Gary started, with the idea being that Maia Co. would receive a financial incentive if such projects wind up succeeding.

Maia Co. could wind up with an ownership share of 65 percent of any future developments, although the percentage would go down if development does not take place on schedule, officials said.

Maia Co. officials were not present at Wednesday's hearing. Van Dyk said those officials were expected to attend a Gary Redevelopment Commission hearing scheduled for Friday.

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Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Griffith Clerk-Treasurer George Jerome said Wednesday he will resign from his position at the end of August to take a job with the Griffith Public Schools.

Jerome will start with Griffith Public Schools Sept. 1 as its Director of Finance and Operations, Superintendent Pete Morikis announced Wednesday. The GPS Board on Tuesday voted 3-2 to hire Jerome, with members Leah Dumezich and Lisa Megquier dissenting.

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Jerome said Wednesday his last day with the town will be Aug. 31.

Jerome said he's proud of what he and the town have accomplished financially since he took over the clerk-treasurer's seat when Clerk-Treasurer Bill Broderick died in 2012. But he also recognizes that a new opportunity would be good for both the town and school town.

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"I still have a concession letter (from this past election) that I wrote in case I wouldn't have been re-elected," he said. "I've never taken my position for granted, but I think a new set of eyes is a good thing."

Jerome, who earned $65,240 in 2015, according to the Indiana Gateway public compensation website, said he's also pleased that he'll be walking into a setting where the financials are already in excellent shape, first through former Finance Director Jan Bapst and then through Katy Dowling, who is leaving GPS for the chief financial officer position with Crown Point Community Schools.

Morikis said Jerome will make $105,000 in the new position.

"I think (GPS) is very well-run," Jerome said. "I'm coming into one of the best, if not the best, school financial situations in the area, but I think it can also go from good to great, and I want to be part of that."

Morikis called Jerome a "visionary" for the town and said he thinks his skill set will be a value to GPS.

"I have seen George Jerome in action as a councilman and clerk-treasurer, and he has the skills our school district needs," Morikis said. "He has long-standing relationships with community organizations that will benefit our students, and as one of the visionaries behind Griffith's new downtown streetscape, George understands the benefits that come with collaboration and is eager to bring that same forward-thinking to our schools."

Once Jerome notifies the Lake County Clerk's Office of the vacancy, Lake County Republican Party Chair Dan Dernulc has 30 days to call a caucus to fill the position, Jerome said. There are people who're interested in the position; no one has formally thrown their hat in the ring, but they have up to 72 hours before the caucus to file, he said.

Michelle L Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
The Michigan man charged with causing more than $10,000 in damage at the Porter County Courthouse early July 20 and was ordered to get a mental health evaluation Thursday.

Lake County Magistrate Michael Pagano, who was brought in to handle the case to avoid possible conflict of interest, ordered the evaluation at Kristopher N. Newcomb's initial hearing.

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Newcomb, 26, of Battle Creek, faces up to six years in prison on Level 5 felony burglary charges and also faces a year in jail on each of two Class A misdemeanors, theft and criminal mischief, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Pagano also set Newcomb's bail bond at $2,500 and ordered Newcomb to be on pre-trial supervision if he makes bond.

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Under the supervision Newcomb would be subject to behavior checks and drug screenings.

The areas Newcomb allegedly vandalized were mostly those with glass windows that he could break and get entry into the other side, including the chambers of Porter Superior Court Judge Mary Harper, whose court was originally assigned the case, court records state.

Newcomb allegedly first tried to get in through the southern door to the courthouse, but when he couldn't break the glass, he broke a ground floor window with a landscaping stone and entered there, records state.

A probation officer arriving about 5:40 a.m. found Newcomb asleep in front of the probation office door on the first floor surrounded by food wrappers and candy, apparently from vending machines he vandalized, records state.

Newcomb is next set to appear in court for an omnibus hearing Sept. 8.

James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
What's Quickly? It's where readers sound off on the issues of the day. Have a quote, question or quip? Call Quickly at 312-222-2426 or email quickly@post-trib.com.

Just think, without all these corn fields, we would have beautiful, drier summers here and less humidity and severe storms. Something to think about on a sweltering day.

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Your assertion that the second amendment has anything to do with protecting your home from thieves and for hunting game is shockingly wrong. I'm guessing you never read the first clause, "a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state."

I would like to thank the Hobart police for recently arresting our neighborhood drug dealer. I only hope he is prosecuted and jailed for a long time. The police did thier job, hopefully the courts will do thiers as well. Well done HPD, thank you.

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In April of 1983 the U.S.embassy in Beirut was bombed, with 17 American dead. In October of the same year, a suicide bomber slaughtered 241 American servicemen in a barracks in Beirut. I'm still waiting for a movie about these tragic events so I will know who was negligent.

Which is correct: pom pom, pom pon or pompom?

I don't understand why they wouldn't let the little girl who found the abandoned baby in Lowell see the baby in the hospital. She deserves that much after saving the baby's life.

The autopsy of Omar Mateen, the Orlando shooter, showed longterm use of steroids. That explains his rage. To all of you body builders that use that stuff, please stop using that destructive toxic substance. It does not end well.

People should hold somebody as dearly as they hold their cellphones.

Another partial term governor for VP. Can we have candidates who actually complete what they agreed to do?

Now someone thinks seniors should march in a parade. The way we walk it would of been an all day affair.

The Republican convention is the ugliest, hateful, divisive and disrespectful excuse for an American institution that I have witnessed in my life.

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I am deeply offended by the notion as stated in the July 19 Quickly, that implies that anyone who goes to college with a student deferment is a draft dodger. Republican presidential candidate Don Trump, former president Bill Clinton and I were all able to go to college by obtaining a student deferment. Draft dodgers are people who illegally avoid the draft by leaving the country or refusing to serve.

Without Mike Pence, Indiana is going to fall apart. He left no one to carry the torch!

When it comes to Hillary Clinton, some people forget that you are innocent until proven guilty. She has not been proven guilty of a crime. Just because you think something is true does not mean it is.

I have seen the "Pence Must Go" signs all over the state and now he is gone. Good for him. He deserves the best and He is the best and deserves to be where people will appreciate his abilities. Some of you may regret his leaving.

Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Watching the Republican convention for four days convinced me of one thing: I don't want Donald Trump to be my president, but I sure want him to be my daddy.

Hillary Clinton must stop supporting free trade and start supporting fair trade to get the support of Sanders followers. She needs to do what Trump is proposing for trade like renegotiate the free trade agreements as fair trade and put tariffs on China and other countries.

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I don't think Indiana will ever recover from the loss of "Makes Sense Mike Pence". He was the foundation of the state that made us great and the envy of the nation. Let us hope he adds such great value to the U.S. president position.

I'm a concerned citizen in Gary and just wondering when there will be someone to donate or fix the track at Gary West Side Leadership Academy. The track is condemned. We're supposed to be one of the top teams in Gary and the high school doesn't have a track and field to practice on. Someone please help us.

I've got a question for you. For 27 years I found many a different token and I had two or three tokens that said, "You are entitled to one free lot in Downers Grove." There's no deadline written on the token. It's about the size of a 50-cent piece and doesn't say when it starts. Do you think I could still cash it in today and get me three free lots in Downers Grove, Illinois?

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his cohort Gov. Mike Pence, who's running for vice president, are no friend to the working men and women of this country whether you're union or nonunion. Donald Trump is a 1 percenter. He's corporate. Mike Pence's nothing more than a corporate Christian. He's for low wages. Mike Pence is no friend.

Read more at www.post-trib.com/quickly
This post first appeared on Education Weeks District Dossier blog

San Francisco Unified Superintendent Richard Carranza is the lone finalist for the top job in Houston, the nations seventh-largest school district, the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Houston school board on Wednesday announced Carranza as their pick to lead the 215,000-student district, the newspapers report. As required by Texas law, the school district will wait 21 days before making his appointment final.

Carranza would step in as the permanent replacement for former superintendent Terry Grier , who stepped down in February after six years at the helm. Houstons deputy superintendent and chief financial officer Ken Huewitt has served as interim school chief since Griers departure. Huewitt applied for the permanent job.

Carranza has led the 53,000-student San Francisco Unified since 2012. He was among Education Weeks 2015 class of Leaders to Learn From for his work with English-language learners.

That experience may have helped Carranza, a former ELL, land the job in a district that has already had success with helping students to learn English . Houston has the sixth-largest enrollment of ELLs in the nation, according to a 2015 Migration Policy Institute report . According to the report, Texas has the second highest ELL K-12 enrollment in the nation, trailing only California.

Related Stories

How Many Superintendents are Former English-Language Learners

A One-Time English-Language Learner Puts Premium on Bilingual, Bicultural Education
William Christopher, who was known as Father Mulcahy on "MASH" from 1972 to 1983, died Dec. 31, 2016. He was 84. Read more. (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)

David F. James, whose family was the first African-American family to buy a home in Winnetka and whose efforts to end housing discrimination in Chicago's northern suburbs was integral to the North Shore's civil rights history, was remembered Wednesday for his "gentle but forceful leadership" on justice issues.

James, 92, died July 23.

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"David's commitment to the principles of the welcoming community was unwavering. His impact on the quality of life in our communities is indelible," said David Luna, executive director of Open Communities, the Winnetka-based fair housing and social justice organization that James co-founded.

Gail Schechter, who formerly headed Open Communities, called James a friend and mentor, adding, "I think David was a genius  the most intelligent man I ever met."

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On July 29, Schechter remembered how James stood before the Winnetka Village Council in 2007, surrounded by students from Winnetka's Washburne School, and inspired council members to allow a monument to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to be placed on the Village Green, commemorating Dr. King's 1965 speech in Winnetka.

"David spoke, and it brought down the house," she said.

Son Tom James said his father was a gregarious, "mellow guy," easily able to deal with a houseful of children, all of different temperaments.

Tom's sister, Cathy James, recalled her dad's sweetness and remarkable energy  how, at the age of 80, he had tired out a friend's college-bound son by not only taking him to universities across the city, but insisting on post-tour pizza; James' young charge finally told his guide that he was exhausted and had to go to bed.

Cathy James also remembered the story a family friend told her about the day James was getting ready to move his family into a house on Spruce Street in Winnetka. A man walked up to him and asked if he was moving in. James held out his hand and said yes; the man walked away without shaking. That did not shake her father's determination to make the town their home, she said.

James was born in St. Louis. He moved to Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech High School, then became a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen's 332nd Fighter Group and served in that much-decorated group during World War II.

Following the war, James attended Loyola University and DePaul University College of Law. He went on to become the first African-American ever hired by the American Bar Association, according to Luna.

James first came to the North Shore as a member of the North Shore Summer Project, which mobilized in the early 1960s to end housing discrimination in the northern suburbs, and evolved into Open Communities, Luna said.

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In 1967, he, his wife, Mary, and their six children moved to a home on Winnetka's Spruce Street. They were initially met with hostility, Luna said, "but eventually became beloved neighbors and friends to many, and devoted parishioners of Sacred Heart Church."

James' devotion to civil rights extended to young people as well. He and his wife founded the integrated TWIG Day Camp in their back yard, bringing children from Chicago's South Side together with children from the North Shore. TWIG  which stands for "Together We Influence Change," according to a 2011 Pioneer Press story about the program  still operates each year in Winnetka, according to Luna.

James continued to work with Open Communities, serving as president of its board, and continued to support its programs well into the 21st century, Luna said.

In addition to Tom and Cathy James, James is survived by four other children: David, of Washington D.C.; Mary, of Portland, Oregon; Ann, of Cincinnati, and Peter, of New York City.

Funeral services for James, whose wife died in 1997, were held July 29 at Sacred Heart Church in Winnetka.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to TWIG Day Camp, in care of Marsha Shane, 1805C Wildberry Drive, Glenview.

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kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
The State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) will launch a campaign to crack down on criminal damage to the Great Wall.

Screenshot from an online video shows a man vandalizing the Great Wall. [Photo/Screenshot from online video]

The campaign will involve regular inspections and random checks on protection efforts by authorities in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

The SACH will open a special tip line for information about violations and damage to the Great Wall from the public.

Built from the third century BC to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall stretches over 21,000 kilometers from the northwestern province of Gansu to North China's Hebei province.

According to SACH statistics, about 30 percent of a 6,200-km section of the wall built in the Ming Dynasty has disappeared, and less than 10 percent is considered well-preserved.

The Great Wall has faced threats from both nature and humans. Earthquakes, rain, wind and other natural elements have left the wall with many decayed and crumbling bricks.

Human activities, such as reckless development by some governments and theft of bricks by local villagers for use as building materials, as well as agriculture near the wall, have damaged the landmark, according to research by the China Great Wall Society.

A lack of protection efforts in remote regions and a weak plan for protection have also contributed to the damage, the society added.

In 2006, China released a national regulation on Great Wall protection. However, Great Wall experts have urged local authorities to draw up more practical measures to better implement the regulation.

This year, Inner Mongolia autonomous region included Great Wall protection expenditures in its budget. The government of Fangcheng city, Henan province, began a campaign for conservation experts and local residents to work together to protect the wall.
China's cabinet on Wednesday called for all-out efforts to meet overcapacity reduction targets in the steel and coal industries.

The market mechanism should be used to advance the capacity cut, which is a major task of the country's supply-side structural reform drive, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

China aims to pare steel production capacity by 45 million tonnes and shave off coal capacity by over 250 million tonnes in 2016.

Companies with excessive capacity should be offered support when carrying out restructuring, and those producing substandard products or failing to meet environmental and energy-saving requirements should be shut down, according to Wednesday's statement.

Differential water and electricity prices and credit policies should be rolled out to force firms to address outdated capacity.

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of steel and coal. The two industries have long been plagued by overcapacity and felt the pinch even more in the past two years as the economy cooled and demand has fallen.

In the first half of this year, China only accomplished about 30 percent of this year's reduction targets for the steel and coal sectors, according to officials.

The State Council also called for faster implementation of major projects and more involvement of private investment to stabilize growth.

Banks should lend more to small and micro businesses to create more jobs and can not arbitrarily withdraw or delay their loans, it said.

In addition, the cabinet noted that the tax burden on financial industries should not be increased after an expansion of a reform to replace business tax with value-added tax.
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A cargo train leaves Jiuyuan Logistics Park in Baotou City for Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, launching the first freight train service linking north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with the central Asian country. [Photo/nmgnews.com.cn]

The first freight train service linking northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with Kazakhstan launched Wednesday.

The train, which was loaded with building materials and other commodities, left Jiuyuan Logistics Park in Baotou City Wednesday morning. The 4,332-km trip to Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, will take eight days.

On its return journey, the train will carry goods such as mineral resources, according to a Hohhot Railway Bureau official.

Hohhot Railway Bureau built the logistics park, which features special platforms and storehouses for freight, at a cost of 1.3 billion yuan (US$195 million).

"The new rail service, which follows the ancient Silk Road trade route, will support the regional export market," said Lu Zhi, vice mayor of Baotou.

Around 15 freight trains will make the journey this year.

Many cities, including Chengdu, Chongqing and Harbin, have launched freight services to boost trade with central Asia and Europe in recent years.
Samsung Electronics, South Korean tech behemoth, posted the biggest operating profit in more than two years on the back of strong sales of its flagship Galaxy series, the company said Thursday.

Operating profit was 8.14 trillion won (US$7.22 billion) in the April-June period, up 18 percent from a year earlier. It surpassed market expectations of 7.4 trillion won on average, marking the largest in nine quarters since the first quarter of 2014.

Revenue increased 5 percent over the year to 50.94 trillion won in the second quarter, and net income rose 1.7 percent to 5.85 trillion won.

Samsung's smartphone business generated 4.32 trillion won in operating profit, accounting for more than half of the company's total profit thanks to demand for Galaxy S7 smartphone series. Its smartphone revenue amounted to 26.56 trillion won.

It marked the first time in two years that Samsung's smartphone profit topped 4 trillion won. The smartphone unit's operating profit tumbled to 1.75 trillion won in the third quarter of 2014 after peaking at 6.7 trillion won in the second quarter of 2013.

Samsung sold 16 million units of Galaxy S7 series in the April-June period, while demand for lower-priced models such as Galaxy A and J series contributed to the smartphone division's outperformance.

Mobile phone sales, including smartphones, totaled 90 million units in the second quarter, with tablet sales reaching 6 million. The portion of smartphones in total mobile phone sales took up more than 80 percent.

The semiconductor unit recorded 2.64 trillion won in operating profit. It was a slight rise from a 2.63 trillion-won profit in the previous quarter despite falling chip prices that were offset by robust demand for Samsung-made 3D NAND flash memory chips and 14-nanometer mobile application processors.

Consumer electronics business logged an operating profit of 1.03 trillion in the April-June period, almost doubling 510 billion won in the previous three-month period. It was attributable to demand for second-generation quantum dot TVs and self-collection refrigerators as well as washing machines and air-conditioners.

The display panel division posted a 140 billion-won operating profit in the second quarter, turning around from a 270 billion-won operating loss in the previous quarter. Its revenue recorded 6.42 trillion won.

Positive second-quarter earnings came despite negative impact from the moves of the won/dollar exchange rate. Samsung said the South Korean currency's appreciation versus the U.S. dollar and the European single currency reduced profit by about 300 billion won.

Samsung predicted a positive earnings result in the third quarter, with market consensus for the third-quarter operating profit set at 7.8 trillion won. Demand for chips and display panels are expected to be strong due to the launches of new smartphone models from Samsung and Apple.

Profit from the smartphone business is expected to fall amid the projected fierce competition following the rollout of iPhone 7 scheduled for September. Samsung plans to new Galaxy Note model in early August, but expectations for new model sales are currently low.

For the first six months of this year, Samsung's operating profit increased 15 percent from a year earlier to 14.82 trillion won. Revenue gained 5.3 percent to 100.72 trillion won, and net income climbed 7 percent to 11.1 trillion won.

Facility investment amounted to 8.8 trillion won in the first half. During the second quarter, spending on facilities reached 4.2 trillion won, with 2 trillion won being spent on chip equipments and 1.6 trillion won on display panel facilities.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for the building of strong armed forces through military reform.

Xi presided over a group study seminar of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, which focused on national defense and military reform.

He called the reform drive "a comprehensive and revolutionary change," and said obstacles and policy issues that may hold back reform measures must be addressed so as to build a strong armed forces commensurate with China's international status.

Cai Hongshuo, deputy head of the advisory team of the leading group for deepened national defense and military reform under the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivered a lecture on the issue and offered some suggestions.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee then discussed relevant issues during the study.

Xi said under the CPC's leadership, the armed forces have been constantly reformed and improved, adding that further military reform is needed to cope with the changing international situation and to develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.

After the 18th National Congress of the CPC in late 2012, Xi said, the CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to defense and military reform. After the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, the CMC established the leading group, and later drafted a reform plan.

Based on the reform plan, the general command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army, the PLA Rocket Force, and the PLA Strategic Support Force were established.

The previous seven military area commands were regrouped into five theater commands, and the four military departments -- staff, politics, logistics and armaments -- were reorganized into 15 agencies.

With those reforms, the PLA has a system in which the CMC is tasked with the overall administration of the armed forces, while theater commands focus on combat preparedness, and various armed services pursue development, Xi added.

These measures solved some deep-seated problems that many considered unsolvable, according to Xi.

The reform drive marks a historic change in the organization and structure of the PLA, he said.

By 2020, advances should be made in reforming the leadership and management system, as well as the joint battle command system, Xi said, citing the timetable outlined in the reform plan.

Significant progress should be achieved in optimizing scale and structure, improving policies and systems, and promoting the integration of military and civilian development, he said.

Xi underscored that the aim is to build a modern military with Chinese characteristics, which is able to win an informationized war and fulfill missions and tasks efficiently, while improving the socialist military institution with Chinese characteristics.

Military Party committees at various levels should fulfill their respective reform tasks to the highest standard, and military leaders, especially senior ones, should take the lead in implementing reform tasks, Xi noted.

Calling deepened national defense and military reform "a common cause for the whole Party and country," Xi called on all levels of governments and Party committees, as well as relevant parties, to support national defense and military development, to cooperate actively to fulfill reform tasks that involve multiple regions, and to integrate the adjustment of the economic layout with the improvement of national defense layout.

Moreover, Xi ordered that any military officers demobilized during the reform should be offered help and guidance to secure new jobs.
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Beijing health authorities said on Wednesday that a new case of H7N9 infection had been reported and the patient was in a critical condition.

The patient, a 36-year-old male from Langfang City in Hebei Province, is suspected to have had contact with live poultry before contracting the disease, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control said in a statement.

The patient is the third confirmed H7N9 bird flu patient in Beijing this year.

H7N9 was first reported to have infected humans in March 2013 in China. Cases usually occur in winter and spring. While a large-scale outbreak is unlikely, sporadic infections have been reported.

Health experts told the public to avoid contact with diseased poultry and take necessary precautions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), speaks after listening to a work report of the PLA army during an inspection of the army's headquarters on July 27, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping told the People's Liberation Army on Wednesday to improve its ground force's mobility and joint operations capability.

Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the military to accelerate its ground force's transformation and reform.

He said the Army's management and development methods will be overhauled while its structure and combat capability will be extensively upgraded.

Xi told the Army to adopt realistic combat simulations in its training and drills and to enhance precision and efficiency in reconnaissance, command and control, logistics support and strike operations.

The Army must improve when launching air-land operations, responding to emergencies, making long distance deployments, engaging in special warfare as well as performing "strategic assaults", the president said.

Xi was making a morning inspection tour of the PLA Army Headquarters in Beijing. It was the first time that he had visited the headquarters, which was established in late December along with the PLA Rocket Force and PLA Strategic Support Force.

Previously, the PLA's ground force did not have a headquarters, as its units were under the direct control of the Central Military Commission. Regional military commands were in charge of the detailed operations of ground units stationed within their jurisdictions.

Gao Zhuo, a military observer in Shanghai, said Xi's remarks indicate that the PLA Army has begun to place more emphasis on honing its ability to launch special operations.

"As far as I know, a lot of existing special operations units under the ground force have been expanded and promoted, while some new units were set up recently," he said.

"Special warfare requires a high level of collaboration and coordination among different military branches, so the ground force is striving to improve its joint operations capability."

On Tuesday afternoon, Xi called for a stronger PLA to be built through ongoing military reform as he presided over a group study seminar of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, which focused on the massive reform of China's national defense and military.

He said the reform would bring comprehensive and revolutionary changes to the PLA, and its ultimate goal is to build a strong military commensurate with the nation's international status.

Based on the reform plan that was approved by the Central Military Commission at a conference in November, the previous seven regional military commands were regrouped into five theater commands.

The four top military departmentsGeneral Staff, Political, Logistics and Armamentswere reorganized into 15 agencies directly under the Central Military Commission.

Xi said the reform has resolved some long-standing problems as well as many tough issues that were regarded as being impossible to solve, describing it as a historic move in the PLA's history.

By 2020, major changes and upgrades to the PLA will have been accomplished, he added.
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The police are all set to launch an offensive against Internet live shows that feature obscene, violent or illegal content, said the Ministry of Public Security on Wednesday.

The operation will last until October, according to a ministry statement.

About 150 websites registered in China enabled individuals to live broadcast, attracting 200 million users so far. Several leading operators have more than 100 million registered users and monthly active users exceeding 10 million.

Live broadcasts have been abused by some to stream pornographic shows or host online gambling, the statement said.

Police will supervise website operators to ensure the legality of content and shut down accounts that flout the law.

They will also assist operators to tighten internal management and push broadcasters to register their real identity and users to register their mobile phone numbers.

The ministry called on the public to inform on offenders through cyberpolice.cn.
Dog in a Hot Locked Car: Teen Faces 5 Years in Prison for Animal Cruelty

Dogs may be our best friends, but humans are not always very friendly to their dogs. One woman in Virginia, 19, left her pet puggle -- a cross between a beagle and a pug -- in a hot car parked outside a pet store in Falls Church.

According to a press release from the Fairfax County Police Department, someone spotted the dog and called the authorities, but not soon enough. Although officials managed to break into the car and get the animal to the veterinarian in the nearby pet store, the dog died soon after. The owner, Megan Kurtz Campbell, was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty.

Hot Box

This puggle is not the first dog to die in a hot car this summer. Earlier this month, reports the Huffington Post, a drug detection canine who worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections was left in a car for more than two hours and died.

The dog's handler, Sergeant Chad Holland, said he was storing some things in his vehicle and did not realize the dog was in there when he left. It is not yet clear whether Holland will face animal cruelty charges for the death of his canine partner Totti, a yellow Labrador retriever. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections did issue a statement saying that it is conducting a full investigation of the matter.

Animal Cruelty

Meanwhile in Virginia, where the puggle was locked in a car outside a Falls Church PetSmart, Megan Kurtz Campbell is already facing a felony animal cruelty charge. Animal cruelty resulting in the creature's death is a class 6 felony, according to Virginia law. If she is convicted, the teenager could spend up to five years in prison.

Accused?

If you are charged with animal cruelty or any other crime, talk to an attorney. Many criminal defense attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case.

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Companies who seriously violate environmental laws will face restrictions to their future business endeavors, the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday.

The ministry and 30 other central government agencies, including the People's Bank of China, authored the policy, according to the ministry statement.

These companies may be barred from entering certain businesses, blocked from applying for business permits or disqualified from loans. They will not qualify for preferential policies.

The policy lists 14 serious violations, including construction or operation without environment assessment or permits and discharging pollutants.

The ministry will manage a blacklist of companies with bad environment records and share it with other agencies.
A man mourns his mother, a victim of the earthquake, at a memorial park in Tangshan, Hebei province. Tangshan lies in ruins after the devastating earthquake in 1976. An earthquake monument stands at the edge of a pond in the rebuilt Tangshan. [File photo/China Daily and Xinhua]

Forty years ago, when Gao Zhihong had just graduated from college, the then-25-year-old returned home to visit her family. The joy of reunion didn't last long: 10 hours after Gao's arrival in Tangshan, Hebei province, the city was hit by a massive earthquake that caused more than 240,000 deaths.

That night, Gao's life was turned upside down.

She arrived in her hometown at about 6 pm on July 27. "My whole family was so happy to see me. My sister and I planned to go shopping the next day," the 65-year-old recalled, her memories not dimmed by the intervening years.

The sisters' shopping expedition never materialized. At about 4 am, a magnitude-7.8 earthquake hit Tangshan. Gao's father and sister were killed, while she and her mother were left paralyzed. Her two younger brothers were luckier, escaping with superficial injuries.

More than 240,000 of the city's 1 million urban inhabitants died in the quake, regarded as one of the most destructive in history. In addition, 160,000 people were seriously injured  more than 3,800 were paralyzed  and more than 4,200 children were orphaned.

"My mother shook me awake when the quake occurred. My father ran toward the door, and I saw a concrete beam fall from the roof and hit him. I got up and ran to him, but I was hit by another falling beam. I was wedged between two of the beams, unable to move. I saw my father die," she recalled, her voice choked with emotion.

"It was so dark. I heard my brothers shouting my name, but I couldn't move and I was too weak and in too much pain to respond."

Gao was buried under the debris of the family home for about 10 hours until one of her brothers managed to free her.

Shortly after the quake, Gao Zhihong was transferred to Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, and then Cangzhou in Hebei for treatment on her legs. She did not return to Tangshan until 1980.

Gao's boyfriend broke off their relationship when he learned she would never walk again. "I was desperate, I cried myself to sleep every night for several years," she said.

At the time, she was unaware that her future husband was in the same position. Yang Yufang, then 26, was also paralyzed in the quake, and was sent to larger cities for medical treatment. He found it hard to accept that his life had changed for good.

"When I returned to Tangshan, I put some clothes over my head, so I couldn't see the destruction in the city. Also, I was afraid to be seen; I was so ashamed of being crippled," said Yang, whose father and brother died in the quake.

Although it took a long time, he was eventually able to accept the reality of the situation. "What happened had happened. I couldn't rewrite history. There were only two paths in front of meto live or to die. I chose to live," he said.

"There was no use being angry or resentful. Once I had chosen to live, I had to face reality, to accept it and make the best of it."

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
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A kiosk selling tour souvenirs is seen near the Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, capital of France, on Nov. 18, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Genxing)

About half of Chinese tourists who intended to travel to Europe this summer have canceled or changed their trips due to recent terrorist attacks and other security risks there, according to China Business News.

A terrorist attack in Ansbach of Germany is the latest of a number of attacks that have rattled Europe in recent months. Chinese tourists to France and Germany, two of their most popular destinations, dropped by almost two-thirds, estimated the newspaper.

The exchange rate volatility caused by Brexit was expected to boost tourism in Europe this summer, but due to the terrorist attacks in major European countries and the recent attempted coup in Turkey, the industry will be significantly impacted, said a tour guide who specializes in Europe-bound travel.

Another tour agent who focuses on tourism in France told the newspaper that two tourist groups canceled their trip just one day after the attack in Nice on July 14.

The number of Chinese tourists to France has maintained double-digit growth in the past decade, reaching 2 million last year and making China the largest overseas tourist group in the country. But tourists who take regular flights to the country have dropped 5.8 percent since January this year, and the number of tourists heading for Paris has decreased by 11 percent.

Apart from west European countries which have long been popular with Chinese tourists, Turkey also rose to fame among Chinese tourists in recent years thanks to a loosened visa policy and some popular reality shows featuring the country. The Chinese tourists to Turkey numbered 150,000 in the first half of 2015, nearly the same amount for all of 2014.

But with the country suffering from five terrorist attacks since this year, tourism in the country has been severely undermined -- overseas tourists in May plummeted by 34.7 percent from last year, the most significant drop in 22 years.

Hotels in Europe are among the most affected, with revenues dropping, a rarity during peak season, the tour agent told the paper. The income of local tourist guides also bears the brunt, as most of them rely on commissions and tips from tourist groups.
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The Syrian army on Wednesday urged armed rebels in the northern city of Aleppo to lay down their weapons, saying it's a "real chance."

"Emanating from our keenness to curb the bloodletting, we grant a real opportunity to all those who hold weapons in Aleppo's eastern part to settle their situation by laying down their weapons and stay in Aleppo, or to surrender their weapons and leave the city," the General Command of the Syrian army said in a statement carried by state-run SANA news agency.

"We urge everyone to have a prudence and put the national interest of restoring peace and security to Aleppo above anything else," it added.

The move comes as the Syrian army has completely laid a siege on the rebel-held parts in east of Aleppo city, after severing the last remaining supply route to those areas last week.

In the statement, the army said it had succeeded with the help of allied fighters to successfully complete their mission in northern Aleppo, by cutting all of the supply routes the rebels used.

It added that the military campaign came in the framework of restoring peace and stability to Aleppo.

The statement also urged the civilians to cooperate with the Syrian army in achieving a cessation of violence, and a return of tranquility to Aleppo.

A day earlier, the Syrian army offered safe exits to civilians in the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.

The military's general command said the army had identified several routes and safe passages for civilians wishing to leave the rebel-held neighborhoods in the eastern parts of Aleppo, adding that maps of the routes were being sent to the cellphones of the civilians.

It urged the civilians in the areas to join the government-proposed reconciliations and expel the rebels out of their homes and neighborhoods.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, is Syria's largest city and once an economic hub. It has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels.

In the summer of 2012, thousands of armed militants stormed residential districts of Aleppo, striking the economic nerves of the Syrian government, which has repeatedly accused Turkey of supporting the rebels.

After capturing several districts in eastern Aleppo city, the rebels repeatedly tried to expand their presence to government-controlled areas in the west.

They laid a siege on western Aleppo districts after cutting the international road to Aleppo in 2014, which was broken later by the Syrian army with the help of Hezbollah.
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Algeria on Wednesday hailed its bilateral relations with China which have been enhanced by the comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2014.

As the upcoming China-Africa Cooperation Forum will be held in Beijing from July 28 to 30, "we have managed together to build comprehensive strategic relations, covering almost all areas of cooperation," Algerian Minister of Maghreb Affairs Abdelkader Messahel told a press conference.

He said the bilateral cooperation has reached an important level after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika paid several visits to China.

China and Algeria have reached a new stage of bilateral ties following the strategic partnership established in 2014, part of the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Messahel said he is to lead the Algerian delegation to attend the forum this week, adding that he will meet with Chinese top officials to discuss issues including the fight against terrorism.

The official said the forum is mainly devoted to assessing the implementation of recommendations, resolutions and programs adopted at the 6th China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa last March.

China pledged during the summit to invest 60 billion U.S. dollars across Africa, a step seen by observers as a strong signal from Beijing to reinforce its relations between Africa.
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Syrian helicopters dropped thousands of leaflets over rebel-held areas in the northern city of Aleppo on Wednesday, urging rebels to lay down their weapons and the civilians to cooperate with the Syrian army.

"Aleppo is winning: to all those holding weapons in the face of the Syrian state, you have got to seriously think about your fate, as many of your leaders have fled with their money to Turkey," the leaflet read.

"Don't risk yourself, it's your decision, you don't have much time left," it continued.

Another leaflet was directed to the civilians.

"Our dear families in Aleppo, your sons and brothers in the Syrian army are sacrificing to rid you of the terrorism. Your cooperation with the army in terms of providing information about the location of the armed men will be conducive in returning security and stability to your areas," the leaflet read.

Earlier in the day, the army empathized on urging the rebels in Aleppo city to surrender, saying it's a "real chance."

"Emanating from our keenness to curb the bloodletting, we grant a real opportunity to all those who hold weapons in Aleppo's eastern part to settle their situation by laying down their weapons and stay in Aleppo, or to surrender their weapons and leave the city," the general command of the Syrian army said in a statement carried by state-run SANA news agency.

"We urge everyone to have a prudence and put the national interest of restoring peace and security to Aleppo above anything else," it added.

The move comes as the Syrian army has completely laid a siege on the rebel-held parts in east of Aleppo city, after severing the last remaining supply route to those areas last week.

In the statement, the army said it had succeeded with the help of allied fighters to successfully complete their mission in northern Aleppo, by cutting all of the supply routes the rebels used.

It added that the military campaign came in the framework of restoring peace and stability to Aleppo.

The statement also urged the civilians to cooperate with the Syrian army in achieving a cessation of violence, and a return of tranquility to Aleppo.

A day earlier, the Syrian army offered safe exits to civilians in the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.

The military's general command said the army had identified several routes and safe passages for civilians wishing to leave the rebel-held neighborhoods in the eastern parts of Aleppo, adding that maps of the routes were being sent to the cellphones of the civilians.

It urged the civilians in the areas to join the government-proposed reconciliations and expel the rebels out of their homes and neighborhoods.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, is Syria's largest city and once an economic hub. It has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels.

In the summer of 2012, thousands of armed militants stormed residential districts of Aleppo, striking the economic nerves of the Syrian government, which has repeatedly accused Turkey of supporting the rebels.

After capturing several districts in eastern Aleppo city, the rebels repeatedly tried to expand their presence to government-controlled areas in the west.

They laid a siege on western Aleppo districts after cutting the international road to Aleppo in 2014, which was broken later by the Syrian army with the help of Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said during an interview with a Greek TV that if the rebels wanted to "return to their normal lives, and abandon their weapons, they will get pardon."

"Pardon is a good option, I think, to help those people who held weapons for different reasons," he said.
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Rebels in the northern city of Aleppo fired mortar shells on a key power plant Wednesday, causing a complete blackout in the city, state news agency SANA said.

A source in the Electricity Ministry was quoted by SANA as saying that the rebels fired several rockets on the main power station in the city of Aleppo, causing a massive fire and a complete power outage.

The source added that maintenance workers were working to put down the fire and fix the damage in the station to bring back the electricity to the city as soon as possible.

The rebels have carried out such attacks, which caused several major blackouts in Aleppo for days even weeks.

Drinking water has also become scarce in the city as the rebels in the countryside control the main water line.

Aleppo, Syria's largest and once an economic hub, is seeing intensified violence and battles as the Syrian army is advancing against the rebels in the northern countryside.

After the last supply route in northern Aleppo countryside was completely severed, the rebels in the eastern part of the city have become isolated in their besieged areas.

Earlier in the day, Syrian helicopters dropped tens of thousands of leaflets, urging the rebels to surrender in Aleppo in exchange for a pardon.
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A total of 1,684 military personnel, including generals, were discharged from Turkish armed forces on Wednesday with a statutory decree after the failed coup attempt, local media NTV reported.

Turkish policemen attend the funeral ceremony of special forces police officer Meric Alemdar killed during the failed July 15 coup, at the Kocatepe mosque in Ankara on July 21, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Discharged military personnel were identified as members or related to the Fethullahist Organization.

The U.S-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen is accused by Ankara of plotting the July 15 coup attempt.

A total of 149 generals and admirals were dismissed from the army, according to the official gazette published on late Wednesday.

Meanwhile, 1,099 commissioned officers and 436 non-commissioned officers are among the dismissed.

Gendarmerie and coast guard command ships were also brought under control of the interior ministry.

According to the official gazette, three news agencies, 23 radio stations, 16 TV channels, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishing houses were also closed.

A total of 8,651 soldiers, which made up 1.5 percent of the military's total personnel, took part in the failed coup attempt, the Turkish general staff said on Wednesday.

So far, 10,012 soldiers have been detained as a part of the investigation into the coup attempt, which left at least 290 people, including more than 100 "coup plotters," killed, authorities said.
Theranos Sued for Voided Blood Tests, Plaintiff Seeks Class Action Status

Theranos, the revolutionary blood testing company founded by Stanford dropout and Silicon Valley wonder Elizabeth Holmes, is having a bad year. The company is under investigation for securities fraud, in June its pharmacy chain partner Walgreens broke ties and shut down all of its Theranos blood draw centers, Holmes has been barred from owning or operating a blood lab for the next two years, and lawsuits abound.

The latest claim comes from a patient who says that his faulty Theranos blood draw results contributed to his having a heart attack. The plaintiff, going by RC, seeks class action status for his lawsuit filed in federal court in Arizona.

Early Enthusiasm

According to Tech Crunch, RC's case is just one of at least nine civil suits Theranos now faces. The company's technology was going to revolutionize the way that blood is drawn and tested, but it seems that the enthusiasm about Theranos was premature.

Theranos partnered with Walgreens pharmacies to provide blood testing services using its proprietary Edison system. Supposedly one drop of blood could reveal hundreds of different diseases, so the pharmacy chain decided to create Theranos centers in about 40 stores across the country.

Edison Method

The Edison method, the one invented by Elizabeth Holmes, takes a lot less blood than traditional blood draws. Only one drop was supposed to reveal hundreds of diseases. But, it turns out that the Edison method also gives a lot less accurate results than traditional blood draws.

In his lawsuit, the plaintiff RC says that his doctor told him to monitor his blood and made recommendations based on the plaintiff's Walgreens Theranos test results. But one month later the plaintiff had a heart attack and found himself in the hospital. There, it became apparent that the blood test results he gave his doctor and that were obtained from a Walgreens Theranos center were incorrect. Now RC is saying that Theranos contributed to his heart attack by providing faulty results that misled him about what actions were necessary.

Voided Tests

RC's claim has some support -- the plaintiff's tests were later voided along with those of thousands of other patients who used the Edison method in 2014 and 2015 at Walgreens. Theranos voided the tests as part of an effort to comply with the requirements of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Elizabeth Holmes was just barred by CMS from owning or operating a blood lab for the next two years.

As for RC, he is seeking class action status, hoping his suit will be a representative claim for others who were injured by the Theranos blood draws. The plaintiff is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Injured?

If you have been injured due to a defective product or due to the negligence of another, speak to a lawyer. Tell your story. Many personal injury attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case.

Find Personal Injury Lawyers in Your Area (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)

Class Action Cases (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)

Proving Fault in Medical Malpractice Cases (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
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The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) continued "to receive deeply disturbing reports of sexual violence" in South Sudan, and stepped up patrol to protect civilians in the world's youngest country, a UN spokesman told reporters Wednesday.

The reports included "rape and gang rape, by soldiers in uniform and men in plain clothes against civilians, including minors, around UN House and in other areas of Juba," the capital of the war-torn country, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here.

Since the start of the current violence in Juba, UNMISS has documented at least 120 cases of sexual violence and rape against civilians, Haq said. "It has stepped up its patrols in and around the Protection of Civilians sites, as well as in Juba city."

In addition, mitigating measures are in place where UNMISS force provides protection at designated times to women when they have to go out of the Protection of Civilians sites to collect firewood and procure other non-food items, he said.

"We have called on all parties to the conflict to take personal responsibility for the immediate sanctioning of their soldiers involved in these unspeakable acts of violence," Haq added.

UN officials said that the situation in South Sudan remains fluid and uncertain. The clashes between government and opposition forces took place in Juba early this month, leaving some 272 people dead, including 33 civilians.

The country again plunged into conflict in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup, which the latter denied, leading to a cycle of retaliatory killings.
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UN drug office said on Wednesday that it will step up efforts to stem financing of foreign fighters with a new project supporting states to specifically target funding of the Islamic State (IS), also known Da'esh, a UN spokesman said.

Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Yury Fedotov made the remarks at a security conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, said Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, at a daily news briefing here.

At the meeting, Fedotov said "Terrorism is now more of a threat to international peace and security than ever."

"As you are aware, international efforts, both political and military, have helped to halt the expansion of Da'esh in recent months. However, while the capacity and territorial control of Da'esh have begun to diminish in Syria and Iraq, the group remains a formidable threat," Fedotov said.

The executive director noted that UNODC is helping countries through its Global Programme on Strengthening the Legal Regime against Foreign Terrorist Fighters in the Middle East, North African and Balkan Regions.

"Challenges range from the use of information technologies to spread violent extremist ideologies, to the flow of foreign terrorist fighters across borders," he said, adding that the rapidity of these changes could be seen in the growth of Da'esh.

Some 99 delegations from 46 countries and international organizations are taking part in the meeting, which focuses on cooperation in combating terrorism.

In December 2015, the UN Security Council stepped up its efforts to cut off all sources of funding for the IS and other terrorist groups, including ransom payments, no matter by whom.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-nation UN body called for enhanced actions, from closing financial system loopholes to stopping the abuse of charitable causes, as well as updating the existing ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.

With terrorists increasingly employing elusive tricks to raise and transfer funds, covering their tracks and leaving little evidence to identify tainted resources, the international community must stay ahead of the curve to combat their ploys, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in last December, noting that many states have yet to set up the necessary legal regimes and institutions to identify and freeze terrorist assets.
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There must be a greater humanitarian access to the region of Lake Chad Basin to mitigate the humanitarian crisis facing the populations, said Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, on Wednesday.

Wu told the Security Council that the international community should help countries of the region to address root causes of the conflict and increase financial assistance to them so that they can build capacities to promote economic and social development.

Earlier, UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien told the 15-nation council that violence and brutality perpetrated by Boko Haram is resulting in massive forced displacement, human rights violations, and severe disruptions to livelihoods in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Across the region, the UN estimates, over nine million people in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon need humanitarian assistance, according to O'Brien.

"Children are particularly vulnerable," he noted, saying that 1.7 million children have been displaced in the region and they risk being forcibly recruited by Boko Harm to take part in violence.

The Nigeria-based extremist group Boko Haram seeks to impose strict Islamic law in northern Nigeria. Its insurgency has killed tens of thousands of people and has affected Nigeria's neighboring countries in the region.

Nigeria is heading up a multinational joint task force along with Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin to fight Boko Haram terrorists and bring back stability to the region.
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South Sudan's peace monitors have been holding consultations with various parties over the country's political crisis after President Salva Kiir sacked his rival Riek Machar as First Vice-President.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), which is overseeing the implementation of the August 2015 peace deal, said on Wednesday it was following carefully the recent political developments in South Sudan.

"Our only interest is to see a solution that promotes peace and a return to normality as well as security in South Sudan," said JMEC chairman Festus Mogae in a statement, vowing that JMEC will remain impartial.

The statement said Mogae had held productive talks with Kiir and Taban Deng Gai, a former peace negotiator that replaced Machar as vice president, as well as two members from Machar-led Sudan People's Liberation Movement In-Opposition (SPLM/IO).

According to JMEC, Kiir expressed his willingness to consider the deployment of a regional protection force to South Sudan in accordance with the recommendations of a recently-concluded Summit of African Union Leaders.

Machar left Juba after days of deadly clashes between his SPLM/IO forces and Kiir-led government troops in the capital city earlier this month.

Kiir issued an ultimatum last week demanding Machar return to Juba within 48 hours, followed by Gai's appointment on Tuesday.

There has been considerable debate in Juba as to whether the recent developments are in line with the peace agreement that led to the formation of a national unity government in April after more than two years of civil war between troops of Kiir and those loyal to Machar.

Mogae has also held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Haile Mariam Desalegn, who is the chairperson of Eastern African bloc IGAD that has been overseeing peace process in South Sudan, over the latest developments and the way forward for South Sudan.

"Due to the complexity of the issues involved, this is a matter that should be considered and deliberated upon by the JMEC members, both the South Sudanese and our international partners," the statement said.

Mogae has also met with officials from the UN and the African Union over the political impasse.

The JMEC plans to convene high-level discussions before making representations in front of the United Nations Security Council in August.

The UN on Tuesday warned Kiir that any political appointments must be consistent with the peace deal.

There are fears the resurgence of rift between Kiir and Machar could plunge the world's youngest country into full-scale war again. The civil war that erupted in December 2013 left tens of thousands dead.
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Africa, China and the United States on Wednesday started tripartite consultation for peace on the African continent as a prelude for the African Union extraordinary summit on maritime security to be held in October in Lome.

The two-day consultation will debate on issues relating to maritime security, blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, and peace promotion in the Sahel region.

The Lome meeting is summoned by the Togolese ministry of foreign affairs in collaboration with the United Nations Bureau for West Africa and Sahel. It is expected to reach consensus on practical and specific actions relative to the issues at stake.

In his opening speech, Togolese minister of foreign affairs Robert Dussey lamented serious security issues on the African continent.

"Different measures and strategies resorted to at the level of States individually as well as at the level of regional organizations fail to produce the expected results," he said.

"With these dismal situation and mixed results, it is urgently needed that we review our plans and strategies for the fight for peace on the continent."

The consultation was initiated for in-camera evaluation discussions of regional stakeholders' collaboration on peace and security matters.

The United Nations Bureau for West Africa and Sahel's chief and representative of the UN General Secretary Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the Chinese government's Special Representative on African Affairs Zhong Jianhua, and Princeton Lyman, special advisor to the United States Institute for Peace, were attending the consultation.

It also gathers representatives from Togo, as well as from the Economic community of West African states (Ecowas), the Economic community of central African states , Gulf Guinea commission, and the Lake Chad basin commission.
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The United Nations and its partners are rushing to ramp up support for South Sudan's fight to contain a cholera outbreak through measures, including an oral vaccination campaign to reach over 14,000 people and the creation of treatment and rehydration centres.

Across the country, 271 cholera cases have been reported, including 14 deaths since 12 July 2016.

"Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that causes massive loss of body fluids and can be deadly within hours if not adequately treated," Dr. Abdulmumini Usman, Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) for South Sudan, said in a press release.

WHO is taking all the necessary control measures to support the Ministry of Health to respond to the situation urgently, and put an end to this outbreak, he added.

With the conditions favourable for transmission of cholera due to increased population displacement, overcrowding, poor hygiene and sanitation, this outbreak could further exacerbate an already weak health system which is also battling malnutrition, measles and malaria.

"The risk of further spread of diseases is a major concern. With the coming rains, it is realistic to expect an increase in malaria and water-borne diseases. Consequently, we can expect medical needs to increase in an environment where WHO and partners are already working hard to keep up with existing health needs," says Dr. Abdulmumini.

A National Cholera Taskforce, comprising the Ministry of Health, WHO, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and other partners, has been activated and is providing oversight and coordination for the response to the cholera outbreak.

Treatment centre, rehydration points established

WHO, with support from partners, has established a cholera treatment centre capable of treating 100 patients at Juba Teaching Hospital, while strengthening disease surveillance and comprehensive disease investigation, including following up on people who may have come into contact with the disease.

To improve access to timely rehydration, UNICEF supported the establishment of eight oral rehydration points.

WHO, along with the Ministry of Health and partners, was set to launch an oral cholera vaccination campaign from Tuesday at various sites including communities in Gorom and Giada and special populations such as internally displaced people in Tomping, in order to reach over 14,000 people.

Additionally, WHO and partners are supporting social mobilization and community engagement activities. The media is currently airing cholera prevention messages and a toll-free phone line to report cholera cases has been activated.

WHO and partners have delivered supplies including tents and cholera kits that provide treatment for 400 people. To improve case detection and treatment of cholera, WHO has also distributed cholera preparedness and response guidelines.

More funds needed

With 4.4 million people in need of health assistance, funding is urgently needed to respond to the rising needs. The South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan launched earlier this year requests $110 million, of which $31.3 million, or 29 per cent, has been received.

Of this amount, WHO requires $17.5 million for this year, of which only $4.3 million has been received.

"We have this opportunity to save, improve and protect the health of millions of people before it gets worse," said Dr. Abdulmumini. "WHO is committed to containing the cholera outbreak in South Sudan but, without urgent funding, we cannot implement most of the planned interventions. We need donors and partners to urgently fund our operations."
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A total of 31 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed on Wednesday in airstrikes targeting the extremist militants in Iraq's western province of Anbar, a provincial security source said.

An Iraqi man searches for bodies of victims on July 4, 2016 inside a building damaged by a suicide-bombing attack which took place a day earlier in Baghdad's Karrada neighbourhood. [Photo/Xinhua]

The international warplanes bombarded a convoy of five IS vehicles at a village in north of the town of Baghdadi, some 190 km northwest of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, destroying the vehicles and killing 16 IS militants, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Another airstrike struck an IS position in Jazirat al-Khaldiyah area in northwest of the newly-freed city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad, killing eight IS militants, the source said.

Also in the province, seven IS militants were killed when U.S.-led coalition aircraft attacked IS position in Albu Ali al-Jasim area in north of the provincial capital city of Ramadi, some 110 km west of Baghdad, the source added.

Government troops and allied militias have been fighting for months to reclaim key cities and towns from IS militants in the province of Anbar, including Ramadi and Fallujah, as militants attempted to approach Baghdad after seizing most of the province.

Iraq has witnessed worsening violence since the IS took control of parts of its northern and western regions in June 2014.
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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday offered amnesty to armed rebels who surrender to the government within three months, state news agency SANA reported.

According to a presidential decree issued by Assad, the pardon covers whoever held or possessed weapon for any reason, if they turn themselves in to the authorities within a three-month deadline starting Thursday.

The decree also promises pardon to captors who release their victims unharmed without ransom. This item gives the kidnappers one month to respond to the amnesty in order to be covered.

The pardon offer came one day after Assad told a Greek TV that the rebels who surrender themselves would be granted amnesty.

Throughout the country's five-year crisis, Assad has granted several pardons in a bid to quell the momentum of the pro-longed crisis.

The latest pardon came as the Syrian army has been making strides in the northern city of Aleppo against the rebels, particularly those holed in the eastern part of the city.

On Wednesday, the General Command of the Syrian Army said it had dropped tens of thousands of leaflets over the eastern part of Aleppo city, urging the rebels to surrender and the civilians to cooperate with government forces.

The leaflets also provided directions of safe exists for civilians to leave the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.

Government forces and allied fighters have cut the last rebel supply route into eastern Aleppo.
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Turkey's Foreign Ministry has dismissed 88 of its employees, including two ambassadors, in investigations following a failed coup attempt, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday.

The dismissals come as one of many throughout the process of cutting all ties to the so-called Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), local media quoted Cavusoglu as saying.

He was referring to Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric Ankara accuses of being the mastermind behind the July 15 coup attempt, which left at least 290 people dead, including more than 100 "coup plotters."

Turkey has demanded that the United States, where Gulen resides, repatriate him.

Washington insists that Turkey provide "concrete evidence" directly implicating Gulen as a precondition to his extradition.

In a related development, two generals on Thursday submitted their resignations from the Turkish General Staff, the Dogan News Agency reported.

A total of 1,684 military personnel, including 149 generals and admirals, were discharged from the Turkish armed forces on Wednesday, local media reported.

Authorities say the discharged military personnel were members of or were indirectly related to FETO.

So far, 10,012 soldiers have been detained in the ongoing investigation.
21 EAOs were invited to attend the meeting which is being held from July 26 to 29 but United Wa State Party/United Wa State Army (UWSP/UWSA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) or Kokang, Palaung State Liberation Front or Taang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland -Khaplang (NSCN-K) did not go.

Spokesman for the Plenary meeting organising committee Padoh Kwe Htoo Win told Mizzima, The Wa cannot come and attend the 21-party plenary meeting as the meeting coincides with their appointment with the Union government and senior leaders. The Kokang, Palaung and Naga organisations did not inform us of the reasons for their absence from the meeting. Maybe they have some difficulties in attending.

The first day of the plenary meeting was attended by over 90 delegates and over 200 observers. Present were representatives from the United National Federal Council (UNFC) and signatory organisations to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

Today we looked at the Panglong agreement and invited experts on historical facts to make it more comprehensive we made deletions and also insertions. We thought about what the Panglong commitments are and the emergence of the Union of Myanmar because of the historical Panglong Conference, Padoh Kwe Htoo Win said.

Womens League of Burma (WLB), United Nationalities Association (UNA) and Nationalities Brotherhood Federation (NBF) were invited to attend the meeting as delegates. Also present were the UN Secretary Generals Special Advisor on Myanmar Mr Vijay Nambiar and Peoples Republic of Chinas Special Envoy for Asia Pacific Mr Sun Guo Xiang.

The first session of the plenary meeting was chaired by UNFC Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) Gen. N Ban La. The meeting organising committee chairman Khu Oo Reh, UN special envoy, and the PRCs special envoy also delivered speeches on the first day of the meeting.

In his opening speech, Gen. N Ban La said that the government had a plan to hold a 21st-century Panglong conference and it was important for ethnic nationalities to have a common attitude, common agenda and common stance for the shaping of a future federal union.

Moreover, he called for unity and confidence among ethnic nationalities irrespective of signatory or non-signatory status of the NCA and said there should not be any restrictions on them, and to avoid anything which could undermine their unity and confidence. He also reminded them that ethnic nationalities unity was important for the emergence of a genuine federal union.

In his address delivered at the opening day of the plenary meeting, organizing committee chairman Khu Oo Reh said that there were four main topics at the meeting (1) deliberation and approval of the Panglong paper (2) the basic principles of the constitution of the federal democratic union (3) basic principles for security and defence, and (4) reviewing and amending the framework for political dialogue.
Already approved, the National Ethnic Youth Conference was cancelled by the government days before it was scheduled to start.

According to rumours, there were fears that the youth conference would negatively affect the upcoming 21st Century Panglong Conference (also Union Peace Conference).

Sai Seng Main, spokesperson of the conference coordination committee said a letter against the ban was submitted to Dr. Aung Than Maung, Shan State minister of ethnic affairs. Sai Seng Main, who is from the Bamar ethnic group, signed the suspension letter that cancelled the conference.

Sai Seng Main said: We will continue to hold the conference because they are not the only who know how to love the country. Ethnic people also know how to love the country. We believe that the Union of Burma is our country.

Responding to rumours that the state government informed the committee that the conference could go ahead despite the ban, Sai Seng Main told S.H.A.N that he wasnt aware of such an arrangement.

We have fulfilled our duty, Sai Seng Main said yesterday We submitted for permission from the government since last month thats why we believe we have followed the law. We dont know who decided about the suspension or allowing the conference.

He said the committee has been preparing for the national ethnic youth conference since 2012 and not intended to coincide with the 21st Century Panglong Conference. Despite the setback, Sai Seng Main believes State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will listen to the voice of the ethnic youths when the Panglong conference happens at the end of August.

Reporting by Hseng Phoo for S.H.A.N.

Translated by Thida Linn
A woman tries a Ducati motorbike in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

You are not only what you wear, but for some of trendy Chinese, you are also what you ride.

Although the majority of Chinese cities have banned or restricted the use of motorcycles, Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding SpA saw its sales in China nearly double in the first half of this year, driven by people's desire to express their personality through the two-wheel iconic vehicle.

"More and more Chinese are starting to understand that motorcycles are not only for commuting but can also give themselves character," said Marco Elli, head of Ducati China.

The high-end motorcycle brand owned by Audi AG didn't reveal the exact sales figures in China but said its sales in terms of units in the country surged 92.7 percent year-on-year in the first half.

Ducati, which sold 54,800 motorcycles around the world in 2015, said that China was expected to overtake Japan, becoming the second-biggest market in Asia by the end of this year. About 13 percent of Ducati's sales were made in the Asian markets in 2015.

Elli said the typical Ducati buyers in China were "confident men aged between 32 to 40, who enjoy a quality life". With a plan to bring more Ducati products to China, he is expecting to see a much wider customer base there in the foreseeable future.

The price of a Ducati motor-bike in China ranges from 83,800 yuan ($12,560) to 489,000 yuan. That compares with the cost of a motorcycle license in Shanghai, one of the major markets for Ducati China, at about 150,000 yuan to 200,000 yuan.

"It is insane if you buy a pricey motorcycle license without buying a high-end motorbike," said Liu Yang, a motorbike fan in Beijing.

"The sales growth of high-end motorcycles would not surprise me," said Zeng Zhiling, managing director of LMC Automotive Consulting Co Ltd.

He said with the rise of the middle class and an increase in the number of rich people in China, the demand for collecting motorcycles and for pursuing driving pleasure is growing.
The food industry in Jinjiang, Fujian province, looks to international standards to ensure its safety, according to local food processors.

"We adopt international standards for our raw materials, production processes and equipment," said Zhong Ji, director of the planning center at Panpan Foods Group, a leading snack food processor.

Zhong said that a lot of Chinese food products are as good as imported ones. But the food safety scandals in recent years had hampered consumers' trust in made-in-China foods.

"We use a lot of imported equipment to ensure safe production. We also organize tours into our factories to show the consumers how the bread is baked," said Zhong.

In 2011, Roland Mesnier, a French-American pastry chef who served as executive pastry chef at the White House for 25 years, became Panpan's chief technological consultant. The company then introduced a cake brand named after Mesnier.

"The image of an international culinary expert has further boosted Panpan's reputation for striving for the best quality," said Zhong.

Xu Shu, manager of Clever Mama, a joint venture based in Jinjiang, said that his company has been looking to South Korean technology in producing high-end pudding.

Jinjiang's food industry started from wedding candies and canned food. Now it covers a wide range of products including baked and cooked food, glazed fruit, roasted nuts and beverages.

In 2015, Jinjiang's food sector recorded revenues of 38 billion yuan ($5.7 billion), up 8.5 percent from the same period the previous year.

Chen Changxi, president of the Food Industry Association of Jinjiang, said that food industry there has been growing fast despite the economic slowdown.

"Quality and safety are key factors that our consumers consider," said Chen.

"We encourage enterprises to use technologies and equipment from abroad where the standards are more sophisticated than ours. We have a food test center with high-standard equipment and test procedures," he said.
Despite the market of smartphone apps sizzling with live streams, there is still sometime to go before you could label it a gold minethat is the consensus among leading industry players.

Fu Zhengjun, chief executive officer of Hong Kong-listed Tian Ge Interactive Holdings Limited, one of the two listed live streaming companies in China, said he values the market between 10 billion yuan ($1.49 billion) and 20 billion yuan. "It is more of a silver mine or perhaps a bronze mine rather than a gold mine."

Fu's view finds echo in Lin Yanting, chief executive of Beijing-based vhall.com, one of the major live streaming platforms in China. Vhall provides its services to users who hook up online for training, conferencing and such events.

Lin said the market for individual users cannot sustain as many as 200 apps in the long run. "First, the user-generated content provided by such apps is so similar in nature that it is almost impossible to differentiate between them. No matter which app you open, you'll find dozens and dozens of thin, long-haired female hosts with big eyes and pointy chins. And all apps operate on a similar business modelthey and their hosts split the virtual gifts sent by users."

Lin predicted a consolidation in the industry shortly. Only a handful of major players will likely survive, he said. "Bubbles will burst. Such bubbles will have a positive impact though. Without so many live apps, how can we educate users and nurture the market in such a short period of time?"
Ground crew members escort a Boeing 737 MAX as it returns from a flight test at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. [Photo/Agencies]

Boeing Co won an order for 25 737 MAX jets from Malaysia Airlines Bhd, as the Southeast Asian nation's flag carrier expands its fleet for the first time since two fatal air crashes in 2014 prompted the government to take over the company.

The operator also has options for 25 more, with the combined deal valued at $5.5 billion including the options, the airline said in a statement on Wednesday. Deliveries from the Chicago-based manufacturer are set to start in 2019. The New Straits Times earlier reported the impending order.

The order is for a mix of 737 MAX 8 and 9 models, which, according to Boeing, have a list price of $110 million and $116.6 million each.

The addition to its fleet may help Malaysia Airlines, which is in the midst of a 6 billion ringgit ($1.5 billion) business overhaul, compete against a slew of budget carriers in the region. Passenger confidence in the carrier, now fully owned by sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd, took a dive two years ago after Flight MH370 vanished on March 8, 2014 and another was shot down over Ukraine four months later.

The Malaysian carrier currently has 56 737-800s, 15 A330-300s and six A380s in its fleet, according to its website.

The airlines this month named Peter Bellew as chief executive officer, its third in two years, adding the appointment will ensure continuity in the execution of the turnaround plan. The Asian carrier is ahead of schedule with its restructuring, having reached break even recently, putting it on course for a full-year profit in 2018 as targeted, if not earlier, former CEO Christoph Mueller said in June.

The plane purchases may help cut operating expenditure by about 15 percent, Bellew said on Wednesday.

This month, Boeing raised its long-term forecast for aircraft orders, saying the rise of discount carriers and growth in developing countries will fuel purchases despite recent economic turmoil from Brexit and a commodities slump.

Bloomberg
People walk past a money exchange decorated with different currencies in Hong Kong, June 27, 2016. [Photo/IC]

From being moderately undervalued, China's renminbi (RMB) was broadly in line with fundamentals, said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its 2016 External Sector Report released on Wednesday.

The IMF said China's external imbalance had been reduced since the financial crisis. The current account surpluses narrowed significantly in subsequent years after peaking at approximately 10 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007, although rebounding to 3 percent of GDP in 2015 due to slow import growth.

Luis Cubeddu, deputy division chief of the Regional Studies Division of the IMF's Western Hemisphere Department, said China's current account surplus is expected to decline, with its exchange rate policy and structural reforms playing a role.

As China's economy turns further toward private consumption and away from external demand, the IMF said the trade surplus is expected to narrow and the services deficit to pick up with healthy outbound tourism over the medium term.

In response to the sizable decline in China's foreign exchange reserves, the first in two decades, economist Gustavo Adler in the Regional Studies Division of the IMF's Western Hemisphere Department said it is still at a reasonable level.

Meanwhile, as the net capital outflows and reserves have become stable, there is no big risk of foreign exchange reserves, he said.

However, IMF said global external imbalances widened again last year after narrowing in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, which is a result of the currency fluctuations driven by the diverging monetary policies adopted by advanced economies, the sharp decline in commodities prices, and the tighter external financing conditions in emerging markets.

Although the exchange rate has been fluctuating greatly, there is no need to take collective action to stabilize the exchange rate, said Cubeddu.

The IMF appealed to countries to shift their reliance from monetary policy to fiscal and structural policies, recommending a more balanced policy mix.
HANOI - Over 1.468 million person-times of Chinese tourists are expected to visit Vietnam in the first seven months of 2016, up 54.5 percent year-on-year, said Vietnam's General Statistics Office (GSO) on Thursday.

During seven-month period, the country is likely to welcome over 5.552 million person-times of foreign tourists, up 24 percent year-on-year.

Among the figure, some 4.66 million person-times arrive in Vietnam by air, up 28.7 percent year-on-year. Other 806,400 person-times travel to Vietnam by road, up 8.2 percent year-on-year while some 86,300 person-times go to the country by sea, down 22.4 percent, said GSO on its website.

From January to July, tourists from Asian countries coming to Vietnam total at some 3.967 million person-times, up 29.5 percent year-on-year. Growth is seen in major markets including China (up 54.5 percent year-on-year), South Korea (up 37 percent), China's Taiwan (up 15.9 percent), Thailand (up 37.2 percent) among others.
A freight train at a railway yard in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, March 25, 2015. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - The pace of decline in China's national rail freight volume continued to narrow, indicating improved economic vigor as the economy showed signs of stabilization.

Rail freight volume for the first half of 2016 dropped 7.5 percent year on year, down from 7.7 percent for the first five months and 9 percent for the first quarter, the National Development and Reform Commission said Thursday.

China's GDP grew 6.7 percent in the second quarter, flat from the first quarter and within the target range of 6.5 to 7 percent.

Although downward pressure persists, economic indicators suggested some stabilization.

In June, profits of China's major industrial enterprises rose 5.1 percent year on year, widening from the 3.7-percent growth posted in May.

Retail sales rose 10.6 percent last month, a faster expansion from May's 10-percent growth.
BEIJING - China's deficit in foreign service trading widened in June, according to data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange released Wednesday.

Income from foreign services stood at $22.3 billion in June, while expenditure was $41.7 billion, resulting in a $19.4 billion deficit.

In May, the deficit was $18.3 billion.

Service trading refers to the sale and delivery of intangible products such as transport, tourism, telecommunications, advertising and accounting.

China's service trade volume grew from $362 billion in 2010 to $713 billion in 2015, double the average international growth rate. The country is aiming to lift its service trade volume to over $1 trillion by 2020.
Between April and July, Iran's salty Lake Urmia changed from a bright green color to a blood red. NASA's Aqua satellite captured the image above and reported on the science behind the strange transformation. According to NASA, the periodic color change is caused by micro algae producing carotenoids that help with photosynthesis and act as antioxidants and Halobacteriaceae, a bacteria in very salty water that releases "a red pigment called bacteriorhodopsin that absorbs light and converts it into energy for the bacteria." From NASA:



The color changes have become common in the spring and early summer due to seasonal precipitation and climate patterns. Spring is the wettest season in northwestern Iran, with rainfall usually peaking in April. Snow on nearby mountains within the watershed also melts in the spring. The combination of rain and snowmelt sends a surge of fresh water into Lake Urmia in April and May. By July, the influx of fresh water has tapered off and lake levels begin to drop.



The fresh water in the spring drives salinity levels down, but the lake generally becomes saltier as summer heat and dryness take hold. That's when the microorganisms show their colors, too. Careful sampling of the water would be required to determine which organisms transformed the lake in 2016, but scientists say there are likely two main groups of organisms involved: a family of algae called Dunaliella and an archaic family of bacteria known as Halobacteriaceae.





While Lake Urmia has shifted from green to red and back several times in recent years, trends suggest that a red Urmia could become increasingly common. Drought and intensive water diversion for agriculture has been limiting the amount of fresh water reaching the lake. "The lake volume has been decreasing at an alarming rate of 1.03 cubic kilometers per year," noted Tourian, who recently analyzed data from several satellites to track how Urmia has changed. "The results from satellite imagery revealed a loss of water extent at an average rate of 220 square kilometers per year, which indicates that the lake has lost about 70 percent of its surface area over the last 14 years."
Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi Corp, tries Redmi Pro, a new Xiaomi handset released on Wednesday in Beijing, while actress Liu Shishi looks on. [Photo/China Daily]

Xiaomi Corp unveiled its first laptop on Wednesday, in an effort to test the waters in the personal computer business as the Chinese smartphone vendor struggles with declining handset sales.

The Beijing-based company is sticking to the affordability strategy, which once helped it sell millions of smartphones.

But it remains to be seen how this will work in the PC sector, which has been dominated by players such as Lenovo Group Ltd and Apple Inc, experts said.

Mi Notebook Air, which retails from 3,499 yuan ($520), features a slim design and a body that the company claims is "thinner than a coin".

Equipped with an independent graphic card, the computer is designed to offer a better game-playing and video-watching experience.

Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi, said: "We are focusing on making good-quality devices that are affordable for average buyers."

Although Xiaomi is a newcomer in the PC sector, the PC designers and developers it hires all have been working in the industry for more than 10 years, Lei said.

Lei Jun, founder and CEO of China's mobile company Xiaomi, shows its new model Redmi Pro and the first laptop at the launching ceremony in Beijing, July 27, 2016. [Photo/China Daily]

Xiaomi is part of a group of local firms that are expanding into the PC sector, as China's handset market reaches saturation. Its arch rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd also launched its first PC product earlier this year.

Zhao Xiaolei, research manager at the China branch of research firm International Data Corp, said the main attraction of Xiaomi's PCs remains its affordability.

"Technologically speaking, there is not much innovation in Xiaomi's newly released PCs. But an affordable price coupled with good performance can help it appeal to college students and young people," Zhao said.

To keep costs under control, Xiaomi chose a traditional type of laptop with lower manufacturing costs, while Huawei opted for the new laptop-tablet hybrid model, which is more expensive but remains popular despite the overall decline of the PC sector.

In the second quarter of 2016, the global personal computer market saw a year-on-year decline of 4.5 percent, according to IDC.

"But the PC market won't decline forever. It is a mature market and there is always demand for quality PCs," Zhao said.

Xiaomi also released a new middle-end smartphone called Redmi Pro on Wednesday. It comes with dual rear cameras and an OLED display, which can deliver better imaging effects.
Tsinghua Unigroup Ltd merged its memory chipmaking operations with Wuhan Xinxin Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp's, creating one of the country's largest manufacturers of semiconductors.

The company is folding XMC into its growing portfolio of assets and consolidating their combined production capacity, Unigroup's billionaire Chairman Zhao Weiguo said via e-mail. The newly merged entity is called Changjiang Storage Co with Zhao as chairman.

Unigroup, an affiliate of the prestigious Tsinghua University, harbors ambitions of becoming a global player in semiconductors. It has pursued deals around the globe as the standard-bearer of China's effort to build a local industry giant and wean the country off foreign technology. Its core business of semiconductors is seen by the nation's leadership as vital to national security.

The company is just one of several affiliates of State-backed Tsinghua University. Other arms include Tsinghua Unisplendour Co and Tsinghua Tongfang Co.

Together they've spearheaded a spate of high-profile acquisitions in recent years. Unigroup bought RDA Microelectronics Inc and Spreadtrum Communications Inc, and came close to a potential $23 billion bid for Micron Technology Inc.

But it withdrew from a $3.8 billion investment in Western Digital Corp in the face of a US security review.

Its latest target, XMC, began operations in 2008 and claims it's one of the largest players in domestic semiconductors.

It's unveiled plans to participate in the building of a $24 billion semiconductor manufacturing mega-complex that the government is establishing in its home province of Hubei in central China.

An XMC spokeswoman contacted by phone said she wasn't immediately able to comment.

Bloomberg
Apple Inc announced on Tuesday a steep decline in revenue from China in its third fiscal quarter of 2016, as iPhone sales dropped due to fierce competition from local rivals.

The company said its sales in China in the third quarter, which ended on June 25, reached $8.8 billion, down 33 percent from $13.2 billion a year earliermarking its highest decline among all regions.

During a follow-up earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook blamed the current economic environment in China for the disappointing performance. But the company remains "very optimistic about growth opportunities" and will continue to invest in China, he said.

However, analysts said Apple's figures reflect increasingly intensified competition from domestic vendors like Huawei Technologies, Oppo Electronics and Vivo Mobile Communication Technology.

"Local vendors are focusing on premium flagship smartphones that are priced above 2,000 yuan ($300), for instance Huawei's P9 or Oppo's R9. The rising middle class in China welcomes local brands that offer good quality at a lower price point," said Jessie Ding, a Canalys researcher based in Shanghai.

If there is no distinct improvement for the iPhone 7 series, which is expected to be launched in September, consumers who now own iPhone 6S will hardly have a reason to upgrade, Ding added.

According to the research company Counterpoint, home grown smartphone maker Oppo became the No 1 brand in China for the first time in June, with a record 23 percent market share. It was followed by Huawei with 17.4 percent and Vivo with 12 percent. Apple made its way onto the list at fourth place, with 9 percent market share.

Huawei Technologies announced its financial results for the first half of the year on Tuesday. The company's sales revenue increased by 41 percent over the same period last year, with 77.4 billion yuan.

CK Lu, principal analyst at consulting firm Gartner Inc, said: "Chinese brands are taking advantage when Apple's iPhone 6S/6S Plus only offer minor upgrades. Consumers are starting to recognize these Chinese brands in premium sectors."
A resident of Wuhan, Hubei province, jumps into the Yangtze River for relief from the heat on Wednesday. JIN SILIU/CHINA DAILY

The heat wave in eastern and southern areas of China over the past week is expected to continue for another 10 days.

The National Meteorological Center continued its heat alert on Wednesday, while authorities in Shanghai and Hubei province raised their heat alerts, as temperatures there were expected to exceed 40 C.

"The recent heat, caused by a subtropical high, is noted for its wide scope, high intensity and long duration," said Ma Xuekuan, the center's chief forecaster.

Shanghai municipality and provinces including Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Fujian and Zhejiang were forecast to see temperatures above 37 C in the coming days.

Temperatures in Shanghai's Xujiahui area reached 40.3 C, a record high this year and the third-highest in the city's history.

A heat alert map released by the center shows that nearly one-third of China would see temperatures above 35 C on Wednesday. The affected areas have a combined population of more than 700 million people.

The heat, which has lasted for days, has claimed the lives of at least four people in Hefei, Anhui province, 16 people in the neighboring Jiangsu province and one woman in Shanghai. Reports show that most victims were seniors and workers at construction sites.

Emergency medical centers in cities including Shanghai and Hefei said they have received more calls than ever from heat stroke patients in recent days.

"The death rate of heat stroke patients could reach above 30 percent," said Deng Xingqi, a doctor of the Fengxian District Central Hospital in Shanghai.

"If the temperature is forecast to reach above 40 C, all outdoor work should be suspended for the whole day, while on days with daily highs between 37 C and 40 C people should not work outdoors for longer than six hours a day," according to a notice released by the Hefei Commission of Urban-Rural Development.

Hefei authorities called on the city's public places to open their air-conditioned facilities to citizens.

Wang Zhenghua in Shanghai contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at zhulixin@chinadaily.com.cn


China has nearly 10 million hepatitis C sufferers, but only about 1 percent of them have ever received treatment, a leading expert said.

That could seriously undermine a WHO global target to treat at least 80 percent of patients by 2030.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by a virus. Chronic hepatitis brings a high risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is estimated by the WHO that about 400,000 people die each year in China from hepatitis-related complications.

Patient access to treatment, which remains unavailable, is key to fight the epidemic," said Zhuang Hui, an academic with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, at an awareness raising event by the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

World Hepatitis Day falls on July 28 each year.

The most effective medicines, direct-acting antivirals that cure hepatitis C viral infection, are available globally, except in China.

Many of those infected have gone overseas to seek medication, according to Wei Lai, head of the Hepatology Institute at Peking University.

In response, China's drug authority in May vowed an acceleration of the registration process for direct-acting antiviral treatment.

Zhuang, a member of the drug assessment expert panel, said at least two direct-acting antivirals would be approved within the year and probably hit the market early next year.

A patient surnamed Bai, who got the hepatitis C virus during a blood transfusion in 1989, said: "It's long awaited, and Chinese patients should have better treatment options, which patients abroad all have access to."

To survive the disease, he bought direct-acting antivirals from abroad and was cured last year.

The success rate for the current standard treatment in China is between 44 and 70 percent, but the treatment is usually fraught with major side effects and often takes a long time, said Duan Zhongping, vice-president of Beijing You'an Hospital.

Direct-acting antivirals, however, can clear the virus over an average 12-week course of treatment, and with few adverse reactions.

WHO China representative Bernhard Schwartlander said: "Another challenge now is also to make sure that people living with hepatitis avoid catastrophic expenditures in order to get the treatment and care that they urgently need."

Zhuang agreed, citing a hepatitis C cure by Gilead Sciences.

The medicine costs more than $50,000 in the US and $1,000 in India to cure the patient due to a tiered pricing mechanism.

The price in China might be around 6,000 yuan ($925), he said, citing previous discussions with Gilead.


Offensive language is written on a Chinese tourist's passport on page 8 and 24 after the tourist handed over her passport to Vietnamese border staff at passport control at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. [Photo: People's Daily Online]

"Offensive scribbling" in English on a Chinese citizen's passport by Vietnamese border officials was shameless and cowardly, China's consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City said on Wednesday.

It added that the incident had "stained the dignity of both China and its nationals".

On Saturday, a woman surnamed Zhong from Guangzhou, Guangdong province, found that offensive words had been scribbled in her passport after immigration officials handed it back to her at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

The words had been scribbled on two pages that contained the dotted line denoting China's claims in the South China Sea.

Zhong, who was on a personal visit to Vietnam, did not respond immediately at the airport because she cannot speak Vietnamese, but she later told China National Radio that she felt insulted and was "very disappointed at the personal qualities of Vietnamese officials".

The Chinese consulate general said in a statement on its website on Wednesday that it had expressed indignation, contempt and condemnation to the Foreign Affairs Office in Ho Chi Minh City.

It said China had asked Vietnam to investigate the incident and seriously punish those responsible for it, adding that Vietnam should ensure that such a case was not repeated.

According to the consulate, the Vietnamese said they would conduct an investigation. The Vietnamese embassy and consulates in China were unavailable for comment.

Earlier this month, Chinese media reports said Vietnamese border control officers refused to stamp Chinese passports with the dotted line design, with the holders being issued with separate visas on arrival.

The reports said Vietnam had adopted such measures since 2012, when China first issued new passports with the South China Sea dotted line printed in them.

China and Vietnam have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea.

Li Guoqiang, deputy head of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies, said the border officials' "provocative act" reflected "long-standing irrational emotions" among some Vietnamese people regarding the South China Sea issue.

"However, this will not help to properly settle disputes between Beijing and Hanoi, and even hurts relations between the peoples of both countries," he said.

The Vietnamese government should control and manage such "misbehavior" and attempt to solve differences through government-to-government conversations, Li added.


Some police officers said on Wednesday that new rules allowing members of the public to record the behavior of on-duty officers will serve as a constant reminder not to abuse power. But others were concerned about their identities being exposed during undercover work.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Public Security started a training program for officers around China. It features a 70-minute video showing the correct way to handle different situations in close contact with the public.

The detailed new protocols said officers shouldn't prevent the public from recording their behavior if the filming does not interfere with them. They are also not allowed to grab video devices and delete footage.

"We always film the law enforcement procedures with our personal recorders anyway, so we don't mind people filming. Now we know people will be always watching us, so there is no room for misconduct," said an officer from Beijing's Haidian district who gave his surname as Wang.

Another officer, who said he often handles anti-terrorism cases in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, had a different perspective: "Sometimes the missions we carry out are undercover. If the public posts the video footage online it could blow the officers' cover and sabotage the entire operation." The officer spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The protocols state that police officers should inform people to delete and not spread videos showing minors or national secrets.

Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun said on Tuesday that officers need to get used to supervision from the public and being recorded when they carry out their law enforcement duties.

The new program aims to prevent officers from abusing their power and to keep an eye on law enforcement behavior generally. Some officers' misconduct in recent years has damaged the image of the police, the ministry said.

Under the protocols, police are required to control their emotions during the course of their duties and to avoid inflammatory words. In a recent case, an online video showed an officer in uniform displaying a bad temper when dealing with two young women on the way to a police station.

Also, when suspects, or those associated with them, resist law enforcement, officers are directed to use mild disengagement and restraint maneuvers instead of physical assaults.
A robot attracts the attention of visitors at the China Beijing International High-Tech Expo on May 19.[Photo by Zhang Wei/China Daily]

Beijing's booming robotics industry has the potential to deliver transformative technology that could help raise living standards and save lives.

That was the message delivered at a municipal government news conference, which highlighted the capital's recent achievements in the digital technology innovation sector and released a two-year plan for its development.

By the end of 2017, Beijing's digital manufacturing industry is expected to have an output value of more than 23 billion yuan ($3.45 billion), creating a "Made in Beijing" brand, according to the plan.

Robots, as the core of digital manufacturing development, will be central to developments in areas such as auto manufacturing, logistics circulation, healthcare and cultural education, it said.

Qin Huang, vice-president of Beijing Unisrobo Technology Co, said the company had developed a service robot called "canbot", which is the first of its type with the capacity to be commercially produced in China.

"It is also the second commercialized robot in the world after 'pepper', a Japan-made robot," he said.

Canbot is 1.28 meters tall and is equipped with two high-quality video cameras. It can verbally communicate, distinguish human' facial expressions and respond appropriately.

According to Qin, the robot has potential future applications in banks, shopping malls, convention centers and restaurants.

"In many industries that lack laborers, the robot can be used to supplement the workforce. The advantage of this type of robot is that clients can easily write codes to manipulate it," he said.

Zhang Jihong, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, said the local government will actively promote digital manufacturing innovation over the next two years, with the aim of developing a series of robots that can be adopted in areas such as elderly and disabled care, medical rehabilitation, family service and public security.

Need for nursing robots

"In the nursing sector, robots are badly needed since China has an increasingly aging population," said Zhang. "Beihang University, a key university in Beijing, has developed an integrated robot that functions as a bed and chair and can also provide services such as feeding and massages for the elderly or the sick."

He said such robots could also physiologically monitor patients, which has the potential to raise living standards and prevent health problems before they occur.

Sijiqing Homes for the Elderly, a nursing home in Beijing's Haidian district, is currently piloting one of the robots, Zhang said.

Given the capital's rich supply of universities and research institutions, many high-tech robots have been developed in recent years.

Beijing Institute of Technology has produced a fifth generation simulation robot, for use in areas such as national security and China's manned space program. The institute owns 40 patents on the invention.

Zhang said the simulation robot has broken the Japanese monopoly in the sector.

Last year, the market for robots worldwide reach about $27 billion. It is expected that the average annual growth rate of the industry in the next 10 years will be about 9 percent, which means that the market could be worth $67 billion by 2025.

Encouraged by the central government, many provinces and regions around China are pushing forward with robot manufacturing, Zhang said.

Beijing will strengthen its advantages in scientific research and focus on high-end products to take on the competition, he added.

dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn


A video promoting the Communist Party of China featuring grassroots Party members has gone viral online, generating positive comments on the Party's engagement, while some pointed out its technical immaturity.

The 90-second video, produced by China Central Television, presents six Party members from all walks of life, from a sanitation worker to a policeman, who are all dedicated to their work and are always ready to offer help in daily life.

The video was first broadcast on CCTV at the end of June to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Party, and then gained popularity online, earning more than 20 million hits on Tencent Video.

Many people reposted the video on Weibo, with some saying "come and watch the first-ever advertisement of the Party".

"Any organization, including the Party, needs marketing and self-promotion. The practice, like political advertising, is very common in the West but is still something new in China," said Bi Yantao, a professor of communications at Hainan Tropical Ocean University.

"It is good to see the Party learning to employ various means of political communication and tell the stories of ordinary people," said Bi.

The video starts with the questions "Who am I?" and "What kind of person am I?", and showed the work environment of the six representatives of the 83 million Party members.

"I'm the last one to leave," "I'm the first one to start work," "I'm the one who cares about others most," people say in the video.

Bi, who is also the founder of the Hong Kong-registered World Society for Strategic Communication, said political communication is still at a primitive stage in China.

"The intention is good, but technically it is not very professional," Bi said.

It is not the first promotional video for the Party, though. Last year, an English one called The Communist Party of China is With You Along the Way, was produced by On the Way to Revitalization Studio.

It also featured ordinary people and identified China as a country that is "growing fast yet with development disparities" and "full of opportunities along with untold challenges".
Stacey Duff discusses art at Wenzhou-Kean University in Zhejiang province in June.[Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]

Stacey Duff had no idea what to expect when he came to teach at Wenzhou-Kean University in 2014.

However, after teaching at the cooperative Sino-US university for two years, the former art critic and journalist at a Beijing magazine said he felt more than satisfied about his current life and work at the joint venture.

"I'm happy when I wake up in the morning and then come to work here every day," said Duff, who hails from the United States. "I think I have a great job."

Before transferring to prosperous Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, Duff, who earned his degree in creative writing and poetry from Brown University in the US, had worked in Beijing for 10 years, interviewing artists and painters.

When he was informed of the opportunity to work at the university, Duff, who had taught at universities in Beijing and Tianjin, believed that it was a chance to reconnect with the US education system.

"I enjoyed teaching," he said.

Although it was difficult to leave Beijing, where there's a lot of resource in terms of art, Duff said he was willing to go and see other parts of China.

During the past two years, Duff taught courses of English writing and art history. He took students to local galleries and shows, and helped them organize events surrounding topics like autism and ended up learning a lot from the students.

"Something that impresses me about our students is that they have their own ideas, work really hard, work well together and make things happen," he said, adding that the students are very inspirational.

He has finished his first book of poetry and is working on his next book.

"I feel very creative here, for the landscape, the professors I work with and the students."


Philip Connelly

Wenzhou-Kean University has just graduated its first class, which made Philip Connelly, executive vice-chancellor, very proud.

The first cohort did very well, Connelly said, and two-thirds of the group of 187 chose to continue their graduate studies overseas, with some being accepted by excellent schools, including Columbia University in New York City and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

"It was overwhelming as I sat on the platform, watching the students I met when they first came four years ago," Connelly said, recalling the first commencement held in late May.

"I was really in awe of the chance the students took," he said, referring to their applications to the young school with little idea of what the future would hold.

Officially established in 2014 by Wenzhou University in Zhejiang province and Kean University in the United States, the joint venture is a youngster among the seven Western-style schools currently operating in China.

Recruitment started in 2012, before the official launch. Construction of the campus, which is expected to cover 200 hectares, is still ongoing.

To accelerate approval, development and management of the university, Connelly has paid visits between US and China as many as 35 times since 2005. He said that many Chinese education officials he talked to thought the venture was an effort to change the Chinese education system.

"But every single time I had the opportunity, I said, 'Nowhat we are trying to do is to introduce a very different way of learning into China'. "

Holger Henke, vice-chancellor in charge of academic affairs at Wenzhou-Kean, said the university has three competitive advantages. Apart from its all-English environment and an international atmosphere, original curriculum introduced from the US, along with American approaches to teaching, are of great appeal to applicants.

Henke said the curriculum, together with the pedagogy, are used to help students become critical thinkers, lifelong learners and people with the ability to do research, collect information and evaluate the quality of that information.

In the last year or two, the university has enrolled students who scored fairly high on the gaokao, the national college entrance exam, which "is an indication that students and their parents are recognizing our strengths and seeing the value in coming to this China-US cooperative institution", Henke said.

The university currently has about 1,600 students. The 2020 goal is 3,500.

"We will have a bigger proportion of international students," Henke said. "That will help us create a more English language feeling on campus."
A journalist spotted the man through his camera on the embankment of Qiantang River in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, July 25, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

While journalists create a lot of headache for a lot of people a lot of time, sometimes they do good too - even if they do it accidently.

A man who fell off an embankment of Qiantang River was luckily saved by a journalist before being swept off by the rivers rising tide in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on Monday.

When the journalist first spotted the man through his camera he thought the man was resting by the riverside. But when he saw him again an hour later, he realized that the man was injured. He immediately called the emergency number and the injured man was rushed to hospital with the help of police officers and firefighters.
BEIJING - Companies who seriously violate environmental laws will face restrictions to their future business endeavors, the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday.

The ministry and 30 other central government agencies, including the People's Bank of China, authored the policy, according to the ministry statement.

These companies may be barred from entering certain businesses, blocked from applying for business permits or disqualified from loans. They will not qualify for preferential policies.

The policy lists 14 serious violations, including construction or operation without environment assessment or permits and discharging pollutants.

The ministry will manage a blacklist of companies with bad environment records and share it with other agencies.
BEIJING - The police are all set to launch an offensive against internet live shows that feature obscene, violent or illegal content, said the Ministry of Public Security on Wednesday.

The operation will last until October, according to a ministry statement.

About 150 websites registered in China enabled individuals to live broadcast, attracting 200 million users so far. Several leading operators have more than 100 million registered users and monthly active users exceeding 10 million.

Live broadcasts have been abused by some to stream pornographic shows or host online gambling, the statement said.

Police will supervise website operators to ensure the legality of content and shut down accounts that flout the law.

They will also assist operators to tighten internal management and push broadcasters to register their real identity and users to register their mobile phone numbers.

The ministry called on the public to inform on offenders through cyberpolice.cn.
BEIJING - A telecom fraud suspect included on China's most wanted list has turned himself in, the Ministry of Public Security announced Wednesday.

Xiao Richu, 45, from southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, surrendered to police in Nanning, capital of Guangxi, on Tuesday, the ministry statement said.

Xiao is the ninth of the 10 most wanted telecom fraud suspects to be taken into custody.

He is accused of cheating a financial department employee out of about 12 million yuan ($1.8 million) by masquerading as the company's financial chief on the messaging service QQ in August 2014, the police said.

Police froze a bank account holding about 7 million yuan and detained six of Xiao's accomplices, but he remained at large.

In April, the ministry put Xiao on its most wanted list.

Under heavy pressure from the police and persuasion from his family, Xiao decided to surrender, the statement said.

He is being held in Nanning. The investigation of his case continues.
Armed police rescue residents in Xiaxi village, Yutian town in South China's Jiangxi province on July 18, 2016.[Photo/IC]

BEIJING - Severe flooding across large parts of the country has raised fresh concerns about food safety.

Since the rainy season began in early June, millions of domestic animals have been washed away in flooding, authorities said.

In Anhui Province, one of the worst-hit areas, about 80,000 pigs and more than 12 million chickens and ducks were carried off by floodwaters.

In Hubei Province, more than 80,000 pigs and over 3.6 million chickens and ducks died, while in Jiangxi Province, about 5.2 million chickens and ducks were lost.

Many are worried that the meat might find its way to markets around the country.

China's food safety credentials took a hit when high-profile food scandals shook consumer confidence, particularly in 2008 when melamine-tainted baby formula caused at least six infant deaths and made a further 300,000 ill.

In recent years, public anger has mounted over reports that illicit pork has found its way on to Chinese dinner tables. Illegal vendors reportedly salvage dead animals from rivers or lakes, before processing and selling the meat. Last year, police in southern China's Guangdong Province dealt with a case in which suspects sold more than 3,500 kg of tainted pork each day, according to the provincial public security bureau.

"There are floods everywhere, and I'm worried that I might accidently eat meat from drowned pigs or chickens," said Mao Xiaoli, a resident in Xinjian County, Jiangxi.

Some regions have properly handled the dead animals. In Xiushui County, Jiangxi, farmers buried pigs killed in recent floods.

"As required, the pigs were buried at least two meters deep. We used three giant excavators to dig the holes," said Zheng Guangcai, head of local veterinary services.

Others appeared more casual about carcass disposal. In Anqing city, Anhui, the head of a local farming cooperative said that about 2,000 drowned ducks were simply "thrown away."

"There are too many and it is impossible to handle them all properly," he said.

In Xuancheng City, Anhui, floods killed or washed away more than five million chickens and ducks.

"About 60,000 ducks in our village were washed away this year, and we still have not found them," said Hu Yiqun, a village leader in Xuancheng's Huaining County.

Last week, Anhui government issued a notice demanding supervisors prevent such meat from reaching the dinner table.

An Anhui government official said that illegal meat processing is difficult to spot because "there are too many places to check in a vast area."

"Some illegal processors just salvage the dead animals from the water and sell them direct to consumers," he said. "Some use the meat to make products like sausages."

Zhu Liangqiang, head of Anhui Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, said that it was essential for the government to prevent any illegal meat from entering the market by strict supervision of transportation, processing and sourcing of animals.

"Only with tight supervision can we guarantee food safety," he said.


Shanghai proposes stricter smoking ban (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-07-28 14:10

SHANGHAI - East China's Shanghai, the mainland's first municipality to pass legislation on tobacco controls, is proposing stricter smoking bans at hotels, restaurants, airports and other public venues.



Under a draft revision to the city's tobacco control rule that took effect in March 2010, all indoor areas of hotels, restaurants, airports, railway stations and ports will ban smoking. The existing version allows designated areas for smokers in these places.



Municipal legislators reviewed the bill on Thursday at a session of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai People's Congress, the local legislature.



The amendment would ban smoking in outdoor audience seating and performance venues, outdoor areas of protected cultural heritage sites and crowded waiting areas for public transportation.



Xue Mingyang, chairperson of the municipal legislature's education,science, culture and public health committee, proposed that a requirement for self-discipline be added to the revision by stipulating that "no one may smoke in banned areas, and smokers should try to avoid others when smoking at venues without bans."



He also suggested a smoking ban for queues as people stand very close to each other, leading to second-hand smoke.



The revision represents progress in tobacco control, but more efforts are needed for the legislature to pass it, said Fu Hua, a professor in public health at Fudan University.



China has 316 million smokers, with another 740 million exposed to second-hand smoke. In 2015, about 733,000 Chinese were diagnosed with smoking-related lung cancer.



At least 16 Chinese cities, including Beijing, have passed their own tobacco control rules. The State Council, China's cabinet, unveiled a draft regulation on smoking controls at public venues in late 2014 to solicit public opinions.



Beijing, the capital and home to more than four million adult smokers, rolled out what has been deemed the strictest smoking ban in the city's history on June 1, 2015, prohibiting smoking in indoor public places, workplaces and public transportation.
Former Heilongjiang legislator stands trial for corruption (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-07-28 15:50

BEIJING - Sui Fengfu, former deputy head of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee, stood trial on corruption charges at a court in Shenyang, Liaoning Province Thursday.



According to the indictment by the Shenyang City Procuratorate, between 2003 and 2014, Sui abused his position in various areas, including project contracting, project approval, product promotion, as well in regards to the official selection and promotion of several companies and individuals.



Sui is accused of accepting gifts and money totalling over 10.44 million yuan (1.57 million U.S. dollars), both personally and through his wife, Deng Yongqin.



During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, while Sui and his lawyers conducted cross-examination.



In his final statement, Sui confessed to his offenses and expressed regret.



About 50 people, including Sui's family, representatives of national and local legislators, political advisors, journalists and members of the public were present at the open trial.



The final court ruling will be announced at a later date.
Note: Q&A with Rob Rosen, Philanthropic Partnerships Director of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

1. Any common characteristics so far detected among those who join the Giving Pledge initiative?

Rob Rosen, Philanthropic Partnerships Director of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

People who have joined the Giving Pledge are united by a shared commitment to learning and giving. It's a movement to give back and to learn from the experiences and ideas of other philanthropists. Many of them have had very successful careers in business and are now devoting their energy and skills to solving some of the world's toughest challenges.

One of the great things about the Giving Pledge is the differences between the people who join and the broad range of perspectives that they have. It helps everyone in the group continue to learn from each other. We have people from five continents and 16 countries. The oldest is 101 (David Rockefeller) and the youngest is 30 (Cari Tuna, wife of Dustin Moskovitz). Giving Pledge signatories have had careers in technology, medicine, biotech, the arts, science, finance, and other entrepreneurial endeavors. The issues that they focus on in philanthropy are equally diverse, and they are developing innovative approaches to a wide range of issues including poverty alleviation, disaster relief, global health, education and medical research.

2. Do the participants have to be billionaires? Any threshold amount of their wealth?

The Giving Pledge is focused on billionaires, however it is inspired by millions of people around the world from all backgrounds who give generously, and often at great personal sacrifice, in order to make the world a better place.

3. How do you expect newly rich Chinese to join the initiative?

We think what matters most is that more people are committing their time, money and ingenuity to help solve the world's toughest challenges. If they choose to join the Giving Pledge, we will be glad to welcome them. But we believe there are many ways to get involved in philanthropy. One benefit of the Giving Pledge is that people can join a community where they can learn from each other and candidly discuss how they can better serve those who are most in need. Our hope is that if more wealthy Chinese join the Giving Pledge, it can provide a way for their peers in other countries to learn from the best practices in philanthropy in China.

There has been a significant increase in charitable giving in China over the past couple of years, and we expect that trend to continue. More and more of China's wealthiest individuals are dedicating huge amounts of their wealth, time, and wisdom to philanthropic causes. Jack Ma of Alibaba and Pony Ma from Tencent are two well-known examples. Then, of course, there is Niu Gensheng, the founder of Mengniu Dairy, who recently became the first individual from Mainland China to join the Giving Pledge.

If you look at giving among wealthy Chinese, the trajectory is really encouraging. According to aHurun report, overall charitable donations from China's 100 most generous individuals increased 50%last year compared to the year before. What's even more impressive is that donations over the past year(between April 2015 and March 2016) were five times what they were in 2013.

Of course, there is still room for growth. China has the world's second-largest pool of wealth behind the United States, yet charitable giving is equivalent to just 0.2% of national GDP compared to 2% in the U.S. We have to remember that modern philanthropy is still at an emerging stage in China.

4. How do you promote the initiative in China?

Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett regularly have conversations with people about the Giving Pledge. They have also met with many of China's business and philanthropy leaders, exchanged ideas and best practices about how to make the greatest impact with philanthropy, and heard about successful examples of philanthropy in China. Their main focus is to foster conversations about philanthropy and how it can improve society.

It's important to remember that the conversation about philanthropy is not restricted to the very wealthy. A big part of the Gates Foundation's work in China is working with the government and a range of organizations and individuals to build understanding of and engagement in philanthropy. We also support policy research and advocacy on issues such as nonprofit registration and tax incentives. The China Global Philanthropy Institute in Shenzhen, which we support, is focused on developing management capabilities and promoting the development of a healthy, professionalized philanthropic sector.

5. After Niu Gensheng, who are likely to be the next one from China to make the pledge?

There are already many wealthy individuals in China who are actively engaged in philanthropy, whether or not they are involved with the Giving Pledge. We hope that more will join the Giving Pledge and use it as an opportunity not just to commit their wealth and time to giving, but also to exchange ideas with their peers in other countries. An important part of theGiving Pledge is learning from the experiences and ideas of other philanthropists.

Though we obviously see a lot of value in the Giving Pledge, we also have a great amount of respect for people who give in different ways. There is no one-size-fits-all in philanthropy.

6. What are the social or government supports for people to donate?

The philanthropic ecosystem in China has been improving over the past years. The new Charity Law has been an important step forward in this respect. It provides a clear definition of what philanthropy is and what constitutes a charitable trust, and it defines more clearly how organizations can raise funds and people can donate more effectively. More generally, it will improve transparency and oversight. These are all very positive developments.

Looking at society more broadly, social media has played a big role in fostering engagement in philanthropy. Social media can be a great platform for organizations to share information and raise funds. From the user's perspective, it means the debates and issues that matter to them are much more immediate and accessible. It's very easy to donate directly to your favorite cause via social media using, for example, Tencent's donation platform. All in all, we're really optimistic about the prospects of the philanthropic sector in China in the coming years.

7. Many said Chinese are reluctant to donate, what's your comment on that?

The clear trend over the past few years in China has been towards greater giving to philanthropic causes from people of all financial backgrounds. According to Hurun, donations have risen 50% in the past year to a total of US$4.6 billion among the 100 biggest donors in China. According to the China Foundation Center, last year 290 charitable foundations in the country invested close to 18 billion RMB. Of course, there is room for these numbers to grow, and there are areas of policy, such as tax incentives, that need to be looked at further. But it's clear that whether you look at government, philanthropic organizations, or individuals, engagement in philanthropic giving is on the rise.

8. When you shared the idea first with rich Chinese, were there any responses from them which you didn't expect?

Overall, the response from the people we've spoken to in China has been very positive, as it has been elsewhere. People don't always immediately understand exactly how the Giving Pledge works, but when we explain it, they are very positive about it.

It surprises some people that pledgers have no obligation to commit their wealth to a particular cause. We respect the fact that people have different causes and issues that they are passionate about. Some people want to tackle a big global issue, others want to invest in their local community. Some are focused on health, others on education or the environment. We want to encourage what we call giving more, giving sooner and giving smarter. It's up to the individual person to decide what shape that takes.

All the Giving Pledge asks is that people make a moral commitment to using the majority of their wealth for philanthropic causes. That commitment creates great value for society. For people who join the Giving Pledge, it is a chance to be part of a community with a huge diversity of experience and perspectives that they can share and learn from.

9. Now the world's economy is slowing down including China and how do you think that would impact the initiative?

Obviously, having a strong global economy is good for everyone for many reasons. One thing we've found over the past six years of the Giving Pledge is that people's generosity continues even through ups and downs. We are really pleased with the growth of the Giving Pledge since 2010. We started with 40 individuals and couples in the United States in 2010. In 2013, we expanded internationally. And now we have 154 pledges from 16 countries.

10. There is an annual event of Giving Pledge and will that come to China some day?

The annual event for the Giving Pledge has been held in the United States for the past six years. It's a private event for people who have joined the pledge to come together and learn from each other and from experts about how to have a greater impact through philanthropy. At this time, we don't have plans to move the event outside the United States. We also hold learning sessions several times a year that focus on specific topics (for example, impact investing or support for basic science research) in great detail. We haven't planned any of those in China yet, but we would welcome the opportunity to have these types of sessions in China in the years to come.
BEIJING - A fresh round of heavy rain has battered southern China this week, leaving nine dead and one missing, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

As of Thursday 9:00 am, strong rain, gales and hail had hit 68 counties in eight provincial-level regions. More than 7,500 people have been displaced and some 6,000 people are in urgent need of basic living assistance.

The disasters also destroyed 500-plus houses and ruined 1,800 hectares of crops, with direct economic losses estimated at 280 million yuan (42 million US dollars).

In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, heavy rain, hail and strong gales over the last two days have led to direct economic losses of over 18 million yuan.

Also on Thursday, the civil affairs and finance ministries allocated 150 million yuan to help people in the flood-hit provinces of Henan and Shanxi through emergency relocation, transitional settlement, reconstruction of damaged houses and compensation for those who have lost loved ones.

Heavy rain plagued north China last week, leaving 164 people dead and 125 missing, according to official figures released on Monday. In the hardest hit provinces of Henan and Hebei, 514,000 people have been displaced and nearly 125,000 people are in urgent need of basic living assistance.

The city of Anyang in Henan has allocated 200 million yuan, and governments in Shanxi at various levels have earmarked 28 million yuan in local relief funds.

The ministry said that basic living conditions for people in disaster-hit areas in Henan and Shanxi have been ensured, and local production is returning to normal.
An HIV positive patient, not pictured, receives a blood pressure test in Weishi county, Central China's Henan province in this Nov 30, 2015 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - A senior United Nations (UN) official on Thursday acknowledged China's encouraging progress in combating HIV/AIDS, saying new successes have been achieved in the country.

China has made "a lot of progress," said Michel Sidibe, UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), citing the reduced rate of HIV-related deaths and the increasing number of people on treatment.

"Since 2014, we have not had any babies born with HIV in Beijing, which is very important," Sidibe told reporters during a visit to Xinhua News Agency.

He highlighted the importance of China's nationwide program on mother-to-child transmission to control the epidemic among children.

"The only challenge that we are still having is how to reach men having sex with men, how to reach sex workers, and how to make sure infections among those groups can be controlled," Sidibe said.

The UN official also applauded China's contribution to the work of UNAIDS.

"China, particularly the government, has been very helpful, supporting us to negotiate a new political declaration, which is key for the future," he said.

Key Chinese leaders have been fully committed to fighting stigma and discrimination, often with new policies that can be really helpful, Sidibe added.

During the visit, Sidibe presented the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award to Cai Mingzhao, president of Xinhua, in recognition of Cai's personal contribution to the vision of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 through exemplary leadership or a novel approach.

The award granted to Cai also recognizes the commitment of the Chinese government to combating HIV/AIDS, Sidibe said while addressing the award ceremony.

There have been encouraging results in the fight against AIDS globally, with the number of people receiving treatment increasing from 1 million or less in 2000 to 17 million today, Sidibe said, highlighting the media's contribution.

"All of that (progress) would never have happened without you, without our collective efforts, without solidarity ...We can't reach people without innovation, without news, without information, without a new way to communicate," he said.
Screenshot from an online video shows a man vandalizing the Great Wall. [Photo/Screenshot from online video]

The State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) will launch a campaign to crack down on criminal damage to the Great Wall.

The campaign will involve regular inspections and random checks on protection efforts by authorities in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

The SACH will open a special tip line for information about violations and damage to the Great Wall from the public.

Built from the third century BC to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall stretches over 21,000 kilometers from the northwestern province of Gansu to North China's Hebei province.

According to SACH statistics, about 30 percent of a 6,200-km section of the wall built in the Ming Dynasty has disappeared, and less than 10 percent is considered well-preserved.

The Great Wall has faced threats from both nature and humans. Earthquakes, rain, wind and other natural elements have left the wall with many decayed and crumbling bricks.

Human activities, such as reckless development by some governments and theft of bricks by local villagers for use as building materials, as well as agriculture near the wall, have damaged the landmark, according to research by the China Great Wall Society.

A lack of protection efforts in remote regions and a weak plan for protection have also contributed to the damage, the society added.

In 2006, China released a national regulation on Great Wall protection. However, Great Wall experts have urged local authorities to draw up more practical measures to better implement the regulation.

This year, Inner Mongolia autonomous region included Great Wall protection expenditures in its budget. The government of Fangcheng city, Henan province, began a campaign for conservation experts and local residents to work together to protect the wall.

Related:

Chenjiapu Valley's rugged wall exceeds expectations
Students have a training class for their puppetry study in Wuhan, Hubei province, July 27, 2016. [Photo/IC]

After 22 years, a new batch of students is being recruited to study puppetry in Wuhai, Hubei province, this year.

Aged 14 to 16, the students will spend three years learning the basics. The curriculum includes operas, dances and vocal music.

The students have to get up at 6:00 in the morning and do two-hour exercises and after having breakfast at 8:30 am, they start the whole day's training and classes.

After three years' study, they will work as interns at the People's Theatre in Wuhan and hold some shows. Only part of them would become professional puppeteers after another five or six years of internship. Many students often voluntarily give up or involuntarily are eliminated during this period.

Among the 18 newly recruited students this year, only about 10 of them might have a chance to become real performers in the future. But they all need 10 years of hard work and training before they know if they are the chosen ones.

Ding Chun'e and her husband, both professional puppet show performers, retired from the Wuhan People's Theatre in 2000. Many of their colleagues also retired afterwards and some students left due to low income. Only 22 performers were left in that year and there were no plans to recruit new students.

However, as the preservation of intangible cultural heritage tightens in recent years, puppetry is receiving more attention and regaining its vitality.

Ding, who is now teaching the new students, is excited about the revival of the puppet show.
Wushanju, a replica of an antique store featured in the novel Grave Robbers' Chronicles, is opened in Beijing. [Photos by Feng Yonbin/ hina Daily]

A fictional antique store called Wushanju featured in the hit online novel Grave Robbers' Chronicles was brought to life in Beijing's Panjiayuan antique market on Tuesday.

The store, nestled in a commercial building in the market, features copies of props  from weird-looking weapons to tomb-robbing devices  that are used in the upcoming film, Time Raider, which is based on the novel.

Wang Jingchun, who stars the owner of Wushanju in the film, attended the opening ceremony of the "store".

Speaking about the "store", Wang says that it is like a mini-sized museum meant to satisfy the curiosity of fans.

In the novel, Wushanju is run by the protagonist's uncle, also a veteran tomb raider.

Meanwhile, fans, who discuss the "store" online, have also paid visits to West Lake in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, where the store is said to be located in the novel.

The heavy-effects movie, starring Jing Boran and Lu Han, will open in Chinese mainland theaters on Aug 5.

Related:

'Skiptrace' tops Chinese box office
A user logs on to the WeChat service on a smartphone. [Photo/Xinhua]

In a world saturated with social media, our lives have lost certain dimensions and become immersed in cyberspace. Face-to-face interactions have lessened, and sending, replying and waiting for messages on WeChat, one of China's most popular social media platform, has become an indispensable part of life for many.

China Youth Daily conducted a survey of 2,000 people regarding their use of WeChat. Surprisingly, 35.8% of respondents say they want to turn their WeChat updates off completely. Of the respondents, 19.7% say they probably will in the near future, 13.8% have done so in the past and 2.4% have already shut WeChat off from their lives. The majority, 64.2% of respondents, say they will not delete WeChat from their mobile phones.

Deng Chunyang, a first-grade teacher at Donggaodi Third Primary School in the suburbs of Beijing, says she uses WeChat to communicate with the parents of her students.

"I have them in a WeChat group and whenever I need to notify them of something, I send them a message in the group," said Deng.

"The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning and after I arrive home from work is to check my WeChat to see if the parents have left me any messages."

Checking one's WeChat updates first thing in the morning may seem excessive, but Deng is not alone. A majority of respondents (57.1%) say they check their WeChat the moment they open their eyes. 24.2% and 11.9% of users say they rarely, or sometimes go on WeChat in the morning, and only 6.8% say they have never had the habit of doing so.

Many parents have added Deng as their friend on WeChat for better interaction and communication.

"I owe much to the blocking function on WeChat. I am just like anyone else; I wear slippers and dine at street vendors. But for some parents, these (things I do) don't fit with the image of a teacher. So sometimes, I block some of them from seeing my posts," Deng added.

Even with the inconveniences it may bring, Deng says she will not cut WeChat completely out of her life.

"I want to see what's happening in everyone's lives, give a few likes and leave comments. I can also get a better understanding of my students from their parents' WeChat updates."

Internet company employee Zhang Xue (pseudonym) has turned WeChat off for over a month.

"I haven't gone on it for a month or so and I feel like I've not missed much. I have more peace. I don't have to pay attention to who's in love with who, who is calling for everyone to vote for them, and who's showing off their kids again."

Zhang says human beings are surprisingly adaptable.

"Before WeChat, we were also fine."

The survey also revealed the types of threads most liked and hated on WeChat. Those with humor and amazing photographs were reposted the most, at 21.6% and 21.2%, respectively. Threads that annoyed users the most are advertisements (58.1%), flaunting posts (44.9%) and those from purchasing agencies (38.9%).

To Zhang, turning WeChat updates off will not estrange anyone from their loved ones, and keeping it on will not shorten the distance between anyone either.

"We don't need to know what others are doing in the first place. I removed quite a few from my friends list whom I don't contact anymore, and kept only about 100 friends. I use the time that I've saved from staying away from WeChat to read books, including several masterpieces that I've never had the time to read," said Zhang.

Users with less than 100 contacts on their friends list accounted for 40.8%. Those with 100 to 200 stood at 35%, 200 to 300 at 16.1%, 300 to 400 at 5.56%, 400 to 500 at 1.4% and those with more than 500, 1.3%.

Kuang Wenbo, professor of mass media at China Renmin University, says caretakers need to exercise more caution when children use WeChat, as information uploaded on the platform have not been filtered and children often cannot judge for themselves yet. In severe cases, Kuang recommends shutting WeChat updates once and for all.

"Only a minority of people can proactively shut off their WeChat updates. Whether it's on or off, everyone has the right to choose the lifestyles and modes of social interaction. It is crucial to make the most suitable choice," Kuang added.

Related:

Mobile reading, a trend among Chinese internet users
A boy struggles while doing a sit-up at a summer camp to tackle child obesity in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on July 14, 2013. [Photo by Zhang Tao/Asianewsphoto]

Global data analysis shows that in developed countries the child obesity rates are higher in rural areas, while in developing countries child obesity is more often seen in cities. In China, both urban and rural areas are witnessing a growing number of obese children. Southern Metro-polis Daily commented on Wednesday:

Child obesity is the result of lifestyle, or in rare instances genetics.

Obese children usually eat too much high-fat and sugary foods and don't do enough exercise. Such a lifestyle increases the risk of suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease and other chronic non-communicable diseases as an adult.

Many people in rural areas still consider fat children as being cute and a good appetite as being healthy, and they even regard processed foods as the healthiest. These perceptions need changing.

Local governments and schools should join forces to raise awareness about obesity among families, so that children are encouraged to exercise more, and eat healthily and not in excess.

Finally, there should be some limits on advertising, especially celebrity endorsements of junk food. Children are easily convinced that if you eat the food endorsed by celebrities they will grow up to look like a star. Advertisements for sugary drinks and high-calorie snacks are especially bad in this regard.

Children's health is a social asset. It is the cornerstone of a healthy, wealthy and strong country.
French President Francois Hollande (R) and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve (L) leave the city hall after two assailants had taken five people hostage in the church at Saint-Etienne-du -Rouvray near Rouen in Normandy, France, July 26, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

The hostage incident that happened in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, northern France, on Tuesday, in which two men armed with knives took five people hostage, resulted in three dead, including the two assailants, and another seriously injured. Ifeng.cn commented:

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, which is the sixth in Europe within half a month.

The bloody incident once again laid bare the vulnerability of European countries to terrorist attacks. The emergence of left-wing ideas in Europe, collective guilt about their past colonialism and their need for economic reconstruction have caused European countries to simplify procedures for immigrants from ex-colonies and embrace multiculturalism.

Thus European countries have almost unconditionally opened their doors to outside refugees in recent years. According to Europol, most terrorist attackers in Europe since 2015 are extremists from the Middle East.

European countries lack experience on how to promote amicable coexistence among different ethnic groups and cultures. While reflecting a humanitarian approach toward immigrants, such policies have ignored the difficulties of integrating immigrants into society. And many European politicians don't dare to openly talk about the issue of immigration and the social problems it has caused as they fear being labeled "racist". This lack of a voice for their concerns has pushed some into the embrace of right-wing extremist forces.

The exposure to frequent terrorist attacks also showcases Europe's incapability in information sharing and social integration. France now has six intelligence agencies, but they have failed to work in unison.

It is not a simple task for European countries to address these problems or promote better coordination among their intelligence agencies. This will inevitably lead to wider schisms in European society and breed fertile soil for more violence.
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the US Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. [Photo/Agencies]

The United States is busy preparing to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system in the Republic of Korea ignoring the strong protests by China and Russia, which justifiably say it will pose a strategic threat to their security. And the US-led NATO is consolidating its presence in Eastern Europe. What are the motives behind these chessboard moves?

At the turn of the new century, the US began its largest strategic adjustment since the end of the Cold War, shifting its strategic focus from Europe and the Atlantic to the Asia-Pacific. Right after George W. Bush took office as US president, his administration made the decision to change the oversea deployment pattern of the US military, from the previous 60 percent for Europe and 40 percent for the Asia-Pacific to 50 percent each for the two regions. It also listed China as a major competitor for the first time. The Bush administration failed to make the strategic adjustment only because of the Sept 11, 2001, attacks and the "war on terror" that followed.

Ever since President Barack Obama entered the White House he has been determined to advance the "pivot to Asia" strategy to overcome the "threat" China's rise poses to the US' hegemony in the Western Pacific. The Obama administration's strategic push has continued uninterrupted despite the political turbulence in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis and the rise of the Islamic State. NATO's eastward expansion and "pivot to Asia" both are the result of the change in the established international order and the US' altered strategic perception, and they reflect the change in its strategic focus at different times.

Some White House officials believe US-Russia relations are not parallel to US-China ties, because they view a power game between the US and Russia as one between "a superpower and a power" but find it difficult to define any game between Beijing and Washington. Given this fact, the US-led eastward expansion of NATO is secondary in importance to the "pivot to Asia" strategy. According to some in the US, the "pivot to Asia" is a strategic design relevant to the US' overall development, while the plan for Russia's containment in Europe is a kind of tactical move.

In the context of "pivot to Asia", the US has intensified its efforts to unite its allies in Asia in order to forge an Asian version of NATO.

Compared to the impact of NATO's eastward expansion on Russia, the "pivot to Asia" strategy will create more strategic pressures on China. Though China and Russia don't want a confrontation with the US and will not forge a formal alliance, they have been forced to stand closer to cope with the strategic squeeze applied by the US and its allies.

China's top strategic priority is to ease the huge security pressures and meet the challenges created by the US' strategic shift to the Asia-Pacific. Since the Asia-Pacific is a region the US will pay special attention to, it is expected to focus its energy and resources on it to check China's rise after putting continuous pressure on Russia.

To deal with the US' strategic squeeze, China and Russia should intensify their cooperation in Northeast Asia, a region easier for them to work together compared with areas like the South China Sea. As a start, they should take necessary measures to counter the threat posed by THAAD's deployment in the ROK because the Washington-Seoul move will break the delicate strategic balance on the Korean Peninsula.

Moreover, while reiterating its strong resistance to THAAD, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should abandon its nuclear program and stop testing missiles in order to prevent the US and the ROK from using those as an excuse to expedite the deployment of THAAD.

The author is an assistant research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Wang Chengjun from Shanghai gives a class at Wroxham School near London. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

The British Department of Education announced recently that half of the primary schools in England will teach mathematic in the "Asian way", for which the government will provide huge funds to pay for teaching materials and teachers' training.

Because of the poor performance of British students in the Program for International Student Assessment, coordinated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Shanghai students' stellar showing in the assessment, many Britons had been asking the government to adopt the "Shanghai method" of teaching math. BBC has even made a documentary on how to introduce the Chinese math teaching method to British schools.

These developments have prompted some in China to assume the Chinese education model has got the global stamp of excellence. But let us not jump to conclusions.

Although the "Shanghai method" will be used in England's primary schools and teachers will be trained to follow it, it doesn't mean they have turned to the "Chinese education model" to achieve success.

Different from China's unified education administration system, schools in the United Kingdom enjoy a lot of freedom when it comes to managing their affairs. True, the British education authorities will provide teaching support and training service for schools, but the teachers will have the final say in the use of the "Shanghai method". This means teachers, two from each school, will indeed participate in the training programs but may not follow the "China model" in its entirety.

Besides, the education evaluation system in the UK is also different from China's. In China, math is the core subject in senior high school and the college entrance examination, and therefore China has a unified teaching standard for math and all students have to learn it. But in the UK, not everyone is expected to learn math because basic education in that country is focused more on the characteristics and interests of students. That may also be the reason why UK students' overall math score is not so high.

Given these facts, it is possible that teachers in England's primary schools will change their teaching style to a certain extent, but students and their parents may not support the complete change of the method to teach math, let alone having a unified standard like China for the subject.

Of course, an improvement in the math-teaching method may increase students' scores, which is what foreign teachers praise Chinese students for. But a student cannot become a top talent if he/she is good only at math but lacks sound knowledge of other subjects and is devoid of the innovation spirit. For example, Chinese middle school students are good at winning top prizes in international competitions but few grow up to be top scientists.

The problem in China is that despite having strong opinions on education, parents don't have a say in the teaching method because Chinese schools don't recognize the existence of parents' or teachers-parents' committees. But in the UK, parents' opinions matter a lot when it comes to teaching methods, which allows students to pay more attention to the subjects they are interested in rather than beating their brains out to learn something they don't like.

China's basic education system has a problem: it uses the same standard to evaluate all students. This means more than the teaching method, the problem is with the assessment system. Therefore, there is no need to believe China's basic education system is excellent just because schools in some countries follow the Chinese teaching model.

The author is deputy director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

City of Harare's longest serving secretary Mrs Diana Chideya has died.She died yesterday at the age of 54.In a statement yesterday, Harare Mayor councillor Bernard Manyenyeni expressed shock at the secretary's untimely death."The mayor, city councillors, management and staff are saddened by the untimely death of Mrs Diana Chideya nee Mpatila who joined the angels on July 27, 2016."Mrs Chideya was a pillar of strength to many at Town House."She was an oasis of knowledge, an ever ready counsellor, a mother and encouragement to many," read the statement.Mrs Chideya joined council in 1988 as secretary to the then deputy town clerk. She was promoted to the Mayor's Office in 1996, a position she held until her death. She served seven mayors since 1996 and "did so with agility, diligence, uprightness and humility".Before her council tenure, she worked for Government in various capacities within the secretarial portfolios. She is survived by her husband Nhamo William Chideya, four children, two daughters-in-law and several grandchildren.Mourners are gathered at House Number: 6017, 152 Circle Kuwadzana 5. Burial is slated for Friday at Warren Hills Cemetery in the afternoon.
"G20 and China" International Forum & Book Launch of G20 Think Tank Research Monographs are held at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, in Beijing on July 28.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

An international symposium titled "G20 and China" was held at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China in Beijing on July 28.

The university also hosted a book launch at the event announcing the publication of books on G20. Nearly a hundred people ranging from representatives of well-known publishing houses, leaders of Renmin University of China, former Chinese G20 affairs coordinator, to media and others gathered together to share the moments of G20 countdown to this year's summit.

With 38 days left to this year's G20 Summit in Hangzhou, people from all walks of life want to learn more about G20. So the timing was perfect to organize such a seminar that helps enlighten the public, said Guo Qingwang, dean of the School of Finance and executive director and president of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies of Renmin University of China, who presided over the seminar and delivered a keynote speech.

Wang Liming, executive vice-president of Renmin University of China, said that the 2016 G20 Summit is the first leading global economic governance ever held in China, and it is a sign of global economic governance stepping into a new stage of sustainable development.

"In the era of opportunities and challenges, China has the ability and confidence in offering a more comprehensive and balanced 'China plan' for global governance. By actively participating in the formulation of new international rules, China is willing, along with the international society, to make contributions in achieving a healthy and sustainable development," said Wang.

He Yafei, former vice-minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Chinese G20 coordinator, said that the G20, once a ministerial-level consultation mechanism, has been upgraded to the summit, in which China has played a very important role. "A new global governance featuring 'mutual consultation, efforts and sharing' and 'innovation, coordination, green, open, sharing' will serve as reference in promoting world economic growth and reforming the global governance. We look forward to the success of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou," said He.

Qiao Weibing, representative of CITIC publishing house, and Zhang Hai'ou, editor in chief of New World Press, said the symposium saw the publications of the record series on G20 research from Chinese think tank, which marks the leading trend of Chinese think tank on the global G20 research.

Following the keynote speech,Wang Wen,executive dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China (RDCY), held a discussion with seven guests on "G20 and Chinese contribution". John Ross, former director of the Department of Economic and Business Policy of London, Sergey Drobyshevskiy, academic director of the Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy, Manuel Montes, senior advisor on Finance and Development at South Center in Switzerland, and Wei Benhua, former Director at State Administration of Foreign Exchange, were among the panelists.
WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday reaffirmed the necessity of close US-German counterterrorism and broader security cooperation.

In a telephone talk, Obama expressed condolences over the attacks in southern Germany, the White House said, adding that the US government offered its full support to Germany as the investigations into the recent violent attacks proceeded.

Germany was shocked by four violent attacks within last week in the southern part of the country.

On Sunday, a 27-year-old Syrian blew himself up and wounded 15 people outside a music festival in Ansbach, a city in the state of Bavaria.

It happened just hours after a 21-year-old Syrian refugee killed a pregnant Polish woman and injured two people with a machete in Reutlingen, a city in Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Over the phone, Obama and Merkel also discussed the situation in Ukraine and reiterated the urgent importance of durably ending the violence in eastern Ukraine by rapid implementing the Minsk agreements.
A special production, A Midsummer Nights DREAMING Under the Southern Bough, is staged at the University of Leeds on July 27, 2016. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

To mark the 400th anniversary of the death of playwright William Shakespeare and his Chinese counterpart Tang Xianzu, a special production, A Midsummer Night's DREAMING Under the Southern Bough, was staged at the University of Leeds.

The show is a mash-up of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare's comedy of magic and mismatched love, and Tang's A Dream Under the Southern Bough, an opera about a soldier's fantastical journey through a kingdom of ants.

The global collaboration was jointly performed on Wednesday by students from both the University of Leeds and Beijing's University of International Business and Economics.

Speaking at the event last night, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming said: "More than 400 years ago, two drama masters - Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare - were born in China and Britain. Tang and Shakespeare had completely different cultural backgrounds. But this didn't prevent them from creating equally popular plays that have been passed on from generation to generation."

A special production, A Midsummer Nights DREAMING Under the Southern Bough, is staged at the University of Leeds on July 27, 2016. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

The two great playwrights died in the same year, 1616. They are considered the "soul of the age" in the Renaissance of the West and the humanist enlightenment of the East.

Liu said, "This was by no means a mere historical coincidence. These two literary giants did not just happen to be Chinese and British during the same historical period. In fact, Tang and Shakespeare are the best examples to show that China and the UK are both great nations with a time-honored culture and history."

He added, "During President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UK last year, he proposed that China and the UK could jointly commemorate the 400th anniversary of the passing of Tang and Shakespeare."

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming joins the cast and crew for photo taking after the show. [Photo/Provided to China]

"This is an excellent opportunity to advance and deepen exchanges and mutual understanding between the peoples of our two countries. This proposal was immediately greeted with warm enthusiasm from the cultural and educational circles of our two countries," he said.

Li Ruru, Professor of Chinese theatre studies at the University of Leeds, who is one of those leading the Anglo-Chinese theatrical project, said, "Shakespeare and his Chinese contemporary Tang Xianzu are the greatest playwrights of their respective theatres. Their plays make us weep, laugh and imagine; they also touch our hearts and souls."

"Our project, with Chinese students working on an English play and British students on a Chinese play, allows the two traditions to talk to each other and the two groups to commune with spirit, voice, body, and breath. It is a genuine intercultural practice, both thought-provoking and a great pleasure for everyone involved.

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming speaks at the opening of the Leeds Intercultural Theater Festival on July 27, 2016. [Photo/Provided to China Daily]

"The project is making people think about the value and relevance of two classic plays to contemporary society and will also enhance cultural exchange between China and the UK."

Contact the reporter at: wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com
BEIJING - The G20 summit to be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou in early September is unlike any previous one: it will be hosted by the largest developing country in the world. But a key question remains: can China succeed in shaking the world's 20 biggest economies out of their torpor?

China has high hopes for chairing a successful G20 summit, the country's biggest diplomatic event of the year. With the two-day meeting less than two months away, plenty is already on the table, including a Beijing-led push to upgrade the G20 from a crisis response mechanism to a long-term governance platform.

The economic weight and growing agility of China in managing international affairs, experts say, would prove advantageous in getting things done at the forum, particularly in bringing major industrialized economies as well as emerging markets together to tackle the root causes of faltering global growth.

LONG-TERM GOVERNANCE

The G20 mechanism, as a primary platform for international economic cooperation, has long focused on coordinating monetary and fiscal policies among the world's top developed and developing nations in response to global financial crises.

But after eight years of slow recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, an urgency can be felt across G20 members for collective action on more fundamental aspects of the global economy.

A highlight of the upcoming summit will be developing a G20 blueprint for innovative growth, which includes a concrete action plan for building a new industrial revolution and the digital economy.

"It is the first G20 summit with a focus on the long-term impetus of global growth," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a briefing late May.

"Fiscal and monetary policies can only serve as countercyclical tools that help smooth out volatility in the short term," said Professor Zhu Jiejin of Fudan University. "It's just like medicine. It may cure an illness, but does not strengthen the health of an economy."

Zhu said the consensus on innovation had been a hard-won achievement under the Chinese presidency, especially given the severe market volatility in the first quarter of 2016.

"It is not easy for China to stay focused on a long-term agenda when some are calling for short-term stimulus packages," Zhu said.

Swiss Finance Minister Ueli Maurer underlined China's emphasis on fostering innovation and other structural reforms, which, he said, were important to raise productivity and ensure the quality and sustainability of growth.

"In this respect, the G20 Blueprint on Innovative Growth represents an ambitious agenda toward a new paradigm for growth based on knowledge and on new and cleaner technologies," he told Xinhua. "Many countries have, since the global financial crisis of 2008/09, relied too heavily on monetary and fiscal easing,"

Another eye-catching item on the agenda is going to be outlining steps to implement the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the first time development is being given priority in a global macro-policy framework.

Huang Wei, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that "developed countries cannot thrive alone in this increasingly interconnected world. Developed and developing countries need to pool their resources to reverse sagging global growth."

Huang noted the systematic nature of implementing the United Nations development goals, which incorporate social and environmental dimensions as well as growth. "Only with a holistic approach can we solve fundamental problems in the global economy," she told Xinhua. "The G20 used to deal with only specific problems."

According to Chen Fengying, a researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, the G20 has expanded its main policy goal for strong, sustainable and balanced growth that was laid down at the Pittsburgh summit in 2009. "It is not easy for China to host a fruitful summit when there is no apparent crisis," she said. "But China has made an unprecedented contribution to the G20 by charting out a new future."

Moreover, amid sluggish trade and weak investment, the G20 under China's presidency this year opened up a new and more substantive avenue for stimulating growth: a trade ministers meeting to promote international trade and investment.

"We cracked some real issues, because China took the initiative of setting up the trade and investment working group and put in lots of work, which has been very productive," said Rita Teaotia, commerce secretary of the Indian Department of Commerce.

"From the Hangzhou summit onward," said Chen, "there will be two wheels driving the G20, with the traditional finance ministers and central bank governors meeting, and the new mechanism of trade ministers' meeting."

This could be one of the biggest breakthroughs at this year's summit. Many of the long-term structural problems in the global economy have to do with trade and investment, she said.
NEW DELHI - A passenger flight of a private Indian airline made an emergency landing at Mumbai airport Thursday after a passenger turned violent and misbehaved with crew members and other passengers, triggering a security scare mid-air.

The airlines belonged to low-cost Indian private carrier Indigo and was on its way to the southern city of Kochi from Dubai when the incident took place over Mumbai.

In a statement, Indigo said the passenger "suddenly started misbehaving with the crew, jumped on a cart used for food and onboard merchandise and sat on it".

"The crew politely requested the passenger to step down from the cart and he obliged. After stepping down from the cart, the passenger suddenly got violent and started physically abusing the co-passenger," the statement added.

Taking no chances, the aircraft made an emergency landing at Mumbai airport after the flight captain informed the Air Traffic Control and the ground security staff about the situation onboard.

The passenger has been detained by the security staff at Mumbai airport and he is being questioned, a senior police official said.
Military weighs 'necessary measures' for national security, strategic balance

The Chinese military said on Thursday that it will consider taking "necessary measures" to protect national security and regional strategic balance, in response to the decision by the United States and the Republic of Korea to deploy an advanced missile defense system in the ROK.

China seeks development of its own missile defense system, Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun confirmed at the ministry's monthly news conference.

"We will closely follow relative moves of the US and the ROK and will consider taking necessary measures to protect national strategic security and regional strategic balance," Yang said.

Yang also responded to a report on Monday in PLA Daily that quoted missile defense expert Chen Deming as saying that Beijing has the capabilities for a land-based defense system to intercept missiles midway in their trajectory.

"China seeks moderate development of its anti-missile capabilities to protect national security and raise defense capabilities. It is not targeting any country or target and will not impact global strategic stability," Yang said.

Washington and Seoul said in a joint announcement on July 8 that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system will be deployed to deal with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

China and Russia expressed strong opposition to the system, whose radar will be capable of monitoring missiles in the two countries, saying it will destabilize the balance of security in the region.

Xie Yongliang, an expert at the PLA's Academy of Military Science, said the repeated success of China's midcourse missile defense tests shows that "China has fully grasped key technologies about anti-ballistic missiles".

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said it is unwise for Seoul to accept the deployment of THAAD on its territory.

"China and Russia will certainly strengthen military implementation targeted at the THAAD system, which will actually push the ROK to the front line of confrontation of major powers".

Yang also announced that China and Russia have decided to hold a joint military exercise in the South China Sea in September. He said the "routine" exercise will deepen ties between the two nations and two militaries and "strengthen the two navies' capabilities to jointly handle security threats from the sea", adding that it is not targeted at third parties.

China and Russia have held joint maritime exercises annually since 2012. The two countries take turns holding the drills in their adjacent waters.

Vladimir Petrovsky, a researcher at the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said the regional tensions have become a common concern for both countries, and military cooperation such as joint drills is a good way to respond to threats in the region.

Ren Qi contributed to this story.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa's political life was left hanging by a thread after he was publicly attacked and labelled a troublesome animal by Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene during an emotive Zanu PF rally in Harare yesterday.Chimene, the acting chairperson of a splinter group of the ZNLWVA told President Robert Mugabe and thousands of bussed youths that Mnangagwa was the leader of the Team Lacoste faction, which has roots in the Tsholotsho Declaration of 2004.Chimene added that Mnangagwa was running a parallel government.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF Women's League national secretary for finance, Sarah Mahoka, is getting a taste of her own medicine.Last week, some disgruntled Zanu-PF cadres demonstrated against Mahoka on the sidelines of a meeting convened by the women's assembly at the ruling party's offices in Chinhoyi, a farming town located approximately 120 kilometres northwest of the capital, Harare.The protesters were holding placards, denouncing the Hurungwe East legislator for allegedly misleading and stealing from the First Lady, Grace Mugabe.President Robert Mugabe's wife is the secretary for women's affairs, a position she gained after being nominated to lead the powerful Women's League in 2014.Mahoka has distinguished herself as a rabble-rouser in Zanu-PF. She is one of the few politicians who speak their mind.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Human Rights and political activist Patson Dzamara yesterday petitioned President Robert Mugabe to order the release of his missing brother, Itai Dzamara whom the family strongly believes was abducted by State agents.Itai Dzamara has been missing for nearly 17 months after he was kidnapped in Glen View during a visit to a barber.Authorities claim they have not made any headway in finding him. Patson who is the family's spokesperson said the way authorities had handled Itai's issue was disheartening and unconstitutional as he pleaded with Mugabe and his government to step down.
(Photo : Getty Images/Justin Sullivan) Yahoo is planning to hold on to its Alibaba shares.

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With the impending sale of Yahoo's core assets, the internet giant's last remaining crown jewel is its valuable stake in Alibaba. The company has a 15 percent stake in the Chinese e-commerce firm, not to mention its 35.5 percent stake in Yahoo Japan, which it co-owns with Japan's Softbank. The assets total $40 billion and will be held by the residual firm known for the meantime as Remain Co.



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Yahoo is not in a hurry to unload its Alibaba shares, at least for now, director Tom McInerney told Forbes. In fact, the company is expected to retain the shares indefinitely without any "current intent" to sell in a taxable deal. McInerney said that Yahoo wants to keep "the pre-tax value" of these shares. Yahoo will foot a hefty tax bill if it chooses to dispose of these shares since Alibaba's value has risen to exponential heights over the years, which means it will have to pay capital gain taxes which are worth billions of dollars.



The company attempted to spin off its Alibaba stake into a separate firm through a new entity called Aabaco Holdings but had to back out from the plan as tax regulators gave no assurance that the move would be tax-free. The move dealt a heavy blow to Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer's effort to return cash to shareholders.



One of the strategies that might work is for Yahoo Japan, and Alibaba is to buy back their stakes from Yahoo to minimize the tax bill. The move is expected benefit Yahoo shareholders even if the deal might come at a discounted price, Eric Jackson, managing director of SpringOwl Asset Management, told Fortune. SpringOwl owns shares in Yahoo.



If Alibaba decides to buy back its shares from Yahoo, it is expected that it might ask for a discount.



"We believe that if Alibaba were to purchase its shares from Yahoo, it would demand a discount to the market price," Morningstar analyst Ali Mogharabi explained in an interview with Forces.



However, Paul Gillis of Peking University believes that Alibaba does not seem interested in buying back its shares from Yahoo, at least for now.



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(Photo : CCTV) PLAN Type 055 destroyer

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China plans to arm the second generation of its new Type 055 destroyers with electromagnetic railguns capable of shooting down U.S. missiles and bombarding land targets.



The first ship of the Type 055-class began building this year and should be completed in a year or two. It will be a conventional destroyer China claims will be the equal of the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that are the backbone of the Navy's surface fleet.



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Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) was even more fulsome, however, describing the Type 055 as a "game changer in naval warfare." Adm. Yin is a member of the PLAN's advisory board on cybersecurity and once served as a national political adviser to the communist central government.



The Type 055 will see service as escorts to the second Chinese aircraft carrier currently being built. It's the second generation of this class -- the Type 055A -- China says will be armed with railguns. PLAN expects to begin building the Type 055A starting 2020.



It plans to initially use its railguns, however, to replace its current close in weapons systems (CIWS) providing the last ditch defense of its surface warships. China's CIWS, the Type 730 seven-barreled 30 mm Gatling gun, is effective against slow aircraft and aerial drones. It is ineffective against supersonic cruise missiles and modern anti-ship missiles.



The larger version of this railgun CIWS will be a 32 megajoule weapon capable of firing a 10 kilogram shell over a distance of 100 nautical miles. The Type 055A will require an integrated electric propulsion similar to that in the U.S. Navy's Zumwalt-class destroyers to attain the massive power needed to fire a railgun. China has not shown itself capable of building the power plants that will make this possible, however.



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TagsType 055 destroyer, People's Liberation Army Navy, electromagnetic railgun, Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo
(Photo : Getty Images) Donald Trump is known for his anti-China rhetoric.

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Hong Kong is keeping its eye on American politics, knowing that a victory for Republican Party presidential nominee Donald Trump could affect Asian economies with Hong Kong among the most susceptible, analysts said.



"If Trump is elected I expect he will make China his major target," Alastair Newton, director of Alavan Business Advisory, told South China Morning Post.



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Newton believes that Trump will hit China for its currency manipulation and levy hefty tariffs on Chinese import. "I expect China will retaliate," Newton explained. "Also, in this scenario, I expect China to take the US to the WTO."



Trump made it clear after he received the Republic party nomination on July 22 that he would do everything to stop "China's outrageous theft of intellectual property" as well as its dumping of illegal products and the country's "devastating currency manipulation."



A transcript of Trump's speech published by the Washington Post shows that Trump slammed China as the world's "greatest currently manipulators ever."



Should trade wars ever happen between the world's biggest economies, Hong Kong could end up as one of the casualties.



Nomura analysts Young Sun Kwon and Minoru Nogimori noted that since Hong Kong is an "entrepot" between both China and the US, a drop of trade volumes would mean bad news for local businesses, particularly in the packaging industry, as well as for the city's container ports and shipping.



Mainland China, however, would be less affected compared to Hong Kong, although it is also vulnerable to any American economic policy. The impact could include declining trade surplus and capital outflows resulting from the geopolitical situation in the region.



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TagsHong Kong, donald trump
(Photo : Getty Images) China's Xi Jinping

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The People's Liberation Army (PLA) remains unfit to fight and Chinese President Xi Jinping is ordering it to speed-up reforms so it can cope with international events moving against China that might lead to a future conflict.



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"Further military reform is needed to cope with changing international situation and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics," said Xi, who has constantly urged military reform to build a stronger PLA.



The Chinese leader made this remark two weeks after the historic July 12 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that handed a major victory to the Philippines by rejecting with finality China's claim to most of the South China Sea.



The court said China's territorial claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) China ratified in 2006.



"Reform is a comprehensive and revolutionary change, and obstacles and policy issues that may hold back reform measures must be addressed so as to build a strong armed forces commensurate with China's international status," said Xi at a seminar of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that focused on national defense and military reform.



He noted the CPC has constantly reformed and improved the PLA, which owes its loyalty to the CPC and not to the Chinese state. Xi is the General Secretary of the CPC.



Xi's critics, however, noted Xi's reforms in the PLA are focused mainly on ensuring the armed forces' loyalty to the CPC and not towards increasing its military professionalism. The "reforms" that date back to 2014 have increased the amount of time devoted to teaching communist ideology to the officer corps.



It must be remembered the primary mission of the PLA is to protect the Communist Party's civilian leaders against its enemies, especially those within China, and not to defend the Chinese people. It is for this reason the Communist Party spends more for internal security than it does for external defense.



New training regulations from the People's Liberation Army General Political Department remind soldiers to attend communist party activities and lectures, and to pay their party dues.



The goal of the communist ideology-oriented military training doctrine is to build an army that "obeys the Party's command, is capable of winning battles and has a sound work style," said Xinhua, the Communist Party propaganda mouthpiece.



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TagsPeople's Liberation Army, Xi Jinping, South China Sea, Communist Party of China
News / National

by Thobekile Zhou

Zimbabweans would not be forced at gun point to use the controversial bond notes due to be introduced in October, Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa has said.Chinamasa said when the South African rand was rejected the monetary authorities never forced people to use it.He was responding to MDC-T MP Gabbuza Gabbuza yesterday on what measures government will take if the liquidity crisis ends before bonds notes introduction.Asked Gabbuza "Bond notes are coming into effect in October and currently, we are in July. Government is also doing a lot of other policy measures to reduce the problem of cash."Suppose those measures come into effect and cash is no longer a problem and we have point-of-sale machines. Is the Minister likely to consider stopping the printing of the bond notes because we will have solved our problems in four months?"In response Chinamasa said "Please get it clear, the bond notes are coming," he said."Like I said previously, those who do not want to use them, are free not to. There is choice always. You know you refused to use the rand and no one came with a gun to your head to say use them."I want us to be very clear that it has a twofold purpose, as an export bonus scheme and also to stop leakages of the US$. The US$ we are earning is hard-earned currency which we cannot afford to let it go out, because people are coming to sell trinkets here and move out in suitcases our US$".
(Photo : Ian Gavan | Getty Images) Janice Man is happy that Angelababy had been a part of her life, even if they have now drifted apart.

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Janice Man and Angelababy, once the best of friends and virtually inseparable, are now estranged from one another.



A few years ago, Janice Man and Angela were praised for their stick-together-through-thick-and-thin friendship. They were models who parlayed their fame into acting.



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JM and Baby launched their careers in 2004 as pseudo models in separate agencies. While very close friends, the media pitted the two against each other, helping them build their fame. They eventually co-created the fashion line, Choice.



The BFF's relationship started to stale when they embarked on their respective film careers, with their friendship turning into a rivalry, Jayne Stars reported. The two became victims of nasty rumors, further widening the gap between them. JM was absent when Baby tied the knot with Huang Xiaoming in what was considered as Hong Kong's celebrity wedding of the century.



The strong bond between the two may have already broken up, but JM still thinks of her friendship with Angel as one of the best things that have happened in her life. "The misreporting by the media has really created many misunderstandings between us," JM told the Chinese media, Eastweek reported.



JM, nevertheless, accepts the fact that their friendship has gone through its natural course. "But no matter what," JM said. "I extremely cherish the memories I have with Baby," she continued. For her, Baby would always be in her heart and for that, she is thankful that she came into her life. "I have nothing to hide, and I will not care how other people write about me."



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(Photo : Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) The adorable panda cubs Dabao and Xiaobao were born by nine-year-old panda Xinxin in 2015.







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The male twin pandas born by female panda Xinxin have made their public appearance at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion this week.



The center had a one-month celebration with children singing Happy Birthday to the two adorable cubs, according to Daily Mail Online. Children and local media attended the event. Staff from Macao Giant Panda Pavilion took their temperatures, as the pandas lay in front of mock birthday cakes.



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Nine-year-old Xinxin gave birth to the twins on June 26. Xinxin was given to the city as a gift by the Chinese Government in 2014. The cute cubs are named Dabao and Xiaobao, which respectively mean big treasure and small treasure in English, The Telegraph reported. The twins weighed differently. Dabao weighs 135 grams, and Xiaobao is only 53.8 grams.



The one-month old cubs now have their parents black-and-white appearance. Their ears, eyes, arms, legs, and shoulders have turned black, and hairs have become thicker. Only the noses and faces remain pink.



According to the panda care team, the twin brothers can live outside the incubators now. Huang Wenjun, care team member and panda experts from Chinas Chengdu Research Base, the twin cubs have been growing well and are in good health. Dabao and Xiaobao will soon grow primary teeth, start to listen and crawl. There is a possibility that they will live with their mother Xinxin for next one or two years.



According to Macao's Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Xinxin and a male panda named Kaikai were chosen from Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in southwest China's Sichuan Province to produce baby pandas.



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TagsMacau, Macao, Panda, Xinxin panda, Dabao and Xiaobao panda, Kaikai
(Photo : YouTube Screenshot) The Lenovo Air 13 Pro notebook computer is now available in China for $750 (approximately 4993.76 Yuan).

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Chinese smartphone and computer manufacturer Lenovo has officially launched its latest laptop computer - the Lenovo Air 13 Pro - in China for $750 (approximately 4993.76 Yuan). The company's latest laptop computer features an ultra-thin 13-inch display screen with Intel Skylake processor and NVIDIA graphics.



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The Lenovo Air 13 Pro notebook computer features a Full HD IPS display screen that supports a resolution up to 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) and weighs only about 2.8 pounds. The design and structure of the latest computer is very slim since it only measures about 0.6 inches in thick.



The Lenovo Air 13 Pro computer is powered by an Intel Core i5-6200U processor paired with NVIDIA's latest GeForce 940MX video card. The computer comes equipped with a massive 4GB of RAM onboard and a built-in 256GB of PCIe internal memory storage, which can be expanded via an SDXC card slot.



The Air 13 Pro notebook also supports 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, a USB 2.0 port, USB 3.0 port, and a USB Type-C port. The computer features dual microphones, a headset jack, and stereo 1 Watt speakers. Other features of the computer include a 46 Whr battery, an SDXC card reader, a 720p webcam, and a backlit keyboard.



The Lenovo Air 13 Pro laptop computer has been compared to Xiaomi's Mi Notebook Air. The Air 13 Pro has less RAM and a slightly less powerful processor than the Mi Notebook, but they have the same graphics card.



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TagsLenovo, Lenovo News, lenovo computer, lenovo air 13 pro, Xiaomi Mi Notebook, china
(Photo : Getty Images) India is set to buy four maritime spy planes from Boeing.

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India on Wednesday signed a contract to acquire four maritime spy planes from US-based Boeing Co for about $1 billion, Reuters reported, citing inside sources.



The new defense deal is aimed at strengthening Indian Navy as New Delhi seeks to keep track of China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian government has already deployed eight long-range P-8I aircrafts to keep a tab on the Chinese navy in the region. This includes deployment of P8-I aircraft in waters of remote Andaman and Nicobar islands.



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"It's a follow-on order, it was signed today," an Indian defense ministry official told Reuters on the condition of anonymity. Another defense official said that four aircrafts are expected to enter service over the next three years.



Amrita Dhindsa, the Indian spokeswoman for Boeing defense and space, said she is not in a position to comment on the contract.



The deal reflects the growing military cooperation between India and the United States. The United States, over the years, has replaced Russia to emerge as India's top military supplier.



Indian Navy Trying To Counter China



New Delhi has been trying to shore up its maritime surveillance capabilities to counter China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. China has reportedly sent several submarines to the Indian Ocean region, including a nuclear-powered boat that is stationed in Sri Lanka.



Indian experts have touted China's attempt to increase its influence in Indian Ocean region as a 'string of pearls' strategy. Experts claim that the strategy is aimed at surrounding India in the Indian Ocean region through a network of Chinese military and commercial facilities.



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Tagschina, India, Indian Navy, Chinese navy, India and China, Boeing
(Photo : Getty Images.) China has requested about 15,000 acres of land from Sri Lankan authorities to create a special economic zone.

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China has requested 15,000 acres of land in Southern Sri Lanka to create a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Sri Lankan newspaper Daily Times reported.



"The Chinese have requested 15,000 acres of land from the Hambantota district to commence different industries. That itself will create one million jobs," Sri Lankan minister Malik Samarawickrema said.



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However, China will have to be content with the fact that Sri Lanka has also invited its neighbor India to create a SEZ in the region. The Sri Lankan government will ask Indian companies to set up pharmaceuticals and auto spare manufacturing units in the region.



According to local media reports, an Indian delegation will visit Sri Lanka next week to discuss the project, while a Chinese delegation will visit a week after that. The Chinese delegation is expected to hold talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is likely to be signed in 2017.



New Delhi is Wary of China's Expansion Plan in Sri Lanka



Over the years, the Indian government has been visibly disturbed by China's continuous pursuit to increase its influence in prominent South Asian countries. India perceives this as China's attempt to encroach into its region of influence.



New Delhi was especially miffed with Sri Lanka's ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa's overtly friendly policies towards China, which resulted in huge Chinese investment into the island nation. However, current President Maithripala Sirisena's moderate policies towards China have managed to calm officials in New Delhi.



Experts say that Sirisena will continue to follow a restrained foreign policy toward China, but will not compromise on Chinese investment to please New Delhi.



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Tagschina, Sri Lanka, India and Sri Lanka, China and Sri Lanka, India and China
(Photo : TASS) Varyag, flagship of the Russian Pacific Fleet

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The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Russia's Pacific Fleet will conduct joint naval exercises in undisputed portions of the South China Sea.



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The PLAN will likely send more warships to this drill than it did to a similar Sino-Russo naval maneuver held in 2013 to send a message of strength to the United States and its Asian allies.



The naval drill will be held in September, said Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense. It will seek to deepen relations between the two navies and boost their capacity to respond to maritime threats.



Col. Yang took pains to say the naval wargames aren't targeted at any third parties, an obvious reference to the United States, Japan and its allies standing up to China's claim to own the South China Sea based on baseless "historic rights."



That claim was nullified and declared illegal last July 12 by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. The court ruled there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the "nine-dash line" China uses to claim the entirety of the South China Sea.



Beijing declared the ruling null and void despite ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that bound China to accept the legally binding ruling. The U.S. has called on China to accept the ruling that defends the rules-based international order. It has two aircraft carrier groups with 140 aircraft patrolling the South China Sea.



Russia has supported China's rejection of the move by the Philippines to bring the South China Sea case before PCA and said countries without a direct claim to territory should stay impartial, a reference to the U.S.



This won't be the first time China and Russia have held joint naval exercises in Asia. Warships from the Pacific Fleet and the PLAN's North Sea Fleet based in Qingdao held the Joint Sea 2013 bilateral naval maneuvers at the Peter the Great Bay, the largest gulf in the Sea of Japan, from July 5 to 12, 2013. This was the largest naval exercise taken part in by the PLAN.



The Russian Pacific Fleet based in Vladivostok is the strongest fleet in the Russian Navy. Its surface combatants include the cruiser Varyag and five destroyers. It commands 15 modern nuclear ballistic missile, nuclear attack and nuclear cruise missile submarines.



The North Sea Fleet is the most important of the three fleets in the PLAN as it is responsible for the defense of Beijing and any attack on Taiwan. Its surface warships include six destroyers, including the flagship, Harbin; 10 frigates and seven corvettes.



Its submarine force consists of five nuclear attack submarines and 15 diesel electric submarines.



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TagsPeople's Liberation Army Navy, Pacific fleet, joint naval exercises, South China Sea, Permanent Court of Arbitration, nine dash line
Atheists file lawsuit to stop Kansas City grant for Baptist convention 28 July, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

KANSAS CITY (Christian Examiner)  An atheist group in Cranford, N.J., has filed a complaint in federal court to stop the city of Kansas City from providing $65,000 for transportation services during the upcoming National Baptist Convention annual meeting.

The meeting, scheduled for Sept. 5-9, will draw as many as 20,000 delegates from the historically black denomination. Those delegates, many staying in hotels throughout the city, were expected to be shuttled back and forth from the city's convention center by a group calling itself Modest Miles Ministries.

According to the atheist group, the transportation of denominational delegates to a religious convention is solely a religious activity and cannot be funded by the city. The problem, the group also alleges, is compounded by the fact that Modest Miles Ministries is affiliated with Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and its pastor, John Modest Miles.

The company is listed as a non-profit with the Secretary of State's office and claims to provide "public benefits" in the community, including food, shelter, clothing, health services and counseling to the underprivileged. The ministry, because it is providing shuttle services, has said the purpose of the grant is "secular."

According to the American Atheists, local plaintiffs Joshua Stewart and Eric Abney lodged a complaint with the city in April when the city approved the expenditure of $65,000 for the ministry to transport delegates to and from the convention.

It isn't, however, the first time the city has done something similar, according to the plaintiffs. In fact, if funded this year it would be the fourth time the city has provided such a grant (the other years were 1998, 2003, and 2010, when the city provided $100,000, $142,000 and $77,585, respectively).

In their request for an injunction to force the city to halt the payment, Stewart and Abney, along with the atheist group, claim the money  if paid  "would violate the Plaintiffs' civil rights" under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Amanda Knief, national legal director for the atheist group, said the NBC is "inherently religious" and Missouri taxpayers shouldn't be footing the bill.

"This is a shocking violation of the state and federal constitutions. Direct funding of a religious ministry in the form of a cash handout is exactly the sort of action our founders and the framers of the Missouri constitution sought to prevent," Knief said.
Bishops warn Dem VP candidate: can't be pro-abortion and Catholic, too 28 July, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

RICHMOND (Christian Examiner)  The Catholic bishop of the Providence, R.I., diocese has issued a statement via social media which calls into question the social views of Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, the Democrat Party's vice presidential nominee.

Bishop Thomas Tobin wrote via Facebook that Kaine, who attends a Catholic Church, may not be a Catholic after all or, at least, is one who has failed to live out the church's positions on vitally important issues on the family and human sexuality.

"Democratic VP choice, Tim Kaine, has been widely identified as a Roman Catholic. It is also reported that he publicly supports 'freedom of choice' for abortion, same-sex marriage, gay adoptions, and the ordination of women as priests. All of these positions are clearly contrary to well-established Catholic teachings; all of them have been opposed by Pope Francis as well," Tobin wrote.

Democratic VP choice, Tim Kaine, has been widely identified as a Roman Catholic. It is also reported that he publicly supports 'freedom of choice' for abortion, same-sex marriage, gay adoptions, and the ordination of women as priests. All of these positions are clearly contrary to well-established Catholic teachings; all of them have been opposed by Pope Francis as well.

Tobin also criticized Kaine for claiming his faith was "central" to all that he does. The bishop disagreed, writing, "... apparently, and unfortunately, his faith isn't central to his public, political life."

On the day prior, Bishop Francis DiLorenzo also issued a statement critical of Kaine's positions. Though he did not mention Kaine by name, his statement is widely regarded as intended to encourage Kaine and other Catholics to adopt the church's positions. DiLorenzo is bishop of the diocese of Richmond, Va., in Kaine's backyard.

The church, DiLorenzo wrote, "makes its position very clear as it pertains to the protection of human life, social justice initiatives, and the importance of family life. From the very beginning, Catholic teaching informs us that every human life is sacred from conception until natural death. The right to life is a fundamental, human right for the unborn and any law denying the unborn the right to life is unequivocally unjust."

DiLorenzo also said the he and Bishop Paul Loverde of the Arlington, Va., diocese work together to make legislators and other government officials aware of Catholic teachings on these important issues. If those Catholics do not follow the church's teachings, then some discipline may be in order.

"It is the duty of all Catholics, no matter their profession, to decide through an upright and informed conscience as to their worthiness to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist," DiLorenzo said.

Withholding communion is not unheard of when a politician comes before a Catholic bishop.

In 2004, 48 Catholic members of Congress issued a stern response to a group of Catholic bishops who said they would withhold communion from politicians who favored abortion rights. In particular, the ban on the Eucharist was meant for Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, who was a pro-choice candidate for president at the time.

In September 2013, Cardinal Raymond Burke, who presides over the highest ecclesiastical court in the Vatican, ruled then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi [D-Calif.] should be denied communion because of her longstanding support for abortion rights. It is unclear if Pelosi has taken communion since.

In 2014, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone in San Francisco, Pelosi's home district, said Catholics "dissenting from a defined Church teaching" in "a serious way" should not be allowed to participate in the Eucharist.

Kaine's views on abortion are not outside of the norm in the Democrat Party. In a television interview last month, as the vice presidential selection was winding down, Kaine said he has his personal feelings about abortion but they do not affect how he governs.

He added that many states have tried to curtail abortion rights by "putting onerous regulations on clinics, health clinics where abortions are provided. We fought those off in Virginia when I was governor because you have to let people make their own moral judgments."

Kaine has also received the endorsement of the abortion mill, Planned Parenthood.

During her speech before the Democrat National Committee, Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards praised Hillary Clinton's selection of Kaine as a running mate. She said Kaine was "a man who has been a champion for women and families his entire lifetime."
News / National

by Thobekile Zhou

Coalition of Democrats (CODE), a grouping of opposition parties has pilled pressure on President Robert Mugabe to leave office.CODE off today "said Mugabe has presided over and encouraged corruption which has bankrupted our country".Below is CODE press statement in full :RALLYING CALLCODE joins the majority of Zimbabweans in calling for Mugabe and ZANU PF must go. They have failed to stem the continued suffering of the people. Mugabe has presided over and encouraged corruption which has bankrupted our country. This country belongs to all of us. All its resources belong to all of us. We refuse to accept being made second-class citizens. We will collectively fight for our rights.CODE calls for a free and fair election managed by the International Community. This can be SADC, AU and/ or UN singly or together. Our ZEC is heavily partial and can not hold a credible, free and fair election.The Old ZEC Commissioners who presided over countless disputed elections have been recycled. There is a clear indication from Mugabe that this is his rigging machine.VOTERS ROLLA proper voters roll can only be produced through an exhaustive, inclusive and accessible process and thereafter subjected to and pass an external audit. Given the above principles and the time to elections, no credible voters roll is likely to be produced.A Biometric voting system will bring several other issues without any extra benefits. CODE therefor rejects the BIOMETRIC VOTERS ROLL and listed are some of the reasons:BVS main advantage is to curb duplicate voting, although duplicate voting takes place, it is by far not the main methods used by ZANU PF and ZEC to rig the election. Only a very visible mark of those who have voted is the appropriate deterrant for double voting. The main methods used include FEAR, Coersion, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) itself, its staff and the electoral management system they use.A computer system can be manipulated and very few if any of the political parties and civil society has any skill to detect such manipulation. This will be giving ZANU PF and ZEC a free hand to rig with the permission of the political parties. Colleagues, you cannot control what you do not know.ZANU PF and ZEC control the passwords and any override authority. These are the very people whom the Zimbabwean people do not trust. They can alter the data at any time. Remember whoever has the authority to add a voter`s data, can change or delete it and none of us can ever detect it.A person's features change with age, illness and for the fingerprints, with hard work, sweat and dirt. Hard work, sweat and dirt are a common feature with our hard-pressed and hard working people. It is standard for those employing biometric security systems to reset every so often.A Lest we forget in Nigeria last election the system failed to recognise Goodluck Jonathan the then President, a clear indication on the system's shortfall. History tells us that where BVS has been used in Africa, voting extended to more than one day due to technical failures.A computer system requires electrical power, which is extremely short in Zimbabwe. Many of the rural polling stations have no electricity and are far from any facilities. A computer can fail, power can go and any backup if any, provided, can also fail. We cannot ignore the fact that the system has a lot of technicalities, which Zimbabwe is not yet well versed with as we are still lagging behind technology wise.Internet is not available in most parts of the country. The BVS will suffer from lack of connectivity making it impossible to detect multiple voting. Even where there is internet, it is possible to have the internet interrupted as we noticed with the disruption of WhatsApp on the 6th of July 2016.ZANU PF is a master at intimidating the voters. A BVS accompanied by computers and the whole backup equipment, will easily be a new handy and not physically violent way of intimidating voters. In the past ZANU PF would intimidate voters using cell phones, now the BVS gadgets are more sophisticated and intrusive. The intimidation will be worse.Any voter registration by whatever means will be used as a voter exclusion system against the constitution that gives all citizens a right to voteCODE there for advocates the use of Identity documents with all citizens as defined by the Constitution being allowed to vote.A separate roll can be created on voting day for all those voting with Identity documents and this roll will be given to all political parties participating in those elections.Further CODE calls for Internationally Managed elections in which ZEC plays no role.Present was MDC National Spokesperson Mr Kurauone Chihwayi,Mvambo Kusile dawn President Dr Simba Makoni(the former Sadc Executive secretary)Mr Elton Mangoma President of Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe RDZ AND Mr Elton Dzikiti President of Dare
Indonesia is set to carry out executions by firing squad of 14 people convicted of drug trafficking.

CNN.com reports that the executions are set to take place this week. The prisoners are being held in Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap in Central Java.

Fourteen prisoners accused of drug trafficking were set to be executed last year as well, although one was spared at the last moment.

The Indonesian government continues to maintain a hard line on the death penalty, despite the protests of human rights organizations. The government says a strict policy is necessary in order to curb the drug trafficking epidemic in the country.

Human rights organizations disagree, however.

President Jokowi should acknowledge the death penalty's barbarity and avoid a potential diplomatic firestorm by sparing the lives of the 14 or more people facing imminent execution," said Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, in a statement released Wednesday.

Amnesty International echoed the statement of Human Rights Watch, saying that Indonesias president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be putting his government on the wrong side of history if her proceeds with a fresh round of executions.

Publication date: July 28, 2016
The increasing massacre of Christians in Nigeria has led one leader to warn that as many Christians have been killed in the country in the first half of 2016 as were killed in all of 2015.

Much of Nigeria has become a war-torn place due to terrorist organization Boko Haram, as well as other perpetrators of violence such as Fulani herdsman who have been targeting Christians.

The Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN) has called on the Nigerian government to do something about the continual massacre of Nigerian Christians.

Whatever the federal government is doing, if any, is either too slow or insignificant compared with the reoccurrence of the killings; the federal government needs to step up and take bold actions to give members of the Christian community in the country a sense of security and belonging, said Pastor Ade Oyesile, executive director of CANAN.

The Christian Post reports that a number of other humanitarian organizations have joined with CANAN in calling for an end to the violence and persecution in Nigeria.

Reports have surfaced of brutal killings, rape, and starvation in the country due to the chaos created by groups like Boko Haram.

So many Christians have already been killed in the first half of 2016 alone that Oyesile voiced his concerns for what the second half of the year may bring if something is not done.

"This dastardly killings of Christians in the country MUST stop. It is most disappointing that these unprovoked killings of Christians have continued despite the federal government condemnation statements," he said.

Although Oyesile is asking the government to step in and stop the violence, he also acknowledged that ultimately only repentance and the fear of God can conquer the hate of radical Islam.

Publication date: July 28, 2016
A Texas court dropped all charges against president of the Center for Medical Progress David Daleiden and his associate Sandra Merritt in connection with their undercover investigation of fetal tissue handling at Planned Parenthood, which was secretly recorded and released in a series of videos.

District Judge Brock Thomas dismissed the case after Harris County District Attorney's office pulled back the charges.

Daleiden's attorneys said that the indictment against them was based on incorrect interpretation of their actions, which included using fake drivers' licenses to gain entry into the Houston Planned Parenthood clinic for the purpose of investigating the alleged sale of fetal tissue by the abortion provider.

"Today's dismissal in Houston is a huge win for the First Amendment rights of undercover journalists. David Daleiden used standard undercover journalism techniques and followed all applicable laws in doing so. This meritless and retaliatory prosecution should never have been brought," Daleiden's attorney Peter Breen told TRUNEWS.

The president of CMP was indicted on another charge for pretending to buy baby organs, but was relieved of the charges about a month ago.

The charge was dismissed as a "defective indictment" because of its failure to negate the exception in Penal Code Section 48.02.

Daleiden had maintained that CMP worked under the purview of law in making the videos.

"The Center for Medical Progress uses the same undercover techniques that investigative journalists have used for decades in exercising our First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and of the press, and follows all applicable laws. We respect the processes of the Harris County district attorney, and note that buying fetal tissue requires a seller as well. Planned Parenthood still cannot deny the admissions from their leadership about fetal organ sales captured on video for all the world to see," Daleiden had said in a statement, when he and Merritt were first indicted earlier this year.

If Daleiden and Merritt were convicted of the charges, they would have faced sentences carrying up to 20 years in prison.
Teens can be found being involved in various activities and living out different experiences during their summer breaks. Among them, there are some who decided to spend their vacation meaningfully by serving the community.

Five Korean American students from Walton High School, Lambert High School, North Gwinnett High School, and Taylor Road Middle School met and became friends through their parents, who attend the same church. Since spring, they brainstormed together on how they could spend their summer vacations to serve the community.

They decided to gather together the things they no longer use and sell them. Starting June 11, they began selling their items at a booth in a flea market, and they decided to donate the resulting money that they earned to the Asian American Resource Center to support homeless families through the non-profit's program.

The students visited the non-profits office on July 21 to deliver the funds that they were able to gather.

This experience of helping others and getting involved in the community from a young age will help these students to grow as citizens, and this special donation that the students have gathered will be a significant help, beyond the simple numbers, said Connie Jee, the executive director of the Asian American Resource Center.

This article has been translated. For the original in Korean, visit kr.christianitydaily.com.
Earlier this month I spent two weeks in Kenya, where international attention has focused on the abduction and murder of three men: my colleague Willie Kimani, a human rights lawyer and investigator for IJM, our client Josephat Mwenda, and their taxi driver Joseph Muiruri. Willie and the IJM team were pursuing a case against a Kenyan police officer for shooting Josephat, and the two went missing with their trusted taxi driver while heading for their homes following a court hearing in Nairobi.

Tragically, eight days after they went missing, despite an extensive search led by Kenyan police and IJM staff, their bodies were found in the Ol-Donyo Sabuk River to the northeast of Nairobi on July 1, 2016. On Monday, July 18, four police officers were charged in their murder.

While we are encouraged by the investigation and arrest, our hearts are still devastated. And even as we deeply mourn these obscene murders, we are profoundly grateful to every government agency, nonprofit, church, and individual who used their voice to rally an urgent response to their disappearance. Now we need continued action to help us bring those responsible for their murder to justiceand fuel a massive movement to finally end impunity for abusive police in Kenya.

As we follow Jesus in his work of justice in a fallen and violent world, our staff willingly put themselves at risk every day. Seeking justice requires confrontation with evil. And evil fights back, with violence. But when Jesus tells his disciples, You are the light of the world, he is calling us to take that light into even the darkest corners.

As a human rights lawyer and an investigator for IJM, Willie was following hard after the God of justice. He was willing to place his ...

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Not much about the 2016 presidential campaign has been business as usual. In addition to nominating two divisive candidates, both parties are challenging major political measures that have long been off the table.

On the Republican side, Donald Trump promises to repeal the Johnson Amendmentthe 60-year-old tax code statute that bans churches and other tax-exempt nonprofits from endorsing political candidates.

On the Democratic side, its the Hyde Amendmentthe legislative provision that prevents the federal government from directly funding abortions.

Hillary Clinton has taken up Hyde on the campaign trail, saying it keeps low-income women on Medicaid from affording the procedure, particularly with stricter regulations from states and tighter funding for Planned Parenthood. Its an unusual move, even for pro-choice politicians, who typically accept Hydes restrictions as a compromise with pro-life counterparts.

Her challenge shakes things up for Democrats who lean ...

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home World Egypt's Coptic Pope urges national unity as sectarian attacks on Christians intensifies

Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria urged Egyptian leaders to uphold national unity in the light of increased sectarian attacks targeting the religious minority of Coptic Christians.

The 63-year-old leader of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church met with members of the parliamentary Monday, including the Committee on Religious Affairs and the Support Egypt bloc at Al-Abbasiya Cathedral in Cairo.

According to the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), the Coptic Pope cited a report that revealed 37 sectarian attacks on Coptic Christians since 2013 or an average of one case per month. He then told the Egyptian lawmakers that these increased attacks could lead the country's religious unity to be "defaced."

"The incidents we heard about are very painful. On my part, I'm patient and enduring, but there have been incidents that warn of danger," a Coptic Church statement quoted the pope as saying, as reported by AINA.

Pope Tawadros II also reminded the parliamentarians that national unity reflected their "responsibility in front of the world, future generations, history and in front of God."

The head of the Support Egypt coalition, lawmaker Saad El-Gamal, responded by praising the Coptic Pope for his "wisdom." He reported that the religion committee already undertook to draft a legislation for church construction as well as one that would recognize sectarian attacks as "crimes against national unity."

Dr. Osama El-Abd, chairman of the religion committee, agreed it was timely to "build our modern state in the face of discord."

"I have Christian friends, we are partners in [business], and they have never harassed me or subjected me to injustice," stated El-Abd.

Coptic Christians reportedly make up 10-15 percent of the country's 90 million population and repeatedly complained of being harassed and marginalized by the Islamist majority.

Islamists stabbed to death a Christian man last week and wounded others in Minya Governorate where a string of sectarian violence occurred more frequently. Muslim mobs also set several houses on fire and harassed Coptic villagers of Minya's Abu Yacoub and Kom El Loofy over rumors of church building construction in the areas.

The religious minorities condemn the reconciliation process between the concerned parties that only allowed officials to release the arrested Muslims and further humiliate the Copts.

"What happened in Minya is nothing but a natural result of not enforcing the law in previous sectarian attacks against the Copts, and forcing the Copts to go through reconciliation meetings and obey illegal solutions that are demeaning," Ishak Ibrahim, human rights researcher for Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, told Morning Star News.
home World North Korea bans materials with Christian cross markings

Materials and goods bearing a symbol that looks like the Christian cross are no longer allowed in North Korea.

Border guards will immediately confiscate goods that have such markings, even those that seem innocent, such as women's clothes and accessories that have cross-like designs.

"These products are more likely to be confiscated during customs checks," a source from Pyongyang told Radio Free Asia. "Some designs on women's clothing can look a lot like a cross, depending on who is looking at it. Cross designs also appear on women's hairpins and hair bands and on men's neckties."

The local source, who sold goods brought in from China, added that prior to the new regulation, they only inspected their goods for labels showing they came from South Korea, which the North considers as its rival.

Now they also had to check if the items they sold had markings similar to a cross.

This report was verified by another source from North Hamgyong, who said customs officers seized goods that have a cross mark.

Unfortunately, if their goods are confiscated, they couldn't complain anywhere, the source said.

The source also reported that people wearing accessories that appear to have the cross symbol are taken by authorities.

Christians are highly persecuted in North Korea. The country, for the last 14 years, has taken the number one spot on the list of countries where Christians experience extreme persecution, according to Open Doors, an organization supporting persecuted Christians worldwide.

The persecution in the country is so severe that even students writing the plus sign must ensure that the vertical and horizontal lines have the same length. A longer vertical line would make the symbol look like a cross.

A 2016 report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said that North Korea, with a "deplorable" record in human rights, is one of the "most repressive regimes" in the world.

Christians are viewed as a threat, that's why the government "reserves its most severe persecution" for them.

Those who are caught praying and singing worship songs are jailed or sent to labor camps, where they are treated more harshly than other prisoners.

There are "tens of thousands of Christians" suffering in labor camps all over North Korea, the report said.
home Life Mark Driscoll on whether it's a sin to drink alcohol

Pastor Mark Driscoll said it's not a sin to drink alcohol even while he abstained from it until age 30 because of his family's history of alcohol abuse.

The founder of Trinity Church in Arizona discussed Monday on his video blog the different perspectives taken on alcohol consumption. Driscoll also touched on the history of alcohol in Europe, among the Reformers, the Puritans and the Church itself. He then weighed in on the three prominent perspectives taken on alcohol, namely prohibitionist, abstentionist and moderationist.

Among the three perspectives, the 45-year-old pastor criticized the prohibitionist position as the wrong one.

"That's a difficult position to hold, because throughout Scripture, God's people partake in alcohol consumption, sometimes in worship to God," argued Driscoll.

"I don't believe the prohibition position is a good one," he added.

The former pastor of Mars Hill Church then talked about the abstentionist position which he considered "a good one" for "at least some of the time." This position, he said, did not prohibit alcohol consumption but only encouraged people to stay away from alcohol because of its negative effects.

He claimed he himself had abstained from drinking alcohol for the first 30 years of his life out of fear that his family's history of alcoholism would rub off on him. His wife, he said, didn't share the same history so she had no problems in drinking.

"There are times that we give it up out of love and care for others," he said, agreeing with abstentionists.

He warned, however, that people should not force their opinion on others but rather follow what their conscience tells them. Driscoll said the same thing when he said that playing video games did not translate to sin as long as their conscience said so.

"If your conscience is bothering you, then you've got to pay attention to that," said the pastor in an earlier post.

The pastor admitted he only started drinking when he reached the age of 30 and felt God's approval for drinking "in moderation." The moderationist's view then is where Driscoll finds himself in.
home US U.S. presidential polls 2016 latest news update: 76% of white evangelicals have made up their minds to vote for Donald Trump

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump attracted 76 percent decided white Evangelicals to support him this coming presidential elections, according to CNN/ORC International's post-convention poll.

The poll released Monday, July 25 also showed that five percent of Trump's white evangelical supporters could still change their minds by November. On the other hand, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton garnered 11 percent of white evangelical supporters who made up their minds to vote for her with four percent who could still change their minds.

ORC International conducted the poll June 22-24 just after the Republican National Convention concluded last week and asked 1,001 adult Americans through phone surveys. The survey estimated the margin of error for the sample at plus or minus three percent.

Trump also narrowly edged Clinton on the percentage points of voters who have already decided who to vote for with 40-39. Of Trump's supporters, seven percent said they could still change their minds while six percent of Clinton's supporters said likewise.

According to a poll survey released two weeks ago by Pew Research Center Religion & Public Life, more than three-quarters of evangelicals support the billionaire businessman while those who identify themselves as atheists, agnostics and religious "nones" rally behind the former First Lady.

"Despite the professed wariness toward Trump among many high-profile evangelical Christian leaders, evangelicals as a whole are, if anything, even more strongly supportive of Trump than they were of Mitt Romney at a similar point in the 2012 campaign," said the report.

However, 45 percent of white evangelicals said they're supporting Trump not because they agree with him but because they want to oppose Clinton.

"While many evangelical voters say they 'strongly' support Trump over Clinton, this does not necessarily mean Trump is their ideal choice for president or that they are convinced he shares their religious convictions," stated Pew.

The report added, "It will be difficult to choose between Trump and Clinton because neither one would make a good president."
News / National

by Thobekile Zhou

Under fire Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he is not moved by growing accusations that he is leading Team Lacoste and dividing Zanu PF.He told reporters that the accusations give him strength and will not distract him from doing his duties."Those false allegations will not deter me from performing my duties," he told reporters in Zvimba today.He added, "Actually, it gives me strength. Are the allegations true? That is politics. People will accuse you, but you should continue with your work. People who discourage will always be there but it will give strength".During a war veterans meeting with President Mugabe yesterday, Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene told Mugabe that Mnangagwa was leading a parallel government.She suggested that Mnangagwa should be kicked out of Zanu PF during a special congress.Said Chimene: "What was known as Tsholotsho was led by Cde Mnangagwa, this Lacoste is now led by Cde Mnangagwa..as you seat there you are now two Governments because some ministers are known to be supporters of Cde Mnangagwa."They started way back when we heard of Tsholotsho.we have nurtured it..it's now here again, if people are smart they create something that looks like this."The person who created Lacoste also created G40I know of Lacoste and the leader. I'm accused of being a G40 member.""Zanu PF now needs culling just like animalscrocodiles should go to the river, they cannot be in Zanu-PF because Zanu-PF is not a river..don't be scared."
home US Richard Dawkins angry that 'atheist' label on Bernie Sanders would be considered a smear on his campaign

Atheist Richard Dawkins expressed outrage that the Democratic National Committee thought to attack Sen. Bernie Sanders by labeling him an atheist.

The British evolutionary biologist and author of the international bestseller "The God Delusion" took to Twitter on Monday to express his indignation at the news that calling someone an atheist could be a tool for a smear campaign.

"What kind of a country is it where 'accusing' a candidate of atheism is assumed to damage his electoral prospects?" wrote the 75-year-old intellectual in a tweet that garnered 3,775 likes and circulated more than 2,000 times.

Dawkins reacted after the incendiary emails that WikiLeaks dumped Friday. Nearly 2,000 email exchanges throughout January 2015 to May 2016 from the supposedly neutral DNC officials revealed their partisan support for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and even brainstormed on how they could subvert Sanders' campaign.

"He had skated on having a Jewish heritage," wrote DNC's CFO Brad Marshall on May 5, 2016, as reported by ABC News. "I read he is an atheist. This could make several points difference with my peeps. My Southern Baptist peeps would draw a big difference between a Jew and an atheist."

According to a report released in January by Pew Research, 51 percent of American respondents said they still value a presidential contender who believes in God and would "less likely" vote for someone who does not.

"The new survey confirms that being an atheist continues to be one of the biggest perceived shortcomings a hypothetical presidential candidate could have," stated Pew.

Pew's survey showed that American voters believe being an atheist still poses as a deal-breaker for presidential hopefuls, followed by a candidate's insolvency, history of extramarital affairs and history of marijuana use.

The leaked emails threatened to shake the Democratic National Convention that opened on Monday as DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced her resignation.

The 74-year-old senator from Vermont himself endorsed his support Monday night for his former rival. However, hundreds of Sanders' supporters walked out of the Wells Fargo Arena on Tuesday to protest Clinton's nomination.
Anglicans to build new centre in Spain for pilgrims on 'The Way' to Santiago de Compostela

A new $5 million Anglican Centre is to be built in Spain in Santiago de Compostela, the end of the world-famous Catholic pilgrimage route the Way of St James.

The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain, which is part of the Anglican Community under the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury, is to begin fundraising with the help of Trinity Church, Wall Street in the United States.

The new Anglican centre in Spain will have instant and enormous appeal to Christians from through the Anglican Communion worldwide.

Santiago de Compostela is believed to be the burial site of the disciple James, brother of Jesus. The Camino de Santiago has been a pilgrimage route since the 9th century.

Many Anglicans and other non-Catholics as well as thousands of Catholics walk the Way each year. The pilgrimage featured in Emilio Estevez's film of the same name and starred his father Martin Sheen playing a doctor, Tom, whose son Daniel dies while walking the route. In the film, Tom decides to walk the Way himself to scatter his son's ashes along the route, even though he is not himself religious.

The Spanish Church has set up a new organisation, the American Friends of the Anglican Centre for Santiago de Compostela, similar to a sister organisation in Rome . It has already received a grant from The Episcopal Church's United Thank Offering scheme.

Plans were confirmed after an initial meeting in New York.

Spencer Reece,secretary for the Bishop of Spain, Carlos Lopez-Lozano, said: "The message seemed clear. We need one. Why? Currently there are more Protestants on the Camino than Catholics.

"However, Spain, being one of the most Catholic countries on earth, there has never been a place for Protestant pilgrims to receive Eucharist when they finish the Camino," he told Anglican News.

"Furthermore, there are Anglican centres in Jerusalem and Rome, but none in third most holy site on earth: Santiago."

He added: "This is a big project naturally and one that seeks the help of all corners of the Anglican Communion as well as pilgrims outside the Church who want to see a place of healing built in Santiago overseen by our Church."

Earlier this year, the Anglican Centre in Rome celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Anne Graham Lotz shares 4 things God wants Christians to do amid racial turmoil

Anne Graham Lotz is encouraging Christians to do something about the racial tension brewing in America.

"It's been said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. The encroaching evil in our land is almost breathtaking. Heart-stopping. As it pours into every nook and cranny of our culture, it is also going to be life-altering and life-shattering," the founder of AnGel Ministries and daughter of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes on her blog.

Lotz says she has asked the Lord what she can do after reading about the tragic shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota, and she says God provided her with four things to do.

The first thing, according to her, is to pray. "It's time for you and me to establish a set-aside time of consistent, daily prayer," she says.

"Secondly, we need to pick up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. This is a time to daily, consistently spend time in God's Word, strengthening the foundation of our faith as we listen to what God has to say. But don't just read it. Apply it. Obey it. Live it out."

The third thing Christians must do is pursue righteousness and rise above what is popular or politically correct. Lotz says, adding that Christians must be good examples to others by standing up for justice, truth, kindness, and love.

Lastly, Christians need to proclaim Jesus. The Bible verse John 10:10 warns that "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy," but Jesus comes so people "may have life, and have it to the full," she says.

Lotz says Christians must be ready at any notice to share the Gospel, and give a reason for others to see God's light and hope in them.
Antisemitic abuse of Labour MP branded 'disgusting, racist and sexist'

A man has been condemned as "disgusting, racist and sexist" after he admitted sending a Jewish MP abusive messages and death threats.

John Nimmo, 28, sent a number of emails to the Liverpool Wavertree MP, Luciana Burger, including one which said she should "get it like Jo Cox". Another said: "Watch your back Jewish scum, regards your friend the Nazi".

He has admitted two counts of sending a message causing anxiety or distress and will be sentenced on August 24 at Newcastle Crown Court.

The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism strongly condemned the abuse.

Spokesman Mark Gardner told Christian Today: "It was disgusting, racist and sexist and it is important that a strong message is sent to all those who behave in such a way."

It is not the first time Nimmo has been found arrested for abuse. In 2014 he was jailed after he sent messages on Twitter to feminist campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez and MP Stella Creasy.

The court heard that on July 6 Nimmo wrote to Burger referred to a far-right activist jailed last December and said: "Justice for Joshua Bonehill-Paine will be sweet, he has friends everywhere. Watch your back Jewish scum, regards your friend the Nazi."

Two days later he sent another, which read: "You will get it like Jo Cox did, you better watch your back Jewish scum".

The former shadow minister for mental health said the messages caused her "great fear and anguish" and that the reference to Jo Cox's murder was "terrifying".

"I was extremely concerned for my safety and I felt completely under threat," she said in a statement, adding she had received antisemitic abuse before but this left her in a state of "huge distress" and caused her to "feel physically sick".
Cardinal Pell denies abusing children in the 1970s

Cardinal George Pell has called for an investigation into Australia's Victoria police and claimed he is the victim of a "scandalous smear campaign" after allegations against him emerged of historic sexual abuse towards children.

The row with the police  who say it is "clear" the sources of sexual abuse complaints against Pell are the complainants  came after the ABC television network aired claims by two men about inappropriate behaviour by Pell going back as far as the 1970s.

This led Cardinal Pell to accuse the police of taking part in a "conspiracy to pervert the course of justice". A statement released on his behalf said: "It seems there has been leaking of information and allegations by elements of the Victorian police to the ABC. The cardinal calls for an investigation to assess whether any actions of elements of the Victoria police and the ABC programme amount to a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice."

Victoria police's chief commissioner, Graham Ashton, said yesterday that the police had not provided the television network with any materials.

The ABC also released a statement saying Victoria police was not the source of its report. "Nor did witnesses approach ABC," the statement added. "The report was the result of our on-the-ground journalism over the course of months, which included finding people who would be willing to talk to us on camera. There is a clear public interest case for reporting on this matter."

In Rome, where Pell was appointed by Pope Francis as head of the Vatican's secretariat for the economy in 2014, the Cardinal said: "I have done nothing wrong."

The two men claim they were allegedly abused by the Cardinal when he was a priest in Ballarat, Victoria, in the summer of 1978-1979. The men, now in their 40s, are believed to have given statements to the Victoria police special child exploitation taskforce, Sano, detailing the incidents.

The incidents took place while Pell was allegedly playing with schoolchildren in a swimming pool.

The cardinal said he bore no ill feelings towards his accusers. "I bear no ill will and have no desire to cause them harm but what they say about me is not true," he said.

Pell added that he had not been approached by Sano for an interview.

But Ashton did not rule out sending officers to Rome to interview Pell, saying that the issue was now before the office of public prosecutions. "Anything is possible at this stage," he said.

In February, Cardinal Pell gave evidence via video-link from Rome to Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse in Sydney, admitting that the Catholic Church had made "enourmous mistakes" and let abuse victims down.

Cardinal Pell's latest statement can be read here.
Christian baker asks U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in same-sex discrimination case

A Colorado Christian baker is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a 2012 ruling that found him guilty of discrimination for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple because of his religious beliefs.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has filed the motion with the High Court on behalf of Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, saying the U.S. government cannot force him to convey a message that he disagrees with.

The petition rests on the argument that the decision violates his free speech and free exercise clauses under the First Amendment.

In December 2013, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruled that Phillips engaged in discrimination under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA).

Last April, the Colorado Supreme Court denied a plea to hear Phillips' case after the state Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the civil rights commission.

The commission ordered Phillips to make cakes for same-sex marriages, comply with the CADA by re-educating his shop's staff and file quarterly compliance reports for two years.

"No onenot Jack or anyone elseshould be forced by the government to further a message that they cannot in good conscience promote," said ADF senior counsel Jeremy Tedesco. "We are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure that government understands that its duty is to protect the people's freedom to follow their beliefs personally and professionally, not force them to violate those beliefs as the price of earning a living."

The case stemmed in July 2012 when Charlie Craig and David Mullins asked Phillips to make a wedding cake to celebrate their same-sex marriage.

Phillips politely declined because of his faith.

The gay couple later filed a complaint with the Civil Rights Commission, which ruled against Phillips.

The ADF said last year, the commission found three other Denver cake makers not guilty of discrimination when they refused a Christian customer's request for a cake that reflected his religious opposition to same-sex marriage.

"It is undisputed that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission...does not apply CADA [Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act] to ban (1) an African-American cake artist from refusing to create a cake promoting white-supremacism for the Aryan Nation, (2) an Islamic cake artist from refusing to create a cake denigrating the Quran for the Westboro Baptist Church, and (3) three secular cake artists from refusing to create cakes opposing same-sex marriage for a Christian patron," the petition states.

"Neither should CADA ban Jack Phillips' polite declining to create a cake celebrating same-sex marriage on religious grounds when he is happy to create other items for gay and lesbian clients," the petition adds.
Christian campaigners hail victory as Scotland's Named Person scheme declared 'unlawful'

The Supreme Court has ruled a scheme by the Scottish Government to impose a state guardian on every child is "unlawful".

The Named Person scheme was deemed to breach rights to privacy and family life after Christian campaigners appealed to the UK's highest court. The case had been dismissed by the Court of Session in Edinbugh last year.

Judges gave the Scottish government 42 days to rectify the legislation which, if passed, would have appointed a named person, normally a teacher or health advisor, to every child in Scotland. It included powers to access and share private data on children and parents and provide "advice".

Judges said the aim of the programme was "unquestionably legitimate and benign", but said specific proposals about information-sharing "are not within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament". They said it "cannot be brought into force" until amendments are made.

Critics see the programme as a Big Brother-style intrusion into private and family life.

In a damning judgement, the court said: "The first thing that a totalitarian regime tries to do is to get at the children, to distance them from the subversive, varied influences of their families, and indoctrinate them in their rulers' view of the world. Within limits, families must be left to bring up their children in their own way."

A coalition of charities led by The Christian Institute formed the No to Named Persons (NO2NP) campaign and brought the appeal to the court. They argued the scheme was an "unjustified and unjustifiable state interference with family rights".

Colin Hart, director of The Christian Institute, said he was "very happy" with the result which would "come as a great relief to millions of people".

He added: "The ruling protects families all across the UK from unwarranted invasion of their privacy by the state. We urge local and national government agencies to read the ruling carefully and amend their policies and practices to ensure they properly respect the privacy and autonomy of innocent families."

The Scottish Conservatives have also opposed the scheme and called for Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, to "swallow her pride" and scrap the programme.

But Scotland First Minister's John Swinney said the "attempt to scrap the named person service has failed" and vowed to carry on with the scheme as soon as possible.

""The court's ruling requires us to provide greater clarity about the basis on which health visitors, teachers and other professionals supporting families will share and receive information in their named person role," he said after the judgement. "We will start work on this immediately so we can make the necessary legislative amendments. The service will be implemented nationally at the earliest possible date."
News / Press Release

by Eddie Cross and Obert Gutu

On July 13, 2016 at just after 18.00 hrs the Acting President of Zimbabwe, Phelekezela Mphoko, arrived unannounced at Avondale Police Station in Harare and demanded that "his boys" be released from the holding cells of the Station.The Police Officers on duty protested that they would only take instruction from their seniors and when they refused to release the two accused, an officer was beaten and the remaining staff were forced to release the two men into the custody of the Acting President."His boys" were two senior Executives of the Zimbabwe National Road Authority which is responsible for the collection of funds for road construction and maintenance in Zimbabwe. They included the Acting Chief Executive and had been charged with corruption and were due to appear in Court the following day. The amount involved was $1,4 million.On the 28th of July, Honorable Eddie Cross, Member of Parliament for Bulawayo South raised an urgent motion in the House of Assembly which stated:"Motion of a matter of Urgent National Importance28th July 2016APPALLED at the behavior of the Vice President Mphoko when he forced the Police operating from Avondale Police Station in Harare to release two men arrested on serious fraud charges on the 13th July 2016:CONCERNED that in the course of this incident he ordered his close security staff to assault a Police Officer who resisted his unlawful instructions: andFURTHER CONCERNED that in forcing the release from custody of these two accused persons, he was violating his position as Acting President as well as the laws of Zimbabwe:NOW THEREFORE calls on the National Assembly to condemn his behavior in the strongest terms, call on the National Prosecuting Authority to order the rearrest of the two suspects and their arraignment in Court on the charges that have been preferred against them.FURTHERMORE the Vice President to be instructed by the President to apologize to the Police for his actions and to pay such compensation as is deemed reasonable, to the Officer whom his security details assaulted."After tabling the Motion the Speaker of the House, the Hon. Advocate Jacob Mudenda called for at least 25 Members to support the Motion and 37 Members of Parliament from the MDC did so. On this basis the motion was ruled as being valid and justified and an emergency debate and vote was announced for 17.15 hrs in the House of Assembly.When the time came for the motion to be debated, the majority of Zanu PF Members left the Chamber and a senior Party Member rose to say that there was no quorum. Only 37 Members remained in the House and the debate was suspended and the House adjourned.The tragedy of this situation is that the Vice President is clearly guilty of the abuse of his office, he clearly condoned serious corruption in a State institution, violated the Police Act. The National Prosecuting Authority and the Ant Corruption Commission. In addition the assault on a Police Officer of duty was totally uncalled for and disgraceful.The MDC would have expected many, if not most of their Zanu PF colleagues in Parliament to have supported this important Motion and its recommendations. Instead, without exception, they chose to remain silent and complicit in this disgraceful incident. It will go down as one of the lowest periods in our Parliament. It also shows quite clearly that Zanu PF has no intention, whatsoever of tackling the many serious problems of Zimbabwe including widespread corruption.MDC : EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALLObert Chaurura GutuMDC National SpokespersonHon. E G CrossMP Bulawayo South
Church leaders appeal for calm as elections approach in South Africa

Church leaders in South Africa have appealed for calm as violence, intimidation and even assassinations marr the run-up to local elections next week, Anli Serfontein reports for the World Council of Churches.

Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, in a statement from the South African Council of Churches, said: "Has our country descended to these low levels and becoming a mafia state? Let it not be so. God forbid! That is not the promise of South Africa; that is not the South Africa we pray for.

"Too many lives were lost in our struggle for democracy  and yet, even in sovereign freedom, killings continue, especially in the last few weeks."

South Africa's constitution guarantees freedom of political affiliation but as the municipal elections approach, there is a growing tendency among rival groups to mobilise protests that can have a destabilising effect.

The Church leaders said they were saddened by the "deadly phenomenon of political assassinations" driven by the "sin of greed and self-interest" that makes advancement by any and all means possible.

The value of human life is being disregarded, they claimed. "In the name of the Creator and Saviour God, we condemn this sin of greed and its murderous child," the Church leaders said, calling on local churches to intensify prayers and pastoral interventions.

Madipoane Masenya, Professor of Old Testament Studies at the University of South Africa, told Oikoumene: "In a nutshell, I think one would be unrealistic to expect a Church and religious leadership that did not grow out of a prophetic tradition, to start prophesying now towards a just society, especially now that the enemy is within us."

Dr Mary-Anne Plaatjies Van Huffel, of the General Synod of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa and a president of the World Council of Churches, said that during apartheid the media played a huge role in covering Church opposition, and therefore the perception was that the Churches played a large role.

Currently there is not the same will to cover what the Churches are saying. "The lack of media coverage led to the illusion that the Churches, faith communities and the SACC do not attend to socio-political and economic justice issues in post-apartheid South Africa," she said.
Clinton campaign condemns Israeli flag-burning outside Democratic convention

Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign has condemned the burning of an Israeli flag outside the Democratic National Convention.

An Israeli flag was set alight by what appeared to be Bernie Sanders supporters on Tuesday night as protesters chanted "Long live the intifada" outside the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia.

Sarah Bard, the campaign's director of Jewish outreach, said in an email to the Israeli press on Wednesday: "Hillary Clinton has always stood against efforts to marginalise Israel and incitement, and she strongly condemns this kind of hatred. Burning the Israeli flag is a reckless act that undermines peace and our values."

Sanders supporters have reacted angrily to leaked emails apparently showing party officials had worked against him in favour of Clinton in a breach of their responsibility to be neutral in the primary contest. Thousands of activists supporting the Vermont senator have taken to the streets to protest, some wearing tape across their mouths, despite calls by Sanders for them to support Clinton.

"This was not a convention. This was a four-day Hillary party. And we weren't welcome," said Liz Maratea, a New Jersey delegate. "We were treated like lepers."

In the streets outside, protesters began scaling eight-foot-high walls blocking off the secure zone around the arena's car park, and several were detained by police.

Shortly after Sanders officially endorsed Clinton on Monday night, his campaign chief told the Times of Israel that one of his priorities was "fresh thinking" on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He knows we'll have to work through this," Weaver said. "It's a very difficult situation over there, obviously. It's very complicated. And it's a situation we're going to have to work through."

You can watch the video of the flag-burning here.
Do all religions really want peace? Why Pope Francis was wrong

Pope Francis is in Krakow for World Youth Day. As well as the hundreds of thousands of young people gathered there, he's also been able to meet Polish bishops and try to convince them to take on board his message of love and charity toward refugees; an uphill struggle in a country profoundly lukewarm toward the whole business.

But it was a few sentences he spoke aboard the plane on the way that grabbed the media's attention. Referring to terrorist attacks, he said the world is "at war": "We should not be afraid to speak this truth. The world is at war because it has lost peace."

A few minutes later, after an adviser spoke to him, he took the microphone again and added he was not referring to a war of religion. "There is a war of interests. There is a war for money. There is a war for natural resources. There is a war for domination of peoples. This is the war," he said. "All religions want peace. Others want war. Do you understand?"

Well, yes. And telling the world that Islamist terror is not fundamentally a war between Islam and Christianity is a good and necessary thing to do. In spite of the frequent targeting of Christian priests and churches in Iraq and Syria  and now in Normandy  the overwhelming majority of Islamist victims are other Muslims.

But when he says "all religions want peace", is it quite as simple as that? Probably not.

Because it all depends on who defines your religion. In Catholicism  uniquely among world faiths  it might seem relatively simple, because there is one person at its head, and he is a fervent apostle for peace. But he is not a free agent, able to make doctrine up as he goes along  an accusation frequently levelled against him by traditionalists. He is located in a complex set of traditions, some of them rather hostile toward him personally and certainly towards his message of peace and love  and many of them to be found among the Polish bishops, nostalgic for the glory days when the pope really was one of their own.

Besides, the pope doesn't speak for all Christians. And there is no central authority for Muslims, Hindus, Jews or Buddhists at all. They look to their scriptures and their traditions, as they're interpreted by preachers, teachers and theologians. In all of them, as Francis says, there's a strong witness to the desirability of peacemaking. But examples of truly pacifist faiths are very, very rare. For most religious people, the question is not, "Should we use violence?" but "When should we use violence?" There are complex moral judgments around the balance of duties to the state and to the faith, questions of national identity and personal prejudices, and the underlying human propensity for solving problems by force.

So to say "all religions want peace" is true as far as it goes, but that isn't very far. Some religious people don't want peace at all. Some of the language used in religious scriptures  Christian and Muslim  is not peaceable and lends itself to a justification of violence. There are structural issues biasing religion to violence against particular groups, like the way some of the New Testament talks about Jews.

Every religion has its own issues with violence, almost always with a nationalistic edge to it. Buddhist nationalists use violence in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It doesn't mean they aren't Buddhists. Hindus persecute Christians in India. They are not less Hindu. Muslims persecute other Muslims, Christians and Yazidis in Iraq and Syria. They're still Muslims. The countries where Christianity has been the dominant faith have largely outgrown the desire to persecute in the name of religion, but that doesn't mean we have a free pass: we too have spilt innocent blood in the name of Christ. And the rhetoric about the "other" in the US, and to a lesser extent post-Brexit UK, often with a religious tinge, should caution us against thinking it just isn't a problem for us any more.

The most honest thing Christians can do about violence and religion is to admit that if you look for ways to justify it in your faith you can probably find them. So no, it isn't enough to say "all religions want peace". The good people do. But they have to be constantly vigilant against the haters, those who want to pervert faith so that it becomes poison, breeding hatred, contempt, discrimination  and, in the end, violence. And that's why any attempt to turn the death of Fr Jacques Hamel, or the many deaths of Syrian and Iraqi Christians, or of Nigerians or Pakistanis  all, as it happens, at the hands of Muslims  into a pretext for religious warfare have to be utterly rejected. The peaceableness of religion is not a given. It has to be fought for, every day, with passion, commitment and vigilance.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
'Fargo' season 3 spoilers, cast: Ewan McGregor, Carrie Coon to lead cast in next run

facebook.com/FargoFX

After getting multiple acting nominations from the Primetime Emmy Awards and other award-giving bodies for the first two seasons, FX's "Fargo" has tapped two critically acclaimed actors to lead season 3.

In May, the network announced that "Trainspotting" star Ewan McGregor will topbill the latest installment of the black comedy-crime drama anthology. According to a report from Deadline, the Scottish actor will portray two central characters in the upcoming season.

The report stated that McGregor will take on the roles of Stussy brothers named Emmit and Ray. Emmit is dubbed as the Parking Lot King of Minnesota -- a charming, self-made real estate tycoon -- while his younger brother Ray is a pot-bellied parole officer who blames his brother for all the unfortunate incidents in his life.

In early July, TVLine reported that "The Leftovers" star Carrie Coon will join McGregor in "Fargo" season 3. The actress will take on the role of Gloria Burgle, the chief of the Eden Valley police department. According to the character description, Gloria is "a practical woman who grabs the fire extinguisher when the bacon catches fire and everyone else panics." She is also described as a recently divorced mom "who is struggling to understand this new world around her where people connect more intimately with their phones than the people right in front of them."

FX Networks CEO John Landgraf talked about the plot of "Fargo" season 3 during the Television Critics Association panel in January, saying: "The third cycle will take place in 2010 so it will be not quite contemporary but quite recent, the most recent in terms of time frame of any installment of Fargo including the movie."

Meanwhile, the second season of "Fargo" earned multiple nominations from the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, including the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for Kirsten Dunst, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Jesse Plemons and Bokeem Woodbine, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for Jean Smart, and the Outstanding Limited Series for the show.

The third season of "Fargo" is expected to premiere in early 2017.
Fast And The Furious 8 plot news: old buddies to reunite as new cast

Vin Diesel revealed at last year's Universal Pictures' presentation at CinemaCon, LA, that Fast 8, the next movie of the F&F series would be released on 14 April, 2017.

Although most of the F&F films took place in California, Fast 8 is set in New York City, according to Vin Diesel's Instagram post.

Despite the unmatchable success of the series so far, the movie is not without contenders. As Fast 8 is expected to open on April 14, 2017, competition is expected from Fox Searchlight's "Gifted".

Fast 8 has a lot of new shiny armour including a new director in the form of F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) and although he has some thrillers on the resume, he hasn't really worked in a Fast film. So will he be able to deliver the quality that the Fast movies are known for?

It also remains to be seen as to how the film bids farewell to Brian (Paul Walker) and whether his death finds mention in the sequel.

Rumors are rife about the crew for Fast 8 as Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez,Tyrese Gibson and even the Rock are expected to be part of the growing cast. Meanwhile it is confirmed that Scott Eastwood (Clint Eastwood's son) and Mad Max star Charlize Theron will be acting in the movie.

At least Rock will definitely make a comeback as Luke Hobbs, the security service agent who joined team Furious in earlier sequels, which is clear from his photos appearing in the movie's Iceland scenes.

As Fast 8 shoots in multiple locations such as the exotic landscape of Arkanes, Iceland, it is also supposed to have filmed scenes in Cuba, making Fast 8 the first film to do so since turbulent times in US-Cuba relations.

Also making it to the official facebook page are the cool cars that are part of their army with a RallyFighter, a Lamborghini, Dodge Chargers one Subaru WRX STI and other cool cars being dubbed as the 'ice cars'.

With the tag line reading 'New Roads Ahead', audiences are gripped; their fingers crossed as to where these new roads might lead the Furious gang in its adventures.
France: Second church attacker was 19-year-old on terror watch list

The identity of the second man involved in the killing of a priest in northern France on Tuesday has been revealed as Abdel Malik Petitjean, aged 19.

Petitjean, from eastern France had been on the French terror watch list. Police said they had been looking for him for several days before the attack.

"Following DNA tests, it emerged that the terrorist has been identified as Abdel Malik Nabil Petitjean," a source in the Paris prosecutor's office told French media.

The other attacker has been identified as Adel Kermiche, also 19.

The pair were shot dead by police after they entered a small Catholic church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, near Rouen in northern France and slit the throat of the priest, Father Jacques Hamel, as he celebrated mass. They took the five congregation members hostage, critically injuring one, before being "neutralised" by French police.

The names of the attackers were confirmed after it emerged a mosque in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray was opened on land donated by the church.

Mohammed Karabila, imam of the mosque in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, said the two religious communities had close relations in the small suberb. He added that he sat on an interfaith committee with Father Hamel.

The gesture, made in 2000, of land for the mosque appears to be emblematic of the strong ties between the two religious communities.

Karabila said he was "stunned" by Hamel's death, whom he described as a close friend.

"I don't understand, all of our prayers go to his family and the Catholic community," said Karabila, as quoted by German news site Deutsche-Welle. "He was someone who gave his life to others. We are dumbfounded at the mosque.

"We talked about religion and how to live together. It has been 18 months that civilians have been attacked; now they are attacking religious symbols, using our religion as a pretext. It is no longer possible," he said.
How controversy over a march to celebrate the conversion of Russia highlights divisions in Ukraine

Controversy over a march to mark the anniversary of the conversion of Russia in AD 988 has highlighted the divisions in Ukrainian society following the loss of territory to its giant neighbour.

The event marks the adoption of Christianity in the early Slavic state Kievan Rus.

Both Russia and Ukraine predominantly Eastern Orthodox, but Ukraine has seen a bitter turf war between rival Orthodox Churches which reflects the two nations' political divisions.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is loyal to the Russian Orthodox Church of Patriarch Kirill, while the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kiev Patriarchate is identified with Ukrainian nationalism. A third grouping is the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. All emerged from the Russian Orthodox Church in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991.

According to a Pew Center study conducted in 2011, around 76.7 percent of the total Ukrainian population  some 30 million people  belong to the Eastern Orthodox churches.

In recent years the Kiev Patriarchate has been steadily growing, from 12 per cent in 2000 to 25 pe rcent in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Moscow Patriarchate fell to 15 per cent during the same period.

The controversial march was organised by believers from the Moscow Patriarchate and involved two processions, one beginning on July 9 at the Pochayiv Monastery in the western Ternopil region, while the other started at the Sviatohirsk Monastery in the east, near Slovyansk.

The Sviatohirsk Monastery is located in a highly polarised area of Ukraine, less than 100 miles from the pro-Russia separatist stronghold of Donetsk, and rumours that it serves as a Ukrainian outpost for the Federal Security Service (FSB) have heightened suspicions in Ukraine about the purpose of the marches.

However, organisers of the march said its aim was to bring reconciliation and an end to the civil war in eastern Ukraine.

This week, the march was banned from entering Kiev on foot because of security threats, with Ukrainian nationalist protesters shouting that those processing were "agents of Moscow".

Instead, in a compromise those taking part in the march were allowed into the city by bus.

A second march organised by the Kiev Patriarchate took place today and the procession headed for the hillside monument in central Kiev to Saint Volodymyr, the prince who enacted the adoption of Christianity.

Russia and Ukraine share linguistic and cultural ties dating back hundreds of years. But these soured after Russia supported rebel separatists fighting government troops in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has displaced more than a million people since it began in 2014, and displaced some 9,400 people.

In 2014, European diplomats told Reuters that they believed the Russian Orthodox Church was acting as a go-between in eastern Ukraine so that Moscow could continue to deny direct involvement in the conflict.
More Coptic Christians suffer persecution over rumours of church building

Persecution against Christians in Egypt continues to escalate with the latest violence being attacks on eight Christian homes after a Muslim mob went on a "rampage" with gas canisters, rocks and birdshot guns.

Children cried in panic as Coptic homes and shops were vandalised by crowds yelling: "We don't want a church", "No God but Allah" and "Christians the enemies of Allah" in the attack in Saft el-Khirsa, south of Cairo. The village has a population of about 12,000 including 70 Christian families, with 10 mosques and no churches.

It is the latest of more than 12 similar Muslim mob assaults in just two months. The common trigger is rumours that secret churches are being set up.

Egypt currently grants common law rights to mosques but not to churches.

Mahrous Ishak told World Watch Monitor: "On Thursday 21 July, we received threats of an attack the next day. We told the police and national security, but they showed no interest saying, 'If an attack happens, call us then and we'll come quickly.' On Friday, during the Muslim prayers the loudspeakers suddenly fell eerily silent. Later, crowds filed out of mosques. One cleric was clearly seen directing groups of people in different ways towards Christian homes."

When the police were called on the day of the attack, the Copts were told: "You wish to cause mayhem by building a church and now you come back crying?" Eight Copts and 10 Muslims were subsequently arrested.

A meeting was then arranged where it was agreed that a community centre would be allowed where weddings and funerals can be held but no prayers or services said. There is to be no church.

In one video on social media, Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Naquib says all four schools of Sunni Muslim theology forbid the building of churches in the lands of Islam.
Pastor goes fishing in Alaska  but catches drowning woman instead, credits God for her rescue

As a pastor, Andy Foor has been saving souls by sharing God's Word. Little did he know one early Saturday morning in Alaska that he would also be credited for saving not just a human soul but a human life as wellwith the use of his fishing rod!

Foor, a resident of Everett, Pennsylvania, was enjoying a summer vacation, doing his favourite hobbyfishingoff a dock downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, Alaska, when he saw two women walking along the bank of the river, according to the Peninsula Clarion.

Suddenly, he saw one of the women fell into the water. She resurfaced after about 15 seconds and started screaming, "I can't swim! I'm drowning!"

The woman was not wearing a life vest. When she sank into the water again, all that Foor could see was the top of her blonde hair.

Foor and the other anglers standing on the bridge felt helpless. No one could reach her fast since she fell upstream of the bridge and was far out in the river.

Instinctively, the pastor prayed for her while seeking God's help on what to do.

"I just said a prayer, and a voice said, 'Throw your line out into the water,'" Foor told the Peninsula Clarion, as quoted by the Gospel Herald.

"I hollered to the girl so that I'd get her attention, and I cast," Foor said.

He said he considered removing first the hook and weight of his 50-pound braided line, but the inner voice, which he believes to be that of God Himself, told him not to worry about the hook and weight.

The line reached the drowning woman and she grabbed it. Foor swung her back toward the dock downstream. Another angler went down the steps to help her up onto the dock, where others helped her dry off and warm up.

As Foor was coming down to see if she was alright, the woman asked repeatedly, "Where's the man who threw me the line?"

The pastor replied, "The Father loves you, and here's the man."

She came straight to him and hugged him, speechless with gratitude.

The other anglers thought the woman could have drowned in the cold, fast-flowing river had he not quickly thrown her the line.

But Foor said all credit for the rescue goes to God Who just used him as His instrument.
US rabbi appeals to Pope Francis to shut down Catholic church at Auschwitz

An influential rabbi from the United States has called on Pope Francis to close down a Catholic church at the Nazi death camp where many hundreds of thousands of the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust were murdered.

Rabbi Avi Weiss wrote to Pope Francis before he flew to Krakow in Poland for World Youth Day and his visit to the death camp to protest the existence of a Catholic church at the "largest Jewish cemetery in the world".

The church is at the extermination camp built in the Second World War to further Hitler's genocidal goal of eradicating the Jewish people.

Weiss is founder of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and also heads the Coalition for Jewish Concerns.

The letter was sent through the Archbishop of New York, Timothy Dolan, according to Algemeiner.

Weiss wrote:

Dear Pope Francis,

On the eve of your visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, I ask that you visit the church at Birkenau, whose existence is in clear violation of the 1987 agreement between Roman Catholic cardinals and Jewish leaders.

The agreement stipulates in clear language that "there will be no permanent Catholic place of worship on the site of the Auschwitz and Birkenau camps."

I have attached an article I wrote that appeared online in the Washington Post on this issue.

I have deep respect for people of all faiths, symbols and places of worship of all faiths, but a church does not belong at the largest Jewish cemetery in the world.

It was Pope John Paul who demanded that the nuns leave the convent at Auschwitz One. I ask that you find similar courage and close the church at Birkenau, and have it moved elsewhere.

With blessings,

Avi Weiss

In his Washington Post article, published last year to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the camp's liberation, Weiss wrote that as time passes, there will soon be no living survivors left to witness to what happened there.

"We cannot allow evidence of the atrocities of the Holocaust to be co-opted by other groups for other purposes."

He recalls how Jews worldwide were "appalled" when, in 1984, Carmelite nuns took over an Auschwitz building that had once stored the Zyklon B gas that Nazis used to murder Jews and were even granted a 99-year lease to convert the building into a convent. Around the same time the Catholic church was established at Birkenau, also called Auschwitz II, in what was once the Nazi commandant headquarters.

In 1989, Weiss was among the group of seven activists who climbed over the fence surrounding the Carmelite convent in a peaceful protest.

"Polish workers inside the convent poured a bucket of water mixed with urine on us, as nuns watched from the windows," he wrote. In 1993, Saint John Paul II ordered the nuns to leave and the convent was closed but the parish church remains.

In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Weiss and other activists did a sit-in protest at the Birkenau church.

He wrote: "After a standoff with church officials that lasted throughout the day, we were arrested and taken to a police station, where a doctor summoned there asked that we strip. Flabbergasted, I blurted out, 'You mean you haven't stripped enough Jews in this place?' We were held for several hours before being released. Our protest and arrest won no concessions from the church or Catholic hierarchy."

Weiss added: "The church remains, and its very existence at this sacred Jewish space is inappropriate, misleading and a violation of Shoah memory....It's up to people of moral conscience to raise a voice for the sake of Holocaust memory and declare loud and clear: A church has no place at Auschwitz II."

He also wants the large crosses in front of and on top of the building to be removed.

Pope Francis will be the third Pope to visit Auschwitz.

Of the 1.1 million people murdered in the gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau or who died of disease or malnutrition, of which nine in ten or more were Jewish. More than 1800 Polish Catholic priests also died in Nazi Concentration Camps, according to historian Sir Ian Kershaw, with 3000 clergy killed in all.
News / Regional

by Thobekile Zhou

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights have taken a bold rare stance of representing under siege war veteransWar veterans have a history of violating human rights.However, the liberation fighters leadership is facing "persecution" and two have been arrested in past 24 hours.Douglas Mahiya who is the veteran's spokesperson was arrested Wednesday followed by secretary -general Victor Matemadanda today.They are likely to be charged with subverting a constitutionally-elected government.Human rights lawyers issued a statement giving a hint as to how their clients where arrested.Below is the statement :ON the afternoon of 27 July 2016, the Secretary for Information and Publicity of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Douglas Mahiya presented himself at Harare Central police Station Law and Order section. He had been called in for questioning.He was subsequently arrested and information presently at hand is that the police are charging him with violating section 22  (subverting a constitutional government) and/or section 33 (insulting the office of the President) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.On the same evening, a group of about 13 men who identified themselves as police officers descended at his Chitungwiza home and proceeded to search the premises, purportedly in terms of a search warrant.In the early hours of the morning of 28 July 2016, five individuals picked up the ZNLWVA Secretary General Victor Matemadanda from his home in Gokwe. They indicated that they were transporting him to Harare Central Law and Order section. His whereabouts are currently undetermined, as are the charges or allegations against him.Further information will follow as developments arise.
10 auction highlights from the first half of 2016

A look back at some of the artworks and objects that have lit up Christies salerooms between January and June this year

1

March  Dubai: Now and Ten

Open a larger version of this image Omar El-Nagdi, Sarajevo, 1992. Oil on canvas in three parts. Sold for: $1,145,000/ AED 4,162,075  World auction record for the artist

No fewer than 18 new world auction records were added in the Now and Ten auction to mark the 10th anniversary of Christies Dubai. In an energetic saleroom, collectors competed fiercely with phone and internet bidders for works of art sourced privately or from artists estates. The top lot of the evening was Sarajevo (1992) by Egyptian master Omar El-Nagdi (b.1931), in which the artist transcribes literally the chaos of war, isolating each disproportioned figure onto the canvas yet bringing them all together through the shared agony expressed in their faces. El-Nagdis figures appear inhuman and sometimes resemble animals more closely than people: the sufferings of war having stripped them of their humanity and dignity. Consigned by a French private collector, the work was bought by a Lebanese private collector for nearly twice its high estimate.

2

March  London, South Kensington: Modern British & Irish Art

Tony OMalley (recto) and Francis Bacon (verso), Currach, Clare Island (recto), Evening Landscape Tehidy Hospital (verso). Oil on board; oil and chalk on board. Sold for: 434,500 / $620,901

The Modern British & Irish Art sale at Christies South Kensington in March included two early paintings by Irish artist Tony OMalley which, when turned over and joined together, reveal a lost unfinished nude by Francis Bacon. Bacon started Figure when working in St Ives, Cornwall in the late 1950s, but after cutting short his visit following an argument with his partner he abandoned the painting, among many others. The work was divided into two by OMalley, who went on to paint two scenes on the reverse sides. For years these works were separated, residing in the collections of two different owners. Estimated at 20,000-30,000, they sold for 434,500. Read more

3

April  Milan: Modern and Contemporary

The annual Milan Modern and Contemporary auction achieved more than 15 million, with 91 per cent sold by lot and 92 per cent sold by value. The top lot of the evening was Alighiero Boettis Mappa from 1983. Of all of Boettis many diverse creations, his Mappe, or World Maps, are the simplest and most elegant encapsulation of the part-mystical, part-conceptual aesthetic that informed the artists work from the late 1960s until his death in 1994. In recent years, they have increasingly come to be seen as powerful and prophetic icons of the fluid, globalised state of the world in the 21st century. Palazzo Clerici buzzed with competitive bidding between buyers from a dozen countries, commented Renato Pennisi, Head of Sale, after Mappe passed its high estimate to sell for 1,387,200.

4

May  New York: Impressionist & Modern Art

Frida Kahlo, Dos Desnudos en el Bosque (La Tierra Misma), 1939. World auction record for the artist.  2016 Banco de Mexico Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust, Mexico, D.F. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

The series of sales that made up New Yorks inaugural 20th Century Week totalled almost $658 million / 456 million, and confirmed Christies market leadership of the major spring auctions. Collector demand at the top end of the market was underscored by record prices across the week, including the $8,005,000 paid for this work by Frida Kahlo. We are particularly proud of the result achieved for Dos Desnudos en el Bosque, which set the world auction record for Frida Kahlo and became the highest price for any work by a Latin American artist, commented Brooke Lampley, Head of Impressionist & Modern Art at Christies New York. Read more

5

May  London, King Street: Shakespeare: The First Four Folios



Video: Books and Manuscripts specialist Meg Ford inspects Shakespeares First Folio

Christies commemorated the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare (1564-1616) with a landmark sale, offering the first four Folios of his collected works in a special four-lot auction in London on 25 May. The sale was led by an unrecorded copy of the First Folio  the first collected edition of Shakespeares plays, and widely considered to be the most important literary publication in the English language. The First Folio contains 36 plays  18 of which had not previously been printed, and which would otherwise have been lost for ever  and sold for more than twice its low estimate. Read more

6

June  Paris: Sculpture et Objets dArt Europeens

The highlight of the European Sculpture and Works of Art auction in Paris was the sale of the last two figures of Mourners from the tomb of Jean de France (1340-1416), duc de Berry and brother of King Charles V (1338-1380). The figures were executed by Jean de Cambrai (known from 1375 to 1438), one of the most important sculptors of his time. Two alabaster figures of Mourners from the same tomb sold for more than 4 million in November 2013, marking a significant milestone. This sale offers a unique opportunity to acquire the last two marble Mourners from the same collection, commented Isabelle dAmecourt, Head of the European Sculpture and Works of Art department, before these treasures of medieval statuary sold for more than 500,000 above their low estimate.

7

May  New York: Post-War and Contemporary Art

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled, 1982 World auction record for the artist

Untitled is a remarkably powerful canvas which instantly engulfs any viewer in its presence, said Brett Gorvy, Christies International Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art, of the epic Jean-Michel Basquiat painting that led the May Evening Sale in New York, which realized a total of $318,388,000 / 220,796,117. Executed in Modena, Italy, in the prime year of Basquiats short but brilliant career, Untitled (1982) is monumental in size while its visceral energy marks it out as one of the artists seminal works. After breaking the world auction record for a work by Basquiat, Gorvy noted that the painting had been the subject of intense competition that dispelled questions of a market contraction. The work was acquired by a collector in Asia, which, said Gorvy, underlined the global scope of the masterpiece market. Read more

8

May  Geneva: Magnificent Jewels

During my 47 years at Christies Ive been lucky enough to have handled and auctioned some of the worlds most legendary blue diamonds, said Francois Curiel when introducing the exceptional Oppenheimer Blue. Weighing 14.62 carats, the largest Vivid Blue diamond ever to come to auction inspired an extraordinary 25 minutes of bidding in the Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva, before selling for more than $58 million  a world record for any jewel at auction. Selling the Oppenheimer Blue diamond was a real privilege and the result proves that there is still a strong demand for high-end quality stones, remarked a delighted Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christies Jewellery Department. Watch video

9

May  Hong Kong: 30 Years: The Sale

This monumental dragon jar came from a private French family collection and was passed by descent through to the consignor, who kept it in her home and used it to hold walking sticks. The jar was made in the reign of the Xuande Emperor (1426-35), a period which is generally regarded by connoisseurs as the high point of Chinese blue and white porcelain production, when enthusiastic imperial patronage, technical ingenuity and inspired artistry combined to create some of the most impressive porcelain in Chinas long ceramic history. The top lot in 30 Years: The Sale, a white-glove auction to mark Christies anniversary in Hong Kong, this remarkable vessel sold for just over HK$158 million, almost double its high estimate. Watch video

10

June  London, King Street: Defining British Art



Henry Moore, Reclining Figure: Festival, 1951. Bronze with a brown patina. Sold for: 24,722,500 / $33,103,428  World auction record for the artist
Art in war

The crisis across the Middle East has had a devastating impact on the regions artists. Remarkably, however, many continue to work. Here we speak to artists featured in our online sale, UNTITLED, and the organisation that supports them

The crisis in Syria has had a devastating impact on artists and intellectuals, observes Dr Allan Goodman, CEO of the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF), a charity founded in 1919 which aims to support creative voices during periods of conflict. University campuses have been bombed, most university students are unable to continue their studies, and many professors have been killed, kidnapped, or forced to flee. While ISIS is destroying Syrias fabled archaeological past, the war is destroying the future of its arts, Goodman continues. Despite this, Goodman notes, artists and intellectuals are continuing to generate new art in the context of war. The IIE-SRF aims to enable these artists and intellectuals to continue their work in safety, establishing fellowships at academic institutions across the world, and promoting their work as fundamental to the rebuilding of their respective homelands. Live from 28 July to 11 August, Christies online auction UNTITLED highlights the talent of some of the artists the IIE-SRF works with, while raising funds to support the organisations ongoing work. Of the 40 works offered, eight are by three artists who have worked with the IIE-SRF. Estimates start at $100, with buyers premium donated to the IIE-SRF. One of the artists supported by the IIE-SRF is Dr Joumana Jaber, who was relocated from Syria to New Jersey. It had become clear that the war was having a devastating effect on Syrian society, she reflects, recalling the period prior to her departure. My husband was kidnapped and my sons friend was killed. I knew I needed to get out.

As an artist, Jaber began to receive threats. In Syria, our creativity was in captivity, she says. Unable to express her ideas freely, she worked in code: I used symbols to represent my ideas and my resistance For instance, chairs in our society represent power or a dominant religious figure. I created a series of sculptures representing the leader of the regime, who occupied a chair reigning over Syria for 40 years.

Thanks to the support of the IIE-SRF, Jaber has been able to continue and develop her practice in safety. Once here [in New Jersey] I moved away from symbols and chose to express myself as directly as possible. I have become braver and more free, she explains. This unguarded approach has resulted in powerful works. I want to be shocking and shed light on what is happening to human beings elsewhere in the world. My works on chemical weapons and chemotherapy are informed by my own experience of receiving chemotherapy in 2006, and the war. Death is represented by the colour blue on bodies.

A former lecturer at Iraqs University of Basra, like Joumana Jaber, Saddam Jumaily turned to art to reflect upon the war and devastation he witnessed in his homeland. For the artist, the horror of this reality was often more bizarre and disobedient than a dream  a sentiment expressed in works that verge upon the surreal.

In Memorial Photo, Jumaily explains, Two people stand naked in an empty basin, as if someone is taking a photo on a beach, pointing to the peaceful memory of humanity a man lies down, desperately listening to the reactions of the world, which is confused and mixed up. In Hard Moment a fly becomes a symbol for destruction, disease, nuisance and filth; a religious authority disrupting beauty and civilisation, here represented as a woman.

Although the work of Jumaily and Jaber is fast turning them into recognised names, many of the artists the IIE-SRF assists choose to remain anonymous. We always honour that, says the organisations Assistant Director James R. King. The repercussions they might face at home could range from reprisals against family members to dismissal from their positions.
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Can a 440,000-square foot, concrete industrial complex have curb appeal?

After a little work, you bet.

When food distribution giant Sysco put its east Houston distribution center up for sale in 2010, the Houston Food Bank jumped at the chance to buy it.

"Sysco had a buyer lined up ready to go," said Briane Greene, president and CEO of the Houston Food Bank. "We asked: Will you sell it to us? We think we can raise the money to pay you and they actually said yes."

The Houston Food Bank moved into the new headquarters at 535 Portwall after some renovations. While both Sysco and the food bank both distribute food, there are some key differences. Greene explained how that factored in to the changes they made.

"They get their food the way they want it, Greene said. "The reasons we get what we get is because its somebody else's problem."

The Houston Food Bank needed space within the facility for volunteers to handle and process the food it distributes to charities, which then get it to the mouths of the needy.

"About 40,000 square feet of our facility here is where volunteers will work to make this food ready for distribution," Greene said. "When Sysco got it, it was ready for distribution."

So the warehouse is now colorful and friendly place for the public to visit and help out. It's set up to pipe in music in the genre of choice for volunteers in different work areas.

"We needed to make this building a destination for people who want to volunteer," Greene said. "We needed to make the building very different than what Sysco needed it to be."

"We even put in a conference center because want companies to comer here, have a meeting then go to work."

The next project, a new 10,000-square-foot kitchen that supplies hot meals to the Kids Care program, is under way.

The Houston Food Bank distributes almost 100 million pounds of food annually, but it could do more, Greene said. Its biggest constraint is labor.

"There's fare more surplus food opportunities."
Melissa Phillip:/Chronicle

London-based Lloyd's Register has firmed up its commitment to Houston as its U.S. headquarters and likely saved some money in the process.

The engineering, technical and business services firm signed an early lease renewal negotiated by Houston-based Transwestern.
Police are searching for a 22-year-old man wanted for assaulting his girlfriend during several days earlier this year at her apartment just southwest of downtown Houston.

Christian Davilla is charged with with assault of a family member, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said some of the repeated assaults apparently occurred between May 15 and July 23.

According to court documents in the case, at least two attacks occurred on April 24 and May 15 at the woman's apartment in the 4500 block of Austin near midtown.

According to court documents, the 27-year-old woman told investigators that when she came home late from work on April 24, Davilla lost his temper, hit her face and pushed her to the floor. She said the attack lasted about 40 minutes. She ended up with two black eyes and facial pain.

A witness who was spending the night at the apartment on May 15 told police she heard a commotion in the bedroom of Davilla's girlfriend, documents state. When the witness went into the room, she saw Davilla pinning the woman against the wall with his hands around her neck. He screamed at her, "I going to...kill you."

The woman was hospitalized after the attacks. Her condition was not released.

Anyone with information concerning Davilla's whereabouts is urged to contact the HPD Special Victims Division at 713-308-1100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Barbara and Gerald Hines decided on a St. Barth's inspired fete at their Aspen home to celebrate the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's 18th annual "Making Cancer History" seminar. Mother Nature had other ideas.

On July 22, as the Hines' 200 guests gathered al fresco on the Roaring Fork River banks, raindrops began to fall. Under cover of a sprawling white tent lined with chipper blue and coral panels, however, friends and supporters remained dry and kept the island vibes alive. Tropical blooms, tiny white lights, and a tiki bar contributed to the resort motif; jerk chicken, cumin roasted lamb, coconut rice and peas, fresh juice shots, and festive single-serve desserts rounded out the exotic aesthetic  despite the forecast.
Opinion / Columnist

African - for decades - has had the unenviable label of being the 'war capital of the world', due the seemingly never-ending conflicts ravaging the continent - thereby, impoverishing and destroying the lives of its people, who should, otherwise, be living lavishly on a continent endowed with some of the world's most precious resources.How does a continent, which should be the light and pride of the world, find itself in such a precarious situation?This is a very complex question, which would require a whole book to unravel, but one thing is crystal clear - African regional bodies have been complicit by their apathy towards potential hotspots on the continent, such that conflicts that could have been prevented - had they been nipped in the bud - have been ignored till it was too late.The African Union (AU), and other regional bodies, such as, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), have been found wanting in their wanton disregard of the affairs of member states, such that, even when a potential conflict is clearly perceptible, these organisations have merely folded their arms - only to start running around when it was a bit too late.Most, if not all, of the conflicts on the African continent, did not result from some mysterious spontaneous combustion, but could be seen from a mile off that they were imminent.As there has been too many a conflict on the continent, for this discourse I will just select two, as examples.The civil war that ravaged South Sudan for the past two and a half years - thereby, abruptly putting to an end to any celebrations for Africa's newest nation - could have, most likely, been averted, had the African Union intervened sooner.The problems between the country's President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar, had been known for some time before they eventually fell out, resulting in the sacking of Machar.Although, this may be regarded as conjuncture, would the ensuing conflict had been averted had the AU sought to mediate well before the problems between Kiir and Machar reached conflict pitch in December 2013?I certainly believe that the needless killing of more than 50,000 lives, and the internal displacement of 1.6 million people could have been avoided, had the AU played a more active role well before the conflict broke out.Similarly, in Zimbabwe today, there are serious internal divisions and infighting between very senior members of the ZANU PF government - that are potentially catastrophic to the country.The AU, and SADC - the regional body in which Zimbabwe is part of - have both been conspicuous by their usual silence.They had disturbingly adopted their now all-too-familiar 'see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil' approach, that led to numerous conflicts on the continent, as in South Sudan.Can the continental and regional bodies perceive the distinct similarities between these two scenarios?In Zimbabwe, the President Robert Mugabe apparently is now openly siding with a faction within his own ruling party - and by extension, the government - that is diametrically opposed to a camp perceived to be aligned to the Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa - both of whom have significant military support.Would it not have been prudent for the SADC to intervene on a mediatory basis, so as to prevent the crisis from escalating, and potentially resulting on another South Sudan?Does the regional body, and indeed, the AU, want to wait until an inextinguishable conflict explodes in Zimbabwe?That is when we will witness fervent action by both the AU and SADC trying to facilitate some form of a tricky agreement - but as already witnessed in the South Sudan conflict - it is nearly an impossible task.Needless to say, this is not the first time that Zimbabwe has received the raw end of the stick from both these bodies.In the early 2000s, after the violent and chaotic land redistribution programme by the ZANU PF government, and the subsequent atrocious subversion of the human rights of those in the opposition - mainly the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) - the AU and SADC were disturbingly apathetic to the Zimbabwean situation.In fact, the then South African President Thabo Mbeki denied that there was any crisis in Zimbabwe.However, after the murderous 2008 elections in the country - in which ZANU PF resorted to graven violence against the opposition, after Mugabe lost to MDC's Tsvangirai - did Mbeki 'suddenly' had an awakening that there WAS indeed a crisis in Zimbabwe - subsequently, running around trying to mediate between the two parties.If he had done that well before the 2008 elections, would that not have had a hugely positive impact on the country?Another sad African example is that of Burundi, in which violence broke out on 26 April 2015 - after the ruling National Council for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) announced on 25 April that President Pierre Nkurunziza was to seek a constitutionally disputed third term in the 2015 Presidential elections.As with the previous examples, the 'writing was already on the wall', as the Burundi government had been buzzing this decision well before it was finally officially announced.The whole world knew that this was what the country's government was mulling.The AU was, nevertheless, characteristically silent - as they seemingly never bothered to intervene well before the official announcement was made.As to be expected, the AU only started running around more than 439 deaths and 200,000 refugees later.That is deplorable - to say the very least!Currently in Zimbabwe, there is huge disgruntlement by the suffering masses with the ZANU PF government.Due to an unimaginable economic meltdown - record-breaking unemployment and retrenchments, unprecedented company closures, lack of cash in the country, non-payment of salaries, and so forth - the people are understandably dissatisfied with their government.The situation has been exacerbated by the callous lavish lifestyles of those in power - whose wealth is mostly due to the plundering of the nation's resources at the expense of the suffering people.In a desperate bid to be heard by a seemingly unconcerned, downright arrogant, and cruel government, the people decided to embark on peaceful protests, as well as stayaways.However, this constitutional mass action has been met by brute force by the Zimbabwe government, that has shown its disregard for the country's constitution and fundamental human rights - in a paranoic and desperate bid to hold on to power.The suffering people of Zimbabwe are hungry, and as such, angry with their government - however, the heavy-handed approach by those in power will only make matters worse.The people need solutions to their problems, not tear gas, water cannons, beatings up, and arrests.The more the Zimbabwe government resorts to violence, instead of dialogue, the greater the chance that the people's anger will boil over into a conflict.This is the chance for both the AU and SADC to redeem themselves from their previous follies.Assuming that they have learnt any lessons from their past debacles, these bodies should intervene in the Zimbabwean crisis immediately.The AU and SADC should, by now, have seen that it is more expensive - in human lives, effort, time, and money - in waiting for a conflict to break out, instead of intervening when it is still simmering.As the adage goes, 'a stitch in time saves nine', these bodies can not afford to let down the people of Zimbabwe, and of the continent, again.They have to prove their relevance to the continent, as so far, they have failed to live up to expectations.What benchmark has the AU and SADC set for them to spring into action?Do they wait for the 1,000 lives lost mark, or is it the 10,000 lives lost mark, for them to finally take a conflict seriously?No more Zimbabwean lives should be lost before the AU and SADC intervenes - as already there are reports that the recent Zimbabwe protests and stayaway cost the live of a baby due to police tear gas inhalation.Is that still too little a number for the mighty AU and SADC to bother with?What about the countless arrests, and beatings up? No?What about the imminent widespread conflict that will ensue if the people's anger boils over, as the government seems uninterested in resolving their concerns, and is intent on a brutal crackdown?Africa can not continue being the 'conflict capital of the world', it is time for the AU and its regional bodies to finally exhibit some leadership, without fear or cronyism - as indeed, African lives matter, and can not continue being the sacrificial lambs of those in power. Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice activist and commentator, writer, and journalist. He writes in his personal capacity, and welcomes any feedback. Please feel free to WhatsApp/call: +263782283975, or email: tendaiandtinta.mbofana@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter: @Tendai_Mbofana
The oldest law school in Houston -- facing a legal challenge from the University of Houston after changing its name -- says its new name makes more sense than its old one.

When the former South Texas College of Law was founded more than 90 years ago, the "South Texas" region was understood to include Houston. That's no longer the case, the law school argued in its first response to the court in an ongoing legal fight with University of Houston over the renaming of the school to Houston College of Law.
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For the second time in as many days a child has wounded himself in an accidental shooting in the Houston area.

No charges are expected in the most recent case after a 7-year-old accidentally shot himself in the head Wednesday when he got into his grandfather's locked gun cabinet in Brazoria County.

The incident happened about 11 a.m. in the 4000 block of East Texas 6 in Alvin, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said the boy grabbed a .38 caliber revolver from the cabinet and pulled the trigger. The bullet went into the boy's forehead just below the hairline, traveled under the skin on the crown of his head and then exited without piercing his skull.

The boy is expected to recover.

The grandparents, deputies said, will not face any charges since their grandson had to make great efforts to the find the key to the locked gun cabinet.

The incident came a day after another boy, believed to be 5 years old, shot himself in the face at a home in northwest Harris County.

That shooting happened about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in the 9700 block of Shady Tree Lane, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The child was rushed to the Texas Medical Center. He died on Thursday.

Deputies said the Tuesday shooting also appeared to be accidental and investigators were trying to determine how the boy got his hands on the gun. No charges have been filed yet, but officials said they are unsure if any charges will be pursued.

"This very serious," a family friend posted in Spanish on Facebook Wednesday. "They do not give us hope, but I know that we believe and trust in a powerful God who does miracles."
Members of the Carverdale community reunited for the first time in 44 years for "A Night to Remember" June 17 at Sterling Banquet Hall.

"This memorable event will forever remain in the hearts and minds of all who attended. It was such an awesome experience to watch the excitement and fellowship as former students embraced and shared fond memories," said Lester Whiteing Jr., community involvement coordinator for the Houston Housing and Community Development department and a Jersey Village High School graduate who grew up in the Carverdale community.
Opinion / Columnist

It is quite interesting how some politicians especially from opposition forces, attempt to package themselves in the political field. Joice Mujuru, the leader of Zimbabwe People First (Zim-PF) never ceases to amaze me. It is a shame that this old widow who has been in government for years is failing to market herself to the electorate. Consequently, there is no harm in concluding that Mujuru is out of touch with the electorate.Ever since Mujuru started her rallies, it is now evident that the her speeches during her gatherings have nothing to do with issues that brings bread and butter on the tables of the electorate, instead she only attend to issues that deal with her own advancement.What Mujuru wants is to be back in power, period! Like Morgan Tsvangirai, Mujuru has joined the Mugabe must go mantra at her rallies. Surely, does that bring food to the people of Zimbabwe?One would wonder.People are sick and tired of failed politicians like Joice, who are only interested in enriching themselves at the expense of serving the needs of those that voted for them in power. It is actually surprising that Mujuru who served as Vice President for ten solid years could not rehabilitate the road that stretches to her homestead in Mount Darwin. As it stands, that road is a nightmare to drivers and begs the question; what was Mai Mujuru doing when she was in government? Failing to upgrade the standards of a constituency is evidence enough that one cannot deliver. If others parliamentarians managed to change the fortunes of their constituencies, why did Mujuru failed to.Casting a vote for Mujuru is a waste of time and energy. The electorate should not be duped Mujuru is not a potential leader. Mujuru is just an overzealous and power hungry politician. The blunders that led her expulsion from the ruling party, ZANU-PF will be the same errors that will likely to happen when she got the chance to be in power again. Hence, the electorate should avoid voting her into power she has nothing to offer them.Mujuru has a tendency of inciting and using other people for her personal gains. Her recent rally in Marondera is a typical example which indicates that the former Vice President has no alternative policies that can make her saleable to the general public. Instead of telling the people how she is planning to develop the nation, Mujuru was busy inciting freedom fighters to revolt against their patron. War veterans refused to be swayed by her politics and she formed her party and nothing has changed. They remain ZANU PF despite their differences.But will that build the nation?Real builders are not destroyers.Rather than trying to cause havoc in other political parties, Mujuru should be more concerned about her failed Zim-PF project. If the truth be told, she should expend energy to first build her political outfit which has failed to attract big-wig from ZANU PF as she envisioned. For the electorate to believe you, politics should make sense. If Zim-PF has no proper campaigning strategy, it would be far much better for it to remain silent than waffling. Mujuru and her allies should be urged that the electorate is not stupid and dull. People of Zimbabwe have always had the ability to analyze matters. For instance, the electorate is capable of giving you a long rope, of which you can tie yourself and they will later dump you. So Mujuru should be careful. She must not be deceived by the small crowds that attend her rallies. It should not come as a surprise that one day she will be alone and her party elders. Election victory is only noticed through the ballot box.Mujuru imprudently accused ministers for demanding kickbacks from potential investors who may want to invest locally. It is known that Mujuru was in government and senior to the ministers that he allegedly accuses of demanding bribes. Why then didn't Mujuru come out open on that issue whilst she was still part of the system? Mujuru was in a better position to know what was happening in government during her tenure. What the public is aware of is that Mujuru abused her office and allegedly coerced foreign owned companies using her office to dispose 10 percent shareholding in organizations that she had interest in, for their protection.In that regard, we can safely say that it was her, Mujuru, who was accountable for demanding kickbacks from investors not the ministers that she is accusing.Also, Mujuru wrongfully claims that her expulsion was plotted in 2006. Surely how could President Mugabe plan to expel a person whom he had elevated within a period of two years? The truth is Mujuru mooted her own demise because of quenchable thirsty for power.----------Sibusisiso Ndlamini
According to a police report filed by the Murfreesboro Police Department, officers were dispatched to a hibachi restaurant on Monday for a sexual assault complaint. James Lassiter of Sherman, Texas, told police that the server "took out a toy figure of a person and pulled down the pants and shot water" at his wife Isabelle.

READ MORE: Grassroots effort takes a stance against toy guns

According to the police report, a chef admitted to squirting Lassiter's wife, Isabelle, with water.

She told police "she was assaulted by the toy that shot water at her," the police report reads. No charges were filed.

The Lassiters told WTVF in Tennessee that "People are missing the point. This was a sexually-orientated toy meant for adults, in front of minor children... If people think it's so funny, why don't people go buy that toy and squirt a cop in the face with it and see what happens."

Murfreesboro is about 30 miles southeast of Nashville.
Kautman-Jones endorses Davis Please support Meredith Davis in her re-election to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners - 8th District. I have had...

Writer recommend Delor, Jones for GB school board I have met heard April Delor and Patricia Jones for the Grand Blanc School Board. They both have many years...

Chairman Matt Smith reminds you to vote It is important that the voters of Genesee County show up and cast their ballot on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022....
LOS ANGELESDillion Harper is nominated for the upcoming 24th Annual NightMoves Awards, held in Tampa, Florida, on October 9. She is recognized in the Best Adult Star Feature Dancer category.

"I am thrilled to be included in this year's nominations for NightMoves. Winning Miss Congeniality in 2014 was such an honor, and it would be great if lighting could strike twice," Harper said. "I hope all of my Dillionaires make sure to vote for me and help make this dream come true!"

To see the complete list of nominees, click here.

The deadline for votes is 11:59 p.m. on September 15. There is only vote allowed per IP address; a legal ballot must have votes in at least six categories. Fans and industry members can log their votes for their favorite performers, directors, films, and feature dance performers here.

For more information, visit NightMovesOnline.com or follow on Twitter.

Dillion Harper is represented by LA Direct Models for shoots and by the Lee Network for feature dancing. Follow her on Twitter: @DillionHarper.
A man involved in a deadly robbery at a Houston Denny's pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Wednesday, according to the district attorney's office.

Leroy Houston, 21, was one of four suspects accused in a robbery in August 2013 at a Denny's on Interstate 10 and Washington Avenue. A customer was killed and an employee was injured.
As boots scoot across the wooden floor of the dance hall in Gruene and neon beer signs over the small stage in the back reflect onto the crowd of Stetson hats, it hits you: This is Texas.

The 6,000-square-foot dance hall has sat mostly unchanged in the tiny tourist town near New Braunfels. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall has hosted acts such as Willie Nelson, George Strait, Lyle Lovett and Ryan Adams.
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The man who was shot by Houston police this week after pointing what turned out to be pellet gun at officers has been charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and apparently has been released from hospital care.

Erick Michael Coonrod, 27, faces the felony charge for allegedly using a firearm to "unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly threaten with imminent bodily injury" an officer who was exercising "official power and performance of an official duty," according to court documents.

RELATED: Police responded to calls Coonrod was waving a gun

He is being held in the Harris County jail in lieu of $30,000 bail.

The officer named in the criminal complaint, which was filed Tuesday, is J. Baldwin  one of the two Houston Police Department responders who opened fire.

Coonrod was shot and wounded Sunday afternoon at 1100 West Alabama near Yoakum in the Montrose area.

According to police, he did not respond to officers' commands and reached for what appeared to be a gun in the waistband of his pants.

CRIMINAL HISTORY: Documents detail Coonrod's troubled past

Officers identified as Baldwin and R. Naughton fired multiple shots when Coonrod pulled the weapon and pointed the gun at them, police said.

The firearm was a replica pellet gun, authorities determined.

Wounded more than once, Coonrod was rushed to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition. The officers, each with three years on the force, were not hurt.

This week's police shooting follows a fatal incident three weeks ago that has sparked local protests and prompted Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner last week to release officer body camera footage to assure the public that the deceased man was armed when he encountered officers and to quell tensions that might fuel retaliation against law enforcement.

IN MOURNING: Hundreds pack funeral for Alva Braziel

Police on routine patrol just after midnight on July 9 said they saw Alva Braziel waving a gun while walking on Cullen near Ward. City officials have said that those officers opened fire when Braziel, 38, pointed his gun at them. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Critics have said that police footage, which begins after Braziel was shot, doesn't answer the questions they expected from the devices because HPD policy allows officers to delay turning on body cameras when "it may be impractical or unreasonable ... before taking police action."
A total of 6,913 people died in police custody or behind bars in Texas from 2005-2015, according to data compiled by a group of University of Texas researchers at the Texas Justice Initiative.

The group has published an interactive database that analyzes the deaths reported by agencies statewide. The cases include natural deaths as well as officer-involved shootings, prisoner suicides, overdoses and other incidents.
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A police officer present during a portion of Sandra Bland's ill-fated traffic stop said Tuesday that the Waller County district attorney's office would not let him testify before a grand jury about evidence favorable to Bland, saying he was told his career would suffer if he went public with what he had seen and heard.

But Waller County District Attorney Elton R. Mathis Jr. dismissed Officer Michael Kelley's account as "fictional," noting that Kelley has since been indicted on charges he unlawfully arrested a local city councilman.

"I unequivocally state that he never approached me, my first assistant, or any member of my staff with any such information," Mathis said in the emailed statement. "His job was never threatened by me or my staff, and I barely knew who he was before he was indicted."

Prairie View Officer Michael Kelley told the Chronicle on Tuesday that he outlined his allegations in a sworn deposition last week stemming from a federal lawsuit filed by Bland's mother over her 28-year-old daughter's death in the Waller County Jail on July 13, 2015.

Bland's death was ruled a suicide and spurred outrage from civil rights activists concerned with police treatment of African-Americans. Her mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, spoke Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia along with other mothers whose children died during interactions with police or from gun violence.

An audio recording of Kelley describing the Bland arrest was released Tuesday by Waller County activist DeWayne Charleston. Activists who joined him in a news conference called for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the case.

"This is what happens when you try to cross the thin blue line," said Charleston, a former justice of the peace in Waller County and local activist who was convicted in 2010 on conspiracy involving bribery.

Kelley's allegations are the second in a week to raise questions about the Bland investigation. A former jailer also has testified under oath in a deposition that he falsified jail logs on the day Bland died, but a source told the Chronicle that the grand jury decided not to indict anyone from the sheriff's office in the case.

Kelley said he was indicted months later in an unrelated incident with the councilman - a charge he said was unjustly leveled against him but none of the other officers involved.

"I was not a target until I started running my mouth and sticking up for Sandra Bland," said Kelley, 33, who has been with the Prairie View police since 2014 but is currently on suspension pending the outcome of the charge against him.

'Red flags ... on my end'

Bland was already handcuffed in the back seat of a squad car, covered in grass and dirt, by the time Kelley arrived on the scene on July 10, 2015. She showed signs of bruising on her forehead, he said.

The trooper, Brian Encinia, told Kelley at the time that he didn't yet know what charge he would use to book Bland into the jail. She was stopped initially for changing lanes without using a turn signal.

Kelley said he heard Bland tell Encinia that she suffered from epilepsy, to which the trooper responded, "Good."

After Bland was found hanging in her jail cell three days later, a Texas Ranger came to the Prairie View station and asked Kelley and another officer at the scene to write reports of what they had seen. Kelley said he and the officer printed out their statements, but the Ranger told them not to make copies or sign them.

"That's when the red flags started coming on my end," Kelley said.

The other officer was instructed to put her statement into the computer system, Kelley said. He never input his, but his chief said he'd take care of his supplemental report.

During his deposition last week, Kelley said he was presented with a copy of what was submitted as his report.

He said the facts in the document were not inaccurate but "generic," with statements incriminating to the trooper omitted.

Kelley said he asked to testify before a grand jury, but an official with the DA's office declined to subpoena him. When he threatened to call one of Bland's mother's lawyers, the officials said that doing so would not be good for his career, he said.

Mathis, the district attorney, said in the written statement that the allegations are "an attempt to divert attention away from the crime committed against Councilman Miller and to cash in on the media attention and sad circumstances surrounding Ms. Bland's death last year for which we all still mourn."

Mathis continued, "These matters will ultimately be decided by judges/juries in the state and federal courts, and we anxiously look forward to resolutions and the truth being presented in the courts of law, not the tabloids, and not at the behest of those that seek to profit financially or personally off of Ms. Bland's death."

'He never' came to us

A special prosecutor who investigated Bland's detention and death called Kelley's assertions "outlandish," sharply criticizing the Prairie View officer's statements and those of Charleston, the former JP.

"Why would a police officer who's in the know, who knows the system inside and out, contact the DA when there were special prosecutors involved and they were handling the case?" an exasperated Darrell Jordan said, explaining that Kelley had never reached out to him or other prosecutors.

"Anybody on the street could have said they wanted to testify," Jordan said. "We wanted anybody. ... He never, never, never, never (contacted us)."

Jordan noted that Encinia, the trooper, was eventually indicted on a misdemeanor perjury charge over the statements he made about the arrest. The charge is pending.

"I mean, we ended up coming with an indictment - instead, he's saying he would have had more evidence to help us indict or to give to the grand jury to make their decision and we kept it out?" he asked. "That's not even in line with the final results."

He also criticized Charleston's comments, saying Charleston appeared not to understand the basics of the case.

Kelley confirmed he did not contact the special prosecutor, and he could not say whether Mathis, the DA, knew about the conversation with the other official in Mathis' office.

But Kelley said he questions the district attorney's pledge to investigate Bland's death fully.

"He gave statements to the media they would leave no stone unturned," he said. "I wasn't allowed to give testimony. I was a stone that wasn't turned over."
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Chris Kyle, the focus of last year's blockbuster "American Sniper," was honored Thursday with a statue honoring his memory in Odessa commemorating his life as a "father," "husband," "solider" and "humanitarian."

Kyle, a U.S. Navy SEAL veteran and sniper, was shot to death by Eddie Ray Routh, a former Marine, on Feb. 2, 2013 at a Central Texas shooting range. Actor Bradley Cooper starred as Kyle in the 2014 film "American Sniper." Since then, Gov. Greg Abbott declared Feb. 2 to be "Chris Kyle Day" in 2015.

Kyle's widow, Taya, was in attendance to honor her late husband, according to her Facebook page. She was joined by Dr. Sudip Bose, who worked with Kyle in Iraq and U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-TX.

Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers sang the National Anthem at the unveiling.

RELATED: 9-foot Chris Kyle bronze statue, plaza set for May unveiling in West Texas

And now, the late Texan who is regarded as the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history  originally from Odessa  will be forever remembered and honored with a 9-foot-tall bronze statue, depicting Kyle with a sniper rifle in his left hand and the American flag in his right.

Kyle's wife, Taya, and his father Wayne were consulted by Vic Payne, the sculptor of the statue to make sure the slain "American Sniper" was remembered properly.

According to the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, the 2,800-square-foot plaza is be made of granite and Texas limestone. It is located adjacent to the Veterans' Clinic in Odessa at the Medical Center Hospital on SH 191.

RELATED: Taya Kyle, widow of 'American Sniper' Chris Kyle, faces President Barack Obama on guns at town hall

The statue of Kyle is the centerpiece of three plazas linked together. Beside Kyle, the other two plazas feature the "unmentioned team members and all of those other unnamed SEALS that gave their lives for our country," according to the chamber.

Limestone, cut from Kyle's hometown, paves the plaza and is inlaid with a SEAL symbol, the Roman god Neptune, and three tridents, which is the Greek god Poseidon's weapon. The three tridents are a remembrance of Kyle and other unknown SEALS.

Texas and U.S. flags flank the plaza which is shaded by trees from former President George W. Bush's ranch.

Black granite serves as the backdrop to the memorial, creating low walls and spaces for visitors to sit down. According to the chamber, the low walls are angled making it so visitors can see engravings of Kyle's medals, accomplishments and tours of duty and "their own face, reflecting in the mirrored granite."

RELATED: Probe shows different medal count for 'American Sniper'

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, called Kyle a "hero in every sense of the word," Thursday in a news release.

"This memorial will not only pay tribute to a devoted husband and father who gave back to fellow veterans in need, it will help folks across our state and nation remember a heroic Texan," he said.

Cooper, who is not Chris Kyle, was criticized for attending the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this week. Some Twitter users say they plan to boycott Cooper's future films over his presence at the convention. Another commented that they thought his experience playing Kyle would have rubbed off on him.

Cooper received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Kyle last year.

The number of medals Kyle received was corrected following a military investigation July 10.

In his best-selling book, Kyle wrote he had received two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars. Lt. Jackie Pau told the Associated Press that the investigation and review of Kyle's discharge paperwork, known as a DD214 form, determined he had earned one Silver Star and four Bronze Stars with combat "V'' for valor.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
It's been nearly 15 years since their lives were thrust together for a few chaotic moments outside the Pentagon on 9/11.

Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell never got to thank the man who held his leaky IV line and tried to keep him conscious as he lay on a gurney, parts of his body and half his face burned beyond recognition. Col. Rob Maness never knew if the severely wounded man he'd helped had survived.

That is, until last week, when their paths crossed again.

In 2001, Birdwell worked for the Army and, on the morning of Sept. 11, was in an office with two colleagues watching the live footage of the Twin Towers burning. At 9:35 he stepped out to go to the bathroom, telling his co-workers he'd be right back. It was the last time he ever spoke to them.

Less than 10 minutes later, as Birdwell left the bathroom, American Airlines Flight 77 barreled into the side of the building, the nose of the aircraft less than 20 yards from where Birdwell stood. He was engulfed in flames, parts of his polyester Army pants melted to his skin, his arms were skinned, and he collapsed with blood and black soot caked to his charred body. He lay there in the burning hall thinking of his wife and his teenage son and their goodbyes that morning. He tried to accept that he was dying.

Yet, minutes later, he was being carried out of the building and a medic on site quickly hooked him up to an IV. That's when Maness, who worked for the Air Force, showed up and was instructed to hold Birdwell's IV line, which was leaking, and to try to keep the fading man awake. Maness asked his first name. They prayed together.

Maness told him he'd be okay, though it was a promise that he didn't know for years that he'd actually kept.

"I hadn't forgotten about that guy," Maness said in an interview. "I never knew if he lived or not, but I prayed for him every day."

Birdwell was eventually taken to the hospital where he'd spend 26 days in intensive care. More than 60 percent of his body was severely burned, and he'd have 39 operations during his excruciating recovery, which took about four years, he said. In December 2001, The Washington Post profiled Birdwell, one of seven burn victims from the Pentagon who were treated at Washington Hospital Center.

Maness spent the rest of Sept. 11 surrounded by the blood and carnage, helping the wounded get to the triage area or to a spot where they could be transported to a hospital. He remembers seeing a cab driver run into the building to try and pull people out. People from all backgrounds showed up to help, he said. He was just one of them.

Both men are in politics now, Birdwell a state senator in Texas and Maness a candidate for the open U.S. Senate seat in Louisiana. They were both in Cleveland last week for the Republican National Convention.

Maness requested a meeting with former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to ask advice for running in a statewide election. Perry wanted to introduce him to another veteran turned public official who had also been in the Pentagon on 9/11. He had his aides track down Birdwell.

Within minutes of trading stories from that terrible day, the men realized who the other was. They were describing the same location, the same injuries, the same broken IV line. And Maness, who days after the attack wrote an after action report about what he had observed, had mentioned in it an Army officer named Brian who was badly burned, in shock and in need of a working IV.

"We figured it out in a couple minutes of talking to each other," Maness said. "I started crying. It was a very positive emotional release for me."

Birdwell said he never could have picked Maness out of a lineup, but he remembers distinctly the instructions Maness was given to hold his IV to keep it from leaking as he lay there still unsure whether he would live through the day.

"We had a really big hug that had the gravity and emotion of two comrades in arms," Birdwell said. "This wasn't just someone in the building, this was someone who the Lord had as close to me 15 years ago as he was standing next to me in the room there with Gov. Perry."

Birdwell started a nonprofit, Face the Fire Ministries, that supports burn victims and wounded service men and women. Maness helped found an advocacy organization to prevent veteran suicides. Both say their shared politics, passions and past will ensure they now stay in each other's lives.

Many people ensured Birdwell survived that day. That he got to attend his son's high school and college graduations, and wedding last year. Not a day goes by that Birdwell doesn't feel blessed that he was there for those major life moments.

"Rob played a part in me being able to do those things and that's pretty special," Birdwell said. "It's a whale of a fraternity with one hell of an initiation."
President Obama took the Democratic National Convention stage on Wednesday to reflect on his tenure as president and to make the case for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

But the highlight of his speech in Philadelphia came at the end, when a smiling Clinton gave him a thumbs up during a surprise appearance with him on stage.
On the day Hillary Clinton will accept her partys nomination for president, a fresh effort by a Republican-allied group is trying to tie her high untrustworthy ratings to a dozen Democratic candidates for Congress.

The Congressional Leadership Fund, the super PAC created in 2011 to protect the House GOP majority, has initially targeted 12 Democrats for the effort dubbed #ImWithCareless  including the Congressional District 23 rematch between former Democratic Rep. Pete Gallego and incumbent GOP Rep. Will Hurd. The contest is widely considered to be the only competitive federal race in Texas this year and has become a top priority for both parties ahead of November.

Calling Clinton as politically toxic as ever, the fund has accused Gallego of putting politics before principle for supporting the Democratic presidential nominee.

Pete Gallego is Ready for Hillary regardless of how untrustworthy and reckless shes found by voters or even the FBI, said Ruth Guerra, the funds deputy communications director, in a news release. Democrats proudly embracing Hillary Clinton will have to explain to voters why they continue to stand by her record of scandals and dishonesty.

The site also calls Gallego a first in Hillary Clintons fan club, citing a 2013 report that he was at an event for a pro-Clinton PAC at least a year before 2016 White House hopefuls were expected announce their candidacies.

The new digital and social media effort is a reference to FBI Director James Comeys assessment of Clintons personal server use at her New York home when she was the nations chief diplomat. Clinton was extremely careless  in handling of very sensitive, highly classified information, Comey said earlier this month.

Gallego responded Thursday with his own attempt to tie Hurd to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. "Maybe the GOP hasn't noticed that I am both Mexican-American and from the border - and that Donald Trump doesn't like either," he told the Houston Chronicle in a statement. "My choice in this election is not hard. What Donald Trump says about people like me now is the same stuff my parents' generation heard in the 1950's. I'm not willing to take my son back to those days."

According to a CNN/ORC poll released this week, 68 percent said Clinton was not honest and trustworthy  the worst showing for the former secretary of state on record. The poll came out after Donald Trump accepted the GOP presidential nominee but before the Democratic National Convention got underway this week in Philadelphia.

The fund was part of a network that spent $20 million in U.S. Houses races in 2014, including $1.6 million in Congressional District 23, which includes a wide swatch of rural West Texas. They are expected to target more Democratic candidates in the coming weeks.
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A man in Sweden attempted to pick the pockets of the wrong woman recently, when she pinned him down for an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity.

On Wednesday, Miakaela Kellner posted a photo at Ralambshov park in Stockholm, showing her with her knee to the back of a man on the grass while wearing a bikini.

RELATED: Video: Girl goes 'redneck fishing,' catches enormous catfish with bare hands

In the post, which has garnered 7,000 likes as of Thursday on Instagram and several thousand upvotes on Reddit, she explained that the man in the photo acted as if he was selling newspapers while he allegedly attempted to steal her phone.

Kellner, who has competed in Swedish Ninja Warrior and is an 11-year police officer, told Sweden's Aftonbladet she's glad she posted the picture because she's received messages from other people who have been victims of similar situations.

RELATED: Fish bra: The latest internet trend that has women anglers going topless

"He was very clever, he must have been practicing [...] and done this many times before. It was like a magic trick," Kellner told the site.

She said intervening while in a swimsuit felt "a bit odd," but she would do it again.

"I did not hesitate," she added. "Had I been naked, I had also intervened."

RELATED: Dramatic video shows hotel clerk fight off robbery suspects on spree in San Antonio

This is the second time in a year that Kellner's stunts have garnered online attention. Last December, she was the subject of a Facebook video showing her dressed in her uniform, doing Parkour to keep warm, according to the website.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
New York governor Andrew Cuomos renewable-energy ambitions are running headlong into the hard realities of maintaining a reliable electric grid. On July 8, the New York Independent System Operator, the agency charged with managing the states grid, provided comments on the governors plan to require utilities to get 50 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2030. The NYISO maintains that to keep the lights on, the state will have to spend heavily on new transmission infrastructure to accommodate more renewables, preserve all of its nuclear capacity (including the controversial Indian Point Energy Center), and build even more onshore wind-energy capacity in upstate communities. Five days after the NYISO filed its comments, Cuomos energy czar, Richard Kauffman, fired off an angryand rather bizarreletter to Brad Jones, the NYISO president and CEO. Calling the grid operators comments misleading, incomplete, and grossly inaccurate, Kauffman claimed that the NYISO showed an alarming lack of understanding of how a modern grid can be developed and operated.

Kauffman apparently wanted a political response from the NYISO. Instead, he got a technical one. Indeed, the NYISOs comments are straightforward. The grid operator pointed out that about 90 percent of the new renewable-energy generation needed to meet Cuomos targets will be located in upstate New York. Given the distance between those upstate generation sources and the main population centers located in the southern and eastern parts of the state, the NYISO concluded that nearly 1,000 miles of new bulk power transmission will have to be built over the next decade and a half. This likely upset Kauffman because high-voltage transmission lines are costly and difficult to site. Indeed, rural residents across the country have waged lengthy battles to stop construction of transmission lines through their neighborhoods. Its readily apparent that rural New Yorkers will resist such plans as well.

The NYISO also made it clear that Cuomo will have to change his tune on nuclear energy. Retaining all existing nuclear generators is critical to the States carbon emission reduction requirements as well as maintaining electric system reliability, the agency wrote. For years, Cuomo has pushed for the closure of Indian Point, though the twin-reactor, 2,069-megawatt facility provides up to one quarter of New York Citys electricity. Now the governor appears to have gotten the message. About ten days after the NYISO published its comments, the Cuomo administration said that it would be willing to include nuclear energy as part of the states Clean Energy Standard. Thats important, because late last year, Entergy Corporation announced that it planned to close its 838-megawatt FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego by early 2017.

On Monday, the New York Public Service Commission will vote on a proposal that will provide about $1 billion per year in subsidies to the states nuclear plants to keep them operating. While giving subsidies to big utilities is hardly an ideal outcome, the move recognizes the difficulty that utilities are having in keeping their reactors in operationespecially when they have to compete against highly subsidized sources like wind and solar.

The NYISO also provided some remarkable numbers on the amount of renewable-energy capacity that will be needed to meet Cuomos 50 percent goal. It projected that the state will need nearly to triple its installed wind-energy capacity. That means that New York, which now has about 1,750 megawatts of wind-generation capacity, will have to add another 3,500 megawatts of onshore wind. That will require covering roughly 450 square miles of land with wind turbinesa territory nearly as large as Albany County, which covers 523 square miles. Where will New York put those thousands of new wind turbines? Upstate, of course.

But an increasing number of upstate communities are already battling against the encroachment of Big Wind. Earlier this month, lawmakers in Jefferson County voted against giving tax breaks for wind and solar projects because the projects dont create enough benefits for local communities. In April, the town of Clayton imposed a six-month moratorium (later upheld by the state supreme court) on applications for new wind-energy projects. Last July, the Town Board of Catlin passed a law prohibiting wind projects after Florida-based NextEra Energy proposed a $200 million project in the town. In 2014, after a decade-long fight, oil-and-gas giant BP announced that it was abandoning plans to build a 200-megawatt wind project near Cape Vincent amid fierce opposition from local residents. In 2007, the western Catskills town of Bovina also banned wind projects.

Three upstate countiesErie, Orleans, and Niagaraas well as the towns of Yates and Somerset are all fighting a proposed 200-megawatt project called Lighthouse Wind. A few months ago, I interviewed Yates supervisor James J. Simon, who told me that the fight against Lighthouse Wind is about trying to preserve our rural agricultural landscape. An associate dean at Genesee Community College, Simon wasnt active in politics until now. The attitude of the pro-wind forces, he says, is you all are small potatoes and we are going to cram this down your throat.

According to the NYISO, along with pushing thousands of new wind turbines on upstate residents, the state will also need to add nearly 10 gigawatts of new solar capacity over the next 14 years. Thats roughly equal to all the combined solar capacity of Spain and Australia. And the NYISO expects that the majority of that new solar capacity (6.8 gigawatts) will have to be utility-scale solarmeaning huge swaths of land covered in nothing but PV panels. Where will these massive solar arrays be located? Yepupstate.

Maybe it was the publication of these eye-popping numbers that angered Cuomos energy czar. In his letter to Jones, Kauffman claimed that the NYISO is held captive by the states electric utilities and that it lacks understanding into the imperative to address climate change. To hear the Cuomo administration tell it, the NYISOan independent nonprofit whose principal job is assuring electrical reliability for 19 million New Yorkersis both incompetent and corrupt. Kauffmans lettercombined with the looming fight over hundreds of miles of high-voltage transmission lines and thousands of new wind turbinesshows that Cuomos renewable-energy plans are headed for some nasty political fights.

Photo by inakiantonana/iStock
Three libel cases stemming from Rolling Stones now infamous A Rape on Campus expose seem poised to go down in the annals of defamation law. It is hard to think of a story so luridincluding a horrifying account of a brutal gang rape of a first-year student at a fraternity party at the University of Virginiabuilt on journalistic practices so negligent. The 2014 story was quickly debunked as false, but the legal aftershocks are likely to continue for years.

Just how vulnerable is Rolling Stone? CJR took a look at the state of libel law, reviewed the pending cases, and talked to legal experts on defamation to find out.

Rolling Stone has retracted the story, but its not too difficult to imagine a group of outraged Virginia jurors delivering a financial shellacking to the magazine as payback for the unsubstantiated attack on a beloved local institution. Juries elsewhere, including the one that returned an eye-popping $140 million judgment in Hulk Hogans invasion-of-privacy lawsuit against Gawker, have shown a willingness to punish media companies.

Rolling Stones story, some 9,000 words long, was published on November 19, 2014. Almost immediately, the reporting, by writer Sabrina Rubin Erdely, began to unravel; within a few weeks the story told by a woman the magazine identified only as Jackie was revealed to be untrue. While its possible something traumatic happened to the student early in her first year at UVA, no evidence has come forward to suggest anything like the violent event described in the story occurred, at the fraternity in question or anywhere else.

An investigation by the Columbia Journalism School found that Rolling Stones editorial procedures had been flawed virtually across the board. Most importantly, the magazine had largely taken Jackies word on what happened that night. It did not speak to her friends for corroboration, or speak to the fraternity forthrightly about what charges the magazine was about to level.

And now Rolling Stone is fighting off three defamation cases. The UVA chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, the fraternity named in the story, filed suit in November, seeking $25 million in damages. Three individual members of the fraternity, who say their reputations were damaged by association, filed suit against the magazine in federal court; that suit has been dismissed and the plaintiffs have not said whether they will appeal. Finally, a UVA administrator, Nicole Eramo, the schools point person for sexual assault cases, says she was portrayed in an unflattering light in the story and did not say some of the quotes attributed to her. Shes asking for $7.8 million.

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So how will the magazine defend itself?

There are two easy defenses against libel that work to the medias benefit. One is truth, which is in most cases an absolute defense. Rolling Stone has retracted the story and acknowledges that the assault did not occur, so it will not be using this defense. The other is that the allegedly defamatory statements are a matter of opinion. Since the original Rolling Stone story was built on the factual assertion that a gang rape had occurred, that defense will probably not play a part in the fraternity cases, but the opinion defense will probably arise in the suit from the UVA administrator.

But some quirks in the law might provide a way out for the magazine. Libel law is quite plain that a defamatory statement must be shown to be about or of and concerning the plaintiff. But in the article, no actual members of the fraternity were named. A few nicknames mentioned in the account of the assaultArmpit and Blanketare not known to have been used at the fraternity. The fraternity brother who supposedly lured Jackie to a party that night has been shown not to exist; another assailant, whom Jackie had said shed recognized from a class, has never been identified either.

It will likely be difficult for the fraternity to persuade the court that the article was about itnot because its an institution, but because a strong argument can be made that the articles focus was on the actions of a few individuals and not on the fraternity itself.

That is why the case from the three individual fraternity members was dismissed last month. Federal Judge P. Kevin Castel wrote: The articles details about the attackers are too vague and remote from the plaintiffs circumstances to be of and concerning them.

The second suit is from the UVA chapter of Phi Kappa Psi as a whole. Here, having zigged in the first case, arguing that it had not defamed any individual members of the fraternity, Rolling Stone now has to zag, and argue that the article was about individual people committing rape, but not the fraternity itself.

Virginia libel lawyer Lee Berlik says he isnt following the case but spoke on Virginia law broadly. The fraternity  will have to prove that the article was of and concerning the fraternity in some defamatory respect, he writes in an email. It will likely be difficult for the fraternity to persuade the court that the article was about itnot because its an institution, but because a strong argument can be made that the articles focus was on the actions of a few individuals and not on the fraternity itself. To counter this argument, the fraternity will essentially need to argue that the article stated or implied that a rape took place with the express or implied consent and approval of the fraternity.

UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh, who has written several articles about the case for the Washington Post website, says Phi Kappa Psi will probably argue that the article implied the fraternity is a dangerous place to go. Says Volokh: If someone said, [Theres this] bar, people routinely get raped in this bar. Is that libel of the bar? Youre not accusing the bar of rape, to be sure, but you are accusing the bar of being a dangerous place that maybe allows dangerous patrons or dangerous employees. And the likely consequence of that is that the bar will lose business.

Rolling Stones article has at least one passage that suggests the (fictional) rape might indeed have been part of a fraternity activity. In Jackies description of the assault, one fraternity member hesitates. One of the other fraternity members is said to say, Dont you want to be a brother? Another alleged comment: We all had to do it, so you do, too. Both remarks could be seen to imply that the assault was part of a membership ritual at the house.

Additionally, later in the article Jackie is said to have discovered two other women whod been subjected to group assaults at Phi Kappa Psi. They have never come forward. In its complaint, the fraternity argues that the article implies that such assaults were frequent and perhaps even tolerated there.

The various stories Jackie told reverberate throughout A Rape on Campus. While the record is somewhat muddled on this point, Jackie seems to have told friends an alternate story about a group assault, this one involving oral sex; this allegation may have made its way to the university as well. When writer Erdely called the fraternity for comment about a gang rape, the chapter president says he knew only of fourth-hand allegations that something of a sexual nature took place. To a casual reader, this might seem coldly euphemistic about the gang-rape charge, or evidence of yet another assault associated with the fraternity, when in fact it was just another unsubstantiated story from the same unverified source the magazine had built the rest of its report on.

That could be either further evidence, Volokh says. That could be further defamation. But simply saying bad things happened there, that itself is potentially defamatory.

* * *

The Columbia Journalism School report called the Rolling Stone debacle a story of journalistic failure that was avoidable. The failure encompassed reporting, editing, editorial supervision and fact-checking. The magazine set aside or rationalized as unnecessary essential practices of reporting .

Note those emphasized words. Most journalists know about the US Supreme Court case on libel, New York Times v. Sullivan, which has been generally been cited in libel actions since it was handed down in 1964. The Sullivan standard is that a private figure alleging libel has merely to show negligence on the part of the publisher. Public figures, however, have to meet a higher standard, what the court called actual malice, which was defined as publishing while knowing something wasnt true, or publishing with reckless disregard for whether something was true or not.

The idea, roughly put, is that a free press will occasionally make mistakes but that, as long as the publication was acting professionally (that is to say, not recklessly) it would, broadly speaking, be free from libel judgments on matters of public import. Less often cited is a caveat: The plaintiff has to show that the publication actually entertained doubts about what it was publishing.

Former Rolling Stone Managing Editor Will Dana (left) and Reporter Sabrina Erdely (Twitter and LinkedIn)

The reckless disregard standard is generally associated with libel suits from public figures, but the standard also applies when, for example, private figures seek punitive damages on top of basic compensatory damages (i.e., for lost membership fees, a drop in donations and so forth).

The fraternity argues that it should be considered a private figure for the purposes of the suit. If the judge agrees, it should have a strong case in proving the lower standard of negligence. The magazine might argue in response that the fraternity is a public figureperhaps because it is an important institution on campus and that there is a public benefit to having its actions scrutinized.

Volokh, in an email, writes, Generally speaking, small- and modest-sized businesses are treated as private figures, despite their role in the community; the same would apply to a fraternity.

When it comes to damages, the fraternitys case will be made easier by the concept of defamation per se, which is a feature of Virginia law. This refers to allegations that are considered on their face to be damaging, and relieves plaintiffs from having to establish that the defamatory statements caused them actual harm. The traditional examples are accusing the subject of the story of a serious crime, the slightly antiquated notion of acts of moral turpitude, allegations of having a serious or contagious disease, a lack of integrity in ones profession, and the like.

The UVA allegationabout a planned group violent sexual assault on a defenseless 18-year-oldwould seem to involve a statement that is defamatory per se.

But a large award against the magazine would come only if the plaintiffs can establish the higher reckless disregard standard. That will turn on whether there is evidence that the writer or the magazines editors had actual doubts about the truth of the story they were preparing.

The failure of A Rape on Campus was that the magazine failed to interview virtually anyone who might have buttressed, or contradicted, Jackies account.

Its conceivable that the standard was met here, Volokh says, if discovery reveals that some editors did think the story was highly improbable. Its also possible that Rolling Stone really thought this story was true, and if they really believed the story might well be false, they would have seen what was coming and they would not have published.

Doesnt that just protect blissful idiots?

Totally, he replied. The more of a fool you are, the more immune you are.

That said, as Volokh notes in one piece for the Post, the Supreme Court has also found that, for example, a publications decision not to interview a key witness could be the product of a deliberate decision not to acquire knowledge of facts.

This might give Rolling Stones attorneys pause. The failure of A Rape on Campus was that the magazine failed to interview virtually anyone who might have buttressed, or contradicted, Jackies account. The magazine did not find out the real name of the man Jackie said lured her to the fraternity. It didnt interview any of her close friends to corroborate what happened when Jackie called them after she left Phi Kappa Psi that night. And while Erdely reached out to the fraternity for comment, she never went over the details of the supposed assault with the houses presidentfrom whom she might have learned that Phi Kappa Psi hadnt had a party that night. She didnt interview any individual members of the fraternity either.

Look for the plaintiffs to comb through the magazines email and editing materials for evidence that an editor expressed doubts about Jackies story. The Columbia Journalism School report, while damning, seems to indicate that writer Erdely felt Jackies story was credible, and that the editors, however negligently, sincerely put their trust in Erdely.

The third case is from the UVA dean Nicole Eramo. Legally, Eramo is a public official and the matter was something under her professional purview, so she would be considered a public figure.

The allegations against her are of course milder than those against the fraternity. Eramo is not portrayed one-dimensionally. UVA students laud [her] as their best advocate and den mother and Jackie is said to frequently call her an asset to the community. But that doesnt mean that other parts of the story might not be defamatory.

Eramo is said in the Rolling Stone piece to have discouraged Jackie from sharing her story. In a discussion about why the school doesnt collect sexual assault statistics, Eramo is said to have remarked, Because nobody wants to send their daughter to the rape school.

Eramos role in A Rape on Campus is complicated by the fact that, as a school administrator, she was bound by confidentiality rules and other regulations involving the reporting of sexual assaults on campus. She did not speak to Erdey, the reporter; here again, most of the information in the story about her comes only from Jackie.

Eramos complaint argues that the magazine was intent on portraying the school negatively: Defendants purpose in publishing the article was to weave a narrative that depicted [UVA] as an institution that is indifferent to rape on campus, and more concerned with protecting its reputation than with assisting the victims of sexual assault.

Eramos suit argues that, since she is largely the face of UVA in the story, passages like this reflect negatively on her as well: In the meantime, having presumably judged there to be no threat to public safety, the UVA administration took no action to warn the campus that an allegation of gang rape had been made against an active fraternity.

Ironically, there is some suggestion that, having looked into the allegations that Jackie had made to her originally, Eramo herself had found inconsistencies in the students story; another ironic aspect of the Rolling Stone piece is that Erdely was holding UVAs feet to the fire about its handling of some number of sexual attacks that didnt, in the end, exist.

Being a public figure, Eramo has a high bar to clear to win her case; her lawyers will be looking for evidence that the magazines staff had reservations about the story to establish recklessness. Rolling Stone will argue that Erdelys ultimate contention in the piecethat UVA wasnt doing enough to combat sexual assaults on campusis in the end a matter of opinion, not a factual assertion.

Could Rolling Stone be trying to settle either or both of the cases? Sources tell CJR that attempts to do so in the Eramo case failed; they may be ongoing in the Phi Kappa Psi case. A spokesperson for Rolling Stone declined to comment on whether the magazine had libel insurance and, if so, whether the insurance company was taking an active role in its legal strategy.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Bill Wyman is the former arts editor of NPR and Salon.com. Follow him @hitsville.
November marks the beginning of the Affordable Care Acts fourth open-enrollment season and, soon after, Obamcares post-Obama period begins. With these milestones in mind, Politicos Paul Demko recently took stock of the health care law in a thorough and thoughtful piece, Obamacares sinking safety net, which reporters around the country can both learn from and build on. Demko examined what ails the ACA and what fixes exist, in theory, without relying on the self-serving, dueling quotes from Obamacare opponents and supporters that too often characterized earlier reporting. Demkos aim, he told me, was to get beyond all the rhetoric around the ACA on all sides that obscures whats going on.

To begin, Demko presented North Carolina as an example of both a smashing Obamacare success story and a quintessential Obamacare failure story. While some 600,000 North Carolinians signed up for Obamacare in 2016, he explained, insurance companies doing business in the state are taking a financial bath. Millions are now being covered through the law, Demko wrote, but theyre older, sicker, and more expensive to insure than anyone anticipated. To compensate, health plans are raising premiums, in some cases by a lot. The situation in North Carolina, Demko wrote, is repeating itself in state after state across the country and represents the most acute structural threat to the ACA. The law was politically possible, Demko reminded readers, only because it was built atop Americas private insurance system, which also means it only works if insurers find Obamacare to be a desirable business. Demko reviewed 2015 financial filings from nearly 100 health plans across a dozen geographically and politically diverse states, and found that less than a quarter of them hit the standard break-even point for insurers, at which payouts are kept to about 85 percent of premiums taken in.

I talked to Demko about how he approached his reporting it was his reliance on insurance data that intrigued me. More reporters should comb through the quarterly and annual financial reports carriers file with the National Association of Insurance Commissionerswhich grants reporters free access to the reports by request, Demko told me. Thats where he hit pay dirt and found the direction for his story. Those data, especially numbers from annual reports, enabled him to tease out the medical claims costs as a percentage of the total premiums received for the carriers in the 12 states where he focused. Those ratios revealed where he needed to look further.

He found in New York, for example, some highly-touted, low-cost plans werent doing as well financially as, say, California-based Molina Healthcare, which sells exchange plans in 9 states and is, he said to me, bullish on the ACA market. Molinas experience serving the Medicaid market may have helped them manage health problems experienced by low-income people who sign up for the ACA. Demko consulted other financial sources to get a read on the insurance market. A McKinsey & Company report, released as Demko was reporting the story, proved helpful in examining how the health plans ended up after the first year of Obamacare operations. He also consulted the Department of Health and Human Services website where the rate requests filed by insurers sometimes include justifications for why they are seeking more money.

Reporters need to be willing to engage with financial documents, Demko advised. Its not that hard, and you can find people to help you understand them. My own advice: Get to know a consulting actuary or a financial analyst or professor who can help decipher the numbers.

We talked about some of the differences among statesFlorida and North Carolina, for example. Both did not expand Medicaid; both had large numbers of residents signing up for Obamacare; both had little support from their governors. Yet insurance markets appear more robust in Florida with more carriers competing for business. Its tough to say what the reason is, Demko said. You have to look at each individual market in each state. Are more sign-ups in one state a function of a more aggressive local outreach campaign? Are fewer sign-ups the result of high premiums and few choices?

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Insurance regulation varies among states, and its influenced by politics. Some regulators are tougher on the carriers than others. Some have wanted to keep rates on the low side to encourage people to sign up. In New York, Demko said, insurers complained about regulators not giving them the increases they needed. (As it turned out, some did need them.) Another local variable is the market power of doctor groups and hospital groups. Molinas CEO, Mario Molina, told Demko, The more competition you have, the better the pricing. In some markets where theres very little competition its difficult to get the prices that health plans need.

Theres not an easy to way to really gauge concentration, Demko told me. Insurance deals are easy to write about, but with hospitals that are local or regional, its harder to get your head around it. Nevertheless, he said he wanted to flag competition as a key issue in how these markets are faring. Its certainly a thread to follow for future reporting. Another one: Among the assumptions the ACA was built on that have not held up was, as Demko wrote, that pent-up demand for health care services would dissipate as the previously-uninsured got the care they needed. This has not happened in, for example, New York. Why?

The big take-away for reporters from Demkos work is that Obamacare is a national and local story especially in the coming weeks as final rates are announced and sign-ups begin in the fall. While the Politico piece did discuss possible policy fixes to the ACAs problems and the paralyzed politics that make most of them impossible for now, reporters ought to focus on the local angles. As Demko shows, there are many.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Trudy Lieberman is a longtime contributing editor to the Columbia Journalism Review. She is the lead writer for CJR's Covering the Health Care Fight. She also blogs for Health News Review and the Center for Health Journalism. Follow her on Twitter @Trudy_Lieberman.
The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (FAIR Plan) has agreed to pay $350,000 to resolve allegations that it wrongly cancelled homeowners insurance policies over a four-year period, according to Attorney General Maura Healey.

According to court documents, the residual market insurer will pay the monies to settle allegations that terminated hundreds of policies each year between January 2010 and February 2014 in violation of state law.

Healey said the payment will be used to provide relief to homeowners who had to purchase more expensive force-placed policies after their FAIR Plan policies were cancelled. The affected homeowners are located all over the state, with concentrations in Boston, Brockton, Springfield and Worcester.

This agreement ensures that the FAIR Plan treats policyholders appropriately when it is considering cancelling policies, Healey said.

Under Massachusetts law, after a homeowners insurance policy that has been in effect for 60 days can only be cancelled for a limited number of reasons, such as nonpayment of premium. According to the settlement, the FAIR Plan frequently inspected insured properties after 60 days and then impermissibly cancelled policies in instances where the it did not approve of the propertys condition.

The FAIR Plan provides coverage to homeowners who have been unable to purchase insurance through the private market.

The FAIR Plan is frequently the only option for homeowners who live in urban areas or along the coast.

Because the FAIR Plan is the insurer of last resort, many of those insured by the association whose policies were cancelled could not find alternate insurance on their own. Their mortgage companies purchased force-placed policies on their behalf and then billed the homeowners for the premiums. Force-placed policies are much more expensive than traditional homeowners insurance policies and provide more limited coverage.

The AGs Office has also been conducting outreach events around the state to help inform homeowners about the FAIR Plan, their insurance options, and the nature of the rate setting process.
HIIG Announces Senior Management Promotions

Houston International Insurance Group (HIIG), an insurance holding company based in Texas, announced senior management promotions of Peter Smith, Susan Swails, and Richard Hitch.

Peter B. Smith has been promoted to president of the Holding Company and will continue to report to Stephen L. Way, Chairman & CEO. He has been with HIIG since January, 2015, and previously worked for more than ten years at HCC. Smith will continue to oversee all P&C operations as well as his new corporate responsibilities.

Susan K. Swails has been promoted to executive vice president with responsibility for all P&C underwriting operations. Swails will report to Peter Smith but will also work closely with Stephen L. Way in his role as group chief underwriting officer. She has extensive experience in P&C lines of business, particularly many of the specialty lines that HIIG writes. She joined HIIG in 2014 and previously worked for five years at HCC.

Richard W. Hitch has been promoted to senior vice president with overall responsibility for several business units: Mining, Onshore Energy, Hospitality, and two MGU Partners. Hitch has been with HIIG since 2014 and previously worked at W. R. Berkeley group for more than 15 years.

Farmers Insurance Announces Leadership Changes

Farmers Insurance announced several senior leadership changes to continue advancing the groups customer-centered, agent-powered strategy.

Tim Madden, current president of Bristol West, will take on a new role as personal lines chief product officer for Farmers, where his 40 years of industry experience will serve as a strong foundation as he continues to innovate and drive initiatives to maintain profitable growth and raise customer retention. In his new role, Madden will report to Roy Smith, president of personal lines at Farmers.

Sharon Fernandez, head of service operations for Farmers, will step into Maddens role as president of Bristol West. Fernandez has been with Farmers for eight years, building on her previous 20 years of insurance and financial services experience. In her new role, she will leverage her experience delivering improved customer experience and efficiency through continuous improvement for the Bristol West enterprise to further the brands efforts in this area. Fernandez will report to Steve Boshoven, president of the Foremost brand.

Chanda Sperry, leader of the service operations strategy team, will use her 10 years as an outstanding service operations leader to offer new insight as she assumes the role of head of service operations for Farmers, replacing Fernandez. Sperrys commitment to customer satisfaction will help her drive continued success in leading customer experience enhancements at Farmers. She will report to David Travers, chief operating officer for Farmers.

Engle Martin Adds Bavely and Christ to Leadership Team

Atlanta-based Engle Martin & Associates, a national provider of independent adjusting and third-party claims administrative services, has announced the additions of Michael Bavely and Melissa Christ to the companys leadership team.

Michael Bavely has joined Engle Martin as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Bavely has over twenty years of senior financial management experience and has held a variety of roles with both private and public companies, most recently serving as EVP and chief financial officer of Atlanta-based Swett & Crawford, a national wholesale insurance broker and specialty underwriting business. He has expertise in developing and implementing short and long-term growth and profitability strategies as well as valuable experience in all facets of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance. Bavely will be responsible for all aspects of Engle Martins financial strategy and leading the finance team.

Melissa Christ has joined Engle Martin as executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Christ brings both extensive human resources expertise as well as insurance industry experience to the role, most recently serving as associate vice president of Human Resources with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Christ will be tasked with aligning human resources strategy to overall business goals, attracting and retaining talent, developing current and future leaders, and supporting acquisition and international endeavors.
Volkswagen AGs $14.7 billion settlement of its U.S. diesel emissions cheating scandal cleared another legal hurdle on Tuesday, as a federal judge gave the automaker preliminary approval to buy back up to 475,000 vehicles.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco set an Oct. 18 hearing for final approval. Preliminary approval means Volkswagen will soon enable owners of the 2.0 liter diesel-powered vehicles to access a website to learn how much they are eligible to receive.

The settlement, announced in June, centers around the largest-ever automotive buy-back offer in the United States. Coupled with possible vehicle repairs and payments to governmental agencies, that component of the settlement carries a $10 billion price tag.

Volkswagen said it continues to work with regulators to get fix approvals. VW told dealers last week that a planned fix could consist of software upgrades and some new catalytic converters.

Volkswagen also plans to offer a new proposal to fix 85,000 polluting 3.0 liter vehicles after regulators rejected an earlier plan, a Justice Department lawyer said on Tuesday. Earlier this month, the California Air Resources Board rejected as insufficient a plan to fix the vehicles, which include VW and Audi luxury cars from model years 2009-2016.

At the hearing, Justice Department lawyer Joshua Van Eaton said the German automaker had been meeting with regulators in recent weeks and planned to offer a new fix proposal in August.

Breyer said he wants another update on the 3.0 liter vehicle talks at an Aug. 25 hearing.

VW plans to hire between 250 to 300 people in Michigan to process settlement claims and will be overseen full-time by 40 VW Group of America employees. If needed VW could double the number of people it is hiring to process claims, said VW lawyer Sharon Nelles. VW is contracting for storage space to house vehicles it repurchases, she said.

VW admitted in September that it installed secret software that allowed U.S. vehicles to emit up to 40 times legally allowable pollution.

Under the Justice Department deal, VW will provide $2 billion over 10 years to fund programs to promote construction of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and development of zero-emission ride-sharing fleets and other efforts.

VW also agreed to put up $2.7 billion over three years to enable government and tribal agencies to replace old buses or to fund infrastructure to reduce diesel emissions.

Separately, VW reached a settlement with 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico that will cost at least $600 million, bringing the total to as much as $15.3 billion.

Last week, three states filed new lawsuits, saying that VW violated state environmental laws and seeking hundreds of millions in additional penalties.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Dan Grebler and Tom Brown)
Morley_Health_Center.jpeg

Akron's Morley Health Center will be demolished to make way for Akron's new municipal courthouse

AKRON, Ohio -- Akron is building a $21 million municipal courthouse with more security, more privacy and more space on the site of the former health department.

Expected to open in 2018, the 70,000-square-foot courthouse on the site of Morley Health Center on South Broadway will be paid for entirely from court fees. The court created a special projects fund more than a decade ago following a 1978 study that determined citizens and court personnel needed a more customer-friendly courthouse. No plans have been made for the space the court will vacate.

Judge Joy Malek Oldfield, administrative/presiding judge of the Akron Municipal Court, said safety is the biggest concern with the existing courthouse, which serves Akron, Fairlawn, Bath, Richfield, Springfield, Lakemore and the part of Mogadore.

"We don't have the proper space and circulation for the kind of operation we run," she said.

Here's what's wrong with the current Harold K Stubbs Justice Center on High Street downtown, and what will be corrected in the new building:

Space: There is not enough space to separate victims of crimes from those who commit them. Police have to walk defendants through the halls where residents circulate to get into the courtrooms, she said.

The new courthouse will have holding areas in each courtroom and separate hallways.

Security: The judges' chambers are not secure.

"We need to have more secure chambers where the bailiffs can buzz people in," Oldfield said.

Privacy: The current courthouse has limited privacy for staffers writing briefs and preparing documents.

"Privacy is key with courthouse operations," she said.

Ideally, the new courthouse will be designed so all business areas for residents are on the first floor, with courthouses and chambers above, she said. The city also wants wider doorways and larger rooms for greater better accessibility.

One convenience Oldfield said the courthouse staff is excited about will be the addition of a lunchroom.

The city, which has been working on a plan for two years, will take bids for a construction manager to design and build the courthouse by October.

"This is an opportunity for the city of Akron to meet a long-term need for a new building, which offers a positive, safe and secure environment for citizens needing or using our court services," Mayor Dan Horrigan said in a statement.
Public Square programming

Two children played in the fountain at Public Square in downtown Cleveland during the 2016 Republican National Convention. The renovated square is moving on to the next phase of its life with programs and events planned for the summer and fall.

(Joshua Gunter, Cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - After playing a starring role in the Republican National Convention, the city's renovated Public Square is ready for its encore.

It's one that should last many years, as the historic, 6-acre civic space in the heart of downtown Cleveland carves out a new role for itself as a place for everything from concerts, yoga classes and CrossFit workouts to winter ice-skating and the annual downtown Christmas tree lighting, scheduled for Nov. 26.

"It's already a shining star, and I believe it has the opportunity to continue to shine, to continue to impress, and continue to be that place where our community gathers in a beautiful location," said Sanaa Julien, CEO of the square's marketing and community relations.

The $50 million renovation of Public Square, 60 percent of which was funded through corporate and foundation dollars, was completed in June, just prior to the Republican National Convention.

Julien released to The Plain Dealer a calendar (listed below) of upcoming events that begins with the Cleveland Orchestra's free "Star Spangled Spectacular" concert in the square starting Friday night at 9 p.m., and that extends deep into the fall.

The offerings include Food Truck Tuesdays, a regular series of midday concerts and yoga classes, a bocce zone, movie nights and a convening of yo-yo players on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 7:30 p.m., aimed at busting a Guinness world record.

Julien is a loaned executive from Cleveland Metroparks, where she serves as chief marketing officer, who is serving the nonprofit, city-county Group Plan Commission, which led the square's renovation.

Julien said she has planned an average of 60 events per week in the square during the summer.

"Busy is good, because a thriving public space is evidence of a strong community," she said. "The more activity public spaces have, the safer they feel, and more people feel they can come there."

She said the activity level she's trying to promote for the square also "supports the initiative of [Cleveland] Mayor Frank Jackson to create a walkable, bikeable downtown."

But Julien also said the frequency and type of events would still allow much of the space to feel like a tranquil outdoor retreat for daydreaming, sunning or reading.

"We've been conscious to make sure places stay pristine, quiet and calm at different points in time," she said. "It is a big space, and it gives us the opportunity to do things so the square can be enjoyed concurrently by different people with different needs."

Programming at the square will include arts and culture, wellness, recreation, education, new trends and emerging local businesses.

Julien said her goal is to create "a sense of community and a sense of neighborhood. People who come to events will start to know each other and find similarities in things they are doing. It will allow the community as a whole to be closer and stronger."

Funding for programming will come from sources including $3.8 million pledged so far by corporations and foundations between now and 2020, Julien said. The Group Plan Commission has a goal of raising $6.8 million for programming and maintenance at the square.

Among the grants and donations is a $50,000 federal grant from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the agency that distributes proceeds from the county's 30-cents-a-pack tax on cigarettes to support the arts.

Julien said she hopes enthusiasm for the square evolves into a formal friends-of-the-square group to help oversee long-term maintenance and funding.

She also envisioned that the square could help support itself through earned income from space rentals for special events, beverage and food sales at larger events, merchandise and sponsorships.

For now, Julien oversees Public Square from an eighth-floor office in the Terminal Tower, which overlooks the space from its southwest corner.

As she looks down into the square's water feature, a shallow oval of water edged on one side with fountain sprays, she said she's entranced by the regular flow of children who lie in the water and make imaginary snow angels with their arms and legs.

"I want to be out there all day long," Julien said, "but I wouldn't get any work done."

What follows is the latest and admittedly still partial calendar of events planned for the square:

Public Square Activities

Friday, July 29

The Cleveland Orchestra's FREE Star Spangled Spectacular on Public Square, 9 p.m.

The Cleveland Orchestra presents its annual Star Spangled Spectacular with a fireworks finale by Pyrotechnico. Be sure to arrive early and enjoy lunch or dinner at Rebol, an Urban performance restaurant that fuels people to live productively. Grab a blanket, a bol from Rebol, and enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon on Public Square.

Saturday, July 30

Cleveland 2016 Host Committee's FREE Community Thank You Party on Public Square, 12 to 6 p.m.

There will be 10-12 Food Trucks, including (but not limited to, and subject to change):

216 Bistro, Betty's Bomb Ass Burgers, Mason's Creamery, Nelly Belly, Sweet! Mobile Cupcakery,Tour de Cleveland, Sauced Wood Fired Pizza , Off the Griddle, Umami Moto, Gyro George, Papa Nick's

We have 4 bands playing, including (with APPROX. Times):

11:30am - 12:45pm Megan Zurkey Band

1:00pm - 2:30pm Cats on Holiday

2:45pm - 4:15pm Honeybucket

4:30pm - 6:00pm The Feedbacks

Monday, Aug. 1

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Rachel Brown performs solo on the Green

4:00 PM - 6 PM Rachel Brown and the Beatnik Playboys

6 PM - 7 PM Yoga on the Green

Tuesday, Aug. 2

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Food Truck Tuesday

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Tom Todd - Summertime party music, one man band

5:00 PM - 7 PM That 80's Band

Wednesday, Aug. 3

10:30 AM - 12:30 AM Kids of all ages can experiment with a variety of musical instruments provided by Cleveland Music Settlement

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Victor Samalot performs on the Green

4 - 6 PM Sumrada performs on the Green

6 - 7 PM Yoga on the Green

Thursday, August 4

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM North Union Farmers Market featuring 40 + stands, cooking demos, music;

5 - 7 PM Madison Crawl performs

Friday, Aug. 5

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM City Breaks Studio - Dancing/Dance instruction.

1:30 AM - 1:30 PM Run Avril Run Duo performs

CMA Street Performers throughout the day

8 PM - Rick Smith performs his Magic on the Speakers' Terrace. Rick Smith is a magician, World Record Playing Card Thrower, and was featured on Shark Tank.

Saturday, Aug. 6

9 AM - 10 AM Yoga on the Green

10:00 AM - 11 :00 AM Walk and Talk featuring the newest City Council Member of Ward 3 - Kerry McCormack, talks about Downtown and Ward 3

As part of the World YoYo Competition being held in Cleveland, Public Square will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for most people yo-yoing at the same time. Each participant needed to make up the 2037 will receive a free Public Square Yoyo. Record attempt will occur at 7:30 PM on the Green on Public Square.

Sunday, Aug. 7 (and every Sunday through end of October)

9 AM Yoga

11 AM - 7 PM Bocce Ball on the Green

4 - 6 PM Top Hat Black performs Blues

Aug. 8-12

11:30: AM - 1:30 PM Summer Games on The Square. Along with partner WKYC, we'll have RIOdiculous fun on Public Square. Contestants will have an opportunity to compete in a variety of Olympic-style sports, including Ring Spring and Torch Toss.

Monday, Aug. 8

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

4 - 6 PM Music

6 PM Yoga

Tuesday, Aug. 9

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Food Truck Tuesday

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

5 - 7 PM Music

Wednesday, Aug. 10

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

4 - 6 PM Music

6 PM Yoga

Thursday, Aug. 11

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM North Union Farmers Market

5 - 7 PM Music

Aug. 11, 16 and Sept. 9, 24

Movie night on the Square. Enjoy a big screen experience outdoors. August 11 will feature The Lego Movie at 8 PM. Back to the Future on August 16. September 9 will feature Inside Out and September 24 features SpaceJam

Friday, Aug. 12

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

5 - 7 PM Music

Saturday, Aug. 13

9 AM Yoga

4 - 6 PM Music

Aug. 13 and 27

Kite Making/Flying Kids of all ages can make their own kites, fly them on the Square and take them home! Also learn about different kinds of kites.

Sunday, Aug. 14

9 AM Yoga

11 AM - 7 PM Bocce Ball

Aug. 15, 20, 21, 24

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Adopt a Pup; Adoption event with Friends of the Cleveland Kennel and adorable adoptables! Take your puppy home right from Public Square. Not ready to take one home, come on down and cuddle for a few minutes on your lunch break.

Monday, Aug. 15

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

4 - 6 PM Music

6 PM Yoga

Tuesday, Aug. 16

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Food Truck Tuesday

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

5 - 7 PM Music

Aug. 16 and Sept. 7

City Club Forum at Noon on Public Square. Events are free with advance registration. Pre-order lunch from Rebol or enjoy lunch from local food trucks.

Aug. 16

Movie night on the Square. Enjoy a big screen experience outdoors. Back to the Future on August 16. September 9 will feature Inside Out and September 24 features SpaceJam

Wednesday, Aug. 17

10:30 AM - 12:30 AM Kids of all ages can experiment with a variety of musical instruments provided by Cleveland Music Settlement

6 PM Yoga

Aug. 17 and 18

3 PM - 7 PM It's the official pre-party for Paul McCartney - Revolution Pie rocks The Square from

Thursday, Aug. 18

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM North Union Farmers Market

5 PM - 7 PM Music

Friday, Aug. 19

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

5 PM - 7 PM Music

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM PechaKucha. Speakers present a variety of topics on local projects.

Saturday, Aug. 20

9 AM Yoga

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Adopt a Pup; Adoption event with Friends of the Cleveland Kennel and adorable adoptables! Take your puppy home right from Public Square. Not ready to take one home, come on down and cuddle for a few minutes on your lunch break.

4 PM Cleveland's John Adams will host a Drum Circle on the Square to teach kids a song on the drums! Kids are encouraged to bring drums, buckets, pails....we'll provide the sticks!

Sunday, Aug. 21

9 AM Yoga

11 AM - 7 PM Bocce Ball

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Adopt a Pup; Adoption event with Friends of the Cleveland Kennel and adorable adoptables! Take your puppy home right from Public Square. Not ready to take one home, come on down and cuddle for a few minutes on your lunch break.

Monday, Aug. 22

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

4 - 6 PM Music

6 PM Yoga

Tuesday, Aug. 23

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Food Truck Tuesday

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

5 - 7 PM Music

Wednesday, Aug. 24

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Adopt a Pup; Adoption event with Friends of the Cleveland Kennel and adorable adoptables! Take your puppy home right from Public Square. Not ready to take one home, come on down and cuddle for a few minutes on your lunch break.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

4 - 6 PM Music

6 PM Yoga

Thursday, Aug. 25

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM North Union Farmers Market

5 PM - 7 PM Music

Friday, Aug. 26

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

5 PM - 7 PM Music

Saturday, Aug. 27

9 AM Yoga

10 AM Cleveland Public Library Director Felton Thomas hosts a Walk and Talk on Public Square

Sunday, Aug. 28

9 AM Yoga

11 AM - 7 PM Bocce Ball

Monday, Aug. 29

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

4 - 6 PM Music

6 PM Yoga

Tuesday, Aug. 30

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Food Truck Tuesday

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

5 PM - 7 PM Music

Wednesday, Aug. 31

7 AM - 10 AM Annual United Way Pancake Flip returns to Public Square

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

4 PM - 6 PM Music

6 PM Yoga

Thursday, Sept. 1

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM North Union Farmers Market

5 PM - 7 PM Music

Friday, Sept. 2

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Music

4 PM - 7 PM Music

Saturday, Sept. 3

9 AM Yoga

10 AM - Noon Miniature airplane making/flying; Stop by on your way to the Air Show and make and fly your own mini-wood airplane.

Sunday, Sept. 4

9 AM Yoga

11 AM - 7 PM Bocce Ball

Sept. 6

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Food Truck Tuesday

Sept. 9

Cleveland Museum of Art CHALK Art CMA professional Chalk Artists will demonstrate and decorate with this washable medium. Kids are encouraged to participate in the art-making by helping decorate The Square

Movie night on the Square. Enjoy a big screen experience outdoorsSeptember 9 will feature Inside Out and September 24 features SpaceJam

Sept. 16-18

Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest - Fall festival with food, beer and music.

Sept. 24

Movie night on the Square. September 24 features SpaceJam

September events that will continue:

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday Yoga

Tuesdays - Food Trucks at lunchtime

Thursdays Farmers Markets (through September 30)

Browns Tailgating/Pregaming on Public Square

October events will feature Fall and Halloween Celebrations

November brings the opening of the Ice Rink on November 18, Winterfest November 26 and a MoVember Mustache Party (finalizing date).

Activities to be scheduled in coming weeks:

Crossfit WOD

Giant Game ight

Coffee and a Tip

Cornhole Tournament

Childrens Eye Health Screenings for National Eye Health Day in September

Theater Group Mini Performances

Food and Cooking Demos

Garden How-To's

Learn to Skate

Holiday Chorale Groups
Former CIA director and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta on Wednesday said Donald Trump asked Russia to engage in a cyber attack to influence the upcoming U.S. election.



"Today, Donald Trump once again took Russia's side," Panetta said. "He asked the Russians to interfere in American politics. Think about that for a moment. Donald Trump is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States to affect our election."



Plain Dealer fact check: True



Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has been investigated for using a personal email address and personal server for government business. But she said she wasn't able to turn over more than 30,000 emails because she said they had been deleted.



In a news conference earlier Wednesday, Trump, the Republican nominee for president, invited Russia to conduct espionage.



"Russia, if you're listening," Trump said, "I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing."

Trump was asked in a follow-up question: "Do you have any qualms about asking a foreign government, Russia, China, anybody, to interfere, to hack into a system of anybody's in this country? . . . Doesn't that give you pause?"

Trump answered: "Nope, it gives me no pause."



The comments drew harsh criticism from Democrats, national security experts on Wednesday and leaders in the Republican party, including House Speaker Paul Ryan. Even Trump's running mate, U.S. Sen. Mike Pence, released a statement within minutes of Trump's news conference trying to distance himself from the comments.



"If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections," Pence said, "I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences."



Panetta, who served as director of the CIA from 2009 to 2011, and as secretary of defense from 2011 to 2013, blasted Trump during the day and capped it off during his speech at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday evening.



Here's the entire passage from Panetta:



"Meanwhile, Donald Trump says he gets his foreign policy experience from watching TV and running the Miss Universe Pageant," Panetta said. "If only it were funny. It is deadly serious. Donald Trump asks our troops to commit war crimes, endorses torture, spurns allies from Europe to Asia, suggests more countries to have nuclear weapons, and praises dictators from Saddam Hussein to Vladimir Putin.



"Today, Donald Trump once again took Russia's side. He asked the Russians to interfere in American politics. Think about that for a moment. Donald Trump is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States to affect our election," he continued.



"As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyberattacks, it's inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be this irresponsible. Donald Trump cannot become our Commander-in-Chief."

Here are link to videos of Trump's news conference.

Here is a link to Pence's statement:

To see more Plain Dealer fact checking of DNC speeches, go to: http://topics.cleveland.com/tag/dnc-2016-fact-check/
Irving Galarza in court on Monday, July 25, 2016.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cleveland man pleaded guilty to aggravated arson charges Thursday in a scheme to burn down his neighbor's Brooklyn Centre house.

Irving Galarza entered into a plea agreement on the fourth day of a trial. He previously pleaded not guilty to charges that said he paid two heroin addicts to set his neighbor's house on fire.

Galarza changed his plea to guilty on three counts of aggravated arson, one count of attempted murder and one count of attempted burglary. Prosecutors agreed to drop 15 other charges, including eight counts of attempted arson.

Police built a case against Galarza after tracking down two men seen running away from the house after the February 2015 explosion in the 3800 block of West 33rd Street.

The fire destroyed the home. One neighbor was hospitalized for months and had a tracheotomy as a result of smoke inhalation. She was so badly burned in the fire that she was unable to speak when investigators visited her at the hospital, prosecutors said.

Galarza hired Ismael Camacho and Luis Figueroa to set fire to the house. Prosecutors said Galarza had been in a long running feud with the neighbors over access to a shared driveway.

Investigators followed Camacho and Figueroa by tracing the men's movements from the crime scene, first through a recording by a neighbor that showed the men leaving the scene of the fire with gas cans, then through recovering surveillance footage from nearby businesses.

Prosecutors said the two men accepted the job to pay for heroin.

Camacho eventually confessed to the crime and told police that Galarza paid him to set the fire, prosecutors said. Both men pleaded guilty to arson charges earlier this year. Camacho was sentenced to more than eight years in prison, while Figueroa was sentenced to five.

During the investigation, another woman anonymously contacted police and told them that Galarza offered her ex-boyfriend $800 to $1000 to set fire to the home.

Cuyahoga Common Pleas Judge Brian J. Corrigan will sentence Galarza Aug. 24.

A voicemail left with Galarza's attorney Thursday afternoon has not been returned.
28DARCY-PUTIN.jpg

Donald Trump called on Russian hackers to find Hillary Clinton's deleted emails and release them.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Republican nominee Donald Trump, who seeks to become the Commander-in Chief of the United States, called upon Russia to engage in espionage against Hillary Clinton to manipulate the U.S. presidential election.

On Wednesday, Trump was addressing the hacking of DNC emails, which American intelligence agencies have "high confidence" was the work of the Russian government. Referring to emails Hillary Clinton deleted from her private server, Trump said, "Russia, if your listening, I hope your're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press." He later repeated the request to Russian hackers in a bird-brained tweet.

U.S. intelligence veterans from both Republican and Democratic administrations were listening, and were appalled by the unprecedented call by a U.S. presidential candidate for a foreign adversary to compromise U.S. security.

House Speaker Paul Ryan issued a statement saying "Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug. Putin should stay out of this election."

Before Trump made his comments, his running mate Mike Pence had released a statement on the DNC leaks: "The FBI will get to the bottom of who is behind the hacking. If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences."

It's been argued that Trump's latest outrageous comment succeeded in taking attention away from the Democratic National Convention. That's true, but it only refocused attention on Trump being unfit to serve as president and his bromance with Stalin 2.0 -- Vladimir Putin.

Trump's reckless comment weakened the argument that the Democrats highlighting the Russian connection to the leaks was just an attempt at obfuscation to distract attention from the content of damning emails.

Trump ended up providing Democrats more ammo for a series of speeches at the DNC by Leon Panetta, Tim Kaine, Joe Biden, Michael Bloomberg and President Obama, landing devastating attacks on Trump's fitness for office. It was a one, two, three, four, five punch.

Obama's speech was nothing short of extraordinary from a master orator. Republican pundit, and former Communications Director for President George W. Bush, Nicoll Wallace said Obama had "made the definitive case against Trumpism."

Because he's an Independent, former Republican, and a real NYC billionaire, Michael Bloomberg's speech may end up being the most damaging to Trump's ego and voter support.

Bloomberg said that although he didn't agree with all of Clinton's positions, people should vote for her because unlike Trump, she's a "sane, competent person." He called Trump a "dangerous demagogue" and "a con." "Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy," said the former New York City Mayor.

Castigating Trump's business prowess, Bloomberg, whose wealth is estimated to be ten times that of Trump, said that "throughout his career, Trump has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies, thousands of lawsuits, angry stockholders and contractors who feel cheated and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off. Trump says he want to run the nation like he's running his business? God help us."

Up until yesterday, the GOP used to be the party of optimism, of patriotism. The party leading the fight against traditional adversaries like Russia and despots who run them, like Putin. The Democrats are now that party. The GOP, under Donald Trump's leadership, is now the party that wants to make the Soviet Union and treason great again.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Before taking the family out to eat, you might want to search our database of health citations issued to thousands of Ohio restaurants, gas stations and other places that handle food.

to load this Caspio

All Ohio restaurants are inspected at least twice a year.

The database contains 147,614 violations at more than 20,000 businesses, institutions or government agencies during the inspection year that ran from March 2015 through February 2016.

Common violations include food not being kept at the right temperature to cooks not properly cleaning their hands and utensils.

The data are from 54 county and city health departments that filed their reports electronically with the Ohio Department of Health.

Many of the state's 122 health departments, including Shaker Heights, are not yet participating in the voluntary program first offered in June 2013. But the database is complete for the rest of Cuyahoga County with inspections by either the county health district or the city of Cleveland.

Also included from Greater Cleveland are citations issued by health departments for Lake County, Lorain County, Medina County, Summit County and the city of Kent.

Each business handling food is inspected by the local health department at least once a year. There are two inspections a year for places that cook and serve food, or slice meats.

Paul DeSario, supervisor for the Cuyahoga County Board of Health's food inspection program, said finding a problem is not unusual. Problems are found during more than half the restaurant visits in the county. But the number of violations or the seriousness of them could raise concerns for customers.

"If they choose to look at it [the database], I would tell them to look for hand-washing violations - that's important - and any contamination," DeSario said.

Critical violations are often corrected on the spot. Time is often provided to fix other problems. There are no fines, but health officials can threaten to suspend or revoke licenses to operate.

Jamie Higley, administrator of the food safety program for the Ohio Department of Health, said people viewing the reports should keep in mind that they are a "snapshot" of the inspection day. Yet, he said, making reports available on the internet provides an opportunity for patrons to investigate before eating.



"They can search the inspections reports for their own benefit. The reports are public record, but a lot of the public is not aware that they can contact the local health department to get these reports," Higley said.
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Two East Cleveland police officers have been fired after it was determined they used excessive force against a robbery suspect, officials said Thursday.

(File photo)

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two East Cleveland police officers have been fired for "illegal and immoral activity" during a Sunday incident, Chief Michael Cardilli said.

Officer Denayne Dixon and part-time officer Gerald Spencer II were fired following an investigation, Cardilli said.

The officers were suspended during Cardilli's internal investigation.

"Upon completing the investigation, I made a recommendation [to Mayor Gary Norton] that the two officers involved be terminated," he said.

Cardilli declined to discuss the incident but characterized the officers' conduct as "illegal and immoral activity by a law enforcement officer."

Norton did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He told Fox 8 that the incident involves an accusation of excessive force against a suspect.

The officers have not been disciplined in the past, Cardilli said. Cleveland.com has requested copies of the officers' personnel files.

Dixon has been with the department since October 2014 and was still in his probationary period, Cardilli said. Spencer joined the department in May 2015.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now reviewing the incident, Cardilli said.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Assassins have tried to kill past presidents of the United States on numerous occasions throughout history, succeeding four times.

The assassins or would-be assassins have invariably been caught or killed (unless you believe the conspiracy theories surrounding John F. Kennedy's death) and those who survived spent much of their lives in prison or mental institutions.

The most recent would-be presidential assassin -- John Hinckley Jr., who shot Ronald Reagan and three other people in 1981 -- is scheduled to gain his freedom as early as this weekend.

A judge ordered Hinckley Jr.'s release Wednesday after he spent 35 years in a state mental hospital.

It may surprise you to learn, however, that he isn't the only person that tried to kill a president and was later granted their freedom.

Upon Hinckley Jr.'s ordered release, we took a look at some of the people who have killed, or have tried to kill, past presidents and what happened to them.

Scroll through the slides to see the fate of those involved in presidential assassination attempts.

Evan Vucci

Presidential assassins and would-be presidential assassins

By Patrick Cooley

cleveland.com

July 28, 2016

John Hinckley Jr. spent much of his life in a state mental hospital after shooting Ronald Reagan in 1981.

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Shakh Aivazov

Vladimir Arutyunian

Vladimir Arutyunian lobbed a live grenade at President George W. Bush during a 2005 press conference in the former soviet republic of Georgia. The grenade failed to detonate because Arutyunian had wrapped a red handkerchief around the small explosive to conceal it in the crowd, and the fabric prevented the striker lever from releasing.

Arutyunian escaped the scene, but police arrested him two days after the attempted assassination and a Georgian court later sentenced him to life in prison.

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Walt Zeboski

Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme

There is some discussion over whether or not Charles Manson cult member Lynette Fromme intended to kill President Gerald Ford when she waved a gun in his direction in 1975.

Her pistol had four bullets in the magazine, but no bullet in the chamber, and news reports said that she emphasized the gun "didn't go off," as Secret Service agents tried to handcuff her.

Fromme refused to cooperate with her defense lawyers during her trial, and even threw an apple at U.S. Attorney Dwayne Keyes after he recommended a harsh sentence.

She spent time in a prison and was paroled in 2008, but her release was delayed because of her 1987 escape from a federal prison. Fromme was eventually freed in 2009 and moved in with family in upstate New York.

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Sara Jane Moore

Just 17 days after Fromme's attempted assassination of Gerald Ford, Sara Jane Moore fired six shots at the president as he left the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.

Moore missed Ford but hit a taxi driver, who survived. She was arrested and sentenced to life in prison, but released on parole after 32 years.

Moore said in interviews that had been blinded by her radical political views and she regretted the assassination attempt.

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Associated Press

Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo

In 1950, Grisello Torresola and Oscar Collazo, Puerto Rican nationalists armed with guns, broke into the Blair House  where President Harry S. Truman was staying during a White House renovation. They engaged in a gunfight with Secret Service agents until Torresola was killed. A police officer also died as a result of wounds he suffered during the fighting, but Truman was unharmed.

Collazo was shot and captured and later sentenced to death, but Truman commuted his sentence to life in prison.

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Giuseppe Zangara

Franklin D. Roosevelt had just finished an impromptu speech in Florida in February of 1933 when Giuseppe Zangara fired several shots in his direction. None of the bullets hit Roosevelt, but Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak  who was standing next to the president during the shooting  was struck and later died.

Zangara was sentenced to death and executed by the electric chair later that year.

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John Schrank

John Schrank shot Theodore Roosevelt before the former president (and then presidential candidate running for his third term) was scheduled to give a campaign speech in Milwaukee in 1912.

Roosevelt had papers and a glasses case in his shirt pocket that slowed the bullet and likely saved his life, and doctors determined he was not seriously injured. The former president went on to give his campaign speech anyway before going to the hospital.

Schrank claimed he shot Roosevelt as a warning to other men seeking a third term. He died in a state mental hospital two years after the assassination attempt.

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Richard Lawrence

President Andrew Jackson was walking to a funeral service when Lawrence emerged from behind a pillar, pointed a gun at the president and pulled the trigger. The gun misfired, so Lawrence produced another and tried to shoot Jackson a second time, but his other pistol also misfired.

Jackson struck Lawrence several times with his cane before the crowd subdued the would-be assassin. Lawrence was committed to a mental hospital where he remained until he died in 1861.

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David Crary, Associated Press

Lee Harvey Oswald

No presidential assassination has been the subject of as much intrigue and speculation as that of John F. Kennedy. But five separate government investigations have found that Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy from a grassy knoll on a November day in Dallas in 1963, and evidence to the contrary has largely been discredited.

Nightclub owner Jack Ruby shot and killed Oswald two days after Kennedy's assassination. Ruby himself died in prison in 1967.

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Leon Czolgosz

Czolgosz concealed his gun in a handkerchief on a September day in 1901 and got close enough to President William McKinley on the grounds of the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo to fire twice, hitting the president once in the abdomen.

McKinley died as a result of his injuries days later and Czolgosz, who said he was inspired to do something heroic after listening to an anarchist's speech in Cleveland, was sentenced to death and executed by electric chair later that year.

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Charles Guiteau

Guiteau waited for President James Garfield at a railroad station in Baltimore in July of 1881. He shot Garfield twice from behind and ran, but collided with a police officer who arrested him.

Garfield died in September of that year. Guiteau was sentenced to death and hanged a year after the assassination.

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John Wilkes Booth

In what was the first, and arguably the most well-known presidential assassination in American history, actor John Wilkes Booth burst into a box in the Ford Theatre in Washington D.C. on an April day in 1865 and shot President Abraham Lincoln in the back of the head.

The assassination was part of a plot that also targeted Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward, although those attempts failed.

Authorities tracked Booth to a barn in Port Royal, Virginia, which was set on fire after the actor turned assassin refused to surrender. Booth was eventually shot and killed.
FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio - With a bond issue and permanent improvement levy on the Nov. 8 ballot, the Fairview Park City Schools has been holding community tours to educate the public regarding the need for renovations and additions to Fairview High School, Lewis F. Mayer Middle School and Parkview Early Education Center, as well as updates at Gilles-Sweet Elementary.

The next tours are scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Fairview High School and Lewis F. Mayer Middle School. Tours begin at the front doors of the high school lobby.

"The building tours have been an overwhelming success," Lewis F. Mayer Middle School Principal Raymond M. Mohr said. "The community appreciates the opportunity to come tour the buildings and ask questions about why the district is seeking support for building renovations.

"After the building tours, community members expressed their appreciation and leave with a much greater understanding of the need."

The bond issue and permanent improvement levy are tied to Option 4 of the proposed District Facilities Plan, which has an estimated cost of $35.2 million.

If approved this fall, the property tax increase means residents will pay $93 for each $100,000 of property valuation. Also, that figure takes into account a 0.6-mill reduction tied to a decrease in the bond retirement fund.

Mohr said there was overwhelming support for Option 4, with resident surveys revealing 90 percent were in favor 5 percent were against the plan and 5 percent were neutral.

Facility Advisory Committee member Chris Gerrett is volunteering her time to coordinate the community tours.

"We want people to come in from the community to look at the facility for themselves," said Gerrett, who is also the Fairview Park Historical Society president. "Don't rely on what they hear from word of mouth or what they read on Facebook.

"Come in and look at the good, the bad and the ugly. Then make an informed decision."
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James Underwood, Devin Hookfin, Michael Harper and Rayshawn Lewis are facing felony weapons charges after Lakewood police found two loaded guns in a car during a routine traffic stop.

(Lakewood Police Department)

LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Four men are facing felony weapons charges after Lakewood officers found two loaded guns in a car during a traffic stop.

James Neil Underwood III, 19, of Garfield Heights, a passenger in the car, was wanted in connection with thefts at a gun show in Berea in May. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of grand theft in that case Wednesday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, according to court records.

He remains in the Cuyahoga County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

An officer on patrol near West 117th Street and Edgewater Drive in Lakewood saw a 2014 black Chevy Cruz with no license plate light at 4:48 a.m. Monday. The officer stopped the car in the 11800 block of Edgewater Drive, according to a Lakewood police report.

When the officer approached the car he saw a loaded .38-caliber revolver sticking out of a pocket on the back of the front passenger's seat, Lakewood police Capt. Ed Hassing said.

The men got out of the car and officers put the men in handcuffs while police searched the car. That's when officers found a loaded .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol in the glove box, Hassing said.

The driver, Devin Tirrell Hookfin, 19, of Cleveland, Underwood, and passengers Michael Robert Harper and Rayshawn Lanelle Byrd Lewis, both 20, of Garfield Heights were arrested and charged with carrying concealed weapons, according to Lakewood Municipal Court records.

Their cases were bound over to a Cuyahoga County grand jury. They were still in the Cuyahoga County Jail on Wednesday.

None of the men claimed ownership of the guns, Hassing said. The men told police they were in the area visiting friends.

Underwood was also charged with giving false information to law enforcement. He is due back in municipal court for an Aug. 2 hearing.

Hookfin was charged with driving under suspension and license plate light. An Aug. 1 hearing is scheduled in Lakewood.

A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Hookfin July 12 on grand theft and two counts of theft in a separate case out of Cleveland, according to court records.

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Clevleand police are investigating after an 11-year-old girl was shot.

(File photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An 11-year-old girl was shot in the leg early Thursday after someone opened fire on the house where she lives.

The girl was inside the home in the 3300 block of Seymour Avenue when a group of four or five men started banging on the windows, police said.

Witnesses told police they also noticed a white Cadillac driving up and down the street early in the morning.

The group fired several gunshots about 1:30 a.m. at the home and a family member told police they heard the 11-year-old girl scream after she was shot in the left calf, according to police.

A family member drove her to MetroHealth Medical Center and called police on the way there. The girl is in stable condition. Cleveland police initially reported the girl's age as 10.

Three others were shot in Cleveland between 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

A 24-year-old woman was shot in the back and chest in the 800 block of East 157th Street. The woman told police a man said "hey" to her, then shot her. She was taken to University Hospitals for treatment.

Police said a 37-year-old man was shot in the chest in the 13400 block of Crennel Avenue and a man was shot on East 129th Street and Craven Avenue.

There have now been at least 84 gunshot victims in Cleveland in July.

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girl, 11, shot in cleveland

Bullets ripped through this window of a home on Seymour Avenue and injured an 11-year-old girl.

(Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 11-year-old girl shot in the leg inside her home early Thursday cried on her way to the hospital, not because of the pain but because she was worried about her three younger sisters.

"It makes me cry just thinking about it," said the girl's great-uncle, who helped get her to nearby MetroHealth Medical Center. The man asked that his name not be used for fear of retaliation.

Cleveland police are also investigating whether the shooting is connected with a road-rage incident that happened Monday involving the girl's stepmother.

Michael Pratts, the girl's uncle, said that he and a few others were at the girl's home in the 3400 block of Seymour Avenue Wednesday night. Members of his family live in homes scattered throughout the neighborhood.

He said everyone left shortly before 1:30 a.m. The 11-year-old girl was watching a movie from a couch in the living room with her stepmom and her 3-year-old sister.

A group of men in a white Cadillac drove up and down the road several times prior to the shooting, witnesses told police. Someone knocked on the window of one of the family's houses across the street. Shortly after, someone fired at least five gunshots into the home.

Bullets ripped through the front of the house, including a large pane of glass. One of the bullets hit the 11-year-old girl in the leg as she held her 2-year-old sister. Her 5-year-old and 10-month-old sisters were also in the home at the time.

Wesley Pratts, her father, said that he and his brother left to go to the store about five minutes before the shooting.

"They knew there were kids in the house," he said. "We have a big window in the front of the house and the blinds were open. There's no way they didn't see them in there."

The girl's mother told police that she was in the kitchen when the shooting started and soon noticed her daughter on the ground with the wound.

Witnesses and investigators are not sure whether there was a lone gunman or several people involved in the shooting. Whomever was involved either ran away or left in a car, but neighbors and family members said they never heard a car drive away.

Neighbors said they heard the girl scream "mommy." The girl's uncle and great-uncle ran to the home. Her great-uncle scooped her up and took her outside.

A neighbor getting home from work offered her van to the girl's mother. The great-uncle put the girl in the backseat and made the short drive to MetroHealth.

"She's scared," Wesley Pratts said. "All she keeps talking about are her sisters though. She wants to make sure they're okay. She's the big sis. They all look up to her. She takes care of her sisters for her daddy. She's a perfect little girl. She doesn't deserve this."

Cleveland police have not determined whether the shooting is connected with a road-rage incident that happened Monday involving the victim's stepmother. She was driving along Seymour Avenue with several children in the car when she noticed a man tailgating.

He nearly struck her car and she eventually confronted him.

The man threatened to shoot up her car, pointed his gun at her, turned it away and fired one shot, Wesley Pratts said. He drove away and police later found a bullet casing in the road. No arrests were made in that case.

The family got some positive news Thursday. The girl underwent surgery on her leg and doctors told the family they were able to get blood flowing to the rest of her leg, Wesley Pratts said.

Doctors told the Pratts that they were worried they might have to amputate her leg because of the extent of her injuries.

"She has a huge hole in her leg," Wesley Pratts said. "She's just a little girl too. She's just a baby."

Pratts said he's still mourning the loss of his good friend, Jason Miranda, a 21-year-old aspiring rapper who was shot to death Tuesday in front of his 1-year-old son on Kirton Avenue near West 130th Street. Miranda went by the stage name Tito.

"He was like a little brother to me," Wesley Pratts said. "This has been the worst week. First my little bro was shot, and now my daughter. It's been terrible."

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Work of Art

Students, Faculty Visit Cuba To Study Redevelopment of Historic School

July 27, 2016



Students explore the interior of the School of Music building, which is part of Cuba's National Arts Schools.

While Cuba and the U.S. are renewing relations, Carnegie Mellon University faculty and students are working on a revival.

Cuba's National Arts Schools, known as the Instituto Superior de Arte, was conceived in 1960 by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara after the Cuban Revolution. The campus, which was to include five new schools on the grounds of the former Havana Country Club, was created to support and nurture Cuban artists and performers in drama, art, music, ballet and modern dance. But it never came to full fruition.

Today while the largely completed schools of art and modern dance are in use, the other half-finished architectural masterpieces have been partially left to ruin. The school was recently named to the World Monuments Fund's Watch List, a compilation of 50 sites in 36 countries at risk due to social and environmental forces.

After meeting with CMU alumna Norma Barbacci, the World Monuments Fund program director for Latin America, Spain and Portugal, Hal Hayes, an alumnus and professor of architecture, recognized the opportunity for CMU students and for Cuba.

"The site is incredibly unique and precious, and this is a rare moment in the history of Cuba. The richness of the site, complexity of the structures, the high standards of the existing academic programs even in difficult physical conditions, and the social and political upheaval going on outside are a tremendous stimulus to the students' engagement, creativity and learning," Hayes said.

Hayes spearheaded a trip to Cuba for 12 students in the Theater Architecture course, a collaborative offering among the College of Fine Arts' (CFA) schools of Architecture and Drama and Master of Arts Management Program, offered jointly through CFA and the H. John Heinz III College.

Faculty members joining Hayes on the trip were Dick Block, professor and associate head of the School of Drama, and Kathryn Heidemann, assistant dean for initiatives of the Heinz College and CFA.

During the weeklong visit, which took place one week before President Barack Obama's historic arrival, class members conducted a site analysis of Cuba's arts schools, interviewed administrators, faculty, students and visiting artists, and explored examples of Havana's 500-year history of architecture and urbanism.

"There is a real feeling of a moving upward and forward, and there's a lot of anticipation of what is to come," Block said.

An exhibit, "[in]COMPLETION: [in]TRANSITION: The Redevelopment of Cuba's Landmark National Arts Schools," documents the group's journey and will be on display until Aug. 28 at the Future Tenant gallery, 819 Penn Ave. in Pittsburgh. A closing reception will be held at the gallery Aug. 31.

The students investigated how the school buildings could be preserved and reused, and developed design solutions to preserve, renovate and add to the complex to maintain the site's character, fully support the academic and performance programs of the schools, and to expand their outreach into the surrounding neighborhoods.

One of the most interesting challenges was to understand the unique Catalan vault roof structures that all five of the schools used, an example of which can be seen in the monumental stair in CMU's Baker Hall. The original architects of the schools decided on this type of structure because of the shortage of steel, concrete and other building materials due to the U.S. embargo, a constraint which may soon change.

One of the student groups' suggested plan was renovating and adapting the existing structures for support purposes and adding a new theater for the drama school, as the originally planned theater had never been built. Drama students pinpointed crucial factors that would optimize performances, as well as stage management needs for a new modern facility.

"We measured every inch of every detail, every nuance," said architecture student Amy Rosen. "We learned that people didn't want the current buildings to be ruined, so we focused our efforts on this becoming an adaptive reuse project."

Their work gained the attention of local students and tourists, who were eager to learn about their project. At the end of their visit, the students held an open house and work session for 75 guests.

Heidemann said traveling to Cuba was like a trip back in time.

"The experience blurred the lines between past and present, and sparked a conversation about preservation and adaptive reuse, said Heidemann, who also emphasized the cross-disciplinary nature of the project. "I knew it was going to be a transformative experience for all of us from both a personal and educational standpoint, and it was.

Arts management student Evan Zajdel noted that although it seemed like the Cuban culture was stuck in the past, it didn't inhibit the citizens' spirit.

"I wasn't sure what to expect because of what I heard about the country in terms of the economy," Zajdel said. "But everyone seemed to be happy. If you have few wants, your wants are more easily satisfied. The less you want, the less you need."

Heidemann said it's likely the class will continue as a systems synthesis capstone project through the Heinz College's Arts Management and Public Policy programs in the 2016-2017 school year.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) greets Chinese President Xi Jinping Sasha Mordovets | Getty Images

Russia's ties with its eastern neighbor became all the more significant in 2014, shortly after the European Union (EU) and U.S. introduced sanctions on Moscow for their alleged involvement in separatist fighting in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.

With Russia's economy pushed into a corner by sanctions which have limited trade and restricted fund raising on international markets, Russia embarked on a so-called "pivot east," emphasizing friendly relations and increased investment between the two emerging market states.

Trading in rhetoric

But analysts say that Russia's pivot east is more rhetorical and political than economically substantial.

"China has, admittedly, become a more important export market for Russia in recent years and is now one of Russia's largest trading partners. But it still only accounts for 10 percent of Russia's total exports, and is significantly smaller than Western Europe," William Jackson, a senior emerging market economist at Capital Economics, told CNBC via email. Russia, meanwhile, only takes in about 2 percent of China's total exports, he said.

Energy makes up the bulk part of trade, with Russia exporting around 500,000 barrels of crude to China via a direct pipeline daily, Chris Weafer, a senior partner at Macro Advisory, told CNBC by email.

Beijing is also a big buyer of Russia's coal and industrial metals, Weafer added, "otherwise there is little other trade between the two." While there is "clear political will" for a closer relationship from the top tiers of power, the societal and economic structure of the two economies has made it difficult to implement in practice, Guo Yu, head of Asia at consultancy Verisk Maplecroft, explained to CNBC.

Key investments

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Yu's colleague Daragh McDowell, principal Russia analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, explained that a lack of trust is partly to blame for the countries' materially loose cooperation.

"Moscow remains suspicious of foreign ownership in the Russian economy whatever its origin, which is a source of frustration for Chinese business," McDowell said. That's compounded by weak Russian domestic demand and a struggling economy more broadly, Jackson explained. While there was a brief spike in Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) into Russia in early 2014, FDI has otherwise been pretty small, he added.

Some of the most notable deals to take have been large infrastructure projects.

Those include the Power of Siberia pipeline which will help fulfill a 30-year gas supply contract to China. Signed in 2014, it was hailed as Gazprom's biggest contract to date. Additionally, the Yamal LNG project is a liquified natural gas plant in Russia's arctic that's secured $12 billion in financing from The Export-Import Bank of China and China Development Bank earlier this year.

As a result, Chinese investors own 49 percent of the Yamal LNG project, Wefer detailed.

"However, Russia's decision to begin issuing renminbi (yuan) denominated bonds in late 2015 indicates Moscow is keen to create the financial infrastructure for smaller scale, private investment projects to get off the ground," McDowell noted.

Sovereign debt holdings

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Chinese state finance is vital for funding major state infrastructure and development projects, McDowell admitted, but analysts say China holds very little, if any, Russian state debt.

Moscow's total foreign debt only amounts to 14 percent of GDP (gross domestic product), and is mainly made up of commercial paper, according to Verisk Maplecroft. "While it's possible the Chinese Central Bank holds Russian eurobonds, in practical terms the amount is relatively trivial," McDowell said.

Only $50 billion of Russia's $500 billion external debt is sovereign, Weafer explained, and almost none of that is held by China.

Cultural connections
Kaine, who formally accepted the Democratic vice-presidential nomination, used Trump's refusal to release said tax returns as one of reason why the GOP nominee is not trustworthy.

Trump, the Republican nominee, reiterated during a Wednesday news conference he would not release his tax returns, citing an ongoing audit from the Internal Revenue Service.

"Does anybody in this massive auditorium believe that Donald Trump's been paying his fair share of taxes?" Kaine, a senator from Virginia, said at the Democratic National Convention, as the crowd screamed "No." "Do you believe he ought to release those tax returns like every other presidential candidate? Of course he should. Donald Trump, what are you hiding?"

Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Tim Kaine speaks on the third night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 27, 2016

"Trump is a guy who promises a lot. But you might have noticed, he has a way of using the same two words right after he makes his biggest, 'hugest' promises. ... 'Believe me,'" Kaine said. "'There is nothing suspicious in my taxes, believe me.'"



"He never tells you how he's going to do any of the things he says he's going to do. He just says, 'believe me.' So here's the question. Do you really believe him?" Kaine said, as the crowd chanted "not one word."

Last week, GOP members questioned Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's trustworthiness, often times citing her FBI investigation concerning emails from her tenure as secretary of State.

Kaine took the opportunity to explain why he trusts Clinton in front of a jam-packed Wells Fargo Arena.

"She's consistent. She has battled to put kids and families first since she was a teenager  in good times and bad, in victory and defeat, in and out of office, through hell or high water," Kaine said.



"And with Hillary, it's not just words; it's accomplishments," he added. "She wasn't afraid to stand up against thugs and dictators and was a key part of the Obama national security team that decided to go to the ends of the earth to wipe out Osama bin Laden."



Clinton chose Kaine as her running mate last Friday.

The Virginia senator is expected to help Clinton's campaign by further appealing to the Latino vote, since he speaks fluent Spanish. Kaine also brings foreign policy experience, as he currently serves on the Senate's Armed Services and Foreign Relations committee.

Kaine incorporated some Spanish in his Wednesday speech, when he talked about his missionary trip to Honduras.

In a Sunday interview with "60 Minutes," Kaine referred to himself as a "utility player," or someone who can take on a number of different tasks.

"I've been a lieutenant governor and governor and now in the Senate serve on the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committee," he said. "I've climbed, and I haven't missed a rung on the ladder."
PHILADELPHIA  Business mogul Michael Bloomberg eviscerated fellow New York City billionaire Donald Trump on Wednesday night, saying "I'm a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one."

"I understand the appeal of a businessman president. But Trump's business plan is a disaster in the making. He would make it harder for small businesses to compete, do great damage to our economy, [and] threaten the retirement savings of millions of Americans," the former New York City mayor said in a speech at the Democratic National Convention. "Trump is a risky, reckless, and radical choice. And we can't afford to make that choice."

"Most of us who have created a business know that we're only as good as the way our employees, clients, and partners view us. Most of us don't pretend that we're smart enough to make every big decision by ourselves. And most of us who have our names on the door know that we are only as good as our word, but not Donald Trump," said Bloomberg, who emphasized he's an independent, as the crowd cheered throughout his speech.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has been using his business acumen to appeal to voters, attempting to show off his leadership skills.

"Throughout his career, Trump has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies, thousands of lawsuits, angry shareholders and contractors who feel cheated, and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off. Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's run his business. God help us," Bloomberg said.


After Obama's address, Clinton joined him onstage as Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" played. The pair pointed at one another then hugged in front of a floor of delegates standing and shaking "Obama" signs.

"Now I'm ready to pass the baton and do my part as a private citizen. This year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me. To reject cynicism, to reject fear, to summon what's best in us. To elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation," Obama said, raising his voice over a roar of applause at the Democratic National Convention.

The president highlighted what he deemed the successes of his nearly eight years in office, saying Americans "fueled (his) dogged faith in our future, even when the odds are great." He defended Clinton from attacks across the political spectrum and called on voters to reject Trump's rhetoric and claims that "only he" can fix a broken country.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman, not me, not Bill, more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama said. "I hope you don't mind, Bill, but I was just telling the truth, man."

PHILADELPHIA  President Barack Obama gave a ringing endorsement of Hillary Clinton here Wednesday, offering a portrait of a tenacious public servant uniquely prepared to continue his work and stave off a threat to American values posed by Donald Trump.

US President Barack Obama stands on stage with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Obama, whose approval rating stands higher than it has for most of his tenure at roughly 50 percent, aims to help Clinton with voter doubts. Both Clinton and Trump have high unfavorable ratings from voters in what has started to look like a tighter general election contest.

Obama tried to spell those doubts about Clinton, recently fueled by an investigation into her handling of classified information while secretary of state under Obama. "Nothing truly prepares you" for the stress of the presidency but being there, Obama contended.

"Hillary's been in the room, she's been part of those decisions. She knows what's at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier and the veteran. Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people and keeps her cool and she treats everybody with respect," Obama said.

He contended Trump is "not really a plans guy," dispelling his claims that the American economy is broken and that crime has risen. Obama has repeatedly stressed solidarity with peaceful Muslims and claimed Trump's proposals, like one to temporarily ban immigration from countries with links to terrorism, only embolden violent groups.

Obama also attacked Trump's business record and contentious plan to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, praising Clinton for pursuing immigration reform as he has done.

"Hillary knows we can insist on a lawful and orderly immigration system while still seeing striving students and their toiling parents as loving families, not criminals or rapists. Families that came here for the same reasons our forebears came  to work, and study, and make a better life, in a place where we can talk and worship and love as we please. She knows their dream is quintessentially American, and the American Dream is something no wall will ever contain," Obama said to loud applause.

Obama's endorsement brought him full circle from the 2008 Democratic National Convention, when Clinton endorsed him after she lost a hard-fought primary. That year, Clinton motioned to nominate the eventual president by acclamation on the convention floor, a gesture runner-up Sen. Bernie Sanders repeated for her Tuesday.

Obama praised the energy of Sanders' fervent supporters Wednesday, but called on them to support Clinton even if they have doubts about her policies.

"So if you agree that there's too much inequality in our economy, and too much money in our politics, we all need to be as vocal and as organized and as persistent as Bernie Sanders' supporters have been," he said.
Michel Barnier during a news conference after a meeting of EU finance ministers at the European Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Britain has reacted frostily to the naming of Michel Barnier, the former French foreign minister and scourge of the City of London, as the European Commission's chief Brexit negotiator.

The surprise nomination places an architect of Europe's post-crisis financial regulation at the helm of the technical talks for Britain to leave the EU. Jean-Claude Juncker, the commission president, said he wanted an "experienced politician for this difficult job".

The UK government's cool response to the decision reflected heightened concerns that the commission will be an awkward negotiating partner. An official statement did not mention the Frenchman by name and was drafted to suggest that the commission was the least important of three interlocutors in the Brexit talks.

More from the Financial Times



Brexit warning on higher car prices

FTSE 250 nears pre-Brexit level

AIG launches Brexit insurance

"We look forward to working with representatives from the member states, the council and the commission to ensure an orderly departure of the UK from the EU," a UK spokesman said.

Some City financiers were even more scathing about the appointment. One chairman said: "My initial reaction was 'Oh, God.' It's clearly provocative."

"I can't see how it could be worse," said another senior banking industry figure, who has worked in Brussels. "It's incredibly provocative. This is Juncker's revenge on Britain."

Mr Barnier has always insisted that he went to great lengths to avoid alienating Britain or the City when he was the EU's single market commissioner from 2009 to 2014.

But his interventionist instincts and Gaullist style at times made him the nemesis of the UK Treasury. Britain was outvoted for the first time on a big EU financial services law in 2013 when it objected to a revamp of bank capital rules.
Lengthy Customs procedures, underdeveloped traffic infrastructure and intensifying competition make navigating Vietnam's logistics industry a testing experience but Minh Phuong Dang is unfazed. To her, these challenges are unique opportunities. Dang is the chief executive of MP Logistics, the company she founded in 1995 as a forwarding business, that has since grown into one of the leading local solutions providers in Vietnam's burgeoning logistics scene. And Dang has no plans on letting up just yet. "I am confident [on becoming] the best [logistics] player in Asia," the entrepreneur tells CNBC's "Managing Asia." "I don't want to say number one because you can be number one but you may not be the best." Dang expects to float MP Logistics in the coming five years, amid plans to expand in the region and further afield. "For logistics, you can make it global," Dang says. "I [want] to have agencies around the world, not only in Vietnam."

watch now

Southeast Asian markets are especially attractive to Dang, who cites resilient economic growth and cultural proximity as factors that make Vietnam's neighbors good potential markets for her company. "The first market I want to expand to is Myanmar," she says. "Besides that, the Philippines  [and] other countries like Cambodia and Thailand [that] are experiencing stable growth rates." The number of free trade agreements (FTAs) Vietnam has recently signed - including ones with the European Union and South Korea - work in favor of Dang's expansion plans. The most significant of these is perhaps the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is forecast to result in GDP growth rates of more than 20 percent for Vietnam when it is ratified. "With [the] TPP, more investors will come to Vietnam," Dang explains. "Our company will grow with Vietnam's economy." She projects that these FTAs, along with Vietnam's inclusion in the ASEAN Economic Community, will increase the company's growth rate of 30 percent this financial year to 40 percent next year. However, along with economic benefits, these pacts promise to bring tougher competition; MP Logistics is not the only one cashing in on the Southeast Asian growth story. By Dang's estimates, there are about 1,200 logistics companies operating in Vietnam today - 30 of which are foreign multinationals (MNCs). While Dang rues the superior financial firepower, networks and experience that MNCs possess, she remains confident that MP Logistics has an edge over its more experienced competitors. "Because we are a company with 100 percent domestic capital, we understand the local culture, customs, habits and the Vietnamese people,  we can tailor our solutions to best suit them," she says.

Hai Phong port in Hai Phong, Vietnam on July 1, 2015. Chau Doan | Light Rocket | Getty Images
For many people living in the developed world, day to day life is hectic and increasingly stressful. While we are more connected than ever before, the amount of free time we have to take stock of our lives and spend time with friends and family is constantly under threat.



Maybe we should move to north-east Scotland.

Founded in 1962, the Findhorn Foundation has sustainability and clean living at its core, and offers an alternative way of life to the millions of us who find ourselves in the rat race.

Its Ecovillage is home to a range of environmentally friendly features as well as residents who share similar values.

"One of the things that drew us to Findhorn was a desire to live closer to nature and to be able to have a sustainable lifestyle where we were living near our family and along with friends who also wanted to live a sustainable lifestyle," Lisa Shaw, a resident and director of Biometrix Water, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy.

The community is home to a 250 kilowatt biomass boiler  which helps cut carbon emissions by roughly 80 tons annually  solar water heating systems and a car sharing club that uses zero-emission electric vehicles. Findhorn even has its own local currency, the eko.

Wind power is also crucial to life in Findhorn and four turbines  owned by the community  meet all its electricity needs.
watch now

Tidjane Thiam, the chief executive of Credit Suisse, which has cut close to 2,000 jobs in London this year, told CNBC that Brexit has so far had "no impact" on its business, but that the bank is "ready to adapt" if it does.

His comments come amid fears of a gradual exodus from the City, London's financial services center, to elsewhere in Europe, when the U.K. leaves the European Union. Credit Suisse has already cut 1,800 jobs in London this year as it restructures its business and moves some jobs to lower cost countries like India and Poland. "We have been very cautious, because everybody knows what the uncertainties are  (for example) Brexit  and no-one knows how it is going to play out," Thiam added. "We have to look for where there is profitable growth and push capital towards those areas ... Our plan has been to fundamentally reduce our footprint in London."

Surprise profit

Credit Suisse reported a surprise profit for the second quarter of 2016 on Thursday. With net income of 170 million Swiss francs ($172.4 million), it beat expectations for a 192 million Swiss franc loss in a Reuters poll. The quarterly profit compared to a net loss attributable to shareholders of 302 million Swiss francs in the first quarter of 2016, but represented an 84 percent fall on net profits of just over 1 billion Swiss francs from the same period in 2015. Even though results were better than forecast, analysts still believe the bank may need to make a fresh appeal for capital next year, as it struggles with challenging markets and increased leverage requirements under new "too big to fail" rules. Last month, the Swiss National Bank said Credit Suisse, along with rival UBS, may need to raise an extra 10 billion Swiss francs in capital to meet new leverage requirements. "We believe CS (Credit Suisse) will still need to raise another round of capital next year," analysts at Bernstein wrote in a research note. The Swiss banking giant said it made a group pre-tax income of 199 million Swiss francs in the three months to June 30, an improvement on the pre-tax loss of 484 million Swiss francs reported in the first quarter. Net revenues for the quarter came in at 5.4 billion Swiss francs, up 6 percent on 5.1 billion Swiss francs in the first quarter, but down 16 percent against 6.5 billion Swiss francs in the same period a year ago.

'Many pressures on banks'

Tidjane Thiam, CEO of Credit Suisse. Chris Ratcliffe | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Democrats with roots in working-class America portrayed Trump as dishonest and mean-spirited. The sitting vice president, "Middle-Class Joe" Biden, appealed to the blue-collar white voters who have rallied behind Trump.

"Not fit to polish John McCain's boots," one retired Navy admiral said, citing Trump's assertion that the 2008 Republican nominee was no hero because he was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

Seizing on Donald Trump 's invitation to Russia to hack Hillary Clinton 's emails, national security figures on Wednesday night portrayed the bombastic billionaire as unfit to be commander in chief.

PHILADELPHIA  Weeklong party nominating conventions are about building a case, and Democrats deployed major players to build theirs  on multiple fronts.

"How can there be pleasure from saying, 'You're fired'?" Biden asked. "He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class? Give me a break. That's a bunch of malarkey."



The man who aims to succeed him, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, ridiculed the Republican nominee for repeatedly saying "believe me" after making outlandish promises. "You cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth  not one word," Kaine said.



For independent-minded, college-educated voters, New York's former Republican mayor Michael Bloomberg mocked Trump's business record and even questioned his mental stability. Conceding disagreements on issues with Clinton and the Democratic platform, he emphatically endorsed her nevertheless.



"As an Independent, I am asking you to join with me," Bloomberg said. "Not out of party loyalty, but out of love of country. And together, let's elect a sane, competent person."



The night's final speaker was President Barack Obama, appearing 12 years after he burst onto the national stage with his keynote address at the 2004 Democratic convention. He made fun of Trump as "not a plans guy" or "a facts guy," casting him as a "homegrown demagogue" playing on the fears of an anxious nation.



The president, buoyed by approval ratings that now top 50 percent, tried to reassure Americans feeling left out by economic shifts and cultural change. "We're not done perfecting our union," he said.



But he described Hillary Clinton as the right person to keep trying, someone equipped by a lifetime of public service to make progress on domestic issues and win the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham.



"There has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama said, saying he is ready to "pass the baton" to her.



The one-time rivals from the 2008 campaign then embraced on stage. In the convention's final act Thursday night, Clinton will take the stage and address the nation on her own.


Wal-Mart 's pain is Dollar General 's gain.

After Wal-Mart's decision to bail on its answer to the competitive dollar store space earlier this year, Dollar General announced this week that it has purchased 41 of the former Walmart Express locations. The company plans to relocate 40 of its existing stores into these sites by October and will enter one new market, in Coal Hill, Arkansas, with the final location.

"Dollar General is excited to add these locations to our existing store base. We look forward to the opportunity to better serve our customers in these communities by continuing to provide the convenience and value they expect from Dollar General," Todd Vasos, Dollar General's chief executive officer, said in a press release.



The relocations will allow Dollar General to add square footage in its existing markets, so that it can expand its selection in fresh meat and produce. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Before they were shuttered, Wal-Mart's 102 Express stores averaged roughly 15,000 square feet. At the company's shareholder meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas, last month, CEO Doug McMillon said the retailer decided to discontinue the pilot  which it started in 2011  to focus on its larger supercenters.

"We can't do everything," he said.

Meanwhile, the traditional dollar store players have big plans for expansion. Dollar General alone is on track to open 900 stores this year, and another 1,000 in 2017.
Establishment Republicans and Democrats should not be surprised about the divisions in their parties because they've delivered years of empty promises of change, said Tim Pawlenty, who unsuccessfully sought the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.

"How did socialism nearly take over the Democratic Party? Or how did [Donald Trump] rise in the Republican party? It's because the people who do things in the normal course haven't gotten it done," the former two-term Minnesota governor told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday.

Pawlenty, who had supported Florida Sen. Marco Rubio during the primaries, said he vowed to support the GOP nominee, so he's backing Trump for the presidency over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

After dropping his presidential bid, Pawlenty became the co-chair of Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign. Pawlenty is currently head of the Financial Services Roundtable advocacy group.


Obama at the DNC: The Donald is not really 'a plans guy' 8:28 AM ET Thu, 28 July 2016 | 01:13

This commentary originally appeared on The Hill.

Michelle Obama. Bernie Sanders. Bill Clinton. Joe Biden. Barack Obama.

Few would ever want to follow that "Dream Team" lineup of gifted political orators at the Democratic National Convention.



Then again, Hillary Clinton doesn't really have a choice.



She wants to be president, and the acceptance speech is a rite of passage for anyone seeking the White House.

When the former Secretary of State and first lady steps on stage at Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia on Thursday night, she will make history as the first woman in American history to accept the presidential nomination of a major political party.



But Clinton also finds herself in the difficult spot of going last, after some tremendous speeches by her top surrogates  all of whom have demonstrated an uncanny ability to inspire and connect with huge audiences like the one that will fill the Wells Fargo Arena.



Sanders insurgents, still smarting from their primary defeat and an email scandal showing top Democratic leaders trying to undermine the Vermont senator, could boo and embarrass Clinton on stage. There's the risk of coming off flat, of losing the room, and delivering a speech that's easily forgotten.



"No one wants to be upstaged at their own convention," said one former Clinton aide, adding that "it's obviously a fear for any presidential nominee."



Those watching first lady Michelle Obama's speech Monday from the convention floor and on TV said she knocked it out of the park; some delegates openly wept as the first lady described watching her daughters  "two beautiful, intelligent, black young women"  playing in front of a White House that was built by slaves.



State delegates said they were fired up after New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker's rousing speech that sparked an angry tweet from Donald Trump. Later Monday, Sanders electrified the room and displayed magnanimity as he gave Clinton, his former chief primary rival, a full-throated endorsement that dragged the fractious party a step closer to unity.



The next day, Bill Clinton, the "explainer in chief," deviated from his usual schtick of boiling down complex policy into straight-forward arguments that the average voter can understand. Instead, the folksy former president recited a 42-minute ode to Hillary, taking the American people on a walk down memory lane as he recounted his courtship of her at Yale Law School, their marriage and their early years in Little Rock.



It was Bill Clinton's effort to humanize his wife, who's been caricatured by Republicans and other critics as a cold, calculating and corrupt creature of Washington.



Vice President Biden, the son of Scranton, Pa. who flirted with challenging Hillary Clinton last year, has a knack for connecting with working-class voters  a group with which GOP nominee Donald Trump is making inroads. And Biden can bring a room to tears just by telling stories about his personal tragedies: how a tractor-trailer accident killed his wife and young daughter just weeks after his Senate election, and how brain cancer claimed the life of his oldest son Beau last year.



Then there is Barack Obama, Hillary's relatively inexperienced 2008 political nemesis whose soaring campaign speeches captivated a new generation of voters, carried him to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, and set back her own presidential plans by eight years.



The former Clinton aide pointed to the personal, extremely moving speech then-Sen. Obama delivered at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, stealing the spotlight from the party's nominee John Kerry.



"No one remembers the speech that John Kerry gave," the aide said, "but they do remember Barack Obama."



Make no mistake, all of Hillary Clinton's high-profile surrogates are using their convention address to pitch why the former Secretary of State would make a far superior president than the Manhattan real estate mogul and reality TV star with a knack for dominating a news cycle with a single tweet or utterance.



But with polls tightening after last week's GOP convention, Team Hillary is hoping for a winning speech that will give her a big bounce coming out of the four-day Democratic confab.



"Is there a risk? Yeah, there's a risk anytime you make a high-profile speech," said former longtime Rep.Barney Frank (D-Mass.), a frequent cable TV pundit who was among the Clinton allies booed when they spoke on the convention stage on the opening day.



"But there will be an inherent excitement that she is the first woman to be nomination for president of the United States," he continued. "That will infuse itself with a great deal of excitement."



Clinton has survived countless attacks from Republicans, from Whitewater and the Lewinsky scandal to the FBI investigation into her handling of classified information, Franks argued.



"But given that there are these questions about her, this is a situation where other people can do a better job than she of attesting to her character," the former congressman said. "'I am not a crook' didn't work for Nixon. Nobody else was willing to say that he wasn't. In that sense, having all these people whose character is admirable  Elizabeth Warren, Sanders, Michelle Obama  is all very helpful."



Hillary Clinton is known to rely on many hands when it comes to drafting speeches. In preparing her 2008 convention speech in Denver, she sat with several aides to draft the speech. And in the final hours as she was preparing to deliver the endorsement of then-Sen. Obama, it was nearly reworked by Bill Clinton only to be switched back at that last minute to the speech Hillary Clinton preferred.



Her speeches can sometimes seem muddled and unfocused, but Clinton allies say she delivers her best speeches in key moments. She was highly praised this cycle for her speech in Brooklyn, after clinching the Democratic nomination, where many allies said she had found her voice. And no one can forget her 2008 concession speech that cemented her legacy as a trailblazer for women and young girls around the country.



"Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time," Clinton said eight years ago, "thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it."



One former Clinton speechwriter said the Democratic nominee is fully aware "she has a high bar to clear." But the source said Clinton has been working on her remarks for months with a small team of aides, including chief speechwriter Dan Schwerin.



"This isn't gonna be a rush job," the speechwriter said.



"She has the best team out there and her team has been working on this for months, ever since she clinched the nomination. She rises to the occasion for the moment and I think it's going to be one for the history books."



Other Clinton surrogates hanging out in The City of Brotherly Love this week agreed that she'd give the speech of her life Thursday.



"She will inspire us and show us what a tremendous leader she is while being the warm and compassionate person that I know she is," said Rep. Judy Chu, the chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus who was seated with her California delegation on the convention floor.


While the stock market and oil prices have been going up and down in tandem recently, historically they tend to move in opposite directions, closely followed market watcher Dennis Gartman said Thursday.

"The belief generally on the Street, 'As goes oil prices, so goes stock prices,' that's nonsense," said the founder and publisher of The Gartman Letter.

Over the "last five or six years," charts show crude going down and stock prices going up," he argued. "The correlation is negative, not positive."

Both stocks and U.S. crude bottomed for the year on Feb. 11, and for the most part continued to move higher together. West Texas Intermediate crude has surged more than 50 percent since then, while the S&P 500 has gained about 17 percent since its 2016 low.

"You had a period of about three or four months where they did in fact move in correlation with one and other. On balance over broad periods of time, the correlation is negative," Gartman said.

"If you did get crude oil [back] down to $35 then something is going on economically that's taking stock prices down," he said. "But it's not crude that's weighing upon stock prices, it will be economic activity that's weighing upon stock prices."
Jeremy Woodhouse | Blend Images | Getty Images

Running a successful business requires planning, sound financial sense, a slice of good luck, and everything in between. Running a business with your family throws up a load of other variables and issues. One bone of great contention is the issue of succession: Who takes over when the head of the business retires or passes away. CNBC's Lasting Legacy listens to the views of family business experts and finds out what it takes to ensure that a business run with your mother, father, brother, sister or anyone in between, goes smoothly.

Planning, planning, and more planning

Deciding how to transition from one generation to the next is crucial. "Succession in a family business is one of the most agonizing experiences that any family business face(s) when they move from one generation to the next, so of course it's very important to think about succession," Alfredo De Massis, director of the Family Business Center at the Lancaster University Management School, told CNBC in a telephone interview. "Consequently, it's very important to plan the succession process itself, because it is a process." John N. Mayes, senior consultant at The Family Business Institute in Raleigh, North Carolina, told CNBC via email that it is "vitally important that every family business expecting to survive to the next generation have a well-thought-out succession plan." This, Mayes added, means family businesses need to develop and maintain both a management succession plan and an ownership succession plan. "The management succession plan defines who will lead the family business into the next generation, how the future leaders will be groomed for their roles, and how and when the transition will ultimately take place," he said. "If the "who" is not obvious, qualifications and a plan to fill this void must be part of the plan," he added. Fiona Graham, from the U.K.'s Institute for Family Business, told CNBC that having a succession plan in place was key to "enduring family business success." "A proper succession plan places the business on sound footing for the future," Graham went on to explain. "Without it, people don't know what to expect when the time comes for the business to be passed on and this can result in family frictions," she added. Planning becomes all the more important when one realizes that as well as finances being at stake, emotions play a role too. "There are emotions in place, it's not only a matter of economic profit, of economic interest, they care of course about profits but they care much more about non-economic things," De Massis said.

Keys to success

Mayes stressed the need for time when planning for a smooth transition of responsibilities, stating that 10 years was a "good timeframe for successfully completing a family business succession." As well as giving them a long enough run-up, businesses also need to consider which family member is the "best fit" to lead the enterprise going forward. Everything from qualifications to interests and leadership abilities needed to be taken into account, he added. "Consider what is really necessary to lead the business, not just manage the day to day operations," he went on to say. "Even if the son or daughter is the obvious choice, consider whether they have enough experience and perspective to lead successfully." The 10 years, Mayes went on to explain, gave a business' "heir apparent" the chance to work outside the family firm for an extended period of time, helping them to "gain a different business world view that could prove invaluable to the future of the family business." For Graham, engaging the next generation is incredibly important to make sure the succession is smooth. "Ensuring that the next generation is involved in the business from an early age and that they are provided with safe spaces to learn and communicate within and outside the business is fundamental to ensure the right talents and passions are channeled into the various area of the business," she said. While the next generation is important, Graham said that the current crop of management needed to be supported as well, with "tailored support" to approach the subject of succession crucial to a smooth, successful takeover. For De Massis, a crucial part of ensuring a smooth transition is ensuring desire is present. "You need both willingness and ability," he said.

Outsiders
Markets continue to digest any Federal Reserve hints about a rate hike following the FOMC meeting Wednesday. Jim Bianco, president of Bianco Research says when markets want the Fed to go, is when the Fed will go.

"The Fed's too afraid of financial market reactions, so it will follow what the market wants," Bianco told CNBC's "Squawk Alley" Thursday. "The markets figured it out."

Dating back to the 80-plus meetings that have taken place since Ben Bernanke was Fed Chair in 2006, Bianco said markets have accurately priced in moves 100 percent of the time.

"If this market doesn't have a Fed hike priced in by the week of Labor Day, it's not going to happen," Bianco said. "Because the market's got a 100 percent track record right now."

Wall Street was expecting a dovish Message Wednesday. In CNBC's most recent Fed survey, Fed watchers have been expecting just one rate hike this year, and most likely in December.

Before the statement, fed funds futures showed roughly 30 percent odds of a rate hike in September and a 48 percent chance by December. The futures were unchanged after the statement, according to Justin Lederer, rates strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald.

"Right now the market is telling you, I don't care what your language was, you're not raising rates this year," Bianco said.

He said when Fed officials called May a "live meeting" but didn't hike, it threatened the credibility of central bank rhetoric.
The mobile app allows professionals to book meeting spaces in hotels up to a month in advance when their offices do not have enough space or if they just need a change of scenery. Bizly takes the sharing economy, marketplace booking ideas behind WeWork and Hotel Tonight and expands them for short-term event planning at venues like W Hotels, Mandarin Oriental and Omni Berkshire.

Professionals in New York, San Francisco and Chicago have quicker, easier access to luxury business meeting venues for their next offsite, thanks to Bizly, a start-up that launched in those cities on Thursday.

Now there's an app to book private hotel rooms by the hour and help you close the deal  but no, it's not what you think.

Founder and CEO Ron Shah said many companies are shrinking their work spaces as more employees work outside of the office. Hotels became the perfect spaces to provide these companies with "mobile work space" because they have amenities, service and quality that large companies search for, Shah said.



"Bizly is the only platform in the world that does bookings and meetings at hotels," Shah said. "There are other platforms where you can book somebody else's spare conference room at their office or somebody's spare desk, but what we found was that companies couldn't rely on the quality and they didn't know what they were going to get."

Booking a hotel meeting room requires a person to call, negotiate a rate for the space and sign a contract. This process can take three to four days, but Bizly's goal is to make the process much simpler. Within a few taps in the Bizly mobile app, you can have your meeting room booked and ready to use.



Bizly focuses on meetings in hotels for up to 40 people with rates starting at $50 per hour. The company has partnerships with 25 hotels in New York City, 10 hotels in Chicago and 11 hotels in San Francisco.



The company has also signed up partners to provide video conferencing and other technologies in the meeting room, Shah said.

Shah said the company is working on rewards programs that users and hotels can benefit from.

"In the fall, we do plan to have two types of rewards plans. One is a Bizly rewards program that would give guests freebies, whether it may be using the spa, other amenities at the hotel or free meeting space," Shah said. "We also will do a program with some of the large hotel groups around their existing loyalty programs, so there will be some loyalty integration that's a couple of months away."

Bizly is also working to make programs for private dining rooms and restaurants as meeting places. The company has already signed with some restaurant companies in New York to provide similar services for private dining, Shah said.

Shah said he got the idea for Bizly while at his investment office in New York  the building was under construction for six months.

"I thought I would be able to use hotels that were near my office. There were like 10 great hotels and I tried to use them for the meetings," Shah said. "It was a very painful process, and I realized then that technology should be there to solve that problem."
The news media increasingly rely on political betting odds for predicting everything from elections for political office to major referendums.

The problem: Those odds often conflict with polling.

Leading up to the U.K.'s "Brexit" referendum on the European Union last month, traditional opinion polls showed the race was extremely close, fluctuating between remaining in the EU and leaving up until votes were cast. The political betting markets were far less equivocal, showing a wide lead for remain. In the end, the polling proved more accurate than the political bettors.

With the U.S. presidential election coming up in November, a similar discrepancy exists between the most recent polling and betting markets.



The RealClearPolitics polling average currently has Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton separated by less than a point, while betting markets PredictIt and the Iowa Electronic Markets give Clinton a nearly two-thirds chance of winning the presidency and the popular vote, respectively.

Brandi Travis, a spokesperson for PredictIt, said the betting website's markets were accurate most of the time. She described prediction markets more generally as an important data point for people to consider.



PredictIt currently offers a number of betting opportunities from whether the U.K. will announce another Brexit referendum this year (with just 4 percent betting the answer is yes), to if Jeb Bush will endorse Trump before Election Day (the markets say there's a 90 percent chance he won't).



"It usually doesn't get a lot of press when we're right," Travis said. "We don't think that we compete with polls."

To be sure, traditional polling itself faces growing skepticism. The industry badly whiffed on the 2014 U.S. midterm elections, for example, failing to predict the GOP's strong results in both the House and the Senate. Polling is only as reliable as the quality of its sampling, and it's more difficult than it once was for polling firms to reach a representative population because more Americans are going cellphone-only or flatly refusing to take surveys.

However, there is still reason to trust polls ahead of betting, according to Michael Traugott, a former president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research. While polls must be taken with caveats, including the fact that they represent a snapshot of public opinion at a specific time, and include a margin of error, they reflect a more representative sample and are less susceptible to manipulation than markets, Traugott said.

"Its the difference between, first of all, mass opinion and elite opinion," said Traugott, a professor at the University of Michigan. "The best [estimates] come from the data aggregators because they take information and combine it from multiple polls, which is a way of reducing chance and other kinds of variations."

Traugott added that polls and betting markets reflect different results: the balance of public opinion at a specific time versus the odds of a given outcome eventually prevailing. Both are continuing to improve their accuracy, he said.

Several betting companies allowed wagering on the Brexit, and they've since opened a bevy of new markets and odds in the vote's aftermath. From bets on who will leave British Prime Minister Theresa May's Cabinet first, or whether the Scottish Parliament will call for an independence referendum this year, the markets and oddsmakers thrive on.



The Brexit misfire, however, may have exposed issues with the markets.

Andrew Gelman, a Columbia University statistics and political science professor, said political betting markets provide information that should not be ignored, but he added that the low volume of trading on some bets is one among many issues they face.

Gelman also said that part of the betting markets' resilience to budging from the Brexit "remain" vote may have been "circular reasoning," whereby the markets were self-reinforcing.



Another issue that may have contributed to the miss is the relatively similar mindset among bettors generally, according to Joe Crilly, a press officer for bookmaker William Hill.



"They're all of a very small niche," Crilly said of political bettors. He added that betting has grown in popularity in recent years, and he does not think the Brexit miss "really changes anything," though people may be more cautious.
Global drinks brand Diageo is focusing on protecting its Scotch whisky business and global trade in the wake of the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union, its chief executive told CNBC on Thursday.

"Out of Brexit, our focus is really on ensuring that we keep Scotch whisky healthy. The trade agreements in Europe and around the world. You know, Johnnie Walker (Diageo's leading brand of whisky) was in over 100 markets, long before Coca Cola left the shores of America," Ivan Menezes, chief executive of Diageo, told CNBC.

"So our business is built on global trade and that to me is the most important aspect that we keep so the Scotch whisky industry and our business remains competitive and healthy."

"Our message to the Scottish and U.K. governments is clear: Create the conditions to keep what truly is one of the jewel of businesses in the U.K. and Scotland healthy and thriving."

Menezes' comments come after the drinks maker reported full-year 2016 preliminary results on Thursday in which it said net profit was 2.24 billion ($2.95 billion) on full-year sales totaling 10.49 billion.

Diageo, whose brands include Guinness, Smirnoff vodka and Johnnie Walker whisky, said that its organic results had improved with volume growth of 1.3 percent, net sales growth of 2.8 percent and operating profit growth of 3.5 percent. Shares of the company opened 0.1 percent lower Thursday morning.

The company's board recommended a final dividend increase of 5 percent, bringing the full-year dividend to 59.2 pence per share.
SmartFinancial, Inc., parent company of SmartBank, announced on Wednesday net income of $1.2 million in its second quarter, compared to $0.1 million a year ago. In the third quarter 2015, SmartFinancial successfully completed the merger of two holding companies, legacy SmartFinancial, Inc. and Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc., and carried forward the name "SmartFinancial, Inc."

In the first quarter of 2016 SmartFinancial completed the merger of Cornerstone Community Bank into SmartBank. This quarter completes the third full quarters results from the combined company and the first full quarter's results of the merged bank.

Billy Carroll, president and CEO said, "We are pleased with the results of our first full quarter as with a single merged bank. Our organic loan growth increased over 17 percent annualized this quarter and at the same time we were able to increase yields of the loan portfolio. Core deposit growth kept a good pace, and as a result we were able to further reduce external borrowings. We are starting to realize merger efficiencies as salary and employee benefit costs decreased slightly quarter to quarter, and we expect further efficiencies in the coming months. Well remain focused on fundamentals and strengthening our foundation to support organic growth and increased earnings.

SmartFinancial's Chairman Miller Welborn concluded: "It is exciting to see the synergies of the merged bank materialize with accelerated loan growth and core deposit growth, which will add long term value to the franchise. We are executing on our goals of being a best place to work, a great place to bank and especially rewarding for our shareholders."

Performance Highlights

Net income available to common shareholders totaled $0.9 million or $0.16 per share during the second quarter of 2016.

Annualized return on average assets equaled 0.48 percent in the second quarter of 2016, compared to 0.54 percent in the previous quarter.

Annualized net loan growth was approximately 17.5 percent in the second quarter of 2016, with the growth primarily in commercial and residential real estate loans.

Asset quality was outstanding with just 0.69 percent of nonperforming assets to total assets.

Core funding increased as transaction account balances grew $18.5 million since the end of 2015, while FHLB and other borrowings were reduced by $24.4 million.

Mortgage business continued to increase scale with non-interest income increasing over 45 percent quarter to quarter, while loans held for sale increased from $1.6 million at the end of the first quarter to $3.3 million at the end of the second quarter.

Second Quarter 2016 compared to First Quarter 2016

Net operating earnings available to common shareholders, which excludes purchased loans accounting adjustments, securities gains, merger and conversion costs, and foreclosed assets gains and losses, totaled $634,000 in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $780,000 in the previous quarter. Net income available to common shareholders totaled $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2016, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to $1.1 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2016.

Net interest income to average assets of 3.87 percent for the quarter increased from 3.67 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Net interest income totaled $9.6 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $9.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. Net interest income was positively impacted during the quarter by a mix of higher loan fees, higher yields on newly originated loans, and an increase in purchased loan accounting adjustments. Net interest margin, taxable equivalent, increased from 3.96 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to 4.16 percent in the second quarter of 2016 as a result of higher yields on newly originated loans and increases in purchased loan accounting adjustments.

Provision for loan losses was $218,000 in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $138,000 in the second quarter of 2016 . The increase in provision for loan losses was primarily due to the growth of the loan portfolio during the quarter. Annualized net charge-offs were 0.01 percent of average loans in the second quarter of 2016 compared to (0.02) percent of average loans in the first quarter of 2016 .

The ALLL was $4.7 million, or 0.61 percent of total loans as of June 30, compared to $4.5 million, or 0.61 percent of total loans, as of March 31. Adjusted ALLL, which includes the ALLLas well as net acquisition accounting fair value adjustments for acquired loans, was 2.00 percent of total loans as of June 30, which was down from 2.11 percent as of March 31.

The reduction in adjusted ALLL resulted from continued accretion of fair value discounts. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.29 percent as of June 30, which was down from 0.43 percent in the prior quarter. Total nonperforming assets (which include nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing, and foreclosed assets) as a percentage of total assets was 0.69 percent as of June 30, compared to 0.82 percent as of March 31.

Non-interest income to average assets of 0.39 percent for the quarter was down from 0.43 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Non-interest income totaled $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. The reduction in non-interest income was due to lower service charges and fees, an absence of gains on sale of foreclosed assets, and and lower sales of SBA loans generated for sale. The reduction was slightly offset by a gain on securities of $98 thousand for the quarter and higher mortgage loan income.

Non-interest expense to average assets of 3.41 percent for the quarter was up from 3.19 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Noninterest expense totaled $8.5 million in the second quarter of 2016, which was up $520,000 from the first quarter of 2016 primarily due to merger related data processing costs, higher repair costs at one branch, and increases in legal expenses. Occupancy expense of $1.1 million was up $119,000 from the previous quarter due to the final costs of a repair project at one branch. Data processing expenses increased $241,000 compared to the first quarter primarily due to the final merger related data processing costs. Marketing expenses of $184,000 were up from $173,000 in the first quarter primarily due to rebranding initiatives related to merger integration. Income tax expense was $691,000 in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $764,000 in the first quarter of 2016. The company's effective tax rate was 36.7 percent in the second quarter of 2016 compared to 36.2 percent in the first quarter of 2016.

Second Quarter 2016 compared to Second Quarter 2015

Net operating earnings available to common shareholders, which excludes purchased loans accounting adjustments, securities gains, merger and conversion costs, and foreclosed assets gains and losses, totaled $634,000 in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $192,000 in the second quarter of 2015. Net income available to common shareholders totaled $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2016, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to $35,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2015. The company's operations and financial performance were significantly impacted in nearly every respect by the merger of SmartFinancial, Inc. and Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. on Aug. 31, 2015. Therefore, financial results in 2Q 2016 are not

comparable to results reported for 2Q 2015.
A blue-ribbon panel is proposing a bevy of reforms that it hopes will restore confidence in the stock market.

Responding to charges of a "rigged" market and propelled by some highly publicized malfunctions, the Committee on Capital Markets Regulation released a laundry list Thursday of changes it believes will make the market function better.

"Flash Boys" author Michael Lewis famously made the "rigged" accusation following the 2014 publication of his book that detailed the crusade of upstart exchange IEX to counter high-frequency trading strategies. HFTs use computers to trade in milliseconds. They've often been faulted for market problems, with the book detailing the measures HFTs go through to gain advantages over competitors.

The committee said it does not believe Lewis' claim is accurate, but acknowledged the market is in need of some basic structural reforms.

"Although our markets are not rigged, there is clearly room for improvement," Hal Scott, a renowned Harvard professor who chaired the committee, wrote in an essay that accompanied the 180-page report. "And our blueprint provides the SEC with the direction that it needs to unleash the benefits of a resilient, transparent and competitive stock market."

The panel consisted of executives across Wall Street. Members include hedge fund titan Ken Griffin at Citadel, Kenneth Bentsen Jr., who heads the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, and multiple representatives of trading firms and Wall Street investment banks.

Recommendations were designed to address three broad issues: increasing transparency so investors have a clearer idea of what's happening in the market with regard to pricing; "strengthening resiliency" so that damage from episodes like the March 2010 "Flash Crash" and the Aug. 24, 2015 event where half the S&P 500 stocks didn't open on time is minimized; and reducing transactions costs.

Among the proposals: Increased disclosure on trading activities, quicker triggering of "circuit breakers" that halt trading during unusual activity, and a top-to-bottom review of fees and pricing.

One recommendation in particular, that exchanges be forced to reduce the fees they charge brokers, would save investors $850 million a year, the report said.

Scott specifically said the changes were inspired by "Flash Boys" and follow some recommendations made by IEX.

However, he also said some of the concerns about the market are misplaced.

For instance, Scott said strategies employed by high-frequency traders, such as trying to capitalize on discrepancies in price spreads for individual stocks, "are just modern versions of traditional market making and arbitrage strategies that have always existed and provide important benefits to investors."

The report also said that "dark pools," or trading venues operated away from public exchanges, actually help save investors money through better pricing.



"We find that even during times of crisis there is limited empirical evidence that HFT strategies contribute to price declines, with the majority of studies finding that HFT strategies help stabilize prices during a market crash," the report said.

The authors said most of the recommended changes can be implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission, though a few will require legislative action.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Friday said that Florida has become the first state in the nation to have the Zika virus transmitted locally via mosquitoes.

Gov. Scott said four cases of the virus in Miami Dade and Broward counties were likely local mosquito-borne cases of Zika, involving one woman and three men. He noted, however, that no mosquitoes in Florida have tested positive for the virus.

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there was evidence that the virus was being transmitted in South Florida.

The mosquito-borne virus, which can cause a rare birth defect and other neurological conditions, has been spreading across the Americas and the Caribbean, with cases reported among travelers returning to the U.S.



These cases fit similar disease transmission patterns for other mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya that's been seen in South Florida in years past, the CDC said in a statement.



Florida health officials said in a statement last week they were investigating a case of Zika virus infection that did not appear to stem from travel to another region with an outbreak.

U.S. officials predicted local outbreaks would begin as the weather warms, particularly in southern states such as Florida and Texas, according to Reuters.



There have been 1,658 reported cases of the virus in the continental U.S., according to the CDC. Zika, which can cause birth defects, is spreading more widely in U.S. territories, with nearly 4,700 cases in Puerto Rico alone. More than 430 pregnant women in the continental U.S. have been diagnosed with Zika, along with 422 in the territories, USAToday reported.

The CDC wants doctors to more aggressively screen pregnant women for the virus and take advantage of new testing technology to improve the diagnosis, follow-up and monitoring of those who have been infected.



The Florida Department of Health was not immediately available for CNBC's request for comment.



 Reuters contributed to this report.
She will oversee all human resources and recruiting at the company, which is quickly approaching a headcount of 70,000  and one raking in 2.5 million resumes a year.

Fortune first reported the news and Google confirmed it is so. Eileen Naughton, a sales VP in its London office and 10-year Google veteran, is filling his place.

Laszlo Bock, Google 's SVP of People Operations and the primary architect of the company's iconoclastic work culture, is retiring.

Bock, who has had the role for the past decades, has cut an outsized swathe both in and out of the company. He's identified as the force behind Google's unique methods to hiring and employee benefits, a quirky (often lavish) approach to workplace management that influenced much of Silicon Valley.

Under Bock, Google became the first major tech company to disclose its diversity numbers. He will remain an adviser to the company, as these sorts of executives do.

Naughton was most recently managing director of Google's sales operations in the U.K. and Ireland. She sits on the board of L'Oreal and is a founding member of Women@Google, an internal organization.

Her promotion makes her the fourth woman  following CFO Ruth Porat, enterprise czar Diane Greene and policy chief Caroline Atkinson  to move into a very senior role at the company over the past year and change.

By Ina Fried, Recode.net.

CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement.


Save The CTA's #11 Lincoln Bus By Drinking A Lot Of Beer

By Anthony Todd in Food on Jul 28, 2016 2:32PM



Photo via shutterstock.

One of the most depressing CTA cuts for North Side residents over the past few years was the demise of the #11 bus which ran down Lincoln Avenue. Since its disappearance, community groups, aldermen and business owners have been calling for its return, and the CTA finally listened. Last month, the #11 came back for a six month trial period. If it gets enough riders, it stays. That's where the beer comes in.

Active Transit and the Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Northcenter and Lincoln Park Chambers of Commerce have organized a "Beer Explorer" event that runs throughout the month of August. Eleven different bars and stores, all on Lincoln Avenue (and therefore accessible by the bus, get it?) are participating.

Drinkers can download a passport, and get a stamp at each participating bar. If a guest gets five stamps, they'll be entered to win a prize. Prizes range from a dinner at Half Acre taproom to a Chicago Brewery Map Poster from Beermiscuous. The complete list of prizes is here, and you can download the passport here.

The participating bars include:

Burnt City Brewing, 2747 N. Lincoln Ave.

Delilahs, 2771 N. Lincoln Ave.

Beermiscuous, 2812 N. Lincoln Ave.

The Green Lady, 3328 N. Lincoln Ave.

Bitter Pops, 3345 N. Lincoln Ave.

Bottles and Cans, 4109 N. Lincoln Ave.

ROCKS Northcenter, 4138 N. Lincoln Ave.

Half Acre Beer Company, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave.

Gideon Welles, 4500 N. Lincoln Ave.

The Grafton Pub, 4530 N. Lincoln Ave.

MASH Craft Kitchen + Patio, 4535 N. Lincoln Ave.

Conveniently for drinkers, these include some of the best breweries (Half Acre), beer shops (Bottles and Cans) and beer bars (Beermiscuous) in the entire city, so it's not exactly a sacrifice to drink there. Make sure to take the bus to the bars, and help save an important transit link in the most delicious way possible.
Whereas the word "shambles" means a "state of total disorder" nowadays, a few centuries back it meant the part of town where animals  cows, pigs and anything else in between  were slaughtered and prepped for customers in the open air.

Times have changed, and today most of us buy our food from supermarkets where strip-lighting, chilled aisles and vacuum-packed portions of meat are the norm.

Richard Balson is at the helm of a business that has seen the transition from rough and ready to refined. Dating back to 1515, butchers RJ Balson & Son, based in Bridport, Dorset, is Britain's oldest family run business, selling everything from meat and poultry to game.

"In 1515 there weren't any shops or high streets or transport really, apart from the horse and cart," Balson told CNBC in a phone interview. To give an idea how old the company is, it began trading when Henry VIII was King of England, and just 23 years after Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the New World in 1492.

Today, Balson, 59, is the latest of his family to be involved in the business.

"I'm the 26th generation of butcher that has worked in the shop," he said. "I see myself as the current custodian holding the fort at the moment, until either my son or his sons or my nephew or somebody else takes the reigns," he added.
According to Reuters, the consensus of economists is that the economy grew by 2.6 percent in the second quarter, but the Atlanta Fed on Thursday sent a shudder through markets when it came out with a new 1.8 percent forecast, off from 2.3 percent the day before.

Second-quarter GDP Friday may shed light on whether the U.S. economy bounced back from a first-quarter slump or is stuck in a rut.

Stephen Stanley, chief economist at Amherst Pierpont, said he expects a much better growth rate of 3.1 percent, and notes the closely watched Atlanta Fed number was based on inventories.

Stanley acknowledges his forecast is higher than other Wall Street economists. "I'm a little more optimistic on housing and equipment spending than they are," he said. "The big story of Q2 is it makes up for Q1." Stanley said consumer spending came back in the second quarter, with consumption gaining 4.5 percent compared with the first quarter's 1.5 percent.

First-quarter growth was 1.1 percent, and economists had been hoping to see growth rebound to a pace of 3 percent or more.

"I think it's going to be weak. I think it's a one handle. I've got 1 percent. The tax receipts were very weak last quarter, job growth slowed and productivity was weak," said Joseph LaVorgna, chief U.S. economist at Deutsche Bank.

"I have a big inventory drag. I have further weakness in capital spending. Everything is sort of on the weaker side with the exception of consumer spending, and that should be up about 4 percent," he said.

Forecasts are fairly wide ranging for the second quarter GDP number, which is making traders nervous in part because of that funky May jobs report. The shockingly weak May employment report, with just 11,000 nonfarm payrolls, was followed by June's report of 287,000 payrolls, allaying some concerns about the labor market.

That soft May report has also been followed by a series of positive surprises in other economic data, including in retail sales and ISM. However, durable goods Wednesday was weaker.

"It's always backward-looking, so we have to understand that," said Peter Boockvar, market analyst with The Lindsey Group, of GDP. "Let's say the Atlanta Fed is right. Then we're looking at first half growth of 1.5 percent."

Boockvar said there are other worrying signs. "I know people expect this second half improvement and maybe it will, but just look at Ford today. U.S. auto sales have been a big lift for the U.S. economy over the past six years, and now it's slowing. It's [GDP] an old number, but I think in a way it's a wakeup call. Let's say we get 2.5 percent. We're averaging 1.8 percent in the first half. It's still a slowing," he said. Ford reported disappointing earnings and said it sees U.S. auto sales slowing in the second half.

"If Ford is right and auto sales are slowing, I don't know what the catalysts are for that second half recovery. Growth is really challenged around the world," Boockvar said.

If the Atlanta Fed is on target, 1.5 percent first-half growth would lag the already slow pace of 1.6 percent over the past four quarters. The government will issue revisions as well, when the second-quarter report is released at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The employment cost index is released at the same time, and there is Chicago PMI at 9:45 a.m. and consumer sentiment at 10 a.m.

The Fed Wednesday upgraded its outlook for the U.S. economy, and noted that consumption and labor were strong. Economists expect the Fed to try to hike rates this year, if the economy is strong enough and financial conditions are calm.

"If the next couple of employment reports surprise to the upside, it really won't matter if second quarter GDP was on the weak side," said LaVorgna.

Traders were expecting markets to react to GDP Friday, but first they were anticipating an easing of policy by the Bank of Japan overnight. There are also stress test results expected for European banks after the Wall Street close.

There are also a number of big earnings Friday, including Exxon Mobil and Chevron .
PHILADELPHIA  Stephanie Murphy's family escaped Vietnam on a boat, eventually making it to the United States with aid from an American Navy ship.

Now, the 37-year-old businesswoman and defense expert is running for a House seat in Florida as a Democrat. Murphy said she would be proud to become the first Vietnamese-American woman in Congress, but even prouder that her election would mark another step toward lawmakers reflecting the diversity of the U.S. population.

"I think whether it's in the halls of Congress or a boardroom, we need to reflect the diversity of this nation," Murphy told CNBC at the Democratic National Convention.

The American voting population is also slowly shifting to match the country's demographics. The Asian-American population has grown particularly fast, boosting its sway as a voting bloc. That growing demographic has shifted to the left in recent presidential elections and may stay there for the foreseeable future.

Asian-American Democratic officials see advantages to those trends in 2016, especially with Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee. His jabs at immigrants and pledge to discard the Affordable Care Act clash with the priorities of Asian-American voters as they become a larger part of the electorate, lawmakers said at the Democratic National Convention.

"We see a trend with Republicans where they've become more and more extreme and where there's increasingly xenophobic kind of rhetoric, and certainly that's exemplified in Trump," Rep. Judy Chu of California, chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, told CNBC.

But Republican Party spokesman Ninio Fetalvo said GOP efforts to actively engage Asian-American voters after the 2012 election have started to pay off.

Exit polls showed Asian-Americans were almost evenly split between Republicans and Democrats in the 2014 midterms. However, it remains to be seen if those gains will hold up in the presidential election, where turnout is much higher.

Trump's rhetoric on immigrants will not hurt the GOP because he appeals to Asian-Americans on other issues like jobs and national security, Fetalvo said.

"I think it's really important to know this is why Asian-Americans are looking for change and looking to Donald Trump," he said. "I don't think you can necessarily say that immigration is an issue for all Asian-Americans across the country."


"Donald Trump seems committed to help his Democratic rival sweep truly damaging issues under a rug of unfounded allegations or hare-brained schemes. Those of a conspiratorial cast of mind might wonder if he is the post-Cold War version of the fictional Manchurian Candidate, a secretly brainwashed communist dupe programmed to help elect a political rival."

Similarly, Trump's willingness to ask hard questions about whether our Cold War alliances still make sense in the post-Cold War world is a useful exercise, even if we do not ultimately agree with his answers. Are our allies contributing too little to the collective effort knowing that Uncle Sam will foot the bill no matter what? Do these agreements commit us to defend allies who might engage in risky behavior confident that America has their back? Is it time to reconsider the bedrock Cold War principle of nuclear non-proliferation for allies facing threats from nuclear powers in Asia?

But for every serious question the GOP nominee asks, he says other things that are both dubious and also politically unhelpful to his campaign. His tying possible Russian espionage to the Clinton scandal is a case in point. Make no mistake, the former Secretary of State's decision to use an insecure private email to conduct sensitive government business was not only unwise, but also showed a disregard for the sensitive information she was charged with protecting. FBI Director James Comey was appropriately scathing in his criticism of her "extremely careless" approach to doing business. Any lower ranking government official who displays such a cavalier attitude toward communication security would likely find him- or herself out of a job. So it is fair for Trump to raise this as a counter to the Clinton campaign's effort to cast the former Secretary as the most competent candidate to answer the proverbial 2 AM phone call as commander-in-chief.

But by dragging the Russians into this matter, Trump has, at a stroke, switched the narrative from Clinton's carelessness to Trump abetting additional Russian espionage (not that they need any encouragement). Trump's behavior here is reminiscent of the House Republicans' fixation with smoking out some nefarious scandal associated with the tragedy of the killings of the American ambassador and three other U.S. personnel in Benghazi on Sept. 11, 2012. The idea that Secretary Clinton and her staff either knowingly lied about the cause of the attack or delayed sending forces that might have rescued our beleaguered diplomats was ludicrous from its inception and eventually debunked by the investigation. In retrospect, the whole thing looked like a political witch hunt designed to tarnish Clinton's political luster, as one disgruntled Republican charged.



Indeed, the House Republicans' pursuit of Benghazi, like Captain Ahab's pursuit of the white whale Moby Dick, distracted attention from the larger question of whether the intervention in Libya, which Clinton championed, was in fact a mistake  overthrowing an ugly but compliant regime and creating the chaos in which ISIS thrives. Likewise, the Clinton email scandal broke in the wake of the failed Benghazi investigation, which allowed Clinton and her surrogates to dismiss the furor over it as yet another instance of politically motivated Republican overreach.



Hillary Clinton is fortunate in having political enemies whose behavior makes her missteps and blunders look good. Like the House Republicans, Donald Trump seems committed to help his Democratic rival sweep truly damaging issues under a rug of unfounded allegations or hare-brained schemes. Those of a conspiratorial cast of mind might wonder if he is the post-Cold War version of the fictional Manchurian Candidate, a secretly brainwashed communist dupe programmed to help elect a political rival.



Trump as the Manchurian (or perhaps Chappaqua) Candidate probably imposes too much rationality on his politically self-destructive rhetoric. That's a shame because not everything he says is nutty, but the nutty things he says makes the rest seem so, too.

Commentary by Michael Desch, director of the Notre Dame International Security Center and a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame.



For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.


Ride-hailing apps have fast become a booming and emerging industry, but often Uber in particular has run into in a number of countries around the world.

The rules leave some room for local authorities to set terms such as pricing limits.

Some of the key points outlined by the Chinese government are:

China has laid out new rules that will legalize ride-hailing apps in a move welcomed by the country's two largest players, Didi Chuxing and Uber.

In China, Didi claims to have over 80 percent of the market share but along with Uber, it has been investing billions in the world's second-largest economy to gain market share. Both start-ups welcomed the new rules.

"We welcome the new regulations, which send a clear message of support for ridesharing and the benefits that it offers riders, drivers, and cities. This is a welcome step in a country that has consistently shown itself to be forward-thinking when it comes to business innovation. Uber China is regulation-ready, and we look forward to working with policy makers around the country to put these regulations into practice," Uber said in a statement.

Didi echoed the sentiment.

"We believe the Rules reflect the government's open-minded regulatory approach to the mobile car-hailing industry in the broader context of the sharing economy," Didi said in a statement.

"Soon we will initiate the application for the appropriate licenses."

Didi, which recently took a $1 billion investment round from Apple, added that it would invest 100 million yuan ($15 million) to launch a development fund "to accelerate the integration of the online ride-hailing and taxi services through strategic partnerships with regulators, taxi companies and drivers".

Uber and Didi have been battling head-to-head in the past year, raising and investing billions more to try and win in China. Earlier this year, Uber revealed it was losing more than $1 billion a year in China, while the chief executive Travis Kalanick told CNBC in march that some Chinese cities will be profitable in two years.
"Many (countries) may not be keen to take on large, complex companies," Ian Hunter, a lawyer advising on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) at City law firm Linklaters, said at a Brexit seminar in London Thursday.

With the U.K. set to leave the European Union (EU) in the next few years, some businesses may wish to move elsewhere. But can they bet on a warm welcome and what about the logistical and legal challenges?

Economists and pro-remain campaigners warned ahead of the vote on June 23 that major European banks might swap London headquarters for Dublin, Frankfurt or Luxembourg if the U.K. quit the EU.

HSBC and Barclays , two of the U.K.'s biggest banks, have said they will remain in London, but ahead of the vote, the latter did say it might move up to 1,000 jobs to Paris, according to media reports.

Hunter said Dublin, Frankfurt and Amsterdam might appeal to companies looking to refocus operations in major cities in EU countries with well-educated, English-speaking workforces and attractive tax arrangements for both corporate entities and individuals.

"But they don't want to have to move again if there is an EU problem in these countries (which then look to leave the bloc) as well," he said.

To avoid this, companies might instead look to do cross-border mergers with other businesses in EU countries. "They might want to do that soon," Hunter said, but added that this option had not proved popular with companies in the past.



Alternatively, U.K.-registered companies might look to covert to mainland-European ones, he said.

"Those in markets benefiting from the (EU) single market, may look around (at various options)," Hunter said.
Bernie Sanders supporters rally and camp out in FDR park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

PHILADELPHIA  Bernie Sanders' supporters are as persistent as they come.

Even after the senator from Vermont effectively conceded to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, more than 100 Sanders supporters remained camped out at this city's Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park.

People traveled from all across the country to show their support for Sanders and, at the same time, protest against the Democratic National Convention and Clinton's candidacy.

"Hillary Clinton is a warmonger," said Eric Kestner, a 50-year-old service manager at a European car repair shop, who traveled from Seattle. "She's got Dick Cheney on speed dial to buy Halliburton."

Campers have had to battle the elements this week, especially the heat, as temperatures in Philadelphia remained around 90 degrees during the day.

"We feel gross," said Roxann Holloway, a freelance video editor in her 40s, who traveled from Los Angeles. "But this is for our country and our countrymen."

For some campers, the heat is just part of the deal. "It seems to be a normal thing in the summer among young people now. Everybody loves to camp, so it's not something we're not used to," said Cristian Galvan, a 20-year-old student from Indiana.

"Bernie-ville" also served as a safe haven for Sanders' supporters, said Mark Roe, a 55-year-old journalist from Tulsa, Oklahoma. "Every protest needs a central location. There's activity going on downtown, but we're closer to the convention center here."

Click the arrow and check out some of the sights.

 By CNBC's Fred Imbert and Qin Chen

Posted 28 July 2016
Prime and Amazon Web Services' path to more profit will be in focus as Wall Street watches Amazon's earnings report after Thursday's closing bell.

Amazon is not known for always turning a profit, as CEO Jeff Bezos plows money into investments  but this time, the company is expected to post positive earnings for the fifth-straight quarter. Analysts expect Amazon to report earnings of $1.11 per share on revenue of $29.55 billion in the second fiscal quarter, according to a Thomson Reuters consensus estimate.

"What has always pressured the profitability has been the aggressive spending that Bezos has done," said Edward Jones analyst Josh Olson. "We see him continuing to invest in fulfillment centers, video content ... and then data centers. The one difference though is that we might have reached a tipping point in a long-term arc of the operating margins. The amount of spending isn't going to outweigh the profitability every other quarter."

Ronald Josey of JMP Securities concurred, citing Amazon's scale. The company has invested in delivery after high fulfillment costs weighed on gross margins in the holiday quarter last year.

"There's a lot of things that make it a more structurally profitable business," Josey said. "Yes, they're investing in Echo, in video series. But we believe they're at a scale, that it's inherently more profitable than it was even a year ago."
Collector believes his 1964 Kennedy half dollar might be a specially produces coin for a Special Mint set. An expert calls it a typical Proof strike, however.

Readers Ask column from Aug. 15, 2016, Weekly issue of Coin World:

One of your writers, Scott Schechter, wrote an article in 2014 about the rare 1964 Kennedy with Special Mint set finish. I have a coin that closely resembles everything described in the article, but I was hoping Mr. Schechter could look at the attached photos and tell me whether or not this is close enough to have graded, or if it is just a regular run-of-the-mill Proof. The coin has a great amount of detail, but it is missing the usual frosted look of a Proof coin.

As I am not really a coin collector, any assistance you or your staff can provide would be great.

Tray Towles / via email

As per your request, I forwarded your email inquiry about 1964 Kennedy half dollars with the Special Mint set finish and attached images to Scott Schechter, who pens the Coin World column Making Moderns that is published in the second issue of every month.

Scott is also a grader at Numismatic Guaranty Corp. and co-author with Jeff Garrett of 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins.

Scott looked at the images you sent and provided the following assessment:

The coin shown is a Brilliant Proof, without cameo contrast. Not until the 1970s did most Proof coins exhibit cameo contrast. The 1964 SMS coins are very sharp, similar to a Proof. Unlike 19651967 SMS coins, they do not have mirrored surfaces. Rather, fine distinctive die polish lines are visible through their entire rich, satin surface.

He added, Unfortunately, given their scarcity, few collectors have had the opportunity to have one in hand, but good pictures can be found online in auction archives and on the websites of the major grading services. 

Connect with Coin World:

Regarding the 1964 SMS half dollars, the NGC website link at https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/kennedy-half-dollars-pscid-44/1964-50c-sp-coinid-76045 says, ... The obverse is the Normal Hair type, while the reverse is the Type One reverse, with a straight G in the FG designers initials and breaks in rays 11-13 (counting from the left) where they meet stars.
The 8th Longnan Qiqiao Girls' Festival will be held in Xihe County of Longnan City in Gansu Province from August 2 to 9, according to a press conference held in Beijing on July 27.

The scene of observing the Qiqiao Festival. [File Photo]

Xihe is home to the Chinese Qiqiao culture, which refers to praying to deities for wisdom, ingenuity and happiness during a grand ceremony.

As most of the participants of the festival are unmarried girls of marriage age, it is also called the "Chinese Girls' Festival."

Centered on the theme of "Approaching Glamorous Longnan and Exploring Qiqiao Culture," this session of the festival is also part of the activities of the first Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, which will kick off in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, on September 20.

According to Hao Ailong, head of Xihe County, during the press conference, the event includes a culture protection themed forum, a project promotion and investment attraction fair, a cityscape and natural scenery picture exhibition, a female calligraphy exhibition, a cuisine competition and seven other main activities.

The traditional Qiqiao festival customs, including site selection for the ceremony, greeting and worshiping the deity Girl Weaver, entertaining, divining and seeing off the Girl Weaver, will all be showcased during the event.

In recent years, Xihe County has achieved great accomplishments by combining Qiqiao cultural protection with poverty alleviation, urban construction, tourism development and e-commerce and people's income has increased remarkably, Hao added.
John Kraljevich is the 2016 recipient of the American Numismatic Associations Numismatist of the Year Award. The award honors an individual within the numismatic community who has demonstrated long-term leadership in the field and to the association. He will be presented with the award on Friday, Aug. 12, during the awards banquet at the ANA Worlds Fair of Money in Anaheim, Calif.

For over a decade, Kraljevich has been a popular instructor on Early American numismatics at the annual ANA Summer Seminar. A regular columnist in the associations journal, The Numismatist, and the national hobby publication, Coin World, he has been honored for his research and writing by the ANA and the Numismatic Literary Guild. Kraljevichs Coin World column, Colonial America, is now in its ninth year.

Connect with Coin World:

As grateful and flattered as I am to receive this award, my career has been as much a product of the support of the ANA and the numismatic community as it has been anything Ive done, Kraljevich said. I started out as a kid with a great deal of passion and curiosity about numismatics, both of which were stoked at the ANA Summer Seminars, by dealers, member clubs, and collectors involved with ANA shows. My excitement for our hobby and field of study is my own, but everything Ive learned came from somewhere else. Its been a high honor to be treated so well by so many.

Kraljevich has received many awards for his contributions to the hobby, some of which include the ANAs Young Numismatist of the Year (1993), Heath Literary Award (2002), Glenn Smedley Award (2011), and the associations Honorary Doctorate in Numismatics (2015). Kraljevich is also a recipient of multiple Numismatic Literary Guild awards for Best Column in a large publication, in 2004, 2006, and 2011.

Want to read John Kraljevich's Coin World columns? Visit his author page!

At ANA conventions, Kraljevich regularly serves as an exhibit judge. He is also a frequent lecturer at the associations annual conventions, Early American Coppers conventions, and local coin clubs. Kraljevich has served on several ANA committees, including the Museum Committee and the YN Committee.

Today, his advice on authenticity, appraisal and historical context on a wide variety of early American and exonumic issues is in high demand from collectors and advanced professionals alike, the ANA writes. His counsel has been sought by institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, Colonial Williamsburg, the Massachusetts Historical Society, Monticello, and many others.

Kraljevichs impressive record of achievements, his writing and research skills, integrity, and professionalism continue to raise the standard in numismatics, according to an ANA press release, which adds, The American Numismatic Association is all the richer in having John as a dedicated member and supporter.

Contact the ANA by calling it at 719-632-2646 or visiting the ANA website.
Wanda Cinema Line announced on Wednesday that it is buying another great asset for US$280 million, Mtime.com, the biggest Chinese movie website that provides film news, ticketing, merchandise, an online community and film ratings.

Zeng Maojun (L), president of Wanda Cinema Line, shakes hands with Hou Kaiwen, the founder and CEO of Mtime.com. Wanda has bought out Mtime for US$280 million on July 27, 2016. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Wanda was a 20 percent shareholder of the movie website last year but it has now bought the website and plans to build it into an international platform to provide film marketing and media services. Mtime.com's brand and original management will remain and the website will operate independently. Hou Kaiwen will remain as the CEO of Mtime.com.

Mtime.com, a platform for movie fans, was trying to survive by transforming itself from an information provider to a merchandise seller, leading the currently immature film merchandise market that China film industry has been trying to nurture. Mtime.com received licenses to sell official merchandise products from major Hollywood studios such as Disney, Sony, Warner Bros, Paramount, Universal and 20th Century Fox before the Wanda acquisition.

Wanda wants Mtime to be the portal of its online strategy and to expand its online ticketing market share. Wanda is also exploring the merchandise market as it has already sold merchandise products for "Warcraft," a film produced by Wanda-owned Legendary Pictures, for more than 100 million yuan in China thus far.
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
Missouri's Abrams-Draine draws NFL Draft hype at cornerback

Missouri's Kris Abrams-Draine is only in his second season as a full-time defensive back, but the junior is drawing NFL Draft hype.
Tesla's Model S sports car. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tesla Motors has unveiled its US$5 billion battery "gigafactory" outside Reno, in Nevada.

The company is opening the plant earlier than expected in order to ramp up production of its Model 3 sedan.

Speaking at the opening on Tuesday in the town of Sparks, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company's "master plan" to broaden the electric vehicle maker's product line, could cost "tens of billions" of dollars over time and would likely require a "modest capital raise".

The new plant is being jointly developed with Japan's Panasonic Corp and could ultimately support 1.5 million electric vehicles a year.

Musk also said concerns that the factory would be a financial burden on the state of Nevada are incorrect.

"Nevada is not paying for this facility. The 1.3 billion or so which is the maximum tax incentive that Tesla could get over 20 years, so at an average of like, maybe 50 or 60 million dollars a year, is a tiny fraction of what this factory's output would be. So at the 50 gigawatt hour level this is like a 5 billion dollar a year factory output. We think it will probably be at least two, probably three times that number."

Musk said he was confident the partners could eventually lower battery costs to US$100 per kilowatt-hour by 2020, well below estimates by competitors.

Last week Musk unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the company into electric trucks and buses, as well as car sharing.
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International Paper is headquartered in East Memphis. (Kyle Kurlick/Special to The Commercial Appeal)

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By Ted Evanoff of The Commercial Appeal

International Paper Co. reported strong operating profits on global sales that held about even with a year ago despite slower economies in China, Europe and parts of South America.

Second quarter profits lagged the performance of a year earlier, reflecting a $439 million accounting settlement related to the pension plan for the Memphis-based company.

The settlement resulted from a $1.2 billion lump sum payment to about 25,000 former employees who were vested in the pension plan, said IP chief financial officer Carol Roberts.

Operating profits before accounting for the settlement and other charges totaled $379 million, or 92 cents per share. The amount surprised Wall Street. Analysts had expected 84 cents. Charges reduced the earnings per share to 10 cents.

As a result of the pension settlement, IP reported profits of $40 million for the quarter compared with $218 million in the same period in 2015.

Traders pushed the IP stock price up 1 percent Thursday morning. Shares closed at $45.73, up 14 cents, or 0.3 percent, over Wednesdays close.

Quarterly sales revenue totaled $5.3 billion, down about $400 million in a year, a decline Roberts traced in part to the sale of the IP-Sun joint venture in China.

In the pension settlement, the $439 million amounts to a non-cash actuarial charge. Its a good news story, Roberts said, that reduced earnings per share for the quarter by about 65 cents, while shrinking the pension plan and making it less risky.

In the International Paper business segments, industrial packaging operating profits in the second quarter were $487 million, up from $433 million in the first quarter. In North America, earnings increased $58 million, reflecting a seasonally stronger market for boxes and one more shipping day.

Printing papers operating profits were $101 million, up from $85 million in the first quarter of 2016. In North America, planned maintenance outages reduced the business.

Consumer packaging operating profits reached $73 million, up from $25 in the first quarter, a gain that no planned maintenance outages in North America and lower manufacturing costs. Foodservice business earnings increased $7 million.
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By Ted Evanoff of The Commercial Appeal

BioD LLC of East Memphis has been sold to Derma Sciences Inc. for $21.3 million in cash and stock.

Derma announced the deal today in a statement that notes potential product regulatory milestone payments could reach an estimated $30 million. Derma is a publicly traded tissue regeneration company based in Princeton, New Jersey.

BioD, founded by Tim Brahm and managed by chief executive officer Russell Olsen, focuses on the regenerative potential of amnion and the other placental tissues.
Tesla Motors wants to build an eight-stall super-charging station at the Park Place shopping center in East Memphis. (AP Photo/The Herald-Palladium, Don Campbell)

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By Thomas Bailey Jr. of The Commercial Appeal

Tesla Motors wants to build its first super-charging station for its electric vehicles in Memphis, at the Park Place shopping center.

The company has filed an application with the Board of Adjustment, asking for a variance to permit a charging station at 1203 Ridgeway Road and to permit the station to be set back less than 100 feet from Ridgeway.

The board is to consider the request during its next meeting, 2 p.m. Aug. 24 at Memphis City Hall.

The plan is to build a charging station there that has eight stalls for up to eight vehicles at a time.

"The charging stations will be placed within an existing row of parking along Ridegway Road with the charge posts and electrical equipment placed behind the curb in an existing landscaped area,'' Tesla's Shawn Gleason states in a letter to the Board of Adjustment. Gleason is installation manager for the company based in Palo Alto, California.

The primary reason Tesla wants to build the charging station in Memphis is to expand the network of stations for Tesla drivers traveling through Memphis.

The Park Place address offers two advantages. It is a relatively short distance from the I-240 exit at Poplar and from the Bill Morris Parkway exit at Ridgeway.

But also, Gleason states in the application to the Board of Adjustment: "Allowing this use and placing the stalls... will allow owners of Tesla vehicles to charge their vehicle while shopping/eating.''

The charging time typically takes 30 to 40 minutes.

Loeb Properties owns Park Place shopping center.

The station also will serve drivers who live in the Memphis area, he states.

If all goes smoothly, Tesla expects to have the charging station built by year's end, Gleason said.

The nearest existing charging stations installed by Tesla Motors specifically for Tesla electric cars are in Miner, Missouri (near Sikeston); Shreveport, Louisiana; Brentwood, Tennessee; and Jackson, Mississippi, Gleason said.

Tesla cars have a range of more than 200 miles on a single charge.

The base price for Tesla models range from $66,000 to $115,000, but the company is taking pre-orders to start delivering new Model 3 cars starting at $35,000 next year.

"The demand for our product is growing,'' Gleason said, adding that with the Model 3 emerging next year, "we expect demand to grow.''
July 27, 2016 - Memphian Harry T. Cash III listens during a panel discussion at the National Juvenile Justice Network Annual Forum at the University of Memphis Law School. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)

They started by asking what youth violence looks like. For the 18 juvenile detainees in the guarded room inside the jail, the answers were quick and easy.

Fighting. Drugs. Gangs. Shooting. Robbing. Rape. Abuse.

Then they asked who is blamed for youth violence? Again, the answers came quickly.

Parents. African-American men. Gang members. Drug dealers. Teachers. Police officers.

Then came the key question. If we got rid of all of those people, would that solve the problem?

The answer was obvious to everyone in the room: Of course not.

That's when the real discussion started and the young detainees began talking about how to get at some of the root causes of youth violence.

That's when a one-day jailhouse workshop turned into an organized effort that is informing the entire community's approach to youth violence.

With the help of the BRIDGES organization and the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, it's an effort being led by the real experts on youth violence:

Juveniles who are in jail awaiting trial on charges that include drug possession, firearm possession, assault, rape and murder.

"If the idea is to get at the root causes of youth violence in our community, and come up with real solutions that get at the root causes, who would know better than them?" said Evan Morrison, who along with Mahal Burr, both BRIDGES facilitators, led the original jailhouse workshop more than a year ago.

Since then, a half dozen of the original participants have been meeting and calling themselves Incarcerated Youth speaking Out for Change.

In recent months, they've spoken out to the Shelby County School Board and superintendent. Juvenile Court judge and referees, police, prosecutors and public defenders, not to mention students and juvenile offenders.

Wednesday, they made a presentation to juvenile justice reform advocates from across the country. The National Juvenile Justice Network held its annual meeting this week at the U of M Law School.

Shelby County's juvenile justice system has been getting a lot of national attention since 2012. That's when the county signed an extensive agreement to overhaul the system, under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The DOJ said the court system was failing to provide juveniles with due process, that it "discriminates against African-American children," and that its detention center fails to provide "reasonably safe conditions of confinement."

Big changes are underway.

The Shelby County Public Defender is building a separate Office of Juvenile Defender with specially trained attorneys, social workers and other professionals.

The U of M Law School is developing a Juvenile Defense Clinic.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation brought its Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative to Shelby County.

Juvenile Court Judge Dan Michael brought trauma training to the court's staff.

Many fewer juveniles are being detained and transferred to adult court. More juveniles are receiving proper counseling, health care and legal representation.

Independent monitors for the DOJ say youth still are being detained too long, spend too much time in locked-room confinement, especially on weekends, and "physical restraints remain a problem."

But in a report last month, monitor David Roush said safety at the detention center "is sufficiently better that it is no longer a priority concern. This indicates progress."

Detention center officials give the Incarcerated Youth group a lot of credit.

"They have good hearts and we fully support them," Chief Kirk Fields, who runs the detention center, told a conference audience Wednesday. "Our job is to educate youth, not just incarcerate youth."

These incarcerated youth are also doing some of the educating. In their jailhouse discussions, they wrote a list of "suggestions" they believe could "help prevent youth violence and incarceration."

That includes in-school alternatives to suspensions and expulsions; more test- and stress-free times to bond with teachers and mentors; and more fun and constructive "free" activities on weekends and during summers;

Their final suggestion was "More Community Involvement in the Jail."

"From our experience, people need to be believed in from the start," they wrote. "Bringing people from the community helps us see that our community has not given up on us and that helps us do better and be positive when we leave here."

They signed it: "From incarcerated youth who want to be part of the solution."
July 27, 2016 - Shelby County Chief Public Defender Stephen Bush talks to the audience while sitting on a panel during the National Juvenile Justice Network Annual Forum held at the University of Memphis School of Law. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)

SHARE July 27, 2016 - Memphian Harry T. Cash III listens during a panel discussion at the National Juvenile Justice Network Annual Forum at the University of Memphis Law School. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)

By Kayleigh Skinner of The Commercial Appeal

The University of Memphis Law School was filled with juvenile justice advocates Wednesday morning eager to discuss reform efforts in Memphis and Shelby County.

Multiple panelists participating in the National Juvenile Justice Network's annual forum, held in Memphis for the first time, acknowledged that in the field of juvenile justice, children often don't have much of a say in what happens to them.

"Children need to stop being spectators and be participants," said Tim Curry, director of training and assistance with the National Juvenile Defender Center. "And that's the role of the juvenile defender, to provide that assistance to empower children to be participants in their defense, in what is happening to them, and in their rehabilitation."

Curry added that doing this takes tremendous amounts of time, effort and patience, but that is a juvenile defender's job.

"A kid that feels treated fairly, all sorts of positive outcomes become possible, in contrast to a kid that feels he's been treated unfairly," said Chief Public Defender for Shelby County Stephen Bush. "And the key to this seems to be whether or not the kid feels his voice has been heard."

U of M Law School Dean Peter Letsou told the audience about the school's new Children's Defense Clinic, led by director Lisa Geis. Under her supervision, law students will provide legal representation to children facing criminal charges in the Shelby County Juvenile Court. Geis and other panelists stressed that juvenile defense law is specialized and requires extreme dedication to do correctly.

"We also have to understand that our children in the system are more than just little criminals," Geis said. "I need my students, who will become the future defenders, to understand that our children need support to succeed and to make that happen they have to provide holistic representation."

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice released results of an investigation launched in 2009 into the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County and the Juvenile Court's Detention Center. The investigation found that the juvenile court discriminated against African-American children, failed to provide due process to youth during delinquency proceedings, and the detention center did not provide safe conditions of confinement for detained children.

The city has made strides since then, said Mark Soler, executive director of the Center for Children's Law and Policy.

"Memphis and Shelby County have a long history of tense relationships between law enforcement agencies and other government agencies and the black community," Soler said. "This is an issue that a lot of work has been done, a tremendous amount of attention has been put into it, but it's a very hard issue for jurisdictions to work with..."

Kimbrell Owens told the audience of advocates about Shelby County's Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, which works to change policy and programs with the goal of reducing racial disparities and decreasing the population of youths who are detained unnecessarily. Since the reform initiative was implemented in 2011, the number of youths detained annually decreased from roughly 5,000 that year to 968 in 2015, Kimbrell said.
By Jody Callahan of The Commercial Appeal

Memphis police are investigating after at least two men assaulted an ice cream man inside a Fox Meadows apartment complex Tuesday night.

The incident happened just before 7:30 p.m. at 6012 Squire Court, police said. The man was driving his ice cream truck when, according to police, a man jumped inside the truck, started assaulting him and demanded money. The driver then ran into a concrete wall, police said.

Another man then pulled the victim out of the truck and punched him in the eye, police said. Then, both suspects began kicking and beating the victim, possibly with a bat. They stole $480 from him, as well, police said. The man was taken to a hospital in noncritical condition. Police had made no arrests Wednesday.
SHARE Patrick Melvin is a Memphis police director finalist.

By Ryan Poe of The Commercial Appeal

Policing the tight-knit Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Phoenix, Arizona, was a learning experience for Patrick Melvin, one of the six finalists to become Memphis' next police director.

As the reservation's police chief for five years, the soft-spoken Melvin learned how to "listen first," work closely with federal agencies, police a diverse community  and he learned that applying for another job could cost your current job.

Melvin, 51, said he resigned in May after being placed on administrative leave when reservation officials discovered he was a semi-finalist for the top cop job in Phoenix  a position he later found out he didn't get.

"They looked at it as disloyalty," Melvin said. "I thought they would have been proud of it."

He added: "There was no misconduct or anything."

Community Manager Bryan Meyers didn't return a call seeking comment.

In the wake of his resignation, Melvin's friends through his Memphis-based denomination, the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), began telling him he needed to apply to replace the city's previous director Toney Armstrong, who retired in February.

Melvin was one of six finalists for Memphis police director to make the cut July 15, including interim director Michael Rallings. Mayor Jim Strickland said the candidates will be reviewed in August, after which he will choose the next director.

But the City Council, which has to confirm the appointment, voted 12-0 on July 19 to support the immediate hiring of Rallings, who was widely credited with peacefully ending a Black Lives Matter protest that shuttered the Hernando DeSoto Bridge on July 10.

If Strickland picks another candidate, that could set up a confrontation between him and the council.

Melvin also congratulated Rallings on successfully resolving the protest, and was familiar with the details of that and other issues confronting the police division, including a shortage of more than 400 officers and rapid recruitment efforts.

Melvin, a military brat, said he expects to acclimate quickly to Memphis, which he's already familiar with because of COGIC events. He and his wife's favorite barbecue restaurant: Corky's.

"One of my best characteristics is the ability to assimilate into the community," he said.

Another selling point for Melvin could be his experience working with departments of various sizes  and with some of the same issues as in Memphis.

He was with the large Phoenix Police Department for 21 years, retiring as a two-star commander in 2006.

That year, he was hired as the chief of police  and first police officer  of the city of Maricopa to build the city's new department from the ground up. In 2008, he was named the city's public safety director, overseeing police, fire, code enforcement and animal control, and in 2010 was named assistant city manager.

Melvin said he has also built up a network in the law enforcement community during his career, including as president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives in 2010-11. That network could come in handy if he's working to recruit more officers to Memphis and streamline policing.

Currently, Melvin sits on several government- or police-related boards, and is an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Maricopa Community College, the International Law Enforcement Academy in Africa,

Melvin also sits on the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the group hired by Strickland for $40,000 to conduct the national director search.

Memphis has its challenges, but Melvin said he's always looked for challenges in his career, and is looking forward to implementing his ideas here  including expanding the data-driven Blue CRUSH program.

"Using technology to abate crime is definitely something that needs to happen," he said.

But in addition to his own ideas, Melvin said he would be ready to listen to the community's ideas, and would have public "listening sessions." That's one of the lessons he learned navigating tribal issues in Salt River.

"You cannot fight crime without building trust in the community," he said.

Patrick Melvin Age: 51 Why you want this job: I personally have sought out challenges my entire career. Im confident I could make another significant contribution to law enforcement. I have many ideas. I could implement my strategies.

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Businesses and financial institutions from China and Africa signed a total of 39 deals worth around 17 billion U.S. dollars Thursday.

The deals were clinched on the eve of a meeting regarding the results of last year's Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
State Rep. Raumesh Akbari, D-Tenn., speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

By Joel Ebert and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY NETWORK  Tennessee

PHILADELPHIA  Rep. Raumesh Akbari, a 32-year-old Democratic lawmaker from Memphis, called for members of her generation to join her and vote for Hillary Clinton, arguing that the bad sister will fight on behalf of young people as president.

In a three-minute speech delivered Thursday at the Democratic National Convention, Akbari said theres a simple decision to make when considering voting for Clinton or Republican nominee Donald Trump.

My fellow young people  we have a choice, and its crystal clear! What side of history do we want to be on? Which political leader will we allow to define our generation? she asked.

Akbari, who is the only Tennessean speaking on stage at the convention and the first since 2008, suggested that Clinton would help fight for debt-free college for everyone, free community college and work to advance new strategies to combat the problems unique to those in her generation.

Will you join me and support a leader who understands that the deep racial wounds of our country have not yet healed, but together we can work to be the change we wish to see in the world? she asked, before plugging Clintons credentials, which date back to the former secretary of states law school days, work with the Childrens Defense Fund and her time as first lady.

Come on yall, shes a bad sister! Akbari said, going off script while reiterating a phrase she previously used when introducing Clinton at an event in Memphis last year.

Turning to Clintons opponent, Akbari said Republicans have nominated a man whose campaign and party are centered on divisions and intolerance.

The stakes are too high, the consequences too severe, Akbari said.

She even gave a plug to her hometown in the brief but energetic speech that had some in the Wells Fargo Center cheering, especially those in Tennessees delegation.

Whether youre black, white, Latino or Asian  whether you are gay, straight or transgendered  whether you run a ranch, a farm, a church or a beauty shop down in Memphis, Tennessee  Secretary Clinton is a fighter for us all.

The line drew cheers from Tennessees delegation, many of whom held and proudly waved Akbari campaign signs during her speech.

She ended her remarks by reminding Democrats that the months leading up to the November election would be no simple task.

But when has fighting for whats right ever been easy? Working together, we are stronger and more powerful than we ever dare dream. So stand up. Go back to your cities and states and make sure Secretary Hillary Clinton is the next president of the United States of America, she said to applause from throughout the arena.

Akbaris speech was well received at watch parties back home in Tennessee and by members of the states delegation. Her mother, Lisa, said she was proud of her daughter because of the conviction with which she spoke.

This meant a lot to me personally but it also meant a lot to me for her, Lisa Akbari said, sitting near members of the state delegation.

Gale Jones Carson, who was also seated with the states delegation and lives in Memphis, said Akbaris success as a community leader and lawmaker has given her ease.

Shes given me hope regarding young people because I have been so concerned about people taking the reins of civil rights. I often have said I wonder if Dr. King would be disappointed. But when I see Raumesh Akbari and other young people like her, I have great hope that there will people continuing to fight for the rights of all people, she said. I am very, very proud of her.

Tennessee Democratic Party chairman Mary Mancini said she especially liked the portion of Akbaris speech where she called upon Democrats, Republicans and independents to support Clintons campaign.

Cheers and applause rang out as friends and family members recorded Akbaris speech with cell phones at a watch party held at the East Memphis Broadway Pizza that was hastily organized by the Democratic Women of Shelby County.

I mean, its surreal. Ive got chills coming down my spine. Its amazing, said Raumina Akbari, the state lawmakers twin sister as she witnessed her sister ascend for a few minutes onto the national political stage.

As kids, Raumina Akbari said she knew her sister planned to go into politics. And even while she was in law school in St. Louis, there was no question that she would come back to Memphis.

She was like, I have to help my city. So to see her doing it now, its crazy to me, said Raumina Akbari, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Im so proud of her, said Akbaris father, Hooshang.

Akbari took the stage a few minutes before her 4:30 scheduled appearance, though, causing a few people at the event to miss the speech.

In Nashville, about 25 people, including Akbaris family and friends, gathered at Waller Law Firm, which was decked out with red, white and blue balloons hung throughout the room, to watch the speech. Those in attendance wore Akbari T-shirts that read Millennials for Hillary.

Akbaris aunt, Jacky, 55, said her nieces speech was on the mark.

She represented the demographic that will turn the tide in the election for Hillary Clinton, and she represented them well, she said. Were so proud to have her represent us on a national stage.

Akbaris 28-year-old cousin, Alex, said the moment was especially empowering for millennials.

Mahesh Yarlagadda, 27, a friend of the lawmaker, said she represented Tennessee well. She spoke about the importance of having big dreams. Even if you come from humble beginnings. She stayed positive and on par with Hillary and Tim Kanes message, he said.

Linda A. Moore and Thomas Novelly contributed to this report.

The following is a transcript of the speech Rep. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, delivered at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 28, 2016:

Good evening Democrats! I am thrilled to join you here in Philadelphia. It's my honor to serve as the youngest member in the Tennessee General Assembly, representing the "Fighting 26" Tennessee House Democratic Caucus.

My fellow young people - we have a choice, and it's crystal clear! What side of history do we want to be on? Which political leader will we allow to define our generation?

Will we raise our voice and demand a leader who will fight for debt-free college for all, and make community college free; a leader who will help people loaded down with crippling student loan debt; a leader who will push new strategies to combat the problems people in our generation face? Will you join me and support a leader who understands that the deep racial wounds of our country have not yet healed, but together we can work to be the change we wish to see in the world?

Will you stand with a leader who has defined her life by helping the least among us? From going down to segregated Alabama as a law student, to work with the Children's Defense Fund, to fighting for health care for children across this nation, to standing up for women everywhere and proclaiming before the world that "Women's rights are human rights and human rights are women's rights."

The stakes are too high, the consequences too severe. In Cleveland last week, the RNC nominated a man who has built his campaign on words that divide us and walls that divide us; and approved a party platform that enshrines intolerance. Whether you're a Republican, Democrat or Independent. Whether you're black, white, Latino or Asian - gay, straight or transgendered - whether you run a ranch, a farm, a church or a beauty shop down in Memphis - Secretary Clinton is a fighter for us all.

These next few months won't be easy. But when has fighting for what's right ever been easy? Working together, we are stronger and more powerful than we ever dare dream. So stand up! Go back to your cities and states! And make sure Secretary Hillary Clinton is the next president of the United States of America.
President Barack Obama, right, and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, left, wave to the crowd following Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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By Joel Ebert and Joey Garrison , USA Today Network  Tennessee

PHILADELPHIA  Tennessee Democrats raved over what could be one of President Barack Obama's final major speeches in office, one that gave a boost to the candidacy of his one-time rival Hillary Clinton and unleashed a sharp critique on her Republican opponent Donald Trump.

The 44th president used the beginning of his speech to defend his legacy before touting the experiences of Clinton, calling her a lifelong fighter and someone uniquely equipped for the White House.

"There has never been a man or woman  not me, not Bill  more qualified to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama said.

His appearance at the Democratic National Convention marked Obama's most significant effort to stump for the former secretary of state, who he defeated during a contentious primary race in 2008. It also came as polls show Trump has surged into the lead nationally following the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

As many times as he does it, he always seems to capture the moment perfectly and says the words that are in my soul," said Rob McGuire, an attorney from Nashville and Clinton delegate. "Thats what is so amazing and how lucky I feel to have witnessed that history tonight and over the last eight years.

He said the speech offered much more optimism than the message from the Republican convention, which he called "a very top-down message."

"It was America is broken and I can fix it. And I think the president made a perfect rebuttal to that tonight, which is America isnt broken  we have work to do and we are going to do it together.

State Rep. Harold Love Jr., D-Nashville, called Obama's remarks a wonderful goodbye given by the president, but also the handing of the baton to Hillary Clinton.

President Obama went through and talked about the experience in the White House and where the country was, and where we were able to take it. I love how he kept saying our success is not dependent on one person, but on all of us coming together.

Love said his favorite line of the speech was a call to vote following the eruption of boos from the crowd after Obama mentioned Trump.

Dont boo, Obama said. Vote.

Freda Player, political director of the Service Employees International Union Local 205 and Clinton delegate, said it was "the unity speech" that Democrats needed.

"It put into perspective whats going in the nation, what weve accomplished in the nation during his tenure, but also that we need to move forward and get back to our moral values," Player said. Were stronger  What our moral values are as a country.

Renda Washington, executive director of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, said Obamas words left her speechless

It was so awesome. I came away with the feeling that we can do this. We can get Hillary in the White House.

She and others said Obamas speech will help energize Democrats. His speech can help her help people get out the vote.

Tennessee House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, said the speech was from the heart and it relayed the things he did over the past eight years and transitioned to the partys new candidate, Clinton.

He brought in no uncertain terms what he thought a Trump presidency would be like. I thought it was well-written and of course well-given by an outstanding man.

Ashford Hughes, an aide in Nashville Mayor Megan Barry's office and Clinton delegate, said "it was an exciting speech  he talked about what we have done."

"I thought it was a hopeful speech  talking about where we are as America  that were not this disastrous, one day from the apocalypse country. That we are moving in a progressive manner."

Hughes said Clintons presence really energized the audience in advance of her officially accepting the partys nomination Thursday.

I thought it was very poignant that the president continued to talk about (how) we cannot just vote at the presidential level. Unless we get down at the local level, voting for mayor, voting for council members, voting for state seats, then we are not really making change."

Leonard Stevenson of the Wilson County Democratic Party, and a Tennessee delegate, said the speech is right up there with his best and that it "did the job."

I think he was just trying to bring everyone together to let them know that all this stuff Donald Trump is talking about is not correct, he said. Its a lot of rhetoric and lies and stuff, a smear campaign and character assignation on Hillary Clinton.
SHARE Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves addresses the audience in the pavilion at Founders Square at the Neshoba County Fair Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia, Miss. Reeves attacked Democrats in general and Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood in particular during the comments. The annual fair is a traditional gathering place for politicians, area residents, business leaders, voters and families. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Democrat Attorney General Jim Hood addresses the audience in the pavilion at Founders Square at the Neshoba County Fair Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia, Miss. During his address, Hood pointed out similar political stances with a number of the statewide elected Republican officials. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

By Jeff Amy, Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA, Miss.  Two would-be governors squared off at the Neshoba County Fair on Wednesday, presenting sharply different visions for what the Mississippi legislature should be doing.

Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said lawmakers were right to cut taxes, realign the state budget and pass a now-blocked law to protect religious objections to same-sex marriage.

Attorney General Jim Hood, Mississippi's only Democrat elected to statewide office, said the Republican-led legislature should stop spending time on business tax breaks and social-issue legislation requiring expensive court battles, and focus instead on improving roads, schools and job opportunities.

Both men are potential candidates for governor in 2019.

Clouds and rain cooled the summer ritual of political speeches at the fair, but while Hood shook off Reeves' attacks, his rival's words became heated.

"We are fighting for smaller government and making Mississippi an even better place to raise a family," Reeves said, while Democrats "want to lead Mississippi just like Obama is leading our nation  down the road of a bigger government, more government regulation and more government spending of your hard-earned money."

Hood, though, said lawmakers are wasting time and taxpayer dollars.

"I'm usually up here talking about law enforcement and protecting kids," Hood said "But what's happened in the Legislature in the last few years, they've passed a lot of political bills, and my office has had to defend them."

Hood was named a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, but attended the award ceremony for his son's Houston High School solar car team instead. He said the state is failing small-town children like his son Matthew.

"Watching those kids, it's amazing they're from a small town. But unfortunately, the smart kids in that group, a lot of them are going to leave. To find even a middle-class job, they have to leave their small towns."

Hood called for more emphasis on prekindergarten education and said the remainder of the state should emulate the 20 counties where governments or donors pay college tuition for recent high school graduates not covered by other financial aid.

"There's a way to fund that, but we get off in all these distractions in the Legislature," he said.

Reeves slapped Hood for saying Mississippi voters had been fooled into supporting HB 1523, an effort to enable some officials and businesses to refuse services to same-sex couples, transgender people, or anyone engaging in sex outside marriage.

"Why does he think you are a fool? For wanting us to protect your First Amendment rights to practice your faith without being harassed by big government," Reeves said. "Now it sounds to me like he's auditioning to be Hillary Clinton's next attorney general."

Reeves also accused Hood of overstepping his powers by issuing opinions that said lawmakers couldn't sweep money from some separate government accounts into the state budget.

"You see, he and other bureaucrats in Jackson are outraged that they can't double-dip into side accounts any more, hiding the true cost of government from taxpayers," Reeves said,

Hood declined to answer Reeves' attacks, saying "I'm talking about issues that affect Mississippians, whether they're white, black, rich or poor."
June 27, 2016- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is introduced to Jake Kustoff, 8, son of congressional candidate David Kustoff at an event held at Kustoff's campaign headquarters on Poplar Avenue, where he was endorsed by Huckabee. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal)

SHARE June 27, 2016- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee meets with Vietnam veteran Doug Justice, of Tipton County, during a visit to Memphis to endorse congressional candidate David Kustoff at Kustoff's campaign headquarters on Poplar Avenue. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal)

By Daniel Connolly of The Commercial Appeal

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee campaigned for Congressional candidate David Kustoff Wednesday, describing the former prosecutor as the candidate who understands law enforcement.

"David Kustoff is going to be the law-and-order candidate for Congress," Huckabee said to applause during an East Memphis stop. Huckabee also campaigned for Kustoff in Dyersburg and Jackson Wednesday.

Huckabee ran for president in 2008 and again in the current election, dropping out after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses. Huckabee's appearance adds some celebrity power to the District 8 race for the House of Representatives, in which 13 candidates are fighting to win the Republican nomination Aug. 4. Early voting has begun.

"Governor Huckabee's endorsement of the campaign has been absolutely huge," Kustoff told reporters. "And it means so much, especially in a crowded field."

"Crowded" was an appropriate word Wednesday, given the large number of people packed into Kustoff's campaign headquarters to hear Huckabee and Kustoff speak.

Kustoff was appointed as U.S. attorney for the western district of Tennessee by George W. Bush in 2006, served for two years overseeing the office, then gave up the post in 2008 to return to private legal practice.

District 8 stretches from suburban Memphis through most of rural western Tennessee.

Incumbent congressman Stephen Fincher announced early this year he would not run for re-election, and a large number of candidates jumped into the race. Other contenders include former Shelby County Commissioner George Flinn, current State Sen. Brian Kelsey, Shelby County mayor Mark Luttrell and Shelby County register Tom Leatherwood.

Both Kustoff and Luttrell participated in Huckabee's recent presidential campaign. Huckabee didn't mention Luttrell in his remarks.

The state Legislature redrew District 8 in 2010, cutting out Democratic-leaning areas at the eastern end of the district and adding more Republican-friendly territory in Memphis suburbs, longtime Republican activist Jimmy Wallace said in an interview earlier this year.

That makes a Republican win even more likely in the November general election, meaning the Aug. 4 Republican primary will likely be the race that counts. Many candidates in the race are portraying themselves as conservatives in line with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Asked about the "law and order" theme afterward, Kustoff said the federal government has been too heavy-handed in pursuing police officers in recent high-profile cases in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore. He was referring to cases in which police officers were accused of unjustly killing black men.

"This president and this justice department has unfairly and severely impugned the reputation of law enforcement," Kustoff said. "I'm going to go up and I'm going to demonstrate by example. I'm going to set the tone that law enforcement, the overwhelming majority of law enforcement, are doing a good job."

He tempered his remarks by saying his office had prosecuted corrupt law enforcement officers while he was U.S. attorney.
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By Ron Maxey of The Commercial Appeal

Southaven police arrested 11 people Wednesday in a drug bust that netted methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine from a home in the Colonial Hills area.

According to Police Chief Steve Pirtle, officers served a narcotics search warrant on the home in the 2000 block of Colonial Hills Drive.

"This was the result of an investigation by our narcotics officers after receiving numerous complaints from the neighborhood about this residence," Pirtle said.

The suspects were charged after officers searched the home and found the meth and crystal meth, Pirtle said.

The chief said he was unsure of the bond amounts for the suspects.

Those arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance are:

April Leigh Staggs, 35; Kristen Dale Harris, 24; and Brack Coby Harris, 25, all of Potts Camp, Mississippi; James Steven Miller, 28, and Whitney Marie Hickman, 28, both of Southaven; Ashley Dee Canady, 32, of Germantown; Courtnee Nicole Gray, 29, of Coldwater, Mississippi; Brian Christopher Hayes, 23, of Red Banks, Mississippi; and Steven John Williams, 27, of Memphis.

Also arrested were Shane Stanley Hickman, 30, of Southaven, who was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and Zachary Harris, 24, of Byhalia, Mississippi, charged with possession of a controlled substance and being a fugitive from justice.
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U.S. Rep. STEVE COHEN is seeking a sixth term in Congress, and we think voters should provide him with the opportunity to do so.

He faces three challengers in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary for a place on the November general election ballot. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Wayne Alberson, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District seat.

Cohen's challengers in the primary are Larry Crim of Antioch, Tennessee, near Nashville, Shelby County Commissioner Justin Ford and M. LaTroy Williams.

Ford is serving his second term on the County Commission; he was its chairman in 2014-2015. During his tenure on the commission, he has been an advocate for neighborhood redevelopment, education and small-business growth.

According to his website, Crim already has announced he is running for U.S. Senate in 2018.

Cohen has had a target on his back in some circles since he won election to the 9th District seat, which includes most of Memphis and areas north of the city, in November 2007.

The main complaint over the years has been that a majority African-American city needs an African-American congressman. That argument gained a little extra bump this year with both the Memphis and Shelby County mayoral seats being held by white men.

Cohen's occasional slips of the tongue also have drawn criticism.

As we have said before in this space, though, the effectiveness of an elected official cannot be measured simply by the color of that person's skin. While it is true that an African-American's experiences could give him or her a sharper focus on issues important to African-Americans, it also is true that during Cohen's congressional tenure, he has not neglected those concerns. He also has not neglected support for projects that have enhanced the city's quality of life and economic development.

Even some of his critics think his last two terms have been his best.

Cohen has been a leader in policy debates on issues crucial to Memphis, from universal health care and workforce development, to support for veterans issues, education, scientific research, reducing the backlog of untested rape kits and economic development, among other issues.

He helped Memphis land a $30 million federal Choice Neighborhoods grant to redevelop Foote Homes and the surrounding area and fought to land the city a $15 million federal TIGER grant to help fund the Main Street to Main Street Connector Project to make important improvements to the Main Street corridor as well as connect Downtown to West Memphis with a pedestrian and bike trail along the Harahan Bridge.

Cohen also led the effort in Congress for the state of Tennessee to receive a guaranteed disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment totaling more than $530 million over the next 10 years to help the state's hospitals and community health centers recoup expenses incurred from caring for those who cannot afford to pay.

Even though he is in the minority party, he has been able to garner some of these accomplishments with bipartisan support.

That is an important point to keep in mind in this period of partisan fractiousness in Washington that has stymied action on key legislation.

Memphis does not need to lose that kind of experience in Washington.

That is why voters should make sure Cohen is on the November ballot.
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By Marc Thiessen

Over at the CIA and the National Security Agency headquarters, they must be really enjoying watching Democrats in Philadelphia squirm over WikiLeaks' exposure of tens of thousands of internal Democratic Party emails. There's a word for what is happening in the intelligence community: Blowback.

Throughout the entirety of the Obama administration, nothing was done as WikiLeaks damaged our national security with its serial leaks of highly classified intelligence documents.

When in 2010 WikiLeaks released more than 76,000 secret intelligence documents in 2010  exposing "the identities of at least 100 Afghans who were informing on the Taliban, including the names of their villages, family members, the Taliban commanders on whom they were informing, and even GPS coordinates where they could be found," as I wrote in the Washington Post  nothing was done.

When in 2011 WikiLeaks released a trove of classified documents it dubbed the "Gitmo Files" in 2011, including secret details about the CIA's enhanced interrogation program, nothing was done.

When that same year WikiLeaks unleashed what founder Julian Assange called a "thermonuclear device"  its full, unredacted archive of more than a quarter-million secret U.S. diplomatic cables  nothing was done.

When in 2014 WikiLeaks released classified CIA documents exposing how CIA operatives maintain cover while traveling through airports, including guidance on how to survive secondary screening, nothing was done.

When in 2015 WikiLeaks released documents revealing that the U.S. government was spying on its allies, including listening in on the phone calls of three French presidents, nothing was done.

When in 2016 WikiLeaks published secret details of European Union military operations to intercept refugee boats traveling to Europe from the regions along the Libyan coast infested with terrorists from the Islamic State, nothing was done.

When in 2016 WikiLeaks exposed top-secret documents describing NSA intercepts of foreign government communications, including a private climate-change strategy meeting between United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, nothing was done.

But WikiLeaks has finally crossed a "red line" (pun intended) that has earned it the Democrats' outrage. Instead of targeting the CIA or the NSA, WikiLeaks has gone after an organization Democrats actually care about  the Democratic National Committee.

WikiLeaks has released tens of thousands of emails showing that, while presenting itself as an impartial arbiter during the primaries, the DNC was, in fact, working overtime on Hillary Clinton's behalf to undermine Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. In one leaked email, DNC officials said they planned to expose Sanders as an atheist with Baptist voters in Kentucky and West Virginia. Others showed DNC staffers mocking Sanders supporters as "Bernie Bros" and plotting how to spin the narrative of his failure. Others reveal that the DNC and the Hillary Victory Fund apparently channeled money through state Democratic parties, perhaps in an effort to avoid contribution limits to her campaign. Other leaks include spreadsheetsthat appeared to match Democratic donors and fundraisers with appointments to federal boards and commissions once Clinton was elected. Still others show DNC staffers calling their donors "clowns" and promising to have one "sitting in the (s-----est) corner I can find" at a DNC event. The convention in Philadelphia has been roiled by the revelations, which caused Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., to step down as chair.

Democrats have no one to blame but themselves for this debacle. As I pointed out in the Post in August 2010, there were many steps the Obama administration could have taken to stop WikiLeaks. It could have indicted Assange and his fellow WikiLeaks staffers and made clear that the United States will not tolerate any country, particularly NATO allies, providing them with a haven. They could have sought their extradition and  if the countries where they were hiding refused to cooperate  used existing Justice Department authorities to arrest them anywhere in the world, with or without those countries' consent. They could have used the assets of U.S. Cyber Command to carry out cyberattacks on WikiLeaks servers to disrupt its ability to disseminate classified information that puts lives at risk.

But it appears that the administration has done none of these things. In 2013, the Post reported that "the Justice Department has all but concluded it will not bring charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for publishing classified documents because government lawyers said they could not do so without also prosecuting U.S. news organizations and journalists . . . unless he is implicated in criminal activity other than releasing online top-secret military and diplomatic documents." Seriously?

As for using our nation's offensive cyber capabilities to disrupt WikiLeaks' ability to disseminate classified information, that clearly has not happened. To this day, WikiLeaks' entire archive of stolen classified documents remains available on its website for anyone to read.

Now Democrats are paying the price for Obama's inaction. And WikiLeaks promises there is more to come. In an interview with CNN this week, Assange said he might soon release "a lot more material." That should have Democrats terrified.

Apparently, exposing intelligence sources and methods has not mattered enough for the Obama administration to do something about WikiLeaks. Maybe saving Hillary Clinton from further embarrassment, or worse, will finally spur them to action.

Marc Thiessen writes a weekly column for The Washington Post on foreign and domestic policy and contributes to the PostPartisan blog. He is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and the former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush.
Two American citizens smashed a bar in Nanluoguxiang, a popular tourist site in Beijing, according to a local newspaper.

An American man and woman, whose names have not been disclosed, walked into a bar on the night of July 25 and sat at separate tables, according to Mr. Ye, the owner of the bar. A little while later, the woman rose up and shoved the bar's musical instruments to the ground. She also snatched a glass from another table and threw it at the counter, according to the newspaper. A waiter who tried to prevent the woman was scratched on the arms and slapped in the face by her, the paper said. The woman then quarreled with her companion. The two tried to run away twice, but were brought back by the servers.

The smashing cost the bar nearly 10,000 yuan (about US$1,500), estimated the owner. Mr. Ye, who does not speak English and does not know why the woman smashed his bar.

The local police are investigating the incident, the newspaper said.
Even password manager LastPass can be fooled. A Google security researcher has found a way to remotely hijack the software.

It works by first luring the user to a malicious site. The site will then exploit a flaw in a LastPass add-on for the Firefox browser, giving it control over the password management software.

LastPass wrote about the vulnerability on Wednesday and said that a fix is already out for Firefox users.

Google security research Tavis Ormandy first discovered the issue. When examining the password manager, he tweeted on Tuesday, "Are people really using this lastpass thing? I took a quick look and can see a bunch of obvious critical problems. I'll send a report asap."

Any vulnerability with LastPass could pose a big risk for users. The popular software is supposed to securely store and autofill all the passwords users have for their different sites.

Ormandy isn't the only security researcher to find flaws with the password manager. On Wednesday, Mathias Karlsson at Detectify Labs said that he had also managed to hack LastPass  in this case, to steal user passwords.

He did so by exploiting a bug in the password manager's Chrome browser extension, Karlsson wrote in a blog post.

Typically, the LastPass browser extension autofills the password to certain websites the user visits. However, Karlsson noticed that the extension added some HTML code to every site it visits. This code is meant to parse the website's address to identify the domain and then fill in the required password.

The problem is that the HTML code can be tricked. The extension will autofill a user's password, even when it isnt visiting the correct website.

Karlsson exploited the bug, and created a fake URL, fooling the LastPass browser extension into thinking it was visiting Twitter. The extension then autofilled the Twitter password into the site.

A hacker could take advantage of this flaw, by building a malicious website and tricking LastPass users into visiting it. The website could then secretly collect the passwords.

Karlsson reported the bug over a year ago, and the problem has since been fixed, according to LastPass. It noted that both vulnerabilities would require the hacker tricking the user into visiting a malicious site for them to work.

The company is advising users to be on the watch for phishing attacks that can send links to unsavory websites.
Three Florida men have filed a lawsuit in a Florida federal court against Microsoft, charging that the company "coerced" them into upgrading to Windows 10 and that the "unintentional" upgrades damaged their PCs, resulting in lost time and money.

The three -- Al Khafaji, Ahmad Abdulreda and Robert Stahl -- were the first to sue Microsoft at the federal level for running a campaign to get Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users to accept the free upgrade to Windows 10. That offer expires Friday.

"Microsoft engaged in a reckless and negligent premise with catastrophic consequences for some of Defendant's customers whose devices were rendered useless and incapable of normal recovery operations," the complaint stated. "Plaintiffs were coerced into adopting Windows 10 or had Windows 10 installed in various unintentional manners with subsequent damage to their computers after which Plaintiffs sustained unnecessary and avoidable stress, confusion, loss of time and significant monetary damage all at the hands of Defendant."

The lawsuit asked for class-action status, which would make it easy for others to join the case, and if successful, share in any awarded damages.

The Seattle Times first reported the case Wednesday.

At issue was the year-long promotion of Windows 10's free upgrade. During the campaign, Microsoft took unprecedented steps -- some never before used by any operating system developer -- to accelerate Windows 10 adoption. Those steps included downloading the upgrade in the background to eligible PCs, setting the upgrade to automatically begin without additional user approval, and from March to June, pre-scheduling the upgrade process itself.

That last was hotly criticized because Microsoft interpreted a click on the red "X" in the pop-up as authorizing the upgrade. The interpretation was contrary to decades of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) convention, and against Microsoft's own design guidelines for third-party developers.

Microsoft repealed that interpretation with just four weeks left in the upgrade offer.

As many others have asserted in the last 12 months, the Khafaji-Abdulreda-Stahl complaint alleged that Microsoft did not give potential upgraders a way to dismiss the pitch or an obvious option for rejecting the offer.

"A great number of people have installed the Windows 10 system inadvertently or without full realization of the extent of the download," the lawsuit said. "Plaintiffs understand that the Windows 10 upgrade is reversible but insists that less than 10% of users have the expertise to reverse the process or disengage the Windows 10 promotion."

The complaint also took exception to Microsoft's characterization of the upgrade as "free," and tried to link the upgrade offer to monopolistic practices that allegedly violated antitrust law.

"With the widespread dissemination of Windows 10 the Defendant seeks to maintain its position of dominance in the marketplace," the complaint argued. "The Windows 10 system adds yet another dimension to its extant body of operating systems and in effect keeps the consumer 'in the fold' while gaining a captive audience for Defendant's ancillary products."

Lawyers for Khafaji, Abdulreda and Stahl even managed to work in a reference to the 1984 film The Terminator. "The Plaintiff's Windows 10 marketing technique is reminiscent of the story line in science fiction films like Terminator which have a scenario where the computers start functioning autonomously," the complaint read. Some users, including the plaintiffs, have claimed that their PCs were upgraded to Windows 10 without their approval or authorization, often while they were away from the computer.

Although last week's lawsuit was the first believed to have hit a federal court, it was not the only legal action taken against Microsoft's Windows 10 upgrade offer. In May, Microsoft paid California travel agent Teri Goldstein $10,000 after she won a judgment in small claims court by successfully arguing that an unauthorized upgrade to Windows 10 crippled her business's PC.

In a statement Friday, Microsoft said it would prevail. "We believe the plaintiffs claims are without merit and we are confident well be successful in court," a spokeswoman said.
Microsoft is rolling out a change in minimum hardware requirements for Windows 10 PCs and mobile devices, and expects hardware makers to comply in order to make their devices more secure.

Starting Thursday, PC makers should include a hardware-based security feature called TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 in Windows 10 PCs, smartphones and tablets.

The TPM 2.0 feature will be beneficial for users as it will do a better job of protecting sensitive information on a PC. A TPM 2.0 security layer -- which can be in the form of a chip or firmware -- can safeguard user data by managing and storing cryptographic keys in a trusted container.

Microsoft wants to kill passwords with a biometric authentication feature called Windows Hello, in which users can log into a PC via fingerprint, face or iris recognition. A TPM 2.0 chip is important to Windows Hello as it generates and stores the authentication keys in a secure area.

TPM 2.0 could also make two-factor authentication via Microsoft Passport -- which could use biometric and pin-based authentication -- a common feature in Windows 10 PCs. The Passport feature could be used to log into websites, applications and other services.

Microsoft has said TPM isn't needed for Windows Hello, but recommends the security layer to protect biometric login data. TPM chips can be hard to hack, and do a better job protecting sensitive information than the software-based mechanisms that would otherwise be used to protect Windows Hello login data.

TPM definitely provides a security improvement in laptops, and is an excellent protection for encryption keys and other critically important data needed for authentication on the PC, said Kevin Murphy, vice president of operations at security company IOActive.

"Since it is hardware based rather than software based, the keys are not exposed to the PC memory. PC memory is a common venue for attackers to scrape intellectual property resident in the memory, which is usually the main purpose of the attack," Murphy said.

However, using the TPM does not protect the encryption keys from being manipulated by an attacker. If an attacker "owns" the machine -- for example by spoofing an authorized user -- the TPM will answer any request as it normally would to the legitimate user.

"It will not know the difference. The advantage in this scenario is that the attack is limited to the current attack and cannot steal the keys for a future attack," Murphy said.

It is possible to break TPM chips, but it would be a difficult attack, likely requiring a tremendous amount of skill, equipment, time, and investment, Murphy said.

Disk encryption system BitLocker already uses TPM to secure encryption keys. TPM is also used for secure software updates, to protect virtual machines and to authenticate smart cards. Intel's vPro remote management service relies on TPM for authentication ahead of remote PC repairs.

TPM 2.0 will be a minimum requirement on all Windows 10 devices except for developer boards like Raspberry Pi 3, which runs the lightweight Windows 10 IoT Core.

The security feature isn't new; in fact it's been available for years, mostly in business PCs. Many new PCs already have TPM 2.0, with an exception being low-cost PCs. Some Windows laptops have the older TPM 1.2 standard. But PC makers will now be expected to comply with Microsofts new hardware requirements and include TPM 2.0.

HP's Elite X3 Windows 10 smartphone -- based on Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 820 processor -- already has TPM 2.0. The feature isn't listed in Acer's Liquid Jade Primo or Nokia Lumia models, which have older components.

Microsoft has been trying to drive hardware and software changes in PCs, some of which have been controversial. Upcoming PCs based on Intel's Kaby Lake chips -- which could be released in the third quarter -- will support only Windows 10, not prior versions of the OS.

The software company earlier this year said it would support Windows 7 and 8.1 on Skylake devices until July 17, 2017, but extended that for one year after attracting criticism for trying to force an OS upgrade to Windows 10 on users.

Microsoft has been working with hardware partners to implement TPM 2.0 across devices, a spokesperson said. TPM 2.0 maximizes security capabilities for Windows Hello, Passport, and helps secure 4K streaming video using DRM, she said.

"In the future, more key features will rely on it," the spokesperson said.

TPM 2.0, a specification from Trusted Computing Group, was approved as an international standard by ISO/IEC (the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission) in June last year.
If you weren't a fan of those audio ads Tumblr introduced recently, you are going to love this.

Blogging site Tumblr is introducing ads on its more than 300 million blogs. Some users surely won't be happy with the change, but since Tumblr is planning to share revenue with its bloggers, others won't mind so much. And there supposedly will be an option to turn off ads on individual blogs. So what do we know about these ads? And when do users start to benefit?

In IT Blogwatch, we show you the money.

Need the very basic details? Duncan Riley gives us the background:

Tumblr has finally decided...to monetize its...blogging network by introducing ads on all blogs hosted by the service.

...

The announcement...was spun by the service as a way for users to make money, with Tumblr offering to share ad revenue made...back to the blogs creator.

Money for the blog creator sounds great. People like money. But Tumblr is a little light on the details. Trevor Mogg fills in what he can:

Its not clear what form the ads will take, though it seems likely theyll show up natively among your posts...Theres no word on the revenue split either [but] Tumblr promises [more information] is coming soon.

...

Ads have for...years been appearing on a users dashboard page...This latest move, however, has the potential to take ads to a much wider audience...mak[ing] the company a whole lot more money, something sure to delight Verizon, which recently announced its plan to acquire parent company Yahoo for $5 billion.

Not a whole lot to go on there. Marioxy Betancourt reiterates, and adds one more detail:

Those who want to get paid for their work in the blogging site will need to be registered with the company...Tumblr...is still figuring out details about the whole idea of remunerating users for their content [but] as soon as the team finalizes...details, they will be publicly released.

But is there any precedent here that we can look to? There is one, but again, we don't know a whole lot. Shawn Price explains:

Tumblr...will likely give bloggers the ability to opt out and advertisers the ability to connect with bloggers, like in the site's Creatr program.

...

The blogging site has failed to meet sales goals and was recently valued at $0 by analysts.

I am no financial expert, but that seems like a pretty disappointing valuation. Chris Foxx agrees, and offers us some background on other advertising efforts on the site:

Three years have passed since Yahoo bought Tumblr, but the micro-blogging website has not proved to be the goldmine once hoped...the acquisition is now "effectively worthless."

...

Any increase in advertising...is likely to meet opposition from the site's members...In the last week...Tumblr members have been outraged at new invisible audio adverts that Tumblr appears to be testing.

...

The maker of one ad-blocking browser plug-in has already published an update that will "terminate with extreme prejudice the auto-playing audio sidebar ads."
Screens inside the Wells Fargo Center shows "2016 Democratic Nominee Hillary Clinton" on the second day of the 2016 U.S. Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States on July 26, 2016. [Photo / Xinhua]

After a Republican convention full of anger, fear-mongering and grievances, the attention of observers of U.S. politics shifts to Philadelphia, Penn. for the Democratic National Convention. The anger and grievances will be there, but it will be coming from the Democratic primary's loser. If Donald Trump is a sore winner, the Democratic runner-up Sen. Bernie Sanders is a sore loser.

Sanders consistently complained of a "rigged system." Recent leaks of hacked Democratic Party emails that show the DNC leadership lined up behind Hillary Clinton feed his narrative. The Democratic Party leadership, however, was engaging in many ways in ordinary politics designed to help their party by nominating the most electable candidate. In fact, after seeing Trump get nominated by the Republicans, it is actually a little bit refreshing to see one party take their responsibility seriously to safeguard the country from extremism and incompetence. The GOP could learn something.

The early days of the two party's conventions feature a lot of backroom negotiations and committee maneuvering. Team Sanders is trying to exploit those mechanisms to win concessions from the party and to change the party's nomination process in a way that would have made it easier for him to have won.

He wants the Democratic Party primaries to all be open to independents and Republicans and for the super delegate system to be scrapped. At present, the rules on who can vote in a state primary are mostly determined by that state's party. Sanders won most of those states that allowed independents to vote, while Clinton won the closed primaries that only allowed Democrats. That leads one to wonder, if Sanders really was the Democratic people's choice, then why did he need others to carry him?

In fact, Clinton still would have won even if there were no super delegates, which are Democratic elected officials who are allowed to vote for whomever they want for the presidential nomination, in contrast to the ordinary delegates who are allocated based on the popular vote of the primary voters in each state. It would have been a closer tally, but Clinton won a clear majority of delegates in each state and popular votes. Still, the proposal to do away with super delegates takes away one safety brake the Democrats have on extreme populism. If the Republicans had super delegates, then they still might have been able to stop Trump.

When it comes time for the televised festivities to start, Sanders supporters might still be disappointed. Clinton will be trying to put on a moderate, even-keeled performance to separate herself from the fire and brimstone rhetoric of the Republican convention.

The weekend before the convention started, Clinton unveiled a centrist Democrat as her vice presidential choice, Sen. Tim Kaine. The choice of Kaine, who ranks as only the 41st most liberal member of Senate (out of 100, according to Vote View), concerns some hardcore liberal progressives, who would have preferred someone like Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, the most liberal member of the Senate. (Sanders ranked as the third-most liberal senator.)

But Kaine's relative moderateness is a big plus for independent voters and Republicans against Trump. Most Americans don't buy into the reflexively anti-business views of Sanders and the doctrinaire "social justice" agenda his supporters push. Clinton has already won some high-profile backing from Republican policy officials, and a Warren pick might have scared those crossover voters.

Moreover, Clinton is betting that most liberals, when confronted with the prospect of Trump winning the election, will swallow their pride and vote Clinton. However, Sanders supporters are very adamant in their view that Clinton is too cozy with Wall Street, and the most rabid of them won't be persuaded so easily. That, however, could be one reason Clinton didn't end up picking Warren. Even a strong progressive VP wouldn't have been enough to attract all Sanders voters; many of them think that the very act of accepting a Clinton invitation to join the ticket would make them a sellout.

Since Clinton's Democratic convention comes after Trump's nomination, she has the benefit of knowing what the Republicans said and being able to respond. The contrast the Democrats will probably try to show of calm, polished speakers against the angry yellers, liars and plagiarizers of the RNC will be stark.

Hillary and the Democrats don't even have to put on an amazing convention. They just have to be competent. Simply avoiding utter embarrassment would be enough to upstage the Trump Republicans in 2016.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://china.org.cn/opinion/MitchellBlatt.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
August is yet to come, but already this is a bloody summer. The shooting in Orlando, the truck rampage in Nice, the suicide bombing in Ansbach, the murder of a priest at his altar in Rouen  ISIS, either in the form of its soldiers or its more remote supporters, has repeatedly made its murderous mark.

Fortunately, Britain has so far escaped the latest wave of Islamist terror. So far remain the operative words  the security services view an attack as very likely, and of course the two men of Middle Eastern appearance, widely assumed to be jihadis, who tried to kidnap a serviceman at RAF Marham last week are still at large.

Why have we been so fortunate?

It could be that we have relatively fewer people willing to carry out such acts  Germanys policy of opening itself to over one million largely unchecked would-be asylum seekers certainly hasnt helped. Last year, we gave up control of our borders and instructed police not to check everything that should have been checked, the head of the German police union said a few days ago.

Or perhaps its that our security services are doing a better job  watching more closely, trawling more finely and acting more swiftly to stop such people before they strike.

Thinking less wishfully, it could also just be blind good luck. We may not have a million new arrivals from the Middle East to integrate, but we certainly have more than enough homegrown extremists willing to perpetrate violence. The current estimate stands at 2,000. And no security service is infallible, particularly given such a large and complex task and the unceasing innovation by our enemies at the art of staying off the radar.

Clearly we need to continue to watch, investigate and arrest. Clearly we need to do a better job of counter-radicalisation, too (not least in prisons, where extremist literature is still reportedly being distributed by prison imams). But as the violence of Syria and Iraq continues to reach into Europe, we cannot allow our perception of the front line of this conflict to move with it  treating the issue purely as a domestic one and retreating from our commitment to action against its source.

Whether by practical means (advice, training and logistics, as in Paris) or by motivation (online encouragement, either one-to-one or more generally through social media, videos and press releases), ISIS is directly behind a wide range of recent and deadly attacks. Contrary to common belief, the group does not simply claim any awful event as its work  after the recent Munich mass shooting it carefully declined to do so, for example. It has specific instructions for those who wish to act in support of its aims, and specific rules by which it accepts or rejects responsibility for the terrorist attacks which result.

Crucially, its role in bringing slaughter to the West is ideological as well as practical. There is a good reason why its supporters the world over use the index finger salute seen in so many of its propaganda images  it is a symbolic declaration of one-ness; the concept that there is one God, used to confer a religious justification on the groups utter inflexibility and brutality towards those (Muslim and non-Muslim) whom it deems to be in breach of its laws.

Theres another act of symbolism in play, too  the very nature of the group as a state, complete with physical territory, is important to its presentation as well as its logistics. This physical presence is used by ISIS to claim for itself the authority of the caliphate  an assertion (outrageous to many Muslims) that its leader is by definition the leader of the worldwide Islamic community, as well as its predominant religious authority. This is why those who are inspired to kill in the West in its name are encouraged to pledge allegiance not to the group but to its head. Still further, the group actively pursues a millenarian, apocalyptic philosophy, implying that its existence is a fulfilment of a prophecy of the end-times. In short, its supposed statehood is a tool used to demand the loyalty and obedience of other Muslims  largely without success, but still falling on enough sympathetic ears to cost hundreds of lives.

It isnt possible, therefore, to divorce the fight against ISIS-inspired terrorists in Britain, France, Germany or the US from the fight against ISIS-proper in the Middle East. Destroying their base would limit their practical capacity to train, arm and propagandise, and of course kill a good number of their fighters, but it would also strip them of some of the authority which they assert and use to persuade others to attack us at home.

Would these extremists still exist if ISIS was crushed in Iraq and Syria? Yes, but they would have fewer voices whispering in their ears that they were on a righteous mission, less money available to assist them and more limited prospects of being celebrated as a hero. Would ISIS itself still exist if it lost its territorial base? Certainly  it would go underground, and no doubt continue its bloody work, but as Al Qaeda discovered an unceasing war of cells and secrecy without a secure home to offer aid or respite is a far more difficult task to pursue over the course of years. Would we still have a difficult and lengthy task to protect ourselves and erode the group below a functional level? Definitely, but it would be somewhat easier and less risky  though murderous outrages would no doubt still occur.

Most of all, we would still have the sticky question of how to deradicalise those already committed to Islamist extremism and how to prevent others following the same route. That debate will go on and on  how to win a war of the mind is a strategy book that is largely still unwritten.

In the meantime, though, we  Britain, the US, France, the Kurds and others  must destroy ISIS in its home. Doing so would degrade its ability to strike at us, stripping it of money, freedom of action and propaganda authority  and produce the not inconsiderable benefit of ending its ongoing tyranny over millions in the Middle East at the same time.
Theresa May is Britains first post-Thatcherite Conservative Leader. David Camerons modernisers emphasised their cultural compatibility with the left but pursued a hard-line economic policy of which Thatcher might have been proud. By contrast Theresa Mays conservatism will likely combine undisguised contempt for the cultural lefts sacred cows with a neo-statist economic policy.

May and her circle are deeply uncomfortable with various aspects of Modern Britain, and proud of it. The Prime Ministers shockingly honest 2015 party conference speech and her record at the Home Office suggest genuine concern about the economic and cultural impacts of high immigration. She shares the electorates contempt for the self-congratulatory elite cosmopolitanism of the city and magic-circle law firms.

Both New Labour and the Cameroons sought to build alliances between Main Street and Wall Street; the Mayists believes the two are at war and intend back Main Street to the hilt. The Prime Minister has called for an industrial policy and workers representation on boards. A deficit reduction programme that was quietly reducing the states share of the economy is likely to be largely abandoned. International Development Minister Priti Patel is Mays most senior Thatcherite; its no coincidence that Patels axe blows will largely fall abroad.

The ConservativeHome columns of Mays guru Nick Timothy revealed a distrust of capitalistic creative destruction and symbolically denounced Thatchers Orgreave battle against striking coal miners; May will be attentive to the forgotten northern working class at whose expense the Thatcherite economic miracle was built. If Thatcherites sought to help Brits compete against the rest of the world, the Mayists recognise most find global competition terrifying and would prefer security.

Theresa May is not the establishment candidate and certainly not merely a safe pair of hands. She is a Second Thatcher only in the sense of representing a challenge to ubiquitous cultural and economic elite assumptions. Now may be a good time to buy property in Stuttgart; aspects of Mays cultural and economic outlook suggest she would cheerfully sacrifice the British Financial Services Industry in return for lower immigration. As some of their international friends depart and their bonuses diminish, the London elite may start to want their country back.

The electorate will adore this combination. Conservative parliamentarians may not. Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nick Boles have their disagreements but Mays desire for an industrial strategy has probably given both similar nightmares. With Brexit as Party policy, Daniel Hannan and George Osborne now differ on far fewer issues of significance. At some-point the left and right of the Conservative Party may notice they share more with each other than with Mays coterie. Her approach to immigration will sit uneasily with the self-conscious cosmopolitanism of the tory left and perhaps also with the rights reverence for the Commonwealth. Too much movement towards a wet economic position might unite left and right against the Government. With a wafer thin majority, extremely difficult Brexit negotiations to conduct, and a deliberately exclusive cabinet Mays government would rapidly find itself floundering. Fortunately, the Prime Minister has an obvious way to prevent this destabilisation: restrain her advisers and moderate her break with Cameroon-Thatcherite Consensus.
Bezwada Wilson, national convenor of the Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA), who has won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2016 for asserting the inalienable right to a life of human dignity was being chased by the Narendra Modi government for the Padma award, one of India's highest awards. However, Wilson showed no interest in the matter.A well-known scribe, Vidya Subramaniam, says in a Facebook post, Top official at the social Justice ministry told me they had been chasing him for a Padma award a few months back, and he showed no interest. When they persisted, he told them he is hard pressed for time and couldn't be bothered filling up forms.When th scribe crossed checked with Wilson, he told her: "That's true, but who wants an award from this government?"Others who have been chosen for the Magsaysay award, also called Asian Nobel prize, are South Indian classical musician TM Krishna, Philippine ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Indonesian charity organisation Dompet Dhuafa, Laos free ambulance service Vientiane Rescue and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.In its citation for award, Magsaysay recalls Wilson and SKA's fight against manual scavenging, calling it a blight on humanity in India, insisting, thanks to lobbying by him and SKA, in 2013 a new law that includes rehabilitation support for scavengers was passed in Parliament..Pointing out that SKA has grown into a network of 7,000 members in 500 districts across the country. Of the estimated 600,000 scavengers in India, SKA has liberated around 300,000, the citation says, it has been vigorously involved in raising awareness about scavenging, the caste system, and the 1993 Prohibition Act, training local leaders and volunteers for the movement.Giving examples of SKA's campaign, the citation says, In 2004-2005, it undertook a mass latrine demolition drive across Andhra Pradesh; exposed the occupational violence faced by female scavengers; and met with officials to demand the demolition of dry latrines and the provision of alternative occupations for scavengers.Then, it says, In 2010, SKA led an India-wide march for the total eradication of scavenging, and again in 2015 undertook a 125-day bus journey across 30 states to mobilize the public against manual scavenging.Wilson launched these campaigns in a country riddled with structural inequality, in which the Dalits' most exploited section, manual scavengers, work for removing by hand human excrement from dry latrines and carrying on the head the baskets of excrement to designated disposal sites.A hereditary occupation, manual scavenging involves 180,000 dalit households cleaning the 790,000 public and private dry latrines across India; 98 percent of scavengers are meagerly paid women and girls, it citation says.Wilson was born in the Kolar Gold Fields township in Karnataka state where his family had been engaged in manual scavenging for generations. However, Wilson was spared the labour to be the first in his family to pursue a higher education.Treated as an outcast in school and acutely aware of his familys lot, Bezwada was filled with great anger; but he would later channel this anger to a crusade to eradicate manual scavenging. Beginning by changing the mindsets of his family and relatives  that being a Dalit is not their fate but a status imposed by how society has been organized  in 1986 made his first public intervention by sending a complaint about dry latrines to the authorities of their town.When he was ignored, he sent the complaint to the Prime Minister, threatening legal action. As a result, the towns dry latrines were converted into water-seal latrines and the scavengers transferred to non-scavenging jobs. This emboldened him move to other states, and working with Dalit activists, launch SKA in 1993.Its first major policy intervention was, when it initiated a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, naming all states, union territories, and the government departments of railways, defence, judiciary and education as violators of the 1993 Prohibition Act banning dry latrines and the employment of manual scavengers.
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The Argentinean government announced Tuesday that Chinese tourists, who have already owned a valid tourism visa for the United States or the European Union (EU), will no longer need a separate tourist visa for Argentina.

Instead, Chinese travellers will apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization, a document which is easier to obtain than a visa.

However, tourists without valid visas for the United States or the EU "must request their visas at Argentinean consulates, as stipulated in bilateral agreements," explained the statement.

"It seems reasonable to consider the usual checks carried out by Argentinean consulates as complete, if they (Chinese tourists) have obtained visas for countries with rigorous control criteria," a Gazette said.

In April, Argentina's Tourism Minister Gustavo Santos said that his country wanted to multiply by 10 the number of Chinese visitors in 2019, compared to the 40,000 seen in 2015.

Chinese ambassador to Argentina, Yang Wanming, told Xinhua that the new visa policies announced by the Argentinean government will attract more Chinese tourists.

"We hope these policies are implemented as soon as possible," added the diplomat.
 Flash

China on Wednesday urged Japan, the United States and Australia to view and deal with the South China Sea issue in a right attitude.

None of the three nations are directly-concerned parties to the issue, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang in response to question on a trilateral statement issued by the three countries on Monday evening, which touched upon the South China Sea situation.

Lu said China urges relevant countries to respect the efforts of the directly-concerned parties to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, and do right things to serve peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have already set rules in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), he said.

During the foreign ministers' meeting between China and ASEAN nations (10+1), China and the ASEAN nations issued a joint statement on full and effective implementation of the DOC, which reiterates that disputes should be resolved peacefully through negotiation between the parties directly concerned, said Lu.

Japan, the U.S. and Australia have been citing international laws for some time, but in fact they have been adopting a double standard towards international laws, which they adopt only when the international laws fit their needs, said the spokesperson.

Lu reaffirmed China's non-acceptance of the illegal and void award issued by the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration established at the unilateral request of the Philippines.

The award given by the Arbitral Tribuna is beyond the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has gravely violated the international law and the general practice of international arbitration, and it does not stand for the international law, he said.

China firmly opposes any proposition and action based on the award, Lu stressed.
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Republican Donald Trump has dismissed suggestions that Russia was behind the recent release of sensitive Democratic Party emails.

File photo taken on July 16, 2016 shows Donald Trump speaking during a campaign event in New York, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

"It is so far-fetched. It is so ridiculous. Honestly, I wish I had that power. I would love to have that power."

Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump also says that he has no relationship to Russian President Vladimir Putin, but if elected, he will have a good relationship with the Russian President.

"He has a total lack of respect for President Obama. Number one, he doesn't like him and, number two, he doesn't respect him. I think he is going to respect your president, if I am elected, and I hope he likes me."

Trump adds that the emails, which showed DNC staffers behind the scenes supporting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, demonstrated that the primary elections were what he called "a fixed race."
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By John Martin of the Courier and Press

Shield Global Partners, a company that offers vehicle monitoring and accident impact analysis to vehicle leasing companies, is moving from Burkhardt Road to Main Street and within a year will add 50 jobs to its current workforce of 21.

Over the next three years, 80-100 more positions are to be created.

The company will occupy the third floor of Innovation Pointe, taking the place of SS&C, which has relocated to Sterling Square at Lloyd Expressway and Fulton Avenue.

Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville assisted Shield Global Partners in planning the major expansion of business.

"We envision a strong and growing presence in this community for years to come," said Wayne Collins, CEO of Shield Global Partners.

The expansion was announced at Innovation Pointe Thursday. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-8th District and Indiana Commerce Secretary Victor Smith were among those on hand to give congratulations.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Shield Global Partners as much as $800,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,00 in training grants based on the job-creation plans.

Those incentives may not be claimed until the company hires Indiana residents.

"At the end of the day, the government doesn't create jobs. The government simply provides the environment to try to attract that investment," said Smith, who represented Gov. Mike Pence at the announcement. "It's people like Wayne who are putting their hard-earned dollars on the line, and for that we say thank you."

A high-tech company, Shield Global Partners offers real-time accident data. It also works on appraisals and claims methodology for the auto insurance industry.

Collins said the company looks forward to being Downtown.

"I feel like Evansville is exploding in opportunity and vibrancy, and it makes us really excited to be here," Collins said.

With the addition of Shield Global Partners, Innovation Pointe will be 99 percent full, with 28 companies and 177 workers.

"Once SS&C graduated from Innovation Pointe, the third floor was in question," Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville Director Chris Kinnett said. "Wayne and I discussed the project, and the rest is history. We are gratified to have played a small role to help them get to this point."

Those interested in the jobs should apply to HR Solutions by calling 812-476-3180. According to a news release, the company "will be seeking high-integrity individuals who have research, strong communication and data entry skills. Additional positions will be available for individuals with claims, collection and adjusting backgrounds."
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INDIANAPOLIS  The Indiana Republican State Committee just gave John Gregg, the Democrats' candidate for governor, a gift.

The gift's name is Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, whom the committee named the new Republican candidate for governor. Holcomb takes the place on the November ballot that was reserved for Gov. Mike Pence, who is now Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's running mate.

Holcomb prevailed over three other candidates for the nod  U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, R-Indiana, U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita, R-Indiana, and Indiana Sen. Jim Tomes, R-Wadesville. Holcomb won in large part because Pence anointed him with an endorsement that stopped just short of slapping a cattle brand on Holcomb's forehead.

That helps Gregg, whose campaign for governor thus far has consisted of three planks:

Vote for me because I'm not Mike Pence.

Vote for me because I'm not Mike Pence.

Vote for me because, really, I'm not Mike Pence.

Pence's governorship has been a turbulent one that has both alienated and energized significant pockets of Hoosier voters. Pence's embrace of divisive social issues  the misnamed Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the nation's most restrictive anti-abortion law, a hasty, mean-spirited and unconstitutional ban on Syrian refugees  has given pause to the state's business community, embarrassed independent voters and motivated the Democratic base in a way Gregg himself never could have done.

Before Trump plucked Pence out of this predicament, there were persistent whispers that internal polls by both Republicans and Democrats showed Gregg pulling ahead in the race.

Given that Indiana is a Republican-leaning state and the Pence campaign had pounded Gregg steadily with a barrage of negative advertising, that was not good news for the GOP.

Pence's elevation to the national stage gave Republicans a chance for a do-over. Instead, they chose to double down.

The official statement by the party's chair, Jeff Cardwell, even gave Pence pride of place and announced Holcomb's selection almost as an afterthought:

"We are very proud of Gov. Mike Pence, who has been nominated as our party's vice presidential nominee.

"After the proceedings, I am proud to announce that Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb will be running as the Republican candidate for governor of Indiana. Today, we stand united and give our full support to Eric as we race towards victory in November."

Gregg's statement in response could barely contain his glee. He started out by taking a shot at the fact that Holcomb never has been elected to fill a public office by the voters and then proceeded to wrap Pence's support around the new GOP candidate's neck like an anchor and chain.

"I want to congratulate Eric Holcomb on this latest political appointment. While there may be a new name on the ballot, the issues remain the same. For too many Hoosier families, wages aren't keeping up and the good paying jobs we are losing aren't being replaced. Eric Holcomb wholeheartedly embraced the failed approach that embarrassed our state, cost us jobs and has left the middle class behind. My economic plan sets our state on a new path forward, one that puts jobs and the middle class first," Gregg's statement read.

I don't know Eric Holcomb well, but people I respect have a great deal of admiration for him. They say he is keenly intelligent, hardworking and deeply devoted to this state and its citizens.

All of that may be true, but the fact is that he was the one candidate before the Republican State Committee who didn't offer the GOP a chance for a fresh start.

Brooks probably was the candidate who would have created the most trouble for Gregg's campaign. She has solid conservative credentials and the potential to bring moderates and even a few Democrats over to the GOP. At least part of the Democrats' argument is going to be that the Republican Party is at best indifferent and at worst hostile to women and their interests.

That case would have been harder to make with a woman at the top of the GOP ticket.

But the state Republican Party went another direction.

And that's why John Gregg has to feel right now that Christmas this year in fact did come in July.

John Krull is director of Franklin College's Pulliam School of Journalism, host of "No Limits" WFYI 90.1 Indianapolis and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Photo furnished A bust of Paul Vories McNutt, former Indiana governor, sits in the Indiana University Memorial Union.

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By Andrea Neal, Special to the Courier & Press

If Franklin Delano Roosevelt had not run for an unprecedented third term in 1940, there is a good possibility that Hoosier Paul Vories McNutt of Franklin would have become the 33rd President of the United States.

One of the most powerful politicians Indiana has ever seen, McNutt had "astonishingly good looks," according to Life magazine. He displayed "a moment of destiny air," said Time magazine, which put him on its cover of July 10, 1939.

As it turned out, FDR ran again, and destiny bypassed McNutt. An unusual coincidence is that the Republican FDR beat for the presidency in 1944 was Wendell L. Willkie of Elwood, a good friend and fraternity brother of McNutt when they both attended Indiana University.

McNutt enjoyed a meteoric career. He graduated from Indiana University and Harvard Law School, served in the Army in World War I, became the youngest dean in the history of Indiana University School of Law in 1925 and was selected to be National Commander of the American Legion in 1928. In 1932, he became the first Democrat in 20 years to be elected Governor of Indiana and went on to be an enthusiastic supporter of Roosevelt's New Deal.

The Indiana Constitution forbade McNutt from seeking a consecutive term, and he never again ran for office. In his one term, McNutt reorganized state government to centralize authority in the governor's office and used that authority to push through New Deal legislation and a major shift from property to income taxes.

Controversially, he established the Hoosier Democratic Club, called the "2 Percent Club," which encouraged state employees to pay that fraction of their salary to the Democratic Party to fund campaigns, thus allowing McNutt to amass political power which extended beyond his term as governor.

In 1937, FDR named McNutt High Commissioner to the Philippines, a position he held until 1939 when he became head of the new Federal Security Agency, which oversaw a variety of New Deal programs.

While in the Philippines, McNutt performed a noteworthy humanitarian service. He persuaded the State Department to allow the entry into the Philippines of thousands of Jewish refugees from fascist regimes, although at this time the refugees could not legally enter the United States in large numbers. McNutt exhibited a less tolerant attitude in 1942 as Chairman of the War Manpower Commission when he publicly urged "the extermination of the Japanese in toto."

Following the Japanese surrender in 1945, McNutt served again as High Commissioner to the Philippines and then as Ambassador to the Philippines. He returned to the United States to practice law in New York and Washington, D.C.

McNutt died in New York City at age 63 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. A historical marker notes the location in Franklin of his birth home, which no longer stands. He is remembered at Indiana University by sculptures, paintings and the Paul V. McNutt Quadrangle, a residence hall complex.

Historian James H. Madison observed a few years back, "Paul McNutt towers over the 1930s, yet there exists no satisfactory biography." The omission was remedied in time for the state's bicentennial. In January 2015, Dean J. Kotlowski, professor of history at Salisbury University in Maryland, published "Paul V. McNutt and the Age of FDR." This book, representing 10 years of research and writing, is 428 pages with 108 pages of footnotes.

Andrea Neal is a history teacher at St. Richard's Episcopal School in Indianapolis and adjunct scholar with the Indiana Policy Review Foundation. Contact her at aneal@inpolicy.org. Her bicentennial essays are available in book form from Indiana Historical Society Press. "Road Trip  A Pocket History of Indiana" can be ordered online at shop.indianahistory.org.
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Extremely concerned by reports of rising tensions in Yemen's Taizz governorate, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the crisis-gripped country has called for a "humanitarian pause" to protect civilians.

"I call on all parties to agree immediately to a humanitarian pause in order to protect civilians and work with the UN and humanitarian partners to facilitate the treatment and evacuation of the war wounded and the delivery of urgently needed medicine and other life-saving assistance," said Jamie McGoldrick in a statement issued yesterday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The Humanitarian Coordinator said he is particularly concerned about the reinforcement of the closure on Taizz city as well as the escalation of hostilities in the area of Al-Sarari.

"I remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation under international humanitarian law to allow sustained and unconditional humanitarian access to all people in need of assistance," said Mr. McGoldrick.

"It is unacceptable to hold civilian populations hostage and deprived of humanitarian assistance in pursuit of political and military gains. All parties who violate international humanitarian law must remember that they could be held to account," he added.

The cessation of hostilities declared on 10 April to end nearly 16 months of conflict in Yemen has continued to provide relief from violence in many parts of the country, but serious violations have occurred in Marib, al Jawf, Taiz and in the border areas with Saudi Arabia.
DANIEL R. PATMORE / SPECIAL TO THE COURIER & PRESS Drill Sergeant Susan Wilkie (center) points to the dance floor instructing everyone to get up and dance at the Bierstube Bootcamp II in Rathskeller at Germania Maennerchor, in Evansville, Ind. Friday evening, July 22, 2016.

SHARE DANIEL R. PATMORE / SPECIAL TO THE COURIER & PRESS Larry Miller plays his Baritone Horn in the Rhein Valley Brass German Band at the Bierstube Bootcamp II earlier this month in Rathskeller at Germania Maennerchor. DANIEL R. PATMORE / SPECIAL TO THE COURIER & PRESS The participants waltz around the crowded dance floor at the Bierstube Bootcamp II earlier this month in Rathskeller at Germania Maennerchor. JASON CLARK / COURIER & PRESS Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke shakes hands with World War II veteran Bud LoMax as Dan Kieffer (right) and Cletus Muensterman look on after the opening ceremony of the 2015 Volksfest at Germania Maennerchor. The 54th annual German culture based event. JASON CLARK / COURIER & PRESS The beer gardens began to fill after the opening ceremony of Volksfest last year at Germania Maennerchor in Evansville.

By Sarah Loesch of the Courier and Press

Glenn Boberg sees Volksfest as a celebration of life.

He started attending the annual three-day festival 38 years ago and a year later he joined as a member of the Germania Maennerchor.

The festival is entering its 55th year in a row after the Germania Maennerchor reinvented it from its original creation during the 1920s.

In previous years the Maennerchor provided over 200 half barrels of beer, 1,400 pounds of bratwurst and 950 gallons of German potato salad to the over 8,000 people who joined the celebration.

"In Germany they have a lot of festivals for various reasons," Boberg said. "Generally in the fall, late summer it's a harvest festival where we celebrate what we've accomplished during the summer and throughout the year."

The festival opens at 11 a.m. all three days for lunch and goes until midnight. It is open to all ages until 2 p.m. when attendees must be 21 and over to enter. There is also no fee until 4 p.m. when it becomes $5.

Boberg has German heritage and said he can trace his family in Germany back to the 13th century.

He said the festival is a cultural aspect of his heritage, and it has the ability to bring a lot of people back to the city for reunions.

"It binds us together," he said. "It brings the past back and goes into the future. We are here to enjoy people, to have fun together and to show that we can live together as one."

One aspect people will have to enjoy together are the bands  the Ratskeller Band, Cincinnati Schnapps Band and the Rhein Valley Brass, which has been playing together locally for 31 years.

Janet Voyles got her start in the band after filling in the clarinet spot during the Fall Festival.

"I fit the dirndl, so I got to keep playing," she said.

For her, playing at Volksfest and other events locally is a good way to showcase music and is always a good time. She said it's hard to not be happy while you're playing it.

"We know what a good time it is," she said. "We want everybody else to know.
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By Sara Anne Corrigan

The opening night of this summer's Genesis Seminar Series Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer features video "Evolution's Achilles Heels."

The program  set for Aug. 2 is at the church, 1811 Lincoln Ave. and will be led by the church's pastor, Tom Wenig.

The video includes interviews with 15 scientists "who explain evolution's fatal flaws  in areas claimed to be its greatest strengths."

And Wenig says it is "probably one of the best ones I have seen in the 16 years I have been around (to participate in this annual event)."

"I thought I had heard all the arguments (but) there is new stuff here; it is still a developing field  not a static thing," he said.

The video is advertised as presenting "a powerful, 'warts and all' critique of textbook evolutionary orthodoxy.

The format for the evening includes viewing the film, with some talking point handouts from Wenig, followed by a question/answer and observation period, Wenig said.

It is the first in a series of four video/discussion seminars planned for sequential Tuesday evenings. The series is open and free to the public, no preregistration is required, and each evening is a stand-alone subject, said Jim Schwengel one of the founders of the series, who remains responsible for finding and procuring the videos  new ones every year, so the series does not get stale, he said.

Local Lutheran pastors lead the seminars, Schwengel added.

A 40-year veteran high school and college biology teacher, Schwengel said that idea for the series was developed by himself and Eugene Schroeder, an anatomy professor at the University of Evansville.

He said the men believed there is a not-so-well known or understood school of thought regarding the history of the world that falls about half way between Creationism and Evolution. And that point is Intelligent Design.

The distinction is this, Schwengel said: "We see a beautiful butterfly; Creationists believe God created it. Evolutionists believe it evolved. Intelligent Design holds that it is a beautiful butterfly. Somebody designed it."

"This is not a Creationism seminar," he said emphatically. But the series does seek to reinforce the importance of holding a belief in a divine presence in an intentional creation.

The first year, Schwengel said about a dozen people signed up for the seminars.

The past few years, the audiences have average 80 to 85 people.

"In past the (attendees) have tended to be open to what's being discussed," said Wenig.

"Not many who come are super hostile to (our focus on Intelligent Design); the people who are not sold on it tend to be mostly listeners, with maybe a few questions. Some lively ideas are exchanged,' he said.

Schwengel noted that this summer's series is being held on Tuesdays rather than Mondays as in years past.

This is because of the closing two years ago, of the small Shepherd of Paradise Lutheran Church in Newburgh.

The Indiana district of the Missouri Synod approached Redeemer and asked if its congregation would consider adopting it, not as a missional church but as a satellite campus, Wenig said.

And church services are being held there on Monday evenings, he said.

SIDEBAR/IF YOU GO

The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer is located at 1811 Lincoln Avenue; off street parking is available behind the church.

The 2016 Genesis Series includes:

"Evolution's Achilles Heels" led by Pastor Tom Wenig, Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer (Aug. 2)

"The Master Designer  The Song," addressing the question; "How did this come to be?" led by Pastor Sean Esterline of Messiah Lutheran Church (Aug. 9)

"The Genesis of the Gospel," addressing biblical authority and evangelism in a Secular Culture, led by Pastor Matt Schilling of St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Aug. 16)

"Living Waters: Intelligent Design in the Oceans of the Earth," covering life "in the liquid universe" led by Pastor David Wiist of Concordia Lutheran Church (Aug. 23)

Programs begin at 6 p.m. and each will last about two hours. They are being held in Fellowship Hall, accessible by entering the church through either the west or south side of the building.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and participants are welcome to bring a brown bag supper for fellowship before the programs begin; beverages and dessert will be provided.

For more information, call the church at 812-476-9991.
FILE - This June 16, 2011 file photo shows inductee Garth Brooks performs onstage at the 42nd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards in New York. (Photo: Charles Sykes, ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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By Dave Paulson, The Tennessean / USA TODAY Network

NASHVILLE  Garth Brooks has seemingly done it all in his 27 years as a country superstar. But one thing he hasn't done is play a full concert at the Ryman Auditorium.

That will change on September 8, when Brooks plays a private show at the historic venue to celebrate the launch of The Garth Channel, his new exclusive channel on SiriusXM radio.

Yep, sorry, it's a private gig. SiriusXM subscribers can enter to win tickets online or by calling into the station  but you haven't subscribed yet, you're too late. Only subscribers who have had an account since July 11 (as in before July 12, 2016) are eligible. Check out the full rules here: www.siriusxm.com/GarthBrooksRyman.

Even if you're not in the pews that night, you can still listen to the show air live on The Garth Channel (channel 55).

Just the thought of playing the Ryman is crazy," Brooks said in a release. "The fact that SiriusXM is going to capture the evening makes it even a bigger event for me."

Brooks previously performed on the Ryman stage in 2010, joining Loretta Lynn for a duet during a tribute to the country legend. But the SiriusXM event will mark his first full concert at the Ryman Auditorium.

"The Garth Channel" will be a 24-hour hub for Brooks' entire catalog, but it will also feature music from his "heroes and mentors and the new voices that are coming out, who I think are carrying the flag as well," he told The Tennessean earlier this month.
SHARE Christopher L. Cook

By Len Wells of the Courier and Press

A Southern Illinois man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for disseminating child pornography.

Christopher L. Cook, 27, of Centralia, Illinois was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to two Class-X felony charges of unlawful reproduction of child pornography. He had originally been charged with 14 separate counts related to receipt and distribution of child porn.

Prosecutors said the images depicted victims under the age of 13.

Cook was arrested in 2014 as part of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's "Operation Glass House," a statewide initiative to apprehend the most active offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Cook's sentence will run consecutive to a four-year sentence he is currently serving after being convicted of possession of child pornography in Richland County in April 2016.

In November 2014, investigators with Madigan's office and the Centralia Police Department executed a search warrant at Cook's Centralia home and found evidence of distribution of child pornography on his cell phone.

In addition to prison time, the judge ordered Cook to pay $7,188 which includes a $4,000 fine.
SHARE Photo courtesy of Dale Miller Hank, the 7 1/2-year-old Great Dane mix dragged to death behind a truck in May, is seen lying on the couch. Photo courtesy of Dale Miller Hank Photo courtesy of Dale Miller Hank

By Mark Wilson of the Courier and Press

A jury on Thursday found Brandyn Cox not guilty of charges that he dragged a dog to its death behind a truck on Evansville's West Side.

The jury did find Cox, 24, guilty of attempting to interfere with reporting of a crime, a class A misdemeanor.

He will be sentenced on that charge at 9 a.m. Sept. 7. The sentence for class A misdemeanors is up to one year.

The attempting to interfere with reporting a crime charge stemmed from Cox's alleged actions against another motorist on Pearl Drive who tried to stop him from leaving the area before officers arrived.

The jury acquitted Cox of other charges, including: animal cruelty, a level 6 felony; animal cruelty, a class A misdemeanor; and intimidation using a deadly weapon, a level 5 felony.

Cox did not testify but defense attorney John Brinson argued that Cox was unaware the dog was being dragged behind the truck.

Dale Miller, the dog's owner, said the verdict left him shaking.

He said he adopted Hank, a 7 1/2-year-old Great Dane mix, from a rescue operation in Owensboro, Kentucky.

"Hank wasn't just an animal. He was my best friend," he said.

Traumatized by the loss, Miller said he moved to Florida to make a new start and has been seeing a therapist to help him learn to deal with Hank's death.

"I'm still not right," Miller said. "I have recurring nightmares of the same dream where he is looking up at me with his eyes like he is asking me for help."

Earlier on Thursday, special prosecutor Susan Odoyo moved to dismiss two of the four animal cruelty charges Cox originally faced.

Odoyo serves as special prosecutor for the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office's animal cruelty task force.

Also charged in the incident is Jamie Lee McFarland, 44, who is accused of tying the dog to the truck, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Whitney Riggs, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, said it wasn't known yet how the Cox verdict would affect McFarland's case.

Cox is accused of driving the truck from McFarland's Old Henderson Road residence to Pearl Drive on the West Side of Evansville on May 3, reportedly dragging the dog more than five miles, according to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators believe McFarland was upset with the dog because it had defecated and urinated inside his residence.

McFarland was called to testify at Cox's trial on Wednesday but invoked his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination when questioned by Odoyo.

Miller said Thursday he was staying in a room at McFarland's house on Old Henderson Road and working as truck driver for a moving company when the incident happened. He said McFarland, who had a dog of his own, would often be gone for several days at a time.

On the day before the incident, Miller said, he learned that his father had died. Miller said when his boss offered for him to stay the night at his house so he wouldn't have to be alone, that he called McFarland to make sure that he would check on Hank.

"I would never have thought that my friend would do anything like this," Miller said. "I'm not going to forget, but I have to forgive."
SHARE Aleah Beckerle

By Richard Gootee of the Courier and Press

The national group involved in the Aleah Beckerle case is planning a "large scale" weekend search and is asking for volunteers from the community to join them.

Beckerle is the 19-year-old special needs woman from Evansville who was reported missing by her mother July 17. She is immobile and completely dependent on outside care and regular medication because she suffers seizures. The teen's wheelchair was not taken from her East Iowa Street home.

Police officials continue to urge anyone with information about Beckerle's whereabouts to come forward.

David Rader, the director of the Ohio chapter of the Texas EquuSearch organization, is one of the people coming to Evansville for the search. He has been involved with Texas EquuSearch since the high-profile search of Caylee Anthony, the Florida toddler who died in 2008.

"We're putting a large-scale search out for Aleah," Rader said about the upcoming search plans. "It will include, but not limited to, ATVs (and) foot-searchers. I've got kayakers to do the waterways and I've got seven paragliders from all over the state to cover it by air."

Gliders can fly as low as 20 feet off the ground but can also go much higher, Rader said. They will have ground support with them but the paragliders also have the capability of quickly landing if they think they spot something.

Representatives from EquuSearch were in Evansville last weekend to assist with the Beckerle case. A command post for the organization's efforts will be set up at the Delaware Elementary School building, which is near the intersection of Garvin and Columbia streets. The search will start at 8 a.m. Volunteers are welcome to come to the command post at anytime during the day on Saturday, but Rader encouraged people to show up before the start time, if possible.

All volunteers must be 18 or older and provide proper identification. Volunteers are asked to bring plenty of water, and it is recommended that they wear boots, jeans and long-sleeve shirts.

Searches such as the Beckerle case, are in Rader's words, "the worst games of hide-and-seek that you could ever play" because there are few clues about how she disappeared and where she could be. EquuSearch's work will be thorough and systematic, he said, starting from where she was last seen and fanning out from there.

Rader promised his group works "hand in hand" with police and that law enforcement has approved the search efforts. One of the goals of the organization, he said, is to be able to provide manpower for search efforts that authorities simply don't have the capability of conducting.

Anyone with information about Beckerle's disappearance is encouraged to call 911, police detectives at 812-436-7919 or the anonymous WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. To learn more about Texas EquuSearch, visit www.texasequusearch.org. Supporters of the effort to find Beckerle also maintain a Facebook group named "Bring Aleah Home," which has thousands of followers.

Rader is hopeful the weekend search will be successful in that it brings some sort of resolution in the case. He said searchers plan to start again at 8 a.m. Sunday if there are no signs of Beckerle found during the effort's first day.

"I have a feeling we're going to find this little girl," Rader told the Courier & Press on Thursday.
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By Richard Gootee of the Courier and Press

Both the Evansville Police Department officer injured in a crash earlier this week and the man accused of causing the crash are no longer in the hospital.

Officer David Burris, 48, was released from St. Mary's Medical Center, a hospital spokesman confirmed Wednesday morning. Burris was injured during the pursuit of Albert C. Falls, 36.

Falls was booked into the Vanderburgh County jail on $20,000 bond Wednesday evening, according to jail records. He's booked on preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, aggravated battery, residential entry and criminal recklessness.

Burris' police car and Falls' 2003 Chevrolet Astro van collided near the intersection of Washington and Harlan avenues, which is just off U.S. 41. Police believe Falls swerved near the intersection to hit the police vehicle on purpose, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in the case.

After hitting Burris' police car, Falls' van then struck the side of the Evansville Family Dentistry building. The crash happened Monday night at about 11:45 p.m., according to the crash report.

Police said they were pursuing Falls because of a situation involving a woman at a residence on Vann Park Circle. According to a police report, the 44-year-old woman asked Falls to leave her apartment. But then, according to the probable cause affidavit, he came back to try to enter the home and reportedly threw a concrete block through a window, identified as a sliding glass door in the police report.

Officers were able to locate Falls, but he fled a traffic stop, which led to the pursuit, according to police.
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By Megan Erbacher of the Courier and Press

Members of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and Memorial Baptist Church can now attend Ivy Tech Community College Southwest for little-to-no out-of-pocket costs.

Ivy Tech Southwest Chancellor Jonathan Weinzapfel announced Wednesday a partnership with Fifth Third Bank to offer the Achieve Your Degree program to both congregations. Fifth Third Bank, the Ivy Tech Foundation and financial aid will fund scholarships for church members to earn a degree.

"It's a great partnership that's going to make a difference in our community," Weinzapfel said.

The partnership will help solve a major problem, said Steve Alonso, regional president of Fifth Third Bank, Greater Indiana. Indiana's skilled labor shortage continues to worsen, he said.

"Together, I think we can knock down barriers to opportunities," Alonso said.

Alonso also encouraged other local businesses to provide internships to students.

At least 45 church members have expressed interest in the program. An emphasis will be put on technology programs, but Weinzapfel said all programs will be available to potential students.

New Hope Missionary the Rev. Rabon Turner said transportation for students will be provided by the church.

Both churches will offer mentoring to help students complete the program.

"We have long viewed education as an empowering force in our community," the Rev. Adrian Brooks said. "It opens doors of opportunity for all people. It's the great equalizer."

A third orientation is planned for Aug. 7 at both churches after the morning services. Fall classes start Aug. 22.

Ivy Tech created similar partnerships with Deaconess Health System, Old National Bank and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp.
SHARE Barbara R. "Babe" Ward

By Len Wells of the Courier and Press

A Fairfield, Illinois businesswoman has died from injuries she sustained in a traffic crash a month ago.

Barbara R. "Babe" Ward, 85, died early Thursday at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

Ward was badly injured June 28 after the car she was driving went out of control on a Wayne County road near her home, hit an embankment and went airborne before striking a tree and overturning.

Ward was taken to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville and was eventually returned to Fairfield Memorial Hospital, where she died Thursday morning.

Ward had been the owner of Brach's, a longtime Fairfield salvage and building materials business.
SHARE Brett Sprinkle

By Shannon Hall of the Courier and Press

NEWBURGH  Newburgh Police Chief Brett Sprinkle resigned from his position Wednesday at the end of a five-day, unpaid suspension.

Newburgh Police Merit Commission President Tonya McGuire said the commission received work performance issues concerns involving Sprinkle.

Were not to prepared to go into any details of other work performance issues, she said.

The town does not plan to take any other actions against Sprinkle at this time, per the separation agreement between Sprinkle and the town.

We agreed to not pursue any action that were aware of currently, she said. He has also agreed (on) no claims against the town.

The commission, as well as town attorneys, investigated the concerns and addressed them with Sprinkle last week during executive session. That led to his suspension, McGuire said. The commission continued to investigate the concerns while Sprinkle was suspended.

During that time, the chief had submitted his resignation, McGuire said.

Sprinkle, who has been the Newburgh police chief since 2005, submitted his resignation Wednesday, she said.

He has been an asset to the town for nearly 20 years, McGuire said. Hes done a lot of good for our community, and I think I speak for the commission when I say we all wish him well.

The Newburgh Police Merit Commission, which is made up of Town Council members McGuire, Bill Kavanaugh and Leanna Hughes, announced the resignation in a public meeting Wednesday that followed an executive session.

Sprinkle did not attend the public meeting. Messages from the Courier & Press werent returned Wednesday.

Part of the separation agreement between the town and Sprinkle included the payout of personal time off. Sprinkle accrued 185 personal hours, McGuire said, which totals to $5,692.45.

Several members of the Town Council refused to comment on Sprinkles resignation.

Kavanaugh, who has been on the police commission since it originated, said he just soon not talk about Sprinkles resignation.

I think hes been a good Newburgh citizen, and Im sure hell continue to be, Hughes said. Hes a supporter of Newburgh.

Councilwoman Anne Rust Aurand, who attended the meeting Wednesday, also didnt want to comment on Sprinkles resignation.

Those are the folks who made the decision, those are the folks who you need to talk to, Aurand said. The rest of us arent really involved.

When asked if she had any thoughts on the resignation, Aurand said, Nah.

The commission named Newburgh Police Major Eric Mitchell as interim chief. The Newburgh Police Department consists of eight officers and a K-9. The police commission plans to wait before searching for a new police chief.

Right now, were taking a breath and let the dust settle on this for a little bit, McGuire said. At some point in the future, we will advertise for a police chief. I dont know yet any time frame for that.

Sprinkles total compensation for 2015 was about $72,000, according to Indiana Gateway. According to a previous Courier & Press article, Sprinkle, whos a third generation law enforcement officer, became a jailer in Vanderburgh County in 1989. He joined the Newburgh Police Department in 1996 as a reserve officer and moved up to full-time in 1998.

He received the 2016 William Sudbury Memorial Leadership Award in January from the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police Foundation.
Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., speaks during a breakfast for the Virginia delegates, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

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Kaine may help Clinton secure a battleground state and help with likeability

By Chelsea Schneider, IndyStar / USA TODAY Network

PHILADELPHIA  Hillary Clinton has described her vice presidential pick, Sen. Tim Kaine, as everything Donald Trump and Mike Pence are not.

With Kaine introducing himself to the nation Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, political observers say he could play a very different role in the Clinton campaign than Pence will as Trumps No. 2.

Kaine, who hails from the battleground state of Virginia, could help Clinton with one of her perceived weaknesses  likability. And as a moderate, he could send the message that Clinton will govern more from the Democratic middle. Thats opposed to her having chosen a more liberal running mate such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

To that end, Pence helps Trump strengthen support from social conservatives and build a bridge to establishment party members. But where Clinton and Kaine have set a collaborative tone, the extent Trump will listen to or share the spotlight with Pence remains unknown.

And in this wild year of politics, voters might give less consideration to those attributes when choosing how to vote, said Joel Goldstein, a vice presidential expert and law professor at St. Louis University.

If a vice presidential candidate does well in a campaign, there may be a small number of people who say they will vote based on their vice presidential choice, Goldstein said. In this election, one would think that is going to be a smaller group because Clinton and Trump are so polarizing.

Some Indiana delegates to the Democratic National Convention are lauding Clintons choice of Kaine.

Sen. Joe Donnelly, a Granger Democrat, said Kaine is from Virginia, but he brings Hoosier common sense.  Hes always prepared, always focused on whats right for our country and is not afraid to say exactly what he thinks.

Dan Parker, a former state party chairman, said Trump choosing Pence showed the weakness of his campaign. Parker said Kaine as a former governor and now U.S. senator is a governing partner for Hillary Clinton. Tim Kaine is a little more centrist, so he broadens. But he also comes from a swing state.

But Trump supporter Bill Springer from Terre Haute said Pence was a strong choice and that hes never even heard of Kaine. Springer, who served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention, said Pence will bring more conservative people into the fold, and I think polls are starting to show it, too.

Comparing Kaine to Pence is like apples to oranges, said James McCann, a political science professor at Purdue University.

Trump chose Pence because he needed to keep House Speaker Paul Ryan on his side and pull in as much as the party brass as possible ahead of the GOP convention, McCann said. Trump stifled opposition and that showed in party regulars from Paul Ryan on down giving a rather comfortable endorsement of Trump without Trump having to change very much at all, he said.

New polling indicates the race is shifting in his favor  for now. A new CNN/ORC poll released shortly after the GOP convention showed Trump leading Clinton, 44 percent to 39 percent.

On the Democratic side, some supporters of Clintons primary opponent, Bernie Sanders, said her selection of Kaine doesnt present an olive branch. A deep rift still exists among Clinton and Sanders supporters, as shown Tuesday night when Sanders delegates stormed out of the Wells Fargo Arena in protest.

One of the protesting delegates, Anand Balar from West Lafayette said Clinton picking Kaine wasnt the right step because hes not a progressive.

But where Trump had a shallow pool of vice presidential choices, Clinton had the choice of a wider swath of Democrats, St. Louis Universitys Goldstein said.

The Clinton campaign could find Kaines greatest asset in helping her overcome her perception problem. If Kaine comes across as a likable guy, Clintons likability will increase, Goldstein said. And Clinton seems to be listening to Kaine where with the Republican vice presidential roll out you didnt get the feeling that Trump was listening to Pence he said.

At the convention, Democratic leaders have worked to brand Clinton as a change maker in childrens issues and Kaine in civil rights.

Expect this theme from the Democratic ticket going forward, Goldstein said: Theyve been two people who spent their career trying to make other peoples lives better, and Mr. Trump has been basically in business for himself.
Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton talk before the CNN Democratic presidential debate on Oct. 13, 2015, in Las Vegas. (Photo: David Becker, AP)

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By Thomas B. Langhorne of the Courier and Press

Her voice hoarse from yelling at the Democratic National Convention and running on two hours' sleep, Gina Robinson Ungar wasn't ready on Thursday to get behind Hillary Clinton.

Ungar, a Bernie Sanders delegate from Warrick County, is still peeved by some of Clinton's statements and actions during the long nomination battle with Sanders. She still thinks the primary election system and the national Democratic apparatus was tilted against Sanders, who she supported fervently. And she thinks apologies are warranted.

But Ungar, a 38-year-old small dairy farmer in Boonville, also is willing to keep an open mind about Clinton.

Speaking from Philadelphia hours before Clinton was to give a keynote address accepting the Democratic presidential nomination, Ungar expressed hope that the party's divisions can yet be healed.

"(Clinton) hasn't won me back in terms of getting all excited about voting for her," she said. "I will say, President Obama's speech about her and her history and how hard she really works and how organized she is and how she gets things done  you know, seemed pretty believable.

"I can respect it. There are people who get a lot of things done, and maybe they're still worth having even if they do some things that I don't like. And I'm not in their shoes, so I don't know the whole story about everything that happened."

Ungar said she looks forward to watching "how Hillary Clinton develops as probable president." She called Clinton "clearly better than Donald Trump."

"I am excited, I guess, to have a female president  but I never grew up doubting that we would have a female president," Ungar said.

The convention has seen plenty of tension and anger between Sanders delegates and those supporting Clinton or the Democratic National Committee. The event got off to an acrimonious start with a WikiLeaks dump that included a trove of emails showing DNC officials arguing with Sanders supporters and criticizing the Vermont senator.

On Thursday, CNN reported that angry Sanders delegates from California were not ruling out more protests from the convention floor during Clinton's acceptance speech.

Ungar confirmed reports that Sanders and Clinton delegates and DNC staffers have skirmished over seats and microphones, shouted slogans at each other and exchanged dirty looks.

She wasn't so keen about saying whether she joined other Sanders delegates who booed their candidate Monday when he urged them to support Clinton.

"I may have booed a statement he said once or twice, but that's absolutely different. You can disagree with someone you have great respect for," she said.

Later Ungar qualified her recollection, stressing that she admires Sanders and still thinks he should be the nominee.

"I don't remember what I booed and cheered to. There's been so much. It's been a really wild ride," she said.

Attempts to reach Sanders delegates Rob Kerney and Dennis Avery of Evansville at the convention Thursday were unsuccessful.

An exhausted Ungar said her experience in Philadelphia will always stay with her, especially as her disappointment over Sanders' loss wears off.

"I am delighted to have participated in this. It's really been quite amazing," she said.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, and vice presidential candidate Gov. Mike Pence, R-Ind., right shake hands during a campaign rally at Lackawanna College, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Scranton, Penn. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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By Allison Carter, USA TODAY NETWORK Indianapolis Star

We are all Mike Pence.

Well, all of us from Indiana, anyway.

According to multiple sources, Mike Pence's Secret Service code name is "Hoosier." Which, factually accurate, if not overly creative.

His running mate's code name, appropriately enough, is "Mogul."

Heading over to the Democrat side of the aisle, Hillary Clinton is known by "Evergreen." This is the same code name she had during her tenure as First Lady and Secretary of State.

Tim Kaine, an unflashy, even boring sort of guy, is known by the cool/culturally on-trend name of "Daredevil."

For those curious, Bernie Sanders' code name was reportedly "Intrepid.
Photos by ALEX SLITZ / COURIER & PRESS Evansville firefighter Christopher Ivy, holds his son, Boston Ivy, 2, both of Evansville, after an Evansville Fire Department awards ceremony at the American Red Cross building on Wednesday. Firefighters, dispatchers, EMTs and animal control officers were recognized for their efforts while responding to a house fire at 911 Taylor Avenue in 2015.

SHARE Evansville firefighters line up during an Evansville Fire Dept. awards ceremony at the American Red Cross building. ALEX SLITZ / COURIER & PRESS Evansville firefighters Steve McDaniel, (from left), and Kevin Miller, both of Evansville, are congratulated by Mayor Lloyd Winnecke during an Evansville Fire Dept. awards ceremony at the American Red Cross building, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Firefighters, dispatchers, EMTs and animal control officers were recognized for their efforts while responding to a house fire at 911 Taylor Avenue in 2015. ALEX SLITZ / COURIER & PRESS Fire Chief Mike Connelly, of Evansville, addresses the crowd during an Evansville Fire Dept. awards ceremony at the American Red Cross building, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Firefighters, dispatchers, EMTs and animal control officers were recognized for their efforts while responding to a house fire at 911 Taylor Avenue in 2015.

By Tori Fater, tori.fater@courierpress.com

In less than half an hour, Evansville firefighters and medical responders helped save four lives during a house fire last summer.

The men and women involved were honored for their service at a ceremony Wednesday.

Evansville Fire Chief Mike Connelly read the report from the July 11, 2015, house fire on Taylor Avenue, describing how firefighters raced through the house searching for the people who lived there and eventually pulled a mother, her two daughters and a daughter's friend from the home. All four survived.

In less than 30 minutes, Connelly said, the people at the house were found, given emergency medical treatment and taken to a hospital.

Connelly choked up while congratulating Evansville firefighters on their work.

"I'm proud of these guys," he said.

"Yeah," called back an audience member, as the packed room broke into applause.

Capt. Jeff Crowe was one of the first firefighters on scene after the call. He said the department had been called to that address before for medical runs, so emergency responders knew there would probably be at least three people in the house.

An air conditioning unit caught fire outside the house, which signaled neighbors to call 911. When Crowe arrived, he said, there was smoke curling under an outside door and a fire in the living room, which had likely spread to the air conditioning unit.

Firefighters searched through heavy smoke to find all four people, including one girl who hid under a pile of blankets to protect herself from the smoke. Two dogs died in the fire, but two puppies were rescued and treated for burns.

"It was a good effort by people as a team," Crowe said.

Thirteen firefighters received silver merit awards and three received bronze merit awards during the ceremony, which took place in the American Red Cross Center on Stockwell Road.

Two dispatchers from Evansville/Vanderburgh County Central Dispatch, eight emergency medical responders and an animal control officer were given certificates of commendation.

Here is the full list of awards :

Silver Merit Award

Capt. Jeffrey Crowe, Pvt. Stevie McDaniel, Pvt. Mic Bradford

Lt. James Payne, Pvt. Brett Seib, Pvt. Greg Moore, Lt. Robert "Cooky" Hames

Capt. Ben Morris, Pvt. Robert Ralph, Pvt. Chris Reiter

Capt. Larry Wildt, Pvt. Derrick Fullen, Pvt. Wathen Masden

Bronze Merit Award

Pvt. Kevin Miller, driver

Pvt. George Madison, driver

Pvt. Shane Gray, driver

Company Citation

Engine 1: Capt. Jeffrey Crowe, Pvt. Kevin Miller, Pvt. Stevie McDaniel, Pvt. Mic Bradford

Ladder 1: Lt. James Payne, Pvt. Brett Seib, Pvt. Greg Moore, Lt. Robert "Cooky" Hames

Engine 14: Capt. Ben Morris, Pvt. George Madison, Pvt. Robert Ralph, Pvt. Chris Reiter

Engine 15: Capt. Larry Wildt, Pvt. Shane Gray, Pvt. Derrick Fullen, Pvt. Wathen Masden

Rescue 3: Captain Jon Grubb, Lt. Joe Carr

Quint 16: Captain Chad Jordan, Lt. David Weis, Pvt. Matthew Turley, Pvt. Christopher Ivy

Commendation Certificates for AMR personnel:

Heather Henry, EMTP Supervisor; Jason Leonard, EMTB; Stacie Ballestero, EMTP; Josh Gehlhausen, EMTB; Brittney Frank, EMTP; Stephanie Brooks, EMTB; Clayton Long, EMTP and Michael Barrett, EMTB

Commendation Certificates for Evansville/Vanderburgh County Central Dispatch:

Debra Gordon, Fire Dispatcher; Tanya Oglesby, Dispatcher/Call Taker

Commendation Certificate

Jeff Wright, Animal Control Officer

Letter of Acknowledgement

Evansville Police Department, 3rd shift, July 11, 2015

"For their assistance in securing the scene for traffic control allowing the numerous fire apparatus and ambulances unimpeded access," a release from the Evansville Fire Department stated. "They were also instrumental in controlling the bystanders from interfering with fire ground operations and locating relatives of the victims, offering them reassurance."
The Lafayette City Council will consider adding protections based on gender identification to the city's anti-discrimination codes. (Photo: IndyStar file photo)

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By Dave Bangert, The Courier-Journal / USA TODAY Network

Lafayette would be the 19th community in Indiana to offer protection against discrimination based on gender identity, based on a proposal the Lafayette City Council saw for the first time Wednesday night.

The ordinance would add gender identity and veterans status to nine other protected classes  including sexual orientation  already in theLafayette Human Relations Ordinance. The ordinance covers discrimination complaints tied to employment, public accommodations and housing.

Mayor Tony Roswarski said he backed the measure. He said it grew out of a request in early 2016  as other states and communities wrestled with gender-specific bathroom restrictions  from the citys Human Relations Commission to offer specific protections for the transgender community and veterans.

Roswarski also said the move was bound to get some blowback over the next month, as the ordinance moves toward a vote.

Of course, we always work here to be a warm, welcoming community, Roswarski said. And weve had a human relations ordinance for quite some time. But this is an issue that we see throughout the community and throughout the country, and we want to see that we address it here and that people know theyre not going to be discriminated against for this.  Yes, we think its time to put it on paper and have an official vote on it.

Lafayette added protections for gays and lesbians to the human relations ordinance in 1993. That provision survived a repeal attempt in 1996.

Randy Studt, president of the Lafayette Human Relations Commission, said the move to add protections for the transgender community came after watching the state struggle with a more comprehensive civil rights law that included lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Hoosiers. Studt said it also came after watching a number of cities and counties in the state write broad, local protections in the wake of debate over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. RFRA was seen as a way for those with strong religious beliefs a way to discriminate against the LGBT community.

According to a list kept by Freedom Indiana, a pro-LGBT lobbying group, 18 communities have anti-discrimination protections that include sexual orientation and gender identity. West Lafayette is among those.

The attempt here is to simply get us up to speed with other cities and to also cover a population that, obviously, has had harassment in the past, Studt said.

Skye Brown is program director of Trans Lafayette, a support group for transgender community. Brown said the groups meetings draw anywhere from 10 to 20 people and about 300 people follow on social media or are part of the groups email list.

I really appreciate that theyre trying to take a proactive approach to protecting people, Brown said. I think there are cities across Indiana and the U.S. that have already started implementing those kinds of protections. So its really fantastic that the city is trying to do the same here.

Brown said there are situations when transgendered people in Lafayette perceive theyve been fired based on their gender identity. But Brown said there isnt much of a recourse in city or state code.

I think there are a lot of loopholes in the system and not a lot of protection, so, yeah, I think those abuses of power are really commonplace, Brown said. Because we dont have many pre-emptive policies out there, people get scared of doing anything about it and just endure it until they can get into another situation. So they have to bear the brunt of the violence or harassment or the terrible power dynamic that they cant get out of.

The Rev. Jeff Mikels, pastor at Lafayette Community Church, is acting president of the Tippecanoe Evangelical Association of Ministers and Ministries. Mikels said his group hoped to be part of the conversation.

"Gender identity, like matters of faith, is a deeply personal thing, Mikels said. Those who don't measure up to social norms can face inner turmoil and external harassment, but we believe Jesus wants them to know how loved they are. The faith community is wrestling with how to show that love and also honor our deeply held convictions. More than anything, we want to be in conversation with people in the transgender community so that we can more fully understand them and learn how better to show them the love of Jesus.

The Lafayette Human Relations Ordinance also covers complaints based on race, sex, religion, color, handicap, familial status, national origin and age. Complaints made to the Human Relations Commission go to mediation, though the ordinance allows for fines of up to $300.

A first vote could come during the councils meeting Monday. To pass, the ordinance would need two votes, with the second coming in September.
SHARE Maurice Nelson is wanted for rape, criminal confinement and other crimes after police say he kept a woman prisoner for several days on the north west side. (Photo: IMPD)

By Vic Ryckaert, IndyStar / USA TODAY Network

Metropolitan police are searching for a man they accuse of kidnapping, raping and holding a woman in chains for four days in a north-side home.

In court documents that read like a script for a horror movie, Marion County prosecutors say Maurice Nelson, 28, abducted and tortured a 23-year-old woman and held her prisoner in the basement of a home in the 4500 block of Norwaldo Avenue.

A neighbor heard the woman's screams and called police about 6:20 p.m. on July 14, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Marion Superior Court.

Police cut through a padlock, forced open the front door and went to the basement where they found a nude woman handcuffed, shackled and with a chain around her neck.

There was another chain from her neck restraint to a pole; and yet another attaching the restraints on her ankles to a floor bolt.

The woman said she met Nelson on July 10 after they spoke via a telephone chat line. He picked her up at a hotel where she had been staying and she agreed to get in his car, go to his home and "chill," prosecutors said.

Inside Nelson's house, the woman told investigators they started having sex when Nelson stopped and sprayed her with pepper spray.

He overpowered the victim, handcuffed her and forced her into the basement, police said. She told police Nelson claimed to be a police officer and pretended to be talking in a police radio.

He chained her up, beat her with a baton and raped her at least four times over the next four days.

Sometimes, the woman said Nelson rewarded her for "good" behavior by removing her handcuffs for a while. Nelson owns two pit bulls. He told the victim that if she tried to escape, he would let his dogs attack her.

Prosecutors charged Nelson with rape, criminal confinement, battery and other crimes.

An arrest warrant has been issued and police have been looking for Nelson for two weeks.
The alleyway on Newton Avenue between Oxford and Rural streets in Indianapolis where an armed man was fatally shot during a gun battle with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers. (Photo: Jill Disis / IndyStar)

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The four-minute firefight disrupted what residents called an otherwise peaceful neighborhood on the Indy's southeast side.

By Jill Disis, Sara Salinas & Madeline Buckley

On this sunny Wednesday, less than 48 hours aftera chaotic gun battle between police and an armed man shook the one-story houses that line both sides of the 200 block of South Rural Street, a quiet is interrupted only by the buzzing engines of lawn-mowers and a child laughing while riding her bicycle.

The police tape is gone. The shell casings have been removed. And blood from the suspect, 32-year-old Jeff Cornell Tyson, has been washed away.

But after police fired 200 rounds over four intense minutes, some signs of the shootout remain. There are the eight holes that pierced a dark-green electrical box; the seven holes marring the front of a cream-colored house.

The bullet that hit the shingles of 52-year-old Lillian Amaya's shed, which she quickly jumped behind as the firefight broke out, may be the most overt symbol of how an idyllic summer evening on this Indianapolis block could suddenly transform into the dramatic climax of a violent, citywide police pursuit.

"I'm ducking and dodging, everything. I'm scared to death," said Amaya, who was grilling hamburgers outside while her husband and 9-year-old grandson were inside the home. "It sounded worse than the Fourth of July finale."

Police say Tyson fled a traffic stop at a gas station at 71st Street and Georgetown Road on Monday night, firing at officers from his car while leading them on a 25-minute chase. Two officers were injured, including one officer who was shot in the ankle.

While outside, Amaya said she heard sirens from more than a dozen police vehicles blare through the streets. For a moment, she thought the chase was just passing through the area. Then the bullets began flying.

On the other side of Newton Avenue at a house on Oxford Street, Marttina Ward could hardly tell what was going on amid the confusion. As soon as the 32-year-old woman heard the gunshots and saw the firearm-toting police officers running down her street, her thoughts immediately jumped to how she could keep her three children safe.

"I was freaking out, like really bad," said Ward, who shook as she recounted her experience Wednesday. "All I can do is yell at my kids: 'Get down! Get down! Go hide! Get down! They're shooting up the neighborhood!"

Some of those who spoke with IndyStar said despite the mayhem, they believed police likely did what was necessary to stop the suspect. Others, however, questioned whether using 200 rounds was necessary.

"I'm still lost for words," said Cherrell Pittman, 30, an ex-girlfriend of Tyson's who does not live in the neighborhood, but who stopped by a memorial on Newton Avenue to take photographs.

Pittman said she dated Tyson for about four years during her teens, and was still friendly with him and had spoken with Tyson in June. "It shouldn't have taken 200 shots."

Of the 40 officers who responded to the scene, only 16 fired their weapons, said IMPD Major Richard Riddle.

"Each officer has to make an independent judgment based upon what they're observing, and whether or not they fear their lives are in jeopardy, another police officer's life is in jeopardy, or a third party's life is in jeopardy," Riddle said. "And then they make that independent determination to pull the trigger."

Riddle said police take as much care as possible to ensure they are preventing unnecessary injury, adding that officers often move position or decide not to fire if the backdrop is unsafe  like if an innocent person could be harmed.

In the midst of a chaotic and dangerous incident, such as Monday nights gun battle, police officers will primarily be concerned with stopping the perceived threat and providing coverage to officers, said Jim Bueermann, a retired California police chief who now runs the Washington, D.C.-based Police Foundation.

But, he said, in a situation with rapid exchanges of gunfire, likely not all bullets will go where they were intended.

Most offenders not very good shots and dont care where the bullets are going, he said.  Police are better shots and do care, but under the best of circumstances, all bullets dont go where they were aiming.

The first order of business after a neighborhood falls under a hail of gunfire, Bueermann said, would be to determine whether any innocent bystanders sustained injuries. Then, he said, the department should care for the trauma felt by the neighborhood.

A thoughtful police department after an incident like this would send a team of community relations people around go door to door and explain what they can about the incident, Bueermann said.

They should ask neighborhood residents whether anyone was harmed, or if any property was damaged by gunfire, and help them find recourse if damage appeared to stem from officers bullets, he said.

Theres a lingering, long-term effect that has to do with the relationship between the community and police, he said.

Both Amaya and Ward said officers visited them after the shooting concluded to make sure they were not injured.

Still, Ward said she now jumps at every unexpected sound. She said she would like to see police acknowledge more openly the fears that people in her neighborhood experienced that night.

Riddle said the city has a victims assistance program available for people who witness such incidents.

"We try to do everything we can to follow up," he said. "There has to be some type of wraparound ... to ensure that everybody's mental well-being is looked after."


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Cognizant Buys 170-Person Behavioral Research And Design Firm

Jimmy Sheridan

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Cognizant has purchased Toronto-based design firm Idea Couture to further connect the dots between human sciences and information technology development.

With the acquisition, Cognizant is gaining more than 170 social scientists, strategists, anthropologists, user-experience experts, designers, and product developers. The company said the move will help it connect social sciences research with building of real-life solutions focused on solving real-world problems.

"This acquisition is going to take [human sciences] research and bridge the gap between human insight and technology solutions," Gajen Kandiah, executive vice president of Cognizant's Digital Works business, told CRN.

[Related: Cognizant Buys Stake In 70-Person Behavioral Consulting Firm ]

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Kandiah said Idea Couture will be folded into the company's Digital Works business. Cognizant created the business unit a little less than two years ago to identify new capabilities around artificial intelligence, mobility, business analytics, cloud services, and the Internet of Things by better understanding how those technologies can be used in people's lives.

With the acquisition of Idea Couture, Kandiah said Cognizant is gaining a company that can take social sciences research and use it to identify human needs and create solution prototypes, making Cognizant's clients more competitive.

While it's evident that technology will be a critical part of the future, Kandiah said it is important to understand the context of how that technology will be used.

"Technology is going to be fundamental, but you have to create a context for it," Kandiah said. "You need to understand the human need and then use that understanding to create a smooth experience."

Cognizant's acquisition of Idea Couture is in line with the company's purchase of a minority stake in Copenhagen-based human sciences consultancy ReD Associates in April.

ReD, in which Cognizant acquired a 49-percent stake in and now has an exclusive partnership with, focuses on the research behind socially-driven technology, with a team of 70 anthropologists, sociologists and ethnographers making recommendations about how human beings interact with cutting-edge technology such as self-driving cars.

Kandiah said ReD, however, does not prototype or build the technology it recommends.

That, Kandiah said, is where Idea Couture comes in.

"This acquisition will help us take that insight into practical solutions, and build solutions that are ready to scale," Kandiah said. "Adding Idea Couture into the Digital Works business will be the bridge from the research ReD does to our technology segment."
Ransomware is grabbing headlines as it impacts companies around the world.

Are you taking the right steps? How do you know?

Rob Gresham signaled the trend in our discussion Are you prepared to respond to ransomware the right way? It was an eye opener for most of us.

And now the headlines continue. The debate rages on. Security companies are jumping on the trend. After all, once it makes the evening news, its likely to capture attention. That means a lot of hype mixed in with promising solutions.

(Devilishly Handsome) Andrew Hay of DataGravity

Andrew Hay (LinkedIn, @andrewsmhay, Chief Information Security Officer at DataGravity, knows how to sift the news and focus on what matters. With over 15 years of data security experience in various roles inside organizations as well as advising them, Andrew serves as the chief information security officer at DataGravity. He is responsible for the development and delivery of the companys comprehensive data security strategy.

Devilishly handsome, Andrew has a wealth of experience. A friend, our conversation was nothing short of dynamic (perhaps I should start recording these?). He captured my attention with some of his insights and suggestions. Its a treat to share some steps certain to benefit your efforts.

Ransomware has moved from nuisance to something to take seriously. What do you see as a potential evolution?

Ransomware may have been perceived as a nuisance as recently as last year, but now were seeing it hit  and cripple  hospitals, police stations, schools, and other critical organizations. One of the aspects driving the change is that many ransomware campaigns may be criminally backed, which means itll remain a serious threat for some time and will be highly organized and executed. Another is the fact that paying a ransom can validate the attackers already lucrative business model, encouraging him to launch campaigns in the future  and theres no guarantee that hell actually release hostage data after the ransom has been paid.

As threats evolve, we might see changes in the ways approach preventative measures. Rather than warding off attacks, well likely see efforts dedicated to understanding, backing up and protecting sensitive data. Well also see a shift in responses and negotiations with cybercriminals. Consider what will happen when they say, You dont have to pay to restore your data. But, I need you to do me a favor. As an industry, well need to think about what we can learn from hostage and terrorism negotiation in the real world.

Is the current reaction and overhyped approach flooding our inboxes helping or hurting our efforts?

The current approach, in which companies focus only on prevention is a total waste of time  and it distracts from the real danger of ransomware. The real challenge is the speed at which ransomware evolves  detecting it today doesnt mean your defense will work tomorrow. The Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) are constantly evolving and, moving forward, some attackers will take advantage of the growing trend of demanding payment with no intention of returning hostage data. This behavior is causing chaos in the industry.

At some point the price of preventing the problem becomes cost prohibitive. Then what do we do?

Consider how cybercriminals strategize  theyre constantly evaluating the cost of security prevention and issue response before they calibrate attacks. Theyre trying to operate in a landscape where people are more likely to pay to retrieve their data. On the vendor and end-user side, are we doing the same?

Calculate the cost of preventative costs at your organization. This critical step often gets avoided, and as a result, many enterprises  and even more midmarket and SMB companies  take risks without fully understanding them. As an industry, we need to band together, reconsider how we gauge risks and acknowledge how that process informs business decisions.

Perhaps a better approach is to think beyond prevention. What would that look like?

Organizations will always need to play defense against cyberattacks. However, the operative question is how we can make it harder for criminals to reach their goals  how do we change our systems and approaches and arrive at a point where theres no need to pay?

Theres no definite answer to this question, and in some situations, the value and business impact of stolen data might make payment a logical solution. However, organizations should make it as easy as possible to recover operations and data in the event that prevention, defense and mitigation efforts fail. Were seeing a lot of this in the medical industry, where hospitals and organizations are allocating spend to broad data protection and recovery efforts without letting the latest threat or scare drain resources. Another approach involves centralizing sensitive data, along with creating solid backups  in todays IT climate, theres no longer a reason to retain localized copies of files, as doing so can actually increase a companys risk of ransomware attacks.

What steps can a security leader take to get going in the right direction here?

Ultimately, decisions concerning security risks are a numbers game. The amount a company is willing to pay for prevention, recovery or even a ransom differs between industries, organizations and individual situations. However, security leaders should consider how much their organizations are spending on security in relation to overall IT spending. There are no hard and fast rules for how much you should spend on security but, according to a SANS survey on 2016 IT Security Spending Trends (link: https://www.sans.org/reading-room/whitepapers/analyst/security-spending-trends-36697), most organizations allocate between 3% and 9% of the total IT budget.

Security leaders should also remember to never say never when it comes to cyberattacks  every organization is at risk of a breach. It helps to know companies boundaries (and crunch the numbers) in terms of risk posture, prevention strategies in place and worst-case scenario responses. Additionally, security pros should constantly re-evaluate the solutions in use at their organizations, as well as the selection available on the market, to ensure their defense tactics are updated and in line with the industry climate.
If you spend enough time around tech and policy conferences, you are bound to hear a digital economy truism: the internet has no borders. Starting from the soaring rhetoric of John Perry Barlows Declaration of Independence of Cyberspace through todays reality of cloud computing and an increasingly wired globe, the idea that traditional governments have little ability to restrict the flow of data on the internet has never gone out of style.

But is this truism actually true? Does the internet really exist in a realm without jurisdictional boundaries and applicable laws?

In their book, "Who Controls the Internet?", authors Tim Wu and Jack Goldsmith argue that governments around the world have been asserting their authority over the internet for as long as the internet has existed. Indeed, many governments have attempted to reach beyond their national borders to touch data and systems around the world.

And no issue has been more central to this debate than privacy.

A recent privacy case in the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit suggests that the pendulum has swung toward recognition that national governments not only enjoy the benefits of their own borders on the web, but (importantly) need to recognize the legitimacy of other countrys borders too. In the case, Microsoft challenged a court order that sought emails held on Microsoft servers in Ireland. Microsoft argued that the data was stored in Ireland, and therefore beyond the reach of US courts. The US government argued that Microsoft could access the data from the United States, so the data should be turned over.

Ultimately, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Microsoft in the case, finding that the location of the servers put the emails beyond the US governments reach. Indeed, the court went so far as to recognize that there is a presumption against extraterritorial application of US laws  meaning that it is presumed that US laws should not be applied beyond US borders.

It is notable that Microsoft had many friends on this case. A long list of companies and privacy advocates stepped up with briefs that supported Microsoft. And many have hailed the result as a victory for privacy.

But there is a risk in the decision as well. By recognizing the jurisdictional boundaries of Ireland, it is possible that the Second Circuit Court created an incentive for other jurisdictions to require data to be held within their national boundaries. We have seen similar laws emerge in Russia  they fall under a policy trend towards data localization that has many cloud service and global organizations deeply concerned. Which leads to a tough question: what happens if every country tries to assert jurisdictional control over the web? Might we end up with a fractured web, a splinternet, of lessening utility?

One thing is clear from this case: this issue is not resolved, and may never find a place of stable and predictable interpretation. Governments will always claim authority over data within their borders (and sometimes, outside of their borders). So the next time you are at a tech conference and someone suggests that the internet has no borders, offer a wry smile. Truisms arent always true. And the internet may indeed have some borders after all.
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Instagram is providing a look into the Hamptons rager that reportedly resulted in an Airbnb rental home littered with "used condoms" and awash in alcohol last weekend, prompting a pending $1 million lawsuit.

The New York Post's Page Six reported Brett Barna, a 31-year-old hedge fund manager, is about to be sued by the owner of a 9-bedroom Airbnb rental, touted as a $20 million, 'true masterpiece' of the Hamptons. The home was allegedly rented  and wrecked by Barna and his throngs of Champagne-spraying revelers  during a raucous, "Wolf of Wall Street"-style shindig on July 3.

RELATED: Lake Travis boat parties flood social media as 2016 summer revelers take over

Barna worked as a portfolio manager at Louis Bacon's Moore Capital Management, according to Page Six. The anonymous home owner said Barna name-dropped his position and ties to Bacon when moving through the process of acquiring the $27,000 rental to host #Sprayathon, an all-day bacchanal supposedly benefiting charity, with a live playlist by rapper Ace Hood, the site reported.

The owner claims he was under the assumption that the party would be for 50 people, because that's what Barna promised under their rental agreement.

"He said there would be 50 people at the event and it was for animal rescue," the owner said in the Page Six interview. "But the only animals there were the people, a thousand of them."

A source told the site #Sprayathon raised $10,000 for Last Chance Animal Rescue and that cleaners were contracted to leave the house in "good condition."

RELATED: The rich kids of Instagram take Spring Break 2016

The owner painted a contrasting scene in his conversation with Page Six.

"They drowned themselves in Champagne, they had midgets they threw in the pool, they broke into the house, trashed the furniture, art was stolen, we found used condoms," the owner said. "So many people were there that the concrete around the pool crumbled and fell into the water. It was like 'Jersey Shore" meets a frat party."

He continued, saying he is waiting to serve Barna with a "massive lawsuit."

The party boy has a reputation of hosting problematic functions. According to the site, last year's #Sprayathon resulted in a brush fire started by party goers at the home of actor Kevin Sorbo.

On Thursday, CNBC reported Barna was fired by Moore Capital Management for his wild weekend escapades.

RELATED: San Antonio native, Los Angeles Laker Jordan Clarkson 'casually dating' Kendall Jenner

"Mr. [Brett] Barna's personal judgement was inconsistent with the firm's values," the company said in a statement to the site. "He is no longer employed by Moore Capital Management."

"Brett was last seen on Sunday chugging Champagne with two midgets," the homeowner told Page Six.

Click through the gallery above for a peek into the debauchery that got Barna fired and at the center of a possible lawsuit.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
A Bridgeport man pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge stemming from a string of armed robberies attempted or carried out in 2014, according to a statement issued by District Attorney Deirdre M. Daly.

Derrick Gilliam, 29, of Bridgeport, was behind the barrel of what appeared to be a handgun pointed at employees in seven robberies in Bridgeport, Stratfield, Fairfield and Shelton, according to the statement.
Brian A. Pounds / File photo

BRIDGEPORT  Representatives of the Sierra Clubs Connecticut Chapter and other environmental groups came to Bridgeport on Wednesday to release a new report stating that natural gas  often touted as a cleaner-burning energy alternative  contributes to global warming.

The rising doubts about the climate benefits of natural gas raise the level of urgency for the United States to implement clean, renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind power with unambiguous benefits for the global climate, the document reads.
BRIDGEPORTA possible structure fire was reported at the Jewish Community Center of Eastern Fairfield County at 4200 Park Avenue. A Bridgeport fire department spokesperson confirms that there is currently no fire at the site, but that the initial report is being investigated.

This report has been updated.
TRUMBULL  First Selectman Timothy Herbst has filed a complaint against the State Elections Enforcement Commission claiming the Connecticut Democratic Party didnt account for hefty legal fees incurred following the alleged improper use of campaign contributions.

Attorney David Golub was hired by the Democrats after Gov. P. Dannel Malloys campaign was accused of wrongfully paying for 2014 re-election mailers from federal rather than state accounts.

Despite two years of ensuing legal battles that ended in a $325,000 settlement to the SEEC, a lack of financial records suggest Golub offered his services pro bono, Herbst said.

While the law allows Mr. Golub to donate certain services, you also have to place a fair market value on other services, Herbst said Thursday. They would have the state of Connecticut believe that not one partner, not one associate, not one paralegal assisted Mr. Golub in this litigation. They would have us believe that not one copy was made, not one long distance phone call was made, that there were no fees or costs incurred.

Leigh Appleby, a spokesperson from the Democratic State Central Committee, refuted the merits of Herbsts complaint.

Provision of voluntary legal services  as both parties have relied upon for a variety of services  is fully compliant with both state and federal laws, Appleby said. In this case, we were involved in a protracted legal matter, and the state party has an agreement with our attorneys to ensure any and all administrative costs are appropriately handled.

After running for state treasurer in 2014, Herbst said he had a front-row seat to the violations of the Citizens Election Program and is now beating the drums.

I am sick and tired of their arrogance and their blatant disregard for the law, Herbst said. In 2014, I had to follow the rules. Tom Foley had to follow the rules  everyone who ran on our ticket had to follow the rules. These people think theyre above the law.

Herbsts narrowly lost his bid for state office and said he still wonders how the election for governor would have unfolded, especially in New Haven, if Malloy hadnt dipped into the funds provided by state contractors.

Under state law, the contractors cannot contribute directly to General Assembly and top-of-the-ticket campaigns such as governor. They can, however, contribute to federal accounts formed by state party committees.

 I saw the mailer that was sent out by Governor Malloy using the federal account for (a) state campaign, Herbst said. Thats a big no-no.

But Appleby wasnt convinced by the affidavit.

The bottom line is that this a political report filed by a struggling candidate for higher office looking to make a name for himself, he said.
Windber-Portage renew rivalry in Week 10 Heritage-WestPAC crossover

Check out what to watch on Friday night in Somerset County as the high school football regular season comes to a close in Week 10.
Faculty Senate approves no-confidence vote on Sasse as UF president

The UF Faculty Senate held an emergency meeting about the choice of Senator Ben Sasse from Nebraska as the sole finalist for university president.
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The next day I woke to find myself in a WhatsApp group titled Quordle is Awesome!! A small group of three. There was no getting out of it now.
The statistics are stomach-churning: almost 250 innocents have been murdered in France in the past 18 months by terrorists  more than the total number of French nationals killed by them in the entire 20th century.

But as the country reels from the latest ISIS atrocity  the beheading of a beloved elderly priest at the altar of his Catholic church in a quiet Normandy village  the fear is that this wave of unprecedented bloodshed marks only the opening salvo.

And that it may, with terrifying speed, turn into what the deranged homegrown Isis footsoldiers have as their ultimate goal: the instigation of a full-blown Islamist insurgency in France.

Shocking stat: Almost 250 innocents have been murdered in France in the past 18 months by terrorists

The embattled, deeply unpopular French President, Francois Hollande, has repeatedly declared that his country is now at war. Only the most optimistic observer would dare to challenge that assessment given the tragic pattern of recent events.

Still, while the bumbling president is bearing the brunt of the French people's boiling anger, the reality is that he cannot be blamed, simplistically, for the sudden emergence of terrorism on French soil.

In fact, the unprecedented recent carnage has been decades in the making  and will almost certainly take decades more to resolve, whoever wins the French presidential elections next year.

Brutal

For the radicalisation of a small, but significant, Muslim minority intent on joining the jihad is, in part, the consequence of the nation's bloody colonial past and its failure to integrate its vast Muslim population.

The history of France's brutal response to Algeria's fight against its colonial rule between 1954 and 1962 left a deep and lingering sense of resentment that festers to this day.

The eight-year war ranks among the bloodiest conflicts of the past century.

The French set up concentration camps, tortured prisoners and carried out mass executions of civilians suspected of helping the rebels fighting for independence.

Amid accusations of genocide, the death toll rose to anything between 500,000 and 1 million.

Even after independence was declared in 1962, there was more atrocity to come.

Thousands of Muslim Algerian 'Harkis'  pro-French volunteers  who had fought alongside French troops were abandoned to face bloody reprisals in their homeland.

Estimates are that at least 30,000  possibly as many as 150,000  were slaughtered by their fellow countrymen. The wave of immigration of Algerians and north Africans to France following independence led to a vast increase in the number of Muslims.

France is currently reeling from the latest ISIS atrocity  the beheading of beloved elderly priest, Jacques Hamel (pictured), at the altar of his Catholic church in a quiet Normandy village

Today, between 10 and 15 per cent of France's population of 63 million are Muslim  the highest percentage of any European country.

However, instead of being integrated into mainstream French society, the first wave of immigrants was concentrated in the impoverished, soulless suburbs of Paris and other major cities, known as banlieues.

And their offspring mostly remain in them today.

These banlieues are characterised by high unemployment and poverty. While the average French youth unemployment rate is an admittedly shocking 23.3 per cent, for the millions of first- and second-generation Arab and north African immigrants living in the suburbs of Paris, the youth unemployment is 50 per cent or more.

Meanwhile, the French authorities turned a blind eye as local mosques were taken over by radical imams preaching hatred of Jews and Christians.

It is not difficult to understand why the young people in these grim housing estates have proved such fertile ground for Isis recruiters.

There is, of course, another obvious result of poverty, unemployment and a deep sense of discrimination and hopelessness: high crime rates.

Depressingly, up to 60 per cent of French prisoners are Muslims and, in turn, prisons have predictably become recruiting grounds for radical Islamist recruiters.

Indeed, in this regard, a clear pattern is emerging regarding the recent attacks in France. For instance, the Isis recruit who massacred 84 people by driving his lorry through crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice was 'known' to police for criminal activity, but not for terror-related issues.

The embattled, deeply unpopular French President, Francois Hollande, (pictured) has repeatedly declared that his country is now at war

So it seems highly likely that he  and many others like him  was brainwashed with alarming ease by the Isis criminal underworld and its slick internet recruitment propaganda.

Following the attacks at the Bataclan theatre and other locations in Paris last November, the French authorities finally seemed to wake up to the nightmare on their doorstep  but their response was hardly what the French people might have hoped for.

For example, a programme of 're-education' and 'rehabilitation' was introduced inside the prison system.

However, this softly-softly approach was the equivalent of the UK Government sending in a team of do-gooders to the Maze prison in Belfast at the height of the Troubles, in order to convince the Irish Republican terrorists there that blowing up innocent people really was not a very gentlemanly thing to do.

After the state of emergency was declared following the Paris attacks, there were 3,549 police raids, 407 people were placed under house arrest, 743 arms caches were seized, and 395 arrests were made  while 344 people were placed in detention and a number of mosques were closed.

Chilling

But, again, those statistics, rather than reassuring, perhaps highlight more the terrifying magnitude of the problem. Indeed, they probably represent just the tip of the iceberg that is France's enemy within.

For even in the midst of the crackdown  and during the state of emergency  terror attacks continued, including the stabbing of a policeman at his home, followed by the murder of his wife in front of their three-year-old son.

What is truly chilling is that one of the youths who slaughtered the Catholic priest had already been arrested and jailed for terrorist offences after trying to join Isis in Syria  yet he was still free to roam the streets.

Tragic: Flowers and candles on the Promenade des Anglais Tributes for the victims of the Nice truck attack

Just as shockingly, the authorities had no inkling of the Nice truck driver's Islamist leanings, even though he was a known criminal.

Alas, as the German government wakes up to its own terrorist horror, it is making all the same mistakes as the French.

The one million-plus young Muslim, mostly male, refugees and economic migrants welcomed into the country last year by Angela Merkel are being placed in their own hostels and housing estates  in some ways the equivalent of the French banlieues  rather than being slowly integrated into German society.

Meanwhile, a much-touted 'five-point plan' for dealing with Islamist prison radicalisation in Germany  similar to the one introduced in France  has been proved to be a useless exercise in wishy-washy liberalism.

What does all this mean for Britain? Are we any safer than France or Germany?

Lessons

The fact that we are outside Europe's border-free Schengen Area, together with our stricter gun laws, makes it harder to possess the sort of assault rifles used in the Paris attacks.

But it's no safeguard against an Isis-inspired lorry driver or a knife-wielding fanatic.

A more important factor in Britain's favour is the extraordinary skill of GCHQ and our security services, and the unusual level of co-operation and information-sharing that exists between them and the police.

This is partly the result of bitter lessons learnt during the Northern Ireland conflict.

A woman lays a flower for priest Jacques Hamel, who was beheaded at the altar of his church on Tuesday

Yet it cannot keep us safe for ever. As the UK intelligence services warn of imminent Isis-inspired attacks in Britain, the lessons from Europe are clear.

While clearly distinguishing between the overwhelming majority of British Muslims who loathe Islamic State and the minority of radical Islamists who are inspired by the group, our government must adopt a zero-tolerance policy to anyone expressing any kind of support for terrorism.

But, above all, it must make massive funding to our intelligence services a top priority, so that they can continue to hunt down and incarcerate the many hundreds of Islamists among us who wish to do us harm.
Ex-Tory PM Sir Edward Heath's famous 1973 remark in the Commons about the activities of ruthless Lonrho boss Tiny Rowland being 'an unacceptable face of capitalism' is often repeated during the current BHS/'Sir Shifty' Green scandal. According to Heath's latest biographer, Michael McManus, Sir Ted actually meant 'an unacceptable facet of capitalism' but misread his speech because - out of vanity - he wasn't wearing his reading glasses.

The unacceptable face of capitalism gets a peck from Beyonce. That was a few years ago. She wouldn't touch him with a bargepole now

ABERFELDY-born star of The Good Wife, Alan Cumming, 51, says Brexit was caused by the 'stupid English', adding: 'I love the fact I'm a product of the Scottish education system. I feel I represent Scotland in a way.' Not enough to live there, evidently. Cumming reposes in New York with his husband, Grant Shaffer, also 51, both pictured.

Scottish-born luvvie Alan Cumming (right) with his New Yorker husband Grant Shaffer

The postponement of BBC TV's The Great British Bake Off (because of Olympics coverage) disappoints the Queen, a fan of the show which usually starts when HM formally arrives in Balmoral. As the monarch told the almost-regal TV presenter Fiona Bruce during a recording of the Antiques Roadshow, summer in Balmoral is when one can be guaranteed time to watch one's favourite programmes.

ROYAL treasurer Sir Alan Reid's last challenge - his retirement is announced - is to secure future royal funding with PM Theresa May and Chancellor Phillip Hammond. The track record of Sir Alan, 69, is impressive. He transformed a Civil List of 9m when he arrived in 2002 to a Sovereign Grant of 42.8m this year. Any blots on his escutcheon? Only one, really, says my source. He claimed during the Scottish referendum that, if they got independence, Scots wouldn't contribute to the funding of the monarch. He had to retract that within 24 hours and HM was far from pleased.

BBC's Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark asks fellow Left winger, prominent human rights campaigner Shami Chakrabarti - accused recently of a 'whitewashing' report about the Labour Party's anti-Semitism - if a Labour life peerage is in the offing. Mrs C replies: 'I don't know - are you going to take one?' Ms Wark: 'I haven't been offered one - have you?' Ms C: 'Many times'. Labour's Jeremy Corbyn says he won't propose any life peers. However Ms Chakrabarti is said to have bigwig Tory fans who might be happy to do so.
of Sussex socialites with many dressing to impress

The Sussex event remains a must-do in the

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It's known as Glorious Goodwood - and the beauty wasn't just in the verdant landscape on the second day of the famous Sussex race meet.

The Qatar Goodwood Festival 2016 kicked off in style this afternoon, with spectators donning their finery for a day out at one of the UK's most famous race meets.

Despite it not being Ladies Day until Friday, wherever you looked there were big hats and colourful dresses as race-goers raised the fashion stakes.

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In the pink: A racegoer goes for neon pink with a bright orange trim - and a very striking feather trimmed fascinator

Bring on the block colour: this lady plumps for bold greens and yellows in a very interesting race day out-fit. Right, miliners Charlie Elmy-Britton and Leigh Johnson

Feeling floral! This guest went for an all in one catsuit decorated with a classic floral pattern and grey heels

The thighs the limit! Despite overcast skies, some racegoers still went for above the knee numbers

The Goodwood sorority was awash with interesting millinery, from striking pink feathered fascinators to wide-brimmed hats that served a dual purpose of looking fabulous and protecting the face from the occasional shower.

While Ascot remains a nose ahead of Goodwood in the sartorial stakes, Goodwood is fast-gaining a reputation for its stylish spectators who can't resist the opportunity to dress up as they watch the horses go for the finishing post at the five-day event.

While Cheltenham is famous for pearls and fur, and Aintree for its colourfully dressed fillies in fake tan and skyscraper heels, Glorious Goodwood's trademark is low key luxury.

A strict dress code ensures that casual clothes including jeans and shorts are outlawed. That doesn't mean that there isn't plenty of flesh on display.

One guest opted for a daring lace hot-pant suit teamed with a nude fascinator, nude heels, a nude handbag and a slick of bright pink lipstick.

Elle and the Pocket Belles showcased a shower of scarlet ensembled with their hats featuring a vintage feel with pin-up curls poking out from beneath their brims

Blooming lovely! Pink and orange abounds on the headwear of guests. Right: This lady goes for a more traditional pale pink hat...but brings the look into the 21st century with some bright yellow shades

While bright headgear appeared to be the order of the day among the women there were panamas a-plenty among the men

Talk show host Jeremy Kyle looked as though he might have lost out on a bet as he wore a somber expression while watching this afternoon's races

Chloe Lloyd didn't appear to be totally focused on kissing fiance, Union J's Josh Cuthbert as she played on her phone while packing on the PDA at the races this afternoon

Regular racegorer John McCrick was showcasing his usual enthusiasm for the sport as he prepared for the races this afternoon

Sir Chris Hoy looked dapper this afternoon while joined by his wife Sarra who looked elegant in nautical stripes
Drawn by the promise of a warm, turquoise sea and palm-fringed beaches, Dr Georgina Mortimer thought she was heading for paradise when she booked a ten-day holiday to the Caribbean island of St Lucia.

It had been a difficult year for the 45-year-old junior doctor, with the break-up of her marriage and the death of her father, and she had decided to treat herself to a 1,300 adventure holiday with a friend, learning to sail in the West Indies.

The Competent Crew course was organised and run by Girls For Sail, the UKs only all-female sailing school, and, reassuringly, accredited by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), whose patron is the Queen.

Dr Georgina Mortimer, 45, paid 1,300 for a sailing holiday on the island of St Lucia. But just 30 hours after arriving in February, Georgina was brutally raped by an intruder in her bedroom

Organisers promised a beautiful rum punch welcome, as well as fun, fun, fun in the sun!.

But just 30 hours after arriving on St Lucia in February, Georgina was brutally raped by an intruder in her bedroom at the shared villa run by the sailing company.

That incident has had a devastating effect on Georgina, a mother of two, and, in what looks set to be an extraordinary landmark legal case, she is now suing the sailing school, its principal (who is also the villa owner) and the RYA.

The Oxford University graduate from Hertfordshire claims she was not given a key for her bedroom at Summer Breeze, the four-bed villa offered to clients, that security was inadequate and that staff are guilty of negligence.

She is so angry, she has waived her right to anonymity to tell her story.

If her ground-breaking case is successful, it could pave the way for other holidaymakers who become victims of crime to sue the owners of the properties they are renting.

The incident has had a devastating effect on Georgina, a mother of two, and she is now suing Girls For Sail, the sailing school that organised the holiday

But is this a reasonable response to a terrifying ordeal? Or, in her absolutely justifiable anger, is she unfairly lashing out at the wrong targets?

For her part, Georgina alleges that had Girls For Sail offered adequate security, she might have been spared the horror she endured there.

For those wishing to spend a few nights on land during their sailing holiday in St Lucia, Girls For Sail offered rooms in the hillside villa, which was also listed as an RYA-accredited centre.

Summer Breeze, which belongs to Girls For Sail owner Annie OSullivan and is also let via websites Airbnb and TripAdvisor, was promoted as ideal accommodation for lone women - significant given the alarming number of rapes that occur on the small island each year.

According to latest figures from the Royal St Lucia Police Force, there were 44 rapes on the island in 2014 and seven attempted rapes.

Georgina alleges that had Girls For Sail offered adequate security, she might have been spared the horror she endured there

In 2011, two British women, aged 24 and 31, were raped by a gang of masked men while working in St Lucia as volunteers on a wildlife charity conservation project. Caribbean newspapers reveal just how significant a problem rape has become on the island, which is visited by around 75,000 British tourists each year.

Just a couple of months before Georgina was attacked, another woman in her 40s was the victim of an attempted rape in chillingly similar circumstances when a man broke into her home in the middle of the night while she was sleeping and held a knife to her throat. She escaped when a neighbour heard her screams for help.

In March, St Lucian Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony spoke of his deep sense of outrage, revulsion and anger about the recent spate of rapes in our country.

Georgina, who worked in market research before training to be a doctor in her 30s, had no idea of any of this. She arrived after a 12-hour journey from the UK via Barbados, exhausted but excited about the holiday ahead. Her friend, Helen, was due to join her a couple of days later.

After taking a taxi from the airport, she was met at the villa by a GFS member of staff and shown to her room next to the front door.

Just a couple of months before Georgina was attacked, another woman in her 40s was the victim of an attempted rape in chillingly similar circumstances

She claims she was given a keyring fitted with two keys, one for the front door and one for a padlock on the metal anti-burglar bars inside the door. She says she was told the keys were self-explanatory and, although there was no key for her bedroom door, Georgina says she did not give the matter a second thought.

The villa, described on the GFS website as like a normal big home and a more homely option for guests, had the atmosphere of a shared house. The handful of other guests were female - one British and three from Switzerland and Germany. They were either clients or GFS instructors.

I wasnt given a key for my bedroom and it didnt occur to me to ask for one or even if the door was lockable, says Georgina. This was not a hotel. Two other instructors were staying there, and I understood the front door would be locked and padlocked at night.

Georgina said she wasnt given a key for her bedroom and it didnt occur to her to ask for one or even if the door was lockable

It was on the second night that Georgina had joined some of the women from the house and GFS instructors at a street party in nearby Gros Islet, but at around midnight, she took a taxi back to the villa with another guest.

Jet-lagged and suffering from heat exhaustion, she got undressed and went straight to bed.

What happened next is horrifying. Georgina woke in darkness in the middle of the night to find a man lying on top of her, raping her.

His hand was over my throat pinning me to the bed, she says. I could hardly breathe. The terror was overwhelming, but also the utter disbelief. I couldnt believe what was happening. I was sure he was going to kill me.

Georgina lay as still as she could, afraid she would pass out. Her thoughts turned to her daughters, aged 13 and 15, at home with their father in Hertfordshire, and the fear that she would never see them again.

I knew that to try to move would be fatal, that I had to lay still and submit rather than anger him, she says.

She was saved by a knock on her bedroom door by someone who had heard her struggling for breath.

It was only later that Georgina discovered this was a local man who had been allowed by staff to sleep on the sofa in the sitting room.

It was fortunate he was there, she says. But how appropriate was it that he was allowed to casually sleep there, given all the women in the house?

Even though Georgina couldnt respond to his knocks, he was concerned enough to open the door, at which point her attacker fled past him and out of the unlocked front door.

Police were called and Georgina, who had suffered bruising, gave a statement and was taken to hospital to be forensically examined. She was also given medication for possible sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

In the aftermath, Georgina went to the marina in Rodney Bay and sat with other staff on the deck of the GFS yacht, which she says she was disturbed to find, was called Hot Stuff. The Girls For Sail name was also emblazoned across the hull.

She later discovered that the villa in which she stayed, and which was up a steep, unmade road and surrounded by vegetation, was known locally as the Girls for Sail villa.

You have to wonder what kind of impression it was giving, says Georgina. Another guest told me that when they sailed back into harbour after one of their trips, all the men on the pontoon were wolf-whistling and cat-calling. Its hardly conducive to keeping women safe.

She was staying in one of the four bedrooms at Summer Breeze villa, a RYA accredited sailing training centre, in the hills above Rodney Bay Marina (pictured)

The company, which is based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, was launched in 1999 by London-born sailing enthusiast Annie OSullivan, a former merchandiser for underwear store La Senza and project manager for Carphone Warehouse and the NHS.

She decided to turn her passion into a business encouraging women to take to the water. Given its name and lively image, and its all-female crews given snappy nicknames such as Minxes, Dollies and Chicks, the company has received much attention in the yachting press over the years.

Flamboyant blonde OSullivan, 50, cites Dame Ellen MacArthur as her inspiration and has promoted Girls For Sail with T-shirts emblazoned with logos such as so many buoys, so little time.

Last year, she was selected by Sky TV producers to take part in a new series called Fright Club in which members of the public confront their fears. OSullivan featured in an episode called Water, in which two people were helped to overcome their aquaphobia.

As for Georgina, despite her attack, at first she attempted to continue the GFS sailing course.

Girls For Sail, which is based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, was launched in 1999 by London-born sailing enthusiast Annie OSullivan (pictured)

The night after she was raped, along with her friend Helen who had, by now, arrived in St Lucia, she stayed at a hotel in the Rodney Bay marina.

A couple of days after the attack, she told the British High Commission she had been the victim of a crime. And when she finally broke down and realised she couldnt carry on, she turned to them to arrange her a flight home. I was utterly traumatised, she recalls. I couldnt cope with being there.

Georgina claims that during telephone conversations with Annie OSullivan, she asked why she had not been given a key for her room. She says Ms OSullivan told her: You are going to be on a boat, there arent any doors and we ask you not to bring valuables.

She also alleges Ms OSullivan added: Its like when my mother left her windows open and got burgled - unfortunately, people will take advantage.

Just three weeks after the rape, on her first day back at work as a hospital doctor, Georgina received a GFS marketing email advertising sailing packages.

Just three weeks after the rape, on her first day back at work as a hospital doctor, Georgina received a GFS marketing email advertising sailing packages

When she complained, she was sent a voucher for a massage and mini manicure, along with an email from Ms OSullivan describing it as a little treat which she hoped she would find enjoyable.

She also discovered that Girls For Sail had not reported the rape to the Royal Yachting Association. Strangely, while Summer Breeze is still promoted by the RYA on its website as an accredited training centre, the organisation has now distanced itself from the property, claiming that the incident did not take place during an RYA-accredited training course.

Put simply, the RYA argues it is not responsible for what goes on at the villa when it is being used for accommodation rather than RYA-accredited training.

A spokesman, who said the association was shocked and saddened to hear about the attack, told the Mail: Girls For Sail as a company is not endorsed by the RYA. Girls For Sail was (and is) authorised by the RYA to deliver RYA-accredited training courses.

The RYA has no involvement with any aspect of Girls For Sails business activities that does not relate directly to the delivery of RYA-accredited training courses. As such, the RYA has no connection with the ownership, operation or provision of holiday accommodation such as that in which the incident took place.

The terror was overwhelming, but also the utter disbelief. I couldnt believe what was happening. I was sure he was going to kill me

Since the rape, Girls For Sail has revamped its website, emphasising that we are not package holiday providers and can only make recommendations on accommodation.

But among information about sailing in the Caribbean, the company clearly offers the option of staying in our beautiful Summer Breeze villa and the opportunity to improve sailing skills in a safe, nurturing and non-threatening environment.

Interestingly, in response to Georginas claims, two separate statements were released, one on behalf of Girls For Sail and the other on behalf of Ms OSullivan as the owner of Sea Breeze villa.

The first, from GFS, said: We are all in complete shock that a lady who was due to sail with us has been a victim of this terrible incident and despicable crime.

We are passionate about the safety and well-being of our customers and, as a female-orientated company, we have certainly never sought to trivialise Mrs Mortimers horrendous experience.

The statement from Ms OSullivan said: Our guests safety is of paramount importance to us and we are deeply concerned at some of the accusations that have been made, which we believe are without foundation.

Where responsibility lies will, in the end, no doubt, be decided by lawyers, but if sailing across the blue waters of the Caribbean was once a lifetimes ambition for Georgina Mortimer, it is now the last thing on earth she wants to do.

All my life, I wanted to sail. I never will now, she says. I will be reminded of my experience whenever I see a boat on the water.
For most women, going through pregnancy for the first time is a confronting experience.

And that's been no different for Emma Hawkins, who described the changes she's seen in her body alongside an Instagram photo of her baby bump on Wednesday.

But despite admitting to difficulties in controlling her weight and having 'world record size' breasts, the wife of AFL star Tom Hawkins is seemingly enjoying her first with-child experience.

'Hey bump! I love watching you grow,' Ms Hawkins began her post to more than 44,000 followers.

Baby glow: Emma Hawkins (pictured) has described how she feels comfortable in her body despite the ups and downs that have come with her first pregnancy

The wife of AFL star Tom Hawkins (pictured right) said she had battled changing weight and seen an increase in breast size during her pregnancy. The couple announced their exciting baby news in early July

'I've lost weight, put on weight, lost weight etc, broken the world record in boob size, have barely kept food down and welcomed preggo pimples.

'But strangely I've never felt more comfortable in my body.'

While the mum-to-be admitted that she may not be feeling so upbeat come the third trimester, her positive attitude is being commended by other women.

'What a gorgeous bump. Don't worry you will love it now , hate it between 35-40 weeks then after baby is born you will want it all back again. Stay gorgeous,' one woman commented.

The couple announced their pregnancy to the public via Instagram earlier in July, just three months after the childhood sweethearts were married.

Happy hawk! In her post on Wednesday, the mum-to-be talked about she has enjoyed her first pregnancy experience

Childhood sweethearts: Mr and Mrs Hawkins are both from the NSW Riverina and reportedly shared their first kiss at the age of 17

Special day: The long-time lovers were married in March this year at Marcus Hill, Victoria

'WE'RE PREGNANT! We're so lucky and so excited... Cannot wait to meet him/her,' Geelong forward Tom posted on social media.

In between caring for herself and her unborn child, Mrs Hawkins is also the founder of her own lifestyle company Who Loves That.

The blonde beauty made headlines earlier this year after her wedding dress was stolen along with her car in the days following their ceremony.
A student who was told there was 'no room' for black playwrights in her studies has hit back in spectacular style - with a viral social media post telling how she went on to sell out an entire theatre with her own play.

Eno Mfon, 21, has now revealed that the lecturer who rebuffed her has had to pay to watch Eno's own play on stage.

The talented playwright posted her graduation photo on social media this month with a triumphant 'told you so' to university staff - and received a stream of support from her followers.

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Eno posted her graduation photo on social media this month with a triumphant 'told you so' to university staff - and received a stream of support from her followers, with thousands of likes and shares

She wrote: When you're the only black kid on your course and one of the head lecturers tells you there's no space for black theatre makers on the curriculum so you spend three years learning about Chekhov and Carol Ann Duffy but then realise that you can write your own stuff for lil black girls and so you do that, and sell out the Bristol Old Vic and the lecturer that told you there's no space for you, pays to watch you perform.

Her post has been liked and shared hundreds of times on Facebook, with almost 2,000 likes on Instagram and been met with a stream of support from her friends.

Angela Enyonam Afeeva labelled her a 'star' with Sarah Phillips adding: 'You go Eno! You're brilliant- congrats on graduating!'

Simram Randhawa wrote 'you are amazing,' while Ruth Harris called her an 'inspiration'. 'Continue to break barriers,' she wrote. 'Congratulations couldn't be prouder.'

She said she was the only 'black kid' on her course, and was told there was 'no room' in the curriculum.

The student then realised she should write her own works, and the result was her play Check The Label, which stunned audiences when it ran for three nights at the Bristol Old Vic in late February.

Check the Label is described as a deeply intimate piece based on Eno's own experience of growing up in dark skin, told through poetry, childhood games and music - everything from nursery rhymes to Dizzee Rascal.

Eno said she initially challenged the lecturers and course leaders at the University of Bristol after discovering that all the works she would be studying for three years were written by white playwrights.

Speaking about the play, Eno said: I decided to confront the experience of colourism and skin bleaching which permeates the Black and Asian community.

When I was growing up I noticed visible changes in some of the women around me. There were little signs that revealed the use of lightening cream.

I knew how to spot the signs but I never understood the wider implications of this; it was a taboo subject that no one dared to address.

Through Check the Label I am attempting to say what many young black girls, including myself, once struggled to articulate.

Eno's play Check The Label stunned audiences and critics when it ran for three nights at the Bristol Old Vic (pictured) in late February. The 21-year-old has just graduated after completing her course at Bristol

Check the Label is described as a deeply intimate piece based on Eno's own experience of growing up in dark skin, told through poetry, childhood games and music - everything from nursery rhymes to Dizzee Rascal

The University's head of theatre, Catherine Hindson, said: 'I've spoken to Eno about her post and apologised that she had this negative experience.

'I've invited her to meet with me in September to talk through and get her feedback on changes we've already made in the new Theatre curriculum.

'She agreed that her experience studying here was a positive one in many ways. Indeed, her play Check the Label was made possible through the Studioscripts programme we fund and run through our in-house Drama Society Studiospace, in partnership with Bristol Old Vic.
Do you know your USA from your Canada, Latvia from Lithuania and where Cambodia is in relation to Vietnam?

If the answer to that is a resounding yes, then check out the latest quiz from Playbuzz.

Six countries have switched places in this map of the world - but can you spot them all?

Scroll down for the reveal!

Do you know your USA from your Canada, your Latvia from your Lithuania and your Cambodia from your Vietnam?

In this reordered map, countries that you're used to seeing in their set places on the world map appear to have shifted.

The giant land mass stretching from Europe to Asia is now labelled Canada, while the large island continent in the southern hemisphere is called Brazil.

So how quickly did you spot the remarkable changes across the globe?

How quickly were you able to spot that Canada became Greenland, Russia became Canada and Greenland became Russia?

The map test is the latest teaser from the site, that recently challenged the web to spot Disney princesses in a huge crowd scene.

Among the faces, including the Seven Dwarfs, the Genie, Winnie the Pooh and the Cheshire cat, are the iconic cartoon heroines.

But how quickly can you spot Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, and Ariel?

In this crowded scene, princesses Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas,and Ariel are all hidden. But how quickly can you spot them?

Although some princesses - including Belle and Pocahontas are fairly easy to spot, Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine and Cinderella are a little bit trickier.

Some Playbuzz users have even noticed that there are more princesses than the six you have been challenged to find - Auroa from Sleeping Beauty can be spotted in the top and centre, as well as Kida from Atlantis and Mulan.

How many did you spot? Some Playbuzz users have even noticed that there are more princesses than the six you have been challenged to find - Auroa from Sleeping Beauty can be spotted in the top and centre, as well as Kida from Atlantis and Mulan

Another puzzle recently put film buffs to the ultimate test with a dense crowd scene in which every image references a movie.

The challenge is whether you can identify the clues and name the cinematic work that inspired it. Take the test to see how many you get right...

The crowded scene created by Playbuzz is set on a tarmac foreground with buildings to the left and right and a backdrop of the Hollywood sign, over which birds wheel through the sky and starships appear to be fighting each other.

This crowd scene is filled with clues but can you identify them and name all 50 films it references?

A lone turret is up in flames, while a chasm appears to be opening up in the hillside while the rest of the image appears to depict chaos.

Some clues are more literal than others, for instance a man playing a violin atop a building brings to mind the famous musical starring Topol.

Fingers tightly closed around some US currency, also accurately depicts a classic US film.

In fact, the test will appeal to those with a wealth of knowledge about Hitchcock films (five clues) and famous directors Martin Scorese hits (three films) and George Lucas (two).

Three cartoons pop up, along with two classic Second World War flicks, musicals also have a place, while a Audrey Hepburn film is included along with one of Patrick Swayze's most loved works.

Ridley Scott films are also featured, with one of them providing one of the easiest visual aids.

This ultimate film test is just the latest in a slew of optical illusions that are driving the internet wild.

Another brain teaser revealed how even photographs are not always what they seem.

A picture appears to show a beautiful scene of a lake, with mountains in the distance. But can you spot what is really going on?

The image appears to show a beautiful scene of a lake, with mountains in the distance. But can you spot what is really going on?

If you look extremely closely you'll see that the landscape doesn't include any water at all.

What appears to be a the lake is in fact a concrete wall obscuring part of the scenery, with the shrub growing on the other side.

It is one of the trickiest optical illusions on the web, that baffled many who simply couldn't spot what was really being pictured in the image.

If you look extremely closely you'll see that the scene is not, in fact, of a lake. Instead, the photograph is showing a concrete wall

Back in 2015, the infamous 'dress' divided internet users, who simply could not agree over whether it was black and blue or gold and white - with even Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift joining in on the debate.

One year later, the Adidas jacket did the same, with people saying that they saw numerous colour combinations, including blue and white, green and gold, black and brown, and green and brown.

And this week a new colour spectrum illusion emerged to frustrate the nation, proving once again that our perceptions of colour can be very different from each other.

Is this colour blue or green? When asked to name the colour above, 64 per of respondents said that it was green, with 32 per cent believing it to be blue

Optical Express surveyed the UK public with the seemingly simple task of identifying shades of blue and green, as part of a study into our perception of colour.

When asked to name the colour, 64 per of respondents said that it was green, with 32 per cent believing it to be blue.

However, when asked to name the same colour adjacent to two distinctly blue images, many changed their minds - with 90 per cent then stating that it was green.

The shade is indeed more green than blue. According to the RGB colour spectrum, the values of the colour are 0, 122 and 116.

However, when asked to name the same colour adjacent to two distinctly blue images, many changed their minds - with 90 per cent then stating that it was green

Back in 2015, the infamous 'dress' divided internet users, who simply could not agree over whether it was black and blue or gold and white - with even Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift joining in on the debate. One year later, the Adidas jacket (right) did the same

WHY DO WE SEE COLOURS DIFFERENTLY? Every single person is unique and as a result, our brains process information differently. Depending on how you interpret colours, one person might see it one way, while the very next person who looks at it might see it differently. Light enters the eye and hits the retina, which is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The light is converted to an electrical signal which travels along the Optic Nerve to the Visual Cortex in the brain. The brain makes its own unique interpretation of this electrical signal. It is not surprising that many respondents changed their mind when seeing the colour in contrast to the two blue shades, as we perceive an objects colour based on a comparison to its surrounding shades, not on the actual colour itself. Assessing colour vision is just one of the myriad of examinations that can be undertaken during a routine sight test. Its possible for colour blindness to go undetected depending on severity - as its impossible to see the world through another persons eyes. Conditions such as protanomaly, deuteranomaly and tritanomaly can range from inconvenient to quite dangerous - often preventing those inflicted from pursuing certain careers. If you have any concerns about your colour perception, you should seek an appointment with a registered optometrist. Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express Advertisement

People also had their brain tested by the 'perception test', that challenged quizzers to answer a series of quickfire questions.

The test began by setting out the rules: 'Answer the following questions loudly and as quickly as possible. Don't think too much and don't cheat!'

The challenge, tjhat was also created by Playbuzz, went through a series of animal pictures, asking you to name what each one is.

Internet users are being challenged to test their brain power in a new quiz - which the majority of people will fail

The quiz goes through a series of animal pictures, asking you to name what each one is

Quiz takers are required to answer the following questions loudly and as quickly as possible

The rules stated at the beginning of the quiz add: 'Don't think too much and don't cheat!'

The test surprises the quiz taker by throwing out a completely different question: 'Name one city in the USA'

The photographs feature a cute-looking cat, a guinea pic and a cow.

The test then surprises the quiz taker by throwing out a completely different question: 'Name one city in the USA.'

So what did you say?

According to the creators of the quiz, 92 per cent of people answer New York under pressure.

But if you're one of the few people that named a different city, it shows you've got a creative and innovative mind.

Sometimes the easiest-sounding brain teasers are the most difficult ones.

And one of the latest puzzle to sweep the web certainly plays by those rules.

Created by a PlayBuzz user, this colour photo depicts a grey car seat with a mysterious object hidden on it that it's up to you to find

At first, the secret object is impossible to find. However, after a more detailed search you can spot a grey iPad lying flat on the back on the seat

Created by a PlayBuzz user, this colour photo depicts a grey car seat with a mysterious object hidden on it that it's up to you to find.

At first, the secret object is impossible to find.

However, after a more detailed search you can spot a grey iPad lying flat on the back on the seat.

The iPad is well-camouflaged because it's the same colour as the seat, with similar markings.

Another brainteaser to have swept the web depicts a happy-looking holiday scene.

The latest brainteaser to have swept the web depicts a happy-looking holiday scene

A dad can be seen peacefully reading a newspaper while his two children fish beside him - one successfully managing to reel in a big one.

But within the scene, six holiday-themed words have been hidden, and the challenge is to spot them all.

Four of the six words, including 'tree' and 'boy' are relatively easy to spot.

However, the other two are slightly more difficult.

The version of the picture with rings around the words shows how many you got right - or simply failed to spot.

Within the scene, six holiday-themed words have been hidden, and the challenge is to spot them all

Year five pupils at a primary school in Glossop, Derbyshire, were left as stumped as their parents by a question which asked them to 'calculate the perimeter of these composite rectilinear shapes'.

One dad, 43, was so baffled that he turned to social media, appealing for help in solving the question.

As the Manchester Evening News reported, he wrote on Facebook: 'My sons grandma had spent a while helping him with his homework and most of it was straightforward but this one question left her stumped.

The maths puzzle was given to year five pupils at a school in Glossop, Derbyshire

'I then spent an hour or so trying to work it out but found it impossible.

'I really do think it is impossible and it is certainly not something a ten-year-old can answer.'

On social media, many have claimed that the answer is 44cm for both - but not everyone is in agreement.

Another puzzle recently swept the internet, with many trying to solve it using advanced mathematics then kicking themselves when they realised the real solution.

Antley Lamont Staten posted this brainteaser on Facebook, which has been shared more than 370,000 times.

The puzzle shows a grid of nine numbers and a sign next to it asking people to share the image when they find the error.

Yet another puzzle is sweeping the internet, this time boggling the minds of everybody with its deceptively simple answer, above

Lots of people have been trying but failing to solve what they think is a mathematical equation on the right side.

One wrote: 'It' s 4 and 5. 3 + 6=9 2+5=7 not 8 and 1+4=5 not 7. That's how I looked at it.'

However, the answer is that 'mitsake' is spelled wrong.

Theodore O'Connell II wrote: 'This is funny. Most people will pay more attention to the numbers and not the spelling of the sign.'

Pat Ireland said: 'Just shows that it's true - most of us only see the first and last letter of a word.'

Many have been trying to solve the riddle with advanced mathematics, but were probably left kicking themselves when they realised the real solution. The answer is that 'mitsake' is spelled wrong

It came after another very tricky puzzle challenged the internet to find a gherkin hidden among a whole host of burger ingredients.

The brainteaser features a solitary gherkin mixed in with beef burgers, fries and other tasty-looking garnishes.

The challenge is made even more difficult because of all the other green items featured, including salad leaves, cucumber and avocado slices.

The brainteaser features a solitary gherkin mixed in with beef burgers, fries and other tasty-looking garnishes

The visual puzzle was created by illustrator Sally-Ann Heron for food delivery service Deliveroo.

The 25-year-old said: 'I kept forgetting where it was myself, while I was drawing it. I was really hungry by the time I'd finished it.'

The gherkin is actually hidden towards the bottom left of the image, behind an onion ring and a beef burger.

It's not the only food-themed puzzle to have internet users scratching their heads in recent weeks.

The gherkin is actually hidden towards the bottom left of the image, behind an onion ring and a beef burger

In April, popular high street bakers Greggs posted a pasty puzzle that showed a lone cheese and onion bake in a pile of steak slices.

The brainteaser was inspired by the Where's Wally-style puzzles challenging people to spot animals amongst throngs of creatures that have been sweeping the net in recent months.

For those not familiar with the baker's offerings, picking out the pasty proved difficult.

This optical illusion has had pasty lovers scratching their heads - and rubbing their stomachs

The eagle-eyed spotted that the difference lies in the patterns of the pasties.

While the steak bakes feature diagonal lines, the cheese and onion bake is scored with a V-shaped design.

The lone cheese and onion bake is hidden at the bottom right corner of the puzzle.

The cheese and onion bake is tucked away in the bottom right hand corner (circled in red)

This is the latest brain-teaser taking the internet by storm, inviting people to take on the challenge in fewer than five seconds

Internet users were also challenged to see if they could spot what was wrong in this sentence, above, that listed a colourful series of numbers above - in fewer than five seconds.

Reading both text and numbers at a quick pace can result in skipping bits out - which many people who failed to spot the mistake have fallen foul of here.

The numbers, which are in colour, attract the eye and the reader may automatically find themselves checking those for a mistake.

In fact, the error is hidden in the text informing you that there is a mistake to spot.

The results, circled in red, show that the mistake is the fact that the word 'the' has been written twice

Those with a keen eye for detail, and practised in the art of speed-reading, will have noticed that the word 'the' is written twice.

The puzzle is a slight detour from the current trend of Where's Wally-style quizzes.

After a spate of illustrations in which a panda was hidden amongst snowmen, Star Wars figures, elephants.

The craze was sparked by Hungarian illustrator Dudas in December 2015 with he drew a group of snowmen and sneaked in a lone panda amongst them.

Seven months later the craze for puzzles shows no sign of abating,

Dudas, or Dudolf as he is known when drawing, spawned the Where's waldo-style internet puzzle craze back in December last year when he asked fans to find the panda hidden in these snowmen

The image of the panda was shared hundreds of thousands of times as it captivated internet users who eventually found him here

Dudolf followed up with a series of wide-eyed owls and challenged viewers to spot the cat hidden amongst them.

Reddit user Oneste stuck with the panda theme, but this time drew the fuzzy creature hiding among a group of Stormtroopers to mark the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

There amongst Imperial troops including Stormtroopers, Speeder Biker riders and Snowtroopers, is a single panda with the same black and white colouring as the other figures.
Ladies Day is hailed as the place to see and be seen - and it seems that racegoers took note of the memo

of Sussex socialites with many dressing to impress

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Ladies Day at Goodwood is hailed as the place to see and be seen, and revellers no doubt spent hours carefully putting together their outfits for the biggest day of the week's racing festivities.

Yet as the third day of the races drew to a close on Thursday, it was turned into a total washout with dark clouds and heavy showers - forcing racegoers to run for shelter as quickly as they could.

Taking refuge under giant umbrellas, the guests ran for cover in a bid to save their glamorous ensembles from getting covered in mud.

Goodwood was turned into a washout this afternoon with dark clouds and heavy showers - forcing racegoers to run for cover

Taking refuge under giant umbrellas, the guests ran for cover in a bid to save their glamorous ensembles from getting covered in mud

As arrivals poured in earlier on in the day, the ladies were out in force in a rainbow of colourful hats, bright shift dresses and towering heels. Without a strict Ascot-esque dress code in place, women used the day out as an excuse to don a medley of bold fashion looks, including a feathered visor hat and some daringly short dresses.

Other brave souls ran the gauntlet of the fashion police in dresses that showed off plenty of cleavage and leg - breaking a vital style rule.

A gaggle of girls arrived arm-in-arm for their big day out, which remains a must-do in the calendar of Sussex socialites with many dressing to impress.

Short dresses in an array of bold hues with slashed hemlines, cut-out cleavages and fancy headgear were the order of the day. One lady used the warm weather as an excuse to show off her trim figure wearing a revealing peach dress, with both her chest and legs on show.

Rainbow after the storm: Revellers take shelter under huge, rainbow-hued umbrellas as the sunshine turns to showers

The well-dressed women managed to style out the rain as they strutted with their umbrellas

What a washout! Defiant guests take refuge under umbrellas as they continue to watch the races

Glamorous fillies flashed some flesh as they arrived arm-in-arm and in very high spirits for Ladies' Day at Goodwood races on Thursday

Other brave souls ran the gauntlet of the fashion police in dresses that showed off plenty of cleavage and leg - breaking a vital style rule in their daring designs

It's known as Glorious Goodwood - and the beauty wasn't just in the verdant landscape on the third day of the famous Sussex race meet.

Now in its sixth year, this renowned charity event sees female jockeys only taking to the track. Riders who are leading women in business, some with little or no experience of racing, take part in the opening race of Ladies' Day, at one of the most exciting and glamorous horse racing events in the world.

Sporting stunning bespoke silks designed especially for the occasion by prominent female fashion designers, this event claims to be as exhilarating as it is stylish. Raising money for Best Beginnings and World Vision, the race has already raised over 1 million for charity.

Glamorous in pastel hued shift dresses and towering heels, the ladies were out in force as Ladies Day got underway at Goodwood Festival on Thursday

A gaggle of girls arrived arm-in-arm for their big day out, which remains a must-do in the calendar of Sussex socialites with many dressing to impress

Monochome magic: The musical group Elle & The Pocket Belles looked chic in matching fifties-style black and white dresses

The female riders are all high profile successful business women from many different industries. For some riders, such as Harpers Bazaar Designer Alby Bailey, it will be their debut race; for others, such as Dido Harding, CEO of TalkTalk and the races most experienced rider, it is a chance to win.

Hayley Turner, the most successful female jockey in British racing history, is the ambassador for the 6th Magnolia Cup. Turner, who retired at the end of the 2015 season, provided the riders with guidance and support along their journey before they rode in the charity race.

She hopes to boost the womens confidence and give them advice ahead of the race. Speaking ahead of the big day, she said: 'There can be no greater thrill than riding at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, it is one of the most unique and beautiful racecourses in the world.

'The girls have been training hard already and Im looking forward to helping them in any way I can.'

Today, the female riders are all high profile successful business women from many different industries. For some riders, such as Harpers Bazaar Designer Alby Bailey, it will be their debut race; for others, such as Dido Harding, CEO of TalkTalk and the race's most experienced rider, it is a chance to win

It's known as Glorious Goodwood - and the beauty wasn't just in the verdant landscape on the third day of the famous Sussex race meet

There was an array of feminine dresses and eye-catching headgear on display at the festival

A female racegoer arrives donning a colourful feathered headpiece during Ladies Day on day three

Ladies donned bold and bright coloured dresses adorned with floral motifs for the most glamorous day in the racing calendar

Una Foden and Made In Chelsea's James Dunmore, who is dating Lucy Watson, were among the celebrity attendees, as was Zoe Warren, who is daughter-in-law to the Queen's racing advisor, John Warren. Other notable names included Prince Harry's rumoured Astrid Harbord, who posed for photos with culinary guru Melissa Hemsley.

Every year the competition for the most attractive silks adds a high dose of glamour to the event, with renowned fashion designers adding flair to the riders outfits which are designed especially for this race. The silks have to cover some thick body protectors, so the challenge is to produce an outfit that is loose, yet looks suitably chic.

The line-up includes some fashion greats such as Liberty, Amanda Wakeley, Beulah, Kate Halfpenny, Me + Em, Vivienne Westwood, Jasmine Guinness, Unique Sibanda and local designer Claire Featherstone from Featherstone Frocks, whose silk won the competition last year.

(L-R) Charlotte Hogg, wearing ME+EM, Alby Bailey wearing Jasmine Guinness, Dido Harding, wearing Bella Freud, Isabelle Taylor, wearing Jasmine Guinness, Georgie Lane-Godfrey, wearing Liberty and Emily Baxendale wearing Jasmine Guinness for the 2016 Magnolia Cup arrive at the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2016

Jockey Shadi Halliwell before the Magnolia Cup charity race during Ladies Day on day three of The Qatar Goodwood Festival

Una Foden and Made In Chelsea's James Dunmore, who is dating Lucy Watson, were among the celebrity attendees, left, as was Zoe Warren, who is daughter-in-law to the Queen's racing advisor, John Warren

Other notable names included Prince Harry's rumoured Astrid Harbord (far left) who posed for photos with friends including culinary guru Melissa Hemsley (second right)
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With school out for summer, Viscount Linley decamped to upmarket Portofino for a relaxing holiday with his family this week.

David Armstrong-Jones, 54, who is 18th in line to the throne, looked refreshed and relaxed as he enjoyed an ice cream as he leisurely roamed the streets of the fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline.

The heir-apparent to the Earldom of Snowdon, who is the chairman of auction house Christie's, was joined by his 46-year-old wife, Serena Alleyne Armstrong-Jones, and Lord and Lady Bamford - who have been dubbed 'Britain's blingiest couple' thanks to their lavish lifestyle and A-list pals.

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David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, joined Lord and Lady Bamford as they enjoyed their summer holiday with family and friends in Portofino

Dressed in a casual white polo shirt, Viscount Linley and his pals were also seen enjoying a relaxing day aboard a huge yacht along with his daughter, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, 14, who was a bridesmaid at the Royal Wedding, and his 17-year-old son, Charles Armstrong-Jones.

Along with their friends and families, the Linleys slid down waterslides and navigated a tight rope they'd set up in the sea before enjoying a leisurely lunch on the shore.

Viscount Linley, who is a successful businessman in his own right, appeared to be enjoying his time away from the office and was sporting a healthy glow on the trip.

The Bamfords are a close-knit clan with three children - Alice, nearly 40, Jo, 39, and George, 35 - and five grandchildren.

Viscount Linley strolled with his daughter, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, 14, who was a bridesmaid at the Royal Wedding, and his 17-year-old son, Charles Armstrong-Jones

Dressed in a casual white polo shirt, the furniture designer looked relaxed as he tucked into an ice cream

The Bamfords are a close-knit clan with three children - Alice, nearly 40, Jo, 39, and George, 35 - and five grandchildren. Carole Bamford (centre), wearing a loose blue dress, was spotted walking their dog

Viscount Linley, who works at Christies auction house, and wife Serena (far left) looked relaxed as they mingled with friends aboard the Virginian yacht in the Mediterranean beauty spot

Alice, who runs a hip hop record label, has a son named Anthony Otis Joseph, who was born in October 2015. Eldest son Jo, meanwhile, works at JCB. Married to knitwear designer Alex Gore Browne, they have two children.

Younger son George has two children with wife Leonora. Owner of Bamford Watch Department, he customises designer watches, spray-painting Rolexes black or coating them in titanium and selling them for vast sums.

Anthony Bamford and his wife Carole - organic farmer extraordinaire and founder of the ultra high-end Daylesford food and lifestyle company - enjoy an opulent lifestyle.

They regularly holiday in India and Barbados and have a rollcall of famous friends.

In 2006, then Prime Minister Tony Blair was seen drinking chilled lager at Heron Bay, their Barbados holiday home. The couple are close to Prince Charles and Camilla, with Charles even borrowing their Sikorsky helicopter. Pink Floyds Nick Mason is also a chum, as is Joan Collins.

In March this year, the Tory donor and JCB tycoon Lord Bamford, who is worth 3.1 billion, and his wife Lady Bamford excelled themselves when it came to their joint 70th birthday.

According to The Daily Mail, they chartered two private 737 jets and flew out the entire Chipping Norton set for an extremely luxurious passage to India.

Among the 180 rumoured guests at the four-day jolly in Jaipur were apparently ex-Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, Alex James, the Blur bassist, News UK chief Rebekah Brooks and her racehorse trainer husband Charlie, supermodel sisters Cara and Poppy Delevingne, Viscount and Viscountess Linley, actor Christopher Biggins and the property tycoon Tony Gallagher.

Viscount Linley watched on as one of the members of the party leapt from the boat into the water

The group also enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the seaside fishing village and appeared to be in high spirits

The Viscount chatted to friends as he enjoyed a gelato during their jaunt in the Italian beauty spot of Portofino

The holidaymakers were certainly enjoying the blow-up water slide that was affixed to the yacht

The Linleys and their friends slid down waterslides and navigated a tight rope they'd set up in the sea, attached to the Virginian, the 240ft yacht owned by the Bamfords

As for Linley, he runs his own commemorative items company and joins the royal family at official events such as Trooping the Colour and Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.

Most recently, he joined the Queen and Prince Phillip in the royal carriage for a day out at Royal Ascot.

It was a family day out for the royals who were joined by the Queen's cousin Prince Michael of Kent and his wife, who also joined the party to watch the Gold Cup.

Along with his wife and two children, Linley lives between his three homes in Chelsea, Gloucestershire and a Chateau in the Luberon, Provence.

The families enjoyed whizzing down an inflatable plastic slide into the warm waters of the Southern Italian coastline

The Bamfords children and grandchildren joined family and friends aboard the huge yacht as a blow-up dingy was pulled aboard

Viscount Linley showed off his strength as he used his arm muscles to pull himself along a rope

The businessman was joined in the sea by his daughter, who was a bridesmaid for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Linley and his friends enjoyed a refreshing dip in the sea during a relaxing day on shore and aboard the Virginian yacht

Linley runs his own commemorative items company and joins the royal family at official events such as Trooping the Colour and Christmas celebrations at Sandringham

Anthony Bamford and his wife Carole enjoy a life of opulence and joined the Linleys on their jaunt abroad

The Bamfords, who are looked cool and relaxed in co-ordinated blue cotton outfits even had their little dog in tow on the trip

Viscount Linley casually slung a camera over his shoulder, left, as he joined his son for a walk around the town, whilst his wife, Serena Armstrong-Jones, Viscountess Linley, looked chic in a coral eyelet dress, rope wedges and a natty Panama hat as she strolled with her daughter Margarita

Linley enjoyed a chat once back on board as he dried off after a dip in the sea - a basket behind him emblazoned with the name 'Virginian' - is the same name as the 240ft yacht owned by Lord Bamford

The group were in high spirits as they chatted and relaxed aboard the super yacht. Lord Bamford (left) and his wife Carole (centre) looked chic in matching white shirts
It's quickly gone from being a favorite of little old ladies to a must-have for female millennials, but if you're still not convinced of rose's trendy appeal, the drink just got a whole lot cooler. Literally.

New York City's Bar Primi has recently debuted an innovative new drink that's a mash-up of two major beverage trends: pink wine and alcoholic slushies.

Called 'frose', the Italian eatery's frozen rose has become an instant hit with with patrons, who've already begun flooding Instagram with snaps to get everyone else salivating.

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Drink up! Bar Primi in New York City recently debuted a frozen rose cocktail

Yum! The Italian eatery makes the pink beverage in its slushie machine

Must-have: Instagrammers are going crazy for it, sharing snaps all over social media

The idea was a stroke of genius by Bar Primi's general manager, Justin Sievers, who clearly has a handle on the power of rose.

'Somebody said something like, "Man, it's rose season, what should we do?" And I was like, what if we just dump a bunch of rose into the [slushie] machine and see if it freezes. So we did!' he told Insider.

And it's paid off in endless buzz. Since Insider posted its video about the frose drink at noon on Wednesday, it's already been viewed six million times, earned over 45,000 likes, and shared nearly 40,000 times.

Another one, please! The drink is ready-made and easy to pour for thirsty customers

Three simple ingredients: It's made with wine, strawberries, and vermouth

Smart guy: Bar Primi's general manager, Justin Sievers, came up with the idea for summer

The drink isn't just frozen wine, though. The bartenders over at the Noho restaurant mix it with a bit of vermouth and pureed strawberries, making it a bit sweeter.

'Everyone seems to love it. As soon as it hit the tables, everyone sees it and is like, "What is that? I want one,"' said Justin.

And then, typically, they get snapping away, sharing close-ups solo glasses or drinks clinking around a table.

'What dreams are made of,' gushed one fan, captioning her own Instagram picture.

Bar Primi also serves a slushie version of a Negroni, which is made with vermouth and Campari.

Say rose! The restaurant has outdoor seating, making for the perfect photo opp

Buzzy: Bar Primi has even come up with a hashtag, #FrozeFridays

Make your own: Recipes for at-home versions have begun popping up online

For those who can't make it to Bar Primi, Bon Appetit has come up with their own version of frose that can be made at home  without a slushie maker.

Their recipe calls for pouring a bottle of rose wine into a 13" by 9" pan and freezing for about six hours, until almost solid.

Once it's done, the frozen wine should be scraped into a blender and mixed up with 2 ounces lemon juice, one cup of crushed ice, and 3 ounces strawberry syrup. It's then frozen again for a half hour and blended once more.
A young woman has been left bedbound and wanting her life to end after developing a severe infection from gorging on cheese on holiday.

Sam Philpott, 22, went away with her parents to Kos, Greece, three years ago.

But after tucking into numerous helpings of unpasteurised goats' cheese, she had unknowingly ingested a potentially fatal bacteria - brucellosis.

Sam Philpott, 22, went away with her parents on holiday three years ago. Just weeks after returning home she had started to suffer from migraines, vomiting and intense pain all over her body. And within weeks her condition worsened and she lost the ability to walk - becoming reliant on a wheelchair

Just weeks after returning home, the former nursery assistant from Walsall, started to suffer from debilitating migraines, constant vomiting and intense pain all over her body.

Her condition worsened within weeks as she lost the ability to walk and became reliant on a wheelchair.

And now she has been left with a list of extreme flu-like symptoms, as well as memory loss, insomnia and speech loss.

She firmly believes it was the gorging on cheese which has caused her all this pain and taken her life away from her.

Miss Philpott, who ate cheese on her pizzas, sandwiches and in her salads, said: 'Who knew that unpasteurised cheese; that is delicious and has brought me much momentary happiness, could cause the mind numbing and wanting to end my life type of pain that I have been suffering with.

'With each mouthful, to my unfortunate complete lack of knowledge and utter surprise, I was ingesting the bacteria that has led to my being bedridden.

'The bacteria has not only taken my ability to live a normal functioning life, but my bubbly spirit.'

Doctors believe brucellosis entered her system after the former nursery worker from Walsall enjoyed numerous servings on unpasteurised goats' cheese on holiday (pictured before infection at her brother Joes, 24, wedding). Miss Philpott is now receiving intravenous therapy treatment (right) - the infusion of antibiotics and vitamin supplements directly into the vein - in Florida

Brucellosis, virtually wiped out in the UK, originates from animals and can cause long-lasting flu-like symptoms.

Miss Philpott is now receiving intravenous therapy treatment - the infusion of antibiotics and vitamin supplements directly into the vein - in Florida.

And at the clinic, she had 32 blood vials taken on her first day as well as a CAT scan.

She is also being given medication for Lyme disease as well as brucellosis, as her symptoms fit both diseases.

But now her immune system has shut down and it is not known how she will respond to the treatment.

Miss Philpott went on holiday in Kos, Greece in 2013 with her father Ian, 52, mother Tracey, 51 and brother Joe

During treatment in the US - she had 32 blood vials taken on her first day as well as a CAT scan. She is also being given medication for Lyme disease as well as brucellosis, as her symptoms fit both diseases

Miss Philpott firmly believes it was the gorging on cheese which has caused her all this pain and taken her life away from her. She ate cheese on her pizzas, sandwiches and in her salads while on holiday (pictured)

Her brother, Joe, 24, said: 'At the clinic, they have said she is one of the worst patients they have seen, in terms of how far her illness has progressed.

'It's a kick in the teeth, but she has faith they'll be able to help. She just wants to go back to studying and get her life back.

'Doctors believe that she more than likely contracted brucellosis the summer she was in Kos - so they think it is linked to eating cheese.'

WHAT IS BRUCELLOSIS? Despite being mostly eradicated in the UK, brucellosis is still a problem globally, and occurs in countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy. It is the most common bacterial infection spread from animals to humans worldwide. Brucellosis doesnt always cause symptoms, and the infection may persist for several months without someone knowing they have it. Humans usually become infected with brucellosis by consuming unpasteurised milk or milk products from infected animals, or very rarely, by eating raw meat from these animals. However they can pick it up by inhaling dust or through direct contact with infected animals or surfaces. Person-to-person spread is very rare, although there have been cases of transmission from mother to baby through breastfeeding, and through sexual contact. Brucellosis is rarely fatal in humans, although some cases can lead to life-threatening complications such as endocarditis and meningitis  particularly if left untreated. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

But it is not the first time she has been taken ill following a brush with nature - and her family believe the two incidents could be connected.

In late 2010, while walking in California - where she was studying at the time - she was bitten on the bicep of her right arm and on her left leg by a tick.

The bites looked bruised, swelling up and turning black.

She then developed flu-like symptoms including crippling joint pain, depression, anxiety, nausea, and poor concentration.

Needing help, in 2011 she quit her studies and moved home to her parent's house in Southport, Merseyside, as several doctors suggested her symptoms might be psychological.

Then Miss Philpott was diagnosed with fibromyalgia - a long-term condition that causes pain and stiffness all over the body - after seeing a specialist.

But, by 2012 she was bedridden by pain for part of every week and needed crutches to walk - and six months later, she needed a walking frame.

Her brother added: 'My mum became her full-time carer, dressing her and bathing her.

'The pain - in varying parts of her body - became so bad, she would be on the bed rocking, unable to make herself comfortable.

'Emotionally, it was really difficult and what really hurt her was having to drop out of college.'
New findings provide hope for scientists in their quest to beat the disease

Levels of protein SOX2 are also higher in the fallopian tubes of patients

SIK2 enzyme important for tumour growth and its spread to the omentum

Experts also believe they have found a way to detect an ovarian tumour before it comes cancerous through a simple protein test

Ovarian cancer could be detected before it spreads and becomes deadly, scientists claim.

An enzyme which is key in making the cancer attack different parts of the body has been identified.

And experts also believe they have found a way to detect an ovarian tumour before it comes cancerous through a simple protein test.

The new findings provides hope for scientists in their quest to beat the disease, researchers from Oxford University say.

Doctors often find it difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer because it can grow into the stomach, colon and liver without being visible.

However, if the tumour is detected early enough, it responds well to chemotherapy.

But once it begins its journey around the body, it becomes resistant to treatment and is far more likely to kill.

Researchers found levels of a protein - called SOX2 - are much higher in the fallopian tubes of patients with ovarian cancer.

Higher levels are also found in those at risk of developing ovarian cancer - such as those with inherited mutations such as BRCA2 - made famous by Angelina Jolie.

Professor Ahmed Ahmed, from Oxford University, said: 'Ovarian cancer can be undetectable for up to four years and only a third of people with the cancer get an early diagnosis.

'A test for SOX2 could not only help detect cancers early but in some cases would enable us to detect a tumour before it becomes cancerous.

'Early treatment hugely improves the odds for patients, so early detection is essential.

'However, there is still a lot of work to be done because detecting SOX2 in the fallopian tubes is not an easy task.'

The same researchers also discovered an enzyme - called SIK2 - which enables ovarian cancer to spread.

And once it spreads, it usually makes its way to the omentum - an apron of fatty tissue covering the small intestine.

The most common cause of death in ovarian cancer patients is malnutrition because the growing tumour obstructs the intestines.

Researchers at Oxford University found levels of a protein - called SOX2 - are much higher in the fallopian tubes of patients with ovarian cancer. Higher levels are also found in those at risk of developing ovarian cancer - such as those with inherited mutations such as BRCA2 - made famous by Angelina Jolie

Professor Ahmed added: 'The omentum is rich in adipocytes - fat cells - and previous research found that the free fatty acids produced by these cells increase the spread of cancer.

'However, we have found that ovarian cancer could only proliferate - grow - in the presence of an enzyme called SIK2, which has a role in 'burning' fat to produce energy that is needed by the cancer cells to survive in the omentum.

THE TOP SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with few symptoms in the early stages of the disease  and effective early screening tests are unavailable. And yet, there remains significant gaps in knowledge about the disease, according to a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report. The disease doesn't have any distinct symptoms. However, the American Cancer Society said there are a few common symptoms to look out for. Women are far more likely to have symptoms if the disease has spread beyond the ovaries. And yet, even early-stage ovarian cancer can cause some of the following symptoms: Bloating

Pelvic or abdominal pain

Trouble eating or feeling full quickly

Urinary symptoms - including having to pee more frequently But, when they occur as a result of ovarian cancer, the symptoms are persistent and occur more often (and are more severe) than usual. The American Cancer Society recommends a woman see her doctor - preferably a gynecologist - if she has those symptoms more than 12 times in a month. Source: American Cancer Society Advertisement

'We continued this study of SIK2 and found that levels of the enzyme were higher in secondary tumours in the omentum than in the related primary tumours in the ovaries.'

SIK2 plays an important role in the growth of ovarian tumours, as well as spreading it to the omentum.

A series of experiments revealed the 'pathways' which support the development and spread of ovarian cancer.

Professor Ahmed said: 'SIK2 is an important target for future treatments because it provides cancer cells with energy and also drives their increase in number.

'Our experiments showed that suppressing SIK2 disrupted these pathways, which in the human body would reduce the possibility of cancer cells spreading and "coming back".'

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer for women in the UK, with about 7,100 new cases each year - killing more than 4,000.

While in the US, around 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.

It is the eighth most common form of the disease in women across the US and the fifth leading cause of death after lung, breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancers.

Lord Maurice Saatchi, who campaigns for better access to cancer treatment, said: 'By explaining these very detailed processes, the Oxford team are providing maps for researchers working on ways to treat and defeat cancer.

'The more we understand, the closer we come to beating not just ovarian cancer, but all types of cancer.'

Katherine Taylor, chief executive at research charity Ovarian Cancer Action, said: 'We need to save the lives of more women by making ovarian cancer treatment more effective.

'There has been little progress in ovarian cancer treatment in the past 30 years so these findings are promising, and have provided two areas of focus for scientists working on ovarian cancer.
Blood donations have been suspended in Miami amid fears of a potential Zika outbreak.

It is a desperate attempt to identify the source of four mysterious infections in the area, all apparently contracted from local mosquitoes.

If the infections did come from local bites, these four cases would mark Zika's arrival in mainland US.

Authorities went into overdrive last week to spray the county following the first two diagnoses.

But on Wednesday two more 'mystery' infections were announced just miles away - and the US Food and Drug Administration is stepping up its precautions.

Investigation: As blood donations are suspended and vials send off for testing, Miami-Dade mosquito control workers (pictured) prepare to search homes for the Aedes aegypti mosquito in Miami

It comes just over a month after the deadly massacre in Orlando prompted thousands of Floridians to give blood - with scores of people still coming forward to donate.

The freeze will remain in place until each individual unit of blood collected in the two counties can be tested for Zika.

Meanwhile, blood-taking establishments have been ordered to implement an approved pathogen inactivation technology, to monitor for viruses themselves.

Two of the suspected non-travel cases are in Miami-Dade County, and two are in Broward County which is just to the north of Miami.

The FDA also said anyone who has traveled to Miami-Dade or Broward county in the past four weeks should be temporarily barred from donating blood.

'As a prudent measure to help assure the safety of blood and blood products, FDA is requesting that all blood establishments in Miami-Dade County and Broward County cease collecting blood immediately,' the FDA said in a statement on Thursday.

'Additionally, FDA recommends that adjacent and nearby counties implement the precautions above to help maintain the safety of the blood supply as soon as possible,' said the federal agency.

There is currently no vaccine on the market to prevent the mosquito-borne Zika virus, which first emerged in 1947 but has recently exploded in Central and South America

HUMAN TRIALS BEGIN FOR ZIKA JAB: 1ST VOLUNTEER INJECTED On Monday, Inovio Pharmaceuticals administered its first dose of an experimental Zika vaccine to a human volunteer. The firm has approval from the US Health Department to carry out tests on 40 people. It has already had successful results from tests on mice and monkeys. The selected participants are based in Philadelphia, Quebec City, and Miami - the most at-risk city in America. Results are expected to come later this year. Advertisement

Florida has already seen 381 cases of Zika, all involving people who were infected while traveling to parts of the world where the virus is circulating.

For Zika to become a homegrown virus in the mainland United States, a mosquito would have to bite a Zika-infected person and then bite another person, passing on the virus.

Health officials have warned of possible localized Zika outbreaks in the United States, particularly since the virus has spread quickly throughout Latin America and the Caribbean in the past two years.

If a pregnant woman is infected with Zika, it raises the risk of her bearing an infant with microcephaly, a permanent defect which results in children being born with unusually small heads.

As officials scramble to test Miami mosquitoes for the Zika virus, they are warning all pregnant women to get tested.

Zika could reach America if a mosquito bites an infected person then passes it on.

There is no definitive evidence that this has happened yet.

But fears have intensified after two cases - one in Utah, one in Miami - of people contracting Zika without having traveled or had sex.

In newly fine-tuned guidelines, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged doctors to at least ask pregnant women if they or their sex partner were in an outbreak area, and suggested expanded use of a sophisticated blood test.
Women remain fertile until they are 45 and are wrongly being pushed into early IVF by private clinics, Robert Winston, Britain's leading fertility expert, has said.

The NHS advises that women's fertility starts to decline sharply from 35 and those planning to have a family should take this into account.

But Lord Winston, who heads the Genesis Research Trust in London, dismissed this. He said women are able to conceive until their mid-40s and suggested fertility clinics that say otherwise are doing so for financial gain.

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Robert Winston, who heads the Genesis Research Trust, said women are able to conceive until their mid-40s

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday he said: 'Actually even at the age of 40 your chances of getting pregnant spontaneously are pretty good if you keep trying, and it's really not until you're 45 there is a really sharp turn off.'

His view is in stark contrast to the NHS Choices website, which says: 'In women, fertility declines more quickly with age. This decline becomes rapid after the age of 35, particularly due to the decline in the quality of the eggs released by the ovaries.'

Professor Mark Baker, director of the Centre for Guidelines at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, added: 'NICE guidance refers to research which indicates that the average rate of pregnancy declines as a woman gets older, with the decline becoming more notable from 35 to 39 years.'

But, asked whether women are leaving it too late to have a family, Lord Winston said: 'I think there is a bit of a conflict of interests between the private clinics that are trying to persuade people to have treatment early and the reality.'

He added that even women who do have IVF are still relatively unlikely to conceive, contrary to what some centres might claim.

The NHS advises that women's fertility starts to decline sharply from 35 and those planning to have a family should take this into account (file photo)

THIRD OF IVF FAILURES GIVE BIRTH NATURALLY, RESEARCH SHOWS Almost a third of women who don't conceive through IVF end up becoming pregnant naturally, research shows. A study of 400 British couples found that of those who had tried IVF unsuccessfully, 31 per cent went on to conceive babies naturally. And in the vast majority of cases  87 per cent  they conceived within two years of stopping the fertility treatment. Scientists say the findings should offer hope to thousands of couples who stop IVF due to the costs, or because it is so heart-rending. Researchers from Imperial and Kings Colleges in London and Greenwich NHS trust surveyed 403 couples six years after they started fertility treatment. Some 27 per cent of those who had conceived through the process went on to have a second baby naturally. More surprisingly, 31 per cent of the failed IVF attempts had a child naturally. Fertility expert Professor Allan Pacey said: 'This is useful information doctors can use to counsel patients.' Advertisement

'IVF is not a very successful treatment in spite of what all the clinics tell people,' he said. 'A large proportion of cycles don't work and it's very expensive.

It is not the first time the professor has criticised the IVF industry, saying clinics encourage women to have IVF treatment before they have explored cheaper options.

Last year he said: 'There is excellent evidence that more than half of those referred to IVF could be treated as, or more, successfully by far cheaper alternatives.'

And in another interview he added: 'Private IVF is charged not on what it actually costs to deliver the treatment, but what it is thought the market will bear.'
MEMOIR

DADLAND: A JOURNEY INTO UNCHARTED TERRITORY

by Keggie Carew

(Chatto 16.99)

The author is at the 75th birthday party for her father, Tom Carew, the brave, maddening, maverick Dad of Dadland, when a friend of her loathed stepmother turns to her, asks which one (of Toms four children) she is and, on hearing Keggies name, says: Oh, youre the jealous one.

This difficult, virtually nonexistent relationship between adoring daughter and the third wife who dominated the adored ones life for 30 years, is one thread of this extraordinary, brutally honest memoir.

The hero of the book is author Keggie Carew's father, Special Ops commando Tom Carew

Its central poignancy is that when at last the hero of the book has time to spend with his daughter and other children again, after the death of the stepmother, Tom, his mind already unravelling, is not Tom any more - the mad Irishman has become actually mad.

As he loses his bearings, confused and adrift in a world he no longer recognises, his daughter sets out to reclaim his life, painstakingly putting it back together, piece by piece, from photos, notebooks, library research and interviews, like a familial detective.

And, oh, what a life! Young Tom was a leader of men in the little-known Jedburghs, an elite group of top-secret Special Ops commando spies. In World War II they were parachuted at night into France, behind enemy lines, to lead the raggle-taggle Resistance members hiding in the woods.

In Burma, their mission was to undermine the Japanese alongside the freedom fighters, some of whom (including Aung San, father of Suu Kyi, Burmas leader) would have formed the first government independent of British rule in 1947, but were assassinated.

Working in units of three men (a commander, executive officer and a radio operator), with amusingly humdrum codenames - Basil, Cedric, Brian - the Jeds legend was surprise, kill and vanish.

Their training was in sabotage and reconnaissance. Their mission was to destroy bridges, roads, trucks and, if need be, to kill.

DADLAND: A JOURNEY INTO UNCHARTED TERRITORY by Keggie Carew

The Jedburgh sections of the book - the derring-do deeds of a 25-year-old at the height of his powers, thriving in the danger, excitement and fellowship, and full of purpose, instinct and ingenuity (he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, one of the top decorations for gallantry) - are interspersed with snapshots of Toms helplessness as he retreats further into dementia.

Even in this forlorn state, he retains something of his enterprising, devil-may-care pragmatism with the note he wears: My name is Tom Carew, but I have forgotten yours.

As the book progresses, Tom marries his first wife, Edna, and later meets Jane, the authors mother, a daughter of landed gentry, in Trieste, Italy, in 1953. He is in command of the security office in the Intelligence Corps; she is a codist in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry.

While there, he becomes a friend of the novelist Patricia Highsmith. His daughter posits that fictional killer Tom Ripley (from Highsmiths novel The Talented Mr Ripley) is based in part (the good parts!) on Tom Carew.

Keggies parents fall in love, marry, move to Gibraltar (Dads new posting) and have a marvellous time sailing, throwing parties and barbecuing corn-on-the-cob they grow themselves.

It is when they return home, with two children and more on the way, Tom having decided to leave the Army, that the trouble starts.

His father moves in with them at the age of 65, after his wife has died, and Jane becomes increasingly resentful.

Tom has big ideas. He buys a boat-building business to make boats that no one buys, borrows money from his wifes family, fails at everything he sets out to do and plunges ever deeper into debt.

His daughter writes, with pared-back restraint: Money was not something Dad seemed to have a knack for.

Things get uglier. Jane becomes increasingly angry, venting on everyone but meting out particular vindictiveness to her father-in-law, smashing his window and ripping out the flower bush in front of it to rob him of any pleasure.

400 The number of men Tom Carew recruited from Burmas hill tribes to join a volunteer guerrilla force in just two weeks Advertisement

Soon, everyone is throwing things at one another. Keggie manages to heave out of the sink a heavy washing bowl full of dishes and hurls it to the floor. Her mother hits her so hard over her head with a side table that she is left with a scar.

Jane ends up in a sanatorium, divorce follows and Dad marries the dreaded stepmother, whereupon (what harsh irony), after so many years of financial hopelessness, he finds great success running a business guiding (in all manner of unorthodox but effective ways) redundant executives back into work.

At this point in the books structure, we are darting from the dementia present (He stands lost in the middle of the kitchen. My old parachuting guerrilla agent father, with his once quick-as-a-flash brain, with his once punch-as-hard-as-you-can stomach, with his once tickling-the-life-out-of-you hands, cries when he has to go home) and back into the gory disintegration of the familys happiness.

One of the great pleasures of the book is the quality of the writing. It is this, like H Is For Hawk, to which it is bound to be compared, that makes it so much more than a daddys girls literary love letter.

There are times when I found myself less than enamoured of the hero (how could he have failed to contact his children when their mother died?), but such is the skill of his daughters conjuring, I am sure that, had I met him, it would have been impossible not to fall under his spell.
SWEET ENCORE

by Karen Wheeler

(Sweet Pea Publishing 10.99)

Followers of Karen Wheelers Sweet series of books, describing how she left a job as a newspaper fashion editor for the good life in rural France, will recall that the last episode, Tout Soul, ended on a melancholy note.

Her love affair with a Portuguese builder, Luis, ended when he found a new girlfriend, and he later died after being paralysed in a car crash.

At the time, Karen, pictured below, planned to leave Villiers, the provincial village that became her adopted home, but she is still there when her brother calls to ask if Karens 16-year-old niece, Arianna, can spend the summer with her.

Karen Wheelers Sweet series tells how she left her job as a fashion editor for the good life in rural France

Doubting whether her rural backwater will offer sufficient excitement for a teenager, Karen decides theyll take an aunt-and-niece road trip to Portugal, visiting Luiss grave on the way.

Arianna turns out to be the ideal travelling companion, entirely unruffled by the frightful food, inadequate road signs, surly hoteliers and murderous tailgating drivers of northern Spain that provoke her aunt to frenzies of rage.

Happily, Portugal proves a more soothing experience, though there is sadness as Karen visits the small town of Amor, where Luis was born and where he now lies buried.

I stand under the hot sun feeling again the full force of saudade - the deep melancholy yearning for people and eras that are gone for ever.

Returning to Villiers, Karen finds plenty to distract her from feelings of regret. An attractive English couple have arrived in the village: Matthew, a fiftysomething architect, and Zoe, his much younger second wife.

On a shopping expedition with Zoe to one of Karens prized secrets - a fabulous junk-yard hidden away in the countryside - Zoe scoops up several vast old-fashioned wardrobes, earthenware jugs, vintage linens and, to Karens dismay for she wants it herself, an old mirror with tarnished glass.

SWEET ENCORE by Karen Wheeler

I specialise in breathing new life into old things, Zoe jokes.

I am, after all, married to Matthew.

Karen is not amused. Could it be that Zoe is actually a ruthless, rather selfish operator? she wonders. Husbands or antique mirrors, if she wants something, she takes it - regardless of the feelings of others.

A week later, Zoe appears with the mirror, beautifully renovated as a thank-you present for the trip to the junk-yard.

Karen is mortified: Im deeply ashamed that I assumed the worst of her when she was, in fact, planning such a generous and elegant gesture.

Still, there remains something inexplicable about this mysterious couple, whose friendliness becomes more confusing when Matthew sends her inappropriate, flirty messages. Poor Karen is so preoccupied that she leaves a tea-towel on a lit gas hob and almost sets her house on fire.

With the end of the summer comes change: Life is waving me forward. In a surprisingly short time, the cottage is sold and Karen is on the move, leaving behind Matthew and Zoe - who prove to be very far from a perfect couple - but also dear friends and happy memories.

This gently rambling account of an Englishwomans adventures abroad ends on a heartwarming note.
Some marriages are doomed at the altar.

The alliance of governance, stitched together between the BJP and PDP after two months of tortuous courting, is based on the myth that opposites attract.

But they dont - not in politics.

The alliance of governance, in J&K between the BJP and PDP was based on the myth that the chasm between 'Muslim' Kashmir and 'Hindu' Jammu would be bridged. They were wrong. Kashmiri Muslims in Srinagar.

The argument was deceptively seductive: the December 2014, the J&K Assembly election delivered a split mandate.

The Valley voted for the PDP, while Jammu voted for the BJP. By coming together in government, they would be respecting the will of the people of both Jammu and Kashmir.

There would be healing. The chasm between Muslim Kashmir and Hindu Jammu would be bridged.

This was wrong. The soft separatist sentiment the PDP represents resented the alliance with the BJP from the beginning. PDP workers showed their anger by boycotting Mufti Mohammad Sayeeds funeral in January 2016.

His daughter Mehbooba is cut from different cloth. She has never hidden her desire to make Hurriyat separatists stakeholders in any settlement over Jammu and Kashmir.

Valley

With the Valley simmering, Mehbooba last week made a tactically shrewd move by blaming Pakistan for the violence for the first time.

While backing CBMs with Pakistan and advocating the withdrawal of AFSPA, Mehbooba said of Islamabad: Pakistan shouldnt tell our children that if you take up guns and die, we will salute you. I think this is hypocrisy. Every day, we get to know that infiltration is going on unabated along the borders.

Indian government forces patrol the Old City in Srinagar following weeks of violence that has left over 50 people dead and thousands injured

The PDP and the National Conference have a history of ambivalence towards separatists. Both speak with forked tongues. Both want a political solution to J&K without specifying what that solution is.

In a series of television interviews and newspaper columns, former home minister P Chidambaram has laid out his own prescription of what a political solution to J&K could mean: As long as J&K remains an integral part of the Union of India, there is ample political and legal space to try out new ideas that will reassure the people of J&K that the Government of India will honour the grand bargain of the accession.

"There are other steps that can be taken to retrieve the ground that has been lost since the advent of the PDP-BJP government, but this requires courage.

It is again a seductive argument in a Brexit world where Scotland could seek (and win) a second referendum to leave the United Kingdom.

But India lives in a more dangerous world. Kashmir is not Scotland: the Scots dont have a neighbour that sends gangs of terrorists to maim and kill its citizens.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti blamed Pakistan for the recent violence

Greater autonomy and the calibrated lifting of AFSPA will certainly quieten Kashmiri tempers. It could, however, also give separatists and their Pakistani paymasters easy access to the Valley.

The poison this spreads could have the opposite effect to Chidambarams prognosis.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swarajs statement last week that India will not allow a heaven to become a terrorist haven is an indication of the Modi governments realisation that its Pakistan policy so far has been inconsistent and counter-productive.

An autonomous, quasi-'independent' Kashmir would rapidly become a Pakistan-run front-line jihadi-infested state like Afghanistan.

Pakistan's plan

Besides, Pakistan has no real desire to settle the Kashmir issue. It serves to justify Pakistans mountainous defence budget, much of which is siphoned off to lubricate military officers lavish lifestyle.

Were the Kashmir dispute to be resolved, the army would lose its primacy in Pakistan and put an end to the tidy fortunes its top-brass collect.

The rigged J&K Assembly election of 1987 happened on Rajiv Gandhi's watch

The failure of Indias Kashmir policy also lies with the Indian government - both past and present.

The rigged J&K Assembly election of 1987 on Farooq Abdullahs and Rajiv Gandhis watch, led to the first flush of militancy in the Valley in 1989 and was followed by decades of misrule by the Abdullahs and Muftis.

The PDP-BJP alliance government was meant to be a fresh start for J&K. It was always a false hope.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Valley over the weekend - a full fortnight after the militant Burhan Wanis death

The PDP has ideological symmetry, among national parties, with the Congress. It has none with the BJP.

It was delusional for the BJP to think that the PDP could somehow be weaned away from its separatist roots. And yet the BJP will continue its efforts to keep the J&K alliance government going.

Governance

The BJPs mild deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh appears to have little say in the Valleys governance.

Central cabinet ministers remain distracted.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Valley over the weekend - a full fortnight after the terrorist Burhan Wanis death.

The Rs 80,000-crore flood relief package still hasnt been delivered.

This mixture of wilful neglect by the central government and directionless governance by the PDP-BJP state government further emboldens separatists and Pakistan-funded terrorists.

The PDP and BJP, like an unhappy couple, are stuck together because a mid-term poll would be electorally disastrous for both.
after Naresh Yadav became the eleventh AAP MLA arrested since the party came to power in 2015

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a staggering attack on YouTube against Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has used YouTube to launch a staggering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the PM could go so far as to have him killed.

After MLA Naresh Yadav became the eleventh AAP legislator to be arrested since 2015, the Delhi Chief Minister used the online platform to urge party volunteers to stick together.

Kejriwal said: He (Modi) can go to any extent and may get us killed. Modi may get me killed as well. Talk to your families and see if you are ready for the ultimate sacrifice.

"All the MLAs will anyway have to go to jail. If you are ready, then stay with us - or if you have weaknesses, then leave, he said.

The reaction from Kejriwal comes as the total number of AAP MLAs arrested since the party came to power in Delhi rose to 11, while an additional 21 MLAs are still facing disqualification on office of profit charges.

In a nine-minute video message, Kejriwal slammed the Centre for not allowing the Delhi government to work.

The AAP government and Central government have been at loggerheads on several issues including the transfer and posting of bureaucrats, control over policing, and land related matters.

Kejriwal termed the attack by the Modi government as 'daman chakra' (cycle of domination) alleging that the BJP is trying to crush the Aam Aadmi Party.

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In a nine-minute video message, Kejriwal slammed the Centre for not allowing the Delhi government to function

They are trying to crush their opponents. When there will be no opponent, power will remain with Them. They are doing the same. They have crushed all parties, Dalits, Rohit Vemula but they couldnt crush us because we refused to bow down. And that is why they are angry and frustrated, Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal also made reference to the recent arrests of AAP MLAs and the charges against his party leaders.

Ten (sic) of our MLAs have been arrested. An attempt is being made to disqualify 21 of our MLAs by making some absurd office of profit charges.These people suspended our MP Bhagwant Mann, he said.

According to party insiders, Kejriwal spoke from his heart and expressed the views of other MLAs through his video.

In December last year Kejriwal called Modi (pictured) a 'psychopath and a coward' when the CBI raided the chief ministers office to investigate corruption charges against his principal secretary Rajendra Kumar

A senior party officer told Mail Today: Kejriwals remark about Modi is a result of environment he created in Delhi. Ever since AAP came into power, Modi government is trying to take revenue from the party and from the citizens of the city.

"They handicapped AAPs ambitious drive against corrupt through Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) by taking over control by sending paramilitary. Similarly, Delhi Police is being used by the Centre to frame MLAs and take legal action against them.

In December last year, Kejriwal called Modi a psychopath and a coward when the CBI raided the chief ministers office to investigate corruption charges against his principal secretary Rajendra Kumar.

The recent arrests of two more MLAs have taken the total number of Delhi MLAs arrested in various cases up to 11.

The AAP came to power in February 2015 after securing 67 seats in the 70-member assembly, and the arrests have now become a point of contention between the AAP and the central government.

Delhi is a special state where matters of law, order, and land come under the Union home ministry.
This gives dirty money a whole new meaning.

Delhi airport authorities have arrested three men and two women, who were trying to smuggle euros worth Rs 1.25 crore by stuffing the cash in their rectums.

The seizure made by the customs department is one of the biggest in the last five years, sources said.

The people arrested are allegedly part of a global hawala syndicate. Sources said the money was moved elsewhere after changing hands in Bangkok.

They were to meet a person in Bangkok and hand over the cash to him, said a customs officer.

A free trip to Bangkok along with Rs 30,000 is what they were promised for the job.

Hawala transactions are used by politicians, underworld gangsters, terrorists, and even those wanting to park their unaccounted wealth abroad. Thousands of crores are diverted from the country through such connections every year.

For a fee, a hawala dealer provides the foreign currency equivalent of any amount and transfers it anywhere in the world  bypassing normal banking channels and leaving no paper trail.

All five of the carriers held were trained to conceal the currency notes in their rectums, officials said.

During investigation, we came to know that they got proper training for two-three weeks. They initially used pencil cell batteries and put them in their rectum. Once they got trained, a local trader handed over the money. The process takes almost three to four hours, said a customs officer.

All the accused are from Punjab. They have been identified as Rinku (29), Rahul Madan (27), Lovish Kumar (21), Rajpal Kaur (31), and Shalu Rani (29).

Customs department sources explained that recovering money in cases like this is difficult, as officers must wait for the suspects to defecate. (Pictured: Delhi International Airport)

According to the customs department, it is unusual to find female carriers hiding huge amounts of cash in their rectums.

On Tuesday, five passengers were intercepted after they had boarded the flight. Their detailed personal search resulted in the recovery of euro 1.64 lakh, worth Rs 1.25 crore. The said currency was concealed in the rectum of all the five passengers, said Sanjay Mangal, customs commissioner.

Recovered foreign currency has been seized under section 110 of Customs Act, 1962. The passengers have been placed under arrest under the provisions of section 104 of the Customs Act, 1962.

Recovering the money is difficult in such cases, particularly if its in the form of currency notes, an officer said, adding that they have to wait for the accused to defecate.

Our officials record this whole process so that it can help us as evidence in the case, he said.

The customs department says it has encountered instances of gold being hidden in the rectum, but cash recovery is very rare.

During investigation, the accused revealed that the person who is in Bangkok told them that each of them will get Rs 30,000 along with a free trip to the city. It is an eight-hour job for them, including the flight. Sometimes, a few carriers also take sedatives so that they can easily conceal things in their rectum for longer periods without experiencing pain, sources said.

Hawala syndicates target people who want to visit abroad and youths in Punjab are often targeted, said officials.
Two Muslim women were thrashed and abused by Hindu Dal activists in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur district over rumours that they were carrying beef.

The women were slapped and kicked by a group of men and women at the crowded railway station, while onlookers - including police - stood by and watched.

A mobile phone video taken by one of the spectators shows the policemen making only a half-hearted attempt to stop the attackers. The women were thrashed for nearly half an hour before the police drove them away.

Indian activists from the Hindu Bajrang Dal are accused of beating the two women after they were accused of carrying cow meat. (Picture for representation only).

Sources in the local police say around 30 kg of meat was recovered from the women.

A preliminary veterinary report said the women were carrying buffalo meat, said state Home Minister Bhupinder Singh. No action so far has been taken against those who assaulted the women.

Singh added: If the women register a complaint, then action will be taken against the attackers.

The incident in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh comes close on the heels of the stripping and beating of four Dalit men in the saffron partys bastion, Gujarat.

Many Indian states have banned the consumption of cow meat.

Last year in September, Mohammad Akhlaq was dragged from his house in Uttar Pradesh and beaten to death over rumours that his family had eaten beef.
Imagine an Indian chef going to New York City and discovering that he cant make paneer because it is against the law!

For Manish Mehrotra, the celebrity chef of Indian Accent, his journey to the Big Apple to open the first outlet of the acclaimed Modern Indian restaurant has posed a number of cross-cultural challenges.

It has been, in a way, almost like going back in time to the days when Indian Accent had just opened in Friends Colony (West), and people would go back because there was no butter chicken and maa ki dal on the menu.

Manish Mehrotra, the celebrity chef behind the Indian Accent chain of restaurants, has embarked on a New York adventure with residents of the Big Apple set to enjoy his famous galawat kebab

They would even comment caustically about the absence of lachcha pyaaz.

In New York too, some of his early-bird American customers doubted Indian Accents authenticity because saag chhole was not on the menu.

Saag chhole? Hello! But stereotyping apart, and of course the disbelief that greets the pricing of the menu (How can a meal at an Indian restaurant cost more than $50?), Mehrotra has had to contend with legal quirks, such as the one that imposes a $200 fine on anyone who makes paneer.

Apparently it has something to do with the citys pasteurisation bye-laws - but he can make his own ghee!

He has also dealt with municipal inspectors, but what struck him was the degree of honesty in their dealings. They only insist that you follow the law to the last letter and dont expect you to bribe or entertain them.

For any chef, New York can be a bounteous market in which to work. The local produce changes seasonally, and there are surprises such as the new trending ingredient called ramps, which look like scallions and combine the taste of onions and garlic.

This variety of natures offerings is particularly important for Mehrotra because the Indian Accent menu is 50 per cent vegetarian.

Indian Accent restaurant in New York is the latest venture for Manish Mehrotra's famous chain

Of course, he loves the fact that his larder is stocked with prime cuts of beef and foie gras, without which his signature dish, galawat kebab with foie gras, cannot be made. Both items are banned in Delhi.

There are also ingredients Mehrotra has to fly in from India - such as Tata salt and Amul butter. Mehrotra insists that Indian food does not taste the same without them. And his guests just love being served Fatafat after a meal.

Many of them, especially those who have lived in America for a long time and pine for a taste of their original homeland, turn nostalgic after these digestive pills, which are supposed to be ayurvedic formulations and were hugely popular till the 1990s.

These guests are a joy to feed, but Mehrotra is happiest when he sees Indian New Yorkers - "they are Indian only by descent, but goras in every other way is how he describes them - walk into his restaurant.

For any chef, New York can be a bounteous market in which to work. The local produce changes seasonally, and there are surprises such as the new trending ingredient called ramps, which look like scallions and combine the taste of onions and garlic. (Picture from the Indian Accent menu)

It re-assures him that theres a market for his cuisine beyond the Indian diaspora.

Indian chefs at the cutting edge of international gastronomy will have to turn to second - or even third - generation Indian immigrants to be their good ambassadors.

Only then will Modern India Cuisine be seen as something more than a curry-in-a-hurry experience, worth much more than a $50-a-family meal.

Talking about other chefs and their work, Mehrotra is generous in his praise for three must-visit New York City restaurants - Babu Ji (Manhattan), the busiest Indian eatery in Big Apple today; Cosme (Flatiron District), Enrique Olveras Modern Mexican restaurant; and Uncle Boons (NoLita), which is getting rave reviews for putting authentic Thai flavours back on the table.

The city that never sleeps also loves to dig new treats.

Chor Bizarre arrives at Bikaner House

Bikaner House has long been the poor cousin of its more famous neighbour, Jaipur House, now home to the National Gallery of Modern Art.

This historical building has had a face-lift and been turned around as a showcase for Rajasthans tourism and handicrafts as part of a state government-funded initiative.

The latest is Chor Bizarre - a restaurant famous for having a restored 1927 Fiat as the salad and chaat bar - which is opening its second outlet in the city at Bikaner House

Chor Bizarre, the restaurant famous for having a restored 1927 Fiat as the salad and chaat bar - is opening its second outlet in the city at Bikaner House

Chor Bizarre, which has also turned 25 this year, is famous for its quirky decor - an ornate four-poster bed has been turned into a table for four - and its Kashmiri tarami, which is served apart from a sumptuous pan-Indian menu.

Talking about homegrown restaurants, Punjab Grill is making waves internationally.

A couple of days ago, Punjab Grills Marina Bay Sands outlet found a gushing mention in Singapores 2016 Michelin Guide.

Its inspectors said: Getting noticed when youre located on the food court level of the Marina Bay Sands isnt easy but this smart Indian restaurant has managed to build up quite a following.

"Its gleaming glass and metal decor and the polished service have certainly helped but it is the North West specialities that have really cemented its reputation.

"The kitchens talent is evident even in the everyday dishes like their wonderfully flavoursome sarson da saag.

Thats really high praise. Now, watch out for Tappa by Punjab Grill, the restaurants completely new avatar at Cyber Hub, Gurgaon.

Bakshi to bring Tussauds to Delhi

Madame Tussaud's at Baker Street, which appeared most recently in Shah Rukhs blockbuster, Fan, has been a favourite of Indian tourists visiting London for as long as I can remember.

That may be why 11 Indians, according to The Economist magazine, from Sachin Tendulkar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been immortalised in wax statues in that iconic destination.

But soon we dont have to travel farther than Connaught Place to get our share of thrills from statues made out of wax.

Madame Tussaud's will travel from Baker Street, London to Connaught Place, India

Our own Madame Tussauds is coming up at the site of a once-famous restaurant, Standard, which once sat atop the Regal theatre and commanded a grand panoramic view of Connaught Place from its tall windows till it shut down in 2006, a year before it could turn 50.

I still remember the cold coffee and old-fashioned mutton cutlets served by liveried, stern-looking waiters, the softy vending machine downstairs, and the stairway flanked by mirrors leading up to the sprawling restaurant, the Dogs Not Allowed sign, and the many happy meals I have had at Standard with my parents and sister - and later with my better half when we were dating.

When it was bought over by Vikram Bakshi, the man who brought McDonalds to India before being dumped unceremoniously by the fast-food behemoth a couple of years ago, I was so looking forward to it becoming a restaurant once again.
In May 2015, the Chinese government published a White Paper on Defence, putting forward new objectives for the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

Beijing announced that the PLAs military strategy was to win informationised local wars.

China Military Online, a website affiliated to the PLA, explained: The White Paper systematically expounded on the Chinese militarys missions and strategic tasks in the new era.

All these projects have serious strategic implications for India, as the infrastructure built on the plateau has a dual use: civilian and military. (Pictured: Construction work on the Qinghai-Tibet railway from Xining to Golmud)

It spoke of making preparation for military struggle that shall be focused on winning local wars in conditions of modern technology.

Highlighting maritime military struggle (in the South China Sea for example), the White Paper said: The traditional mentality that land outweighs sea must be abandoned.

Strategy

Maos old view of an army of peasants is dead and gone. In the years to come, the Chinese Navy and the Air Force are bound to take a more preponderant place in Beijings defence strategy - but that does not mean that China is going to forget its land neighbours, first and foremost India.

In May 2016, The Global Times announced that the status of the Tibet Military Command (TMC) facing India from Arunachal Pradesh to Ladakh was to be raised.

It was part of the in-depth reforms instituted by President Xi Jinping, who is also the Chairman of the all-powerful Central Military Commission (CMC).

An article in China Tibet Online remarks: "Foreigners only know that the Great Wall is the seventh wonder of the world; actually, modern Chinese construction is even more amazing."

Quoting an unknown analyst, the Communist Partys mouthpiece reported: By raising the TMCs authority level and putting it under the jurisdiction of the PLA Army (ground forces), China continues to strengthen its military presence in the autonomous region and aims to allow the military command to shoulder more combat assignments.

Assignments, but against whom? The fact is that there is only India on the other side of the Himalayan range.

China Youth Daily had reported earlier that this marks a new journey for the TMCs construction.

Zhao Zhong, deputy director of the TMCs Political Work Department, explained: The elevation of the authority level is not only an improvement for the troops designation, but also an expansion of their function and mission.

Quoting a source close to the matter, The Global Times suggested that the command may undertake some kind of military combat mission in the future.

Song Zhongping, a Beijing-based military expert, told the tabloid that the TMC bears great responsibility to prepare for possible conflicts between China and India, (because) currently it is difficult to secure all the military resources they need.

For this, Beijing has a clearly-defined plan - and a tool: the railway line. The most important strategic development in recent decades has been the arrival of the train on the Tibetan plateau in July 2006.

For Beijing, it has been a historic event. The train has brought radical changes not only for China or the Tibetans, but for India too.

An article in China Tibet Online remarks: Foreigners only know that the Great Wall is the seventh wonder of the world; actually, modern Chinese construction is even more amazing.

And it cited the train, termed the pride of the Chinese people.

A hundred thousand workers with no past references, have solved many technical problems such as building a railway through frozen soil, and achieved a miracle in human railway construction, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, it said.

Development

Ten years ago, Beijing hoped to solve several issues with the arrival of the train on the plateau. It has partially succeeded.

The railway triggered a frenzy of infrastructure development on the plateau. The instability of the restive region has apparently been contained, and a mega economic boom has been brought by tourism. Just as importantly, the border with India is mightily reinforced.

One could add that the exploitation of the natural resources of the plateau (like water and minerals) has reached new heights.

The main pretext for rapidly developing infrastructure has been tourism.

In 2015, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) broke all records, welcoming more than 20 million tourists.

The tourism industry in the TAR generated $4.26 billion, nearly three times the figure of the year 2010.

For Beijing, the tourism boom is a win-win solution to solve all the problems of the plateau; the Chinese authorities have hence decided to accelerate the infrastructure construction and develop high-end tourism brands with a new railway line from Chengdu (Sichuan) to Lhasa.

The western leg from Lhasa to Nyingchi, to be completed by 2020, will reach the Indian border.

Infrastructure

Then, there will be a railway line to Kyirong and Nepal, probably to be continued to Kathmandu and perhaps Lumbini.

There will be a second international airport in Lhasa, a new airport in Nagchu, a four-lane highway between Lhasa and Nyingchi (the Arunachal border) - and finally the improvement of the National Highway 219 between Tibet and Xinjiang, cutting across Indian territory in the Aksai Chin area of Ladakh.

All these projects have serious strategic implications for India, as the infrastructure built on the plateau has a dual use: civilian and military.

On April 25, 2016, Xinhua reported that the National Peoples Congress (NPC) discussed a new law on national defence transport.

The legislation will cover the use of infrastructure for defence as well as civilian purposes.

The idea is to integrate military and civilian resources and make sure that the national defence transport network is compatible with market and economic development.

In August 2015, during the Tibet Work Forum, a large gathering on Tibet, Xi reiterated his theory about the border areas.

He said: Governing border areas are the key for governing a country, and stabilising Tibet is a priority for governing border areas.

This speaks for itself. The time has come for India to wake up.
Saifulla Bahadur Ali, who is in the custody of the NIA, was captured during a gunfight in Kupwara

India will confront Pakistan with a dossier on Lashkar-trained militant Saifulla Bahadur Ali when Home Minister Rajnath Singh meets his counterpart next week, official sources told India Today TV.

The two men are scheduled to discuss cross-border terror, among other issues.

Ali, who is in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was captured during a gunfight in Kupwara on July 25.

In his confession to the NIA, he allegedly admitted that he was from Lahore and that he had crossed into India from the Leepa valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The 21-year-old, NIA sources said, told investigators that he was trained by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists.

Ali infiltrated India with two other accomplices, identified as Saad Bhai and Darda Bhai, in June, highly-placed sources told India Today TV.

His questioning revealed the LeT-trained guerrilla belonged to Jahama village near the Raiwind area of Lahore. He trained in a terror camp at Chela Bandi in Muzaffarabad, NIA sources say.

Investigators believe Ali and his two accomplices entered India with the help of a guide.

Ali told investigators that Saad Bhai and Darda Bhai were killed in a shootout with security forces in mid-July.

The captured Pakistani terrorist, who was carrying a UBGL, nine grenades, and an AK-47, hid his weapons in Manasbal forest. Security forces have also recovered a radio set from him.
Mehbooba Mufti spoke at the 17th foundation day celebration of her Peoples Democratic Party

As Kashmir continues to struggle under curfews and strikes, with shops closed and traffic off the roads, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti made a speech on Thursday on the foundation day of her People's Democratic Party.

She said that the sacrifices of those people killed in the clashes with police, the army, and the paramilitary CRPF since July 8 will not be in vain.

She called for a dialogue with all stakeholders including Pakistan to end the stalemate, but insisted that Pakistan should be told not to encourage the children of Kashmir to take up arms.

Taking on the Hurriyat Conference and other separatist political leaders who are calling for strikes, Mehbooba referred to their azadi demand and said: Is it (azadi) something that they will go on strike for three days, or three months, and someone will give it to them on a platter?

She said there seems to be larger design behind such orchestrated eruptions to push Kashmiris into perpetual economic deprivation and social disorder.

Pointing toward the militancy, Mehbooba said the gun had not solved any issues anywhere in the world and would not solve the Kashmir issue even if more boys are pushed to pick up weapons.

Mehbooba Mufti referred to pro-azadi sentiment in the Valley, without naming it. (Pictured: A protest in Srinagar)

If in this situation peace process has to be started, Pakistan has the duty to help us, and Pakistan has to understand that talk process will progress only in a peaceful atmosphere, not in war-like situation. [sic]

Didnt wars happen in 1947, didnt it happen in 1965, didnt it happen in 1971, didnt Kargil happen in 1999? Just tell me whether a single inch of land was exchanged in all these wars, she said.

She referred to prevailing pro-azadi sentiment in the Valley without naming it, and said a more innovative way of thinking was needed to counter present attitudes.

If a man dreams about something, in real life we have to give him something which is bigger than his dream, she said.

She expressed condolences to the families of those whose children and youths were killed and maimed in police and paramilitary forces action.

She claimed that the children of the poor were provoked to attack police stations, the CRPF, and the army camps.

She questioned the separatists for giving strike calls.

How long they would run these strike call, two months, three months. They ran this circle of strike for three months in 2010, then what? Tell those whose children were martyred then, has anyone inquired about their wellbeing? Those who died this time, whether 40 or 45, who will inquire about their families? she asked.

The new Burhan Brigade

By India Today

The Hizbul Mujahideen has formed the Burhan Brigade, after the killing of its commander Burhan Wani.

It posted a video of new recruited militants which shows boys from South Kashmir and Srinagar.

Intelligence reports suggest that some 50 youths have been found missing from different parts of the Valley.

A video released by Hizbul Mujahideen reveals that the newly-formed Burhan Brigade consists of boys from South Kashmir and Srinagar

It is believed that most of them might have joined the militant ranks.

The brigade includes boys from educated and well-off families as they have their own weapons.

After Burhan Wanis death, girls have reportedly been drawn towards the brigade. Many turned up volunteering as suicide bombers, but were turned away by the group's leader.

The organisations main demand is that Kashmir should be resolved as per UNSC resolutions. If India fulfills the condition, it is ready to give up arms.

National Conference takes on Mehbooba Mufti

The National Conference on Thursday said that it was ironic and ridiculous that the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was terming Hizbul Mujahedeen Commander Burhan Wanis killing a coincidence, while simultaneously having released lakhs of rupees as reward money from the CMs secret fund for those who took part in the encounter.

In a statement issued from Party Headquarters in Srinagar on Thursday, NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said: If Mehbooba Mufti is deluded into thinking that she can try to make a case that she wasnt aware of the encounter where a special team was dispatched from Srinagar to neutralise Burhan Wani, she is living in her usual fools paradise.

"Sometimes she says she wasnt informed of the encounter, and then she discloses it was a coincidence only to simultaneously release lakhs of money from the CMs secret fund as a reward for those who took part in the encounter.
The raging cow protection issue just got an unexpected prod.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, widely accused of minority appeasement by Hindutva activists, is leading a silent crackdown on cross-border cattle smuggling.

She has activated her official machinery to stop cattle stolen from across India ending up in Bangladeshi slaughterhouses, via the extremely porous border between the two countries.

Experts say West Bengal has become the biggest hub for cattle smuggling because of the high demand for beef in the neighbouring nation.

Cows are brought from Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Bihar, and are smuggled into Bangladesh mostly through south Bengal districts. (Picture for representation only.)

Cattle from almost all over the country are sent to the state to be pushed into Bangladesh where they are called gifts on hooves from India.

The illegal bovine business is worth over Rs 15,000 crore annually, and pumps slush money into the local economy. People risk their lives to smuggle cattle.

Our CM has made it clear in the administrative meeting on July 2 in Salt Lake that she will have a zero tolerance towards this, West Bengal food minister Jyotipriya Mallick told Mail Today on Thursday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is pushing for a crackdown on smuggling

India is the worlds second-largest beef exporter, but groups close to the BJP oppose the killing of cows as the animal is considered sacred by many Hindus.

Since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014, its leaders and affiliated outfits have ratcheted up the rhetoric on cow protection and bans on beef.

Counter steps

Hindutva activists have formed rapid action groups in every district of the state, and these units screen the national and state highways to prevent the ferrying of cows to Bangladesh.

Mallick is the president of Trinamool Congress in North 24-Parganas district where cattle smuggling is rampant. He said the state administration has started taking action with increased patrolling along the bordering villages.

The crackdown will be three-pronged - preventing cattle, gold smuggling and the opium trade along the Bengal-Bangladesh border, Mamata told the assembly after the deadly Dhaka cafe terror attack.

Analysts say this is a tactical move by the CM to make political inroads into these fringe pockets of Bengal where the RSS and BJP are trying to gain hold, riding on the cattle issue.

The step is also aimed at breaking the smuggler-politician nexus (be it from the ruling party or Opposition) in these areas.

The Trinamool Congress leaders and activists have already been asked to monitor the activities across all bordering villages, especially at vulnerable pockets and mobilise locals. They are trying to sensitise them about the implications of this illegal trade, said sources in Nadia.

According to local estimates, about 60,000 cows are smuggled into Bangladesh every day from India, mostly through south Bengal districts like North 24-Parganas, Nadia, Murshidabad and Malda.

The smugglers bring the cows all the way from Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Bihar and send them to Bangladesh for a much higher price, often allegedly in collusion with Indias BSF.

India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7km border, and 2,217km falls in Bengal. BSF sources say cattle smuggling from India is widespread in the bordering pockets, primarily for beef in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

Beyond border

Sources said that after sneaking them into Bengal, the smugglers inject cows with drugs that make them restless, compelling them to make a mad dash towards the border.

The cattle lifters let the cows go to the other side of the fence through the water channel, since a large portion of the riverine border is unfenced. The members of the other group take these cattle to their own territory from that side.

Local sources claim 60,000 cows are smuggled into Bangladesh every day from India. (Picture for representation only.)

As tractors have long replaced bulls and oxen, the cattle are sold to traders who supply them to slaughterhouses in Bangladesh, through both legal and illegal routes.

But the cross-border smuggling of beef remains far more lucrative as the selling price in Bangladesh is Rs 350-450 a kg, compared to Rs 150 a kg in Bengal.

Asked about the issue, BSF inspector general (South Bengal Frontier) Sandeep Salunke refused to comment.

A Bangladesh delegation has come now. I am busy in a meeting with them. You call me after a week, he told Mail Today.

Calls and text messages to the BSF deputy inspector general and senior public relations officer in South Bengal Frontier also went unanswered.

'The BSF has brought down illegal cattle trading by 70%'

By Mail Today Bureau in New Delhi

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the BSF has significantly reduced cattle smuggling this year

The NDA government had sent out a message to security agencies to crack down on the illegal cattle trade on the India-Bangladesh border soon after coming to power in May 2014.

According to the government, the Border Security Force (BSF) has ensured a 70 per cent dip in cattle smuggling in the border areas. Not only have the smuggling syndicates been busted, but the BSF has also gunned down those involved in the illegal trade.

In May this year, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he had already written to various states to ensure that the cross-border cattle smuggling is completely stopped.

Singh said that ever since the BJP-led NDA government came to power, the BSF has been able to bring down cattle smuggling significantly.

Earlier about 23 lakh cattle were smuggled to Bangladesh every year. BSF has now brought it down to just 3-3.5 lakh annually. To stop it completely, we need to put in more effort, Singh said at the BSFs Investiture ceremony.

Last month, the BSF gunned down two men in Malda district of West Bengal who were part of a group trying to smuggle cattle after cutting the barbed fence.

The BSF killed over double the number of criminals and cattle smugglers along the Indo-Bangladesh border in 2015 compared to a year ago.

In 2014 and 2015, the BSF killed 10 and 26 cross border criminals, respectively, out of which 6 and 17 were cattle smugglers, respectively, the Home Ministry stated in Parliament.

The Centre is working on a new law to combat illegal cow transport and slaughtering.

The subject of illicit trade was also taken up at the Indo-Bangladesh Home Minister-level dialogue on Thursday, where the two home ministers discussed enhanced cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Sources say this will help in cracking down on smuggling syndicates in the border areas.
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has played down reports of an incursion across the disputed boundary in Uttarakhand, saying its troops did not cross the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).

PLA Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, told a press briefing that China still needed to verify the authenticity of the report but added that Chinese troops always conduct activities on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control.

His comments came as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told Parliament on Thursday that there was no incursion by Chinese troops, just a transgression which has been settled.

China's People Liberation Army has played down reports of an incursion across the disputed boundary in Uttarakhand, saying its troops did not cross the contested Line of Actual Control

The India-China border is not formally demarcated. There are areas where both sides have differing perceptions of the LAC. Barahoti in Uttarakhand is one such area, Parrikar said, adding that there is a well defined mechanism to settle such transgressions.

Indian and Chinese officials have both sought to play down reports of incursions, describing them instead as transgressions across the LAC that take place in certain sections where there are overlapping claim lines of the undemarcated LAC.

A Senior Colonel said the Chinese troops 'always abide by relevant agreements signed between the two countries'

However, several stand-off incidents have taken place in the western sector in Ladakh and strained relations, prompting both sides in recent months to deepen confidence building measures, including holding for the first time disaster relief and humanitarian joint drills along the LAC, and to also increase the number of border personnel meeting points.

The PLA Senior Colonel said the Chinese troops always abide by relevant agreements signed between the two countries.
Jobs shopped

The number of retail jobs has continued to fall, showing a dramatic structural change in the industry, a new report reveals.

Figures for the second quarter by the British Retail Consortium show the number of workers fell by 2.4 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

Down: More stores have closed, according to figures reported by the British Retail Consortium for Q2

Medical

Fall Shares in artificial hip maker Smith & Nephew fell 5.6 per cent, or 73p to 1227p after it said it was suffering from weak demand in China and Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

Revenues rose 2 per cent in the first half of the year to 1.8billion, but profits fell 20 per cent to 248.8million.

Home prices

Average house prices hit a record high this month  up 0.5 per cent to 205,717  despite the Brexit vote, according to Nationwide.

The figures came as estate agent owner Countrywide said first-half profits fell 25pc to 21.8m, but shares rose 6.4 per cent, or 15.9p to 263.2p.

VW stalls

Volkswagen saw its second-quarter profits more than halve after a hammering from the emissions scandal. The German car manufacturer said profits fell 57 per cent to 1.3billion between April and June.

Record assets

Assets under management hit a record 343.8billion at Schroders following a fall in the pound after the Brexit vote.

The weaker currency helped offset outflows of 2billion in the three months to July. Shares fell 4.1 per cent, or 109p to 2531p.

Value rise

Value for shareholders has hit an all-time high at Britains oldest investment trust.

Foreign & Colonial  founded in 1868  said its net asset value per share, was 512.3p at the end of June.

An interim dividend of 2.35p per share will be paid on August 1. Shares rose 0.52 per cent, or 2.5p to 483.5p.

Market beater

Credit Suisse made 153.3million profit in the second quarter of 2016, beating gloomy market predictions.

But the profits were still down 88 per cent on the same period a year earlier, as market turmoil rocked the investment banking world.

Hiring boost

Recruitment firm Robert Walters reported a surprise rise in profit in the six months to June 30.

While there had been fears the industry would be hit by Brexit with recruitment freezes, the firm said revenues had risen 20 per cent to 451.4million.

Loans up

Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banking Groups business has not suffered since the Brexit vote, bosses said.

It has 21.7billion of mortgages on its book, up 8 per cent so far this year.

Moving on
Britain's blue chips are causing a sales boom for defence giant BAE Systems as those companies seek to protect themselves from rogue employees.

BAEs cyber security business is now using cutting-edge technology to prevent external attacks and combat threats from rogue staff who want to make insider trades.

Chief executive Ian King said a growing threat for large businesses was securing confidential data from disaffected employees who wanted to hack into the system.

Armour toughening: Blue chips are seeking greater cyber security protection from rogue employees

They also needed to prevent criminals from breaking into computer networks for financial gain.

BAE is working with banks to protect them from rogue traders seeking to steal price-sensitive information, insider traders and disgruntled workers.

He said: Over the past couple of years we have been developing products that address the threat from within. That threat is up there on the awareness ladder for corporates  everyone is now worried about insider trading as an issue.

'The main concern used to be someone from outside hacking into systems, but this has now shifted to protecting firms from Trojan horses being placed on networks from the inside.

Cyber is the fastest growing part of the defence giant, and sales increased 16 per cent and contributed 100million to revenues in latest half-year figures.

Shares in BAE, which also makes the rear of the F-35 fighter jet and is the lead contractor for replacing ageing Trident submarines, fell 0.28 per cent, or 1.5p to 538p.

Profit increased to 528million for the six months to June 30, up from 508million. Sales were up to 8.7billion from 8.4billion and it proposed a hike in the dividend to 8.6p a share from 8.4p.

BAE is also in line to benefit from governments seeking to protect themselves in the wake of terrorist attacks.
Pinewood studios, the home of James Bond and Star Wars, has received a 323million takeover bid.

The studios has been approached by a London-based property fund run by a French real estate guru, which has raised money from US and European investors.

Pinewood hired investment bank Rothschild in February to run a review with a plan to raise 200million to expand the business.

Fired up: The home of James Bond and Star Wars has received a 323million takeover bid

The offer, revealed yesterday, is from Venus Grafton, run by PW Real Estate Fund III. In turn, this fund is managed by London-based Aermont Capital, whose managing partner is French real estate investor Leon Bressler.

The offer is 560p in cash for each share plus a 3.2p final dividend. It is at a 31 per cent premium to the average share price before Pinewood announced its review.
Dasha has received abuse from the Mean Girls star's fans on social media

She tweeted a picture of Russian Egor in a club with Dasha after their row

Lohan was angry with Dasha after she went nightclubbing with Tarabasov

Lindsay Lohan's former best friend has been forced to move house over sinister threats from the troubled star's fans - after Lohan made the extraordinary claim that she is a prostitute.

In a bizarre rant, Lohan said her fiance Egor Tarabasov was nightclubbing with Dasha Pashevkina who she outrageously labelled 'a Russian hooker' in their latest, explosive bust up.

But Dasha, 26, who was asked to be a bridesmaid at their wedding, hit back at the actress' incredible slur - and claims she was only trying to help the warring couple.

Scared: Lindsay Lohan's former best mate Dasha Pashevkina (pictured) - who she extraordinarily called a prostitute - has been forced from her home after receiving death threats from the troubled star's fans

Jealous: Lindsay Lohan accused the former friend - who she had asked to be her bridesmaid - of sleeping with her fiance Egor Tarabasov. Above, the couple pictured in May 2016

Clubbing: But an outraged Lohan shared a picture of her fiance inside the club, which had clearly been snapped by someone with an allegiance to her rather than Egor and accused him of being out with Dasha

Packing up: Egor was spotted today moving out of the Lohan's London house suggesting they've broken up

Dasha was furious the star had tweeted a picture of her home address and mobile number in a tweet when she had been out partying with Egor.

She said: 'I trusted her and did not expect her to make all my personal details public.

'Now I am receiving threats from her fans and I am quite scared. I have had to move out for a while.'

Speaking to Russian website Peopletalk, she revealed her side of the story about her, Lindsay and Egor - even claiming that she introduced Lohan to Egor.

But now it looks as if the engagement may be over after Egor was photographed moving his belongings out of the star's 3.2million west London home.

Dasha, a clothes designer first met the star 18 months ago through a mutual friend and was called by her because she wanted to wear her designs on the red carpet.

'Unfortunately, sometimes she thought it was not necessary to pay for the things because she was a celebrity. Well, the payment has finally reached us and it was not money, but betrayal,' she said.

Dasha went on: 'We often saw each other, we chatted on phone and did not have any secrets from each other.

Ex-friend: Lohan and Dasha have been close for some time with the actress popping up on the designer's social media (pictured this time last year) and the star has also worn some of her designs

Mixed messages: After denying for months she is engaged to Russian millionaire Egor Tarabasov, Lohan finally made it official calling him her fiance early Sunday... as she revealed he had not come home that night

'In summer last year we were travelling together. Once, when I was at Mykonos with my friends, she joined us for lunch at Nammos Beach Club where I introduced her to Egor.

'I was among the first who got to know about their engagement' she said. 'I was so glad about it - Lindsay asked me to be a bridesmaid.'

And Dasha - backed by her mother Antonina Pashevkina is now demanding a humbling public apology from Lohan.

'I was abused by the fact that she told lies about me in public and dirtied my name in all social networks,' she said, adding that she will take legal action if the US-born star refuses to apologise.

Dasha strongly denied Lohan's claims and said she has time and again rescued the actress when she fell out with Egor - but the latest row has left her frightened.

'She blocked my phone number in Egor's mobile while he was sleeping. She was jealous about any girl around him without a reason.

Dasha Speaking to Russian website Peopletalk, she revealed the truth about her, Lindsay and Egor

The two women first met 18 months ago via a mutual friend, she told the website, and was then frequently called by the star who wanted to wear her designs on the red carpet

Dasha - backed by her mother Antonina Pashevkina is now demanding a humbling public apology from Lohan

'Despite all this, I wanted to believe that she was a good person after all, and I kept sympathising with her when they fell out.'

And it comes as the actress's father Michael texted his future son-in-law on Saturday night, warning him to stay away from his daughter, claimed TMZ.

'You threaten my daughter, touch her or if anything happens to her and you will have no where to hide mother ducked like weasel [sic],' he reportedly wrote.

The Russian fashionista fell out with US actress Lohan a month ago when they celebrated their birthdays on Greek island Mykonos.

Dasha went on: 'But after yet another fight with Egor she sent me a message that I was no longer invited to her party.

'It turned out that the reason for it was because I had lunch with Egor and our friends on the very day they argued and she was not there. We have not been in touch since then.'

Dasha also explained events on the night of Lohan's most recent bust up with Egor that prompted a 5am bust-up and the police being called to Lohan's address.

She said that she had been drinking at celeb hangout the Chiltern Firehouse and Egor and Lohan were also there.

Seemed fine: Just a few days ago, the couple looked loved up as they holidayed in Greece

Row: In a bizarre rant Lohan posted an Instagram picture of her fiance with Dasha at the nightclub and allegedly filmed her ex-friend leaving the club

Just after 5am London time, the actress posted another picture of her fiance but failed to make much sense. Egor was pictured today moving his things out of Lohan's 3.2million west London home

She added she was 'surprised' to see the actress and her beau in the same venue, but sitting at different tables with separate groups of friends.

Dasha said: 'Lindsay glanced at me several times and soon left. A bit later Egor approached me.

'He asked me to excuse Lindsay for her behaviour on Mykonos and said that they had a big quarrel about it.'

Dasha said Egor then left the venue with his friends.

'Later he called me and asked if we could get together as we used to do in old good times, if we can forget all sorrows and if he could invite me to a club,' she said.

She said she met Egor in Cirque Le Soir - but someone took a photo of Egor inside and sent it to Lohan.

Lohan posted the photograph on Instagram and accused Egor of lying to her about his whereabouts.

In an angry rant, she posted: 'Wow thanks #fiance with Russian hooker @dasha_pa5h.'

Lindsay later posted the woman's home address and email with a bizarre rant that included Donald Trump and Putin hashtags, before deleting it.

She went on: : 'I guess I was the same at 23... S****y time - it changes at 26/27' adding: '@e2505t thanks for not coming home tonight. Fame changes people.'

Dasha then claims the star waited outside Cirque Le Soir for her and filmed her leaving the club.

'She was filming me and abusing me, trying to provoke my aggression. A minute later I saw her Instagram post.

Uninvited: According to Dasha, this isn't the first time the couple have fallen out over her - she was uninvited to the star's birthday party on Greek island Mykonos after Dasha had lunch with friends and Egor

Party: Dasha says she was invited to the club by Egor, who had spotted his old friend at a London restaurant

'Now I have to sort out the consequences of this unpleasant situation and to explain everywhere that I am just a victim of these circumstances.'

Dasha's mother Antonina added: 'This person made unfounded and unfair accusations about my daughter and should apologise in public.

'I think that such behaviour should not be taken into consideration - and she should not be allowed to disgrace our family.
A British doctor struck off by the NHS who was accused of kidnapping Western journalists has fled to Syria and is treating bomb victims, including jihadis.

Shajul Islam was arrested and charged with kidnapping two journalists in 2012 but was released after the trial collapsed when neither of the prosecution's witnesses were able to give evidence.

Dr Islam had always protested his innocence, saying he went to Syria to use his medical skills to treat victims of the civil war.

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Dr Islam was accused of kidnapping Western journalists in Syria in 2012, but cleared when the case collapsed

Dr Islam had always protested his innocence, saying he went to Syria to use his medical skills to treat victims of the civil war. Now he is back in Idlib, northern Syria and says he is helping victims of bombing campaigns

'You can't imagine the number of casualties and we don't have enough doctors to look after them,' he said

Now he has appeared in a video filmed in Idlib, in northern Syria, where he claims to be providing medical help to the victims of Syrian and Russian airstrikes.

Islam, from East London, who qualified at the University of London and worked as a doctor at St Bart's hospital, is currently removed from the medical register after a fitness to practise hearing at the General Medical Council in March.

Cleared: The prosecution was forced to fold when their two key witnesses were unable to give evidence

After the criminal case against him collapsed, and he was found not guilty, he faced close monitoring by the security services.

The video published on YouTube yesterday for citizen journalist site On the Ground News, shows Islam wearing hospital scrubs and a stethoscope.

He tells American journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem that he is one of very few foreign doctors treating civilians injured in air strikes in north Syria.

Asked why he has come to Syria, Islam replies: 'I'm a doctor. There's a serious shortage of doctors. Anyone who is a doctor needs to be here. I don't understand why anyone who is sitting in England or Europe or America isn't here.'

According to a GMC report, a secret tribunal panel heard the disciplinary case against Islam in March this year and banned him for misconduct. The hearing was held in private so the details of the misconduct are not publically known.

Islam told Kareem that the situation in Syria was 'crazy'.

'You can't imagine the number of casualties and we don't have enough doctors to look after them,' he said.

'From my perspective 80 per cent of the victims are women and children. The air strikes are not hitting terrorists they are hitting innocent civilians. Imagine you are sleeping at home with your family and you are hit by an airstrike.

'Whole families are being wiped out while they are sleeping. We are seeing on a daily basis 10, 20, 30 people being killed by these air strikes. I want you to picture this: your family, your loved ones, your wife being killed.'

Islam blamed the Syrian and Russian governments for the deaths, adding: 'They are killing civilians, the Syrian government, the Russian and any other government that is working with them is aiding in killing civilians here.'

According to a GMC report, a secret tribunal panel heard the disciplinary case against Islam in March this year and banned the doctor for misconduct

Bombed: The doctor is now back in Syria working in Idlib province. He told citizen journalist site On the Ground news that there is a severe shortage of medical staff to deal with casualties from the daily airstrikes

Islam told Kareem that the situation in Syria was 'crazy' and blamed the Syrian and Russian governments for the deaths

He said that he was based close to Idlib where the rebel alliance and some jihadi groups are holding out against a joint Syrian and Russian bombardment.

Islam described how air strikes had recently destroyed the main hospital in Idlib had been destroyed: 'The main hospital was hit and taken out of action, including the CT scan and the intensive care unit. ....serious trauma patients requiring CT scan have to travel a further hour away.'

He said that for many of his patients their injuries were so serious there is nothing the doctors can do for them.

Asked what was the emotional toll on him he told the journalist: 'Of course we are human beings and it is very difficult to deal with but we have no choice because we are limited in numbers of staff. We have to function 24/7 - it's not a shift thing.

'We stay in the hospital 24 hours for four days at a time and I have to be ready to respond to patients at any time from the air strikes,' he said.

UN officials reported that Idlib's national hospital was targeted by an airstrike on May 30, killing two dozen people including children.

He said that he was based close to Idlib where the rebel alliance and some jihadi groups are holding out against a joint Syrian and Russian bombardment. Above, patients wait in a makeshift hospital in northern Syrian

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 23 people were killed in air strikes on the Idlib province on July 21

According to Islam, doctors stay in the hospitals 24 hours a day for four days to treat patients

Airstrikes on the city and the surrounding area including Binnesh and Jisr al-shoughour, which was taken by Al-Qaeda linked Jabhat al-Nusra have intensified with reports of entire families being wiped out.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented several air raids across the province in the past week - in one instance killing eight people, who were mostly women and children.

At the time of his 2012 prosecution Shajul Islam, then 28, and a second man, Jubayer Chowdhury, then 24, were the only alleged British jihadists charged with kidnapping Westerners in Syria.

The pair  held in high security Belmarsh prison  walked free from court after all charges were dropped.

A bakery was destroyed in Binnesh, Idlib province on July 22. Three people killed and 15 injured in airstrikes

At the time of Islam's 2012 prosecution Shajul Islam, then 28, and a second man, Jubayer Chowdhury, then 24, were the only British jihadists charged with kidnapping Westerners in Syria

At the start of the hearing in November 2013, prosecutor Mark Dennis QC told the court that all evidence against the brothers rested on the two victims, who were unable to be called, and therefore could not proceed with the case.

A verdict of not guilty was recorded for the charge of kidnapping.
Israeli forces have shot dead a Palestinian man who was accused of killing an Israeli father-of-10 in the West Bank.

Mohamed Fakih who had links to the armed wing of Hamas, died in a vicious gun battle with troops after they launched a raid on his hiding place in the village of Surif.

The 29-year-old had gone on the run after being accused of causing Rabbi Michael 'Miki' Mark's death on July 1.

Palestinians gather around the remains of a house where Hamas fighter Mohammad al-Fakih was shot dead by Israeli troops during a raid in the West Bank village of Surif, near Hebron

Israeli forces climb the stairs after a night-time raid to find the men accused of murdering Israeli Rabbi Mark earlier this month, in the village of Surif

The Rabbi was killed when his car crashed after he was ambushed and fired on near Hebron.

His wife and two of his 10 children were also wounded in the crash.

In the night-time raid, Israeli troops surrounded Fakih's hideout, and arrested three other Palestinian suspects.

According to Israeli media reports, Fakih opened fire on troops as they drew near to his hiding place.

He was reportedly killed in the gun battle that broke out.

After Fakih had been slain, troops almost completely destroyed his hideout - firing an anti-tank missile at the property and using a bulldozer to crush the remains.

Hamas reportedly confirmed that Fakih belonged to the Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades, the group's armed wing.

After Fakih had been killed, troops almost completely destroyed his hideout - firing an anti-tank missile at the property and using a bulldozer to crush the remains

Hamas reportedly confirmed that Fakih belonged to the Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades, the group's armed wing

According to Israeli military, the three Palestinians arrested also had connections to the ambush on the car and were 'members of a terrorist cell with ties to Hamas'.

A spokesman for the Israeli prime minister said a recently arrested member of the Palestinian security forces had driven Fakih to the site of the attack.
President Barack Obama's presidential library will be built in a park on Chicago's South Side along the shores of Lake Michigan and a short walk from the university where Obama once taught.

The Barack Obama Foundation decided to build the library at Jackson Park near the University of Chicago, according to a person briefed on the selection.

The library is expected to be a boon to the city's South Side, providing jobs to communities that have long struggled with gang violence and high unemployment.

Jackson Park, in Chicago. (pictured) is where Obama and first lady Michelle have selected to place the outgoing president's presidential library

Coming home: President Obama's library will be at a park near the University of Chicago, where he once taught constitutional law

The park was selected over nearby Washington Park, which also was proposed by the University of Chicago, where Obama taught constitutional law as he was embarking on a political career that led him to the Illinois Senate, the U.S. Senate and ultimately the White House.

The university has said the library and presidential center are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, bringing jobs and millions of dollars to the area.

Jackson Park was the site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, while Washington Park is a national historic site.

Both parks have hundreds of acres and were designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, but Jackson Park  located between Lake Michigan and the University of Chicago  is farther away from areas plagued by gun violence than Washington Park, which is further to the west.

Michelle Obama once worked as an administrator at the University of Chicago Medical Center, and the Obamas still maintain a house near the private university's campus. The president famously worked as a community organizer on Chicago's South Side, where his wife grew up.

Obama's library will be be designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, a New York architectural firm that designed the David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago

The parks were chosen as finalists last year over bids by Columbia University in New York City, the University of Hawaii and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The Obamas announced last month that the library would be designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, a New York architectural firm that designed the David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago. The Obama Foundation said 140 architecture firms applied to design the library.

The center is expected to be completed by 2021.
Bernie Sanders supporters will silently protest the president's trade deal tonight during his speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Sanders supporters told DailyMail.com that they would hold up signs indicating their displeasure with the Trans-Pacific Partnership during President Barack Obama's remarks.

They also plan to repurpose the inflatables - the letter 'O' for Obama - that are being distributed for use during the president's speech to display anti-TPP messages.

A plan to shout down the president over the trade agreement that Sanders pegged as 'disastrous' was scrapped by three delegations amid concerns the protest would be viewed through a racial prism.

Down with the TPP: Sanders supporters are planning to hold up signs indicating their displeasure with the Trans-Pacific Partnership during Barack Obama's speech

A plan to shout down the president over the trade agreement that Sanders pegged as 'disastrous' was scrapped by three delegations amid concerns the protest would be viewed through a racial prism

Kaine mutiny? Delegates are considering making an example of Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine, because they all agree nobody wants to diss Obama

Others said they believed it would be 'disrespectful' to holler at the United States' president.

'Everybody's pretty much aligned on nobody's dissing Obama,' Jill Dunham, a Michigan delegate said.

Instead, delegates were considering making an example of Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton's running mate.

Another Maine delegate standing nearby disagreed. Yelling at the president 'would send a message to him,' Sanders supporter Al Benchich of Detroit said, 'because we don't have any other venue to do that.'

But he said, 'There is this whole argument, does this frankly appear, for lack of a better term, racist' because they're protesting the first black president. 'It's not the president,' he said, 'it's the issue.'

That's why he said they were leaning toward a silent dissent that involves holding up signs.

One idea was to chant for 30 seconds 'or until we make the president stop his speech,' she said. 'But then there are people saying, no we're not gonna do that, so there's a lot of dissension.'

Lauren Steiner, a delegate who helped organize the Monday protest on the floor of the party platform, said the president is the one acting out of turn.

'I think it's disrespectful for the President of the United States to be pushing with the Republican leadership over the objections of the Democratic Party this NAFTA on steroids, which if passed will represent a global corporate coup d'etat.

'The TPP is bad for workers, bad for consumers, bad for the environment, and bad for national sovereignty because it makes corporations more powerful than governments.'

Target? Barack Obama will close the third night of the Democratic Convention with disgruntled Bernie Sanders supporters still on the warpath

Convention officials acted this afternoon to block dissent, warning delegates that they'd have their credentials yanked and wouldn't be allowed to enter the area on the final night if they were caught displaying unapproved signs, one delegate said.

Cassandra Fairbanks of SputnikNews.com posted a video on Twitter of a man presumed to be a DNC official collecting Bernie Sanders paraphernalia.

Sanders backers opined to DailyMail.com on Tuesday that the national party left them no option but to protest in refusing to allow them to have their say through a democratic process.

Had delegates been allowed to speak out on the floor about the platform, Benchich said they wouldn't have had to air their grievances the way they did.

He rejected the notion that delegates had multiple opportunities to provide their feedback on the platform during a series of meetings across the country in June and July. That process was controlled by the DNC, he said, at top-down body - they decided the rules.

Monday Sanders delegates attracted negative attention as they campaigned on the floor against the trade accord while African-American Congressman Elijah Cummings shared an emotional personal story about the hardships his father faced in a segregated America.

A participant in the protest who was positioned at the front of the stage and was prominently photographed said today she felt the press was mischaracterizing their dissent by bringing up Cummings' race and suggesting the two were connected.

Citing the incident, she declined to share her name.

Steiner, an organizer of the demonstration, said the optically-challenging incident was the result of failed communication between organizers.

They planned every detail down to the hand signals that 'whips' would use as they shouted 'mic check' to summon their delegates.

Organizers never agreed upon an end time for the clamor, assuming they'd be stopped at a certain point by party hands.

'And they didn't stop us, so we kind of did it until we got tired,' Steiner said.

So the shouting continued through Cummings.

'We know what was in our hearts, we know that every Bernie supporter any of us knows are huge supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement,' she said. 'There's not a racist bone in any of our hearts. It's just the opposite.'

Concerned that a verbal Obama protest would play poorly for the same reason, delegates decided against it and planned to hold up signs during his speech declaring their opposition to his secret trade deal that was negotiated behind closed doors.

Even members of Congress were disallowed from taking copies of the paperwork back to their offices to prevent a leak of the language while it was being negotiated. They had to visit a private room whenever they wanted to see it.

Republicans in Congress gave the president the authority last year to fast-track the Pacific Rim deal.

Bernie Sanders, pictured on Wednesday, vehemently campaigned against the trade deal as a presidential candidate and his delegates and surrogates aggressively fought to have a disclaimer added to the Democratic Party platform saying they do not support it

Whose side are you on? Demonstrators burn an American flag during a protest on Tuesday night in Philadelphia after Hillary Clinton was crowned the Democratic Presidential nominee

In doing so, they gave up their right to amend the text - something other nations involved in the creation of the pact had demanded.

Congress must still approve the pact, however, in order for it to go into effect. Progressives are demanding it not be brought to the floor for ratification during the so-called lame duck session between November and the January inauguration.

Sanders vehemently campaigned against the trade deal as a presidential candidate and his delegates and surrogates aggressively fought to have a disclaimer added to the Democratic Party platform saying they do not support it.

The language they were pursuing was nixed by party officials opposed to publicly contradicting the sitting president even though Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton says she, too, opposes the trade deal.

Clinton helped to create the 12-nation deal as secretary of state. Under siege from labor groups, she backed off from it last summer, saying she could not support it in its current form - even though she wasn't supposed to have access to it the time as it was not yet public.

The flip-flop became a major point of contention throughout the Democratic primary, as Sanders and Republican Donald Trump hit her from both sides for undercutting American workers. The North America Free Trade Agreement, which they also oppose, was her husband's doing.

Clinton ally Terry McAuliffe got her into even more trouble with the left this week when he claimed that as president she'd tweak the the deal but wouldn't scrap it entirely.

McAuliffe had to back track after the Democratic nominee's campaign chairman publicly called him out.

'Love Gov. McAuliffe, but he got this one flat wrong. Hillary opposes TPP BEFORE and AFTER the election. Period. Full stop,' Podesta tweeted.

Her VP pick Tim Kaine was also for it before he was against it. Kaine was touting the deal up until the point he joined Clinton's ticket.

Sanders delegates said Tuesday that they did not trust Clinton and Kaine to keep their word and block the deal if elected.

'Hillary Clinton says she's opposed to the TPP, but everybody knows that she just flipped to that position because Bernie Sanders was against it,' Steiner said. 'But nobody believes her.

She added, 'I mean there's a reason she has one of the highest untrustworthy, highest dishonesty rates, because she says one thing to one audience and another thing to another audience.

'She also says things at one point in time, and then when the political winds shift she'll say another thing.'

Steiner said she ran into Kaine Tuesday morning and told him point blank that the accord should not come up for a vote during the lame duck.
A United Nations human rights expert is recommending changes in the way protests are handled in the United States, saying the process of issuing permits for demonstrations is 'arbitrary' and could easily lead to discrimination against certain groups.

Maina Kiai of Kenya, UN special rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, offered preliminary findings Wednesday from his visits this month to seven US cities  including the sites of this year's Democratic and Republican political conventions  to investigate how the US upholds its citizens' rights of assembly and association.

Kiai's full report to the United Nations will be completed and published in June 2017.

Maina Kiai (pictured) offered preliminary findings Wednesday from his visits this month to seven US cities  including the sites of this year's Democratic and Republican political conventions  to investigate how the US upholds its citizens' rights of assembly and association

The first issue Kiai addressed involved permits and other requirements set by the government in order to protest.

Such restrictions, he said, should meet standards set by international law, which recommends a system by which citizens notify the authorities when they will assemble, rather than the government having to grant permission.

The United States 'has these time, place and manner restrictions that have been authorized by courts and authorities' where protests are concerned, he said, 'and these will not necessarily conform with international law'.

'When you require permits, when you require permission, then you turn the right into a privilege,' Kiai said. 'Rights do not need permission from anyone to be exercised.'

During his visit, Kiai went to Baltimore; Cleveland; Ferguson, Missouri; Jackson, Mississippi; New Orleans; Philadelphia; and Phoenix. Demonstrators are seen in Baltimore in May 2016

Kiai also expressed concern about dealings between police and protesters, and warned of over-policing and militarization.

He urged that police restrict arrests and punishment to those who act outside of the law, saying the presence of such people does not take away the rights of those who are assembled peacefully.

'It is absolutely, manifestly unwise to go into a largely peaceful, grieving crowd with riot gear, random arrests, flimsy charges, rough physical handling, verbal insults and other things like that,' Kiai said.

'It is not only a right of the violation of peaceful assembly, but it is dangerous to participants, the general public and to police officers.'

During his visit, Kiai went to Baltimore; Cleveland; Ferguson, Missouri; Jackson, Mississippi; New Orleans; Philadelphia; and Phoenix.
Independent James Mathison got $25,000 in failed bid for seat of Warringah

Political parties and independent MPs who lost in the 2016 federal election have pocketed up to $75,000 each from the Australian Electoral Commission.

The AEC has made the first round of payments of taxpayer money to both winning and losing candidates, in a total of more than $60 million.

Of the 48 parties or individuals who received money, only 13 were elected, while the other 35 still received funding.

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Independent James Mathison (pictured), who failed to challenge Tony Abbott in the safe seat of Warringah received $25,721 from the Australian Electoral Commission

The Animal Justice Party (left) received more than $34,000 while the Australian Sex Party (supporter pictured right) were allocated $6,000 in taxpayer funding

Political parties that were unsuccessful in their bids include The Animal Justice Party, who were allocated $34,114 while the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party finished up with $17,456.

The Bullet Train for Australia Party, who were campaigning for fast implementation of high-speed rail, received $15,509.23.

The Sex Party and Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) Party also received more than $6,000 for their part in the election.

Tony Windsor received the most taxpayer funding as an independent without winning a seat, getting $72,000 for his failed bid to grab New England from Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

Fellow independent Rob Oakeshott pocketed more than $70,000 in his failed bid to retain his seat in the electorate of Cowper in New South Wales, while Stephen Ruff, who was running for North Sydney, received more than $30,000.

Australian animal rights activist and former actress Lynda Stoner is pictured with some greyhounds in front of the Sydney Opera House, campaigning for the Animal Justice Party

New South Wales independent MPs Rob Oakeshott (left) and Tony Windor (right) were both unsuccessful in their bids for the seats of Cowper and New England respectively, but both still pocketed a large sum of money

To be eligible for the funding, candidates had to receive at least four per cent of the first formal preference vote.

Each first preference vote is worth 262.784 cents.

The AEC told Daily Mail Australia the Commonwealth Electoral Act has provisions about eligibility for funding and how it is paid out in fairly precise details, but once the AEC has dispersed the funds it has no further involvement in how they are spent.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party took out the top spot with $23.4 million in taxpayer funds, which was roughly the same amount they earnt during the 2013 election.

The Labor Party received $22.3 million, which was $1.6 million more than they received in the last poll.

One Nation received $1.6 million in funding for their successful Senate bid, while the Nick Xenophon Team received almost $1.8 million.

Leader of the One Nation Party and senator-elect Pauline Hanson (pictured) received $1.6 million in taxpayer funding, behind the Liberals, Labor, Nationals and Greens

Derryn Hinch's Justice Party (pictured is Derryn Hinch on the campaign trail) came in at number seven with more than half a million in public funding

CANDIDATE PAYMENTS FOR POLITICAL PARTIES Liberal Party of Australia - $23,464,128.62 Australian Labor Party - $22,355,109.55 Australian Greens - $6,337,258.36 National Party of Australia - $3,158,301.63 Pauline Hansons One Nation Party - $1,623,827.11 Nick Xenophon Team - $1,179,992.89 Derryn Hinchs Justice Party - $544,420.99 Christian Democratic Party - $283,838.18 Family First - $218,993.20 Country Liberals (NT) - $180,977.63 Katters Australian Party - $157,743.09 Rise Up Australia Party - $75,490.79 Jacqui Lambie Network - $68,951.79 Source: Australian Electoral Commission Liberal Democratic Party - $48,494.75 Animal Justice Party - $34,114.28 Australian Recreational Fishers Party - $29,277.97 Glenn Lazarus Team - $21,220.94 Australian Christians - $20,422.25 Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party - $17,456.17 Bullet Train for Australia - $15,509.23 Australian Liberty Alliance - $15,277.98 Australian Country Party - $9,155.11 Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) Party - $6,311.79 Australian Sex Party - $6,311.79 Advertisement

Derryn Hinch's Justice Party came in at number seven with more than half a million in public funding.

The only two independents that won seats were Catherine McGowan in Indi, Victoria, and Andrew Wilkie in Denison, Tasmania.

Ms McGowan received the largest share of taxpayer funding with $81,241, while Mr Wilkie finished up with $76,413.

The Palmer United Party, which received $2.3 million from taxpayers after the 2013 election, did not earn enough votes in the 2016 election to receive any public funding.

Payments were made to 24 political parties and 24 independent candidates.

The first round of payments is based on the progressive vote count as of 22 July 2016.

A second and final round of payments of all outstanding entitled funds will be made once the vote counting from the federal election is finalised.

Bob Katter (pictured), who heads up Katter's Australia Party, received $157,743, including the votes for both lower and upper-house seats
Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York who thought about making his own presidential run, urged Independents to vote for 'sane' Hillary Clinton.

Bloomberg, who has been a Republican, Democrat and Independent, called for electing Clinton not for party loyalty but for love of country, as he hammered Donald Trump.

Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes running his business? God help us, Bloomberg says, after pointing out the fellow moguls bankruptcies and tendency to file lawsuits.

Im a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one, he said, in another one of the darts he threw at Trump.

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'The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy': Michael Bloomberg used his speech at the Democratic National Convention to attack Donald Trump

Bankrupt: Bloomberg said Trump had left behind 'a well-documented record of bankruptcies and thousands of lawsuits'; if he wants to run the presidency like a business, 'God help us'

In from the cold: The former mayor of New York, an independent who considered running for President, has taken the step of backing Hillary Clinton

Bloomberg knows both Clinton and Trump from his three terms serving as mayor of New York City.

After lacing into Trump, he hailed Clinton as a sane, competent person with international experience.

I understand the appeal of a businessman president. But Trump's business plan is a disaster in the making, Bloomberg said.

He would make it harder for small businesses to compete, do great damage to our economy, threaten the retirement savings of millions of Americans, lead to greater debt and more unemployment, erode our influence in the world, and make our communities less safe, Bloomberg continued.

The bottom line is: Trump is a risky, reckless, and radical choice. And we can't afford to make that choice.

Bloomberg qualified some of his praise for the Democrat.

He stated differences with both parties and said he hadn't always agreed with Clinton.

Too many Republicans wrongly blame immigrants for our problems, and they stand in the way of action on climate change and gun violence, he said.

Meanwhile, many Democrats wrongly blame the private sector for our problems, and they stand in the way of action on education reform and deficit reduction, he said, earning some boos from the crowd of Democrats. Bloomberg is a leading proponent of performance based education policies.

There are times when I disagree with Hillary. But whatever our disagreements may be, I've come here to say: We must put them aside for the good of our country. And we must unite around the candidate who can defeat a dangerous demagogue.

Although he was unflinching in his support for Clinton, he made clear that his support had something to do with Trump being her opponent.

He said she was the right choice for this election and for this November.

Earlier, his Democratic successor Bill de Blasio, took to the stage at 5.30pm Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to support Hillary Clinton and bash Trump.

The mayor is considered a leading progressive figure. But de Blasio, who once ran Clinton's Senate campaign, irritated the Clinton camp when he held off his endorsement and took trips to Iowa while Bernie Sanders' challenge was gaining steam.

'Hillary Clinton, she's smart, she's steady, she's right and she's ready,' de Blasio told the audience. 'Donald Trump, he's reckless, he's risky, he's wrong and he's scary.'

Bloomberg spoke after Vice President Joe Biden.

Snubbed: Bill de Blasio took to the stage at 5.30pm to support Hillary Clinton and bash Donald Trump

Missing out on a prime time slot: Bill de Blasio delivered his speech at 5.30pm, while his predecessor will speak at 9.20pm

Supporting Hillary: 'Hillary Clinton, she's smart, she's steady, she's right and she's ready,' de Blasio said

De Blasio opened his speech by saying: 'As a New Yorker, I am quite familiar with both presidential nominees, but despite sharing a home state, these two people are worlds apart.

'Here's the Hillary I know; when she graduated from law school she could have begun a lucrative career at the prestigious law firm of her choice.

'Instead, her heart led her to take a noble job at modest pay at the Children's Defense Fund, advocating for poor families and children who needed a champion.'

He added: 'What did Donald Trump do? He was born rich. He made a career out of ripping people off, racking up billions in debt and bankrupting his companies.

'Instead of public service or philanthropy, he became one of the least generous billionaires our country has ever seen.'

De Blasio also accused Trump of failing to protect the students of Trump University, describing it as 'a place his own employees called a scam'.

'Where vulnerable Americans were pushed to spend more and more money on worthless classes,' he said.

He accused The Donald of calling women 'dogs' and 'fat pigs', adding: 'He's degraded women to make himself feel big.'

De Blasio has become caught up in a corruption probe. Two men who contributed heavily to his campaign are accused of bribing NYPD officers in exchange for favors, according to prosecutors.

Erica Smegielski, daughter of the slain principal from Sandy Hook Elementary School Dawn Hochsprung, said she didn't want to be at the convention, and instead should have been at home with her mother

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords waves to the crowd on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center. It has been five years since she survived an assassination attempt

Attack dog: Vice President Joe Biden arrives to speak during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center

Bloomberg ruled himself out of running as an independent for the presidency earlier this year, saying he would not be able to win.

The 74-year-old said he had wanted to serve 'the country I love' but that all the data pointed to an attempt at the White House failing.

In a column on his news service, Bloomberg.com, he said that the most likely result of a third-party run would be for the presidency to be decided by Congress because no one candidate would win a majority.

'As the race stands now, with Republicans in charge of both Houses, there is a good chance that my candidacy could lead to the election of Donald Trump or Senator Ted Cruz,' he wrote.

'That is not a risk I can take in good conscience.'

He stepped away from Bloomberg LP after being elected mayor of New York City in 2001, 20 years after he founded the company.

After serving three terms at City Hall, Bloomberg insisted he was leaving the business and political worlds behind and would focus on his new grandchild and on using his philanthropic foundation to give away most of his $38 billion fortune, including for pet causes like climate change and gun control.
The ex-wife of a treasure hunter who disappeared this year while searching for an author's cache of gold and jewels in the Rocky Mountains claims the treasure is a 'hoax'.

Randy Bilyeu was confirmed dead by authorities on Tuesday after his remains were discovered west of Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Police spokesman Greg Gurule said medical investigators confirmed the remains found along the Rio Grande north of Cochiti Lake were those of Bilyeu, a 54-year-old grandfather from Colorado.

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Randy Bilyeu, left, disappeared in early January while searching for a $2million cache of gold and jewels in northern New Mexico, and was found dead in the wilderness west of Santa Fe. His ex-wife Linda Bilyeu (right) has said 'He lost his life for a hoax'

Bilyeu had two daughters with his ex-wife, Linda Bilyeu, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Linda Bilyeu told the newspaper: 'We're disappointed that he lost his life because of a treasure hunt.

'There's no treasure - it's not real. He lost his life for a hoax.'

Gurule said the investigation into his death remains active and declined further comment.

Bilyeu disappeared in early January while searching for antiquities dealer and writer Forrest Fenn's $2million trove in northern New Mexico.

Fenn told the Albuquerque Journal: 'That's very unfortunate, and I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. It's terrible.'

He insisted to the newspaper: 'The treasure is real, the story is real.'

Fenn dropped clues about the treasure in a cryptic poem in his 2011 memoir, The Thrill of the Chase.

The self-published work spurred tens of thousands to search for Fenn's loot.

An eccentric 85-year-old from Santa Fe, Fenn has inspired a cult following since his announcement that he stashed a small bronze chest somewhere in the Rocky Mountains.

Pictured are art dealer turned author Forrest Fenn (left), who hid a treasure in the Rocky Mountains, and the cover of his memoir, The Thrill of the Chase (right)

Fenn (pictured in 2013) dropped clues about the treasure in a cryptic poem in his 2011 memoir, The Thrill of the Chase. The self-published work spurred tens of thousands to search for Fenn's loot

A map and a poem from Forrest Fenn's book The Thrill of the Chase which contains clues to a hidden treasure

Amid the craze, he has tried to dissuade people from searching in the winter, saying the treasure is not hidden in a dangerous place.

He also tells followers not to look 'any place where an 80-year-old man couldn't put it'.

Treasure hunters have searched in vain through remote corners of New Mexico, Yellowstone National Park and elsewhere in the mountains.

They share their experiences on blogs and brainstorm about the clues. The mystery has been featured on national networks, igniting even more interest.

Family and friends say Bilyeu, who would have turned 55 in February, bought a raft and set out on January 5 after scouting for two weeks along the river west of Santa Fe.

He had a GPS device, a wetsuit and waders. He brought along his little white dog, Leo.

More than a week passed before a worried friend reached out to Bilyeu's ex-wife in Florida, Linda Bilyeu, who filed a missing person's report on January 14. His raft and dog were found the next day.

Authorities called off the official search for Bilyeu in January, citing a lack of evidence to point them in the right direction.

But Bilyeu's friends, fellow treasure hunters and family, including his ex-wife, continued their own search.

Fenn also joined in what became an increasingly desperate mission last winter to find Bilyeu.

He wasn't the first 'Fenner' whose disappearance spurred a search.

Three years ago, a woman from Texas - drawn by a national television report about the treasure - got lost searching the mountains near Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico.

She spent a March night in rugged terrain and was walking out the next day when rescuers found her.
The number of children growing up in homes in which nobody has a job has plummeted by 170,000 in a single year to the lowest total on record, after string of reforms introduced by Iain Duncan Smith

The number of children growing up in homes in which nobody has a job has plummeted by 170,000 in a single year to the lowest total on record.

The drastic reduction follows a string of reforms introduced by Ex-Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith to reduce the size of the bloated welfare system.

In 2010, when the Tories first came to power, 2.6million children lived in households where at least one adult was dependent on a state handout.

That total is now down to 2million - an overall reduction of 600,000 in five years.

Mr Duncan Smith implemented his welfare reforms in the face of repeated attacks from the Church of England and the Left-wing establishment.

The Church had claimed that, by introducing a benefit cap and limiting some State handouts, hundreds of thousands of children would be subjected to unacceptable suffering.

But Mr Duncan Smith held his nerve in the face of what he called the doom mongers  saying it was a tragic waste of potentia; to not help families in which nobody was in work.

Last night, Mr Duncan Smith told the Mail that the figures were a success story. He said: The point of my reforms was that work is the best solution to peoples predicament of being in poverty and having no job.

People growing up in households where no-one was in work were less likely to find a job themselves and to be able to get on in life and do well.

The fact that so many more children will now grow up in a more stable environment, encouraged to go to work, is good for them, for their families and for Britain.

There are now 2.5 million more people in work than in 2010, and a record high employment rate.

Theresa Mays new Government yesterday hailed the achievement of getting so many people into work.

Minister for Employment Damian Hinds said: Its very encouraging to see fewer children living in households where an adult claims an out of work benefit. We know that employment is the best route out of poverty and just last week we saw record numbers of people in work.

We want everyone to benefit from the stability created by a steady income which is why were supporting people into work and making work pay by increasing National Living Wage. Its only by doing this we can ensure every child has the chance to get on in life, not just the privileged few.

Mr Duncan Smith came under vitriolic attack  often on the BBC airwaves  when his welfare reforms were going through Parliament.

In 2011, Bishops who sit in the House of Lords threatened to de-rail plans to cap the maximum sum a household can receive in benefits at 26,000.

Theresa Mays new Government yesterday hailed the achievement of getting so many people into work. Meanwhile, leading figures on the Left  headed by Labours Ed Balls  claimed that Government spending cuts would trigger massive job losses

John Packer, then Bishop of Ripon and Leeds said at the time: There is a very real risk that these reforms will cause suffering to the most vulnerable in society. What were hoping to do is to lessen that suffering for children in families where parents are unemployed.

I am president of Unicef and I think the effect on children across the country of a cap in its present form will be in my view completely unacceptable.

Two years later the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, claimed that capping benefit rises at one per cent could push 200,000 children into poverty.

Meanwhile, leading figures on the Left  headed by Labours Ed Balls  claimed that Government spending cuts would trigger massive job losses.

Friends said yesterdays figures provided vindication of Mr Duncan Smiths time in office. The number of children living in jobless households is the lowest since 2008, when records were first collected.

He quit David Camerons Government in March 2016 in protest at plans to cut disability payments.

The former Tory leader said: I am passionate about trying to improve the quality of life for those in difficult circumstances.
Britain's economic growth actually accelerated in the run-up to the EU referendum as industry recorded its best performances for nearly 20 years.

Gross domestic product  the total size of the economy  increased by a better-than-expected 0.6 per cent between the start of April and the end of June.

That was up from growth of 0.4 per cent in the first quarter of the year. It confounded fears that the economy slowed ahead of the referendum.

Boost: Chancellor Philip Hammond welcomed faster than expected growth ahead of the referendum

The FTSE 250 index also rose as high as 17,362 yesterday. This more than reversed the losses made since the Brexit vote  the index reached 17,333.51 on June 23 before polls closed.

The Office for National Statistics, which published the GDP figures, said the referendum had limited effect on the economy in the second quarter and very few companies were hurt by uncertainty.

Industrial production rose by 2.1 per cent in the second quarter of the year  the best performance since 1999 when it increased by the same amount. Production hasn't grown more strongly since 1988, when it rose by 2.2 per cent in the third quarter.

And in British industry, manufacturing output rose by 1.8 per cent, its best performance for six years, driven by growth in pharmaceuticals and car production.

Britain's economic growth actually accelerated in the run-up to the EU referendum as industry recorded its best performances for nearly 20 years. Pictured, Theresa May

Chancellor Philip Hammond welcomed faster than expected growth ahead of the referendum.

He said: 'The fundamentals of the British economy are strong. It is clear we enter our negotiations to leave the EU from a position of economic strength.

'Those negotiations will signal the beginning of a period of adjustment, but I am confident we have the tools to manage the challenges ahead... this Government will take whatever action is necessary to support our economy'.
The magnificent home looks as if it belongs perched on a European hillside but it is actually in Berkeley,

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California is used it's Hollywood endings, but now there's a chance you could live out your days in a castle that looks as though it has come straight out of a fairy tale.

Hume Castle in Berkeley is the quintessential medical monastery that belongs amid the hills of somewhere like France or Italy.

Yet this one sits just a few miles from San Francisco in the suburb of East Bay. The Gothic masterpiece at 2900 Buena Vista Way is hidden behind oak and olive trees making it the perfect hilltop hideaway for someone who wants to reside in a fortress, while still enjoying the convenience of big city living.

Hume Castle isn't in Italy but on the in the Berkeley Hills, just east of San Francisco

The home was designed by John Hudson Thomas in 1928 in the style of a 13th century medieval cloister in Toulouse, France

The home was built for Samuel and Portia Hume in 1929. He was the head of University of California, Berkeley's Greek Theater Department, while she was a respected psychiatrist

The 5,746-square-foot palatial home has been a California landmark since 1985, but it is hidden by olive trees and bushes making it almost invisible from the road

The Hume Castle on Buena Vista Way in Berkeley is on the market for $5 million

Built into the home is a central courtyard, public spaces, five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a massive fireplace, and enough bookcases to satisfy two professors and space for 2,000 books

The five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half bath home is arranged around a courtyard lined with stone Gothic arches

The unique property was initially listed at $5 million and this week the price was dropped to $4.5 million. The 5,746-square-foot home is by far the most expensive home for sale in Berkeley.

The house was the idea of Intellectual power couple Samuel and Portia Bell Hume who had traveled to Toulouse, France and came back inspired a wanted to build something resembling a monastery that they had seen on their travels.

The pair hired architect John Hudson Thomas, and in 1929 the masterpiece was complete.

Samuel had a significant career as a professor of dramatic literature and art at UC Berkeley, the director of the Berkeley Museum of Art, and a rare book dealer, while his wife Portia was a pioneer in the field of psychiatry and also taught at Berkeley.

The Gothic motif continues inside, with an interior made of stone and accented with ornate metal work

This historic architectural masterpiece by John Hudson Thomas was created in the style of a French cloister

The home feels like a castle with with a pair of carved lions, domed ceilings, and heavy wood beams among the decarations

The house is built around a courtyard with an actual well in the center. It has Gothic arches and a Bocce Ball court

From turrets on the outside to mysterious narrow passages inside, it is every bit a fairytale

The 5,746-square-foot home is by far the most expensive home for sale in Berkeley in northern California

The historic architectural masterpiece by John Hudson Thomas was created in the style of a French cloister with a real well in the center

The Gothic motif is also recreated in the interior of the home, resulting in castle-like imagery composed of domed ceilings and heavy wood beams and stone archways

With 5 bedrooms and 7  baths, the home features a spiral staircase leading to a unique green bathroom

With 5 bedrooms and 7  baths, the home has plenty of space to relax for a big family or visiting friends from out of the town

Each of the five spacious bedrooms have their own en suite full bathroom. The master bedroom and bathroom open out onto the magnificent Redwood deck with hot tub and Koi pond

This home can best be described as being in the transitional style between Romanesque and early Gothic

Just off the living room, there is a baronial dining room, featuring a handsome fireplace mantel with a frieze of cast concrete figures. A stunning chandelier of handcrafted cast iron enhances the romance of the setting

'It's magical,' said listing agent Bebe McRae of the Grubb Co. told SFGate. 'It takes my breath away.'

'I imagine it was a collaborative effort,' she said.'John Hudson Thomas was already doing some Gothic architecture at the time, and I know Portia had very strong ideas. I was told John Hudson gave Portia a pipe after the home was built because he said she ought to look as authoritative as she was.'

The attention to detail means the home is truly authentic with enormous wrought-iron chandeliers, a spiraling stone staircase, a wishing well, and grand rooms with vaulted and beamed ceilings, some as high as 25 feet. At the center of the home is a courtyard styled after a cloister.

While the architecture is reminiscent of medieval times, the home has all the comforts of a modern home with up-to-date plumbing, electrical and heating systems. The house even has solar panels to help with energy bills.

The views from the home look down on UC Berkeley, and out to San Francisco in the distance.

The Hume family lived in the house from 1928 until 1975, McRae said. The house was then briefly owned by an architect named Michael Sederin, she added, who remodeled the kitchen. The current owners have lived there since Sederins departure.

The current owners have lived at Hume Castle for the past 30 years but they're getting ready to downsize and move to something smaller.

In addition to being close to the university, the Hume Mansion is also within walking distance of parks, lakes and a golf course

The kitchen has recently remodeled and the place has been retrofitted with a solar heating system

The grounds include a bocce ball court, a grand terrace, a koi pond, and gardens on just under an acre of land

Hume Mansion delivered everything the couple who commissioned the building of the home in 1929 loved - dramatic architecture, old Europe, the best of Berkeley with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay from the expansive terrace

The site alone is spectacular, with amazing views of the San Francisco Bay and the Berkeley Hills
Karl Stefanovic has repeatedly referred to a transvestite as a 'tranny' after a Channel Nine reporter was caught up in an attempted robbery in Rio.

Stefanovic and Sylvia Jeffreys did a live cross to Today show reporter Christine Ahern on Thursday morning after her security guard was 'clocked in the head' by a transvestite who tried to wrangle a camera from the television crew in Copacabana last week.

Ahren said her cameraman, Glen Edwards, was so afraid to tell the boss he had lost a camera that he 'held on' during the attempted robbery which prompted Stefanovic to make a joke that he was 'no stranger to the ways of the tranny' and had 'fought off tougher trannies'.

Stefanovic also presented a wanted poster with an image of Hugo Weaving in drag from the iconic Australian film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' which he suggested could be the would-be thief.

Karl Stefanovic has made several jokes about a transvestite after a Channel Nine reporter was caught up in an attempted robbery in Rio

He started off explaining the incident, which took place last Thursday on a Copacabana beach only an hour after the crew had landed in Brazil, as if it were a 'movie script'.

'A top TV reporter and her crew on assignment in glamorous Rio de Janeiro enter a murder of transvestite muggers, I think that's the collective,' Stefanovic said making reference to the term for a group of crows.

'A struggle ensures the TV reporter and her crew fight back and emerge shaken but unharmed,' he added.

The Today show host asked Ahren if she was okay after the incident and she said nobody was injured in the attack.

Ahren said the only reason she had mentioned the group were transvestites was because they were 'very strong' before explaining that Edwards had bravely held on to the expensive piece of equipment.

'Glenny is no stranger to the ways of the tranny,' Stefanovic said, repeating the statement shortly after.

'Glenny (left) is no stranger to the ways of the tranny,' Stefanovic said, repeating the statement shortly after

Stefanovic also presented a wanted poster with an image of Hugo Weaving in drag from the iconic Australian film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' which he suggested could be the would-be thief

'I'm good. I'm from Rockhampton so I'm used to that sort of thing,' Edwards responded.

'He's fought off tougher,' Jeffreys said.

'Tougher trannies,' Stefanovic added as he laughed and slammed his fist on the desk.

Jeffreys asked Stefanovic to 'be serious for a moment' and tried to steer the conversation back toward the violent nature of the attempted robbery.

She asked Ahren if one of the offenders was armed armed with a brick in their handbag and had hit her accompanying security guard over the head with it.

'While it is a bizarre set of circumstances, it could have gone really badly really quick had we not had a really good security guard with us,' she said, adding the guard had worked for the 'British special forces'.

Jeffreys asked Stefanovic to 'be serious for a moment' and tried to steer the conversation back toward the violent nature of the attempted robbery

Ahern said a security guard who was assigned to protect them was 'clocked in the head' by the heavy handbag before they were ushered to safety. The Nine crew later finished filming without any issues

'He did get over hit head with a handbag that had a brick or something in it. Had it of been me I probably would have been in a bit of strife  it would have been a very different story.'

The interview ended when Stefanovic presented a wanted poster with an image he suggested could be the would-be thief.

'Chris, look I know that you've gone to see the police about this tranny.

'We've got a confit [police sketch] done up and we know not all trannies look the same  is that the tranny there that we're talking about, Hugo Weaving like?'

'Christine sent me that on email so that's the right one, yep. So, if you spot that person in Rio be careful,' Jeffreys added.

Jeffreys joked that Ahern (pictured) had sent the picture of Hugo Weaving to her before it was included in the wanted poster

Ahern was reporting on issues with the Australian Olympic team's accommodation in Rio when she and her crew were set upon

Executive Director of Transgender Victoria, Sally Goldner, slammed the 'atrocious' segment and said it is indicative of a 'dangerous culture' of discrimination towards gender diverse individuals in the media.

'It doesn't matter what their intention was  it is degrading,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

[Stefanovic] needs to respond with an unconditional apology and not I didnt mean it like that or it was meant as a joke.

'They have to acknowledge trans people face massive discrimination and often trans people may be forced into crime because they cannot get work as easily as the broader population.'

Ms Goldner said there was no way to determine if the group was made up of transvestites, transsexual women or cross dressers.

In an Australian context a transvestite is someone who dressed in clothes of the opposite gender for sexual arousal. They dont know that, even if they did it does not excuse the derogatory language.'

She also criticised Nine for allowing the 'disgusting' segment to go ahead and questioned why anyone thought it was appropriate to mock up a wanted poster of a drag queen.

Ahern was reporting on issues with the Australian Olympic team's accommodation in Rio when she and her crew were set upon.

She said Channel Nine had sent them to Rio with a big security team given high crime rates.
Rev. Jesse Jackson led a Philadelphia crowd at the Democratic convention in chants of 'It's healing time. It's hope time. It's Hillary time.'

The famed civil rights leader and orator repeated the ditty at the end of his speech, after singing the merits of sending the Chicago native to the White House.

Jackson didn't endorse in the primary but came out for Clinton after it was over.

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'It's Super Bowl time': Jesse Jackson told Bernie Sanders supporters to back Hillary Clinton, as he came out forcefully for the Democratic nominee

The morning cometh! Although Jackson didn't pepper his speech with his trademark dramatic oratory, he told the convention crowd to 'never stop dreaming and never surrender'

But Jackson, who failed to win the presidency in 1984 and 1988, had a message to backers of Bernie Sanders who have tried to disrupt the convention.

'Someone has to win, lose in the primary now we're beyond the primary. Now it is Super Bowl time. It's Super Bowl time it's another day,' he said.

'It's healing time. It's hope time. It's Hillary time!' Jackson said, repeating his admonition several times for the crowd.

'I know it's gets dark sometimes. But the morning cometh. The lord is our light our salvation. Whom shall we fear? Don't let opposition break your spirit. It's healing time. It's hope time. It's Hillary time!'

Jackson came out forcefully for Clinton, although he read through his remarks at a quick pace without some of the dramatic oratory he is most known for, such has his 1988 convention speech when he told the convention crowd to 'never stop dreaming' and 'never surrender.'

'Love must trump ignorance and fear and hatred and violence,' Jackson said Monday as the third day of the convention kicked off, in remarks that seemed been aimed at Donald Trump.

'Stop insulting insulting Hispanics, stop insulting Muslims now,' he said, without mentioning Trump by name.

'In this stormy season of violent campaign rhetoric, we are called to be steady in the face of the whirlwind. There's a tug of war going on for the soul of America. We have a clear choice. We must tear down walls of separation, and build bridges of hope and unity,' Jackson said.

'She knows out scars': Jackson said that Hillary identifies with the suffering of young black men who have been killed by law enforcement

He branded Clinton 'trusted and tried.'

'Hillary can be trusted to appoint a fair Supreme Court and a skilled administration, including a man of faith like senator Tom Kaine,' he said, although he meant Tim Kaine.

'She will fight to make us more secure by banning assault weapons that are turning our communities into killing fields. She can be trusted to honor the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic Party,' Jackson said.

'She knows our scars and our suffering from Trayvon Martin to Michael Brown to Alton Sterling and far too many others,' Jackson said, mentioning black men killed by police. But he also said we 'deeply regret' the killings of police with assault weapons, and repeated several times: 'ban assault weapons now.'

Jackson paved the way for President Obama with his own runs in 1984 and 1988, but he has not been close with Obama, who also made his home in Chicago.

He once got caught on hot mic accusing Obama of 'talking down to black people' and said he wanted to 'cut his nuts off,' as the Chicago Sun Times has noted.
Energy giant EDF has finally given the official go ahead for the construction of the 18billion nuclear power station in Somerset after a narrow vote by the company's board tonight.

The board voted 10-7 in favour of investing at the Hinkley Point site on the Somerset coast.

But there was internal opposition to the move right to the end as EDF director Gerard Magnin resigned before the board meeting, saying the project was 'very risky'.

The long-awaited decision on Hinkley Point C, which will eventually provide 7 per cent of the UKs total electricity needs, had been mired in controversy and concerns about funding.

There have also been fears over whether the UK is paying too much for the deal from the French-owned energy supplier, and that opposition from unions could stall the project indefinitely.

The decision, which was made at the board meeting of 17 directors in Paris this evening, will kick start one of the biggest construction projects in Britain for a generation.

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Energy giant EDF has finally given the official go ahead for the construction of the 18bn nuclear power station in Somerset after a narrow vote by the company's board tonight. Above, an artist's impression of what Hinkley C would look like when built. There were fears the Brexit vote would force EDF, a French firm, to pull out

The project will create 25,000 construction jobs, 1,000 apprenticeships and more than 900 people will be employed when it is up and running.

More than 1.6million square metres of earth has been dug up at the 175 hectare construction site.

Three million tonnes of concrete will be needed to build the nuclear plant, along with 4,000km of electrical cabling, and 230,000 tonnes of steel - enough for a railway from London to Rome.

The project, which has been in the planning for more than a decade, was originally scheduled to open next year, but will now not be officially completed until 2025.

Business and energy secretary Greg Clark last week said: Its clear that we are open for business as we come closer to sealing the deal on this major investment in British infrastructure and British jobs.

New nuclear is an essential part of our plan for a secure, clean and affordable energy system that will power the economy throughout this century. This is a welcome decision from EDF, and we look forward to the outcome.

Unions in France have been unhappy and have voted to delay the scheme.

The 3.2 gigawatt nuclear power plant is a crucial part of the UKs future energy needs and will be the first new nuclear plant in decades in the country.

The UK government has pledged to underwrite 2billion of loans to EDF.

A group letter from 19 MPs was published yesterday, supporting nuclear power yesterday. It said: Nuclear new build will play a key role in meeting this vital national objective and it is important that industry and Government continue to work closely together to bring this to fruition.

EDF has already invested 2.4billion on securing planning permission and beginning the ground work for the plant in north Somerset.

The cost of not doing so could result in the lights going out in Britain and the West Country missing out on the much needed economic boost which this major infrastructure project would bring Kevin Coyne, Unite

Unions in the UK welcome the project on the grounds of new jobs.

Justin Bowden, GMB national secretary for energy, said: The final investment decision on Hinkley Point C is fundamental to a balanced energy policy - something the country desperately needs and which the government has patently failed to provide.

'The UK is already at growing risk of power shortages from our over-reliance on unpredictable renewables.

Unites national officer for energy, Kevin Coyne, added: The cost of not doing so could result in the lights going out in Britain and the West Country missing out on the much needed economic boost which this major infrastructure project would bring.

French government-controlled EDF has teamed up with Chinas China General Nuclear Power Group to fund the project.

The joint venture will see CGN take a 33.5 per cent stake in Hinkley and the consortium will go on to build another plant in Sizewell in Suffolk, which is in the early stage of planning.

Later CGN will take a 66.5 per cent stake and lead the development of a power plant in Bradwell in Essex.

Hinkley C will be built on this beach, right next door to the existing nuclear power stations. The British government has promised 2billion to EDF

EDF has worked with CGN in China previously on a separate project in Taishan.

Despite the demand for the scheme in the UK, there has been outrage over the price struck for the project by the UK government.

Once constructed, it will receive a guaranteed price of 92.50 per megawatt hour of electricity produced  a rate of more than double the current price  for 35 years.

EDF and the Chinese claim they need prices to be guaranteed at that level to offset the risks of the project.

EDF also argues the price cannot be compared to current wholesale prices as it takes in to account the expense of building such a project.

Other critics have argued the UK should not build nuclear and should instead opt for more gas projects. But nuclear supporters argue the price of gas fluctuates too wildly and the nuclear price is more stable.

EDF statement on nuclear plant construction

The vote was closer than expected but was warmly welcomed by business groups and trade unions.

A company statement said: 'At its meeting on 28 July 2016, EDF's Board of Directors made the final investment decision and gave the President the authorisation to ensure its full execution in the framework of the signature process of all the contracts and agreements necessary to build the two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point C (HPC) in Somerset, in south-west England.

'Following this decision, the conditions have been met to allow EDF to sign the contracts with the British Government, EDF's historic partner China General Nuclear Power Generation (CGN), and the main suppliers of the project.

'The HPC Project is a major element of the Group's CAP 2030 strategy.

'The two EPR reactors at Hinkley Point will strengthen EDF's presence in Britain, a country where its subsidiary EDF Energy already operates 15 nuclear reactors and is the largest electricity supplier by volume.

'HPC will also enable the Group to mobilise all its significant nuclear engineering skills following the final investment decision.

'The first concrete of reactor 1 of HPC, scheduled for mid-2019, will coincide with perfect continuity with the start-up of the EPR at Flamanville, scheduled for the end of 2018.
Britain's most unreliable rail franchise has sunk to a new low with just one in six trains on its busiest route arriving on time.

As union barons yesterday threatened another wave of strikes on Southern rail and other franchises run by its parent company, figures released yesterday showed the extraordinary disruption endured by hundreds of thousands of commuters.

Just 15.8 per cent of trains on the Southern Mainline route between Brighton and London arrived on time on Tuesday.

Union bosses yesterday announced plans for an extension to the walk-outs, inflicting further misery on commuters across all three franchises owned by Govia Thameslink Railway

Meanwhile, less than one of five Gatwick Express trains were punctual, and only just over a third of trains across the Southern network arrived on schedule.

Govia Thameslink Railway, which owns Southern, said a fire on Tuesday morning near Gatwick was to blame.

But figures from Monday showed just under 28 per cent of trains on Southern Mainline and 34.1 per cent of Gatwick Express trains arrived on time.

The company said this was caused by a fatality between Angmering and Worthing and some 'infrastructure issues'.

The ongoing chaos comes despite the introduction of an emergency timetable earlier this month, which slashed 341 services a day.

Rail bosses claimed this would give commuters more certainty, enabling them to plan their journeys to and from work.

With no improvement in sight, union bosses yesterday announced plans for an extension to the walk-outs, inflicting further misery on commuters across all three franchises owned by Govia Thameslink Railway.

MP warned passengers would be 'horrified' by the prospect of further industrial action, warning it would make the service even worse and inflame tensions.

The ongoing chaos comes despite the introduction of an emergency timetable earlier this month, which slashed 341 services a day

The RMT union said 1,000 stations staff are to be balloted for strike action, across Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services.

The vote will close on 16th August, raising the prospect of further strikes towards the end of next month.

The union objects to plans to close down ticket kiosks and force staff to work on the platforms, which it said would turn them into 'punch bags to soak up public anger'.

Staff have already staged a series of walkouts due to Southern's plans to make train drivers, rather than onboard conductors, open and close the train doors.

Union bosses have also been accused of staging unofficial strikes after a dramatic surge in conductors calling in sick.

The latest dispute centres around Govia's plans to close down the manned ticket offices or open them at peak times only at 83 stations.

It wants to bring ticket staff onto the concourse as 'station hosts' and argues this will 'provide an improved customer experience'.

Figures released yesterday showed the disruption endured by thousands of Southern rail commuters

Staff affected will receive a pay rise, with some seeing their working week cut from 39 hours to 35. Rail bosses have promised there will be no compulsory redundancies.

But the RMT union has claimed this will have a 'devastating impact' both to the safety of staff and the service offered to passengers.

It says staff have complained of being punched, spat at and verbally abused.

The RMT has warned that the reforms could result in 130 job cuts as staff are not replaced.

Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT said: 'RMT has warned repeatedly that the dirty tricks campaign by GTR, blaming their front line staff for the gross mismanagement of the company bosses, would set our members up as punch bags to soak up the public anger.

'The result is that the staff at the sharp end are being punched, spat at and threatened with being stabbed while the company chiefs carry on with their lies and abuse from their air conditioned offices.'

But one member of the parliamentary Transport Committee, which has been investigating the chaos of Southern rail, expressed dismay at the prospect of yet another strike.

Tory MP Will Quince (pictured) said passengers have reached the end of their tether, adding that more industrial action is only going to make things worse

Will Quince, a Tory MP said: 'Passengers will be horrified at the prospect of this service getting worse. It's already pretty abysmal. The question has to be why Govia and the RMT can't get around the table and thrash things out and put passengers first.'

He added: 'Any threatening behaviour is unacceptable. But passengers have reached the end of their tether. More industrial action is only going to make things worse.'

The escalating row will increase pressure on the new rail minister Paul Maynard.

Mr Maynard's predecessor Claire Perry admitted she was 'ashamed' by the Southern debacle when she resigned earlier this month.

The government has resisted growing calls to strip Govia of the franchise and has been accused of letting the rail operator off the hook by allowing it to cancel hundreds of trains under the emergency timetable.
Man was caught on camera yelling out to say he found his dead neighbour

Detective was giving details on Wednesday of two stabbings

A man arrested over a stabbing spree which left an 81-year-old woman dead and two others injured was released from prison just hours before the alleged attack.

Elizabeth Kippin was found dead on Wednesday morning in Wulguru, Townsville, where a 28-year-old man and a woman, 26, suffered stab wounds in separate incidents on Tuesday night.

The alleged 32-year-old attacker, who was reportedly under the influence of drugs, has been under police guard in hospital due to wounds self-inflicted during the rampage.

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A 32-year-old man arrested over a stabbing rampage which left an 81-year-old woman dead in Wulguru, a suburb of Townsville, was released from jail on the afternoon of the alleged attack

The alleged 32-year-old attacker has been under police guard in hospital due to wounds self-inflicted during the rampage

He knew the 26-year-old female victim, who was attacked at her home, but did not know the male victim, who was later stabbed in the face on the street.

A boy believed to be under the age of two was at the home of the 26-year-old victim when she was attacked, according to Nine News.

Police said the man is expected to be charged with multiple offences on Thursday but could not say if he would be charged with murder over the woman's death.

'He is associated with people at one of the addresses but not at the other addresses,' Detective Inspector Kelly Harvey said.

The alleged attacker was released from jail on Tuesday afternoon and the incident was drug related, police said.

They received about 15 calls for help from residents about a man who was damaging fences and cars in the street on Tuesday night.

He was allegedly armed with a knife and fence paling and wandering the street naked when police arrived on the scene.

Det Insp Harvey was speaking about the incident to the media on Wednesday morning when she was interrupted by cries of 'she's dead' by an elderly man (pictured)

Detective Inspector Kelly Harvey was addressing the media on Wednesday near the scene of a stabbing 'rampage' in Townsville where two people were seriously injured

Police only learned of Ms Kippin's death during a media conference on Wednesday.

Det Insp Harvey was speaking about the incident to the media on Wednesday morning when she was interrupted by cries of 'she's dead' by an elderly man.

'Who?' Det Insp Harvey asked.

'My neighbour,' the man replied.

Det Insp Harvey abruptly ended the media conference to investigate the man's claims.

The man had discovered Ms Kippin's body when he decided to check on her because her newspaper hadn't been collected.
Surviving from the Japanese bombs during the Sino-Japanese War II, the largest, century-old cathedral in Inner Mongolia - Sanshenggong Cathedral - reopens after renovations.

Located in a county of Bayannur, a prefecture-level city in the western area of the province, it is the largest cathedral in the northwest China, once serving as the central church for the Northwestern Mongolia Diocese, Ningxia Diocese and Bayannur Diocese, according to China Economic Net. In 2006, it was listed as one of the provincial cultural relics protection units.

The cathedral was completed in 1893 after a three-year construction. In the past century, almost all the residents in Sanshenggong area were Christians when the holy temple reached to its highest number. Later, it was in decline and was ruined by the Japanese bombs during the Second Sino-Japanese War and damaged during the Cultural Revolution to the extent that it was no longer safe for gatherings.

Considering its historical, cultural and architectural aesthetic values, the local authority renovated and strengthened the church's structure.

In 2015, the church started land acquisition to expand its operations and build offices, repair the main sanctuary and for the fitout for the reopening.

The Gothic cathedral also represents the features of the Chinese local nationality, as quoted in the official website of Dengkou County.

The cathedral covers 675 square meters with a doomed-shaped roof supported by two lines of red pillars.

It has five altars in different sizes and a bell tower at the height of ten meters, along with an affiliated monastery, convent, nursery, male primary school and orchard.
More than 60 kilograms of ice has been confiscated by police in Indonesia, a country that has been linked to trafficking of the drug to Australia in the past.

Two people suspected of involvement with a Nigerian drug syndicate were arrested over the haul which was hidden inside air filters of heavy machinery, Indonesian state news agency Antara reported on Wednesday.

National Police Brigadier General Dharma Pongrekun said the two suspected couriers and dealers were arrested on the outskirts of Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, following two months of surveillance.

Indonesian Police parade men detained over a drug bust in which more than 60 kilograms of ice was seized

The methamphetamine, more commonely known as ice, was hidden inside air filters of heavy machinery

'We discovered that these packages came from Cameroon, sent through Turkey before arriving in Cengkareng (Soekarno-Hatta Airport),' Mr Pongrekun said.

Southeast and East Asia are the world's largest market for the use and manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants - including methamphetamine or 'ice' - according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC).

China is considered the major source country for ice reaching Australia, but cases of the drug being transported via Indonesia and Thailand are not unheard of.

In January, a 43-year-old man with bikie links was charged for his alleged involvement in the importation of about 60 kilograms of crystal methylamphetamine from Indonesia.

The Australian Federal Police said the seizure had a potential street value of up to $40 million.

UNDOC said in a 2015 report there had been a five-fold increase in busts of amphetamine labs in Indonesia over the last four years, largely to supply domestic demand.

Local media reported two men were arrested over the drug haul and now face the death penalty if found guilty

Indonesian Police said the drug bust came after two months of surveillance

But the organisation warned local production was also fuelling international trafficking at a concerning rate.

Dr Terry Goldsworthy, assistant professor in criminology at Bond University, said growing production in Indonesia should be a concern to Australia given how close the two countries are.

'It would make sense if they're producing that type of product they would move it into our market. Its an incredibly lucrative market,' he said.

The arrested men face a maximum penalty of death under Indonesia's harsh drug laws, which have come under fire again this week following the announcement that drug traffickers would be among 14 death row inmates executed in the near future.

Two Australians were among seven convicts executed for drug offences in April last year, drawing widespread condemnation from world leaders and the United nations.

Indonesian Police display more than 60 kilograms of methamphetamine, smuggled from Cameroon, during a press conference on July 27

Indonesia has some of the harshest anti-drugs laws in the world and last April executed seven people
Hacked voicemails released by WikiLeaks have revealed how Democratic Party donors tried to persuade senior officials to ditch Bernie Sanders.

Calls left with senior figures reveal that supporters were actively lobbying for Sanders to be dropped from the convention.

Furious donors demanded Sanders be dropped, calling him 'the worst person in the world' and an 'a**hole' as they accused him of trashing the party.

The leaked messages are the latest embarrassment for the party establishment after Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was forced to resign after hacked emails showed she and other officials tried to derail Sanders' campaign.

Scroll down to listen to the voicemails

Hacked voicemails released by WikiLeaks have revealed how Democratic Party donors tried to persuade senior officials to ditch Bernie Sanders

One of the voicemails - from an Arizona dialling code - captures an irate woman demanding the party take action against Sanders.

'I am one of the many Democrats that is so angry at Bernie Sanders ... he is trying to change everything - change the rules,' the donor says.

'You guys are acquiescing to him on things at the convention. I don't think he should get a speaking spot at the convention.'

Calling the Vermont senator 'asinine', she adds: 'Do not let him rule the Democratic Party. He's not a Democrat! Please stop this man now.'

The same woman is captured in another phone call from the same number, saying she is 'furious about what you are doing for Bernie Sanders'.

'He is getting way too much influence,' she says.

Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was forced to resign after hacked emails showed she and other officials tried to derail Sanders' campaign

'I am on fixed income and I spent over $300 donated to Hillary, and what I see is the DNC bending over backwards for Bernie.

'Bernie is the worst person in the world even to be running in a Democratic Party because he is not a Democrat. Please dont give into him.

'I dont care about Sanders supporters, most of them are going to vote for Hillary anyway.

'Quit acquiescing to this person who likes to play the victim card, and who also has been attacking Hillary which gives Trump all his talking points.'

In a final threat, she adds: 'I will leave the Democratic Party if the Democratic Party continues to coddle Bernie Sanders. Get rid of the a**hole.'

Another call criticized the party for allowing Sanders to elevate one of his key supporters, Cornel West, to the DNC's platform committee.

'Hes called President Obama a "n****rized president' and he said hes a Republican in blackface,' the woman rages.

'Why does the DNC allow such trash to be on the platform committee? I dont understand it - you guys are losing me.'

The leak also revealed the access donors are granted to President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden

Other calls reveal the access donors are given to President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the First Lady.

One caller complains that they have been invited for a St Patrick's day breakfast with the vice president not to a White House reception.

Another man says Wasserman Schultz offered him and his wife the opportunity to attend a 'small dinner with President Obama this week'.

A separate call that was among the leaked files asks for the best contact details for Michelle Obama, concerning an invitation to an event.
He was arraigned on charges of placing a false bomb and falsely reporting an incident on

Two NYPD officers have been hailed heroes after they risked their lives to save bystanders in Times Square when a man tossed a fake bomb into their cop car last week.

Officer Peter Cybulski and Sgt Hameed Armani didn't know the 'bomb', which was making clicking sounds and had flashing lights, was a fake and they still drove the device to a remote block, according to court documents obtained by the New York Post.

The heroic officers drove the bomb to 46th Street and Sixth Avenue where the Bomb Squad determined that the device was a phony.

Officer Peter Cybulski (center) and Sgt Hameed Armani (right) have been hailed heroes after they risked their lives to save bystanders in Times Square when a man tossed a fake bomb into their cop car last week

Hector Meneses (pictured), 52, of Queens was detained by police hours later in Columbus Circle, where a four-hour standoff ensued. He was arraigned on charges of placing a false bomb and falsely reporting an incident, and he was held without bail pending the results of a psychiatric exam

Meneses is suspected of throwing the bomb that 'appeared to be a white T-shirt wrapped around an object and tied on both ends' on July 20. The NYPD bomb squad inspected the items (pictured) after they were thrown at the squad car near Times Square

Officer Armani and Officer Cybulski both said their prayers before driving away with the 'bomb'.

'I looked around and saw kids and young people,' Armani told NBC New York. 'I said, "We're gonna go, but I'm not gonna have anyone go with us."'

'We knew what each other was thinking,' added Cybulski, a three-year cop with the NYPD. 'We weren't going to let anything happen in Times Square.'

Hector Meneses, 52, of Queens was detained by police hours later in Columbus Circle, where a four-hour standoff ensued.

Meneses is suspected of throwing the bomb that 'appeared to be a white T-shirt wrapped around an object and tied on both ends' on July 20.

He was pepper sprayed by officers and taken into custody after it was determined there was no threat of explosives.

Footage released showed the moment Meneses threw the suspicious device into their police car near Times Square around midnight.

He then drove off in a Chrysler SUV but police caught up with him at just after 2am at Columbus Circle by Central Park in Manhattan.

Police sent in a bomb squad robot (pictured) to check out the vehicle during the standoff before using pepper spray to detain Meneses, who was wearing a red plastic helmet and a vest

A man who thew a fake bomb at police near Times Square has finally been arrested after an six-hour standoff (pictured is Meneses's grey Chrysler surrounded by police vehicles)

Cops were forced to lockdown the busy area for several hours during negotiations after Meneses, who refused to get out of his car, claimed he had a bomb strapped to his chest and 'wanted to die'

Cops were forced to lockdown the busy area for several hours during negotiations after Meneses, who refused to get out of his car, claimed he had a bomb strapped to his chest and 'wanted to die'.

Police sent in a bomb squad robot to check out the vehicle during the standoff before using pepper spray to detain Meneses, who was wearing a red plastic helmet and a vest.

'Both the sergeant and officer acted heroically during this event,' said Sgt Brendan Ryan of their decision not to throw what they believed at the time was a bomb from the car immediately.

Chief of Manhattan Detectives Bill Aubry told CBS New York: 'He tried to simulate a pressure cooker with wires.'

Meneses was arraigned on charges of placing a false bomb and falsely reporting an incident, according to the Post.
She once admitted to being an idiot after posting on Instagram this photo of her brother-in-law enjoying 40 winks on a four-poster bed next to his prime ministerial red box.

But now Emily Sheffield, deputy editor of Vogue, reveals that David Cameron instantly forgave her for the blunder.

To the media and the electorate he was the Prime Minister, she writes in a tribute in todays Spectator.

Emily Sheffield posted this picture to Instagram, which made headlines - but revealed brother-in-law David Cameron sent her a 'jokey text' instead of telling her off

To me, he was also my sisters husband, who loved and protected her through truly terrible times. I saw him weep over the body of his son, my nephew. A brother-in-law who didnt send me remonstrations the day my Instagram of his bare feet made national news, but instead a very funny text.

Who has been endlessly generous, whose natural prerogative is to seek out the positive; who far from chillaxing (that ridiculous jibe) is an intensely hard-working dedicated politician, a moderniser, who will forgive his friends even as I beg him not too.

Surely the least she deserves is a nomination in his Resignation Honours list?

Getting in shape for the wedding: world's most famous bottom

Pippa Middletons perky posterior nearly stole the show when her elder sister, the Duchess of Cambridge, got married in 2011.

So no surprise to see that she is limbering up for her derrieres next major outing at her own wedding next year.

Pippa Middletons perky posterior nearly stole the show when her elder sister, the Duchess of Cambridge, got married, so it is no surprise she is limbering up for her own wedding next year

A week after fitness fanatic Pippa, 32, got engaged to hedge fund manager James Matthews, 40, she was spotted on a 264 Victoria Pendleton bike in London in white jeans and a crocodile-print blouse, while flashing her 250,000 engagement ring.

And her choice of a matching faux-crocodile skin helmet at 84 from Sawako suggests this is one cyclist who is trying to balance safety with style.

Perhaps Matt Hancock, replacement for the genial Arts Minister Ed Vaizey, will add to the gaiety of nations after all.

Hancock has approved a 150,000 Arts Council England grant for The Bureau Of Silly Ideas  an arts company which specialises in site specific shows with the occasional use of a custard pie.
Cardinal George Pell has accused Victorian police of 'conspiring' against him after revelations he faces multiple child abuse allegations after two men came forward claiming they were groped by the Catholic cleric in the 1970s.

But Victoria Police deny some officers leaked information to the media about the ongoing investigation into Australia's highest ranking Catholic.

Cardinal Pell called for a fresh review after ABC television on Wednesday night aired a story saying he was being investigated over multiple allegations related to inappropriate behaviour involving children.

The cardinal denies all of the allegations made by the complainants and says he's being subjected to trial by media on the back of leaking 'by elements of the Victoria Police to the ABC'.

The Victorian Police have denied they leaked the allegation to the media.

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Cardinal George Pell has accused Victorian police of 'conspiring' against him after revelations he faces multiple child abuse allegations and wants an investigation into the source of the information aired by the ABC

'I bear no ill will and have no desire to cause them harm but what they say about me is not true,' Cardinal Pell said.

His office also issued a statement on his behalf.

'The ABC has no licence to destroy the reputation of innocent people and Cardinal Pell, like all those who have allegations against them that have not been tested by the Courts, is entitled to the presumption of innocence - not immediate condemnation, He is entitled to a fair go,' the statement said.

The men, who were in a Victorian primary school at the time, say Cardinal Pell, 74, abused them while they were swimming at Ballarat's Eureka Pool during the summer of 1978-79, an allegation the cardinal strongly denies.

One of the men accusing Cardinal Pell (pictured) of abuse, Lyndon Monument, told ABC's 7.30 he was reluctant to speak up because of the power he held

One of the men, Lyndon Monument, told ABC's 7.30 he was reluctant to speak up because of the power Cardinal Pell held.

Cardinal Pell's office claimed the allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against him 'are wrong'.

'Nearly six months ago media outlets carried leaked stories of allegations against the Cardinal which were said to have been under investigation by the Victorian SANO Taskforce for over 12 months,' the statement continued.

'Despite this there has been no requests made by the Taskforce to interview the Cardinal and the Victorian Police Commissioner confirmed last month that no request to interview the Cardinal had been proposed to him as necessary.

'It seems there has been leaking of information and allegations by elements of the Victorian Police to the ABC. This is consistent with previous patterns of improper and illegal disclosure of information from such sources to a variety of media outlets.

'Such information has in the past repeatedly been demonstrated to be inaccurate and unfounded.

'In a context where police themselves have suggested, accurately or otherwise, that the making of charges is under review by relevant authorities, these disclosures and consequent publicity by the ABC clearly are apt and calculated deliberately to influence and compromise relevant judicial and prosecutorial processes.

'The Cardinal calls for an investigation to assess whether any actions of elements of the Victoria Police and the ABC program amount to a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.'

Cardinal George Pell has been accused of child abuse in the 1970s after two men came forward claiming they were groped by the cleric - Australia's leading Catholic wants an inquiry into Victoria Police 'conspiring' against him

Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton on Thursday denied officers had leaked information to the media.

'We haven't provided the ABC with materials and we saw that show last night it's clear the source of that information is from the victims,' Mr Ashton told Melbourne radio 3AW.

'Anyone that saw the show last night, the victims, you could see their emotion, they are traumatised from what they are saying has happened to them, and are talking to the media about that.'

Mr Ashton also revealed he had referred an earlier, similar complaint from Cardinal Pell to the state's Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).

'I got a letter from Cardinal Pell some time ago regarding a complaint around that. I sent it to IBAC and IBAC had a look and wrote back to me and said they dismissed the complaint,' he said.

Mr Ashton confirmed an investigation was ongoing.

'The matters raised last night are being investigated among other matters,' he said.

He also said the issue was currently before the Office of Public Prosecutions and did not rule out sending officers overseas to interview Cardinal Pell.

'Anything is possible at this stage,' he said.

Cardinal Pell, who was a priest in Ballarat in the 70s, denied the allegations, saying 'I have done nothing wrong'

STATEMENT FROM CARDINAL GEORGE PELL CARDINAL PELL DENIES WRONG DOING 27 July 2016 Cardinal Pell repeats what he told the ABC 730 Report before the broadcast, he refutes all the allegations made on the program. The ABC has no licence to destroy the reputation of innocent people and Cardinal Pell, like all those who have allegations against them that have not been tested by the Courts, is entitled to the presumption of innocence - not immediate condemnation. He is entitled to a fair go. While the Cardinal in no way wishes to cause any harm to those making allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against him, the simple fact is that they are wrong. 'I bear no ill will and have no desire to cause them harm but what they say about me is not true,' Cardinal Pell said. Nearly six months ago media outlets carried leaked stories of allegations against the Cardinal which were said to have been under investigation by the Victorian SANO Taskforce for over 12 months. Despite this there has been no requests made by the Taskforce to interview the Cardinal and the Victorian Police Commissioner confirmed last month that no request to interview the Cardinal had been proposed to him as necessary. It seems there has been leaking of information and allegations by elements of the Victorian Police to the ABC. This is consistent with previous patterns of improper and illegal disclosure of information from such sources to a variety of media outlets. Such information has in the past repeatedly been demonstrated to be inaccurate and unfounded. In a context where police themselves have suggested, accurately or otherwise, that the making of charges is under review by relevant authorities, these disclosures and consequent publicity by the ABC clearly are apt and calculated deliberately to influence and compromise relevant judicial and prosecutorial processes. The Cardinal calls for an investigation to assess whether any actions of elements of the Victoria Police and the ABC program amount to a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. The Cardinal has cooperated in the past and will continue to co-operate through the proper and appropriate civil authorities. He will not participate in trial by the ABC and other media outlets. 'I have done nothing wrong,' Cardinal Pell said. Advertisement

Cardinal Pell testified in February from Rome via Skype to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse regarding an investigation of Australia's worst pedophile priest, Gerald Ridsdale, and other priests at a Christian all-boys school in the Ballarat diocese in the 70s.

He denied allegations that he had covered up the abuse of dozens of children but admitted that having the group of priests at the same school at the same time was a 'disastrous coincidence' and claimed that he was deceived by senior clergy during a time of 'crimes and cover-ups.'

Cardinal Pell, who gave evidence for four nights, admitted that the church had made 'enormous mistakes.'

He was criticised for not returning to Australia to testify, saying he was unable to travel because of a heart condition.
Gregory Allan Ford (pictured), 41, who terrorised his ex-girlfriend, her friends and her family, has been jailed for four years and five months

A serial stalker who terrorised his ex-girlfriend, her friends and her family has been jailed for four years and five months.

Gregory Allan Ford, 41, had been separated from the woman for several months when he went to her house in September last year, kicked his way inside through a door and assaulted one of her friends.

Ford punched him repeatedly in the head, then picked him up, turned him upside down and dropped him on his head while yelling 'I will f***ing kill you'.

Six days later, Ford returned to the property, smashing eight windows and throwing a rock so hard through one of them it embedded itself in a wall.

The woman was so scared she stayed at her mother's house, sleeping in the lounge area with a friend so they could watch out for Ford on CCTV, having installed a camera outside the property for that sole purpose.

He turned up three days later in the early hours of the morning, banging on the roller shutter door and sending her threatening text messages while she called police.

A week later, Ford sent abusive messages to the woman's son, including one that said: 'Hug your mum cos there ain't going to be much left of her when I finish.'

Another said: 'I shoot the lot of you.'

District Court of Western Australia Judge Linda Petrusa said Ford's campaign of terror against the woman was prolonged, persistent and degrading.

'I will f***ing kill you': Gregory Allan Ford, 41, had been separated from the woman for several months when he kicked his way inside through a door and assaulted (stock) one of her friends September last year

Being a mature-aged man, he didn't have the excuse of youth, she said.

'You showed no regard or respect for her or her property or the property or person of her family and friends,' Judge Petrusa said.

'The extent of the harm you've caused to her isn't limited to the physical damage matters. Her victim impact statement speaks of the financial and emotional cost to her and her children.

'She and her children now live in fear of your return.'

The court heard his ex-wife and other former partners in other Australian states had secured violence restraining orders against him.

Ford must serve two years and five months behind bars before he will be eligible for parole.
Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation has been rocked by claims one of its projects is behind schedule and that a number of senior staff members have left the charity.

The foundation's plan to develop between six and 50 homes in Manheim Park, Kansas City, has been delayed for more than a year, according to theKansas City Star.

The newspaper claims construction on the properties, which was set to get underway in May 2015, is yet to begin.

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Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation has been rocked by claims one of its projects is massively behind schedule and that a number of senior staff members have left the charity

The Make It Right Foundation bought six 'parcels' of land between August last year and February, the newspaper reports.

Residents also reportedly said they were troubled to learn the foundation's director of innovations had left in recent weeks and was yet to be replaced.

Tim Duggan, a Kansas City-based architect, told the Kansas City Star he has not been with the charity for 'some time'.

Rodney Knott, a former local neighborhood president, said: 'I can't believe they haven't replaced him with someone else.'

Pitt's foundation's plan to develop between six and 50 homes in Manheim Park, Kansas City, is more than a year behind schedule, according to reports

Construction on the Make It Right Foundation homes in Manheim Park, Kansas City, was originally scheduled to get underway in May 2015

Make It Right Foundation bought six 'parcels' of land between August last year and February, according to reports

Duggan reportedly isn't alone in recently leaving the charity, with longtime CEO Tom Darden and as many as four board members having left, an insider said.

'I think they have seven or nine board members and four of them are gone,' Urban Neighborhood Initiative Executive Director Dianne Cleaver told the Kansas City Star.

However, Gloria Fisher-Ortiz, executive director of community development corporation Westside Housing, told the newspaper she is confident the project will be completed and the current situation is just an: 'unfortunate time delay'.

It comes as one of the leading figures in a New Orleans advocacy group said there had been some complaints about the homes the foundation built in Louisiana.

Brad Pitt founded the charity in 2007, and it has since built homes and developed areas in New Orleans, Kansas City, Newark, and Fort Peck, Montana

A leading figure in a New Orleans advocacy group said there had been some complaints about the homes Brad Pitt's foundation built in Louisiana

Common Ground Relief Executive Director Thom Pepper told the Kansas City Star some people who moved into the homes complained about how they were built, and some properties had to be repaired or rebuilt to fix mistakes.

Pitt founded the charity in 2007, and it has since built homes and developed areas in New Orleans, Kansas City, Newark, and Fort Peck, Montana.

The homes it builds are designed to be environmentally sustainable and affordable for people in need.
The boy was charged with six offences including gross indecency

The 76-year-old was treated at hospital for a laceration on her arm

Boy, 12, arrested and charged with attempted rape of an elderly woman

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested over the attempted rape of a 76-year-old woman.

The boy allegedly broke into the elderly woman's property in Coconut Grove, a northern suburb in the city of Darwin, on Monday at around 7.30pm.

The woman had to be taken to hospital to receive treatment for a cut on her arm after the boy allegedly 'stabbed' her.

A 12-year-old boy was arrested for attempting to sexually assault a 76-year-old woman

'The laceration on the elderly womans arm was caused by him stabbing the female victim using an object from inside the house, a spokesperson for Northern Territory police told Daily Mail Australia.

The 12-year-old has since appeared in court charged with six offences.

Police charged the boy with unlawful entry with an intent to commit an offence, aggravated assault, gross indecency, attempted sexual intercourse without consent, deprivation of liberty and recklessly endanger and serious harm.

The boy broke into the Coconut Grove property in Darwin on Monday at around 7.30pm where he also allegedly stabbed the elderly woman causing a laceration on her her arm




Women and girls are being gang-raped at gun and knifepoint by youth wing members of Burundi's ruling party because they are related to opposition activists, a new report claims.

Dozens of survivors have come forward to tell their harrowing stories of being brutally attacked over the last year, since a wave of protest enveloped the Central African country.

Many were tied up and beaten, before being raped - much of the time with their children still nearby, according to Human Rights Watch.

Dozens of survivors have come forward to tell their harrowing stories of being brutally attacked over the last year, since a wave of protest enveloped Burundi

Some of the rapists were - or were dressed up - as police officers, while a number of the women have said they recognised their attackers as Imbonerakure, members of the ruling youth league.

One woman, 36, revealed her assailant said: 'Let's kill her, she is an [opposition National Liberation Forces] FNL wife' as three Imbonerakure raped her in October 2015.

The men then took her husband away. His body was found in a ditch the next day.

Other women revealed how they were raped as they tried to escape across the border into Tanzania, apparently by police officers or Imbonerakure. They were then told to return home.

And these women have not only had to struggle with the immediate injuries, but also unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

In at least one case, a victim was infected with HIV.

Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 70 rape survivors in the camps in Tanzania. However, figures suggest the number is far higher.

Between June and October last year, 177 attacks reported to the UNHCR were allegedly carried out by members of the security forces or youth wing members, while 16 were allegedly raped by police officers.

Other women revealed how they were raped as they tried to escape across the border into Tanzania, apparently by police officers or Imbonerakure. They were then told to return home

Human Rights Watch is now calling on the international community to do more to ensure these women are protected and have access to the care they need.

Skye Wheeler, women's rights emergencies researcher at Human Rights Watch, said: 'More and more people globally are living in displacement, or as refugees, for increasingly long periods.
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A psychiatrist stands at risk of losing her million-dollar North Adelaide mansion at auction this Friday, after a lengthy legal battle over a minor car crash.

Dr Helen Marmanidis was sued by Samuel Germein, 35, after she is said to have reversed her 1994 BMW Coupe into his Alfa Romeo hatchback in traffic in November 2012, as he was waiting to make a right hand turn.

Dr Marmanidis, who didn't pay the $2,084 crash cost or challenge a legal judgment won three years ago by Mr Germeins insurance company, the RAA, now faces the auction of her $1.4 million 126-year-old home because the claim has not been settled, reported the Adelaide Advertiser.

A psychiatrist stands at risk of losing her million-dollar North Adelaide mansion (pictured) at auction this Friday, after a lengthy legal battle over a minor car crash

However, Dr Marmanidis has said she never had an accident in her BMW, because she has been driving a new Mercedes Benz coupe since 2011.

Dr Marmanidis denies being involved in the crash, which is said to have damaged Mr Germein's rear bumper.

Dr Helen Marmanidis (right) is pictured with her husband Dr Michael Hammerton (left)

She has said she never had an accident in her BMW, because she has been driving a new Mercedes Benz coupe since 2011.

Repeated efforts by Mr Germein's insurance company RAA to recover the accident costs have failed.

Court officials said the judgment against Dr Marmanidis was entered in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in August 2013 and won by the RAA, but Dr Marmanidis said she wasn't made aware of it until the following year.

While she questioned the validity of the claim against her, Dr Marmanidis said she was willing to enter into mediation regarding the matter.

In the report by the Adelaide Advertiser, it said court documents show that as of last December the court costs had increased to $3552, taking into account interest, fees and other legal costs.

A Warrant of Sale for the house was issued by the Supreme Court almost eight months ago and South Australia's acting sherrif Steve Ferguson, seized the two-storey home on Barwon Terrace West in May.

Dr Marmanidis is alleged to have attended an open inspection of her house and is said to have handed out flyers, warning potential buyers of the 'illegitimate action'.

Her house will be auctioned this Friday, in a bid to recover the crash and unpaid court costs, and Dr Marmanidis will receive any balance of the sale proceeds after her debt is repaid.

Courts Administration Authority officials are said to have invited the parties to mediation last week but Dr Marmanidis was unavailable.

Dr Marmanidis told the Adelaide Advertiser the locks on her house had been changed and she was distressed about being ejected from her home, which still contained her possessions and medical files.

'It is a highly unusual thing to have ones property taken away by the Sheriff over a purported debt of $3,000, for which I am not responsible,' she said.

'This is a democracy ... we are not in Myanmar. It doesnt feel like it is Australia. This is an odd situation.'

Mr Germein said he was shocked at hearing news of the auction, over what he described as 'minor cosmetic damage' to his car.

'I just claimed for it and I thought, That is it, it is done. I dont hold any malice towards her. It was just a car accident. I am surprised,' he said.

Dr Helen Marmanidis was sued by Samuel Germein, 35, after she is said to have reversed her 1994 BMW Coupe into his Alfa Romeo hatchback in traffic in November 2012, as he was waiting to make a right hand turn

Klemich Real Estate agent Marina Ormsby said the house auction would go ahead unless there was a settlement.

In a statement on behalf of the courts, Judge Hribal said the insurer, RAA, 'was entitled to seek enforcement of the judgment'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dr Marmanidis for a comment regarding the house auction.

Daily Mail Australia has also contacted the RAA but they were unable to provide a comment for legal reasons.

Dr Marmanidis, who didn't pay the $2,084 crash cost or challenge the legal judgment won by the RAA, now faces the auction of her $1.4 million 126-year-old home (pictured) because the claim has not been settled

The house on Barton Terrace West (pictured) overlooks the northern parklands and Adelaide Aquatic Centre

A Warrant of Sale for the house was issued by the Supreme Court almost eight months ago and South Australia's acting sherriff Steve Ferguson, seized the two-storey home (pictured) in May

Dr Marmanidis allegedly attended an open inspection of the house and is said to have handed out flyers, warning potential buyers of the 'illegitimate action'

Dr Marmanidis told the Adelaide Advertiser the locks on her house (pictured) had been changed and she was distressed about being ejected from her home, which still contained her possessions and medical files

Her house will be auctioned this Friday, in a bid to recover the crash and unpaid court costs, and Dr Marmanidis will receive any balance of the sale proceeds after her debt is repaid

Courts Administration Authority officials are said to have invited the parties to mediation last week but Dr Marmanidis was unavailable

Klemich Real Estate agent Marina Ormsby said the house auction would go ahead unless there was a settlement

In a statement on behalf of the courts, Judge Hribal said the insurer, RAA, 'was entitled to seek enforcement of the judgment' regarding the house auction to recover the legal costs
A controversial CNN commentator has accused Hillary Clinton of being sexist by only telling girls that they could one day become president.

Journalist and pundit Scott Nellie Hughes accused the Democrat of 'tearing down' boys, adding that there was 'never a glass ceiling'.

The former Secretary of State spoke to the convention via satellite from a room full of girls in her New York home, after becoming the first woman to be nominated for president by a major party.

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Controversial CNN commentator Scott Nellie Hughes has accused Hillary Clinton of being sexist by only telling girls that they could one day become president

It prompted an angry reaction from Hughes, a Donald Trump fan, during a segment on Wednesday, that was pointed out by Raw Story.

Hughes went on to said that anyone who votes for Hillary just because she is a woman, is also sexist.

She said: 'Hillary Clinton, when she was in that room of girls, said: "If youre a daughter or if youre a girl you could be President too".

'This would have been an excellent opportunity to say: "You know what, whether you are a boy or a girl, both of you, my job will be to make sure its equally an option for both of you."'

'Thats the problem. Weve continued to say: "We want equality, we want equal".

'But we then tear down one group and tried to build up another. Thats what I heard last night."'

Host Carol Costello then asked her: 'So was Hillary Clinton tearing down men?'

To which Hughes replied: 'I think she was. What about my son? Does my son from what she said  "Your daughter can become one as well"  I immediately (thought) what about making it equal so both of them have the opportunity? Why is it that shes going to sit there and put favor on one?'

The journalist and pundit accused the Democrat of 'tearing down' boys, adding that there was 'never a glass ceiling'. Hughes went on to said that anyone who votes for Hillary just because she is a woman, is also sexist

Baffled fellow panelist Michaela Angela Davis responded by saying: 'Im glad you say thats what you heard because theres no disputing your lens, like thats what you heard.

'But its just stunning how, when you can say something positive about one group, that its a negative on another. And I think thats where the discourse gets so convoluted.'

Sally Kohn, who was also appearing alongside Hughes: 'Im so sorry, but acknowledging that Hillary Clinton is a woman, that it is a historic accomplishment to break that glass ceiling that has existed, its not the same as saying: "We would only vote for her, a woman."

'And Scottie, I love you, but that is sexist.'

But Hughes responded by saying: 'There was never a glass ceiling. If there was a glass ceiling, we ignored it, we put our time in to it. Were not here because of a glass ceiling.'

Hughes followed on from a message she posted on Twitter late on Tuesday. She wrote: 'If we r fighting for our daughters & our sons to grow up w/ equal opportunities, it takes us presenting a world where they are.'

The editor of RightAlerts.com is known for her controversial remarks.

Over the weekend she came under fire for criticizing Hillary's vice presidential pick for addressing the crowd in Spanish during a Miami rally.

Hughes said she found Sen Tim Kaine's speech to be 'divisive' and wondered whether she would have to watch Dora the Explorer to understand him at the Democratic National Convention.

'I didn't have to get a translator for anything that was going on at the RNC this week,' she told CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer during the segment.

'And I'm hoping I'm not going to have to start kind of brushing up on my Dora the Explorer to understand some of the speeches this week.'

Dora the Explorer is a popular Nickelodeon children's show, on-air since 2000, that features a young bilingual girl and her best friend, a monkey named Boots, as they solve puzzles and obstacles.

Hughes also praised Trump for only speaking to his crowds in English.

'What Mr Trump did, he spoke in a language that all Americans can understand,' she said.
Two Muslim women in India have been arrested and beaten by an angry mob who thought they were carrying beef - but the meat turned out to be buffalo.

The women were attacked on Tuesday at a busy railway station at Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh state, central India, police said.

A vigilante group raised suspicions about the meat carried by the pair, who were then slapped, kicked and punched until one of the women collapsed, video broadcast on local television showed.

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Two Muslim women in India have been attacked at Mandsaur railway station by people who thought they were carrying beef to sell

As a large crowd gathered, people could be heard saying: 'Gau Mata Ki Jai [Hail holy cow]'.

The women were carrying about 30kg of meat

The Muslim women were arrested on suspicion of carrying beef.

Tests later found it was actually buffalo, and the pair now face the lesser charge of carrying commercial quantities of meat without a licence.

They were carrying about 30 kilograms of the meat and had planned to sell it, it's believed.

Slaughtering cows is illegal in most Indian states because they are considered holy in the Hindu-majority country.

Several states also bar the sale and possession of beef, and there has been a recent upsurge in attacks by vigilantes from the Hindu right on people suspected of killing cows.

'We had prior information and had deputed force to arrest them but unfortunately some people attacked them,' said Manoj Sharma, district police chief of Mandsaur where the incident occurred.

'We had prior information and had deputed force to arrest them but unfortunately some people attacked them,' said Manoj Sharma, district police chief of Mandsaur

None of the people who attacked the two women were arrested for the assault, Sharma said.

It comes days after a group of low-caste Hindu men were beaten by vigilantes in the western state of Gujarat on suspicion of killing a cow -- a charge they denied.

The men said they were taking the dead cow to be skinned -- a task commonly given to low-caste villagers in India, where the animals roam freely.

Opposition parties raised the latest attack in parliament on Wednesday and demanded the government act against vigilante groups.

As a large crowd gathered, people could be heard saying: 'Gau Mata Ki Jai [Hail holy cow]

Pictured: Mandsaur railway station where the mob attacked the two Muslim women on suspicion of carrying beef
Pearce did not apply for bail and will return to court in August

He tried to flee the scene and allegedly had

Kevin Pearce was charged with 10 offences after crashing his stolen car

A heavily tattooed man allegedly caught with a loaded gun, shotgun cartridges, drugs and cash after crashing a stolen car and fleeing has previously been caught with illegal weapons.

Kevin Pearce was followed by a member of the public before a police dog squad eventually tracked him after he allegedly fled from a car accident in Southport on the Gold Coast on Tuesday at around 8.50pm, reported Gold Coast Bulletin.

The 30-year-old was found to have three shotgun cartridges, a sum of cash, a quantity of drugs and two credit cards alleged to have been stolen in his possession.

Kevin Pearce was arrested and charged with 10 offences after he attempted to flee a car accident on Tuesday night in Southport on the Gold Coast

During a search of the car he was driving a loaded sawn-off firearm and stolen number plates were also found.

Pearce was driving a a Volkswagen, allegedly stolen from a home in Runaway Bay, Parkwood, earlier this month.

Three occupants of the other vehicle involved in the car accident suffered minor injuries - two were transported to the Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment.

Pearce was also treated at the hospital for an unrelated medical matter.

The 30-year-old made a brief appearance at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday facing 10 offences.

The 30-year-old was found to be in possession a loaded gun, shotgun cartridges, drugs and cash after he crashed his stolen vehicle

His charges include unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a weapon, carrying a weapon in a public place whilst loaded, possession of a weapon whilst under the influence, authority required to possess explosives ammunition and possessing tainted property.

Pearce's arrest follows the scrapping of the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD) laws.

The anti-bikie laws allowed officers to stop, detail and search a person if they believed they could be a potential member of a criminal motorcylce gang based on their tattoos or clothing.

But the laws which were deemed 'excessively harsh' will be axed by 2017 as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk noted there have been only two convictions under the VLAD laws.
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The grieving fiancee of Corporal Josh Hoole walked solemnly behind his coffin today at a funeral for the soldier who died during a training exercise on the hottest day of the year.

Mourners lined the streets in Corporal Hoole's home village of Ecclefechan as a piper led the hearse to the Crichton Memorial Church in nearby Dumfries.

The 26-year-old was a member of The Rifles regiment and served two tours in Afghanistan. His coffin was carried by a military bearer party which included his brother, Tyrone, who is also a soldier.

Carrying a handkerchief, his fiancee Rachel McKie, who the soldier was due to marry next year, wore the regimental badge to the church service.

Corporal Hoole was on pre-course training for the Platoon Sergeants' Battle Course, which is described as 'both mentally and physically demanding', when he collapsed during a training run in Brecon, Wales, on July 19.

A piper led the funeral cortege through Ecclefechan today ahead of the funeral of Corporal Josh Hoole, who died during a training run

The funeral was attended by Corporal Hoole's fiancee Rachael McKie (left). His coffin was carried by his brother Tyrone, who is also a soldier

His coffin was carried into Crichton Memorial Church in Dumfries by a military bearer party. His dress hat, belt and a white wreath were on top

A military guard of honour stood outside the church and soldiers saluted as the pallbearers filed past. A piper played a lament outside prior to the start of the service

Comrades from Corporal Hoole's base in Catterick, North Yorkshire attended the ceremony in Dumfries, south west Scotland today

Miss McKie walked out of the church behind the coffin following the service. The couple were planning to get married next year

Corporal Josh Hoole (pictured, right, at the RIFLES 7 passing out parade) died when he collapsed during a training run in the Brecon Beacons, Wales

An army piper in full uniform marched in front of the hearse in which 26-year-old Cpl Hoole's coffin was proudly draped in the Union Jack.

A simple white floral tribute spelling out Josh rested in the window of the hearse as the convoy made its way from the village to Crichton Memorial Church in Dumfries, 18 miles away, for the first part of Cpl Hoole's funeral service.

Villager Amir Rasool, 45, who runs the local Costcutter convenience store, knew Cpl Hoole well.

He said: 'He was such a nice and polite boy and never gave you any trouble. I can't imagine what the family must be going through right now.

'It's so tragic. My heart goes out to his lovely family at this time. I'm still in shock.'

Donna Currie, 55, owns the Premier convenience in Ecclefechan, a village known as the birthplace of Victorian poet and author Thomas Carlyle.

She said: 'It's absolutely terrible to lose a life like that at such a young age. I'm glad they're bringing him through the village. It gives everyone a chance to say goodbye.

'It's a chance for the community to come together and show our support. It's the least we could do. We've closed the shop and are joining everyone else in paying our respects.'

An investigation into Corporal Hoole's death is continuing. Dyfed Powys Police said a post-mortem examination has been completed but the results are not expected until late September.

He was set to marry his fiancee Rachael McKie next year and was due to be best man at his brother Tyrone's wedding in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Hundreds of locals stood with their heads bowed as the procession, led by a piper, passed through the village this afternoon

Fellow soldiers and locals stood silently as the procession came through the village in the south west of Scotland this afternoon

Corporal Hoole's brother, Tyrone, is in the Army and his father, Phillip, was Devonshire & Dorset regiment. Pictured: Locals in Ecclefechan

Floral arrangements spelled out the soldier's name. Another read simply 'brother', dedicated from Corporal Hoole's sibling who is also a soldier

After his death, his grandfather, John Craig, said: 'He was a beautiful grandson. He was a dedicated soldier. He always wanted to be top dog. He was a superfit boy, he kept very fit.'

Corporal Hoole's death has reignited the debate over whether soldiers are pushed too hard during training and whether property safety precautions are taken by superiors.

His father Phillip, 54, a former sergeant major, insisted yesterday that the Army's tough training isn't to blame for his son's death.

Mr Hoole, who spent 24 years with the Devonshire & Dorset regiment, added: 'Josh wouldn't have wanted the soldiers that were with him, or the medics, to feel any personal blame. He was doing his job and he knew the risks.

'The way the MPs are talking, if there were more checks and balances placed on the Army and they were wrapped in cotton wool the MPs would ultimately be responsible for a lack of duty of care.

'Being a soldier by the very nature of the job means that at times you have to fight in various countries in extreme climatic conditions.

'There's a phrase which is simply put 'train hard fight easy'. Josh was proud to be a member of the British army, just as his brother Ty is.'

Comrades from the Rifles gathered in the main street of Ecclefechan in Dumfriesshire ahead of the service this afternoon

Family members of Corporal Hoole have paid tribute to the 'dedicated soldier' who 'kept very fit' and 'always wanted to be top dog'

Cpl Hoole's brother Tyrone, 27, lined up with Army colleagues to carry the union flag-draped coffin into church

Family have said Corporal Hoole loved being in the Army and always pushed himself to the limit. The 26-year-old soldier was due to marry his girlfriend Rachael McKie (right) next year

Routes through the Brecon Beacon, a set of hills in south Wales, have long been used by the Army for training marches. File photo




A woman was murdered after as she walked home alone from a bachelorette party in Bend, Oregon, after she got into an argument with her boyfriend.

Police believe Kaylee Sawyer encountered Edwin Lara, a 31-year-old with an associate degree in criminal justice who was working as a security guard at Central Oregon Community College.

A body that resembles 23-year-old Sawyer has been found but has not yet been positively identified.

Lara's wife, Isabel Ponce-Lara, who recently became a police officer in Bend, told cops on Monday that Lara had told her that he hit Sawyer with his patrol vehicle, killing her, then panicked and hid her body, according to documents filed in court.

Edwin Lara, 31, from Oregon, was arrested Tuesday following a violent crime spree in Yreka, California. He has now been charged with the murder of Kaylee Sawyer

Kaylee Sawyer was walking alone in the middle of the night on the edge of the town of Bend, Oregon, after getting into an argument with her boyfriend, Cameron Riemhofer. The pair are pictured above

Sawyers boyfriend of two years, Cameron Riemhofer, told investigators him and his girlfriend had an argument on the day she was killed. The pair are pictured above

After tearfully telling his story to her, Lara drove off, said his wife, who was worried that he was suicidal.

Police went to their home and found Sawyer's blood-soaked purse, bloody women's and men's clothing and other belongings in a shed, according to 62 pages of affidavits filed with the Deschutes County Circuit Court in Bend.

The officers said evidence showed Lara had committed crimes of vehicular homicide, assault and hit-and-run.

On Tuesday Lara was arrested and is being held in Tahama County Jail in California.

Sawyers boyfriend of two years, Cameron Riemhofer, told police she had gone out for a friends bachelorette party on Sunday night, according to a report in Koin 6.

Riemhofer said he got a call just after midnight from Sawyer to pick her up.

He said she was drunk and they stood in the parking lot of their apartment complex arguing before Riemhofer went inside. He told investigators Sawyer was gone when he returned.

Riemhofer said he called and texted her and around 1am she text him saying 'Good bye' before turning her cellphone off, according to court documents.

Sawyer, (pictured left and right) text her boyfriend saying 'Good bye' before turning her cellphone off, according to court documents

Sawyer was last seen near her apartment, located near Central Oregon Community College (pictured) where Lara worked as a campus security guard

It is believed Lara then ran into Sawyer. Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel says they do not believe Lara accidentally ran her over.

Lara 'did unlawfully and intentionally cause the death of Kaylee Anne Sawyer,' the murder charge filed against him reads.

Circuit Court Judge Alta Brady has prohibited all parties in the case, including attorneys and the district attorney's office, from publicly commenting on it.

Hummel told The Associated Press in an email that consequently he could not say what evidence led his office to charge Lara with murder instead of vehicular homicide.

But he added: 'I can tell you that I would not file charges alleging a person intentionally killed a person if I did not have evidence to support the assertion.'

An officer pictured at the scene of a Super 8 Motel in Yreka, California. The mayhem erupted near dawn on Tuesday in Yreka when a man was shot in the stomach at the motel at around 5am

Aundrea Elizabeth Maes, 19, was initially taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder and kidnapping in relation to the mayhem in Yreka but was later released and all charges were dropped

Sawyer was reported missing by her family and 150 volunteers begun searching for her.

Lara is also accused of going on a crime spree for two days until his capture following Sawyer's disappearance.

He allegedly shot a man at a Super 8 motel in Yreka, California, at 5am Tuesday who was taken to Fairchild Medical Center and was listed in a critical condition.

TIMELINE OF VIOLENT CRIME SPREE IN YREKA, CALIFORNIA Tuesday, July 26 5.00am - Yreka Police Department receives a call about a shooting victim at Super 8 Motel on 136 Montague Road in Yreka Officers on scene and contacted victim who had been shot in the stomach The victim was transported the victim to Fairchild Medical Center 5.05am - Police receive a call from a male located at Mobil gas station on 735 N. Main St. who reported his car was taken with his three family members still inside the car Officers from several agencies searched the area for the suspect/suspects 5.41am - Police receive a 911 call from the three victims who reported they were dropped off on Interstate 5, north of the Weed rest area and were unharmed Officers responded to the area and transported the victims to the Yreka Police Department 6.18am - Police received information about a cell phone being pinged with a possible location of the suspects on Intestate 5, north of Redding 7.01am - Red Bluff CHP advised that they had two suspects, Edwin Lara and Aundrea Maes, in custody and the victim's vehicle Advertisement

Five minutes after police got the call about the shooting, a man called from a Mobil gas station, saying his Honda Accord had been taken with his family still inside.

'The man had come out of the gas station to see his dog running around and his car gone,' Yreka Police Chief Brian Bowles told The Associated Press.

He said Lara allegedly forced, at gunpoint, one of the man's sons to drive.

The mother and two sons were later dropped off at a rest stop at around 5.41am along the interstate about 30 miles south of Yreka, near the town of Weed.

Law enforcement officers were pinging three cell phones to get the location of the stolen car, Bowles said.

A highway patrol officer in Red Bluff, 100 miles south of Weed, saw a car speeding on the interstate and tried to pull it over.

When it did dot comply, officers gave chase, the highway patrol said in a statement.

Lara was driving at speeds over 100mph.

Police from the nearby town of Corning joined in before Lara pulled over and was arrested at around 7.01am, along with passenger Aundrea Elizabeth Maes, 19, from Salem, Oregon.

She was initially taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder and kidnapping in relation to the mayhem in Yreka but was later released and all charges were dropped.

Family members told reporters she had been kidnapped.

The Yreka Police Department called her another victim of Lara instead of a suspect.

Five minutes after police got the call about the shooting at the motel, a man called from a Mobil gas station (pictured), saying his car had been taken with his family still inside

Video courtesy of KOIN

A mug shot showed Lara with medium-length black hair and beard stubble staring sullenly into the camera.

A motive was unclear in the case against Lara, whose judicial record consists of 10 traffic citations and a fish and game violation.

His court-appointed attorney, Benjamin Kim, did not immediately return a call or email seeking comment.
A Melbourne artist who painted a provocative mural of US Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has accused Instagram of politically-motivated censorship after his account was deleted.

Renowned street artist Lushsux said he believed a mural he painted of Clinton in a very revealing stars and stripes monokini last weekend was the reason his Instagram account, which had 107,000 followers, was deactivated on Wednesday.

'I don't want to sound like a conspiracy theorist with a tin foil hat but the timing of the Hillary Clinton mural posting and the deletion that ensued can't just be a coincidence,' he told Daily Mail Australia in an email.

A huge mural of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in a revealing stars and stripes swimsuit appeared in Melbourne over the weekend

Melbourne street artist Lushsux said he believed the Clinton mural he painted was the reason why his Instagram account was deleted on Wednesday

'Instagram and Facebook have a very clear bias when it comes to this in my opinion. I've painted Trump murals and had no problems.'

The artist said his account was removed without warning just as his Clinton mural was beginning to get viral traction.

Clinton formally accepted her party's nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday and Lushsux said the timing was curious.

The Clinton mural was captioned 'stupid sexy Hillary' - a nod to the well known Simpsons scene which sees Homer utter the same thing about Ned Flanders after he appears wearing a similarly coloured snowsuit.

The artist told Daily Mail Australia earlier this week the picture was based off a popular Photoshop image circulating the internet, and had proved very popular with passers by.

The artist said his account was removed without warning and has accused Instagram of politically-motivated censorship

Another Lushsux mural captioned: 'When you're both pieces of sh** but it works'

Lushsux said it was impossible to contact Instagram about the issue and described their action as censorship without recourse.

He has started a new Instagram account @lushsux2.

The artist has painted murals of Republican nominee Donald Trump and, most recently, his former model wife Melania.

A mural on Perry Street in Collingwood of the aspiring first lady showed her from the waist up, and completely naked. Above her head was Ms Clinton's campaign slogan, 'I'm with her'.

'Instagram has deleted hundreds of meme and artist accounts over the last two weeks,' the artist said. 'If you do anything that doesn't tow their line you're subject to their censorship.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Instagram for comment.

The artist has painted murals of Republican nominee Donald Trump and, most recently, his former model wife Melania (pictured)

A 'memorial' to pop star Taylor Swift appeared on a Melbourne wall following the singer's public blow-up with Kim Kardashian and husband Kanye West

The artist painted a large mural of Kim Kardashian's naked body on the wall of an inner- Melbourne suburb

Lushsux has done a number of Donald Trump murals around Melbourne

A 'RIP Taylor Swift' mural was earlier this month turned into a memorial for the late gorilla Harambe who made international headlines after being shot when a child fell into his enclosure
However some managed to write 'lock her up' repeatedly when he was asked about 'Crooked Hillary'

When it comes to his online campaign, Donald Trump has no limits and speaks freely without fear of the backlash.

But his first appearance on Reddit's Ask Me Anything (AMA) was far more controlled, as he only answered friendly questions and ignored negative comments.

The Republican nominee's question-and-answer thread on the community website was heavily moderated - leaving many comments unanswered.

He promised it would be 'huge', but he only answered about eight questions in total.

When the billionaire was asked about Hillary, there were messages mimicking the chant of 'lock her up, lock her up' that was heard at their party's convention last week.

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Donald Trump is seen sitting at his laptop on a flight to Ohio, answering questions during his debut on Reddit's Ask Me Anything

He also said: 'Keeping Crooked Hillary Clinton out of the White House,' was the best way to keep money out of politics.

Trump also slammed Obamacare and the mainstream media. In response to a statement that 90 per cent of media is owned by six companies, he wrote: 'I have been very concerned about media bias and the total dishonesty of the press. I think new media is a great way to get out the truth.'

Introducing himself to the thread, he wrote wrote: 'This is going to be SO huge and I'm looking forward to answering your questions. I'm doing this in flight to visit the great people of Toledo, OH, so Internet connection might be spotty.

'I promise you, I'll answer all the questions I can. I want to do BIG things for America and as your President, I WILL Make America Great Again!'

One person he did respond to wrote: 'Hello Mr. Trump. I'm 29 years old, registered Libertarian and have voted that way my entire life.

'I feel closely aligned with what the party stands for, and am passionate about it. However, this election I am starting to think that, while I think a Libertarian candidate is what's best for America long term, that you may be what America needs right now.

'I also feel like you care about this country so, so much, and you want what's best for it. This is a difficult decision for me, because on the issues I seem to either firmly believe or strongly disagree with what you have to say.

'I think you may be the best possible candidate for our economy, but I do fear some of your international policies,

'I know that I am not the only 3rd party voter that feels this way. So my question to you is, what do you say to people like me who are on the fence about voting 3rd party(Johnson/Stein) or for you?'

He promised the question-and-answer sessions be 'huge', but he only answered about eight questions in total

Trump responded by saying: 'Americans in every party are tired of our rigged system and corrupt politicians, and want to reform our government so it no longer benefits the powerful at the expense of everyone else.

'They know I will fix it so it works for them and their families. Hillary Clinton's message is that things will never change. My message is that things have to change, and they have to change right now.

'We have to change a foreign policy that has led us to one economic disaster after another, and an economic policy that has failed our poorest citizens.

'We will never fix a rigged system by relying on the people who rigged it in the first place.

'I am going to return the government to the people.'

Another Reddit user said: 'As you may know there are a lot of young Bernie Sanders supporters out there who have become disillusioned by both the conduct of the DNC and by the policy positions of Secretary Clinton (many of these Bernie Sanders frequent this site).

'What is the most important thing you would like to convey about yourself and your policy positions to the people who voted for Bernie in the primary but are now considering either staying home or voting third party in November?'

The Donald responded by saying: 'Though Bernie is exhausted and has given up on his revolution, many of his voters still want to keep up the fight.

The billionaire real estate mogul addressed a crowd of supporters at the Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning, ahead of the third day of the Democratic convention

'I expect that millions of Bernie voters will refuse to vote for Hillary because of her support for the War in Iraq, the invasion of Libya, NAFTA and TPP, and of course because she is totally bought and sold by special interests.

'She and her husband have been paid millions and millions by global corporations and powerful interests who will control her every decision. She is their puppet, and they pull the strings.

'We welcome with open arms all voters who want an honest government and to fix our rigged system so it works for the people.
Actors Susan Sarandon, Danny Glover and Rosario Dawson are protesting what they see as slights against Bernie Sanders supporters at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia.

The celebrities all expressed their anger that Nina Turner was barred from addressing the crowd.

Sarandon said Wednesday eveningconvention organizers scuttled planned remarks from the prominent Sanders surrogate.

Turner is a former state senator from Ohio who hoped to announce Sanders' nomination Tuesday night even if rival Hillary Clinton had the votes to win.

The Dead Man Walking and Thelma and Louise star said convention organizers are making it difficult to carry out 'the will of Bernie Sanders' people.'

Actress Susan Sarandon (left) and actor Danny Glover (right) slammed Democratic convention organizers for going against Bernie Sanders supporters

Sarandon and Glover spoked at a brief press conference Wednesday evening. The Thelma and Louise star-turned political activist (left) said officials scuttled planned remarks from Nina Turner

Actress Rosario Dawson was another celebrity who was angry about how Bernie Sanders and his 'surrogates' had been treated in Philadelphia

'There's been a lot of difficulty in executing the will of Bernie Sanders' people and surrogates, and this was just a topping for the whole thing because she was ready to go. And she was very, very disappointed,'

Sarandon said as the other celebrities joined her on a platform: 'This has not gone by lightly, and ... we are upset.'

Lethal Weapon actor Glover added: 'This particular convention has been unlike any convention in decades in this country.

'Certainly with the voices here at the table from all places. We need to know that those voices are heard, including and especially the voice of Nina Turner.'

Earlier in the day, half a dozen Sanders delegates spoke to about 300 demonstrators gathered at a plaza near City Hall, about 4 miles from the convention site, for rallies and speeches.

Erika Onsrud, an at-large delegate from Minnesota, told the people in the crowd they need to continue to fight. Amid cheers, she exhorted them: 'Stay awake!'

Other delegates acknowledged that Sanders' loss was disappointing but told the supporters they can create change without the Democratic Party and the mainstream media, contending the media contributed to a rigged election.

A few blocks away, police detained 10 protesters at Comcast's corporate headquarters for holding a sit-in accusing the cable TV giant and NBC owner of not reporting the truth. Officers zip-tied them and briefly closed the 975-foot-tall skyscraper to all but Comcast employees. The demonstrators were ticketed and released.

Another group of about a dozen anti-Israel demonstrators protested at a hotel where a number of delegations to the four-day convention were staying. They called for a free Palestine.

The absence of marches was a marked change from earlier in the week, with some Sanders supporters saying their comrades seemed fatigued and frustrated.

Thousands of activists have taken to the streets during the convention to voice support for Sanders and his liberal agenda. On Tuesday night, the Bernie or Bust brigades watched in dismay as Clinton became the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.

Sarandon said convention organizers are making it difficult to carry out 'the will of Bernie Sanders' people.'

The Dead Man Walking star shook hands with fans and walked passed members of the media after she expressed her anger

Sarandon said the disappointment she shared with other celebrities has not 'gone by lightly'

Demonstrator Shannon Morgan, who's from suburban New York, said she's fatigued by political frustration, long days and hot pavement that burned through the soles of her Vans and scorched the bottoms of her feet.

She described herself as an anarchist socialist and said she can't understand why Sanders supporters are still singing and cheering.

'I don't believe in burning things down,' she said, but she added it's frustrating 'to see them still happy and not storm the convention center and sit in.'

The longstanding bitterness between Sanders' supporters and Clinton's seemed to grow worse over the past few days after a trove of hacked emails showed that officials at the Democratic National Committee played favorites during the primaries and sought to undermine Sanders' campaign.

Sanders on Monday criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and urged supporters to fall in line behind Clinton for the good of the country. But many were unmoved.

The Alien and Thelma and Louise actress took time to speak to others who were frustrated about how their candidate had been treated

Dawson listens to Bernie Sanders supporters inside the media center at the Wells Fargo Center, the venue of the Democratic National Convention

Thousands gathered in the streets outside the convention at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night, and some tried to scale the 8-foot walls around a restricted zone. Police and the Secret Service arrested four protesters.

As of midday Wednesday, only about 75 people were at the nearby park that has become a base for the protesters.

Jennifer Hall flew into Philadelphia from California and said her fellow Sanders supporters seemed tired. She said she came to 'comfort the heartbroken, mourn with the mourners and help sustain the effort' fighting against two-party politics.
A father reluctant to buy his three young children a pet dog has written up a hilariously elaborate contract to ensure he never has to do any dirty work.

Reddit user John Stone, from the US, shared the strict terms his children had to agree to before they got their wish and welcomed a four-legged friend to the family home.

'Dad never has to pick up dog poop. Ever,' the first term states.

John Stone shared a list of terms his three young children had to agree to before they were allowed a dog. 'Dad never has to pick up dog poop. Ever,' the first term states

The children, 10, 11 and 13, must clean up dog droppings three times per week to 'dad's satisfaction'.

The dog must not have a running nose or slobber, because, according to the contract, 'all parties agree that those kind of dogs are gross'.

The dog must not shed hair and Mr Stone has nonrestrictive veto power over the dog's name.

The animal isn't included by name on the family Christmas card and it is never referred to as a child or sibling because: 'All parties agree that the dog is a dog'.

Two weeks after the contract was signed, true to his word, Mr Stone got his children a young mutt.

The dog must not have a running nose or slobber, because, according to the contract, 'all parties agree that those kind of dogs are gross' (stock image)

The children, 10, 11 and 13, must clean up dog droppings three times per week to 'dad's satisfaction' (stock image)

'We got a three-year-old white fluffy mutt from a shelter that weighs 15 lbs., was already house trained and doesn't shed or drool,' he posted on Reddit.

'We named him Kershaw (veto power not exercised). It's been two years, and the kids (now ages 12, 13 and 15) have been pretty good about doing everything.

'Everyone (including Dad) adores the dog, which has been a fantastic addition to (though not member of) our family.'

The contract has caused a stir on social media with nearly 500 users commenting on Reddit.

'This is hilarious because you just know that the dad will actually end up calling the dog his child/grandchild,' one user posted.

'I think I know what kind of dog you're looking for. It's called a cat,' another said.

According to the contract, dad never has to give the dog a bath. When he thinks the dog smells, the children must give it a bath within 24 hours (stock)
Ms Isaacs said the Catholic Church failed her in the years after her abuse

Father Derriman was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault in 1998

He told Ms Isaacs having sex with him would be the 'ultimate gift to God'

A woman who was groomed and sexually assaulted by a chaplain when she was a young girl has spoken out about how she was silenced by her abuser and the Catholic Church.

Joan Isaacs, 63, was fifteen-years-old when a 'charismatic' chaplain of the Sacred Heart Convent at Sandgate, Brisbane, started paying her and a select few of her classmates 'special' attention.

Father Francis Edward Derriman passed the school children notes about musicians, gave them nicknames, and challenged the religious ideas that restricted their lives - all in an attempt to carefully construct an image of a man who was 'different' and could be trusted.

Joan Katherine Isaacs (pictured) was fifteen-years-old when a 'charismatic' chaplain from Brisbane's Sacred Heart Catholic School started paying her and a select few of her classmates 'special' attention

'Father Derriman was not handsome. But what he did have was a strong charisma and a power over people,' Ms Issacs wrote in her autobiography, To Prey and to Silence.

'He made them feel good. He made them feel special.'

Derriman told them he was dying of a terrible lung disease but insisted they keep it a secret. She said he positioned himself as a vulnerable and lonely man who needed their help and support.

He opened up to them in a way an adult had never done before which Ms Isaacs said only strengthened their loyalty to him.

'We were the only family he had. We tried to look after him and we tried to protect him,' she wrote.

But as their friendship progressed, the notes he slipped her started to have a sexual overtone, he suggested she read the book Lolita - a tale about a middle aged man who seduces a 12-year-old girl - and would stare at her suggestively 'licking his lips'.

'Father Derriman (pictured) was not handsome. But what he did have was a strong charisma and a power over people. He made them feel good. He made them feel special,' Ms Isaacs wrote

Ms Isaac said Derriman positioned himself as a vulnerable and lonely man who needed their help and support

'When we went to Holy Communion, instead of putting the host on the tip of our tongues, Father Derriman would put his finger in our mouths. It was done in such a way that no-one else would notice except us.

'At other times he would gently stroke the side of the face with one finger as he placed the host on the end of our tongue.

Ms Isaacs pictured as a child nine years before she was sexually abused by Father Derriman

'I always understood that these signs meant that I was part of his family. I was special.'

He made inappropriate jokes about nuns being raped twice a week to improve their mood and even asked her what she wore under her school uniform.

Eventually, Derriman told Ms Isaacs he wanted to have sex with her before he died and she said the 'strain of being special started to take its toll'.

'Religion was woven into his argument. For me to have sex with him would be the ultimate in giving myself to God after all he was a priest and God's representative on earth.'

When she declined, he drove her into the bush after dark, locked his car and sexually assaulted her.

'I will never forget in my mind and my body how it felt. I could not breathe with the weight of his body against mine. It crushed me. His mouth suffocated me.'

He would assault her once more, again in his car but this time - despite his threats of suicide - Ms Isaacs told someone what had happened.

Her future husband Ian Isaacs, then 17-years-old, insisted on telling her mother who staunchly defended her daughter when Derriman claimed she was mentally ill and telling lies.

But her agony did not end when the Archbishop was informed, or years later when Derriman was arrested and found guilty of two counts of indecent dealing with a girl under the age of 16 in 1998.

Ms Isaacs said the guilt and shame resurfaced after dealing with the church's Towards Healing program, which was designed 'oversee the development of policies, principles and procedures in responding to Church-related abuse complaints'.

Her future husband Ian Isaacs, then 17-years-old, insisted on telling her mother (Pictured: Joan with Ian and children in 1978)

Ms Isaacs said her mother Gloria (pictured with her three children) staunchly defended her daughter when Derriman claimed she was mentally ill and telling lies

Senior prosecutor Sal Vasta (left), Joan Isaacs (middle) and detective senior constable Derek Kordick (right) pose for a photograph on the day Derriman was convicted of indecent assault of a minor

Ms Isaacs gave evidence during the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The commission found the Church had 'effectively imposed on Mrs Isaacs an obligation of silence about the circumstances that led to her complaint, which was inconsistent with Towards Healing principles' (Pictured: with her husband Ian after giving evidence at the Royal Commission in Sydney)

Ms Isaacs claims Total Healing 'was purely aimed at placating the public' following uproar over the widespread sexual abuse of children by members of the Catholic Church

Ms Isaacs claims Total Healing 'was purely aimed at placating the public' following uproar over the widespread sexual abuse of children by members of the Catholic Church.

She said she went in seeking an apology, counselling and compensation but claims she was 'stonewalled' and forced to sign a 'cruel' gag order that prevented her from speaking about the abuse, even with her husband and children.

Ms Isaacs gave evidence during the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse which found the Church had 'effectively imposed on Mrs Isaacs an obligation of silence about the circumstances that led to her complaint, which was inconsistent with Towards Healing principles'.
In October of 2014 Chippewa Falls Police Department joined the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and agreed to counter the emerging threat of offenders using the internet or other online technology to sexually exploit children. The CFPD took a proactive response to ICAC investigations in 2015 and 2016.

There were six ICAC Traveler cases that were successfully prosecuted.

An ICAC Traveler case is when a law enforcement officer poses as an underage child online and the suspect travels to a set location to meet for sexual activities with the child. These investigations are led by the needs and wants of the suspects during the conversations.

The offenders traveled from Eau Claire, Cornell, Glenwood City and Spring Valley to meet with what they believed to be a 14 year old female for sex in Chippewa Falls.

In 2016, CFPD also investigated two ICAC Traveler cases that involved real children with one child being a victim of sexual assault by the offender. In 2015 there were seven investigations into the possession of child pornography and three investigations so far in 2016.

The CFPD has located offenders living in Chippewa Falls with thousands of images of child pornography during these investigations.

These recent disturbing incidents involving internet crimes against children have been prominent in the media. In some incidents, the crimes have involved suspects and victims who met each other via social networking sites.

Social networking and communication are normal parts of the human experience. Young people are naturally curious about themselves, about others and about the world, and the sites permit them to reach out to others from around the globe, sometimes with tragic results.

The best way to protect your children online is through creating and maintaining open lines of communication. Internet safety is about parenting  software programs alone will not protect your children.

Prepare your children for the online world as you would the real world. Talk to them about dangers and risks online. Talk with your children about their online activity, including the websites they are visiting, the people they are communicating with, the information they are posting about themselves and any situations that make them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.

Establish a positive relationship with your children before someone else does. Online predators will tell your children they love them  you should do the same. Place computers in common areas where supervision can occur. Remember that smart phones have internet access, too.

Create and post internet use guidelines and rules and know your childs passwords, screen names and account information. Advise your children against downloading items from unknown sources. The items may be inappropriate for your children to see, contain copyrighted material or infect your computer with viruses.

Learn as much as you can about the internet and the places your children are visiting. Keep current on child exploitation trends on the internet. Report online child exploitation incidents to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at the CyberTipline http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.

You can also contact the Chippewa Falls Police Department at 723-4424 or the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force at 608-266-1671.
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Crews hoping to contain a deadly wildfire burning in rugged, drought-stricken terrain north of Los Angeles made steady progress on Wednesday, as a bulldozer operator fighting a smaller blaze in central California died when the tractor overturned.

Three thousand firefighters battling the so-called Sand Fire in the Angeles National Forest extended containment lines around 40 percent of the 38,350-acres that have been destroyed on Wednesday, according to fire information officer Sam Wu.

The blaze has gutted 18 homes as it churned through drought-stricken chaparral and brush spewing out plumes of smoke that prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to warn residents in parts of Southern California to avoid outdoor activities.

About a dozen exotic animals displaced by the blaze began returning to a sanctuary in the Los Angeles suburb of Sylmar on Wednesday.

'We've had eyes on them every day so we've known that they're all fine,' Martine Collette, founder of the Wildlife Waystation, said of the animals. 'How traumatic was it? Well, think about it, they almost burned to death here because the fire came on so fast and I don't know how we escaped it but thank God we did.'

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African lionesses settle into their enclosure upon return to the Wildlife Waystation after animals were evacuated during the approach of the Sand Fire in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles

Wildlife Waystation staff members return 'Tyson', a tiger, who was evacuated from the sanctuary in the Angeles National Forest in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles, on Wednesday

Tyson steps back into the sanctuary. About a dozen lions, tigers and cougars returned Wednesday to the sanctuary north of Los Angeles, four days after they were evacuated in the teeth of an advancing wildfire

The blaze which started in Santa Clarita on Friday is about 40 percent contained. About 300 miles to the north, a smaller blaze dubbed the Soberanes Fire continued to threaten 2,000 properties

About 300 miles to the north, a smaller blaze dubbed the Soberanes Fire continued to threaten 2,000 properties after destroying 20 homes in an area between Big Sur and the scenic coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, officials said. It was only 10 percent contained early Wednesday.

Firefighters were told about the bulldozer operator's death before they headed out early on Wednesday, fire Captain Richard Cordova said. 'It makes it real what this job is really about and how dangerous it is,' he said.

Officials said the bulldozer overturned and that the operator was a private contractor. The name and age of the operator was not immediately available and neither were details of how the accident happened.

A second bulldozer also overturned while battling the flames, but that operator was uninjured, officials said.

The Soberanes Fire has scorched more than 23,500 acres at the edge of the Los Padres National Forest since breaking out on Friday.

In Los Angeles County, a man killed in the Sand Fire was identified as Robert Bresnick, 67, whose body was found Saturday inside a burned-out car in a driveway, county officials said.

A helicopter lifts off after filling up with water from a pond at Rancho San Carlos and heads off to fight a wildfire in Carmel Valley, California

Rancho Adobe Fire Captan James Devrloo keeps an eye on a fire line on Garza Trail in the Rancho San Carlos Community as a wildfire burns in Carmel Valley, California

The blaze dubbed the Soberanes Fire has destroyed 20 homes. Pictured Rancho Adobe Fire Captan James Devrloo fights the blaze

A firefighter watches a helicopter prepare to drop water on a wildfire near Carmel Highlands, south of Monterey, California, Wednesday

Smoke from a wildfire spreads over woods, as seen from White Rock in Carmel Valley, southeast of Monterey, California, Wednesday

A map shows the areas where the Sand Fire has spread to since the blaze broke out on Friday afternoon

KLTA5 reported that assistant chief Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County coroners office said Bresnicks body was discovered Saturday evening by firefighters working on Iron Canyon Road in Santa Clarita.

Winter said Bresnick had refused orders to evacuate and died in a vehicle. Neighbors had told the Los Angeles Times that Bresnick was trying to rescue his dogs.

Meanwhile a spokesman with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office says a group of men rescued from the fire burning near Big Sur appear to have been illegal marijuana growers.

John Thornburg told the Monterey Herald the marijuana burned in the fire and no arrests were made.

The eight men were hiking in the southeast portion of the fire area when bulldozing crews spotted them Tuesday.

The men were evacuated to a campground on the east end of Palo Colorado where medics checked their vitals.

Video from the scene after the rescue shows the men who were covered in dirt and grime, pouring water over their faces and eyes, as they likely burned from the smoke in the area.

One of them started applauding and thanking rescuers for saving them, before being released.

Despite being stranded without food or water for five days, no one was seriously injured.

Saved: A group of eight men (above) were rescued Tuesday from the dangerous Soberanes fire burning in California after being stranded without food or water for five days

A spokesman with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office says they appear to have been illegal marijuana growers. No arrests were made

The men were evacuated to a campground on the east end of Palo Colorado where medics (above) checked their vitals

Acting California Governor Tom Torlakson, filling in for Jerry Brown, who is at the Democratic National Convention, declared a state of emergency on Tuesday for the counties where the fires are located.

'It is folly to predict where this fire will go,' said California state parks spokesman Dennis Weber.
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As he handed over the torch of his party to Hillary Clinton, President Obama ticked off his fourth speech at a Democratic convention.

His first was in 2004, when he was an Illinois state senator, pushing his reputation as a political star.

Four years later, in 2008, he was accepting his first nomination from the president - and his looks have changed dramatically ever since.

Obama has showed signs of aging - including a few more grey hairs - since his first day in the White House, and he isn't embarrassed to admit it.

At the beginning of his speech in Philadelphia on Wednesday, he joked: 'Michelle has made me a better man, and she hasnt aged a day. The same cannot be said for me'

'My girls remind me all the time. Wow, youve changed so much, daddy. And then they try to clean it up.'

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2008: Barack Obama addresses the Democratic Convention and presidential nominee at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado

2008: The then 47-year-old waved to the crowd alongside his Vice Presidential pick Joe Biden just four months before he won the election. In January 2009 he entered the White House

2016: This time he was passing on the torch to Hillary Clinton as he spoke at the convention in Philadelphia

2016: After making jokes about how he is aged through his presidency, he went through his greatest policy hits, including: health care agreement, the reopening of relations with Cuba, his climate change agreement, the night he ordered a hit on Osama bin Laden

The crowd laughed as he mocked himself, but then it was down to business.

Obama went over his greatest hits - his health care agreement, the reopening of relations with Cuba, his international climate change agreement, the night he ordered a hit on Osama bin Laden.

After a short wind-up he moved on to praising Hillary Clinton, his 2008 rival and her level headedness.

'Thats the Hillary I know. Thats the Hillary Ive come to admire. And thats why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America.'

The line was met with cheers.

As his speech came to an end, Hillary walked out on stage and stole the show.

The pair shared a long hug and paraded around the stage while Obama's 2008 campaign song, 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered,' blared over a loudspeaker.

Obama did his best to unite the Democratic Party tonight and redirect progressives' anger from Clinton to Donald Trump.

Trump is fanning the flames of 'resentment, and blame, and anger and hate,' he said. Clinton, on the other hand keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect.'

'And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever, quits,' he said.

He also backed up Clinton's 'judgement' - which is evidenced by her selection of Tim Kaine to be her vice president, he said.

After complimenting losing Democrat Bernie Sanders' supporters' for their tenacity, Obama came back around in his speech and shamed them into giving their backing to the party's nominee - Clinton.

2004: He first rose to promise at his party's convention in Boston, Massachusetts, where he gave a speech as an Illinois state senator

2004: He was 42 years old when he was chosen to deliver one of the keynote speeches, which showed he was a rising political star. At the time he was preparing for a run at the US Senate

2004: It was also one of the first major public appearances for his wife Michelle Obama

2008: The couple then appeared again in Denver, four years later, when Obama accepted his first presidential nomination

2016: The first lady gave one of the stand-out speeches of this year's Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center

2016: At 54 years old, and with a few more gray hairs, he now has two terms in the White House under his belt

2008: His speech was one of the first times the nation and the world were introduced to Malia and Sasha

2008: When he spoke to the delegates eight years ago, he was facing a general election battle against Senator John McCain

2012: The girls appeared on stage with their mother Michelle and father during convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Obama was nominated for president for the second time

2012: Obama was 51 when he addressed the delegates, and accepted the Democratic nomination for the second time

2012: He smiled as he drummed up support for his run at a second term in the White House: He comfortably beat Mitt Romney to win four more years

2016: At the beginning of his keynote speech on Wednesday night, Obama joked: 'Michelle has made me a better man, and she hasnt aged a day. The same cannot be said for me'

2016: In his rousing speech to the delegates, he gave his unequivocal support to Hillary Clinton
Security was tightened at the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong on Thursday after media reports that a North Korean student had sought refuge there.

The North Korean is understood to be a member of a delegation that attended an academic competition at a Hong Kong university two weeks ago, the South China Morning Post said, citing government sources in the Chinese-ruled city.

A student who assisted at a maths olympiad held at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) told Reuters the organising committee of the competition asked for help on July 16 to track down an 18-year-old North Korean who had gone missing after the contest.

A security officer blocks the entrance to the South Korean consulate, after media reports that a North Korean student has sought refuge there.

The student declined to be identified due to the sensitive nature of the issue. The organising committee declined comment.

North and South Korea remain technically at war, and the reports of a possible defection are bound to exacerbate tensions.

Uniformed and plainclothes police were patrolling around the office building near the heart of Hong Kong's financial centre where the South Korean consulate is located. Scores of reporters thronged the building.

A member of security stands in the lift lobby at the consulate.A North Korean student is seeking asylum there, who has not been identified.

Hong Kong police say they are 'aware' of the report, but declined to comment further.

Local government and consulate officials declined to comment.

'We are aware of the report,' said a spokeswoman from the Hong Kong police, declining to comment further.

The 57th International Mathematical Olympiad was held at the HKUST on July 11-12. An all-male team of six took part from North Korea, according to the contest website. The team finished in 6th place.

A ministry official said the South Korean government's position was not to make any comments related to North Korean defectors, keeping in mind their safety and diplomatic relations with relevant countries.

Tensions between North and South Korea have been particularly high since the North's fourth nuclear test in January.

After an announcement by the South in April that 13 workers at a restaurant in China run by the North had sought asylum, Pyongyang said they were abducted by agents from the South.

Hong Kong is ruled by China under a 'one country, two systems' formula that accords the former British colony a degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China.

Tensions between North and South Korea have been particularly high since the North's fourth nuclear test in January.

Uniformed and plainclothes police were patrolling around the office building near the heart of Hong Kong's financial centre where the South Korean consulate is located.

In the early 2000s, there was a rash of cases of North Koreans seeking asylum at foreign missions in China, mostly in Beijing, where in some cases they scaled embassy walls and forced their way in.

North Korean defectors mostly come from the poorest parts of the destitute state and usually flee over the traditionally quite porous border with China.
The murder conviction for an Oregon man who googled 'father hates infant' and 'afraid of abusing my baby' before his 11-week-old son died in June 2011 has been overturned.

Kaliq Mansor's conviction was overturned Wednesday by the Oregon Court of Appeals, the Associated Press reported.

The 38-year-old father is serving a life sentence for his young son Bryan's death.

Kaliq Mansor's conviction was overturned Wednesday by the Oregon Court of Appeals. The 38-year-old father is serving a life sentence for his young son Bryan's death

On June 12, 2011, Mansor dialed 911 and said the boy wasn't breathing, according to the report.

Mansor said he'd spent 15 minutes searching online for what to do ahead of dialing 911, it said.

Bryan died June 14, 2011, and had suffered 'abusive head trauma' - and it was revealed his twin sibling had rib fractures, the AP reported.

Police got a warrant for Mansor's computers - and discovered 'abuser therapy', 'afraid of abusing my baby', 'father hates infant' and 'Oregon child abuse laws' were googled on June 9, 2011, according to the news outlet.

Police got a warrant for Mansor's computers - and discovered 'abuser therapy', 'afraid of abusing my baby', 'father hates infant' and 'Oregon child abuse laws' were Googled on June 9, 2011

The Oregon Court of Appeals was quoted by the AP as saying the warrant was 'impermissibly overbroad'.

The appeals court said: 'Nothing in [Detective Robert] Rookhuyzen's affidavit established probable cause that a temporally unlimited examination of the contents of defendants' computers, including of files and functions unrelated to internet searches and emails, would yield other evidence of the events of June 12, 2011, or of any other crime.'

Mansor's ex-wife and the mother of the children, Angela Foster, told Oregon Live: 'I'm completely heartbroken and saddened by today's ruling.

'I hope that in the end justice will prevail and that Mr Mansor will remain in prison, where he belongs, for the rest of his life.'

In a statement, the Washington County District Attorney's Office said: 'Our attorneys are reviewing the Court of Appeals decision presently.

'In Oregon the Oregon Department of Justice Appellate Division handles criminal case appeals.

'We will be working with their lawyers to evaluate the opinion, its application to this case and its ramifications, if any, to forensic analysis investigations in this state.

'Oregon law allows a party 30 days to decide whether to seek review/appeal of a Court of Appeals decision.
The mother of a five-year-old girl who sparked a huge search operation after running away from her parents has broken her silence over the ordeal of her daughter's disappearance.

Kelly Lewis, who co-parents little Jocelyn with her former partner Steve, has spoken of the harrowing moment she realised her daughter was missing for nearly 24 hours.

But the nightmare of losing her child continued for the 35-year-old Queensland mother after she was slammed by strangers for deciding to stay out of the spotlight as the search was underway.

'And because of that I've been called a drug addict, an alcoholic and a bad mum to name a few,' Ms Lewis told Kidspot.

'At the end of the day, those who don't know the full circumstances have no right to judge, best to keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself, because for those going through the actual occurrence need support and strength not attacking.'

Scroll down for video

The mother of Jocelyn Lewis who was found after going missing for nearly a day has broken her silence

Father Steve Lewis said he has tried to talk to his daughter to figure out what she did for nearly 24 hours

The five-year-old was found by two women on the banks of an overgrown swamp (pictured) between the railway line and M1 motorway in Worongary on the Gold Coast

Ms Lewis had arrived at the Nerang property on the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon to pick her daughter up after spending the week with her father.

'She [Jocelyn] was putting something in my car while I was packing up the last of her bag. When I didn't hear the car door open or close I looked through the window and saw the gate ajar  and that's how it all started.'

After the pair, who are separated, searched the surrounding area, they received a phone call from a neighbour who spotted Jocelyn at the 7-Eleven petrol station.

However, by the time her father got there, the young girl was gone, which prompted a massive response from hundreds of emergency crews and the local community to search through the night.

As time went by, the mother said she started to fear the worst when there was still no sign of her daughter anywhere the following day.

'I felt sick to the stomach and light-headed I felt for a while that time was standing still,' she said.

The girl was found on Monday afternoon by two women who decided to scour an area that authorities deemed a 'long shot' but after calling her name out, Jocelyn popped her head up.

Jocelyn Lewis told her father Steve she was 'looking after three tigers' on the bank of an overgrown swamp

Jocelyn has told her father she was 'looking after three tigers' on the banks of an overgrown swamp between the railway line and the M1 motorway in Worongary on the Gold Coast.

Her father, who is still struggling to come to terms with the ordeal, said he has tried to talk to his daughter to figure out what she did for nearly 24 hours after running away from his home.

'She said she was following a bear and looking after three tigers,' he told Gold Coast Bulletin.

'We actually found a book in her room along those lines, so she's gotten the idea somewhere. The only other thing she said was that she crawled through a big grate, which I assume was a drain.'

Young Jocelyn said she tried to look for sticks in an effort to make a fire to keep herself warm but she couldn't find any when she scoured through the long grass.

Despite having Jocelyn back in his care, Mr Lewis said he fears history will repeat itself because his daughter's latest disappearance was not the first time she went missing.

He said his daughter, who was diagnosed with ADHD last December, has now gone missing for the fourth time in the past two months - and he's worried she could run away again.

The family fronted the media after their daughter was found safe on the bank of an overgrown swamp

Her father has revealed how he's still struggling to come to terms with the ordeal after Jocelyn went missing

The little girl had spent the night alone at an overgrown swamp in Worongary on the Gold Coast (pictured)

Mr Lewis said he ordered a GPS watch last week for his daughter, who loves playing hide-and-seek, but the device did not arrive in time.

'It has been a problem for some time and I've tried to explain to her she can't run off like that but it's not sinking in - not even after being gone for such a long time,' he said.

He plans to sit his daughter down with the police so they could help warn her not to run away again.

The young girl was found wearing only shorts and a t-shirt on Monday afternoon after she was reported missing, prompting a massive response from emergency crews and the local community.

'For me, it was the worst feeling I've ever felt in my life followed by the best feeling I've ever felt in my whole life,' he said.

After she was found safe, her father fronted the media, saying :'She's quite good. We just need to clean her up and give her a good meal, we haven't eaten.'

Mr Lewis said the family had feared the worst before his daughter, who is his only child, was found safe as he thanked the community for their help.

'I was getting concerned it was going to go the other way,' he said, before adding: 'It was a relief. I want to thank everyone for the support. It's fantastic.'

Hundreds of residents helped searched for the youngster after she ran away from home on Sunday afternoon

Thousands of strangers had taken to social media to help find Jocelyn, with residents in surrounding areas leaving food, clothes and blanket in front of their homes in the hope she would find them

Earlier on Monday, Jocelyn's aunty Jenny Wilmott revealed her niece loved playing hide-and-seek.

When asked whether she will play hide-and-seek again, an exhausted Jocelyn shook her head no at the reporter shortly after she was found.

'She tried to get away from the member of the public who spotted her,' a police officer said, before joking: 'It was the ultimate game of game-and-seek.

'She was found in a remarkable condition. She was feeling a bit dehydrated. Considering how long she was away for, she was in good spirits.

'You won't get anymore relieved. It was a huge effort - something you wouldn't have achieved without the help of the community.'
One of Australia's biggest banks is being sued by a New Zealand family living in Perth who claim they were sold a life insurance policy they could never make a claim on.

Charles Cairns, 58, and his wife Judith live in the outer suburb of Port Kennedy in the Rockingham area but as temporary residents would not be eligible for a payout from the OnePath premium.

They were told by the financial adviser that their status as temporary residents prevented them from ever making a claim and the couple last month launched a discrimination case in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

'It scares me to death taking on one of the big banks, this one hit too close to home, I am just an average guy who tried to keep fit and had a stroke and no other life insurance will touch me now,' Mr Cairns told Daily Mail Australia.

Charles Cairns, 58, and his wife Judith with their family. They're taking on ANZ bank over a life insurance policy they could never make a claim on

OnePath, which would ultimately return the couple's payments of nearly $20,000, states it is 'a company of ANZ' on its website.

Mr Cairns revealed how he and his wife took out insurance policies more than 10 years ago 'through the ANZ because we banked with them'.

A seminar on becoming an Australian citizen attended by a relative raised the alarm.

'They said "you Kiwis have to to remember you are just visa holders and things like your life insurance may be null and void".

'So we took a look and she said "gee, I think you might be in trouble her".'

'I have paid taxes all my life here but they just dropped me and said "you are no longer covered" and gave me back our premiums.

'It was very stressful, I just had a stroke [a year earlier] and my wife was worried that I would have another bloody episode.'

The Cairns' are suing bank ANZ over a life insurance policy (stock image)

Their case stated: 'In 2005 Mr Cairns took up the policy for both himself and his wife. In March 2015 the Cairns financial adviser raised concern regarding the wording of their policy. They obtained a copy of the PDS for their policy dated November 2006.'

It revealed that their financial adviser wrote to OnePath on 28 March 2015 to 'clarify the matter'.

'On 9 April 2015 the Cairns received a response from OnePath stating that the Cairns would not be covered from commencement of the policy as they are not citizens or permanent residents of Australia. They were advised that the only option available to them was to cancel the policy from inception and all premiums would be refunded.'

The Cairns then launched their race discrimination complaint against both ANZ and OnePath.

'It was the first time in our lives we were able to afford some life insurance, we couldn't in New Zealand, we were both fit and well and strong,' he said.

'It isn't about monetary gain - just imagine your partner being told after you died and "sorry you're not covered", that's what I thought about, my wife how we would she go being told that?

'And it's for all the other people who don't know that they might not be able to collect their life insurance.'
An all-boys high school in New Zealand has turned up its nose at the organisers of a Maori performing arts festival by carrying out a stirring poi routine, despite being told the dance was only for girls.

Organisers of the National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Festival, which showcases Maori song and dance, told boys-only schools in February they could not perform with poi at the biennial competition.

The poi is made out of a ball attached to a long piece of string and twirled back and forth. Poi dancers are usually women.

Following a protest led by Catholic boarding school Hato Paora the rule was overturned in March.

On Thursday, students from the college wowed crowds with their poi performance and had a cheeky dig at the competition organisers in the process.

TVNZ reported the boys criticised organisers by singing in Maori: 'To the committee, we questioned your rules because you forgot the genealogy of the poi.'

Video footage shows the group swinging yellow poi - the school's colours - over their head and shoulders in perfect timing to their song.

The boys reportedly received a standing ovation for their performance in Napier, in New Zealand's North Island.

Ihaia Ropata, the group's leader, told Maori Television: 'Yes it was quite the topic this year because they were trying to change the rules but our response was to show them how good we are at perfecting the poi.'

Boys from Hato Paora College in New Zealand perform with yellow poi balls at a national competition

Poi dancers are usually women and the school fought to have a rule preventing boys-only schools from performing the dance overturned this year
A post-mortem has revealed a 19cm bruise on a British beauty therapist's neck as the investigation into her murder continues.

Samia Shahid, 28, originally from Bradford, died in a Punjab village while visiting relatives last week in what her husband Syed Mukhtar Kazam, 30, described as a 'straight forward case of honour killing'.

Mr Kazam, who lived with his wife in Dubai, is now in Pakistan where police have arrested Samia's father Mohammed and an unnamed cousin, while her first husband is wanted for questioning.

Her family have claimed the bruise was 'probably from a hair clip' and strongly deny the claims of an honour killing.

Tragedy: Samia Shahid, 28, who was originally from Bradford, West Yorkshire, died while visiting relatives in her ancestral Punjab village last week and now police in Pakistan have arrested her father and a cousin

Mr Kazam told Xpress in Dubai: 'For her family, I was always an outsider. They wanted Samia to leave me and return to them.

'Police told me the body had no visible injuries or signs of violence but there was frothing at the mouth. I suspect she was poisoned'.

But now police say a there was a 7.5inch (19cm) long mark which went around her neck below her right ear.

A family friend, Wasim Nawaz, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, has played down the post-mortem examination, which revealed there was a 'small', he said.

Mr Nawaz said: 'There was a small mark on her neck, probably from a hair clip or something, but I am just guessing.

'When a woman wears a head scarf, she has to put in a safety pin to tie it. The mark was not even an inch long.'

Meanwhile, the police are questioning Samia's cousin, Mobeen Mohammed, along with her father, Mohammed Shahid, according to Mr Nawaz, who lives on the same street as Mr Mohammed in the Heaton area of Bradford.

However, Mr Nawaz denied that Mobeen Mohammed was involved in her death.

Mr Nawaz said: 'Mobeen was due to fly home on the day Samia died, but he had to cancel his flight because she died. I think if anyone with a bit of sense had anything to do with it, they would catch the first flight out of there instead of staying.'

Samia Shahid died last week while visiting relatives in her ancestral village who her husband alleges disagreed with her choice to marry for the second time, to a man from outside the family.

Her first husband, Chaudry Mohammed Shakeel is wanted for questioning.

Mr Nawaz added that Shakeel was not on the run, but disappeared because 'he probably got a bit scared'.

He described Samia's second marriage to Syed Mukhtar Kazam as a 'bogus marriage'. He alleges that Samia and Syed did not declare her previous marriage on the marriage certificate and that fake parents were used on the marriage application.

Marriage: Ms Shahid's second husband Syed Mukhtar Kazam claims he fears she was killed by her family because they allegedly refused to accept their marriage partly due to him being an 'outsider'

Mr Kazam sent a series of desperate final messages to his wife who he claims was poisoned by her family for marrying him.

He text his wife to say he was 'worried to hell' and urged her to 'find a way to contact me' but he believes she may already have been dead.

Mr Kazam, who lived with his wife in Dubai, is now in Pakistan where police have arrested Samia's father Mohammed and an unnamed cousin, while her first husband is on the run.

He has told police her death is a 'straightforward case of honour killing' and a week after they claimed her death was not suspicious they have opened a murder inquiry.

New life: Samia Shahid, 28, had moved to Dubai (pictured) to live with second husband Syed, who claimed her family murdered her in an honour killing on her first trip to Pakistan since they wed before police made the discovery of a seven inch bruise, which the family is playing down as a mark from a hair clip

Final messages: Syed Mukhtar Kazam, 30, told Samia Shahid, 28, he was 'worried to hell' and urged her to 'find a way to contact me' but he believes she may already have been dead

He added: 'Initially her family members claimed she had a heart attack while her father told local media she committed suicide. Neither sounds believable as Samia looked just fine  mentally, emotionally and physically when she left for Pakistan on June 14.'

Mr Kazam, who works in the chemicals industry, said: 'She was reluctant but gave in when she was told that her father had taken ill. They were so desperate that they even sent her a ticket'.

Samia Shahid, 28, died last week while visiting relatives in her ancestral village who her husband alleges disagreed with her choice to marry for the second time, to a man from outside the family.

Her father Mohammed Shahid, from Bradford, is in custody with an unnamed cousin, but her first husband Mohammed Shakeel, who she married in 2012 and left a year later, is on the run and a wanted man.

The murder investigation and arrests came just a week after police had initially claimed Ms Shahid's death was not suspicious, but her second husband Syed Mukhtar Kazam, claims she was killed by family who disapproved of their marriage.

Samia was buried in Pandori, a village in northern Punjab, after a post-mortem examination found no signs of injury and her local MP Naz Shah has led calls for her body to be exhumed.

The media in Pakistan has claimed she may have been found at the foot of some stairs, other reports claimed she was found in her bedroom with liquid pouring out of her mouth.

It came as one of Samia's relatives, a woman, 32, was arrested over alleged threats against their local Labour MP in Bradford, Naz Shah, who has been involved in the case.

A second person, a 37-year-old man, has also been arrested, West Yorkshire Police said.

Police in Pakistan have performed a U-turn after initially claiming her death was not suspicious.

Mohammad Aqeel Abbas, police chief for the Jhelum distric investigating the case, said post-mortem examination found no injuries or signs of violence, and she was buried in a village graveyard.

But now they have revealed the bruise.

Police said the reason for not reporting the bruise was because it was not confirmed as the cause of death, according to the BBC.

Now they say they are treating her death as suspicious after receiving information from her second husband Syed Mukhtar Kazam.

It has also emerged Samia had complained to police in Britain of harassment last year and was visited by officers at her Bradford family home last September after the complaint.

Samia, a popular 28-year-old from Bradford, had lived in Dubai with her husband Syed for the past year and went to visit an ill family member a fortnight ago.

Her relatives in Pandori, a village in northern Punjab, reportedly said she died from a heart attack or asthma attack last week and swiftly buried her in the village graveyard.

But Mr Kazam, a Pakistani national, said his wife had been healthy and he fears she was killed by her family as punishment for splitting from her first husband, a first cousin of hers from their Pakistani village.

A Pakistani police inquiry is under way into Mrs Shahid's sudden death but no arrests have been made.

Mrs Shahid is said to have angered her family when she met Mr Kazam through mutual friends in 2013 and married him in Leeds in September 2014.

Her husband told the Guardian: 'I am sure my wife is killed by the family. She was healthy. And she had no disease. I believe she was killed because her parents were not happy with our marriage.'

Wedding: Mr Kazam married his wife at Leeds Town Hall in 2014 and the pair had been living together in Dubai

Address: The family home of Ms Shahid in Bradford is pictured yesterday. Ms Shahid's second husband Syed Mukhtar Kazam, who lived with her in Dubai, claimed he was told she had suffered a heart attack

Family business: A restaurant under renovation which is said to be owned by Ms Shahid's family in Bradford

The family have strongly dismissed the allegations.

Shahid's father, who is in Pakistan, said the claims were 'lies and allegations'.

Mohammed Shahid added: 'An investigation is under way and if I am found guilty I am ready for every kind of punishment. My daughter was living a very peaceful and happy life. She had come to Pakistan on her own and was not under any pressure from her family.'

Her maternal uncle Akhtar, who lives in Bradford, said he believes police in Pakistan will leave 'no stone unturned' in investigating the death of his niece

He said:'The police in Pakistan have to do what they have to do it's their job.

'They can't leave no stone unturned. It's horrible what the whole family has gone through and whatever the outcome is going to be that will be it.

'But the family will be back here and they will know better what happened to Samia.'

A family friend, who wished to remained anonymous, added he had been heard that Samia had been found at the bottom of a flight of stairs in the village of Pandori, in the Punjab area of Pakistan.

However the friend denies the family lured her to Pakistan under false pretenses.

He said: 'The story that they tried to lure her to Pakistan is completely false.

'Her mother-in-law, who was also her aunt had just died and she was there to pay her respects. Her dad loved her to bits. He used to say that he didn't treat her like a daughter, he treated her like a son which means a lot in our culture.

'Even if she had committed a murder he would have forgiven her'.

Ary News in Pakistan is also said to have claimed she was found at the bottom of stairs.

Political involvement: MP Naz Shah (left) has called on Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (right) to intervene in the case after Ms Shahid's husband alleged she was an 'honour killing' victim for wedding an outsider

An initial post mortem examination did not give a cause of death, which will be provided following a forensics report next week.

Mrs Shahid's local MP, Naz Shah, has demanded her body is exhumed so an independent autopsy can be carried out. The Bradford West MP said: 'I've been in touch with various officials, through the Foreign Office and the High Commission, both in Pakistan and Britain.

'I've also written to the prime minister in Pakistan to give his personal intervention to ascertain the cause of death of Samia Shahid. I'm not going to rest until I'm satisfied I know the cause of her death.'

She told the Bradford Telegraph & Argus: 'She sent a text message to her husband last Wednesday, saying: 'I am cooking tonight. I am going shopping. I'll see you tomorrow'.

'By 3pm her phone was switched off. At 10pm her husband got a phone call from a member of the family. He was told she had died of a heart attack and they had buried her.'

Friends in Bradford said the family were not happy about the marriage but accepted it because they loved their daughter. However, Mrs Shadid's uncle claimed the second marriage was a sham that allowed Mr Kazam to live in the UK.

West Yorkshire Police is also investigating threats aimed at local MP Naz Shah.

Earlier this month social media star and 'Pakistan's Kim Kardashian' Qandeel Baloch was strangled to death by her brother in Multan, Punjab, who said he was 'not embarrassed' to have killed her.
A teenager accused of running a business which organised out-of-control parties at vacant homes allegedly asked a man to reconnect the power before a wild party, a court heard.

Rebecca Ah Hong, faced Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, accused of organising a party at homes in Perths northern suburbs on June 17 and June 24, reported WA today.

The 18-year-old allegedly advertised the celebrations on social media and gained up to 1,000 attendees to the parties which were sometimes held without the property owners knowledge.

Rebecca Ah Hong (pictured), 18, is accused of advertising and organising wild parties in Perth's northern suburbs at vacant homes without the property owner's knowledge as well as reconnecting the power

She faced the Perth Magistrates Court (pictured) on Wednesday on charges of trespassing a property, fraudulent appropriation of power and organising an out-of-control gathering

A 17-year-old boy has also been charged over the two house parties and faced Perth Children's Court earlier this week.

He is accused of organising a third party in July that resulted in three police officers being assaulted, $2,000 worth of property damage and 10 charges.

A DJ, 19, who performed in two parties has also been charged.

Ms Ah Hong did not have to enter a plea for her charges of trespassing a property in Mirrabooka, fraudulent appropriation of power and organising an out-of-control gathering.

Ms Ah Hongs next court appearance has been adjourned to August 25 to allow the 18-year-old to seek legal advice.
A man charged with being a member of a Kurdish terrorist group is being harassed by Islamic State sympathisers at Sydney's Silverwater jail, according to his lawyer.

Renas Lelikan, 38, appeared via video link at Sydney's Central Local Court on Thursday where he applied for bail after he was arrested by Australian Federal Police last week.

He is accused of being a member of the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), a listed terrorist organisation.

Turkish journalist Renas Lelikan (pictured) is allegedly being tormented by ISIS supporters inside Sydney's Silverwater Jail

Mr Lelikan was arrested by Australian Federal Police last week and charged with being a member of a terrorist organisation - the Kurdistan Worker's Party

The j ournalist, who has dual Turkish-Australian citizenship, spent nine months in a refugee camp in Iraq taking shelter from the Islamic State.

His lawyer said he is now being 'tormented' by ISIS supporters at Silverwater jail in Sydney's west.

'He is constantly being attacked and tormented and has been threatened by people who are in prison who are apparently sympathetic to ISIL,' his lawyer Phillip Boulton SC said.

Mr Boulton quoted an AFP media release issued after Lelikan's arrest on July 20 that said there was no threat of a terrorist act as a result of its investigation into the 38-year-old journalist.

But Commonwealth prosecutor Imad Abdul-Karim told the court Lelikan's alleged membership of the PKK could be proven by images obtained of him wearing the group's uniform and posing with weapons, as well as other evidence that he raised funds for the group.

Mr Lelikan (left) spent nine months in a refugee camp in Iraq taking shelter from the Islamic State

Lelikan was charged with the same offence in France in 2007 and when given bail, fled the country using a relative's passport, Mr Abdul-Karim said.

He would therefore be a flight risk if released from custody in Sydney, Mr Karim said.

But Mr Boulton argued the images of the Kurdish journalist did not provide conclusive evidence that he was a member of the PKK.

'This is not compelling evidence, that anyone in the mountains of Iraq wearing puffy style hats and camouflage-style shirts is a member of the PKK,' he said.

About 60 members of the Kurdish community packed the public gallery in support of Lelikan.

He will remain behind bars until Friday when a decision will be made on his bail application.
For many an eager camper, the time it takes to travel to Farmers Union Camp can seem like an entire cross-country road trip. For two youth who attended Senior Camp at WFU Kamp Kenwood this summer, the trek was just that.

In June, Wisconsin Farmers Union welcomed three West Coast visitors. Brothers Mason and Kolton Dahl of Hines, Oregon, were accompanied by Jake Fagan, Northwest Farmers Union director of membership and development, for a stay at Kamp Kenwood.

Located on beautiful Lake Wissota near Chippewa Falls, the scenic site has been home to the Wisconsin Farmers Union Camp program since the 1940s.

The trip was both educational and investigative as NWFU, which is inching closer to its full National Farmers Union charter, is considering organizing a camp of its own.

The idea was to send a few campers to different camps around the nation and see what its like, so we could start one back here, said 17-year-old Mason.

The highlight of Farmers Union Camp for him was learning about Farmers Unions history and cooperative roots.

The lessons they taught about cooperative values and how to run a co-op store were woven in with current issues that made it really interesting, he said. I was really impressed with the guest speakers, too, and just the aspects of meeting new people, the networking and the camaraderie.

Fagan noted the idea to send NWFU youth to Wisconsin for camp was born at the National Farmers Union Convention in Minneapolis, Minn., this past March during a conversation between WFU staff and NWFU President Kent Wright.

As we plan and create our camp and educational programming, it is our hope to continue to partner with Wisconsin to send youth to their camp, helping us to grow our own future camp staff through the Farmers Union family, Fagan said.

He noted that education is a vital component of the Farmers Union triangle  bolstered by legislation and cooperation  and one he hopes NWFU will continue to focus on as it gains its full charter, secures funding and develops programming.

Camp and the education programming are at the base of our organization, and we will be work ing to cultivate those programs as NWFU grows, he said.

Timing is dependent on funding, but he hopes to begin establishing a camp within the next five years.

Throughout that time, we will be able to secure funding, find our camp site, properly grow our staff and formulate the NWFU educational curriculum, he said.

From games to songs, a number of WFU Kamp Kenwood activities would be incorporated into such a camp, particularly the cooperative education

programming, Fagan said.

The way the lessons are executed really gives the students a hands-on education that truly helps them to understand co-ops and the cooperative

principles, Fagan said.

He also hopes to someday be blessed with a camp staff as talented as the counselors he met on this trip.

The Wisconsin Farmers Union camp staff is the most impressive staff I have ever seen, he said. The way they show their love and respect for Farmers Union, and the way they exemplify Farmers Unions values of inclusion and personal self-worth is beyond compare.

A Northwoods adventure

For the past three summers, Ben Lehman, 16, has left his familys Iowa crop farm behind for a few days and also made the journey to Kamp Kenwood.

We dont have our own Farmers Union camp here in Iowa, so when I first heard about Kamp Kenwood, I thought itd be a good chance to meet other Farmers Union members my age, Ben said.

Now its a summer tradition he looks forward to.

Everyone is really friendly and helped me fit in, the Alleman, Iowa native said. A lot of what I like about it is just meeting new people and all of the outdoor activities, like the hiking.

Fifteen out-of-state campers had registered for Farmers Union Camp as of early July, according to WFU Education Director Cathy Statz.

Kamp Kenwoods western Wisconsin location draws some campers from the cooperative-rich Twin Cities each year, she said, as well as even furtger areas.

There are also several out-of-state families of second  even third  generation campers who have made the trek back to Wisconsin for camp, she said. Most of the others learned about us through their co-op or from a friend or cousin.

We also welcome campers who are host siblings through various international exchange programs; weve had campers from France, Bolivia and Japan in recent years.

During their session, Mason and Kolton shared a bit about NWFU and their familys large cow-calf operation.

Campers from out of state enrich their own experience by attending, but also enrich that of our traditional Wisconsin campers, Statz said. They marvel over variances in scale and types of ag, chuckle over differences in accent and pronunciation and share laughs and stories around the campfire. Its a real treat for us to welcome them to the tradition of Farmers Union Camp.
A maximum security prison guard has lost six of his front teeth, broken his nose and received a 'significant gash' to his face after being allegedly attacked by an inmate who refused to leave his cell.

The guard was taken to hospital along with another officer who suffered minor injuries in the attack on Thursday morning at Loddon Prison in Castlemaine, Victoria, according to Fairfax.

It is believed that the attack occurred when the prison officer approached the inmate to conduct an 'enter and extract' and the inmate refused to leave his cell, according to a source.

A prisoner who refused to leave his cell in Loddon Prison (pictured) has seriously injured two guards

Another guard was left with minor injuries from the incident.

Victoria police are currently at the scene and the facility was put into lockdown but have since been lifted according to local radio station 3AW.

The facility houses about 200 inmates.

Daily Mail Australia have contacted Loddon Prison for comment.
Munich gunman Ali David Sonboly worshipped Adolf Hitler and saw it as an 'honour' that he shared the same birthday as the Nazi leader, it has been revealed.

Sonboly, 18, shot nine people dead at a shopping centre in the southern German city on Friday before turning his handgun on himself.

The German-Iranian considered himself 'Aryan' and had built up resentment against Arabs and Turks, who, it is claimed, bullied him at school.

Munich gunman Ali David Sonboly (pictured) worshipped Adolf Hitler and shared the same birthday as the Nazi leader, it has been revealed

It has now emerged that the teenager took the fact that he was born on the same day of the year as Hitler (pictured) - April 20 - as an 'honour'

It has now emerged that the teenager took the fact that he was born on the same day of the year as Hitler - April 20 - as an 'honour'.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper said he was a racist who held extreme right wing views about foreigners and minorities.

Sonboly Iranian parents and held an Iranian as well as German passport.

Many of his victims in the bloodbath were of foreign origin and there are investigations into whether he deliberately targeted them.

A video emerged of the killer on the roof of a car park after the shootings in which he was insulted by a local from his balcony as being an immigrant, prompting him to shout back: 'I am German! I was born here!'

Police say the teenager was obsessed with mass killings - including Norwegian rightwing fanatic Anders Behring Breivik's 2011 massacre - and spent a year preparing for the shooting spree.

At least 35 people were also wounded during Sonboly's attack, which began at a McDonald's restaurant and ended with him turning his 9mm Glock pistol on himself.

Investigators have ruled out any link with ISIS jihadists, although he appeared to have planned the assault with chilling precision for a year.

Many of his victims in the bloodbath were of foreign origin and there are investigations into whether he deliberately targeted them. Young people are pictured mourning near the scene of the killings

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the tragedy had plunged Germany into 'deep and profound mourning' that left a 'night of horror' lying behind the people of Munich

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the tragedy had plunged Germany into 'deep and profound mourning' that left a 'night of horror' lying behind the people of Munich.

The lone killer, an 18-year-old German-Iranian named in reports as Ali Sonboly, is thought to have attempted to lure victims to a McDonald's opposite the mall with a fake Facebook profile promising free food.

It is unclear if those who died or were injured when he opened fire with a pistol had been enticed by message that is being probed by police.

Among the dead were two 14-year-old Kosovan girls, Armela Segashi and Sabina Sulaj, and their Turkish friends Can Leyla, 14 and Selcuk Kilic, 15, according to reports.

A 17-year-old named in reports as Hussein Daitzik, of Greek origin, is said to have been shot dead as he heroically shielded his sister.
The mother of a terrorist Abdel Malik Petitjean reacted with fury today screaming, 'They shot my son, they shot my son' as she struggled to accept his death.

Yamina Petitjean was seen for the first time outside her home since marksmen shot dead her son Abdel Malik.

The 45-year-old wailed: 'I have so much grief. I can't believe what is happening. Why did this happen.'

She spoke as she tried to calm a mob of youths who had gathered on the council estate in the town of Aix Les Bains and had threatened the media.

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Shocked: ISIS butcher Abdel Malik Petitjean's mother Yamina, 45, said today he was not a monster. She wept: 'They shot my son, they shot my son' as she struggled to accept his death

Jihadi: French national Petitjean, 19, butchered Father Jacques Hamel, 85, at his church in the parish of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvrayurch, Normandy, on Tuesday

Warning: Intelligence services had tipped off French Police about a planned atrocity involving Petitjean four days before the atrocity - but they did nothing to stop him or fellow jihadi Abdel Kermiche

Jihadis: Kermiche (left) and Petitjean (right) pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Baghdadi in a chilling video before they forced a man in the congregation to film the brutal killing of the 85-year-old priest

One cameraman was kicked and female journalist was shoved in the chest by a surly youth who took objection to the media being on the estate.

Petitjean spoke as she emerged from her council flat where he son lived and had planned his terror atrocity.

She appeared to try and to tell the mob of youths to go away, shouting at them: 'Respect my grief'.

The youths ignored her and continued to shout and jostle the media.

As she broke down in tears a friend comforted her and led her back to her fifth floor flat.

Friends have said she is in denial about the death of her 19-year-old son.

One neighbour who identified himself as Raymond said she couldn't accept what had happened.

'She does not want to believe that her son did this,' said Raymond outside the ten storey high block of flats where the jihadist lived.

'She cannot believe the boy she raised would do such a crime. I don't think she even believes her son is dead.

'When I saw her she kept saying her son was not dead. Everyone feels very sorry for her, but not so much for he son.'

'Respect my grief!' Yamina, 45, said she last saw her son at the weekend and received a text message from him on Tuesday, the morning of the attack - adding: : 'I have so much grief. I can't believe what is happening.'

Family home: Yamina lived with her jihadi son and his 17-year-old sister in this block of flats in the Alps, a six-hour drive from the murder scene

Ransacked: Anti terror police went through his bedroom the day after the shocking murder. The teenager was on a national watch list for terrorists

Raid: Police searched the family home of ISIS butcher Petitjean on Wednesday in Aix-les-Bains in the French Alps and found note of scribbled Arabic in his bedroom

Raided: A french copy of the Koran was also found. Petitjean spent the weekend with his mother and then left telling her he was going to stay with a cousin in France

Yamina spoke after anti-terror police raided the flat and found notes scribbled in Arabic in the French national's bedroom along with a French copy of the Koran.

A black and white checked keffiyeh-style scarf lies in a heap on the floor and a French-language Koran is seen haphazardly on a desk.

A CV prepared by the teen and obtained by MailOnline also shows how he showcased his experience in temporary jobs where he gained worked experience.

He also listed his hobbies, which included science fiction films and sport. On his CV he listed his language ability as school level English and French.

He also detailed four semesters where he had work experience at a company called Boutique Axe and Sport 2000.

In June 2013 he was assigned to the local mobile telephone company.

Under the heading of hobbies and interest the would-be jihadist said he liked boxing.

His mother last heard from him on Tuesday when she received a text message.

French authorities revealed the teenager was on a national watch list for terrorists having tried and failed to enter Syria.

Intelligence services had tipped off French Police about a planned atrocity involving Petitjean four days before the murder of Father Jacques Hammel in the village of Saint-Etienne Du Vouvray.

Ordinary teenager: A CV prepared by the teen and obtained by MailOnline also shows how he showcased his experience in temporary jobs where he gained worked experience

Sport-loving: He also listed his hobbies, which included science fiction films and sport, including boxing. Pictured: A keeper opens the door of the mosque not far from his home where the terrorist prayed

Intelligence: Security services tipped off French Police about a planned atrocity involving Petitjean four days before the murder in the village of Saint-Etienne Du Vouvray. Worshippers at his Mosque were in shock today

But as the teen, who left school last year, had no criminal record and had not been fingerprinted they were unable to track him down.

Petijean had told his mother he was travelling to visit a cousin when he disappeared from the family's home on Monday.

The day before carrying out the murder he sent her text, which read: 'Do not worry. All is well. I love you.'

Boukezzoula only found out about his involvement in murder with another terrorist Abdel Kermiche,19, when police raided her home in the early hours of the morning.

The teen's identity papers were found at the home of Kermice. Facial recognition had been hard as he was shot several times in the face as he tried to leave the church after the murder of Father Hamel.

Her neighbour Raymond said he last saw Petitjean a week ago when he talked about his family.

'He was a cool, good looking guy and was always friendly,' said Raymond.

'He had got a diploma after completing school and had the whole of his life ahead of him.

'It just does not make any sense what he has done.

'He never talked about religion or the Koran when you spoke to him. He seemed like a normal guy.

'He has a 17 year old sister who is very intelligent. There were no signs that he supported the terrorists. No sign at all.'

Neighbour: Raymond, who lives nearby, said: 'He was a cool, good looking guy and was always friendly. He had got a diploma after completing school and had the whole of his life ahead of him.'

Allegiance: A video shows Petitjean and accomplice Kermiche, 18, posing in front of an ISIS flag pledging his allegiance to the terror group

Face of evil: Kermiche (pictured) was awaiting trial on terror charges and on house arrest with an electronic tag that let him free in the mornings

Nestled below the Massif des Bauges range, the spa town of Aix Le Bains would seem an unlikely setting for a jihadist to become radicalized.

Petitjean had left the local high school last year with a baccalaureate award in commerce.

In an attempt to get a summer job at local stores he had sent out his CV where he listed his hobbies as science fiction films video games, music and boxing.

Petitjean attended the local mosque in the north of the town but neighours on the estate where he lived didn't see him as being particularly religious.

'He had a small beard, but that was it,' said one neighbour.

'You would not know that he was very religious and never tried to talk to people about his religion'

Murdered: Father Jacques Hamel, 85, had his throat cut in the attack that also left a nun critically injured. He was at the church because he was filling in for the local priest who was on holiday

Grief: Floral tributes have been left at the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray where Father Jacques was murdered

Last year he passed his BAC exams, the French equivalent of A Levels at the Marlioz High School, and was known as friendly, open and part of neighbourhood life.

Although he had only lived in the city for the past year neighbours said they knew he regularly attended the Mosque Lafin in the north of the city.
An angry and frightened cow caused havoc when it went on the rampage in Washington, injuring a patrol officer by trampling over him.

The cop suffered leg injuries during efforts to contain the 800-pound farm animal, which had escaped from a fairground.

The cow got out of the Cowlitz Country Fairgrounds at around 3.30pm on Tuesday and went for a walk through Longview when police were called.

The cow escaped from the Cowlitze County Fairgrounds and went on an hour-long rampage that left a patrol officer injured after he was run over

As it got more agitated, the cow nearly trampled over its owner, dented several police patrol cars and damaged two civilian cars.

During efforts to get it back under control, an officer was run over by the cow, suffering leg injuries which look likely to keep him out of action for two weeks.

Police tasered the cow, slowing it down, and it was killed with a shotgun at the recommendation of its owner, who warned that the animal had become dangerous.

Patrol officer Mike Berndt, from the Longview Police Department, told The Longview Daily News that police 'couldn't contain the animal'.



He continued: 'The owner said because it charged him, its now an angry cow.

'He recommended it be put down because its a danger to everybody.'

The injured officer will not be returning to work 'for a couple of weeks', KATU reports.

The owner said because it charged him, its now an angry cow. He recommended it be put down because its a danger to everybody. Patrol officer Mike Berndt

No members of public are thought to have been injured during the rampage.

It was a big loss to the cow's juvenile owner, who had planned to make the animal his Market Cow entry for next year at the Cowlitz County Fair.

Nathan Jordan, who was following the drama on a scanner app, and who subsequently approached the cow's owner offering help, said of what he heard: 'Dispatch was like we have a cow running down Ocean Beach Highway.

'Okay, that's a little odd, it's not something you normally hear, cows running down the road.'
Oprah Winfrey has recalled the famed history of her former television studio after demolition crews flattened the Chicago icon to replace with a new headquarters for McDonald's.

'First crack on the wall,' she wrote on Instagram alongside pics of the demolition of Harpo Studios, the building where celebrities and normal people gave one-on-one interviews that made Oprah one of the biggest names in show business.

'And before you know it DEMOLISHED! Harpo Studios long may you reign in our hearts. So many memories. So many powerful stories shared. Thanks to ALL who made it happen.'

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Emotional: Oprah Winfrey posted this picture to Instagram after her Harpo Studios building was razed to the ground

Never forget: Tom Cruise tells Oprah Winfrey just how much he loves Katie Holmes with an enthusiastic sofa jump in this indelible moment from her long-running eponymous television talk show

Jennifer Aniston toasts talk show host Oprah Winfrey during a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show season opener in Chicago in 2005.

Demolition workers destroy the old Harpo Studios building, home of the Oprah Winfrey Show, in Chicago

An exterior view of Harpo Studios in Chargo after it was sold to Sterling Bay for about $30 million

This was sacred television ground - the place where Tom Cruise jumped on to a couch and declared his love for then girlfriend Katie Holmes.

And it was where an endless line of other stars came for tell-all interviews with a star who was often more famous than they were.

The Oprah Winfrey Show ceased production in 2011 after it had made Winfrey one of the most powerful and influential people in the world.

But now the media mogul will run her OWN operation in Los Angeles while McDonald's will build its new headquarters at the site.

Winfrey was famous on her show for her amazing giveaways to audience members during special tapings - including gifts such as new cars.

Harpo was titled as Oprah's name spelt backwards and the studios were a Chicago landmark

Winfrey poses with first lady Michelle Obama during taping in Chicago in 2011

But the studio also hosted diverse names - from political identities such as former South African president Nelson Mandela and US First lady Michelle Obama to Hollywood stars such as Julia Roberts and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Developer Sterling Bay bought the Harpo studio complex for $30.5 million in 2014.

Harpo was home to the Oprah Winfrey Show from 1990.

McDonalds will bring about 2,000 employees from its headquarters in Oak Brook where it has been based for about 40 years.

Arnold Schwarzenegger appears with his wife Maria Shriver

Comedian Bob Hope laughs with Winfrey during the taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago in 1990

Winfrey hosted her famous book club episodes at the studios

Former South African President Nelson Mandela joined her at the Chicago studios in 2000

Oprah Winfrey in greeted by surprise guests Stevie Wonder, John Travolta, Gayle King and Tina Turner, during a celebration of Oprah's 50th birthday at the studios in 2004. The episode featured a 400-pound one-of-a-kind cake that took over 400 hours to make and more than 10,000 flowers on a specially designed set

Winfrey laughs with actress Julia Roberts on the set of the show in 2004

Sex and The City stars, from left, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall during a taping in 2004 in Chicago
An Englishman's home may be his castle, but a family in Bolton say they are under siege after workmen surrounded their house with orange barriers.

David Henshall returned to the home he shares with his wife and 11-year-old daughter this week to discover Virgin Media contractors had dug a trench in his street so they could lay a cable.

The workers had then surrounded the trench - and Mr Henshall's semi-detached home - with orange barricades, making it impossible for the family to use their drive.

A family have been left unable to use their driveway after workers surrounded the property with barriers

Workers came to the site in Bolton this week, but left scores of orange barriers around the family home

Mr Henshall, 47, said: 'I'm absolutely furious. I came home from work and found they had barricaded my wife and daughter inside.

'I was astonished. I had to fight my way into my own house. It's extremely dangerous. There's rubble everywhere.. I couldn't park on my own drive. They left it like this and just b*****ed off.

'I couldn't believe my eyes. They've been here the last couple of days. Apparently they left at 2pm. I've tried to complain to Virgin but of course I can't get through to an actual human.

'I'm a Sky customer and I can tell you I wont be going with these jokers.'

He sent an email to the company, telling them: 'I appreciate that workman have to dig up roads to get your product underground, but when I came home from work today to find my whole house barricaded off from rest of street, I was disgusted.

'My wife informs me the last workmen left at 2pm with no thought to the fact she could not move her car from our drive.'

Virgin Media have yet to comment on the complaint.

The family have complained that they cannot take one car off their driveway or get the other on
Fancy salmon, a mixed grill, duck, cod, beef burgers, ribs or maybe even steak for your dinner - perhaps accompanied by some baked beans?

Then its a good job you didnt head down to the Harvester restaurant in Cheltenham on Tuesday, where all of those options were ruled out on a makeshift menu scrawled on a piece of A4 paper.

Jake Hall, 23, had taken his fiancee Becky Dostal, 21, on a romantic date there, but he was left fuming after finding out that there was virtually nothing left on the menu  apart from chicken.

Saving the (chicken) breast until last: The menu scrawled on a piece of A4 paper given to Jake Hall, 23, and his fiancee Becky Dostal, 21, displaying the unavailable meals at a Harvester restaurant in Cheltenham

The e-commerce executive was tipped over the edge when he tried to order a Carling beer and was told they had run out of that too - and branded his visit to the restaurant as shocking.

Mr Hall said: It was quite a spontaneous trip - we couldnt be bothered to cook and Becky was in a bit of a bad mood, so I thought it would cheer her up. We got there and all was fine.

Id booked online before but it was completely dead anyway. There was a podium where you wait to be seated, and I noticed a clipboard which basically said everything was out of stock.

When the chap came over to serve us, he asked if wed seen the clipboard - I said yes, and asked what options there are. He told us it was basically just the chicken dishes.

He added that their only other option was going to a Nandos restaurant, so they were faced with the option of chicken or chicken and decided to stay at the Harvester.

Disappointed couple: Jake Hall, 23, had taken his fiancee Becky Dostal, 21, on a romantic date there, but he was left fuming after finding out that there was virtually nothing left on the menu  apart from chicken

Mr Hall continued: We sat down and it didnt take long for us to decide what we were having with the limited choice, so we ordered our food and our drinks.

Becky ordered a soft drink and I ordered a Carling - we helped ourselves to salad and sat down, and around 15 minutes later our meals were brought out - but we still hadnt had our drinks.

I questioned the waiter, and he went away to check - but before long he came back and told me the Carling was gone too. So I had to end up ordering a different drink, after everything else.

It was a nightmare. The food was nice, I wont dispute that - but we couldve done with a few more options. Id had a bit of a craving for ribs, so I was pretty disappointed overall.

Apology: A spokesman for Harvester said the restaurant in Cheltenham (pictured) 'had a busy weekend at the start of the school holidays and unfortunately ran out of some of our most popular dishes on the menu'

At the end theyd still charged me full price for everything, even though it wasnt really what wed wanted. There was no explanation as to why everything was out of stock.

There wasnt even an apology. The staff tried their best, but I think they were struggling to deal with everything to be honest - other people were just walking out.

I did feel quite sorry for them. But it wasnt busy, so the wait for drinks shouldnt really have happened. To be honest we left with a bit of a sour taste in our mouths.

Im not somebody that complains, and I didnt complain at the time - but when I thought about it I realised it really was pretty poor.

Angry: Mr Hall wrote an email to Harvester to complain about the poor choice - and they have since responded

We do go to the Harvester fairly often, and its normally pretty decent and good value for money - but its put me off going back again.

A spokesman for Harvester said: We had a busy weekend at the start of the school holidays and unfortunately ran out of some of our most popular dishes on the menu.

To be helpful a well-intentioned team member made a list of unavailable items to assist guests when ordering. We have now restocked and can only apologise for any inconvenience.

Harvester, which specialises in grilled food and promotes itself as a family friendly chain, has more than 230 restaurants across Britain and serves around 30million meals to customers every year.
Major French media have pledged to stop publishing the names and pictures of attackers linked to terror groups to prevent them being 'posthumously glorified'.

It comes as the French parliament debates whether to enshrine in law restrictions on the way the news media can cover 'terrorist acts.'

France is reeling from its latest terror attack when two armed men stormed a church in a suburb of Rouen on Tuesday and slit the throat of 85-year-old priest Jacques Hamel during a morning mass.

Major French media have pledged to stop publishing the pictures of ISIS jihadists, such as Abdel Malik and Adel Kermiche, the two terrorists who slaughtered a French priest at a church in Normandy

Father Jacques Hammel was knifed in the neck, back and arms at the altar of the church as he led mass

Earlier in the month divorced father-of-three Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel mowed down 84 people celebrating Bastille Day in Nice with a massive lorry.

Director of Le Monde, Jerome Fenoglio, said in an editorial that his newspaper would stop including pictures of jihadists under the headline 'resisting the strategy of hate' and called for news media to exercise more responsibility.

The newspaper already has a ban on publishing extracts of ISIS propaganda or claims of responsibility from the murderous organisation.

He said: 'We owe it to all victims of the criminal group known as ISIS and since Tuesday we owe it to the memory of Father Jacques Hamel, assassinated in his church.

'Following the attack in Nice, we will no longer publish photographs of those who carry out massacres to avoid the possibility of glorifying them in death.'

The television station BFM-TV - France's most watched news network - announced a ban on Wednesday afternoon, beginning with church killers Abdel Malik and Adel Kermiche.

BFM-TV was criticized in January 2015 for its coverage of a deadly attack on a Jewish supermarket in Paris in which four hostages were killed.

Six survivors, who were hiding in the supermarket, accused the channel of endangering their lives by revealing the location of their hideout live on air.

BFM-TV editorial director Herve Beroud told Agence France-Presse: 'We made the decision last night to no longer show pictures of the terrorists until further notice.

'We have been thinking about this for some time. Our decision was speeded up by Nice, by the repeated tragedies.'

Floral tributes have been left at the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray where Father Jacques was murdered

Europe 1 radio and the Catholic newspaper La Croix said they had chosen the same course of action.

The Local has also followed suit and said the media needed to 'guard against becoming their tools'.

Managing editor James Savage said: 'We think the right balance is to refrain from publishing photos of terrorists, while still publishing names and relevant biographical information.'

Johan Hufnagel, the editor of the newspaper Liberation, said it would take decisions on a case-by-case basis.

He told the Guardian: 'We are always challenging our position regarding pictures. Each story is different, each terrorist attack is different and we adapt our front page considering that'.

French President Francois Hollande, who visited the scene, said the country is now 'at war' with ISIS after the terror group claimed responsibility

In the aftermath of the Nice attack, psychoanalyst Fethi Benslam told France Culture radio: 'Perhaps it is time that there was a pact in the media to no longer publish the names and pictures of the perpetrators of these acts, as it's a really big boost to their efforts to make themselves world famous, even while their victims are anonymous and will remain anonymous.'

'The terrorists will gain glory in the eyes of their commanders, or their friends and it could encourage others to do resort to the same thing.

'It's a perfectly orchestrated strategy of Daesh (Isis). They leave behind their identity cards, they want to be known immediately.'

Socialist MP Sebastian Pietrasanta added: 'Some terrorists are in a race to be famous by dying as a hero,' said

British media - MailOnline included - continue to publish photographs of people responsible for terror attacks.

The radical step has been criticised by some who fear it will 'leave the space free for others to fill'.

France 24 journalist Wassim Nasr, a specialist in jihadism and the Middle East told L'Express that if news sites do not publish photos and names of terrorists 'it will quickly be occupied by conspiracy theorists and Islamic State and their dangerous communication'.
US intelligence agents are studying files captured from ISIS in a bid to identify potential terrorists returning to the west.

The cache includes some 10,000 documents and 4.5 terabytes of information containing the identities and countries of origin of the terror group's fighters.

Also contained in the intelligence files are details of the routes used to smuggle terrorists in and out of the warzone.

Coalition forces have captured a major intelligence cache of information following an operation in Syria

The terror group lost more than 10,000 documents and 4 terrabytes of data when computers were seized

Civilians celebrated in areas around Manbij when ISIS were forced out of the area following a siege

The information was captured in Manbij in Northern Syria after the terror group was pushed back from the city.

Brett McGurk, President Obama's special envoy confirmed the details of foreign fighters was being shared among coalition allies.

McGurk told the New York Times: 'We want to make sure that all that information is disseminated in a coherent way among our coalition partners so that we can track the networks from the core and all the way to wherever the dots might connect, whether that is in Europe or in North Africa or Southeast Asia.'

Intelligence agents hope the information will help them identify ISIS terrorist cells while also providing details of the group's finances and might even lead to military strikes against senior terror leaders.

It is estimated that almost 43,000 terrorists from 12 countries have at least attempted to go to Iraq and Syria.

McGurk added: 'The operation in Manbij is about shutting down the main corridor from Raqqa and then out, in which some of the attackers that launched the Paris attacks we know traveled through that route. By shutting that down, you make it harder for them to kind of plan the larger-scale, kind of more coordinated attacks.'

However, despite the successful operation against ISIS in the city, the coalition has been criticized over an airstrike which killed innocent civilians on July 19.

Colonel Chris Garver said there was credible evidence to support the complaint.

Manbij is just south of the Turkish border and is used by ISIS to smuggle terrorists in and out of the country

ISIS has been put under pressure in several of its former strongholds in Iraq and Syria by the coalition

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 56 civilians, including 11 children, died as they fled from a village near Manbij, a strategic waypoint between Turkey and the jihadist stronghold of Raqa.

A death toll of that magnitude would appear to be the worst in nearly two years of coalition air strikes against ISIS targets.

Garver said Wednesday that death estimates from residents near Manbij ranged from a low of '10 to 15' to a high of 73.

Garver had earlier accused ISIS of using civilians as 'human shields'.

Coalition officials often say theirs is the most precise air campaign in history.

Nearly all coalition air strikes use guided munitions, involving laser or GPS systems, or else missiles. Targets are often viewed at length using surveillance drones before the order to attack is issued.

After the Manbij bombardment, Amnesty International urged the coalition to redouble its efforts to prevent civilian deaths and to investigate possible violations of international humanitarian law.

The London-based nongovernmental organization Airwars has estimated that the roughly 14,000 coalition bombing attacks since August 2014 have claimed at least 1,513 civilian lives.

The coalition has officially acknowledged only a few dozen civilian victims.

After the air strikes of July 19, the main Syrian opposition group, the Istanbul-based National Coalition, called on the US-led forces to suspend bombardments.

The group's president, Anas al-Abdeh, said civilian casualties could heighten a sense of desperation among Syrians and provide a recruiting tool for extremist groups like ISIS.

Garver said last week that the jihadists had been mounting exceptionally fierce resistance in Manbij.
This is the heartbreaking moment a schoolgirl lies dying at a zoo after being struck on the head in a freak accident by a rock hurled at her by an elephant.

The seven-year-old was having a picture outside its enclosure with her family when the tragedy happened at the zoo in the Moroccan capital Rabat.

The female elephant, named Assia, picked up the large stone in its trunk and threw it into the air, hitting her on the back of the head.

The youngster was knocked unconscious and died in a nearby hospital after failing to overcome her injuries.

Footage taken by a bystander on a mobile phone and posted on social media showed the girl lying on the ground being tended to by staff as her anguished family gathered round her.

A girl has died after an elephant (pictured) hurled a rock (bottom right) at her head from its enclosure at a zoo in Morocco

The onlooker also videoed the huge stone that caused the unnamed girl's death.

Local reports said the girl's dad had lifted her up on his shoulders outside the elephant enclosure so her mum could take a snap of the two of them with their back to the animals when she was struck.

A zoo spokesman offered his condolences to the girl's family but said there had been no security breaches and she had not crossed into a protective area outside the enclosure.

He insisted: 'Accidents of this type are rare, unforeseeable and unusual.

'Accidents of this nature happened in international zoos, most recently in Disney World Orlando and the Cincinnati Zoo in the United States.'

Social media users said the ambulance took ages to arrive and said the zoo should have its own ambulance station.

Killer: Rabat Zoo in Morocco said their female African elephant, named Assia (pictured), was involved in the deadly incident

The girl was filmed by a bystander lying on the ground being tended to by staff as her anguished family gathered round her

Footage taken by a bystander on a mobile phone showed the large rock on the floor after it was thrown by the animal

Zoo staff and witnesses gathered round the girl to try and save her but she later died in hospital

One said: 'How is it possible that the place receives a large number of visitors but there is no ambulance station.'

The tragedy, which happened around 1pm local time on Tuesday, was the first of its kind since the zoo opened in 2012.

One fan who visited soon after it opened said on TripAdvisor: 'You forget what country you are in when you arrive at the new zoo in Rabat, Morocco.

'It is a world-class zoo and family friendly.

'You can easily navigate a baby stroller throughout the zoo.

'What is impressive is the large space and open feel.' Another added: 'We loved the zoo, especially the children but there was a lack of staff.'

Although this incident appears to be a freak accident, elephants can quickly turn aggressive if they feel stressed, sick or harassed

WHY DO ELEPHANTS TURN DEADLY? AND HOW YOU CAN SPOT THE SIGNS The shocking incident at Jardin Zoologique de Rabat in Morocco is believed to be a freak accident. It is unlikely that the female elephant, named Assia, who hurled the rock intended to strike the seven-year-old girl standing near her enclosure. Deadly attacks involving elephants normally involve males, however females may become aggressive when their calves are present or if they are sick, injured or harassed. When male elephants (bulls) are in musth - a period of behaviour where they have a huge surge in reproductive hormones - they can also become highly aggressive. Zoos normally chain bulls up during this period or keep them separate from other animals and people. Elephants are intelligent and as the saying goes elephants never forget. If they have suffered mistreatment at the hands of humans, they normally remember it. In Asia, for example, elephants are often subjected to a breaking-the-will approach of training where they are controlled by pain and their movements are restricted. Animals treated in this way can often lash out unexpectedly after years in captivity. Many animal charities are against keeping elephants in captivity for this reason and because it is stressful and demanding for the animals to be on show to tourists. In February a British tourist named Gareth Crowe was killed when he was thrown from an elephant during a trek in Thailand. The 36-year-old died when the elephant grew angry with its handler and stabbed him with its tusk after the mahout hit him several times. World Animal Protection called the incident a 'stark reminder' that elephants are not meant to be ridden. A spokeswoman said: 'Elephants are cruelly abused to tame them enough so they give rides and perform in shows. Most tourists dont know about these abuses, or the potential danger they put themselves in. If an elephant is about to attack or wants to show its dominance, it will usually spread its ears and stand tall before beginning to rock and charge. Advertisement

The tragedy involving the elephant is the first of its kind since the zoo opened in 2012
are urging family and friends to 'dob in the driver'

A failed two-month search to find a 'tradie's ute' involved in a fatal hit-and-run has resulted in police asking family and friends to 'dob in the driver.'

Phuc Van Nguyen, 50, was walking along Shelduck Street, in Brisbane's Inala around 8.15pm on May 24 when he was fatally struck from behind by a suspected Toyota HiLux.

Police have issued haunting footage of the final moments of Mr Nguyen walking past a shop minutes before he died in the hope of appealing to the humanity of the driver or anyone who knows them.

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Police have issued haunting footage of the final moments of Phuc Van Nguyen, who was killed in a hit-and-run

Residents on the street ran outside to offer assistance after hearing the crash but Mr Nguyen died at the scene.

Two pieces from the front grill of the vehicle were at the scene and it has been determined they're most likely from a Toyota HiLux, which is considered a 'tradie's ute', and police are asking anyone who the driver may have confided in to call them.

Boondall Forensic Crash Unit Senior Sergeant Simon Lamerton says police visited local wreckers who universally agreed that the front grill was from a HiLux and all locally owned vehicles had been cleared of being involved.

'I find it difficult to believe they haven't confided in someone ... so we're asking anyone who has this knowledge about who may be involved to step forward ... and put friendships and loyalty aside,' Mr Lamerton said.

Mr Nguyen was walking along Shelduck Street when he was fatally struck from behind by a suspected Toyota HiLux

Police said their investigations have hit a dead end and have appealed for help from the public

'These HiLuxs are very common, they're called the tradie's ute ... we did do a complete door-knock of Inala at the time after checking HiLuxs in that area.'

He said it was possible the ute had since been fixed, although wreckers and car part suppliers have been on the look out for anyone ordering a new front grill.
Ambulances carrying coffins and more than 1,000 armed police have arrived at Indonesia's death island prison where preparations are being made for the latest round of drug crime executions.

Indonesia has rebuffed appeals from distraught relatives, rights advocates and foreign governments to abandon plans to execute 14 people.

A convoy of ambulances, most of them carrying coffins, arrived Thursday morning at the port town nearest to the Nusa Kambangan prison island, where the mostly foreign drug convicts will be executed by firing squads.

Officials began tightening security at the prison several days ago, with more than 1,000 police sent to Cilacap, the port town, and the island.

The European Union and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Indonesia to impose an immediate moratorium on executions and the Indian and Pakistani governments said they were making urgent efforts to save two nationals among the condemned.

Indonesian soldiers and police stand guard at Wijayapura port as Indonesia prepares for the latest round of drug executions

Police and soldiers on guard at Nusakambangan prison as Indonesia is expected to resume executions of 14 prisoners on death row this week

Indonesian woman Nila, the sister-in-law of Nigerian Michael Titus Igweh, a drug convict on death row, holds a letter about his planned execution

Humaira Bibi, sister of Zulfikar Ali, convicted of drug crimes, cries in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The sister of a Pakistani convicted of drug crimes has appealed the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother who is expected to be executed by a firing squad along with 12 others in the next 48 hours

Family members and relatives of Zulfikar Ali, convicted of drug crimes, demand his release during a protest, in Lahore, Pakistan, on Wednesday

Indonesian police stand guard at Wijayapura port, the entrance gate to Nusakambangan prison, ahead of a third round of drug executions

According to reports, Indonesia is likely to resume executions of 14 prisoners on death row this week

Fourteen prisoners, including inmates from from Nigeria, Pakistan, India, South Africa, and four Indonesians, have been moved to isolation holding cells at Nusa Kambangan, off Central Java

Indonesia has not released an official list of those to be executed but the country's attorney-general said 14 people would be put to death. Community Legal Aid Institute, which is involved in some of the death row cases, has given names for four Indonesians, six Nigerians, two Zimbabweans, one Indian and one Pakistani.

Lawyers and rights groups have raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the convictions in several of the drug cases, including that of Pakistani Zulfikar Ali, Indonesian Merri Utami and Nigerian Humphrey Jefferson. About 10 women protesting in Cilacap against Utami's death sentence were taken away in a police van on Thursday.

But Muhammad Rum, a spokesman for Indonesia's attorney-general, said the executions are the 'implementation of our positive laws' and will not be delayed or stopped. All the cases have gone through a long legal process including appeals, he said. 'They all have been given chances at all stages.' The foreign ministry also defended the use of capital punishment and the legal process.

In Cilacap, the sister-in-law of Michael Titus, a Nigerian sentenced to death, said his Indonesian wife was returning to Indonesia from West Africa in the hope she would be able to see him a final time. 'We will keep fighting to seek justice for our family,' said the relative, Nila, who used one name. 'Michael is not alone. He has a wife, kids.'

Members of Indonesian Women Coalition hold up placards during a protest against the execution of Merry Utami who is on death row

An Indonesian navy boat patrol near Nusa Kambangan, where the prison holding death row prisoners is located

Nila, a sister in law of Nigerian death row prisoner Michael Titus, arrives at Wijayapura port

Nila speaks to journalists on July 28 ahead of a third round of drug executions

Nila, a sister in law of Nigerian death row prisoner Michael Titus, leaves Wijayapura port after speaking to journalists

From Pakistan, a sister of Ali made an emotional appeal to the Indonesian authorities to review his case. Family members said the Indonesian government had arranged a final meeting between Ali and his wife and mother, who traveled to Indonesia.

'My brother is not a drug smuggler. I swear he is innocent,' said Sajida Bibi. 'I want to see my brother alive,' she sobbed. 'Don't send his body to us.'

Justice Project Pakistan, a group that provides free legal representation, said Ali's confession following his arrest in November 2004 was obtained by police torture. It said his case has not been properly reviewed by Indonesian authorities despite an internal government investigation casting doubt on the conviction for drug trafficking.

The Indonesian government says the death penalty is necessary for drug crimes because the country is facing a drug epidemic, particularly affecting young people. But critics argue capital punishment is not an effective deterrent and some have also questioned the accuracy of the government's drug abuse statistics.

It would be the third set of executions under President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, who campaigned on promises to improve human rights. His 2-year-old administration will have executed more people than were executed in the previous decade. Fourteen were put to death last year.

Indonesian police guard Wijayapura port, the entrance gate to Nusakambangan prison

A ferry transports ambulances to Nusakambangan prison on Thursday, July 28

Indonesian police stand guard at Wijayapura port, the entrance gate to Nusakambangan prison

Cap. Bintoro Wasono, a Cilacap police spokesman, said two burial sites, one for Muslims and the other for Christians, have been prepared for inmates whose bodies would not be taken by their families.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement he's 'deeply concerned' by death penalty cases in Indonesia that lack transparency and compliance with the right to a fair trial, including the right to an appeal.

The EU called on Indonesia to 'consider joining the wide community of over 140 states that have abolished the death penalty entirely or have adopted a moratorium.'

The government of Jokowi's predecessor did not carry out executions between 2009 and 2012, but resumed them in 2013.

Worldwide, China is believed to be the country with the highest number of executions but it does not release figures. Amnesty International estimates several thousand people are executed in China each year. Of the more than 1,600 publicly announced executions last year, Amnesty says nearly 90 percent of them were in three countries: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran.

Sajida Bibi, right, sister of Zulfikar Ali, convicted of drug crimes, cries with her sister Humaira Bibi, in Lahore, Pakistan

Family members and relatives of Zulfikar Ali, who is convicted of drug crimes, demand his release during a protest outside the Provincial assembly, in Lahore, Pakistan

Family members and relatives of Zulfikar Ali, who is convicted of drug crimes, demand his release during a protest outside the Provincial assembly, in Lahore, Pakistan. The sister of a Pakistani man convicted of drug crimes has appealed the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother

Protesters take part in a protest against Indonesia's decision to execute 14 drug convicts, including one Nigerian national, outside the Indonesian embassy in Abuja
A Navajo woman who was shot dead by a police officer in Arizona, sparking protests, was carrying medical scissors as she approached him, body camera footage has shown.

The shooting of Loreal Tsingine, 27, in March, led tribal officials to urge the US Justice Department to investigate the treatment of Native Americans who live in towns that border the reservation.

Footage of the 30-second encounter in Winslow however has been made public after a ruling that officer Austin Shipley was justified in shooting her because he feared his life, and that of a colleague, were threatened.

It appears to show Tsingine resisting arrest and being thrown to the ground, where her belongings spill out of her purse, including a prescription for Aripiprazole, an anti-psychotic medication.

After she is thrown to the ground, she gets back up and approaches the officer with medical scissors. It is at this point that he shoots her, with his partner scrambling out of the way.

The audio then kicks in, where he can heard breathing heavily, tell his partner: 'She came at me with those scissors'. He then appears to wretch.

The footage showed Tsingine approach Shipley armed with a pair of medical scissors. Although there is no sound, investigators accepted that she ignored warnings

'She came at me with those scissors': Austin Shipley shot Tsingine five times after she appeared to ignore his warnings; the footage doesn't show the shots, it comes back up with Shipley breathing heavily and wretching

Shortly before the shooting, Officer Shipley attempts to cuff Tsingine (left) but she either falls or is thrown to the ground, where pills, including an anti-psychotic drug, spill out of her purse (right)

Tsingine's family has filed a lawsuit claiming that Shipley should not have been employed as a police officer. Her death has sparked protests in Arizona

Loreal Tsingine with daughter Tiffany; Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye has called for an independent investigation into the shooting death of the 27-year-old

The police officer was responding to a shoplifting call when he shot Tsingine on a sidewalk close to the convenience call where the alleged theft had happened.

Shipley is seen on the video trying to restrain Tsingine, and she falls to the ground.

When she gets up, the video shows her walking quickly back toward Shipley with the pair of scissors in her left hand, pointed down.

She seems to yell at Shipley as he raises his gun and fires five times.

It is not known what was said between the two during the confrontation, as the video has no audio, City attorney Ellen Van Riper said.

Officer Austin Shipley is currently on paid administrative leave while the Mesa Police Department conducts an internal affairs investigation

Maricopa County prosecutor Bill Montgomery announced on Friday that his office found no evidence of criminal conduct by Shipley in Tsingine's death.

An investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety concluded that Shipley had told Tsingine to stop resisting, get on the ground and drop the scissors, but she refused to do so.

This narrative was backed up by witnesses, the department said.

The decision prompted a small protest outside the prosecutor's office earlier this week, with about 20 people chanting 'Justice for Loreal' and 'Shame on Bill Montgomery'. Another demonstration is expected on Friday.

The shooting comes amid heightened tension around the country with law enforcement over police shootings.

A full investigation report is expected to be released next week by officials in Winslow. The town borders the Navajo Nation about an hour east of Flagstaff and has a large Native American population.

Protesters outside Maricopa County Attourney Bill Montgomery's office on Monday after it was announced that Shipley would not face charges over the fatal shooting

Relatives of Loreal Tsingine have filed a $10.5million notice of claim against the city of Winslow, arguing that Shipley should not have been hired

Tsingine's eight-year-old daughter Tiffany is hugged by grandfather Edward Barnell at her mother's funeral in Winslow, Arizona

Documents previously released by Winslow officials show that two officers who trained Shipley had serious concerns about his work and that one of them recommended he should not serve the city as an officer.

Tsingine had a lengthy arrest record, including an incident last year when she allegedly tried to grab an officer's gun as he tried to arrest her.

Her relatives have filed a $10.5 million notice of claim against the city, saying Shipley violated Tsingine's civil rights and that Winslow was negligent in 'hiring, training, retaining, controlling and supervising' Shipley.

'Our position remains that even though (Shipley) may not be held criminally liable, it was careless for the city of Winslow to give him a gun and a badge,' said the Tsingine family's Phoenix-based attorney, Robert Pastor.

The wrongful-death claim filed this month is a precursor to a lawsuit and seeks $2 million for Tsingine's husband and $8.5 million for her 8-year-old daughter.
These heartwarming photographs show how a baby girl abandoned by her mother in a telephone box has been reunited with her rescuer 22 years later.

Kiran Sheikh, 22, was just two hours old when her frightened mother - who was in an abusive relationship - left her in the middle of the night in Forest Gate, East London.

Her mother had called the Samaritans from the box but before they could arrive the newborn was found by Joe Campbell, 52, who initially mistook her for a thrown bag of chips.

Kiran Sheikh, 22, has been reunited with Joe Campbell, 52, who rescued her as a baby from a telephone box

Back together: Mr Campbell found Miss Sheikh as a baby in a telephone box in Forest Gate, East London

Two decades on: Their reunion (left) took place 22 years after Mr Campbell found Miss Sheikh as a baby (right)

Mr Campbell called the police and Miss Sheikh was taken to Newham General Hospital, where she was given the name 'April' after the month of her birth, as well as Mr Campbells surname.

But she was then adopted by another family who then went on to rename her - and it was only when she was eight she was told the truth about her coming into the world.

Two decades later, wanting to meet up with the man who found her, she made an appeal and Mr Campbell saw the story and came forward  and they have now met again in Central London.

Miss Sheikh said: I am so overwhelmed, this is unbelievable. I've been waiting 15 years to meet him and he's finally here. He was the second person to hold me after my mother, it's incredible.

Mr Campbell was shown Miss Sheikhs newspaper appeal for the man who had saved her by a colleague at work for delivery firm DPD, who immediately recognised his good deed 20 years earlier.

He had kept photos and clippings about Miss Sheikh from the time he found her, hoping he would one day see her again.

Emotional reunion: Mr Campbell was shown Miss Sheikhs newspaper appeal for the man who had saved her by a colleague at work for delivery firm DPD, who immediately recognised his good deed 20 years earlier

Joyous: Mr Campbell holds a photograph of Miss Sheikh as a baby as they enjoy meeting each other in London

Holding hands: When he found Miss Sheikh in 1994, Mr Campbell had gone to the phone box, near where he lived, to call his parents in Guyana in the middle of the night, because they had a five-hour time difference

He said: This is a beautiful, beautiful day. I am so glad she has got in touch after all this time, I have never forgotten her. I can't believe she found me.

Miss Sheikh had launched a search for the man who found her in a telephone box (not the one pictured)

Mr Campbell had gone to the phone box, near where he lived, to call his parents in Guyana in the middle of the night, because they had a five-hour time difference.

He initially thought the baby girl was discarded chip wrapper - not realising the new life swaddled inside them.

He said: As I was walking towards the phone box, I could see what looked like chip wrappers on the floor - it annoyed me that people couldn't pick up their mess.

But just before I got to the door, I realised there was a tiny life form wrapped inside. She was an innocent, sweet little thing, just laying there gargling. As far as I can see, I did what anyone else would have done.

Mr Campbell tried to stay in touch with Miss Sheikh, who received the first name of Kiran from her adoptive parents, by taking cards, money and gifts to social services.

He even asked if he could adopt the baby, but was told he could not because he was not married at the time.

Mr Campbell continued for seven years, until social workers told him to stop - but Miss Sheikh said she never received his gifts, and was given no information about him.

She added: I don't know why they didn't tell me about him. All I received were photocopies of the outsides of the cards he sent, not even what he'd written inside.

I cannot believe they didn't put anything on my file about him. They really could have done something - people don't do what he did, not like that.

TV appearance: Mr Campbell and Miss Sheikh were on ITV's Good Morning Britain today to talk about the story

Interview: Mr Campbell, who now lives in Bell Green, South London, did not know his own biological mother, who died when he was three, and believes this may have influenced his kindness

Mr Campbell and Miss Sheikh speak to Good Morning Britain presenters Kate Garraway and Susanna Reid

Speaking on ITVs Good Morning Britain today, Mr Campbell said: My work colleague came in yesterday morning and threw the paper at my desk and he said Joe, this is you.

Precious: A card sent by Mr Campbell to Miss Sheikh for her first birthday more than 20 years ago

Talking about their reunion, Mr Campbell added: Well it was emotional, it was happy  OK, I shed a few tears back whilst waiting, I did my best not to cry yesterday because big boys dont cry.

But its one of the happiest days of my life because I never stopped looking for her  I was always hopeful that someday, somehow Ill find her before I finally part this world.

She is my family  I told her, I said youve got siblings, OK were not blood related, but we are.

And Miss Sheikh said: It was just overwhelming  Id wanted since I was eight years old, thats a long time to turn 22, Im still overwhelmed now. I think its going to take a few days to sink in.

I didnt think it would happen that quickly. His children were speaking to me yesterday. Im not angry, I forgive her (my mother), she wrote me a letter saying sorry, I forgive her.

I would love to just meet her and forgive her completely. I hope she doesnt feel bad or anything  I would never want her to feel that way.

As she grew up Miss Sheikh had suspicions she was adopted because her parents were much older than her friend's parents and had different skin colour to her.

When she was 18, she received her files from social services, but there was little more information about the Good Samaritan who saved her.

But she has never met her real mother, who left the baby because the father was violent and she already had six children.

The police made a huge appeal for the parents to come forwards at the time, but were unsuccessful - until Miss Sheikhs mother gave birth to her eighth child two years later.

She admitted leaving the baby, but was not prosecuted and later disappeared.

As a baby: Miss Sheikh's mother left her because the father was violent and she already had six children

Cute: Miss Sheikh realised she had grown up streets away from where Mr Campbell lived until 1997 in Forest Gate - with the two having probably crossed paths for years

Helping out: Miss Sheikh was taken to Newham General Hospital after being found, where she was given the name 'April' after the month of her birth, as well as Mr Campbells surname

Miss Sheikh received a letter from her mother apologising for her actions when the girl was aged three, but that was the last contact she had.

She has since been in touch with her other siblings but only maintained contact with one called Zoe, who was also put up for adoption and now lives in Florida.

I am so overwhelmed, this is unbelievable. I've been waiting 15 years to meet him and he's finally here Kiran Sheikh

Her father is in prison in Canada for attempted murder after he stabbed another ex-girlfriend 30 times.

Another big shock came when the two realised Miss Sheikh had grown up streets away from where Mr Campbell lived until 1997 in Forest Gate - with the two having probably crossed paths for years.

Mr Campbell, who now lives in Bell Green, South London, did not know his own biological mother, who died when he was three, and believes this may have influenced his kindness.
Report says weapons are going from the Balkans to the Arabian peninsula

Eastern European countries have secretly sold 1.2 billion worth of weapons to the Middle East in the past four years - and they are ending up in the hands of Islamist fighters including ISIS, a new report has found.

Since 2012, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina have all reportedly approved the shipment of arms and ammunition to four key suppliers of Syria and Yemen.

In the past for years, Croatia, for example, has sent 302 million worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE and Turkey.

The Czech Republic is the second biggest supplier to these countries at 240 million, according to a team of reporters from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

Arms and ammunition purchased from Eastern Europe by countries in the Middle East has ended up in the hands of Islamist fighters in Syria and Yemen such as ISIS

Croatia, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina have all reportedly approved the shipment of arms and ammunition

The investigation suggests the weaponry is being sent to Syria to fuel the civil war because it's the first time the region has bought weapons from central and eastern Europe.

There are fears the weapons are fuelling ISIS and al Qaeda-affiliated groups, as well as fighters on the side of the Syrian president, Bashar-al-Assad.

A shocking graphic created by BIRN and OCCRP shows the weapons Saudi Arabia have bought since 2012.

The 'shopping list' includes 10,000 AK-47 guns, 300 tanks, 250 anti-aircraft guns and 90 multiple launch rocket systems.

Croatia has sent 302 million worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE and Turkey in the past four years

'The evidence points towards systematic diversion of weapons to armed groups accused of committing serious human rights violations.

'If this is the case, the transfers are illegal under the ATT (United Nations Arms Trade Treaty) and other international law and should cease immediately,' said Patrick Wilcken, an arms-control researcher at Amnesty International.

Photos on social media have shown Eastern and Central European weapons and ammunition in the hands of Islamist groups.

The extremist group insisted that 'Allah granted it to us', in claiming that the seized booty had been sent to Syria and Iraq by the West

Fighters from the group bragged that the arms and technology sent by Western countries to forces fighting ISIS in Syria and Iraq would only end up in their hands

On Wednesday, the so-called Islamic State released a video showing off their haul of drones, computers, bazookas and machine gunes captured from Western-backed Syrian forces.

'Send arms and equipment to your agents and dogs,' boasts the group in its latest video, in which it taunts the US-led coalition.

'Prepare them with the most modern equipment. Send them very much, for it will end up as war booty in our hands by Allah's permission.

'You will spent it, then it will be a source of regret for you, then you will be defeated.

'Look at your armoured vehicles, machinery, weaponry and equipment. It is in our hands. Allah granted it to us.

'We fight you with it. So die in your rage.'
A protester outside the Democratic National Convention accidentally set herself on fire after stamping on an American flag that anarchists were burning.

The unidentified woman was seen jumping up and down on the flag as it burned during a demonstration outside the convention center in Philadelphia.

A shocking video shows protesters shouting 'burn that s*** down' and 'burn that f***ing white capitalist s*** the f*** down' as men and women carrying red flags crowd round.

A protester just caught on fire trying to stomp on a burning flag. #DNCinPHL #DemsInPhilly #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/tgnf5NqNmW  Natalie DiBlasio (@ndiblasio) July 28, 2016

A protester outside the Democratic National Convention accidentally set herself on fire after stamping on an American flag that anarchists were burning. Pictured, demonstrators burn another flag

Out of nowhere the woman - who was sandals - runs forward into the blaze and starts jumping on the flag.

Her skirt immediately catches alight, leading the woman to leap up in the air before crashing back down among the crowd.

A man is heard shouting, 'what are you doing? What are you doing?' as the woman flails on the ground and fellow protesters rush in to try to help put out the flames engulfing her legs.

James Robinson, a photojournalist for Penn Live, said the flag fire was ignited with lighter fluid.

Police confirmed that the woman's leg was badly burned.

As the flag was burning, separate demonstrators supporting Bernie Sanders are heard shouting: 'We're not with them.'

A woman catches fire after stomping out a US flag lit with lighter fluid. She is being treated for burns @PennLive pic.twitter.com/D5FM7d9xF8  James Robinson (@jrobinsonphoto) July 28, 2016

Anarchists are believed to have hijacked a small section of the protest by Sanders fans, who ere holding their own demonstration following the revelation that senior Democratic officials tried to derail the socialist's bid for the party's nomination.

Several people were arrested outside the convention last night after a group of protesters stormed a security fence outside the Wells Fargo Center, ABC 7 reported.

Police said up to a dozen masked protesters charged through but were quickly detained.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said: 'We told them "it's a federal fence". They decided to do it and were taken into custody immediately.

'I don't understand why they did that. They had to know that was going to happen. It's not like they didn't see the police officers standing there, waiting for them to come over.'
Alan Bennett has admitted murdering his partner and the mother of his children in March this year

A double killer has been handed two life sentences after he murdered his girlfriend and his ex in a drunken rage.

Alan Bennett, 34, stabbed Lynne Freeman and Jodie Betteridge to death in their homes in Redcar, Cleveland, on March 23 this year within minutes of each other after a drunken argument with Ms Freeman, his current partner.

Ms Freeman suffered 13 stab wounds, while Ms Betteridge was found with 132 wounds. Their three children were seen in the garden standing and screaming over their mother in the aftermath of the attack.

Bennett, 34, was arrested at the scene and was given a minimum 32-year jail sentence after admitting two counts of murder at Teesside Crown Court today.

Police and paramedics were also at the scene in Mapleton Crescent, where he had killed Ms Freeman, 46.

Cleveland Police said there had been previous domestic violence incidents involving Bennett and both women.

The force said Bennett, from Lingholme, Redcar, called for an ambulance to go to Ms Freeman's bungalow at 8.45pm that night.

He had been drinking with Ms Freeman in Redcar that day and they had visited a number of pubs. It was known he had been involved in a couple of altercations.

Around 8pm Bennett and Ms Freeman took a bus which dropped them near her home and during the journey witnesses heard a domestic argument.

Bennett was heard to raise his voice several times and the row continued as they made their way towards Mapleton Crescent.

A police spokeswoman said: 'Police and ambulance attended that address where the body of Lynne Freeman was found within the front room.

'It was evident that Lynne had been stabbed a number of times to her upper torso and neck area.'

Jodie Betteridge (left) and Lynne Freeman (right) were killed within minutes of each other earlier this year

He then made his way to murder Ms Betteridge, 30, who had spent most of the day with their children, aged four, six and nine.

The spokeswoman said: 'Approximately seven minutes after receiving the call from Alan Bennett, police received a second call asking officers to attend Byland Close, Redcar, where it was reported that a woman was being violently assaulted on an open grassed area.

'Police attended the scene, where 30-year-old Jodie Betteridge was found with stab injuries to her legs, arms, face, neck and torso.

'Efforts were made to administer first aid to Jodie but unfortunately she died at the scene as a result of her injuries.'

Bennett and Ms Betteridge were in a relationship from 2005 to 2014 and they had three children, who lived with her.

Police at Byland Close, where Bennett's second victim, Ms Betteridge, was stabbed to death

Early last year he started a relationship with Ms Freeman although he had known her for some time.

They did not live together but were often with each other, frequently staying over at their respective addresses.
Vladimir Putin has promised rebel fighters a safe 'way-out' if they surrender after the Russian-backed Syrian army surrounded the war-torn city of Aleppo.

Russia said three humanitarian corridors will be opened around the battered northern city 'to aid civilians held hostage by terrorists and for fighters wishing to lay down their arms'.

Rebel-held neighbourhoods of Aleppo have been effectively besieged by regime forces backed up by Russian air power since July 7, when government troops advanced to within firing range of the sole remaining supply route into the east.

Humanitarian groups have warned of a major catastrophe if the siege on rebel-held areas continues.

Russia said three humanitarian corridors will be opened around Aleppo 'to aid civilians held hostage by terrorists and for fighters wishing to lay down their arms'. Bomb damage is pictured earlier this week

Rebel-held neighbourhoods of Aleppo have been effectively besieged by regime forces backed up by Russian air power since July 7. A boy is lifted from the rubble after an air strike

Vladimir Putin has promised rebel fighters a safe 'way-out' if they surrender after the Russian-backed Syrian army surrounded the war-torn city of Aleppo

Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said: 'We repeatedly urged the opposing sides to move towards peace but every time the rebels broke the truce by firing at civilian areas and attacking government troops.

'As a result a difficult humanitarian situation developed in the city of Aleppo and around.'

President Vladimir Putin has therefore ordered Russian forces backing up troops loyal to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad to launch the 'large-scale humanitarian operation' along with the Syrian regime.

Medical posts and food handouts would be provided along the three corridors intended for civilians and fighters who have put down their weapons, Shoigu said.

Shoigu appealed to the government of Syria to offer amnesty to the fleeing fighters and state media reported that Assad immediately agreed to this.

It comes as Foreign Minister Boris Johnson and his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault and called or the Syrian regime and its allies to end their 'disastrous' siege on the city.

Government troops advanced to within firing range of the sole remaining supply route into the east earlier this monthg

'The ministers solemnly called upon the Syrian regime's allies to bring an immediate end to these operations which violate the truce agreed in Munich, and international law,' they said in a joint statement after a meeting in Paris.

'They called for the agreement on cessation of hostilities to be fully and immediately restored, and for progress towards the establishment of a transitional authority with full executive powers.'

The ministers said the siege of the city where some 300,000 people are trapped 'makes it impossible for peace negotiations to resume'.

'The ministers stressed that Russia in particular has a unique ability to persuade the Assad regime to end the war and return to the negotiating table,' the statement added.

Syria's President Bashar Assad, meanwhile, issued a decree offering an amnesty to armed opposition fighters who surrender within three months and urging all detainees to be freed.

The decree, which was published by the state-run news agency SANA, said that those who might set free their captives will be exempted from punishment if they turn themselves in within a month.

Assad has issued amnesty offers several times in the past in the course of Syria's civil war, now in its sixth year.

The offer is largely seen by opposition fighters as a publicity stunt and psychological warfare against the rebels.

President Vladimir Putin has therefore ordered Russian forces backing up troops loyal to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad to launch the 'large-scale humanitarian operation' along with the Syrian regime

Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been roughly divided between rebel control in the east and government control in the west since mid-2012.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests that were met with a brutal regime crackdown.

Meanwhile, a leading international rights group says Russian and Syrian forces have renewed their use of cluster bombs against civilians and rebels in northern Syria.

In a new report released on Thursday, Human Rights Watch documented 47 instances in which cluster munitions were used in attacks by pro-government forces across northern Syria in the past two months.

The New York-based watchdog says the attacks have killed and wounded dozens of civilians.

Cluster munitions, which explode in the air, release hundreds of tiny bomblets, posing a long-lasting danger to civilians. Over 100 countries have signed on to a treaty prohibiting their use.

Syria's air force also used barrel bombs - large, metal containers filled with explosives and metal shards that are pushed manually from aircraft and detonate on impact with the ground.
In a fit of road rage a Tongan church pastor attacked a vehicle with a tyre iron before driving into his victim as he tried to call police.

Sione Toutaiolepo, 46, followed a truck driver who he thought had earlier cut him off and smashed his window with a tyre iron when the driver pulled over.

The incensed pastor then drove his white van into the victim as he climbed out of the truck and tried to call police, Fairfax Media reported.

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The incident occurred at the intersection of Riccarton Road and Straven Road in Christchurch, New Zealand (pictured)

The victim clung to the van as Toutaiolepo sped away and was eventually thrown off in the middle of the road.

The incident occurred on January 14 at the intersection of Riccarton Road and Straven Road in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Toutaiolepo, a pastor at the Tongan Assembly of God, appeared in Christchurch District Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to charges of willful damage and assault using a car as a weapon.

Defence lawyer Paul Johnson described his mild-mannered client's out-of-character actions as an attack of road rage gone horribly wrong.

Toutaiolepo was ordered to pay $500 to his victim, who was not seriously injured in the attack, as well as performing 100 hours of community service and paying $500 to fix the broken window.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has allowed negotiators to pursue a deal on curbing an influx of immigrants to Switzerland, diplomats have revealed.

Switzerland has threatened to impose curbs on accepting migrants from the EU next year - and hopes to avoid a rupture with its most important trading partner.

There were fears in the country that the Brexit decision would sideline the discussions, but Juncker has allowed the negotiations to creep on.

It will come as a boost to the Brexit negotiators who want to control movement while also staying in the European Union's single market.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has allowed negotiators to pursue a deal on curbing an influx of immigrants to Switzerland, diplomats have revealed

The talks are crucial for Switzerland, which has threatened to impose unilateral curbs on immigration from the EU next year, but will also be scrutinised for potential hints of what Britain might expect after it voted last month to quit the bloc.

Some diplomats had believed the Brexit referendum would kill off the EU-Swiss discussions as negotiations with London would shunt aside consideration with non-EU member Switzerland.

But after Switzerland made concrete proposals on immigration directly after the British vote, it appears a window for a deal may stretch to mid-December, likely to be before Britain triggers the start of its exit talks and in time for the Swiss parliament to act.

The seismic shift in Swiss-EU relations came after its own binding referendum in 2014 demanding quotas on immigration, including from the EU which has had access to Switzerland through a series of bilateral political and economic agreements.

The accords that guarantee free movement and enhanced access to the common market stand or fall together, so eliminating one means the other is also curtailed - a point that will be central to Britain's recalibrating of its ties with the bloc.

While it is still too early to predict how the Swiss talks will pan out, diplomats say, the fact that they continue at all after the Brexit vote and ahead of a Swiss-EU presidential meeting in September has encouraged Swiss officials.

EU officials paint the talks as more a matter of leaving the door to a deal open a crack.

'He (Juncker) gave a prudent green light to go forward which we are now working on. The sense in Brussels and certainly in the capitals of the neighbouring countries is that waiting for clarification on the Brexit front is not the solution,' one senior Swiss diplomat said.

Switzerland has threatened to impose curbs on accepting migrants from the EU next year - and hopes to avoid a rupture with its most important trading partner (file picture)

Working out future EU relations with Britain is likely to take at least two years. Switzerland needs a deal this year.

The EU is discouraging Switzerland from pushing through legislation quickly, which could derail the delicate talks. But the clock is ticking. Switzerland must amend its constitution by February to reflect the 2014 referendum outcome, which has scared many companies that rely on foreign expertise.

While not made publicly, the Swiss proposals on keeping the talks afloat focus on how to steer immigration without violating the sacrosanct EU principle that free movement of people is essential for countries that want to join its common market.

Any deal must be based on an existing clause in the bilateral accords that allow curbs on free movement only amid severe economic disruptions and if both sides agree.

Juncker is due to meet Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann in Zurich on September 19. They met at the Asia-Europe Meeting in Mongolia this month.

Juncker has warned his Swiss counterpart that the Brexit vote made the Swiss-EU issue harder to resolve, but the September meeting could result in a joint text, which the Commission could discuss with EU member states from October.

Around 1.3 million EU citizens live in Switzerland and 300,000 more commute to the country, where a quarter of the population is foreign, stoking concerns about cultural identity.

Outright quotas, as Swiss voters demanded in their referendum, are out of the question. The two sides are instead discussing temporary measures that could, for instance, give hiring preference to Swiss and EU citizens already in Switzerland in struggling sectors with high jobless rates.

An EU source said Switzerland could not get a better deal than that agreed in February with then British Prime Minister David Cameron designed to curb abuse of EU free movement rules, such as discriminatory cuts in migrant workers' benefits, and known as the 'emergency brake'. It could only be seen as applying to Switzerland.

'It really has to be tailor made for the Swiss so that it does not open the door for others,' the source said.

The Swiss diplomat said: 'The EU has an interest to make it as Swiss-specific as possible and that's fine with us in order to avoid any repercussions with the UK matter.'

Even if a deal emerges, it could face opposition from the right-wing Swiss People's Party that championed curbs. Another referendum is possible asking Swiss to choose between preserving the bilateral accords and limiting EU immigration.

Predicting EU member countries' reactions to any deal is premature, diplomats said, but members will see any agreement offered to outsider Switzerland through the Brexit prism.

Limiting immigration helped drive Britons' Leave vote on June 23, so preserving the principle of free movement will be a key factor in many EU countries' view.

'In some ways the Swiss file is a laboratory to test solutions that preserve the essentials but also demonstrate that the politicians are able to respond to legitimate concerns of their people,' the Swiss diplomat said.

Switzerland and Britain will not strike a joint negotiating position, the diplomat added.
Mississippi police officers were justified in the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man whose weapon turned out to be a BB gun, a grand jury ruled Wednesday.

Wesley Alan Sheppard, 37, of Biloxi, was hit by two bullets from about 50 yards as three officers fired, Police Chief John Miller told The Sun Herald.

The Harrison County grand jury ruled the officers actions were justifiable because of the facts and the circumstances, said the site.

Wesley Alan Sheppard, 37, (right with two children and wife Bethany) of Biloxi, shot dead by officers on the night of March 10 after they had responded to reports that he had been firing shots out of his car. What was thought to be a long gun, turned out to be a BB gun

The father-of-two (pictured with wife Bethany left) was on foot when at the bottom of the north side of Popp's Ferry Bridge when officers approached him. Demands had been made that he lay down and drop the rifle, but he 'refused and pointed it at the officers'

On the fateful night of March 10, police had responded to calls of a man with a rifle firing shots out of a car, one of which had allegedly smashed a window of a car with children inside.

Miller said investigators learned the weapon was a BB gun, though it looked like a long gun to witnesses and responding officers.

The father-of-two was on foot when at the bottom of the north side of Popp's Ferry Bridge when officers approached him.

Miller said that demands had been made that he lay down and drop the rifle, but he 'refused and pointed it at the officers'. After showing 'great restraint' all three fired simultaneously, he said.

The officers, identified as Sgt. Will Hipple and patrol officers Lance Miller and Matthew Boone.

The officers, identified as Sgt. Will Hipple and patrol officers Lance Miller and Matthew Boone, then simultaneously fired shots at Sheppard (left with wife and right with son).

A GoFundMe page was set up for Sheppard (center) in March to appeal for funds to help his wife of ten years, Bethany, and their two children Kadence (right) and Logan (left)

All three are seasoned officers. Both Boone and Miller have a total of nine years on patrol, while Hipple - also a K-9 officer - has a total of 12 years' experience.

Following the incident, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation as the Gulfport Police Department's crime-scene unit gathered the evidence, reported the site.

The partial report into the incident was filed Monday and released Wednesday and lined out how 'the Grand Jury finds no criminal conduct on behalf of the officers involved from the Biloxi Police Department and further finds their actions were appropriate.'

A GoFundMe page was set up for Sheppard in March to appeal for funds to help his wife of ten years, Bethany, and their two children Kadence and Logan.
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Galloping to the shore, this courageous zebra fought off a crocodile snapping at it with its razor-sharp teeth in the murky waters of the Masai Mara.

While crossing the Mara river in the Kenyan reserve, the zebra was attacked by the fearsome predator lurking beneath the water.

Hungry for its next meal, the crocodile lunged at the nimble zebra with its powerful jaw, wounding the animal.

Instinctively, the brave zebra lashed out and threatened the crocodile with its bared teeth - causing it to retreat in a rare victory for the prey.

The zebra managed to escape from the clutches of the crocodile in a rare victory over the fearsome predator

The majestic creature escaped from the clutches of the enormous crocodile in the Mara River in the Kenyan reserve

The zebra made a dramatic escape from the sharp jaws of the predator despite being injured by the crocodile

In the height of the dry season zebras and other animals come in from the Masai Mara plains to drink at the river which gives the area its name.

But lurking beneath the water are hundreds of huge Nile crocodiles - which can grow up to 18 feet and weigh a fearsome 500lbs.

Wildlife photographer Ingo Gerlach, 63, had been watching a large number of zebras nervously preparing to cross the Mara river and captured the dramatic incident.

Mr Gerlach recalled: 'After waiting for about two hours the large group of zebras began to make the crossing. But the crocodiles had used this waiting time to gather in river, and I estimate there must have been about 30 of them.

'But the Zebras did not seem overly bothered by the gathering of the predators.

'They started crossing hesitantly, then got faster and faster. At a fast gallop they tore through the water until one of them was caught by a crocodile.

'The crocodile bit the zebra, but the animal knew how to defend itself and threatened the crocodile with its bared teeth.

'With the crocodile rattled, the zebra could escape its jaws and with a huge surge galloped towards the bank and safety.

'It's one of the few times I've seen such a tale have a happy ending for the zebra, rather than the crocodile.'

The zebra made a remarkable escape from the crocodile despite being dragged under the water by the powerful predator

The zebra fights to release itself from the jaws of death during the fierce battle with the enormous crocodile
He took to Twitter to publicly apologise for his 'complete ignorance'

The Today Show host was met with furious backlash on social media

Stefanovic repeatedly used the term 'tranny' when reporting on the story

Karl Stefanovic is in hot water after repeatedly using the term 'tranny' and other 'insensitive' terms live on air.

The Today Show host did a live cross to Today show reporter Christine Ahern on Thursday morning after the reporter was caught up in an attempted robbery involved a transvesdender in Rio.

After the segment was met with furious backlash on social media, Stefanovic issued a public apology and said it was 'complete ignorance' on his part.

Karl Stefanovic is in hot water after repeatedly using the term 'tranny' and other 'insensitive' terms live on air

The Today Show host did a live cross to Today show reporter Christine Ahern (pictured) which was met with fury on social media

Stefanovic later issued a public apology and said it was 'complete ignorance' on his part.=

Stefanovic said the cameraman attacked during the incident was 'no stranger to the ways of the tranny' and had 'fought off tougher trannies'.

Stefanovic also presented a wanted poster with an image of Hugo Weaving in drag from the iconic Australian film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' which he suggested could be the would-be thief.

Jeffreys asked Stefanovic to 'be serious for a moment' and tried to steer the conversation back toward the violent nature of the attempted robbery, but he continued to rattle off jokes.

Viewers have taken top social media to slam him in droves to slam Stefanovic and accuse him of being 'insensitive.'

He took to Twitter

'I'm happy to have a beer or cocktail with anyone I offended. It was complete ignorance,' Stefanovic wrote in response to the backlash on Twitter

'Glenny (left) is no stranger to the ways of the tranny,' Stefanovic said, repeating the statement shortly after

Stefanovic also presented a wanted poster with an image of Hugo Weaving in drag from the iconic Australian film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' which he suggested could be the would-be thief

Executive Director of Transgender Victoria, Sally Goldner, slammed the 'atrocious' segment and said it is indicative of a 'dangerous culture' of discrimination towards gender diverse individuals in the media.

'It doesn't matter what their intention was  it is degrading,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'[Stefanovic] needs to respond with an unconditional apology and not 'I didn't mean it like that' or 'it was meant as a joke'.

'They have to acknowledge trans people face massive discrimination and often trans people may be forced into crime because they cannot get work as easily as the broader population.'

Ms Goldner said there was no way to determine if the group was made up of transvestites, transsexual women or cross dressers.
Muslims of the Comorian community have paid tribute to Rev Jacques Hamel after he was butchered in a French church by ISIS fanatics.

The Sunni Muslims attended Mass among other mourners at the Sacre Coeur basilica in Marseille on Thursday, the same day Pope Francis said the world is at war in the wake of the murder of the priest.

The Pope urged that it is not a 'war of religions'.

The 100,000 strong Comorian community - originally from the Comoro islands near Mozambique and Madagascar - in France is mainly settled in Marseille, but also in Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis and Lyon.

The 85-year-old Catholic priest was slaughtered by ISIS fanatics in a church in the Normandy town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, on Tuesday.

Muslims of the Comorian community attend a Mass at the Sacre Coeur basilica in Marseille in tribute to the priest Jacques Hamel

Jacques Hamel was killed on July 26 in a church of Saint Etienne du Rouvray during a hostage-taking claimed by Islamic State group

The Muslims of the Comorian community attended Mass along hundreds of mourners on Thursday

The attack came as France was still coming to terms with the Bastille Day massacre in Nice that killed 84 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group.

Religious leaders of all faiths have also come together in the UK to pay their respects to the slain priest.

The Catholic Church in England and Wales issues a joint statement from Muslim leaders and the Cardinal saying:

'Together, as faith leaders, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all those affected by the murderous assault that took place today at the Church of Saint-Etiennedu-Rouvray in France.

'We are deeply saddened and shocked by the brutal murder of Fr Jacques Hamel.

'To commit murder at a place where people gather in peace to worship adds another layer of depravity to the violence that we have witnessed over the past weeks. We pray for the courage to respond to all evil with truth, justice, and reconciliation.'

Italian politician Roberto Maroni, right, has urged Pope Francis to fast-trick the beatification process for Fr Jacques Hamel, left, who was brutally murdered as he said Mass in Normandy on Tuesday morning by ISIS

Priests lead a Mass at the Sacre Coeur basilica in Marseille in tribute to the priest Jacques Hamel

Religious leaders of all faiths have come together in the UK to pay their respects to the slain priest

Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude Gaudin (C) attends a Mass at the Sacre Coeur basilica in Marseille

Pope Francis spoke about the priests death on Thursday as a leading Italian politician to nominate Rev Jacques Hamel for sainthood.

Roberto Maroni, the president of the Lombard region, said in an appeal circulated on social media that 'Father Jacques is a martyr of faith; and requested that the pope 'immediately proclaim him St. Jacques'.

Shortly after the appeal, the hashtag #santosubito, which translates as 'saint immediately', began circulating on Twitter.

Pope Francis prays during a meeting with Polish bishops. The Pontiff has said the world is at war in the wake of the murder of a priest in France

Pope Francis prays during a meeting with Polish bishops at Wawel royal castle's cathedral in Krakow, during World Youth Day

An army of 39,000 security officers are being brought in to ensure safety as he meets huge crowds of young people during his visit

The canonisation process is a lengthy one involving two miracles attributed to the person's intercession, but in the case of a martyr only one miracle is needed, after beatification.

There must first be a declaration by the Vatican that the person indeed died for the faith.

The Pontiff, who is on a five-day visit to Poland, spoke out as it emerged that an army of 39,000 security officers are being brought in to ensure safety as he meets huge crowds of young people during his visit.

Pope Francis salutes faithful and pilgrims on his way to the royal Wawel Castle in Krakow, Poland, on Wednesday, as he warns the world is not facing a 'war of religions'

Crowds of worshipers filled the streets of Krakow, in Poland, on Wednesday to see the Pope on his route

The Pontiff, who is on a five-day visit to Poland, made the remarks after Catholic priest Jacques Hamel, 85, was slaughtered by ISIS fanatics in a church in Normandy, France

When asked about the savage killing, the 79-year-old said: 'The real word is war...yes, it's war. This holy priest died at the very moment he was offering a prayer for all the church.

'I only want to clarify, when I speak of war, I am really speaking of war ... a war of interests, for money, resources. ... I am not speaking of a war of religions, religions don't want war. The others want war.'

Poland's interior minister says more than 39,000 police and other security officers will be ensuring the safety of Pope Francis' meeting with hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims from around the globe in southern Poland.

Mariusz Blaszczak spoke about the extraordinary security measures on Wednesday just three hours before Francis was due to arrive in Krakow.

The Pontiff, who is on a five-day visit to Poland, made the remarks after Catholic priest Jacques Hamel, 85, was slaughtered by ISIS fanatics in a church in Normandy, France

The visit, which runs until Sunday, will include open air Masses and prayers with some 1.5 million participants of World Youth Day, and visits to the site of the former German Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to Poland's holiest shrine of Jasna Gora.

'We have sent onto the Polish streets more than 7,500 officers who will be there providing security each day at railways stations, airports and shopping centers,' Blaszczak told a news conference.

Blaszczak also appealed to people to be vigilant and to report and unusual or worrying situations to police or other security officials.

'We do not disregard any signals but Poland is a very safe country,' Blaszczak said.

It is the first visit by Francis to Poland, one of Europe's most deeply Catholic nations and one still devoted to the memory of the late Polish pope, St. John Paul II.

Poland's interior minister says more than 39,000 police and other security officers will be ensuring the safety of the Pontiff on his visit to Poland, as fears for his safety run high

Pope Francis will be meeting with hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims from around the globe on his five-day visit to southern Poland
A transgender, HIV-positive prostitute accused of passing the disease on to a client has pleaded not guilty in a Perth court.

Clayton James Palmer, who advertised her services under the name Sienna Fox, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court via videolink from the maximum-security Casuarina Prison for males on Thursday.

Her lawyer Simon Freitag told Magistrate Steven Heath that his client identified as a woman, and it was unfortunate for her to be in a male prison.

Clayton Palmer, who worked under the name Sienna Fox (pictured under a blanket) has pleaded not guilty to knowingly infecting a client with HIV

Palmer, 38, was extradited from NSW earlier this year and has been denied bail twice.

She was initially detained at Hakea remand prison, also for males, and any decision about moving her to a female facility can only be made by prison authorities.

According to police, one of her male clients was diagnosed with HIV in September after having unprotected sex with her between January and August last year, and had no other sexual partners during that time.

Police claim Palmer knew she was infected with HIV but kept having sex with the man for money.

Palmer's other lawyer Martin Muk previously told the court his client, originally from New Zealand, was in a consensual relationship with the victim and there was no payment or money involved.

The woman appeared in Perth Magistrate's Court via videolink from a maximum security men's prison - a placement her lawyer referred to as unfortunate

Mr Muk denied his client ever knew she had HIV and was shocked to learn of the complainant's diagnosis.

Lawyers for Palmer denied claims their client fled to Sydney after she was confronted by the victim.

It is alleged the woman continued to advertise her services when she left Perth, however the lawyers say she left two months after the confrontation in order to visit a friend.
that Hogue's speech is the first time that a woman has spoken about her own abortion at either major party's convention

Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major party Tuesday night, but that hasn't been the only history-making moment at the DNC convention this year.

Also on Tuesday, the word 'abortion' was used for the first time at a national convention, followed a day later by another first - a woman speaking about her personal decision to terminate a pregnancy.

Ilyse Hogue, president of activist group NARAL Pro-Choice America, told the crowds at the Philadelphia convention on Wednesday that she aborted her first child years ago.

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Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, spoke about her own decision to terminate a pregnancy years ago at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday

Hogue's speech is believed to be the first time that a woman has spoken about a voluntary abortion at either major party's convention

'I wanted a family, but it was the wrong time,' she said.

'I made the decision that was best for me  to have an abortion  and was able to get compassionate care at a clinic in my own community. Now, years later, my husband and I are parents to two incredible children. My story is not unique,' she said.

'I made the decision that was best for me  to have an abortion  and was able to get compassionate care at a clinic in my own community. Now, years later, my husband and I are parents to two incredible children. My story is not unique Ilyse Hogue, present of NARAL Pro-Choice America

Hogue said she believes she is the first woman to speak about a voluntary abortion at either major party's convention.

That's perhaps shocking since the issue of abortion has become one of the forefront issues in the presidential race, in Congress and the Supreme Court.

In hoping to de-stigmatize the procedure, Hogue decided to speak from her personal experience.

'About 1 in 3 American women have abortions by the age of 45, and the majority are mothers just trying to take care of the families they already have,' Hogue said. 'You see, its not as simple as bad girls get abortions and good girls have families. We are the same women at different times in our lives  each making decisions that are the best for us.'

'We need a president who has the experience, the wisdom and the grit to stand up against the bullies. We need a president who knows that womens rights are human rights,' Hogue said.

Hillary Clinton, who will accept the Democratic nomination on Thursday, is pro-choice but her opponent, Republican nominee Donald Trump, has said he believes women should be punished for going through with abortions.

Hogue went on to say that abortion rights aren't just 'women's issues' but have an impact on the 'very foundation of our freedom'.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rebuffed calls to reverse her welcoming stance toward refugees after a series of brutal attacks in the country.

Merkel, who interrupted her summer holiday to face the media in Berlin, said the four assaults within a week were 'shocking, oppressive and depressing' but not a sign that authorities had lost control.

The German leader said the assailants 'wanted to undermine our sense of community, our openness and our willingness to help people in need'.

'We firmly reject this,' she said at a wide-ranging news conference.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed not to change her migration policies at a conference in Berlin today

Merkel repeated her rallying cry from last year when she opened the borders to people fleeing war and persecution, many from Syria, which brought nearly 1.1 million migrants and refugees to Germany in 2015.

'I am still convinced today that "we can do it" - it is our historic duty and this is a historic challenge in times of globalisation,' she said.

'We have already achieved very, very much in the last 11 months.'

Merkel was speaking after a axe rampage, a shooting spree, a knife attack and a suicide bombing stunned Germany, leaving 13 people dead, including three assailants, and dozens wounded.

Three of the four attackers were asylum seekers, and two of the assaults were claimed by the Islamic State group.

Merkel said that she would not allow jihadists, following a series of deadly attacks in France, Belgium, Turkey and the US state of Florida, to keep her government from being guided by reason and compassion.

'Despite the great unease these events inspire, fear can't be the guide for political decisions,' she said.

'It is my deep conviction that we cannot let our way of life be destroyed.'

Merkel said those who carried out attacks 'mocked the country that took them in'.

She vowed Germany will 'stick to our principles' and give shelter to those who deserve it.

'The terrorists want to make us lose sight of what is important to us, break down our cohesion and sense of community as well as inhibiting our way of life, our openness and our willingness take in people who are in need,' she told a news conference for which she interrupted her vacation.

'They see hatred and fear between cultures and they see hatred and fear between religions. We stand decisively against that,' she added.

Merkel today returned early from her summer holiday to address the terror crisis in germany and Europe

FOUR DEADLY ATTACKS The deadliest attack came last Friday when a German-Iranian teenager who was born and raised in Munich opened fire at a downtown shopping mall, killing nine people before turning the gun on himself. He had been under psychiatric treatment and investigators say he was obsessed with mass shootings, including Norwegian rightwing fanatic Anders Behring Breivik's 2011 massacre. They have ruled out an Islamist motive, saying the assailant had far-right 'sympathies'. On July 18, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan or Pakistan slashed train passengers and a passer-by with an axe and a knife in Wuerzburg before being shot by police. And on Sunday, a failed Syrian asylum seeker blew himself up outside a music festival in Ansbach, wounding 15 people at a nearby cafe after being turned away from the packed open-air venue. IS claimed both attacks. Already steeped in grief and shock, Germans were further rattled by news that a Syrian refugee had killed a 45-year-old Polish woman with a large kebab knife at a snack bar in the southwestern city of Reutlingen Sunday in what authorities called a personal dispute. Advertisement

She pledged to do everything to clear up the 'barbaric acts,' find out who was behind them and bring them to justice. She says Germany owes that not just to victims and relatives and other Germans, but also to other refugees.

Merkel also said that Germany will do 'everything humanly possible' to ensure security, though there will have to be a 'thorough analysis' before specific new measures are drawn up.

On Thursday, Bavaria's interior minister says the Munich shooter who went on a rampage that killed nine appeared to have seen it as an 'especially positive fate' that his birthday was on the same day as Adolf Hitler's, April 20.

Joachim Herrmann also told reporters that the 18-year-old German-Iranian assailant nourished sympathies for the Norwegian mass shooter Anders Behring Breivik who killed 77 people five years before the attack in Munich on the same date, July 22.

Herrmann said that, despite this, there was no indication that the Munich attacker was involved in right-wing networks.

The assailant killed nine people and wounded 36 in a shopping mall before killing himself.

Herrmann also spoke about the Syrian asylum-seeker who blew himself up outside a bar in southern Germany. He said he was in an online chat shortly before the explosion with a person in the Middle East.

Flowers and tributes are left at the Olympia Shopping Centre in Munich where Ali David Sonboly killed nine people in a shooting rampage on Friday

Ali David Sonboly reportedly saw it as an 'especially positive fate' that his birthday was on the same day as Adolf Hitler's, April 20

He didn't specify which country the person was in and added that investigators don't know his or her identity, news agency dpa reported.

Attacker Mohammed Daleel died and 15 people were wounded when his bomb exploded outside a wine bar Sunday night after he was denied entry to a nearby open-air concert because he didn't have a ticket. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

Herrmann said that whoever the assailant was chatting to knew he had explosives. He said that when Daleel said there were security staff near the festival, the unknown person said he should find a way in.

Bavarian officials have presented an anti-terror plan following four attacks in Germany in a week, two of which were claimed by the Islamic State extremist group.

Herrmann said that his state - where three of the four attacks took place - would hire 2,000 additional police officers until 2020, improve police equipment and create new offices to fight Muslim extremism and cybercrime.

He also called for tougher background checks on asylum-seekers and new strategies to deport criminal asylum-seekers more easily. Three of the four attacks were committed by asylum-seekers.

Police yesterday raided a mosque believed to be a 'hot spot' for Islamic extremists in the city of Hildesheim

The raid came as part of a crackdown on the radical German-speaking Muslim group DIK, which was branded a 'hot spot of radical Muslims'

Bavarian Justice Minister Winfried Bausback said at a news conference with Herrmann: 'The threat of Salafist terrorism has arrived in Europe, in Germany, but also in Bavaria.'

Meanwhile, Germany's commissioner for immigration, refugees and integration is calling on mosques across the country to be more pro-active when it comes to preventing extremism among Muslim youths.

Aydan Ozoguz said in an interview Thursday with the daily Heilbronner Stimme: 'We need to hold mosques more responsible when it comes to prevention among teenagers.'

Ozoguz' call against Muslim extremism came after four violent attacks that shook the country recently.

Two of them were the first in Germany claimed by the extremist Islamic State group. The attackers were asylum-seekers who hadn't grown up in Germany.
A United States 'spy plane' has made an emergency landing in eastern Russia, it has emerged today.

The surveillance Boeing OC-135B aircraft was flying a mission over Siberia as allowed under the Treaty on Open Skies when it reported a problem with its landing gear.

The unarmed plane made an emergency landing at Khabarovsk airport, but a military source in Russia has questioned whether the technical glitch was genuine.

The surveillance Boeing OC-135B aircraft (pictured) was flying a mission over Siberia as allowed under the Treaty on Open Skies when it reported a problem with its landing gear

The unarmed plane made an emergency landing at Khabarovsk airport (pictured), but a military source in Russia has questioned whether the technical glitch was genuine

Under the treaty, signatories are allowed to overfly the skies of each other gathering information about military forces and activities of concern to them.

The American military aircraft had left after a stopover in Ulan-Ude, in the Republic of Buryatia, and was due to fly north to Yakutsk, capital of Siberia's diamond-rich Sakha Republic.

Instead, after take-off the crew noticed the problem and the Boeing went east and made a landing 1,660 miles away in Khabarovsk.

An airport official confirmed Wednesday's emergency landing in the city, close to the Chinese border.

'A foreign aircraft made a forced landing in Khabarovsk. All emergency ground services have arrived on site. The flight landed safely at 3pm local time,' said a statement.

Earlier, the Russian Defence Ministry's Nuclear Risk Reduction Centre had announce the US Boeing OC-135B aircraft's observation flight over Russian territory between July 25 and 30.

An army source suggested the malfunctioning was 'not coincidental', and perhaps related to recent military exercises in the area.

A United States 'spy plane' has made an emergency landing in eastern Russia, it has emerged today

'They were due to go direct from Ulan-Ude north-northeast to Yakutsk,' said the unnamed source, as reported by The Siberian Times.

'Just imagine the kind of loop they needed to make to request the landing at approximately the same distance, but to the east?'..

The Boeing OC-135B aircraft seats up to 35 people as it monitors foreign territory on behalf of the US government.

One vertical and two oblique KS-87E framing cameras are used for low-altitude photography approximately 900 metres above the ground, and one KA-91C panoramic camera, which scans from side to side to provide a wide sweep for each picture used for high-altitude photography at approximately 11,000 metres.

The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 and was seen as a major confidence-building measure after the Cold War.

It entered into force on January 1, 2002.

Currently 34 states are party to the treaty, including Russia and most NATO members
The size of chicken schnitzels could be regulated under a state proposal to slash food waste.

Government-funded waste watchdog Keep South Australia Beautiful offered the idea as a way of cutting down on the amount of food scraps being dumped in landfills.

Although the state government has reacted warmly to the idea, the Australian Hotels Association has dismissed it as a 'commercial disaster' waiting to happen, the ABC reported.

Waste watchdog Keep Australia Beautiful wants to regulate the size of chicken schnitzels

Keep South Australia Beautiful chief executive John Phillips told the ABC that the size of schnitzels these days was 'jaw dropping'.

A result of giant schnitzel servings was more food being left on plates, which was subsequently thrown in the trash, he said.

He said: 'This is about educating people to look at their habits or behaviour so they can take a personal responsibility.'

Australian Hotels Association spokesman Ian Horne said he struggled to see the idea gaining traction.

He said: 'It's a bit harsh to blame the poor schnitzel for all the woes of landfill - I think that's an overstatement.

'Where do you draw the line? Do you start setting a standard for how many seeds and grains must be in a multigrain roll?'
An inmate has died following an attack on two guards at a medium security prison in Castlemaine, Victoria.

Underworld figure Hizir Ferman, 35, was named as the inmate found dead at Loddon Prison on Thursday afternoon, reports The Age.

The jail was put in lockdown earlier after two prison guards were brutally attacked around 11am on Thursday.

Underworld figure Hizir Ferman, 35, was named as the inmate found dead after attacking two prison guards

Mr Ferman reportedly barricaded himself in a unit in the prison after allegedly assaulting the guards.

Officers reportedly removed him to an assessment area, where he collapsed and died.

Victoria Police would not confirm media reports the inmate was an underworld figure. They are preparing a report for the coroner.

The prison guard lost six of his front teeth, suffered a broken nose and received a 'significant gash' to his face after the attack.

The guard was taken to hospital along with another officer who suffered minor injuries in the attack on Thursday morning at Loddon Prison.

It is believed that the attack occurred when the prison officer approached the inmate to conduct an 'enter and extract' and the inmate refused to leave his cell, according to a source.

Daily Mail Australia have contacted Loddon Prison for comment.

A spokesman for Corrections Victoria confirmed a male prisoner, 35, died on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Ferman reportedly barricaded himself in a unit in the prison after allegedly assaulting two guards at Loddon Prison (pictured)
PHILADELPHIA  If political conventions tell us anything beyond the predictable, the one held last week in Cleveland and the other going on this week in Philadelphia pose contrasts so stark that one wonders if the two groups hail from the same country. Hint: One of them didnt present a diverse cross-section of America.

Whereas Clevelands arena was a relatively sparsely populated panorama of predominantly pale faces animated by anger, Philadelphias is a teeming, multicolored mass of (mostly) joyous celebration. In starkest contrast, Bernie Sanders, unlike Republican runner-up Ted Cruz, handed the baton and a passionate endorsement to his partys nominee.

The Democratic convention managed to wrestle unity from the Sanders crowd while Republicans left their gathering as divided as ever. Not even the storied email scandal  the hacked Democratic National Committee files released on convention eve, not Clintons private server  failed to mute the enthusiasm of delegates.

On opening night, a series of speakers carefully culled from the trove of democratic demographics related personal stories that were lovely and touching, if at times it felt like a group therapy session. Then along came comedian Sarah Silverman, who broke the spell with a little reality therapy, telling the Sanders or Bust crowd, Youre being ridiculous.

Did she just say that?

This is what passes for scandal when banal DNC emails make one yearn for the days of gloved burglars with flashlights. Even speculation about Russian intelligence being behind the hack and trying to influence the outcome of the presidential election (really?) pales next to the flesh-and-blood drama of Watergate.

The Russian conspiracy theories, loosely posited by the Clinton campaign and others, go something like this:

Donald Trump has expressed admiration of Vladimir Putin. Trump has recently turned more pro-Russia, suggesting he wouldnt interfere with Russian aggression if NATO members dont pay a fair share for their defense. Oh, and Trump has refused to release tax returns. Might they reveal business associations with certain Russian parties?

Then, too, the hackers, who did not breach the Republican National Committee, according to the FBI, could just be messing around.

Either the Russians have no interest in what Republicans chat about or they dont need to spy because (cue Bourne Identity soundtrack) Trump and Putin are already in constant contact. Actually, rumor has it that Trumps hairdo conceals a chip that feeds his thoughts directly into a computer located in an underground silo in remotest Kamchatka, where analysts celebrate the coming New Russian Empire with shots of Trump Vodka.

But I digress.

After Silverman, who was paired with the formerly funny Sen. Al Franken, came a series of heavy hitters, including fellow Sens. Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Sanders with affirming and unifying messages. First lady Michelle Obama, who stole the show, was gracious as she serially insulted Trump without once mentioning his name  the ultimate putdown.

Contrast this to the direct, full-frontal, name-calling insult-a-thon that has been the Trump campaign. Even winning the nomination failed to improve his mood or personality. Winning has always been Trumps endgame, so why wasnt he happy?

By contrast, theres no reason to imagine that the first woman ever to be nominated to the presidency will maintain a grim expression as Trump did following his nomination. He obviously made a decision to forgo the victors grin and instead bear the countenance of a general about to enter war. Happy warrior isnt in his repertoire.

Whatever ones political persuasion, objectively, the future belongs to the party that reflects the nation it aspires to lead. This would not be the party whose platform, though not binding, seeks to undo many of the rights  reproductive choice and same-sex marriage  that most Americans find acceptable.

The math simply doesnt support a viable Republican Party without a long period of reconstruction following the Trump demolition. This is true if Trump wins or loses.

In the meantime, sentient Americans arent the only ones worried about what comes next. On Tuesday, I moderated a panel before an international audience hosted by National Democratic Institute. A woman from Africa summarized the sentiments of the larger group with her question. Noting that people around the world depend on the United States to be the shining light for all, she asked: Who is the best to provide the moral leadership of America?

The world awaits our answer.
A Russian woman seeking love on the internet was beheaded on her first date with a new man she met online.

Kristina Medvedeva, a shop assistant in the Russian city of Ekaterinburg, described her relationship status as 'actively searching' on one social media site.

The 22-year-old was known to be active on at least one dating website, but police have not said if they have been able to track the man she was with from her internet history.

Kristina Medvedeva, a shop assistant in the Russian city of Ekaterinburg, described her relationship status as 'actively searching' on one social media site

The 22-year-old was known to be active on at least one dating website, but police have not said if they have been able to track the man she was with from her internet history

Her badly mutilated body was found on the shore of a lake close to a residential area called Michurinsky on the outskirts of Ekaterinburg, Russia's fourth city.

Her head was almost totally severed, said police. The macabre discovery was three days after she was last seen and last online.

Police said there was no evidence that she had been raped. She had moved from her provincial hometown Talitsa in search of love and a new life.

Her badly mutilated body was found on the shore of a lake close to a residential area called Michurinsky on the outskirts of Ekaterinburg, Russia's fourth city

Police said there was no evidence that she had been raped. She had moved from her provincial hometown Talitsa in search of love and a new life. She is pictured above with her brother

She shared a flat with a girlfriend, and it is known she had gone on a first date with a stranger on 24 July, the day she was murdered.

Her tragic death was being highlighted by the Russian media today as evidence of concern over the lack of security for women in using online dating.
In a humiliating blow to Nicola Sturgeon (pictured), judges today blocked her government's controversial law to appoint a named person for every child, blasting the scheme as 'totalitarian'

Judges have blocked Nicola Sturgeon's controversial law to appoint a named person for every child in Scotland, blasting the scheme as 'totalitarian'.

The flagship policy, introduced by the SNP administration at Holyrood, set out to appoint a single point of contact, such as a teacher or health visitor, to look out for the welfare of children under 18.

Scottish courts had dismissed attempts by Christian campaigners to block the legislation but today five Supreme Court justices heard an appeal and ruled the measures were 'incompatible' with European human rights laws because of the requirement to share private family data.

The court ruled that the current drafting of the legislation risked breaching important regulations protecting privacy and confidentiality and could result in disproportionate interference with the right to a family and private life.

It is a humiliating blow for the SNP Government in Edinburgh but defiant Scottish ministers insist they will not scrap the scheme despite today's ruling by the Supreme Court in London - the UK's highest court.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney vowed to implement the measure nationally once changes have been made to comply with the High Court's ruling.

The Supreme Court has given the Scottish Parliament and Scottish ministers 'an opportunity to address the matters raised in the judgement'.

But the judges ruled that 'in the meantime', as the 'defective provisions' under the 2014 Act 'are not within the the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, they cannot be brought into force'.

Scottish government ministers had planned to roll out the named person scheme across Scotland in just over a month's time.

Under the scheme the named person will be required to exercise statutory functions, including providing advice, information or support where appropriate to promote, support or safeguard the wellbeing of the child or young person.

Colin Hart, director of the Christian Institute that coordinated the successful legal action, said the ruling is 'crystal clear that the named person scheme's cavalier approach to handling private information is unlawful and must not happen'.

Despite today's judgement, Scottish deputy first minister John Swinney (pictured) insisted the campaigners' bid to scrap the named person scheme had 'failed' and said it would be 'implemented nationally at the earliest possible date' once changes have been made

Colin Hart, director of the Christian Institute that coordinated the successful legal action, said the ruling is 'crystal clear that the named person scheme's cavalier approach to handling private information is unlawful and must not happen'

But Scottish ministers argue the service will act as a safety net to help families and children if they need it while opponents argue the move breaches the human rights of parents.

Despite today's judgement, Scottish deputy first minister John Swinney insisted the campaigners' bid to scrap the named person scheme had 'failed' and said it would be 'implemented nationally at the earliest possible date' once changes have been made.

WHAT IS THE NAMED PERSON SCHEME AND HOW WILL IT WORK? What is the named person legislation? Part of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 passed at Holyrood, the law involves a single point of contact, such as a teacher or health visitor, appointed to look after the welfare of every child in Scotland up to age 18. Why did the Scottish Government create the new law? Scottish ministers say the service will act as a safety net to help families and children if needed. Why is it controversial? Objectors to the scheme claim it legitimises state snooping and say it breaches the human rights of parents, eroding family privacy in favour of the state. Who brought the legal challenge? An appeal against the law was brought by four charities - The Christian Institute, Family Education Trust, The Young ME Sufferers Trust and CARE (Christian Action Research and Education) - and three individuals, Falkirk couple James and Rhianwen McIntosh and Deborah Thomas from Comrie, Perthshire. What did the court decide? Five judges sitting at the Supreme Court allowed the objectors' appeal. They ruled the overall aim of the legislation in appointing named persons does not breach human rights but singled out the information-sharing protocols in the new law, ruling they may interfere in human rights to a family and private life as well as risking breaching rules on privacy and confidentiality. What happens now? The court ruled the law cannot be brought in to force "in the meantime" and has given the Scottish Parliament and Scottish ministers 42 days "to agree an order which will set out a timetable for rectifying the legislation, if they so wish". Campaigners have hailed the ruling as a victory but the Scottish Government said it will bring the law into force as soon as possible and is now working on the changes required. Advertisement

He said: 'The Supreme Court has stated that the aim of the legislation, in promoting and safeguarding the well-being of children and young people, is 'unquestionably legitimate and benign'.

'It makes clear that the principle of providing a named person to support children and families does not breach human rights.

'The court's ruling requires us to provide greater clarity about the basis on which health visitors, teachers and other professionals supporting families will share and receive information in their named person role.

'We will start work on this immediately so we can make the necessary legislative amendments. The service will be implemented nationally at the earliest possible date.'

He stressed: 'Ministers remain absolutely committed to the named person policy, developed over several years in consultation with a wide range of individuals and organisations working across Scotland to support children and families.

'We will work closely with local authorities, health boards and other key public service partners to ensure that those performing the role have the support and guidance they need ahead of implementation.'

But Simon Calvert, spokesman for the No to Named Persons (NO2NP) campaign, struck a very different tone after the ruling and said today's judgement should spell the end of the controversial scheme.

'The decision by the judges is a devastating critique of this fatally-flawed flagship legislation. It is holed below the water line. Let us hope it sinks without trace,' he said outside the Supreme Court.

He said the measures were 'intrusive, incomprehensible and illegal', adding the judgement 'blocked' the Scottish Government from implementing them on August 31.

'It must scrap its plan for state snoopers with intrusive data-sharing powers,' Mr Calvert said. 'It has to go back to the legislative drawing board if it wants to try again.

'But they would have to come up with a much more limited scheme that actually respects the rights of children and parents. The Big Brother scheme is history.'

He continued: 'It's wonderful news for mums, dads and children all across Scotland who no longer have to worry about this unjustified invasion of their private lives.

'To many of them the named person scheme felt like a legal battering ram to gain access to their homes.
Democriatic vice presidential candidate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, says he believes that Bernie Sanders fans are coming into the fold because they know what's at stake in this election.

'They understand who Hillary is and they understand Donald Trump is a threat to everything that they care about,' Kaine told host Robin Roberts today on 'Good Morning America.'

Taking the Democratic National Convention stage to make his debut as Hillary Clinton's running mate last night, Kaine made sure to pay homage to the Vermont senator who came close to derailing the former secretary of state's second quest for the presidency.

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This morning Sen. Tim Kaine sat down with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts to talk about the process of unifying the Democratic Party after a hard fought primary between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders

Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton's vice presidential pick, said he thought the party was further along than it was in 2008, back when he was an Obama supporter over backing Clinton

'We all should feel the Bern - and we should all not want to get burned by the other guy,' he advised to his fellow Democrats.

When asked about the Clinton-Sanders divide this morning on 'Good Morning America,' Kaine said he thought the party had made progress healing over the past three days.

'Robin, I have kind of perspective on this because I was a big Obama guy in '08,' Kaine said. 'We're farther than we were eight years ago in getting people to unify.'

'And Secretary Clinton has done a really good job at this. I think Hillary and Bernie have done well and Bernie was really, really good Monday night I thought,' Kaine said.

On Monday, Sanders took the stage to implore his supporters to fall in line, so to no accidentally elect Republican Donald Trump.

Earlier in the evening comedian Sarah Silverman had elicited boos when she revealed that she planned to vote for Clinton with 'gusto,' while having had supported Sanders in the Democratic primary.

'To the "Bernie or bust" people, you're being ridiculous,' she said.

Within the convention hall last night, tensions between the more moderate and the progressive factions of the Democratic party seemed to be easing up, Kaine argued.

'So I feel like we're in real good shape and you see the way the arc at this convention has gone too,' Kaine pointed out. 'It started out with some turmoil and churn, but there's been a direct arc to reunification. And an awareness that the stakes are high and we've got to pull together to win.'

Roberts than turned to Kaine's own role in the party split pointing out that many progressives  including Sanders himself  weren't wowed by Clinton choosing the Virginia governor-turned-senator to be on the ticket, wishing for a progressive firebrand like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren instead.

The ABC News host played a 2005 radio ad for Kaine, when he was running for governor of Virginia that said, 'I'm against same-sex marriage. I'm conservative on personable responsibility, character, family and the sanctity of life. These are my values,' it said. 'And that's what I believe.'

Kaine explained that he moved on the issue the next year when Republicans in the state wanted to define marriage in Virginia as between a man and a woman.

'You know on marriage equality, I've gotta tell you,' Kaine began. 'I was in my first year as governor, my legislature decided to put one of those same-sex, you know "marriage is between a man and a woman" issues on the ballot,' he explained.

'And the more I listened to the reason they wanted to do it the more I realized I can't be with those guys because they're doing it to try and make the state a hostile place for people that I care about,' Kaine said.

Kaine's reversal on marriage equality in 2006 came six years before Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama's, and sever years before his running mate Clinton came out in favor of same-sex marriage.

Pointing to his civil rights work and his stance against the death penalty, Kaine argued that he was 'progressive' although a different type of progressive than Sanders.

'I'm a progressive in the South and that may be different than being a progressive in Vermont or a progressive in Oregon,' Kaine said.

He added that when Clinton called him to offer him the veep job, she said, 'you're a progressive, but you're a practical one and want to get things done.'

Turning to Trump, Kaine mocked the billionaire for telling reporters yesterday that he had been the governor of New Jersey, not Virginia.

'Basic civics, there's 50 states, and stuff like that,' Kaine said, teasing Trump for his gaffe. 'You've got to give a guy a break who's only been in politics the last month or two and not that well informed.'

'Some of its comical,' Kaine said of Trump's antics. 'Some of the things he says about me my response is "yawn," but this is a, it's a dangerous race.'

A devout Jesuit Catholic ,Kaine took particular offense to Trump's call to ban non-American Muslims from the United States.

'In Virginia we care a lot about religious liberty,' he insisted. 'If it's Muslims this week it could be Mormons next week.'
A mass grave containing the skeletal remains of 25 ISIS victims has been discovered in a school in war-torn Fallujah.

The bones were uncovered by Iraqi security forces as they searched buildings in the city, which was recaptured from ISIS control after brutal fighting earlier this summer.

According to sources, all of the remains show traces of gunfire amid fears they were all executed by extremists.

A mass grave containing the skeletal remains of 25 ISIS victims has been discovered in a school in war-torn Fallujah (file picture)

Work is underway to identify the dead, according to Iraqi News which said the finding was revealed by Anbar Provincial Council.

A member of the council's security committee said: 'Security forces found a mass grave inside the teachers institute building in the centre of Fallujah.

'The grave contained skeletal remains of 25 persons who were executed by ISIS during its control on the city.

'All the bodies have gunfire traces. A special committee will work to identify the victims.'

Iraqi forces recaptured the city, 30 miles west of Baghdad, in a major setback for ISIS at the end of May

Iraqi forces recaptured the city, 30 miles west of Baghdad, in a major setback for ISIS at the end of May.

The terror group fled leaving behind a broken city of bomb-rigged buildings and empty streets.

Only scattered signs of ISIS's self-declared 'caliphate' remain in the city, that was seized by anti-government fighters in early 2014 and later became a key jihadist stronghold.
Splayed out on the ground, this gruesome picture shows half a tonne of severed bear paws seized from a Russian boat bound for China.

The 525 bear paws were discovered in an anti-smuggling operation by Russian customs and secret services.

They are among the most expensive items in east Asian cuisine - where they are considered a delicacy - and are much sought after in Chinese restaurants.

The value of the bear paws was estimated at 370,000.

Almost 4,000 mink furs, worth 115,000, were also taken from the boat in the Siberian city of Khabarovsk.

Lined up in rows, these horrific pictures show 525 bear paws which were seized by Russian customs

Bear parts are in high demand at black markets throughout Asia and are used in Chinese soups

It is not clear how the animals were killed but the goods were bound for Tongjiang city in the Heilongjiang province of China

An unnamed man, part of an alleged gang of smugglers, was arrested and accused of two counts of smuggling.

He also allegedly had a mammoth tusk weighing four kilograms.

It is not clear how the animals were killed but the goods were bound for Tongjiang city in the Heilongjiang province of China, the Siberian Times reported.

A joint operation was mounted by Federal Security Service operatives and customs investigators.

Animal rights groups have previously said Chinese black market demand for traditional delicacies and 'cures' leads to the illegal slaughter of threatened species in Russia.

Bear paws are used to cure anything from sexual impotency to a fever and have even been known to get turned into ash trays.
An NHS specialist who tried to arrange sex with a '13-year-old girl' after a string of vile explicit messages offering to take her virginity has been struck off.

Dr Khaled Zachariah, 41, used social media usernames TummyDoctor and Medic69 as he trawled social media to find young victims on MSN and World's Biggest Chat.

He talked of 'slow love making' and asked one girl to meet him in a luxury hotel, telling her: 'It is a turn on to teach you everything; Trust me, I'm a doctor,' a medical tribunal heard.

Dr Khaled Zachariah, 41, used social media usernames TummyDoctor and Medic69 as he trawled social media to find young victims on MSN and World's Biggest Chat

He talked of 'slow love making' and asked one girl to meet him in a luxury hotel, telling her: 'It is a turn on to teach you everything; Trust me, I'm a doctor,' a medical tribunal heard

After meeting her online, he changed his name from TummyDoctor to the more salacious Medic69 - the number part being a reference to a sexual position - when they started talking privately.

The doctor, who has a 12-year-old son and a younger daughter, started the conversation by saying: 'I usually don't chat up underage girls. So you are 13?'

But the reply actually came from officers from Greater Manchester Police, who had created the fake profile after they came across his suspicious TummyDoctor account while investigating grooming.

When the officers replied 'yes', the medic used vile language to try and seduce him, using the kind of words and spellings that a teenager might use.

He wrote: 'I am a doctor, I won't try to seduce you but if you are ready then I might. You prob still a virgin. You are a good girl. Good is neva bad, being bad is sometimes good.'

The doctor asked her to confirm she was 13 and when she did, he replied: 'I've never played with a 13-year-old'. When asked what he meant, he said: 'f****d'.

He offered to teach her how to 'pleasure a man' and to buy her boots so that she could wear them for him at a hotel in Manchester where he promised to book a room.

After meeting her online, the doctor (pictured) changed his name from TummyDoctor to the more salacious Medic69 - the number part being a reference to a sexual position - when they started talking privately

Zachariah joked about being three times her age, telling her about Jeremy Forrest, who eloped to France with a 15-year-old girl in order to justify his sick fantasy.

He said: 'I am three times your age lol. Society makes it illegal but nature takes its course.

'I won't joke about this to anyone. I could go to jail. You seen what that teacher done with the 15 yr old and took her to France. And where is he now.'

The doctor, who has a 12-year-old son and a younger daughter, started the conversation by saying: 'I usually don't chat up underage girls. So you are 13?'

Zachariah claimed that he never intended to meet the girl, posting as 'Sweetsam13', and simply wanted to live out his fantasies online, which he would never act on.

The hearing heard that the conversations got shorter and Zachariah said he would not be able to meet up due to bad weather.

He told officers posing as the girl: 'We won't be able to be together properly for another three years, I need to make sure we stay solid.'

Another post read: 'You are single cute and inexperienced. I would love to get you on the right path, the one that leads to my bed.

'Your first time is better with an expert. It would be fun smuggling you into that room.'

When the undercover officers tried to contact the doctor again he did not respond and he was arrested in June 2013.

The hearing was told Zachariah was bailed but no charges were brought and bosses at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust were alerted.

Zachariah admitted carrying out the sordid online chats but denied misconduct at a medical tribunal, claiming it was all a fantasy and knew he was not talking to a young girl.

But those claims were thrown out by a tribunal panel who convicted him of misconduct and ordered that he be struck off as a doctor.

Medical Practioners Tribunal Service panel chair Peter Scofield said Zachariah abused his position of trust as a doctor, who worked at Gloucester Royal Hospital as a registrar in Gastroenterology.

He said: 'Sexual misconduct seriously undermines public trust in the profession. The misconduct is particularly serious where there is an abuse of the special position of trust a doctor occupies.

THE VILE MESSAGES DOCTOR EXCHANGED WITH POLICE OFFICERS POSING AS A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL HE TRIED TO MEET UP WITH FOR SEX An NHS doctor sent vile messages to someone claiming to be a 13-year-old girl in an attempt to convince them to have sex with him, a tribunal heard. Lawyer for the General Medical Council Miss Rachel Smith said: 'The conversation began with the doctor saying "hey sweetie" asking whether she was from Bolton as he had been on a night out there and there had been "hot girls". 'He asked her to confirm she was 13 and told her he was 35 and a doctor. He said 'I never played with a 13 year old' when asked what that meant, he replied 'f****d'.' The doctor and the 'girl' then exchanged MSN contact details and he began communicating as 'Medic69' over nine separate occasions. Miss Smith added: 'She asked the doctor if he was OK with her being 13, he replied "if you don't tell anyone lol x". The medical tribunal heard how the doctor exchange a string of vile messages with the police officers who set up the account while investigating grooming 'He referred to having sex with her then when she asked if he was joking, he said he was not and could go to jail. He asked her to send him a photograph of herself and said he would drive fast to meet her. 'He referred to wanting to be her first sexual partner, he suggested "maybe when you are 14, you are 13, too young for sex" and asked if she was ready now.' In an exchange of messages on November 8, Zachariah said: 'I can come to Manc, book a nice luxury hotel if we agree that we both fancy meeting up and exploring, you really wanna join your mates, don't you wanna do it. 'I keep coming to see you..and teaching you how to pleasure a man and slow love making all weekend. I wana see your body. We can get you sexy boots and you wear them for me. 'I want to sleep with you. You wanna bump school...so you are ripe, ready to be broken in...your body is more suited, trust me I am doctor. I will be gentle. I will be wearing condoms.' The officers, posing as the girl, asked the doctor if he was OK with her being 13. He replied 'if you don't tell anyone lol x' Miss Smith added: 'He asked her if she looked 13 because the hotel staff might call the police. Then he suggested she should get a train and come to meet him. 'He asked her if she would perform oral sex on him and suggested he would perform oral sex on her. Numbers were exchanged on November 17, this led to the second officer on that day speaking to the doctor. 'The doctor said he would drive up to Bolton area the following Saturday and stay in a hotel and could meet with her on Saturday and Sunday. 'She described a quiet country pub near where she lived and said they could meet there. He asked would they not ID her in the pub. She said she would meet him in the car park and she would get the post code for the pub. 'She said she was going to be a bit nervous but was looking forward to it and he said "I'm not going to do anything you don't like". He said "I will teach you, you could be like my little student". 'After November 17, there were further MSN conversations on 20, 22 and 23 of November. The girl sent the doctor a post code of the pub where they agreed to meet.' Advertisement

Zachariah claimed he was 'engaging in online sexual fantasies' and was today struck off

'You abused your position as a doctor and you put your own interests before that of a person you believed to be a child.

'There is an expectation that doctors act with the highest integrity not only in the workplace but also in their private lives.

'Your misconduct is so serious that your interests are outweighed by the public interest in this regard.

'The Tribunal concluded that erasure is the only means of protecting the public, maintaining public confidence in the profession and declaring and upholding proper standards of conduct.

'It therefore directs that your name be erased from the Medical Register.'

Details of messages Zachariah, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, had sent were read out in evidence.

In a statement Zachariah claimed he was 'engaging in online sexual fantasies.'

Miss Smith said: 'He made assertions he was sure she was an adult posing as a child. He had a 12- year-old son and a younger daughter.
Donald Trump insisted on Thursday that he wasn't being serious when he said a day earlier that he hoped Russian hackers found the more than 33,000 emails Hillary Clinton deleted from her private server.

'Of course I'm being sarcastic,' Trump said in an interview with the 'Fox & Friends' morning show, emphasizing that he had no way of knowing that Russian hackers had scoured Clinton's emails before she began culling them.

And he said the Democratic Party's other email scandal  20,000 hacked messages published by WikiLeaks  is the real story.

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Donald Trump said he was being 'sarcastic' when he seemed to be inviting Russian hackers to sift through Hillary Clinton's deleted emails

The real estate billionaire had told reporters on Wednesday that he hoped the Russians were sifting through stolen computer files to see if Hillary Clinton's missing messages were among them

'They have no idea if it's Russia, if it's China, if it's somebody else. Who knows who it is?' Trump told Fox News Channel co-host Brian Kilmeade. 'But you have 33,000 e-mails deleted. And the real problem is what was said on those e-mails from the Democratic National Committee.'

The email breach has proved an embarrassment to the Democratic National Committee, whose chairwoman announced her resignation this week.

The hacked messages 'talk about religion, they talk about race, they talk about all sorts of things, including women,' Trump vented on Thursday.

'What they said on those emails is a disgrace. It's disgraceful. It's disgraceful. They're just trying to deflect from that.'

The comments from Trump's Wednesday morning press conference in Miami drove the day's news and provided Democrats with a unifying target during the third night of their nominating convention.

Former CIA chief Leon Panetta told convention-goers that Trump 'is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States to affect our election.'

'As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyber-attacks,' the former top spy said, 'it's inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be this irresponsible.'

Wednesday night's Democratic National Convention focused in large part on Trump's comments

Former CIA director Leon Panetta castigated Trump on Wednesday night for 'asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States to affect our election'

Retired Rear Admiral John Hutson, a former Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Navy, also took a chunk out of The Donald, mocking the self-described 'law and order candidate' for taking a soft line on Russian cyber-attacks.

'This morning, this very morning, he personally invited Russia to hack us,' Hutson said. 'That's not law and order, that's criminal intent.'

The billionaire had told reporters that he was hopeful Russian hackers would find the emails missing from Clinton's server  provided they had already stolen them.

That message was lost, however, in a sea of claims that he had invited the Kremlin to launch new cyber-warfare on Clinton.

.@realDonaldTrump shoots back after critics slam him for 'calling on Russia' to find Hillary's missing emails.https://t.co/grTw355fw0  FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) July 28, 2016

Hillary Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said on 'CBS This Morning' that Trump was 'inviting a foreign power that is an aggressor at times to the United States to commit espionage'

'If they hacked, they probably have her 33,000 emails,' he said.'I hope they do. They probably have her 33,000 e-mails that she lost and deleted because you'd see some beauties there. So let's see'

'Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,' Trump said. 'I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press!'

Hillary Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said on 'CBS This Morning' that Trump was 'inviting a foreign power that is an aggressor at times to the United States to commit espionage.'

'I think this issue has turned beyond politics and rhetoric and that sort of thing,' he said. 'This is now an issue of national security.'

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani backed Trump up on CNN and said he's certain that it was just a joke, though. 'I know what he meant when he said it, because I got a call from his campaign manager,' Giuliani said on New Day.

'He was telling a joke. When he got off the plane, he tweeted out, the e-mails should be sent to the FBI. He was joking around.'
A Virginia police officer was denied service at a restaurant because she was in uniform.

The officer had been standing in line at the Noodles & Company on Duke Street in Alexandria on Monday when a female cook emerged from the back and said she wouldnt serve the cop, Fox5 reports.

Gesturing towards the cop, the cook told the restaurants cashier: You better pull me off the line, because I'm not serving that.

The Alexandria police department said both the cashier and cook started laughing  and the officer, who has not been identified, left the restaurant at this point.

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A Virginia police officer was denied service at a Noodles & Company restaurant (above) on Monday because she was in uniform

Police chief Earl Cook (pictured) said the incident upset him, so he visited the branch and managers apologized for it, saying they would investigate

Well, your first response as a police officer is anger. police chief Earl Cook told the local station.

These are very difficult times right now with our relations with everyone, and to have one of my officers treated in that manner unnecessarily  your first response is anger, then you calm down a bit.

His outrage at the incident led him to visit the establishment on Tuesday.

Managers apologized for it and said they would investigate what had happened.

They later told him that it appeared the encounter had occurred just as the officer in question had described.

Management said that they would now post signs on their windows to express their support for law enforcement, a representative for the Alexandria police union said, according to Fox.

Managers said they would now post signs on their windows to express their support for law enforcement

Noodles & Company released a statement after the incident, saying they expect the highest ethical and personal behavior from employees.

We value each of our guests and are committed to treating every one with dignity and respect, the company said.

We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

The company added that they are working with authorities to resolve the matter and have made an effort to reach out to the police officer.

In the wake of the incident, Derrick Perks, an editor for Associations Now, said there had been calls for the public to steal from the restaurant.

On Twitter, the police department said they do not support any crime to come as a result of the incident - and added that they do not even support a boycott of the restaurant.

'Take the high road!' the department urged.

It comes at a time of heightened tension between communities across the country and police officers.

On Twitter, the police department said they do not support any crime to come as a result of the incident - and added that they do not even support a boycott of the restaurant

Two police officers and one sheriff's deputy were shot and killed during an ambush at a gas station in Baton Rouge on July 17 by Gavin Long, a black former Marine, who was later killed by a long-distance shot by a SWAT officer.

It followed a similar targeted attack on police officers in Dallas on July 8.

Micah Johnson, a black Army veteran, opened fire on police during a Black Lives Matter protest against recent police shootings of black suspects.

Johnson killed five officers before he was killed by authorities using a remote-controlled bomb on a robot.
Boris Johnson travelled to Paris today for lunch with his French counterpart who branded him a liar just a fortnight ago.

But Britain's new Foreign Secretary sought to mend fences with Jean-Marc Ayrault, the French foreign minister, by delivering his entire speech at their joint press conference in French.

Mr Johnson impressed his hosts with an accent much better than previous British politicians who have attempted to impress by speaking French - including Tony Blair.

The pair shared a working lunch to discuss the plague of terror attacks that have hit towns across France in recent weeks - most recently the horrifying ISIS killing of a priest in Saint-Etienne earlier this week.

Mr Johnson assured the French that last month's Brexit vote did not mean Britain was deserting its European neighbours as he called for closer cooperation between the UK and France.

But it was an awkward meeting for Mr Johnson after Mr Ayrault broke the usual diplomatic conventions earlier this month by saying Theresa May had appointed a Foreign Secretary who had 'told a lot of lies to the British people' during the EU referendum, just hours after the new Prime Minister began to form her new government earlier this month.

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Boris Johnson travelled to Paris today for lunch with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault just a fortnight after he branded the new British Foreign Secretary a liar over his claims during the EU referendum campaign

Britain's new Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (left) sought to mend fences with Jean-Marc Ayrault (right), the French foreign minister, by delivering his entire speech at their joint press conference in French

He added that Mr Johnson's surprise appointment was 'a sign of the British political crisis' but the ex-London Mayor shrugged off Mr Ayrault's criticism and revealed he had received a 'charming letter' from the French foreign minister.

The pair enjoyed a working lunch in Paris today to discuss the horrifying terror attacks that have hit France in recent weeks.

Speaking in French at a press conference after the talks, Mr Johnson said ISIS posed a direct threat to both countries but made it clear that the terror group did not represent Islam.

He said ISIS posed an equal threat in Britain and insisted that despite the UK's decision to leave the EU it did not mean it was cutting ties with Europe and would continue to pursue a close cooperative relationship given the challenges both countries face from terrorism.

In a statement before the visit the French foreign ministry said: 'This first trip to France by the British foreign secretary will offer an opportunity to discuss the most important international issues of the day on which we work closely with the United Kingdom, as well as our bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of defence, counter-terrorism and border control.'

Theresa May (left) continued her charm-offensive with European leaders today as she flew to Bratislava to meet Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico (right), before heading to Poland for further discussions on preparing for Brexit

Theresa May pledged to 'find a solution' to address people's concerns over mass EU migration

Meanwhile Mrs May continued her charm-offensive with European leaders today as she flew to Bratislava to meet Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, before heading to Poland for further discussions on preparing for Brexit.

Delivering a press conference in Bratislava she said last month's vote to leave the EU offers the UK the opportunity to 'intensify' its relationships with European allies.

The Prime Minister said she wanted the European Union to be 'strong and successful' once the UK had left the bloc.

Mrs May said: 'It is important to underline that while the UK is leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe or withdrawing from the world.

'Britain will remain an outward-looking nation, a strong voice for liberal, free market principles and democratic values.'

She added: 'Once we have left the EU we will continue to work with our partners across Europe, indeed Brexit is an opportunity to intensify those relationships.

'And just as we want Britain to succeed outside the EU, we want the EU to be strong and successful after we depart.'

The thorny issue of migration was raised by Mr Fico in his opening statement alongside Mrs May at the press conference in Bratislava.

Boris Johnson (pictured left shaking hands with Jean-Marc Ayrault, right) impressed his hosts with an accent much better than previous British politicians who have attempted to impress by speaking French - including Tony Blair

Britain's new Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (left) sought to mend fences with Jean-Marc Ayrault (right), the French foreign minister, by delivering his entire speech at their joint press conference in French today

Slovakia and Poland have voiced concern about the rights of their nationals currently in the UK, but Mrs May has refused to guarantee the rights of EU citizens after Brexit unless similar guarantees are offered to Britons living and working abroad.

Mr Fico said the 'perception British voters have' of EU migration was 'slightly different to how we perceive migration on the continent'.

'For them the issue of migration is especially the issue of migrant workers from the EU in the UK.

'I have asked the Prime Minister to dedicate a special level of attention to Slovak nationals and citizens who work currently in the UK.'

Mr Fico called for Mrs May to set out her vision of the UK's future relationship with the EU before triggering the Article 50 process, which begins a two-year countdown to Brexit.

'We hope that the UK will use this time before triggering Article 50 for redefining and also for formulating a vision of its relations with the EU,' he said.

'On the other hand, as the country holding the presidency, we hope to make the best use of the time before triggering Article 50 to redefine the vision for Europe for the future for the remaining 27 member states to discuss our future and also to offer a vision to our citizens.

'We simply have to offer a new vision to our people, otherwise we will see a further fragmentation and destabilisation of European political systems.'
in 2012, but was released from his contract three years later for 'insubordination'

He took a job at WDBJ in

A former Fox News correspondent has been arrested in Virginia on charges of rape and forcible sodomy.

Orlando 'Orly' Salinas, 55, who had spent 12 years reporting for Fox News in Miami, was taken into custody on Tuesday in Montgomery County, Virginia, after being indicted on charges stemming from an incident that took place in January.

Court documents in the case indicate that the alleged victim was not Salinas' wife, but another woman.

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Newsman nabbed: Former Fox News reporter Orlando Salinas, pictured left in a mugshot, has been arrested and charged with rape and forcible sodomy in Virginia

On the job: Salinas had spent 12 years working for Fox News out of Miami, Florida

While the indictments, cited by The Roanoke Times, offer scant details regarding Salinas' alleged offenses, they state that the former reporter took actions against the victim by force, threat and intimidation against her will.

Salinas, a native of Blacksburg and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, had worked for Fox News out of Miami until 2012, when he took a job at CBS affiliate WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia.

He was released from his contract with the station in April 2015 for insubordination.

Salinas claimed at the time that he and the WDBJ management had 'a different of opinion as far as what news should be.'

In the wake of his departure from the station, Salinas took to Facebook claiming that his supervisors had been critical of his casual attire at work, reported the site TVSpy.

My bosses previously said they wanted me to wear and a tie and jacket because I would look more like a doctor or a lawyer and people would respect me more, he wrote at the time. I said Im not a doctor nor a lawyer. Im just a guy who goes out and speaks with folks who are kind enough to share a little of their world with me.

Paraded: Salinas, pictured here during his perp walk this week, left Fox in 2012 for a job at WDBJ in Virginia

Salinas' arrest on Tuesday was the result of an investigation into an incident that took place in January

Career change: The 55-year-old Virginia native walked away from the news business last year and became a real estate agent

Salinas later made a career change and has been working as a Re/Max real estate agent in the Blacksburg area.

The station WSLS reported that the 55-year-old former newsman has been under investigation for some time and his arrest came as a result of an indictment from the Montgomery County grand jury on Tuesday.

Salinas was arraigned on Wednesday afternoon and ordered held without bond at the county jail. He is due back in court on October 19.
The parents of an 18-month-old girl who overdosed on a painkiller twice in one week have been arrested on charges of child endangering, police said.

Alan, 33, and Kassandra Kearns, 32, of Marion, Ohio, were taken into custody after police were called to a hospital for a report on the toddler, who had also overdosed several days earlier.

The child was apparently able to find and consume Percocet pills in both cases, Marion police Maj. Jay McDonald told The Marion Star.

McDonald says the overdose antidote naloxone was used to save the girl after the second overdose.

Alan (right) and Kassandra Kearns (left) of Marion, Ohio, were taken into custody after police were called to a hospital for a report on the toddler, who had also overdosed several days earlier

Her parents, who live on Chicago Avenue were arrested in the 100 block of nearby Johnson Street on felony warrants of child endangering, the newspaper reports.

The local children's services agency also is investigating what happened.

Police said that the girl overdosed on the pills on July 19 and then again on July 24.

McDonald called the incidents 'extremely dangerous.'

'Percocet's a strong opiate designed for serious pain and any baby that can get unfettered access to something like that would be in very serious danger,' he told the Star.

The child was apparently able to find and consume Percocet (above, file photo) pills in both cases

He said that he has seen instances where children have accidentally taken medication once by mistake, which would not be considered a crime.

'You have a duty of care, and the child endangering laws apply in a situation like this, especially when it's a repeated instance,' he added.

However, he added that he does not expect further charges to be filed against the parents.

The Kearns are being held at the Multi-County Correctional Center.
Frustrated commuters face rail chaos with guards on the beleaguered Southern Railway staging a five-day walkout in the long-running row over their role.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will walk out from August 8, causing fresh travel misery for passengers on Southern, and other franchises run by its parent company.

And workers on ScotRail are also set to stage a fresh wave of strikes in an ongoing dispute over driver-only operation, walking out for 48 hours from August 7, 24 hours on August 11 and over the weekend of August 13/14.

Southern's services have been hit by delays and cancellations for several weeks because of industrial action, with the operator slashing 341 services a day because it did not have enough staff to run them.

Union bosses today announced plans for an extension to the walk-outs, inflicting further misery on commuters across all three franchises owned by Govia Thameslink Railway

The RMT said it had offered a three-month pause to action if Govia Thameslink Railway, which owns Southern, agreed to suspend its proposals for driver-operated doors and allow talks to take place.

'That request has been kicked back in our faces,' said a union spokesman.

'The union wrote to new Transport Secretary Chris Grayling asking for direct talks after he said it was a priority to sort out the chaos on Southern. That letter has been ignored.'

'With the downgrading of the safety-critical role of the guards due to be railroaded through on the 21st August the union has no option but to confirm a new programme of action to defend jobs and safety.'

Rail users have suffered months of unscheduled train cancellations due to train crew shortages after the union opposed the company's proposed changes role of train guards over safety concerns.

In Scotland, RMT opposes any extension of driver-only trains and wants guards to be in control of operating doors, stating safety is at the core of the dispute.

Figures released yesterday showed the disruption endured by hundreds of thousands of Southern commuters, with just 15.8 per cent of trains on the Southern Mainline route between Brighton and London arriving on time on Tuesday.

The ongoing chaos comes despite the introduction of an emergency timetable earlier this month, which slashed 341 services a day

Less than one of five Gatwick Express trains were punctual, and only just over a third of trains across the Southern network arrived on schedule.

Govia Thameslink Railway said a fire near Gatwick on Tuesday morning was to blame, although Monday's figures showed just under 28 per cent of trains on Southern Mainline and 34.1 per cent of Gatwick Express trains arrived on time.

The company said this was caused by a fatality between Angmering and Worthing and some 'infrastructure issues'.

Southern plans to have its drivers, rather than conductors, close the train doors before setting off from August 21.

RMT's executive today agreed to call on its members to strike between 12.01am on Monday August 8 and 11.59pm on Friday August 12.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash added: 'This action has been forced on us by the arrogance and inaction of Govia Thameslink and the Government who have made it clear that they have no interest in resolving this dispute or in tackling the daily chaos on Southern.

Workers on ScotRail are also set to stage a fresh wave of strikes in an ongoing dispute over driver-only operation

'Our fight is with the company and the Government who have dragged this franchise into total meltdown. We share the anger and frustration of passengers and we cannot sit back while jobs and safety are compromised on these dangerously overcrowded trains.

'It is disgraceful that neither the company or the Government are prepared to engage and are looking to bully through the extension of DOO and the attack on the guards set for August 21. They should wake up and get round the table now as an urgent priority.'

Govia Thameslink Railway chief operating officer Dyan Crowther said it was 'unacceptable' that passengers were being made to suffer because the RMT was 'refusing to accept necessary change'.

'We are offering all our onboard staff a job, as valued members of our future operation, with no reduction in salary.

'We value the work of our staff, who are trying their best to deliver service levels that passengers expect.

'The sooner we can introduce the essential modernisation that our railways desperately need, the sooner we can stop the RMT from holding passengers to ransom.

'Contrary to the RMT's accusation, we have always been open to talks and remain so.

'Only this week we spoke with the General Secretary Mick Cash about further talks and he has been unwilling to enter into discussion.'

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group called for an end to the dispute.

'We urge union leaders to end the disputes which are causing so much disruption to passengers and their families,' he said. 'The RMT should engage in productive talks about drivers rather than guards closing doors on new trains.

'Taxpayers and private investors across the country are spending billions to provide passengers with more and better services and to invest in a modern public transport system. Our workforce and unions have a huge stake in this vital modernisation of our railway.

In Scotland, RMT opposes any extension of driver-only trains and wants guards to be in control of operating doors, stating safety is at the core of the dispute

'Drivers already open and close the doors on thousands of trains every day. This way of working has been deemed safe by rail safety experts and the independent regulator which oversees safety on the railway. It means other on-board staff who are trained in safety are free to help passengers more and to improve customer experience. No jobs or pay will be cut.'

In regard to the ScotRail strikes, and RMT spokesman said the union had attempted to engage in 'serious talks' through Acas, but said the company had 'tried to pick and choose issues and divide and rule the workforce'.

He added: 'As a result, the union executive has taken a further report from our negotiators and have decided that there is no option but to move forward with a new programme of industrial action.'

Mr Cash said: 'Recent rock-solid strikes on ScotRail have been supported by the travelling public who understand that the staff are fighting for the basic principles of rail safety.

'In spite of this, Abellio/Scotrail continue to ignore the strength of feeling amongst their staff and passengers over the extension of driver-only operation. That is why we have no choice but to announce further strike dates.

'The workforce knows only too well that there is a very real threat to passengers of watering down and wiping out the safety critical role of the guard on these Scotrail services. That is a lethal gamble with basic rail safety. We have had fantastic support from the travelling public for our action as passengers know full well that this strike is all about their safety.
Terror suspect: Ex-ballet dancer Ravil Mingazov, 48, has been approved for release despite parole board documents stating that he fought for the Taliban

An Al Qaeda terror suspect has been released from Guantanamo Bay and is intending to head to the UK to live happily ever after in Sherwood Forest.

Former ballet dancer Ravil Mingazov, a Russian Muslim, has been approved for release from the detention camp despite US parole board documents stating that he fought for the Taliban and attended training camps in Afghanistan.

He has a ex-wife and teenage son who have successfully claimed asylum to live in Nottingham, and he intends to follow them because the UK has great welfare programmes.

The 48-year-old spent 14 years behind bars without charge, and although he was found in an Al Qaeda safe house when it was stormed by Pakistani authorities in 2002, his lawyers claim he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The ethnic Tatar is understood to have already made his application for asylum to the Home Office following the US parole board for Guantanamo approving his release on Monday.

Mr Mingazos lawyer Gary Thompson, based in Washington, said: [With] Ravils son and other family members now residing in Nottingham, England would receive Ravil with open arms, assuming, we hope, the United Kingdom sees fit to accept an asylum petition.

We are very excited about England. [Y]ou all have such great welfare programmes which have placements . [W]e would certainly jump at the chance to work in the food industry, or pretty much all kinds of things.

Infamous prison: Mr Mingazov is understood to have already made his application for asylum to the Home Office following the US parole board for Guantanamo (pictured) approving his release on Monday

Mr Thompson said he was optimistic of his client being granted asylum, and that as soon as he was accepted, Mr Mingazo was just a plane ride away from the UK.

I can think of no better country on earth than England to receive him, said Mr Thompson. It has a wonderful record of accepting ethnic minorities like Ravil.

He was never charged, he was held for nothing. He was labelled as enemy combatant. Ravil is not a threat and we, the US, can let him go.

If they say yes, then its a plane ride, then we will fly him to England and we welcome Ravil to free soil and reunite him with his family and he lives happily ever after in Sherwood Forest.

Despite being locked up in the controversial US detention camp at the military prison in Cuba, the Russian national has never faced a jury over his alleged terrorist links.

He was among more than 700 detainees who were sent to Guantanamo Bay before 2004. Currently 76 remain and of those, 32 have now been cleared for release.

Mr Mingazov was a ballet dancer in a Russian military troupe, worked in passport control and in catering for the Army before converting to Islam.

Behind bars: Mr Mingazov was among more than 700 detainees who were sent to Guantanamo Bay (file picture) before 2004. Currently 76 remain and of those, 32 have now been cleared for release

An ethnic Tatar from Russia, he resigned from the Russian Army over his governments treatment of Muslims, including their prohibition of praying or eating halal food.

After crossing the Russian border into Tajikistan without adequate documents, Mr Mingazo was forced to leave his ex-wife and son at the border as his son became ill and needed medical care.

We will fly him to England and we welcome Ravil to free soil and reunite him with his family and he lives happily ever after in Sherwood Forest Gary Thompson, Ravil Mingazos lawyer

They later fled to Syria, before the outbreak of its civil war, and moved to a refugee camp in Jordan before returning to Russia.

It was from there that they successfully applied for asylum in England, and have been in the UK since 2014.

Mr Mingazov was arrested in Faisalabad, Pakistan in 2002 at an al-Qaeda-affiliated safe house associated with senior facilitator Abu Zubaydah, Osama bin Ladens former lieutenant.

A detainee profile from the US Department of Defence says Mr Mingazo probably joined the IMU [the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan] and trained in Tajikistan until early 2001, when the group was forced to leave and collectively travelled to Afghanistan.

The Russian himself admitted to fighting with the Taliban against the Northern Alliance, but said he did not fight against Americans, notes the profile.

New life: The Russian Tatar, a former ballet dancer, has an ex-wife and teenage son in Nottingham and wants to come to the UK to live happily ever after in Sherwood Forest (file picture) after his release

It adds that Mr Mingazov probably attended several training camps in Afghanistan where he learned to make explosives, poisons and chemical grenades.

Although the Guantanamo parole board approved Mr Mingazovs release, it states it has concern for his lack of candor regarding events prior to his detention, but says risks he presents can be adequately mitigated.

Kristin Davis, another lawyer representing Mr Mingazov alongside Mr Thompson, said of her clients arrest that [t]he story is a classic asylum-seeking story, but for the fact he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and changed the course of his life for the next 15 years.

Mr Mingazov maintains a strong disdain for the Russian Government, and does not want to return to his homeland - claiming his treatment at Guantanamo Bay had been better than in Russia.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: We are aware of Mr Mingazov and are monitoring the situation and his legal status.
A former child prisoner in a Japanese camp during the Second World War has flown half way around the world to thank the Chinese interpreter who helped rescue her 71 years ago.

Mary Previte, 83, of Haddonfield, New Jersey, met Wang Chenghan, 91, in his home in Guiyang city, Guizhou province, China.

The long stint in the camp during the war had seen Mary, then just 9, separated from her parents and held in a school-turned-prison camp for three years of her childhood in often tortuous conditions involving food shortages, dysentery and extreme heat.

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It was all smiles as Mary Previte, 84, of Haddonfield, New Jersey, met Wang Chenghan, 91, in his home in Guiyang city Guizhou province, China, this week

Mary Previte (third from right), her siblings and other children board a plane after their release from the Japanese camp in August 1945

But in an operation titled 'Duck Mission', Wang, together with a group of US soldiers, rescued Ms Previte, along with more than 1,500 others from 30 countries, from a Japanese internment camp in Weifang, Shandong province, in August 1945.

Ms Previte brought Wang, the only man alive of the seven rescuers, 18 thank-you letters, written by New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross, US Ambassador to China Max Baucus, and other then camp internees.

She told the Philadelphia Inquirer it had taken 18 years to locate Wang - who she knew as Eddie Wang and first spoken to last year by telephone, after making contact with four other rescuers in the late 1990s.

She had also found the widows of two others. But she was only able to contact Wang, the seventh soldier on the mission who was a Chinese interpreter, until a Chinese student studying in the US saw an article about her and realised that the missing man was his grandfather, according to the BBC.

'It is the end of a dream to actually have found all of the heroes and have an opportunity to see them face to face,' she told the Philadelphia newspaper.

'It's really an opportunity to say thank you.'

Mary Previte, from New Jersey, hugs Wang Chenghan who rescued her 71 years ago as they reunite at Wang's home in Guiyang city, China

Ms Previte and Wang hold hands in Guiyang city Guizhou province, China

Ms Previte reportedly said: 'It's really an opportunity to say thank you'

Ms Previte presented Wang with 18 thank you notes from people he helped save in 1945

Mary had been living in China with her parents, who were Christian missionaries who ran a Bible school in the city of Kaifeng in Henan province, before the war began, according to a BBC report last year.

She had attended a school, Chefu School, set up by her great grandfather, but America's involvement in the war soon meant Westerners in China became 'enemy aliens'.

The BBC said that the day after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, Japanese troops marched into the Chefoo school and declared themselves in charge, turning the school into a military headquarters and later moving their prisons to a larger camp at Weihsien.

Her missionary parents had left Ms Previte and her siblings at school-turned-war prison along with her grandfather Herbert Hudson Taylor, a retired missionary - and all were held captive.

The pair had an instand bond over the rescue in August 1954, holding hands during their meeting

The pair also shared photos during their reunion 71 years after the Second World Ward brought them together

Onlookers snapped photos of the pair as they witnessed the historic meeting in China

Mary, who had been called Taylor at the time, said she would never forget the day they were all marched out of the school.

'That was the end of Western domination of China,' she told the BBC.

'They had crowds of Chinese along the roadside as these white people were carrying whatever they could in their hands - no servants were helping them now - marching off to concentration camp.'

The camp reportedly had little medicine and some people died while food became scare towards the end.

In one example detailed, people who traded in black market eggs were ordered to save the shells, which were crushed and baked - and fed to the calcium-deficient children.

Mary told the BBC Chefoo School's teachers would help the children by turning the problems into games - telling children to try catching rats, flies or bed bugs and award prizers for the winners.

'Our teachers set up a comforting, predicable set of rituals and traditions. Do you know how safe that makes children feel?' she told the broadcaster.

She had fought dysentery and extreme heat during her time at camp - until she heard planes flying overheard carrying US soldiers who soon helped liberate the camp with Wang, the BBC said.

'I jumped and looked out of the window and saw a plane flying low over the treetops and then parachutes started dropping,' Ms Previte said.

'It was an instant cure for my diarrhoea.'
The number of people using gay hook-up app tool Grindr shot up by 148 per cent near the

The public face of the Democratic National Convention has been one of disharmony and protest but once the gavel has fallen it's been a very different scene.

For Daily Mail Online can exclusively disclose that the party's divided supporters have at least heeded calls for unity - in the bedroom.

Analysis provided by leading 'hookup' apps Tinder and Grindr has revealed a massive spike in activity coinciding with this week's convention in Philadelphia.

The number of people using gay dating tool Grindr shot up by 148 per cent in the vicinity of the Wells Fargo Center, where the Democrats gathered to officially nominate Hillary Clinton for President.

Analysis provided by leading 'hook up' apps Tinder and Grindr has revealed a massive surge in activity coinciding with this week's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Pictured above, convention attendees look at their phones

The number of people using gay dating tool Grindr shot up by 148 per cent in the vicinity of the Wells Fargo Center, while there was a 54 per cent increase in the number of people using Tinder

Technicians for the GPS-based app said they were confident the surge was attributed to the convention itself, which has drawn around 6,000 delegates over four-days.

Their data reveals that 57 per cent of those logging on to find love were newcomers to the South Philadelphia area and the average age was 31.

There was a higher proportion of black, Latino and mixed-ethnicity men than usual, coming from as far afield as Canada, the UK, Germany, Greece, Poland, Finland, Saudi Arabia and Guam.

Among the thousands of raunchy messages exchanged, there were 29 mentions of the DNC - but just three uses of the word Hillary.

'Looking at comparable bubbles around the country - Times Square, Disney Land, Trump Tower in Las Vegas - we don't see an increase that even approaches these levels,' concluded an analyst for Grindr, which has two million active users every day worldwide.

Bed-swapping Dems also accounted for a 54 per cent increase in the number of people using Tinder in Philadelphia this week.

The wildly popular matchmaking app presents users with a succession of photos and lets them swipe left or right to indicate whether or not they like each profile.

Among the thousands of raunchy messages exchanged on Grindr, there were 29 mentions of the DNC - but just three uses of the word Hillary. Pictured above, a woman uses her phone at the convention

Celebration of love: Dating app users may have been inspired by Bill Clinton's paean about his wife, which was his contribution to the effort to re-elect her. The would-be First Gentleman was seen talking to delegates on Wednesday

If two people vote yes to one another they are able to chat and arrange a date offline.

'You only had to take a look at the number of people staring down at their phones to see that something was going on,' dished a convention insider.

'Rather helpfully there are novelty DNC condoms on sale outside the Wells Fargo Center. Nobody wants to wake up the next day ''feeling the Bern''.'

Daily Mail Online has also obtained data for last week's Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

Grindr use saw less of a spike around the Quicken Loans Arena but it still rose to the occasion by 66 per cent.

Messages contained 27 mentions of RNC and six referred to Donald Trump. New users popped up from Norway, Russia, Hong Kong and Australia.

Tinder use, meanwhile, rocketed by 82 per cent in Cleveland compared to the previous week as attendees had a Grand Old Party between the sheets.

'Both political parties promise to bring people together - but Tinder is actually delivering,' said a Tinder spokesman.
A woman who was six months pregnant has lost her unborn baby after her husband nearly beat her to death and cut part of her genitals.

The victim, who is in her 20s, said her husband launched an unprovoked attack on her with a wooden stick, cut her hair with a pair of scissors and shaved parts of her head.

She said his mother and her sister-in-law helped him tie her up with a rope and then beat her senseless.

The shocking incident happened in the Ashkamish district of Takhar province.

The victim, who is in her 20s, said her husband launched an unprovoked attack on her with a wooden stick

The head of Takhar's Women's Affairs Department Ramz Ara has strongly condemned the attack.

'She has been mutilated and because of the violence she has lost her baby,' Ramz Ara told Tolo News.

The victim is currently in hospital in Kunduz.

Abdul Khalil Aseer, spokesman for Takhar police headquarters, said: 'The name of her husband is Sarbaland and he is on the run now, two other criminals mentioned in the statement are now in Kabul'.

The incident highlights the endemic violence against women in Afghan society, despite reforms since the hardline Taliban Islamist regime was ousted by the 2001 U.S.-led invasion.

The attack came just 24 hours after a pregnant 20-year-old was reportedly shot dead by members of her husband's family in the northern Faryab province, the BBC reported.

They had accused the woman of having an affair.

Earlier in the year, 20-year-old Reza Gul had her nose cut off by her abusive husband using a pocket knife.

The story sparked fury across the world after pictures of Reza's bloodied face were shared on social media, with many deploring the country's appalling record of domestic violence.

Kabul-based women's rights activist Alema said at the time: 'Such a brutal and barbaric act should be strongly condemned.

'Such incidents would not happen if the government judicial system severely punished attacks on women.'

The government has vowed to protect women's rights but that has not prevented deadly attacks.

Last November a young woman was stoned to death after being accused of adultery in the central province of Ghor.

And last March a woman named Farkhunda was savagely beaten and set ablaze in central Kabul after being falsely accused of burning a Koran.

The mob killing triggered angry protests nationwide and drew global attention to the treatment of Afghan women.

In 2010, Time magazine put the photograph of a mutilated 18-year-old, Bibi Aisha, on its cover. Her nose was cut off by an abusive husband.
The planes came within 150m from each other, setting off cockpit alarms

The Air Asia plane, carrying 400 passengers, was taking off to New Zealand

A Jetstar flight descending into a Gold Coast airport on Thursday nearly collided with an Air Asia flight as it took off.

The two planes came within 152 metres of each other as they crossed paths around 11.40am about six kilometres north of Coolangatta airport, according to the Herald Sun.

Alarms in both of the plane's cockpits were set off when they came within the regulated 305m distance of each other, forcing the Jetstar flight to quickly elevate again.

A Jetstar flight descending into Coolangatta airport on the Gold Coast on Thursday nearly collided with an Air Asia flight carrying 400 passengers as it took off

Alarms in both of the plane's cockpits were set off when they came within the regulated 305m distance of each other, forcing the Jetstar flight, which was carrying 180 passengers, to quickly elevate again (stock image)

It is believed the Air Asia flight, which was heading to New Zealand and carrying 400 passengers, strayed from its set path (stock image)

It is believed the Air Asia flight, which was heading to New Zealand and carrying 400 passengers, strayed from its set path.

The Jetstar flight carrying 180 passengers had taken off from Geelong, south of Melbourne, and had been granted clearance to begin its descend into Coolangatta, a Jetstar spokesman said.

'During descent the aircraft warning system alerted our pilots to another aircraft approaching our approved flight path,' he said.

'Our pilots took corrective action to restore the safe distance between the two aircraft.

'The flight continued on to the Gold Coast and landed without further incident,' he said, adding that most passengers would have not have noticed the close call.

An Air Asia spokeswoman declined to comment to the Herald Sun, but said the incident was under investigation.

The two planes came within 152 metres of each other as they crossed paths around 11.40am about six kilometres north of Coolangatta airport (pictured)
Africa Bass, a mother-of-two, was killed just hours after moving to a new home in the Roseland neighborhood of California

A young mother-of-two was gunned down on her son's fifth birthday just hours after moving to a Chicago neighborhood which has been plagued by shootings.

Neighbors believe Africa Bass was an innocent victim caught in the middle of a gang feud.

The 23-year-old was killed on the same block where a 27-year-old man, Jeremy Ray, died after being shot on June 10.

Weeks later, on June 27, a man was shot in the hand but refused to cooperate with police.

And last Sunday a 27-year-old man was shot in the back after being followed to his home.

Bass' killing happened during 24 hours of violence across Chicago, which saw 18-year-old Keyon Boyd killed after being shot in the Austin neighborhood on Tuesday.

Nine people were shot in separate incidents across the city, including two teenagers aged 13 and 17.

Bass' distraught mother, Sheila Jones, told ABC7: 'It's time for everybody in America to wake up. This s*** is over.

'Whatever you're trying to accomplish, let it go. Let it go.'

Hours after the latest fatal shooting, which happened in the early hours of yesterday in the Roseland neighborhood of California, dozens gathered to mourn her, and call for the violence to stop.

People living in the area where Bass was killed have called for the violence to end after a string of shootings, two of which have been fatal

Bass' aunt, Joan Lowe, told the Chicago Tribune: 'She was not a trouble-maker.

'She worked hard. She was a strong, young, black woman who loved her children and she took care of her children.'

And Lowe continued:'They took my niece away from her two children.

'They will never ever know how precious and special their momma was. Theyll never get to see their momma.'

The latest victim was just 23 and had two young children, aged five and two when she died in the shooting in the early hours of Wednesday

Bass' sister, Jovanna Jones, said: 'What do I say to my nephew?

'I can't. My nephew is always going to remember that. His mama died on his birthday. You can't forget that.'

It is thought the victim was running errands just after midnight, having moved to a new home on Tuesday with her family.

The shots that killed her came from a black SUV.

Around 100 people gathered after Bass was shot dead and called for the violence to end

She was with her aunt, Sade Wilson, who recounted to ABC7: 'The shots came and we started running.

'She turned around like, "Sade, I'm hit," and she just hit the floor.

'She was just squeezing my hand.'

Bass' mother Sheila Jones (second from left) pours a bottle of water on the ground during a vigil for her daughter after the 23-year-old was shot close to the home she had only moved to hours before

People living close to the murder scene say in recent years drug dealing and gang fights have become common.
Police special forces in Cologne descended on a job centre today after witnesses reported seeing an armed woman inside.

Officers were already at the building to detain a man allegedly threatening employees, who had also been accused of making death threats at a nearby refugee asylum centre.

But police were then approached by a terrified employee who reported seeing an armed woman on the loose in the building, sparking mass panic.

Employees were told to lock themselves in their offices and to stay inside while police searched the building in Sulz, in the west of Cologne, for the woman.

Police special forces in Cologne have descended on an employment agency building today after witnesses saw an armed woman inside

Alert: Police have descended on a employment agency centre in Cologne this afternoon

There are reports that as many as five people may have been arrested. It is not yet known if the alleged armed person was one of them.

Police said in a tweet: 'Police operation at job centre in Luxemburger Street due to threatening behaviour. Information over bomb threat is false.'

According to the local Express website, the incident unfolded after staff felt threatened by a group of jobseekers from Muelheim, to the north of Cologne, and called police.

Police arrived at the building around 3pm to arrest the man, who had allegedly been involved in a fight at a refugee centre in which he had threatened to kill another man.

Local media reported that police said the situation was 'unclear' but that the building was being searched.

Of the five people arrested, four were later set free and one remains in custody, according to Express.

People are gradually being allowed out of the building this afternoon and immediately started calling their relatives, local news websites report.

Police confirmed on Twitter that the search of the building has ended, and that nothing suspicious was discovered.

The incident comes with Germany on high alert after the country was rocked by four bloody attacks in a week.

A suspect had just been detained on a different matter at the building in Germany's fourth largest city when witnesses said they saw the armed woman walking around in the building

The deadliest attack came last Friday when a German-Iranian teenager who was born and raised in Munich opened fire at a shopping mall, killing nine people before turning the gun on himself.

He had been under psychiatric treatment and investigators say he was obsessed with mass shootings, including Norwegian rightwing fanatic Anders Behring Breivik's 2011 massacre.

They have ruled out an Islamist motive, saying the assailant had far-right 'sympathies'.

On July 18, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan or Pakistan slashed train passengers and a passer-by with an axe and a knife in Wuerzburg before being shot by police.

And on Sunday, a failed Syrian asylum seeker blew himself up outside a music festival in Ansbach, wounding 15 people at a nearby cafe after being turned away from the packed open-air venue. IS claimed both attacks.
When Ray Kroc took over in the late 1960s, he wanted a new logo and enlisted several

The famed McDonald's golden arches are undoubtedly the most recognized logo in the world, as they have transformed throughout the years since the fast-food chain launched.

But the story behind the famed eatery's arches and what the bizarre inspiration was to keep them has been relatively unknown until now.

In the beginning, they first started out in 1952 as two separate arches that were located on either side of the restaurant buildings that were constructed by the founders Dick and Mac McDonald.

These specific arches were built at all of the original McDonald's locations, as the concept was put in place by Mac McDonald.

Famed: The famed McDonald's golden arches are undoubtedly the most recognized logo in the world, as they have transformed throughout the years since the fast-food chain launched. The above location opened in 1955

The story behind the arches and what the bizarre inspiration was to keep them has been relatively unknown until now. Above is founder Richard 'Dick' McDonald in front of a restaurant in 1991

They first started out as two separate arches that were located on either side of the restaurant buildings that were constructed by the founders Dick and Mac McDonald. Pictured is the oldest restaurant remaining with the golden arch design

The brothers were met with resistance when they met with architects to design the first location of the chain in 1952.

According to The Daily Meal, the first architect didn't want the arches in the design, the second wanted to change them completely, the third didn't want to be advised of what to do.

Architect Stanely Clark Meston was chosen by the brothers, as he streamlined the arches into 'tapered parabolas' and followed the rough sketch by the pair of a building with a half-circle on either side.

Meston designed the location to stand out against other eateries to grab the attention of drivers who might have fancied a quick and easy meal to buy.

The arches were not meant to form the letter 'M,' as they do now in the fast-food chain's logo.

These specific arches were built at all of the original McDonald's locations, as the concept was put in place by Mac McDonald. Above the location built in 1953 is also the one that remains with the 'Speedee' character

Over the years, the golden arches have transformed as the design for the building became famous around the country. Above a family eats a snack at closed location in Downey, California in 1994

Over the years, the golden arches have transformed as the design for the building became famous around the country.

The company decided to create a logo that was intended to be a minimalist view of what a McDonald's location resembled, including a titled or slanted roof that had two arches lining up to create a letter 'M'.

But by the end of the 1960s, the company left the two-arch design behind and instead had golden arches on signs.

Design consultant Louis Cheskin (above) convinced the company to maintain its branding with the arches and argued that they carried the 'Freudian symbolism of a pair of nourishing breast'

During this period, Ray Kroc had taken over the business and had franchised locations for McDonald's around the country.

He used the famed arches as a logo and not as the center of architectural design or instruction.

Around this period, there was discussion for a new logo for McDonald's, and design consultant Louis Cheskin convinced the company to maintain its branding with the arches.

Cheskin argued that the golden arches carried the 'Freudian symbolism of a pair of nourishing breasts,' the BBC reported.

In this time period, the effects of Freudian theory were still reshaping the world and Cheskin's view is a deeply Freudian concept.

Freud apparently believed that human impulses were influenced by libido and early childhood experience, as breast feeding is one of the earliest, if not first many humans have experienced in life.

Since his stance on the golden arch argument, there have only been minor adjustments or tweaks made to the logo that is recognized around the world by millions.

For instance, to avoid clashing with the bright environment in Sedona, Arizona, the arches are a turquoise color instead of golden yellow.

And in Monterey, California they are black so they can have a more 'sophisticated' look as a compromise made with the city.
Operation Rescue Calls for New, Untainted Investigations of Houston Planned Parenthood and 2013 Murder Case Contact: Troy Newman, President, 316-683-6790 ext 111; Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President, 316-516-3034; both with Operation Rescue, info.operationrescue@gmail.com



HOUSTON, July 28, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Operation Rescue President Troy Newman is calling for special prosecutors unaffiliated with Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson to conduct new investigations into Planned Parenthood's baby parts trade and another abortion provider accused of murder. Neither were charged by two corrupted grand juries despite convincing evidence.



"We believe that the grand juries under Anderson's authority were tainted beyond redemption by a personal and political agenda to cover up crimes of abortion providers," said Newman. "The serious accusations against Planned Parenthood of Gulf Coast and against Houston abortionist Douglas Karpen deserve an impartial investigation that is not infected by the bias of personal relationships or political agendas."



The call for new investigations comes in light of this week's dismissal of felony charges against David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt of the Center for Medical Progress. Anderson's office agreed to the dismissal because technical issues with the grand jury's term made the indictments improper. Misdemeanor charges were dismissed weeks ago, and now the pro-life activists have been completely cleared of all charges.



Newman, who is seeking the new investigations, served as a founding member for the Center for Medical Progress.



Newman is calling for a new look into allegations that Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast participated in the illegal trafficking of aborted baby remains. No vote was ever taken on potential charges against Planned Parenthood by the previous grand jury, which apparently never seriously considered evidence in undercover videos produced by Daleiden. There is also evidence that Anderson's office improperly coordinated and shared information about the grand jury investigation with Planned Parenthood's attorney, Josh Schaffer.



An independent forensic analysis determined that the CMP videos are authentic, not deceptive in any way, and present the speakers' conversations in an accurate manner, contrary to Planned Parenthood's fallacious public relations campaign to discredit them.



Newman is also calling for the reopening of the 2013 murder investigation of abortion provider Douglas Karpen, which was the result of evidence submitted by Operation Rescue through a formal complaint.



Karpen was accused by his former employees of intentionally killing babies who were born alive during late-term abortions at his Houston abortion facilities. There is reason to believe that photographic evidence showing two aborted newborns with large gashes in their throats was never submitted to the original grand jury for consideration.



During the murder investigation, Karpen was represented by one of Anderson's closest family friends, Chip Lewis, who later publicly threatened to retaliate against Operation Rescue for making the evidence it uncovered public. After Anderson's grand jury "no-billed" Karpen, Lewis donated $25,000 to Anderson's political campaigns.



Newman wants the new investigations to be done with randomly selected grand jury members with special prosecutors unaffiliated with Devon Anderson or others involved in the previous investigations, including Assistant District Attorney Sunni Mitchell, who Anderson selected oversee both the Planned Parenthood and the Karpen grand juries.



About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Click here to support Operation Rescue.

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Cooking with cannabis may be a step closer with plans to legalise the use of hemp seeds in food up for submissions and a decision possible by late 2016.

That will mean Australians may be able to have everyday foods like breakfast cereals, pesto sauce, desserts, smoothies and more will have the potential to have marijuana added to them.

On Thursday, Food Standards Australia New Zealand [FSANZ] gave the go-ahead for plans to legalise foods made from industrial, low THC hemp seeds, The Daily Telegraph reported.

THC is tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive substance present in cannabis.

Cooking with cannabis (pictured is a plant) may be a step closer with plans to legalise the use of hemp seeds in food up for submissions (stock image)

On Thursday, Food Standards Australia New Zealand [FSANZ] gave the go-ahead for plans to legalise foods made from industrial, low THC hemp seeds (stock image)

However, police said the foods could result in positive roadside drug test results.

Results of a study into those effects will be pivotal in a decision to legalise hemp for food.

Although FSANZ said hemp seeds contain 'protein, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids', the federal Health Department previously had concerns.

It complained the move would possibly 'promote a public perception that cannabis is an acceptable and safe product to consume', The Daily Telegraph reported.

FSANZ said hemp seeds contain 'protein, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids' (stock image)

Andrew Katelaris, a Newcastle doctor deregistered in 2005 for providing unwell children medicinal marijuana, told the newspaper he welcomed the move.

'Its essential for children... Its the most nutritionally dense and balanced food on the planet.'

In terms of the foods that could be made with hemp,'your imagination's the limit', he said.

In March this year food regulation ministers asked the FSANZ to prepare a proposal on how low THC hemp could be 'legally designated as food'.

If a decision to allow hemp seed sale for food is made, ministers would likely be notified in late 2016, the FSANZ said in a statement.

It also pointed out that hemp has 'no, or very low levels of THC'.

Historically, hemp has been used as a source of fibre and oil and Cannabis extracts have been used in medicine for a variety of ailments, it said.

FSANZ has asked for submissions on whether to permit the sale of food cooked with the seeds.

According to FSANZ, at present the seeds or other parts of the hemp plant cannot be used as food or as an ingredient in Australia and New Zealand, however, hemp seed oil has been permitted for sale as a food in New Zealand since 2002.
Massachusetts Police are protesting over a mayor's refusal to remove a Black Lives Matter banner from the front of Somerville City Hall.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone has declined multiple requests from the city police officers' union to replace the sign with one that instead reads 'All Lives Matter.'

The banner has been up for almost a year.

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A 'Black Lives Matter' banner hangs at the main entrance of City Hall.

Curtatone says that the city should be able to support both the Black Lives Matter movement and the police.

He noted the fact the city has another banner that hangs above the police station in tribute to officers who lost their lives in Texas and Louisiana recently.

Police officers union president Michael McGrath has said that although the union supports the 'core goal' of the Black Lives Matter movement, they are of the belief it sends an 'exclusionary message' and is regarded as 'disrespectful' to the police.

'We strongly object to a public banner sponsored by the City that [implicitly] paints police officers as the killers of innocent citizens of color,' McGrath said in the letter to the Mayor.

The protest, which is taking place outside the City Hall at 5:30pm local time, will involve police officers from across the state.

Supporters of Black Lives Matter will be staging a counter-protest in support of the movement just down the street from the initial demonstration.

'Let me be clear, that banner will not. Come. Down,' said Mayor Curtatone.

Police officers union president Michael McGrath has said that although the union supports the 'core goal' of the Black Lives Matter movement, they are of the belief it sends an 'exclusionary message' and is regarded as 'disrespectful' to the police.

'Let me be clear, that banner will not. Come. Down,' said Mayor Curtatone.
Christophe de Margerie, the French head of the oil giant, died in October 2014 along with three air crew

Two Moscow airport workers have admitted causing the death of the CEO of Total after his plane crashed into a snow plough during take off.

Christophe de Margerie, the French head of the oil giant, died in October 2014 along with three air crew.

The snow plough driver Vladimir Martynenko and duty engineer Vladimir Ledenev - two of five suspects in the case - both pleaded guilty in a Russian court.

Martynenko admitted in court that he had driven his snow plough onto the runway at Moscow's Vnukovo airport, colliding with Margerie's jet in the middle of the night.

Ledenev, who was in charge of the team of airport workers on the night of the crash, pleaded guilty to failing to prevent the accident.

The three others charged in the case, all air traffic controllers, pleaded innocent.

The admission will make it difficult for the court to rule that anything other than a breach of airport safety systems led to Margerie's death.

His family has not publicly commented on the case.

Margerie oversaw multi-billion pound Total investments in Russia and was killed just as the conflict in Ukraine raised tensions with the West to levels not seen since the Cold War, triggering economic sanctions against Moscow.

All five suspects were released from jail last year after about 11 months behind bars.

The trial has been postponed several times and Russia's IAC civil aviation investigative body has yet to release its report about the crash, which critics say exposed the country's patchy air safety record.
The former husband of a pregnant Polish woman allegedly hacked to death by a crazed Syrian refugee in Germany has demanded he receives the death penalty.

Pawel Gradzki said he was 'stunned' and 'sickened' by the senseless murder in the street of Jolanta Kijak, mother of his three children.

Pregnant Miss Kijak, 45, was butchered with a meat cleaver.

A refugee, 21, was detained after Sunday's attack at a kebab shop in Reutlingen, Germany.

It was described as a crime of passion and the man is said to have been in love with her.

He is not believed to have been the father of her baby.

Demands: Pawel Gradzki, the former husband of the pregnant Polish woman hacked to death by a crazed Syrian refugee in Germany, has demanded her attacker be given the death penalty

Murdered: Jolanta Kijak 45, was butchered with a meat cleaver in the kebab shop where she worked in Reutlingen, Germany

Attack: A Syrian refugee, 21, was detained over the attack. He is said to have have fallen in love with her after eating at the kebab stall where she worked

But shocked Mr Gradzki, 48, said: 'The beast who killed her deserves the highest penalty, he deserves to die.'

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline from his home in the village of Strojcow, southern Poland, he added: 'I have no idea what drove him to do such a thing. This crime has no explanation. This monster has killed an innocent woman and hurt a lot of people.

'The ones suffering the most are my, our, children who have lost their beloved mother. No one deserves to die like this.'

Jolanta came from the small village of Swiebodzin in southern Poland, where she worked in a fast-food restaurant.

She moved to Germany last year following her divorce from her second husband. She worked as a cleaner and shared a flat with a new friend.

Three months before the fatal attack, she found a full-time job in a kitchen at the Mangal Kebab fast food restaurant.

Mr Gradzki told MailOnline that Jolanta had been a fun-loving person who he proposed to following a whirlwind romance.

He said: 'I fell in love with her at first sight. She was very pretty and had a great figure. We only knew each six months before deciding to get married.

Sickening: Speaking to the MailOnline from his home in the village of Strojcow in southern Poland, shocked Mr Gradzki, 48, said: 'The beast who killed her deserves the highest penalty, he deserves to die'

Senseless: Her former husband added: 'I have no idea what drove him to do such a thing. This crime has no explanation. This monster has killed an innocent woman and hurt a lot of people.'

'We had three beautiful children, but the marriage only lasted three years. It was a very stormy relationship.

'Looking back at it, I don't think Jolanta was ready for marriage. I wanted peace and stability but she wanted to go to discos and have fun.

'Eventually she asked for a divorce and I agreed. It was sad but inevitable. I regret that we couldn't make it work. And I regret that since then I have lost contact with my children.

'To this day they do not want to talk to me. But my door is always open to them. Perhaps after this terrible tragedy we can begin to build our relationship again.'

He added: 'I am stunned, sickened by this tragedy. We were once in love and had three beautiful children together.

'No one deserves to die like that. I experienced many injustices from my wife, but now after her death I will not say a bad thing about her.'

After divorcing Mr Gradzki, Jolanta fell in love with a wealthy entrepreneur, Rafal Kijak, 40, with whom she had her youngest daughter, Oliwia.

But after his family business went bankrupt he had a breakdown and the couple separated.

Mother: After divorcing Mr Gradzki, Jolanta met and fell in love with a wealthy local entrepreneur, Rafal Kijak, 40, with whom she had her youngest daughter, Oliwia.

Hard-working: Following her divorce from Mr Kijak she went to Reutlingen in Germany where she found work in the fast-food store where she was murdered

In order to make a better life for herself and her four children, she began doing seasonal jobs abroad picking fruit and vegetables, including three weeks in the UK where she worked on a farm.

In Sunday's sickening attack in Reutlingen witnesses were heard screaming 'Oh my God' as Jolanta was hacked at by her attacker.

The attacker also injured a 23-year-old man by slashing his face.

It is believed a man passing the incident in a BMW car ran over the man, knocking him to the ground, before he was detained by police.

A witness to the incident, Robert Lukowski, 25, described the situation as a nightmare.

He said: 'I saw the woman lying in blood. And then when I saw the crazy man in the handcuffs, I was terrified.'

Pictures from the scene appeared to show the knifeman lying on the ground with blood on his face after being apprehended.

Armed police officers were seen pinning him down to the ground before binding his hands behind his back.

Paramedics attempted to save the Jolanta's life after she sustained head injuries but she died and her body was covered with a white sheet.

She had just returned from seeing her children and 80-year-old mother in Poland.

A family friend said: 'Over the last few weeks when she was back she didn't leave her children's sides.

'I met her just two days before this horrific tragedy. She was so full of life and had so many plans.

Horror: A witness to the incident, Robert Lukowski, 25, described the situation as a nightmare. He said: 'I saw the woman lying in blood. And then when I saw the crazy man in the handcuffs, I was terrified.'

Probe: Forensic investigators were seen working outside the restaurant where the attack took place and scouring the area for evidence

Murder scene: Blood was seen spattered across the ground outside the snack bar where a man killed a pregnant woman with a machete and injured two other victims

Terror: The attack happened in Reutlingen, south west Germany close to the major city of Stuttgart. The attack came after a maniac with a gun shot nine in Munich and an axe attack on a train that left five wounded

'She was well-dressed and looked amazing. So different to what she was a few years ago. She was happy and radiant, a changed woman.'

At the family home in Swiebodzin today, Jolanta's family including her four children Sylwia, 22, Daniel, 23, Dawid, 19 and Oliwia, 8, gathered to pay respects to the woman they loved.
Tim Kaine took on the traditional vice presidential candidate role of attack dog as he addressed the Democratic convention last night - but Hillary Clinton's Veep pick won over Twitter with his 'Dad' appeal.

The Virginia senator introduced himself to the many Americans who had never heard of him before he was tapped by Clinton last week, looking to build up his nice-guy image.

'I never expected to be here,' he said, during his speech in the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

Kaine bashed Donald Trump, highlighted his political career and urged Americans to vote for Clinton - but on Twitter, he was declared a 'Dad joke' come to life.

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Tim Kaine (pictured) took on the traditional vice presidential candidate role of attack dog as he addressed the Democratic convention last night - but he won over Twitter with his 'Dad' appeal

Twitter users, including Wisconsin Senator Chris Larson, think Tim Kaine would be quick to pull a Dad joke

Wisconsin Senator Chris Larson is one of many who believe Tim Kaine is likely be quick to pull a Dad joke.

'What's becoming clear is that a Vice President @timkaine will be a solid supply of dad jokes for the next 4-8 years. #DemsInPhilly,' he tweeted.

'Tim Kaine is not afraid to turn this car around and drive everyone back home if you kids don't stop fighting,' joked Nu Wexler.

PJ Vogt added: 'Tim Kaine is your friend's dad who catches you smoking weed at a sleepover and doesn't rat you out but talks to you about brain development.'

'I can't wait to see Tim Kaine pull a quarter out of some foreign dignitary's ear at a State Dinner,' added Dan Ryan.

He added: 'Tim Kaine is going to crush crime in this country by telling all of the bad people he's not mad at them, he's just disappointed.'

Ryan also hypothesized about how the conversation between Clinton and Kaine may have gone when she picked him to be her running mate - with Kaine responding with a classic Dad joke.

Kaine won Twitter over with his 'Dad' appeal and everyman image after his address to the convention

'Tim Kaine seems like the kind of guy who buys you 5 shares of stock for your 10th birthday and tells you to "hold onto those, kiddo", noted Jake Beckman.

Alexandra Petri joked: 'I bet if Tim Kaine has leaked voicemails at the DNC they were all reminders to stay hydrated.'

Others noted that Kaine would be the type of father to embarrass his kids in public.

'Tim Kaine is your dad performing in the PTA talent show and you're proud of him but also kind of want to die,' Hayes Brown said.

Ema O'Connor added: 'I bet Tim Kaine still says "wuzzzaaaaaa" to his kids on the phone even though they've never gotten it.'

Former actress Mara Wilson also joined in on the Twitter jokes.

'Your overly nice friend's pastor dad just took the stand,' she said. 'Tim Kaine is also your second favorite substitute Spanish teacher.'

Comedian Patton Oswalt likened Kaine to the 'quiet A/V nerd in high school who could unscramble porn and secretly had great weed.'

Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine gives a thumbs-up next to his wife Anne Holton as they leave the stage

Kaine along with his wife Anne Holton acknowledge the crowd after giving a speech on Wednesday night

Many took to Twitter to liken the Virginia senator to a typical, embarrassing father type

Kaine's super-friendly vibe may help him win Clinton the presidency.

The ex-governor, also a former mayor of Richmond and city council member, hasn't lost an election in Virginia since his first campaign in the mid-1990s.

But he remains largely unknown on the national political stage.

And vouching for Clinton wasn't Kaine's only job during his star turn at the Wells Fargo Center.

He introduced himself to the American public, switching between English and Spanish and talking about his time as a Catholic missionary in Honduras.

When he highlighted his background as the son of a union ironworker and graduate of Jesuit schools, he made sure to mention his father-in-law, former Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton, a Republican who integrated the state's public schools.

'Lin's still a Republican but he's voting for an awful lot of Democrats these days,' said Kaine. 'Because any party that would nominate Donald Trump for president has moved too far away from this party of Lincoln.'

Former actress Mara Wilson and comedian Patton Wilson joined in on the Tim Kaine Twitter jokes

He placed Clinton in a long line of liberal icons, including her husband and predecessor.

'Thomas declared all were men equal and Abigail remembered the women,' he said. 'Bill built a bridge into the 21st century and Barack gave us hope.'

He went on to ridicule Trump's habit of saying no more than 'believe me' when offering vague details of how he'd build a wall on the Mexican border or destroy the Islamic State group 'so fast.'

Kaine offered a series of tough attacks on Trump, offering an impression of the New York millionaire before mocking him as a 'slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting one-man wrecking crew.'

Yet the threat of Trump hasn't led to an open embrace of Kaine by liberals, who had hoped Clinton would select Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a champion of tougher restrictions on Wall Street and other liberal causes.

Much of their unhappiness has centered on Kaine's vote in 2015 to support so-called 'fast track' authority, allowing the president to put forward the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

The Pacific Rim agreement has been promoted by President Barack Obama as a way to increase U.S. influence in Asia and act as a counterweight to China.

Kaine now opposes the deal, a position in step with Clinton, but liberals raised concerns about him after he praised parts of the agreement.

Kaine's allies say his record must be judged in totality. They point to his work as a civil rights attorney specializing in fair housing, his opposition to the death penalty, and record as governor of defending education funding during tough times.

Kaine attempted to defray some of that worry during his address.
A European police manhunt has been launched to find a Romanian accused of abducting a teenager from Britain and fleeing to Spain.

Elena Ciochina, 15, was last seen at 7pm on Saturday when she left her home in Newham, east London, Scotland Yard said.

Detectives believe she is with 27-year-old Ionut Gheorghe, who was spotted on CCTV taking 250 from a cash machine in Enfield, north London, earlier that afternoon.

Elena Ciochina, 15, (left) was last seen at 7pm on Saturday and Ionut Gheorghe, 27, (right) is now wanted under a European Arrest Warrant for abduction

Police believe the pair left the UK together on Saturday evening to travel to Europe.

Officers think they are now in the Guadalajara area of Spain, near Madrid.

Gheorghe is wanted under a European Arrest Warrant for abduction.

Elena, who is 5ft 9in and has waist-length black hair, was wearing a black T-shirt, black jogging bottoms and black plimsolls when she was last seen.

She is also Romanian and is thought to have a national identity card with her.

Gheorghe is white, about 5ft 7in, heavily built and has short, light brown hair. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark shorts and dark flip flops.
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If you've ever wanted to channel your inner Tinky Winky, this could be just the ticket.

A 'Teletubby house' is up for sale after being converted from a former World War Two shelter into an unusual family home.

The underground residence, which has two bedrooms, is on the market for 90,000 and sits on the edge of a national park.

But because of its unique position, the property has very limited natural light and there is no mains drainage.

The underground house, near Roch, Pembrokeshire, has two bedrooms, is on the market for 90,000 and sits on the edge of a national park

Called 'Middle Folly', the former WWII shelter has very limited natural light and there is no mains drainage. It is also in need of renovation

The house is powered via a wind turbine on the roof and solar panels but has no mains activity - although it does have internet access through a satellite dish. It also comes with lots of wires and cables dangling from the ceiling

Estate agents say they've already had a lot of interest in the house, which they believe could be sold as a family home or seaside holiday let. Right, the Teletubbies house from the TV show and, right, Middle Folly's floorplan

The former shelter, near Roch, Pembrokeshire, was used to protect the radar workers monitoring enemy warplanes over the Irish Sea.

It has been transformed into the house, which comes with a kitchen/dining room, a lounge and shower.

It is powered via a wind turbine on the roof and solar panels but has no mains activity - although it does have internet access through a satellite dish.

And it is also in need of some renovation, with a half-finished wall in one room and various cables and wires dangling from the ceiling.

However, estate agents say they've already had a lot of interest in the house - which they believe could be sold as a family home or seaside holiday let.

Martyn Tweedie of FBM estate agents said: 'Called Middle Folly, this property has only been on the market for less than a week and there have been a number of viewings already with some pending for later this week and early next.

The property, which is surrounded by spectacular scenery, has been on the market for less than a week but has had several viewings already

'It has the potential to be a quirky holiday home or holiday let property, subject to the appropriate planning consent of course.

'There is quite a famous property in nearby Druidston which is known as the "Teletubby House" and I think the potential buyers we have spoken to are looking at doing something similar.

'Valuation was a difficult one but we felt as long as we didn't go too far from 100k, we would have a chance to sell as it is so quirky.'

The house is up for sale via online auction and has a guide price of 89,950.

'It has the potential to be a quirky holiday home or holiday let property, subject to the appropriate planning consent of course,' said Martyn Tweedie of FBM estate agents. Above, a view from the property




A clever squirrel has been busted unscrewing a jar of nuts and eating the contents inside after a group of camping mates were accusing each other of leaving the lid off.

A video filmed by the campers shows the squirrel repeatedly raiding the jar of mixed nuts - including even when the lid is screwed on - and eating the contents.

The animal even appears to check around the campsite to make sure he won't be caught.

The squirrel at the Ontario, Canada, campsite checks to see if anyone is around before he goes for the nuts

The squirrel mounts the jar and is poised to unscrew the lid

The squirrel removes the lid with its mouth in footage captured by the campers

A user of the video website, LiveLeak, posted the covert recording after returning from the camping trip to Canada.

The user, yoshiegg2000, from Monterrey, Mexico, said: 'While camping in Ontario, Canada, my mate left his mixed nuts on a table.

'He kept finding the lid off and accusing us of not replacing it until we set up the camera and caught the culprit.

'They are very smart.

'If you watch carefully you can see the animal scan the area prior to sticking the head into the container.'

The squirrel removes the lid and places it next to the jar
Megyn Kelly took some time to relax after a long day covering the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday by enjoying a drink and catching up with a few of her fellow on-air personalities at the unlikeliest of places - the CNN Grill.

The Fox News star and her contributor pal Dana Perino were spotted at an event held by their cable news rival after a long day of speeches, arriving with three bodyguards in tow and mostly keeping to themselves according to Politco.

Kelly did find some time though to chat with Anderson Cooper and the president of CNN, Jeff Zucker while also posting a photo of herself and Perino posing with Don Lemon, who invited her to the party.

That photo was posted to her Twitter just before 3am on Thursday.

Kelly is seen beaming in the photo, taken just hours after The New York Times reported that her co-hosts at the convention, Bret Baier and Brit Hume, were refusing to speak with her off camera.

The alleged tension between the network's convention hosts comes less than a week after the resignation of Roger Ailes.

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People from the TV: Megyn Kelly attended a party at the CNN Grill after she was done hosting her convention coverage for Fox News on Wednesday (above with Anderson Cooper)

Friendly rivals: She was invited to the event by CNN anchor Don Lemon (above) and was seen chatting with Anderson Cooper and network president Jeff Zucker

Frozen treats: It was reported on Wednesday that Kelly's convention co-hosts Bret Baier and Brit Hume are refusing to speak to her off camera (Kelly above with Dana Perino at the ice cream bar)

Hume denied the Times claims in an email, saying: 'Yes, I am upset about Rogers departure. I love the guy. I dont think this episode was about political correctness. And I think Megyn Kelly did what she felt she had to do, and I am not upset with her.'

A source with on-set knowledge of the situation also spoke with DailyMail.com and said there is no tension between the three.

'The anchors are engrossed in their phones and computers, and listening to the speeches during breaks, because thats the norm during live coverage of a major event,' said the source.

'There have been plenty of private talks and evenings out behind the scenes.'

She was also not the only Fox News personality to stop by the CNN event, with Greta Van Susteren and Kennedy also making there way to the network's party.

Kelly's attendance at the CNN event coupled with the Times story has now led to speculation that she could be considering a move to the network when her contract expires next year.

She even acknowledged a possible move last night, joking to one attendee when they told her they needed a job: 'I might need one soon as well.'

Anderson and Lemon, like Kelly, are a part of their network's primetime lineup, but Cooper airs opposite Bill O'Reilly's The O'Reilly Factor at 8pm and Lemon anchors CNN Tonight at 10pm, after Kelly's show.

CNN does not have a personality who hosts their 9pm hour, which is when Fox News airs The Kelly File.

Kelly has addressed her possible departure from the network before, telling Variety in May: 'I've had a great 12 years here, and I really like working for Roger Ailes. I really like my show, and I love my team. But, you know, there's a lot of brain damage that comes from the job.'

Kelly reportedly had some different things to say about Ailes however in the wake of Gretchen Carlson's lawsuit against their boss at the network.

Ailes' departure from the network came two week after Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit, more women came forward to claim they had been sexually harassed by Ailes and 21st Century Fox launched an internal investigation.

Fox News c-host Bret Baier uploaded a picture of the pair sharing a joke during the convention coverage

It was during the investigation that Kelly reportedly revealed that she herself had been harassed by Ailes when she first joined the company.

Kelly has refused multiple requests for comment about what she said to investigators.

She also refused to come to the defense of Ailes in the wake of Carlson's claims, making her one of the only anchors on the network to keep silent.

Almost every single other on-air personality at Fox News did come to Ailes defense however, with some also going after Carlson as well in the days after her filing.

In an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers earlier this month, Fox News host Bill O'Reilly firmly stated: 'I stand by Roger 100 percent.'

The host of the network's top-rated program, The O'Reilly Factor, told Meyers that it was 'a very sad situation' when first asked to comment about Carlson's lawsuit, but then went on to say: 'Ive worked for Roger Ailes for 20 years. Best boss Ive ever had. Straight shooter, always honest with me.

'And I believe that, over the years - hes been in the business for 50 years - 95 percent of the people who have worked for Roger Ailes would say exactly the same thing that I just told you.'

O'Reilly then took aim at the many 'frivolous' lawsuits being filed these days against rich and powerful men like the Fox News CEO, who he described as a 'target.'

He at no point specifically mentioned Carlson or her lawsuit during the interview.

Speaking up: Kelly reportedly told investigators that she was sexually harassed by Fox News CEO Roger Ailes (above last Thursday with wife Elizabeth) during the network's recent internal investigation

In addition to O'Reilly, Greta Van Susteren, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Ainsley Earhardt, Harris Faulkner, Maria Bartiromo, Sandra Smith and Martha MacCallum and many others have spoken publicly about their appreciation and respect for Ailes.

Guilfoyle, who has hosted Carlson's former program multiple times since her departure, told Breitbart that Ailes is a 'champion of women,' adding that she has none him for over a decade.

'Nothing inappropriate has ever transpired, nor am I aware of anything inappropriate that has ever transpired with any of the other women that I've ever talked to,' said Guilfoyle.

'I've talked to 30, at least, fellow female colleagues at Fox, and not one of them said anything inappropriate was ever said or transpired.

'In fact, they were all very upset to see this happen, and you know they know Roger Ailes would never treat them in this fashion.'

Bartiromo said of the allegations in an interview with Variety: 'Nobody wants to see anybody have any bad experiences. Its just not in keeping with what I know, and my experience at Fox.'

Van Susteren told People: 'I deal with Roger Ailes often. I've often been alone with Roger Ailes in his office over the course of 15 years and I've never seen anything like what I'm reading about in the papers and the magazine.'

She also added of Carlson's lawsuit: 'This doesn't have any ring of truth to me. I would have heard it. People don't keep things silent.'

Fox News set up an interview in which MacCallum, Earhardt and Faulkner told Mediaite they did not believe that allegations being made about Ailes by Carlson, who Earhardt twice calling him a 'father figure' and MacCallum saying that Carlson's lawsuit 'sort of bonded us' and 'brought people together.'

In that interview all three women also dismissed Carlson's claim that she was unable to wear pants while appearing on Fox and Friends.

Smith echoed that in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating: 'I have never been instructed on the length of my skirt or the color of my lipstick.'

She also said she was 'very surprised and a little bit confused' she learned of Carlson's allegations.
Six convicted Islamist terrorists and seven suspects are currently on the loose in France with electronic tags, it was revealed today.

The shocking figures emerged as the country's judiciary tried to defend their decision to allow Islamic State operative Adel Kermiche out of prison in March.

He too was under nothing more than electronic surveillance, but on Tuesday he walked into his local church and murdered a Catholic priest.

Kermiche's accomplice, Abdelmalik Petitjean, was also a known Isis fanatic, but both 19-year-olds were effectively given free rein to go where they wanted.

As calls intensified for resignations in France, legal unions confirmed that no less than five specialist antiterrorist judges had sanctioned the decision to free Kermiche.

Adel Kermiche, left, and Abdelmalik Petitjean aka Abdel Malik, right, are pictured here in a home video where they pledge allegiance to IS

He had tried to join the Isis caliphate in Syria twice, but they pointed to a five-month psychological study which suggested he could change his ways.

Virginie Duval, president of the USM judges' union, said: 'We can't say that there weren't problems with this case, but it's easy to judge when you know the end of the story.

'Specialist judges made the decision [to free Kermich with a tag], and they are used to the double speak of the Islamists, but we're not in the heads of these people.

'If we get rid of the alternatives to prison  judicial control and electronic surveillance  we won't have the choice between freedom or provisional detention.

'And we should remember that in this matter, the principle is freedom, and detention is the exception.

'Wanting the opposite, and thinking that all terrorist suspects should be imprisoned would involve constitutional change and a break with our European commitments. It's a political choice.'

A Ministry of Justice spokesman in Paris meanwhile confirmed that of the 285 terrorist suspects currently indicted, 264 were in prison.

Adel Kermiche was meant to be staying with his mother and father at the family home in Saint Etienne-du Rouvray when he murdered Father Jacques Hamel (pictured)

The church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray where Jacques Hamel was murdered by Adel Kermiche

This translates as a 93 per cent incarceration rate, compared to 20 per cent in ordinary cases, said the spokesman.

But he also confirmed that the six convicted terrorists and seven suspects had been given the same kind of bail conditions as Kermiche, who being prosecuted under anti-terrorist legislation.

Kermiche was meant to be staying with his mother and father at the family home in Saint Etienne-du Rouvray, where he murdered Father Jacques Hamel, 86.

Islamic State operative Adel Kermiche was allowed out of prison in March

Bizarrely, he was allowed a four hour window every day between 8.30am and 12.30pm, when his electronic device was switched off.

Father Hamel was murdered soon after 9.45am, just after celebrating 9am mass in the parish church where he was an assistant priest.

In another scandalous lapse, the French authorities received a warning that an Islamic State terrorist was preparing to strike four days before the attack.

Abdelmalik Petitjean's s photo had been widely distributed to police stations after an anonymous tip-off 'from abroad' last Friday.

It was received with a colour photograph of Petitjean, and said he 'was preparing to take part in an attack on national territory'.

The warning went on: 'He's already in France, and is preparing to act alone, or with others.'

While no names were contained in the warning, Petitjean was a French national from an Alpine town, where he was educated and well known to the police.

Both Petitjean and Kermiche were on terrorist watch lists, and should technically have been under surveillance.

Police sources said the warning about Petitjean was received by Uclat, their counterterrorism coordination unit.

There have been widespread calls for President Francois Hollande and senior ministers to resign following the security failures that have contributed to recent atrocities.

The majority of those responsible for terrorist attacks which have caused up to 250 deaths in France over the past 18 months were known to the authorities.

Many were on S-lists, while others should have been serving prison sentences after travelling to and from Isis terrorist camps in Syria.
Shelby Systems Celebrates 40th Anniversary with New Integrated Product Suite Helping churches increase impact



Contact: Karen Sebold,

865-271-9430



CORDOVA, Tenn., July 28, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Shelby Systems, a leading software and services company for churches and ministries recently celebrated their 40th anniversary at the International Shelby Conference, the firm's annual user conference which offers education, thought leadership and networking opportunities for attendees.



Photo: The Shelby team celebrates its 40-year anniversary



This year over 500 church leaders and staff joined many members of the Shelby team in Orlando, Fla., for a special worship session that marked the occasion and gave thanks for four decades of service to the church.



Over that span, more than 7,500 churches and ministries in 45 countries have relied on Shelby solutions to manage their membership and financial software needs, giving churches the ability to be more effective and efficient in ministry and increasing their impact on the world.



"We've had quite an exciting 40th year," remarked Russell McDaniel, general manager of Shelby Systems. The milestone year began with Shelby joining forces with Ministry Brands, a dynamic church solutions company that acquired Shelby in the spring of 2015.



"Teaming up with Ministry Brands has been an incredible experience. Both companies have leaders and employees who share a genuine passion to bring the best solutions possible to the church market. Ministry Brands brought technology and innovation that we were immediately able to combine with the Shelby experience and expertise to rapidly advance our next generation solutions," said McDaniel.



"The new suite of products, along with our existing Arena church management system, gives us the ability to meet the needs of all types of churches," McDaniel added.



The new suite of products are cloud-based SaaS offerings appropriately and collectively known as ShelbyNEXT and include church membership management, fund accounting, online giving and website solutions as an integrated offering. The solution also makes available integrated background check ordering from the leader in church protection services, Protect My Ministry.



"ShelbyNEXT is the culmination of years of listening, planning and designing what we think is the perfect blend of tools for ministries," said McDaniel. "The suite really rounds out our product offerings in addition to our Arena Church Management platform."



"Shelby has seen strong adoption of its upgraded offerings over the last year with hundreds of churches already realizing substantial benefit," shared Mark White, executive vice president of church management platforms for Ministry Brands and a former executive with Shelby Systems. "This has been such a positive transformational year for the Shelby team. Being able to partner with Ministry Brands and the other sister companies we work with has provided a spark that we know will power the Shelby team for decades to come."



Shelby is powered by a strong group of dedicated and passionate people. "Our people make us great," said McDaniel. "Our customers are constantly letting us know that our expertise in the church market and our years of experience make an incredible difference. Whether it is the team's knowledge of the nuances of membership management or our industry leading understanding of fund accounting for the church, the Shelby team is second to none."



In April of 2016, Shelby team members joined other Ministry Brands employees in El Salvador. During the trip, the team of 12 worked alongside a local team at a child development center focused on enriching the lives and sharing the Gospel with children in need. The center is funded in part by Ministry Brands and several employees have signed on to sponsor children served by the center.



"The leaders and employees at Shelby and Ministry Brands are aligned in their desire to live out their faith and serve God at home and abroad. It is part of our mutual DNA and a big part of what makes us good at what we do. Over the last 40 years, we've been blessed to be able to assist the Church in ministry. I think we are on a great path to help increase the impact as we move into the next 40 years," remarked White.



About Shelby Systems

Shelby Systems supplies software, services and support to help churches and ministries thrive. For more information, visit www.shelbysystems.com.



About Ministry Brands

Ministry Brands is leading the way with technology driven solutions and market leading services for churches and ministries. We do what we do, so you can do ministry. For more information, visit www.ministrybrands.com.

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Security chiefs now fear lone-wolf attackers in Britain could adapt them

Britain could be hit in an ISIS drone attack after their latest killing machine was uncovered in Syria and Iraq, security experts warned today.

UK officials have found disturbing evidence the terror group is flying armed commercial drones over Syria and Iraq, it was revealed this afternoon.

Ministers said militants have deployed small drones carrying explosives to blow up troops and spy cameras to map out army positions.

The discovery last night led to warnings that lone-wolf jihadists could use drones to spray deadly nuclear waste over British cities or blow up civilians on the streets.

ISIS fighters in Syria have shown off their drones in films sparking fears terrorists could use them in the UK

A former security minister and head of the navy called for tougher regulations on commercial drones in Britain to keep people safe.

US officials also said the pilotless flying machines posed a 'direct threat' to Western troops on the ground in Iraq, including British troops.

Drones can be purchased easily on websites such as Amazon and delivered to doors in Britain.

The Foreign Office yesterday said they have photographs and other classified material that shows the jihadists using small drones to spread terror in the Middle East.

They are also using them to disseminate propaganda and provide target information for vehicles carrying out suicide bombs.

In a written statement, Baroness Anelay of St Johns said: 'The Government has a range of material, including images, that provides evidence that Daesh has used small, commercially available unmanned aerial vehicles in Syria and Iraq to extend their surveillance capability, produce propaganda material and carry small improvised explosive devices.'

Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former head of chemical and biological weapons for the British Army and Nato, said he first saw an ISIS controlled drone in May this year.

Speaking after a visit to Iraq to train local forces, he told the Mail: 'Islamic State flew a drone over the peshmerga fighters to find out their positions. I had never seen this before.

'The peshmerga fired rounds of bullets at it but couldn't shoot it down. These types of drones could carry up to 5kg so a bomb that size could kill a few people.

'They could also put a chlorine or a mustard agent on it.'

Security chiefs say the terror group are using them on the front line in Syria and could use them in Britain

He said the terror group could easily purchase drones in Britain and put a small explosive on them to kill a handful of people or chemical weapons to inflict mass casualty damage.

He said: 'Islamic State is pretty resourceful. With all of these Islamic State attacks in Europe it would be possible to replicate this here. Their research could be passed on to lone wolf attackers.

'They could try this in Europe, it could happen.'

Admiral Lord West, a former security minister and head of the navy, said the discovery was 'extremely worrying'.

He said that tighter safeguards were needed for commercially-available drones in the UK.

He said: 'This is extremely worrying. If Islamic State are carrying IEDs on drones in Iraq where it is not as easy to buy them then they could do it in this country.

'Imagine one of those drones carrying a few pounds, that's a very nasty bang.

'They are easy to get hold of here. I'm worried about the safety of people in this country. I don't think our control of drones is as tight as it should be.

'Daesh is like water at the top of a building, it spreads across and tries to find little gaps it can run through. This will be one of the little gaps it is looking at.

'I think it would be foolhardy for us not to look to our defences for this.'

Experts say the drones could be adapted to carry small bombs or chemical weapons for terrorist attacks

He said there was also a concern that hundreds of British soldiers conducting training missions in Iraq could be targeted by the drones.

He said: 'If they are able to fly an IED in Iraq it does make you worry about the safety of British soldiers.

'It would be difficult to shoot down a drone using a rifle.'

Earlier this month, US military officials said 'small and tactical unmanned aerial systems; equipped with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) 'pose a direct threat to US and coalition forces'.

They are using quadcopters and fixed-wing drones.

Earlier in the year, David Cameron and Barack Obama held a 'war game' session on how to respond to a drone attack using nuclear waste.

Under the scenario, terrorists managed to steal nuclear material from a health facility and smuggle it into Britain.

Drones  such as those used to dust crops  were then used to spread the lethal material.

The Department for Transport is talking to manufacturers about the use of geo-fencing technology in their drones.
He is also accused of removing TKE-related items from the victim's dorm room without his knowledge

Cantor allegedly urged the sick pledge not to seek medical attention and no to talk about the cause of his injuries

Victim became ill after police say he was made to perform strenuous workouts,

Two college students in Maryland have been accused of hazing a 19-year-old fraternity pledge who fell seriously ill and ended up in the hospital vomiting blood after an initiation ceremony.

Baltimore County police say 21-year-old Evan Palmer Francis and 21-year-old Alexander James Cantor, both of Towson University, were charged Wednesday with hazing and reckless endangerment.

Police spokeswoman Elise Armacost says an unidentified male student became extremely ill and was hospitalized after attending a Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity initiation event March 31 during which he was made to perform strenuous workouts, recite knowledge of the fraternity and drink unknown substances.

Hazing arrests: Evan Francis (left) and Alexander Cantor (right), students at Towson University in Maryland, have been charged with hazing and reckless endangerment

Initiation ritual: Police say a 19-year-old Towson University student became ill after being forced to perform strenuous workouts, recite knowledge of Tau Kappa Epsilon and drink caustic substance in March

According to the victim's family speaking to CBS affiliateWJZ, the 19-year-old was forced to eat cat food and drink something that made him vomit blood.

The fraternity's international chapter and the university say the Towson chapter has been suspended until at least 2021.

University spokesman Ray Feldmann says the school takes all hazing allegations very seriously.

According to a Baltimore County police press release, Evan Francis was responsible for overseeing TKE events and ensure the safety of fraternity pledges, while Cantor was in charge of communication with an oversight of pledges.

Both men were present during the March 31 initiation event, which took place at the fraternity house in the 300 block of Hillen Road.

Frat boys: Evan Francis (left) was responsible for overseeing TKE events, while Alex Cantor (right) was in charge of communication with an oversight of pledges

Francis (pictured right) was released on $35,000 bail. He is no longer enrolled in the university

Investigators say that when Cantor found out that the victim planned to seek medical attention, he urged him not to, and also told him not to tell anyone about the cause of his injuries.

The victim's injuries were consistent with injestion [sic] of an unknown caustic substance, according to the press release.

Cantor, of Bel Air, Maryland, also allegedly organized the removal of TKE-related items from the victim's dorm room without his knowledge while he was in the hospital.

Francis was released on $35,000 bail and Cantor was freed after posting $50,000 bail. Both men are set to go on trial September 19.

Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and six months in jail. Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor punishable by a $5,000 fine and five years in jail.

Ray Feldman, Towsons spokesman, tells WBAL Radio that Francis and Cantor are no longer enrolled in the university.

Video courtesy of WJZ
Five US special operations troops were wounded in combat with Islamic State fighters in eastern Afghanistan, the senior US commander in the country said Thursday.

It appeared to be the first reported instance of US troops being wounded in fighting against the Islamic State in Afghanistan.

ISIS bases in the eastern province of Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan, are currently being targeted by an Afghan military offensive, backed by US troops.

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Five US special operations troops were wounded in combat with Islamic State fighters in eastern Afghanistan, the senior US commander in the country said Thursday (file photo)

The Afghan offensive began on Saturday, hours after ISIS claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in the capital Kabul that killed around 80 people.

Gen. John Nicholson, the top commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said the five wounded Americans were hit by small arms fire or shrapnel during a combat operation conducted with Afghan special operations forces to clear areas once controlled by ISIS in Nangarhar.

He did not say exactly when the injuries happened. The Pentagon later issued what it called a clarification, saying one of the five was wounded on Sunday and the other four on Monday.

'There was not one incident or specific firefight, but these service members were wounded over the course of the clearing operations General Nicholson described,' a Pentagon spokesman, Adam Stump, said in a statement.

'As General Nicholson indicated, we're not able to discuss further specifics at this point of the counterterrorism operation.'

Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon from his headquarters in Kabul, Nicholson said none of the wounds are life-threatening.

Three of the soldiers have been evacuated to a U.S. military hospital in Germany, he said.

'They're in good spirits,' Nicholson said. 'They've talked to their families. We expect a full recovery.'

The other two wounded have been returned to duty in Afghanistan, he said.

Nicholson said the casualties happened during a counterterrorism operation in which Afghan forces have recaptured ground previously held by ISIS, following US airstrikes.

Thus far, operations have been successful, Nicholson said.

ISIS bases in the eastern province of Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan, are currently being targeted by an Afghan military offensive, backed by US troops (file photo)

'We have helped the Afghan security forces to reclaim significant portions of the territory that was previously controlled by Daesh,' he said, using an alternative acronym for the Islamic militant group.

'We have killed many Daesh commanders and soldiers, destroyed key infrastructure capabilities, logistical nodes, and Daesh fighters are retreating south into the mountains of southern Nangarhar as we speak.'

He said the number of IS fighters in Afghanistan has declined from an estimated 3,000 at the start of this year to between 1,000 and 1,500.

The majority of those in Nangarhar are former members of a Pakistan Taliban group known as TTP, he said, adding that they were largely forced out of Pakistan by a government offensive and joined IS earlier this year.
A couple have been banned from the island of Jersey for three years after they left their two young daughters alone in a hotel while they went out drinking.

The 28-year-old man, from Stratford in east London, and his wife, 30, was stopped for drink driving at 2.45am and taken into custody.

Their children, aged five and eight, were temporarily taken into care by Jersey's children's services department.

The Evening Standard said the man was a top DJ in London who performed at top nightclubs around the world and he had gone clubbing on Saturday night, leaving his wife and daughters asleep at the hotel.

The family were staying at the Beachcombers Hotel (pictured) in Grouville and their children were found asleep on a sofa bed in their hotel room

The following night they stayed in their hotel room until 1.10am when the man persuaded his wife to go out for a drink.

The couple cannot be named to protect the children's identity.

A magistrates court in St Helier, the capital of Jersey, heard that a police car flagged them down as they drove through the town with their brake lights 'flashing intermittently'.

The DJ was found to be almost three times over the drink driving limit.

Police legal adviser Lawrence O'Donnell said the couple were interviewed by police and admitted their children had been left alone at the Beachcombers Hotel in nearby Grouville.

Police officers found the girls asleep on a sofa bed.

The older daughter had been given a mobile phone in case of an emergency.

The couple's lawyer, Michael Haines, said the man had talked his wife into coming out with him for a drink in the early hours of Monday morning.

The family were on a week's holiday in the sleepy town of Grouville (pictured) when the father talked his wife into going out around 1.10am to find somewhere to have a drink

The father pleaded guilty to drink driving and was banned from driving for two years.

He and his wife both admitted recklessly exposing children to a risk of harm and were banned from the island for three years.

The father was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service.

The court was told Newham social services would oversee the community service order and carry out an assessment of the family.

The family, who were on a week's holiday in Jersey, have now arrived back in London.
Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi said it was the 'three Gs' that have caused white men to desert the Democratic Party.

'They voted against their own economic interests because of guns, because of gays and because of God,' Pelosi said. 'God being the woman's right to choose.'

Pelosi sat down with PBS' Judy Woodruff and tried to explain why Donald Trump has resonated so much with white males voters, especially those who have not attended college.

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House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi argued that guns, gays and God have turned off white people, especially the poorly educated, from the Democratic Party

Nancy Pelosi's comments mirror what then-Sen. Barack Obama said behind closed doors in 2008 as he tried to explain why people living in Pennsylvania's small towns were voting against their economic interests

'How does Hillary Clinton counter that?' Woodruff asked.

'With an economic agenda to create jobs, good-paying jobs, increasing paychecks,' Pelosi replied.

Pelosi isn't the first Democrat to point to guns and the Bible as to why her party struggles to attract broad swaths of the white American vote.

In 2008, at an off-the-record fundraiser in San Francisco, then-Sen. Barack Obama tried explaining Republicans' pull on those in Pennsylvania and other rust belt states.

'You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them,' Obama told donors. 'And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not.'

'And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to runs or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations,' Obama said in April 2008.

When his comments came to light, the Democrat took a political hit.

The optics were bad, with Obama making the remarks at a closed-door fundraiser in liberal and snooty San Francisco, California.

And the content was panned by conservatives who felt Obama was digging on two things they held dear.

Clinton, then his political rival, called him an 'elitist.'

But Obama and Pelosi  a Clinton supporter  are largely making the same claims today, which was articulated in the best-selling book 'What's the Matter with Kansas?' that argued that white people were voting against their economic interest because Republicans had cornered the God vote, using issues like gay marriage and abortion.

However the former House Speaker, who had to hand over her gavel to John Boehner in 2011, said she thought she detected a 'softening' among that voting bloc.
He wandered lonely as a cloud...with nobody paying him a moment's notice. Fifteen days earlier he was the most powerful man in the country.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron was spotted today enjoying a morning stroll on holiday in Weymouth.

The man who quit 10 Downing Street after Britain voted for Brexit was spotted walking along the seafront carrying a green plastic bag and wearing the same dark blue polo shirt he wore the last time he was snapped in public in Notting Hill.

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David Cameron, wearing his favourite casual blue polo shirt, takes a stroll along the Esplanade in Weymouth today

Tim Withers told the Dorset Evening Echo the ex-PM popped into his seafood shop, Weyfish, and bought some lobster but he added: 'We didn't really notice until he left and then we were like that was David Cameron. He didn't really speak.'

He also dropped in for a macchiato at a local cafe, Coffee#1.

An employee at Coffee#1 told MailOnline: 'Yes he was in here earlier with Samantha and another man. I don't know if he was a bodyguard, he didn't look like a bodyguard but maybe that's the point.'

He added: 'He was keeping a very low profile. He didn't want any fuss made and he certainly wasn't signing autographs.'

Weymouth is one of the locations being used for the big budget Hollywood movie Dunkirk, which stars Tom Hardy and One Direction's Harry Styles.

And it did not take long for the Twittersphere to put together memes mocking Cameron.

The Wolf's Paw tweeted: 'Weymouth is bloody CHAOS...Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, That chap from 1D....oh and David Cameron.'

It's that shirt again! In August last year David Cameron and his wife Samantha went on holiday to Cornwall. Mr Cameron sported that same polo short while having a coffee at a cafe in Polzeath

Mr Cameron (pictured left, with wife Samantha) bid farewell to 10 Downing Street earlier this month. The following day he was spotted outside a cafe in Notting Hill, west London, with ex-Chancellor George Osborne. He was wearing the same blue polo shirt that day

David Cameron, pictured surrounded by One Direction, was quickly mocked on Twitter
A man has been slapped with a hefty 1,000 fine for playing 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Smack My B**** Up' on his stereo so loud it made his neighbour's floor vibrate.

Sean Harman, 37, did not even bother to turn up for a court hearing after he breached a noise abatement notice at his York home on May 21 of this year.

York Magistrates' Court heard the City of York Council Community Safety team raided Harman's address just three days after neighbours complained about his loud music disturbing them.

A man has been slapped with a hefty 1,000 fine for playing 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Smack My B**** Up' on his stereo so loud it made his neighbour's floor vibrate

Sean Harman, 37, did not even bother to turn up for a court hearing after he breached a noise abatement notice at his York home on May 21 of this year. When council officers turned up three days later they heard 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Smack My B**** Up' by The Prodigy blaring from the speakers

Council enforcement officers heard songs blaring out of Harman's address when they confiscated huge tower speakers and equipment on May 24.

While inspecting the property, officers witnessed tunes including 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Smack My B**** Up' played so loudly they made the neighbour's floor vibrate.

Harman was convicted during a short hearing Wednesday following his breach of noise notice.

York Magistrates' Court fined Harman 660 and ordered him to pay costs of 760 and to pay a victim surcharge of 66.

City of York Council provide a 'noise patrol service' which attends addresses from 9pm and 3am on Friday and Saturday.
A woman stole 44,000 from her bosses to pay for luxuries including a trip to New York and jewellery from Tiffany & Co.

Sharin Mooney doctored invoices under the noses of her managers at a wind farm firm for nearly nine months before her swindle began to unravel.

The 38-year-old accounts assistant used some of the stolen money to fund a stay at New York's iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel, before posting a picture of herself on Facebook with Manhattan's Times Square in the background.

High life: A court heard how Sharin Mooney posted images of herself in New York City, after stealing some 44,000 from her bosses

On her Twitter account, Mooney posted: 'Cocktails solve all the problems.'

Mooney - who hasn't paid back a penny of what she stole - bought specialist document-altering software on the internet, a court heard.

She used it to change a series of invoices in order for money to pour directly into her personal bank account, Greenock Sheriff Court was told.

The largest of the payments, for 8,000, was siphoned into her account just before she jetted off to America.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady said suspicions arose after a staff member noticed a 'discrepancy' with a copy invoice and had asked Mooney to help locate the original.

Mooney bought specialist document-altering software on the internet in order to carry out the scam for several months

Mrs Brady said: 'A number of weeks went by and the accused did not produce the invoice. She said that she was too busy.'

Bosses at 2020 Renewables in Greenock, Scotland, launched a probe and uncovered a total of eight transactions of company cash into Mooney's account between April 2 and December 23, 2014.

Mrs Brady said: 'The total amounted to some 44,000.

'The managing director called a meeting with the company solicitor and the accused admitted that she had stolen the money.

'She stated that she had financial problems.'

Sheriff Hamilton warned Mooney she faces a possible jail term when she returns to Greenock Sheriff Court (pictured), for sentencing next month

As well as her New York trip, Mooney made a purchase from luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co and paid for numerous airline flights.

Mrs Brady said: 'There were payments to what appeared to be loan companies but there were also a number of leisure activities, restaurant bills, flight costs and significant spending in New York City.'

Defence lawyer Ellen Macdonald said: 'Luxury items were purchased but there were also considerable payments to payday loans - sometimes three or four in one day.'

Ms Macdonald said that Mooney, from Johnstone, Renfrewshire, took on 'family debt' following the sudden death of her father.

Sheriff Hamilton warned Mooney she faces a possible jail term when she returns to court for sentencing next month.
One of the most wanted jihadis in the world has been pictured for the first time after years of mystery surrounding his identity.

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of the deadly al-Nusra Front in Syria, has been head of the terror group since 2012.

Until now, only very little has been known about his true identity.

But the group released the first photograph of him today just hours before the groundbreaking announcement of the end of their official affiliation with al-Qaeda.

Wanted: Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of the deadly al-Nusra Front in Syria, has been head of the terror group since 2012

We declare the complete cancellation of all operations under the name of Jabhat al-Nusra, and the formation of a new group operating under the name Jabhat Fath al-Sham noting that this new organisation has no affiliation to any external entity, said Jolani, in a video aired on the Syrian opposition station Orient TV and Al-Jazeera.

The group will also now be known by the name Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, meaning the Conquest of Syria.

The al-Qaeda leader has reportedly approved the split so the Nusra forces could concentrate on their fight against the Syrian government.

The deputy leader of al-Qaeda released what appeared to be an endorsement for the split, saying in a message that the al-Nusra Front should do whatever it takes to preserve the jihadi movement in the war-torn country.

The al-Qaeda deputy Ahmen Hassan Abu el-Kheir said the organisation instructs the leadership of the Nusra Front to go ahead with what protects the interests of Islam and Muslims and what protects jihad in Syria.

He urged the group to unite with other factions against Crusaders and form a good Islamic government.

The al-Qaeda leader has reportedly approved the split so the Nusra forces could concentrate on their fight against the Syrian government and other rebel groups (pictured file image of Al-Nusra Front)

We will be the first to support it, he added.

The message also included a comment from al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri, saying: The brotherhood of Islam is stronger that any organisational links that change and go away.

The move by al-Nusra means that there are now no official al-Qaeda groups fighting in Syria.

Al-Jolani said the split would mean the US and Russia could no longer use the 'pretext' of its association with al-Qaeda to attack Syrians.

The Nusra Front's fighters have been among the strongest in battling the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his allies like Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrillas.

It often fights alongside other rebel factions, which in turn have been hit by Russian airstrikes ostensibly targeting militants.

The announcement came a week after US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said they had agreed on 'concrete steps' to save a failing Syria truce and tackle jihadist groups like a-Nusra and ISIS.

It has been al-Qaedas branch in Syria and one of the most powerful armed groups fighting the government.

Al-Nusra first emerged in January 2012, 10 months after Syria's conflict began with anti-government protests that were brutally repressed by President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
A 35-year-old father is dead and his 11-month-old daughter is recovering from a gunshot wound after two masked men stormed into their house and opened fire.

Antonio Mason was holding his daughter when he was shot in the chest in his Gainesville home just before 11.40pm on Wednesday.

Both the baby girl and a 21-year-old man were struck in the arm. They were taken to a nearby hospital and their injuries are not considered life-threatening, according to police.

More than 20 people, including at least five children, were inside the house for a family gathering when the men started shooting.

Antonio Mason, 35, was killed when two masked gunmen burst into this Gainesville, Florida home and opened fire during a family gathering. Mason was holding his 11-month-old baby girl, who was shot in the arm

Witnesses said the two men were armed with handguns and began shooting from just inside the house's doorway.

The guests could be seen running down the street when officers started arriving less than one minute after 911 was called.

'It's amazing no one else was hit,' police spokesman Ben Tobias told the Miami Herald.

Mason died at the scene.

Officers put tourniquets on the arms of the child and the 21-year-old man to help stabilize them before paramedics arrived.

The shooters ran from the home but a search by multiple police officers, helicopters and K-9 united yielded nothing, investigators said.

Tobias said investigators do not believe the attack was random. A motive remains unknown.

The department has increased patrols in the neighborhood since the attack.

'I can't imagine what kind of person would look at a person holding a child and be able to make the barbaric decision to pull the trigger,' Tobias said.
CANAN Decries Killings of Christians in Nigeria

Says 384 Christians Killed, 111 Injured so far in 2016 alone



Contact: Dr. Ade Oyesile, Executive Director, Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans, CANAN, 516-819-4355, Ade.oyesile@cananusa.org, cananusa@gmail.com

NEW YORK, July 27, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Members of Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN) strongly condemn the horrible killings of Nigerian Christians by Muslims across the country.

Speaking through the Executive Director, Dr. Ade' Oyesile, said, "we are saddened by the rapid occurrences of these atrocious killings without a corresponding accountability being meted to the growing list of perpetrators." CANAN now calls on the federal government to go beyond mere expression of shock at the vicious killings and set in motion practical steps to stem this ugly spectacle of continuous massacre of Christians.

As at July 20, 2016, our records show that at least 384 Christians have been killed and 111 injured in various parts of the country. With just weeks past midyear, this figure compares in a scaring proportion to a total of 431 deaths and 301 injured Christians in the entire 2015.

These killings, we noticed, are carried out either by tit-for-tat attacks, arson on properties especially churches or the targeted systemic killings of Christians perpetuated by the Boko Haram terrorist religious sectarian group.

Our figures of Christians killed and maimed by Muslims corroborates with documentation by "The Religion of Peace," a magazine that chronicles attack on Christians. The magazine gives even more details of the vicious killings in 2016 alone as follows:

On January 27, at least16 Christians were killed and 32 injured when a suicide bomber sent a shrapnel at a vegetable market in Chibok a Christian town in Maiduguri.

On January 29, in Adamawa, 10 Christians were killed and 28 injured when a suicide bomber detonates a bomb at a busy market near a church. All the victims were Christians.

On February 14 in Abbi community in Uzo-Uwani, Enugu State, Fulani herdsmen killed 2 Christians when a brother and sister were hacked down in a Christian dominated community. 19 people were injured.

On February 24 in Agatu, Benue State, the nation witnessed the merciless killings of at least 300 Christians by radical Islamic mercenaries including pregnant women.

In Enugu on April 25, 48 Christians were killed and 60 injured also perpetuated by Fulani herdsmen.

On April 30 in Dadawa, an outskirt of Sabongari in Kano State, a man and his daughter were burnt alive in a church by Boo Haram.

At Ninte village, in Jemaa local government in Kaduna State on May 31, just a month after, 3 Christians were burnt to death in a Pastors' home as they slept.

In Kano on June 2, a Christian woman was beheaded by Islamic fundamentalist after a minor argument.

On June 30 at Obi town in Nasarawa State, a Pastor was killed by a militant Muslim.

The July 9 incident were a female Pastor was hacked to death in the FCT by Muslim radicals traumatized every right thinking individual.

This dastardly killings of Christians in the country MUST stop. It is most disappointing that these unprovoked killings of Christians have continued despite the federal government condemnation statements.

There is palpable anger in the land and it is anger without answers from the federal government has a direct responsibility to secure the lives of all citizens.

This is more so as we Christians do not preach gospel of retaliation, we preach peace and peace we are seeking now.

Whatever the federal government is doing, if any, is either too slow or insignificant compared with the reoccurrence of the killings; the federal government needs to step up and take bold actions to give members of the Christian community in the country a sense of security and belonging.

We MUST all work hard to avoid these sectarian killings which in our very eyes have made countries embroiled in it to become failed nations. That should not be our portion in Jesus Christ name.

Dr. Ade Oyesile

Executive Director

Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans, CANAN

Ade.oyesile@cananusa.org, cananusa@gmail.com
'Predator' sought: Maurice Nelson, 28, is wanted for allegedly kidnapping a woman in Indianapolis, chaining her in the basement of his home and repeatedly raping her over the course of four days

Police in Indiana are searching for a suspect who is accused of kidnapping, repeatedly raping and keeping a woman in chains for four days in his basement.

Maurice Nelson, 28, abducted and tortured a 23-year-old woman, who was rescued from the suspects home earlier this month, according to newly released court documents.

A probable cause affidavit, cited by The Indianapolis Star, states that at around 6.20pm on July 14, neighbors heard screams coming from a residence in the 4500 block of Norwaldo Avenue and called police.

Officers who responded to the scene cut down a padlock, broke into the dwelling and descended to the basement, where they discovered a naked woman handcuffed, shackled and with a chain around her neck. Additional restraints secured the victim to the floor and to a metal pole.

The victim told police that her four-day nightmare started on July 10 when she met up with Maurice Nelson 10 after the two spoke through a phone chat line.

The 28-year-old man picked up the woman from a local hotel and she agreed to go to his house and 'chill,' the document states.

When the couple arrived at Nelson's residence, they proceeded to have sex, but at one point Nelson stopped and sprayed the woman with mace, according to police.

Nelson then allegedly overpowered the 23-year-old, cuffed her and dragged her down to the cellar, where he chained her up, covered her mouth with duct tape, beat her with a baton he dubbed Timmy turner and raped her at least four times over the next four days, according to police.

The alleged victim said her captor told her he was a cop and pretended to be talking on a police radio.

To cover up her cries for help, the kidnapper turned on a pair of radios in the house and increased the volume to high.

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House of horrors: The 23-year-old victim was rescued from the basement of this house after neighbors heard her cries for help four days into her captivity

The woman also told investigators that Nelson threatened to sic his two pit bulls on her if she attempted to escape, reported the station Fox59.

At one point, Nelson allegedly informed his captive that he didn't like her hair, after which he yanked it out with his hands and cut it with scissors.

The 23-year-old kidnapping survivor also told police that her accused kidnapper told her she would spend years in the basement and bear his children, adding that he would kill the boys and raise the girls.

In the course of her confinement, the 23-year-old said Nelson told her he would go out to find more women to keep in the basement.

A warrant has been issued for Nelsons arrest. He is wanted on charges of rape, multiple counts of battery, criminal confinement and intimidation.

The 28-year-old, who remained at large on Thursday, was described as a black man, 5-foot-9 and weighing 200lbs, with short, balding hair.
Cubeyda Hassan Jama (pictured), 19, who planned on joining ISIS, was removed from a flight from Stansted to Bucharest. He has been jailed for three and a half years

A computer studies student has been jailed for three and a half years after using his student loan to catch a RyanAir flight to Europe in order to join ISIS.

Cubeyda Hassan Jama, 19, who had been studying on an access course at Middlesex University, was removed from a flight from Stansted to Bucharest in Romania, after being caught with what police described as a 'step-by-step guide to fighting for Daesh'.

A search of his home, in Thornton Heath, South London, revealed a list he had written of job options with ISIS, which included 'bomb-maker'.

Police spotted Jama as he boarded the flight with a one-way ticket in February this year, carrying a rucksack which contained a map of Turkey and a Berlitz guide book for the country which he had bought from Waterstones in Croydon.

In the rucksack were protective elbow and knee pads, fingerless gloves, a solar charger, and a first aid kit, along with two pairs of glasses, swimming goggles, shampoo and a beard trimmer.

A search of electronic equipment he was carrying revealed that he had ISIS beheading videos and lists of equipment recommended by ISIS for joining them in Syria, which included many of the items he was carrying.

Jama, a Finnish student of Somali descent, had been living with his father in London for the last six years.

In a notebook at his house was a list he had written that included: 'First Aid knowledge, Bear Grills [sic]' in reference to the TV survival expert.

There also appeared to be a list of job options for his arrival in Syria: 'Media centre, hospital assistance, chef, mechanic, bomb-making department, checkpoints, school/madrassah teacher, shariah law courts, hisbah [religious police], fitness military trainer.'

The notebook included numerous handwritten pages in Arabic including one which was an oath of allegiance to the leader of ISIS that read: 'I swear allegiance to the commander of the believers, the Caliph Abu Bakr al-Husseini al-Qurayshi al-Baghdadi, according to Allah's book and His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.'

On his brand new laptop, Jama had used Google to search 'How to reach the Syrian border.'

Jama, a Finn of Somali descent, was caught with what police described as a 'step-by-step guide to fighting for Daesh'. Above, the contents of his rucksack included protective elbow and knee pads and fingerless gloves - along with a map of Turkey and a Berlitz guide book for the country

When he boarded the one-way flight, Jama's rucksack was also found to contain a solar charger, torch and batteries, as well as a beard trimmer

Pictured, the first aid kit Jama planned on taking with him. In a notebook at his house in Thornton Heath, South London, was a list he had written that included: 'First Aid knowledge, Bear Grills [sic]' in reference to the TV survival expert

A file entitled 'self-sacrifice' had been viewed on the laptop which was based on a text by Shaykh Yusuf ibn Salih al-Uyayri, and Edition 3 of the ISIS magazine Dabiq, which was entitled 'A call for Hijrah [emigration.]'

He had also allegedly read an e-book called 'Hijrah to Islamic State' which gave detailed information on how to join ISIS.

Jama had installed the encryption programme Telegram on his phone and deleted links to a number of videos including one called 'Islamic State training video' and another called 'Salahuddin' which featured voice recordings by Abu Musab al-Zarkawi, the bloodthirsty founder of ISIS.

Jama had all 13 editions of the online ISIS English language magazine Dabiq and other documents included '39 Ways to participate in Jihad' and 'Constants on the Path of Jihad'.

Jama (above) had installed the encryption programme Telegram on his phone and deleted links to a number of videos including one called 'Islamic State training video'

Under the headline, 'clothes,' he had written a list of items such as T-shirts, trousers and socks, under 'military equipment' were knee pads, torches, a bush hat and desert boots.

Hossein Zahir for Jama, said he had had a 'disjointed and very unhappy childhood' after his parents split up and he moved from Finland to Somalia, where he memorised the Koran, and eventually to Britain.

He said Jama had been radicalised in an internet chatroom and pointed to a probation report that said he was of 'low to average intelligence' and that he was 'naive' and 'vulnerable'.

Sentencing him to three and a half years in a Young Offenders Institution, Judge Gerald Gordon told Jama: 'You were, in my view, at obvious risk of radicalisation, be it self-radicalisation over the internet, radicalisation through others, or a combination of the two  and that is exactly what happened.'

Jama had begun purchasing equipment only a few weeks earlier and the judge added: 'That was almost certainly because, when you received your student loan, that made you financially able to purchase such equipment.'

He went on: 'It is clear from what you yourself subsequently admitted, that you realised if you finally did achieve your aim to join Daesh [ISIS], you would have no option but to do what was required of you.

Jama had all 13 editions of the online ISIS English language magazine Dabiq and other documents included '39 Ways to participate in Jihad' and 'Constants on the Path of Jihad'. Pictured, Jama (right) at Stansted Airport

'It is clear you were dangerous at the time and, although there is some indication that you are learning the error of your ways, it is too early to say you are no longer dangerous.'

Commander Dean Haydon, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: 'Jama had a step-by-step guide to fighting for Daesh and many items which could be used by aspiring terrorists, as listed in the guide.

'He had trawled through reams of terrorist material and there is no doubt in my mind what his intentions were if he had made it to Syria. By working so effectively with Essex Police, we ensured he did not make that journey.

'Today's sentence should serve as a timely reminder to anyone thinking of travelling for the purposes of terrorism.'
An off-duty police officer out of uniform in Texas was refused service at a local McDonald's by an employee simply for being a cop.

The officer who works for the Brenham Police Department went to grab a quick bite to eat with his two children at the fast-food chain , but a female employee would not serve him.

Brenham Police Chief Craig Goodman said the shocking incident happened at the 500 Hwy 290 West location in the town that's located about 80 miles outside of Dallas.

'We know this was an isolated incident that involved a single employee who is not fond of law enforcement,' a statement posted to the department's Facebook page reads.

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An off-duty police officer in Texas was refused service at a local McDonald's in Brenham (above) by an employee simply for being an officer

Brenham Police Chief Craig Goodman (above) said the employee's son is currently in custody 'for a serious offense and she just doesn't have a pleasant view or a positive view of law enforcement'

The officer, who has not been publicly named, told his captain what happened and he contacted McDonald's (above), who immediately let the employee go. The owners of the eatery are 'disheartened'

Goodman told KPRC the employee's son is currently in custody 'for a serious offense and she just doesn't have a pleasant view or a positive view of law enforcement.'

Another employee at the McDonald's stepped in and served the officer and his family.

'Nobody deserves to be treated like that,' Goodman told KHOU.

'We know that these problems exist everywhere, but we did not expect that here.'

The officer, who has not been publicly named, told his captain what happened and he contacted McDonald's, who immediately let the employee go.

'They, much like a police organization, looked at what took place, and after gathering the information, they came to the right decision and that employee no longer works for their business,' Goodman said.

He added that the owners of the eatery were 'disheartened' when they heard about the incident.

Goodman said that the officer who this happened to is one of the best in their department and is also a former Marine.

He shared that they aren't judging McDonald's for what happened based 'on the action of this one worker.'

In a statement (above) on their Facebook page, Goodman said the McDonald's has 'been a staple in the community'

Pictured left to right: Capt. Dant Lange, McDonalds' Owner Scott Munroe, Officer Terrence Johnson, Owner Sam Munroe, Chief Craig Goodman, Store Manager Kimberly Pavlock, Capt. Lloyd Powell, Cpl. Edward Ortega, Director of Operations Matt Godek and Officer Kejan Melhorn

'The actions of that one employee do not reflect the beliefs or opinions of management, the owners, or the McDonald's company as a whole,' he said.

'We would like to thank the owners of McDonald's for their continued support and for seeing that this issue has been resolved.'

In Virginia, a police officer was denied service at a restaurant because she was in uniform.

The officer had been standing in line at the Noodles & Company on Duke Street in Alexandria on Monday when a female cook emerged from the back and said she wouldnt serve the cop, Fox5 reports.

Gesturing towards the cop, the cook told the restaurants cashier: You better pull me off the line, because I'm not serving that.

The Alexandria police department said both the cashier and cook started laughing  and the officer, who has not been identified, left the restaurant at this point.

Well, your first response as a police officer is anger. police chief Earl Cook told the local station.

These are very difficult times right now with our relations with everyone, and to have one of my officers treated in that manner unnecessarily  your first response is anger, then you calm down a bit.

His outrage at the incident led him to visit the establishment on Tuesday.

Managers apologized for it and said they would investigate what had happened.

They later told him that it appeared the encounter had occurred just as the officer in question had described.

Management said that they would now post signs on their windows to express their support for law enforcement, a representative for the Alexandria police union said, according to Fox.

Noodles & Company released a statement after the incident, saying they expect the highest ethical and personal behavior from employees.

We value each of our guests and are committed to treating every one with dignity and respect, the company said.

We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

The company added that they are working with authorities to resolve the matter and have made an effort to reach out to the police officer.

In the wake of the incident, Derrick Perks, an editor for Associations Now, said there had been calls for the public to steal from the restaurant.

On Twitter, the police department said they do not support any crime to come as a result of the incident - and added that they do not even support a boycott of the restaurant.

A Virginia police officer was denied service at a Noodles & Company restaurant (above) on Monday because she was in uniform

Police chief Earl Cook (pictured) said the incident upset him, so he visited the branch and managers apologized for it, saying they would investigate

'Take the high road!' the department urged.

Just last week, a black gas station clerk was fired after he refused to serve a Florida police officer in uniform - on the same day three cops were killed by a gunman in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Jeff Marano, the president of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association, said the officer wanted to buy a Gatorade at the Sunoco service station on S. Douglas Road in Miramar but the clerk refused to ring him up.

Its just a crazy time for police officers and for an officer in full uniform when the public is standing there in a convenience store to be denied service is just unacceptable, Marano told the station.

The officer said the clerk told him he was being refused service because he had arrested his boy in the parking lot earlier.

In the aftermath of the incident, Marano called for a national boycott of Sunoco gas stations and the employees termination.

The recent incidents come at a time of heightened tension between communities across the country and police officers.

Two police officers and one sheriff's deputy were shot and killed during an ambush at a gas station in Baton Rouge on July 17 by Gavin Long, a black former Marine, who was later killed by a long-distance shot by a SWAT officer.

It followed a similar targeted attack on police officers in Dallas on July 8.

Micah Johnson, a black Army veteran, opened fire on police during a Black Lives Matter protest against recent police shootings of black suspects.

Johnson killed five officers before he was killed by authorities using a remote-controlled bomb on a robot.
English teacher Prean Naidoo, 50, was found guilty of unacceptable professional misconduct

A teacher who targeted 'vulnerable' and 'destitute' students faces being banned after a disciplinary panel found he had touched male pupils inappropriately.

Prean Naidoo told a boy he 'loved' him, asked another pupil to call him 'son' and in return allowed the boy to call him 'dad', the panel found.

The 50-year-old English teacher, who worked at the Globe Academy in Elephant and Castle, also sent 'flirtatious' text messages to a 'high-achieving' student and invited him to his South London flat.

At the property, the South African-born teacher rubbed the underage teenager's chest and even offered to buy him a pint at a pub, the Evening Standard reported.

A hearing of the National College for Teaching's professional conduct panel found that the pupil was one of five boys Naidoo had behaved 'inappropriately' towards.

According to the paper, the panel heard how the teacher told a student: 'I get happy when you call me "dad",' after inviting him to his flat while his parents were abroad.

Naidoo, who lives in a Victorian mansion block in Pimlico, even offered to buy one boy an iPhone and carried a photograph of students in his wallet.

The panel's report said the teacher was 'breaking down the teacher-pupil relationship over the time the students were at the academy particularly towards the end of the students' last year.'

It added that on the 'balance of probabilities the panel considers this was to continue their contact with the potential to develop a sexual relationship once the students had left.'

Police were first called to the school in 2012 after allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour' were brought to the attention of the principal.

The school later launched an internal disciplinary investigation after the Crown Prosecution Service chose not to press charges.

The 50-year-old teacher, who worked at the Globe Academy in Elephant and Castle, was dismissed in 2013

In 2013 Naidoo was dismissed from the academy following the investigation.

The teacher, who was not present in person at the hearing and was not represented, was found guilty of unacceptable professional misconduct.

Naidoo could now be banned from teaching in the UK for life, depending on what sanctions the panel choose to bring against him.
The man convicted over the 2001 murder of Washington intern Chandra Levy will be released after prosecutors dropped the charges following 'unforeseen development.'

The U.S. Attorney's office said in a statement released Thursday that the office has moved to dismiss the case charging Ingmar Guandique with Levy's 2001 murder.

According to the statement, prosecutors concluded they could not convict Guandique, who is originally from El Salvador, 'based on recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week.' The statement does not elaborate.

Levy's 2001 disappearance created a national sensation after the Modesto, California, native was romantically linked with then-Congressman Gary Condit.

Condit, 68, was considered a person of interest in Chandra's disappearance and murder prior to Guandique's conviction but never named as an official suspect by police.

In May this year, counsel for Guandique indicated they would present evidence at his planned retrial that would implicate Condit in Chandra Levy murder.

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Released: Prosecutors say they will not retry Ingmar Guandique (above), who was convicted of killing Washington intern Chandra Levy. He was convicted in 2010, but granted a new trial last year He will now be released from prison

Guandique (left) will be released to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he faces removal proceedings. Levy's (right) remains were found in Washington's Rock Creek Park in 2002

Levy's (left) 2001 disappearance created a national sensation after the Modesto, California, native was romantically linked with then-Congressman Gary Condit (center)

Levy's remains were found in Washington's Rock Creek Park in 2002.

Prosecutors argued her death fitted a pattern of attacks Guandique committed on female joggers.

At the time, he was serving 10 years in prison for attacking two other women in the park.

He was found guilty in 2010 of Levy's murder but was granted a new trial in 2015 after his attorneys argued a key witness gave false or misleading testimony.

That witness was Condit, a former California Congressman who knew the 24-year-old Bureau of Prisons intern but refused to answer questions about the nature of their relationship while under oath during her murder trial, despite the fact that the married father of two had admitted to authorities that he had an affair with the intern.

Guandique's attorney, Eugene Ohm, claimed that notes from a police interview he gave after Chandra's disappearance conflicted with his 2010 testimony in the case. Ohm did not elaborate.

In a motion filed in May, Guandique's legal team wrote that Condit had a 'powerful' and 'obvious' motivation for killing Chandra - his affair with the much younger college student.

'Mr. Condit was fully aware of the cost he could pay if his affair with Ms. Levy became public,' the defense motion states.

'He therefore had an obvious motive to kill Ms. Levy in order to keep the relationship secret, and an equally powerful motive to cover-up the circumstances of her death if she died while she was with him  either through his intentional conduct or otherwise.'

Guandique's conviction was based primarily on the testimony of Guandique's former cellmate Armando Morales, who said Guandique told him he was responsible for Levy's death. Guandique's defense lawyers argued Morales' testimony was unreliable and that there was no physical evidence linking Guandique to the the murder.

A statement released today said: 'Pending action by the Court, Mr. Guandique will then be released to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he faces removal proceedings.

A spokeswoman for Guandique's lawyers said Thursday that the informant who reported that Guandique confessed to the crime was found to have lied.

According to the statement, prosecutors concluded they could not convict Guandique (above) 'based on recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week.' The statement does not elaborate

'It is now clear that the jailhouse informant, who was central to the governments case, was a perjurer who too easily manipulated the prosecutors," Laura E. Hankins said in a statement.

In May this year, the intern's mother, Susan Levy, was shocked to learn that her daughter allegedly had rough bondage sex with Condit.

She also supported Guandique's legal push to depose at least two women who said they both had affairs with the former congressman over claims that 'he tied them up' during sex, the New York Daily News reported.

'It's very hard to hear about this,' Susan Levy told the Daily News. 'But I want the truth to come out, and I want them to follow every lead.'

Guandique's lawyers said at the time that the jogging tights tied in knots near the former Washington, DC intern's body could be linked to circumstantial evidence that the women could provide about Condit's 'desire to engage in aggressive sex and tie a woman up'.

Just in May, the intern's mother, Susan Levy, was shocked to learn that her daughter (right) allegedly had rough bondage sex with Condit (left )

The defense also attempted to convince Judge Robert Morin to allow depositions to be taken from three women who claim to have had affairs with Condit as well as a friend who worked as his former driver and bodyguard.

According to the Daily News, the motion filing stated that Condit's sperm was located on a pair of the Chandra's underwear, 'conclusively' proving that they indeed had an affair.

In addition, the motion also stated that the first woman allegedly told authorities that she and the seven-term congressman engaged in 'aggressive sex' a few months prior to when Chandra disappeared on May 1, 2001.

The first woman allegedly said she was 'scared' by his aspiration to tie her up with his neck ties and fasten them to a bed.

At the time, Susan Levy said that she was not against Guandique's actions in requesting a retrial, but still misses her daughter.

'Talk about knots  I have a knot in my stomach and in my throat,' the heartbroken mother said.

'Even if they do find the truth, I won't ever have my daughter back.

'Put yourself in my situation.Your child is supposed to come home for graduation and never does.'

Guandique (left) was facing retrial for the widely publicized case. His lawyers planned to use resources to link the tights tied in knots near her body to Condit (right), who 'desired to engage in aggressive sex and tie women up'

Authorities spent days searching for evidence relating to Levy's disappearance in Rock Creek Park (above)

Chandra (second right) was last heard from on May 1, 2001 when she emailed her parents Susan and Robert to inform them about her travel plans as she prepared to head home to California for her graduation

Chandra's remains were not found until a year after she disappeared. Guandique's lawyers argue that the location her bones were found in Rock Creek Park were less than three miles away from Condit's apartment.

The defense was also going to suggest that Chandra was tied up during the murder, basing this on the fact that a pair of knotted tights were found near her body.

Chandra was last heard from on May 1, 2001 when she emailed her parents Susan and Robert to inform them about her travel plans as she prepared to head home to California for her graduation.

She had ended her apartment lease and cancelled her gym membership in the area around this time as well according to authorities.

Her parents attempted to contact her for three days before reaching out to police on May 5 and filing a missing persons report.

Her parents attempted to contact her for three days before reaching out to police on May 5 and filing a missing persons report. Above her photos are displayed at a memorial service in California

The next day, on May 6, they called Condit, who was their congressman in California, for help locating their daughter.

Condit and Chandra had a friendship according to the congressman, though it was later reported that the two were far closer and that the married politician had been intimate with Chandra while the University of Southern California student was interning in the nation's capitol.

In the months after Chandra's disappearance more and more details were revealed about her relationship with Condit, which led him to hire a criminal defense team while still denying he had anything to do with her disappearance.

A search of the park where the young woman often jogged meanwhile turned up no evidence suggesting that Chandra had been in the area when she went missing.

Authorities announced that July there was a good chance that Chandra's body might never be found, and though Condit was cleared as a suspect his political career never recovered and he was defeated in the California primary the following March.

Two months after that, in May 2002, a man found human bones and a skull in Washington's Rock Creek Park, where police had previously searched for Chandra's body.

The park's administrative office was also one of the last searches on Condit's computer the day that Chandra went missing.

Her death was determined to be a homicide soon after, and a month after her skull and bones were found private investigators hired by her parents also found her shin bones less than 100 feet from where her remains had initially been discovered that May.

After her parents reported her missing, a search of the park (above) where the young woman often jogged meanwhile turned up no evidence suggesting that Chandra had been in the area when she went missing

In May 2002, a man found human bones and a skull in Washington's Rock Creek Park, where police had previously searched for Chandra's body (above)

It was months before the discover of Chandra's body however that Guandique was introduced as a suspect, when a prison informant said he had spoke about murdering Chandra.

Guandique had also been accused of assaulting two other female joggers in the park.

He was behind bars at the time on drug charges but was never formally charged in the death of Chandra and her case went cold until 2006 when it was reopened by the city's new police chief.

After a three-year investigation, Guandique was charged with Chandra's murder in 2009 and later indicted on six counts including kidnapping, first-degree murder committed during a kidnapping, attempted first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree murder committed during a sexual offense, attempted robbery, and first-degree murder committed during a robbery.

He was convicted in November 2010 and sentenced to 60 years in prison the following February.

Gary Condit, who served in Congress from 1989 to 2003, moved to Arizona with his wife Carolyn

Condit, who served in Congress from 1989 to 2003, moved to Arizona with his wife Carolyn after losing his seat and opened an ice cream franchise with Baskin-Robbins.

However, in 2008 the company sued the family to seek unpaid franchise and other fees. The Condits lost the suit and were ordered to pay roughly $98,000.

He at one point also served as president of the Phoenix Institute of Desert Agriculture, a nonprofit group, but it is unclear if he still holds that job.

Condit's son Chad ran for a seat in the California House of Representatives in 2012, and his daughter Cadee is married to Adam Gray, a former aide for Condit who now serves in the California State Assembly.

And while the defense may think the six-term lawmaker is a possible suspect in the case, Chandra's father thought that the right man was behind bars.

Robert Chandra said about the retrial in an interview with Today in April; 'As far as I can see, it's just some defense attorneys trying to make themselves a name and make more money.

'He's guilty.'
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Hillary Clinton had a message for Donald Trump on Thursday evening as she accepted the Democratic party's nomination for president: Game on.

She mocked his campaign slogan. She blasted his business practices. She even tried to taunt him into attacking her on Twitter - a strategy that appeared to work, with Trump sending out a series of tweets assailing her soon after.

He wants to be commander in chief but 'Donald Trump can't even handle the rough and tumble of a presidential campaign. He loses his cool at the slightest provocation,' she said. 'A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons,' she said as the audience cheered loudly.

Trump has 'taken the Republican Party a long way,' she said, 'from "Morning in America" to "Midnight in America."'

'He wants us to fear the future and fear each other,' she said, declaring that the country is at a 'moment of reckoning.

The former first lady who lost out on the Democratic nomination eight years ago had to deliver a speech that would redefine her 20-year political career and reserve her place in history as the first woman president.

She held little back, touching on even the most embarrassing and personal aspects of her public profile, including the 'hard times' that tested she and her husband, ex-President Bill Clinton, who infamously cheated on her with an intern Monica Lewinsky in the Oval Office.

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Hillary Clinton said at tonight's Democratic National Convention and that the upcoming election is a 'moment of reckoning'

Hillary Clinton gasps at the sight of the balloon drop - as Bill Clinton enjoyed the spectacle too - that filled the cavernous stadium with red, white and blue

The Clintons walked hip-to-hip after Hillary Clinton spoke for 55 minutes attacking Donald Trump and tried presenting a more positive and inclusive view

Clinton also attempted to extend an olive branch to Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders' supporters, telling them, 'I've heard you...your cause is our cause.' She was most certainly hearing them, but the losing candidate's delegates weren't hearing her.

They took turns heckling Clinton throughout the entirety of her 55-minute speech in spite of a pointed reference to a free tuition plan she modeled off the senator's.

'Bernie Sanders and I will work together to make college tuition-free for the middle class and debt-free for all!' she said, her second reference to him in the speech.

In the thank you section of the remarks she also mentioned him. 'Bernie, your campaign inspired millions of Americans, particularly the young people who threw their hearts and souls into our primary. You put economic and social justice issues front and center, where they belong. '

To his supporters she said, 'Our country needs your ideas, energy, and passion. That is the only way we can turn our progressive platform into real change for America. We wrote it together. Now lets go out and make it happen together.'

In the national address that rivaled one of her husband's legendarily long orations, Clinton a millionaire, went after Trump, a billionaire, as an elitist who is out of step with and takes advantage of hard working Americans.

'In Atlantic City, 60 miles from here, you'll find contractors and small businesses who lost everything because Donald Trump refused to pay his bills,' she said from a Philadelphia sports arena. 'People who did the work and needed the money, and didn't get it  not because he couldn't pay them, but because he wouldn't pay them.'

'He just stiffed them,' she said

Hitting him where she knew it would hurt most, she said, 'That sales pitch he's making to be your president? Put your faith in him  and you'll win big? That's the same sales pitch he made to all those small businesses.'

Then he 'walked away,'' she said, 'and left working people holding the bag.'

'What part of America first leads him to make Trump ties in China, not Colorado. Trump suits in Mexico, not Michigan. Trump furniture in Turkey, not Ohio. Trump picture frames in India, not Wisconsin,' she said. 'Donald Trump says he wants to make America great again. He could start by actually making things in America again.'

HILLARY'S ANGELS: Former President Bill Clinton, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and Kaine's wife Ann Holton take their seats for Chelsea Clinton's speech

BILL v. the BILLIONAIRE: The former president spoke on his wife's behalf on Tuesday night, boosting her in the race against Donald Trump

Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton squeezes her daughter Chelsea during the balloon drop at tonight's Democratic National Convention

THANKS MOM: Like Ivanka Trump before her, Chelsea Clinton (right) introduced her mother Hillary Clinton (left) at tonight's Democratic National Convention and hugs her after her speech

After Hillary Clinton's remarks she squeezed her husband, ex-president Bill Clinton onstage, after not shying away from talking about the problems they've had in their marriage

Hillary Clinton enjoyed the balloon drop after her speech when red, white and blue balloons dropped from the ceiling of the sports arena where the Philadelphia Flyers usually play

Hillary Clinton waves to Democratic supporters at the conclusion of the four-day Democratic convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as balloons drop on her head

THE PARTY'S HERE: Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton reacted to the balloon drop with joy as they squeezed and kicked the round orbs

Among the balloons and ticker tape, Hillary Clinton and her running mate Tim Kaine laugh as they celebrate the end of the convention

Democrats in attendance at tonight's historic speech waved giant HILLARY signs as Hillary Clinton gave her speech

THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN'S STATEMENT ON HILLARY'S SPEECH Hillary Clintons speech was an insulting collection of cliches and recycled rhetoric. She spent the evening talking down to the American people shes looked down on her whole life. Hillary Clinton talks about unity, about E Pluribus Unum, but her globalist agenda denies American citizens the protections to which they are all entitled  tearing us apart. Her radical amnesty plan will take jobs, resources and benefits from the most vulnerable citizens of the United States and give them to the citizens of other countries. Her refusal to even say the words Radical Islam, or to mention her disaster in Libya, or her corrupt email scheme, all show how little she cares about the safety of the American people. Its a speech delivered from a fantasy universe, not the reality we live in today. Hillary Clinton says America is stronger together. But in Hillary Clintons America, millions of people are left out in the cold. She only stands together with the donors and special interests whove bankrolled her entire life. Excluded from Hillary Clintons America are the suffering people living in our inner cities, or the victims of open borders and drug cartels, or the people whove lost their jobs because of the Clintons trade deals, or any hardworking person who doesnt have enough money to get a seat at Hillary Clintons table Advertisement

She slapped him around on national security, as well. He says he knows more about ISIS than American generals, she said, reading off an old Trump quote, 'No, Donald, you don't.'

''Now we are clear-eyed about what our country is up against, but we are not afraid. We will rise to the challenge, just as we always have,' she said.

In a direct attack on Trump's core proposition - that he'll build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico, she said, 'We will not build a wall. Instead, we will build an economy where everyone who wants a good job can get one.

'And well build a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants who are already contributing to our economy. We will not ban a religion. We will work with all Americans and our allies to fight and defeat terrorism.'

Clinton said, 'Now America is once again at a moment of reckoning. Powerful forces are threatening to pull us apart. Bonds of trust and respect are fraying. And just as with our founders, there are no guarantees. It truly is up to us. We have to decide whether we will all work together so we can all rise together. Our countrys motto is e pluribus unum: out of many, we are one. Will we stay true to that motto?'

'Dont let anyone tell you that our country is weak. Were not. Dont let anyone tell you we dont have what it takes. We do. And most of all, dont believe anyone who says, "I alone can fix it," she said, taking another jab at Trump.

The businessman's statement 'should set off alarm bells for all of us.

'Really?' she asked dryly. 'I alone can fix it? Isnt he forgetting troops on the front lines, police officers and firefighters who run toward danger, doctors and nurses who care for us? Teachers who change lives, entrepreneurs who see possibilities in every problem, mothers who lost children to violence and are building a movement to keep other kids safe?

The line was a hit, and the crowd cheered over her and she shouted out the words. 'Hes forgetting every last one of us. Americans dont say, "I alone fix can it." We say, "Well fix it together." '

Turning to guns, a divisive issue between the parties, Clinton bashed Trump again before calling for Americans to meet in the middle.

'And if we're serious about keeping our country safe, we also can't afford to have a President who's in the pocket of the gun lobby,' she said 'I'm not here to repeal the 2nd Amendment.'

'I'm not here to take away your guns,' Clinton proclaimed.

'I just don't want you to be shot by someone who shouldn't have a gun in the first place,' she stated.

Hillary is pictured taking to the stage in Philadelphia. She mocked Trump's campaign slogan. She blasted his business practices. She even tried to taunt him into attacking her on Twitter

Speaking about Trump Clinton said: 'A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man you can trust with nuclear weapons'

Clinton added: 'Trump has 'taken the Republican Party a long way,' she said, 'from "Morning in America" to "Midnight in America"

Clinton did touch on even the most embarrassing and personal aspects of her public profile, including the 'hard times' that tested her and her husband, ex-President Bill Clinton, who infamously cheated on her with an intern in the Oval Office

Clinton also attempted to extend an olive branch to Bernie Sanders' supporters, telling them, 'I've heard you... your cause is our cause'

Chelsea Clinton and former President Bill Clinton applaud as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia

Clinton's speech lasted 55 minutes. She is pictured above waving to the crowd

She recalled how Trump's Republican rivals had underestimated him and said, 'For the past year, many people made the mistake of laughing off Donald Trump's comments  excusing him as an entertainer just putting on a show,' she said.

'They thought he couldn't possibly mean all the horrible things he says  like when he called women pigs,"' she reminded her audience. 'Or said that an American judge couldn't be fair because of his Mexican heritage.'

'Or when he mocks and mimics a reporter with a disability, or insults prisoners of war like John McCain a true hero and patriot who deserves our respect,' Clinton listed.

She said that she didn't even believe Trump's bombastic sentiments at first.

'But here's the sad truth: There is no other Donald Trump.'

'This is it,' she said.

'And in the end, it comes down to what Donald Trump doesn't get: that America is great  because America is good,' she added.

Clinton went through some of her policies that differentiating herself from the Republicans, from believing in climate change to comprehension immigration reform.

'Now, you didn't hear any of this from Donald Trump at his convention,' she said.

'He spoke for 70-odd minutes  and I do mean odd,' Clinton zinged. 'And he offered zero solutions. But we already know he doesn't believe these things,' she added.

Trump responded with a statement from his campaign written by Stephen Miller, a senior adviser, calling Clinton's speech 'an insulting collection of cliches and recycled rhetoric. She spent the evening talking down to the American people shes looked down on her whole life.'

The candidate further ripped into her on Twitter. 'No one has worse judgement than Hillary Clinton - corruption and devastation follows her wherever she goes,' he said.

'Our way of life is under threat by Radical Islam and Hillary Clinton cannot even bring herself to say the words,' another tweet read.

Clinton gestures at the crowd at the end of her speech in which she slapped Donald Trump around on national security. 'He says he knows more about ISIS than American generals', she said, reading off an old Trump quote, 'No, Donald, you don't'

Protests against Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party's establishment raged on outside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia

Protesters staged a sit-in outside the Democratic National Convention. Scores of Bernie Sanders supporters feel cheated by the party after leaked emails showed senior officials were biased against Clinton's closest challenger

Demonstrators gather near to the Wells Fargo Center on day four of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pop star Katy Perry sang her hit song 'Roar' before the Democratic National Convention crowd before Chelsea Clinton and then Hillary Clinton came onstage

Performing with a star-spangled microphone, Katy Perry performed as delegates danced in the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia

UNDER SEIGE: Trump had just finished speaking at a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, when Hillary took the stage. He said he wasn't sure if he'd watch her speech though - 'I really don't wanna go home and watch that crap'

For all her Trump-bashing, Clinton also spent a great deal of her remarks retelling her personal story, confronting touchy subjects such as her complicated relationship with husband Bill and her struggle to convince a majority of Americans that she's not as cold and calculating as Republicans would lead them to believe.

Of their relationship she said: 'It's lasted through good times that filled us with joy, and hard times that tested us.'

She added: 'And I've even gotten a few words in along the way.'

'On Tuesday night, I was so happy to see that my Explainer-in-Chief is still on the job,' she said, picking up a nickname President Obama once used for her husband.

Clinton said, 'We heard the man from Hope, Bill Clinton. And the man of hope, Barack Obama.'

'And Michelle Obama reminded us that our children are watching, and the president we elect is going to be their president, too.'

She later said, 'Now, sometimes the people at this podium are new to the national stage. As you know, Im not one of those people. Ive been your first lady, served eight years as a senator from the great state of New York. Then I represented all of you as Secretary of State.

'But my job titles only tell you what Ive done. They dont tell you why. The truth is, through all these years of public service, the service part has always come easier to me than the public part,' she said. 'I get it that some people just dont know what to make of me.'

She proceeded to talk about her mother Dorothy and her father Hugh and her work for the Children's Defense Fund.

'Tonight, weve reached a milestone in our nations march toward a more perfect union: the first time that a major party has nominated a woman for president. Standing here as my mothers daughter, and my daughters mother, Im so happy this day has come,' she said. 'Im happy for grandmothers and little girls and everyone in between. Im happy for boys and men  because when any barrier falls in America, it clears the way for everyone. After all, when there are no ceilings, the skys the limit.'

Hillary Clinton looks touched for a moment as she arrives onstage to her crowd of Democratic supporters to accept the party's nomination, something she fell short of eight years ago

YEAH! Kaine joined Clinton's ticket as her running mate last Friday night. They had their first rally in Miami on Saturday

NERVOUS? Bill Clinton sits with son-in Marc Mezvinsky in his wife's box as they await their wives' speeches

WHO'S IN HILLARY'S BOX TONIGHT Sitting in Hillary Clintons box tonight are her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and her running mate, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine. Also in the box, according to her campaign: Immediate family of Clinton and Kaine, including Chelsea Clinton, her husband Marc Mezvinsky, Kaine's wife Anne Holton, Hillary Clintons brothers Hugh Rodham and Tony Rodham, Kaines parents Albert and Mary, and his brothers Steve and Pat. Kaine's son Nat is a marine and deployed overseas earlier this week with NATO. Clinton's long time friend Betsy Ebeling is also sitting with the family, as are her long time aides, and some of the 'everyday Americans seen throughout the convention on stage' - Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim-American war hero who died in the service; Karla Oritz, the daughter of an illegal immigrants; her mother Francisca Ortiz and DREAMer Astrid Silva. Advertisement

At his event on Thursday night in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Trump said he wasn't sure if he'd watch Clinton's speech, even though he left the event 20 minutes before she took the stage.

Blasting her as 'crooked Hillary Clinton,' he said, 'Tonight I'll go home, I guess, and watch. I guess,' he said. 'Are we gonna watch tonight? I don't know. I don't know.'

Chants of 'Lock her up! Lock her up!' broke out, and Trump joked that he might keep speaking and cut into her coverage instead. 'I really don't wanna go home and watch that crap,' he said.

He proceeded to tweet about her remarks, indicating that he watched at least part of his general election opponent's late-night address that drew on her 1996 book, It Takes a Village.

Clinton's general election theme "Stronger Together' builds on the book, her campaign claimed Thursday. An aide said it was to demonstrate her 'consistency' on the issues over the course of her career in politics.

Clinton has been in the public eye for 20 years, yet has had to spend a significant amount of time selling her accomplishments.

'She's a work horse and not a show horse, and sometimes people don't understand all the good she's done for a lot of people,' her campaign manager Robby Mook said today at a Washington Post event.

Some of the speakers on stage knew Clinton well, Mook said. Others had never met her at all. She had a huge impact on their lives.

Tonight the campaign said was seeking to show voters who Clinton is and what she's accomplished, as well as the choice they have in the election.

Mook acknowledged that Clinton, a former first lady, senator, presidential candidate and cabinet member, has already said a lot of what she's going to say tonight.

But in a fragmented media cycle, 'we've gotta say something a lot of times for it to cut through,' he stated.

Former and maybe even future first daughter Chelsea Clinton portrayed her mother as a doting grandmother and a spectacular mother

Chelsea Clinton reminded the audience of her mother's bruising 1994 health care fight when the Democratic nominee was first lady. But afterward, Chelsea said, her mother picked up and tried again

Her mother then walked onto the stage, prompting Chelsea to throw her arms wide ready for a hug

The senior Clinton aide suggested the candidate would make a direct appeal to voters who say she's inauthentic.

'Look, she has said many times, she needs to earn the voters trust,' he said. 'And what youve seen for the last few days at this convention are people speaking about how they know they can trust Hillary because shes always delivered for them.'

He said at the Washington Post event that he doesn't particularly believe Gallup polling that shows she's as disliked as Trump because the organization incorrectly predicted the outcome of the 2012 election.

Nevertheless, he said, 'This has been a challenge for her, and I think you're probably gonna hear her touch on that a little bit tonight and acknowledge that some people are skeptical and that;s why its all the more imp that they have a richer understanding of those core values, those core motivation and her lifetime of work.

'We're trying to do some really important work during a really important speech to lean into the challenge,' he said.

Mook said there's been 'an unprecedented level of incoming attacks on her' since she decided to run for president. Republicans praised her of secretary of state and now they're hauling her before congressional committees.

'All that stuff's gonna have an effect. But I think tonight people are gonna see a different Hillary Clinton than they've heard about from Republicans,' he stated.

Wednesday evening Obama served as a character witness for his former secretary of state.

An FBI investigation into the security of the secret server she kept in her basement and ran all of her emails through found she was 'extremely careless' with sensitive, government information.

The president said that for four years he had a front row seat to the way she operates and he trusts her 'judgement.' If he does, the implication was that Americans should, too.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Clinton's VP pick, brought up the issue in his speech and said, 'Last week in Cleveland, we heard a lot about trust. So umm, let's talk about trust. I want to tell you why I trust Hillary Clinton.'

Clinton is 'consistent,' he said. 'She has battled to put kids and families first since she was a teenager  in good times and bad, in victory and defeat, in and out of office, through hell or high water.'

'Folks, Hillary has a passion for kids and families,' he said. 'Donald Trump has a passion too: It's himself,' Kaine accused.

Wednesday evening Obama served as a character witness for his former secretary of state. The president said that for four years he had a front row seat to the way she operates and he trusts her 'judgement.' If he does, the implication was that Americans should, too

Driving home the point he said, 'Hey remember Karla, the little girl we heard from on Monday who feared her parents would be deported? She trusts Hillary to keep them together.'

'And remember the Mothers of the Movement last night?' he said, referring to a group of women whose children were killed in shooting incidents. 'They said trust Hillary to keep other mothers' sons and daughters safe.'

Previewing Clinton's speech Mook told CBS, 'People are hurting right now. There is no question of that. And Donald Trump is making a lot of really big promises, and some people find those attractive.'

The campaign's goal for the convention was to 'make sure that people know the facts,' he said. 'That this is someone who at every turn of his life has made more money, become more famous at the expense of working people, and folks need to understand that.'

Hillary's husband, former President Bill Clinton delivered his speech on Tuesday night. It focused on what he called a 'lifetime of memories' together that spanned from the first time they met to the present.

'She's been around a long time, she sure has, and she's sure been worth every single year she's put into making people's lives better,' he said.

Continuing, he said, 'I can tell you this. If you were sitting where I'm sitting and you heard what I have heard at every dinner conversation, every lunch conversation, on every lone walk, you would say this woman has never been satisfied with the status quo in anything.

'She always wants to move the ball forward. That is just who she is.'

Tonight Bill joined her on stage after he speech and the couple shared a long embrace. As 120,000 balloons dropped from the ceiling, marking the end of the political convention, and fireworks shot out from the stage, the Clintons goofed around, kicking and hitting the round orbs as they came down all around them.

They were joined on stage by Chelsea, their only daughter, her husband Marc Mezvinsky, as well as Kaine and his family. Chelsea had earlier introduced her mother.
Sandra Grazzini-Rucki (pictured) was convicted by a Dakota County jury on six counts of deprivation of custodial or parental rights on Thursday

A Minnesota mother has been convicted for hiding her two daughters from their father for more than two years during a bitter divorce battle.

Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, 50, of Elko, was convicted by a Dakota County jury on six counts of deprivation of custodial or parental rights on Thursday.

She was acquitted on two counts of causing minors to be runaways.

The teenagers - Samantha and Gianna - were found in November last year at a horse ranch in western Minnesota, after they hadn't been seen in public since April 2013.

Grazzini-Rucki drove the girls, then 13 and 14, almost 200 miles from Lakeville to the ranch near Herman to hide them from their father David Rucki during a bitter divorce, prosecutors said.

Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said it is unacceptable for any parent to hide their children from a custodial parent.

'The almost two-and-a-half years that these children were hidden led to significant trauma to her daughters and caused significant adverse impacts to the rest of her family,' Backstrom said in a statement.

'It is simply not OK to take the law into your own hands and violate court orders, even when you don't agree with those orders and even when they involve your own children,' he told The Associated Press:

Grazzini-Rucki's attorney, Stephen Grigsby, said the verdict 'far exceeds disappointment.'

He said a decision to appeal isn't up to him, but he believes there would be grounds for one.

Grigsby claimed the judge had no legal basis when she allowed evidence at trial that was designed to discredit his client.

He said Grazzini-Rucki testified during the trial that the girls ran away because they were terrified of their father, and they threatened to run away again with or without her help.

The teenagers - Samantha and Gianna - were found in November last year at a horse ranch in western Minnesota, after they hadn't been seen in public since April 2013

Grigsby said Grazzini-Rucki testified she placed them in the care of someone she trusted in order to protect them.

Grazzini-Rucki was free during trial but was taken into custody after the verdict and bail was set at $100,000, or $50,000 with conditions.

She's scheduled to be sentenced in September.

She faces a year in jail under sentencing guidelines, but would get credit for time served.

The owners of the White Horse Ranch, Doug and Gina Dahlen, are facing felony charges in the case.

They have said they took the girls to restaurants, garage sales, church and shopping trips and didn't try to hide them.

The Dahlens also say the teens had access to computers and cellphones and could have gone home.

Before the girls disappeared in April 2013, they repeatedly accused their father of abuse.

But a court-appointed psychologist concluded Grazzini-Rucki had brainwashed them and a judge granted full custody to the girls' father after finding there was no credible evidence of abuse.
She wrote on Facebook that the four-year-old site was 'removed because it does not accurately reflect my current business and professional interests'

Now Melania's website has disappeared entirely, redirecting visitors to a site about the Trump Organization and its real estate holdings

An unauthorized biography claims she dropped out of college after one year to pursue a modeling career

Official website of Donald Trump's wife boasted that she earned 'a degree in design and architecture' from a Slovenian university

Melania Trump could soon be America's first lady, leveraging power of the White House's East Wing to manicure her public image. But for now, she no longer has a website to call her own.

MelaniaTrump.com went dark sometime Wednesday morning, redirecting visitors to Trump.com, the family business's main brand portal.

'The website in question was created in 2012 and has been removed because it does not accurately reflect my current business and professional interests,' Mrs. Trump wrote Thursday on Facebook.

But speculation has focused on questions about a line in her now-dormant online biography that appears to have inflated her academic credentials.

The Trump campaign did not respond to emails, but Mrs. Trump's statement appeared online shortly after DailyMail.com asked a spokesperson for comment.

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Melania Trump's official online biography  along with the rest of her personal website  disappeared Wednesday after questions surfaced about whether she had earned a college degree

'After obtaining a degree in design and architecture at University in Slovenia, Melania was jetting between photo shoots in Paris and Milan, finally settling in New York in 1996,' the bio read until Wednesday

Mrs. Trump said on Facebook that the entire website had become obsolete, and made no mention of charges that she had inflated her academic credentials

'At the age of eighteen, she signed with a modeling agency in Milan,' the bio read until Wednesday. 'After obtaining a degree in design and architecture at University in Slovenia, Melania was jetting between photo shoots in Paris and Milan, finally settling in New York in 1996.'

It appears, however, that she left college after a single year when she caught the modeling bug.

This book, written by two Slovenian journalists, included the first claim that Mrs. Trump was 'a college dropout'

Bojan Pozar and Igor Omerza, a pair of Slovenian journalists who published a biography of Donald Trump's third wife, wrote that the then-named Melanija Knavs spent one year at the the University of Ljubljana's architecture school.

From there, they wrote, she 'became  and remained  a college dropout.'

'In her freshman year, the 19-year old Melanija Knavs attended lectures on the following subjects: elements of architecture, fine arts, fundamentals of technical mechanics, architectural construction, descriptive geometry, mathematics, and an ideological (read "communist') elective credit called "General Partisan Resistance and Social Self-protection",' they wrote.

The book, 'Melania Trump  The Inside Story: From a Slovenian Communist Village to the White House,' was published in February.

The Huffington Post focused its anti-Trump guns on the billionaire's wife after last week's brief kerfuffle over lines in Melania's Republican National Convention speech that were lifted  without her knowledge  from a 2008 Michelle Obama speech.

Along with the contested biography, Mrs. Trump's website included pitches for her caviar-infused line of skin care products and her ladies watches and jewelry  along with three dozen images of magazine covers and other photo spreads featuring her fashion poses.

The product promotions are likely the 'business and professional interests' that Mrs. Trump said Thursday are no longer active.

QVC, which once sold her jewelry line, no longer offers it on its website.

And Lord & Taylor shoppers, who until last year could buy Melania's 'Luxe Moisture with Caviar Complexe C6,' find it's no longer on shelves.

Trump, 46, will become America's first lady if her husband Donald wins the White House in November

Web surfers are without an official source for Mrs. Trump's biography now that MelaniaTrump.com has gone offline; The Trump Organization's website covers only Donald, Donald Jr., Eric, and Ivanka Trump

The shuttering of Melania's website means there is no longer an official, sanctioned biography of the would-be future first lady.

Trump.com includes biographical sketches of Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, the businessman's three eldest adult children.
Philadelphia city officials are warning Democratic National Convention visitors and protesters of a possible repeat of Monday's thunderstorms and heavy rain.

The storms could cause flash floods on area roads on Thursday afternoon through Friday, officials said.

While no marches are planned by protesters Thursday, a daylong demonstration is set to be held near City Hall, four miles from the convention site. Organizers were still setting up shortly before noon.

On Monday night, a torrential rainstorm forced demonstrators near the convention site to seek cover under a highway overpass and at a subway stop nearly a mile away. Some used signs as umbrellas.

Philadelphia city officials have warned Democratic National Convention visitors and protesters that rain and thunderstorms could head their way. Pictured above, Bernie Sanders supporters gather ahead of the DNC

A flash flood watch is underway in Philadelphia that will be in effect until Friday evening. One to three inches of rain are expected to fall quickly, causing flooding, according to 6 ABC.

Along with the heavy rain, temperatures could reach as high at 93 degrees.

More rain and thunderstorms are expected overnight and more flash flooding is possible. Heavy showers and storms will last through Friday morning.

It'll be a bit cooler for Philadelphia residents on Friday, however, with a high of only 82 degrees.

Bernie Sanders activists have caused tension at the Philadelphia convention, which still lingers as Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton prepares to speak at the final night of the four-day event.

Clinton is expected to accept her honor of being the first woman nominated for president by a major US political party on Thursday.

Supporters of rival Sanders have made their voices heard across Philadelphia throughout the convention. The week began with thousands of marchers chanting their support for the Vermont senator as they walked miles across the city.

While no marches are planned by protesters Thursday, a daylong demonstration is set to be held near City Hall, four miles from the convention site. Pictured above, Sanders supporters gather on the first day of the convention

Philadelphia officials warned DNC (pictured) visitors of the flooding, and put a flash flood watch into effect until Friday evening

The protests have shrunk in size now that Sanders has urged followers to fall in line and support Clinton, but some Sanders supporters still wont budge.

Actress Susan Sarandon is among those still feeling stung. She said the party organizers scuttled plans for a Sanders surrogate to speak on his behalf from the convention floor.

Clinton handily won the Democratic primary, but Sanders supporters say that's because the system was rigged.

Clinton benefited from the overwhelming support of "superdelegates" - party leaders and elected officials who can vote for anyone they choose. And Sanders supporters believe he lost votes because of rules that allow only registered Democrats to vote in many state contests.

Moreover, Sanders supporters were convinced that the officially neutral Democratic National Committee actually favored Sanders. The recent leak of internal DNC emails only reinforced that view.
The internet has gone wild for pictures of a handsome Tim Kaine in his younger days.

Fans of Hillary Clinton's vice-presidential pick have been gushing over candid snaps of a young Kaine since they began circulating on social media.

'Tim Kaine is mostly boring but holy smokes was he stupid hot when he was younger,' said Elizabeth Bryan on Twitter.

Hello handsome: The internet has gone wild for pictures of Tim Kaine in his younger days

Fans of Hillary Clinton's vice-presidential pick have been gushing over candid snaps of a young Kaine since they began circulating on social media

Kaine has since won a legion of besotted fans who have gone wild sharing pictures from his youth.

Ira Madison III said:'I feel like the DNC just needs to hand out a beefcake calendar of old Tim Kaine photos.'

'Tim Kaine is the guy who makes everyone hot cocoa after a cold night caroling,' Trybal Blk added.

Kaine has since won a legion of besotted fans who have gone wild sharing pictures from his youth

Some have gushed over pictures of him with his young son (left) and others about his time as a civil rights lawyer

Kaine, just a few years older, accepts the nomination to run as Hillary Clinton's vice president

Some have even compared him to Henry Cavill, the actor who plays Superman in the 2013 reboot 'Man of Steel' and its sequel, 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.'

'That is a movie star jawline,' wrote Rachel Vorona Cote, posting pictures of Kaine and Cavill siode

'Can't wait for Henry Cavill to play young Tim Kaine on SNL,' another user, handle lediva, pointed out.

Some folks on Twitter have been pointing out similarities between Kaine and Henry Cavill, the latest actor to play Superman on the big screen

For some people, the jury is still out. Only solution: more young Kaine pictures

'I mean... WHEW  we need more photos of young Tim Kaine to accurately calculate how hot he was,' wrote Imani Gandy.

Kaine posted this picture (right) from the day 37 years ago when he graduated from the University of Missouri

As if being handsome wasn't enough, some people have also gushed over his work as a civil rights lawyer fighting homelessness and inequality in housing.

'Why HELLO THERE young fair housing lawyer Tim Kaine,' wrote Caitlin Doughty, complete with pictures of a dashing Kaine in a suit while speaking at a podium.

The Twittersphere has been abuzz with people posting about Tim Kaine's handsome young self

'Let's focus on what matters, America,' wrote Porochista Khakpour. 'Tim Kaine is hot

Jay Michaelson said, 'How Tim Kaine could be a transformative religious figure.'
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Celebrates 147th Annual Camp Meeting Week

Contact: David Lotz, 609-203-2342, lotzflash@gmail.com



OCEAN GROVE, N.J., July 28, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- WHO: The OCEAN GROVE CAMP MEETING ASSOCIATION (OGCMA), a Christian ministry committed to providing opportunities for spiritual birth, growth, renewal and recreation in a seaside setting that helps pastors and their churches achieve their mission in the world.



WHAT: Celebrates 147th Annual Camp Meeting Week



A cherished and highly anticipated tradition every summer, OGCMA was founded in 1869 when the Camp Meeting Movement (camp grounds to which Christians came from miles around to hear a series of traveling ministers) was in full swing. During Camp Meeting Week, worship opportunities, Bible study and Christian music events are offered each day, with programs for all ages. Today, Ocean Grove is the longest-active site of its kind in the U.S.



WHERE: Ocean Grove, New Jersey - "God's Square Mile at the Jersey Shore"



WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 31  SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2016



All Camp Meeting Events and other activities are open to the public, including Sunday worship services in the Great Auditorium. AMONG THE KEY EVENTS ARE:

Sunday, July 31  Founders Day  Dr. Tom Tewell will preach in the Great Auditorium



Monday, August 1 thru Wednesday August 3, Tewell will lead a daily Bible Hour in the Bishop Janes Tabernacle,



Wednesday August 3  Free Summer Band Concert  OGCMA Band will perform "Hymns of Faith," Great Auditorium, 8:00 p.m.



Bible Hour is held at 9:00 a.m. daily at The Tabernacle, with periodic services throughout the week at the Beach Pavilion, Thornley Chapel, Youth Temple, and The Great Auditorium.



Thursday August 4  Saturday August 6  Rev. David Cotton will lead the Bible Hour



Thursday, August 4  "Grand Orchestra and the Great Organ"  Concluding OGCMA's "Summer Stars" classical music series, Jongen's Symphonie Concertante, 7:30 p.m.



Sunday, August 7  Communion Worship, Close of Camp Meeting, Dr. R.T. Kendall will lead worship at 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. with a celebration of "Great Hymn Singing."

MORE INFO: For more information, call 732-775-0035 or visit www.oceangrove.org
Stephen Rankin (pictured in court), a Virginia police officer on trial for shooting dead an unarmed black 18-year-old, told a witness after killing the teenager: 'This is my second one'

A Virginia police officer on trial for shooting dead an unarmed black 18-year-old told a witness after killing the teenager: 'This is my second one.'

Stephen Rankin's first-degree murder trial in the death of William Chapman II began this week with pre-trial motions - which included whether to allow the comment made by the officer to a Walmart employee, the Guardian reports.

Rankin, who had killed another unarmed man four years earlier, was captured by his Tasers camera making the comment to the staff member seconds after the fatal shooting.

During pre-trial motions on Tuesday, Rankin's attorney argued that the comment 'is not probative of anything.' But the judge denied the motion.

Chapman died in April last year in Portsmouth, Virginia, a majority-black city of 100,000 people.

Rankin shot Chapman after responding to a shoplifting call outside a Walmart last year.

Witnesses say a struggle ensued - but unlike in some other police shootings, including the killing of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, no witness cellphone video is available to shed any light on the circumstances.

In Rankin's case, the only footage is an incomplete video from his stun gun that doesn't show the actual shooting. Rankin was fired by Portsmouth's city manager after his indictment.

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Stephen Rankin's first-degree murder trial in the death of William Chapman II (pictured) began this week

Stephen Rankin (pictured in court) shot Chapman after responding to a shoplifting call outside a Walmart

Rankin's attorneys argue that Chapman's shooting was justified, and should not be judged in the context of other pending cases elsewhere in the country.

'The factual scenario is so totally different than what has happened in Baton Rouge and Minneapolis and with Michael Brown (in Ferguson, Missouri),' attorney James Broccoletti said.

'I don't think it would matter if this individual were black, red, purple or orange. It was the conduct of the person that generated the response.'

Chapman's death marked the second time Rankin killed someone while on duty.

Video courtesy of Wavy-TV

He was cleared of any wrongdoing from the first shooting in 2011. In that case, he fired 11 times at a white burglary suspect he said charged at him with his hands reaching into his waistband.

In court documents, prosecutors allege Rankin killed Chapman 'willfully, deliberately and with premeditation.'

Chapman's body was delivered to the medical examiner with handcuffs still bound behind his back, according to news reports at the time.

But some witnesses said Chapman was combative. One said he knocked away Rankin's stun gun, according to the reports.

Sallie Chapman, the teenager's mother, told The Associated Press he did not have a confrontational nature.

William Chapman's cousin Earl Lewis prays with the slain teenager's mother Sallie Chapman in front of the Portsmouth Judicial Center ahead of the first day of the trial on Wednesday

'Please look past his badge,' she said of Rankin. 'Please look past his uniform. And convict this man of murder.'

The trial comes at a time of intense scrutiny over the use of force by police officers - and both the prosecution and defense expressed concerns about how to maintain an impartial jury.

Despite those concerns, a judge ruled Tuesday that the trial would proceed.

Rankin's attorneys said demonstrations in favor of the officer's conviction are planned and that jurors could be influenced by them as they enter the courthouse.

At the same time, Portsmouth's prosecutor has told the judge that a heavy presence of uniformed officers supporting Rankin could have a 'chilling effect' on the jury.

In addition to following numerous incidents of black men dying in police custody, the trial comes in the wake of recent fatal attacks on officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

On-duty officers kill suspects about 1,000 times a year, according to Philip Stinson, a criminal justice professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

But only 74 have been charged since 2005, 18 of them in 2015 alone, he said.

Stinson said it will be years before he can say if the increase last year is a statistical anomaly or a trend buoyed by witness cellphone videos.

Of those officers arrested, 31 were charged with murder and several, including Rankin, with first-degree murder, he said.

Earl Lewis, Jr. speaks during the funeral service for William Chapman II, at Metropolitan Funeral Service in Portsmouth in May last year

Chapman's mother Sallie Chapman, left, and Trease Evans listen to the Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney Stephanie Morales announce that Rankin will be indicted in September last year

Thus far, 24 of the cases against officers have ended in convictions and 24 have not. The rest are pending.

'Juries are very reluctant to convict an officer because they all recognize that policing is difficult and violent,' Stinson said.

The Virginian-Pilot newspaper recently reported that 37 people have died from shootings by police in the Hampton Roads region since 2010, 25 of them black.

Two of the shootings led to criminal charges against the officers, one of whom is Rankin.

Recent protests over shootings by police in Louisiana and Minnesota shut down a major highway in Portsmouth, and a white city councilman responded by calling the demonstrators 'thugs' on social media.

That same night, however, an image of a black highway protester hugging a white police officer went viral, easing some of the tension. The councilman apologized the following day.

JaPharii Jones, a local black activist from nearby Hampton, Virginia, said the hug was 'an awesome' moment.

Authorities collect evidence from the scene of the fatal shooting of William Chapman by former Portsmouth police officer Steven Rankin at the Walmart on Frederick Blvd. in Portsmouth on April 22, 2015

But he said a guilty verdict in the Rankin trial would be far more impactful in a region where he said 'you can sneeze and you can get shot' by police.

Ed Schardein, a retired captain from Portsmouth, said the charges against Rankin do not reflect the department or the nation's officers.

Schardein said Portsmouth's force is well-trained and professional. And because of a relatively high crime rate, he said the officers are used to handling high-stress situations without prematurely drawing their guns.

'Conviction or no conviction, I would hope that it's based on the facts, and not the perception that there is an issue among policing,' Schardein said.

And for many black leaders, the former officer's rare trial on first-degree murder charges will be nothing less than a referendum on a criminal justice system they say often fails to hold police accountable.

'The criminal justice system is hell-bent on favoring those in law enforcement,' said James Boyd, president of Portsmouth's NAACP chapter.
Outgoing Democratic Party chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz delivered emotional remarks before a prominent Jewish Democratic group where she praised her own work, acknowledged near exhaustion, and referred to her own troubles as she leaves her chairmanship under a cloud.

'This has been a difficult week, there's no question about it,' she told members of the National Jewish Democratic Network, a lobby organization where she once worked.

'Sometimes you just have to take one for the team, and that's okay, that's okay,' she said in a small room inside the Philadelphia convention center at what should have been her crowning achievement: the night her favored candidate Hillary Clinton formally accepted the party's nomination as the first female major party nominee.

'The motto that I still live by,' she told a small crowd, is that, 'I might not always win the day. I might not convince everybody that I'm right. But you can be damn sure I'm never gonna lose because I've been outworked. That is a hallmark of our people. We persevere. We stay focused. We stay together. We lock arms. And we never forget where we came from.'

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Debbie Wasserman Schultz spoke at the National Jewish Democratic Network today, pictured above, a lobby organization where she once worked

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency posted video of the event, and reported that Wasserman Schultz leveled a serious charge at Donald Trump on the way out the door  going so far as to accuse him of treason, a capital offense.

'Extremism gets us nowhere except for really careening off the deep end,' she said.

'This is a man who yesterday suggested that the Russians  encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary Clintons campaigns emails. I mean, encourage a foreign actor to engage in espionage!

'For a presidential candidate to encourage that to happen again  I mean, its treasonous. Its vicious. Its unacceptable,' she said.

Wasserman Schultz spent her final days at her powerful post in a strange purgatory, where she continues to get perks of the job  including a police escort and a luxury box  even as fellow Democrats grouse that she should have been ousted a long time ago.

'This is a man who yesterday suggested that the Russians  encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary Clintons campaigns emails. I mean, encourage a foreign actor to engage in espionage! For a presidential candidate to encourage that to happen again  I mean, its treasonous. Its vicious. Its unacceptable,' said Wasserman of trump, pictured above during an Iowa campaign rally today

Democratic Party chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is in her final hours as DNC chair. Her tenure ends Friday. She is pictured here waving to the Florida delegation at breakfast on Monday during the first day of the DNC

In just the latest oddity of her situation as the convention wraps up in Philadelphia, Wasserman Schultz is to be honored at a special event organized for her by the National Jewish Council, where other House Democrats will be in attendance.

'It had been planned for a long time,' said one organizer. 'We love Debbie. All the other things going on just make it more meaningful.'

The event fits in with the parallel world in which Wasserman Schultz has spent her final days. She has traveled around Philadelphia, and addressed a delegation breakfast - where angry Bernie Sanders protesters heckled her remarks.

According to a report in Politico, Wasserman Schultz has spent her final days having an aide court donors, running around town to attend events using a police escort, and otherwise using a suite at the Wells Fargo center as a base of operations.

At the same time, Democratic operatives are spilling the beans on what appears to have been a chaotic tenure at the party.

In one incident described by the publication, DNC staffers had urged her to make four 'asks' of Vice President Joe Biden related to party fundraising.

Instead, she made her own pitch: that Biden hold a fundraiser for her own campaign, and that he fly down to Boca Raton to attend her daughter's bat mitzvah. Biden's staff balked, and he cut a video presentation instead.

A Democratic source told Daily Mail Online that President Obama was polite but curt when he called her Sunday to make clear it was time to go, telling her, 'Thank you for your service.'

DON'T FORGET TO GAVEL: She wanted to gavel in the convention, but got subbed out at the last minute by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who almost forgot to gavel in the convention Monday

Wasserman Schultz's rough week only got rougher when she was heckled by Bernie Sanders while addressing the Florida delegation on Monday

Protesters held up signs referencing the DNC's leaked emails

WAKE UP CALL: Wasserman Schultz was shouted down at a Florida breakfast

ALL ALONE: Wasserman Schultz toured the convention floor, but never got to speak

The Sanders campaign complained throughout the campaign that Wasserman Schultz was tipping the scales in favor of Hillary Clinton.

A trove of DNC emails leaked by Wikileaks Friday proved to be the last straw. Some emails showed Wasserman Schultz aggressively leaning on a donor for seven 'Hamilton' tickets for a reunion trip to New York. Others showed the lawmaker and staff members knocking Sanders and even pushing a negative story about his faith.
A pair of police officers really brought some funny fun to a block party in Ohio while driving through the area at the weekend.

A resident in Mentor-on-the-Lake posted a video of Patrolman Watts taking part in a potato sack race during the party with a group of kids from the street.

The video, posted to Facebook, shows the adults at the gathering excitedly filming as the cop jumped to the finish line, placing second-last.

Ready, set, go! A Facebook video shows the police officer enthusiastically joining the sack race

A resident in Mentor-on-the-Lake posted a video of Patrolman Watts taking part in a potato sack race during the party with a group of kids from the street

Finish line: Despite his size, the officer placed second-last in the race. But maybe that was on purpose

The video, posted to Facebook, shows the adults at the gathering excitedly filming as the cop jumped to the finish line, placing second-last

The local who posted the video, Tim Gunnoe, said the appearance of the officers was a welcomed addition to the party.

'Today, some police officers came by to play with kids on the street, I'm glad we have such a caring work force to spend the time with the kids and show that police officers are really not out to get us!' he wrote in the video caption.

The fire department also came out to help cool off the kids.
Bill Cosby has given up on his legal battle with Andrea Constand, the woman who accused the comedian of rape in 2004, in which he claimed breached their confidentiality agreement.

The disgraced entertainer headed to court on Thursday and filed a voluntary dismissal of his lawsuit against Constand, her lawyer and American Media Inc.

It remains unclear what caused Cosby to cease his litigation with Constand after months of back-and-forth dueling lawsuits. But he dismissed the case without prejudice which means he can refile the lawsuit in the future if he wishes.

Earlier this month, Cosby was granted the right to continue his lawsuit against Constant, claiming she breached the terms of a confidentiality agreement she signed with him years before.

Bill Cosby (pictured earlier this month) filed a voluntary dismissal of his lawsuit against Andrea Constand, who accused the disgraced comedian of rape in 2004, her lawyer and American Media Inc on Thursday.

Constand (pictured in December 2015) accused the comedian of rape in 2004 but after police said there wasnt enough evidence to charge him in 2005, she sued Cosby

Judge Eduardo Robreno denied Cosby's claim that Constand broke the agreement by talking to cops after they reopened her criminal case, which they closed in 2004 citing lack of evidence

Former Temple University employee Constand was allegedly drugged and raped by the now-79-year-old comedian in 2004, but after police said there wasnt enough evidence to charge him in 2005, she sued Cosby.

Cosby settled out of court in 2006, with one of the conditions being an agreement not to speak publicly about Constands claims - an agreement Cosby claims she broke.

In his 2015 lawsuit, Cosby claimed that Constand and her lawyers helped leak a deposition in which Cosby admitted to buying Quaaludes to give to young women with whom he wanted to have sex.

The deposition, along with claims being made by other women, led to police reopening her case - at which point she and her mom spoke to officers, allegedly in breach of her agreement.

He also accused her of talking to a number of media companies.

Constand said that Cosby had breached the agreement himself due to the deluge of claims that emerged against him in 2014 and 2015.

However, that argument failed to pass muster, according to US District Judge Eduardo Robreno.

And Cosby's suit, filed in February, hit Constand with an 'unjust enrichment' claim, at the time meaning she might have had to return the money that she claimed during the 2006 settlement if she loses.

Also named in the suit were Constand's lawyers, Delores Troiani and Bebe Kivitz, who are alleged to have helped release Cosby's decade-old deposition.

Troiani and Kivitz said they should be excluded from that decision, arguing that they were not involved in the release of the deposition transcript nor with the court-reporting service that leaked it.

But Robreno said that would have to be established at trial.

The judge also ruled that Cosby can sue the National Enquirer's parent company, American Media, for reports about Constand and Cosby made in that paper.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET DRUG: WHAT ARE QUAALUDES? Quaaludes (methaqualone) were first synthesized by scientists in the 1950s, and released in the 1960s in America as a more effective substitute for barbiturates, which were then a popular sleeping pill. They cause relaxation, sleepiness and occasionally a feeling of euphoria. The prescription pills are highly addictive and are not supposed to be taken in large quantities or while drinking alcohol. They take just 30 minutes to kick in and last for up to eight hours. At high doses it can cause severe confusion and an almost complete loss of muscle control. The drug featured heavily in the 2013 movie the Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Advertisement

And the judge said that the suit could proceed for two tweets Constand made in 2014, as well as an interview she performed with the Toronto Sun.

One tweet said, 'I won't go away, there is a lot more I will say,' and the other said, 'It's not that everybody just forgot about it, truth is nobody cared.'

Since it's not immediately clear that Cosby was the person being referred to, that would have to be established in court, the judge wrote.

However, Robreno refused to allow Cosby to sue Constand, her mom and her lawyers for talking to police once her case was re-opened.

The judge said that the contract was unenforceable in this case, since it breached public policy by stopping people from telling law enforcement about alleged criminal conduct.

Cosby's lawyers argued, unsuccessfully, that it shouldn't apply to voluntary disclosure, only disclosures made through a subopena.

Cosby has denied all of the rape and sexual assault allegations made against him.

On Thursday Cosby returned to court to drop the lawsuit against Constand, her lawyer and American Media Inc
A Welsh woman was arrested for kissing and hugging an American student on a Saudi university campus, a judge has heard.

Amina Al-Jeffery, 21, has launched legal action against her father, claiming he locks her up at his home in Saudi Arabia.

Lawyers outlined details of her arrest at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London on Thursday.

Amina Al-Jeffery (pictured), has launched legal action against her father, claiming he locks her up at his home in Saudi Arabia

Miss Al-Jeffery - who grew up in Swansea and has dual British and Saudi Arabian nationality - claims her father, academic Mohammed Al-Jeffery, imprisons her at his home.

Lawyers representing Miss Al-Jeffery say they fear for her safety and have taken legal action in London in a bid to protect her.

But her 62-year-old father, who works at the King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, has received funding from the Saudi government to fight the High Court's order to return her.

The judge is scheduled to deliver a ruling on Wednesday and has described the case as 'difficult and unusual'.

Mr Justice Holman was told Miss Al-Jeffery left Swansea and moved to Saudi Arabia at the insistence of her father four years ago.

The judge heard her mother and siblings are back in South Wales.

Hearing: Miss Al-Jeffery has since been held as a prisoner at her father's home in Jeddah, the family division of the High Court in London (pictured) was told

Neither Miss Al-Jeffery nor her father have appeared at the High Court hearing.

Barristers Henry Setright QC and Michael Gration have represented Miss Al-Jeffery and outlined concerns.

Barrister Marcus Scott-Manderson QC is representing Mr Al-Jeffery.

Lawyers did not reveal when Miss Al-Jeffery had been arrested on the university campus - or whether she had been penalised by security officials - as they discussed the incident with the judge.

'On the campus she was seen kissing and hugging an American student,' said Mr Justice Holman.

'She was arrested by security and risked imprisonment.'

He added: 'The man in fact was forced to leave Saudi Arabia.'

Mr Scott-Manderson told the judge: 'The man could have been subjected to physical punishment.'

The judge said there were reasons to be 'very concerned' about Miss Al-Jeffery's welfare, adding there was a 'degree of admission' by Mr Al-Jeffery.

He said Mr Al-Jeffery had admitted locking his daughter in his flat when he went out and there had been 'very elaborate steel latticework' over windows so that Miss Al-Jeffery could not shout out.

A 'barrier or partition' had been put up at the property, which Miss Al-Jeffery had likened to a 'cage'.

Welsh schoolgirl Amina Al-Jeffery has been kept prisoner in a cage by her own father for more than four years in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (pictured), after she was accused of un-Islamic behaviour, a court heard

Mr Scott-Manderson said Mr Al-Jeffery had 'required' his daughter to go to Saudi Arabia when she was 16 because he was concerned about the life she led in Wales.

'His concern is that she is going to be at risk (in Britain),' Mr Scott-Manderson told the judge.

'He is the head of a family that has its own moral and cultural standards.'

Mr Scott-Manderson reported how Mr Al-Jeffery had said: 'I will not allow Amina to go back to a toxic lifestyle.'

The judge said Miss Al-Jeffery had grown up in South Wales and might prefer a western lifestyle.

'She may indeed be expressing a preference to the more liberal lifestyle she knows goes on in this country,' he said.

'(Her father) is enforcing his point of view by locking her up.'

He added: 'The central issue for me is, is she able to appeal to this country, of which she is a citizen, and say 'help me'?'

Mr Justice Holman said he might have the power to order Mr Al-Jeffery to facilitate his daughter's return to the UK - but might have difficulty enforcing such an order.
Officials admit that the likelihood of recovering the doomed plane is fading

The simulated route was similar to the one the plane took before vanishing

MH370 vanished during a flight to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur back in 2014

Australian officials have confirmed data recovered from a home flight simulator owned by the Flight MH370 pilot shows 'someone' used it to plot a course to the southern Indian Ocean weeks before the plane vanished.

Reports of the discovery, that appears to indicate the captain practised crashing the plane, emerged in confidential police documents last week.

But while Australian authorities have now confirmed the data, they insist it doesn't prove that captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah deliberately crashed the plane.

Australian authorities confirmed data recovered from a flight simulator owned by MH370 captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah appears to show 'someone' used it to plot a course similar to that followed by the plane before it vanished over the Indian Ocean

'Someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean,' confirmed Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Centre, which is overseeing the search for the plane off Australia's west coast.

It said, however, that evidence of the route didn't prove Mr Shah had planned to steer the plane off course and showed only 'the possibility of planning' for such an event.

Malaysia's national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar would not confirm, saying investigations will not be conclusive until the black boxes - the cockpit voice recorder and a data recorder - are recovered.

'We cannot confirm anything. Whatever findings now are not conclusive until we recover the black box which will tell us what actually happened.

'If not, everything else is speculative.'

There has been confusion over what exactly was found on the captain's flight simulator since New York Magazine reported last week that an FBI analysis of the device showed Mr Shah had conducted a simulated flight to the southern Indian Ocean less than a month before the plane vanished along a similar route.

The simulated flight path that was allegedly practised by Mr Shah was similar to the one the plane is believed to have followed before it disappeared

A family member of a passenger aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 holds a placard saying: 'The three governments have an obligation to the world to carry out their promise'

A man surnamed Lee whose said his son was aboard the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 that went missing wears a t-shirt saying: 'Pray for MH370. Bring them home safely'

Relatives of Chinese passengers onboard MH370 protested at the Chinese Foreign Ministry after a Ministerial Tripartite Meeting involving China, Malaysia and Australia

Zhang Huijun, one of the relatives of passengers missing on Malaysia Airlines MH370, performs kowtow to appeal for help during a protest outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing

The magazine cited the discovery as strong evidence that the disappearance was a premeditated act of mass murder-suicide at the hands of the captain.

Before the flight vanished it is understood Mr Shah had been distracted and withdrawn as he dealt with the break-up of his marriage.

Speaking in 2014 about the mystery, the wife and daughter of Mr Shah said the 53-year-old pilot had been desolate in the weeks before the aircraft's disappearance  and refused pleas to attend marriage counselling sessions.

WING PART FOUND IN TANZANIA 'HIGHLY LIKELY' TO BE FROM MH370 Australian officials are now reasonably convinced that a wing part found on the shores of Tanzania earlier this year is from the missing MH370 - and from it vital clues might now be gleaned. Greg Hood, chief commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau which has had experts examining the large wing part, said today that it was clear it was from a Boeing 777, leaving experts to declare it was highly likely to have come from the Malaysia Airlines jet. Experts now hope to determine how MH370 hit the water in an area believed to be in the southern Indian Ocean 1,600 miles south west of Australia. They will examine whether the jet had the wing flap down for a controlled landing on water or whether it had not been deployed, suggesting the plane came down in a dive. If the flap - the largest piece of debris found among other pieces said to be highly likely from the missing jet - shows signs of being torn off, it suggests it had been deployed, say officials. And that, they say, possibly means that someone was in control of the aircraft at the time it hit the water. The ATSB has been working on a theory that the jet ran out of fuel and then plunged into the sea, but other experts say it couild have been manually glided into the ocean to minimise damage and make it harder to find. Weve got no evidence either way to say there was somebody at the controls, said Commissioner Hood. Questions are now arising about the official search area, with oceanographers saying the discovery of the item in Tanzania is a further indication that the plane came down north of the current search zone. Mr Chester, however, said last night that he remained hopeful that the aircraft will be located in the remaining search area. Virtually all of the 120,000 square kilometer search area has been covered with no sign of the main part of the aircraft. But pieces that experts believe are from the jet have washed ashore off the east coast of Africa and nearby islands. Advertisement

Three weeks after they split the plane went missing, with some investigators suggesting it was a deliberate and desperate ploy by Mr Shah.

Police Chief Bakar said the Malaysian police had never handed any document or information to any overseas authority, including the FBI.

However, Malaysia's own transport minister confirmed two years ago that Malaysia was working with the FBI to analyse data from the simulator's hard drives.

The search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 will be 'suspended' if the plane is not found in the current search area, a statement issued to the next of kin said

Malaysia's national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said investigations will not be conclusive until the black boxes - the cockpit voice recorder and a data recorder - are recovered

A map showing where investigators have been searching for the plane for the last two years. It is believed it could be the wrong place and officials are yet to pinpoint a new area

WASHED UP DEBRIS: THE SEARCH FOR MISSING MH370 The first piece of debris believed to have come from MH370 was discovered last July on a beach on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Experts believed that the debris was one of the plane's flaperon and that other debris that washed up on the shore was suitcase items from China and Indonesia. Later that year in December a grey piece of debris was found in southern Mozambique thought to belong to the aircraft. Two months later an object with the words 'no step' then washed up off the coast of the African country. Then in March this year, an engine part was found in South Africa while in Apirl the segment of a flap track fairing and part of a horizontal stabiliser were found off Mozambique. Officials say it was almost certainly from MH370. Meanwhile on Monday, investigators in Australia on said they were examining a wing flap found last month on an East African island The 'large piece of aircraft debris' arrived at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau headquarters in the capital, Canberra, for examination. Advertisement

Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai insisted on Wednesday there was no evidence to prove that Mr Shah had plotted the same course as the doomed airliner into the machine.

Earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull declined to offer any details on what evidence had been found on the simulator, saying it was a matter for Malaysia, which is leading the investigation into the missing plane.

'I just note that even if the simulator information does show that it is possible or very likely that the captain planned this shocking event, it does not tell us the location of the aircraft,' Turnbull told reporters.

Officials have been hindered in their efforts to explain why the Boeing 777 carrying 239 people veered so far off course during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014.

Police carry a piece of debris from an unidentified aircraft found in the coastal area of Saint-Andre de la Reunion, in the east of the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion

Reports of the discovery, that appears to indicate the captain practised crashing the plane, emerged in confidential police documents last week

Theories have ranged from a deliberate murder-suicide plot by one of the pilots, to a hijacking, to a mechanical catastrophe.

Similarly, search crews have been unable to find the main wreckage of the plane despite a sweeping underwater hunt of a remote stretch of ocean off Australia's west coast.

Last week, officials from Malaysia, Australia and China announced that the underwater search will be suspended once the current search area has been completely scoured.
Clinton campaign currently trying to highlight fears Vladimir Putin's Russia is influencing election in favor of Donald Trump

tells Daily Mail Online it is seeking interview with him - and lobby group Citizens United says he should get immunity

A Chinese billionaire at the center of a 20-year-old Clinton foreign donor scandal is being called in to answer questions from Congress about his role in the influence-buying scheme, in a move that could revive yet another Clinton controversy from the 1990s.

The House Oversight Committee told Daily Mail Online that it will seek an interview with Ng Lap Seng, 68, who evaded congressional investigators for years.

He has now re-appeared in the United States and is being held in New York on unrelated bribery charges.

One campaign group is even suggesting that Congress grant him immunity from the charges in return for testifying.

Ng, a Macau businessman with ties to the Chinese government, was accused of funneling over $1 million in illegal foreign donations to support Bill Clinton's reelection campaign in 1996.

Finally facing questions: Billionaire Ng Lap Seng, who was in Federal Court in Manhattan in June, fled the country to avoid giving Congressional testimony but is now facing demands to give evidence

Key campaign: Bill and Hillary Clinton campaigned as a couple in 1996. But the campaign faced investigation over whether Chinese Communists attempted to influence the outcome of the election

At the time, Ng declined to come to the U.S. to cooperate with congressional investigators in the case, which became a sweeping national scandal and raised suspicions about Chinese government efforts to influence the U.S. election.

According to congressional investigators, Ng laundered the illegal campaign donations through a close Clinton associate in Arkansas named Charlie Trie during the 1996 election.

Trie, who sent the donations to the Democratic National Committee and Clinton's legal defense fund, pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance laws in 1999.

The House Oversight Committee said it will take the opportunity to finally question Ng about the foreign donation scheme now that he is under house detention at a $3 million Manhattan apartment, awaiting trial on separate charges that he tried to bribe a top UN official.

'We plan to request an interview,' said a spokesperson for the committee.

Then Republican senator Fred Thompson chaired the committee and said that it found that China's Communist government was involved in a plan 'to pour illegal money into American political campaigns' in an effort to 'subvert our election process', the Washington Post reported.

However, other lawmakers, including Sen. Joe Lieberman, then a Democrat, said there was not convincing evidence that China was directly involved in the funding.

Ng's attorney, Hugh Hu Mo, who has also represented Chinese government entities, said he would oppose any efforts by Congress to question his client.

The House Oversight Committee could potentially override this by issuing a subpoena for Ng's testimony.

The timing could be a blow to the Clinton campaign, reigniting a decades old foreign corruption scandal just as Hillary Clinton has secured the Democratic presidential nomination.

The Clinton Foundation has previously faced scrutiny for accepting millions from foreign governments while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state.

The House Oversight Committee's move comes on the heels of a letter from the watchdog group Citizens United, which asked Ng's attorney to make him available for interviews with congress.

Testimony: In an investigation led by then Senator Fred Thompson, the Chinese government was accused of trying to affect the 1996 election outcome. Charlie Trie, who was jailed, later gave evidence.

Foreign meddling: Democrats have this week raised the possibility that Vladimir Putin (right) is trying to influence the outcome of this election in favor of Donald Trump (left), who denies such a claim.

Finding: Then Republican senator Fred Thompson chaired the government oversight committee and said that it found that China's Communist government was involved in a plan 'to pour illegal money into American political campaigns' in an effort to 'subvert our election process''

David Bossie, president of Citizens United, was the former chief investigator for the House Oversight Committee during the foreign donor probe in the late 1990s.

He said in a letter to Ng's attorney on Wednesday that the committee had obtained substantial evidence of Ng's involvement in the donation scheme.

'Although Mr. Ng did not cooperate, the Committee's investigation uncovered substantial information about financial transactions involving your client that appear to have been aimed at influencing the outcome of the 1996 presidential election in favor of Bill Clinton,' wrote Bossie.

Bossie said that now that Ng is under house arrest in New York, 'I ask that you consider making him available for an interview with Congress to answer questions about his alleged role in influencing the 1996 presidential election.'

The letter, which was copied to House Oversight Committee chairman Jason Chaffetz and Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Charles Grassley, also suggested that Congress could grant immunity on the pending bribery charges to Ng 'in exchange for his critical testimony concerning the alleged foreign influence of our nation's sacred presidential election process'.

A spokesperson for the committee did not say whether it would consider this option.

Citizens United say that such a deal is legally possible.

Ng was arrested in New York last year and charged with bringing suitcases of cash into the U.S. to bribe officials, including the former president of the UN general assembly. Prosecutors say the scheme also involved Chinese government officials.

John Ashe, 61, the former president of the UN general assembly accused of accepting the bribes from Ng, was killed by a barbell weight while working out last month. He was also under investigation at the time.

In 1997, investigators on the Senate Government Affairs committee said they found evidence linking the Communist Chinese government to the foreign donation scheme.

The issue of foreign meddling in US elections has been in the spotlight in recent days, with the Clinton campaign trying to link Donald Trump to the Russian government's suspected role in the recent hack of internal DNC emails.

But the Ng case shows that allegations of foreign influence in presidential campaigns is not new, and that outside governments have long been suspected of working to sway outcomes and purchase political influence.
Police fear the increasingly anti-cop climate across the United States will lead to a nationwide shortage of officers  but some departments have seen a huge spike in applications.

Animosity towards police officers and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement was fueled by the killing of black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, almost two years ago.

Killings of two black men by police officers earlier this month  Alton Sterling and Philando Castile  further stoked the discord and led to a black Army veteran opening fire during a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas, killing five officers and wounding a further nine.

The attack was followed by another targeted assault on officers  this time in Baton Rouge  less than two weeks later on July 17.

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Police fear the increasingly anti-cop climate across the US will lead to a nationwide shortage of officers  but some departments have seen a spike in applications. Dallas police chief David Brown (above) urged those who protested police shooting to apply for jobs in his department and applications rocketed

After the Dallas attack, the citys police chief David Brown  a black man  urged those who protested police shooting to apply for jobs in his department to be part of the solution  and applications rocketed.

But some experts say the spike in applications in Dallas and some other cities are exceptions  and that generally, people will view law enforcement as too dangerous a career to pursue.

The job is inherently dangerous and that is generally understood and accepted, Matthew Thomas, a special operations commander for the Pinal County Sheriffs Office in Arizona told FoxNews.com.

However, the general social acceptance of hate and violence toward any and all law enforcement recently has created such an unpredictable and uncontrollable threat to our lives, many feel it is not a good career to be involved in.

Tom Jackson, the former police chief in Ferguson, Missouri, believes the recent killings of police officers will badly hurt recruitment.

How can you convince people to come to the profession, or stay in the profession, when hundreds of people are in front of them threatening to rape their grandkids? he told Fox.

Jackson, who resigned last year, said after seeing so many officers be killed in the line of duty recently, families will beg their loved ones to quit the profession or not sign up.

He added that the police department in Ferguson remains 17 officers short  dropping from 55 when he was police chief to 38.

Theyre overworked and it is even less safe for them now.

His words are backed up by statistics  a report revealed that the shooting deaths of law enforcement officers have spiked 78 percent in the first half of 2016 compared to last year.

Tom Jackson (pictured in August last year, the former police chief in Ferguson, Missouri, believes the recent killings of police officers will badly hurt recruitment

The shooting deaths of law enforcement officers have spiked 78 percent in the first half of 2016 compared to last year - but are still lower than they were during previous decades like the 1970s

The figures include an alarming increase in ambush-style assaults like the ones that killed eight officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

Thirty-two officers died in firearms-related incidents so far this year including 14 that were ambush-style attacks, according to the report released on Wednesday.

During the same period last year, 18 officers were shot and killed in the line of duty including three that were considered ambush attacks.

But the data, from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund shows that firearms-related deaths of officers in the line of duty are still lower than they were during previous decades like the 1970s.

How can you convince people to come to the profession... when hundreds of people are in front of them threatening to rape their grandkids? Tom Jackson, the former police chief in Ferguson, Missouri

Despite this, the Dallas Police Department said job applications to the force have more than quadrupled since the sniper attack on July 7.

Last week, the department revealed that 467 applications were received in the 12 days after the shootings  an average of 38.9 a day.

The figure is a 344 per cent increase to a comparable period in June. During that period, the department only received 136 applications, averaging 11.3 a day.

Other departments, including in Denver, Las Vegas and Orange County, California, have seen a more modest increase in applications, according to Fox.

But in others, theres been a sharp drop.

Examples include St Paul, Minnesota, where 32-year-old Philando Castile was shot by a police officer during a routine traffic stop on July 6.

The gruesome aftermath of his killing was live streamed on Facebook by his girlfriend Diamond Reynolds, who was in the car at the time  along with her four-year-old daughter.

The department said it has only received 399 applications this year, with 240 ultimately placed on a hiring list for consideration.

Two years earlier, the department had received 796 applications and 431 were placed on the hiring list, a spokesman told Fox.

Its a similar situation in Baltimore, a city that was rocked by its worst riots in decades after the death of Freddie Gray  where the police force is down by six per cent.

Gray died a week after his neck was broken while he was left handcuffed and shackled, but unrestrained in the back of a police van.

Montrell Jackson (pictured right) addressed the difficulties of being both a black man and a police officer just days before his death in Baton Rouge on July 17

Six officers were charged in his death, three were acquitted and a fourth officers case resulted a mistrial.

The three remaining officers awaiting trial had their charges dropped by prosecutors on Wednesday, who cited a biased investigation by police.

One officer cited the thankless nature of the job as the reason for his retirement  while the low salary could also hinder be hindering recruitment.

The average annual wage for a police officer across the country is only $61,270, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, but in some states, the salary is as low as $33, 430,

And one of the cops gunned down in the ambush at a gas station in Baton Rouge addressed the difficulties of being both a black man and a police officer just days before his death.

Montrell Jackson, one of three officers killed in the attack, wrote on Facebook: I swear to God I love this city, but I wonder if this city loves me.

In uniform I get nasty hateful looks and out of uniform some consider me a threat. Ive experienced so much in my short life and these last three days have tested me to the core.
Daniel Rodriguez, 28, boasted of being a hip hop megastar to groom five schoolgirls as young as 13 for sex after they responded to his Facebook friend invitations

A pervert posed as a top gangster rapper to target 10,000 children via social media.

Daniel Rodriguez, 28, boasted of being a hip hop megastar to groom five schoolgirls as young as 13 for sex after they responded to his Facebook friend invitations.

But in reality the jobless paedophile was was living at home with his parents and sister in a cramped terraced house in Hackney.

As he faces jail, police warned that child exploitation online had become so common that most girls in Britain have received an inappropriate message on social media.

Detective Superintendent John Macdonald of Scotland Yards Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command said they had seen an increasing pattern of abuse of grooming online.

If you ask any young girl whether they have had contact with someone on social media they dont know and has asked them to send something inappropriate, I would imagine most girls have had some sort of contact, he said.

Social media enables people who want to have sex with children to approach scores if not hundreds of them online in an attempt to meet up.

Last week the MP for Rotherham Sarah Champion warned that social media gives abusers much greater access to children and this is certainly something that we are seeing in our investigations.

We need to raise awareness amongst both children and parents about online dangers so that they can make informed decisions about who to meet via social media.

He said that online grooming of children was grossly under-reported as many of the victims were too ashamed or frightened to come forward, adding: The (police investigation) figures are not a clear reflection of what is happening.

Rodriguez, who is known as Grimey D, and pictured here with his mother, filmed himself having sex with schoolgirls in school uniform after contacting them online and persuading them to come to his home

Rodriguez, who is known as Grimey D, filmed himself having sex with schoolgirls in school uniform after contacting them online and persuading them to come to his home.

The paedophile sent out more than 10,000 messages to youngsters through Facebook, Whats App, Instagram and Blackberry Messenger as he trawled the web for vulnerable victims.

After being befriended by one girl, he bombarded her friends and then their friends with messages over a three-year period between 2012-2015.

The tattooed rapper who posted a series of music videos on YouTube showing him performing his music with a scantily-clad woman in lingerie wearing a mask, projected an image that he was a famous hip hip star to ensnare his victims.

He groomed them by complimenting their appearance, telling them he loved them and inviting them to his home before filming himself having sex with five girls aged 13 to 15.

The girls were forced to carry out his demands which became more sexually demeaning, but none of them went to the police fearing that they would be blamed.

Rodriguez was only caught by chance when police examined the phone of a 14-year-old girl in an unrelated investigation and discovered messages from him.

The paedophile sent out more than 10,000 messages to youngsters through Facebook, Whats App, Instagram and Blackberry Messenger as he trawled the web for vulnerable victims

Following his arrest on August 27 last year, police found videos of Rodriguez having sex with four of the victims - three aged 14 and one aged 15.

They also recovered an indecent image of a sixth girl.

In the face of the overwhelming evidence, he later pleaded guilty in June to five counts of sexual activity with a child, one sexual assault and four counts of creating an indecent image of a child.

Rodriguez is now due to be jailed at Wood Green Crown Court later tomorrow.

Detective Superintendent John Macdonald described him as a dangerous and predatory paedophile yesterday as he warned that there may be many more victims.

He said: Rodriguezs exploitation and targeting of young girls was disgusting.

He used social media to groom children online, paying them compliments, pretending to be affectionate and sexually abusing them.

Unfortunately this is a pattern of abuse we are increasingly seeing.

Only last week Rotherham MP Sarah Champion told ministers to get a grip ahead of a Commons debate on the growing risks of online grooming.

Rodriguez is now due to be jailed at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday for grooming teenagers

Detective Constable John Knox, who was in charge of the investigation, added: Daniel Rodriguez cast this huge net out online, with friend request after friend request, spamming all these girls.

He sent out 10,000 friend requests, got around 100 acceptances, and had sexual contact with six of them, all from sitting at his computer.

Rodriguez is a dangerous and predatory paedophile targeting and exploiting young, vulnerable girls.

He played on his image as a gangster rapper, his victims were fearful of him and believed they would be hurt if they spoke to anyone in authority.

And these girls are intimidated by the fact and worried there would be repercussions, because of his gangster rap image.

But the reality is he was a 28-year-old man, living at home with his mum and dad and big sister, not exactly the gangster rap image of Doctor Dre.

He added: The online world is a very dangerous world.
An unarmed black therapist who was shot by police last week while protecting his autistic client had an emotional reunion with the man.

Charles Kinsey, 47, stood with a cane as he told reporters on Thursday outside Aventura Hospital in Florida that his client, Arnaldo Rios, jumped from his bed and hugged him during the visit.

Rios, 27, is currently recovering from emotional trauma he suffered when Kinsey was shot in the leg by a North Miami police officer last week while lying next to him.

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Healthcare professional Charles Kinsey, shot by a North Miami police officer on July 18 while trying to protect an autistic patient, is seen walking with the help of a cane while making his first public appearance on Thursday in Florida. He met with his patient Arnaldo Rios earlier in the day during an emotional reunion

Gladys Soto, the mother of Arnaldo Rios, appears shocked as she describes her son's reaction after being reunited with Kinsey at Aventura Hospital where he is recovering

The hospital visit lasted about 15 minutes and Kinsey said Rios is doing really well.

'I wanted to come and visit him before I did anything,' Kinsey said, according NBC Miami.

'It really touched me, just to see him, he's looking well, he's doing really well, he was very happy to see me, he gave me a real big hug.'

Kinsey said he is still recovering from the shooting.

'Physically, I'm healing, but mentally, I'm distraught,' Kinsey said, according to NBC Miami.

'I can't sleep at night.'

While he declined to discuss details of the shooting he thanked everyone for their support.

'I'm truly blessed to be here,' he said, according to NBC Miami.

Rios was the intended target of the shooting, which occurred last Monday after four North Miami police officers responded to a 911 call about a suicidal man with a 'gun'.

Rios sat cross-legged. He yelled. He did not obey commands to lie down with his hands up and he fidgeted with a metal object.

After the reunion, Kinsey said Rios is doing really well and was very happy to see him as he spoke to reporters outside the hospital following his visit with Rios

Mathew Dietz, left, stand with Rios' mother as she speaks to media about Charles Kinsey and Arnaldo Rios' reunion on Thursday

Kinsey (left) was shot in North Miami last Monday while he was on the ground with his hands up. At the time, he was trying to soothe his autistic patient, Rios (right), who was playing with a toy truck

Meanwhile, his therapist, Kinsey, tried to surrender by lying down on the ground and keeping his hands up.

One of the officers, Jonathan Aledda, thought Rios was about to shoot Kinsey and fired three shots at Rios - but missed and hit Kinsey instead, authorities said.

The rifle bullet struck Kinsey just above the knee, went through his thigh and exited near his waist.

At the time of the shooting, Kinsey was was trying to coax Rios back to a group home he had run away from and the metal object which turned out to be a toy truck and there was no suicide threat.

The shooting is under investigation by state officials and 30-year-old officer Jonathan Aledda (center), who fired the shot, remains on paid leave

During an interview last week, Kinsey said he was shot even though he had his hands in the air and repeatedly told the police that no one was armed.

Rios' family last week said following the shooting, he was left traumatized, distressed and has stopped eating, and even noted 'he is not the same anymore'.

The shooting is under investigation by state officials and 30-year-old Aledda remains on paid leave.

A police commander is on unpaid suspension for allegedly fabricating information about the shooting.
home US Woman denied license to marry an animal, sparks new marriage lawsuit in Kentucky

Kentucky is making headlines again after officials refused to issue another marriage license, this time to a woman who wanted to marry an animal.

Elizabeth Ording filed a lawsuit against Davis, Attorney General Andy Beshear and Gov. Matt Bevin at the Kentucky Eastern District Court on July 19 for allegedly denying her the right to marry an animal.

The 27-year-old plaintiff said her lawyer informed her that the wedding could take place, but the state refused to allow it.

Ording argued that marrying an animal is not so different from marrying someone from the same sex.

Earlier this month, a man filed a lawsuit against Davis because she refused to issue a license for him to marry his laptop. The lawsuit was also filed against Beshear and Bevin.

The plaintiff, Mark "Chris" Sevier, wanted to prove that same-sex marriage is the same as marriage to an inanimate object.

Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, found the lawsuit "frivolous."

"There is obviously no right for a man to marry a machine. When you make gender irrelevant to a gender-based relationship you open Pandora's box and make a mockery out of marriage," he said.

Sevier had previously sued Texas for not allowing him to marry his Macbook.

In an interview with Houston Press, Sevier said his intention is to prove that the courts are allowing people to do morally unacceptable things like marrying someone from the same sex. He's challenging the courts to agree that this is what they have allowed to happen, or else let him marry his Macbook.

Davis, who serves as clerk at Rowan County, first made headlines in 2015 when she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because doing so violated her religious convictions.

A lawsuit filed against her brought her behind bars for a few days, but she eventually claimed victory over the long-standing legal battle. She continues to serve as Rowan county clerk, and she is no longer obliged to sign marriage licenses for same-sex couples.
Kevin Rudd has lost his bid for the United Nations secretary-general role after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull blocked the government from supporting his nomination.

In a press conference in Sydney on Friday, Mr Turnbull said Mr Rudd was 'not well-suited for this particular role.'

'Do we believe Mr Rudd is suited for the role? My considered judgement is he is not,' Mr Turnbull said.

'Not everyone is well-suited to every role, this is not a disparagement on Mr Rudd as the former prime minister of Australia.

'This is an important issue but far from the most important issue facing the government.'

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has blocked Kevin Rudd's (pictured) bid for the position of UN secretary-general, saying he believes Mr Rudd is 'not suitable' for the role

Federal cabinet failed to reach a decision on support for Mr Rudd's bid for the UN role on Thursday, with a number of ministers arguing against it, including veteran liberal Eric Abetz.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is said to have argued strongly for Mr Rudd, with Acting Labor leader Tanya Plibersek and Greens leader Richard Di Natale also backing his nomination.

When asked about his decision earlier in the week, Mr Turnbull told reporters in Canberra: 'I owe Mr Rudd a telephone call before I say anything more about it publicly.'

A number of ministers argued against the nomination and no consensus was reached.

After a thorough discussion, with many views expressed on both sides, it was left to the prime minister to make the final decision.

Mr Turnbull earlier told 2GB radio the decision was not high on the agenda, but agreed with host Alan Jones that a nomination was a sign of indirect support.

Ms Bishop has previously said Mr Rudd is qualified to be a candidate because he is a former prime minister.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) made the final call on whether the government would back Mr Rudd's nomination on Friday, after Mr Rudd failed to get the support from the federal cabinet on Thursday

Acting Labor leader Tanya Plibersek told reporters in Sydney there were few people more qualified to lead the UN than Mr Rudd, given his diplomatic experience.

'If the cabinet today decides not to offer its endorsement to Kevin Rudd it will show that the petty, small-minded, Right wing of the Liberal party have Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop on a short leash,' she said.

But veteran Liberal Eric Abetz hoped cabinet would not back Mr Rudd, citing past Labor assessments of the former leader as a 'narcissist, a micro-manager, an impulsive control freak and a psychopath'.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (pictured) is said to have strongly argued in the cabinet room in favour of nominating Mr Rudd for the position

'Any cursory glance at Mr Rudd's temperament and capacity would show that Mr Rudd is poorly qualified for this role,' Senator Abetz said.

'If Australia were to seek to inflict Kevin Rudd onto the United Nations, it would be a mistake.'

Treasurer Scott Morrison reminded Labor it didn't help Peter Costello when he was interested in a role with the International Monetary Fund.

Cabinet minister Sussan Ley said she had no personal opinion on whether or not to back Mr Rudd but insisted there would be 'vigorous' discussion.

'There are lots of views around the table,' she told reporters in Canberra.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale said it would be 'mean-spirited and churlish' if the government did not back Mr Rudd.

'It is in the national interest to have a former prime minister in that position for the UN,' he said.
Sesame Street has cut long-running characters Bob, Gordon and Luis.

The children's show said Thursday that actor Bob McGrath, 84, part of the original cast in 1969, and Emilio Delgado, 76, who plays Luis the handyman, will no longer appear on the show.

Both last performed in episodes taped in 2013.

Roscoe Orman, 72, who has played original character Gordon since 1974, has filmed new appearances for the current season of the show, but will not appear on the show after that.

Beginning this year, Sesame Street is airing on HBO as well as on PBS.

McGrath, said at an event earlier this month that since the move to HBO 'they let all of the original cast members go', USA Today reported.

Axed: Actor Bob McGrath, 84, part of the original Sesame Street cast when the show debuted in 1969 (right), was part of three beloved castmembers who were cut from the show Thursday

Roscoe Orman, 72, who has played original character Gordon since 1974, has filmed new appearances for the current season of the show, but will not appear in future episodes

Emilio Delgado, 76, who played Luis the handyman after joining in 1971, will no longer appear on the show.

McGrath announced at the Florida Supercon earlier this month that major changes were afoot on Sesame Street.

'They let all of the original cast members go, with the exception of Alan Muraoka  who is probably 20 years younger than the rest of us  and Chris Knowings, who is also young,' McGrath said at the event.

'As of this season, I have completed my 45th season this year. And the show has gone under a major turn around, going from an hour to a half-hour.'

A statement that was posted to the Sesame Street Twitter on Thursday confirmed that Bob the music teacher, Gordon the science teacher and Luis the handyman had been axed.

However the statement said the three will 'continue to represent us at public events'.

'Bob McGrath, Emilio Delgado ('Luis') and Roscoe Orman ('Gordon') remain a beloved part of the Sesame family and continue to represent us at public events,' the statement read.

'To us, and for millions of people worldwide, they are a treasured part of Sesame Street. Since the show began, we are constantly evolving our content and curriculum, and hence, our characters, to meet the educational needs of children.

Official statement: This message about the changes was posted to the Sesame Street Twitter on Thursday

Gone but not forgotten: Greg McGrath stands with Muppets Big Bird and Placido Flamingo on the set

'As a result of this, our cast has changed over the years, though you can still expect to see many of them in upcoming productions.

'As we've stated previously, Sesame Workshop retains sole creative control over the show. HBO does not oversee the production.'

Delgado joined Sesame Street as Fix-It Shop owner Luis in 1971.

Orman replaced Matt Robinson as kind schoolteacher Gordon in 1974.

McGrath has been with the show since it premiered in 1969.
Katharine Birbalsingh (pictured) is imposing the 'lunch isolation' on pupils to encourage parents to 'change their ways' and support their children

A headteacher who made her name at a Tory party conference by claiming Britain's education was 'broken' is forcing children to eat by themselves and restricting food as a punishment for their parents failing to pay for school lunches.

Katharine Birbalsingh, a favourite of former education secretary Michael Gove, is imposing 'lunch isolation' on pupils whose parents are behind on payments.

Children who are put in lunch isolation are given a sandwich and piece of fruit instead of their usual hot meal with dessert, and made to sit on their own for the whole lunch hour.

Critics called the measure at Michaela community school, a secondary free school in Wembley, north London, 'stigmatising'.

But Miss Birbalsingh said it was an attempt to encourage parents to 'change their ways' and support their children.

She rose to national prominence when her speech at the 2010 Tory party conference about failing schools provided the backdrop to Mr Gove's sweeping education reforms.

The sanction emerged in a letter from deputy head Barry Smith to Dionne Kelly, who fell behind on meal payments for her 12-year-old son Reon. It read: 'The deadline for this term's lunch payments was 1st June 2016. 'You are currently 75 overdue. If this full amount is not received within this week your child will be placed into Lunch Isolation.

'They will receive a sandwich and piece of fruit only. Only when the entire outstanding sum is paid in full will they be allowed into family lunch with their classmates.'

Ms Kelly, an unemployed care worker, said she had already paid the money by the time the letter arrived, but Reon had received the punishment anyway.

She said: 'I found the letter quite threatening. Isolating children for their parents not paying upfront is degrading. It's embarrassing for poor families.' The letter appeared to be addressed to several parents, as it began with the address: 'Dear families', but the school would not say if others had received it.

Ms Kelly, a single mother, received the letter only two weeks after Reon had started at the school. She said she had not yet registered for free school meals, but planned to try to claim the money back.

The school charges meals at 2.50 a day, with payment required upfront. She has now moved Reon to another school.

The school has a traditionalist academic ethos with a long school day: 7.55am-4pm. Full lunch menus at Michaela, which markets itself as having a 'private school ethos' but with 'no fees', include meals such as vegetable bolognaise pasta bake and salad followed by chocolate crunch, or vegetable tikka masala in a jacket potato with iced sponge for dessert.

The sanction emerged in a letter from deputy head Barry Smith. Children who are put in lunch isolation are given a sandwich and piece of fruit instead of their usual hot meal with dessert, and made to sit on their own for the whole lunch hour

Critics called the measure at Michaela community school, a secondary free school (pictured), 'stigmatising'

Miss Birbalsingh admitted that she and Miss Kelly 'did not see eye to eye', and insisted Miss Kelly had not paid for her son's lunches. Miss Birbalsingh added: 'The letter from Barry Smithwas sent in an attempt to encourage mum to change her ways and support her son by paying for his food.

'The vast majority of secondary schools use isolation to discipline children.'

Miss Birbalsingh added that the lunch isolation was part of half a day in isolation imposed because of poor behaviour the day before.

Sam Royston of the Children's Society, said: 'No school should punish and potentially stigmatise a child because a parent has not paid for, or is unable to afford, school meals.

'Schools should be doing everything they can to support parents who may be struggling with the costs of feeding their children.'
The British Prime Minister has all but confirmed 800,000 Polish people will remain in the UK after Brexit.

Theresa May, in her most telling statement yet on the issue, condemned 'shameful and despicable' attacks on Poles in the wake of the Brexit vote and insisted they continue to be welcome in Britain.

During a visit to Warsaw for talks with counterpart Beata Szydlo, Mrs May stressed she expected to be able to guarantee the rights of Poles to remain in Britain after it quits the EU and hit out at the wave of hate crime sparked by the referendum.

The Prime Minister said she will 'seek to address the concerns' of voters about free movement while 'recognising' the economic ties between the UK and EU on her trip to Poland

During a visit to Warsaw for talks with counterpart Beata Szydlo (pictured, right), Mrs May stressed she expected to be able to guarantee the rights of Poles to remain in Britain after it quits the bloc and hit out at the wave of hate crime sparked by the referendum

The Prime Minister said she will 'seek to address the concerns' of voters about free movement while 'recognising' the economic ties between the UK and EU on her trip to Poland.

Around 800,000 Poles live in Britain, where they headed after the EU's 2004 'Big Bang' expansion to former Communist states in eastern and central Europe.

Mrs May said: 'I will seek to address the concerns of the British people about free movement, while recognising the importance of a close economic relationship between the UK and the EU.

'Of course, there will be different interests and complex issues to resolve but I firmly believe that if we approach this in a constructive and positive spirit then we can pave the way for a calm and orderly departure.

'In that context, I want to be clear that Poles living in the UK continue to be welcome and we value the contribution that they make to our country.

'We condemned the shameful and despicable attacks against Polish communities and others in the wake of the referendum result.

'Hate crime of any kind, directed against any community, race or religion, has absolutely no place in British society.'

The British Prime Minister has all but confirmed 800,000 Polish people will remain in the UK after Brexit

'Britain will remain an outward-looking nation, a strong voice for liberal, free market principles and democratic values,' said Theresa May

Mrs May insisted Britain will 'always' stand by its Nato obligations after Brexit.

The meeting came just hours after the PM held talks in Slovakia with counterpart Robert Fico.

Brexit offers the UK the opportunity to 'intensify' its relationships with European allies, she said.

The Prime Minister said: 'It is important to underline that while the UK is leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe or withdrawing from the world.

'Britain will remain an outward-looking nation, a strong voice for liberal, free market principles and democratic values.'

Mrs May insisted Britain will 'always' stand by its Nato obligations after Brexit. The meeting came just hours after the PM held talks in Slovakia with counterpart Robert Fico

Slovakia and Poland have voiced concern about the rights of their nationals currently in the UK

The thorny issue of migration was raised by Mr Fico in his opening statement alongside Mrs May at the press conference in Bratislava.

Slovakia and Poland have voiced concern about the rights of their nationals currently in the UK.

Mrs May has refused to guarantee the rights of EU citizens after Brexit unless similar guarantees are offered to Britons living and working abroad.

Mr Fico said the 'perception British voters have' of EU migration was 'slightly different to how we perceive migration on the continent'.

'For them the issue of migration is especially the issue of migrant workers from the EU in the UK.
An unknown hazardous material has left dozens of people sick at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington state on Thursday.

Of 24 people who fell ill from being in contact with the 'unknown irritant', 14 of them were treated by personnel on the base located near Spokane and sent to a nearby hospital.

Jennifer Semenza, a Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center spokeswoman, said that four are in the emergency room, according to the Spokane Spokesman-Review.

An unknown hazardous material has left dozens of people sick at Fairchild Air Force Base (above) in Washington state on Thursday

Of 24 people who fell ill, 14 of them were treated by personnel on the base (aerial view above) located near Spokane and sent to a nearby hospital.

The affected building on the base was evacuated as a HAZMAT response team was called around 8.30am to the base's Logistics Readines Squadron in Building 2045, officials told KXLY.

The base is located roughly 12 miles outside of Spokane. The host unit is the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, that is assigned to the Air Mobility Command's 18th Air Force.

It opened in March 1942. Officials are still investigating the cause of what made people sick as of 5.15pm (ET), a spokesman told Mail Online.

Incoming and outgoing traffic is running as usual at all gates, the base said in a statement.
Overcrowding on trains has hit 'crisis point', with many peak-time services now carrying more than twice as many passengers as they should.

On the worst routes, more than four in ten passengers have to stand, figures released yesterday revealed.

The most overcrowded service last year was the 6:57am Govia Thameslink commuter train from Brighton to Bedford. It is designed to carry 420 passengers but crammed 960 on board on a 'typical' weekday.

Many peak-time services carry more than twice as many passengers as they should, figures released yesterday revealed (file photo)

Train companies were accused yesterday of treating commuters 'worse than animals' and the Government of letting them 'get away with it'. It comes as passengers on Southern Rail have experienced months of delays.

The latest figures, from the Department for Transport, showed the misery is worst in London and the South East, especially during the morning rush-hour between 8am and 9am, when the proportion of people having to stand on trains arriving at London stations is on average 30 per cent  up from 26 per cent in 2011.

This rose to 44 per cent at Moorgate station, 42 per cent at Blackfriars and 39 per cent at Waterloo. This compares to 20 per cent of passengers arriving at Birmingham having to stand, 16 per cent at Leeds and Manchester, and 12 per cent at Cardiff. During the evening rush hour, 17 per cent of passengers leaving London stations have to stand, up from 14 per cent in 2011. The same proportion have to stand on services out of Birmingham, while 16 per cent stand on trains leaving Leeds.

The worst performing services were running at capacities of between 160 per cent and 222 per cent, sparking fears among MPs over safety. They called on the Government to impose sanctions on franchises that charge exorbitant amounts of money for poor standards of travel.

Train companies were accused yesterday of treating commuters 'worse than animals' and the Government of letting them 'get away with it'

Lib Dem transport spokesman Baroness Jenny Randerson said: 'The railways are reaching crisis point. People are being forced to travel on dangerously overcrowded trains, sometimes for hours on end, and paying thousands of pounds a year. We would not treat animals like this, so how can we treat commuters like this?'

Alex Neill, of consumer group Which?, said the overcrowding was 'shocking'. David Sidebottom, of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said their latest survey of rail passengers found only 52 per cent of commuters were satisfied with the amount of room they had to sit or stand.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of train drivers' union Aslef, said: 'We're disappointed  but not surprised  by these figures. Disappointed for those passengers ... who have to suffer like this. Sadly, the privatised train companies are failing to deliver and this Government is letting them get away with it.'

Figures showed the misery is worst in London and the South East, especially during the morning rush-hour

Passengers are now making more than double the number of rail journeys compared with 1994-95. London and the South East accounted for around 70 per cent of all journeys and recorded the highest growth in the past year.

More than a million people travelled to London on a typical day last year, compared with 125,000 for Birmingham, the next largest.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: 'These statistics reveal the unprecedented scale of passenger demand. We are investing a record 40billion into the network to address this, delivering 3,700 extra carriages by 2019, and providing a huge boost to capacity through programmes like HS2.

'These projects will inevitably cause some disruption while they are carried out.'
A nun who was held hostage by knife-wielding ISIS 'soldiers' in a French church has attended a memorial service for the the priest who was brutally slain in the attack.

Sister Danielle received hugs and applause throughout the emotional ceremony, after Father Jacques Hamel was murdered in a terror attack at the Saint Etienne church on July 26.

Several thousand mourners turned out this afternoon for the memorial at the Gagarine park in Saint Etienne, near Rouen.

Survivor: Sister Danielle was taken hostage by two knife-wielding ISIS attackers at the church in Saint Etienne

Tears: Mourners turned out this afternoon for the memorial at the Gagarine park in Saint Etienne, near Rouen

Memory: The service was held after Father Jacques Hamel was murdered in a terror attack at the Saint Etienne church on July 26

Several religious leaders and political figures also arrived for the ceremony, which came a day after a larger one held in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Mayor of Saint Etienne, Hubert Wulfranc, said: 'The intense emotion brought by this ignominious act won't dry out, neither here, in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, nor elsewhere.'

Both ISIS killers were shot dead as they left the church shouting 'Allahu Akbar' and trying to use hostages as human shields.

Adel Kermiche, 19, and his accomplice Abdel Malik P burst into the church shortly after morning mass on July 26, and took the priest, two nuns and two parishioners hostage.

'It was fear, especially when they entered,' revealed Sister Danielle in an interview with the BBC.

'When I saw them I said to myself, "well, that's it. It's over". They were so motivated.

'They told me "you Christians, you kill us".'

The nun explained how elderly Catholic priest Father Jacques Hamel had just celebrated his mass when the attackers 'took his place and started preaching in Arabic'.

Support: The nun received applause and hugs at the emotional ceremony in the Gagarine park in Saint Etienne

Emotion: Mayor of Saint Etienne, Hubert Wulfranc (centre), said: 'The intense emotion brought by this ignominious act won't dry out, neither here, in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, nor elsewhere'

Honour: Several religious leaders and political figures also arrived for the ceremony, which came a day after a larger one held in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Loss: The nun explained how Catholic priest Father Jacques Hamel had just celebrated his mass when the attackers 'took his place and started preaching in Arabic'

Horror: Sister Danielle revealed in an interview after the attack how the two ISIS killers told her 'you Christians, you kill us'

Protection: It emerged after the attack that Kermiche was already under police surveillance after twice trying to join ISIS in Syria

Fear: A second nun, who wished to remain anonymous when talking to Le Figaro, said: 'They came suddenly. They took space. They spoke Arabic. I saw a knife'

She described how the pair 'forced him to kneel and told him not to move'.

Moments later, they murdered the priest, filming themselves as they cut his throat in a savage attack.

She added: 'Jacques loved all people regardless of religion. That is all I can say. A faithful priest, a priest who loved everybody, who loved much.'

Sister Danielle managed to escape and alert police to the attack going on inside the church.

Father Jacques was only at the church because he was covering for the regular priest who was on holiday.

A second nun, who wished to remain anonymous when talking to Le Figaro, said: 'They came suddenly. They took space. They spoke Arabic. I saw a knife.

'I left when they began to attack the Father Jacques. I do not even know if they realised that I was leaving.'

Murdered: Father Jacques Hamel was slaughtered in the horrific assault, which saw the two knifemen film themselves as they cut his throat

Killers: Adel Kermiche (left), 19, had several accounts on Facebook with which he spread jihadi propaganda from his home near Rouen. It is thought he met his accomplice Abdel Malik P (right) online

Attacker: Frenchman Adel Kermiche (pictured in 2011), now 19, was identified as one of the attackers. He was twice arrested for trying to join ISIS in Syria and was put under police surveillance

Probe: A policeman cordons the site next to the body of one of the two men who stormed a French church. The two attackers were shot after they emerged from the building shouting 'Allahu Akbar'

She said she was being supported by the critical incident stress management team and was waiting for news on her friend who was injured in the attack.

It emerged after the attack that Kermiche was already under police surveillance after twice trying to join ISIS in Syria.

But after spending time in prison in both France and Switzerland he was returned to live with his parents in Saint Etienne under bail conditions.
Upmarket burger chain Byron is facing a boycott after conspiring with the Home Office to entrap illegal immigrant workers.

Restaurant-goers who are sympathetic with the plight of the ex-employees are staging a revolt using the slogan BoycottByron on Twitter in their thousands, while hundreds of Facebook users have been planning protests at restaurants.

It comes as it was revealed the fast-food firm has escaped a potential 700,000 fine by colluding in the sting.

Byron Burger has become a beacon for young foodies who consider themselves a touch above McDonald's or Burger King. The then Chancellor George Osborne was famously snapped tucking into one in 2013 (right)

In total 35 workers from Albania, Brazil, Mexico, Nepal and Egypt were held after being lured to early-morning raids on the pretext of attending staff meetings.

So far 25 have been deported. And with firms attracting a maximum penalty of 20,000 per illegal worker, Byron was facing a fine of 700,000.

Critics said immigration chiefs had treated Byron, a favourite with the former chancellor George Osborne, much more leniently than smaller companies caught employing illegal workers.

Keith Vaz, the chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, said: The decision of the Home Office not to fine Byron is most surprising and sends out the wrong message concerning the employment of illegal migrants.

Ministers have been strident in promising to pursue those who break the law. We have received many complaints from local businesses in exactly the same position who have been heavily fined and whose reputation has been tarnished as a result of Home Office raids.

Under pressure: Byron has refused to comment on claims that up to 150 workers are in hiding after 35 colleagues from London restaurants were caught in an immigration sting allegedly set up by the company

Meanwhile the first insider account of the sting revealed how workers were summoned to a meeting about the dangers of cooking burgers medium and medium-rare. Others were told it was a discussion about a new recipe.

One employee, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Mail staff were asked to arrive at work at 9.30am despite the fact that most Byron branches open at 11.30am.

When they arrived at outlets across the capital, immigration officials turned up with documents containing their names and photographs and started to interview them.

The source claimed a disgruntled former employee reported the illegal workers to the police.

They said: I think [the employee] might have been fired. They were sour about what had happened and reported people [working illegally] to the police.

The immigration system then investigated it and got in touch with Byrons head office. The individual restaurants knew nothing at all. Because the area managers knew what was going to happen, they had already sorted moving people from one restaurant to another. Staff were relocated to stop any shortages.

The sting has enraged fans of the chain. A Facebook group called Protest: Shame on Byron  no one is illegal is planning a demonstration outside a central London branch next week, one of 56 outlets across the country.

The protest had 800 confirmed members on Facebook last night and a further 1,300 who are listed as interested. It is said to be co-hosted by groups including Global Justice Now and United Voices of the World Union.

Another protest took place outside Byrons Bristol branch yesterday where banners read: Exploits workers and shops them to Home Office #BoycottByron.

A further demonstration is scheduled for the chains Shaftesbury Avenue, London branch, this evening.

Under the #BoycottByron banner on Twitter, many vented their disgust at the chains handling of the issue. Kevin Brady said: Its one thing complying with immigration laws but quite another engaging in entrapment. Disgusting.

While Hannah Lincoln added: Byron Burgers employed migrant workers then had them arrested and deported? How can the company get away with this but not the workers?

Byron, which was founded by Tom Byng, (pictured, left) says it did not 'set up staff' but the Home Office has said the arrests were carried out with the full co-operation of the business. Keith Vaz (right), chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said it was 'surprising' Byron had not been fined

However, others werent as sympathetic with the migrants plight.

Commenting on a Facebook post, Benjamin Khan said: Well done Byron. Dont we have enough illegals?

Byron refused to comment on the allegations it had dodged a fine but said in a statement: We can confirm that several of Byrons London restaurants were visited by representatives of the Home Office.

These visits resulted in the removal of members of staff who are suspected by the Home Office of not having the right to work in the UK, and of possessing fraudulent personal and right to work documentation that is in breach of immigration and employment regulation.

The Home Office recognises that Byron as an employer is fully compliant with immigration and asylum law in its employment practices, and that Byron had carried out the correct right to work checks on staff members, but had been shown false/counterfeit documentation.

A Home Office spokesman said: We are absolutely clear that employers who intentionally flout the law to undercut wages, cheat the taxpayer and deny legitimate workers employment opportunities will face enforcement action. Our operation was carried out with the full co-operation of the business ... our investigations found Byron had done nothing to intentionally breach immigration law.

Backlash: Some critics have left 1 star reviews on the official Byron Facebook page to accuse them of exploitation

A protest page on Facebook is organising a demonstration outside a Byron branch in central London on Monday. The demo is co-hosted by a number of groups, including Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants




A Georgia man who escaped a Georgia prison has finally been captured - nearly 40 years later.

Billy Burchfield, 67, was serving a 16-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in the death of his wife Vera Sue Burchfield when he broke out of Jackson County Correctional Institution in 1979.

Burchfield was arrested two weeks ago in London, Kentucky, a small town where he had lived for for more than two decades.

He had assumed the identity of Harold Arnold, a late cousin, and built a life for himself in London, where he would marry twice, run multiple businesses and even become deacon of the local church.

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Billy Burchfield, 67, is back behind bars - nearly 40 years after he fled a Georgia prison and started a new life in a small Kentucky town, where he would become a business owner and a deacon in the church

But the jig was finally up when a family member was arrested and revealed where Burchfield was hiding to have the drug charges dropped, according to the Dalton Daily Citizen.

Kentucky police knocked on his door and asked him if he was Billy Burchfield.

'I am not that guy,' he told them. An electronic fingerprint check provided otherwise.

The news has rattled the small town of London, where police officers were known to hang out at Burchfield's diner and the business owner was 'highly regarded'.

It was an incredible story for the man who broke out of prison twice.

Burchfield had an extra year added to his sentence after he and a few other inmates managed to escape during a work detail and fled to Detroit, where they were caught late in the year.

Four years later Burchfield found a second opportunity to escape when he went to the bathroom during a work detail, leaving behind a woman in a car waiting to take him back behind bars.

Burchfield first went to California, where he worked as a truck driver and had two children, only letting a few family members know where he was.

He then moved to Kentucky and wed Jean Gibbert. They were married five years before divorcing but recently reconciled after the passing of his third wife, Carol Shell, in 2006.

Gibbert was living with Burchfield at the time of his arrest.

Many said it was with Carol that Burchfield truly changed, become a business owner and joining the church.

Burchfield and Shell bought two trucks to start a hauling business, then went on to buy a gas station and a diner he named Arnold's Get and Go.

'The police hung out there,' Burchfield's sister Martha Jones told the Dalton Daily Citizen.

'He wasn't living in hiding or keeping a low profile, and hen ever thought anything about it.'

Video courtesy of WKYT-TV

Burchfield broke out of Jackson County Correctional Institution (pictured) in 1979 and moved to California before settling down in London, Kentucky, where he would get married twice

'He told me once "If they get me, they get me. I expect it sooner or later, but at least I have had a good life and made something of myself.'

But Vera Sue's family doesn't believe Burchfield could ever changed.

To Janice Smith he will always be the stepfather who shot her mother in the neck in their home.

Smith said Vera Sue was planning on leaving Burchfield and had packed his bags the night she was killed.

'They say he changed, but not for me,' she said. 'I dont think that he ever changed...I would have had a better life if he hadnt taken my momma from me.'

'Id tell him I would hope he would rot in hell. He made our lives a living hell.'

Smith said she never got married or had kids because she could never trust anybody again. When one of Burchfield's family members said he was dead, she finally started to move on.

'I let it go when I thought he was dead,' she said. 'but then when I found out he was alive - Oh, I got mad,' she told WTVC.

She hopes Burchfield, who will is being held without bond and is being extradited back to Georgia, spends the rest of his life behind bars.

But others hope the man they know as Bill Arnold will be forgiven for the way he has since lived his life.

'He's not the man that he was,' said Charles Shelton, the pastor who baptized Burchfield.
Fears of a Zika virus outbreak in Florida have been raised after reports of the first cases apparently transmitted by mosquitoes present in the US.

Four new cases of the infection have been reported among people who have not travelled abroad or had sexual contact with another sufferer.

Concerns have been raised that the outbreak in the popular holiday destination could be mosquito-borne, meaning the virus has established itself on the US mainland for the first time.

Florida has already seen more than 300 Zika cases linked to travel abroad.

Alice Vitoria Gomes Bezerra, who has microcephaly, is held by her mother Nadja Cristina Gomes Bezerra, in Recife, Brazil. The mosquito-borne Zika virus has caused hundreds of cases of microcephaly in Brazil and there are fears it has spread to Florida

With more than one million Britons travelling to Florida each year, officials are warning tourists to discuss their travel plans with their GP, particularly if youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

FACT BOX TITLE Ryanair is to force parents travelling with children to fork out up to 12 each to ensure they get a seat next to them. The budget airline has said that from September 1, families who have children under-12 must reserve at least one seat for adults in the party. The children will also get a reserved seat, but they wont be charged. The move is designed to stop on-board rows when families find they cannot sit together. Ryanair says this causes long delays while cabin crew try to move passengers around to ensure youngsters are not separated from their parents. A spokesman said: Ryanair is introducing this initiative after a busy summer when most flights were full but many adults travelling with young children did not select reserved seats and accordingly were randomly allocated seats that were not together. This caused boarding issues as crews tried to re-seat customers with young children. Advertisement

Yesterday a spokesman for US Centres for Disease Control said evidence is mounting to suggest local transmission via mosquitoes is going on in South Florida. Public Health England said that if the cases are confirmed to have been spread by mosquitoes, it would advise pregnant women against non-essential travel to the state.

Paul Cosford, PHE medical director and director of health protection, said: We know the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is known to carry Zika virus, is present in Florida ... If the cases in Florida are confirmed then the risk would be considered moderate and pregnant women would be advised to consider postponing non-essential travel.

Advice to all travellers remains to avoid mosquito bites.

Last year 1.72million British nationals travelled to Florida, according to the Visit Florida agency. The Foreign Office has reiterated its warning for those visiting parts of the US affected by Zika  previously restricted to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico  to discuss travel plans with your healthcare provider.

It comes after the World Health Organisation warned that a third of European countries, including France and Spain, now have a moderate risk of the disease. Mosquitoes are a risk across Florida due to its hot summers and expanses of inland water.

There are around 80 species of mosquito in the state, around 13 of which can carry diseases harmful to humans. These include the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which can harbour Zika.

The infection causes only mild illness in most people.

The Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes (pictured). The infection causes only mild illness in most people but it can cause serious birth defects in unborn children

But it leads to microcephaly in infants, a birth defect where a babys head and brain are smaller than normal.

Earlier this month the Florida Department of Health began investigating possible non-travel related cases in the southern counties of Miami-Dade and Broward.

On Wednesday it added two more cases to its list.

An investigation is now underway which will include testing all those who live within 150-yards  the flying radius of the carrier mosquito  of any patients for the infection.
home World Muslim doctor in Pakistan receives death threats after saving life of dying Christian man

A Muslim medical doctor from Pakistan tended to a dying Christian man at the hospital, and got harassed and received death threats because of it.

The unnamed doctor said the Christian man arrived at the hospital, badly needing hemodialysis.

Because no one else was providing him the care he needed, the doctor gave him the dialysis using medicine donated to the hospital through a form of Islamic alms-giving called zakaat.

Immediately after administering the medicine, a nurse got angry at him because the patient turned out to be a Christian, which means the patient was forbidden from receiving or using Islamic alms.

The doctor explained he wasn't aware of such regulations and that he didn't know the man was a Christian. He bought new medicine to replace what he used, hoping it would put an end to the controversy.

"They attributed my lack of knowledge about the alms laws to the fact that I belong to a minority Muslim sect," the doctor wrote on The Guardian.

He didn't know it was just the beginning of what was going to be a string of harassments and death threats that was coming his way.

His department conducted an inquiry about the situation, during which he was discriminated against. Furthermore, he earned the ire of an organization that gives donations to the hospital.

"The workplace discrimination gave way to threatening phone calls and vandalism of my car and bike," he said in the article. "I was threatened with death at a medical conference hosted by the chair of the same NGO which had complained about me."

To make matters worse, the people he offended discovered he was living in Pakistan alone with his wife because his family had all migrated to the U.S.

This made him feel vulnerable. Eventually, he and his wife decided to seek political asylum in the U.S., where they are now staying.

"Humanity is the core of any religion," he concluded. "I faced backlash that would change my life forever. But, in the name of humanity, I deem that it was all worth it."

Religious persecution in Pakistan is high. Converting a Muslim person to another faith is a capital crime, and killing someone who left the Muslim faith is considered as an honor, a report said.

Pakistan ranks sixth in Open Doors' World Watch List, which identifies the countries where Christians are most persecuted. Islamic extremism is the driving force behind the persecution.
The cousin of one of the police officers murdered in Baton Rouge almost died while being wrongly held on suspicion of being involved in shooting

The cousin of one of the police officers shot dead in Baton Rouge earlier this month almost died after he was taken into custody, suspected of being involved in the murders, and denied his medicine.

Damarcus Alexander was traveling to the city with a friend from Dallas, Texas, on July 17 when they had to stop at a Walmart just outside of Baton Rouge to buy a white shirt and change into their church clothes.

The two entered the store unaware that Gavin Long had shot six police officers nearby, killing three, including Alexander's cousin, Montrell Jackson.

Damarcus Alexander (pictured), the cousin of one of the police officers shot dead in Baton Rouge earlier this month almost died after he was taken into custody and suspected of being involved in the murders

They also didn't know someone had called police and said they saw two black men run into the same Walmart store and change clothes.

Shortly after they got back in the car and left the store, Alexander said he and his friend were stopped by police.

'Hey, you were just in the Walmart changing, right?' an officer asked them, Alexander told the Daily Beast.

'You know what just happened in Baton Rouge? We already got the guy who did it, but we think that he probably didn't work alone so we're looking into you two.'

Damarcus Alexander (pictured), was traveling with a friend from Dallas, Texas, to Baton Rouge on the same day Gavin Long (inset) shot six officers, killing three

One of Alexander's (left) cousins, Montrell Jackson (right), was killed when Long opened fire on police officers

Alexander said about 12 police cars arrived on the scene within moments, and that a gas station receipt may have saved him and his friend.

The Baton Rouge native kept the receipt after buying coffee and snacks more than 100 miles away at 8:43am. Long opened fire about three minutes earlier.

However, despite the proof they could not have been involved in the shooting, Alexander and his friend were handcuffed, put in the back of a police car, hauled away and thrown into holding cells.

While they were behind bars, Alexander claims he almost died as a result of not being given his diabetes medication.

Alexander says he was denied his diabetes medication while being held by police, and that he went into a 'semi-comatose state'

Montrell Jackson (pictured), Matthew Gerald, and Brad Garafola were the three officers killed when Long opened fire on police

'We were held up from approximately 10:40 am until after 7 pm. They didn't get me my medicine,' Alexander wrote in an emotional Facebook post.

'I had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance because my blood sugar was so high and rising. I was yelled and cursed at.

'They were so uneducated on my condition that they kept offering me things that would have made my condition worse when I kept telling them that I needed my medicine.'

To make matters worse, Alexander - who has a number of family members on the Baton Rouge Police force - had become aware of the shooting but was not allowed to call relatives to check they were safe.

'When I asked about phone calls, they were not afforded,' he wrote.

Long shot dead three police officers with an assault rifle in Baton Rouge Louisiana, and wounded at least three others on July 17

Wearing a black balaclava and holding his gun, Long cut a chilling figure in the moments before he opened fire

After hours in a holding cell, Alexander said he was in a 'semi-comatose state', when an officer called for paramedics who quickly rushed him to Baton Rouge General Hospital.

About the same time, police finished reviewing security camera footage and released Alexander and his friend.

'I just keep asking myself, what if I had never made my best friend stop along our route so I could get a coffee? What if I had thrown the receipt away because I was simply buying snacks and a coffee?' Alexander wrote on Facebook.

'I'm an upstanding citizen. I mentor and tutor young Black men. I am college-educated and have a good job. I've been an honor student my whole life. I give to the church. I have never been arrested. I don't even have any unpaid parking tickets.

'But none of that mattered when they cursed us out and called me a d**k and my friend a b***h.'
A Miami attorney who allegedly made a false claim that a rival attorney poisoned his nut-allergic law clerk with peanut and pistachios could be disciplined.

The Florida Bar has filed a complaint against Bernardo Roman for misconduct against two rival attorneys, Guy Lewis and Michael Tein.

The complaint states that Roman raised false allegations and frivolous claims against Lewis and Tein in three separate lawsuits that involved the Miccosukee tribe.

Roman and the tribe have filed a number of failed lawsuits against Lewis and Tein, who were the Miccosukees' former lawyers.

The Florida Bar has filed a complaint against Bernardo Roman for misconduct against two rival attorneys, Guy Lewis (right) and Michael Tein (left), stating he raised false allegations and frivolous claims against them

The Miccosukees claimed Lewis and Tein had engaged in fraudulent activities with the tribe's former chairman Billy Cypress, according to the Miami Herald.

But a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit and fined the Miccosukees, who have since agreed to pay $4million, and Roman for filing a lawsuit that had 'no evidence or only patently frivolous evidence'.

The long-burning conflicted reached a boiling point during a deposition that involved Roman, his law clerk Shenna Perez-Martin, and Lewis and Tein's attorney Paul Calli.

Roman also accused their attorney Paul Calli (pictured) for poisoning his law clerk, who has a nut allergy, with peanuts and pistachios

Retired judge Ellen Leesfield, who was overseeing the deposition, placed bowls of peanuts and pistachios at a conference room table before it was set to start.

Perez-Martin then announced to the room that she was allergic to nuts, and the bowls were moved to the reception room at the law office in Coral Gables.

But the clerk still suffered an allergic reaction from being near the nuts, and during a break told Roman she needed to leave and seek treatment at an urgent-care clinic.

At this moment, Calli came from the conference room to grab a handful of nuts. Perez-Martin left the building.

Lunch was deliver an hour later and Roman called 911, claiming Perez-Martin was the 'victim of a battery', the Florida Bar's complaint states.

He told the emergency dispatcher that Perez-Martin was in urgent care because Calli had purposely put pistachios in her food and in front of her.

But Perez-Martin told investigators that Roman completely made the story up, and got mad at her when she wouldn't follow along or press charges, the report states.

Judge Leesfield said the entire thing was 'a setup' by Roman, who wanted to get Calli in trouble.

Roman stands by his story, only commenting that he was 'relieved' Perez-Martin didn't suffer a more 'serious health reaction'.
Prisoners are being let out of jail by mistake at a rate of more than one a week due to blunders by bungling guards.

Violent thugs, armed robbers and sex offenders were among 65 released in error in 2015-16  an increase of 33 percent on the previous year.

In one case, armed robber Ryan Byrne, who ransacked a shop armed with a 2ft machete, was released from high security HMP Wandsworth in south-west London despite not having finished his nine-year sentence.

Taunt: Ryan Byrne was jailed for nine years but was mistakenly released from jail and has been taunting the authorities on Facebook, including here posing in front of a police van after his release

In 2014-15 alone, 49 suspected or convicted criminals were mistakenly freed in England and Wales, according to figures from the Ministry of Justice.

Prison chiefs insisted wrongful release of criminals was very rare. But the number of inmates freed in error is the highest for six years.

Lucy Hastings, director at independent charity Victim Support, said: Many victims will be alarmed and frustrated by these findings, particularly where perpetrators of serious crimes have been released in error.

The new Justice Secretary Liz Truss, pictured, said the level of violence in prisons was unacceptable

Failure to ensure that offenders serve their full sentence can undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system and leave victims feeling like justice hasnt been served.

We know it can be distressing and worrying when offenders are released from custody  releases made in error can make this many times worse.

An inmate is classed as having been released in error if they are wrongly allowed to leave a prison or court despite having no intention to escape.

This includes convicts serving sentences as well as suspects held on remand.

The reason could be prison officers letting out a prisoner with the same name as one due to be correctly freed, miscalculating the release date or misplaced warrants for imprisonment or remand.

One in four criminals who walked free by mistakes were behind bars for violence or sexual offences.

In December, it emerged a Romanian child sex offender would be able to celebrate Christmas with his family after he was released from Cambridgeshires HMP Littlehey.

The unnamed criminal, who was serving a 30-month sentence for sexually assaulting a girl under 13 years old, has since returned home.

Some 527 prisoners have been let out in error in the past decade - a rate of around one every week.

Wandsworth prison in south London (pictured) was one of the jails where inmates were wrongly freed

The figures were published among a raft of official data which sparked fresh concerns about safety in prisons in England and Wales.

Assaults on prison staff have reached the highest level on record - with 15 attacks now taking place every day.

In the year to March, there were 5,423 attacks on officers - up 40 percent on the previous year.

The overall performance of six prisons was rated as being of serious concern.

And one in four adult or juvenile offender committed a new crime within a year of being cautioned, convicted, or released from custody a - re-offending rate of 25.7 percent.

Shadow prisons minister Jo Stevens said: The figures show the absolutely unacceptable state of our prison and probation system in England and Wales. Neither prison staff not prisoners are safe.
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Theresa May decided on the last-minute delay on the 18billion nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point last night due to concerns over Chinese involvement in the deal, it was claimed today.

The deal to build the new nuclear plant in Somerset was thrown into chaos after ministers ordered a fresh review hours after French energy giant EDF finally approved the project.

It left dignitaries from the state-backed China General Nuclear, which has a 33 per cent stake in the deal, humiliated as they flew in from China to take part in celebrations planned for today.

But they were left with nothing to celebrate as the champagne was put on ice and a VIP tent that was erected specially for the occasion at the Hinkley Point site in Somerset was left empty.

EDF executives had been expecting the Government to sign a series of deals today to press ahead with Britain's first nuclear power station for a generation. The decision to order a further review in the early autumn stunned the energy industry.

Greg Clark, the business and energy secretary said he needed until September to study the contract, which many experts have said is bad for British consumers.

Labour suggested Mrs May had stepped in to delay the project because of concern over effectively giving the Chinese government significant involvement in the nuclear project. Mrs May's joint chief-of-staff Nick Timothy raised concerns over the involvement of Chinese state firms less than a year ago and some have suggested he could have influenced the decision to delay the project.

Shadow Energy Secretary Barry Gardiner told the BBC this morning: 'The Chinese have come in for a third of the cost  that is another thing the Government must review in the project. I believe Theresa May has probably pulled it back because of that very involvement.'

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French firm EDF last night agreed to press ahead with Britain's first nuclear power station for a generation, despite a last-minute warning that the huge project was far too risky

But sources have suggested the new Prime Minister Theresa May wants the deal carefully studied again before it is signed amid claims civil servants were held to ransom by the French company because they were so desperate to get the deal done.

Mr Clark said last night: 'The UK needs a reliable and secure energy supply and the Government believes that nuclear energy is an important part of that mix. The Government will now consider carefully all the component parts of this project and make its decision in the early autumn.'

His announcement flew in the face of expectations in the City that Ministers would rubber stamp yesterday's historic decision by the board of French energy giant EDF to go ahead.

Mr Gardiner described the situation as 'absolute chaos,' adding: 'The government has said for two years now they didn't need a plan B - I was calling for one two years ago. And now at a day's notice they cancelled the final signing agreement.

'I'm hoping what they will do is take this two or three month period to seriously review it. This is a project which is now eight years late. There is no guarantee it's going to be finished by 2025. The cost of it, not in terms of the construction but in terms of the cost to bill payers, has gone up from 6bn to 30bn'.

'The Chinese have come in for a third of the cost  that is another thing the Government must review in the project. 'I believe Theresa May has probably pulled it back because of that very involvement.'

NOTHING SINCE SIZEWELL B Britain led the way with the development of the nuclear energy industry in the 1950s, but has now lost its key role and British expertise has all but evaporated. The world's first full-scale nuclear power station, Calder Hall in Cumbria, opened in October 1956 but no plants have been built here since Sizewell B in 1995. During the 1970s, as Britain cut back on building, our contractors diversified. Privatisation in the 1980s was another blow as the Atomic Energy Authority, which had driven progress, was broken up. Tony Blair then delayed decisions on new plants  wasting a decade. In 2006, British Nuclear Fuels Ltd sold leading manufacturer Westinghouse to Toshiba, losing yet more know-how. Advertisement

Downing Street insiders downplayed the suggestion of a U-turn and insisted it was not a formal review of whether to go ahead with the scheme.

But EDF officials pulled out of morning broadcast interviews after Mr Clark made his announcement  suggesting they expected no delay.

EDF chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy told the BBC later on today: 'There is no comment to make.

'The statement made by Mr Clark is perfectly clear. I have no doubt about the support of the British government led by Mrs. May.'

The Taxpayers' Alliance welcomed the rethink and said the Government should ditch the project in favour of cheaper alternatives.

Alex Wild, research director at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'It's encouraging that the government is rethinking this terrible deal that would see consumers paying exorbitant bills for decades.

'The technology is completely unproven and the costs and time needed to build the reactors has already doubled since the initial proposal.

'The new department needs to completely rethink the energy policies and arbitrary targets which are driving up bills and destroying jobs. Even if the government decides more nuclear is capacity is needed, there are far more affordable options available.'

Earlier yesterday one of EDF's 18 board members quit just hours before the key vote on the project. Gerard Magnin, an environmentalist, warned it was much too expensive and could bankrupt EDF.

Originally slated to cost 10billion, the Government claims Hinkley Point will now cost 18billion. But critics say the final price tag could be as much as 29billion.

And, while it is now planned to start generating in 2025, this is several years later than originally promised.

There are worries about the type of reactor being constructed at the site. Similar reactors being built in Finland and France are years overdue and many times over budget.

The project is also controversial because the plant is, in effect, being built by foreign governments. EDF is 85 per cent owned by the French state, while one third of the cost is being provided by Chinese investors.

The Government here was so keen to see the deal going ahead that it agreed to pay 92.50 per megawatt hour produced for 35 years  double the going rate.

EDF hopes to have more than 2,500 workers on site by next year.

The project, which will take 70million tons of concrete to build, will provide about 7 per cent of Britain's electricity  enough to power 6million homes.

Mr Magnin's resignation follows that of EDF's chief financial officer Thomas Piquemal in March, who warned that the way the project was being fast-tracked was unsustainable.

Before the vote, Mr Magnin said the Hinkley Point project was 'very risky' financially, echoing the criticism of French unions which say the project is too big for EDF and jeopardises the survival of the company.

EDF has net debt of more than 37billion euros.

THE VAST COSTS THAT JUST DON'T ADD UP George Osbornes deal was said to have been doomed from the start. Here are the reasons why: In 2012 the Government promised EDF 92.50 per megawatt hour. This is promised for 35 years from 2025, index-linked, which experts warn could add over a billion a year to energy bills If the project is delayed, Britain still has to pay the premium price The rate is now nearly triple the average wholesale cost of electricity, because of cheaper oil, gas and renewable energy prices If the market price of electricity falls below this level, the Government has in effect said it will make sure EDF receives the difference between the two  which could amount to billions The deal contains a poison pill which could leave taxpayers with a 22billion bill if a future UK government closed the plant before 2060 Britain is committed to pay subsidies of up to about 40billion in real terms and provide guarantees on nuclear waste disposal and insurance A loan guarantee means if the plant defaults, the Government will repay the first 10billion to investors Advertisement

In his resignation letter to Jean-Bernard Levy, the chief executive of EDF, Mr Magnin said he was disappointed that the company was moving more and more towards nuclear energy.

He also raised the possibility that the project could force EDF to go bankrupt, raising the prospect of the French government having to step in to rescue it, as it has with another nuclear firm, Areva, earlier this year.

'Let's hope that Hinkley Point will not drag EDF into the same abyss as Areva,' said Mr Magnin.

Mycle Schneider, a former French government adviser on nuclear energy, said: 'There is now a large front inside EDF, inside the nuclear establishment in France, advising against the construction because the sheer size of it could not only put EDF at risk, but the whole state finances too.'

Nick Butler, a professor of public policy at King's College London, said: 'The price of every other form of energy is falling. That includes gas, which is plentiful, and wind and solar.'

Looming crisis has made us take a gamble on France

By Ross Clark

ADVANTAGES

We need a new power station because Britain faces an acute energy shortage. In January the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said doing nothing would leave a 40 per cent gap between demand and supply by 2025.

This is largely down to the closure of coal-fired stations, which generate around a quarter the country's electricity but which the Government has committed to phase out by 2025 to meet CO2 emission targets.

Many of the country's 15 existing nuclear power stations are also reaching the end of their lives.

Nuclear power works. In France, for example, 58 reactors generate 75 per cent of the country's electricity needs and household bills are among the lowest in Europe

We can't rely on wind and solar power because they only produce energy when it's windy or sunny. Maximum energy demand in Britain tends to occur on cold, still nights, when output from wind and solar farms is virtually zero. It's too expensive to store electricity so we need a constant, reliable source.

Nuclear power works. In France, for example, 58 reactors generate 75 per cent of the country's electricity needs and household bills are among the lowest in Europe

DISADVANTAGES

Hinkley C is an unproven kind of nuclear reactor called a European Pressurised Reactor. In theory, it's more efficient and produces less radioactive waste but we don't know whether it will work at all, as no EPRs are yet commercially operational.

EDF  the French state electricity company building Hinkley Point  has two other EPRs under construction, both late and wildly over budget. One, at Flamanville in Normandy, was started in 2007 and due to be finished in 2012. Its budget has trebled from 3.3billion euros (2.8billion) to 10.5billion euros and it won't be ready until 2018. A plant at Olkiluoto in Finland is three times over budget and a decade behind schedule.

The budget for Hinkley Point is 18billion but if it over-runs as much as EDF's other two similar nuclear projects, it could reach 50billion  or half the annual NHS budget.

The phenomenal cost will make Hinkley Point electricity the most expensive in the world. In 2013 the coalition government guaranteed EDF a price of 92.50 per MWh produced by the new power station, rising with inflation for 35 years. It was twice the wholesale cost of electricity then and ever since, with the crash in oil and gas markets, prices have fallen. This means customers will have to fork out far more for electricity than they should do for decades to come.

It would be cheaper to lay extra cables under the Channel and buy direct from France. UK power firms already buy some energy in this way, paying 38 per MWh.

Not everyone in EDF itself is convinced by the project. There have now been two resignations from the board.

The deal gives a French state-owned company a huge hold over British energy policy. Even worse, a third of the estimated 18billion cost is being raised by Chinese investors  giving them unprecedented involvement in a strategic national asset.

The technology is unproven, begging the question whether it is right to put so many eggs in one basket. Hinkley is designed to generate 7 per cent of Britain's electricity  an awful lot of capacity to lose if it had to be closed for any reason.

We could build smaller, off-the-shelf nuclear reactors. Sizewell B, finished in 1995, cost just over 2billion (3.5 billion adjusted for inflation) and came in under-budget. It generates a little less than half what Hinkley C is designed to generate, but even it would work out considerably cheaper. Sizewell B is a design we could build again.

We could use a more efficient nuclear technology in the form of the APR1400, developed in South Korea, the first of which began generating commercially last winter. South Korea has won a contract to build four for the United Arab Emirates for around 15billion. For that they will get a total power output of 5.6GW  compared with the 3.2GW from the 18billion Hinkley C. Because output is split between four reactors rather than the two at Hinkley C, it will mean less disruption if a reactor has to be shut down.

Gas power stations, the cheapest way to generate electricity in Britain, are a proven technology and far less risky. They would offer a high level of energy security because we have generous reserves of shale gas. The problem is the Climate Change Act. Gas power stations spew out only half as much carbon as coal ones, but that is still too much to enable Britain to reach its self-imposed, unilateral target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent on 1990 levels by 2050.
A Labour MP plagued by death threats has posted a picture of a locksmith securing her home, as she was forced to ramp up protection surrounding her young family.

Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley has faced a stream of abuse on social media over recent months, including threats of rape on Twitter.

But she has hit back at online trolls, telling them to 'think about how my kids feel next time you mock up a picture of me dying'.

The brave MP vowed to 'keep going' despite a fresh wave of intimidation.

Violence: Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley has faced a stream of abuse on social media over recent months, including threats of rape on Twitter

It comes just over a month after the death of Labour MP Jo Cox, of Batley and Spen, who was shot and stabbed to death outside a library in Birstall, West Yorkshire, where she was about to hold a constituency surgery.

Ms Phillips' photograph, posted on Twitter, prompted an outpouring of sympathy and fury.

Conservative Nicholas Soames said he was 'horrified' by the way the Birmingham Yardley MP was being treated.

In a message to Ms Phillips on Twitter, he said: 'I am so horrified to hear of your grotesque treatment and pray all is well with you and your family.'

Many women MPs have faced vile abuse on social media, with some choosing to quit the cyber world to escape the vitriol.

Labour's leadership has come in for criticism over its handling of the issue, particularly threats and attacks made by supporters of Jeremy Corbyn.

Threats: Ms Phillips posted a picture of a locksmith securing her home, as she was forced to ramp up protection at her family home

Brave: Ms Phillips' photograph, posted on Twitter, prompted an outpouring of sympathy and fury

But Richard Burgon, a key ally of the leader, said it was 'not right' to demonise Labour members as bullies, misogynists and thugs.

In a blog for Labour List, he wrote: 'The leader of the Labour Party has continued to make clear that he is - just as he was before he was elected as leader - opposed to protests outside MPs' advice sessions for constituents and opposed to protests outside MPs' constituency offices.

'People considering such protests need to reflect upon the disruptive impact upon the provision of advice and assistance to constituents needing help and the impact upon constituency staff doing what is not an easy or sufficiently valued job.

'But, at the same time, I am not - and others are not - going to stand by whilst hundreds of thousands of decent Labour members are dismissed and demonised as bullies, brick-throwers, misogynists and thugs. It's just not right.'

It comes just over a month after the death of Labour MP Jo Cox, of Batley and Spen, who was shot and stabbed to death outside a library in Birstall, West Yorkshire, where she was about to hold a constituency surgery

The shadow justice secretary criticised the bullying behaviour of some MPs and said he had chosen not to draw attention to the attempts of a 'tiny minority' of MPs to pressure him over his support for Mr Corbyn.

He went on: 'I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the way a minority of my Parliamentary colleagues have treated Party members on Twitter, in person and at meetings.

'MPs deserve to be treated with respect but so do Labour members. As MPs we need to understand it's not 'all about us'.
High Speed 2 is a wasteful vanity project which will cost taxpayers almost 90billion, it is claimed today.

Theresa May has been urged to ditch plans for the rail line and spend the cash on improving Britains existing railways and roads instead.

A report by the Taxpayers Alliance says the project will cost around three times its original budget without delivering the economic benefits across the country promised by ministers.

Proponents of HS2 claim it will cut journey times across England and Scotland significantly

The estimated bill for HS2 has already almost doubled from 30billion to 55.7billion since 2010. But this figure does not include development costs, such as regeneration around stations including Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

Based on previous projections from thinktank the Institute of Economic Affairs, the Taxpayers Alliance has predicted the total bill for HS2 will spiral to at least 88billion by the time it is completed.

As well as being hopelessly over budget, the report claims it is far from certain that the project will be completed on time.

Phase one between London and the West Midlands is due to begin next year, if it is approved by Parliament in December. It is scheduled to open in 2026, with further extensions to Crewe expected to open a year later and Manchester to Leeds in 2033.

HS2 has already acknowledged that phase one may not be finished by the target date of 2026.

HS2 will require a new and extremely expensive rebuilding of London's Euston station

Chris Grayling, the new Transport Secretary, has said the Government remains committed to HS2, despite mounting opposition.

A series of damning reports have also raised concerns it will not provide value for money for taxpayers. Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the Taxpayers Alliance, said: HS2 is a wasteful vanity project which is unlikely to be completed on schedule and will cost taxpayers a fortune.

The new prime minister should now be pursuing bold and imaginative policies to boost economic growth and increase productivity  and that positive approach must include scrapping HS2, which has cost taxpayers far too much already.

Barrister Tim Mould, who has been employed to block growing opposition to the project from residents, businesses and MPs, has been paid 679,675.10 by the Department for Transport since 2013, not including around 136,000 in VAT.

The Government said 47 staff are paid more than 150,000.
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty has shocked delegates at the Democratic convention by wearing the same dress Melania Trump wore at the Republican convention.

The U.S. Representative from Ohio walked out on stage in Philadelphia wearing a white gown virtually matching what Trump's third wife wore during her controversial speech last week.

The dress worn by Donald Trump's model wife was by London-based Serbian designer Roksanda Ilinicic.

It retails at $2,190, and is believed to have sold out in minutes after she addressed the GOP delegates.

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Who wore it best? Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (left) has shocked delegates at the Democratic convention by wearing the an identical dress to Melania Trump (right)

It is unclear whether Beatty got her dress before or after Melania's address - but the outfits are not believed to be exactly the same.

However the coincidence was promptly pointed out on social media.

Many questioned who wore it better, while others joked that it would turn into another plagiarism scandal.

Melania was slammed last week after she appeared to copy parts of Michelle Obama's speech to the Democratic National Convention in 2008 and passed them off as her own.

The knee-length garment is a conservative piece, 'designed with a nipped-in waist and dramatic bell sleeves in a contrasting basketweave', according to its description.

Melania hand-picked her dress cotton silk off-white Roksanda 'Margot' dress because she 'liked it', a spokeswoman said last week.

'Melania will be recast as the next Jackie O. She speaks four languages, ' a Trump adviser told the New York Post.

Last week Mrs Trump made a dramatic entrance in the beautiful off-white garment, saying her husband is 'ready to lead this great nation. He's ready to fight every day to give our children the better future they deserve.'

Joyce Beatty has been the United States Representative for Ohio's 3rd congressional district since 2013. Previously, she was the Senior Vice-President for Outreach and Engagement at Ohio State University.

The U.S. Representative from Ohio walked out on stage in Philadelphia wearing a white gown virtually matching what Trump's third wife wore during her controversial speech last week

The dress the Slovenian immigrant donned is by the London-based Serbian designer Ilinicic
Drugs giant AstraZeneca said yesterday that it is hard to find a better place in the world to do science than Cambridge.

In another major vote of confidence following the Brexit vote, the Anglo-Swedish company said it was committed to spending 330million on a new research and development centre and global base in the city.

The pledge came just a day after rival pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline outlined plans to invest 275million in its UK manufacturing plants.

Cambridge (pictured) has educated generations of scientists and Astra Zeneca wants to invest 330million in the city

The bosses of both companies campaigned for Britain to remain part of the EU, putting their names to a letter signed by more than 90 top figures in the life sciences industry that warned: Leaving the EU would bring added complexity and uncertainty which is bad for business and research.

But Astra chief executive Pascal Soriot said yesterday: It is hard to find a better place to do science than at Cambridge. Cambridge has been a successful place to do science for the last 800 years.

'I am sure it will be a good place to do science for the next 800 years or more. We are certainly very committed to Cambridge and will stay there.

AstraZeneca boss Pascal Soriot (pictured) said: 'Cambridge has been a successful place to do science for the last 800 years'

The endorsement came just 24 hours after Glaxo chief executive Sir Andrew Witty hailed Britain as an attractive location for investment due to the skilled workforce, technological and scientific capabilities and infrastructure and a competitive corporate tax system.

Brexit campaigners seized on the announcements, saying they were a sign that Britain can prosper outside the EU.

Astra first announced plans to build its new global HQ in Cambridge in 2013.

Construction is well under way and the company has around 1,800 staff based on the site already.

It was feared the Brexit vote would deter further investment.
The animal has since been rescued and re-

A giant 14-foot-long snake has been found lurking in farmland in south-east China's Fujian province.

The beast was seen by a farmer with a giant bulging belly after he started to investigate how some of his livestock had come to go missing, reports the People's Daily Online.

Villagers in Quanzhou managed to catch the animal on the evening of July 26.

Now that is a beast! Villagers pose with the captured python which measured 14-feet-long

Smile for the camera: Villagers found the python after mountain goats had started to disappear from the village

Now that's a big guy: Locals weighed the animal and confirmed that it weighs 67 pounds

The farmer surnamed Chen noticed that lots of goats in the area were going missing and he could not figure out the reason why.

Then on the afternoon of the 25th, another one of his mountain goats went missing so he went on a mission to find it.

He suddenly saw a python in the middle of eating the goat.

Frightened by the animal, Chen decided to leave the area at once.

He got the courage to go back up the mountain however this time he did not see the snake.

Chen got some local villagers to come back up the mountain with him to try and find the beast.

New home: The animal was later taken to a snake farm before being released back into the wild

The moment they bagged the python: Villagers came across the animal which was digesting a goat at the time

Around a dozen villagers came with him up the mountain and they were shocked to find the python.

Its stomach was full as it was still in the process of digesting an 88 pound goat.

Several younger members of the group stepped forward and took hold of the animal.

They took it back to the village and weighed the snake confirming that it was 67 pounds and more than 14-feet-long.

On the evening of the 26th, local police rushed to the scene as the animal is a protected species in China.

According to reports, the python was taken to a snake farm before being released yesterday.
Video footage has emerged showing the marine life inside an underwater sinkhole thought to be the world's deepest.

The newly found cave, located in the South China Sea, is 300.89 metres (987 feet) deep and 130 metres (426 feet) wide at the entrance, claimed researchers from China.

The one-minute-long video, which was released by state-run China Central Television Station yesterday, provides the first look into the mysterious underwater world.

A whole new world: Chinese state-run media yesterday released the first underwater footage of the sinkhole

Mystery unravelled: Chinese experts said they have found about 20 marine species in the underwater cave

Into the deep: Researchers from China made the announcement after they conducted 10-month field work

The finding was announced on July 22 by researchers from China after they conducted 10-month field work, reported People's Daily Online.

The underwater sinkhole is located at 16.31 degrees north latitude and 111.46 degrees east longitude under the surface of the South China sea.

It's situated near the disputed Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha in Chinese and Hoang Sa in Vietnamese.

Professor Yang Zuosheng from the Ocean University of China told China Central Television Station: 'Research into a blue hole can provide detailed records of how the climate or water level changes over tens of thousands of years.

'Once we have that data, we can deduce the pattern of evolution for climate changes in the South China Sea, including its eco-system, hydro-logical system and its landform.'

Dubbed the 'Yongle Dragon Hole' by the Chinese, the depth of the limestone cave is nearly the height of the 1,003-foot-tall skyscraper, The Shard.

Yongle is the name given by the Chinese to the atoll where the sinkhole is situated.

Beautiful: Chinese researchers claimed on July 22 they have found the deepest underground sinkhole

Giant under the sea: The depth of the mysterious sinkhole is nearly the height of The Shard in London

Mysterious: Located in the South China Sea, the cave measures 300.89 metres (987 feet) deep

Chinese experts measured the dimensions of the blue hole during field research between August, 2015, and June, 2016, according to state-run Huanqiu.com.

With the help of equipment including sonar scanners, deep-sea current metres, underwater robots and underwater cameras, they found out the sinkhole is 300.89 metres (987 feet) in depth.

They also measured the width of the sinkhole, which is 130 metres (426 feet) at the entrance and about 36 metres (118 feet) at the bottom.

Field research: Chinese experts carried out field work between August in 2015 and June in 2016

Dive into the unknown: They also found tou the sinkhole is 30 metres (426 feet) wide at the entrance and about 36 metres (118 feet) wide at the bottom

Experts said they had also discovered about 20 marine species in the cave.

Underwater sinkholes are also known as blue holes.

Before Chinese researchers announced their findings, the world's deepest underwater sinkhole was thought to be the Dean's Blue Hole in Bahamas, which measures 202 metres (663 feet) deep.
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Remnants of structure that used to exist in Britain can still be seen with the help of the right perspective, a series of aerial photographs has shown.

The pictures, released by government heritage agency Historic England, to mark the Festival of Archaeology, show some of the top finds made in recent years.

The findings include of a Bronze Age cemetery, a Roman military camp, medieval farms and some of the oldest monuments in Britain - all revealed from the air.

Pictures taken from light aircraft reveal some of the oldest type of monument in Britain, such as shots capturing crop marks which show elongated capsule shaped enclosures in Stoke Hammond, Buckinghamshire (pictured)

'Our aerial archaeologists continue to transform our knowledge of England's past from traces visible from the air,' Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said.

'We identify and record the archaeology in our landscapes from crop marks and soil marks this way.

'This not only supports archaeological research, but also gives us a better understanding of which parts of the land can be developed and which parts need further investigation because of what lies beneath.'

Photographs taken in 2015 above Fittleworth, West Sussex, show five or six circular buried ditches which would have surrounded Bronze Age barrows which would have been burial places as well as being used by the living for ceremonies.

WHAT THE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW Neolithic long mortuary enclosures, capturing crop marks, in Stoke Hammond. Five or six circular buried ditches which would have surrounded Bronze Age barrows in Fittleworth, West Sussex. The remains of a lime kiln, producing quick lime for building and fertiliser in Shap, Cumbria. Traces of a Second World War air raid shelter in Coventry's Radford Road recreation ground. A rare and unusual prehistoric site at Hornsea, East Yorkshire, with a central circular feature thought to be an 'henge'. A late medieval farmstead in Lavenham, Suffolk, with fields and tracks showing how generations of families lived on the land. In Bradford Abbas, Dorset, the line of a buried Roman camp - temporary enclosures dug by troops on manoeuvres - can be seen as different colours in the crops across several fields. Crop marks, caused by buried archaeological remains which hold more moisture than the surrounding undisturbed soil, in the Cambridgeshire clay. An Iron Age/Roman settlement in Gillsmere Sike, Killington, Cumbria. Advertisement

Photographs taken in 2015 above Fittleworth, West Sussex, show five or six circular buried ditches which would have surrounded Bronze Age barrows which would have been burial places as well as being used by the living for ceremonies.

THE FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY The 26th Festival of Archaeology takes place between the 16 - 31 July 2016. The festival, coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), encourages everyone to explore the archaeology of their local area, watch experts at work, and experience archaeology for themselves. Advertisement

Last year's dry summer revealed crop marks, caused by buried archaeological remains which hold more moisture than the surrounding undisturbed soil, in the Cambridgeshire clay.

They helped experts see the extent of an Iron Age/Roman settlement in Comberton, with ditched enclosures, round houses and tracks.

A dry summer also helped Historic England's aerial reconnaissance team identify a rare and unusual prehistoric site at Hornsea, East Yorkshire, with a central circular feature thought to be an 'henge'.

The site, surrounded by a field system which suggests it was reused as a settlement from the Bronze Age, is considered so important it has since been protected as a scheduled monument.

Low winter sunlight revealed details of an Iron Age/Roman settlement in Gillsmere Sike, Killington, Cumbria, with photographs showing two round houses as well as medieval ploughing which shows the area was in agricultural use for centuries.

A dry summer also helped Historic England's aerial reconnaissance team identify a rare and unusual prehistoric site at Hornsea, East Yorkshire, with a central circular feature thought to be an 'henge'

Medieval farming and industry are also revealed in the photographs, including pictures taken in 2015 which reveal a late medieval farmstead in Lavenham, Suffolk, with fields and tracks showing how generations of families lived on the land

Low winter sunlight revealed details of an Iron Age/Roman settlement in Gillsmere Sike, Killington, Cumbria, with photographs showing two round houses as well as medieval ploughing which shows the area was in agricultural use for centuries

In Bradford Abbas, Dorset, the line of a buried Roman camp - temporary enclosures dug by troops on manoeuvres - can be seen as different colours in the crops across several fields. The distinctive playing card shaped enclosure is indicative of a camp, and raises the question of whether it could be part of an early Roman military campaign against the local population

Pictures taken from light aircraft also reveal some of the oldest type of monument in Britain, such as shots capturing crop marks which show elongated capsule shaped enclosures in Stoke Hammond, Buckinghamshire.

Historic England said the enclosures are neolithic long mortuary enclosures, thought to be where the dead were placed before burial, and at Stoke Hammond are surrounded by natural marks in the ground made in the last Ice Age.

Medieval farming and industry are also revealed in the photographs, including pictures taken in 2015 which reveal a late medieval farmstead in Lavenham, Suffolk, with fields and tracks showing how generations of families lived on the land.

In Shap, Cumbria, images from the air show the remains of a lime kiln, producing quick lime for building and fertiliser.

While the existence of the lime kiln was already known, the aerial photography provides a different perspective, revealing earth-covered ruins of buildings and walls from before the kiln, thought to be a medieval monastic farm called a grange.

The aerial pictures also reveal the impact of war on the landscape, from ancient times to modern.

In Bradford Abbas, Dorset, the line of a buried Roman camp - temporary enclosures dug by troops on manoeuvres - can be seen as different colours in the crops across several fields.

The distinctive playing card shaped enclosure is indicative of a camp, and raises the question of whether it could be part of an early Roman military campaign against the local population, Historic England said.

The photographs released by the heritage agency also show traces of a Second World War air raid shelter in Coventry's Radford Road recreation ground, still showing up in dark rectangles of lush grass despite being partly demolished after the war.

Last year's dry summer revealed crop marks, caused by buried archaeological remains which hold more moisture than the surrounding undisturbed soil, in the Cambridgeshire clay. They helped experts see the extent of an Iron Age/Roman settlement in Comberton, with ditched enclosures, round houses and tracks

Medieval farming and industry are also revealed in the photographs, including pictures taken in 2015 which reveal a late medieval farmstead in Lavenham, Suffolk, with fields and tracks showing how generations of families lived on the land. The medieval timber-beamed Little Hal in Lavenham, pictured

The photographs released by the heritage agency also show traces of a Second World War air raid shelter in Coventry's Radford Road recreation ground, left. Coventry Cathedral in November 1940 after a devastating raid pictured right
It is the real-life story of Moby Dick.

New Bedford, a Massachusetts town where the novel by Herman Melville was set, has digitised the records of the 127,000 men who set sail on whaler ships from 1809 until 1927.

It reveals a fascinating insight into the industry - and even records Herman Melville's own voyage.

Click here to search the interactive database for your ancestors and Scroll down for video

The list reveals the fascinating history of whaling in New Bedford - and even contains an entry for Herman Melville, who based his novel Moby Dick on voyages from the town.

Its creators says the digital list of the tens of thousands of men who embarked on whaling voyages out of New Bedford, from 10-year-old boys to a 70-year-old sailor who drank himself to death in South Africa, is a valuable resource for anyone researching their family's seafaring past.

Just be warned: You might not like what you find.

One man who found an ancestor's name in the database went to the ship's logbook for more information and got quite a shock, said Mark Procknik, the librarian at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, which compiled the list of more than 127,000 men who set sail on whaler ships from 1809 until 1927.

When the ship made a stop at Pitcairn Island in the South Pacific, someone sabotaged the vessel by boring holes in the hull.

It turns out the villain was an ancestor.

'They threw him in irons, and when the ship reached Peru, they threw him off,' Procknik said.

Some people who for years have heard stories about an ancestor who was a captain on a whaling vessel have searched the database only to find out that their forebear was a greenhand, the lowest rank on board, said Judith Lund, a historian and author who led a platoon of volunteers in compiling the database.

THE MOBY DICK TOWN Born in New York City as the third child of a merchant in French dry goods, Melville briefly became a schoolteacher before he took to sea in 1839 as a common sailor on a merchant ship. Experts say the list illustrates what Herman Melville so eloquently described in 'Moby-Dick' of a city teeming with the strangest characters from all corners of the globe. Melville writes of 'the Feegeeans, Tongatobooarrs, Erromanggoans, Pannangians, and Brighggians,' and 'the wild specimens of the whaling-craft which unheeded reel about the streets.' 'Imagine coming to this little town in the middle of the 19th century and seeing all these strange people,' Lund said. Herman Melville based Moby Dick on the town. All the records show is that he set sail on the Acushnet in 1841 as a greenhand. Born in New York City as the third child of a merchant in French dry goods, Melville briefly became a schoolteacher before he took to sea in 1839 as a common sailor on a merchant ship. In 1840 he signed aboard the whaler Acushnet for his first whaling voyage, but jumped ship in the Marquesas Islands. After further adventures, he returned to Boston in 1844. Moby-Dick; or, The Whale was published in 1851 during the period of the American Renaissance. Sailor Ishmael tells the story of the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaler Pequod, for revenge on Moby Dick, the white whale which on the previous whaling voyage destroyed his ship and severed his leg at the knee. The novel was a commercial failure and out of print at the time of the author's death in 1891, but during the 20th century, its reputation as a Great American Novel was established. William Faulkner confessed he wished he had written it himself, and D. H. Lawrence called it 'one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world', and 'the greatest book of the sea ever written'. 'Call me Ishmael' is among world literature's most famous opening sentences. A still from the 1956 film adaptation of Moby Dick, starring Gregory Peck. Advertisement

The searchable list includes the sailor's name, age, job title, home state or country, and in some cases notes physical characteristics, including skin and hair color.

It lists men from 33 states, two U.S. territories and more than 100 foreign nations.

It illustrates what Herman Melville so eloquently described in 'Moby-Dick' of a city teeming with the strangest characters from all corners of the globe.

Melville writes of 'the Feegeeans, Tongatobooarrs, Erromanggoans, Pannangians, and Brighggians,' and 'the wild specimens of the whaling-craft which unheeded reel about the streets.'

'Imagine coming to this little town in the middle of the 19th century and seeing all these strange people,' Lund said.

HOW THE DATABASE WAS CREATED Through the efforts of 31 volunteers working with Advisory Curator Judith Lund, the Whaling Museum has digitised its records. Using records kept by the chaplains of the New Bedford Port Society and currently stored in the Museum's Research Library, the volunteers entered the names and physical descriptions of men leaving the port of New Bedford on whaling voyages from 1840 to the end of whaling in 1927. These records were then combined with the earlier work completed at the Free Public Library. 1825-1849 Whaling DestinationsDaily locations of whaling vessels extracted from a sample of American whaling logbooks for voyages departing between 1780 and 1920. Days with no whale observations and days with observations of sperm, right, bowhead, humpback, and gray whales and locations of key ports were distinguished by the colors indicated. The time periods were selected to best reflect the similarities in distribution patterns within time periods. The completed database includes 127,531 records and spans the years 1809 to 1927. This list represents only men who left the port on whaling voyages. It does not include those who joined along the way. Occasionally there is added information about desertions or deaths, but these are hit or miss records the chaplain probably read in the newspaper and added to his files. The list shows what Melville picturesquely noted, that persons from all around the world passed through New Bedford. In all, there were men from 33 states and two territories in the United States represented, as well as men from more than 100 nations or islands worldwide. The museum has compiled a digital archive of more than a hundred thousand names of men who embarked on whaling voyages out of the Massachusetts port before the final one in 1927. Advertisement

Sometimes the list contains tidbits of information that shed more light on the life  or death  of a sailor.

Charles Harmond, of Wareham, was 10 years old when joined the crew of the George Washington in 1832. H. Carleston, of New Bedford, was 70 when he embarked on the Charles W. Morgan in 1908.

He never made it home.

'Died at Durban after becoming intoxicated,' the records note.

Some crewmen are listed under a single name, such as Chevelor, who joined the crew of the Java in 1841 and deserted the following year at Sandwich Island  what we now call Hawaii.

And yes, Melville is in the database, although the information is scant.

All the records show is that he set sail on the Acushnet in 1841 as a greenhand.

The archive, also valuable to genealogists, anthropologists and sociologists, is actually a combination of a project that began years ago at the New Bedford Free Public Library and a more recent museum project, said Michael Lapides, the museum's director of digital initiatives.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 file photo, New Bedford Whaling Museum senior maritime historian Michael Dyer combs through the racks of whaling vessel log books in New Bedford, Mass. The museum has compiled a digital archive of more than a hundred thousand names of men who embarked on whaling voyages out of the Massachusetts port before the final one in 1927. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)

It's based on handwritten customs documents that were in turn copied by the chaplains of the New Bedford Port Society.

The original records were written by customs officers who may not have been accomplished spellers and who got the information from seamen who may not have been certain of how to spell their own names.

Therefore, the way a family spells their name today may not be how it is spelled in the database.

In fact, a single sailor's name may have been spelled different ways if he went on multiple voyages.

The information was kept because the men often never returned, Procknik said.
Mass is in line with a theory suggesting they could make up dark matter

Earlier this year, gravitational waves were found in what was called the 'discovery of the century'.

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (Ligo) detected gravitational waves radiating from two black holes that crashed together about 1.3 billion years ago.

Now evidence is building that these black holes might be 'primordial' black holes, instead of traditional black holes.

If they are, they could be the answer to what makes up the mysterious dark matter, an unidentified substance that makes up 85 per cent of the mass of the universe, some researchers have said.

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (Ligo) detected gravitational waves radiating from two black holes that crashed together about 1.3 billion years ago, simulation pictured. Researchers from Kyoto University have suggested the two black holes detected by Ligo could be 'primordial' black holes, instead of traditional black holes

WHAT ARE GRAVITATIONAL WAVES? The universe is made up of a fabric of space-time. This corresponds to Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, published in 1916. Objects in the universe bend this fabric, and more massive objects bend it more. Gravitational waves are considered ripples in this fabric. They can be produced, for instance, when black holes orbit each other or by the merging of galaxies. Gravitational waves are also thought to have been produced during the big bang. Advertisement

Researchers from Kyoto University have published a study in the journal Physical Review Letters today, suggesting the two black holes detected by Ligo could be 'primordial' black holes, instead of traditional black holes.

This means instead of being created when stars collapse at the end of their lives like most black holes, these might have formed from the extreme density of matter present soon after the big bang.

If further data support this observation, it could mark the first confirmed finding of a primordial black hole, guiding theories about the beginnings of the universe.

'The detected gravitational waves were created from a merger of two black holes thirty times the mass of the sun,' said study author Professor Takahiro Tanaka from Kyoto University.'

'It's extremely rare for such massive black holes to form in the present-day universe.'

'After this announcement, many astrophysicists started considering how such heavy black holes were created, and how such black hole binaries were formed.'

As a starting point, the team hypothesized that primordial black holes were distributed randomly in space.

Binary black holes recently discovered by the Ligo-Virgo collaboration could be primordial entities that formed just after the Big Bang. Primordial black hole binaries were discussed extensively in the 1990s. However, interest in them waned when observations implied that their number was limited

WHAT IS THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY? In 1905, Albert Einstein determined that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers, and that the speed of light in a vacuum was independent of the motion of all observers - known as the theory of special relativity. This groundbreaking work introduced a new framework for all of physics, and proposed new concepts of space and time. He then spent 10 years trying to include acceleration in the theory, finally publishing his theory of general relativity in 1915. This determined that massive objects cause a distortion in space-time, which is felt as gravity. At its simplest, it can be thought of as a giant rubber sheet with a bowling ball in the centre. As the ball warps the sheet, a planet bends the fabric of space-time, creating the force that we feel as gravity. Any object that comes near to the body falls towards it because of the effect. Einstein predicted that if two massive bodies came together it would create such a huge ripple in space time that it should be detectable on Earth. Advertisement

'The universe was extremely hot and dense when it was first born. Primordial black holes came into being when gravitational collapse happened in regions which were especially dense,' said Professor Tanaka.

'They have a completely different origin from black holes that form from celestial bodies.'

Using general relativity, the team evaluated how often black holes merge in the present epoch.

They found that the Ligo-Virgo team's observational data on merger frequencies would fall in to place if the binaries were primordial, and if they constitute a thousandth of all dark matter in the universe.

Primordial black hole binaries were discussed extensively in the 1990s; however, interest in them waned when observations implied that their number was limited. To date, no one has found any primordial black holes, possibly making the LIGO-Virgo observations the first of their kind.

'Theoretical models about the beginnings of the universe are still hotly contested. Some models necessarily predict the existence of primordial black holes, so their discovery could help unlock important clues about the universe's early days,' said Professor Tanaka.

'When enough observational data related to black hole binaries has accumulated, it will become possible to confirm whether these are truly primordial.'

Ligo's proposed successor, the Einstein Telescope, will also be able to look at the two black holes as they swirl closer to each other, before the predicted head on collision. It might be able to give a more definitive answer.

The Einstein Telescope is a design concept for a third-generation gravitational-wave detector which will be 100 times more sensitive than current instruments.

There are a few ways these black hole mergers might be distinguished from traditional black hole mergers, including the shape of their orbits.

Primordial black holes would have an elliptical orbit, whereas traditional black hole orbits are circular.

Gravitational waves are considered ripples in this fabric of space time. Part of the experiment, this image shows gravitational waves as researchers saw them in the lab. They can be produced, for instance, when black holes orbit each other or by the merging of galaxies

Dr Simeon Bird and his colleagues at the John Hopkins University, Baltimore, have also suggested that the two black holes detected by Ligo (artist's impression shown) could be 'primordial' black holes, instead of traditional black holes. This means that they might have formed soon after the big bang

If these black holes exist today in large enough numbers, they could make up more dark matter, previous researchers suggested.

Earlier this year Dr Simeon Bird and his colleagues at the John Hopkins University, Baltimore also suggested Ligo's black holes could be primordial.

They said the black holes detected by Ligo have the perfect mass to fit with a theory that suggests dark matter is made up of these primordial black holes.

But so far there is no firm evidence for their existence.

'Interestingly enough, there remains a window for masses between 10 and 100 times the mass of the sun where primordial black holes may constitute the dark matter,' the researchers wrote in a paper.

WHAT IS DARK MATTER? Dark matter makes up 85 per cent of the universe, and is invisible because it does not reflect light. It can't be seen directly with telescopes but astronomers know it exists because of the gravitational effects it has on matter we see. The European Space Agency said: 'Shine a torch in a completely dark room, and you will see only what the torch illuminates. 'That does not mean that the room around you does not exist. 'Similarly we know dark matter exists but have never observed it directly.' Scientists are fairly sure it exists and is crucial to the universe, but they do not know what it looks like or where to find it. Dark matter is thought to be the gravitational 'glue' that holds the galaxies together, while just 5 per cent the universe consists of known material like atoms and subatomic particles. The existence of a mysterious invisible kind of matter in our universe called dark matter has been known about for almost 100 years, but we still do not know what the substance is made of. The favourite candidate for what makes dark matter is not a great fit Advertisement

The theory behind how it happens is that 'if two black holes in a galactic halo pass sufficiently close, they can radiate enough energy in gravitational waves to become gravitationally bound,' the researchers added.

'The bound black holes will then rapidly spiral inward due to emission of gravitational radiation and ultimately merge.'

Dark matter makes up 85 per cent of the mass of the universe, but it is invisible because it does not reflect light.

It cannot be seen directly with telescopes, but astronomers know it to be out there because of the gravitational effects it has on the matter.

The team wrote in the paper that their estimates raise the possibility that Ligo has detected primordial black hole dark matter.

If primordial black holes exist today in large enough numbers, they could make up dark matter, the researchers suggest. The black holes detected by Ligo have the perfect mass to fit with a theory that suggests dark matter is made up of these primordial black holes. Artist's impression of a black hole shown

Primordial black hole mergers are likely to be distributed spatially more like dark matter than luminous matter and have no optical nor neutrino counterparts, so would be invisible, they said.

'At the moment our idea is just an idea,' Dr Bird told MailOnline. 'It's possible, but we don't know whether or not it is really true...it's an exciting possibility!'
Several times a year, hundreds of celestial fireballs light up the night skies during meteor showers.

While one of the most well-known meteor showers - The Perseids - will be occurring in August, you do not have to wait that long to admire the phenomenon yourself.

A meteor shower called the Delta Aquarids is happening right now, and will be most visible to the naked eye tonight and tomorrow.

While one of the most well-known meteor showers - The Perseids (pictured) - will be lighting up the skies in August, you do not have to wait that long to admire the phenomenon yourself

WHERE AND WHEN tO SEE THE METEOR SHOWER A meteor shower called the Delta Aquarids is happening right now, and will be most visible to the naked eye tonight and tomorrow night. According to Science Alert, the Delta Aquarids shower will be most visible in the southern hemisphere, however those in the northern hemisphere may also be able to see it. While the peak for the shower will be tonight and tomorrow night, the display will continue until around August 23, overlapping with the Perseid shower, which occurs in mid-August. Catching a glimpse of the Delta Aquarids will very much depend on your location, though the best time to watch the sky for these shooting stars will be around midnight. Because meteors can be quite faint, it is best to look out for them in a dark sky, free of moonlight and artificial lights. Advertisement

According to Science Alert, the Delta Aquarids shower will be most visible in the southern hemisphere, however those in the northern hemisphere may also be able to see it.

While the peak for the shower will be tonight and tomorrow night, the display will continue until around August 23, overlapping with the Perseid shower, which occurs in mid-August.

Catching a glimpse of the Delta Aquarids will very much depend on your location, though the best time to watch the sky for these shooting stars will be around midnight.

Because meteors can be quite faint, it is best to look out for them in a dark sky, free of moonlight and artificial lights.

If you cannot see the meteors yourself, there is good news - Slooh, an online observatory, will be live streaming the meteor shower from an observatory on the Canary Islands, with meteorologists talking through what can be seen, and taking questions from viewers.

Meteor showers occur when a comet comes close to the sun and produces debris - meteoroids - that spread around the comets orbit.

The Earth experiences a meteor shower when the Earth's orbit coincides with the comet's.

Since meteoroids that create a meteor shower all move on a parallel path, and at the same speed, they seem to originate from a single point in the sky to observers on Earth, known as the radiant.

A meteor shower called the Delta Aquarids is happening right now, and will be most visible to the naked eye tonight and tomorrow night

The Delta Aquarids shower is named as such because its radiant appears to lie in the constellation Aquarius

Meteor showers are usually named after the constellation that their radiant lies in.

For example, the Delta Aquarids shower is named as such because its radiant appears to lie in the constellation Aquarius, near one of the constellation's brightest stars, Delta Aquarii.

While astronomers know that the Delta Aquarids shower occurs every July, little is known about the comet that produces the meteors.

According to the EarthSky website: 'It was once thought to have originated from the breakup of what are now the Marsden and Kracht sungrazing comets.

'More recently, the Comet 96P Machholz has loomed as the primary candidate for being the Delta Aquarids parent body.'

Because the Delta Aquarids shower occurs at a similar time as the Perseid shower, it can be confusing trying to understand which one you are seeing.

However, you can trace the meteors back to find their radiant to work out which constellation they have originated from.

Viewing the sky from the Northern Hemisphere, the Delta Aquarids will appear to come from the south, while the Perseids will come from the north.

Conversely, in the Southern Hemsiphere, the Delta Aquarids will appear to originate just overhead, and the Perseids will stem from the north.

Based on records, the normal rate of the Perseid meteor shower is 50 to 75 meteors per hour but according to Nasa, the rate will double this year to about 150 to 200 meteors per hour.

The peak of the Perseid meteor shower will be on Aug 12 and 13, when there also happens to be a darker-than-usual sky forecast, which will make the shower even clearer to see.

Viewing the sky from the Northern Hemisphere, the Delta Aquarids will appear to come from the south, while the Perseids (pictured) will come from the south
Dubbed the 'Sea Hunter', the 132ft ship is designed to travel thousands of miles out at sea without a single crew member on board.

The self driving warship has now completed its first trials - and passed with flying colours.

Experts say the vessel has the potential to revolutionise not only the military's maritime service but also commercial shipping.

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The 132ft-long (40-metre) unarmed prototype, dubbed Sea Hunter, is the naval equivalent of Google's self-driving car, designed to cruise on the ocean's surface without a crew. The ship's projected $20 million (14.2 million) price tag and its $20,000 (14,300) daily operating cost make it relatively inexpensive for the navy

THE SEA HUNTER WARSHIP The 132ft-long (40-metre) unarmed prototype, dubbed Sea Hunter, is the naval equivalent of Google's self-driving car, designed to cruise on the ocean's surface without a crew. The ship's projected $20 million (14.2 million) price tag and its $15,000 (10,650) to $20,000 (14,300) daily operating cost make it relatively inexpensive for the navy. The ship is about to undergo two years of testing, including to verify that it can safely follow international norms for operating at sea. First and foremost is ensuring that it can use radar and cameras to avoid other vessels. Powered by two diesel engines, the ship can reach speeds of 27 knots per hour. Advertisement

The at-sea tests took place off the coast of San Diego, California.

'The 132-foot trimaran, christened Sea Hunter at a ceremony in April, met or surpassed all performance objectives for speed, maneuverability, stability, seakeeping, acceleration/deceleration, and fuel consumption, as well as establishing confidence in mechanical systems reliability in an open-ocean environment,' said Leidos, who made the ship.

Sea Hunter is designed to operate for extended periods at sea with no person on board and only sparse supervisory control throughout deployment.

While initial vessel tests require a pilot on board the ship, later tests are planned to have no personnel on board.

The completion of Sea Hunter's performance trials is the first milestone in the two-year test program co-sponsored by DARPA and the Office of Naval Research.

Testing in upcoming months is scheduled to include testing of sensors, the vessel's autonomy suite, compliance with maritime collision regulations, and proof-of-concept demonstrations for a variety of U.S. Navy missions.

It marks the first step toward sending unmanned cargo vessels between countries, according to military officials, who showed off the ship in San Diego today before it was put in the water.

The Pentagon's research arm, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) developed the ship along with Virginia-based Leidos.

Darpa will test it in conjunction with the Navy over the next two years off California's coast.

The tests will largely focus on its ability to react on its own to avoid collisions with seafaring traffic.

During the testing phase, the ship will have human operators as a safety net, but once it proves to be reliable, the autonomous surface vessel will maneuver itself  able to go out at sea for months at a time.

Program manager Scott Littlefield said there will be no 'remote-controlled driving of the vessel'.

Instead it will be given its mission-level commands telling it where to go and what to accomplish and then software will enable it to drive itself safely.

The military initially built the diesel-powered ship to detect stealthy electric submarines.

The vessel was unveiled by Deputy US Defense Secretary Robert Work and has been developed by the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa). The ship is about to undergo two years of testing, including to verify that it can safely follow international norms for operating at sea

THE SILENT ENEMY SUBS The advent of increasingly autonomous ships and aircraft is stoking concern among some experts and activists about armed robotic systems that could identify people as threats and kill them. Diesel-electric submarines are quickly becoming one of the biggest threats to naval operations and a $1.8 trillion commercial shipping industry. Diesel-electric submarines, with their nearly-noiseless engines, are incredibly difficult to track from afar. They're also cheap at $200 million to $300 million each. Advertisement

But developers say they believe it has the capability to go beyond that, including doing mine sweeps.

There are no plans at this point to arm it.

'There are a lot of advantages that we're still trying to learn about,' Littlefield said.

Among them is the possibility that the full-size prototype could pave the way to developing crewless cargo vessels for the commercial shipping industry someday, he added.

Countries from Europe to Asia have been looking into developing fleets of unmanned ships to cut down on operating costs but the idea has sparked debate over whether it's possible to make robotic boats safe enough to run on their own far from land.

The International Transport Workers' Federation, the union representing more than half of the world's more than one million seafarers, has said it does not believe technology will ever be able to replace the ability of humans to foresee and react to the various dangers at sea.

The 'Sea Hunter' was built off the Oregon coast, and moved on a barge to San Diego's coastline to begin testing.

The project began in 2010, when Darpa announced that it was building an autonomous boat to track quiet, diesel-powered submarines. The program was dubbed Anti-submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel, or ACTUV. An early concept image is pictured

The prototype can travel at a speed of up to 27 knots per hour, and is equipped with a variety of sensors and an advanced optical system to detect other ships, Littlefield said.

The program to develop the ship cost $120 million, though Littlefield said the vessels can now be produced for about $20 million.

During the collision tests, the ship will be programed to follow international traffic rules for boats of its size.

There are no standards for unmanned ships yet, but Littlefield believes that could change if vessels like this one make it out of the experimental stage.

The Navy over the years has experimented with a number of unmanned systems  from drone helicopters to small, remotely controlled boats launched from ships.

The Pentagon's budget over the next five years calls for investing in more high-end Naval ships, including $600 million to be invested in unmanned undersea vehicles.
Amazon and Google might be focused on delivering packages in the sky, but one UK firm has set its sights on the ground.

Starship Technologies has developed a fleet of six-wheeled 'ground drones' that travel at four miles per hour and are capable of carrying 20 to 25 pounds of cargo.

Deemed the first autonomous delivery robot, the technology is currently being tested in London and is now set to invade Austin, Texas in the United States.

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Starship Technologies has developed six-wheeled bots that travel at four miles per hour and capable of carrying 20 to 25 pounds of cargo. Deemed the first autonomous delivery robot, the technology is currently being tested in London and is now set to invade Austin, Texas

HOW THE GROUND-DRONE WORKS Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags. Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology to find its way to the customer's address. Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet. The scheme also costs between 10 to 15 times less than the cost of current last-mile delivery alternatives, Starship claims. Integrated navigation and 'obstacle avoidance software' enable the robots to steer clear of pedestrians or to jump over curbs and cobbles, for example. Customers can choose when they want to receive their delivery and the robot will head to their location with the package securely locked inside, which can be retrieved using the app to unlock the lid. Advertisement

'We came to Austin because it's common sense, it's obvious. Austin is a very forward-thinking, tech-embracing, innovative city,' Henry Harris-Burland, marketing and communications manager at Starship Technologies, told FOX 7 News.

The UK startup has put their focus on three different sectors in the market when it comes to Austin: package deliver, grocery delivery and restaurant deliver  so the next time you order from your favorite pizza joint, this machine might have it to you in 30 minutes or less.

Burland explains that the technology can easily integrate with any retailer or restaurant, as it can be added directly to the delivery process online.

'You'd order something as usual online. You'd be offered Starship delivery in the checkout area,' said Harris-Burland.

'And then you'd be notified through your mobile phone when your parcel was ready for delivery. The power is then in your hands.'

Customers also have the power to choose a convenient delivery time and the robot will head to their location with the package securely locked inside, which can be retrieved using the app to unlock the lid.

The drones are fitted with nine cameras, which are placed around the front and back, in addition to sensors that help this machine avoid obstacles in its path.

Startship also included two-way audio, so team members can communicate with people in the environment.

Following the process of mapping a neighborhood, like Mueller, which is located in the northeast-central portion of Austin, the team can setup a hub and unleash the fleet for delivers  which they are working towards making 99 percent autonomous.

If youre worried about someone stealing your goods or vandalizing the robot, the firm has said its nine cameras are always recording and can put that thief or vandal up on YouTube pretty quickly, Harris-Burland said.

Starship Technologies was invented by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis who hope their machine will be appealing for small businesses who could send up to 20lbs (9kg) of goods to local customers.

It is as yet unnamed, but Keith Cornell, Senior Adviser at Starship told MailOnline: 'We may hold a contest and they may have multiple names. They might have personalities of their own.'

Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags.

The UK startup has put their focus on three different sectors in the market when it comes to Austin: package deliver, grocery delivery and restaurant deliver. Startship also included two-way audio, so team members can communicate with people in the environment

The idea is that consumers could call for a delivery, which is carried to their door by a robot in between five and 30 minutes, for as little as 1 (60cents).

Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving, but to begin with will be half controlled by a human operator.

It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology to find its way to the customer's address.

The mopeds of delivery drivers everywhere are set to be ousted by 'ground drones' that can navigate city streets by themselves. The invasion has begun with Starship Technologies' delivery bots beginning their trials in London (pictured) - and they are scheduled to begin trials and in Now York in spring

'Walking' on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet.

The scheme also costs between 10 to 15 times less than the cost of current last-mile delivery alternatives, Starship claims.

MailOnline tested the unnamed robots at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Mr Cornell said: 'Trials will be in 14 cities if we get permission from councils.'

AMAZON WILL BEGIN TESTING DELIVERY DRONES IN BRITAIN Amazon plans to test its delivery drones in Britain, meaning customers in the UK could soon receive their packages from the internet giant by air, rather than post. The move is the result of a deal with the British government and could see customers in the UK trial the new service before those in the US. The partnership aims to understand how drones can be used safely and reliably, and identify the best regulations to put in place. Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: Flying drones (one shown) that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas. But Starship Technologies could be the firm to take over ground deliveries The plan is for Amazon's PrimeAir service to eventually deliver small packages weighing up to 5lbs (2.27kg) in 30 minutes or less. The world's biggest online retailer, which has laid out plans to start using drones for deliveries by 2017, said a cross-government team supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority has provided it with the permissions necessary to explore the process. Flights will begin 'imminently,' according to The Mirror. Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: Flying drones that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas, having one person operate several highly automated drones and testing devices to make the drones able to identify and avoid obstacles. During the test the drones will be only allowed to fly an altitude of 400ft (122m) and kept away from operating near airport flightpaths. Advertisement

Greenwich council has already given us permission and this will be the launch location with robots arriving' next month'.

He explained that by the end of the year it's hoped the robots will be 98 per cent autonomous.

'It's the last two per cent that's expensive,' he added.

So instead, the company plans on having a human operator in charge of 100 bots in case they run into trouble, for example.

He confirmed the firm has retail partners lined up - 'names you'll recognise' - but these are currently under wraps.

'Demand is not an issue,' he continued.

Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags. MailOnline tested the unnamed robots at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (pictured)

Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet. The bot's 'cargo trunk' (pictured) is sealed throughout the trip and only the customer can open it using a specific app upon its arrival

ROBOT'S ANTI-THEFT MEASURES If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, a human operator can take over- talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location. The drone's nine cameras can also capture the criminal's face. In any case, the bot's 'cargo trunk' is sealed throughout the trip- only the customer can open it using a specific app upon the drone's arrival. The app will also allow shoppers to track the robot's location in real time. Advertisement

'The robot's designed to make life easier, so people might still go to the shops to buy flowers, for example, but could use them to carry heavy items such as potatoes home.

Integrated navigation and 'obstacle avoidance software' enable the robots to steer clear of pedestrians or to jump over kerbs and cobbles, for example.

However, human operators are ready to step in if an emergency should arise.

This includes if someone tries to steal the bot.

If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, the operator can take over - talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location.

The drone's nine cameras can also capture the criminal's face.

In any case, the bot's 'cargo trunk' is sealed throughout the trip- only the customer can open it using a specific app upon the drone's arrival.

The app will also allow shoppers to track the robot's location in real time.

One of Starship's main selling points is the battery-powered bot's zero direct CO2 emission, as opposed to the pollution brought about but too many, short shopping car trips.

After more than 3,000 hours of testing in London, Starship Technologies' delivery bots (pictured) are scheduled to start deliveries in Greenwich next month. Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the web, using 3G technology to find its way to addresses

Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' (pictured) is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology. If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, a human operator can take over- talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location

One of Starship's main selling points is the battery-powered bot's (pictured) zero direct CO2 emission, as opposed to the pollution brought about but too many, short shopping car trips

'Our vision revolves around three zeroes  zero cost, zero waiting time and zero environmental impact,' said Heinla, boss at Starship Technologies.

'We want to do to local deliveries what Skype did to telecommunications.'

For businesses, Starship's technology eliminates the largest inefficiency in the delivery chain, the last mile.

Instead of expensive and time-consuming door-to-door delivery, retailers can ship the goods in bulk to a local hub, then the robot fleet completes the delivery to the shopper's door for a fraction of the cost.

'With ecommerce continuing to grow consumers expect to have more convenient options for delivery  but at a cost that suits them,' Heinla said.
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It is a social media election - and YouTube has revealed exactly what candidate videos are being watched in each state.

This amazing interactive map, created by Polygraph and Google's NewsLab, shows what each state is watching and when, tracking the popularity of candidates at key moments in their campaigns.

It reveals one of the biggest hits of the campaign has been a tour of Donald Trump's private 757.

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The map was created by using YouTube's geographical data on its users.

Overall, Donald Trump's tour of his private 757 has been the most viewed video by any candidate, with over a million views of the video, which claims to give viewers an insight of its like to 'travel Trump style'.

In second Was Hillary Clinton's 'speak' video, which puts together a selection of Trump's most famous soundbites.

Trump also takes third place with a video of his ALS Ice Bucket challenge

The interactive map also reveals major changes in fortune over time.

From November until January, Trumps YouTube channels were averaging 4,000-5,000 views per day, while Clinton was averaging 50,000 to 100,000 views per day or 5x to 10x more than Trump).

'Things changed in late January,' Polygraph said.

'Trump improved 10x, beginning to average 30,000 to 50,000 views per day.

Overall, Donald Trump's tour of his private 757 has been the most viewed video by any candidate, with over a million views of the video, which claims to give viewers an insight of its like to 'travel Trump style'. however, Trump does not appear in the video, leaving presenting duties to a staff member (right)

'On February 1st, the day of the first caucus in Iowa, his views surged to 90,000, led by a tour of his 757 and an Ivanka Trump video about Iowa caucus locations.'

By examining month-to-month trends, the firm found that, unsurprisingly, views typically increased when a state was about to vote in its primary.

For example, in the month leading up to Iowas primary (also the first state to vote), the state had the highest views per 10,000 people in the country.

Clinton outpaced Trump until late February.

During March and April, nearly every state watched more of Trumps content than Clintons.

In May, Clinton regained the lead when Priorities USA, a Clinton Super PAC, released two Trump attack ads about his comments toward women.

In May, the attack ads were the first and second most popular videos from either candidate, receiving a combined 550,000 views in the US.

#3 was a newly released Trump video titled "My Dad" from Donald J Trump Jr.
All changes fit the emotional and physical aspects of being hypnotized

However, changes were only seen in those deemed 'highly hypnotizable'

found three hallmarks of the brain while people were 'under'

'Look into my eyes, listen to my voice, you are getting sleepy,' are the last phrases people might hear before their body goes limp and they fall into a hypnotic state.

The power of hypnosis has been described as an entertaining parlor trick, but new research suggests real changes occur in the brain when an individual 'goes under'.

Stanford University found changes in areas of the brain involved with emotion, the 'brain-body connection' and awareness of action while people were hypnotized.

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Each person's brain was then scanned under four different conditions: while resting, while recalling a memory and during two different hypnosis sessions. Three hallmarks of the brain were discovered in those had been put under the hypnotic spell and each change was only seen in the highly hypnotizable group

WHAT CHANGED IN THE BRAIN DURING HYPNOSIS? Stanford University scanned the brains of 57 participants while resting, while recalling a memory and during two different hypnosis sessions. Three hallmarks of the brain were discovered in those had been put under the hypnotic spell and each change was only seen in the highly hypnotizable group. Activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate decrease, which is part of the brains salience network and involved with emotion formation and process, learning and memory. 'In hypnosis, you're so absorbed that you're not worrying about anything else,' Spiegel explained. Then, they saw an increase in connections between two other areas of the brain - the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula, which is described as a 'brain-body connection' that helps the brain process and control what's going on in the body. And finally, a reduced reduce connection between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the default mode network, which includes the medial prefrontal and the posterior cingulate cortex. This decrease in functional connectivity likely represents a disconnect between someone's actions and their awareness of their actions, Spiegel said Advertisement

Franz Mesmer, a physician from Austria and father of hypnosis, became involved with this psychotherapy around 1770 while investigating what he called 'animal magnetism'  the power to attract others with their physical presences.

It has since evolved into the psychotherapy used today, which helps individuals with addictions, pain management, depression and stress and more.

'Hypnosis is the oldest Western form of psychotherapy, but it's been tarred with the brush of dangling watches and purple capes,' said the study's senior author, David Spiegel, MD, professor and associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

'In fact, it's a very powerful means of changing the way we use our minds to control perception and our bodies.'

To begin their work, the Stanford team first scanned the brains of 57 participants during guided hypnosis sessions, which were similar to those that might be used clinically to treat anxiety, pain or trauma.

While looking at these scans, they noticed specific sections of the brain had altered activity and connectivity while some were in the hypnotic state.

'Now that we know which brain regions are involved, we may be able to use this knowledge to alter someone's capacity to be hypnotized or the effectiveness of hypnosis for problems like pain control,' said Spiegel.

To study hypnosis itself, Spiegel and his colleagues screened another group of 545 healthy volunteers.

They found 36 that were capable of being hypnotized and 21 control subjects who scored on the extreme low end of the scales.

Only about 10 percent of the population is deemed 'highly hypnotizable', while others are less able to enter the altered state of mind.

Each person's brain was scanned again, but under four different conditions: while resting, while recalling a memory and during two different hypnosis sessions.

'It was important to have the people who aren't able to be hypnotized as controls,' said Spiegel.

Each person's brain was then scanned under four different conditions: while resting, while recalling a memory and during two different hypnosis sessions. Three hallmarks of the brain were discovered in those had been put under the hypnotic spell and each change was only seen in the highly hypnotizable group

'Otherwise, you might see things happening in the brains of those being hypnotized but you wouldn't be sure whether it was associated with hypnosis or not.'

This is when Spiegel and his colleagues discovered the power of hypnosis in the brain.

Three hallmarks of the brain were discovered in those had been put under the hypnotic spell, but only in the highly hypnotizable group.

First, there was a decrease of activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate, part of the brains salience network and involved with emotion formation and process, learning and memory.

Stanford found a decrease of activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate, part of the brains salience network and involved with emotion formation and process, learning and memory. 'In hypnosis, you're so absorbed that you're not worrying about anything else,' Spiegel explained

The team saw increase in connections between two other areas of the brain -- the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula, which is described as a 'brain-body connection' that helps the brain process and control what's going on in the body

'In hypnosis, you're so absorbed that you're not worrying about anything else,' Spiegel explained.

The team then spotted an increase in connections between two other areas of the brain -- the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula, which is described as a 'brain-body connection' that helps the brain process and control what's going on in the body.

And finally, there was a reduced connection between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the default mode network, which includes the medial prefrontal and the posterior cingulate cortex.

EVIDENCE OF HYPNOTIC STATE BY STUDYING THE EYES Researchers from the Universities of Turku and Aalto in Finland and Swedens University of Skovde, have found evidence for the hypnotic state by studying a volunteers glazed staring eyes. The study findings were published in journal PLoS ONE, and came about from observing a highly hypnotizable person, who could be hypnotized and dehypnotized by just using a one-word cue. Focused: The volunteer in a non-hypnotized state (pictured). The final change Stanford found in the scans was a decrease in functional connectivity was seen that likely represents a disconnect between someone's actions and their awareness of their actions Eye-opening: The glazed eyes of the volunteer in a hypnotized state (pictured). During hypnosis, this kind of disassociation between action and reflection allows the person to engage in activities either suggested by a clinician or self-suggested without devoting mental resources to being self-conscious about the activity This meant the change between hypnotic state and normal state could be varied in seconds. They found that the glazed stare was accompanied by objectively measurable changes in automatic, reflexive eye behavior that could not be imitated by non-hypnotized participants. Significantly, in the field of hypnosis research this result means that hypnosis can no longer be regarded as mental imagery that takes place during a totally normal waking state of consciousness. The researchers believe that it may be the first evidence of the existence of a conscious state in humans that has previously not been scientifically confirmed. Advertisement

This decrease in functional connectivity likely represents a disconnect between someone's actions and their awareness of their actions, Spiegel said
Apple has scaled back on its plan to build a car, and is instead developing software for self driving cars, it has been claimed.

According to Bloomberg the iPhone maker has hired the former head of BlackBerry's automotive software division - and is 'now prioritizing the development of an autonomous driving system'.

However, the site claimed Apple has not entirely abandoning efforts to design its own vehicle, leaving the door open for a future partnership or takeover.

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According to Bloomberg the iPhone maker has hired the former head of BlackBerry's automotive software division - and is 'now prioritizing the development of an autonomous driving system'.

STEVE JOBS AND THE ICAR Claims that Apple is building a car may seem like a leap, but it isn't the first time such projects have been discussed by the Californian firm. In an interview last year, Apple board member Mickey Drexler said that before his death in 2011 Steve Jobs had considered building a car. He told Paul Goldberger: 'Steve Jobs was gonna design an iCar. 'I think cars have an extraordinary opportunity for cool design.' Advertisement

Apple has recently been reorganising its car project, codenamed Titan, under Bob Mansfield, an Apple veteran bought of of semi-retirement to head up the team.

According to Bloomberg, he has now been joined by Dan Dodge, the founder and former chief executive officer of QNX, the operating system developer that BlackBerry acquired in 2010.

It built BlackBerrys latest proprietary mobile operating system, which it still uses in some of its smartphones, and makes the in-car entertainment and navigation software for Volkswagen, Daimler, Ford and others.

Apple has hundreds of engineers working on car design and has been targeting a release as soon as 2020.

That has been 'affected by multiple departures, technical delays and confusion regarding the direction of the project, according to people with knowledge of the efforts,' said Bloomberg.

Although Apple has never publicly acknowledged the project, in a conference call earlier this week Tim Cook hinted at it.

'The products that are in R&D, there is quite a bit of investment in there for products and services that are not currently shipping or derivations of what is currently shipping,' he told reporters.

'There's a lot of stuff that we're doing beyond the current products.'

The firm is believed to have several locations for its car team.

Local residents have complained of late night noise and being followed by security guards when walking their dogs near what is believed to be Apple's secret electric car lab in a nondescript garage in Sunnyvale, California, is where Apple is believed to be building its self driving 'Titan' cars.

Local residents say the building has late night deliveries, and loud noises 'almost every night'.

This office complex is believed to be home to Apple's secret car project. The building is advertised as home to a mysterious company named SixtyEight Research

'At three in the morning, they have deliveries,' Joann Porter told CBS.

'It's very dark, very secretive.

'We don't know what's going on, but almost every night there is noise that wakes the dogs up,'

Neighbours on Bartlett Avenue near the facility said security guards tail them when they walk their dogs.

One blog claims the address is the HQ for the project which could one day take on Tesla.

'Two people with knowledge of the project say Apple has been working on it and receiving shipments related to its development at a building just minutes from 1 Infinite Loop, in the town of Sunnyvale,' wrote AppleInsider.

'We can confirm that Apple does indeed have a large presence at the location, and that numerous automotive-related renovations, including an 'auto work area' and a 'repair garage,' have been constructed on the premises.'

The building is advertised as home to a mysterious company named SixtyEight Research.

Aside from a sparse website registered through GoDaddy less than a year ago that reveals virtually no information about the company, SixtyEight has no discernible online presence.

'We are experts in market research; helping companies find the relevant market data and industry analysis required to make informed decisions,' its site says.

The building is apparently known as SG5 within Apple, and issues visitor passes identical to Apple's - minus the logo.

Apple could have an electric car ready to go on sale by 2020, putting it in direct competition with rivals Tesla Motors and General Motors, according to an industry expert.

Evidence is mounting that the tech giant is gearing up to revolutionise the automobile market, just as it did with smartphones and tablets.

Images taken over the past few weeks have shown a prototype car that suggests Apple is testing the water - ahead of a release in as little as five years.

When AppleInsider visited SixtyEight's headquarters at building '175' earlier this week, its windows were a 'frosted' opaque, and security cameras were visible outside

Bloomberg has claimed that Apple could have a car ready by 2020, based on images of a test car. After the first mysterious camera-mounted car was spotted in California last week, further sightings of Apple's minivans have been posted online, with equipment on top (shown here)

According to Tim Higgins from Bloomberg, automakers 'typically spend five to seven years developing a car'.

And a 2020 timeframe would underscore Apple's 'aggressive goals and could set the stage for a battle for customers with Tesla Motors Inc and General Motors Co.'

Both of those are planning to release a sub-26,000 ($40,000) electric car in 2017 that can travel more than 200 miles (320km) on a single charge.

Steve LeVine, author of 'The Powerhouse,' a book about the automotive battery industry, said on Bloomberg TV Thursday: 'Was GM really going to be able to match Tesla? Apple can.'

This latest speculation follows sightings of mysterious camera-mounted cars registered to Apple in the US last week.

At least two videos - one recorded in California, another filmed in Florida - suggest the top-secret project is more widespread than first thought.

And rumours range from a Street View-style mapping service to an electric car that will rival Tesla or a self-driving van to rival Google.

The Californian footage was sent to MacRumors and shows a silver people-carrier driving down a street in Palo Alto.

The Florida recording was filmed on a highway in Coral Springs and uploaded by Apple Insider.

This footage shows a white Dodge Caravan fitted with cameras on the roof. As the filmmaker pulls alongside the van, they wave at the two men inside.

The passenger is seen concealing an iPad from view, while the driver points to the camera and drives off.

The Florida recording (pictured) was filmed in Coral Springs. This footage shows a white Dodge Caravan fitted with cameras on the roof. As the filmmaker pulls alongside the van, they wave at the two men inside and the passenger is seen concealing an iPad from view

Other reports have spotted the vans in Hawaii and Wisconsin.

The latest vans haven't officially been confirmed as belonging to Apple, but the similarities with previous confirmed sightings suggests they are.

The far-reaching nature of the project lends more weight to the claims Apple is developing a mapping service.

With 12 cameras on top of the car, however, some have said that is too many for it to be a mapping car like Google's Street View.

Plus, reports recently claimed Apple has several hundred employees developing an electric car at a secret lab. This project has been dubbed 'Titan'.

This Apple research lab was reportedly set up late last year - meaning any car could still be years away - and is being overseen by Apple designer Sir Jonathan Ive.

Apple could, of course, be using the vans for both projects.

The Wall Street Journal added that hundreds of employees are working on the Titan project and boss Tim Cook approved the project close to a year ago.

The Californian footage (pictured) was sent to MacRumors and shows a silver people-carrier driving down a street in Palo Alto

These reports followed rumours that Apple was developing a vehicle as part of a project that 'will change the landscape and give Tesla a run for its money.'

The claims were made in an email from an unnamed Apple employee.

In an interview last year, Apple board member Mickey Drexler said that before his death in 2011, Steve Jobs had considered building a car.

An unnamed Apple employee recently hinted that the tech giant is developing a vehicle as part of a project that 'will change the landscape and give Tesla a run for its money.' It followed sightings of an Apple-owned car fitted with cameras (pictured) in California

In particular, Apple may be working on an electric car to rival Tesla's range (the Tesla P85D is pictured) or the email could be referring to an advanced iPhone in-car control system that would rival Tesla's software

PUBLIC COULD HAVE SELF-DRIVING CARS IN TWO YEARS The head of self-driving cars for Google expects real people to be using them on public roads in two to five years. Chris Urmson said the cars would still be test vehicles, and Google would collect data on how they interact with other vehicles and pedestrians. But Mr Urmson wouldn't give a date for putting driverless cars on roads en masse, saying that the system has to be safe enough to work properly. He told reporters last month at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit that he wants to reach the point where his test team no longer has to pilot the cars. Advertisement

He told Paul Goldberger: 'Steve Jobs was gonna design an iCar. I think cars have an extraordinary opportunity for cool design.'

Alternatively, the Apple employee's email could be referring to an advanced iPhone in-car control system that would rival Tesla's software.

The original Dodge van with the equipment on the top was spotted by the blog Claycord in San Francisco.

The blog owners apparently asked the driver what he was doing, but he refused to give an answer.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) confirmed the vehicle was leased to Apple.

Last year, footage emerged of a self-driving Dodge Caravan that looked like the current Apple minivans.

When contacted by MailOnline, Apple declined to comment on the car in question or what its purpose was.

With 12 cameras on top of the mysterious Apple car, some have said that is too many for it to be a mapping car like Google's Street View (pictured left). Google launched its Street View technology in 2007, and has refined the technology ever since (Street View screenshot near Trafalgar Square in London pictured right)
Jeff Bezos, the founder and chief executive of Amazon.com, has become the world's third-richest person as of the market close for the first time, Forbes magazine said, passing Warren Buffett, the chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Bezos' fortune was $65.3 billion as of 4:30 p.m. EDT (2030 GMT) on Thursday, compared with Buffett's $64.9 billion.

Microsoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates remained the world's richest person, at $77.7 billion, while Spain's Amancio Ortega, who founded the Zara clothing chain's owner Inditex SA , was second at $72.7 billion.

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Jeff Bezos, the founder and chief executive of Amazon.com, has become the world's third-richest person as of the market close for the first time, Forbes magazine said

THE BILLIONAIRE BATTLE Microsoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates remained the world's richest person, at $77.7 billion Spain's Amancio Ortega, who founded the Zara clothing chain's owner Inditex SA , was second at $72.7 billion Jeff Bezos, the founder and chief executive of Amazon.com is thirs with $65.3 billion Warren Buffett is worth $64.9 billion Facebook Inc co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was fifth, at $54 billion. Advertisement

Facebook Inc co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was fifth, at $54 billion.

Bezos, 52, owns close to 18 percent of Amazon.

Its stock has risen by roughly 50 percent since early February, as the world's largest online retailer continued to upend retailing as more people took to the Web rather than the mall to shop.

Amazon reported a better-than-expected rise in quarterly revenue, powered by blockbuster growth in its cloud services unit and an increase in subscriptions for its Prime loyalty program.

The world's biggest online retailer's shares were up 2 percent in after-hours trading on Thursday.

Amazon forecast current-quarter net sales of between $31.0 billion and $33.5 billion, factoring in sales from its Prime Day annual shopping festival.

The company's net sales in North America, its biggest market, jumped 28.1 percent to $17.67 billion.

Revenue from its cloud services business, Amazon Web Services, surged 58.2 percent to $2.89 billion.

This beat the average estimate of $2.83 billion, according to market research firm FactSet StreetAccount.

The unit, Amazon's fastest growing business, is seen as the next driver of growth for the company.

The company's net sales rose 31.1 percent to $30.40 billion in the second quarter ended June 30.

Net income rose to $857 million, or $1.78 per share, from $92 million, or 19 cents per share, a year earlier.

Buffett (left) , 85, owns close to 18 percent of Berkshire, but his donation this month of $2.86 billion of Berkshire stock to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill Gates, right) and four family charities led to his drop to fourth place.

Amazon's share price rose further in after-hours trading, after the Seattle-based company reported better-than-expected second-quarter results.

Buffett, 85, owns close to 18 percent of Berkshire, but his donation this month of $2.86 billion of Berkshire stock to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four family charities led to his drop to fourth place.

He has donated more than $24.3 billion to the Gates Foundation and family charities since 2006.

Berkshire is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and has roughly 90 business units including Geico car insurance, the BNSF railroad and Dairy Queen ice cream.
More than a decade ago, Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper became the subject of both mystery and debate after The Da Vinci Code spurred theories on the role of Mary Magdalene and The Holy Grail.

While the claims made in the fictional story are far from the truth, experts now say the painting holds a few real-life secrets of its own.

Built into The Last Supper is a subtle message that sets it apart from other paintings of its kind  though earlier artwork depicted the 13 subjects as saints, da Vincis work suggests the disciples were common people, and that Jesus himself was actually mortal.

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Though earlier artwork depicted the 13 subjects as saints, da Vincis work, pictured, suggests the disciples were common people, and that Jesus himself was actually mortal. This is due to a lack of halos, which can be seen in all earlier versions of the scene

THE SECRET MESSAGE Though the claims made in the novel and film The Da Vinci Code were false, experts say there is actually a hidden message in Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. This can be seen in the lack of a halo around each of the 13 subjects' heads. In all earlier versions of the scene, Jesus and his disciples are each shown with a halo, depicting them in a saint-like way. Da Vinci's omission of this feature suggests they were common men, and that Jesus was mortal. Advertisement

While da Vincis painting may be the most widely recognized, it is not the only version of The Last Supper, the Smithsonian Channel explains.

There are numerous other renditions of Jesus and the 12 disciples that preceded da Vincis 15th century painting.

And, all others have one thing in common which sets them apart from their successor  halos.

In da Vincis version of this scene, not even Jesus is shown to have a halo around his head.

Before Leonardo da Vinci, all versions of The Last Supper showed Jesus and his disciples with halos, in effect, portraying them as saints, the video explains.

But, da Vinci chose to ignore this convention and paint them without halos.

Choosing to omit halos in his painting was a way of sending a message, explains Mario Taddei, a Milan-based inventor and expert on the works of da Vinci.

The researcher has spent 15 years analyzing the artists work.

According to Taddei, the people depicted in da Vincis painting are not saints but are instead simple men, implying that Jesus, too, was mortal.

I believe that Leonardo never put the halos because he thinks that the people are common people, and this is the true secret of Leonardo, Taddei explains in the video.

There is no extraterrestrial or supernatural object inside the last supper. Leonardo wants to tell us that the thirteen men are simple men. And this said something much more powerful.

There are numerous other renditions of Jesus and the 12 disciples that preceded da Vincis 15th century painting. And, all others have one thing in common which sets them apart from their successor  halos. A painting from the 14th century is pictured above

In da Vincis version of this scene, not even Jesus is shown to have a halo around his head. In the 14th century painting above, all subjects at the table are shown to have a halo

In the novel The Da Vinci Code, and the film that followed, the painting played a critical role, with the story claiming that the figure sitting to Jesuss right is Mary Magdalene, rather than the disciple John.

This was said to imply that Mary was The Holy Grail.

The arguments made in the fictional book were met with harsh criticism by some, and experts say there is no doubt that the figure is actually John.

But, in one way, the novel wasnt entirely off the mark in its interpretation of the painting, according to Smithsonian.

Leonardo da Vinci is communicating a subtle message with his Last Supper, the video explains. Hes telling us that Jesus was a mortal  a theme echoed in The Da Vinci Code.
A hoax bomb threat which caused a scare at Geneva's airport was phoned in by a woman who was trying to get revenge on her husband and his mistress, a prosecutor says.

Police heightened security and treated the anonymous call as a serious threat in the wake of several terror attacks in Europe.

Prosecutors said the woman later admitted to making a false bomb threat in which she told Swiss customs a woman would be carrying a bomb in the French sector of the airport, which straddles the Switzerland-France border.

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Police officers set up roadblocks and conducted checks on cars at the entrance of Geneva's airport

Once passengers arrived at the terminal they underwent an additional identity checks by police

Swiss authorities traced the phone number to the alpine town of Annecy in France, around 28 miles from Geneva, where French police officers raided an address under powers granted to them by the current state of emergency following terror attacks in Paris and Nice.

Swiss prosecutors said in a statement: 'They found a woman who admitted to having made the call and explained that she wanted thereby to prevent her husband from leaving.'

Geneva's Tribune newspaper reported that the woman phoned in the bogus threat because she wanted revenge on her husband and his mistress.

A local prosecutor told the newspaper the jilted woman thought her husband was flying to Turkey with his lover and her two children, and she wanted to prevent their departure.

The woman could face charges in both Switzerland and France.

Before police tracked down the woman they had no idea the threat against Geneva Airport was a hoax.

A prosecutor said the woman admitted to making a bomb threat to get revenge on her husband and his lover

Passengers faced long tailbacks on approach roads and frustrating delays in getting to the terminal

Most entrances to the airport were closed, there were patrols by officers armed with machine guns and police set up roadblocks on approach roads to check people's papers, causing long tailbacks and delays.

Once they arrived at the terminal passengers were allowed to enter through only a few doors where heavily-armed police again checked their passports or other identity documents.

Airport officials said the former Cointrin airport was open and functioning normally despite the heightened checks and delays.

A Geneva canton police spokeswoman said before the alert was lifted: 'We have received information that is serious enough to put in place preventive controls here at Geneva airport.

'We cannot give details of staffing numbers, nor on the information we have received, for obvious reasons of security.'

Security was also heightened on the French side of the border.

France is on high alert and remains under a state of emergency after a series of Islamist militant attacks, including the killing of a Catholic priest during a church service and a truck attack that killed 84 people in Nice.
Ever wished you could summon your own personal Jason Bourne to get you out of trouble?

Now you can, thanks to a new mobile app.

Launched on Wednesday by a London-based company, it promises special forces assistance at the touch of a panic button.

A new mobile app, called Overwatch (pictured), promises special forces assistance at the touch of a panic button

On-the-ground teams - armed if necessary - will be able to rescue customers from any of the 88 countries that they work in and bring them to safety in scenarios such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, criminal activity or medical emergencies.

The Overwatch app is a global service from independently-owned security company DS-48.

Its co-founder Charles Andrews told MailOnline Travel that early users have described it as 'an affordable security concierge'.

The app will locate your position every three minutes, to an accuracy of eight metres on average, and send this information to monitoring centres in London and Texas.

At the monitoring centres, analysts with military and agency background scour through intelligence from a variety of sources to pinpoint possible hazards for their clients.

Each analyst watches over a maximum of 50 clients.

Their sources could include anything from local media outlets to blogs and social media.

According to Andrews, following the terror attacks in France and elsewhere, his clients have been able to get incident alerts an average of 20 minutes before main news sites published reports.

The service works 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is constantly on the look out for danger, with fees starting from 65 a month.

If you do find yourself in trouble, you can also contact the service for assistance.

For example, if you've had an accident and need medical assistance, OverWatch could help coordinate local emergency services and dispatch them to you with accuracy.

However, in certain circumstances, getting on-the-ground support could cost you additional fees, especially if the on-the-ground special forces teams were called in. The operatives all have either a law enforcement or military background.

But Andrews was keen to stress that all of the fees are set out when you sign up and calling the service for advice is absolutely free and included in your subscription fee.

Although the app might at first seem only relevant to high-powered executives, it actually has a wide range of uses.

For instance it could be used, he said, by parents who want to know that their children or teens have access to help when they're in need.

Overwatch works 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is constantly on the look out for dangers that might range from terrorism and crime to natural disasters and traffic accidents, with fees starting from 65 a month

For those travelling to remote regions, family can rest easy knowing their loved ones are always being alerted of potential dangers and can seek on-the-ground help.

And while Overwatch currently only has special forces support in 88 countries, those going off the grid can also organise 'additional coverage'.

The service will even alert you to any trouble nearby so you can avoid the area or change your route.

Andrews told MailOnline Travel that the app is as much about 'preventing' incidents as about helping to rectify any issues afterwards.

He does concede that there are some downsides.

For example, if the phone's battery dies, there is nothing they can do for their client.

However, Andrews says that the app monitors the amount of battery power left on the phone that it's installed on and clients will receive an alert warning them to charge their handsets.

Overwatch is also designed not to spam clients so that they know every alert they receive is not only directly relevant to them but needs to be read for their own safety. The service is both 'localised and personalised'.

Andrews told MailOnline Travel: 'The speed of the information that gets to you will change the way you travel.'
Frustrated airline passengers were treated to an impromptu concert by a Haitian band while they were stuck on a plane for six hours.

Members of Lakou Mizik were also caught up in the flight delay at Chicago's O'Hare airport, so they decided to pass some of the time by entertaining the plane's passengers and crew.

Video of their performance has gone viral on the internet, raising the group's profile as it tours North America.

Members of Lakou Mizik were also caught up in the flight delay at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport

Passengers snapped photos and recorded video of the band before giving its members a round of applause

Members of the band, which is based in Port-au-Prince, stood in the plane's aisle and sang a song for their fellow weary travellers.

Sanba Zao, a legend in the Caribbean nation's music community, led the group in song as he shook a maraca.

Passengers swayed in their seats and recorded video, and then gave Lakou Mizik a round of applause.

The group posted video of its performance on its Facebook page, where it has been shared around 4,000 times.

Video of the group's performance has gone viral on the internet, with thousands of shares on Facebook

Lakou Mizik said it 'felt only love from all the passengers and staff on the plane' bound for the east coast

The nine-member group formed after tens of thousands of people were killed in an earthquake in Haiti in 2010

The band wrote on Facebook: 'We're so happy to say that this little video has touched the heart of so many people.

'We just want to say that we felt only love from all the passengers and staff on the plane. It was a difficult moment for all of us and we were proud to have our Haitian culture lift the spirits of everyone.'

The nine-member group is spending the summer touring the US and Canada, with shows from coast to coast.

It was flying from Chicago to the east coast for shows in Massachusetts and Vermont.

Lakou Mizik formed after tens of thousands of people were killed in an earthquake in Haiti in 2010.

Its founding members were looking for ways to promote Haitian music and culture and bring some positive vibes to the country, which was dealing with a cholera outbreak and a political outbreak following the disaster.
Investigators say a chunk of ice that fell from the sky and crashed through a car's windscreen may have come from an aeroplane as it flew over Rome.

Called an 'ice meteorite' by Italian media, the falling object weighed almost 45lbs and left the car's owner with a hefty repair bill, according to reports.

People who live nearby said they heard a loud bang and looked outside to see the parked car, a Toyota Aygo, with significant damage.

Investigators in Rome said the chunk of ice that landed on the car may have come from a passing plane

The car was unoccupied and no one was injured in Tuesday night's bizarre incident in Rome's Monteverde area.

Investigators think the chunk of ice may have formed when liquid leaked from a plane flying overhead, The Local reported.

It destroyed the car's windscreen, front passenger seats and gearbox.

The car's owner, Fabiola Nacci, told Rome newspaper Il Messaggero: 'I went onto the balcony of my boyfriend's house at 10pm and noticed what I thought was a white plastic bag on the front seat of my car, which I hadn't left there.'

She went down and realised ice had gone through the car's window.

The owner of the Toyota Argo said the repairs will cost her around half of the car's current value (file photo)

Il Messaggero, which published photos of the damage, said police collected samples for testing and could charge the plane's owner with aviation safety violations if it is confirmed the ice came from a plane.

In the meantime, Nacci is without a car.

She said: 'The repairs will cost me about half of the Aygo's current value.'

Ice falls from aircraft are considered to be extremely rare, with around 25 reported every year in the UK, said the Civil Aviation Authority.

Some incidents occur when ice forms naturally on an aircraft at higher altitudes and breaks off as the plane descends, it said.

The Federal Aviation Administration in the US said a plane's lavatory holding tank or drain tube can occasionally leak wastewater that will freeze once it hits the outside air at a high altitude.

The discoloured ice is usually called 'blue ice' because a blue chemical is added in some tanks to deodorise the water and break down solid waste.

The FAA said: 'If blue ice falls from an aircraft, the ice will usually break up and melt before it hits the ground.

'If the ice doesn't fall off, it will melt as the airplane descends for landing. Then it usually dissipates into small droplets.'
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As the owner of a clutch of Hollywood's hottest night spots, Lisa Vanderpump sure knows how to throw a good party.

And The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star showed her hostess skills on Wednesday night, as she threw open the doors of Pump to welcome the guests for DailyMail.com's White Party.

Lisa, 55, looked gorgeous in a white broderie anglaise jumpsuit with a plunging neckline as she hosted the bash at her romantic West Hollywood nightspot.

Keeping it real: Lisa Vanderpump welcomed the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills squad to the DailyMail.com's Summer White Party that she hosted at her Hollywood night spot Pump On Wednesday - from l-r, Ken Todd holding Giggy, Erika Girardi, Kyle Richards, Lisa and rumoured new castmember Dorit with her husband Paul Kemsley

Leading the stars on the white carpet were her Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills co-stars Kyle Richards, Erika Girardi and Taylor Armstrong, along with rumoured new cast member and fellow Brit Dorit Kemsely.

Along with her husband of 34 years, Ken Todd, Lisa welcomed her guests who all wore white and who included Kim Kardashian BFF Jonathan Cheban, model Blanca Blanco, Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger and her own Vanderpump Rules DJ James Kennedy.

Lisa and Ken got the party started by rolling up in their white Roll Royce convertible along with their dog Giggy, who's well-known to RHOBH fans.

Had help: The 55-year-old reality star even brought her along her doggie Giggy who is well known to fans of her Bravo show

We're here! Lisa and husband Ken got the party started by arriving in their white Rolls Royce convertible

Welcomed celebrity guests: Lisa Vanderpump was the perfect host in a white broderie anglaise jumpsuit that showed off her fabulous figure

Housewife Erika decided to take a little license with the all-white memo and showed up in a mini dress that alternated white and black panels,

Kyle opted for a low-cut white jumpsuit belted at the waist that showcased her fabulous curves.

Meanwhile Dorit, who came with husband Paul Kemsley, looked sexy in a strapless white sheath dress with a chunky gold necklace.

They're all white (almost): The ladies who lunch each chose white outfits that flattered their curves, although Erika, left, decided to bring a little black to the proceedings

Stylish: Kyle, 47, looked summery in a white jumpsuit with wide pants and a wraparound bodice with plunging neckline. The outfit was tied at the waist and she wore her brunette hair cascading down around her shoulders

Classy: Lisa's jumpsuit featured a low-cut neckline and she added matching statement earrings and carried a semi sheer shawl and white embellished clutch

It's in their genes: Lisa, who owns a clutch of Hollywood nightspots, was joined by her daughter Pandora who showed off her cleavage in a daringly plunging gown

Standout: The beautiful blonde looked sensational in her floor-length floaty white gown with her tumbling curls and matching gold and white purse

Pandora was joined by her husband Jason Sabo who paired a white shirt and jacket with charcoal pants and brown shoes

Lisa's beautiful daughter Pandora also came out to support the DailyMail.com event.

The blonde beauty flaunted her cleavage in a plunging floaty number with a gathered bodice.

She added a white and gold purse and a couple of statement pendant necklaces.

Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills star Morgan Stewart fairly busted out of a white jacket over a barely there black bandeau top and skinny trousers.

She added a wide black choker and black sandal heels.

Eye-catching: Rich Kids Of Beverly hills blonde Morgan Stewart turned heads as she hit the carpet in a white suit with a barely there black bandeau top under a plunging jacket paired with skinny pants and a black choker

Rumoured new castmember: Dorit and her husband Paul seemed to fit right in with the celebrity crowd. The blonde Brit, who is pals with Lisa, is already filming scenes for the upcoming season of the Bravo reality show

Bravo star: RHOBH stalwart Taylor, 45, showed off her legs in a sleeveless mini dress with a flounce skirt and was accompanied by husband John Bluher whom she wed in 2014

Fashionable: Taylor added a pair of silver peep-toe heels and a statement silver necklace

Didn't get the all-white memo: Erika, a singer and songwriter as well as reality star, accentuated her curves with her two-tone long-sleeved dress that featured slits at the side and a curved hem

Sophie Simmons, left, daughter of KISS frontman Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, wore a peek-a-boo outfit that bared her midriff, while The Insider co-host Keltie Knight, right, had on a funky number with sheer layers

Sophie tweeted this pic form inside the party as she clutched a DailyMail.com cushion, that was white of course

Simon Cowell's ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour, who is an Extra correspondent, showed up in a long white figure-hugging gown that showcased her superskinny body.

She added a diamond choker and matching earrings.

The English TV presenter, 41, was with her partner, model Clark Gallon, 26.

Classic look: Simon Cowell's former flame Terri Seymour - who is an Extra correspondent - looked superslim in a floor-length white gown that hugged her lithe frame

The English TV presenter, 41, was accompanied by partner, model Clark Mallon, 26, who wore white jeans with black shoes and a white shirt unbuttoned at the collar

Petal power: Jenni Pulos from Bravo's Flipping Out was fresh as a daisy in a white flower-patterned frock paired with white satin pumps

Night out: DailyMail.com columnist Piers Morgan also enjoyed the bash

Bubbles! Piers tweeted a photo of his champagne laden VIP table inside Pump as the night got going

Standing out: Model and actress Blanca Blanco bucked the dress code, instead opting for a patterned green, red and beige short-sleeved cropped top and matching flared skirt that showcased her long legs

Dressed to impress: Kim Kardashian's BFF Jonathan Cheban, left, made the guest list as did music producer David Foster, right, who is now divorced from RHOBH alum Yolanda

Jonathan Cheban broke up his white t-shirt and jeans ensemble with a light brown hoodie, while David Foster, music producer and former husband of RHOBH alum Yolanda Foster, went with a gray t-shirt under a white jacket and white trousers.

Shahs Of Sunset star Golnesa 'GG' Gharachedaghi decided to keep her look casual for the party.

She showed up in distressed white skinny jeans decorated with gold chains and a low-cut crop top with spaghetti straps.

The dark-haired beauty kept the gold theme going with a large pendant necklace and a gold choker, as well as bangles and a clutch.

Air kiss: Meanwhile, inside the party Kyle and Lisa looked to be on the best of terms as they shared a smooch and cuddled Vanderpump's adorable pooch

Ruff night: Their fellow Housewife Taylor Armstrong also posed with the beauties for a series of photographs along with the pom in a vest

Cute overload: Kyle was overwhelmed with excitement as she was surrounded by adorable pups

Rich Kids of Pump! Morgan Stewart and Keltie Knight cuddled up for snap inside the party

Piers has got talent! The dapper columnist mingled with the crowd posing for candid snaps with party goers

Changing it up: Golnesa 'GG' Gharachedaghi from the Shahs Of Sunset joined the who's who of reality stars at the event wearing distressed white jeans with gold chains and gold sparkly pumps

She's a lady: English socialite Victoria Hervey also opted for gold detailing wearing a Julia Clancey white dress with solid vertical gold stripes and gold pumps

English socialite Victoria Hervey, 39, also opted to highlight her white Julia Clancey outfit with gold.

Her long dress featured wide solid gold vertical stripes and she wore a pair of pointed toe gold pumps.

Meanwhile Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger arrived in a pretty white mini dress with lace neckline and long sleeves.

The Bravo reality star wore her brunette locks sleekly styled and added white pointed toe stiletto heels.

Keeping up with the Jonathan! Ladies man Cheban posed with a bevy of beauties

Host with the most! Ken Todd posed with guests at his restaurant

Seriously popular party! James Kennedy posed with a guest using the wittily emblazoned props

Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger was pretty in a white mini dress with long lacey sleeves and lace overlay across the neckline

Thanked the host: Patti posted a selfie she took with Lisa to her Instagram and gushed: 'No one throws a better party than you and you look as beautiful as ever!'

Old pals: The Bravo reality star also seemed delighted to have bumped into Jonathan Cheban, sharing the selfie proof on her social media and adding: '@dailymail did a great job'

Works for Lisa: DJ James Kennedy who appears on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules arrived with his new girlfriend Raquel Leviss on his arm

James gave a thumbs up as he posed for photographs at the party in a white open-necked shirt and white jeans. Raquel looked lovely in a figure-hugging white dress with sweetheart neckline and nude strappy sandals

Record producer Ron Fair and songstress wife Stefanie made the cut in matching white ensembles. Stefanie added color with pink nail polish and a matching shade of lip color

Bravo reality star Beth Bowen opted for a strapless gossamer white mini dress with asymmetrical hem paired with shiny gold sandals and gold earrings

Wednesday night's party came after Lisa confirmed she will be staying on the Bravo show.

She had been rumoured to have decided to quit because she was unhappy with the 'negative vibes' in the last season of the reality TV programme, but she is now said to have signed a new contract to appear in season seven.

And Bravo's support of the issues that matter to Lisa, including LGBT rights and her campaign to stop the dog meat trade in China, was also said to play a part in her decision to return.

Realtor and TV personality Robert Radcliffe, left, looked cool in a casual shirt and trousers ensemble with white lace-up shoes, while Jonny Drubel from Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills, right, paired taupe canvas slip-ons with white jeans and a striped top

Left their boards at home: Australian surfers Holly-Daze Coffey, Ellie-Jean Coffey and Sarah McDaniel were a standout trio as they brought their Down Under bronzed beauty to the occasion

Hostess with the mostest: Lisa stars in Bravo's RHOBH and Vanderpump Rules and is also a celebrated author and actress

Meanwhile, inside the party Kyle and Lisa looked to be on the best of terms as they shared a smooch and cuddled Vanderpump's adorable pooch.

Their fellow Housewife Taylor Armstrong also posed with the beauties for a series of photographs along with the pom in a vest.

While Piers mingled with the crowd posing for candid snaps with party goers.

Successful night: Lisa and Giggy were a big hit with everyone
She was one of just two women who failed to win a red rose on the premiere of The Bachelor Australia on Wednesday.

And now Aimee, 31, has spoken about the awkward moment Richie Strahan apologised when he sent her and Natalie Nazzari home during the rose ceremony.

Fighting back laughter, she told Nova 100: 'You missed the best part where he then mouthed the words 'I'm sorry''.

Awkward farewell: Bachelor contestant Aimee, 31, has spoken about the moment Richie Strahan apologised when he sent her home during the rose ceremony

She said she was not 'disappointed' that her Bachelor journey ended so abruptly along with Natalie and foul-mouthed Vintaea who walked out at the start of the ceremony.

'He's a very lovely person, there's never going to be a question about that, but not entirely for me,' she told the radio show.

'I'm not disappointed, not at all. It made it easier on the night, so I didn't have to take part in competition, I was just an observer.

Moving on: She said she was not 'disappointed' that her Bachelor journey ended so abruptly

'It was entertaining to watch, I could see girls lurking around corners and some come charging through. It's all on.'

But despite the stiff competition, Aimee said her money was mother-of-one Alex Nation.

The stunning blonde clearly caught's Richie's attention as she was handed the much-coveted white rose during the first episode.

'My money is on Alex. It was very sweet, it will be interesting to see how it plays out because he has been vocal about not wanting children,' Aimee said.

No sparks with Richie: Aimee, 31, was asked to leave along with Natalie Nazzari (left)

She also refused to put down the other contestants and hailed Eliza - who serenaded Richie when she arrived - as a 'very courageous girl'.

'I think that's a commendable quality to have. Maybe she feels that was her strength. You'll be seeing more of her.'

Aimee also voiced her support for loud-mouthed Kiera, saying: 'I don't think abything she said was out of the question.'

Good match: Aimee said her money was on Alex Nation (pictured) to win the competition

She also revealed what the show was like for the contestants behind-the-scenes and said up to four girls share the cars that pull up at the mansion for the first episode.

'We do share I was in the car with three other girls, you do wait, one walks in, she does her thing, the next one goes in.

'It felt like it took an eternity, the air conditioner got turned off because it affected the microphones.

'I was sitting there thinking I don't have anything for the camera right now.'
Kim Kardashian showed off her newly trim and very svelte body again on Wednesday as she stepped out in San Diego in a beige wrap-around shirt dress.

The reality star, 35, who recently declared she'd hit her goal weight of 120 pounds following the birth of son Saint West, appeared slimmer than ever in the thigh-skimming number.

The mini dress that was belted at the waist accentuated her still curvy figure while revealing the extent of her weight loss and the results of her commitment to wearing a waist trainer.

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Center of attention: Kim Kardashian, 35, stepped out in San Diego Wednesday in a beige wraparound shirt dress tied at the waist that showed off her newly trim figure after losing all her pregnancy pounds

KIm, who's been in the Southern California oceanside city celebrating her grandma MJ's 82nd birthday, looked relaxed as she made her way to her waiting vehicle despite the throngs of photographers and fans swarming around her.

She wore a same color body suit under the long-sleeved outfit and matching sandal heels.

She left her dark hair loose and rocked an oversized pair of black sunglasses.

Hand in hand: North West held her toys in one hand and clasped her mommy's hand in the other as they were filmed for KUWTK

Matchy matchy: Accompanied by daughter North, Kim seemed to have plumped for the same shade

Mummy's girl: The pair went hand in hand, matching in parred down shades

Popular: The stunner was mobbed by fans as she made her way from her hotel to a waiting SUV that reflected hertoned legs in its shiny exterior

Looking great: Kim's outfit revealed the results of her extensive sessions with a waist trainer as she flaunted her hour-glass figure with curvy bosom and derriere

Kim, along with sisters Khloe, Kourtney and Kendall Jenner had traveled to San Diego for a big family gathering for MJ held Tuesday night and hosted by her daughter, Kardashian momager Kris Jenner.

Kim brought along daughter North West, three, and seven-month-old son Saint West, her children with rapper Kanye who himself was absent.

And on Wednesday Kim left the heavy lifting to younger half-sibling and doting auntie Kendall, 20, who was seen carrying little North to the car.

All about North: Once again, it seemed like everything had to be about Kim's cute daughter North

Quite a load: Kim let her younger half-sister and doting auntie Kendall Jenner, 20, do the heavy lifting and carry three-year-old North West to the car

You're on camera: Kendall held on tightly to the tot, whose dad is Kanye West as photographers and cameras from their E! reality series surrounded them

With her auntie: North clung to second-youngest auntie, Kendall

Fan frenzy: Their appearance had caused something of a frenzy among fans

Kendall, who has a part-time gig as a model in addition to her role on the family's E! reality series, showcased her fashion forward style in an off-the-shoulder white top and wide cropped black pants.

She wore a black patterned neckerchief tied tightly around her neck and had her hair tied up into a very high top knot.

She completed the look with a pair of very pointy black shoes embellished with silver markings, sunglasses and a splash of bright red lipstick.

North was dressed in a matching pale pink tank top and shorts with her hair in the braids her mom made a global trend.

Booti-licious: Kendall wore a cool pair of croc print pointed boots

Ready to film: Like always, the famous family were consistently followed by cameras

Smiley happy people: By now, 20-year-old Kendall is used to all of the attention

Fashion forward: The 20-year-old rocked an off-the-shoulder white top and black wide-legged cropped pants with very pointy black shoes embellished with silver markings. She wore her dark hair into a very high top knot

Looking trim: Khloe Kardashian, 32, poured her curves into a strapless black jumpsuit that revealed the extent of her recent weight loss too

Sisterhood: Khloe led the way for her sisters who were all in town to celebrate their grandma MJ's 82nd birthday

Simple style: Khloe wore her dyed blonde hair with a side parting and swept across her head for a tousled look and accessorized with a silver cross on a chain

Khloe, 32, also opted for a strapless outfit pouring her curves into an off-the-shoulder black jumpsuit.

Like Kendall, she wore bright red lip color and also emphasized her brows with thick dark pencil as well as adding lashings of black mascara.

Her dyed blonde hair was loose with a side parting that revealed her darker roots as it was swept to one side across her head.

The reality stars were headed to the famed Del Mar racetrack just outside San Diego to enjoy a spot of horse racing. And naturally the KUWTK cameras came too, documenting their day for their show.

Shaded: Kim left her dark locks loose and wore a pair of oversized sunglasses

Going to the gee-gees: The reality star's trim pins were on display again as she arrived at the Del Mar race track just outside San Diego

Kinda real: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians camera crews caught it all on tape for an upcoming episode of the reality show

Once at the track, North kept a tight hold of her mommy's hand.

The little girl, who had on a pair of pink ballet shoes, had some new plush toys with her too.

Given the family was planning to spend the afternoon watching the gee-gees, North carried with her two little gray ponies with bushy tails.

Presents: North, in pink ballet shoes, got a little treat at the track as she was seen carrying two brand new gray plush ponies

Growing up fast: The tot demanded to be let to walk along the a low wall as Kim helped her keep her balance while Khloe walked a step or two behind them

The trip to Del Mar marked the second day of celebrations for octogenarian birthday girl MJ, who showed up in a funky fedora.

Kris' mom wore a long white 'brick patterned' top over a pair of white slacks paired with some open-toed silver flats.

She added a flowing gray and black lightweight scarf, sunglasses and three-rope necklace.

Birthday girl: Kris Jenner's mom MJ, who is celebrating her 82nd birthday, arrived with granddaughters Khloe and Kendall wearing a monochrome ensemble including a funky fedora

Keeping it real: The clan including Kris, 60, and beau Corey Gamble, 35, looked happy and relaxed as they spent some quality on-camera time together

Party, party! It was day two and birthday cake number two for MJ who was presented with another set of lighted candles to blow out once the family party got underway in the stands

And they're off! The family had prime seats from which to watch the horse racing

Joining Kim, Khloe and Kendall trackside were Kourtney Kardashian and her estranged partner Scott Disick as well as the birthday girl MJ herself.

The family gathered at restaurant tables high in the stands overlooking the dirt race track where seven horses have had to be euthanized so far during the week's meet.

Scott looked ready to party as he posed for a Snapchat video in a white unbuttoned shirt and white jeans with a rose-patterned red and white jacket.

Token male: Scott Disick joined the girls for lunch at the race track in an unbuttoned white short and white jeans with a rose-patterned red and white jacket

Cheese to me! Kendall struck a pose for her cell phone as she took a selfie to post on Snapchat

Attitude: The 20-year-old showed off her modeling skills again for big sis Khloe who captured her on camera as she sat at lunch at the restaurant overlooking the racetrack

Nosebag time: Kendall then popped a chip and dip in her mouth

All for a giggle: The half-siblings also had fun messing around with the social media app's giraffe filter

They're all close: Kendall also posted a pic of Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian's baby daddy Scott together which she labelled 'relationship goals'

Betting girl: Kendall could be seen loudly cheering as the racing got underway at the famed track where seven racehorses have had to be euthanized in the past 10 days

Eye on the prize: Kendall, Kris' daughter with Caitlyn Jenner, peered over the top of her sunglasses as she took pictures on her cell phone of the action below her

Loves the gee-gees! She clearly seemed to be having the most fun of any of them as she animatedly jumped up and down and yelled in excitement

Meanwhile, before lunch, Kris Jenner, 60, and her toyboy and bodyguard Corey Gamble, 35, stopped by her mother's new store in San Diego.

Kris looked every inch the entrepreneur and businesswoman that she is in a classy black and white dress.

The outfit that fell to her knees featured a low-cut v-neck, back split and long sleeves that seemed to be slightly padded at the shoulder.

She added a pair of shiny black pumps with stiletto heels and carried a shiny black leather clutch purse.

Doing his job: Meanwhile, Kris Jenner, 60, paid a visit to her mom MJ's new store in San Diego accompanied by toyboy and bodyguard Corey Gamble, 35, who placed a protective arm around her as they walked

Her dark brunette hair was sleekly styled and she accessorized with some diamond stud earrings.

Corey was dapper in a dark blue suit with light blue shirt that he left unbuttoned and black shoes, and also wore diamond studs.

He placed a protective hand on her hip as he escorted her from their vehicle and entered the boutique.
She split with her long-term boyfriend Ross Worswick just one week ago.

But it seems that Jasmin Walia was ready to enjoy her newly-single status, as she headed out to the Orangina Shake La Vie party in London, on Wednesday night.

Making sure that all eyes were firmly on her as she arrived at the party, the 26-year-old former TOWIE narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction as she went braless in a very sexy plunging outfit.

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Single and ready to mingle: Former TOWIE starJasmin Walia risked a serious wardrobe malfunction as she went braless to the Orangina Shake La Vie party in London, on Wednesday night

Oops! The beauty could have revealed a little too much in her sexy silk ensemble as she walked to the venue, due to the low cut nature of her look

Arriving at the event solo, Jasmin cut a confident and racy figure as she dared to bare in the low-cut satin number.

Opting for a pale pink dress, which featured a plunging neckline emphasised by wraparound detailing,the raven haired beauty ensured the eye was firmly drawn to ehr chest.

The thigh-grazing number also allowed Jasmin to flaunt her gym-honed legs, which she further defined with a pair of towering, metallic, gladiator-style stilettos.

Putting her best foot forward: The Desi Rascals star wore gold strappy sandals which travelled up her legs as she posed for snaps

Flesh-flashing fashion: Making sure that all eyes were firmly on her as she arrived at the party, the 26-year-old former TOWIE star showcased her sassy sartorial taste and opted for a flesh-flashing mini dress

Keeping her modesty: She placed one hand over her chest, making sure she didn't expose too much flesh as she headed to the venue

Another one bites the dust: The newly single lady appeared to be in high spirits, despite only just parting ways with her boyfriend of two years last week - despite previously revealing she would one day like to marry him

Keeping attention focused firmly on her outfit, the reality star kept accessories to a minimum; with the Desi Rascals star only choosing to wear a slim sparkling necklace and matching earrings.

Wearing her long raven mane in an off-centre parting, she allowed her hair to fall in gentle waves around her shoulders.

Opting for a simple palette of make-up, the pretty Essex girl defined and added volume to her plump lips with a pale pink lipstick, while she picked out her eyes with lashings of mascara.

The newly single lady appeared to be in high spirits after parting ways with her boyfriend of two years last week - despite previously revealing she would one day like to marry him.

Another familiar face: Jasmin was joined by her former TOWIE castmate Jessica Wright, who rocked a rather contrasting look; opting to team a lacey gypsy blouse with jeans and a pair of white strappy heels

Chilled and chic: Keeping things relaxed, the 30-year-old reality star accessorised with a smattering of jewellery, while she wore her sun-kissed chestnut locks in gentle waves that fell to her shoulders

Arm candy: Jessica looked incredible as she swung a cream Chanel bag in her hand as she made her way down the street

Speaking to The Sun at the time, a source revealed the Ex On The Beach hunk was 'devastated', explaining: 'Ross and Jasmine have broken up. Ross is devastated. He changed his life for her and moved down south.'

Earlier that evening, Jasmin also attended the CyberJammies party at the W London hotel.

Meanwhile, Jasmin wasn't the only famous face ready to enjoy all the sights and sounds that the bash provided.

Party-hopper: Earlier on Wednesday, Jasmin attended the Cyberjammies and UK Tights Press Day at the W London hotel

She's got it going on: Whinnie Williams a.k.a Jade Williams or Sunday Girl put on a stunning performance at the party

Girl about town: Jasmin left the bright lights of Brentwood behind for the night as she dazzled in London Town

Jasmin was joined by her former TOWIE castmate Jessica Wright, who rocked a rather contrasting look; opting to team a lacey gypsy blouse with jeans and a pair of white strappy heels.

Keeping things relaxed, the 30-year-old reality star accessorised with a smattering of jewellery, while she wore her sun-kissed chestnut locks in gentle waves that fell to her shoulders.

Also in attendance at the bash was the likes of Made In Chelsea's Louise Thompson, Oliver Proudlock and Hugo Taylor, while Charlotte de Carle made a stunning appearance at the bash as well.

All white on the night: MIC's Louise Thompson was also at the event, rocking a casual summery look

Chelsea comes to town: Her former co-star Oliver Proudlock was also in attendance

Keeping his cool: Hugo Taylor, former MIC original turned sunglasses designer, turned up for the bash as well

Always on point: The stunning Charlotte de Carle pulled off a chic and casual look with effortless ease

Girls' night out: V Rock were also on the guestlist for the night
She impressed audiences with her gorgeous legs as she flirted with Leonardo DiCaprio in Wolf of Wall Street.

And Margot Robbies pins were on display as she strolled around New York City in a short black slip dress paired with a long pink Kimono, on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old showed why she is tipped to be the next Bond girl, showing off her slender physique in the eye-catching number from Spell & The Gypsy Collective.

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Stepping out: Margot Robbies trim pins were on display as she wafted around New York City in a short black slip dress paired with a long pink Kimono on Wednesday

The oriental-inspired garment featured broderie anglaise in elaborate flower patterns on the sleeves, shoulders and back, and flowed behind her as she strolled around downtown NYC.

Leaving a Tribeca hotel, the Australian actress smiled behind oversized round metallic sunglasses from label Perverse with her blonde locks tied back in a bun.

The Hollywood starlets complexion was characteristically flawless all over, but years in the Northern Hemisphere appeared to have erased her Australian tan.

All smiles: Leaving a Tribeca hotel, the Australian actress smiled behind oversized round metallic sunglasses from label Perverse with her blonde locks tied back in a bun

High fashion: The 26-year-old showed why she is tipped to be the next Bond girl, showing off her slender physique in the eye-catching number from Spell & The Gypsy Collective

Good taste: The oriental-inspired garment featured broderie anglaise in elaborate flower patterns on the sleeves, shoulders and back, and flowed behind her as she strolled around downtown NYC

She enhanced her look with natural-look makeup and subtle pink lipstick and carried a small black leather handbag to run her errands.

Margot had been at a fitting for the upcoming NYC premiere of her new film Suicide Squad on Monday night.

Tinseltown is abuzz with rumours that the blonde beauty will appear in the next James Bond film as a Bond girl, following a long line of glamorous actresses.

Flawles: The Hollywood starlets complexion was characteristically flawless all over, but years in the Northern Hemisphere appeared to have erased her Australian tan

Going natural: She enhanced her look with natural-look makeup and subtle pink lipstick and carried a small black leather handbag to run her errands

Looking her best: Margot had been at a fitting for the upcoming NYC premiere of her new film Suicide Squad on Monday night

Online polls have revealed the 26-year-old stunner is at the strongest odds to fill the role, sitting at 12/1, while Emily Blunt sits at 16/1, according to Paddy Power.

Others sitting at promising odds to star as the much-desired female character are American model and actress Emily Ratajkowski, who sits at 22/1, with Brit Emma Watson further down the line at 40/1.

The Gold Coast girl found her big break in 2013 opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street as the feisty and seductive, Naomi.

Plenty to smile about: Tinseltown is abuzz with rumours that the blonde beauty will appear in the next James Bond film as a Bond girl, following a long line of glamorous actresses

Adoring fans: Margot caused a stir with passersby as she stepped out in NYC

Well made: The beautiful garment had an elaborate rose pattern on its back

More recently, she starred alongside Alexander Skarsgard in The Legend Of Tarzan as Jane.

As well as the blockbuster, Margot has various other projects in the pipeline, including Suicide Squad, in which she plays Harley Quinn.

Other females who have starred as the prestigious Bond girl include talented beauties Halle Berry, Rosamund Pike and Eva Green.

Next big thing: Online polls have revealed the 26-year-old stunner is at the strongest odds to fill the Bond role, sitting at 12/1, while Emily Blunt sits at 16/1, according to Paddy Power .

In demand actress: As well as the blockbuster, Margot has various other projects in the pipeline, including Suicide Squad, in which she plays Harley Quinn

Following in footsteps: Other females who have starred as the prestigious Bond girl include talented beauties Halle Berry, Rosamund Pike and Eva Green

Although the buzz around who will land the role of Bond girl is growing, the film is not expected to be released until at least 2018.

Producer Barbara Broccoli has two other projects firmly underway and is said to be keen to tempt Daniel Craig into reprising his role as the titular character for the fifth time.
It seems she was not in the mood to wear a Poker Face.

For Lady Gaga happily flashed a peace sign after mingling with fans as she headed out in New York on Wednesday.

The popstrel looked in high spirits indeed as she emerged from a building with a cameraman in tow as she ran errands in the Big Apple.

Peace out: Lady Gaga flashed a V-sign as she got ready to head out in New York on Wednesday

The cheeky 30-year-old star also made sure she drew plenty of stars by opting to go braless as she stepped out in a plunging black T-shirt.

Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, rounded off her ensemble with a thick choker necklace, black cap and ripped jeans.

Fulfilling the requirements of her trademark stylistic mode, she also added a dash of the ridiculous to her look with a pair of double lensed circular black sunglasses.

As if the sight of the Paparazzi favourite mingling with her adoring Monsters was not enough, some exciting new teasers for her show American Horror Story have just emerged on Snapchat.

Attacked by Monsters: The good Lady was mobbed by fans as she headed towards her vehicle

Best unsupported actress: The cheeky American Horror Story favourite opted to go braless

A woman with drive: She opted to forgo the luxury of a chauffeur and was behind the wheel herself

And, in a unique corruption of a wholesome TV classic, season six is shown to revolve around a particularly hellish house on the prairie.

As if the disgusting looking smoke belching from the chimney was not disturbing enough, once inside it seems there are plenty of bizarre goings on, not to mention a demonic baby that has a crib mobile made up of dangerous weapons.

It has been mooted that the forthcoming series will follow a Damon-esque child that the character Vivian died giving birth to in season one, and which Jessica Lange's character Constance ended up taking.

Season six of American Horror Story is scheduled to premiere on FX on September 14.

Hellish little house on the prairie: A scary abode seems to be the setting of the new season of American Horror Story

What does it mean? Mysterious symbols were flashed in the Snapchat teasers

Brat Damon: A demonic baby grabs a knife from its scary looking mobile
Wild Animal Reunions (ITV)

Rating:

The Three Day Nanny (C4)

Rating:

So many wildlife documentaries focus on human criminals in the natural world: the poachers, the illegal pet smugglers, the bushmeat trade. Sometimes it can feel as though the only decent creatures on the planet are the four-legged ones.

Wild Animal Reunions (ITV) restored a little bit of hope, reminding us that love is more natural than hate. Especially if you're an elephant who hasn't seen a dear friend all year.

Naipoki is an adolescent female who was released into Tsavo national park in Kenya to join a protected herd, after being cared for devotedly at an elly-orphanage by a jolly, round-faced man named Edwin.

As narrator Caroline Quentin said at the outset, anyone who has a pet knows animals are capable of powerful emotions. Pictured, Dr Rebeca Atencia and a rescued chimpanzee

He nursed her to full health over several years after she was abandoned by her family in 2009 aged just three months. Unable to feed unaided, Naipoki suckled from giant bottles of formula milk which Edwin patiently held for her, day and night.

The aim was always to release her back into the wild. You'd expect Edwin to miss his big baby  but when he drove out into the bush, to watch her new herd at a waterhole, it was magical to see how much Naipoki had missed him too.

She wrapped her trunk round his shoulders and pulled him close, before suckling greedily on his fingers. Edwin really should have brought a milk bottle, for old time's sake.

But a different elephant emotion went on display when a grumpy cousin stomped up and barged Naipoki out of the way. To Edwin's astonishment, this was another graduate from the orphanage, one he hadn't seen for ten years. Her name was Lampaute, and she had been found half-dead at the roadside when she was just two weeks old. Edwin had saved her life.

BAD CATCH OF THE NIGHT When the RNLI picked up a drunken idiot who had leapt off Blackpool pier, in Saving Lives At Sea (BBC1), the ungrateful toerag demanded to turn round and collect his jacket. Like fishermen, lifeboat crews should be allowed to throw the useless ones back. Advertisement

Lempaute didn't just recognise her old nurse, she was jealously indignant that he could pet Naipoki and ignore her.

In the end, Edwin had to stand with a hand in each orphan's mouth, while they mauled his face with their trunks. When elephants love you to bits, they mean it.

There were no deep insights in this show, nothing new in the way of wildlife psychology. As narrator Caroline Quentin said at the outset, anyone who has a pet knows animals are capable of powerful emotions.

This was unpretentious telly, inspired by a famous YouTube clip of a wild lion rearing up to hug the men who reared it from a cub.

However often you see that footage of Christian, the lion bought from Harrods' pet department in the Sixties, bounding up to his former owners and embracing them, it is always joyous. So was the gentle cuddle that Wounda the rescued chimpanzee gave to her old friend, naturalist Jane Goodall, as they parted  a farewell caress, before Wounda slipped into rainforest to return to her own kind.

However often you see that footage of Christian, the lion bought from Harrods' pet department in the Sixties, bounding up to his former owners and embracing them, it is always joyous

Anyone looking at little terrors Bobby and Freddie Scott, brothers aged three and two, as they bit, bashed and butted each other, might decide the kindest thing would be to release them into the wild, too. Except that lions wouldn't stand much chance with those two predators around.

Mother Becky was terrified and admitted it freely on The Three Day Nanny (C4). 'Even the thought of being left on my own with them petrifies me,' she said.

Supernanny Kathyrn Mewes transformed them with a couple of cracks of her toddler-tamer whip and a flourish of her top hat, of course. She hardly needs three days: one stiff chat to Becky and a quick trip to the park, and the boys were cured of all bad behaviour.

Any parent knows that the arrival of the Terrible Twos is a scary time. Unless you had plenty of younger siblings, you have to invent new child-rearing skills on the spot.

Shows like this can offer valuable tips: Kathryn taught Becky, for instance, to count to three like she really meant it, in an earth-shaking voice that would make any toddler want never to hear Mum say 'Three!' again.
Their relationship is currently the focus of intense speculation in The Only Way Is Essex.

But despite the rumours and gossip, Megan McKenna and Pete Wicks looked more in love than ever as they attended Mark Hill's pop-up event in London, on Wednesday night.

Arriving at the star-studded event, the 23-year-old Ex On The Beach star and her boyfriend, 27, were all smiles as they cosied up to one another.

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All loved-up: Despite the rumours and gossip, Megan McKenna and Pete Wicks looked more in love than ever as they attended Mark Hill's pop-up event in London, on Wednesday night

Walking into the event hand-in-hand, the TOWIE couple looked the picture of happiness - with Peter flashing a bright beaming smile to match Megan's coy grin.

Megan had opted for an understated and demur, yet suitably sassy, little black dress, which allowed her to showcase her lithe legs.

Featuring a belted detail at the waist, Megan was able to subtly show off her enviably trim and toned waistline.

Cosy couple: Arriving at the star-studded event, the 23-year-old Ex On The Beach star and her boyfriend, 27, were all smiles as they cosied up to one another.

Leg-flashing fashion: Megan had opted for an understated and demur, yet suitably sassy, little black dress, which allowed her to showcase her lithe legs

She rounded her look off with a flash of high-fashion glamour, as she paired the dress with a pair of metallic sparkling Louboutin' s that were presented to her by Pete on Wedneday evening's installment of TOWIE.

Keeping her look uncluttered, the reality beauty chose to wear a minimal selection of acessories; only wearing a smattering of jewellery and a gold envelope clutch.

Wearing her dark chestnut locks in bouncing waves down around her shoulders, the former Celebrity Big Brother ensured her features were contoured and powdered with a bronzed palette of make-up.

Flaunt that figure: Megan's sassy little number featured a belted detail at the waist, Megan was able to subtly show off her enviably trim and toned waistline

Recognise those shoes? She paired the dress with a pair of metallic sparkling Louboutin's that were presented to her by Pete on Wedneday evening's installment of TOWIE

Pete meanwhile opted for an office casual look, teaming an open-neck shirt with a pair of black skinny jeans and Chelsea boots.

Sporting his customary man bun and a pair of glasses, the tattooed Essex boy cut a smart figure.

The seemingly happy couple have recently been pushed to breaking points, thanks to a series of rumours regarding Megan's supposed behaviour away from Pete.

No issues here: Walking into the event hand-in-hand, the TOWIE couple looked the picture of happiness - with Peter flashing a bright beaming smile to match Megan's coy grin

Keeping it casual: Pete opted for an office casual look, teaming an open-neck shirt with a pair of black skinny jeans and Chelsea boots

Stirred up be resentment left simmering between the TOWIE newcomer and co-star Chloe Lewis, the gossip has become a central focus of recent episodes.

And the gossip has seen Pete blasting former friend Mike Hassini for indulging in some stirring, as well as proclaiming his undying affection and loyalty for Megan.

In Wednesday night's episode fans saw Pete get within inches of Mikes face, and end their friendship with the line: Youre a b**** and thats the end of it! Everyone knows it!
Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio sure knows how to stop traffic.

The 30-year-old was spotted out in New York on Wednesday, hailing down a cab in a pair of tight leather trousers.

The brunette beauty and mother of one showed off her enviable frame in the pants, which she teamed with sky-high heels and a loose T-shirt.

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Legs for days: Nicole Trunfio stepped out in tight leather trousers and stilettos as she headed out in New York on Wednesday

Featuring a diamante embellishment, she tucked the top into her trousers.

Her stilettos had a pointed toe style and revealed her fading feather tattoo, and her looks was completed with a material black choker and dark tinted sunglasses.

She had her hair in a high bun before taking it out and showing off her long tresses.

Turning heads: The brunette beauty and mother of one showed off her enviable frame in the pants, which she a loose T-shirt

Stylish from head-to-toe: Her stilettos had a pointed toe style and revealed her fading feather tattoo, and her looks was completed with a material black choker and dark tinted sunglasses.

Finishing touches: She appeared to be wearing light foundation and a soft pink lip and carried a chic black Burberry clutch

She appeared to be wearing light foundation and a soft pink lip and carried a chic black Burberry clutch.

Absent from the day was her husband Gary Clark, Jr. and their one-year-old son Zion.

The same day she also turned heads and put on a very stylish display when she stepped out in the city in ripped and high-waisted denim shorts and her favourite black thigh-high boots.

Flying solo: Absent from the day was her husband Gary Clark, Jr. and their one-year-old son Zion

Leggy lady: The same day she also turned heads and put on a very stylish display when she stepped out in the city in ripped and high-waisted denim shorts and her favourite black thigh-high boots

Doing well: Throughout her career, Nicole has modelled for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino
She recently enjoyed a whirlwind surfing trip to Hawaii with her boyfriend Tom Ackerley.

And Margot Robbie, 26, appeared to have retained some of her holiday tan as she stepped out in Manhattan on Wednesday, her bronzed legs on full display in a black mini dress as she greeted a swarm of adoring fans.

The Australian native looked every inch the silver screen siren in her unusual frock, which featured off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and a ruched bodice.

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Sunkissed! Margot Robbie, 26, was spotted in Manhattan on Wednesday, her bronzed legs on full display in a black mini dress as she greeted a swarm of adoring fans

She also added height to her toned pins by wearing a pair of black heeled boots, while sweeping her blonde mane away into a low ponytail.

Margot has been tipped to land the role of the coveted Bond girl in the next film of the long-running franchise.

Online polls have revealed the 26-year-old stunner is at the strongest odds to fill the role, sitting at 12/1, while Emily Blunt sits at 16/1, according to Paddy Power.

Stylish: The Australian native looked every inch the silver screen siren in her unusual frock, which featured off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and a ruched bodice

Stunner: Her striking good looks were on show, while her blonde tresses were swept away into a low ponytail

Margot, who hails from the Gold Coast, found her big break in 2013 opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street as the feisty and seductive, Naomi.

More recently, the blonde beauty starred alongside Alexander Skarsgard in The Legend Of Tarzan as Jane.

As well as the blockbuster, Margot has various other projects in the pipeline, including Suicide Squad, in which she plays Harley Quinn.

Chic: She also added height to her toned pins by wearing a pair of black heeled boots

Beaming: She appeared to be in great and content spirits as she made her way along the streets

The talented actress previously spoke to Woman's Day about her desire to find roles for herself in which the female lead is strong and integral to a story line.

'I want to keep looking for roles where the main interest will be in the character and her importance in driving a story forward, rather than her relationship with a male character,' the former Neighbours star said.

'Films like The Wolf of Wall Street and Focus gave me a chance to play charismatic and clever women, even though they do have a glamorous side.'

Not alone: The starlet was also joined by her co-star Will Smith

She's got the looks for the role! Margot has been tipped to land the role of the coveted Bond girl in the next film of the long-running franchise
She's the daughter of a Hollywood heavyweight.

But Tori Spelling looked more Bollywood than Hollywood as she arrived at a fundraiser in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old actress showcased her toned figure in a cream and wine-coloured floor-length lace garment at the Raising The Bar To End Parkinson's event at Laurel Point in Studio City.

Lacey treat: Tori Spelling looked more Bollywood than Hollywood as she arrived at a fundraiser in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The unusual creation clung to her slim frame, and featured a cut away section around her toned abs.

The see-through material was expertly positioned to cover her assets and was adored with pearls on chains.

At the back the outfit scooped low on her shoulder blades, as it seemed likely she was going bra-free.

Cream of the crops: The unusual creation clung to her slim frame, and featured a cut away section around her toned abs

The Beverly Hills 90210 alum pulled her pink-tinged tresses into an elegant up-do, which made her look surprisingly demure.

Her make-up was red-carpet ready, with blush pink cheeks and a matte lipcolour.

The daughter of the late Aaron Spelling added shimmer around her eyes, with a black line and extra lashes to flutter.

Looking good! The 43-year-old actress showcased her toned figure in a cream and wine-coloured floor-length lace garment at the Raising The Bar To End Parkinson's event at Laurel Point in Studio City

Made-up: The daughter of the late Aaron Spelling added shimmer around her eyes, with a black line and extra lashes to flutter

Couple: She posed with husband Dean McDermott, who wore a navy blue suit

She was joined by her husband Dean McDermott, who wore a navy blue suit.

The couple are in financial hot water according toPeople, as they owe $259,000 in taxes to the state of California.

However, this is not the first financial obstacle that they have encountered.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Tori is being sued by American Express for an outstanding balance on her credit card of almost $38,000 that remains unpaid since last summer.

She famously inherited just $800,000 of the estimated $600 million fortune left by her late father, who died in 2006.

Tori explained the source of her financial struggles in her 2013 book, Spelling It Like It Is.

'It's not my fault I'm an uptown girl stuck in a midtown life. I was raised in opulence. My standards are ridiculously high. We can't afford that lifestyle, but when you grow up silver spoon it's hard to go plastic,' she wrote.

Tori and Dean have four children of their own - daughters Hattie, four and Stella, 8, and sons Liam, 9, and Finn - who turns four next month.
She has one of the most revered rears in modelling.

But Elsa Hosk proved she is a woman of many talents as she showcased her perfect pins in a pair of dungaree shorts as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel proved she looks almost as good with all of her clothes on as she stretched her admirably long legs in the Big Apple.

Legs eleven: Elsa Hosks perfect pins were off the charts as she went for a stroll in New York on Wednesday

The saucy Swedish stunner looked every inch the confident runway lovely as she sauntered down the sidewalk in her dungarees, striped top and flat shoes.

But the fine filly rocked the world of lingerie when she revealed she has not always been as body confident as she is now.

She said she actually 'hated' her famously delightful derriere so much as a teen she would, to the undoubted dismay of her classmates, try to hide it underneath sweaters.

Elsa admitted that she once felt insecure about the shape and size of her beautiful backside.

Shady lady: The Victoria's Secret Angel hid her famous peepers behind comically oversized sunglasses

Bag lady: The wealthy model chose to accessorise by carrying a clear carrier bag

Head-turner: Some gentlemen were caught stealing a glimpse at the fine filly as she trotted past

She said: 'I used to hate my butt  like hate it. In school I used to cover it up. I felt like it was too big like I felt like I needed to wear a sweater over it. It was awful.'

However, Elsa said that working with Victoria's Secret helped her embrace her derriere, and now it is one of her favorite assets.

'I would never show my butt, and now working with Victoria's Secret it is very celebrated to have curves, so I am now really proud of my butt,' she explained. 'All the members in my family are very gifted in that area.

'Even my brothers, who are really skinny, they have kind of shapely butts and it is really cute. Now I love it. I am proud of it.'

Peach on the beach: The Swedish model rocked the world of lingerie when she confessed she once was not proud of her pert posterior

Phew: But she said parading around in her smalls has made her realise her bountiful buns are an asset
Cara Delevingne spectacularly won a three-way game of Drop The Mic on Wednesday during an appearance on The Late Late Show.

The 23-year-old English supermodel was up against the host James Corden and Nerve actor Dave Franco and rapped that she'd 'hooked up with hotter girls' than both of them combined.

Corden, 37, launched the verbal slam down by saying he meant to book Franco's brother James, because Dave 'isn't famous enough'.

In the blue corner! Cara Delevingne took part in a three-way game of Drop The Mic on Wednesday on The Late Late Show

To Delevingne, who is just testing her acting chops, he said: 'When I see you try to act it makes me want to kill myself'.

'You'll kill yourself, is that a fact? I've never heard a better reason for me to act,' Delevingne shot back.

Franco told Delevingne she was: 'Trying to hide an accent thicker than her eyebrows' and he called Corden a 'less talented, much fatter Mr Bean'.

'I actually like Mr Bean so' replied Corden, before comparing James Franco to Marky Mark but Dave to Donnie Wahlberg.

Multiple talents: The model and actress also showed she has some rapping skills

'The only funny thing you've been in is Alison Brie,' he quipped, referring to Franco's 33-year-old fiancee.

'You're only famous now because your older sibling's awesome,' added the British TV host, 37.

Delevingne, who is currently starring in Suicide Squad, then chimed in to tell Corden he 'looks like a thumb'.

Popular segment: James Corden took a crack at Cara during the popular segment

His turn: Dave Franco rapped that Corden was a 'less talented, much fatter Mr Bean'

Towering presence: Cara referenced her towering height as she noted that Franco was shorter than her

Adding: 'Your Carpool Karaoke is purely down to luck, Stevie Wonder is blind and even he can see you suck'.

The Paper Towns star then bit Franco with: 'You're just like blood, you're thicker than water and you destroyed Scrubs'.

Her winning line was: 'You're both shorter than me and I'll think that you'll find I've hooked up with hotter girls than both of you combined'.

Franco then hit Corden, telling him he was merely a 'fat and bloated James Bond'.

Dropped it: The English supermodel was declared the winner and dropped her mic

After the brutal singing showdown they sat down for a cordial chat.

'I'm feeling under eyebrow-ed,' remarked Corden, as he surveyed his bushy-faced guests.

Franco discussed his home wife with Get Hard actress Alison Brie.

Big brows: Cara and Dave both brought their eyebrow game to the show

Bushy face: Corden applied bushy eyebrows to fit in

'It's usually the two of us, in bed with our 17 pound cats, watching a documentary or the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Part 2,' said the feline-obsessed actor.

On not being an adrenaline junkie anymore the 21 Jump Street actor said: 'I've got to the stage where I don't need to do dumb stuff anymore'.

'We're all getting oldereveryone has a couple of moments when they're like 'how did we ever survive childhood?' he explained.

New movies: Cara was promoting Suicide Squad while Dave was pushing Nerve

'Was it your brother, what did he do?'Joked Corden.

'They'd zip me up in a sleeping bag and tickle torture me,' he admitted.

As a dare he got on the drum kit of Corden's house band.

'Never done this beforeIt's going to be great,' he smiled, before he butchered the band's work.

Corden's musical guest was Swedish newcomer Leon.

On the drums: Dave took up a dare and played drums
She treated American television viewers to her bright and bubbly personality when she appeared on James Corden's The Late Late Show, on Wednesday night.

But supermodel Cara Delevingne, 23, may have had bigger things on her mind as she continued to flash diamond ring on THAT finger amid rumours she is betrothed to singer St Vincent.

The British model rocked a navy Puma tracksuit with white stripes and a plain lightweight top for her trip, ensuring she would fly in comfort.

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Jetsetting: Cara Delevingne, 23, continued to sport a diamond ring on her engagement finger as she arrived at LAX after her appearance on James Corden's The Late Late Show on Wednesday night

That's a Bobby Dazzler: She wore the huge rock on her engagement finger

She wore matching footwear in the form of pristine white kicks and injected a splash of colour into the ensemble with a bright pink beanie.

Cara sparked rumours of an engagement back in February when she was apparently seen proposing to girlfriend in Paris.

She was then seen sporting a giant diamond on her ring finger whilst promoting Suicide Squad on Monday.

Sharing her co-star Jared Leto's snap on Instagram, the 23-year-old model turned actress made no reference to her dazzling bling, but pointedly posed with her hand the focus of the snap.

On Wednesday night, she wore a pair of black Ray Ban's, despite it being pitch black outside. She looked calm and relaxed as she sauntered with a black bag adorned with metallic studs over her shoulder.

Cara coolly raised her hand to wave to the cameras as she arrived at the airport flanked by a burly security guard.

Hours later, she touched down at JFK Airport in New York. She looked relaxed as she sauntered through the airport listening to tunes with her hand tucked in her pocket.

Dressed down: The British model rocked a navy Puma tracksuit with white stripes and a plain lightweight top for her trip ensuring she would fly in comfort

Style queen: She wore matching footwear in the form of pristine white kicks and injected a splash of colour into the ensemble with a bright pink beanie

Ready for take off: She looked calm and relaxed as she sauntered with a black bag adorned with metallic studs over her shoulder

Ring bling: The sparkler on her ring finger has led fans to believe she's engaged to girlfriend St Vincent

In safe hands: Cara coolly raised her hand to wave to the cameras as she arrived at the airport flanked by a burly security guard

The beauty spectacularly won a three-way game of Drop The Mic earlier in the evening during an appearance on The Late Late Show.

The 23-year-old was up against the host James Corden and Nerve actor Dave Franco and rapped that she'd 'hooked up with hotter girls' than both of them combined.

Corden, 37, launched the verbal slam down by saying he meant to book Franco's brother James, because Dave 'isn't famous enough'.

Chilled out: Cara touched down at JFK Airport in New York and was spotted listening to tunes as she strolled with her hand in her pocket

Touchdown: The model draped a lightweight scarf around her neck and clutched a Starbucks bag

Pokerface: The beauty kept a straight-face throughout her time at the airport as she patiently waited for luggage

Tease: Cara continued to fuel rumours she is engaged as she sported a giant diamond on her ring finger in an Instagram snap promoting Suicide Squad on Monday

Cute couple: Cara, 23 , is believed to have begun dating St Vincent - real name Annie Clark - 16 months ago, and has notoriously kept quiet about her love life whilst continuing to fuel engagement rumours

Proposal in Paris?: Cara sparked engagement rumours earlier this year after she was seen getting down on one knee at the Eiffel Tower with St Vincent at her side

To Delevingne, who is just testing her acting chops, he said: 'When I see you try to act it makes me want to kill myself'.

'You'll kill yourself, is that a fact? I've never heard a better reason for me to act,' Delevingne shot back.

Franco told Delevingne she was: 'Trying to hide an accent thicker than her eyebrows' and he called Corden a 'less talented, much fatter Mr Bean'.

'I actually like Mr Bean so' replied Corden, before comparing James Franco to Marky Mark but Dave to Donnie Wahlberg.

In the blue corner! Cara took part in a three-way game of Drop The Mic on Wednesday on The Late Late Show

Multiple talents: The model and actress also showed she has some rapping skills

'The only funny thing you've been in is Alison Brie,' he quipped, referring to Franco's 33-year-old fiancee.

'You're only famous now because your older sibling's awesome,' added the British TV host, 37.

Delevingne, who is currently starring in Suicide Squad, then chimed in to tell Corden he 'looks like a thumb'.

Popular segment: James Corden took a crack at Cara during the popular segment

His turn: Dave Franco rapped that Corden was a 'less talented, much fatter Mr Bean'

Towering presence: Cara referenced her towering height as she noted that Franco was shorter than her

Adding: 'Your Carpool Karaoke is purely down to luck, Stevie Wonder is blind and even he can see you suck'.

The Paper Towns star then bit Franco with: 'You're just like blood, you're thicker than water and you destroyed Scrubs'.

Her winning line was: 'You're both shorter than me and I'll think that you'll find I've hooked up with hotter girls than both of you combined'.

Franco then hit Corden, telling him he was merely a 'fat and bloated James Bond'.

Dropped it: The English supermodel was declared the winner and dropped her mic

After the brutal singing showdown they sat down for a cordial chat.

'I'm feeling under eyebrow-ed,' remarked Corden, as he surveyed his bushy-faced guests.

Franco discussed his home wife with Get Hard actress Alison Brie.

Big brows: Cara and Dave both brought their eyebrow game to the show

'It's usually the two of us, in bed with our 17 pound cats, watching a documentary or the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Part 2,' said the feline-obsessed actor.

On not being an adrenaline junkie anymore the 21 Jump Street actor said: 'I've got to the stage where I don't need to do dumb stuff anymore'.

'We're all getting oldereveryone has a couple of moments when they're like 'how did we ever survive childhood?' he explained.

Bushy face: Corden applied bushy eyebrows to fit in

'Was it your brother, what did he do?'Joked Corden.

'They'd zip me up in a sleeping bag and tickle torture me,' he admitted.

As a dare he got on the drum kit of Corden's house band.

'Never done this beforeIt's going to be great,' he smiled, before he butchered the band's work.

Corden's musical guest was Swedish newcomer Leon.
She's the newly married star of Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills and Morgan Stewart pulled out all the stops when she partied at Lisa Vanderpump's venue Pump on Wednesday evening.

The 28-year-old reality star joined guests for DailyMail.com's White Party which was held at the famous nightspot in West Hollywood.

Morgan looked incredible, wearing a rather risque bra top which allowed her to flaunt her gym honed abs - as well as a matching choker.

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Boom or BUST: Rich Kids star Morgan Stewart looked incredible when she attended DailyMail.com's star-studded White Party at Lisa Vanderpump's nightspot Pump in Hollywood on Wednesday night

She's got it going on: Morgan looked incredible, wearing a rather risque bra top which allowed her to flaunt her gym honed abs - as well as a matching choker underneath a sexy white suit

She teamed it with a summery white suit which flattered her figure perfectly as she posed for snaps at the hotly-anticipated event, as well as killer black strappy sandals.

It comes as little surprise that Morgan was in such high spirits on the night as she tied the knot with her beloved beau Brendan Fitzpatrick back in May.

The pair exchanged vows at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Santa Susana, California in a star-studded event attended by 150 people.

Pout of control: She was pictured posing up a storm with Canadian television presenter Keltie Knight

Included were Rich Kids co-stars Jonny Drubel, EJ Johnson and Dorothy Wang, as well as Kyle Richards of Bravo's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

While Brendan wasn't pictured with her on the night, it's fair to say the beautiful blonde was in fantastic company on the night.

Lisa Vanderpump, 55, herself looked gorgeous in a white broderie anglaise jumpsuit with a plunging neckline as she hosted the bash.

Later on, Morgan and Patti Stanger posed up a storm with their arms around one another as they put on their best pouts for the cameras.

They got the memo: Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger also stopped by for a photograph

Leading the stars on the white carpet were her Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills co-stars Kyle Richards, Erika Girardi and Taylor Armstrong, along with new cast member and fellow Brit Dorit Kemsely.

Along with her husband of 34 years, Ken Todd, Lisa welcomed her guests who all wore white and who included actress Mena Suvari, Kim Kardashian BFF Jonathan Cheban, model Blanca Blanco, Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger and her own Vanderpump Rules DJ James Kennedy.

Simon Cowell's ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour showed up in a long white figure-hugging gown that showcased her superskinny body.

This could be awkward: Yolanda Hadid's ex David Foster spent some time with his ex's arch rival Lisa Vanderpump
She recently demonstrated her loyalty to Free The Nipple, a campaign designed to make the sight of breasts - and nipples - more normal.

And Wednesday was no exception for Kendall Jenner, who abandoned her bra in a tiny white crop top as she hit the race track at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in San Diego.

Despite turning out for her grandmother MJ's 82nd birthday, the 20-year-old was determined in her stance and couldn't have looked more carefree with her latest lingerie-free display.

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Embracing it: Kendall Jenner was embracing her commitment to Free[ing] The Nipple on Wednesday, when she hit the race track at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in San Diego with family

Kendall's top, a Bardot-style ribbed number, sat off her shoulders to leave her decolletage bare, save for a 1950s scarf around her neck.

She was pictured on the balcony, overlooking the race track, cutting a retro figure in scarlet lipstick and cat-eye sunglasses.

Her raven locks were twisted into a top knot to draw attention to her bare shoulders, though her much-loved nipple piercing was not visible in the ribbed top, despite the model recently saying that she liked to show it off.

Free the nipple: The brunette shunned her underwear and found in favour of an off-the-shoulder crop top

'I really don't see what the big deal is with going braless!' she said in a post on her personal website entitled Free The Nipple, last week.

'I think it's cool and I really just don't care! It's sexy, it's comfortable and I'm cool with my breasts. That's it!'

'Its also a fun way to show off my different nipple rings, she continued. '[My favourite jewellery designer] made me a couple of pieces that are really sick, like a pair of angel wings.'

Wild thing: She certainly seemed to be feeling carefree as she posed on the balcony

Having a laugh: The supermodel recently said that she thinks it's cool to show off her nipple piercings

Among the high profile supporters of the campaign is one of her closest friends, Cara Delevingne, but Rihanna and Miley Cyrus have also joined the Free The Nipple movement.

The brunette is regularly seen on the catwalk without a bra, the first time being when she was just 18.

Kendall even celebrated reaching 40 million Instagram followers by flashing her right breast in an Instagram post eight months ago, saying that it was her 'favourite photo of all.'

Favourite photo: Kendall shared a flashing picture to her Instagram eight months ago, showing an early appreciation for the Free The Nipple campaign
She just publicly shamed Donald Trump by likening him to her The Hunger Games character at the Democratic National Convention earlier this week.

And Elizabeth Banks looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped out after delivering her passionate speech in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday.

The actress and director, 42, oozed sophistication in a chic navy and white patterned dress as she enjoyed a low-key solo shopping trip.

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Chic: Elizabeth Banks looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped out after delivering her passionate speech in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday

The Pitch Perfect star wore her blonde locks in loose wavy curls as she strolled through the streets, and complemented her features with natural make-up.

The mother-of-two shielded herself from the sun with chic thick-rimmed Perverse shades, and accessorised with a blingy silver watch.

Elizabeth completed her laid back yet classy look with simple nude sandles and an oversized tote bag.

Appearing happy and relaxed as she wandered around, the star looked as though she was enjoying her stint in the city.

Retail therapy: The actress and director, 42, oozed sophistication in a chic navy and white patterned dress as she enjoyed a low-key solo shopping trip

Pretty as a picture: The Pitch Perfect star wore her blonde locks in loose wavy curls as she strolled through the streets, and complemented her features with natural make-up

Out and about: The mother-of-two shielded herself from the sun with chic thick-rimmed Perverse shades, and accessorised with a blingy silver watch

Earlier this week, Elizabeth spoke at the Democratic National Convention, during which she likened presidential hopeful Donald Trump to her The Hunger Games character Effie Trinket.

She said Trinket was 'a cruel, out-of-touch reality TV star who wears insane wigs while delivering long-winded speeches to a violent dystopia'.

Elizabeth added: 'So when I tuned into Cleveland last week, I was like, "Hey, that's my act!". You know, part of me really likes being up here joking around, but the other part knows this election is too important for jokes.

'Because when I think about what this election means for America, I think about my family.'

Beauty and brains: Earlier this week, Elizabeth spoke at the Democratic National Convention, during which she likened presidential hopeful Donald Trump to her The Hunger Games character Effie Trinket

The actress-turned-director's next project includes starring in Liongate's Power Rangers reboot, due for release in 2017.

The star will be playing the villainous Rita Repulsa, a role revived from the 1990s TV series.

Her castmates include Bryan Cranston, known for his iconic performance on AMC's Breaking Bad, and David Denman, who featured this year in 13 Hours.
She was given the coveted white rose on Wednesday night's premiere episode of The Bachelor.

And on Thursday night, Alex Nation and Bachelor Richie Strahan shared a very tender moment during the group date.

As the holder of the white rose, Alex took part in a steamy one-on-one 60s inspired photoshoot with the handsome Bachelor.

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A tender moment! Alex Nation and Bachelor Richie Strahan shared a very intimate moment in front of the other contestants on Thursday night's episode

And as the pair held their intimate pose for what seemed like an eternity, the other bachelorettes looked on in envy.

Opinionated and outspoken Keira Maguire stood and muttered from the sidelines: 'Back it up'.

Before adding: 'They're getting very sexual. It's a bit too close, if you ask me.'

Leaning in: Alex was determined to savour the moment, however Richie struggled to contain his nervous giggles

She later said of the situation: 'We saw a little bit of an intimate moment potentially happening and we weren't about to let that happen.'

And she made it clear that she was trying to ruin their moment.

The pair were holding each other closely, and thanks to Alex's previous modelling experience - which she was quick to point out - she had her posing perfected to a tee.

Green with envy: The other bachelorettes watched on with jealousy, as outspoken Keira attempted to break up the moment

However, Richie struggled to keep a straight face throughout the tender moment, as their faces were close together and their lips were almost touching.

He did compose himself long enough to stare lovingly back into Alex's eyes.

The 31-year-old later said there were 'definitely sparks' between himself and Alex.

Adding: 'I do feel comfortable around her. She's just got such a lovely personality. It's easy to talk to her.'

'Too close': Keira wasn't happy at how intimate the moment was becoming, saying: 'They're getting very sexual'

Chemistry: The 31-year-old later said there were 'definitely sparks' between himself and Alex

Unimpressed: The outspoken blonde admitted she was trying to ruin Alex and Richie's moment together

In good stead: Alex received the coveted white rose on Wednesday night's premier episode which gives her a lot of power in the coming weeks

Keira seemed to think otherwise, commenting: 'He doesn't like her. Look, he's like, "Get away".'

Alex was donning a figure-hugging red dress, showing off her svelte physique, and hre hair and make up had been styled in 60s fashion, creating an elegant look.

And Richie looked as dapper as ever, wearing a black leather jacket and white T-shirt - channelling Grease lightning for the themed date.

Working it: Earlier in the episode some of contestants sported 1950s inspired swim ensembles while posing with Richie for a photo shoot

Single date: Nikki also flaunted her bikini body during a single date with Richie

Beach babe: Contestant Keira is not afraid to show off her bikini figure on social media
The Daily Edition host Sally Obermeder has revealed she and her husband Marcus are expecting another baby in the upcoming months via a surrogate.

The 40-year-old TV personality, who was cleared of breast cancer in 2012, took to Instagram on Thursday evening to announce the happy news, along with an sweet family photo.

Sallys four-year-old daughter Annabelle could be seen holding up a sign, confirming the new addition to the family.

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Expanding their brood: Breast cancer survivor Sally Obermeder has confirmed she is having another baby through the help of a surrogate

Im going to be a big sister, it read.

The brunette beauty added in the post that she was thrilled to be welcoming her second child after previously speaking about her past struggles to conceive a sibling for her daughter.

Yes, it's true. Thrilled to bits to share that @marcusobermederand I are adding to our family thanks to the most incredible surrogate, she captioned the picture.

The mother-of-one also revealed that she would be speaking more about her happy news on Channel Seven program, Sunday Night.

Ups and downs: The brunette beauty added to the post that she was thrilled to be welcoming her second child after revealing in past interviews her struggle to conceive a sibling for her daughter

Exciting news: The mother-of-one also confessed, in the post, that she would reveal more in a story to air on Channel Seven on Sunday

We have shared our story of ups and downs with the amazing team from Sunday Night. It airs this Sunday at 7pm, she added.

Sally has been very open about her desire to expand her family-of-three.

In an interview with New Idea magazine, the brunette beauty revealed she could only have another child through surrogacy.

She said doctors had warned her that another pregnancy could risk her life.

Ive been told in no uncertain terms that its far too dangerous for me to be pregnant again, in terms of the cancer returning, she told the publication.

Opening up: In an interview with New Idea magazine, the fashionista revealed she could only have another child through surrogacy

Breakthrough after several years: Sallys first child, Annabelle, was conceived with the help of IVF

Sallys first child, Annabelle, was conceived with the help of IVF.

But a day after she gave birth to her daughter, in 2011, doctors discovered she had an aggressive form of breast cancer.

She endured eight months of chemotherapy, and in October 2012 doctors told her she was clear of the disease.

Sally admitted in the candid interview that she wouldnt risk cancer returning and surrogacy would be the only option.

Good and then the bad: A day after she gave birth to her daughter, in 2011, doctors discovered she had an aggressive form of breast cancer

I acknowledge that Im extremely lucky to have one child ... But the yearning and desire to be a mum again is so strong and it has not passed, she said.

Before I was sick I always pictured I would have two or three children, if I was lucky enough, and I still want that for Annabelle.

Earlier in the year, the TV personality opened up to her more than 52,000 fans on Instagram about 2015 being a mix of personal tragedy and professional success.

Sharing a flip book of her favourite photographs, she reflected on suffering a miscarriage, the loss of her husband Marcus' mother, and celebrating her show's second birthday.

'2015 in one word. Mixed,' she began. 'Professionally it was amazing, personally it was heartbreaking.'
She has forged a successful modelling career in the US, after moving from Australia in search of greener pastures.

And Jessica Cribbon didn't hold back during a photoshoot on the beach in Malibu, California on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old posed up a storm in a skimpy pastel yellow bikini, which barely concealed her modesty.

Work it! Swimwear and glamour model Jessica Cribbon flaunted her ample assets and incredile physique during a photoshoot on the beach in Malibu, California on Wednesday

However, the busty brunette didn't seem to mind as she frolicked around on the sand, flaunting her incredible curves and ample assets in the tiny two piece, leaving very little to the imagination.

The Perth-born stunner appeared to have a full face of make-up, and her long raven locks fell around her shoulders in voluminous waves.

Her lashes were tended to with perfection and her smokey-eye created a more glamorous look for the beach.

Posing up a storm: The 31-year-old worked her best angles for the camera, ensuring her body was showed off from every perspective

Leaning into it: Jessica, adapted to her surroundings, all the while working it in the pastel bikini, posing on the sand, in the shallows and up against the cliffs

And keeping the focus on the model's curves, her accessories were kept to a minimal, as she was sporting only a small pair of stud earrings.

However, her perfectly-manicured nails were painted a bold red, adding a pop of colour.

At one point, the glamour and swimwear model took to the sand to roll around as she continued to pull her best poses and show off her most advantageous angles for the camera following her every move.

Simple beach attire: And keeping the focus on the model's curves, her accessories were kept to a minimal, as she was sporting only a small pair of stud earrings

Comfortable: The Perth-born beauty appeared extremely comfortable and confident in her own skin as she worked it for the cameras

And as the sun hit the beauty's face, she added a pair of brown shades to her simple ensemble, pouting her plump lips and allowing her tresses to blow in the wind.

Jessica, adapted to her surroundings, all the while working it in the pastel bikini, posing on the sand, in the shallows and up against the cliffs.

The Australian stunner, who is now based in LA, has appeared in MAXIM Australia and ZOO Magazine.

On point! As the sun hit the beauty's face, she added a pair of brown shades to her simple ensemble, pouting her plump lips and allowing her tresses to blow in the wind

Just checking: The Australian stunner, who is now based in LA, has appeared in MAXIM Australia and ZOO Magazine

She told MAXIM in 2015 that her modelling career began by chance.

'I was approached by someone in the industry while completing my communications degree and after a vacation in Miami I was offered a unique position to move over to the US to further my modelling,' she said.

'Since then I have appeared in numerous magazines around the world, featured in many TV commercials, and also hosted several nightclub events across America.'

Every angle: At one point, the glamour and swimwear model took to the sand to roll around as she continued to pull her best poses
She welcomed her first son with husband Adam Shulman four months ago.

And on Wednesday new mom Anne Hathaway stepped out for a bit of alone time with her husband, as the pair hit a farmers' market together.

The 33-year-old showed off a big smile as she enjoyed the sunny day while scoping out some fresh vegetables and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Hi petal: Anne Hathaway showed off a big smile as she was spotted leaving the farmers' market on Wednesday with a bouquet of flowers

Anne wore a loose-fitting, white short-sleeved T-shirt, coupled with a pair of light wash jeans that hit at just above her ankles.

She coupled them with a pair of light brown leather loafers, and hid her eyes behind over-sized, reflective Sunday Somewhere sunglasses.

The mother-of-one wore her brown tresses pulled back into a ponytail, and hidden by a navy blue cap.

The Oscar winner sported a bit of mauve lipstick, and carried a red, white, and navy blue color-blocked tote bag.

In good spirits: The Princess Diaries star - rocking Sunday Somewhere sunglasses - looked to be enjoying herself as she checked out a table of artichokes during the farmers' market visit

She looked to be in good spirits as she browsed a booth of fresh artichokes, and later had her hands full carrying vegetables as well as bouquets of flowers.

Anne was joined by her husband Adam, 35, with whom the actress tied the knot in 2012 in Big Sur, California.

Adam wore a fitted, graphic print blue short-sleeved T-shirt, which he teamed with a pair of dark grey skinny jeans, and black sneakers.

Just the two of us! The mother-of-one was seen without her four-month-old son as her and husband Adam Shulman enjoyed their afternoon together

He hid his eyes behind brown sunglasses, as both of them were spotted enjoying coffee from Joan's On Third.

Not photographed was the duo's only child - Jonathan Rosebanks Shulman - whom they had welcomed on March 24.

Anne will next be seen alongside Dan Stevens and Jason Sudeikis in Nacho Vigalondo's thriller Colossal, in which she stars as a woman who discovers that severe catastrophic events are somehow connected to the mental breakdown from which she's suffering.
Made In Chelsea's Nicola Hughes wasn't wasting any time in getting back into the swing of dating this week.

Bouncing back from her bitter break-up with co-star Alex Mytton, the Irish beauty was spotted heading to meet a new man in London for lunch on Wednesday.

Giddy Nicola looked bright and beautiful, dressed in a hot pink floral dress, as she stepped out for a day date just days after her ex publicly mocked her online.

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Leggy lady: Newly-single Nicole Hughes looked like she was bouncing back in style on Wednesday when she stepped out for a date in London

Nicola stuck to the suitably suave stylings of Chelsea when she paired tinted sunglasses with a long white blazer.

She swung a beauty goody bag in one hand and practically glided through London with her platinum locks poker straight.

Determined to make a good first impression, Nicola displayed her best assets as she made her approach in tan sandals and a thigh-skimming hemline.

Plenty more fish: On the rebound from Made In Chelsea's Alex Mytton, the pretty blonde seemed to have scored herself a hot date

Blind date? The duo didn't look like they'd meet before, as they greeted each other with an awkward hug

And a first impression is exactly what it looked like since the couple were pictured sharing an awkward embrace at the entrance to the restaurant.

From there, the singletons were seen giggling and chatting as they enjoyed a delightful al fresco experience.

Her date was looking slick in a charcoal suit, under which he wore a pale blue shirt that was unbuttoned without a tie.

First impressions are everything: He looked pretty impressed when he walked in behind her

Lost love: Alex Mytton and Nicola are thought to have split up in June

Newly-single Nicola will no doubt be hoping to mend her broken heart, after things turned nasty with ex-boyfriend Alex.

Just last week, Alex - along with his ex-girlfriend Binky Felstead - used their well-followed social media platforms to poke fun at Nicola.

After MailOnline published pictures of Nicola sizzling during the heatwave in her local park where she stripped down to a tiny khaki bikini top and scarlet bottoms.

But it didn't go down too well with her ex Alex, who took to social media to throw major shade in a tweet that has since been deleted.

Blooming gorgeous: The leggy reality star put her lithe limbs on display in a bright floral dress

Day date: Nicola has shrugged off criticism from her ex-partner who used his social media platform to mock her after their break-up

He playfully wrote: Guys I may go to the park alone today..I may also get unchanged and changed again due to the heat, hope no one sees me, that would be s*** [sic].

Fellow MIC co-star Binky shared his views and tweeted later: 'Cringing enormously right now. When do you plank whilst on the phone??'

Alex confirmed that his relationship with Nicola was over when he joined the cast aboard MailOnline's yacht in Cannes, last month, it follows accusations that he was unfaithful.

Flirtation: Nicola was seen to touch her hair a lot, which could be a sign that she's nervous

Having a laugh: They both seemed to enjoy their conversation, throughout
She's rightfully proud of her swimwear range.

And Imogen Thomas, 33, looked to be relishing wearing one of her designs as she chilled out on a white sandy beach in Ibiza, on Thursday.

The former Big Brother contestant flashed a bright smile for an Instagram snap as she sipped from a fresh coconut.

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Beach babe: Imogen Thomas, 33, looked to be relishing wearing one of her designs as she chilled out on a white sandy beach in Ibiza, on Thursday

The Welsh beauty wore a sunhat and mirrored green shades as she stood underneath a parasol to escape the blistering sun.

Her brunette locks were tied in a ponytail and were swept over her shoulder. She already looked to have developed a bronze tan.

Imogen wasted no time in hitting the beach, having only arrived hours earlier with her gal pal Emily Jane.

Busty: Imogen wasted no time in hitting the beach having only arrived hours earlier with her gal pal Emily Jane

She shared a very busty selfie with her friend in which she pouted up a storm.

The beauty wrote: 'We've arrived  @emilyjane3333 #ibizababy bikini @chasingsummeruk.

While her second snap was accompanied by: 'The dream......just what I need on a Thursday wearing everything @chasingsummeruk '

The model recently holidayed in Monaco following a health scare for her youngest daughter Siera.

Imogen, who also raises Ariana Siena with her long-term partner Adam Horsley, was terrified when Siera was admitted to Chelsea and Westminster hospital in London after coming down with Bronchiolitis - an infection of the lower respiratory tract and is common among babies and toddlers under the age of two.

The mother-of-two was full of praise for the NHS's work, describing the care received as 'amazing'.
Claire Sweeney looked incredible when she headed to the theatre to see Rebel Wilson in Guys And Dolls on Wednesday night.

And she wasn't heading to the Phoenix Theatre solo either, as she had a handsome mystery man with her for company.

The former Brookside actress, 45, stood out in a bright orange jumpsuit which complemented her golden tan and cinched in at the waist.

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Vivid: Claire Sweeney, 45, looked incredible when she headed to the theatre to see Rebel Wilson in Guys And Dolls on Wednesday night

She added some further glamour to her look with a pair of summery wedges which had metallic embellishments at the front.

Claire is a big fan of the jumpsuit and has another firm favourite in navy which she often likes to dress in.

She sported shoulder-length locks for the outing and carried a metallic clutch bag in her hand.

Her companion looked dapper in a dark suit with a buttoned down shirt and a pair of brown suede shoes.

Having a laugh: She wasn't heading to the Phoenix Theatre solo either, as she had a handsome mystery man with her for company

The glamorous TV personality looked to be having fun as she sauntered through the night, a beaming smile etched on her face.

Last month Claire revealed on Loose Women that she has been suffering from incontinence since becoming a mother to her son Jaxon, 18 months ago.

She made the revelation after the panel talked about post-baby bodies, explaining: 'People think about fat and wobbles, but what about when you pee yourself all the time? Everytime I laugh, cough or sneeze... Tena Lady are my best friend now. No one talks about it.'

Claire, who became a household name after starring as the role of Lindsey Corkhill in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, has carved out a successful career for herself in the West End.

She has split from Jaxon's father Daniel Reilly, but the pair remain good friends.
She's used to living it up in the sun-soaked climes of California.

So it was little surprise to see that Caitlyn Jenner was a little less than impressed when she touched down in grey and dreary London on Thursday.

Arriving at Heathrow airport, the 66-year-old reality star and head of the Jenner clan appeared to be in a rather cantankerous mood as she made her way through arrivals.

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Not a fan of the weather? Caitlyn Jenner appeared to be a little less than impressed when she touched down in grey and dreary London on Thursday

Having jetted out of a sunny and balmy Los Angeles, the reality TV veteran looked less than impressed as she emerged to find grey skies looming over the British capital.

The I Am Cait Star and former Olympian is no stranger to jet-setting around the globe, and it seemed that Caitlyn had opted to go for comfort over high fashion stylings.

Keeping things relaxed, the star - formerly known as Bruce before gender reassignment - opted for a simple white vest top which she teamed with a longline, two-tone cardigan.

Not impressed: Arriving at Heathrow airport, the 66-year-old reality star and head of the Jenner clan appeared to be in a rather cantankerous mood as she made her way through arrivals

A face like thunder: Having jetted out of a sunny and balmy Los Angeles, the reality TV veteran looked less than impressed as she emerged to find grey skies looming over the British capital

She teamed her knitwear and top with a pair of flared jeans, before rounding her look off with some nutmeg peeptoe sandals.

Caitlyn kept her look simple and relatively uncluttered, only choosing to accessorise with a few necklaces, a funky white belt and a complementary white handbag.

Wearing her long lustrous, sun-kissed mane loose and in gentle waves down past her shoulders, the reality star allowed her locks frame her famous features.

Keeping it casual: The I Am Cait Star and former Olympian is no stranger to jet-setting around the globe, and it seemed that Caitlyn had opted to go for comfort over high fashion stylings

Travelling in comfort: Keeping things relaxed, the star - formerly known as Bruce before gender reassignment - opted for a simple white vest top which she teamed with a longline, two-tone cardigan

Strolling through the airport on her own, Kendall and Kylie Jenner's father couldn't appear to raise her spirits - despite her transatlantic jaunt.

Heading to the arrivals terminal the star pulled along her own bag as she glided past a rather excited fan, who attempted to snap a selfie with her.

Earlier this Summer Caitlyn spoke out about her much-publicised decision to transition from male to female, explaining she felt as if the world was watching her 'every step'.

Breezy: She teamed her knitwear and top with a pair of flared jeans, before rounding her look off with some nutmeg peeptoe sandals

Practical travelling: Caitlyn kept her look simple and relatively uncluttered, only choosing to accessorise with a few necklaces, a funky white belt and a complementary white handbag

No thank you: Heading to the arrivals terminal the star pulled along her own bag as she glided past a rather excited fan, who attempted to snap a selfie with her

'I felt like I couldn't do it alone, or with the entire world watching my every step. I fought to belong, and for my right to be different. I felt trapped by my body and by what others expected of me.'

She continued: 'I had to find strength within me that I didn't know I had. I questioned whether it was really worth it, nothing came easy.But nothing truly important ever does.

'To keep going no matter what the obstacles is, is what victory looks like.'
Jimmy Kimmel officially owes The Bachelorette's Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth $1K for betting they'd break up within a year of their televised engagement.

'Does this mean jimmy owes US?' the 31-year-old spin instructor asked on social media Wednesday.

Her 29-year-old fiance continued: 'Double or nothing @jimmykimmel?'

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Jimmy Kimmel officially owes The Bachelorette's Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth $1K for betting they'd break up within a year of their televised engagement

The 31-year-old spin instructor asked 'Does this mean jimmy owes US?' on social media Wednesday, and her 29-year-old fiance continued: 'Double or nothing @jimmykimmel?'

The 48-year-old Emmy-winning host has yet to respond to the ultra-fit reality stars, whom he made swear to remain together on a stack of Us Weekly magazines.

'We, Kaitlyn and Shawn B., do solemnly swear that we are in love, that we will get married or we will at least be together one year from today,' Kaitlyn and Shawn pledged in unison on the July 27, 2015 episode.

'Because if we're not, this was a huge waste of everybody's time, including ourselves. If we are not still in a committed relationship on July 27, 2016, we will pay Jimmy Kimmel $1K.'

Hours earlier, fans had watched as the Canadian-born blogger accepted the Connecticut-born personal trainer's proposal on the show's July 27 finale.

'Repeat after me': The 48-year-old Emmy-winning host has yet to respond to the ultra-fit reality stars, whom he made swear to remain together on a stack of Us Weekly magazines

Kaitlyn and Shawn pledged in unison on the July 27, 2015 episode: 'If we are not still in a committed relationship on July 27, 2016, we will pay Jimmy Kimmel $1K'

She said yes! Hours earlier, fans had watched as the Canadian-born blogger accepted the Connecticut-born personal trainer's proposal on the show's July 27 finale

'The Boothstowes': Bristowe - who placed third on ABC's The Bachelor - only knew Booth for 10 weeks before he got down on one knee

Bristowe - who placed third on ABC's The Bachelor - only knew Booth for 10 weeks before he got down on one knee.

Odds were against the the co-habitating Nashville couple since out of of the 30 betrothed duos from The Bachelor/The Bachelorette franchise, only six have remained together.

'We're living together, we're enjoying being engaged. When we start to plan, we'll let everybody know!' Kaitlyn told People in February.

You should see us rollerblade ... @kaitlynbristowe : Ridin' by Chamillionaire A video posted by Shawn Booth (@shawn_booth18) on Jul 25, 2016 at 3:44pm PDT

Mount Rushmore sightseeing: Odds were against the the co-habitating Nashville couple since out of of the 30 betrothed duos from The Bachelor/The Bachelorette franchise, only six have remained together

Kaitlyn told People in February: 'We're living together, we're enjoying being engaged. When we start to plan, we'll let everybody know!'

Her 6ft2in beau added: 'The pressure [to wed] doesn't get to us at all...We're both normal people and the most normal thing we can do is wait.'

This Sunday, fans can catch Bristowe and other Bachelor/Bachelorette contestants competing on ABC's Celebrity Family Feud hosted by Steve Harvey.

Meanwhile, Shawn keeps busy filming adverts and running Healthy Meal Plans as owner and founder.

'Girls vs the boys!' This Sunday, fans can catch Bristowe and other Bachelor/Bachelorette contestants competing on ABC's Celebrity Family Feud hosted by Steve Harvey
She's had well documented battle with Lyme disease.

But it seems Yolanda Hadid may be on the up and up, as she shared a photo on Instagram on Thursday from a recent photo shoot with Jim Jordan.

'Little rusted but slowly getting back in action,' the former model shared, seemingly announcing her return to the business.

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Back to her passions: Yolanda Hadid shared a photo from a recent shoot with photographer Jim Jordan on Thursday, returning to modeling after an ongoing battle with Lyme disease

The stunning photo featured Yolanda flashing a coy smile as she sat with her legs crossed on a white chair.

The Dutch American beauty wore a skintight, cream-colored corset, keeping her make-up natural and opting for no accessories.

Her blonde tresses fell across her face as she stared down the camera in the sultry shot, taken in front of a white background.

She gave a shout out to photographer Jim in the caption, as well as gushing: 'thank you @mrchrismcmillan for my new Goldie locks........ #Grateful #Blessed #GoodDay.'

A little tease: About a week earlier Yolanda had shared this snap of her legs as she modeled a glittery pair of Stuart Weitzman heels

Almost a week earlier Yolanda had teased the shoot as well, sharing a photo of her legs as her hands reached for the straps of a pair of sparkly, gold Stuart Weitzman heels.

She was dressed in a long-sleeved, shimmery gold gown, with slits up the thighs that showed off the reality star's toned pins.

The pictures come after the mother-of-three - models Gigi, 21, Bella, 19, and Anwar Hadid, 17 - had announced that she would not be returning to Bravo's The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Nothing but praise: The photographer sweetly shared this snap, gushing: 'Had a great day shooting my friend and blonde bombshell @yolanda.hadid'

She also recently shared that she will be publishing a book about her condition, which is set to hit shelves in February of 2017.

The book, which will detail her life since her 2012 diagnosis, will be called: Believe Me: My Battle With the Invisibility of Lyme Disease.

In her quest to find a cure, Yolanda has tried a Stem Cell transplant, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Chelation therapy, colon hydrotherapy, and RHP Ozone therapy in Tijuana, most of which she has documented on social media.

Throwback: Yolanda had previously gained fame for her modeling, pictured here in Australian Vogue in 1986

The return to modeling also comes after Yolanda's split from husband David Foster, to whom she had been married for four years.

The couple - who had been together for a total of nine years - had revealed the split in a statement to People, saying: 'We are grateful for the years we've spent together and believe wholeheartedly that we did our best.'

'I hope that we can pave the road ahead of us with all we've learned and with the love and respect we will always have for one another.'
Dog The Bounty Hunter's Beth Chapman has confirmed she will not be taking part in Celebrity Big Brother.

Just hours before she was due to enter the house on Thursday, the 49-year-old reality star and bondsman took to her Twitter account to confirm that she would not be entering the house.

Retweeting a score of messages from fans bemoaning the show's loss, Beth broke her silence on the matter posting a crying emoji before writing she 'was packed and ready to go' into the house.

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Out before it's even started! Dog The Bounty Hunter's Beth Chapman has confirmed she will not be taking part in Celebrity Big Brother

Sharing her sadness at the decision, the wife of Duane 'Dog' Chapman retweeted a series of messages from fans bemoaning the fact she'd been axed just hours before entering the house.

But following rumours that she had been dropped by the show over visa issues due to her alleged criminal record, Beth took to her official Twitter account to shed some light on the matter.

When one fan tweeted that she'd been dropped from the show due to convictions, Beth hit back, replying: 'I have no criminal record Lots of arrests zero convictions [sic]!'

'Was packed & ready': Just hours before she was due to enter the house, on Thursday, the 49-year-old reality star and bondsman took to her Twitter account to confirm that she would not be entering the house

One star down: Retweeting a score of messages from fans bemoaning the show's loss, Beth broke her silence on the matter posting a crying emoji before writing she 'was packed and ready to go' into the house

However, she maintained her absence from the launch was not down to show bosses, as she responded to one tweet, saying: 'They were lovely it was not their fault [sic].'

But showing her magnanimous side, Beth confirmed all of the rumours whilst bowing out of the show gracefully, writing: 'Was packed & Ready #CBB Good luck tonight wishing you all well @AubreyODay @reneegrazianno missing you already [sic].'

Beth was one of the biggest US stars lined up for this summer's CBB and her rumoured appearance on the show had sparked much interest in the public.

Sad times: Sharing her sadness at the decision, the wife of Duane 'Dog' Chapman retweeted a series of messages from fans bemoaning the fact she'd been axed just hours before entering the house

'Zero convictions': Following rumours that she had been dropped by the show over visa issues due to her alleged criminal record, Beth took to her official Twitter account to shed some light on the matter

'It was not their fault': Sharing her sadness at the decision, the wife of Duane 'Dog' Chapman retweeted a series of messages from fans bemoaning the fact she'd been axed just hours before entering the house

Earlier on ThursdayThe Sun broke the news that Beth had been pulled from the line-up as she was 'denied a visa to the UK due to her historical criminal record'.

The website alleged that 'Beths criminal record dates back to late Eighties when she was jailed for shoplifting some lemons', along with an incident in Colorado, in 2013, when a warrant 'was issued for her arrest' .

But contradicting the article twice during her Twitter spree Beth vehemently denied she had a criminal record, and exasperatedly wrote: 'I have no convictions!' followed by another crying emoji.

When contacted by MailOnline, a representative of Channel 5 declined to comment on the matter.
Keira Maguire reprised her role as the 'villain' on The Bachelor's second episode on Thursday night.

The 29-year-old's snarky comments about her fellow bachelorettes and her confrontation with Alex Nation earned her the title of 'mean girl' on social media.

'Keira is the worst. Not even TV villain bad but just an awful mean-spirited human being,' one fan tweeted during the show.

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'Mean girl': Keira Maguire has been slammed by Bachelor fans on Twitter for her continuous negative comments

Another commented: 'The promos scare me because Keira is a bully and a total mean girl #TheBachelorAU why does she get a single date and a rose & just no no no.'

While most pegged Keira as being portrayed a villain by the show's clever editing, others pointed out her unsavoury comments were indicative of her negative traits.

'I don't even think they needed to edit Keira to be the villain. I think she's just mean,' wrote one fan.

Ouch: Another fan wrote: 'Keira is the worst. Not even TV villain bad but just an awful mean-spirited human being'

Comes naturally: One viewer pointed out the mean comments from Keira weren't just a result of clever editing

Concerned: One fan wrote: 'The promos scare me because Keira is a bully and a total mean girl #TheBachelorAU why does she get a single date and a rose & just no no no'

Another viewer tweeted: 'Keira is the best at being the worst.'

'Keira was clearly the mean girl in high school,' one person added while another wrote: 'God damn Keira, why so salty?'

Tensions came to boiling point when the Lara Bingle lookalike lashed out at single mother Alex, who chose to use the white rose given to her by Richie on the first night to spend alone time with him.

Called out: One fan was unimpressed with Keira's personality, sharing during the show: 'Keira is the best at being the worst'

Cheer up: One fan was curious as to why Keira was persistently 'salty'

Alex's decision to use her rose on the second night of the series brought on mixed emotions from the other women, with some understanding her choice, and others condemning it.

Leading the negative reaction back in the living room was outspoken Keira, who decided to confront Alex as soon as she returned to the group of girls following her alone time with Richie.

'I'm a little bit surprised that you did that tonight,' she said blatantly, to which Alex replied: 'Why?'

Confrontation: Keira was clearly unimpressed at the appearance of the rose, telling Alex: 'I'm a little bit surprised that you did that tonight'

Unattractive: Keira's confrontation of Alex didn't portray her in a good light, with one fan writing: 'Get over it! Jealousy is a curse and it is an extremely ugly trait in a person'

'Babe, come on, seriously,' Keira began.

'You know that time is of essence tonight. You disappointed me,' the 29-year-old said.

Keira's persistent pushing of Alex continued to annoy fans, with one writing: 'Keira needs to put a cork in it. Get over it! Jealousy is a curse and it is an extremely ugly trait in a person.'

Radio and television personality Chrissie Swan made it clear she's not a fan of Keira, writing: 'Keira is like Disgust from Inside Out.'

Weighing: The Bachelorette winner Sasha weighed in on the Keira debate

Not happy: Chrissie Swan also added her disgust for the blonde star

Bachelorette winner Sasha Milczarek also weighed in with a sarcastic comment: 'I think Keira nearly smiled. No wait, false start! Still miserable...I meant clear favourite!'

But some fans of the show were sympathetic towards the blonde, pointing out that her nasty comments may just be a coping mechanism for deeper insecurities.

'Reflecting on tonight's #BachelorAU. I feel sorry for #Keira a little bc her bitchiness & ego front is clearly covering low self confidence,' one person wrote.

Feeling sorry: One fan felt sympathetic towards Keira and pointed out that her nasty comments may just be a coping mechanism for deeper insecurities
She appears to be thoroughly enjoying her newly-single status following her break-up with on/off boyfriend Alex Mytton.

And Nicola Hughes appeared to be ready for another fun night out as she arrived at the London Lifestyle Awards shortlist announcement and book launch party, on Thursday evening.

But while she cut a suitably stylish figure as she arrived at the Cuckoo Club, thanks to her biker-chick chic ensemble, the 26-year-old also managed to inadvertently showcase a fake tanning fail.

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Single and ready to mingle: Nicola Hughes appeared to be ready for another fun night out as she arrived at the London Lifestyle Awards shortlist announcement and book launch party, on Thursday evening

Sashaying up to the entrance of the luxurious venue, deep in the hear of the capital, the Made In Chelsea star looked to be in very high spirits - flashing a winning smile at various onlookers.

But while she certainly gave the likes of Kim Melville-Smith a run for her money in the style stakes, the reality star appeared to have had some problems applying her fake tan.

With her feet prominently displayed, thanks to her choice in rolled-up jeans and towering camel heels, Nicola's two-tone feet were thrust firmly into the limelight.

Appearing to have topped up her golden glow ahead of the event, it seemed that Nicola managed to miss out sections of skin on her feet - leaving the blonde beauty with some pale contrasting patches.

Missed a spot? But while she cut a suitably stylish figure as she arrived at the Cuckoo Club, thanks to her biker-chick chic ensemble, the 26-year-old also managed to inadvertently showcase a fake tanning fail.

Two tone: With her feet prominently displayed, thanks to her choice in rolled-up jeans and towering camel heels, Nicola's two-tone feet were thrust firmly into the limelight

But despite the tanning mishap Nicola still cut a fashionable figure as she arrived at the star-studded event, owning a hip biker-chick look.

Throwing on a black leather jacket and a small, torso-flashing crop-top (also in black), the Dublin-born beauty exuded a relaxed air whilst remaining fashionably on-point.

And adding some retro flair to her look, she slipped her lithe legs into a pair of denim boyfriend jeans which featured shredded and ripped section, as well as turn-up legs.

Rounding her look off with a pair of camel stilettos, Nicola added some height to her petite frame.

Going Hell for leather: Throwing on a black leather jacket and a small, torso-flashing crop-top (also in black), the Dublin-born beauty exuded a relaxed air whilst remaining fashionably on-point

Wearing her long blonde locks arrow-straight down past her shoulders, the E4 star let her tresses frame her striking features.

Opting for a bronzed palette of make-up, Nicola defined her eye with a flash of mascara, whilst she drew the eye to her lip with flash of lilac lipstick.

Newly-single Nicola will no doubt be hoping to mend her broken heart, after things turned nasty with ex-boyfriend Alex.

Daring in denim: Adding some retro flair to her look, she slipped her lithe legs into a pair of denim boyfriend jeans which featured shredded and ripped section, as well as turn-up legs

Just last week, Alex - along with his ex-girlfriend Binky Felstead - used their well-followed social media platforms to poke fun at Nicola.

After MailOnline published pictures of Nicola sizzling during the heatwave in her local park where she stripped down to a tiny khaki bikini top and scarlet bottoms.

But it didn't go down too well with her ex Alex, who took to social media to throw major shade in a tweet that has since been deleted.

He playfully wrote: Guys I may go to the park alone today..I may also get unchanged and changed again due to the heat, hope no one sees me, that would be s*** [sic].

Fellow MIC co-star Binky shared his views and tweeted later: 'Cringing enormously right now. When do you plank whilst on the phone??'

Alex confirmed that his relationship with Nicola was over when he joined the cast aboard MailOnline's yacht in Cannes, last month, it follows accusations that he was unfaithful.
Reagan's would-be assassin to be released after 35 years

John Hinckley, who tried to assassinate president Ronald Reagan 35 years ago, is to be freed from a psychiatric hospital to live full-time with his mother, a federal judge ordered Wednesday.

Hinckley, who was declared not guilty of the attempted assassination on grounds of insanity, said after shooting the president outside a Washington hotel that he wanted to kill Reagan to impress the actor Jodie Foster, with whom he became obsessed after viewing the film "Taxi Driver."

The court order places dozens of detailed conditions on Hinckley's "full-time convalescent leave" from St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, including a ban on contact with Foster, but said they can be phased out after a year to 18 months if he continues to make progress.

Picture taken in front of the White House of John Hinckley who attempted to assassinate US President Ronald Reagan in 1981

US District Judge Paul Friedman wrote that Hinckley, 61, no longer poses a threat to himself or others.

He will be freed as soon as August 5 to live with his 90-year-old mother in her gated community in Williamsburg, Virginia.

"Contrary to the judge's decision, we believe John Hinckley is still a threat to others and we strongly oppose his release," the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said in a statement.

The attack badly wounded three other men, including Reagan press secretary James Brady.

Following a two-month trial in 1982, a federal jury found Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity. The widely criticized verdict led many states to tighten the laws on insanity defenses.

Since the 1990s, Hinckley has been permitted gradually longer supervised home visits with his mother, lately lasting up to 17 days. Secret Service agents have tracked him during each such foray.

- Reagan family opposition -

Members of Reagan's family have consistently opposed Hinckley's release. Daughter Patti Reagan Davis wrote on her website in 2015 that "I hope the doctors are right when they say that John Hinckley isn't a danger to anyone, but something in me feels they are wrong."

One thing troubling her, she said, was that while at St. Elizabeths, Hinckley had written to the mass murderers Ted Bundy and Charles Manson.

But Hinckley attorney Barry Levine has argued since 2003 that evaluations by the hospital's officials showed that he no longer posed any threat.

The attempt on Reagan's life sparked intense debate over gun violence and the treatment of the mentally ill. Brady, though left paralyzed, became a leading gun-control advocate.

A medical examiner attributed Brady's death in 2014 to the injuries received 33 years earlier, but no additional charges were filed against Hinckley.

The 1981 attack also badly wounded US Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy and local police officer Thomas Delahanty.

The conditions on Hinckley's release include a ban on contact with survivors of any of the victims, as well as with Foster.

Hinckley must remain within 50 miles of his mother's home, and cannot travel to any area where a current or former president, vice president or member of Congress is known to be.

He must return to St. Elizabeths for monthly monitoring and must notify the Secret Service in advance about his intended route of travel.

He cannot post any writings or memorabilia on the internet or display them in person without authorization.

The detailed conditions even include a requirement for monthly music therapy sessions with a board-certified music therapist.

St. Elizabeths, Hinckley's home for most of the past 35 years, opened in 1855, the first federally run psychiatric hospital. Though it once housed as many as 8,000 patients -- many of them indigent -- the aging facility is being phased out and now holds only a few hundred.
Syrian suicide bomber in Germany 'in chat' just before attack

A Syrian with suspected links to the Islamic State group who blew himself up outside a German music festival was in contact with another person "who influenced the attack" immediately beforehand, authorities said Wednesday.

The 27-year-old failed asylum seeker, who wounded 15 people at a nearby cafe late Sunday when he was refused access to the festival venue, had been speaking to an unknown person in an "intensive" online chat, Bavaria state interior minister Joachim Herrmann said.

"Apparently he had direct contact with someone who had significant influence on the way the attack played out," Herrmann said on the sidelines of a state government meeting.

A sign reads "You don't get my hate" in Ansbach on July 26, 2016, days after a Syrian asylum seeker blew himself up outside a music festival in the city Daniel Karmann (dpa/AFP/File)

"The chat ended immediately before the attack."

Herrmann said it was not immediately clear whether the unknown person had contact with IS jihadists, where the chat participant was, or how long the two had been in contact.

The minister revealed on Monday that the attacker had made a video pledging allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi that was found on his smartphone.

IS later said via the jihadist-linked Amaq news agency that the attacker "was a soldier of the Islamic State".

The assailant also had longstanding links to Al-Qaeda, the IS online weekly Al-Naba said Wednesday.

Originally from the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, he joined Al-Qaeda in Iraq before returning to his country to try to infiltrate the intelligence services of President Bashar al-Assad.

When war broke out in 2011, he formed an armed cell to launch roadside bomb attacks on regime forces and later joined Al-Nusra Front, the Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.

He was wounded in Aleppo and left the country for treatment in Europe, where he followed the actions of IS in Syria and Iraq while planning a large-scale attack of his own in Germany, Al-Naba said.

According to German authorities, the assailant travelled to Germany two years ago but had his asylum claim rejected after a year because he had already been granted refugee status in Bulgaria.

He had tried to kill himself twice in the past and had spent time in a psychiatric clinic, authorities said.

Herrmann said that the attacker had large amounts of cash on him and stashed in his room -- unusual for an asylum seeker.

- Mosque raid -

Meanwhile, a psychological evaluation of the assailant written in 2015 found that it was possible that he would commit "suicide in a spectacular way", noting that after the death of his wife and six-month-old son he had "nothing left to lose".

It was not clear when or how his family members died.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) confirmed the written assessment, first reported by the daily Bild, and said that he had at first not been deported because of his acute mental instability.

But after he did not respond to official requests for information, the BAMF ordered him to leave Germany this month.

Germany was already reeling after nine people were killed in a shopping centre shooting spree in Munich on Friday and four passengers on a train and a passer-by were wounded in an axe attack in Wuerzburg on July 18.

IS also claimed the axe rampage.

All three brutal incidents were in Bavaria, the southern state which has been a portal for scores of thousands of refugees under Chancellor Angela Merkel's liberal asylum policy.

In northern Germany, police on Wednesday raided a mosque in the town of Hildesheim, seen as a meeting point for radical Islamists, Lower Saxony state said in a statement cited by German news agency DPA.

Officials also raided the apartments of eight members of the German Islam Conference (DIK) association that ran the mosque, the statement said.

"The DIK is a hotbed of radical Salafism," the state's interior minister Boris Pistorius said, referring to an ultra-conservative movement of Sunni Islam.

During prayers and seminars held at the mosque, calls for "hate against the disbelievers" had been made, Pistorius said.

Germany's spate of attacks Simon MALFATTO, Iris ROYER DE VERICOURT (AFP)
US prosecutors drop all charges in Freddie Gray death

US prosecutors on Wednesday dropped all remaining charges against police in the death of Freddie Gray, an African American whose fatal injury in custody provoked riots in Baltimore, ending the high-profile case without any convictions.

The lead prosecutor defended efforts to convict six officers on charges ranging from second degree murder to reckless endangerment, but said "reluctance and obvious bias" from individual police officers had undermined the case, making it probable that the three remaining trials would end in acquittal.

The decision from Baltimore's state prosecutor now makes it unlikely that anyone will be punished for what was one of the most inflammatory deaths of unarmed black men blamed on police, fueling a nationwide protest movement.

Baltimore state's attorney drops all remaining charges against police in the death of Freddie Gray Mark Makela (Getty/AFP/File)

"We do not believe that Freddie Gray killed himself," said state prosecutor Marilyn Mosby. "We stand by the medical examiner's determination that Freddie Gray's death was a homicide."

The 25-year-old suffered a severed spine while being transported in the back of a police van, unsecured and with his hands and feet bound, after being arrested on April 12, 2015 while fleeing police.

He died a week later. Police said his death was an accident.

Despite murder, assault, manslaughter and endangerment charges, three officers were acquitted by a judge. A fourth case had initially ended in a hung jury and further scheduled trials will now not happen.

Police investigating other cops was problematic and while the Baltimore police chief had been "extremely accommodating," Mosby said individual detectives had been "uncooperative" and sought to disprove the state's case.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump -- who has made the defense of the police and armed forces a core part of his campaign -- welcomed the decision to drop charges, and lashed out at Mosby.

"I think she ought to prosecute herself," he said. "I think it was disgraceful what she did, and the way she did it and the news conference that she had where they were guilty before anybody even knew the facts."

- Need for reform -

While Mosby said prosecutors had presented "a great deal of evidence" and expressed disappointment with the previous verdicts, she said police reforms would safeguard against anyone else coming else to the same fate.

"In spite of the fact that the verdicts didn't go in our favor, there have been many gains throughout this journey to ensure that what happened to Freddie Gray never happens to another person," she added.

Reforms require Baltimore officers to wear body cameras, use seatbelts when transporting detainees, install cameras in police wagons and make it mandatory for officers to call a medic when requested, she said.

"Every battle, every hurdle, every obstacle that we've overcome since the pursuit of these cases has brought us one step closer to equality," she said.

"This system is in need of reform," she said. "We will fight for a fair and equitable justice system for all so that whatever happened to Freddie Gray never happens to another person in this community again."

Officer Garrett Miller had been the next to face trial for assault, misconduct and endangerment when the charges were dropped in a hearing on Wednesday.

The development comes with the United States reeling from a series of new deaths of black men at the hands of police, as well as reprisal killings of police.

Five officers were shot dead in Dallas on July 7 and three others were killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on July 17.

The Louisiana shooting, by a black Iraq veteran, took place in a city scarred by racial tensions and protests after the July 5 death of Alton Sterling, a black man shot at point-blank range by two white Baton Rouge police officers.

London-based Amnesty International called on Baltimore police to exercise restraint during protests, which erupted after Gray's death last year.

"In too many cases, state laws governing the use of lethal force are overly broad and unclear," the rights organization said at the time.

"There must be a statewide review of police policies to ensure that cases like Freddie Gray's will not be repeated."

Baltimore, Maryland police officers, top row from left, Caesar R. Goodson Jr., Garrett E. Miller and Edward M. Nero, and bottom row from left, William G. Porter, Brian W. Rice and Alicia D. White

A woman walks past a mural of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Maryland Mark Makela (Getty/AFP/File)
WTO head says won't take Trump pullout bait

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Wednesday he would not get involved in a slanging match with Donald Trump after the US presidential candidate suggested withdrawing from the WTO.

Trump, having earlier threatened to renegotiate or rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement, told NBC on Sunday that if he takes the White House he might "renegotiate or pull out" of trade deals if the WTO challenges his policies.

Republican Trump added that "These trade deals are a disaster ... (the) World Trade Organization is a disaster," insisting he would not let the WTO override his plans to impose punitive taxes on firms which shift production offshore.

"Everybody knows what I think of the WTO and its importance for international trade and job creation," the organisation's director-general Roberto Azevedo said Daniel Leal-Olivas (AFP/File)

But the WTO's director general Roberto Azevedo said he would not rise to the bait.

"I do not intend to open a discussion on this subject -- as I am not a (presidential) candidate," Azevedo told a news conference in Geneva.

"Everybody knows what I think of the WTO and its importance for international trade and job creation," the Brazilian added, saying he would put himself forward for a second term at the head of the body after his first ends in September next year.

In May, Trump raised eyebrows when he slammed China on trade, blaming the Asian behemoth for weakening the US economy and taking American jobs.

"We can't continue to allow China to rape our country, and that's what we're doing, Trump told a campaign rally, insisting that the United States had "a lot of power with China."

In May, Donald Trump raised eyebrows when he slammed China on trade, blaming the Asian behemoth for weakening the US economy and taking American jobscompanies and consumers
Coalition to formally investigate recent civilian deaths in Syria

The international coalition fighting the Islamic State group has opened a formal investigation to determine whether its air strikes last week near the Syrian city of Manbij claimed civilian lives, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The main Syrian opposition group had urged the US-led coalition to suspend its bombardments following the July 19 strikes, which a rights-monitoring group and local residents said had killed dozens of civilians.

After examining "internal and external information," the coalition determined that there was sufficient credible evidence of civilian victims to open a formal inquiry, said spokesman Colonel Chris Garver.

A member of the US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters walks past destroyed buildings as they advance into the Islamic State jihadist's group bastion of Manbij, in northern Syria, on June 23, 2016 Delil Souleiman (AFP/File)

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 56 civilians, including 11 children, died as they fled from a village near Manbij, a strategic waypoint between Turkey and the jihadist stronghold of Raqa.

A death toll of that magnitude would appear to be the worst in nearly two years of coalition air strikes against IS targets.

Garver said Wednesday that death estimates from residents near Manbij ranged from a low of "10 to 15" to a high of 73.

Garver had earlier accused the Islamic State of using civilians as "human shields."

Coalition officials often say theirs is the most precise air campaign in history.

Nearly all coalition air strikes use guided munitions, involving laser or GPS systems, or else missiles. Targets are often viewed at length using surveillance drones before the order to attack is issued.

After the Manbij bombardment, Amnesty International urged the coalition to redouble its efforts to prevent civilian deaths and to investigate possible violations of international humanitarian law.

The London-based nongovernmental organization Airwars has estimated that the roughly 14,000 coalition bombing attacks since August 2014 have claimed at least 1,513 civilian lives.

The coalition has officially acknowledged only a few dozen civilian victims.

After the air strikes of July 19, the main Syrian opposition group, the Istanbul-based National Coalition, called on the US-led forces to suspend bombardments.

The group's president, Anas al-Abdeh, said civilian casualties could heighten a sense of desperation among Syrians and provide a recruiting tool for extremist groups like IS.

Garver said last week that the jihadists had been mounting exceptionally fierce resistance in Manbij.
Trump encourages Russia to hack Clinton emails

Donald Trump sensationally challenged Russia on Wednesday to hack into Hillary Clinton's emails as a furious Democratic campaign accused the Republican nominee of inviting foreign spies to meddle in the US presidential election.

At a sweeping news conference, the New York billionaire tried to undermine his White House rival, astonishingly implied that Vladimir Putin used a racial slur against President Barack Obama and promised a heyday of US-Russian relations under a Trump presidency.

His remarks provoked outrage from the Clinton campaign and left some Republicans wincing as his running mate hurriedly clarified that the party was not soft on Moscow and Trump tried to roll back his remarks.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds a press conference at Trump National Doral on July 27, 2016 Gustavo Caballero (Getty/AFP)

Attacking Clinton as she prepares to accept her party's formal nomination, Trump turned his guns on a previous email scandal dating back to her time as secretary of state and more than 30,000 emails deleted on grounds of being personal and not related to her job.

"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press," Trump said.

The Clinton camp responded immediately and furiously.

"This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent," Clinton's senior policy advisor Jake Sullivan said.

"This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue."

- Emails, emails, emails -

While the FBI declined to recommend charges against Clinton over the email scandal, its conclusion that she was "extremely careless" with classified information has seen the Democrat lose her polling advantage to Trump.

The row spotlights deep US distrust of Russia, fueling yet another day of headlines about whether Russian agents may have hacked into Democratic Party emails which, once leaked, hugely embarrassed the Clinton campaign.

Those emails leaked by WikiLeaks showed the extent to which party leaders sought to undermine Clinton's rival Bernie Sanders, even questioning his religious faith, and forced the Democratic National Committee chair to resign.

The Clinton team blamed that leak on Moscow and accused Russia of conniving to get Trump elected. Obama also gave an interview refusing to rule out that Russia was trying to pull strings.

- 'Nothing to do with Russia' -

Trump has frequently voiced admiration for Putin, who has been in power for 17 years as president or prime minister and refuses to grant unconditional support for NATO allies in the Baltic should they face hostile acts.

Moscow "probably isn't" behind the Democratic National Committee email hack, said Trump, who is yet to receive his first government intelligence briefing.

"I have nothing to do with Russia," he insisted.

Almost before Trump left the building, his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, sought to clarify that the Republican ticket was not in cahoots with Moscow, and attempted to shift the focus back to attacking the Democrats.

"If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences," he said.

"The American people now have absolute and further proof of the corruption that exists around Hillary Clinton. It should disqualify her from office."

- Kremlin denies -

Trump tweeted: "If Russia or any other country or person has Hillary Clinton's 33,000 illegally deleted emails, perhaps they should share them with the FBI!"

The Kremlin denies interfering in the US election.

"Russia has never interfered and does not interfere in internal affairs, especially in the electoral processes of other countries," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.

Trump meanwhile said the Russian leader has no respect for Clinton or Obama.

"I think he does respect me," the real estate tycoon said, hinting that the Russian leader had used America's most charged racial slur against Obama.

"He mentioned the N word one time. I was shocked to hear him mention the N word," he said. "A total lack of respect for President Obama."

Trump spearheaded the so-called birther movement, which undermined America's first black president by claiming that he was not born in the United Sates.

"I would treat Vladimir Putin firmly," said the Republican nominee, adding that he would rather have a friendly Russia to "knock out ISIS together," referring to the Islamic State extremist group, which controls territory in Iraq and Syria.

People march protesting the DNC email scandal on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Patrick T. Fallon (AFP/File)

Bud Conlin holds a sign outside the Trump Doral National hotel and Spa in Miami, Florida on July 26, 2016 where Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump held a fundraiser Gaston De Cardenas (AFP)
Gang rapes 'committed by Burundi ruling party youth wing'

Young supporters of Burundi's ruling CNDD-FDD party have raped women with perceived links to political opponents ever since unrest began to flare there in 2015, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday.

The party's "Imbonerakure" youth wing -- whose name means "The Watchmen" -- has long been accused of using barbaric methods to achieve political ends on behalf of President Pierre Nkurunziza's regime.

"Attackers from Burundi's ruling party youth league tied up, brutally beat, and gang-raped women, often with their children nearby," said Skye Wheeler, women's rights emergencies researcher at Human Rights Watch.

A protester opposed to the Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza's third term is snatched by members of the 'Imbonerakure', the youth wing of the ruling party, in Bujumbura on May 25, 2015 Carl De Souza (AFP/File)

"Many of the women have suffered long-term physical and psychological consequences," Wheeler added.

Nkurunziza's controversial but ultimately successful bid for a third term last year triggered a deadly crisis that has left more than 500 people dead and driven around 270,000 to leave the country.

Several hundred women have reported rapes since then, according to the UN, with the true figures believed to be much higher.

Willy Nyamitwe, a presidential spokesman, said in a series of tweets that the Human Rights Watch publication was "full of errors" and designed to "demonise" his party's youth wing.

"The Imbonerakure are not a gang of rapists. The stigmatisation of @HRW is dangerous and puts their credibility into question," he posted.

Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 70 rape victims in the Nduta refugee camp in western Tanzania who said they had fled following attacks by Imbonerakure.

Testimony revealed the rapes appeared to be motivated by the women's husbands' political affiliations with opposition groups, who were also harassed, beaten and even killed.

"Men armed with guns, sticks, or knives have raped women during attacks on their homes, most often at night," the rights group said, resulting in unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Victims either recognised Imbonerakure foot soldiers, who often control entire towns and villages, or were told that their partner's support for opposition parties was the reason they had been targeted as they were assaulted.

Some women described being raped close to the Tanzania border by men believed to be Imbonerakure, who then "ordered the victims to return home, or verbally harassed them for attempting to leave."

The UN Security Council is under pressure to take action in Burundi, where the descent into violence has raised fears of mass atrocities, similar to those that convulsed neighbouring Rwanda in 1994.

France has presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council that calls for deploying up to 228 UN police to Burundi to monitor human rights and help quell violence.
Classmate recalls Clinton, politically astute at 20

Many of Hillary Clinton's university classmates have traveled to Philadelphia to witness her historic Democratic presidential nomination, including Nancy Wanderer, who recounts how the candidate caught the political bug at Wellesley in the 1960s.

Clinton was elected student body president at the prestigious all-women's college near Boston in 1968.

In the years since, she has regularly attended class reunions, providing her former classmates a privileged peek into the development of the woman who seeks to make history as the 45th president of the United States.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton acknowledges celebratory cheers from the crowd during her primary night event at the Duggal Greenhouse, Brooklyn Navy Yard, June 7, 2016 in New York Timothy A. Clary (AFP/File)

Wanderer and Clinton spent four years at the school and graduated in 1969. Today, Wanderer is 68 and a professor emerita of law at the University of Maine.

She is also a delegate to this week's Democratic National Convention, where she took questions from AFP.

Q: Was Clinton politically active in her early years at Wellesley?

A: "Yes, she was. She came with a very strong service orientation, that she attributes to her Methodist upbringing. Wellesley's motto, 'Non Ministrari sed Ministrare', means 'Not to be ministered unto but to minister,' and she took it very, very seriously.

"We were all very close to the five African-American students (seeking) to educate the Wellesley admission office and administration about getting more minority students on campus. In those days, they put roommates together by race and religion. That was a really important endeavor and Hillary was really involved in it in a supportive way.

"Her reputation was as very serious -- not humorless, but a serious person who was not there for... fraternity parties and having a lot of drinking."

Q: With the Vietnam war raging, 1968 was a turbulent, even violent, year on many campuses. What was Clinton's political philosophy?

A: "Her brand of politics was pretty close to mine at that time. She wanted to make the world a better place, whether that was Wellesley or the whole world.

"At Wellesley, she wanted to respond to the kinds of complaints that students had about restrictive social rules, or too many required courses.

"She was also very concerned about civil rights. She tutored a black student in Roxbury. That's typical of Hillary: she isn't just going around and complaining about it, she's working in the community.

"She was the one that I think most people imagine standing up at a rally or a protest, and leading it, and speaking and calling on people to speak.

"She was a constructive leader, not a destructive leader... Hillary helped to keep it from being that kind of protest. No taking over of classrooms or blowing up bombs."

Q: How did you see Clinton's public persona evolving over the years since she was the first lady of Arkansas?

A: "Up until Arkansas, everything had gone well. She was just herself, she wore her hair the way she wanted, she wore her glasses, and she called herself Hillary Rodham.

"And then when Bill was elected governor (in 1978), there began to be this criticism of her, every little thing about her. How she looked, the fact that she didn't take her married name.

"I think to help him out for his career... she dyed her hair blonde, she lost a lot of weight, she got contact lenses, she dressed in a much more feminine way.

"Once she got to the White House (in 1993), I think she still wanted to be herself. She got that assignment on health care, she looked more like the old Hillary I knew, she had a job to do.

"But they just walloped her with it. Then they started to go after the two of them with Whitewater, there was Vince Foster (a lawyer and friend who later committed suicide). That's when she began to close down and become very wary of this type of scrutiny.

"I think that's been her biggest problem ever since. She's afraid to just open up and be honest about things, because over the years she's learned that it just gets twisted and turned against her. So her first instinct is to pull back and to not be so open. She's an introvert."

Nancy Wanderer speaks on July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Jerome Cartillier (AFP)

Hillary Clinton, a 1969 graduate of Wellesley College, greets friends in the faculty before joining the academic procession to the commencement exercises where she was the keynote speaker on May 29, 1992 John Mottern (AFP/File)
BHP takes $1.3 bn hit from Brazil mine disaster

Mining giant BHP Billiton Thursday said it will book a charge of between US$1.1 billion and US$1.3 billion over the deadly Samarco dam disaster in Brazil in its upcoming annual results.

The world's largest miner said the provision, along with direct costs of another US$100 million, will be included in the results due on August 16.

It represents BHP's half share of contributions to a clean-up package under an agreement with Brazilian authorities signed in March, after the dam collapse in November killed 19 people and wreaked environmental havoc.

The aftermath of the November accident, which destroyed an entire village and cut off water supplies for tens of thousands in what has been called one of the biggest environmental disasters in Brazil's history Christophe Simon (AFP/File)

Anglo-Australian BHP co-owns the Samarco mine with Brazil's Vale.

"The recognition of the provision demonstrates our support for the long-term recovery of the communities and environment affected by the Samarco tragedy," said BHP chief executive Andrew Mackenzie.

The November accident destroyed an entire village and cut off water supplies for tens of thousands in what has been called one of the biggest environmental disasters in Brazil's history.
Orlando victim's mom brings Democratic convention to tears

The mother of a man killed last month in a mass shooting at a Florida nightclub pleaded for stronger gun laws Wednesday in a moving address to the Democratic National Convention.

Christine Leinonen was among several speakers at this week's confab to offer poignant and pointed remarks about gun violence, which has emerged as a prominent issue on the presidential campaign trail this year in the aftermath of several mass shootings.

But her four-minute speech left many delegates in tears, and earned a rousing response.

Christine Leinonen (C), mother of a victim of the Pulse nightclub attack in Florida, is joined by survivors Brandon Wolf (L) and Jose Arriagada at the Democratic convention Saul Loeb (AFP)

"It takes about five minutes for church bells to ring 49 times," Leinonen told the convention, with two survivors of the shooting at her side holding her.

"I know this because last month, my son Christopher and his boyfriend Juan and 47 others were murdered at a club in Orlando," she went on.

"Christopher was my only child."

Americans have reeled from a string of shootings, including the Orlando massacre -- the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history -- which was carried out by a man authorities say was radicalized online.

In Dallas, Texas, five police officers were killed in a sniper-style attack, while three officers were gunned down in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has pledged to strengthen gun safety laws including expanding background checks for all gun purchases.

Leinonen explained how her son's paternal grandparents "fell in love in a Japanese internment camp."

"It was in his DNA that love always trumps hate," she said, as members of the audience rose to their feet and chanted "Love trumps hate."

"I know common sense gun policies save lives," Leinonen said, her voice breaking as she recalled how as a Michigan state trooper, she appreciated it when the hospital put her gun in a safe when she went into labor.

"I'm glad common sense gun policy was in place the day Christopher was born. But where was that common sense the day he died?" she added.

"I never want you to ask the question about your child. That is why I support Hillary Clinton."

Clinton, who was anointed on Tuesday as the Democratic presidential nominee, swiftly expressed her appreciation.

"Thank you, Christine. We're all standing by your side," she tweeted.

Clinton's Republican White House rival Donald Trump has sought to paint Democrats as soft on crime and national security.

He has warned that Clinton wants to abolish the constitutional right to bear arms.

Former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head in 2011 by a deranged gunman, took the stage minutes later.

Giffords, whose speech impairment is a result of her brain injury, hailed Clinton as "courageous," saying she will "stand up to the gun lobby" when elected.

"Speaking is difficult for me," Giffords said. "But come January, I want to say these two words: Madam president."

People applaud as Christine Leinonen, the mother of a victim of the Pulse nightclub attack in Florida, addresses the Democratic convention in Philadelphia Nicholas Kamm (AFP)
Obama passes torch to Clinton, warns election a test of democracy

President Barack Obama implored Americans to help Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump, warning the 2016 race was not just about politics, but the nature of US democracy.

Speaking before a rapt Democratic convention in Philadelphia, Obama praised Clinton's caliber and readiness for the White House while painting her Republican rival as a know-nothing authoritarian.

The election, Obama said, was "not just a choice between parties or policies; the usual debates between left and right."

US President Barack Obama shared a warm embrace with Hillary Clinton, capping an all-star night that included appearances by Joe Biden, Tim Kaine and Michael Bloomberg Robyn Beck (AFP)

"This is a more fundamental choice," he said.

In the city where America's founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, Obama declared the November election a "fundamental choice" about what the country is and the very "meaning of our democracy."

Obama spearheaded a day-long effort by Democrats to depict Trump as unfit to be commander-in-chief, contrasting the political neophyte with his more experienced Democratic rival.

Trump, he said, was "betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election."

The wealthy real estate mogul has run on a hard-right platform of banning Muslims from entering the United States and building a border wall to keep Hispanic migrants out.

Earlier in the day, he launched a pre-emptive attack against Obama, calling him "the most ignorant president in our history."

The president fired right back.

Punching at Trump's campaign slogan, he insisted "America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump."

"Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way. We don't look to be ruled."

Voicing optimism about the future, Obama said "anyone who threatens our values -- whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues -- will always fail in the end."

- No one more qualified -

Acting as a character reference for his secretary of state of four years, with whom he battled in the 2008 primaries, Obama said Clinton was uniquely qualified to succeed him.

He said the 68-year-old former first lady and senator knew what it's like to be in the room when tough epoch-making and presidency-breaking decisions were taken -- like the move to strike Osama bin Laden.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman -- not me, not Bill (Clinton), nobody -- more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," he said.

At the end of his speech, Clinton -- the first woman to win the presidential nomination of a major US political party -- joined him on stage to deafening shouts from the party faithful. The pair embraced and waved to the crowd.

- Taking Trump on -

Earlier in the day a series of Democrats had sought to zero in on disunity in the Republican party and zero in on disgruntled voting blocs.

Vice President Joe Biden trashed Trump's claim to be a champion of the middle class, laying into the mogul's reality television show catchphrase: "You're fired!"

"Think about that," said Biden, his voice growing angrier. "Think about that. Think about everything you learned as a child no matter where you were raised. How can there be pleasure in saying 'You're fired'?

"He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class? Give me a break! That's a bunch of malarkey!"

Clinton's vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine made a folksy appeal to more centrist voters, deriding a "slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting one-man wrecking crew!"

A host of Democrats zeroed in on Trump's comments that seemed to invite Russian cyber espionage against Clinton.

"As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyber-attacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be that irresponsible," said former CIA director Leon Panetta.

It was left to Obama to draw all these disparate strands together into a comprehensive argument as to why Clinton should succeed him.

- Dimming limelight -

Now in the twilight of his second term, Obama faces ever-dwindling opportunities to address the nation, mold his legacy and influence the 2016 race.

But on Wednesday, he had a prime-time chance, appearing before thousands of delegates and tens of millions of viewers at home.

The White House said Obama had been working on the roughly 45-minute speech for weeks.

Yet this touchstone presidential moment had been a decade or more in the making.

The address bookends Obama's career-launching address to the Democratic convention in 2004, his contentious 2008 primary battle with Clinton and his eight years in office.

Obama made a familiar case for what has been achieved during his two terms, highlighting America's recovery from the Great Recession, the Iran nuclear deal and reforms to health care.

But this was also a passing of the party torch.

"I have confidence as I leave this stage tonight that the Democratic Party is in good hands," Obama said, appearing to become emotional.

"Thank you for this incredible journey," he said before his long exit from the stage.

Hillary Clinton Simon MALFATTO, Laurence SAUBADU (AFP)

To loud cheers President Barack Obama told delegates at the Democratic convention "We're going to carry Hillary to victory this fall, because that's what the moment demands" Saul Loeb (AFP)

Visibly enraged Vice President Joe Biden impeached Donald Trump's character and claim to be a champion of the middle class, earning cheers from delegates at the Democratic convention Nicholas Kamm (AFP)
Guns cheaper than smartphones in Pakistani tribal town

Gunfire echoes through a dusty northwest tribal town, the soundtrack to Pakistan's biggest arms black market, where Kalashnikovs welded from scrap metal are cheaper than smartphones and sold on an industrial scale.

Darra Adamkhel, a town surrounded by hills some 35 kilometres (20 miles) south of the city of Peshawar, was a hub of criminal activity for decades. People smugglers and drug runners were common and everything from stolen cars to fake university degrees could be procured.

This generations-old trade in the illicit boomed in the 1980s: The mujahideen began buying weapons there for Afghanistan's battle against the Soviets, over the porous border.

Pakistani gunsmith Khitab Gul tests a gun near a workshop in the tribal area of Darra Adamkhel, some 35 kilometres south of Peshawar A Majeed (AFP)

Later, the town became a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, who enforced their strict rules and parallel system of justice -- infamously beheading Polish engineer Piotr Stanczak there in 2009.

Now Darra is clean of all but the arms, yet the gunsmiths in the bazaar say the region's improved security and authorities' growing intolerance for illegal weaponry are withering an industry that sustained them for decades.

"(The) Nawaz Sharif government has established checkpoints everywhere, business is stopped," said Khitab Gul, 45.

Gul is known in Darra for his replicas of Turkish and Bulgarian-made MP5 submachine guns, one of the most popular weapons in the world, widely used by organisations such as America's FBI SWAT teams.

The MP5 can retail for thousands of dollars. Gul's version, which comes with a one-year guarantee, costs roughly 7,000 rupees, or $67 -- and, he claims, it works perfectly.

Gul then puts on a demonstration, test-firing his MP5 in the small outer yard of his workshop -- first the single shot mode, then firing in a burst.

A Darra-made Kalashnikov, Gul says, can sell for as little as $125, cheaper than most smartphones. "The workers here are so skilled that they can copy any weapon they are shown," he explains.

"In past 10 years I have sold 10,000 guns, and had zero complaints," he claims.

- Wild West no more -

In Gul's sweltering workshop, employees shout over the roar of electrical generators as they expertly cut and drill through metal brought from the shipyards of Karachi, far to the south on the Arabian Sea.

The main bazaar which cuts through the town used to hold nothing but tiny gun shops crammed together, their gleaming wares displayed openly on racks as customers test-fired into the air above.

Trade was illegal, unlicensed and unregulated, but long tolerated by authorities with little power in the tribal areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where militants once operated with impunity.

Residents, for their part, viewed the market as legitimate in an area dominated by Pashtun traditions, where gun culture is deeply embedded in male identity.

But in recent years the military has cracked down on extremism, particularly in the tribal areas, and security is the best it has been since the Pakistani Taliban were formed in 2007.

Every second or third shop in Darra now sells groceries or electronics instead of weapons, the gunsmiths lament. The Wild West atmosphere is fading as the town embraces modern conveniences.

Before the crackdown Gul's workshop -- just one of hundreds in the town -- could produce more than 10 weapons a day, he says.

Now they only produce four. "Demand has decreased," he says.

- 'Customers are scared' -

Gunsmiths put the blame squarely on the Pakistani government and military, particularly checkpoints on the way to Darra halting customers who once travelled to the town openly.

Foreigners have been banned for security reasons.

The military has not yet objected to the gun market in Darra directly, but residents say they have had to give sureties they will not harbour militants, and a half-hearted attempt at licensing is now also being made.

Police and paramilitary officers were prominent at entry and exit points to the area during a recent AFP visit there.

"I have been working here for 30 years but now I have no work to do," says Muzzamil Khan, sitting idle outside his workshop. "I am ready to sell my lathe machine."

Muhammad Qaisar, making cartridges at his shop in the main bazaar, said at one point there had been up to 7,000 shops there -- but now almost half have closed.

If the government does not change its policies, he says, "I fear... Darra will be finished".

Darra trade union leader Badam Akbar confirmed that some 3,000 shops have closed, and said skilled workers are attempting to learn new trades. "Nothing is left in this bazaar now," he says.

Hundreds of gun shops still cram the narrow streets around the bazaar and the sound of gunfire still pierces the air -- albeit intermittently -- but the gunsmiths say it is not enough.

"We have no electricity, no water, no business," Akbar warns.

"Life has became very difficult."

Gunsmiths in Darra Adamkhel say the region's improved security and authorities' growing intolerance for illegal weaponry are withering an industry that sustained them for decades A Majeed (AFP)

Darra Adamkhel, a town surrounded by hills some 35 kilometres (20 miles) south of the city of Peshawar, was a hub of criminal activity for decades, including illegal gun shops, but the Wild West atmosphere is fading as the town embraces modernity A Majeed (AFP)

Pakistani gunsmiths assemble bullets at a small workshop in the tribal area of Darra Adamkhel A Majeed (AFP)
N. Korea math student seeks asylum in Hong Kong: reports

A North Korean student in Hong Kong for an international math contest is seeking asylum in the city, media reports said Thursday.

The 18-year-old male student, who was not identified, took refuge at the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong, according to local newspaper Ming Pao.

The student was part of an official delegation in Hong Kong this month for the International Mathematical Olympiad at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

Defections by members of North Korean official delegations travelling abroad are rare, because they are carefully vetted before being granted exit visas and closely monitored during their stay overseas Jung Yeon-Je (AFP)

Walk-in defections are relatively common at South Korean missions in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand which are the target destination for North Koreans escaping their country through China.

But defections by members of official delegations travelling abroad are rare, because they are carefully vetted before being granted exit visas and closely monitored during their stay overseas.

Officials declined to comment on the reports that the student had defected during his visit for the math competition.

"We will not give any response in relation to the issue," a South Korea consulate officer, who did not give her name, told AFP.

There was a cordon Thursday morning in front of the lift to the floor of the building where the consulate is located, and an AFP reporter was stopped by guards from going up.

A city police spokeswoman said there is "no information" to provide, while HKUST also declined to comment.
Indonesia rejects international pleas to halt executions

Indonesia on Thursday rejected mounting international pressure and desperate pleas from relatives to halt the execution of 14 drug convicts who are expected to imminently face the firing squad.

The group, including foreigners from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, have been placed in isolation on a prison island where Jakarta carries out executions.

Authorities stepped up preparations, with ambulances seen transporting coffins over to the island and cars heading for the penal colony in the evening carrying convicts' relatives, police and religious counsellors.

Police prepare to cross to Indonesia's highest security Nusakambangan prison on Cilacap on July 25, 2016 Bayu Nur (AFP)

President Joko Widodo believes Indonesia faces an emergency due to rising drugs consumption and has dramatically escalated the use of capital punishment, putting to death 14 drug convicts, mostly foreigners, since he took power in 2014.

Indonesia last carried out executions in April 2015 when it put to death eight drug convicts, including two Australians, sparking international outrage.

Family members say they have been told the convicts in the forthcoming round will be executed Thursday night, according to a lawyer and diplomat, a day earlier than had originally been expected. The government could not be reached for comment.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon led international condemnation, urging Widodo to halt the imminent executions and declare a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Ban recalled that under international law, the death penalty should be used for the most serious crimes and said "drug crimes are generally not considered to meet this threshold".

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Indonesia to end the "unjust" use of the death penalty and the European Union has also urged a halt.

But Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir defended the upcoming executions as "pure law enforcement".

There have been concerns about legal irregularities in the cases of some facing imminent execution, with Amnesty International citing "systematic flaws" in several trials and noting a handful of clemency appeals were still pending.

- Forced confessions -

These included Pakistani Zulfiqar Ali, whom rights groups say was beaten into confessing to the crime of heroin possession, leading to his 2005 death sentence.

Rights group the Justice Project Pakistan say that the 52-year-old father of six was "tortured relentlessly" during a three-day interrogation in a house by police, after which he required surgery.

Indonesian woman Merri Utami, who was caught with heroin in her bag as she came through Jakarta airport, claims she was duped into becoming a drug mule, and that police forced her into confessing with beatings and sexual harassment.

Rights groups have mounted a campaign to save her, and 10 women's rights activists were detained by police Thursday in Cilacap -- the port city closest to the prison island -- as they rallied in support of her.

Family members of Michael Titus Igweh, a Nigerian prisoner, also protested his looming execution, saying his case was still under review.

"I don't think this is fair. They should fulfil his legal rights first," Igweh's sister-in-law Nila, who gave just one name, told reporters in the port city.

Support for the death penalty in Indonesia is generally high but there has been some public opposition.

Dozens of protesters held a vigil late Thursday in front of the presidential palace in Jakarta, arranging candles in the shape of a noose and laying posters emblazoned with a bloody hand and the words "stop the executions" on the ground.

Diplomats and lawyers were angered after authorities notified family members the executions would take place Thursday, saying they believed they could only be held Friday after the end of a legally required, 72-hour notice period.

Authorities have not released a detailed list of the convicts who will face the firing squad but the Jakarta-based Community Legal Aid Institute said the group consists of four Indonesians, six Nigerians and one each from Pakistan, India, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Indonesia had an unofficial moratorium on the death penalty between 2008 and 2012 but resumed executions in 2013 under Widodo's predecessor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Relatives and neighbours of Pakistani national Zulfiqar Ali, sentenced to death in 2005 for heroin possession in Indonesia, protest in Lahore on July 27, 2016 Arif Ali (AFP)
Iran condemns killings of French priest, boy in Syria

Iran's foreign ministry condemned this week's killing of a French priest, drawing a parallel with the recent decapitation of a young boy by jihadists in Syria, state media said Thursday.

"Such savage and abominable actions must be condemned regardless of the location," said ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi.

"We share the sadness of all... in the face of these inhuman, brutal and detestable actions."

A woman sits in front of a makeshif memorial at the Saint-Etienne du Rouvray church, France where a priest was killed Charly Triballeau (AFP)

Two jihadists, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, attacked a French church on Tuesday and murdered a priest by cutting his throat.

That came a week after a video emerged showing rebel fighters beheading a boy, said to be around 13, after capturing him north of Syria's second city Aleppo.
Israeli experience shows challenge in stopping lone wolf attacks

Israeli authorities who have faced a wave of lone-wolf attacks by Palestinians say they have made progress in identifying potential assailants in advance, a challenge now also confronting Western nations.

Recent attacks in Europe and the United States have brought renewed attention to lone assailants and what can be done to stop them or reduce their impact.

While the challenge of halting such assaults can seem next to impossible, Israeli officials say an alert system incorporating social media monitoring, basic human intelligence and other means has helped prevent or limit bloodshed.

Israeli soldiers arrest a man during a raid in Surif, north of the West Bank city of Hebron to search for a Hamas militant accused of murdering an Israeli rabbi Hazem Bader (AFP)

Analysts say that such efforts will always be limited, however, and rights activists question whether abuses are taking place.

The conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians cannot be seen in the same context as attacks in Europe, with many analysts pointing out that nearly 50 years of Israeli occupation have helped feed the frustration leading to the violence.

Continued Israeli settlement building in the West Bank is also eroding the possibility of a two-state solution, Western nations and the UN say, contributing to young Palestinians' loss of hope.

Israeli officials nonetheless say methods developed since October have proved useful. Violence since then has killed at least 218 Palestinians and 34 Israelis.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say, and the vast majority were acting alone.

"We understand that once we assembled three or four profiles, most of the attackers were inside those specific lines of those profiles," a senior Israeli military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

- Alert system -

Israel's military has developed an alert system that flags up those seen as potentially dangerous, the official said.

It is based on analyses of assailants since October, including their backgrounds, where they chose to act and their activities in the days before an attack.

With the list of names narrowed, Israeli authorities decide how to address the situation.

The response can include a range of strategies, such as monitoring, speaking to someone's parents or an arrest if the person is found to have broken the law by inciting violence, the official said.

Security measures were also tightened in areas seen as potential targets.

The number of attacks overall has steadily declined in recent months, although various factors are believed to be behind this.

Israeli authorities say it is difficult to give figures on how many lone-wolf attacks have been prevented by their efforts, but the military official pointed to one case as an example.

In March, a Palestinian girl, reportedly 17, was caught and arrested with a knife in a taxi on her way to an Israeli checkpoint, the official said.

The official said the girl had trouble with her parents and was suicidal, possibly wanting to attack soldiers as a way of dying as a martyr.

"It was one of the reasons we tracked her," the official said.

The military's analysis of attackers shows that most have been 24 or younger, and some 90 percent were male, the official said.

Among the first 80 to 90 attackers from October to January, suicide was among the motives for around 40 percent, the official said.

- Military justice -

Some experts say the type of analyses and follow-up being done by the Israeli military, with the help of algorithms to narrow down social media chatter, can have an effect and be applied elsewhere.

"It can't of course completely stop this wave of terror in Israel and the same in other places -- in Europe for example," said Daniel Cohen, an expert on cyber-terrorism at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies.

Such efforts must also be accompanied by what he called "counter-narrative campaigns", or positive messages that try to convince young people that they should not want to die or carry out an attack.

Such campaigns could be related to economic opportunities or sports, Cohen said.

Others caution over putting too much faith in monitoring.

"Watch-lists and monitoring instil a false sense of security, providing authorities with information after a terror attack occurs, but little deterrence or disruption prior to an attack," US-based security consultancy The Soufan Group said in comments after jihadists killed an elderly priest in France on Tuesday.

"Surveillance is extremely difficult and costly in terms of time and personnel, and is only a feasible option in a fraction of France's growing terror caseload."

Rights groups also question whether Israel's efforts are leading to improper arrests.

The Adalah NGO, a legal centre for Arab rights in Israel, says some 400 Palestinians and Arab Israelis were arrested in the final months of 2015 for both suspected incitement and threats.

Others also point out that the West Bank operates under a military justice system, allowing for detention without trial and other actions out of bounds in many countries.

"I think the concern is that the laws of occupation permit Israel to detain people in some cases indefinitely without trial, which we don't have in other situations," said Sari Bashi, Israel and Palestine director for Human Rights Watch.

"And even the criminal justice system is a military justice system."

Israeli officials say an alert system incorporating social media monitoring, basic human intelligence and other means has helped prevent or limit attacks by lone assailants Hazem Bader (AFP/File)
Syria, Russia cluster munition use 'relentless': HRW

Human Rights Watch accused the Syrian regime and its ally Russia on Thursday of extensively using banned cluster munitions in their offensive against rebels in the war-torn country.

The New York-based watchdog said it had documented 47 cluster munition attacks that killed and injured dozens of civilians in rebel-held areas in three provinces since May 27.

Many of these attacks took place north and west of Aleppo, as Russia-backed regime forces sought to besiege the opposition-controlled part of the northern city, it said.

Human Rights Watch said it had documented 47 cluster munition attacks that killed and injured dozens of civilians in rebel-held areas Thaer Mohammed (AFP/File)

Russia in September launched a campaign of air strikes in support of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

"Since Russia and Syria have renewed their joint air operations, we have seen a relentless use of cluster munitions," said Ole Solvang, deputy emergencies director at HRW.

"The Russian government should immediately ensure that neither its forces nor Syria's use this inherently indiscriminate weapon," he said.

HRW in December said it had documented the use of cluster munitions on 20 occasions since Russia launched air strikes on September 30.

"Although Russia and Syria are not members of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, they are still bound by international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, which prohibits indiscriminate attacks," HRW said.

Cluster munitions contain dozens or hundreds of bomblets and are fired in rockets or dropped from the air.

Widely banned, they spread explosives over large areas and are indiscriminate in nature, often continuing to maim and kill long after the initial attack when previously unexploded bomblets detonate.
China, Russia to hold joint exercises in S. China Sea: Beijing

China and Russia will hold joint naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, Beijing's defence ministry said Thursday, after an international tribunal invalidated the Asian giant's extensive claims in the area.

The drills will be carried out in the "relevant sea and air of the South China Sea", defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told reporters at a monthly briefing.

With international diplomatic tensions mounting and Washington regularly sending warships into the strategically vital area to assert the right to freedom of navigation, the move could see vessels from several of the world's most powerful militaries in the same region at the same time.

Vessels from China's South Sea Fleet take part in a drill in the Xisha Islands -- or Paracel Islands -- in the South China Sea on May 5, 2016

The drills aimed to "consolidate and develop" China and Russia's comprehensive strategic partnership, and "enhance the capabilities of the two navies to jointly deal with maritime security threats" Yang said.

The announcement comes after a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that there was "no legal basis" to Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, embodied in a "nine-dash line" dating from Chinese maps of the 1940s and extending almost to the coasts of other countries, which have competing claims.

China has built a series of artificial islands on rocks and reefs in the area hosting facilities capable of supporting military operations, widely seen as an attempt to bolster its control of the waters.

The tribunal ruling -- in a case brought by the Philippines -- infuriated Beijing, which rejected it as "waste paper" and reiterated its right to declare an Air Defence Identification Zone controlling flights over the area.

China and Russia have close military and diplomatic ties, often in opposition to the West, particularly the United States, and their leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin enjoy a tight relationship.

The two sides hold joint drills regularly "on land and sea", Yang said, which "contribute to peace and stability."

September's exercise was "routine" and "does not target any third party", he added.

Last August, the two powers -- who were allies then rivals during the Soviet era -- carried out military exercises in the waters and airspace of the Peter the Great Gulf, south of the Russian Pacific city of Vladivostok, involving 22 vessels, up to 20 aircraft and more than 500 marines.

In May last year, they conducted their first joint naval exercises in European waters in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, China's farthest-ever drills from its home waters.

Xi and Putin meet frequently and their countries, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, often take similar stances there on divisive issues such as the conflict in Syria.

- Sensitive factors -

In response to Beijing's increased activity in the South China Sea, the US began a series of "freedom of navigation" operations in the area, sailing naval vessels within 12 nautical miles -- the normal territorial limit around natural land -- of reefs in the region.

The missions were widely seen as an attempt to push back against China's increasing assertiveness, although the Pentagon said they were also a warning to Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines.

On Monday, US National Security Adviser Susan Rice told Chinese officials in Beijing that the US intended to continue its patrols in the region, while the vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Fan Changlong, warned that ties between the two powers could easily fray.

"We should be honest with ourselves that deep down in this relationship we're still faced with obstacles and challenges," Fan said, adding that military ties had been "impacted by some complicated and some sensitive factors".
Assad offers amnesty to Syria rebels who surrender

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday offered an amnesty to armed rebels battling his forces if they surrender, the official SANA news agency reported.

"Everyone carrying arms... and sought by justice... is excluded from full punishment if they hand themselves in and lay down their weapons," SANA said, quoting a presidential decree on the three-month amnesty offer.

The reprieve also includes any rebel who frees a hostage, according to the decree text.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued several amnesties in recent years, including one in July 2015 for people who have dodged service or defected from the army

The offer comes as opposition neighbourhoods of Aleppo city are effectively surrounded by pro-government forces, sparking fears for the more than 200,000 people trapped there.

Assad's ally Russia said Thursday it had launched a "large-scale" operation with the Syrian government to open humanitarian corridors for civilians and fighters fleeing the northern city.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian news agencies that three humanitarian corridors were being opened "to aid civilians held hostage by terrorists and for fighters wishing to lay down their arms" and one more corridor to the north of the city for rebels to flee with their weapons.

Assad has issued several amnesties in recent years, including one in July 2015 for people who have dodged service or defected from the army.

Syria's UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said this week he hopes peace talks aimed at ending more than five years of brutal conflict could resume at the end of August.
Egypt Christians look to new law to end discrimination

On a recent Sunday in southern Egypt, dozens of Coptic Christians gathered for mass next to the charred remains of a wooden structure they once used as a chapel.

A priest and five white-clad deacons began chanting around a simple wooden altar as the sun beat down on the remains of the makeshift chapel, which was torched two months ago.

A blackened wood cross lay amid the rubble, a testament to a string of clashes in southern villages this month that has highlighted sectarian tensions in Egypt.

An Egyptian Coptic Christian woman on July 24, 2016 sits in the rubble of a makeshift chapel that was torched a few months ago during clashes in the Egyptian village of Ismailia Khaled Desouki (AFP)

Further down the road in the village of Ismailiya, a building the congregation wanted to use for their church is closed for lack of a permit.

Egypt's Copts, the Middle East's largest Christian minority, have long struggled to obtain official permission to build churches.

They are now hoping a new law on building houses of worship -- both mosques and churches -- will curb discrimination against them.

But here in the rural southern province of Minya, even the rumour of Christians building a church can spark mob violence.

Copts have faced growing violence in recent years. Dozens have been killed in sectarian attacks across the country.

"My simplest right as an Egyptian should be to pray in a church, not the street," said Nashat Saed, 31, who attended the service with his wife and three children.

"I feel oppression every time I come here to pray," he said as sweat trickled down his face.

"I dream that we open a church where we can bring the women and children to pray, instead of the street."

- Discrimination -

Egypt's authorities often refuse to give Christians building permits for churches on the grounds that doing so would disturb the peace with their Muslim neighbours.

Coptic Pope Tawadros II has said he hopes the new law will streamline church construction and cut through the red tape.

Ishak Ibrahim, a researcher with the rights group Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, said current laws are biased against Christians.

"There is discrimination in handling Muslim and Christian rights in building houses of worship. The conditions for building churches are a hindrance," he said.

Egypt had 2,869 churches in 2011.

Nadia Henry, a member of parliament for the liberal Free Egyptians Party, said a new law could dampen sectarian tensions.

"Regulating church construction will bring down the number of sectarian clashes in Egypt," she said.

However, the Copts, who make up some 10 percent of Egypt's 90 million people, are going through some of their darkest times in recent memory.

Copts have long been the target of sectarian attacks, but they surged during the three-decade rule of former president Hosni Mubarak.

A month before Mubarak was overthrown in a popular uprising in February 2011, a suicide bomber killed more than 20 churchgoers in the coastal city of Alexandria.

The violence multiplied after Mubarak's ouster, with sectarian clashes in Cairo killing more than a dozen people.

Then in October that year, Copts who had been protesting a church arson clashed with the military outside state television headquarters.

More than 20 protesters were killed, some run over by armoured vehicles.

Three soldiers died in the clash. State television appealed to viewers to descend on the scene to "protect the military," and aired a clip of a soldier calling the Christians "dogs".

- Scapegoated -

A year later, the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi was elected president.

His rule was marred by clashes between Christians and police following the funerals of victims of a sectarian clash. Police fired tear gas at the angry mourners outside the headquarters of the Coptic pope in Cairo.

When massive protests swamped Cairo's streets demanding Morsi's resignation in July 2013, leading to his overthrow by the military, his supporters singled out Christians for blame.

Leading Muslim clerics, as well as much of the secular opposition and the Coptic Orthodox Church, supported his ouster.

A month later, when police dispersed an Islamist protest camp in Cairo and killed hundreds of Morsi supporters, mobs responded by torching dozens of churches and Christian properties around the country.

The authorities have promised to clamp down on sectarianism.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former army chief who ousted Morsi, has said there would be no discrimination against any Egyptian.

But that hasn't stopped the violence.

In May, a Muslim mob stripped an elderly woman of her clothes and attacked her house in a southern village after rumours that her son was dating a Muslim woman.

Coptic farmer Amir Mikhail, who hosts religious services in his small home in Ismailiya, said the government was not doing enough to protect Christians.

"The official message is great, but on the ground, nothing is implemented," he said.

Egyptian Coptic Christians attend a mass on July 24, 2016, in the rubble of a makeshift chapel that was torched in the Egyptian village of Ismailia Khaled Desouki (AFP)

Egyptian Copts have long been the target of sectarian attacks, but they surged under the three-decade rule of former president Hosni Mubarak Khaled Desouki (AFP)
An American in Hong Kong dubbed the 'Milkshake Murderer' is trying to shorten her life sentence for killing her banker husband in 2003.

Expat Nancy Kissel in 2014 lost an appeal against her conviction for putting a sedative in Robert Kissel's strawberry milkshake and bludgeoning the senior Merrill Lynch executive to death in their luxury home.

Her case gripped the former British colony, shining a spotlight on the elite expatriate community, and featuring sensational allegations of a heady mix of adultery, violence, spying, greed and enormous wealth.

American expat Nancy Kissel is currently serving out her life sentence at Hong Kong's high-security Tai Lam Centre for Women

Robert Kissel,a senior executive at Merrill Lynch in Hong Kong, was sedated and then bludgeoned to death

Now 51, Kissel has lodged a fresh bid to reduce her life sentence.

Her lawyers filed a writ to the city's high court on Wednesday saying a government department that periodically reviews sentences of long-time inmates 'wrongly' refused to shorten her sentence when it looked at her case in April.

'Given...the applicant's demonstration of remorse and repentance, the respondent acted unreasonably,' the lawyers said, referring to the city's Long Term Prison Sentences Review Board.

Despite remorse claims, Kissel said less than two years ago that she had no regrets over the murder.

I cant spend my time explaining the unexplainable,' she told Bloomberg in November 2014.

I cant undo something I never understood.'

Kissel was dubbed the 'Milkshake Murderer' for putting sedating her husband's frozen drink and killing him

Kissel is currently serving out her life sentence at Hong Kong's high-security Tai Lam Centre for Women.

The lawyers argued it was 'highly unlikely' that Kissel would commit another offense and that she wished to be transferred to the US - a prospect more likely if her sentence was reduced.

'The applicant is a foreign prisoner who is likely to be deported upon completion of any converted determinate sentence so that she and her family...have some idea as to what the future holds,' court documents say.

Her lawyers are now arguing she has repented from her crimes  although two years ago she said she had no regrets over the killing

The review board makes suggestions to Hong Kong's chief executive about inmates it deems suitable to be released before the end of an imposed sentence.

The Michigan-born mother-of-three was first convicted of murder and handed a life sentence in 2005.

The city's top court overturned the conviction in February 2010, citing legal errors, and ordered a fresh hearing.

She was convicted again in 2011 and then lost the final appeal in 2014.

At her 2011 retrial, Kissel sobbed as she told the jury she had endured physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her husband.

The Michigan-born mother-of-three was first convicted of murder and handed a life sentence in 2005

She maintained she acted in self-defence and offered to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Prosecutors accused Kissel of rolling up her husband's body in a carpet and covering his head with plastic after killing him in their luxury home at the hillside Parkview apartment complex.

She left the body in the bedroom for days before hiring workmen to carry it to a storeroom, they said.

Prosecutors also argued that Kissel stood to gain up to $18 million from the death of her wealthy husband, saying she planned to run away with a television repairman with whom she admitted having an affair in the US.
Hillary Clinton: burning ambition and resilience to match

On the subject of women in politics, Hillary Clinton is fond of quoting the words of another illustrious first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, who once said: "You need to grow a skin as thick as a rhinoceros."

When out on the stump, in cafes, and rallies across the country, Clinton talks of the adversity she has faced down over the course of four decades in public life.

"I have the scars to prove it," quips the former secretary of state, painted by her enemies as "crooked," "corrupt" and even an enabler of her husband's affairs.

US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton embraces President Barack Obama on stage during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 27, 2016 Saul Loeb (AFP)

A Machiavellian image clings to the ambitious Midwesterner, dating back to her years in the political spotlight as a tandem with Bill.

She is considered "dishonest" by a majority of Americans, and the mudslinging is only set to intensify as she heads into a brutal showdown with presidential rival Donald Trump.

And yet, at age 68, Clinton now stands at the threshold of the White House.

On Thursday she accepts her party's formal nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, having made history this week as the first woman to carry the colors of a major US political party in the presidential race.

"Yes, there are still ceilings to break for women and men, for all of us. But don't let anyone tell you that great things can't happen in America," Clinton told supporters at a rally in New York, fired up by her victory in the Democratic primaries.

President Barack Obama delivered a soaring testimonial Wednesday, praising her caliber and readiness for the job.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman ... more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president," he said.

- From Chicago to Arkansas -

Hillary Diane Rodham was born October 26, 1947 and raised in a middle-class household in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge.

She adored her mother Dorothy but described her father, Hugh Rodham, born from Welsh immigrants, as a rigid taskmaster.

He imposed his work ethic on young Hillary, but also his frugality. She still puts uneaten olives back in the jar and is loath to waste anything, she wrote in her 2003 autobiography, "Living History."

Clinton shared her father's Republican convictions in adolescence, as well as his thunderous laugh. The family is Methodist, and to this day Hillary remains in the church.

Since her school days, she chased success, earning honors and accolades that could fill a bookcase.

Smart and ambitious, Clinton was admitted in 1965 to Wellesley, an elite women's college near Harvard, and eventually elected class president.

It was the social tumult of the sixties, and Clinton learned of the struggle for civil rights, the explosive debate over Vietnam and the fight for gender equality.

When she was accepted in 1969 at Yale Law School, she met Bill Clinton, the "Viking" from Arkansas who would change her life.

After working for the Children's Defense Fund, and a period in Washington in 1974 on the commission investigating the Watergate scandal, she gave in and joined Bill in Arkansas.

He was soon elected governor and Hillary Rodham joined a prestigious law firm, eventually becoming its first female partner. Chelsea, their only child, was born in 1980.

- Political first lady -

She soon dropped her maiden name and became Hillary Clinton, first lady of Arkansas and then the nation after her husband's 1992 presidential election victory.

Her assertive style contrasted with that of her predecessors.

She played an active political role as first lady. But her relations with lawmakers and journalists quickly soured over her efforts to reform health care, a role bestowed by her president husband. Republicans branded her a radical feminist.

She suffered intense humiliation when news of Bill's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky surfaced in 1998. But her popularity has never been higher than the 67-percent approval rating she enjoyed that December, a Gallup poll at the time showed.

- Solo career -

Pressured by friends and associates in Hillaryland, the first lady launched herself into politics, winning a US Senate seat for New York in 2000.

Eight years later she challenged fellow senator Obama, who savaged her vote supporting the Iraq war, in the presidential race.

Clinton chose to run on her experience, refusing to campaign on gender. But Americans opted instead for the 40-something political neophyte Obama, bringing hope of change after eight years of George W. Bush.

Following detente with his party rival, Obama appointed Clinton secretary of state.

Her critics argue she can claim no major diplomatic successes, and Republicans accuse her of incompetence over a 2012 militant attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya that killed four Americans.

Her use of a personal email account instead of an official government remains a scandal for her.

When the FBI chief declared he would not recommend charges be brought against her, it only heightened suspicions that the Clintons see themselves as above the law.

But her four globe-trotting years as secretary of state also cemented her image as a powerful stateswoman and that potent mix of tenaciousness and cold realism finally saw the better of her idealist Democratic challenger Bernie Sanders.

Suzanne Salomon, a development consultant and former Wellesley College dorm mate of Hillary's, said "I don't see that much change in her."

"She was a leader when we were 19 years old," she told AFP. "She knew what she wanted to do, when some of us had no clue what we were going to be when we grew up."

US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her running mate Senator Tim Kaine, arrive for a campaign rally at Florida International University in Miami Gaston De Cardenas (AFP)

US President Barack Obama, campaigning with her early this month, said "there has never been any man or woman more qualified for this office than Hillary Clinton" Nicholas Kamm (AFP/File)

Hillary Clinton is considered "dishonest" by a majority of Americans, and the mudslinging is set to intensify as she heads into a brutal showdown with presidential rival Donald Trump Gaston De Cardenas (AFP)
All eyes on Hillary as she readies landmark speech

Hillary Clinton faces the test of a lifetime Thursday as she accepts the Democratic White House nomination in a defining speech aimed at prying voters away from Donald Trump -- and convincing America to entrust her with the world's biggest job.

It is the center-stage opportunity she came so close to seizing eight years ago during her first White House campaign, only to be defeated in her party's primary race by Barack Obama.

Clinton made history this week as the first female presidential nominee of a major US party. Now, she needs to hit a home run in Philadelphia, a day after Obama upped the ante with a stirring address hailing Clinton as his political heir.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Saul Loeb (AFP)

For days, the most powerful voices on the American left have lined up to convince voters that the former secretary of state and one-time first lady is uniquely qualified for the Oval Office.

But Clinton faces a major trust deficit among a US public that has followed every Clintonian turn of the past quarter century. Rocked by an email scandal that refuses to die, she is now about as unpopular with voters as her Republican rival.

And while Trump casts himself as an outsider, a political neophyte committed to upending the Washington establishment, Clinton faces the difficult task of appearing as the steady hand at the tiller even while promising to be a catalyst for change.

"It's the most personal moment on the campaign, talking to a big audience about what she wants to do for the future," Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta said on a Facebook live stream.

- Demagogue -

Clinton, 68, enjoyed a stream of unrestrained praise Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, from her running mate Tim Kaine to Vice President Joe Biden to the independent former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Her chief rival in a bruising primary battle, Senator Bernie Sanders, has urged his supporters to back Clinton and draw a line under the disruptive protests during the convention's opening days that served to highlight party infighting.

But the most rousing Clinton sales pitch came from Obama himself.

"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman -- not me, not Bill (Clinton), nobody -- more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama thundered before a cheering crowd.

"No matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

Even Trump did his part, albeit inadvertently, with his urging of Russia to hack Clinton's emails landing like an unexpected gift in her lap.

The 70-year-old real estate mogul sought to douse the outcry on Thursday by saying he was "being sarcastic," but the call for cyber espionage against the United States made even Republicans cringe.

He also stirred the pot with new controversial comments about Vladimir Putin, saying the Russian president is "certainly doing a better job than Obama is."

Clinton's backers unleashed a litany of criticism of Trump at Wednesday's convention session, with Kaine blasting him as "a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew" and Obama calling him a demagogue.

- Pitch to middle America -

On Thursday, Clinton will have to make the case herself.

While she must play to the party's base -- and seek to soothe bruised Sanders supporters, some of whom said they will launch small-scale protests Thursday inside the arena -- a key mission is to appeal to crossover voters and independents wary of Trump.

"Donald Trump is making a lot of really big promises, and some people find those attractive," said Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook.

"What Hillary is going to do tonight, what we've done at this convention is make sure that people know the facts."

He acknowledged that Clinton, who will be introduced by daughter Chelsea, also knows "she needs to earn the voters' trust."

Clinton has never been as telegenic and personable a politician as her husband or Obama, whose oratorical skills were on full display Tuesday and Wednesday.

She will balance her policy strengths with an attempt to connect with Americans watching from their living rooms as she faces a nation divided by intense campaign rhetoric, spikes in race-related gun violence, and heightened fear brought about by a spate of terror attacks around the world.

The night will have its share of glitz, too, with musical performances by Katy Perry, Sheila E and Carole King.

Clinton will seek to carry her momentum straight onto the campaign trail Friday, when she and Kaine launch a three-day Rust Belt bus tour through parts of swing states Pennsylvania and Ohio to make their pitch to voters.

"We do know that there's a slice, however narrow, of those persuadable voters that are still making up their minds," Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon said.

US President Barack Obama (L) hugs US presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 27, 2016 Robyn Beck (AFP)

Hillary Clinton Simon MALFATTO, Laurence SAUBADU (AFP)

Delegates cheer during the final day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 28, 2016 Brendan Smialowski (AFP)
China legalises ridesharing services

China on Thursday announced new rules governing ridesharing services, making clear for the first time that they are now legal in a giant market where US-based Uber is at loggerheads with local rival Didi Chuxing.

China has become the world's largest online car-hailing market, vice transport minister Liu Xiaoming told a briefing.

"The legitimacy of internet ride-booking services are clarified" in new regulations on taxi industry reforms and regulations on car-hailing apps, Liu said.

A driver uses the Didi Chuxing app in the southern Chinese city of Guilin Greg Baker (AFP/File)

Didi Chuxing said it was "the first time" any government had legalised online car-booking services at the national level, hailing the move as a "milestone".

Beijing's stance on the sector had been ambivalent because while the apps have won public support, they threaten old-style taxis, -- which often generates income for local authorities -- and have been met with protests by cab drivers.

The services have been banned in some cities.

Liu said the new rules will support the development of online car-booking platforms, adding that private cars were encouraged to provide ridesharing services to "promote the sharing economy" and "ease traffic jams in cities and reduce air pollution".

Under the rules, the provinces where ridesharing apps are registered can issue them with a licence valid nationwide.

Unlike traditional taxis, ridesharing cars are not subject to an eight-year service limit but can operate until they have accumulated 600,000 kilometres (372,822 miles) apparently addressing concerns of part-time drivers.

"Didi will make an earnest effort to comply with the new rules and adopt its corresponding standards," Didi Chuxing said in a statement, adding it will apply for the licences "soon".

US giant Uber, which says it operates in more than 60 Chinese cities, also welcomed the regulations.

They "send a clear message of support for ridesharing and the benefits that it offers riders, drivers, and cities," it said in a statement.

"Uber China is regulation-ready, and we look forward to working with policy makers around the country to put these regulations into practice."
WWF calls for crack down on 'tiger farms'

The World Wildlife Fund on Thursday urged Asian states to investigate all tiger breeding centres and crack down on any involved in black-market animal trade.

On the eve of the International Day of the Tiger, WWF said it was crucial for governments to identify and close so-called "tiger farms", which are distinct from zoos or breeding centres with a legitimate conservation mission.

Tiger farms have been linked to the highly lucrative and internationally prohibited trade in tiger parts.

Wildlife officials load an anaesthetised tiger onto a truck after they removed it from an enclosure at the Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand on May 30, 2016 Christophe Archambault (AFP/File)

The conservation group estimated that there remained 200 tiger farms in Asia, mostly in China, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.

"Closure of these operations... would significantly boost efforts to save the worlds remaining wild tigers," WWF said in a statement.

The tiger population in farms is about 8,000, more than double the estimated 3,900 living in the wild, WWF said in a statement.

The so-called Tiger Temple in western Thailand was closed in May after Thai wildlife officials discovered dozens of dead cubs inside a freezer.

"The shocking images from the Tiger Temple of tiger cubs frozen and prepared for the illegal trade provide clear evidence of what is really going on behind the scenes at these tiger farms and why they must be closed," said WWF tiger specialist Michael Baltzer.

Some tiger farm operators have insisted their aim is to provide tourists an opportunity to interact with exotic cats.

But WWF said the "incredibly high operating costs" of these farms made it more likely they were involved in black-market trade.

Tiger parts are sometimes used in Asian remedies which are claimed to boost virility or fight disease.

Tiger farms "undermine efforts to protect wild tigers and halt the illegal trade by complicating enforcement activities, and by normalizing and legitimizing the sale of tiger parts and products, which in turn drives up demand," WWF said.

A hastily-organised blanket closure of all tiger farms would however be disastrous for the animals, the organisation added.

Tigers living in farm-like captivity have become habituated to human presence and cannot simply be released in the wild, the group said.

It said a tiger resettlement plan needed to be in place before the farms were closed.

At a conference in St. Petersburg in 2010, 13 Asian countries agreed to double the number of tigers living in the wild on the continent by 2022, which is China's next Year of the Tiger.

Captive tigers outnumber their wild relatives John SAEKI (AFP)

The so-called "Temple of Tigers" in western Thailand was closed in May after Thai wildlife officials discovered dozens of dead cubs inside a freezer. Christophe Archambault (AFP/File)
Japan to review mental health system after stabbings

Japan is reviewing its mental health system to see how a man who was hospitalised after making violent threats came to be released after just 12 days and was later able to kill 19 people.

Satoshi Uematsu, 26, has admitted to carrying out the country's worst mass killing in decades on Tuesday when he stabbed to death 19 people and wounded 26 others at a care centre for the mentally disabled in Sagamihara, west of Tokyo.

A former employee of the centre, Uematsu left his job in February and was forcibly hospitalised by city authorities for evaluation after having made verbal and written threats to kill the mentally disabled, including those at the centre.

Policemen stand in front of the main gate to the Tsukui Yamayuri-en care centre where a knife-wielding man went on a rampage on July 28, 2016 Kazuhiro Nogi (AFP)

His release from hospital 12 days later, after it was decided he posed no threat, has raised questions about the decision to discharge him as well as his follow-up monitoring.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has now met with relevant officials and ordered a review into the mental healthcare system, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Thursday.

"The prime minister ordered the ministers to study necessary measures, such as strengthening safety at facilities and following up on those receiving compulsory mental treatment, as swiftly as possible and putting them into action," Suga said.

According to the health ministry, mentally ill people who threaten to harm themselves or others can be subjected to involuntary hospitalisation.

The government will review the timing of such admissions and discharges, follow-up care after they are released and the sharing of information with police, Jiji Press said.

"It is indispensable to examine the decision made by the city to discharge him from the hospital and the city's handling of him after his discharge," Japan's top selling Yomiuri Shimbun daily said in an editorial Wednesday.

A report in The Japan Times newspaper said that after Uematsu's discharge from hospital, the local government had planned to check on him but could not due to lack of staff.

Uematsu, who is now being questioned by prosecutors after turning himself in, reportedly said he wanted all disabled people to "disappear".

He was hospitalised after delivering a letter to a member of parliament in which he threatened to kill hundreds of mentally disabled people.

He was discovered at the time to be suffering from paranoia as well as being dependent on cannabis, but was discharged 12 days later.

In a sign the care centre feared its former employee, officials in Kanagawa prefecture, which includes Sagamihara, confirmed that the facility in April set up 16 security cameras to watch out for Uematsu after he was discharged from the hospital.

Uematsu reportedly tied up five of the eight caregivers on duty before stabbing, slashing and otherwise injuring the 45 victims in a span of 50 minutes, Fuji News Network and other broadcasters said.

He targeted those with severe mental handicaps who could not communicate, Japan News Network reported, while the 19 dead, aged 18 to 70, suffered deep stab wounds to the upper body areas.

Japan knife attack John SAEKI (AFP)
Singapore university investigates mock-rape claims

Claims that students were subjected to sexually-charged orientation activities, including one simulating rape, are being investigated by Singapore's top university.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) -- consistently ranked as one of Asia's best higher education institutions - said it would take strong disciplinary action against anyone found responsible for "any behaviour or activity that denigrates the dignity of individuals," it said in a statement sent to AFP Thursday.

A report in the local daily The New Paper Tuesday triggered outrage about "sexualised" camps involving hundreds of NUS students in the past two months.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) said it would take strong disciplinary action against anyone found responsible for "any behaviour or activity that denigrates the dignity of individuals" Manan Vatsyayana (AFP/File)

It said that in one orientation camp, a male and female freshmen were made to act out a scene where a man was raping his younger sister.

The woman had to lie on the floor while her partner kicked open her legs and did pushups on top of her, a camp-goer told the paper.

Other games had women answering questions about who was the sluttiest among them and whose bodily fluids they would drink.

The minister for higher education joined calls for an end to such practices.

"Activities can be rigorous, creative, even wild; students may push boundaries," Ong Ye Kung wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

"Goading others to act out a rape scene not only degrades the real suffering of rape victims, it inflicts fresh humiliation on female students," he added.
China harbouring drug lords: Philippine's Duterte

China is harbouring major drug lords who smuggle narcotics into the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday as he pressed on with his ruthless war on crime.

Duterte made the remarks even as the two countries continue to bicker over an international tribunal invalidating Beijings extensive claims to the South China Sea.

"Where is the big fish (in illegal drugs)? If you want them, go to China. Look for them there," Duterte told soldiers and police during a visit to a military camp.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has launched a ruthless crackdown on crime Noel Celis (AFP/File)

"I wanted to talk to the ambassador. That is how serious it is. Now, how do I fight this? We cannot just go there and just declare war," he added.

He did not identify the alleged drug lords and a Chinese embassy spokesman could not be contacted for comment.

Duterte had previously asserted that most of the illegal drugs in the Philippines originated from China and that many Chinese had been arrested for smuggling drugs into the country.

But it was the first time he explicitly named China as the lair of those responsible for the trafficking.

Duterte has openly called for the killing of drug dealers and police figures show at least 316 such suspects have been slain since he took office on June 30. Police say the killings were in self-defence.

However, local media agencies have posted even higher totals of deaths, with human rights advocates warning that these may be extra-judicial killings.

Last week the Chinese embassy in Manila issued a statement saying that Beijing was offering its support to Duterte's drug crackdown.

"China has expressed explicitly to the new administration China's willingness for effective cooperation in this regard, and would like to work out a specific plan of action with the Philippine side," the embassy said.

Beijing is known to execute drug offenders and in recent years has put to death several Filipinos found guilty of smuggling narcotics into China.

Duterte, who was elected on May 9 after running on a fierce anti-drugs platform, reiterated during the visit that his special envoy, former president Fidel Ramos, would soon be going to China to discuss the dispute over the South China Sea.

Ties between the two countries have frayed after the UN-linked tribunal ruling, which was widely seen as a victory for the Philippines.
Nepal, India floods leave more than 90 dead

Floods and landslides in Nepal and India have killed more than 90 people in recent days, with at least two million residents forced to flee their homes, officials said Thursday.

Nepal has been worst hit, with homes and bridges destroyed after days of torrential monsoon rains, although water levels were now receding.

"Since Monday, 73 people have been killed in the floods and landslides," home ministry deputy spokesman Jhanka Nath Dhakal told AFP, increasing the death toll from Tuesday after the discovery of 15 more bodies.

A handout photograph released by the Nepalese Army on July 27, 2016 shows army personnel rescuing flood victims in Nawalparasi

"Our teams are working continuously in affected areas to search and rescue. We are also providing relief to the victims."

Images released by the army, which is involved in the operations, showed villagers waiting on rooftops to be evacuated in motorboats.

The worst-hit district was Pyuthan, 250 kilometres (150 miles) west of Kathmandu, where dozens of houses have been swept away.

Scores of people die every year from flooding and landslides during the monsoon rains in Nepal and neighbouring India.

The situation is particularly desperate this year because millions of Nepalis are still living in tents or makeshift huts after a devastating earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people in 2015.

Floods have also hit India's remote, northeastern state of Assam where 19 people have lost their lives mainly after rivers burst their banks in the last week, officials there said.

"An estimated two million people have been rendered homeless after the floods hit 3,000 villages in 21 districts," Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal told journalists during a tour of hard-hit areas on Thursday.

Thousands of those were sheltering in makeshift camps set up along highways and on higher ground, officials said.

"We are providing food, medicines and other relief materials to the flood affected victims," Sonowal said.

Concerns were mounting for the safety of rare one-horned rhinos and other animals trying to flee Assam's famed Kaziranga National Park, which was also flooded.

"At least a dozen animals have drowned or been killed after being hit by cars while crossing the national highway to move towards the adjoining Karbi Anglong Hills," Assam forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma told AFP.

"The park is completely submerged and all the animals are migrating in large herds to the hills," the minister said.

Kaziranga is home to two thirds of the world's one-horned rhino population.
Zimbabwe war veterans' spokesman arrested after Mugabe rebuke

Police have arrested a senior official from Zimbabwe's war veterans' association after it accused President Robert Mugabe of "dictatorial" behaviour in a shock rupture with the 92-year-old leader, lawyers said Thursday.

Veterans of Zimbabwe's 1970s independence war, who had previously been loyal Mugabe supporters, last week issued a statement bitterly denouncing the president, who faces growing signs of opposition.

Douglas Mahiya, spokesman for the War Veterans' Association, was arrested late Wednesday in Harare, according to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) group.

Veterans of Zimbabwe's 1970s independence war, who had previously been loyal Robert Mugabe supporters, issued a statement denouncing the president (pictured), who faces growing signs of opposition Jekesai Njikizana (AFP/File)

"Information presently at hand is that the police are charging him with subverting a constitutional government and insulting the office of the president," the lawyers said.

A Mahiya family lawyer confirmed the arrest to AFP, but declined to comment further.

The association's secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda, was also taken from his rural home in Gokwe, north west Zimbabwe, after being summoned for police questioning.

"His whereabouts are currently undetermined, as are the charges or allegations against him," ZLHR said.

Recent demonstrations, the largest in many years in Zimbabwe, have been triggered by an economic crisis that has left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers.

More than 90 percent of the population is not in formal employment after years of economic decline under Mugabe's rule.

Police on Thursday declined to comment on the two cases, a day after the president vowed to punish the unnamed authors of the war veterans' criticisms.

- 'Deal with our enemies' -

"When we find out who the people were, the party will discipline them. The punishment will be severe," Mugabe said in a speech Wednesday to supporters outside the headquarters of the ruling ZANU-PF party.

In a dramatic change of stance, the liberation war fighters last week vowed not to support Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980, if he sought re-election in 2018.

"You can't maintain a dictatorship by arresting people for speaking their mind," Rugare Gumbo, a war veteran and former senior government official, told AFP.

"It's unfortunate that war veterans are being victimised."

Starting in 2002, the veterans led the government-backed seizures of white-owned commercial farms, in what Mugabe said was a reversal of imbalances from the colonial era.

Many veterans have also been accused of the widespread intimidation and violence during past elections that have kept Mugabe in office.

The president on Wednesday also issued a direct threat to pastor Evan Mawarire, who has emerged as leader of the popular "ThisFlag" protest movement against the authoritarian government.

"We know how to deal with our enemies who have been trying to bring about regime change," Mugabe said, referring by name to Mawarire, who is currently in neighbouring South Africa.

Earlier this month, many offices, shops and some government departments were closed for a one-day strike over the economic crisis that has been worsened by a severe drought.

Mawarire, one of the organisers of the strike, was greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters two weeks ago when he was released by a court that dismissed a case against him of attempting to overthrow the government.

Other protests have erupted at the border with South Africa after many basic imports were outlawed, and in Harare over police officers allegedly using road blocks to extort cash from motorists.
South Sudan on the brink of abyss: UN chief

South Sudan stands on the brink of an abyss, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday after a fresh flareup in fighting unleashed a wave of sexual violence.

Ban told the Security Council that he was "appalled by the scale of sexual violence," with UN rights officials reporting at least 120 cases of rape over the past three weeks.

"As we meet, South Sudan remains precariously poised on the brink of an abyss," said Ban during an open debate on peacebuilding in Africa.

This image provided by the UNMISS (United Nation Mission in South Sudan) on July 11, 2016 shows some of the at least 3000 displaced women, men and children taking shelter at the UN compound in Tomping area in Juba Beatrice Mategwa (UNMISS/AFP/File)

"The promises of the new state for peace, justice and opportunity have been squandered," he added.

The world's youngest nation, South Sudan descended into war in December 2013 and a peace deal signed last year collapsed during heavy fighting in the capital this month.

Ban has called for an arms embargo and sanctions to be imposed on South Sudan, but the council has yet to endorse his call.

The United States on Thursday circulated a draft resolution to the council extending the mandate of the UN mission in South Sudan known as UNMISS until August 8.

That would allow more time for discussions on a separate resolution imposing an arms embargo, sanctions and setting up a regional force to stabilize Juba, diplomats said.

African leaders earlier this month approved a plan to deploy a regional protection force to South Sudan and have asked the Security Council to authorize a robust mandate for that intervention brigade.

"There is a draft in the works," said British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft.

The 13,500-strong UNMISS has faced criticism for failing to stem the latest bloodshed or fully protect civilians during the fighting.

The force command is investigating allegations that peacekeepers at a base in Juba stood by and did nothing as a woman screamed for help during an assault by two soldiers near the base's gate.

Nearly 300 people died in the violence that erupted on July 9 and thousands rushed to UN peacekeeping bases for safety.

In response to the increase in rapes, UN peacekeepers have stepped up patrols around the base and in the city, said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

They are also accompanying women who venture out of the base to collect firewood and procure other items.
Yemen government says peace talks 'ended' after rebels form council

Yemen's government said Thursday that peace talks underway since April had ended without agreement after Shiite rebels and their allies formed a 10-member "supreme council" to run the war-torn nation.

"The negotiations have completely ended," said Abdullah al-Olaimi, deputy director of the Yemeni president's office and a member of the government team to the UN-brokered talks being held in Kuwait.

"We have participated and exercised patience for the sake of our people and we end the negotiations for their sake," Olaimi said on his Twitter account.

Armed tribesmen loyal to Shiite Huthi rebels brandish their weapons at a gathering in Sanaa on June 20, 2016 Mohammed Huwais (AFP/File)

In Riyadh, President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government said the rebels had "fired the bullet of mercy" killing off the talks.

UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the rebels' move "contravenes" their commitment to the peace process and "represents a grave violation" of UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

The Shiite Huthi rebels and the General People's Congress of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh earlier announced the formation of "a supreme political council of 10 members".

They did not name the council's members.

"The aim is to unify efforts to confront the aggression by Saudi Arabia and its allies," they said in reference to the Riyadh-led Arab coalition that launched a military campaign against the rebels in March 2015 in support of Hadi.

The job of the council would be to "manage state affairs politically, militarily, economically, administratively, socially and in security".

Ould Cheikh Ahmed who has been brokering 100 days of talks aimed at a peaceful settlement condemned the move without formally announcing the collapse of negotiations.

"This is a clear violation of the Yemeni constitution" as well as Resolution 2216, he said in a statement released in Kuwait.

The resolution calls on the Huthis to withdraw from territories they occupied in 2014, to hand over their arms and return state institutions to the legitimate government.

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi said the rebels' announcement amounted to a "new coup".

The rebels have "missed an opportunity for peace which the Yemeni people needed", Mikhlafi said on his Twitter account.

"We call on the international community to condemn the new coup against the constitutional legitimacy and hold the Huthi-Saleh alliance responsible" for the failure of the talks, he said.

The rebels overran Sanaa in September 2014 and expanded their control to other parts of Yemen.

In February last year, they had set up a "Supreme Revolutionary Council" to run the country after they announced the dissolution of the government and parliament.

UN-sponsored talks between the rebels and representatives of Hadi's government, which began on April 21, have failed to make headway.

The negotiations were launched after the United Nations secured an agreement on a ceasefire in the war-torn country.

- Government main stumbling block -

The main stumbling block at the talks in Kuwait has been the form of the government in Sanaa.

The Hadi government backed by Saudi Arabia say that he is the legitimate head of state and should preside over a transitional period in the country.

But the rebels insist on forming a national unity government to oversee the transition.

More than 6,400 people have been killed in Yemen since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of Hadi's government.

Another 2.8 million people have been displaced and more than 80 percent of the population urgently needs humanitarian aid, according to UN figures.

Shiite Huthi rebels overran Sanaa in September 2014 and expanded their control to other parts of Yemen Mohammed Huwais (AFP/File)
Lack of money threatens World Food Programme work in Niger

The World Food Programme warned Thursday that it could be forced to suspend humanitarian aid for malnourished infants in Niger from September because of a lack of money.

WFP said a shortage of funds was threatening all its activities in Niger, one of the world's poorest and least developed countries, where more than four out of every 10 children are chronically malnourished.

"Our resources are exhausted and if we don't have immediate contributions, by the end of September it will be impossible to continue our help to malnourished children," WFP spokesman Vigno Hounkali told AFP in Niamey.

An infant suffering from malnutrition and malaria sits with others as they wait for treatment at an international NGO MSF (Doctors Without Boarders) outpost in Guidan-Roumdji Boureima Hama (AFP)

"We have already reduced food rations to impoverished populations."

Help for school canteens and rural development work could also be halted, Hounkali said.

WFP said it needed $21.4 million (19.4 million euros) to help Niger's most vulnerable people from September to December.
The Syrian Al-Nusra Front

Al-Nusra Front, whose leader on Thursday announced its break from Al-Qaeda, is a well-organised, battle-hardened jihadist group allied with rebels fighting the Syrian regime.

Abu Mohamad al-Jolani said Al-Nusra would change its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (Front of the Conquest of Syria) and thanked the "commanders of Al-Qaeda for having understood the need to break ties".

The rebranding aims "to further embed itself (Nusra) into Syria's revolution and secure its long-term future" as a mainstream rebel group, rather than be targeted like the Islamic State (IS) group by foreign powers, analyst Charles Lister tweeted.

Fighters from Al-Nusra Front drive in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on May 26, 2015 Fadi al-Halabi (AMC/AFP/File)

Al-Nusra first emerged in January 2012, 10 months after the start of anti-government protests that were brutally repressed by President Bashar al-Assad's regime, leading to a now more than five-year-old multi-sided conflict.

The group is an offshoot of the Islamic State in Iraq, Al-Qaeda's former affiliate in the country, in which Jolani was a leading figure in Nineveh province, a jihadist stronghold in the north.

In April 2013, Al-Nusra refused to join up with IS and pledged allegiance instead to Al-Qaeda head Ayman al-Zawahiri, who later proclaimed Al-Nusra the only branch of Al-Qaeda in Syria.

After that declaration, IS pushed Al-Nusra out of its base in eastern Syria's oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor.

- '7,000 to 8,000 fighters' -

Al-Nusra counts 7,000 to 8,000 fighters, according to Thomas Pierret, a Syria specialist at the University of Edinburgh.

"There are quite a few foreigners among the middle managers and less among the fighters," he said.

Syria analyst Aymenn al-Tamimi put the number of Al-Nusra fighters at between 5,000 and 10,000 -- with 80 percent of them Syrians.

According to Pierret, Al-Nusra's "centre of gravity" is in Syria's northwestern Idlib province and the southern part of Aleppo province, in the north.

But "there is no territory exclusively controlled by Al-Nusra", he said.

"Even in areas were they are very influential, like in certain parts of Idlib province, other groups coexist with them."

It is Syria's preeminent jihadist force, along with its key rival, IS.

But unlike IS, which opposes all those who fail to swear allegiance, Al-Nusra works alongside an array of rebel groups fighting Assad's regime and has popular support.

"IS considers itself to be a state and other armed groups who do not pledge allegiance to be illegitimate," Pierret explained.

Al-Nusra believes it can "confront certain rebel factions over ideological differences but without rejecting the existence of all other groups in principle", he added.

Tamimi said both groups shared the goal of creating a "global caliphate" but that Al-Nusra had "a more subtle long-game approach focused on trying to build popular support".

- 'Murky financing' -

Al-Nusra's "financing is rather murky", Tamimi added. "But it's clear there have been ties with some elements of Turkish intelligence and Gulf donors in the past".

Pierret said: "Qatar has long tolerated private fundraising for Al-Nusra from its territory and Turkey has facilitated Al-Nusra's operations along its border."

Al-Nusra Front has been targeted by US-led airstrikes on several occasions, but less often than the IS.

Since September 2015, it has mainly been a target of air strikes by Russia, Assad's main ally.

A general view shows armed Syrians checking the wreckage of a government warplane after Al-Nusra front reportedly shot it down over the northern Syrian town of Al-Eis on April 5, 2016 Omar Haj Kadour (AFP/File)
Five US troops wounded in Afghanistan, military says

Five US special forces troops have been wounded fighting the Islamic State group in eastern Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, the US commander said Thursday.

Two of the troops have returned to duty after being treated for their wounds, while the other three were expected to recover fully, General John Nicholson, who heads the NATO force in Afghanistan, said in a video conference from Kabul.

The Americans were wounded "in the last several days" while taking part in a joint operation with Afghan army troops in eastern Nangarhar province, Nicholson said.

There are about 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan with a mission to advise and assist the Afghan military but also to fight extremist groups like Al-Qaeda or IS Martin Bureau (AFP/File)

The Afghan army has intensified operations against IS since the jihadists claimed two bombings over the weekend in Kabul that left 80 dead and 231 wounded.

Afghan's defense ministry has said the army is on the verge of dismantling IS in the eastern border region where it first appeared in 2014.

Nicholson said the IS fighters were "retreating south into the mountains of southern Nangarhar as we speak."

The group has an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 fighters in Afghanistan, down from about 3,000 in January, he said.

There are about 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan with a mission to advise and assist the Afghan military but also to fight extremist groups like Al-Qaeda or IS.
Ford shares tumble on gloomy outlook

Ford warned Thursday that it could miss its 2016 profit forecast due to a plateauing of auto sales in the US market and slower economic growth.

Ford, which had described the first quarter of 2016 as "absolutely terrific," offered a much more subdued outlook as it cautioned that higher incentives in the critical North American market could dent profitability.

"We are committed to meeting our guidance but it is at risk," Ford chief financial officer Bob Shanks said on a conference call with reporters.

Ford joins some other industry experts who have said the American auto market will have trouble topping the record of 17.5 million cars sold in 2015, a peak in a multi-year boom Justin Sullivan (Getty/AFP)

"We don't see growth, at least in the near term."

The bleaker outlook came after Ford reported an 8.8 percent drop in second-quarter earnings to $2.0 billion.

Revenues rose 6.0 percent to $39.5 billion.

Shares of Ford and other US automakers fell sharply following the Ford outlook, which contrasted sharply with the sunny view offered last week by rival General Motors.

Ford joined some other industry experts who have said the American auto market will have trouble topping the record of 17.5 million cars sold in 2015, a peak in a multi-year boom supported by strong sales of sport utility vehicles and other large autos.

Ford now projects 2016 US economic growth of 1.9 to 2.3 percent, down from the April forecast of 2.1 percent to 2.6 percent.

Ford also trimmed its global growth forecast, citing the surprise British vote to leave the European Union and uncertain conditions in China.

One positive note was a near tripling of European operating profits to $467 million.

However, Ford cautioned that Brexit could hit Ford's results by $200 million in 2016 and $400-500 million in 2017 due to the sharp fall in the British pound.

Ford shares tumbled 9.5 percent to $12.52 in late-morning trade.
US-led coalition raids kill 15 civilians in Syria: monitor

At least 15 civilians were killed and dozens wounded in air strikes by a US-led coalition in Syria on Thursday, a monitor said.

The strikes hit a northern town controlled by the Islamic State jihadist group, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"Airstrikes by international coalition fighter jets after midnight (Thursday morning) on the town of Ghandoura killed at least 15 civilians and wounded dozens," said the monitoring group's head, Rami Abdel Rahman.

According to an Observatory toll, around 600 Syrians including 136 children have been killed in coalition air strikes since September 2014 Baraa Al-Halabi (AFP/File)

The town lies 23 kilometres (14 miles) northwest of Manbij, a strategic waypoint between Turkey and the jihadist stronghold of Raqa.

The strikes came a day after the coalition opened a formal investigation to determine whether its air strikes last week near Manbij claimed civilian lives.

The Observatory and local residents said strikes on July 19 had killed dozens of civilians, including children.

After examining "internal and external information", the coalition determined that there was sufficient credible evidence of civilian victims to open a formal inquiry, said spokesman Colonel Chris Garver on Wednesday.

Garver said last week that the jihadists had been mounting exceptionally fierce resistance in Manbij, which is being besieged by US-backed Syrian forces.

The main Syrian opposition group had urged the US-led coalition to suspend its bombardments following the strikes.

Amnesty International has called on the coalition to redouble its efforts to prevent civilian deaths and to investigate possible violations of international humanitarian law.
Syria: five things to know about Aleppo

Once an economic hub, Aleppo and its surrounding countryside have suffered some of the worst fighting in the five-year conflict in Syria that has killed more than 280,000 people.

Here are five facts about the northern city which has been roughly divided into a regime-controlled west and a rebel-held east since July 2012 and is currently undergoing a brutal siege which experts say could prove a turning point in the conflict:

- Aleppo enters the war -

Smoke billows from buildings during an operation by Syrian government forces to retake control of a district in Aleppo, on July 26, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP/File)

In April-May 2011, thousands of students demonstrated in Aleppo, which had so far been spared the unrest in Syria since mid-March.

While the student protests were brutally crushed, rebels took control of several parts of Aleppo province which they would later use as launch pads for a massive July 2012 offensive on the city.

The army fought back with tanks, leaving Aleppo divided into east and west.

The first air strikes in Syria's war followed.

Since then, Aleppo has been split between zones controlled by the rebels and those by the regime, with its province divided up between regime, rebels, jihadists and Kurds.

- A devastated city -

The once-flourishing city with its globally-renowned old town has been reduced to a site of devastation.

Since December 2013, the army has been using brutal barrel bomb strikes from helicopters and military planes, targeting opposition-held residential neighbourhoods, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and militants.

Use of this particularly destructive weapon has been denounced by the United Nations and international non-governmental organisations.

Rebels have retaliated with deadly rocket fire on regime-held neighbourhoods.

Medics say that health conditions in the rebel part of the city, where several hospitals have been hit, are alarming and that medical staff are falling victim to the regular bombardments.

- "Disastrous" siege -

Since July 17, Aleppo's rebel neighbourhoods, home to some 250,000 people, have been totally under siege, after regime forces cut off the last supply route.

The noose has since tightened for the inhabitants, faced with food and petrol shortages and soaring prices.

On Thursday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Moscow had launched a "large-scale" operation together with the Syrian government to open humanitarian corridors for civilians and fleeing fighters.

France's ambassador to the United Nations, Francois Delattre, has compared Aleppo's plight to that of Sarajevo during the Bosnia war.

- An ancient city -

Provincial capital Aleppo is one of the world's oldest cities to have been constantly inhabited since at least 4,000 BC, thanks to its strategic position between the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq.

The manufacturing centre, renowned for its textiles, is situated at the crossroads of major trading routes, and numerous civilisations succeeded each other on its soil.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 Aleppo's citadel, a jewel of Islamic military architecture in the Middle Ages, was built over three centuries from the 10th century.

It was damaged by a blast in July 2015. Two years earlier, fighting destroyed the minaret of the Ummayad mosque and before that a fire ripped through the ancient souk, partially destroying it.

- A major stake in the conflict -

The control of Aleppo is one of the major stakes in the Syria conflict and the army has made its conquest one of its priorities.

Experts say the army's advance, backed by Russian air power, is a body blow to the rebels and could be a turning point in the overall conflict.

"Apart from the humanitarian disaster, the recent events in Aleppo are very important politically-speaking," Karim Bitar from the French think-tank IRIS said.

"Deprived of oxygen, the rebels are faced with an impossible mission," he said, while President Bashar al-Assad is "considerably more at ease than several months ago."

Once an economic hub, Aleppo and its surrounding countryside have suffered some of the worst fighting in the five-year conflict in Syria George Ourfalian (AFP/File)
Indonesia executes foreign convicts despite protests

Indonesia Friday executed four drug convicts, three of them foreigners, by firing squad, an official said, drawing swift condemnation as Jakarta pushes on with its tough campaign of capital punishment.

Ten others expected to have faced the firing squad, including nationals from Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, were not put to death but officials said they would be executed at a later stage.

Authorities did not give a reason for the reprieve, but the prison island where they were expected to be executed in outdoor clearings was hit by a major storm as the other sentences were carried out.

Indonesian men light candles during an anti-execution rally in front of the presidential palace in Jakarta on July 28, 2016 Bay Ismoyo (AFP)

The executions, which saw an Indonesian and three Nigerians face the firing squad, were the first in the country since April last year when authorities put to death eight drug convicts, including two Australians.

President Joko Widodo has defended dramatically ramping up the use of capital punishment, saying that Indonesia is fighting a war on drugs and traffickers must be heavily punished.

Noor Rachmad, deputy attorney general for general crimes, said the latest executions were "done not in order to take lives but to stop evil intentions, and the evil act of drug trafficking".

He added that "the rest (of the executions) will be carried out in stages", saying that the timings had not yet been decided.

Amnesty International condemned the executions, with the group's Rafendi Djamin labelling them "a deplorable act".

"Any executions that are still to take place must be halted immediately. The injustice already done cannot be reversed, but there is still hope that it won't be compounded," he said.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the European Union had also voiced opposition to the plan in recent days.

Friday's executions, which happened at 12:45 am (1745 GMT Thursday), came after a day of frenetic activity, with distraught relatives travelling to Nusakambangan island to say farewells to their loved ones and ambulances carrying coffins over to the heavily guarded penal colony.

- Execution drive -

The executed Indonesian was named as Freddy Budiman, while the three Nigerians were: Seck Osmane, Humphrey Jefferson Ejike Eleweke and Michael Titus Igweh.

Eleweke's lawyer, Afif Abdul Qoyim, told AFP the execution should not have gone ahead as his client this week filed a legal appeal.

"When this process in not respected, that means that this is no longer a country that upholds the law, nor human rights," he said.

Two people whose cases had raised high-profile international concern among rights groups were not executed.

The first was Pakistani Zulfiqar Ali, whom rights groups say was beaten into confessing to the crime of heroin possession, leading to his 2005 death sentence.

Syed Zahid Raza, the deputy Pakistani ambassador in Indonesia, hailed his reprieve as a victory and said it was due to diplomatic efforts in Jakarta and Islamabad.

The other was Indonesian woman Merri Utami, who was caught with heroin in her bag as she came through Jakarta airport and claims she was duped into becoming a drug mule.

At Cilacap, the city closest to Nusakambangan, family members were initially shocked to learn on Thursday morning their relatives would be executed in a matter of hours, having initially thought it would take place a day later.

Some distressed relatives protested their loved ones' innocence, while 10 women's rights activists rallying in support of Utami were detained.

It was the third batch of executions under Widodo, and means 18 drug convicts -- mostly foreigners -- have been put to death since he became leader in 2014.

His execution drive has shocked the international community and disappointed activists, particularly as hopes were high that Widodo, seen as a fresh face in a political world dominated by figures from Indonesia's authoritarian past, would improve the country's rights record.

Indonesian navy conduct a patrol off the waters of Nusa Kambangan, home to a high-security prison where Indonesia is ready to carry out executions, on July 28, 2016 Rohmat Syarif (AFP)
Syrians must not be forced out of Aleppo, UN says

The UN's aid chief warned Thursday that humanitarian corridors proposed by Russia to help Syrians leave Aleppo must be used voluntarily and that protection be guaranteed.

Russia, which is backing the Syrian regime in the five-year war, announced plans to set up four corridors for civilians and fighters to leave Aleppo, which has been under heavy assault for weeks.

The proposal however raised concerns that the corridors could be used to flush out Aleppo before a final push by the Syrian regime forces to take the city.

A Syrian civil defence volunteer carries a wounded child following a reported airstrike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Qatirji in the northern city of Aleppo on July 23, 2016 Thaer Mohammed (AFP/File)

"No one can be forced to flee, by any specific route or to any particular location," said Stephen O'Brien, the under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs.

"Protection must be guaranteed for all according to the principles of neutrality and impartiality," he said in a statement.

The Syrian opposition condemned Russia's proposal, saying the exit corridors would be used to empty the city.

"If the corridors could be used to allow aid into Aleppo, then that would be welcome," said British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft.

"But clearly the UN and the rest of us cannot be complicit in anything else  for instance, any form of emptying of Aleppo, or preparing for an onslaught in Aleppo, or indeed any continuation of this medieval siege of Aleppo which is going on."

"The single most important thing that can happen to improve the situation in Aleppo is an end to the military bombing campaign of Aleppo being carried out by the Assad regime and their backers," the ambassador told reporters.

The UN aid chief renewed his call for a 48-hour weekly humanitarian truce for Aleppo, saying this "is what we as humanitarians require."

Syrian regime forces seized the last remaining supply route to Aleppo this month and all humanitarian and commercial movements came to a halt on July 7.
Sao Tome runoff vote confirmed for August 7 despite row

The government of Sao Tome and Principe on Thursday fixed the second round of a presidential election for August 7 despite unrest after a challenge to the first-round result.

The ruling party candidate and former prime minister Evaristo Carvalho appeared to have scraped past the required 50-percent mark needed for an outright win in the July 17 poll.

But incumbent Manuel Pinto da Costa challenged the outcome and election officials in Africa's second smallest state called a second round after revising Carvalho's tally to 49.8 percent and 24.83 for Da Costa, the candidate of Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada.

A voter waits to cast her vote at a polling station during presidential elections on July 17, 2016 in Sao Tome, capital of Sao Tome and Principe Samir Tounsi (AFP/File)

Carvalho, standing for the Independent Democratic Action party, had initially been credited with a 50.2 percent score.

Da Costa had sought an annulment of the first round results via a joint appeal with third-placed candidate Maria das Neves, who took 16 percent of the vote.

But the constitutional court found against their claim of irregularities and fraud.

In modifying the initial results the electoral commission had taken into account tallies of ballots cast by voters in the diaspora and voting having been delayed in one district.

First round turnout was 64.31 percent of a total electorate of 111,222 in a country of barely 200,000 people which depends largely on international aid.

Executive power in Sao Tome and Principe is shared between the president and the prime minister and has led to turf wars in the past.

The president's role is to arbitrate while the prime minister governs a former Portuguese colony which gained independence in 1975 and has been a democracy since 1991.
Israel PM says he backs Egypt's peace push

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his support for Egypts efforts to mediate peace with the Palestinians Thursday, in a further sign of improving relations with Cairo.

Speaking at an event hosted by Cairo's envoy near Tel Aviv to celebrate Egypt's national day, Netanyahu thanked President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his commitment to the peace process.

"We welcome the efforts to advance peace by President Sisi and we welcome the effort to incorporate other Arab states in this larger effort of a broader peace," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured on July 24, 2016, said he "welcomes the efforts" of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to mediate peace with Palestine Ronen Zvulun (Pool/AFP/File)

"Through storms, turbulence, earthquakes, (Israel and Egypt) have remained at peace and we shall remain at peace."

Egyptian ambassador Hazem Khairat said that Egyptian relations with Israel "could certainly be warmer if we can solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict".

Cairo remains committed to implementing the Arab Peace Initiative, a 2002 Saudi-led peace proposal for Gulf states to recognise Israel in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from occupied Arab territories, he said.

Netanyahu and Khairat also held private talks.

Egypt and Israel have been bound by a peace treaty since 1979 but relations have been formally cold over Israel's policies toward the Palestinians.

Ties further soured after the June 2012 election of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi but improved after his ouster the following year by then army chief Sisi.
US prosecutors drop case against man in Chandra Levy murder

US prosecutors on Thursday dropped murder charges against a man facing retrial for the 2001 death of a young Washington intern, in a case that was a tabloid sensation and destroyed a congressman's career.

Chandra Levy was a 24-year-old intern at the Federal Bureau of Prisons when she went missing on May 1, 2001 while jogging in the US capital's sprawling Rock Creek Park.

The case riveted Washington and the nation, particularly after it was revealed that she had a romantic relationship with California congressman Gary Condit, a married lawmaker 30 years her elder.

Chandra Levy was a 24-year-old intern at the Federal Bureau of Prisons when she went missing on May 1, 2001 while jogging in DC's Rock Creek Park

Her death was a cold case for years, until investigators identified Ingmar Guandique, who was in prison for the assault of two women in the same park, and charged him with first-degree felony murder in 2009.

Guandique was convicted in 2010 and sentenced to 60 years in prison for Levy's murder, based partially on an alleged confession to a fellow prisoner.

Guandique was granted a retrial in 2015, which lawyers had been requesting for years, saying the prisoner who spoke to police gave unreliable testimony in hopes of a reduced sentence.

On Thursday, Judge Robert Morin granted a motion by prosecutors to dismiss charges against Guandique, citing "new information that the government received within the past week."

"The office has concluded that it can no longer prove the murder case against Mr. Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt," prosecutors said in a statement.

There were no further details about the new information exonerating Guandique.

Levy's remains were found in Rock Creek Park a year after she disappeared.

Her romantic links to Condit initially fueled suspicion that he killed her.

The case against Guandique appeared to absolve Condit, who was repeatedly questioned in the case but was never named as a formal suspect.

After admitting to the relationship, the Democrat failed to win reelection, ending a 13-year career in the US House of Representatives.
Family of a Pakistani urges Indonesia to halt his execution

ISLAMABAD (AP)  The sister of a Pakistani convicted of drug crimes has appealed the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother who is expected to be executed by a firing squad along with 12 others in the next 48 hours.

The plea for halting execution from Sajida Bibi came a day after authorities in Indonesia tightened security at a prison to execute drug convicts, including Zulfikar Ali. His sister and other relatives insisted Wednesday that Ali is innocent.
Latest: Blaze destroys 34 homes, 10 outbuildings

BIG SUR, Calif. (AP)  The Latest on California wildfires (all times local):

9 p.m.

Officials say a wildfire burning near Big Sur has destroyed 34 homes as fire crews struggle to contain it.

A wildfire burns in the Palo Colorado Canyon in the scenic Big Sur region of California's Central Coast, Monday, July 25, 2016. Fire crews have made some gains against a massive wildfire burning in rugged terrain near the scenic Big Sur region. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says 10 outbuildings also have been burned by the blaze that has charred 37 square miles.

Firefighters working around the clock got a break early Wednesday from cooler temperatures and increased humidity but by mid-afternoon fire activity increased due to hot temperatures and lower humidity.

The blaze is 10 percent contained.

___

6:30 p.m.

A spokesman with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office says a group of men rescued from the fire burning near Big Sur appear to have been illegal marijuana growers.

John Thornburg told the Monterey Herald (http://bit.ly/2ab2Gpy) Wednesday the marijuana burned in the fire and no arrests were made.

The group was hiking in the southeast portion of the fire area when bulldozing crews spotted them Tuesday.

Search and rescue crews from the Monterey County Sheriff's Department, along with the bulldozer operators, evacuated the eight men to a campground.

Video of the men shows them covered in soot and wearing work boots or sneakers.

No one was seriously injured.

___

9:20 a.m.

A bulldozer operator fighting the massive wildfire outside of Big Sur was killed overnight working the blaze that has now spread to more than 36 square miles.

The name and age of the operator was not immediately available. Details of how the accident happened were also not immediately available.

Another bulldozer operator escaped injury when the piece of equipment rolled over and sustained minor damage.

Firefighters working around the clock got a break early Wednesday from cooler temperatures and increased humidity. The blaze has destroyed 20 homes and is threatening 2,000 more. It was only 10 percent contained early Wednesday.

___

7:45 a.m.

Eight hikers are recovering after being rescued from the fire lines on the south side of a massive blaze burning near Big Sur.

KNTV reports (http://bit.ly/2agon9A ) Wednesday that officials with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection say the men went hiking last weekend and became lost. They had little water and food.

When the fire broke out, the men became stranded and didn't know which direction would lead them to safety, the station reported.

Bulldozing crews spotted the men Tuesday. Search and rescue crews from the Monterey County Sheriff's Department, along with the bulldozer operators, evacuated them to a campground.

No one was seriously injured.

___

6:55 a.m.

The fire command says the huge blaze in northern Los Angeles County is now 40 percent surrounded.

The wildfire grew slightly overnight to nearly 60 square miles. A handful of neighborhoods remain evacuated Wednesday morning.

The fire erupted Friday afternoon in Santa Clarita, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Eighteen homes have been destroyed.

To the north, officials say some 2,000 homes remain threatened by a fire in the scenic Big Sur region that has charred nearly 37 square miles of brush. That blaze is just 10 percent contained.

___

6:30 a.m.

A scenic stretch of California's Highway 1 is open, but state parks near Big Sur remain closed as crews try to beat back a destructive wildfire that threatens to crest a ridge and make a run toward coastal campgrounds, lodges and redwoods.

Firefighters working around the clock got a break early Wednesday from cooler temperatures and increased humidity. The blaze that has destroyed 20 homes and charred 36 square miles of brush was only 10 percent contained late Tuesday.

To the south, firefighters continue to make progress containing a huge blaze in mountains outside Los Angeles. Crews face another day of temperatures in the 90s to low 100s as they fight the fire that has destroyed 18 homes near Santa Clarita.

Cal Fire firefighters extinguish hotspots while fighting the Soberanes Fire in Palo Colorado Canyon on the northern Big Sur Coast on Tuesday July 26, 2016 in Big Sur, Calif. California's signature parks along the Big Sur coastline that draw thousands of daily visitors were closed Tuesday as one of the state's two major wildfires threatened the scenic region at the height of the summer tourism season. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

Karrie H. Andrews recovers items salvaged from the ruins of her home Tuesday, July 26, 2016, destroyed when the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita, Calif. over the weekend. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Karrie H. Andrews recovers items salvaged from the ruins of her home Tuesday, July 26, 2016, destroyed when the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita, Calif. over the weekend. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Karrie H. Andrews recovers items salvaged from the ruins of her home Tuesday, July 26, 2016, destroyed when the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita, Calif. over the weekend. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy checks the identification of people returning to their homes after evacuation orders were lifted in Santa Clarita, Calif., Tuesday, July 26, 2016, after the Sand fire swept through the area over the weekend. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

The ruins of a burned-out home are seen Tuesday, July 26, 2016, after the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita, Calif. over the weekend. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

The ruins of a car and a home are seen Tuesday, July 26, 2016, after the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita, Calif. over the weekend. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

A banner thanking first responders hangs Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in front of a home that escaped damage after the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita, Calif. over the weekend. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Lane Leavitt, who trains stunt actors and specializes in setting people on fire for movies and television, writes "thank you" to first responders in red fire retardant that covers his car Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at his home that escaped damage when the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita, Calif. over the weekend. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Lane Leavitt, who trains stunt actors and specializes in setting people on fire for movies and television, poses Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in his home that escaped damage when the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita, Calif. over the weekend. Leavitt was relieved when he returned home Monday evening to find his home and business fully intact. The fire destroyed 18 homes and authorities said that by Tuesday it had burned more than 37,000 acres, about 58 square miles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Looking west from neighboring Sparks, smoke from a Central California wildfire burning more than 300 miles away obscures parts of downtown Reno, Nev., on Monday, July 25, 2016. Washoe County health officials issued an air quality warning for the Reno-Sparks area, as a result of the smoky haze coming from the fire burning near Big Sur, in California. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner)

The remains of a car that burned with the Soberanes Fire in Palo Colorado Canyon on the northern Big Sur Coast on Tuesday July 26, 2016 in Big Sur, Calif. California's signature parks along the Big Sur coastline that draw thousands of daily visitors were closed Tuesday as one of the state's two major wildfires threatened the scenic region at the height of the summer tourism season. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

Smoke surrounds the ruins of a home that was destroyed by the Soberanes Fire in Palo Colorado Canyon on the northern Big Sur Coast on Tuesday July 26, 2016 in Big Sur, Calif. California's signature parks along the Big Sur coastline that draw thousands of daily visitors were closed Tuesday as one of the state's two major wildfires threatened the scenic region at the height of the summer tourism season. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

Debris from a outbuilding burn at Bochers Gap burn as the Soberanes Fire moves through Palo Colorado Canyon on the northern Big Sur Coast on Tuesday July 26, 2016 in Big Sur, Calif. California's signature parks along the Big Sur coastline that draw thousands of daily visitors were closed Tuesday as one of the state's two major wildfires threatened the scenic region at the height of the summer tourism season.(David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
US Rep. Grayson loses endorsements after his ex claims abuse

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  Florida Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Alan Grayson has lost endorsements from liberal groups after the mother of his children revealed police reports alleging decades of domestic abuse.

Democracy for America and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee rescinded endorsements Tuesday in Grayson's Senate primary against U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy after Politico reported the allegations made by Lolita Grayson.

Their 25-year marriage was annulled last year after Grayson learned during their messy divorce that she was still married to another man when they wed.

"Unfortunately, this deeply disappointing revelation means progressives have no great options in the Florida race for Senate," they said. Their joint statement said it's the first withdrawn endorsement for either group.

Lolita Grayson provided Politico with four police reports dating from 1994 to 2014. In them, she claimed Grayson abused her often over the years.

Grayson's lawyer said the claims were false and simply an attempt to hurt his campaign.

"It is unfortunate that these discredited and utterly false allegations have had their intended effect  to smear an innocent victim in a vain effort to derail a Senate campaign and distract voters from the issues that matter to them," lawyer Mark NeJame said in a statement issued by the campaign.

NeJame said the oldest three of the former couple's five children "sought refuge from their mother by choosing to live with their dad."

Lolita Grayson told Fairfax County, Virginia, police in 1994 and 1999 that the congressman had been hitting her for several years. In 2005, she made a similar claim to the Orange County Sheriff's office, saying he had previously hit her "four or five times," but she didn't want him arrested.

Shortly after she filed for divorce in 2014, she told police the congressman shoved her into a door, but the investigation was quickly closed after police were given video, taken by a congressional staffer, that showed she struck him, but he didn't hit her.

After Tuesday's story was published, Grayson went to a Democratic National Convention event sponsored by Politico and threated to call police on a reporter who questioned him about the claims. The news organization posted video of the confrontation.

"You're getting in my way, my friend! You're assaulting a member of Congress!" Grayson shouted at Edward-Isaac Dovere. "You pushed me!"

Dovere replied that it was Grayson who pushed him.

Grayson and Murphy are seeking the seat now held by Republican Marco Rubio, who is being challenged in the Aug. 30 primary by developer Carlos Beruff.
Spanish court convicts 11 in pyramid-scheme stamp fraud

MADRID (AP)  Spain's National Court has sentenced 11 former company directors to prison terms of between two and 12 years for running a fraudulent multi-billion-euro (-dollar) pyramid scheme that used the savings of hundreds of thousands of small-time investors.

The court ordered six of the former directors of Afinsa to pay a total of 2.6 billion euros ($2.9 million) in compensation to the company's 190,000 investors.

Afinsa was one of two postage stamp companies raided in 2006. The court said Afinsa lured people with promises of high returns on investments in antique stamps that turned out to be overvalued or fake. The interest payments came from new customers and not from appreciation in stamp value, as promised.
Milwaukee officer fired in death of black man loses appeal

MILWAUKEE (AP)  A judge has upheld the firing of a white Milwaukee police officer who fatally shot a mentally ill black man in 2014.

Former officer Christopher Manney was fired for his actions leading up to Dontre Hamilton's death, but not for the shooting itself.

Manney appealed his firing to the circuit court after losing an appeal with the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/2agEOjm ) that Judge Richard Sankovitz said Manney was fired for violating department rules and that his decision to frisk Hamilton escalated a routine police encounter into a catastrophe.

Manney was responding to a complaint of a man sleeping in a park when he says he was attacked and opened fire in self-defense. He shot Hamilton 14 times.

Manney was never charged in the shooting.

___
Lightning sparks fire, burns 80 acres on Florida island

EGMONT KEY, Fla. (AP)  Fire officials are assessing the damage after a lightning strike sparked a fire on Egmont Key off Florida's west coast.

Authorities say almost 80 acres burned Tuesday following the lightning strike on the state park which is located on a small island at the mouth of Tampa Bay.

News outlets report that officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Forest Service are expected to assess the damage on Wednesday.

No one lives on Egmont Key, which can only be reached by boat or ferry.
Catalan parliament defies top court ruling against secession

MADRID (AP)  Spain's caretaker government says it will take legal action against the parliament of Catalonia after pro-independence parties governing the region defied Spain's Constitutional Court by approving a resolution to press ahead with secession.

The resolution was approved Wednesday in the regional parliament in Barcelona by the "Together for Yes" group and its anti-capitalist coalition partner CUP, despite protests from opposition parties that it was illegal.

The motion was another step in the regional government's road map for independence by 2017 that was approved in 2015 but ruled as unconstitutional by Spain's top court.

The Spanish government said it had contacted the nation's main opposition parties to inform them that it would take legal action to block the process.
Dubai's DP World reaches deal to expand port in Taiwan

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Port operator DP World says it has reached a deal to help expand a seaport in Taiwan.

The Dubai-based company said Wednesday it signed a memorandum of understanding with the state-run Taiwan International Ports Corporation to develop a seventh cargo terminal at Kaohsiung Port, Taiwan's largest harbor.

Financial terms were not disclosed.
Man dies after being arrested by Virginia police officers

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. (AP)  Virginia State Police are investigating the death of a man who collapsed in the back of a squad car.

Christiansburg town spokeswoman Melissa Powell said police arrested 59-year-old Leonard J. Karr without incident Monday afternoon after he was reportedly acting strangely outside the Microtel Inn & Suites.

Her statement says he was arrested on a probation violation without any use of force and put in handcuffs in the squad car.

Powell says that the officer said Karr appeared to be "in distress" when they arrived at the magistrate's office 17 minutes later. He was unresponsive by the time rescue personnel arrived, and died at a hospital Monday evening.
INTERVIEW: US general says Afghan IS linked to main group

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  The Islamic State group presence in Afghanistan is directly linked to the parent organization in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. Army general in charge of American and NATO troops in Afghanistan said on Wednesday.

Gen. John Nicholson, speaking to The Associated Press in an interview, says IS loyalists in Afghanistan have financial, communications and strategic connections with the main IS leadership based in a self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

"This franchise of Daesh is connected to the parent organization," he said, using a common alternative acronym for the Islamic State group.

Head of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Gen. John W. Nicholson, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at his office, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Massoud Hossaini)

"They have applied for membership, they have been accepted, they had to meet certain tests, they have been publicized in Dabiq," the IS magazine, he said.

IS bases in the eastern province of Nagharhar, which borders Pakistan, are currently being targeted by an Afghan military offensive, backed by U.S. troops.

The offensive, part of the Afghan army's Operation Shafaq, began on Saturday, hours after the IS group claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in the capital Kabul that killed around 80 people.

The attack targeted ethnic Hazaras, who are also Shiite Muslims  considered apostates by IS  who were demonstrating to demand that a regional electrical project to be rerouted through their province of Bamiyan to boost economic growth in the impoverished central highlands.

More than 200 people were wounded in the worst attack in Kabul since the Taliban's insurgency began in 2001. It was also the first major attack in the city claimed by IS, raising concerns about their strength and capabilities in Afghanistan.

Until recently, Afghan and U.S. officials have insisted that IS loyalists were disaffected Taliban weary that their own fight had failed to make headway, after 15 years, in its goal of overthrowing the Kabul government. This week, the spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Army Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, said that IS operatives in Afghanistan numbered between 1,000 and 3,000 loyalists  though probably closer to 1,500.

Afghan security forces, backed by U.S. air strikes, have been targeting IS in their Nangarhar holdouts for several months.

Afghan government reports on the efficacy of operations in recent months have claimed high numbers of militants killed and wounded, and put those figures in the hundreds since Saturday. The numbers cannot be independently verified.

Nicholson said that the nine or 10 districts where IS had a significant presence had been reduced to three ahead of the current offensive.

Now, he said, they were retreating out of the Kot valley toward the south. Once the region was cleared, he said, civilian forces such as the Afghan Local Police would move in to make sure there was no return.

The Afghanistan branch of IS often is referred to as Islamic State-Khorasan Province, a reference to a historic region that included parts of what are now Afghanistan.

Nicholson said a "significant proportion, a majority of fighters" with IS in Afghanistan come from Pakistan's Orokzai agency, over the border from Nangarhar, and are former members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, also known as the Pakistani Talban.

"We see them frankly as almost interchangeable at this point," Nicholson said, noting that U.S. counter-terrorism forces last month killed a senior TTP leader, Khalifa Umar Mansoor, who allegedly masterminded a 2014 attack on a school in Peshawar in which some 150 people, mostly children, were killed. That strike came after a U.S drone strike in May killed the leader of the Taliban, Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, also in Pakistan.

"This is a demonstration of our commitment against these terrorists no matter where they commit their atrocities on either side of the border," Nicholson said.

Addressing concerns that the Pakistan authorities were giving sanctuary to Islamic State operatives  as they are widely accused by Afghanistan of giving Taliban leaders, though the accusation is denied  Nicholson said that he had raised the issue of the group's cross-border presence with Pakistan's chief of army staff Gen. Raheel Sharif. Sharif had committed to join the United States and Afghanistan to defeat the Islamic State group, Nicholson said.

"There is an ongoing operation on the Pakistan side of the border to move in to the valleys opposite the enclave that they have there. This is something the Pakistanis have committed to, to continue these operations," Nicholson said.

Head of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Gen. John W. Nicholson, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at his office, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Massoud Hossaini)

Head of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Gen. John W. Nicholson, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at his office, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Massoud Hossaini)
Man accused of killing niece, hurting nephew to 'quiet' them

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  An Ohio man accused of fatally shooting his young niece and wounding his nephew when he tried to "quiet them" has been indicted on charges including aggravated murder.

Franklin County's prosecutor said Wednesday that a grand jury in Columbus also indicted 59-year-old Milous Keith on charges of murder, attempted murder, felonious assault and having weapons under disability. Court records don't list an attorney for Keith, who is in jail.

Authorities say the Columbus man fatally shot 12-year-old Cheyenne Stewart and severely injured 10-year-old ThiaJuan Green at Keith's mother's house on July 17.
The Latest: Clinton adviser says Trump encouraging hackers

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on the hacking of the Democratic National Committee (all times local):

1:15 p.m.

A senior adviser for Hillary Clinton's campaign is accusing Donald Trump of encouraging a foreign government to spy against his opponent.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, arrive for the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

During a news conference, Trump addressed Russia and said he hoped the country could find Clinton's missing 30,000 emails that were deleted from her personal server while she was secretary of state. When asked if he had any pause about encouraging a foreign government to hack into U.S. computers, he said "That's up to the president."

Clinton's senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in an emailed statement: "This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent. That's not hyperbole, those are just the facts. This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue."

___

1:05 p.m.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump says that if foreign governments have the 33,000 emails deleted from Hillary Clinton's private email server, they should make them public.

"I will tell you this. Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 e-mails that are missing," Trump said. "I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press."

At a press conference Wednesday in Doral, Florida, Trump was asked whether he had any pause about asking a foreign government to hack into computers in the United States. Trump did not directly respond except to say, "That's up to the president. Let the president talk to them."

Trump complained anew that Clinton had deleted roughly 33,000 emails from her private server before turning over the rest to the Obama administration.

"That gives me a problem," Trump said. "Now, if Russia or China or any other country has those e-mails, I mean, to be honest with you, I'd love to see them."

___

12:45 p.m.

A spokesman for House Speaker Paul Ryan says Russian President Vladimir Putin should stay out of the U.S. presidential election.

The brief statement from Brendan Buck on Wednesday comes as Democrats blamed Russia for hacking the Democratic National Committee. Republican Donald Trump called for Russia to infiltrate Hillary Clinton's email, an unprecedented suggestion to a foreign power to conduct cyberspying on a presidential candidate.

Buck said in a statement: "Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug. Putin should stay out of this election."

Ryan is backing Trump's candidacy though he has been tepid in his endorsement, calling out the nominee on immigration and other issues.

___

12:30 p.m.

Donald Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, says there should be "serious consequences" if Russia is found to be interfering in the U.S. electoral process.

In a statement Wednesday, Pence said "both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences" to the hacking.

But in a press conference moments earlier, Trump declined to speak out against the breach to Democratic National Committee computers, which the Democrats have blamed on Russia.

Instead, he called on Russia to find the missing emails from Hillary Clinton's personal server, since they probably contain "some beauties."

Trump said he has no relationship to Russian President Vladimir Putin and does not know if Russia or some other country is responsible for the DNC breach.

__

11:10 a.m.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump says statements that Russia was responsible for hacking the Democratic National Committee were "far-fetched, so ridiculous." He said blaming Russia was deflecting attention from the embarrassing material in the emails, which WikiLeaks published last week on its website.

Trump said Wednesday at a press conference in Doral, Florida, "Russia has no respect for our country, if it is Russia. It could be China. It could be someone sitting in his bedroom."

Trump said the emails, which showed DNC staffers behind the scenes supporting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, demonstrated that the primary elections were what he called "a fixed race."

"It was a rigged race, totally rigged," Trump said.

___

10:50 a.m.

The head of a cybersecurity firm says no one should be shocked that a foreign nation would want to break into a digital trove of American political communications.

Paul Kurtz is the chief executive officer of TruSTAR Technology and a former White House cyber adviser.

He says it's not surprising that a country like Russia would have an interest in penetrating a system like that of the Democratic National Committee. He says past political campaigns also have been targeted.

Kurtz says it can sometimes make sense to publicly identify the culprit of major hacks. But he said it can often make more sense to broadly share information about how the hack occurred, so as to prevent and deter future attacks.

__

10:45 a.m.

Hillary Clinton is "alarmed" by the possibility that the Russian government was involved with the theft of emails from the Democratic National Committee.

Top campaign aide Jake Sullivan says Clinton "does not view this as a political issue" but as a "national security issue."

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama implied that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have reason to facilitate the attack.

Clinton, who has spent the last few days at her New York home, was briefed on the attack, says Sullivan. She has not commented on the incident. Top campaign officials have previously suggested that the goal of the hack was to benefit GOP rival Donald Trump's campaign.

__

10:35 a.m.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, while not directly denying Russian involvement in the hack, says Moscow would never interfere in another country's election.

"President Putin more than once has said the Russia would never interfere and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, especially in the electoral process," Dmitry Peskov told journalists Wednesday in a conference call.

Peskov also criticized the willingness to accuse Russia of wrongdoing. "If we talk about some sort of suspicions against a country, then it is necessary at a minimum to be precise and concrete," the spokesman said. He said "speculation in this case does not show a constructive attitude."

___

10:23 a.m.

President Barack Obama's decision to identify Russia as almost certainly the culprit in hacking the Democratic National Committee and releasing politically embarrassing emails fits his administration's new penchant for openly blaming foreign governments for such break-ins.

Even as the U.S. continues to secretly hack its own adversaries, Obama is raising the stakes for countries caught behind the keyboards engaging in cyber espionage. That includes even major powers like Russia and China.

Obama traditionally avoids commenting on active FBI investigations. But he told NBC News that outside experts have blamed Russia for the leak and appeared to embrace the notion that President Vladimir Putin might have been responsible.

The developing U.S. strategy, unofficially dubbed "name and shame," is intended to raise diplomatic consequences for foreign governments involved in state-sponsored hacking.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump National Doral, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2015 file photo, President Barack Obama shakes hands with Russian President President Vladimir Putin before a bilateral meeting at United Nations headquarters. President Barack Obama's decision to identify Russia as almost certainly the culprit in hacking the Democratic National Committee and releasing politically embarrassing emails fits his administration's new penchant for openly blaming foreign governments for such break-ins. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Chicago Police union to officers: Don't request overtime

CHICAGO (AP)  Chicago's police union is asking officers to not volunteer to work overtime during the Labor Day weekend to protest the "continued disrespect" toward officers and the killings of law enforcement personnel nationwide.

The Chicago Police Department typically deploys thousands of officers on overtime to counteract the spike in shootings that usually occurs during long holiday weekends. But in a recent flier sent to rank-and-file officers, the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 advises against officers volunteering for duty.

"There is a new level of concern that families now have when their loved ones leave for work in law enforcement that they didn't have a month ago," Chicago FOP President Dean Angelo said, referring to the recent fatal shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "And we are saying, put your kids at ease, don't take that extra day at risk if you don't have to."

The flier said taking a stand would also "show unity and ... protest the continued disrespect of Chicago Police Officers."

The request may be largely symbolic. Labor Day is the last of three warm-weather holidays when thousands of extra officers usually flood the streets, and the department says it will order officers to work overtime if insufficient volunteers step forward.

"There will not be any operational impacts to the deployment of police on Labor Day weekend," department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

But the flier underlines serious problems for the department, which has come under fire for using excessive force since the November release of a now-famous video showing a white Chicago police officer shooting black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times.

That shooting helped to expose stark statistics that show officers in the city are rarely punished for on-duty shootings. The officer involved in the McDonald shooting, Jason Van Dyke, was the first in decades to be charged with murder for an on-duty shooting. And between 2007 and two months ago, the Independent Police Review Authority that investigates police misconduct found only two of some 400 police shootings were unjustified.

Just this week, the agency recommended that three officers involved in two separate shootings be fired. And though the recommendations were made after the flier went out, Angelo said it is the latest example of the lack of support for police officers that he has been talking about for months.

"These officers are being subjected to the entire anti-police movement," he said.

___
The Latest: Man wounded by Hinckley hopes judge is right

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on a judge's ruling that the man who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, John Hinckley Jr., can live full-time outside a mental hospital (all times local):

8 p.m.

The Secret Service man who took a bullet during the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan says he hopes a federal judge is right that John Hinckley is no longer a threat and can be released to live with his mother.

FILE - In this March 19, 2015 file photo, John Hinckley gets into his mother's car in front of a recreation center in Williamsburg, Va. A judge says Hinckley, who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan will be allowed to leave a Washington mental hospital and live full-time in Virginia. (AP Photo/ Steve Helber, File)

Timothy McCarthy, now the police chief of the Chicago suburb of Orland Park, says he is a bit perturbed he didn't get a notification of the judge's decision to allow the 61-year-old Hinckley to go free.

McCarthy noted that he's never been asked for an opinion on whether Hinckley should be released.

During the March 30, 1981 assassination attempt, the then 32-year-old McCarthy was shot in the right chest. He says he spent a little more than three months recuperating before returning to the president's security detail.

McCarthy spent 22 years with the Secret Service.

___

3:40 p.m.

The longtime attorney for John Hinckley Jr. says his client "recognizes that what he did was horrific" but that shooting President Ronald Reagan and three others "was not an act of evil."

Barry Levine said in a statement Wednesday that Hinckley is "profoundly sorry for what he did 35 years ago." He says the shooting was "caused by mental illness, an illness from which he no longer suffers."

A judge ruled Wednesday that Hinckley can live full-time with his mother at her home in Williamsburg, Virginia. Hinckley has been spending 17 days a month there for over two years.

Levine says he's "gratified" by the ruling, calling it "correct based on the law and the facts." He says "the mental health system and the judicial system worked and worked well."

___

2:40 p.m.

President Ronald Reagan's daughter is criticizing a judge's decision to allow the release of John Hinckley Jr. from the psychiatric hospital where he's been confined for more than 35 years after he tried to assassinate Reagan.

Patti Davis says in a lengthy statement on her website that she will "forever be haunted" by the day her father almost died in 1981.

Davis says she believes in forgiveness. But she says forgiving someone doesn't mean letting them "loose in Virginia to pursue whatever dark agendas they may still hold dear."

Davis also says she's not surprised by the decision, but says her "heart is sickened."

A judge ruled Wednesday that Hinckley is no longer a danger and can live full-time with his mother in Virginia.

___

1:00 p.m.

A former Secret Service agent who took John Hinckley Jr. into custody after Hinckley shot President Ronald Reagan says a court's decision to allow the man to live full time in the community is disappointing.

Danny Spriggs, who now works for The Associated Press, called the shooting the most "horrific incident" of his career. Spriggs said he believes Hinckley should remain under close scrutiny in a mental institution.

Hinckley shot Reagan and three others in 1981. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity. A judge ruled Wednesday that he's no longer a danger and can live full-time with his mother in Virginia.

Spriggs spent nearly three decades with the Secret Service. He now works as vice president of global security for The AP.

___

12:20 p.m.

The foundation honoring President Ronald Reagan's legacy says it "strongly opposes" the release of John Hinckley Jr. from the psychiatric hospital where he's been confined for more than 35 years.

Hinckley shot Reagan and three others, including presidential press secretary James Brady, in 1981. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity. A judge ruled Wednesday that Hinckley is no longer a danger and can live full-time with his mother in Virginia.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute issued a statement Wednesday that read, in part, "Contrary to the judge's decision, we believe John Hinckley is still a threat to others and we strongly oppose his release."

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump also called it a "mistake" to release Hinckley, whom he misidentified as "David Hinckley."

___

10:35 a.m.

The man who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan will continue to live under a number of restrictions when he leaves a Washington mental hospital next month.

Judge Paul Friedman ruled Wednesday that John Hinckley Jr. will have to attend individual and group therapy sessions and is barred from talking to the media. He can drive, but there are restrictions on how far he can travel. The Secret Service also periodically follows him.

Hinckley will be required return to Washington once a month for doctors to check on his mental state and his compliance with the conditions of his leave. He'll also be barred from trying to contact surviving victims and their families, along with actress Jodie Foster, whom he was trying to impress when he shot the president.

___

9:32 a.m.

A judge says the man who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan will be allowed to leave a Washington mental hospital and live full-time in Virginia.

Judge Paul Friedman ruled Wednesday that John Hinckley Jr. is ready to live in the community. Friedman's ruling comes more than 35 years after the March 30, 1981, shooting outside a Washington hotel in which Reagan and three others were injured.

Doctors have said for years that the now 61-year-old Hinckley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting, is no longer plagued by the mental illness that drove him to shoot Reagan.

For more than a year he's been allowed to spend 17 days a month at his mother's Virginia home. He will now live there full-time.
9/11 worker pleads for medical coverage with billboards

WEST MILFORD, N.J. (AP)  A New Jersey man who spent three weeks looking for survivors in the days after the 9/11 attacks is using billboards in a push to have his kidney disease added to the list of covered conditions by a fund to help Ground Zero workers with health problems.

Mike Megna has a rare kidney disease he believes was caused by dust from the rubble of the fallen World Trade Center towers.

The 44-year-old West Milford resident has rented two billboards in New Jersey near New York City that plead, "Add Kidney Disease for 9/11 Rescue Workers!" The signs include Megna's name and picture.

A spokeswoman for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which administers the fund, says there's not enough evidence yet to connect the condition to Ground Zero.
Suitcase explodes in southern German town; no one hurt

BERLIN (AP)  A suitcase containing a spray can exploded near a refugee center and a police station in the German state of Bavaria on Wednesday, but no one was hurt, authorities said.

Witnesses reported the explosion in Zirndorf, outside the city of Nuremberg, early Wednesday afternoon. Police said they found a burning suitcase and quickly extinguished it.

There was no indication that any explosives were detonated and the explosion may have been caused by the spray can, police said in a statement. They added that it appeared no one was in danger at any point.

Police said that they were looking for the suitcase's possible owner, and issued descriptions of a man aged around 30 and a woman of about 25 who were believed to have been seen with suitcases.
Family fears Burundi journalist arrested last week is dead

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP)  The family of a Burundian journalist who was arrested last week, reportedly by the country's National Intelligence Service, said Wednesday it now fears he is dead.

Jean Bigirimana of the independent newspaper Iwacu was arrested in Muramvya province, his wife, Godeberte Hakizimana, told The Associated Press.

She said the family has checked almost all of the jails in the province for him. Police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye said Bigirimana was not in their custody.

Human Rights Watch has documented a pattern of disappearances in Burundi in which people are taken away, often by members of the intelligence services, and not seen again for weeks or months.

The East African country has been in turmoil following President Pierre Nkurunziza's re-election last year. Protesters disputed his right to stay on for a third term. Hundreds of people have died, and rights groups have accused the government of violence against opposition members and protesters.

Bigirimana was arrested on his return from neighboring Rwanda, where he had gone to attend a journalism training course.
Hundreds of seabirds washing up dead off Olympic Peninsula

PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. (AP)  Scientists are looking into the deaths of hundreds of seabirds in the eastern part of the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington state.

About 300 rhinoceros auklets, which are closely related to puffins, have washed ashore since May, the Peninsula Daily News reported (http://goo.gl/cszdbU ). Julia Parrish, executive director of the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team, says there's no clear explanation.

"We've never seen anything like 300 rhinoceros auklets wash ashore in the eastern Strait," she said. "There's definitely something going on."

Dead birds have been found at Discovery Bay, Dungeness Spit near Sequim and across the strait near Victoria, British Columbia. Some have been sent to the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center for testing.

About 72,000 of the birds are successfully breeding on Protection Island, a wildlife refuge near the mouth of Discovery Bay, Parrish said, so a lack of food doesn't seem to be the issue.

Scientists also are looking into possible contagions or poisons, but if that were the case, Parrish said she would expect more to have washed up. She also said there could be a small algae bloom adding toxins to the food supply.

The organization has hundreds of trained volunteers monitoring the beaches in the Strait and recording what they find, she said.

The British Columbia Beach Bird Survey is recording the dead birds found on the Canadian shore.

___
Desperate migrants in Serbia launch hunger strike

HORGOS, Serbia (AP)  They walked for miles in blazing sun to reach the doorstep of the European Union only to find its doors shut. Now, a group of migrants protesting Europe's closed borders say they have launched a hunger strike to press their message to European leaders.

Some 100 men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now. Last weekend they staged a march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary, where they stopped in a dusty field near the boundary, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups.

Desperate, they said Wednesday that no one seems to care. Holding banners reading "Your Silence is Hurting Us" and "We Were All Born Free," the migrants were carrying on with their protest calmly in small groups, some with blankets or towels on their heads to protect them from the scorching sun. Their eyes blurred from the heat, some migrants collapsed getting up, as others rushed to their aid.

A man tapes his mouth as he protests at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from the border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups.(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

"The situation is turning from bad to worse," said Roohul Amin Afridi, 33, from Afghanistan, one of the protest leaders. "We have been on hunger strike for the past four days."

As a Serbian ambulance arrived to the scene, Afridi said that several men have collapsed already and have been taken to a local hospital.

Some 300 men initially set off on foot Friday from Belgrade, the Serbian capital, toward the Hungarian border, 200 kilometers (120 miles) away to draw attention to the plight of the several thousand people who have been stuck in Serbia and other Balkan countries after the so-called Balkan refugee route closed in March.

EU-member Hungary has tightened immigration rules, letting in only up to 30 migrants a day, mostly families with small children, and pushing back those caught trying to cross illegally. Hundreds of migrants are already staying in makeshift camps along the Serbia-Hungary border with almost no facilities. Any newcomers will face weeks, even months of waiting, while single men have little hope of making it across the border.

Gyorgy Bakondi, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's national security adviser, says Hungary wants to have full control over the migrant influx.

"We would like to avoid causing domestic security tensions in Hungary or other countries as a result of a bad decision on the part of the authorities," he insists, dismissing the migrant protest as "staged performances" designed to put pressure and draw media attention.

Protest leader Afridi describes the situation at the border as "disheartening," saying that "hundreds are languishing" at the border camp and "nobody cares."

"We don't have anything to do, we don't have any choice except to be on hunger strike," he says.

So far, no incidents have been reported at the protest site, watched closely by the Serbian police. Few hundred meters away, a small tent city hosts several hundred more migrants, including families with small children. There, migrants cover their tents with tree branches for protection, while children play volleyball over a net made out of old clothes and blankets.

Faced with the pileup of migrants on its territory, Serbian authorities have also announced tougher controls on the Balkan country's borders with Macedonia and Bulgaria, where most migrants enter Serbia. With EU nations eager to curb the influx after more than 1 million asylum-seekers came in 2015, many migrants have turned to people smugglers and used clandestine routes to get in.

Aid workers say some 600 migrants are currently staying in the camp at Horgos. Nebojsa Covic, a field associate from the U.N. refugee agency, says "people are aware of their prospects ... waiting patiently for their turn."

Covic says the group of protesting migrants who arrived on Sunday, have "refused the food, taking only water."

Among them is 18-year-old Minhaj Uddin Wahaj from Afghanistan. Wahaj says he left his home in the capital, Kabul, some six months ago and traveled through Iran, Turkey and Greece before reaching Serbia. He joined the hunger strike on Tuesday.

"I don't want to be in war any more, that is why I left my country," Wahaj says, adding that his family stayed behind, but that "they are not safe in Kabul."

"Nobody is safe in Afghanistan," he says. "I am looking for a safe place on this Earth."

___

AP Writer Pablo Gorondi contributed from Budapest, Hungary.

Migrants tape their mouths as they stage a protest at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from the border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A migrant is helped after he fainted from exhaustion at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Discarded food lays in a pile as migrants and refugees stage a protest at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A Hungarian army soldier stands guard at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Migrants tape their mouths as they protest at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away the border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A migrant uses an umbrella to shelter from the sun at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man applies shampoo as he bathes in a pond at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A migrant uses a blanket to shelter from the sun at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A migrant gets help after he fainted from exhaustion, as others protest at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A child cools off with water at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A man bathes in a pond at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A child pours water on his head to cool off at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A migrant is helped after he fainted from exhaustion at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Children play a game of volleyball at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

A migrant tapes his mouth as he protests at a makeshift camp for migrants in Horgos, Serbia, meters away from Serbia's border with Hungary, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Some one hundred men and boys, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been protesting Europe's migrant policies for several days now, staging a protest march to Serbia's border with EU-member Hungary where they sat down in a dusty field, without any facilities and accepting only water from humanitarian groups. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Men walk in the migrant camp at the border between Serbia and Hungary at Horgos, Northern Serbia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. There are around 1,400 migrants staying in Northern Serbia waiting for the opportunity to continue their journey to central Europe, but the border remains closed. (Zoltan Balogh/MTI via AP)

One of the migrants who are on hunger in an effort to put pressure on the Hungarian government to open the national border, rests with border guards in background, at the border between Serbia and Hungary at Horgos, Northern Serbia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. There are around 1,400 migrants staying in Northern Serbia waiting for the opportunity to continue their journey to central Europe, but the border remains closed. (Zoltan Balogh/MTI via AP)

Serbian Minister of Social Affairs Aleksandar Vulin, second left, speaks with migrants who are on hunger strike in an effort to put pressure on the Hungarian government to open the national border, at the border between Serbia and Hungary at Horgos, Northern Serbia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. There are around 1,400 migrants staying in Northern Serbia waiting for the opportunity to continue their journey to central Europe, but the border remains closed. (Zoltan Balogh/MTI via AP)
The Latest: Protest costs rise to $1.5M in St. Paul

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  The Latest on protests surrounding the July 6 fatal shooting of a black man by a suburban Minneapolis police officer (all times local):

6 p.m.

Costs associated with protests in St. Paul over the shooting death of a black motorist by a suburban police officer have risen to $1.5 million.

16-year old Tayvion Owens is sprayed with a substance by St. Paul police officers as they and protesters face off on Summit Ave., a block from the Governor's residence, in St. Paul, Minn. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Police have arrested an unknown number of protesters in front of the governor's mansion on St. Paul's Summit Avenue. Demonstrators have been camping outside the governor's residence since early July 7, a day after the shooting of Philando Castile, who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop. (Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP)

Tonya Tennessen, spokeswoman for Mayor Chris Coleman, says of that amount, $1.3 million was for police costs through Tuesday.

The preliminary costs jumped $500,000 in the past week. As of July 17, the cost was estimated at $1 million, including a blockade that shut down Interstate 94 in St. Paul earlier this month.

Protesters have been camped outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul since July 7, the day after a St. Anthony police officer fatally shot Philando Castile during a traffic stop in nearby Falcon Heights. Nearly 70 protesters were arrested Tuesday and early Wednesday as police cleared protesters from the street in front of the mansion.

Tennessen says St. Paul may ask the state or federal government for assistance.

___

10:30 a.m.

Dozens of St. Anthony residents are demanding change after one of the city's police officers shot a black man during a traffic stop.

St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez shot Philando Castile on July 6 after a traffic stop in nearby Falcon Heights. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating.

The Star Tribune reported that at least 75 people attended Tuesday night's City Council meeting in St. Anthony. About 20 speakers demanded more transparency from city officials.

Speakers also called for listening sessions where residents could voice concerns, as well as for de-escalation training for police officers.

Meanwhile, the city of Falcon Heights is holding its own listening session Wednesday. Since Castile's death, some residents have asked that Falcon Heights stop contracting with the St. Anthony Police Department.

___

6:15 a.m.

St. Paul police say nearly 70 protesters have been arrested as officers cleared them from the street in front of the Minnesota's governor's mansion.

Police say the most recent arrests were made at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, when 23 people were taken into custody for public nuisance and unlawful assembly.

Demonstrators have been camped outside the governor's mansion for weeks to protest the July 6 killing of Philando Castile, a black man who was shot by a suburban police officer during a traffic stop.

Police told the protesters Tuesday morning that they could no longer block the street. They began to gather their belongings, but tensions flared throughout the day and authorities began making arrests.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating Castile's death.

Demonstrator Jacob Ladda is taken away in handcuffs Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in front of Gov. Mark Dayton's mansion, where protesters have been demonstrating over the shooting death of a black man by a suburban police officer nearly three weeks ago, in St. Paul, Minn. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP)

Tyler Clark Edwards of St. Paul raises his fist in the air in front of a large photo of Philando Castile, as protesters encamped in front of the Governor's residence in St. Paul, Minn. pack up their belongings Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Police have arrested an unknown number of protesters in front of the governor's mansion on St. Paul's Summit Avenue. Demonstrators have been camping outside the governor's residence since early July 7, a day after the shooting of Philando Castile, who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop. (Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP)

Joshua Lawrence is arrested by St. Paul police after protesters refused to move from in front of the Governor's residence on Summit Ave. in St. Paul, Minn. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Police have arrested an unknown number of protesters in front of the governor's mansion on St. Paul's Summit Avenue. Demonstrators have been camping outside the governor's residence since early July 7, a day after the shooting of Philando Castile, who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop. (Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP)

Wintana Melekin speaks to a line of St. Paul police as police and protesters face off on Summit Avenue, a block from the Governor's residence, in St. Paul, Minn. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Police have arrested an unknown number of protesters in front of the governor's mansion on St. Paul's Summit Avenue. Demonstrators have been camping outside the governor's residence since early July 7, a day after the shooting of Philando Castile, who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop. (Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP)

Tayvion Ownes, 16, pours milk into his eyes after being sprayed in the face with a substance by St. Paul police, as police and protesters face off on Summit Avenue in St. Paul, Minn. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Police have arrested an unknown number of protesters in front of the governor's mansion on St. Paul's Summit Avenue. Demonstrators have been camping outside the governor's residence since early July 7, a day after the shooting of Philando Castile, who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop. (Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP)

St. Paul Police lead a young boy away after the two people on each side of him were handcuffed and arrested as police and protesters face off in front of the Governor's Residence in St. Paul, Minn. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Police have arrested an unknown number of protesters in front of the governor's mansion on St. Paul's Summit Avenue. Demonstrators have been camping outside the governor's residence since early July 7, a day after the shooting of Philando Castile, who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop. (Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP)

A protester is arrested outside Gov. Mark Dayton's mansion where protesters have been demonstrating over the shooting death of a black man by a suburban police officer nearly three weeks ago, in St. Paul, Minn. Tuesday, July 26, 2016. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP)

A protester, who would not give her name, stands defiantly in front of St. Paul police Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in front of Gov. Mark Dayton's mansion, where protesters have been demonstrating over the shooting death of a black man by a suburban police officer nearly three weeks ago, in St. Paul, Minn. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP)

An angry protester stares down a St. Paul police officer after police began making arrests Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in front of Gov. Mark Dayton's mansion, where protesters have been demonstrating over the shooting death of a black man by a suburban police officer nearly three weeks ago, in St. Paul, Minn. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP)

Protesters pack up sleeping bags, bedding and other belongings after police told them them must remove their belongings from the street and sidewalk in front of the Governor's residence on Summit Avenue in St. Paul,. Minn. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Police have arrested an unknown number of protesters in front of the governor's mansion on St. Paul's Summit Avenue. Demonstrators have been camping outside the governor's residence since early July 7, a day after the shooting of Philando Castile, who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop. (Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP)
Mass killing plot in Japan raised alarms, then concern faded

TOKYO (AP)  He wrote that he intended to kill disabled people and that his plot would benefit Japanese society. The facility where he worked was so unnerved, it confronted him. He quit the job and police sent him to a psychiatric hospital, but doctors deemed him safe to release 12 days later. In the months that followed, his former workplace increased security, adding cameras to watch the buildings where 150 mentally disabled people resided. But he was left alone, free, unmonitored.

In the early morning darkness, Satoshi Uematsu entered the Yamayuri-en facility and killed or injured nearly a third of its patients within 40 minutes, Kanagawa prefectural authorities said. He turned himself in Tuesday morning about two hours after Japan's deadliest mass attack in the post-World War II era.

Uematsu, 26, was known to his neighbors as a pleasant young fellow but is now seen as a monster grinning inside a police vehicle taking him to a district prosecutors' office Wednesday for questioning.

Satoshi Uematsu, the suspect of Tuesday's knife attack at a home for the mentally disabled, sits inside a police van as he leaves a police station in Sagamihara, outside Tokyo to be sent to prosecutors Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The deadliest mass killing in Japan in the post-World War II era raised questions about whether Japan's reputation as one of the safest countries in the world is creating a false sense of security. (Naohiko Hatta/Kyodo News via AP)

The first apparent concerns were raised this year. After he was released in March from the psychiatric ward where he had been committed, he was free. His release was legally approved by Sagamihara, the city outside Tokyo where he lived and had worked. He was supposed to live with his parents for monitoring at a designated address, officials said, but that did not happen.

"Information of his release from the hospital wasn't fully shared among the authorities," said Yuji Kuroiwa, governor of Kanagawa prefecture. "We need to examine how that happened."

The first concern about Uematsu was raised in January when his colleagues spotted his tattoos, which in Japan are widely linked to yakuza crime syndicates. Yamayuri-en executives in early February made sure he hid them at work, said Katsuhiko Yoneyama, head of an organization that runs the facility.

Officials also learned that Uematsu started telling his colleagues that disabled people should be all put to death, Kaoru Irikura, head of Yamayuri-en facility, told reporters Wednesday. Irikura also recalled a report of Uematsu scribbling on patients' hands, citing it as earlier sign of his "lack of respect" to the disabled.

In mid-February, Uematsu also visited Parliament. He delivered a letter to the lower house speaker expressing his ideas about killing the disabled. He sat outside the house speaker's official residence for two hours, until an official took the letter.

Uematsu boasted in the letter that he had the ability to kill 470 disabled people in what he called "a revolution," and outlined an attack on two facilities, after which he said he would turn himself in.

Authorities acted promptly. Within hours, parliamentary security officials submitted the letter to the Tokyo police because of its "criminal threat." Tokyo police notified the police in the town Uematsu lived, and they called the Yamayuri-en facility two days later.

At the Feb. 19 meeting with Uematsu, the facility's executives confronted him over remarks and the letter. Uematsu insisted that he was not wrong and quit the job. Later that day he was sent by police to a facility giving him psychiatric treatment.

Uematsu was diagnosed as having mental conditions that could be harmful to society requiring an emergency hospitalization. He also tested positive for marijuana, and another assessment three days later showed his mental condition hadn't improved. But only nine days later, the doctors decided his symptoms had ended and he could go home.

He returned home, even though his parents had moved out, according to his neighbors, and he was therefore not able to meet the requirements of his release. A city official in charge of mental health said his release was legally approved and there was nothing more they could do because continuing monitoring was tantamount to a human rights violation and unethical. The official requested anonymity because of sensitivity of the issue.

Experts say there could have been instances where officials could have prevented the disaster, if authorities had used more caution.

"It would be desirable to establish a system that provides certain levels of monitoring, but that also creates the issue of privacy and prejudice," Yasuhiro Yuki, a social welfare expert at Shukutoku University, told a TBS television talk show. "We need to balance human rights and monitoring."

At the Yamayuri-en, officials had been uneasy since Uematsu left. At the recommendation of local police, the facility installed 16 security cameras in March at the complex where the about 150 patients lived in four two-story buildings, each with automatic door locks.

They added security guards during an event in June when outside guests visited the facility.

But overall security at the facility was perhaps not enough. Kanagawa prefecture welfare department official Shogo Nakayama said that the only security guard on night duty was allowed to sleep, and there were only eight other caregivers, one on each floor.

But Nakayama acknowledged the need to reconsider security at the facility and staff qualifications.

"We do have to learn the lesson from what happened," he said.

___

Follow Mari Yamaguchi on twitter https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

Find her work also at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/mari-yamaguchi

Satoshi Uematsu, left, the suspect of Tuesday's knife attack at a home for the mentally disabled, is escorted as he leaves a police station in Sagamihara, outside Tokyo to be sent to prosecutors Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The deadliest mass killing in Japan in the post-World War II era raised questions about whether Japan's reputation as one of the safest countries in the world is creating a false sense of security. (Yohei Kanasashi/Kyodo News via AP)

Police officers enter into the house of Satoshi Uematsu, the suspect in a mass stabbing attack, in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The suspect was being transferred Wednesday from a local police station to the prosecutor's office in Yokohama. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

A police officer walks at the Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a facility for the mentally disabled where a number of people were killed and dozens injured in a knife attack, in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The suspect in Tuesday's mass stabbing attack was being transferred Wednesday from a local police station to the prosecutor's office in Yokohama. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

Police officers enter into the house of Satoshi Uematsu, the suspect in a mass stabbing attack, in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The suspect was being transferred Wednesday from a local police station to the prosecutor's office in Yokohama. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

A woman prays in front of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a facility for the mentally disabled where a number of people were killed and dozens injured in a knife attack, in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Japanese police on Wednesday searched the home of the suspect in the mass stabbing spree. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

People pray in front of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a facility for the disabled where a number of people were killed and dozens injured in a knife attack, in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Japanese police on Wednesday searched the home of the suspect in the mass stabbing spree. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
Timeline of the warnings seen before Japan knife attack

Warnings of potential danger had been seen before an attacker with a knife killed 19 disabled people and injured 24 others and two staffers in a residential facility near Tokyo this week. Satoshi Uematsu, a former employee at the facility, has been arrested. Some of the recent events being seen now as warnings he intended to carry out an attack:

Dec. 1, 2012: Uematsu starts working at the Yamayuri-en residential facility housing about 150 mentally disabled patients.

Feb. 6, 2016: Yamayuri-en executives confront Uematsu about his tattoos, making sure he hid them at work.

A woman offers a bouquet of flowers in front of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a facility for the mentally disabled where a number of people were killed and dozens injured in a knife attack in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Japanese police on Wednesday searched the home of the suspect in the mass stabbing spree. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

Feb. 15, 2016, 12:35 p.m.: Uematsu visits Parliament's lower house, and after sitting outside the house speaker's official residence for two hours, delivers a letter in which he wrote that all disabled people should be put to death. He boasted in the letter he had the ability to kill 470 disabled people in what he called "a revolution," and outlined an attack he would carry out on two facilities, after which he said he would turn himself in.

Feb. 15, 2016, 3:30 p.m.: Parliamentary security officials notify Tokyo police, handing over Uematsu's letter.

Feb. 15, 2016, 4 p.m.: Tokyo police report back to the lower house, saying that they referred the letter to the local police overseeing the area Uematsu lived.

Feb. 18, 2016: Police in Tsukui, where he lived, contact the Yamayuri-en over Uematsu's letter.

Feb. 19, 2016: Yamayuri-en executives confront Uematsu over the letter and his earlier remark to colleagues that all the disabled should be put to death. Local police stand by while they meet, and put him in protection status, legally sending him to a mental treatment requiring emergency hospitalization.

Feb. 20, 2016: Uematsu tests positive for marijuana use, but reporting the result to police is not mandatory.

Feb. 22, 2016: Two doctors diagnose Uematsu as having mental conditions that potentially harm others, keeping him hospitalized.

March, 2, 2016: Uematsu's doctors say he has been deemed safe for release, with the permission from the city of his residence conditional on living with parents. They had moved out of the residence, however, so Uematsu lives there alone, after 12 days of hospitalization for mental treatment.

March 10, 2016: Sixteen security cameras are installed at Yamayuri-en, as recommended by police.

July, 26, 2016: Nineteen patients are killed and others are injured in a knife attack at Yamayuri-en. Uematsu surrenders to the police.

A police officer walks at the Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a facility for the mentally disabled where a number of people were killed and dozens injured in a knife attack, in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The suspect in Tuesday's mass stabbing attack was being transferred Wednesday from a local police station to the prosecutor's office in Yokohama. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

Police officers enter into the house of Satoshi Uematsu, the suspect in Tuesday's mass stabbing attack, in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The suspect was being transferred Wednesday from a local police station to the prosecutor's office in Yokohama. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
Nigerian publishers demand release of detained colleague

WARRI, Nigeria (AP)  Newspaper publishers are demanding that Nigeria's secret service release a colleague detained on accusations that he is an oil militant.

Department of State Security agents said they arrested The Source publisher Jones Abiri on July 21 for terrorism, attempted kidnapping and masterminding rumors of a military coup.

The Bayelsa State Federated Newspaper Publishers Association said Abiri is a "credible journalist" and appealed Wednesday for his release.

The secret service has accused Abiri of leading the Joint Revolutionary Council, a militant group in Nigeria's oil-rich south, where attacks have slashed oil production from 2.2 million to 1.2 million barrels a day.
The Latest: State will appeal deputy manslaughter ruling

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  The Latest on manslaughter charge dismissed against Florida deputy (all times local):

12:10 p.m.

Prosecutors say they intend to appeal a judge's dismissal of a manslaughter charge against a Florida deputy who fatally shot a black man carrying what turned out to be an air rifle.

A spokesman for Broward State Attorney Michael Satz confirmed in an email that Wednesday's decision will be appealed. A circuit judge ruled in favor of Broward Sheriff's Office Deputy Peter Peraza under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" self-defense law. Peraza faced 30 years in prison if convicted.

The 37-year-old Peraza, a white Hispanic, last year became the first Florida law enforcement officer charged for an on-duty shooting in some 30 years. He killed 33-year-old Jermaine McBean after 911 callers reported a man carrying a rifle down a busy street.

McBean's family says he failed to drop the rifle because he was listening to music through earbuds.

_____

11:35 a.m.

The attorney for a Florida deputy whose manslaughter charge has been dismissed by a judge says he acted properly in fatally shooting a black man carrying what turned out to be an air rifle.

Defense lawyer Eric Schwartzreich says Broward Sheriff's Office Deputy Peter Peraza should have never been charged in the 2014 shooting of 33-year-old Jermaine McBean. Schwartzreich also says the case was not about race but self-defense. Peraza is a white Hispanic.

A circuit judge ruled Wednesday for Peraza under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" self-defense law. Peraza faced 30 years in prison if convicted. The decision can be appealed.

The 37-year-old Peraza last year became the first Florida law enforcement officer charged for an on-duty shooting in some 30 years. He killed McBean after 911 callers reported a man carrying a rifle down a busy street.

McBean's family says he failed to drop the rifle because he was listening to music through earbuds.

____

10:30 a.m.

A manslaughter charge has been dismissed against a Florida deputy who claimed self-defense in the 2014 fatal shooting of a black man carrying what turned out to be an air rifle.

A circuit judge ruled Wednesday for Broward Sheriff's Office Deputy Peter Peraza, who sought to get the case thrown out under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" self-defense law. Peraza faced 30 years in prison if convicted.

The decision can be appealed by prosecutors.

The 37-year-old Peraza last year became the first Florida law enforcement officer charged for an on-duty shooting in some 30 years. He killed 33-year-old Jermaine McBean after 911 callers reported a man carrying a rifle down a busy street. McBean was black. Peraza is a white Hispanic.
Latest: Agency: 3 Chicago cops should be fired for shootings

CHICAGO (AP)  The Latest on Chicago police following recent shootings by and of officers around the U.S. (all times local):

10:30 a.m.

The Chicago police oversight agency that last week ruled that two police shootings were not justified now wants the three officers involved in those incidents to be fired.

The Independent Police Review Authority recommendations go to Superintendent Eddie Johnson and then to the city's police board, which makes a final decision on whether to fire officers.

In IPRA documents, the agency found that one officer was not justified in a 2013 fatal shooting and a 2015 shooting in which a man was injured. IPRA determined the officers were not in serious danger when they fired their weapons.

Last week's findings and this week's recommendation to fire the officers mark a dramatic shift in the embattled agency that's been harshly criticized for taking the side of officers in the vast majority of shooting cases.

___

9:45 a.m.

Chicago's police union is asking officers to refuse to work overtime during the Labor Day weekend to protest the "disrespect" of police and the recent slayings of officers around the United States.

The department that put thousands of extra police officers on the street during other summer holiday weekends to combat an expected surge in violence says officers will be ordered to work overtime if not enough volunteer.

Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President Dean Angelo says officers are angry about what they see as a lack of support for police by elected officials in Chicago and nationally.
Details emerge after arrest in death of Oregon woman

SALEM, Oregon (AP)  Kaylee Sawyer was walking alone in the middle of the night on the edge of the picturesque town of Bend, Oregon, after getting into an argument with her boyfriend.

Police believe she encountered Edwin Lara, a 31-year-old with an associate degree in criminal justice who was working as a security guard at a community college.

A body that resembles the 23-year-old Sawyer was found later but has not yet been positively identified. Lara was in the Tahama County Jail in California on Wednesday, a day after authorities say he shot a man at a motel in Yreka, California, and stole a car with a woman and her two sons inside.

A picture of missing person Kaylee Sawyer is displayed on a screen as Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel speaks during a press conference on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at the Deschutes County Courthouse in Bend, Ore. A small Northern California town was rocked by a shooting, kidnapping and carjacking on Tuesday, all allegedly committed by a man and woman from Oregon who led police on a high-speed chase before they were captured. The man, Edwin Lara, was fleeing his home state after being implicated Monday in the disappearance of a 23-year-old. Lara was charged with murder Tuesday in the death of Sawyer, of Bend, Ore. (Joe Kline/The Bulletin via AP)

Lara's wife, Isabel Ponce-Lara, went to police in their hometown of Redmond, Oregon, on Monday, crying uncontrollably and saying Lara had told her that he hit Sawyer with his patrol vehicle, killing her, then panicked and hid her body, according to documents filed in court.

After tearfully telling his story to her, Lara drove off, said his wife, a new Bend police officer who was worried that he was suicidal.

Police went to their home and found Sawyer's blood-soaked purse, bloody women's and men's clothing and other belongings in a shed, according to 62 pages of affidavits filed with the Deschutes County Circuit Court in Bend.

The officers said evidence showed Lara had committed crimes of vehicular homicide, assault and hit-and-run.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel isn't buying the story about Lara having accidentally run over Sawyer.

Lara "did unlawfully and intentionally cause the death of Kaylee Anne Sawyer," the murder charge filed against him Tuesday reads.

Circuit Court Judge Alta Brady has prohibited all parties in the case, including attorneys and the district attorney's office, from publicly commenting on it.

Hummel told The Associated Press in an email that consequently he could not say what evidence led his office to charge Lara with murder instead of vehicular homicide.

But he added: "I can tell you that I would not file charges alleging a person intentionally killed a person if I did not have evidence to support the assertion."

In California, Lara is accused of shooting a man at a motel before stealing a car and forcing one of the sons to drive at gunpoint. Lara let the family members go along Interstate 5. The gunshot victim at the Super 8 was last listed in critical condition on Tuesday.

A mug shot showed Lara with medium-length black hair and beard stubble staring sullenly into the camera.

A motive was unclear in the case against Lara, whose judicial record consists of 10 traffic citations and a fish and game violation.

His court-appointed attorney, Benjamin Kim, did not immediately return a call or email seeking comment.

Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for Sawyer in a Bend park on Tuesday evening. TV news reports showed mourners remembering her as a caring person with a radiant smile.

A 19-year-old woman from Salem, Oregon, was arrested with Lara when he pulled over after being chased by California Highway Patrol at speeds over 100 mph. She was initially taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder and kidnapping in relation to the mayhem in Yreka but was later released and all charges were dropped.

Family members told reporters that the woman had been kidnapped. The Yreka Police Department called her another victim of Lara instead of a suspect.

___

Follow Andrew Selsky on Twitter @andrewselsky

Bend Police Chief Jim Porter speaks about the search for Kaylee Sawyer during a press conference on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at the Deschutes County Courthouse in Bend, Ore. A small Northern California town was rocked by a shooting, kidnapping and carjacking on Tuesday, all allegedly committed by a man and woman from Oregon who led police on a high-speed chase before they were captured. The man, Edwin Lara, was fleeing his home state after being implicated Monday in the disappearance of a 23-year-old. Lara was charged with murder Tuesday in the death of Kaylee Sawyer, of Bend, Ore. (Joe Kline/The Bulletin via AP)
Austrian court approves extradition of IS suspect to France

VIENNA (AP)  An Austrian court has rejected an appeal by a man suspected of links to the Islamic State group team that killed 130 people in Paris in November, clearing the way for his extradition to France.

The man was identified only as a 35-year-old male from Pakistan, in keeping with Austrian confidentiality rules.

The court ruling Wednesday in the western city of Linz came affirmed a lower court decision approving a French extradition request. The suspect is to be extradited along with a 29-year-old Algerian, also suspected of connections to the IS attackers, who did not challenge the French request.

The suspects are believed to have come to Europe last year posing as refugees.
A look at recent police deaths involving black men

Freddie Gray, a young black man, entered a police van in April 2015  shackled, but alive. He died a week later, his neck snapped during what turned out to be a deadly 44-minute ride that sparked riots and a nationwide debate over race and policing.

However, prosecutors said Wednesday that they were dropping charges against the remaining Baltimore police officers awaiting trial, ending their case without a conviction against any of the six who were initially charged. Gray's family agreed to a $6.4 million settlement with the city over his death in September 2015.

Here is a look at other cases involving officers charged in the deaths of black men.

MICHAEL BROWN

The 18-year-old black man was shot and killed in August 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. A grand jury declined to indict Darren Wilson, the white officer who shot him. The Department of Justice also opted against bringing civil rights charges against Wilson.

___

ERIC GARNER

The 43-year-old black man died in July 2014 in New York City after a white officer placed him in a chokehold during an arrest for selling loose cigarettes. A grand jury declined to indict the officer who put Garner in the hold or any of the other officers involved in the arrest. The city agreed to pay a $6 million civil settlement.

___

WALTER SCOTT

Michael Slager faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of murder in the shooting death of Walter Scott, who was shot and killed running from a traffic stop in North Charleston, South Carolina, in April 2015. Scott was unarmed. The shooting was captured on cellphone video by a man passing by and reignited the debate over how blacks are treated by law enforcement officers. Slager, 34, who is white, was fired by the North Charleston Police Department and stands trial in October.

___

LAQUAN MCDONALD

Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke is charged with first-degree murder in the 2014 shooting death of black teenager Laquan McDonald. Van Dyke was charged in November on the same day that the city, on the orders of a judge, released the explosive dash cam video showing the 17-year-old McDonald being shot 16 times. Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty and is free on bond. The video has prompted local and federal investigations of both the shooting and the police department.

___

ALTON STERLING

Sterling was shot to death July 5 as two white officers pinned him to the pavement outside a convenience store. The killing was captured on cellphone video and circulated widely on the internet, sparking widespread demonstrations across Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Neither officer has been charged in the case, which was turned over to federal investigators.

___

PHILANDO CASTILE

Castile was shot and killed July 6 by Latino officer Jeronimo Yanez after being pulled over as he drove through a St. Paul, Minnesota, suburb with his girlfriend and her young daughter in the car. His girlfriend began livestreaming on Facebook shortly after the shooting and said Castile was shot while reaching for his ID after telling the officer he had a gun permit and was armed. The next day, Reynolds told reporters Castile informed the officer about the gun as he reached for his wallet, she told him Castile was licensed and then the officer fired shots. Yanez and his partner, Joseph Kauser, who was present for the shooting, were placed on administrative leave. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating, while the federal Justice Department is staying on the sideline despite pleas from the governor and other officials.

___

SAMUEL DUBOSE

Ray Tensing, a former University of Cincinnati police officer, is awaiting an October trial on murder and voluntary manslaughter charges in the fatal shooting of Samuel DuBose, who was unarmed when he was pulled over for a traffic stop. Tensing pulled over DuBose last July near campus for a missing license plate. Tensing's attorney has said the former officer feared being dragged under the car as DuBose, 43, tried to drive away. Tensing, who is white, is free on $1 million bond. DuBose was black.

___

AKAI GURLEY

Peter Liang, a rookie New York City police officer, was convicted Feb. 11 of manslaughter in the death of 28-year-old Akai Gurley. Liang was patrolling a public housing high-rise with his gun drawn in 2014 when he fired and a bullet ricocheted off a wall, hitting Gurley, who was black. Liang, an American of Chinese descent, said he had been holding his weapon safely when a sound jarred him and he accidentally fired. In April, a judge reduced the conviction to negligent homicide and sentenced Liang to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service.

___

COREY JONES

Former officer Nouman Raja, who has since been fired, was arrested June 1 on charges of manslaughter and attempted murder in the shooting of musician Corey Jones. Jones, who was black, carried a gun and had a concealed weapons permit because he feared being robbed of his musical equipment. Raja was investigating car burglaries, working undercover in civilian clothes and driving an unmarked van when he spotted Jones' SUV, which had broken down on an Interstate 95 off ramp before dawn. His attorneys and his union have called the shooting justified. Prosecutors have said recordings and physical evidence show Raja yelled for Jones to put his gun down more than 30 seconds after he last fired at Jones, and long after he should have seen Jones throw down his handgun and run away.

___

WILLIAM CHAPMAN II
State police: Would-be robber shot, killed at man's house

BOONEVILLE, Ky. (AP)  Authorities are investigating after they say an eastern Kentucky man shot two of three suspected robbers at his home, killing one of them.

News outlets report it happened at a home near Booneville early Tuesday morning.

Kentucky State Police say 37-year-old Jamie Farthing, 42-year-old Charles Harris II and 36-year-old Linda Peters, all of Booneville, went to the home in an attempt to rob the unidentified resident.

Police say Harris was armed with a gun and was shot by the resident. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities say Peters was also shot and taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Officials haven't said what charges she may be facing.

Farthing was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery.
'Jill not Hill' _ Green Party's Stein seeks Sanders' backers

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Angry and disaffected Bernie Sanders' backers have a new rallying cry: "Jill not Hill."

That's Green Party candidate Jill Stein, whose liberal agenda of tuition-free college, $15-per-hour minimum wage and a renewable energy economy by 2030 offers a home to Sanders' supporters disillusioned by the two-party political system and unwilling to back Democrat Hillary Clinton.

"We are standing up together, we are supporting the Bernie delegates who liberated themselves tonight from the Democratic Party," Stein belted through a megaphone to cheering supporters outside the Democratic convention Tuesday night.

One candidate Snowden may be considering is the Green party candidate Jill Stein (pictured). In a column for The Guardian , the physician wrote: 'If elected president I will immediately pardon Edward Snowden'

Stein is a 66-year-old doctor and political activist from Massachusetts who, like Clinton, was born in Illinois and raised in a Chicago suburb. She is poised to become the Green Party's 2016 presidential nominee early next month, a title she won in 2012.

Then, Stein failed to crack even half a million votes. This year, detractors warn she could become a Ralph Nader-like candidate, taking enough votes from Clinton to deliver Republican nominee Donald Trump a victory in November.

Nader, the Green Party's nominee in 2000, captured nearly 3 million votes. Many Democrats argue it was Nader who kept Democrat Al Gore from winning the White House over Republican George W. Bush.

Jason Sherry, a Sanders' delegate from Colorado, warned about helping Trump.

"If you're in a battleground state," he said. "You've got to suck it up and vote for Hillary."

Clinton's campaign is monitoring many of Sanders supporters who, for now, seem unwilling to get behind her as the nominee despite the senator's pleas.

With voters expressing discontent at both major party nominees, pollsters are watching third-party candidates like Stein and Gary Johnson, the Libertarian party's nominee. But a July Associated Press-GfK poll found both Stein and Johnson remain virtual unknowns among Americans, with 76 percent saying they don't know enough about Johnson to have a favorable or unfavorable opinion and 82 percent saying the same about Stein.

Stein first ran for elected office with the Green Party in 2002, challenging Mitt Romney for the Massachusetts' governorship but winning just a fraction of the votes. Stein, who graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1979, promises to wipe out student debt entirely and favors universal health care provided by a single public entity.

"I've been working my butt off for Bernie for a year, but I know a good deal about Jill Stein," said Stacy Bucek of Winter Park, Florida. "A lot of my beliefs line up with how she stands."

Stein is working aggressively to win over Sanders supporters, appearing at rallies in downtown Philadelphia during the week of the convention as protesting delegates shout "Jill not Hill!" And she's taking the fight directly to Clinton, accusing the Democratic Party of engaging in an "intimidation campaign that is trying to get you to vote for some lesser evil."

"Hillary cannot stand up to Donald Trump because it's the policies of the Clintons that have created the economic misery that has given rise to the right-wing extremism that supports Donald Trump," Stein said.

Danny Keating, a steelworker from Lowell, Massachusetts, says he'll vote for Stein "because the two-party system is corrupt, it's becoming more evident by the rigged primaries and everything else, I'm here to fight for a party for the 99% and working people."

--
Bulgarian authorities charge 3 Syrians with terrorism

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP)  A Bulgarian prosecutor has charged three Syrian nationals with terrorism offenses.

The prosecutor's office identified the three as Al Mohammad Abdulhamid, 20, Al Abdahah Fadi, 22, and Al Fahdi Yassim, 25.

It said the three men had obtained refugee status in Germany and earlier this year tried to travel to Syria to join jihadi groups.

They were caught by Bulgarian border police in the border town of Svilengrad in February.

The prosecution said it had found photos of militants who were members of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic State group saved in the mobile phones of the accused, and messages to such people in their communications records.
Facebook is pushing more people to an app they didn't choose

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Facebook is once again getting pushy about how people message one another.

Two years ago, the social-media giant forced its users to adopt its Messenger app for direct communication, a change it enforced by deactivating messages in the main Facebook app and steering users to the app. There was an uproar ; some users thought Messenger violated their privacy, while others just resented having to add yet another app.

Still, the plan worked; more than 900 million people use the app, roughly four times the number in 2014. But some continued to resist, exploiting a loophole to avoid Messenger. All they had to do was log into Facebook's mobile website using a smartphone browser like Safari or Chrome.

An Associated Press reporter holds a mobile phone showing the Facebook Messenger app installation page in San Francisco, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Facebook is pushing more people to install its Messenger application, now by blocking people who want to send and receive messages via its mobile website instead of the app. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Now Facebook is coming after those holdouts. In some markets, the company has already blocked mobile browser access to messages on Android phones. In others, opening messages on Facebook's mobile website gets you a warning that "your conversations are moving to Messenger" and a link to download the app. The company will extend the ban to all markets and to iPhone users in the upcoming months, it says.

Facebook insists it only wants "to bring the best experiences we can" to users. The Messenger app provides more reliable notifications about incoming messages and runs more quickly, the company says.

MORE FREE STUFF, LESS CONTROL

This might not seem like a big deal to many users, particularly anyone who's long since made their peace with Messenger. But it's emblematic of a central dilemma in the modern age: We have free  as in unpaid  access to an ever-expanding array of software and services, but less and less control over how we use them.

That rankles people who have no interest in Messenger. Michael Kampfer, a St. Paul, Minnesota, construction contractor, says he doesn't have enough storage space on either of his Android phones to install Messenger alongside the other apps that he needs for his job while traveling.

"I have a problem with the company telling me what's the best experience is for me," Kampfer, 65, says. "I have a browser on my phone, so why should I be forced to get Messenger?"

Kampfer is far from alone. In the U.S. alone, nearly 149 million people visited Facebook's website on a smartphone or tablet during April, according to the research firm comScore. The firm doesn't compile worldwide data for mobile browser traffic.

BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS

From a business standpoint, Facebook's move makes great sense. Planting Messenger on more phones corrals a bigger audience for advertising and other moneymaking opportunities. The company doesn't comment on such plans, and Messenger is currently ad-free. But analysts think the app could generate billions of dollars in advertising revenue within just a few years.

The Menlo Park, California company is thriving, mostly from ads on its main Facebook app. Its second-quarter revenue soared 59 percent from the same time last year to $6.4 billion, resulting in a $2.06 billion profit, the company announced Wednesday.

Facebook wants more of its users on Messenger because it can gather more personal data and introduce new features that could yield even more revenue, says eMarketer analyst Debra Aho Williamson. She expects ads to start appearing before the end of this year.

Even if some users don't like that, "Facebook has a way of changing things to make people interact with Facebook the way Facebook wants," Williamson says.

Facebook executives say Messenger is now moving into "phase two" of its evolution, although they still aren't ready to say how the company intends to profit from it.

REMOTE CONTROL

Facebook has a long history of pushiness. A decade ago, it began circulating the status updates that users posted on their personal pages throughout the social network. The concept, known as a "news feed," is now the foundation of modern Facebook, even though it initially triggered protests about exposing too much personal information.

Kevina Cromwell of Philadelphia already tried the Messenger app and didn't like it. So she uninstalled it and the Facebook app a couple of years ago, and read her private messages on her on her phone's mobile web browser until the company started blocking her recently.

"It's really annoying," Cromwell, 22, says. "I see what they are trying to do, but I still don't understand why they are tying your hands and not giving you any options at all."

FUTURE OF MESSENGER

Messaging is huge in the tech industry now; Google and Apple are pouring resources into their own apps to ensure their services remain a vital part of people's lives. A few years ago, Facebook also paid $21.8 billion for the WhatsApp messaging service, which has more than a billion users. So far, it remains entirely separate from Messenger.

Facebook keeps spiffing up the Messenger app. Its latest look, which is still rolling out to users, now shows friends' birthdays, lists of favorite people and a thumbnail of who's online at any given moment. Facebook is also promoting the app as a way for merchants to interact with their customers, which could transform the service into a sort of digital call center.

Some Android phone owners say Facebook has gotten so aggressive about Messenger that visiting the mobile website for their texts now takes them directly to an app-download page, with no explanation why they were sent there. "It's almost like they're trying to trick you," says Jeni Tehan, who lives in Brighton, England.

People who still want to shun Messenger can still send and receive messages via the Facebook site, though only if they're on a full-fledged computer, not a phone or tablet. It's small consolation for some.

"The users are the product, not the customer, which I'm generally resigned to because of the usefulness of the service," Mel Campbell of Melbourne, Australia, says by email. "But I'm not going to cave to every single bad decision the company wants to push on us."
Paraguay reports first cases of Zika-linked microcephaly

ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP)  Health authorities in Paraguay are reporting the country's first two cases of babies born with the microcephaly birth defect related to the Zika virus.

The virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes but cases of sexual transmission have also occurred. Some women who contract it during their pregnancies have given birth to babies with microcephaly, which leads to babies with abnormally small heads and improperly developed brains.

Health Ministry official Agueda Cabello said Wednesday that the two cases of birth defects linked to Zika were confirmed in a laboratory this week. Both babies are in stable condition and are part of a group of 29 babies with microcephaly. The rest are still being tested.
Dr. Dre beats gun rap following Malibu driveway encounter

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Los Angeles prosecutors have declined to bring gun charges against rapper Dr. Dre.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles district attorney said Wednesday there was a lack of evidence that the record producer and entrepreneur had brandished a gun in public.

Sheriff's deputies had cited Dre for a misdemeanor after a man reported that Dre pointed a handgun at him and threatened him outside his Malibu home Monday.

Dre, whose real name is Andre Young, told sheriff's deputies he didn't have a gun and had only asked the man to move the car blocking his driveway.

Dre was briefly handcuffed, but no weapon was found. Prosecutors say there were no other witnesses, and there were discrepancies in the man's account.
Tribal canoes arrive at Seattle beach in annual celebration

SEATTLE (AP)  Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration.

Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the boats Wednesday afternoon as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually.

"The tribal journey is, to me, it's like coming together, in unity. And, for us, it's like a healing process," said 23-year-old Bonnie Fornsby of the Swinomish Tribe, which has four canoes in the celebration. "Everybody comes together and we all sing to make it and we're very strong. We're very strong."

A canoe from the Puyallup Tribe is paddled toward a landing during an annual journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the boats Wednesday afternoon as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Last year was the first time since 1993 that there wasn't a Puget Sound tribal journey, which attracts Native American peoples from as far as Alaska and Canada.

For the journeys, tribes throughout the Northwest gather a team of pullers. They leave their own shores in canoes and visit other tribal lands as they make their way to the host tribe's land.

On Saturday, canoes were expected to arrive at the Port of Olympia landing, where they will be greeted by members of the Nisqually Tribe.

Pullers from the Puyallup Tribe head toward a landing during an annual canoe journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the boats Wednesday afternoon as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Tribal canoes raft-up before heading to their arrival on a nearby beach during an annual journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the boats Wednesday afternoon as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Women wearing traditional woven cedar bark hats greet an arriving canoe during an annual journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the canoes as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. For the journeys, tribes throughout the Northwest gather a team of pullers, leaving their own shores in canoes and visiting other tribal lands as they make their way to the host tribe's land. The canoes are expected to arrive Saturday in Olympia, Wash., where they will be greeted by members of the host Nisqually Tribe. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Irene Kai, right, and Donna Starr greet an arriving tribal canoe during an annual journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the canoes as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. For the journeys, tribes throughout the Northwest gather a team of pullers, leaving their own shores in canoes and visiting other tribal lands as they make their way to the host tribe's land. The canoes are expected to arrive Saturday in Olympia, Wash., where they will be greeted by members of the host Nisqually Tribe. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Tribal members heft a canoe onto a beach and out of the tidal zone after their arrival during an annual journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the canoes as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. For the journeys, tribes throughout the Northwest gather a team of pullers, leaving their own shores in canoes and visiting other tribal lands as they make their way to the host tribe's land. The canoes are expected to arrive Saturday in Olympia, Wash., where they will be greeted by members of the host Nisqually Tribe. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Tribal members heft a canoe from the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe onto a beach and out of the tidal zone after their arrival during an annual journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the canoes as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. For the journeys, tribes throughout the Northwest gather a team of pullers, leaving their own shores in canoes and visiting other tribal lands as they make their way to the host tribe's land. The canoes are expected to arrive Saturday in Olympia, Wash., where they will be greeted by members of the host Nisqually Tribe. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Tribal pullers hold their canoe paddles upright as they wait their turn to be given permission to come ashore during an annual journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes were arriving at Alki Beach in Seattle as part of an annual Native American celebration. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the canoes as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. For the journeys, tribes throughout the Northwest gather a team of pullers, leaving their own shores in canoes and visiting other tribal lands as they make their way to the host tribe's land. The canoes are expected to arrive Saturday in Olympia, Wash., where they will be greeted by members of the host Nisqually Tribe. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

A tribal puller, wearing a traditional woven cedar bark hat, holds a paddle while waiting in a canoe during an annual journey Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Seattle. Dozens of tribal canoes arrived at the beach in one of the final stops in an annual Native American journey through the Salish Sea. Members of the Muckleshoot Tribe greeted the canoes as part of the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually. The canoes are expected to arrive Saturday in Olympia, Wash., where they will be greeted by members of the host Nisqually Tribe. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
AP FACT CHECK: Warped claims in political hothouse

WASHINGTON (AP)  It's hot out there, politically speaking, with Hillary Clinton's convention going full steam and Donald Trump refusing to stay quiet while Democrats put on their big show. Reality is sometimes getting warped in the process.

A look at some claims Wednesday and how they compare with the facts, on a day packed with a lengthy news conference by Trump and evening convention speeches by high-powered Democrats, capped by President Barack Obama:

OBAMA: "After a century of trying, we declared that health care in America is not a privilege for a few, but a right for everybody."

President Barack Obama waves to the delegates before speaking during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

THE FACTS: Obama's health care overhaul does guarantee that people with pre-existing medical conditions can no longer be denied health insurance, but it also made coverage an obligation for everybody. People must have coverage or face fines from the IRS. That mandate remains highly unpopular.

The law provides subsidies to help low- to middle-income people purchase a private plan. But even so, some find their premiums too high. And nearly 29 million remain uninsured, according to government estimates. Health care as a "right for everybody" may better describe Bernie Sanders' idea of a government-run system for all. That system also entails obligations: the higher taxes that would be collected to pay for it.

___

VIRGINIA SEN. TIM KAINE, Clinton's running mate: "You can go to HillaryClinton.com right now and find out exactly how she'll make the biggest investment in new jobs in generations."

THE FACTS: It's the biggest in generations only if you don't count Obama's $814 billion 2009 stimulus, a curious omission for a Democrat.

Clinton promises to spend $275 billion over five years on roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Obama's stimulus was more of a hodge-podge and included tax cuts as well as aid to state and local governments. But all of it was intended to boost the economy and hiring.

___

TRUMP: "I never met Putin, I don't know who Putin is. ... I've never spoken to him."  Miami news conference, during a discussion of whether Russia had hacked into emails of the Democratic National Committee.

THE FACTS: Not so long ago, Trump bragged about how well he knew Russian President Vladimir Putin. Now he says he doesn't know him at all. That appears to be closer to the truth.

In November, when he was trying to burnish his foreign-policy credentials during a GOP primary debate, he said of Putin, "I got to know him very well because we were both on '60 Minutes,' we were stablemates, and we did very well that night. "

That claim was debunked at the time because Trump's only connection to the Russian leader was that they both appeared on the same show. He was interviewed in New York, Putin in Moscow and they weren't even in the same segment on the program.

___

OBAMA: "By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we started."

THE FACTS: That progress doesn't include much of an increase in household income, the yardstick people generally consider their most important measure of prosperity. The typical household now earns $57,206 a year, according to Sentier Research. That's 2 percent higher than in June 2009, when the recession ended and six months into Obama's term. (All figures are adjusted for inflation). But it has barely budged since it was $57,147 in December 2007, when the recession began.

___

KAINE: "I want to tell you why I trust Hillary Clinton. First, she's consistent."

THE FACTS: Not always  not on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, for example. She promoted the deal as the "gold standard" of trade agreements when she was secretary of state, then turned against it as a candidate who was facing a stiff contest from a primary rival who fiercely and consistently opposed the deal, Bernie Sanders.

Clinton hasn't been consistent in her explanations of why she had her own email server as secretary of state, changing her story as investigations revealed more about her email practices. That issue has contributed to public distrust of Clinton, a problem Kaine was trying to address in broaching the subject of trust in his remarks.

___

TRUMP: "I never had a second thought in my life."

THE FACTS: He may want to have a second thought about that thought.

In April, Trump told The New York Times that he should not have retweeted an unflattering photo of Heidi Cruz, wife of GOP primary rival Ted Cruz. "Yeah, it was a mistake," he said. "If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have sent it."

Then in May, he had a third thought.

He told Fox News that "I'm not walking it back" after all, and Mrs. Cruz was fair game because she was so involved in the campaign.

Then in the same interview, he had a fourth thought that was much like the second one: "I wish I didn't do it."

___

KAINE: "She'll make it possible to graduate from college debt-free."

THE FACTS: Hillary Clinton's plans would certainly reduce costs, but many students would probably still have to borrow. She has proposed that families who earn less than $125,000 a year will be able to go to in-state colleges and universities tuition-free. Yet many students would still have to pay for room and board, which can make up at least half the cost of attending college.

___

VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, on Trump: "I know he's trying to be tough but he's going to go out and carpet bomb. You want to make friends and influence people in the Middle East? So you're going to go carpet bomb innocent people and bad people at the same time, and that's going to help us fight against ISIS?"  on MSNBC.

TRUMP: "I never said I wanted to carpet bomb. That was Ted Cruz."

THE FACTS: Trump is right. It was his former Republican rival who said repeatedly he would carpet bomb Islamic State targets.

Carpet bombing, by its nature, risks killing large numbers of innocent civilians because it is indiscriminate.

Trump has indeed talked tough about IS, vowing to "bomb the hell" out of the group, level the oil facilities it controls and "blow up every single inch, there would be nothing left." He didn't say what there would be nothing left of: an IS encampment, for example, or a city? But he did not call for carpet bombing; Biden put Cruz's words in Trump's mouth.

___

LEON PANETTA, former CIA director: "Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who has laid out a comprehensive plan to defeat and destroy ISIS and keep America safe."  Democratic convention speech.

THE FACTS: Clinton has been touting her plan for months. It's hardly comprehensive.

The three-part strategy, as described in November, involves crushing IS "on its home turf" in the Middle East, disrupting terrorist infrastructure on the ground and online, and protecting America and its allies.

All are elements already included in Obama's anti-IS strategy. And none addresses the biggest gaps in the U.S.-led response to the Islamic State over the last two years, such as the lack of effective local troops to defeat IS in Syria.

At what point should U.S. ground troops step in? What levels of civilian deaths are acceptable? How exactly does she propose to end Iraq's age-old Shiite-Sunni divisions?

She hasn't said. She's expounded further, but mostly to reject suggestions by Trump and other Republicans.

___

TRUMP: "I am a person that believes in enhanced interrogation, yes. And by the way, it works."

THE FACTS: While some intelligence officials still maintain the torture of terrorist suspects thwarted plots, none has pointed to a specific instance. The Senate intelligence committee's report in late 2014 concluded that no actionable intelligence was gained from the detainees who were put in ice baths, threatened with death, kept in cages, waterboarded and subjected to sleep deprivation, booming music and other forms of psychological torture.

___

TRUMP: "Hundreds of people walked out of the Democrat convention last night. I didn't even hear about it. Nobody showed it. "

THE FACTS: If he didn't hear about it, how does he know about it?

The walkout by disenchanted supporters of Bernie Sanders was widely reported at the time.

Did hundreds walk out in protest? That's conceivable but impossible to know with precision because this happened at the same time as people were leaving for dinner.

___

KAINE: "Don't take it from me. Take it from ... John McCain's chief economic adviser in the '08 race, who estimates Trump's promises would cause America to lose 3.5 million jobs."

THE FACTS: That's a reference to Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, who did advise McCain's 2008 presidential campaign, though in only a minor role. His analysis concluded that Trump's tax cuts and trade policies would plunge the U.S. into recession and eliminate 3.5 million jobs. But Zandi has supported other presidential campaigns: In this election cycle, he donated to Clinton.

___

KAINE: Contractors Trump hired to build his casino in Atlantic City "did the work, hung the drywall, poured the concrete. But a year after opening, Trump filed for bankruptcy. He walked away with millions. They got pennies on the dollar." And people in Florida paid deposits on condos, "but the condos were never built. He just pocketed their money and walked away."

THE FACTS: Trump did stiff contractors on the casino. In Florida, he licensed his brand to a condo developer and appeared in marketing materials, attracting buyers. He was paid licensing fees, but condo buyers lost their deposits when the actual developer canceled the project.

___

TRUMP: "I have nothing to do with Russia, yes... I built an unbelievable company but if you look there you'll see there's nothing in Russia."

THE FACTS: Trump staged the Miss Universe competition in Russia, traveled there for it and boasted that it drew "almost all the oligarchs."

There's no evidence, though, that he has financial ties to Russia. He has neither developed properties nor licensed his name to buildings there, though he's tried.

He has sold property to Russians, such as a $100 million Palm Beach, Florida, home in 2008.

___

Associated Press writers Ricardo-Alonso-Zaldivar, Deb Riechmann, Jim Drinkard, Bradley Klapper and Jeff Horwitz contributed to this report.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump National Doral, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Biden says Trump has 'no clue' about needs of middle class

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Leveling a blistering attack on Donald Trump, Vice President Joe Biden put on his rhetorical hat as "middle-class Joe" Wednesday and told Democratic delegates and millions of television viewers that the billionaire businessman "has no clue" about the needs of working-class people or what makes the nation great.

"He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class?" Biden said at the Democratic National Convention. "Give me a break. That's a bunch of malarkey."

The delegates ate it up, chanting "not a clue, not a clue" and jumping to their feet over and over, waving signs that read simply "Joe."

Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

It was a bittersweet moment for Biden in more ways than one. He took note of the loss of his son, Beau, to brain cancer a little more than a year ago. And left unspoken was the knowledge that Biden had long hoped for a very different kind of convention moment  one in which he claimed the nomination for himself.

Biden, 73, ran for president twice and spent months last year debating whether to challenge Hillary Clinton for the 2016 nomination before he opted out in October.

But Biden put that behind him and delivered a stirring defense of Clinton as smart, tough and passionate about helping others.

"There's only one person in this race, who will be there, who's always been there for you," he declared.

Then he quickly segued into a harsh comparison with Trump, taking note of his own nickname as "middle-class Joe."

"To state the obvious  and I'm not trying to be a wise guy here  that's not Donald Trump's story," Biden said.

"His cynicism is unbounded," Biden said, citing a lack of empathy and compassion summed up in Trump's signature catchphrase, "You're fired."

The vice president gave Trump one distinction: "No major-party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or has been less prepared to deal with our national security."

"We cannot elect a man who exploits our fears of ISIS and other terrorists, has no plan whatsoever to make us safer, a man who embraces the tactics of our enemies  torture, religious intolerance," Biden said. "That's not who we are. It betrays our values."

Biden was introduced by his wife, Jill, and with a six-minute video that summed up his four-decades-plus political career as a congressman, senator and vice president.

"He was authentic long before it became a buzzword in politics," his wife told the delegates, who showed they agreed, some waving signs that read "Scranton," his working-class hometown in Pennsylvania.

"I love Joe Biden," said Tammie Lewis, a Michigan delegate. "He should have been our next president."

"He's always come across as just one of us," she added.

First lady Michelle Obama, who got a shout-out from Biden in his speech, tweeted back: "To one of my favorite men in the world. Joe, thank you & Jill for all you've done for this country."

Biden's speech to the convention is likely one of the last major addresses of his political career. He has said he expects to stay involved on issues after his tenure as vice president ends but he has no plans to run for office again.

___

Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne contributed to this report.

___

Follow Nancy Benac on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/nbenac
Lapel pins with images of ex-NKorean ruler found in South

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korean police found about 200 lapel pins bearing the image of late North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il strewn near the country's main international airport on Thursday, police officers said.

Police were analyzing security cameras to find how the 196 lapel pins ended up in a flowerbed of a hotel close to Incheon International Hotel, just west of Seoul, according to a local police official who requested anonymity saying he wasn't authorized to speak to media on the matter.

The possession of such lapel pins would be illegal in South Korea, where praising North Korea is punishable by up to seven years in prison. North Korea, for its part, enforces strict, state-organized public reverence of the Kim family, which has ruled the impoverished yet authoritarian country since its foundation in 1948.

North Korean soldiers keep a watch toward the south as it rains during a ceremony marking the 63rd anniversary of the signing of the Korean War cease-fire armistice agreement at the truce village of Panmunjom, South Korea, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

All North Koreans must wear lapel pins carrying the images of both Kim Jong Il and his father Kim Il Sung or the images of either of them. Portraits of the two Kims hang in public buildings and homes, and their birthdays are the two most important holidays in North Korea.

South Korean officials said they haven't received any reports that North Korea has published a lapel pin for current leader Kim Jong Un, who took power after his father Kim Jong Il's death in late 2011.

On Thursday morning, South Korean police officers went to the area after a citizen reported what appeared to be anti-South leaflets there. But when police officers arrived, they found the Kim Jong Il lapel pins, according to the local police officer.

He gave no further details, but South Korean media said police were looking at a possibility that the lapel pins may have been carried by propaganda balloons that North Korea floated across the border.

The rival Koreas restarted Cold War-era psychological warfare after the North's fourth nuclear test in January. Seoul began blaring anti-Pyongyang broadcasts and K-Pop songs via border loudspeakers, and Pyongyang responded by its own border broadcasts and launches of balloons carrying anti-South leaflets.

The rivals are divided along the world's most heavily fortified border since their war in the early 1950s ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.
Rights group: Some kids detained in conflict tortured, die

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Children caught in six conflict-affected areas are often held for months or even years as national security threats, and untold numbers have been tortured or died in custody, according to a Human Rights Watch report.

The 36-page report released Thursday documents the arrest and detention of children for alleged association with opposition and rebel groups or for alleged involvement in conflict-related offenses in Afghanistan, Congo, Iraq, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Nigeria and Syria.

Human Rights Watch said governments, often empowered by new counter-terrorism legislation, apprehend children under the age of 18 who allegedly pose security threats, frequently in violation of international legal standards.

"Many children are detained on the basis of groundless suspicion, flimsy evidence, or broad security sweeps," the rights group said. "Some are detained because of alleged terrorist activities by family members. ... Many have been subjected to coercive interrogations and torture, and in places like Syria, an unknown number have died in custody."

In 2014, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reported that detentions took place in 17 of 23 conflict situations covered by his annual report on children and armed conflict, it said.

"Governments are trampling on children's rights in a misguided and counterproductive response to conflict-related violence," said Jo Becker, the group's advocate for children's rights. "The indefinite detention and torture of children needs to stop."

Since January 2015, Human Rights Watch said Afghan security forces have detained hundreds of children on suspicion of being Taliban fighters, attempting suicide attacks, manufacturing or placing improvised explosive devices, or otherwise assisting opposition armed groups.

It noted that Afghanistan maintains moe than 200 detention facilities and the number of youngsters being held "may be significantly higher."

The group quoted a U.N. report saying Congolese armed forces arrested and detained at least 257 children during 2013 and 2014. It said 29 children interviewed last December by Human Rights Watch reported being detained in appalling conditions in a military prison. All were accused of fighting for a rebel group, but only two said they were "active fighters," it said.

The report said Iraqi security forces have detained children on suspicion of armed activity, including association with the Islamic State extremist group. It cited U.N. figures saying 314 children, including 58 girls, had been charged or convicted of terrorrism-related charges and were being held in detention facilities as of December 2015.

Human Rights Watch said Israel prosecutes between 500 and 700 Palestinian children in military courts every year, charging the vast majority with throwing stones at soldiers or troops in the West Bank. In several cases it investigated, the rights group said children reported being hit and kicked in custody by police and being forced to spend hours in the cold, handcuffed to chairs in police compounds.
Congressman asks Obama to keep classified intel from Trump

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP)  A Rhode Island congressman says he's asking President Barack Obama to withhold classified materials and briefings from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in the interest of national security.

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (sihs-ihl-EE'-nee), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Obama on Wednesday.

At a news conference hours earlier, Trump said he hoped that Russia would find emails deleted by Hillary Clinton from her time as secretary of state. He said: "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing."

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump points to the crowd after speaking during a campaign rally at Lackawanna College, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Scranton, Pa. (Jake Danna Stevens/The Times & Tribune via AP)

Cicilline says Trump's "call for hostile foreign action" goes beyond partisan politics and "represents a threat to the republic itself."

Since 1952, Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have traditionally received intelligence briefings after securing their party's nomination.
Police: Man faces charges for threatening to 'off some cops'

NEW YORK (AP)  A Florida man has been taken into custody after authorities say he made threats against police officers at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.

Police say an 18-year-old man was found carrying a .38-caliber gun in a bag Wednesday night.

Investigators say a man the suspect was speaking to approached officers and said the suspect asked him if he wanted to "off some cops" and claimed he had a gun in the bag. Officers were never directly confronted by the suspect.

Police say they obtained a warrant and searched the man's bag, finding the gun. He's charged with a weapons offense, terroristic threat and unlawful possession of marijuana.
US confirms journalist jailed by China is American citizen

BEIJING (AP)  U.S. diplomats have not been granted permission by China to meet with James Wang, a jailed magazine publisher and naturalized American citizen, since his 2014 arrest in southern China, the Obama administration said Wednesday.

A court in Shenzhen this week sentenced Wang, also known as Wang Jianmin, to five years in prison on charges of running an illegal business, bribery and collusion after he sent copies of his sensitive political magazine to mainland China.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. was not permitted to attend Wang's trial and will continue to request visits.

Wang's lawyer Chen Nansha said Thursday that Wang might not appeal the verdict. Wang also holds residency in Hong Kong  a semiautonomous Chinese territory  and last entered China with his Hong Kong identity card before his arrest, Chen said.

China does not recognize dual citizenship and likely tried Wang as a Chinese citizen, particularly as he entered the country with Chinese documents.

Wang, along with editor Guo Zhongxiao, who was also arrested in mainland China in 2014, published New Way Monthly and Faces, two journals that often delved into high-level Communist Party intrigue.
Indonesia rebuffs UN, EU appeals to halt looming executions

CILACAP, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesia quickly rebuffed appeals from the U.N. human rights chief and the European Union to abandon plans to execute 14 people for drug crimes as preparations intensified Thursday at the prison island where the death row inmates are held.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the U.N. Human Rights Office is "deeply concerned" by death penalty cases that lack transparency and compliance with the right to receive a fair trial, including the right to an appeal. He called on the government of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to impose an immediate moratorium on executions.

The European Union said the death penalty is an unacceptable denial of human dignity and called on Indonesia to "consider joining the wide community of over 140 states that have abolished the death penalty entirely or have adopted a moratorium."

Humaira Bibi, sister of Zulfikar Ali, convicted of drug crimes, cries in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The sister of a Pakistani convicted of drug crimes has appealed the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother who is expected to be executed by a firing squad along with 12 others in the next 48 hours. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

A stream of ambulances arrived Thursday morning at the port town nearest the Nusa Kambangan prison island where the executions of the mostly foreign drug convicts will be carried out by firing squads. Officials began tightening security at the prison several days ago, with more than 1,000 police sent to Cilacap, the port town, and the island.

Indonesia has not released an official list of those to be executed but the country's attorney-general on Wednesday said 14 people would be executed. Community Legal Aid Institute, which is involved in some of the death row cases, has circulated the names of 14 people that comprised four Indonesians, six Nigerians, two Zimbabweans, one Indian and one Pakistani. Previously, the attorney-general's office has said it has budgeted funds for up to 16 executions this year.

Muhammad Rum, a spokesman for Indonesia's attorney-general, said the executions are the "implementation of our positive laws" and will not be delayed or stopped. All the cases have gone through a long legal process including appeals, he said. "They all have been given chances at all stages."

It would be the third set of executions under Jokowi, who campaigned on promises to improve human rights in Indonesia. His 2-year-old administration will have executed more people than were executed in the previous decade if the government sticks to its plans.

"The increasing use of the death penalty in Indonesia is terribly worrying and I urge the government to end this practice, which is unjust and incompatible with human rights," Zeid said in a statement.

Lawyers and rights groups have raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the convictions in several of the death row drug cases, including that of Pakistani Zulfikar Ali, Indonesian Merri Utami and Nigerian Humphrey Jefferson.

From Lahore, Ali's sister Humaira Bibi on Wednesday made an emotional appeal to the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother.

Justice Project Pakistan, a group that provides free legal representation, says Pakistani diplomats are trying to save Ali's life but intervention by Pakistan's president or prime minister is now required. It says Indonesian police used violent duress to obtain a confession from Ali, who was arrested in November 2004.

Last year, Indonesia executed 14 people convicted of drug crimes, mostly foreigners, sparking an international outcry.

Jokowi's predecessor ended a moratorium on executions in 2013.

___

Wright reported from Jakarta. Associated Press writer Ali Kotarumalos contributed.

Sajida Bibi, right, sister of Zulfikar Ali, convicted of drug crimes, cries with her sister Humaira Bibi, in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The sister of a Pakistani convicted of drug crimes has appealed the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother who is expected to be executed by a firing squad along with 12 others in the next 48 hours. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Family members and relatives of Zulfikar Ali, who is convicted of drug crimes, demand his release during a protest outside the Provincial assembly, in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The sister of a Pakistani man convicted of drug crimes has appealed the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother who is expected to be executed by a firing squad along with 12 others in the next 48 hours. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Family members and relatives of Zulfikar Ali, convicted of drug crimes, demand his release during a protest, in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The sister of a Pakistani convicted of drug crimes has appealed the Indonesian government to spare the life of her ailing brother who is expected to be executed by a firing squad along with 12 others in the next 48 hours. The banner reads, "Zulfikar Ali is innocent." (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Spared lobster dies during trip from Florida to Maine

WEST BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine (AP)  Larry the Lobster gained fame after it was spared from a boiling pot in Florida, but Maine officials say the crustacean didn't make it to retirement.

Officials say the decades-old, 15-pound lobster succumbed during its journey from a Sunrise, Florida, restaurant to the Maine State Aquarium. The staff at the aquarium in West Boothbay Harbor unpacked the lobster and found it dead on Wednesday.

A rescue group had stepped forward to save the lobster after the restaurant owner called a TV station in Florida last week to show off the lobster's unusual size. It was estimated to be between 60 and 110 years old.
Takeaways: Obama vouches for Clinton, Kaine steps up

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  President Barack Obama used what is likely his last high-profile speech as president to make a powerful case for Hillary Clinton's election, saying it wasn't even a close choice between her and Donald Trump, whom he described as a homegrown demagogue.

Obama was the biggest of a number of big-name speakers Wednesday, the third day of the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Joe Biden also made an emotional valedictory speech, and Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, introduced himself to the nation.

All attacked Trump, who generated controversy earlier in the day by encouraging Russia to find and make public emails deleted by Clinton  an extraordinary suggestion that a foreign power meddle in U.S. elections.

President Barack Obama speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Here are the top takeaways from Day Three of the Democratic National Convention:

__

OBAMA SALUTES CLINTON

Obama left no doubt that he was "ready to pass the baton" to Clinton.

He vouched for his former secretary of state's national security credentials, praising her as someone who keeps her cool in a crisis and "never, ever quits." Obama said Clinton is trusted by world leaders and will keep America safe.

Beyond personal ties and party loyalty, a big motivation for Obama's robust support is concern that Trump would unravel his legacy if the Republican wins in November.

Obama painted an optimistic picture of the country that contrasted sharply with the "deeply pessimistic vision" of America presented at last week's GOP convention.

In an implicit attack on Trump, Obama said traditional American values held by his grandparents  such as modesty, honesty and kindness  continue today and that "anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end."

___

INTRODUCING KAINE

Kaine looked to build up his nice-guy image, but also take on the traditional vice presidential candidate role of attack dog.

The Virginia senator introduced himself to the many Americans who had never heard of him before he was tapped by Clinton last week. "I never expected to be here," he said.

He went on to ridicule Trump's habit of saying no more than "believe me" when offering vague details of how he'd build a wall on the Mexican border or destroy the Islamic State group "so fast."

___

ARE YOU LISTENING RUSSIA?

Trump touched off a firestorm with his comments about Russia, even as he dismissed suggestions from Democrats that Moscow was already acting on his behalf.

Responding to reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic party emails, Trump said he hopes Russia will find emails Clinton says she deleted from her years as secretary of state. "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump said.

Democrats said the comments were the latest demonstration that Trump is unqualified to be commander in chief.

___

BIDEN BOWS OUT

Biden, who made a wrenching decision not to run for president, fired up delegates with a searing attack on Trump. Biden said Trump "has no clue" about the needs of working-class people or what makes the nation great.

Biden described Trump's claim to care about the middle class as "a bunch of malarkey." Delegates chanted "not a clue, not a clue" and jumped to their feet.

Biden, a loyal Democratic soldier and a popular figure within the party, said Clinton "has always been there for you. It's her life story."

___

NO LOVE AMONG NEW YORKERS

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg denounced Trump as a "dangerous demagogue" and said his fellow New York billionaire was little more than a con artist with a well-documented record of bankruptcies. "I'm a New Yorker and I know a con when I see one," said Bloomberg, who was first elected as a Republican and now is an independent.

"Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's run his business. God help us," Bloomberg said.

___

What political news is the world searching for on Google and talking about on Twitter? Find out via AP's Election Buzz interactive. http://elections.ap.org/buzz

___

Follow Matthew Daly: http://twitter.com/MatthewDalyWDC

Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., waves to the crowd after speaking during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Lady Gaga hits stage for invite-only show for DNC delegates

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP)  Lady Gaga hit the stage at an invitation-only concert Thursday for delegates to the Democratic National Convention, covering classic songs from Woody Guthrie, Neil Young, the Beatles and others.

Gaga opened with a jazzy version of Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" and then Young's "Old Man." She was introduced by Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, who called her a star who's not afraid to speak out about sexual violence and mental health.

She closed out her set with the Beatles' "Come Together" and then sang Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose" as an encore.

FILE - In this Feb. 28, 2016 file photo, Lady Gaga arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. One of the country's most impoverished cities will get some time in the Democratic convention spotlight Thursday, July 28, 2016, with some help from Lady Gaga. Thousands of convention delegates have been invited across the Delaware River to Camden for an afternoon concert with the pop star. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Lenny Kravitz, who also performed inside the convention on Wednesday night, ended his set Thursday by shouting, "We, the people! We, the people! We, the people!" DJ Jazzy Jeff spun tunes in between their sets.

The show gives Camden, one of the country's most impoverished cities, time in the Democratic convention spotlight.

George Norcross and Susan McCue, president of General Majority PAC and a former chief of staff to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, hosted the "Camden Rising" event, held hours before Hillary Clinton formally accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

Norcross is credited with working with Republican Gov. Chris Christie to help in redevelopment efforts in Camden, many partially funded through state grants and tax credits. The insurance executive is a Democratic superdelegate along with his brother, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross. Both are supporting Clinton.

Clinton delegate Suzanne Perkins, 47, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, said she thinks celebrities can help influence delegates and voters.

After Kravitz's set, she said Bernie Sanders supporters in her delegation who like his music and politics heard his support for Clinton and might think, "Maybe I ought to open my mind. Here's a guy whose politics I agree with and he endorsed her."

__

This story has been corrected to delete an erroneous reference to the Senate Majority PAC having a role in sponsoring the concert.

FILE - In this May 27, 2016 file photo, Lenny Kravitz performs at BottleRock Napa Valley Music Festival at Napa Valley Expo in Napa, Calif. One of the country's most impoverished cities will get some time in the Democratic convention spotlight Thursday, July 28, 2016, with some help from Lady Gaga. Thousands of convention delegates have been invited across the Delaware River to Camden for an afternoon concert with the pop star, which also will include performances by Kravitz and DJ Jazzy Jeff. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this May 29, 2013 file photo, Jeffrey A. Townes aka DJ Jazzy Jeff attends the "After Earth" premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre, in New York. One of the country's most impoverished cities will get some time in the Democratic convention spotlight Thursday, July 28, 2016, with some help from Lady Gaga. Thousands of convention delegates have been invited across the Delaware River to Camden for an afternoon concert with the pop star, which also will include performances by Lenny Kravitz and DJ Jazzy Jeff. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
Clinton backers asked to speak at Sanders rally, then booed

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Bernie Sanders supporters asked fans of Hillary Clinton to explain why anyone should back her for president, then booed them at a rally Thursday on the final day of the Democratic National Convention.

Lisa Friedman, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was selling Clinton T-shirts near the rally close to City Hall when she took up the challenge.

"This woman has been working for more than 50 years to help women and children," she said to the Sanders supporters, immediately drawing boos.

Demonstrators square off during a rally outside City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

After leaving the stage, someone also shouted at her: "You're supporting corruption! You're part of the problem!"

Many fans of Sanders, a Vermont U.S. senator who competed against Clinton in the party's presidential primaries before endorsing her, feel slighted by the Democratic Party and believe the process was rigged in Clinton's favor.

Friedman, who works for a chain of thrift stores, said she got so excited when Clinton announced her candidacy last year that she designed a T-shirt she has been selling to Democratic gatherings.

"I feel passionate for Hillary," she said. "I don't feel extreme."

Protests around the city drew more than 5,000 people on Monday, the first day of the Democratic National Convention. By the fourth day, crowds had dropped off sharply.

Only a few hundred people gathered for Thursday's rally near City Hall, a big decrease from a day earlier.

By early afternoon, approaching thunderstorms further shrank the demonstrations, sending protesters at the park scrambling to pack up their tents. Police officers drove around blaring warnings that severe storms were coming and anyone outdoors should seek shelter.

Police said they gave out citations carrying fines of $50 each to 103 protesters over the first three days of the convention for code violations including disorderly conduct and obstruction. Seven people were also arrested by the Secret Service for trying to enter secure areas.

Actress and activist Susan Sarandon greets supporters of Bernie Sanders delegate Nina Turner during a protest inside the media tent on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. They say she's being punished by the party for her support of Sanders. (AP Photo/Michael R. Sisak)

Actor and activist Danny Glover joins supporters of Bernie Sanders delegate Nina Turner for a protest inside the media tent on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. They say she's being punished by the party for her support of Sanders. (AP Photo/Michael R. Sisak)

Supporters of Bernie Sanders delegate Nina Turner talk to reporters during protest inside the media tent on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. They include actresses Rosario Dawson and Shailene Woodley. They and say she's being punished by the party for her support of Sanders. (AP Photo/Michael R. Sisak)

A demonstrator waves a flag during a protest rear City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Demonstrators hold hands during a rally near City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Demonstrators hold hands during a rally near City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Demonstrators watch during a rally near City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Demonstrators cheer during a rally near City Hall in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, during the third day of the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Actress and activist Susan Sarandon greets supporters of Bernie Sanders delegate Nina Turner during a protest inside the media tent on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. They say she's being punished by the party for her support of Sanders. (AP Photo/Michael R. Sisak)
Huge crowd at Polish shrine hears pope hail their faith

CZESTOCHOWA, Poland (AP)  Pope Francis blessed hundreds of thousands of faithful Thursday at a shrine in Poland, paying tribute to a beloved native son, St. John Paul II, honoring the countless "ordinary yet remarkable" Poles who defiantly clung to their faith during Soviet-bloc communism and establishing this pontiff's drawing power in a country where being Catholic is often equated with being Polish.

Francis, who had never set foot in Eastern Europe before this week's five-day pilgrimage to Poland, gazed in apparent awe for several minutes as he studied the Jasna Gora monastery shrine's iconic image of the so-called Black Madonna. The faces of Mary and Baby Jesus in the icon  an object of veneration starting in the 14th century  are blackened by centuries of varnish and candle soot.

Pilgrimages to Jasna Gora, often by faithful trekking long distances, are part of many Polish Catholics' identity and upbringing.

Faithful cheer Pope Francis in front of the Jasna Gora shrine in Czestochowa, Poland

Polish church officials said as many as 600,000 people flocked to the outdoor Mass at the monastery. In the evening, local church organizers in Krakow said another 500,000 faithful, young people from all around the world cheered Francis at a pep rally on a meadow in the southern city.

Vatican officials and police declined to offer any estimates.

During the pep rally, people sang and danced to lively tunes, waving flags from places as different as Tennessee and Turkey. In a gesture to the Argentine-born, tango-loving Francis, Poles devised a tango number with Polish lyrics.

"John Paul is no more, but Francis means a continuation of this great love for God that our Polish pope has given us," Marcin Zbik, a student from the northwestern town of Police told The Associated Press.

During the morning Mass, a woman went into labor and was taken to a hospital where her daughter was delivered, said the town hall in Czestochowa, the town hosting the shrine.

At the start of the Jasna Gora Mass, the 79-year-old pope tripped and fell as he walked to the altar, but he rose quickly with help from several priests and showed no ill effects.

"There were no consequences, the pope didn't suffer, he didn't hurt himself, there was no need for a medical checkup," Vatican spokesman the Rev, Federico Lombardi said.

The Mass marked this year's 1,050th anniversary of Poland's acceptance of the Roman Catholic faith, a move that eventually set it apart culturally from Orthodox nations in the region. Polish President Andrzej Duda and other political leaders sat in front rows at the Mass.

"Our minds turn to so many sons and daughters of your own people, like the martyrs who made the defenseless power of the Gospel shine forth, like those ordinary yet remarkable people who bore witness to the Lord's love amid great trials," Francis said in his homily, speaking in Italian and pausing for a priest to translate his words into Polish.

"Your own history, shaped by the Gospel, the cross and fidelity to the church, has seen the contagious power of a genuine faith, passed down from family to family, from fathers to sons and above all from mothers and grandmothers, whom we need so much to thank," he said.

Francis urged Poles to stay united even as their nation is divided over the issue of refugees and migrants, especially those who aren't Christians. At his evening pep rally, he told the young people he was confident they would "join the adventure of building bridges and knocking down walls, fences."

Walls and barbed-wire fences have sprung up in eastern and central Europe to keep those fleeing wars and hunger in the Middle East, Asia and Africa from penetrating into the heart of the European continent.

After lunch in Krakow, Francis joined some disabled young people aboard an electric tram, painted in the Vatican's yellow and white colors, for the ride to the park where the youth rally was held.

Security was tight following a string of attacks in Europe, and people were warned over loudspeakers not to leave their bags unattended.

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Scislowska reported from Krakow; Vanessa Gera in Warsaw contributed.

___

Frances D'Emilio is on twitter at www.twitter.com/fdemilio

Pope Francis prays in front of the Black Madonna in the Jasna Gora' shrine in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. Pope Francis has prayed at the holiest Catholic site in Poland, kneeling in contemplation before the famed Black Madonna icon and offered a gift of a golden rose tree. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, Pool)

Pope Francis talks from the Archbishops' Palace in Krakow, Poland, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Francis came on a five-day visit to Poland to join hundreds of thousands of young people from around the globe for celebrations of the World Youth Day. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Pope Francis waves from the Archbishops' Palace in Krakow, Poland

Pope Francis prays in the Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Pope Francis has prayed by the relics of the late pope from Poland, St. John Paul II, at the and has met with Poland's bishops who vowed to "listen carefully" to his teaching. (Daniel Dal Zennaro/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis prays in front of the Black Madonna in the Jasna Gora' shrine in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. Pope Francis has prayed at the holiest Catholic site in Poland, kneeling in contemplation before the famed Black Madonna icon and offered a gift of a golden rose tree. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, Pool)

Pope Francis delivers his speech as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis delivers his speech as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Pope Francis is helped by Vatican Master of Ceremonies, Mons. Guido Marini as he stumbles on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Pope Francis celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pilgrims and faithful wait for Pope Francis before a mass in Czestochowa

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate a mass in Czestochowa, Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis kisses the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis asperges incense on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)

Polish bishops are urging a million Catholics to pray along the nation's 2,000-mile border next week. Pictured: Catholics wait for Pope Francis in Poland last year

Faithful and pilgrims wait for Pope Francis before a mass in Czestochowa, Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis asperges incense on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Stefano Rellandini/Pool Photo via AP)

Faithful cheer Pope Franci prior to a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Pope Francis waves as he arrives for a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Pope Francis asperges incense on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis asperges incense on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa , Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is helped by Vatican Master of Ceremonies, Mons. Guido Marini as he stumbles on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is helped by Vatican Master of Ceremonies, Mons. Guido Marini as he stumbles on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is helped by Vatican Master of Ceremonies, Mons. Guido Marini as he stumbles on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis waves as he leaves Jasna Gora monastery prior to a Holy Mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Priests arrive to give the communion during a Mass in Czestochowa, Poland,Thursday, July 28, 2016. Pope Francis celebrated an open-air Mass celebrating Poland's deep Catholic roots. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Faithful pray as Pope Francis celebrates a Mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. The pontiff celebrated an open-air Mass celebrating Poland's deep Catholic roots. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

A man prays as Pope Francis celebrates a Mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. The pontiff celebrated an open-air Mass celebrating Poland's deep Catholic roots. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

A group of Polish nuns pose for a photo in Market Square in Krakow, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016, prior to the evening meeting with Pope Francis. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Two groups of World Youth Day pilgrims greet each other as they walk past a military vehicles exhibition on the Market Square in Krakow, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016, prior to the evening meeting with Pope Francis. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)
South Korean foundation launched to help former sex slaves

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea on Thursday launched a foundation planned to be funded by the Japanese government to provide support for South Korean women forced into sexual slavery by Japan's military in World War II.

The opening of the foundation's office in Seoul was met by protests from activists and students who criticized a December settlement between South Korea and Japan for the decades-long dispute over South Korean sex slave victims.

One protester was detained after spraying pepper spray at the foundation's director, Kim Tae-hyun, who had to be treated at a Seoul hospital. Police also dragged away a group of about 20 students who staged a protest during Kim's news conference at a nearby hotel, according to an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, who didn't want to be named, citing office rules.

Visitors try out Samsung Electronics Galaxy smartphones at the company's showroom in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, July 28, 2016. Samsung Electronics Co. reported Thursday forecast-beating earnings results that were the best in two years as consumers snapped up its Galaxy smartphones in signs of a revival in its mobile phone business. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Kim, a university professor, said the foundation would aim to "restore honor and dignity of the victims" and "seek to heal their scars."

Under the agreement, which was described by both governments as "irreversible," Japan pledged to contribute 1 billion yen ($9.5 million) for a foundation to help support the victims.

South Korea in exchange vowed to refrain from criticizing Japan over the issue and will try to resolve Japan's grievance over a statue of a girl representing victims of sexual slavery that sits in front of the Japanese Embassy in downtown Seoul.

The agreement remains controversial in South Korea where many believe the Seoul government settled for far too less.
Israeli settler-turned-diplomat to take new post in New York

JERUSALEM (AP)  For years, Dani Dayan was the West Bank settler movement's face to the outside world. Next week, he'll become the face of Israel to much of North America.

Dayan takes office Aug. 1 as Israel's new consul general in New York, overseeing his country's biggest diplomatic mission and serving as its representative to the world's financial and cultural capital.

He will also be in charge of outreach to the largest Jewish community outside Israel at a time of disagreements over Mideast peace and Jewish pluralism.

In this Wednesday, July 20, 2016 photo, Israeli Dani Dayan speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Jerusalem. For years, Dani Dayan was the West Bank settler movements face to the outside world. Next week, hell become the face of Israel to much of North America. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

Dayan's appointment reflects the settler movement's strong influence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. It's also a personal victory for Dayan, whose previous appointment as ambassador to Brazil was scuttled earlier this year, apparently because of Brazil's opposition to his settler ties. The international community, including Israel's closest friends, opposes Israeli settlements on lands occupied since the 1967 war, saying they undermine prospects for establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Dayan, a personable and soft-spoken former high-tech businessman, downplayed the blowup with Brazil, saying he only accepted the appointment under pressure from Netanyahu while the New York post was always his first choice.

"I want to be at the forefront of Israel's diplomacy, and the forefront of Israel's diplomacy is New York," Dayan told The Associated Press.

Dayan will be responsible for a five-state territory that is home to some 40 percent of the American Jewish population of 6.8 million. New York and New Jersey alone have more than 2.2 million Jews.

Dayan will find communities that may have a strong affinity for Israel but also strongly disagree with his government's policies, particularly the younger generation.

"Most Jews are liberal, many are highly liberal," said Steven M. Cohen, an expert on the American Jewish community at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. "Those who are  generally younger, non-Orthodox, highly educated and U.S.-born  are likely to care little about Israel and care even less for the policies extolled ... by Israel's new consul general."

Peter Beinart, a prominent liberal commentator, predicted Dayan will be welcomed by the mainstream American Jewish leadership and socially conservative Orthodox Jews.

But "for progressive Jews, he'll be just one more reason to feel alienated from a government they already consider morally alien," Beinart said.

Dayan said he welcomes the opportunity to discuss the rifts. He said he plans to spend a "hugely disproportionate slot" of time meeting with Israel's supporters disenchanted with Netanyahu's policies.

"I don't come to New York to preach to the choir," Dayan said. "I definitely intend to engage."

A 2013 Pew Research Center poll found widespread skepticism among American Jews about Israel's commitment to peace with the Palestinians and strong opposition to settlement construction in the West Bank.

Also, the two largest streams of American Jewry, the Reform and Conservative movements, have feuded with Israel's government over what they say are broken promises to establish an egalitarian prayer site at Jerusalem's Western Wall.

Dayan said his past work as head of the Yesha settlement council and his personal opposition to a Palestinian state are irrelevant. He said his job in New York is to represent all Israelis, Jews and Arabs alike, maintain bipartisan support for Israel and represent his government's policies  not his personal opinions.

That means defending Netanyahu's stated commitment to a two-state solution with the Palestinians and resolving the Jerusalem prayer issue.

With religious parties in the government opposed to a liberal prayer area at the Western Wall, Dayan vowed to help find a solution that avoids confrontation and "guarantees every Jew basic rights for worship."

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, the largest stream of American Jewry, said he welcomed Dayan's openness and promised a "respectful" relationship. But he predicted tough conversations ahead.

"I think in a majority of North American Jewish communities his views are not anywhere near where our community is," he said.

The 60-year-old Dayan said his diverse background and record as a bridge builder will serve him well. Born in Argentina, he immigrated to Israel as a teenager in 1971. A native Spanish speaker, he says he will use his language skills to reach out to American Hispanics.

In his youth, Dayan served seven years in an Israeli military computer unit and then founded an information technology company that grew to 600 employees before he sold his interest in 2005. He subsequently led the Yesha settlers' council. He lives in Maalei Shomron, a settlement northeast of Tel Aviv. In contrast to the stereotypical religiously motivated West Bank settler, he is secular and cosmopolitan.

The only groups he plans on avoiding are those who reject Israel's right to exist.
Clinton promises steady hand in dangerous world

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Promising Americans a steady hand, Hillary Clinton cast herself Thursday night as a unifier for divided times, an experienced leader steeled for a volatile world. She aggressively challenged Republican Donald Trump's ability to do the same.

"Imagine him in the Oval Office facing a real crisis," Clinton said as she accepted the Democratic nomination for president. "A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons."

Clinton took the stage to roaring applause from flag-waving delegates on the final night of the Democratic convention, relishing her nomination as the first woman to lead a major U.S. political party. But her real audience was the millions of voters watching at home, many of whom may welcome her experience as secretary of state, senator and first lady, but question her character.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton walk through the falling balloons during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

She acknowledged those concerns briefly, saying "I get it that some people just don't know what to make of me." But her primary focus was persuading Americans to not be seduced by Trump's vague promises to restore economic security and fend off threats from abroad.

Clinton's four-day convention began with efforts to shore up liberals who backed Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary and it ended with an outstretched hand to Republicans and independents unnerved by Trump. A parade of military leaders, law enforcement officials and Republicans took the stage ahead of Clinton to endorse her in the general election contest with Trump.

"This is the moment, this is the opportunity for our future," said retired Marine Gen. John R. Allen, a former commander in Afghanistan. "We must seize this moment to elect Hillary Clinton as president of the United States of America."

American flags waved in the stands of the packed convention hall. There were persistent but scattered calls of "No more war," but the crowd drowned them out with chants of "Hill-a-ry" and "U-S-A!"

The Democratic nomination now officially hers, Clinton has just over three months to persuade Americans that Trump is unfit for the Oval Office and overcome the visceral connection he has with some voters in a way the Democratic nominee does not.

She embraced her reputation as a studious wonk, a politician more comfortable with policy proposals than rhetorical flourishes. "I sweat the details of policy," she said.

Clinton's proposals are an extension of President Barack Obama's two terms in office: tackling climate change, overhauling the nation's fractured immigration laws, and restricting access to guns. She disputed Trump's assertion that she wants to repeal the Second Amendment, saying "I'm not here to take away your guns. I just don't want you to be shot by someone who shouldn't have a gun in the first place."

Campaigning in Iowa Thursday, Trump said there were "a lot of lies being told" at Clinton's convention. Later, he tweeted that Clinton's vision is "a borderless world where working people have no power, no jobs, no safety."

Clinton came into the convention facing deep voter concerns with her honesty and trustworthiness, stemming in part from her controversial use of a private internet server at the State Department. A separate pre-convention controversy over hacked Democratic Party emails showing favoritism for Clinton in the primary threatens to deepen the perception that Clinton prefers to play by her own rules.

Through four nights of polished convention pageantry, Democratic heavyweights told a different story about Clinton. The most powerful validation came Wednesday night from Obama, her victorious primary rival in 2008. Obama declared Clinton not only can defeat Trump's "deeply pessimistic vision" but also realize the "promise of this great nation."

Clinton was introduced by her daughter, Chelsea, who spoke warmly of her mother as a woman "driven by compassion, by faith, by kindness, a fierce sense of justice, and a heart full of love." President Bill Clinton watched from a seat on the convention floor, beaming with pride and repeatedly leaping to his feet.

Clinton was joined on stage at the end of the night by her running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, who addressed the convention Wednesday. Fireworks exploded inside the arena and red, white and blue balloons plunged from the arena rafters.

Clinton and Kaine head into the general election seeking support from the same coalition of voters that propelled Obama into the White House: blacks, Hispanics, women and young people. The diverse parade of speakers who took the stage in Philadelphia this week underscored that goal.

On the convention's closing night, Khizr Khan, an American Muslim whose son was killed in military service, emotionally implored voters to stop Trump, who has called for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration.

"Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with their future," Khan said. "Let me ask you, have you even read the United States Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy."

The program paid tribute to law enforcement officers killed on duty, including five who died in Dallas earlier this month in retaliation for officer-involved shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana.

"Violence is not the answer," Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez said. "Yelling, screaming and calling each other names is not going to do it."

Clinton sought to reach beyond the Democratic base, particularly to moderate Republicans worried about Trump's experience and temperament.

Former Reagan administration official Doug Elmets announced he was casting his first vote for a Democrat in November, and urged other Republicans who "believe loyalty to our country is more important than loyalty to party" to do the same.

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AP writers Catherine Lucey, Kathleen Hennessey and Lisa Lerer contributed to this report.

___

Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves after taking the stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Chelsea Clinton embraces her mother, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Marc Mezvinsky, his wife Chelsea Clinton, Former President Bill Clinton and Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., applaud as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speak during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Wisconsin delegate Karla Stoebig, left, wears a cheese-head as she applauds for Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., as she speaks during the fourth day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Former President Bill Clinton, right, hugs Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton as Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., hugs his wife wife Anne Holton during the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton gives a thumbs up on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves to delegates during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Chelsea Clinton will testify to her mother's credentials

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  After days of endorsements from celebrities, elected leaders and passionate supporters, Hillary Clinton will be introduced Thursday night by the woman who knows her simply as mom.

Chelsea Clinton will open for her mother at the Democratic National Convention as Clinton accepts a place in history as the first female presidential nominee for a major party. Chelsea Clinton's appearance comes after her father, ex-President Bill Clinton, gave a deeply personal address about his wife Tuesday night.

It's part of a campaign effort to show the softer side of the former first lady, senator and secretary of state.

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton, applauds during the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

And it's hardly a new role for 36-year-old Chelsea, who works for the Clinton Foundation and recently gave birth to her second child. She has been active in the campaign, as with her mother's past campaigns. She was at the convention Tuesday, as her father called her birth "the greatest moment of my life." Hillary Clinton talks about her too, often telling a story about toddler Chelsea asking her to stop singing lullabies.

Of course, Chelsea Clinton is not the only prominent daughter during this presidential campaign. Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka, is a leading surrogate for her father and gave an emotional speech for him last week, pledging that the two will work on issues like pay equity and affordable childcare.

The two women, New Yorkers of similar ages with high-profile parents, have been friendly in the past. Chelsea Clinton praised Ivanka Trump in a Vogue magazine story last year, saying "There's nothing skin-deep about Ivanka." While the contest between their parents has become acrimonious, Ivanka Trump said in an interview with People Magazine this week that the two were "friendly." Still, she added, "There's certainly tremendous intensity around both of our lives right now."

Chelsea Clinton commented on Ivanka Trump's convention speech during an interview on Facebook Live hosted by Glamour this week. Asked what she would say to Ivanka Trump, Chelsea Clinton said: "How would your father do that? It's not something he has spoken about. There are no policies on any of those fronts that you mentioned."

Politics is the family business, so Chelsea Clinton has spent most of her life in the public eye, moving to the White House at the age of 12 after her father was elected in 1992 and heading to Stanford University with a security detail in tow. Perhaps her most high-profile moment came in 1998, when, at age 18 and during the height of her parents' marital troubles, the three were photographed walking together, with Chelsea Clinton holding both parents' hands.

Because she's lived so long in public, many voters feel they already know her, like Cynthia Doty, 65, a Clinton supporter from New York City, who said, "I think she's grown up into a really remarkable woman."

After spending time as a management consultant and as a correspondent for NBC, Chelsea Clinton now works for the Clinton Foundation and recently wrote a book for middle-school aged kids.

With husband Mark Mezvinsky, a hedge-fund manager whose parents both served in Congress, she has two children under the age of 2: Charlotte and Aidan.

Katie White, 18, of San Antonio, Texas, said she was looking forward to the speech: "I think Ivanka did a lot to help Donald Trump. It will be interesting to see what Chelsea can do."

But some Democrats are less interested.

"There's nothing relatable about her," said Quinn Symonds, 34, of Mason City, Iowa. "She's not one of us, the 99 percent."

Emma Schmit, 22, of Rockwell City, Iowa, agreed: "She's part of the one percent."

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Follow Catherine Lucey on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/catherine_lucey

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This story has been corrected to change day of week to Tuesday in the fourth paragraph.
Turkey's top military commander keeps post

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Turkey's top military commander, who was held hostage during an attempted coup, kept his post Thursday, while the general who served as acting chief of staff was promoted following a purge in the military following the failed putsch.

Hulusi Akar, a four-star general, retained his position as chief of staff, the presidency announced after a meeting of the Supreme Military Council, representing the commanders of NATO's second largest army.

The decisions came after Turkey discharged nearly 1,700 officers, including 149 generals and admirals, suspected of involvement in the July 15 attempted coup. A senior Turkish official described the actions as "dishonorable discharges."

Chief of general staff General Hulusi Akar stands with other Military chiefs during a Supreme Military Council meeting with the Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at Ataturk's mausoleum in Ankara on July 28, 2016. The Supreme Military Council, gathering top commanders of NATO's second-largest army, met a day after Turkey discharged close to 1,700 officers  including 149 generals and admirals  suspected of involvement in the failed July 15 coup attempt. A senior Turkish official described the purges as "dishonorable discharge." (AP Photo/Ali Unal)

Gen. Umit Dundar, the commander of Turkey's Istanbul-based first army, was promoted to second-in-command of the military staff, an apparent reward for declaring publicly that the coup attempt was not backed by the chain of command and for taking the lead while Akar was held captive.

The council, which determines promotions and retirements, met for five hours Thursday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Two generals resigned as the meeting convened.

Turkey has declared a state of emergency following the failed coup that caused 290 deaths. Its clampdown seeks to target anyone suspected of ties to U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the government accuses of masterminding the plot.

Nearly 16,000 people were detained over alleged links to the uprising, about half of whom were formally arrested to face trial.

Tens of thousands of state employees also have been dismissed for alleged ties to Gulen while schools, dormitories and hospitals associated with his movement have been closed down. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced Thursday that 88 employees of his ministry have lost their jobs, including two ambassadors.

The chief prosecutor's office in Ankara called Thursday for the seizure of assets held by approximately 3,000 detained judges and prosecutors, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

And authorities issued warrants for the detention of 89 journalists. Dozens of media organizations, mostly linked to Gulen, were ordered to close Wednesday night.

Gulen, who lives in the United States and runs a global network of schools and foundations, has denied any involvement in the coup plot. Turkey has branded Gulen's movement a terrorist organization and wants the cleric extradited. The United States has told Turkey to present evidence against him and let the U.S. extradition process take its course.

Cavusoglu warned allies that relations would sour if they refuse to cooperate with Turkey's extradition requests.

In an interview with CNN Turk television Thursday, Cavusoglu criticized Germany's slow response to Ankara's request for the extradition of several alleged members of the Gulen movement.

"Some judges and prosecutors with ties to the Gulen movement have fled to Germany. Germany must return them," Cavusoglu said.

The foreign minister said anti-U.S. sentiment in Turkey was on the rise and a refusal to extradite Gulen would harm relations.

He said Turkey had received intelligence that Gulen might flee to another country, so the foreign ministry was issuing "necessary warnings."

Turkey's post-coup purge has raised concerns throughout Europe.

In Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was "right and important" for Turkey to pursue the coup plotters.

"But in a state of law ... the principle of proportionality applies," she told reporters. "This principle of proportionality must be respected under all circumstances. And my concern arises from the fact (authorities) are moving very hard and this principle of proportionality is perhaps not always at the center."

Before the military council meeting, the prime minister and top brass visited the Ankara mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, modern Turkey's founder, where they vowed to overcome all security threats.

"There is no doubt that we will eradicate all terrorist organizations threatening our state, our nation and our territorial integrity," Yildirim said, reading from a message he wrote in the mausoleum visitors' book.

The military council meeting had been scheduled for early August but was brought forward following the coup attempt. Its location was moved from the military headquarters to the prime minister's office in a sign that the government intends to place the military under stronger civilian control.

Late Wednesday, the government issued a decree that transferred control of the paramilitary police force and the coast guard from the military to the government's Interior Ministry.

Turkish officials have said they believe the coup plot was launched in haste because of the planned August military council meeting, when many officers suspected of links to Gulen would have been discharged.

___

Associated Press reporters Elena Becatoros and Cinar Kiper in Istanbul and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this story.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with the people outside the Osmanli mosque construction during his visit, in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, July 28, 2016. The top-level military meeting that's likely to lead to a major shake-up of the country's armed forces following a failed coup by renegade military officers. Turkey declared a state of emergency following the violent coup attempt that led to 290 deaths, and embarked on a large-scale clampdown on people suspected of ties to US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the government accuses of masterminding the coup. (Kayhan Ozer Presidential Press Service, via AP, Pool)

Turkish special police secure during a Supreme Military Council meeting with the Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at Ataturk's mausoleum in Ankara on July 28, 2016. The Supreme Military Council, gathering top commanders of NATO's second-largest army, met a day after Turkey discharged close to 1,700 officers  including 149 generals and admirals  suspected of involvement in the failed July 15 coup attempt. A senior Turkish official described the purges as "dishonorable discharge." (AP Photo/Ali Unal)

Turkish guard of honor soldiers stand during a Supreme Military Council meeting with the Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at Ataturk's mausoleum in Ankara on Thursday, July 28, 2016. The Supreme Military Council, gathering top commanders of NATO's second-largest army, met a day after Turkey discharged close to 1,700 officers  including 149 generals and admirals  suspected of involvement in the failed July 15 coup attempt. A senior Turkish official described the purges as "dishonorable discharge." (AP Photo/Ali Unal)

Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim attend a ceremony with the Supreme Military chiefs at Ataturk's mausoleum in Ankara on July 28, 2016. The Supreme Military Council, gathering top commanders of NATO's second-largest army, met a day after Turkey discharged close to 1,700 officers  including 149 generals and admirals  suspected of involvement in the failed July 15 coup attempt. A senior Turkish official described the purges as "dishonorable discharge." (AP Photo/Ali Unal)

A woman buy a newspaper from a kiosk in Istanbul, Thursday, July 28, 2016. Authorities issued warrants for the detention of 89 journalists as the clampdown extended to the media. Dozens of media organizations  most of them also linked to Gulen  were ordered closed. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

A woman walks past the headquarters of 'Zaman' newspaper, after being closed by the government in Istanbul, Thursday, July 28, 2016. The European Union has called the crackdown on media in Turkey "worrying" and warned Ankara to respect fundamental freedoms. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The wealthy Democratic donors, many of them executives who run complex businesses, know firsthand how revealing tax returns can be. Perhaps that's why they can't stop talking about Republican nominee Donald Trump's refusal to release his.

In their suites at the Ritz Carlton hotel, where many are staying during this week's Democratic convention, and at its auxiliary swanky parties, the supporters of Hillary Clinton are sounding the alarm about Trump's break with decades of presidential campaign tradition.

Clinton put out eight years of recent tax filings last summer, and they lament that voters don't seem to understand why Trump's refusal to do the same matters.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Double down: Donald Trump's refusal to publish his tax returns is now being made a campaign talking point by Democrats

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine accepted the vice presidential tonight onstage in Philadelphia using call-and-response to take on Donald Trump and highlight the tax return issue

Hoping for a winner: Democrats believe the tax returns are a vulnerability which will help Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump. She made a surprise appearance with Barack Obama after his Wednesday night speech to the DNC

Democratic talk of the taxes spilled onto the convention stage Wednesday night.

Vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine, mocking Trump, said, 'Believe me, there's nothing suspicious in my tax returns. Believe me!' The crowd laughed.

There's even a literally a bounty for the Trump documents.

Moishe Mana, a top fundraiser for Clinton, has offered to give $1 million to the charity of Trump's choice if he makes them public.

He joins an unnamed Republican donor working with Clinton ally David Brock who has made a similar offer of $5 million.

'Through his financial documents, we are trying to break into the image that he's portraying to the American people,' said Mana, a real estate developer in Miami.

'He says he's a successful businessman who wants to do for the country what he did for his company. Well, go ahead, show me the money.'

Trump is unmoved. The billionaire owner of the Trump Organization, an international development company, says the Internal Revenue Service is reviewing his most recent returns and that he'll release them once that audit is complete.

He reiterated that plan at a news conference Wednesday in Doral, Florida. Asked when he would put out the documents, he said: 'I don't know. Depends on the audit.'

There's no telling whether that would happen before Election Day, but the IRS says there's no legal reason Trump can't make the tax returns public even as they are under review.

The issue has flared up in recent days, in the wake of the hack of emails at the Democratic National Committee that the Obama administration said Wednesday was almost certainly the work of Russia.

The group WikiLeaks released the emails on the eve of the convention, a leak its leader Julian Assange has said was timed to inflict political damage on Clinton.

Trump said Wednesday that he has no ties to Russia whatsoever, but that hasn't stopped Democratic donors in Philadelphia from saying that in the absence of Trump's tax returns, voters are left to wonder whether there are undisclosed financial ties between Trump and foreign entities.

'Think of what's gone on just this week and connect the dotted lines,' said top Clinton donor J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire venture capitalist in Chicago.

'I'm not sure what's going on, but it sure doesn't look good. The question is who his investors are, and whether there are any in China or Russia that are affecting his personal income.'

Mana also wants that answered. If Trump's elected president, he said, 'how much in debt would we be to other countries?

Thumbs up: Kaine said you should listen to Barbara Bush, John McCain's chief economic adviser or John Kasich if you wanted to get a flavor of what senior Republicans thought about Donald Trump

Sen. Tim Kaine used his convention speech tonight in Philadelphia to introduce himself to the American people saying he never expected to be there

'This is about the security of the United States. We have the right to make sure he's not in debt to other countries,' he said.

While information about Trump's debts has been made public in personal financial disclosures filed with federal election regulators, the Democratic donors say access to his taxes might shed light on previously unknown business arrangements.

The returns would also detail for the first time how much he pays in income tax and how much he gives to charity.

'He is obfuscating in order to avoid being discovered as a liar,' Pritzker said.

The 2012 GOP nominee, Mitt Romney, resisted putting out his 2011 tax return until the September just before the election, after being pressed for months about doing so.

The documents showed he paid an effective tax rate of 14.1 percent, far lower than the average person, spawning days of bad headlines.

Other presidential candidates, including Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, have been dinged for not giving much to charity.

Bill and Hillary Clinton paid an overall federal tax rate of 31.6 percent between 2007 and 2014, her returns showed. In 2014, they donated almost 11 percent of their income to charity.

In addition to blaming the IRS audit, Trump has said in interviews that it might not make political sense for him to put out his returns.

Romney's returns were 'a tiny peanut compared to mine,' Trump said on 'Meet the Press' in an interview that aired last Sunday. There was little controversial in the Romney documents, he said.
German FM: Trump victory could affect trans-Atlantic ties

BERLIN (AP)  A victory for Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election could affect trans-Atlantic ties, Germany's foreign minister said Thursday.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in an interview that if the Republican candidate wins the presidency it would mean "a lot of uncertainty for the trans-Atlantic relationship."

Trump's description of the United States as a country besieged by its enemies was "grotesque," Steinmeier told the Passauer Neue Presse daily.

He also questioned Trump's pledges to "make America great again" while keeping the United States out of conflicts around the world.

"I certainly can't explain how one is supposed to go hand-in-hand with the other," Steinmeier told the newspaper.

Chancellor Angela Merkel was more diplomatic in her annual summer news conference Thursday.

Asked whether she had experienced any nightmares in which Trump became president, the German leader responded with a "clear no."

She declined to comment on Trump's assertion Wednesday that, if elected, he would look into recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea.

"I'm not going to meddle in the American domestic election," said Merkel. "I'm following it with interest, of course, and we'll await the outcome of the election."
Merkel: Germany 'will manage' challenge after attacks

BERLIN (AP)  Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged Thursday to do "everything humanly possible" to keep Germany safe following a string of attacks  including two carried out by asylum-seekers and claimed by the Islamic State group that she said mocked the country that took in the assailants.

The attacks brought Merkel fresh criticism for her decision last year to welcome refugees. More than 1 million asylum-seekers were registered in Germany in 2015, although the influx has since slowed dramatically.

Merkel said at a news conference that Germany will "stick to our principles" and give shelter to those who deserve it.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the media during a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

"We will manage this," she said, repeating a mantra she coined last August.

Merkel called for a better "early warning system" against signs of radicalization, faster progress on plans to create a center to help crack encrypted messages and better international intelligence cooperation, among other measures. But she said it's too early to say in detail what more may be required beyond the tightening of asylum and security laws already undertaken in recent months.

"Wherever there are gaps, we will have to act  just as we have so far  so that it is clear that we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure security in our free, democratic state of law," Merkel said.

Two of the attacks in a weeklong period starting July 18  an ax rampage near Wuerzburg that wounded five and a suicide bombing that injured 15 outside a bar in Ansbach  were the first in Germany to be claimed by the Islamic State group. Both of the attackers, asylum-seekers who arrived over the past two years, were killed.

In two other attacks  a shooting by a German-Iranian 18-year-old in Munich that claimed 10 lives, including the attacker's, and the stabbing of a woman by a Syrian asylum-seeker at a restaurant in Reutlingen  the motive is still unclear but Islamic extremism is not suspected.

"We will do everything to clear up the barbaric acts, find the people behind them and punish them, and then we will have to decide where further measures are necessary," Merkel said. She added that Germany owes that to the victims, their relatives, its own security and also "to all the many innocent refugees."

"That two men who came to us as refugees are responsible for the acts in Wuerzburg and Ansbach mocks the country that took them in," Merkel said. "It mocks the helpers who took so much care of the refugees and it mocks the many other refugees who really seek help against violence and war."

The chancellor cut short her vacation to schedule her annual summer news conference  only her second public appearance in the past week. She had faced criticism from opponents for her muted response to the four attacks.

Merkel dismissed criticism of that, noting that she will attend a memorial service in Munich on Sunday, and rejected the notion that she might personally feel any guilt about the attacks.

"I have the feeling that I am acting responsibly and correctly, and no other feelings," she said.

Merkel repeated unbidden her insistence that Germany "will manage" the challenges of the day  a phrase she first used at last summer's annual news conference.

"I didn't say 11 months ago that it would be an easy thing we could manage in passing, otherwise I wouldn't have had to say that sentence," she said. "But I am, today as I was then, convinced that we will manage to do justice to our historic task ... we will also deal with the new challenge we now face, Islamist terror."

"I think that refusing humanitarian responsibility would have had just as many, or perhaps completely different but in any case very bad, consequences for us that I would not risk and could not recommend to Germany," Merkel said.

Earlier Thursday, officials in Bavaria  the scene of three of the four attacks, and a state whose governor has long been critical of Merkel's welcoming approach to refugees  pledged to hire hundreds of extra police officers and urged tougher background checks on asylum-seekers as they presented an anti-terror plan following the four attacks.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said his state would hire some 2,000 additional police officers by 2020, improve police officers' equipment and create new offices to fight Muslim extremism and cybercrime.

He also called for tougher background checks on asylum-seekers and new strategies to deport criminal asylum-seekers more easily.

Merkel said of the plan that "there are a lot of things on which we agree."

___

Frank Jordans contributed to this report.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a news conference in Berlin Thursday, July 28, 2016 . Chancellor Angela Merkel says the fact that two men who came to Germany as refugees carried out attacks claimed by the Islamic State group "mocks the country that took them in." Merkel pledged at a news conference to do everything to clear up the "barbaric acts," find out who was behind them and bring them to justice. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for a news conference in Berlin Thursday, July 28, 2016. Chancellor Angela Merkel says the fact that two men who came to Germany as refugees carried out attacks claimed by the Islamic State group "mocks the country that took them in." Merkel pledged to do everything to clear up the "barbaric acts," find out who was behind them and bring them to justice. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a news conference in Berlin Thursday, July 28, 2016. Chancellor Angela Merkel says the fact that two men who came to Germany as refugees carried out attacks claimed by the Islamic State group "mocks the country that took them in." Merkel pledged to do everything to clear up the "barbaric acts," find out who was behind them and bring them to justice. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the media during a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the media during a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

GERMANY OUT - Bavarian governor Horst Seehofer,right, and Bavaria's Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann attend a meeting of the Bavarian cabinet ,in Gmund, Germany, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. In the most recent attack, a 27-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker set off a backpack laden with explosives and shrapnel Sunday night after being refused entry to a crowded music festival in the Bavarian city of Ansbach, killing himself and wounding 15 people. ( Peter Kneffel/dpa via AP)
Clinton ready to sell herself in biggest political moment

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Hillary Clinton is set to face the nation with the goal of introducing the woman that speaker after speaker, including a pair of presidents, have spent days promising the American public they'll finally get to see: the "real" Hillary Clinton.

In the biggest moment of her nearly 25-year political career, aides say Clinton on Thursday evening will lay out a positive vision for the future and detail her proposals to improve the economy, boost the country's security and unite a divided nation. She aims to strike a stark contrast with Republican nominee Donald Trump, who offered few policy specifics in a convention address that presented a picture of a diminished nation.

But Clinton's challenge has never been her command of policy.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton walks on stage after President Barack Obama's speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

During the course of her second presidential run, she has sat through hours of town halls, nodding and taking notes as community leaders detailed a litany of problems. They have yielded dozens of detailed policy proposals, addressing everything from puppy mills to insurance coverage for autism care.

Where Clinton has struggled is in presenting a clear and compelling rationale for her presidency. Since launching her bid last summer, the Democratic nominee has cycled through a series of slogans: "Fighting for Us," ''Breaking Down Barriers" and, most recently, "Stronger Together."

"She needs to connect, she needs to become a little bit more human," said Mo Elleithee, a former Democratic strategist who worked as Clinton's campaign press secretary in 2008. "It's not that she has experience, it's that she has a record of fighting for you."

For decades, Americans have been fascinated by Clinton's rise through politics, her persistence in the face of failures and her capacity for enduring scandal. But they've struggled to believe in her, or even simply believe her.

Aides say it's a problem born out of Clinton's desire to make her work  and not her personality  the focus. Though she's one of the most famous politicians in the world, they argue that voters still don't really know much about her accomplishments.

"Hillary Clinton is a workhorse, not a showhorse. Rather than do a lot of press conferences, she's just moved on to the next thing," said campaign manager Robby Mook. "There's a price to pay for that, which is you get a lot done and you help a lot of people, but maybe people don't know as much about what you have done."

That's a flattering explanation for a serious political challenge. Polling shows that while Americans don't doubt Clinton's qualifications, they question her honesty, a problem made worse by the congressional and FBI investigations into her use of a private email account and server as secretary of state.

In recent weeks, Clinton has begun acknowledging the fact that many Americans do not trust her, a problem she once dismissed as the result of decades of Republican attacks.

She sees her convention speech as an opportunity to build trust with voters by showing off her commitment to policies that she believes can improve their lives, such as paid family leave or college costs. Her staff says she's spent weeks thinking through her message and crafting her address.

"I can faithfully report that she is in a very positive frame of mind," said longtime aide and top policy staffer Jake Sullivan. "She views Thursday night as her opportunity to address the nation about her ideas, about the moment we're in and about what motivates her."

But earning a country's trust is not a problem that can be fixed in any single speech  or even a four-day convention.

With Clinton largely absent from the convention stage  she made a brief cameo on stage Wednesday night after Obama spoke  the convention speakers in Philadelphia urged Americans to see beyond what Bill Clinton called the "cartoon" of Clinton created by adversaries.

"Dorothy and Hugh's daughter and my sweet friend," proclaimed childhood friend Betsey Eberling.

Or a tenacious politician who Obama said has been "accused of everything you can imagine and some things you can't."

"But she knows that's what happens when you're under a microscope for 40 years," Obama said of his preferred successor. "She knows that sometimes during those 40 years, she's made mistakes, just like I have, just like we all do."

___

What political news is the world searching for on Google and talking about on Twitter? Find out via AP's Election Buzz interactive. http://elections.ap.org/buzz

___

Follow Lisa Lerer on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/llerer

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton reaches for President Barack Obama as she steps on stage after President Obama's speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Analysis: Obama hopes Clinton can fix what he could not

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Eight years ago, Barack Obama cast himself as the rare candidate who could transcend the polarizing "politics of the past" and bridge divides that had left Washington barely functioning for years. Ultimately, the gulf was too wide  if anything, the political climate in the United States worsened.

So, standing before the last, biggest audience he has left, Obama on Wednesday found a successor to carry forward the hopes and aspirations that once rallied millions to his side.

"It can be frustrating, this business of democracy. Trust me, I know," Obama told an adoring audience as he extolled Hillary Clinton for president. "Hillary knows, too."

President Barack Obama smiles as he steps to the podium during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

While Obama gushed over his former rival and possible successor, his own credentials to make that argument seemed weakened by the long list of goals he tried unsuccessfully to fulfill. The mere fact that the country is considering electing Donald Trump  Obama's opposite in so many ways  is a stark reminder that many Americans reject his approach.

Though Obama pulled the U.S. out of recession doldrums, many Americans struggling financially feel left behind. While he secured a sweeping health overhaul and economic reforms that reshaped the American economy, the same gridlock he promised to break through stopped him from delivering new laws and policies to fix immigration, tighten gun restrictions and reduce the role of money in politics.

Those are the same priorities that Clinton is putting at the core of her own campaign. The question for voters is whether she can do what Obama could not.

In front of thousands of die-hard, cheering Democrats, Obama could do no wrong. But heading into the fall, it's unclear how his depiction of the country will be received by the broader voting public.

"By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we started," Obama said. "And through every victory and every setback, I've insisted that change is never easy, and never quick  that we wouldn't meet all of our challenges in one term, or one presidency or even in one lifetime."

Just 19 percent of Americans said the country is heading in the right direction in an AP-GfK poll this month, a significant drop from the 39 percent who felt that way a year and a half earlier. Almost 4 in 5 voters feel the country is moving in the wrong direction this month, compared to 3 in 5 in early 2015.

Yet like it or not, Obama's legacy is now Clinton's. His former secretary of state, Clinton has embraced Obama's record and most of his policies as her own.

And her legacy is his. Should Clinton lose and Trump follow through on his promises, much of what Obama built as president could be unraveled.

With only a few months left in office, Obama is now taking stock of what the Democratic Party looks like after his two terms.

Obama's party is better positioned than ever before to appeal to minority and women voters who increasingly drive the outcome of U.S. elections, an advantage Democrats put on display this week by highlighting black, Hispanic, female and LGBT Democrats at the convention.

On the other hand, his party's argument to white men who still make up 1 in 3 voters in presidential elections appears to have gotten muddled along the way, a trend that polls show has deepened on his watch. Vice President Joe Biden said this week that Democrats have done the right thing for them, but added, "The Democratic Party overall hasn't spoken enough to those voters."

For years, Democratic leaders have griped privately that Obama neglected the sometimes tedious work of building up his party and keeping it viable for the next election. This week, after the breach of Democratic National Committee emails led to the party chairwoman's ouster, the White House rushed to distance itself from the party's political organization, where many of Obama's staffers once worked.

What may be Obama's most significant contribution to his party is the enduring power of his political brand. As he took the stage in Philadelphia, there were throwbacks to his own campaign eight years earlier, from the chants of "Yes we can" to the "Obama" signs that bobbed up and down in the crowd in an undulating sea of blue.

Democrats hope that Obama nostalgia will animate voters over the next three months as Obama clears much of his schedule to campaign for Clinton and other Democrats across the U.S.

"Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me," he said.

___

Josh Lederman has covered the White House for The Associated Press since 2013. Reach him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP

President Barack Obama waves before walking onto Air Force One while leaving Philadelphia International Airport after speaking at the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

President Barack Obama and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wave to delegates after President Obama's speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
California coastline wildfire is big and getting bigger

BIG SUR, Calif. (AP)  Firefighters struggled Thursday to get the upper hand on a massive wildfire burning along California's picturesque Big Sur coastline, where anxious residents driven from their homes awaited word on their properties and popular parks and trails closed at the height of tourist season.

The blaze spanning 42 square miles (109 square kilometers) has destroyed at least 34 homes and put at least 2,000 buildings at risk. A 35-year-old father of two girls was killed this week when the bulldozer he was operating rolled over on the fire lines.

The fire has burned for a week and is only 10 percent contained. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection estimated it will take until the end of August to extinguish it.

Smoke from a wildfire spreads over woods, as seen from White Rock in Carmel Valley, southeast of Monterey, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

"Every day the fire is gaining ground on us," Cal Fire Battalion Chief Robert Fish said. "The weather and steep and rugged terrain is taking its toll. So we'll make progress, but then the fire is making progress faster than we can keep pace with."

Firefighters worked in rugged terrain near State Highway 1 in an area that draws tourists from around the world for the dramatic vistas of ocean and mountains. The famous roadway remained open, but smoke and the threat of flames forced the closure of state parks near Big Sur, a big economic driver for the region.

Tom and Donna Huntington, both 65, have lived for 29 years in the community of Palo Colorado, which was hard-hit by the fire. They fled their home last Friday and have been staying with friends and a Red Cross shelter at a school.

"It's a heartbreaker. I could cry right now," Tom Huntington said. "I'm so lucky I didn't lose my house. And I know some people that have. All they had was what they wore that day. ... All their stuff  just poof."

Eric Beninger, a former firefighter who also lives in Palo Colorado, isn't sure his home is still standing.

"When I did leave yesterday I ended up seeing flames coming up my road," he said. "Just hope for the best, that's about all I can do."

The bulldozer operator who died on the fire lines this week was identified Thursday as Robert Reagan. The Fresno County man's sister, Hannah Cunnings, told The Associated Press that her brother was the kind of person who would offer to put snow chains on a neighbor's car or fix an engine that needed repair.

"Even since he was a boy, he just really wanted to help people," she said, crying.

Besides two daughters, Cunnings said her brother and his wife cared for a young niece.

Another man was killed last week in a wildfire still burning on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Crews have stopped the spread of that nearly 60-square-mile (155-sqaure kilometer) blaze, which destroyed 18 homes in mountains and canyons around Santa Clarita.

Authorities have not determined a cause for either fire.

Four people who escaped the Big Sur fire early in the week acknowledged growing marijuana in the area for the last three months, Monterey County sheriff's Sgt. Kathy Palazzolo said.

It's illegal to cultivate marijuana in California except for medicinal purposes, but pot grows are common throughout coastal Monterey County, south of San Francisco.

"We have them all over, all throughout the county, in the national forest, on private property, in riverbeds, we find them all over," Palazzolo said.

Separately, seven people were rescued Tuesday after calling 911, Palazzolo said. They said they were backcountry hikers, but police are skeptical.

There was no evidence to suggest the fire was sparked by marijuana cultivation, Cal Fire spokesman Robert Fish said.

Rancho Adobe Fire Captan James Devrloo keeps an eye on a fire line on Garza Trail in the Rancho San Carlos Community as a wildfire burns in Carmel Valley, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP)

A firefighter, center left in yellow, walks on an area damaged by a wildfire near Carmel Highlands, south of Monterey, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

A helicopter fills up with water from a pond at Rancho San Carlos before heading off to fight a wildfire in Carmel Valley, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP)

A helicopter lifts off after filling up with water from a pond at Rancho San Carlos and heads off to fight a wildfire in Carmel Valley, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP)

A firefighter watches a helicopter prepare to drop water on a wildfire near Carmel Highlands, south of Monterey, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
China, Russia plan joint military drills in South China Sea

BEIJING (AP)  China's military said Thursday it will hold joint exercises with Russian forces in the South China Sea, following a recent arbitration ruling that rejected Beijing's claim to almost the entire strategic body of water.

The air and sea drills will be held sometime in September and were aimed at deepening relations between the two militaries and boosting their capacity to respond to maritime threats, ministry spokesman Col. Yang Yujun said at a monthly news briefing.

Yang said the exercises weren't targeted at any third parties. He didn't disclose the specific location, and some areas of the South China Sea are not disputed.

FILE - In this Sunday, July 26, 2015 file photo, Russian military ships and a submarine are moored at the Neva River during celebrating Navy Day in St.Petersburg, Russia. China's military said Thursday, July 28, 2016, it will hold joint exercises with Russian forces in the South China Sea, following a recent arbitration ruling that rejected Beijing's claim to almost the entire strategic body of water. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky, File)

Chinese ships have challenged vessels from the U.S., the Philippines and other nations in disputed waters, and China considers the tribunal's ruling earlier this month to be invalid.

Russia and China have held numerous joint drills in recent years, united in a desire to stem American power in the Asia-Pacific region, despite their own lingering mistrust over territory and influence in Central Asia.

Russia has also spoken in support of China's rejection of the move by the Philippines to bring the South China Sea case before the international arbitration body in the Hague, the Netherlands, and argued that countries without a direct claim to territory should stay impartial, in a reference to the U.S., which has called on China to accept the ruling as binding.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby urged China to be transparent about its military capabilities and intentions. He said military exercises by China and Russia should comply with international law.

"There's no need for it to raise tensions. Exercises and operations are meant to hone capabilities," Kirby told reporters in Washington. "It really depends on the way it is conducted. Our expectation is that these exercises and operations, like ours, will be conducted in accordance with international obligations and the law."

In the wake of the tribunal ruling, China held live-firing exercises and said it would launch regular air patrols over the South China Sea while continuing with the construction of man-made islands equipped with harbors, airstrips and other infrastructure with military uses.

It has also launched a diplomatic campaign to denigrate the ruling that has so far persuaded other Southeast Asian countries that have similar disputes with it to back away. China kept any mention of the judgment from appearing in a joint communique from issued at the conclusion Tuesday of a meeting between it and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Six governments in all claim territory in the South China Sea. China says all disputes should be settled bilaterally through negotiations.
The Latest: TV reporter: Ansbach bomber was 'not aggressive'

BERLIN (AP)  The Latest on a series of attacks in Germany (all times local):

6:20 p.m.

A Syrian asylum-seeker who blew himself up outside a bar in southern Germany was interviewed twice by Bulgarian television when he was in that country, claiming that he taught math in Aleppo and left Syria after losing his whole family.

GERMANY OUT - Bavarian governor Horst Seehofer, left, and Bavaria's Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann arrive for a meeting of the Bavarian cabinet ,in Gmund, Germany, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. In the most recent attack, a 27-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker set off a backpack laden with explosives and shrapnel Sunday night after being refused entry to a crowded music festival in the Bavarian city of Ansbach, killing himself and wounding 15 people. ( Peter Kneffel/dpa via AP)

Teodora Asenova, the journalist who interviewed Mohammed Daleel, described him as "a quiet, restrained, and even shy man" and said "he was not aggressive."

The public BNT channel, which interviewed Daleel at a Sofia refugee shelter in September and November 2013, has aired the interviews again following Sunday's attack in Ansbach in southern Germany.

Daleel told BNT that he hoped to reach Germany, Austria or a Scandinavian country. He sought asylum in Germany in 2014 but was rejected.

In one interview, he complained that he was left on the street, relying on other refugees for food, after his money was taken by swindlers who had promised to find shelter for him.

___

1:15 p.m.

Chancellor Angela Merkel says the fact that two men who came to Germany as refugees carried out attacks claimed by the Islamic State group "mocks the country that took them in."

Merkel pledged at a news conference Thursday to do everything to clear up the "barbaric acts," find out who was behind them and bring them to justice. She says Germany owes that not just to victims and relatives and other Germans, but also to other refugees.

Merkel said that Germany will do "everything humanly possible" to ensure security, though there will have to be a "thorough analysis" before specific new measures are drawn up.

She said that Germany will "stick to our principles" and give shelter to those who deserve it. She is sticking to her insistence last year that Germany "will manage" the challenges it faces.

___

1:05 p.m.

Bavaria's interior minister says the Munich shooter who went on a rampage that killed nine appeared to have seen it as an "especially positive fate" that his birthday was on the same day as Adolf Hitler's, April 20.

Joachim Herrmann also told reporters Thursday that the 18-year-old German-Iranian assailant nourished sympathies for the Norwegian mass shooter Anders Behring Breivik who killed 77 people five years before the attack in Munich on the same date, July 22.

Herrmann said that, despite this, there was no indication that the Munich attacker was involved in right-wing networks.

The assailant killed nine people and wounded 36 in a shopping mall before killing himself.

___

12:35 p.m.

Bavaria's top security official says the Syrian asylum-seeker who blew himself up outside a bar in southern Germany was in an online chat shortly before the explosion with a person in the Middle East.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann didn't specify Thursday which country the person was in and added that investigators don't know his or her identity, news agency dpa reported.

Attacker Mohammed Daleel died and 15 people were wounded when his bomb exploded outside a wine bar Sunday night after he was denied entry to a nearby open-air concert because he didn't have a ticket. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

Herrmann said that whoever the assailant was chatting to knew he had explosives. He said that when Daleel said there were security staff near the festival, the unknown person said he should find a way in.

Herrmann gave initial details on the chat Wednesday, saying the chat partner had a "significant influence" on the attack.

___

12:05 p.m.

Investigators say an 18-year-old German-Iranian who killed nine people and injured 36 in a Munich rampage left a several-pages-long document about his psychiatric illnesses, his school situation and his neighborhood.

Munich prosecutors and the Bavarian state criminal police office said in a joint statement Thursday they were still evaluating which parts of the document were fiction and which were based on reality.

The statement also said that investigators were currently following some 1,750 tips in the case and that more than 1,000 files have been uploaded to their server.

Many bystanders shot footage on their phones as the rampage unfolded. The shooter eventually killed himself.

___

11:50 a.m.

Authorities say they searched a room at a refugee accommodation center in southwestern Germany after a 20-year-old Syrian man allegedly boasted of having contacts with the Islamic State group and said he had fought in Syria.

Prosecutors and police in Stuttgart said two cellphones were seized in Thursday's search in the Heidenheim area and were being evaluated. The Syrian, who had no previous police record, was released following the search.

Authorities say there were never any indications of any possible plans for an attack.

Germany is on edge after four attacks in the space of week, two of which were claimed by IS.

___

11:15 a.m.

Bavarian officials have presented an anti-terror plan following four attacks in Germany in a week, two of which were claimed by the Islamic State extremist group.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said Thursday that his state  where three of the four attacks took place  would hire 2,000 additional police officers until 2020, improve police equipment and create new offices to fight Muslim extremism and cybercrime.

He also called for tougher background checks on asylum-seekers and new strategies to deport criminal asylum-seekers more easily. Three of the four attacks were committed by asylum-seekers.

Bavarian Justice Minister Winfried Bausback said at a news conference with Herrmann: "The threat of Salafist terrorism has arrived in Europe, in Germany, but also in Bavaria."

___

9:30 a.m.

Germany's commissioner for immigration, refugees and integration is calling on mosques across the country to be more pro-active when it comes to preventing extremism among Muslim youths.

Aydan Ozoguz said in an interview Thursday with the daily Heilbronner Stimme: "We need to hold mosques more responsible when it comes to prevention among teenagers."

Ozoguz' call against Muslim extremism came after four violent attacks that shook the country recently.

Two of them were the first in Germany claimed by the extremist Islamic State group. The attackers were asylum-seekers who hadn't grown up in Germany.

On Wednesday night, police raided a mosque believed to be a "hot spot" for Islamic extremists in the city of Hildesheim. The raid didn't appear to be connected to the recent attacks.
Spain deadlock remains after king oversees coalition talks

MADRID (AP)  Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's chances of forming a new government following seven months of deadlock were looking slim after other party leaders confirmed Thursday they would reject him in any parliamentary vote to elect a premier.

King Felipe VI met separately with leaders of three other leading parties in hopes of encouraging a deal, but the trio told reporters afterward they could not support Rajoy, leader of the largest Popular Party.

The king has overseen talks since Tuesday  his first since inconclusive June elections  in hopes of promoting a breakthrough that would allow Spain to avoid a third national vote in less than a year. Rajoy also failed to garner sufficient voter support in the initial December election, leaving his conservative party dependent on forming some kind of alliance with mostly left-wing opponents.

Spain's King Felipe VI shakes hands with Spain's Podemos party leader Pablo Iglesias, right, during their meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, July 28, 2016. King Felipe is having talks with political party leaders in an attempt to break a deadlock in finding a candidate capable of forming a government. (AP Photo/Angel Diaz, Pool)

Felipe was scheduled to meet Rajoy, Spain's leader since 2011, later Thursday.

The monarch typically invites the leader of the largest party to form a government, but he can opt for another leader if one has a better chance of prevailing in a parliamentary vote.

Spain could face months more of caretaker government under Rajoy pending negotiations and a possible third election this fall. The Popular Party won 137 parliamentary seats in June, 39 short of a majority.

The leader of Spain's next government requires either a majority of parliamentary votes or, if unable to reach that threshold, more votes cast in favor than against in a second vote. As the situation stands, Rajoy would lose in both scenarios, because opposition parties are committed to vote against him, not merely abstain. A minority government could be formed if other parties agree to abstain, rather than vote actively against the proposed prime minister.

Alberto Rivera, leader of the centrist Ciudadanos party that finished in fourth place, suggests Rajoy should step aside for a new Popular Party leader to try to form a coalition.

The third-place Unidos Podemos seeks a left-wing government led by the second-place Socialists. But Socialist chief Pedro Sanchez says Rajoy must exhaust all his negotiating options first.

Spain's King Felipe VI chats with Spain's Ciudadanos party leader Albert Rivera, right, as they pose for pictures during their meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, July 28, 2016. King Felipe is having talks with political party leaders in an attempt to break a deadlock in finding a candidate capable of forming a government. (AP Photo/Angel Diaz, Pool)

Spain's King Felipe VI chats with Spain's Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez, right, while they pose for pictures during their meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, July 28, 2016. King Felipe is having talks with political party leaders in an attempt to break a deadlock in finding a candidate capable of forming a government. (AP Photo/Angel Diaz, Pool)

Spain's King Felipe VI and Spain's Podemos party leader Pablo Iglesias, right, pose for the media during their meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, July 28, 2016. King Felipe is having talks with political party leaders in an attempt to break a deadlock in finding a candidate capable of forming a government. (AP Photo/Angel Diaz, Pool)

Spain's King Felipe IV shakes hands with Spain's Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez, right, during their meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, July 28, 2016. King Felipe is having talks with political party leaders in an attempt to break a deadlock in finding a candidate capable of forming a government. (AP Photo/Angel Diaz, Pool)
Gig economy arrives in China (officially); ride-sharing a go

BEIJING (AP)  China's Cabinet issued its first rules for ride-hailing and told local officials Thursday to promote the booming industry, confirming the legal status of Uber Technologies Inc. and local competitors following run-ins with regulators.

The Cabinet document sets guidelines for registration, fares, employment of drivers and payments. It said details for each city will be decided by local authorities but told them to "encourage, support and guide" the industry.

China is one of a series of markets where Uber and competitors have grown fast but faced legal challenges to their business model, which lets customers summon a car using a smartphone app.

FILE - In this Friday, May 13, 2016 file photo, a mobile device shows the Didi Chuxing ride-hailing app at a shopping mall in Beijing, China. China's Cabinet issued a document Thursday, July 28, 2016, outlining guidelines for ride-hailing services and has told local governments to promote its booming ride-hailing industry, helping to confirm the legal status of Uber Technologies Ltd. and local competitors following run-ins with regulators. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

Uber's offices in several Chinese cities were raided last year by police who accused it of operating unlicensed taxi services. Taxi drivers have protested over competition from such services.

Regulators last year banned Uber and Chinese competitors led by Didi Chuxing from using drivers without taxi licenses. The services adapted by working through vehicle-rental companies.

On Thursday, Uber and Didi Chuxing said they welcomed the rules and the official endorsement of the industry.

"The rules legalized online car-booking services at the national level for the first time, marking a milestone in China's endeavor toward steady and healthy development of the rideshare industry," Didi Chuxing said in a statement. "We believe the rules will usher in a new stage of growth for China's online ride-booking ecosystem."

The rules were less restrictive in some ways than a proposed draft that was issued in October.

The document issued Thursday said authorities would consider different types of labor agreements with drivers, while the earlier proposal would have required companies to sign contracts with them as fully-fledged employees. The latest version also dropped a proposal to limit drivers to working for no more than two ride-hailing companies.

Uber, headquartered in San Francisco, operates in more than 60 Chinese cities and plans to increase to more than 100 by the end of 2016.

"We look forward to working with national and local governments to put these regulatory guidelines into practice," said a company statement.

Didi Chuxing, previously Didi Kuaidi, operates in some 400 Chinese cities. It said the company completed 1.4 billion rides in 2015.

The company said in June it raised $7.3 billion from investors in what it described as one of the world's largest private equity funding rounds.

That included $1 billion from Apple Inc., which became a strategic investor alongside Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings Ltd., an online games and entertainment service. Other investors included China Life Insurance Co.
Initial Brexit shock is hurting UK _ but sparing eurozone

LONDON (AP)  For years, Britain bragged about its economic performance, contrasting it with the neighboring eurozone, which was struggling with a series of financial crises and stagnation.

The economic shockwaves of the "Brexit" vote, which leading British bank Lloyds blamed Thursday for 3,000 job cuts, suggest the roles could be reversing.

A month on from the British vote to leave the European Union, the evidence is getting clearer by the day: the eurozone economy is proving resilient to the uncertainty unleashed by the June 23 vote while Britain is feeling the pain.

British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a press conference after meeting with Italian Premier Matteo Renzi in Rome Wednesday, July 27, 2016. In the background the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. (Ettore Ferrari/ANSA via AP)

On Thursday, a broad-based survey of economic sentiment across the EU by the executive European Commission reinforced that view.

Its measure for the 19-country eurozone rose by 0.2 points to 104.6 in July. The increase was unexpected  the consensus in the markets was for a drop to 103.7. The same measure for Britain slumped 4.4 points to 102.6.

A more detailed look at the headline number for the eurozone shows that stronger readings for industry, retail trade and construction helped offset a drop in the indicator measuring consumer confidence. By country, sentiment improved in Italy and Germany but fell modestly in France and Spain.

The Commission's numbers round off a series of surveys that have been conducted in the immediate aftermath of the British vote and indicate that the eurozone is proving resilient.

"Taken together they suggest that the immediate impact of the U.K. vote has been muted and the hit to 2016 growth may be limited," said Cathal Kennedy, European economist at RBC Capital Markets.

"That said we still expect that the U.K. decision to leave the EU will lower the trajectory of euro area growth into next year and are penciling in 2017 growth of 1.2 percent."

On Friday, figures are set to show that the eurozone economy grew modestly in the period prior to the referendum. The consensus in markets is that the quarterly growth rate halved in the second quarter to 0.3 percent. Similar rates of growth are anticipated for the quarters ahead.

While the eurozone appears to have brushed off the immediate impact from the vote, the same can't be said for Britain itself.

On Thursday, Lloyds, which is part-owned by the government following a bailout in 2008, revealed plans to eliminate 3,000 jobs and close 200 branches  one of the first tangible signs of the real-world impact of the Brexit vote.

"Lloyds has sounded a note of caution about future prospects given the unfolding implementation of Brexit," said Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Though no hard data have been revealed about the economic impact of the vote, the signals from the surveys point to a sharp slowdown.

The Commission's findings Thursday suggest that consumer confidence and the retail sector have been severely dented in the month since the vote, with industry and construction less so.

To a large extent, the declines recorded in Britain are to be expected given the dramatic fall in the value of the pound since the referendum result and the political turmoil that the vote engendered.

U.K. indicators due in the coming months will shed more light on whether the initial hit to the economy proves lasting.

Now that a new government is in place following the earlier than anticipated appointment of Prime Minister Theresa May, there could be some stabilization in British economic sentiment. An anticipated stimulus package next week from the Bank of England that will likely include a cut in interest rates could also help shore up the mood and the economy.

Most economists think there will be a sizeable drop in British economic growth in the second half of the year that will drag into 2017, largely as consumers and businesses delay spending decisions in light of the uncertainty over Britain's future relationship with the EU, its biggest trading partner. Quarterly growth rates are set to drop dramatically from the 0.6 percent recorded in the second-quarter.

"Whilst the weaker pound and the return of some of the business investment that was delayed in the run-up to the referendum could act to support economic activity in the near-term, rising inflation and declining confidence will begin to weigh on the growth in consumer spending seen since the beginning of 2015," said Sam Alderson, economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research.
2 arrested for alleged extortion of internet star YesJulz

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP)  Two South Florida residents have been arrested after police say they threatened to leak sexually explicit images of social media star YesJulz unless she paid them.

News outlets report 28-year-old Hencha Voigt and 33-year-old Wesley Victor were arrested Friday on extortion charges.

Miami Beach police say Voigt and Victor contacted Julieanna Goddard, also known as YesJulz, and claimed to have X-rated photos of her. Victor gave Goddard 24 hours to pay them $18,000, threatening to publish the pictures online if she didn't.

The two were arrested as they were waiting in a car on Miami Beach.

Police say Voigt has admitted to the crime. Victor denies any involvement. His attorney, Keljka Bozanic, says there's no evidence linking Victor to the crime.
Zimbabwe police detain spokesman of former loyalist group

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP)  Zimbabwe police have detained the spokesman of the veterans association that turned against President Robert Mugabe last week, raising concerns of a crackdown on what had been the president's most loyal supporters.

Douglas Mahiya's detention came shortly after the 92-year-old Mugabe on Wednesday vowed "severe" punishment for the authors of the harshly worded statement by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association.

Mahiya faces a year in jail if convicted on charges of insulting or undermining the authority of the president, said his lawyer, Andrew Makoni.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, centre, gestures after addressing members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, at the party headquarters, in Harare, Wednesday, July, 27, 2016. Zimbabwe's 92-year-old president on Wednesday said the longtime loyalists who turned against him last week should face "severe" punishment, and he vowed to stay in power for "a long time." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

"They specifically mentioned the statement, but also said he has been insulting the president from 6 April to 21 July with some of his unnamed colleagues," Makoni told The Associated Press.

He said Mahiya was likely to appear in court Friday. Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said he was detained Wednesday night.

In addition, the secretary-general of the veterans association, Victor Matemadanda, was picked up at his home by unidentified men Thursday morning, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights organization reported.

Charamba said she was unaware of that incident. Matemadanda's phones were switched off.

The veterans have been Mugabe's core loyalists since the southern African country's 1970s independence war against white rule, often using violence to crush the opposition.

Frustration is growing in Zimbabwe over its rapidly deteriorating economy and alleged corruption, which the veterans' statement blamed on "bankrupt leadership."

The association, whose members are in their 60s and older, also announced it would no longer support Mugabe's political campaigns.

The 92-year-old Mugabe told thousands of supporters Wednesday that Western countries had infiltrated the veterans association, and he demanded new leadership for the group.
Russia's customs chief resigns over corruption allegations

MOSCOW (AP)  Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev accepted Thursday the resignation of the head of the customs agency, several days after investigators searched his home and founds hundreds of thousand dollars stashed in shoe boxes.

Investigators earlier this week searched the house of Andrei Belyaninov as part of a probe into alcohol smuggling. Footage filmed inside his lavish home showed Belyaninov take out shoe boxes full of cash from a cupboard. Russian television quoted an unnamed source close to Belyaninov as saying that was his family's savings.

The Russian government's website published a decree signed by Medvedev saying Belyaninov had handed in his resignation and that it had been accepted. Belyaninov's replacement is Vladimir Bulavin.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, left, meets with Vladimir Bulavin, newly appointed head of the Federal Customs Service in Moscow, Russia on Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Alexander Astafyev/Sputnik, Government Press Service Pool Photo via AP)

Belyaninov's resignation came amid a flurry of dismissals and appointments by President Vladimir Putin in what appears to be a large-scale pre-election reshuffle. Russians elect a new parliament in September amid a growing, if not unusual, wave of popular discontent with local officials.

The Kremlin on Thursday published nearly 20 decrees signed by Putin, dismissing seven governors and top regional officials. At least six of them, including the new head of the customs agency, have been given other high-profile jobs in what appears to be the largest reshuffle of Russian officials in the past year.
Satire site blames Merkel for burnt pizza, Pokemon problems

BERLIN (AP)  Who's to blame for socks with holes and empty beer glasses?

Angela Merkel, according to a Facebook page set up by Germans with a satirical sense of humor.

The page "Danke Merkel"  meaning "thanks, Merkel"  blames the German chancellor for many of life's little problems, including burnt pizza, broken pencils and overloaded "Pokemon Go" servers.

FILE - In this Saturday, July 23, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for a statement on the Munich attack in Berlin. Who's to blame for socks with holes and empty beer glasses? Angela Merkel, according to a Facebook page set up by Germans with a satirical sense of humor. The page "Danke Merkel"  meaning "thanks, Merkel"  blames the German chancellor for many of life's little problems, including burnt pizza, broken pencils and overloaded "Pokemon Go" servers. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, file)

While it's unclear who created the page, it appears to be poking fun at German nationalists who regularly use social media to accuse the chancellor of trying to harm her own country.

___
Egypt hosting high-profile Libya talks to ease deadlock

CAIRO (AP)  Egypt is hosting high-profile talks among Libya's top political and military figures aimed at resolving the war-ravaged country's political deadlock, officials said Thursday.

The head of Libya's U.N.-brokered unity government, Fayez Serraj, has met over the past two days with Aqila Saleh, the head of the Libyan parliament. Saleh is also to meet the head of the Cairo-based Arab League later Thursday.

The Saleh-Serraj meeting  the first in months  sought to "open direct channels of communications after a period of separation," said Abdullah Behlek, the spokesman for Saleh's parliament, which is based in the eastern Libyancity of Benghazi.

Libya's powerful Gen. Khalifa Hifter, backed by Saleh's parliament, is holding separate meetings with both Saleh's and Serraj's deputies.

Egypt has backed Hifter in the war against Islamic militias in eastern Libya over the past two years, including with training and weapons and logistics supplies.

Libya is bitterly divided among rival factions. Since 2014, it has been split between two governments and two parliaments, based in western and eastern Libya, respectively.

In December, the U.N. brokered a deal to heal the rift, creating a unity government led by Serraj that is now based in Tripoli.

Saleh's parliament  based in eastern Libya  remained the only internationally-recognized assembly in the country. However, it has not endorsed the unity government, leading to the stalemate. Among one of the main objections by the parliament is an article in the U.N.-brokered deal that effectively deprives lawmakers from having authority over the army.
Florida middle school teacher not charged in hot car death

DELTONA, Fla. (AP)  A Florida middle school teacher won't be charged in the death of a baby left in the backseat of her SUV while she taught class last year.

The Volusia County State Attorney's Office on Wednesday said there was "insufficient evidence" to prove an aggravated manslaughter case against Chanda Larson for the Sept. 18 death of 6-month-old Trenton Cason-Collins.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal (http://bit.ly/2ay8ptB ) reports Trenton was in the care of 39-year-old Larson. Investigators say she forgot to leave him at daycare after dropping off her own son and another child at a bus stop and a school. She called 911 about 4 p.m. after finding the baby in the car seat.
Philippine leader threatens to withdraw truce after attack

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday threatened to withdraw a ceasefire order he gave three days ago after suspected communist rebels killed a government militiaman and wounded four others in an attack.

After learning about the New People's Army rebel attack, Duterte told army troops he called and asked a left-wing lawmaker to tell the guerrillas they have up to Friday to tell him if they wanted to have a truce, otherwise, both sides can return to fighting.

Duterte, who has made friendly overtures to the Maoist guerrillas, warned the rebels if one more soldier or militiaman is killed, "let's just fight."

FILE - In this Monday, July 25, 2016 file photo, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his first State of the Nation Address before the joint session of the 17th Congress in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. Duterte on Thursday, July 28, threatened to withdraw a ceasefire order he gave three days ago after suspected communist rebels killed a government militiaman and wounded four others in an attack. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)

"I was talking to the congressman and asked, 'What is this? Are we into this truce or are we not?'" Duterte told army troops during a visit to their camp in Quezon province southeast of Manila. "I told them give me an answer by tonight because if there will be none by tomorrow, I will remove the (truce) and we'll go back to fighting."

The tough-talking president said he demanded an explanation from the communists about the attack and asked them to punish the rebels behind the assault like what the military does to erring soldiers. "Otherwise, we didn't talk about anything, that's my deal," he said.

Duterte declared a unilateral cease-fire with the rebels effective Monday in a bid to foster the resumption of peace talks and end a decades-old Marxist insurgency that he said "is getting bloodier by the day." The guerrilla leaders immediately welcomed the move and said they were considering responding soon and would likely declare their own cease-fire.

The militiamen were withdrawn from a security mission following the president's truce declaration and were traveling back to their patrol base Wednesday when they came under rebel attack in southern Kapalong town in Davao del Norte province, military spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

Despite the hostile rebel action, the military said it would enforce the truce.

"If you do not honor and you kill a single soldier or a Cafgu, who is also a soldier of the republic, I said let's forget this and let's just fight," Duterte said, referring to the military's militia unit.

Duterte's angry reaction reflects his openness to shift from friendly overtures he has so far made to the rebels, who have been waging one of Asia's longest communist insurgencies.

The decades-long communist insurgency has left about 150,000 combatants and civilians dead since it broke out in the late 1960s. It also has stunted economic development, especially in the countryside, where the Maoist insurgents are active.

Under Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, peace negotiations with the communists that were brokered by Norway stalled over the government's rejection of a rebel demand for the release of captured insurgents. But Duterte, who describes himself as a socialist, had given concessions to the rebels, naming left-wing activists to two Cabinet posts and moving to resume peace talks with them from Aug. 20 to 27 in the Norwegian capital of Oslo.

While he said he would pursue talks with communist and Muslim rebels, Duterte told the army troops that Abu Sayyaf extremists would have to be destroyed.

The small but brutal group has been blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines as a terrorist organization for bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings. Duterte earlier said he understood the poverty and neglect that drove the militants to take up arms and he appealed to them to end kidnappings.

But he called the militants outlaws who had no ideology.
Portuguese police seize 2.2 tons of hashish from Morocco

LISBON, Portugal (AP)  Portuguese police say they seized about 2 metric tons (2.2 tons) of Moroccan hashish from a boat and arrested a Spaniard during a night-time operation on the country's southern coast.

Police said the hashish was divided into 70 bales and stowed on a 7-meter (23-foot) boat that entered a coastal inlet near Tavira, about 220 kilometers (140 miles) south of the capital, Lisbon.

Officers intercepted the boat and a van that was waiting on a bank before dawn Thursday, arresting a 46-year-old man. Several other suspects are believed to have escaped.
Tourist arrested in Croatia on Turkey terror warrant

ZAGREB, Croatia (AP)  Croatia's state news agency says police have arrested a German tourist who was vacationing on the country's Adriatic coast and is wanted by Turkey on terrorism charges.

The HINA news agency said Thursday Croatian special troops detained the 52-year-old man near the coastal town of Omis where he was on holiday with his family.

Croatian police confirmed to the Associated Press that they have arrested a German citizen on an Interpol warrant, but refused to reveal any other details.

HINA says the man arrived several days ago from Cologne, Germany. It says he is wanted by Turkey for allegedly taking part in several terrorist attacks in 1989-2001.
Police say father of 7 was killed inside his New York home

PENFIELD, N.Y. (AP)  Authorities say a man whose acid-disfigured body was found in the Finger Lakes region of New York was killed inside his home.

Investigators say 50-year-old Craig Rideout was beaten and strangled in the basement of his town house in Penfield last week before his body was dumped in the woods along a road 40 miles southeast of Rochester.

Police say acid had been poured on his face in an attempt to make identification more difficult.

Rideout, a father of seven children, was in divorce proceedings with his estranged wife, Laura. She and two of the couple's adult sons have been charged with tampering with evidence in the case.

Police say Rideout's minivan was found in a park-and-ride lot outside Rochester on Tuesday.
Judge says he may allow cameras in Prince estate proceedings

CHASKA, Minn. (AP)  A Minnesota judge overseeing Prince's estate said Thursday he'll consider allowing cameras in court on a hearing-by-hearing basis, but broader questions of access into business dealings of the late superstar's entertainment empire  and the many potential heirs claiming a stake to it  will have to wait.

Media organizations, including The Associated Press, have asked Carver County District Judge Kevin Eide to guarantee public access in the case. Prince, who died April 21 of a drug overdose, had no known will. With no living parents or established children, it's up to the court to sort out which siblings and people claiming to be his offspring will benefit.

Eide has sealed some court filings from potential heirs, and the special administrator handling Prince's fortune has requested a blanket order to seal all business deals. The judge said he's trying to balance protecting the privacy of the fast-paced entertainment business world and the private histories of Prince's potential heirs while also serving the vast public interest in his life and legacy.

FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2007 file photo, Prince performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XLI football game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. Princes family says an official tribute concert honoring the late icon will take place on October 13, at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

After initially banning both cameras and sketch artists from the court room during previous hearings, Eide said Thursday he may grant future requests based on the content of a given hearing.

Leita Walker, the attorney for news outlets, argued that any proceedings and filings regarding questions of paternity should be public.

"We're dealing with adults who voluntarily entered themselves into this process for the sole purpose of obtaining a piece of Prince's estate," she said.

An attorney for Brianna and Victoria Nelson, two potential heirs who initially requested that proceedings be closed and cameras banned, said Thursday they've reversed that position.

But Doug Peterson of Bremer Trust, the court-appointed special estate administrator, said a more cautious approach should be considered, given claimants may have sensitive and private stories. He is also pushing to keep the estate's business dealings under wraps, asking Eide in a filing earlier this week to broadly seal business documents related to its efforts to monetize Prince's estate. Bremer said its potential partners expect confidentiality, and it could lose negotiating power in future deals if details become widely known.

The only people to see proposed agreements involving Prince's music or likeness would be potential heirs and their attorneys, who would have the right to object. Walker asked Eide to provide a five-day window for news outlets to fight any attempt to make those documents private.

Peterson objected: "We are in Day 90 of managing what in many ways is an entertainment empire. We do not want the media's interest ... to slow down the business process."

Ken Abdo, an attorney for three of Prince's half-siblings, sided with Bremer, comparing the media's interest to "celebrity business voyeurism." And he argued that none of the business developments would be public if Prince were still alive.
Corsican group warns against Islamist extremists

PARIS (AP)  The hardline branch of the Corsican separatist movement FLNC is warning any Islamic extremists on the French Mediterranean island that it will respond "without hesitation" to any attacks in Corsica.

A statement received by Corse-Matin newspaper also had a message for Muslims in Corsica and the French state.

The FLNC-October 22 branch counseled Muslims of Corsica in its statement released Thursday to stand against radicalization and identify young people at risk.

The group put out a call to "conquer IS," the Islamic State group that claimed responsibility for a truck attack in Nice that killed 84 and Tuesday's church attack in Normandy in which the priest was killed.
South Dakota eye bank denies fault in Palestinians' injuries

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  A South Dakota-based eye and tissue bank says it isn't responsible for injuries caused by infected corneas that were shipped to the Palestinian territories.

Two Palestinians are suing the South Dakota Lions Eye and Tissue Bank, alleging the corneas provided for their transplants caused eye problems, the Argus Leader (http://argusne.ws/2azmmXU ) reported. The lawsuit says the 19-year-old woman became blind in her right eye and that the 17-year-old male's vision is threatened in both eyes.

The plaintiffs argue that the corneas shouldn't have been used because they were recovered from a Minnesota man who had severe health problems and suffered an unattended death in his hot apartment in July 2015. They allege that the eye bank was aware that test results showed the corneas were infected several days before they were used in the transplants.

The eye and tissue bank, now known as Dakota Lions Sight & Health, said in its response to the federal lawsuit that problems with the transplants were beyond its control, and that Palestinians have no right to sue in the United States.

It's up to the surgeon who is doing the transplant to approve whether or not to use the corneas, according to Dr. John Berdahl, the volunteer medical director of the eye bank.

Berdahl said he doesn't know if their doctors have "the same process we do, but the process we go through is a pretty rigorous one."

He said any incidents are reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Eye Bank Association of America, which accredits eye banks.

An FDA spokeswoman said that the agency inspected the eye bank in March and April.

Jennifer DeMatteo, the director of regulations and standards for the Eye Bank Association of America, said in an email that her organization collects and information about adverse reactions, but doesn't provide this information to the public.

The lawsuit also targets Minnesota-based American Donor Services, which has declined to comment on the case.

___
The Latest: Dozer operator killed in fire was kind, helpful

BIG SUR, Calif. (AP)  The Latest on California wildfires (all times local):

1:05 p.m.

The sister of a bulldozer operator killed in a Northern California fire described her younger brother Thursday as someone who always wanted to help.

Rancho Adobe Fire Captan James Devrloo keeps an eye on a fire line on Garza Trail in the Rancho San Carlos Community as a wildfire burns in Carmel Valley, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP)

Authorities identified the operator killed Tuesday as 35-year-old Robert Reagan of Fresno County. He died when the piece of heavy equipment overturned.

Hannah Cunnings told the Associated Press that Reagan was the kind of person who would offer to put snow chains on your car or fix an engine that needed fixing.

"Even since he was a boy he just really wanted to help people," she said, crying.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said Reagan is survived by a common-law wife and two young daughters. Cunnings said her brother and his wife also cared for a young niece.

12:05 p.m.

Authorities say that a group of people rescued by Monterey County Sheriff's deputies Tuesday during a wildfire near California's Big Sur denied being marijuana growers, but the deputy did not believe them.

Sgt. Kathy Palazzolo said Thursday that one of the seven people in the group told a deputy they were backcountry hikers caught in the fire, but the deputy reported that they were not dressed as hikers.

Another spokesman for the department told the Monterey Herald they appeared to be illegal marijuana growers.

Palazzolo says a separate group of four walked out of the area earlier this week. They acknowledged growing marijuana.

On Thursday, the county identified the bulldozer operator killed in the fire as 35-year-old Robert Reagan of Fresno County.

The fire has torched 34 homes and prompted the evacuation of 350 homes.

___

7:40 a.m.

A wildfire near California's Big Sur grew overnight and has now charred more than 42 square miles (108 sq. kilometers) and destroyed 34 homes.

The fire is just 10 percent contained.

Crews are bracing Thursday for a spike in daytime temperatures and a drop in humidity. However the more than 3,500 firefighters could get a break if winds remain light in Monterey County.

A bulldozer driver was killed Tuesday when the piece of heavy equipment overturned. No other injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

6:45 a.m.

Officials say the huge blaze in northern Los Angeles County is now 65 percent surrounded.

The fire command said Thursday that crews have stopped the spread of the nearly 60-square-mile blaze in forest land east of Santa Clarita. Firefighters are aided by light winds but will contend with another day of triple-digit temperatures.

Metrolink commuter rail service is running again after being closed for days in the burn area.

To the north, crews braced for a spike in temperatures near Big Sur where a huge wildfire has destroyed 34 homes.

6:05 a.m.

Crews working around the clock took advantage of cooler overnight weather as they braced for a spike in daytime temperatures near California's Big Sur where a wildfire has destroyed 34 homes and killed a bulldozer driver working to contain the blaze.

Forecasters say humidity is expected to drop Thursday while temperatures will rise into the upper 80s. However the more than 3,000 firefighters could get a break if winds remain light in Monterey County. At least 34 structures have been destroyed in the fire that has charred 37 square miles (93 sq. kilometers). It's just 10 percent contained

To the south, a wildfire that gutted 18 homes on the northern edge of Los Angeles County was 40 percent contained late Wednesday. It has burned 60 square miles (154 square kilometers) of brush, mostly in forest land near Santa Clarita.

A firefighter, center left in yellow, walks on an area damaged by a wildfire near Carmel Highlands, south of Monterey, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

A helicopter lifts off after filling up with water from a pond at Rancho San Carlos and heads off to fight a wildfire in Carmel Valley, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP)

A firefighter watches a helicopter prepare to drop water on a wildfire near Carmel Highlands, south of Monterey, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Rancho Adobe Fire Captan James Devrloo keeps an eye on a fire line on Garza Trail in the Rancho San Carlos Community as a wildfire burns in Carmel Valley, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Acting Gov. Tom Torlakson, substituting for Gov. Jerry Brown who is at the Democratic National Convention with other top state officials, declared a state of emergency for the fire and another wildfire outside of Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The move frees up funding and relaxes regulations to help with the firefight and recovery. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP)

The rising sun is obscured from smoke from a wilfire in the Rancho San Carlos area of Carmel Valley in California, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Firefighters working around the clock got a break early Wednesday from cooler temperatures and increased humidity. (Vern Fisher/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

In this Tuesday, July 26, 2016 photo, firefighters eat and rest at a firefighter operations base camp that has been established at Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita, Calif. When a wildfire becomes too big for local departments to handle alone, an incident command network is activated to to coordinate the large numbers of people, equipment and supplies needed for these operational bases. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

In this Tuesday, July 26, 2016 photo, dozens of tents for firefighters cover a field at a firefighter operations base camp that has been established at Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita, Calif., as smoke from the Sand fire looms up in the background. When a wildfire becomes too big for local departments to handle alone, an incident command network is activated to to coordinate the large numbers of people, equipment and supplies needed for these operational bases. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

In this Tuesday, July 26, 2016 photo, supplies are readied for use at a firefighter operations base camp that has been established at Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita, Calif. When a wildfire becomes too big for local departments to handle alone, an incident command network is activated to to coordinate the large numbers of people, equipment and supplies needed for these operational bases. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Big bags banned from Cannes beaches as attacks precaution

PARIS (AP)  Vacationers in the French Riviera city of Cannes have been banned from bringing big bags to the beach for security reasons in hopes of deterring a terrorist attack.

Cannes Mayor David Lisnard says the restriction seeks to stop "bags that could contain explosives or weapons and allows police forces to intervene in a pragmatic way."

Lisnard said Thursday that the ban on large backpacks, suitcases and other luggage would run until at least the end of October.

In this photo taken on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, a French police officers watches the festivities through binoculars on the roof of the town hall, during the opening night of the Bayonne festival, or "Fetes de Bayonne", in Bayonne, southwestern France. Bayonne, the cultural capital of the French Basque country, hosts the yearly traditional Bayonne festival from July 27-31, and is expected to attract about one million people this year from all over France, Spain, and other European countries. (AP Photo/Bob Edme)
Feds investigate second fire at Florida mosque in 10 days

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)  Investigators are looking for answers after fire broke out at a Florida mosque for the second time in 10 days.

Federal and local officials are investigating the blaze Wednesday at the Islamic Education Center in Tampa.

Sallah Harake, a mosque board member, said electricity was blamed for the July 17 fire. But he said the power has been cut off then.

The Islamic center's caretaker told investigators he heard popping sounds and saw smoke. He doused flames with a hose while a neighbor called 911.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating because it is a house of worship.
Trump: Comments about Russia, Clinton emails were sarcastic

WASHINGTON (AP)  Donald Trump says he was using sarcasm when he prodded Russia to unearth Hillary Clinton's missing emails. But Democrats aren't likely to let the Republican presidential nominee's extraordinary comments simply fade away.

"Of course I'm being sarcastic," Trump said Thursday on Fox News' "Fox and Friends," a day after his remarks at a news conference ignited fierce debate over hacking and his urging of a global adversary to meddle in American politics.

Trump's invitation to Russia to find and reveal emails by his rival for the White House came on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump National Doral, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

It also all but overshadowed an embarrassing leak of different hacked emails, these from the Democratic National Committee, showing that party staffers supported Clinton over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders when they were publicly promising to remain neutral during the primary campaign.

Trump's insistence that his invitation to Russia wasn't serious was backed up by his campaign chairman. "He was making a sarcastic point," Paul Manafort said Wednesday on Fox News' "The Kelly File."

Democrats and some Republicans quickly condemned Trump's remarks.

The Clinton campaign called Trump's statement the "first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against a political opponent."

At the convention, Leon Panetta, former CIA director and defense secretary, said Trump is "asking a U.S. adversary to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States of America to affect an election."

Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, warned of "serious consequences" if Russia interfered in the election. And Brendan Buck, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said bluntly: "Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug. Putin should stay out of this election."

The reality TV star turned presidential contender detonated the controversy Wednesday when he said, "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing."

Trump was referencing emails on Clinton's private server that she said she deleted, saying they were private, before turning other messages over to the State Department.

The Justice Department declined to prosecute Clinton over her email practices. But FBI Director James Comey called her "extremely careless" in handling classified information as President Barack Obama's secretary of state.

The Associated Press, which discovered the basement server's existence in March 2015, previously reported that it was connected to the internet in ways that made it more vulnerable to hackers. The FBI concluded it was possible hackers broke into her server but found no direct evidence.

A Trump campaign communications adviser, Jason Miller, said on Twitter that Trump never urged or invited Russia to hack Clinton's emails. Instead, he said, Trump was "clearly saying" that if Russia or anyone else already had Clinton's deleted emails they should share them with the FBI.

Trump never mentioned the FBI in his comments.

The flap over Clinton's emails came after Obama identified Russia as almost certainly responsible for hacking the Democratic National Committee in a different case.

WikiLeaks published on its website last week more than 19,000 internal emails stolen from the DNC earlier this year. The head of the DNC, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, resigned over the disclosures.

Obama traditionally avoids commenting on active FBI investigations, but told NBC News on Tuesday that outside experts have blamed Russia for the leak. Obama also appeared to embrace the notion that President Vladimir Putin might have been responsible because of what he described as Trump's affinity for Putin. Trump said he has no relationship with Putin.

Trump cast doubt on whether Russia was behind that hack. He said blaming Russia was deflecting attention from the embarrassing material in the emails.

"Russia has no respect for our country, if it is Russia," Trump said. "It could be China. It could be someone sitting in his bedroom. It's probably not Russia. Nobody knows if it's Russia."

In Moscow on Wednesday, Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Russia would never interfere in another country's election.

___

Associated Press writers Bradley Klapper, Ted Bridis and Chad Day in Washington, Jonathan Lemire in New York and Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2015 file photo, President Barack Obama shakes hands with Russian President President Vladimir Putin before a bilateral meeting at United Nations headquarters. President Barack Obama's decision to identify Russia as almost certainly the culprit in hacking the Democratic National Committee and releasing politically embarrassing emails fits his administration's new penchant for openly blaming foreign governments for such break-ins. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
2 Maryland students charged in fraternity hazing incident

TOWSON, Md. (AP)  Two students in Maryland face criminal charges after authorities say a fraternity hazing incident left a third student hospitalized.

Baltimore County police say 21-year-old Evan Palmer Francis and 21-year-old Alexander James Cantor of Towson University were charged Wednesday with hazing and reckless endangerment.

Police spokeswoman Elise Armacost says a 19-year-old unidentified male student became extremely ill and was hospitalized after attending a Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity initiation event March 31 during which he was made to perform strenuous workouts, recite knowledge of the fraternity and drink unknown substances.

The fraternity's international chapter and the university say the Towson chapter has been closed until at least 2021.
4 actors talk about preparing for 'White Rabbit Red Rabbit'

NEW YORK (AP)  It was less than two hours before his show was to start and F. Murray Abraham said he was somewhat jittery. That was understandable: He hadn't learned a single line.

The stage, film and TV actor had  willingly  signed up to go onstage in front of a few hundred people and perform a one-man show without having seen the script beforehand.

"I have to tell you something: I have been kind of jumpy all day," said Abraham, an Oscar winner who recently starred in "Homeland" on Showtime. "It's the damnedest thing. There's no way to prepare for it, which is kind of fun."

FILE - In this July 13, 2016 file photo, F. Murray Abraham attends the premiere of Amazon Studio and Liongate's "Cafe Society" in New York. Abraham and Josh Radnor star in White Rabbit Red Rabbit," a unique off-Broadway play in which they don't get the script until they get onstage. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

The play he would perform is "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour. It requires no set or director and the actors don't read the script until they're onstage for the first time. Then they're asked never to perform it again.

The next afternoon, Abraham was still buzzing: "It was a terrific experience  just one of the best times I've ever had in the theater. I mean it." He called it a "true theatrical experience for all of us, simultaneously."

Abraham joined an illustrious group of actors who have tackled the work at the Westside Theatre, including Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, Brian Dennehy, Cynthia Nixon, Alan Cumming, Martin Short, Christine Baranski, Andrea Martin, David Hyde Pierce and George Takei.

Josh Radnor, of "How I Met Your Mother," followed Abraham the next Monday. He acknowledged some nerves on the rainy afternoon before the show. "This is the actor's nightmare come to life," he laughed.

On Aug. 1, it'll be the turn of Ramin Karimloo, who played the title role in "The Phantom of the Opera" in London and Jean Valjean in the latest Broadway reboot of "Les Miserables." Karimloo said that after those big shows he was looking for something uncomfortable. "Boy, be careful what you ask for," he said, laughing.

"Ugly Betty" star Michael Urie is due to take his turn on Aug. 22. "Some actors don't like doing things cold. Sometimes I think the first time I do something is the best and I'm always trying to get back to that," he said.

Like Radnor, Karimloo and Urie, Abraham, too, said he resisted going online for clues about the play or reaching out to his acting friends who have performed "White Rabbit Red Rabbit."

"I decided to do it the way it should be done, which is cold," Abraham said. "I think part of the fun is not knowing." Karimloo also wanted to be utterly pure: "It's like 'Fight Club.' What goes on here you don't talk about it."

Soleimanpour wrote the play after being barred from leaving his native country because of his status as a conscientious objector. His play travels for him, connecting him to audiences around the world that he'll never meet.

The play, which skewers totalitarianism and celebrates artistic freedom, had its world premiere in 2011 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has since been performed across the world. Abraham said the play felt "so alive" and "extraordinarily well crafted."

Radnor, a free-speech advocate, said it was a welcome change to have the opportunity to help a playwright. "To be able to lend my voice to someone who can't have a voice at this moment is great," he said.

Karimloo, who was born in Iran, said he anticipates trying to have as normal a day as possible before his performance. "I'm just going to read this for the audience and then whatever happens, happens. That's my main thing: Don't overthink it."

Abraham also took that approach. He said he didn't do anything differently, although he said that he works out every day, which usually calms him. Not on this day.

"I can't stop moving," he said. "Maybe I should go and work out again."

After his show, Abraham joined "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" producer Tom Kirdahy and playwright Terrence McNally for a light supper. The topic of discussion: "White Rabbit Red Rabbit."

"I'm disappointed that I can't do it again but, of course, you can't do it again," Abraham said. "That's not the point. It would never work."

___

Online:

http://www.whiterabbitredrabbit.com

___

Follow Mark Kennedy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
Clinton using convention to send message to wary GOP voters

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Long a lightning rod on the right, Hillary Clinton is making a targeted appeal to Republicans who challenge Donald Trump's claim to the conservative mantle and fear his possible presidency.

Clinton's final day of the Democratic National Convention featured speeches from a former member of President Ronald Reagan's administration and a U.S. Chamber of Commerce official who is heading a GOP group supporting Clinton, part of an expanded outreach to Republican voters and donors.

"I knew Ronald Reagan. I worked for Ronald Reagan," said Doug Elmets, a Republican now backing Clinton. "Donald Trump, you are no Ronald Reagan!"

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton reaches for President Barack Obama as she steps on stage after President Obama's speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Clinton pivoted to the left during the primaries, fending off self-described democratic socialist Bernie Sanders. Trump's national security stumbles in questioning U.S. support for NATO allies and urging Russia to meddle in the race provides a general-election opening for Clinton and other Democrats to reach out to Republicans.

In his speech Wednesday night, President Barack Obama evoked Reagan, reminding voters that the conservative hero famously called the United States "a shining city on a hill." Trump, he said, calls the United States "a divided crime scene" and hopes to win votes by scaring people over immigration and crime.

Shortly before Obama spoke, Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-independent Michael Bloomberg urged voters to back Clinton, calling her the "sane, competent person."

In her first post-convention TV interview, Clinton is slated to appear on "Fox News Sunday" this weekend. She is holding an event in Republican-leaning Nebraska on Monday, giving her the opportunity to reach Republican voters. Obama won an electoral vote in an Omaha area congressional district in 2008.

Several prominent Republicans, including the two former presidents Bush and 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney, have not endorsed Trump. Clinton has picked up some Republican endorsements in recent weeks, including Brent Scowcroft, a national security adviser to President George H.W. Bush, and Hank Paulson, a Treasury secretary under President George W. Bush.

"You have to make them feel that they're not traitors. And the way to do that is to roll out a bunch of well-known Republicans saying, 'Hey I'm for Hillary,'" said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell.

The former first lady, New York senator and secretary of state has been the frequent Republican target during her more than three decades in national politics, most recently for her use of a private email server for government business while at the State Department.

Republicans said that history and her high negative numbers among rank-and-file Republican voters make it unlikely she'll find many cross-over voters. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday in Philadelphia that Trump's fight against "Washington insiders" was prone to turn off some Republicans.

"Donald Trump is the outsider. Hillary Clinton is the corrupt insider. And if that's going to mean that we're going to lose some Republican votes, so be it," Giuliani said.

Republicans also argue she should pay more attention to her own base.

Sean Spicer, chief strategist for the RNC, noted eruptions of boos inside the Democratic convention hall and omnipresence of Sanders fans, and said, "Clinton should really focus on getting her own party in order before she worries about our party."

But Democrats view Trump's provocative statements and the failed "Never Trump" movement as leading indicators in their ability to win over college-educated Republicans who have been wary of the businessman's foreign policy views or incendiary statements about Mexican-Americans, Muslims and women.

John Stubbs and Ricardo Reyes, two former officials in President George W. Bush's administration, attended the convention to generate interest in their pro-Clinton grassroots organization called R4C16.org. For likeminded Republicans, they said sitting out the election is not enough.

Reyes called Trump "an existential threat, not just to the party but to the entire United States."

Clinton hopes to win over not only the hearts of Republican voters but also the wallets of some of the party's donors. Her campaign has assembled a team to field calls from Republicans interested in giving money and helping with fundraising.

In Chicago, former U.S. attorney Daniel Webb told Clinton fundraisers in recent weeks that he supports her and wants to help gather contributions for her campaign. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Webb said Trump's "bias" against Hispanics and Muslims, among other groups, spurred him to action.

___

Associated Press writers Matthew Daly in Philadelphia and Sam Hananel in Washington contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2007 file photo, Rudy Giuliani answers questions following a fundraiser in Milwaukee. Giuliani is giving Hillary Clinton credit for her work on behalf of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Giuliani was asked at a Republican Party briefing Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Philadelphia whether he took issue with the Democratic convention speakers who'd been praising Clinton. Giuliani said she was "enormously supportive and helpful." Clinton was a U.S. senator from New York at the time. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Investigation: Japan knifing suspect attacked methodically

TOKYO (AP)  The former employee accused of killing 19 disabled people and injuring others at a care home in Japan moved briskly and methodically inside buildings and rooms he knew, finishing the deadliest mass attack in postwar Japan in less than one hour, officials said Thursday.

He tied down several of the six overnight workers  one at each of the six sections he passed through  with plastic zip bands so he could move freely in the Yamayuri-en residential buildings, according to a prefectural welfare department official, Yuki Natori. In addition to the 19 disabled people slain, 24 were injured as well as two employees.

Around 2 a.m. Tuesday, the attacker smashed open the window of one of the patients' rooms on the first floor, sneaking into the east wing of the facility for about 150 people with severe autism and other mental disabilities.

A woman prays in front of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a facility for the mentally disabled where a number of people were killed and dozens injured in a knife attack in Sagamihara, outside of Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Japanese police on Wednesday searched the home of the suspect in the mass stabbing spree. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

Tracing the blood stains he left as he moved from one room to another, officials believe he started from the Flower Home section, where he killed five women. He moved west to the Rainbow Home, slashing more people and leaving five of them dead in that section. He apparently entered the west wing using a key either stolen from an overnight worker or a duplicate he had kept, then killed two men in one section and seven more men upstairs.

One of the two sections he left untouched housed 20 men Satoshi Uematsu had taken care of when he worked at the facility, although the reason they were spared was unknown, Natori said.

Authorities believe Uematsu left the facility around 2:50 a.m. and drove to the local police to turn himself in. He remained in custody Thursday, and prosecutors have until mid-August to decide whether to file murder charges.

Local media have reported that Uematsu told investigators he had no regrets and was trying to help the world by killing people he thought were burdens.

Advocacy groups condemned the crime and the suspect's view, which they said reflected a persistent prejudice in Japan.

"Of course not everyone who supports the idea murders, but there are still many people who share the view," said Koji Onoue, vice chairman of Japan National Assembly of Disabled People's International. "We shouldn't treat (Uematsu) as an abnormal, isolated case. Instead, we should take this opportunity and think why this happened and how people with disabilities are still viewed in this country."

The killings mirrored a plot described in a letter Uematsu tried to give to a Parliament leader in February. He quit his job at the Yamayuri-en facility after being confronted about the letter and was committed to psychiatric treatment, but he was released within two weeks, officials have said.

An official of the city overseeing Uematsu's home said he told medical staff at the hospital during his psychiatric stay that a "Hitler idea has fallen on him." The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the issue.

While his reference wasn't described further, disabled people were killed in Nazi Germany in actions seen as improving the perceived master race.

___

Follow Mari Yamaguchi at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

Also at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/mari-yamaguchi
Mayor said to have locked 5 reporters in office over photo

BANGKOK (AP)  A mayor in northeastern Thailand has been accused of angrily locking five reporters in his office and having workers pull the pants off one to be photographed.

Premsak Piayura was reported to have been upset over a front-page story and photo Tuesday in the Daily News appearing to show him as a partner in an engagement ceremony. Premsak is 51 and married, however, and the newspaper asserted that his new partner in the ceremony is 16 or 17 year old. The photo circulated widely on the internet before and after it was published in the national newspaper.

Thai media reported Thursday that the mayor said he was only helping out the girl's family and that the photo was an invasion of his privacy. According to the journalists present, the mayor asked Daily News reporter Korsit Kongchom, whose pants the mayor had had removed, how he felt to be photographed in an intimate manner. He was allowed to put his pants back on after about five minutes.

The journalists said they had been invited to Premsak's office after asking about the engagement photo. But when they arrived, their mobile phones and cameras were taken away, and they were held for two hours.

Korsit originally said he would not go to the police because it would make it hard to work with area officials, but on Wednesday he filed complaints against the mayor alleging of illegal detention and the use of force to compel an action. Premsak responded by threatening to charge the journalists with trespassing.

Khon Kaen province Governor Kamthorn Thavornsathit said if the mayor was found guilty, he would be removed from his job.

"Such an incident should not have happened and would be improper if it did occur as alleged," said Kamthorn. "If the probe finds Premsak guilty of abuse of authority by ordering his subordinates to take off a reporter's pants and illegally detaining other reporters, he will be removed from the post."
Egypt convicts top anti-corruption official of 'false news'

CAIRO (AP)  An Egyptian court on Thursday convicted the country's former top anti-corruption official of "spreading false news" over a damning report he had issued, sentencing him to a year in prison that he must pay fines to avoid.

Judge Haitham el-Saghair passed the verdict against former chief auditor Hesham Genena, who had alleged that massive corruption had cost the country billions of dollars. He also fined him 20,000 Egyptian pounds ($2,250) which, if paid along with an additional 10,000 pounds, will allow him to avoid incarceration.

Genena, a former judge, had led the Central Auditing Organization until he was dismissed by a decree from Egypt's general-turned-politician President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

His lawyer, Ali Taha, said Genena would pay the fines to avoid jail time but appeal the verdict by the Cairo Misdemeanor Court, saying that prosecutors had showed no proof of their accusations and that the court had not examined the defense. Photographers and video cameras were banned from the court session.

Last December, Genena went public with a report that said corruption had cost the country 600 billion pounds ($67.6 billion). A pro-government daily quoted him as saying that the figure referred to money lost in 2015, but Genena later said he was misquoted and that figure covered four years, adding that the conclusion was arrived at following an exhaustive study.

Genena's lawyer, Ali Taha, said that three-quarters of the alleged graft stemmed from state lands illegally acquired by businessmen.

Genena had long been the target of criticism from pro-government media, well-connected businessmen and senior officials since he was appointed in 2012, but his massive corruption expose sparked a particular furor, with media branding him a traitor and closet supporter of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

El-Sissi dismissed Genena last March after an investigation concluded the auditor had misled the public. The removal capped a series of measures critics say were aimed at sacking Genena because he spoke out against corruption.

Genena's trial was the latest manifestation of el-Sissi's broad clampdown on dissent, even inside his own government. Since he led the ouster of his predecessor, the elected but divisive Islamist Mohammed Morsi in 2013, el-Sissi has led a heavy security crackdown against both Morsi supporters and secular political activists.

Even Genena's daughter was caught up in the retribution  el-Sissi himself ordered her dismissal from a job as an aide in the administrative prosecution, effective last June.
Mississippi grand jury clears 3 officers in fatal shooting

A grand jury has ruled three Mississippi police officers were justified in the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man whose weapon turned out to be a BB gun.

Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said Wesley Sheppard shot out a window in a vehicle with children inside and refused police orders to drop his weapon March 10. Police said Sheppard was standing on a bridge as he fired.

Miller said Thursday that Sheppard was hit by two bullets from about 50 yards as the three officers fired.

He identified them as Sgt. Will Hipple and patrol officers Lance Miller and Matthew Boone. Lance Miller is not related to the police chief. The chief said Hipple and Boone are white, and Miller is black. The victim in the shooting was white.

Miller released details of the shooting after the Harrison County grand jury ruled Monday the officers' actions were justifiable.

A three-paragraph document concluded: "After full and deliberate consideration of all the facts and circumstances leading up to the March 10, 2016, shooting of Wesley Alan Sheppard, and the circumstances as they existed at the time of the shooting, the Grand Jury finds no criminal conduct on behalf of the officers involved from the Biloxi Police Department and further finds their actions were appropriate."

Miller said Sheppard's weapon, a BB gun, looked like a long gun to police.

"Our department has a very strong policy in these types of encounters and the officers followed that policy," Miller said.

After the shooting, the officers were placed on administrative leave.

"Once our internal investigation was complete and there was no evidence the officers violated policy, they were allowed to return to work," Miller said

Miller said he was pleased the grand jury found no fault on the part of his officers. He said they have a combined experience of 30 years.
Yemen's Houthis, ousted leader formalize alliance

SANAA, Yemen (AP)  Yemen's Shiite rebels on Thursday announced a formal alliance with the country's ousted president and his former ruling party by setting up a new political council to rule the country, a step described by the United Nations Envoy to Yemen as jeopardizing peace talks in Kuwait.

The rebels, known as Houthis or Ansar Allah, signed a deal with the General People's Congress, led by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, agreeing to form a council of 10 members, five from each party. According to a statement posted by the official news agency SABA, the two sides said they will work together to confront the Saudi-led military coalition, which supports the internationally-recognized government months after it fled the country. The Houthis have controlled the capital, Sanaa, since 2014.

The parties which signed the deal said that it was prompted by "the insolence of the Saudi assault and its coalition in continuing to kill our people and destroy public and private properties."

Saleh and the Houthis have been already been allied since 2014. The two sides were adversaries when Saleh ruled Yemen and fought each other for six years until 2010. But the longtime autocrat was forced out in a 2011 popular uprising. Under terms of the deal brokered to remove him from power, Saleh received immunity from any prosecution. But he remained in Yemen and army and security troops loyal to him helped the Houthis drive the internationally recognized government from the capital.

While the northern region remains under Houthi control, much of the southern region is held by the Saudi-backed government and allied southern tribal militias.

The new agreement, which doesn't change much on the ground, is expected to bring back Saleh to the forefront of Yemen's conflict, and further complicate the difficult U.N. peace talks in Kuwait between the Houthis and the government.

Those talks have been stalling amid fundamental disputes over the agenda. President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi demands implementation of the U.N. security council resolution which stipulates the withdrawal of militias from all cities. The Houthis demand a share of power in any new government.

The United Nations declared a ceasefire in April, however both sides have breached the truce several times.

Yemeni government spokesman Rageh Badi said the agreement is "not worth the ink it is written with" but said it gave a clear-cut picture of the "coup partners" involved in the rebel takeover of the capital. He added in a phone interview with the Qatari-based Al-Jazeera network that the agreement also "fired a bullet at the talks."

The U.N. Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that the new alliance represents a violation of the international resolutions and urged both sides to "refrain from unilateral actions that undermine political transition."
Suspected mass grave yields no traces of Kosovo's missing

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovo's special prosecutor's office says excavations in the center of the capital, Pristina, have found no traces of any people still missing from the separatist war in 1998-99.

Excavations began two weeks ago because of suspicions that the area near Pristina University was the site of a mass grave. The prosecutor's office said Thursday that no human remains were found.
US commander: Turkey unrest could affect Islamic State fight

WASHINGTON (AP)  The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East says he's concerned the failed coup in Turkey may have longer term effects on the fight against Islamic State militants in the region.

Gen. Joseph Votel tells the Aspen Security Forum that he's worried the unrest could affect U.S. relations with the Turkish military, noting that some of its leaders have been jailed.

He says military operations out of the air base at Incirlik are back to normal. The U.S.-led coalition uses Incirlik to launch airstrikes, surveillance aircraft and other missions into Syria and Iraq.
Obama says he doesn't actually count his almonds

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Barack Obama wants to set the record straight: He doesn't really eat exactly seven almonds each night.

Obama tells NBC's "Today Show" that the legend of his disciplined eating habits grew out of a joke that Michelle Obama told former White House chef Sam Kass.

Kass was quoted recently in a New York Times story saying Obama's only late night snack is seven lightly salted almonds. Kass said he and Michelle joke that it's "not six. Not eight. Always seven almonds."

But Obama said friends called him up after the story appeared to say "this is a little weird" and that he had to explain it was really a joke.
Pamela Smart files lawsuit objecting to solitary confinement

BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y. (AP)  Pamela Smart, a New Hampshire school employee who was sentenced to life after her teenage lover killed her husband, claims in a lawsuit that she was wrongly put in solitary confinement for 90 days.

Smart was a media coordinator at Hampton's Winnacunnet High School when she seduced a 16-year-old boy in 1990. He claimed she threatened to break up with him if he didn't kill her husband; she has denied planning the murder.

In a lawsuit amended this week, Smart says she was wrongly punished after a plastic utensil used to slice cheesecake was found in her cell in Bedford Hills, New York.

A spokesman for the New York attorney general's office, which is representing prison officials, declined to comment.

Smart's case inspired the novel and movie "To Die For."

___
Prosecutors to appeal retrial ruling in antifreeze poisoning

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP)  Prosecutors say they're appealing a Pennsylvania county judge's decision to give a new trial to an elderly Pennsylvania woman convicted of poisoning her son's girlfriend with antifreeze, leaving her near death.

Eighty-four-year-old Helen Galli was sentenced in 2013 to 5 to 12 years in prison. She was convicted in Luzerne County of aggravated assault and reckless endangering.

A judge ruled last week that Galli's attorney was ineffective for not objecting to testimony that she told her son's girlfriend to consume the antifreeze-laced drink.

Prosecutors tell The Citizens' Voice of Wilkes-Barre (http://bit.ly/2aejpfI ) that they disagree with the finding and that the defense's strategy was a judgment call.

Galli's appellate lawyer is seeking to have her released on bail. Her trial attorney had argued that the poisoning was a failed suicide attempt.

___
Addressing West Virginia delegation, Sanders calls for unity

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  Bernie Sanders told West Virginia delegates Thursday that this election was never about electing him, and said their push for political change can't stop even after they unite behind Hillary Clinton to defeat Donald Trump, several delegates said.

Sanders said "the day of the election is extremely important and the day after the election is just as important. And if we think it's not, then we're mistaken," said Joe Jividen, a Sanders delegate now supporting Clinton. "To me, that really resonated."

Sanders said the political movement he inspired already succeeded in making the Democratic Party platform more progressive, with calls for a $15 federal minimum wage and a significant reduction in the influence of superdelegates who can counter the voters' will, according to Justin Click, a Sanders delegate.

"After three days of, in my opinion, a wonderful convention, he really pushed the message that in part, Bernie people have already won," said Click, who will support Clinton in November.

Sanders won West Virginia's primary by about 15 percentage points, only to see superdelegates swing the state's nominating vote to 19-18 in favor of Clinton at the Democratic National Convention.

"I'm a Hillary delegate today, and I think there is reason for criticism that, if a state votes a particular way, it just doesn't make a lot of sense that, in the end, somehow Hillary got more votes," said delegate Rod Snyder.

Sanders also drew praise from some Clinton supporters at the delegates' breakfast, who said tension between both factions has dwindled since the convention's raucous start.
This time, an adoring He looks on as She accepts nomination

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  This time, Bill Clinton was the adoring spouse, smiling and clapping when the cameras cut away from the candidate in the spotlight.

It was him in the VIP seating, watching as his wife took center stage to claim the presidential nomination at the Democratic convention Thursday night.

It was one small step in the role reversal Americans will need to get used to if Hillary Clinton wins the White House in November.

Chelsea Clinton and former President Bill Clinton applaud as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Already, satires and spoofs are circulating, taking note of Bill's fashion choices, accessories and hair style. How about that fetching pantsuit! And that nice head of hair! Whose shoes is he wearing?

After all, that's what political wives have come to expect.

For the record: He wore a dark suit; she a white one.

Much of the world is watching this shift in the U.S. cultural-gender zeitgeist with a bit of a yawn. Dozens of female leaders have served across Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and Australia, after all.

But it's new territory in the U.S., and the novelty is still, well, a novelty.

Bill Clinton, utterly comfortable in his own skin, seems to be just fine with trading places with his wife, the former first lady. He's shown no hint of awkwardness about his new supporting role.

He grinned broadly as his wife gave him a shout-out at the top of her speech, telling him they'd been through "good times that filled us with joy, and hard times that tested us."

"And I've even gotten a few words in along the way," she cracked.

Historian Carl Sferrazza Anthony, of the National First Ladies' Library, said that because the Bill-Hillary team is so well known to the nation, it may make the gender shift less startling than otherwise, if she wins.

"He'll stand in his tuxedo on the north steps, greeting a state leader beside Hillary in an evening gown. And we'll know that one is now president and one is now first gentleman," said Anthony. "But it'll still be Bill and Hillary. And I think that will probably make the transition a little bit easier."

There's something to be said for familiarity, yes. But it could have a downside, too, given the unsavory chapters in the Clintons' marital history, including his numerous affairs.

Still to be determined: what title Bill would hold on a return trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

First gentleman, perhaps?

Or first dude?

The latter is what Gary Sebelius favored when his wife, Kathleen, was elected Kansas governor in 2012.

Chelsea Clinton, interviewed Thursday on NBC's "Today" show, said her dad "likes to hearken back to his kind of Irish roots, so I think he'd love to be called First Laddie."

"I'm definitely voting for First Gentleman," she quickly added.

Bill Clinton's title may still be up for debate, but his wife already has been giving thought to the division of labor should she win.

She said in a debate last year: "I am probably still going to pick the flowers and the china for state dinners and stuff like that. But I will certainly turn to him, as prior presidents have, for special missions, for advice."

Does all of this mean that Hillary Clinton's clothes, figure and hairstyle will no longer be fair game for debate?

LOL.

Theresa May's leopard-print kitten heels were a global conversation piece when news broke earlier this month that she would be Britain's next prime minister. One tabloid splashed her shoes across the front page with the headline: "Heel, boys!"

___

Follow Nancy Benac on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/nbenac

Former President Bill Clinton talks to Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., as they arrive on the convention floor before Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

FILE - In this Feb. 4, 1993 file photo, then-first lady Hillary Clinton, accompanied by President Bill Clinton, reaches out to greet a visitor during the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. This time, it's Bill Clinton's turn to be the adoring spouse, rapt and smiling when the cameras cut away from the candidate in the spotlight. Hell be the He in the VIP box watching as a She accepts the presidential nomination at the Democratic convention on Thursday, July 28, 2016. It's one small step in the role reversal that Americans will need to get used to if Hillary Clinton wins in November. (AP Photo/Greg Gibson, File)
UN warns of dangers as Iraqis displaced by IS return home

BAGHDAD (AP)  Tens of thousands of Iraqis uprooted by the Islamic State group are now returning home after a string of Iraqi government victories in Anbar province, but the United Nations is warning civilians may be returning too soon as much of "liberated" Iraq is still dangerous, littered with roadside bombs and bobby-trapped explosives.

Outside al-Salam camp in southern Baghdad, one of the latest waves of returnees prepares to make the journey back to Ramadi nearly five months after the city was declared fully liberated. More than a hundred families were packed into dozens of trucks, buses and cars along the dirt road at the camp's main entrance early Thursday morning. Some families said they are eager to return home since receiving word their neighborhoods have been liberated and secured, but others preparing to make the journey say they are leaving the camp because they no longer feel safe.

A mortar attack on the camp for displaced people  the largest in Baghdad that at its height sheltered nearly 2,000 families  wounded eight and killed four Wednesday, including two children. It was the third such attack in the past three months. Iraqi security officials at the camp refused to identify what groups were suspected to be behind the attacks, but said they were likely aimed at stoking sectarian tensions. The camp's residents, like most displaced Iraqis, are almost all Sunni. The Iraqi officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to brief the press.

Internally displaced Iraqis prepare to return home to Anbar province, at a camp in southern Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 120 families have started returning to their homes in Anbar province after the region was liberated from the control of Islamic State group extremists. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Sabreen Jameed and her husband were packing their three young children into a truck loaded with a water tank, cooking pots and a makeshift tent to begin the drive back to Anbar province.

"This was a safe place until the mortar attacks," Jameed, 27 said. "Since then we have been living in fear, last night none of us could even sleep."

Jameed and her family originally didn't want to return to Ramadi because running water and electricity hasn't yet been restored to their neighborhood and their home was badly damaged in the fight to retake the city. But the attacks on the camp have left her family with no other choice. She said they are bringing their tent with them because their home in Ramadi is uninhabitable.

"The children that were killed yesterday, they were the same age as my own kids," Jameed said.

Bruno Geddo, the Iraq representative for the U.N. refugee agency, said he was concerned for the safety of families returning to Anbar province from al-Salam camp, most of whom said they were planning to go to Ramadi.

"Areas of Ramadi are still thought to be littered with improvised explosive devices and other explosive hazards," he said. "It is important that displaced families can freely make a choice about when they feel it is safe to return."

Since the mortar attacks began in May, the U.N says more than 480 families have returned to Anbar from al-Salam camp.

The al-Salam camp manager denied there is a link between the attacks and the increase in families leaving the camp.

"All of these families are very happy to return to their homes," said Hikmat Jassim Zadan, explaining that more people are now returning because services in Anbar's liberated towns and cities have begun to return.

Iraqi government forces have pushed IS out of a string of towns and cities in Anbar province over the past eight months. In February 2016, Ramadi was declared fully liberated by Iraqi and coalition forces and in June Iraqi forces closely backed by U.S.-led coalition aircraft retook the city of Fallujah. IS still controls Iraq's second largest city of Mosul in Nineveh province.

The U.N. estimates that tens of thousands of civilians have safely returned to Anbar as services have returned and security has improved. Over the past six months nearly 120,000 people have returned to Anbar, according to data released by the International Organization for Migration. 3.3 million Iraqis remain displaced by violence, most from Anbar and Nineveh province.

Internally displaced Iraqis prepare to return home to Anbar province, at a camp in southern Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 120 families have started returning to their homes in Anbar province after the region was liberated from the control of Islamic State group extremists. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Internally displaced children prepare to return home to Anbar province, at a camp in southern Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 120 families have started returning to their homes in Iraq's Anbar province after the region was liberated from the control of Islamic State group extremists. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Internally displaced Iraqis prepare to return home to Anbar province, at a camp in southern Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 120 families have started returning to their homes in Iraq's Anbar province after the region was liberated from the control of Islamic State group extremists. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Internally displaced Iraqis prepare to return home to Anbar province, at a camp in southern Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 120 families have started returning to their homes in Anbar province after the region was liberated from the control of Islamic State group extremists. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Internally displaced children prepare to return home to Anbar province, at a camp in southern Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 120 families have started returning to their homes in Anbar province after the region was liberated from the control of Islamic State group extremists. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Internally displaced Iraqis prepare to return home to Anbar province, at a camp in southern Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 120 families have started returning to their homes in Anbar province after the region was liberated from the control of Islamic State group extremists. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)
US says 6 airstrikes killed 14 civilians in Iraq and Syria

WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. military says an internal investigation shows that 14 civilians were killed and one civilian was wounded in six separate U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria between July 2015 and April 2016.

The conclusions were reported Thursday by U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the greater Middle East. Central Command regularly investigates reports of civilian casualties from airstrikes when it finds or is alerted to what it considers credible evidence.

It said the deadliest of the six airstrikes was on April 29 in Mosul, Iraq. The attack targeting an Islamic State leader killed four civilians.
COLUMBUS  Even with retirement just hours away, Dr. Scott Haswell was still busy on the job.

The Columbus doctor delivered two babies Wednesday morning, adding a couple more tallies to the more than 1,600 new lives hes helped bring into the world during his career in obstetrics and gynecology.

During a late-morning break, Haswell was able to relax for a moment. He removed his white coat and took a seat in a room at Columbus Community Hospital. At the end of the day, he would have plenty of time to unwind.

Haswell is hanging up his stethoscope after a career that spanned about 30 years, the last eight of which were spent practicing at Columbus Womens Healthcare.

The 64-year-old has plans to move to Indiana with his wife, Sherilyn, to be closer to family.

I want to spend time with my kids that I didnt get to do in med school and residency. When you are the doctor, you take care of someone elses wife, daughter, child before you take care of your own. I want some time with my wife and kids, Haswell said.

The Orchard native took a different route into the health care field. After high school, he attended the U.S. Military Academy in West Point from 1970 to 1974. He spent five years as an infantry officer in Georgia, Panama and Kansas.

He enjoyed the military, but it wasnt what he saw himself doing for the rest of his life. A roommate, James Brettell, was going to medical school, which sparked Haswell's interest.

After he got out of the infantry, Haswell said he changed. Rather than adding casualties to a hospital, he would rather treat them.

So he pursued a career in medicine by studying at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. During his rotations in medical school, Haswell found OB-GYN to be a good fit.

What I liked was what OB-GYN did and thats a combination of preventative care, surgical care and obstetrical care. So it is a highly varied work environment. I work in the OR, I work in labor and delivery and I work in my office, he said.

After medical school, Haswell went back into the Army for his residency in El Paso, Texas. Then he volunteered to do a tour in Germany, where he was assigned to Fifth General U.S. Army Hospital in Bad Cannstatt. His wife and their three young daughters accompanied him on the three-year venture.

Haswell said his wife, who is a registered nurse, has always been very supportive of his career.

In 1990, the family returned to the United States when he took a job as a private practitioner at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana. It was a place he called home for 18 years until moving back to Nebraska to be closer to family and work in Columbus.

Haswell said he has worked with great partners at Columbus Womens Healthcare, including the current staff of doctors, Nicholas Wulf and Kady Kiichler.

Interacting with patients is something he will miss, but Haswell said it's time for retirement.

I believe doctors, especially doctors who do technical skills, should probably think about retiring at the top of their game and not the bottom of their game. You want to retire when you think it is time to go, not when someone else tells you it is time you should have gone, he said.
Indonesia executes 4 people convicted of drug crimes

CILACAP, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesia executed four people convicted of drug crimes on Friday despite international protests and said it would decide later when as many as 10 others are put to death.

One Indonesian and three Nigerians were executed by firing squad not long after midnight local time as torrential rains hit the Nusa Kambangan prison island where the death row inmates were held.

The government had said earlier in the week that 14 people on death row, mostly foreigners, would be executed for drug crimes.

Police officers stand guard as a convoy of ambulances carrying the bodies of drug traffickers drive past by at Wijaya Pura port upon arrival from the prison island of Nusakambangan in Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia, Friday, July 29, 2016. Indonesia executed one Indonesian and three Nigerians on Friday and said it had not yet decided when 10 others convicted of drug crimes would be put to death. (AP Photo/Agus Fitrah)

Those executed were Indonesian Freddy Budiman and Nigerians Seck Osmane, Michael Titus and Humphrey Jefferson.

Relatives, rights groups and foreign governments had urged Indonesia to spare all 14 lives but it was unclear whether that had any influence on the decision to not carry out all the executions at once. Lawyers and rights groups had raised serious doubts about the legitimacy of the conviction of Jefferson, who had been in prison for more than a decade, as well as the convictions of an Indonesian woman Merri Utami and a Pakistani man Zulfikar Ali.

Ricky Gunawan, a lawyer from Community Legal Aid Institute who represented Jefferson and Utami, said there had been no explanation from officials at Nusa Kambangan about the decision to execute only some of the prisoners. But he said it was telling that Africans were eight of the 10 foreigners on the execution list and three of the four killed.

"They felt they were targeted by the government of Indonesia only because they are Nigerians, only because they are Africans, and their governments did not do anything" to help them, he said. "They felt they became an easy target to execute."

It was the third set of executions under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo who was elected in 2014 and campaigned on promises to improve human rights in Indonesia.

Last year, Jokowi's government executed 14 people convicted of drug crimes, mostly foreigners, sparking a huge outcry abroad, and particularly in Australia, which had two citizens among those condemned.

The latest executions did not attract the same level of media attention abroad but the European Union, U.N. Human Rights Office, Australian government and others continued to speak out against Indonesia's use of the death penalty.

Attorney-General Muhammad Prasetyo told a news conference on Friday that the severity of the drug crimes and exhaustion of all appeals was a consideration in the execution of the four men. A decision about other executions would be announced at a later time, he said. The comments suggest authorities decided at the last minute that the legal grounds for execution in the other cases were not entirely satisfied.

"I can say that the four executed inmates had important roles either as kingpin, supplier, distributor, providers, and producer as well as importer and even acted as exporters of the drugs," Prasetyo said. "They all have passed through all legal stages, including extraordinary appeals."

The bodies of Osmane and Titus will be flown to their home country and Jefferson will be buried in Indonesia.

A convoy of 17 ambulances, most carrying coffins, had arrived Thursday morning at the port town nearest Nusa Kambangan. Officials began tightening security at the prison several days ago, with more than 1,000 police sent to Cilacap, the port town, and the prisoners moved into isolation cells.

Gunawan said he not been able to speak with Utami since the government announced the four executions and nor had her appointed spiritual adviser, a Catholic priest.

He said the process was "tantamount to torture."

"She has been in an isolation cell for three days and on the last day she had a very sad farewell with her family members," he said. "Then apparently she is not executed."

The government of Jokowi's predecessor did not carry out executions between 2009 and 2012, but resumed them in 2013.

Worldwide, China is believed to be the country with the highest number of executions but it does not release figures. Amnesty International estimates several thousand people are executed in China each year.

Of the more than 1,600 publicly announced executions last year, Amnesty says nearly 90 percent of them were in three countries: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran.

___

Wright reported from Jakarta. Niniek Karmini and Ali Kotarumalos contributed.
Trump has a record of siding with Putin on key issues

MOSCOW (AP)  Donald Trump has refused to condemn Russia's military takeover of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, saying if elected he would consider recognizing it as Russian territory, in the latest of a series of statements that have raised eyebrows about the Republican candidate's intentions toward the Kremlin.

"We'll be looking at that. Yeah, we'll be looking," Trump told reporters on Wednesday.

Accepting Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea would be a radical departure from U.S. policy. The United States and the European Union worked together to punish Russia by imposing economic sanctions and have shown no willingness to lift them. Even Belarus, Russia's closest ally and neighbor, did not recognize the annexation.

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 file photo, a woman wears a shirt reading 'Trump Putin '16' while waiting for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to speak at a campaign event at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, N.H. Donald Trump just keeps giving Russian President Vladimir Putin more reasons to hope he wins the U.S. election, while raising serious questions about the Republican candidates intentions toward the Kremlin. In his most recent outreach to Putin, Trump not only refused to condemn Russias military takeover of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula but said, if elected, he would consider recognizing it as Russian territory and lifting sanctions against Moscow. We'll be looking at that. Yeah, we'll be looking, Trump told reporters on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

While Trump has sided with Putin on a wide range of issues, Putin has not openly backed the Republican nominee and the Kremlin denies interfering in the U.S. electoral process. Hillary Clinton's campaign claimed that Russia was behind the hacking of Democratic National Committee computers as part of an effort to undermine her candidacy.

Although the Russians "will keep their mouths tightly zipped until Election Day," they clearly prefer Trump, said Wayne Merry, a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council and former diplomat who spent six years at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

"They don't know exactly what to expect from Donald Trump, but they think two things about him: One, that he has a number of advisers who they see as being relatively open-minded if not sympathetic about Russia. And second, they see him as a deal maker," Merry said.

"When they look at Hillary Clinton they see somebody they really do not like."

On the personal level, Clinton is not the type of leader that Putin likes to deal with, said Mikhail Zygar, a Russian journalist and author of "All the Kremlin's Men."

"We cannot imagine them sitting in the pub, drinking beer, or vodka, or whiskey or whatever," he said of Clinton and Putin. "We cannot even imagine them going to the theater or cinema together: They have so little in common, they have no topics to chat about, and that's the very important thing for Putin."

"For him, it's very important to be respected and to be treated as a world leader, and to have his own agenda."

Here is a look at some of the issues where the views of Putin and Trump coincide:

NATO AND THE BALTICS

NATO's eastward expansion has long been a sore spot for Putin, who has accused the Western military alliance and the United States of violating what he said were informal agreements not to encroach upon Russia's borders.

Russia's support for separatist fighters in eastern Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea spooked Eastern Europe, especially the Baltic nations that were once part of the Soviet Union. In 2014, NATO created a rapid-reaction force to protect its most vulnerable members against a confrontation with Russia. Putin has decried the build-up.

In sharp contrast to the assurances made by Clinton and the current U.S. administration, Trump has suggested that under his leadership the United States might abandon its NATO military commitments. In an interview with The New York Times last week, Trump said he would decide whether to protect the Baltic states against Russian aggression based on whether those countries "have fulfilled their obligations to us."

SYRIA

Putin is a key backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has been accused of targeting civilians in Syria's ongoing civil war. Western nations including the United States insist that as part of a political transition Assad should step aside. The future of the Syrian president has been a major stumbling block in Syria talks between Moscow and Washington, with Russia insisting that Assad can only be removed through an election.

Trump, however, has expressed his opposition to regime change in Syria and said the U.S. and Russia should focus on working together to destroy the Islamic State group.

BREXIT

On the morning after Britain voted last month to leave the European Union, Putin sought to sound neutral, warning of the "traumatic effect" of the vote. Russia watchers, however, believe that Moscow wants Britain, one of its severest critics in Europe, to leave the EU and relishes any development that could weaken the 28-nation bloc.

Trump, however, saluted the British vote, saying "they took back their country, it's a great thing."

CLINTON

"Crooked Hillary Clinton is unfit to serve as president of the U.S.," Trump tweeted this month. "Her temperament is weak and her opponents are strong."

Just like Trump, Putin has been keen to dismiss Clinton as weak because she is a woman. Responding to Clinton's remarks comparing his actions in Ukraine to those of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, Putin said in an interview with the RT channel in December: "It's better not to argue with women."

"Mrs. Clinton wasn't known for an elegant turn of phrase before," Putin said. "When people cross certain boundaries, the bounds of propriety, it speaks of their weakness, not their strength. But weakness is not a bad quality for a woman."

___

Associated Press writers Lynn Berry and Francesca Ebel contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Tuesday, July 26, 2016 file photo, Russian President Vladimir Putin listens during a meeting in the Kremlin, in Moscow, Russia. Donald Trump just keeps giving Russian President Vladimir Putin more reasons to hope he wins the U.S. election, while raising serious questions about the Republican candidates intentions toward the Kremlin. In his most recent outreach to Putin, Trump not only refused to condemn Russias military takeover of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula but said, if elected, he would consider recognizing it as Russian territory and lifting sanctions against Moscow. We'll be looking at that. Yeah, we'll be looking, Trump told reporters on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)
Suspect in college student's killing had hidden room in barn

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP)  Investigators found a hidden room outfitted with restraints inside a barn belonging to a man accused of abducting and killing an Ohio college student, and they were looking into whether it was used to hold other victims, according to search warrants released Thursday.

The room also had a carpet-lined freezer with blood inside and had been concealed by hay bales, the documents said.

James Worley, 57, who spent three years in prison after abducting a woman in 1990, has been charged with aggravated murder and abduction in the death of 20-year-old University of Toledo student Sierah Joughin (JAW'-gihn).

This undated booking photo provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Department shows James Worley. Worley, who spent three years in prison after the 1990 abduction of a female cyclist, was arrested Friday, July 22, 2016, three days after a college student disappeared. He was charged Tuesday, July 26 with aggravated murder and was due in court Wednesday. (Fulton County Sheriff's Department via The Blade via AP)

She disappeared a week ago while riding her bicycle on a country road in rural Fulton County, about 20 miles west of Toledo. Her body was found three days later in a cornfield near Worley's home.

Since Worley's arrest Friday, investigators have been looking into the possibility of additional victims. They said in the court documents that he "fits the profile of a serial offender."

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said earlier this week that Worley's criminal history in the 1990 attack made it worth investigating whether other women have been victimized.

Worley has declined interview requests from the news media, and his attorney said Thursday that he had not seen the search warrants and could not comment.

Authorities have spent the past several days digging through the farmhouse and barns where Worley operated a small-engine repair shop surrounded by northwestern Ohio's fields of soybeans and corn.

The search warrants, first reported by The Blade after the newspaper went to court seeking release of the documents, say cell phone evidence shows Worley was at the spot where Joughin's bike was found for two hours on the day she went missing.

Investigators said he had marks on his arms and bruises on his lower legs but told them "he didn't steal anything or kill anyone," according to the documents.

He first told investigators he had been riding a motorcycle and that he lost his helmet, screwdriver, sunglasses and fuses after it broke down, the search warrants said.

Those items, including a blood-covered motorcycle helmet, were found at the spot where Joughin's bike was located, the documents said.

Authorities found zip ties and a ski mask in Worley's truck and removed two sets of handcuffs, rope, tape and recording equipment, the search warrants said.

Worley served three years of a four- to 10-year sentence in the 1990 abduction of a woman who was riding her bike, which happened about 20 miles from where Joughin was riding last week near Metamora.

The woman told authorities she managed to escape Worley's truck after he knocked her from the bike with his truck, pulled her inside the cab and handcuffed her.

Worley entered an Alford plea to abduction, meaning he didn't admit guilt but conceded that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him.

___

This story has been corrected to change pronunciation of victim's last name.
Man convicted in Chandra Levy's death won't be retried

Prosecutors announced Thursday that they will not retry a man convicted of killing Washington intern Chandra Levy, saying they can no longer prove their case in the 15-year-old slaying that thrust former congressman Gary Condit into the national spotlight.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia issued a statement saying it has moved to dismiss the case charging Ingmar Guandique with Levy's 2001 killing.

According to the statement, prosecutors concluded they can no longer prove the murder case against Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt, "based on recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week." The statement does not elaborate, and Bill Miller, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney, declined comment.

FILE -- In this April 22, 2009 file photo, Ingmar Guandique is escorted from the Violent Crimes Unit by police in Washington. Prosecutors have dropped murder charges against Guandique who is awaiting new trial in Chandra Levy case. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

"After investigating this information and reviewing all of the evidence in this case, the government now believes it is in the interests of justice for the court to dismiss the case," prosecutors wrote in a one-page motion.

Within hours of prosecutors' motion, a judge officially dismissed the case.

Guandique's lawyers in the public defender's office issued a statement Thursday saying their client has been vindicated.

"Finally, the government has had to concede the flaws in its ill-gotten conviction," the lawyers said, noting that Guandique had passed an FBI-administered lie detector test regarding his involvement. They accused prosecutors of hiding information that undermined their star witness at Guandique's 2010 trial.

Levy's 2001 disappearance created a national sensation after the Modesto, California, native was romantically linked with then-Rep. Gary Condit. The California Democrat was at one point a prime suspect in the investigation, police acknowledged.

Levy's remains were not found until 2002, in Washington's sprawling Rock Creek Park.

Eventually, police cleared Condit and in 2009 charged Guandique with Levy's murder. Guandique had already been convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison for attacks on female joggers in Rock Creek Park, and prosecutors argued Levy's death fit the pattern of those attacks. He was found guilty in 2010 and sentenced to 60 years in prison.

But Guandique was granted a new trial last year after doubts were raised about a jailhouse informant, Armando Morales, who was the key witness at Guandique's trial. Morales testified that Guandique confessed to the killing.

Defense lawyers have argued, though, that Morales lied during the trial and that prosecutors knew or should have known the testimony was problematic.

"It is now clear that the jailhouse informant, who was central to the government's case, was a perjurer who too easily manipulated the prosecutors," Guandique's lawyers said in their statement Thursday.

In recent months, Guandique's attorneys have raised questions about Condit. At a January hearing, one of Guandique's attorneys told a judge that Condit misled the jury with his testimony at the 2010 trial, but he did not elaborate.

In May, defense lawyers sought to take depositions from several women who said they had sexual relationships with Condit. Defense lawyers said two of the women said they feared Condit. And the defense lawyers said Condit had "obvious motive to kill Ms. Levy in order to keep the relationship secret."

Condit testified at trial that he didn't kill Levy but evaded questions about an intimate relationship saying, "We're all entitled to some level of privacy."

Lawyers who represented Condit did not return calls seeking comment Thursday. Efforts to reach Levy's parents by phone were not immediately successful Thursday.

Prosecutors say that as a result of their action, Guandique, who is from El Salvador, will be released to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and faces deportation.

___

Barakat reported from McLean, Virginia. Associated Press writers Ben Nuckols and Jessica Gresko in Washington contributed to this report.
Big cats returned to California sanctuary threatened by fire

LOS ANGELES (AP)  About a dozen lions, tigers, cougars and other big cats came home to a sanctuary north of Los Angeles days after they were evacuated in the teeth of an advancing wildfire.

Ten to 15 big cats, along with some hyenas and raccoons, returned Wednesday to the Wildlife Waystation in the Sylmar area from another animal facility, spokesman Jerry Brown said.

A crowd of staff members carefully took a large cage holding an orange-and-black Bengal tiger off a truck and rolled it to a barred enclosure, where the feline was released.

Wildlife Waystation staff members return "Tyson," a tiger, who was evacuated from the sanctuary in the Angeles National Forest in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles, on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. About a dozen lions, tigers and cougars returned Wednesday to the sanctuary north of Los Angeles, four days after they were evacuated in the teeth of an advancing wildfire. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Martine Colette, the 74-year-old founder of the sanctuary, watched carefully as the cats returned.

"Every one of them is something in my life and is special in my life," she added.

They were among some 300 wild and exotic animals ranging from snakes to parrots to bears that were taken from the sanctuary last weekend as authorities urged staffers to leave.

Volunteers heeded a call for help Saturday to provide trucks and trailers as a fast-moving fire tore over ridgetops and roared toward the sanctuary, which had already begun moving some animals.

The Los Angeles Zoo and an animal sanctuary in San Diego provided some of the cages to transport the creatures.

"Animal people take care of animal people," Brown said.

Trucks streamed out of the rural shelter, carrying animals large and small to warehouses, along with fencing, food and medicine.

"The first animals that went out were the small animals that have difficulty with bad air, as in smoke and ash," Brown said. "The bigger animals, the big cats, the chimpanzees, they can handle the poor air quality better; their problem is fire, so they went out during the day."

Fire officials determined the sanctuary was no longer in immediate danger by Saturday night and told staff members they could stop the evacuation.

The animals that already were moved started returning Tuesday and more will arrive in the next few days, Brown said.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County officials said owners have been reclaiming some of the hundreds of horses, goats, llamas, chickens and pigs that were removed from threatened ranches.

Wildlife Waystation staff members return "Tyson," a tiger, who was evacuated from the sanctuary in the Angeles National Forest in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles, on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. About a dozen lions, tigers and cougars returned Wednesday to the sanctuary north of Los Angeles, four days after they were evacuated in the teeth of an advancing wildfire. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Wildlife Waystation staff members return "Tyson," a tiger, who was evacuated from the sanctuary in the Angeles National Forest in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles, on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. About a dozen lions, tigers and cougars returned Wednesday to the sanctuary north of Los Angeles, four days after they were evacuated in the teeth of an advancing wildfire. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Art to be removed from now shuttered Old State House

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  State officials plan to remove tens of millions of dollars' worth of art work and artifacts from Connecticut's Old State House, which has been closed to the public amid the state's budget problems.

The 220-year-old landmark was shuttered at the end of last month, when control of it shifted from the state Office of Legislative Management to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which runs 109 state parks.

Dennis Schain, a spokesman for the DEEP, said that agency does not have the financial resources to make sure the art, furniture and other memorabilia can remain safe and in the proper climate-controlled environment.

FILE - In this June 28, 2016 file photo, the Old State House stands on Main Street in Hartford, Conn. State officials plan to remove tens of millions of dollars' worth of art work from the building, which has been closed to the public amid the state's budget problems. A spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the agency does not have the financial resources to make sure the art can remain safe and in a proper climate-controlled environment. (AP Photo/Susan Haigh, File)

"The legislature gave us $400,000 for the Old State House and it's an $800,000 or $900,000 a year operation to maintain tours and have people there to maintain the valuables," he said. "Our overall budget was down more than $9 million. So, if we're going to take on the responsibility of this building, we need to minimize the cost and exposure for it."

Schain says the art work and other valuables are currently on loan to the Old State House and will be returned to their owners, while the state comes up with a plan for the future of the building.

The art includes five scenes by famed Revolutionary War artist John Trumbull, who is most famous for his painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It also includes an 1801 Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, which was commissioned for the building, but is owned by the Connecticut State Library.

Kendall Wiggin, the state librarian, said the plan is to return the painting, which is estimated to be worth $20 million, to public display in the library's Memorial Hall, where it once hung above the state's charter.

"If the Old State House was to reopen on a regular basis and met all of our security requirements, then we would probably work to have it put back there," Wiggin said. "I think that is the appropriate place for it, because that is what it was originally designed for."

The Wadsworth Atheneum, the Hartford art museum which owns the Trumbull paintings, said it has just begun talks about what will be done with them.

Last year, the Old State House, which includes a museum, educational center and shop, attracted about 53,000 visitors and hosted approximately 70 events.

The Old State House was built in 1796 and originally operated as one of the two Connecticut state Capitols. The other was in New Haven. The old Senate Chamber, where the Washington portrait currently hangs, appears as it did in 1820.
NC GOP apologizes to Kaine for tweet about military pin

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  The North Carolina Republican Party has apologized to the Democratic vice presidential nominee for mocking him for wearing what it thought was a lapel pin of the Honduran flag.

The pin was in fact a symbol worn by families of military service members and was worn by Kaine during his acceptance speech Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention. His son is deployed with the U.S. Marines.

The party tweet said the pin was "shameful." It was later deleted.

State GOP Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse said in a statement Thursday that the party offered its sincere and unqualified apology to Kaine. He said the tweet was "wrong on the facts" and "wrong in tone."
Judge rejects request in Minnesota archdiocese bankruptcy

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A federal judge has declined to include parishes and other church properties among assets in the bankruptcy of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Kressel ruled Thursday on the request by a committee representing clergy abuse victims. The committee wanted to consolidate the assets of various entities in the archdiocese, which would have meant more money to pay victims' claims.

The Star Tribune reports (http://strib.mn/2akLEEr ) Kressel wrote that the victims' attorneys failed to show that the benefits of consolidation outweighed the harm to those entities.

Jeff Anderson, an attorney for victims, issued a statement accusing the archdiocese of hiding assets and promised an appeal.

___
North Carolina headmaster pleads guilty to embezzling $9M

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  The former headmaster at a private school in suburban Charlotte has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $9 million and will have to repay the money he used for a million-dollar lake house, seats at Carolina Panthers games and luxury vehicles.

Wayne Parker Jr. pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud and will forfeit $9.4 million. The 59-year-old is the former headmaster of Southlake Christian Academy in Huntersville.

The Charlotte Observer reports (http://bit.ly/2ae6iew) that under a plea agreement, federal prosecutors want Parker to spend between seven and nine years in prison.

Federal officials say Parker stole money that parents donated to the school in memory of their dead child and forced employees to take a 5 percent pay cut to pay for building a 7,000-square-foot lake house.

___
1,200 meals donated for police in Ohio capital as thank you

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  A donor has provided 1,200 meals to police in Ohio's capital along with a card thanking them for keeping the city safe.

A police spokeswoman says delivery of the meals from a barbecue restaurant started Tuesday and continued Thursday at various locations in Columbus.

The meals have been delivered twice a day every day to try to ensure as many officers as possible get one. The Columbus police division employs nearly 1,900 officers.
For many, the details of health insurance can be confusing but its important that people understand what plan they have so they arent left w
Fox's Van Susteren: I didn't defend Ailes

NEW YORK (AP)  Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren is clarifying remarks she made about ousted boss Roger Ailes, saying she didn't intend to defend or condemn him when she gave interviews after former colleague Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him.

In a statement posted on her website and subsequent email interview on Thursday, Van Susteren said she had not personally seen Ailes harass anyone or heard of any harassment involving other women at Fox. The lawyer and host of a 7 p.m. weeknight show works out of Washington, while Fox's main office is in New York.

She was among a number of Fox employees, including Sean Hannity, Maria Bartiromo, Neil Cavuto and Kimberly Guilfoyle, who spoke favorably of their boss publicly in the immediate aftermath of Carlson's lawsuit, in which the former Fox anchor charged that her career had been sabotaged because she didn't have sex with Ailes. Only Van Susteren has clarified her remarks.

FILE - In this April 30, 2016 file photo, Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren attends the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington. Susteren is clarifying remarks she made about ousted boss Roger Ailes, saying she didn't intend to defend or condemn him when she gave interviews after former colleague Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

"I did not defend Roger Ailes nor did I condemn him," Van Susteren wrote on her website. "I just stated what I knew or did not know. Period."

Ailes has denied the allegations, but quit last week after other women told investigators working for Fox's corporate parent that they too had been sexually harassed.

While supportive of Ailes, the Fox employees' interviews may have backfired. Reporters started noticing that Fox's most prominent female anchor, Megyn Kelly, was not among those speaking out. It was subsequently revealed that Kelly told investigators Ailes had harassed her 10 years ago when she was a reporter at Fox.

A People magazine article based on its Van Susteren interview characterized her in its headline as defending Ailes. In the article, she said the Carlson case "doesn't have any ring of truth to me." She said in the article she thought she would have heard about it if things were going on.

Van Susteren said her first reaction upon hearing of the case was that Carlson was a disgruntled former employee. She said she had an off-hours conversation with Carlson when they were both on assignment in London once and Carlson had complained that she was unhappy at Fox.
AP EXPLAINS: Nusra Front's break from al-Qaida

BEIRUT (AP)  The Nusra Front, which was formed as al-Qaida's branch in Syria, announced Thursday it was ending its connection with the terror network and changing its name to the Levant Conquest Front. Here's a look at the move and what it means.

DID IT REALLY LEAVE AL-QAIDA?

Nusra's leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, said in a video announcement that the Front no longer had any ties to an outside group, meaning it is formally no longer a branch. But deep connections remain.

FILE - This file photo posted on the Twitter page of Syria's al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front on April 1, 2016, shows fighters from al-Qaida's branch in Syria, the Nusra Front, marching toward the northern village of al-Ais in Aleppo province, Syria. The leader of Syrias Nusra Front said Thursday, July 28, 2016 that his group is changing name, and claims it will have no more ties with al-Qaida. (Al-Nusra Front via AP, File)

The group retains its Islamic militant ideology and commitment to jihad, and the formal break was carried out with the blessing of al-Qaida's central leadership, which recognized it was needed to protect the group.

Notably, seated next to al-Golani in the video was Ahmed Salama Mabrouk, an al-Qaida veteran who is close to its leader Ayman al-Zahwari and who recently came to Syria to join Nusra  a sign of how intertwined the group and the parent organization remain.

The United States immediately expressed skepticism over the announcement, saying it still considers Nusra a threat to the U.S. plotting attacks abroad.

___

SO WHY SPLIT?

By claiming it is no longer al-Qaida, the Front hopes to deepen its alliances with other Syrian rebel factions, believing that will give it a degree of protection from U.S. and Russian airstrikes.

The group already works alongside some factions, drawn to it because it is one of the most powerful forces fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad. But others have been cooler, like the hardline Islamist Ahrar al-Sham, which has tried to stay closer to the mainstream Syrian opposition.

___

IMPACT FOR THE U.S.

The move makes it even harder for the U.S. to draw a clear line between Syrian rebels, who it insists should not be targeted by airstrikes, and militant groups, which are targeted. That line is already hazy, hurting efforts at a peace process.

A U.S.-Russia-backed cease-fire earlier this year did not cover the Nusra Front and the Islamic State group, meaning Russian warplanes and Syrian troops could continue to target them. But Russian strikes also hit rebel factions, including ones backed by the United States  even while Moscow argued it was only hitting "terrorists." The cease-fire soon fell apart.

The U.S. and Russia are now trying to hammer out an agreement on a new military partnership in Syria. One leaked U.S. proposal would call for a sharing of intelligence and targeting for strikes against IS and Nusra on the condition Russia commits to convince its ally Assad to ground Syria's bombers and start a political transition process.

But if rebels grow closer to an ostensibly "al-Qaida-free" Levant Conquest Front, they are likely to see such an air campaign as just a pretext for Moscow to help Assad defeat insurgents.

___

DOWNSIDES FOR NUSRA

Breaking with al-Qaida, even if only in name, also could hurt Nusra: It loses the brand name that drew many of its fighters to its ranks. That could drive away members.
GOP leaders agree to streamline dueling cases over LGBT law

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina Republican legislative leaders have agreed to streamline dueling lawsuits over a state law that limits protections for LGBT people.

Lawyers for state Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore filed a motion Thursday voluntarily dropping their lawsuit because they are pursuing the same arguments in another case.

In that other case, Moore and Berger have intervened as defendants to fight U.S. Justice Department allegations that the North Carolina measure violates federal civil rights laws.

The North Carolina law requires transgender people to use restrooms in many public buildings corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates. It also excludes gender identity and sexual orientation from statewide antidiscrimination protections.
Forrest Mars Jr., who shaped global candy empire, dies at 84

SEATTLE (AP)  Forrest E. Mars Jr., who helped shape Mars Inc. into a multi-billion dollar confectionary empire with beloved brands such as M&M's and Snickers bars, has died. He was 84.

The retired Mars co-president died Tuesday in Seattle of complications following a heart attack, the company said. He was living in Sheridan, Wyoming, at the time of his death.

With his brother and sister in 1973, Mars inherited the company from their father Forrest E. Mars Sr. Their grandfather started the company more than a century ago, making and selling butter cream candy from his kitchen in Tacoma, Washington.

This undated handout photo provided by Mars Inc. shows Forrest Mars Jr., who helped shape Mars Inc. into a multi-billion dollar confectionary empire with beloved brands such as M&M's and Snickers bars. A company spokesperson said the retired Mars co-president died Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in Seattle of complications following a heart attack. He was living in Sheridan, Wyo., at the time of his death. He was 84. (Mars Inc. via AP)

From the time Mars became co-president with his brother John in 1975 and until his retirement 1999, he helped grow the company into a global enterprise selling diverse products including Pedigree pet food, Skittles candy, Uncle Ben's Rice and Flavia beverage. He later served as a board member until 2006.

"Forrest was a great inspiration to all of us at Mars," CEO Grant F. Reid said in a statement. "He was instrumental in building our business, while remaining committed to the founding principles of the Company."

Mars joined the company in 1959 as a financial staff officer for M&M Candies. He managed a confectionary factory in The Netherlands and directed Mars France before returning to McLean, Virginia in 1970 to serve as the company's vice-president.

After taking over control from their father as co-presidents, the brothers increased annual sales from $1 billion to $35 billion and expanded its reach in Europe, Australia and Japan and later into other countries such as China and Russia, the company said.

Mars and his siblings also codified a set of five principles  including creating shared mutual benefits for everyone  that still guide the family business of more than 80,000 employees in 78 countries.

Born in 1931 in Oak Park, Illinois, Mars attended Fay and Hotchkiss private schools. He earned his bachelor's degree in science from Yale University in 1953, and a master's in business administration from New York University School of Business in 1958.

After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, he started his career an accountant in 1955.

A philanthropist, he supported projects focused on environmental preservation and American history, including the Brinton Museum of Western and American Indian Art in Big Horn, Wyoming.

He was recognized for his civic leadership and contributions over the years, including earning the distinction of chevalier, or knight, in France's National Order of the Legion of Honour.

Mars, who was intensely private, is survived by his wife, four children and many other relatives.

____
Soldiers rescue elderly woman stranded in hot car for days

LAKEHURST, N.J. (AP)  An elderly woman was stranded in a wooded area for days without food but collected rainwater to drink before soldiers from the Massachusetts Army National Guard happened upon her car and saved her, officials said.

The soldiers had been training in New Jersey at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and were on a scouting mission when they found the car deep in a wooded area Monday afternoon, the Guard said. The car's doors were open, and there was a sunshade in the windshield.

The soldiers found the 87-year-old woman slumped over in the backseat. She remained unresponsive after they honked the horn several times, but she awoke when a soldier approached.

"At first we didn't know what to think of it because it was suspicious," said Staff Sgt. Dana Francis, of G Co. 186th Brigade Support Battalion.

"We were thinking the worst," said Sgt. Tommy Coppola, who spotted the car along with Francis.

Francis and Coppola, who are civilian firefighters, went back to the training area and sought the help of two medics, Spec. John Shively and Pfc. Aaron Amardey-Wellington. The four returned to the car and helped the woman into a military ambulance.

The woman told them her car had become stuck in soft sand Saturday morning. She collected rainwater to drink while temperatures reached the upper 90s.

She suffered extreme dehydration and possibly heat illness, officials said. Her condition has improved significantly.

The soldiers have been praised for their actions.
Cummings: Protesters during DNC speech were 'disrespectful'

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings says he thinks liberal supporters of Bernie Sanders who chanted an anti-trade slogan during his speech to the Democratic National Convention were "disrespectful."

But Cummings says he is not upset about it because he is a veteran of civil rights protests and understands the passions that drove the mostly young delegates to shout over him on Monday. More than 100 people have since apologized for the outbursts, Cummings said.

In an interview Thursday, Cummings said most of those who were shouting probably didn't know that he worked with Sanders as chairman of the convention's platform drafting committee. "Bernie got 90 percent of what he wanted," he said.

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Monday, July 25, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Cummings, an African American and close ally of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, was in the middle of a speech in which he remembered his late father  a sharecropper in South Carolina  and spoke about the Black Lives Matter movement when Sanders' supporters started chanting "No TPP" and holding up signs.

The chants referred to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Sanders and many other liberals, including Cummings, oppose as a job-killer and a way to promote business interests over workers.

The sight of a 65-year-old black man  and veteran congressional leader  being shouted over by mostly young, white liberals was jarring to many.

Kweisi Mfume, a former Maryland congressman and head of the NAACP, said the treatment of Cummings was "a low point" of the four-day convention.

"It was downright disrespectful," said Mfume, a Clinton delegate. "I think it does not necessarily help the relations that Bernie's people may have with the larger African-American community."

Liberals and unions hate the trade deal, even though it was negotiated and is supported by President Barack Obama. Sanders' supporters tried to include a rejection of the agreement in the Democratic platform, but were rebuffed.

Ironically, Cummings, a 10-term Democrat from Baltimore, said he agrees with the protesters and has consistently opposed trade legislation.

"The optics were not pretty," Cummings said of the impromptu protest, "but I couldn't be upset with them. Two or three years ago, they would have been outside politics" and likely protesting in the streets. "I am so glad these people are under our tent."

Cummings' only regret about the episode is that it may have obscured his heart-felt story about his late father, Robert Cummings Sr., who moved the family from rural South Carolina to Baltimore to give his children a chance at a better life.

Robert Cummings, who picked cotton and lived in a home without running water, stressed the value of education to his children. When Elijah Cummings enrolled at Howard University, he said his father told him, "'You go in those walls and get blessed so you can bless'" others.

___

Follow Matthew Daly: http://twitter.com/MatthewDalyWDC
Paraguay rebels demand ransom after kidnapping Mennonite man

ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP)  The Paraguayan People's Army guerrilla group is asking for a $700,000 ransom to release a kidnapped Mennonite man.

Franz Wiebe Boschman was kidnapped Wednesday night as he was harvesting corn at a farm about 210 miles (340 kilometers) north of Paraguay's capital.

His father, Abrahan Wiebe, said Thursday that the small, left-wing rebel group has given gave his family a 15-day deadline to pay the ransom. He says that he can't afford to pay that sum.

Anti-kidnapping prosecutor Alberto Torres says the group burned a tractor and a truck during the kidnapping.
Zimbabwe pastor calls for massive but peaceful uprising

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  The Zimbabwe pastor who launched a social media campaign criticizing the government and then left the country for his safety is calling for a massive but peaceful uprising.

Evan Mawarire told an emotional crowd at a university in South Africa on Thursday night that Zimbabwe once was promising but had been reduced to "horror and unimaginable disappointment."

Frustration has been growing in the southern African nation amid a collapsing economy and allegations of corruption. People across the country earlier this month staged the largest anti-government strike in nearly a decade.

Zimbabwean pastor Evan Mawarire, holds his country's flag whilst singing the national anthem before addressing supporters at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, July 28, 2016. Mawarire is living in exile in South Africa after launching a social media campaign against President Robert Mugabe's government and calling for a massive peaceful uprising against the country's government. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

President Robert Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980 and is the world's oldest head of state at 92, has responded by saying that people who aren't happy should leave.

Many have. Most of the people cheering, laughing and crying in the audience Thursday night were from Zimbabwe, part of an exodus of hundreds of thousands of people into neighboring South Africa over the years.

Mawarire said Zimbabwe's government "cannot deal with people that are genuinely peaceful," and he called on fellow citizens to rewrite the country's future. "Catastrophe has been our story for far too long," he said.

He also addressed concerns that he had left the country for good, while acknowledging the risks involved in speaking out.

"My country is Zimbabwe. It is my home. I live there," he said. "If you are going to arrest me, you will arrest me at home. If you are going to kill me, you will kill me at home."

Mawarire has refused to engage in violence.

"Violence begets violence, and that is something that you and I have to make a decision to be different on going forward," he told the crowd.

Zimbabwean pastor Evan Mawarire, holds his national flag whilst addressing supporters at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, July 28, 2016. Mawarire is living in exile in South Africa after launching a social media campaign against President Robert Mugabe's government, and has called for a massive peaceful uprising against the country's government. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Zimbabwean pastor Evan Mawarire, holds his country's flag whilst singing national anthem before addressing his supporters at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, July 28, 2016. Mawarire, living in exile in South Africa after launching a social media campaign against President Robert Mugabe's government has called for a massive peaceful uprising against the country's government. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Lawyer wants California court to parole Manson follower

LOS ANGELES (AP)  A lawyer for a Charles Manson follower who was convicted in the 1969 murders of a California couple said Thursday he will ask a court to overturn Gov. Jerry Brown's decision to deny her parole.

Attorney Rich Pfeiffer said he will file a petition Friday seeking the release of 66-year-old Leslie Van Houten after a parole board found she posed no threat to society.

The board had recommended her release but Brown said last week that Van Houten had committed "extraordinarily brutal crimes" and failed to explain her transformation from an upstanding teen to a killer.

Pfeiffer says denying her release solely because of the heinousness of the murders of Leno and Rosemary La Bianca by members of the "Manson family" would effectively be changing her initial 7-years-to-life prison sentence.

Pfeiffer also wants the Los Angeles court to compel prosecutors to turn over taped interviews with another former cult member that the lawyer believes will show how Manson controlled his followers.
The Latest: Man who brought gun into theater was troubled

MONACA, Pa. (AP)  The Latest on a George man jailed on charges of bringing a stolen gun, ammunition into a Pennsylvania movie theater (all times local):

5:20 p.m.

The father of a Covington, Georgia, man jailed on charges of bringing a stolen gun and ammunition into a Pennsylvania movie theater says his son has been in and out trouble and doesn't always make the right decisions.

Kyle Gossett said Thursday it was almost a relief when he learned 21-year-old William Gossett had been arrested Saturday because it meant he was alive.

He says his son was violent at home as a teenager and left high school without finishing after getting in trouble for fighting.

Authorities say William Gossett was stopped by police after walking into a theater outside Pittsburgh with a large bag and military fatigues.

A prosecutor says he is investigating the possibility that William Gossett may have intended to shoot up the movie house.

No attorney is listed for Gossett in court records.

Federal authorities also are investigating.

___

2:45 p.m.

A prosecutor says there's a "real possibility" a Georgia man jailed on charges he brought a stolen gun and ammunition into a Pennsylvania movie theater planned to shoot it up.

Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier says 21-year-old William Gossett of Covington, Georgia, was arrested Saturday at the Cinemark Theater in Center Township, about 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

Township police say they stopped Gossett after he walked into the theater with a large bag and wearing long-sleeved military fatigues despite temperatures in the 90s. Police say the handgun in the bag was stolen in Ohio.

Gossett doesn't have an attorney listed in court records. He's charged only with receiving stolen property and having an unlicensed gun.
Hillary Clinton plans to appear Monday in Omaha, fresh off accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

Her campaign confirmed the visit late Wednesday. Additional details will be announced later.

Clinton last visited Omaha on Dec. 16, speaking at a rally at the Sokol Auditorium. Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton appeared at Lincoln's Fuse Coworking in February. And former President Bill Clinton addressed crowds in Lincoln and Omaha the day before the state's Democratic caucus in March.

Monday's visit by the former U.S. senator, secretary of state and first female presidential nominee from a major political party is also expected to include a fundraiser.

An email from Hillary Clinton's campaign said she will "discuss her commitment to building an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top."

People interested in attending can RSVP at hillaryclinton.com/events/view/WOWNZEAXF6UJFAOB
ACLU: Army investigating Manning after suicide attempt

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP)  The transgender soldier imprisoned in Kansas for sending classified information to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks now faces possible punishment for offenses stemming from a suicide attempt, a civil rights group said Thursday.

The American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement that Chelsea Manning, 28, received a document from Army officials Thursday saying she's being investigated for "administrative offenses," including "conduct which threatens," related to her July 5 suicide attempt at the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, where she's serving a 35-year sentence.

Manning's lawyers have not detailed how she tried to kill herself.

It's also unclear how the alleged offenses under investigation by the Army relate to the suicide attempt. An Army spokesman didn't immediately respond to an email Thursday seeking comment.

The ACLU said if Manning is convicted of the offenses, she could be placed in indefinite solitary confinement.

"It is deeply troubling that Chelsea is now being subjected to an investigation and possible punishment for her attempt to take her life," ACLU staff attorney Chase Strangio said in the statement. "The government has long been aware of Chelsea's distress associated with the denial of medical care related to her gender transition and yet delayed and denied the treatment recognized as necessary."

The ACLU said it hopes the investigation ends immediately and Manning is given "the health care that she needs to recover."

Manning, arrested as Bradley Manning, was convicted in 2013 in military court of six Espionage Act violations and 14 other offenses for leaking more than 700,000 secret military and State Department documents, plus some battlefield video. Manning, who was an intelligence analyst in Iraq at the time, later filed a transgender prisoner rights lawsuit.
The Latest: Wisconsin official says police let reporter in

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)  The Latest on a Washington Post reporter being denied entrance to a campaign stop by Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence (all times local):

4:55 p.m.

A Wisconsin law enforcement official says he doesn't know why a Washington Post reporter was denied entry to a campaign rally near Milwaukee for Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence.

Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Mike Pence, R-Ind., introduces Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally at Lackawanna College, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Scranton, Pa. (Jake Danna Stevens/The Times & Tribune via AP)

Waukesha County Sheriff's Department deputy inspector Torin Misko says the reporter was allowed to enter the venue but that "event staff walked the reporter out" for reasons unknown to the sheriff's department.

Misko says two deputies patted the reporter down after he missed a security sweep and they were asked to do so by event staff. He says the reporter gave permission for the patdown.

Donald Trump's campaign last month banned the Post from being credentialed for campaign events.

Pence spokesman Marc Lotter tells The Associated Press their events are open to all and they're looking into the incident.

Post executive editor Martin Baron says reporter Jose DelReal was subjected to bullying.

___

9:18 a.m.

The Washington Post says one of its reporters was barred from entering a campaign rally for Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence near Milwaukee.

The newspaper says Post reporter Jose DelReal was turned down for a credential before the rally and tried to enter through general admission. The Post reports DelReal was stopped by private security who said he couldn't enter with his laptop and cellphone. The Post says the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department verified DelReal had no phone after patting him down, but DelReal still was denied entry.

Trump banned the Post from being credentialed for campaign events last month.

Post executive editor Martin Baron says DelReal was subjected to "bullying treatment that no ordinary citizen has to endure."
The Latest: Investigators: Suspect may be "serial offender"

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP)  The Latest on the killing of an Ohio college student (all times local):

6:45 p.m.

Investigators say in court documents that an Ohio man charged with abducting and killing a college student "fits the profile of a serial offender."

This undated booking photo provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Department shows James Worley. Worley, who spent three years in prison after the 1990 abduction of a female cyclist, was arrested Friday, July 22, 2016, three days after a college student disappeared. He was charged Tuesday, July 26 with aggravated murder and was due in court Wednesday. (Fulton County Sheriff's Department via The Blade via AP)

Search warrants released Thursday indicate investigators are looking into whether James Worley may have kept an unknown number of victims inside a hidden room in his barn.

The documents say hay bales concealed the hidden room that held restraints and a carpet-lined freezer on the property where he lives west of Toledo.

Authorities have charged the 57-year-old Worley with aggravated murder and abduction in the death of 20-year-old University of Toledo student Sierah Joughin (JAW'-gihn).

She disappeared last week while riding her bicycle.

Worley's attorney declined to comment Thursday.

Worley was convicted of abducting a woman in 1990 near Toledo and spent three years in prison.

___

5:10 p.m.

Search warrants show investigators found a hidden room outfitted with restraints inside a barn belonging to an Ohio man who's accused of abducting and killing a college student.

The documents first reported by The Blade newspaper in Toledo after it went to court seeking their release say the secret room also had a carpet-lined freezer with blood inside.

Authorities have charged 57-year-old James Worley with aggravated murder and abduction in the death of 20-year-old University of Toledo student Sierah Joughin (JAW'-gihn).

She disappeared a week ago while riding her bicycle.

Worley's attorney declined to comment Thursday.

Worley was convicted of abducting a woman in 1990 near Toledo and spent three years in prison. Since his arrest Friday, investigators have been looking into the possibility of additional victims.

___

This story has been corrected to change pronunciation of victim's last name.
Man who sent death threats to Labour MP Luciana Berger facing second jail term

An internet troll is facing jail for a second time after making anti-Semitic death threats to a Labour MP in which he told her she would "get it like Jo Cox".

John Nimmo, 28, from South Shields, sent two emails to Luciana Berger where he told her to "watch your back Jewish scum".

The second message to the 35-year-old MP for Wavertree, who is running to become Mayor of Liverpool, also included a picture of a large knife.

John Nimmo was previously jailed in 2014 for sending abusive messages to feminist campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez and Labour MP Stella Creasy

This came just three weeks after MP Jo Cox died after being shot and stabbed following a constituency meeting.

Nimmo was previously jailed in 2014 for eight weeks for sending abusive messages on Twitter to feminist campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez and MP Stella Creasy.

His first message made reference to Joshua Bonehill-Paine, who had been charged with a racially or religiously aggravated hate crime against Ms Berger.

Sent at 7.54pm on July 6, it said: "Justice for Joshua Bonehill-Paine will be sweet, he has friends everywhere. Watch your back Jewish scum, regards your friend the Nazi."

He then followed it up two days later with "You will get it like Jo Cox did, you better watch your back Jewish scum" just as Ms Berger was leaving her office in the early evening.

South Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard a statement from the former shadow minister for mental health, in which she said it had caused her "great fear and anguish".

She said the incident had left her in a state of "huge distress" and "it caused me to feel physically sick being threatened in such a way".

"I was extremely concerned for my safety and I felt completely under threat. I had previously received anti-Semitic messages and threats but the reference to Jo Cox was terrifying," she said.

"The biggest concern was not knowing who this was, for all I knew the offender could have resided next door to me."

Glenda Beck, prosecuting, told the court that Nimmo had been on bail at the time for emailing Tell Mama, a group that supports victims of anti-Muslim hate, saying he would burn down a mosque.

Chairman of the bench Ian Alexander told him that the seriousness of the offences meant they would send it to crown court for sentencing.

Along with Isabella Sorley, Nimmo previously pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court in 2014 to abusing Ms Criado-Perez and Ms Creasy.

It came after Ms Criado-Perez led a campaign using social media for a female figure to appear on a Bank of England note.

It included Nimmo telling Ms Criado-Perez to "shut up" and made references to rape followed by "I will find you (smiley face)".

Paul Kennedy, defence, had argued for a suspended sentence, saying "he says these things for attention".

"He does not desire to carry out these threats," he said.

He previously admitted two charges of sending malicious communications to Ms Berger and t he case will next be heard at Newcastle Crown Court in August.
Further increases for UK car production, but Brexit fears linger

Car production has surged ahead, increasing by 10% over last year, but the industry has voiced concern about the impact on the business of leaving the European Union, a new report shows.

More than 158,000 vehicles were built in June, the 11th consecutive month of growth, closing the best first half of a year for 16 years.

Almost 900,000 cars were produced between January and June, up by 13% on 2015, while June's total was the highest for the month since 1998.

UK car producers are concerned about the fallout from Brexit

But the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said a survey of its members showed that almost three out of five believed the outcome of the EU referendum would affect their business.

Chief executive Mike Hawes pointed out that almost four out of five cars built in the UK were exported, to 100 different countries, with over half going to the EU.

Almost 60% of components were imported, mainly from Europe.

"The current uncertainty about what the relationship will be in the future is playing on the minds of the industry," he said.

"The industry will do its best to manage the situation but there are worries. EU is our biggest market and the industry is concerned about a potential loss of influence on regulations, over which we will have no say."

Exports drove the latest figures, with year-to-date demand up 14.9% to almost 700,000 vehicles, compared to a 7.1% increase in the domestic market.

Carmakers and those in the components sector are most worried about the potential negative impact of tariffs or other barriers between the UK and the single market, said the SMMT.

They are also concerned about losing access to EU trade deals and losing access to skilled workers from the EU.

Mr Hawes added: "UK automotive is globally competitive with overseas demand for British made products increasing, not least in Europe which is by far our largest market. The latest increase in production output, however, is the result of investment decisions made over a number of years, well before the referendum was even a prospect.

"These decisions were based on many factors but, primarily, on tariff-free access to the single market, economic stability and record levels of productivity from a highly skilled workforce. To ensure the sector's continued growth, and with it the thousands of jobs it supports, these must be priorities in future negotiations."

Mr Hawes said car firms wanted the Government to make sure they had unfettered access to the single market as well as the ability to keep recruiting workers from other countries

"It is quite a wish list, but the key aspect is around tariffs," he added.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: "Our car manufacturing industry is going from strength to strength and today's figures are further proof of this.
Four Russians among 11 weightlifters suspended over adverse London 2012 retests

The International Weightlifting Federation has suspended 11 athletes - including four Russians - after retested samples returned adverse analytical findings.

Weightlifting's governing body reported that a number of International Olympic Committee reanalyses of samples from the 2012 London Olympics had tested positive, further limiting Russia's ability to send competitors to the Rio Games.

After it was revealed that hundreds of positive drug tests had been covered up by the Moscow anti-doping laboratory under orders from the Russian ministry of sport, each international federation responsible for a sport in Brazil was asked by the IOC to individually vet the anti-doping records of its Russian athletes before clearing them to compete.

Several retested samples from the 2012 Games are positive

The IWF has complied, with Nataliya Zabolotnaya, Svetlana Tzarukaeva, Alexsandr Ivanov and Andrey Demanov emerging as the four Russians to be hit with provisional suspensions ahead of the summer Games, which start on August 5.

Intigam Zairov of Azerbaijan and Armenia's Hripsime Khurshudyan, already suspended following retests of 2008 Beijing samples, were also on a list released by the IWF on Wednesday evening.

Rauli Tsirekidze (Georgia), Almas Uteshov (Kazakhstan), Sibel Simsek (Turkey), Iryna Kulesha (Belarus) and Cristina Iovu (Moldova) complete the group of implicated weightlifters.
Johnson and Fox dubbed 'double act of danger' by Plaid Cymru

Boris Johnson and Liam Fox have been labelled a "double act of danger" amid calls for Wales to have a separate foreign policy.

A team of diplomats who answer to the Welsh government should be created to prevent Foreign Secretary Mr Johnson being left to speak for the country, Plaid Cymru said.

Assembly Member Steffan Lewis, Plaid's external affairs spokesman, has also proposed creating a "ministry for international affairs" for the Welsh government in an attempt to prevent Westminster from having the greatest influence over Wales's global dealings.

Plaid believes the UK's reputation will be damaged under Boris Johnson

Plaid targeted the two Brexit-backing UK Government ministers despite a majority of Welsh voters supporting Leave - by 52.5% to 47.5% - at last month's EU referendum.

Out of Wales' 22 councils, 17 backed Brexit while only five voted to Remain - despite Wales being heavily funded by the European Union for a number of projects.

Mr Lewis claimed the UK's global reputation will be "damaged" under Mr Johnson while Welsh trade will be "at the mercy" of International Trade Secretary Liam Fox.

He said: "Wales being tied to this double act of danger poses real questions for us as a nation in terms of how we see ourselves in the world, and how we want to be seen by other countries."

Mr Lewis added that post-Brexit "to mitigate the threats to Wales from the new team of isolationist hawks appointed to key international roles in Westminster, we need a dramatic change in Welsh foreign policy".

He went on: "We need a new infrastructure for Welsh foreign policy, backed by a new ministry for international affairs at Welsh government level.
Jurgen Klopp won't kick Mamadou Sakho out of Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has offered Mamadou Sakho some reassurances over his Liverpool future after the defender was sent home from the tour of the United States.

The centre-back was ordered to return to Melwood to continue his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury after being late on three separate occasions, which caused the Reds boss to question his attitude.

However, Klopp said the France international's punishment would not be extended beyond his exile from the pre-season trip and there was no question of him being sold.

Jurgen Klopp, left, sent Mamadou Sakho home from Liverpool's American tour

"Come on, it's not (like that). Three times late, do you think I should (sell him)?" he said when asked what the future held for the 26-year-old.

"No, it's an issue - it's not the biggest thing, it's not the smallest thing - it's how football works.

"We have a few rules; a few from me, a few from the team.

"When you want a great team then you have to do some things - if you don't do it then I have to react.

"I reacted - but nothing else. He missed three things he should not have missed, that is all, and that is why I sent him home."

Klopp added on Sky Sports: "Mama is not a bad guy, he's a good person.

"He's not happy about the situation but it was my decision in this moment.

"You can believe I didn't want to do things like this, I like to be a nice guy until I can't be a nice guy any more.

"So he's at home, we are here; we train here, he trains there. When we come to Liverpool again, then we'll have a talk and we'll see."

A player who definitely does have a future with Liverpool is their 19-year-old winger Harry Wilson, Wales' youngest player after making his debut aged 16, who has signed a new contract.

In terms of players coming into the club, Klopp is happy with the way the 'democratic' transfer policy is structured as he is used to working with a sporting director from his time at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund in his homeland, where such a model is commonplace.

Liverpool's much-criticised transfer committee, a source of frustration for former boss Brendan Rodgers, has been re-evaluated and revamped since Klopp's arrival with the 49-year-old having the final say on all deals.

"Improvement can come in all all parts of life and it's based on experience," he told ESPNFC.

"So I don't think it makes sense that you give one person the whole power, that's why we have democracy and no other kind of political leadership.

"Hopefully it stays like this because we learned that it makes sense that you put all your skills together and in the end you try to find the best decision.

"I don't know how it works in other clubs but in this squad it's not one player.

"It's all about the situation in the club and the squad and it's about money.

"We all have a budget - (that is) how it is and that's how I like it and that's how I'm used to working.

"When I put my thumb up - and I only can do this when the financial things are agreed - and the player joins us or leaves us, that's how it is."

Midfielder Marko Grujic has been ruled out of Saturday's match against AC Milan after suffering concussion in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, Press Association Sport understands.
Henry McLeish calls on Scottish Labour to break away from UK party

Former first minister Henry McLeish has called on Scottish Labour to cut its ties with London, arguing that an independent party north of the border is now "essential".

Mr McLeish said UK Labour is facing "a summer of discontent and bitter infighting" with the leadership contest between Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith.

He argued the growing divisions within the party have left it "nowhere" in the debate over the UK's departure from the European Union (EU).

Henry McLeish has called on Scottish Labour to sever its ties with the wider UK party

Mr Corbyn - who is the odds-on favourite to win the leadership contest due to conclude in September - is "not the answer to Labour's decline or long-term recovery", Mr McLeish insisted.

With Scotland facing the prospect of a second independence referendum as a result of the majority of Scots voting to remain in the EU, the former Labour first minister said the Scottish party must think beyond the leadership battle.

"In the short-term we will be wrapped up in the leadership campaign," he said.

"We need now to think beyond the next two months and prepare for every eventuality in Scotland and Britain as the political fall-out from June 23 continues and uncertainty deepens.

"Scotland could see Home Rule, a form of federalism, independence or some other, as yet unknown, four-nation constitutional solution.

"Regardless of the outcome, an Independent Labour Party (ILP) in Scotland is essential.

"The ILP imprint would send a powerful message of Scottish identity and politically-distinctive policies. This is the time for the Scottish party to act."
Judge concerned over 'imprisoned' Saudi Arabia woman

A British High Court judge says there are reasons to be very concerned about the welfare of a 21-year-old woman who has complained of being imprisoned by her father in Saudi Arabia.

Amina Al-Jeffery - who grew up in Swansea and has dual British and Saudi Arabian nationality - says her father, academic Mohammed Al-Jeffery, locks her up because she ''kissed a guy''.

Lawyers representing Miss Al-Jeffery have taken legal action in London in a bid to protect her. They have asked Mr Justice Holman to look at ways of helping her.

Lawers are at the High Court over Amina Al-Jeffery, who dual British and Saudi Arabian nationality

The judge is analysing the case at a public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

Mr Justice Holman described the case as very serious and said Mr Al-Jeffery, who is in his 60s, was not seeing the situation through the "right perspective".

The judge said it was possible that Miss Al-Jeffery was being manipulative but there was a "degree of admission" from her father.

He said Mr Al-Jeffery had admitted locking his daughter in his flat when he went out.

Mr Al-Jeffery also admitted previously having "steel latticework" over the windows so Miss Al-Jeffery could not shout out.

"I provisionally feel that we - this state, this court - need to feel very concerned about the welfare of this British citizen," the judge said.

"These things are said. There is a degree of admission by the father.

"To take an example, that he locks her in the flat when he goes out. That he formerly had this very elaborate steel latticework over the windows so that she could not shout out through the window."

The judge said Mr Al-Jeffery was also refusing to let his daughter go to the British Consulate in Jeddah.

He added: "Provisionally there is a lot of ground for concern about her."

Mr Justice Holman has been told that Miss Al-Jeffery left Swansea and moved to Saudi Arabia with her family four years ago.

The judge has heard that her mother and siblings are back in South Wales.

Neither Miss Al-Jeffery nor her father are at the High Court hearing.

Barristers Henry Setright QC and Michael Gration are representing Miss Al-Jeffery and outlining concerns.

Barrister Marcus Scott-Manderson QC is representing Mr Al-Jeffery.

Mr Scott-Manderson told Mr Justice Holman that Mr Al-Jeffery did not want to attend the hearing. "He doesn't want to discuss Amina's return," said Mr Scott-Manderson.

"He wants to help Amina. He says he brought her to Saudi Arabia to help her. The father says Amina was at risk in Britain. The father says the British Government did nothing to help her. This is not a criticism of the British people b ut he says Amina is reckless and cannot help herself."

Mr Scott-Manderson said Mr Al-Jeffery said it was "not true" that he had shaved his daughter's head.

"He does not accept the jurisdiction of the court to make orders against him," said Mr Scott-Manderson.

"As head of the family it was (his) decision to bring Amina to Saudi Arabia. (He) decided to do it because Amina was not focusing on school."

Mr Scott-Manderson added: "He says this onslaught (has been) brought against him and his family, not by the court, but by the statements, that he says were untrue, made by Amina."

Mr Justice Holman told the court: "He talks about an 'onslaught' brought against him and his family. He is not seeing this situation through the right perspective quite frankly."
UK wants 'close and co-operative' relationship with France, says Boris Johnson

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has assured his French counterpart that the UK wants to remain "as close as possible" to France even after leaving the European Union.

Mr Johnson was speaking after talks in Paris with foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, who previously accused him of having "lied a lot" to voters during the referendum campaign, when he was a standard-bearer for Brexit.

Speaking in French, the Foreign Secretary made no reference to their earlier differences, insisting that he is developing "a close and co-operative relationship" with Mr Ayrault.

French foreign minister Jean Marc Ayrault and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at the ministry of foreign affairs in Paris (AP)

"I hope I have been clear that even if the UK has voted to leave the EU, it doesn't mean that we will be leaving Europe," said Mr Johnson. "We wish to be as close as possible to our allies, most particularly France, throughout the forthcoming years.

"I would like to take once again the opportunity to thank Mr Ayrault. We have already started to develop a close and co-operative relationship and I hope it may continue while we face many challenges ahead together as friends and allies."

Mr Johnson said the talks, which came just two days after the murder of a priest by Islamist militants in Normandy, had focused on the terror threat faced by the UK and France.

Pledging the UK's "solidarity" with France, the Foreign Secretary said he believed the allies would win their struggle against Islamic State - also known as Daesh - which has claimed that the killers of Father Jacques Hamel were its "soldiers".

And he said he and Mr Ayrault had reaffirmed their shared commitment to the Le Touquet agreement, which allows British border checks to take place on French soil.

Mr Johnson said: "The UK stands in solidarity with France. The threats we face are the same and we use the same values to reply to them. We will continue to do so.

"Mr Ayrault and I agreed that Daesh poses a direct threat to both our countries, as we have seen this week.

"We are clear that Daesh does not represent Islam. Together with France, the UK is playing a leading role in the global coalition committed to defeating them and we will win."

Mr Ayrault said the terror threat required not only "joint mobilisation" in the fight against Islamic State but also efforts to ensure that their attacks do not divide communities at home.

He said France would continue to strengthen security and intelligence co-operation with the UK, adding that the two countries shared "the same concerns, the same will".

"We must do everything not to give Daesh what they are looking for - division," said the French foreign minister. "We must defend our democracies, our principles, and that is not incompatible with the security of our citizens."

Mr Johnson later tweeted in French about the "warm" working lunch - "dejeuner de travail chaleureux" - he had with his counterpart.

He said: " Dejeuner de travail chaleureux ac @jeanmarcayrault sur notre cooperation de defense et lutte c/ le terrorisme #daesh #Syrie #Libye .... Warm 2 hour working lunch w/ @jeanmarcayrault. Discussed ongoing co-operation on defence & counter terrorism, #Daesh, #Syria, #Libya."

Mr Johnson said he had discussed the UK's support for the Government of National Accord in Libya as well as France and Britain's efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria.
Teenager jailed after trying to join Islamic State in Syria

A radicalised teenager who tried to go to Syria to join the Islamic State terror group has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Cubeyda Jama, 19, was arrested on board a plane at Stansted Airport en route to Bucharest, in Romania, on February 5.

He used his student loan to buy equipment for the trip, including a laptop and maps of Turkey, and booked a one-way flight for February 5 this year.

The London-based student was sentenced at the Old Bailey

But Jama, of London Road, Thornton Heath, south London, was detained by officers on the plane and his rucksack was searched.

The London-based Finnish student admitted a charge of preparing acts of terrorism by making travel arrangements and gathering equipment to travel to Syria or Iraq.

Jama, who appeared at the Old Bailey wearing black-rimmed glasses, a blue jumper over a red checked shirt and black jeans, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in a young offenders institution and given an additional one-year licence period.

In sentencing him, Judge Gerald Gordon said: "It's clear to me that you were dangerous at the time - there are some indications that you may be learning error of your ways but it's too early to say that you are at present no longer dangerous."

The court heard the Middlesex University student had planned to travel overland to cross the Syrian border into territory held by IS, also known as Daesh and Isis.

He bought a one-way ticket to Bucharest for February 4 but tried to cancel it before travelling to Stansted and booking another 147.99 flight at the Ryanair desk the following day.

Analysis of the laptop and other electronic devices discovered in his rucksack found he had "beheading videos" and had searched Google for "how to reach the Syrian border" and "paths to Isis".

The judge added: "You realised fully that once you had or if you did achieve your aim of joining Daesh you would have had no option but to do what was required of you.

"I accept that you were not travelling with any developed, specific terrorist purpose in mind such as fighting."

Judge Gordon said the likelihood that Jama would have reached Syria was "low".

The computer science student had "memorised" the Koran while living in Somalia, the court heard.

He moved to the UK in 2010 to live with his father, having also lived in Finland, and had to learn English "from scratch", which the judge said meant he had lived an "isolated" life.

Judge Gordon said: "You were described by the psychologist as naive and I think that's right.

"You were in my view at obvious risk of radicalisation, be it self radicalisation, radicalisation through others or a combination of the two and that's exactly what happened."

Hossein Zahir, defending, said Jama had been "subject to grooming" by extremists on internet forums and an assessment by a psychologist had found Jama was "immature for his age and of low to average intelligence".

He said: "The radicalisation was rapid and as a result of actions of the police and incarceration in HMP Lewes, it resulted in him recognising that he was wrong and recognising that he made a mistake.

"It is significant ... that he has not been involved in grooming and encouraging others and immersing in terrorist literature. He's been the victim and target of them himself."

Mr Zahir added that Jama was ill-prepared to make it from Bucharest to Isis-controlled territory as he was carrying little money and had no local contact to help him get there.

"He has a list of tasks he considers - one of them includes bomb-maker and one of them was working in a hospital.
Chris Evans to face no further action over sex assault claims

Chris Evans will face no further investigation into an allegation he sexually assaulted a woman in the 1990s.

The allegation, made to police on May 23 this year, related to an incident that was said to have occurred in Tower Hamlets, east London.

A spokesman for the former Top Gear presenter said: "The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the complaint has been investigated, but it fails to meet the evidential test to warrant any further action. Case is dropped."

Chris Evans had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman

The Metropolitan Police said officers from the sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command investigated and a man in his 50s was interviewed under caution on Thursday.
F1 makes drivers wait for Halo as Bernie Ecclestone promises 'something better'

Formula One's power brokers have voted against introducing the Halo for next season in a move that could spark a row with the sport's drivers.

Sebastian Vettel, the four-time world champion, had earlier claimed it would be ''stupid'' to veto the cockpit head protection system from becoming mandatory.

The German also said aesthetic concerns should be overlooked because nothing "justifies death", and other drivers were also supportive of bringing in the Halo.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, pictured with his car fitted with the new Halo cockpit protection

But following a lengthy meeting in Geneva of Formula One's strategy group, which consists of the sport's top teams, chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt, the required majority verdict in favour was not reached.

The FIA, which is the sport's governing body, had been keen for the Halo to be introduced from next season following a spate of high-profile accidents in recent years.

However the concept, which was first trialled in pre-season testing and runs at approximately head height around the cockpit, has courted criticism for its appearance. Indeed Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, 85, was among those publicly known to be against introducing such a change.

"We've got to come up with some head protection, but the Halo maybe is not the right way to go," said Ecclestone on Thursday night. "We're going to come up with something better than that.''

In a statement issued by the FIA, the world governing body announced that while the Halo remains its desired option, it will now not be seen in the sport until 2018. The FIA did, however, add that a unanimous decision to introduce improved cockpit protection, also for 2018, had been reached.

"It was decided that owing to the relatively short timeframe until the commencement of the 2017 season to further evaluate the full potential of all options before final confirmation," the FIA said.

"While the Halo is currently the preferred option, as it provides the broadest solution to date, the consensus among the strategy group was that another year of development could result in an even more complete solution."

The Halo has divided opinion in the paddock, with defending champion Lewis Hamilton having described it as ''the worst-looking modification'' in the sport's history.

But Hamilton recently changed his mind over its introduction following a presentation by the FIA in Hungary last Friday night.

And Vettel, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, who has been an advocate of the Halo, claimed the majority of drivers were now keen to see it become compulsory.

Speaking ahead of the FIA announcement, Vettel said: ''We had a vote amongst the drivers, and 95 per cent voted for it. The majority said we don't like the look of it but I don't think there is anything really that justifies death.

''We have always learned from what happened, and tried to improve. This would be the first time in human history that we've learnt a lesson and we don't change.

''It is up to us to make sure it does happen otherwise it would be quite stupid.''

The bid to improve cockpit safety comes after Frenchman Jules Bianchi last year became the first driver to die following injuries sustained at a Formula One race weekend since the fatality of Ayrton Senna at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.

British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson and Henry Surtees, competing in Formula Two, were killed in recent years after they were struck on the crash helmet by debris from other accidents.
Ben Chilwell commits to Leicester with new five-year contract

Leicester's highly-rated teenage defender Ben Chilwell has signed a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions.

The 19-year-old left-back did not feature in Claudio Ranieri's league side last season but was linked in several recent reports with a possible summer move to Liverpool.

He caught the eye with appearances for the Foxes in the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as having a loan spell at Huddersfield, and has been capped at England Under-21 level.

Ben Chilwell is staying with Leicester

Leicester announced on Thursday he would be staying with them for the long term.

The club detailed the five-year deal on their website, ahead of a weekend clash with French champions Paris St Germain in Los Angeles.

Manager Ranieri said: "It's fantastic news for us. Ben is a player with a big future and I am very happy that future will be with Leicester City.

"Ever since I arrived in Leicester, Ben has been a young player that has shown a lot of promise. He has all the attributes you would want in a defender and shows a lot of maturity for a player of just 19."

Experienced Austrian Christian Fuchs had a grip on the left-back slot for Leicester last season but may encounter more competition from Chilwell this time around.
MSF fears famine in northeast Nigeria; calls for UN food pipeline

By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA, July 27 (Reuters) - Severely malnourished children are dying in large numbers in northeast Nigeria, the former stronghold of Boko Haram militants where food supplies are close to running out, Medecins Sans Frontieres said on Wednesday.

The medical charity, also known as Doctors Without Borders, urged the United Nations to set up emergency food transports to the area, where up to 800,000 civilians have been cut off for over a year, it said

"The situation is a large-scale humanitarian disaster.... There is a vital need to have a food pipeline in place to save the population that can be saved," MSF general director Bruno Jochum told a news briefing.

"We are talking at least about pockets of what is close to a famine."

Under military escort, a MSF team delivered some 40 metric tonnes of food last week to Banki, a town of 12,000 near the Cameroon border, including emergency supplies for more than 4,000 children.

It vaccinated children against measles, which can be deadly in under-fives.

The U.N.'s World Food Programme (WFP) also delivered 30 metric tonnes of food and other items there last week, in a cross-border operation from Cameroon. The U.N. says 3 million people in the northeast are in urgent need of food aid, but that some roads within Nigeria are unsafe for convoys due to mines.

"It is a situation of complete destitution, with hardly anything to eat," said MSF emergency programme director Hugues Robert who was part of the team in Banki. "What is extremely shocking is the level of severe acute malnutrition."

MSF, which carried out a rapid survey of the population in Banki, estimates "extremely high mortality rates of approximately four per 10,000 people per day - four times the emergency threshold," the agency said in a statement.

In the town of Bama, MSF teams estimate that 15 percent of children are suffering from life-threatening malnutrition.

"Probably the medical and epidemiological indicators are the worst we are facing today in the world," said Jochum.
Bahrain Shi'ite cleric goes on trial for money laundering

DUBAI, July 27 (Reuters) - The spiritual leader of Bahrain's Shi'ite Muslim majority went on trial on Wednesday on charges of collecting donations illegally and money laundering in a case that has increased tensions in the Western-allied Gulf Arab state.

Ayatollah Isa Qassim, who also faces expulsion from the country after authorities revoked his citizenship last month for alleged foreign links and fomenting violence, says the charges are part of a political crackdown on majority Shi'ites to stop them from pushing for political reforms.

A prosecution statement said Qassim and two others accused in the same case did not appear in court despite having been informed of the trial. The hearing was postponed until Aug. 14.

The case revolves around a Muslim tax known as Khums which in Shi'ite Islam is collected by the most senior cleric whom individuals follow.

The case arose after investigators discovered more than $10 million in an account held by Qassim, a sum which the prosecution said was intended "to escape legal monitoring", according to the statement.

The prosecution also said other holdings were in real estate.

Qassim and other senior clerics have said the funds are part of Shi'ite Islamic tradition, which allows senior clerics to collect the tax and spend it in the interest of ordinary Muslims.

Tensions have risen in Bahrain following a series of government security moves including the dissolution of the main opposition al-Wefaq group.
Emerstone Energy wins Ukraine shale search after Shell pulls out

KIEV, July 27 (Reuters) - A company set up by investment fund Emerstone Energy has won a contract for shale gas exploration in Ukraine, after Royal Dutch Shell PLC withdrew as separatist violence erupted in Ukraine's east.

State company Nadra Ukrainy on Wednesday named Yuzgas B.V. as the winner of the tender.

Shale would help Ukraine's ambitions to cut its gas purchases from Russia. Relations between the two plunged after Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

The Yuzivska Field of 7,800 square kilometers could, according to preliminary estimates, yield about 8-10 billion cubic metres of gas per year.

It is located in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions in areas bordering territory seized by pro-Russian separatists. Since 2014 the conflict there has claimed more than 9,400 lives.

Ukraine in 2015 produced about 20 billion cubic meters of gas and imported 16.5 billion.

"In circumstances of falling world oil prices Ukraine sharply reduced the search of hydrocarbons," Nadra Ukrainy said in a statement without giving an exact amount of planned investments. "That is why it is important that the winner committed to invest several hundred million dollars into the programme of geological exploration at the Yuzivska site."

Yuzgas B.V. says on its website it was set up specifically for the tender by Emerstone Energy, owned by Emerstone Capital Partners.
Don't sell bank yet, Ireland's PTSB tells government

By Padraic Halpin

DUBLIN, July 27 (Reuters) - Ireland's permanent tsb (PTSB) must realise more value before the government could even consider a potential sale of its majority stake, the bank's CEO said on Wednesday.

The government retains a 75 percent stake in the smallest of Ireland's three remaining domestically owned lenders after an initial share sale last year as it seeks to recover as much as it can from the euro zone's most expensive bank bailout.

Irish finance minister Michael Noonan said last month that, while he supported PTSB's strategy, he could not discount the possibility that an opportunistic transaction in the best interests of the state could arise at any time.

"If Mr. Noonan asked me today, I'd say don't do a deal because I'm leaving money on the table. There are organic opportunities in this organisation to grow intrinsic value," CEO Jeremy Masding told a new conference.

"If I do that and someone comes in for us, then so be it. But I would only recommend a deal to the board if I felt that we were maximising the intrinsic value of the business and we are certainly not doing that."

Masding said that with the turnaround in the bank not yet complete, it instead had to spend the next 12 to 18 months growing areas such as consumer finance, mortgages and fee income to make it as valuable as possible.

He also pointed out that at 2.16 euros ($2.4), the bank's share price was less than half the 4.50 euros the government sold at in last year's initial public offering (IPO).

The bank's shares were 4.5 percent higher at 1250 GMT after it reported substantially higher first-half profit, driven by one-off items including provision writebacks and the sale of its shares in Visa Europe.

PTSB, which last year became the last Irish bank to return to profit after the financial crisis, posted an underlying profit of 117 million euros, up from just 1 million euros a year ago, with over half resulting from write-backs.

The bank said challenges remain due to lukewarm mortgage market growth, increasing regulatory costs and the uncertainty generated by the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union.
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Cambodia says urged ASEAN to avoid words that would "escalate tension"

PHNOM PENH, July 27 (Reuters) - Cambodia advised a grouping of South East Asian nations to avoid using words that "would escalate tension between China and the Philippines" in a weekend statement, the country's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Cambodia's support for China's position on an international court ruling denying the Asian giant's claims in the South China Sea handed Beijing a diplomatic victory when the grouping's ministers met on Sunday.

The bloc, which follows an overriding principle of making decisions by consensus, omitted reference to the ruling after its first meeting following the decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague in favour of the Philippines.

Phnom Penh advised ministers of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) against the use of words that "would escalate tension between China and the Philippines," Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry told reporters on Wednesday.

"The dispute in the South China Sea is between the Philippines and China, not ASEAN and China," he said.

"So, this shouldn't drag ASEAN countries into the dispute, and it shouldn't drag Cambodia to get involved," he added, describing the Cambodian position at the meeting.

ASEAN needed to maintain its neutrality by not touching on the issue, he added.

Beijing rejects the court's jurisdiction over its maritime claims in the strategic seaway, and called the case a "farce".

Any suggestion that China bought Cambodia's support with soft loans of $600 million a week before the meeting was an "insult", Sounry said.

Philippines Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay had agreed not to mention the court ruling in the statement, Sounry said.

On Wednesday, the Philippines said it had "vigorously pushed" for the inclusion, but denied that its failure to secure the reference was a diplomatic win for China.

ASEAN foreign ministers met in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and then hosted two days of talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, among others.

The disputed sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes each year, is the most contentious issue for the 10 ASEAN members.

China claims most of the sea, but ASEAN members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam all have rival claims.
India's Bharti Airtel blames Nigerian losses as Q1 net profit drops 31 pct

By Aditi Shah

NEW DELHI, July 27 (Reuters) - India's largest telecom network operator, Bharti Airtel Ltd, reported a 30.8 percent fall in first-quarter net profit on Wednesday, blaming an adverse foreign exchange impact in Nigeria, although it beat analysts' estimates.

Consolidated net profit fell to 14.62 billion rupees ($218 million) in the quarter ended June 30, from 21.13 billion rupees last year, the company said.

Analysts on average had expected a net profit of 11.59 billion rupees, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Bharti Airtel, headed by Indian billionaire Sunil Mittal, said total revenue rose 7.9 percent from a year earlier to a record 255.47 billion rupees, helped by new customers signing up for the company's 3G and 4G data services.

During the quarter, the Nigerian naira depreciated by 42 percent, forcing the company to register an exceptional loss of 7.48 billion rupees as a result. Bharti derives about 7 percent of its consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) from Nigeria, analysts estimate.

Restructuring in some other countries also hurt profits, the company said.

Mobile data revenue during the June quarter rose 35 percent to 35.25 billion rupees from a year ago, Bharti Airtel said. Average revenue per user (ARPU) of data rose 10-fold from a year earlier to 202 rupees during the quarter.

The proliferation of cheap smartphones, led by Chinese brands, has prompted more Indians to use their handsets to access the Internet and demand faster downloads. An Internet-based startup boom in the country has also seen increased adaptability on smartphones, bolstering demand for high-speed data.

Over 100 million smartphones were sold in India, the world's second-biggest mobile phone market by customers, last year and that number is expected to grow by over a quarter this year.

Earlier in July Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries said it would launch its much-awaited fourth-generation (4G) wireless services commercially in the coming months, competing with Bharti Airtel, which ramped up coverage of its 4G services last year to 300 towns in anticipation.
Stay local, act fast: tiny Spanish bank offers survival manual for Italian peers

By Jesus Aguado

ONTINYENT, Spain, July 27 (Reuters) - The patient had made an appointment to see the surgeon at his consulting room in the local hospital, but when he arrived, he told Dr Antonio Carbonell he wasn't actually unwell. He wanted to talk about his mortgage.

Carbonell works as a surgeon in the small Spanish town of Ontinyent near the Mediterranean coast. He also happens to be chairman of the town's tiny savings bank, Caixa Ontinyent.

"He wasn't sick. But we are so close to our clients here that he had booked an appointment at the hospital to see the banker, not the surgeon," said Carbonell, relating the story as an example of the extreme localism that kept Caixa Ontinyent alive.

Out of more than 50 small savings banks in Spain, known as cajas, Ontinyent is one of only two that survived the country's banking collapse of recent years.

It did so by retreating from wholesale funding markets, withdrawing efforts to attract new business, focusing on its existing client roster of mostly small savers in its home town, and ploughing its profits back into covering for bad loans.

Today, Ontinyent is thriving. Profits were up 24 percent in the first quarter of this year after growing 13 percent last year. Though its network of 49 branches would barely be noticed by a giant competitor with thousands of branches like Santander , it has slowly begun opening more.

Now, with Spain's banking trouble being repeated in Italy -- a bigger country with an even bigger problem of bad loans and an even larger proliferation of tiny local banks -- Caixa Ontinyent's success is drawing new attention from those wondering whether its formula can be repeated.

It has a simple message for bankers at small Italian lenders in a similar predicament: stay local, serve your clients and act quickly to fix your balance sheet.

SELL, SELL, GROW

Italy is in much the same place now that Spain was a few years ago, trying to reform a fragmented banking sector weighed down by bad loans, in Italy's case totalling some 360 billion euros, compared to Spain's 2014 peak of 200 billion euros.

The Italian government wants to shrink a large network of co-operative banks, similar to Spain's cajas, by persuading small banks to merge. But progress has been slow, with no major merger in the sector yet to be completed. Economists say Italy's small banks, often with murky ties to local government and business, have been slow to open their books and reveal the extent of their problems.

But Caixa Ontinyent shows why such steps are necessary. Vicente Ortiz, adviser to the board and the visible face of the bank, said the secret behind its rebound was to react quickly and decisively when it became clear that a decade-long property bubble would burst.

"Until 2007, our plan was sell, sell and grow. But in 2008, we saw we had to quickly get the balance sheet under control," Ortiz told Reuters in an interview from the lender's recently refurbished headquarters on a shady central square of Ontinyent.

Unlike rivals which kept attracting new clients with artificially low rates on loans and high returns on deposits as they slipped deeper into trouble, Caixa Ontinyent scrapped all commercial offers. Instead, it focused on keeping its relationships with existing small savers, most with less than 15,000 euros in the bank, Ortiz said.

The result was that an ongoing client and deposit flight stopped and was reversed. Today, Caixa Ontinyent has around 100,000 clients, compared to 90,000 before the crisis. It manages 800 million euros in deposits, compared to 700 million euros in 2009 and a low of 600 million euros during the slump.

Although back in 2008 the Bank of Spain and many Spanish banks were denying any threat of a lending crash, Caixa Ontinyent became obsessed with boosting its financial ratios.

Between 2008 and 2012, when Spain's banks were eventually bailed out with 42 billion euros of European money, Ontinyent set aside as much as 100 percent of its profits in some years to boost an insurance fund against losses.

CLOSE TIES

That was key to its survival, as in the meantime bad loans had grown five-fold to more than 10 percent of its total portfolio, boosted by the excesses of the boom years and mirroring the trend that brought down most Spanish lenders.

Like most Italian and Spanish lenders, Caixa Ontinyent still has a big stock of bad loans at around 12 percent. But unlike others it enjoys 74 percent coverage on them, compared to 45 percent on average for Spain's and Italy's financial sector.

According to Santiago Carbo-Valverde, professor of Economics and Finance at Bangor Business School, the turnaround was helped by the bank's small size, community ties and focus on domestic retail clients rather than international wholesale markets.

"For four years, it was 'for god's sake let's hope nothing happens," said Ortiz, also the longest serving employee with 43 years at the lender. "But then came the tipping point and people stopped asking if we were going to disappear and instead began inquiring how they could become clients."

Still, learning the lessons of Ontinyent might not be enough to save small banks in Italy, where bad lending is more complicated to untangle than in the wake of Spain's comparatively straightforward property boom, said Nicolas Veron, a research fellow at economic think tank Bruegel.

"The main problems in Spanish lenders were their high exposure to the real estate business, whereas Italian banks are more exposed in lending to businesses and households. And that makes it more difficult to address the problems," he said.

Italy's notoriously Byzantine legal system creates particular hurdles, with long and uncertain court procedures making it hard to quickly recover collateral for non-performing loans, Veron said. Italian labour law makes it hard to lay off workers and shrink a bank's business to save it.

For now, the Italian government is mainly focused on saving its big banks, rather than the little ones, which it has failed so far to persuade to merge. But time is running out, and Ontinyent's example shows the importance for small banks of acting quickly to identify problems if they hope to survive.
Syrian govt forces take rebel-held territory near Damascus - SANA, monitors

BEIRUT, July 27 (Reuters) - Syrian government forces and their allies seized territory from rebels outside Damascus, encroaching on a pocket of insurgent-held land east of the capital, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and state media reported on Wednesday.

The advance took place overnight near the town of Hosh al-Fara area in the Eastern Ghouta suburb, the British-based monitoring group said.

Quoting a military source, Syrian state news agency SANA said government and allied forces took control of a farming area south-east of Hosh al-Fara during the day on Wednesday.

Fighting around the capital has intensified according to the Observatory, and government forces have stepped up their bombardment of rebel-held areas. A rare bout of rebel mortar fire on government-controlled central Damascus on Sunday killed several people.

Government forces and allies including Lebanese Hezbollah fighters seized an extensive area southeast of Damascus from rebels in May, closing off a pocket under insurgent control in Eastern Ghouta, and have since advanced, compromising a supply route into opposition territory.

The Observatory said on Wednesday the areas taken overnight represented an important base for the Jaish al-Islam rebel group, which controls much of Eastern Ghouta.

Jaish al-Islam denied there had been significant government advances in the area, but said there were large government attacks taking place.

"It is not true, but the regime is waging a very big attack," spokesman Islam Alloush said.

The Observatory said government helicopters had dropped dozens of barrel bombs on Douma on Monday, and jets had carried out air strikes on Daraya, another besieged area in Damascus's southwestern suburbs.
Lack of FGM ban in domestic violence law fails Liberia's girls, activists say

By Kieran Guilbert

DAKAR, July 27 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Women's rights activists condemned Liberia's parliament on Wednesday for removing a ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) from a new domestic violence law in a country where half of women have been cut.

The law listed FGM as a criminal offence, along with threats and acts of physical and sexual violence, and emotional abuse, when it was first submitted to lawmakers last September.

Yet opposition from several politicians in April led to the FGM provision being removed from the bill, which was passed into law last week, according to women's rights campaigners.

"It's extremely frustrating that the domestic violence bill was due to include an FGM ban, then a weaker ban and now no ban at all," said Mary Wandia of the rights group Equality Now.

"This is seemingly due to resistance by secret societies, but there is no excuse for continuing to fail Liberian girls," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from London.

FGM affects an estimated 140 million girls and women across a swathe of Africa and parts of the Middle East and Asia, and is seen as a gateway to marriage and a way of preserving a girl's purity. It causes numerous health problems that can be fatal.

Half of Liberian women have been subjected to FGM, and four in 10 support the practice in a country where it is carried out by all but a few tribes, and by both Muslim and Christian communities, according to the U.N. children's agency (UNICEF).

It is practised in the West African nation during traditional initiation ceremonies in bush schools, overseen by an immensely powerful women's secret society called the Sande.

While FGM contravenes human rights treaties to which Liberia is a party, campaigners say the government has been reluctant to take a stand because of the Sande's political clout.

FGM may have been removed from the bill due to fears over the impact on hopefuls for next year's elections, said Tamba Johnson of the Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET).

"If the bill had been passed with the FGM component, politicians seeking votes would perhaps have lost support from the more traditional communities," Johnson said from Monrovia.

Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said at an event on gender equality in the United States last year that her government was committed to introducing a law to ban FGM.

"President Johnson Sirleaf has committed to doing this many times, but we are still waiting," Wandia of Equality Now said.
Indonesia says will execute 14 drug convicts this weekend

JAKARTA, July 27 (Reuters) - Indonesia will execute 14 drug convicts including at least four foreigners this weekend, the attorney general said on Wednesday, stepping up a "war on drugs" that has drawn international condemnation.

Those executed will include nationals of Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and India, H. Muhammad Prasetyo told reporters at the state palace. News of the impending executions prompted condemnation from the United Nations and the European Union.

"We understand that there is a camp that does not agree with us, but no matter what, this is not a pleasant work but it still has to be done," Prasetyo said, adding that notifications had been sent to the foreign embassies.

He did not say which day of the weekend the executions would happen.

The U.N. human rights chief expressed alarm and urged Indonesia to reinstate a moratorium on the death penalty that was suspended in 2013.

"I find it deeply disturbing that Indonesia has already executed 19 people since 2013, making it the most prolific executioner in South-East Asia," said Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights.

The EU also called on Indonesia to halt all executions.
Czech cabinet approves investment deal with GE Aviation

PRAGUE, July 27 (Reuters) - The Czech government approved a deal with GE Aviation on Wednesday for an investment in a new turboprop engine plant that will cost an estimated 350 million euros ($384.76 million).

"The Czech government today approved cooperation with GE Aviation," Industry Minister Jan Mladek said on Twitter. "Aviation engines will be developed, examined and produced in the Czech Republic."

GE Aviation announced plans in January to build a new turboprop development, test and engine production headquarters in the Czech Republic, creating more than 500 new jobs, but some details remained to be worked out with the Czech government.

The Czech Republic was one of several European locations that GE had been considering for the new plant, which will manufacture GE's advanced turboprop engine powering Textron Aviation Inc.'s new single-engine turboprop aircraft.

GE Aviation, the aircraft engine unit of U.S. conglomerate General Electric, will be eligible for investment subsidies.

GE Aviation announced last November it had teamed up with Textron to produce an all-new turboprop aircraft and engine for the general aviation market, part of an effort GE expects will generate more than $1 billion in annual engine sales by 2020.

GE Aviation said its so-called advanced turboprop engine takes aim at a widely used engine by United Technologies unit Pratt & Whitney known as the PT6, which has dominated the market for 50 years, producing 51,000 units.

GE said then it planned to invest up to $1 billion in the project, including $400 million for the new European factory.

A GE spokeswoman had no immediate comment on Wednesday.
U.S. Treasury expands scope of hunt for money laundering in real estate

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury on Wednesday said it was expanding the scope of its program targeting money laundering through real estate purchases to include all New York City's boroughs, Florida's Broward and Palm Beach counties, and Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego in California, as well as San Antonio in Texas.
U.S. looking into reports of Iranian-American detained in Iran

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department said on Wednesday it is looking into reports that Iran has detained a third U.S. citizen of Iranian descent but declined to provide details.

Iran on Sunday confirmed the detention of an unnamed visiting U.S. citizen, the latest in a string of arrests of dual nationals, but declined to say what charges they might face, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

However, an Iranian Judiciary spokesman said the person's arrest took place in the northeastern city of Gorgan and that the trial "may be held" in Tehran, Fars reported.

An Iranian-American man, California-based Robin Reza Shahini was detained while visiting his mother in Gorgan earlier in July, according to Shahini's friends.

"We've seen reports of the detention (in) Iran of a person reported to be a U.S. citizen, and I can tell you we are looking into that," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters, saying he had no more information to offer.

The two other U.S. citizens of Iranian descent detained in Iran are businessman Siamak Namazi and his father Baquer Namazi. Iran does not recognize dual nationality, which prevents Western embassies from visiting such detainees.
China denies access to Hong Kong magazine founder, a U.S. citizen -U.S.

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department confirmed on Wednesday that U.S. citizen James Wang has been imprisoned in China and that American diplomats have been denied permission to meet with him since he was arrested nearly 14 months ago.

Wang was one of two men who held senior positions on Hong Kong political magazines who were sentenced to prison terms on Tuesday on charges of illegal business operations, bribery and bid rigging, his lawyer has said.

Wang, 63, and Guo Zhongxiao, 41, were sentenced after five Hong Kong booksellers from a shop that specialized in gossipy books about China's leaders disappeared and later appeared in custody in mainland China. The men worked for the political magazines New-Way Monthly and Multiple Face. Wang was a magazine founder and Guo a chief editor.

The case has raised concern about free speech in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China. It has greater freedoms and separate laws from the mainland under a "one country, two systems" framework agreed when Britain handed back its former colony in 1997.

Wang, identified by his lawyer as Wang Jianmin, was sentenced to five years and three months in prison. Guo was sentenced to two years and three months, Wang's lawyers, Chen Nansha, has said. The Shenzhen Nanshan District Court published details in line with Chen's account.

Asked about the case, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said that since Wang's arrest on May 31, 2014 "we've asked our Chinese counterparts repeatedly for permission to visit him, including permission to attend his trial. Those requests have all been denied."
Algerian suspect arrested in Bremen, Germany- police

BERLIN, July 28 (Reuters) - German federal police have arrested a 19-year-old Algerian refugee who had fled a psychiatric facility on Wednesday yelling, "I'll blow you up," a police statement said early on Thursday.
Malta denies visas for N.Korea workers, sending them home - Yonhap

SEOUL, July 28 (Reuters) - Malta has denied visa extensions for North Korean workers, effectively expelling them, due to a diplomatic campaign by South Korea and human rights groups, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

South Korea has been pressing the few countries that have ties with North Korea to push for changes in the isolated state, which has been criticised for its human rights record and for channelling wages earned by its workers abroad back to the North.

Malta has denied visa extensions for about 20 North Korean workers who had been employed at a construction firm and a clothing maker there, Yonhap reported, quoting unidentified sources in the Malta government and the companies.

All of the workers had since left Malta and returned to North Korea, Yonhap reported.

A diplomatic source in the capital, Valletta, said Malta had taken the move after a push by South Korea and human rights groups that raised concerns about the conditions faced by the North Korean workers, according to Yonhap.

Officials at Malta's consulate in Seoul could not be reached for comment.

North Korea has come under growing diplomatic pressure since its January nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to a new U.N. Security Council resolution in March tightening sanctions against Pyongyang.

South Korea has been making diplomatic efforts to engage North Korea's old allies to press for change in the isolated state.

Earlier this year, Namibia halted ties with two North Korean state-run companies that had built a munitions factory and were involved in projects for its military to comply with U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang, according to Namibian media and the South Korean government.
Australia prison abuse could violate torture conventions - U.N.

By Matt Siegel

SYDNEY, July 28 (Reuters) - The use of hoods, restraints and teargas on Australian aboriginal children in youth detention centres by police, as shown in footage released this week, could violate the U.N. treaty barring torture, a top U.N. official said on Thursday.

Australia' Northern Territory on Wednesday suspended the use of hoods and restraints on children after the broadcasting of CCTV footage showing guards at a juvenile detention centre teargassing aboriginal inmates and strapping a half-naked, hooded boy to a chair.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has ordered a Royal Commission in the treatment of children in the detention centre, the most powerful inquiry in the country, rejecting calls for a national inquiry.

U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture, Juan Mendez, told Australia's Radio National on Thursday that the video suggested that torture may have taken place and welcomed the inquiry but warned against limiting its scope.

"It's hard to tell only from the video or the press coverage but I do think that it's a very worrisome development that can amount to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under any circumstance...," he said.

He said that there was no question that very severe pain and suffering had occurred and that the perpetrators seem to be representatives of the state. If others knew and did nothing, they too could be punished alongside those who actually committed the violence, he said.

The footage, showing six aboriginal boys being stripped naked, strapped to a chair with a hood, thrown by the neck into a cell and held for long periods in solitary confinement, was shot between 2010 and 2014 at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre near Darwin in the Northern Territory.

A report into some of the incidents by the Northern Territory Children's Commissioner in 2015 found fault with the guards' behaviour, but the findings were disputed by the then head of prisons and not acted upon, said Australian Broadcasting Corp, who aired the footage.

The Northern Territory's corrections minister was sacked on Tuesday, just hours after the broadcast.

The case highlights concern about the disproportionate numbers of aboriginal youth in custody, with indigenous leaders calling for politicians to deal with the wider issue of the treatment of Aborigines in Australia.

Aborigines comprise just three percent of Australia's population but make up 27 percent of those in prison and represent 94 percent of the Northern Territory's juvenile inmates.

Australia's roughly 700,000 indigenous citizens track near the bottom of almost every economic and social indicator for the country's 23 million people.
Guatemalan judge charges former president in bribery case

GUATEMALA CITY, July 27 (Reuters) - A Guatemalan judge on Wednesday charged former President Otto Perez with money laundering and bribery in a massive corruption case in which 52 others were also accused, including former ministers, business people and lawyers.

Perez and former Vice President Roxana Baldetti are accused of receiving hundreds of bribes for public contracts during their administration.

Perez and Baldetti denied the charges, and the rest of the accused also said they were innocent.

The judge based his decision on evidence presented by the state prosecutor's office and the U.N.- and U.S.-backed International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), which included witness statements, electronic communications, accounting records and other documentation.

Perez and Baldetti resigned and were arrested last year over accusations that they were part of a customs racket, which they also denied.
Romania - Factors to watch on July 28

Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Thursday.

DEBT PLANS

Romania's finance ministry could release its August debt issuance plans. It sold roughly 3.6 billion lei ($894.14 million) of domestic leu debt in July.

CEE MARKETS

Stocks of Polish Bank Pekao fell 4.6 percent on Wednesday after an unconfirmed media report that Italian UniCredit is considering selling its entire stake.

WHEAT

Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) set a tender on Wednesday to buy an unspecified amount of wheat for shipment from Sept. 1-10. GASC is seeking to buy cargoes from the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Poland, Argentina, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria.

France is set to import an unusually large volume of Romanian wheat next month, a deal linked to a spike in French prices amid growing fears of a poor harvest in the European Union's biggest wheat exporter, traders said on Wednesday.

KAZMUNAYGAS

KazMunayGas has challenged Romanian prosecutors' seizure of a Black Sea refinery and other assets owned by the Kazakh energy company and oil group Rompetrol Rafinare, saying it will take the dispute to international arbitration if no solution is found.

ENEL

Romania lost a case against Italy's Enel brought in the International Court of Arbitration in Paris over its alleged failure to meet comitments made when it bought a majority stake in a local power distributor.

DAIRY

French Lactalis plan to buy 342 million lei ($84.94 million) to acquire a full stake in Romanian dairy producer Albalact. Ziarul Financiar

FONDUL PROPRIETATEA

Romania's investment fund Fondul Proprietatea Sa, managed by Franklin Templeton plans to buy back 5.2 percent of its own shares during Aug. 3-Sept. 7 for roughly 484 million lei in an attempt to lower its share capital and narrow the discount between its net asset value and its stock price. Ziarul Financiar

For the long-term Romanian diary, click on

For emerging markets economic events, click on

For an index of all diaries, click on
Poland - Factors to Watch Jul 28

Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

PGE

Poland's top utility PGE said in a statement after market close on Wednesday that it sees its consolidated net profit in the first half of 2016 at about 0.5 billion zlotys ($125.63 million).

PEKAO

Polish insurer PZU may seek help from Polish Development Fund if it buys Poland's No.2 lender Pekao SA, Puls Biznesu daily said without naming its source.

MBANK

Poland's fourth-largest lender by assets, mBank, reported on Thursday an almost 76-percent year-on-year rise in its second-quarter net profit to 388.5 million zlotys ($98.34 million) in the period.

BOND AUCTION

Polish finance ministry will hold a tender at which it will offer bonds worth 5.0-8.0 billion zlotys maturing in 2021, 2022, and 2026. Results of the tender are expected at 0930 GMT.

BREXIT

Poland's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Konrad Szymanski told Dziennik Gazeta Prawna daily that Poland will insist on Britain to allow Poles living there to maintain rights they already received.

BRITISH PM VISIT

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May will visit Poland on Thursday.

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Polish state orders for construction works fell by one third this year and private firms' demand has also fallen, which threatens construction companies future and may be a prelude to a price war, Gazeta Wyborcza daily said.

****Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.****
Slovakia- Factors To Watch on July 28

BRATISLAVA, July 28 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Slovak financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Slovak Republic: GMT + 2 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA======================== Real-time economic data releases.................. Summary of economic data and forecasts......... Recently released economic data................ Previous stories on Slovak data.......... **For a schedule of corporate and economic events: http://emea1.apps.cp.thomsonreuters.com/Apps/CountryWeb/#/1C/events-overview ==========================EVENTS================================ BRATISLAVA - British PM Theresa May will meet Slovak PM Robert Fico to discuss EU issues and Brexit. Related stories: ==========================NEWS================================ SPAIN, PORTUGAL BUDGET: Slovakia, holder of the European Union's rotating presidency, has taken note of the European Commission's proposal to cancel fines for Spain and Portugal over their budget deficits and will seek to conclude the procedure, Finance Minister Peter Kazimir said on Wednesday. Story: Related stories: For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX Main currency report TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets News editor of the day: Jan Lopatka on +420 224 190 474 E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (Reporting by Prague Newsroom)
Countrywide warns on results as Brexit hits property market

July 28 (Reuters) - Countrywide Plc, the UK's biggest lettings and estate agency company, warned on full-year core earnings on Thursday, saying that commercial and London residential transactions had stalled after Britain voted in June to leave the European Union.

Investor and buyer confidence has been rattled by UK property funds suspensions, analyst downgrades and government and agencies warning about a possible fall in prices and demand after the vote.

The company said it would not be able to match 2015's adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). It reported adjusted EBITDA of 113 million pounds ($149 million) last year.

Adjusted pretax profit fell 25 percent to 21.8 million pounds in the six months ended June 30. It cited a hit due to investment and a market slowdown in May and June in the run up to the vote.

"We saw a slowdown in our retail and London residential businesses and, since the EU referendum result this has become more marked in London, the South East and expensive prime markets," the company said in a statement.

"Although it is too early to quantify accurately, we will not meet last year's result at the EBITDA level," it added.

British property website Rightmove said on Wednesday uncertainty created by Brexit had contributed to pushing down property transactions.
With eye on China, India doubles down on container hub ports

By Nidhi Verma and Krishna N. Das

NEW DELHI, July 28 (Reuters) - An Indian conglomerate has started building the country's first transshipment port, conceived 25 years ago, and the government will construct another $4-billion facility nearby to create a shipping hub rivalling Chinese facilities in the region.

New Delhi will grant billionaire Gautam Adani 16 billion rupees ($240 million) so-called "viability gap" funding to help the new port at Vizhinjam, on India's southern tip, win business from established hubs elsewhere in Asia.

Once Vizhinjam, in the state of Kerala, is operational the federal government will start building the port of Enayam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, said a senior shipping ministry official. Enayam alone will save more than $200 million in costs for Indian companies every year, he said.

India's 7,500-km (4,700-mile) coastline juts into one of the world's main shipping routes and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to capitalise on that proximity by developing ports that can shift freight on to huge vessels capable of carrying up to 18,000 20-foot containers.

By bringing onshore cargo handling now done at entrepots in Sri Lanka, Dubai and Singapore, Modi's government expects cargo traffic at its ports to jump by two-thirds by 2021 as India ramps up exports of goods including cars and other machinery.

The lack of an Indian domestic transshipment port forces inbound and outbound containers to take a detour to one of those regional hubs before heading to their final destination.

New Delhi expects the new ports to save Indian companies hundreds of millions of dollars in transport costs, as well as ease concerns over the growing strategic clout in South Asia of rival China, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Sri Lankan ports at Colombo and Hambantota.

Adani wants the Vizhinjam port, which an arm of his Adani Group is building at a cost of around $1 billion, to be operational in 2018. The port lies hard by the Gulf-to-Malacca shipping lane that carries almost a third of world sea freight.

"The port can attract a large share of the container transshipment traffic destined for, or originating from, India which is now being diverted primarily through Colombo, Singapore and Dubai," said an Adani Group executive who declined to be named.

But officials acknowledge that it would be difficult for the new ports to win international clients unless they offered discounts.

"A major part of transshipment is happening at nearby ports. We can win some of that business," said A.S. Suresh Babu, who heads a government agency set up by Kerala to facilitate the construction of Vizhinjam.

"There's a viability issue in the first few years. Already the Chinese are operating there. So unless you give some discount you can't attract these ships. So that's why the government of India has approved the viability gap funding."

CHINESE THREAT

India is worried about China's expanding reach in the region through port investments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. China is also developing Pakistan's Gwadar seaport as part of a $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China had also wanted to partner with an Indian company to build the Vizhinjam port, but its proposal was rejected by the government on grounds of national security.

India has not banned Chinese firms from investing in its ports, but takes a cautious approach as most ports are also used for "strategic purposes", said the shipping ministry source.

That is a euphemism for dual-use port facilities that could also be used by naval vessels. The docking of a Chinese nuclear submarine at Colombo's commercial port in 2014 shocked India's security establishment and has added urgency to New Delhi's push to strengthen its port infrastructure. (http://reut.rs/2a8nKfG)

Vizhinjam port will have dedicated berths for India's navy and coastguard, according to a government note seen by Reuters.

India is also seeking to extend its commercial and strategic reach as it tries to catch up with China, pledging up to $500 million to develop the Iranian port of Chabahar to give it trade access to Iran, Afghanistan and the hinterlands of Central Asia, now largely blocked by Pakistan.

"We want Indian ports to compete with the best ports in the world in various parameters like turnaround time, efficiency, last-mile connectivity, infrastructure etc," India's Shipping Ministry said in a statement to Reuters.

But analysts remain sceptical that India can complete the transshipment ports, given that it has taken a quarter of a century to get the Vizhinjam port plan this far after legal disputes and lack of security clearance from the federal government delayed previous attempts to build it.

"Very few days or weeks pass without news of a new hub port proposal in Southern India," said Andy Lane, a partner at maritime and port consultant CTI Consultancy.

He added that, as Colombo was a "low cost and highly efficient" port, container shipping lines were unlikely to easily consider a switch to India. ($1 = 67.3420 Indian rupees)
Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier

The board earmarked $1.54 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the dredge, designed to keep channels open and supply sand to nourish eroding beaches up and down the York County coast and beyond.
WIDER IMAGE-Taiwan firm's concrete temples save worshippers time and money

By Tyrone Siu

TAIPEI, July 28 (Reuters) - Some companies in Taiwan spend months building temples with bricks and cement, but Lin Fu-Chun's firm simply pours concrete into a giant mould and waits for it to dry.

The 78-year-old Lin said his temple factory, Chuanso, needed just over six weeks to finish a building that normally took six months with conventional methods - and moulding was 40 percent cheaper.

Lin oversees up to 20 builds at a single time at his vast indoor facility in Taiwan's southern county of Pingtung, employing around 100 people to fill the demand for prefabricated temples of different sizes, as well as statues of deities.

The items are also exported, mainly to overseas Taiwanese who want to bring a piece of their culture to new homes in China, Singapore and elsewhere in Asia.

"It's more convenient for some people, who need a smaller temple where they can worship," Lin, who has worked in temple construction for almost 50 years, told Reuters.

Lin started his temple business in 1993, prior to which he sculpted and painted the dragons and phoenixes that feature atop Taiwanese temples. But now he employs others to do that work.

Many of Liu's staff are farmers, who work part-time to help during different phases of the concrete construction method that he says rival firms have copied.

The builds are painted in bright colours and decorated with ornaments before being dispatched around the country on trucks by delivery staff, who add any finishing touches requested by buyers.
Russia says starts humanitarian operation in Aleppo, offers civilians to leave

MOSCOW, July 28 (Reuters) - Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday that the Russian and Syrian militaries would start "a large-scale humanitarian operation" in Aleppo to help residents "who had become hostages of terrorists."

Shoigu said in televised comments three corridors would be established by the Russian and Syrian militaries for civilians to leave the city.
China says to hold drills with Russia in South China Sea

BEIJING, July 28 (Reuters) - China and Russia will hold "routine" naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, China's Defence Ministry said on Thursday, adding that the drills were aimed at strengthening their cooperation and were not aimed at any other country.

The exercises come at a time of heightened tension in the contested waters after an arbitration court in The Hague ruled this month that China did not have historic rights to the South China Sea and criticised its environmental destruction there.

China rejected the ruling and refused to participate in the case.

"This is a routine exercise between the two armed forces, aimed at strengthening the developing China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership," China's defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular monthly news conference.

"The exercise is not directed against third parties."

China and Russia are veto-wielding members of the U.N. Security Council, and have held similar views on many major issues such as the crisis in Syria, putting them at odds with the United States and Western Europe.

Last year, they held joint military drills in the Sea of Japan and the Mediterranean.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest played down the significance of the exercises even though he conceded that the South China Sea was "a sensitive diplomatic topic right now".

"I don't know what exercises they are planning, but in the same way the United States and China have a military-to-military relationship, I'm not surprised that Russia and China are seeking to build upon their military-to-military relationship as well," he told a regular briefing.

China has recently taken part in U.S.-led multinational naval drills in the Pacific and a U.S. defense official said he did not expect the China-Russia exercises to affect U.S. military activity or behaviour in the South China Sea.

"We're not concerned about the safety of U.S. vessels in the region as long as interactions with the Chinese remain safe and professional, which has been the case in most cases," the official said.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims.

China has repeatedly blamed the United States for stoking tension in the region through its military patrols, and of taking sides in the dispute.

The United States has sought to assert its right to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea with its patrols and denies taking sides in the territorial disputes.

Russia has been a strong backer of China's stance on the arbitration case, which was brought by the Philippines.

Yang said China and Russia were comprehensive strategic partners and had already held many exercises this year.
Assad offers amnesty for Syria rebels who lay down arms

BEIRUT, July 28 (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad offered an amnesty on Thursday for rebels who lay down their arms and surrender to authorities within three months.

The amnesty offer, announced on state media, came as pro-government forces tightened their control around rebel-held districts of the northern city of Aleppo, where at least 250,000 civilians are believed to be trapped.
Russia says starts humanitarian operation in Syria's Aleppo

MOSCOW, July 28 (Reuters) - Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday the Russian and Syrian militaries would start a large-scale humanitarian operation in Aleppo during which civilians and militants would be given the chance to leave the city.

Shoigu spoke a day after the Syrian army said it had cut off all supply routes into eastern Aleppo and the government air-dropped leaflets there, asking residents to cooperate with the army and calling on fighters to surrender.

"On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, today, (we will) start a large-scale humanitarian operation together with the Syrian government to help civilians in Aleppo," Shoigu said in televised comments.

He said three safe corridors would be established by the Russian and Syrian militaries for civilians to leave what was once Syria's largest city, but which is now divided between rebel-controlled and government-held sectors.

Shoigu complained that the military had received no information from the United States on Nusra Front and Free Syrian Army locations in Aleppo and would therefore open a fourth corridor for militants in the north of the city and near the Castello road.
Spain's Ciudadanos party says wants government with conservatives, socialists

MADRID, July 28 (Reuters) - Spain's liberal party Ciudadanos ("Citizens") on Thursday said it was ready to take part in a three-way government with the conservatives and the socialists in a bid to unblock Spain's seven-month political stalemate.

The party's leader, Albert Rivera, who met the king on Thursday, said conservative caretaker Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy should step aside if needed to make a deal possible.

Rivera also said that an alternative solution if a three-way agreement could not found would be for other parties to abstain to allow a minority government of Rajoy's People's Party.

"There are two options: a strong government built on consensus or a minority government of the party with the most votes," Rivera told journalists.
U.S. diplomatic strategy on South China Sea appears to founder

By David Brunnstrom and Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - In the lead-up to an international court ruling on China's claims in the South China Sea this month, United States officials talked about rallying a coalition to impose "terrible" costs to Beijing's international reputation if flouted the court's decision.

But just two weeks after the July 12 announcement by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague - which at least on paper, appeared to be a humiliating defeat for China - the U.S. strategy appears to be unraveling and the court's ruling is in danger of becoming irrelevant.

Earlier this year, U.S. officials spoke repeatedly of the need for countries in the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere, including the European Union, to make it clear that the decision of the court should be binding.

"We need to be ready to be very loud and vocal, in harmony together ... to say that this is international law, this is incredibly important, it is binding on all parties," Amy Searight, the then-U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia, said in February.

Then in April, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said China risked "terrible" damage to its reputation if it ignored The Hague's ruling.

The top lawyer from the Philippines, which brought the case against China, even said Beijing risked "outlaw" status.

The United States had backed Manila's case on the grounds that China's claims to 85 percent of the South China Sea, one of the world's busiest trade routes, were a threat to freedom of navigation and international law.

Yet after the international court rejected Beijing's position, the U.S. calls for a united front appear to have made little headway, with only six countries joining Washington in insisting that the decision should be binding.

They include the Philippines, but not several other countries with their own claims to parts of the South China Sea that might benefit if Beijing observed the decision.

China also scored a major diplomatic victory earlier this week, when the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) dropped any reference to the ruling from a joint statement at the end of a meeting of the 10-country group's foreign minister in Laos. This followed objections from Cambodia, Beijing's closest ASEAN ally.

On July 15, the European Union, distracted after Britain's vote to leave the bloc, issued a statement taking note of the ruling, but avoiding direct reference to Beijing or any assertion that the decision was binding.

RULING RISKS IRRELEVANCE

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry expressed satisfaction that ASEAN had issued a communique that championed the rule of law and said the omission of any reference to the arbitration case did not detract from its importance.

He also said it was "impossible" for the ruling to become irrelevant because it is legally binding.

But analysts said it now risks exactly that, not least because Washington has failed to press the issue effectively with its friends and allies.

"We should all be worried that this case is going to go down as nothing more than a footnote because its impact was only as strong as the international community was going to make it," said Greg Poling, a South China Sea expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank.

"And the international community has voted by not saying anything. The consensus seems to be 'We don't care. We don't want to hold China to these standards.'"

Dean Cheng, an expert on China with the Heritage Foundation think-tank, said Washington appeared reluctant to push a tougher line with Beijing - a vital economic partner as well as a strategic rival - with only a few months to go in President Barack Obama's tenure and a presidential election in November.

"What we have is China pushing very hard into the South China Sea, physically, politically, illegally and diplomatically, and the United States refraining from doing very much at all," said Cheng.

One reason for the administration's relative passivity may be its desire to prevent any major escalation of the dispute after the ruling, including further land reclamation by China or the declaration of a new air defense identification zone.
Lower dollar fuels copper's ascent

By Pratima Desai

LONDON, July 28 (Reuters) - Copper climbed on Thursday, boosted by a lower dollar after the U.S. central bank left rates unchanged and some expectations of steady demand in top consumer China.

Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange ended up one percent at $4,896.5 a tonne. The metal used widely in power and construction touched a two-week low of $4,830 a tonne on Wednesday.

The Fed said near-term risks to the economic outlook had diminished, but gave no firm indication of whether it would raise rates at its meeting in September.

Demand for copper in China, which accounts for nearly 50 percent of global consumption estimated at around 22 million tonnes this year, has fallen sharply in recent years as growth and investment spending has slowed.

"Demand is in better shape than many people recognise, we'll likely see pretty good Chinese demand to come due to spending on infrastructure and the power grid," said Dan Smith, analyst at Oxford Economics.

"The pipeline of new copper projects is steadily thinning, $4,900 is relatively cheap for copper, we're more likely to see it higher than lower over the next few months."

However, traders say producers have been hedging or selling their output forward when copper approaches or climbs above the $5,000 a tonne level.

Clues to Chinese demand will come on Monday from surveys of purchasing managers in manufacturing, which probably struggled to grow in July, according to a Reuters survey.

"Apparent copper demand year-to-date in China is up 14 percent, well ahead of estimates at the start of the year when the consensus was flat to small up, similar to 2015," Liberum analysts said in a note.

"The driver has been huge fixed asset investment by the state, particularly in infrastructure, that has offset the decline in private fixed asset investment."

Nickel ended up 3.2 percent at $10,695 a tonne on worries about ore supplies from the Philippines and a pollution-related crackdown in China's nickel pig iron smelters in Linyi city, Shandong.

Three-month aluminium rose 1.1 percent to $1,609, zinc was up 1.3 percent to $2,205, lead rose 0.2 percent to $1,803 and tin added 0.4 percent to $17,775.

PRICES

Three month LME copper

Most active ShFE copper

Three month LME aluminium

Most active ShFE aluminium

Three month LME zinc

Most active ShFE zinc

Three month LME lead

Most active ShFE lead

Three month LME nickel

Most active ShFE nickel

Three month LME tin
Germany should extradite Turkish prosecutors linked to cleric -foreign minister

ANKARA, July 28 (Reuters) - Some prosecutors with links to the U.S.-based cleric Turkey blames for orchestrating an abortive military coup have fled to Germany and the Berlin government should extradite them, Turkey's foreign minister said on Thursday.
Toronto cop jailed for six years in rare Canada police conviction

TORONTO, July 28 (Reuters) - A Toronto policeman was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday in the shooting death of a teenager three years ago that led to a rare conviction in Canada, where activists say police too often get off easy in brutality cases.

The 2013 shooting, which occurred after an altercation on a streetcar with the teen, who was brandishing a knife, was caught on video and led to widespread protests in Toronto.

James Forcillo was found guilty of attempted murder in January for firing additional shots at the teenager, whom he had already shot three times. He was acquitted of second-degree murder on a determination that the initial shots he fired were justified, but the second volley was not.

Forcillo's sentencing in the case comes days after the death of a mentally ill black man after his arrest by police in Ottawa.

The deaths echo similar events in the United States, where allegations of police brutality and racial bias have sparked protests. Some confrontations in the United States were also caught on video.

Last year, a Toronto police officer shot and killed Andrew Loku, a 45-year-old Sudanese immigrant with a history of mental illness. No charges were filed.

Crown prosecutors had sought an eight to 10 year sentence for Forcillo, while defense lawyers argued for two years of house arrest.
Nicaraguan local police commissioner gunned down outside Managua

MANAGUA, July 28 (Reuters) - Unidentified assailants shot dead a police commissioner from Nicaragua's central region around midnight, a law enforcement official said on Thursday, in the first assassination of a high-level police officer in the country in more than a decade.

Francisco Diaz, a deputy chief of the national police force, told local television station Channel 8 that Commissioner Buenaventura Miranda was heading home in Boaco, a city about 56 miles (90 km) northeast of the capital Managua, when he was attacked.

"The preliminary information is that he was murdered outside his home," Diaz said.
Energias de Portugal net profit falls on one-offs, in line

LISBON, July 28 (Reuters) - EDP-Energias de Portugal posted on Thursday a 20 percent fall in first-half net profit, largely in line with market expectations, due to one-off gains a year ago and a foreign exchange impact in Brazil, while its revenues from electricity sales rose.

Portugal's largest company netted 472 million euros ($523.64 million) in the period. Analysts surveyed by Reuters had expected, on average, a profit of 467 million euros.

CEO Antonio Mexia said the results were strong despite the decline in net profit as recurring profit reached 517 million euros, 20 percent higher than in the same period a year earlier.

Gross revenues rose 8 percent to nearly 3 billion euros, helped by a 5 percent increase in capacity - most of it at EDP's wind energy unit EDPR in the United States and Brazil.

Operating costs were stable at 759 million euros, EDP said.

"The operational performance was strong in all regions and the first half leads us to be very comfortable with the guidance we have given the market, including in the financial part and in reducing debt," Mexia told Reuters.

The company has said it expects full-year net profit in 2016 of 900 million euros.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) slipped 3 percent to 2.07 billion euros, slightly exceeding the average forecast of 2.03 billion euros.

EDP said that without one-offs, such as the acquisition at a discount of a stake in Brazil's Pecem I plant last year and the sale of Spanish gas assets, its EBITDA would have risen 15 percent and net profit would have been 20 percent higher than a year ago.

The depreciation of the Brazilian real against the euro had an impact of 78 million euros on EBITDA this year.

Net debt at the utility fell 5 percent to just below 16.5 billion euros. EDP's net financial position comprised by cash flow and available loans totalled 5.6 billion euros, which the company said covered its financing needs until after 2018.
We live in a time that is marred by rampant violation of human rights. People are killed in Pakistan in the name of blasphemy and are forced to live in fear.

But who should certify if others have faith in religion or not? Should it be left to a particular individual or group? Is the faith of that individual or group above all doubts then?

The fact is, no one can certify or question others' faith; it's a something very personal to the individual.

However, religion is misused to kill people in the name of blasphemy and the politicians of Pakistan are aware of this. Yet the government is not able to bring a change in the law to rectify this, nor are people allowed to debate a possible law, lest they are accused of blasphemy.

People have been targeted in the name of blasphemy in the Punjab province, and also in Sindh - the hub of Sufism, and a place where the majority of the Hindus of Pakistan live.

Two Hindu boys attacked in Sindh over blasphemy allegations. (Photo: Twitter/@HafeezPPP.)

Hindus in Sindh had been facing forced conversion and murder. Recently, during Ramzan, an 80-year-old Hindu man from the Ghotki district of Sindh was brutally assaulted by a policeman for having food before iftar (the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramzan fast at sunset).

In another incident, a Hindu man, Amar Lal, was arrested on July 26 for allegedly desecrating the holy Quran. With a mob threatening to burn him alive, the police shifted him to an undisclosed location. The police claim Amar is suffering from psychotic disorder.

Then two young Hindu boys, Avinash and Sateesh Kumar, were targeted by a mob also on the charge of desecrating the Quran. While Avinash is in a critical condition, Sateesh has reportedly died.

Sindh was in the news recently when Hindus in the region raised objections over the sale of shoes with "Om" inscribed on them. Hindus had staged massive protests in the region over reports of sale of such footwear.

Section 295 (B) of the Pakistan Penal Code deals with blasphemy under which over 1,300 people have been accused of blasphemy from 1987 to 2014. The vast majority of the accusations were lodged for desecration of the Quran.

It is the responsibility of the State to review its laws which are mostly used by mobs to target innocent people from the minority communities.
We are known here for our very good breakfast, lunch and dinner, said Bashay Bashay, the manager of the Hi Life Diner on the Carlisle Pike in Hampden Township. We treat everybody just like family, Bashay added proudly and with a large smile.

On Tuesday afternoon, there was something extra special on the menu.

Its a little bit fragile, said Glyn Nightingale, as he gingerly removed a metal object from a cardboard box.

Nightingale traveled from England to deliver the package to Jim Alspaugh of Carlisle. He made the hand-off at a table in the diner.

Shiny and new, it wasnt. It was an old, rusty canteen.

If you look on the bottom, you can see the initials JRA, Nightingale explained.

JRA for John Alspaugh, Jims brother, who died in 1994.

There you go, Nightingale said. Back to the family.

With that, an important heirloom was returned to its heirs. The canteen was last used by John in July 1944 in Normandy, France about a month after D-Day. John Alspaugh was a member of the 83rd Infantry Division, A Company.

Nightingale happens to spend half the year in Normandy, France, where he owns a home. He says the 83rd walked through what is now his backyard. One of his neighbors, a Frenchman named Simone, dug up Alspaughs canteen and turned it over to Nightingale, who is a World War II researcher and sleuth.

Digging up artifacts and the clues to their origin, Nightingale says, is far easier than digging up the relatives of soldiers who owned the stuff. Hes had Alspaughs canteen since 2009.

The difficult bit is to get the Americans to answer the phone, Nightingale said. I struggle with that, being English, they think its a scam.

Nightingale says a Facebook page devoted to the 83rd was a big help. Ironically, it was started by Camp Hills Mark Miller, whos father, Mallon, served in the same unit as John Alspaugh. Miller said he never expected the page would be so popular and said it now has more than a thousand members.

Its not the first time Facebook has assisted in reuniting artifacts with soldiers or their families.

Its like hitting the lottery, it really is, Miller said.

He was thrilled to play a role in Tuesdays reunion so close to his hometown.

Sure, its beat up. Yeah, its got a couple of pock marks in it. But that doesnt matter, Miller said. Its the canteen that belonged to his brother and thats priceless, just priceless.

In terms of dollars and cents, the canteen is actually worthless. But for Jim, its a tangible piece of Johns life in the war. Jim says his brother never talked about his service after coming home and becoming a state workerwhich is shocking because he had lots to tell.

John Alspaugh was in the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded and earned a Purple Heart. He earned a bravery medal. Theres even a photo of John shaking hands with General George Patton.

And now theres a weathered hunk of metal that might just be the best thing Jims ever been served in a diner.

It means the world to me, Jim said.

Why?

A simple question that caused the 79-year-olds eyes to fill with tears.

Because it was my brother.
C.S. Lewis once wrote: Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you...into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole...you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature: either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself.

Sunday night, when I hit the send button on my computer, and sent my column thousands of miles away to my editor, the central part of me turned a little in the wrong direction, because I chose to send a column which was neither fair nor balanced.

And if Id left it that way, that small choice wouldve helped turn that central part of me into something a little different from what it was before, as Lewis wrote. So I did the right thing and asked my editor to grant me some time to make things right.

I believe with all my heart, as a country we are in a very bad place. After watching the Republican National Convention last week my eyes were opened to the fact that the GOP, with which I once aligned myself, is not much different ideologically than the Democratic Party. During speeches, I saw delegates cheering mindlessly when liberal policies and non-Christian values flowed from the podium and others booed the only person in the hall who spoke about conservative principles. I also heard the nominee say during his acceptance speech: I am your voice, I alone can fix it. I will restore law and order. Mr. Trump did not in any way suggest he needs Gods help or our prayers or assistance. Thats scary.

As I wrote my column, a flashing red light was going off in my conscience, but because I am diehard anti-Hillary, I convinced myself it was okay to selectively ignore things I heard that I knew in my heart were not right.

On the other hand, things arent right with Democrats either. Most of us believed the political system is rigged and now we have WikiLeaks to thank for releasing 19,252 Democratic National Committee emails showing that staffers favored Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders during the 2016 primary race. Sanders people have taken to the streets. And although I dont agree with them ideologically, what happened is wrong.

Its also wrong the DNCs speaker lineup excludes widows and family members of police killed in the line of duty but includes relatives of police shooting victims. Thats upside-down. And surely well hear our fill of gun control rhetoric, although we all know from what we see happening in Europe that gun control does absolutely nothing to control what really ails this world: the depravity of the human heart.

So here we are in 2016. Pardon the French, but our choices suck. The dwindling conservatives among us must find a way to somehow hold fast to what we believe, but still vote. Like it or not, no matter how well a third party might fare, either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will haul their personal belongings to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in January.

But, theres more than that to consider. As close as I was to voting third party or sitting this election out, I had to come to grips with the fact that my choice might leave the next generation less safe, more anti-Christian, less just, with bad Supreme Court choices and less free.

I have no choice but to vote, so I must make that decision bathed in prayer in hopes that my choice will turn the central part of me a little farther away from hell and a little closer to harmony with God.

Susan Stamper Brown lives in Alaska and writes about culture, politics and current events. Her columns are syndicated by CagleCartoons.com. Email her at writestamper@gmail.com.
Thanks to WikiLeaks, which has released nearly 20,000 emails hacked from the Democratic National Committee  with promises of more to come  we have proof the party that styles itself as inclusive, diverse and tolerant isnt.

Among the delectable tidbits on which Republicans are feasting are these: one male DNC staffer wrote another male staffer saying I love you and added no homo. Another DNC email referred to Latino voters as taco bowl outreach. Now ousted DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is exposed as a liar for falsely claiming she was not working behind the scenes to defeat Sen. Bernie Sanders and secure the Democratic nomination for Hillary Clinton.

DNC chief financial officer Brad Marshall violated what is for Democrats a sacred doctrine of church-state separation when he wrote in an email to DNC CEO Amy Dacey about Sanders religious beliefs: Ask his belief. Does he believe in a God. He had skated on saying he has a Jewish heritage. I think I read he is an atheist. This could make several points difference with my peeps. My Southern Baptist peeps would draw a big difference between a Jew and an atheist.

Dacey replied, AMEN.

Disclosure of this email particularly outraged the Center for Inquiry, a secular group, which issued a statement that reads in part: We found it appalling that anyone within the Democratic National Committee would casually suggest attacking a candidate for their alleged atheism. Entertaining such a cynical and bigoted line of attack violates any number of basic American principles: It presumes a religious test for holding office, something expressly prohibited in the Constitution.

Amen!

Of further interest is evidence of collusion between the DNC and the media. Conservatives already believe most journalists favor all things Democrat, and this should help seal the deal in their minds. According to Breitbart, Ken Vogel, a reporter for Politico, sent a copy of a story he wrote to the DNCs deputy communications director before showing it to his editor. Per agreement, said the subject line. Should reporters be making agreements with a political party?

Numerous other examples of the cozy relationship between reporters and the DNC  along with examples of media bias  can be found at newsbusters.org. Expect the promised additional emails to add more to the publics dislike of journalists.

Thanks to WikiLeaks, the unity Democrats had hoped to present to the country at their convention makes last weeks Republican convention look like something out of Roberts Rules of Order. Supporters of Bernie Sanders are right to be outraged. The emails showing the DNC maneuvered to guarantee Hillary Clintons nomination prove his point. The system IS rigged.

Democrat operatives are spinning webs of conspiracy theories, hoping to divert public attention and perception. Hillary Clintons campaign manager, Robby Mook, is saying Russia hacked DNC emails to help Donald Trump win the election. It makes the conspiracy theory about Sen. Ted Cruzs father helping JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald look tame by comparison. Democrats are desperate to change the narrative from the contents of the emails to who hacked and released them.

As in so many other instances, the DNC emails make the Democrats and their numerous media allies look like cynical manipulators of public opinion. It is the modern equivalent of The Pentagon Papers, but unlike those documents, which helped topple a president, the major media can be relied on to do all they can to keep from reporting the most damaging of the emails or make excuses for those who sent them.

Perhaps reporters will even submit their stories in advance for approval by the DNC. Republicans and Donald Trump have been handed a gift. They should exploit it right up until the election.

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.
India-US ink $1 billion deal to buy four Poseidon-8I aircraft

Published: July 28, 2016

India has signed a defence deal with United States worth over $1 billion to purchase four additional Poseidon-8I (P8I) long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

This deal is a follow-up order to the eight P-81 aircrafts that are already bought by India in a direct deal with Boeings Indian subsidiary in 2009.

The acquisition of additional four P-8I aircraft will give the Indian Navy much-needed punch to build up its naval surveillance capabilities.

About Poseidon-8I (P8I) aircraft

The P-8I is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the US Navy. It is capable of broad area, maritime and littoral operations.

It is equipped with the sophisticated Harpoon missiles, lightweight torpedoes and rockets. The Indian Navy is the first international customer for the P-8I.

Indian Navy has been using the P-8I to keep watch over the Indian Ocean. The P-8I fleet of Indian Navy is based at naval air station Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016

Topics: Current Affairs 2016  Defence  defence deals  India-US  Indian Navy  P8I

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Union Cabinet approves key changes to GST Constitutional Amendment Bill

Published: July 28, 2016

The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the GST (goods & services tax) constitutional amendment Bill in order to incorporate suggestions made by states.

This decision follows a crucial meeting of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers on GST with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Cabinet has approved

Removal of 1% additional tax on inter-state sales as proposed in the Constitutional Bill.

Removal of 1% additional manufacturing levy tax by manufacturing States from the Bill.

Inclusion of five years compensation clause for state governments for any loss that they may incur.

Adjudication of dispute between states and the Union Government by the GST Council, which will have representation from both the Centre and states.

Background

In the meeting of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers, States had agreed that the 1% additional levy be removed from the Bill. They also had agreed to include 100% compensation formula in the Bill for the first five years of the implementation of the GST.

For Detailed Analysis: Goods and Services Tax

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016

Topics: Bills and Acts  Business  Cabinet Decisions  Economy  Goods and services tax  National

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     :     ; -  CM      ?;  -  
The U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights has opened a new sexual assault investigation at the University of Virginia, according to a report obtained Thursday.

Departments spokeswoman Dorie Turner Nolt confirmed Thursday that the office had opened a Title IX investigation at UVa on July 22. Nolt said the investigation involves facts that were not covered as part of the offices investigation into Title IX violations at UVa that was launched in 2011 and ended in September.

Title IX is a federal law, enacted in 1972, that prohibits discrimination in educational institutions based on gender.

Nolt said she could not provide details about the investigation, but a spokesman for UVa said Thursday that the university was aware that a former male student had filed a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights alleging that he was discriminated against in the Title IX investigation process based on his gender and disability.

Officials would not say whether the male was an alleged victim or perpetrator.

The spokesman did not provide more details, but said UVa is fully cooperating with the investigation.

The Office for Civil Rights previous, multiyear investigation into UVas Title IX violations ended in September after UVa overhauled its policies for handling cases of sexual assault. According to the office, the university made satisfactory changes, including the creation of a designated Title IX coordinator position to ensure that UVa was in compliance with the law. UVa alumna Kelley B. Hodge was hired to that position last year, but resigned from the post in May. Catherine Spear, the assistant vice president for equal opportunity programs, has served in her stead since.

Other policy changes included new measures to protect accusers at the beginning of an investigation by hiring a full-time sexual assault investigator and a review panel made up entirely of trained staff and faculty. The university also implemented new training programs and reached out to students for feedback on the schools policies. UVa received about 600 student comments after the new policies were posted.

These important efforts are commendable and speak to a university commitment to embrace its Title IX responsibilities and promote a safe learning environment, read a letter from the Office for Civil Rights last September.

UVas old policies for handling sexual misconduct complaints had been sharply criticized for failing to eliminate a hostile environment and provide a prompt and equitable response. For instance, one case took nine months to reach a resolution, leading UVa to institute a new policy that strives to resolve complaints within 60 days unless there is good cause to delay it.

In recent years, campus sexual assault has become a hot-button issue across the country. At the time of the original investigation, UVa was one of 130 institutions around the country under review for Title IX investigations. Those institutions were accused of mishandling cases of sexual assault, harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence.

As of Wednesday, 202 postsecondary institutions, including several elite universities, are now under investigation for 260 different cases of sexual violence. From Virginia, that list includes the College of William & Mary, James Madison University, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University and Washington and Lee University, in addition to UVa.
Knee-jerk reactions and nuggets of wisdom both were on display at this weeks public comment period held by a Charlottesville commission on the issues of race and public spaces.

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces was formed primarily as the result of protests against the presence of statues of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson in the city parks bearing their names.

From the outset, though, the commissions mission was expanded to include consideration of how Charlottesville might better represent other viewpoints and other significant historical figures in its public parks.

Of the 30 or so people who spoke, a vast majority endorsed keeping the statues. Only five advocated removing them.

Those minority viewpoints are important. They represent a deeply held and often emotionally painful point of view: The statues symbolize the Confederacy, which was linked to slavery, which was a crime against humanity. For many today, this feels like a personal affront. And whether or not Wednesdays speakers phrased their opposition in exactly these terms, they stand for a larger group of residents who experience the statues in these terms.

Within the larger contingent who spoke for keeping the statues were some nuanced opinions that deserve careful consideration. Many ideas were not new, but they continue to offer the best meeting ground for possible agreement.

Speakers referenced the danger of attempting to revise or sanitize our history. The past is a compilation of factual events, and seeking to retroactively scrub this history clean of its flaws is tantamount to denying certain factual truths.

However, many critics argue that the statues place the Confederate generals in heroic poses, which is itself an unfactual portrayal of the truth, saying: There was nothing heroic about the slaveholding South or its defense.

Opponents will continue to argue this point of view, saying: The South was about more than slavery; Lee was an honorable man in so many ways; etc.

However, we should be able to stipulate that slavery was a part of the picture 155 years ago  and that slavery is offensive.

From this acknowledgment, we should be able to work together to create a fuller version of the truth that acknowledges the picture from more angles.

If the statues are moved, they should be relocated to a space that would protect their artistic and historic integrity  as well as protect them physically from crimes such as vandalism.

Whether moved or not, their context should be better interpreted in light of more evolved viewpoints on race relations.

And whether moved or not, they should be augmented and balanced by new monuments to other notable Virginians and Americans, especially those African-American leaders who have contributed to our evolution on race relations.

We have an historic opportunity here to get this interpretation right. We cant change history, and we shouldnt pretend that such is possible.

But we can change our understanding of history  and improve our understanding of other points of view in this volatile period of transformation.
In a recent interview with the Loudoun Times, the Republican lawmaker said: If we do not win this election, Hillary Clinton is going to appoint three to five Supreme Court justices, and they will be hard-core Marxists, leftists. They will not be judges in any respect. They will be politicians. I really believe this will be the last opportunity that we ever have to have an open vote as a republic. Anybody who thinks, well, well stand out of this and four years later, well come back  were not going to have another chance. This is it  either we win or its all over.
Many people find that volunteering their time and attention to a worthy cause or organization fulfills a need to give back to their community or to the world as a whole.

For those with a sincere interest and liking for older adults, volunteering as a long-term care ombudsman can make a significant difference in the lives of the people who live and make their home in a long-term care nursing or assisted living facility.

We have volunteers that have been with this program for more than 20 years, said Long Term Care Ombudsman Director Jan McFerron at Aging Matters in Cape Girardeau. Weve got many that have been doing it for 15, for 10 or more and many for five or more years.

According to McFerron, the ombudsman program is an advocacy group for the residents of facilities across 18 counties in southeast Missouri.

The program gives these residents opportunities to establish trusting relationships with trained volunteers who are well-informed and objective, who listen to their concerns and respect the residents privacy and confidentiality.

Ombudsman volunteers go about two to four times a month to visit the facility, she said, after theyve been trained and have been given an introduction and orientation to their assigned facility.

Volunteers go through 18 to 20 hours of training before certification and placement. The ombudsman then receives an orientation to the facility and its procedures prior to making regular contact with the residents.

Most all nursing homes fully understand what the role of the long-term care ombudsman is, said McFerron, and understand that the goal of the program is to help the staff and administrators of each facility provide the best holistic care for their residents.

Once the volunteer starts visiting the nursing home, they will visit with as many residents as possible and just do friendly visiting, she said. But at the same time, theyre educated to be a good listener and to try to explain to the resident what theyre there for. Theyre there to be their friend and their advocate and if they have any complaints or concerns that they wish to share with the volunteer, then theyre there to listen to it and to be the go-between.

They are the third set of eyes and ears and are an observer for the residents. If a resident has a concern, the ombudsman takes it to the designated staff contact and tries to resolve the problem before it becomes a larger problem.

Residents in nursing homes have rights mandated by federal and state law. The Ombudsman Program was established by the Older Americans Act to be a "voice" for residents in long-term care facilities, assuring that resident rights are upheld. The program seeks to advocate for individual residents as well as inform the public regarding nursing home issues.

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is currently seeking volunteers throughout the region. If you are at least 21 years old, have available transportation and possess a genuine care and concern for older adults, you can become a volunteer ombudsman.

While most volunteers become ombudsmen who visit residents, there are many volunteer positions available in the program. At the present time ombudsman volunteers are needed in the Farmington and Park Hills area.

To take advantage of the volunteer opportunities or to learn more about the Ombudsman Program please contact McFerron or Assistant LTC Ombudsman Director Emily Smith at Aging Matters at 573-335-3331 or 1-800-392-8771.
DEAR ABBY: I am a large, overweight woman. I have been in the process of losing weight for more than five years. I got married three years ago to an amazing guy. He's the sweetest man I have ever met.

Something he said recently really bothers me. He said he thinks I'm fat. While I know I'm fat -- and admit it out loud -- I never thought it was appropriate for your significant other to say it to you.

I am at a loss as to what to do because he is right, but it hurts my feelings that he not only thinks it but says it. I have tried talking to him about how it makes me feel, but he just shrugs his shoulders. He sees nothing wrong with calling me fat. What do you think? -- BIG GIRL IN CHAMPAIGN, ILL.

DEAR BIG GIRL: If you call yourself fat, then it's possible your husband didn't think his doing so would hurt your feelings. Straighten him out. And when you do, tell him what other terms you would prefer he use (i.e., "big and beautiful," "bountiful and bodacious," etc.).

Point out that whether it is a large or small amount, getting weight off is difficult. Also, it's not unusual for people who are hurting to eat more in order to compensate. He married you when you were heavier, so he should be aware not only that you're making progress, but also that you need his support.

DEAR ABBY: I'm 30 and have lived with my boyfriend, "Shane," for two years. We spend lots of time together, our families socialize and we have a good relationship. My problem is Shane's use of social media. He takes a lot of pictures and posts them online while we're together, but I am never in them and he never mentions that I'm there.

Example: We took trips to Las Vegas, New York and Jamaica. He posted dozens of pictures of himself, but none of us together. When we go to nice restaurants, he shoots pictures of the food and solo selfies, but never mentions that I'm there, too. He has female friends I have never met who comment on all his fabulous adventures.

It appears to me that Shane has created an online image as an exciting, jet-setting single guy. But when I say that, he tells me I am being "immature." I am considering ending the relationship because of this. What do you think? -- OUT OF THE PICTURE

DEAR OUT OF THE PICTURE: When a couple has been living together for two years and spends the majority of their time together, their friends usually know they are involved. That Shane has cultivated an image of himself online as fancy-free seems strange to me, too. It may be that he is self-centered, or that he's not as committed to your relationship as you would like him to be.

When you tell a person something bothers you, and that person not only doesn't do something about it but blames you, it's a red flag. But if everything else in the relationship is as fine as you say, it doesn't have to be a deal-breaker. I assume you have a social media presence of your own. I suggest that you fill it with lots of pictures of Shane, the two of you together and the places you're going together.

DEAR ABBY: I have been getting together with a group of ladies for many years now. Husbands and boyfriends are welcome but rarely come. We enjoy meeting at each other's houses and at restaurants every few months.

We are having a problem with one member, "Gail," who is envious of "Rose," a still-beautiful former model. Gail has been making remarks that Rose "must have had work done" on her face to be able to retain her looks for so long. (I think it is a combination of good genes, sunscreen and incredible bone structure.)

What Rose has or hasn't done is none of Gail's business. Rose is aware of Gail's jealousy, and it puts a damper on our good times and our caring attitudes toward one another. We wish Gail would drop out. Her remarks need to stop. Have you any ideas on how we can deal with this problem? -- CLUB MEMBER IN THE SOUTHWEST

DEAR CLUB MEMBER: I sure do. The person closest to Gail needs to tell her, privately, that the catty comments make everyone uncomfortable, and if she doesn't stop, she will no longer be welcome in the group.

DEAR ABBY: Several months ago I spoke to a doctor friend about some medical issues my wife was experiencing. He specializes in this particular area. When he advised my wife to come into the office, I told him it was not a good time for us financially. He said not to worry about it.

We made the appointment, and about two months later the bill arrived. We are on a high-deductible health plan and the bill is not cheap. How can I discuss this with my friend without offending? I don't want to sound presumptuous -- I know this is his livelihood -- but we would have stuck it out until we were better off financially. -- FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY

DEAR "DIFFICULTY": Call your friend the doctor and explain the situation. If you do, he may reduce the amount of his bill or, alternatively, agree to a payment plan that you can manage.

DEAR ABBY: Some time ago I was descending an escalator when a suitcase belonging to the woman ahead of me got stuck. She had put the bag in front of her, and the wheels had caught on one of the steps. When she reached the bottom of the escalator, she fell over her suitcase, and then I fell over her. I scrambled on my hands and knees as fast as I could to get out of the way of the dozens of people behind us, visualizing a pileup and injuries.

Fortunately, an attendant quickly grabbed the suitcase, and no one was hurt. As he did he said, "NEVER put a suitcase ahead of you on an escalator! Always carry it behind you so you can control it!" I hope this letter will save others from what could be a dangerous situation. -- AVOIDED A PILEUP IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR AVOIDED: Whoa! So do I. Thank you for the warning.

DEAR ABBY: Recently my wife was out for some training all day on a Saturday. Our 11-year-old daughter had been invited to a birthday party on the same day, so I was to drop her off. My wife and daughter told me the birthday party "might or might not" be a sleepover party. My daughter would inform me at the end of the party if she were spending the night.

I wanted to know at the time I dropped her off whether she was going to be sleeping over. My wife claimed I "didn't need" to know. She accused me of being unreasonable, and said it was OK for me to find out at the end of the party. I don't mean to be picky, but as a dad was I being unreasonable? -- RESPONSIBLE PARENT IN OREGON

DEAR PARENT: No. As the parent responsible for your daughter that day, you had every right to know what the plans would be so you could plan your own evening. When the invitation was issued, that information should have been conveyed so your daughter would be prepared and take along her pajamas and toothbrush.

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
Since 2014, Dalhousie has been welcoming youth from the provinces African Nova Scotian community to campus each summer, showing them they belong and are welcome in the health sciences fields.



Organized by PLANS (Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotian Students), the annual African Nova Scotian Health Sciences camp invites students in grades 8-11 to learn about opportunities and careers in fields like medicine, dentistry and other health professions  areas where visible minorities are still underrepresented.



This years camp, which took place in early July, saw participation more than double in size to 39 (up from 19 last year) thanks in part to support from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, a U.S.-based foundation that seeks to improve access to education for underrepresented groups. Last fall, the foundation committed to matching all donor gifts to PLANS and Dals Aboriginal Health Sciences Initiative, up to $1 million.



As part of that extended scope, the camp has expanded its reach to Cape Breton. Students in grades 8-11 can now learn about the various health professions at Cape Breton University.



I hope the students take away new friendships, excitement about their futures and hope that they can have a career in health and be successful, says Michelle Patrick, program coordinator at PLANS. I also hope they will tell their friends so we can continue to grow even more.

Mentors and role models





Current African Nova Scotian students enrolled in Health Sciences programs at Dalhousie act as camp counselors for attendees, allowing them to guide and mentor the younger students and show them what they can achieve.



Liette Williams, a fourth-year Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound student, has been working with the camp for three years.



I saw advertising for the camp through Dalhousie and thought it would be a great thing to get involved with, she says. I didnt know of opportunities like this when I was trying to decide what to do after high school. I hope this camp encourages students to pursue a career in the Health Professions.



This camp is awesome because it exposes the students to career paths that they may have never thought of, says Rukevwe Erhenede, a fourth-year Dal student studying Microbiology and Immunology, who worked at the camp for the first time this year. This will be my first year working at the camp, I think its always good to give back to the community so I decided it would be really cool to mentor students who are interested in the health professions. Im looking to go into dentistry so I thought this would be a nice way to tell some people what its like to be in the health professions and get African Nova Scotian students interested in that path.



Both Liette and Rukevwe believe lack of support and encouragement plays a key role in the underrepresentation of African Nova Scotians in the Health Professions.



They need more people to tell them that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, said Rukevwe. They need more people to believe in them."
Rolls-Royce added in a results statement that it took a vast 2.3-billion hit from the value of its US dollar hedgebook after the shock June 23 EU exit referendum.

London: British engine maker Rolls-Royce said Thursday it plunged into a first-half net loss on a vast accounting charge sparked by a post-Brexit collapse in the pound.

The group posted a loss after taxation of 1.77 billion ($2.32 billion, 2.11 billion euros) in the six months to the end of June, which contrasted with a net profit of ?360 million last year.

Rolls-Royce added in a results statement that it took a vast 2.3-billion hit from the value of its US dollar hedgebook after the shock June 23 EU exit referendum, but the group stressed it made an underlying profit.

The company's hedgebook, which stood at $35 billion in late June, is aimed at smoothing out the impact of currency fluctuations in the long term.

Adjusted pre-tax profit meanwhile stood at 104 million for the reporting period, down almost 80 percent from a year earlier.

That beat forecasts for a loss of 19 million and helped send the group's share price 17 per cent higher in late morning deals. Underlying sales meanwhile declined five per cent to 6.14 billion.

In recent years, Rolls-Royce has issued a series of gloomy profit warnings on the back of weak demand in its aerospace and marine markets.

Chief executive Warren East, who has overseen a drastic restructuring after taking charge in July 2015, declared Thursday that the group was on course to deliver a stronger second half.

He added that the engine maker's 2016 outlook was unchanged.

"Our reported profits are affected by the fact that we have to value our currency hedge book on the last day of the period, and that mark-to-market valuation creates a charge," East told reporters on a conference call.

"And because of the events shortly before the end of June, then as we all know, the pound versus dollar and other currencies move fairly significantly, and so in this case, the affect is just over 2.0 billion, and that obviously has a big impact on our reported profit.

"But it has no impact on what's going on in the business, or on cash. It's accounting."

The group's transformation programme is meanwhile set to deliver 50 million of annualised savings this year, out of 200 million targeted by end-2017.

"We have taken some positive first steps on the journey that will lead Rolls-Royce to profitable and highly cash generative growth," added East.

"In the first six months, we have made progress with our business transformation; introducing the greater pace and simplicity required to make Rolls-Royce a more resilient company."

The company has in recent years suffered from weak maritime engine sales due to the recent oil price slump, while poor demand for long-haul air travel has hit maintenance revenues.
The Japanese giant, which has held the title for four years running, was outsold by Volkswagen in the first half of 2016.

Tokyo: Toyota is in danger of losing its crown as the world's biggest automaker this year as sales fall behind those of German rival Volkswagen, new figures showed Thursday.

The Japanese giant, which has held the title for four years running, was outsold by Volkswagen in the first half of 2016, as key North American sales fell and disaster-linked factory stoppages hit production.

The Camry and Prius maker sold 4.99 million vehicles in the six months through June, edging down from a year earlier. Volkswagen sold 5.12 million vehicles globally in the same period, also ahead of third-placed General Motors which moved 4.76 million vehicles.

The German automaker had pulled ahead of Toyota in the first half of 2015 as well, until a massive emissions cheating scandal dented sales. This year, Toyota saw first-half unit sales fall in North America -- a key market -- while US sales of its popular Prius hybrid fell by one-quarter.

The company was also hit by plant shutdowns linked to deadly earthquakes in Japan earlier this year. Toyota previously warned that its annual net profit will fall as a stronger yen, and a slowdown in Chinese growth and other emerging markets, dent its bottom line.

Toyota, among other major automakers, has also been struggling to recover a reputation for safety after the recall of millions of cars around the world for various problems, including a deadly exploding air bag crisis at supplier Takata.

In 2008, Toyota broke GM's decades-long reign as the world's top automaker but lost the crown three years later as Japan's 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster hammered production and disrupted the supply chains of the country's automakers.

In 2012, Toyota again overtook its Detroit rival, which sells the Chevrolet and luxury Cadillac brands, to grab the top spot globally.
Calling Khanna the first and the last superstar of his times, Salim said an actor has to be extraordinary to rule the industry.

Mumbai: Scriptwriter Salim Khan has criticised Naseeruddin Shah for his comments that superstar Rajesh Khanna was responsible for bringing mediocrity in Bollywood in the 70s.

Recently, in an interview, Shah said that 70s was the time when mediocrity came in Hindi films and also when Khanna joined the industry, who according to him was a poor actor.

Calling Khanna the first and the last superstar of his times, Salim said an actor has to be extraordinary to rule the industry and peoples hearts for long.

An actor passed my house and saw a big crowd waiting for Salman. He called me up to say he has not seen anything like this before. I told him I have seen bigger crowds many times outside Rajesh Khannas house, Salim wrote on Twitter.

An actor passed my house and saw a big crowd waiting for Salman he called me up to say he has not seen anything like this before.  Salim Khan (@luvsalimkhan) July 27, 2016

I told him I have seen bigger crowds many times outside Rajesh Khannas house. He was the first and the last superstar of the millenium.  Salim Khan (@luvsalimkhan) July 27, 2016

He was the first and the last superstar of the millennium. Anyone calling him a mediocre actor should know that no one can reach these heights unless he has something extraordinary to offer, he continued.

Anyone calling him a mediocre actor should know that no one can reach these heights unless he has something extraordinary to offer.  Salim Khan (@luvsalimkhan) July 27, 2016

Frustration and bitterness are difficult to cure but carrying the same for such a long time is unheard of  Salim Khan (@luvsalimkhan) July 27, 2016

In an apparent reference to Shah, the Sholay writer said, Frustration and bitterness are difficult to cure but carrying the same for such a long time is unheard of.

Salim, 80, is the latest celebrity to slam Shah for his remarks after stars like Khannas daughter Twinkle and filmmaker Karan Johar criticised actor.

After Twinkle Khanna and Karan Johar blasted Naseeruddin Shah for calling the late actor Rajesh Khanna  Twinkles father  a limited, poor actor, Shah had apologised. India Today tweeted that the actor said, I apologise to those who were personally offended, my intention was not to attack him (Rajesh Khanna).

Twinkle, however, was having none of it. The apology, it seems, was too late and too little for her. She tweeted, All due regard toMrShahs reality,mine=a man who loved cinema& did films likeAnand,AmarPrem,KatiPatang thank u folks for all the love.
Producer Dinesh Vijans directorial debut Raabta has created quite a buzz primarily because of the chemistry between the lead pair Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon and their alleged keen interest in one another.

Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon are leaving no stone unturned to give their upcoming film 'Raabta' their best. The two, who were in Budapest and Thailand since few months now head to Mauritius to shoot the schedule of the film. Kriti took to her social media account and posted a picture with her co-star Sushant just before boarding to the flight.

All set for the last schedule of #Raabta ! And the excitement shows as we wait to board the flight to Mauritius.. @sushantsinghrajput #lastsched #outdoor A photo posted by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Jul 26, 2016 at 6:01pm PDT

Kriti underwent extensive training in horse riding and also learnt swimming. Directed by Dinesh Vijan, the film is set to hit the screens next year in February 2017.
Urvashi Rautela, who is known for her bold roles on screen, is on a roll these days. From meeting directors for prospective roles to making appearances with established actors, the actress is trying hard to be in the same league as Bollywood bigwigs. But post her role in the recent film, Great Grand Masti, Urvashi seems to be flying a little too high.

A close source reveals, Urvashi Rautela was supposed to walk at Dubai Fashion Week held last week, but the actress backed out from the show at the 11th hour. Despite the ticket bookings and prior commitments, Urvashi chose another event at a bigger price. In fact, the actress didnt even inform the designer that she was backing out, a source added.

However, the actress spokesperson, when contacted, denied the news and said, Nothing of this sort happened. We are sure that the designer must have done this purposely for the sake of publicity.
Kolkata: While the world is hailing Mahasweta Devi as eminent writer largely inheriting the literary genius of then undivided Bengal, she always considered her creativity as a weapon to fight the daily injustice and exploitation faced by the most marginalised and dispossessed among Indian tribals.

Once she famously remarked that her writings were just an extension of the rebellion she was carrying out through reports in newspapers, petitions, court cases, letters to the authorities, participation in activist organisations, advocacy and through the grassroots journal she edited, Bortika, in which the ousted told their stories.

In a way, she was trying to merge the forgotten and invisible tribal history with the official history of the nation. The eminent writer and social activist passed away in Kolkata on Thursday after cardiac arrest following multi-organ failure.

She was 91 and had been suffering from kidney, lung and other age-related ailments for a long time.

Mourning her death, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that her body would be kept at Peace World mortuary and on Friday morning it would be brought to the cultural hub of Rabindra Sadan where the public can pay their last respects to the departed soul.

India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahashweta Di rest in peace, Banerjee said recalling her association with Mahasweta who had supported her in the fight against acquisition of land in Singur and Nandigram.

A litterateur with the zeal of an activist, Mahasweta Devi used expression as a tool to fight for the rights of the indigenous people and marginalised sections.

Sadly, Mahasweta Devi, who had penned hundreds of heartwarming tales, could never finish her own story about the mental trauma she went through after her divorce.
For Shaila Chandavarkar Panday, life is all about giving back and living through her travels. She runs Enchanting Escapades, a travel club for women by women. She organises enjoyable trips for all and accessible trips for women with special needs. Thats not all; she also makes chocolate and crochet with great gusto. A graduate from St. Josephs College, she did intensive practical training in optometry and contact lens fitting, and is the proprietor of Opto Opticians. She says, Celebrities like Saurav Ganguly, Deepika Padukone, model Vaishali Desai, Vasundhara Das and many others have been my clients. But travelling has always been my passion and I realised that a lot of single people would like to travel with like-minded members and would be happy to leave travel arrangements to someone capable, who understands their needs. This was how Enchanting Escapades came into being. I have conducted tours to Sri Lanka, Odisha, Khajuraho, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rann of Kutch. Now, we are planning a trip to Rajasthan in October and Bhutan next summer.

The 70-year-old silver haired go-getter states, To make it easier, I undertake the responsibility of booking air tickets, obtaining visas and transport from and to the airport. I ensure that the hotels are decent and the food is healthy and tasty. I also go to all the sight-seeing spots that my co-travellers want to see sometimes even if it is not on the itinerary, leaving enough time for shopping. Singing, dancing, tarot card reading and meditation are just some of the fun things we do. Everyone liked trying the six-feet masala dosa in Munnar. We also take care of any special needs to be met by the senior citizens in the group.

Shaila also likes to bake and knit. A member of the Silver Surfers Bazaar, she got to showcase and sell her handcrafted products that she has been knitting since she was six. I knit baby layettes and its only recently that Ive started selling them. We have a knit wit circle (a hobby group formed at Bangalore Club), where we undertake charity projects like knitting caps for children battling cancer and bed socks/neck warmers for the needy in old age homes. While travelling, I realised that knitting needles were not permitted to be carried, so I decided to take on a crochet project. I had made a crochet dress 40 years ago when I was expecting my son, but now Im an addict of the hook. My grandchildren are willing models and it is my grandsons fondness for Angry Birds that initiated me into crocheting the entire set. Im also into chocolate making. Im inundated with orders during the festive seasons.
The last religious conversion on such a scale in Tamil Nadu happened in the early 1980s, when 800 Dalits converted to Islam. (Photo: ANI Twitter)

Chennai: 250 Hindu Dalit families from two Tamil Nadu villages, Pazhangkallimedu and Nagapalli, are planning to convert to Islam.

The reason? During the five-day annual temple festival, the Dalits were denied entry into the temple, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Six Dalit Hindus from the village have already embraced Islam, the report says.

The coastal village of Pazhangkallimedu has about 400 families, 180 of them Dalits. According to the report, residents said volunteers of the Tamil Nadu Towheed Jamaat (TNTJ) distributed copies of the Quran in the village, while a Christian missionary also approached them.

Meanwhile, leaders of outfits such as the Hindu Munnani and the Hindu Makkal Katchi have appealed to the Dalits not to convert and are attempting to mediate in the dispute.

Senthil Kumar, a leader of the Dalit party, VCK, has alleged that the administration and the police failed to ensure worship rights for them in Bhadra Kaliamman temple.

A senior police officer said to The Indian Express that talks are on to end the stalemate. He added that while discussions were on to allow Dalits to conduct puja during the day, but they insisted on temple access for the full 24 hours.

A similar story has emerged from Nagapalli village in Karur, 240 kilometres away, where 70 Dalit families are planning to convert to Islam. P Vetrivel, president of the temple trust in the village, said to The Indian Express that his father built the structure seven years ago, but after caste Hindus returned from Sri Lanka to the village, they began to deny entry to the Dalits.

Sri Mahasakthi Mariamman temple was built in 2009 by Dalits with a fund from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu government. A trust with a Dalit majority runs the temple. Now they want to conduct festivals without Dalits, Vetrivel was quoted as saying.

According to ANI, several Dalit families have also returned their Voter IDs and Aadhaar cards in protest.

The office of the Karur district collector said they will hold a peace meeting in two days between caste Hindus and Dalits.

The last religious conversion on such a scale in Tamil Nadu happened in the early 1980s, when 800 Dalits converted to Islam at Meenakshipuram village near Tirunelveli.
New Delhi: Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed on Wednesday claimed at a rally in Pakistan that a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant was leading processions in Kashmir for Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter in Srinagar.

"Have you seen the pictures of procession when lakhs of Kashmiris came to the streets? Did you see a man who was being carried on shoulders by the crowd? Do you know the man who was leading the procession? He is an 'ameer' of Laskar-e-Taiba (LeT)," Hafiz Saeed said according to an India Today report.

He added that several people from Faisalabad had gone to Kashmir to lay down their lives facing the Indian security forces.

Saeed, who masterminded the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, envisioned a Kashmir which would be part of Pakistan, and also said that, the world will witness India splitting into pieces one day.

Saeed also expressed his anger over visa denial to a group of Pakistani doctors who wanted to visit Kashmir.

Indian security forces have been criticised for using excessive force against protesters in Kashmir, using pellet guns in an attempt to quell the unrest. After 47 deaths and many injuries due to pellet gun usage, the Indian government has constituted an expert team to study alternatives to the weapon. Meanwhile, even though the curfew in the Kashmir Valley has been lifted, stray protests continue.

However, India has squarely accused Pakistan of a hand in creating the unrest. Hafiz Saeeds admission is clear proof of Pakistans role.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had held a meeting with FMs of all states in India to build consensus over the GST bill. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: In a bid to win Opposition support in helping pass the crucial Goods and Services Tax bill, the Cabinet on Wednesday approved several crucial changes to it demanded by various states.

Heeding to the suggestion made by some state governments, the Cabinet dropped 1% additional tax on inter-state sales and provided guarantee to compensate states for any revenue loss in the first five years of rollout of the proposed indirect tax regime.

The Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to include in the Constitutional Amendment Bill that any dispute between states and the Centre will be adjudicated by the GST Council, which will have representation from both the Centre and states.

Read: 60 per cent probability of GST bill passage in current session: Nomura

With states on board and the Cabinet approving the amendments, the government is hopeful of passage of the long-pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, which ends on August 12.

The GST Bill, with the changes approved by the Cabinet, could come up in the Rajya Sabha as early as this week, but certainly by next week.

The changes approved by the Cabinet are to the Constitutional Amendment Bill that was approved by the Lok Sabha in August last year. Once the Rajya Sabha approves the legislation, the amended Bill will have to go back to the Lok Sabha again for approval.

"The amendments to the GST Constitutional Amendment Bill have been cleared," a top official said after the meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Modi.

The amendments were taken up by the Cabinet after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's assurance to state finance ministers to include in the Bill the mechanism of compensating states for all the loss of revenue for five years.

The Bill, in its present form, provides that the Centre will give 100 per cent compensation to states for first three years, 75 per cent and 50 per cent for the next two years.

However, the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha had in its report recommended 100 per cent compensation for probable loss of revenue for five years.

As per the amendments, the Centre will now constitutionally guarantee states any loss of revenue from the GST subsuming all indirect taxes, including VAT, in the first five years of introduction.

By doing away with the 1 per cent inter-state tax over and above the GST rate, the government has met one of the three key demands over which Opposition Congress has been blocking the Bill in the Upper House.

The other demands of including GST rate in the statute and a Supreme Court judge-headed dispute resolution body has not been accepted. It remains to be seen if meeting of its demands halfway will persuade the Congress to support the legislation.

There is a talk of mentioning the GST rate in one of the two supporting legislations that need to be passed after the Constitution is amended, a move that may pacify the Congress.

The proposed tax reform, the biggest since India's independence from Britain in 1947, seeks to replace a slew of taxes and levies in 29 states, transforming the nation of near 1.3 billion people into a customs union.

Analysts say the goods services tax (GST) could boost India's economic growth by up to 2 percentage points.

While there is a broad political support for the measure, differences persist on the details, in particular pitching the tax at the right level to offset possible revenue losses.
New Delhi: Members, cutting across party lines in Rajya Sabha on Thursday passionately pleaded the NDA government to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh and honour the promises made by the previous government while bifurcating the state in 2014.

Members of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), an ally of BJP, as well as Congress, CPI-M, JD(U), Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) and Trinamool Congress asked the government to implement the AP Reorganisation Act properly as the House took up a short duration discussion on the issue.

Congress member K V P Ramchandra Rao had moved a Private Member bill in the House for grant of special package to Andhra Pradesh last Friday but it could not be taken up then as the House could not function on that day due to ruckus over the controversial filming of Parliament complex by AAP's Lok Sabha member Bhagwant Mann.

Since the start of this week on Monday, Congress had been strongly insisting on taking up the bill and even disrupted the House for two days on the issue.

The government has contended that the bill is a money bill and hence it cannot be taken by Rajya Sabha. The matter is pending before Rajya Sabha Chairman.

Initiating a short duration discussion on the debate, former Union Minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked NDA government about the status of implementation of six assurances that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had made while passage of the Act in February 2014.

"Out of six assurances, two of them have been implemented. I request the Finance Minister to shed light on other assurances, particularly on granting special status and a special package to the state," he said.

The NDA has already initiated measures to execute the Polavaram project and announced funds for seven backward districts of AP, he said.

Ramesh said the then Prime Minister had assured granting of Special Category status to AP for five years. "When then PM made this assurance, Venkaiah Nadu had said it should be for 10 years and not five years," he said.

He also wanted to know the status of implementation of the Act, specially with regard to "Section 93, 94 (1 and 2), Section 84 and 85, Section 90 (4) and Section 46 (2 and 3).
In a statement, IndiGo airlines confirmed the diversion of its flight (Dubai-Kozhikode) to Mumbai on grounds of unruly behaviour on board. (Photo: Representational Image)

Mumbai: An IndiGo flight from Dubai to Kozhikode made an emergency landing at the Mumbai airport this morning following alleged unruly behaviour of a passenger.

"An IndiGo flight from Dubai to Kozhikode made an emergency landing at Mumbai airport at 0915 hrs due to unruly behaviour of a passenger," a Mumbai airport official said.

"After offloading them, the flight took off to its scheduled destination at 1050 hrs," he said.

The airport police said one passenger has been detained for questioning. However, the official denied reports that the passenger raised pro-ISIS slogans. The details of the detained passenger were awaited.

In a statement, IndiGo airlines confirmed the diversion of its flight (Dubai-Kozhikode) to Mumbai this morning on grounds of unruly behaviour on board.

A little before landing, a passenger seated on 5D (who was accompanied by his brother) suddenly started misbehaving with the crew. He jumped on the forward cart (which is used for food and onboard merchandise) and sat on it. The crew immediately informed the Captain-in-command and the lead crew.

The crew politely requested the passenger to step down from the cart and he obliged. After stepping down from the cart, the passenger suddenly got violent and started physically abusing the co-passenger, IndiGo said.

Taking precautionary measure, the Captain immediately informed the Air Traffic control (ATC) and the ground security staff about the situation onboard.

The flight made the precautionary landing at the Mumbai airport where this passenger was handed over to the CISF for further investigations. The matter is now with the local authorities, the airline further said.
Dalit community protest against the attack on their community members who were skinning a dead cow in Una. (Photo: AP)

Ahmedabad: The four Dalit victims of Una incident, who were discharged from Rajkot civil hospital on Wednesday after "improvement" in health condition, were admitted to the civil hospital here this evening after they developed "serious complications".

The four youths, Ashok Sarvaiya, Vashram Sarvaiya, Bechar Sarvaiya and Ramesh Servaiya all residents of Mota Samadhiyala village of Una taluka of Gir-Somnath district, were brutally thrashed by cow vigilantes at Una over two weeksago that led to large-scale protests across the state.

Rajkot civil hospital superintendent D Vatsraj had on Wednesday said that the youths were discharged as their condition had improved. However, their relatives rushed them to Ahmedabad civic hospital today after their condition became serious.

Read: Una incident: Four Dalit youths discharged from hospital

"After they reached their home last evening, some of them started vomiting, while others complained of severe body pain," Ahmedabad civil hospital superintendent M Prabhakar said, adding that all four of them have been admitted there.

Meanwhile, officials of CID-Crime have arrested four morepersons, allegedly involved in thrashing the Dalit youths, taking the total number of arrested in this case to 20.

"They were nabbed from Samper village of Una taluka early today morning," said Deputy SP of CID KG Saradava, who isheading the probe.

According to Prabhakar, some of the Dalit youthsdeveloped complications and started vomiting and complained of severe body pain. Their relatives brought them here.

"We admitted them and started treating them immediately. We found that two of them are severely ill, as foam was oozing out from their mouth. We will do everything possible to improve their condition," the superintendent said, adding that after some initial treatment, their condition is stable now.

On July 11, these Dalit youths were beaten up by cow vigilantes for allegedly skinning a dead cow. On July 14, they were referred to Rajkot civil hospital from Una for further treatment.

Meanwhile, several Dalit leaders as well as senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela visited the hospital alleging that these youths were discharged from Rajkot hospital before they fully recovered.

"Although these Dalits were in serious condition, they were discharged from Rajkot hospital. This is matter of probeas to why the superintendent allowed them to go home and who has pressurised him to do so," president of 'Gujarat Dalit Panther' Chirag Rajvansh said.
Bengaluru: Mr Bezwada Wilson, a campaigner against manual scavenging, who was chosen for the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay award for 2016 on Wednesday, spoke to Deccan Chronicle from New Delhi. Here are the excerpts.

What do you think of manual scavenging in India?

Still there are two lakh Safai Karmakari women who are cleaning human excreta in dry latrines throughout our country, especially in seven major states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu Kashmir and Uttarakand. The government should stop this. We have not yet enumerated those who clean sewer lines and septic tanks.

How many have died so far because of manual scavenging?

We conducted a survey and found that 1,073 people have died. Of them, only 36 received the compensation and again, not all of them got the full Rs 10 lakh. Only a few got Rs 10 lakh, while others received only Rs 2 lakh or Rs 1 lakh. Many state governments have gone to the court saying that they dont have the money to give compensation. We strongly condemn such attitude.

What is the courts direction to the government on your petition?

According to the Supreme Court judgement, the government had to identify such Safai Karmakaris from 1993 till now, but it has not been done. We got the data for only the last three years and the number of dead is 1,073.

Where did you campaign?

We campaigned throughout the country, especially in those states where dry latrines and manual scavenging still exist. Dying people are of course everywhere in the country and no state is an exception.

What inspired you to become an activist?

I am not an activist. I am from the same community. I have seen this since my childhood. The cruelty meted out to human beings and the plight of humanity moved me and I thought this cannot continue in our society.

We talk about the Constitution, we talk about freedom, but we do engage human beings to clean human excreta. The two things cannot go together. It was just a response from me and in the process, I took on this role and people started calling me an activist.

What was your first activity in this field? How did you start your career?

I started everything in my hometown in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), and later it spread to different states. We started talking to them and asked why should we clean somebodys elses s**t. They replied asking what else they could do. We confronted them, saying how others were living with dignity doing other jobs.

They started thinking and started choosing their own jobs. One started to work at a ration shop, another became a kerosene dealer, yet another started to drive an autorickshaw, the other bought buffaloes and cows, and so on. All this happened in my hometown and it took on the shape of a movement. But what we are fighting for is that the government should recognise such people and support them to find and get jobs of their choice.

How does Karnataka fare?

Dry latrines are minimal in Karnataka, but septic tanks and sewerage lines are alarmingly high. That is because of rapid urbanisation and it is especially high in Bengaluru. Even in Karnataka, people are dying and the government is not compensating them properly. The government is not taking any steps to not kill us working in sewer lines or septic tanks. We have the data of many deaths reported in Bengaluru because of manual scavenging. In the entire state, 51 people have died because of manual scavenging.

Whenever a natural calamity occurs, the scavenging community is called to clean the mess. What is your take?

Be it the Chennai floods, tsunami, Gujarat earthquake or Orissa floods, scavengers are called to clear decomposing bodies. Only people from our community do such jobs and nobody else. Others only mimic our prime minister on Swacch Bharat, but the actual cleaning is done by the people from our community.

What can be done to eradicate manual scavenging?

The government should immediately convert all dry latrines into flush out latrines, mechanise cleaning of septic tanks and construct proper sewage system everywhere. Then, they can stop killing us.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti said on Thursday that security forces were not aware that Burhan Wani was among the three Hizb-ul-Mujahedin cadres gunned down by them on July 8 during the raid of a militant hideout in Kokernag area of southern Anantnag. Mufti said the security forces may have given him a second chance, if they knew his identity.

The killing of Burhan, the new-age poster boy of militancy in Kashmir, set off widespread protests and mob violence across the Valley leaving more than 50 people and two policemen dead and thousands injured. Clashes amidst curfews and separatists called shutdown have continued.

Ms. Mufti who was speaking to reporters after addressing a rally of her Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) here said that she was not aware of the operation carried out jointly by J&K polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) and Armys 19 Rashtriya Rifles at Bamdoora Kokernag. How would you know that, she asked.

The Indian Express had earlier this week reported that the Chief Minister was informed, in writing, of the June 8 raid as well as an operation targetting Burhan Wani in March. Earlier J&Ks additional director-general of police (CID), S.M. Sahai, had on being asked if the Chief Minister knew about the operation beforehand told reporters here, The Chief Minister, as home minister, is informed of all the activities."

But Ms. Mufti again feigned ignorance and said that she did not know beforehand about the security forces taking Burhan out dead during the operation. I spoke to the police. I spoke to the Army. My information is that they were not knowing about who are the militant hiding in that house before raiding it. Had they known about the presence of Burhan they may have given him another chance, she said. She added that since the situation on ground had improved considerably giving a second chance to Burhan was an option in order to avoid the situation the Valley has been caught in in the aftermath of his killing.

She said her predecessor Omar Abdullah was informed by the Centre about the decision and timing of Parliament attack convict Afzal Gurus hanging and, therefore, his government prepared to brace the situation. I didnt know about Burhan killing but when I came to know about it we quickly imposed curfew at various places. Yet people came out on the streets where there was no curfew and they were deliberately diverted towards the security forces camps and police station, she said.

Reacting sharply to the Chief Ministers assertion, the opposition National Conference (NC) said she had released reward money for the policemen and soldiers who killed Burhan and that terming it a coincidence is another shameless gimmick on her part.

This is nothing but her continued theatrical tendency to lie, deflect responsibility and spread canards as the head of a government that remains invisible, ineffective and unmoved by dozens of killings and mass grief in the Valley, NC provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani said in a statement here.

He added that it was ironic and ridiculous that Ms. Mufti has termed Burhan Wanis killing a coincidence while simultaneously having released lakhs of rupees as reward money from the Chief Ministers secret fund for those who took part in the encounter.

If Mehbooba Mufti is deluded into thinking that she can try to make a case that she wasnt aware of the encounter where a special team was dispatched from Srinagar to neutralize Burhan Wani, she is living in her usual fools paradise. Sometimes she says she wasnt informed of the encounter, and then she discloses it was a coincidence only to simultaneously release lakhs of money from the CMs secret fund as a reward for those who took part in the encounter. This is a cruel joke from a completely clueless Chief Minister, Mr. Wani

He also condemned what he said is insensitive and inappropriate statement from DG CRPF that supported the continued use of pellet guns despite their disastrous implications that have resulted in the blinding and maiming of hundreds of young boys and girls in the Valley and termed the State Governments conspicuous silence on this development as shameless.

Are we living in a democracy or are we living in an Orwellian tyrannical system where the security forces and paramilitary forces will decide on policy matters?, he asked adding that the Union Home Minister has already failed all expectations in this matter by choosing to not order a ban on pellet guns and now this has clearly emboldened other voices that remain unmoved at the sight of our blinded young boys and girls.
Srinagar: A team of ophathamologist surgeons from Mumbai and Pune travelled to violence-hit Kashmir to provid healthcare and support services to victims of pellet gun use.

Among them is Prof. Dr. Sundaram Natarajan, one of the best vitreo-retinal surgeons of the country who is CMD of Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, Mumbais leading eye hospitals and also Patron of the International Society of Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgeons besides holding a wide variety of posts in various organisations, both within India and internationally.

He has been working almost round-the-clock at Srinagars government-run Sri Maharaj Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital for past few days, conducting surgeries on the injured. He volunteered to come to Kashmir and treat our injured, said Dr. Yasir Wani, a Consultant Paediatrician at the J&K Health Services. This shows that we all must not differentiate people on the basis of religion, caste, creed or nationality. Kashmir thanks this kind soul and a doctor with a humane heart. Salute...!!, he wrote on his Facebook timeline.

Despite severe criticism at home and abroad and intense calls for ban on its use, the security forces have continued their aiming pellet guns at protesters and stone-pelting mobs in Kashmir. Dozens of people, including young boys and girls, are laying in hospital beds in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Valley after they were maimed and even blinded in pellet gun firings during almost three week long unrest triggered by the killing of a militant commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani by security forces on July 8.

While five Kashmiri youth are currently undergoing treatment at the State government expense at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi for their severe eye injuries suffered in pellet gun firings, the ophathamologists at the SMHS have been joined by the Pune-Mumbai team in conducting surgeries in their concerted joint effort to save dozens of young patients from losing their vision.

The team of four doctors from Pune and Mumbai headed by Dr Nataranjan arrived in the Valley on July 26 afternoon and immediately got on the job. They have, so far, conducted about 30 major surgeries at the SMHS Hospital alone. Another team of doctors including ophthalmologist surgeons is scheduled to arrive in Valley next week for the sake of patient care, a spokesman of Borderless World Foundation Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh (BWF-JKL) said. He added that the task is being carried out voluntarily in collaboration with Borderless World Foundation Pune and active support from Department of Ophthalmology, SMHS Hospital.

A senior ophthalmologist at the SMHS said, We needed their support because the load is enormous and also some unscrupulous people are spreading rumours in the Valley that were unable to manage and there is lack of equipment available to us. He said the Ophthalmology Department at the SMHS is providing best possible services and patient care and people need not to go anywhere or allow themselves to fall prey to unscrupulous people who are out to make hay while the sun shines and are demanding huge sums of money to treat patients.

Earlier this month, Dr. Sudharshan Khokhar was in Srinagar at the head of a 3-member team of Ophthalmologists and surgeon specialists from Delhi following a request was made to the Central government by Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, to help their local counterparts in coping with the situation which was termed by him as war like. Dr. Khokhar also said, We have never seen injuries on this scale.

Pellet guns were first introduced to Kashmir by duck-hunting British expeditions and would often be referred to as chara bandook in local jargon. In 2010, the Jammu and Kashmir police came up with a contemporary version of the weapon, presenting it as non lethal to quell the protesters who often take to the streets in Srinagar and elsewhere to vent their political feelings and frustration and habitually engage the men in khaki in stone-pelting.

During past three weeks, 204 youth with pellet injuries in their eyes were admitted to the SMHS alone and, in fact, over a dozen of them have already lost vision in one or both eyes. 55 others have already been operated upon for visual rehabilitation. Amidst a public outcry, the Central government earlier this week constituted an expert team headed by a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs to explore possible alternatives to pellet guns. Besides Joint Secretary T V S N Prasad, who will head the team, the other members are Atul Karwal, IG, CRPF, Srinagar; Rajeev Krishna, IG, BSF; Rajesh Kumar of the J&K Police; Tushar Tripathy of the Indian Ordnance Factory Board; Manjit Singh of Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh; and Naresh Bhatnagar of IIT, Delhi.

Home Minister, Rajnath Singh who was in the Valley at last weekend for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation had told reporters here, Ive asked the security forces to refrain from using pellet guns as much as possible but I also appeal the youth not to resort to stone-pelting.

A day later, CRPFs Director General, K. Durga Prasad, expressed regret for injuries caused to youths due to firing of pellet guns in the Valley and said it would use this least-lethal weapon only in extreme situations as of now. He told reporters in Delhi that there was no weapon called non-lethal and the use of pellet guns was the least-lethal option available with the force. We feel very sorry for them as youngsters have to bear injuries due to the firing of pellet guns. We ourselves are trying to use it in bare minimum so that there are less injuries, he said adding But we use them under the extreme situation when crowd control fails by other means.
BSF Director General K K Sharma and Pak Rangers (Punjab) DG Maj Gen Umar Farooq Burki, signed a joint record of discussions at the end of the four-day meeting that began on July 25 at the headquarters of the Rangers in Lahore in Pakistan. (Photo: ANI Twitter)

New Delhi: India on Thursday urged Pakistan to step up vigil and effectively check cross-border infiltration to prevent terrorist activities and clamp down on drugs smuggling during bi-lateral talks between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers which ended in Lahore on Thursday. The BSF, in a statement, said talks ended on a "optimistic note" with both sides agreeing to undertaking constant endeavours to maintain peaceful and tranquil frontiers as the two border guarding forces agreed that there has been a greater adherence to ceasefire along the International Border (IB), since September last year.

BSF Director General K K Sharma and Pak Rangers (Punjab) DG Maj Gen Umar Farooq Burki, signed a joint record of discussions at the end of the four-day meeting that began on July 25 at the headquarters of the Rangers in Lahore in Pakistan.

"The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and with a spirit of cooperation. It was agreed that since the last such meeting in Delhi in September 2015, there has been a greater adherence to ceasefire along the IB.

"DG, BSF (Sharma) stressed the importance of vigilance against cross border infiltration to prevent terrorist activities and check smuggling in narcotics. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen measures to coordinate border patrolling on their respective sides of the border and address each other's concerns in a time bound manner," it said.

The Indian side, during the talks, is also understood to have raised issues related to cross-border smuggling of arms and ammunition along with narcotics consignments, detection of illegal tunnels running across the IB and the growth of 'Sarkanda' (elephant grass) and its weeding off along these areas.

The BSF chief also extended an official invitation to his counterpart to visit India for the next round of the bi-annual talks later this year.

"The talks ended on an optimistic note with both sides agreeing on constant endeavour to maintain peaceful and tranquil borders," the statement said.

Last time the two sides met in Delhi it was decided not to fire heavy artillery like mortar shells and ensure that civilians living along the IB were not harmed.

The two forces had also decided that their officials, right up to the level of Directors General, will exchange mobile numbers, email ids and fax numbers for swift communication to resolve disputes on the IB running through Indian states of Jammu Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The DG-level talks between the two sides are a bi-annual affair with the either side hosting it in their respective headquarters one after the other.
Centre had asked the states to place demand for pulses from buffer stock for retail distribution at subsidised rate of Rs 120/kg to provide relief to common people. (Photo: Representational Image)

New Delhi: India is in talks with Myanmar and some African nations for government-to-government import of pulses to boost domestic supply and check prices, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said on Thursday.

Already, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with Mozambique for importing pulses on a long term basis and address the domestic gap.

"There is a demand-supply gap of about 7.6 million tonnes in pulses. Bilateral talks are going on with Myanmar and other African nations for government-to-government import of pulses to boost domestic supply," Paswan tweeted.

There is demand-supply gap of about 7.6 million tonnes in Pulses.  Ram Vilas Paswan (@irvpaswan) July 28, 2016

Bilateral talks are going on with Myanmar and other African nations for government-to-government import of pulses to boost domestic supply  Ram Vilas Paswan (@irvpaswan) July 28, 2016

The gap is met through imports mostly by private traders. However, the government has designated MMTC to undertake imports since last year.

State-owned MMTC has contracted 56,000 tonnes of pulses, of which 21,584 tonnes have arrived, as per the official data. India imported about 5.8 million tonnes of pulses both through public and private agencies.

The gap in pulses demand-supply has widened due to fall in domestic production to around 17 million tonnes in the past two crop years affected by consecutive droughts.

On Wednesday, Paswan in Parliament had said barring pulses, there has not been increase in rates of other essential items.

He said the government has taken series of measures tocontain prices of pulses, including sale of pulses at a highly subsidised rates, creation of buffer stock up to 20 lakh tonnes and imposition of stock limits on traders among others.

Paswan, however, had asserted that the state governments were equally responsible in bringing down the prices of pulses and urged them to take action against hoarders and reduce local taxes/VAT on lentils.

The Minister had asked the states to place demand for pulses from buffer stock for retail distribution at subsidised rate of Rs 120/kg to provide relief to common people.
US-India Joint Declaration on Combating Terrorism had reaffirmed President Barack Obama's and PM Narendra Modi's vision to transform the US-India relationship into a defining counterterrorism partnership. (Photo: PTI)

Washington: US and Indian officials will meet in Washington on Thursday for the 14th US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group (JWG) to discuss regional terrorist threats, information sharing, border security, and efforts to counter violent extremism.

Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Justin Siberell would lead the US delegation comprising officials from the Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security, while the Indian delegation would be led by Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary Ravi Thapar, said US Departments of State spokesperson on Wednesday.

The spokesperson said, "The US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group is a regularly planned policy consultation designed to advance our common agenda and opportunities for cooperation across the full range of counterterrorism issues."

"The United States looks forward to continued counterterrorism exchanges with India to broaden and deepen the partnership between the two countries," added the spokesperson.

The US-India Joint Declaration on Combating Terrorism as agreed upon by Secretary of State John Kerry and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on the occasion of the inaugural US-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue in September last reaffirmed the commitment of India and the US to combat terrorism in all its forms, which constitutes a profound threat to global peace and security, and to uphold our common values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. It further reaffirmed President Barack Obama's and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform the US-India relationship into a defining counterterrorism partnership for the 21st century.

The joint declaration reiterated the threat posed by entities such as Al-Qa'ida and its affiliates, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, (Dawood) D Company, the Haqqani Network, and other regional groups that seek to undermine stability in South Asia.

It called for Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack and strongly condemned the July 27, 2015 terrorist attack in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and August 5, 2015, attack in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.

Further, both nations recalled the signing of the US-India Counterterrorism Cooperation Initiative (CCI) and establishment of the Homeland Security Dialogue in 2010, as well as India's membership in the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and applaud the 15-year anniversary of the U.S.-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and the provision of Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) training for more than 1,100 Indian security personnel since 2009.

It also recognised India's participation in the February 2015 White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism and reaffirmed their support for a UN Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism that advances and strengthens the framework for global cooperation and reinforces that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism.

Additionally, EAM Swaraj and Secretary Kerry commended the continuing efforts to finalise a bilateral agreement to expand intelligence sharing and terrorist watch-list information and the meeting of the U.S.-India Terrorist Designations Exchange in July 2015 to strengthen cooperation on domestic terrorist designations, including implementation of UN 1373 (2001), and on international designations pursuant to UN 1267/1989.

Among other, they also commended the proposed next round of the Counterterrorism Joint Working Group in early 2016; the proposed next meeting of the Homeland Security Dialogue in early 2016; the discussions on cyber security at the US-India Cyber Dialogue in August 2015 and continuing close cooperation on cyber security and information sharing; and progress toward India's entry into the US Department of Homeland Security Global Entry Programme.
New Delhi: New HRD minister Prakash Javadekar held closed-door meetings with senior fuctionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and several affiliated outfits on the New Education Policy (NEP) on Wednesday.

According to a report in The Indian Express, Javadekar interacted with members of Vidya Bharati, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Sanskrit Bharati, Shiksha Bachao Andolan, Vigyan Bharati and Itihas Sankalan Yojana for close to six hours at Gujarat Bhawan.

Also present were BJP President Amit Shah, RSS joint general secretary Krishna Gopal andAniruddha Deshpande, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh.

The report says the meeting was held to share the Sanghs inputs on the NEP and to plan measures to instil nationalism, pride and ancient Indian values in modern education.

The committee appointed to formulate the NEP had earlier received over 80,000 suggestions.

The report adds that the RSS asked Javadekar to release the draft education policy in as many Indian languages as possible. The RSS also wants the Hindi version released quickly because in the absence of this, inputs from a large section of the population cannot be received.

Now, delegations of organisations affiliated to RSS are to meet Javadekar separately to brief him about their suggestions.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of the HRD ministry seeking feedback on the draft education policy that was made public earlier this month, when Smriti Irani was HRD Minister. The RSS was rumoured to be upset with the draft policy as it did not include inputs provided by its affiliate organisations.

Javadekar, after assuming charge, extended the feedback deadline from July 31 to August 15.
New Delhi: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over the issue of rising prices of essential commodities on Thursday in Lok Sabha.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley later replied to Rahuls charge by stating inflation was under control and that he expected it go down further with the good monsoon.

In his speech, Rahul Gandhi said: "Two months ago, the NDA celebrated its 'happy birthday party', even Bollywood stars came from Mumbai to take part in the celebrations. The programme was called 'Ek Nayi Subah'. Prime Minister spoke about 'Swachh Bharat', 'Make in India'. He said thousands of youth have got jobs through the 'Make in India' initiative. But I never heard him talk about price rise even once."

Continuing his dig at Modi, Rahul said, "He never spoke of potatoes even once, he never spoke of tomatoes even once. You can make false claims on 'Startup India', 'Make in India' but not on rising prices. Why are you not talking of price rise?"

Read: India in talks with Myanmar, Africa for pulses import to check prices

A murmur of protest broke out in the House from NDA leaders, but Rahul did not stop his tirade.

"Mr Modi had told the nation to not make him the Prime Minister, but to make him a security guard. Today, loot is taking place right under the nose of that security guard. He has become a big man now. He has become the Prime Minister of the country. Why would he do the job of a security guard anymore? Make as many false promises as you want Mr Modi but give this House a date as to when the price of Dal will come down in the market," Rahul said.

Rahul ended his speech by saying that people were chanting a new slogan -- Arhar Modi -- instead of Har Dar Modi.

Last week, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had targetted the government on price rise and asked party MPs to be aggressive and hold the government and its ministers accountable for it.

Picking holes in the government's claims of economic growth, she had said: "When it comes to growth and GDP figures that they tout, questions on their veracity are raised even by their own party leaders. BJP blocked every important FDI initiative of the UPA government. Yet now it has put in place a free-for-all policy even in sensitive areas like defence.
A team of NIA officials led by a Deputy Inspector General took the custody of 22-year-old from Handwara court.

New Delhi: NIA on Thursday questioned Bahadur Ali alias 'Saifullah', a Pakistani national allegedly working for Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit, about involvement of his group in spreading violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

A fourth-class dropout Ali, who hails from Jahama village of Raiwind in Lahore, was arrested from village Yahama in Mawar area of Qalamabad, Handwara, in North Kashmir on July 25. The Army had recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pistols and Indian Rs 23,000 from his possession.

A team of NIA officials led by a Deputy Inspector General took the custody of 22-year-old from Handwara court and brought him here for a thorough interrogation, including carrying out some scientific tests.

The captured militant had told his interrogators in Srinagar that he had been hiding in the forests of Handwara and receiving infiltrating groups from PoK before sending them further into the Valley, the sources said.

The interrogation of Ali, who has been brought on a five-day NIA remand, is expected to throw some light on sudden spurt of infiltration into the valley.

Ali was trained at a Lashkar camp in PoK, including in map reading and operating GPS devices.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju called Ali a "very good catch" and said his arrest will lead to many successes.

He said the arrested militant would be "big handle for us".
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Pakistan to attend the meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation's (SAARC) Home/Interior Ministers on August 3 and 4.

Sources, meanwhile, said the Home Minister will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism at the meeting.

At the 13th SAARC Summit held in Dhaka in November 2005, the Heads of State decided that the SAARC Interior/Home Ministers would meet annually preceded by a meeting of the Interior/Home Secretaries to strengthen cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism, which they agreed was a challenge to all states and a threat to humanity, and could not be justified on any grounds.

The first meeting of SAARC Interior/Home Ministers was held in Dhaka on May 11, 2006, followed by a meeting in New Delhi in 2007.
New Delhi: Pakistan's sustained support to cross-border terrorism will be raised by Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his two-day visit to Islamabad to attend the SAARC ministerial conference beginning August 3.

Singh, who will attend the SAARC Home Interior/Home Ministers' conference, is expected to bluntly ask Pakistan to stop sponsoring acts of terror in India, official sources said.

This will be the first visit to Pakistan by any senior Indian leader after the Pathankot attack on January 2, which created tension between the two countries.

Read: Rajnath to visit Pakistan for SAARC Home Ministers' meeting in August

The Home Minister may provide documentary proof of the involvement of Pakistan's state and non-state actors in terror acts in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts during separate meetings he is likely to have with his counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Describing Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in Kashmir as "martyr", Sharif had recently said that "Kashmir will one day become Pakistan", prompting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to say that his dream of the state becoming a part of his country "will not be realised even at the end of eternity".

Singh will also raise the issue of slow pace of probe into terror attack in the Pathankot airbase, which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, and the the trial into the Mumbai terror attack case in that country, sources said.

Singh will be accompanied by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and several other senior officers of the Home Ministry.

Key issues like fight against terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms and how to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat such menace will figure in the SAARC meet.

The three-tier meeting will begin at the joint secretary- level and then move on to Secretary and Home Minister-level meetings.



The meeting will also focus on strengthening networking among police authorities of SAARC member-countries and also enhance information-sharing among law enforcement agencies.



The last meeting of SAARC Interior/Home Ministers' conference was held in Kathmandu in 2014 when the Home Minister had said that member-nations of the group were facing common challenges and they should cooperate with each other to address them.



The Home Minister had also voiced concern over the new threats of terrorism and violence to South Asia and asked SAARC countries to chalk out strategies to check radical groups and extremist ideologies.
On Tuesday, cow vigilantes thrashed women on a station in MP for allegedly carrying beef. (Photo: Videograb)

Mandsaur (MP): A local court on Wednesday evening granted bail to two Muslim women charged with carrying buffalo meat unlawfully after allegedly being beaten up by cow vigilantes on Tuesday.

Chief Judicial Magistrate MA Khan granted bail to Salma Mevati (35) and Shamim Akthar Hussain (30), both local residents, who were allegedly thrashed by cow vigilantes on the suspicion that they were carrying cow meat at the Mandsaur railway station on Tuesday.

The bail was granted on personal bonds of Rs 25,000 each and surety of equal amount, said advocate Umesh Parmar, one of their lawyers.

Parmar and another advocate Nirmal Joshi contended in the court that their clients have been falsely implicated.

The two women were earlier booked under the stringent MP anti-cow slaughter act which provides for a maximum punishment of seven years. But after the lab test proved that they were carrying buffalo meat, they were charged under Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Cattle Preservation Act, 1959, which provides a maximum punishment of one year.

The incident came close on the heels of the attack on Dalit youths in Gujarat by cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow, drawing outrage and triggering a slugfest between BJP and its rivals.

Opposition BSP and Congress on Wednesday created uproar in Rajya Sabha over the present incident.
Dalit community members shout slogans during a protest in Ahmedabad on Friday against the recent attack on dalit members at Una. (Photo: PTI)

Ahmedabad: Four Dalit victims of the Una flogging incident, who were admitted to the civil hospital in Ahmedabad on Wednesday in serious condition, are also being treated for depression.

Ashok Sarvaiya, Vashram Sarvaiya, Bechar Sarvaiya and Ramesh Sarvaiya, all residents of Mota Samadhiyala village in Una tehsil of Gir-Somnath district, were flogged by cow vigilantes for allegedly killing the cow which they were skinning on July 11.

They were discharged from Rajkot civil hospital on Tuesday as doctors said their condition had improved. However, they were rushed to the civil hospital here yesterday by the relatives after they developed serious complications and complained of severe body pain.

Civil hospital superintendent D M M Prabhakar said they were also suffering from depression.

"Their condition has improved during the last 24 hours. However, they are still complaining about body pain. Our psychiatrists are also examining them regularly as they are showing symptoms of depression. Overall, their condition is stable now," said Dr Prabhakar. Gujarat Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ramanlal Vora and Aam Aadmi Party leader Kanu Kalsariya met them today.

Meanwhile, the state CID has arrested two more persons in the case. This takes the number of arrested persons to 22. Haambhai Gohil and a minor youth were arrested from Pankhan village which is near Mota Samadhiyala. "They were part of the mob which allegedly thrashed the Dalits," said Deputy Superintendent of CID, K G Saradava, who is heading the probe.
Dalit writer, Amrutlal Makwana had received the Dasi Jeevan Shreshth Dalit Sahitya Kruti Award for 2012-13 for his work Kharapat Nu Dalit Lok Sahitya. (Photo: Youtube grab)

Ahmedabad: As a mark of protest against the thrashing of Dalit youths at Una, Dalit writer Amrutlal Makwana on Thursday returned an award given by the Gujarat government.

The 44-year-old writer had received the Dasi Jeevan Shreshth Dalit Sahitya Kruti Award for 2012-13 for his work "Kharapat Nu Dalit Lok Sahitya". Makwana returned the award, including Rs 25,000 cash, at Ahmedabad District Collector's office.

"I have also given a short letter to the authorities saying that I am returning this award out of grief and pain due to the treatment meted out to Dalit youths in Una," he said. The letter is addressed to Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.

Makwana, a resident of Wadhwan town of Surendranagar district, further said, "Such incidents are occurring in Gujarat on a regular basis but the government is not doing enough to ensure that Dalits get justice.

"What happened at Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir-Somnathdistrict was ghastly and barbaric. Such atrocities on Dalits are condemnable and it shook me to the core. Sadly, such incidents are happening around us regularly," he said.

On July 11, some Dalit youths from Mota Samadhiyala who were skinning a dead cow were flogged by cow vigilantes, alleging that they had killed the cow. After a video of the incident went viral, it sparked off violent protests across Gujarat.
The detailed reasoning order is likely to be available on Friday.

Mumbai: A special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in Mumbai on Thursday convicted 12 out of the 22 accused in the Aurangabad arms haul case. The case is related to seizure of huge amount of arms, ammunition and explosives by the anti-terrorism squad in 2006.

While delivering judgement, the judge held that the seized ammo was part of a larger conspiracy in which the accused wanted to target public figures such as the then chief minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi. The detailed reasoning order is likely to be available on Friday.

Though the court has convicted 12 accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities [Prevention] (UAPA) Act, in a setback to prosecution, the judge held that, The prosecution has failed to prove charges of MCOCA, and acquitted all accused, including Zabiudding Ansari alias Abu Jundal from MCOCA.

The prosecution case is that the accused were hatching a conspiracy from 1996 to 2006 and during this period, the accused also visited Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The police had claimed that the purpose of accused to procure arms, ammunition and explosives in such a large quantity was to shake and reduce the faith of common citizen in its elected democratic government by large scale violence, destruction of lives and property and destabilise the system of government.

The court, while delivering judgement said, The court has accepted the contention of prosecution that the seized weapons were part of a larger conspiracy and the accused wanted to target the then chief minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi and leader of a Hindu outfit Pravin Togadia, as they wanted to take revenge for what had happened after the Godhra incident.

The court also accepted the prosecutions case that weaponry that the ATS intercepted from two cars had originally been procured from Pakistan. According to the police, the convicts wanted to exploit the communal sentiments of Muslims and provoke them in the name of religion in order to resort to terrorist acts.
New Delhi: The Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association has moved the Supreme Court challenging a new law enacted by Maharashtra government to close down dance bars in the State.

In a fresh petition the association accused the BJP led government of coming out with a fresh enactment, to circumvent the apex courts ruling in 2013, upholding dance bars in the state, which involved the livelihood of 75,000 dancers.

It questioned the legality of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016.

It pointed out that the apex court had already directed the State to grant licenses to eligible restaurants who comply with provisions of the Maharashtra Police (Second Amendment) Act, 2014. and hence the new law was a contempt of court.

The petition said the State has deliberately brought in the new law to circumvent and virtually overrule the judgment and order dated 16.7.2013, in the garb of purported regulations, are making it impossible to run and establish a Dance Bar and it is leading to a situation of virtual ban on performance of dance of any kind or type in Eating Houses, Permit Rooms and Beer Bars.

The petitioner submitted the new Act notified on April 16, 2016, stipulate several conditions which lead to a prohibition on having dance performances in the restaurants as the definition of obscene is very vague. It said the new law even prohibited handing over tip to the dancers. It also assailed a number of other provisions in the new enactment. The petition is expected to come up for hearing next week.
Rameswaram: Stating that the Karmayogi A.P.J. Abdul Kalam memorial at Rameswaram is a fitting example of federal cooperation between the Centre and states, the Minister of urban development, housing & poverty alleviation, Venkaiah Naidu thanked the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa for giving land to build the memorial.

Besides allotting land for the Kalam memorial, CM Jayalalithaa has also assured that whatever needs to be done for a befitting memorial would be rendered by the state, he said while addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram Wednesday.

Pointing out that the vision of PM Narendra Modi is federal co-operation where the Centre and states work in harmony, Naidu observed that this memorial is an example of this vision where the Union and the states are working together to build a fitting memorial to Kalam.

"We are to build a 53-room guest house here in Rameswaram to facilitate visitors to this historic place. It will be called the APJ Abdul Kalam holiday home," he said adding that the state government had agreed to provide land for it.

Observing that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully committed in fulfilling the vision of `Karmayogi Abdul Kalam, Naidu said," After advancing the cause of defence might of our country so successfully, Kalam was equally passionate about our country emerging as a leading economic power. He used to say that 'strong and developed nations will take us seriously, only we become strong economically too'.

Following his vision, PM Modi has been striving hard to make India an economically strong nation. "While Kalam, a Karmayogi, was associated with Rameswaram, another Karmayogi Narendra Modi, our Prime Minister represents Kasi (Varanasi) in the Lok Sabha."

Reiterating the importance of building a memorial for Dr Kalam, Naidu said that the memorial besides being a symbol of our collective gratitude to such people for what they have done for us, it is also like a temple or a mosque or a church for the present and future generations to remember, that is the Indian system and culture," .

This memorial will be a grand monument to perpetuate the memory of Kalam who lived not for himself but for the entire nation, he observed. Terming Kalam's dedication and contribution to the development of India as a true definition of nationalism, Naidu said "Unfortunately, this word 'nationalism' is sought to be distorted and even ridiculed by some these days. I am confident that such people would be the eventual losers," he said.

Naidu expressed the confidence that DRAO which has taken charge of constructing the memorial, auditorium, planetarium and library would complete the project before the second Kalam memorial day so that people from across the globe can learn the ideas of Kalam and also use the facilities here. The Defence minister Manohar Parrikar also reiterated that PM Narendra Modi is working hard to implement Kalam's vision 2020 for the development of the country.

Earlier, Venkaiah Naidu, Manohar Parrikar, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, AIADMK Ministers M Manikandan and Nilofer Kafeel and Ramanathapuram MP Anwhar Raajhaa unveiled the statue of Abdul Kalam and also inaugurated the exhibition. The ministers also paid homage at his memorial.
Jaipur: The spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah Zainul Abedin Ali Khan on Thursday said the Muslim community should present an example by protecting cows which hold religious significance for Hindus.

He also suggested that those who create violence over the issue of beef should avoid doing it and called upon both the communities to live with harmony and unity in the interest of the country.

"Some elements are trying to disturb the harmony between Hindu and Muslim communities on the issue of beef. Cow is the religious symbol for Hindus but the issue of beef has become a new weapon of religion which is having a negative impact on the image of the country," he said in a statement.

Khan, who is the Deewan of the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, said Prophet Muhammad in his preaching was also against eating beef and there is no evidence in history of any Sufi saint or religious leader eating beef.
Chennai: Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Wednesday ordered sanctioning of Rs 9.5 lakh for three persons belonging to Tamil Nadu, two of whom had been awarded death sentence and one life imprisonment in a murder case in Qatar, to facilitate an appeal in the Supreme Court of that country.

Three Tamils, Alagappa Subramani from Pudukottai district, Chellathurai Perumal from Virudhunagar district and Sivakumar Arasan from Salem, were charged with murdering a woman. They had been imprisoned in Qatar since February 2012. They were awarded death sentence in a lower court and they appealed in the Qatar high court against the lower court judgment.

The high court confirmed the death sentence for Alagappa Subramani and Chellathurai Perumal, while commuting the death sentence for Sivakumar Arasan to life imprisonment.

The Indian embassy officials had arranged for a meeting of lawyers with the three Tamils. The advocates had told the officials that Rs 9.5 lakh would be needed for them for an immediate appeal in the Supreme Court.

The details had been conveyed to Tamil Nadu government and the embassy had requested to grant Rs 9.5 lakh immediately. Rajammal, wife of Chellathurai Perumal, had requested Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa for financial assistance to appeal in the case.

The Chief Minister ordered that the required money be sent to the Indian embassy at Qatar to ensure that three Tamils appeal in the Supreme Court of Qatar, an official press release here said.
Kolkata: Eminent Bengali author and social activist Mahasweta Devi, who was the champion of the marginalised and the voice of the oppressed, died in Kolkata today after a brief illness. She was 90.

The author had been keeping ill for some months now and was recently admitted in hospital.

Mahasweta Devi had won many awards, among which the most prominent are the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Gnanpith and the Ramon Magsaysay awards. She was conferred the Padma Shri in 1986 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2006.

Read: Mahasweta Devi's autobiography remains unfinished, lost after her demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her death. "Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality & justice, she leaves us deeply saddened," Modi tweeted.

Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality & justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2016

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also offered tribute to the writer on the micro-blogging site.

"India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahashweta Di rest in peace," she said.
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Mota Samadhiyala (Gujarat): AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday refused to answer a question on his partys MP Bhagwant Mann who landed in trouble for filming the Parliament complex and sharing it on social media. When a reporter asked for his comment, he evaded the question.

Meanwhile, Mann was under attack not only for making video of Parliament but also alleged drinking, with the suspended member of his party and MP Harinder Singh Khalsa complaining to Lok Sabha Speaker about it.
Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has called upon all secular forces to come together for exposing the RSS alleged role in Gandhis assassination.

In an article, Kodiyeri recalled that E.K. Nayanar while being the chief minister had explained the RSS role in Gandhi's assassination. At that time some RSS leaders had threatened to take him to the court for his observations. BJP leader P.S. Sreedharan Pillai had also come out in support of RSS move.

Though Nayanar accepted the challenge and dared them to meet in the court, the RSS backed out. However, in the recent defamation case filed by RSS on the same issue against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congres vice-president Rahul Gandhi, notices were issued by the Mumbai High Court. And when it was challenged in Supreme Court, the apex court stated that let the lower court examine the historical incident.

I am not going into the pros and cons of the court verdict. But secular forces should come forward to expose the real face of RSS in the court, he said.

The CPM state secretary said the RSS was led by Savarkar since 1923 which itself exposes the essence of its Hindu Rashtra ideology. The Hindu Mahasabha and RSS had not contributed to the freedom movement but they opposed it on many occasions.

Kodiyeri said Godse had even stated in the court that he had left RSS and this was done by him to save other top leaders of RSS including Golwalkar from the case. This would be clear if one examines the history factually.

Though publicly the Sangh Parivar had denied its role in Gandhi assassination, privately its followers have hailed the incident. Thats why temples and statues were being built in the name of Godse. They even refuse to accept Gandhi as Father of the Nation.

Kodiyeri said when Gopal Godse who was sentenced to life imprisonment came out of jail after serving the conviction period; he was given reception by Sangh Parivar at many places including Nagpur.
The nominations of candidates by the Democrats and Republicans are interesting developments that are bound to lead to an intriguing battle in the US presidential election in November. The signals coming through in the choice of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump suggest huge sociological changes having taken place in the most powerful country, leaving the rest of the world to wonder what is happening out there. While the choice of a woman as a candidate is path-breaking in the history of the worlds oldest democracy, it is not all that surprising because the Democrats nominated a black man, Barack Obama, who has been President for the last eight years after beating Ms Clinton to the nomination.

It is the advent of the maverick real estate mogul Donald Trump that lends an edge to this contest even as the world, including the Americans closest allies in Nato, are worried at the mere prospect of someone like him occupying the White House. The Republicans, boasting of a President like Abraham Lincoln who fought against slavery, are not like the Tories, or the RSS for that matter. And yet Mr Trump gives goosebumps to many sections, like American blacks, Muslims, Mexicans and offshore job holders working for America Inc. If aged whites were the only ones forming the electorate, Mr Trump would be a shoo-in for President. But there has been such a transformation in American society, in which a true melding of races has taken place, that

Mr Trump begins the race marginally behind Ms Clinton, whose husband Bill must be looking forward to an interesting role as First Gentleman of the US in a residence on Pennsylvania Avenue that he is quite familiar with. It is Nato, the alliance of Western capitalism and guardian against Russian power, that must worry the most about the possible outcomes of Mr Trump gaining the presidency.

There is an inspirational tale in Hillary cracking the glass ceiling, although why it took so long after true universal suffrage, which dates back at least to 1965, took root is among the questions thrown up in what is going to be an eventful race to the White House after the former secretary of state beat off Bernie Sanders, himself quite a phenomenon in the race as an extreme socialist.

Ms Clinton, whose policies are well-known, has been a popular visitor to India, but her global relationships may change drastically regardless of the November result. There are no assumptions to be made, particularly since Indias foreign policy has been known to find better resonance in a Republican America or a Tory Britain. So much has changed, and so much more is likely to change, as a more people-friendly Hillary takes on Trump, who himself must believe he is up against the whole world in his bid to change America.
The United Nations adoption in 2014 of an International Yoga Day was remarkable for many reasons. In his first address to the UN General Assembly in September 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had argued for it, declaring yoga was a holistic approach to health and well-being and that by changing our lifestyle, it could also help us deal with climate change. Barely 75 days later, the UNGA adopted a resolution for an International Yoga Day, with 177 of the 193 UN members co-sponsoring it and none of them opposing. No International Day resolution has been co-sponsored by so many countries or has been passed in such a short timeframe. It was definitely a remarkable achievement for Indian diplomacy. It has also been hailed as a demonstration of Indias soft power.

Before we evaluate the last assertion, let us examine just what soft power means. The expression was coined by Harvard academic Joseph Nye to describe the ability to attain foreign policy objectives by non-coercive methods, as opposed to the hard power of political or economic pressure. In a broad sense, soft power involves the use of culture, political values, civil society, development assistance and other forms of persuasion to achieve national objectives by influencing public attitudes. Of course, the practice existed long before the expression was coined. From the 1950s, the British Council, American Center and Alliance Francaise have been providing the urban Indian middle class access to books, films, seminars, scholarships and other material projecting the political, economic and social values of the free world. For decades, this provided a counter-narrative to the socialist, pro-Soviet worldview that the West saw as being fed to the Indian public by its government. This investment in influencing the Indian middle class opinion is arguably continuing to yield returns.

A more powerful example is the campaign of American and European NGOs to promote democracy in former Soviet countries. A US assistant secretary of state confirmed at the end of 2013 that the US had invested more than $5 billion for the development of democratic institutions and... a good form of government in Ukraine since its independence in 1991. Similarly, Georgia (a much less populous country) got about $1.5 billion from the US and EU for similar capacity building. These initiatives created momentum for opposition to the governments of Georgia and Ukraine. In 2003 and 2014 respectively, the elected governments of these countries were hounded out of office by public protests and replaced by the leaders of the protest groups.

In both cases, soft power instruments facilitated protest movements and the overthrow of governments. However, it was the solid external support of the US and EU that validated this regime change. In other circumstances, they might have been condemned as undemocratic coups by street mobsters. In short, soft power works best when it is backed by hard power. Indias 30 million-plus diaspora abroad is both a soft power resource and a target of Indias soft power. The Indian community in the United States played a valuable role in promoting political support in the country for the India-US civil nuclear agreement. The six million Indians in the Gulf region provide a soft power reinforcement to Indias other strong political, security and economic links with the region.

The Indian diaspora is also a target of Indias soft power: when our Prime Minister exhorts the diaspora at massive gatherings around the world to participate in his governments flagship programmes of Make in India, Digital India and Smart Cities, he plays on their cultural and psychological bond with India to secure this participation. However, to translate their enthusiastic response into action, we need to provide them transparent and trouble-free avenues for contributing to these programmes. This is where we often fall short. The overseas Indian encounters opaque procedures and tepid responses, when he seeks facilitation to engage with Indian government schemes.

This was the case with the imaginative and impactful Incredible India media campaign abroad over the last decade. When it generated tourism enquiries, our embassies and tourist offices abroad were not equipped with attractive tour packages and other tourism support material, which could have catalysed a quantum jump in Indian tourist arrivals. The other deterrent was, of course, the inadequacy of our tourism infrastructure of roads, transport and hotels. We are good at identifying soft power resources; we are poor at harnessing them.

The timely completion of every Indian development project overseas cements bilateral relations by enhancing public goodwill. Conversely, every case of racial abuse of an African student in India dilutes it. It is an unfortunate fact that the most spectacular use of soft power and its dovetailing with hard power is by a non-state actor, Islamic State. Through charismatic preachers, diabolic propaganda and mastery of social media, it disseminates its jihadi ideology across diverse societies, promoting self-radicalisation and lone wolf terrorism. The hard power reinforcement is delivered by such horrendous terror attacks as in Nice, Istanbul, Kabul, Dhaka and elsewhere.

This highlights four important aspects of soft power: one, it should be used subtly, since advertising it defeats its purpose (the Georgia and Ukraine movements could not have succeeded if their aims had been advertised in advance); two, for soft power to be meaningful, it should target specific objectives; three, conducive conditions should be created to harness soft power to deliver its objective; and four, soft power is most effective when it is backed by hard power. This brings us back to the International Yoga Day. If its annual celebration internationally can be used to stimulate public awareness and governmental action on health and climate change issues, it would be an exercise of soft power. Otherwise, it would be like hundreds of Indian music, dance and film festivals organised around the world. Millions attend them, appreciate them and go home with warm feelings for India. The true demonstration of soft power is when it is successfully deployed towards an objective.
Brazil Judge orders local Facebook branch to pay 11.6 million in fines after company's refusal to surrender data from its WhatsApp messenger platfrom. (Representational image)

Brazil: A judge in Brazil on Wednesday slapped an $11.6 million fine on the local Facebook branch over the companys refusal to surrender data from its WhatsApp messenger program to a police investigation.

The order came from a judge in the northern state of Amazonas, saying Facebook was failing to meet its legal obligations.

Facebook Brasil has "shown tremendous disregard for Brazilian institutions," prosecutors added.

WhatsApp has been owned by social media giant Facebook since February 2015.

The long-running dispute pits Brazilian authorities' insistence that they need access to communications between criminal suspects against Facebook's argument that it is protecting privacy and freedom of communication.

Specifics of the police investigation were not disclosed. Facebook did not immediately respond to an email seeing comment on the fine.

Earlier this month, Brazilian authorities temporarily blocked WhatsApp across the country for the third time in less than a year.

The repeated shutdowns have angered users reliant on the free app. Fees for texting and calls are high in Brazil and WhatsApp's group chat and image-sharing functions have become embedded in everyday social interaction.

Last week, Brazilian authorities arrested 12 people after intercepting WhatsApp and Telegram messages suggesting they were plotting a terror strike on the Olympics which open August 5 in Rio de Janeiro.

The Justice Ministry has not said how that communication was obtained.

WhatsApp is estimated to be used by 100 million Brazilians, making Brazil the second biggest user country after South Africa, according to data cited by the court.

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The photos being sold by Getty images were already available to the public for free via the Library of Congress.

The Seattle-based company Getty Images, which owns and license a vast library of more than 80 million images, has been sued for selling free photos online.

The American photographer, Carol Highsmith claims that the company have been wrongly selling copyright for over 18,000 of her photos that were already donated to the public for free, reported arstechnica. According to the reports, the photos being sold by Getty Images were already available to the public for free via the Library of Congress.

Getty and its affiliates not only sold unauthorised licenses of the Highsmiths images, but they also sent threatening letter to others, who they believed have infringed the copyright, says the suit filed against the company.

The unauthorised move was found when Highsmith received a threatening letter for her own non-profit group, named This is America! Foundation. To which, the License Compliance Services, believed to be associated with Getty Images, demanded $120 in payment.

In a statement to artechnica, Sarah Lochting, Getty Images vice president for communications said that the lawsuit was "the first time Getty Images was made aware of the matter. We are currently looking into these allegations with the aim of addressing these concerns as soon as possible."

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Mumbai: Consumer goods manufacturer Sony is selling its battery division to Japanese firm Murata, a company responsible for developing wireless components and robots.

The company started off its battery venture as early as 1975 and became the first ever company to commercially sell lithium-ion batteries in 1991. With declining profitability in its business, the company has been selling off businesses and assets to stabilise its core operations.

According to a report by Engadget, Murata will likely acquire Sony Energy Devices Corporation subsidiary and manufacturing plants in China and Singapore; alkaline batteries and USB chargers wont be a part of this deal.

While the battery arm is a part of Sonys lucrative sensor division, it suffered a massive loss of $270 million in 2015.

Moving on, Sony started commercialising the lithium-ion batteries, primarily for smartphones. According to the report, Samsung claimed that it currently holds the top position in small lithium-ion battery business, and has held the position since 2010.

According to Sony, the agreement is non-binding in nature and due diligence and negotiation of detailed terms and conditions of the transfer is still pending.

Executives from both companies are planning to enter an agreement by mid-October 2016, and subsequently wrap up the deal by March 2017.

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The Anniversary update will be launched on August 2 along with the list of improvements.

Windows 10 Pro Education is the new version that is specifically aimed at schools. It will be shipped by default on devices that are purchased with discounted K-12 academic licenses from OEM partners, but only if version 1607 is pre-installed.

Existing devices running Windows 10 Pro, currently activated with the original OEM digital product key and purchased with discounted K-12 academic licenses through OEM partners (these discounted licenses are sometimes referred to as National Academic or Shape the Future), will upgrade automatically to Windows 10 Pro Education as part of the Windows 10, version 1607 installation, Microsoft explains.

The company further states that customers who have already purchased Windows 10 Pro can configure their operating system to have the same capabilities and settings as Windows 10 Pro Education using policies. As far as the standard Windows 10 Education SKU is concerned, it will continue to be available.

The Anniversary update will be launched on August 2 along with the list of improvements.

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Brazilian courts have shut down the popular WhatsApp messaging service nationwide three times since December.

The public federal prosecutor in the Brazilian state of Amazonas said on Wednesday the court there froze 38 million reais ($11.7 million) of funds held in Facebook Inc's account for failing to comply with a court order to supply data on users of the company's WhatsApp messaging service who are under criminal investigation.

The prosecutor's office said the funds frozen correspond to the fines for failing to comply with court order to turn over data.

Facebook representatives were not immediately available for comment.

In the most recent decision, the court rejected Facebook's defense that the data of users was the responsibility of telephone and internet service operators in the United States and Ireland, which would require international cooperation.

Prosecutor Alexandre Jabur, author of the order, said Facebook has shown enormous disregard for Brazilian institutions, especially the courts, prosecutors and police in not meeting court orders.

Brazilian courts have shut down the popular WhatsApp messaging service nationwide three times since December.

In the most recent case last week, a judge in Rio de Janeiro ordered local operators to suspend service to WhatsApp across the country until Facebook complied with an order to turn over information regarding a criminal process in the greater Rio area.

On the same day, Supreme Court President Ricardo Lewandowski ordered the service re-established.

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Donald Trump asks Russia to find and publish the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state. (Photo: AFP)

Washington: Donald Trump fuelled more controversy on Wednesday when he encouraged Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign, even as he dismissed suggestions from Obama and other Democrats that Moscow was already acting on his behalf.

On the heels of reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said, "Russia, if you're listening," it would be desirable to see Moscow find and publish the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state.

To Obama and Clinton, Trump's comments only fed their contention that the billionaire businessman is unqualified to be commander in chief. Trump has no national security experience and few ties to the norms that have governed US foreign policy under presidents from both parties, including standing by NATO allies threatened by countries including Russia.

Read: Russians possibly trying to sway US polls: Obama on DNC emails hack

Hillary Clinton's campaign lashed out at Donald Trump for encouraging Russia to trawl the former secretary of state's emails, describing his comments as a "national security issue".

"This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged "a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent. This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue," said top Clinton advisor Jake Sullivan.

The FBI concluded earlier this month that Clinton had been "extremely careless" in her handling of classified material via a private email server, but did not recommend that she face criminal charges.

Read: Hillary Clinton refutes FBI charge that she was careless with emails

The Clinton campaign's explosive accusation of inviting foreign spying came as US intelligence agencies pointed to Russia as the cause of a mass hack of Democratic Party emails.

Clinton's camp believes that Moscow gave the mails to WikiLeaks, which released them last week, to foment unease between the former first lady and her one-time Democratic rival Bernie Sanders.

The scandal caused the resignation of Democratic Party leader Debbie Wasserman Schultz and poured kerosene on Democratic infighting at a party convention in Philadelphia.

Read: Democratic Party chair resigns after Hillary Clinton email leak

Trump has adopted a number of pro-Russian policy positions as a presidential candidate, suggesting he would recognize Moscow's annexation of Crimea and lift economic sanctions.

His campaign chair's close ties with pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine has also raised allegations that Trump is too cozy with Moscow and its powerful leader Vladimir Putin.

Read: FBI director to face Congress over Clinton email investigation

"I have nothing to do with Putin," Trump said. "Never spoken to him. I know nothing about him other than he will respect me."

"If it is Russia. Nobody knows. It's probably China, or it could be somebody sitting in his bed. But it shows how weak we are. It shows how disrespected we are," he said.

Trump's vice-presidential running mate Mike Pence quickly tried to limit the fallout from the mogul's comments.

"The FBI will get to the bottom of who is behind the hacking. If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences ," he said in a statement.

"Donald Trump, who wants to be president of the United States, is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States of America to affect our election," Leon Panetta, Obama's former Pentagon chief, said in his convention address.
Governments are detaining thousands of children, without charge, often for months or years, and often subjecting them to torture and ill treatment. (Photo: AP)

United Nations: Thousands of children have been detained and many tortured during security operations carried out in response to threats from extremists such as the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, and Boko Haram in Nigeria, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

In a new report, the US-based rights group documented an increase in the detention of children in six conflict-affected countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian territories, Nigeria and Syria.

"As governments try to respond to armed conflict and the rise of armed extremist groups like ISIS and Boko Haram, we've been seeing a very alarming trend," said Jo Becker, HRW's director of advocacy for children's rights.

Governments are detaining thousands of children, without charge, often for months or years, and often subjecting them to torture and ill treatment.

In Syria, now in its sixth year of war, at least 1,433 children have been detained, but only 436 have been released, the report said quoting the Violations Documentation Center in Syria.

At least 100 of the thousands of tortured detainees documented in the "Caesar" photographs smuggled by a Syrian defector were boys under the age of 18, according to Human Rights Watch.

These include 14-year-old Ahmad al-Musalmani who was arrested in 2012 when Syrian officers found a recording of a song protesting Bashar al-Assad's rule on his cellphone. He died in detention.

Confessions from children

In Iraq, where security forces are battling to re-take territory held by IS jihadists, at least 314 children including 58 girls have been charged or convicted of terrorism-related charges, the report said quoting UN figures.

Women and children are arrested for alleged terrorist activities by men in their families, and in some cases subjected to severe beatings, burns with cigarettes, and electric shocks to obtain confessions, said the report.

A 10-year-old boy who was arrested by Iraqi security forces in 2012 described how the men held his head near a car tire and threatened to run him over unless he told them where his parents allegedly hid weapons.

Nigeria's military battling the Boko Haram insurgency has rounded up and detained thousands of people, mostly men and boys as young as nine.

The report quoted findings by Amnesty International that between February and May this year, 11 children under the age of six, including four babies, died in Giwa barracks in northeast Nigeria.

Amnesty International estimates that at least 120 children are still held in appalling conditions in Giwa barracks, with many locked up for months or even years.

The report cited UN figures showing that children detained in Afghanistan had been subjected to torture more frequently than adults, possibly because authorities felt they could extract information more easily from child detainees.

All six countries cited in the report are signatories of the UN convention on the rights of children, which recognizes that any person under the age of 18 must benefit from special protection measures under international law.

Human Rights Watch released the report ahead of a debate at the Security Council on Tuesday on children in armed conflicts.
A policeman questions the drug convicts who are going to be executed today. (Photo: AFP)

Cilacap, Indonesia: Indonesia on Thursday rejected appeals from the UN and EU to halt the execution of 14 drug convicts including foreigners, as speculation mounted they could face the firing squad in a matter of hours.

The group, including foreigners from Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, have been placed in isolation on a prison island where Jakarta carries out executions.

Authorities stepped up preparations with ambulances carrying coffins seen crossing over to Nusakambangan island. Family members say they have been told the convicts will be executed today at night, according to a lawyer and diplomat who were angry as it was earlier than they thought was allowed.

Read: Making efforts to save Gurdip Singh from execution in Indonesia: Sushma

The attorney general's office, which oversees executions, could not be reached for comment.

Indonesia last carried out executions in April 2015 when it put to death eight drug convicts, including two Australians, sparking international outrage.

But President Joko Widodo has defended the use of the death penalty to combat rising narcotics use.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on Wednesday called on Indonesia to end the "unjust" use of the death penalty, while the European Union urged Jakarta to stop the "cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent".

Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir defended the looming executions as "pure law enforcement".

"I need to emphasise that all the legal processes of the convicts have been completed, all their rights have been fulfilled we target the drug traffickers and not users," he said.

Jakarta faced accusations of breaking its own laws by apparently planning to hold the executions today.

Diplomats and lawyers say they were given the legally required three days notice of the plan on Tuesday afternoon and believed the earliest it could happen was on Friday.

"This cannot happen"

"I am very concerned -- this cannot happen," Ricky Gunawan, a lawyer for a Nigerian convict set to face the firing squad, told news agency AFP.

"It is clearly against the law. This execution has been completely under secrecy from the start."

Four citizens from Indonesia and ten others from Nigeria, India, South Africa, Pakistan and Zimbabwe would be executed, said lawyers from the Jakarta-based Community Legal Aid Institute, who had visited some of the inmates in prison this week.

Syed Zahid Raza, deputy Pakistani ambassador in Jakarta, said the family of a Pakistani man, Zulfiqar Ali, had been informed he would be executed today at night.

Spokesman Nasir said his ministry had fulfilled all their obligations by notifying foreign representatives.

But Amnesty International outlined on Wednesday "systematic flaws" in the trials of several of the death row inmates, and warned the executions could not proceed while appeals for clemency were pending.

Family members of Michael Titus Igweh, a Nigerian prisoner, said his case was still under review.

"I don't think this is fair. They should fulfil his legal rights first," Igweh's sister-in-law Nila, who gave just one name, told reporters in Cilacap.

Pakistan is angry about the planned execution of Ali whom rights groups claim was beaten into confessing and summoned Indonesia's ambassador in Islamabad this week.

Ali's claims of innocence were backed by a senior Indonesian official, who found numerous "inconsistencies" during an internal investigation into his arrest and trial for heroin possession in the late 2000s.

Hafid Abbas, former director-general of Indonesia's Ministry of Justice, told AFP that he had recommended the now 52-year-old receive clemency as he was an "innocent person".

A candlelit vigil will be held outside the presidential palace in Jakarta on Thursday evening, just hours before the 14 prisoners are expected to face a midnight firing squad.
Tokyo: The former employee accused of killing 19 disabled people and injuring others at a care home in Japan moved briskly and methodically inside buildings and rooms he knew, finishing the deadliest mass attack in postwar Japan in less than one hour, officials said Thursday.

He tied down several of the six overnight workers - one at each of the six sections he passed through - with plastic zip bands so he could move freely in the Yamayuri-en residential buildings, according to a prefectural welfare department official, Yuki Natori. In addition to the 19 disabled people slain, 24 were injured as well as two employees.

Around 2 a.m. Tuesday, the attacker smashed open the window of one of the patients' rooms on the first floor, sneaking into the east wing of the facility for about 150 people with severe autism and other mental disabilities.

Tracing the blood stains he left as he moved from one room to another, officials believe he started from the Flower Home section, where he killed five women. He moved west to the Rainbow Home, slashing more people and leaving five of them dead in that section. He apparently entered the west wing using a key either stolen from an overnight worker or a duplicate he had kept, then killed two men in one section and seven more men upstairs.

One of the two sections he left untouched housed 20 men Satoshi Uematsu had taken care of when he worked at the facility, although the reason they were spared was unknown, Natori said.

Authorities believe Uematsu left the facility around 2:50 a.m. and drove to the local police to turn himself in. He remained in custody Thursday, and prosecutors have until mid-August to decide whether to file murder charges.

Local media have reported that Uematsu told investigators he had no regrets and was trying to help the world by killing people he thought were burdens.

Advocacy groups condemned the crime and the suspect's view, which they said reflected a persistent prejudice in Japan.

"Of course not everyone who supports the idea murders, but there are still many people who share the view," said Koji Onoue, vice chairman of Japan National Assembly of Disabled People's International. "We shouldn't treat (Uematsu) as an abnormal, isolated case. Instead, we should take this opportunity and think why this happened and how people with disabilities are still viewed in this country."

The killings mirrored a plot described in a letter Uematsu tried to give to a Parliament leader in February. He quit his job at the Yamayuri-en facility after being confronted about the letter and was committed to psychiatric treatment, but he was released within two weeks, officials have said.

An official of the city overseeing Uematsu's home said he told medical staff at the hospital during his psychiatric stay that a "Hitler idea has fallen on him." The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the issue.

While his reference wasn't described further, disabled people were killed in Nazi Germany in actions seen as improving the perceived master race.
According to German authorities, the assailant travelled to Germany two years ago but had his asylum claim rejected after a year because he had already been granted refugee status in Bulgaria. (Photo: AP)

Berlin: A Syrian with suspected links to the ISIS who blew himself up outside a German music festival was in contact with another person "who influenced the attack" immediately beforehand, authorities said Wednesday.

The 27-year-old failed asylum seeker, who wounded 15 people at a nearby cafe late Sunday when he was refused access to the festival venue, had been speaking to an unknown person in an "intensive" online chat, Bavaria state interior minister Joachim Herrmann said.

"Apparently he had direct contact with someone who had significant influence on the way the attack played out," Herrmann said on the sidelines of a state government meeting. The chat ended immediately before the attack."

Herrmann said it was not immediately clear whether the unknown person had contact with ISIS jihadists, where the chat participant was, or how long the two had been in contact.

Read: Syrian suicide bomber in Germany 'pledged allegiance' to ISIS

The minister revealed on Monday that the attacker had made a video pledging allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi that was found on his smartphone.

ISIS later said via the jihadist-linked Amaq news agency that the attacker "was a soldier of the ISIS". The assailant also had longstanding links to Al-Qaeda, the ISIS online weekly Al-Naba said on Wednesday.

Originally from the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, he joined Al-Qaeda in Iraq before returning to his country to try to infiltrate the intelligence services of President Bashar al-Assad.

When war broke out in 2011, he formed an armed cell to launch roadside bomb attacks on regime forces and later joined Al-Nusra Front, the Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.

He was wounded in Aleppo and left the country for treatment in Europe, where he followed the actions of ISIS in Syria and Iraq while planning a large-scale attack of his own in Germany, Al-Naba said.

According to German authorities, the assailant travelled to Germany two years ago but had his asylum claim rejected after a year because he had already been granted refugee status in Bulgaria.

He had tried to kill himself twice in the past and had spent time in a psychiatric clinic, authorities said.

Herrmann said that the attacker had large amounts of cash on him and stashed in his room unusual for an asylum seeker.

Mosque raid

Meanwhile, a psychological evaluation of the assailant written in 2015 found that it was possible that he would commit "suicide in a spectacular way", noting that after the death of his wife and six-month-old son he had "nothing left to lose".

It was not clear when or how his family members died.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) confirmed the written assessment, first reported by the daily Bild, and said that he had at first not been deported because of his acute mental instability.

But after he did not respond to official requests for information, the BAMF ordered him to leave Germany this month.

Germany was already reeling after nine people were killed in a shopping centre shooting spree in Munich on Friday and four passengers on a train and a passer-by were wounded in an axe attack in Wuerzburg on July 18. IS also claimed the axe rampage.

All three brutal incidents were in Bavaria, the southern state which has been a portal for scores of thousands of refugees under Chancellor Angela Merkel's liberal asylum policy.

In northern Germany, police on Wednesday raided a mosque in the town of Hildesheim, seen as a meeting point for radical Islamists, Lower Saxony state said in a statement cited by German news agency DPA.

Officials also raided the apartments of eight members of the German Islam Conference (DIK) association that ran the mosque, the statement said.

"The DIK is a hotbed of radical Salafism," the state's interior minister Boris Pistorius said, referring to an ultra-conservative movement of Sunni Islam.

During prayers and seminars held at the mosque, calls for "hate against the disbelievers" had been made, Pistorius said.
The Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme was launched by UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd on Tuesday as part of a wider UK government crackdown on a spike in hate crimes following Britain's vote to leave the European Union last month. (Photo: YouTube Screengrab)

London: Britain's temples and gurudwaras area among a wide range of places of worship that could benefit from a new UK government scheme providing additional security to such places in the wake of spike in hate crimes following Brexit.

The Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme was launched by UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd on Tuesday as part of a wider UK government crackdown on a spike in hate crimes following Britain's vote to leave the European Union last month.

"Representatives from religious communities have raised concerns about crimes which range from graffiti to arson attacks. We will consider bids from places of worship in England and Wales to provide protective security measures," a UK Home Office statement said.

Places of worship will be required to provide supporting documents to show they need increased security, including police reports, records of incidents, photographic evidence or insurance claims and will need to contribute 20 per cent of the total costs.

The bids under the fund, which will be open until September, will cover security equipment such as CCTV, perimeter fencing, access control gates, door locks and security doors.

Funding provided under the new scheme would also include the appropriate labour cost to install the security equipment.

The initial funding for the scheme has been assessed at 2.4 million pounds over three years, to be reviewed in light of the response to the first round of bids.

Hindu Forum of Britain, an umbrella body of Hindu organisations in the country, described the new fund as "great news" and urged its members to bid for additional security.

The programme is aimed at providing "security hardening measures for places of worship that have been subject to or are deemed to be vulnerable to criminal damage and extreme physical attacks."

"It will also identify places of worship through independent and expert review at greatest risk of criminal damage and would potentially benefit from the implementation of new measures and mitigating the impact of hate crime offences, including but not limited to criminal damage such as vandalism, graffiti and arson and public order inside the property," Home Office said.

The Jewish community will be exempted from the new scheme as a similar commitment was made to fund Jewish community sites through a grant administered by the UK's Community Security Trust.

Recent figures showed there have been more than 6,000 reports of hate crime to police since June 23, when Britain voted for Brexit.

The daily rate of hate crimes peaked at 289 on June 25, the day after the referendum result was announced.
Damascus: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday offered an amnesty to armed rebels battling his forces if they surrender, the official SANA news agency reported.

"Everyone carrying arms and sought by justice is excluded from full punishment if they hand themselves in and lay down their weapons," SANA said, quoting a presidential decree on the three-month amnesty offer.

The reprieve also includes any rebel who frees a hostage, according to the decree text.

The offer comes as opposition neighbourhoods of Aleppo city are effectively surrounded by pro-government forces, sparking fears for the more than 200,000 people trapped there.

Assad's ally Russia said Thursday it had launched a "large-scale" operation with the Syrian government to open humanitarian corridors for civilians and fighters fleeing the northern city.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian news agencies that three humanitarian corridors were being opened "to aid civilians held hostage by terrorists and for fighters wishing to lay down their arms" and one more corridor to the north of the city for rebels to flee with their weapons.

Assad has issued several amnesties in recent years, including one in July 2015 for people who have dodged service or defected from the army.

Syria's UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said this week he hopes peace talks aimed at ending more than five years of brutal conflict could resume at the end of August.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war began in March 2011 with anti-government protests that were met with a brutal regime crackdown.
The discharge of the generals, most of whom are currently under arrest comes a day ahead of a meeting of Turkey's Supreme Military Council which is expected to agree one of the most radical shake-ups of the armed forces in years. (Photo: AP/Representational Image)

Ankara: Turkey on Wednesday said it was discharging 149 generals and ordering the closure of dozens of media outlets in the next phase of its controversial crackdown in the wake of the failed coup.

Eighty-seven land army generals, 30 air force generals, and 32 admirals, a total of 149 were being dishonourably discharged from the military over their complicity in the coup bid, a Turkish official said, confirming a government decree published in the official gazette.

In addition, 1,099 officers and 436 junior officers have also received a dishonourable discharge, the decree added.

The discharge of the generals, most of whom are currently under arrest comes a day ahead of a meeting of Turkey's Supreme Military Council which is expected to agree one of the most radical shake-ups of the armed forces in years.

Meanwhile the closure was ordered of three news agencies, 16 television stations, 23 radio stations, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers, the official gazette added.

It did not give the names of those media outlets to be closed but according to a list obtained by the CNN-Turk channel they include mainly provincial titles but also some well-known national media.

These include the Cihan news agency, the pro-Kurdish IMC TV and the opposition daily newspaper Taraf.

Also to be shut are the Zaman newspaper and its Today's Zaman English language sister publication which, like Cihan, were part of a holding linked to the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen until being put into state administration earlier this year.
Scores of houses and bridges have been swept away in several parts of the country as incessant rains have swelled rivers. (Photo: AFP)

Kathmandu: Floods and landslides in Nepal have killed at least 77 people while hundreds of others were forced to flee their homes as torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc in the country, prompting deployment of the army for rescue and relief operations.

Heavy rains have caused massive floods and landslides in in many parts of the country, putting thousands of lives at risk.

Scores of houses and bridges have been swept away in several parts of the country as incessant rains have swelled rivers.

Since Monday, at least 77 people have been killed in floods and landslides, the Kathmandu Post reported. Nine persons are still missing.

The worst-hit district was Pyuthan, where at least 36 have died and dozens of houses have been swept away.

Around 200 families have been displaced due to floods and landslides, officials said.

Floods have also swept away four micro-hydropower projects, police said.

Most of the affected people were earthquake victims who were living in quake-damaged houses after repair, police said.

Tens of thousands of Nepalese are still living in tents following the last year's devastating earthquakes that killed nearly 9,000 people.

Government authorities scrambled to put in place a disaster management system.

Army personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in 14 flood affected districts.

Soldiers and volunteers used rubber boats to rescue people marooned by the flooding, while helicopters are being used to drop food supplies.

Over 600 flood victims who were stranded since Monday night due to flooding in Rapti river in Chaupheri village in Banke were rescued yesterday.

Water levels in Narayani River crossed the danger mark yesterday.

Residents living in the surrounding areas have moved to higher grounds. All the floodgates of the Gandak Barrage bordering India have been opened.

However, water levels were now slowing receding in Koshi river.
Xi made the remarks on Wednesday during an inspection of the army's headquarters ahead of the 89th anniversary of the founding of the PLA on August 1, reports Xinhua. (Photo: AFP)

Beijing: In a bid to strengthen the might of People's Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked the ground force of the army to transform and build itself into a mighty, modernised and new-style military force.

Xi made the remarks on Wednesday during an inspection of the army's headquarters ahead of the 89th anniversary of the founding of the PLA on August 1, reports Xinhua.

Xi, also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), urged the PLA army general command to ensure reform to strengthen the armed forces. He stressed that developing a strong army is crucial for building a world-leading military as well as Beijing's long-term stability.
The 10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008. (Photo: AFP)

Islamabad: Pakistani court has allowed the examination of a boat used by the 10 LeT terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack, overturning an anti-terrorism court verdict which it termed as "flawed".

"The Islamabad High Court has set aside the verdict of trial court (Anti-Terrorism Court) in Mumbai case for not allowing sending of a commission to Karachi for inspection of Al-Fauz boat used by Mumbai attack terrorists," Chaudhry Azhar, prosecution chief in the Mumbai attack case, said.

He said the High Court termed the trial court decision "flawed and not in accordance with law" and allowed examination of the boat in the port city of Karachi.

The prosecution in May had challenged the trial court's decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat 'Al-Fauz' used by Mumbai attack terrorists so that the vessel could be made "case property".

Al-Fauz is in the custody of Pakistani authorities in Karachi, from where the 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack that claimed 166 lives.

The High Court, however, has not specified in its order whether it is necessary to form a commission comprising prosecution and defence lawyers for the inspection of the boat.

"The trial court is likely to send court officials for the inspection of Al-Fauz since it has received no direction of forming a commission for the purpose," another court official said.

"The trial court will nominate the official(s) for the inspection of the boat in the September 7 hearing," he said. The trial court yesterday held a hearing in the Mumbai attack case in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

It was informed that Pakistan had not received a reply from India about sending its 24 witnesses here to record their statements in the case. The court adjourned the proceedings in he case till September 7.

The courts are observing an over a month-long summer holidays and only the cases of very important nature will be heard during the vacation period.

According to the Federal Investigation Agency, the attackers used three boats, including Al Fauz, to reach Mumbai from Karachi.

It said the security agencies had also traced the shop and its owner from where the culprits bought the engine and the boat while a bank and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money.

The 10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008.

En route to their destination, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew.

They forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the Indian shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast.

The Mumbai attack case is facing inordinate delay as no proceedings practically have been held for more than three months.

The Mumbai case hearing is scheduled to be held once a week.

Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack.

Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after he got released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The case has been going on in the country for more than six years.
The Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal on Wednesday rejected the interim plea of Karnataka seeking permission to utilise 7 tmcft of water from the Mahadayi river.





The state government intended to use the water for irrigation as well as drinking purposes in the Malaprabha basin area, mainly in the drought-hit Belagavi and Hubballi-Dharwad region.



The tribunal, headed by J M Panchal and its members Justices Vinay Mittal and P S Narayanapronounced the order. It rejected Karnatakas plea saying there were inconsistencies in its demand and that it was not supported by proper evidence for claiming water for irrigation and drinking purposes.



This tribunal has come to the conclusion that Karnataka has failed to establish at this stage that surplus water is available at three points from which water is sought to be transferred to the Malaprabha basin, it said, while rejecting Karnatakas claim that a huge quantity of Mahadayi water was flowing unutilised into the Arabian Sea.



The tribunal also did not prefer to rely on the Central Water Commission report (which said the flow of water into Mahadayi was 199 tmcft in a year) as it was strongly contested by Goa.



Earlier, Karnataka sought permission to lift 7 tmcft of water annually from the Mahadayi basin to the Malaprabha basin during the monsoon months.



The Kalasa-Banduri Nala project is intended to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.



It involves building barrages across Kalasa and Banduri, the two tributaries of Mahadayi, to divert 7.56 tmcft of water to the Malaprabha river which caters to the drinking water needs of the twin cities.



In 2002, the Centre gave clearances to Karnataka to divert water from Mahadayi.

The project was, however, stalled after Goa raised objections, saying it would lead to its lifeline, the Mandovi River, drying up. (Mandovi is called Mahadayi in Karnataka).



The Ministry of Water Resources constituted the tribunal to resolve the issue.



Call for statewide bandh today

Farmers and leaders of various organisations, who held a meeting in Hubballi on Wednesday evening, gave a call for Karnataka Bandh on Thursday, condemning the Mahadayi Tribunal order.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs eldest son Rakesh has been admitted to the University Hospital Brussels in Belgium.





Siddaramaiah on Wednesday told the media that his sons condition is little critical, but stable. The chief minister said: He is little critical, but stable. He is responding to the treatment. I will be leaving for Belgium at 4.30 am tomorrow (Thursday). However, it was not immediately known as to why Rakesh was hospitalised. According to a source, Rakesh, who was celebrating his 39th birthday in Pattaya last weekend, developed health complications and was flown to Belgium for treatment.



Another source said Rakesh was in Belgium when he developed complications in his pancreas. Rakesh had met with an accident 15 years ago where he suffered injuries to the pancreas. He is being treated for water retention in the organ, the source added.



The chief minister spoke to Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and sought her assistance to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Belgium. The embassy officials are learnt to have admitted Rakesh to the hospital.



Siddaramaiahs younger son Yathindra, who is a doctor, flew to Belgium along with two family doctors and Rakeshs wife. The couple have a son and a daughter.



The chief ministers elder son nurses political ambitions and has in the past tried his hand at acting too.
Observing that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump would lose his bet on "selling fear" and scaring people, US President Barack Obama today pitched for his former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as his successor in the White House.





"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America," Obama said in his address to the Democratic National Convention here in front of an electrifying audience comprising of party delegates, leaders and supporters.



"You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. Until you've sat at that desk, you dont know what it's like to manage a global crisis, or send young people to war. But Hillary's been in the room; shes been part of those decisions," he said.



"She knows whats at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran. Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect. And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits," he said.



Obama said the choice before Americans in the November presidential election between Clinton and Trump is not even close.



"He (Trump) is not really a plans guy. Not really a facts guy, either. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women who've achieved success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated," he said.



Obama said Clinton is respected around the world not just by leaders, but by the people they serve.



"She's worked closely with our intelligence teams, our diplomats, our military. And she has the judgment, the experience, and the temperament to meet the threat from terrorism. It's not new to her," he said.



"Our troops have pounded ISIL without mercy, taking out leaders, taking back territory. I know Hillary won't relent until ISIL is destroyed. She'll finish the job  and she'll do it without resorting to torture, or banning entire religions from entering our country. She is fit to be the next Commander-in-Chief," he asserted.



"America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump. In fact, it doesn't depend on any one person. And that, in the end, may be the biggest difference in this election  the meaning of our democracy," he said.



"Ronald Reagan called America 'a shining city on a hill'. Donald Trump calls it 'a divided crime scene' that only he can fix. It doesn't matter to him that illegal immigration and the crime rate are as low as they've been in decades, because he's not offering any real solutions to those issues. He's just offering slogans, and he's offering fear. He's betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election," he added.



"That is another bet that Donald Trump will lose. Because he's selling the American people short. We are not a fragile or frightful people," Obama said.



"Apparently, he doesn't know the men and women who make up the strongest fighting force the world has ever known. He suggests America is weak. He must not hear the billions of men, women, and children, from the Baltics to Burma, who still look to America to be the light of freedom, dignity, and human rights," he said.



"He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, and tells NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection. Well, America's promises do not come with a price tag. We meet our commitments. And that's one reason why almost every country on earth sees America as stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago," he said.



"Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We don't look to be ruled. Our power comes from those immortal declarations first put to paper right here in Philadelphia all those years ago; We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that together, we, the people, can form a more perfect union," he said.



Obama said democracy doesn't work if people constantly demonize each other.

"She (Hillary) knows that for progress to happen, we have to listen to each other, see ourselves in each other, fight for our principles but also fight to find common ground, no matter how elusive that may seem," he said.



Making a passionate plea to elect Hillary as his successor, Obama said time and again, they have elected him.



"Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me," he said.



"America, you have vindicated that hope these past eight years. And now I'm ready to pass the baton and do my part as a private citizen. This year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me  to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation," Obama said.


A scooter-borne woman got killed when her two-wheeler collided with an electric pole while she was chasing a bike-borne man who had snatched her purse in Outer Delhis Samaipur Badli, the police said.





Her body was found few feet away from her two-wheeler lying in bushes. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was declared brought dead.



The police said that Princey Rana (27), a teacher in Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, was driving without helmet, and the accident resulted in a fatal injury on her head.



Princey was going to her school on Tuesday morning when the incident happened.

Had she been wearing a helmet she would have survived the collision, said a police officer.



According to the police they found her purse couple of kilometres away from the accident spot in a residential area. CCTV footage is being scanned to find out the identity of the person who brought the purse and dropped it there.



The police have found an eyewitness who saw the woman chasing a bike-borne man on her scooter on Tuesday morning.



The eyewitness is from Bihar and is a labourer. We are waiting for his formal statement, said a police officer investigating the case.



According to Princeys husband Mayank, she left for school around 6.30 am. A resident of Bakner village, Princey used to commute seven kilometres daily between her house and school on her two-wheeler.



Couple of kilometres away from her house, she was found lying injured in bushes by a few people working in nearby realestate office while they were walking there.



The men informed the police and a police van took her to a nearby hospital where she was declared brought dead, said a police officer.



Princeys husband confirmed to the police that she was carrying a purse, which the police found couple of kilometres away from the accident spot. The police sources suspect that the man snatched her purse while she was on her vehicle following which she gave him a chase and got injured after colliding with an electric pole.



Princey has a four-year-old daughter, and her husband is currently unemployed. She hails from Punjabs Ferozepur district.



A case of rash driving (section 279), causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others (section 337), and punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder (section 304) have been registered in Samaypur Badli Police station.


A jigsaw puzzle of human anatomy changes five childrens hands. The younger kids keep themselves engaged with rubber toys. It is slightly past 9.45 am at anganwadi number 1 at A-72, Nizamuddin Basti. One tubelight at the red-and-white-tiled room alienates the dimly-lit room from the bright morning outside.





Shabana, the anganwadi helper, shuttles between attending to kids and negotiating with parents in the locality to send their children to the centre.



The attendance at the anganwadi is higher than other days as some guest children drop in for the day. These are kids who are in the locality to visit their relatives, says Gayatri when a DH team visited six of the seven anganwadis in Nizamuddin Basti last Thursday.



Activities on a typical day at an anganwadi include physical development, language development, and enhancing communication skills. The activities range from colouring, counting, rhymes, identifying body parts, fruits, vegetables and animals.



Earlier, we had been asked to not teach them letters of the alphabet or counting but now we have revised the format, adds Gayatri, who has been working at anganwadis for the last 16 years now.



The room rented out at a monthly rate of Rs 1,200 can accommodate few children. The biggest problem the anganwadi workers are fighting is the lack of space in congested areas like Nizamuddin Basti. The space is little for children to engage in different activities. It is difficult to accommodate when there are more than eight children, says the anganwadi worker. Four years back, the anganwadi was run out of a smaller accommodation.



Over the years, the number of anganwadis has grown in the capital. Several areas have new mini-anganwadis coming up so that children have access to this facility near their homes.



The government is aware that several anganwadis are not situated at the idea locations. Some of these centres have insanitary conditions around them. However, with the multiplication of anganwadis, it is difficult to monitor the locations, says a senior official, Women and Child Development department.



Archana Kaushik, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Nizamuddin, says, We are doing our best with the available resources.



Space is not the only challenge that workers are fighting. They feel more creative activities should be planned so that children can utilise the scheme better. The activities are aimed at enhancing a childs mental health and should be updated every few years.

The pre-school component is weak and is far from what is stated in the ICDS scheme. This is due to lack of training among anganwadi workers. There is a scope for improvement with closer monitoring and supervision.



The actual objective of the ICDS scheme is well laid out. However, most of the anganwadis currently serve as the feeding centres for children, says Harshika Sahni Dewan, Early Childhood Care and Development coordinator, Aga Khan Foundation, which is closely working with the government in anganwadis in Nizamuddin Basti.



To fill in the gaps, the Aga Khan Foundation has provided the anganwadis with community teachers for pre-school education and infrastructural support, she adds.

The current focus of the scheme has reduced to food being served at these centres with most children or their mothers turning up only to collect meals after the days activities are over.



Parents cooperation

The attendance is also dependent on the parents cooperation in the respective areas. Parents of children who come to the anganwadis are labourers, fruit or vegetable sellers. Several parents sleep late into the day and there is no motivation for the children to come to the anganwadis, says Archana, the worker at anganwadi number 17, a small well-lit room with beautiful wall paintings.



Anganwadi workers across Nizamuddin Basti said it is a challenge to retain kids at the centre after meals are served. Most children leave anganwadis at 11.30 am with their meals, says Kaushik.



Providing nutrition to children is one of the important features of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) under the Delhi governments Women and Child Development department.



Providing nutrition is one of the elements. But in the majority of the cases, the objective of the anganwadis has reduced to meals. The other important features of anganwadis are pre-school education and primary health education, says the senior official.

Even though the meal served may draw more children and their parents to the anganwadis, the menu is not what the kids look forward to.



The staff at anganwadis say kids find the menu monotonous.

At anganwadi number 20 at House No. 50 in Nizam Nagar, children sit with their plates of chana pulao almost uninterestedly as a swarm of flies settle on their plates.

The anganwadi, which runs out of a rain basera, does not have a dedicated anganwadi worker.



The menu does not impress children as it has not been the same since 2006. Also, the beneficiaries are from needy families. So the food being served should give these kids supplementary nutrition. There have been several proposals in the past for revising the menu. Meals should include dry fruits, food having high protein value so that children look forward to these meals, says Nilofer, supervisor, ICDS, Nizamuddin.



In 2008, there was a proposal of protein or vitamin candies which would attract children, she adds. But the plan never took off.



The department is looking into areas in which there is scope for improvement. More options which are more acceptable to children and pregnant women will be introduced on the menu on a pilot phase, says another department official.



What is the way forward?



The Women and Child Development department is now debating how the model of

anganwadis can be improved.



One of the ways forward is consolidation of anganwadis. If that is done, the department will be able to screen childrens activities better and also move them to better premises. More number of anganwadi workers and helpers can be assigned at these facilities. The other ways to bring improvement is to constantly monitor the anganwadi centres and improvise the existing system, says the senior official.



There is, however, a flip side to consolidation of anganwadis, say other officials.

Multiplication of anganwadis means taking children closer to this facility. So if the centres are at a distance, the attendance may dip and parents will find it difficult to send the young children to the centres. The success of the model lies in the fact that more children in locality benefit from the scheme, says another official.


Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is a fraud, a liar and a hypocrite, top Democratic leaders and speakers at the party's national convention said today as they lashed out at the billionaire from New York.





Raising questions on Trump's business acumen, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said: "I am a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one!" to loud cheers from the audience.



"Trump says he will punish manufacturers that move to Mexico or China, but the clothes he sells are made overseas in low-wage factories. He says he wants to put Americans back to work, but he games the US visa system so he can hire temporary foreign workers at low wage. He says he wants to deport 11 million undocumented people, but he seems to have no problem in hiring them," Bloomberg said.



"Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy. He wants you to believe that we can solve our biggest problem by deporting Mexicans and shutting out Muslims. He wants you to believe that erecting trade barriers will bring back good jobs. He is wrong on both counts," he said.



The former New York Mayor said that though Hillary Clinton may not be the "perfect candidate", there is "no doubt" in his mind that she is the right choice.



California Governor Jerry Brown also laid into Trump, calling him a fraud and a liar.

"Trump says global warming is a hoax. I say Trump is a fraud. Trump says there's no drought in California. I say Trump lies. So, it's not surprising that Trump chose as his running mate a man who denies that there''s such a thing as evolution," he said.

Brown said while Trump only talks, Clinton gets things done.



"As Secretary of State, she paved the way for the historic Paris Climate Agreement, an agreement which 200 nations, including China and India, enthusiastically embraced. And Mr Trump, he says: The world be damned, I'm tearing it up," he said.



"Trump and those who live in climate denial say otherwise. They tell us we have to choose between saving the economy and saving the planet. Donald Trump and the climate deniers are dead wrong  dangerously wrong," Brown said.



Rear Admiral (retd) John Hutson expressed fears Trump would abandon allies and let more countries get nuclear weapons.



"He lies about donating to our veterans and called the military I served in a disaster'. It's embarrassing enough that he's the face of one of our political parties. The real disaster is what would happen if we let Donald Trump become the face of the country we love," he said.



Kristen Kavanaugh, co-founder of the Military Acceptance Project, said Clinton understands the importance of a strong military and diplomacy.



"She knows we're stronger when we work with our allies to keep us safe, and she has a specific plan to defeat and destroy ISIS. She has the experience, temperament, and steady hand to lead," she said.



"I don't trust Donald Trump. The military is defined by discipline. Leadership. Integrity. Those are the qualities that drew me to serve. And those are the very qualities that Donald Trump lacks. He suggests abandoning our closest allies. He praises dictators who've killed Americans. He says we should allow more countries to get nuclear weapons," Kavanaugh said.





Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley lashed out at Trump saying he has been a bully his whole life.



"But here's what I learned on playgrounds in Catholic school: all bullies are cowards in disguise. But unlike that immigrant-bashing, carnival barker, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton actually knows the enduring symbol of America is not a barbed wire fence. It is the Statue of Liberty!" he said.



O'Malley, a former presidential aspirant, also targeted the real estate mogul's assertions on climate change.



"Donald Trump doesn't believe in science. He says, 'the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese.' If the Chinese were really capable of designing some kind of diabolical farce to hurt America, they wouldn't invent global warming. They'd invent Donald Trump," he said.



He said Trump insults people who disagree with him and makes his followers fearful. "He feeds off of a deep-seated and dangerous anger."



Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said: "When Trump decided to run for President, he probably said to himself: I'm an egomaniac. I don't believe in science. I think women are inferior. Where would I feel at home?"




Protests intensified today in several parts of north Karnataka against the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal's interim order rejecting Karnataka's petition seeking 7.56 tmcft for drinking water projects.





Tension gripped most parts of northern Karnataka like Gadag, Hubballi, Dharwad, Haveri, Belagavi where police have made tight security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident.



Shops, commercial establishments and educational institutions at most places remained shut, officials said.



Protests by several organisations and farmers are also being held across the state, including Bengaluru.



Pro-Kannada and farmer associations have called for 'Karnataka Bandh' on July 30 against the interim order.



Karnataka, which has locked horns with neighbouring Goa on the larger issue of sharing Mahadayi river water between both the states, had petitioned the tribunal seeking release of 7.56 tmcft of water for Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.



The tribunal, which gave its interim order yesterday after hearing arguments from both Karnataka and Goa, had rejected the state's plea citing various grounds including ecological damage that the project may cause.



The Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) project, which will utilise 7.56 tmcft from the inter-state Mahadayi river, is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.



Reacting to the order, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had yesterday said Karnataka in its petition, asked for 7.56 tmcft for drinking purpose which should have been given priority according to National Water Policy.



Siddaramaiah had led an all party delegation to the Prime Minister seeking his intervention for an out of court settlement of the issue. Karnataka Legislature had also passed a resolution seeking the Prime Minister's intervention.



Goa government had earlier rejected Karnataka's attempt for out of court settlement of the dispute, stating that the people of the state felt it was more prudent to settle the dispute through the Tribunal.



Reacting to the order, BJP leader and former water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai said it was against natural justice.



Claiming that the tribunal has not considered the Central Water Commission's report and also not yet received any assessment, he asked the state government to immediately go before the Supreme Court.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today offered an amnesty to armed rebels battling his forces if they surrender, the official SANA news agency reported.





"Everyone carrying arms... and sought by justice... is excluded from full punishment if they hand themselves in and lay down their weapons," SANA said, quoting a presidential decree on the three-month amnesty offer.



The reprieve also includes any rebel who frees a hostage, according to the decree text.



The offer comes as opposition neighbourhoods of Aleppo city are effectively surrounded by pro-government forces, sparking fears for the more than 200,000 people trapped there.



Assad's ally Russia said today it had launched a "large-scale" operation with the Syrian government to open humanitarian corridors for civilians and fighters fleeing the northern city.



Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Russian news agencies that three humanitarian corridors were being opened "to aid civilians held hostage by terrorists and for fighters wishing to lay down their arms" and one more corridor to the north of the city for rebels to flee with their weapons.



Assad has issued several amnesties in recent years, including one in July 2015 for people who have dodged service or defected from the army.



Syria's UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said this week he hopes peace talks aimed at ending more than five years of brutal conflict could resume at the end of August.



More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the war began in March 2011 with anti-government protests that were met with a brutal regime crackdown.
The interim order of the Mahadayi water tribunal generated much heat in the Lok Sabha today with Karnataka members seeking a solution to the water crisis in four districts of the state hit hard by the decision.



Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Prakash Hukkeri (Congress) spoke of the protests in Belgaum, Gadag, Bijapur and Dharwad districts in the wake of interim order.



The tribunal had directed the Karnataka government not to divert 7.56 TMC water from the Mhadei river to the Malaprabha basin.



The issue witnessed charges and countercharges from BJP and Congress members from the state and at one point, Congress members stormed the Well when the ruling party attempted to target the Congress chief.



BJP member Suresh Angadi attacked the Karnataka government for "not acting properly" on the issue, which was strongly protested by Congress members. Angadi was supported by his party colleagues from the state including B S Yeddyurappa.



Goa and Karnataka are currently battling out a dispute over the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura dam project across the waters of the Mhadei river at a central tribunal. Mhadei, also known as the Mandovi river, is known as a lifeline in the northern parts of the state. It originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji in Goa.



Congress members demanded that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar spell out the government's position, but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said she would not allow anyone to speak. Ananth Kumar hails from Karnataka.
As last minute efforts, India has reached out to Indonesia to save an Indian man from execution in a drug peddling case, requesting the country to exhaust all legal recourses before the death penalty was carried out.



Gurdip Singh, 48, was found guilty by an Indonesian court of trying to smuggle in 300 grams of heroin and was handed death penalty in 2005. He is among death row convict who are likely to be executed tomorrow.



MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Indian Embassy officials in Jakarta are reaching out to the Indonesian foreign office and the senior leadership of the country on the issue.



External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last night had said government was making last minute efforts to save Singh.



"Afdhal Muhammad, the legal representative of Singh was of the view that he can file for Presidential clemency under the relevant law before the President of Indonesia. The Embassy sent a Note Verbal to the Indonesia's Foreign Ministry requesting that all legal recourse should be exhausted before the death penalty is carried out," Swarup said.



Singh, who hails from Jalandhar in Punjab, is among 14 people who are facing execution after the authorities decided to resume implementing death penalties. The decision was criticised by human rights organisations.



The 14 convicts to be executed include persons from Indonesia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Pakistan.





Singh was arrested on August 29, 2004, at the Soekarno Hatta Airport on charges of drug trafficking. The Tangerang Court awarded him Capital Punishment in February 2005, against the prosecutors' request for 20 years imprisonment.



His appeal against the death penalty was turned down by the High Court of Banten in May, 2005. He then appealed to the Supreme Court which also upheld his death penalty. He is presently detained at Nusakambangan Pasir Putih, Cilacap.



"As we speak, our Embassy Consular officials are camping in Cilacap and have met Shri Gurdip Singh," said Swarup adding the officials are also in constant touch with Singh's wife and brother in India and keeping them informed of the current situation.



External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday had said government was making last minute efforts to save Singh.
China and Russia will hold a joint naval drill in the disputed South China Sea in September, Chinese Defence Ministry announced today, days after an international tribunal struck down Beijing's expansive claims over the strategic waters.



Navies of China and Russia will hold a joint drill in South China Sea in September, Yang Yujun of spokesperson Defence Ministry said here.



The drill, codenamed Joint Sea-2016, is a product of the consensus reached by the two sides, Yang said.



Though the navies of the two countries have been holding annual exercises, this year's exercises come in the backdrop of a tribunal appointed by the Permanent court of Arbitration struck down China's claims all most all over the South China Sea and upheld the Philippines rights over the area.



Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan opposed China's claims. US which extends tacit backing to them to assert their claims against China has been sending naval ships and military aircraft to maintain freedom of navigation in the disputed area.



Washington called on Beijing to implement the tribunal verdict saying that it is binding. China has rejected the tribunal verdict but expressed willingness to resolve the dispute directly through the parties concerned.



Held on both land and sea, the drill is a routine one between China and Russia, and does not target any third party, Yang said.



The drill will consolidate and develop the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, deepen pragmatic and friendly cooperation between the two militaries, and enhance the capabilities of the two navies to jointly deal with maritime security threats, Yang said.



Last year China and Russia held joint military drills in the Sea of Japan and the Mediterranean.



Beijing announced the drills days after it successfully manoeuvred a statement in the just concluded ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Lao's capital Vientiane mentioning a word about the South China Sea arbitration.



"Although the South China Sea issue was mentioned many times in the communique, it only gave a general overview of principles that must be stuck to. Most foreign media view the communique as a triumph for China's diplomacy", state-run Global Times said in an editorial.



Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are prominent members of ASEAN, (Association of South East Asian Nations).



Asked whether China would use three airstrips it build on the disputed islands in the South China Sea would use for military purposes, Yang said priority would be given to the civilian usage.



But at the same time he said a military aircraft has landed in one of the islands recently to airlift an injured person for medical treatment in the mainland.
Few architects can claim to have brought such true pleasure to the people as David Marks and Julia Barfield. As the inventors and designers of the London Eye, they have given delight to millions; creating a fresh landmark for the capitals skyline but also offering a thrilling experience in itself. The completion of the London Eye was a miracle of sorts, given the scale of the challenges and obstacles the pair faced to get it built.





Now husband-and-wife team David and Julia are offering their audience a second miracle, founded on exactly the same pleasure principles, but in a very different location and with a very different solution. Marks Barfield Architects have, quite literally, reinvented the wheel and have created the i360, a vertical cable car with a sculpted viewing pod, perching lightly upon Brightons seafront.



A few years ago we went on a balloon flight over the River Dordogne for my daughters birthday, says David, and it was stunning to be floating in the air and taken along by the wind. Theres something about that feeling of floating above the earth that is so calming but so exciting at the same time. I suppose the idea of being above everything is inherent in us all.



High above the ground



Like the London Eye, Brightons i360 offers a unique perspective upon the world below. It takes the form of a slender mast that will be 568ft high (when the spire is added), which supports a sculpted, doughnut-shaped pod, with glass windows and a reflective mirrored underside. The pod takes up to 200 people at a time skyward over a flight time of 20 (daytime) or 30 minutes (evening). The views from the top, in clear conditions, stretch for 26 miles, taking in the sea, the coastline and the Sussex Downs.

After the London Eye, we did have lots of people phoning us up saying, Well have one of those, says Julia. But you cant just replicate it anywhere. The Eye cost 86 million back in 2000 and so you need the right circumstances, the right number of visitors, the right location and a fantastic view to look at to make it work.



The new landmark is a slight and slender presence upon Brightons seafront, yet i360 is already having a big impact. It sits within the context of a gradual but marked revival in seaside resorts, which has also seen the arrival of David Chipperfields Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate and HAT Projects Jerwood Gallery in Hastings, which has also just celebrated the reopening of its pier. The i360 itself has been described as a vertical pier, which sits on the landward side of Brightons derelict West Pier, designed by the masterful Victorian architect-engineer Eugenius Birch.



The West Pier opened 150 years ago, in 1866. At the opening ceremony  as David tells me  it was poetically described as a kind of butterfly upon the ocean to carry visitors upon its wings. It was one of many elegant Victorian pleasure piers designed by Birch and his contemporaries that fed the growing appetite for seaside pleasure trips, encouraged by the growth of the railways. During its heyday, it attracted as many as two million visitors a year, but began to spiral into decline in the 1950s and 60s and could not compete with the Palace Pier close by. Despite its beauty, Grade I listed status and numerous attempts to save it by the West Pier Trust, it began to collapse into the sea and its death sentence was written in fire after two arson attacks in 2003. Today, just a fragmented ghost shell remains, floating out to sea.



What happened to the West Pier is so sad, but the fact that we are building on the heritage of the original pier is very fitting, along with the idea of a 21st-century vertical pier. The parallels with Eugenius Birch are certainly there with the use of innovative technology and engineering, says Julia.



Julia and David, both 63, first met at the Architectural Association (AA) in central London where one of their most inspirational tutors, Keith Critchlow, had been a student of their architectural hero, Richard Buckminster Fuller, who invented the geodesic dome. David and Julia spent their working year out from the AA together in South America, helping to design a community centre and housing systems for a squatter settlement in Lima, Peru. Back at the AA, they helped build a few Fuller-style domes and other structures as part of the schools lightweight-structures research unit.



When the two of them graduated, David and Julia found that there wasnt much real work to be had. They eventually found themselves making architectural models for Richard Rogers. After a while, they were invited to join the architecture team and Marks began working on the Lloyds Building, while Barfield served in the unit working on the design of the Inmos Microprocessor Factory in Wales. In all, Marks worked with Rogers for seven years and Barfield for two, then six in Norman Fosters office.



They were really formative years, says Julia. When we joined Rogers, it was quite a small practice and we were there at a period of phenomenal growth and innovation and it was a great time; Richard and Ruthie Rogers were so generous and constantly inviting people over to dinner.



There are many things that we learnt at Rogers: working as a team; the importance of analysis and really thinking through problems and solving them with a minimum of means and resources. Its about touching the ground lightly and minimising the environmental impact while maximising the benefits of a building for the user.



Marks and Barfield married in 1981 while they were still at Richard Rogers office. They have lived in Stockwell ever since they were students and now have three grown-up children. The story of Marks and Barfields own practice, rather like the Eye and i360, has been a rollercoaster. They started the company in 1989, with a home office, focusing on house extensions. A few years later, they won a major competition for a 35 million technology centre and were encouraged to set up a full professional office, with all of its overheads, only to watch the project become the victim of recession.



Catalytic potential



Architecture is like that  ups and downs, says Julia. We went into a competition to design a London landmark for the millennium as a way of cheering ourselves up. There was a definite feeling that we were in a deep hole and that we needed to get out of it somehow. We had mortgaged the house and, yes, it was tough. With the support of Bob Ayling, then head of British Airways, they managed to pull off the miracle, forming a company to build and manage the London Eye.



The i360 has also been a tale of ups and downs. The project began back in 2006 after David and Julia sold their own stake in the London Eye, which is now owned and run by The Tussauds Group. They decided to reinvest much of their profits from the London Eye into i360  a total of 6 million of Marks Barfield Architects money and practice time  yet still needed to secure funding for the rest of the 46 million budget in the face of a new recession. Eventually, Brighton & Hove City Council  seeing the catalytic potential of the project for tourism  arranged a loan for the bulk of the budget. The West Pier Trust agreed to lease i360 its site on the beachfront.



Construction began in 2014 and i360 opens this summer. The construction company Hollandia landed a series of 17 steel cans on the beach by barge and jacked them up one by one to create the slender mast. A counterweight and winding cables support the pod, which is protected by a whole series of safety measures. The base building holds a 400-cover restaurant, The Belle Vue ,with an emphasis on local Sussex produce, while two booths from the original West Pier have been reconstructed to serve as a ticket office and a cafe.



Along with the effects on tourism and local development, both Marks Barfield and the West Pier Trust hope that i360 could help make the prospect of a new 21st-century sea pier more likely one day in the future. It is a lovely idea, says David. The challenge is how to make it viable. If there is a way of creating something light and delicate, floating above the waves, then that would be a wonderful thing to do.



For Marks Barfield, there are also many other projects to attend to. Theres a 17 million new mosque in Cambridge underway, as well as the University of Cambridge Primary School  a flagship university training facility and free school. Then there are fresh plans for a new Aerial Cable Car in Chicago. In the city that played host to the very first big wheel back in 1893  designed by another architect-engineer, George Ferris  the Aerial Cable Car would connect the citys Navy Pier to downtown Chicago.



For the future, there could also be i360s in other parts of the world. Marks Barfield  who are the majority shareholders of i360 with around 80% of the equity  have been careful, this time around, to patent the design, although they promise that there wont be a cookie-cutter approach. Theirs is a uniquely entrepreneurial attitude, full of educated risks, that has now resulted in two of Britains most innovative and delightful buildings. They are both modest about the level of courage involved to generate such projects, but surely there is a degree of bravery to the model, combined with the possibility of extraordinary rewards.



They are calculated risks that we take, not silly risks, says David. We work with a lot of very skilled professionals in a whole range of different fields on these projects. If it means that we can add to the environment and create something that people enjoy  getting back to the pleasure principle  then why not? What else would we do with the money? Buy a chateau or a yacht? Thats not us. We were lucky enough to benefit from the London Eye and now we are ploughing it back and the time does feel right for i360.



There have been plenty of times over the last 10 years where people have said, dont you think you should walk away? But we stuck with it and every time we thought about it and looked at all the people who have supported us and who were looking forward to it happening, then there was no way that we were going to let them down. Every time we looked at it, then it still made sense, so we never let it go.




Hyperlocal marketplace app Zopper is planning to be a multi-platform ecommerce company. It plans for a website launch, as it will help the company increase reach and conversion.





Zopper Co-Founder and CEO Neeraj Jain said, So far, we have seen approximately three million app downloads. We also have an m-site, which brings in thousands of visitors every day.



Jain calls Zopper as a very differentiated and inclusive ecommerce model, which enables thousands of local retailers to participate in the online commerce boom in India. The existing ecommerce models are fighting the current retail ecosystem by creating a parallel system (either buy directly from brands or big distributors and sell to customers directly cutting the small retailers), whereas, the Zopper model is making the retail ecosystem stronger by making them, their inventory and prices visible to customers online, he said, adding, Its essentially a Search Online and Purchase Online or Offline model.



Zopper, which currently enjoys over 15,000 merchants on its retailer app, aims to achieve over 25,000 by the end of this year. Our idea is to bring the traffic and business to local retailers by making them discoverable and visible during the search and buying phase of the consumer journey, Jain said.



The ecommerce firm is present in 28 cities, and plans to expand to 50 cities by the end of this year. As far as downloads are concerned, Delhi has the maximum downloads, followed by Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. These are also our four biggest markets in terms of retailer partnerships and revenue mix, he said.



Talking about turnover, Jain said, We have crossed $100 million GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) clocking revenue of $2 million. By the end of this fiscal, we expect the GMV to reach $250 million, and our revenue would be in the range of 2.5-3% of GMV. Zopper has earned a gross profit of $27,000 in 2015-16. We are already profitable at the gross level, and aim to be fully profitable by 2016-17, he said.






Aptech Banking and Finance Academy and Geojit BNP Paribas have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to train over 10,000 banking and finance professionals through an industry-institute collaboration programme.





Under the alliance, selected centres of Aptech Banking and Finance Academy in four metro cities including, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, will impart two intensive professional courses developed with the aim of filling the predicted skill deficit in the BFSI sector.



In both the courses, students would undergo mandatory soft skills training and a 30-hour industry project that would help them gain industry work experience and make them job-ready. These courses would also prepare students for examinations conducted by the National Institute of Securities Market (NISM), which is a public trust of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).



We have taken up this mission to fill in the skill deficit in the BFSI sector by forging an alliance with Geojit BNP Paribas. Together, we aim to bridge the skill and employment gap that exists in the country and contribute to the future of aspiring banking and finance professionals, Aptech executive director Anuj Kacker said.



With Indias BFSI manpower requirement expected to surge to 84 lakh by 2022, skill development of the new-age finance professionals by attunement to diverse risk management capabilities and adaptation to complex FinTech remains a key challenge. We are happy that our accumulated knowledge and experience could someway help to address this challenge and increase employability of professionals through this collaborative effort, Geojit BNP Paribas executive director Satish Menon said.




At least five people were washed away in floodwaters on Thursday in Assam, with the situation turning extremely grim, leaving 18 lakh people affected.





Neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, too, witnessed fresh incidents of landslides.



One person died in Dhemaji district, three died in Barpeta and another person died in Kokrajhar district of Assam.



ASDMA report

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), about 3,374 villages were affected by floods till Thursday evening.



Nearly 2.3 lakh people have taken shelter in 517 relief camps in some of the flood-hit districts.



Apart from the Brahmaputra, Dhansiri, Jai Bharali, Puthimri, Beki Sankosh, Subansiri and Buri Dehing rivers are flowing above danger level. The Majuli River Island is also facing a massive flood threat, a source said.



CMs aerial survey

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday undertook an aerial survey of the flood-affected Majuli, Nagaon, Morigaon, Jorhat, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts and took stock of the prevailing flood situation in these districts.



Minister for Water Resources Keshab Mahanta and Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Naba Kumar Doley also accompanied the chief minister.



Assam is reeling under severe floods for the last one week due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan, as well as heavy rainfall in Assam.



ASDMA has opened a round-the-clock control room with toll-free numbers 1070, 1079 & 0361-2237011, an official source said.



1.76 lakh hit in Meghalaya

At least 1.76 lakh people in Meghalayas plain belt areas of West Garo Hills have been affected by floods with not much relief coming in from the district administration.



Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma made an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas on Wednesday and asked the district administration to expedite relief measures.



In 2014, Garo hills had witnessed the worst flood situation with over 90 people killed and damages estimated at about Rs 600 crores.



In flood-hit Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu made a spot inspection of some landslide sites.






At a time when Assam is battling massive floods, the state Forest Department has a jumbo problem at hand.





It has been a month since an elephant from the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra was washed away by the strong river current across the international border, downstream to Bangladesh. The pachyderm is now stranded, waiting to be brought back.



The Assam government has set up an expert panel to rescue the pachyderm. Assams Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Bikash Brahma told DH that a three-member expert team is likely to go to Bangladesh early next month.



The state government has written to the Ministry of External Affairs.



New Delhi and Dhaka are on hotlines to expedite the rescue of the elephant, Brahma said.



The elephant swam through the Brahmaputra (known as Jamuna in Bangladesh), crossed the riverine international border at Dhubri district in Assam and entered into Kurigrams Chilmari sub-divisional area in the neighbouring country.



The elephant was last seen on sandbars in Chikajani union in Jamalpur district, sources said.



Forest authorities in Bangladesh are constantly monitoring the elephant and a team of vets has also been despatched from Dhaka.



The elephant is in good health now.



Earlier, she was found to be weak and stressed as the locals drove her off from one place to another, Dhaka informed New Delhi.


The government on Thursday confirmed that the medical Eamcet-II entrance examination question paper was leaked, with the Telangana CID arresting two people for their role in the case. The duo has been identified as Vishnudhan alias Vishnuvardhan and Thirumal alias Thirumal Rao.





In a statement on Thursday, the CID said that during the course of the investigation some students confirmed that the question papers in two sets with 160 questions each were leaked.



The investigation also revealed that students appearing for the Engineering, Agriculture, Medical Common Entrance Test (Eamcet-II) from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were taken to camps set up in at least five cities two-three days prior to the actual test and were given mock tests with the leaked question papers and correct answers. The CID has identified some brokers and sub-brokers from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh and Bengaluru for their involvement in the scam.



They (Vishnudhan and Rao) contacted around 25 students and their parents and took them to Bengaluru where one Rajgopal Reddy arranged the practice sessions, and sent them back in time for the Eamcet test, the CID statement said.



The development will jeopardise the prospects of 2,650 aspirants, who have qualified for counseling for MBBS and BDS courses. Around 60,000 students appeared for the Eamcet-II held in Telangana and Andhra.



The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University here conducted the Telangana State Eamcet-II (medical) test on July 9 and declared the results on July 13. Soon, rumours spread that the question paper was leaked and those who paid huge amounts secured the top ranks.


As the fruitless search for the IAF aircraft AN-32 continued on Day 7, defence authorities deferred the underwater search due to the delay in the arrival of NIOTs vessel, Sagar Nidhi.





Failure to locate oil sleek or any obvious signs of the missing aircraft after extensive scouring of 300 nautical mile off the Chennai coast has made rescuers anxious.



(NIOTs vessel) was supposed to reach Chennai coast on Thursday. It is delayed due to bad weather and will arrive soon to start deep-sea search, a senior Coast Guard official seeking anonymity said.



He said Sagar Nidhi is a vessel with fully automatic diesel-electric propulsion equipped with high-tech searching devices including a winch to lift 60 tonnes from the depth of 6000 metres in the sea.



The official said despite the weather remaining good, the sea has become rough since Wednesday evening.



We will have difficulties in intensifying the search, he said, adding the search would not be stopped.



Coast Guard sources said they have requested deployment of INS Nirupak, since Sagar Nidhi is taking time to arrive.



Adding to the search teams troubles, Chennais Regional Meteorological Department has predicted strong off-shore winds in the south-westerly direction gusting occasionally up to 45-55 kmph along Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts in the next 24 hours. There were also forecasts of heavy rain.



Defence authorities, meanwhile, are studying two dark orange objects found in the sea on Tuesday evening. Similar objects have been recovered on Wednesday night.

We are examining to see if they were from the missing AN-32, the official said.

The IAF aircraft with 29 defence personnel on board left Chennai for Port Blair last week and has since been missing.




Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, a key handler of the 26/11 Mumbai attack terrorists, was on Thursday convicted along with 11 others in the sensational Aurangabad arms haul case of 2006.





Additional Sessions Judge Shrikant Anekar, who presided over a special court set up under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), convicted 12 of the 22 accused. From Friday, arguments on quantum of sentence would be held in the court.



Though the court dropped charges of MCOCA, it has accepted prosecutions case that the aim of the convicted accused was to create terror in the minds of people and to eliminate leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then the Gujarat chief minister, and Right-wing leader Pravin Togadia to avenge the victims of Gujarat riots.



Though he was the last to be caught, Sayyed Jabiuddin Sayyed Jakiuddin alias Jabi alias Riyasat Ali alias Abu Jundal, was the key accused who faced trial after he was brought here from Saudi Arabia.



On May 8, 2006, the seizures started in Aurangabad and then spread to Khultabad, Yeola and Malegaon. As many as 16 AK-47 rifles, 3,200 live cartridges, 43 kg of RDX and 50 hand grenades were sized. Soon after the seizures started, Ansari got the wind of it and escaped to Bangladesh and subsequently to Pakistan, where he joined his Lashkar-e-Toiba bosses. He was involved in training fidayeens, particularly enabling them to converse in Hindi. He was also present in the control room in Karachi when the 26/11 attack was being carried out.



This fact came to light when Kasab, during the trial before the then Additional Sessions Judge M L Tahiliyani, told the court about one Abu Jundal who had trained them how to speak in Hindi.



In 2012, he was caught in Saudi Arabia and he was brought to India by efforts of investigative and intelligence agencies.



All the accused have been acquitted of the MCOCA charges, said Mobin Solkar, one of the defence lawyers in the case.


India appeared to be in a losing battle to save a Jalandhar man from execution by Friday in Indonesia, which has some of the worlds toughest anti-drug laws.





As New Delhi mounted last-minute efforts to save Gurdip Singh who is among 14 people set to face the firing squad after midnight, Indonesian Attorney General M Prasetyos statement closed his fate. The official said all legal requirements had been fulfilled for execution for the 14 people convicted for drug trafficking.



Singh, 48, was found guilty of trying to smuggle 300 grams of heroin into Indonesia in 2004 and was sentenced to death by a state district court at Tanggerang in Banten province in February 2005. He was given the death sentence even though prosecutors had recommended a 20-year jail term for Singh, who is also known as Vishal. Besides Singh, there are 10 foreigners  a Zimbabwean, a Senegalese, a South African and five Nigerians, Amnesty International said. According to Indonesia law, each convict will be shot to death by a squad of 10 people. The executions are to take place in Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, where authorities have tightened security by deploying an additional 1,500 police personnel and army and navy units. In a tweet late on Wednesday night, External Affairs Minister Swaraj said: We are making last-minute efforts to save him (Singh) from execution on July 28. She said in another tweet Singh was facing death sentence in a drug case. On Friday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, As we speak, our Embassy Consular officials are camping in Cilacap and have met Gurdip Singh. They are reaching out to the foreign office and the senior leadership in Indonesia. They are also in constant touch with his wife and brother in India and keeping them informed of the current situation.


External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will lead a delegation to Rome to attend the canonisation of Mother Teresa by Pope Francis on September 4.





West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have accepted the invitation of Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity  an NGO set up by the 1979 Nobel Prize winner for social service  to attend the ceremony in the Vatican City.



The Ministry of External Affairs, however, did not disclose whether Mamata and Kejriwal would be part of the delegation.



The external affairs minister will lead the delegation to attend the canonisation ceremony. Other members of the delegation are yet to be decided, Vikas Swarup, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, said here on Thursday.



The trip to Rome assumes additional significance as it would be Indias first important official engagement with Italy in four years. Bilateral relations between the two nations almost came to a standstill following the arrest of two Italian marines on the charges of killing two Kerala fishermen, and the Agusta scam. Arrest of the two Italian navy sergeants in February 2012 and charges of bribery while buying AW101 VVIP helicopters from Agusta Westland, a subsidiary of Italian arms major

Finmeccanica, strained ties between New Delhi and Rome. For nearly two-and-a-half years, Italy failed to secure the release of the two marines. In 2014, the Supreme Court permitted While Massimiliano Latorre, one of the arrested marines, to stay in Italy on medical grounds.
It was 22 years ago that Basheer, a bus cleaner met with an accident which rendered him physically challenged for life. Undeterred, he took to street vending, selling fancy items to eke out his living. Now, uncertainty looms large with the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) evicting street vendors.





Basheer was one among scores of street vendors who staged a protest in front of the city corporation office at Lalbagh, on Thursday. Prior to that, Basheer, with a metal stick for support, was waiting for the fellow vendors, who arrived in a rally under the aegis of Centre for Indian Trade Union (CITU).



Narrating his plight to Deccan Herald, Basheer said, I was selling fancy items near Lady Goschen, but was evicted in the name of building a bus stand. Since then I have taken to line sales. But, having lost two legs, (replaced by wooden legs) and disfigured fingers, how long should I continue to slog like this?



Without any hedge, Basheer, who is now aged 41, adds My hands have adequate strength. I have to take care of my parents and wife, with the meagre income.

Basheer, who also claims to be 85% physically challenged, made all efforts to avail of government benefits for setting up a kiosk, but in vain. He is part of a bigger narrative, as the street vendors are left with no choice, but to take to streets for their just demands.



Vendors targeted

Addressing the protesters, Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M), Dakshina Kannada district unit secretary Vasanth Acharya described the drive against street vendors as anti-constitutional. Tiger, an emergency squad of the city corporation has been deployed only to target minnows like street vendors, he said.



The town vending committee involving vendors and officials has remained ineffective, with no meeting held since the past nine months.



Honorary president of Dakshina Kannada Jilla Beedibadi Vyaparasthara Sangha, Sunil Kumar Bajal said, Though 1,600 street vendors were identified in a survey during 2014 and identity cards were issued to 208 vendors, they are yet to get their cards renewed since a year. In the second phase, though 350 vendors were listed for ID cards, they are yet to get the same.



Street vendors from different parts of the city took part in the protest.


With the KSRTC stir coming to an end on Wednesday evening, there was no respite for the city on Thursday as members of various organisations took to streets pressing the authorities for fulfillment of their demands.





Members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha staged a protest near VC Farm, on the outskirts of the city, against the alleged harassment of farmers transporting sand in bullock carts by police personnel.



The protesters blocked the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway for a while and disrupted vehicular movement.



The farmers, who gathered on the highway in bullock carts, began the protest. They raised slogans against the state and the Central governments for harassing innocent farmers, levying fine in thousands of rupees.



The agitating farmers said that they would not relent till the authorities issue permission for transportation of sand in bullock carts. Sand is not available for construction of toilets and houses. The authorities concerned should give permission to farmers who are financially poor, they urged.



MLA K S Puttannaiah, led the protest sitting in the middle of the road. Tahsildar Maruti Prasasnna, who arrived on the spot, tried in vain to convince the MLA.

The MLA insisted that the authorities should stop intercepting sand-laden bullock carts and provide them permission as per law.



The agitating farmers relented after Tahsildar Maruti Prasanna assured them of appropriate actions in addressing the problem.



Mahadayi issue

Members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike staged a shirtless protest march in the town, condemning Mahadayi River Water Dispute Tribunals decision to reject interim plea by Karnataka government.



The elected representatives have failed to exert pressure on the Central government. They should tender resignation, owing moral responsibility. The authorities should also take steps to reopen the MySugar factory in the district at the earliest, they said.



Animal traders

Members of the Animal Rearers and Traders Association staged a protest against the harassment by farmers and Prani Daya Sangha during transportation of cattle from village fairs.



The permission letter for transportation of animals should be given at the cattle fair itself for smooth transit, they demanded.



They demanded a CID probe into the activities of Pinjrapole in Mysuru. They also sought withdrawal of cases filed against traders and issuance of licence to sell beef, mutton, chicken and pork.


Visevesvaraya Technological Universitys Spoken Tutorial project, an initiative to promote various ICT courses in its colleges in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, may get a push in the new academic year.





The collaboration between the two institutions started in 2014, and courses are conducted on free and open source software with the aid of spoken tutorials developed by IIT Bombay. There are 75 colleges under the VTU which have taken up this training. However, like VTUs in-charge vice chancellor V Sridhar said, the project has not reached every college as yet.



The plan is, therefore, to extend this project to as many as the 200-odd colleges under the VTU by the next academic year.



Sources privy to the project told Deccan Herald that although the course was meant as an add-on to a students skill set to help him professionally and academically, not many students showed interest in the first two years. To sit for a course under the tutorials meant sitting for an exam at the end of it. Students would receive a certificate at the end of the course. While a number of teachers are using the course material and tutorials as a teaching supplement, many students are not taking the course to its conclusion by getting the certificates. A suggestion, therefore, has also be made to include tutorials in the main course, to make students take them up more seriously.



The courses offered through the tutorials are in programming languages such as Java, C+, C++, Python, Linux for engineering students, Scilab (similar to the programming language Matlab) for mathematics and statistics students and various other courses for MBA, MCA and PhD students. These courses are provided through the massive open online courses or MOOC format.




IPS officers Pronab Mohanty and A M Prasad, accused in DySP M K Ganapathi suicide case, have withdrawn their petition in the High Court challenging the order of the Madikeri magistrate court directing the local police to register an FIR for abetment to suicide.





As the petition was withdrawn, the High Court dismissed the petition with a direction to the state DG&IGP to assign a senior police officer to oversee the investigation into the death of the Ganapathi.



As the hearing began, senior counsel C V Nagesh, appearing for the two IPS officers, filed an application requesting Justice Anand Byrareddy to recuse from the hearing.

Later, Nagesh on instructions from the counsel on record for the two officers K Raghavendra, sought to withdraw the petition with liberty to approach the court if the occasion arises. Before parting with this case, it should be observed that even before the complaint was lodged before the magistrate, the DGP on his own initiative, exercising power (of the superior officer) under Section 36 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), had directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the investigation of the unnatural death report Number 9/2016 and it transpires that the CID had promptly taken over the investigation on July 8, 2016. The further investigation has been kept in abeyance pursuant to the impugned order passed by the magistrate, the bench ordered.



The High Court also directed the DGP to pass appropriate orders to ensure that the investigation proceeds seamlessly. It is always open to the DGP to act under Section 36 of the CrPC to direct some other officer to carry out the investigation and the report that may be filed to the court would be deemed to be filed by the concerned police station. Further, given the sensitive nature of this case and the media hype that has been generated, it is likely that at every step, there would be some controversy or the other drawn up, especially with regard to impartiality of the officers involved in the investigation. The Advocate General on this count would assure the court that the state government would ensure that an officer of the highest rank shall be entrusted with overseeing of the investigation, in order to ensure a fair and free investigation.



Showdown

A heated argument ensued between a section of advocates and senior counsel C V Nagesh when the latter moved an application requesting Justice Anand Byrareddy to recuse from the hearing. A section of advocates demanded action against the conduct of Nagesh, who represented IPS officers. Nagesh said his clients have apprehension that they would not get justice going by the bench's oral observations during the last hearing and the media coverage the next day. Nagesh went on saying that one of the clients had even felt like committing suicide after getting to know the court's oral observations and the media trial.



Justice Anand Byrareddy said he would not recuse as it may send a wrong signal and set bad precedent for all who feel that the court order will not go in their favour.




Legislative Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad on Thursday said he was exploring the possibility of making suitable changes in the rules and procedures to ensure a disruption-free morning session of the House.





Speaking to reporters here, he said a House committee would be formed soon to revisit the rules for conducting the Assembly. The committee, among other things, will explore whether amendments can be brought to the rules to punish members who disrupt the proceedings.

I am looking forward to a 10 am to 2 pm morning session which is devoid of any disruption, he added.



Koliwads decision to form the committee comes after almost the entire monsoon session of the legislature was disrupted over the deadlock between the government and the Opposition over the suicide of DySP, M K Ganapathi.



The committee will study the rules related to legislative proceedings in other states and Parliament. The Speaker said he was keen on replicating the e-Vidhan project implemented in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Under the project, the Assembly will be fully web-based and automated with no requirement for manually laying papers.



Fake medical bills by ex-MLAs



Legislative Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad on Thursday said he had directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to expedite the probe into a case pertaining to submission of fake medical bills by former legislators.



Following allegations that seven former legislators had submitted fake bills under the medical reimbursement provision, former Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa had referred the matter to the CID. But it is said that the agency has not made much

progress in the case.




The fight between two corporators of Rajarajeshwari Nagar Assembly segment, the BJPs Mamatha Vasudev and the Congress partys G K Venkatesh, has taken a dramatic turn with both the sides accusing each other of running a fiefdom in the constituency.





Mamatha met Bengaluru Police Commissioner N S Megharik on Thursday and complained that she and her family had received threats from Venkatesh, a nominated Congress corporator and the right-hand man of Rajarajeshwari Nagar Congress MLA Munirathna.



She told Megharik the MLAs men were spying on her family. Munirathnas associates have vowed revenge against me. They trouble me whenever I go for inspection of development works in my ward. Some criminals are also hindering me from discharging my duty as corporator, she alleged.



She continued, I had an argument with Venkatesh over the JP Park encroachment issue on December 31. He lodged a complaint at the Halasuru Gate police station accusing me of abusing him. I also lodged a complaint at the Yeshwantpur police station against Munirathna and Venkatesh for threatening me, but my complaint has not been investigated.



Megharik promised to look into the matter.



Police have booked Mamathas husband Vasudev for killing a cobra at an old banyan tree inside Mathikeres Muthyalamma temple, of which he is a trustee. The incident occurred on June 29 when members of the BBMPs forest cell were cutting some branches of the tree.



Mamatha had written to the forest cell, making a request for cutting the branches. The big cobra was stuck between the branches and a jigsaw and was cut into two.

The Jalahalli police booked him under IPC sections 427 (mischief causing damage) and 428 (mischief by killing or maiming animal) on July 4 based on a complaint by RR Nagar zone forest officer Shivaramu.



The police inspector said that since there was no intention to kill the cobra, the case was not registered under the Indian Forest Act. We are seeking legal opinion on the future course of action, he added.



Venkatesh gleefully shared the footage of the incident with television channels when Mamatha was meeting the police commissioner. Local residents alleged that Vasudev knew the tree was home to the cobra that was revered by devotees, but still got it axed as he planned to build a commercial complex there.



Mamatha, however, told Deccan Herald that the 300-year-old tree was hollowed by termites and could get uprooted anytime.



Besides, around 4,000 people are expected to attend a religious procession, and the tree was cut for their safety. The forest cell was unaware that the hollowed trunk was home to a cobra, she said, adding that its death was accidental.


The state BJP on Thursday said that Prime Minister cannot intervene in an inter-state water dispute unless the riparian states come to a consensus and agree to sit across the table to resolve the dispute.





The BJPs defensive stand come at a time when there is a feeling among the agitating people of North Karnataka that the state would have got its due share of the Mahadayi waters had Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened and resolved the issue.



Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar said the state government should focus on fighting the legal battle on the Mahadayi dispute rather then seeking Prime Ministers intervention.



The government is trying to give the entire issue a political angle by putting the blame on the Prime Minister. The government wanted the Prime Minister to intervene even when the Tribunal proceedings were on. The government failed to make proper submission before the Tribunal resulting in a setback to the state, the BJP leader said.



The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal on Wednesday rejected the states plea seeking permission to utilise 7 tmcft from the Mahadayi river.



BJP legislator and former Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the Tribunal order is full of flaws. The government should file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court to challenge the order. The Tribunal has erred as it had not considered the assessment done by the Central Water Commission on water yield in the Mahadayi river. Besides, the state had applied for necessary environment clearances to build barrages across Kalasa and Banduri, the two tributaries of the Mahadayi river, to divert 7 tmcft to the Malaprabha river. This aspect had not been considered by the Tribunal, he said.



All doors are not closed as the Tribunal is yet to pronounce its final award, Bommai said.



Speakers view



Speaker K B Koliwad felt that intervention by the Prime Minister had become the need of the hour. The Congress, the BJP and the JD(S) should forget their political differences and work towards the welfare of the people, he said.



Koliwad, MLA from Ranabennur in the North Karnataka district of Haveri, said it would be easier for Modi to convince the Goa and Maharashtra governments for an out-of-tribunal settlement to resolve the dispute as the BJP was in power in these two states.



Modi should step in: Navalgund MLA



At a time when Navalgund in Dharwad district was burning on Thursday with people taking to the streets over the Mahadayi issue, Navalgund MLA N H Konaraddi of the JD(S) was busy addressing a press conference in Bengaluru.



Konaraddi said intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the only way justice could be rendered to the people of North Karnataka. Filing an appeal before the Tribunal or approaching the Supreme Court will only further delay the people of north Karnataka getting their due share of the Mahadayi waters, the MLA said. He said all the MPs from the state should take up the issue with the Prime Minister at the earliest.




Autorickshaw unions called off the strike on the third day after the Delhi government agreed to form a policy to regulate app-based cabs in the city.





The Delhi government said the autorickshaws and taxis registered in neighbouring states will be penalised for ferrying passengers in the capital. Taxis bringing commuters to Delhi from National Capital Region (NCR) will not be allowed to take passengers back to NCR, the government told the protesting unions.



Earlier in the day, commuters had a tough time reaching their destinations on Thursday. However, some autorickshaws were seen plying on the city roads.



The Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising 20 auto and taxi unions went on an indefinite strike on Tuesday against the operations of app-based cabs in the city.



The striking unions met Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday. The minister said it is a state government matter. The state government has the authority to regulate the app-based taxis. So we are in talks with the Delhi transport minister to regulate the taxis and cabs, said Rajender Soni, General Secretary of Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, hours before the strike was called off. Soni was sitting on hunger strike outside the house of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at Civil Lines.



Passengers complained that autorickshaw drivers were overcharging to take them to nearby places. First, most of the autorickshaw drivers refused to ply. The ones who did agree were charging more than double for even taking us to the nearby metro station, said Rupali Mehta, a private firm employee.



Commuters at the New Delhi Railway Station said the cab drivers refused to shuttle passengers fearing damage to their vehicles. When I called up an app-based cab, the driver refused to come at the entrance of the New Delhi Railway Station because of the ongoing strike. He asked me to come out at the main road if I wanted to hire his cab, said Akansha Jain, who had come to visit her aunt in Delhi.



Transport Minister Satyendar Jain had called a meeting of taxi unions on Wednesday afternoon and claimed that 17 unions called off the strike. But the unions affiliated to the Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union decided to continue the strike until their demands were met.



The striking unions were demanding that Uber and Ola taxis should be banned as they do not have permits to run in Delhi, said Soni.



Jain on Tuesday called the strike politically motivated and said that banning the operation of app-based cab services does not come under the Transport Ministrys ambit.
The states legal team is likely to submit its advice on the Mahadayi water dispute in two or three days, based on which the state government will finalise its next step of action, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said on Thursday.





The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal, in its order on Wednesday, had rejected Karnatakas plea for an interim award to provide permission to divert 7 tmcft of water from Mahadayi river to improve drinking water supply to the districts of Belagavi, Dharwad and Gadag.



Jayachandra said senior counsel Fali Nariman who heads the states legal team is preparing a detailed report on the legal recourse that the government could take.



Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is abroad and is likely to return in a few days. The legal teams advice should be ready by then, Jayachandra said.



He said the date for holding an all-party meeting to discuss the Mahadayi dispute will be decided after Siddaramaiahs return to Bengaluru.



Minister of State for Mines and Geology Vinay Kulkarni, who is the district incharge minister for Dharwad, said the state government will take all possible steps to ensure the people of North Karnataka get their due share of Mahadayi water.



It is the duty of the people to ensure justice is done, he said and appealed to the people to adopt to only peaceful means of protests. Property belonging to the government and that of common man, who would have toiled hard to procure them, should not be destroyed in the name of protest, he said.



Kulkarni said the BJP was misleading the people on the Tribunal order. The Tribunal has only rejected the states plea for an interim award. The Tribunal has not pronounced its final award, he said.




Refugees and migrants are still dying on the massive scale in the Mediterranean. The extreme right is on the rise. It appears that Europe is not functioning. On the other hand - EU is still the biggest provider of humanitarian aid in the world.

How do you see the situation of the refugees who are - after the closure of the so called Balkan route and signing of the EU/Turkey deal - trapped in Greece? I visited several detention centers and some are just horrible, VIAL center in Chios for example. Don't you think that the EU/Turkey deal has even worsened the situation of the refugees - not only in Greece but also (or even more) in Turkey?

In March the situation changed drastically with the closure of the Greek/former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia border. Greece suddenly had to host tens of thousands of refugees instead of being just a short-term transit country. The Greek authorities had to rapidly provide urgent assistance and accommodate thousands of people in need on their territory. To cope with these increasing needs, the EU provided emergency support to Greece.

The EU was already providing short-term complementary emergency support under the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) to international organisations and the Greek authorities to temporarily cover acute emergency humanitarian needs such as emergency shelter, food, health care.

Given the exceptional dimension of the crisis, the EU has in addition created a dedicated instrument (the Emergency Support Instrument - ESI) with a budget of up to 700 million for three years to provide humanitarian aid to the refugees in EU countries overwhelmed by the crisis.

It is worth reminding that the aim of the EU-Turkey statement that followed was to replace disorganized, chaotic, irregular and dangerous migratory flows by organized, safe and legal pathways to Europe for those entitled to international protection in line with EU and international law. The numbers of arrivals from Turkey to Greece have decreased dramatically in the last months.

With the introduction of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey in November 2015, which preceded the EU-Turkey statement of March 2016, the Commission has been able to substantially increase assistance to refugees in Turkey within a very short time. Out of a 3 billion package for 2016 and 2017 under the Facility, which is made up of funding from both the EU and Member States, 740 million has so far been allocated for both humanitarian and other types of assistance, with a view of raising the total amount to 2 billion in 2016. Funding under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey supports refugees in the country; this is funding for refugees and not funding for Turkey. Furthermore the in the EU-Turkey Joint Action Plan Turkish government has committed to improve the legal status of the refugees in Turkey, including their right to find legal work.

More Syrian refugees currently live in Lebanon than in EU, but some European countries (including the EU institutions) have created the atmosphere of huge crisis and emergency, which, in my opinion, does not exist. I can only see the crisis of Europe. How do you see the EU response to the refugee/migrant crisis?

I don't think the existence of a global refugee crisis can be questioned. The world currently has 65 million people uprooted from their homes. Of these more than 21 million are refugees outside of their countries and over 3 million are asylum-seekers. Last year over one million refugees and asylum seekers arrived in the EU. While the numbers in Europe may look small in global comparison, the sudden uncontrolled influx of so many people did put a strain on many European countries and overwhelmed their capacities to respond to the needs. The EU was and is there to help, both our Member States and neighboring countries. The European Commission has taken a comprehensive approach to tackle the refugee crisis in Europe with its European Agenda for Migration, drawing on the various tools and instruments available at the EU level and in the Member States.

The efforts are ongoing: the Commission's humanitarian and civil protection department supports refugees everywhere they are. We have massively increased our financial support to source countries of refugees like Syria and wider region, to transit countries like Turkey and to EU Member States like Greece. We are constantly developing new and innovative ways of helping refugees. For example, we are funding e-vouchers in Turkey, which is technically a debit card with which a registered refugee can buy food for their family, in this way keeping their independence, dignity and freedom of choice, and also helping the local economy.

EU refugee/migrant discourse is all about numbers and not about real, suffering people, their stories and destinies. Detention centers are growing fast, same goes for the extreme right. What is happening in Europe?

Our humanitarian aid supports millions, who of course aren't numbers but people, each with their own story. Each with their own aspirations, families and circumstances. It's not a case of simply us telling their story, but helping them tell it themselves, in their own words. And we work to do just that. Through our #Emergencylessons awareness raising campaign, refugee children, such as Malak and Raparine who were displaced by the war in Iraq and Syria, talked about how they could continue their schooling thanks to our humanitarian support. We can make a real positive difference, especially through supporting education.

And when I go to missions abroad I always meet as many people that we are trying to help as much as possible. I listen to them, I talk to them. So do my other Commissioner colleagues.

Sometimes we need to talk about numbers. Numbers are important when you have a crisis to manage. But we also communicate about individual stories and destinies to show that the crisis has a human face. And we are determined to do it more often.

What is happening in Europe on this front is very complex and in many ways difficult to address only from Brussels. Anti-immigrant populism has risen in many of our Member States. We do what we can to communicate the facts and to humanize this crisis. Only together we can solve these problems and help people in need.

Europe does care and we need a common European solution, as well as global efforts, to manage this crisis together.

EU is the biggest provider of humanitarian aid in the world. This fact is rather unknown. I have just come back from Mauritania/Mali border where horribly underfunded UN projects would be in jeopardy without the help of ECHO. Can you describe the structure of the EU humanitarian aid? How do you "choose" your priorities? What is the algorithm of the funding? And, nonetheless, why are Europeans so utterly clueless about it?

With nearly 1.1 billion as an initial allocation, the EU's 2016 budget for humanitarian aid was the EU's highest budget for life-saving relief in man-made and natural disasters to date. The initial budget is rarely also the final budget used for humanitarian aid in any given year, because it also receives reinforcements during the year, depending on the severity of different ongoing on new crises.

The allocation of this budget is a fairly complex process.

As a first step, we carry out several analyses on crises in individual regions and countries to assess their severity, the vulnerability of local communities and lack of coping capacities. As part of this process we specifically identify the so called forgotten crises - crises that receive little attention from international donors and media. We consider also other aspects such as co-ordination with other donors, volume of aid that can effectively be delivered to the people in need, security and access factors.

Based on all the above we initially allocate about 80% of the yearly budget for each country. An amount corresponding to around 20% of the initial humanitarian aid budget remains operational reserve, in order to cater for new crises, or deterioration of existing crises, during the year.

As far as the awareness of EU citizens is concerned about the role of the EU as a donor, there is always room for improvement. But I am very proud to say that the latest public opinion poll in all EU Member States showed that 9 in 10 EU citizens support the EU's funding of humanitarian aid (see Eurobarometer survey 2015 http://ec.europa.eu/echo/eurobarometer_en). I also hope that facilitating journalists visits to crisis areas such as the one that you took part in further helps raising awareness.

What are the current EU humanitarian priorities and what will be the priorities in the future?

Our priorities are always shaped by the needs of the people who are affected by crises. To bring relief to the weak ones, to all those that suffer. Of course, the final solutions can never be brought about by humanitarian response alone. Take Syria or Iraq or Afghanistan for example. We need a political solution to all these conflicts while continuing to provide vital humanitarian aid. We can of course not forget Ukraine or crises in Africa, especially in South-Sudan and Central Africa Republic. We keep in mind the needs in these countries and in the neighboring countries shouldering a large share of responsibility to help people. We need to build resilience and provide help inside those countries and their neighbors. That's for us a top priority.

And then we need to be strong as a leading humanitarian actor globally. At the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul the EU took hundred (100) individual commitments. All with the aim of improving how aid is delivered to those who need it most. One of the most important ones was our strong engagement to work with our partners on humanitarian financing which should improve our efficiency and effectiveness, give better value for our funds. Equally important are our financial commitments for education in emergencies, which is and will be one of our top priorities - providing girls and boys in emergency situations with some sense of normalcy and stability. We can of course never leave out the focus on International Humanitarian Law - access and safety of humanitarian workers is essential in today's more and more complex crisis.

Does anything like solidarity exist in Europe?

Of course it does! I am saying this as a politician and as a proud European. European solidarity exists on all levels and comes in all shapes and forms. Thousands of volunteers have welcomed, helped and supported refugees over the past year, not only in Greece but throughout Europe. European solidarity has been tangible on the ground. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is coordinated by the European Commission, 23 EU Member states plus Norway have made available tons of material assistance such as tents, beds or blankets in response to the refugee crisis. The European Union has provided substantial funding to cover acute humanitarian needs such as emergency shelter, food and health care alongside long-term funding to the countries dealing with an increased influx of refugees to better respond to the crisis.

What I see on the field is people doing what the state(s) should be doing, essentially privatizing the humanism and also humanitarianism. Especially in Greece!

The response of the Greek people has been extraordinary. They were amongst the first responders and have reacted exemplarily. I can only commend their generosity towards the refugees: it is an example to us all. And one thing is clear: Greece and its people are not alone in these difficult times.

Greece remains the main point of entry for many refugees and this is placing a huge burden on the country, overstretching its financial and administrative capacities. The EU is at the forefront of tackling the needs of refugees supporting Greece. We are working in close consultation and coordination with the authorities. The current EU-funding is helping address the most urgent humanitarian needs, such as food, shelter and medicine, helping more than 55.000 refugees and migrants hosted in over 30 sites in Greece,

The European Commission is assisting the Greek authorities in managing the humanitarian situation on the ground, as efficiently as possible and for as long as it takes.

In Greece, as in many other countries facing a major humanitarian challenge, international NGOs and UN organizations are providing assistance and expertise in dealing with the crisis. They bring decades of experience in working with refugees and displaced persons and work based on internationally recognized humanitarian principles. This is not "privatizing" humanitarianism but providing support and complementing the work of the official ministries and government bodies.

More than 10.000 refugees and migrants died on their way to Europe since 2010; more than 25.000 since the year 2000. But "Mare Nostrum", the Mediterranean, is still a mass grave - Mare Mortum. There is no visible humanist solution in sight. How do you see the future?

We are doing all that we can in the Mediterranean. We have reinforced our efforts to save lives and provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by this crisis. We tripled our resources for search and rescue operations at sea last year, contributed to saving more than 240,000 people in the Mediterranean and we are disrupting criminal smuggling networks through Frontex joint operations, EUNAVFOR Med Operation Sophia and cooperation in the Aegean with the Turkish authorities and NATO. Some days we save 2-3 thousand people close to the Libyan coast.

But my job as humanitarian aid commissioner is to help people in need, wherever they are, be that in Turkey, Libya, or at home in Syria, Afghanistan or South Sudan.

The long term solutions can only be political. Diplomacy needs to work, conflicts need to be stopped. EU humanitarian aid can only do so much, and it is not a migration management tool. Its aim is to provide urgently needed assistance to men, women and children who have fled conflict and sought refuge in Europe.

I also look forward to the UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants, which will be held in New York on 19 September. I call on all partners to strengthen the international framework for refugee protection and resettlement through global responsibility-sharing and solidarity.
Kerrville, TX (78028)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms during the morning hours, then windy during the afternoon with skies turning partly cloudy. High 67F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Windy. Low 47F. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph.
Team Of Thala 57 To Fly To Europe This Weekend
A new UK research project could lead to insulin pumps becoming smaller because of advances in concentrated insulin.

Arecor Ltd, a Cambridge-based biopharmaceutical company, has announced that it will partner up with JDRF on a project aimed at perfecting a concentrated form of insulin.

Concentrated insulin acts too slow when placed into humans, but the aim of this 12-month collaboration is to produce a concentrated insulin that acts at the same speed as rapid-acting insulin.

Currently, prandial (mealtime) insulins are available at concentrations of up to 200 U/ml, but Arecor and JDRF hope to develop these insulins at concentrations of up to 1,000 U/ml.

This could provide a superior mealtime insulin product for people requiring more than 200 U/day and reduce the dosing volume by five to 10-fold.

Furthermore, the insulin could be held in a smaller vial in an insulin pump, enabling the whole pump to shrink.

This could be an exciting development for people with type 1 diabetes. Insulin pumps and other wearable devices and implants are becoming a critical development in diabetes treatment, and reducing sizes could make them less intrusive and heavy.

Karen Addingto, Chief Executive of JDRF in the UK, said: Evidence shows insulin pumps can help people with type 1 diabetes live healthier for longer. Allowing these pumps to become smaller would make them even better tools for everyone living with the disease, including small children. We are delighted to partner and collaborate with Arecor.

Sarah Howell, CEO of Arecorn, added: We are delighted to be partnering with JDRF as a leading global organisation in type 1 diabetes research. This partnership will accelerate the development of Arecors reformulated, ultra-concentrated, rapid-acting insulin programme which is a critical unmet need in the drive towards the next generation of miniaturised insulin delivery technology.

Ultra-concentrated insulin is an important product component in our portfolio of next generation diabetes products.
Britains banking system will face a capital shortfall of 68bn if the UK hits a recession after it leaves the EU, according to Moody's.

The ratings agency has carried out its annual stress test across British high street banks to see whether they have enough capital to withstand the adverse impact of Brexit. According to the test, a severe Brexit induced recession would hit capital ratios by 33%, elevate levels of non-performing loans and lead to as significant deterioration in bank solvency.

Lenders would need 68bn or 3.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) in additional capital in order to reach their 2015 levels. Even if that gap was not filled and the UKs overall capital ratio falls from the current level of 16.2% to 11%, the banks would still be in line with most of its peers in the advanced world.

Analyst at Moodys, Gabriel Velo, said: It is important to note that UK banks start from a position of relative strength, having actively strengthened capital positions in recent years

In the worst case scenario if there is prolonged economic downturn and a steep fall in property prices, the UKs ratio of bad loans would more than double from 2% in 2015 top 4.8% in 2018.

Although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its GDP forecast for the UK earlier this month it still expects Britain to grow by 1.3% next year, which is faster than both France and Germany. This prediction hinges on the British government successfully negotiating a new trade relationship with the EU.

The EU regulatory body will be conducting its own stress test on 51 of the regions biggest banks on Friday.

Chairman of the European Banking Authority Andrea Enria said regulators objectives have shifted from boosting capital levels to cleaning up the vast bad loans that weigh on lenders profitability.
BHP Billiton said the Samarco dam disaster in Brazil would hit full year profits by an extra $1.1bn-$1.3bn.

In a statement, the company said the charge was equivalent to a 50 per cent share of the estimate of remediation and reparation costs under a framework agreement with the Brazilian government.

The associated income statement charge will be recognised as an exceptional item in the June 2016 half-year, together with direct costs of approximately $100 million (post tax), the company said.

A tailings dam at the Brazilian joint venture collapsed last November, killing 19 people and left 700 homeless.

The final cost to BHP and its partner Vale could be much larger. Although an agreement between the companies and the government has been reached, a Brazilian court has put the deal on hold while a $6bn public claim is considered.
Royal Dutch Shell s second quarter profits dropped 72% due to lower oil prices and narrower refining margins, though the dividend was held steady despite a stonking 94% fall in earnings.

Failing to match the strong performance of rival BP, Shell posted earnings attributable to shareholders of just $0.2bn compared to the $3.4bn for the same quarter a year ago.

Shell said while earnings benefited from increased production volumes from BG assets since the February acquisition, the figure was so much lower due to the impact of the slump of crude, gas and LNG prices, the step-up in depreciation resulting from the acquisition of BG, weaker refining industry conditions and increased taxation.

Profit adjusted for one-time items and inventory changes sank 72% percent from a year earlier to $1.05bn, missing consensus forecats by around $1bn.

The interim dividend remained at 47 cents.

Strong revenues from integrated gas and downstream divisions more than outweighed a $2bn loss in the upstream division, which was hit by $649m of exceptional charges, even though oil and gas production was up 28% versus a year earlier to 3,508 thousand barrels of oil equivalent a day (kboe/d).

However," said chief executive Ben van Beurden, "lower oil prices continue to be a significant challenge across the business, particularly in the upstream.

Oil prices remain at distressed levels as slow global demand remains well short of the global glut.

Van Beurden said the the board was continuing to make major changes to Shells working practices and cost structure, cutting underlying operating costs by $0.9bn in the quarter and remaining firmly on track to deliver a $40bn cut to annual underlying operating costs by the end of 2016.

Looking through the cycle, our investment plans and portfolio actions are focused firmly on reshaping Shell into a world-class investment case through stronger, sustained and growing free cash flow per share.

Organic capital investment is expected to be $29bn for the full year, which compares markedly to a combined $47bn across Shell and BG two years ago.

Analyst Nicholas Hyett at Hargreaves Lansdown said while Shell's cutting the dividend would cause half of Holland to "keel over in apoplectic horror", the company might have no choice.

"Even after dramatic cuts, Shell's spending plans still outstrip its likely cash flows, and with the dividend yield now over 7%, investors seem to be questioning whether the current rate of pay-out can continue.

"For the time being the company is sticking to its previous dividend commitments. Despite around a third being paid in shares rather than cash, earnings cover for the dividend is becoming increasingly sparse. Shell would argue that at current prices, the industry will invest so little that future production will fall, creating a global shortage of oil that will ensure a price recovery. In the meantime, the company seems prepared to let its balance sheet take the strain."

Gearing hit 28.1% at the end of the second quarter versus 12.7% a year earlier, with the increase largely attributable to the BG acquisition.

Hyett added: "But that balance sheet is looking increasingly stressed. Even ignoring working cash changes, free cash from operating activities in the quarter amounted to just $4.8bn. By comparison the cash dividend cost the group around $4.5bn, with capex for the year expected to be around $14.5bn. That means gearing will continue to rise, a process that can only go so far."
Leader of the party had faced a legal challenge that said he must prove MPs support

Jeremy Corbyn will not have to win the support of 51 MPs to contest the Labour leadership , as a High Court case was dismissed on Thursday that freed him to take on the challenge of Owen Smith.

The current Labour party leader has come under overwhelming pressure in the last month to resign after a host of resignations from his Shadow Cabinet following the after-effects of Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

A case was brought by former parliamentary candidate Michael Foster that Corbyn would have to secure the support of 51 MPs to stand in a leadership contest. However, Mr Justice Foskett upheld Labour's NEC decision to allow Corbyn to run without the support, as there is no vacancy in the leadership.

The ruling now sets up a direct confrontation between Corbyn and Smith, the former having the support of most of the party's grassroot members, and the latter being backed by most Labour MPs.

The current leader of the party welcomed the decision, saying the case was a waste of time and resources when our party should have been holding the government to account.

Corbyn said that the will of the Labour members who elected him as leader should not have even been doubted at any stage.

There should have been no question of the right of half a million Labour party members to choose their own leader being overturned," he added. "If anything, the aim should be to expand the number of voters in this election."

172 of the party's 212 MPs voted no confidence in their leader in a recent non-binding vote, plunging Labour into a deeply divided party when the time seemed ripe to attack an equally-divided Conservative party.

Owen Smith has welcomed the court's decision, saying that it has now "put to bed any questions about the process, so we can get on with discussing the issues that really matter.
London mayor speaks on a visit to the Francis Crick Institute in King's Cross

The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has pledged to keep London "open to talent" from scientific backgrounds , despite the economic uncertainty surrounding britain's decision to leave the European Union last month.

Khan was speaking during a visit to Francis Crick Institute in Kings Cross, which will host 1,250 of the top scientists from around the world, turning it into Europe's largest biological research centre.

Significant fears exist within British academic circles that the country could lose access to some of the most talented scientists when the process to leave the European bloc is finalised.

The mayor assured that this would not be the case however.

London remains one of the most attractive places for life science companies to do business," Khan said.

Our great city will continue to lead the way in medical research and innovation. London thrives by being open, to talent, to ideas and to people."

He affirmed his belief that the capital's openness to scientific business will continue, regardless of the Brexit result.

"I am absolutely determined that this will continue, and that we not only retain the best scientists but continue to attract them to our world-leading cluster of medical research institutions.
Theresa May is under growing pressure from Liam Fox, the trade secretary, to pull out of the EU customs union, a move required to facilitate post-Brexit bilateral trade deals but which would impose costs on exporters and could strain Anglo-Irish relations. The issue is looming as a battleground in discussions over whether the UK will pursue a hard or soft Brexit. It will have to be resolved before London triggers Article 50, the starting gun for withdrawal negotiations with the EU. - Financial Times

Royal Bank of Scotland is attempting to settle a multibillion-pound legal claim brought by shareholders who say they were misled into supporting the banks 12 billion rights issue in 2008. It is in talks with representatives of institutions and thousands of private investors who claim that its true state was hidden from them when they bought shares to stabilise the banks finances during the financial crisis. - The Times

Global oil prices plummeted over a dollar a barrel within minutes after official US energy data showed an unexpected glut of oil in storage. The price of Brent crude quickly dropped from around $44.90 a barrel to $43.68, a decline of more than 2pc, after the surprisingly high storage data was revealed, dragging the market deeper into multi-month lows. The price fell further to $43.47 in late evening trading. - Telegraph

Theresa May ruled out an early general election in her very first cabinet meeting, but as the Conservatives build a substantial lead in polls, the temptation of a snap poll is building. This week, YouGov gave Mrs May the biggest lead over the Labour party in six years, suggesting that the prime minister would be able to increase her majority from a slender 16 seats to more than 100 if a vote was called now. A fresh mandate could stop Tory Eurosceptics from holding Mrs Mays legislative agenda hostage if she prefers a soft Brexit to the hard divorce they advocate. - Financial Times

British car manufacturing hit a 16-year high in the first half of 2016, but the industry says future growth, jobs and investment are at risk following the Brexit vote. Almost 900,000 cars rolled off production lines at UK factories in the first six months of the year, 13% more than the same period in 2015. - The Guardian

At least one airport in the south of England is expanding. London City Airport has been given the go-ahead to increase capacity by nearly 40 per cent as part of a 344m plan. The scheme involves an extended terminal, a new aircraft taxiway and extra berths as well as better public transport links. - The Times

Bacteria growing inside the human body could be a rich source of much-needed new antibiotics. The first example, discovered in Germany, is a bug growing inside the nose. It produces a compound that kills other bacteria including ones resistant to existing drugs. - Financial Times

Beer sales have some fizz in them, rising in the second quarter of the year and helping to reverse a decade of decline. Britons drank 31 million more pints between April and June than in the first three months of the year, as beer sales rose 1.5pc, according to the British Beer and Pub Association. - Telegraph

Britains decision to quit the EU could help put Britain in pole position in developing self-driving cars that rely on internet connectivity to pilot themselves. he UK is already at an advantage over most of Europe in researching autonomous vehicles because it never ratified the Vienna Convention, which requires every driver shall at all times be able to control his vehicle. - Telegraph
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Digitimes Research: Over 4,000 models of LTE-enabled devices launched as of February 2016

Based on GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) statistics, there were 4,416 models of LTE-enabled mobile terminal devices cumulatively launched around the world as of the end of February, an addition of 1,770 models from a year earlier. 1,311 or 74.1% of the additions were smartphones, according to Digitimes Research.

Smartphones accounted for 61.2% of the cumulatively launched 4,416 models, routers 18.5% and USB Dongles 4.7%, Digitimes Research indicated.

Of the 1,311 smartphones launched in March 2015-February 2016, only 89 or 6.8% supported VoLTE (voice over LTE), reflecting a low proportion of LTE mobile telecom carriers for providing VoLTE services. As of the end of February 2016, 126 LTE telecom carriers had announced VoLTE services and 55 of them had begun VoLTE operations, taking up 11.1% of all mobile telecom carriers around the world.

As 4G network coverage and the proportion of mobile communication subscribers using 4G has reached a certain high level, VoLTE is expected to take off during 2016-2017.

Content from this article was part of a complete Digitimes Research Chinese-language report that has not yet been translated into English. If you are interested in an English version of the report or wish to receive more information about the report, click here to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Digitimes Research also provides quarterly tracking services for market sectors such as China Smartphone, China Smartphone AP, Taiwan ICT and Taiwan FPD. Click here for more information about Digitimes Research Tracking services.
How Ohio anti-abortion activists shaped post-Roe America

Ohio led a slow, determined push to steadily weaken and then nearly eliminate abortion rights. It's indicative of what has happened around the U.S.
I was reading a book the other day regarding all the personal feelings of the founders. They were talking about their personal feelings regarding the intent of the Constitution during the Philadelphia convention, then they went and wrote thousands of letters regarding their personal feelings that somehow made it into the body of the Constitution, then those same men had to go to their respective states and explain what each article in the Constitution meant with their personal feelings, then the state's ratifying conventions had to go and debate the Constitutions with their personal feelings, then that crazy James Madison had to go and submit a bill of rights to the First Congress based on his personal feelings, then the wacky First Congress had to go and debate the bill of rights with their personal feelings, then those feely touchy states had to go and debate the bill of rights with their personal feelings. Then they all had to go and write letters, papers, and books about how their personal feelings created the Constitution and a Bill of Rights and foolishly explain exactly what they meant in each article, clause, paragraph, and word in the debates, Congress, and the ratifying conventions so people could understand what they wrote and what their intent was, which is why each one of the founders stated that to interpret the Constitution, one had to rely on their original intent as explained.



One of my favorite quotes of the founding era was by Franklin:



Trolls gonna troll.--Benjamin Franklin.
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PORT TOWNSEND (AP)  Scientists are looking into the deaths of hundreds of seabirds in the eastern part of the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington state.

About 300 rhinoceros auklets, which are closely related to puffins, have washed ashore since May, the Peninsula Daily News reported. Julia Parrish, executive director of the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team, says there's no clear explanation.





. . .
Here's what baby boomers will do to senior housing industry

The me generation wants to make their own choices about their health, wellness, mobility and community. More developers are catering to their diverse needs.



By JP EMERY and JEREMY SOUTHERLAND

Ankrom Moisan Architects

Emery

Southerland

As 76 million U.S. baby boomers  more than half of whom are already 65 or older  enter retirement, the senior housing market is responding with a shift in product offerings to accommodate this highly diverse generation. Aside from demographics, the many wants and needs of boomers are driving senior housing providers to find unique, flexible solutions.

Through technology and access to information and resources, baby boomers are the first generation to truly participate in their own health care. They are aware of research regarding the negative health impacts that arise from isolation, and understand the importance of social wellness and community building as they age.

Whether designing new construction or repositioning existing campuses, common themes for attracting the boomers are always focused around choice.

Quality-of-life concerns

Modern medicine has managed to extend duration of life, but quality of life is determined by someones day-to-day infrastructure. Anxiety and depression, symptomatic of isolation, are some of the fastest-rising epidemics in our aging population.

Image courtesy of Ankrom Moisan Architects [enlarge] Aegis Gardens in Newcastle will be the first assisted-living community in the Northwest designed for Chinese-Americans. The project is under construction.

Seniors use of technology to communicate with family is increasing, but with it may come an isolation resulting from the lack of face-to-face conversation. This is recognized within the industry, and trends are pushing toward social interaction as a critical component of a solid wellness program.

While it might seem counterintuitive, wine bars and demonstration kitchens are being added to the list of wellness amenities in todays senior communities.

Another result of increased life expectancy is that senior housing is no longer filled with retirees. Many boomers are pursuing new careers, volunteer opportunities, positions in local governments and significant roles in community programs.

The common thread: most of these ventures will occur outside the walls wherever they live. Community connections, proximity to these opportunities, and access to transit or transportation resources are taking on a higher priority. Location is everything, and this retiring population has access to the geographic information they need to make informed choices about where they want to spend their time and resources.

Ankrom Moisan is working closely with clients to incorporate design and programming solutions that pair a strong focus on social interaction and community engagement with flexible options for care. As teams approach the design of new senior housing projects, they work to minimize the interruption of the social wellness developed over a residents time of residence in the facility, offering options of increased care with minimal disruption to the residents place in the community.

Narrower target groups

Photo courtesy of Ankrom Moisan Architects [enlarge] Mirabella Seattle is located in South Lake Union, placing the citys urban attractions within easy reach of residents.

Because the boomer generation is so diverse, many senior housing developers are targeting specific groups to provide for a narrower set of wants and needs.

Addressing the desire to age in place, Ankrom Moisan is currently designing a community for seniors with strong, shared cultural experiences. This facility will allow residents to remain connected to one another, families, and their established neighborhood, while strengthening connections to their heritage.

Unique spaces  including a mahjong room, amphitheater and tea rooms  differentiate the facility and directly appeal to the resident base. The design also incorporates shared spaces with opportunities for day care, community gatherings, art events, and other uses that encourage residents to interact and participate within the larger community.

Aging in place

To further limit the amount of transition faced by seniors as their health care needs change, Ankrom Moisan is a proponent for flexible living units within senior communities.

This new business model utilizes portable licensing to allow for units to transition from independent living to assisted living. In order to provide residents with multiple options upon move-in, Ankrom Moisan designs unit sizes that are highly varied. Residents may start in a large unit with a full kitchen and bedroom, but can transition to a small studio unit to suit evolving needs and preferences.

While patient care remains a pertinent requirement for any successful senior housing project, flexibility and adaptability are crucial within todays senior care models. Like their approach to lifestyle and amenities, boomers demand choice and the ability to influence the delivery of their care.

Increased acuity capabilities in assisted living and dedicated memory care households keep residents on site and in close proximity to the relationships they have established. Portable licensing and acuity-flexing from independent living to assisted living makes aging in place a reality.

Amenity spaces can also be designed to remain accessible to those with greater care needs, based on what is most comfortable for the resident. In a high-rise tower, this might include the main dining area staying open for residents with assisted-living licenses, but also providing a dining facility designed to accommodate their specific care needs.

Part of the community

Todays senior communities are responding directly to the unique opportunities that arise from the sites location, and may incorporate cooperative programming with art museums, institutions of higher learning and community groups.

Meanwhile, the public connections to these senior living communities are being strengthened with retail venues inside lobby spaces. Flexibility in lounge spaces and meeting rooms allows for a variety of functions, the content of which will be shaped by the population of active and involved residents. All of these changes work to promote impromptu intergenerational and multicultural interactions.

The community at large  those not typically associated with senior housing  is taking notice of the changing trends as well, and is seeking to further integrate with retiring boomers.

Arizona State University is at the forefront of this movement, opening a retirement community on their campus. Partnering with Pacific Retirement Services and Ankrom Moisan, the university is in the beginning stages of planning. Their vision for the community includes easy access to classes, the ASU library, and a Mayo Clinic within the complex.

Such intergenerational unification is mutually beneficial, aiding the improvement of residents social wellness by contributing to and interacting with a broader community.

The successful senior housing models of the future will find a way to provide opportunities for meaningful interactions and promote a sense of purpose not only for their residents, but also for the surrounding communities.

JP Emery, senior associate, joined Ankrom Moisan Architects in 2006. JP has more than 13 years of experience in architecture and design, specializing in senior communities and affordable housing. Jeremy Southerland brings 18 years of experience to Ankrom Moisan Architects as a project manager. Throughout his career he has been a market leader in senior living and health care design.













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NEW YORK (AP)  A landlord, property manager and contractor are accused of driving a rent-stabilized family out of their Manhattan apartment by demolishing the building around them.

Forty-eight-year-old building owner Ephraim Vashovsky, property manager Adam Cohen and contractor Shaoul Ohana pleaded not guilty Tuesday.





. . .
Even by the standards of arms deals between the United States and Saudi Arabia, this one was enormous. A consortium of American defense contractors led by Boeing would deliver $29 billion worth of advanced fighter jets to the United States' oil-rich ally in the Middle East.



Israeli officials were agitated, reportedly complaining to the Obama administration that this substantial enhancement to Saudi air power risked disrupting the region's fragile balance of power. The deal appeared to collide with the State Departments documented concerns about the repressive policies of the Saudi royal family.



But now, in late 2011, Hillary Clintons State Department was formally clearing the sale, asserting that it was in the national interest. At press conferences in Washington to announce the departments approval, an assistant secretary of state, Andrew Shapiro, declared that the deal had been a top priority for Clinton personally. Shapiro, a longtime aide to Clinton since her Senate days, added that the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army have excellent relationships in Saudi Arabia.



These were not the only relationships bridging leaders of the two nations. In the years before Hillary Clinton became secretary of state, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia contributed at least $10 million to the Clinton Foundation, the philanthropic enterprise she has overseen with her husband, former president Bill Clinton. Just two months before the deal was finalized, Boeing -- the defense contractor that manufactures one of the fighter jets the Saudis were especially keen to acquire, the F-15 -- contributed $900,000 to the Clinton Foundation, according to a company press release.



The Saudi deal was one of dozens of arms sales approved by Hillary Clintons State Department that placed weapons in the hands of governments that had also donated money to the Clinton family philanthropic empire, an International Business Times investigation has found.



Under Clinton's leadership, the State Department approved $165 billion worth of commercial arms sales to 20 nations whose governments have given money to the Clinton Foundation, according to an IBTimes analysis of State Department and foundation data. That figure -- derived from the three full fiscal years of Clintons term as Secretary of State (from October 2010 to September 2012) -- represented nearly double the value of American arms sales made to the those countries and approved by the State Department during the same period of President George W. Bushs second term.



The Clinton-led State Department also authorized $151 billion of separate Pentagon-brokered deals for 16 of the countries that donated to the Clinton Foundation, resulting in a 143 percent increase in completed sales to those nations over the same time frame during the Bush administration. These extra sales were part of a broad increase in American military exports that accompanied Obamas arrival in the White House. The 143 percent increase in U.S. arms sales to Clinton Foundation donors compares to an 80 percent increase in such sales to all countries over the same time period.



American defense contractors also donated to the Clinton Foundation while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state and in some cases made personal payments to Bill Clinton for speaking engagements. Such firms and their subsidiaries were listed as contractors in $163 billion worth of Pentagon-negotiated deals that were authorized by the Clinton State Department between 2009 and 2012.



The State Department formally approved these arms sales even as many of the deals enhanced the military power of countries ruled by authoritarian regimes whose human rights abuses had been criticized by the department. Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar all donated to the Clinton Foundation and also gained State Department clearance to buy caches of American-made weapons even as the department singled them out for a range of alleged ills, from corruption to restrictions on civil liberties to violent crackdowns against political opponents.



As secretary of state, Hillary Clinton also accused some of these countries of failing to marshal a serious and sustained campaign to confront terrorism. In a December 2009 State Department cable published by Wikileaks, Clinton complained of an ongoing challenge to persuade Saudi officials to treat terrorist financing emanating from Saudi Arabia as a strategic priority. She declared that Qatar's overall level of CT cooperation with the U.S. is considered the worst in the region. She said the Kuwaiti government was less inclined to take action against Kuwait-based financiers and facilitators plotting attacks. She noted that UAE-based donors have provided financial support to a variety of terrorist groups. All of these countries donated to the Clinton Foundation and received increased weapons export authorizations from the Clinton-run State Department.



Hillary Clintons presidential campaign and the Clinton Foundation did not respond to questions from the IBTimes.



In all, governments and corporations involved in the arms deals approved by Clintons State Department have delivered between $54 million and $141 million to the Clinton Foundation as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments to the Clinton family, according to foundation and State Department records. The Clinton Foundation publishes only a rough range of individual contributors donations, making a more precise accounting impossible.



Winning Friends, Influencing Clintons



Under federal law, foreign governments seeking State Department clearance to buy American-made arms are barred from making campaign contributions -- a prohibition aimed at preventing foreign interests from using cash to influence national security policy. But nothing prevents them from contributing to a philanthropic foundation controlled by policymakers.



Just before Hillary Clinton became Secretary of State, the Clinton Foundation signed an agreement generally obligating it to disclose to the State Department increases in contributions from its existing foreign government donors and any new foreign government donors. Those increases were to be reviewed by an official at the State Department and as appropriate the White House counsels office. According to available disclosures, officials at the State Department and White House raised no issues about potential conflicts related to arms sales.



During Hillary Clintons 2009 Senate confirmation hearings, Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., urged the Clinton Foundation to forswear accepting contributions from governments abroad. Foreign governments and entities may perceive the Clinton Foundation as a means to gain favor with the secretary of state, he said. The Clintons did not take Lugars advice. In light of the weapons deals flowing to Clinton Foundation donors, advocates for limits on the influence of money on government action now argue that Lugar was prescient in his concerns.



The word was out to these groups that one of the best ways to gain access and influence with the Clintons was to give to this foundation, said Meredith McGehee, policy director at the Campaign Legal Center, an advocacy group that seeks to tighten campaign finance disclosure rules. This shows why having public officials, or even spouses of public officials, connected with these nonprofits is problematic.



Hillary Clintons willingness to allow those with business before the State Department to finance her foundation heightens concerns about how she would manage such relationships as president, said Lawrence Lessig, the director of Harvard Universitys Safra Center for Ethics.



These continuing revelations raise a fundamental question of judgment, Lessig told IBTimes. Can it really be that the Clintons didn't recognize the questions these transactions would raise? And if they did, what does that say about their sense of the appropriate relationship between private gain and public good?



National security experts assert that the overlap between the list of Clinton Foundation donors and those with business before the the State Department presents a troubling conflict of interest.



While governments and defense contractors may not have made donations to the Clinton Foundation exclusively to influence arms deals, they were clearly looking to build up deposits in the 'favor bank' and to be well thought of, said Gregory Suchan, a 34-year State Department veteran who helped lead the agencys oversight of arms transfers under the Bush administration.



As Hillary Clinton presses a campaign for the presidency, she has confronted sustained scrutiny into her familys personal and philanthropic dealings, along with questions about whether their private business interests have colored her exercise of public authority. As IBTimes previously reported, Clinton switched from opposing an American free trade agreement with Colombia to supporting it after a Canadian energy and mining magnate with interests in that South American country contributed to the Clinton Foundation. IBTimes review of the Clintons annual financial disclosures also revealed that 13 companies lobbying the State Department paid Bill Clinton $2.5 million in speaking fees while Hillary Clinton headed the agency.



Questions about the nexus of arms sales and Clinton Foundation donors stem from the State Departments role in reviewing the export of American-made weapons. The agency is charged with both licensing direct commercial sales by U.S. defense contractors to foreign governments and also approving Pentagon-brokered sales to those governments. Those powers are enshrined in a federal law that specifically designates the secretary of state as responsible for the continuous supervision and general direction of sales of arms, military hardware and services to foreign countries. In that role, Hillary Clinton was empowered to approve or reject deals for a broad range of reasons, from national security considerations to human rights concerns.



The State Department does not disclose which individual companies are involved in direct commercial sales, but its disclosure documents reveal that countries that donated to the Clinton Foundation saw a combined $75 billion increase in authorized commercial military sales under the three full fiscal years Clinton served, as compared to the first three full fiscal years of Bushs second term.



The Clinton Foundation has not released an exact timetable of its donations, making it impossible to know whether money from foreign governments and defense contractors came into the organization before or after Hillary Clinton approved weapons deals that involved their interests. But news reports document that at least seven foreign governments that received State Department clearance for American arms did donate to the Clinton Foundation while Hillary Clinton was serving as secretary: Algeria, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Thailand, Norway and Australia.



Sales Flowed Despite Human Rights Concerns



Under a presidential policy directive signed by President Bill Clinton in 1995, the State Department is supposed to specifically take human rights records into account when deciding whether to approve licenses enabling foreign governments to purchase military equipment and services from American companies. Despite this, Hillary Clintons State Department increased approvals of such sales to nations that her agency sharply criticized for systematic human rights abuses.



In its 2010 Human Rights Report, Clintons State Department inveighed against Algerias government for imposing restrictions on freedom of assembly and association tolerating arbitrary killing, widespread corruption, and a lack of judicial independence. The report said the Algerian government used security grounds to constrain freedom of expression and movement.



That year, the Algerian government donated $500,000 to the Clinton Foundation and its lobbyists met with the State Department officials who oversee enforcement of human rights policies. Clintons State Department the next year approved a one-year 70 percent increase in military export authorizations to the country. The increase included authorizations of almost 50,000 items classified as toxicological agents, including chemical agents, biological agents and associated equipment after the State Department did not authorize the export of any of such items to Algeria in the prior year.



During Clintons tenure, the State Department authorized at least $2.4 billion of direct military hardware and services sales to Algeria -- nearly triple such authorizations over the last full fiscal years during the Bush administration. The Clinton Foundation did not disclose Algerias donation until this year -- a violation of the ethics agreement it entered into with the Obama administration.



The monarchy in Qatar had similarly been chastised by the State Department for a raft of human rights abuses. But that country donated to the Clinton Foundation while Hillary Clinton was running the State Department. During the three full budgetary years of her tenure, Qatar saw a 14-fold increase in State Department authorizations for direct commercial sales of military equipment and services, as compared to the same time period in Bushs second term. The department also approved the Pentagons separate $750 million sale of multi-mission helicopters to Qatar. That deal would additionally employ as contractors three companies that have all supported the Clinton Foundation over the years: United Technologies, Lockheed Martin and General Electric.



Clinton foundation donor countries that the State Department criticized for human rights violations and that received weapons export authorizations did not respond to IBTimes questions.



That group of arms manufacturers -- along with Clinton Foundation donors Boeing, Honeywell, Hawker Beechcraft and their affiliates -- were together listed as contractors in 114 such deals while Clinton was secretary of state. NBC put Chelsea Clinton on its payroll as a network correspondent in November 2011, when it was still 49 percent owned by General Electric. A spokesperson for General Electric did not respond to questions from IBTimes.



The other companies all asserted that their donations had nothing to do with the arms export deals.



Our contributions have aligned with our longstanding philanthropic commitments, said Honeywell spokesperson Rob Ferris.



"Even The Appearance Of A Conflict"



During her Senate confirmation proceedings in 2009, Hillary Clinton declared that she and her husband were committed to ensuring that his work does not present a conflict of interest with the duties of Secretary of State. She pledged to protect against even the appearance of a conflict of interest between his work and the duties of the Secretary of State and said that in many, if not most cases, it is likely that the Foundation or President Clinton will not pursue an opportunity that presents a conflict.



Even so, Bill Clinton took in speaking fees reaching $625,000 at events sponsored by entities that were dealing with Hillary Clintons State Department on weapons issues.



In 2011, for example, the former president was paid $175,000 by the Kuwait America Foundation to be the guest of honor and keynote speaker at its annual awards gala, which was held at the home of the Kuwaiti ambassador. Ben Affleck spoke at the event, which featured a musical performance by Grammy-award winner Michael Bolton. The gala was emceed by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, hosts of MSNBCs Morning Joe show. Boeing was listed as a sponsor of the event, as were the embassies of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar -- the latter two of which had donated to the Clinton Foundation while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state.



The speaking fee from the Kuwait America Foundation to Bill Clinton was paid in the same time frame as a series of deals Hillary Clintons State Department was approving between the Kuwaiti government and Boeing. Months before the gala, the Department of Defense announced that Boeing would be the prime contractor on a $693 million deal, cleared by Hillary Clintons State Department, to provide the Kuwaiti government with military transport aircraft. A year later, a group sponsored in part by Boeing would pay Bill Clinton another $250,000 speaking fee.



Boeing has sponsored this major travel event, the Global Business Travel Association, for several years, regardless of its invited speakers, Gordon Johndroe, a Boeing spokesperson, told IBTimes. Johndroe said Boeings support for the Clinton Foundation was a transparent act of compassion and an investment aimed at aiding the long-term interests and hopes of the Haitian people following a devastating earthquake.



Boeing was one of three companies that helped deliver money personally to Bill Clinton while benefiting from weapons authorizations issued by Hillary Clintons State Department. The others were Lockheed and the financial giant Goldman Sachs.



Lockheed is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, which paid Bill Clinton $250,000 to speak at an event in 2010. Three days before the speech, Hillary Clintons State Department approved two weapons export deals in which Lockheed was listed as the prime contractor. Over the course of 2010, Lockheed was a contractor on 17 Pentagon-brokered deals that won approval from the State Department. Lockheed told IBTimes that its support for the Clinton Foundation started in 2010, while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state.



Lockheed Martin has periodically supported one individual membership in the Clinton Global Initiative since 2010, said company spokesperson Katherine Trinidad. Membership benefits included attendance at CGI annual meetings, where we participated in working groups focused on STEM, workforce development and advanced manufacturing.



In April 2011, Goldman Sachs paid Bill Clinton $200,000 to speak to approximately 250 high level clients and investors in New York, according to State Department records obtained by Judicial Watch. Two months later, the State Department approved a $675 million foreign military sale involving Hawker Beechcraft -- a company that was then part-owned by Goldman Sachs. As part of the deal, Hawker Beechcraft would provide support to the government of Iraq to maintain a fleet of aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Goldman Sachs has also contributed at least $250,000 to the Clinton Foundation, according to donation records.



There is absolutely no connection among all the points that you have raised regarding our firm, said Andrew Williams, a spokesperson for Goldman Sachs.



Federal records show that ethics staffers at the State Department approved the payments to Bill Clinton from Goldman Sachs, and the Lockheed- and Boeing-sponsored groups without objection, even though the firms had major stakes in the agencys weapons export decisions.



Stephen Walt, a Harvard University professor of international affairs, told IBTimes that the intertwining financial relationships between the Clintons, defense contractors and foreign governments seeking weapons approvals is a vivid example of a very big problem -- the degree to which conflicts of interest have become endemic.



It has troubled me all along that the Clinton Foundation was not being more scrupulous about who it would take money from and who it wouldnt, he said. American foreign policy is better served if people responsible for it are not even remotely suspected of having these conflicts of interest. When George Marshall was secretary of state, nobody was worried about whether or not he would be distracted by donations to a foundation or to himself. This wasnt an issue. And that was probably better.



UPDATE (7:38pm, 5/26/15): In an emailed statement, a spokeswoman for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office told IBTimes: "Taiwans 2003 donation was for the fund to build the Clinton Presidential Library. This was way before Mrs. Clinton was made the U.S. Secretary of State. We have neither knowledge nor comments concerning other issues."
Intel Reservist takes pride in helping maintain peace on Korean peninsula

Since 1953, when the armistice ending hostilities on the Korean peninsula was signed, the United States has had a contingent of Airmen supporting the defense of the Republic of Korea. Now, 63 years after the signing, both North and South Korea continue to exist within a tenuous peace that could be easily ignited into a full-scale war if provocations turned into a real-world confrontation.



The August 2015 incident involving a North Korean-emplaced land mine within the demilitarized zone that left two ROK soldiers seriously injured is one indicator of how volatile the peace is between the two countries. Events in recent months, including North Korean claims of an underground nuclear test and its long-range ballistic missile launch, have created an even higher level of uncertainty.



North Korea has the worlds fourth largest military with 70 percent to 75 percent of the force deployed within 60 miles of the DMZ. Since coming into power in 2011, Kim Jong Un has placed a strong emphasis on developing and strengthening asymmetric capabilities like ballistic missiles, the worlds largest special operations forces, cyber warfare and chemical weapons, all of which increase the indications and warnings challenge for U.S. decision-makers.



To maintain the peace, the U.S. Forces Korea Command relies heavily on Air Force-provided intelligence information that is planned, collected, processed, analyzed and disseminated by a combined team of U.S. and ROK Airmen. The 694th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, commanded by Col. James C. Mock, carries out this critically important mission providing around-the-clock support at Osan Air Base, ROK.



The group is one of five primary sites for the global Air Force Distributed Common Ground System, operated by the 480th ISR Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. This incredibly complex worldwide system is powered by innovative Airmen who integrate data from numerous ISR platforms and then distribute real-time and near-real-time critical and actionable intelligence to U.S. military and civilian leaders and their allies.



Maj. Alison Hamel is newly assigned to the 694th as its first individual mobilization augmentee. The establishment of this IMA position at Osan is in line with Air Force Reserve Command commanders guidance to increase execution of intelligence IMA billets at major commands and combatant commands and effectively recruit and place qualified Airmen to support intelligence missions around the globe.



According to command leadership, Hamel was selected for the position based on her record of excellence throughout her career. She was named the 2013 Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Reserve/Guard ISR Officer of the Year as well as PACAFs Reserve/Guard Officer of the Year during her previous assignment with the 713th Combat Operations Squadron, Detachment 1, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.



Lt. Col. William Bernhard, the groups deputy commander and Hamels active-duty supervisor, said she has quickly acquired specific training and learned techniques and processes needed for her mission deployments to Korea.



Major Hamel is quickly becoming familiar with our USFK operations plans and associated workings in the gathering and interpreting of intelligence matters in this theater of operations, Bernhard said. She brings a strong intelligence foundation of knowledge and is now applying that knowledge to the threat issues that face the Republic of Korea, our USFK forces and allied partners.



He said Hamel is also tasked to help improve processes and share best practices between the Korea and Hawaii distributed ground sites to maximize limited ISR assets in the Pacific Command area of operations.



Getting up to speed and qualified as a mission operations commander was a significant leadership training objective for Hamel.



Getting ops floor qualified as an MOC is a major component of Major Hamels mission contributions to the group, Bernhard said. Being a mission-ready MOC keeps her aware and focused on the needs and concerns of the Airmen executing the DCGS mission, while working on projects to improve execution and collaboration between DCGS sites.



He said Hamel recently successfully coordinated a process change for the Hawaii DGS that improves intelligence collection and multiple-intelligence fusion opportunities both there and in Korea.



Now that she is a qualified MOC, Hamel is concentrating on building relationships with all of the groups on-peninsula partners, synchronizing the intelligence efforts that encompass U.S. Air Force, Army and national communities to include ROK-associated capabilities.



Im quickly learning the connecting links between the intelligence provider and the tip-of-the-spear warfighter, Hamel said. The lives of more than 51 million ROK citizens depend on the assurance that the military professionals get it right.



This is especially true considering intelligence is distributed between military partners who speak two distinct languages from two distinct cultures.



The excellent language skills and efforts of both Korean and American linguists who constantly interact in the intelligence arena are critical to ensuring shared understanding, Hamel said.



The skills she has developed with the group will support steady-state, real-world scenarios as well as preparation for annual peninsula exercises involving the South Korean air force, U.S. Seventh Air Force, USFK, PACAF and other service components.



Our mission is simple: to provide world-class intelligence so that peace can be maintained in the Northeast Asia theater of operations and, if need be, to provide the right intelligence to the right warfighters at the right time to meet their contingency requirements, Hamel said. I take immense pride in being part of this extremely important and rewarding mission and in working alongside some very intelligent Airmen, who perform around the clock, 365 days a year for a cause much larger than themselves. Doing this job as a Reservist and being the first IMA assigned to the 694th ISR Group makes me even prouder.



(Van Deventer, a long-time contributor to Citizen Airman, is a program analyst in the Directorate of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protections Installation Support Branch at Headquarters AFRC, Robins AFB, Georgia. He just completed a tour with the 694th ISRG at Osan AB.)
US antitrust regulator approves Teva-Allergan $40.5 bn generic deal

US antitrust regulators yesterday approved Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd proposed acquisition of Allergan Plc's generics business, after the Israeli generic drug giant agreed to divest 79 generic drugs to rival firms.

In July last year, Teva, the world's largest generic drug maker, struck a deal to buy Ireland-based Allergan's generics business for $40.5 billion. (See: Teva in $40.5-bn pact to buy Allergan's generics, ends Mylan bid) The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) yesterday said that Teva has agreed to sell the rights and assets related to 79 pharmaceutical products to eleven firms to settle charges that its proposed deal would be anticompetitive.

The divested products include anesthetics, antibiotics, weight loss drugs, oral contraceptives, and treatments for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including ADHD, allergies, arthritis, cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, mental illnesses, opioid dependence, pain, Parkinson's disease, and respiratory, skin and sleep disorders.

The acquirers of the divested products are Mayne Pharma Group, Impax Laboratories, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Cipla, Zydus Worldwide, Mikah Pharma, Perrigo Pharma, Aurobindo Pharma, Prasco and 3M Company.

In addition to the product divestitures, to address the anticompetitive effects likely to arise in markets for 15 pharmaceutical products where Teva supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients to current or future Allergan competitors, the FTC order additionally requires Teva to offer these existing API customers the option of entering into long-term API supply contracts.

Welcoming the approval, the Jerusalem-based company said that post closing, Teva will have approximately 338 product registrations pending FDA approval and will hold the leading position in first-to-file opportunities with approximately 115 pending ANDAs in the US.

Additionally, Teva will have a commercial presence across 80 markets, including a top-three leadership position in over 40 markets.

Teva also said that the transaction is expected to generate $1.4 billion in operational and tax synergies, and the combined company is expected to generate more than $25 billion of free cash flow from deal by the end of 2019.

Founded in 1901 by Chaim Salomon, Moshe Levin and Yitschak Elstein, Teva started out as a small wholesaler of imported drugs. The company has since come a long way to become the biggest corporation in Israel and currently has a market cap of $48.9 billion.

Though a generic giant in the industry, Teva has recently lost market share to rivals like India's Sun Pharmaceutical Industries.

Erez Vigodman has been looking for acquisitions after the patent expiry last year of its best-selling branded drug for multiple sclerosis, Copaxone, which accounted for $3.1 billion or nearly 20 per cent of its $15.1 billion in revenue last year.

Last year the US Food and Drugs Administration approved the first generic version of Copaxone, which could wipe out a third of the drug's sales by 2018, although Teva has switched its patient onto a version with longer-lasting effects.
As many area communities will be observing Trick-or-Treating this weekend and Monday, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections advises you and your family to keep your children safer this Halloween by discussing ahead of time what to do if you are ever separated. A list of safety tips from state agencies is below to help ensure a safer Halloween weekend for everyone. You can also find the hours for trick-or-treating in Door and Kewaunee counties by clicking here.

-A parent or trusted adult should always accompany children

-Stay on well-lit streets and stick to neighborhoods you know

-Only stop at homes where the porch light is on

-Never enter a home or car for a treat

-Trick-or-treaters should carry a cell phone to allow for quick communication

-If the child carries a cell phone, activate location services prior to trick-or-treating

-Call 911 if you see any suspicious or illegal activity

Children should yell No! and run from any stranger who tries to take them somewhere

-Have a responsible adult check treats at the end of the night

Similarly, the Wisconsin Department of Health also suggests some tips for families with trick-or-treaters and families who are giving out candy.

Costume Tips

-Choose costumes that are light-colored and more visible to motorists.

-Use reflective tape to decorate costumes and candy bags to increase the visibility of children to drivers. Reflective tape may be purchased at hardware, bicycle, or sporting goods stores.

-Use make-up rather than a mask; if your childs costume does include a mask, make sure it fits snugly and that the eyeholes are large enough to allow full vision.

-Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.

-Costumes should be short enough that a child will not trip and fall.

-Choose costume accessories such as swords or knives that are made of soft and flexible material.

-Do not use novelty contacts such as cat eyes or snake eyes.

Pedestrian Safety

-Engage in Halloween activities during the daylight hours, if possible.

-Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.

-Remind children to walk, not run, and to only cross streets at crosswalks.

-Be sure your children are accompanied by a responsible adult who has a flashlight. -----

-Flashlights or chemical light sticks should be used so that children can see and be seen by motorists.

Halloween Home Safety

-Remove obstacles from your lawn, porch, or steps if you are expecting trick-or-treaters.

-Make sure your front porch is well-lit.

-Avoid using candle-lit jack-o-lanterns if possible. If you do use candles, dont place them near curtains, furnishings, or decorations. Move them off porches where childrens costumes may ignite.

-Keep your pets in another room when you are expecting trick-or-treaters.

-Small children should not carve pumpkins; instead, allow them to draw the designs on the pumpkin and adults may carve.

-Turn on an outside light if welcoming trick-or-treaters.
Wine exports last year amounted to 48 million litres and 143 million, according to Statistik Austria. This was due to the difficult vintage in 2014 which resulted in reduced volumes. The decrease in sales of 1.1%, compared with 2014, turned out to be less than had been feared.

Nevertheless, the Austrian Wine Marketing Board reports that in the sector of bottled Qualitatswein, 2015 brought a substantial increase once more. Red wines showed a growth of nearly 4m (+13.5%). Bulk wines, wines without protected designation of origin, as well as Pradikatsweine declined.

Figures also show full-fledged slumps in exports of sparkling wine, and above all with Perlwein (lightly sparkling wine), which could only be explained by industry insiders with speculations about the performance of certain industrial frizzante products, according to the AWMB.

There was a 10% growth in revenue among non-EU member countries, while figures for the EU-28 show a 4.8% decline. Negative figures for sekt, frizzante and bulk wine clouded the results for Germany, which otherwise showed a thoroughly positive development, says the board.

Export revenues declined in particular in markets which were previously consistently successful  the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Italy  while Great Britain, Belgium and Denmark once again showed strong gains. Outside of the EU, positive surprises were in store from Switzerland, the US, Norway, Hong Kong and Russia, while declines were reported in China and Japan.

The 2016 harvest looks problematical, according to the AWMB. Growers and producers are looking forward to an average-sized crop and good quality from Gruner Veltliner, but in the reds, particularly with the variety Zweigelt, and with Steiermarks regional specialties, the severe late frost at the end of April leaves a less than rosy outlook, says the board.

On the bright side, the board reports strong demand for wines from the vintage 2015.

The level of interest for these marvellous red and white premium bottlings can be strongly felt after the VieVinum fair in June, both domestically and on the international markets, states the AWMB.

Some of the most sought-after white and red wines will only be released initially as of autumn 2016, and further into 2017. With these, Austrian wine will write new chapters of its success story even in difficult times, especially since international appraisals and reviews of this exceptional vintage cannot help but offer a degree of consolation for the unfortunate weather phenomena  even in the Steiermark, it says triumphantly.
The OHanrahan Chronicles exhibition, which documents the contribution of 1916 leader Micheal OHanrahan to the quest for Irish freedom and the Easter 1916 Rising, was officially opened last week at County Museum Dundalk, by Head of Special Projects at the National Archives of Ireland, Catriona Crowe.

Curated by his grand-nephews, Pearse and Harry OHanrahan, the exhibition includes a variety of family possessions, most notably a music manuscript of songs written by fellow 1916 leader Eamonn Ceannt.

This features an alternative national anthem, set to the tune of Haydns German national anthem; and a photograph of Eamonn Ceannt carrying a tricolour while marching in uniform - Micheal OHanrahan is seen in the background saluting the flag.

Speaking at the opening, Ms Crowe, said: This is a fascinating exhibition about one of the forgotten executed leaders of the 1916 Rising, Micheal O'Hanrahan, and his extraordinary family, most of whom were involved in the Rising.

While this was extremely personal for the OHanrahan family, it is also of national significance, providing names for faces seen in photos and documents from a number of cultural institutions, such as those taken at Cathal Brughas funeral, and providing an insight into the networks that existed between the leaders, volunteers at Dublin Castle and other like-minded people.

Pearse OHanrahan, grandnephew of Micheal OHanrahan said: The compilation of this exhibition was a voyage of discovery for us and we spent many a day in the National Archives of Ireland. Of course our grand-uncles story has been passed down through generations of our family but our research has shed so much more light on his role in the 1916 Rising. We are immensely proud of his contribution and that of all of his family, who were heavily involved in the Rising.

We are delighted that the exhibition is on show in Dundalk, where the OHanrahan family now live. We would like to thank Catriona Crowe for her assistance in this project, and for opening the exhibition. We would also like to thank Carlow Institute of Technology for putting the friezes together for the exhibition, and the staff of the County Museum Dundalk for their help and advice throughout this project and, of course, for hosting this exhibition.

Museum curator, Brian Walsh said: We are delighted to host this fascinating insight into the family life and connections of 1916 leader, Micheal OHanrahan. While this may seem like a personal history, it also highlights the national significance of his contribution to the Rising, and his relationship with other 1916 leaders. The OHanrahan Chronicles exhibition also complements our own exhibition on the Rising and we would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in Irish history to pay a visit to the museum for these fantastic portrayals of Irish life during this time of revolution.

The exhibition, which is believed to be the first of this kind put together by descendants of a 1916 leader, will run until the end of August.
A 33 year old man who denied injuring a garda while handcuffed by putting him in a head-lock, was convicted at Dundalk District Court last week.

Niall Mackin of Patrick Tierney Crescent, Dundalk had contested a charge of assault causing harm on January second last.

The court heard that gardai called to the defendant's home by his mother, found a window smashed, a front door kicked in and that casing had been pulled off a radiator.

Blood was also on the floor and walls and they were told that the accused had caused the damage and had since left.

The court heard Niall Mackin was outside and continued to walk away from him, when approached he told gardai that he lived with his father and that his mother was dead.

He was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and continued to be aggressive and struggled while being handcuffed.

The court heard he shouldered one officer pushing him off balance and tripped another garda.

The defendant's mother was screaming that she didn't want him arrested and the court heard the accused jumped back out of the patrol van and put his hands over a garda and got him into a headlock, scraping his face with the handcuffs.

Both garda witnesses rejected a defence suggestion that the accused's hands were cuffed behind his back - making it impossible to carry out the assault.

They said that while it was best practice to handcuff prisoners behind the back, because of the struggle they were unable to do so with the accused.

Niall Mackin said "I know for a fact it did not happen the way they described it". He insisted he didn't do anything wrong and said felt he didn't need to be arrested and that's why he was resisting.

His mother said "absolutely not" when asked if she'd seen the garda in the headlock.

Judge Flann Brennan said he had absolutely no doubt that the charge had been proven. The court heard in a separate case, the accused had signed in his brother's name to collect his Social Welfare payment at Castletown Road Post Office on March 26th last - having earlier collected his own dole there.

The Defence barrister explained his client's brother was in custody and needed 200 bail money and had given him Social Protection card so he could get the cash.

The barrister asked the court not to record a conviction as he said his client has an interview to join the army having previously twice failed the aptitude test.

However, Judge Brennan said it was a serious assault looking at the marks in the photo and the accused had acted like a violent thug. He imposed two concurrent three month sentences for both offences, but said he could appeal in his own bond of 500.
MINISTER for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell OConnor today welcomed a jobs boost for Dundalk with the news that project management consultancy firm, TLM Mission Critical Ltd, have opened their European HQ in the town, creating 12 jobs.

TLM was introduced to Ireland through ConnectIreland, the company responsible for delivering the Governments Succeed in Ireland initiative, as part of the Action Plan for Jobs, in association with IDA Ireland. The introduction to ConnectIreland came through a family connection.

The companys New York-based principal, Michael Carron, has brought his business expansion a little closer to home by returning to the county in which his father grew up. Michaels cousin, Louis Carron, Managing Director of Blue Sky Payments, an international financial consultancy and payments processing company, is responsible for introducing TLM to ConnectIreland.

TLM MC is the Irish registered subsidiary of the TLM Group LLC, a New York-based project management firm comprised of engineering, architectural, construction and technology professionals.

Making the announcement, Minister Mitchell OConnor, said: TLM is among a rising number of companies who have decided to set up a European base in Ireland. Once again, this is a testament to our talented Irish workforce and also to Ireland as a great place to do business. I wish the TLM team every success.

The company has opened its European headquarters in Dundalk town. The main function of the Louth office is to provide project management consultancy on data centre projects throughout Europe. The objective of the new office will be to better serve existing European clients as well as several US-based clients looking to locate in Europe and potentially Ireland.

Dundalk was chosen as the prime location for TLMs expansion plans because of the availability of key management and personnel, as well as access to talent within close proximity to Dundalk.

Michael Carron, Principal, TLM, said: TLM is very excited to add to the growing list of companies based in Ireland. We are also looking forward to building the newest most technically advanced data centres in Ireland. It is no secret that Ireland has become the data capital of Europe. Ireland has all of the key elements needed for ultimate data centre  cool weather, connectivity, and a qualified workforce.

Michaels father grew up in Greenore, Louth and he has a number of relatives still living in the area.
Is it now? I was just thinking how its amazing that the left seems to assign Trump positions that he obviously never took. I am also amazed at how the left just seems to make stuff up about Trump without ever being able to prove it. Sort of like he is in with the Russians, or after watching the video some how you get out of it he was "asking" the Russians for help.





Then you drew a comparison between the two events. Cant worm and squirm this one. Good luck though. Remember unless you delete something, everyone can read this. I got to say this though, your really really good at throwing in a straw man, such as the SOS private server issue, then drawing a comparison to what Trump said, then backing up and saying that its separate issues. Or as you put it, very clear that you said you was only talking about the SOS emails. But you was not. No, you was attempting to draw a comparison of the responses between the two when they are in fact totally different issues. It was a pure straw man tactic.
There are a range of common SEO myths that are constantly perpetuated throughout the SEO community. Much of this hearsay is formed with little-to-no research or proof that justifies the attention and belief that they receive.

To help put some of these myths to bed, Ive created a list of the most prolific lies in the industry:

Link building is dead

Link building has been pronounced dead multiple times by a range of seemingly reputable sources over the last couple of years. These proclamations usually come in the wake of widespread penalties issued by recent Google algorithm updates or from operators that are using techniques that are a few years out of date. Link building isnt dead; it is simply changing.

In 2016, the way to build links is no longer to exploit private blog networks, infest the comment sections on blogs or to create a range of spammy anchor text-filled websites. However, many SEOs are still using these techniques because they are easy and they can show their client that they have produced a large volume of work for the month. In reality, these links could be doing more harm than good. Even if your website does rise quickly to the top of the search results, it wont be long-lived. Its not good enough for your link profile to look natural, it needs to be natural.

SEO can be automated

With the current state of Googles Search Algorithm, automation is no longer an option for your link building efforts. Links that are able to be built by a program will also be easily created by everyone elses programs as well. This means that there is a lack of uniqueness in these links. As well as this, the locations that these automated links will be built is not going to be anywhere near as high quality as those that are sourced and created manually.

You can be penalised for duplicate content

While you can be held back in the search results if your website has content has a high similarity score to another website, you wont be penalised for content similarity on your own website. For example, every page of your website will have a header and a footer that will be identical and you wont receive a penalty for that. In Googles Webmaster Guidelines it clarifies this common myth by saying that whats important is that each page has a substantial unique content.

Keyword density is the key to ranking higher

Keyword density is the number of times a specific word appears on a web page as a percentage as compared to the total number of words on the page. For instance, if your keyword is Shoes and you mention the word shoes 4 times on a page that contains a total of 200 words, you have a keyword density of 2%.

In previous iterations of Googles Search Engine Algorithm, keyword density was a factor. However, because SEOs and webmasters started optimising for an exact keyword density (of generally around 4%), Google had to update its algorithm to stop websites from tricking the system.

Today, it is best practice to optimize for a topic instead of just a set of keywords. With Google now implementing a new component to its ranking algorithm called RankBrain, it is getting better than ever at determining a pages topic and intentions.

Remember: write for humans first and robots second.

Longer content ranks better

Having a good quantity of content can help your page to rank, however, above-all-else the quality is most important. Many people have seen a correlation between lengthy articles and rankings in the search results. However, correlation doesnt always mean causation. As with keyword density, write for humans first and search engines second. Stretching out your content to 1000 words when it would be a good and quick read in 400 words isnt a good idea. You might find yourself waffling and writing nothing of importance, and Google can see that when it crawls your page.

Content is king

The saying content is king in the context of SEO is a lie made up by marketers who dont understand SEO. Content is Queen and distribution is King. You can have the best content on the internet, but if it doesnt get onto the screens of the right users, you might as well have not written it in the first place. Distribution takes a wide variety of forms in digital marketing, even beyond SEO. Its about determining the purpose of your content and driving the right users to that content.

Having your work done offshore will be cheaper

The most common mistake that people make is to get their SEO done overseas. Despite the seemly attractive pricing of a $10/hr SEO specialist offshore, there are a number of reasons why you should resist and avoid this common pitfall. Aside from frustrating communication, there are a number of undesirable factors that make providers in the Philippines, India or Eastern Europe not just ineffective, but counterproductive.

There have been many occasions where we have commenced work on an SEO campaign where the first month worth of time is consumed by removing a penalty caused by spammy links and other poor-quality practices. So the cost of fixing poor SEO can be more than what you paid originally.

The main problems with offshore practices:

Links built on Russian, Indian or other offshore domains: building on primarily .com.au domains is essential for ranking in Australia.

Links built in private blog networks: when Google cracks down on the network, you will also be penalised.

Lack of concern for onsite SEO: without correctly optimising your website even the best link profile wont succeed.

Out-dated techniques: offshore providers are notorious for using the popular techniques of 2 or more years ago that have been rendered completely ineffective by modern search engine algorithms.

SEO can be a surprisingly deep and complex topic that is shrouded with mythology (malicious or otherwise) by people who either have a hidden agenda, are out of touch or have formed an unproven hypothesis. If you do learn something new about SEO, make sure that the research has been done to ensure its accuracy before taking it as fact.

About the author

Chris Schimkat is an SEO Specialist from Alpha Digital, a Brisbane and Sydney-based digital agency. He specialises in SEO, AdWords, Display Advertising and Social Media Marketing.
The first F-35 bound to Israel made its maiden flight June 26 from Fort Worth, Texas, flown by Lockheed Martins test pilot. The aircraft will now conduct a series of flight tests to confirm its airworthiness.

It is expected to land in Israel on December 12, 2016. These test flights will be concluded in November, in time for the first two aircraft to begin their cross-Atlantic ferry flight to Israel.

Since the Israeli government decision was made in September 2010, IAF personnel have been preparing for the arrival of the new jets. The first cadre of aircrew members is currently undergoing conversion training. An advanced simulator center is constructed at the base to help train pilots along with technical crews that are trained to maintain the new, stealthy fighter jet. At the IAF Air Base in Nevatim, infrastructure is being prepared for the arrival of the first aircraft in December.

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Expresses support for EU approximation in meetings with country leaders, entrepreneurs and diplomats

The President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Sir Suma Chakrabarti, visited Montenegro on 27-28 July 2016 as part of a wider regional tour of the Western Balkans. This followed visits earlier in the week to Kosovo (25 July) and Albania (26 July). He is also expected to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia later in the summer.

In Montenegro, he met President Filip Vujanovic, Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and government ministers as well as representatives from the business and diplomatic communities.

President Chakrabarti said: Montenegro plays a special role in the Western Balkans and it has a special place within the EBRD as a whole, for it is in Montenegro that we have our highest per capita investment. The country leads in the Western Balkans in terms of EU approximation and the EBRD stands ready to help Montenegro progress even further along this path in order to accelerate reforms.

In his discussions with the Prime Minister, President Chakrabarti said he especially appreciated the role Mr Djukanovic had played in the dialogue among the six Western Balkans Prime Ministers brought together under a format initiated by the EBRD.

President Chakrabarti also said the Bank remained committed to promoting regional integration, including through the Western Balkans Investment Summits organised at the EBRDs headquarters in London.

Prime Minister Djukanovic paid tribute to the EBRD for its role in launching and sustaining this regional dialogue. He was glad that this process  which has subsequently become known as the Berlin Process following a meeting of Western Balkans heads of state and government in the German capital in 2014  was continuing with the active involvement of the European Union (EU), other international financial institutions and key European capitals.

As part of Montenegros progress towards EU integration, the EBRDs support was welcome in helping local companies increase quality standards to become more competitive in the local market and ultimately to increase exports to the EU, Prime Minister Djukanovic added.

Referring to the importance of the country and the region for the EBRD, President Chakrabarti said: When I was elected EBRD President in 2012, I said to you and to other leaders that the Western Balkans had to become a higher priority for the EBRD and it did. There is huge amount to celebrate in our cooperation, which can serve as a model for the region. I am very pleased to see economic growth coming back to Montenegro.

He added that, going forward, the EBRD would welcome renewed impetus in the process of privatisation in Montenegro.

In his meeting with President Vujanovic, President Chakrabarti said Montenegros active engagement was crucial for the process of regional cooperation and European approximation in the Western Balkans.

President Chakrabarti said the last three years had been very productive for the Bank in Montenegro, accounting for around half of the total 530 million of investments in the country since it started work there. The Bank had provided know-how and expertise to over 550 Montenegrin small and medium-sized businesses, many of them women-led.

President Vujanovic thanked the EBRD for supporting the Montenegrin economy over the years, especially in energy and transport infrastructure. He invited the EBRD to consider projects aimed at overcoming regional disparities between the countrys less developed north and more prosperous south.

On Thursday 28 July, President Chakrabarti visited Voli, the leading retailer in Montenegro and a long-standing EBRD client, where the Bank has recently taken a 10 per cent equity stake. Voli will use this equity financing to build a modern distribution centre.

He concluded the visit by meeting the management of the Coordinated Auction Office in South East Europe (SEECAO), a system which allocates the regions scarce electricity transmission capacity through a single auction process. The EBRD provided technical cooperation grants to establish this system, which is widely used elsewhere in Europe, for seven countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro and Turkey. Macedonia has recently signed an accession agreement. The SEECAO is in discussion with other countries in the region about joining the system.
Americans have expressed outrage at Wednesdays police shooting of Philando Castile, an African-American man, which happened in St. Paul, Minnesota, during a traffic stop for a broken tail light.

Castile was shot in front of his girlfriend Diamond Reynolds and their 4-year-old daughter, who were in the car.

Reynolds used Facebook Live to stream video of the aftermath of the shooting.

The graphic video, which shows Castile bleeding and groaning in pain while the officer who shot him curses and continues aiming his gun at Castile, had garnered more than 4.4 million views by Thursday evening, and nearly 300,000 shares.

President Obama posted a lengthy comment in response to Castiles shooting and the police shooting earlier this week of another black man, Alton Sterling, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sterlings shooting was captured on video by several bystanders.

Race undoubtedly played a role in Castiles shooting, said Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, who called on the United States Department of Justice to investigate.

Outrage and Anguish

There were more than 16,000 comments on Reddit less than 24 hours after the shooting, many expressing outrage.

There is no reason four shots should be fired from a foot away, especially when he let the officer know he had a concealed weapon, wrote chemicalbeats37.

I saw this guys last moments of life, wrote doyou_booboo. His last breaths. A mother in a state of shock, watching someone she cared about die. I saw a three year old witnessing something that she doesnt fully understand yet, but which might have lasting repercussions on her psyche.

A Twitter feed on the shooting also displayed the anguish of commenters.

"It's okay mommy. It's okay, I'm right here with you" #PhilandoCastile's girlfriend's 4yo daughter said to her mother. & I am broken.

 deray mckesson (@deray) July 7, 2016

A Gofundme campaign set up by Xavier Burgin to benefit the Castile family raised more than US$60,000 toward a goal of $80,000 in its first 19 hours. Upwards of 2,200 people contributed. Castiles sister Moni also started a GoFundMe campaign, which had raised more than $16,000 toward its $30,000 goal in the first 12 hours.

Facebooks Role

Facebook took down the streaming video of the shooting for several hours but restored it after some users protested. Facebook claimed the takedown was due to a technical glitch.

In this day of citizen journalism and ubiquitous video, the role Facebook played in disseminating knowledge of the incident was critical. What legal, ethical and other issues do companies that offer live-streaming services face, as people use them to document events in real time?

Typically, posting something that showcases someone getting shot would be an automatic delete, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

However, thats not the case if it has to do with abuse of power and you position yourself as a news service, he told TechNewsWorld.

Users have posted disturbing images on Facebook and other streaming services before.

Whether that raises legal and ethical issues depends on whether the service is considered to be a common carrier with an obligation to not discriminate on the basis of content or use, or a publisher, constrained by considerations of copyright and fair use, noted Mike Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

If Facebooks a publisher that allows individuals to use its platform to post their content, it has the right to determine what gets posted, he told TechNewsWorld. However, if its a common carrier, then it cant and shouldnt, regardless of impact. Thats called free speech.

The FCC is wrestling with the question of whether Facebook is a common carrier with a must-serve obligation, Jude said.

There has been a lot of dispute regarding the liability of various intermediaries such as Facebook  which doesnt necessarily fall in areas Congress envisioned when they passed various laws, Yasha Heidari of the Heidari Power Law Group told TechNewsWorld.

Theres no hard-and-fast rule as to what is or isnt allowed, so streaming services will just simply accept the risk and moderate after the fact, doing their best to comply with known laws, Enderle said. The difficulty with any kind of censorship is knowing where to draw the line.

Forget about ethical standards, which seem to mean very little on the Internet, Jude remarked. I would say there are moral [arguments] for not publishing such content.
Tinder on Thursday announced the launch of Tinder Social, a new platform that helps users plan group nights out.

The new platform will help users plan double dates or larger group events, creating new opportunities for people to make connections, the company said.

Tinder took the platform for a test drive in Australia and found that users wanted a better way to add friends to their night out in real time. That led to a feature that lets users see who else in the Tinder community is headed out the same night.

Users can invite friends to join their group and match up with other groups that are going out on the same evening. Users need to act fast, though, because the newly created groups and matchups expire by noon on the following day.

Tinder Social has to be unlocked before members can use it. A user who has unlocked the platform can see friends who have unlocked Tinder Social as well.

This is just the first step in building the new social platform, which has launched in the U.S. and some other countries that Tinder did not specify.

Features Tapped

The new platform could have some unintended consequences.

Tinder has been innovating with new social features for a while, as it looks to broaden its appeal and drive engagement among different parts of its audience, said Jack Kent, director of operators and mobile media at IHS Markit.

However, providing these additional platforms next to the core dating platform could risk confusion about the purpose of the new feature, he cautioned.

Tinder has an audience of tens of millions of users, and so it has a strong user base with which to test the appeal of new features, even if they cater to more niche segments of its base, Kent told TechNewsWorld.

Its doubtful the new social tool will do much to grow Tinders overall membership base, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

I dont think its a big enough feature to do that, he told TechNewsWorld. However, it will increase the services utility, potentially making it more useful to its existing customer base.

Tinder earlier this year began testing a feature that allows users to play matchmaker. By tapping a share icon on a profile, users can send a temporary link to a friend, who then will have 72 hours or five clicks to swipe on the shared profile.

No More Stigma

A growing number of Americans are using social media apps to meet people, as online dating has lost much of the stigma that once was associated with it, according to the Pew Research Center.

Since Pew first began to study online dating in 2005, attitudes towards using social media for social life have changed. Fifteen percent of U.S. adult participants in a study released earlier this year said they had used online or mobile dating apps.

The use of online dating sites or mobile apps by young adults has nearly tripled just since 2013, sitting at 27 percent today. Online dating also has surged among older adults, with 12 percent of 55-to 64-year-olds reporting they had used an online or mobile dating app, compared with 5 percent in 2013.

Tinder swipes have reached 1.4 billion per day and matches have reached 26 million per day, according to Tinder. The app is used in 196 countries worldwide.
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Chinas Defense Ministry confirmed today that it was pressing ahead with anti-missile system tests after pictures appeared on state television, depicting a successful missile intercept test conducted in 2010. The Chinese announcement coincides with growing tension over South Koreas decision to allow the U.S. deployment of THAAD anti-missile system in the Korean peninsula.

According to Yang Yujun, spokesman of the Peoples Republic of Chinas Defence Ministry, the development of missile defense capabilities is an essential part of the countrys national security strategy. It will improve the self-defense capability of China and is not targeting any particular country and will not affect international strategic stability, Yujun said, adding that China would consider taking unspecified measures to maintain strategic balance in the region. China is unimpressed by Washington claims that the introduction of THAAD poses no threat to China.

The missiles carrying the interceptor are known as SC-19. The missiles and its derivatives was successfully used in a number of exo-atmospheric ballistic missile defense (BMD) intercepts between 2003 and 2015. In addition to its BMD role, the weapon could possibly be used against hypersonic glide vehicles surfing in the upper atmosphere.

In addition to the development of indigenous, its missile defense capability China is also pursuing means to kill or disable adversary satellites. The two programs are likely sharing some capacity, and Chinese authorities described at least some of the satellite interception tests as missile intercepts, thus avoiding international scrutiny about military experiments in outer space.

Earlier this week Beijing released another video depicting an anti-satellite test conducted last year. The eighth, and most recent test involved a Dong-Neng 3 exo-atmospheric kill vehicle deployed by satellite launcher that positions the DN-3 in a collision course with the orbiting target. These kinetic interceptors are carried on SC-19 launchers.

Two years earlier a test of the larger DN-2 EKV demonstrated an intercept of an orbital target at an altitude of 18,600 miles, where intelligence and navigation satellites are positioned. The congressional U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission report of 2015 described that test as demonstrating a new high-altitude anti-satellite capability that could be deployed as early as 2020.

While direct fire ASAT capabilities are considered for use only at war, don-kinetic capabilities could be used to disable or kidnap adversary assets in space. China is already developing such capabilities, although they are positioned to help avoid potential risks posed by space debris and disabled spacecraft. While Chinese official sources claim that the task of the Aolong-1 (Roaming Dragon) spacecraft sent into orbit last month will be cleaning up space junk, other analysts suspect it could serve a military purpose. In peacetime, the spacecraft could patrol space and prevent defunct satellites from crashing into other satellites or down on earth. Likewise, since they do not explode or create debris, they could be used against enemy assets in space as a clean anti-satellite weapon. To conduct its task Aolong-1 is designed to identify such non-cooperative target, approach and synchronize position to deploy its robotic arm to establish a firm grip.

Chinese researchers with the 502 Institute at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation said last year that China would launch a multi-tasking space robot by 2020 that could maintain, refuel and repair satellites in orbit.
GENEVA  US apparel brand Gap Inc has joined the Better Cotton Initiative. The company says that in the first half of 2016 it sourced 441,000 pounds of Better Cotton  enough to make 250,000 pairs of jeans - and plans to continue to increase sourcing significant amounts of Better Cotton in the future.
By Alleen Brown

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine is facing pressure from landowners in his home state of Virginia to stand against the planned Atlantic Coast Pipeline, which would carry fracked gas from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to mid-Atlantic markets.

Hes made some moves in that direction: hes held private meetings with landowners in the pipelines pathway; hes asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to strengthen the consultation process for residents; and he introduced an amendment to a federal energy bill that would encourage regulators to carry out a review of the cumulative impact of the regions four planned pipelines.

But he hasnt ruled the pipeline out, making environmentalists worry that he ultimately shares the quietly fossil-fuel friendly politics of the Democratic Party.

Sen. Bernie Sanderss presidential campaign pushed the debate over banning hydraulic fracturing onto primetime and into the Democratic Partys platform committee. But the Sanders view did not prevail in the end. The platform calls for stronger regulation of frackingwhile affirming that it will continue.

Kaines record on energy is mixed. Hes been supportive of offshore drilling in the Atlantic and introduced legislation to speed up liquid natural gas exports. In 2012 he pushed for the construction of one of the nations last new coal plants. And he helped pressure the federal government to lower Virginias greenhouse gas emissions goals under the Clean Power Plan.

In Virginia, the Atlantic Coast Pipelines biggest investor, Dominion, was the largest single corporate contributor to local politicians between 1997 and 2016 and Kaine has accepted his share of the companys cash and gifts: more than $300,000 in total since 2001. When asked what he thought of Kaine, senior American Petroleum Institute lobbyist Louis Finkel told Intercept reporter Zaid Jilani, Hes the best we could have hoped for. Virginias governor and longtime friend of the Clintons Terry McAuliffe supports the pipeline.

Still, many environmentalists consider Kaine someone who can be swayed. After all, he was one of the earliest legislators to declare opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have transported carbon-intensive tar sands oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Obama eventually cancelled the pipeline in order to demonstrate to global policymakers his dedication to fighting climate change.

Nancy Sorrells, who sits on the steering committee of the Allegheny Blue Ridge Alliance, which is organizing against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, said she believes that Kaine will come around to rejecting it. He has a strong moral sense, she said. I think he can look at it and it will be the logical thing.

We feel like the heart side of Kaine is here with the landowners and thats the way that we fight these pipelines, said Jane Kleeb, a key organizer behind the defeat of the Keystone XL, whose organization Bold Alliance is working with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline activists. Tim Kaine has to be the number one focus right now of the landowners: get him to be their champion.

Kaine did not respond to a request for comment from The Intercept.

In Keystones wake, natural gas pipelines are emerging as a gauge of Democrats environmental seriousness. In the Appalachian basin alone, 19 major natural gas pipeline projects, including the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, have been proposed to carry fracked gas from production sites to markets, making them a focal point of the environmental movement.

The pipeline protesters have seen victories. On Earth Day, construction of the Constitution pipeline in New York halted when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo denied a key permit under the Clean Water Act. Only days earlier, pipeline company Kinder Morgan announced that it would cancel its Northeast Energy Direct pipeline because it lacked purchasing commitments from customers.

Organizers have not yet succeeded, however, in forcing regulators to link the infrastructure projects to one of Democrats most pressing goals. The partys platform committed Democrats to meeting the pledge President Obama put forward in the landmark Paris agreement, which aims to keep global temperature increases to well below two degrees Celsius. It goes on to call for a comprehensive approach that ensures all federal decisions going forward contribute to solving, not significantly exacerbating, climate change. But for now, the impact of new fossil fuel projects is not routinely measured against national and international climate goals.

Last week, Oil Change International, which is dedicated to revealing the societal costs of fossil fuels, released a report that shows how the 19 proposed Appalachian Basin pipeline projects could fail such a climate test. According to the study, the Energy Information Administration projections of fossil fuel consumption suggest that even if the U.S. reduced all coal and petroleum use to zero by 2040, the U.S. would still exceed its climate goals based on natural gas emissions alone. Since pipeline investments would incentivize the production and shipment of natural gas for decades, the report says, the pipelines are inconsistent with the 2-degree climate goal.

And yet, Democratic Party power players continue to push natural gas as part of a climate change solution. At a Politico-hosted panel event Wednesday, sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute, former Obama energy advisor Heather Zichal, who sits on the board of Cheniere Energy, said she is in favor of developing a climate test for infrastructurebut she also supports fracking. Another panelist was one of Kaines companions on Clintons short list of potential running mates, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, whose memoir, published this spring, states that fracking is good for the countrys energy supply, our national security, our economy and our environment.

I think that theres a cognitive dissonance, said Oil Change International director Steve Kretzmann, Theres not really a way to do fossil fuels right anymore.

Kleeb, the anti-Keystone organizer, believes post-Bernie Democratic politics will require inviting more keep it in the ground organizers into positions of party power, starting within the Clinton campaign. We need at the very least a stable of advisors of people like meJosh Fox, Bill McKibbenthat know the science, know the movement fighters, said Kleeb, who was recently elected chair of Nebraskas Democratic Party.

Of course, for many of those fighting the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, climate is not the motivating factor. Its one of the distinctive features of the anti-pipeline movement that no two activists are fighting for quite the same thing.

Lewis Freeman, a former plastics industry lobbyist who briefly worked for the American Petroleum Institute and describes his politics as moderate, said his motivation is to preserve the harsh Appalachian landscape. In mountainous Highland County, where hes from, the line would pass through karst terrain, made of limestone caves with connecting fissures through which seeping contaminants easily impact the water supply.

I have respect for the industry, but I dont believe that that means that the energy industry should have the right to build a pipeline or an energy property anywhere they want, Freeman said. I do not believe that it is prudent on any measure, for safety or environmental reasons, to build a pipeline through the area where they want to build it.

The activists are asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which must approve the pipeline for it to go forward, to conduct a study that would examine the cumulative impact of four pipelines that have been proposed for the area. Theyve also raised questions about the necessity of the pipeline to state and national power needs and the impact on ratepayers. Sierra Club has filed an anti-trust complaint against Dominion with the Federal Trade Commission.

Tea Partier Travis Geary, who co-chairs the anti-pipeline Augusta County Alliance with Nancy Sorrells, believes the pipelines could serve as a very different kind of litmus test for the Republican Party, whose platform would eliminate support for the Paris climate agreement. Developing energy independence or infrastructure cannot [take priority over] protecting individual landowners who have purchased land with blood, sweat, and tears, and passed it on to family through the generations, said Geary, whose parents cattle farm would be crossed by the pipeline. If we lose our property rights, thats the right that everything else is based on. I would like to see more of that in the Republican platform.

This article was reposted with permission from our media associate The Intercept.
Climate change took center stage at the Democratic National Convention last night thanks to a short film by James Cameron and remarks by multiple prominent politicians on the issue.

The film, Not Reality TV, knocks Donald Trumps climate denial and tells the stories of Americans affected by climate change.

Watch here:

As Americans, we face challenges head-on, presidential nominee Hillary Clinton says in a voiceover in the film that also features Republican former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and a string of other celebrities and politicians.

President Obama also touched on the issue multiple times in his speech while California Gov. Jerry Brown and former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley praised Clinton for her leadership on climate action and denounced Donald Trump for his climate denial.

James Cameron calls Donald Trump a 'madman' over climate change denial https://t.co/y5FHjyI10b  The Guardian (@guardian) July 28, 2016

Cameron film: Politico, Guardian, Mashable, AP, Pacific Standard, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Variety, LA Times, The Hill, Washington Examiner, Huffington Post, Hollywood Reporter, OPB, The Atlantic, Boston Globe, Vulture

Political Speeches: LA Times, KPBS, Grist, UPI, The Hill, Politico, Climate Home

Commentary: New York Times, Naomi Oreskes op-ed; Grist, Katie Herzog column; Bustle, Chris Tognotti column; Inverse, James Crosbie column; Daily Beast, Asawin Suebsaeng column

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.
Surrounded by monstrous blades and tower sections on the docks of the Port of Providence, Gov. Gina Raimondo was joined by local elected leaders and clean energy advocates Monday to celebrate the final stages of construction of the nations first offshore wind farm.

Fred. Olsen Windcarrier

As soon as next week, the company Deepwater Wind will begin installing the turbine towers and blades for the project, located three miles southeast of Block Island, Rhode Island and east of Long Island, New York.

With the potential to supply all of Block Island with clean power, the 30 MW wind farm could jumpstart the nations efforts to finally capture the immense pollution-free resource off our coasts, advocates say.

Were poised to tap the tremendous energy resource provided by the winds that blow off our shores, Rob Sargent, Environment Americas Energy Program director and among those celebrating the project today in Providence, said. Rhode Island deserves tremendous credit for being the first, but it certainly wont be the last.

Located in a renewable energy zone designated by Rhode Island state officials several years ago, the Block Island project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions over the next 20 years in amounts equivalent to taking 150,000 cars off the road, create more than 300 jobs and save local residents up to 40 percent on their energy bills.

Other projects off the Atlantic Coast could provide similar benefits. A 2014 report showed that the 1.5 million acres designated for wind energy off the Atlantic Coast could support enough electricity to power more than 5 million homes, offsetting dirty fossil fuel energy sources and creating local jobs.

Advocates urged other Atlantic Coast states to follow Rhode Islands lead and pressed federal decision makers to continue to do their part to support offshore wind.

If were serious about tackling pollution from fossil fuels and helping our local economy, we should commit ourselves to meeting all our energy needs with clean, renewable energy sources such as offshore wind, Sargent said.

Thats why we need bold commitments from governors and state leaders, we need Congress to extend offshore wind tax incentives and we need federal officials to continue leading the way through programs like the Smart from the Start Initiative. With the right support, Block Island will be just the beginning.
By Climate Denier Roundup

In Nevada, the utility NV Energy is fighting against rooftop solar, specifically opposing the net metering policy that gives rooftop solar users credit for the power their panels produce. Theyve been releasing 30-second ads, with the most recent alleging that solar subsidies would send a billion Nevada tax dollars to out-of-state solar companies.

So how did we get to this point, where outlandish claims are the subject of ads? Last year, the states Public Utilities Commission slashed the net metering rates, cutting how much NV Energy paid to solar power producers by 75 percent. This led to an exodus of solar companies from the state and came as a major blow to rooftop solar customers. In response, solar advocates are pushing for a ballot initiative that would restore the rates and in the process of the fight, NV Energy offers yet another shining example of how the dark art of propaganda works by co-opting language to hide its true intentions.

Like most utilities, NV Energy doesnt have a sunny outlook on the competition from distributed rooftop solar. After the solar industry and clean energy advocates started to push back on the rate change, last February, NV Energy hired an attorney to create a PAC to lobby to prevent any rollbacks to the solar credit cuts. And like its counterpart in Florida named Consumers for Smart Solar, they chose a rosy name that conveys the opposite of what it really is: Citizens for Solar and Energy Fairness. Opposing policies that pay solar users for the power it produces hardly seems fair.

Their main contention is that non-solar customers shouldnt subsidize those with solar, which on its face does make sense. But when one factors in the benefits of solar power to the grid, public health and the planet, as Solarcity and the NRDC did, a different picture comes to light. It turns out the clean energy these solar customers are delivering provides between $7-$14 million in net benefits, every single year. Even if you assume that such a figure is a little high, thats still a huge return on investment.

Its worth reiterating thats a net benefit, meaning the perks of net metering provide as much as $14 million in benefits above and beyond the increase in power bills that the site claims residents will pay (and it oddly contradicts itself on that, claiming its both $10-12 million and $16 million, on the same page)

So net metering nets Nevada a net benefit, despite whats said on the net by solars shady oppon-nets.
For those who missed out on the action, or just want to relive it, Pathway to Paris released Wednesday an album of its two-night event last December in Paris, which coincided with the UNs climate change conference, COP21.

Pathway to Paris, an initiative in partnership with 350.org, brings musicians, artists, activists, academics, politicians and innovators together to participate in live concerts to raise consciousness, foster dialogue and inspire climate action and the need to transition to renewable energy. Co-founders Jesse Paris Smith and Rebecca Foon organized the Dec. 4 and 5 events at Le Trianon concert hall in Paris.

The evening included performances by renowned artists and speeches by prominent environmentalists. The Path to Paris Live @ Le Trianon album includes:

Wing by Patti Smith

Bloom by Thom Yorke

Elemental Prayer by Tenzin Choegyal

White Nile by Flea and Warren Ellis

Service by Fally Ipupa

Nature by Patti Smith, Jesse Paris Smith and Rebecca Foon

Heartstrings by Tenzin Choegyal

Peaceable Kingdom by Patti Smith

Two Suits by Flea and Warren Ellis

Sweet Life by Fally Ipupa

People have the Power by Patti Smith

Speakers on the album include:

Jo Scheuer, director for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, United Nations Development Programme

Jesse Paris Smith, Pathway to Paris co-founder

Rebecca Foon, Pathway to Paris co-founder

Bill McKibben, author, 350.org

Naomi Klein, author of This Changes Everything

Dr. Vandana Shiva, author and activist

All proceeds from the the album will benefit 350.org and the United Nations Development Programme. Pathway to Paris @ Le Trainon can be purchased online for $9.99.

For a taste of the albums content, watch the following two videos that recap both nights of performances:

Dec. 4, 2015:

Dec. 5, 2015:
Florida regulators voted to approve new water quality standards that would increase the amount of carcinogenic toxins allowed in Floridas waterways.

The Environmental Regulation Commission voted 3-2 Tuesday to approve a proposal by state regulators that would set new standards on 39 chemicals not currently regulated by the Sunshine State and revise regulations on 43 toxins, most of which are carcinogenic. State regulators claim the new plan will protect more Floridians than current standards, the Miami Herald reported.

We have not updated these parameters since 1992, Cari Roth, chairwoman of the commission, told the Miami Herald. It is more good than harm. The practical effect is, it is not going to increase the amount of toxins going into our waters.

Under the new proposal, acceptable levels of toxins in Florida waters will increase for more than 24 known carcinogens. The acceptable levels would decrease for 13 chemicals that are currently regulated.

The new regulations are based on a one-of-a-kind scientific method the Florida Department of Environmental Protection created, called Monte Carlo. The method is being criticized by environmental groups, warning the new standards would allow polluters to dump high concentrations of dangerous chemicals into Floridas rivers and streams.

Monte Carlo gambling with our childrens safety is unacceptable, Marty Baum, of Indian Riverkeeper, said.

The known carcinogens can be released by oil and gas drilling companies, dry cleaning companies, pulp and paper producers, nuclear plants, wastewater treatment plants and agriculture. While most of these industries are supportive of the new rules, pulp and paper producers still think the measures are too restrictive.

Florida gambles with kids' health  approves hike in levels of toxic chemicals in water https://t.co/4c5UTUJAhl pic.twitter.com/T8JyIzkaQ8  Raw Story (@RawStory) July 27, 2016

Floridas proposal will now head to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its approval. Several members of Floridas congressional delegation have sent a letter to voice their concerns to the EPA. The letter calls for a public comment period to carefully evaluate the proposal.

If the EPA still decides to approve the proposal, Linda Young, executive director of the Clean Water Network, said the organization absolutely  will file suit.

Floridas easement of regulations on carcinogenic and toxic chemicals could be another threat to the states waterways and the health of residents. The state is already challenged by guacamole-thick algae.

'Guacamole-Thick' Algae Takes Over Florida's Atlantic Coast, 4 Counties Declare State of Emergency https://t.co/r3n8BhYXD4 @TheCCoalition  EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) July 3, 2016

This years bloom, which first appeared earlier this month, is the eighth such bloom since 2004, National Geographic reported. The outbreak has spread to Florida estuaries and has caused state officials to declare a state of emergency for four counties.

This is absolutely the worst, Evan Miller, founder of Citizens for Clean Water, told National Geographic. Weve never seen algae so thick. You can see it from space. There are places  that are on their third and fourth cycle of blooms now.

Blue-green algae, cyanobacteria, thrives in warm, calm water. Two conditions that are currently working against eradicating the blooms are climate change and political inertiaor in Floridas case, as water advocates believe, politics moving backward on regulations.
(Reuters)Pope Francis talks to journalist on the papal plane during his flight to Manila.

Pope Francis has said that "the world is at war" as he spoke about the slaying of a Catholic priest by radical Islamists in France, but he asserts it is not a war of religion.

He said the slaying July 26 of the Rev. Jacques Hamel, 86, in St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France, was a casualty in this conflict, CNN reports.

The kilof the priest - by two attackers who struck in the name of the group calling itself ISIS, IS or Daesh - is the latest terror atrocity to roil Europe in recent weeks.

"The world is at war because it has lost peace," he said.

"There is a war of interest, there is a war for money, a war for natural resources, a war to dominate people," he continued.

"Some might think it is war of religion. It is not. All religions want peace. Others want war."

On July 27, ISIS' media wing, Amaq, posted a video on the Telegram messaging app that showed the two attackers pledging allegiance to the terror group.

Speaking on the papal plane on his way to Krakow, Poland, for World Youth Day celebrations, Francis said the world had been in "a piecemeal war" for some time.

French President Francois Hollande said the attackers acted in the name of ISIS, and Amaq released a statement, posted by the group's supporters, claiming the Normandy attackers were the terror outfit's "soldiers."

These "soldiers" arrived during morning mass in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, a working-class town near Rouen, northwest of Paris, where the 86-year-old parish priest was leading prayers.

"They forced him to his knees and he tried to defend himself and that's when the drama began," Sister Danielle, who escaped as the attackers slayed the priest, told RMC radio.

"They filmed themselves. It was like a sermon in Arabic around the altar," the nun said, Reuters news agency reported.

CNN said it has not independently confirmed the ISIS claim, and no evidence has surfaced showing that ISIS had a planning role in the attacks.

The terrorists held three other worshippers hostage until the assailants were killed, one of them was badly wounded during the attack.

As the attackers came out of the church shouting "Allahu akbar" ("God is Greatest") they were shot and killed by police.

The attack came less than two weeks after the Bastille Day terror attack that left 84 people dead in Nice, France.

The slaughter has fueled public anger and highlighted apparent shortcomings in the French government's ability to respond to the domestic jihadist threat, carried out by people claiming to represent Islam.
The Australian Defense ministry announced that two European companies  British BAE Systems and German Rheinmetall, as the bidders shortlisted as potential suppliers of armored combat vehicles for the Australian Armys Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability, also known as Land 400 Phase 2 program, to become the successor of the 88 ASLAV currently in service. The Australian Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, announced.

The two AFV shortlisted are the Boxer and AMV-35, both are 88 wheeled vehicles, offering better protection and mobility over the current ASLAV, and equipped with a manned turret mounting an automatic gun. The Australian requirement is for 225 vehicles in seven variants.

The acquisition is part of the larger Land 400 program designed to replace Australias entire fighting vehicle fleet. The selection comes at the completion of the review of opportunities to improve Australian industry involvement in , LAND 400 Phase 2. In addition to industrial participation, all options will be required to include through-life support in Australia.

The Boxer is jointly produced by Artec, a German-Dutch contractor. Boxer CRV is fitted with the Lance turret mounting Rheinmetalls Mk-30-2 30mm cannon fitted with the companys distinctive airburst ammunition capability. The 30mm gun can be upgraded to 35 mm cannon.

Rheinmetall Defence has offered the Commonwealth the latest version of the BOXER 8X8 vehicle that is fitted with the in-service Lance turret and a growth path that includes a 35 mm main gun and the Northrop Grumman command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) architecture.

The turret is designed with integrated launchers for Spike missiles. The modular vehicle is designed with unique upgradeable armor that enhances the vehicles survivability against the full spectrum of battlefield threats including small arms, heavy machine guns, mines, NBC contaminants and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Rheinmetall has recently unveiled a version of the Boxer, fitted with a version of its Active Defence System (ADS), extending the vehicles protection against Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) attack beyond the statistical protection provided by passive armor.

The AMV-35 is proposed by BAE Systems. The hull was designed and is produced by the Finnish based company Patria. The E35 turret mounting the Bushmaster III 35mm cannon was developed for BAEs CV-9035 is a product of Sweden-based BAE Systems Hagglunds division.

The two were selected from a list of contenders that also included a modern variant of the Light Assault Vehicle (LAV-6) from General Dynamics Canada and the Sentinel II, based on the Singaporean Terrex 3, proposed by Singapore Technologies and Elbit Systems. The French manufacturer Nexter withdrew from the competition following the Australian decision to limit their selection to operationally proven systems. Nexter proposed an upgraded version of VBCI , equipped with the new T40 turret mounting the 40mm CTI cannon that has been selected by the French and British military but not been fielded yet.

The tender evaluation was expected in March this year but delayed to conduct a review of the acquisition process. The review undertaken by Deloitte Australia found clear alignment between the LAND 400 Phase 2 tender evaluation process and the policy direction and priorities of the 2016 Defence Industry Policy Statement. Pyne said. The review was completed last month.

The Turnbull Government is committed to maximising Australian industry involvement during the next stage of the evaluation process and Defence will continue to work collaboratively with companies as part of a broader Australian industry program, Pyne added.

Both Patria and BAE Systems Hagglunds have transferred technology involved in the production of the AMV and the E35 turret to several other countries, successfully demonstrating capability transfer and the in-country economic advantages this brings, including long-term sustainment, upgrade and maintenance activities.

BAE Systems will produce the AMV35 in Australia if we are selected as the successful tender. This will secure and retain in-country capability and contribute significantly to the Australian economy throughout the expected 30-plus year life and sustainment of the vehicles. BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips commented.

The Defense ministry will facilitate workshops around Australia where local industry can showcase their capabilities to the international manufacturers that are leading the bids for the LAND 400 Phase 2 tender. These activities will result in the development of costed options for differing levels of Australian industry participation in the acquisition and support of LAND 400 Phase 2, including Australian-produced or assembled components as well as local manufacturing of foreign systems.
Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...
"Oklahoma!" is known for its many memorable songs: "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin," "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top," "People Will Say We're in Love."

But a lesser-known song, Logan Burt's performance of "Lonely Room," has emerged as a showstopper in the Lebanon Association for Theatre Arts production, which debuts next week.

"He is absolutely amazing," said director Terri Krebs. "It gives us goose bumps every time he sings it."

The famous Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical about cowboys and the women they love will be performed by the Lebanon Association for Theatre Arts Aug. 2-6 at the Lebanon High School Auditorium.

Krebs says this production shares similarities with the 1943 Broadway musical and the 1955 movie adaptation, but the new production features original choreography.

The story is set in Oklahoma before it became a state in 1907. Laurey (Molly Duddlesten) lives on a ranch with her Aunt Eller (Diane Allen). They have one ranch hand, a mysterious loner named Jud (Burt).

The musical begins on the morning of the box social, an event where all the girls bring hampers to auction off to raise money for their school. The man who bids the most wins a date with the girl who owns that particular hamper.

Curly (David Allen) wakes up in a great mood, and sings "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin," as he plans to ask Laurey to the social. Unfortunately, Laurey thinks Curly has dragged his boots with asking her, and she spitefully goes with Jud, even though she is afraid of him.

A serious bidding war ensues during the box social, as both men sell everything they own (guns, saddles, horses) in pursuit of Laurey, with dangerous consequences.

A more comedic love triangle is sparked by Laurey's friend, Ado Annie (Sydney Allen), who is also being courted by two men, a cowboy named Will Parker (Brenden Murray) and a visiting peddler Ali Hakim (Hunter Gutierrez).

"You have all of these cowboys and girls that are trying to decide who they want to be with," Krebs said.

The director said the situation between Ado Annie, Ali Hakim and Will Parker is hysterical, but the one with Laurey, Curly and Jud is scary. Jud's song "Lonely Room" showcases the musical's darker side.

"It's one of the most dramatic moments ever in a musical I've done," Krebs said. "We've never had a very serious character like Jud."

Krebs said the main cast and ensemble bring a lot of experience to the production. Many cast members have performed before with the Lebanon Association for Theatre Arts, Albany Civic Theater productions and elsewhere in the mid-valley.

"Oklahoma!" offers comedy, romance and a little bit of everything, Krebs says, but it's the music audience members may enjoy most.

And, if people need additional incentive to see the musical, Krebs noted: "Don't forget the auditorium is air-conditioned."
Description

The 2015 Annual Report provides information on JASPERS independent expert advice and capacity building support to public authorities and final beneficiaries of projects to be funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) for the Member States. It also covers JASPERS new activities, further to the expansion of JASPERS scope during the year, and the activities of the Networking Platform, which was subject to a separate report in the previous years.

In 2015 JASPERS assistance was extended to eligible regions in France and Italy. JASPERS also developed procedures to provide the Independent Quality Review service introduced for the 20142020 period, it agreed to support transport projects to be financed by the Connecting Europe Facility and to provide assistance to the European Investment Advisory Hub, a part of the Investment Plan for Europe.

Three beneficiary countries continued to receive support for developing investments to be funded by the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA I): the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. In addition to support for project preparation, JASPERS also continued to assist both Member States and IPA countries through capacity-building activities.

A significant share of JASPERS work in 2015 still related to multi-phased or resubmitted projects, contributing to the full absorption of the EU Funds available from the 2007-2013 period.
The Albany City Council on Wednesday hashed out some lingering issues left over from its legal marijuana debates of late last year.

Specifically, the council decided with a unanimous vote to let the voters decide Nov. 8 whether to allow recreational pot sales in Albany.

It also decided with a unanimous vote to ask the voters to impose a 3 percent tax on such sales, should voters elect to allow them.

But a side effect to the marijuana debates was the contentious use of a council rule that dates back to 1956. The rule allows a councilor to abstain from voting, which in some cases can block council action, because the city charter requires four council votes to move any measure forward.

Councilor Ray Kopczynski in November announced he would use the abstention rule to try to block the ban on recreational pot sales, a move that drew the ire of most of the council. But most importantly, it triggered a debate on the ethical correctness of using the 59-year-old rule in such a manner, as well as the value of the four-vote requirement.

While Kopczynskis plan failed, it did set the stage for the council vote to change the rule. On Wednesday night, the council voted to approve a change proposed by Mayor Sharon Konopa under which an abstention would be treated as a "no" vote.

Kopczynski argued against the change. The opportunity for abstention is in our city charter, and it's in there for a reason, he said. It's a little disingenuous of the council to want to change it. What you're doing is trying to change the rules after the fact.

Konopa countered that while the rule exists, she has never seen it used in her 20 years.

Well, I've been here 25, replied councilor and former Mayor Dick Olsen. It has been used.

Konopa explained that she only wants the council to vote in order to clarify the rule.

It doesn't clarify it, it changes it, answered Olsen. So don't say 'clarify,' say 'change.'

Councilor Rich Kellum argued that using the abstention rule amounts to sour grapes, saying that a councilors role is to find a compromise, and sometimes that means losing on an issue.

That's kind of the way life is, he said.

Konopa then added, "If you can't get a consensus, it's not fair to hold up the majority."

Mayor, that's the same thing you did with Measure 91, replied Kopczynski. We're the only City Council that when the people voted for (recreational marijuana), we decided, We don't think you knew what you were talking about, so we're going to ask you to do it again.

Kellum then made the point that the vote to legalize marijuana also was brought up again and again after the voters voted it down.

So if a vote in one direction becomes canon, then why would the legal pot advocates bring it up again after the voters said no? he reasoned. So that's no different than what we're doing.

Olsen compared the abstention rule to the mayors option to veto a vote.

In the end, the motion to change the rule carried 4 to 1 with Kopczynski voting no and Olsen abstaining, making him likely the last councilor to use the rule.

Ahead of the vote to allow voters to decide whether to ban recreational pot, some residents addressed the council. Medicinal pot dispensary owner Trey Mork told the council, You already know you're going to lose this battle in November, while Rhea Graham of Canna Kitchen admonished, At the end of the evening here you're going to renew four liquor licenses, but you won't allow recreational cannabis. I don't understand that, and neither does anyone else.

Cindy Etzel invited the council to Bring your attitude in line with what the people want and not your own personal agenda.

One sticking point during the meeting was with the language of the ballot measure concerning whether to allow recreational pot. Some believe the language is misleading, as it asks voters to cast a negative vote, i.e., vote against a ban, rather than cast a positive vote, or vote yes to allow it.

Konopa said the ballot measure is worded that way because it cannot appear to be advocating for a federally illegal substance. Still, Councilor Bessie Johnson voiced her concern that the practice of wording a measure so that a no means yes and a yes means no is not fair.

I only hope everyone is clear when they vote in November, she said.
Ely, Cambridgeshire is best known for its majestic cathedral dubbed the 'Ship of the Fens' because it dominates the flat landscape. The city, which is the second smallest in England, is about 14 miles north-northeast of Cambridge and about 80 miles by road from London.

13:33, 25 OCT 2022
LEBANON  New Western University of Health Sciences president Daniel Wilson said Wednesday morning that he feels right at home in Lebanon while visiting the COMP-Northwest medical school.

After all, he and his wife, Sandy, his high school sweetheart, grew up in Manson, Iowa, population 1,600. He is one of eight children, the son of the towns doctor.

At one time, the town only had one stop light, Sandy joked before she and her husband were welcomed at a breakfast sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at the Boulder Falls Conference Center.

In March, Wilson, 60, was selected as the second president of WesternU, based in Pomona, California, after a nationwide 10-month search. He succeeds university founder Philip Pumerantz, who, after 38 years, was named WesternU President Emeritus.

This is wonderful, Wilson said to a group of nearly 200 business and community leaders. It truly feels like home. We grew up 1,870 miles from here in a farm town that is on Highway 20.

He praised Lebanon as, What small-town life in America is all about.

Wilson said the integration of COMP-Northwest into the community over the last five years has been amazing.

The first time I set foot on the campus in Pomona, I had a sense this was a unique educational institution, he said. And COMP-Northwest has that same WesternU culture, but with its own unique flavor. It is so organically part of this community already.

Although he was hired in March, Wilsons first official day on the job was July 1.

We are all very excited about the future under Dr. Wilsons leadership, and we welcome him and his wife, Sandy, to the community, said Dr. Paula Crone, dean of both the Pomona and Lebanon COMP programs.

Wilson comes to WesternU after serving as Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville.

The center has more than 5,000 employees and an annual budget of $800 million. There, he oversaw academic, clinical and research activities at a 695-bed teaching hospital, plus schools of clinical medicine, nursing and pharmacy.

A doctors son, Wilson has a degree in anthropology from Yale University, a medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and a Ph.D. in biological anthropology from Cambridge University.

He performed his internship, residency and fellowship at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Wilson is a Case Western Reserve University diplomate in Mental Health Leadership and Management.

He brings a broad scope of experience to the position. He was chairman of psychiatry at Creighton University in Omaha, where he expanded the full-time psychiatric faculty from three to 30, raised clinical service and revenue six-fold, and grew the research portfolio from zero to $17 million.

He came to Creighton from Ohio where he was medical director of the largest state hospital and served as a professor at the University of Cincinnati, and from 1987-92 he directed neuropsychiatry at McLean Hospital & Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Wilson and other WesternU staff will spend the rest of the week on the Lebanon campus, welcoming the medical schools Class of 2020.

In welcoming Wilson this week, Richard Bond, chair of the universitys Board of Trustees noted, We believe Dr. Wilson will lead the University into the challenges of the future with the support of the trustees, administration, faculty, staff and, of course, students.

And his predecessor Philip Pumerantz added in support, Dan Wilsons experience, skills, education and personal philosophy make him an ideal fit for WesternU. He has a deep understanding and appreciation of the humanistic philosophy that lies at the core of our institution, and the capacity to take the University to new heights in health sciences education, research and patient care.

In his new role, Wilson will oversee 1,100 employees and 4,000 students and a continually evolving mission.

As WesternU continues to evolve and grow, one of its challenges  now and in the future  is retaining intimacy and the compassionate and humanistic philosophy that have always been its calling cards, Wilson said in the universitys alumni magazine. At the same time, the University must make allowances for how it has changed operationally.

Wilson said he believes in hiring the right person for the mission, rather than hiring abstract talent.

You can have talented people, but if they are in the wrong setting, they dont do well. So I think that whether its admitting students who are really going to have an affinity for that sort of culture, or hiring staff who understand and value that, and faculty as well, it has to emanate from throughout the institution. You cant have that sort of culture with a command and control hierarchical administration. It has to be humanistic. You need the talent, but you also need the right fit.

In his free time, Wilson said he enjoys good food and wine, leather carving, yard work, reading, entertaining and surfing.

He and Sandy have one grown daughter.

As a welcome to Lebanon gift, chamber executive director Shelly Garrett presented Wilson with a wooden box engraved by Gravagraphics that contained business cards from Wednesday mornings guests.

She gave the Wilsons a brief history lesson about the communitys roots in the timber industry, its downturn period and now, its revival and extensive growth over the last 10 years.

Garrett also talked about how the Tools of the Trade project, in which local sponsors provide every new medical student with his or her own medical bag, came about.

We think of this medical school as our medical school and the students as our medical students, she said.
Dec. 15, 1948  July 27, 2016

Robert Bob Glancy, 67, of Lebanon passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at the Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House.

Bob was born Dec. 15, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Blair and Alice (Hannah) Glancy. He attended school in Los Angeles and graduated from Montebello High School. After high school, he attended two years of college in California.

He married Janet Lookabaugh in Los Angeles on July 11, 1970. The couple lived in California for several years, moving to Lebanon in 1978. Bob worked for Linn Gear in Lebanon for a time before starting his own business. He owned and operated Pacific Custom Products in Salem from 1982 until retiring in 2010.

Bob was a member of Lebanon Calvary Chapel. He enjoyed spending time with his family and having family barbecues and shooting guns.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew, on Sept. 4, 2014, and by a sister, Barbara Jean Hales.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janet; sons Patrick of Queensland, Australia, and Nathan of Micronesia; brothers Glen of Valencia, California, Bill of Morro Bay, California, and Jim of Shelley, Idaho; and four grandchildren, Chelsea, Emily, Araya and Caleb.

A viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at the Lebanon Calvary Chapel, 3980 S. Santiam Highway, Lebanon. A private family burial will follow in the Lebanon IOOF Cemetery.

Family suggests memorial donations be made to the Lebanon Calvary Chapel Building Fund in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.
Chief Minister steps down after 32 years in politics

The Chief Minister has announced he won't be seeking re-election at September's General Election.

Allan Bell says the Isle of Man is entering a new chapter and it seems the right time to hand over to the "next generation of national politicians".

He's cited the recent Brexit decision as one of the reasons for standing aside saying dealing with the implications will be a "long journey" and one best started by MHKs who are at an "earlier stage in their career".

Mr Bell has represented Ramsey for the last 32 years - before that he served as a commissioner for seven years.

He's been the Chief Minister for the last five and will remain in that position until his successor is appointed in October.
Even as Oregon's economic recovery has slowly spread into the state's rural areas, we have fretted about how fragile it all felt, especially in places in the state that aren't Portland.

In that light, the news this week that Linn County's unemployment rate had increased for the first time in more than a year could be seen as the first sign of real trouble. (Linn County's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June was 6.2 percent, up from the 5.5 percent rate notched in May.)

But it's much too early to get worked up about unemployment numbers, although this is a statistic that's worth tracking.

First, remember to keep the larger picture in mind: That 5.5 percent rate in May was the lowest rate state economists had seen in Linn County since they first started tracking county-by-county unemployment numbers. And that 6.2 percent rate is nearly a full percentage point lower than the 7.0 percent rate in July 2015. (If you want to look at the even bigger picture, remember that unemployment in Linn County was 14.9 percent just a few years ago, in 2009.)

There are indications that the bump in unemployment is a regional and statewide phenomenon, and one that's not limited to Linn County: The unemployment rate in Benton County climbed to 4.4 percent in June from a revised 3.6 percent in May. (Of course, that 3.6 percent rate was absurdly low; economists typically consider somewhere around 4 or 5 percent to be essentially full employment.) And Oregon's statewide unemployment rate jumped in June, from a revised 4.5 percent in May to 4.8 percent last month.

As for the reasons behind the increase in regional unemployment, well, experts have theories, but no one can say for certain.

Some increase in unemployment is normal in June, as high school students start looking for summer jobs or recent graduates seek steady work, state economists said this week.

But both Linn and Benton counties saw a greater-than-expected influx of new workers in the labor force during June, the economists said. According to the state statistics, 688 additional workers entered the job market in Linn County in May. The number was a little larger in Benton County, where 766 new workers entered the market.

The trend is similar throughout the state. But why all those new workers? Why now? And where are they coming from?

Again, the answers are unclear. But the influx likely is due to a couple of factors: First, people who have been discouraged by lackluster prospects in the job market might be tossing their hats back in the employment ring. These new job seekers also could be part-time workers seeking full-time jobs as the economy finally shrugs off years of recession.

Or maybe some of these new workers are moving to Oregon from other states, searching for improved job prospects. The thought of anybody coming to Linn County in search of work likely will bring a smile to the face of anyone who remembers the county's dark days of 2009.

Other benchmarks may ease some of your worries: Over the last 12 months, Linn County's total nonfarm employment has increased by 1,590 jobs, about 3.8 percent. By contrast, state jobs posted a 3.5 percent increase, so Linn County is adding jobs at a faster rate than the state. That's reassuring. And most of the job growth has come in the private sector, another good sign.

The upshot: This month's jobs report, while a little surprising, offers no reason to panic  although it's understandable if it left you feeling a little less confident about the robustness of the state's economic recovery. (mm)
In the aftermath of the brutal murder of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights activists Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy at Xulhazs home in Dhaka on 25 April 2016, journalists and pundits denounced the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh and the failure of the government to protect the free speech and security of its citizens. While Xulhazs role as the founder and editor of Roopbaan, the countrys first and only LGBT magazine, has been widely publicised, little else has been written about his activism or his commitment to his country and culture.

Although Roopbaan remained the most visible manifestation of Xulhazs work among and on behalf of Dhakas gay community, his efforts and vision extended much deeper. They are critical to understanding the importance of his work. Unlike many of the victims of previous extremist attacks which have escalated in Bangladesh since 2013, Xulhaz did not intend to make claims about the character of secularism, or Islam, but about a particular vision of the pluralism of Bengali culture and society.

Identity and Commitment

As an activist, Xulhaz always insisted that he was a Bengali first, and this identity and commitment to Bangladesh is what drove his vision for Roopbaan and the rest of his work. His humble grace, integrity, and sense of humour made him an adept and widely respected leader. But it was his deep belief in the profound pluralism of Bangladeshi society, which drove his commitment to building a more equitable and tolerant nation and made his voice so powerful. It would be a mistake to allow this tragedy to belie that pluralism and openness.

I first came to know Xulhaz in 2006, when we worked together on a project supporting former garment workers to develop workers cooperatives in a slum on the east side of Dhaka where they lived. Whereas many fieldworkers of non-governmental organisations (often upper middle class urbanites), who work with poorer communities, such as farmers and slum-dwellers, sometimes cultivate an air of condescension with members of communities such as these, Xulhaz always came with a kind and open heart. I was moved by the tenderness with which he spoke to these women, and his studied concern for their conditions and what could be done to support their own organising efforts among themselves. Xulhaz liked to listen more than lecture. He brought this brand of quiet and perceptive leadership to his work on behalf of the United States (US) embassy in Dhaka (where he served as an assistant to two ambassadors, offering invaluable insights into cultural norms and diplomacy), and of course, to his work as an organiser among Dhakas gay community.

Crusader for LGBT Rights

Xulhazs efforts as both a leader within and an advocate for the gay community were truly groundbreaking. He grappled with balancing his long-held determination to create safe spaces for the LGBT community in Dhaka, with his commitment to being an advocate for LGBT rights in Bangladesh more broadly. In the aftermath of his murder, indicating his pioneering work to promote visibility and claim rights, Xulhaz has been called the Harvey Milk of Bangladesh, referring to the legendary American gay rights activist and politician.

Yet, it would be a mistake to think of Xulhazs vision, or the movement he led, as derivative. Indeed, they have always been resolutely, determinedly, Bangladeshi. Xulhaz was committed to building an indigenous LGBT movement by and for Bangladeshis. He was conscious of claims that homosexuality is foreign to Bangladesh, and that an LGBT rights movement was imported. Xulhaz went to great lengths to prove these claims wrong, often refusing support where it was offered in order to assert and affirm this independence. Even while he was open about his own sexuality, he, in fact, rarely referred to himself as gay, a word with no comfortable Bengali translation, due to this concern with claiming an unambiguously Bengali, not foreign, identity.

Likewise, he easily could have left Bangladesh if he had wanted to, but had no interest in doing so. This is my home, he said to me once, after the threats against him had started, I have work to do here. On the many occasions when I asked to connect him with international LGBT advocacy groups and donors to support his work, he rejected the offers, explaining that they needed to prove their autonomy. He would accept solidarity, not charity or patronage.

Roopbaan

His work on Roopbaan reflected this vision concerned with creating local social change within Bangladesh, speaking and organising inwardly, not to the outside world. It also reflected an ongoing struggle to balance community work within and on behalf of the gay community. The magazine was itself preceded by a much less polished publication, more like a zine, circulated exclusively within the gay community of Dhaka, produced by and primarily for several friends and fellow activists.

When they began to imagine a more professional publication with a broader circulation, Xulhaz talked privately about his anxieties concerning the challenges of creating a publication for the gay community, while realising that it would also implicitly come to represent the gay community. What would people think? How would they respond? Could it possibly foster a broader acceptance? Xulhaz knew he did not speak for or represent all of Bangladeshs LGBT community, which is, of course, extremely diverse.

When the death threats against him and his colleagues started appearing on the internet shortly after the publication of the first issue, Xulhaz weighed them against the overwhelmingly positive reception the publication received from the broader community. Certainly the threats bothered him, but he seemed largely unconcernedchalking them up to the pitfalls of the enhanced visibility which he was, after all, seeking.

Rainbow Rally

I had the opportunity to witness the positive reception of Xulhazs activism first-hand in 2015, when he organised the second Rangdhanu Jatra (or Rainbow Rally) during the Pohela Boishakh (Bengali new year) festival. This was the second year they had organised a Rangdhanu Jatra to take part in the Pohela Boishakh parade. Beginning near dawn on the first day of the Bengali calendar, thousands of people from all walks of life gather for the parade starting near the Fine Arts faculty of the University of Dhaka campus, where students create large, colourful floats and puppets for the procession. Women wear flower garlands in their hair and there are masks and banners and vendors selling noisemakers and bangles.

For the Rangdhanu Jatra, Xulhaz and friends created masks and decorations in various colours made out of paper flowers and balloons in the spirit of the new year celebration, with the organising principle of boishakh, boichetra, bandhutta, or new year, diversity, friendship. We dressed up in different colours of saris and Punjabi suits and lined up like a rainbow to join in the procession. As a crowd of dozens of people, including several hijras, dressed up in bright colours with decorative paper leaves, flowers and animals, we were already attracting attention before the parade began. Many spectators, including families and even groups of policemen, stopped to take pictures with us.

As we prepared to fall in line, Xulhaz moved through the group with a slightly nervous but earnest and resolute energy. How would people respond? They had already received threats, would this be the day they were acted upon? Positioned near the front myself, I watched the crowd somewhat cautiously for sneers or taunts. Tonoy himself led the procession in the middle of the front line, striking in a bright yellow sari, trumpeting a shankha (conch) which rang out impressively. As we proceeded, the energy of the group lifted as we found the crowd to be overwhelmingly receptive.

People were excited to see the Rangdhanu Jatra. They smiled and cheered and waved. Photographers clamoured for pictures. One journalist stopped me to ask why we were marching. I told him simply Pohela Boishakh is for everyone. At one point, the procession became congested, as the parade in front of us was backed up, and we were being crowded from in front and behind. A line of people materialised in front of us from the crowd, clasped hands facing us, and began to push backwards, to create space and protect our group so we could continue, and everyone could see. The crowd was responding not only without malice, but with support and encouragement. They, too, believed in the diversity of Pohela Boishakh.

What an incredibly proud moment this was for Xulhaz. Not only had he facilitated this safe space for members of the LGBT community to participate proudly in the Pohela Boishakh celebration, but the gathered crowds had responded exactly as he hoped and believed they would. The Rangdhanu Jatra, like Pohela Boishakh itself, was a celebration of Bengaliness, of the unique syncretism and dynamism that characterises Bengali culture. This positive reception indicated the success of the efforts he led in community organising focused within Bangladeshi society more broadly.

This year, Xulhaz had helped organise a third Rangdhanu Jatra to participate in Pohela Boishakh. Their plans continued despite mounting threats, until the police ordered them to cancel the programme late the night before. Unable to get ahold of everyone to notify them of the cancellation at such short notice, Xulhaz went the following morning to inform those who had not heard the news. A few asked if they could take some of the prepared paper flowers anyway and participate individually in the festivities. It seemed no extraordinary requestthe decorations, while lovely, are not so different from any others on display at the festival.

Just over a week before he died, he wrote me a note explaining that he saw no harm (is not Pohela Boishakh for everyone, afterall? Is it a crime for a gay man to celebrate the New Year?). After Xulhaz returned home, four of these men were later detained by the police, charged with attempting to initiate a Rangdhanu Jatra. Xulhaz spent all day working to get them out of jail. The men were finally released to their parents late at night, after the police informed them that their sons were homosexuals, and released the names of the arrested to the press. Xulhaz later described this to me as a day of absolute trauma. He must have felt incredible defeat. In the face of last years unqualified success, how could he understand this profound sea change? In his note, he expressed sadness and anger. I am utterly disgusted by this, he wrote.

Conclusions

His organising strategies, focusing on social mobilisation and outreach as opposed to service delivery, illuminate the deep rift in Bangladesh between the political struggles of activists and deeply depoliticised, donor-funded NGOs. Xulhazs efforts were focused on creating social and political change within the broader community, indeed, building civil society directly. Yet, the work of so many donor-supported NGOs in Bangladesh eschews this kind of political activisma phenomenon certainly not limited to NGOs concerned with LGBT rights. Many civil society activists reached out to him to offer support in the days leading up to his death. Their political efforts, and the vision they shared with Xulhaz for Bangladesh, are precisely the subject of mounting fundamentalist intimidation and attacks.

Over the 10 years that I knew Xulhaz, I learned from him immeasurably about community organising and how to make social change. His death is a devastating loss not only for those who loved him and Dhakas gay community, but also for all of Bangladesh. In the end, Xulhaz was killed precisely because of the meaningful impact he was making to foster a more diverse, equitable, and tolerant society. It was these political claims which made him and his work a threat to those who seek to close this space of pluralism and syncretism which have so long been celebrated in Bangladesh. Recognition and celebration of this space is the best way to honour Xulhazs memory.
In the light of gross misrepresentation of Indias international boundaries not only by some of our immediate neighbouring countries but also by a few powerful media houses, intelligence agencies of other countries, as well as by some world organisations, the Government of India felt the need to have a geospatial data and information regulation bill. The draft of the Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016 circulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to regulate the acquisition, dissemination, publication and distribution of geospatial information of India, contains many provisions which will adversely affect academic activities and economic interests. The immediate provocation for the bill is the misrepresentation of our international borders, especially with Pakistan and China. Though the intention of the bill is in the interest of the protection of the sovereignty and integrity of the country, the fact that the whole gamut of geospatial information is set to get into the Indian bureaucratic realm, reputed for red-tapism, is what is worrisome.

We are over-secretive with our maps; not making them accessible in the internet for the use of students, researchers, scientists, academics and the like. Earth scientists mostly use maps produced by the Survey of India and the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO). Maps produced by these organisations are used to derive other thematic maps. Thus, most of the maps that are generated by the earth scientists are redrawn maps. The most commonly used redrawn map is perhaps the India map to show location of a certain study area within India.
WASHINGTON --A paper published online yesterday in Annals of Emergency Medicine warns that a new street drug combining fentanyl and a novel synthetic opioid is being marketed illicitly as Norco but is much stronger and much more dangerous ("Fentanyl and a Novel Synthetic Opioid U-47700 Masquerading as Street 'Norco' in Central California: A Case Report").

"Street Norco is almost indistinguishable from brand-name Norco in appearance but can be lethal," said lead study author Patil Armenian, MD, of the University of California San Francisco-Fresno, in Fresno, Calif. "This new street drug's toxicity led to an unexpected cluster of fentanyl deaths in California this spring. These deaths in our area combined with an emergency patient who was concerned about pill appearance and exceedingly sleepy after her usual dose of medication led to our investigation."

Dr. Armenian presents the case of a 41-year-old woman who treats her chronic back pain with regular doses of acetaminophen/hydrocodone she buys on the street as Norco. (Brand-name Norco contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone, an opiate.) Dr. Armenian's patient became unconscious 30 minutes after taking the fake Norco and was brought to the emergency department. She expressed concern to the emergency department staff that her usual medications did not affect her this way and showed them the pills she had taken. The fake pills have the manufacturer's imprint and looks-wise differ only in color from the real pills (beige versus white). Her blood tested positive for significant amounts of fentanyl and U-47700, a synthetic opioid, neither of which is an ingredient in brand-name Norco.

From March to April, 2016, 12 fentanyl-related fatalities and 40 additional cases of toxicity were reported in Sacramento and Yolo counties in North California due to fake Norco pills containing fentanyl. Additional cases were identified in the San Francisco area.

Many novel psychoactive substances are produced in China, then enter the U.S. market for pill production and sale. Since more than 100 psychoactive substances, including six fentanyl analogs, were banned by China in 2015, novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700 and W-18 have entered the market, replacing more established and outlawed drugs.

"In cases where there is a reasonable suspicion of opioid or opioid-like ingestion, emergency providers should contact their local poison control center, medical toxicologist or public health department," said Dr. Armenian. "This case highlights that fentanyl-laced Norco is spreading to other regions, prompting emergency physicians to remain vigilant in their care."

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Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, the national medical society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information, visit http://www.acep.org.
An investigation published by The BMJ today reveals how the NHS is impeding access to high priced drugs for hepatitis C.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Bath, and The BMJ, show how NHS England, unable to budget for broad access to these drugs, tried to alter the outcome of the NICE process, and when it failed, defied NICE's authority by rationing access to them.

The investigation also exposes key weaknesses in our current system of assessing the value of new therapies and delivering them to patients - and asks, is company pricing to blame?

Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect the liver. There are an estimated 214,000 individuals chronically infected in the UK which, if left untreated, can cause life-threatening liver damage.

In 2014, two new drugs for hepatitis C infection were launched (Sovaldi and Harvoni, manufactured by Gilead Sciences) - offering cure rates of over 90%. But with prices ranging from around $90,000 per patient in the US to almost 35,000 in England and 41,000 euro in France, they have sparked a global debate about access to high priced medicines for governments with limited resources.

During the course of this investigation, it has emerged how apparent panic over high prices and affordability led NHS England to deploy many delaying tactics, which succeeded in hampering timely access to these drugs.

For Sovaldi, NHS England spuriously asked for six months to implement guidance (the mandatory 90 days and an additional three months), saying it needed time to set up a proper database to audit patients and usage of the new drugs.

NHS England also tried to completely block Harvoni and two other competitor drugs undergoing appraisals at NICE, and questioned the level of clinical evidence.

Andrew Ustianowski, a consultant in infectious diseases at Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, says: "I think some people in NHS England would love to clip NICE's wings and turn it into a kind of recommendatory rather than mandatory body. And if you are going to choose a fight then choosing this battlefield is quite a sensible thing to do - a marginalised population, very high-cost drugs."

Dr Ustianowski resigned from NHS England's clinical advisory group, in protest at deliberate attempts to delay access to treatment. "I didn't want to be associated with what was happening," he told The BMJ.

NICE did eventually succeed in publishing guidance recommending these drugs for the majority of hepatitis C patients. But NHS England is not fully following NICE's mandate, which requires that approved drugs are made available within the NHS.

Instead it has restricted use of the new drugs by forcing quotas on clinical teams around the country.

This rationing has left many clinicians facing hard decisions and difficult conversations with patients who have already seen their treatments delayed several times. And there is now growing evidence that some frustrated patients are turning to overseas "buyers' clubs" to source the drugs at their own expense.

NHS England says its delivery of drugs is entirely within the parameters of the NICE guidance - and highlighted Gilead's pricing as the key reason why treatment was being delayed.

This echoes major criticisms of Gilead's pricing strategy in the US, where legislators said the company had adopted a strategy "designed to maximise revenue with little concern for access or affordability."

So why didn't NHS England strike a better pricing deal with Gilead? Under current rules, NHS England is unable to negotiate specific deals with individual drug companies.

A spokesperson for NHS England said it was "exploring the potential for a longer term strategic procurement for a supply agreement with the industry to improve the affordability of and access to treatment further."

Whatever the reason for the failure to achieve broad access to the new hepatitis drugs in England, the Hepatitis C Trust, a patient advocacy organisation, believes the NHS is risking legal action over its decision to ration them. Chief Executive, Charles Gore, said the Trust has "already spoken to solicitors to take on any cases that come up, because we are not going to have NHS England pick on a disenfranchised group."

In a linked analysis, researchers argue that the acquisition strategies of drug companies magnify development costs and leave the public paying twice - for research and high priced medicines.

Solutions, they say, include giving health systems increased power to negotiate pricing and payment models, limiting share buybacks, and testing other ways to encourage and reward drug development.

In a linked editorial, Professor Mariana Mazzucato at the University of Sussex discusses why government must negotiate a better deal for publicly funded research.

She believes that an effective pricing system "should ensure accessibility but also reflect the public contribution so taxpayers don't pay twice, through publicly subsidised research and high priced medicines." Importantly, she adds, "drug pricing must be completely transparent, so that governments can negotiate for better value on behalf of their populations."

###

About BMJ

BMJ is a healthcare knowledge provider that aims to advance healthcare worldwide by sharing knowledge and expertise to improve experiences, outcomes and value. For a full list of BMJ products and services, please visit bmj.com
(LONDON/WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Wellcome Trust of London, the AMR Centre of Alderley Park, Cheshire in the United Kingdom and Boston University School of Law today announced the establishment of one of the world's largest public-private partnerships focused on tackling antibiotic resistance, an emerging modern threat to public health worldwide.

The Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator, or CARB-X, brings together leaders in industry, philanthropy, government and academia with the aim of rejuvenating the antimicrobial pipeline.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), will provide $30 million in research and development funding through CARB-X during the first year and up to $250 million over five years.

The AMR Centre, a public-private initiative formed in February 2016 to drive the development of new antibiotics and diagnostics, aims to provide $14 million to support CARB-X projects in year one and up to $100 million over five years.

The Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation focused on biomedical research, will contribute further funding and its expertise in overseeing projects of this kind.

CARB-X grew out of President Obama's 2015 Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (CARB) initiative and will address several goals laid out in the U.S. Federal CARB National Action Plan.

"Our hope is that the combination of technical expertise and life science entrepreneurship experience within CARB-X's life science accelerators will remove barriers for companies pursuing the development of the next novel drug, diagnostic, or vaccine to combat this public health threat," said Joe Larsen, Ph.D., acting BARDA deputy director. "In the same way BARDA's investment model has proven successful in advancing countermeasures through late-stage development, we believe this international partnership can identify promising candidates in the early stages of development that may offer treatment options for drug resistant bacterial infections."

In 2014 the UK government and the Wellcome Trust asked economist Jim O'Neill to analyze the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and propose concrete actions to tackle it internationally. His final report, published in May 2016, called for concerted global effort to boost the supply of new antibiotics, and to develop rapid diagnostics to allow existing drugs to be used more sparingly. CARB-X will play a significant role in answering this call.

"Drug-resistant infections are already costing lives all over the world. Many drugs that we have too often taken for granted no longer work, presenting one of the biggest threats to our future global health and economic security," said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust. "A problem of this scale can only be tackled through coordinated international effort to curb our massive over use of existing antibiotics, and to accelerate the development of new ones. I hope our new transatlantic partnership marks the beginning of a wider global effort to prevent untreatable bacterial infections from claiming millions of lives."

CARB-X aims to deliver a growing portfolio of promising new antibiotics, diagnostics and vaccines, to tackle the threat posed by untreatable bacterial infections. The international partnership will support a suite of products through early preclinical development to a stage where they can be taken forward by private or public investment.

"CARB-X is one of the most important steps yet in terms of rethinking how we deal with AMR and it will have an impact around the world," said Dr. Peter Jackson, Steering Group Chairman of the AMR Centre. "At the AMR Centre we share the same goal of accelerating a new pipeline of treatments and diagnostics by working on new drug development programs in our own labs as well as with other collaborating organizations, in particular providing support to small and medium-sized businesses and research institutes which have exciting new approaches to AMR."

Led by executive director and principal investigator Kevin Outterson, the N. Neal Pike Scholar in Health & Disability Law and Professor of Law at Boston University, the CARB-X partners will pool their broad scientific, technical, business and legal expertise to help grantees navigate the maze of regulatory steps, studies and data collection required for new drugs and other products to gain approval by U.S. and/or European regulators.

"The grant to establish the CARB-X project, with Kevin Outterson of the School of Law as executive director, is a major milestone for Boston University," said Boston University President Dr. Robert A. Brown. "That the leadership for this collaboration among very distinguished public and private entities comes from Boston University is testament to our range and depth as a research university. Most of us understand the arms race that is ongoing between the natural evolution of bacteria harmful to humans and our development of the drugs that combat them. The CARB-X project will accelerate drug development in this critical race with nature."

The CARB-X partners include:

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) who will draw on its extensive experience of successfully advancing promising medical countermeasures through late-stage development and provide $30 million during the project's first year and up to $250 million during the five-year program;

Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation in London, UK. They are a major funder of biomedical research with significant experience in infectious diseases and investment in early stage antibiotic R&D. In addition to providing funding, Wellcome will bring expertise in overseeing high quality international research projects;

AMR Centre is a public-private initiative based in Alderley Park, Cheshire, UK that supports development of new antibiotics and diagnostics and will provide funding along with business mentoring and research support;

Boston University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts, will host the CARB-X executive team which will include experts with decades of experience in antibiotic drug development, including John Rex, Senior Vice President at Astra Zeneca. Starting January 1, 2017, Barry Eisenstein (formerly of Cubist and currently at Merck) will join CARB-X;

The National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), which leads the U.S. government in determining the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases and developing better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. NIAID will provide in-kind services, including preclinical services, to projects that CARB-X supports. NIAID also is providing technical support for CARB-X from their internal subject matter experts in early stage antibiotic drug discovery and product development;

MassBio in Cambridge, as an extension of the successful MassCONNECT program, and California Life Sciences Institute (CLSI) in the San Francisco Bay Area will provide world-class business support and mentoring services to innovative product developers selected for funding. The two accelerators will also share best practices with the Wellcome Trust and AMR Centre, expanding the scope of business support services globally;

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts will host a new inter-disciplinary Collaborative Hub for Early Antibiotic Discovery. This hub, aimed at early drug discovery, will work with multiple academic programs to advance promising antibiotic candidates that the CARB-X initiative can pursue;

RTI International will provide technical and regulatory support services to product developers in the partner accelerators as well as build and run the computing systems to identify, track and monitor all research programs, including a real-time dashboard management information system. RTI will evaluate all CARB-X operations to identify and share best practices across all partners and support continuous quality improvement.

Beginning in September, CARB-X will begin reviewing applications to determine the most promising products to fund. Decisions will be made by the Scientific Advisory Board, with input from the agencies, including BARDA and NIAID, and the funders. Applicants should check the website for updates.

###

Press Contacts:

HHS: Elleen Kane 202-205-8117, elleen.kane@hhs.gov

Wellcome Trust: Hannah Isom +44 (0) 207 611 8898, h.isom@wellcome.ac.uk

AMR Centre: Chris Hulme +44 (0) 7971 350116, hulme@thisisinfluential.com

Boston University: Tom Testa (617) 353-7628, ttesta@bu.edu

NIAID: Kathy Stover (301) 496-8864, kathy.stover@nih.gov

California Life Sciences Institute (CLSI): Will Zasadny (619) 961-8848, Wzasadny@califesciences.org

MassBio: Jessica Roche (617) 674-5146, jessica.roche@massbio.org or Sarah MacDonald (617) 997-8641, sarah.macdonald@massbio.org

The Broad: Lee McGuire (617) 714-7006, lmcguire@broadinstitute.org

RTI: Lisa Bistreich-Wolfe (919) 541-7340, news@rti.org
BRUSSELS, 28 JULY - Following a competitive call and selection process in May and June, Climate-KIC - the EU's public-private climate innovation initiative - has announced it is expanding its climate innovation network to include five additional regions across Europe. The new consortia came together yesterday in Brussels to launch high-impact low-carbon steps that will be implemented until the end of the year.

Climate-KIC has expanded its uniquely integrated innovation model to include five more areas within the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) programme. Since 2014, Climate-KIC has piloted activities in Estonia, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia, focusing on professional education and acceleration as part of EIT RIS. The scheme has now widened to include regions in Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia, Malta, Bulgaria and a new Portuguese consortium.

The scheme helps regions kick start low-carbon innovation locally and significantly boost their capacity to implement the highest impact ideas. It also allows regions to access Climate-KIC's mobility funding to ensure that students, researchers, teaching staff and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to participate in the organisation's activities around Europe.

Mike Cherrett, Director - External Partnerships, Climate-KIC, said: "Active involvement at a regional level is key to ensuring that Europe continues to lead the way in climate change development. The five new consortia to join our scheme will help us build on the success of our first EIT RIS pilot and further strengthen our network of partners across Europe."

Stylianos Yiatros, on behalf of the Cypriot consortium, said: "Cyprus is delighted to join the EIT Climate-KIC RIS programme and bring climate change innovation to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Our involvement with Climate-KIC is strongly aligned with the Cyprus Smart Specialization Strategy; and our consortium, comprising the Cyprus University of Technology, Chrysalis LEAP and the Cyprus Energy Agency, as well as our national network of partners, are very excited to work with the rest of the Climate-KIC regions and centres to bring sustainable growth in the region."

Climate-KIC's announcement comes as partners from around Europe met in Brussels, Belgium to welcome the new regions to the scheme and share learning and successes from the first two years. Activities included tailored capacity-building activities on smart specialisation, smart cities and communities, and wider discussion about access to EU funding.

Supported by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), Climate-KIC carries the EU's mandate to deliver large-scale innovation for climate change mitigation and adaptation across the continent, and globally. Climate-KIC already works with a broad coalition of cities, regions and its network of business and academic partners to test and scale-up climate change solutions - and to train local students and entrepreneurs.

Climate-KIC currently runs low-carbon projects in most EU member states and third countries like Norway and Switzerland. The organisation also runs permanent innovation centres in cities such as London, Berlin and Paris. The EIT's Regional Innovation Scheme boosts the climate innovation engagement by European regions not formally within Climate-KIC's geographic network.

###

Notes to editors

About Climate-KIC

Climate-KIC is the EU's largest public private partnership addressing climate change through innovation to build a zero carbon economy.

We address climate change across four priority themes: urban areas, land use, production systems, climate metrics and finance. Education is at the heart of these themes to inspire and empower the next generation of climate leaders.

We run programmes for students, start-ups and innovators across Europe via centres in major cities, convening a community of the best people and organisations.

Our approach starts with improving the way people live in cities. Our focus on industry creates the products required for a better living environment, and we look to optimise land use to produce the food people need.

Climate-KIC is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme

The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) is a structured outreach scheme to support the integration of the Knowledge Triangle and increase the innovation capacity in areas and regions in Europe not directly benefiting from the EIT and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). It is based on a two-way engagement between KICs and selected partnerships from the wider European innovation community and is based on the following key principle.

The Regional Innovation Scheme helps regions kick-start low carbon innovation and significantly boost their capacity to implement the highest impact ideas.

It also allows regions to access Climate-KIC's mobility funding to ensure that talent - students, researchers, teaching staff and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to participate in the organisation's activities around Europe.

Current EIT RIS network:

Timis region of Romania

Slovenia

Estonia

New regions:

Central Serbia with Belgrade (consortium led by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) With the selection of a Serbian region, Climate-KIC is for the first time working with an EU candidate country

Cyprus (consortium: Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus Energy Agency, Chrysalis LEAP)

Latvia (consortium led by Riga Technical University, Competence Centre for Smart Engineering Systems, Transport and Energy, Cleantech Latvia, Wetsus-European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Green Technology Incubator)

Malta (consortium led by Paragon Europe, involvement of Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), Malta Enterprise, Malta Life Sciences Park, Malta Local Councils' Association)

Lisbon region of Portugal (consortium led by University NOVA of Lisbon, also involved: Building Global Innovators (BGI), Startup Lisboa, Climate Change Impacts Adaptation and Modelling research group (CCIAM) of the University of Lisbon, the Portuguese Environmental Agency, ZERO - Association for the Sustainability of the Earth System)

Southwest region of Bulgaria (consortium led by Cleantech Bulgaria, including amongst others Sofia Municipality, The Confederation of employers and industrialists in Bulgaria, KRIB, or Sofia Tech Park) Media Contacts General inquiries

Angela Howarth, Head of Communications, Climate-KIC

angela.howarth@climate-kic.org

+44 (0) 7872 850 084

Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS):

CONTACT

Mike Cherrett EIT RIS, Climate-KIC

mike.cherrett@climate-kic.org

+44 7714051492
It stands to reason in a healthy environment that prey should always vastly outnumber the predators that eat them. But researchers reporting in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on July 28 have found that sometimes, even in the most untouched environments on the planet, that food pyramid can be turned upside down.

"Our findings confirm that in pristine remote coral reefs, sharks can be numerous, sometimes even outnumbering their prey at local scales," says Johann Mourier (@SharkMourier), now at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

Researchers based at the Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement (CRIOBE) in Perpignan, France made this discovery in the southern pass of Fakarava atoll, a reserve in French Polynesia that hosts as many as 900 reef sharks. French Polynesia is unusual in that targeted shark fishing has never taken place there. The sharks in that part of the world have also been protected since 2006 in what is now the biggest shark sanctuary in the world.

Fishes living in the pass don't provide all those sharks enough to eat. The new study shows the sharks get by thanks to spawning aggregations of fish that concentrate prey from multiple reefs, conveniently delivering themselves directly to the sharks.

In fact, it was the spawning fish that brought Mourier and his CRIOBE colleagues to Fakarava in the first place. The channel is renowned for its grouper spawning aggregations, which take place every year in June and July. When the researchers got there, they were surprised by what they found.

"We noticed the massive number of sharks in this channel, especially gray reef sharks, and questioned how such a large number of sharks can be maintained and where they find their food," he recalls. The researchers decided to expand the scope of their study, to jointly study the shark and spawning grouper populations and their interactions.

The researchers used underwater surveys and acoustic telemetry to assess the number of sharks living in the pass and their feeding behavior.

While sharks had been known to target fish spawning aggregations, the findings are the first to suggest that this strategy plays such an essential role, the researchers say. The discovery also has important conservation implications.

"Implementing strong shark protection laws is unlikely to be sufficient to maintain high numbers of sharks if not jointly implemented with conservation of fish spawning aggregation," Mourier says. If overfishing leads to a loss of those aggregations, sharks "will have no other choice than undertaking energetically costly, wider-range foraging to meet energy requirements."

The findings suggest that the natural abundance of sharks living on coral reefs might have been lost in many places due to human influence. Conservation of fish spawning aggregations together with shark fishing bans might help to bring the predators back.

The researchers say they'd now like to follow long-term trends on this extraordinarily remote coral reef. They are also using novel data-loggers and animal-borne video cameras to better characterize predator-prey interactions between sharks and their prey over the course of a year.

###

This research was supported by the Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Energy in France, Direction de l'Environnement (DIREN) of French Polynesia, IFRECOR France, IFRECOR Polynesia, BlancPain Ocean Commitment, and Arte. Other sponsors supported the expedition: Tahiti Tourisme, Air Tahiti Nui, Aqualung, Nikon, Seacam, and ApDiving.

Current Biology: Mourier et al.: "Extreme Inverted Trophic Pyramid of Reef Sharks Supported by Spawning Groupers" http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(16)30555-3

Current Biology (@CurrentBiology), published by Cell Press, is a bimonthly journal that features papers across all areas of biology. Current Biology strives to foster communication across fields of biology, both by publishing important findings of general interest and through highly accessible front matter for non-specialists. Visit: http://www.cell.com/current-biology. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com.
RICHLAND, Wash. - Electric cars with significantly smaller, lighter and less expensive batteries could be on the horizon if a new national research effort achieves its ambitious goal of significantly improving upon the batteries that power today's electric vehicles.

Led by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Battery500 consortium will receive up to $10 million a year over five years from the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the White House has announced. The multi-disciplinary consortium includes leaders from DOE national labs, universities and industry, all of which are working together to make smaller, lighter and less expensive batteries that can be adopted by manufacturers.

"Our goal is to extract every available drop of energy from battery materials while also producing a high-performance battery that is reliable, safe and less expensive," said consortium director and PNNL materials scientist Jun Liu. "Through our multi-institutional partnership, which includes some of the world's most innovative energy storage leaders, the Battery500 consortium will examine the best options to create the most powerful next-generation lithium batteries for electric cars."

Beyond PNNL, the consortium includes the following partners:

Brookhaven National Laboratory

Idaho National Laboratory

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Binghamton University (State University of New York)

Stanford University

University of California, San Diego

University of Texas at Austin

University of Washington

IBM (advisory board member)

Battery500's aggressive goal is to develop lithium-metal batteries that have almost triple the "specific energy" found in the batteries that power today's electric cars. Specific energy measures the amount of energy packed into a battery based on its weight. Because electric vehicles (EVs) need to be lightweight to drive farther on the same charge, EV batteries with high specific energies are essential.

The consortium aims to build a battery pack with a specific energy of 500 watt-hours per kilogram, compared to the 170-200 watt-hours per kilogram in today's typical EV battery. Achieving this goal would result in a smaller, lighter and less expensive battery.

The team hopes to reach these goals by focusing on lithium-metal batteries, which use lithium instead of graphite for the battery's negative electrode. The team will pair lithium with two different materials for the battery's positive electrode. While studying these materials, the consortium will prevent unwanted side reactions in the whole battery that weaken a battery's performance.

A key focus of the consortium is to ensure the technological solutions it develops meet the needs of automotive and battery manufacturers. Consortium members will work to ensure significant innovations can be quickly and seamlessly implemented by industry throughout the project.

Recognizing diversity in experience and opinions often results in better solutions, the consortium will also welcome ideas from others. The team will set aside 20 percent of its overall budget for "seedling projects," or work based on proposals from throughout the battery research community.

Though the immediate goal is to make effective, affordable batteries for EVs, Liu expects the consortium's work could also advance stationary grid energy storage.

Battery500 is also expected to take advantage of DOE facilities, including the fabrication equipment at PNNL's Advanced Battery Facility and materials characterization instruments at EMSL, the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science User Facility on PNNL's campus. PNNL's lead role in the consortium builds on its decades of leadership in materials science, chemistry, transportation and power grid modernization.

###

More information on the White House's July 21 electric transportation announcement can be found here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/07/21/fact-sheet-obama-administration-announces-federal-and-private-sector.

Interdisciplinary teams at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory address many of America's most pressing issues in energy, the environment and national security through advances in basic and applied science. Founded in 1965, PNNL employs 4,400 staff and has an annual budget of nearly $1 billion. It is managed by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. As the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, the Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information on PNNL, visit the PNNL News Center, or follow PNNL on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter.

EMSL, the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, is a DOE Office of Science User Facility. Located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., EMSL offers an open, collaborative environment for scientific discovery to researchers around the world. Its integrated computational and experimental resources enable researchers to realize important scientific insights and create new technologies. Follow EMSL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Without these proteins, skin stem cells are lost. The study headed by Salvador Aznar Benitah at IRB Barcelona has been published today in Cell Stem Cell.

Barcelona, Thursday 28 July 2016.- Our skin renews, heals wounds, and regenerates the hair that covers it thanks to a small group of stem cells. These cells continually produce new ones, which appear on the skin surface after a few days. A study led by ICREA researcher Salvador Aznar Benitah and undertaken at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) has identified two proteins that are fundamental to conserve skin stem cells and has shown that without these proteins these cells are lost. The study, which has been published today in Cell Stem Cell, has involved Luciano Di Croce's group at the Center for Genomic Regulation (acronym in Spanish CRG).

The proteins identified, Dnmt3a y Dnmt3b, are crucial for the self-renewal of skin stem cells as they trigger the first step of the genetic programme of these cells. "Without them, this programme is not activated and the stem cells collapse and disappear from the tissue," explains Salvador Aznar Benitah, head of the Stem Cells and Cancer lab at IRB Barcelona.

Lorenzo Rinaldi, a "la Caixa" PhD student and first author of the study, has identified all the regions of the genome that harbour these proteins. Rinaldi has observed that these two proteins exert their activity on gene enhancers and superenhancers--regions far away from the genes that can increase gene transcription speed up to 200-fold--among other regions.

"It was surprising to see that two proteins that have always been associated with gene repression through DNA methylation are activated in the most transcriptionally active regions of stem cells. We had never observed this activity because we were unable to study the global distribution of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b at the genomic level. Thanks to advances in sequencing techniques, more researchers are observing the very mechanism that we have described," explains Rinaldi.

Of the 12,000 gene enhancers in the genome, about 300 are superenhancers related to stem cells. The two proteins exert their function in these regions in order to trigger the approx. 1,000 genes required for the self-renewing capacity of stem cells. By methylating the superenhancer, these proteins trigger the first step of the machinery that leads to the amplified expression of these essential genes for the stem cell.

Link to cancer

There are various features related to cancer cells. Among these, first, these cells show altered DNA methylation. Second, gene enhancers are highly mutated, not only in the bodies of the genes themselves. These observations have been made possible thanks to mass sequencing of tumour cell genomes. Third, these two proteins, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, are altered in many types of tumour, such as those encountered in leukaemia, the lung, and the colon.

"Each of these three components is associated with the development of various kinds of cancer. Given that these proteins activate gene expression enhancers through DNA methylation, we believe that it would be of interest to study them in cancer cells in order to determine whether they participate in tumour development," concludes Dr. Aznar Benitah.

###

The study has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and ERDFs. Dr. Aznar Benitah's lab is also supported by The European Council for Research (ERC), the Worldwide Cancer Research Foundation, the Fundacio Marato de TV3, the Fundacion Vencer el Cancer, the Fundacion Botin and the Government of Catalonia.

Reference article:

Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b Associate with Enhancers to Regulate Human Epidermal

Stem Cell Homeostasis

Lorenzo Rinaldi, Debayan Datta, Judit Serrat, Lluis Morey, Guiomar Solanas, Alexandra Avgustinova, Enrique Blanco, Jose Ignacio Pons, David Gomez Matallanas, Alex Von Kriegsheim, Luciano Di Croce, and Salvador Aznar Benitah.

Cell Stem Cell (28 July 2016) http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2016.06.020
Thermoelectric effects are a fundamental building block for the conception and development of new processes for information processing. They enable to re-use waste heat obtained in different processes for the operation of respective devices and thus contribute to the establishment of more energy-efficient, ecofriendly processes. A promising representative of this effect category is the so-called spin Seebeck effect, which became prominent within recent years. This effect allows to convert waste heat into spin currents and thereby to transport energy as well as information in magnetic, electrically insulating materials. Physicists of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in Germany together with their colleagues from Glasgow University in Scotland now succeeded to reveal essential properties of this yet to be fully understood effect. Their findings contribute to a more thorough understanding of the underlying processes of this effect and thereby support its further development for first applications. The research work has been published in the journal Physical Review X.

The spin Seebeck effect belongs to the category of spin-thermoelectric effects. Previous work of the physicists at Mainz University in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Konstanz and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has shown that the creation of a thermal non-equilibrium leads to the creation of magnetic waves, so-called magnons, within magnetic materials. These transport both energy and torque and thus are able to induce a voltage signal in adjacent metal thin films.

By means of material-dependent measurements over a wide temperature range and with a varied thickness of the employed magnetic material, a direct correlation between the amplitude of the voltage signal and the intrinsic properties of magnons was identified. Furthermore, it was shown that the temperature dependence of the voltage generation efficiency additionally depends strongly on the atomic structure of the interface between magnetic material and metal thin film.

"Step by step answers to the open questions about the fundamental processes of the spin Seebeck effect are given. Our results yield an essential contribution for the development of the aspiring field of magnon spintronics", said Joel Cramer, co-author of the publication and PhD student at the Graduate School of Excellence "Materials Science in Mainz" (MAINZ).

Professor Mathias Klaui added: "I am very glad that by means of the intensive collaboration with our colleagues we were able to correlate the transport of spins with the microscopic, atomistic structure. The cooperation with our colleagues from Glasgow already led to several mutual publications and an active exchange with leading groups from abroad is one of the central measures of our Graduate School of Excellence."

###

Establishment of the MAINZ Graduate School was approved through the Excellence Initiative by the German Federal and State Governments to Promote Science and Research at German Universities in 2007 and its funding was extended in the second round in 2012. It consists of work groups from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, TU Kaiserslautern, and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz. One of its focal research areas is spintronics, where cooperation with leading international partners plays an important role.
The Morgridge Institute for Research and University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers are working to optimize a camera capable of a slick optical trick: Snapping pictures around corners.

The imaging project, supported by a new $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), will work over four years to explore the limitations and potential applications of scattered-light technology that can recreate scenes outside human line of sight.

The technology, pioneered by Morgridge imaging specialist Andreas Velten, uses pulses of scattered light photons that bounce through a scene and are recaptured by finely tuned sensors connected to the camera. Information from this scattered light helps the researchers digitally rebuild a 3D environment that is either hidden or obstructed from view.

Download images at: https://uwmadison.box.com/v/velten-corners

While in its infancy, the technology has generated excitement about potential applications in medical imaging, disaster relief, navigation, robotic surgery and even space exploration. UW-Madison is one of eight university teams receiving 2016 DARPA grants to probe different forms of non-line-of-sight imaging.

Velten, also a scientist with the UW-Madison Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation (LOCI), first demonstrated non-line-of-sight imaging in 2012 with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The technique was able to recreate human figures and other shapes that were positioned around corners.

He now is partnering with Mohit Gupta, UW-Madison assistant professor of computer science, to see how far they can push the quality and complexity of these pictures -- a fundamental step before devices can become reality.

Questions include: Can they recapture movement? Can they determine what material an object is made of? Can they differentiate between very similar shapes? Can they push this method further to see around two, three, or more corners?

Velten and Gupta have developed a theoretical framework to determine how complex a scene they can recapture. They are creating models where they bounce light a half-dozen or more times through a space to capture objects that are either hidden or outside the field of view.

"The more times you can bounce this light within a scene, the more possible data you can collect," Velten says. "Since the first light is the strongest, and each proceeding bounce gets weaker and weaker, the sensor has to be sensitive enough to capture even a few photons of light."

Gupta brings expertise in computer vision to the project and will be developing methods to make better sense of the limited data coming back from these techniques. Gupta will work to develop algorithms that can better decode the data that helps recreate scenes.

"The information we will get is going to be noisy and the shapes will be blob-like, not much to the naked eye, so the visualization part of this will be huge," Gupta says. "Because this problem is so new, we don't even know what's possible."

The first two years of the grant will be devoted to the pushing the limitations of this technique. The second two years will focus on hardware development to make field applications possible.

Some of the possibilities are tantalizing. For example, Gupta says it could be used for safety tests of jet engines, examining performance while the engines are running. It could also be used to probe impossible-to-see spaces in shipwrecks such as the Titanic. Velten currently has a NASA project examining whether the technology can be used to probe the dimensions of moon caves.

Interestingly, the light used in this project would be pretty useless for standard photography. Regular cameras rely on the opening burst of light on the subject, while this project focuses on the indirect light that comes later and scatters and bounces through the scene.

"We are interested in capturing exactly what a conventional camera doesn't capture," he says.

###

Other university partners on the project include Universidad de Zaragoza in Spain, Columbia University, Politecnico di Milano in Italy, and the French-German Research Institute in St. Louis, France.
Scientists from Federal Research and Clinical Centre of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology and MIPT have shown that peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGLYRPs) of the human immune system can play a key role in the fight against chlamydia infections. Their study was published in Infection and Immunity.

Chlamydias are parasite bacteria and cause an infection that affects more than 90 million people a year. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases; it can also be spread via objects and the bacteria can sometimes survive on a surface for more than a day.

Chlamydias can be found in two different forms: elementary bodies (EBs) and reticulate bodies (RBs). EBs have strong protection against the environment and other microorganisms, which helps them survive in an intracellular space and allows them to spread and infect new cells. RBs have no constant shape and size -- they exist inside the host cell membrane. This form of chlamydia can reproduce and has an active metabolism. This complex life cycle, in which the bacteria constantly change from one form to another, means that chlamydias are able to avoid the effect of most antibacterial proteins.

Proteins that are able to recognize peptidoglycan - a membrane component of some bacteria - are a part of the human immune system. They selectively interact with certain molecules and therefore play an important role in the fight against infections. In a previous study it was shown that these proteins are able to attach to a peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharides in the cell membrane of bacteria, causing their stress response system to fail. This disruption to the regulation of the intracellular metabolism ultimately causes the death of the cell. PGLYRPs are known to use this process to destroy Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis bacteria whose stress response system is quite similar to the system of the chlamydia species Chlamydia trachomatis.

Based on these facts, the researchers made an assumption that PGLYRPs would be able to inhibit a chlamydia infection. To prove this, they added PGLYRP solutions to human cell cultures and then infected the cells with Chlamydia trachomatis. 48 hours later they counted the number of inclusions and compared it with control samples. Their theory about PGLYRPs inhibiting a chlamydia infection was confirmed. The number of chlamydial inclusions in the samples with proteins was ten times smaller than in the control sample. However, a significant antichlamydial effect was only observed with protein concentrations 20 times higher than for E. coli and B. subtilis. According to the authors of the study, this can be explained by the life cycle of chlamydias.

The researchers then checked the hypothesis that the cells die due to the failure of their stress response system. They observed the expression level (expression is the synthesis of substances responsible for the transmission of hereditary information through RNA) of the stress response system genes and how the level changes over time. In the control sample it remained at a base level, but in the cultures with PGLYRPs two peaks were easily distinguished -- 1 hour and 72 hours after the infection. At these times, the chlamydias were in the form of elementary bodies and scientists predicted that they would be more vulnerable to PGLYRPs at this particular stage of their life cycle. Their assumption was therefore proved experimentally.

This research proved theories about the structure and life cycle of chlamydias. The researchers worked out a method of obtaining PGLYRPs with the help of genetic engineering and also demonstrated their effect on C. trachomatis bacteria.

"The findings of this research can subsequently be used to determine the exact mechanism of action of peptidoglycan-recognition proteins on chlamydias. A more complete understanding of potential targets for natural and synthetic agents could help scientists to develop efficient antichlamydial drugs", says Pavel Bobrovsky, one of the authors of the study.

###
Currently, there is no effective method to predict the prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Tomonori Kimura and Yoshitaka Isaka, researchers in Department of Nephrology, Osaka University, found that measuring D-amino acids[1], which present only trace in human, provides prognostic information of CKD. The present discovery would facilitate CKD treatment and thus improve the prognosis of CKD, and may also lead to the further discovery of novel therapy. The potential application is not limited to kidney diseases: the disease context ranges to life style-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as lethal diseases including cardiovascular diseases.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a critical health problem. CKD patients are highly-prevalent throughout the world, and the number of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, who need to receive cost-prohibitive kidney replacement therapy, is increasing year by year. Additionally, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and death increases with the progression of CKD stages. In Japan, the number of ESKD patients receiving kidney replacement therapy is over 320,000, including 30,000 patients who start it every year. Moreover, it was estimated that about 10% of Japanese population have CKD. Thus, it is critical to prevent CKD patients from the progression to ESKD, however, there is no effective methods to predict the progression of CKD.

On the other hand, D-amino acids, the enantiomers[2] of L-amino acids, are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers in several diseases. Although the amounts of D-amino acids are usually very trace in human and their existence have been overlooked, recent technological advancement enables us to measure D-amino acids simultaneously with high sensitivity at fentomole[3] levels (Figure 2). The research group from Osaka and Kyushu University searched for prognostic biomarkers of CKD through a chiral amino acid metabolic profiling[4].

The research group measured D-amino acids in blood from CKD patients by applying micro-two-dimensional HPLC (2D-HPLC) system[5] developed by Kenji Hamase, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyushu University, and followed their prognoses. 16 out of 21 D-amino acids were detected in blood from CKD patients. Further analyses revealed that D-Serine and D-Asparagine were associated with the progression of CKD (Figure 3); the risk of progression to ESKD was elevated from 2- to 4- fold in those with higher levels of those D-amino acids (Figure 4).

The results of present study will provide the novel method to the clinician which can identify CKD patients at high-risk for progression to ESKD. The information of D-amino acids would enable to select the best treatment for individual person, as well as the discovery of novel therapy. This method is also applicable to such diseases as life style-associated diseases (diabetes mellitus and hypertension) and cardiovascular diseases, as the prognoses of these diseases are strongly influenced by CKD progression.

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A medical team at Osaka University Hospital, Japan, has conducted successful treatment for the fetal lung disorder Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformattion (CPAM), also known as Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM). By performing a series of prenatal and postnatal treatments, the infant was discharged from the hospital without subsequent complications. This series of treatments potentially provides another option for families with unborn babies with the same disorder.

Recent years have seen an increase in diagnoses of CPAM, a fetal lung disorder that can be diagnosed via ultrasound examination. While small lesions have a minor risk of becoming problematic during the fetal stage, severe cases may result in the development of fetal hydrops, a severe edema caused by circulatory insufficiencies in the fetus, thereby raising the risk of fetal death. In such cases, prenatal treatments such as a thoracoamniotic shunt (placement of a tube between the amniotic space that surrounds the fetus and the expanded fetal lung cyst to reduce cyst size) and steroid administration to the mother are conducted. After birth, necessary treatment may involve intensive medical care and operations due to respiratory failure caused by incomplete lung development. Such a series of treatments and operations requires not only the application of advanced techniques but also the necessary facilities, limiting the number of medical institutions where these can be conducted. The medical team at the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Osaka University Hospital (Center Director: Prof. Hiroomi Okuyama), is equipped with the necessary facilities and expertise, and now reports the successful treatment of a severe case of CPAM.

In this case, the fetus showed a large lesion and the additional complication of fetal hydrops. Since there was a risk of fetal death, prenatal treatment was conducted. First, the fetal cyst was punctured, and at the gestational age of 23 weeks, a thoracoamniotic shunt was placed, leading to a decreased cyst volume. However, exacerbation recurred as delivery approached, so the baby was born in serious condition. After birth, the newborn was placed under artificial respiration in the intensive care unit. However, a continually worsening lesion caused the respiratory condition to deteriorate, so the baby was placed under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) one day after birth. ECMO provides respiratory and circulation support in cases of respiratory and cardiovascular failure by placing a catheter to the blood vessel and circulating part of the blood via the catheter to an external apparatus in which the blood is being enriched with oxygen and pumped back into the body. At two days of age, the newborn underwent a partial lung resection of the lesion of the left lower lobe of the lung while remaining connected to the ECMO. This removed the compression on the healthy lung and the heart, leading to respiratory and circulatory improvement, so that at four days old, the newborn could be removed from the ECMO apparatus. At 14 days, the residual lung lesion was removed (left lower lobectomy), and at 29 days, artificial respiration was no longer necessary. On May 21st, the baby (58 days old) was discharged from the hospital without any subsequent complications.

The above case is the first report of a successful series of prenatal and postnatal treatments for a severe case of CPAM in Japan. This was possible because the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at Osaka University Hospital is equipped with the necessary facilities and advanced medical technology. The Center was set up to provide advanced medical treatment from the fetal stage to newborns and provides safe and appropriate treatment with the aim of leaving no subsequent complications. The reported series of treatments may provide another option for families with unborn babies suffering from the same disorder.

The case was reported in a press conference held at the middle conference room in the Administration Building of the School of Medicine, Osaka University, on June 7, 2016 from 14:00.

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BCG, the only currently approved TB vaccine, has been around for almost a century and is only partially effective. When given to children, BCG is estimated to prevent 20% of infections and to protect half of the infected individuals from developing active TB, and protection fades over time. Given the complicated TB treatment, the rise of adult TB cases in conjunction with the HIV epidemic, and increasing multidrug resistant TB strains, a new and better vaccine is a global health priority. A study published on July 28th in PLOS Pathogens dissects the immune response in mice to an experimental vaccine and shows why it is highly effective.

Mycobacteria have a complex cell envelope and use sophisticated transport systems to shuttle proteins across this barrier. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has at least three such systems, called ESX-1, ESX-3, and ESX-5, which are involved in interactions with the human host and contribute to the pathogen's ability to cause disease. Strains that are missing these systems are attenuated (i.e., weakened and unable to cause disease). The BCG strain, for example, (which is actually an attenuated version of the closely related Mycobacterium bovis), is missing a functional ESX-1 system.

Laleh Majlessi, from the team of Roland Brosch at Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, Daria Bottai from the University of Pisa, Italy, and colleagues had previously reported a new attenuated M. tuberculosis strain as a promising vaccine candidate. The strain, called Mtb ppe25-pe19, is missing a stretch of DNA in the ESX-5 locus that codes for five so-called PE/PPE proteins. PE/PPE proteins are unique to mycobacteria, contribute to their ability to cause disease, and are highly immunogenic (that is, they can provoke specific and strong immune responses).

There are over 160 PE/PPE proteins in M. tuberculosis, which are shuttled by the ESX-5 transporter. The Mtb ppe25-pe19 strain lacks five of the proteins, but because the transporter itself is intact, it is able to export the other PE/PPE proteins. As a result, immunized mice show specific T-cell responses against a many PE/PPE proteins. Because the deleted ESX-5-locus PE/PPE proteins are similar to others, T cells in immunized mice recognize the former as well.

In this study, the researchers characterized in detail the immune response in mice injected with the Mtb ppe25-pe19 vaccine candidate. When they compared the Mtb ppe25-pe19 strain with a virulent (i.e., disease-causing) Mtb strain that contains the full complement of all PE/PPE proteins, they found that both were equally able to induce a strong and diverse immune response to all mycobacterial PE/PPE proteins. Together with results that an Mtb strain with a defective ESX-5 transporter is less able to protect immunized mice against subsequent Mtb challenge, this suggests that T cell responses against PE/PPE proteins correlate with immune protection.

Unlike the BCG strain, Mtb ppe25-pe19 has an intact ESX-1 transport system. Consistent with this, the researchers show that immunization with Mtb ppe25-pe19 induces specific immune responses to several substrates of the ESX-1 system. Besides specific responses, ESX1-proficient mycobacteria induce so-called 'phagosomal rupture', a process that overcomes containment of the mycobacteria within a specific host cell compartment, which then triggers numerous pathways of innate (non-specific) immune responses. Like wild-type (fully virulent) Mtb and in contrast to attenuated BCG, Mtb ppe25-pe19 is able to induce phagosomal rupture and provoke the resulting innate immune response.

Their results, the researchers conclude, "offer detailed insights into the immune mechanisms underlying the remarkable protective efficacy of the live attenuated Mtb ppe25-pe19 vaccine candidate, as well as the specific potential of PE/PPE proteins as protective immunogens". They go on to say, "our results pave the way for further development of candidates in preclinical models of anti-tuberculosis vaccination".

###

In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Pathogens: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1005770

Please contact plospathogens@plos.org if you would like more information.

Funding: This work was supported by grants from DARRI (Direction des Applications de la Recherche et des Relations Industrielles, Institut Pasteur) #2012/1 and PTR (Programme Transversal de Recherche, Institut Pasteur) #441 to LM. FS has been supported by the University of Damascus, Syria. Support by the European Community (Grant H2020-PHC-643381), the Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale FRM (DEQ 20130326471) and TBVAC2020 to RB, and TBVAC2020 to FC is gratefully acknowledged. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Citation: Sayes F, Pawlik A, Frigui W, Groschel MI, Crommelynck S, Fayolle C, et al. (2016) CD4+ T Cells Recognizing PE/PPE Antigens Directly or via Cross Reactivity Are Protective against Pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection. PLoS Pathog 12(7): e1005770. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1005770
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A website with search and interaction history can be just as engaging as chatting with an online human agent, or robot helper, according to Penn State researchers.

In a study, users of an online movie database site that offered a list of past interactions considered the site just as responsive as one that offered chatbot or human helpers, said S. Shyam Sundar, Distinguished Professor of Communications and co-director of the Media Effects Research Laboratory. He added that businesses that design their websites with this type of history could generate the same level of user absorption as sites with robot and human chat, but without the big budget.

"Highly interactive browsing history can give the user this back-and-forth sense of dialogue that is almost the same as talking with an attentive customer agent," said Sundar. "With clever design, you can give the sense of a conversation and the flow of information and that could translate to higher user engagement."

Browsing history can show users what pages they have recently visited. Search history -- which automatically populates the search field with former web searchers and possible search terms -- also can create a sense that a conversation is taking place -- also called contingency, or the feeling that the action of a system is in response to the user's input.

"When you go to Google, for example, and just type in a few words, it automatically fills out a number of possible search options based on your past searching," said Sundar. "It's a way of communicating that it might know where you are going with your search. That's another way of conveying contingency by the system."

The researchers, who report their findings in the current issue of Communication Research, suggested that it was this feeling of contingency, not perception of interactivity on the website, that promoted more user engagement.

Participants rated the sites with a live chat system as more interactive, but this perception did not affect their attitudes toward the site, according to Sundar.

"What mattered more is their perception of contingency," he said.

The findings indicate that interaction history could enhance intelligent assistants, such as Apple's Siri and Amazon's Echo, that are becoming more available on smart phones and in homes.

"If Siri, for example, could tell you a little bit about your interaction history with her, some of the clunkiness in the chat could be overcome because it makes for more of a conversation between the user and the device," said Sundar.

More than just looking and sounding like a human, devices should convey to users that they are listening, he added.

"The most human thing that a machine can do is show that it is listening to you," said Sundar.

The researchers recruited 110 participants whose ages ranged from 18 to 45 years old for the study. They were divided into one of five different conditions, including low interactivity, medium interactivity and high interactivity, as well as chatbot and human chat conditions that were added to the high interactivity condition. The low interactivity site had no interaction history. The medium interactivity condition featured two most recently browsed and searched movies, while the high interactivity site had a complete list of recently searched and browsed movies.

Researchers asked participants to recommend two movies to be screened at a university classics movie night. They were asked to use the movie website to browse and search for at least six movies to make their decision. In the chat conditions, subjects were asked to browse, search, and chat with the robot or human assistant.

###

Saraswathi Bellur, assistant professor of communication, University of Connecticut; Jeeyun Oh, assistant professor of advertising, University of Texas; Hyang-Sook Kim, an assistant professor of mass communication and communication studies, Towson University, and Haiyan Jia, a post-doctoral scholar in information sciences and technology, Penn State, also worked with Sundar.

The National Science Foundation supported this work.
Rice University scientists who analyze the properties of materials as small as a single molecule have encountered a challenge that appears at very low temperatures.

In trying to measure the plasmonic properties of gold nanowires, the Rice lab of condensed matter physicist Douglas Natelson determined that at room temperature, the wire heated up a bit when illuminated by a laser; but confoundingly, at ultracold temperatures and under the same light, its temperature rose by far more.

This is an issue for scientists like Natelson whose experiments require ultracold materials to stay that way. Laser heating, while it may seem minimal, presents a thermal barrier to simultaneous inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy and surface-enhanced optical spectroscopy, which measure a material's electrical and optical properties.

Their report on the phenomenon appears in the American Chemical Society journal ACS Nano.

"Over the years we've made nice progress doing electronic and optical measurements simultaneously on nanoscale junctions that contain one or a few molecules," Natelson said. "We could learn a lot more if we could extend those measurements to quite low temperatures; the features in the electronic conduction would sharpen up a lot."

But such optical measurements require lasers, which combine with the properties of the metal electrodes to focus optical energy down to scales below the diffraction limit of light. "The laser for the optical measurements tends to heat the system," he said. "This isn't too bad at moderately low temperatures, but as we show in the paper, direct optical heating can get much more severe when the sample, without the light on, is cooled down to a few kelvins."

In plasmonic materials, lasers excite the oscillating quasi-particles that ripple like waves in a pool when excited. Plasmonic materials are used to sense biological conditions and molecular interactions; they also are used as photodetectors and have been employed in cancer therapies to heat and destroy tumors.

For their experiments, Natelson and his colleagues placed bowtie-shaped gold nanowires on silicon, silicon oxide, sapphire or quartz surfaces with a 1-nanometer adhesive layer of titanium between. They fabricated and tested 90 such devices. At their narrowest, the wires were less than 100 nanometers wide, and the geometry was tuned to be appropriate for plasmonic excitation with near-infrared light at 785 nanometers.

The researchers took measurements for various laser strengths and surface temperatures. For the nanowire on silicon or silicon oxide, they found that as they decreased the temperature of the silicon from 60 kelvins (-351 degrees Fahrenheit) to 5 kelvins (-450 F), it became less able to dissipate heat from the nanowire. With no change in the strength of the laser, the temperature of the wire increased to 100 kelvins (-279 F).

Replacing the silicon with sapphire provided some relief, with a threefold decrease in the laser-driven temperature increase, they reported. This was a startling result as the thermal conductivity of sapphire is a thousand times higher than that of silicon oxide, said Pavlo Zolotavin, a Rice postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the paper. A comprehensive numerical model of the structure revealed thermal boundary resistance as a major source of the detrimental temperature increase, especially for the crystalline substrates.

"The big issue is in getting vibrational heat out of the metal and into the insulating substrate," he said. "It turns out that this thermal boundary resistance gets much worse at low temperatures. The consequence is that the local temperature can get jacked up a lot with a somewhat complicated dependence, which we can actually model well, on the incident light intensity."

Solving the problem is important to Natelson and his team, as they specialize in measuring the electrical and magnetic properties of single molecules by placing them in gaps cut into bowtie nanowires. If heat expands the nanowires, the gaps close and the experiments are ruined. Heating can also "smear out" features in the data, he said.

"What this all means is that we need to be clever about how we try to do simultaneous electronic and optical measurements, and that we need to think hard about what the temperature distribution looks like and how the heat really flows in these systems," Natelson said.

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Co-authors are Rice postdoctoral researcher Alessandro Alabastri and Peter Nordlander, a Rice professor of physics and astronomy, of electrical and computer engineering and of materials science and nanoengineering. Natelson is a professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and a professor of electrical and computer engineering and of materials science and nanoengineering.

The Robert A. Welch Foundation and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research supported the research.

Read the abstract at http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsnano.6b02911.

This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/2016/07/28/beating-the-heat-a-challenge-at-the-nanoscale/

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Related materials:

Natelson Group: http://natelson.web.rice.edu/group.html

Nanoscale Views (Natelson blog): http://nanoscale.blogspot.com

Wiess School of Natural Sciences: http://natsci.rice.edu

Nordlander Nanophotonics Group: http://nordlander.rice.edu/members/nordlander

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,910 undergraduates and 2,809 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for best quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
Learning how to look inside a body without having to cut it open is still an important part of medical research. One of the great challenges in imaging remains the visualization of oxygen in tissue. A team led by Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos, Chair for Biological Imaging at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Director of the Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen , has developed a new approach to this task.

Imaging of tissue oxygenation is not straightforward; different techniques have been considered but each of them has their shortcomings. In recent years, research in this field has focused on optoacoustic methods. These, especially Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), form one of the key areas of Vasilis Ntziachristos' research.

Put in simple terms, MSOT turns light into sound and then into visual information: First, a weak pulsed laser beam is directed at tissue. Absorbing molecules and cells respond with a minuscule vibration, which, in turn, creates sound signals. The sound signals are then picked up by sound sensors and translated into images. The way molecules and cells react to the laser beam offers insight into their optical and thus into their biochemical properties.

Complex tissue is an obstacle to optoacoustic imaging

While MSOT can, in theory, be used to tell how much oxygen can be found in blood, there is one major obstacle: The intensity of light changes with depth, not only because light has been filtered through all the tissue layers that it passed through, but also because different tissue structures may have different properties that affect how light is scattered and absorbed. In the past, there have been several attempts to solve this problem by calculating how the tissue will affect the propagation of light. "However, due to the high optical complexity of tissues, this approach so far could not be flexibly applied in optoacoustic images of tissues of living subjects," says Stratis Tzoumas, first author of a study published in Nature Communications, in which the scientists describe their new method.

A new description of light distribution in tissue

Ntziachristos, Tzoumas, and their colleagues came up with a completely different approach. Instead of describing the spatial distribution of light, their imaging method eMSOT - the e stands for "eigenspectra" - avoids simulating the path of light through complex tissue altogether. Instead the new method is based on the discovery that the spectrum of light propagating in tissue can be described by using a small number of basic spectra. eMSOT uses data from a conventional MSOT-device combined with a new algorithm that is based on this novel way of describing the light spectrum to correct for the effects of light propagation in tissue and obtain accurate images of blood oxygenation in tissue.

With eMSOT, the scientists were able to visualize the blood oxygenation level of living tissue up to one centimeter below the skin surface. "Theoretically, the imaging depth can be extended to more than that," says Stratis Tzoumas. "There is, however, a limit at about three because at some point, light cannot penetrate the tissue any further." The scientists observed a vastly improved accuracy in eMSOT over previous optical and optoacoustic approaches. Apart from being non-invasive and radiation-free, eMSOT also delivers comparable or higher resolution both spatially and temporally, than other optical imaging methods. "Information about the amount of oxygen in tissue is important when it comes to various fields in research and treatment - for example tumor growth or in measurements of metabolism" says Vasilis Ntziachristos. "It may be that eMSOT becomes the gold standard method, once it is ready for clinical use."

###

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Schroder

Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI)

Technical University of Munich

barabara.schroeder@tum.de

Original publication:

S. Tzoumas S, A. Nunes, I. Olefir, S. Stangl, P. Symvoulidis, S. Glasl, C. Bayer, G. Multhoff, V. Ntziachristos. "Eigenspectra optoacoustic tomography achieves quantitative blood oxygenation imaging deep in tissues." Nature Communications (2016). DOI:10.1038/ncomms12121

Interview with Professor Vasilis Ntziachristos:

"An image is worth a thousand words"

Modern imaging methods greatly exceed the possibilities of X-rays. Vasilis Ntziachristos holds the Chair of Biological Imaging at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and is Director of the Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen. In this interview, he talks about the fascination of imaging techniques and about finding a common language for engineers and doctors.

Professor Ntziachristos, you have been working on imaging techniques for quite a while now. How did you end up in this field?

I began working with imaging very early on. Back in 1993, I received my diploma for a thesis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging electronics and sequences. Since then, I looked into several different ways of making biological information visible - optical techniques, radio frequency imaging, combinations with X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound - but it has always been imaging.

What is it about imaging that got you?

Images are a fundamental way of understanding the world. They say an image is worth a thousand words, and it's true. Take biology: There is a lot of information to be found in the spatial relation of biological contrast and interworking of cell populations. It is fascinating when you visualize processes that are usually hidden. Using technology, we can for instance see what happens functionally in tissues. Not just the anatomy, but also the distribution of cells or molecular information, such as the concentration of oxygen within different tissues.

You received praise, awards, and research grants for several research projects. How many different imaging techniques are you and your colleagues working on?

We have three major directions: fluorescence imaging, thermoacoustics, and optoacoustics. Within these fields, we work on different devices and different applications. In optoacoustics, for example, we have three microscope implementations with very different abilities; we have developed three different mesoscopes for skin and subsurface tissue visualization and several other optoacoustic devices. Overall, there are at least ten different implementations of the technology, probably more, depending on how you count.

Your optoacoustic devices are in various stages of development. How long will it be until the first one of them will be in everyday use in hospitals?

In biomedical technology, this is always a long process. There actually are optoacoustic systems in hospitals today for research purposes but not for everyday routine use. We believe, however, that it won't be long until these methods are used in cardiology, in cancer, dermatology, and other fields. Through research and through tests in clinical environments we should be able to find the key diagnostic and theranostic applications in the next two to three years.

What are the typical problems if you want to adapt a technology you developed for practical use?

You need to be able to bridge the gap between engineering and medicine. Engineers tend to develop technologies because they can be developed and because it is scientifically interesting to develop them. Everyday use, however, comes from not only having a good technology but from solving an unmet clinical need. You have to find a common language to understand the needs of medical doctors.

How do you address this in your projects?

When we developed the proposal for Innoderm - a handheld device for dermatologists that we are currently working on - we sat down and talked to several dermatologists at Klinikum rechts der Isar. It turned out that there are several unmet needs. One of them, for example is to assess treatment of the skin accurately and quantitatively. It is important to quickly understand if a certain treatment works or if a different therapeutic approach must be followed. As a next step, we go into the clinic to do pilot studies to show the feasibility of our techniques and then a more extensive study to show the clinical value. The Innoderm project, which started in March, is going to last for five years. In the first two years we are going to improve the technology and adapt it to solving particular problems. Then, we are going to apply it to further clinical tests.

Apart from Innoderm, where are your goals right now?

We want to identify where we can really have an impact on society and health care with our technology. We have many ideas about how to further evolve ways of sensing and visualizing information that is invisible as of yet and can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis. You could say that half of our activity is dedicated to this goal. The other half will remain on the technical development of devices.

Prof. Dr. Vasilis Ntziachristos

Vasilis Ntziachristos as assistant professor and Director of the Laboratory for Bio-Optics and Molecular Imaging at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, before being appointed to the Chair of Biological Imaging at TUM. The Chair is closely linked with the Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, of which Prof. Ntziachristos is Director. Among other honors, Prof. Ntziachristos received the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and several grants by the European Research Council (ERC).

INNODERM

With "Innoderm" TUM is heading a European research project, where engineers and physicians together develop a new optoacoustic handheld instrument for early diagnosis of skin cancer. The goal is to provide the physicians with a tool that allows on site-assessment of morphological, physiological and cellular changes of the skin area examined not only by inspecting the skin surface, but also sub-surface features within several millimeters of depth. The project combines the expertise of engineers, scientists and clinicians in a consortium comprising five partners from four European countries. The project has been awarded a grant of 3,8 million  from Horizon 2020, the EU framework program for research and innovation.
CHAPEL HILL - Women were less likely to have breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy if they had Medicaid or Medicare rather than private insurance or if they lived 10 or more miles from a plastic surgeon's office, a University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center study has found.

Researchers said the findings, published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, highlight additional barriers to breast reconstruction alongside other obstacles that have been identified including race, socioeconomic class and age. The new data are concerning, researchers said, as they say the procedure can help with self-esteem, sexuality and body image after cancer treatment.

"We know that breast cancer affects not only the physical wellbeing of the patient, but also her psychosocial wellbeing, and we know that breast reconstruction can help address those issues," said the study's first author Michelle Roughton, MD, an assistant professor of surgery and the program director for the UNC School of Medicine Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. "These findings highlight the fact that there are more barriers to breast reconstruction access than we previously recognized."

In the study, researchers analyzed insurance claims data for 5,381 women in North Carolina diagnosed with breast cancer between 2003 and 2006. The study included women with Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance health plans, who had a mastectomy within six months of diagnosis and who continued to maintain their insurance coverage for at least two years after the procedure. Twenty percent of women included in the study chose breast reconstruction.

The study drew upon UNC Lineberger's Integrated Cancer Information Surveillance System (ICISS), a research tool that links to population and clinical data to health claims data for about 5.5 million people insured by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance policies.

In the raw, unadjusted data, they found that 56 percent of women with private insurance received breast reconstruction, compared with 10 percent of women with Medicare, or 11 percent of those with Medicaid. The study found after adjusting for related patient factors such as age or stage of disease, Medicare recipients had 42 percent lower odds of receiving breast reconstruction than women with private insurance, and women with Medicaid had 76 percent lower odds.

"Even when you control for age, the type of insurance patients had was still an independent predictor of whether patients received breast reconstruction," Roughton said.

By federal law, group health plans that pay for mastectomy must also cover breast prosthetics and reconstructive procedures. Medicare does cover the procedure, while Medicaid coverage can vary by state. Roughton said one factor affecting access to reconstruction may be that not all surgeons accept all types of insurance for the procedure.

"As doctors working for the state's flagship cancer hospital, we aim to provide breast reconstruction to every woman who desires it despite distance and payer," Roughton said.

Distance to the nearest plastic surgeon was also predictive of whether women underwent reconstruction. The study found that women living 20 or more miles away had 27 percent lower odds of receiving breast reconstruction compared to women living within 10 miles of a surgeon. Women living 10 to 20 miles away from the nearest surgeon had 22 percent lower odds.

The study also found that minority women had 50 percent lower odds of receiving reconstruction compared to non-Hispanic whites, and, consistent with previous studies, they found that increasing age at diagnosis, advanced cancer stage, and radiation treatment also decreased

odds. Roughton said she has tried to overcome distance obstacles for her patients by using telemedicine for initial consultations, and by using text and email to help assess patients after the operation.

###

The study was supported by the University Cancer Research Fund.

In addition to Roughton, other authors include: Paul DiEgidio, MD, of the UNC School of Medicine; Lei Zhou, MSPH, of UNC Lineberger; Karyn Stitzenberg, MD, MPH, of the UNC School of Medicine; and Anne Marie Meyer, PhD, of UNC Lineberger and the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
The formation of large numbers of polyps in the colon has a high probability of developing into colon cancer, if left untreated. The large-scale appearance of polyps is often due to a hereditary cause; in this case the disease can occur in multiple family members. Under the leadership of human geneticists of the University Hospital Bonn, a team of researchers discovered genetic changes in the MSH3 gene in patients and identified a new rare form of hereditary colon cancer. The results have now been published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Colon polyps form like mushroom-shaped growths from the mucosa and are several millimeters to several centimeters in size. They are benign and generally do not cause any symptoms - however, they can turn into malignant tumors (colon cancer). Physicians refer to the development of a large number of polyps in the colon as "polyposis." Scientists have already discovered several genes associated with a polyposis. "However, about one-third of families affected by the disease do not have any abnormalities in these genes," says Prof. Dr. Stefan Aretz, head of the working group at the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Bonn Hospital. Therefore, there would have to be even more genes involved in the formation of polyps in the colon.

Together with pathologists from the University Hospital Bonn, scientists from the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven (USA), and the Frankfurt University Hospital, the team working with Prof. Aretz investigated the genetic material (DNA) of more than 100 polyposis patients using blood samples. In each patient, all of the about 20,000 protein-coding genes known were simultaneously examined. In this process, the scientists filtered the rare, possibly relevant genetic changes out of the gigantic quantity of data, like the proverbial needle in a haystack. In two patients, genetic changes (mutations) were discovered in the MSH3 gene on chromosome 5.

Proof of causes is like a trial based on circumstantial evidence

"The challenge is proving the causal connection between the mutations in this gene and the disease," says Prof. Aretz. The process is similar to that of a trial based on circumstantial evidence. Family members also play a role here: The siblings with the disease have to have these same MSH3 mutations as the patient who was first examined, but not the healthy relatives. That was the case. In addition, the scientists investigated the consequences for patients resulting from the loss of function of the MSH3 gene. "It involves a gene for the repair of the genetic material," reports Dr. Ronja Adam, one of the two lead authors from Prof. Aretz's team. "The mutations cause the MSH3 protein to not be formed." Since the protein is missing in the cell nucleus of the patients tissues, there is an accumulation of genetic defects. The mutations which are not repaired then predispose to the more frequent occurrence of polyps in the colon.

The newly discovered type of polyposis, in contrast to many other forms of hereditary colon cancer, is not inherited dominantly, but instead recessively. "This means that siblings have a 25 percent chance of developing the disease; however, the parents and children of affected persons only have a very low risk of developing the disease," explains Dr. Isabel Spier from the Institute of Human Genetics, who was also very involved in the study.

Opportunities for better diagnoses and new drugs

The annual colonoscopy is the most effective cancer screening method for polyposis patients. As a result, the development of colon cancer can be effectively prevented. By investigating the MSH3 gene, a clear diagnosis can be made prospectively in some other, previously unexplained polyposis cases. Afterwards, healthy persons at risk in the family can be tested for the mutations. "Only proven carriers would need to take part in the intensive surveillance program," says the human geneticist. In addition, science would gain new insights into the development and biological foundations of tumors through the identification of mutations in the MSH3 gene. Prof. Aretz: "The knowledge about molecular mechanisms which lead to cancer is also a precondition for the development of new targeted drugs."

###

Publication: Exome sequencing identifies biallelic MSH3 germline mutations as recessive subtype of colorectal adenomatous polyposis, The American Journal of Human Genetics, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.06.015

Media contact information:

Prof. Dr. Stefan Aretz

Institute of Human Genetics

Biomedical Center

University Hospital Bonn

Tel. ++49-228-28751009

E-Mail: stefan.aretz@uni-bonn.de
New research from the University of British Columbia suggests evolution is a driving mechanism behind plant migration, and that scientists may be underestimating how quickly species can move.

The study, published today in the journal Science, builds on previous research that has shown some plants and animals are moving farther north or to higher altitudes in an effort to escape rising global average temperatures due to climate change.

"We know from previous research that evolution might play a role in how fast a species can move across a region or continent," said Jennifer Williams, the study's lead author and an assistant professor in UBC's department of geography. "But what our study suggests is that evolution is not only a factor in movement, but that it can, in fact, accelerate the spread, and can do so predictably."

For the study, researchers used a small flowering plant (Arabidopsis thaliana), a common model organism in plant biology, to test the role of evolution in plant migration. Individual plants with different traits were cultivated together to create two sets of populations, one in which evolution was acting and another in which evolution was stopped.

They found that, after six generations, evolving plant populations dispersed seeds and migrated 11 per cent farther than non-evolving populations in landscapes with favourable conditions. Meanwhile, in landscapes where conditions were more challenging for the plants to disperse seeds, the evolving plant populations spread 200 per cent farther.

The findings suggest that evolution accelerates the speed of migration, said Williams.

However, more research is needed to determine why the researchers saw a larger effect of evolution under the more challenging conditions, which in this case increased the speed of movement.

"We know, for example, that there are some species of butterflies and plants that are expanding their ranges with climate change and moving north or up in elevation," she said. "What our results suggest is that, with evolution, the species can move faster and faster because the traits that make them better at moving are becoming more common at the front of the invasion. In the case of our plants, in the evolving populations, their seeds can disperse a bit further."

Williams said the findings underscore the importance for scientists to account for evolutionary change when predicting how quickly native species will be able to move as the Earth's climate continues to warm.

###

The study was co-authored by Bruce Kendall of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Jonathan Levine of the ETH Zurich.
New research on the financial practices surrounding a 'wonder drug' with a more than 90% cure rate for hepatitis C - a blood-borne infection that damages the liver over many years - shows how this medical breakthrough, developed with the help of public funding, was acquired by a major pharmaceutical company following a late-stage bidding war.

The research shows how that company more than doubled the drug's price over original pricing estimates, calculating "how much health systems could bear" according to researchers, and channelled billions of dollars in profits into buying its own shares rather than funding further research.

In this way, the company, Gilead Sciences, passed significant rewards on to shareholders while charging public health services in the US up to $86k per patient, and NHS England almost 35k per patient, for a three month course of the drug.

The high prices have contributed to a rationing effect: many public systems across the US and Europe treat only the sickest patients with the new drug, despite its extraordinary cure rate, and the fact that earlier treatment of an infectious disease gives it less opportunity to spread.

Gilead's strategy of acquisitions and buybacks is an example of an industry-wide pattern, say the researchers. Many big pharmaceutical companies now rely on innovation emerging from public institutes, universities, and venture-capital supported start-ups - acquiring the most promising drug compounds once there is a level of "certainty", rather than investing in their own internal research and development.

The researchers, from Cambridge University's Department of Sociology, say this effectively leaves the public "paying twice": firstly for the initial research, and then for patent-protected high priced medications. A summary of their research has been commissioned by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and is published today.

"Large pharmaceutical companies rarely take a drug from early stage research all the way to patients. They often operate as regulatory and acquisition specialists, returning most of the subsequent profits to shareholders and keeping some to make further acquisitions," said lead researcher Victor Roy, a Cambridge Gates Scholar.

The study's senior author, Prof Lawrence King, said: "Drug research involves trial and error, and can take years to bear fruit - too long for companies that need to show the promise of annual growth to investors, so acquisitions are often the best way to generate this growth."

There are an estimated 150 million people worldwide chronically infected with hepatitis C. It disproportionately affects vulnerable groups such as drug users and HIV sufferers, and can ultimately lead to liver failure through cirrhosis if left untreated.

Roy and King's article tells the story of the curative drug Sofosbuvir. The compound was developed by a start-up that emerged from an Emory-based laboratory that received funding from the US National Institutes of Health and the US Veterans Administration.

The start-up, Pharmasset, eventually raised private funding to develop sofosbuvir. When Phase II trials proved more promising than Gilead's in-house hepatitis C prospects, it acquired Pharmasset for $11bn following a bidding war - the final weeks of which saw Pharmasset's valuation rocket by nearly 40%.

"The cost of this late stage arms race for revenues has become part of the industry justification for high drug prices," write Roy and King.

Once Sofosbuvir was market-ready in 2013, Gilead set a price of $84k. A US Senate investigation later revealed that Pharmasset had initially considered a price of $36k.

By the first quarter of 2016, Gilead had accumulated over $35bn in revenue from hepatitis C medicines in a little over two years - nearly 40 times Gilead and Pharmasset's combined reported costs for developing the medicines.

Last year, Gilead announced that a lion's share of those profits - some $27bn - will go towards 'share buybacks': purchasing its own shares to increase the value of the remaining ones for shareholders. By contrast, between 2013 and 2015 Gilead increased research investment by $0.9bn to $3bn total.

"Share buybacks are a financial manoeuvre that emerged during the early 1980s due to a change in rules for corporations by the Reagan administration. The financial community now expects companies to reward shareholders with buybacks, but directing profit into buybacks can mean cannibalising innovation," said Roy.

A further example they cite is that of Merck, who spent $8.4bn in 2014 to acquire a drug developer specialising in staph infections. The next year they closed the developer's early stage research unit, laying off 120 staff. Three weeks after that, Merck announced an extra $10bn in share buybacks.

In the BMJ article, the researchers set out a number of suggestions to counter the consequences of the current financial model. These include giving health systems greater bargaining power to negotiate deals for breakthrough treatments, and limiting share buybacks.

Roy and King also highlight a possible future model that uses a mix of grants and major milestone prizes to "push" and "pull" promising therapies into wider application, and, crucially, uncouples drug prices from supposed development costs, including those added by shareholder expectations. They write that this approach may be attempted for areas of major public health concern.

"The treatments for Hepatitis C may portend a future of expensive therapies for Alzheimer's to many cancers to HIV/AIDS. Health systems and patients could face growing financial challenges," said King.

"We need to recognise what current business models around drug development might mean for this future."

###
Researchers at the University of Kent are arguing that creativity and intermedial languages can be used as a bridge to communicate with autistic children

Researchers at the University of Kent are arguing that creativity and intermedial languages can be used as a bridge to communicate with autistic children.

In a joint article, Material voices: intermediality and autism in the journal Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, Dr Melissa Trimingham and Professor Nicola Shaughnessy of the University's School of Arts say autism continues to be regarded as a community that is difficult to access due to 'perceived disruptions of interpersonal connectedness'. Researchers engage the children in an all-surrounding drama experience using lights, sound, puppets and masked characters, where children are free to play and respond, drawing out eye contact, speech and shared play.

Their pioneering research using drama with autistic children started with an Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project 'Imagining Autism: Drama, Performance and Intermediality as Interventions for Autistic Spectrum Conditions' (2011-2014) working in special schools and has now extended to working with families. The project aims to help the whole family through teaching them new play skills using drama and puppetry, multi-sensory materials and even comedy to help with challenging behaviour. The family programme developed from workshops with teachers and carers in NAS (National Autistic Society) schools and was funded by the University of Kent.

The writers are parents of autistic children themselves and have personal experience of family life with autism. Through detailed observations of two children, they demonstrate how 'intermediality' unlocked some of the many and various languages autistic children use, facilitating their self-awareness.

They argue for wider use of creative 'material' languages such as puppetry, costumes, projection, microphones, lights and sound in play as a bridge between the lived experience of autism and practices of education and care.

###

For further information or interview requests contact Sandy Fleming at the University of Kent Press Office.

Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879

Email: S.Fleming@kent.ac.uk

News releases can also be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/news

University of Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UniKent

Notes to editors

Established in 1965, the University of Kent - the UK's European university - now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.

It has been ranked: third for overall student satisfaction in the 2014 National Student Survey; 23rd in the Guardian University Guide 2016; 23rd in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2016; and 22nd in the Complete University Guide 2015.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016.

Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality.

Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium (http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/partnerships/eastern-arc.html).

The University is worth 0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes 293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals.

In 2014, Kent received its second Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
Research led by a University of Oregon doctoral student finds clues off Washington coast that challenge a long-held notion of what moves what deep under the sea

EUGENE, Ore. -- July 28, 2016 -- Deep down below us is a tug of war moving at less than the speed of growing fingernails. Keeping your balance is not a concern, but how the movement happens has been debated among geologists.

New findings from under the Pacific Northwest Coast by University of Oregon and University of Washington scientists now suggest a solution to a mystery that surfaced when the theory of plate tectonics arose: Do the plates move the mantle, or does the mantle move the plates.

The separation of tectonic plates, the researchers proposed in a paper online ahead of print in the journal Nature Geoscience, is not simply dictating the flow of the gooey, lubricating molten material of the mantle. The mantle, they argue, is actually fighting back, flowing in a manner that drives a reorientation of the direction of the plates.

The new idea is based on seismic imaging of the Endeavor segment of the Juan de Fuca Plate in the Pacific Ocean off Washington and on data from previous research on similar ridges in the mid-Pacific and mid-Atlantic oceans.

"Comparing seismic measurements of the present mantle flow direction to the recent movements of tectonic plates, we find that the mantle is flowing in a direction that is ahead of recent changes in plate motion," said UO doctoral student Brandon P. VanderBeek, the paper's lead author. "This contradicts the traditional view that plates move the mantle."

While the new conclusion is based on a fraction of such sites under the world's oceans, a consistent pattern was present, VanderBeek said. At the three sites, the mantle's flow is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise rather than in the directions of the separating plates. The mantle's flow, the researchers concluded, may be responsible for past and possibly current changes in plate motion.

The research -- funded through National Science Foundation grants to the two institutions - also explored how the supply of magma varies under mid-ocean ridge volcanoes. The researchers conducted a seismic experiment to see how seismic waves moved through the shallow mantle below the Endeavor segment.

They found that the middle of the volcanic segment, where the seafloor is shallowest and the inferred volcanic activity greatest, the underlying mantle magma reservoir is relatively small. The ends, however, are much deeper with larger volumes of mantle magma pooling below them because there are no easy routes for it to travel through the material above it.

Traditional thinking had said there would be less magma under the deep ends of such segments, known as discontinuities.

"We found the opposite," VanderBeek said. "The biggest volumes of magma that we believe we have found are located beneath the deepest portions of the ridges, at the segment ends. Under the shallow centers, there is much less melt, about half as much, at this particular ridge that we investigated.

"Our idea is that the ultimate control on where you have magma beneath these mountain ranges is where you can and cannot take it out," he said. "At the ends, we think, the plate rips apart much more diffusely, so you are not creating pathways for magma to move, build mountains and allow for an eruption."

###

Co-authors of the paper were Douglas R. Toomey and Emilie Hooft, both of the UO's Department of Earth Sciences, and William S.D. Wilcock of the University of Washington's School of Oceanography.

The team's paper in Nature Geoscience was the focus of a companion "news & views" article titled "Delayed response to mantle pull."

Source: Brandon P. VanderBeek, doctoral student, UO Department of Earth Sciences, brandonv@uoregon.edu

Note: The UO is equipped with an on-campus television studio with a point-of-origin Vyvx connection, which provides broadcast-quality video to networks worldwide via fiber optic network. There also is video access to satellite uplink and audio access to an ISDN codec for broadcast-quality radio interviews.

Links:

Paper abstract: http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ngeo2745.html

Companion article: http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ngeo2746.html

VanderBeek webpage: http://geology.uoregon.edu/profile/brandonv/

Department of Earth Sciences: http://geology.uoregon.edu
The world's protected areas do benefit a broad range of species - scientists from a collaborative research project led by the University of Sussex have discovered for the first-time.

The study, carried out by the University of Sussex working together with the Natural History Museum and the UN Environment Programme's World Conservation Monitoring Centre, is the largest ever analysis of globally protected areas.

By analysing biodiversity samples taken from 1,939 sites inside and 4,592 sites outside 359 protected areas, scientists have discovered the protected area samples contain 15 percent more individuals and 11 percent more species compared to samples from unprotected sites.

The research was carried out by using a new global biodiversity database (the PREDICTS database) which contains data for approximately over one percent of all known species and spans 48 countries and 101 ecoregions - the most comprehensive biodiversity sample of terrestrial protected areas to ever be examined.

Co-lead author of the study, Dr Claudia Gray, from the University of Sussex said: "Previously, regional or global studies of protected areas have mostly used information from satellite photos, to look at changes in forest cover. Instead, we used a particularly exciting new dataset, which brings together information collected on the ground by hundreds of scientists all over the world.

"We have been able to show for the first-time how protection effects thousands of species, including plants, mammals, birds and insects. This has provided us with important insights into these areas - which previous studies were not able to do."

From the study, scientists also discovered protection is most effective when human use of land for crops, pasture and plantations is minimised. The results suggest that better management across the existing protected area network could more than double its effectiveness.

Dr Jorn Scharlemann, from the University of Sussex, said: "Protected areas are widely considered essential for biodiversity conservation, but our results show for the first-time that they do actually benefit a wide range of species.

"Our results reinforce recent commitments by governments for increased support and recognition of the importance of protected areas worldwide.

"We cannot deny the global importance of these areas and we must ensure that governments across the world recognise their significance and work to improve their effectiveness.

"Protected areas do not currently benefit all species - but what we have shown in our study is they have the potential to help us conserve some of the most biodiverse areas on Earth - which is why they vitally need increased global support."

Prof Andy Purvis, one of the paper's authors from the Natural History Museum, said: "This study shows how important questions in conservation biology can be tackled by joining forces. Hundreds of scientists from dozens of countries have generously shared their hard-earned data with us. Each one of those data sets is like a piece of a jigsaw: the overall picture only becomes clear when you have all the pieces and can put them together."

Dr Samantha Hill from the UN Environment Programme's World Conservation Monitoring Centre, said: "Humanity faces difficult decisions as to how best to protect biodiversity while providing for the needs of our ever-growing population. This study provides new understanding into the biodiversity found at the intersection of protected areas and human land-uses.

"This research relied upon the data collated in the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) - the most complete dataset detailing the world's terrestrial and marine protected areas. The WDPA is a joint product of the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and made publicly-available by the UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre at http://www.protectedplanet.net."

###

The Paper entitled, "Local biodiversity is higher inside than outside terrestrial protected areas worldwide" is published in Nature Communications at 10:00am GMT on Thursday 28th July 2016 and once published be found here http://nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/NCOMMS12306

MEDIA RELATIONS

Communications and External Affairs | University of Sussex | Sussex House | Brighton BN1 9RH | United Kingdom

T +44 (0)1273 678888 | press@sussex.ac.uk

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/newsandevents

Notes to Editors:

The University of Sussex's School of Life Sciences is one of the largest academic schools at the University of Sussex. With 96 per cent of its research rated as world leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised (REF 2014), it is among the leading research hubs for the biological sciences in the UK. The School is home to a number of prestigious research centres including the Genome Damage and Stability Centre (GDSC) and the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, where academics work with industry to translate scientific advances into real-world benefits for patients. The School is one of the partners of the Sussex Sustainable Research Programme, a new strategic initiative between the University of Sussex and the Institute of Development Studies which aims to support the sustainability of life on Earth through rigorous interdisciplinary research which stimulates action and influences policy. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ssrp/index

The Natural History Museum in London welcomes more than five million visitors a year and is also a world-leading science research centre. Through its unique collection and unrivalled expertise it is tackling the biggest challenges facing the world today. It helps enable food security, eradicate disease and manage resource scarcity. It is studying the diversity of life and the delicate balance of ecosystems to ensure the survival of our planet. For more information go to http://www.nhm.ac.uk

The UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge is the specialist biodiversity assessment centre of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the world's foremost intergovernmental environmental organisation. The Centre has been in operation for over 30 years, combining scientific research with practical policy advice, and houses the World Database on Protected Areas. http://www.unep-wcmc.org

Additional research bodies involved in this research paper include: Imperial College London, Swansea University in the UK, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia.

This work was funded by the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex and the UK's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). This is a contribution from the Imperial College Grand Challenges in Ecosystem and the Environment Initiative, and the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme.
Variations in the ability of sand particles kicked into the atmosphere from deserts in the Middle East to absorb heat can change the intensity of the Indian Summer Monsoon, according to new research from The University of Texas at Austin.

The research was published July 28 in Scientific Reports, an open access journal from the publishers of Nature.

The Indian monsoon is a period of intense rainfall that more than a billion people rely on to bring rains to farmland. The results of the study could help improve monsoon prediction models, which usually use a constant value for sand particles' heat-absorbing ability. Because the absorbing ability varies greatly with region and time, assigning a constant heat-absorbing ability for the particles tends to underestimate the impact that absorbed heat can have on the monsoon system, the authors said.

The study was led by Qinjian Jin, a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who conducted the research while earning his Ph.D. at The University of Texas at Austin's Jackson School of Geosciences. He collaborated with Zong-Liang Yang, a professor in the Jackson School's Department of Geological Sciences, and Jiangfeng Wei, a research scientist in the department.

The deserts of the Middle East are a large source of "mineral dust," small particles of sand that are brought into the atmosphere by wind and thermals. Once in the atmosphere, the dust can heat parts of the atmosphere by absorbing energy from sunlight.

The researchers found that mineral dust that originates in the Middle East can strengthen the Indian Summer Monsoon by heating the atmosphere above the Iranian Plateau and the Arabian Sea. But the dust's ability to absorb heat affected how much the dust influenced the monsoon. Dust that absorbed heat more efficiently was linked with increases in monsoon rainfall.

"The heating ability of dust aerosols largely determines how the monsoon responds to dust," Jin said.

The researchers examined the impact of mineral dust on monsoon strength by creating seven high-resolution computer simulations that varied the heat absorption of the mineral dust.

The Indian Summer Monsoon accounts for up to 80 percent of the annual rainfall in the Indian subcontinent. Increasing the strength of the monsoon can lead to flooding that can cause massive losses in life and crops. Jin said that for climate models to accurately capture monsoon behavior, they must account for the variability in mineral dust's heat absorption.

"This heating is represented in very different ways in different climate models, and is one of the factors responsible for inconsistency of climate model results," Jin said. "This study addresses the necessity for developing a new method to represent dust heating in climate models."

While this study focused on mineral dust's heat-absorption abilities, Jin said he is planning future research on how the dust particles can influence climate by changing cloud formation and behavior.

"Dust particles have been shown to be efficient ice nuclei, which may influence the monsoon by changing clouds' properties," Jin said.

Future research also needs to consider other dust processes, such as the surface erodibility of different dust source regions and how dust enters into the atmosphere, both of which have been studied by Yang and his other collaborators.

"Ultimately, this integrated research will improve our understanding of complex dust-monsoon interactions," Yang said.

###

The study was funded by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the Jackson School of Geosciences.
A new acoustic buoy recently deployed by scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and WCS's (Wildlife Conservation Society) New York Aquarium to listen for some of the world's biggest animals in the New York Bight has detected its first whale species, and it's a really big one.

Fixed in position some 22 miles south of Fire Island and fitted with a digital acoustic monitoring instrument, the hi-tech buoy is now operational and has detected the vocalizations of fin whales, enormous marine mammals second in size only to the blue whale, the largest animal species on earth. The first whale detection was made on Monday, July 4th, only 12 days after the buoy was placed in its current position on June 23rd.

Since that time, the buoy has made several fin whale detections; the most recent vocalizations were detected yesterday (July 27th) and today.

"It's incredibly exciting that the buoy is working well and we're hearing whales already," said WHOI's Dr. Mark Baumgartner, co-lead of the joint WCS New York Aquarium-WHOI project, who developed the software used by the acoustic instrument and led the integration of the instrument into the buoy. "Now we can focus on learning when and how often different whales visit the busy waters of the New York Bight over the coming year."

"After years of planning, it's great that we're now in the water and receiving our first data -detections of fin whale vocalizations from the buoy over many days in the last few weeks," said Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, Director of WCS's Ocean Giants Program and co-lead of the WCS New York Aquarium-WHOI project. "By detecting whales in this area, we will get a much better understanding of how they are using the waters off New York and how to better protect them."

Fin whales were commercially hunted for much of the 20th century, and as a result are endangered today. Only around 1500 animals inhabit the waters of the U.S. east coast and according to government reports, they suffer from high rates of mortality from fishing gear entanglements and ship strikes.

Growing up to 70 feet in length and weighing as many tons, the fin whale is a somewhat common denizen of the waters of the New York Bight. The whale is characterized by its streamlined shape, a prominent dorsal fin located about two-thirds down its long back, and a tall spout. A fin whale calf can be up to 20 feet long at birth.

The fin whale is the world's only mammal with a consistently asymmetrical coloration; every individual fin whale has a cream or white colored lower right jaw while the lower left jaw is dark. The fin whale also has one of the lowest voices on Earth; the infrasonic sound can only be heard by human ears when sped up several times.

Dr. Artie Kopelman, President of the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), an organization that has been studying cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) of the New York Bight for more than two decades from whale-watching vessels, said: "Data from the new acoustic buoy platform will undoubtedly complement sighting information on these and other marine mammals in New York waters and hopefully inform management decisions on this and other cetacean species."

As time progresses, scientists expect the buoy to detect other whale species, including the humpback whale, a frequently observed species on whale watch cruises, and the North Atlantic right whale, one of the most endangered whale species on the planet with a total population of fewer than 500 individuals. Information about the detected whale sounds are being collected by the buoy's acoustic instrument and transmitted to Baumgartner's laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts via an Iridium satellite where they are reviewed and posted on a publically accessible website.

"We're excited to share this discovery with the residents of New York City and to help promote a better awareness of these marine mammals in the region," said Jon Forrest Dohlin, Vice President and Director of WCS's New York Aquarium. "The acoustic buoy will help us monitor the whales and learn more about their needs. New Yorkers can now share in that process of discovery and conservation."

###

The acoustic buoy project is supported by the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation.

To speak with Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, please contact John Delaney at 718-220-3275 (jdelaney@wcs.org). To speak with Dr. Mark Baumgartner, please contact the WHOI Media Office, 508-289-3340 (media@whoi.edu).

WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society)

MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations and in all the world's oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: 347-840-1242.

Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium is open every day of the year. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Fall/winter/spring hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. Tickets are $11.95 per person (ages 3 & up), and include Aquarium admission plus one admission to the new 4-D Theater; children age 2 and under are admitted free. Fridays after 4 p.m. in the summer and after 3 p.m. in the fall, Aquarium admission is by pay-what-you-wish donation. The aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street in Coney Island. The New York Aquarium is located on property owned by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at http://www.nyaquarium.com. Now is the perfect time to visit and show support for the WCS New York Aquarium, a beloved part of Brooklyn and all of the City of New York. Due to Hurricane Sandy we are partially opened. Check our website for more information. http://www.nyaquarium.com.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Mass., dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930 on a recommendation from the National Academy of Sciences, its primary mission is to understand the ocean and its interaction with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate a basic understanding of the ocean's role in the changing global environment. For more information, please visit http://www.whoi.edu.

Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a Web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to wcs.org.




An "Eugenic" loophole Amendment, which might expose to Dangers reminiscent of "3rd Reich's" notorious Genetic Abuses, hidden at the last minute inside an otherwise Good, larger Health policy Package scheduled to be voted on Thursday, was strongly denounced by a coalition of MEPs from various Political Groups and Countries, in a Press Conference held this afternoon at EU Parliament in Strasbourg.



Mainly calling to "Select Human Embryos", via "Genetic Counselling" and "pre-implantation" Techniques including "Genetic Tests", in order to "Eradicate Hereditary rare Diseases", it might open ways to Dangerous Practices in Future, they denounced in substance.



But they also made it clear that a much larger Report inside which this Controversial Amendment "No 15" was added in dubious circumstances, officialy destinated to struggle against "Rare Diseases", and drafted by Professor Antonios Trakatellis, was otherwise "an Excellent Report", aiming at a "completely Uncontroversial target" of Health policy on which "all MEPs and Experts are united, believing that Europe should act" to protect People's Health (See "EuroFora"'s earlier News).

The controversy came at a particularly delicate moment for the EU in relation to Citizens, at the eve of June 2009 EU Elections, and shortly before Ireland re-votes for "Lisbon Treaty"..

- Denouncing risks of "an Eugenic demand, very similar to what we had during the 3rd Reich in Germany, but now coming from some Scientisists themselves", German ChristianDemocrat/EPP MEP Dr. Peter Liese stressed that critical MEPs were against "Eugenic" engineering with "Selection of Human Embryos", and anything which might ultimately lead up to to a "Selection of Human Race". It doesn't help to "eradicate" Human Lives, he added.



Several Experts and NGOs expressed "Deep Concern", as f;ex. DR M.C. Cornel of the "European Society of Human Genetics", which stressed, on this occasion, that "the importance of Non-Directiveness in Reproductive issues is a Central characteristic of Human Genetics, after the Atrocities committed in the name of Genetics in the first half or the 20th Century".



- "This is completely Unacceptable", stressed Italian Liberal MEP Vittorio Prodi, on the Controversial Amendment, also because pushes to "eliminate early Human Life", as he noted.



- "This opens a Dangerous Road, rather a Motorway", denounced Danish MEP Mrs Margrette Auken, from the "Greens", observing that various similar attempts were made in the Past "not only in Germany, but also in several other Countries, "even at the 1970ies", "f.ex. on forced Sterilisation of Roma" People, and other criticisable situations f.ex. in the UK, in Sweden, etc. as she said.



+ Other NGOs, as f.ex. "LebenHilfe" from Berlin, added that, among various other Risks, could also be that, by exploiting the pre-implantation Genetic Diagnostics and the Selection of "healthy" Embryos, some may "propagate" several "Eugenic" aims, starting f.ex. by pushing to eradicate Human Livies which might "Cost too much" to preserve, ultimately exposing to dangers reminiscent of the "3rd Reich"'s atrocious abuses.



In consequence, ChristianDemocrats/EPP and "Green" MEPs "decided by Majority to vote against" this Controversial Amendment, anounced to Journalists the 5 MEPs who participated in the Press Conference, representing a wide spectrum, from Liberals to "Greens" and ChristianDemocrats, and from Hungary, Italy, Germany and Danemark up to Ireland (Gay Mitchell), etc.

----------------------------------

Hungarian ChristianDemocrat MEP Laszlo Surjan said "that it was "Suddenly, at the End of the Procedure" in Committee, that "appeared this (Controversial) Amendment, which has nothing to do" with the main purpose of the Report, on which all agreed.



He denounced an "Unhonest" move, and called to "avoid this kind of unacceptable situations". Nobody should "Select People", Surjan stressed.



- "We (MEPs) had No Chance to Discuss" this last-minute Amendment earlier added at a Committee's level, said German MEP Peter Liese



Speaking to "EuroFora", Dr. Liese, the Spokesman of the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Group in EU Parliament, said that MEPs didn't oppose other references of the Report f.ex. on "Genetic Tests", because they were "no proposals" to impose them, while, on the contrary, there was "a Problem" if anyone attempted to "impose" f.ex. this or that Genetic Technique and "Genetic Counselling", etc. to the People on human reproduction.

-------------

The precise Text :

-----------------

Controversial parts of Amendment No 15 ask mainly "to lead finally to the Eradication" of "Hereditary" "rare diseases", "through Genetic Counselling .., and ..pre-Implantation Selection of healthy Embryos".



But EU Rapporteur Professor Trakatellis, said to "EuroFora" that fears should be alleviated by Guarantees that all this should be done only "where appropriate", when it's "not contrary to existing National Law", and "always on a Voluntary basis", according to other Parts of the Amendment.



He stressed that the main aim was to allow "a free and informed choice of persons involved", without imposing them anything : - "It's not an obligatory, but advisary" text, he said.



To make that point clear, he was ready, in agreement with many MEPs, to eventually drop at least that part of the controversial Amendment which initially called for "efforts to ..lead finally to the Eradication of those rare diseases" "which are Hereditary".



But, until late Wednesday evening, reportedly together with many other MEPs, he stood by all the rest of the controversial Amendment, (fex. on the "Genetic Counselling" and the "pre-implantation Selection of healthy Embryos"), so that critical MEPs, going from ChristianDemocrats as Dr. Liese, to "Greens" or "Ind/Dem", observed to "EuroFora" that "this was not enough" to close the dangerous loophole.



Particularly since, as Professor Trakatellis noted himself, "this is already allowed to the U.K.", and "other National Legislations would probably follow, sooner or later" in a similar direction. As for a general call to "Eradicate Hereditary rare Diseases", this "should happen, at any case, in practice, de facto", to protect public Health.

On the contrary, "our goal should be to help patients suffering from rare diseases, not to eradicate the patients. In case of genetic disease risk, the decision should not be guided by scenarios" made by politicians. "Perents who may decide to accept a child, even if handicapped or with genetic disease, must be respected and supported with solidarity", critical MEPs stated.

- "Any Pressure" to "a patient or couple (who "should be able to make an informed choice consistent with their own values"),"from health Professionals, Public Health Policies or Governemental Institutions, or Society at large, should be avoided", stresses the "European Society for Human Genetics".

----------------------------------

Each MEP's vote will be registered !

-----------------------------------

The Socialist Group requested a "Split vote" on the Amendment 15, first without, and afterwards with the words "lead finally to the Eradication" etc.



But the first "split vote" leaves intact all the other parts of the Controversial Amendment, (i.e. "Genetic Counselling", "Selection of healthy Embryos", etc).



That's why, 3 Groups of MEPs : ChristianDemocrats/EPP, "Greens/EFA", and "Ind/Dem", have asked for "Roll Call Votes", on everything regarding the Controversial Amendment No 15, and on the final outcome of the resulting Report as amended, which will register all the individual positions to be taken by each MEP.

Something which will obviously make each MEP think twice before voting for one or another choice, to be sure that he/she will make the right choice in front of EU Citizens, particularly at these pre-Election times...



Crucial Votes were scheduled between 12 Noon and 1 p.m. local Strasbourg time, in the middle of a long series of various other Reports, and after a long Public Debate on the larger Health policy package, from 9 to 11.50 am.

The specific Report inside which was hidden the controversial Amendment is due to be debated between 11 and 12 am.



So that more last-minute Surprises may not be excluded a priori...



Particularly at the present Historic moment, when even the Institutional Future of the EU depends on the result of a second Referendum on "Lisbon Treaty", later this year, in ...Ireland, a mainly Catholic country, where People are particularly sensitive in such kind of socio-cultural and values issues...



***

(Draft due to be updated).

***




Authors note: The following is Section 2.3 of my new book Christianity for Doubters. As the title indicates, much of this book (Chapters 3-6) is explicitly theological, but the first two chapters are about intelligent design. References for quotations are of course given in the book. Used by permission of Wipf and Stock Publishers.

The idea that the survival of the fittest could produce all the magnificent species on Earth, and human brains and human consciousness, is so unreasonable  how did such an idea ever become so widely accepted in the scientific world? There are two reasons.

First, science has been so successful explaining other phenomena in Nature that  understandably  todays scientist has come to expect that nothing can escape the explanatory power of his science. And Darwinism, as far-fetched as it is, is the best scientific theory he can come up with for evolution. As microbiologist Rene Dubos puts it in The Torch of Life, [Darwinisms] real strength is that however implausible it may appear to its opponents, they do not have a more plausible one to offer in its place. But we have already seen why evolution is a very different and much more difficult problem than others solved by science, and why it requires a very different type of explanation.

Second, for most modern minds, the similarities between species not only prove common descent, they prove that evolution was the result of entirely natural causes, even in the absence of any evidence that natural selection can explain the major steps of evolution. The argument is basically, This doesnt look like the way God would have created things, an argument used frequently by Darwin in the Origin of Species. But if the history of life does not give the appearance of creation by magic wand, it does look very much like the way we humans create things, through testing and improvements.

In fact, the fossil record does not even support the idea that new organs and new systems of organs arose gradually. Instead, new orders, classes, and phyla consistently appear suddenly. For example, Harvard paleontologist George Gaylord Simpson writes:

It is a feature of the known fossil record that most taxa appear abruptly. They are not, as a rule, led up to by a sequence of almost imperceptibly changing forerunners such as Darwin believed should be usual in evolution. This phenomenon becomes more universal and more intense as the hierarchy of categories is ascended. Gaps among known species are sporadic and often small. Gaps among known orders, classes and phyla are systematic and almost always large. These peculiarities of the record pose one of the most important theoretical problems in the whole history of life: Is the sudden appearance of higher categories a phenomenon of evolution or of the record only, due to sampling bias and other inadequacies?

Actually, if we did see the gradual development of new orders, classes and phyla, that would be as difficult to explain using natural selection as their sudden appearance. How could natural selection guide the development of the new organs and entire new systems of interdependent organs which gave rise to new orders, classes, and phyla, through their initial useless stages, during which they provide no selective advantage? French biologist Jean Rostand, in A Biologists View, wrote:

It does not seem strictly impossible that mutations should have introduced into the animal kingdom the differences which exist between one species and the next [H]ence it is very tempting to lay also at their door the differences between classes, families and orders, and, in short, the whole of evolution. But it is obvious that such an extrapolation involves the gratuitous attribution to the mutations of the past of a magnitude and power of innovation much greater than is shown by those of today.

Rostand says, nevertheless, However obscure the causes of evolution appear to me to be, I do not doubt for a moment that they are entirely natural.

We see this same pattern, of large gaps where major new features appear, in the history of human technology. (And in software development, as discussed in my Mathematical Intelligencer article A Mathematicians View of Evolution.) For example, if some future paleontologist were to unearth two species of Volkswagens, he might find it plausible that one evolved gradually from the other. He might find the lack of gradual transitions between automobile families more problematic, for example, in the transition from mechanical to hydraulic brake systems, or from manual to automatic transmissions, or from steam engines to internal combustion engines. But if he thought about what gradual transitions would look like, he would understand why they didnt exist: There is no way to transition gradually from a steam engine to an internal combustion engine, for example, without the development of new, but not yet useful, features. He would be even more puzzled by the huge differences between the bicycle and motor vehicle phyla, or between the boat and airplane phyla. But heaven help us when he uncovers motorcycles and hovercraft, the discovery of these missing links would be hailed in all our newspapers as final proof that all forms of transportation arose gradually from a common ancestor, without design.

The similarities between the history of life and the history of technology go even deeper. Although the similarities between species in the same branch of the evolutionary tree may suggest common descent, similarities (even genetic similarities) also frequently arise independently in distant branches, where they cannot be explained by common descent. For example, in their Nature Encyclopedia of Life Sciences article on carnivorous plants, Wolf-Ekkehard Lonnig and Heinz-Albert Becker note that

carnivory in plants must have arisen several times independently of each other the pitchers might have arisen seven times separately, adhesive traps at least four times, snap traps two times and suction traps possibly also two times. The independent origin of complex synorganized structures, which are often anatomically and physiologically very similar to each other, appears to be intrinsically unlikely to many authors so that they have tried to avoid the hypothesis of convergence as far as possible.

Convergence suggests common design rather than common descent: the probability of similar designs arising independently through random processes is very small, but a designer could, of course, take a good design and apply it several times in different places, to unrelated species. Convergence is a phenomenon often seen in the development of human technology. For example, Ford automobiles and Boeing jets may simultaneously evolve similar new GPS systems.

So if the history of life looks like the way humans, the only other known intelligent beings in the universe, design things  through careful planning, testing, and improvements  why is that an argument against design? Somehow we got the idea that natures designer shouldnt need to get involved in the details, and so should be able to create anything from scratch, using a magic wand. But no matter how intelligent a designer is, he still has to get involved in the details  thats what design is!

Some people counter by saying that of course cars cannot evolve like animals, because they cannot reproduce, so there are no variations for natural selection to work with. But the main point here is not about natural selection  it is only that similarities between species (of cars or animals) do not prove the absence of design.

However, even though it is irrelevant to my main point here, lets look at the argument that evolution is easier to explain if there is reproduction. Is that really so? If cars were able to reproduce themselves almost perfectly (the copies even retaining the ability to reproduce themselves!), with occasional minor errors, would that make the evolution of cars easier to explain without design, than if individual cars experienced slight changes or improvements directly, though rust or crashes or other natural causes? We are so used to seeing animals make nearly perfect copies of themselves that we dismiss this as just another natural process; but if we saw cars giving birth to cars, maybe we would realize that this would actually make automobile evolution even more amazing and more difficult to explain without design.

Photo credit:  Dmitry Vereshchagin  stock.adobe.com.
Free will denier Jerry Coyne has a post on the bid for parole of Leslie Van Houten, one of the acolytes of Charles Manson who killed several people in 1969. Coyne argues that parole is reasonable (it was recommended by the parole board and vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown). I take no position on her parole, but Coynes arguments about free will and criminal justice are worth discussing.

Coyne, with my commentary:

Im a determinist about human behavior, which I think is the only rational stance to take if you accept science

If you accept science, you dont accept determinism, which has been ruled out in physics by an ingenious series of experiments over the past several decades. It is the consensus of physicists that nature is non-deterministic, in the sense that there are no local hidden variables. Coynes rejection of the overwhelming evidence that nature is non-deterministic is a rejection of science, just as his denial of free will is a rejection of common sense and reason.

Like all of us, Van Houten was a product of her genes and her environment.

We are free agents, influenced by our genes and our environment, but are free to choose the course of action we take. Determinism is not true, denial of free will is self-refuting (If we are not free to choose, why assume Coynes opinion has any truth value? Its just a chemical reaction, determined by genes and environment), and our intellect and will are immaterial powers of the soul and are inherently free in the libertarian sense of not being determined by matter.

We are not meat robots. If we were meat robots, why would anyone listen to Jerry Coyne?

That does not mean, of course, that she shouldnt have been incarcerated for her crime. There are three reasons why even determinists favor incarceration: protection of society from an unreformed criminal, deterrence for others who see what will happen if they transgress, and reformation of the inmate so that they can be released

There is a fourth reason for incarceration: justice. Notice that Coynes three reasons are principles of animal training  punish and intimidate the animals, and train the miscreant animal to behave differently. Coynes system is appropriate to dogs and cattle.

Justice, which is a principle appropriate to man, presupposes moral culpability, and thus presupposes libertarian free will. Coynes system of human livestock management is not a criminal justice system at all.

Even more disturbing is that Coynes system of human husbandry is entirely compatible with preventative incarceration. After all, if there is no moral culpability, and the purpose of incarceration is to protect society, why not incarcerate people who are likely to commit crimes before they do it? Why wait for the crime, if social control is the objective? If the incarcerated person objects But Im not guilty of anything, the determinist reply is No one is guilty of anything, and therefore no one is innocent. Guilt and innocence are meaningless without moral culpability. Control of behavior is what counts, and your behavior is best controlled by incarceration.

Coynes system is inherently totalitarian. The consequences of it are chilling. Coynes denial of justice as a principle in jurisprudence has precursors in the great totalitarian systems of the 20th century, in which millions of innocents were incarcerated or worse without the determination of any actual guilt, for purposes of social control. Under totalitarianism, there are no innocents. The goal of a totalitarian state is control, not justice.

If Coynes ideas hold sway, the cry of the unjustly imprisoned man this is unjust, because Im innocent will be met with Justice is irrelevant, because without free will, justice is meaningless. Your incarceration serves a social purpose, which is adequate reason for your incarceration. It doesnt matter if youre guilty of committing a crime, because no one is ever guilty. And no one is ever innocent.

The real reason why Van Houten killed is because her genes and her environment left her no alternative. She could not have done otherwise, and I think all of us admit it, even if we believe in some kind of free will thats compatible with determinism But Van Houten did not choose, her own path  not in any meaningful, punishment-worthy way None of us choose our own path, and none of us could have lived a life different from the one we did.

What offensive tripe. Its more insulting to Van Houten to call her an animal without free will  which is implicit in Coynes denial that she is a free agent  than it is to call her a human being who is responsible for committing murder. To hold a person responsible for her actions is to respect her dignity as a human being. Coynes assertion that she is beneath moral culpability is a denial of her humanity.

Of course Van Houten chose to kill, just as millions of law-abiding people choose not to kill. Our choices are always influenced by genes, environment, etc., but that does not mean that we dont choose. A bad upbringing, bad genetics, brain disease, immaturity, ideological dispositions, and a host of other factors can make it easier or harder to choose a certain course of action, but that course of action is still chosen.

In some situations the influences on our choices are so strong that the law declares us not legally responsible for our choices  for example, if we have a psychiatric or neurological disorder that renders us incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. But that does not mean that we did not choose. It means that the law does not hold us accountable for our choice in circumstances in which we cannot understand or comply with the moral standard on which the law is based.

Should Van Houten get parole? I dont know. But justice (tempered with mercy) must be a part of that decision, and it is justice itself that Jerry Coyne denies.

Photo: Statue of Justice, Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London, by Lonpicman (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons.
It is also asked to recall batches of an energy drink product.

Coca Cola Beverages Vietnam Ltd., the Vietnamese subsidiary of U.S. soft drink giant Coca-Cola, has been fined a total of VND433.688 million ($19,186) for violations in production of food supplement.

According to a statement posted Thursday on the website of the Ministry of Health, an inspection conducted by the ministry last month found that three plants of Coca Cola Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi produced food supplement without obtaining any certificate on food hygiene and safety granted by the ministry.

In addition, the ministry also found the content of vitamin B9 (acid folic) in the company's Samurai Strawberry energy drink lower than what it had declared. The ministry ordered Coca Cola Vietnam to recall the batches, which will expire in May 2017.

Coca Cola Vietnam is obliged to pay its fines within 10 days.

In late May this year, URC Hanoi Co. Ltd., the Vietnamese branch of the Filipino food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corporation (URC), was also fined by the health ministry VND5.812 billion ($257,110) for producing and selling products with excessive lead content.

Related News:

> Food safety offenders may face up to 20 years imprisonment

> Da Nang official urges food safety inspectors to get creative

> Agriculture minister apologizes after food safety comments
Intex Technologies has announced Madhuri Dixit as its brand ambassador for its new range of consumer durable products. The famous superstar will endorse the new range of Washing Machines and Refrigerators, which are the latest additions to the already diverse portfolio of Intexs consumer durable products.

The actor has been signed for a period of two years. During this period, Madhuri will be seen in the companys television commercials besides being the face of the company for a series of brand promotions and activations.

Madhuri is one of the finest actors in the country who is known for her commitment and excellence in whatever she does. Her innovative approach towards her work is defined by perfection and style. She is the perfect blend of talent, style and timeless appeal that compliments the legacy of our brand and the product portfolio. We are confident that her tremendous connect with the audience will help us in reaching out to our consumers more effectively, stated Keshav Bansal, Director, Intex Technologies.

Speaking about the association, Dixit, said, It gives me immense pleasure to be associated with Intex Technologies, a brand which is committed to provide stylish and best-in-class products to its consumers at competitive prices. I look forward to being a part of brand Intex and its fascinating growth journey in the country.

We believe Madhuri as a style icon compliments our product range. Her connect with fans and the respect she commands is a testimony of the tremendous success she has achieved through her dedication. We are also dedicated to bring to our consumers products that are stylish, functional and helps them in improving the quality of their lives. We are sure this association will further infuse energy in our brand and help us in consolidating our position, stated Nidhi Markanday, Director & Business Head-Consumer Durables & IT, Intex Technologies.

Intex has always been a firm believer in celebrity brand endorsements as it creates a strong brand recall besides highlighting the products special attributes. In addition to Dixit, Intex already has many other top stars as its brand ambassadors for several other product categories. Currently, for its mobile business, the brand has Farhan Akhtar as the National brand ambassador; Sudeep Sanjeev for Karnataka; Mahesh Babu for Andhra Pradesh & Telangana and Suriya for Tamil Nadu.

Intex Technologies is a 20 year old brand that has grown steadily through the years by providing innovative products and services to consumers across a wide spectrum. The company is present in categories including smartphones, feature phones, wearables, LED Televisions, washing machines, multi-media speakers, IT peripherals and mobile accessories.

Read more news about (marketing news, latest marketing news,internet marketing, marketing India, digital marketing India, media marketing India, advertising news)
Crude oil markets, which had almost doubled from their lows of $26.1 a barrel, are beginning to falter once again. The crude oil price is down more than 13pct from the best levels seen back in June 2016.

Our historical chart above shows the dramatic plunge, equally sharp rise and the most recent downtrend in the crude oil price.

Latest Live Oil Prices in Euro, Pound and US Dollar exchange rates

The oil price in US dollars today is $41.09500. See live rate here.

The oil price in pound sterling today is 31.20680. (live GBP here)

In order to understand the recent fall, we have to look at the reasons, which led to the sharp rally in crude from the lows.

Expectations of a production freeze led the first leg of recovery from the lows

The initial leg of the rally from the lows was driven by expectations of a production freeze by the OPEC nations and Russia.

Though it was a novel idea, it never really met its objective due to the fierce rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Nonetheless, the expectation of a production freeze boosted prices to just above $40 a barrel, by April 17, when the Doha meeting was held.

Though the meeting ended without any agreement, oil prices continued to remain buoyant.

The second leg of the rally was supported by production outages

Iran continued to surprise markets by the pace at which it increased its exports, however, at around the same time, oil markets saw back to back production outages, which quickly tipped the crude markets from excess supply to a deficit.

The strikes in Kuwait, the political turmoil in Venezuela, infighting among opposing factions in Libya, militant attacks in Nigeria and the Canadian wildfires, all ended up removing approximately 3.6 million barrels per day of supply from the markets.

Bulls expected a large drop in US production and high drawdowns on the inventory.

The US production hit its peak in May 2015, and has been on a slide since then. However, the shale oil producers have been more resilient than most experts expected.

Hopes of high crude drawdowns in the summer driving season in the US encouraged the bulls to hold on to their long positions.

What triggered the recent fall in the oil price?

One by one, all the bullish scenarios, which had led to the rise began to crumble.

Forget production freeze, the major oil producers like Russia and OPEC continued to increase production to record levels, which finally convinced the bulls that there can be no freeze, as the major oil producing nations depend on oil revenues for their fiscal budget.

Luckily, the damage from the Canadian wildfires was limited, which helped a speedy resumption of oil production. The Nigerian governments talks with the militants helped Nigeria ramp up production. Similarly, the warring factions in Libya agreed on sharing the oil revenues and promised to raise production.

All this led the production outages to slowly come back on track.

With oil prices topping $50 a barrel, the US rig count began increasing and has added around 55 rigs from its lows, adding fears that the US shale oil drillers are back, which will arrest the decline in the US production.

Though there have been drawdowns in the crude oil stocks, the rise in gasoline inventory has surprised the markets.

"U.S. commercial stocks are a good reflection of the oversupplied nature of the global oil market," said Tamas Varga, lead oil analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates.

What is the way forward?

Goldman Sachs has forecast that the balance between the demand and supply will remain, which will keep crude trading within a small range of $45-$50 a barrel, till mid-2017.

"The improvement in oil fundamentals remains fragile and continues to feature large offsetting forces: wildfires have helped offset surprisingly strong Iran production, slowing demand growth in India and China in 2H16 will help offset production issues in Nigeria and Venezuela and finally product builds have offset crude draws," they said, reports CNBC.

Hence, until the fundamentals change, crude will likely remain range bound.
Hello, does anybody know where I can get commercial cleaning equipment from in Paphos?



I am thinking along the lines of those big floor brushes you see people pushing around shops. I have looked in a couple of DIY shops and they only have relatively small ones. Is there a shop around here that caters for trade requirements?



Thank you in advance.
Jacobjohn7 said: Hi Bev



I'd be happy French or English and looking for the family market , 4 bed house sleeping 6/8 .. I'll have a look at that you mentioned also in process of registering with tourist info and mairie.

Thanks

John

As a graphic designer I can also rustle up a good website which over time I may add other peoples properties as well .. Click to expand...

Bev is right.....you need to work out your target audience. We are in a tourist /curiste area here. Owners here tend to look for either French, or English (or international) clients and target the audience accordingly. Some of the English sites have helpful advice on both the admin and furnishing side. You may have a local tourist office that is geared up with a site and advertising etc.From our experience I've found the French very demanding in what is provided in a holiday let....but perhaps that's me. Have a look at the gites de france site re getting stars. IT's interesting to see what they expect in order to get 1, 2 or 3 stars - not easy, we got three and it was expensive and hard work. Silly example, all the wine glasses, cutlery, plates etc must be the same...you can't use a selection of your old ones. For 3 stars champagne glasses are necessary. I'm not suggesting you go for GdF stars, but it tells you what the market expects.DejW
Vietnam's franchise deals have risen by up to 20 percent so far this year.

Vietnam is welcoming foreign franchises in various sectors including food and beverage, health care and food processing from Europe, North America and Asia.

Research by VF Franchise Consulting shows that Vietnam has nearly 150 international franchises, of which the food and beverage sector dominates with well-known global brand names such as McDonalds, Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, KFC, Lotteria, Jollibee and Burger King.

In 2016, Vietnams franchise deals have risen by 15 to 20 percent compared to last year.

Starbucks and other F&B brands are heading to Vietnam under franchise investment deals.

The consultancy firm said that Vietnam has become an active market for commercial franchises over the last five years. Following the food and beverage sector, services and health care are emerging as potential markets for foreign enterprises with the rapid development of cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where demand is increasing.

VF Franchise Consulting said that Vietnam is a promising market for not only traditional sectors but also businesses involved in cosmetics, cleaning and laundry with plenty of locations and partner options for overseas enterprises.

Nguyen Phi Van, founder of Retail and Franchise Asia, said that franchise trend has been developing strongly in many Asian countries of which Vietnam is a fruitful destination and attracting huge attention of foreign investors.

Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to have approximately 120 million middle and high income earners by 2020. This is the emerging economy region with the fastest growth rate in the world. Some countries like Malaysia, the Philippines or Thailand have national strategy in franchise and support from government.

Related news

> Foreign investors dominate Vietnams M&A deals

> Vietnam to connect coffee belt with $5.1 billion infrastructure investment

> Expectations of poor robusta coffee crops could spur price rally
This could be the first time anything at an airport has taken off two years ahead of schedule.

The Vietnamese government might get the construction of the $16 billion Long Thanh International Airport underway sooner than planned to meet the rapidly increasing demand of one of the fastest-growing airline markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Local authorities in the southern province of Dong Nai have asked the central government to release VND1 trillion ($45 million) from state investment arm SCIC and approve a government bond issuance so that the southern province has enough funds to relocate 4,200 families from the 5,000 hectare site.

Construction of Long Thanh's terminal and runways will start in 2019, two years ahead of schedule. The airport, 40 kilometers away from the commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City, is expected to become a regional transit hub.

The airport will be built in three separate phases from 2018 to 2050, with a targeted annual capacity of 100 million passengers and five million tons of goods.

Upon completion of the first phase by 2025, the airport will handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo a year.

Stage one is expected to cost nearly $6 billion.

Long Than is expected to be a regional transit hub to rival Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. The construction will run in three separate phases from 2018-2050, starting with some $6 billion from 2018-2025.

Vietnamese lawmakers approved the construction of Long Thanh International Airport in June last year.

According to the National Assembly, funding for the project will come from the state budget, foreign and domestic private investment and overseas development aid.

The planning for the airport should be completed no later than 2018. For the next step, the Prime Minister will give Dong Nai Province approval to kick off site clearance and relocation plans.

Provincial authorities said site clearance, compensation and relocation of local residents will be time consuming. It might take up to three years before Dong Nai can hand over the necessary infrastructure to the main investor, which is a state-run airport operator Airports Corporation of Vietnam.

Any delays could pose a risk to the target of putting the airport into operation by 2025, said provincial officials.

Dong Nai has urged the government to allow the province to get down to site clearance and compensation this year, about two years sooner than previously planned.

Related news:

> Busiest Airports in Vietnam

> Construction of new southern international airport to begin by 2019: Deputy PM

> Saigon airport to reduce flights during rush hour
Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Attract the Right Job or Clientele: Are You Sinking When It Comes to Follow-up?

Personal experiences seem to be the best teachers for what not to do as well as what to implement in our own style. The level of customer care from the moment of contact all the way through the entire sales cycle and after is what will determine your success. The same applies to career advancement and follow up with those who interview you.

Its impossible to make a sale without follow-up.

My Story

Upon moving into our residence, we were in need of a couple of services. One such service had me shaking my head.

I was late to the meeting but my husband had everything in control. Except for the fact he is trained in IT not sales. Taking him aside, I whispered how much? He hadnt been given any figure. I stepped next to Craig the representative to ask him the same question. Craigs face turned beet red. He then provided an astronomical figure.

My reply was that our budget was for half that. Craig closed his computer and said since summer was arriving, there should be a sale soon. Meanwhile he would speak with management and get back to us the next week. That was the last we heard from Craig.

The Aftermath:

A month later, the company advertised a new sale with installation included

Craig was called but his voicemail box was full

I called the company due to the value now seen but no one called us back

The company that employs Craig should have invested in training prior to letting him go in the field. There was no doubt in my mind that this employee will be short-term. In the end, its the company that suffers from not grooming representatives to be well versed in sales and customer care. Turnover costs much more than investment in proper development of employees. Even worse for this company is that non-responsiveness seems to be the norm.

Your Story

If you are an employer, ask employees for feedback on the type of training they believe they need. Meanwhile, examine everything you have implemented to date. Without the right training much business is being lost without your knowing it.

Should you be an employee or an entrepreneur, it is your business to seek out the training you most need. Otherwise your career or business will be short-lived. No one has time to put up with lack of intelligent conversation or proper delivery of services.

At all employee meetings ask for feedback

Investigate the latest training on the market

Read the pearls of wisdom regarding the latest that may be found on social media

As an employee be fearless in meetings to make suggestions

Sales Tips:

Upon first meeting a prospective client ask for their budget Explain what you may and may not provide within that budget Ask if what you are able to provide will suffice; if not is other money available Provide a variety of examples of what may be provided Ask for preferences after all are presented Confirm the monetary investment and delivery timeline Ask for agreement that everything meets expectations Should an issue arise, confirm a date to deliver the answer, and be certain to deliver it. Again ask for agreement and if everything is on track for service delivery. Check in after everything is complete for level of satisfaction.

Following these guidelines will lead you to the Smooth Sale!

For Business Consultation and Conference Speaking

Schedule an Appointment to Learn More: elinor@smoothsale.net

Visit Elinors Author Page

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The U.S. Agency for International Development is continuing its support for Vietnam's HIV and AIDS response.

The five-year project will scale up services along the entire HIV care continuum from diagnosis to successful treatment in high HIV burden provinces to achieve the "90-90-90" HIV case-finding, care and treatment targets, said USAID Vietnam Mission Director Michael Greene in a press release posted on the U.S. Embassy's website.

It will also provide demand-driven technical assistance at the national, provincial and local levels to build sustainable HIV/AIDS services and systems, he added.

In 2014, Vietnam became the first country in Asia to adopt the 90-90-90 targets set by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, under which by 2020, 90 percent of people living with HIV will know their HIV status; 90 percent of people who know their status are on HIV treatment; and 90 percent of all people on treatment will have undetectable levels of HIV in their bodies.

There were an estimated 260,000 people living with HIV in Vietnam as of 2016.

USAID first supported HIV/AIDS programs in Vietnam in the mid-1990s.

Since Vietnam became an emerging middle-income country with a $154 billion economy and income per capita of around $1,700, cheap funding from international donors has fallen sharply, according to the World Bank.
Move over fellows, theres a new woman in town  or there will be in the near future.

Next time you see her she may look different; camo-covered, carrying a bass boat catalog, and tooting the next best duck call. She will be a different person indeed and you like her better than ever.

Thanks to Ohios encouragement, more women are gaining new skills and sharpening their outdoor skills by attending one or more events called Women in the Outdoors.

Womens camp

Female-only and hands on, these three-day workshops will kick-start entry into the outdoor world.

This years annual Women in the Outdoors program will be held Sept. 9-11, with ground zero being Carroll Countys popular lakeside retreat Camp Muskingum, which overlooks picturesque Leesville Lake.

Sponsored by the Ohio chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, these weekend programs have become the place to learn outdoor skills and mix with dozens of other interested and interesting ladies who share the same outlook on life.

Last year, this same event won national acclaim as the best Women in the Outdoors program and year after year it just keeps getting better and better.

Many women find the weekend so enjoyable that they attend more than once.

Women of all ages will be able to build their own weekend of activities, choosing from and extensive list of classes ranging from woodland skills, fishing, shooting and self-confidence, many of which are offered at levels from basic to advanced.

Every activity is hands-on, taught by instructors who know what they are doing.

Camp Muskingum is a bunk-style camp so attendees should not expect five star accommodations but be assured the camp is comfortable and welcoming.

Cost is $160 and registration is required by Sept. 5. Minimum age is 14.

For more details and registration information contact Amy Butterfield at 614-327-1041 or abutterfield@gmail.com; or Shawn Dickey at 216-848- 0245 or sdickey@nwtf.net.

Record catch

Massillon archer Tim Makowski recently placed his name on the Ohio Record Fish list by taking a 9.2 pound Bowfin with his bow and arrow July 2, from Mogadore Reservoir near Akron.

Makowskis state record Bowfin measured 2958 inches in length and 1412 inches in girth.

Ohio record fish are determined by weight only. The previous record Bowfin weighed 8.79 pounds and was arrowed April 30, 1989 in western Lake Eries East Harbor, near Marblehead, by John Ehrman.

Fish to be considered as a possible state record must be weighed on a certified scale and identified by one or more ODNR fish biologists.

Ohios record fish are determined and records kept by the Record Fish Committee of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio.

Bowfishing

Bowfishing is a legal method of fishing in Ohio and nationally. Avid bowfishers often travel to well-known trophy lakes, mostly in the southwest, where they can hunt for 200 pound gar  a predator fish that appears to have a chain saw for teeth.

Locally, bowfishers hunt shad, carp, and other species, usually in the dark of night.
Its tough being a politician in todays Big Data Age because something you said  or didnt say  15 or 20 years ago pops up every 15 or 20 minutes on a database someplace between Terra Haute and Tierra del Fuego.

Take the Republican vice presidential candidate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana. Before the, then, presumptive GOP presidential nominee, Donald Trump, had even introduced Pence as his choice to be just one haircut away from the Oval Office, the New York Times already had mined its archives for some less-than-shining highlights of Pences dozen years in Congress.

Dirt on Pence

For example, noted the Times July 15, Pence left little mark on the institution: During his 12-year congressional career, he introduced 90 bills and resolutions. None became law. Digging deeper into its archives, the newspaper discovered that two years prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, in 1998, Mike Pence mocked what government regulators had confirmed (about) the lethal consequences of cigarette smokingas hysteriaTime for a quick reality check, (Pence) wrote. Smoking doesnt kill.

The bigfoot of Big Media wasnt the only news operation checking its database for Pense-iveness. The same day the Times ran its background piece, Agri-Pulse, an authoritative, respected ag weekly published in Washington, D.C., reviewed the Hoosiers Congressional ag record. It turned out to be as checkered as Richard Nixons pet cocker spaniel.

Pence on ag

In 2002, wrote Agri-Pulses Spencer Chase, Pence voted in favor of the farm bill, but supported President George W. Bushs veto effort of the 2008 bill. Bush said the bill spent too much, but his veto was ultimately overridden in a 317-109 vote in the House. Pence was one of the losing 109 that supported the veto.

Pences Capitol Hill voting record on ethanol also roasted more than a few American corn growers. On the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a policy that Trump supports, Agri-Pulse reported July 15, Pence voted in favor of the original 2005 legislation that created the program, but voted against the 2007 bill that created the current version of the RFS.

Despite this on-again, off-again support for Farm Bills and the Renewable Fuel Standard, Pence never waived in his unreserved support of free trade agreements.

Pence on trade

He voted for the Korean free trade pact in 2011 and for a similar deal with several Central American nations in 2005. He confirmed his free trade bona fides in an April 2015 letter, noted Agri-Pulse, to the Indiana congressional delegation that urged all members to support President Barack Obamas uphill push for Trade Promotion Authority. (It was later approved on the strength of Republican support.)

But Pences almost-dogmatic stand for free trade  echoed both by fellow Republicans and almost every American farm and ranch group  is distinctly out of sync with that of his running mate and potential boss, Donald Trump, who rails against free trade almost as much as he rails against White House rival Hillary Clinton.

When confronted with this ticket paradox on CBSs 60 Minutes July 17, both Trump and Pence stretched their previously inflexible trade positions so far to find common ground that both almost needed chiropractors to complete the interview. Characteristically, Trump ended that portion of the televised interview by labeling his trade critics  24-carat GOP Big Biz stalwarts like the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce  as really stupid people

Come November, however, Trumps anti-trade tirades and Pences flip-flops on key farm and ranch issues such as the Farm Bill and renewable fuels will mean little to nothing to farmers and ranchers who, if the past is prologue, still will overwhelmingly vote for the Republican Trump/Pence ticket.

At some deep, yet-to-be-examined level that probably makes sense: If farmers and ranchers truly believe that government is the problem, who better to lead them than a president who has never written one policy proposal and a vice president who has never passed one.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, many areas are experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions  and the impact on crops is obvious.

One farmer last week told me he had to drive around a lot in his fields to make round bales. All crops are showing signs of stress, including pasture grasses and forages, but the weeds seem to be growing well through these dry conditions.

What can a manager do given the current situation?

Back to basics

Basic pasture management principles are as important, if not more so, during periods of dry weather.

Maintaining good fertility and soil pH can help grazing plants survive drought conditions. Soils that have adequate fertility and are at the ideal pH will go a long way in helping plants maintain a healthy root system, which is important for capturing nutrients, minimizing soil loss, and photosynthesis.

If you decide to apply nitrogen fertilizer, use a form that will not volatilize if rainfall doesnt occur shortly following application. Nitrogen fertilizer can benefit plants even if rainfall doesnt occur for several weeks.

But be cautious when using nitrogen fertilizer during drought conditions as this practice can potentially lead to nitrate poisoning.

Dont overgraze

Also, dont overgraze your pastures. Its critical that plants be grazed to the proper stubble height and be allowed to rest until they reach the proper grazing height. Plants should be between 6 and 8 inches tall when grazed. This is necessary to maintain plant health and diversity in a pasture.

The take half, leave half rule applies at all times when grazing  and especially during times of drought.

Dont open up the gates

One of the worst things to do during a drought is to open up the gates and let livestock graze wherever and whenever they choose. Doing so prevents photosynthesis to occur and may cause long-term damage to the plants.

Improve grazing efficiency

If you have large grazing paddocks, it may be helpful to subdivide them to improve forage utilization and increase the rest period. Look for other areas that are not normally grazed, such as hay that is short, but adequate for grazing, crop residue, or farm roads that are normally mowed.

Reduce the number of cows grazing. By drying off cows, the forage demand is reduced. The grazing can also be reduced by limiting the time spent grazing by keeping them in an abuse area when they are not grazing.

Closely monitor body condition of cows during drought conditions. When finishing animals on pasture, give them first choice on the best pasture and after moving them to a new pasture, let the dry animals clean up after them.

Feed hay or grain

Feed these in an area that will benefit from the extra nutrients provided by these feeds. Another option is to cross fence the pastures and start feeding the hay or grain on pasture to extend the grazing and spread the nutrients over more acres.

If you are experiencing drought like conditions and pasture growth is minimal, consider the options to help maintain the stand and have it in a more favorable condition when rainfall resumes.
A good many years ago, I put together for another publication a list of what I consider to be the most significant new developments in agricultural machinery during the 19th century and the first half of the 20th.

One or two of them can be attributed to a single individual, but most were the product of many curious and ingenious people who made incremental improvements to the work of their predecessors.

The following are the first five of my list. The rest will be in the next column  so read them over and let us know what you think of my choices.

1. The cotton gin

In colonial times, cotton cloth was more expensive than linen or wool, due primarily to the extreme difficulty of separating the seeds from the clinging fibers.

One man could pick the seeds from only about one pound of cotton fibers per day. Then in 1793, Eli Whitney built a machine consisting of a row of close-set wheels with saw-like teeth around their perimeters. The wheels protruded through narrow slits between metal bars into a hopper filled with cotton bolls.

As the wheels revolved, the teeth caught the cotton fibers and pulled them through the comb-like slits, which were too narrow for the seeds to pass, thus separating the two.

Whitneys cotton gin allowed a 1,000 pounds of cotton to be cleaned in the time it took one man to do five pounds by hand. As a result, cotton cloth became cheap, the cotton plantation culture of the South was established, and the use of slave labor in growing cotton became entrenched.

2. The reaper/binder

Small grains had been harvested by hand for centuries  cut with sickles or scythes and then raked and tied into sheaves by hand. Grain harvesting machines first appeared in Great Britain about 1800, and a decade or two later in the U.S., but most failed.

Obed Hussey and Cyrus McCormick both developed successful reapers during the 1830s (and battled in the newspapers and courts for years over which of them was first).

McCormicks machine became the more popular and he is credited with inventing the reaper.

These early machines still required the sheaves to be gathered up and bound by hand by people following on the ground, but in 1857, the Marsh brothers equipped a reaper with moving canvases that carried the grain to a platform where it was tied into bundles by someone riding on the machine.

In 1867, the first twine knotter was demonstrated by John Appleby. Sylvanus Locke developed a wire binder about 1874, which was adopted by McCormick. Wire dominated for a short while, but bits of wire got into the grain and ended up in livestock and flour, with disastrous results.

William Deering adopted the twine-tying mechanism for his popular Deering harvesters and about 1881, McCormick followed suit.

3. The thresher

When grain was being cut by hand, the method for separating the kernels from the straw was slow and labor intensive. Grain was hauled to a barn where it was spread out on a threshing floor and either beat with hand flails or trampled by animals.

This knocked the kernels free of the straw, which was then raked away. The remaining mixture was winnowed by tossing it into the air, where the wind was relied upon to blow the chaff and lighter debris away from the heavier grain, which fell back onto the threshing floor.

The first threshing machine with a revolving, toothed cylinder and concaves was invented in 1786 in Scotland by Andrew Meikle. In 1830, brothers Hiram and John Pitts are credited with the first successful American separator, as well as with adapting a horse tread power to run the thing.

4. Steam engine

For centuries, farmers relied primarily upon water power or the strong backs and arms of themselves, family members, hired men, or slaves with help from oxen and horses, but the new farm machines being developed in the 19th century required more power.

Stationary steam engines were used early on to run cotton gins and mills. The additional power required by the improved threshing machines led to the development of portable steam power, which made its first appearance in 1849.

At first, portable steam engines were pulled from place to place by horses. During the 1870s, several inventors developed practical drive systems and the self-propelled steam traction engine became common as power for the many threshing rigs around the country.

They were also used for pulling multiple gang plows in the large fields of the wheat belt. By the 1920s, the steam traction engines day was over, replaced by lighter and more maneuverable kerosene and gasoline powered tractors.

5. Combined harvester-thresher

Although a traveling thrasher or combined harvester-thresher, had been patented as early as 1828, the first successful machine was built by Hiram Moore in 1834.

Moores combine successfully cut and threshed grain, although it had to be winnowed later. After the Civil War, big horse-drawn, ground-driven combines were developed in the wheat growing regions of the northwest.

In 1871, B.F. Cook put a steam engine on a combine to drive the mechanism, making it possible for fewer horses to pull. About 1886, a California farmer named George Berry built a combine around a steam traction engine and voila  the first self-propelled combine!

Other choices

The rest of my choices will be in the Aug. 11 issue of Farm and Dairy, so dont miss it. On July 16, I attended the Ride Through History military show thats put on every year near Alliance, by the Marlboro Volunteers.

It was very interesting and informative and gives one a glimpse of the U.S. Armys experiences from the War of 1812, through Afghanistan and Iraq. I highly recommend you put it on your calendar for next year, and take the kids!
BURTON, Ohio  The Geauga Dairymen 4-H club participated in the county skillathon July 16, in which all club members passed. Later, club members met for a 4-H meeting and cookout. Club pictures were taken and members discussed what needs to be done before the upcoming fair, Sept. 1-5. Members were reminded that safety posters are due by Aug. 1, members discussed items to put in the dairy auction basket this year, and a club T-shirt design was picked out.

  

MERCER, Pa.  The 2016 Mercer County 4-H Roundup will be Aug. 1-5 at the Mercer 4-H Park, on Route 19, in Mercer. This event is free and open to all ages. Activities will start on Monday with food and nutrition judging at 9:30 a.m., in the auditorium of the extension office. The Dairy Cattle Fitting Contest is at 2 p.m., and judging of Textile Science projects is at 4:30 p.m. in the extension auditorium.

The dairy show and rabbit show begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The Exhibit Building will showcase displays constructed by each club as well as projects ranging from textile science, arts, crafts to wildlife, forestry, and food and nutrition and is open Tuesday from 1-9 p.m. Tuesday evenings opening ceremony will start at 7:30 p.m. with the 4-H Showcase of Clubs in the horse arena followed by the alumni showmanship competition.

Teams of former 4-H members will be on the auction block to market their skills in showing llamas, goats and lambs. This event is a fundraiser for the Mercer County Teen Council.

On Wednesday, the sheep and goat show starts at 8 a.m., the poultry show starts at 9:30 a.m. and the beef show starts 5 p.m. in the show arena, followed by the 2016 Mercer County 4-H Cheese Auction at 8 p.m. The market swine show is Thursday, at 8 a.m. and the llama show is 4:30 p.m. in the large arena.

The Box Social is Thursday at 7 p.m. in the show arena where participants pack a late supper or an evening snack in a picnic basket, decorated box, or similar container and the boxes are auctioned off with proceeds going to the 4-H Program. The Horse Show begins at 9:00 a.m. on Friday and the 2016 Market Livestock Sale begins at 6:30 p.m. All 4-H members can sell their livestock projects. The sale order is: all champions, market beef, market goats, market rabbit projects, market poultry, market hogs and market lambs.

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, contact Jen McKinley at 724-662-3141 in advance of your participation. For more information, contact the Mercer County Extension Office at 724-662-3141.

  

BURTON, Ohio  At the July 17 meeting of Geauga Beef and Swine 4-H Club, members talked about the beef buyer gifts and had Ed Rumburg speak about how to write a proper buyers letter to prospective buyers. Members also talked about Camp Whitewood and the good experience that campers and two counselors had. Two awards were received. Tyler Plants received the best first-year counselor award, and Tatumn Poff received the hands award. The club is participating in the Food Drive for Geauga County and each family is to bring at least two items. All members did well on the skillathon. The next meeting is Aug. 7, at the fairgrounds.

  

BURTON, Ohio  The Geauga PrimeTime 4-H Club met June 21. David Braun gave his report on the safety and care of animals, stating that pens need to be well kept, and the feed and water containers need to be thoroughly cleaned of any grime. Mrs. Clemson informed the older members that there were two scholarships available for applications. Members finalized the details for their car wash that was held July 2, in Chardon.

They also decided to participate in the Family Afair by donating $100. An event was scheduled for the Larry Lokai market clinic Aug. 16, so that more inexperienced members can learn what they need for a successful show at fair. Members also decided to participate in barn displays and a gate display. Buyers gifts were decided upon and anyone needing club T-shirts can now order them.
High tunnel crops to be featured during educational short course

Growers, educators and industry personnel can learn more about the aspects of high tunnel crop production during a short course Nov. 9 offered by ISU.
A local bar was named and shamed.

Leaflets distributed by Tam's Pub & Surf Shop -- a bar in the central city of Da Nang -- that name a stretch of coast the "China Beach" have been siezed by the local police.

'China Beach' advertised on the leaflet.

The owner testified that a foreign group, whose nationality was not revealed, had used her bar to distribute flyers and sell jeep tours to visit the city's tourist attractions. She added that she didn't know there was anything wrong with the content of the leaflets.

Images of the leaflets had appeared on Facebook, prompting police to take action.

Speaking with VnExpress, Tran Huu Do, head of the city's Immigration Management Office, said: We have worked with other departments to check on tourist companies to find out and handle [similar violations].

Chinese visitor numbers have been on the rise in Da Nang recently. Its estimated that each day some 10 flights carry about 1,500 Chinese tourists to the city.

A surge in Chinese tourist numbers has resulted in many problems, with some visitors taking advantage of their tourist visas to work illegally as tour guides, spreading lies about the countrys history and culture. Others have refused to use the Vietnamese dong and some even burned Vietnamese money at a bar in Da Nang.

Related news:

> Officials plug legal gaps that allow Chinese 'investors' to linger in Vietnam

> Illegal Chinese tour guides spread lies about Vietnamese history

> Da Nang publishes booklet asking Chinese tourists to behave
Around 750 pigs were killed in a huge barn fire in Bormham, Wiltshire last night.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the farm in Brick Hill at 8.55pm and found two 60m x 10m barns containing livestock well alight.

Despite efforts to rescue them, 63 sows and some 700 piglets were lost.

Eight fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze, from Melksham, Calne, Devizes (two), Trowbridge (two), Chippenham and Westbury, with a water carrier from Royal Wootton Bassett.

An incident command vehicle from Stratton and an operational support unit from Salisbury were also at the scene.

Relief crews attended through the night from Corsham, Salisbury, Ludgershall, Wilton, Westlea and Mere, together with a water carrier from Pewsey.

The incident was scaled back to three fire engines shortly after midnight, and the fire was extinguished by 5am.

One crew remains on scene to continue damping down and to support the fire investigation, which was taking place this morning.
Two pigs which helped regenerate an overgrown area of Kent coastal habitat by chomping through almost an acre of ivy and brambles are about to leave the county to embark on a new mission  to help preserve their rare breed.

Mangalitza sows Flora and Lisa were brought to Steps Bank in St Margarets Bay three years ago by The Bay Trust, which was looking for a natural way to transform the land into a biodiverse open-canopy woodland without the use of heavy machinery.

The environmental education charitys Food Growing Manager, Sean Giles, who has been looking after the sows, says: "Theyve done a great job of clearing the area.

"Theyre the next best thing to using wild boar. They certainly have a very healthy appetite: they once escaped from their enclosure and ended up in the tea room looking for food.

"We had to entice them back with cakes but it took a whole tray to get them there!"

As well as clearing woodland, wallowing in mud and enjoying having their ears rubbed, the sows have been educating local school children.

Pupils have been learning to inspect the animals to ensure they are healthy, as part of their GCSE studies.

Now Flora and Lisas scrub-clearing work is done, they are heading for pastures new in Norfolk to help ensure the survival of their line.

'Very placid and friendly sows'

"The sows are very placid and friendly and we will all miss their funny ways," says Sean.

The breed, of which there are three types (the Red, Flora and Lisas blood line; Blonde; and Swallow Bellied) was almost extinct in the 1990s.

With a worldwide population of less than 150 sows  but thanks to the work of dedicated breeders such as William Scott, Flora and Lisas new owner, the Mangalitza has a rosier future.

William, a former Mangalitza Breed Representative for the British Pig Association, plans to breed Flora and Lisa with a Red boar at his Frogs Abbey Farm in Welney.

"I trawled through all the records of the British Pig Association to find the purest Red boars and sows and The Bay Trusts sows were close to the best in the country," says William.

"Theyve been cross-bred once in their great-grandparents lineage so by putting them across a Red boar thats genetically the furthest away from them, the piglets will be almost pure bred within three to four generations."

Sows can produce three litters in two years but William will be taking things more slowly, and hopes Flora and Lisa will have three litters each over the next two-and-a-half years.

"We plan to keep one boar and two sows from the litters and breed those with the genetically next-best Red boar," explains William.

"We want to build up to eight or nine sows and four or five boars. Then we can use the piglets for a mixture of produce and breeding.

"Were working with farmers in Germany, Austria and Hungary to bring more Red pigs back to the UK but ultimately we will get to the point where we dont need to bring any more in."
A schoolgirl who petitioned Tesco to stop the sale of caged hen eggs, with success, has turned her attention to Asda and Morrison's.

The new petition has gained the attention of 170,000 signatories in the space of a week.

She is now telling the public to write a post on Asda and Morrisons' Facebook pages to explain why they should stop selling caged eggs.

The petition says: "By leaving a comment on both Facebook pages, you will be adding to the impact we hope to create with the supermarket giants.

"This is our chance to tell them what we want, on a scale they cannot possible ignore."

The 14 year old schoolgirl, Lucy Gavaghan from Sheffield, created her first petition earlier this year asking Tesco to stop selling eggs from caged hens.

She gained 280,000 signatories, and had the chance to meet face to face with Tesco's Head of Agriculture.

Working with supplier partners, Tesco will transition to 100% cage-free eggs, moving to alternative sourcing methods, such as barns, free range and organic.

For the new petition, an email is sent from every signatory to the chief executives of Asda and Morrisons, Sean Clarke and David Potts.

The Ulster Farmers Union has warned of the impact on poultry producers

'We can get all UK supermarkets to stop selling caged eggs'

Ms Gavaghan's petition reads: "Now with this victory secured, I believe we can get all UK supermarkets to stop selling eggs from caged hens.

"Morrisons and Asda, still intend to sell caged eggs without any obvious intent to change.

"So I have started a new petition calling for Asda and Morrisons to stop selling eggs from caged hens.

"Caged eggs come from hens that spend 72 weeks cramped in restrictive cages, unable to spread their wings or experience the outside world.

"After this time, many of the hens are barely feathered and close to death. No animal deserves to live like this.

"The fact that Tesco, the biggest supermarket in Britain, has decided to stop selling caged hens eggs proves that no matter how big the company, the prospect of a free-range future is not impossible.

"The power to make this change is in our hands, now it is clear that supermarkets really do listen to public pressure I know we can make this change happen again."

'Impact on poultry farmers'

Tescos decision to stop sourcing eggs from caged hens by 2025 will come as a 'major blow' to egg producers, a farming union has warned.

The Ulster Farmers Union says it understands that the decision reflects changes in customer demand, but warns of the impact on poultry farmers who have recently invested in enriched colonies for laying hens.

"Producers have invested to ensure eggs produced in Northern Ireland are fully compliant with EU regulations.

"These brought better welfare standards for hens and we comply with and exceed some of the highest welfare standards in the world," said UFU poultry chairman, Tom Forgrave.

"We need to ensure this does not have a negative impact. As Tesco begins its transition to cage free eggs it is essential it communicates effectively with suppliers through what are going to be big changes for the industry," he said.

The UFU understand that Tesco will move to alternative sourcing methods, such as barn production, free range and organic.

"If it is barn production we need an assurance that we will not see an exit from that system a few years down the line, again after significant investment by producers.

"We are determined that recent investment and farmers' dedication to animal welfare are not overlooked," said Tom Forgrave.
Dairy farmers are being urged to take advantage of a free bulk tank test to get the best financial return on their worming programmes.

The test, which is funded by animal health company Norbrook, measures the level of antibodies to Ostertagia ostertagi in samples taken from the bulk tank.

The sampling procedure is simple to undertake, the results are available within a week and reflect the level of exposure to these parasites within the adult milking herd.

Mark Pass from Beeston Animal Health in Cheshire, says his dairy customers have been benefiting from the tests for several years.

He urges more farmers to take advantage of the free service.

"The bulk milk sample is an excellent tool for the farmer, SQP and vet because it provides scientific justification for investing in a wormer for the milking herd.

"The results do not always come back with a high count. In some cases there is a low count, meaning that no treatment is needed.

"Some have a medium count where treatment may be beneficial in individual cows; while others have a high count and herds would see a really positive response from treatment."

Mr Pass, who is a former winner of the annual Over the Counter SQP of the Year award, believes that the test helps ensure that treatments are not used if they are not needed and the rate of development of resistance is reduced.

"Ostertagia levels in some herds are high enough to impact milk production and fertility significantly, but gut worms rarely cause obvious clinical problems in adult dairy cattle.

"They may reduce appetite and the ability to digest forage, so there is a nutritional cost, but it is often a hidden cost.

"In my experience, the test allows us to decide whether a wormer would be beneficial and potentially increase milk yield."

Increase yield

Recent studies have shown that appropriate worming can increase yield by around two litres per cow per day in some grazed herds.

"My customers have regularly told me that they see a really positive difference after an eprinomectin pour-on treatment has been used.

"Both a financial benefit and an improvement in the general health of their animals is achieved: they glow."

The bulk tank samples are best taken by a veterinary surgeon or SQP and the results can form the basis of a three-way discussion between the farmer, SQP and vet to ensure that any investment in worming treatment results in a good return, he adds.

Dairy farmers who would like to take advantage of the free tests being offered by Norbrook should contact their veterinary surgeon or SQP.
Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom has told Somersets food and drink industry it has a 'critical role' to play in helping the UK forge international trade deals.

She also reassured the South Western county it will remain a 'top destination for global investment', in her first visit to the south west since her appointment as Secretary of State.

During a visit to Yeo Valley in Somerset, the Environment Secretary met leading local food and drink producers to set out her ambition for the countys produce to benefit from trade deals with the EU and around the world.

The new ambition for the sector came as Yeo Valley announced the final stage in bringing the production of Tesco own brand standard yoghurt back to the UK, where it will be made in its factory using 100% British milk.

Newly appointed Defra secretary Andrea Leadsom

With 1,500 people employed in the business the news provides a needed boost for the UKs dairy farms, which contribute 4.6 billion to the economy.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said that Somerset has a 'rich and proud' food heritage with a 'global reputation for quality and provenance.'

She said: "It is that valuable reputation, and the growing global demand for quality British produce, that will help us strike strong trade deals across the EU and the rest of the world for our first class food and drink industry.

"Tescos new yoghurt production line at Yeo Valley is also a fantastic vote of confidence in South West dairy farmers and great news for the local economy."

Vote of confidence in South West dairy farmers

Yeo Valley is already committed to promoting the British brand overseas, exporting 1.2million of its products each year globally, including ice cream to South Africa and Germany and yoghurt to the United Arab Emirates.

The family-run dairy business has responded to the surge in global popularity of yoghurt - it now produces more than 2,000 tons of organic and frozen yoghurt, butter, milk and ice cream each week - adding value for its own farms and for 90 others in the south west.

Managing Director Adrian Carne from Yeo Valley said: "It is an exciting period for British agriculture and dairy processing.

"It was useful to give the Defra Secretary an insight into our business and to discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

"It was important to hear the Minister was supportive of our initiatives to back British family farms across the country."

Whilst in the area the Minister listened to the views of other food and drink businesses from across the county including Wyke Farms, the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative and Thatchers Cider to understand export opportunities for the sector.
Nottinghamshire farmers have met with the representations of the industry to discuss concerns over future supply of water in the county.

They met at an event in Mansfield, with Defras Head of Abstraction Henry Leveson-Gower, and representatives from the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water.

The group examined proposals to reform water abstraction regulation and what this would mean to them at a local level in the Idle and Torne river catchment.

The abstraction system is currently undergoing a revamp in an attempt to safeguard supplies and the environment in the face of climate change and increasing business demand.

However, concerns have been raised by the agricultural industry that reforms could leave growers without enough water to irrigate crops in years of extreme drought or grow their businesses in the future  potentially leading to farms being unable to operate effectively.

Farmers 'understandably concerned'

CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood said: "There has been a real need for Government to communicate the plans for reform more effectively; farmers are understandably concerned regarding what it all means to them and their businesses.

From left to right: CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood; CLA Nottinghamshire branch committee member Tim Bradshaw; Defras Head of Abstraction Henry Leveson-Gower; and CLA Senior Policy Adviser Jonathan Baker

"The ability for them to continue abstracting the water they need to produce food is critical.

"If this important challenge is not met, UK food production and jobs will both be at risk, with shortfalls in domestic production being met by imports.

"We understand radical reform of such a complex system needs careful and thoughtful planning, but the time taken to advance plans has caused uncertainty.

"This ultimately leads to landowners and farmers lacking the confidence to make long-term capital investments in their businesses.

"Reform will inevitably mean there will be winners and losers, so its vital Defra, Environment Agency, and the water companies engage with farmers to better understand their needs and examine the potential for better collaboration.

"It is clear from this meeting that farmers are very keen to engage with the reform process and do what they can to help protect water and the environment.

Working collaboratively with other farmers

"They are also keen to understand the opportunities it presents, such as working collaboratively with fellow farmers in river catchments, building on-farm reservoirs, and how water trading could work to the benefit of all those who require water at peak times.

"We will now be looking at how we can build on this initial meeting and move discussions forward so that local farmers and landowners can continue to have a real say in ensuring these proposals do not blight rural businesses."

Earlier in the day, Mr Leveson-Gower was given a tour of a farm near Worksop owned by CLA Nottinghamshire branch committee member Tim Bradshaw, so he could better understand the needs of a farm business operating in an area where ground water supplies are under stress.

Mr Bradshaw said: "We live in one of most water stretched parts of the county, if not the region, and without fair access to water rural businesses could be squeezed out of the market.

"There have been lots of mixed messages and a lack of clarity regarding abstraction reform, but facilitating discussion through this meeting has certainly made me feel a lot less apprehensive about the reform as I was when I was first made aware of it.

"There is a desire between everyone who attended to keep the discussions going and continue to examine how local solutions can be implemented through collaborative working for the benefit of all."
Washington State University researchers have concluded that feeding a growing global population with sustainability goals in mind is possible.

Their review of hundreds of published studies provides evidence that organic farming can produce sufficient yields, be profitable for farmers, protect and improve the environment and be safer for farm workers.

The review study, "Organic Agriculture in the 21st Century," is featured as the cover story for February issue of the journal Nature Plants and was authored by John Reganold, WSU regents professor of soil science and agroecology and doctoral candidate Jonathan Wachter.

It is the first such study to analyze 40 years of science comparing organic and conventional agriculture across the four goals of sustainability identified by the National Academy of Sciences: productivity, economics, environment, and community well being.

"Hundreds of scientific studies now show that organic ag should play a role in feeding the world" said Reganold, lead author of the study. "Thirty years ago, there were just a couple handfuls of studies comparing organic agriculture with conventional. In the last 15 years, these kinds of studies have skyrocketed."

One percenter

Organic production currently accounts for only one percent of global agricultural land, despite rapid growth in the last two decades.

Critics have long argued that organic agriculture is inefficient, requiring more land to yield the same amount of food. The review paper describes cases where organic yields can be higher than conventional farming methods.

"In severe drought conditions, which are expected to increase with climate change, organic farms have the potential to produce high yields because of the higher water-holding capacity of organically farmed soils," Reganold said.

However, even when yields may be lower, organic agriculture is more profitable for farmers because consumers are willing to pay more. Higher prices can be justified as a way to compensate farmers for providing ecosystem services and avoiding environmental damage or external costs.

Numerous studies in the review also prove the environmental benefits of organic production. Overall, organic farms tend to store more soil carbon, have better soil quality, and reduce soil erosion. Organic agriculture also creates less soil and water pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The report mentions it is more energy efficient because it doesn't rely on synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It is also associated with greater biodiversity of plants, animals, insects and microbes as well as genetic diversity. Biodiversity increases the services that nature provides like pollination and improves the ability of farming systems to adapt to changing conditions.

Feeding the world

Reganold said that feeding the world is not only a matter of yield but also requires examining food waste and the distribution of food.

"If you look at calorie production per capita we're producing more than enough food for 7 billion people now, but we waste 30 to 40 percent of it," Reganold said. "It's not just a matter of producing enough, but making agriculture environmentally friendly and making sure that food gets to those who need it."

Reganold and Wachter suggest that no single type of farming can feed the world. Rather, what's needed is a balance of systems, "a blend of organic and other innovative farming systems, including agroforestry, integrated farming, conservation agriculture, mixed crop/livestock and still undiscovered systems."

Reganold and Wachter recommend policy changes to address the barriers that hinder the expansion of organic agriculture. Such hurdles include the costs of transitioning to organic certification, lack of access to labor and markets, and lack of appropriate infrastructure for storing and transporting food. Legal and financial tools are necessary to encourage the adoption of innovative, sustainable farming practices.
The British public are shunning away from foreign made cheese and sticking with home-grown British cheese, according to figures from AHDB.

With a quarter of all milk produced in the UK processed into cheese, the household staple is an important product both for shoppers and for dairy farmers.

While cheese exports are up and imports are down there are positive signs at last emerging for the dairy sector.

But despite this, the value of cheese has declined and prices remain far below sustainable levels on farm.

At the start of the International Cheese Show in Nantwich, Cheshire, national NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said now is a good time to thank people for choosing British cheese and the positive impact they are having.

And to send a clear message to the supply chain  a fair price is needed for dairy farmers.

'A positive story' tell the public

"We have such a positive story to tell," said Mr Oakes.

"Figures for May 2016 show that UK imports of Cheddar were down 39 per cent on the same month last year while exports of cheese were six per cent higher this May compared to 2015.

"Meanwhile, retail cheese sales for the year ending May 2016 grew 4.7 per cent.

"The great news is more people than ever before are eating British cheese.

"With most branded cheddar sold on promotion in the UK consumers are getting good value on a highly nutritional product.

"And we have seen dairy commodity prices strengthening in recent weeks.

"The next step must be for the value of cheese to increase through the supply chain and for a fair share of that money to be passed back to farm as quickly as possible.

"While in-store promotions are good news for the shopper, as a dairy farmer I have concerns.

"The aim of these promotions is to sell more volume rather than diminish value. My question is who is paying for such promotions?"

What can you do to back British dairy farmers?

Keep buying more British dairy products, especially by choosing British cheeses, yoghurts and butter.

If you don't see these British products clearly on the shelves then ask for them.

Be informed and speak to a shop manager if you are unsure about the products you are buying.

The same is true for food services.

When dining out in restaurants or cafes keep an eye open for British food on the menu and don't hesitate to ask your favourite eateries to support British dairy farmers by serving fresh, delicious British products.

Key cheese facts

 In May 2016 UK imports of Cheddar totalled 7,355 tonnes, down 39% on the same month last year (= down 4,771 tonnes)

 In the same period, specialty cheese imports were 3% down on May 2015 (= down 1,007 tonnes)

 At the same time UK cheese exports were 6% higher this May than last May at 13,084 tonnes.
A locally owned community energy charity has received a major boost after the Wales' Rural Secretary Lesley Griffiths confirmed it will receive a Government loan of over 3.5million for its wind scheme.

The Awel Aman Tawe Community Energy Charity in Swansea will benefit from up to 3.55m which will enable work to progress on developing the Mynydd y Gwrhyd windfarm.

The money will help the project meet an important deadline for securing a higher level of income from Feed in Tariffs (FiT), a payment made to households or businesses that generate their own electricity from renewable resources.

Awel Aman Tawe (AAT) has been developing a 2-turbine 4.7MW community wind farm north of Pontardawe for some time.

The project has been supported by the Welsh Governments Ynnir Fro programme since 2010, and its successor the Local Energy Service.

Lowered Feed in Tariffs

The UK Government made changes last year to Feed in Tariffs (FiT), lowering the rates paid out, thereby making it less attractive for smaller producers to generate their own energy.

However if a project has pre-registered for FiT it is guaranteed a set level of return if it is connected to the energy grid and operating by 29 March 2017.

The money announced by the Welsh Government today, along with over a million pounds raised by the group, will enable AAT to make a payment for a wind turbine and help the Mynydd y Gwrhyd meet this important deadline.

Visiting the site of the Mynydd y Gwrhyd windfarm today the Cabinet Secretary said: "Schemes such as this provide clean energy and valuable jobs, with people locally developing expertise in leading local development.

"They also help build a real sense of community cohesion, at the same time as helping tackle climate change.

"I am pleased to be able to confirm today a loan of over 3.5million to the Awel Aman Tawe Community Energy Charity.

"This money will enable renewable energy generation to continue in the Swansea Valley and the income will help AAT to work with people locally on projects whose many benefits will continue to be felt for years to come."
This time, a plane at Vinh Airport in central Vietnam was targeted.

Vietnams national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has detected two more cases of laser beams being projected onto its airplanes at two local airports.

In a report to the National Committee of Civil Aviation Security, the carrier said its airplanes have been threatened by laser beams five times since June 11 with the latest on July 16 and 17.

A pilot detected green laser lights projected onto the cockpit in 5-10 seconds while preparing for landing at Vinh Airport in the central province of Nghe An on July 16.

One day later, another crew member of Vietnam Airlines detected green laser lights projected onto the cockpit twice, for 10 and 15 seconds, while preparing for landing at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.

In both cases, the pilots managed to land the airplanes safely, the report said.

The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam has asked authorities to criminalize targeting airplanes with a laser, saying it as an act of obstructing air traffic. Under the proposal, those responsible for a fatal incident or injuring a pilot could be fined VND30 million ($1,327) to VND100 million ($4,425), subject to non-custodial re-education for up to three years or a prison sentence of one to five years.

Projecting laser beams at a pilot's eyes is a safety threat, especially if the aircraft is landing or taking off. Experts have called for a control in sale of laser projecting devices to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

A circus group was responsible for projecting laser beams onto airplanes at Noi Bai International Airport from a hamlet in nearby Soc Son District earlier this month, said Hanoi police. It, however, concerns only one of the four cases in which airplanes at Noi Bai were targeted by laser beams since June, according to the National Committee of Civil Aviation Security.

Related news:

> Circus group responsible for targeting plane with laser: Vietnam police

> Vietnam considers jail time for culprits behind airplane 'lasering'
The sheep industry is being urged to come together to promote home-produced lamb during Love Lamb Week 2016.

The week, which is being supported by AHDB Beef & Lamb and the National Sheep Association (NSA), takes place from 1 to 7 September 2016.

Launched last year by Cumbrian sheep farmer Rachel Lumley, Love Lamb Week is a great opportunity to encourage consumers to get cooking with this tasty and versatile meat.

Driven by farmers, Love Lamb Week 2015 gained support across the industry, catching the attention of the national press and broadcast media and getting interest from top chefs.

The objective for the event is to create opportunities for the whole supply chain to get involved and stimulate demand for home-produced lamb when production is at its peak.

"Love Lamb Week is a fantastic initiative to increase positive interest in sheep farming"

Love Lamb Week will also mark the start of AHDBs lamb keema campaign, which will involve PR and social media activity as well as on-pack labelling.

The campaign aims to introduce consumers to lamb mince in the form of versatile and tasty keema as an easy, low-cost route in to eating lamb.

Once consumers develop a taste for keema, the aim is then to encourage them to move to using higher-value lamb cuts.

The broader sheep farming community is also being encouraged to get involved either by organising an event in their local area or helping to get the messages out on social media.

Grass-roots campaign

AHDB Beef & Lamb sector strategy director Laura Ryan said: "Love Lamb Week is an excellent grass-roots campaign which really gives the industry something to get behind in order to promote home-produced lamb.

"By working together with the NSA, we aim to build on the success of last year and make Love Lamb Week 2016 even more engaging.

"The tie-in with our keema activity will really help amplify the impact of Love Lamb Week and ensure that we get our messages out to as many consumers as possible."

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: "Love Lamb Week is a fantastic initiative to increase positive interest in sheep farming and encourage consumption of lamb.

"The NSA will be very active over the coming weeks in encouraging farmers to get involved by hosting or supporting events in their area, and to spread the message on social media.

"We are delighted to be taking this leading role in supporting co-ordinated activity.

"Love Lamb Week will not only be an opportunity to highlight much of the existing lamb promotional activity, but also provide an ideal platform to bring farmers, businesses and consumers together in raising the profile of British lamb during its peak season."
Simpler animal movement rules designed to reduce red tape for livestock producers has been announced by Defra.

The launch of the rules for livestock keepers to register land they use was announced by Farming Minister George Eustice.

Under existing rules, farmers must report livestock movements to any other land they own or rent beyond a five-mile radius of their home farm.

The reporting automatically triggers a 6 day lockdown  or standstill  on the farm during which no animals can be moved.

There is also a host of different rules for sheep, cattle and pigs under a complicated web of schemes, including the Cattle Tracing System Links and Sole Occupancy Authorities.

Farming Minister George Eustice

The new scheme, being rolled out over the next 12 months, has a more simple design to ensure farmers are able to move their animals more freely.

Defra says it will start contacting livestock keepers to help them transition to the new arrangements.

A first batch of individual letters will be sent to livestock keepers affected by the changes this week.

The letters will remind farmers of these changes to animal movement rules and set out the options available to them.

'Overly complex rules and regulations'

Farming Minister George Eustice said farmers often face 'overly complex rules and regulations'.

"Making it simpler for them to understand what they need to do will not only help them follow the rules," Mr Eustice said, "but it will also improve disease control capability by ensuring better information on animal locations is being recorded on Defras livestock location database."

The changes, originally recommended by the Task Force on Farming Regulation, form part of the governments on-going programme to boost UK food and farmings productivity by cutting unnecessary red tape and the time farmers spend on excessive form filling.
Campaign to put spotlight on dairy calf strategy progress
He was it was unclear exactly when this will happen, and to what extent prices will go down in the next cycle, but it is something that producers should be wary of while making longer term cattle investment decisions with restocking prices at such high levels.
"Further work needs to be done, but I am hoping all parties can co-operate to find a long-term solution, but the short-term issue needs to be addressed and quickly. We need to ensure they have a choice, as to whether they continue to milk cows or not - we don't want to see anyone forced out of the industry."
When it comes to beach and cheap, Vietnam trumps all.

Cua Dai Beach. Photo on Instagram @vuybuyn

TravelBird, a Netherland-based travel site, has recently released its Beach Price Index, which rates beautiful beaches of the world by how much it costs to have fun there in descending order. Cua Dai Beach of the famous Hoi An City in Vietnam finished bottom, 250th, which means its the cheapest beach to go to.

At a cost of $12.34, beach-goers at Cua Dai can get these five essential items that TravelBird used to calculate the index:

100ml of SPF 30 sunscreen at $1.82.

500ml of water at $0.46 - bottled, local brands such as La Vie, if you prefer mineral, or Aquafina, if purified.

330ml of beer $1.9 - not a surprise, the same price gets you six draught beers this size at the Old Quarter in Hanoi.

An ice cream at $0.82 - even cheaper inland and prices vary.

Lunch for one, drink included at $7.32.

The bottom ten of the list, though surveyed 66 countries worldwide, is made up of Vietnam and Indias beaches only. Without even trying, Vietnam took all four bottom positions, leaving the rest for India.

By the way, just recently, Hanoi has been named the most affordable city to visit by the infamous TripAdvisor. Perhaps soon, someone will name Vietnam the cheapest travel destination overall.

And here comes the full bottom ten, for your reference:

1 Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Vietnam 9.34 2 Ho Coc Beach, Ho Coc, Vietnam 9.44 3 City Beach, Nha Trang, Vietnam 9.87 4 Long Beach, Phu Quoc, Vietnam 10.23 5 Varkala Beach, Kerala, India 11.23 6 Benaulim Beach, Goa, India 11.44 7 Palolem Beach, Goa, India 11.61 8 Cavelossim Beach, Goa, India 11.76 9 Agonda Beach, Goa, India 11.98 10 Mandrem Beach, Goa, India 11.99

One more thing. People usually don't bother checking out anything in between the top and the bottom ten, but for anyone planning to travel to South East Asia, it's worth to have a look. Vietnam's beaches, whichever way you look, are still a lot cheaper than their counterparts in Malaysia, the Phillipines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand.

Related news:

> TripAdvisor names Hanoi most affordable city to visit

> Nha Trang on list of top 10 destinations in Asia: Tripadvisor

> Hoi An's beach lands in TripAdvisor's top 25
Dia de los Muertos: What to know about the celebration of life
You can change careers and become an author. I started out as a freelance music journalist, interviewing rock bands around the world. I ended up editing a rock magazine, before realising that what I really wanted to do was tell stories for a living. Which is a mad ambition, but I went for it anyway. That was a painful but pivotal decision, and one which is only starting to pay off, many years later. But it can be done! You too can do it, if you're determined and foolish enough.

Jason Arnopp

I was once held at gunpoint by The Pope's security guards. During the rock journalism years, a photographer and I took a Satanic metal band called Cradle Of Filth to Vatican City in Rome for a photo shoot. We didn't have prior permission, and as a result found ourselves surrounded by extremely angry men toting submachine guns. It didn't help that the band members were modelling their own blasphemous T-shirts. It's one of those memories that was scary at the time, but now makes for a great go-to anecdote.

I don't hate social media. My novel The Last Days Of Jack Sparks might suggest I do, since it's about an ego-fuelled celebrity who practically lives on social media and comes badly unstuck (hence the title). Not to mention how the book suggests we're all broadcasting a little too much these days, and probably not listening enough to other people. The simple truth is, there's plenty of stuff I do like about social media - but that stuff just doesn't tend to make for a dramatic or scary story!

I've written Doctor Who. Yes, I previously wrote tie-in Who fiction for the BBC, including the audiobook Doctor Who: The Gemini Contagion that starred Matt Smith's Doctor. I've always loved Doctor Who and very much credit that show, or maybe blame it, for getting me into the darker side of fiction as a kid. I write on a regular basis for Doctor Who Magazine too, which I've also loved all my life.

I collect VHS movies. Yes, I have about two thousand of these things - films on video tapes, in the fat, chunky boxes that used to sit on the shelves of video shops, enticing people to rent them. Perhaps more than anything, I love the OTT lurid artwork, but I suppose I also like the way a big chunky video box makes a movie seem like more of a big deal. Collecting videos is great until it's time to move flat

I believe scary stories play a positive role in society. Terrifying, chilling and/or horrific tales are the equivalent of ghost trains or rollercoasters. They're like dry runs for worst case scenarios. We get to face up to things that disturb and worry us, safe in the knowledge that we can close the book or switch off the e-reader at any time. It's good, vital even, to purge the bad stuff in our brains. And I'm really happy that lots of readers have said they've loved The Last Days Of Jack Sparks, even though they wouldn't normally gravitate towards this kind of book.

I'm not like Jack Sparks, honest! When I first met my wonderful publishers at Orbit Books, they admitted that they were trying hard not to accidentally call me Jack instead of Jason. They were probably also secretly worried that I might be an egotistical nightmare like Jack. I like to think I'm not, but I will confess that I found Jack worryingly easy to write. Authors do exist in a strange world of two extremes: we have to be confident enough to expect readers to absorb the 100,000 words we've laid down but then we all go through phases where we firmly believe we don't know what we're doing and can't write to save our lives. So writing Jack gave me free rein to unleash the ego-driven side of being an author. Once again, it's all about the healthy purging. And as readers discover during the course of the novel, Jack does have a very different side to him. He's not all confidence, that's for sure

I'm a born again veggie. I was vegetarian as a teenager, only to lapse in adult life, but a few years back my conscience returned. Food technology makes it all so much easier than it once was, back when veggie burgers were just vegetables shoved together, usually including sweetcorn. Quorn is a godsend, and I enjoy Tesco's Bacon Style Rashers as much as I used to enjoy bacon. Probably more, in fact, because there's no stringy fat to slice off. There's also a great indie company called Sgaia's Vegan Meats, who make awesome meat-free steaks. I aspire to be vegan one day, and have already made small changes, like switching to soy milk. Hooray!

I don't know if I believe in ghosts. Never saw one, but I do keep an open mind on the subject. That's another key theme of The Last Days Of Jack Sparks - trying not to cling too stubbornly to any kind of certainty. I don't know how I'd feel if I saw a ghost. On one hand I'd probably be terrified. But on the other, it would seem to suggest some kind of afterlife which would be great. One inherently positive thing about ghost stories, no matter how grim they might otherwise seem, is that their very format involves some kind of life after death. Anyway, let's lighten the tone

I love living in Brighton. Moved down here six years ago from London, and my only regret is not having done it sooner. The only downside to Brighton life, far as I can see, is that it often feels like everyone else is on holiday while you're chained to your desk. By and large, people in Brighton seem happier than in other big UK cities. And so they should be, since they're by the sea and surrounded by a great array of bars. My favourite Brighton pub is The Basketmakers, which has old metal tins stuck to the walls, with handwritten notes inside. Even though I once opened one that said 'JASON YOU WILL DIE'. I swear, that really happened. It did.
ELKO  The annual Sherman Dinner & Auction will take place Saturday at the Sherman Station at 1405 Idaho St.

Cocktails start at 6 p.m., and dinner starts at 7 p.m. Throughout the evening there will be drawings, silent auctions, and music by Stone Rock Sound.

Tickets for the dinner are $50 per plate. You can purchase a table of eight for $400, and a table of 10 for $500. Ticket prices include open bar and dinner catered by Donuts N Mor.

The theme of the Sherman Dinner & Auction this year is a Tiki Party. Donuts N Mor will be roasting a whole pig, and will have Hawaiian chicken, Hawaiian pasta salad, fresh fruits and veggies and a whole lot more.

The Sherman Dinner & Auction is an event that is held by the Elko Area Chamber every year to help raise funds for the maintenance of the historical Sherman Station and surrounding school house, creamery, barn and welding shop. All of the historical buildings were relocated to Elko in 1997 and restored to be used as a historical visitors stop and then as the location for the Elko Area Chamber.

The Sherman Station was constructed in 1903 by Valentine Walther, a German immigrant, with the help of one ranch hand. It took Valentine seven years to complete construction on the large building. He cut down surrounding pine trees and used that as his primary material for the build.

The Sherman Station, as it grew to be called, was a home for his 12 children and eventually turned into a carriage stop, a community center, and a post office. The surrounding smaller buildings were completed in 1880, and contain many original items that were donated by the family and other previous owners.

The over 100-year-old buildings need regular upkeep and maintenance. Projects this year include roofs for the outbuildings, concrete work, chinking, and paint. With the donation of the new furnace last year from Plumbline and A+ Total Care, we have some funding available, but need to raise even more as these are costly projects.

At this time, the chamber is also looking for donations and drawing and auction items. If you or your business would like to donate, please contact the Elko Area Chamber. We are very appreciative of the overwhelming support that the community offers for this event.

Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing a ticket for the event at 738-7135.
Matt Damon is taking a year off.

Matt Damon

The 'Jason Bourne' star - who raises 15-year-old Alexia, Isabella, nine, Gia, seven, and five-year-old Stella, with wife Luciana - usually takes his family to movie sets with him but after years of "dragging them all over the world", he's ready for a break.

He told 'Today: "I took a bunch of roles in a row. I've done four straight movies in a row and I have one more to go.

"They're really good sports. They're great travellers. But I'm excited to finish this year of work and take a year off and be at their behest for once."

The 45-year-old actor is returning to play super-spy Jason Bourne after almost 10 years away from the action franchise and agreed to reprise the role again because of fan demand.

He said: "After years of that, it gets humbling. I've certainly made a lot of movies that nobody went to see, so when you have a loyal audience that's asking for something, at a certain point we looked at each other and said, 'Let's get off our high horse and do it.' "

Matt recently admitted he usually only accepts movie roles if his family can join him on the shoot.

He said: "When making the movie, I always take them and go on a big family trip. Every decision to make a movie is really up for to the family. If it is going to be too disruptive, I just can't do it. Sometimes it is an adventure. Last year I went to China for six months and it was a big family trip and that was awesome."

However, if the 'Martian' star isn't allowed to tag his family along with him, he will only accept the role if it's guaranteed he can return home after two weeks of shooting.

He explained: "We try to not be apart for two weeks. We have this two week rule, but three weeks has been the longest we have ever been apart."

But, despite his globetrotting career, he recently admitted his youngest daughters don't realise he's a film star.

He said: "I think to a certain degree the older ones do, they are aware of it. The younger ones probably not so much."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Canada for a second time in September.

Prince William and Duchess Catherine

The royal couple hold a special place in their hearts for the country as it is where they made their first vacation as a married couple in 2011.

Their trip in two months time will see William and Catherine, both 34, visit British Columbia and Yukon after being invited by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

A statement from Kensington Palace read: "Their Royal Highnesses have been invited to visit by the Government of Canada.

"They will visit British Columbia and the territory of Yukon as part of their tour.

"The Duke and Duchess are delighted to be returning to Canada.

"They hold very happy memories from their visit in 2011 - their first overseas tour as a married couple.

They are really looking forward to seeing other parts of this beautiful country and having the opportunity to meet many more Canadians along the way."

And the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston and his wife Sharon are thrilled to have them stay.

He said: "Sharon and I will be delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada.

Their Royal Tour will take them to the beautiful province of British Columbia and the scenic territory of Yukon. Once again, our true Canadian pride and spirit will shine and be at the very heart of this visit so they can feel at home."

It's not yet sure if their children - three-year-old Prince George and 14-month-old daughter Princess Charlotte - will come with them.
Prince George is a "proper little chap".

Prince George

Friends of the three-year-old royal's parents, Prince William and Duchess Catherine, have shared how the adorable little royal is already growing into a polite young boy.

A close pal of the couple told PEOPLE magazine: "He's a little boy now. "A proper little chap!"

Prince George - who shares his mum and dad with his 14-month-old sister Princess Charlotte - has already shown he's getting into planes, dinosaurs and is a huge fan of playing ball games.

A family friend told the Mail Online: "He has good hand-to-eye co-ordination and has developed a passion for anything ball-related. These are his outdoor weapons of destruction."

And he makes regular trips to the National History Museum in London.

Duchess Catherine, 34, met with representatives of various museums who have been entered to win 100,000 from the Art Fund and she told Nicky Wilson from Jupiter Artland in West Lothian about their regular trips to the landmark.

Nicky said: "The Duchess said Geroge comes here a lot. We were talking about children interacting with sculpture and contemporary art and he loves doing that.

"He loves 3D three-dimensional sculptures. He does come here [Natural History Museum] quite often."

And earlier this month, he even asked his dad if he could fly a red arrow when he attended his first royal engagement at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

George had asked his mother Catherine, 34: "Mummy, can I fly the Red Arrow now?"

However, Prince William dashed his dreams, and said: "Not right now."
Netflix and Marvel have an incredible relationship, having brought two seasons of Daredevil and one of Jessica Jones to the streaming service.

Credit: ABC

With Luke Cage set to debut in September and Iron Fist and The Defenders coming at some point thereafter, many were shocked when Marvel's Agent Carter was looking for a new home, but Netflix passed on the opportunity.

However, Netflix boss Ted Sarandos has offered an explanation via EW as to why the show wasn't brought to the platform.

He said: "We're looking for truly original brands to own and in that Marvel space we already have [original comic book shows] - so that was mostly why.

"They also have some output deal complexities. So when you pick it up, being able to pick it up globally is difficult even after it's cancelled. Some of those output partners still had it on the air, so they would argue its covered by their output [deals]. Unfortunately, it was a business decision more than a creative one."

Despite being forced to give up her role as Agent Carter, Hayley Atwell won't be off the small screen for long having landed the lead in new ABC series Conviction.

The show will see Atwell play young attorney Hayes Morrison, the daughter of a former President of the United States who is forced to head Los Angeles' latest Conviction Integrity Unit. Investigation cases where people could have been wrongly convicted, many twists and turns are expected throughout.

Conviction comes to ABC in the US this October. Marvel's Daredevil seasons 1-2 and Jessica Jones season 1 are available now on Netflix. Luke Cage debuts on September 30 with Iron Fist and The Defenders expected in 2017. Daredevil season 3 and Jessica Jones season 2 are expected to debut in 2018.

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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Amidst rumours of a brewing romance between 'Raabta' lead pair, Kriti Sanon and Sushant Singh Rajput, the duo jetted off to Mauritius to ring in her 26th birthday on Wednesday and kick off the next schedule of their upcoming film.





The actress had brought in her birthday week with a quiet lunch with sister Nupur in Mumbai. Directed by Dinesh Vijan and co-produced by Homi Adajania and Bhushan Kumar, Raabta's first schedule was wrapped up over two months in Budapest.



On Wednesday, Kriti and Sushant clicked a selfie while lounging at the airport. "All set for the last schedule of 'Raabta'. And the excitement shows as we wait to board the flight to Mauritius," the actress had exclaimed. Meanwhile, her costar has been documenting his extensive workout sessions on the social media with pictures and videos of his toned abs.



The film's first day on the sets kicked off with the birthday celebrations. "Being in front of the camera is the best part of my life right now and what better day to restart the journey? I'm glad that things have worked out like this," she said about her working B-Day.



Sushant and Kriti return home in mid August. The actress has learnt mixed martial arts and sword-fighting since the current schedule has a lot of action sequences.

Next Story : Not Your Average Gift: Our Handpicked Thoughtful Diwali Gifts
High-end lingerie sales are outpacing China's generally downbeat luxury market, and heating up competition between international brands and local rivals looking to go upmarket.While U.S. brand Victoria's Secret is set to open its first store, Italy's ultra-luxury La Perla and Germany's Triumph are adding stores and penetrating mainland China beyond the mega-cities to tap a lingerie market that has more than doubled in five years to $18 billion, according to Mintel Group.China's women's underwear market is expected to have a retail value of $25 billion by next yeardouble that of the United Statesand is expected to grow to $33 billion by 2020, according to Euromonitor.Not just foreign firms, Chinese firms such as Beijing Aimer, Maniform and Ordifen are also chasing that money, targeting affluent customers by raising their quality. Thus, foreign brands will have to outsmart local ones not just on quality, but also innovation, observed Matthew Crabbe, director at Mintel.For now, the market is highly fragmented, with none of the leading firms having more than around a 3% share. International brands see China as a priority to help bolster overall sales amidst a fairly bleak global outlook.La Perla, which sells bras priced around 2,000 yuan ($300), has eight stores in China and plans additional outlets in Chengdu and Chongqing within the year. It also aims to open a men's store in Beijing.Luxury is  not about buying to show off, it's about buying items that make you feel good, said Chiara Scaglia, La Perla's Asia chief.

The perception of the lingerie sector has changed, Scaglia told Reuters. At the beginning many people we spoke to were confused as to why anybody should spend over $1,000 on panties for something nobody sees.



Victoria's Secret will open a 20,000 square foot (1,860 square meter) flagship store in Shanghai this year, taking over a prime downtown location that used to house a Louis Vuitton store.



Triumph, which already has 1,000 China stores, plans to open in five new cities this year and up to 11 cities next year.



Cosmo Lady, a Chinese firm that has focused on the mass market, selling bras from 50 yuan ($7.50), last year bought Ordifen to increase its presence in the luxury segment.



We would like to gradually step into the high-end market, said Peter Lam, Cosmo Lady's assistant chief financial officer.



International brands admitted that they don't offer products specifically for the Chinese market, though La Perla said that some coloursred and baby pinksell far better in Asia than in Europe or the United States. The Italian brand has also used Chinese supermodel Liu Wen in its campaigns.



Not to be left behind, Japanese and South Korean brands such as Wacoal and Narue are also growing in popularity in China. But there are bumps in the lingerie market too.
Montreal-based family apparel marketer Gildan Activewear Inc. announced it was acquiring 100% equity shares of Peds Legwear Inc. (Peds) a popular ladies foot apparel and legwear brand, for $ 55 million.The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close before the end of August 2016, Gildan said in a press release.

Montreal-based family apparel marketer Gildan Activewear Inc. announced it was acquiring 100% equity shares of Peds Legwear Inc. (Peds) a popular ladies foot apparel and legwear brand, for $ 55 million. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close before the end of August 2016, Gildan said in a press release.#

Peds is a marketer of quality foot apparel and legwear products, including ladies no-show liners, socks and sheer, and therapeutic hosiery sold mainly under the Peds and MediPeds brands to U.S. and Canadian retailers. The company currently generates annual sales of almost $80 million supported by sourced production and a company-owned state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution facility in Hildebran, North Carolina.The Peds brand comes with a strong heritage, particularly in the ladies category, and is a good complementary addition to Gildan's growing portfolio of brands, said Glenn Chamandy, President and CEO of Gildan.The acquisition is expected to create revenue growth opportunities by leveraging Gildan's existing customer relationships to broaden the channels of distribution for the Peds and MediPeds brands and by extending these brands into Gildan's other product categories, the company statement said.In addition, Peds' current distribution into the footwear channel provides broader access in this channel for Gildan's brands and product portfolio. This company was originally founded 80 years ago in Quebec and we are proud to have successfully built Peds and MediPeds into such strong brands, said Michael Penner, Chief Executive Officer, Peds Legwear.Gildan has had great success over the years building its manufacturing leadership and strong portfolio of brands and we feel it is well-positioned to take the Peds brands to new heights.Gildan is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality branded basic family apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear, socks, hosiery, and shapewear. The Company sells its products under a diversified portfolio of company-owned brands, such as Gildan, Gold Toe, Anvil Comfort Colors, Alstyle, Secret, Silks, Kushyfoot, Secret Silky and Therapy Plus brand. It has large-scale manufacturing facilities, which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, North America and Bangladesh. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Seven years after it went defunct, Zambia's Mulungushi textiles is set to reopen on August 1 following infusion of $10 million by a Tanzanian Textile mill, that has acquired the company on lease for 12 years.The announcement about the revival of the textile company was made by President Lungu at an election rally in Kawbe July 24. The defunct Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles signed a 12-year lease agreement with Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (MeTL) on July 20 aimed at reviving the operations of the defunct textile factory.

Seven years after it went defunct, Zambia's Mulungushi textiles is set to reopen on August 1 following infusion of $10 million by a Tanzanian Textile mill, that has acquired the company on lease for 12 years. The announcement about the revival of the textile company was made by President Lungu an election rally in Kawbe July 24. The defunct Zambia-China...#

Labour and industry unions have welcomed the move which is expected to create 2,000 jobs immediately and provide an impetus to the local industry up and down the value chain, media reports said.Former Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Leonard Hikaumba told Lusaka Times that revamping the textile giant was vital to Zambia's development agenda as it would result in job opportunities and provide a market for local cotton producers.The recapitalisation of the company will result in ripple effects such as supporting agriculture and creating employment opportunities for Zambians, he said.The move would also broaden Government's revenue sources and provide the Zambian economy with an additional viable source of revenue in the face of unstable and declining copper prices.Increased availability of the locally-produced clothing would provide people access to quality and durable clothing the lack of which had led to the growth of second-hand clothing industry in the African nation.People had resorted to buying second-hand clothing because the new clothes are imported and expensive, he said observing that with the re-opening of Mulungushi Textiles, consumers would be able to buy cheap and durable clothing that is locally produced.Echoing him, The Zambia Cotton Ginners Association (ZCGA) said the revival of the textile firm would promote value-addition to raw lint.We have always supported initiatives aimed at adding value to our lint which is being exported in its raw form, ZCGA executive secretary Bourne Chooka said adding that it was long overdue. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The one third textile entrepreneur stipulation in forming SPVs or Special Purpose Vehicles in setting up Integrated Textile Parks (ITPs) is proving to be a stumbling block in Odisha, according to state government officials who want the centre to relax the rules for smooth implementation of the scheme.As per stipulations, the SPV would require eight entrepreneurs one-third of which should be from the textile manufacturing sector. Finding such entrepreneurs with huge investment proposals is very difficult in a state where the textile industry is in a poor shape, observed a senior official of the state Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.

The one third textile entrepreneur stipulation in forming SPVs or Special Purpose Vehicles in setting up Integrated Textile Parks (ITPs) is proving to be a stumbling block in Odisha, according to state government officials who want the centre to relax the rules for smooth implementation of the scheme. As per stipulations, the SPV would require eight...#

Entrepreneurs will come forward automatically to set up their plants when an ITP is ready with the requisite infrastructure but not before that, he said implying that the Union ministry's rule on inviting proposals from textile entrepreneurs was just not possible in the current scenario.The state PSU Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) had in January this year participated in the expression of interest (EOI) floated by the Union Ministry of textiles (MoT) for setting up a textile park in Bhadrakh district, where land and other infrastructure is available.Officials, who did not want to be named, pointed out that IDCO is eligible for setting up the park as it can develop the requisite infrastructure, which will be helpful for entrepreneurs. However, the MoT seems reluctant over giving in-principle approval to IDCO for ITP and has sought the list of investors in textile sector before giving the green signal.Former Minister Manmohan Samal, who supports the proposed ITP, is also reported to have brought the matter to the notice of the Union Textiles Minister.Meanwhile, IDCO too has floated an EOI for inviting investors in the textile parks. But state government officials are of the view that the MoT should not insist on such the list of textile entrepreneurs as a pre-requisite and should relax the rules at a time when Odisha is trying to revive the sick Orissa Textile Mills (OTM) and many other spinning mills. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Dr. Bill Berg guided Great Basin College during his 16 years as president, which saw the institution grow with the addition of nursing and vocational degree programs along with increasing student enrollment in rural areas.

Born in Racine, Wisconsin in 1924, William J. Berg attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, earning bachelors and masters degrees in social science, teaching at local high school and junior high schools. During World War II, Berg served with the Navy on the USS San Diego in the Pacific.

After the war,Bill, his wife Mary and their five children moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he earned his doctorate from the University of Arizona in 1969. He then served as vice president of instruction at Arizona Western College in Yuma.

In 1973, Dr. Berg and Mary moved to Elko where he became the fourth president of Northern Nevada Community College, known today as Great Basin College. At the time, NNCC had approximately 500 students and a staff of 20 and offered adult education courses.

Expanding course offerings, Dr. Berg initiated the LPN and RN nursing degrees, later adding the diesel technology program. The first nursing class included Mary Berg, who graduated with an LPN degree and was employed at the hospital.

Dr. Berg worked to increase enrollment and provide higher education to rural areas in developing nine off-campus centers in northern Nevada, including Battle Mountain, Ely, Eureka and Winnemucca. By 1989, enrollment grew to 2,000 students.

Partnering with the school district, a dual credit program was established, allowing high school students to earn 12 semester credits in English and History. Despite his workload, he enjoyed teaching and taught U.S. history and economics, with lectures videotaped and used for telecourse classes.

Active in civic clubs, Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, and served as chairman of the Elko Senior Citizens Board.

Prior to retirement in 1989, the new student services building was dedicated and named Berg Hall.

He also received an honorary degree from University of Nevada, Reno in recognition of commitment and contribution to a chosen profession and to the state, said UNR President Joe Crowley.
Concerned over dropping yields of cotton , Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal has directed the establishment of a quick response system to help farmers cope with various cotton crop related diseases.The decision was taken at a high level meeting reviewing the prevailing cotton crisis. The meeting, which was chaired by Iqbal, was attended by which was attended by Federal and Provincial agriculture and textile officials, agriculture experts, researchers and farmers, media reports said.

Concerned over dropping yields of cotton, Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal has directed the establishment of a quick response system to help farmers cope with various cotton crop related diseases. The decision was taken at a high level meeting reviewing the prevailing cotton crisis. The meeting, which was chaired by...#

Acknowledging that the agriculture sector had been facing many challenges due to climate change and crash of agricultural commodities prices in international markets, the minister saiddrop in per acre yield of cotton was a matter of serious concern as cotton is the mainstay of Pakistan's agriculture and textile industry.We have to focus on increasing productivity and lowering cost of inputs, Iqbal reportedly said at the meeting stressing that cotton played a vital role in increasing economic growth and development.According to him if the cotton crop had not been affected the economy would have grown by 5.5% instead of 4.7 %, which was, nonetheless, the highest in eight years but marred by problems in the agriculture sector.Assuring farmers and industry representatives, the minister said that government was making all-out efforts to uplift the agriculture sector and address problems of the farming community. The government, he said, had offered incentives for agriculture sector by decreasing prices of inputs and waiving off GST on many agriculture related items.Pointing out that farmers were facing tough conditions in many countries due to crash of international commodity prices, he emphasized upon the need reforming research in agriculture sector to produce high quality seeds for getting high yielding varieties.He also expressed the hope that the local farming community would stand to benefit said from Chinese expertise through exchange of knowledge and research in agriculture sector under the aegis of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Good news! Geeta Basra and Harbhajan Singh have been blessed with a baby girl today, July 28, 2016 at a hospital in London. Harbhajan was present with Geeta in London during her delivery.

Harbhajan Singh and Geeta Basra tied the knot in October 2015 in a grand wedding ceremony in Jalandhar. Geeta has been staying at her parents house in London during her term and Harbhajan joined them after a few months.

A few months ago, a baby shower ceremony was held for Geeta in London in the presence of all her friends and family members.

Avtar Kaur, mother of Harbhajan Singh confirmed the news of delivery to the media by saying that she has spoken to her daughter-in-law over the phone, and congratulated the couple.

Nana Patekar Talks About Superstar Rajinikanth!
The Pakistani actress, Mahira Khan, is all set to be seen alongside the Baadshah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan in the film, Raees, and during the shoot of her first scene with SRK, Mahira reveals that she completely forgot her lines as she got nervous all of a sudden seeing him.

Mahira Khan, was quoted as saying, "My first scene in the film was with him (Shahrukh Khan). I was wondering what would happen. I was prepared with my dialogues and when he came I forgot my dialogues, so that is one moment I will always remember."

When asked why she felt so nervous, Mahira quipped, "It's a dream come true. I am excited but very nervous too. I feel pressure to prove myself, that's why there is anxiety. We have been shooting since last year. I am anxious, impatient and nervous. I am fluctuating with all the emotions."

Shahrukh Khan and Mahira Khan starrer Raees, is scheduled to be released in January, 2016 and would clash with Hrithik Roshan's Kaabil.

AIB's Tanmay Bhatt Mocks Priyanka Chopra's Accent! PeeCee Slams Him In Return
Nikhil Kumar's debut movie Jaguar's teaser will be released on July 31. HD Kumaraswamy is bankrolling his son's debut project, marking his return to film production almost after a decade.

Mahadev, who has assisted the star director SS Rajamouli in the past, is directing the most awaited project. Mahadev and team did the pre-production work for almost for a year, to make sure that nothing goes wrong in Nikhil's debut.

SS Vijayendra Prasad of Baahubali and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, has provided story for the movie. He was the one who kick-started the project and brought in Mahadev to work on the project. Mahadev has worked on screenplay and dialogues for the movie.

The team has ensemble star cast and very big names in the technical department. HD Kumaraswamy is leaving no stone unturned to make this movie a successful launch for his son. He has taken a break from political life and is involved in the movie. He was in Bulgaria with the team where they shot a couple of action sequences and songs.

SS Thaman is the music director and he announced on social media platform that teaser will be released on July 31. He seems to be very excited about the project. A press meet has been called on Sunday, where the teaser will be released and official announcement regarding release date will be made.

The team is currently shooting day and night in the Infosys Campus, Mysore. The post-production work is going on hand in hand, as the team is looking for the grand release of Kannada and Telugu versions simultaneously, in October.

Manoj Paramahamsa, a big name in Telugu and Tamil industry, is cranking the camera for the movie. Ravivarma, Ram-Lakshman, Selva and Kaloyan (Bulgaria) have composed the action sequences for the movie.
We have two notable Kannada releases this week - Shivanna starrer Santheyalli Nintha Kabira and Komal Kumar's Deal Raja. Let's see what the high points of these movies are.

As we are all aware by now, Santheyalli Nintha Kabira is a biopic-drama film adapted from Bhisham Sahni's play 'Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein'. For this reason, we can expect strong content in the movie.

The movie is directed by Narendra Babu of Kabaddi fame for which he won the State award. He has taken special care in each and every department and this is visible in trailers and teasers released so far.

Songs are composed by Bollywood composer Ismaail Darbaar. Sufi style songs from the movie are already the talk of the town and have garnered superb response. Visuals in the trailer, shot by debutant Naveen Kumar were impressive and looking at his work in the trailer alone, he has got offer to work on multiple big budgeted films.

The film is produced by Kumarswamy Pathikonda under Sri Subramanya Productions. Kishore Films is releasing the movie throughout the state in 200 odd theaters; the count is very high considering the genre of the movie.

Deal Raja is yet another comedy entertainer from Komal Kumar, who tasted success with Kathe Chithrakathe Nirdeshana Puttanna, early this year. The movie is a crucial one for Komal as he is just back to the success track and he wants to keep the momentum.

The film is directed by Rajgopi of Pade Pade fame and he is very sure of the movie hitting the right chord with the audiences. The film is produced by Meghadhoot Movies. Songs by Abhiman Roy have created decent buzz for the movie.

Producers are releasing the movie on their own, throughout the State in 130 odd theaters. Let's wish good luck for both the releases.
Kismath, which has Shane Nigam and Shruthy Menon in the roles, is all set to hit the theatres on July 29, 2016. The film, which narrates an intense love story has been directed by debutante Shanavas K Bavakutty.

The film also features actors like Vinay Forrt, Sunil Sukhada, Alencier Ley etc in prominent roles. Kismath, which is said to be based on a true event has been scripted by the director himself.

Here we list 5 reasons to watch the movie FDFS..

A Film Based On A True Story

Kismath is said to be based on a true event that happened a few years back in Kerala. This probably is a big plus for the movie and films based on real events have had takers.

Distributed By LJ Films

Lal Jose is considered to be the ambassador of good films and if he decides to distribute a movie, then there has to be something novel in that particular film. Reportedly, the film has impressed Lal Jose and hence decided to take up the film for distribution

Shane Nigam And Shruthy Menon In the Lead Roles

Shane Nigam, who was previously seen in the films Kammatipaadam and Annayum Rasoolum does the lead role in the film along with actress Shruthy Menon. Shane Nigam is the son of veteran mimicry artist Abi. From the trailer of the film, it seems like both the actors have given a solid and real performance.

An Intense Love Story On The Cards

The movie narrates the love story between a 23-year-old Muslim boy and a 28-year-old Dalit girl. The film is expected to be an intense love story in the lines of films like Annayum Rasoolum. All those who love realistic films have reasons to be much excited about Kismath.

Presence Of Rajeev Ravi

The name Rajeev Ravi is more than enough to add credibility to this project. The cinematographer-turned-director has co-produced the film under the banner of Collective Phase One. The banner has previously produced quality films like Njaan Steve Lopez and ID.
The team of Ajith Kumar's upcoming film 'Thala 57', which is also being referred as 'AK 57', will head to Nu Boyana Film Studios, one of the biggest in the whole of Europe to start the first shooting schedule.

According to reports, the first schedule will go on for 40 days, in which important sequences will be shot with the main cast facing the camera.

Nu Boyana Film Studios, which is located in Bulgaria, has dished out superhit Hollywood flicks like The Expendables 3, The Legend of Hercules and 300: Rise of an Empire.

It is also said that the film will involve extensive usage of graphics and CG works, which the team is planning to execute after each and every shot, in order to avoid a bulk of work during the post production stage of the project.

To be bankrolled by Sathya Jyothi Films and directed by Siva, 'Thala 57' is expected to be a complete entertainer, aimed at Ajith's huge fan base.

Also Read: Reasons Why 'Kabali' Could Be A Milestone Film In Rajinikanth's Career
National Award-winning actor Bobby Simhaa will be seen in 10 different get-ups for his next movie titled Vallavanukkum Vallavan.

Upon the release of the movie, which also stars Sshivada, Pooja Devariya, Napoleon and Karunakaran in important roles, Bobby Simhaa will join an elite list of Tamil actors who have donned more than 9 get-ups for a movie.

But unlike Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan, who did 9 and 10 different characters in Navarathri and Dasavathaaram respectively, Bobby will be seen donning 10 different get-ups while playing the same character, much like Thala Ajith in Citizen, who was seen in 9 gets-ups.

"Bobby Simhaa and Karunakaran are thieves in the movie and they will be seen in different getups at the crime scene. These characters will appear in the film as episodes which lasts for 10-15 minutes," director Vijay Tesingu told Deccan Chronicle.

Speaking about the experience of donning so many get-ups for a movie, Bobby has said: "This is the first time I am donning so many characters. It was a different experience for me. For some characters, we needed three hours to complete the make-up.

Suresh, who helped with the make-up, has done a fantastic job. Each character has a different mindset and mood, and to imbibe them was challenging."

The script of Vallavanukkum Vallavan was rejected by producers, before the actor decided to bankroll the film himself.

"This movie was declined by a couple of producers, so I started my own production house as an emotional outburst. When I asked for help, Sri Thenandal Films agreed to co-produce the film," the Urumeen actor told the leading daily.

The team is planning to release the teaser on August 2. Said to be Napoleon's 100th film, Vallavanukkum Vallavan has its music composed by Raghu Dixit. Even as Padmesh is handling the camera, Vivek Harshan is doing the editing bit.

Also Read: All Set For 'Kabali 2': Producer 'Kalaipuli' S Thanu
While official bad debt numbers in China are rising fast as its economy weakens, risks in the country's banking system probably remain greatly understated.

With China's GDP growing at the slowest pace in more than two decades, the aggregate nonperforming loan ratio of the nation's commercial banking sector rose to 1.81% at the end of June, the highest since the global financial crisis, from 1.75% three months earlier, the China Banking Regulatory Commission said July 15.

Now that signs of troubles abound in China, such as idle capacity in some industries, questions are arising about whether data from lenders and the government reliably illustrates how well-equipped the nation's banking system is to face any bad debt crisis.

Some outside estimates based on corporate profitability suggest that the situation is far more alarming than indicated by official figures, which can be skewed because of differences in the way NPLs are recognised in China and elsewhere. Further complicating matters, shadow banking, which is hard to capture fully in China, is rampant in the country.

Click for full view

For the treatment of bad debt, the standard international practice is to classify loans as nonperforming if they are overdue for 90 days or more, according to CLSA. In China, banks tend to delay the recognition of NPLs longer than the norm, CLSA said in a May report.

"China's NPL problem has been understated and the NPL ratio would be higher if Western accounting norms were applied. The situation will get worse with a slowing economy and supply-side reform," they wrote.

CLSA estimates that China's NPL ratio could be as high as 19%, based on an analysis of financials of listed companies for 2015. The firm arrived at that worst-case scenario by expanding the scope of NPLs to any debt held by companies with insufficient Ebitda to cover 2x interest expenses.

In its April Global Financial Stability Report, the IMF cautioned that 15.5% of all corporate loans in China are at risk, calculated by counting companies whose liabilities exceed profit by any margin.

Shadowy NPLs

Further muddying the waters in determining the true extent of China's bad-debt problem is shadow banking, which is not covered by the estimated NPL ratios from CLSA and the IMF.

"The potential NPL ratio is higher if we factor in the bad debts from shadow credit," Cheung said.

Shadow loans are estimated to have ballooned to 21 trillion yuan, about 10% of total bank assets, as of the end of the first quarter from 6 trillion yuan as of December 31, 2012, growing at a compound annual rate of 46%, Deutsche Bank estimates show.

In a fast-growing type of shadow lending, a bank uses an intermediary such as a trust company, a brokerage, an insurer or a mutual fund to set up a special purpose vehicle which makes loans to companies. The bank then books the holding as an investment receivable other than a credit asset.

Loans appearing as investment receivables surged more than 15- fold from the end of 2012 to make up almost 70% of banks' shadow financing as of March 31, according to Deutsche Bank.

Other forms of shadow banking in China include funds channeled to businesses through sales of off-balance-sheet wealth management products, which are offered by banks to ordinary investors as high-yield alternatives to deposits.

A lack of comprehensive data makes it difficult to get the full scope of how much shadow banking credit in China is turning bad. If a 15% NPL ratio is applied, CLSA estimates that there is 4.6 trillion yuan of soured debt in that space, or 4% of GDP. Using a similar top-down approach, the IMF calculated that losses from shadow products for banks could be US$98 billion, or about 656 billion yuan.

Doomsday scenarios

The cost of a full-blown bad-debt crisis in China, however unlikely, could be exponential. Under CLSA's most-daunting scenario, if 20% of formal loans go bad at the same time, banks will need new capital amounting to 6.6 years of profit, or 15.6% of GDP, even if they all cut provisions to 100% of NPLs from a required 150% and lower Tier 1 capital ratios to 8.5%, the brokerage said in its May report.

Small banks that are less likely to receive government support than large institutions in times of distress could be particularly vulnerable. Without state aid, the one-year probability of default for a typical small bank in China would jump to 4.3% from 0.5%, if it had a 15% NPL ratio, and if all soured credit assets were written off, according to an S&P Global Market Intelligence analysis.

Although such a situation remains a remote possibility, if stress in the banking system reaches a dangerous level, the government is highly likely to come to its rescue. The state has been taking steps to help banks deal with NPLs as well, such as creating asset management companies that buy bad debt and allowing select lenders to securitise soured credit.

Yet, Beijing's top focus is still on economic expansion, which involves companies taking on more debt. The government has set its 2016 growth target at a range of 6.5% to 7%, compared to 6.9% in the prior year. It also aims to boost so-called total social financing, the broadest measure of credit in China, including some shadow banking instruments, by 13%. The goals indicate "pro-growth and less reform," CLSA said.

That bias means bad-debt risks are continuing to loom large for Chinese banks.

NPLs at the 20 largest Chinese banks swelled 107.32% in the two years to the end of 2015, according to SNL data. In addition, what they reported as special mention loans  loans overdue for less than three months and backed by collateral  increased 83.64% over the same period.

Stress in the struggling energy sector, in particular, is showing up on the books of some lenders.

Take Chang'an Bank. The lender is based in the capital of Shaanxi province, where the energy industry accounts for more than 60% of corporate revenue, and all of its branches are in that region. NPLs at the bank had ballooned more than ninefold at the end of 2015 from two years earlier, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data.

Click for full view

The four largest national banks, meanwhile, reduced their exposure to energy companies from 2011 to 2015. At Bank of China, credit to energy and utilities firms shrank to 7.9% of total loans at the end of 2015 from 12.08% four years earlier, according to SNL data. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China cut the figure to 10.96% from 14.38%.Chinese banks may be turning cautious about lending to risky borrowers, but their asset quality will likely continue to deteriorate. Their reported NPL ratios will climb as defaults on existing loans gradually surface, according to Daiwa Capital Markets, adding it could take as long as a year before a loan becomes nonperforming.

"The ability of many Chinese listed firms to service their debt obligations is eroding, with higher debt and declining earnings capacity," the IMF said in its April report. "Structural weakness and cyclical stresses are becoming more evident."

The article is authored by Jolie Ho and Francis Ian Garrido at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Cererea de proiecte a Fundatiei Remembrance, Responsibility and Future / Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft (EVZ) pentru programul EUROPEANS FOR PEACE .

Prin acest program fundatia EVZ promoveaza intalnirile internationale ale tinerilor din Germania si tarile din Europa de Sud-Est, Centrala, de Est si precum si din Israel. Scoli si institutii non-scolare sunt invitate sa se alature in parteneriate internationale si sa solicite finantare pentru un proiectul comun. Tema cererii este  DISCRIMINATION. WATCH OUT!.

Proiectele vor fi implementate in perioada iulie 2017  august 2018.

Termenul limita de aplicatie este 1 decembrie 2016.

EUROPEANS FOR PEACE: Call for applications for projects in 2017 and 2018

Application deadline: 1 December 2016

Programme

In its EUROPEANS FOR PEACE programme, the Foundation EVZ promotes international encounters of young people from Germany and the countries of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe as well as Israel. Schools and non-school institutions are invited to join up in international partnerships and apply for funding for their joint project. EUROPEANS FOR PEACE encourages young people to be active for human rights and international understanding with historical awareness. Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier is the patron.

Theme of the call

DISCRIMINATION. WATCH OUT!

Projects on exclusion

In the current programme cycle the young people examine discrimination and persecution under National Socialism or current issues of discrimination against the background of Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948: Ban on Discrimination

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

The projects, which will be implemented between July 2017 and August 2018, can select a historical or contemporary approach to the theme. It is also possible to combine the two approaches.

Historical reference points are the history of National Socialism and of World War II in Europe. In joint project work, young people can explore the causes, mechanisms and consequences of systematic exclusion, deprivation of rights persecution, and annihilation. They can ask: Why did people remain silent and turn a blind eye? Why did some stand up against the wrongs? Connections to local stories and biographical testimonies, to ones own background, to human rights and to current affairs can be drawn.

In contemporary approaches , projects examine current forms of discrimination and current patterns of thought shaped by prejudice, such as racism, anti-Semitism, antiziganism, or homophobia. The young people explore how every individual can work actively to combat discrimination and exclusion and to foster respect for and protection of minorities and human rights.

WHAT DOES EUROPEANS FOR PEACE FUND?

You can apply for funding for

 Travel expenses

 Costs of accomodation and board (programme costs)

 Materials for developing and presenting the results

 Personnel costs (fees)

EUROPEANS FOR PEACE also offers a counselling seminar before the project starts.

WHO CAN APPLY?

 School and youth groups from Germany, together with a partner from Central, Eastern or South-Eastern Europe or from Israel

 Binational and trinational projects

 Young people between the ages of 12 and 21 together with their project leaders (not university or college students)

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE YOUTH PROJECTS?

 The projects are developed and implemented jointly

 The viewpoints and the experiences of the partners are taken into account

 The projects reflect the life world of the young people

 Intergenerational dialogue is stimulated

 The (multilingual) results are jointly produced and presented to the public

HOW CAN WE APPLY?

The application form can be downloaded at www.stiftung-evz.de/europeansforpeace beginning in September. Deadline for submissions: 1 December 2016

Download: Brochure From Idea to Project.

Pentru a beneficia de consultanta pentru depunerea proiectelor completati un formular aici.

Sursa: Europa pentru Cetateni
ELKO  Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Catherine Cortez Mastos statewide tour of Nevada brought her to Elko on Tuesday night as she met with Democrats to discuss bipartisanship and a tax break for the middle class.

Cortez Mastos campaign brought her to an Elko residents back yard where she spoke to a group of about 20 Democrats to discuss the issues she saw facing Elko County and the state.

Debbie Heaton-Lamps backyard served as the venue for the event and she said she was happy to host the Senate candidate.

It was wonderful to have Catherine here in our backyard, she said. I think Elko needs to meet the next U.S. senator from Nevada. This was a great opportunity to get to know her and address our concerns about rural issues.

Cortez Mastos biggest priority in speaking to the Elko Democrats was the introduction of her plan to provide tax relief for the middle class. Cortez Masto explained that the tax break she hopes to enact if she is elected to the Senate seat will help ease the financial burden on middle class families as the economy continues to recover.

We are slowly recovering, our economy is, but at the end of the day there are some people struggling and that paycheck is not going as far as it used to, she said. I think working families need a break and one thing I think we can do is give them a $1,000 tax break.

Cortez Masto further explained that the tax break could be funded easily if Nevada were to stop paying subsides to oil and gas companies and discontinue tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas.

Though the crowd she spoke to was small, Cortez Masto said understanding the unique issues facing rural communities like Elko will be important if she is elected in November.

If you get out in the rural areas you really understand, she said. For me as a United States Senator I want to fight to make sure were addressing these issues.

One of the issues that generated a lot of discussion among those in attendance was the difficulty of finding a doctor locally. Cortez Masto said she intends to address the issue by making it more attractive for doctors to do their residency in Elko.

In addition to the concerns she heard from the crowd about the economy, education and the difficulty of finding a doctor, Cortez Masto also talked about the possibility of local mines doing more to contribute to the local economy.

Im a supporter of the mines, she said. I also know there is a balance we can find. I think we want to keep jobs here and support our mines. The mines Ive talked to want to be good community players in the state.

Cortez Masto continued by saying Elko Countys mines have been really supportive of her in the past and she hopes to continue to work with them in the future.

Working with businesses and politicians across the aisle was one of Cortez Mastos points of emphasis that evening. She was recently endorsed by several law enforcement organizations throughout the state and said the endorsements shows the importance of her stances on the issues. She also said she will be more willing to work across party lines than here opponent, Senator Joe Heck.

There are a lot of people who are supporting a candidate based on the issues, she said. One of the reasons why they supported me is because I work across party lines. I will work in a bipartisan matter to solved problems, not create them.

Cortez Masto faces Republican candidate U.S. Rep. Joe Heck in the contest to replace Sen. Harry Reid.
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/02/16 -- Pulse Seismic Inc. ("Pulse" or "the Company") (TSX: PSD)(OTCQX: PLSDF) reports its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and will be available on Pulse's website (www.pulseseismic.com).

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Financial highlights for the three and nine-month periods are:

-- Seismic data library sales for the third quarter of 2016 increased to $5.6 million from $4.7 million for the comparable period in 2015. Seismic data library sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $10.2 million compared to $12.5 million for the comparable period of 2015; -- Total seismic revenue, consisting strictly of data library sales, was $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $15.7 million, which included $3.2 million of participation survey revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- The net loss was $302,000 ($0.01 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to a net loss of $1.6 million ($0.03 per share basic and diluted) for the same period in 2015. The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $6.2 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) compared to a net loss of $6.0 million ($0.10 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months of 2015; -- Cash EBITDA(a) was $4.4 million ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $3.3 million ($0.06 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2015. Cash EBITDA was $6.1 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $8.1 million ($0.14 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- Shareholder free cash flow(a) was $4.3 million ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $3.2 million ($0.06 per share basic and diluted) for the comparable period in 2015. Shareholder free cash flow was $6.0 million ($0.11 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $7.8 million ($0.14 per share basic and diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015; -- The Company did not buy any shares during the third quarter of 2016. In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 Pulse purchased and cancelled, through its normal course issuer bid, a total of 100,900 common shares at a total cost of approximately $231,000 (average cost of $2.29 per common share including commissions); and -- At September 30, 2016 Pulse was debt-free and had a cash balance of $3.9 million. The Company's $30.0 million revolving credit facility is undrawn and fully available.

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION

Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Year ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 December 31, (thousands of dollars except per share data, number of shares and kilometres of seismic data) (unaudited) (unaudited) 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue Data library sales 5,613 4,678 10,163 12,455 21,214 Participation surveys - - - 3,220 3,220 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total revenue 5,613 4,678 10,163 15,675 24,434 Amortization of seismic data library 4,701 5,262 14,316 17,857 22,836 Impairment loss - - - - 937 Net loss (302) (1,579) (6,237) (5,966) (5,308) Per share basic and diluted (0.01) (0.03) (0.11) (0.10) (0.09) Cash provided by operating activities 2,265 7,832 6,954 14,193 17,094 Per share basic and diluted 0.04 0.14 0.12 0.25 0.30 Cash EBITDA (a) 4,353 3,332 6,123 8,078 15,121 Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.27 Shareholder free cash flow (a) 4,336 3,249 6,026 7,773 14,745 Per share basic and diluted (a) 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.26 Capital expenditures Participation surveys (cost reduction) - (9) - 3,959 3,959 Seismic data purchases, digitization and related costs 165 - 2,380 183 933 Property and equipment - - 6 14 14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total capital expenditures 165 (9) 2,386 4,156 4,906 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic and diluted 56,161,432 56,618,252 56,126,720 56,826,409 56,628,524 Shares outstanding at period-end 56,161,432 56,352,989 55,592,689 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seismic library 2D in kilometres 447,000 339,991 339,991 3D in square kilometres 28,642 28,409 28,555 FINANCIAL POSITION AND RATIOS (thousands of dollars except September 30, September 30, December 31, ratios) 2016 2015 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working capital 8,008 1,988 4,996 Working capital ratio 9.56:1 2.76:1 4.44:1 Total assets 46,782 56,496 54,618 Long-term debt - 1,456 - Trailing twelve-month (TTM) cash EBITDA (b) 13,166 14,739 15,121 Shareholders' equity 40,406 46,396 45,389 Long-term debt to TTM cash EBITDA ratio 0.00:1 0.10:1 0.00:1 Long-term debt to equity ratio 0.00:1 0.03:1 0.00:1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a) The Company's continuous disclosure documents provide discussion and analysis of "cash EBITDA", "cash EBITDA per share", "shareholder free cash flow" and "shareholder free cash flow per share". These non-GAAP financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company has included these non-GAAP financial measures because management, investors, analysts and others use them as measures of the Company's financial performance. The Company's definition of cash EBITDA is cash available for interest payments, cash taxes if applicable, repayment of debt, purchase of its shares, discretionary capital expenditures and the payment of dividends (if applicable), and is calculated as earnings (loss) from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less participation survey revenue, plus any non-cash and non-recurring expenses. Cash EBITDA excludes participation survey revenue as these funds are directly used to fund specific participation surveys and this revenue is not available for discretionary capital expenditures. The Company believes cash EBITDA assists investors in comparing Pulse's results on a consistent basis without regard to participation survey revenue and non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary significantly depending on accounting methods or non- operating factors such as historical cost. Cash EBITDA per share is defined as cash EBITDA divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Shareholder free cash flow further refines the calculation of capital available to invest in growing the Company's 2D and 3D seismic data library, to repay debt, to purchase its common shares and to pay dividends (if applicable) by deducting non- discretionary expenditures from cash EBITDA. Non-discretionary expenditures are defined as debt financing costs (net of deferred financing expenses amortized in the current period) and current tax provisions. Shareholder free cash flow per share is defined as shareholder free cash flow divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. (b) TTM cash EBITDA is defined as the sum of the trailing 12 months' cash EBITDA and is used to provide a comparable annualized measure.

OUTLOOK

The Company is observing a number of positive signs that, although individually modest, collectively point towards a strengthened oil and natural gas industry outlook. Pulse's improved seismic data library sales in the third quarter made up some of the ground lost in the weak second quarter. Pulse continues to have poor visibility regarding both traditional and transaction-based data library sales for the remainder of the year and, accordingly, overall data library sales for 2016 could be lower year-over-year.

Industry merger and acquisition activity, the primary source of Pulse's transaction-based sales, has been lower than expected to date this year. Although many producing asset packages and companies continue to be marketed, bid-ask spreads remain high and some management teams appear to be attempting to "hold on" until better times.

Mineral lease auctions across western Canada have remained extremely low, as has oil and natural gas drilling activity. The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors' revised 2016 drilling forecast, issued in late September, calls for only 3,562 wells to be drilled in 2016, down by 25 percent from the organization's original forecast of 4,728 wells and down from 5,300 wells drilled in 2015. Drilling rig utilization was only 17 percent in the third quarter compared to 24 percent utilization of a larger drilling fleet in the same months of 2015.

These figures mainly confirm, however, that 2016 will be a weak year for the industry and suggest low field activity for the short term. Certain other forward-looking indicators appear to be improving. In mid-October crude oil prices did briefly climb above US$50 per barrel WTI amidst indicators that the growth in crude oil inventories has halted and may begin to decline.

Natural gas prices have improved markedly. The Alberta benchmark AECO price closed at $3.25 per mcf on October 20. This was up from $2.61 per mcf one year earlier and is significantly higher than the year-to-date average price of $1.95 per mcf. Natural gas storage volumes in the United States, though high, are now tracking the upper end of the five-year weekly range. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently predicted robust growth in U.S. residential natural gas consumption over the winter. Meanwhile, with barely 100 rigs drilling for natural gas in the U.S., production from unconventional shale reservoirs is continuing its decline.

Pipeline exports to Mexico continue to grow, while Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass project, North America's first large-scale LNG export operation, now has two liquefaction trains licensed for commercial operations. The EIA forecasts that U.S. LNG exports will average 1.3 billion cubic feet per day in 2017, marking the country's first material export volumes spanning an entire year. In Canada, federal approval (with numerous conditions) of the Pacific Northwest LNG export facility is a positive step towards a final investment decision for this landmark project.

Together, these factors suggest potential for a supply-demand rebalancing to take hold in North America. For western Canada's upstream oil and gas sector, low to negative cash flows, typically heavy debt loads, low share prices and investor caution are likely to delay by a number of months or quarters a noticeable supply response in the form of greater field capital expenditures, land acquisitions and drilling.

The price-related trends for both major hydrocarbon commodities are, however, generally positive for the first time in at least two years. Higher industry capital spending historically has been associated with higher data library sales. For this reason, Pulse remains very cautious about the short term, but is becoming more optimistic regarding the medium term.

Due to its low cost structure, Pulse is a high-margin business under even modestly positive levels of data library sales, and creates significant leverage for cash EBITDA and shareholder free cash flow under a significant rebound in data library sales.

In the meantime, Pulse will remain financially prudent. With zero long-term debt and cash of $3.9 million at September 30, the Company's balance sheet is even stronger than at the end of the first or second quarters. The Company's ability to generate cash EBITDA and shareholder free cash flow in all three quarters underscores the benefits of the Company's cash-focused business model. Pulse's long-term goal continues to be growing into Western Canada's largest licensable seismic data library.

CONFERENCE CALL

The Company's next conference call will be held after the release of its year-end 2016 results, in March 2017. Should investors or analysts wish to contact the Company, please feel free to contact Neal Coleman or Pamela Wicks at the e-mail address or telephone number provided below.

CORPORATE PROFILE

Pulse is a market leader in the acquisition, marketing and licensing of 2D and 3D seismic data to the western Canadian energy sector. Pulse owns the second-largest licensable seismic data library in Canada, currently consisting of approximately 28,600 square kilometres of 3D seismic and 447,000 kilometres of 2D seismic. The library extensively covers the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin where most of Canada's oil and natural gas exploration and development occur.

This news release contains information that constitutes "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation which includes, among other things, statements regarding:

-- Pulse continues to have poor visibility regarding both traditional and transaction-based data library sales for the reminder of the year; -- Overall data library sales for 2016 could be lower year-over-year; -- Pulse remains very cautious about the short term but is becoming more optimistic regarding the medium term; -- Oil and natural gas prices; -- Oil and natural gas drilling activity and land sales activity; -- Oil and natural gas company capital budgets; -- Future demand for seismic data; -- Future seismic data sales; -- Future demand for participation surveys; -- Pulse's business and growth strategy; and -- Other expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information and statements about possible future events, conditions, results and performance.

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Pulse does not publish specific financial goals or otherwise provide guidance, due to the inherently poor visibility of seismic revenue.

The material risk factors include, without limitation:

-- Oil and natural gas prices; -- Seismic industry cycles and seasonality; -- The demand for seismic data and participation surveys; -- The pricing of data library licensing sales; -- Relicensing (change-of-control) fees, partner copy sales and asset disposition-related sales; -- The level of pre-funding of participation surveys, and the Company's ability to make subsequent data library sales from such participation surveys; -- The Company's ability to complete participation surveys on time and within budget; -- Environmental, health and safety risks; -- The effect of seasonality and weather conditions on participation surveys; -- Federal and provincial government laws and regulations, including those pertaining to taxation, royalty rates, environmental protection and safety; -- Competition; -- Dependence on qualified seismic field contractors; -- Dependence on key management, operations and marketing personnel; -- The loss of seismic data; -- Cybersecurity threats; -- Protection of intellectual property rights; and -- The introduction of new products.

The foregoing list is not exhaustive. Additional information on these risks and other factors which could affect the Company's operations and financial results is included under "Risk Factors" for the most recently completed financial year and interim periods. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and opinions of the Company's management at the time the information is presented.

Contacts:

Pulse Seismic Inc.

Neal Coleman

President and CEO

403-237-5559 or Toll Free: 1-877-460-5559



Pulse Seismic Inc.

Pamela Wicks

VP Finance and CFO

403-237-5559 or Toll Free: 1-877-460-5559

info@pulseseismic.com

www.pulseseismic.com




U.S. GAAP earnings of $36.3 million ($0.30 per share) for the quarter and $67.1 million ($0.56 per share) for the year to date, down (26.5)% and (19.7)%, respectively, compared to 2015 periods

Economic net income of $36.2 million ($0.30 per share) for the quarter and $68.2 million ($0.57 per share) for the year to date, down (4.7)% and (9.4)%, respectively, compared to 2015 periods (excluding the non-recurring performance fee)

AUM of $218.8 billion at June 30, 2016, an increase of 3.0% from December 31, 2015

Net client cash flows ("NCCF") for the quarter of $(2.9) billion yielding an annualized revenue impact of $(3.4) million; year to date NCCF of $(0.5) billion providing positive $3.9 million of annualized revenue impact

Partnership with Landmark Partners announced on June 14; on track to close in August

$400 million of long term financing raised in July

OM Asset Management plc (NYSE: OMAM) reports its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160804005733/en/

"In the second quarter, we continued to make progress executing on our strategy, as we positioned our business for long-term growth by diversifying our franchise through our agreed investment in Landmark Partners. In addition, in July, we strengthened our capital structure through a successful debt offering," said Peter L. Bain, President and Chief Executive Officer of OMAM. "While our Affiliates' performance was impacted by continued volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets, higher average assets and management fees generated 11% growth in ENI per share compared to the first quarter. Net client cash flows for the second quarter reflected an anticipated decrease in the pipeline after several large mandates funded in the first quarter, with net flows of $(2.9) billion for the second quarter, which reflect $(3.4) million of annualized net revenue; however, net flows of $(0.5) billion for the year-to-date represent an increase of $3.9 million in our annualized net revenue.

"We are very pleased to have announced our investment in Landmark Partners, a leading global secondary private equity, real estate and real asset firm. We expect to complete the transaction this month and look forward to collaborating with the Landmark team to further grow and diversify their business and expand their distribution capabilities outside of the U.S. In addition, in July, we enhanced our financial flexibility through the placement of a $275 million 10-year institutional debt offering and a $125 million 15-year retail-oriented debt offering. Both Moody's and S&P issued investment grade ratings in conjunction with the placements. Combined with our cash flow from operations and existing credit facility, this additional capital provides ample capacity to continue to execute our business strategy, including investing in growth initiatives at existing Affiliates and future diversifying acquisitions, while efficiently managing our balance sheet. We continue to enjoy the support of our Parent as it implements its previously announced Managed Separation strategy."

Table 1: Key Performance Metrics (unaudited) ($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, U.S. GAAP Basis 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) Revenue 156.5 213.5 (26.7 306.1 374.1 (18.2 Income from continuing operations before taxes 48.0 64.7 (25.8 92.0 110.9 (17.0 Net income 36.3 49.4 (26.5 67.1 83.6 (19.7 U.S. GAAP operating margin 28 29 (135) bps 28 29 (91) bps Diluted shares outstanding (in millions) 119.6 120.5 119.8 120.5 Diluted earnings per share, 0.30 0.41 (26.8 0.56 0.69 (18.8 Economic Net Income Basis (Non-GAAP measure used by management) ENI revenue* 160.0 167.8 (4.6 312.9 331.1 (5.5 Pre-tax economic net income* 47.9 52.2 (8.2 90.8 103.2 (12.0 Economic net income, excluding non-recurring performance fee* 36.2 38.0 (4.7 68.2 75.3 (9.4 ENI diluted EPS, excluding non-recurring performance fee, $* 0.30 0.32 (6.3 0.57 0.63 (9.5 Adjusted EBITDA, excluding non-recurring performance fee* 50.3 54.4 (7.5 95.6 107.9 (11.4 ENI operating margin* 36 38 (179) bps 35 37 (253) bps Economic net income (including non-recurring performance fee) 36.2 49.4 (26.7 68.2 86.7 (21.3 ENI diluted EPS (including non-recurring performance fee), 0.30 0.41 (26.8 0.57 0.72 (20.8 Other Operational Information Assets under management at period end ($ in billions) 218.8 226.6 (3.4 218.8 226.6 (3.4 Net client cash flows ($ in billions) (2.9 0.8 n/m (0.5 0.6 n/m Annualized revenue impact of net flows ($ in millions) (3.4 13.5 n/m 3.9 24.8 (84.3 *Excludes impact of the non-recurring performance fee in 2015. For a detailed discussion of this fee, please refer to the Company's Form 10-K filed March 15, 2016. Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes." Please see Table 7 for a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income to economic net income.

Assets Under Management and Flows

At June 30, 2016, OMAM's total assets under management ("AUM") were $218.8 billion, up $0.8 billion or 0.4% compared to $218.0 billion at March 31, 2016, and down $(7.8) billion or (3.4)% compared to $226.6 billion at June 30, 2015. The increase in AUM during the three months ended June 30, 2016 reflects net market appreciation of $3.7 billion, against net outflows of $(2.9) billion.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016, OMAM's net flows were $(2.9) billion compared to $2.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $0.8 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2015. Hard asset disposals of $(1.0) billion, $(1.3) billion, and $(0.2) billion are reflected in the net flows for the three months ended June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively. The change in net flows between last quarter and this quarter resulted from a reduction in gross sales, as the Company sought to rebuild its sales pipeline in a volatile market environment following an unusually strong first quarter. Inflows in the three months ended June 30, 2016 of $4.1 billion compare to $9.4 billion in the first quarter of 2016 and $7.5 billion in the second quarter of 2015, and include decreases in equities and alternative assets. For the three months ended June 30, 2016, the annualized revenue impact of the net flows was $(3.4) million, which compares to $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $13.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 (see "Definitions and Additional Notes"). Gross inflows of $4.1 billion yielded approximately 46 bps, while gross outflows and hard asset disposals of $(7.0) billion in the same period yielded approximately 32 bps. The higher fee rate on inflows compared to outflows marks a return to the trend the Company has seen in previous years and a reversal from the first quarter of 2016, which saw a higher fee rate on outflows than inflows.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, OMAM's net flows were $(0.5) billion compared to $0.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Hard asset disposals of $(2.3) billion and $(0.5) billion are reflected in the net flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the annualized revenue impact of the net flows was $3.9 million compared to $24.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Gross inflows of $13.5 billion in the six months ended June 30, 2016 yielded an average of 40 bps compared to 46 bps in the year-ago period while gross outflows and hard asset disposals of $(14.0) billion yielded 36 bps in the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to 30 bps in the year-ago period.

Table 2: Assets Under Management Rollforward Summary ($ in billions, unless otherwise noted) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Beginning AUM 218.0 212.4 224.0 212.4 220.8 Gross inflows 4.1 9.4 7.5 13.5 14.5 Gross outflows (6.0 (5.7 (6.5 (11.7 (13.4 Hard asset disposals (1.0 (1.3 (0.2 (2.3 (0.5 Net flows (2.9 2.4 0.8 (0.5 0.6 Market appreciation 3.7 3.1 1.1 6.8 4.5 Other* 0.1 0.7 0.1 0.7 Ending AUM 218.8 218.0 226.6 218.8 226.6 Basis points: inflows 46.4 37.7 46.1 40.3 46.3 Basis points: outflows 32.1 40.0 31.4 36.1 30.4 Annualized revenue impact of net flows ($ in millions) (3.4 7.3 13.5 3.9 24.8 Derived average weighted NCCF ($ in billions) (1.0 2.1 3.9 1.1 7.2 * "Other" in 2015 primarily relates to an Affiliate's purchase of a joint venture and other Fund disposals. In 2016, "Other reflects the standardization of AUM definitions across Affiliates and mandates and the revaluation of certain hard assets. These changes align the definition of AUM with management fees charged to clients. Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Balance Sheet and Capital Management

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are provided in Table 3 below. During the three months ended June 30, 2016 the Company made net payments of $35.0 million against third party borrowings. At June 30, 2016, the Company had third party borrowings of $50.0 million and shareholders' equity of $186.8 million. The Company's ratio of third party borrowings to trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA was 0.2x, well below the maximum 3.0x leverage covenant under OMAM's revolving credit facility. Of the Company's cash and cash equivalents of $65.1 million at June 30, 2016, $45.1 million was held at Affiliates and $20.0 million was available at the Company.

As of June 30, 2016, the Company managed approximately $116 million of seed capital provided by Old Mutual plc (the "Parent") under a seed capital arrangement (the "Seed Capital Agreement") dated October 8, 2014. On June 13, 2016, the Company and its Parent entered into a Heads of Agreement amending certain terms of the Seed Capital Agreement, resulting in the Company's purchase of approximately $35 million of seed investments in the third quarter of 2016, and the purchase of all remaining seed capital investments covered by the Seed Capital Agreement, up to an incremental $100 million, on or around June 30, 2017. All seed capital was originally expected to be transferred to the balance sheet of the Company on or around January 15, 2018.

In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a Deferred Tax Asset Deed ("DTA") with OM Group (UK) Limited ("OMGUK") that provides for the payment by OMAM to OMGUK of amounts equal to certain deferred tax assets ($181.1 million as of June 30, 2016) existing as of the date of the closing of our initial public offering. On June 13, 2016, the Company and OMGUK entered into a Heads of Agreement amending the DTA to provide that the obligations of the Company to make future payments to OMGUK under the DTA, which were originally scheduled to continue until January 31, 2020, would be settled as of December 31, 2016 in exchange for a payment of the net present value of the future payments due to OMGUK valued as of December 31, 2016. The valuation will be calculated using a discount rate of 8.5% and be paid by the Company to OMGUK in three installments on each of June 30, 2017, December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, such payments forward valued at a discount rate of 8.5%. The Company's current estimate of total payments to be made during this period ranges from $135 million to $145 million. Payments under the DTA will continue as scheduled for the remainder of 2016.

On March 16, 2016, the Company launched a share repurchase program. As of June 30, 2016, the Company has repurchased a total of 921,740 shares in the open market at a weighted average price of $13.22/share.

In July 2016, the Company raised $400.0 million of senior notes, consisting of $275.0 million of senior notes due 2026 (the "Institutional Notes") and $125.0 million of senior notes due 2031 (the "Retail Notes"). The Institutional Notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.80% per year, payable on a semi-annual basis. The reported interest expense related to these bonds is expected to be approximately $16.7 million per year, including $13.2 million of cash interest expense and approximately $3.5 million of non-cash amortization of fees and losses related to an interest rate hedge. The Retail Notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.125% per year, payable on a quarterly basis. The reported interest expense related to the Retail Notes is expected to be approximately $7.0 million per year, including $6.4 million of cash interest expense and approximately $0.6 million of non-cash amortization of fees and losses related to an interest rate hedge. The Company may redeem all or a portion of the Retail Notes at any time after August 1, 2019.

Table 3: Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets ($ in millions) June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Cash and cash equivalents 65.1 135.9 Investment advisory fees receivable 142.3 151.8 Investments 217.6 202.6 Other assets 512.3 523.8 Total assets 937.3 1,014.1 Liabilities and equity Accounts payable and accrued expenses 132.8 179.7 Due to related parties 207.5 222.9 Third party borrowings 50.0 90.0 Other liabilities 360.2 355.6 Total liabilities 750.5 848.2 Total equity 186.8 165.9 Total liabilities and equity 937.3 1,014.1 Third party borrowings trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA 0.2 x 0.4 x Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Investment Performance

Table 4 below presents a summary of the Company's investment performance as of June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015. Performance is shown on a revenue-weighted basis, an equal-weighted basis and an asset-weighted basis. Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes" for further information on the calculation of performance.

Table 4: Investment Performance (% outperformance vs. benchmark) Revenue-Weighted June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 1-Year 36% 46% 60% 70% 3-Year 63% 68% 83% 74% 5-Year 72% 77% 92% 89% Equal-Weighted June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 1-Year 50% 63% 72% 64% 3-Year 75% 82% 83% 81% 5-Year 80% 84% 88% 88% Asset-Weighted June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 1-Year 33% 53% 72% 61% 3-Year 51% 66% 73% 61% 5-Year 60% 65% 91% 80% Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

As of June 30, 2016, assets representing 36%, 63% and 72% of revenue were outperforming benchmarks on a 1-, 3- and 5- year basis, respectively, compared to 46%, 68% and 77% at March 31, 2016; 60%, 83% and 92% at December 31, 2015; and 70%, 74% and 89% at June 30, 2015. The decline in performance was primarily related to underperformance in large cap U.S. value and non-U.S. equity products during the second quarter of 2016.

Financial Results: U.S. GAAP

Table 5 below presents the Company's U.S. GAAP Statement of Operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, diluted earnings per share was $0.30 and $0.41, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, net income was $36.3 million and $49.4 million, respectively, a decrease of $(13.1) million, or (26.5)%. For the three months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015, U.S. GAAP revenue decreased $(57.0) million, or (26.7)%, from $213.5 million to $156.5 million, primarily as a result of a non-recurring performance fee of $48.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to net negative performance fees of $(0.8) million in the three months ended June 30, 2016. Expenses decreased $(38.1) million, or (25.3)%, from $150.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, to $112.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, primarily as a result of decreases in both variable compensation, including compensation related to the non-recurring performance fee, and the revaluation of Affiliate equity and profit interests.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, diluted earnings per share was $0.56 and $0.69, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, net income was $67.1 million and $83.6 million, respectively, a decrease of $(16.5) million, or (19.7)%. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015, U.S. GAAP revenue decreased $(68.0) million, or (18.2)%, from $374.1 million to $306.1 million, primarily as a result of a decline in performance fees, as discussed above. Expenses decreased $(45.7) million, or (17.1)%, from $266.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, to $221.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, primarily as a result of decreases in both variable compensation, including compensation related to the non-recurring performance fee, and the revaluation of Affiliate equity and profit interests.

Table 5: U.S. GAAP Statement of Operations ($ in millions, unless otherwise noted) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) Management fees 157.1 164.9 (4.7 306.7 321.8 (4.7 Performance fees (0.8 48.6 n/m (0.8 52.2 n/m Other revenue 0.2 n/m 0.2 0.1 100.0 Total revenue 156.5 213.5 (26.7 306.1 374.1 (18.2 Compensation and benefits (see Table 6) 87.5 126.0 (30.6 172.1 220.8 (22.1 General and administrative 22.7 22.9 (0.9 44.5 42.7 4.2 Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Depreciation and amortization 2.2 1.6 37.5 4.4 3.2 37.5 Total expenses 112.5 150.6 (25.3 221.1 266.8 (17.1 Operating income 44.0 62.9 (30.0 85.0 107.3 (20.8 Investment income 4.5 2.4 87.5 8.0 5.1 56.9 Interest income 0.1 (100.0 0.1 (100.0 Interest expense (0.5 (0.7 (28.6 (1.0 (1.6 (37.5 Income from continuing operations before taxes 48.0 64.7 (25.8 92.0 110.9 (17.0 Income tax expense 13.1 16.0 (18.1 26.5 28.2 (6.0 Income from continuing operations 34.9 48.7 (28.3 65.5 82.7 (20.8 Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax 1.4 0.7 100.0 1.6 0.9 77.8 Net income 36.3 49.4 (26.5 67.1 83.6 (19.7 Earnings per share, basic, 0.30 0.41 (26.8 0.56 0.69 (18.8 Earnings per share, diluted, 0.30 0.41 (26.8 0.56 0.69 (18.8 Basic shares outstanding (in millions) 119.4 120.0 119.7 120.0 Diluted shares outstanding (in millions) 119.6 120.5 119.8 120.5 U.S. GAAP operating margin 28 29 (135) bps 28 29 (91) bps Pre-tax income from continuing operations 48.0 64.7 (25.8 92.0 110.9 (17.0 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 6: Components of U.S. GAAP Compensation Expense ($ in millions) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) Fixed compensation and benefits* 34.0 31.8 6.9 69.4 65.3 6.3 Sales-based compensation 4.4 5.3 (17.0 9.2 9.9 (7.1 Variable compensation** 41.0 72.2 (43.2 78.4 115.6 (32.2 Affiliate key employee distributions*** 9.2 10.2 (9.8 17.5 18.7 (6.4 Non-cash Affiliate key employee equity revaluations (1.1 6.5 n/m (2.4 11.3 n/m Total U.S. GAAP compensation expense 87.5 126.0 (30.6 172.1 220.8 (22.1 * For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, $31.4 million and $64.9 million, respectively, of fixed compensation and benefits expense (of the $31.8 million and $65.3 million above) is included within economic net income, which excludes the revenue and compensation attributable to the non-recurring performance fee. ** For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, $43.7 million and $87.1 million, respectively, of variable compensation expense (of the $72.2 million and $115.6 million above) is included within economic net income, which excludes the revenue and compensation attributable to the non-recurring performance fee. *** Agrees to ENI Affiliate key employee distributions Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Financial Results: Non-GAAP Economic Net Income

For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, diluted economic net income per share, excluding the 2015 non-recurring performance fee was $0.30 and $0.32, respectively, on economic net income of $36.2 million and $38.0 million, respectively, a decrease of $(1.8) million, or (4.7)%.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, diluted economic net income per share, excluding the 2015 non-recurring performance fee was $0.57 and $0.63, respectively, on economic net income of $68.2 million and $75.3 million, respectively, a decrease of $(7.1) million, or (9.4)%. See Table 7 for a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income to economic net income.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, ENI revenue (see Table 8) decreased $(7.8) million or (4.6)%, from $167.8 million to $160.0 million, driven primarily by a (4.7)% decrease in management fees from $164.9 million to $157.1 million. Average assets under management in those respective periods, excluding equity-accounted Affiliates (see Table 12), decreased (5.4)% to $186.8 billion, while the bps yield on these assets increased to 33.8 bps. Performance fee revenue was $(0.8) million for the current quarter, as a result of volatile markets and management fee adjustments in certain sub-advisory accounts. Total ENI operating expenses (see Table 9) grew 1.1% to $61.8 million, from $61.1 million in the prior-year quarter. Total operating expenses as a percentage of management fee revenue increased to 39.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2016, from 37.0% in the prior year period, primarily due to the decline of management fee revenue during the period. Of the $0.7 million increase in operating expense between the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, $2.6 million was due to fixed compensation and benefits, primarily as a result of hires made in 2015 and annual cost of living increases and $0.7 million was a result of an increase in depreciation and amortization from additional fixed asset and technology investments, offset by a $(2.6) million reduction in general and administrative expense as a result of favorable foreign currency and lower sales-based compensation compared to the prior-year period. Total variable compensation fell (6.2)% quarter-over-quarter from $43.7 million to $41.0 million, while the ENI variable compensation ratio rose to 41.8% from 41.0%. The sum of operating expense and variable compensation declined $(2.0) million, or (1.9)% quarter-over-quarter; however, the greater (4.6)% decrease in revenue over this period resulted in a decline in OMAM's ENI operating margin to 35.8% from 37.5%. Affiliate key employee distributions decreased (9.8)% quarter-over-quarter, from $10.2 million to $9.2 million, due to lower ENI operating earnings. The ratio of Affiliate key employee distributions over ENI operating earnings was 16.1%, compared to 16.2% in the year-ago quarter. Net interest expense was $(0.1) million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, compared to net interest expense of $(0.6) million in the prior-year period, reflecting lower levels drawn under our third party credit facility during the current quarter.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016, Adjusted EBITDA, excluding the non-recurring performance fee, was $50.3 million, down (7.5)% compared to $54.4 million for the same period of 2015. See Table 21 for a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and ENI.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, ENI revenue (see Table 8) decreased $(18.2) million or (5.5)%, from $331.1 million to $312.9 million, driven primarily by a (4.7)% decrease in management fees from $321.8 million to $306.7 million. Average assets under management in those respective periods, excluding equity-accounted Affiliates (see Table 12), decreased (6.6)% to $182.4 billion, while the bps yield on these assets rose from 33.2 bps to 33.8 bps primarily due to an increase in the mix of higher fee rate products. Net performance fees were $(0.8) million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, as a result of volatile markets and management fee adjustments in certain sub-advisory accounts. Total ENI operating expenses (see Table 9) grew 4.3% to $125.8 million, from $120.6 million in the prior-year period. Total operating expenses as a percentage of management fee revenue increased to 41.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2016, from 37.5% in the prior year period, due to the decline of management fee revenue during the period along with higher fixed compensation and benefits. Of the $5.2 million increase in operating expense between the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, $4.5 million was due to fixed compensation and benefits, primarily as a result of hires made in 2015 and annual cost of living increases. Total variable compensation decreased (10.0)% period-over-period from $87.1 million to $78.4 million and the ENI variable compensation ratio remained relatively stable at 41.9% compared to 41.4%. While the sum of operating expense and variable compensation declined $(3.5) million, or (1.7)% period-over-period, the greater (5.5)% decrease in revenue over this period resulted in a decline in OMAM's ENI operating margin to 34.7% from 37.3%. Affiliate key employee distributions decreased (6.4)% period-over-period, from $18.7 million to $17.5 million, due to lower ENI operating earnings. The ratio of Affiliate key employee distributions over ENI operating earnings was 16.1%, compared to 15.2% in the year-ago period, primarily due to the allocation of performance fee revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2015. Net interest expense was $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to net interest expense of $1.5 million in the prior-year period, reflecting lower levels drawn under our third party credit facility during the current period.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, Adjusted EBITDA, excluding the non-recurring performance fee was $95.6 million, down (11.4)% compared to $107.9 million for the same period of 2015. See Table 21 for a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and ENI.

Table 7: Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Net Income to Economic Net Income ($ in millions) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 U.S. GAAP net income 36.3 49.4 67.1 83.6 Adjustments to reflect the economic earnings of the Company: i. Non-cash key employee-owned equity and profit interest revaluations (1.1 6.5 (2.4 11.3 ii. Amortization and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets 0.1 0.1 0.1 iii. Capital transaction costs 1.6 1.7 iv. Discontinued operations and restructuring (1.4 (0.7 (1.6 (0.9 v. ENI tax normalization 1.0 (3.2 3.0 (2.8 Tax effect of above adjustments, as applicable* (0.2 (2.7 0.3 (4.6 Economic net income (including the non-recurring performance fee) 36.2 49.4 68.2 86.7 Non-recurring performance fee, net** (11.4 (11.4 Economic net income, excluding the non-recurring performance fee 36.2 38.0 68.2 75.3 *Reflects the sum of lines i., ii. and iii, multiplied by the 40.2% U.S. statutory tax rate (including state tax). **In the second quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a non-recurring gross performance fee of $48.1 million. The $11.4 million represented the net amount accruing to OMAM after Affiliate contractual variable compensation, other directly related expenses, and the tax effect of the non-recurring performance fee calculated using a 40.2% tax rate See Table 18 for a per-share presentation of the above reconciliation Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

The following table identifies the components of ENI revenue:

Table 8: Components of ENI revenue ($ in millions) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) Management fees 157.1 164.9 (4.7 306.7 321.8 (4.7 Performance fees (0.8 0.5 n/m (0.8 4.1 n/m Other income, including equity-accounted Affiliates 3.7 2.4 54.2 7.0 5.2 34.6 ENI revenue 160.0 167.8 (4.6 312.9 331.1 (5.5 See Table 19 for a reconciliation from U.S. GAAP revenue to ENI revenue Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

The following table identifies the components of ENI operating expense:

Table 9: Components of ENI operating expense ($ in millions) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) Fixed compensation benefits 34.0 31.4 8.3 69.4 64.9 6.9 General and administrative expenses 25.5 28.1 (9.3 52.0 52.5 (1.0 Depreciation and amortization 2.3 1.6 43.8 4.4 3.2 37.5 ENI operating expense 61.8 61.1 1.1 125.8 120.6 4.3 See Table 20 for a reconciliation from U.S. GAAP operating expense to ENI operating expense Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

The following tables show our key non-GAAP operating metrics for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. We present these metrics because they are the measures our management uses to evaluate the profitability of our business and are useful to investors because they represent the key drivers and measures of economic performance within our business model. Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes" for an explanation of each ratio and its usefulness in measuring the economics and operating performance of our business.

Table 10: Key ENI operating metrics ($ in millions) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) 2016 2015 Increase

(Decrease) Numerator: ENI operating earnings* 57.2 63.0 (9.2 108.7 123.4 (11.9 Denominator: ENI revenue 160.0 167.8 (4.6 312.9 331.1 (5.5 ENI operating margin 36 38 (179) bps 35 37 (253) bps Numerator: ENI operating expense 61.8 61.1 1.1 125.8 120.6 4.3 Denominator: ENI management fee revenue 157.1 164.9 (4.7 306.7 321.8 (4.7 ENI operating expense ratio 39 37 229 bps 41 37 354 bps Numerator: ENI variable compensation** 41.0 43.7 (6.2 78.4 87.1 (10.0 Denominator: ENI earnings before variable compensation*** 98.2 106.7 (8.0 187.1 210.5 (11.1 ENI variable compensation ratio 42 41 80 bps 42 41 53 bps Numerator: Affiliate key employee distributions 9.2 10.2 (9.8 17.5 18.7 (6.4 Denominator: ENI operating earnings* 57.2 63.0 (9.2 108.7 123.4 (11.9 ENI Affiliate key employee distributions ratio 16 16 (11) bps 16 15 95 bps Numerator: Tax on economic net income 11.7 14.2 (17.6 22.6 27.9 (19.0 Denominator: Pre-tax economic net income 47.9 52.2 (8.2 90.8 103.2 (12.0 Economic net income effective tax rate 24.4 27.2 (278) bps 24.9 27.0 (215) bps * ENI operating earnings represents ENI earnings before Affiliate key employee distributions and is calculated as ENI revenue, less ENI operating expense, less ENI variable compensation. ** Excludes variable compensation associated with the non-recurring performance fee. *** ENI earnings before variable compensation is calculated as ENI revenue, less ENI operating expense. Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Recent Events

In July 2016, the Company issued $400.0 million of bonds, including $275.0 million of bonds with a coupon rate of 4.8% and a maturity date of July 27, 2026, and $125.0 million of bonds with a coupon rate of 5.125% and a maturity date of August 1, 2031. Please see "Balance Sheet and Capital Management" for more information.

In furtherance of its previously announced Managed Separation strategy, our Parent exercised its rights under our Shareholder Agreement to increase the size of our Board from seven to nine Directors, and appointed Ingrid Johnson, its Finance Director, and Russell Carmedy, its Senior Legal Counsel as Parent Directors, both effective as of August 4, 2016. Neither Ms. Johnson nor Mr. Carmedy will receive compensation from the Company for his/her service as a Director. Ms. Johnson and Mr. Carmedy receive compensation from the Parent as employees for their service on the Board.

Ms. Johnson has been the Group Finance Director of our Parent since July 2014. She was previously the Group Managing Executive: Retail and Business Banking for Nedbank Group ("Nedbank"). Ms. Johnson has 20 years of broad-based financial services experience with Nedbank in both line and financial roles.

Mr. Carmedy joined our Parent as Senior Legal Counsel in 2016. Prior to joining our Parent, Mr. Carmedy practiced as a corporate lawyer in The City of London for 32 years gaining experience at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Slaughter and May. He was Managing Partner of Gouldens prior to leading the merger of that firm with Jones Day, following which he became Managing Partner of Jones Day's London Office.

Dividend Declaration

The Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly interim dividend of $0.08 per share payable on September 30, 2016 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 16, 2016.

About OMAM

OMAM is a global, multi-boutique asset management company with $218.8 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2016. Its diverse Affiliates offer leading, alpha generating investment products to investors around the world. OMAM's partnership approach, which includes equity ownership at the Affiliate level and a profit sharing relationship between OMAM and its Affiliates, aligns the interests of the Company and its Affiliates to work collaboratively in accelerating their growth. OMAM's business model combines the investment talent, entrepreneurialism, focus and creativity of leading asset management boutiques with the resources and capabilities of a larger firm. For more information about OMAM, please visit the Company's website at www.omam.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including information relating to anticipated growth in revenues, margins or earnings, anticipated changes in the Company's business, anticipated future performance of the Company's business, anticipated future investment performance of the Company's Affiliates, expected future net cash flows, anticipated expense levels, changes in expense, the expected effects of acquisitions and expectations regarding market conditions. The words or phrases ''will likely result,'' ''are expected to,'' ''will continue,'' ''is anticipated,'' ''can be,'' ''may be,'' ''aim to,'' ''may affect,'' ''may depend,'' ''intends,'' ''expects,'' ''believes,'' ''estimate,'' ''project,'' and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties and readers should be cautioned that any forward-looking information provided by or on behalf of the Company is not a guarantee of future performance.

Actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, including but not limited to those discussed above and elsewhere in this press release and in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2016 and the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2016. Due to such risks and uncertainties and other factors, the Company cautions each person receiving such forward-looking information not to place undue reliance on such statements. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligations to update any forward looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Conference Call Dial-in

The Company will hold a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss the results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 4, 2016. The Company has also released an earnings presentation that will be discussed during the conference call. Please go to http://ir.omam.com to download the presentation. To listen to the call or view the webcast, participants should:

Dial-in

Toll Free Dial-in Number: (877) 201-0168

International Dial-in Number: (647) 788-4901

Conference ID: 24898191

Link to Webcast

http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1203705&s=1&k=2D11775B90172DB01107A659D764584C

Dial-in Replay

A replay of the call will be available beginning approximately one hour after its conclusion either on OMAM's website, at http://ir.omam.com or at:

Toll Free Dial-in Number: (855) 859-2056

International Dial-in Number: (404) 537-3406

Conference ID: 24898191

Financial Tables

Table 11: Assets Under Management Rollforward by Asset Class ($ in billions, unless otherwise noted) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 U.S. equity Beginning balance 78.6 76.9 85.5 76.9 87.3 Gross inflows 1.0 3.1 2.3 4.1 3.2 Gross outflows (3.5 (2.4 (3.2 (5.9 (6.6 Net flows (2.5 0.7 (0.9 (1.8 (3.4 Market appreciation 2.5 0.5 0.8 3.0 1.5 Other 0.5 0.5 Ending balance 78.6 78.6 85.4 78.6 85.4 Average AUM 79.1 75.7 86.0 77.3 86.0 Global non-U.S. equity Beginning balance 88.3 84.8 88.1 84.8 84.0 Gross inflows 2.2 4.2 3.2 6.4 7.6 Gross outflows (1.5 (2.4 (2.3 (3.9 (4.9 Net flows 0.7 1.8 0.9 2.5 2.7 Market appreciation 1.3 1.1 1.3 3.4 Other 0.4 0.6 0.4 0.6 Ending balance 89.0 88.3 90.7 89.0 90.7 Average AUM 88.9 83.5 90.8 85.9 88.4 Fixed income Beginning balance 14.1 13.8 15.3 13.8 15.2 Gross inflows 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.9 Gross outflows (0.6 (0.6 (0.4 (1.2 (1.0 Net flows (0.3 (0.4 0.1 (0.7 (0.1 Market appreciation (depreciation) 0.5 0.7 (0.6 1.2 (0.3 Other Ending balance 14.3 14.1 14.8 14.3 14.8 Average AUM 14.2 13.9 15.2 14.0 15.3 Alternative, real estate timber Beginning balance 37.0 36.9 35.1 36.9 34.3 Gross inflows 0.6 1.9 1.5 2.5 2.8 Gross outflows (0.4 (0.3 (0.6 (0.7 (0.9 Hard asset disposals (1.0 (1.3 (0.2 (2.3 (0.5 Net flows (0.8 0.3 0.7 (0.5 1.4 Market appreciation (depreciation) 0.7 0.6 (0.2 1.3 (0.1 Other (0.8 0.1 (0.8 0.1 Ending balance 36.9 37.0 35.7 36.9 35.7 Average AUM 37.0 37.4 35.2 37.2 35.1 Total Beginning balance 218.0 212.4 224.0 212.4 220.8 Gross inflows 4.1 9.4 7.5 13.5 14.5 Gross outflows (6.0 (5.7 (6.5 (11.7 (13.4 Hard asset disposals (1.0 (1.3 (0.2 (2.3 (0.5 Net flows (2.9 2.4 0.8 (0.5 0.6 Market appreciation 3.7 3.1 1.1 6.8 4.5 Other 0.1 0.7 0.1 0.7 Ending balance 218.8 218.0 226.6 218.8 226.6 Average AUM 219.2 210.5 227.2 214.4 224.8 Basis points: inflows 46.4 37.7 46.1 40.3 46.3 Basis points: outflows 32.1 40.0 31.4 36.1 30.4 Annualized revenue impact of net flows (in millions) (3.4 7.3 13.5 3.9 24.8 Derived average weighted NCCF (1.0 2.1 3.9 1.1 7.2 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 12: Management Fee Revenue and Average Fee Rates on Assets Under Management ($ in millions, except AUM data in billions) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Revenue Basis

Pts Revenue Basis

Pts Revenue Basis

Pts Revenue Basis

Pts Revenue Basis

Pts U.S. equity 50.0 25 47.4 25 52.2 24 97.4 25 104.0 24 Global non-U.S. equity 92.8 42 87.6 42 96.1 42 180.4 42 185.4 42 Fixed income 7.2 20 7.2 21 8.3 22 14.4 21 16.5 22 Alternative, real estate timber 40.5 44 39.3 42 37.9 43 79.8 43 75.0 43 Weighted average fee rate on average AUM 190.5 35.0 181.5 34.7 194.5 34.3 372.0 34.9 380.9 34.2 Less: Revenue from equity- accounted Affiliates (33.4 (31.9 (29.6 (65.3 (59.1 Management fee revenue 157.1 33.8 149.6 33.7 164.9 33.5 306.7 33.8 321.8 33.2 Average AUM 219.2 210.5 227.2 214.4 224.8 Average AUM excluding equity- accounted Affiliates 186.8 178.8 197.5 182.4 195.3 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 13: Assets Under Management by Strategy ($ in billions) June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 U.S. equity, small/mid cap 7.1 7.0 6.9 8.0 U.S. equity, mid cap value 9.6 10.1 9.5 9.8 U.S. equity, large cap value 58.8 58.4 57.4 62.7 U.S. equity, core/blend 3.1 3.1 3.1 4.9 Total U.S. equity 78.6 78.6 76.9 85.4 Global equity 30.8 30.2 29.4 30.2 International equity 37.8 38.0 37.0 36.7 Emerging markets equity 20.4 20.1 18.4 23.8 Total global/non-U.S. equity 89.0 88.3 84.8 90.7 Fixed income 14.3 14.1 13.8 14.8 Alternative, real estate timber 36.9 37.0 36.9 35.7 Total assets under management 218.8 218.0 212.4 226.6 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 14: Assets Under Management by Affiliate ($ in billions) June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 Acadian Asset Management 70.5 69.6 66.8 74.8 Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney Strauss 90.2 90.3 89.2 97.1 Campbell Global 4.9 4.9 6.3 6.5 Copper Rock Capital Partners 4.9 4.9 4.7 4.4 Heitman* 30.3 30.6 29.1 27.7 Investment Counselors of Maryland* 1.9 1.8 1.8 2.2 Thompson, Siegel Walmsley 16.1 15.9 14.5 13.9 Total assets under management 218.8 218.0 212.4 226.6 *Equity-accounted Affiliates Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 15: Assets Under Management by Client Type ($ in billions) June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 AUM % of total AUM % of total AUM % of total AUM % of total Sub-advisory 71.5 32.7 71.6 32.8 69.0 32.5 74.1 32.7 Corporate Union 43.8 20.0 43.7 20.0 42.9 20.2 43.5 19.2 Public Government 69.6 31.8 69.7 32.0 68.9 32.4 74.1 32.7 Endowment Foundation 4.6 2.1 4.5 2.1 4.4 2.1 4.6 2.0 Old Mutual Group 3.6 1.6 3.6 1.7 3.6 1.7 4.0 1.8 Commingled Trust/UCITS 15.7 7.2 14.9 6.8 14.0 6.6 16.2 7.2 Mutual Fund 2.3 1.1 2.3 1.1 2.5 1.2 3.0 1.3 Other 7.7 3.5 7.7 3.5 7.1 3.3 7.1 3.1 Total Assets Under Management 218.8 218.0 212.4 226.6 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 16: AUM by Client Location ($ in billions) June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 AUM % of total AUM % of total AUM % of total AUM % of total U.S. 175.0 80.0 175.1 80.3 171.8 80.9 180.0 79.4 Europe 14.6 6.7 14.1 6.5 14.1 6.6 15.5 6.9 Asia 12.1 5.5 12.1 5.6 11.8 5.6 12.2 5.4 Middle East 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.1 4.1 1.8 Australia 6.8 3.1 6.6 3.0 6.1 2.9 6.0 2.6 Other 10.0 4.6 9.8 4.5 8.3 3.9 8.8 3.9 Total Assets Under Management 218.8 218.0 212.4 226.6 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 17: AUM NCCF, Annualized Revenue Impact of NCCF, Fee Rates and Derived Average Weighted NCCF AUM NCCF

($ billions) Annualized Revenue

Impact of NCCF

($ millions) Weighted Average

Fee Rate on Total

Average AUM (bps) Derived Average

Weighted NCCF

($ billions) 2013 Q1 3.0 11.6 34.6 3.4 Q2 3.2 8.6 33.4 2.6 Q3 1.0 5.8 33.4 1.7 Q4 3.3 16.5 33.5 4.9 2014 Q1 (1.0 (3.0 33.7 (0.9 Q2 3.6 18.4 33.5 5.5 Q3 3.1 19.1 33.1 5.8 Q4 3.8 20.0 32.9 6.1 2015 Q1 (0.2 11.3 34.0 3.3 Q2 0.8 13.5 34.3 3.9 Q3 (2.5 0.7 34.5 0.2 Q4 (3.2 (6.6 34.7 (1.9 2016 Q1 2.4 7.3 34.7 2.1 Q2 (2.9 (3.4 35.0 (1.0 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 18: Reconciliation of per-share U.S. GAAP Net Income to Economic Net Income ($ in millions) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 U.S. GAAP net income per share 0.30 0.41 0.56 0.69 Adjustments to reflect the economic earnings of the Company: i. Non-cash key employee-owned equity and profit interest revaluations (0.01 0.05 (0.02 0.10 ii. Amortization and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets iii. Capital transaction costs 0.01 0.01 iv. Discontinued operations and restructuring (0.01 (0.01 (0.01 (0.01 v. ENI tax normalization 0.01 (0.02 0.03 (0.02 Tax effect of above adjustments, as applicable (0.02 (0.04 Economic net income per share (including the non- recurring performance fee) 0.30 0.41 0.57 0.72 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 19: Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP revenue to ENI revenue ($ in millions) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 U.S. GAAP revenue 156.5 213.5 306.1 374.1 Include investment return on equity-accounted Affiliates 3.5 2.4 6.8 5.1 Exclude the non-recurring performance fee (48.1 (48.1 ENI revenue 160.0 167.8 312.9 331.1 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 20: Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP operating expense to ENI operating expense ($ in millions) Three months ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 U.S. GAAP operating expense 112.5 150.6 221.1 266.8 Less: items excluded from economic net income Affiliate key employee equity revaluations 1.1 (6.5 2.4 (11.3 Amortization of acquired intangible assets (0.1 (0.1 (0.1 Capital transaction costs (1.6 (1.7 Other items excluded from ENI(1) (0.1 (0.1 Less: items segregated out of U.S. GAAP operating expense Variable compensation and other adjustments(2) (41.0 (72.6 (78.4 (116.0 Affiliate key employee distributions (9.2 (10.2 (17.5 (18.7 ENI operating expense 61.8 61.1 125.8 120.6 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes" (1) Other items include expenses (excluding compensation) associated with the non-recurring performance fee in 2015. (2) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, $43.7 million and $87.1 million, respectively, of variable compensation expense (of the $72.6 million and $116.0 million above) is included within economic net income, which excludes the revenue and compensation attributable to the non-recurring performance fee and also includes fixed compensation and benefits associated with the non-recurring performance fee in 2015 of $0.4 million.

Table 21: Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Economic Net Income ($ in millions) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income 36.3 49.4 67.1 83.6 Net interest expense 0.5 0.6 1.0 1.5 Income tax expense (including tax expenses related to the non- recurring performance fee and discontinued operations) 13.6 16.6 27.1 28.8 Depreciation and amortization (including discontinued operations) 2.4 1.7 4.5 3.3 EBITDA 52.8 68.3 99.7 117.2 Non-cash compensation costs associated with revaluation of Affiliate key employee-owned equity and profit-sharing interests (1.1 6.5 (2.4 11.3 EBITDA of discontinued operations (1.9 (1.3 (2.2 (1.5 Other (1.1 (1.2 Non-recurring performance fee before tax (19.1 (19.1 Capital transaction costs 1.6 1.7 Adjusted EBITDA, excluding non-recurring performance fee 50.3 54.4 95.6 107.9 Net interest expense to third parties (0.1 (0.6 (0.4 (1.5 Depreciation and amortization (2.3 (1.6 (4.4 (3.2 Tax on economic net income (11.7 (14.2 (22.6 (27.9 Economic net income, excluding non-recurring performance fee 36.2 38.0 68.2 75.3 Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Table 22: Calculation of ENI Effective Tax Rate ($ in millions) Three months ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Pre-tax economic net income(1) 47.9 52.2 90.8 103.2 Intercompany interest expense deductible for U.S. tax purposes (17.7 (17.7 (35.4 (35.2 Taxable economic net income 30.2 34.5 55.4 68.0 Taxes at the U.S. federal and statutory rates(2) (12.2 (13.8 (22.3 (27.3 Other reconciling tax adjustments 0.5 (0.4 (0.3 (0.6 Tax on economic net income (11.7 (14.2 (22.6 (27.9 Add back intercompany interest expense previously excluded 17.7 17.7 35.4 35.2 Economic net income, excluding the non-recurring performance fee 36.2 38.0 68.2 75.3 Economic net income effective tax rate(3) 24.4 27.2 24.9 27.0 (1) Pre-tax economic net income is shown before intercompany interest and tax expenses, and excludes the impact of the non-recurring performance fee in 2015. (2) Taxed at U.S. Federal and Statutory rate of 40.2% (3) The economic net income effective tax rate is calculated by dividing the tax on economic net income by pre- tax economic net income. Please see "Definitions and Additional Notes"

Definitions and Additional Notes

References to "OMAM" or the "Company" refer to OM Asset Management plc; references to the "Parent" or "Old Mutual" refer to Old Mutual plc. OMAM operates its business through seven boutique asset management firms (the "Affiliates"). OMAM's distribution activities are conducted in various jurisdictions through affiliated companies in accordance with local regulatory requirements.

Economic Net Income

The Company uses a non-GAAP performance measure referred to as economic net income ("ENI") to represent its view of the underlying economic earnings of the business. ENI is used to make resource allocation decisions, determine appropriate levels of investment or dividend payout, manage balance sheet leverage, determine Affiliate variable compensation and equity distributions, and incentivize management. The Company's ENI adjustments to U.S. GAAP include both reclassifications of U.S. GAAP revenue and expense items, as well as adjustments to U.S. GAAP results, primarily to exclude non-cash, non-economic expenses, or to reflect cash benefits not recognized under U.S. GAAP.

The Company re-categorizes certain line items on the income statement to:

include the Company's share of earnings from equity-accounted Affiliates within other income, rather than investment income;

treat sales-based compensation as a general and administrative expense, rather than part of fixed compensation and benefits;

identify separately from operating expenses, variable compensation and Affiliate key employee distributions, which represent Affiliate earnings shared with Affiliate key employees.

The Company also makes the following adjustments to U.S. GAAP results to more closely reflect its economic results by excluding:

i. non-cash expenses representing changes in the value of Affiliate equity and profit interests held by Affiliate key employees. These ownerships interests may in certain circumstances be repurchased by OMAM at a value based on a pre-determined fixed multiple of trailing earnings and as such this value is carried on the Company's balance sheet as a liability. Non-cash movements in the value of this liability are treated as compensation expense under U.S. GAAP. However, any equity or profit interests repurchased by OMAM can be used to fund a portion of future variable compensation awards, resulting in savings in cash variable compensation that offset the negative cash effect of repurchasing the equity.

ii. non-cash amortization or impairment expenses related to acquired goodwill and other intangibles as these are non-cash charges that do not result in an outflow of tangible economic benefits from the business.

iii. capital transaction costs, including the costs of raising debt or equity, gains or losses realized as a result of redeeming debt or equity and direct incremental costs associated with acquisitions of businesses or assets.

iv. the results of discontinued operations since they are not part of the Company's ongoing business, and restructuring costs incurred in continuing operations which represent an exit from a distinct product or line of business.

v. deferred tax resulting from changes in tax law and expiration of statutes, adjustments for uncertain tax positions, deferred tax attributable to intangible assets and other unusual items not related to current operating results to reflect ENI tax normalization.

The Company adjusts its income tax expense to reflect any tax impact of its ENI adjustments. Please see Table 7 for a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income to economic net income.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as economic net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company notes that its calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be consistent with Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by other companies. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful liquidity metric because it indicates the Company's ability to make further investments in its business, service debt and meet working capital requirements. Please see Table 21 for a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and ENI.

Methodologies for calculating investment performance(1)

Revenue-weighted investment performance measures the percentage of management fee revenue generated by Affiliate strategies which are beating benchmarks. It calculates each strategy's percentage weight by taking its estimated composite revenue over total composite revenues in each period, then sums the total percentage of revenue for strategies outperforming.

Equal-weighted investment performance measures the percentage of Affiliates' scale strategies (defined as strategies with greater than $100 million of AUM) beating benchmarks. Each outperforming strategy over $100 million has the same weight; the calculation sums the number of strategies outperforming relative to the total number of composites over $100 million.

Asset-weighted investment performance measures the percentage of AUM in strategies beating benchmarks. It calculates each strategy's percentage weight by taking its composite AUM over total composite AUM in each period, then sums the total percentage of AUM for strategies outperforming.

______________________

(1) Barrow Hanley's Windsor II Large Cap Value account AUM and return are separated from Barrow Hanley's Large Cap Value composite in revenue-weighted, equal-weighted and asset-weighted outperformance percentage calculations.

ENI Operating Earnings

ENI operating earnings represents ENI earnings before Affiliate key employee distributions and is calculated as ENI revenue, less ENI operating expense, less ENI variable compensation. It differs from economic net income because it does not include the effects of Affiliate key employee distributions, net interest expense or income tax expense.

ENI Operating Margin

The ENI operating margin, which is calculated before Affiliate key employee distributions, is used by management and is useful to investors to evaluate the overall operating margin of the business without regard to our various ownership levels at each of the Affiliates. ENI operating margin is a non-GAAP efficiency measure, calculated based on ENI operating earnings divided by ENI revenue. The ENI operating margin is most comparable to our U.S. GAAP operating margin.

ENI management fee revenue

ENI Management fee revenue corresponds to U.S. GAAP management fee revenue.

ENI operating expense ratio

The ENI operating expense ratio is used by management and is useful to investors to evaluate the level of operating expense as measured against our recurring management fee revenue. We have provided this ratio since many operating expenses, including fixed compensation benefits and general and administrative expense, are generally linked to the overall size of the business. We track this ratio as a key measure of scale economies at OMAM because in our profit sharing economic model, scale benefits both the Affiliate employees and OMAM shareholders.

ENI earnings before variable compensation

ENI earnings before variable compensation is calculated as ENI revenue, less ENI operating expense.

ENI variable compensation ratio

The ENI variable compensation ratio is calculated as variable compensation divided by ENI earnings before variable compensation. It is used by management and is useful to investors to evaluate consolidated variable compensation as measured against our ENI earnings before variable compensation. Variable compensation is usually awarded based on a contractual percentage of each Affiliate's ENI earnings before variable compensation and may be paid in the form of cash or non-cash Affiliate equity or profit interests. Center variable compensation includes cash and OMAM equity. Non-cash variable compensation awards typically vest over several years and are recognized as compensation expense over that service period. The variable compensation ratio at each Affiliate will typically be between 25% and 30%.

ENI Affiliate key employee distribution ratio

The Affiliate key employee distribution ratio is calculated as Affiliate key employee distributions divided by ENI operating earnings. The ENI Affiliate key employee distribution ratio is used by management and is useful to investors to evaluate Affiliate key employee distributions as measured against our ENI operating earnings. Affiliate key employee distributions represent the share of Affiliate profits after variable compensation that is attributable to Affiliate key employee equity and profit interests holders, according to their ownership interests. At certain Affiliates, OMUS is entitled to an initial preference over profits after variable compensation, structured such that before a preference threshold is reached, there would be no required key employee distributions, whereas for profits above the threshold the key employee distribution amount would be calculated based on the key employee ownership percentages, which range from approximately 15% to 35% at our consolidated Affiliates.

U.S. GAAP operating margin

U.S. GAAP operating margin equals operating income from continuing operations divided by total revenue.

Annualized Revenue Impact of Net Flows ("NCCF")

Annualized revenue impact of net flows represents the difference between annualized management fees expected to be earned on new accounts and net assets contributed to existing accounts, less the annualized management fees lost on terminated accounts or net assets withdrawn from existing accounts, including equity-accounted Affiliates. Annualized revenue is calculated by multiplying the annual gross fee rate for the relevant account by the net assets gained in the account in the event of a positive flow or the net assets lost in the account in the event of an outflow.

Hard asset disposals

Net flows in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 11 include hard asset disposals made by OMAM's Affiliates. This category is made up of investment-driven asset dispositions made by Heitman, a real estate manager, or Campbell, a timber manager.

Derived average weighted NCCF

Derived average weighted NCCF reflects the implied NCCF if annualized revenue impact of net flows represents asset flows at the weighted fee rate for OMAM overall (i.e. 35.0 bps in Q2 '16). For example, NCCF annualized revenue impact of $(3.4) million divided by the average weighted fee rate of OMAM's overall AUM of 35.0 bps equals the derived average weighted NCCF of $(1.0) billion.

n/m

"Not meaningful."

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160804005733/en/

Contacts:

OMAM

Brett Perryman, 617-369-7300

ir@omam.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/05/16 -- Firan Technology Group Corporation ("FTG") (TSX: FTG) will release the Q3 2016 financial results after close of trading on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.

The Corporation will host a live conference call on October 12, 2016 at 1:30pm (Eastern) to discuss the Q3 2016 financial results.

Anyone wishing to participate in the call should dial 416-340-2220 or 1-866-225-2055 and identify that you are calling to participate in the FTG conference call. The Chairperson is

Mr. Brad Bourne. A replay of the call will be available until October 26, 2016 and will be available on the FTG website at www.ftgcorp.com. The number to call for a rebroadcast is 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053, pass code 4501417.

ABOUT FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION

FTG is an aerospace and defense electronics product and subsystem supplier to customers around the globe. FTG has two operating units:

FTG Circuits is a manufacturer of high technology, high reliability printed circuit boards. Our customers are leaders in the aviation, defense, and high technology industries. FTG Circuits has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California and a joint venture in Tianjin, China.

FTG Aerospace manufactures illuminated cockpit panels, keyboards and sub-assemblies for original equipment manufacturers of aerospace and defense equipment. FTG Aerospace has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California, Fort Worth, Texas and Tianjin, China.

The Corporation's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FTG.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are related to, but not limited to, FTG's operations, anticipated financial performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward-looking information typically contains words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management of the Corporation and inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including economic factors and the Corporation's industry, generally. The preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by the Corporation. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to the Corporation and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than as may be required by law, FTG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional information can be found at the Corporation's website www.ftgcorp.com

Contacts:

Firan Technology Group Corporation

Bradley C. Bourne

President and CEO

(416) 299-4000 x 314

bradbourne@ftgcorp.com



Firan Technology Group Corporation

Melinda A. Diebel

Vice President and CFO

(416) 299-4000 x 264

melindadiebel@ftgcorp.com




RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/27/16 -- Catalyst Paper Corporation (TSX: CYT) today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016.

The company recorded a net loss of $26.6 million and a net loss before specific items of $27.3 million in the second quarter. This compared to net earnings of $16.9 million and a net loss before specific items of $5.1 million in the previous quarter.

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization (adjusted EBITDA) was negative $5.3 million and adjusted EBITDA before specific items was negative $1.1 million in the second quarter. This compares to adjusted EBITDA of $17.1 million and adjusted EBITDA before specific items of $17.7 million in the previous quarter. Liquidity declined from $84.0 million as of March 31st to $74.5 million as of June 30, 2016.

Year to date adjusted EBITDA of $11.8 million was $17.0 million higher than the negative $5.2 million adjusted EBITDA reported in the same period last year.

Second quarter operating results were negatively impacted by the stronger Canadian dollar, lower production and sales volumes, the continued impact of the countervailing duty (CVD) on exports to the United States of supercalendered paper, and higher maintenance and power costs for the Canadian operations. Planned and unplanned maintenance outages at Crofton increased maintenance costs and reduced production volumes. This was partially offset by Revitalization program cost savings and revenue enhancement from product mix optimization.

"Although second quarter results were disappointing, operating results in the first half of 2016 were significantly better compared to the same period last year," said Joe Nemeth, President & Chief Executive Officer. "Our progress demonstrates that we are effectively driving down costs and growing the top line -- key strategies that are foundational to our company's transformation."

Quarter Highlights

The company made excellent progress in safety reducing both its medical incident (MIR) and long-term incident (LTI) rates. In the second quarter, our MIR was 1.51 and our LTI was 0.60. Progress was due to a concerted effort to increase employee involvement in grassroots programs to strengthen personal accountability for safety.

Catalyst continued to see positive results with the Revitalization Program led by the U.S. mills, which are tracking ahead of schedule in realizing identified savings. Employees are taking ownership by driving cost reductions with a strong sense of urgency.

Planned and unplanned maintenance outages at Crofton drove increased maintenance costs and reduced production volumes. A total mill outage, recovery boiler and digester outage, and capital work on paper machine no. 3, resulted in lost production of 27,300 tonnes and total maintenance costs and lost contribution of approximately $13.8 million, which exceeded the planned financial impact by approximately $3.3 million.

Crofton was also impacted by a breach in the mill's main water supply line in April 2016. The breach caused a mill-wide water outage that resulted in incremental costs and lost contribution of approximately $3.1 million, although the company has recorded insurance proceeds, estimated at $1.1 million, receivable as of June 30, 2016.

Catalyst received multiple awards in the second quarter recognizing its environmental performance and sustainability achievements. For the 10th consecutive year, Catalyst was named as one of the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada by Corporate Knights Magazine. Other acknowledgements included the company receiving the prestigious Canadian Industry for Energy Conservation Leadership Award in recognition of G13 in Powell River, as well as the Energy Management Insight Award recognizing the implementation of the ISO 50001 energy management system at Crofton.

Selected Financial Information

2016 --------------------------------------- (In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise stated) YTD Q2 Q1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Sales $ 971.2 $ 460.8 $ 510.4 Operating earnings (loss) (15.9) (18.6) 2.7 Depreciation and amortization 27.7 13.3 14.4 Adjusted EBITDA 11.8 (5.3) 17.1 - before specific items 16.6 (1.1) 17.7 Net earnings (loss) (9.7) (26.6) 16.9 - before specific items (32.4) (27.3) (5.1) Adjusted EBITDA margin 1.2% (1.2%) 3.3% - before specific items 1.7% (0.2%) 3.5% Net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars) - basic and diluted $ (0.67) $ (1.84) $ 1.17 - before specific items (2.23) (1.88) (0.35) ----------------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands of tonnes) Sales 1,055.2 512.4 542.8 Production 1,056.7 523.0 533.7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2015 -------------------------------------------------- (In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise stated) Total Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 ------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- Sales $1,991.1 $ 510.8 $ 542.6 $ 458.4 $ 479.3 Operating earnings (loss) (12.7) (2.2) 23.8 (34.0) (0.3) Depreciation and amortization 61.4 17.3 15.0 14.8 14.3 Adjusted EBITDA 48.7 15.1 38.8 (19.2) 14.0 - before specific items 86.7 19.8 41.2 9.7 16.0 Net earnings (loss) (49.4) (26.3) (12.9) (32.4) 22.2 - before specific items (28.0) (10.0) 8.4 (13.8) (12.6) Adjusted EBITDA margin 2.4% 3.0% 7.2% (4.2%) 2.9% - before specific items 4.4% 3.9% 7.6% 2.1% 3.3% Net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars) - basic and diluted $ (3.41) $ (1.82) $ (0.89) $ (2.23) $ 1.53 - before specific items (1.93) (0.69) 0.58 (0.95) (0.87) ------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- (In thousands of tonnes) Sales 2,134.3 541.9 570.8 511.1 510.5 Production 2,136.8 545.6 558.2 494.8 538.2 ------------------------- --------------------------------------------------

Market Conditions

Markets continued to be difficult in the second quarter. Demand declined across all grades, although prices remained relatively stable.

Catalyst offset the challenge of declining printing and writing paper markets by improving product mix and accelerating product innovation. A number of new grades and products are in development. Exemplifying the company's progress is a recent announcement highlighting the availability of a new 7 point Orion matte paper that will meet a niche market need and provide customers with a reliable, one-stop supplier for No.3 coated free sheet.

During the quarter, the United States Department of Commerce confirmed that it will extend the timeline of its expedited review of the CVD. The company is disappointed by the Department of Commerce's decisions as its preliminary determination is now expected no later than November 7, 2016, with its final determination now delayed until at least the first quarter of 2017. Since the CVD was imposed on Catalyst in the second quarter of 2015, the company has incurred duties and associated legal costs of approximately $13.2 million, of which $2.2 million was incurred in the second quarter of 2016.

Outlook

In the second half of 2016, we anticipate that additional savings generated by Revitalization Programs, combined with reduced maintenance spending at all operations, will contribute positively to earnings. We also expect to benefit from strong seasonal sales demand for our traditional printing paper business and growth in new specialty product sales.

Further Quarterly Results Materials

This release, along with the full Management Discussion & Analysis, Financial Statements and accompanying notes are available on our web site at www.catalystpaper.com/Investors. This material is also filed with SEDAR in Canada and EDGAR in the United States.

About Catalyst Paper

Catalyst Paper manufactures diverse printing papers such as coated freesheet, coated one side (C1S), coated and uncoated groundwood, newsprint, directory, as well as market pulp. Customers include retailers, publishers and commercial printers in North America, Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Europe. With five mills across North America, Catalyst has annual production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes. Catalyst is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, and has been ranked by Corporate Knights magazine for the 10th consecutive year as one of the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements in this news release, including, without limitation, the statements: regarding Catalyst's new 7 point Orion matte paper meeting a niche market need; that, in the second half of 2016, management anticipates that additional savings generated by its Revitalization Programs combined with reduced maintenance spending at all operations will contribute positively to earnings; and that management expects to benefit from strong seasonal sales demand for Catalyst's traditional printing paper business and growth in new specialty product sales, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain assumptions including, without limitation, assumptions as to future economic conditions, demand for products, levels of advertising, product pricing, ability to achieve operating and labour cost reductions, currency fluctuations, production flexibility and related courses of action, responses from applicable regulatory entities and other factors management believes are appropriate. Such forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in these statements, including those risks and uncertainties identified under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Catalyst's Management's Discussion and Analysis contained in Catalyst's annual report for the year ended December 31, 2015 available on the company's website at www.catalystpaper.com/investors and at www.sedar.com.

Contacts:

Catalyst Paper Corporation

Frank De Costanzo

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

(604) 247-4014




Supporting the Sector and contributing to National Energy Security

JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Production of renewable energy in Indonesia accounts for around 6.8 percent of total energy. The government has pledged to foster the development of renewable sources through direct investments, public private partnerships, and foreign investments.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160726/393301

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121014/HK92339LOGO-d

The development of renewable energy is an imperative if the country wants to overcome dwindling fossil energy resources and tackle environmental issues.

Tri Mumpuni - CEO of Institute of Public Business and Economic (IBEKA), attending the press launch of Renewable Energy Indonesia said: "The economic growth will boost domestic energy needs and this will in turn open up opportunities for public and private investments. The potential increase in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Indonesia is remarkable."

Tri Mumpuni added, "More than 60 million Indonesian children do not enjoy full access to electricity. Based on a survey conducted by IBEKA, around 33,000 villages in Indonesia are not yet connected to any grids. All parties should cooperate and support each other to improve the nation's energy production through renewable energy and especially in remote areas. In the process, a trade event such Renewable Energy Indonesia can definitively play a key role."

Christopher Eve, President Director, PT UBM Pameran Niaga Indonesia said: "We are proud to launch Renewable Energy Indonesia, which will be held at the Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran, on 29 to 31 March 2017. This exhibition aims to be a platform that brings together professionals, investors and stakeholders with a sharp and exclusive focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency in order to exchange knowledge, best practices, resources and information."

"Conference, seminars, workshops, debates and exhibitors' presentations will add into the mix, and will complement the 3 days together with a business matchmaking platform."

ABOUT UBM

Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organiser in China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global presence in 24 major cities with 32 offices and 1,300 staff.

UBM Asia was awarded 'Asia's Most Reliable Trade Show Organizer Award' in Hong Kong's Most Valuable Companies Awards (HKMVCA) 2016.

For more information contact:

Budi Sutrisno

Phone Number: +62-21-2930-5959

Mobile Number: +62-853-81558815

Email: budi.sutrisno@ubm.com

Riyan Haritama

Phone Number: +62-21-2930-5959

Mobile Number: +62-812-10750353

Email: riyan.haritama@ubm.com
"ANGLE is funded to execute our business plan with the immediate priorities of building research use sales in leading institutions, completing analytical and clinical studies to support FDA clearance in the US, and completing clinical studies for our first clinical application in ovarian cancer. The recent pilot study results in breast cancer and prostate cancer represent breakthroughs that offer major growth potential for the future. ANGLE is well positioned to become a leading player in the emerging liquid biopsy market, which is expected to revolutionise cancer care."

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

28 July 2016

Premier Farnell plc ("Premier Farnell")

Statement regarding withdrawal of board recommendation of the offer from Datwyler Technical Components UK Limited

Following the announcement today of a recommended cash offer for Premier Farnell by Avnet, Inc. ("Avnet"), or a wholly owned subsidiary of Avnet for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Premier Farnell (the "Avnet Offer"), the Board of Premier Farnell confirms that it has withdrawn its recommendation of the offer from Datwyler Technical Components UK Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Datwyler Holding AG (the "Datwyler Offer") and that it intends unanimously to recommend the Avnet Offer.

The Avnet Offer price of 185 pence per share in cash values Premier Farnell at a premium of 12.1 per cent. to the Datwyler Offer price of 165 pence per share in cash. In evaluating the Avnet Offer, the Board of Premier Farnell has considered various aspects of the Avnet Offer including valuation, transaction timing and execution risk, and considers the Avnet Offer to represent a superior offer for Premier Farnell shareholders, as compared to the Datwyler Offer.

The Chairman of the Court Meeting proposes to adjourn the Court Meeting scheduled for 29 July 2016. This adjournment will be confirmed with the High Court of England and Wales. Premier Farnell also proposes to adjourn the General Meeting scheduled for 29 July 2016. Further announcements will be made as and when appropriate.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 ("MAR"). Market soundings, as defined in MAR, were taken in respect of the possible offer, with the result that certain persons became aware of inside information, as permitted by MAR. That inside information is set out in this announcement. Therefore, those persons that received inside information in a market sounding are no longer in possession of inside information relating to Premier Farnell and its securities.

Enquiries

Premier Farnell: +44 (0) 207 851 4107 Paul Sharma

Investor Relations Lazard (Financial Adviser to Premier Farnell): +44 (0) 207 187 2000 Nicholas Shott Cyrus Kapadia Vasco Litchfield Eugene Schreider FTI Consulting (PR Adviser to Premier Farnell): +44 (0) 203 727 1340 Richard Mountain Andrew Lorenz Barclays (Joint Corporate Broker to Premier Farnell): +44 (0) 207 623 2323 Mark Astaire Nicola Tennent Richard Bassingthwaighte Jefferies (Joint Corporate Broker to Premier Farnell): +44 (0) 207 029 8000 Chris Zeal Max Jones Grishma Patel Avnet +1 (480) 643-7053 Vincent Keenan Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Financial Adviser to Avnet)

Geoff Iles +44 (0) 207 851 4107 Shawn Liu Peter Luck (Corporate Broking) Ben Winstanley

Important notices

Lazard & Co., Limited, which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to Premier Farnell and no one else in connection with the matters set out in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Premier Farnell for providing the protections afforded to clients of Lazard nor for providing advice in relation to the matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Lazard nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Lazard in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Barclays Bank PLC, acting through its Investment Bank ("Barclays"), which is authorised by the PRA and regulated in the United Kingdom by the FCA and the PRA, is acting exclusively for Premier Farnell and no one else in connection with the matters set out in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Premier Farnell for providing the protections afforded to clients of Barclays nor for providing advice in relation to the matters referred to in this Announcement.

Jefferies International Limited ("Jefferies"), which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting as Broker to Premier Farnell and no one else in connection with the matters set out in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Premier Farnell for providing the protections afforded to clients of Jefferies nor for providing advice in relation to the matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Jefferies nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Jefferies in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Merrill Lynch International ("Bank of America Merrill Lynch"), which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA in the UK, is acting as financial adviser exclusively for Avnet or a wholly owned subsidiary of Avnet and no one else in connection with the matters set out in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Avnet for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to matters set out in this Announcement.

Further information

This Announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute or form part of any offer or invitation, or the solicitation of an offer, to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the transaction, the recommended offer by Avnet or otherwise. This Announcement does not constitute a prospectus or prospectus equivalent document.

Overseas jurisdictions

The release, publication or distribution of this Announcement in jurisdictions other than the UK may be restricted by law and therefore any persons who are subject to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the UK should inform themselves about, and observe any applicable requirements. This Announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with English law and the City Code and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this Announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside the UK.

Copies of this Announcement and any formal documentation relating to the Transaction or the recommended offer by Avnet are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in or into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction and persons receiving such documents (including custodians, nominees and trustees) must not mail or otherwise forward, distribute or send it in or into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. If the Transaction or the recommended offer by Avnet is implemented by way of a contractual takeover offer (unless otherwise permitted by applicable law and regulation), the contractual takeover offer may not be made directly or indirectly, in or into, or by the use of mails or any means or instrumentality (including, but not limited to, facsimile, e-mail or other electronic transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or of any facility of a national, state or other securities exchange of any Restricted Jurisdiction and the contractual takeover offer may not be capable of acceptance by any such use, means, instrumentality or facilities.

Dealing and Opening Position Disclosure Requirements of the City Code

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the City Code, any person who is interested in one per cent. or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified.

An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the 10th business day following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the 10th business day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the City Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in one per cent. or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror, save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. If you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure, you should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

In accordance with the City Code, normal United Kingdom market practice and Rule 14e-5(b) of the US Exchange Act, Barclays and its affiliates will continue to act as exempt principal trader in Premier Farnell securities on the London Stock Exchange. These purchases and activities by exempt principal traders which are required to be made public in the United Kingdom pursuant to the City Code will be reported to a Regulatory Information Service and will be available on the London Stock Exchange website at www.londonstockexchange.com. This information will also be publicly disclosed in the United States to the extent that such information is made public in the United Kingdom.

Publication on website

This Announcement will be available free of charge, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, on Premier Farnell's website at www.premierfarnell.com by no later than 12.00 p.m. on the business day following this Announcement.

Neither the content of any website referred to in this Announcement nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks is incorporated into, or forms part of, this Announcement.

You may request a hard copy of this Announcement by contacting Premier Farnell plc on +44 (0) 207 851 4107. You may also request that all future documents, announcements and information to be sent to you in relation to the proposed acquisitions by Datwyler or Avnet should be in hard copy form.
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - July 28, 2016) - ICMediaDirect, an international leader in the online reputation management sector, recently attended the Connect conference in Miami, hosted by Search Engine Watch. Speaking at the conference were some of the foremost thought leaders and innovators in the online marketing industry, offering their expertise on SEO, digital acquisition, brand development, and various other topics. ICMediaDirect met with several keynote speakers over the course of the two-day conference, establishing their public relations prowess while determining how to apply new, inventive strategies to their proven marketing formula.

In a world dominated by its online sector and the power of social media, maintaining a positive online image is more pertinent than ever. The unimaginable growth of mobile, smarter search tactics, and ever-changing user behavior have ushered in a new era of search marketing, one where it is essential to stay ahead of its current trends. Search Engine Watch has been providing search engine and search marketing news, advice, and commentary for over 20 years, and through the CSEW conference explained how to excel in this new era, providing a two-track educational agenda designed to lead the discussion in the latest strategies and technologies.

ICMediaDirect's exceptional depth of knowledge regarding online brand management and search engine tendencies contributed to the topics at hand, specifically when discussing organic search. A renewed emphasis was placed upon engaging with organic search at CSEW, with the full service public relations company presenting trendsetting SEO tools and diagnostics for the skilled search mechanic. The international brand managers also displayed proficiency in link building and next generation search techniques, providing competitive, sector-leading data.

Founded in 1996, ICMediaDirect has become a relentless force in the industry with offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and provides its unparalleled services worldwide. Advertisement and online reputation packages are customized for each individual or company and their specific needs, and have vastly improved the Internet presence of professional athletes, politicians, executive-level bankers, fortune top 500 CEOs, top motivational speakers, high-end celebrity jewelers, music agents, artists, and many more. Major marketing conferences and events frequently benefit from ICMediaDirect's participation and sponsorships, amongst them Affiliate Summit, Leadscon, SES, and the ad:tech conference in New York, where companies and individuals from the advertising and technology worlds come together to exchange ideas, listen to keynote speeches on current topics. and contribute to industry trends and initiatives.

ICMediaDirect - PR and Marketing News: http://icmediadirectnews.com

Reputation-Control.com - 100% Reputation Control: http://www.reputation-control.com

ICMD -- Reputation Management -- ICMediaDirect To Attend Affiliate Summit East 2016: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/icmd-reputation-management-icmediadirect-attend-060946916.html

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/7/28/11G108457/Images/IC_Media_Direct_-_Reputation_Management_-_ICMediaD-b9be8acee2adaa698e0e7e5e01210d47.jpg

Embedded Video Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3QHOeY8qAM

Contact Information

ICMediaDirect.com

TEL: 1.800.595.0821

www.ICMediaDirect.com

pr@icmediadirect.com
Not for release, publication or distribution in Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States.

These materials are not an offer for sale of securities in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. PJSC Magnit has not registered and does not intend to register any part of the offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of any securities in the United States.

This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

In any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC (such Directive, together with any applicable implementing measures in the relevant home Member State under such Directive, the "Prospectus Directive") this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive.

Securities of PJSC Magnit have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada or Japan and, subject to certain exceptions, may not be offered or sold within Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, citizens or residents of Australia, Canada or Japan except under circumstances which will result in the full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations promulgated by the relevant regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time.





Press-release

Krasnodar

July 28, 2016

PJSC "Magnit" Announces the Assignment of the Identification Number to the Program of the Exchange-Traded Bonds

Krasnodar, July 28, 2016: PJSC "Magnit", Russia's largest food retailer (the "Company", the "Issuer"; MICEX and LSE: MGNT), announces the assignment of the identification number to the Program of the Exchange-traded bonds.

Please be informed that the following identification number has been assigned to the Program of the PJSC "Magnit" exchange-traded bonds:

4-60525-P-002P-02E of 27.07.2016.

Type of securities placed under the Program of the exchange-traded bonds: Non-convertible interest-bearing certified exchange-traded bonds to the bearer with the obligatory centralized custody, placed under the Program of the exchange-traded bonds of the 002P series (the Exchange-traded bonds) Maximum amount of the nominal values of the Exchange-traded bonds which may be placed under the Bonds program: 50,000,000,000 Russian rubles inclusive or the equivalent of this amount in a foreign currency calculated at the exchange rate of the Bank of Russia as of the date of the decision of the authorized management body of the Issuer to approve the Terms and conditions of the Exchange-traded bonds issuance Maximum maturity term of the exchange-traded bonds: 1,820 days from the commencing date of the Exchange-traded bonds placement under the Program of the exchange-traded bonds The period of validity of the Program of the exchange-traded bonds: Termless Identification number assigned to the Program of the exchange-traded bonds: 4-60525-P-002P-02E of 27.07.2016 Name of the authority which assigned the identification number to the Program of the exchange-traded bonds: Closed Joint Stock Company "MICEX Stock Exchange"

The Prospectus of the exchange-traded bonds, which may be placed under the Program of the exchange-traded bonds, has been provided to CJSC "MICEX Stock Exchange" together with the Program of the exchange-traded bonds.

The procedure of providing access to the information contained in the Prospectus of the Exchange-traded bonds:

The Issuer shall publish the text of the Prospectus provided to the stock exchange in the Internet not later than the commencing date of placement of the Exchange-traded bonds of the first issue under the Bonds Program of the exchange-traded bonds.

Publication of the text of the Prospectus provided to the stock exchange in the Internet shall include the following information: the identification number assigned to the Program of the exchange-traded bonds, the date of its assignment and the name of the stock exchange which assigned the identification number to the Program.

The text of the Prospectus provided to the stock exchange shall be available in the Internet from the date of expiration of the term set by the Provisions on the disclosure of information for its publication in the Internet, and if it is published in the Internet after the expiration of this term - from the date of its publication in the Internet, and till the repayment of all Exchange-traded bonds placed under the Bonds Program (till the expiration of the period of validity of the Bonds Program, if no Exchange-traded bond is placed).

The Prospectus shall be available at the following address: 15/5 Solnechnaya street, Krasnodar, 350072, Russian Federation, tel.:. + 7 (861) 277-45-54 (ext. 10003). Copies of the Prospectus shall be provided by PJSC "Magnit" for a fee not exceeding the cost of copying.

The Issuer shall provide copies of this document to the holders of the Issuer's securities and other interested parties at their request for a fee not exceeding the cost of copying within 7 (Seven) days from the request.

The bank details of the Issuer's settlement account (accounts) for the payment of the Prospectus copying fee and the amount (procedure of determination of the amount) of such fees were published in the Internet by the Issuer.

For further information, please contact:

Timothy Post Head of Investor Relations

Email: post@magnit.ru

Office: +7-861-277-4554 x 17600

Mobile: +7-961-511-7678

Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562 Investor Relations Office MagnitIR@magnit.ru

Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Website: ir.magnit.com/ Media Inquiries Media Relations Department

press@magnit.ru

Company description:

Magnit is Russia's largest food retailer. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. As of June 30, 2016, Magnit operated 34 distribution centers and 12,888 stores (9,902 convenience, 398 hypermarkets, and 2,588 drogerie stores) in 2,397 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the unaudited IFRS management accounts for 1H 2016, Magnit had revenues of RUB 522 billion and an EBITDA of RUB 52 billion. Magnit's local shares are traded on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX: MGNT) and its GDRs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MGNT) and it has a credit rating from Standard & Poor's of BB+. Measured by market capitalization, Magnit is one of the largest retailers in Europe.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - BT Group plc (BT_A.L, BT) reported that its first-quarter pretax profit was 717 million pounds, up 13 percent from 632 million pounds in the previous-year quarter. However, earnings per share declined to 5.9 pence from 6.1 pence last year. Adjusted pretax profit increased to 802 million pounds from 694 million pounds in the same period last year. Adjusted earnings per share were 6.6 pence, compared to 6.7 pence a year ago. Reported revenue for the quarter rose 32 percent to 5.78 billion pounds from 4.36 billion last year. Adjusted revenues grew 35 percent to 5.78 billion pounds. Gavin Patterson, Chief Executive of BT Group, said, 'We've made a good start to the year, with growth in revenue and strong cash flow. We're on track to deliver our full year outlook.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
ELKO  A new poll of Nevada voters indicates more people support a ballot measure to legalize marijuana than oppose it.

The KTNV-TV 13 Action News/Rasmussen Reports poll of 750 likely voters this week found that 50 percent said they would vote for Question 2, with 41 percent opposed and 9 percent undecided.

Thats down slightly from a 2013 survey by Public Policy Polling, which pegged support in Nevada at 54 percent.

The measure would allow for legalized adult use of marijuana, and for regulated sales. A 15 percent tax would go toward K-12 education.

The Elko Daily Free Press will continue its three-part series on the issue in our next weekend edition.
New Channels, and Visualization Tool, Empower Marketers to More Cohesively Connect Journeys Across the Entirety of the Customer Lifecycle

NEW YORK, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Appboy, the global leader in customer relationship technology for mobile marketers, today announced Canvas, a new product with a unified interface where marketers can create multichannel campaigns based on real-time analytics to shape steps in each customer's unique journey with their brand. Appboy also announced support for Facebook Messenger and Safari Web Push, two new channels in its extensive portfolio.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160219/335391LOGO

Launching on the heels of major technology conferences such as: F8, Google I/O, and WWDC, Appboy introduces these products and features as part of their efforts to continue to focus on the marketer and their evolving needs to satisfy today's changing consumer alongside major technology advancements. With these announcements, marketers can now:

Continue to bridge the gap between old and new channels along the customer journey, all while moving at the speed of mobile.

Harness the power of customer interactions happening in real-time, and action on them to offer contextual experiences for anyone engaging with their brand, wherever they happen to be.

Visualize and design multistep, cross-channel messaging strategies and analyze them as a whole unit.

"Appboy is a great partner. They have scaled with our growing needs to reach the connected customer, empowered us with the solutions that allow us to capture the who, what, when, and where aspects of lifecycle marketing, all while moving at the speed of mobile," said Amit Shah, senior vice president, 1-800-Flowers.com. "They continue to innovate to offer brands like us the ability to offer a great user experience wherever our customers happen to be."

Earlier this year, Appboy announced support for their existing web SDK (which offered in-browser messages and personalized news feed cards) with web push for Chrome and Firefox, furthering the ability for marketers to connect data between the desktop/mobile web and native app experiences. Today's announcement only continues to support Appboy's relentless mission to offer a technology solution that empowers brands to build better relationships with their customers by meeting them wherever they are in our increasingly connected world.

"Customer journeys are more unpredictable than ever before as the lines between apps, web, social, and the physical world increasingly blur," said Myles Kleeger, CRO of Appboy. "As a result, marketers need to understand cross-platform behavior and adapt their strategies with contextual messages that meet the customer wherever they are. Canvas is a holistic visualization and campaign orchestration tool that makes it easy for marketers to scale from the most simplistic to sophisticated lifecycle campaign, giving them the opportunity to influence real-time behavior oh each individual customer at scale."

To see these new features visit Appboy.com/demo

About Appboy

Formed to solve the unique challenges of today's mobile economy, Appboy is an intelligent customer relationship suite for mobile-first marketers. Our technology empowers brands to build better relationships with their customers through mobile and other digital marketing channels.

Built around holistic profiles that offer a single view of the customer, Appboy's robust audience segmentation and advanced multichannel messaging system allow brands to create and automate highly personalized lifecycle marketing campaigns in every relevant channel -- from push, in-app, and web to email, wearables, and emerging technologies.

Thousands of global marketers worldwide use Appboy to connect with over 500 million active users, with 85 billion real-time events and 2 billion messages processed through our platform each month. Appboy helps brands like 1-800-FLOWERS.com, Domino's, Tinder, iHeartMedia, Opera, and SoundCloud to better engage, retain, and monetize their customers. Appboy is venture backed with over 120 employees with offices in New York, San Francisco, and London. Learn more at Appboy.com.

Media Contact

Denise Welch

Denise@dottedlinecomm.com

508.339.2022
ROMSEY, England, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Serco has invested in a new network security system from Chemring Technology Solutions. Perception will be rolled out across Serco's operations in the UK, USA, Middle East and Australia.

Originally developed for the UK Government in 2011, Perception is the world's first Bio-inspired network security solution, which will complement Serco's existing computer network security systems by identifying the potential threats they cannot.

Mark Henshaw, Head of Information Security for Serco Group, said: "I am extremely impressed with Perception as it very effectively fills the gap that has developed between traditional network security tools and the expanding threat landscape as we see increasingly sophisticated malware and blended advanced threats.

"Perception sold itself as it's a powerful tool that identifies apparently benign events, which could seriously impact Serco. It is proving to be simple to implement and has demonstrated value in a very short time by identifying malware, policy violation, suspicious data movement, device configuration issues, and pointers to areas where awareness training should be increased. Many of the issues identified were subtle in nature and were not picked-up by our current network security systems," said Henshaw.

Unlike other cyber security solutions, Perception is behavioural with no rigid "rules-based" architecture. Perception adapts to the network's changing profile, automatically identifying malicious activity and making it more difficult for malware to evade detection. It will also detect the slow, unauthorised exfiltration of business information, even when obfuscation techniques are used to evade traditional rule-based security defences.

Perception runs at high data rates at the core of a network, rather than at the perimeter as other security solutions do. Targeted, complex logic performs in depth analysis and classification, avoiding the high false alarm rates usually experienced with anomaly detection systems.

"Serco supported Chemring Technology Solutions during Beta tests of Perception and we were particularly impressed by how different it is from traditional network security systems that rely on pattern matching. Perception collects and analyses information in a different way by looking for the unusual and linking apparently nonthreatening network activity to identify hidden malware. It's also very competitively priced, costing a similar amount to a mid-range firewall. Overall, Perception adds another highly effective layer to our cyber defence arsenal," concluded Henshaw.

About Chemring Technology Solutionshttp://www.chemringts.com

Chemring Technology Solutions, part of Chemring Group PLC, is a global provider of advanced Electronic Warfare (EW), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and Communication Information Systems (CIS), trusted by governments, national security and commercial customers to provide military and commercial advantage. Our products are relied upon by the best equipped armed forces in the world, including the UK MOD and NATO allies.

Perception has been designed and developed by market-leading technology and security specialists within the Chemring Group, which has been delivering secure communication solutions for more than 40 years and is trusted by defence and security agencies worldwide.

About Serco

Serco is a leading provider of public services. Our customers are governments or others operating in the public sector. We gain scale, expertise and diversification by operating internationally across five sectors and four geographies: Defence, Justice & Immigration, Transport, Health and Citizen Services, delivered in UK & Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. More information can be found at serco.com
Over 1,000 business leaders and 130 speakers will convene for a three-day conference exhibition to discuss the impact of Brexit on global expansion and its worldwide implications on business strategies.

Entrepreneur and former conference director of Mobile World Congress Fernando Faria today announced the launch of Brexit Global Expansion Summit, the world's largest event on Brexit, scheduled to take place on 16-18 October at the Intercontinental O2 in London.

The large-scale three-day conference and exhibition will convene the most influential leaders, providing practical insights and takeaways on the impact of Brexit on corporate international expansion strategies.

The conference programme will provide the greatest insight yet on what Brexit means for businesses in both the short and long term. As part of a 130-strong world-class speaker lineup, over 60 industry and policy leaders will join a critical and timely debate around Brexit focused on how business leaders can navigate an upcoming period of prolonged uncertainty.

Topics covered will include:

Can London keep its status as the #1 Global Financial Centre?

How can multilateral organisations prevent isolationist economic policies following Brexit?

Beyond economy: How will Brexit impact London as a top destination for global talent?

The impact of Brexit on contracts: Can Brexit be considered "force majeure" in some cases?

Assessing UK post-Brexit FDI attractiveness: Can we expect more deals like Softbank/ARM?

Global financial institutions: Where to locate in the future?

Models for global expansion post-Brexit: Only the agile will survive

How will Brexit impact the investment strategy for Sovereign Wealth Funds

EU trade relationships: Industry advocacy for continuity of friendly terms

UK-EU value chain management: Planning for the return of tariffs and duties

How to retain your top management in an age of high talent mobility?

Will the end of EU tax directives push multinationals out of the UK?

How will Brexit impact competition law and M&A deals going forward?

Currency wars: What does Brexit mean for the Sterling/Euro as a preferred international currency?

Measuring uncertainty: Scenario building and risk mitigation post-Brexit

Commercial diplomacy goes mainstream: Brexit and the challenge for industry advocacy

How can dependencies like Gibraltar, Guernsey and Jersey benefit from their special status?

The big bilateral treaty "Goldrush": How can some of the EU states benefits from deals with UK?

Could there be a resurgence in the trading power of British Commonwealth states?

"Now is the time for a pragmatic discussion about Brexit, including its wide-ranging implications and impact on corporate strategic planning. Brexit Global Expansion Summit brings together a community of influential executives to bridge the gap between corporate and government leaders and to make a difference in the overall investment climate." said Fernando Faria, founder and managing director of Brexit Global Expansion Summit.

"Brexit is just the beginning of a seismic change in global geopolitics and the economic world order in place since the 1940s, realigning the world economy under a different brand of globalisation. London is where this is all happening and our event provides the perfect platform at the right time for this debate," said Faria.

Over 100 speakers have already been confirmed including:

Steve Barnett, Director of Financial Centre Development, Abu Dhabi Global Market

Scarlett Sieber, SVP, Global Business Development New Digital Businesses, BBVA

Diomedes Kastanis, VP, Head of Technology CTO Software Solutions BUSS, Ericsson

Hubertus Vath, Managing Director, Frankfurt Main Finance

Denzil Samuels, Global Head of Channels, Business Development Ventures, GE Digital

Dr Remo Gerber, CEO UK Western Europe, Gett

John Palfreyman, Director, Blockchain Labs, IBM

Jeffrey Franks, Director, IMF Europe Office

Astrid Hartmann, SVP of Global Business Services, Lufthansa

Kaan Terzioglu, CEO, Turkcell

Jambu Palaniappan, Regional General Manager EMEA, Uber

Along with the world-class conference programme, the event will feature a 2,000m2 exhibition hall, workshops, private meetings and networking opportunities.

To register for the Brexit Global Expansion Summit, or to enquire about exhibition, sponsorship and speaking opportunities, visit www.gxpsummit.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005554/en/

Contacts:

Brexit Global Expansion Summit

Media Enquiries:

Holly Roberts, +44 02032834477

holly@gxpsummit.com
HNA Group ("HNA") today issued the following letter to NH Hotel Group ("NH Hotel") (BME:NHH) shareholders:

Dear Fellow Shareholder,

Hesperia and Oceanwood, combined holders of at least 21% of the outstanding share capital of NH Hotel, have seized full control of the NH Hotel Board of Directors and management team, and are acting in concert to advance their own interests against those of NH Hotel's minority public shareholders. Accordingly, HNA believes Hesperia and Oceanwood have formed a cabal and should be required to launch a tender offer to acquire all NH Hotel shares at the price mandated by relevant regulations.

The New "CEO" Structure

Hours after the majority of NH Hotel's shareholders voted in favor of the reappointment of CEO Federico Gonzalez at the General Shareholders Meeting, the new Board of Directors removed Mr. Gonzalez from his post. This precipitous action was led by Hesperia's Jose Antonio Castro and Oceanwood's Alfredo Fernandez, and taken against the will of the four Independent directors and the votes of NH Hotel shareholders.

The Hesperia-Oceanwood Cabal has replaced Mr. Gonzalez, a hospitality industry veteran, with a highly unusual management structure. Instead of formally appointing a qualified CEO to lead the management team, the newly constituted NH Hotel Board has named three division heads NH Hotel's Chief Financial Officer Beatriz Puente, Chief Operating Officer Ramon Aragones, and Chief Commercial Officer Rufino Perez as "Co-CEOs".

While Ms. Puente, Mr. Aragones, and Mr. Perez may be skilled and competent professionals in their own right, they are entirely beholden to Hesperia and Oceanwood. Rather than reporting to the full Board, the "Co-CEOs" serve an executive committee (the Delegated Commission) which is chaired by Mr. Castro and co-chaired by Mr. Fernandez and controlled by Hesperia and Oceanwood directors. This organizational structure makes one thing clear: Mr. Castro is now de facto CEO of NH Hotel.

The Hesperia Contract

As part of Hesperia's contract negotiations, Mr. Castro has demanded conditions that would be significantly disadvantageous to NH Hotel and its shareholders. These conditions had previously been rejected by the prior Board on the basis that they include a lower discount rate than the standard across all other NH Hotel contracts as well as the ability for Hesperia to avoid future potential termination payments. Both of these provisions expose NH Hotel to a potential cash loss of up to 30 million at a time when the Company had been taking responsible actions to increase free cash flow. Now, with control of both the Board and the Delegated Commission, the Hesperia-Oceanwood Cabal is in a position to steer the terms of the renegotiation for Mr. Castro's own benefit, regardless of whether they are in the best interests of all other shareholders and the Company.

The prior NH Hotel Board negotiated in good faith with Mr. Castro for nearly a year, including deadline extensions, in order to arrive at a mutually agreeable outcome. Now, with the deadline for finalizing the new agreement fast approaching on 31 July, the Hesperia-Oceanwood Cabal has apparently abdicated its responsibility to resolve this issue and may choose to extend the deadline to October.

As a result, Mr. Castro will be given a free option period during which NH Hotel shareholders will, in effect, subsidize his outdated hotels which are suffering financially and require significant investment. During the pendency of the contract renegotiation, which is the outcome of an underlying conflict of interest, Mr. Castro retains maximum flexibility to sell the contract to a competitor on terms that advance that are economically advantageous to Mr. Castro alone.

HNA will be monitoring the negotiations closely, should Hesperia and Oceanwood decide to continue such negotiations, to ensure 1) that the Board does not enter into a contract with Hesperia that is disadvantageous for NH Hotel; 2) if the contract is not renewed, that the Board will hold Hesperia to the termination obligations of its contract; and 3) if the deadline is once again extended that the Board will make every effort to reach a timely conclusion in order to minimize risk to NH Hotel shareholders.

HNA also expects the Hesperia and Oceanwood-led Board to move quickly to identify and appoint a single, qualified CEO to lead NH Hotel and its management team in developing and executing a new strategic plan that goes beyond financial engineering for the sake of a near-term share price re-rating. Absent such good governance, HNA will press the relevant regulatory bodies to compel the Hesperia-Oceanwood Cabal to equalize its minority economic interests with the control it holds over the Board and Company by tendering for all outstanding NH Hotel shares.

Sincerely,

Charles Bromwell Mobus, Jr.

Former Co-Chairman and Chairman of the Board

NH Hotel Group

About HNA Group

HNA Group Co., Ltd. is a global conglomerate engaged in airport services, transportation, real estate, financial services, leasing, tourism, hotels, and logistics. It is the parent company of Hainan Airlines, which was founded in 1993. It is based in China in Haikou, Hainan Province and in Beijing. HNA Group is known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005558/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Sard Verbinnen Co

Michael Henson, +44 (0) 20 3178 8914

or

Investors:

Georgeson

Stefano Marini, +39 348 795 87 86
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
MADRID (dpa-AFX) - Spanish oil major Repsol S.A. (REPYY.PK) Thursday reported that its net income for the half year slid 39.3 percent to 639 million euros from last year's 1.053 billion euros. The results included total extraordinary expense of 346 million euros to cover the restructuring of the workforce approved by the company for 2016, 2017 and 2018. Adjusted net income totaled 917 million euros in the first half, compared with 1.24 billion in the same period of the previous year. The Group's average production was 705,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day, 60 percent more than that produced during the first half of 2015, primarily because of the incorporation of Talisman assets. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar extended its early decline against most major counterparts in early European deals on Thursday. Continuing early slide, the greenback slid to a 2-day low of 104.48 against the Japanese yen. The greenback declined to a 6-day low of 1.3111 against the loonie, 9-day low of 0.9828 against the franc and near a 2-week low of 1.1117 against the euro, from its early highs of 1.3188, 0.9867 and 1.1052, respectively. The greenback is likely to find support around 1.30 against the loonie, 102.00 against the yen, 0.97 against the franc and 1.125 against the euro. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - UK-based engineering solutions provider Weir Group Plc. (WEIR.L) reported Thursday that its first-half profit before tax from continuing operations decreased to 25 million pounds from last year's 39 million pounds. Earnings per share were 7.6 pence, compared to 17.5 pence last year. Adjusted profit before tax was 82 million pounds, compared to 108 million pounds last year. Adjusted earnings per share were 29.6 pence, compared to 38.6 pence a year ago. Revenue declined 12 percent to 866 million pounds from 981 million pounds a year ago. On a constant currency basis, revenues fell 13%. Further, the company said its Board has decided to hold the interim dividend flat at 15.0p. The interim dividend will be paid on 4 November 2016 to shareholders on the register on 23 September 2016. Looking ahead, the company said its full year guidance for a reduction in constant currency Group operating profits is unchanged. Separately, the company announced that Keith Cochrane will step down as Chief Executive, after 10 years on the Board. The Company appointed Jon Stanton as Chief Executive designate, succeeding Keith with effect from October 1. Cochrane, who was CEO since 2009, will step down from the Board at the end of September, and will remain on hand to assist until the end of December 2016, when his employment with the Company will end. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Public transport operator National Express Group Plc. (NEX.L) Thursday posted higher profits and revenues for the half year and said it remains on track to deliver its profit, cash flow and gearing targets for the year. For the half year, statutory profit before tax rose nearly 5 percent to 56.9 million pounds. On an adjusted basis, profit before tax increased nearly 10 percent to 73.2 million pounds, and earnings per share grew 10.8 percent to 11.3 pence from 10.2 pence last year. For the first half, revenues rose 14.4 percent to 1.10 billion pounds, while it rose 10.4 percent at constant currency. In addition, the Board has declared an increase in the interim dividend of 5 percent to 3.87 pence per share. The dividend will be payable on 23 September 2016 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 2 September 2016. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Inchcape plc (INCH.L), a multi-brand distributor and retailer, reported Thursday that its first-half profit before tax grew 7.8% to 165 million pounds from last year's 153 million pounds. Earnings per share were 27.2 pence, higher than 25 pence last year. Basic adjusted earnings per share were 27.6 pence, compared to 25.4 pence a year ago. Revenue for the first half was 3.8 billion pounds, 11.2 percent higher than 3.4 billion pounds last year. Like-for-like constant currency revenue went up 9.1%. The company said it benefited from broad based growth across markets and value drivers. Further, the company's Board declared an interim dividend of 7.0p representing an increase of 2.9%. Further, the company announced an additional share buyback programme of up to 100 million pounds, to be effected over the next 12 months. Looking ahead, the company said it expects to deliver a resilient constant currency performance in 2016. This reflects the strength of South Asia and Emerging Market performances as well as the difficult trading environment in North Asia region. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
ST. LOUIS, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Sherpath is the First Educational Platform Designed Specifically for Nursing and Allied Health Which Integrates Content, Assessment and Simulations Customized to Each Program, Course and Student

Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, has launched Sherpath, a first-of-its-kind nursing and allied health, adaptive and mobile-first education platform focused on improving student outcomes.

"As digital learners, healthcare students now require shorter and more targeted, media-rich content accessible on their mobile devices," said John Danaher, President, Elsevier Education. "And faculty now require data and analytics that eliminate the guesswork associated with teaching and student comprehension. Addressing these evolving educational needs in a digital and mobile age was the fundamental inspiration for the development of Sherpath."

Elsevier experts created Sherpath to intersperse flexible content modules with frequent assessments to support just-in-time remediation and successful progression throughout the curriculum. With a mobile-friendly interface, adaptive technology, a recommendation engine, machine learning and sophisticated reporting tools, Sherpath delivers a highly personalized, integrated experience for students and instructors.

"While the average professor is already working 50 percent more than the normal 40-hour work week, finding the time to continually monitor the 'vital signs' of students' progress becomes next to impossible," said Danaher. "Sherpath will help instructors easily understand how their students are progressing, catching those at-risk and intervening before they fail. As a result, Sherpath will also improve student retention, better performance on high stakes testing, and career placement."

For the past year, Sherpath has been used in pilot programs at 26 higher education institutions across the country and in a variety of program types. In addition to Nursing Fundaments, the platform also offers collections for three other topics in Nursing (Health Assessment, Pharmacology, and Dosages and Calculations) as well as Medical Assisting. Additional course collections for Nursing covering Maternity, Paediatric, and Medical Surgical are slated to be added in the Fall of 2016.

For more information, visit Sherpath online here.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a world-leading provider of information solutions that enhance the performance of science, health, and technology professionals, empowering them to make better decisions, deliver better care, and sometimes make groundbreaking discoveries that advance the boundaries of knowledge and human progress. Elsevier provides web-based, digital solutions - among them ScienceDirect, Scopus, Elsevier Research Intelligenceand ClinicalKey - and publishes over 2,500 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and more than 35,000 book titles, including a number of iconic reference works. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a world-leading provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries.http://www.elsevier.com

Media Contact:

Christopher Capot

Director, Corporate Relations, Elsevier

+1-917-704-5174

c.capot@elsevier.com


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2016) - International Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ILC) (the "Company" or "ILC") is pleased to announce that strategic partner Pioneer Resources Limited ("Pioneer") (ASX: PIO) is planning $1 million in exploration expenditures in 2016 on the Mavis and Raleigh lithium pegmatite projects east of Dryden, Ontario, Canada.

"This brings the total amount budgeted for exploration to CAD$17 million across the Company's projects in Canada, Argentina and Ireland, making International Lithium Corp. one of the most active exploration companies in the lithium sector. This speaks volumes for the quality as well as the potential of the Company's projects," states Kirill Klip, President, International Lithium Corp."

Mavis and Raleigh Exploration Programs

The $1 million budget will be allocated fairly evenly across the Mavis and Raleigh lithium pegmatite projects ("Projects"). The exploration programs will include litho-geochemical sampling, ground and airborne geophysics and 3,000m of diamond drilling with 1,500m planned at each of the Projects in autumn 2016.

To date a continuous-reading ground magnetic survey has been completed over much of the Mavis Lake Lithium Project and data processing is underway. In addition, mapping and litho-geochemical rock sampling (170 samples submitted for assay) have been completed to refine targets ahead of drilling.

Field crews will undertake similar exploration programs of geophysics, mapping and litho-geochemistry at Raleigh later this month. Magnetic survey options are being investigated to best suit the local terrain with consideration being given to the use of a low-altitude high-resolution aeromagnetic system.

About the Mavis and Raleigh Lithium Pegmatite Projects

The Mavis and Raleigh Lithium Projects are situated 19 and 80 kilometres east respectively from the town of Dryden, Ontario. Both Projects are in close vicinity to the Trans-Canada highway and railway major transportation arteries linking larger cities such as Thunder Bay, Ontario, to the southeast and Winnipeg, Manitoba, to the west.

When rare-metal pegmatites are emplaced, the host rocks adjacent to the pegmatite are enriched by the associated fluids forming a rare-metals' dispersion halo around the pegmatite body. Normally the extent of the rare-metal alteration halo is within meters of the pegmatite, but the pegmatite belts at Mavis and Raleigh exhibit some of the broadest and strongest host-rock lithium anomalies observed around the world denoting an intense mineralizing system.

Previous exploration campaigns on the Projects successfully discovered spodumene bearing high-grade lithium pegmatites within these anomalous bands (see Company news releases March 14, March 23, July 13 and July 25, 2016 for further details).

The close proximity of the Projects presents clear strategic and operational advantages. ILC is pursuing lithium prospects with reported high grades in this region and seeking to consolidate them with the aim to identify sufficient resources in multiple prospects to potentially feed a common processing facility. The Upper Canada Lithium Pool is the anticipated geographical consolidation of projects and partnered companies hosting amenable grade, volume, access and infrastructure in order to mitigate the financial burden on any one company when advancing specific projects to reach this goal.

John Harrop, P.Geo, FGS, is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 who has supervised preparation of the technical information contained in this news release.

About International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. is an exploration company with an outstanding portfolio of projects, strong management ownership, robust financial support and a strategic partner and keystone investor Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., a leading China based lithium product manufacturer.

The Company's primary focus is the Mariana lithium-potash brine project, a joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. within the renowned South American "Lithium Belt" that is the host to the vast majority of global lithium resources, reserves and production. The 160 square kilometre Mariana project strategically encompasses an entire mineral rich evaporate basin that ranks as one of the more prospective salars or 'salt lakes' in the region.

Complementing the Company's lithium brine project are three rare metals pegmatite properties in Canada known as the Mavis, Raleigh, and Forgan projects; and one project in Ireland (Avalonia project) that encompasses an extensive 50km long pegmatite belt. The Avalonia project is under option to strategic partner Ganfeng Lithium and the Mavis and Raleigh projects with strategic partner Pioneer Resources Limited (PIO:ASX). The Mavis, Raleigh and Forgan projects together form the basis of the Company's newly created Upper Canada Lithium Pool designated to focus on acquiring numerous prospects with previously reported high concentrations of lithium in close proximity to existing infrastructure.

With the increasing demand for high tech rechargeable batteries used in vehicle propulsion technologies and portable electronics, lithium is paramount to tomorrow's "green-tech", sustainable economy. By positioning itself with solid development partners and acquiring high quality grass roots projects at an early stage of exploration, ILC aims to be the resource explorer of choice for investors in green tech and build value for its shareholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Kirill Klip

President, International Lithium Corp.

For further information regarding this news release contact Caroline Klukowski (Corporate Communications) at 604.687.7551 or view the website at www.internationallithium.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. Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, historical estimates should not be relied upon, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. News release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
GCP STUDENT LIVING PLC (the "Company")

Result of General Meeting

GCP Student Living plc, the UK's first REIT focused on student residential assets, has today held a General Meeting to adopt new articles of association. At the General Meeting, the resolution to adopt the new articles of association was unanimously passed on a show of hands.

The proxy votes received in relation to the resolution were as follows:

Votes For Votes Against Votes at Chairman's Discretion Votes Withheld 105,469,861 0 413,581 0

A copy of the resolution will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM

28 July 2016

For further information please contact:

Gravis Capital Partners LLP +44 020 7518 1490

Tom Ward tom.ward@gcpuk.com

Nick Barker nick.barker@gcpuk.com

Dion Di Miceli dion.dimiceli@gcpuk.com

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited +44 020 7710 7600

Neil Winward neil.winward@stifel.com

Mark Young mark.young@stifel.com

Tom Yeadon tom.yeadon@stifel.com

AboutGCP Student Living plc

The Company was the first student accommodation REIT in the UK. The Company invests in modern, purpose-built, private student residential accommodation and teaching facilities. Its investments are located primarily in and around London where the Investment Manager believes the Company is likely to benefit from supply and demand imbalances for student residential accommodation.

The Company currently owns and operates c.2,000 beds across six properties.

The Company's assets are primarily occupied by international students and offer new high specification facilities and hotel-level concierge type services which the Investment Manager believes are attractive to overseas students.
STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Sweden's unemployment rate in June remained unchanged from the previous month, defying expectations for an increase, figures from Statistics Sweden showed Thursday. The jobless rate was 7.6 percent, same as in May. Economists had forecast a higher figure of 8 percent. In April, the rate was 7.3 percent. The number of unemployed totaled an unadjusted 414,000 persons, down 42,000 from a year ago. The number of employed rose by 116,000 year-on-year to 5.02 million. The youth jobless rate, which applies to the 15-24 age group, was 23.2 percent in May, 3.9 percentage points less than last year. On a smoothed and seasonally-adjusted basis, the number of unemployed was 359,000, corresponding to a jobless rate of 6.8 percent. The youth unemployment rate was 18.4 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Wunelli, a LexisNexis Risk Solutions company, has selected Vodafone - a leader in connected car services, as one of its chosen suppliers for insurance telematics products. Wunelli, a leading provider in global telematics solutions, provides a complete end-to-end telematics solution to enable insurers and brokers to offer telematics-based motor insurance products.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160411/353751LOGO

With predictions that by 2020 nearly 100 million vehicles globally will be insured with telematics policies and nearly 50% of the world's vehicles by 2030*, the demand for hard-wired telematics devices is evident. As an appointed provider for the supply of highly reliable telematics units and mission critical data, Vodafone will play an important role in the telematics offering from Wunelli. Vodafone will assist Wunelli in providing insurers with an expanding choice of data collection methods, working closely with the leading suppliers for each field.

"We are very pleased to announce Vodafone as one of our chosen suppliers of telematics units and essential vehicle information. Data quality and integrity is obviously central to any telematics proposition and Vodafone's expertise in the connected car space including design and manufacture of high performance telematics products will support the delivery of the high quality we demand," explained Selim Cavanagh, Vice President of Telematics, Wunelli.

Nico Gollwitzer, CEO Vodafone Automotive, adds, "We are very excited to be working with Wunelli and look forward to playing a key part in their continued growth, supporting insurers and brokers across the UK."

*Ptolemus Consulting Group - Usage-Based Insurance Global Study 2016

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Wunelli

Working closely with all major software houses, today, Wunelli provides a complete end-to-end solution to enable insurers and brokers to offer telematics-based motor insurance products, in a fast, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Whether it is hard-wired, 12V or smartphone solution, Wunelli offers a completely outsourced solution or an integrated package that links telematics to existing internal systems.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions

LexisNexis Risk Solutions is a leader in providing essential information that helps customers across industries and government predict, assess and manage risk. Combining cutting-edge technology, unique data and advanced analytics, LexisNexis Risk Solutions provides products and services that address evolving client needs in the risk sector while upholding the highest standards of security and privacy. LexisNexis Risk is part of RELX Group, a world-leading provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries.

http://www.lexisnexis.com/risk/
VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - French shares inched lower in choppy trade on Thursday as investors digested a mixed bag of earnings results and largely upbeat economic reports on German unemployment and Eurozone economic confidence. The risk of policy disappointment from the Bank of Japan has induced some caution among traders. The benchmark CAC 40 was down 10 points or 0.22 percent at 4,437 in late opening deals after rallying 1.2 percent the previous day. BNP Paribas lost 1 percent despite posting better-than-expected second-quarter profit on the back of a surge in bond trading. Carmaker Renault fell more than 2 percent after saying it had made little progress towards promised cost savings in the first half of the year. Carrefour Group lost 3 percent. The grocery retailer maintained its full-year outlook despite reporting a decline in its half-year profit due to one-off items. Dairy giant Danone gained nearly 2 percent after its first-half profit more than doubled, helped by cost control and strong sales of dairy products. Oil major Total SA rose half a percent on reporting a lower-than-expected 30 percent fall in second-quarter profit. Utility Suez Environnement rallied 3 percent on reporting a 23.7 percent rise in first-half profit. Energy management firm Schneider Electric rose 1.5 percent on reporting a 13 percent increase in first-half net income. Hotel group Accor added 1 percent despite reporting a fall in half-year net profit. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Thomson Reuters (TRI, TRI.TO) said that it re-affirmed its full-year business outlook for 2016, which was previously communicated in February 2016. 'We are tracking to our full-year target and are well positioned to help our customers navigate the global trends affecting their industries,' said Jim Smith, president and chief executive officer of Thomson Reuters. The company's 2016 Outlook assumed constant currency rates compared to 2015 and all metrics below (except for free cash flow) exclude the IP & Science business, which has been classified as a discontinued operation for 2016 reporting purposes. The company continues to expect Low single-digit revenue growth, 2% to 3% revenue growth excluding Financial & Risk's recoveries revenues, which are low margin revenues and are expected to decline as partners move to direct billing with their customers. It projects 2016 Adjusted EBITDA margin to be between 27.3% and 28.3%. Underlying operating profit margin is still expected to between 18.4% and 19.4% for 2016. It still anticipates Free cash flow to be in the range of $1.7 billion - $1.9 billion in 2016. When the company reports its results for the third quarter of 2016, it plans to redefine adjusted earnings and adjusted EPS in relation to certain tax computations to better align these definitions with current market practices and to reflect guidance recently issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These changes will not impact the company's reporting of revenues, adjusted EBITDA, underlying operating profit or free cash flow. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
For the quarter ended 30 June 2016:

Solid sales and high installations supported a good monthly incremental service revenue performance

Strong growth in recurring revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA

euNetworks Group Limited, a provider of bandwidth infrastructure services in Europe, announced results for the three months ended 30 June 2016. New sales reached 937k in Q2 2016, up 18% from Q2 2015 and down 3% from Q1 2016. Service installations were high at 904k in the quarter, increasing from Q2 2015 and Q1 2016. Disconnections increased from Q2 2015 and Q1 2016, with average churn at 1.1% following low churn of 0.7% in Q1 2016. 49% of these disconnections were due to service replacements, largely driven by a move in trading venue for euTrade services. Total monthly incremental service revenue (MISR) was 254k in Q2 2016, up from 240k in Q2 2015 and down from 381k in Q1 2016.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005760/en/

Brady Rafuse (Photo: Business Wire)

(k) Q2

2016 Q2

2015

change Q1

2016

change New Sales 937 796 18 970 (3) Installations 904 774 17 706 28 Monthly Incremental Service Revenue 254 240 6 381 (33) (m) Q2

2016 Q2

2015 %

change Q1

2016 %

change Total Revenue 32.2 29.2 10 30.6 5 Recurring Revenue 32.2 29.2 10 30.6 5 Gross Profit 25.2 22.5 12 23.9 6 Gross Profit Margin % 78.4% 77.2% 1.2 78.0% 0.4 Adjusted EBITDA(1) 10.7 8.2 31 9.8 9 Capital Expenditure 16.1 9.8 n/a 11.5 n/a Proxy Cash Flow(2) (5.6) (1.6) n/a (1.7) n/a

Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA before the deduction of share option expense. Proxy cash flow is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditure.

Recurring revenue was 32.2m in Q2 2016, growing 10% from Q2 2015 and 5% from Q1 2016. Gross profit was 25.2m, up 12% from Q2 2015 and 6% from Q1 2016. Gross margin improved to 78.4% in Q2 2016, from 77.2% in Q2 2015 and from 78.0% in Q1 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA was 10.7m in Q2 2016, improving by 31% from Q2 2015 and by 9% from Q1 2016.

Capital expenditure supporting revenue growth was 16.1m in the quarter as euNetworks continues to invest for growth. This contributed to proxy cash flow of (5.6)m in Q2 2016.

"After a strong start to the year, we continued this momentum through Q2 2016," said Brady Rafuse, Chief Executive Officer of euNetworks. "Operating performance remained strong and the significant customer driven network development projects were successfully completed. Sales growth continued to be good after the record performance in Q1. Service installations were high, with some of this growth driven by a move in an euTrade service trading venue. Disconnections were also higher than prior quarters, with the euTrade service replacements driving this churn. Despite these movements, we delivered good overall growth."

"For the quarter, our financial performance remained solid, with 10% growth in recurring revenue. Gross profit increased by 12% and Adjusted EBITDA by 31% from Q2 2015," said Rafuse.

"Our capital expenditure was higher in Q2 2016 than previous quarters. This was due to the completion of the network development expansion projects to Marseille and Stockholm and further network investment projects now underway. These projects are all closely aligned with our customers' growing bandwidth demands in 2016 and our strategy of investing in the network for our organic growth. Spend on success based customer projects was also higher in the quarter, in line with project delivery timescales in support of our customers. We will announce further network investment projects in due course and remain confident about the opportunities these bring us for further growth."

Further review and discussion of the performance of the Group for Q2 2016 can be found in the accompanying results supplement available here

About euNetworks

euNetworks is a bandwidth infrastructure provider, owning and operating 13 fibre based metropolitan networks across Europe connected with a high capacity intercity backbone covering 45 cities in 10 countries. The company leads the market in data centre connectivity, directly connecting over 280 in Europe today. euNetworks is also a leading cloud connectivity provider, connecting 15 cloud platforms. The company offers a portfolio of metropolitan and long haul services including Dark Fibre, Metro Wavelengths, Wavelengths, Ethernet, and Internet. Media, finance, content, enterprise and carrier customers benefit from euNetworks' unique inventory of fibre and duct based assets that are tailored to fulfil their high bandwidth needs.

euNetworks Group Limited is headquartered in London. For further information please visit www.eunetworks.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005760/en/

Contacts:

euNetworks Investor and Press Contact:

Hannah Fox

Senior Director Marketing

euNetworks

Email: hannah.fox@eunetworks.com

Skype: hannah_britt

Office: +44 20 7952 1338

Mobile: +44 7717 896 446
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Harley-Davidson (HOG) announced the company is revising full-year guidance for motorcycle shipments and now expects to ship 264,000 to 269,000 motorcycles to dealers worldwide in 2016, which is approximately down 1 percent to up 1 percent from 2015. The company had previously provided full-year shipment guidance of 269,000 to 274,000 motorcycles. In the third quarter, the company expects to ship 48,500 to 53,500 motorcycles. For the second quarter, Harley-Davidson worldwide retail motorcycle sales were down 1.9 percent on weak U.S. industry results. Harley-Davidson retail motorcycle sales in the U.S. were down 5.2 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. International retail sales increased by 4.3 percent over the prior year quarter. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DURBAN, South Africa, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Global financial company's experts continue to educate the South African public on key personal finance issues

Global financial advisory group Holborn Assets in partnership with The Sovereign Trust Group and Arton Capital - Empowering Global Citizenship, will present a seminar on 'Offshore Trust and Tax Planning" and Second Passports in Ballito, KZN on 2nd August.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160601/374080LOGO )



The seminar will be conducted by international financial planner Michele Carby who heads Holborn Assets' South African Team in Dubai, catering to the large South African expat population in the UAE.

Carby who is of South African origin has spent the past 20 years helping professionals protect and enhance their wealth. She has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns of South Africans both at home and as expats. Currently Carby is Business Director for the South African Business Council (SABCO) of the United Arab Emirates. She is a former President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hong Kong.

Seminar participants will learn how they can take advantage of Offshore Trust and Tax Planning. The session will cover the following areas: Mitigating estate duty and donations tax; Investing in stable currencies offshore; Taking advantage of your annual allowance (transfer up to R10m offshore each year); Actively managing investments; Tax efficient and structured benefit payments; Tax free returns on capital invested.

The seminar will also address the topic of 'Citizenship/Second Passports by Investments: Options for South Africans'.

According to Carby, "Offshore Trust and Tax Planning is fundamental to designing a robust tax efficient position in stable currencies and markets. Asset protection is also a key consideration. It's important to mitigate estate duty where possible as the allowance is currently only R3.5m thereafter chargeable at 20% on your worldwide assets. The days of donating interest free to trusts are coming to an end. I am licensed to provide advice in four countries so I'm well versed to provide quality advice to clients."

The seminar will take place on Tuesday 2nd August 2016, at The Boathouse, 33 Compensation Beach Rd, Ballito. There will be a morning session at 8.00 am and one at 6.00 pm. Light snacks and refreshments

Seats are limited so those interested are advised to RSVP to trevor.vandenberg@holbornassets.com (+27(0)82-644-5529)
OK, so this is what the nation was collectively told minutes after Donald Trump finished delivering a speech in Doral, Florida on July 27, 2016  right smack dab in the middle of the Democrat National Convention in Philadelphia 

According to Ashley Parker of the liberal New York Times, Donald Trump essentially encouraged an adversarial foreign power to cyberspy on a secretary of states correspondence.

According to the liberal Los Angeles Times, Donald Trump invited Russia to hack into Clinton's emails, an extraordinary step for a presidential nominee.

According to Benjy Sarlin of liberal NBC News, On Wednesday, (Donald) Trump publicly called on Russian intelligence agents to hack Hillary Clinton's emails and release the results, a direct appeal to a foreign power to commit espionage.

According to liberal BuzzFeed News Tarini Parti, Donald Trump encouraged cyber espionage against (Hillary) Clinton.

According to Josh Voorhees of liberal Slate.com, Donald Trump encouraged Russia to conduct cyberespionage in the United States.

According to Simon Maloy of liberal Salon.com, Donald Trump explicitly asked Russia to violate our national security.

According to the liberal Daily Beast, Donald Trump urged a foreign government to hack an American citizen and release personal emails.

According to Katie Reilly of liberal Time.com, Donald Trump called on Russia to hack Hillary Clintons emails.

According to the Clinton campaign itself, This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent."

Its almost as if they were all reading their talking points from the same sheet!

Now heres what Trump actually said 

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.

Trump never asked Russia, or anyone else, to hack Hillarys email account.

He jokingly suggested that someone had ALREADY hacked into her account and maybe, just maybe (wink, wink), that someone might share the emails that Crooked Hillary conveniently deleted.

He was as serious as Ronald Reagan was when the Gipper famously joked, My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes."

But Trumps obvious tongue-in-cheek sarcasm didnt stop the liberal media -- which is scared down to its skivvies that Hillary is about to go down in flames in November -- from giving yet another major media in-kind donation to her campaign.

Then again, all the silly media attention to what Trump said about Russia and Hillarys emails did suck all the air out of Hillarys historic nomination the night before. So maybe, just maybe, the liberal media is secretly a double-agent trying to HELP Trump.

Yeah, um, no.
Mitsubishi Corporation Telephone: +81-3-3210-2171 Facsimile: +81-3-5252-7705

TOKYO, July 28, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Fourteen Japanese companies have come together to launch the "Virtual Power Plant Experimental Project," an initiative subsidized by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, an arm of Japan's Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, as part of the government's plan to rebalance Japan's energy mix. The subsidy was issued on July 21, 2016 by the Institute of Applied Energy, the project's executing agency*.In the context of electricity deregulation and the reform of electric power systems in Japan, the project is aimed at contributing to the development of new energy management systems and the installation of new infrastructure that will facilitate more efficient energy use.More specifically, bundling end-use devices scattered across power grids through the Internet of Things (IoT) would create a sort of "virtual" power plant, where demand and supply can be more effectively adjusted for available capacity. Enhancing the system for adjusting electricity supply and demand will also make it easier to introduce renewable energy sources into the power grid.Through the project, the 14 participating companies are aiming to set up a comprehensive system for controlling end-use devices and to develop new energy management systems through bundled technology and the installation of renewable energy sources. The initiative is expected to contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society.The 14 participating companies are: The Kansai Electric Power Company, Inc., Fuji Electric Co., LTD, Sansha Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd, GS Yuasa Corporation, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Nihon Unisys, Ltd., NTT Smile Energy, Ltd., Enegate Co., Ltd., ELIIY Power Co., Ltd., Obayashi Corporation, Kansai Electrical Safety Inspection Association, DAIHEN Corporation, Nature Japan Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Corporation.* The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry subsidized a part of the costs for the demonstration of a virtual power plant and megawatt power transaction over grid operators. In this case, the 14 companies applied for A Demonstration of Virtual Power Plant, A-1 Aggregator business among nominated demonstrations and were adapted as indirect subsidized companies.About the Participating CompaniesThe Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.Date of Establishment: May 1951Capital: 489,300 million yenHead Office: 3-6-6, Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, OsakaFuji Electric Co., LtdDate of Establishment: August 1923Capital: 47.6 billion yenHead Office: 1-11-2, Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, TokyoSansha Electric Manufacturing Co., LtdDate of Establishment: April 1948Capital: 2,800 million yenHead Office: 3-1-56, Nishiawaji, Higashiyodogawa-ku, OsakaGS Yuasa CorporationDate of Establishment: April 2004Capital: 33 billion yenHead Office: 1, Inobanba-cho, Nishinosho, Kisshoin, Minami-ku, KyotoSumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Date of Establishment: April 1897Capital: 99,700 million yenHead Office: 4-5-33, Kitahama, Chuo-ku, OsakaNihon Unisys, Ltd.Date of Establishment: March 1958Capital: 5.5 billion yenHead Office: 1-1-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, TokyoNTT Smile Energy, Ltd.Date of Establishment: June 2011Capital: 100 million yenHead Office: 1-1-30 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, OsakaEnegate Co., Ltd.Date of Establishment: March 1914Capital: 497 million yenHead Office: 1-6-110 Oyodo-Kita, Kita-ku, OsakaELIIY Power Co., Ltd.Date of Establishment: 28 September 2006Capital: 15,700 million yenHead Office: 1-6-4 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, TokyoObayashi CorporationDate of Establishment: December 1936Capital: 57,800 million yenHead Office: 2-15-2, Konan, Minato-ku, TokyoKansai Electrical Safety Inspection AssociationDate of Establishment: December 1965Head Office: 1-2-6 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, OsakaDAIHEN CorporationDate of Establishment: December 1919Capital: 10,600 million yenHead Office: 2-1-11, Tagawa, Yodogawa-ku, OsakaNature Japan Co., Ltd.Date of Establishment: July 2015Capital: 500,000 yenHead Office: 35-1, Minami-Goshomachi, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, KyotoMitsubishi CorporationDate of Establishment: July 1954Capital: 204.4 billion yenHead Office: 3-1 Marunouchi 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8086About Mitsubishi CorporationMitsubishi Corporation (MC; TSE: 8058) is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. MC's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse business ranges from natural resources development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and manufacturing of industrial goods. With over 200 bases of operations in approximately 80 countries worldwide and a network of over 500 group companies, MC employs a multinational workforce of nearly 60,000 people. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishicorp.com.Source: Mitsubishi CorporationContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) announced the company expects a low to mid-single-digit net sales decline for full year 2016 due to continued currency headwinds. Despite this, the company continues to anticipate solid organic sales growth in 2016, driven by a full new product pipeline across all categories and geographies. On a GAAP basis, based on current spot rates, the company is planning for a year of gross margin expansion and expects high double-digit earnings per share growth, reflecting the impact of the 2015 charge related to the deconsolidation of Venezuelan operations. Excluding the 2015 and 2016 items, based on current spot rates, the company continues to expect earnings per share to be flat with 2015 on a dollar basis. This reflects a double-digit increase in earnings per share on a currency-neutral basis, excluding Venezuela from 2015 and 2016 results. Colgate-Palmolive reported worldwide net sales of $3.85 billion in second quarter 2016, a decrease of 5.5% versus second quarter 2015. Global unit volume decreased 3.0%, pricing increased 3.0% and foreign exchange was negative 5.5%. Excluding divested businesses and the impact of the previously disclosed deconsolidation of the company's Venezuelan operations, unit volume increased 1.5%. Organic sales grew 4.5%. Excluding charges, net income in second quarter 2016 was $631 million, a decrease of 1% versus second quarter 2015, and earnings per share was $0.70, even with second quarter 2015. Excluding items, and excluding Venezuela's operating results in both periods, earnings per share increased double digit on a currency-neutral basis. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Arena Minerals Inc., (TSX VENTURE: AN.V) ("Arena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Teck Resources Chile Limitada ("Teck") has informed Arena that it will be proceeding through to the elective second year of exploration on the Paciencia North project ("Paciencia North"). Teck shall reduce its land position as per the option/joint venture agreement between Teck and Arena (please see press release dated October 23, 2015) and will continue with approximately 9,024 hectares, covering the entire Paciencia North block. A number of modifications to the terms of option/joint venture agreement have also been made. Teck will make a cash payment of US$135,360 to Arena in lieu of a second private placement of C$500,000. In addition Teck's overall earn-in expenditure shall be C$1,500,000. All other terms of the agreement remain unchanged.

"We are extremely pleased to continue having Teck and its first class exploration team as partners, and that the drill results and geophysics completed on the Paciencia North property are encouraging and warrant further exploration," commented William Randall, President and CEO of Arena. "Having modified the contemplated private placement to a cash payment to Arena allows us to avoid dilution at current levels while maintaining a healthy cash position going forward. We look forward to further geophysical and drill results on Paciencia North over the next 12 months."

The 2015 and 2016 Paciencia North exploration programs completed by Teck consisted of 3,196 metres of drilling and a first pass of IP over the southern portion of the claim block for a total expenditure of approximately C$2,000,000.

The exploration program conducted by Teck consisted of detailed mapping, surface geochemistry, trenching, reconnaissance (vector) IP, pole-dipole IP and reverse circulation drilling. The work successfully defined a potentially porphyry-related alteration and breccia system of at least 1.5 x 3 km in extent. The system is defined by a north-south trend of alteration, multiphase hydrothermal breccia and multiphase porphyry intrusions within monzodiorite, monzonite and aplite close to the contact of the regionally extensive Sierra Gorda Batholith. The system has been intersected by six holes, ranging from 140 to 382 m in depth (average 236 m) and remains open along strike and at depth. Alteration encountered is dominated by sericite-tourmaline-pyrite however only minor anomalous metal has been encountered to-date (max. Cu = 595ppm and Mo = 56 ppm).

The system is well expressed in the vector and pole-dipole IP with strong chargeability anomalies remaining open at the survey boundaries. The planned program will extend the IP coverage along strike in order to define further targets for possible additional drilling.

About Arena Minerals

Arena Minerals is a prospect generator that has two properties under option covering approximately 95,400 hectares within the Antofagasta region of Chile. The properties are at low altitudes, within producing mining camps in infrastructure rich areas. The Company's flagship asset is the Atacama Copper Property, consisting of 92,000 hectares, following a contractual land reduction on July 27, 2015, of essentially undrilled ground in the heart of Chile's premier copper mining district. Currently, approximately 85% of the Atacama Copper Property is under option to third parties. Pursuant to option agreements entered into between Arena, Japan Oil, Gas and Minerals National Corporation and Teck Resources Chile Limitada, each have the right to earn into 60% of the respective land holdings within the property, by collectively spending over $39 million in exploration expenditures, amongst certain other commitments. In addition the Company has the Pampas El Penon project, comprising a total of 3,400 hectares which is less than 1 km from Yamana's Agusta Victoria project which forms part of the El Penon mine complex. The Pampas El Penon and Atacama Copper properties comprise Arena Minerals highly prospective copper and gold properties within an active mining region.

The technical and scientific aspects of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Mr. Vernon Arseneau, P.Geo, who is a qualified person pursuant to NI 43-101. As the Vice President of Exploration of the Company, Mr. Arseneau is not considered independent.

To view the website, please visit www.arenaminerals.com.

In addition to featuring information regarding the Company, its managements and projects, the website also contains the latest corporate news and an email registration allowing subscribers to receive news and updates directly.

For more information, contact William Randall at (416) 309-2697.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Arena Minerals Inc.

William Randall, President and CEO

Cautionary Note Regarding Accuracy and Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates relating to the future development of any of the Company's properties, the progress of drill programs, the prospectivity of, and planned work programs on, such properties, the ability to enter into any additional joint venture partnership agreements as proposed, or at all, the ability of any potential partner to accelerate drill programs, increase the development of any of the projects or prospects of the Company, the results of the exploration program, future financial or operating performance of the Company, its subsidiaries and its projects, the development of and the anticipated timing with respect to the Atacama project and the El Penon project. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". The statements made herein are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of the Company's interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. Forward-looking information 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: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of current exploration activities; other risks of the mining industry and the risks described in the annual information form of the Company. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Arena Minerals does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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.

Contacts:

Arena Minerals Inc.

William Randall

President and CEO

(416) 309-2697

www.arenaminerals.com




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Orbite Technologies Inc. (TSX: ORT)(OTCQX: EORBF) ("Orbite", or the "Company") today filed its financial statements for the second quarter ended June 30th, 2016. The Company reported a loss before net finance expense and taxes of $1.8 million for the quarter, a decrease from a loss of $3.5 million for the comparable quarter in the prior year, attributable mainly to lower general and administrative expenses, as well as an increase in other income of $1.0 million.

As at June 30th, 2016, the Company had aggregate cash and short-term investments balance of $5.6 million, and positive working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $6.4 million. Subsequent to June 30th, 2016, the Company drew the remaining $2.1 million on the $4.9 million 2016 Investissement Quebec ("IQ") bridge loan. As a result, the Company has, on a pro-forma basis, cash and short-term investments of $7.7 million.

All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless stated otherwise.

Highlights - Second Quarter and Subsequent Events

Corporate & Financing

-- During the quarter, the Company completed financings for an aggregate amount of $16 million. The funds raised enabled the Company to award the contracts towards the completion of Orbite's High Purity Alumina (HPA) plant and reaccelerate construction as described below. -- On May 12th, 2016, the Company announced the appointment of Charles Taschereau Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

HPA Plant Construction

-- Fjordtech Industries Inc., who was awarded the contract for the remaining piping mechanical work, commenced work during the week of July 4th, and is proceeding as planned. Installation of the piping for the plant's cooling water system was completed on schedule, and Fjordtech is now concentrating on the crystallization sector piping installation, to be followed by installation of the piping for the digestion sector. -- The contract for the remaining electrical and instrumentation work, awarded to Electro Kingsey who commenced work on July 11th, is also proceeding as per schedule and is being completed concurrently with the completion of the piping installation by Fjordtech. Installation of electrical and instrumentation was also completed for the cooling water system. Work will now proceed in the crystallization and digestion sectors of the plant. -- Both contracts are being carried out on a fixed-price basis with penalty provisions for late delivery, and stipulate an 8 week project timeline, with work continuing over the present construction holidays. The contracts respect the revised project budget. -- Isolation Morissette has completed the insulation work on the steam piping and the calcination system (decomposer & calciner), also under a fixed price contract. Insulation work is now 75% complete. -- All other construction is complete (civil and structural, major mechanical installation, decomposer and calciner installation), or materially complete (ventilation).

Commissioning & Start-up

-- As reported on June 21st, commissioning and cold start-up activities of the decomposer and calciner units were completed successfully. -- Additional cold testing was successfully conducted over the last few weeks. Alumina product (SGA) was successfully fluidized in both reactors, and up to 5 tonnes per day was successfully transferred from the decomposer to the calciner via the sealpot assembly system. Control and stability over the transfer of material through the seal pot was tested, and the sealing of the toric discharge device was verified. -- Commissioning and start-up of the cooling water system is commencing and will be completed by August 1st. -- Field service personnel from Outotec (decomposer and calciner) and Sandvik (calciner system heating elements) will be mobilizing on site the week of August 1st, to commence commissioning and startup of the steam superheater and the heating elements in the calciner and decomposer. Initial heating up of the decomposer and calciner is forecast for mid-August.

Management commentary

"Following the completion of our financing with Investissement Quebec, we were able to reaccelerate construction work at our HPA plant," stated Glenn Kelly, CEO of Orbite. "Work is progressing on schedule and on budget to meet the timeline communicated to shareholders previously, while commissioning activities continue to meet expectations. Consequently, we reiterate our expectation of commencing commercial production in Q3 of this year."

Continued highlights

Samples

-- To date, 27 samples have been shipped to prospective customers, including one 50kg commercial sample. Two further commercial samples have been ordered (3 in total, to date). A further 21 samples are to be shipped to 20 additional prospective customers.

AGM - Board of Directors

-- On Jun 22th, 2016, the Company held its annual meeting of shareholders. All Directors put forward by the Company were voted in office.

IP

-- During the quarter, seven notices of allowance were received. Additionally, seven new patents were granted, for a total of 14 new intellectual property rights. -- The newly awarded IP covers notably the HPA production process, Red Mud Monetization, and magnesium extraction and recovery. -- Coverage was expanded in the U.S., Russia, Australia, Japan and Canada.

Summary of Q2 2016 Financial Results

Revenues and earnings

The Company is a development stage company and has no revenues.

Net loss for Q2 2016 decreased by $1.8 million to $1.9 million, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in net loss during the quarter is principally due to proceeds received or receivable from the insurance claim for a 2014 incident at the HPA plant, resulting in a positive change in Other Income of $1.0 million, as well as a $0.5 million reduction in general and administrative expense.

HPA plant operations

HPA plant operations include administration, operating and maintenance costs for the HPA plant in Cap-Chat. HPA plant operation expenses remained relatively stable at $1.1 million during the quarter ended June 30th, 2016 compared to the second quarter in 2015.

General and administrative charges

General and administration charges consist mostly of personnel related costs (salaries and benefits), share-based payment expenses, consulting, accounting, business development, legal, and investor relation costs relating to head office activities. General and administrative charges decreased by $0.5 million during the quarter compared to the same period in 2015. This decrease is due mainly to a decrease in salaries, share-based payments, investor relations and communication, partially offset by an increase in consulting and professional fees.

Financial position

Cash and short-term investments and working capital

As at June 30th, 2016, the Company had aggregate cash and short-term investments balance of $5.6 million, and positive working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $6.4 million.

Subsequent to quarter end, the Company drew the remaining $2.1 million on the $4.9 million 2016 IQ bridge loan. As a result, the Company has, on a pro-forma basis, cash and short-term investments of $7.7 million.

Financing activities

-- On May 5th, 2016, the Company concluded a $4.9 million bridge loan with IQ, collateralized against the Company's investment tax credits receivable ("ITC") for the 2016 financial year which are expected to total $6.5 million. -- On May 6th, 2016, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement totaling $1.0 million. -- On May 11th and June 27th, 2016, the Company received payments totaling $3.6 million from tax authorities in Quebec for 2014 investment tax credits ("ITC"), used to pay down a portion of the Company's revolving credit facility and term loan A on a prorated basis. -- On May 19th, 2016, the Company completed an equity financing in the amount of $5 million with Ressources Quebec inc. ("Ressources Quebec"), a subsidiary of IQ. -- On June 1st, the Company completed a $5.0 million debt financing with IQ.

A more comprehensive description of the Company's financing activities is provided in the Company's MD&A and other filings on www.sedar.com.

Property, plant, and equipment

The Company recorded a net increase in Property, plant, and equipment ("PP&E") of $11.9 million in the first six months of 2016 compared to December 31st, 2015, mainly attributable to investment in the HPA plant.

Cash Flow Statement

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows used in operating activities remained stable at $4.3 million. An increase in Other Income and lower General and Administrative expense were offset by a decrease in non-cash working capital items.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities in Q2 2016 decreased by $3.2 million as compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease is due mainly to lower proceeds received from the issuance of Convertible debentures partially offset by the issuance of shares, warrantsand the exercise of options.

Cash Flows used in Investing Activities

Cash flows used in investing activities decreased by $3.8 million. During the quarter, the Company focused on raising the funds required to complete its HPA facility. During this period, the Company had de-mobilized external contractors on site and generally reduced construction activities to preserve working capital.

Conference call

Orbite management will hold a conference call and provide a live audio webcast today, July 28th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the Company's financials and provide an update on the Company's HPA plant.

The call will be held in English. The Q&A session will be in English and French.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS:

Date: July 28th, 2016 Time: 10:00 a.m. (EDT) Dial in number: +1 888 231-8191 +1 647 427-7450 Webcast: http://bit.ly/29R80yd Taped replay: +1 855 859-2056 +1 514 807-9274 +1 416 849-0833 Encore password: 47838647 Available until: 12:00 midnight (EDT), Thursday, August 4th, 2016

Notice to Reader

The information provided in this press release is entirely qualified by the disclosures in the Company's Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, which are available at www.orbitetech.com and under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

About Orbite

Orbite Technologies Inc. is a Canadian cleantech company whose innovative and proprietary processes are expected to produce alumina and other high-value products, such as rare earth and rare metal oxides, at one of the lowest costs in the industry, and in a sustainable fashion, using feedstocks that include aluminous clay, kaolin, nepheline, bauxite, red mud, fly ash as well as serpentine residues from chrysotile processing sites. Orbite is currently in the process of finalizing its first commercial high-purity alumina (HPA) production plant in Cap-Chat, Quebec and has completed the basic engineering for a proposed smelter-grade alumina (SGA) production plant, which would use clay mined from its Grande-Vallee deposit. The Company's portfolio contains 16 intellectual property families, including 36 patents and 92 pending patent applications in 11 different countries and regions. The first intellectual property family is patented in Canada, USA, Australia, China, Japan and Russia. The Company also operates a state of the art technology development center in Laval, Quebec, where its technologies are developed and validated.

Forward-looking statements

Certain information contained in this document may include "forward-looking information". Without limiting the foregoing, the information and any forward-looking information may include statements regarding projects, costs, objectives and future returns of the Company or hypotheses underlying these items. In this document, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time and/or the Company management's good-faith beliefs with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. These risks uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described in the section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) entitled "Risk and Uncertainties" as filed on March 30, 2016 on SEDAR, including those under the headings "Recent increase in budgeted capital costs will require additional financing and may adversely impact our prospects", "We will need to raise capital to continue our growth" and "Development Goals and Time Frames".

The Company does not intend, nor does it undertake, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this document to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

Contacts:

NATIONAL Equicom

Marc Lakmaaker

External Investor Relations Consultant

416-848-1397

mlakmaaker@national.ca



For Media Inquiries:

NATIONAL Equicom

Scott Anderson

External Media Relations Consultant

416-586-1954

sanderson@national.ca






HOUSTON (dpa-AFX) - ConocoPhillips (COP) on Thursday reported a loss for the second quarter that widened from last year, reflecting lower revenues and one-time charges. The results for the quarter missed analysts' estimates. However, the company raised its production outlook for the full-year.



Like other companies in the oil industry, ConocoPhillips is struggling with lower oil prices. The company's net loss for the second quarter was $1.07 billion or $0.86 per share, wider than net loss of $179 million or $0.15 per share in the prior year.



Special items for the latest quarter were related to non-cash impairments in the Lower 48, primarily in the Gulf of Mexico; pension settlement expense; deferred tax adjustments; and a gain on an asset sale.



Excluding special items, adjusted loss for the quarter was $0.79 per share, compared to earnings $0.07 per share in the previous year. The decline in adjusted earnings was primarily due to lower realized prices.



On average, 23 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report loss of $0.61 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.



Total revenues and other income plunged to $5.58 billion from $8.66 billion in the same period last year. Analysts expected revenues of $6.73 billion.



The company's total realized price in the quarter was $27.79 per barrel of oil equivalent or BOE, compared with $39.06 per BOE in the year-ago period, reflecting lower average realized prices across all commodities.



Production for the second quarter was 1,546 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day or MBOED, a decrease of 49 MBOED from the same period a year ago. When adjusted for 95 MBOED from dispositions and downtime, production increased 46 MBOED, or 3 percent.



Looking ahead, ConocoPhillips' third-quarter 2016 production guidance is 1,510 to 1,550 MBOED, which reflects significant planned turnaround activity during the quarter.



For full-year 2016, ConocoPhillips raised its production guidance to 1,540 to 1,570 MBOED, reflecting strong year-to-date performance across most of the portfolio. Earlier, the company had said it expects to meet its full-year 2016 production guidance of about 1,525 MBOED.



The company also lowered its 2016 capital expenditures guidance from $5.7 billion to $5.5 billion.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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BERKELEY, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- LeadGenius today announced that it has closed its Series B financing round of $10 million to radically expand its Account-Based Marketing (ABM) platform. Lumia Capital led the latest round of financing with participation from Javelin Venture Partners and existing backer, Sierra Ventures. All other existing investors including Better Ventures, Bee Partners, Y Combinator (through its new Continuity Fund), Kapor Capital, Initialized Capital, Fuel Capital, Scrum Ventures & FundersClub also participated in the round.

LeadGenius, recently named one of the fastest-growing companies in the San Francisco Bay area by BusinessInsider, doubled its revenue each of the last three years. LeadGenius' dramatic rise has been driven by the company's unique combination of machine learning technology and human researchers to gather and quality-assure B2B contact data. In addition to identifying the best possible accounts in a target market, marketers can also use LeadGenius' SaaS platform to easily connect with decision makers through automated, personalized emails.

LeadGenius' customers range from rapidly-scaling tech startups such as Weebly, to Fortune 500 businesses such as Google and eBay. These companies use LeadGenius' custom lead generation, data enrichment and outbound email services and solutions.

Building on this momentum, LeadGenius will use the additional financing to expand its ABM product features and increase investment in its own sales and marketing resources. LeadGenius customers will be able to more quickly and easily build account lists, target decision makers within high-potential accounts, engage with those contacts, and measure the return on investment (ROI) of ABM programs.

"With this new funding, we will move forward on our vision to be the leading Account-Based Marketing platform. What Marketo does for inbound marketing, we will do for outbound marketing in support of ABM strategies," said Prayag Narula, co-founder and CEO of LeadGenius. "The key to successful B2B outbound marketing is to have really great data, which we are market leaders in, combined with our strategic solutions that enable personalized multi-channel outreach."

He added, "Considering that a lack of data is a critical challenge to successful ABM campaigns, our deep expertise in data and research are an important asset to B2B marketers."

A recent poll of over 100 B2B marketers by the business intelligence company Avention reported that data was by far the largest challenge facing account-based marketers.

"By combining the best of human intuition and artificial intelligence, LeadGenius has emerged at the forefront of smart outbound sales and account based marketing," said Martin Gedalin, partner and founder of Lumia Capital. "As leading companies start to focus to outbound sales, LeadGenius' solution will only grow in importance and we're thrilled be a part of it."

According to Noah Doyle, managing director of Javelin Venture Partners, "LeadGenius solves a problem that every company from start-up to large enterprise faces -- making sales and marketing teams more efficient. From my time building sales teams as a founder, venture investor, and manager at established businesses including Google, I know that fast growing companies strive to improve sales economics because a huge percentage of internal resources are spent targeting and trying to reach prospects."

With this investment, Martin Gedalin of Lumia Capital has joined the LeadGenius board of directors and Noah Doyle from Javelin Venture Partners will join as a board observer. A Y Combinator alum from the Summer 2011 class, LeadGenius has now raised more than $20 million in total funding.

About Lumia Capital

Lumia Capital is a VC firm partnering with leading technology companies in the U.S. and select global markets to accelerate international expansion, business development and mobile partnership opportunities. Lumia works closely with management teams by pairing Silicon Valley insights with global knowledge sharing and relationships. Representative investments include: Careem, EatStreet, Greenhouse Software, Hired, Kabbage, MarkaVIP, OpenDNS (acq. by Cisco), Procore, and Xtime (acq. by Cox Automotive).

About Sierra Ventures

Founded in 1982, Sierra Ventures is a privately held venture capital firm based in San Mateo, Calif. that invests in early-stage emerging technologies and innovative business solutions. Sierra Ventures is known for its experienced investment team and proven 'hands on' entrepreneurial approach. The firm seeks out, invests in, and evolves promising early stage startups to scale and meet enterprise and consumer market demands by leveraging the Sierra team's unique skillsets, their differentiated CXO Advisory Network and proprietary capabilities.

About Javelin Venture Partners

Javelin Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in downtown San Francisco. Established in 2008, Javelin was founded by entrepreneurs who have each founded, built, and scaled multiple businesses to highly successful outcomes. Javelin uses that spirit of entrepreneurialism to do early-stage investing, helping the next generation of founders build lasting technology companies.

About LeadGenius

LeadGenius, based in Berkeley, Calif., delivers a marketing and sales platform that enables B2B companies to better engage with their ideal accounts, accelerate the buying cycle, and increase revenue. The LeadGenius platform is powered by best-in-class B2B data which is continually refined through a unique combination of machine learning technology and skilled human researchers. LeadGenius' customers range from Fortune 500 companies such as Google and eBay, to rapidly-growing companies such as Weebly. Founded in 2011 by three U.C. Berkeley graduate students (Anand Kulkarni, Dave Rolnitzky, and Prayag Narula), LeadGenius is a fast-growing SaaS company with the heart of a social enterprise and a mission to provide meaningful opportunities to underemployed individuals with digital skills anywhere in the world. LeadGenius is a charter member and signer of the Good Work Code.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3037974



For more media information, contact:

Lisa Hendrickson

LCH Communications for LeadGenius

516-643-1642

Email Contact




PORTLAND, Oregon, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new report by Allied Market Research titled, "Cognitive Computing Market -Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020", the cognitive computing market is expected to generate revenue of $13.7 billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 33.1% during the forecast period of 2015 - 2020. The advent of cognitive computing has led to a major shift in the evolution of technology over the past decade. The growing trend of increasing cloud based services, big data analytics and harnessing the internet speed, has largely supplemented the growth of the cognitive computing market. Cognitive analytics have optimum capabilities in handling huge volumes of data and facilitate the quick transitioning of manufacturing footprints and technologies. Enterprises, today, incorporate newer technologies, both in hardware and software, in order to keep pace with the changing business requirements. The increasing adoption of cognitive computing in business applications has led to significant improvements in the productivity and standard of operations in numerous organizations.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



The global cognitive computing market is segmented into technology, applications, end users and deployment types. The technology segment is further categorized into natural language processing, machine learning, automated reasoning and information retrieval. The application segment includes healthcare, BFSI, IT and Telecom, security, research & education, defense and others. The end users segment comprises of large enterprises and small & medium enterprises, whilst the deployment types include on-premises and cloud based services.

The natural language processing segment generated the maximum revenue in 2014, accounting for over 40% of the total market revenue. The technology would continue to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. Machine learning is the second highest segment, constituting around 30% of the total revenue. Automated reasoning technology, presently having a smaller market share, would grow at the fastest CAGR of 37% during 2015-2020. Automated reasoning reduces overloaded information and is seeking applications in computational biology that would accelerate the growth of the technology in the coming years.

To know more about the report, visit the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/cognitive-computing-market

From applications perspective, healthcare is the largest user, followed by BFSI. In 2014, the healthcare segment generated revenue of$745.1million, accounting for about 30% of the total market. The growth in the segment is driven by medical imaging technology and the ability of cognitive analytics to help physicians and nurses in analyzing mammogram images and detecting suspicious areas that indicate potential abnormalities.

North America accounts for the highest adoption of cognitive computing applications and holds the largest revenue share in the global market, followed by Europe. The North American region generated a revenue of$1.06 billion in 2014 and would dominate the market during the forecast period 2015 - 2020.Asia-Pacificis expected to become a lucrative market for cognitive computing. The rapidly rising trend of cloud based services, in small and medium enterprises, exhibits a high growth rate in the Asia-Pacific countries.

Companies such as Deloitte, PwC, Accenture and other prominent players largely utilize cognitive computing in training their staff and improving their productivity.

Watson, the cognitive computing system of IBM exhibits a phenomenal performance in the company's work processes. Watson is largely used in the healthcare sector to dramatically improve the abilities of doctors, researchers and insurers by gauging newer surface insights from medical records.

Key findings of the study

The growth of the global cognitive computing market would be supplemented by the increasing volume of large unstructured data across various verticals such as healthcare, banking and financial, security and IT & Telecom

Natural language processing is the highest revenue generating technology of cognitive computing

Increased adoption would be witnessed across key sectors such as healthcare, retail, banking and finance, over the forecast period (2015 - 2020)

North America accounted for the maximum adoption of cognitive computing applications with 41.6% market share in the overall global revenue in 2014

accounted for the maximum adoption of cognitive computing applications with 41.6% market share in the overall global revenue in 2014 Asia-Pacific and LAMEA are expected to be the most lucrative markets in terms of growth, owing to the developments in the healthcare and the insurance sector along with the growing adoption of advanced technologies

The report also outlines the competitive environment of the cognitive computing market, providing a comprehensive study of the key organic and inorganic strategies adopted by market leaders. The companies are adopting product launch and technological advancements as a key strategy to maintain their leading positions. Prominent companies profiled in the report include IBM Corporation, Google Incorporation, Microsoft Corporation, Nuance Communications Inc., 3M, HP, Statistical Analysis System (SAS), sap, Tibco Software and Oracle Corporation.

See all reports related to ICT at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/information-&-communication-technology-&-media-market-report

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:

Sona Padmanabhan

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Int'l: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)

E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com



Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Evolving Gold Corp. (CSE: EVG)(FRANKFURT: EV7)(OTC PINK: EVOGF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has retained Jean-Philippe Paiement, P. Geo, M.Sc. from SGS Canada Inc., an independent Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101 guidelines, as the QP for Evolving Gold's Lithium Lakes Project in Quebec.

Mr. Paiement graduated from Universite of Quebec in Montreal (2006) with a B.Sc. in Resources Geology and from Laval University (2009) with a M.Sc. in Earth Sciences. Mr. Paiement specializes in ore deposit geology, resource estimation, geostatistics, and structural geology.

Mr. Paiement started working with SGS Canada Inc. as a consulting geologist for exploration and drilling campaigns in 2009. Since then, he has specialized in exploration modeling and targeting, resource estimation, geostatistics, mine audits, and sample selection. Mr. Paiement worked on several technical reports and is considered to be a Qualified Person for numerous commodities such as vein-style Au-Ag deposits, polymetallic base metal deposits, and industrial mineral deposits (REEs, lithium, phosphate, graphite, and iron).

Mr. Paiement is currently supervising the definition drill campaign being performed at Nemaska Lithium Inc.'s Whabouchi Deposit which should upgrade the existing pit constrained inferred resource to measured and indicated categories, as well as adding additional resources outside of the current pit model. (http://www.nemaskalithium.com/en/investors/press-releases/2016/000874da-9185-4363-9c66-8295022f8026/ ) He is the QP for the mineral resources section of the technical report entitled "Feasibility Study Update on the Whabouchi Lithium Deposit and Hydromet Plant", completed in 2016 for Nemaska Lithium.

Recently, Mr. Paiement, together with the SGS Geostats team, won the Gold Rush Challenge put forward by Integra Gold, with the objective of finding prospective gold mineralized zones based on the extensive historical data from their Lamaque Project, in Val D'Or, Quebec. The combination of strong scientific based interpretations and machine learning was used to create a dynamic exploration model which was chosen over all other submissions by both an independent technical panel and a jury made of industry titans. The SGS Geostats team was awarded $500,000.

Evolving Gold's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. R. Bruce Duncan stated, "We look forward to working with Mr. Paiement, beginning with the initial exploration phase of the Lithium Lakes Project. Mr. Paiement's extensive knowledge of the Whabouchi Deposit's geology will allow us to quickly interpret the geological information obtained from the field."

Exploration Update

The Company is working with Les Entreprises Alain Maltais Inc. from Chibougamau to determine the best trail design to access the different targets on the Property. A helicopter tour of the Property was performed on the 26th of July to take pictures and design the trail. Once the trail (or part of) is completed the Company will start an extensive prospecting and mapping survey to find pegmatite bodies that could host lithium mineralization. The Company initially identified 8 targets that were up to 3.5km long. The targets were selected based on a geological interpretation of historical magnetic, spectrometric and geochemical surveys and their association with topographic features. Additional information on the 8 targets can be found in the June 16th 2016 news release (http://www.evolvinggold.com/s/NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=563875). The Lithium Lakes Property covers 72.5 km2 of ground, and has been the subject of only very limited ground exploration activities in 1975. The true potential of the Property has not yet been determined.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

EVOLVING GOLD CORP.

R. Bruce Duncan, President, CEO & Director

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com).

Contacts:

Evolving Gold Corp.

Investor Relations:

604.685.6375

TF: 866.604.3864

www.evolvinggold.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SYH)(OTC: SYHBD)(FRANKFURT: SC1N) (the "Company") is pleased to announce Mr. Paul Matysek, M.Sc., P.Geo, will be joining Skyharbour's Advisory Board. Mr. Matysek is a mining entrepreneur, professional geochemist and geologist with over 35 years of experience in the mining industry. He has held senior executive and director positions with several natural resource exploration and development companies and is a proven company builder.

Mr. Matysek was the Founder, President and CEO of Energy Metals Corporation ("EMC"), a premier uranium company that traded on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges. Mr. Matysek led EMC as one of the fastest growing Canadian companies in recent years, increasing its market capitalization from $10 million in 2004 to approximately $1.8 billion when it was acquired by a larger uranium producer, Uranium One Inc., in 2007. Mr. Matysek is currently the President and CEO of Goldrock Mines Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GRM) which on June 7th, 2016 announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Fortuna Silver Mines (NYSE: FSM)(TSX: FVI). Goldrock's principal asset is the 100% owned Lindero Project located in Salta Province, Argentina and the transaction values Goldrock at $129 million on a fully-diluted in-the-money basis. Mr. Matysek is also the Executive Chairman and on the Board of Directors of Lithium X (TSX VENTURE: LIX), a lithium resource explorer with projects in Salta, Argentina and Clayton Valley, Nevada. Previously, Mr. Matysek was the President and CEO of Lithium One Inc., which developed a high quality lithium project in northern Argentina. In July 2012, Lithium One and Galaxy Resources merged with a $112 million plan to create a fully integrated lithium company. Prior to Lithium One, Mr. Matysek was the President and CEO of Potash One Inc. where he was the architect of the $434 million friendly takeover of Potash One by K+S Ag, which closed in early 2011.

Skyharbour's, President and CEO, Jordan Trimble commented, "We are very pleased that Paul Matysek has agreed to join Skyharbour's Advisory Board. He is an incredibly well respected leader in the resource industry and his expertise will be invaluable to the future development of the Company and our portfolio of projects in the Athabasca Basin. Having recently completed a significant deal with Denison Mines to acquire a 100% interest in the Moore Lake Uranium Project, we remain focused on building a preeminent uranium company with a strong management and advisory team. Paul's specific experience in building and selling uranium company Energy Metals to Uranium One, his knowledge of the capital markets and his proven ability to maximize the value of resource assets for the benefit of all stakeholders will be of great value to Skyharbour going forward."

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium and thorium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with five drill-ready projects. In July 2016, Skyharbour acquired an option from Denison Mines to acquire 100% of the Moore Lake Uranium Project which is located 20 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River mine. Moore Lake is an advanced stage uranium exploration property with over $30 million in historical exploration, 370 drill holes, and a high grade zone known as the Maverick Zone with drill results including 4.03% e U3O8 over 10 metres at a depth of 265 metres. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Falcon Point (formerly Way Lake) Uranium Project on the eastern perimeter of the Basin which hosts an NI 43-101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U3O8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO2 at 0.023%. The project also hosts a high grade surface showing with up to 68% U3O8 in grab samples from a massive pitchblende vein, the source of which has yet to be discovered. Skyharbour also has a 50% interest in the large, geologically prospective Preston Uranium Project proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. The Company's 100% owned Mann Lake Uranium project on the east side of the Basin is strategically located adjacent to the Mann Lake Joint Venture operated by Cameco with partners Denison Mines and AREVA, where high-grade uranium mineralization was recently discovered. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SYH) visit the Company's website at www.skyharbourltd.com.

SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.

Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.

Contacts:

Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

604-687-3376 or Toll Free: 800-567-8181



Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

Nick Findler

Corporate Communications

604-687-3376 or Toll Free: 800-567-8181

604-687-3119 (FAX)

info@skyharbourltd.com

www.skyharbourltd.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RHT)(OTCQB: RQHTF) ("Reliq" or the "Company"), a technology company focused on developing innovative mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine solutions for Community-Based Healthcare, is pleased to have Mr. Brian Storseth join the Company's Board of Directors effective immediately.

Mr. Storseth is a businessman and was a Member of Parliament (MP) with the Conservative Party of Canada for 9 years from 2006 to 2015 -- he did not seek re-election in 2016. During his tenure as an MP he served on committees for Aboriginal affairs, agriculture and agri-food.

"Brian is an accomplished business leader and policy expert, having spent 9 years as an MP in the House of Commons. Brian is intimately familiar with issues relevant to Canadian companies such as ours. We are excited to leverage his network and experience in order to further expand Reliq's footprint in Canada," said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health.

"I admire how far Reliq has come in a very short period of time and am impressed with the traction the team has achieved with their technology in the United States. I look forward to working with them to introduce the technology to various Provinces, health authorities and other potential users. Using technology like Reliq's to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and improve the quality of care is the future of healthcare for publicly funded systems," said Mr. Brian Storseth.

Mr. Storseth will be granted 250,000 options at $0.15 upon approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO and Director

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.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements".

We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

CORE Capital Partners

604-566-9233

investors@ccpartnersinc.com




Ham legs being cured at Embutidos Fermin. Phil Mansfield

In Hollywood, its fans include Mark Zuckerberg, Gwyneth Paltrow and Gloria Estefan; in Washington DC, it takes pride of place at the Presidents table after receiving a vote of confidence during Barack Obamas election campaign. Yes, we are talking about Spanish ham  not just any ham but the Iberico acorn-fed ham produced by Embutidos Fermin, an artisanal family business in La Alberca, in the province of Salamanca.

The company made headlines in 2005 when it pioneered the export of Iberico ham to America after being accredited by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) at a time when there was still no bilateral agreement to export meat from animals slaughtered in Spain.

Now the famous and not-so famous can get a taste of Iberico ham stateside from Fermin USA  a branch of the original Salamanca firm - or they can order it in restaurants owned by Spanish chef Jose Andres, one of the most influential figures in American society and a partner in Fermin USA.

Our presence in America has also opened up markets in Canada, Singapore and Australia, where there is little direct competition

Santiago Martin, Embutidos Fermin

Andres, whose eateries have expanded into an empire, discovered Fermins Iberico ham at a Spanish Embassy event in Washington DC.

Jose Andres told me he wanted an Iberico acorn-fed ham on his menu because he considered it the Rolls-Royce of cuisine; my products are now recognized in the US thanks to him, says Santiago Martin, director and co-owner of Embutidos Fermin. He is friendly with the chefs at the White House and the celebrities who come to his restaurants.

Red-carpet recognition

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The brand aims to open its first delicatessen in New York this year.

To date, the US Specialty Food Association has awarded Fermin products with four Gold SOFI awards. They are the Oscars of the food world, says Martin. The Association gives awards to food and drink products from all over the world. It is quite an achievement that a small family business such as ours, based in La Alberca, should be awarded four of them. We are the only Spanish ham producers with the accolade. We also have two FABI awards from Americas National Restaurant Association, one European Business award and various Spanish endorsements.

The companys annual turnover of 8 million derives from products made from black pigs of the Iberico breed, known popularly as Pata Negra (literally, black leg), which produce the best-quality meats. Three quarters of revenues come from sales of Iberico de cebo ham, made from pigs that are grain-fed, and Iberico de bellota ham, from pigs which are acorn-fed toward the end of their lives. Both kinds of meat are cured between three and four years. Fermin exports 90% of its ham and its Iberico products can be found in delis and select restaurants in more than 20 countries.

Over 10 years knocking on the same door Embutidos Fermin first asked for permission from the USDA to export to America in 1995. At that point, no Spanish slaughterhouse had USDA certification  Spanish Serrano ham had been exported to America since 1997, but it came from pigs slaughtered in abattoirs in accredited countries such as Germany and the Netherlands. For the next 10 years, inspectors from the US Department of Agriculture examined the Embutidos Fermin slaughterhouse and all its facilities with a magnifying glass before issuing a license. During the process, the company invested 13 million in infrastructure, even though its plant already complied with Spanish regulations and was certified for export to Japan since 2000. Today, Embutidos Fermin is the only Spanish ham company with direct accreditation from the US government, though a subsequent bilateral agreement, signed by Spain and the US, means the Spanish government has been able to accredit export companies itself.

As much as 80% of the companys sales are in the US, which is why New York has been chosen for its first retail outlet. It will be located in one of the luxury malls in the city, says Martin. We will open this year and it will be a pilot project for other countries. Prices in the shop will be more accessible  by the time my products are distributed to 42 US states, the price has been tripled. An entire leg of ham sells in stores for an average 750.

A trained doctor, Santiago Martin took over the family business on the death of its founder and set about going global. To sell oil or wine in America, you need to position the brand, but I had to actually create demand for Iberico products from scratch because they were new to Americans, he says. They eat Parma ham, known there as cured ham, and they equate that with Spanish Serrano ham [made from non-Iberico pigs and cured for just one year]. I had to prove that neither of these products was comparable to our Iberico ham from Pata Negra pigs.

Even today, the ICEX  the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade  speaks about the need to differentiate between Serrano ham and Iberico ham, and recommends educating consumers on the superior quality of the Iberico ham, which they describe as the best cured meat in the world, produced from the finest pigs.

Meanwhile, Cinco Jotas, Embutidos Fermins competitors who have been using Fermins infrastructure since 2008 to export to the US, credits the company with opening doors to new business opportunities for Iberico products in a market of more than 300 million people.

Room for manoeuver

COVAP  the livestock Cooperative of Valle de los Pedroches  is another company producing Iberico products and it also has a certified meat processing center that has been selling to the US since 2010. Aljomar and Marcos Salamanca arrived on the US scene later, and other producers are working on accreditation. But theres still room for growth; cured ham is becoming increasingly popular in America and the market is worth almost 158 million, with more than half of sales coming from imported meat, above all from Italy.

Head start

Undoubtedly, getting established in America five years before their competitors has given Embutidos Fermin a competitive edge. We sell around 30,000 hams and 45,000 Iberico products a year in the US and we could multiply that by 10, says Martin, who also mentions China as one of the companys biggest growing markets.

Our presence in America has also opened up markets in Canada, Singapore and Australia, where there is little direct competition. We poured our energy into those countries when the price of Iberico products fell in Spain by half during the crisis.

English version by Heather Galloway.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Imperial Capital, LLC ("Imperial Capital"), announced the hiring of Michael Derchin, a longtime airlines industry analyst, as a Managing Director and Senior Equity Analyst. Joining Mr. Derchin in Imperial Capital's New York office is Adam Hackel. The hires reestablish Imperial Capital's airline equity research with their specific industry coverage and extensive experience in the airline sector.

"The airline industry remains a key industry vertical for Imperial Capital, and Mike brings a wealth of experience to the firm, as an equity research analyst, portfolio manager, and airline industry executive," said Edward P. Mally, CFA, Managing Director, Head of Institutional Research Group at Imperial Capital.

Michael Derchin joins Imperial Capital as a Managing Director and Senior Equity Analyst with an extensive background as a sell-side airline industry analyst and a buy-side airline industry investor. Prior to Imperial Capital, Mr. Derchin was a Senior Airline Analyst at Sterne Agee CRT for six years. In addition, Mr. Derchin served as an airline industry executive for the following companies: American Airlines, Pan American World Airways, and Mohawk Airlines. Mr. Derchin holds an MBA from City College of New York and a BA in Economics from Brooklyn College.

Adam Hackel joins Imperial Capital as an Associate in Equity Research and will work with Michael Derchin on coverage of the airline industry. Mr. Hackel began his career at Sterne Agee CRT as a Research Associate and has worked closely with Mr. Derchin for the past several years. Mr. Hackel holds a BA in Economics and a BA in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin.

About Imperial Capital, LLC

Imperial Capital, LLC is a full-service investment bank offering a uniquely integrated platform of comprehensive services to institutional investors and middle market companies. We offer sophisticated sales and trading services to institutional investors and a wide range of investment banking advisory, capital markets and restructuring services to middle market corporate clients. Paired with our proprietary research and sales & trading desk analysis, we provide investment analysis across an issuer's capital structure, including bank loans, debt securities, the hybrid/bank capital marketplace (through our ELP Framework), post-reorganization equities, special situations claims and listed and unlisted equities. Our comprehensive and integrated service platform, expertise across the global capital structure, and deep industry sector knowledge enable us to provide clients with research driven ideas, superior advisory services, and trade execution. We are quick to identify opportunities under any market conditions and we have a proven track record of offering creative, proprietary solutions to our clients. Imperial Capital, LLC has three principal businesses: Investment Banking, Institutional Sales & Trading and Institutional Research. More information about Imperial Capital, LLC can be found at www.imperialcapital.com.

For more information regarding Imperial Capital, LLC, please contact:

Mark Martis

(310) 246-3674

mmartis@imperialcapital.com




CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Jura Energy Corporation ("Jura") (TSX: JEC) announced today that the exploration well, Khamiso-1, in the Guddu block has been drilled to the total depth of 753 meters in the Pirkoh Limestone formation of Eocene age.

During a short duration pre-stimulation test on a 32/64 inch choke, the well flowed gas at an average rate of 2.95 MMcf/d, having heating value of approximately 697 Btu/Scf, with an average wellhead flowing pressure of 505 psi. A rigless post completion acid stimulation test is expected in the next few days.

Anticipated future production from the Khamiso-1 gas discovery in Guddu block is expected to be entitled to a gas price of US$3.75 per MMBtu, based on carriage and freight crude oil price of US$45 per barrel, under the Pakistan Petroleum (Exploration & Production) Policy, 2012.

Jura holds a 13.5% working interest in the Guddu Block, which is operated by Oil and Gas Development Company Limited.

About Jura Energy Corporation

Jura is an international energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas properties in Pakistan. Jura is based in Calgary, Alberta, and listed on the TSX trading under the symbol JEC. Jura has applied to the TSX to voluntarily delist its common shares and is in the process of applying to be listed on the TSX Venture Exchange pursuant to the streamlined listing procedure prescribed by TSX-V Policy 2.3 for companies transferring from the TSX as disclosed in Jura's press release dated July 21, 2016. Jura conducts its business in Pakistan through its subsidiaries, Frontier Holdings Limited and Spud Energy Pty Limited.

Forward Looking Advisory

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. The words "entitled", "anticipated", "expected" and similar expressions are used to identify forward looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include information concerning anticipated future production from Khamiso-1, the entitlement of gas price under Pakistan Petroleum (Exploration & Production) Policy, 2012 for Khamiso-1, post completion acid stimulation testing results and the listing of common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements and are made in light of management's experience, current conditions and expected future development in the areas in which Jura is currently active and other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Jura undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcome will not occur, including some of which are beyond Jura's control. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in exploration, development and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the imprecision of resource and reserve estimates, assumptions regarding the timing and costs relating to production and development as well as the availability and price of labour and equipment, weather, volatility of and assumptions regarding commodity prices and exchange rates, marketing and transportation risks, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in applicable law. Additionally, there are economic, political, social and other risks inherent in carrying on business in Pakistan. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. See Jura's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, for further description of the risks and uncertainties associated with Jura's business.

Caution regarding pre-stimulation test results

The test result is not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. The aforementioned flow rates are pre-stimulation and are subject to improvement after acid stimulation.

Contacts:

Jura Energy Corporation

Mr. Shahid Hameed

Interim CEO

+92 51 227 0702-5

+92 51 227 0701 (FAX)

info@juraenergy.com

www.juraenergy.com




Defence and security company Saab (STO:SAABB) has received an ammunition order from the US Department of Defense (DoD) for the Carl-Gustaf man-portable weapon system, known in the US as M3 MAAWS (Multi-role, Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System). The order value is USD 5.4 million (MSEK 46).

The order comes under the terms of Saab's framework contract announced with DoD in August 2014 for the 84-mm recoilless rifle system.

"The Carl-Gustaf, with its broad range of munitions types, has repeatedly proven itself in the most demanding environments and it is a versatile, powerful tool for the soldier. This order demonstrates the strong belief by the customer in the system", says Michael Andersson, President and CEO, Saab Area North America.

The Carl-Gustaf is a world-leading weapon system within the support weapon category. It has been regularly modernised and enhanced to meet users' changing needs. The latest version, the Carl-Gustaf M4 (called M3E1 in the U.S.), reduces the weight from 10 kg to less than 7 kg. Carl-Gustaf is a battle-winning system for soldiers operating in demanding environments. Employing a wide range of ammunition types, the Carl-Gustaf system allows dismounted soldiers to defeat multiple challenges from neutralising armoured vehicles to clearing obstacles and engaging enemies in buildings.

www.saabusa.com

www.saabgroup.com

www.saabgroup.com/YouTube

Follow us on twitter: @saab and @saab_US

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defense and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers' changing needs. With several locations across the United States and Canada, Saab North America provides a broad range of defense and homeland security products, services and solutions to North American customers. Saab North America is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Saab Group.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005840/en/

Contacts:

Saab Press Centre

+46 (0)734 180 018

presscentre@saabgroup.com

or

Saab North America Media Contact

Mr. John A. Belanger, V.P.

Head of Communications, Saab North America, Inc.

+1 (703)406-7905

john.belanger@saabgroup.com
LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Heroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX: HRX)

OPEN TO: Analysts, investors and all interested parties DATE: Thursday, August 4, 2016 TIME: 2:00 PM Eastern Time CALL: 1-877-223-4471 (FOR ALL NORTH AMERICAN CALLS) 647-788-4922 (FOR ALL OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS)

THE PRESS RELEASE WILL BE PUBLISHED BEFORE MARKET OPENS THE DAY OF THE CONFERENCE CALL, THROUGH MARKETWIRED.

Please dial-in 15 minutes before the conference call begins.

If you are unable to call-in at this time, you may access a recording of the meeting by calling 1-800-585-8367 and entering the passcode 49508171 on your phone. This recording will be available on Thursday, August 4, 2016 as of 5:00 PM until 11:59 PM on Thursday, August 11, 2016.

Complete unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis will be available on Heroux-Devtek's website: www.herouxdevtek.com.

Please note that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on the same day at 9:00 AM in the Salon Pierre de Coubertin of the Omni Mont-Royal Hotel (1050 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec).

MEDIA WISHING TO QUOTE AN ANALYST SHOULD CONTACT THE ANALYST PERSONALLY FOR PERMISSION.

NOTE TO FIRST-TIME ANALYSTS: Please contact MaisonBrison at (514) 731-0000 prior to the day of the conference call.

Interested parties may also listen live at:

http://www.herouxdevtek.com/investor-relations/events or http://www.gowebcasting.com/7749

Contacts:

Martin Goulet

MaisonBrison

(514) 731-0000




RUEIL-MALMAISON, France, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Sagemcom will supply its "Advanced Meter Communication System (AMCS)" to a Styrian DSO Consortium

A cooperation of Austrian Grid Operators including Energienetze Steiermark, a subsidiary company of Energie Steiermark, Energie Graz, Energy Services and Feistritzwerke Steweag has selected the High-Tech-Group Sagemcom to provide an Advanced Smart-Metering-Infrastructure for the modernization of their electricity distribution grids. According to the Austria's regulation (Smart Meter Rollout Ordinance, promulgated on 24 April2012), at least 95 percent of Austrian homes must be equipped with smart meters by the end of 2019.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150717/237924LOGO )



In this project framework Sagemcom will provide a complete IPV6 infrastructure with ITU G3- certified PLC smart meters and data gateways which is linked to the Sagemcom's Head End System. Sagemcom's LTE technology will complement the installation of G3-PLC smart electricity meters for the use in isolated areas. Furthermore, this enhanced and innovative solution will offer a future proof DLMS end to end security to address customers with privacy concerns.

Once more, Sagemcom as Full-Service Provider has demonstrated again its leading position in EMEA providing turnkey smart metering solutions with certified and interoperable ITU G3 PLC standard or Point to Point (GPRS/LTE), offering additional key features such as wireless multi-utility interface and customer interface for home applications.

Commenting on this overall project, Christian Purrer, CEO of Energie Steiermark: "Up to 150 million euros from this project goes directly to the Styrian economy, whilst the 3-year installation phase nationwide more than 200 jobs are secured. Also the "inner parts" of the smart meter has been developed in our state. The Sales in the coming years will be developing new products and tariffs for interested customers in order to offer more flexible options and as well to use jointly better alternative feedings possibilities. With the smart meters we go into a new area, it is not determined by suppliers and purchasers, but of a fair energy partnership. The previous test has been pleasing customers very positively about the new possibilities; we take security issues very seriously and in any case have therefore opted for the most advanced technology in this field."

Further Mr. Martin GRAF, Executive Director of Energie Steiermark states: "The cooperation of Energie Steiermark with regional utilities in terms of smart meters is a clear commitment to work together in order to implement the challenges of the new energy world together for Styria efficiently. A project of this magnitude requires a finely coordinated interaction. Although ostensibly the implementation stems from a legal requirement, we intend to use the dialogue and efficiency potential of the new meter together with our customers very intensely - in this context we will also work closely with AK and other Austrian consumer protection organizations. The examples from other federal states show that acceptance is enormous amongst customers, new transparency and self-control ensures a new energy-understanding."

Commenting on this award, Eric RIEUL, Deputy CEO of Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS, said: "With this second success in Austria, Sagemcom confirms the recognition of its expertise on the latest smart metering solutions as well as its capability to carry out dimensioning projects. Sagemcom is very proud to be a long term technology partner to Austrian power grid operators of Styria to support their goal of deploying smart meters with a view on increasing the ability of the end consumer to control his energy consumption and enhancing grid management capabilities."

About Energie Steiermark

Energie Steiermark focused as one of the largest service provider companies in Austria with main areas on energy efficiency and innovative service offerings in the fields of electricity, gas, heat and mobility. 1.700 employees dedicate their experience and expertise on a fair partnership with approximately 600.000 customers at home and abroad. In the production, the company relies exclusively on renewable energy from water, wind, solar and biomass. Total sales in 2015 amounted at 1119.9 million Euros. Majority owned by the federal state government of Styria.

http://www.e-steiermark.com

About Energienetze Steiermark GmbH

Energienetze Steiermark, a subsidiary of Energie Steiermark, is the largest Styrian electricity and gas network operator. The company sees itself as a major infrastructure contributor for Styria. Around 90 million Euros for the safe operation and the construction as well as for the maintenance of 27.000 kilometers of power- and 4.000 km of gas-pipelines are invested annually. 900 employees are 24 hours a day are at work for approximately 500.000 network customers.

http://www.e-netze.at

About Energie Graz

Energie Graz designes and ensures as an energy service provider a significant part of the infrastructure in the Styrian capital Graz. We provide the citizens of Graz with electricity, natural gas and district heating from a single source. With our telephone "around-the-clock service" and our "Service Center" we offer our customers the best possible service and personal advice on energy topics.

For the Energy supply fof our customers, we operate more than 4.000 km of cable networks - over 250 personell staff ensures the constant monitoring and maintenance of facilities and also for necessary extensions. Modern state of the art technology with the latest standards ensures the highest level of security of supply. We prove our environmental responsibility with the promotion of environmentally friendly district heating and natural gas heating systems. In addition, the production of renewable energy is an important topic for Energie Graz

http://www.energie-graz.at

About Energy Services Handels- und Dienstleistungs G.m.b.H.

Energy Services is a trading and IT services provider for energy supply companies. In this role, the Energy Services represents 26 medium and small DSOs (with a total of about 200.000 metering points) in the course of the joint procurement procedure and the project implementation.

http://www.energy-services.at



About Feistritzwerke Steweag GmbH

The Feistritzwerke Steweag GmbH is an Austrian power company with about 63 employees and its headquarter in Gleisdorf. Since 2011 Feistritzwerke are exclusively act as a distribution network operator and offers in the area of ""energy services energy engineering. The Feistritzwerke operates in its distribution network with a total area of ""approximately 1.300 square kilometers approximately 4.620 KM long pipeline system. Further operates 1.284 transformer stations, which are supplied via five substations. In distribution network of Feistritzwerke Steweag GmbH 40,000 customer installations (approximately 51.500 metering points ) are currently getting supplied.

http://www.feistritzwerke.at



About Sagemcom

A French high-tech group with international dimensions, Sagemcom operates on the broadband (digital home, set-top boxes, Internet routers, telephony and multimedia terminals), smart city (smart meter, smart grid, smart site, smart infra, smart services) and Internet of Things (founding member of LoRa Alliance) markets.

With revenue of around 1.3 billion euros, Sagemcom employs 4,200 people on five continents. Sagemcom aims to stay a world leader in communicating terminals with high added value.

http://www.sagemcom.com //http://www.facebook.com/SagemcomOfficial //https://twitter.com/Sagemcom
IRVINE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- ConcertoHealth and Molina Healthcare today announced a partnership to deliver ConcertoHealth's personalized healthcare experience to Molina Healthcare's dual-eligible Medicare/Medicaid members in the Greater Detroit area. This marks an expanded relationship for the companies, as ConcertoHealth already serves Molina's growing dual-eligible membership in the state of Washington.

ConcertoHealth has extensive experience caring for Medicare, Medicaid and complex medical needs patients. The company integrates clinical care with social services to ensure patients receive individualized primary and preventive care, across and between settings -- from the physician's office, to the nursing facility or hospital, to the patient's home.

The partnership will serve members in Molina Healthcare's Dual Special Needs Plan, Medicare-Medicaid Plan, Medicare Advantage, and standalone Medicaid (for recipients aged 50+) plans.

"We are pleased that ConcertoHealth is now a part of our provider network," said Christine Surdock, president of Molina Healthcare of Michigan. "We are delighted to work with ConcertoHealth knowing they are also dedicated to making sure our members benefit from access to quality, coordinated health care."

"We value our partnership with Molina Healthcare and we're excited to expand the relationship to provide improved access to quality healthcare for the dual-eligible population in Greater Detroit," said David Tigue, president, ConcertoHealth of Michigan.

About ConcertoHealth

ConcertoHealth Inc. has extensive experience caring for the Medicare, Medicaid, frail and complex medical needs patient populations. The company addresses critical vulnerabilities for patients and health plans alike, including expanded access to personalized primary care, chronic condition management and coordination of transitions between care settings. ConcertoHealth provides healthcare services where and when they're needed, delivering primary care and care coordination regardless of the location -- be it in a ConcertoHealth Care Center, at home, or in the hospital or post-acute setting. The company is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. For more information, please visit www.concertohealthcare.com.

Media Contact

Nerissa Silao

nerissa@capwellcomm.com

O: (714) 484-1128

C: (310) 874-9230




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "Solegear") (TSX VENTURE: SGB) today announced its unaudited financial results for the three months ended May 31, 2016.

The Company reports revenues of $427,667 for the three months ended May 31, 2016 compared to revenues of $5,344 for the three months ended May 31, 2015, and reports a net and comprehensive loss of $663,185 for the three months ended May 31, 2016 compared to a net and comprehensive loss of $1,274,912 for the three months ended May 31, 2015.

Solegear announced an acquisition of Ex-Tech Plastics Inc.'s bioplastic division in March 2016 and closed the transaction in May 2016. Included in the results for the three months ended May 31, 2016 is the issuance of 6,650,000 common shares to Ex-Tech Plastics Inc. to complete that transaction.

The Company had cash reserves of $421,520 at May 31, 2016 and has received $395,939.60 in non-brokered private placement proceeds and $103,761 in new loans under the WINN program from Western Economic Diversification Canada since quarter end.

In the past quarter, the Company has:

-- grown its annualized projected booked sales to $2,105,000, including the addition of food safe bioplastic packaging acquired through the Ex-Tech Plastics transaction; -- launched the good natured brand of office organization products at 3 Canadian retailers, including London Drugs and Mills Office Productivity, using Solegear's proprietary LV1250 plant-based material; and -- announced replenishment orders for plant-based durable packaging.

"I'm very proud of the hard work and dedication of the Solegear team for this quarter's revenue growth and cost controls," said Paul Antoniadis CEO of Solegear. "The addition of Ex-Tech Plastics' bioplastic division illustrates our strategy to develop strategic partnerships and alliances as a means of accessing new market verticals rather than relying solely on organic sales to achieve our objectives."

The Company's financial statements and other disclosures are available on SEDAR.

The Company's corporate profile is located at www.solegear.ca/investors.

About Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc.

Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SGB) is an innovator in the field of next generation bioplastics made from annually renewable plant-based sources. Committed to the principles of Green Chemistry, Solegear is driven by its mission to create healthier, safer and stronger communities by fundamentally changing the way plastics are made.

Solegear's proprietary bioplastic formulations, Polysole and Traverse, are designed to meet today's social and corporate requirements to lower carbon emissions, reduce waste and remove toxicity typically associated with traditional petroleum-based plastics. Together with its partners, Solegear custom engineers, produces and distributes its high-performance bioplastics as resin, sheets and finished goods with some of the highest percentages of renewable, plant-based materials currently available in the industry.

For more information: www.solegear.ca

On behalf of the Company:

Paul Antoniadis

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibilities for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information in this news release that is not current or historical factual information may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Such factors include, among others, the risks that: (i) recent commercial announcements do not ultimately produce the forecasted results, (ii) the Company's sales pipeline does not convert into revenue generating customers as anticipated, and (iii) suitable growth opportunities are not identified.

When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

Other than as required under securities laws, we do not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on our current estimates, expectations and projections, which we believe are reasonable as of the current date. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contacts:

Paul Antoniadis

Chief Executive Officer and Director

604-998-4058



Investor Contact:

Caleb Jeffries

Kin Communications

1-866-684-6730

SGB@kincommunications.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Coventry Resources Limited (ASX: CYY) ("the Company") is pleased to announce very encouraging results from ongoing exploration activities at the Company's high-grade Caribou Dome Copper Project in Alaska, USA ("Caribou Dome Project" or "Project").

During the past two months the Company has been undertaking ground geophysics surveying (specifically induced polarisation ("IP") surveying), drilling, mapping and soil sampling programs. To date, 5 drill holes have been completed as part of an 8,000m drilling program, for a total of 2,371m. Two diamond core rigs continue to drill at the Project.

The results of this ongoing work include the intersection of copper-rich massive sulphide mineralisation 290m below surface at the previously untested Menel Target - the size and significance of which has been greatly enhanced by this new discovery and by new IP data that show that this high-priority target extends for greater than 1,000 metres along strike (now the "Menel IP Trend"). Indeed recent reconnaissance resulted in the discovery of extensive copper mineralisation in outcrop at the other (NE) end of this corridor.

Announcement Highlights

-- Recent IP surveying, drilling and mapping has extended the strike extent of mineralisation at the Caribou Dome Copper Deposit by greater than 1,000 metres, along the Menel IP Trend: -- New, strong, undrilled IP anomalies now extend over an additional greater than 1,000 metres of strike, contiguous with and immediately NE of the previously drilled 700m-long corridor of known high-grade copper mineralisation -- Copper-rich massive sulphides have been intersected about 290m below surface in initial drilling at the SW end of the Menel IP Trend - proving this new greater than 1,000m long trend is mineralised at depth -- Extensive copper mineralisation (bornite, malachite, and azurite) has been discovered at surface in outcrop at the NE end of the Menel IP Trend - increasing the strike extent of the known mineralisation by greater than 1,000m -- Drilling, with two rigs on site, will now focus on determining the geometry and tenor of this newly discovered mineralisation -- IP surveying is now progressing to the W/SW of the Caribou Dome Deposit itself, over other strong soil geochemistry anomalies and outcropping copper mineralisation, in anticipation that additional drill targets will be delineated

Click here to view the full ASX announcement

Mike Haynes, Managing Director/CEO

Qualified and Competent Person

The information in this announcement that relates to exploration results for the Project is based on information compiled by Mr Ben Vallerine, who is a consultant to the Company and holds an indirect shareholding in the Company. Mr Vallerine is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr Vallerine has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and the activity he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results (JORC Code). Mr Vallerine is also a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr Vallerine consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" and/or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities regulations in Canada and the United States (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Any forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Coventry does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.

Any forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on numerous assumptions and is subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

Contacts:

Coventry Resources Limited

Mike Haynes

Managing Director/CEO

+61 8 9226 1356

+61 8 9226 2027 (FAX)

info@coventryres.com

www.coventryres.com




The Board of AB Kauno Energija (hereinafter - the Company) (code - 235014830) assessed results of Company's business activity of the 1 half of the year 2016 and financial state as at 30 June 2016 and approved AB Kauno Energija consolidated and Company's non-audited results of the 1 half of the year 2016.



The result of Company's activities of the 1 half of the year 2016 according to the International Financial Reporting Standards is profit (before taxes) in amount of EUR 7,017 thousand (result of the 1 half of the year 2015 was amounted to EUR 4,781 thousand), turnover from sales is EUR 36,189 thousand (in the 1 half of the year 2015 it was amounted to EUR 37,473 thousand). The result of activities of the Group which consists of AB Kauno Energija and its' subsidiary UAB Kauno Energija NT (code - 303042623) of the 1 half of the year 2016 is profit (before taxes) in amount of EUR 7,185 thousand (the result of the 1 half of the year 2015 - EUR 4,773 thousand), turnover from sales is amounted to EUR 36,184 thousand (turnover from sales of the 1 half of the year 2015 is amounted to EUR 37,468 thousand).



As at the end of reporting period (30 June 2016) the rate of critical liquidity of the Company that makes comparison between short term assets without stocks and short term liabilities, increased from 1.08 to 2.39 during the period from the end of 2015 (the rate of the Group increased from 1.07 to 2.39). The EBITDA of the Company of the 1 half of the year 2016 is EUR 10,520 thousand (EBITDA of the 1 half of the year 2015 was EUR 8,059 thousand), and EBITDA of the Group is EUR 10,667 thousand (EBITDA of the 1 half of the year 2015 was EUR 8,060 thousand).



The main Company's revenue and profit is generated in 1 and 4 quarters of the year. Company's profit of the 1 half of the year 2016 in comparison with the profit of the same period of the year 2015 increased due to the effective Company's activities and increase in heat production in own facilities using biofuel (318 thousand MWh of heat were produced in the 1 half of the year 2016, i.e. 248 thousand MWh were produced using biofuel; 239 thousand MWh of heat were produced in the 1 half of the year 2015, i.e. 186 thousand MWh were produced using biofuel). Company's turnover from sales of the 1 half of the year 2016 in comparison with the turnover from sales of the same period of the year 2015 is at 3.43 per cent lower due to the 12.5 per cent lower amount of heat sold (the amount of heat sold consisted of 660.6 thousand MWh in the 1 half of the year 2016, and the amount of heat sold consisted of 754.8 thousand MWh in the 1 half of the year 2015) and due to the decrease in average heat price at 7.43 per cent (in January - June of the year 2016 it was 5.36 ct/kWh and in January - June of the year 2015 it was 5.79 ct/kWh). The profit of the 1 half of the year 2016 also increased due to the compensation in amount of EUR 1.8 million received from UAB Kauno Termofikacijos Elektrine according to the peaceful agreement that has been signed on 28 December 2015 by which litigation in Arbitration case regarding noncompliance of Investment Agreement of 30 June 2003 was terminated.



We hereby present an Interim unaudited Financial Statements of the 1 half of the year 2016 together with confirmation of responsible persons.



Loreta Miliauskiene, Head of the Economics and Planning Department, tel. +370 37 305 855



Attachment:

https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=580148

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he was 'being sarcastic' when he called on Russia to find Hillary Clinton's missing emails. Trump made the controversial comment during a news conference Wednesday in Florida. 'Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,' Trump had said. 'I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.' Separately, in a comment on Twitter, Trump suggested that if Russia or any other country or person has Hillary Clinton's 33,000 illegally deleted emails, they should share them with the FBI. The businessman-turned-politician appeared to be making a correction when he told Fox News' Brian Kilmeade in an interview within hours: 'Of course I'm being sarcastic. And they don't even know frankly if it's Russia.' 'They have no idea if it's Russia, if it's China, if it's somebody else. Who knows who it is?,' Trump added. 'But you have 33,000 emails deleted and the real problem is what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee,' Trump said. 'You take a look at what was said on those emails, it's disgraceful. They talk about religion, they talk about race, they talk about all sorts of things, including women. And what they said on those emails is a disgrace, and they're just trying to deflect from that.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Text in which the author defends ideas and reaches conclusions based on his / her interpretation of facts and data

Candles and flowers honoring the victims of the Nice attack Gianluca Battista

In memory of Jose Ramon Recalde

One of the things that strike us the most about Muslim combatants fighting for the Islamic State is their suicidal nature. We (erroneously, in my view) believe them to have the desire to die in the act they plan to perpetrate.

There are many facts supporting this mistaken view, such as for instance the death of six terrorists involved in the Madrid commuter train bombings of March 11, 2004. The survivors of that commando committed collective suicide inside a Leganes apartment when they found themselves surrounded by the police.

But obviously, nobody can tell us whether they would have committed suicide anyway. It may have been that just one of them activated the bomb mechanism that took them all out of this world, without consulting with his accomplices. If they had fled all the way there, who is to say that they would not have continued to flee until they reached physical, if not spiritual salvation?

When they can, terrorists return home safe and sound without having to go through the bothersome formality of killing themselves.

Did the survivors of the Paris killings not flee to Belgium?

The one thing that is clear is that jihadist soldiers try above all not to be made prisoner. They have significant incentives for that, such as the promise of paradise, which will be filled not just with houris (beautiful virgins provided in the afterlife for faithful Muslims) but also with every other conceivable earthly pleasure.

Just like their former leader Bin Laden, terrorists who can do so return home safe and sound in order to enjoy their stay on earth without having to go through the bothersome formality of killing themselves. It remains a fact, however, that suicide is much more frequent among fundamentalist soldiers than among regular soldiers such as European ones.

In order to prepare their minds for the possibility of suicide as a normal way out, these individuals require significant psychological priming, which the mosques provide. A good imam offers the faithful troops an enormous amount of energy for the battle. That is why intelligence services are focusing much of their efforts on the religious hangouts of Muslims living in Europe. That should not sound so strange to us. In Spain, there is the not-so-far-off example of the Carlists (supporters of Don Carlos over Isabel II as heir to the Spanish throne) who used to mix religion and battle during the Civil War: A Requete who has received communion will attack a man was a popular saying at the time.

View through the keyhole into the home of Nice terrorist Mohamed Boulhel Alberto Estevez (EFE)

So what distinguishes the Muslim soldier from the others is the fact that he is more enthusiastic about killing. He probably takes on greater risks than normal, but imbues his actions with a much greater homicidal impulse than, say, a police officer entrusted to defend democracy.

Otherwise, there are many elements that should allow us to identify the motives and feelings that move the jihadists. We can turn to a not-too-distant example: the international brigades that came to Spain to fight against fascism.

Many of those that came left comfortable lives behind. And they did it in exchange for nothing. Witnesses said that they were braver than anyone else in combat, honoring their condition as shock troops. Although they were not fighting for a religion, they were fighting for something almost as personally-significant; the vast majority of brigadiers were Communists who were laying their lives on the line for the future Stalin promised them. This is a simplification, but it comes very close to the truth.

On the other side, the most combative troops were those made up of Legionnaires and Moors, which in both cases were mercenary troops who were paid for killing.

So the jihadists who die too late, blowing themselves up with explosive belts after carrying out their murderous acts, are not much different from our own soldiers, except for their determination to kill. A soldier has to kill sometimes. A jihadist soldier has to kill as many infidels and unbelievers as possible.

Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here.

And while were at it, just think about the animals who commit suicide after engaging in gender violence  nobody can say that they killed themselves for any faith.

At the core of this whole story, of this legend that the jihadists have carved out for themselves in the last few years, is this aura they are creating for themselves as courageous fighters who are somehow superior to our own humble freedom-fighting soldiers.

That is simply not so. And understanding that is one of the steps to defeating them.

English version by Susana Urra.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - PG&E Corp. (PCG) revealed a profit for second quarter that retreated from last year. The company said its earnings dropped to $206 million, or $0.41 per share. This was lower than $402 million, or $0.83 per share, in last year's second quarter. The company said revenue for the quarter fell 1.2% to $4.17 billion. This was down from $4.22 billion last year. PG&E Corp. earnings at a glance: -Earnings (Q2): $206 Mln. vs. $402 Mln. last year. -Earnings Decline (Y-o-Y): -48.8% -EPS (Q2): $0.41 vs. $0.83 last year. -EPS Decline (Y-o-Y): -50.6% -Revenue (Q2): $4.17 Bln vs. $4.22 Bln last year. -Revenue Change (Y-o-Y): -1.2% -Guidance : Full year EPS guidance: $3.65 - $3.85 Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - July 28, 2016) - Trustwave today announced the appointment of Chris Schueler as Senior Vice President of Managed Security Services.

Schueler is responsible for Trustwave Managed Security Services, the global network of Trustwave Advanced Security Operations Centers and Trustwave SpiderLabs incident response.

Trustwave Chief Operations Officer Rick Miller said, "Chris is a dynamic leader that will help Trustwave accelerate our fast-paced growth in managed security services. His background and experience is perfectly suited for this new role as we continue to deliver the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of managed security services, to run and build out our increasingly global network of Advanced Security Operations Centers and to drive the Trustwave SpiderLabs incident response investigations team."

Schueler joined Trustwave from IBM where he held multiple roles including Vice President of Global Cloud Development and Operations (DevOps), Director of Applications on Demand and Director of Global Security Operations Centers. While at IBM, Schueler built successful businesses in the cloud industry with a specialization in managed services and was instrumental in many technology and service acquisitions. Prior to IBM, he was at Internet Security Systems, the Department of Defense and in the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Schueler received his master's degree in business administration from Auburn University and has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Northern Illinois University.

About Trustwave

Trustwave helps businesses fight cybercrime, protect data and reduce security risk. With cloud and managed security services, integrated technologies and a team of security experts, ethical hackers and researchers, Trustwave enables businesses to transform the way they manage their information security and compliance programs. More than three million businesses are enrolled in the Trustwave TrustKeeper cloud platform, through which Trustwave delivers automated, efficient and cost-effective threat, vulnerability and compliance management. Trustwave is headquartered in Chicago, with customers in 96 countries. For more information about Trustwave, visit https://www.trustwave.com.

All trademarks used herein remain the property of their respective owners. Their use does not indicate or imply a relationship between Trustwave and the owners of such trademarks.

Cas Purdy

Trustwave

cpurdy@trustwave.com

+1 312 470 8703
MISSION, KS -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- (Family Features) Facing surgery can be a frightening, overwhelming experience. Thousands of surgeries are performed every day and many result in the patient contracting a surgical site infection (SSI). According to the CDC, SSIs are the most common healthcare-associated infection (HAI), accounting for 31 percent of all HAIs among hospitalized patients. However there are things you can do prior to a procedure that can go a long way toward easing your mind and avoiding post-surgery complications.

Do Your Research. Learn about the procedure you will be having, including any short- or long-term side effects. Find out what the professionals recommend for the recovery process. Make sure you understand what your medical insurance covers and what your out-of-pocket responsibility will be.

Select the Right Team. Choose an experienced surgeon that specializes in the procedure you need. Do your homework on potential candidates, including learning their qualifications, specialties and amount of similar procedures performed. Pick a surgical team that you communicate well with, respects you and makes you feel at ease. Websites such as Yelp and HealthGrades can provide patient feedback on a surgeon's performance.

Ask Questions. Since there are often several ways to perform a procedure, ask your doctor to explain the surgery. Discuss any risks, benefits and/or alternatives to the preferred method. Sometimes physicians will provide a reference patient who can tell you about their experience with the same procedure.

Choose the Hospital or Surgery Center. Check out the facility where you will have your procedure. Hospital cleanliness will play a major role in your chances of avoiding an SSI as infections develop in about one to three out of every 100 patients who undergo a procedure, according to the CDC. While antibiotics can be used for treatment, sometimes another surgery is required to treat the infection. Hospital infection rates are available at hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

Contact the facility and ask about how they clean the operating rooms (ORs) and recovery areas -- you want to go to the cleanest and most disinfected surgery center in your area. Just because an OR looks clean does not mean that dangerous microscopic superbugs aren't lurking on surfaces in the room. Some hospitals use a Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot, for example, that pulses xenon ultraviolet (UV) light to quickly destroy deadly germs and bacteria that can cause infections. Trinity Medical Center in Alabama reported a 100 percent decrease in joint (knee and hip) infections after it began using the robot to disinfect its ORs. Another hospital, Lowell General Hospital in Massachusetts, recently reported a 46 percent decrease in SSIs after utilizing a Xenex disinfection robot.

Select Your Surgery Time. Requesting a day early in the week, but not on Monday, and a time early in the day can decrease your odds of being exposed to germs and bacteria. ORs are deep cleaned each night, with quick cleans between each surgery. Since there are few surgeries on weekends, there may not be a cleaning crew available on Sunday night. Additionally, according to a UK study, the odds of death within 30 days after surgery were significantly higher the later in the week a surgery takes place.

Take Care of Home Responsibilities. Prior to surgery, get your home in order by cleaning, paying bills and running errands. Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital if anesthesia will be used.

Many factors influence the risk of getting an SSI, but patients have some control. To learn more about hospital acquired infections and how they can be prevented, visit Xenex.com/StopHAIs.

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Established in 1974, Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for print and online publications. Our articles, photos, videos and web content solutions save you time, money and help create advertising opportunities. Registration is fast and free -- with absolutely no obligation. Visit editors.familyfeatures.com for more information.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3038827



Michael French

mfrench@familyfeatures.com

1-888-824-3337

editors.familyfeatures.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

This document corrects and replaces the press release that was sent today at 10:04 AM EDT.

Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow as a result of a $98-million investment in the University of Toronto.

This joint federal-provincial investment was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science; the Honourable Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development; and Mr. Han Dong, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation-one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is a prime example of that vision in action.

The funding will support the Lab Innovation for Toronto (LIFT) project, which will renew 546 labs across the university's three campuses. Of the $98-million investment, $83.7 million will come from the federal government and $14.3 million from the Province of Ontario. The University of Toronto will contribute an additional $91.8 million for a total investment of $189.8 million.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Ontario will receive more than $1.9 billion from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. The funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for-and invent-the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history-about $160 billion over 12 years-which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the Province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Quotes

"This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Encouraging scientific awareness in Ontario and across Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through investments such as those under the Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation for building Canada as a global leader in scientific excellence."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"Our government is proud to support this important project, which will give University of Toronto students access to the renewed facilities they need to prepare for successful careers in science and research. We know that providing access to high-quality education and training facilities is critical to building the skilled workforce we need to support good jobs and economic growth for today and tomorrow, and this investment will help us to do it."

- The Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development

"The LIFT project will equip our brilliant scholars, students and staff with the cutting-edge facilities they need to learn, collaborate and discover. The modernization of these labs will also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The University of Toronto greatly appreciates the federal and provincial governments' support of post-secondary education and research, as well as their leadership in ensuring Canada secures its place among global leaders in science and technology."

- Meric S. Gertler, President, University of Toronto

Quick facts

-- The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are providing more than $950 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Ontario. $98 million has been awarded to the University of Toronto for the Lab Innovation for Toronto (LIFT) project. -- The Government of Canada's recently launched Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success. -- The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada's universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally. -- The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

-- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website -- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder -- Innovation Agenda backgrounder -- BuildON

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED

Instagram: ministerised

Follow Minister Duncan on social media.

Twitter: @ScienceMin

Instagram: sciencemin

Follow Minister Matthews on social media.

Twitter: @Deb_Matthews

Follow MPP Han Dong on social media.

Twitter: @HanDongMPP

Contacts:

Philip Proulx

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science

and Economic Development

343-291-2500



Veronique Perron

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Science

343-291-2600



Media Relations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

343-291-1777

ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca



Allison Buchan-Terrell

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Advanced Education

and Skills Development

416-314-5475



Heather Irwin

Communications Branch

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development

416-325-2434

Heather.Irwin@ontario.ca




DUBLIN, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Analysis and Forecast on China Dairy Industry (2015-2016)" report to their offering.

2015 was another important turning point in the history of China's dairy industry. There was pacing up of the transition from extensive quantity growth to intensive quality and efficient growth, and there was the transition from unconventional unregulated growth to steady regulated growth.



Features of China's dairy industry in 2015:



(1) China's GDP growth was larger than 7%, the growth of food consumption slipped, whereas dairy processing companies were digesting their stock during most of the time.



(2) Raw milk production cost kept at a high level, but raw milk price kept on falling, dairy farming ran in deficit and some farmers had to give up dairy farming.



(3) Lots of dairy companies devoted great effort to exploration of the top-end market and reduced the production of medium/low-end products, which restrained dairy consumption to a certain extent.



(4) The development mode of dairy company's high input and high output lost the comparative advantage in international competition. While the market is completely open, domestic top-end brands are at an inferior position in international competition.



(5) Quality and safety incidents involving dairy products seriously hurt consumers' confidence on domestic made products (especially infant/young child's formula milk powder), and such negative impacts sustained in 2015.



(6) Dairy farming would continue to be under close scrutiny of the public and the Government in food safety, epidemic control and environmental pollution, and more and more attention would be attracted from the media and the society.



Key Topics Covered:



China

China

China

China

China's

China's

Chapter 1 Policy Environment for Dairy Industry inChapter 2 Raw Milk Production inin 2015Chapter 3 2015 Dairy Industry Analysis inChapter 4 Trade of Dairy Products and Other Relevant Products in 2015Chapter 5 Dairy Consumption inChapter 6 Competition ofDairy Market in 2015Chapter 7 Key Dairy Processing Companies in 2015Chapter 8 World Dairy Market in 2015Chapter 9 Outlook ofDairy Industry in 2016Companies Mentioned- Beingmate- Bright Diary & Food Co.,Ltd- China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited- Modern Dairy- Royal Dairy- Sanyuan- Yantang- YiliFor more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/wws4td/analysis_and

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
THE PROSPECT JAPAN FUND LIMITED

(a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with registration number 28863)

("the Company")

28 July 2016

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at the offices of Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited, Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3QL on 18 August 2016 at 12:45pm

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.3, a copy of the Notice has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM

Enquiries:

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

The Company Secretary

Trafalgar Court

Les Banques

St Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 3QL



Tel: 01481 745001

END
CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Sage, a market leader for cloud accounting software, announced several new products today at Sage Summit 2016, including the U.S. and Canadian releases of its integrated cloud-based accounting and practice management solution, Sage Live for Accountants.

Sage Live for Accountants in the U.S. and Canada

Sage Live for Accountants provides a single real-time source of information to enable firms to boost productivity and improve performance. Sage Live for Accountants:

Smashes through inefficiencies by reducing the time spent on low-value processes and tasks.

Empowers accounting practices to track, analyze and manage their financial performance and workflow through one integrated solution.

Liberates accountants to redefine the way they work through mobility and enhanced collaboration.

"The next generation of accountants are digital natives who expect insights and information in a real-time, on-demand and always-on environment," said Jennifer Warawa, executive vice president, Product Marketing. "Sage Live for Accountants enables accountants to have an instant, end-to-end view of their business."

Sage Live for Accountants is available in the U.S. now and will launch in Canada in September 2016.

Sage Live in Canada

At Sage Summit, Sage also announced that Sage Live is now available for small to midsized businesses and entrepreneurs in Canada, giving them a single source of information at their fingertips for a holistic view to help dramatically improve forecasting to optimize business management.

Sage Live is available in Canada now, having launched in the U.S. in July 2015.

Sage One Partner Edition in the U.S. and Canada

Sage is also introducing Sage One Partner Edition to serve sole-traders, entrepreneurs and small businesses. The new edition makes it simple for accountants to onboard clients to Sage One, manage their billing and then work with them in real-time, providing additional services as they grow. Benefits include:

The ability to onboard hundreds of clients quickly and easily to Sage One.

The ability to view critical practice and individual client data at the touch of a button, in real time.

Different levels of access to client information for practice colleagues.

Enabling accounts and tax returns to be prepared in minutes.

"Providing an easy-to-integrate and scalable solution enables our partners to digitize their services, embrace the cloud and improve collaboration with their clients and colleagues," said Matthew Forrest, VP Product Marketing, Sage One. "The introduction of this new solution enables us to continue to be the partner of choice for accountants across North America and the globe."

Sage One Partner Edition will launch in the U.S. and Canada in 2017.

Sage One in Canada

Sage also announced an all-new version of Sage One for Canadian entrepreneurs. This application is a simple and powerful solution for entrepreneurs who want to spend more time on their business and less time on the admin.

The new Sage One is available in Canada now.

Additional resources:

Learn more on Sage Advice

Connect with Sage on LinkedIn

Follow Sage News in the News Room

Follow Sage on YouTube

Like Sage on Facebook

Follow Sage on Twitter (@SageNAmerica)

Follow Sage on Google+

Follow Sage on Instagram

About Sage

Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the UK 30 years ago and over 13,000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs across 23 countries as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners and developers. And as a FTSE 100 business, we are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation.

2016 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage, the Sage logos, and the Sage product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software, Inc. or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press contact:

Gina Glickman

Gina.Glickman@sage.com

Sage

Office: 470-447-4088

Mobile: 770-310-1938




28 July 2016

Ganapati plc

("Ganapati" or "the Company")

Audited Annual Results for the year ended 31 January 2016

Ganapati Plc are pleased to report its audited annual results for the twelve months ended 31 January 2016.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Review of the Twelve Months Period ended 31 January 2016

I am pleased to announce the financial results for the year ended 31 January 2016 for Ganapati Plc ("Ganapati" or "the Company"). This has been a significant and, at times, demanding period for the Company. Ganapati is a British registered Public Limited Company but operates from Tokyo, Japan. It invests in and develops software ("Apps") for the social media and consumer games markets. For much of the twelve months it has been developing three products: BUZZ POP, a free app for communications involving video messaging, ZAPPPI, an instant billboard commentary service and MY List, a curation service for the building up of lists.

During the period under review competition has intensified with the numbers of games being offered, steadily increasing. This has meant that income generation has become more challenging and the Company has failed to achieve its revenue forecasts.

However, the development of the apps has created a significant in-house expertise. A detailed research exercise was completed with the result that the directors have decided that online gambling (wagering with games-style front ends) might offer a more lucrative market. This has resulted in a strategy of offering to operators, a full online gambling software suite based on innovative and fresh products. It will design, build and supply games with a consumer front-end for all online gambling operations. An additional source of income will come from software support for the operators with whom it partners.

Financial Review

The results for the twelve month period ending 31 January 2016 show a loss of 7,819,747 (2015: (1,188,296) on turnover of 2,296,741 (2015: 215,789). Total assets are 10,491,973 (2015: 9,519,172). The loss per share was 29p (2015 5p).

On 4 March 2016 we advised shareholders in a trading statement that the delay in the generation of revenues might result in your directors recommending the write-down of the value of the Company's intangible assets. After consulting carefully with our advisers and an industry specialist, the decision was taken to reduce the value by 4,559,700 which is reflected in the operating loss.

The company had, at the end of the period under review, cash balances of 1,281,315 (2015: 1,385,201). Your directors believe that interest in the Company's business amongst high-net worth investors in Japan remains high and, providing there are no unforeseen circumstances, the capital needed to sustain the current investment programme will be available.

The Market Trading Facility

On 19 August 2015 trading in the Company's shares was switched from GXG Markets (which had announced its closure) to the ISDX Growth Market, part of ICAP, a major financial institution in London.

The Gambling Commission

On 14 October 2015 the Company submitted an application to the UK Gambling Commission. There is a continuing engagement with officials at the Commission and your directors believe our application can be successful within the coming months. There are, however, a number of issues which require further discussion and a positive outcome is not certain.

Post Period End Events

The Company has now produced one advanced gambling game which has confirmed the Directors' belief that Ganapati has the capability to build suitable software for the online gambling sector.

An office has been opened in London and a senior executive will be based full-time to spearhead the Company's drive into the UK and European markets.

Board Changes

On 6 August 2015 David Scott resigned as a director of Ganapati. On the same day Tony Drury was appointed a director of the Company and the non-executive chairman.

Financial Reporting

In my statement to shareholders on October 2015 I said that we will, in future, report on a quarterly basis. Your directors still intend implementing this action but will wait until the revenue streams become more meaningful.

Outlook

I visited Tokyo in September 2015 and have made a second trip earlier this year. The work ethic apparent in the Directors and staff is quite extraordinary. The whole ethos is centred round a determination to succeed for our shareholders. My Board colleagues are truly gifted and focused.

We are attempting to succeed in the online gambling markets. The products are coming. I sincerely hope to report on a successful year in twelve months' time.



Tony Drury

Chairman

28 July 2016



The directors of Ganapati plc accept responsibility for this announcement.

COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS:

Ganapati plc

Tony Drury

Chairman

Telephone: 07973 737284





ISDX CORPORATE ADVISER:

Alexander David Securities Limited

David Scott -Corporate Finance

James Dewhurst - Corporate Broking

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7448 9820

http://www.ad-securities.com

49 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4SA

GANAPATI PLC

CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2016

2016 2015 as restated Notes GBP GBP Turnover 3 2,296,741 215,789 Administrative expenses (8,931,176) (954,313) Operating loss 5 (6,634,435) (738,524) Other interest receivable and

similar income 2,165 421 Interest payable and similar charges 6 (840,803) (450,193) Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (7,473,073) (1,188,296) Tax on loss on ordinary activities 7 (338,000) - Loss on ordinary activities

after taxation (7,811,073) (1,188,296) Minority interests (8,674) - Loss for the financial year 8 (7,819,747) (1,188,296) 2016 2015 Loss per share attributable

to owners of the parent company p p Basic and diluted (pence per share) From continuing operations (29) (5) The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations. There are no recognised gains and losses other than those passing through the profit and loss account.

GANAPATI PLC

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 JANUARY 2016

Group Company 2016 2015 2016 2015 Notes GBP GBP GBP GBP Fixed assets Intangible assets 10 8,007,105 7,321,660 8,000,000 7,321,660 Tangible assets 11 77,087 18,663 - - Investments 12 106,140 114,207 514,183 522,250 8,190,332 7,454,530 8,514,183 7,843,910 Current assets Debtors 13 1,020,326 679,442 148,163 272,888 Cash at bank and in hand 1,281,315 1,385,201 315,629 85,708 2,301,641 2,064,643 463,792 358,596 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 (584,991) (292,046) (183,400) (10,900) Net current assets 1,716,650 1,772,597 280,392 347,696 Total assets less current liabilities 9,906,982 9,227,127 8,794,575 8,191,606 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 15 (18,134,173) (9,646,123) (17,176,789) (8,691,431) (8,227,191) (418,996) (8,382,214) (499,825) Capital and reserves Called up share capital 16 308,197 305,317 308,197 305,317 Share premium account 17 396,526 396,526 396,526 396,526 Profit and loss account 17 (9,008,045) (1,188,296) (9,086,937) (1,201,668) Shareholders' funds 19 (8,303,322) (486,453) (8,382,214) (499,825) Minority interests 18 76,131 67,457 - - (8,227,191) (418,996) (8,382,214) (499,825) Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 28 July 2016 Mr Y Ishihara Director Company Registration No. 08807827

GANAPATI PLC

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2016
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Simavita Limited (ASX: SVA) (TSX VENTURE: SV) ("Simavita" or the "Company"), a global leader in the digital healthcare sector, is pleased to release its ASX Appendix 4C for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.

ASX Appendix 4C - June 30, 2016

Total cash and cash equivalents held by Simavita at the end of June 2016 was $6,172,897

During the June quarter, the Company successfully raised $7,353,000 as a result of significant support from its shareholders. The Company has also undergone a cost reduction program during the last quarter which has resulted in a 40% reduction in cash spend per month.

Cash receipts from customers for the quarter were up for the quarter to $270,045 (last quarter 2015 $141,246). Total cash receipts from sales for the full 2016 financial year to $847,753. This figure represents an increase of 21% over the total cash receipts from customers for the corresponding 12 months in 2015 of $701,743.

About Simavita

Simavita is a company established to deliver innovative continence solutions for our customers developed in ethical collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Simavita's patented and leading diagnostic assessment is designed to dramatically improve the quality of life for those suffering from incontinence. For operators, hospitals and rehabilitation centres, this enables care providers and other institutions to significantly lower their material costs and reduce the time required to manage incontinence in patients.

Operating in Australia, Europe and North America, conducting assessments is mandatory in these countries and the incontinence assessment creates an influential element of care of each individual.

The TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") has in no way passed upon the merits of the transactions set out herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release.

Except for historical information, this announcement may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause, but are not limited to, the anticipated date of on the ASX, changing market conditions, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.

Forward-Looking Information

This document may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking information"). This forward-looking information is given as of the date of this document.

Forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance and reflects Simavita management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events. Assumptions upon which such forward-looking information is based include that Simavita will be able to successfully execute on its business plans. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Simavita and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "potential", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or information that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. By its very nature forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Simavita to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to actual results of current business activities; changes in business plans and strategy as plans continue to be refined; other risks of the medical devices and technology industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development activities; as well as those factors detailed from time to time in Simavita's interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of those statements. Although Simavita has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Simavita provides no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Contacts:

Ms Peta Jurd

Chief Commercial Officer

+61 2 8405 6361

www.simavita.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - In a pair of studies researchers report that menopause accelerates biological aging and that insomnia, which often accompanies menopause, also has a clear association with age acceleration. The dual findings by researchers from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) suggest both factors could increase women's risk for aging-related diseases and earlier death. The two studies, published in separate journals, contribute to increasing evidence of the biological clock's variability. The menopause study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 'For decades, scientists have disagreed over whether menopause causes aging or aging causes menopause,' said Steve Horvath, a professor of human genetics and biostatistics in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and senior author on both studies. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
An unemployment office in Madrid. EFE

Once again, the summer holiday season has breathed new life into Spains ailing labor market. Over the last quarter, the latest figures show that unemployment has fallen by a percentage point to 20%, its lowest level in six years.

Nevertheless, unemployment remains stubbornly high in Spain, and is the second highest in the EU after Greece.

The number of people officially registered as jobless in Spain is now 4,574,700, a drop of 216,700 people compared to the same period last year.

Over the last quarter, around 271,400 jobs have been created, meaning that 18,301,000 people are officially in employment. The services sector has registered the biggest increase, gaining 227,300 jobs, with construction providing a further 45,600, industry 15,700, while 17,200 positions were lost in agriculture.

In the last 18 months, there has been a 10% increase in the number of temporary workers, from 3.4 million up to 3.7 million

By region, the biggest increase has been in the Balearics with 56,000 new jobs, Catalonia with 53,700, and Murcia with 28,400. Some 11,900 jobs were lost in the Canary Islands, and 4,200 in Navarre.

Spain has been harder hit by unemployment than most of the EU over the last eight years, and has proved unable to generate news jobs in large numbers. The country has endured a jobless rate of over 20% for almost six years.

Between the time that employment began to flag in 2007 and the moment it hit rock bottom in early 2014, one out of every five jobs in Spain was axed, representing nearly four million positions.

By early 2013, the jobless rate had soared to around 27%. From January to March of that year, more than 6.2 million people were without work.

Spains unemployment is so high partly because of particular local forces that have existed for decades. Unemployment above 20% is not uncommon in Spain. In fact, it has been at that level in three periods since Spains transition to democracy in the 1970s. And, ominously, from the previous unemployment rate peak in the 1990s, it took 14 years for it to decline to the wider European level.

But many of the jobs being created are temporary positions. In the last 18 months, there has been a 10% increase in the number of temporary workers, from 3.4 million up to 3.7 million. The temporary employment rate is now 25%, nearly 1.5 percentage points higher than in the same period last year.

Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here

Seasonal work has always provided an annual boost for the employment figures in Spain, and this time is no exception. But the fact that it remains so strong two years later shows that employers are still not confident enough about the future to offer permanent positions.

Other indicators give an idea of the impact of the crisis on Spanish households: there are now more than 700,000 households without any kind of income, and more than 1.5 million where no member of the family has a job. And theres the matter of the countrys youth unemployment (those under 25 who are actively seeking jobs): an almost incomprehensible 45.5 percent.

By the end of the third quarter of the year, unemployment is expected to have continued falling, although in May, the Spanish government said it did not expect the jobless rate to fall below 15 percent until 2019.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Design Data, a leader in 3D steel detailing and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, announced today the company has been acquired by Nemetschek Group, based in Munich, Germany. Nemetschek is a globally leading software provider for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, with 12 brands and 2.1 million users in 142 countries.

In keeping with the strategic alignment of Nemetschek Group, Design Data will continue to be led by its current management as an independent brand company in the future.

"For our company, the acquisition means accelerated growth into international markets," said Damon Scaggs, president of Design Data. "For our customers, it allows them to continue to use the leading software in the structural steel detailing industry, while now benefitting from increased integration with Nemetschek's software solutions throughout the BIM process. SDS/2 seamlessly plugs into Nemetschek's architectural and design offerings, while providing their customers access to Design Data's longstanding manufacturing expertise."

Design Data recently announced support for the European connection design codes and drawing standards with its SDS/2 Detailing solution. SDS/2 software is unique in that it automates the connection design process by optimizing every joint based on specific code requirements established by each market.

With the acquisition, the Nemetschek Group fills a gap concerning engineering detailing software for steel. Nemetschek is now able to cover the complete structural workflow from analysis and design (via the brand Scia), through detailing and fabrication (Design Data), all the way to reviews and markup (Bluebeam).

About Design Data

Design Data is a leading software innovator for the steel industry's fabrication, detailing and engineering sectors. SDS/2 software products provide automatic connection optimization, detailing, engineering information, fabrication data and much more, reducing the time required to design, detail, fabricate and erect steel. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska USA, the company serves customers in 17 countries. Information on Design Data and SDS/2 can be found at: www.sds2.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728006133/en/

Contacts:

Design Data

Damon Scaggs, 402-441-4000

President

402-441-4045 (fax)

damon@sds2.com www.sds2.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV:KTN) ("Kootenay" or the "Company")is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced brokered private placement (the "Offering") with Haywood Securities Inc. (the "Agent"). An aggregate of 12,937,500 units (the "Units"), including 675,000 Units issued as a result of the exercise in full of the Agents' over-allotment option, were sold under the Offering at a price of CAD 0.40 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for total gross proceeds to the Company of $5,175,000.

In addition, the Company has closed a concurrent non-brokered private placement of 2,135,790 Units at the Offering Price, which includes participation by Pan American Silver Corp. to maintain its pro-rata ownership position, for additional gross proceeds to the Company of $854,316.

The aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering and the non-brokered private placement are $6,029,316.

Each Unit consists of one common share and one-quarter of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price per Warrant Share of $0.55 until April 21, 2021. The Warrants have identical terms to the 23,103,969 listed warrants (the "Listed Warrants") of the Company currently outstanding and trading under the ticker 'TSXV: KTN.WT'.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund the exploration and development of the Company's La Cigarra project in Mexico and for general working capital purposes.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four month hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada, ending November 29, 2016. Subject to compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), the Company has received the TSXV's conditional acceptance to list the Warrants on the TSXV with the Listed Warrants, upon the expiry of the four month hold period.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Agent a cash commission equal to 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, and issued the Agent compensation warrants exerciseable to acquire up to 388,125 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.55 per share until July 28, 2017. In connection with the non-brokered private placement the Company paid to finders at arm's length, an aggregate finders' fee of $15,000 in cash and issued the finders' compensation warrants exerciseable to acquire up to 18,750 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.55 per share until July 28, 2017.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any State Securities Laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to the account or benefit of a U.S. person absent an exemption from the registration requirements of such Act.

About Kootenay Silver Inc.

Kootenay Silver Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the discovery and development of mineral projects in the Sierra Madre Region of Mexico and in British Columbia, Canada. The Company's top priorities are the advancement of the La Cigarra silver project and the Promontorio Mineral Belt, in Chihuahua, Mexico and Sonora, Mexico, respectively. The La Cigarra property is 26 kilometres from the historic mining city of Parral and boasts nearby power, good road access, gentle topography, and established infrastructure. La Cigarra currently hosts a resource estimate of 18.54 million tonnes containing 51.47 million ounces of silver in the Measured & Indicated categories grading 86.3 g/t silver and 4.45 million tonnes containing 11.46 million ounces of silver in the Inferred category grading 80 g/t silver. The mineralized system at La Cigarra has been traced over 6.5 kilometres and is defined at surface as a silver soil anomaly and by numerous historic mine workings. The La Cigarra silver deposit is open along strike and at depth and is approximately 25 kilometres north, and along strike, of Grupo Mexico's Santa Barbara mine and Minera Frisco's San Francisco del Oro mine. The Promontorio Mineral Belt includes the Company's La Negra high-grade silver discovery and its Promontorio Silver Resource. The Promontorio Mineral Belt is under option to Pan American Silver whereby they can earn a 75% interest in the project with US$16 million of expenditures and payments with Kootenay retaining a 25% carried to production interest (see news releases dated February 16 and March 4, 2016). The Promontorio Silver Resource currently hosts a resource estimate of 44.5 million tonnes containing 92 million ounces of silver equivalent in the Measured & Indicated categories grading 64.3 g/t silver equivalent and 14.6 million tonnes containing 24.3 million ounces of silver equivalent in the Inferred category grading 52 g/t silver equivalent. The Company's core objective is to create value by acquiring silver resources through discovery and acquisition and testing those resources with the ultimate goal of developing them into silver production if they are proven to be economically viable.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

The information in this news release has been prepared as at July 28, 2016. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms, and include, without restriction, Kootenay's planned use of the net proceeds of the Offering.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kootenay as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, Kootenay expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Kootenay's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Kootenay Silver Inc.: Jim McDonald, President / CEO, Phone: +1-403-880-6016, Email: info@kootenaysilver.com; Ken Berry, Chairman, Phone +1-604-601-5652; +1-888-601-5650 or visit: http://www.kootenaysilver.com
OVERLAND PARK, KS--(Marketwired - July 28, 2016) - TSANet (Technical Support Alliance Network) today announced it is exhibiting at CompTIA ChannelCon 2016 "Breaking Boundaries," the premier collaboration, education and networking event for IT vendors, distributors and channel partners, August 1-3 at The Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Fla.

Hosted annually by CompTIA, ChannelCon is attended by technology vendors, distributors and solution providers, as well as industry influencers, press and analysts from across the IT channel. More event details, including registration, are available here. Follow TSANet and CompTIA ChannelCon via Twitter using hashtag ChannelCon16.

Throughout CompTIA ChannelCon 2016, TSANet will engage with hundreds of IT professionals and highlight its Vendor and Channel technical support network, which is available to channel partners in all regions. To secure an appointment with TSANet at ChannelCon, please email paul@tsanet.org. Event attendees are encouraged to visit TSANet at booth number 620 during the Technology Vendor Fair.

Founded in 1993, TSANet has provided an industry best practice framework for collaborating on common customer multi-vendor issues. "The channel plays a critical role in both delivering and supporting technology solutions," said Dennis Smeltzer, TSANet president. "Our extension to the channel was a natural and positive progression of the alliance's founding mission and we are proud to see so many benefit from our efforts around partner relations."

"CompTIA ChannelCon attracts the industry's best and brightest minds, delivering exceptional business value through high-impact training, educational sessions, industry panels, keynotes, networking opportunities and working groups on the most important topics and trends affecting the technology industry," said Kelly Ricker, senior vice president, events and education, CompTIA. "We're delighted to have TSANet demonstrate its success and share market perspective with this year's ChannelCon attendees."

To learn more about TSANet, visit http://www.tsanet.org.

More information on the complete CompTIA ChannelCon 2016 program, including keynotes, panels and educational sessions, is included in the event agenda available here. Registration for CompTIA ChannelCon and the ChannelCon Vendor Summit is open and available online.

Media and IT industry analysts are encouraged to attend the conference. Highlights from CompTIA ChannelCon will be available on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag ChannelCon16.

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a non-profit trade association serving as the voice of the information technology industry. With approximately 2,000 member companies, 3,000 academic and training partners, 80,000 registered users and more than two million IT certifications issued, CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications and public policy advocacy. To learn more, visit CompTIA online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About TSANet

Founded in 1993, TSANet (Technical Support Alliance Network) is a worldwide not-for-profit alliance. TSANet provides the technology industry a relationship and engagement structure, allowing members to collaborate where mutual customer, multi vendor issues arise. Membership consists of more than 500 technology companies. Members benefit from a proven methodology, giving them a flexible process for creating and implementing partner relationships.

Press contacts:

Brittany Jimerson

TSANet

(913) 345-9311

Brittany@tsanet.org



Steven Ostrowski

CompTIA

630-678-8468

sostrowski@comptia.org



Marie Rourke

WhiteFox Marketing (for CompTIA)

Marie@whitefoxpr.com

714-292-2199
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Quinto Real Capital Corporation (TSX VENTURE: QIT) ("Quinto" or the "Company") announces the results of its annual and special meeting of shareholders held on July 26, 2016 in Montreal, Quebec.

At the meeting, the shareholders of the Company voted at the majority in favour of all the resolutions set out in the management proxy circular, including the re-election of members of the Company's Board of directors, consisting of Marcel Bergeron, Michael Curtis, Philippe Frere and Andre Goguen. The shareholders have also voted at the majority in favour of the appointment of the auditors, Petrie Raymond LLP, as well as for the rolling stock option plan of the Company.

About Quinto Real Capital Corporation

Quinto Real Capital Corporation is a Canadian-based mining exploration company focused on the exploration, evaluation and development of gold mining properties.

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. Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" and readers are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual developments or results, may vary materially from those in these "forward-looking" statement.

Contacts:

Michael Curtis

President and Chief Executive Officer

(514) 793-1915

www.quintocorp.com



Louis Morin

The Ask Marketing Services Inc.

(514) 591-3988




ASKER, NORWAY (28 July 2016) - TGS will release the preliminary financial statement for Q2 2016 on 4 August 2016 at approximately 7:00 am CEST.

Kristian Johansen (CEO) and Sven Boerre Larsen (CEO) will present the results at 8:30 am CEST at the Hotel Continental (Teatersalen) in Oslo, Norway. The presentation is open to the public. The presentation can be followed live on the internet at www.tgs.com.

The slides from the presentation will also be available in PDF format on the TGS website.

Kristian Johansen and Sven Boerre Larsen will host a conference call on 4 August 2016 at 8:00 am CEST (9:00 am New York time). Attendees may want to call 5-10 minutes before 8:00 am CEST (9:00 am New York time) to ensure registration and access.

Norwegian attendees are invited to call +800 56054 or +472316 2729

International attendees are invited to call 0800 279 4977 or +44(0)20 3427 1917

US attendees are invited to call +1 877 280 2342

Participants will need to quote the following confirmation code when dialing into the conference: 6552754.

A Q&A session will follow a short introduction, based upon the presentation issued in the morning. To pose a question, please press *1.

A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after. To access replay of the TGS conference call,

dial +47 2100 0498 (Norway) or +44 (0)20 3427 0598 (International) or +1 866 932 5017 (US)

replay access code 6552754 followed by # (pound-sign)

A replay of the conference call will also be available at www.tgs.com.

Company summary TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) provides multi-client geoscience data to oil and gas Exploration and Production companies worldwide. In addition to extensive global geophysical and geological data libraries that include multi-client seismic data, magnetic and gravity data, digital well logs, production data and directional surveys, TGS also offers advanced processing and imaging services, interpretation products, and data integration solutions. For more information visit TGS online at www.tgs.com. Forward-looking statements and contact information All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include TGS' reliance on a cyclical industry and principle customers, TGS' ability to continue to expand markets for licensing of data, and TGS' ability to acquire and process data products at costs commensurate with profitability. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason. TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSLO:TGS). TGS sponsored American Depositary Shares trade on the U.S. over-the-counter market under the symbol "TGSGY". For additional information about this press release please contact:

Sven Boerre Larsen Chief Financial Officer Tel: +47 90 94 36 73 Email: sven.larsen@tgs.com (mailto:Sven.larsen@tgs.com)

Will Ashby VP HR and Communication Tel: +1 713 860 2184 Email: will.ashby@tgs.com (mailto:Will.Ashby@tgs.com)

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to 5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)

This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: TGS via Globenewswire



HUG#2031248


Technavio analysts forecast the global multi-function display (MFD) marketto grow at a CAGR of more than 9% during the forecast period, according to their latest report.

The research study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global multi-function displaymarket for 2016-2020. The report provides a comprehensive overview, market shares and growth opportunities by application such as commercial aerospace and military, and growth prospects by region including the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

Technavio aerospace and defense analysts highlight the following three factors that are contributing to the growth of the global multi-function display market:

Growing demand for automation

Improved safety standards

Increase in number of aircraft

Growing demand for automation

Automation enhances flight operational safety and efficiency and is especially critical for commercial airlines. It aims to cut down operating costs for greater profits. With the facilitation of GPS in aircraft, the pilot workload is significantly reduced with increasing situational awareness and safety. In 2014, 838.4 million passengers traveled by air on more than 8.5 million flights, globally. In the same year, a survey of airline pilots was conducted, which reported that the pilots operating Boeing 777s spent just seven minutes manually piloting their aircraft during a flight, whereas only half the time was required for those operating Airbus planes.

Digital cockpit systems are a proven safety aid during flight amid clouds, low visibility, or airspace congestion. The integration of advanced MFD systems and technologies, like autopilot system and flight management system (FMS), in the cockpits reduces the workload of the pilot and assures the availability of critical flight information. "The FAA recommends the development and installation of autopilots in an aircraft. It has also made the integration mandatory when a single pilot is operating the aircraft. Since the organization certifies the currently used autopilots at low cost, autopilot manufacturers are investing in the development of new digital smart autopilots that can be equipped with a variety of aircraft," says Abhay Singh, a lead analyst at Technavio for research on defense

Improved safety standards

As aircraft operations become more dependent on glass cockpit systems, flight crew and pilots must be trained to deal with possible failures. In 2008, United Airlines Flight 731 experienced a glass-cockpit blackout, where all communications to radios, transponders, traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), and attitude indicators were lost, and half of the electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM) displays failed. However, the presence of backup analog displays for critical flight instruments such as the airspeed indicator and altimeter enabled the pilots to land the aircraft successfully at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey without radio contact.

In 2010, 5,516 glass cockpit aircraft and 2,848 conventionally equipped US GA aircraft were operational. Of these, 266 aircraft met with accidents, where the glass cockpit aircraft suffered a lower accident rate compared to the conventional planes. Based on this observation, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) made recommendations to the FAA on glass cockpits in the same year.

Increase in number of aircraft

In 2014, the number of air travel passengers in developing regions such as APAC, Central America, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Africa, and Eastern Europe was 6.3 billion, which was six-fold greater than the number of passengers in developed economies such as North America and Western Europe. India, particularly, had a passenger traffic of over 61.42 million in 2013, and it is expected to reach 367 million passengers by 2034. It is also predicted that the number of aircraft will rise to 800 aircraft by 2020, which would simultaneously increase the air traffic in the country. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), the airports of Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait might have to support 400 million passengers per year by 2020.

"The increase in air traffic in APAC, Central America, Africa, and the Middle East would result in a yearly 5.8% growth in revenue per passenger kilometer during the next 20 years. This would simultaneously lead to increasing investments in the maintenance and development of aircraft, driving the market during the forecast period," says Abhay.

Browse Related Reports:

Global Commercial Aircraft Cockpit Displays System Market 2016-2020

Global Digital Glass Military Aircraft Cockpit Systems Market 2015-2019

Global Short-Range Air-Defence Missile System Market 2016-2020

Do you need a report on a market in a specific geographical cluster or country but can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, Technavio also takes client requests. Please contact enquiry@technavio.com with your requirements and our analysts will be happy to create a customized report just for you.

About Technavio

Technaviois a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160728005020/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Transcontinental Inc. (TSX: TCL.A)(TSX: TCL.B) announced today it is selling most of its commercial printing line of business operated from its Transcontinental Dartmouth plant to Advocate Printing and Publishing Company Limited, an independent printer and publisher in Atlantic Canada. This decision will result in the closure of the Transcontinental Dartmouth plant located at 140 Joseph Zatzman Drive in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, by mid-August 2016.

TC Transcontinental will continue to serve its customers in Atlantic Canada for retail flyers, newspapers and some specific commercial products through its printing network which includes Transcontinental Halifax, Transcontinental Prince Edward Island and Transcontinental St. John's.

"In line with our market leadership objectives, we are continually reviewing our printing facilities and activities in order to maximize the utilization rate of our equipment," said Jacques Gregoire, President of TC Transcontinental Printing. "As we forge ahead with our printing platform optimization strategy, and given the shifting landscape for some commercial products, we have made the decision to dispose of our printing assets in the Transcontinental Dartmouth plant. We regret the impact of this announcement on our employees and would like to sincerely thank them for their dedication to our organization."

Unfortunately, this plant closure will result in about 55 layoffs. TC Transcontinental has ensured that employees will be accompanied in their career transition.

About TC Transcontinental

Canada's largest printer with operations in print, flexible packaging, publishing and digital media, TC Transcontinental's mission is to create products and services that allow businesses to attract, reach and retain their target customers.

Respect, teamwork, performance and innovation are strong values held by the Corporation and its employees. The Corporation's commitment to its stakeholders is to pursue its business and philanthropic activities in a responsible manner.

Transcontinental Inc. (TSX: TCL.A)(TSX: TCL.B), known as TC Transcontinental, has close to 8,000 employees in Canada and the United States, and revenues of C$2.0 billion in 2015. Website: www.tc.tc

Contacts:

Media

Nathalie St-Jean, Senior Advisor, Communications

TC Transcontinental

514-954-3581

nathalie.st-jean@tc.tc

www.tc.tc



Financial Community

Jennifer F. McCaughey, Vice President, Communications

TC Transcontinental

514-954-2821

jennifer.mccaughey@tc.tc

www.tc.tc




GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman, July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The Cayman Islands Government has strengthened its efforts to protect residents and visitors from Zika, dengue and chikungunya with the launch of additional mosquito controls today (28 July 2016).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150630/227348 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393820LOGO )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393895 )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160728/393898 )

The public health programme was delayed by two weeks due to legal action by an objector to the initiative. However, a court ruled earlier this week that there were no grounds for the action and lifted the temporary "stay", a legal proceeding to delay the release, which was imposed on 13 July 2016.

"It is important that we are able to get on with the job as there is an urgency from the public health perspective," said Dr. Bill Petrie of the Cayman Islands Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU). "We need to get the project back on track and put in place the preventative measures we have planned to reduce the risk of local transmission of mosquito-borne diseases."

Three cases of imported Zika have recently been confirmed in Grand Cayman, contracted by residents who travelled to countries experiencing an outbreak of the virus.

Known as the "Friendly Aedes aegypti Project", operational roll-out of the pioneering technique using genetically modified mosquitoes began this morning in West Bay. The area is a hotspot for Aedes aegypti, the non-native species of mosquito that transmits Zika, dengue and chikungunya as well as yellow fever.

Zika can cause the birth defect microcephaly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed, and the virus is also linked to other serious medical conditions such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can lead to total paralysis. Dengue and chikungunya are a serious threat to public health, with young children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions most at risk.

The operation in West Bay is being carried out by MRCU in collaboration with biotechnology company Oxitec.

"The technique is recommended by the World Health Organization as a tool to fight Zika," said MRCU Director Dr. Bill Petrie. "One of the overarching responsibilities of the Ministry of Health is to protect the health and well-being of residents and visitors to the Cayman Islands. As a government agency, MRCU is tasked with controlling the dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquito population, using the best arsenal at our disposal, to ensure this happens."

As well as the roll-out in Grand Cayman, Oxitec is currently deploying the technique operationally in an area of 65,000 people in Brazil, a country severely affected by the Zika virus.

The safety and efficiency of the technique was demonstrated through field releases in East End, Grand Cayman, in 2009 and 2010, as well as Brazil and Panama. The Aedes aegypti population was reduced by more than 90 per cent in the areas where these releases took place.

"The operation we are launching today in West Bay is the deployment of a tested technique," said Dr. Petrie. "It is a public health imperative that we control the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and that is exactly what we are undertaking to do."

The genetic modification technique developed by Oxitec has also undergone exhaustive safety testing and evaluation by teams of scientists around the world.

Earlier this year, WHO recommended pilot deployment of the Oxitec technique, under operational conditions, to respond to the Zika crisis which, in February, was declared an international public health emergency.

In the Cayman Islands the initiative was reviewed by the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and the National Conservation Council, and official approval granted.

A proactive measure to prevent the local transmission of mosquito-borne viruses, the genetic-modification technique is being integrated with existing MRCU control methods which include the use of chemical and bacterial insecticides to kill Aedes aegypti.

The treatment area in West Bay comprises 300 acres between Watercourse Road, Powell Smith Lane, Rev. Blackman Road and Hell Road. A hundred to 200 pots, each containing approximately a thousand genetically modified, non-biting male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, will be released around three times a week.

"The 'Friendly Aedes aegypti' males will seek out the wild female Aedes aegypti and, when they have offspring, the progeny will die before reaching adulthood," explained Dr. Renaud Lacroix, Oxitec's on-island project manager. "This limits the population of Aedes aegypti, helping to reduce the risk of viral transmission among people living in the area."

Aedes aegypti differs from other breeds of mosquito in Grand Cayman as it is the only one that carries Zika, dengue and chikungunya, and bites only during the day. Swamp mosquitoes cause the most nuisance to residents and visitors, and are active after dark.

Working alongside MRCU staff, three Caymanians and a scientist married to a Caymanian, have been hired to work on the project.

Kenroy Millwood, Giselle Johnson and Heidi Groves, all from West Bay, along with Isavella Evangelou, joined the Oxitec team a couple of months ago and are an integral part of the laboratory and fieldwork team.

"We are very excited to start this project and help make a difference in our community," said Kenroy.

The treatment phase in West Bay is expected to last around nine months and then be rolled out to other areas of Grand Cayman, subject to the relevant approvals. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are not affected by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

How the technique works

The "Friendly Aedes aegypti" is a genetically modified male mosquito that cannot bite or transmit diseases. When it mates with a local female Aedes aegypti mosquito, the offspring die before being able to reproduce. Hence, with successive releases, the population of the Zika, dengue and chikungunya mosquito is reduced.

Further information

Diseases spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito

Zika virus is rapidly spreading into new countries and has caused a state of emergency in Brazil where it has been linked to a sudden increase in birth defects (microcephaly) and nervous system disorders (Guillain-Barre syndrome).

where it has been linked to a sudden increase in birth defects (microcephaly) and nervous system disorders (Guillain-Barre syndrome). Chikungunya swept into Central America and the Caribbean in 2014 with an epidemic spiking to over a million cases within a year.

and the in 2014 with an epidemic spiking to over a million cases within a year. Dengue fever infects an estimated 400 million people globally every year with about half of the world's population at risk.

Yellow fever is a major health threat. Globally, there are an estimated 200,000 cases of yellow fever, causing 30,000 deaths each year, with 90 per cent of cases occurring in Africa .

About MRCU

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) was established in 1965 to suppress mosquito populations to minimise discomfort from mosquito biting, to protect residents and visitors from mosquito-borne disease, and thereby enhance the quality of life and promote the economy of the Cayman Islands. The department has many years' experience in utilising integrated control to reduce the risk of local transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.

About Oxitec

Oxitec is a pioneer in using genetic engineering to control insect pests that spread disease and damage crops, and was founded in 2002 as a spinout from Oxford University (U.K.). Oxitec is a subsidiary of Intrexon Corporation (NYSE: XON), which engineers biology to help solve some of the world's biggest problems.

Presscontact:

MRCU:

CatherineMacGillivray

Catherine.MacGillivray@gov.ky

+345-244-1773(office)

+345-926-6110(mobile)

Oxitec:

MattWarren

info@oxitec.com

+44-(0)1235-832393

For more information:

http://www.mrcu.ky

http://www.oxitec.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - As Hillary Clinton prepares to officially accept the Democratic nomination for president, the results of a new Suffolk University poll show the former Secretary of State with a sizable lead in Pennsylvania.



The survey of likely general-election voters in Pennsylvania showed Clinton with a 50 percent to 41 percent lead over Republican nominee Donald Trump in a head-to-head matchup.



Clinton benefits from a large lead among voters in Philadelphia, the site of the Democratic National Convention.



When third-party candidates are added into the mix, Clinton leads Trump by 46 percent to 37 percent, with Libertarian Gary Johnson at 5 percent and Green Party candidate Jill Stein at 3 percent.



'Hillary Clinton is flirting with fifty thanks to Philly,' said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Research Center in Boston. 'At this point Clinton's large lead in the Philadelphia area is offsetting losses to Trump in other parts of the state.'



He added, 'She also is amassing the support of women and thus drowning out Trump's marginal lead among men.'



The poll showed Clinton with a 50 percent to 31 percent lead over Trump among women, while the real estate tycoon leads 44 percent to 41 percent among men.



Pennsylvania has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in each of the last six elections, but the state could be in play this year due to Trump's appeal among blue-collar workers.



The Suffolk survey of 500 likely Pennsylvania voters was conducted July 25th through 27th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Dealnet Capital Corp. ("Dealnet" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: DLS), is pleased to announce the expansion of its credit facilities and an update with respect to the exercise of the Company's common share purchase warrants.

Credit Facilities

Today the Company closed a securitization facility with a major Canadian life insurance company providing $75 million in funding for the Company's lease and loan products.

The Company also closed a $20 million funding facility with another financial institution.

The Company renewed an existing securitization facility with a Schedule 1 Bank. The Company typically securitizes $3-4 million per month under this facility.

This new underwriting capacity provides for a current blended funding cost below 4%. With the addition of this underwriting capacity, the Company is well positioned to execute on its growth strategy over the coming year. The Company continues to target prime quality originations through numerous outlets including direct to dealer relationships and partnerships with OEMs.

Common Share Purchase Warrants

Since April 1, 2016, the Company has received cash proceeds of approximately $5.6 million as a result of the exercise of approximately 18.9 common share purchase warrants. Included in this amount is 4.6 million warrants exercised by management and the board. The exercise of warrants increases equity that can be leveraged to support the Company's portfolio growth plans.

"The expansion of our credit facilities is clear recognition of the strength of the Company's platform for delivering high quality consumer loans to the market. Building quality relationships with our funding partners is a continuing priority for the Company and we look forward to expanding these relationships by adding further capacity in line with our business plans," stated Michael Hilmer, Chief Executive Officer. "The Company has demonstrated success across the three key elements of any finance business being: low cost and significant underwriting capacity, substantial high quality origination volume, and equity additions to support our leverage covenants."

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law including statements regarding the Company, new funding capacity, funding under existing facilities and the future exercise of common share purchase warrants. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

About Dealnet Capital Corp.

Dealnet is an engagement enabled consumer finance company that is initially focused on home improvement finance solutions including heating ventilation and air conditioning financing and leasing. Dealnet leverages its large scale customer service and engagement technology platform to attract home improvement dealers by providing front and back office services to support dealer operations leading to origination growth.

For additional information please visit www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Dealnet Capital Corp.

Michael Hilmer

CEO

+1-416-420-5529

mhilmer@dealnetcapital.com



Dealnet Capital Corp.

Nicole Marchand

Investor Relations

+1-416-428-3533

nmarchand@dealnetcapital.com




Technicians removing a missile from HMS Ambush in the port of Gibraltar. Marcos Moreno (EL PAIS)

A British nuclear-powered submarine that sustained damage after colliding with a merchant vessel off Gibraltar a week ago is being stripped of its weapons.

HMS Ambush will leave the British overseas territory as soon as the ongoing work is completed, said a spokesman for the Royal Navy, without specifying a date or the nature of the operation.

But on Wednesday, a jib crane could be seen removing the Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Spearfish torpedoes and the Harpoon anti-ship missiles from the attack vessel, which returned to Gibraltar for examination after the collision on July 20.

No more Tireless The shadow of HMS Tireless looms over HMS Ambush. In May 2001, when Tireless left the port of Gibraltar after being berthed there for 11 months, the Spanish foreign minister at the time, Josep Pique, said he had asked his counterpart Robin Cook to make sure that no more nuclear submarines would ever undergo repairs there. Cook expressed a clear determination to ensure that it would be so. To that effect, Britain announced the immediate dismantling of the facilities that had served to repair a crack in the ship reactors primary refrigeration circuit.

The Gibraltar Port Authority established a 200-meter maritime exclusion zone around HMS Ambush between 8am and 5pm in order to unload the hazardous material. The ports south entrance was closed off to civilian ships.

The area had been cordoned off with buoys on Monday, but it wasnt until Wednesday that technicians from BAE Systems Maritime began supervising the unloading operation. The manufacturing company is headquartered in Barrow-in Furnes, where the submarine was built under the supervision of the British Defense Ministry.

The Royal Navy spokesman said that the vessel sustained external damage, the extent of which is being investigated. Comprehensive checks of HMS Ambush have shown that her reactor remains completely safe and there hasnt been any increase in radiation as a result of this incident, said the spokesman.

Diplomatic sources told EL PAIS that according to information provided by Britain, the nuclear reactor was not affected, but some of its navigation equipment may have been. If so, this will require repairs before HMS Ambush can return to its base in Faslane (Scotland).

Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click

Photographs of the submarine show significant damage to its fin  the tower-like structure that sits on its dorsal area  although this part of the vessel has since been covered up with scaffolding.

A spokesman for the Spanish Foreign Ministry told EL PAIS that Spain has reiterated its demand for explanations regarding the extent of the damage and the nature of the work being carried out.

This source said that Britain has not provided any official information on this matter.

Meanwhile, the Spanish governments delegate in Andalusia, Antonio Sanz, underscored that British authorities are guaranteeing there is no risk to local residents over the accident. Investigations by the Nuclear Safety Council, the Spanish Navy and environmental groups such as Verdemar all agree that there has been no increase in radiation levels in the area.

Antonio Munoz, spokesman for Verdemar in the area, noted that Gibraltars port is classified as Z, meaning that nuclear submarines can only make rest stops there, but not come in for repairs  an option reserved for class X ports.

English version by Susana Urra.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Homestake Resource Corporation (TSX VENTURE: HSR)(FRANKFURT: B6IH), (the "Company" or "Homestake") is pleased to announce that it has filed its management information circular (the "Circular") and related proxy materials on SEDAR in advance of the Company's special meeting of shareholders to be held on August 25, 2016 (the "meeting") to seek approval of the proposed plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") with Auryn Resources Inc. ("Auryn").

As previously announced on July 11, 2016, Homestake and Auryn have entered into a Definitive Arrangement Agreement (the "Arrangement") pursuant to which Auryn has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Homestake. The Arrangement is intended to create a leading Gold exploration and development company and consolidator. Homestake shareholders of record on July 21, 2016 will receive notice of and be entitled to vote at the special meeting, and are encouraged to read the Circular as it provides important information about Homestake, Auryn, and the Arrangement.

Benefits of the Arrangement include:

-- Immediate and significant premium to Homestake Shareholders; -- Creation of a prominent Precious Metals /Gold exploration and development company; -- Advanced portfolio of assets including the Homestake Ridge Project; -- Auryn's Committee Bay Gold and Peru Projects; -- Continued exploration potential and resource upside; -- Aactively pursuing other quality mineral opportunities with the goal of establishing a robust project pipeline; -- Strong balance sheet; -- Increased liquidity; -- Proven management team; and -- Enhanced capital markets exposure and access to capital.

Homestake Special Meeting

The Homestake special meeting of shareholders is scheduled to be held at Suite 1100 - 1199 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, on August 25, 2016 at 10:00 AM (Pacific Daylight Time).

Your vote is important regardless of the number of securities you own. Homestake encourages shareholders to read the Circular and accompanying meeting materials in detail. A copy of the Circular is now available on Homestakes website at http://www.homestakeresource.com and is also available under Homestake's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. VOTE TODAY.

HOMESTAKE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE ARRANGEMENT.

HOW TO VOTE

In the interest of time, shareholders are encouraged to vote via the internet, by telephone or fax.

Registered shareholders may vote as follows:

-- Internet: Vote online at www.investorvote.com, using the control number located on your proxy (which you will receive in the mail or via email) -- Telephone: Call 1-866-732-VOTE (8683) toll free -- Facsimile: 1-866-249-7775 (toll free in Canada and US) -- By mail: Attention: Proxy Department, 8th Floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto ON, M5J 2Y1 -- In person at the meeting

Beneficial shareholders (shareholders who hold Homestake shares through a bank, broker or other intermediary) will have different voting instructions provided to them and should follow the instructions found on their voting instruction form to vote online, by telephone or fax.

SECURITYHOLDER QUESTIONS

Shareholders who have questions regarding the Arrangement or require assistance with voting may contact the Proxy Solicitation Agent below:

Laurel Hill Advisory Group Toll free at 1-877-452-7184 International +1 416-304-0211 outside Canada and the US By email at: assistance@laurelhill.com Homestake Resource Corporation By phone 604-684-9384 By email at: info@homestakeresource.com

About Homestake Resource Corporation

Homestake owns a 100 percent interest in the Homestake Ridge project, located in the Kitsault Mineral district in northwestern British Columbia, subject to various royalty interests held by vendors. The project is being advanced as a potential high-grade underground mining operation. To date, 268 holes, totaling 77,845 metres, have been completed on the property by Homestake and multiple exploration targets remain to be tested on the 3,617-hectare property. For more information on the Homestake Ridge project please refer to the Homestakes website at www.homestakeresourecorporation.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF HOMESTAKE RESOURCE CORPORATION

Joseph A. Kizis, Jr., President & Director

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service 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 press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and includes statement regarding the timing for completion of the grinding and flotation circuits, its effect on gold recovery, grade and average payable gold, as well as any other information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Company's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance.

Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These statements, however, are 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, implied by or projected in the forward-looking information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: risks related to the exploration and potential development of the Company's project, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold, and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance.

There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

Contacts:

Homestake Resource Corporation

+1 (604) 684-9384

+1 (604) 688-4670 (FAX)

www.homestakeresource.com

info@mnxltd.com




MIAMI, FL--(Marketwired - July 28, 2016) - Two local leaders in healthcare will explore collaborating to provide the best possible care for the communities they serve. Baptist Health South Florida, the area's largest, not-for-profit healthcare provider, and nonprofit Nicklaus Children's Hospital, part of Miami Children's Health System and the leading provider of children's healthcare services in South Florida, will collaborate to improve healthcare through coordination and cooperation.

"I look forward to working together to improve the care of patients in our local and international communities," said Narendra Kini, M.D., chief executive officer, Miami Children's Health System. "Through our collaboration, we know we can create efficiencies, improve quality and better serve the community."

"This collaboration is a natural fit for both of our organizations and will have a positive impact on the way our patients receive care," said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer for Baptist Health South Florida. "By working closely together, we will help ensure that patients benefit from seeing the most appropriate provider and have access to high-quality, evidence-based care."

Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children's Hospital will initially work together on the following:

Proton Therapy for Children: Pediatric oncologists at Nicklaus Children's will be able to offer proton beam therapy to their patients at Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health when the proton treatment center opens in early 2017. This will ensure patients and families will not have to leave the area for the care they need.

Telemedicine: Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children's will work together to provide telemedicine services.

International: The locations of the combined facilities provide for an excellent medical destination to fit the needs of international patients. Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children's will collaborate on international services, including a second opinion program and transfer protocols.

Information Technology: Both organizations view technology as a strategic asset required for future sustainability and have invested in supporting the implementation of a fully integrated electronic health record, enterprise resource planning systems, robust security systems and more. Both will work together to analyze and consider the potential to share resources towards the future development, implementation, support and training of their information technology platforms.

Medical Education: The organizations will work together to coordinate programs for graduate, undergraduate and continuing medical education in cooperation with the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children's Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

About Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children's Hospital -- part of Miami Children's Health System -- is South Florida's only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with more than 740 attending physicians and over 220 pediatric subspecialists. The 289-bed hospital is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with several specialty programs ranked among the best in the nation in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016-17 by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession's most prestigious institutional honor. For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org.

Contacts:

Dori Alvarez

Baptist Health South Florida

(786) 596-3050

DoriA@BaptistHealth.net



Rachel Perry

Nicklaus Children's Hospital

(305) 663-8476

Rachel.Perry@mch.com
HANOVER, MD -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 --Brekford Corp. (OTCQX: BFDI), a leading public safety and security technology service provider of automated traffic safety enforcement ("ATSE") solutions, parking and traffic violation systems, and an end-to-end suite of technology solutions for public safety vehicles and mobile workers, announced today that it has implemented the first three live speed camera systems for the Calvert County Sheriff's Office under a multi-year contract.

"We are honored to support the Calvert County Sheriff's Office, and the entire community, to improve school zone safety by reducing speeding violations and traffic crashes, and ultimately saving lives," commented Rod Hillman, President and COO of Brekford. "We implemented our third-generation portable P2S Speed Enforcement System, complete with solar power and wireless communication, enabling rapid redeployment to wherever speeding is a concern. Our ATSE speed camera programs typically reduce speeding violations by more than 80 percent within the first year of operation."

Brekford will be working closely with the County to enforce safe speeds across 23 public school zones. Additional cameras will be deployed as requested, and all cameras will eventually be rotated among identified locations. There will be an initial 30-day warning period notifying drivers who exceed the speed limit by 12 miles per hour or more. After the warning period, a $40 citation will be mailed for each infraction, upon review and approval by the Sheriff's Office.

There is consensus worldwide from traffic safety researchers that speeding is one of the major causes of traffic crashes, injuries and deaths. Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has shown that speed camera programs reduce the likelihood of crashes involving fatalities or incapacitating injuries by 19 percent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that only one out of ten pedestrians survives when hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 MPH, whereas nine out of ten survive if hit by a vehicle going only 20 MPH.

Brekford invests heavily in research and development to deliver advanced traffic safety enforcement solutions and reliable service to its customers. Brekford's range of technologies include its P2S Speed Enforcement System, Safety Zone SpeedAlert Radar Signs, BRAVA Red Light Enforcement System, and back office iP360 Violation Processing and Evidence Management Suite. We develop each solution to yield better results through innovative designs and manufacturing in the U.S., high quality engineering and components, flexible and easy-to-use tools, and proven chain of custody.

About Brekford Corp.

Brekford Corp. provides state-of-the art public safety technology and automated traffic enforcement solutions to municipalities, the U.S. military, various federal entities and other public safety agencies throughout the United States. Its services include automated speed and red light camera enforcement programs, parking enforcement solutions and an end-to-end suite of technology and equipment for public safety vehicle upfitting. Brekford's combination of upfitting services, cutting-edge technology, and automated traffic enforcement services offers a unique 360-degree solution for law enforcement agencies and municipalities.

The Company is headquartered in Hanover, Maryland, and its common stock is traded on the OTC Markets under the symbol "BFDI." Additional information on Brekford can be accessed online at www.brekford.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of that term in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as "anticipate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "target," "aim," "should," and words and terms of similar substance and any financial projections used in connection with any discussion of future plans, strategies, objectives, actions, or events identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among others, those concerning our expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. These statements are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us and reflect our current views concerning future events. As such, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among many others: the risk that any projections, including earnings, revenues, expenses, synergies, margins or any other financial items that form the basis for management's plans and assumptions are not realized; a reduction in industry profit margin; requirements or changes affecting the business in which we are engaged; our ability to successfully implement new strategies; operating hazards; competition and the loss of key personnel; changing interpretations of generally accepted accounting principles; continued compliance with government regulations; changing legislation and regulatory environments; and the general volatility of the market prices of our securities and general economic conditions. Readers are referred to the documents filed by Brekford Corp. with the SEC, specifically the Company's most recent reports filed on Form 10-K and Forms 10-Q, which further identify important risks, trends and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release. Brekford Corp. expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Company contact:



C. B. Brechin

CEO

(443) 557-0200

investors@brekford.com




BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Zoom Telephonics, Inc. ("Zoom") (OTCQB: ZMTP), a leading producer of cable modems and other communications products, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 ("Q2 2016").

Zoom reported net sales of $3.98 million for Q2 2016, up 53.4% from $2.59 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 ("Q2 2015") and up 46.1% from $2.72 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 ("Q1 2016"). The sequential rise in sales from Q1 2016 to Q2 2016 was primarily due to increased sales for three Motorola brand products introduced by Zoom's MTRLC subsidiary in Q1 2016.

Gross profit was 30.2% of net sales in Q2 2016, down from 32.9% in Q2 2015 and 30.7% in Q1 2016. The primary reason for the decline was a drop in some retail cable modem prices as well as the higher cost of goods associated with Motorola brand products.

Operating expenses were $2.17 million or 54.5% of net sales in Q2 2016 compared to $0.93 million or 35.9% of net sales in Q2 2015 and $1.56 million or 57.4% of net sales in Q1 2016. Q2 2016 operating expenses increased over Q2 2015 operating expenses primarily due to Motorola brand royalty payments which began in 2016, increases in personnel related to Motorola brand cable modems, increases in marketing and advertising costs to support Motorola brand products, and increased research and development expenses for certification of new Motorola products. Q2 2016 operating expenses increased over Q1 2016 operating expenses primarily due to increased Motorola brand royalty payments, increased advertising and promotion costs for Motorola brand products, and increased FCC and safety compliance costs for Zoom's new Motorola cable modem products.

Zoom reported a net loss of $972 thousand or $0.07 per share for Q2 2016, compared to a net loss of $106 thousand or $0.01 per share for Q2 2015 and a net loss of $728 thousand or $0.05 per share for Q1 2016.

Zoom's cash balance on June 30, 2016 was $96 thousand. Zoom had $606 thousand outstanding in bank debt on a line of credit that was recently increased to $2.5 million. Zoom had working capital of $3.0 million and a current ratio of 1.8 on June 30, 2016.

"In Q2 2016 we continued a significant ramp in sales due to our Motorola brand cable modems," said Frank Manning, Zoom's President and CEO. "We are now shipping four major Motorola brand cable modem products, and these are being well received in the market. By the end of July 2016 we will have significantly more shelf space than we did at the end of June 2016. We will continue to push for higher revenues by increasing shelf space of our existing products, new product introductions, and significant advertising."

Zoom has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, July 28 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may access the conference call by dialing (866) 706-2128 if you are in the USA, and international callers may dial (706) 643-5255. The conference ID is 56338946. Shortly after the conference call a recording of the call will be available on Zoom's website at www.zoomtel.com/investor.

About Zoom Telephonics

Founded in 1977 in Boston, Zoom Telephonics, Inc. designs, produces, markets, and supports modems and other communication products under the Motorola, Zoom, and Hayes brands. For more information about Zoom and its products, please see www.zoomtel.com

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. and are used under license.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking information relating to Zoom's plans, expectations, and intentions. Actual results may be materially different from expectations as a result of known and unknown risks, including: the potential need for additional funding which Zoom may be unable to obtain; declining demand for certain of Zoom's products; delays, unanticipated costs, interruptions or other uncertainties associated with Zoom's production and shipping; Zoom's reliance on several key outsourcing partners; uncertainty of key customers' plans and orders; risks relating to product certifications; Zoom's dependence on key employees; uncertainty of new product development, including budget overruns, project delays, and the risk that newly introduced products may contain undetected errors or defects or otherwise not perform as anticipated; costs and senior management distractions due to patent-related matters; and other risks set forth in Zoom's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Zoom cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Zoom expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Zoom's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstance on which any such statement is based.

ZOOM TELEPHONICS, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets In thousands (Unaudited) 6/30/16 12/31/15 --------- --------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash $ 96 $ 1,847 Accounts receivable, net 2,003 1,079 Inventories, net 3,791 2,785 Prepaid expenses and other 963 381 --------- --------- Total current assets 6,853 6,092 Property and equipment, net 185 205 Other assets 570 573 --------- --------- Total assets $ 7,608 $ 6,870 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY --------- --------- Current liabilities: Bank debt $ 606 $ -- Accounts payable 2,391 1,423 Accrued expenses 902 293 --------- --------- Total current liabilities 3,899 1,716 --------- --------- Total liabilities 3,899 1,716 --------- --------- Stockholders' equity: Common stock and additional paid-in capital 38,356 38,100 Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (34,647) (32,946) --------- --------- Total stockholders' equity 3,709 5,154 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 7,608 $ 6,870 ========= ========= ZOOM TELEPHONICS, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations In thousands, except for per share data (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 6/30/16 6/30/15 6/30/16 6/30/15 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net sales $ 3,977 $ 2,592 $ 6,698 $ 5,652 Cost of goods sold 2,776 1,740 4,663 3,843 --------- --------- --------- --------- Gross profit 1,201 852 2,035 1,809 Operating expenses: Selling 1,300 384 2,046 793 General and administrative 413 254 882 503 Research and development 455 293 802 564 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total operating expenses 2,168 931 3,730 1,860 Operating profit (loss) (967) (79) (1,695) (51) Other income (expense), net (4) (23) (4) (46) --------- --------- --------- --------- Income (loss) before income taxes (971) (102) (1,699) (97) Income tax expense (benefit) 1 4 1 4 Net income (loss) $ (972) $ (106) $ (1,700) $ (101) ========= ========= ========= ========= Earnings (loss) per share: Basic Earnings (loss) per share $ (0.07) $ (0.01) $ (0.12) $ (0.01) Diluted Earnings (loss) per share $ (0.07) $ (0.01) $ (0.12) $ (0.01) ========= ========= ========= ========= Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic 13,722 7,997 13,661 7,991 Diluted 13,722 7,997 13,661 7,991 ========= ========= ========= =========

For additional information, please contact

Investor Relations

Zoom Telephonics Inc.

99 High Street

Boston, MA 02110

(617) 753-0897

investor@zoomtel.com

www.zoomtel.com/investor




Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2016) - The Securities and Exchange Commission will hold a meeting of the Equity Market Structure Advisory Committee on August 2, beginning at 9:30 a.m. EDT. The Commission established the advisory committee to provide a formal mechanism through which the Commission can receive advice and recommendations on equity market structure issues.

The meeting will focus on recommendations related to market quality and customer issues, as well as updates from the subcommittees. The recommendations are available on the SEC's website.

The meeting will be held at the SEC's headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., and is open to the public. It also will be webcast live on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, and will be archived on the website for later viewing.

Members of the public who wish to provide their views on the matters to be considered by the advisory committee may submit comments electronically or on paper. Please submit comments using one method only. Information that is submitted will become part of the public record of the meeting.

Electronic submissions:

Use the SEC's Internet submission form or send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov

Paper submissions:

Send paper submissions in triplicate to Brent Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number 265-29, and the file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used.

###

Agenda

9:30 a.m. Welcoming Remarks

SEC Chair Mary Jo White, Commissioners, and Division of Trading and Markets Associate Director David Shillman

10:00 a.m. Market Quality Subcommittee Recommendations to the Committee

Recommendations Relating to Market Quality

10:10 a.m. Consideration and Discussion of Recommendations Relating to Market Quality

James Angel, Associate Professor, Georgetown University McDonough School of Business

Stacey Cunningham, Chief Operating Officer, NYSE Group

Venu Palaparthi, Senior V.P. - Compliance, Regulatory, and Government Affairs, Virtu Financial

John Zecca, Senior V.P. - MarketWatch, NASDAQ

11:30 a.m. Lunch

12:30 p.m. Customer Issues Subcommittee Recommendations to the Committee

Recommendations Relating to Customer Issues

12:40 p.m. Consideration and Discussion of Recommendations Relating to Customer Issues

Bill Alpert, Senior Editor, Barron's

Frank Hatheway, Senior V.P. & Chief Economist, NASDAQ

Chris Nagy, Director, Healthy Markets Association

2:00 p.m. Break

2:15 p.m. Regulation NMS Subcommittee Status Report to the Committee

2:45 p.m.Trading Venues Regulation Subcommittee Status Report to the Committee

3:15 p.m.Discussion of Next Steps/ Adjournment
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Anconia Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: ARA) ("Anconia") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Agreement") with three individuals (the "Owners") whereby Anconia will have the option to acquire up to a 100% interest in certain claims in the Sault Ste. Marie area (the "Property").

Under the terms of the Agreement Anconia can acquire a 100% interest (the "Option") upon: (i) making cash payments of $210,000, and (ii) issuing 1,200,000 common shares of Anconia to the Owners over the next three years. The Owners retain a 3% net smelter returns royalty on the Property, of which Anconia is entitled to purchase 1.5% at any time, for $1,500,000. In the event that Anconia files a technical report on or prior to the issuance of a feasibility study in respect of the Property, which delineates at least 1,500,000 ounces of gold in the "measured" category, pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, the Owners shall be entitled to a bonus payment of $1,000,000 in cash or common shares of Anconia. The form of payment of any bonus, as between cash or shares shall be at Anconia's option.

Mr. Jason Brewster, President and C.E.O. of Anconia commented, "This is a very exciting group of claims that Anconia has taken an option on. The claims, which are road accessible, cover a large land position in an under explored portion of the Batchawana Greenstone Belt and already have 4 high priority targets. Three of the targets are in banded iron formation with anomalous gold, and the fourth is a known base metal showing where 5.3% Zn was drilled over a length of 15.7m in 1990. The Sault claims fit well with the properties already in Anconia's portfolio, and we are looking forward to beginning exploration in the near future."

The Agreement is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About the Property

The Property consists of 22 staked claims consisting of 314 claim units for a total land package of approximately 60 square kilometres. The Property is located approximately 65km north of the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in the Batchawana Greenstone Belt. The Property is accessible by road on a combination of paved highway and gravel logging roads which run right through the middle of the claim block.

A preliminary review of Ontario Assessment records and other public records has indicated that there has been very little exploration carried out on this section of the Batchawana Greenstone Belt, which hosts the past producing Tribag Mine (approximately 40km west of the Sault claims). From the data which is publicly available from the Government of Ontario archives, Anconia notes that there is a base metal showing on the Property with the following characteristics:

-- 18 grab samples taken from trenches excavated on surface in 1982 returned an average of 4.9% Zn. -- Follow up surface grab sampling from the trenches in 1989 returned; 9.68% Zn, 7.50% Zn, 10.23% Zn, 1.43% Zn, and 7.05%Zn. -- Public records indicate that drilling completed by Noranda below the above noted trenches in 1990 returned an intersection of 15.7m containing 5.3% Zn, and 0.015% Cu in one drillhole. The depth of this intersection is not known, however the total length of the drillhole in known to be 177.93m. Another drillhole, which was drilled to a total depth of 149.86m had a 12.58m intersection averaging 0.19% Zn and 0.022% Cu.

All the above information is taken from the Province of Ontario Mineral Deposit Inventory, record # "MDI41O04SW00027".

In addition to the above showing, an airborne magnetic and electromagnetic geophysical survey completed by the Province of Ontario in 1990 (ONTARIO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 1990, Airborne electromagnetic and total intensity magnetic survey, Batchawana area; Ontario Geological Survey. Map 81451 scale 1:20000), indicates potential iron formation horizons cross-cut by regional scale structural features (the Chippewa Fault and the Goulais River Fault), which have been inspected by the Owners, and verified as Banded Iron Formations, which were then sampled and found to be anomalous with gold, samples returned grades from 0.01 g/t Au to 1.5 g/t Au.

Mr. Brian H Newton P.Geo of Minroc Management Services Inc. and a "qualified person" pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this press release on behalf of Anconia.

About Anconia

Anconia is a base and precious metals exploration and development company, which is focused on providing shareholder value through the advancement of its properties in its portfolio. Anconia is undertaking comprehensive exploration programs to determine the potential of its current projects.

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.

Contacts:

Anconia Resources Corp.

Jason Brewster

President and CEO

(416) 815-9777




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Goldeye Explorations Limited (TSX VENUTRE: GGY) ("Goldeye" or the "Company") reports that Sandy Lake Gold Inc. ("Sandy Lake Gold") has purported to invoke the force majeure provisions of the option agreement between Goldeye and GPM Metals Inc. ("GPM") concerning the Weebigee Project (the "Option Agreement") as announced in their press release issued on July 27, 2016. Sandy Lake Gold previously announced on July 21, 2016 that it had acquired GPM's rights under the Option Agreement.

While Goldeye fully supports on-going engagement and meaningful discussion and consultation with local First Nations, it does not accept the position taken by Sandy Lake Gold that the Option Agreement's force majeure clause has been triggered.

Goldeye is disappointed that Sandy Lake Gold has added another issue to the ongoing dispute between the companies. The Company will continue to seek resolution of all items in dispute pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Robin Luke Webster, President and Chief Executive Officer

About Goldeye Explorations Limited

Goldeye Explorations is a gold-focused junior exploration company engaged in the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties in Ontario, Canada. Goldeye's flagship Weebigee Project is located near Sandy Lake in Northwestern Ontario. The company has additional properties at Gold Rock near Dryden and Shining Tree in Northeastern Ontario.

For additional information about Goldeye, please visit Goldeye's website at www.goldeye.ca

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "propose", "project", "outlook", "foresee" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors. Although Goldeye believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in Goldeye's securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because Goldeye can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release Goldeye assume no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by 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 and/or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Goldeye Explorations Limited

Robin Luke Webster

President and Chief Executive Officer

1.416.900.0918

info@goldeye.ca

www.goldeye.ca




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Canadian Orebodies Inc. (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement (the "Financing") to raise up to $3,000,000 through the sale of units of securities of the Company.

The Offering will be comprised of units ("Units") priced at $0.06 per Unit with each Unit consisting of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each such whole Common Share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable into one Common Share for a period of 18 months from closing at an exercise price of $0.14 per share beginning on the date of the closing of the Offering. The expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated, at the option of the Company, if the closing price of the Common Shares on any stock exchange exceeds $0.20 for a period of twenty consecutive trading days commencing on the date that is four months and one day after the closing of the Offering by giving notice to the holders thereof, in which case the Warrants will expire on the thirtieth day after the date on which such notice is given by the Company.

The Company will pay cash finders' fees to eligible finders for an aggregate amount of 6% of the gross proceeds and grant non-transferable warrants (each, a "Finders Warrant") to purchase an aggregate of up to 6% of the Units of the Company placed by each eligible finder. Each Finders Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance at a price of $0.06 per Common Share.

The proceeds of the Financing will be used for expenditures relating to the exploration and advancement of the Company's Hemlo property and for general corporate purposes.

Contacts:

Canadian Orebodies Inc.

Gordon McKinnon

President & CEO

(416) 644-1747

gmckinnon@canadianorebodies.com

www.canadianorebodies.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/28/16 -- Argonaut Gold Inc. (TSX: AR) (the "Company", "Argonaut Gold" or "Argonaut") announces that the federal court of appeals has issued a favourable ruling regarding its Federal lawsuit arising from the denial of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Manifiesto de Impacto or MIA) for its San Antonio project in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

On August 2, 2012, the Company was denied its Environmental Impact Assessment for its San Antonio project due in part to a local zoning issue. The Company filed a Federal lawsuit stating that the local zoning plan was not validly constituted and therefore should not have been an obstacle to the permitting of the project.

The Company has received a copy of the federal appeals court ruling in its finding that the current Urban Development Plan for the Municipality of La Paz ("zoning plan") was not properly established and therefore should not have been used as a criteria in the review of the MIA for the San Antonio project. Furthermore, the ruling instructed the Mexican Environmental Authority (SEMARNAT) to annul the denial of the MIA and issue a new decision without taking into consideration the zoning plan within three business days of notification of the ruling. The Company continues to review the full text of this ruling with its advisors and consider the next steps that will be undertaken by both the Company and SEMARNAT. The Company cautions that there is no assurance that permits will be issued imminently and that permitting continues to be subject to regulatory processes of uncertain duration.

Pete Dougherty, President & CEO stated: "We are pleased with the outcome of the ruling, which confirms our belief that the local zoning plan should not have impeded the permitting of the San Antonio project. This ruling does not mean that our permits are granted but does provide the basis of understanding for all involved in the permitting process. We will continue to engage and work closely with all stakeholders to advance the San Antonio project. We believe that San Antonio provides an opportunity for a model mine with the use of clean technologies that also provides near and long-term benefits to the region."

About Argonaut Gold

Argonaut Gold is a Canadian gold company engaged in exploration, mine development and production activities. Its primary assets are the production stage El Castillo mine in Durango, Mexico, and La Colorada mine in Sonora, Mexico. Advanced exploration stage projects include the San Antonio project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, the Magino project in Ontario, Canada and the San Agustin project in Durango, Mexico. The Company also has several exploration stage projects, all of which are located in North America.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Argonaut Gold Inc. ("Argonaut" or "Argonaut Gold"). Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to estimation of mineral resources at mineral projects of Argonaut; the realization of mineral reserve and resource estimates; the receipt of necessary permits; the timing and amount of estimated future production; economics of production; estimated production and mine life of the various mineral projects of Argonaut; the future price of gold and silver; synergies and financial impact of completed acquisitions; the benefits of the development potential of the properties of Argonaut; success of exploration activities and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Argonaut, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Argonaut and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include variations in metal grades, permitting delays, changes in market conditions, variations in recovery rates, risks relating to international operations, fluctuating metal prices and currency exchange rates, changes in project parameters, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Argonaut's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent Management Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Argonaut cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Argonaut believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Argonaut undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws.

Although Argonaut 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 anticipated, estimated or intended. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.

Contacts:

Argonaut Gold Inc.

Dan Symons

Vice President, Investor Relations

Phone: 416-915-3107

Email: dan.symons@argonautgold.com




LIVE: Yerevan Events: Police Action during Peaceful Assemblies (video)

July 28, 2016, Yerevan, Armenia: The Institute for War & Peace Reporting(IWPR), in cooperation with the Public Journalism Club (PJC) and the Media Center , is hosting a discussion, entitled Yerevan Events: Police Action during Peaceful Assemblies. The discussion will take place at 12:00 on Thursday, July 28, at the Media Center, 30 Saryan Street (2nd floor), Yerevan The Armenian people have witnessed increasingly aggressive and unlawful behavior of police officers since 2003-2004, according to a statement by the Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center (TIAC) in Armenia from July 22. During this time, hundreds of thousands of citizens have been deprived of their right to peaceful assembly and many hundreds were illegally detained and suffered offences, the statement said. Recently, when an armed group seized a police station in Yerevan on July 17, law enforcement officials arrested around 150 people who had either come to the area blocked off by police or who had gathered in Liberty Square in the city centre. In July 17-22, the office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia received about 114 emergency calls relating to police detention of civilians and incidents where peaceful assembly was obstructed. During the first days of the standoff, the ombudsmans office logged around 100 detainees in police stations in Yerevan and in the regions of Shirak, Lori and Armavir. Since July 27, the police have blocked the area adjacent to the occupied police station on Khorenatsi street and arrested a dozen of citizens in the area on the same night. IWPR has referred to these issues in its latest articles, which can be found here:https://iwpr.net/global/ armenia. We intend to give the issue wide publicity by organizing a round table discussion and shedding light on the reason of the heavy-handed police action towards peaceful demonstrators. The speakers of the discussion event are: - Ara Ghazaryan, lawyer, cofounder of the Rule of Law NGO - Artur Sakunts, Chairman of Helsinki Citizens' Assembly-Vanadzor - Hranush Kharatyan, Ethnographer
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - July 28, 2016) - US Special Envoy for Climate Change Dr. Jonathan Pershing traveled to Rabat, Morocco Wednesday and Thursday to discuss plans for the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 22), which will be held in Marrakesh this November. Meetings and roundtable discussions with Moroccan officials and members of the COP 22 commission and steering committee, who are responsible for planning and hosting the event, prioritized the "rapid entry-into-force of the Paris Agreement, implementation of countries' Nationally Determined Contributions, mobilizing private sector finance for low-carbon climate resilient solutions and clean energy, and climate adaptation and resilience," according to a State Department release.

In statements to the press following meetings with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Salaheddine Mezouar, Moroccan Minister of Agriculture and Marine Fisheries Aziz Akhannouch, and other dignitaries, Mr. Pershing praised the "effective" partnership between the two countries in planning the November conference, and stated, "Morocco is a world leader in clean energy and many countries are looking to be inspired, especially in the implementation of renewable energy projects on a large scale, like the NOOR project."

Noor 1, the first phase of what will become the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world, was inaugurated in Morocco earlier this year, and is just one of many environmental initiatives helping Morocco reach its goal of generating 42% of the country's energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 and 52% by 2030. In 2016, the Climate Change Performance Index ranked Morocco alongside Denmark, Sweden, and Belgium in the top ten most climate-conscious countries and number one in the newly industrialized world based on criteria including CO2 emissions, renewable energy development, efficiency, and climate policy.

King Mohammed VI has been an outspoken advocate for climate change action, noting in a speech at COP 21 in Paris last November, "The climate change predicament is the ultimate injustice suffered by the most vulnerable." "The consequences of climate change are affecting developing nations as much as -- if not more than -- developed countries, especially the least advanced African and Latin American States and small island States."

The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.

CONTACT:

Jordana Merran

202.470.2049

jmerran@moroccanamericancenter.com
NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - Pfizer Inc. (PFE) announced top-line results from Oral Clinical Trials for tofAcitinib in ulceratiVE colitis Sustain, the third Phase 3 study of XELJANZ (tofacitinib citrate) being investigated in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. The company said top-line results from the OCTAVE Sustain study showed that the proportion of patients in remission at week 52, the primary efficacy endpoint, was significantly greater in both the tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID groups compared to placebo. The OCTAVE global clinical development program includes three Phase 3 studies, OCTAVE Induction 1, OCTAVE Induction 2, and OCTAVE Sustain, as well as a long-term extension trial, OCTAVE Open. Pfizer expects these four studies will form the submission package to regulatory authorities for a potential ulcerative colitis indication. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Milan, Italy-based tech company Dominion Hosting Holding SpA (DHH.MI | WDHH21.MI) (ISIN shares IT0005203622 | ISIN warrants IT0005203689) has been admitted to join the Italian Stock Exchange, AIM Italia/MAC market.

The company started negotiating its shares on July 27, 2016. After the placement, DHH total number of shares is 1.420.000, while the float is 29.58% (420.000 shares). DHH market cap will be 14.2m.

The capital raised through the IPO process  supported by Advance SIM, Eunomia Studio di Avvocati, BDO Italia, EnVent Capital Markets, CFO SIM  will allow the company to accelerate expansion of its presence in other countries and shift its focus from pure web hosting services towards software as a service products.

Established on July 2015 by Giandomenico Sica, President, Dominion Hosting Holding aims to create the Internet platform of the Emerging Markets of Europe. In particular, DHH invests in the best hosting providers localized in the emerging digital economies of the Euro-Mediterranean area delivering to them strategic thinking, technology solutions and marketing know-how to improve their business and maximize their market impact.

It currently has portfolio companies in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, which employs 45 people, have 90.000 clients and 200.000 registered domains.

Shareholders in the company include:

 Seeweb S.r.l. (25,352%),

 Giandomenico Sica (14,085%),

 Martin Romih, Matija Jekovec, Matjaz Jazbec, and Uros Cimzar (7,630% each), and

 Tomaz Kostial (0,465%)

FinSMEs

28/07/2016
Peak Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Provo, Utah, is to raise its second fund.

The amount sought for the new vehicle  Peak Ventures Fund II, L.P.  was not defined, according to a regulatory form filed with the SEC. The doc lists Jeff Burningham, Jamie Dunn, Jeff Danley and Sid Krommenhoek as people related to the offering. The firms team also includes principals Sam Bernards and John Mayfield.

Peak Ventures backs entrepreneurs going after big markets with exceptional technologies leading out investments as the first institutional capital in, typically investing $250K-$1M as well as bringing operational expertise to them. Roughly 50% of backed businesses are located in Utah, 25% outside of Utah but in the Mountain West, and 25% are outside of the Mountain West.

The portfolio currently includes 24 companies.

FinSMEs

28/07/2016
The NYU Tandon School of Engineering and ff Venture Capital (ffVC), a New York City-based early-stage technology venture capital firm, have set up a New York City-based program dedicated to launching and supporting artificial intelligence (AI) startups.

The four-month program, called NYU/ffVC AI NexusLab, will begin recruiting worldwide for five early-stage startups in leading sectors of the New York City economy, including software, data and security, health care, finance, and media and publishing.

The program will begin in November 2016.

ffVC plans to invest $100k into each company in exchange for a fixed percentage of equity. The five startups will be mentored toward the goal of viability for each one, get access to university computing assets, including three supercomputers and ultra-speed broadband connection at the schools Data Future Lab, in lower Manhattan, as well as to dedicated AI experts from the university.

Two full-time academic experts will be chosen to address the specific technical needs of the cohort. In addition, each startup will be assigned a student fellow with expertise to fit the companys needs, from marketing to AI and will get access to the same $400k worth of support services provided to NYU Tandons incubator entrepreneurs. These include legal and intellectual-property consulting by Lowenstein Sandler, Google cloud storage, and Amazon Web Services, among others. Each startup will get access to the same acceleration team services as all ffVC companies. In addition to access to senior ffVC mentors, each company will receive support across all aspects of company-building, which will remain accessible beyond the end of the program.

For more information or to apply for the first cohort, visit https://www.f6s.com/ainexuslab.

FinSMEs

28/07/2016
Mumbai: With Daniel Craig's return to James Bond franchise looking uncertain, actress Caterina Murino feels Tom Hiddleston would be the best from the list of actors running for the job.

Names of several actors like Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Hiddleston among others have been going around to play the British spy on screen if Craig steps down.

Caterina, who appeared in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale as Solange Dimitrios, feels Hiddleston could be perfect for the role.

"For me, it is Tom Hiddleston. I love him. I have seen so many of his performances and even physically (he is perfect). Yesterday I read a list of many other actors who can be bond too but for me it is only Tom," Caterina told PTI.

"But apparently Sam Mendes in an interview said there is no one who will feature as bond from the list," she added.

Craig had earlier said that he would rather "slash" his wrists than play Bond again. The Italian actress says she understands why the 48-year-old actor may not be willing to go back to the character.

"The role requires a lot of hardwork. I think that's why in an interview he said that he would rather slash his wrist. The role is very intense. To go back and do it, is tough. I did a two-film series called 'XIII: The Conspiracy'.

"I loved the role and it became such a huge success that the French and the Canadian decided to the series. I went back three years later to do the same role, and I didn't know what more can you add to the same role. So this could be one of Daniel's huge stress, to go back and do the role again," she said.

The 38-year-old Voice from the Stone actress also does not rule out the chances of a female James Bond in the future.

When asked if that could be a possibility, she said since Barabara Broccoli, producer of the Bond films starring Pierce Brosnan and Craig, was "so ahead of times", it can happen.

"You know, it can be. Barbara in the years has been so advance in her approach, she has really been ahead of times even when it comes to having Bond girls, so why not."

Caterina, meanwhile, is all set for her Bollywood debut in Fever.

The suspense-thriller, starring Rajeev Khandelwal and Gauhar Khan, has been directed by Rajeev Jhaveri.
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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

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The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh

USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens

ANCA Issues National Call to Action to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Aliyevs Aggression
Patna: Five more people died today in flooding in Bihar, taking the death toll to 22, while 17.85 lakh have been hit in 10 districts as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday took an aerial survey of the five flood-hit areas.

Kumar made the survey of flood affected areas of Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Kishanganj and Araria districts.

He held a review meeting with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Purnea division to take stock of pace of relief and rehabilitation work in the inundated areas.

Flooding in Bihar is mainly due to heavy rainfall in Nepal's catchment areas as a result of which water from the swollen rivers are discharged towards the neighbouring areas in Bihar.

The Disaster Management Department had put the death toll at 17 on Friday. Five more deaths were reported today taking the toll to 22, it said.

The department officials said 17.85 lakh people residing in 1,630 villages in 49 flood-affected blocks of 10 districts have been rendered homeless.

The 10 districts which are affected by the flood are Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Bahgalpur, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul and Gopalganj.

Around one lakh hectares of land have been affected by the floods caused due to rise in the water levels of Mahananda, Bakhra, Kankai, Parmar and Kosi rivers of the state.

Around 3.88 lakh people have been displaced while 1.36 lakh people have taken shelter in the 357 relief camps run by the government.

Crops, spread over 50,000 hectares of land, valued at Rs 2.04 crore have been damaged by the flood.

Meanwhile, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) said its nine teams have been pressed into service to rescue people in most sensitive flood areas.

NDRF teams are engaged in the most flood-affected Araria, Purnea and Kishanganj districts to carry out rescue work. An NDRF team has been sent to West Champaran and Gopalganj districts.

Besides, SDRF teams have also been deployed in the flood affected districts especially in the three districts of Araria, Purnea and Kishanganj.

15,000 packets of dry food have been sent to Purnea from Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Saharsa, Madhepura for distribution among the flood affected people.

The dry food packet includes - 500 gm of sattu, 2 kg of chura (bitten rice), 250 gm sugar, small salt packet, candle, match, box, a torch, powder milk among others.
Three kinds of forces that are inimical to Indias stability have gathered momentum since 2008. They are generally viewed independent of each other, but each is a potent threat to stability. The first of these is China, and the second Pakistan. The third is the eruption of a mass of angry and aggressive youth across the Kashmir Valley.

Let us take a broad view of how each of these three has gathered strength since 2008. The resentment of Kashmiri youth exploded during that summer. The transfer of land to the Sri Amarnath Shrine Board was only the spark that lit the piled up tinder.

If one examines that tinder, several causes become apparent. One was continued militarisation and humiliation of citizens after the militancy that began in 1988 had all but ended. The second cause was corruption, extortion and violation by the police. The third: Political insensitivity  lack of concern about peoples every day problems.

Youth anger exploded again in the summer of 2010. This time, Kashmiris were angry over a series of wanton killings by security forces. Perhaps the most intense anger was over the murder of three young men at an Army camp at Machil. The young men had gone there looking for work. They were killed, buried and declared to be 'foreign militants.' Lucrative rewards were claimed. Nine Army personnel were indicted. Punishment was awarded by a court martial in 2014.

Public anger in the Valley had subsided relatively soon in 2008, but RSS activists drummed up a counter-agitation in Jammu. They were looking for electoral rewards in the state Assembly elections later that year. They got those rewards  a large number of seats. (They had expected zero before those agitations.)

When agitators in the Udhampur, Jammu and Samba areas closed the national highway for a few days, fresh, hysterical anger erupted in the Kashmir Valley. That is when Pakistan subtly stepped in. By the time a 'Muzaffarabad Chalo' march took place on 11 August, 2008, Pakistan was pulling some of the strings.

In 2010, those strings were more obvious. Masarat Alam played the role of a local coordinator. Already, the first few militants of the new round of militancy had gone underground in 2009. Burhan Wani, who became an iconic hero for young Kashmiris over the past 14 months, joined in 2010. The new militancy has been building apace since then, although it was barely noticeable until 2013.

The uprising across the Valley since Wani was killed on 8 July has made it obvious that there are two aspects to the youth uprising  potentially complimentary aspects. One is armed militancy. The other is large, angry crowds armed only with stones. On a couple of occasions over the past couple of weeks, grenades and gunshots are said to have come from the middle of stone-pelting crowds.

Let us turn now to the second of the three threats to Indias stability. In 2008, Mumbai was attacked. It is a mistake to think that that was a one-off attack, like a fluke, unrelated to a larger gameplan. The 10 men who came to Mumbai were extraordinarily trained. Surely that sort of training module was not developed only for those 10.

Since that time, Pakistan has been preparing battlefield nuclear weapons. During this period, militant camps have apparently sprung up again all over the area to the west of the Line of Control from the Valley. Over the past few days, Lashkar chief Hafiz Sayeed has spoken of war against India.

The third potential threat has also shown signs of bellicosity since 2008. Towards the end of that year, China made it clear that it does not consider the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir to belong legitimately to India, and that it considers itself a stakeholder. It has periodically sent troops into parts of Ladakh and, for a while, stopped giving visas to citizens from this state on Indian passports.

Although these three threats may have nothing to do with each other, we must consider the dangers of two or all of them emerging simultaneously.
After initial reports of Chinese incursion into Indian territory reported by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, there is confusion whether it was an incursion or transgression. A report sent by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) would be studied before a conclusion could be made.

Rawat also later downplayed the incident when he told ANI that there is "nothing to be alarmed".

It was only in April this year that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told Parliament that there have been no instances of incursions by Chinese troops into Indian territory. He further informed Parliament that all instances of transgression along LAC (Line of Actual Control) are taken up with the Chinese.

Sources told Firstpost that Rawat might have over reacted before it could be established that the Chinese were inside Indian territory. If at all the Chinese committed transgression then it would be due to differences in reading of the Line of Actual Control positions. And such incidents are taken up with the Chinese through an established mechanism.

The fact is that the reported incursion by Rawat in Uttarakhand has taken place in what is called the middle sector of the disputed border with China. Unlike the highly controversial eastern sector (Arunachal Pradesh) and western sector where Aksai Chin was occupied by China and part of it handed over to Pakistan, the 350-km-border that Uttarakhand shares with China was the least controversial.

In fact, there was little dispute over it and in 2001 the Joint Working Group of the two countries on border settlement had exchanged maps of the middle sector.

It was assumed that with the exchange of maps of the middle sector this region would stay quiet.

However, China expert Jayadeva Ranade has cautioned the government against showing any complacency with the drop in reported incursions. He told Firstpost that "none of the sectors were sorted out though maps of the middle sector were exchanged. China has been trying to dominate and take over a number of places along the border and the grazing grounds in the Rimkhim ares is one such" "part of Chinas policy of causing tactical turbulence while keeping the strategic levels of relationship on a state of just about decent repair".

It was in 2015 that two new border points were opened following frequent disputes over incursion incidents.

Additional meeting points were opened at Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh, which was the site of a three-week-long stand-off incident in April 2013, and at Kibithu-Damai in Arunachal Pradesh in the east. The three other points are in Chushul/Spanggur in the western sector, Nathu La in Sikkim and Bum La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in the east.

Reports that another border point would be opened in the middle sector, however, did not materialise. Currently, the 3,380 km long India-China border is divided into western, middle and eastern sectors.

In 1980, India and China resumed negotiations over the disputed border. While India suggested a sector by sector approach to solve the issue, the Chinese put forward a package deal idea that was given up after India expressed reservations.

In 1982, the then Chinese supreme leader, Deng Xiaoping, had advanced an idea that the two countries agree to existing status-quo in eastern and western sectors. That meant that India would retain Arunachal Pradesh and give up parts of Ladakh, the Aksai Chin area, claimed by China. The Tawang monastery in Arunachal Pradesh was however claimed as a birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama.

So far 19 rounds of border talks between the two countries have taken place with little headway on eastern and western sectors.

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj recently spoke of an "out of the box" solution for the decades old dispute but experts are unsure of what it means.

In the meantime the push to build and strengthen the border infrastructure started at the initiative of the then prime minister Manmohan Singh in UPA 2 has gained steam under the Modi government.

Last month the Border Roads Organisation commissioned a 31-km stretch of the strategically important 75-km-long Ghatiabagar-Lipulekh motor road along the India-China boundary in Uttarakhand.

"The rest of the road from Garbadhar to Bundhi which is hard rocky in nature is being constructed by a private company and will be ready by 2018," said a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officer in Dharchula, reported PTI.

In recent weeks, 100 T-72 tanks were airlifted to Ladakh, a move criticised by China that warned of its impact on investments in the country.

Commissioning of a stretch of road just months after inauguration of three bridges is part of belated effort by India started under UPA government to strengthen Indias border infrastructure.

China, making use of the Tibetan plateau built state of the art infrastructure on its side of the disputed border while India ignored building roads and bridges on its side of what is a difficult terrain.

In May last year a Parliamentary committee noted with concern that "in case of war, the (Indian) Army cannot reach Tawang area in a day. While our neighbouring country can reach the border within two or three hours, our Army takes more than a day to reach there. This is a matter of great concern with regard to our defence preparedness," the parliamentary standing committee on defence said this week, expressing great "dismay.

The Times of India reported in May 2015 that "India's much-touted plans to build the infrastructure all along the LAC continue to flounder. Only 19 of the 73 "strategic" all-weather roads (which add up to 3,812km) identified for construction along the LAC for better troop mobility almost a decade ago, for instance, have been fully completed till now."

But, the government has focused attention now and some bureaucratic confusion has been sought to be addressed.

Until last year the Border Roads Organisation was controlled by two ministries, road transport and defence. Now BRO comes under the complete control of defence ministry.

Shortage of equipment and staff is also being addressed and the Central government has sought to put an end to BRO working on state government road projects that have nothing to do with the requirement of the Indian military.
Srinagar: Curfew was on Thursday lifted from across Kashmir, barring Anantnag town, following improvement in situation, a day after it was re-imposed in parts of the Valley to thwart a separatist march to Kulgam district.

"There is no curfew anywhere in the Valley except Anantnag town of south Kashmir," a police official said.

He said the restrictions on movement of people have been lifted in view of the improving situation.

"The situation throughout the Valley remained peaceful and under control yesterday. There was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the Valley," the official said.

On Wednesday, the authorities re-imposed curfew in entire Kulgam district and Anantnag town as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

Curfew had also been imposed in five police station areas of Srinagar city  Khanyar, Rainawari, Maharaj Gunj, Safa Kadal and Nowhatta  while restrictions were imposed on assembly of four or more persons in jurisdiction of Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations.

However, the official said, there were no restrictions in the city on Thursday.

The postpaid mobile telephony services have been restored across all networks in the Valley where 47 persons have died in violent clashes between protesters and security forces following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on 8 July.

The incoming facility on prepaid connections has also been restored, but the outgoing calls are barred on such numbers, the official said.

He said no decision yet has been taken on the resumption of mobile internet services in the Valley.

Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed for the 20th consecutive day on Thursday in view of the strike called by the separatist camp.

Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed due to the strike while public transport remained off roads. Attendance in government offices was very thin, the official said.

Two policemen were among those killed in the violence while 5,500 people, including over 3,000 security personnel, have been injured.
With just a day remaining for the world to observe International Tiger Day, forest officials are still struggling to trace Jai, the seven-year-old tiger of the Maharashtra's Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jai went missing 99 days back and officials are still clueless as to what led to the disappearance of this majestic beast who is named after the character portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan in the film Sholay.

Forest officials have denied any claims of the tiger falling prey to poachers, while The Indian Express quoted Maharashtra's Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar saying that a former sarpanch has in fact spotted the tiger near Pauni. He further dismissed claims of poaching, reiterating the point that Maharashtra has completely eliminated poaching through "strict monitoring and punishment."

Munishwar Katekhaye, the former 'sarpanch' who had spotted the tiger told DNA that he saw Jai while returning from a marriage reception. The incident occurred on 12 July around midnight in a forest area at Adhyal Range in Bhandara district. He described Jai as a "well-built tiger" with a radio collar. Wildlife activists, however, dismissed Mungantiwar's claims as the paw marks are yet to be verified.

The forest officials are confident of Jai's survival instincts as he known to feed on cattle. Their theories related to Jai's disappearance vary from searching new corridors to avoid confrontations with his own cubs to finding a new mate.

This is not the first time Jai had gone missing. In 2013, he travelled almost 100 kilometers to land up in Umred Karhandla from Nagzira Sanctuary in search of a mate.

But with the tiger missing for the last 99 days and the radio collar also not working, Jai's disappearing is becoming a cause of concern for the Maharashtra government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who wants to bring Maharshtra tourism on the global map had chalked out elaborate plans for tiger tourism like project selfie with tiger.
New Delhi: Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on Thursday directed the Delhi Police to focus on women safety measures and ensure that all steps are being taken to provide a safe environment to them (women) in the national capital.

Jung gave this direction to the senior Delhi Police officers in a fortnightly meeting held at Raj Niwas, which was also attended by Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar.

"The Lt Governor directed senior officers to focus on women safety and ensure all possible steps in this regard. He instructed to increase police presence in vulnerable areas, ensure preventive action, focus on community approach programme, and strongly deal with the criminals involved in crime against women," said Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat.

He also reiterated that senior supervisory officers should continuously monitor the efforts taken for women safety, said the officer.

Top Delhi Police officers including Special Commissioners of Police(Law and Order), Special Commissioner (Crime), Joint Commissioners of Police ranges were present in the meeting with Lt Governor.
Srinagar: A militant the army caught on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir is a Pakistani who has been involved in militancy for nearly two months, officials said on Wednesday.

The militant, caught on Tuesday during a gunfight in Kupwara district, had told police that he belongs to Lahore and his name is Bahadur Ali.

He said he crossed over to the Kashmir Valley two months back and had been operating under the nom de guerre Saifullah.

He also reportedly said that after crossing into India from Lepa Valley in Pakistani Kashmir, he had been receiving groups of militants from Pakistan.

"Some crucial disclosures made by the militant have not been made public because of their operational importance," a police source told IANS.

The Pakistani militant has been flown to Delhi after being taken on transit remand by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), police sources said.
It is a coincidence that the news of the Ramon Magsaysay Award to two Indians, Bezwada Wilson and TM Krishna, should come when the country is caught in the issue of exclusion  of cow worshipers pushing carcass skinners, Dalits, also of a stronger sense of majoritarianism than ever before. These awards are not decided overnight; there is a long process preceding it for it to have been an international response to the social schism sought to be enforced.

This happenstance certainly brings Indias boiling pot to international attention which ought to shame us. However, this is not to say that we hide our warts and wounds from the world, but to acknowledge the need to bridge the chasm. Simply because Dalits had been quiet compared to what is the case now does not mean their voices can be drowned by mere political and administrative action. But coincidences can be eerie, to the extent of being spine-chilling.

On the same day, 11 July, exactly two decades earlier, 21 people were killed in Bathani Tola in Bihar, and the courts, after 16 years, acquitted the suspects, recalled Manoj Mitta, a columnist. Only two days after the 20th anniversary the matter surfaced in the apex court, he pointed out. To me, it is clear the dead didnt die; they were killed, and there killers have to be somewhere. Not convicting them almost 20 years later does not add to the confidence among Dalits that they will get justice.

There is room to suspect administrative or political actions are less than honest. Otherwise the age-old discrimination would not have survived the seven decades of an Independent India which made unto itself a law: untouchability is a social crime. Wilson faced the trauma of discrimination and went on to build a campaign that caught the eye of the Magsaysay Awards jury. Krishna too has been lauded for fighting exclusion.

The jury saw in Wilson a "crusade(r), leading not only with a sense of moral outrage but also with remarkable skills in mass organising, and working within India's complex legal system." It is likely that the thrashing of Dalits in Mota Samadhiyala village in Gujarats Una taluka could well provide the trigger for coalitions of these underprivileged across geographies and bring the discriminators to heel. There are some green shoots visible already, but what shape it takes is hard to guess.

Because it was an incident stemming from the skinning of a cow, the Dalit community has, at least so far, allowed Saurashtra and northern Gujarat to stink. They have just refused to dispose them of, and no amount of persuasion seems to have worked yet. The Times of India report says how several dead cows are to be attended per day and not one has been. That stench is perhaps less than the stench of discrimination.

The Indian Express quoted a Mota Samadhiyala resident, Diosubhai Sarvaiya saying, If we are treated this way for cleaning their filth, we wont do it at all. Let them do it themselves and then they will know our worth. That attitude is why the carrion remain unskinned and remnants not disposed of in that part of the region. There is defiance in the language, and this comes from the younger lot. Some, if not most, who attempted suicide are poor labourers, indicating how deep the hurt is. It is hard for them to defy the job givers and yet, they tried.

It would be incorrect to make this an issue limited to Gujarat because detractors of Narendra Modi would find the Una events as good leverage for their politics. There hardly is a state where discrimination is not practised. One is isolating them from the mainstream, while the other is continuing to ensure inhuman, degrading tasks are carried out by them. Like scavenging, for instance. Eliminating the practice of cleaning dry latrines is one relief the community would look forward to.

However, at a recent meeting of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), surprising statistics were provided by states about the status of scavenging. Telangana reported 1,57,321 dry latrines from where someone has to pick up the excrement, and surprise of surprises, there was not a single manual scavenger in the state. Himachal, as The Hindu reported, had 854 but no manual scavengers. Karnataka: 24,468 such latrines with only 302 workers. MP: 39,362 of them with 36 safai karmacharis.

The owners and users of such toilets are surely not Gandhians in that they took care  there could be some rare exceptions  of their own latrines. They relate to the situation upto 31 December, 2015, as per the respective states. However, The Hindu reported that the Socio-Economic Caste census data had shown India still has 1,80,657 households that make a living from manual scavenging. Which means, at the cutting edge of governance, the machinery is in denial.

Nothing can better explain the situation than what was related by a Mehasana towns cattle sanctuary official: They had to use earth moving machinery to bury four buffaloes. Which means, a machine had to be engaged for doing what a Dalit did for Rs 250 despite the stigma that came with it. As if Dalits are not humans. Perhaps Una has triggered a confidence among the Dalits that they can try and fight instead of taking discimination lying down.
When two Muslim women were publicly beaten at Mandsaur railway station in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday morning, it didnt shock many within the state. It was not until BSP chief Mayawati raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that local media showed an interest in the story.

The reason is that self-proclaimed cow vigilante groups have been actively perpetrating crimes in the name of cow protection in the state for several years, hence such attacks are no longer unusual, particularly, in western MP. Thrashing, humiliating and torturing people for carrying, consuming or transporting meat has been going in the state for long.

One of the most notorious groups is led by Surendra Singh Rajpurohit alias Tiger, whose Gau Raksha Commando Force, is known for such attacks. Rajpurohit, who made Harda district his base nearly five years ago, started with targeting cattle transporters. Wearing military fatigues, carrying arms and close to policemen, he became a law unto himself in the region. He thrashed people publicly, made them lie prostrate and would get take a picture of himself with his foot on the heads of the people who would carry meat. The photographs of his exploits were posted on Facebook.

Rajpurohits activities had grown to such an extent that he was feared in Khandwa-Harda region. It took a communal riot in Chhipawad in Khirkia (Harda) in 2013 for reluctant authorities to book him.

Activist Anurag Modi had approached High Court, with evidence including photographs showing Rajpurohits presence when houses were set afire and him allegedly instigating the rioters. Still, it took long before Rajpurohit could be arrested.

However, again, he was out on bail. For some time, he was lying low but within a year, Rajpurohit was active with 'gau raksha' activities again. In January this year, an elderly Muslim couple was beaten in train for carrying meat (it was not beef). When the gau rakshaks involved in the attack were booked, Rajpurohit allegedly threatened the Superintendent of Police.

An audio recording of the conversation went viral but there was no action. In fact, these groups have grown in strength due to the inaction of authorities. They seem to have become as much part of the society as other right-wing groups which in the past used to target couples and showrooms on Valentines Day, and were seen in urban areas as just a bit of nuisance, and were dealt with kid gloves by law-enforcers.

Rajpurohit is not alone. In other parts of the state too, cow vigilantes have no fear of the law. For instance, in Rahatgarh town in Sagar sometime ago another cow vigilante had posted a photograph of him beating a man, holding the latter by his hair and putting his foot on the persons shoulder.

After an uproar, the 'cow vigilante' had deleted the photographs from his Facebook page. The police insist that they will take action if there is a complaint.

"Extortion with transporters carrying cattle or people carrying meat has increased in the last five years. It is of no use to complain against them, as there is hardly any action," says a meat transporter based in Bhopal.

As the administration doesnt pay attention to their activities, they acquire clout and enter other businesses and become local dons who settle disputes also," he adds.

Such is the terror of these groups that victims are more than happy if they are not booked, as the cow vigilantes generally share a good rapport with police and have political backing too.
As awaited, the apex body of Sunni-Sufi Muslims in India, All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB) has come to the fore, after a prolonged pause, calling for action against Zakir Naik, the controversial Salafist-Islamist preacher for his sermons that peddled hatred and religious extremism.

In an unequivocal, clear and categorical word, the AIUMB raised its concern: What we have seen so far are media reports about Naik's activities. We want the government to act against Naik who propagates extremist views through different platforms," as reported in The Times of India. Since a nationwide outcry has been spent on Zakir Naik, the AIUMB seems distressed at the maximum noise and minimum action, which is the dilemma of every similar case dismissed as media trial or a ploy of polarisation or political turmoil.

After the two staff members of Naiks organization, Arshid Qureishi and Rizwan Khan, have been allegedly linked with Islamic State and put into police custody, AIUMB is one of the few Islamic organisations in the country that demand a blackout ban on Naik's institute Islamic Research Foundation. On the contrary, a few sections of the countrys Muslims are still living in denial of all the accusations labelled against the controversial Islamic preacher, including the candid exposition of his staged conversions of non-Muslims into Islam. Barring the AIUMB, no organised effort is seen in the country to delink the Muslim community and its peaceful faith tradition from people like Qureshi who, along with some others, had convinced the neo-Muslims to become soldiers of Daesh. After Ebin Jacob has complained about her sister Mariam (aka Merin) who went missing from Kerala, along with her husband and 21 youngsters, it is an increasing fear that many more gullible Islamists might have joined the Islamic State.

Zakir Naik is a controversial Islamist figure in India, not now but since the time he left his medical profession and jumped into clerical career. But after the perpetrators of Dhaka massacre have reportedly confessed their inspiration from Naiks sermons, he came into the limelight of the media. Naik has been described in the national media in various fashions, most notably: radical Islamist televangelist, Salafist preacher, extremist ideologue or a Saudi-funded Wahhabi-Ahle-hadeesi indoctrinator. One wonders which of these descriptions fit him the best, and if so, why? Or is there another way to describe the particular tenor of his preaching?

In a word, Zakir Naik is a medical-doctor-turned-preacher who has been actively engaged in Islamist televangelism in his bid to promote the Saudi-Wahhabi puritanical Islam across the world and particularly in India.

This is known to all.

Naik emerged calling himself a student of Comparative Religion'. But not many know what turned him later to be a hardcore preacher of radical Islamism. What catapulted him from someone stressing the similarities between Islam and other religions to a Salafism-inspired debater on Islam loudly speaking of its supremacism over all the world religions?

More surprisingly, it is was paradoxical that Naik started his televangelism on ARY QTV, a Pakistani television channel with an avowed Sufi-Sunni inclination mainly producing programs focused on the precepts of Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama'at, the mainstream Sunni Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence. Since its religious broadcasting, QTV has put on air the traditional Islamic programs like Tafseer-e- Qur'an (commentary on the Quran) Dars-e-Hadith (Prophetic traditions and teachings), Qawwali and Sima (Sufi music), Hamd-o-Na`at (Islamic poetry) and other televised religious shows including sermons (khutbas), talks (mubahasa) and theological question and answer sessions known as Fiqhi Masail. It was only when Zakir Naik appeared on QTV that the channel featured his polemical debates with preachers or scholars of other religions resulting into a gloomy religious broadcasting antithetical to the harmonious fabric of the Indian subcontinent.

Its a great wonder that Naik first used the platform of the Sufi-Sunni Islamic scholars of the Indian subcontinent whose views went completely against his worldview. The most notable among them, which QTV regularly featured, are Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri, Mufti Muhammad Akmal of Dawat-e-Islami, Pir Muhammad Saqib Shaami, Mufti Muhammad Shahid, Dr Umar Al-Qadri, Mufti Abu Baqr, Mufti Suhail Raza Amjadi and Mufti Muhammad Aamir, to name a few. However, when it became clear that Naik was a strident exponent of the radical Wahhabi ideology or what is popularly known as Salafism, the channel denied his shows.

It is a common knowledge now that Wahhabism is the creed of faith that Dr Naik professes and preaches with a great conviction. Of course, he has always loudly claimed to be only a Muslim, neither Sunni or Shia, nor Hanafi, Shafai, Hanbali nor Maliki (the four Islamic schools of jurisprudential thought). But his connection with Wahhabism-Salafism is self-evident from his sting adherence to the Salafi clergy while justifying the vile practices of the medieval era like child marriage, sex slavery, self-supremacist religiosity and most deplorably the suicide attack as war tactic. His Wahhabi orientation is also corroborated by his being a frequent state guest in the Saudi Kingdom, which only welcomes the preachers of its own state religion  Wahhabism. More to the point, Naik has received the Shah Faisal award, the most prestigious award for service to Islam given by the Kingdom. Notably, it was first conferred upon Maulana Abul Aal Maududi, founder-ideologue of Jamat-e-Islami and the foremost promoter of political Islam in Indian subcontinent. Besides, the Saudi kingdom offered every possible aid and logistical support to Naik for running and expanding his IRF and Peace TV across the globe.

As mentioned above, Naik embarked on his televangelism speaking about Islam as a religion of peace and submission (etymological meanings of the root-letter Islam), while at the same time finding similarities between Islam and other world religions. Therefore, he was praised by most of the Muslim citizens of India, both men and women, especially the Muslim youth. But later he earned notoriety for having made incendiary and objectionable utterances and controversial theological statements against the mainstream Sufi-Sunni Islam in India as well as other religions. Since then, majority of classical Islamic scholars and erudite Islamic theologians (muftis and ulema) have urged Muslims to shun his speeches and prevent his arrival in their localities. As a result, he was stopped, over the last decade, from addressing Islamic conferences and congregations in Allahabad, Kanpur and Lucknow at the behest of the Mufits and Ulema of Uttar Pradesh (UP) who influence the common Muslims.

But the question is why even the biggest religious leaders of the community could not stop Zakir Naik from spewing his venom. What was in his preaching that went unchallenged by the ulema, captivating the young men and women to a radical ideology? A critical analysis apprises us of an entirely different and untold truth.

While Naik has been slammed by most of the Muslim clerics and seminaries including the largest madrassa in India Darul Uloom Deoband, they did not refute the extremist parts of his speeches. There has been a continued silence or complete denial of Naik's real threat to the country, which is embedded in his anti-pluralist, exclusivist and supremacist sermons. Ulema of Darul Uloom Deoband critiqued Zakir Naik only because he adheres to the Salafi/Ahl-e-Hadeesi sect, a slightly different denomination. But his radical thoughts and extremist theology have not been confronted by the mainstream Indian ulema. This emboldened the radical televangelist to carry on with his sermons spewing venom in a democratic country like India. Most regrettably, in this case, the Article 25 of the Indian Constitution allowing the profession and propagation of ones faith has been brazenly misused. This article allows us to 'profess, practise and propagate our religion' not to denigrate others faith traditions or run down all other sects and denominations of our religion.

It goes beyond saying that profession, practice and propagation of a religion only imply the right to declare and preach one's faith freely and openly. How come it can be a justification for ones blatant denigration of other faiths? It is neither permissible in our Indian constitution, nor in Islam under any circumstance. The Quran clearly says: And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds."

Ironically, while the likes of Zakir Naik fully enjoy the Article 25 in India, they preach religio-fascism, supremacism and elimination of all other religions from the Muslim world. Zakir Naik is on record saying: We (Muslims) know for sure that only Islam is the True religion in the eyes of God. Therefore, we do not allow propagation of any other religion.

Any speech, as such, that might or will foment religio-fascism, is a "dangerous" televangelism. It must be stopped. But we should not agree with the perception that merely banning Naik or any exclusivist preacher like him will serve the purpose. Media, moderate Muslims or the political pundits in India who are calling for his speeches to be shut down, overreacting in the wake of the Dhaka attacks, will have to do a gigantic task of soul-searching. They need to confront the ideological underpinnings of Zakir Naik which are furthering the extremist ends.

Sufi organisations in India like the AIUMB will have to engage in a more genuine counter-extremism work. Instead of making it a sectarian slugfest, they must confront Naik on his exclusivist, chauvinistic, bigoted and inflammatory statements extolling Osama-bin-Laden, exhorting Muslims for terrorism, reviling the propagation of other religions, justifying sex slavery, death penalty of apostasy, child marriage, and destruction of cultural and religious structures such as the Buddhas of Bamiyan and desecration of the Prophets tomb in Madina. These are highly relevant questions that must not be skipped. And this is how the mainstream liberal Muslims should react to anyone who tacitly or openly supports Naik on these ideological grounds.
Pune: Rights activist and Bhumata Brigade president Trupti Desai said that she thrashed a 25-year-old man at Shikrapur village for allegedly raping a girl under the pretext of marriage.

Desai has circulated a video, purportedly showing her and one of the members of her outfit, beating the man in full public view in the village, around 60 kms from Pune.

Following the incident, local police have arrested the man, identified only as Londhe, and registered a case against him under sections of 376 (rape) and 313 (miscarriage without woman's consent) of Indian Penal Code.

"Londhe had allegedly promised the 24-year-old girl that he would marry her and had physical relationship with her between March 2014 and October 2015. He forced her to undergo abortion," a station duty officer said.

#WATCH: Bhumata Brigade activist Trupti Desai thrashed a man for allegedly breaking marriage promises,in Pune (Maha)https://t.co/KC4ZXOY4gH  ANI (@ANI_news) July 27, 2016

Desai said that the concerned girl had approached the police station in the past against the man.

However, the woman did not register complaint as Londhe convinced her that he would marry her, but reneged on his word.

"When the girl came to me with the complaint, I even met his (Londhe') father and pressed marriage demand, however, he too refused to accept and said that they would settle the matter by giving some money to the victim.

"Since the response of the man's family angered us, we decided to catch hold of him and teach him a lesson. Today, we thrashed him in full public glare and forced police to take the complaint of the girl," Desai said.

When asked why did she take the law in her hand, she said, "Whenever there will be violence or such cases against women, I would take the law in my hand."

Desai had campaigned successfully against the age-old tradition barring women's entry in temples at Shani Shingnapur, Kolhapur and Trimbakeshwar.

With inputs from PTI
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New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashutosh attacked the Delhi Police on Thursday, said two more party MLAs might be arrested.

"Delhi Police is going to arrest two more AAP MLAs today (Thursday). Sharad Chauhan and Rakhi Bidlan in the line," Ashutosh tweeted.

He also said that AAP legislator from Narela Sharad Chauhan was grilled by police for more than nine hours in the alleged suicide of party worker Soni and was asked to take names of any of the senior leaders or he would suffer.

Ashutosh's remarks came after the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police on Wednesday questioned Chauhan.

Soni, a party worker had committed suicide on 19 July, alleging harassment by an AAP party worker Ramesh Wadhwa. In her complaint, she also alleged that Wadhwa asked for sexual favours.

Wadhwa was arrested on Wednesday by the police.

The police had registered a case against Wadhwa on June 2 and arrested him a day after. He, however, got bail the next day and also got a court stay on his arrest.

Meanwhile, Ashutosh's charge was refuted by the police.

"We had questioned Chauhan on Wednesday, but we have not summoned Rakhi Bidlan for questioning," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Ravindra Yadav told IANS.

"I don't know who is floating such baseless rumors," the officer said, adding, "I am tired replying to this question."
Although I am not a great admirer of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, for once, I do support him when he says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his ideological mentor Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are squarely responsible for the vandalism in which the National Capitals auto and taxi unions have been indulging. I have come across many eyewitness accounts over the past two days as to how the goons of these unions are thrashing the drivers of those taxis and autos who have avoided their calls to strike.

These goons are not even sparing innocent passengers. Their vandalism has been most severe against app-based taxis and autos like Ola and Uber; in many instances the goons of the trade organisations related to the RSS are simply on a massive smashing mission against these vehicles.

In the nearly 40 years of my stay in Delhi, I must admit that if any service providers have given Delhi a really bad name, then it is the auto and taxi drivers. I have rarely come across such drivers who agree to commute you on the basis of a fare determined by meters. I have hardly seen any of their vehicles in which the GPS systems work. In fact, seldom will they take you to places that they do not want to go.

Such are their atrocities that though I avoid speculations and betting, I will not mind having this one  even if the government decides to grant a fare of Rs 100 per km for Delhi taxis and autos, most of their drivers and owners will continue to harass the commuters by avoiding meters and GPS. And this is precisely the reason they are against app-based Ola and Uber that run by meters and on GPS. They simply cannot tolerate the fact that Ola and Uber are also invariably cheaper than their normal charges.

Yet, political parties in Delhi, including Kejriwals Aam Admi Party (AAP), have been traditional supporters of these erring auto and taxi unions. Kejriwal may not be supporting them directly this time, but indirectly he too is against app-based taxis as these are not strictly under his purview. In any case, it is very well-known that the auto drivers constituted one of Kejriwals important vote banks.

Generally, political parties in Delhi are not impressed with anything that is in the interests of the general people. They are not awed by anything that makes Delhi better. Instead, they invariably support those sections that stand in the way of the development of Delhi as a safe, healthy and orderly city. Nothing is more important to these political parties than votes. As long as these sections provide votes, the parties will go to any extent to protect them.

And their standard argument to justify it all is that in the name of the safety, health and order, the livelihood of these people cannot be snatched away. No wonder when the Supreme Court had to intervene for shifting polluting establishments from Delhi, these parties came to the forefront in the name of saving jobs. And whenever the apex court instructed the government of the day to strictly implement the existing laws against illegal constructions, these parties joined hands together to legislate fresh laws to make illegal things legal.

It may be noted that the construction activities in the Indian capital are governed by the Delhi Master Plan that changes periodically.

This plan is intended to marry the residential, commercial, civic and environmental interests of the metropolis in a sustained manner. But the problem has been the manner in which building and land-use laws, based on the Master Plan, have been ignored by the residents and businessmen of Delhi. The impact of this has been disastrous, to say the least. Houses in the designated residential areas have been systematically converted into illegal commercial establishments. Farmlands have been, time and again, converted into the residential colonies. Roadsides have been illegally encroached upon for shops and the extensions of the residences, the result being the miserable traffic congestion.

In fact, so predictable is the state of affairs in Delhi that people knowingly violate the laws, because they are aware that if they manage the silence of the officials for the time being by giving them bribes, then within a few years, their illegal constructions will be given the stamp of legitimacy through new laws that their elected representatives will draw up. There is unmistakably a grand collusion of unscrupulous politicians and the civic officials. In this manner, each successive Master Plan has legalised all the illegal encroachments under the preceding Master Plan.

The politicians, irrespective of the parties, have always talked of human considerations while forcing the government of the day to legalise the illegalities. In the process, they have really gained. While colluding for illegal activities, they, along with the corrupt officials, earn financial and other kickbacks and while legalising the illegal activities, they earn votes!

The last time the judiciary intervened to seal and demolish the illegal and encroaching structures, the political class of Delhi joined hands and in a rare show of solidarity, passed in Parliament a law providing for a years moratorium before implementing the Supreme Courts order so that they would buy time to prepare a new Master Plan that would legalise all the illegal things. In fact as an interim measure, the then Delhi government under Sheila Dikshit even promptly declared 2,183 roads of Delhi as commercial, without bothering about how it would affect traffic and other communication flows.

So much so that the then Union urban development minister Jaipal Reddy threatened to call a special session of Parliament to pass special legislation to amend the Constitution so that the regularistion of all irregularities in Delhi would be beyond the scope the judiciary!

Thus, we have periodic legislature-judiciary confrontations, street agitations and violence before making every illegal thing in Delhi legal. The trader lobbies and the politicians have always tried to project everything wrong with Delhi as a humanitarian issue. Their rationale has been that unless you make every illegal activity legal, people will be jobless and once they are jobless they will resort to criminal activities. So do not be surprised if in the days to come, Olas and Ubers are banished from the roads of Delhi.

In sum, politicians in Delhi (and it may be true elsewhere too) are only concerned with the interests of some, not all. Whether it is Modi or Rahul Gandhi or Kejriwal, nobody is bothering about the interests of the Delhites as a whole.

Nobody cares to save the long-term interests of Delhi.
The Narendra Modi government is appearing to be much closer to cracking the Goods and Services Tax (GST) code after the Cabinet nod on Wednesday. For the first time in eight years, there seems to be an all-party consensus on major contentious issues relating to the jumbo indirect tax reform.

The proposal of 1 percent inter-state levy that would have negated the benefits of a uniform tax regime has been dropped, the states have been promised full compensation for likely losses in the first five years and both the Congress party and BJP have largely agreed to accommodate the GST rate in the Bill and not in the constitution to legally ring-fence the rate.

What is not yet decided is what should be the final standard GST rate that will apply to majority of goods. As for the concept of the revenue neutral rate (RNR), there isnt a consensus among states.

There is a huge divergence on this rate between what has been proposed by the panel headed by Chief Economic Advisor (CEA), Arvind Subramanian in December last year and the 27 percent rate initially arrived at by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), which was commissioned by the government (both the Centre and the states) to work out a rate structure. With the government outright discarding that high rate, the NIPFP later came with revised structure going by which the standard rate can be 23-25 percent.

On the other hand, Subramanian had recommended a revenue neutral rate of 15-15.5 percent and a standard-rate of 18 percent. It has also recommended a three-tier rate structure for GST under which essential goods (those impacts the common man most) can be taxed at a lower rate of 12 percent, demerit goods like luxury cars, aerated beverages, pan masala and tobacco products at a higher rate of 40 percent and the rest at a standard rate of 17-18 percent. The standard rate is the rate which majority of the goods and services will be taxed. The NIPFP too had proposed a similar model of multi-rate structure to deal with the different segments of taxpayers.

Of the two, Subramanians three-tier structure appears to be the better model to safeguard the common man from the impending increase in the tax burden post the rollout of the GST. States are worried that a too low standard rate will hurt their revenues.

This is the reason producing states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are batting for a higher GST standard rate. Most likely the final consensus will come well above the 18 percent rate and may be in early 20s. But, at this stage, it is a guess work.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley will have to do more rounds of discussions with states to arrive at a final consensus. But, if the power to decide the rate can be left to the modified GST Council (where both the states and centre have representation) it is not a roadblock for the clearance of the constitutional amendment.

With the Congress easing up, the politics of GST is almost reduced to the remaining few dissenters such as J Jailalithaas AIADMK and BSP. The Left parties, who had earlier disagreed with the Bill, seem to have returned to the consensus path. Most other regional parties are on the pro-GST side. In the 243-member Upper House, the NDA will require 163 members supporting GST for the passage of the constitutional amendment.

Although, the NDA (which has 71 seats) might just win the number game if it gets the support of all regional parties, the constitutional amendment will be a meaningful exercise only if the Congress party too supports this. The reason is simple. Even after the amendment is passed, the individual state governments will have to pass the law in their respective assemblies, which include the Congress-ruled ones.

Given the magnitude of the GST rollout exercise the government can go ahead only with the support of all major stakeholders. As such, the Narendra Modi- government doesnt have much time to prepare for the final rollout of the tax reform not missing the second deadline (1 April 2017). That is even after this constitutional amendment, rest of the work that include preparing the technology backbone needs to finished within the next nine months.

The sense of urgency within the Modi government to progress with the GST was evident on Wednesday with the NDA government rushing to the cabinet to clear the key changes in the GST Bill hours after the GST Council meeting. Remember, finance minister Arun Jaitley didnt speak with media after the GST Council meeting, instead rushed to have informal meetings with Congress leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma and other parties in the opposition including the Left parties.

In the normal course, after a GST meeting, both the Congress and BJP leaders go the reporters to begin the blame game on how the other has spoiled the plan. This time, there was more strategy and mutual understanding not another show off.

This gives more certainty that this time there is a solid understanding between the national major parties on the crucial indirect tax reform process. Possibly for the first time since the idea of GST was first floated in 2007-2008, good economics seem to prevail over bad politics.

Given that there are major changes done in the Bill, it has to again go back to the Lok Sabha after the Upper House passes it. But, thats a mere formality. As it appears now, the Bill will be introduced in Parliament by next week.

This website has been campaigning for the GST passage for last several weeks under the #SupportGST tag participating experts (economists, academics and industrialists) to send the message to the government that how important is the passage of the crucial tax reform in this session.

Passing the GST hurdle will significantly help address Indias reform-jinx and help the country consolidate its position among emerging economies, offering clarity on the tax regime to the investors. Having said that the GST is only a beginning step in the long road to reform overhaul.

There is significant work yet to be done in liberalising land, labor laws and addressing the issues of sector regulation to instill confidence in industries that this is the place to be. GST rollout will help broaden the tax base and boost revenues in a country where about 65 percent of the total tax revenues. Most economists agree that it can easily add to 1-1.5 percent to the GDP.

Whether it is the proverbial Modi magic, smart backroom strategy of Arun Jaitley or a serious rethinking in the Congress camp that it is fighting a losing battle on GST, Indias major political parties have seemingly given a break to the long practiced bad politics and given some room to good economics in the larger interest of the economy. GST is now closer to reality than ever.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today claimed that the security forces were unaware of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's presence at the scene of the 8 July encounter.

"How can one know everything about every encounter?" Mehbooba asked.

"As far as I know, what I heard from the police and the army, who said they only knew that there were three militants inside the house but did not know who they were," she said.

The chief minister told reporters that had the security forces known about Wani's presence inside the house in Kokernag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district, it would have been possible to keep the situation "from turning to what it is today."

"I feel if they knew, perhaps we would not have such a situation when the overall situation in the state was improving, so it could have been a chance," she said.

The police and intelligence agencies are saying that they did not know who was there, she said.

The chief minister said the government did not get enough time to make arrangements to contain the situation, unlike when Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged in 2013.

"When Afzal Guru was hanged, (then chief minister) Omar (Abdullah) knew, so he made all the arrangements before-hand. We knew nothing and we came to know suddenly. But, despite that, we tried to impose curfew so that children do not come out," she said.

Violence has rocked the Valley since 8 July, when Wani was killed in an encounter, leaving 47 people dead. At least 5,500 people, including 3,000 security personnel, have also been injured.

Mehbooba said an atmosphere should be created in the state for peace dialogue and the government would do "everything" to provide relief to the people affected by the violence.

"An atmosphere should be created in Jammu and Kashmir where there is dialogue, transparency like in (former Prime Minister Atal Behari) Vajpayee's time when a peace process was started and there was ceasefire with Pakistan," she said.

On the use of pellet-guns, Mehbooba said that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said the government would seriously rethink its use as a crowd-control measure.

"I want to say that those who lost their life, who provoked them to enter the camps is another question, but our endeavour will be to not let the sacrifices go waste of those innocent children of 12, 14 or 16 years of age, who were hoodwinked into entering camps or police stations. They are used now but no one looks at them afterwards," she said.

The chief minister said there are some elements who create trouble in the Valley deliberately.

"Today is the foundation day of our party - the PDP - and the main aim of forming the party was to have reconciliation in Jammu and Kashmir, better relations between countries, to have dialogue, creation of peace, movement of people (across the borders) and to remove the difficulties of the people.

"But unfortunately, there are some elements, who were waiting for the spring, for the tourism and development to start and then to do something to create trouble and worsen the situation to have strikes," she said.

She said that the people of Kashmir have understood that they have gained nothing from strikes.

"I feel people understand that many youth have lost their lives in the past 30 years, there have been strikes and curfews, so many buildings have been burnt, but a Kashmiri has not gained anything except the opening of Muzaffarabad road in (her father and former chief minister) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's time," she said.

Unfortunately, that peace process did not move forward from 2005, Mehbooba said.

"Today, the alliance that we have with the BJP, it is the same peace process which began with Sayeed and Vajpayee to improve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir," she said.

Meanwhile, in her address to party workers on PDP's 17th Foundation Day, Mehbooba claimed that some state government employees were instigating youths to take part in the protests.

"Some employees are also behind this. Some employees, who take a salary of around Rs 90,000 per month, are provoking the youth while their children are studying outside. Why don't people ask them where their children are?" she said.

She said dialogue is imperative for the resolution of the issue as nothing can be achieved through war. "We have to talk to our neighbouring country Pakistan as well. When nothing has been achieved there by gun, when nothing has been achieved in Syria, when we have also made so many sacrifices, what will we achieve by handing over guns to our children? It is the duty of Pakistan to peacefully engage in a dialogue. The two countries have fought wars but not an inch of land has moved here or there," Mehbooba said.

The chief minister also said she would not continue in the chair if she felt there was any impediment in the way of taking the state out of the present situation.

"If, God forbid, I feel that there is any hurdle in achieving our goal to take J-K out of the morass, then why do I need this (chair)," she said.
There isn't a shadow of doubt that Barack Obama is a powerful orator of the kind who sways public opinion in one speech that can decide the fate of a campaign as unpredictable as the one currently under way to replace him at the Oval Office.

The early reaction to the US president's valedictory speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night to endorse Hillary Clinton was positive and may even bump up the Democrat nominee's approval ratings.

But the White House race isn't a sprint. When the initial euphoria dies down, as it inevitably will, what may emerge between now and November is that behind Obama's fulsome rhetoric lay stark evasion of tough questions.

Behind his invocation of 'one America out of many' and steadfast buoyancy about the country's ability to move past racial division even in times of tragedy and desperation, lie audacious optimism. It was evident that Obama, the consummate orator, was tugging at American heartstrings to tide over unanswered, crucial questions that are more likely to decide the fate of the race.

As we shall shortly explore, those issues remain. This US presidential race is remarkable because it has boiled down to two candidates both of whom are equally unpopular.

According to the latest Gallup poll carried by Politico magazine, Trump and Clinton have identical (un)favourability ratings. The average American does not look fondly upon either one of them. The new poll, conducted between 18 and 25 July, found that 58 percent Americans dislike both nominees while only 37 percent are favourably disposed. The poll was conducted via telephone among 3,544 adults. The overall margin of error is plus or minus four percentage points.

So in this race to elect the 'lesser evil', the problem for Democrats is that while Trump, the billionaire provocateur, has dedicated voters in the disenfranchised 'angry-white-male' category, Hillary has none, even among her own voters.

Analyst, statistician and psephologist Nate Silver, a pioneer of data journalism who runs the definitive website FiveThirtyEight and is known for correctly predicting the results of US presidential elections, has said in a recent column that Trump will win if elections were to be held today.

According to Silver's analyses, Trump has a good chance of earning 285 of the electoral votes in play, compared to Democratic challenger Hillary Clintons 252. FiveThirtyEight researchers put Trump ahead in key swing states of Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

These are the states who have been most affected by Ronal Reagan's laissez faire capitalism. The middle-of-the-road working class white Americans are struggling with job loss, poor pay and see themselves powerless before a system that do not pay any heed to their concerns. And in Hillary Clinton, these people see a continuation of the policy already in place.

Which means this is a hunting ground for Trump. As Michael Moore in his essay Five Reasons Why Trump Will Win points out: "Trump is going to hammer Clinton on this and her support of trade policies that have royally screwed the people of these four states (he mentions Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin). When Trump stood in the shadow of a Ford Motor factory during the Michigan primary, he threatened the corporation that if they did indeed go ahead with their planned closure of that factory and move it to Mexico, he would slap a 35% tariff on any Mexican-built cars shipped back to the United States. It was sweet, sweet music to the ears of the working class..."

Clinton's biggest problem is that she must somehow convince these voters that their personal finance prospects aren't really bad as they seem and that in reality, the economy has moved ahead. The question is, how do you convince people otherwise when all they see is doom and gloom? How to change the perception? This could be a crucial determinant. Let's now see how Obama sought to address this issue.

The America I know is full of courage, and optimism, and ingenuity. The America I know is decent and generous, said Obama. We get frustrated with political gridlock and worry about racial divisions; we are shocked and saddened by the madness of Orlando or Nice. There are pockets of America that never recovered from factory closures; men who took pride in hard work and providing for their families who now feel forgotten. Parents who wonder whether their kids will have the same opportunities that we have. All of that is real; we are challenged to do better; to be better. But as Ive traveled this country, through all 50 states; as Ive rejoiced with you and mourned with you, what I have also seen, more than anything, is what is right with America.

Speaking 12 years to the day from the 2004 DNC speech that made his fame as a politician, Obama shied away from answering the 'challenge'. If the voters ask, "you don't have to tell us whether or not we are facing challenges, how do you or Clinton plan to meet those?" Obama sadly didn't have answer.

Blaming GOP nominee Trump for delivering a 'dark and gloomy' speech and claiming that he provided "no serious solutions to pressing problems  just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate", is the easier part. To persuade voters that Clinton is the person who will solve the ills is harder. Obama, though, glided in like a gladiator.

"Does anyone really believe that a guy whos spent his 70 years on this Earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion? Your voice? If so, you should vote for him. But if youre someone whos truly concerned about paying your bills, and seeing the economy grow, and creating more opportunity for everybody, then the choice isnt even close. If you want someone with a lifelong track record of fighting for higher wages, better benefits, a fairer tax code, a bigger voice for workers, and stronger regulations on Wall Street, then you should vote for Hillary Clinton."

Really, Mr President? Why should anyone believe that Clinton will take "tough measures" against Wall Street when only 19 percent of her donations have come from individuals contributing $200 or less?

Hillary Clinton, whose campaign has burnt cash faster than even Donald Trump, has received a $41 million paycheque from Wall Street, her largest industry donor. Her biggest contributors have ties to Saban Capital, founded by Univision owner Haim Saban. Hes followed by algorithmic hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, which has given $9.5 million, and the Pritzker Group, whose family founded the Hyatt hotel chain and gave nearly $8 million.

Obama, to put it mildly, has been disingenuous.

Clinton enters the general election stage of the campaign as one of the most disliked and distrusted political figures in America, and one of the least popular presidential nominees of all time. She, as Moore points out, represents the old way of politics, not really believing in anything other than what can get you elected. Thats why she fights against gays getting married one moment, and the next shes officiating a gay marriage. Nearly 70 percent of all voters think she is untrustworthy and dishonest.

Before delivering the DNC speech, Obama had attacked Trump for lacking a "basic knowledge about the world", including not understanding what a nuclear triad was, or the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

The problem is, voters are not really buying the theory of a country being run by an "expert".

As a 'Leave' campaigner had said to pull Britain out of European Union, voters have had enough of experts". Obama's job was to convince the voters  who want a disruption in the American system and see Trump as its biggest agent  that continuity is more desirable than change. For all his eloquent rhetoric, he failed to do so.

Charm doesn't solve problems.
CHICAGO The Florida health department said on Wednesday it is investigating another two cases of Zika not related to travel to a place where the virus is being transmitted, raising the possibility of local Zika transmission in the continental United States.

The health department said it has identified an additional case of Zika in Miami-Dade County, where it was already investigating a possible case of Zika not related to travel, and another case in Broward County, where it has been investigating a non-travel related case.

"This pattern is consistent with other mosquito-borne virus investigations, such as the 2013 dengue response," health officials said in a statement.

(Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Bernard Orr)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
President Barack Obama has refused to rule out the possibility that Russia is trying to sway the US presidential election in favor of Donald Trump.

"Anything is possible," Obama told NBC News in an interview  the furthest the US government has gone in pointing the finger at Russia for a vast release of Democratic National Committee emails by WikiLeaks.

Russia has dismissed the allegations it was involved as "absurd".

Obama said the FBI continues to probe the leak, which showed apparent DNC bias toward Hillary Clinton over rival Bernie Sanders.

The leak was a howling embarrassment for the Democrats at their convention this week in Philadelphia. The Clinton campaign says cyber-experts it has hired have suggested Russia was to blame and its goal was to help the Republican presidential candidate Trump.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that US intelligence agencies now have "high confidence" that the Russian government was behind the theft of the emails.

But the agencies are not sure if the theft was intended as routine cyber espionage or part of a drive to influence the US presidential election, the Times said, quoting federal officials briefed on the matter.

Obama told NBC said he could not speak to the precise motive of the hack or subsequent leak but is aware of Trump's comments about Russia.

"Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin," Obama said in an excerpt of the interview that will air in full on Wednesday.

"And I think that Trump's gotten pretty favorable coverage back in Russia."

He added: "What we do know is that the Russians hack our systems. Not just government systems, but private systems."

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, speaking Tuesday on CNN, refused to confirm or deny that Russia was the source of the emails his organization leaked.

"We like to create maximum ambiguity as to who our sources are," Assange said.

"Perhaps one day the source or sources will step forward and that might be an interesting moment. Some people will have egg on their faces."

Security firm CrowdStrike revealed that when it responded in April to a suspected breach of DNC systems, the company identified "two sophisticated adversaries" whom it linked to Russian intelligence.

The Washington Post reported that the hackers stole data including a trove of opposition research on Trump.
The comic strip Pearls Before Swine  to many, one of the only reasons to pick up Mumbai Mirror  has rarely been known to pull punches or shy away from poking fun at, well, anything really. The list is virtually endless, so we'll just run through a few examples:

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump

The concept of elections

The British

More shocking news from Britain. pic.twitter.com/XY1ucC3m7s  Stephan Pastis (@stephanpastis) June 24, 2016

Noah (of Ark fame)

Kobe Bryant

Nuns

Oh, the complaints that followed. pic.twitter.com/MMkVWvTZOd  Stephan Pastis (@stephanpastis) July 21, 2016

Armchair activists

Potato Chips

And that's only when the creator of the strip, Stephan Pastis isn't taking potshot after potshot at himself.

So imagine our surprise when this tweet popped up on Thursday morning:

Today's strip that did not run in papers. Seems harmless to me, but I guess these are sensitive times. pic.twitter.com/mVse54tmEg  Stephan Pastis (@stephanpastis) July 28, 2016

For us, here at FP Special Forces HQ, the day doesn't begin until a group reading of Pearls Before Swine, so you can well imagine our outrage when we learned that this simultaneously groan-inducing and rib-tickling pun had not seen the light of day in newspapers.

We could go on a long-winded polemic against 'political correctness gone mad', how self-censorship is the most insidious form of censorship there is (or something like that) and basically tear apart the way art is being compromised, but we won't. Our energies, it was decided, will be far better spent creatively than destructively.

So here is the FP Special Forces tribute to Stephan Pastis  a short tale of a Russian-Indian tourist in search of a hotel room:

Now, that is capital pun-ishment we're sure Pastis will appreciate.
United Nations: The promise of peace and justice in South Sudan has been "squandered" and the country is "poised on the brink of an abyss," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday.

Ban said he is appalled by the scale of sexual violence documented by human rights monitors, who found that South Sudanese government soldiers raped dozens of ethnic Nuer women and girls last week just outside a UN camp where they were seeking protection.

The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has documented 120 cases of rape and sexual violence against civilians throughout Juba, the capital, since the latest fighting began, spokeswoman Shantal Persaud said Wednesday.

"We demand accountability for all atrocities and that leaders of South Sudan commit to the peace process," Ban said at the opening of a Security Council session on peacebuilding in Africa.

South Sudan, the world's youngest country, has been riven by ethnic violence nearly since it was founded in 2011 with civil war breaking out in 2013 when a between the Dinka and Nuer peoples. A peace agreement was signed in August, but fighting continues.

"Gruesome atrocities are being committed daily, civilians targeted and killed, women raped, homes looted and destroyed. Both government and opposition-affiliated soldiers have been implicated in these horrors, yet there has been no effort to hold the perpetrators accountable. This then compounds the tendency to ascribe collective guilt, that in turn fuels ethnic targeting and the ethnic targeting further fuels the cycle of violence," US Ambassador Samantha Power told the council.

Power called on countries to come together to strengthen the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan and to redouble efforts to influence the choices made by South Sudanese leaders.

Britain's Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the latest reports required thorough investigation and highlighted the need for an arms embargo and sanctions  something the Security Council has discussed, but so far has failed to act on.

"There needs to be a new mandate for UNMISS and South Sudan by the end of the week. So either it'll be a substantive new mandate, as has been discussed, or a technical rollover to allow more time for negotiations," Rycroft using an acronym to refer to the UN peacekeeping mission.
Philadelphia: Former CIA chief and Defence Secretary Leon Panetta on Wednesday lambasted Donald Trump for encouraging Russia to find Hillary Clinton's missing emails  a move seen as sanctioning cyber spying by a foreign power, saying such a man cannot be the commander-in-chief of the US.

"As someone who was responsible for protecting our nation from cyberattacks, it is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be this irresponsible. Donald Trump cannot become our commander-in-chief," Panetta said in his address to the Democratic National Convention here.

Arguing that this was no time to roll the dice and gamble with America's national security, Panetta said in an unstable world, the country cannot afford unstable leadership.

"We cannot afford who believes America should withdraw from the world, threatens our international treaties, and violate our moral principles. We cannot afford an erratic on our nuclear weapons," Panetta said in his address.

"He asked the Russians to engage in American politics. Think about that for a moment. Donald Trump is asking one of our adversaries to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts against the United States to affect our election," he said.

Referring to Trump's comments that he gets his foreign policy from watching TV and running the Miss Universe Pageant, Panetta said the situation was deadly serious.

"Donald Trump asks our troops to commit wars, endorse torture, spurns allies from Europe to Asia, suggests more countries to have nuclear weapons, and praise dictators from Saddam Hussein to Vladimir Putin," he said.

Panetta said Hillary is determined to defeat those who threaten the United States  be it Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Boko Haram, or al-Shabab.

"Terrorists who pervert the teachings of Islam to kill innocent people going about their daily lives, people travelling through airports in Brussels and Istanbul...These murderers must be stopped," he said.

He said Clinton is the only candidate who has laid a comprehensive plan to defeat and destroy ISIS and keep America safe. "She is smart. She is principled. She is tough and she is ready. Hillary is the single most experienced and prepared person who has ever run for president."

Former Maryland Governor Martin O' Malley said Trump has been a bully his whole life.

"But here's what I learned on playgrounds in Catholic school: all bullies are cowards in disguise. But unlike that immigrant-bashing, carnival barker, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton actually knows the enduring symbol of America is not a barbed wire fence. It is the Statue of Liberty!" he said.

"Donald Trump doesnt believe in science. He says, 'the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese.' If the Chinese were really capable of designing some kind of diabolical farce to hurt America, they wouldn't invent global warming. Theyd invent Donald Trump," he said.

Malley said: "Donald Trump doesn't fight for you. Instead, he insults people who disagree with him. He makes his followers fearful of tomorrow. He feeds off of a deep-seated and dangerous anger."

Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid said with Hillary in the White House and a majority in the Senate, Democrats will keep fighting for immigration reform that keeps America true, clean energy that keeps it strong, a Supreme Court that keeps the country just, and background checks for gun buyers and an assault-weapons ban that keeps it safe.

"When Trump decided to run for President, he probably said to himself: I'm an egomaniac. I don't believe in science. I think women are inferior. Where would I feel at home?" Reid said.

In a statement, Stephen Miller, senior policy advisor to Trump Campaign, alleged that Panetta ignored Clinton's rush towards war in the Middle East and her deadly and calamitous invasion of Libya, which further proves her a reckless risk too grave for any American family.

"It is alarming that Leon Panetta would, through his silence, excuse Hillary Clinton's enablement of foreign espionage with her illegal email scheme and her corrupt decision to then destroy those emails and dissemble her 'private' server to hide her crimes from the public and authorities. He better than most should know how many lives

she put at risk," Miller said.
ANKARA/ISTANBUL Turkey on Wednesday deepened a crackdown on suspected followers of a U.S.-based cleric it blames for a failed coup, dismissing nearly 1,700 military personnel and shutting 131 media outlets, moves that may spark more concern among its Western allies.

So far, tens of thousands of people - including police, judges and teachers - have been suspended or placed under investigation since the July 15-16 coup, which Turkey says was staged by a faction within the military loyal to the Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania but whose movement has a wide following in Turkey where it runs a large network of schools, has denied any involvement in the failed putsch.

Western governments and human rights groups, while condemning the abortive coup in which at least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured, have expressed concern over the extent of the crackdown, suggesting President Tayyip Erdogan may be using it to stifle dissent and tighten his grip on power.

Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possibly death on the night of the coup, denies the crackdown has wider aims and says the Gulen movement threatened democracy by attempting to build a "parallel state" within the military, media and civil service.

On Wednesday, the military dishonourably discharged 1,684 of its personnel, a Turkish government official said, citing their role in the failed coup. Of those, 149 were generals and admirals, said the official, who requested anonymity. Data show that would represent roughly 40 percent of all generals and admirals in Turkey's military.

Broadcaster CNN Turk has reported that more than 15,000 people, including around 10,000 soldiers had been detained so far over the coup, citing the interior minister. Of those, more than 8,000 were formally arrested pending trial, it said.

In addition, the government said in its official gazette that three news agencies, 16 television channels, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers have been ordered shut down.

These moves, which follow the closure of other media outlets with suspected Gulenist ties as well as the detention of journalists will further stoke concerns among rights groups and Western governments about the scale of Erdogan's post-coup purges.

The United States said on Wednesday it understood Turkey's need to hold perpetrators of the attempted coup to account, but said the detention of more journalists was part of a "troubling trend".

JOURNALISTS DETAINED

Turkey ordered another 47 journalists detained on Wednesday, singling out columnists and other staff of the now defunct Zaman newspaper, the government official said. Authorities in March shut down Zaman, widely seen as the Gulen movement's flagship media organisation.

"The prosecutors aren't interested in what individual columnists wrote or said," said the official, who requested anonymity. "At this point, the reasoning is that prominent employees of Zaman are likely to have intimate knowledge of the Gulen network and as such could benefit the investigation."

However, the list includes journalists, such as Sahin Alpay, known for their leftist activism who do not share the religious worldview of the Gulenist movement. This has fuelled the concerns that the investigation may be turning into a witch-hunt of the president's political opponents.

The media reported on Monday that arrest warrants had been issued for 42 other journalists, 16 of whom have so far been taken into custody.

Alpay is a former official of Turkey's left-leaning, secularist main opposition CHP party. The Dogan news agency said police raided his home in Istanbul early on Wednesday and detained him after a 2-1/2-hour search of the property.

Separately, Turkey's capital markets board said it had revoked the licence of the head of research at brokerage AK Investment and called for him to face charges over a report he wrote to investors analysing the coup.

SPIRIT OF UNITY

Erdogan's ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party and opposition parties, usually bitterly divided, have demonstrated a rare spirit of unity since the abortive coup and are seeking consensus on constitutional amendments partly aimed at "cleansing" the state apparatus of Gulenist supporters.

A senior AK Party official said on Wednesday the parties were discussing plans to increase parliamentary control of a key state body that appoints judges and prosecutors.

Also on Wednesday a government official said Turkish special forces were still hunting in the hills around the Mediterranean resort of Marmaris for a group of 11 commandos who are believed to have tried to capture or kill Erdogan on the night of the coup, when he was on holiday in the area.

In testimony provided following his detention, Major General Mehmet Disli, the brother of a prominent ruling party lawmaker, strongly denied allegations that he was involved in the coup, saying he had been forced by the plotters to mediate with the chief of the military's General Staff on July 15.

General Staff head Hulusi Akar was held hostage for hours by the plotters, but refused to join their coup.

Erdogan, a popular but polarising figure who has dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade, will chair an annual meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) on Thursday after vowing to restructure the armed forces following the coup.

The General Staff said 35 planes, including 24 fighter jets, 37 helicopters, 74 tanks and three ships had been used by the coup plotters, NTV reported. It put the number of soldiers from the Gulenist network involved in the attempted putsch at 8,651, or about 1.5 percent of the armed forces.

In Greece, authorities on Wednesday postponed hearings for eight Turkish soldiers who sought asylum there after fleeing Turkey. The men - three majors, three captains and two sergeant majors - deny being involved in the coup, but Ankara has branded them "traitors" and is demanding their extradition.

Erdogan has also signalled the country might restore the death penalty in the wake of the failed coup, citing strong public support for such a move, though the European Union has made clear this would scupper Turkey's decades-old bid to join the bloc.

PIVOT TO MOSCOW

Turkish officials have complained of what they perceive as a lack of support from the EU over the coup, while European leaders have urged Ankara to show restraint and a sense of proportion in bringing those responsible to justice.

The attempted coup has also tested Turkey's ties with its NATO ally the United States, where Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile since 1999. Responding to Turkey's request for Gulen's swift extradition, Washington has said Ankara must first provide clear evidence of his involvement in the coup.

Gulen lives in a secluded compound in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, but Erdogan has reason to worry about the reclusive cleric's reach inside Turkey. In 2013, his followers in the police and judiciary opened a corruption probe into business associates of Erdogan, then prime minister, who denounced the investigation as a foreign plot.

The strains with the EU and the United States have coincided with Turkey's renewed push to repair ties with Russia, badly hurt last November by the Turkish downing of a Russian jet involved in military operations in Syria, and Moscow's subsequent imposition of trade sanctions.

On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said talks with Russian officials this week on improving bilateral relations had taken place "in a very positive atmosphere".

Simsek, respected by Western investors as a safe pair of hands in guiding the Turkish economy, also said he saw no reason to downgrade Turkey's credit rating following the coup.

Standard & Poor's recently revised the country's sovereign debt outlook to negative from stable and Moody's has said it will review the rating for a possible downgrade.

(Additional reporting by Ercan Gurses, Yesim Dikmen and Orhan Coskun in Ankara and Ayla Jean Yackley, Asli Kandemir, Humeyra Pamuk and Nick Tattersall in Istanbul; writing by Gareth Jones and David Dolan; editing by Peter Millership, Peter Graff and G Crosse)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington: Republican Party's presidential nominee Donald Trump has said that he was "being sarcastic" when he suggested that Russia should find Democratic presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton's missing emails.

"Of course I'm being sarcastic. And they don't even know frankly if it's Russia," Trump said in an interview with Fox News' Brian Kilmeade set to air on Thursday morning.

Trump was at the centre of an uproar on Wednesday, after he said at a press conference that Russia should help find Clinton's missing emails on the personal server that she used to conduct official business as secretary of state but deemed private, and did not hand over to the State Department, Politico reported.

"They have no idea if it's Russia, if it's China, if it's somebody else. Who knows who it is... But you have 33,000 emails deleted and the real problem is what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee," Trump remarked.

"You take a look at what was said on those emails, it's disgraceful. They talk about religion, they talk about race, they talk about all sorts of things, including women. And what they said on those emails is a disgrace, and they're just trying to deflect from that," Politico quoted the Manhattan billionaire as saying in the interview.

Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort also called the real estate mogul's remark "sarcastic".

"Well it wasn't really a joke, per se. It was more tongue-in-cheek, like we've been saying simply because that is the issue," spokeswoman Katrina Pierson said, suggesting that the focus of the story should be in on the Democratic email hack itself.
A large truck bomb blast claimed by Islamic State killed nearly 50 people and wounded scores more in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli near the Turkish border on Wednesday, a monitoring group reported. The attack, which hit near a Kurdish security forces headquarters, was the deadliest of its kind in the city for years, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

With inputs from Reuters.
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Hr. Bagratyan: We have little time, war is ahead: 168.am (video)

What is happening in Armenia is the result of deep crisis, the RA NA lawmaker Hrant Bagratyan told in the interview to 168.am. He reminds that still during the Constitutional reforms he said that with the new Constitution it isnt possible to change the power through the elections, So if it isnt possible in that way, people take other actions. Hrant Bagratyan condemns the recent steps of the authorities, People are taking to the streets, demand their rights, they want to correct the state, which is governed with very low quality, and I am simply angry about arrests, criminal cases and violence. It is the point that the authorities must realize that all this has been created due to their policy; they should hold serious talks with the political forces. Hrant Bagratyan added that not only the RA extraordinary session must be convened, but Serzh Sargsyan must also hold consultation with the political forces. Hrant Bagratyan says that the problems must be resolved very quickly, We have little time; war is ahead, severe war. We must face it in the atmosphere of unity, or else we will lose not only Artsakh, but also Armenia, we will lose everything.
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Sony has announced that it has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Murata for the transfer of its battery business.

The transfer will include, Sony Energy Devices Corporations battery business, Sonys wholly-owned subsidiary in Japan, its battery-related manufacturing operations located in China and Singapore, assets and personnel assigned to the battery business at the Sony Groups sales and R&D sites in Japan and worldwide.

This will not include Sony-branded USB batteries, alkaline batteries, button and coin batteries, and mobile projectors, as well as certain other products, said the company.

Sony became the first the company to commercialize lithium-ion battery in 1991. Sonys battery business have not been great in the recent times. In the last quarter, the company took 30.6 billion yen (US$ 271 million) as impairment charge against long-lived assets in the battery business recorded in the previous fiscal year.

Even though Sony said that there is a possibility that the company will record a loss related to the transfer of the battery business if it signs an agreement. It does not intend to reflect the potential loss in the consolidated results forecast scheduled to be announced tomorrow, July 29 because the amount of the potential loss will depend on the content of the definitive agreements that may be signed in the future.

Sony said that it is aiming to execute binding definitive agreement with Murata by the middle of October 2016, and to complete the Transfer by the end of March 2017 after regulatory approvals.
HERE Maps is now officially rebranded as HERE WeGo. The Nokia owned mapping service was acquired by three German carmakers  Audi, BMW and Mercedes for Euro 2.8 billion ($3.1 billion) last year.

Along with a new name, Here WeGo is also getting a refreshed design with new features and improvements. First up, the app has removed the need to tap the find a route button on the bottom of the screen. Instead, now when you open the app, you will see Where to? instruction in the search box which will let you enter a destination. You can even choose between the different modes of transport. HERE WeGo will now serve taxi information for your route in certain cities, including approximate fare, wait time, and a call button.

The app gets lighter coloured background aimed at improving readability and even he focus is more on new icons. Finally, bicycle routing has been improved with elevation profiles to judge the amount of effort required to reach the required destination. Here WeGo offers detailed public transport maps and directions for over 1,300 cities across the globe.

httpv://youtu.be/w8Ubjerd788
A coalition of food and finance institutions say that US$113 billion of currently existing assets will have to meet specific and time-bound targets in areas such as zero... Read More
After several years of declining pricing wars and pressure from imported steel, the domestic steel market is starting to look up. That should be a welcome respite for Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF -5.76%). In the meantime, Cliffs has been fighting to get its cost structure down. Based on the company's second-quarter earnings results, things are looking pretty good. Here's a quick look at Cliffs' results for the quarter and why investors should applaud what's going on with the company as of late.

By the numbers

This was the first time in a few quarters that we got to see what you could call a clean income statement. The company didn't have any gains from extinguishing debt or from sales of discontinued operations or asset writedowns. As a result, this quarter was the first in a while in which the company showed profits from its continuing operations.

Results Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 Revenue $496.2 million $305.5 million 498.1 million Operating income $74.7 million ($0.3 million) $25.7 million Net income $12.8 million $108 million $60.2 million Earnings per share $0.07 $0.62 $0.39

Keep in mind that the prior quarter and the second quarter of last year had some one-time gains baked into their results. The category that is worth focusing on here is operating income because it shows that the company is generating greater profits from its continuing operations. Here's how those numbers broke down by the company's various business segments.

The encouraging sign from Cliffs' recent results is that the improvements in adjusted EBITDA came almost exclusively from cost savings. Iron ore prices in both its U.S. and Asia-Pacific segments were flat to slightly down, but overall cash costs per ton decreased by 8% across the board. In the coming months, the company is going to start to sell more ore as it has recently signed supply contracts with both ArcelorMittal (MT -1.85%) and U.S. Steel Canada. If Cliffs can maintain these costs savings as production ramps up, much better results could be on the horizon.

From the mouth of management

One can never accuse Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves for a lack of bravado. In just about every speech or comment he has made during his tenure at the company, Goncalves has been extremely confident that the company can turn things around as it focuses on profitability and cash flow from its core U.S. iron ore production. This quarter, we got to see some of those seeds bear fruit, and Goncalves was quick to point out how the company did it and how things are going to get better from here:

During the second quarter we finalized a range of deals that are essential to Cliffs' future prosperity and growth. Among them, the most significant was the renewal of our multi-year supply agreement with ArcelorMittal. This deal is a win-win for both Cliffs and ArcelorMittal, and demonstrates the strength of the Cliffs franchise. We also negotiated a low-cost power agreement in Minnesota that put cash on the balance sheet, and ensures cost-effective power for years to come. Then, we negotiated additional sales with a new customer, U.S. Steel Canada, previously supplied by its parent company, U.S. Steel. On top of this, we reported very strong quarterly results, earning $102 million in adjusted EBITDA, with all of the credit going to our superior operating performance and cost discipline. With our clear focus on debt reduction and balance sheet strength, I am very optimistic about where Cliffs can go from here.

What a Fool believes

The markets for steel and iron ore in the U.S. are starting to look up. The recent anti-dumping tariffs that were imposed on steel from several different countries are raising the prices for domestic steel, and that is incentivizing steel manufacturers like ArcelorMittal to ramp up production. It may take a couple of quarters before Cliffs realizes the benefits of this since it writes its pricing contracts on an annual basis, but the increase in sales volumes will be a welcome sight for the rest of the year.

It's also encouraging to see Cliffs continue to bring down cash costs and reduce capital spending so it can get its balance sheet under control. These bare-bones levels of investment can't last forever, but as long as it can keep costs under control, we should continue to see improving results from Cliffs.
You certainly can't fault Enterprise Products Partners (EPD -0.32%) for being inconsistent. This past quarter, the company kept its streak of distribution raises alive while retaining excess cash to reinvest in the business. What is even more surprising about this streak is that the company's results have barely missed a beat during the current commodity downturn. Let's take a look at Enterprise's most recent results and see how the company has held its serve throughout this long downturn in the oil and gas market.

Enterprise Products Partners results: The raw numbers

Results* Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 Gross operating margin $1,254 $1,353 $1,312 Net income $570 $694 $557 Earnings per share $0.27 $0.34 $0.28 Distributable cash flow $1,040 $1,089 $988

The trends that we have seen over the past couple of quarters played out in the second quarter as well. Lower commodity prices and lower volumes in certain segments have been offset by new projects coming on line and the associated fees with those businesses. Again, it was by no means a great quarter, but Enterprise's ability to generate cash flow at steady rates in the current market is a testament to the company's strengths. Here's a breakdown of the company's results by business segment.

This will likely be the last quarter where we will get results from Enterprise's offshore pipelines and services business. The entity was sold in the third quarter of last year, and the company has discontinued its operations.

What happened with Enterprise Products Partners this past quarter

Total capital spending for the quarter was $884 million, and $600 million in projects ended construction and were brought into commercial service in the second quarter. New assets of note were the company's South Eddy natural gas processing plant in the Delaware Basin and over 2 million barrels of oil storage at its Houston and Beaumont marine terminals.

Management and the board approved another 5.3% increase in quarterly distribution. This is the 48th consecutive quarter that Enterprise has increased its payout to shareholders

Enterprise's distribution coverage ratio for the quarter was 1.2 and resulted in retaining $200 million in cash to pay for capital investments. So far this year, the company has generated $428 million in excess of its distribution that has gone back into the business.

What management had to say

The statements from Enterprise CEO James Teague in press releases and conference calls rarely contain surprises. This quarter, though, if you do a little digging, there is one detail that pops out. (I've bolded the part of note.)

Enterprise reported record onshore liquid pipeline volumes and marine terminal volumes in the second quarter of 2016, which led to a 5.3 percent increase in distributable cash flow to $1.0 billion and provided 1.2 times coverage of the distribution to partners declared for the second quarter. Volume growth was primarily driven by the expansion of our LPG marine terminal, the ramp up of contracted volumes on our Aegis and ATEX ethane pipelines, the acquisition of EFS Midstream, as well as higher volumes on the Mid-America, Seminole and TE Products pipeline systems. The increase in gross operating margin from our fee-based businesses largely offset lower earnings from our commodity- sensitive businesses, the impact of lower crude oil pipeline volumes and the divestiture of our offshore Gulf of Mexico business in July 2015. ... We are on schedule to complete and begin commercial service on another $1.4 billion of growth projects during the remainder of 2016, including our ethane export facility on the Houston Ship Channel and the Waha natural gas processing plant in the Delaware Basin. In addition, we have $5.2 billion of growth capital projects scheduled to be completed in 2017 and 2018.

Here's what really stands out in this statement. Just last quarter, the company said that it had $4.2 billion in new projects slated to come on line through 2017 and 2018. So if we include the $600 million that were brought into service in the prior quarter, that means the company has added another $1.6 billion in new projects during the most recent quarter alone. This is pretty promising for investors, considering that other larger pipeline companies have actually been trimming or pushing back their project schedules.

10-second takeaway

Even though commodity prices are still low and some customers are using Enterprise's services a little less, the company has been able to maintain a steady growth pace throughout this downturn thanks to a stream of new projects coming on line. By the looks of it, the company will continue this trend at least into 2018 based on management's statements. Also, if oil and gas prices were to pick up somewhat, Enterprise could be in store for some strong results.
Notice something? Your internet and wireless bills are climbing. If you dont believe me, just take a look.

Most of my clients have been discovering the same. There are plenty of reasons why. Cloud based applications have taken off and youre likely using them more than you were in the past. Data usage, particularly video and images, has grown exponentially over the past few years. Your people are transferring larger and larger files among themselves. And speaking of your people, your staff (particularly those Millennials who now make up more than half of the workforce) are doing more work with their mobile devices from both in and outside of your office location. That means that more information is being shared through collaboration, communication and storage applications than ever before.

All of this is driving up your costsfast. So how can you keep this under control? Theres no magic wand. But, with a little effort, you can save some big bucks. Here are three secrets Ive learned from both clients and those in the industry.

Get audited.

Jason, a controller at a roofing company near Philadelphia, likes to get audited, as he calls it.

Because we have so many guys out in the field doing work, our wireless bills are enormous, he told me. So each year I invite in a competing wireless service to take a look at what were doing.

Jason, a client of mine, shares copies of his bills and then invites the competitor to take a crack at doing something better. He makes sure that whatever costs savings are proposed are not only long term (and not just a short promotion), but also figure in the penalties he would need to pay were he to break his contract with his current carrier. When it comes to wireless carriers, Jason doesnt get emotional. Most of the time he says hes found that making a change wouldnt be worth it. But he has changed carriers three times in the past 10 years.

At the very least, he says, it gives me comfort that what Im paying my current carrier is competitive.

Be aggressive with your current carrier.

A friend of mine, Rebecca, is an accounting manager for a piping distributor. She is much more loyal than Jason. She prefers to work with her existing carrier to reduce costs rather than frequently switching. To do this successfully, however, she must be extremely diligent. Her company spends thousands every month on wireless charges. Saving five or ten percent has an enormous impact on profitability. Rather than accepting competing bids, like Jason, she instead makes it a point twice a year to review charges with a dedicated representative from the carrier directly. Shes fully conversant on the details of each invoice (which, as anyone whos read one of those things knows, thats easier said than done). She questions charges and she pushes for discounts and ideas for keeping the costs under control. Being proactive, she said, is the best way to keep an eye on these costs.

Make sure youre using all the services available.

Many of us aren't taking full advantage of all the services that our wireless provider offers. That's the biggest takeaway I learned from Eric Jagher, a vice president of business sales for wireless carrier U.S. Cellular (a former client of mine).

For example  one option is expanding to even more devices.

"Wireless devices can enhance or transform the way we do business  from placing a small device in a fleet vehicle to track location, increase productivity, optimize scheduling and reduce fuel costs, to monitoring the conditions in facilities remotely (temperature, humidity, motion, access), to hundreds of other ways." Wireless companies like U.S. Cellular are aggressively pushing services that take advantage of Internet of Things and GPS technologies and you may be able to bundle these services on to your existing plan for an attractive price. Also, don't forget about data backup  this is yet another service that wireless carriers offer and that many of us forget to use. The more we use the more discounts we get.

The takeaway.

Twenty or thirty years ago, wireless charges didnt even exist. Then again, twenty or thirty years ago you werent paying for water or TV either! Wireless and internet charges have become a significant line item on our income statements. You can keep these costs under control, as long as youre willing to give them the attention they deserve.
Tumblr bloggers: It's (almost) time to get paid.

The Yahoo-owned blogging service is rolling out ads today, which will translate into cold, hard cash for bloggers later this year.

Tumblr is still working out details of the "partner program," including how bloggers will get paid and how much. You will need to sign-up for the program to make money; you can't do that yet, but registrations are "coming soon." Tumblr said it plans to launch the partner program sometime in 2016.

For now, ads will appear on the three main instances of your blog, Tumblr said, including: the main page, within "the slide-out thing" on the Web, and on mobile apps and the mobile web.

"Tumblr is a place where brilliant, creative, funny, impossible people shape culture. Some of you have even turned your passions into jobs: book deals, music careers, paid gigs," the Tumblr team wrote in their announcement. "Now, that opportunity will be available to any eligible Tumblrpoet, musician, fan artist, and misfit weirdo memelord alike."

Rest assured that if you want to keep your Tumblr ad-free, you can. If you're not comfortable with ads invading your space, head over to your Tumblr's settings to disable on-blog advertising. Right now, you can only do this on the Web, but soon you'll be able to do it from the mobile apps as well.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
Facebook Inc's quarterly revenue jumped 59.2 percent as its hugely popular mobile app attracted new advertisers and encouraged existing ones to spend more.

The net income attributable to Facebook's stockholders rose to $2.05 billion, or 71 cents per share, in the second quarter ended June 30, from $715 million, or 25 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue rose to $6.44 billion from $4.04 billion.

The company, which generated 84 percent of its advertising revenue from mobile ads in the quarter, has been rolling out new features to beef up mobile advertising and is exhorting businesses to experiment with video ads. (Reporting by Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)
Credit Suisse posted a surprise second-quarter net profit, confounding expectations for a third straight quarterly loss and giving a major boost to Chief Executive Tidjane Thiam's efforts to restructure Switzerland's second-biggest bank.

Thursday's results are the first green shoots for Thiam's strategy, set out in October and consisting of slimming down the investment bank, focusing on wealth management and cutting at least 4.3 billion Swiss francs ($4.4 billion) in costs by the end of 2018.

Tough financial markets and muddled communication of the blueprint, as well as concerns over Credit Suisse's capital position, have so far hampered Thiam's efforts to turn around the bank whose helm he took in July 2015.

The net profit of 170 million francs was well down on the 1.05 billion earned in the same period last year, but beat even the most optimistic forecast in a Reuters poll of six analysts, with the average estimate for a 192 million franc loss.

"This has been a quarter of continued progress for Credit Suisse," Thiam told analysts.

At the end of the quarter, Credit Suisse's common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.8 percent of risk-weighted assets, within its target of 11 to 12 percent for 2016.

This could help ease some concerns the bank is undercapitalised relative to peers. Credit Suisse also plans to raise some 2 billion to 4 billion francs by floating part of its Swiss business next year.

ECONOMIC CONCERNS

The bank said it was cautious in the outlook for the second half due to uncertainty from geopolitical and macroeconomic concerns, notably last month's British referendum backing a departure from the European Union.

Its shares were up around 2 percent by 0715 GMT, outpacing the European banking sector which was down 0.5 percent.

The result was boosted by unexpected pre-tax income of 154 million francs at Credit Suisse's global markets division, one of two investment banking divisions and a source of steep losses in recent months.

Global markets benefited from transferring assets into the bank's strategic resolution unit (SRU), which winds down activities it no longer wants.

With Thiam hoping private banking will be Credit Suisse's main money maker in the years ahead, strong net new money inflows of 11.3 billion francs at its three private banking divisions will be a source of cheer for investors.

Net new money is seen as a volatile but important indicator of future earnings in wealth management.

Credit Suisse is the world's fourth-biggest private bank by assets after UBS, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, according to wealth management consultant Scorpio Partnership.

($1 = 0.9852 Swiss francs)

(Editing by Michael Shields and David Holmes)
Image source: Getty Images.

American Tower's (NYSE: AMT) name does not do it justice. That's because the company's international towers were the story in the second quarter, with its recent international tower acquisitions driving 69.7% growth in international tower revenue. That segment now accounts for 42% of its total revenue and 32% of its segment operating profit and is growing twice as fast on an organic basis as its domestic tower portfolio.

American Tower results: The raw numbers

Data source: American Tower. YOY = year over year.

What happened with American Tower this quarter?

American Tower's international operations drove results.

American Tower's Asia segment drove growth in the second quarter, with its revenue up 274.3% year over year to $225 million. Driving that increase was the acquisition of a 51% stake in India's Viom Networks, which added 42,000 tower sites to the company's portfolio.

Growth in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) was also very robust, with revenue jumping 91.4% to $135 million. The recent acquisition of 1,350 towers in Tanzania from Bharti Airtel was the key contributor to that region's growth.

Meanwhile, growth in Latin America was a bit more moderate at 7.3%, driven primarily by the recent acquisition of TIM Cellular in Brazil.

Finally, revenue in the U.S. was up 3.3%, mainly because of total organic tenant billings growth, which was up 5.6%. Although, that is less than half the 13.7% total organic tenant billings growth rate of its international segment.

What management had to say

In commenting on the quarter, CEO Jim Taiclet said:

American Tower's decision to expand internationally is paying big dividends. Its revenue in the second quarter grew more than twice as fast as leading U.S. tower REIT Crown Castle (NYSE: CCI), which increased site rental revenues by 9% last quarter. Further, by limiting itself to the U.S. marketplace, Crown Castle only expects full-year site rental growth of 7%, while AFFO is expected to grow by 12%. That said, Crown Castle is growing faster in the U.S. than American Tower, but on an absolute basis, it's lagging behind its globally focused peer.

Looking forward

In fact, American Tower's outlook for 2016 is much brighter than Crown Castle's. The global tower REIT now expects total property revenue to soar by 20.9% at the midpoint, while consolidated AFFO is projected to grow by 13.5%. That is a slight improvement from last quarter's guidance of 20.7% revenue growth and 12.8% AFFO growth at the midpoint. Driving this upward revision is the company's strong second-quarter showing as well as its outlook for continued organic growth as it adds more tenants to its towers, especially those overseas.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early, in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

Matt DiLallo owns shares of American Tower. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends American Tower. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A Massachusetts judge on Thursday rejected Sumner Redstone's bid to quickly end a case that will likely determine the future of the media mogul's $40 billion holdings, marking a victory for Viacom Inc Chief Executive Philippe Dauman.

The issue is whether the 93-year-old Redstone knew what he was doing when he removed Dauman and Viacom board member George Abrams from the seven-person trust that will control his majority ownership of Viacom and CBS Corp when he dies or is incapacitated.

Judge George Phelan of Norfolk County Probate and Family Court in Canton, Massachusetts rejected Redstone's motion to dismiss, and ruled that the case should proceed in Massachusetts.

While Phelan allowed Dauman to examine medical records relating to Redstone, the judge rejected Dauman's request for an immediate mental examination of the 93-year-old Redstone.

A spokeswoman for National Amusements declined to comment. Calls to Viacom and spokespeople for Sumner Redstone and his daughter Shari were not immediately returned.

(Reporting By Jessica Toonkel and Dan Levine; Editing by Alan Crosby)
Image source: Royal Dutch Shell.

Investors are likely waiting with bated breath to see if the BG Group deal leads to Royal Dutch Shell(NYSE: RDS-A)(NYSE: RDS-B)to start gushing profits. This quarter, however, showed that they have a long wait ahead of them. While some of Shell's peers have been showing signs of promise in their recent earnings reports, the same couldn't be said for Shell. Here's a quick look at Shell's results for the second quarter and why we're still waiting for Shell to turn things around.

By the numbers

For two quarters now, we have been able to look at Shell's results with BG Group in the mix. The last quarters consisted of pro forma results, but the company has redone its accounting for prior quarters to adjust for the changes.

Results* Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2015 Revenue $60,271 $49,732 $73,950 Net income $1,175 $484 $3,986 EPS (per ADS) $0.06 $0.22 $1.06 Operational cash flow $2,292 $661 $6,050

*in millions, except per-share data.Data source: Royal Dutch Shell earnings release.

One thing to remember about these figures is that the company issued about 1.6 billion shares as part of the BG deal. That's why the per-share math looks a little funny from quarter to quarter here.

Shell's results did improve a bit compared to this time last year, but part of that has to do with a cost of supply adjustment for its downstream segment and the writedown of what management calls identified items. If we strip these out, the company actually saw a decline in results. Its North American upstream production unit continues to struggle as it posted yet another loss of more than $1 billion. This quarter, Shell's European production segment also had a rough go of it as it posted a loss of $820 million. Despite some marginal improvements in its integrated gas segment and relatively strong earnings from downstream assets, its upstream production continues to post large losses.

Image source: Royal Dutch Shell, author's chart.

On the cash front, Shell's results were better, but not by much. The company generated $2.2 billion in cash for the quarter, and that came nowhere close to meeting its quarterly capital expenditures of $5.8 billion. Investors can perhaps forgive weaker results since the company's realized natural gas prices slipped a bit in the quarter, but it has been touting cost-cutting that just doesn't seem to be flowing to the bottom line. To cover the cash shortfall, it issued $9.7 billion in new debt, and its debt-to-capital ratio of 28.1% is starting to reach the top of its target range.

From the mouth of management

In spite of the results, CEO Ben Van Beurden continued to toe the company line about lowering costs and working through the integration of BG Group:

What a Fool believes

In Shell's defense, it's way too early to say if the BG Group acquisition is a stud or a dud. It still has a lot of work to do in bringing the two operating companies together under a common platform and identify some places where it can either trim the fat or beef up operations. Based on this initial result, though, things aren't looking great. Oil prices did rise in the quarter, yet Shell's upstream business generated even deeper losses. Investors should certainly give the company more time to work through this transformation, but we're going to have to start to see some form of improvement in the coming quarters.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

Tyler Crowe has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can follow him at Fool.comor on Twitter@TylerCroweFool.

The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Its an election cycle like the American public has never seen before: A relentless battle between a boisterous political outsider on the right, and a savvy career politician on the left.

Just one week after the Republican National Convention wrapped up in Cleveland with businessman Donald Trump nabbing the partys nomination for president, the Democratic National Convention kicked off in Philadelphia with the goal of nominating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as its partys candidate for president.

The non-traditional nature of the campaign season rolled on, as the expected fuss-free nomination process for the Democratic Party became anything but. Focus on Clinton was at times overshadowed by repeated protests from supporters of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, whose determination to become the Democratic nominee took him through a bitter battle with Clinton in the primary season. And on day one of the convention, DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schulz  whose leaked emails plotting a takedown of Sanders  under pressure, stepped down from her role before she ever gaveled the convention to order.

Like the DNC, the partys presidential nominee has been plagued by scandal after scandal throughout her 2016 presidential bid. Focus has run the gamut from alleged mishandling of the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya during which four Americans, including a U.S. ambassador, were murdered, to a scandal involving Clintons use of a private e-mail server during her time working at the State Department.

Gil Troy, American presidential historian and professor of history at McGill University, said while Clinton  a politician who very much enjoys getting into the nitty gritty details of policymaking  wants to debate the issues, her scandals combined with Trumps bombastic tone, are likely to keep her from wading too deep into the issues this campaign season.

[Clinton] has a thoughtful take on policy, the economy. She wants to have economic equality among genders, more activist government. She has an understanding of what she wants but she cant get it across because theres so much noise, he said. Shes somewhat responsible for her scandals and cant effectively frame those messages.

The months following the convention flurry will see Clinton emerge stronger on policy issues, argued Dennis Kelleher, president and CEO of Better Markets and former chief counsel and senior leadership advisor to the chairman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.

With four months until the general election and two candidates nominated by their respective parties, Kelleher says voters will begin to turn focus from name calling and cheap shots to campaign issues, figuring out with which nominee theyre better aligned. But Troy said based on historical evidence, while Americans might think they want the substance to push out style and see policy trump personality, it often doesnt happen.

Troy pointed to the debates, which are generally intended to show where the candidates stand on the issues most important to the voting public, and allow them time to duke it out on a prime-time stage. But he said theres a secret side to finessing the right message  and each candidate has to get it exactly right. Bill Clinton, he said was happy to sweat it out on the campaign trail, kissing babies and shaking hands with ordinary Americans. But his wife would prefer wading in the weeds on policy at the office to meeting the voters.

Hillary is dying for a serious policy discussion and for her to be seen as a serious policy leader. Part of her [failure to do that] is her own fault for the Clinton blind spot, convinced by their own virtue, and they cant see how the things theyre doing are perceived by the public.

"Hillary is dying for a serious policy discussion and for her to be seen as a serious policy leader. Part of her [failure to do that] is her own fault for the Clinton blind spot that they cant see how the things theyre doing are perceived by the public. - Gil Troy, McGill University history professor

Ultimately, according to Kelleher, the American people will assess which candidate better understands the lives ordinary Americans live, the challenges they face, the pathways to reaching their dreams and which candidate is best positioned to help them get them there. They want to know two things: Foreign and economic policy agendas.

According to a Fox News poll released in early May, 40% of voters say the economy is the most important issue to consider when casting their ballots  trumping by a wide margin issues including national security, education, health care, immigration and social issues.

The two major-party candidates couldnt be on more opposite sides when it comes to their approach to facilitating economic growth. Trump has outlined initiatives including simplifying the tax code and lowering rates for millions of Americans, while also renegotiating trade policies with China and initiating reforms on the Affordable Care Act.

Clinton, meanwhile, has proposed raising taxes on wealthy Americans, eliminating corporate and Wall Street tax loopholes, raising the federal minimum wage, investing in the nations infrastructure and making college more affordable.

While some say Clintons policies are an extension of President Barack Obamas, Kelleher said the presidents work in helping bring America back from worst recession since the Great Depression should be viewed as a net positive, and a wagon to which Clinton should hitch herselfat least partially.

Theres no question more needs to be done and thats why Hillary has a plan: On Wall Street, its to go much further than Obama. Her plan on jobs is dramatically different than Obama, her college plan is much stronger, broader, and more important to job creation than Obamas, he said.

However, Matt Bennett, senior vice president of Third Way and a former deputy assistant to the president for Intergovernmental Affairs for President Bill Clinton, said this will be one of Clintons biggest challenges over the next four months: Establishing herself as a new kind of Democratic leader without distancing herself too much from Obamas legacy.

Thats the trickiest thing of running after two terms of your party being in power. Its extremely hard. The reason it rarely works is because every candidate wants to be the candidate of change. She cant be. She has to respect the successes of Obama and she doesBut she does need to find ways of saying this is how far weve come under Obama, and Im going to go in a somewhat new direction, he explained.

Bennett said Clinton has been successful in putting distance between herself and Obama on issues like trade. Clinton opposes the presidents trans-pacific partnership deal, a free trade agreement among 12 nations, which aims to promote global growth and raise living standards. Opponents of TPP, including Clinton, say it doesnt provide essential security for American workers to compete globally. Bennett said her opposition, though, has been vague, and she needs a sharp message for voters about the changes the country is facing and how shell be the best candidate to face them.

The globalization technology made Americans deeply anxious about the future, their ability to earn a middle-class income and live a middle-class life. She has to talk about how the government can help people buffeted by these changes and what shell do to make their lives better, Bennett said.

He said Americans can see from the data that the economy is recovering from the 2008 financial crisis, but they dont really believe it yet.

Her task is to point to a destination where they feel that, Bennett said.
In light of the DNC email leak, hundreds of Bernie Sanders supporters continued to voice their concerns with the Democratic Party during an Occupy DNC protest near Philadelphias City Hall. Green Partys Jill Stein has taken advantage of the infuriated Sanders fans, helping catapult her own bid for the presidency.

For those unfamiliar with the Green Party, the grassroots electoral alternative centers around environmental issues, as well as social justice and the fight against the one percent.

In an effort to keep the movement Sanders started alive, followers gravitated toward Stein after the former presidential candidate fully pledged his support to Hillary Clinton  putting the apparent email controversy in the past. Evident by the continuous protests, it seems supporters of the Vermont senator have yet to forget what they believe has now become a rigged election.

Stein took center stage at the protests Wednesday, laying out her platform for candidacy. FOXBusiness.coms Jade Scipioni was at the protests and asked Stein how she plans to beat Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

This is how we beat Donald Trump, said Stein, referring to the hundreds of people who attended the protest. He cannot stop the power of a revolution.

Unless Stein can claim 15% of the national electorate, the revolution wont be enough to get her on the debate stage for a chance at becoming the next president of the United States.
The actor best known for playing Mr. Sulu on the original TV series Star Trek, George Takei, discussed Peter Thiels speech at the Republican National Convention and his take on GOP nominee Donald Trumps pledge to support the LGBT community.

During an interview with the FOX Business Networks Deirdre Bolton, Takei questioned Thiels use of the word pride when describing himself as being gay.

I thought it was very peculiar that the word pride was there with his being gay. I mean Im gay and Im proud and Im a Democrat. He as a Republican, is supporting that Republican platform, where it thoroughly dehumanizes LGBT people, of which he claims to be one in that, he said.

Trump pledged during the RNC to support the LBGT community. As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of the hateful foreign ideology, he said during his keynote address on Thursday.

Takei recalled a luncheon he had with the real estate mogul where they discussed marriage equality.

Well I had lunch with Donald Trump to advocate for marriage equality and this was before New York got marriage equality. And he did tell me that he has a lot of LGBT friends, hes gone to weddings of LGBT friends and he supports LGBT people but he is for traditional marriage, so he has been consistent there, Takei said.
Cenk Uygur, co-founder of online news program The Young Turks, explained why he believes it is important to take money out of politics.

Our politics will constantly be controlled not just by the Koch brothers, but also [George] Soros and also [Michael] Bloomberg and all of these giant donors on both the left and the right, multinational corporations and the unions, he told FOXBusiness.com at the Democratic National Convention.

We gotta end that. We gotta get back to democracy. Its not an accident that under this crooked, corrupt system we have the two most unpopular candidates in American history. If you fix the system youll get a lot better candidates.

Uygur also commented on both the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees.

I think shes the establishment, he said. I think shes status quo in a time when people dont want status quo. I understand why people are dissatisfied with her and I did not support her during the primaries but at the same time I cant risk the Republic on someone like Donald Trump.

He added:
Actor and syndicated radio host Gerard "Jerry" Doyle has died in Las Vegas at age 60.

Clark County coroner John Fudenberg said Thursday that an autopsy was scheduled, and it will take several weeks and toxicology tests to determine a cause of death.

Las Vegas police were called around 4 p.m. Wednesday after Doyle was found dead at home in northwest Las Vegas. Officer Laura Meltzer says the death didn't appear suspicious.

As an actor, Doyle was best-known as Michael Garibaldi in the 1990s science-fiction television show "Babylon 5."

In recent years, his self-titled radio show aired on Talk Radio Network and, in Las Vegas, weekday afternoons on AM radio station KDWN.

A post on Doyle's verified Facebook page stated, "The family of Jerry Doyle is sad to announce Jerrys passing. The cause of death is unknown at this time."

Show producer Brad Silvers noted that Doyle also founded the conservative-Libertarian opinion blog EpicTimes.com.

Talk Radio Network Enterprises CEO Mark Masters stated, "I am stunned and saddened by the news of Jerry's sudden death. He was a dear friend and a prince of a human being. We have worked together for over 12 years, and no host was more loyal at my side."

Talk Radio Network and America's Talk Network said they will continue to produce and distribute "The Jerry Doyle Show" using guest hosts.



The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Brad Pitts Make It Right Foundation is under fire after its promise to construct 50 new single-family homes in a Kansas City, Mo. neighborhood has yet to be started.

The New Orleans-based nonprofit organization, that helped rebuild homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, announced last year that it would begin working on the development of Kansas City homes starting in May 2015, but the Kansas City Star reported Wednesday that little-to-no progress has been made.

The organization purchased six parcels of land in Manheim Park from Aug. 18, 2015 to Feb. 4, 2016, but construction hasnt started, the Star reported. The foundation hasnt explained why construction has yet to begin and top officials have all declined to comment on matter.

Tim Duggan, a local architect who was hired by the Make It Right Foundation as the lead director of innovations, no longer works for the company.

The organization appears to have experienced some turnover since its initiation in 2007. Its CEO, Tom Darden stepped down and the foundation's website has no current CEO listed.

Dianne Cleaver, executive director of the Urban Neighborhood Initiative that is tasked with rehabilitating Kansas Citys east side, acknowledged that the organization had experienced some changes.

I think they have seven or nine board members, and four of them are gone, theyre being replaced, Cleaver told the Star. So they seem to be just in some restructuring, directional challenges.

However, others brushed off the lack of progress in construction as time delay. Gloria Fisher-Ortiz, the executive director of community development corporation Westside Housing, is still hopeful that the Manheim Park project will be complete and said that she was in contact with the Make It Right Foundation.

Rodney Knott, a former neighborhood association president in Manheim Park and director of the nonprofit organization ReEngage, was more skeptical. He called the replacement of the foundations CEO troubling.

Brad Pitt established the Make It Right Foundation in 2007 and took on the task of rebuilding the houses in New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward where broken levees caused major flooding along the Industrial Canal. The organization was responsible for building about 110 homes.

Thom Pepper, the executive director of Common Ground Relief, told the Star that some of the residents who had their homes built for them complained to the foundation about the roofs, which forced the organization to rebuild some of the houses.

Wood that was painted as environmentally friendly and used for the homes decks and some exterior features also rotted. The foundation sued Timber Treatment Technologies, which provided the wood.

Pepper also said that a ton of money was spent on building the houses in New Orleans.

The Kansas City Star, citing a 2013 report from the architecture website ArchDaily, reported that Make It Right spent $24 million to build 86 houses in New Orleans at the time  about $280,000 per home.

Make It Right also received the largest amount of funding from Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. It received $3.8 million of the $30 million that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the city. The foundation was able to build 44 houses with the allocated funds.

With the money spent in New Orleans, Pepper told the paper that he was surprised when he learned of the foundations plans to build homes in Kansas City and for veterans in Newark, N.J.

We were like, what do you mean, Newark and Kansas City? Pepper said. You havent finished what you said you were going to do here and youre expanding into other markets. Whats going on?

Officials in Missouri also questioned the foundations plans.

Cleaver told the paper that the foundation said in an email about three weeks ago that it was still reassessing the situation.

Click for more from the Kansas City Star.
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life will answer fans burning questions, star Lauren Graham told reporters at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.

Im sure there will be people who wont feel satisfied because thats just people For me it was really satisfying, she said. There wasnt any question left unanswered.

Netflix will release the "Gilmore Girls" revival in the form of four 90 minute installments, titled Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

All four installments will be available for streaming on the same day, something creator Amy Sherman-Palladino had previously told the press she was against.

"I told them I was going to hang myself from a shower curtain if they put them all out," Sherman-Palladino said jokingly. "They said, 'Can we help you with that?"

She explained that her main concern was that viewers would skip to the end of the revival to see the much-buzzed about final four words of the show.

"It's such a journey and it's such a build to the last four words," she said. "However, you dont always get what you want.

The shows creator also said she was nervous fans would spoil the show for other fans.

But the good outweighs the bad in the sense that it is a wonderful place to be able to create things and do things in a different way. So, shower curtain will wait."

Graham said the revival was a long time in the making.

It was never up to me to say yes or no or discussions about making a film we werent sure what that would look it just sort of evolved into what it became which was a convergence of the way the world has changed and the right way to do this material, she said. We started having conversations in earnest I would say like two years ago, and then it was slowly happening, maybe a year agoeverything just fell into place.

The actress said she had to gather herself when she first started filming the revival.

I was very kind of emotional and excited. I was a mess. I was too emotional. I had to pull it together to say my long lines.

And Alexis Bledel revealed that all of her characters ex-boyfriends will make appearances during the reboot.

Gilmore Girls stars Melissa McCarthy, Kelly Bishop, Sean Gunn and Keiko Agena have also returned for the revival.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life premieres November 25th on Netflix.
The Crown, a new Netflix original series, follows the story of a newly married Queen Elizabeth II while she forges a relationship with Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

Award-winning actor John Lithgow told reporters at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour he was intimated to play the ultimate Englishman, Churchill.

I would say the hardest thing was just getting over the fear, he said. I was very intimated by the entire prospect of playing Churchill  being an American playing the ultimate Englishman among the best theatre and film actors in England.

The 70-year-old actor said he studied up on Churchill in order to take on the roll.

I simply immersed myself in the history of Churchill  as much video and audio as I could find, he said. I found that just about every Englishman I met had an impeccable impersonation of Winston Churchill the entire challenge in my own mind is forgetting the real Churchill and making viewers forget the real Churchill and just making him as authentic as I can.

The shows executive producer, Peter Morgan, told reporters the royal family is very, very aware of the show he is producing.

I think Netflix [is] working on getting [the Queen] to give an endorsement, he said. Through untraceable back channels, countless approaches have been made.

The Crown premieres Friday November 4th on Netflix.
After losing her mother and husband within two years, Justine McCabe used food as comfort and gained more than 100 pounds. To regain her life, the young mother took a novel approach daily selfies as motivation.

McCabe, of Burbank, California, weighed 313 pounds when she started her weight loss journey.

"I didn't like what I saw," McCabe told Today. "I feel like I look so broken and lost and sad and that's the reason why I started taking a picture a day. I wanted to see myself change, see if my expression would change."

McCabes weight gain started after her mother died in 2013, from complications of chemotherapy exacerbated by being obese, Today reported. At 510, McCabe weight 285 pounds at the time. Then, her husband, John Paul, killed himself in February 2015 after a lifelong struggle with depression.

"This just destroyed me," McCabe told Today. "I didn't know what I was going to do."

Though her older sisters and best friend tried to encourage her to go to the gym, the 31-year-old mother of two boys, ages 12 and 9, ignored them.

She finally realized she needed to change her life after talking to a grief counselor and on April 1, 2015, she went to the gym just to prove her friend and family wrong.

After her first 60 minute workout on the elliptical, she sent a selfie to her friends as proof, a move that became a daily habit. McCabe lost 30 pounds within a month and, at that point, began to make a real effort to lose weight by changing her eating habits and focusing on her workouts.

Six months later, McCabe had lost 75 pounds. It wouldve been the one year wedding anniversary with her husband. She celebrated by going to Hawaii and jumping off a cliff to conquer her fear, Today reported.

In fall 2015, McCabe lost an additional 49 pounds with the help of a personal trainer and hopes to lose another 20 pounds. Her Instagram page has 76,000 followers.

"A little 'secret' I've come to realize. It's NOT about losing the weight. It's about truly transforming your life, she wrote in a post. The time is now, our tomorrow is not promised.
In a recent article Amid Push to Curb Police Abuse, Some Act on Fringe, The New York Times quoted Malik Zulu Shabazzs call to kill all Zionists in Israel, including their old ladies and little babies.

Those words alone are shocking and reprehensible but the Times reporters failed to properly identify Shabazz. They said he was a former New Black Panther leader. It is odd to identify someone by reference to his former role, when his current role is more important and more relevant to the story. Shabazz is the current president of Black Lawyers for Justice, an organization that assists plaintiffs with police abuse cases and frequently organizes rallies with notorious hate groups, such as Nation of Islam.

A 30 second Google search revealed Shabazzs current role in an organization with justice hypocritically in its title. Why did the Times choose to identify him by reference to his former, rather than current role?

I know enough about the Times fact checking process to be certain that the reporters were aware of his present role. If they made an explicit editorial decision to omit it, the readers are entitled to know why.

A 30 second Google search revealed Shabazzs current role in an organization with justice hypocritically in its title. Why did the Times choose to identify him by reference to his former, rather than current role?

Was it in order to artificially widen the distance between violent radical fringe groups and more mainstream groups that are seeking to curb police abuse? Why not include the current role of this hateful inciter of genocide and let the reader judge his proximity to the mainstream.

The Times didnt even identify Shabazz as a member of the bar  a practicing lawyer  who, together with his fellow members of Black Lawyers for Justice, gives legal advice to some of those mainstream groups the Times was focusing on in the article.

As president of Black Lawyers for Justice, Shabazz, has called for genocide against the Jews of Israel: Kill every goddamn Zionist in Israel! Goddam little babies, goddam old ladies? Blow up Zionist supermarkets. And, he has not limited his hateful vitriol to Zionists. He had blamed Jews for blowing up the World Trade Center: They got their people out. He has accused the Jews of [k]illing Christ, and said that God condemns you. He has said that Jews set up the death of Martin Luther King. He blames [t]he Jewish rabbis and the Talmud for the African holocaust. He has said that the European Jews have America under control, lock stock and barrel, the media, foreign policy.

This bigoted inciter of genocide is a member of the bar of the District of Columbia -- despite having been disciplined by that bar for numerous acts of unprofessional conduct. Those acts include failing to provide competent representation to clients, failing to safe-keep his clients property and knowingly assisting another to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Applicants for admission to the bar have been excluded for expressing racist ideas far less virulent than the genocidal incitements attributed to Shabazz.

While these incitements may be protected by the First Amendment, they may also demonstrate unfitness to practice law, especially when considered against the background of the other unprofessional conduct of which Shabazz has been found guilty.

One thing is clear: no decent person should have anything to do with this anti-Semitic hate monger, and every legitimate organization concerned about police abuse should disassociate themselves from him and from his organization.

Yet Cornel West, a Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, recently introduced this despicable bigot at a March of the Oppressed rally in Cleveland. West praised Shabazz as my dear brother, someone whom he has known for 20 years and who is still on the battlefield.

He compared this rancid anti-Semite to the great Martin Luther King. He asked the crowd to applaud for Shabazz, which they did. He then hugged him.

You can view Wests speech at #MASSIVE rally and March in #CLE #BlackLivesMatter on YouTube.

Wests endorsement of Shabazz is comparable to a white professor introducing the Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan with such effusive praise.

Despite Wests close association with and support for this advocate of genocide against Jewish babies, West was appointed to the Democratic Party Platform Committee by Bernie Sanders.

For shame!
Ahead of the Democratic National Convention this week, party leaders recently released the official Democratic policy platform. Not surprisingly, when it comes to educationan issue that has long been considered a mainstay of the Leftthe agenda bends to teachers unions and other interest groups at odds with meaningful education reforms.

Americans deserve better, and they can do better. The 2016 election cycle, coupled with the overdue reforms delivered in the Every Student Succeeds Act, presents an opportunity for conservatives to re-stake the Republican Party as the champion of prudent and pragmatic education policy. And we can do so by articulating positions with a proven track-record of success: Greater local control, parental choice, high academic standards and aligned assessments, and honest frameworks for measuring student development and keeping teacher, principals, and districts accountable.

Already, momentum is in our favor. In December, the Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into law with broad bipartisan support. The law forever ends No Child Left Behind and marks a historic return of control over education issues to state and local authoritiesfrom classroom expectations to funding to accountability measures and beyond. The law has been heralded as a huge win for conservatives, but to ensure these reforms translate to tangible results will require conservative leaders to offer solutions, especially at the local level.

This week I was proud to join several Republican leaders from across the country to launch Conservative Leaders for Education. Comprised of conservative-minded state lawmakers and education policy makers, the coalition is committed to advocating principled policy as states begin to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act.

At the same time, the organization will serve as a clearinghouse of best practices, where educators, policymakers and the public can share ideas and contribute to a constructive policy discussion.

The formation of Conservative Leaders for Education comes at a pivotal time. Over the past thirty years the United States has gradually ceded control of education to a centralized, big government. Faced with rigid mandates from Washington, policymakers often inflated performance measures by systematically lowering the bar for schools. As a result, many students were often told they were on track to graduate high school prepared for college or a career, when in fact they were not.

That reality has fueled the remediation crisis on college campuses. Today, more than 50 percent of first-time students at community colleges and nearly 20 percent of those entering four-year institutions need remediation to learn skills they should have mastered in high school. About four in 10 students who take remedial coursework will never complete a degree. And its not just at-risk students who take a hit; 45 percent of students who place into remediation come from middle- and high-income families.

While Washingtons role in education has grown, so too has special interest groups influence on policy development. Over the past several decades teachers unions have steadily increased lobbying efforts, which have roundly opposed any mention of accountability. Out of those campaigns underperforming teachers have found themselves comfortably immune from answering to student outcomes, while the public has received less actionable information about how well their kids are doing.

It is time we push past old education models which put the wellbeing of adults (unions, administrators, teachers, etc...) ahead of students. The Every Student Succeeds Act has sown the groundwork for conservative leaders to stand up for the principles and policies that will leave a meaningful and lasting footprint. And with record levels of Republican control at the state level, right now we have a rare opportunity to cement local control over education, school choice, honest accountability and high-level content in our schools and classrooms.

Those goals wont be easily won. Unions and entrenched special interests will continue to unilaterally oppose measures that require them to answer to student performance and the effectiveness of schools. Many have already called on the U.S. Department of Education to regulate implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act, even though many proposals violate the intention of the law. If conservatives are hesitant to take the lead, liberals will.

Fortunately, there are leaders within the Republican Party to carry this banner. Governor Mike Pence, who was recently tapped as the vice presidential nominee, has achieved remarkable success expanding school choice in Indiana, which now boasts one of the largest voucher programs in the country. Just as commendable are the citizen advocates, like those participating in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conference this week, who demand education be accountable to those closest to it.

The Every Student Succeeds Act marks a unique devolution of the federal overreach into education. For the first time in decades, states will have nearly full autonomy over, and responsibility for, the outcomes of their students. I urge conservative leaders, parents and educators to join us in advancing principled policies that will ensure this moment produces the type of education systems that will equip our young people to lead.
In April of 2014, 276 women were kidnapped in Chibok, Nigeria by Boko Haram. They were taken from a school and held as prisoners or sold as sex slaves.

In May of that same year, First Lady Michelle Obama posted online a photo of her holding a sign encouraging us to #bringbackourgirls.

Many people at the time sensed that it marked the beginning of something different in foreign policy. But what exactly? Why would the first lady of the United States need hashtag diplomacy to move a country to action when the Obama administration was in power and presumably had the ability to influence action?

Perhaps Mrs. Obama was simply trying to raise public awareness of an important issue. But the question remains: why didnt the United States government put more action behind the appeal to #bringbackourgirls?

If we get another four or eight years of a laissez-faire attitude toward religious freedom from the next president, we can expect there to be an extinction of Christianity in the Middle East.

One of the key issues this election season is the growing privatization of advocacy for religious rights, filling the gap created by a lack of action and strategy of free nations. In other words, because the governments of free countries have failed to sufficiently leverage their individual or collective influence on behalf of the persecuted and oppressed in other nations, private advocates have stepped in to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Neither of the leading candidates in the 2016 presidential campaign has seriously addressed the issue of the persecution of Christians around the world and its impact on religious freedoms as a whole. Nor have they acknowledged the very real regional instability created by increasing persecution. But the growing privatization of advocacy for religious rights, and how the candidates feel about it, is an important issue that we must be pushing the candidates to take a strong position on.

The current administration, it must be said, has been slow in taking action against the persecution of Christians and for religious freedom in general.

From a position in the State Department focusing on religious freedom that was left open for years, to a shift to the kind of hashtag diplomacy for the Chibok girls, this administrations lack of action shows that it believes nations need to work out for themselves how religious freedom works within their own societies.

This laissez-faire policy has had disastrous consequences for Christians and others who want the freedom to choose their faith for themselves and not to have it assigned at birth. (In many countries, the religion of babies are registered at birth based on their parents faith and cannot be changed later in life).

It has allowed extremists groups like Boko Haram and ISIS to expand its forced conversion at the threat of the sword.

The growth in persecution based upon the data of the Open Doors World Watch List shows a near doubling of incidents against Christians around the worldevery yearfor the past three years.

If the policies of the current administration are continued, there can be little doubt that this terrifying trend will continue.

There was a time not so long ago when the United States sought to encourage and promote religious freedom, believing that it was a precursor to other freedoms.

During the Cold War, perhaps if only as a reaction to the complete restriction of religious freedoms in the Soviet Union, nearly every U.S. president believed that freedom of religious expression was critical to the freedom of the people of the Soviet Unionand they were right.

The spread of the underground church, and the distribution of Bibles among the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant believers in the Soviet Union was a critical element in the growing gap between the people of the Soviet Union and their leadership.

The people wanted a rich, meaningful spiritual life of their choosing, and the communist leadership wanted a worship of the Communist systems and its icons and ideals.

If we get another four or eight years of a laissez-faire attitude toward religious freedom from the next president, we can expect there to be an extinction of Christianity in the Middle East.

The Christian population in the region has already been reduced from 20 percent of the population some 20 years ago to just 3 percent today. With Christians now nearly extinct in the region, four more years of indifference will surely lead to further declines in other countries and regions as extremists and totalitarian regimes expand their reach unchecked and unfettered.

Freedom of religion is a canary in the coal mine for other freedoms. When this fundamental freedom is extinguished, all other freedoms are at imminent risk.

Sitting idly by while religious freedom is denied to others isnt just immoral, it is also impolitic. Wherever you see an attack on Christian faith, youre likely to see that region or nation tip into chaos shortly thereafter.

Will we have a president who will use his or her platform of power to actively encourage religious freedom and to protect the rights of Christians and others around the world to practice their faith?

Now is the time to urge the candidates to speak out and articulate their plans to support religious freedom. My fear is that the Obama administrations hashtag diplomacy was not the beginning of something, but rather the sad end of generations of U.S. presidents that supported religious freedom through action.

For now, non-governmental agencies alone push, prod and plead for religious freedoms, without the levers of trade, law and good standing with free nations to bring additional pressure to bear on those who would deny their people such freedoms and protections.

This needs to stop. We need a President Clinton or President Trump to use the tools of statesmanship and diplomacy to encourage religious freedom and all the benefits it brings. -- If they dont, we will see more chaos and many more innocent people will lose their lives to governments and rogue tribes who will force their ideologies of hate upon their populations.

Americans can make their voices heard by joining Open Doors campaign to ask Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to clearly articulate their plans for protecting religious freedom and standing up to those who would deny it to their citizens. Sign the petition today at opendoorsusa.org
Hundreds of Bernie Sanders supporters are expected to stage a Fart-In Thursday at the Democratic National Convention meeting in Philadelphia.

An assortment of Socialists, beatniks, and leftwing rabble-rousers plan to consume massive quantities of pork and beans in preparation for the pungent protest.

Click here to join Todds American Dispatch: a must-read for conservatives!

We have yet to ascertain why the liberals are passing gas -- but the mass flatulence is expected to happen just moments before Hillary Clinton's acceptance speech.

U.S. News reports heavy containers laden with beans  both dry and canned  have already been shipped to the City of Brotherly Love. They plan to feast on a variety of selections  including navy, pinto, baked and lima (which emits a rather noxious fume).

It shows the level of absolute disgust that were at  we think were going to remember 2016 as the year we begin to bury the two corporate political parties, Cheri Honkala told U.S. News.

Ms. Honkala is the national coordinator for the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign  one of the groups behind the Fart-In.

Its really a shame  this whole thing does stink, she said. Democrats and Republicans are like Pepsi and Coke. They listen to corporations and they dont listen to anti-poverty activists.

The plan is for activists to scarf down as many beans as possible and then wait for nature to run its course. As the songwriter once wrote, Beans, beans, the magical fruit

At the appointed hour, the protesters will corporately pass gas  both inside and outside the Wells Fargo Arena. And that has drawn a word of warning from meteorologists.

Thunderstorms are in the forecast and some weather guessers fear the static discharge from a lightning strike could cause the protestors to spontaneously combust.

Click here to get Todds latest book  a gun-totin, Bible-clingers guide to America.

Also, scientists have grave concerns that the sheer number of gassy liberals could blow a hole in the ozone from Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Therefore, residents who live in the projected path of this foul wind should begin immediate preparations to protect themselves and their property.

FEMA has not issued an official advisory  but sources within the government tell me people living along the eastern seaboard should acquire gas masks and at least two cases of industrial strength Febreze.

To those of you down wind of the blast zone --- God speed.
This summer, we have all witnessed the heavy hand of government intervening in the freedom of speech, as the behavior of the Secret Service at both the Republican convention in Cleveland and the Democratic convention in Philadelphia was troubling and unconstitutional.

Though the First Amendment was originally written only to restrain Congress ("Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech"), it is now uniformly interpreted to restrict all government in America from abridging the freedom of speech.

The reason this freedom is referred to as "the" freedom of speech is to reflect the belief of the Framers that the right to speak freely is pre-political. Stated differently, the freedom of speech is an integral aspect of our humanity. The government does not grant the freedom of speech; it is prohibited from interfering with it.

This is known as a negative right, in the sense that government is negated from interfering with a personal natural right. A natural right is one whose exercise does not require a government permission slip. Speech is the classic example.

The government removal of the press by command of the Republicans and the government removal of Sanders placards by command of the Democrats constitute not only an unheard-of commandeering of the government's coercive powers for a private purpose but also the government's abridging the freedom of speech.

The reasons for this are numerous, and not the least of them are our natural inclinations to think as we wish and to say what we think in pursuit of happiness and personal fulfillment. The practical reasons for this right are the needs of an informed electorate to challenge the government and demand transparency and accountability.

How did this play out during the hot weeks in Cleveland and Philadelphia? Not well.

Though the political parties are private entities with their own rules, they have invited their members and supporters to these quadrennial conventions for the purpose of engaging in public political conversations.

Yet if the Republicans wanted only pro-Trump sentiments to be expressed in the hall in Cleveland and if the Democrats wanted only pro-Clinton sentiments to be expressed in the hall in Philadelphia, since neither entity is the government, both are free to abridge the freedom of speech without legal consequences.

The consequences of such abridgments would presumably be political; those whose speech is silenced and those who oppose silencing public political speech would cast their votes against the silencers.

Yet this summer, the heavy hand of government was involved in silencing speech.

Here is the back story.

Because both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are entitled to Secret Service protection by virtue of a federal statute, the Secret Service either offered or demanded that it be the lead law enforcement agency providing general security -- not just to Trump and Clinton but for everyone -- at the conventions. In both cities, local officials went along with this.

The freedom of speech issues arose when the leadership of both conventions got so cozy with the Secret Service that they began using the federal agency as if it were private security, and they did so in such a manner as to preclude judicial intervention in aid of the freedom of speech.

Thus, when the Republican leadership wanted to quell a "Never Trump" boomlet on the convention floor, it had the Secret Service remove all reporters and producers -- including some of my Fox News colleagues -- from the floor. And when the Democratic leadership wanted to silence a pro-Bernie Sanders onslaught on the convention floor, it had the Secret Service confiscate Sanders placards from delegates on the floor.

The government removal of the press by command of the Republicans and the government removal of Sanders placards by command of the Democrats constitute not only an unheard-of commandeering of the government's coercive powers for a private purpose but also the government's abridging the freedom of speech. And all this was done quickly and without notice -- and without an opportunity for redress to the courts.

The first duty of government is to preserve life, liberty and property. It is a strange and dangerous government that stifles freedom for some fleeting private purpose. It is equally strange that a freedom-loving people would tolerate this.

The whole purpose of the First Amendment and its underlying values is to encourage open, wide, robust, unbridled debate about the policies and the personnel of the government. The prevailing judicial interpretations of these values quite properly keep the government out of the business of assessing the value and propriety of public political speech.

The First Amendment demands that the test for acceptance or rejection of speech in the marketplace of ideas be made by individuals -- uninfluenced, undeterred and unmolested by the government.

When the government stifles free choice in an area such as speech, it is no longer the people's servant. It has become their master. Do you know anyone outside the government who wants that?
Meet Tim Kaine. He's going to be your next vice president.

At least I hope he will be.

Kaine is hugely capable with a proven track record of results. But I gotta be fair here so youll trust what Im about to write.

His speech Wednesday night in Philly wasnt the most thrilling introduction to the American public.

Americans now know that Kaine stands for faith, family and work. That he is a man who has spent his life dedicated to public service and giving all Americans a fair shot.

It certainly didnt feel as electric as Vice President Joe Bidens emphatic defense of Hillary Clintons capabilities, record and love for America. (Note: Biden has never been better and his swan song address was one for the ages). It definitely wasnt like President Obamas fiery address that drew chants of four more years over and over. And even former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg thrilled the crowd more.

But Virginia Senator Tim Kaine did the job he came to do.

Before he took the stage, upwards of 60 percent of Americans had no idea who Tim Kaine was. Donald Trump was one of them. He confused Kaine with former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean, in a press conference this afternoon.

After his address Wednesday night, Americans now know that Kaine stands for faith, family and work. That he is a man who has spent his life dedicated to public service and giving all Americans a fair shot.

Kaines strong record is indisputable. Although currently serving his state as a senator Kaine is also a former governor.

Virginia is doing well: its rated one of the best managed states, the best for business and best for raising a child.

Hes been a leader in the fight for common sense gun reform and was the leader Virginia needed after the tragic Virginia Tech shooting that took 32 lives.

He also expanded pre-K and higher education while in office.

In a brilliant stroke Wednesday night Kaine reached out to Republicans who cant bring themselves to vote for Donald Trump. He discussed his father-in-law, former Republican Governor of Virginia Linwood Holton, who has recently begun voting for Democrats because the GOP isnt the party of Lincoln any more.

In another wise move, he took the time to praise Bernie Sanders for all hes done for the Democratic Party and progressives. His words drew one of Sanderss megawatt smiles.

Kaine isnt an Elizabeth Warren level attack dog, but he took on Donald Trump in his speech pointing out that you cant believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth.

He added that Americans who believed him in business got ripped off and pointed to former First Lady Barbaras Bushs comment that she didnt know how any woman could vote for him after his offensive comments.

And then there was this winning line: No major party nominee in our history has ever known less than Donald Trump.

Still, progressives are not thrilled with Clintons choice in picking Kaine. He is personally pro-life, was pro TPP (until recently) and hes seen as a friend to Wall Street.

Progressives were also hoping that Clinton would put a Latino on the ticket and the fact that Kaine speaks fluent Spanish just isnt the same thing.

So what is Kaine? Hes a moderate. There, I said it.

And a moderate is just what the Democrats need in an election where upwards of 40 percent of Americans identify as independents and we are seeing record levels of undecideds at this late stage. Independents are also one of the only groups where Trump is leading over Clinton -- along with non-college educated whites.

Most crucially, on Wednesday night Kaine showed us what a big fan of Hillary Clinton he is. He discussed her tested passion for putting kids and families first, her accomplishments as a senator who helped New Yorkers after 9/11 and then as secretary of state in implementing tough sanctions against Iran and forcefully arguing for the mission that took out Usama bin Laden. He also reminded us that she will fight tooth and nail to protect Roe v. Wade and work to get women equal pay.

Those are the values of Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Joe and Jill Biden and Barack and Michelle Obama. Kaine told us that on Wednesday night. Theyre also his values.

While Kaine might not seem like the most exciting choice for a running mate, he fits Clintons candidacy to a T: he has the judgment and experience for the job just like she does. Plus, she really likes him. When the two of them are together you can see an ease and comfort that will bring out the best in Clinton during her time in office.

And thats what matters most of all.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg formally endorsed Hillary Clinton Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, saying it was "imperative" that voters back the former secretary of state over GOP nominee Donald Trump.

"This is just too important to sit out," said Bloomberg, a former Democrat who won New York's mayoralty as a Republican in 2001 before leaving the party to become an independent six years later.

"There are times when I disagree with Hillary," Bloomberg said. "But let me tell you, whatever our disagreements may be, Ive come here to say we must put them aside for the good of our country."

Bloomberg, who has an estimated net worth of $48 billion, threw several jabs at Trump, whom he called a "dangerous demagogue" and a "bomb-thrower."

Bloomberg contrasted his business history with Trump's, saying "Ive built a business, and I didnt start it with a million-dollar check from my father."

Bloomberg also charged that Trump had "left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies and thousands of lawsuits and angry shareholders and contractors who feel cheated and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off."

"Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's running his business? God help us," said Bloomberg, who added that "the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy."

Bloomberg considered making a third-party run for president this year before opting against a campaign, expressing worry he would siphon away votes from Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and inadvertently help elect Trump.

While in office, Bloomberg had a cordial relationship with Clinton, who, as a senator from New York, was involved in the city's post-9/11 rebuilding effort. He did, as well, with Trump, whom he knew from New York's glitzy social circuit and from dealings with him as a developer.



But Trump's hardline approach to immigration alienated Bloomberg, who often makes the case that an open immigration policy is needed to keep the nation's economy growing. He deemed Trump's economic plan "a con" and "a disaster in the making."

Trump did not immediately respond to the speech.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


Republican nominee Donald Trump spent the third night of the Democratic National Convention Wednesday taking questions on the website Reddit, revealing which presidents he most admires and appealing to Bernie Sanders voters to back him in November.

Reddit, a website that bills itself as the "front page of the internet" has hosted several all-encompassing question-and-answer sessions, known as "Ask Me Anything" or "AMAs" with well-known figures, including politicians like President Obama.

Trump's campaign posted a picture on Facebook of the candidate answering questions while flying to a campaign rally in Toledo, Ohio.

The AMA, hosted on Reddit's "The Donald" subforum of Trump supporters, was heavily moderated. Before Trump arrived, an administrator wrote, "we have temporarily taken extra security measures to keep our community free from troublemakers. We built the wall 10 ft taller, you might say," a reference to Trump's famous pledge to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

In all, Trump answered 12 questions, most of them political in tone. His answers included an appeal to supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who Trump wrote had "given up on his revolution" by endorsing Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Trump also repeatedly referred to his opponent as "Crooked Hillary Clinton" and repeated his criticism of her for not holding press conferences. He also said he admired four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan.

Questions on marijuana legalization, nuclear power and whether Trump owns a pair of slippers, among other issues, were left unanswered.
President Obama and Tim Kaine tag-teamed to deliver a scorching warm-up Wednesday for Hillary Clinton to accept the partys nomination for president at the Democratic convention, with the president accusing Republican Donald Trump of only offering slogans and fear  and Clintons newly tapped running mate almost upstaging the commander-in-chief with his gusty impression of the billionaires New Yawk bravado.

Framing the election as a choice between pessimism and optimism, Obama endorsed Clinton as a tough and tenacious leader, saying she is fit and ready to be the next commander-in-chief  while rejecting Trumps claim that only he can cure the nations ills.

America is already great. America is already strong, Obama said. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.

Of Clinton, he said: There has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America.

As the kicker, Clinton surprised the crowd by showing up onstage with Obama at the end of his speech, the two of them hugging and waving to delegates who were holding up "thank you" signs.

The presidents convention embrace of his one-time political rival is sure to fuel a central charge of Republicans in the general election  that Clinton represents a third Obama term, and the status quo. Without question, the sitting president depends on his former secretary of state to help preserve his legacy, and fend off recurring Republican attempts to repeal ObamaCare, upend environmental regulations and more.

To that end, Obama and a host of speakers on the conventions third night intensified their attacks on Trump, as they talked up Clintons qualifications.

The Donald is not really a plans guy. Hes not really a facts guy, either, Obama said. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women whove achieved remarkable success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated.

Obama also used the platform to defend his record in office, declaring hes more optimistic about the future of America than ever before.

Trump countered on Twitter: Our country does not feel 'great already' to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair.

The night in Philadelphia was replete with barbed insults even as the musical acts kept returning to themes of love and understanding. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid lit into Trump earlier in the night, calling him a hateful con man and egomaniac. Former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, an ex-Clinton primary rival, gave a fiery speech calling Trump a bully racist.

Obamas address, marking a passing of the torch to the woman he defeated for the nomination eight years ago, was delivered shortly after delegates finalized the partys 2016 ticket. In an overwhelming voice vote, they nominated Virginia Sen. Kaine for vice president.

Kaine himself, after starting off talking family and faith, shifted gears in the second half and shelved his nice-guy persona to deliver a broadside against Trump, as he accepted the VP nomination from his party.

Hillary has a passion for kids and families.  Donald Trump has a passion too: It's himself, Kaine said. The senator was merciless after that. He went on to mock Trump, imitating his Queens accent when he says, Believe me.

We're gonna destroy ISIS so fast -- believe me! There's nothing suspicious in my tax returns -- believe me! Kaine bellowed, as the crowd roared with laughter. Here's the thing. Most people, when they run for president, they don't just say believe me. They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done.  You cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth.

The senator also delivered several lines in Spanish as he recalled his long-ago work with Jesuit missionaries in Honduras.

While he was speaking, the Trump campaign was firing out press releases ripping Kaine as a job killer and part of the Washington establishment.

The sitting vice president, Joe Biden, also went after Trump on all fronts, saying the billionaire businessman would endanger national security  and lacks compassion.

Hes trying to tell us he cares about the middle class. Give me a break. Thats a bunch of malarkey, Biden said.

Remnants of the noisy factions that have disrupted proceedings since the weeks start flared up again during the Kaine voice vote  with a large section of the California delegation chanting, Roll call! Roll call!  and during ex-Defense Secretary Leon Panettas remarks. But some of the unrest has subsided, as party elders have methodically worked since Sunday  when they ousted party Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz over a leaked email scandal  to convince Bernie Sanders soldiers to lay down their arms.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had considered an independent presidential run before ruling it out, made a late appearance Wednesday  with an endorsement that could help Clinton reach out to vital independents whom Trump also is courting, and a bagful of zingers aimed squarely at his fellow billionaire.

Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes run his business. God help us! Bloomberg said, calling him a dangerous demagogue and claiming its imperative to elect Clinton.

The focus of the third convention night was heavy on gun control, global warming and even national security, an issue largely absent from the first two nights.

Obama delivered his address just weeks after his Justice Department closed the books on its investigation into Clintons improper use of a private server and email while secretary of state, opting to pursue no charges. Despite allegations from Republicans of political favoritism, the decision helped clear away one of the last major hurdles to her nomination going into the Philadelphia convention.

Together, the speakers Wednesday set the stage for Clinton to deliver her nomination acceptance speech and close out the convention Thursday night, after becoming Tuesday the first woman in U.S. history nominated for president by a major party.

The presidents speech Wednesday effectively kicks off Obamas general election role as a chief Clinton surrogate. The New York Times reported that aides mostly have cleared his calendar for October and expect him to be on the trail regularly for Clinton until the election.
Senior Senate Democrat Charles Schumer has called on Rep. Alan Grayson to drop out of his Senate primary campaign in Florida following allegations of domestic abuse.

Schumer, D-N.Y., who is in line to take over for retiring Harry Reid as Senate Democratic leader, told Politico that Grayson has shown himself not to be worthy of being a U.S. senator.

Ive never thought much about Grayson as a candidate, Schumer told Politico, noting thats why he and other colleagues are backing Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy in the primary race.

He added, He ought to do the right thing and drop out.

Sources confirmed Schumers comments to Fox News.

But Grayson's campaign is showing no signs of getting out of the race.

"Democratic voters in Florida, not out-of-touch party bosses in Washington, D.C., will be choosing our Senate nominee," campaign manager Michael Ceraso said.

The pressure follows an earlier Politico report that Graysons ex-wife accused him of physically abusing her over two decades  though the Florida congressman vehemently disputed the claims.

Graysons wife, Lolita, repeatedly went to police with accusations of domestic abuse dating back to 1994, according to documents she provided to the website.

The police reports show she called police on Grayson at least two times in Virginia and two more times in Florida. In one instance, she told police Grayson had threatened to kill her, according to Politico.

The three-term House Democrat, however, denies he abused his former wife  and claims she battered him in 2014 before their 25-year marriage ended last year.

"Lolita is a disturbed woman. She has made one false allegation after another. Her own daughter refutes her," Graysons lawyer, Mark NeJame, told Politico.

The story set the stage for another confrontation earlier this week, when Grayson reportedly threatened to have a Politico reporter arrested at an event in Philadelphia, when the reporter tried asking questions.

Fox News Mike Emanuel and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
Paul Simon was supposed to play a three-song set on stage at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia Monday night. But the overall program ran long and they still had to get Michelle Obama and Sen. Bernie Sanders on stage. On the fly, time constraints forced the DNC to trim Simons performance to but a single tune. And then Simon went out on stage and played  of all things - Bridge Over Troubled Water at a political convention.

You cant make this stuff up.

Welcome to the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Theres a fight for the soul of the party here. It plays out by proxy through delegates supporting Hillary Clinton and others backing Sanders.

DNC Chairwoman and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., resigned amid a hacking scandal which revealed she was in the tank for Clinton. The DNC hoped to quash the disquiet Monday night with a keynote speech from Sanders.

He will give a speech tonight that will put (internal disagreements) to bed, predicted Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., before Sanders' remarks.

Sanders delivered a rousing oratory. But it didnt contain his combustible partisans. Could Sanders salve the partys wounds by asking the convention to approve Clintons nomination by acclamation?

Democrats made a conscious decision to barrel through the roll call once Clinton crossed the magic threshold of 2,382 votes to secure the nomination.

The Republican stronghold and electorally-scarce state of South Dakota hurtled Clinton to the nomination. The last time South Dakota played such an important role in presidential politics was 1972 when President Nixon stomped Democratic nominee Sen. George McGovern, D-S.D., in the electoral college, 520 to 17.

At least were more united than the Republicans, Democrats conjectured. What are the Sanders people going to do? Vote for Donald Trump?

If there was ever any doubt Democrats failed to inoculate themselves from the schisms which thrashed the seems of the Republican party, one need look no further than the outbursts in Philadelphia.

The Democrats divide is real. The tea party and other conservative groups began seizing the GOP several years ago. They sidelined former House Speaker John Boehner and upended former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in his primary. Some of this discord ultimately propelled Donald Trump to the GOP nomination.

This is now beyond Sanders. Its fermented into a movement.

Sanders himself even blasted a signed, text message to delegates, requesting calm.

I ask you as a personal courtesy to me not to engage in any kind of protest on the floor, Sanders implored.

It mattered little. Buoyed by Wasserman Schultzs ouster, Sanders supporters raised hell on the convention floor.

At first Wasserman Schultz contended she would gavel the Democrats conclave to order, speak during the convention and close the meeting Thursday night. But Democrats ducked a major embarrassment when the Florida Democrat elected to forgo all of her parliamentary duties.

Perhaps that was providence. Democratic officials were petrified that news organizations would distill the first day of the Philadelphia convention to a single video byte: Wasserman Schultz gaveling the hall to order amid boos and catcalls.

The optics were terrible, said one senior Democratic source who asked not to be identified. This would have been the defining moment for the entire week.

Instead, Democrats enlisted Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to gavel the show to order before turning things over to Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohioo, to preside. Things didnt get much better as Sanders delegates booed and hissed throughout the opening hours of the convention.

Excuse me! blurted an exasperated Fudge to the demonstrators as she tried to restore order at one point.

The hectoring continued. It didnt matter who was on stage.

They taunted Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. They upbraided Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.

Comedian Sarah Silverman chastised Sanders supporters.

Can I just say to the Bernie or bust people, youre being ridiculous, Silverman admonished.

Much of the jeering emanated from the massive California delegation, positioned stage right in a corner of permanent seats just off the convention floor. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said Wasserman Schultzs fall spurred the protests.

It excited them. Anything they see as bias or unfairness feeds the flames a bit, said Huffman.

The Marin County Democrat made a keen observation about the rabble-rousers.

Some of these folks were booing (Rep.) Barbara Lee, D-Calif., at the California (delegation) breakfast this morning, said Huffman. I mean, shes to the left of Bernie Sanders. It tells you a lot about the intensity of the faction.

If there was a moment which fused some of the turbulence, it came when Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, walked onto stage to nominate Sanders. Earlier this year, Gabbard resigned as DNC Vice Chair when she threw her support behind Sanders. Gabbard tussled with Wasserman Schultz over the Democrats debate schedule.

Well, look who spoke at the convention: Gabbard and not the person who organized the party, Wasserman Schultz.

Moments after Clinton scored the nomination, hundreds of Sanders supporters walked out of the arena in protest.

Sanders and his voters are transforming the Democratic party. The party tips to the left with the emergence of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and even discussion to include Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, on the ticket.

The question is how far the Sanders supporters are willing to go. Theyre energized now.

Well know more in 2020.

Capitol Attitude is a weekly column written by members of the Fox News Capitol Hill team. Their articles take you inside the halls of Congress, and cover the spectrum of policy issues being introduced, debated and voted on there.
Efforts by some Bernie Sanders supporters to organize an exodus from the Democratic Party have not only agitated party leaders but caused tensions inside the Sanders ranks  with some worried the latest effort to split from the establishment is a step too far.

We are all part of the Democratic Party, said Jessica Justice, a pledged delegate for Sanders. She told FoxNews.com calls to leave the Democratic Party are a last-minute distraction that will only deepen the current divide.

We are here to continue the work we were sent here to do. We have no intention of leaving, she said, claiming some hardcore Sanders supporters and members of the Green Party are trying to capitalize on the drama.

She was reacting to efforts in Philadelphia at the close of the Democratic convention -- where Hillary Clinton is set to accept the nomination Thursday night -- by angry Sanders supporters to convince voters to de-register from the party.

One such event by City Hall Thursday afternoon attracted protesters but few could be seen putting themselves on the political equivalent of the Democrats' 'do not call' list.

Mother nature also had a hand in how some of the planned afternoon protests played out Thursday. Downpours and strong thunderstorms across the Philadelphia area put a pin in some peoples plans. Those connected with the so-called #DemExit effort were telling supporters to skip an afternoon protest because of the storms.

Antawan Davis of Maryland told FoxNews.com he had made the trip on the last day but was driving back after dark clouds and heavy rain pushed protesters away.

That was a day wasted, he told FoxNews.com.

Other activists had scheduled a 6 p.m. flag burning but rain could extinguish those plans as well.

The scattered protests reflect the confusion and frustration of a movement with no apparent leader. Sanders has endorsed Clinton and urged his followers to do the same.

Picking up the voter frsutration has been Green Party presidential candidate Jill Sanders, who has told Sanders supporters that she can be the progressive candidate that will carry their cause.

Some Stein supporters are operating in part under the Twitter hashtag #DemExit -- something she has deftly been using to openly appeal to Sanders supporters outside the Philly convention arena.

DNC wants your support for lying, undermining, and insulting you. They'll lock you out if you don't comply. #DemExit, Stein tweeted.

The efforts hang over the final day of a raucous convention -- where Sanders supporters from the start have protested how their candidate was treated by the party brass, particularly after leaked DNC emails pointed to a pro-Clinton bias inside headquarters. Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned in the wake of the leak, but that didnt stop protests inside and outside the convention hall.

Stein, meanwhile, has maintained a presence on the sidelines of the Philadelphia chaos and she tries to keep the flame of the Sanders movement burning, even marching with protesters Tuesday after Clinton was nominated.

"Those who are in tears, whose hearts have been broken, Im going [to rallies] to really reassure them that their work has not been in vain," Stein told FoxNews.com on Wednesday.

For many in the Sanders crowd, Stein is a far more natural fit than Donald Trump, the Republican nominee also making a play for disaffected Sanders voters.

Amanda Sullivan of Weston, Fla., sweated it out on a blistering 97-degree day to hold her Bern or Jill but never Hill! sign as she joined the 1,000-deep group of demonstrators at City Hall earlier this week.

Sullivan told FoxNews.com that shes frustrated by the Democratic Partys exclusion of some in the party and says she cannot vote for Clinton in a November matchup.

Leonardo Watson of Georgia told FoxNews.com that while not every aspect of the Green Party syncs with his own views, its a better match than Clinton.

Look, Clintons not an option. Its not about party unity. Its about standing up for yourself and what you believe in -- and right now, with Bernie out, thats Jill Stein.

FoxNews.coms Barnini Chakraborty contributed to this report.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, DC on Thursday moved to dismiss the case -- and a retrial -- against Ingmar Guandique, the illegal immigrant previously convicted of murdering intern Chandra Levy in May 2001, citing "unforeseen developments."

Guandique, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, is set to be released to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

The 2010 conviction of Guandique -- and the 60-year prison sentenced imposed on him at the time -- was vacated and a new trial was ordered in 2015 based on what Guandique's defense team said was new evidence.

"Today, in the interests of justice and based on recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week, the Office moved to dismiss the case charging Ingmar Guandique with the May 2001 murder of Chandra Levy," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement. "The Office has concluded that it can no longer prove the murder case against Mr. Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt."

Levy's 2001 disappearance created a national sensation after the Modesto, California, native, and intern with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, was romantically linked with then-Congressman Gary Condit.

The remains of the 24-year-old were found in Washington's Rock Creek Park in 2002. Prosecutors argued her death fit a pattern of attacks Guandique committed on female joggers.

Condit was a suspect in Levy's murder for a period of time, and Guandique's defense team reportedly planned to introduce evidence at the retrial implicating him in Levy's death.

Condit, a Democrat, left Congress in 2003 after losing his party's primary to an ex-aide.



The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Hillary Clintons big night  a moment the former first lady and secretary of state has worked decades to achieve  could be a stormy affair, as disgruntled Bernie Sanders supporters threaten to disrupt her acceptance of the Democratic nomination for president, at the same time a vicious storm threatens to hit Philadelphia.

A severe thunderstorm watch was put in place for Philadelphia late Thursday, and the rain already is coming down as convention-goers stream into the Wells Fargo Center.

The convention all week had been blanketed by 90-degree heat and oppressive humidity -- broken when thunder clapped over the convention hall and sent attendees running for cover Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service said more than 2 inches of rain could fall, as the six-day heatwave came to an end, Philly.com reported. The watch is in effect until midnight, while a flash flood watch is in effect from 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, Sanders supporters are planning another night of protests. Its unclear whether more delegates plan to walk out during Clintons nomination acceptance speech.

But outside, protesters are planning to brave the weather to make one last convention stand against the partys nomination. One protester said a group planned to head to the park near the convention hall.

We have marched in the rain and it won't stop us tonight, he said.

Meanwhile, anti-Clinton and other demonstrators were holding events Thursday encouraging voters to de-register from the party.

Theyre operating in part under the Twitter hashtag #DemExit, one that Green Party candidate Jill Stein has deftly been using as she openly appeals to Sanders supporters to join her team outside the Philly convention arena.

DNC wants your support for lying, undermining, and insulting you. They'll lock you out if you don't comply. #DemExit, Stein tweeted.

Stein has proven to be a chief agitator, as Bernie Sanders himself rejoins the fold and urges Democrats to get behind Clintons campaign. Even the celebrities are split, with liberal Hollywood stalwarts like Susan Sarandon standing with the Sanders crowd this week.

The efforts hang over the final day of a raucous convention, where Sanders supporters from the start have protested how their candidate was treated by the party brass, particularly after leaked DNC emails pointed to a pro-Clinton bias inside headquarters. Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned in the wake of the leak, but that didnt stop protests inside and outside the hall.
Democrats know the importance of Pennsylvania in their quest to elect Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, having won the state in six straight presidential races.

But as they close out their convention Thursday in this states largest city, picked with the White House in mind, Trump and his populist message appear to be making inroads with working-class voters across the Pennsylvania battleground.

This is consistent with his strategy of doing well in Rust Belt states, or at least well enough to cover the purple states that will almost certainly go blue, considering the kind of campaign hes running, Caleb Burns, a Republican strategist and partner in the Washington law firm Wiley Rein, told FoxNews.com on Thursday.

He noted that Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, had the labor and blue-collar vote in her corner in her failed 2008 presidential primary bid.

It will be interesting to see if Clinton can hold off Trump in the Rust Belt by going back to the blue-collar vote. If she can, it will be extremely difficult for Trump to find a path to victory, Burns said.

He spoke just hours before Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf was set to give a closing-night speech at the convention, and presumably try to nudge home-state voters toward Clinton, inside the Wells Fargo Center in south Philadelphia.

Trump, the Republican nominee, has made several campaign stops in Pennsylvania in recent months.

Many companies are leaving, Trump said at a rally last month in Moon Township, west of Pittsburgh, near the West Virginia border.

Pittsburgh got wiped out, Trump told the enthusiastic crowd. Manufacturing is down. Steel is down. Maybe Im old fashioned, but I love steel. Hillary  wants to put coal miners out of business. And its not just Pittsburgh. We love Philadelphia, too.

Trump won four of the five so-called Rust Belt states in the primary, named as such because their populations and economies have dwindled for generations as the countrys manufacturing sector shrinks as a result of changing technology and jobs being shipped overseas.

The only state Trump lost was Ohio, won by primary rival and Gov. John Kasich. And his decisive May 3 victory in Indiana was essentially the last stand for the Never Trump effort.

Neither of the campaigns would comment for this report.

In 2012, Republican nominee Mitt Romney came close to breaking the Democrats stronghold on Pennsylvania -- losing to Obama by just 5 percentage points.

Trump this election cycle is essentially deadlocked with Clinton in Pennsylvania, according to recent Quinnipiac University polls, though an NBC survey released July 13 shows him trailing by 9 percentage points.

To win over the blue-collar vote, Trump must also make inroads with labor unions, which for decades have backed Democratic candidates and helped them get voters to the polls.

The AFL-CIO -- with roughly 12.5 million members, making it the countrys biggest and arguably most influential labor union -- last month endorsed Clinton, while making clear its opposition to Trump.

"We will run a sophisticated, targeted ground campaign, union President Richard Trumka said. And with the dire consequences Donald Trump poses for Americas working families, it has to be."

Still, not everybody appears willing to go along with the Big Labor endorsement.

William Burger, a Pennsylvania drywall finisher with deep union ties, recently expressed his growing frustration with the Democratic Party and told Heat Street that hes voting for Trump.

I dont agree with the bullsh-t politics these guys [in the Democratic Party] are portraying, he said. They act like theyre doing something for us, and theyre not. Theyre bending over backward for all the wrong reasons.  Almost every major city has been run Democratically, and theyre all broke.

The publication also reported that roughly 128,000 voters -- including nearly 85,000 Democrats -- switched their affiliation to the Republican Party, in just the first three months of this year.

Among them were 5,000 voters in Philadelphia, the Republican City Committee told Heat Street.

Douglas Smith, a Democratic strategist and partner at Kent Strategies, seemed optimistic Thursday about Clinton carrying Pennsylvania but also argued that a loss in the swing state wouldnt be as dire for her as it would be for Trump.

Its always nice to have options, he said. Hillary does, and Trump doesnt.

He thinks the race will come down to the swing states of Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

"[Democratic vice presidential nominee] Tim Kaine will become a citizen of those states, Smith said.
A new batch of FBI documents released Thursday by Judicial Watch indicates that several senior Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officials were aware of the targeting of conservative groups almost two years before they told Congress.

Lois Lerner, who oversaw tax-exempt groups for the IRS, and top IRS official Holly Paz "knew that agents were targeting conservative groups for special scrutiny as early as 2011, the conservative legal advocacy group said in a release Thursday.

The IRS did not respond to requests for comment.

The detailed narratives of FBI agent investigations, known as FBI 302 documents, were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch.

According to the documents, Paz and other IRS officials were notified in the late spring and summer of 2011 that agents in the Cincinnati branch were flagging Tea Party and conservative groups for additional scrutiny in their applications for nonprofit status.

In the spring of 2012, official Nancy Marks was tasked with investigating how applications were being processed and to find any problems.

The documents show she told then-acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller on May 3, 2012 that Cincinnati was categorizing cases based on name and ideology, not just activity.

Miller responded by throwing "his pencil across the room" and saying, "Oh sh-t," according to the FBI summaries of interviews with officials.

Lerner, who has since refused to answer questions before Congress, was the first official to publicly acknowledge the practice, in May 2013.

No criminal charges resulted from either the Obama Justice Department or FBI investigations into the scandal.

The documents support the findings of a May 2013 report issued by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) that concluded IRS agents had used inappropriate criteria that identified for review Tea Party and other organizations applying for tax-exempt status based upon their names or policy positions.

In addition, TIGTA said that IRS officials knew that agents were targeting conservative groups for special scrutiny as early as 2011.

These new smoking-gun documents show Obama FBI and Justice Department had plenty of evidence suggesting illegal targeting, perjury, and obstruction of justice, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
The uproar over Donald Trumps latest comments is a classic case of media-generated outrage.

All over the newspapers, all over the airwaves, there is shock and horror that Trump would appeal to Russia to furnish Hillary Clintons hacked emails.

The lines seemed so obviously sarcastic to me, as I watched Trumps presser from the Democratic convention here in Philadelphia, that I didnt see the tsunami coming. Maybe Im wrong, but as a longtime Trump-watcher, thats how it came off to me.

But think about the media coverage for a minute. To believe that the Republican nominee was dead serious in urging an adversary of the United States to commit or complete an act of espionage against his Democratic opponent is to believe that Trump is clinically insane.

And I do think many journalists and commentators view him as a bit unhinged. Thats why this makes sense to them. They think Trump is so off the wall that it seems perfectly plausible.

Others, I believe, dont believe Trump really meant it, but they think he stepped in it with the remarks and are happy to bash him over it.

Look, Trump says a lot of incendiary things. His comments on Mexicans and Muslims and the like get him into trouble and are more than fair game for criticism. But this one is different.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump said. He added that the press would love that.

Trump is a master, of course, of saying things that are just far enough over the line that he drives a story for days. In this case, it means keeping a focus on the 33,000 emails that Clinton deleted from her private server as pundits and politicians debate whether he crossed a linesiphoning covering from the convention speeches by President Obama, Vice President Biden, Bill Clinton and others.

Trump now says he was being sarcastic and we dont even know whether the Russians are behind the hacking.

Whats striking about the coverage is that it barely acknowledges that this could be an open question:

The New York Times headline: Donald Trumps Appeal to Russia Shocks Foreign Policy Experts:

There is simply no precedent for this: A presidential candidate publicly appealing to a foreign adversary to intervene in the election on his behalf.

The Washington Post lead: Republican nominee Donald Trump pleaded directly Wednesday with the Russian government to meddle in the U.S. presidential election by finding and releasing tens of thousands of private emails from his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton  an extraordinary and perhaps unprecedented maneuver in American politics."

Politicos lead: "Donald Trump's call on Russia to hack Hillary Clinton's emails has shocked, flabbergasted and appalled lawmakers and national security experts across the political spectrum, with one saying it was tantamount to treason.



Is it possible that Trump was being sarcastic? That he was joking? CNNs Carol Costello asked her panel. The response was no, and even if he was, it wasnt funny.

This is why professional politicians avoid sarcasm, to avoid uttering words that create an uproar. But Trump delights in it, which is why his supporters love him, his detractors view him as reckless and the media can never seem to get enough.
President Obama invoked his Yes we can 2008 campaign slogan Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention, leaving little doubt that his declaration that Hillary Clinton was fit and ready to be commander-in-chief was a baton-passing of his eight years in office  a legacy that Republican nominee Donald Trump immediately attacked as Owning the 3rd Term.

Capping another night of Trump bashing  briefly interrupted by the official nomination of Tim Kaine to be Clintons vice presidential running mate  Obama declared, There has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America, at the same time accusing Trump of peddling "fear" and a pessimistic vision of the country.

Republicans immediately fired back, with party Chairman Reince Priebus issuing a statement saying, Tonight reinforced that the Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine ticket is nothing more than two career DC insiders who want nothing more than to continue the failed Democrat status quo.

He pointed to what he called the presidents failed legacy in the Middle East and said, Our country cannot afford four more years like the last eight, which have left us less prosperous, less safe, and less free.

Without question, the sitting president depends on his former secretary of state to help preserve his legacy, and fend off recurring Republican attempts to repeal ObamaCare, upend environmental regulations and more. But Republicans point to the other side of the picture  a debt nearing $20 trillion, tensions growing in Americas cities and an Islamic State threat that even top security officials suggest is growing in its reach and unpredictability.

Our country does not feel 'great already' to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair, Trump tweeted Wednesday night.

Obama, though, tried to frame the election as a choice between pessimism and optimism, as he set the stage for Clinton to accept the nomination Thursday night.

America is already great. America is already strong, Obama said. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.

Clinton surprised the crowd by showing up onstage with Obama at the end of his speech, the two of them hugging and waving to delegates who were holding up "thank you" signs.

Obamas address was delivered shortly after delegates finalized the partys 2016 ticket. In an overwhelming voice vote, they nominated Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine for vice president.

Kaine himself, after starting off talking family and faith, shifted gears in the second half and shelved his nice-guy persona to deliver a broadside against Trump, as he accepted the VP nomination from his party.

Hillary has a passion for kids and families.  Donald Trump has a passion too: It's himself, Kaine said. The senator was merciless after that. He went on to mock Trump, imitating his Queens accent when he says, Believe me.

We're gonna destroy ISIS so fast -- believe me! There's nothing suspicious in my tax returns -- believe me! Kaine bellowed, as the crowd roared with laughter. Here's the thing. Most people, when they run for president, they don't just say believe me. They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done.  You cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth.

While he was speaking, the Trump campaign was firing out press releases ripping Kaine as a job killer and part of the Washington establishment.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had considered an independent presidential run before ruling it out, made a late appearance Wednesday  with an endorsement that could help Clinton reach out to vital independents whom Trump also is courting, and a bagful of zingers aimed squarely at his fellow billionaire.

Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes run his business. God help us! Bloomberg said, calling him a dangerous demagogue and claiming its imperative to elect Clinton.

The focus of the third convention night was heavy on gun control, global warming and even national security, an issue largely absent from the first two nights.

Together, the speakers Wednesday set the stage for Clinton to deliver her nomination acceptance speech and close out the convention Thursday night, after becoming Tuesday the first woman in U.S. history nominated for president by a major party.
WikiLeaks released 29 voicemail messages late Wednesday that were hacked from the Democratic National Committee and appeared to show several donors expressing discomfort with the influence of Bernie Sanders on the party's members.

In one of the more than two dozen leaked messages, a donor expressed their anger about the support Sanders was getting during the primaries. According to the Dallas Morning News, the caller, who appeared to be a Hillary Clinton supporter, threatened to leave the Democratic Party if members continued to coddle the Vermont senator.

"I'm furious about what you are doing for Bernie Sanders, he's getting way too much influence," the woman said. "I'm on a fixed income. I spend over $300 donated to Hillary and what I see is the DNC bending over backwards for Bernie."

Another caller questioned the DNC over its decision to allow Sanders to have Cornel West serve on the platform committee despite being outspoken against President Barack Obama.

Hes not a democrat, please stop this man now.

Two other calls asked about how to reach Michelle Obama and another was from a woman asking for a favor.

The release comes days after WikiLeaks released internal DNC emails which forced the resignation of chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and sent the convention into a frenzy earlier this week.

The emails showed an apparent collusion on the committee to help Clinton get the partys presidential nomination. Sanders, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, had argued all along that Washington Democrats favored Clinton. Among other decisions, he pointed to Wasserman Schultzs decision to limit the number of primary debates, which he argued was meant to protect Clinton.

Sanders -- who railed against what he called a rigged system throughout his campaign -- has since endorsed Wasserman Schultzs primary rival in her re-election bid, in another sign of the acrimony between them.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from the Dallas Morning News.
Pilot Andre Borschberg believes that Solar Impulse 2s historic global journey will inspire others to make innovative use of renewable energy.

The fuel-free solar-powered plane flew into the history books Monday when it reached Abu Dhabi, completing the final leg of the first solar-powered journey around the world. The plane, which set off from Abu Dhabi in March 2015, traveled 26,744 miles on its odyssey and racked up 558 hours of flight time

Its a great example of how we can make the impossible possible, and, specifically, how to turn obstacles into opportunities, Borschberg told FoxNews.com, via phone Wednesday.

The former Swiss military pilot has taken turns with Solar Impulse Chairman Bertrand Piccard to fly the single-seater plane around the world. Piccard was at the controls when the plane landed in Abu Dhabi Monday.

A larger version of a single-seat prototype that first flew six years ago, Solar Impulse 2 is made of carbon fiber and has 17,248 solar cells built into the wings that supply the plane with renewable energy, via four motors. The solar cells recharge four lithium polymer batteries, which provide power for night flying.

Borschberg told FoxNews.com that the plane has laid the foundations for the broader use of renewable energy in aviation, noting that its electric motor technology is 97 percent energy efficient. Electric propulsion will be a major player in aviation because it is so energy efficient, he said.

Facebooks ambitious plan to provide internet service via solar-powered drone is the based on the same model as Solar Impulse 2, Borschberg said, noting that NASA and Airbus have also announced plans to develop electric airplanes.

I am sure that in five years we will see a lot of small general aviation planes that are electric, Borschberg added. There are great opportunities for these technologies.

Borschberg broke a number of records on the eighth leg of Solar Impulses 2 journey, landing in Hawaii on July 3, 2015 after an incredible 4,480-mile, 118-hour flight from Japan. The journey shattered the record for longest solar-powered flight in terms of distance and duration. Borschberg also broke the record for longest non-stop solo flight without refueling, which previously stood at 76 hours and 45 minutes.

The pilot told FoxNews.com that the five-day journey was his highlight of the global trip. That was something that was extremely challenging, everyone on the team was tense, he said. I trusted the work of my guys.

However, the following leg  from Hawaii to California -- was delayed for nine months while the Solar Impulse team repaired damage to the planes batteries sustained on the journey from Japan. The batteries over-heated  that was because of over-insulation, Borschberg explained.

Piccard and Borschberg are planning to continue their renewable energy push, recently announcing a plan to create the International Committee of Clean Technologies (ICCT), which aims to provide independent energy policy guidance to governments and corporations.

The goal is to regroup everyone who believes in the importance of promoting clean energy, said Borschberg. Over the next six months, that should be put in place.

More immediately, the pilot is looking forward to spending time with his family now that Solar Impulse 2s epic journey is complete. I have two granddaughters  one is two months and one is eight months, he said. I really need to spend some time with these two beautiful little girls.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
A person who threatened to rape and murder a woman's 5-year-old daughter has caused that woman to flee social media. Guardian columnist and feminist writer Jessica Valenti says the vile threat she woke up to on Wednesday has forced her online exit, at least temporarily, the New York Daily News reports.

"That this is part of my work life is unacceptable," she tweeted in a series of eight tweets explaining her exit, adding that she "should not have to wade through horror to get through the day," nor "fear for my kid's safety because I write about feminism." "I am sick of this s--t. Sick of saying over and over how scary this is, sick of being told to suck it up," Valenti tweeted.

"Law enforcement needs to get their s--t together on online threats," as do social media companies, she added. The Daily News notes that early last year, Valenti told the Washington Post that if she were starting over as a feminist writer, she would probably remain anonymous.

It's "not just the physical safety concerns but the emotional ramifications" of constant online abuse, she said. While Valenti's tweets received hundreds of sympathetic replies, there were also several tweets in this vein: "What makes you so special? One 'death threat'that's it?" (Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones returned to Twitter last week after the site promised to do more to protect users from harassment.)

This article originally appeared on Newser: Threat to Rape 5-Year-Old Forces Columnist Off Social Media

More From Newser
This story has been updated to reflect the removal of the "Mein Kampf" image and to include a statement from Google.

Googles search function has been thrust into the spotlight again for connecting Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler. On Wednesday, typing the name of Trumps 2015 book Crippled America into a Google image search, in addition to bringing up images of that book, displayed images of Adolf Hitlers 1920s manifesto Mein Kampf. (The "Mein Kampf" images have since been removed.)

Google has been in the spotlight before for a connection between Trump and the infamous Nazi leader. In June, Googling the phrase When was Hitler born also produced an image of Donald Trump and listed his birthday. In that case, Google said it removed the Trump image, and a recent search confirms that the candidates image is no longer connected with Hitlers birthday.

However, the Google image search connection between Trumps book and the dictators manifesto may have been present for months. In December, the website The Pulse 2016 reported the same conjunction of images.

The results that Google searches generate could well be affected by the fact that some critics of Trump have made a comparison between the Republican nominee for president and Hitler. For example, a recent Google search of the two mens names yielded over 21 million hits.

Google has also previously been accused of bias in its autocomplete feature, specifically in regards to a search related to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The search engine giant published a blog item in June saying that their autocomplete algorithm is designed to avoid completing a search for a persons name with terms that are offensive or disparaging. Google also told FoxNews.com in June in an emailed statement that "Google Autocomplete does not favor any candidate or cause.

In response to an inquiry about the "Mein Kampf" images, a Google spokesperson told FoxNews.com: "When you conduct an Image Search, we display results for your specific query as well as possible ways to refine or follow up on your search. These are generated by an algorithm based primarily on what others who have searched for your particular query have also searched for. This means that sometimes unexpected or sensitive subject matter may appear for a given query. We are always working to improve our Search results."
A high school choir found a special way to honor a soldier who fought in World War IIand the man transporting his remains back home to the U.S.

On July 18, the Iowa Ambassador of Music Choir was traveling on a Delta flight from Frankfurt, Germany to Atlanta. When the plane landed at HartsfieldJackson International Airport, the pilot announced that an Army private would be deplaning first so the soldier, who was transporting the remains a fallen WW II veteran, could continue on his trip to Houston.

As the veterans remains were being carried off the plane, the Iowa Ambassadors chorus broke out into an impromptu performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic to honor the solider.

Diane Hollifield Cupp, a passenger on the flight from Tennessee, began recording the serenade. Listen how beautiful !! Will bring a tear to your eye, she posted.

The video, posted July 20, has since been viewed over 210,000 times on Facebook and shared throughout many social media platforms. Many have commented that the performance gave them chills and called the song a beautiful tribute to honor a man who served.

The choir students features in the video are part of a group of 350 musicians from across Iowa returning home from a three-week tour in Europe.

It was absolutely beautiful, to see the respect that these kids had, I just had to capture it, Cupp told Atlantas Channel 2 Action News. It was an awesome treat for me and something I will never forget.
Police have ordered passengers out of Washington's Union Station while officers investigate a report of a suspicious package.

Metro police tweeted that they are assisting Amtrak police in investigating the package, which was reported Wednesday afternoon. A District of Columbia police spokesman says city officers are also on the scene.

Thousands of commuters and train passengers were waiting outside the station amid a swarm of police cars.

Commuter rail services to Maryland and Virginia reported that all trains were being held at the station.

Metro said its trains were still stopping at the station.
Metro transit police say normal operations are resuming at Union Station after officers investigated a report of a suspicious package.

Transit police said in a tweet that all entrances to the station are reopening. Thousands of passengers had been ordered outside the station during Wednesday's rush hour.

Metro police said they were assisting Amtrak police in investigating the package, but did not elaborate. Amtrak police said in an email that authorities were investigating a bomb threat at the station.

Commuter rail services to Maryland and Virginia reported that all trains were being held at the station and major delays were likely.
In the same way that you wouldn't talk to kindergarten kids about macroeconomics, you wouldn't talk to London School of Economics students about coloring books. Crafting your content to your audience is key. Get it wrong and you will be met with blank faces. Definitely not the response you were looking for.

Clarifying your target audience and making your content suitable for them are essential steps to media outreach. Before you decide what you want to say, the first step should always be to ask yourself: Who do I want to speak to?

Far too often companies begin PR campaigns with their "heads in the clouds,'' starstruck by big names like Techcrunch and New York Times. They are determined to get their news or article in the biggest most well-known publication possible. Now, this is not to belittle the importance of the aforementioned publications. If you are a tech startup, then TC is the Holy Grail. If you are a childrens clothing company then its not really relevant.

So how can startups create effective content which is suited to their target audience and avoid time-consuming misguided campaigns?

1. Be clear about your goals.

One of the first steps in any PR campaign should be to clearly outline your companys media goals and then create a strategy which has the best chance of fulfilling them.

There are many reasons for reaching out to the media. Some companies just want straight up media coverage and to showcase their company or product to a general audience, some want to attract investors, and some want to target a specific market to advertise a new product.

The most common PR aims are:

Building customer awareness

Building investor awareness

Improving your brand image

Growing your company/brand

The first step after you have highlighted your media goals, should be to head to the drawing board and decide What is my announcement? and Who do I want to be interested in this?

Your aims will define your audience, and your audience will define the style of content you create, and the media outlet or publication that you pitch it to.

2. Choose your weapon.

Your media goals will define the type of content which you want to publicize. Leading publications only want to cover newsworthy stories, not stroke egos. So if you dont have a specific announcement which you feel would be useful to a wider audience, then you should head down the blog or thought leader guest article route.

Related: 6 Small Differences Between Average Content Strategy and Genius Strategy

If you simply want to shout "we are here and we know what we are talking about," then a guest article which develops a topic, adds to wider conversation and gives takeaways to the reader is the way to go.

If you have an interesting product and backstory, but no real announcement you could send out pitches to journalists which offer interviews about your company or your expert opinions on trending topics. For example, if you are a UK-based tech startup predominantly staffed by foreign developers, and are considering moving your company abroad in light of the Brexit announcement, your opinions could well be of interest to a journalist writing a broader story about the situation.

If you want to reach existing customers, and let them know that you are still alive and kicking in-between regular announcements, regular blog, social media and community posts are the way to go. You can always boost this type of content through paid social media advertising.

When trying to reach the ears of investors, the type of content you should create really depends on what stage your project is at. After an unforeseen period of VC investment which peaked in 2015, the VC ecosystem has become extremely competitive and investors have been more conservative ever since. If you are launching a new product, you could go down the press release route, but VCs are being more protective of the purse strings this year, so it might be best to hold off until you have reached an eye-grabbing milestone, such as one million downloads, or a top-10 rating in the app store.

Another way of catching investors eyes is by positioning yourself as a real leader in your industry, by writing non-promotional articles which discuss current trends in your field, and making educated predictions for the future based on real data. For companies in their early stages, this type of contribution will put power behind your name, and if you write an article which is truly advancing the conversation and making comments which make peoples heads turn then they will be sure to click on your name to find out a little more about you.

3. Choose your channel.

So you have decided who you want to speak to, and what you want to say. Now its time to choose the correct loudspeaker which will amplify your message and reach the audience you are aiming for.

While its admirable that people want to "shoot for the moon," bigger is not always better in the media world.

Leading publications: If you are advertising your crowdfunding campaign for a Jacuzzi hot-air balloon with embedded beer cooler, you need to bear your target market in mind. While leading publications like Techcrunch and Venturebeat do occasionally cover "weird and wonderful" stories, the average Techcrunch reader is unlikely to really donate to your campaign, even though your story might raise a smile and gain your homepage some clicks.

Related: How the Experts Scale Their Content Strategies

On the other hand, if you were to target medium range, less "highbrow" publications which have a readership of 18-30 males and college kids such as bro bible, The lad bible, Maxim, Upworthy or Cool hunting, you would probably see your contributions page spike.

Looking at your product or service, and assessing who is interested in it, or more importantly who actually uses and buys it, should be the first step. Also, be realistic, if you have had no previous coverage, are on your first campaign and have no funding to speak of, then regardless of how cool your idea is, it is unlikely to go on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

Remember that different publications cover different types of stories, which will be of interest to their readership. Often a quick look at the title of the publication should be enough. Techcrunch, unsurprisingly tech. Entrepreneur, unsurprisingly content of interest to entrepreneurs. Business insider

Of course not all publications wear their readerships on their sleeves, but a quick browse of articles on their webpage should reveal all.

Industry specific publications: When trying to reach investors, sell industry specific items, or raise your profile within your peers, it is often best to aim for industry specific publications. While getting covered on the Oil & Gas Journal, or Offshore might not seem like such an achievement to the person sitting next to you on the bus, these publications offer a direct channel to the people who are really interested in what you have to say -- assuming you work a field connected to oil and gas.

While these publications might not be common household names, they have high readerships and allow for use of technical language and data-heavy reporting which would not fly in more general publications. Finally, you can talk about energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) without the listeners head exploding.

Related: The Content-Strategy Conundrum: When, What and How to Generate Demand

Social Media/Linkedin: It is extremely important to differentiate between real news and "company news." While you moving offices to a swanky open plan glass palace in Palo Alto is 100 percent interesting for your employees, customers and industry contacts, it is unlikely to get picked up by a leading publication.

Save yourself the time pitching "inwards facing" news stories to the press -- unless it is a local newspaper or radio station -- and focus on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, and your own community pages.

Blogs: Many people often view blogs as "a poor mans publication." The fact that they are normally run by individuals often brings about the assumption that they are of low quality or dont have many readers. In fact, this couldnt be further from the truth.

In 2012, author Michael Ellsberg coined the phrase "The Tim Ferriss Effect", referring to the influence a blog post on Ferriss' site had on the sales of his book. Ellsberg found that his post on Ferriss' blog led to more sales than a feature in the New York Times and a three-minute slot on CNN.

Getting on Ferrisss blog is by no means easy, but there are hundreds of respected tech blogs which offer access to large readerships of interested and engaged readers. According to Quantcast, Gizmodo has more than 19.9 million unique U.S. visitors, Lifehacker has 12 million U.S. visitors and Zdnet has more than 1.4 million unique visitors from the U.S. alone.

Dont forget that Mike Arrington started Techcrunch as a blog back in 2005, and look at it now.

Podcasts: Podcasts offer a channel to a different crowd than with leading publications. Recent studies show that more than half of podcast listeners in the U.S. are between 12 to 34 years old. While millennials might not be engaged by reading the WSJ on their commute home from work, while in the gym, or on a break from work, it appears that they are very much engaged by listening to podcasts. Overall, an estimated 46 million Americans over the age of 12 now listen to podcasts on a monthly basis which accounts for 17 percent of the 12+ U.S. population.

While many companies use podcasts to fill the voids in between media campaigns, they are also a great way to get your name out there as an expert, and share news about your company. There are many great tech podcasts out there, but a quick browse on the iTunes store will reveal hundreds of weird and wonderful topics to cater for any niche. While writing blogs and guest posts requires creating,or contributing content of value to a journalist, podcasts should take up less of your time, but can be equally as valuable.

The media world has evolved well past print publications. Nowadays, there are a huge range of channels to reach potential consumers, its a matter of working out who you want to reach, and what you want to tell them. Different demographics are naturally going to be drawn to different media channels. If you want to reach over 60s in the Miami glade region, it may be best to stick to local TV or radio, if you want to reach Millennial developers why not try Geekwire or Reddit.

Dont fall into the trap being blinded by the lights of leading publications. Instead take the time at the start of your campaign to assess which channel can really lead you to the people you need to speak to. Always, remember the end goal of media outreach is to reach a wider audience, not just to collect logos to proudly post on your webpage.
Imagine that someone has broken into your home and rifled through your belongings, taking a few. No one is hurt, and no major damage has occurred. But you still feel upset at the thought of a stranger entering your home uninvited. You dont even think twice about reporting the theft -- its the natural next step.

Related: 7 Easy Ways You Can Increase Safety On a Budget

Yet, according to new research from the Federation of Small Businesses, when similar crimes occur in the business world, they often go unreported. Of the small business owners surveyed, 24 percent said they had not reported crimes against their businesses. When asked why, nearly 40 percent of that group said they werent confident that a prosecution would be successful, and 46 percent didnt think anything positive would come of it.

Clearly, those statistics highlight not only a lack of confidence in law enforcement, but also extreme apathy on business owners' part

And then there's this: Dismissing these crimes as occupational hazards may seem to you to be the easiest path to "get back to business." But the impact those crimes will have on your employees morale, consumers trust and your own peace of mind are going to be harder to replace than the items stolen.

How to respond to crimes

When crimes go unreported, crime statistics become skewed, meaning law enforcement cant accurately allocate its limited manpower. Worse, if no one speaks up, the person who committed the crime might become a repeat offender.

I'm a small business owner myself, in the self-storage industry. While such facilities are burglarized less than other types of real estate, they are not immune to crime. In my 20 years in the industry , weve had only one armed robbery.

But once was enough to motivate me to do everything I could to ensure this experience wouldnt happen again. Fortunately, weve managed to pinpoint several areas of improvement for our anti-theft procedures. Here are four tips we can suggest for a safer, more secure business:

1. Start with your staff.

Your employees deserve a safe, quality working environment. Perceived safety and employee-engagement levels go hand in hand; when employees are engaged, businesses have been shown to be 22 percent more productive.

Install panic buttons so employees always have an easy way to get help, which will do wonders for their peace of mind. Large cash transactions should be conducted by money order. Keep accurate records of everyone who visits your site. Just as hotels do, we copy each customers drivers license for security purposes because its important to know whom you are doing business with, should a problem arise.

Related: 5 HR Strategies To Promote Employee Health And Safety

2. Keep your storefront spotless.

Maintaining a run-down facility sends a message to the outside world: We really dont care about our business. It then becomes open season for crime.

Vandalism is one of the most common crimes committed against businesses. We deter vandals by maintaining an immaculately clean facility because of the broken window theory. In the late 1960s, Stanford psychologist Philip Zimbardo left an average car parked in a California neighborhood. After one week, he returned to the site and found it untouched. Then, Zimbardo moved the car to a similar neighborhood but broke one window. Within hours, the car had been stripped clean and destroyed.

We prove Zimbardo's broken window theory every day. Some of our most successful stores are in inner cities, where were the best-kept business on the block.

3. Build relationships with public servants.

By having a strong relationship with law enforcement officers, you project the image of a business that takes safety seriously. If a criminal comes by to stake out your territory, he (or she) might be deterred by the presence of the police -- along with security cameras on a well-lit, gated property.

Stopping and preventing crime requires strong lines of communication between the police and the potential victim. By proactively establishing a relationship, youll work together better from the get-go. Weve worked with local law enforcement officers to train their canine units by letting officers hide contraband in one of our storage units for the dogs to sniff out.

4. Understand the red flags.

Running a business means you interact with people from every walk of life. Unfortunately, not all of them walk the straight and narrow: More than 8 million property crimes were reported in 2014 alone.

Knowing whom to trust can be difficult, so spotting red flags is critical. For example, if a tenant is in the middle of a move, we know his visits will be infrequent, at best. However, people making multiple visits to their units without bringing anything in and out late at night is a a dead giveaway for suspect activity.

Unfortunately, crime is part of our world, so having a crime-prevention plan is crucial to the safety of your employees and your customers. Your local law enforcement officers would be happy to critique your plan and make suggestions.

Related: A New Paradigm for Building Customer Trust

The bottom line? Youve invested too much in your business to become an onlooker when it comes to crime prevention.
The increasingly anti-cop climate throughout the nation has raised concerns that police recruitment could suffer, but so far -- at least in certain cities -- it actually may be bringing in more applications, law enforcement authorities told FoxNews.com.

In Dallas, where Police Chief David Brown, in the wake of the July 7 assassination of five police officers, called for protesters to apply to his department to be part of the solution, applications have skyrocketed. Departments in Denver, Las Vegas and other major metropolitan areas have seen more modest increases in applications, and one former Los Angeles police officer hoped it is a sign Americans are answering an urgent call.

"It could turn out to be similar to what occurred after 911, where numbers increased," retired LAPD Detective Supervisor Sal LaBarbera told FoxNews.com.

Orange County, Calif., Sheriffs Office spokesman Lt. Mark Stichter said the department is seeing a spike in applications.

"Law enforcement draws a certain type of person, Stichter said. When horrible events like cops being shot occur, there are people who want to be a part of working at trying to solve the problem.

Scorn directed at police by protesters such as Black Lives Matter has intensified since the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., two years ago. Although the Department of Justice cleared the police officer who fired the fatal shots, subsequent racially charged shootings by police have led to demonstrations throughout the country. And the Dallas murders, as well as the assassinations of three Baton Rouge, La., cops on July 16, has driven home that police are not only unpopular, they are at grave risk.

In the two weeks following Browns appeal, applications to join the Dallas Police Department jumped 344 percent  to 467 from just 136 for the same period a month earlier. Whether the applicants will go on to don blue uniforms is yet to be known, but other departments too have clocked growth despite intense police backlash over recent years.

Other law enforcement officers and experts say Dallas and other departments seeing a spike are the exception that proves the rule, and predict a nationwide police shortage is inevitable.

"The job is inherently dangerous and that is generally understood and accepted," said Matthew Thomas, special operations commander for the Pinal County, Ariz., Sheriffs Office. However, the general social acceptance of hate and violence toward any and all law enforcement recently has created such an unpredictable and uncontrollable threat to our lives, many feel it is not a good career to be involved in."

Statistics show the number of police officers "feloniously killed" in the line of duty had been on a downward trajectory since 1970. This year, cop deaths are up more than 50 percent, and the victims in Dallas, Baton Rouge and other cases were targeted for assassination rather than killed in the process of confronting dangerous criminals.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the number of officers fatally shot is already up 56 percent compared with last year. One person who is all too familiar with race-related riots and police problems is Tom Jackson, former police chief in Ferguson, Mo.

"The shooting of cops is going to hurt recruitment badly, said Jackson, who stood by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson after he was falsely accused of gunning down an innocent man who was holding his hands in the air and begging for his life. How can you convince people to come to the profession, or stay in the profession, when hundreds of people are in front of them threatening to rape their grandkids?

"Now officers' spouses and children are seeing cops going down and they are begging their loved ones to get out of the force or not sign up as planned," added Jackson, who retired in March, 2015.

According to Jackson, his former department is still rocked by the heavy riots and remains 17 officers short  dropping from a full strength of 55 in his time to 38 now.

Theyre overworked and it is even less safe for them now, he said.

St. Paul, Minn., the scene of a racially charged shooting by police of Philando Castile on July 6, has seen a drop in applications, said police spokesman Steve Linders. In 2016, 399 people applied for the Saint Paul PD; 367 met minimum qualifications and 240 were placed on the hiring list. Two years earlier, 796 applied; 736 met minimum qualifications and 431 referred on the list for hire.

"Even though weve seen a drop in applicants, we have still been able to hire highly qualified candidates," he insisted.

In Baltimore, where riots rocked the city following the death in police custody of Freddy Gray in April 2015, the city police department is down about 6 percent. Six police officers were charged in Grays death, and the mayor and local prosecutor had harsh words for police as angry mobs protested in the aftermath. But on Wednesday, officials announced all charges had been dropped after three police officers were acquitted and ones case was declared a mistrial.

Detroits police force has shrunk by 5 percent in the past year, and El Paso, Texas, is down by a similar amount.

"The perception of increased danger on the job could put a damper on recruitment, and given the extraordinary social concern and deepening social divisions of recent events, we will continue to see the spotlight shone on how police behave," said Elliot Currie, a professor of criminology, law and society at University of California Irvine. "On one level, that's a good thing if it leads to better and more equitable policing. But I worry that we are putting most of the burden on police to solve social problems that are much deeper and more entrenched than they can handle."

It is not just the threat of violence and increased scrutiny that hampers recruitment. The median annual wage for police and detectives around the nation is $60,270, but in some states is as low as $33,000. Those salaries could prompt some considering the profession to wonder if it is worth it. Even before the recent spate of attacks, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted problems in growing the national police force. Employment was projected to increase 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average of all other professions.

Anthony Willis retired March 31 from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department after 21 years, citing the direction that law enforcement has turned over the last two years." In a letter sent to colleagues which he shared with FoxNews.com, the former U.S. Marine cited the anti-cop sentiment seen and felt around the nation, as well as what he considered the thankless nature of the job.

"I know that at the moment it seems like the public, the press, the President and even some command staff do not like or support us. Please remember one thing," Willis wrote. "The citizens of this nation need you. They need your protection. They need you to say 'stamus contra malum' (we fight evil.) They might never thank you for what you do. I thank you."

Jamie Brennan contributed to this report.
Vice President Joe Biden paid tribute Thursday to the three Baton Rouge officers ambushed earlier this month and called for healing, telling friends and relatives at a church vigil, "This is not about black and white, this is about a city... this is about what we're supposed to be."

Attorney General Loretta Lynch also spoke, honoring the "public safety officers who served this city with grace and compassion."

Lynch hailed the officers as heroes and said the gathering showed the community was united by "collective heartache" and a "common humanity."

A gunman shot and killed Baton Rouge police officers Matthew Gerald and Montrell Jackson and sheriff's deputy Brad Garafola outside a gas station convenience store.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie described the men as "the best of the blue."

Three other officers were injured. Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Tullier was critically wounded and remains in a hospital.

"We have to uproot hate and violence and replace it with love," Governor John Bel Edwards added.

Rosie Hernandez, whose nephew who is a Baton Rouge police officer, said she was confident the vigil would help heal and unite a community grappling with racial tensions.

Investigators said the gunman was targeting police when he ambushed the officers in Baton Rouge, where racial tensions had been mounting amid protests over a deadly police shooting. Alton Sterling, 37, a black man, was shot and killed during a struggle with two white police officers July 5. The killing was captured on cellphone video and circulated widely on the internet.

Jackson, a corporal, was a 10-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department. He was married and had a 4-month-old son. Days before he was shot to death, Jackson posted a message on Facebook about the difficulties of being both a black man and a police officer in the tumultuous aftermath of Sterling's shooting.

"Please don't let hate infect your heart. This city MUST and WILL get better," wrote Jackson, whose funeral was Monday.

Garafola, whose funeral was Saturday, is survived by a wife and four children: sons ages 21 and 12, and daughters ages 15 and 7.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said Garafola "went down fighting," with surveillance video showing him firing at the gunman as bullets hit the concrete around him.

Gerald was a former Marine and Army veteran who served three tours in Iraq before joining the police force nine months ago. His wife, Dechia Gerald -- now a widow with two young daughters -- called him "my blue-eyed rock" in a written tribute. She expressed hope that his legacy will "bridge the gap and foster peace in the country he lived, loved and died for."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Americans need to be able to celebrate religion and mention God in the public sphere. All too often today, however -- that's a problem.

The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation is sponsoring a campaign to celebrate our national motto, "In God We Trust." The initiative focuses on bringing faith to the forefront of our culture -- and in line with that, the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation has organized a bus tour as well as the "In God We Trust Put It Up Campaign," which encourages people to post 'In God We Trust' around their home, school, or office.

Lea Carawan, executive director of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, spoke with LifeZette about the faith-filled initiative that celebrates religion in public places.

"We want Americans to remember again what this country was founded on," Carawan explained. "To change the narrative, to remind people that you don't have to check your faith at the door when you walk out into the public square."

The motto has been part of our history since the beginning, and officially for the last 60 years.

"Many people don't know that 'In God We Trust' is America's national motto," said Carawan. "This month, July 30th, marks the 60th anniversary of 'In God We Trust,' which was written into law by President Eisenhower as our national motto. But, of course, 'In God We Trust' has been sprinkled throughout our nation's history."

For the past 60 years, our nation's motto has remained 'In God We Trust' and it has not been a casual decision on the part of our legislative branch either.

"House Resolution 13 was passed in Congress in 2011, reaffirming 'In God We Trust' as our national motto, and encouraging the public display of it in every school and government building passed 396 to 9. An overwhelming majority affirmed that yes, 'In God We Trust' is our national motto," explained Carawan.

But 'In God We Trust' is more than just a slogan -- and this initiative is more than just those words.

"This is not just a reaffirmation of a slogan. It is a reaffirmation of the American spirit," said Carawan. "It's a recommitment to the principles that define our nation. Really, the efforts to remove God and 'In God We Trust' from our nation, from our history, from our future, is troubling."

In these past few contentious months -- in an election season, when there's been violence against the police, when there have been race-related tensions, when we've seen terror attacks -- Carawan said this initiative is more important than ever.

"In troubling times, our nation has consistently looked toward the one simple truth for hope: that we are a nation that can turn to God and it is God that we trust," she said.

The reception of this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with only a few naysayers. But Carawan said it's the usual suspects who don't understand because "they believe we have freedom from religion here in America, as opposed to freedom of religion."

But overall, Carawan said there "has been such an overwhelming reception to this very simple message, people from both sides of the aisle can get behind it."

The "majority of Americans believe in the founding principles, so I'm not surprised that the majority of Americans are strongly behind a movement like this."

Carawan is calling on all Americans passionate about this issue to take part in the organization's initiative on July 30. "Americans who believe in these things need to stand up, show up, and not stay silent. They should push back when they're told they cannot engage in the public square," Carawan concluded in a final rallying cry.
A much-heralded and widely cited study of 171 countries over nearly a half century purports to show more guns mean more mass shootings, but critics say the report uses bad methodology in a way that rigs the results.

The study by Adam Lankford, a criminal justice professor at the University of Alabama, was published in the journal Violence and Victims in January and has been cited by media outlets -- including The New Yorker, The Washington Post and Time magazine. But the study, formally published earlier this year after a draft was released in academic circles, has raised questions about what critics consider dubious methodology.

The Lankford study is nothing more than junk science disguised as research, and never should have been published in a responsible scholarly journal, Florida State University criminology professor Gary Kleck told FoxNews.com.

The study, titled Public Mass Shooters and Firearms: A Cross-National Study of 171 Countries, concluded that The United States and other nations with high firearm ownership rates may be particularly susceptible to future public mass shootings, even if they are relatively peaceful or mentally healthy according to other national indicators.

Academic peers who have sought to examine the findings say Lankford refuses to share the data and details he used to support his findings.

Kleck and others say the obvious hazard in claiming to study 46 years worth of shootings in most of the worlds nations is that, while data may be easily found for U.S. shootings, compiling information for developing nations could be all but impossible.

This would rig results in favor of finding a positive association between gun ownership and mass shootings, Kleck said.

The reason, Kleck said, is it would more completely count mass shootings in the U.S., which undoubtedly does have a high gun ownership rate, while yielding artificially low counts of mass shootings in other nations.

Lankfords analysis of mass shootings from 171 countries from 1966 to 2012 comes with the caveat Complete data were available. In describing his research, Lankford offers only vague hints as to how he identified incidents in poor, non-English-speaking countries going back 50 years.

I find this claim hard to believe, Trinity College economics professor Ed Stringham, who has done research using international crime rates, told FoxNews.com.

When asked for his data by FoxNews.com, Lankford declined to provide it. In his study, Lankford says he took NYPD data on mass shootings -- which he acknowledges misses international cases -- and "supplemented [it] with additional data internationally. Lankford does not say exactly how he collected that additional international data, just noting that it came from searches of open source documents and that all efforts were made to ensure that the same data collection methodology employed by the NYPD was used.

The NYPD notes that its own researchers limited [their] Internet searches to English-language sites, therefore under-counting foreign mass shootings.

FoxNews.com asked Lankford whether he used the same language method as the NYPD, or if he searched using more than just English. Lankford replied that, my data were not limited to English-language searches." Asked what languages he used in his searches, Lankford declined to provide that information.

Lankford does not claim to be able to read all the languages used in those 171 nations, or to have made use of others with this ability, Kleck said. This method would result in a near-total omission of relevant news stories outside of the English-speaking part of the world.

Lankford said he may share his methods with fellow scholars at a later date.

"I am open-minded about sharing data with other scholars for collaborative purposes, and consider those opportunities on a case-by-case basis. This is all the assistance I can provide at this time, Lankford told FoxNews.com by email.

An associate editor of Violence and Victims, which published Lankfords paper, told FoxNews.com that the journal does not see its role as that of a fact-checker.

Journal editors generally trust the integrity of authors, and unless reviewers/referrers who are experts in the specific research area call attention to weaknesses in methodology or otherwise challenge findings, the results are not likely to be questioned, Violence and Victims Associate Editor Edna Erez said.

Editor-in-Chief Roland Maiuro said that Lankfords paper was approved by anonymous independent researchers.

The manuscript was subject to blind review by two established researchers with expertise in the area of gun-related violence, critiqued, and revised according to the recommendations made in these reviews, Maiuro said.

Kleck said a more rigorous and transparent peer review process was in order.

No qualified scholar would accept work by a researcher who could not, or would not, even explain exactly how he measured his most important variable [mass shootings], Kleck said.

An expert on transparency said that such data should always be released.

Any research that seeks to influence the public debate on this topic, as this research clearly does, should be required to make their data available so that other researchers can confirm their findings, professor Robert Reed, replication editor at the journal Public Finance Review, told FoxNews.com.

The author of this article, Maxim Lott, can be reached on Twitter at @maximlott
It was a regular "boy meets girl" love story, with a few million Christian pilgrims thrown in.

Jonathan Eric Defante and his girlfriend, Apple, are both from Dubai -- but it took a special World Youth Day trip back in 2013 for them to meet.

"Apple and I met in our parish's delegation for the World Youth Day 2013," Defante wrote in a short testimony about their relationship for the World Youth Day Facebook page. "She wanted to discern God's vocation for her. I wanted to see how big my church was. We ended up becoming friends."

One thing led to another, of course -- and the pair fell in love.

"I courted her in 2014 and after seven months, we officially became a couple on 8 September 2014, Mama Mary's birthday," Defante wrote. "During our courtship, I would write her letters and send it to her through snail mail."

There was one special letter that showed up in a video that's been going viral about World Youth Day.

"The letter she is reading in the video was the 8th letter, which I wrote on 8 June 2014 but never sent to her," explained Defante. "I had addressed it to her in Kosciol Mariacki -- which is a very special place for us. Our home parish in Dubai is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption."

"After discussion with our spiritual director and her family, I was able to get a simple knot ring a week before I flew to Poland," he relayed. "The day of the proposal, we were assigned to serve in the adoration service in Kosciol Mariacki. I wasn't planning for it to happen on that day but it was Divine Providence as it was also the feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne. St. Anne is one of our relationship's patron saints and we just finished praying a novena to her."

"After the adoration service, our delegation surrounded us. I handed my soulmate the two-year-old letter, then knelt and popped the question!"

The sweet, simple proposal is a celebration of true Christian vocations. It is part of the strength of World Youth Day that God leads these young people to realize their true path in life.

"We are grateful to God," wrote Defante, "to be one of the many World Youth Day love stories and know that His mercy and the Blessed Mother's intercession will guide us on this next chapter of our life's journey to Him together as a married couple."
The now-deadly hunt for a treasure worth as much as $2 million and hidden somewhere in the rugged wilderness of the Southwest will continue, although the ex-wife of a man who perished in the search told FoxNews.com she wants proof it really is out there.

Linda Bilyeu, whose husbands remains were discovered and identified this month, more than six months after he vanished while hunting for treasure hidden by Santa Fe eccentric octogenarian Forrest Fenn, said she deserves proof Randy Bilyeu did not die on a wild goose chase.

I think that Fenn should man up and provide some concrete evidence that the chest is real, Linda Bilyeu said.

Randy Bilyeu, 54, who was from Colorado, disappeared in January after setting out on the Rio Grande River in a rubber raft southwest of Santa Fe. His empty raft and dog Leo were found 10 days later but the skeletal remains of the would-be treasure hunter werent discovered until July 14.

Treasure hunters have searched in vain through remote corners of New Mexico, Yellowstone National Park and elsewhere in the mountains. They share their experiences on blogs and brainstorm about the clues. The mystery has been featured on national networks, igniting even more interest.

An estimated 65,000 treasure hunters have taken to the New Mexico wilderness since Fenn released a poem entitled "The thrill of the chase: a memoir" and launched an international craze in 2010. The poem is said to contain nine cryptic clues and subsequent works have had maps that could lead hunters to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico or Utah.

Fenn has not placed a value on the treasure, but has said it includes 265 gold coins, gems, rubies, and hundreds of gold nuggets, two of which are the size of eggs.

He says he hid the treasure to encourage people to get off their couches and experience nature, but that he never intended for anyone to get injured or killed in the process.

Its very regrettable, I feel sorry for the family, Fenn told FoxNews.com.

It will never be known how close Bilyeu was to finding the 42-pound, 10-inch by 10-inch cast bronze box Fenn claims to have secreted somewhere in the wilderness for a variety of reasons, including giving people hope during the dark recession and to get young people outside, sort of a high-reward version of Pokemon Go.

He never would have traveled down the Rio Grande on a raft in the winter unless he had a damn good reason to do so, said Linda Bilyeu, who now lives in Orlando, Fla. The couple had two daughters, ages 31 and 26, and two granddaughters, 9 and 3.

Fenn is no stranger to adventure. He said he served with the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a major, and as a pilot flying F-100s, he was shot down twice. One time he said he crash landed and the second time ejected over Laos, both times rescued by American forces.

The hunt has been a boon to the New Mexico economy.

Its bringing huge exposure to New Mexico, and its kind of the gift that keeps on giving, New Mexico Tourism Cabinet Secretary-Designate Rebecca Latham said in February. Every time a new clue is released, it surfaces all over again, bringing exposure to our beautiful state.


Investigators found a hidden room outfitted with restraints inside a barn belonging to a man accused of abducting and killing an Ohio college student, according to search warrants released Thursday.



The room also had a carpet-lined freezer with blood inside and had been covered by hay bales, The Blade reported after the newspaper went to court seeking release of the documents.



James Worley, 57, who spent three years in prison after abducting a woman in 1990, has been charged with aggravated murder and abduction in the death of 20-year-old University of Toledo student Sierah Joughin.



She disappeared a week ago while riding her bicycle on a country road in rural Fulton County, about 20 miles west of Toledo. Her body was found three days later in a cornfield near Worley's home.



Since Worley's arrest Friday, investigators have been looking into the possibility of additional victims.



Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said earlier this week that Worley's criminal history in the 1990 attack made it worth investigating whether other women have been victimized.



Worley has declined interview requests from the news media, and his attorney said Thursday that he had not seen the search warrants and could not comment.



Authorities have spent the past several days digging through the farmhouse and barns where Worley operated a small-engine repair shop surrounded by northwestern Ohio's fields of soybeans and corn.



The search warrants released say that cell phone evidence shows Worley was at the spot where Joughin's bike was found for two hours on the day she went missing.



Investigators said he had marks on his arms and bruises on his lower legs but told them "he didn't steal anything or kill anyone," according to the documents.



He first told investigators he had been riding a motorcycle and that he lost his helmet, screwdriver, sunglasses and fuses after it broke down, the search warrants said.



Those items were found at the location where Joughin's bike was uncovered, the documents said.



Worley served three years of a four- to 10-year sentence in the 1990 abduction of a woman who was riding her bike, which happened about 20 miles from where Joughin was riding last week near Metamora.



The woman told authorities she managed to escape Worley's truck after he knocked her from the bike with his truck, pulled her inside the cab and handcuffed her.



Worley entered an Alford plea to abduction, meaning he didn't admit guilt but conceded that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him.
Just in time for "Sharknado 4."

A New Jersey teen reeled in a 200-pound sand tiger shark at Long Beach Island on Sunday, pulling the surprise catch onto the shore before releasing it back into the water, FOX5 reported.

Gianni Mandile, 13, caught the seven-foot shark with help from his dad, Joe.

He saw it first, Joe told WABC. As the wave curled, he saw the silhouette of the shark in the wave and he said, Dad its big, its a big shark!

Video showed the shark put up a fight, but father and son eventually were able to pull it to shore.

Gianni has been fishing since he was 3 years old. He said at first, he thought the catch was a stingray.

I didnt expect to catch something that big, Gianni told WPVI-6. Because other people have caught those types of fish, but usually at night. So I wasnt expecting to catch it in the middle of the day.

Officials up and down the Northeast have warned about sharks swimming along the Atlantic coast throughout the summer. Officials briefly closed the famous beaches of New York's Coney Island last week after multiple sharks were spotted in the water nearby.

Click for more from FOX5.
A Virginia police officer was refused service at a restaurant Monday because one of the cooks refused to serve her while she was in uniform.

Authorities said the uniformed Alexandria police officer was standing in line at Noodles & Company when the cook came out from the back and told the cashier, You better pull me off the line, because I'm not serving that, according to Fox 5 DC.

The department said the cashier and the cook started to laugh and the officer left the restaurant. Police Chief Earl Cook was upset and spoke to management at the restaurant Tuesday. The restaurant said it would conduct an investigation into the incident.

Well your first response as a police officer is anger," Cook said. "These are very difficult times right now with our relations with everyone, and to have one of my officers treated in that manner unnecessarily-- your first response is anger, then you calm down a bit."

The restaurants management told Cook that the situation unfolded just as the Alexandria officer alleged.

Noodles & Company expects the highest ethical and personal behavior from its team members. We value each of our guests and are committed to treating every one with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination, the company said in a statement.

We are working with the appropriate authorities and local police association representatives to get to the bottom of, and resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We have made efforts to reach out to the police officer involved, but have not yet spoken with her. We will continue to look into the situation and will take the appropriate actions at the conclusion of this review.

In an effort to smooth things over, Alexandria Police Union rep Pete Feltham said the restaurant agreed to post signs on their doors to support police.

"We hope that the business is not judged by the actions of a couple of individuals," said Feltham.

Click for more from Fox 5 DC.
Two days before a man in Washington state was set to stand trial on charges of raping and molesting a grade-school girl, he reportedly jumped on a flight to the United Arab Emirates, in a move that outraged the girl's family.

Officials weren't alerted to the fact that 49-year-old Khalid Fathey had left the country before court proceedings got underway in Kennewick on Monday, the Tri-City Herald reported. The judge waited for more than an hour before releasing jurors and ordering an arrest warrant for Fathey, the Herald added.

U.S. Marshals learned later the suspect had boarded a flight from Seattle to Dubai last Saturday, Deputy Prosecutor Anita Petra said.

"The victims family was very upset by the news, she told the newspaper. "They wanted justice in this case and for this case to be over." Fathey previously denied the charges against him.

His own attorney, Kevin Holt, said even he thought his client would show up to court. He told reporters Fathey was originally from northern Iraq and worked with the U.S. government after the 2003 invasion.

It was unclear whether Fathey had a one-way or round-trip ticket.

The girl told her mother Fathey kissed her and touched her inappropriately several times, prosecutors said. The mother had first discovered Fathey and the girl together in late-2014 -- and the suspect appeared "nervous" when it happened, according to court documents.

Prosecutors also claimed Fathey "told (the girl) never to tell or she was going to get in trouble."

After consulting a religious leader, the suspect admitted to the girl's parents that he touched her, but did not elaborate, court papers also showed.

Fathey faced charges including child rape and child molestation. Earlier, he claimed the family made up the accusations.

Kennewick is a three-hour drive southeast of Seattle.

Click for more from the Tri-City Herald.
The murder Tuesday of an elderly priest inside a church in France during Mass shocked and sickened the West, but Christians in Africa have long known there is no sanctuary from radical Islamic terrorism.



In 2015, more than 2,000 Christian churches in Africa were attacked by terrorists, and more than 7,000 Christians were killed, according to the advocacy group Open Doors USA. Those figures show terrorist groups like ISIS, which claimed credit for Tuesday's attack, as well as Al Shabaab and Boko Haram, will not hesitate to kill inside a house of worship.

"News of the murdered priest in Normandy has shaken many to the core, David Curry, president and CEO of Christian Watchdog group Open Doors USA told FoxNews.com. While in Nigeria, an average of five churches are attacked every Sunday, this is the first documented case of Western Christians being attacked by ISIS during a worship service."

In Tuesday's attack, self-professed ISIS soldiers Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean and Adel Kermiche stormed a Catholic church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray during morning Mass and took hostages before killing 85-year-old priest Jacques Hamel.

Geography aside, the incident bore similarities to hundreds of attacks that have occurred in Africa, where in 2015 alone more than 2,400 Christian churches were struck by terrorists.

Nigeria has been hardest hit, due to the ruthless brutality of militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Huge numbers of the country's Christian churches have been destroyed.

Seventy percent of our churches have been destroyed in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states by Boko Haram, the Rev. Samuel Dali, a Nigerian pastor and president of the Church of the Brethren said last August, according to ChristianPost.com. Over 8,000 of our members were killed."

Among the more devastating attacks inside Christian churches in Africa last year:

Last July 5, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a church in the town of Potiskum, leaving the priest and four others dead. A day later, Boko Haram burned down 32 churches and 300 homes across the Borno State, leaving 10 more people dead.

In January 2015, at least 72 churches were destroyed in Niger over the course of two days. The attack was started by protesters in the city of Zinder who were outraged by cartoons published by the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. The attacks against Christians in their home and churches swelled across the country as outrage among the Muslim population had grown.

This year will prove to be a lot worse for the Central African nation, according to Open Doors USA, which estimates murders of Christians are up more than 60 percent.

As far back as 2012, 18 people were killed during twin church attacks in Kenya and dozens more severely injured. In those attacks, the militants entered the Africa Inland Church (AIC) and the Catholic Church, shooting at worshippers with firearms and detonating grenades. Churchgoers tried to flee, but were shot dead as they attempted to escape at both locations.

Curry said Sundays attack in France, if anything, underscores the need to address the long-standing issue of extreme hostility against Christians worldwide.

Now more than ever, our leaders, and particularly the presidential candidates, must outline a plan for addressing the global persecution of Christians," he said.
The mayor of Cannes announced Thursday that, due to the terror threat in France, bags have been banned from the citys world-famous beaches.

The Sun reported that sunbathers were told to carry transparent bags if needed or face arrest. Security officials told the newspaper they had serious concern attackers could smuggle "weapons or explosives" onto the beaches.

Since January 2015, attackers inspired by the Islamic State have killed at least 235 people in France, by far the largest casualty rate of any Western country. French citizens or French-speaking residents have committed the overwhelming majority of strikes, often employing suicide tactics alongside command of their home surroundings.

President Francois Hollande argues that France is their top enemy on the continent because of his homeland's reputation as a cradle of human rights and democracy.

"If terrorists strike us, it is because they know what France represents," Hollande said after this month's Bastille Day truck attack that killed 84 people on Nice's crowded waterfront.

Analysts agree that ISIS propagandists particularly target France as a land anchored in secular values, liberal freedoms and life's pleasures. But its colonial history, demographic tensions and interventionist policies against militant Muslims abroad point to deeper reasons why anti-Western killers seek so ruthlessly to bring grief to France's door.

Some analysts doubt whether France's military commitments play the critical role in spurring resident Muslims to answer the Islamic State call. They say France's fundamental challenge is that it hosts the greatest concentration of marginalized Muslims on the continent, many of whom view their adopted homeland as sinful and disrespectful toward Islamic traditions.

"Whether the guy who rented a truck in Nice was frightfully interested that Raqqa is being bombed, I don't know," said Francois Heisbourg, an analyst at a French think tank called the Foundation for Strategic Research.

Click for more from The Sun.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan announced Thursday five American soldiers recently were wounded battling Islamic State fighters.

Gen. John Nicholson, who commands U.S. and NATO forces there, said none of the wounds were life-threatening. Three of the soldiers were evacuated from the area and two returned to duty.

Nicholson said the casualties occurred "in the last few days" but did not get into specifics. He said they were hit by small arms fire and shrapnel.

The Americans were partnering in combat with Afghan special forces retaking territory previously controlled by ISIS in the eastern province of Nangarhar, the general added.

Nicolson was speaking to reporters at the Pentagon from his headquarters in Kabul.

On Wednesday, he told The Associated Press the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan was directly linked to its parent organization in Iraq and Syria.

Nicholson said ISIS loyalists in Afghanistan had financial, communications and strategic connections with leadership based in a self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

"They have applied for membership, they have been accepted, they had to meet certain tests, they have been publicized in Dabiq," the ISIS magazine, he said.

The Afghan offensive, with U.S. support, began on Saturday, hours after ISIS claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in the capital, Kabul, that killed around 80 people.

It was the worst attack in Kabul since the Taliban's insurgency began in 2001. More than 200 people were wounded.

Until recently, Afghan and U.S. officials have insisted that ISIS loyalists were disaffected Taliban weary that their own fight had failed to make headway, after 15 years, in its goal of overthrowing the Kabul government. This week, the spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Army Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, said that ISIS operatives in Afghanistan numbered between 1,000 and 3,000 loyalists -- though probably closer to 1,500.

Afghan security forces, backed by U.S. air strikes, have been targeting ISIS in Nangarhar holdouts for several months.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Iran is threatening again to close the Strait of Hormuz  a key Persian Gulf shipping route  if the enemy makes a small mistake and threatens the Islamic Republic, one of its generals boasted Tuesday.

The oil shipping waterway has frequently been the subject of diplomatic clashes between Tehran and Washington.

If the enemy makes a small mistake, we will shut the Strait of Hormuz, kill their sedition in the bud and endanger the arrogant powers interests, Iranian armys Deputy Chief of Staff Brigadier General Ali Shadmani said, according to the Fars news agency.

Iran has used the Persian Gulf as a test site for rocket launches, the Times of Israel reports.

In January, Iran detained 10 American sailors whose patrol boats were traveling inside Iranian territorial waters near Farsi Island. Multiple defense officials told Fox News that a multitude of errors led to the incident and that the sailors violated the Navys longstanding "code of conduct."

Secretary of State John Kerry had thanked the Iranians for their treatment of the Navy sailors before video emerged showing some of the Americans apologizing and crying.

The sailors were released after about 16 hours.

Click for more from the Times of Israel.
Islamic State said that the Syrian refugee who carried out a suicide bombing in Germany this week was a fighter for the extremist group before migrating to Europe and that he launched the attack with help from a second operative.

An obituary published late Tuesday in Islamic States al-Naba newsletter said Mohammad Daleel fought with the militant group in Iraq and then Syria before being wounded on the battlefield. He then traveled abroad for medical treatment before he eventually sought asylum in Germany, it said without naming the country he went to for treatment.

Daleel was no longer an active Islamic State member by the time he arrived in Germany in 2014 but was lured back to the group through its online propaganda years later, the obituary said. Government authorities havent verified the accuracy of the obituary.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said Wednesday that the latest evidence indicated the bomber had been significantly influenced by another person regarding how the attack was carried out, but he couldnt say whether that person was affiliated with Islamic State.

The account confirms the powerful draw of Islamic States online propaganda in encouraging would-be attackers to launch operations in the groups name and the difficulties European authorities face in monitoring their communications and movements.

The newsletter didnt detail what method Daleel used to contact the other Islamic State operative or where that operative was located at the time.

German investigators found an intense chat on the assailants phone showing that the man had been in immediate contact with someone right up until the attack Sunday night in the southern German town of Ansbach, Mr. Herrmann said. Investigators are looking into who the person was and where he was when chatting with the bomber.

The attack killed only Daleel and wounded 15 others. Daleel pledged allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a video he recorded claiming responsibility for the attack.

Click for more from WSJ.com
The ISIS terrorist who slit a priests throat and used a nun as a human shield during an attack in France on Tuesday bragged about his intended assault to an audience of up to 200 people on an encrypted communications app nearly a week before the spree.

The audio files recorded by Adel Kermiche for a private group on the Telegram app were obtained by LExpress magazine and verified for the publication by a source close to the investigation.

Kermiche, 19, says he will enter a church, take a knife and make a carnage, according to a translation of one chilling message.

The messages were found during the subsequent investigation into Kermiche, the source told LExpress. Kermiche and his partner, Abdel Malik, were killed by police as they exited the Normandy-area church, attempting to use nuns to shield themselves from bullets.

A short time earlier, they had entered the church, forced an 85-year-old priest to kneel and then filmed themselves slitting his throat. Another churchgoer was severely injured during the attack.

In one message, Kermiche, who attempted twice to travel to Syria to join ISIS, tells the other group members that its easier to carry out a terror operation in your home country.

You slice two or three heads, and its good, its over, he says.

Kermiche says he was inspired by a spiritual guide, a sheikh, or religious leader, he met while in prison in Fleury-Merogis. Kermiche was serving time for one of his unauthorized border crossings to try and join ISIS.

In prison with my sheikh, Kermiche says. He gave me ideas.

Kermiche also says he decided to act to prove his mettle to other brothers who made fun of his commitment from a sofa.

The day before the attack, Kermiche assures his followers that big stuff is ahead.

I warn you in advance, three, four minutes, and when the thing comes, it will share the line, he says, referencing a picture or video.

Kermiche says those who share the images will be rewarded.

Just an hour before he entered the church, Kermiche reminded the group to share what follows, but he did not post again.
North Korea's top diplomat for U.S. affairs told The Associated Press Thursday that Washington "crossed the red line" and effectively declared war by putting leader Kim Jong Un on its list of sanctioned individuals, and said a vicious showdown could erupt if the U.S. and South Korea hold annual war games as planned next month.

Han Song Ryol, director-general of the U.S. affairs department at the North's Foreign Ministry, said in an interview that recent U.S. actions have put the situation on the Korean Peninsula on a war footing.

The United States and South Korea regularly conduct joint military exercises south of the Demilitarized Zone, and Pyongyang typically responds to them with tough talk and threats of retaliation.

Han said North Korea believes the nature of the maneuvers has become openly aggressive because they reportedly now include training designed to prepare troops for the invasion of the North's capital and "decapitation strikes" aimed at killing its top leadership.

Han says designating Kim himself for sanctions was the final straw.

"The Obama administration went so far to have the impudence to challenge the supreme dignity of the DPRK in order to get rid of its unfavorable position during the political and military showdown with the DPRK," Han said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The United States has crossed the red line in our showdown," he said. "We regard this thrice-cursed crime as a declaration of war."

Although North Korea had already been heavily sanctioned internationally for its nuclear weapons and long-range missile development programs, Washington's announcement on July 6 was the first time Kim Jong Un has been personally sanctioned.

Less than a week later, Pyongyang cut off its final official means of communications with Washington  known as the New York channel. Han said Pyongyang has made it clear that everything between the two must now be dealt with under "war law."

Kim and 10 others were put on the list of sanctioned individuals in connection with alleged human rights abuses, documented by the United Nations Human Rights Commission, that include a network of political prisons and harsh treatment of any kind of political dissent in the authoritarian state. U.S. State Department officials said the sanctions were intended in part to highlight those responsible for the abuses and to pressure lower-ranking officials to think twice before carrying them out.

Pyongyang denies abuse claims and says the U.N. report was based on fabrications gleaned from disgruntled defectors. Pointing to such things as police shootings of black Americans and poverty in even the richest democracies, it says the West has no moral high ground from which to criticize the North's domestic political situation. It also says U.S. allies with questionable human-rights records receive less criticism.

Han took strong issue with the claim that it not the U.S. but Pyongyang's continued development of nuclear weapons and missiles that is provoking tensions.

"Day by day, the U.S. military blackmail against the DPRK and the isolation and pressure is becoming more open," Han said. "It is not us, it is the United States that first developed nuclear weapons, who first deployed them and who first used them against humankind. And on the issue of missiles and rockets, which are to deliver nuclear warheads and conventional weapons warheads, it is none other than the United States who first developed it and who first used it."

He noted that U.S.-South Korea military exercises conducted this spring were unprecedented in scale, and that the U.S. has deployed the USS Mississippi and USS Ohio nuclear-powered submarines to South Korean ports, deployed the B-52 strategic bomber around South Korea and is planning to set up the world's most advanced missile defense system, known by its acronym THAAD, in the South, a move that has also angered China.

Echoing earlier state-media reports, Han ridiculed Mark Lippert, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, for a flight on a U.S. Air Force F-16 based in South Korea that he said was an action "unfit for a diplomat."

"We regard that as the act of a villain, who is a crazy person," Han said of the July 12 flight. "All these facts show that the United States is intentionally aggravating the tensions in the Korean Peninsula."

Han warned that Pyongyang is viewing next month's planned U.S.-South Korea exercises in this new context and will respond if they are carried out as planned.

"Nobody can predict what kind of influence this kind of vicious confrontation between the DPRK and the United States will have upon the situation on the Korean Peninsula," he said. "By doing these kinds of vicious and hostile acts toward the DPRK, the U.S. has already declared war against the DPRK. So it is our self-defensive right and justifiable action to respond in a very hard way.

"We are all prepared for war, and we are all prepared for peace," he said. "If the United States forces those kinds of large-scale exercises in August, then the situation caused by that will be the responsibility of the United States."

Last year's Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercises involved 30,000 American and 50,000 South Korean troops and followed a period of heightened animosity between the rival Koreas sparked by land mine explosions that maimed two South Korean soldiers. In the end, the exercises escalated tensions and rhetoric, but concluded with no major incidents.

Han dismissed calls for Pyongyang to defuse tensions by agreeing to abandon its nuclear program.

"In the view of cause and effect, it is the U.S. that provided the cause of our possession of nuclear forces," he said. "We never hide the fact, and we are very proud of the fact, that we have very strong nuclear deterrent forces not only to cope with the United States' nuclear blackmail but also to neutralize the nuclear blackmail of the United States."
Greek police say about a hundred refugees have briefly blocked a key road in the northern city of Thessaloniki, demanding better health services in their state-run camp.

The protest followed the death of a Syrian woman who fainted while having a shower and was pronounced dead after she was taken to hospital on Thursday. Refugees are demanding that an ambulance be permanently stationed in the camp housing nearly 1,400 people.

Police said protesters peacefully returned to the camp after briefly stopping traffic on part of the Thessaloniki ring road.

About 57,000 refugees and other migrants are living in camps or rented accommodation across Greece, which is a major entry point for people seeking a better life in the European Union.
Police said they killed nine suspected Islamic militants, including one identified as an American, during a raid on their den in Bangladesh's capital Tuesday.

The American was identified as 24-year-old Shazad Rouf, a master's student in business administration at North South University in Dhaka. Police said Rouf was born in Bangladesh but held U.S. citizenship.

Investigators said Rouf and a group of several other jihadis had been plotting a terror attack, but the target was unclear. Rouf narrowly escaped a police raid in February that ended with three of his friends in handcuffs, The New York Times reported.

Rouf had moved with his family to the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst in 1999, then moved to the San Francisco area, his father, Tauheed, told The Washington Post. The family reportedly moved back to Bangladesh in 2009.

The father said he had no sign his son was becoming radicalized. "Maybe it was my inability to understand, but we never got any indication."

His family reportedly lost contact with him around the time of the raid. Rouf's father filed a missing-person report with police on February 6, the Times added.

Police arrested one suspect in Tuesday's raid, Police Chief A.K.M. Shahidul Hoque told reporters. Officers said they recovered grenades, revolvers, explosives, knives and two black flags in the raid.

The arrested suspect was being treated at a hospital for bullet wounds. The chief said the raid unfolded in Dhaka's Kalyanpur area.

A resident of the building who identified himself by one name, Anik, told The Associated Press residents first heard gunshots after midnight and took cover by lying on the floor of the fifth floor of the building. The suspects lived on the fourth floor.

"We heard 'Allahu akbar' coming from the fourth floor as the firing began," he said, using the Arabic phrase for "God is great."

"It was a terrible situation," he said.

The suspects had rented the apartment very recently, said Mizanur Rahman, a police sub-inspector in the area.

Hoque said officials were still investigating to see whether the militants belonged to a larger terrorist organization, but their clothing and other evidence showed they likely belonged to local banned group Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh, or JMB. The group is blamed for a July 1 attack on a restaurant in Dhaka's Gulshan diplomatic area, which killed 20 people, some of them Italian and Japanese.

"It will take a few hours to have a clear idea, but we have found them clad in black dress ... suggesting they belong to the same group involved in the attack in Gulshan," Hoque said.

The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the July 1 attack and for many other recent attacks on atheist bloggers, foreigners and minority groups, but authorities have rejected the claims, saying there are no signs of the group having any existence in the country. Instead, the government says local militant groups including the JMB are behind such attacks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Tucked in the back corner of a construction site for a new dog shelter in eastern Istanbul lies a freshly dug, unmarked grave  the first in the new "Traitors' Cemetery," created specifically to hold the bodies of coup plotters who died in the July 15 abortive putsch.

In the week following the attempted coup in Turkey, which killed about 290 people, the municipality announced it intended to set up a cemetery specifically for those involved  people that officials have branded as traitors undeserving of a proper burial. About 24 coup plotters are believed to have been killed that night.

Authorities would "reserve a spot and call it a traitors' cemetery. Passers-by will curse them," Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas said in remarks carried by the Dogan News Agency. "May every passer-by curse them and let them not rest in their tombs."

The creation of the cemetery comes amid a widespread crackdown in the aftermath of the coup. Nearly 16,000 people have been detained, including about 10,000 military personnel; displays of patriotism abound, with many Turks flying national flags from the windows of their apartments or cars; and nightly pro-government rallies are held in cities across the country.

Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs issued a directive denying funeral prayers and services for those who died while trying to overthrow the government. Such prayers, it said, were intended for the faithful as an act of exoneration, "but these people, with the action they undertook, have disregarded not just individuals but also the law of an entire nation and therefore do not deserve exoneration from the faithful."

Andrew Gardner, Turkey researcher for the Amnesty International rights group, said such moves were "contributing to what is a pretty poisonous atmosphere and a dangerous atmosphere" in the aftermath of the failed coup.

"Denying people religious services and decent burial is a basic denial of people's rights. In any normal circumstances such statements would be unimaginable," Gardner said.

Construction was quick. In two days, workers had built a low stone wall around a patch of land in the back of the site that will hold a new shelter for some of Istanbul's many stray dogs. A black metal sign was put up Monday, with the words "Traitors' Cemetery" in white.

The first  and so far, only  body arrived in an ambulance Monday, the workers say. No prayers were said and no ceremony was held for the burial beneath a dying pine tree.

The workers aren't sure who lies beneath the rough mound of earth, stones and broken pine branches, but local media say the first to be interred there was Mehmet Karabekir, a 34-year-old captain and father of two. His mother, they reported, refused to claim his body, so he was taken to the new cemetery.

Next to his lie three more graves  deep, open trenches dug out of the rocky ground with heavy machinery, waiting for new arrivals. The workers haven't been told when more bodies might come.

All they know, workers said Wednesday, is that they were told to build a dry stone wall in a corner of the construction site, and dig some graves

"Those who disrespect this nation will not be allowed to rest even in their tombs," Topbas said in a speech Monday night.

Deep within the animal shelter construction site, the cemetery isn't accessible to the public. But some of those at the existing makeshift dog shelter next door were furious to hear the newly announced cemetery had already been constructed in their area.

"They should have buried them somewhere far from our animals. I wish we didn't know those traitors were here. We don't want them," said Serhan Baturay, a 57-year-old volunteer who also runs animal welfare groups.

"They shouldn't be placed near our dogs, they shouldn't be anywhere in Turkey," she said. "They should be cremated and their ashes tossed into the ocean. There shouldn't be a trace of them anywhere in the country. As a Turkish citizen I don't want such a thing."
Yemen's Shiite rebels on Thursday announced a formal alliance with the country's ousted president and his onetime ruling party by forming a new political council to rule the country, which analysts warn could add a wrinkle to peace talks with the current government.

The rebels, known as Houthis or Ansar Allah, signed a deal with the General People's Congress, led by the ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh, agreeing to form a council of 10 members, five from each party.

The two sides said they would work together to confront the Saudi-led military coalition, which supports the internationally-recognized government months after it fled the country. The Houthis have controlled the capital, Sanaa, since 2014.

The new agreement, which doesn't change much on the ground, is expected to further complicate the difficult United Nations peace talks in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, the international medical aid agency Doctors Without Borders warned that the lives of thousands of Yemeni patients in need of dialysis were on the line, saying the fighting had pushed treatment centers to a "breaking point."

Adel Al-Hagami, head of the Dialysis Treatment Centre in a Sanaa hospital, says patients who can't get their weekly dialysis treatment "will die."

The group, also known by its French acronym MSF, said on Tuesday that Yemeni dialysis centers were struggling with supplies amid import restrictions.

Rights groups have previously blamed the Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis for imposing a blockade on Yemen's entry points, including the airport in the capital, Sanaa.

William Turner, MSF's chief in Yemen says those with kidney failure "are at a critical moment."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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After great success with the fragrance Want, launched last year, which drew attention with its gourmet-vanilla composition and modern design, Dsquared2 launches the first flanker, pink and intensive version WANT PINK GINGER. The bottle design with the attractive stopper remains the same; the difference is the color of the cap in bright pink color announcing sparkling and spicy notes over a sensual and deep vanilla layer.

Want Pink Ginger is announced as a "new Want concentration," spicy, energetic, teasing and coquettish. The specific composition is full of contrasts, offering a kaleidoscope of flavor that turns the most brilliant, sparkling and bright spicy, floral over to the warm, deep, gentle and extremely vanillic aromas. The fragrance opens in a fusion of pink ginger, tangerine, lemon, pink pepper and mangosteens. The heart develops floral notes of neroli, Damascus rose and heliotrope, while the base notes bring an intensive vanillic character as a combination of vanilla absolute and Madagascar vanilla, supported with violet wood and amber wood. The perfumer of the composition is Aurelien Guichard (the same as Want composition).

DSQUARED2 WANT PINK GINGER

edition 2016

pink ginger, mandarin orange, lemon, pink pepper, mangosteen



neroli bigarade, damascena rose, heliotrope

vanilla absolut, madagascar vanilla, violet wood, amber wood

On the DSquared2 Want Pink Ginger new advertising campaing is the model Rianne Ten Haken. The focus is on both Want scents, the newest Want Pink Ginger as well as Want from 2015. The fragrance will be available as 30 ml, 50 ml and 100 ml Eau de Perfume at the announced prices of EUR 49 for 30 ml EDP; EUR 65 for 50 ml EDP and EUR 85 for 100 ml EDP - announcing fragrancefondation.de

JLB
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Mark Kim at NPR.com discusses a new way to ward off those pesky mosquitoes:

Malaria, mosquitoes and chicken. That's what Rickard Ignell had on his mind when he conducted his studies in Ethiopia. Malaria is a major health issue in Ethiopia, with about 5 million cases and 70,000 deaths a year. Humans and animals share living space in western Ethiopia, where Ignell, a professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science, was planning to do his research. But little was known about how mosquitoes interact with various animals. Do certain animals attract the insects? Do other animals repel them?

Indeed, the scent from chickens seems to repel mosquitoes. Poultry-scented bug spray, anyone?

More news on the new Louis Vuitton perfume line this week from Andrew Roberts at Bloomberg.com:

In September, the label, owned by French conglomerate LVMH, will begin stocking its 473 stores with perfumes, including at least one infused with a note of leather. Louis Vuitton is copying the model Chanel has, said Micallef. They want to highlight the fact that they are exclusive from start to finish. Vuitton in 2012 hired fragrance superstar Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud, the man behind bestsellers Acqua di Gio from Giorgio Armani and Issey Miyakes LEau dIssey. And earlier this year, LVMH completed its lab in Grasse, the home of French perfume-making.

Though I doubt I'll have access to them, likely due to a high price tag, I have to admit I'm quite curious to see what the LV brand will come up with after so many years out of the fragrance business (vintage Heures d'Absence by LV below)!

A young student in Mexico has developed an olfaction system for a robot, reports Kate Malczewski for Factor-tech.com:

This robotic olfactory system uses chemical sensors to function as nostrils. Data is then transmitted to a computer, where it is evaluated to determine the direction and proximity of the source of the smell. Unlike in other olfactory systems, this has the feature that in each cycle of ventilation the air chamber empties, making sensors ready for a new measurement, explained Villareal, who developed the electronic nose as a postgraduate at the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico.

Malczewski goes on to suggest the myriad ways this technology might be used, including identifying survivors of natural disasters via smell!

Sam Barsanti at AVClub.com discusses the recent Instyle article about a Pokemon fragrance:

As weve all learned over the past few weeks of playing Pokemon Go, being the very best like no one ever was involves a lot of walking. Combine all of that walking with the way global warming has turned our planet into an inhospitable wasteland, and you have a recipe for some sweatyand smellyPokemon trainers. Luckily, Fragrance.com is now offering a special Pokemon Eau De Toilette that will (hopefully) guarantee you continue to smell fresh whether youre in the middle of capturing your first Pidgey or your thousandth.

The article incorrectly states that it's a new scent but it has actually been around for quite some time and is produced by the Spanish company Air-Val, the same folks who brought you such fragrant classics as Finding Nemo, Minions and Winnie the Pooh! Interested? You'll find it for around $12 USD at Ebay!

Krystina Gustafson at CNBC.com discusses 2015 fragrance sales and the endurance of classics:

More than 100 new [major brand] fragrances [for women] launched in 2015, with the requisite marketing budgets to back them up. Yet as companies shelled out some 20 percent of their revenues to promote their latest scents, it wasn't enough to move the needle on the industry's best-sellers. Four of the top 5 sellers in the higher-end "prestige" women's fragrance market last year were created more than a decade earlier, including the then 94-year-old Chanel No. 5, according to a new report by A.T. Kearney.

Read the full article for some interesting insight into consumer habits and fragrance marketing research!

Have interesting fragrance news for us to share?

Leave a comment in the new Fragrance News thread HERE.

JLB
Corner Bakery Cafe Celebrates the Flavors of Italy

Italian-Inspired Sandwiches and Salads Featured for a Limited Time

July 28, 2016 // Franchising.com // DALLAS  Corner Bakery Cafe is saying, buon appetito, by introducing flavors inspired by Italy and handcrafted at the Corner, available from July 26 through September 26.

Weve combined traditional Italian meats and cheeses to create classic Italian flavors in our cafes, said Ric Scicchitano, Executive Vice President, Food & Supply Chain at Corner Bakery Cafe. Guests will experience the fresh tastes of Italy with capicola ham, Genoa salami, provolone, fresh mozzarella and pepperoncini featured in our new sandwiches and salads.

The limited-time Italian Inspirations menu includes:

Italian Classic Sandwich  This new, flavorful sandwich features capicola ham, Genoa salami, provolone cheese, sliced pepperoncini, Roma tomatoes, iceberg and romaine lettuce, mayo and red wine vinaigrette on a freshly baked baguette.

 This new, flavorful sandwich features capicola ham, Genoa salami, provolone cheese, sliced pepperoncini, Roma tomatoes, iceberg and romaine lettuce, mayo and red wine vinaigrette on a freshly baked baguette. Rustic Italian Panini  Best known for its signature grilled panini, Corner Bakery Cafe layers capicola ham, Genoa salami, provolone cheese, oven-roasted tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini and a touch of mayo, all grilled to perfection on sourdough bread.

 Best known for its signature grilled panini, Corner Bakery Cafe layers capicola ham, Genoa salami, provolone cheese, oven-roasted tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini and a touch of mayo, all grilled to perfection on sourdough bread. Italian Chef Salad  Capicola ham, Genoa salami, fresh mozzarella, sliced pepperoncini and cavatappi pasta salad combine perfectly with iceberg and romaine lettuce and red wine vinaigrette for a refreshing, flavorful meal.

Corner Bakery Cafe also recently introduced a greater variety of side options. Guests are invited to create a perfect meal by substituting their favorite Trio option, including Cavatappi Pasta Salad or fresh seasonal fruit, for chips for an additional charge with any sandwich or panini.

Corner Bakery Cafe serves made-to-order food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This limited time menu adds a fresh and new dining experience for customers who value traditional foods with unique flavor. The new Italian Inspirations menu stays true to the restaurants history of providing guests with premier bakery cafe food while allowing them to enjoy the authentic tastes of Italy. Corner Bakery Cafe is also recognized for its unsurpassed catering experience delivering signature, made-to-order breakfasts, lunches and dinners for any occasion.

For more information or to locate your neighborhood Corner Bakery Cafe, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com.

About Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests in 25 states and Washington, D.C. Established in 1991, Corner Bakery Cafe restaurants are owned and operated by CBC Restaurant Corp. with nearly 200 company-owned and franchised locations around the country. Founded on a philosophy of creating a place for people to relax and gather with family and friends, Corner Bakery Cafe features innovative, seasonal menu options while delivering a premier bakery cafe experience in the heart of neighborhoods everywhere. For more information, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com.

SOURCE Corner Bakery Cafe

Contact:

Bre Whalen

847.945.1300, ext. 256

###

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Steamatic Powers Up at 2016 Convention

July 28, 2016 // Franchising.com // Fort Worth, TX - Steamatic franchise owners and employees from around the world convened in Kansas City, MO last week for the 2016 Steamatic International Convention. The conventions POWER UP! theme perfectly fit the info-packed, high energy event.

The convention speakers included industry leaders from Xactware, Contractor Connection, Alacrity and Yodle, to name a few. The three day agenda was also filled with informative breakout sessions, franchise lead panels, and focused training courses. The event included a full day international meeting attended by owners from seven countries.

Steamatics President, Steve Willis opened Saturday mornings general session by providing the future vision for the Steamatic system. Growth, increased technology, additional national account opportunities and strategic relationships are all part of the Steamatic future, said Willis during his address. Several other corporate staff provided exciting news and updates to the Steamatic system during the general session.

We had a fantastic convention in Kansas City. The speakers provided valuable and usable insights on management and motivation. The vendors had innovative tools and ideas, and of course, a deal or two! Steamatic is doing all the right things to ensure the success of its franchisees, empowering their future - making the POWER UP theme spot on! said Al Gaston, owner of Steamatic of Columbus and chairman of the Steamatic Advisory Council.

The convention concluded with an awards banquet where several franchise owners were recognized for their performance and time with the franchise system. The top recognition of the night, the Steamatic Choice Award, was presented to Marcus Benoit, owner of Steamatic of the Red River Valley in Fargo North Dakota.

Steamatic has already started preparations for their next convention to be held in the summer of 2018 in Fort Worth, TX. The 2018 convention will mark their 50th anniversary and will be the largest celebration in Steamatics history.

About Steamatic

Steamatic offers restoration and cleaning services in franchise territories throughout the United States and worldwide. Steamatics highly trained and certified technicians work with insurance agents and adjusters as well as residential and commercial clients to offer restoration services, including fire and smoke restoration, water mitigation, mold remediation, and contents recovery. Commercial and residential cleaning services include carpet and area rug cleaning, hard surface cleaning, air duct cleaning, and furniture and drapery cleaning. Steamatic is celebrating 48 years of franchising, and is recognized as a top franchise network. For more information on Steamatic, including franchise opportunities, please contact Courtney Caldwell at 817-332-1575 or ccaldwell@steamatic.com.

SOURCE Steamatic

Contact:

Courtney Caldwell

Steamatic, Inc.

Director of Marketing & Communications

817-332-1575

ccaldwell@steamatic.com

###

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Taco Johns Unwraps Innovative New Menu Item

July 28, 2016 // Franchising.com // Taco Johns is taking its reputation for bold and original flavors to a new level. For our next limited time offer, we are combining two traditional favorites into one. The result is the new Quesadilla Taco.

Quesadilla Tacos are a great representation of the innovative ideas were working to develop, says Jeff Linville, CEO for Taco Johns. It will give guests the opportunity to try something really original. Our test markets were extremely receptive, and we think TJ fans around the country are going to love it.

Quesadilla Taco from Taco John'sThe new tacos will be available at all Taco Johns locations starting July 25th.

Quesadilla Tacos are unlike anything weve done before, says Bob Karisny, Vice President for Menu Strategy and Innovation at Taco Johns. They feature two corn flour tortillas covered with pepper jack cheese, which are grilled, folded and filled with chile lime chicken, tomatoes, lettuce and a new smoky chipotle sauce. They provide a unique flavor and texture that youd be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

Quesadilla Tacos will be served in all Taco Johns locations until September 25th. Any guest who downloads the new TJ Rewards app will receive a coupon for a buy one, get one free deal on Quesadilla Tacos.

About Taco John's

Taco John's operates and franchises more than 380 quick-service restaurants in 24 states. Privately owned, the business opened its first restaurant in 1969 in Cheyenne, WY. Celebrating its 19th year of sales growth for the same stores, Taco John's prides itself on serving generous portions, menu items prepared fresh to your order, high quality ingredients and unapologetically original recipes, seasonings and sauces. For more information, visit www.tacojohns.com.

SOURCE Taco John's

Contact:

Billie Jo Waara

Chief Marketing Officer

Taco Johns International, Inc.

307.635.0101, Ext. 104

BJWaara@tacojohns.com

###

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DFW Best Roofing of Fort Worth Won "Best Of Houzz 2016"

DFW Best Roofing has won the Houzz award for 2016, and the year before that in 2015

--

DFW Best Roofing was awarded by the Houzz community which has been doing roofing services in Dallas & Fort Worth Area for almost a decade. Houzz was chosen by more than 35 million users that comprise the Houzz community.

Over 35 Million Monthly Unique Users Nominated Best Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in North America and Around the World

North Richland Hills, January X, 2016 - DFW Best Roofing of Fort Worth & Dallas has won "Best Of Customer Service on Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The Roofing Company in DFW Metroplex has been doing roofing services in Dallas & Fort Worth which been doing roofing services for almost a decade was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners' work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A "Best Of Houzz 2016? badge will appear winners' profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area in DFW area.

"When we say The Customer is king; we mean it", said Justin Stanfield the CEO of the Company.

"We want to create a culture of service not business", said Omar Baloch, the President of the Company.

"Anyone building, remodeling or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals" said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. "We're so pleased to recognize DFW Best Roofing, voted one of our "Best Of Houzz" professionals by our enormous community of homeowners and design enthusiasts actively remodeling and decorating their homes."

Follow DFW Best Roofing on Houzz

About DFW Best Roofing

DFW Best Roofing is an expert professional roofing company in the Dallas and Fort Worth area. DFW Best Roofing is uniquely qualified to install roofing systems that can not only last for years, they can add value to the clients home, and when installed with the proper ventilation system it will save money on heating and air conditioning bills. DFW Best Roofing is a "full service" DFW Roofing contractor. DFW Best Roofing will handle everything from a new roof installation, roof restoration and roof maintenance to re-roofs and roof repairs. All with the assurance that can solely come with years of experience. Every home owner is treated with the "personal touch". Building a successful relationship with the clients is just as important as knowing how to build a quality roof. Dedication to customer satisfaction has been the key to DFW Best Roofing. For affordable, high quality -- DFW Best Roofing is DFW areas first choice.

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo. Houzz and the Houzz logo are registered trademarks of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.com.

For more information, please visit http://www.dfwbestroofing.com

Contact Info:

Name: Omar Baloch

Organization: DFW Best Roofing

Address: 6709 Starnes Rd

Phone: 8173816855

Release ID: 125088

For more information visit r



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UK Family Returns Home After Epic 25,000 Mile Motorhome Trip

Sell My Motorhome Talks the Family that Redefined Getting Away from it All

July 27, 2016 (FPRC) -- An adventurous family from the United Kingdom has given new meaning to the phrase getting away from it all by taking the entire group (including the dog) on an epic 25,000-mile motorhome trip through 12 countries. The Hurst family finally arrived back in the UK after hitting the road in their trusty Swift Escape 696, in order to tackle a personal project theyd called Face2Facebook.



Its fair to say this is one group hat got well and truly bitten by the travel bug. Their initial intention was to take a trip not only discovering new places, but actually paying visits to the friends and family on Facebook theyd normally only interact with online. But when they returned, the decision was made to head out on an even longer trip, which meant yanking their eldest from school, temporarily replacing his classroom lessons with home-schooling and all from the comfort of a campervan!



The only question being  which of the endless places they visited do the Hurst family enjoy the most?



The South of France

France offers the warmest welcome to motorhomers due to its amazing network of 'aires' - special motorhome overnight parking areas that are usually provided by local authorities, or sometimes by enterprising locals. Complete with services to empty waste and fill up with fresh water, most are free or cost just a few euros for water and electricity. The Hurst Family



The trip taken by the Hurst family highlights just how many incredible opportunities for exploration are right there on the UKs doorstep.



Northern Spain

The green north of Spain is definitely worth a visit. We took the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Santander and visited the cities of Bilbao, Gijon and Santiago de Compostela, which are all splendid. There are miles of unspoilt beaches to explore, much like those in our West Country - and the area is just as verdant, thanks to its rainfall. Close by was one of the most beautiful, sparkling white-sanded coves, which we had all to ourselves. The next night we stayed by the stunning Playa de Frexulje beach, next to a eucalyptus forest. The Hurst Family



With the rising cost of package holidays, experts believe that a growing proportion of British families will begin exploring these kinds of self-managed holidays. Though perhaps, not quite reaching the 25,000-mile mark!



Morocco

Although Morocco is in Africa, most travel insurance covers Morocco under 'Europe' - yet there still seems to be a reluctance among many of the huge British motorhome community that makes southern Spain their base every winter to take the hour-long ferry from Algeciras to Tangier. The Hurst Family



For those interested in upgrading their current recreational vehicles, Sell My Motorhome offers quite simply the fastest and easiest approach to closing a sale. Obligation-free quotations are available instantly and if youre happy with the quote, the money could be transferred into your account in less than 24 hours!



For more information, get in touch with the Sell My Motorhome customer care team on 0800 072 3678, or send any questions by email to sales@sellmymotorhome.com.



About SellMyMotorhome.com

SellMyMotorhome.com is the UKs most dynamic contemporary service provider for those looking to sell their vehicles quickly and easily. Established as forward-thinking small business with extraordinary ambitions, the group quickly evolved to become Britains biggest dedicated buyer of motorhomes and recreational vehicles. Offering a hassle-free service and the guarantee of no hidden fees or admin charges, SellMyMotorhome.com is out to revolutionise the way the public approaches private motorhome sales. For more information or for no-obligation motorhome valuation, get in touch with the team on 0800 072 3678 or visit http://sellmymotorhome.com/.







Send an email to Adam Reak of r

08000723678

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Announcing the Second Annual REI Bar Camp

The 2nd Annual REI Bar Camp is on August 13, 2016 and will feature keynote speaker, Matt Skinner, as well as dozens of real estate investing professionals from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

--

Concord, CA, July 26, 2016- Beau Eckstein of SFR Ventures and the Real Estate Investing Club is excited to announce the Second Annual Bay Area REI Bar Camp on August 13, 2016 at Fuddruckers in Concord, CA from 9:30am until 3pm.

"We have a lot of excellent leaders at this year's REI Bar Camp, and it's sure to be bigger and better than last year's Bar Camp." - Beau Eckstein

Our keynote speaker, Matt Skinner, will kick things off and give an overview of how this Bar Camp will work, along with some projects he's currently working on.

Attendees will then choose topics and break out into groups. There will be four of these sessions. After the first two, attendees will have lunch. Then the next two breakout sessions will take place.

Finally, at 3pm, Bar Camp attendees will convene for a mixer at Lazy Dog Restaurant.

There are many real estate investors who have signed on to be leaders in our breakout sessions.

A partial list of Bar Camp leaders:

Louis Bardis

Cheri Hill

Joel Block

J Martin

Neal Bawa

Mario Mazzamuto

David Greene

Matt Skinner

Eric Lawson

Michael Morrongiello

Beau Eckstein

Plus many more

Our Platinum Sponsor, Louis Bardis, will be providing lunch.

Details of the event

REI Bar Camp

August 13, 2016

9:30am - 3pm

Fuddruckers

1975 Diamond Blvd., E-260

Concord, CA 94520

A note about REI Bar Camp:

In brief, the idea behind a bar camp is that it is an "unconference" - there are no formalized presentations, speeches, sales pitches, or lectures. Instead, bar camp participants decide the topics to be discussed and then real estate investing pros lead discussions about those topics. Attendees learn exactly what they want because they pick the topics for discussion and seasoned real estate investors lead the discussions and answer questions.

A few notes about the Keynote Speaker:

Matt Skinner is a leading real estate entrepreneur in Southern California and currently serves as Director and CEO of Twelvestone Group, Inc. a private equity group that specializes in value-add apartment buildings and development projects.

Matt's firm owns and operates cash-flowing apartment assets in Texas, Arizona, and California. He is currently developing a $50M project in Newport California as well as several other luxury homes in the LA area.

Matt started in the trenches (literally) working in construction and went on to build an award-winning construction company and private equity firm. He started in real estate after attending a workshop where he was introduced to wholesaling houses. Since then he has flipped dozens of homes and developed multi-family, shopping centers, and luxury homes.

He's also owned and operated over 1,000 apartment units.

You can find Matt's education programs at Deal Maker Society and his private equity firm at Real People Real Returns.

A few words about our Platinum Sponsor:

Since 2012, Louis Bardis has managed a private money origination platform that has allocated over $500,000,000 in capital to residential property investors - all in the form of short term loans.

Louis is a licensed Real Estate Broker and is considered by many to be an expert in loan origination, raising capital, and managing enterprises.

A note about the Host:

Beau Eckstein has a diverse real estate background with over sixteen years of real estate experience. This includes real estate sales, residential mortgage lending, construction financing, and private money loans. Beau utilizes his vast knowledge and great people skills to help investors, brokers, contractors, and owner/builders create successful projects.

Currently Beau is Managing Partner of SFR Ventures, Inc., which is the origination arm of a private money fund specializing in construction. This fund specializes in investor loans for construction, bridge, and rehab loans. Beau is an active investor and likes to partner with architects and builders. Beau works with buy and hold investors as well as fix and flips/rehabbers.

SFR Ventures makes loans that make sense. Hard Money Loans, Private Money Loans, Fix and Flip Loans, Construction Loans, GAP Funding, and more.

# # #

If you would like more information about this event, please contact Beau Eckstein at (925) 852-8261 or email at beaueckstein@gmail.com.

Company Name: SFR Ventures

Contact Name: Beau Eckstein

City: CONCORD

State: CA

Country: United States

Phone: (925) 852-8261

Email: beaueckstein@gmail.com

Website URL: http://reibarcamp.com

Source: http://authoritynewsnetwork.com/announcing-the-second-annual-rei-bar-camp/

Release ID: 125380

For more information visit r



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How The Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel Release Has Changed The Face Of Beauty

Precious 1 reviews its promise that its Aloe Vera Gel would change things in the Beauty space for the better. Further information can be found at www.preciousforlife.com.

--

Precious 1 has reviewed the Beauty world since it announced the launch of Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel back in 6/15/2016. Precious 1's Aloe Vera Gel was promised to shake things up and 2 months later, facts are in.

Previously, with even a passing glance, a person would notice Real Aloe Vera has a thick and sticky feel to it for a few second until it is rumb in well, most Aloe Vera Gels have been water down or try to cover up the scent. 100% Aloe is used in this product. . The CEO at Precious 1, says provide refreshing soothing experience in a jar like no other., makes a point of saying "things were always going to change when we launched Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel".

Providing a refreshing soothing experience in a jar like no other. continues... "Where you'll likely always see our competitors doing the same old thing, company donate a percentage of our profits to the children's hospital.. We do this because we believe It has a thick so use will use like and make it easy to mix with other natural ingredients.. Ultimately we knew it was going to be of huge benefit to our customers because This is going to benefit our customers because it is not water it will last you a lot longer.. We actually hope others follow suit."

Precious 1 was established in 06/01/2016. It has been doing business since 2013 and it has always aimed to innovate in any large or small way it can, due to the firm belief that innovation drives progress and greater happiness.

Currently, the closest thing to Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel is Aloe Vera plant itself., but Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel improved on this by not changing the true texture of true Aloe Vera Gel. This alone was enough to make Precious 1's Aloe Vera Gel more popular with customers in the Beauty space, quickly.

Precious Life Aloe Vera Gel is now available to buy and review at My product is available at http://amazo.me/4k8xTo find out more, the place to visit is https://www.amazon.com/Moisturize-Regenerating-Treatment-Psoriasis-Repairing/dp/B00TVEQ56O

For further information about Precious 1, this can be discovered at https://www.amazon.com/Moisturize-Regenerating-Treatment-Psoriasis-Repairing/dp/B00TVEQ56O

For more information, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Moisturize-Regenerating-Treatment-Psoriasis-Repairing/dp/B00TVEQ56O

Contact Info:

Name: Barry Miller

Organization: Precious 1

Address: 730 Knox Springs Road

Phone: 4049335800

Release ID: 125272

For more information visit r



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Tungsten Diamond Coated Steel & Ceramic Knife Blade Sharpener Launched

Quick Cocinero announced the launch of its new knife sharpener with a 3 stage system, including diamond, tungsten alloy and ceramic surfaces, to allow effortless heavy duty or fine sharpening, shaping and polishing for any steel or ceramic knives.

--

The popular Quick Cocinero announced the launch of its premier 3-Stage Knife Sharpener with state of the art design and diamond, tungsten and ceramic surface sharpeners to help effortlessly shape, sharpen or polish different steel and ceramic knives with just one tool.

More information is available at http://quickconcinero.com.

Quick Cocinero is a prominent company providing a broad range of professional kitchen products specifically developed to combine prime functionality and safety with premier design along with multiple healthy cooking recipes, and more.

The business has now announced the launch of its Quick Cocinero 3-Stage Knife Sharpener with 5 strokes and made from premium cutting materials, including Tungsten alloy, ceramic and diamond electroplated steel to provide a coarse surface for heavy duty sharpening along with a ceramic surface for fine honing and a diamond electroplated steel surface intended for ceramic knives.

The newly launched Quick Cocinero 3-Stage Knife Sharpener also features an ergonomic handle along with a rubberized feet for stability and is tailored to create a razor-sharp edge for kitchen knives, butchers knives, chopping knives, meat cleavers and chefs' knives as well as pocket knives, combat knives, fishing knives or military and hunting knives.

More information on the Quick Cocinero knife sharpener, its innovative 3-stage sharpening system including diamond, tungsten and ceramic sharpeners or its premier design features along with details on the company and its no-risk life time guarantees can be consulted on the website link provided above.

Quick Cocinero explains that "our company provides kitchen products that are not only functional and safe, but also look great. Our new knife sharpener combines a state of the art design with an innovative 3 stage sharpening system tailored to enable home cooks and chefs to sharpen steel or ceramic knives effortlessly."

The business adds that "incorporating diamond, tungsten and ceramic sharpeners, the Quick Cocinero 3-Stage Knife Sharpener has been proven to create a razor-sharp edge for those looking to effortlessly shape, sharpen or polish all their straight edge blades, from kitchen knives and meat cleavers or chopping knives to pocket and fishing or military knives, with just one tool."

For more information, please visit http://www.quickcocinero.com

Contact Info:

Name: Kofi Wiafe

Email: info@quickcocinero.com

Organization: Quick Cocinero



Release ID: 125209

For more information visit r



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KickFire Classics Introduces the KickFire Kadavu, Voted the 'Best Kite for Kids'

Luke Kitewalker teaches kids how to get hours of fun out of the KickFire Kadavu Kite in a series of online videos

--

KickFire Classics is on a mission to get kids away from digital devices, and out enjoying good ole fashioned fun. Their newest release, the KickFire Kadavu, has kids coming back again and again for hours of classic fun, and many kids even say it is the best kite for kids.

In a new online video, kite expert Luke Kitewalker highlights the benefits of the Kadavu over other kites, and explains why kids are so drawn to it. Even kids who have not previously been interested in flying kites will want to learn more about the Kadavu by viewing the video here.

The KickFire Kadavu is fun for kids of all ages-and their parents too! The kite features a 6'X10' ripstop nylon fabric that makes it easy to fly, and stay up for endless hours of kite flying fun. When the kite is not in use, it can be stored in a easy to carry bag for safe keeping. Luke Kitewalker teaches the basics of setting up the Kadavu, flying it, and even a few tricks for those who are most advanced in their kite flying skills, and helps all fliers become kite masters.

About:

KickFire Classics is a toy manufacturing company in Kaysville, Utah committed to creating high-quality toys for kids that provide a break from technology and challenge children to get outside and play. Some of our most popular toys include the KickFire Kadavu Kite with Luke Kitewalker, the KickFire Diabolo Chinese yoyo with Ty the Diabolo Guy, and the Banded Bandit rubber band gun featuring Cowboy Cory. If you are looking for great gifts for your children or grandkids, check out our full line of KickFire Classics toys at KickFireClassics.com.

For more information, please visit http://www.kickfireclassics.com

Contact Info:

Name: Janelle Page Misbach

Email: crew@kickfireclassics.com

Organization: KickFire Classics

Address: 106 S 100 E Farmington UT 84025

Phone: 801-800-8608

Video URL: https://youtu.be/65IQQiJbjsE

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/kickfire-classics-introduces-the-kickfire-kadavu-voted-the-best-kite-for-kids/125411

Release ID: 125411

For more information visit r



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Hot Tubs Rio Rancho, NM Spa Dealer Participates in Social Wellness Month

Rio Rancho, NM Hot Tubs Dealer Featuring Caldera Spas Publishes "3 Tips for Better Social Wellness". Offers Free Hot Tub Test Soaks to Local Residents.

--

Caldera Spas of New Mexico, a hot tub dealer serving Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, NM participates in Social Wellness Month, sharing "3 Tips for Better Social Wellness."

Tom Gervais of Caldera Spas said, "With technology making face-to-face contact less necessary in daily life, people are sometimes disconnected from everyone around them, including their own families."

A lack of social interaction can impact health, but can also cause awkwardness and an inability to adapt in all areas of life. Here are three tips for better social wellness.

Install a Rio Rancho Hot Tub for an Easy Way to Connect with Family and Friends - Some of the most important social relationships are those connected to family and friends. Regardless of how close family members are, it's possible to become isolated due to hectic schedules or technology. It's time to slow down and improve the ability of family and friends to enjoy one another. One way is to create a space that is attractive, relaxing and fun to bring everyone together. A hot tub works wonders, because it is easy to install and offers something for everyone.

Hot tubs provide soothing hydrotherapy for active members of the household suffering from sore or strained muscles while older members find relief from aching joints brought on by age or arthritis. According to the National Sleep Foundation, soaking in a spa before bedtime improves overall sleep and helps people fall asleep faster. Adding a portable spa or multi-person hot tub to the yard under a gazebo makes it easy to enjoy year-round relaxation while communicating with friends and family in a peaceful environment.

Find New Ways to Meet People - When family lives in another city, state or across the country, finding ways to meet people can be challenging. Join local clubs or groups with similar interests, or ask about volunteer work at hospitals and nursing homes. Take the initiative when entering a group to strike up a conversation by asking about the other person's interests.

Be a Responsible Party in All Relationships - Never assume it is the responsibility of another person to maintain a friendship or make new connections. Make the initial contact; call old friends, and pay attention to the needs of others. Being responsible doesn't mean conforming to uncomfortable situations or ideas, but not arguing a point simply to win an argument.

Consumers wanting to learn more about hot tubs and how they can help improve their overall health and well-being are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of this free guide, How to Buy the Best Hot Tub to Fit Your Lifestyle, Backyard and Budget. Just visit http://calderaspasnm.com/.

About Caldera Spas

Caldera Spas of Albuquerque is one of New Mexico's largest and most established hot tub dealers. They sell and service Caldera Spas, one of the world's premier brand of hot tubs. All of their hot tubs provide stress-relief, true hydrotherapy performance, energy efficiency, outstanding warranties, and long-term reliability - all at affordable prices! Whether it's a Caldera Spa of the many other hot tubs and spa brands showcased, they have hot tubs and spas of all sizes, prices, and therapy options.

To encourage local residents to check out the benefits of owning their own hot tub, Caldera Spas will be providing free hot tub test soaks for the entire month. They do recommend however that people wanting to schedule their free 30-minute wet test call them ahead of time to reserve their spot.

To learn more about the benefits of owning a hot tub, pick up a copy of this free guide, How to Buy the Best Hot Tub to Fit Your Lifestyle, Backyard and Budget. Just give them a call at 505-883-9722 or visit the company website at: http://CalderaSpasNM.com.

Contact Info:

Name: Tom Gervais

Email: tgervais@att.net

Phone: 505-883-9722

Organization: Caldera Spas of Albuquerque

Source: http://www.prreach.com/pr/25478

Release ID: 125470

For more information visit r



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Children Bitten By A Dog Now Receive Free Case Evaluations From Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bite victims can receive free case evaluations and access to top dog bite lawyers in Philadelphia. Many dog bite lawyers do not charge fees unless they help their clients receive settlements or win cases. Call now (215) 660-3616 or visit site here www.PhiladelphiaDogBiteLawyer.Org

--

Children bitten by a dog in PA now have access to help. Thanks to the team at Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer, dog bite victims in Pennsylvania have an online resource to receive a free case evaluation with Philadelphia lawyers specializing in dog bite personal injury cases. Other resources available include important tips on what to do if bitten by a dog, rights as a dog bite victim, Pennsylvania leash laws, dangerous dog breeds, and whether an injured victim should sue if they have been bitten or attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania.

Call now (215)660-3616 or visit site wwwPhiladelphiaDogBiteLawyer.Org

An annual study processing data from 2015 shows that 40% of dog bite victims are children ages 9 and younger (read more here dogsbite.org). This can be a very traumatizing event in a child's life. Dog bites have many long-term ramifications which can affect a child's life such as serious medical treatments, surgeries, permanent scarring and more. Not all dog bite injuries are physical injuries. The child may develop a long-term fear of dogs, post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety requiring years of counseling. One in ten children bitten by a dog remain afraid of dogs for the rest of their lives.

Sadly 9% of dog bites end in wrongful death (read more dogsbites.org). Many families of victims bitten or attacked by dogs do not understand their rights for justice and reimbursements for medical bills, counseling, lost wages and other effects of dog bite injuries.

The actions of the dog often become the responsibility of the owner. The dog owner has the responsibility of controlling the dog and having the pet licensed. Victims of dog bites often do not know where to turn. Dog bites are often unexpected and happen without notice. Being prepared for a dog bite is virtually impossible but finding the right lawyer specializing in dog bite personal injury cases is important when it comes to protecting the rights of the dog bite victims as well as seeking fair compensation for injuries and damages. Acting quickly by speaking to an experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyer is important. Many dog bite attorneys do not charge a fee unless the victim is awarded a settlement or wins their case in court.

A free case evaluation helps dog bite victims and families get their questions answered, as well as helps the family evaluate experienced dog bite lawyers before hiring an attorney to represent their personal injury lawsuit.

Call now (215)660-3616 or visit site www.PhiladelphiaDogBiteLawyer.Org

The right dog bite attorney can make the difference in any dog bite related case. Philadelphia dog bite attorneys can help victims understand the Pennsylvania law and their rights. When necessary, these experienced attorneys can file a lawsuit on behalf of the dog bite victims so the family can focus on the healing while their dog bite attorney fights for justice.

Before the team at Philadelphia dog bite put together an all-in-one resource with access to top lawyers, a Pennsylvania family dealing with the overwhelming situation of a dog bite would have to spend hours researching for the best dog bite lawyer. Now when a loved one or even a child has been bitten by a dog, worrying about finding the right dog bite lawyer is no longer an issue.

About Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer connects dog bite victims with experienced personal injury lawyers in Pennsylvania who are experienced in dog bite cases. Families of children or adults attacked or bitten by a dog can request a free case evaluation from up to four lawyers at once. Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer serves all of Pennsylvania. Other valuable information and resources are also available online to help educate families on related dog bite laws and topics. Call now (215) 660-3616 or visit website here www.PhiladelphiaDogBiteLawyer.Org

For more information, please visit http://philadelphiadogbitelawyer.org/

Contact Info:

Name: Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Organization: Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Phone: (215) 660-3616

Release ID: 125457

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CCHR Demands Investigation Into Link Between Antidepressants And Teen Suicides

According to Psychology Today, psychiatrists have known for years about something called 'roll back' which is when antidepressants have an activating effect that can give depressed patients the energy to follow through on suicidal impulses.

--

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a non-profit mental health watchdog organization dedicated to the eradication of abuses committed under the guise of mental health, is demanding an investigation into the link between antidepressants and teen suicides.

According to the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for teenagers in Florida [i] and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) - Psychiatryalso reported in a March 2013 study on the topic of teen suicide that there is a link between suicide and psychiatric treatment.[ii]

The JAMA study reported that the teens were put on psychiatric drugs before they started having suicidal thoughts or making suicide attempts and the drugs did nothing to prevent it. In fact, their own study showed 55% -77% of the teens that developed suicidal behavior did so after being treated with psychiatric medication.

"Tragically, many parents of teenagers are unaware of the connection between psychiatric drugs and teen suicide and so in an effort to help their child they unfortunately may end up with their teen in roll back," said Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida.

Psychology Today reports, "For years psychiatrists have known about something called 'roll back.' Antidepressants sometimes have an activating effect that can give depressed patients the energy to follow through on suicidal impulses..."

In the Psychology Today article Dr. Robert Muller addresses the suicide of Brennan McCartney, described as "fun-loving and good-natured" by family and friends. Brennan went to the doctor in November of 2010 with a chest cold, but came home with a prescription for Cipralex, an antidepressant drug. His parents "were astonished" as they had seen no sign of depression in their son. According to a close family friend, Brennan was not a boy to hide his emotions, and "everyone around him knew whether Brennan was happy or sad." Yet four days after beginning treatment with Cipralex, Brennan purchased a rope and hung himself.[iii]

"CCHR is demanding that the link between antidepressants and teen suicide be investigated and made known so that lives can be saved and this will be the issue we push during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this coming September," said Diane Stein.

To learn more, please call 727-442-8820 or visit www.cchrflorida.org for more information.

About CCHR:

Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHR's mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections.

It was L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, who brought the terror of psychiatric imprisonment to the notice of the world. In March 1969, he said, "Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the 'free world' tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of 'mental health.'"

After discovering that 55 percent of foster children in Florida had been prescribed powerful mind-altering psychotropic drugs, CCHR documented the abuse to the health department, which initiated changes that led to a 75 percent reduction in prescriptions for children under six.

Considered a potentially abusive, marketing tool for psychiatrists, CCHR Florida led the charge that got "Teen Screen", mental health screening of school children, banned from Pinellas County schools in 2005.

[i] [ii] [iii] http://www.cchrflorida.org/cchr-demands-investigat...

For more information, please visit http://www.cchrflorida.org/

Contact Info:

Name: Diane Stein

Email: publicaffairs@cchrflorida.org

Organization: Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida

Address: 109 N. Fort Harrison Ave

Phone: 727-442-8820

Release ID: 125446

For more information visit r



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2 Rivers Properties Now Offers Commercial Property Management Services

The full-service real estate brokerage provides their clients with real estate sales services, property management services and loan assistance, reports 2riversprop.com

--

2 Rivers Properties has announced they are now offering commercial property management services as well as commercial property sales. The firm's owners have dedicated themselves to providing the best real estate services in the Sacramento Area. After excelling in residential property management for the past two years, 2 Rivers Properties has decided to expand into providing commercial property management as well.

"Our organization provides a range of real estate services to our clients. After providing successful residential property management to our clients, some of them have asked us if we could provide our management services to their commercial properties as well. Over time, we slowly began expanding into providing commercial property management services. We realized many of the same principles that apply to residential property management translate to the commercial side as well. After improving our commercial property management knowledge and gaining experience, we have decided to expand our business to provide commercial property management services to everyone in the Sacramento area," said Nicole Burris, owner of 2 Rivers Properties.

Ibisworld.com reports that the property management industry is a 75 billion dollar industry, which is expected to stay positive in the future. The reason is due to the important role property management plays in producing positive real estate investment returns. Real estate investments will always be an important tranche in an investor's portfolio. They remain to be long-term investments and it is important that the buildings or homes are properly maintained and managed. Cash flow is a big factor at play, so having a reliable and experienced property management firm helps with the management of an investment by limiting vacancy risk, as an example.

"Property owners in Sacramento have taken notice of the service we are providing, and our move to the commercial side has come naturally. As always, we are focused on providing value to our customers; this is our core focus and it has allowed us to continue growing," Burris continued.

In addition to offering property management services, 2 Rivers Properties provides full real estate sales services as well as loan assistance. Their blog (www.2riversprop.com/blog) provides a wealth of information that visitors will find to be of great aid. Anyone interested in buying, selling or renting a property should take the time to explore the site and learn.

"If you're looking to get involved in the real estate space, be sure to visit our website, http://2riversprop.com/, and check out our blog. To reiterate, we focus on providing value to our clients and one of the ways we do this is by educating our clients. It happens to be that our site is offered to anyone and everyone; it has a bunch of valuable information and can be utilized by everybody," Burris declares.

About 2 Rivers Properties:

2 Rivers Properties consist of a team of real estate brokers and property managers, all committed to providing top quality real estate services. They work with homeowners all around the Sacramento Area. They cover every aspect needed for a property to be managed. The goal is for them to manage their client's investments and help get them a positive return in the future.

For more information, please visit http://www.2riversprop.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Nicole Burris

Organization: 2 Rivers Properties

Address: 5325 Elkhorn Blvd. #124, Sacramento, CA 95842

Phone: 916-402-4786

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/2-rivers-properties-now-offers-commercial-property-management-services/125510

Release ID: 125510

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Baggetta And Co Publishes Guide To Increasing Business Profits

The guide shows business owners how to reduce the cost of doing business and improve their bottom lines, reports http://www.baggetta.com.au.

--

Baggetta & Co, a premier specialist firm delivering advisory, accounting, taxation, self-managed super fund and financial planning services to businesses and individuals, has recently published a guide to increasing business profits. The guide is aimed at business owners and takes on the task of showing them a few simple ways that they can reduce the cost of doing business so that they can, in turn, improve their bottom lines. Baggetta & Co's guide is available on their website under the "Articles" tab.

Sam Brown, a representative of Baggetta & Co, commented "Many business owners are looking for a way to grow their companies and increase their profit margins. For most of them, cutting costs is the easiest way to achieve this goal. However, they must be able to curb their spending while still providing excellent products and services to their clients and customers. This is why we've written this short guide. In it, we've detailed five of our most powerful suggestions for business owners who need to reduce overhead costs. Some of these include regularly reviewing contracts with suppliers and evaluating procedures to reduce the occurrence of costly errors."

While the Baggetta & Co guide to increasing business profit does give great tips for cutting down on spending, the firm also dispenses advice about driving sales and increasing turnover. The team at Baggetta & Co consider this one of the most important steps in increasing the bottom line. These tips show business owners where to invest their resources, how to focus their efforts, and how to increase the value of their products.

As Brown goes on to say, "Our firm's goal is always to help business owners grow. We strive to provide helpful, relevant, and actionable advice that they can implement with ease and see results over the long term. We are glad to be able to provide this guide to business owners to help them achieve their goals and take their companies to the next level."

About Baggetta & Co:

Baggetta and Co takes pride in the uniqueness of their approach and the quality of their team. Established in 1989 by Paul Baggetta, Baggetta & Co is a small, specialis,t and multi-disciplined firm delivering advisory, accounting, taxation, self-managed super fund, and financial planning services to businesses and individuals with advice they can rely on. As a specialist practice, Baggetta and Co provides individually-tailored and effective financial solutions to small businesses (SME's), self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF), individual taxpayers with property and/or share investments, pre-retirees, and retirees.

For more information, please visit http://www.baggetta.com.au

Contact Info:

Name: Sam Brown

Organization: Baggetta & Co

Phone: (08) 9317 7300

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/baggetta-and-co-publishes-guide-to-increasing-business-profits/125506

Release ID: 125506

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Alendronate Sodium Industry Trends, Shares and Analysis Report by Radiant Insights, Inc

The alendronate sodium market is projected to experience a significant growth rate during the forecast period (2015-2020). The high growth rate can be ascribed to the compound being a vital ingredient in many medicines.

--

Alendronate sodium is a drug which belongs to a medicine group called bisphosphonates. It contains alendronate monosodium salt and minimal amounts of starch, mannitol, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycoate.

It was introduced in the market to treat osteoporosis in men and women. It goes by the name of Fosamax. It is also used to treat Paget's disease and reduce bone mass. Side-effects of taking this drug include heartburn, pain in legs & chest, and numbness.

Browse Full Research Report With TOC:

http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-and-chinese-alendronate-sodium-industry-2015-market-research-report

The alendronate sodium market is projected to experience a significant growth rate during the forecast period (2015-2020). The high growth rate can be ascribed to the compound being a vital ingredient in many medicines. The advent of other lifestyle-related diseases such as insomnia and rheumatoid arthritis will be a prime factor influencing market growth. Toxic nature of the drug can pose a challenge to industry growth.

Product types include freeze-dried powder and injections. Hospitals, clinics, and others constitute as major market applications. Hospitals will record a decent demand for the drug in the forecast period. It has been recommended by doctors to treat osteoporosis and reduce bone resorption. The drug combined with nanoparticles is expected to improve bone regeneration. This could prove to be beneficial to the alendronate sodium industry.

See More Reports of This Category by Radiant Insights:

http://www.radiantinsights.com/catalog/pharmaceuticals-and-healthcare

Regions covered under the market are USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Canada, and Italy. USA will lose market shares due to lethal side-effects of the drug causing discontent among patients. UK, Switzerland, and Germany will experience sluggish growth due to the tough market regulations.

Prominent manufacturers in the global alendronate sodium market are Xi'an Miracle Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Sigma-Aldrich, Cayman Chemical Company, and Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) Pty Ltd. The global market is competitive in nature. New participants can gain an entry to the market as drug patents of major pharmaceutical companies have reached their expiry dates.

Request A Sample Copy Of This Report at:

http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-and-chinese-alendronate-sodium-industry-2015-market-research-report/request-sample

About Radiant Insights,Inc

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, please visit http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-and-chinese-alendronate-sodium-industry-2015-market-research-report

Contact Info:

Name: Michelle Thoras

Email: sales@radiantinsights.com

Organization: Radiant Insights, Inc

Address: 28 2nd Street, Suite 3036, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Phone: 1-415-349-0054

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/alendronate-sodium-industry-trends-shares-and-analysis-report-by-radiant-insights-inc/125524

Release ID: 125524

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Attention Companies With Outdated Employee Newsletters: BenefitsWise Introduces Ugly Newsletter Contest

Announces the BenefitsWise Ugly Newsletter contest. US companies can enter for a chance to win BenefitsWise, the only mobile app focused solely on employee benefits and rewards, and other prizes. All contest prizes offer employee communication tools designed to increase employee engagement.

--

Yarber Creative, an employee communication consulting firm dedicated to helping executives, members of HR and internal communication professionals solve the challenges they have with getting messages to their workforce, announces the first annual BenefitsWise Ugly Newsletter Contest. Companies can enter through August 15 via an online form for a chance to win BenefitsWise, the new corporate communication product that is the only mobile app focused solely on employee benefits and rewards.

"The annual benefits open enrollment period is right around the corner," explains Yarber Creative founder, Tina Hawkins. "Companies are required to communicate to every employee. As a result, all their employee communication challenges surface at the same time. It can be overwhelming." These challenges not only impact Human Resources and internal communication professionals, but employees as well.

Communication that removes the mystery around benefits and rewards not only makes the best use of the investment companies make in employee benefits, but more importantly, it improves employee engagement resulting in more productivity and improved employee retention.

Companies with an ugly newsletter are eligible to enter the contest. "An ugly newsletter isn't just one that needs a makeover because the design is tired, out-of-date or godforbid uses Comic Sans font," says Sebastian Uribarri, co-developer of BenefitsWise. "It could also be ugly because it is difficult to distribute." Designed to solve both of those problems, BenefitsWise provides employees with quick answers about their benefits and rewards on any smartphone.

To enter, a company representative can visit yarbercreative.com and submit the form by August 15, 2016.

For prizes, entrants also have the chance to win:

- The Grand Prize, valued at over $6,000 USD: BenefitsWise

- 2nd Prize, valued at $2,500 USD: Open Enrollment Communication Pack with five written and designed promotional communications.

- 3rd Prize, valued at $1,000 USD: 10-articles on benefits and career information to be used in any employee communication.

About Yarber Creative

Based in New York, Yarber Creative offers consulting products and services to help mid-size and large companies better communicate with their employees. The BenefitsWise mobile app is currently the company's main project (benefitswise.com).

For more information, please visit http://www.yarbercreative.com

Contact Info:

Name: Tina Hawkins

Email: tina.hawkins@yarbercreative.com

Organization: Yarber Creative

Address: 1732 1st Ave #28807, New York, NY 10128

Phone: 2127298854

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/attention-companies-with-outdated-employee-newsletters-benefitswise-introduces-ugly-newsletter-contest/125312

Release ID: 125312

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T. Scott Jones Named Best List by Best DWI Attorney

Knoxville attorney T. Scott Jones is honored for his work in DUI defense by Best DWI Attorney.

--

T. Scott Jones, partner at the Knoxville law firm of Banks & Jones, was recently honored as a top DUI attorney for the region by Best DWI Attorney. Mr. Jones is one of only a few DUI defense lawyers recognized by the group.

"I consider this a real honor," said partner T. Scott Jones. "They are really doing a terrific service for people throughout the country, because they're not just listing attorneys. They have resources links for their clients, and they keep track of any changes to the laws. Tennessee has some of the strictest laws in the country when it comes to DUI, and they're really designed to punish offenders without offering any real help to them. My team is incredibly aggressive when it comes to these types of cases because we know that the odds are stacked against my clients. I'm very pleased to have been recognized by this group."

T. Scott Jones is a highly decorated criminal defense attorney, having been recognized by some of the most prestigious objective ratings services in the country. He is a multiple-time recipient of CityView Magazine's Top Attorneys in Knoxville, and has been named one of Tennessee's 10 Best Attorneys by the American Institute of Criminal Attorneys. This is Mr. Jones's first mention on the list by Best DWI Attorney.

About Best DWI Attorney

Best DWI Attorney is a collection of resources for people throughout the country who have been charged with a DUI/DWI. The group focuses entirely on DUI/DWI defense, selecting members "who teach DWI and DUI law, who are actively studying breath analyzers for the flaws they have present in them even today, and for those who serve on boards or are members of organizations like the National College for DUI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. Many of [their] top rated DWI attorneys are former prosecutors who know how to approach the prosecutor handling your case... [and] have served in State Bar Associations and with state or national legal organizations focused on this type of criminal law."

Unlike legal directories, Best DWI Attorney offers resources outside of the lawyers' names. The group provides links to substance abuse groups, as well as updated information about specific DUI/DWI laws for each state. Best DWI Attorney promotes its members as another resource for people facing charges, allowing clients to find a skilled, reputable attorney in their area who has extensive experience in DWI/DUI defense.

Banks & Jones is a Knoxville, Tennessee law firm serving clients throughout the state. The attorneys focus their practice primarily in the areas of:

o Criminal defense

o DUI defense

o Personal injury

o Auto accidents

o Social Security Disability

For more information, please visit http://www.banksjones.com/

Contact Info:

Name: T. Scott Jones

Organization: Banks & Jones, Attorneys at Law

Address: 2125 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921

Phone: (865) 546-2141

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/t-scott-jones-named-best-list-by-best-dwi-attorney/125454

Release ID: 125454

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Sillis Launches Versatile Bamboo Seat Cushion on Amazon for Summer Travel

Improving the seating comfort of passengers in the back seat of the automobile through the use of a high end, memory foam, coccyx seat cushion such as the Sillis Bamboo Pillow enhances the enjoyment of the rear-seated, Millennial offspring while on extended family road trips.

--

"People of the Baby Boomer generation have memories of epic family car vacations. They enjoy reminiscing with their cohort about the memories, both good and bad, that the Summer Car trips generated and what they endured with their parents" says a smiling Matt Perry, the Director of Sales for LAVA imports Inc., "These legendary trips provide family members with some common touch point of their collective lives."

Boomers have passed the road trip torch to the Millennials and their families to make their own lasting family memories. These young parents are facing a perfect storm this summer on their quest for making family road trip glory. Low gas prices combined with high levels of personal debt have made these couples go to their parent's garage and dust off the old Coleman camping gear. With visions of S'mores and campfire sing-a-longs these young families are heading for the hills this summer in record numbers for their own family odyssey.

2016 marks the 100th year of U.S. national park service making the Summer Centenary an epic travel season. According to Linchi Kwok, is an assistant professor in The Collins College of Hospitality Management at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, "National parks will thus get more attention from vacationers and become the top destinations for road trips." Indeed, the National Parks Service reported a record 307,247,252 day visits in 2015. The 2016 centennial year will eclipse this figure. Record park visits mean record lines at all weigh points along the road - from the corner gas station at home to the National Park gates. To imagine this discomfort please imagine the line of Disney's Space Mountain on a busy day - but in a car.

What will make or break everyone's vacation is the comfort level of the back seat Gen Y passengers. Making these little Pokemon GO engrossed darlings comfortable should be a prime consideration in the planning stages of the extended road excursion. Sitting in the backseat compartment of a family car is uncomfortable during a quick trip to Costco but imagine a 300-mile overnight camping trip from that perspective.

"The Sillis Bamboo Coccyx Seat Cushion is an affordable solution to increasing the comfort of all passengers in the vehicle but particularly those in the rear seats", says Perry. "The properties of the cushion will make road travel much more enjoyable".

First, high-quality memory foam will elevate the little passenger higher off the car seat. This will give these smaller passengers a better view of their glorious surroundings - be it the surrounding traffic jam on the interstate or a gazing at a distant waterfall within a park.

Second, the cushion's bamboo cover is zippered providing for easy maintenance and cleaning. The bamboo viscose cover combines with the memory foam core to form a temperature regulating buttocks cocoon. The pillow draws the body temperature away and melts into a unique molded shape. The bamboo cover can wick moisture away from the body at a rate 40% greater than cotton.

Third, the best cushion can reduce back pain, sciatica pain, and tailbone (coccyx) pressure that is associated with extended periods of sitting in an automobile or truck.

Lastly, the ultra-portable, versatile, Sillis Bamboo Orthopedic Cushion can serve in a pinch as impromptu seating on the grass at the outdoor summer concert, on the street curb for the fireworks display or the bottom of a canoe during a fishing excursion.

If you incorporate the luxurious, comfortable, seating offered with the high quality Sillis Bamboo pillow into your summer travel planning, you would soften the travel experience of the back seat explorers and thereby improve the mental outlook of all the passengers along for the journey. The top rated Sillis Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow is available for purchase exclusively on Amazon through this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Sillis-Bamboo-Orthopedic-SeatCushion/dp/B01HNL5VXY

For more information, please visit http://www.SillisPro.com

Contact Info:

Name: Matt Perry

Email: Sales@LAVAimports.com

Organization: LAVA Imports Inc.

Address: 1855 Maryland Ave. Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Phone: 1-888-467-5450

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDW0dP13DY8

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/sillis-launches-versatile-bamboo-seat-cushion-on-amazon-for-summer-travel/125246

Release ID: 125246

For more information visit r



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Investors pulled billions from Henderson funds in the first half of the year after the asset manager was forced to suspend trading in its 4bn property vehicle due to the hefty amount of redemption requests.

The fund house today (28 July) revealed it had a rocky six months as outflows topped 2bn, causing pre-tax profits to slip to 100.5m, compared with 117.4m in the same period a year ago.

After the EU referendum on 23 June, some investors backed out of the Henderson Property fund , which meant the firm had to pause trading as it looked to safeguard the interests of all investors.

Andrew Formica, chief executive of Henderson, said the first half of 2016 was dominated by widespread market uncertainty in the run up to the European Union referendum.

But despite the dip in profit, Henderson announced it would increase its interim dividend slightly to 3.2 pence per share, from 3.1 pence per share at the end of June last year.

According to the companys half-year results, ending 30 June, Henderson also saw a 3 per cent jump in its assets under management, hitting 95bn from the 92bn reported at the end of December 2015.

Mr Formica said, while clients pulled back from investing in European assets and UK property after the referendum result, Henderson did see good demand for absolute return and income-generating investment styles.

He also pointed out outflows across its retail product range have moderated and investment performance has improved since the end of June.

Henderson is currently in the middle of its five-year growth and globalisation strategy, and Mr Formica said the business is fundamentally stronger as a result.

The dislocation caused by the UK referendum result demonstrates the importance of continuing to diversify our business, he said.

Our plan is to stay close to our clients, stay vigilant on costs and stay true to our strategy.

Gary Millward, financial consultant at Alan Steel Asset Management, said 2bn of outflows for a fund group of Hendersons size does not concern him.

We would only have concerns if these flows were concentrated within a specific fund that we were heavily invested in that resulted a big decrease in assets under management which would then magnify trading costs and impact greatly on headline performance.

He said a slip in pre-tax profits doesnt concern him either, adding Hendersons business still looks in good shape.

Commenting on the property fund position, he said he has held very little in property over the past few years because of the current situation investors face.

An illiquid asset class within a liquid legal investment structure is always going to be a problem during periods of market stress, and moving away from a daily dealing structure would be sensible.

Mr Millward also said he thought the property panic is overdone and will settle through the rest of the year.

katherine.denham@ft.com
Invesco Perpetual has launched a range of enhanced index funds for UK retail investors with ongoing charges of 0.23 to 0.25 per cent.

The four funds, which focus on global, UK, US and European equities, aim to deliver an index-like experience while outperforming their indices, net of fees, over a full market cycle.

The UK and global offerings were previously only available to institutional investors and have a 10-year track record, while the US and European funds are new to the range.

The funds are constructed using a number of factors, such as earnings momentum and relative value, rather than just market capitalisation.

Michael Fraikin, the asset managers global head of research, will oversee management of the range.

Invesco Perpetuals head of UK retail sales Chris Lyes said: In situations where retail investors have incorporated index investments into their portfolios, we believe these funds offer the opportunity for improved returns whilst delivering an index-like experience.
WisdomTree is continuing its exchange-traded fund launch spree with a new offering that gives investors access to all classes of China equities.

The WisdomTree S&P China 500 ETF, which has been launched in partnership with ICBC Credit Suisse Asset Management, allows investors to tap into 500 of the largest and most liquid Chinese companies.

The company has embarked on several ETF launches over the past two months, unveiling two ETFs invested in US and global equities, with a leaning towards dividend growth stocks, and another focused on the European market.

The new ETF, which is also available with a listing in sterling, combines exposure to all China equity share classes in a Ucits ETF.

It tracks the S&P China 500 index, which captures the characteristics of the entire Chinese equity market, including A shares and H shares, along with other international listings, by using large and liquid securities.

Nizam Hamid, ETF strategist at WisdomTree Europe, said giving investors access to Chinese equities has long been an issue for investors, adding the new offering covers all the relevant share classes.

It represents a cost-effective means of allocating to a broad index whilst removing the operational and administrative burdens often associated with accessing A shares, he said.

He described the new offering as a transparent and liquid single product to invest in China.

Nic Round, chartered financial planner and managing director at Treowe Wealth Advisers, said the new ETF was a good idea, but added he would not recommend investors be trailblazers.

He said: Rome wasnt built in day. It is long-term strategy for us, not the latest whizzbang fund.

katherine.denham@ft.com
The Pensions Ombudsman Service will take a more proactive approach to court appeals against decisions it has made, after the Hughes versus Royal London ruling set a new precedent on pension transfers.

In a decision backed by the Department of Work and Pensions, the ombudsman Anthony Arter will now take an active role in court appeals that have the potential to affect the broader pensions landscape, such as pension liberation and auto-enrolment.

In February, the High Court overruled a Pensions Ombudsman decision over whether or not Royal London was right to refuse a pension transfer request of Donna-Marie Hughes.

The ombudsmen upheld Royal Londons decision on the grounds that the scheme Ms Hughes wanted to transfer into looked suspicious. But Ms Hughes took the issue to the High Court, and won.

Royal Londons legal adviser Ben Fairhead, of Pinsent Masons, said at the time: It will now be far easier for individuals to move their money from legitimate schemes, ultimately leading to a potential influx of money into suspicious schemes, as the hands of those being asked to make transfers are increasingly tied by the inflexibility of the law.

A statement from the Pensions Ombudsman Service on Wednesday (27 July) read: Our practice of looking to intervene will now be extended beyond participating in an appeal which raises questions affecting our legal jurisdiction or internal procedures.

Our participation will be more pro-active and will be considered against the backdrop of seeking to assist the court.

Examples of increased participation may include where the decision could have a wider impact on the pensions industry, such as pension liberation or auto-enrolment, or where there is a significant concern over access to justice and participation is necessary to properly present and argue the points  the Principle of Equality of Arms.

Claire Ryan, legal director at the Pensions Ombudsman Service, said the decision was supported by the Department of Work & Pensions, adding: We believe that the pensions industry and parties to complaints will welcome the change.

Self-invested personal pension provider AJ Bell welcomed the move.

The ruling in the Hughes vs Royal London case risks undermining the fight against pension liberation. That is a fight that should involve the entire pensions industry, including the ombudsman, AJ Bells senior analyst Tom Selby said.

However, he added much more could be done, including revisiting the case for banning cold calling.

Darren Cooke, a chartered financial planner at Red Circle Financial Planning, said the High Court ruling in the Hughes versus Royal London case set a dangerous precedent.

Other pension companies will look at that judgment and just decide to pay, he said.

However, he said the Pensions Ombudsman Services rulings tended to be spurious, and doubted its decision to take a more proactive approach would make much difference.

He said the key to tackling pension scams was at the regulatory and law-enforcement level. He said banning cold calling and increasing funding for policing fraud would be a start.
Research has found that two neonicotinoid pesticides may damage bee fertility  a possible explanation for the decline in bee populations.

A study by researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland discovered two banned neonicotinoid insecticides  clothianidin and thiamethoxam  inadvertently act as contraceptives.

For the study, male honeybees, or drones, were obtained from colonies exposed to food laced with neonicotinoid pesticides and the bees were then kept in laboratory cages until they reached sexual maturity.

See also: Neonicotinoid ban cost farmers millions in 2015

Data showed male bees exposed to neonicotinoids had 39% fewer living sperm than those that were fed clean pollen. The study also showed neonicotinoids cut their lifespan by one-third.

The level of pesticides the bees were exposed to was similar to those in neonictoinoid-treated fields.

Researchers said the results of the study provided a possible mechanism for the collapse in honeybee queen failure, in addition to other parasites and land-use changes.

Further research needed

Our research further highlights the urgent need for thorough investigations of possible unintended effects of agricultural insecticides on male insect reproductive traits, said the report, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

An EU-wide ban on the use of neonicotinoids on flowering crops such as oilseed rape, sunflowers and barley was introduced by the European Commission in December 2013 after their use was linked to a decline in bee health.

The NFU disputes the assertion that neonicotinoids kill bees and it has repeatedly called for more real-life studies to assess the effect of these pesticides on bee populations in the field.

The union says it is widely accepted that there are many factors contributing to a decline in bee numbers, including pests and diseases, loss of habitats and climate changes.

Evidence not conclusive

NFU chief horticulture adviser Chris Hartfield said: We already know doses of neonicotinoids can have harmful sub-lethal impacts on bees  so it is not surprising that when you give honeybees food laced with neonicotinoids, it can affect their reproduction. This research is interesting, but it doesnt show these impacts are occurring under natural field situations and it doesnt show neonicotinoid use is causing widespread declines in pollinator populations. Until these major gaps in our understanding are filled, the evidence is still not conclusive enough to provide clear guidance for policymakers.

Politicians already have clear evidence

Friends of the Earth bee campaigner Dave Timms described the study as interesting and he called for more studies to help understand the effect of neonicotinoids on all bee species and other invertebrates such as butterflies.

But while the science must continue the politicians already have the clear evidence they need, he added.

The UK government must make it clear that no matter how much the pesticide firms lobby for their widespread return, these chemicals will be kept out of Britains fields.
Like many farmers in mid Devon, Julian Ayre is under the constant threat of bovine TB.

But he is taking a novel approach to tackling it: A homeopathic remedy.

We started using the treatment in March 2010, having lost 32 of 80 young heifers in 2008-09, says Mr Ayre. I was expecting it to take five years to go clear  in the past when weve had a breakdown it has taken that long and weve lost 60-70 animals. But we were clear by August 2012.

However, he gradually got out of the habit of using the remedy, and went down with TB again in December 2014 after purchasing animals from six different sources to stock a second farm.

We then started treatment immediately. We lost six animals in total: two of which were home-bred with confirmed TB in December 2014 and January 2015. But we were clear by March 2016  it was great to go clear again so quickly.

How it is administered and the benefits

Mr Ayre puts a few drops of the liquid remedy into the cows water trough once a month, and also uses other homeopathic remedies to protect against BVD, leptospirosis, warts and mastitis.

We first started using homeopathic remedies years ago when a relief milker recommended them for teat warts on the heifers, he says. It really seemed to help. We then had a bad bout of scouring which we reckoned was BVD and it stopped after using the treatment.

Mr Ayre is the third generation of his family to farm at Stanterton Farm, Washfield, and about 20 years ago switched to an extended grazing system.

He share farms with his son James at the home farm, milking 340 cross-bred cows, and recently set up a share farm with his daughter Jasmine and son-in-law Mike nearby, milking 240 cows on the same system.

See also: Homeopathic treatments under attack from vet

Our cell counts have gone up, having bought in some older cows for the expansion, so were using homeopathy for the whole herd in conjunction with veterinary antibiotic treatments for individual cows, he says.

The cows calve from February to April, with heifers calving at two years old.

We have a contract rearer nearby as we dont have enough housing, explains Mr Ayre. There are also quite a few badgers around the farm so we have very little control over TB; our next-door farmer has been down with it very badly for years.

One of the biggest frustrations of being under TB restriction is the impact on the business, he adds.

We had to slaughter most of our bull calves and even some heifers as we didnt have space to keep them or a market to sell them to. But the biggest relief of going clear was being able to split the herds  we calved everything here last year as we were building a new parlour at the other farm. I thought it was going to take years to go clear.

How does the homeopathic remedy work?

According to Tony Pinkus, joint managing director of Ainsworths, the theory behind homeopathy is to use a natural substance that produces similar symptoms to the disease youre trying to tackle.

This encourages the body to cure itself, rather than suppressing the symptoms with conventional drugs.

The Greek origin of the word is Homoios  meaning like  and Pathos  meaning healing.

Administering a tiny dose prompts the immune system to respond, helping the body to naturally heal itself.

Weve got about 5,000 farmers using homeopathy as its cheap, safe and effective, with no milk withdrawal period, says Mr Pinkus.

We have a Royal Warrant to supply Prince Charles, who uses the products on his farms  its a huge opportunity to safely empower farmers to treat their own animals. There are no side effects or resistance factors, which is a hot topic given antibiotic resistance at the moment.

In the case of any remedy, its all about boosting the cows natural healing mechanism.

The organisms for TB are present all the time  the problem occurs when cows are under more stress, so you want to use a product that nudges the immune system to respond, says Mr Pinkus.

Absorbed through the membranes in the mouth, it is administered in the water once a day for three days, declining to once a week for three weeks, and then once a month.

I would suggest not dosing for two weeks before a TB test, to avoid the risk of getting a false positive due to ramping up the immune system.

Geoff Derges, field agent for Ainsworths, has a number of farmers whove been using the remedies for years.

If it didnt work, they wouldnt keep coming back. There are now 120 farmers using the TB remedy regularly, and the first person who bought it from me in 2003 is still using it, which is testament in itself.

Many vets are sceptical of homeopathy, but all homeopathic vets must first pass the conventional veterinary exams, followed by a further homeopathic qualification, says Geoff Johnson from Wiveliscombe Homeopathic Veterinary Surgery, Somerset.

Look for the letters VetMFHom to show qualification, he says. Its a hugely in-depth three-year course  we are doubly qualified.

Mr Johnson started out running a conventional veterinary practice before branching into homeopathy and managing the two alongside each other.

But I got so busy that I couldnt advance the homeopathy the way I wanted to, so I sold the conventional practice and now specialise in homeopathy, he says. But the two do work together marvellously  thats what integrated medicine should be.

Homeopathic treatments in badgers

Typically, Mr Johnson recommends treating acute cases of illness with conventional medicine, supported by homeopathy, and to use homeopathy first for chronic diseases.

Although he has never used homeopathy to prevent TB in cows, he has recommended it to prevent TB in badgers.

About 20 years ago I wrote to then chief veterinary officer Jim Scudamore recommending he use homeopathic treatments as a third strand of the Krebs Trial, but it didnt happen, says Mr Johnson.

There is a remedy called Tub-bov that is incredibly cheap and easy to use  youd just give it to the badgers in milk, honey or apple once a week. Ive known a few farmers whove used it to enhance the badgers immunity.

See also: No end in sight to badger TB vaccine shortage

However, taking an holistic approach means drawing together every strand of preventative action, he adds.

If a farmer wants to try and prevent TB Id refer them to their conventional vet for advice on keeping badgers away from cows to limit cross-infection.

He would then add in the homeopathic treatments.

All farmers know where the setts are on their farm and it would be very easy to leave some treated feed out once a week.
Story Highlights Americans suggest a number of ways to reduce deadly shootings

Included are better relations, changes in black community and police changes

Clear majority still optimistic that black-white problems can be solved

PRINCETON, N.J. -- When asked to name what can be done to reduce the number of deadly encounters between black men and police in the U.S. today, Americans -- taken as a whole -- offer suggestions that fall under three main headings: changes in society, changes in the black community and changes in the police.

Just your opinion, what do you think is the single most important thing that could be done to reduce the number of deadly encounters between black men and police in the U.S.? National adults % General, structural changes 36 Better relations/Communication/Understanding 19 Gun control/Get rid of guns/Disband NRA 5 Less focus on race/Less racism 5 Better/More accurate reporting/Media, politicians not blow issue out of proportion 4 Eliminate stereotyping of blacks 1 Better leadership/President Barack Obama 1 Better drug enforcement 1 Changes among blacks 27 Change blacks' attitudes toward police/More respect/Cooperation 8 Accountability/Responsibility for own actions/Obey the law 6 Education (non-specific) 5 More/Better jobs for blacks 2 Find religion/Jesus/Ethics 2 Educate on issues/Raise awareness/What to do if pulled over 1 Better education of underprivileged/Blacks 1 More responsibility/Better parenting among blacks/Teach respect 1 Eliminate Black Lives Matter movement 1 Changes in police and police operations 21 Better/Additional police training 9 Police should be more patient/Slower to act/Use common sense/Less brutality 5 Better hiring practices/Hire more qualified police/More diverse police 2 Improve police policies and procedures 1 Reform law enforcement/Criminal justice system 1 More technology/Cameras 1 Police need to be more strict/Do their job 1 Need more police 1 Other 2 Nothing 4 No opinion 11 Gallup Poll July 13-17, 2016

Americans name race relations and racism as the single most important problem facing the U.S. today, reflecting the aftermath of shootings of black men by police in Minnesota and Louisiana, and the shootings of police officers by black men in Texas and Louisiana. Americans' opinions about what to do to reduce these types of deadly encounters, from a July 13-17 Gallup survey, help inject the perspective of everyday Americans into the discussion. The public's views augment those voiced by politicians, pundits, community leaders, police officials, journalists and others who have easy media access.

Overall, no one solution dominates the American people's thinking, but instead Americans offer a spectrum of suggestions and ways of addressing the problem. The three most frequently occurring specific responses are better communications and relations (suggested by 19% of the public), better and additional police training (9%) and changes in blacks' attitudes toward the police (8%) -- each exemplifying a broader category of similar-minded responses.

An approach to solving the problem of deadly shootings that emphasizes just one of these approaches would ignore the multifaceted set of solutions from the public that touch on a number of different aspects of the situation.

Democrats, Liberals Most Likely to Suggest Changes in Police

Recommendations vary among different subgroups of Americans, and particularly along political and ideological lines. Democrats and liberals' suggestions tend to focus more on changes in the way police operate, while Republicans and conservatives are more likely to suggest that changes are needed in the black community. The differences among any of these groups are not extremely large, however, with a good deal of overlap in the types of suggestions made by members in each.

Whites are somewhat more likely to suggest changes in black communities than changes involving the police, while nonwhites are more likely to suggest changes in the police.

Just your opinion, what do you think is the single most important thing that could be done to reduce the number of deadly encounters between black men and police in the U.S.? General/Structural changes Changes among blacks Changes in police and police operations % % % Republicans/leaners 31 37 14 Democrats/leaners 41 18 27 Conservative 33 35 14 Moderate 41 24 16 Liberal 34 19 35 Whites 36 28 17 Nonwhites 34 22 27 Gallup Poll July 13-17, 2016

Little Change in Americans' Optimism That a Solution Can Be Worked Out

About six in 10 Americans indicate in the mid-July survey that a solution to the problem of the relations between blacks and whites in the U.S. will eventually be worked out. This update is little changed from responses to the same question in June, despite the intervening occurrence of highly publicized deaths in early July of two black men at the hands of the police, and the killings of five police officers by a black man.

In fact, there has been little change over the past five years in Americans' attitudes about eventually finding a solution to problems that linger in black-white relations, even though this time period has included a long string of high-profile killings of black men by police officers. At the same time, however, Americans' ratings of black-white relations have also suffered.

Implications

The American public does not coalesce around one specific solution to the problem of deadly encounters between black men and police. Rather, Americans make a number of suggestions, including calling for broad changes in society and culture, changes in black communities and changes in the way the police are trained and operate. These results underscore the difficulty in coming up a quick answer to the problem, and emphasize how -- at least from the American public's perspective taken as a whole -- the issue needs to be addressed on many different fronts.

A majority of Americans continue to hold out hope that a solution to the broader issue of relations between whites and blacks will eventually be worked out. This optimism indicates the public is apparently open to suggestions and proposed actions that address this complex and highly important issue.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Survey Methods

Results are based on telephone interviews conducted July 13-17, 2016, with a random sample of 1,023 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.

Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
Young Han Solo Trilogy In The Works? Lucasfilm Reportedly Sign Alden Ehrenreich Into A 3-Picture Contract

There are rumors that Disney is planning a Hans Solo prequel trilogy starring Alden Ehrenreich. The Han Solo trilogy is said to cover the adventures of the famous intergalactic rebel in his younger years.

New York Daily News reported that Disney discreetly signed 26-year-old Alden Ehrenreich ("Hail, Caesar!") to take on the role of Han Solo in the trilogy film.

The first of the Han Solo trilogy is already being written, so the subsequent release of the next two movies will depend heavily on its success.

Previously, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller announced that they will launch one prequel, although Disney and Lucasfilm may have developed the idea to turn it into a Han Solo trilogy.

One insider said that there is a real sense of excitement around the Han Solo trilogy and its potential. Considering how Han Solo in the trilogy can delve into new adventures that are completely unrelated to the Empire, there will be more opportunities to expand the storylines and introduce new concepts and features to classic Star Wars fans.

Viewers can expect to visit new galaxies, new characters and races and unique creatures.

ScreenRant stated that the Han Solo trilogy has been described as an origin story. The smuggler will be traveling a lot with his good friend, Chewbacca. It is likely that there will be several familiar characters who will be shown in their younger selves like Jabba the Hutt, Bobba Fett and LandoCalrissian, among others.

The source continued that the Han Solo trilogy developers feel that the captain of the Millennium Falcon has the proper potential to turn into a central figure in several movies.

Most of the details about the potential Han Solo trilogy is still kept hidden, although it is confirmed that Alden Ehrenreich has signed to star in at least three movies.

Alden Ehrenreich grew up in Los Angeles, California, and was discovered by Steven Spielberg during a bat mitzvah. In the Han Solo trilogy, the young actor will play the role made famous by Harrison Ford.

Ehrenreich was joined in the shortlist by Miles Teller, Taron Egerton and Jack Reynor, before ultimately being selected as the one to play the space scavenger.

The title of the upcoming Han Solo trilogy has yet to be announced. Lawrence and Jake Kasdan, are currently writing the script. Lawrence previously scripted "Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."

The Han Solo trilogy is set to launch in May 2018.
Prison Break Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: New Trailer Released At San Diego Comic-Con , Sara Fell Out Of Love For Michael?

After six years of hiatus, "Prison Break" will return in 2017 following the go signal from Wentworth Miller as announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2016. Now fans are excited to see what will happen in the revival, particularly with Sarah and Michael.

'Prison Break' Revival

It's been six years since the last episode of "Prison Break" aired at Fox. However, it won't be long now before it comes back on TV, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

Dominic Purcell revealed that Wentworth Miller brought the idea of a "Prison Break" revival. Purcell and Miller are on-screen brothers on the series and were united when Purcell joined CW series "Legends of Tomorrow."

"We got on set and it was just like we hadn't been apart for all these years and we started talking about 'Prison Break' and we started mulling through the idea of, 'Let's revisit this,'" said Purcell.

This Prison Break interview with Wentworth Miller is one of my favorites I've done. So fun: https://t.co/CyOTpDdYgL pic.twitter.com/39xvjPrZ5V  Brian Altano (@agentbizzle) July 26, 2016

The two then approached the producers and the revival of "Prison Break" was pushed. As for the plot, Miller praised the way executive producer Paul Scheuring's take on the plot. "Prison Break" will still uphold its roots while introducing something radical and different to its fans.

Sarah Has Moved On

In the previously unreleased clip for "Prison Break, Miller is seen chatting with a fellow inmate inside a Moroccan prison from where he will attempt to escape. In the new trailer, Michael is seen explain how a stick of gum can set off a series of events which will end at the other side of their prison wall.

When Michael died in the last episode of "Prison Break," he left a wife and a son. According to Melty TV, Sarah Wayne Callies shared that her character, Sarah Tancredi - the wife of Michael in the series, has moved on for the sake of their son.

The "Prison Break" revival will see Sara Tancredi having a new life, which will include a stepfather. However, there's the dilemma of knowing Michael is actually alive.

"Prison Break" will return for a limited run on Fox on 2017. Watch the first trailer here.
'Jeepers Creepers 3' Release Date, Plot, News & Update: Will 'Cathedral' Sequel Finally Reveal The Creeper's Background?

After all the trials that "Jeepers Creepers 3" has encountered, an official "Jeepers Creepers 3" poster has finally gave face to the "Cathedral" sequel confirming its existence. Will we finally learn more about The Creeper in "Jeepers Creepers 3"?

According to the "Jeepers Creepers 3" director Victor Salva, the curiosity regarding The Creeper will finally be answered in "Jeepers Creepers 3," Movie Pilot reports.

"What will go before cameras as Jeepers Creepers 3 is a new and terrifying chapter from the Jeepers universe. We are bringing back the Creepers truck, and will be addressing the big questions about The Creeper: what it is, where it came from and why it does what it does," The "Jeepers Creepers 3" director said. "More exciting though, this will easily be the most frightening rollercoaster -ride -of- a-Jeepers film that has been made to date.

'Jeepers Creepers 3' Controversy

With "Jeepers creepers 3" not releasing any update regarding the much-awaited "Cathedral" sequel, people are not happy about it speculating that "Jeepers creepers 3" may have once again face another setback.

After "Jeepers Creepers 3" director Victor Salva's pedophilia conviction resurfaced, the movie production was left with no choice but to cancel the casting calls for "Jeepers Creepers 3."

This issue has caused the delay for the scheduled filming of "Jeepers Creepers 3" on British Columbia, Canada.

The Union of British Columbia Performers released a warning announcing "Jeepers Creepers 3" director Victor Salva's sex crime with a minor in the past.

'Jeepers Creepers 3' is definitely happening!

Despite the controversy, sequel producer Stan Spry, assured fans that "Jeepers Creepers 3" is still going to push through.

When asked by a fan on Twitter if "Jeepers Creepers 3" is ever going to happen, Stan Spry replied, "it is not cancelled. Producers are working on the domestic distribution deal."

That's all the fans needed. Now, the hype for "Jeepers Creepers 3" is back and the anticipation is getting stronger by the minute.

Are you excited for the "Jeepers Creepers 3" release? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!
Constantine Season 2 Release Date: Is The CW Mulling To Air The Series?

Will fans be seeing a "Constantine" Season 2 release date anytime soon? The topic has been the subject of speculations lately. Fans still have not given up hope of a possible "Constantine" Season 2 renewal.

For those who are not very familiar with the show, the series follows the exploits of John Constantine, a demon hunter and occultist. If that rings a bell, it is because of that Keanu Reeves-starrer film "Constantine" released way back in 2015.

Unfortunately, "Constantine" Season 2 was cancelled after only thirteen episodes. While many, especially the show's dedicated fan base, argue that the cancellation was ill-timed, the deed is already done. For now, what fans can hope for is a revival by some network for a "Constantine" Season 2 release date to happen.

And lately, fans hopes have been stoked by rumors of a possible revival. Word on the street is that a "Constantine" Season 2 release date might still happen, this time on The CW network.

It seems that the "Constantine" revival rumors were started with the appearance of a "Constantine" cast in a CW show. Specifically, Matt Ryan was a guest star still playing the role of John Constantine, at an "Arrow" Season 4 episode. Hopes of a possible "Constantine" Season 2 release were re-ignited.

So where does the series stand for now? Well, according to latest reports it looks like a "Constantine" Season 2 release date is not happening anytime soon, reports CarterMatt.

Showrunner Daniel Cerone posted on Twitter an update about the show. "Checked with execs and CW Seed (streaming #Constantine) is separate from CW Network. So no current plans to bring back show. :( #Hellblazers."

But fans are not giving up yet though. There are reports saying that old "Constantine" Season 1 episodes are currently streaming on CW Seed. Does this mean that The CW is currently gauging audience reception and that a "Constantine" Season2 release date is still being considered?

Follow GameNGuide for updates on "Constantine" Season 2 release news.
Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult Split: Couple Dating Again? Rekindling Old Feelings?

The first people who got to see the budding romance between Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult were no other than the people on the set of "X-Men: First Class" shot in 2011. Perhaps one of the charming points about Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult's former relationship is the fact that they didn't really like each other right away. And, just like normal human beings, Nicholas Hoult and Jennifer Lawrence has some pet peeves with each other while they were dating.

According to Perez Hilton, the "Hunger Games" star shared that Nicholas Hoult was appalled by her smell after taping for "X-Men: First Class." In the said movie, Jennifer Lawrence played the role of Mystique which required tons of body makeup. With all the makeup removing brands in the market, Jennifer Lawrence chose the most unbelievable product to remove her bodypaint and makeup - shaving cream.

Of course, shaving cream is usually made for men, so J-Law ended up smelling like a man after "X-Men: First Class" scenes. However, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult managed to make their relationship last for three years. They started to have relationship problems early in 2013 but officially ended their relationship in 2014.

Jennifer Lawrence then had a short-lived relationship with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. As of now, J-Law is single and enjoying her kick-ass career, perhaps she doesn't have time to feel lonely and look for a man to complete her. As for Nicholas Hoult, he's also swinging from one project to another, with "Equals" as his latest project alongside Kristen Stewart.

Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult might be busy with their own careers as of now. However, their fans will surely be delighted if they happen to get back together in each others arms.
Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield Dating: The Amazing Spider-man Stars Together Again? Where Are They Now?

Emma Stone, 27 and Andrew Garfield, 32 who both starred in the movie "The Amazing Spider-Man" last 2012 started dating in 2011 while filming their movie. But they have made their fans go crazy when it was reported last October 2015 that they decided to end their relationship of three years after they failed to attend a red carpet event together. But despite all these rumours, none of them had confirmed nor denied this.

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield together again?

Although they are both busy with their different works, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield were spotted together on a romantic cruise at the Aegean sea as they toured around Greece and Turkey with their close friends, Parent Herald reported. This could be a proof that maybe the "Easy A" actress and the actor have rekindled their relationship.

Just keeping their relationship out of the media





Since they started dating, they are always on the media whom from the start had documented the relationship of Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone and caught the attention of so many fans around the globe. Some says that they never really broke up but were just keeping the media and paparazzi out of their site. On the same article by Parent Herald, the actress was seen carrying a bag with Andrew Garfield's name on it a week after their supposed break up.

Where are they now?

The two time Golden Globes Awards and an Oscar nominee, Emma Stone will star in the upcoming American romantic musical comedy-drama film "La La Land" with Ryan Gosling this year. Andrew Garfield, on the other hand, is well known for his theatre acts and TV productions skills. Aside from playing the role of Spiderman, he is also known for his portrayals in "The Social Network," "99 Homes" and "Silence" as Asias Starz wrote. He will also star in a movie directed by Mel Gibson, "Hacksaw Ridge."
Sister Wives Season 8 Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: Cancellation Not True? Kody Brown Not Adding More Wives

"Sister Wives" season 8 cancellation news plagued the internet recently, however, these are mere speculations and not true according to new reports. With "Sister Wives" season 8 possibly happening, now speculations are revolving around Kody Brown not wanting two more wives.

'Sister Wives' Pushing Through

The cancellation news of "Sister Wives" season 8 came after Kody Brown's family friend Kendra Pollard had an interview with Life & Style, Blasting News said. According to Pollard, Kody Brown is planning to add more wives to his polygamous marriage.

In "Sister Wive" season 8, Kody is legally married to Robyn. Previously, Kody was also legally married to Meri, Janelle and Christine. All together, they have 18 children. Kody's eccentric family lives in Las Vegas and is not afraid to share their weird family set-up.

Kody Brown allegedly said that his wives are not giving him enough support and attention. With these feelings of not being appreciated, he is planning to add two more wives in his polygamous family. This plan is deemed as too much by TLC for its viewers. That prompted rumors of cancellation of "Sister Wives" season 8.

Meri Brown took to Twitter and addressed cancellation rumors of "Sister Wives" season 8. While TLC hasn't announced the air date for "Sister Wives" season 8, Meri made her beliefs known to her fans.

No matter the haters & unbelievers, I know my truth, I know my heart, & it's my daughter & my family that matter. #SisterWives  Meri Brown (@MeriBrown1) June 27, 2016

The Two Prospect Wives

"Sister Wives" season 8 speculations reveal that Kody is eyeing Robyn's step-niece, Mindy Jessop and a family friend, Mindy. Both ladies are warm to children and the Brown family. The ladies reportedly share the same family values that fans witnessed in the past seasons of "Sister Wives."

While the rumors of Kody replacing his four wives with two younger ones are still there, a family photo earlier this month surfaced and seemed to put those rumors at rest. The photo was taken during TLC's Summer Block Party in Chicago. With their attendance, this also proves that the cancellation of "Sister Wives" is all but a hoax.

TLC hasn't commented on the speculations and rumors. It is still safe to wait for formal announcements from the network.
iPhone 7 Release Date, News & Update: Next Apple Smartphone May Have No Home Button? Specs & Features Revealed

Millions of fans are now stoked for the upcoming iPhone 7. However, before its official launching, here are the things you need to know about the imminent Apple smartphone.

iPhone 7 release date & updates



It has been almost two years since the release of the iPhone 6. Now, there's a new iPhone coming up: the iPhone 7. It looks like the new iPhone 7 is expected to be released in Sept. 16, 2016.

Both the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6 were presented in September and Apple has no reason to change its strategy. Apple usually reveals its next smartphones in early September, so it can probably be out before the year ends.

iPhone 7 new features & specs



Reports say iPhone 7 will have a bigger camera lens and a USB Type C connection at the bottom that will double up as the new headphone slot. There's absolutely no 3.5mm headphone port on the base of the handset.

Moreover, iPhone 7 also has the repositioned antenna on the corners of the handset instead of havig it across the back. But, in terms of size and design, the new iPhone 7 looks very similar to the existing iPhone 6s.

iPhone 7 to end home button

An iPhone 7 with no physical home button is back on the agenda, with the often dependable Mac Otakara issuing a fresh report backing up older rumours of a new way to use Apple's next smartphone. According to the report, iPhone 7 will have a new flush home button powered by 3D touch technology used in iPhone 6S

Apple's iPhone 6s, the predecessor of iPhone 7, may have been a huge shot for the technology giant. However, it didn't alter much when it came to design.

In July 27, 2016, while conducting an employee meeting in Cupertino, CEO Tim Cook just announced that Apple recently sold its billionth iPhone. "iPhone is truly an essential part of our daily life and enables much of what we do throughout the day," the iPhone 7 maker stated.

Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more iPhone 7 news and updates!
iOS 9.3.3 Jailbreak Release Date, News & Update: Untethered Apple OS Crack Out Next Week?

Black Hat USA 2016 is just around the corner and now Pangu is on the clock. A half-baked iOS jailbreak did come out recently for 9.2 to 9.3.3 but everyone knows that it comes with some catches.

One is that the celebrated iOS 9 jailbreak is in Chinese and something that is semi-tethered. As mentioned in a previous post, the best iOS jailbreak to look forward to are the untethered versions which are applied only once.

This means that once an iPhone is restarted, users will have to hook it up to the computer once again and apply the crack, CNet reported.

Seeing no iOS jailbreak since 9.3.1, this may have to do for now though an English version is most certainly welcome to Apple jailbreaking users.

All eyes on Pangu at Black Hat USA 2016

Pangu will be speaking at Black Hat USA 2016 though initial word was that the hacking group would not be touching on the status of its iOS jailbreaks.

But all that was before Apple went on and revealed the final version of iOS 9.3.3 which technically strikes out one of the three iOS cracks, the iOS 9.3.2 jailbreak.

Right now, this semi-tethered iOS jailbreak looms as the best one and the safest follow-up to expect is the English version of the iOS 9 crack. Then again hoping (yet again) for a full untethered iOS 9.3.3 or iOS 10 jailbreak wont hurt but all that falls on the shoulders off Pangu.

Time ticking for Pangu

If Pangu is to come out with a working jailbreak, August is looming as their last window of opportunity. iOS 10 is expected to be announced in September, alongside the launch of the iPhone 7.

Pangu did show off the iOS 9.3.3 and iOS 10 jailbreak at MOSEC 2016 last month in the form of slideshows. Now they need to prove that those shown are no flukes.
Iron Man 4 Release Date, News & Update: Dr Doom Becomes Iron Man? Death Of Iron Man Speculated In Infinity Wars

Is an "Iron Man 4" coming out soon? Of course, no official confirmation on that yet but given the success of the franchise and its sizable fanbase, it has to come out. Fans are already waiting for it. And when that happens, fans can likely expect some changes in "Iron Man 4" cast, plot and actors involved.

"Iron Man 4" Cast, Character Spoilers - Dr Doom To Don The Iron Man Suit?

As far as changes in the "Iron Man 4" cast and characters are concerned, latest rumors has it that the future "Iron Man 4" character that will get to wear the high tech suit will be a total surprise.

Just how surprising? Well, "Iron Man 4" character spoilers say that it will be Dr. Doom who gets to wear the iconic Iron Man suit next time.

The basis for this rather shocking "Iron Man 4" character spoiler is a Twitter post by Alex Maleev, who is an illustrator for Marvel. At the moment, it's not clear if his concept art would eventually translate to something in the big screen or how it could be affect the storyline.

One possibility is that it could not be Iron Man's suit at all. It's just way too mind boggling to have a villain inherit the Iron Man title. But rather, since Dr Doom is known to be a genius like Stark, who's to say he can't make his own suit using his own scientific and technical skills? At least that is the only way this writer can reconcile an Iron Man-looking suit on a villain like Doom.

And by the way, speaking of Doom in an Iron Man suit, a Twitter user already suggested a new name for the character. Reacting to Maleev's post, Twitter user Alberto Di Francisco commented, "Great! IronDoom..." which is fine. Just don't call him Iron Man.

"Iron Man 4" Plot Spoilers - Iron Man Could Die In Infinity War?

Here's another depressing "Iron Man 4" spoiler and speculation. It comes from Screen Rant this time, and explains why Iron Man should be killed in the coming Infinity Wars. Yes, technically, this should be an Infinity Wars spoiler but hey, just ignore the misnomer for now.

One reason posed is that a character needs to die for real this time. The pattern of death and eventually revival has been overplayed a bit and sometimes it gets too predictable and boring.

A more compelling reason, which would probably be understood by Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr fans is that Downey has been deeply entrenched as THE one and only Iron Man. Many people are starting to think that nobody could probably replace him in his iconic Iron Man role as such, killing his character may be the only way out.

There were also previous rumors about Iron Man being replaced by a teenage girl but at this point, this writer is already too depressed to continue. The hint of death of one's favorite character is just too much at times.

Just stay tuned to GameNGuide for more updates of the rumored "Iron Man 4."
CSULB alum wins gold at the 38th Long Beach Marathon  which was his first
Corvallis' Heartland Humane Society has plans for its next 50 years  in fact, some of those plans might be lurking on the desk of Andrea Thornberry, the organization's executive director.

But now is a time for celebrating the society's first 50 years, including paying tribute to all the people who have helped the organization reach the half-century mark.

Thornberry said that list is a long one. "It's an army," she said, and it includes more than 500 volunteers at the society proper and another 100 or so who volunteer at the society's thrift shop in downtown Corvallis.

That thrift shop generates about 30 percent of the society's roughly $1 million budget, and it runs smoothly without any staff involvement, Thornberry said. "In fact, they don't want my involvement," she joked.

Heartland has come a long way since June 13, 1966, when a number of Corvallis citizens formed the Humane Society of Benton County. There was a county pound in those days, Thornberry said, but no actual shelter, so members of the society transported overflow animals from the pound to the Humane Society in Eugene.

After signing a contract in 1968 with Benton County to house stray and lost pets, a shelter was opened on Third Street downtown. In 1973, the society reached a deal with the city and county to take over the county pound, which was then at the airport.

Thornberry, who was hired for her post in 2007, points to some recent accomplishments as key for the organization. Financially, she said, Heartland is on solid ground and has created an endowment through the Benton County Foundation.

The organization has added staff and Thornberry said Heartland has a higher profile now in the community than before, thanks to a variety of outreach efforts, including "Snip and Spay," an annual event to spay and neuter cats for low-income pet owners. (The organization has long been committed to spaying and neutering; in 1972, it became the first shelter in Oregon to require that adopted pets be spayed or neutered, a decision that created considerable fuss at the time.)

Heartland's work in 2013 to create a task force to reduce the euthanasia rate of healthy or treatable animals also was a watershed for the organization, Thornberry said. As a result of that work, Heartland is listed on the National No-Kill Registry, even though as an open admission shelter, it continues to serve as the pound for the city and county.

Heartland is holding a small event Wednesday night at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the Oregon State University campus to take stock of the last half-century. (The event is full, so no additional RSVPs are being accepted.)

And even as she closes in on a decade on the job, Thornberry said her work is still engaging.

"It is fun," Thornberry said. "Because it's constantly changing. ... It never gets stagnant."
While many people think of World War II as being about the conflicts in Europe and the Pacific, fewer remember that the Japanese threatened the West Coast of the United States with bombings and the invasion of Alaskan islands.

But a Corvallis man is hoping to help preserve the memory of that conflict with a donation to a museum in Kodiak, Alaska: an 8-foot tall searchlight from 1941 that he has restored through months of effort and research. The Sperry Gyroscope Co. searchlight is similar to ones that would have been used on the island to spot enemy planes and ships during the war.

Chuck Meitle said his family fell in love with the Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park in the mid-1990s while on a family bicycle trip in Alaska, and they have returned to volunteer there in the years since. Meitle, a retired tool and die maker, said he has done other projects for the WWII museum at the park, which was a military base during the war.

Meitle said his past projects include building a model-train-sized replica of the fort, wooden models of period ships and planes and a foam and fiberglass replica of an artillery shell that would have been fired by the bases guns.

Id do some repair work (at the park), but I like making exhibits for the museum because I can, he said Wednesday.

Meitle, 72, said the fort still has bunkers and emplacements for searchlights, but has none of the lights left, and he first had the idea of getting one for the museum about a decade ago.

Enter Albanys Dave Orlando, who had collected WWII searchlights, which were sold as surplus after the war and used for movie premieres and by circuses. Meitle said Orlando committed to donating a searchlight to the museum about three years ago and gave him a searchlight to restore last year. Meitle said since the fall hes devoted a few hours a day to working on the searchlight. He finished the project this week.

He said when he got the light it was covered in layers of paint that he had to strip off before painting it in an authentic WWII shade of military green. The light also needed a broken axle welded and other damaged parts restored.

Meitle said the light will not be functional and will be kept indoors at the museum.

I did it because I could, he said. Nobody asked me to. I thought the museum needed one.

He said one reason why he restored the searchlight was that he wanted to make sure it was preserved for future generations so that the conflict on the West Coast was not lost to history.

I was born during World War II and there is a lot of history I want to keep alive  items like this need to be preserved for future generations.

Meitle said he saw a searchlight like this one at a movie premiere at age 8 and recalled that it was loud and smoked a lot. The beam it produced was hot enough that if a broom was held in front of it, the broom would explode into flames.

As an 8-year-old, it was like standing next to a monster, he said.

The next step is to ship the searchlight to the island of Kodiak. Meitle will drive it to Tacoma himself to put it on a Matson Shipping vessel bound for Alaska (the company is transporting the searchlight for free).

Meitle will fly up shortly after the light ships out and will see it in place at the museum.

He said hes not really looking for recognition for doing the work; for him the project was a labor of love.

I didnt do it to show off. Im the kind of guy who needs to have a project all the time, he said.

He added that he is a recovering alcoholic, now 38 years sober, and this type of project helps maintain that sobriety.

And, of course, he already has his next project lined up: for an Oregon museum hes making a model of the Japanese submarine that carried an airplane to the West Coast. The airplane's mission was to drop incendiary bombs into the forests of Oregon, but the bombs ultimately failed to start a conflagration.
A former Oregon State University student was found guilty late Wednesday night of raping a woman at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity in July 2015.

Tyler Lazell Warren, who was enrolled at OSU from fall 2013 through spring 2015, was found guilty of first-degree rape, second-degree sexual abuse and first-degree burglary Wednesday night in connection with a July 12, 2015, incident at the Corvallis fraternity.

Benton County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Donohue announced the verdict at around 10 p.m. Wednesday after the jury deliberated for about five-and-a-half hours.

Warren was found guilty of first-degree rape by reason of the victim being mentally incapacitated and physically helpless. First-degree rape and first-degree burglary are Class A felonies, which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Second-degree sexual abuse is a Class C felony, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Donohue said following the verdict that, given the hour, a sentencing hearing would be scheduled by email Thursday morning.

The 12 jurors began deliberating at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday after hearing closing arguments from Amie Matusko, assistant Benton County district attorney, and defense attorney Robert Corl.

The verdict speaks for itself, Matusko said.

There were tears from both the alleged victim and Warrens family as Donohue announced the verdict.

I think its unfair, said Warrens mother, Barbara, outside of the courthouse. Hes a good kid. Hes never been in trouble before.

Barbara Warren, of Los Angeles, Calif., also noted that her son is black and that the jury, which was made up of eight women and four men, had no black people on it.

This was an all white jury, she said. Its unfair.

During closing arguments earlier in the day, both the defense and prosecution noted the main issue of the case was consent.

Warren was accused of raping a 21-year-old female student following her birthday party.

Warren and the alleged victim, a female sorority member who was renting a room at the fraternity over the summer, were both drinking at the fraternity a few hours before the incident occurred. Both the prosecution and the defense agreed that there was sexual intercourse between Warren and the alleged victim in her room at the fraternity.

According to the defense, the sex was consensual. Corl said during his closing arguments Warren was heading downstairs from his room on the third floor to get a drink of water when he saw the alleged victim laying half in the hallway and half in her room and that Warren helped get her to bed, at which point she began groping him.

She initiated sexual contact, Corl told the jury, arguing that the fact that both were intoxicated did not legally negate consent. Really drunk people using bad judgment can consent to having sex with other people who are also drunk.

Corl later suggested the alleged victim had possibly built up a false memory of the event that was triggering trauma because she did not remember consenting.

Corl also said the state did an insufficient job of presenting evidence in regard to consent. Corl also said not all pieces of evidence were submitted for DNA testing to get a more complete picture of the event.

Why didnt they do more testing? Corl asked the jury. They didnt bother to follow up.

Corl also reminded the jury that the burden of proof was on the state and that the state did not do enough to prove the matter of consent.

It goes beyond highly probable, Corl told the jury. Heres the question for you: Are you convinced to a moral certainty?

The prosecution argued that the alleged victim was too intoxicated to give consent and Warren came into her room uninvited and began groping her before removing her shorts and raping her. Matusko said the alleged victim was too intoxicated and traumatized during the act to speak or move or feel most of what was happening, but she remembered Warren removing her shorts, moving her into position and putting her shorts back on afterward.

If there is a sign (that someone isnt consenting), its that you have to move their body, Matusko said to the jury. And who dresses somebody who can dress themselves?

Matusko said the defenses argument that the alleged victim initiated sexual contact was victim blaming.

Blaming her that she didnt remember, Matusko told the jury, that is the definition of cowardice.

Matusko added that the alleged victim had so much to drink that she had passed out and was vomiting shortly before the incident took place.

Does that make her a prime victim for rape? It can, Matusko told the jury. Does that mean she deserved to be raped? No.

Earlier in the day, Warren testified that the alleged victim groped him after he put her into bed and that she was conscious during the entire act. After being asked if he believed the alleged victim was awake and responsive during sex, Warren said yes, she was still looking at me.

Warren later said there was never an indication that the alleged victim did not want to have sex, but he stopped because he was afraid she might not remember consenting or initiating.

Corl was not immediately available for comment after the verdict.
LEBANON  New Western University of Health Sciences president Daniel Wilson says he feels right at home in Lebanon, the home of the university's COMP-Northwest medical school.

After all, he and his wife, Sandy, his high school sweetheart, grew up in Manson, Iowa, population 1,600. He is one of eight children, the son of the towns doctor.

At one time, the town only had one stoplight, Sandy joked before she and her husband were welcomed at a breakfast sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at the Boulder Falls Conference Center.

In March, Wilson, 60, was selected as the second president of WesternU, based in Pomona, California, after a nationwide 10-month search. He succeeds university founder Philip Pumerantz, who, after 38 years, was named WesternU president emeritus.

This is wonderful, Wilson said to a group of nearly 200 business and community leaders. It truly feels like home. We grew up 1,870 miles from here in a farm town that is on Highway 20.

He praised Lebanon as being "what small-town life in America is all about.

Wilson said the integration of COMP-Northwest into the community over the last five years has been amazing.

The first time I set foot on the campus in Pomona, I had a sense this was a unique educational institution, he said. And COMP-Northwest has that same WesternU culture, but with its own unique flavor. It is so organically part of this community already.

Although he was hired in March, Wilsons first official day on the job was July 1.

We are all very excited about the future under Dr. Wilsons leadership, and we welcome him and his wife, Sandy, to the community, said Dr. Paula Crone, dean of both the Pomona and Lebanon COMP programs.

Wilson comes to WesternU after serving as vice president for health affairs and dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville.

The center has more than 5,000 employees and an annual budget of $800 million. There, he oversaw academic, clinical and research activities at a 695-bed teaching hospital, plus schools of clinical medicine, nursing and pharmacy.

A doctors son, Wilson has a degree in anthropology from Yale University, a medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and a Ph.D. in biological anthropology from Cambridge University.

Wilson brings a broad scope of experience to the position. He was chairman of psychiatry at Creighton University in Omaha, where he expanded the full-time psychiatric faculty from three to 30, raised clinical service and revenue sixfold, and grew the research portfolio from zero to $17 million.

He came to Creighton from Ohio where he was medical director of the largest state hospital and served as a professor at the University of Cincinnati, and from 1987-92 he directed neuropsychiatry at McLean Hospital & Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Wilson and other WesternU staff will spend the rest of the week on the Lebanon campus, welcoming the medical schools class of 2020.

Wilson said he believes in hiring the right person for the mission, rather than hiring abstract talent.

You can have talented people, but if they are in the wrong setting, they dont do well. So I think that whether its admitting students who are really going to have an affinity for that sort of culture, or hiring staff who understand and value that, and faculty as well, it has to emanate from throughout the institution. You cant have that sort of culture with a command and control hierarchical administration. It has to be humanistic. You need the talent, but you also need the right fit.

In his free time, Wilson said he enjoys good food and wine, leather carving, yard work, reading, entertaining and surfing.

He and Sandy have one grown daughter.
The filing deadline for November's election to the Corvallis City Council is Aug. 19, and already potential candidates are clamoring for spots on the ballot.

Well, actually, that's not true: At this writing, precisely two candidates, have announced intentions to seek re-election: Ward 1's Penny York and Ward 2's Roen Hogg.

Ward 3's Zach Baker, however, has announced that he will not seek re-election to a second term in November. Baker cited a number of his reasons for his decision: As the youngest member of the council (by a considerable margin), he still is saddled with student debt. He has work commitments from a new full-time job with the Oregon League of Cities in Salem.

Baker's decision highlights a cold fact about the Corvallis council: Despite the fact that serving on the council amounts to, at the very least, a part-time job (and, sometimes, a full-time job), the fact of the matter is that these are volunteer positions. Oh, if the council goes into an executive session before a meeting, the city might pay for pizza or sandwiches. But we can assure you that no one is getting rich from their work on the council.

In return for this extremely modest remuneration, Corvallis citizens ask for quite a lot from their council representatives. You get buttonholed by citizens demanding to know what's going on with a neighborhood pothole. You get to try to sort through impossibly complex land-use controversies. You get lobbied by people wondering why the council hasn't taken a position yet on this national issue or that national issue. Your presence is expected at all sort of events. You're expected to be in a good mood at many of these events.

So no wonder that the council, year in and year out, tends to be filled with retired people. But, of course, Corvallis still has people who are not yet retired, although we're working hard to fix that.

It would be interesting to see what we could do to increase the appeal of council positions to a wider group of citizens. We don't want professional councilors, of course, and it's not as if the city is swimming in excess money, but perhaps we could find some way to ease some of the financial sting.

This could go hand-in-hand with another thought we've long held about the council: Two-year terms aren't long enough for anybody to learn the job. We should adopt four-year terms for councilors. The mayor serves four-year terms; it makes no sense to run the risk, as we do every election, to have the entire council turn over.

Despite all this, many councilors will tell you that the work (and it is work) of the council is engaging and that they're proud to serve the city in this essential way. If you're interested in serving on the council, may we suggest that this might be the year that you step forward.

After all, for the time being, the council is only a two-year commitment. And if you act now, it doesn't look as if you'll need to wait too long in line behind all the other potential candidates.
Bonn New electric-powered delivery vehicles are tested in Bonn.

Quietly, the yellow, box-shaped car rolled along the Marktplatz in Bonns center. Mayor Ashok Sridharan was at the wheel, though only for a brief test-drive. On Wednesday, Achim Kampker, manager of electric mobility at the Deutsche Post DHL, gave the mayor a Streetscooter. The city administration wants to test the environmentally friendly yellow car for two to three months for Bonns own fleet of public works vehicles. The license plate BN-PI770E stands for the year in which Bonns very own composer Ludwig van Beethoven was born and for the Posts successful project. Mayor Sridharan was thankful for this gesture and praised the Posts new initiative.
Sunday demonstrations in Cologne : Politicians appeal for calm

Opponents of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in fornt of the Lanxess-Arena, May 2014. Foto: dpa

Dusseldorf/Cologne More than 30,000 are expected at Erdogan demonstrations on Sunday. Officials urge participants to remain peaceful.

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Officials are growing increasingly concerned about the potential for clashes during demonstrations scheduled for Sunday in Cologne. Both supporters and opponents of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are planning to demonstrate. North Rhine Westphalias Minister President Hannelore Kraft has released a video message urging participants to refrain from using violence. Colognes Mayor Henriette Reker and Chief of Police Jurgen Mathies have also called for restraint.

Organizers expect at least 15,000 Erdogan supporters to be at the Deutzer Werft on Sunday but police expect up to 30,000 participants. Four counter demonstrations have been registered with police; they include a total of up to 2,500 participants. One group is a right wing extremist group. At least 2,000 police will be on patrol to keep the situation under control.

On Wednesday, Kraft appealed to residents to refrain from bringing the domestic Turkish conflict to their adopted home state of North Rhine Westphalia (NRW). She did not want to see the conflict affect families and friendships here. Further, she accused Turkey of abandoning democratic principles and practices.

Reker asked the Turkish Consulate General for their support in calling all demonstrators to remain peaceful. Organizers of the pro-Erdogan demonstration have depicted it as an Affirmation of Democracy and Freedom. The Union of European-Turkish Democrats (UETD) had called for the protest; the organization is seen as an arm of the Turkish government. UETD General Secretary Bulent Bilgi said it was unacceptable that some politicians in NRW had called for banning the demonstration. CDU security expert Wolfgang Bosbach had suggested a ban should be considered.

Professor Ahmet Toprak of the University of Applied Sciences and Art in Dortmund, believes that young people with Turkish roots have a favorable impression of President Erdogan. A considerable number of these young people identify themselves more with Turkey than with Germany. Many cannot relate to Merkel or Gauck, but instead they relate more to Erdogan, he explained. They suffer from a lack of social recognition. Erdogan, who had a modest upbringing, is considered one of them.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Asus Zenfone Zoom

The Asus Zenfone Zoom comes with 5.5-inch display, quad-core Intel Atom Z3590 processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB ROM with an expandable option of up to 128GB via MicroSD card. Also, this smartphone has 13MP/5MP camera package, shipped with Android 5.0 Lollipop, powered by a 3000mAh battery.

Lenovo Vibe P1

Talking about the smartphone, the Vibe P1 comes with 5.5-inch Full HD display, powered by Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 SoC, 2GB RAM, 32GB inbuilt storage with the expandable option of up to 128GB via MicroSD card slot.

Additionally, the smartphone is packed with 13MP/5MP camera, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and powered by a 5000mAh battery.

Oppo F1 Plus

Oppo came up with F1 Plus smartphone with 16MP front camera for selfie lovers. In terms of the specifications, this smartphone comes with 5.5-inch display, Octa-core MediaTek Helio P10 SoC, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM with the expandable option up to 128GB via MicroSD card.

Also, this smartphone comes with 13MP/16MP camera package, Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, Fingerprint sensor, 2850mAh battery with Vooc charging technology.

iPhone 6s

The iPhone 6s comes with 4.7-inch display with 3D Touch technology and Apple A9 processor with M9 motion co-processor, 2GB of RAM, 12MP/5MP camera, and shipped with iOS9.

Samsung Galaxy S7

Samsung Galaxy S7 comes packed with a 5.1-inch display, Octa-Core Exynos 8 Octa 8890 SoC, 4GB RAM, 32GB/64GB inbuilt storage, with an expandable option of up to 200GB via MicroSD card. Further, this device comes with 12MP/5MP camera, Android 6.0 Marshmallow and powered by a 3000mAh battery.

Sony Xperia X

The Xperia X has a 5-inch display, powered by a Hexa-Core Snapdragon 650 SoC clubbed with 3GB RAM, 64GB ROM with an expandable option via MicroSD card slot. On the optics, the Xperia X comes with a 23MP/13MP camera and powered by a 2630mAh battery under the hood.

HTC Desire Eye

HTC has launched Desire Eye smartphone with a 5.2-inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC, 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM with an expandable option up to 128GB via MicroSD card.

Also, this smartphone comes with 13MP camera on both sides along with LED flash, 2400mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)

The Samsung Galaxy A7 comes with a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, Octa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 16GB ROM with an expandable option up to 128GB via MicroSD card slot. Moreover, this smartphone comes with 13MP/5MP camera package, 3300mAh battery.
Premium Design and Looks

Though the overall design of the smartphone reminds us of the Redmi Note 3 and Mi 5, but the metallic frame on the Redmi Pro and the chamfered edges make it a premium smartphone. Also, the front of the device features 2.5D curved glass making it impressive.

OLED Display

The Redmi Pro is bestowed with a 5.5-inch OLED display that carries FHD 1080p screen resolution. The OLED panel provides greater contrast ans well as vivid colors in comparison to the usual LCD displays.

Deca-Core Processor

The latest Xiaomi flagship is energized by a deca-core 64-bit MediaTek Helio X25 processor that is teamed up with Mali-T880 graphics. There is a base variant of the Redmi Pro that will also make use of a deca-core processor, but it will be a Helio X20 processor from MediaTek. Both the variants will arrive in two storage capacities ranging from 32 GB to 128 GB.

Dual-Camera Setup at its Back

Xiaomi Redmi Pro features the dual-camera setup at its back. There is a 13 MP camera with Sony IMX 258 sensor to capture still photos and a 5 MP module with Samsung sensor to capture in-depth information. The 13 MP sensor has a dedicated depth of field image sensor and Dynamic depth of field support that is claimed to help in capturing the DSLR-like bokeh effect.

Hybrid SD Card Slot

While most high-end smartphones from different makers lack the support for expandable storage, the Xiaomi Redmi Pro comes with the hybrid SD card slot that will let you use the second SIM card slot as a micro SD card slot as well whenever there is a necessity.

Ceramic Fingerprint Scanner

The Redmi Pro also features a fingerprint scanner that has become a mainstream feature in smartphones lately. This fingerprint scanner is a ceramic one and it is embedded into the home button positioned at the front of the smartphone. The placement of the scanner does not affect the elegant and clean design of the Redmi Pro.

MIUI 8

The Redmi Pro is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow that is topped with Xiaomi's latest MIUI 8. This software comes packed with a slew of latest and upgraded features including quick sharing from Gallery, ability to click long screenshots, dual app feature to use two social media accounts on the same device, T9 Hindi input, MIUI Caller HD, enhanced Calculator app and more.
Airmen drive RPA innovation with new electronic combat officer course

By Tech. Sgt. Nadine Barclay, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs / Published July 27, 2016

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- In an effort to neutralize the enemy and their ability to impact combat operations, Airmen have created the Air Force's first MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft Electronic Combat Officers (ECO) course.

"We've been working for the last year and half or so to build the ECO course for the RPA community," said Capt. Craig, a 26th Weapons Squadron MQ-9 pilot and ECO course creator. "It's very fulfilling to see it's finally coming into fruition."

Squadron members joined with Airmen from the 57th Wing and 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing to establish the course.

Since the insatiable demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability grew faster than the Air Force could produce qualified MQ-1/9 aircrews; the reality of low manning, platform sustainability and training became a constant concern.

As MQ-1/9 aircraft require satellite signals to operate, it becomes extremely important for aircrews to train toward mitigating potential signal interruptions. RPA ECOs integrate with the affected MQ-1/9 aircrews, the relay site, space command, and others at the air operations center to mitigate signal interruptions.

"I had this vision back in 2013, when I wrote the syllabus for the first time," Craig said. "I didn't think it would end up turning into an actual ACC (Air Combat Command) course."

Craig, who previously served as a formalized training unit instructor at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, was deemed the most knowledgeable about the satellite communications (SATCOM) threats and how to combat them. He spent the next three years laying the groundwork for the course.

Due to a manning shortage, Craig developed new tactics, techniques and procedures that would allow the current manning to act in a dual-hatted position thus reducing the risks to RPAs.

After taking the course, Airmen will return to their units as trained experts on RPA use of the electromagnetic spectrum to include, but not limited to: area of operation non-kinetic threats, radio communications, GPS, remote-split operations, SATCOM, and Link 16 -- a tactical data exchange network .

"It came to a point where I felt that we will no longer be fighting in a permissive war and it couldn't just be me that knows how to fight against it, so I drafted up a syllabus on how I would train an ECO to fight a threat," Craig said. "At the same time the 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron was testing how to fight against SATCOM contested threats. I was just at the right place at the right time."

Since Air Force regulations dictate that every wing or squadron weapons and tactics office will have graduated and certified electronic combat pilots, electronic warfare officers or ECOs, the demand for a certified ECO course for MQ-1 and MQ-9 squadrons grew.

"(U.S. Air Forces Central Command) are in the demand phase for information," Craig said. "They want to learn what the RPA capabilities are. Leadership's mindset of the Predator and Reaper's capabilities in a non-permissive fight are shifting now that we have proven new innovative solutions.

The newly created ECO course is designed to be a three-phase system and walks the students through 15 days of rigorous training.

"The course offered realistic training and challenging missions," said Maj. Joseph, an ECO student. "It would do us no good to practice in 'theory' without real-world, realistic training scenarios that will mirror future/present threats that we may face."

The first phase begins with the academics portion of the course and teaches students to plan and prepare against a jamming threat.

Next, the students learn to integrate RPAs into the SATCOM during simulated flights, followed by the final hands-on portion in which students execute tactics, techniques and procedures in support of airborne RPA flight operations in the Nevada Test and Training Range.

"One student will sit in the seat and experience what it's like to receive a jamming signal while flying another student acts as the 'ECO' and supports the pilot who has received the threat," Craig said. "They swap roles and do it all over again so they both get to experience those perspectives, from both the pilot and the ECO."

In addition, students received help from the 26th Space Aggressors Squadron from Schriever AFB, Colorado, who replicate enemy threats to space-based and space-enabled systems during tests and training exercises.

"Getting to interact with the aggressors was incredible," Joseph said. "We learned about friendly and adversary capabilities and mindsets, challenges and weaknesses. This program is about preparing for a more advanced adversary, so it's important to train against the best."

By using GPS and SATCOM jamming techniques, the 26th WPS provides Air Force, joint and coalition military personnel with an understanding of how to recognize, mitigate, counter and defeat these threats.

Still, developing Airmen with the skills needed to win today's fight and prepare for tomorrow's threats without directly engaging the enemy doesn't come without its own challenges.

"One of the misconceptions we have is that, we're already critically manned," Craig said. "We can't divvy out any more bodies to be only ECOs, or deploy them to be a part of this fight at the relay site. The truth is, units don't lose a pilot or an instructor, but using the current manning to do both they gain an expert in the squadron."

Being one of only a handful of trained ECOs is something the only fully certified Air Force RPA ECO is set on changing.

"I'm the only RPA ECO in the Air Force community, meaning I don't have other ECOs that I can go to and ask questions," Craig said. "Since we only have one dedicated instructor, myself, the ratio is one to four. There will be four students, four times a year and as we continue to train ECOs we will grow in size until we have two to three ECOs in every unit."

The course, which was conducted jointly between Creech and Nellis AFBs, recently graduated a beta class of five Airmen assigned to the 432nd WG.

Although the training currently focuses on officers, enlisted Airmen in RPA career fields may also attend a modified ECO course prior to deployments.

In a time when Airmen are asked to find vulnerabilities, develop a course of action and implement change to mitigate threats through innovation, Craig offered one final piece of advice.

"We are definitely preparing for tomorrow's fight through innovation, 100 percent," he said. "I'd say to other Airmen not to give up on their innovation. Be persistent, perfect your theory, and get it to the right people with influence who will be able to help you in developing that innovation. I wouldn't have been able to do it alone."

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Colonel Christopher Garver, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office July 27, 2016

Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Garver via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq

CAPTAIN JEFF DAVIS: Good morning. I know we're having some bandwidth issues with Baghdad this morning, so we may go to an all-audio if we can't get him up.

Are we not up at the moment? Chris, are you there? He was up a second ago.

COLONEL CHRISTOPHER GARVER: This is Baghdad.

CAPT. DAVIS: It looks like -- just before we get started with Colonel Garver, I wanted to remind you of a couple of things. At 10:40 this morning, the secretary will be visiting with troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. That event will be livestreamed on defense.gov. Again, that's at 10:40 this morning.

Also would draw your attention to the Strategic Deterrence Symposium happening in Omaha today. Admiral Haney, General Boutelle, General Scaparrotti, Acting Undersecretary for Policy McKeon are among the speakers. That event is also being livestreamed. It's not on defense.gov. I didn't write the URL down. It was in the note we sent out to you this morning. There's also this thing called Google, which can probably also help you find it, but come see us if you can't.

CAPT. DAVIS: And I would also draw your attention to the Aspen Security Forum happening tomorrow. General Votel, General Scaparrotti, among the speakers tomorrow. And then on Saturday, we've got acting Deputy Under Secretary for Defense for Policy David Shear, speaking on Asia-Pacific issues there.

And we also expect a briefing tomorrow from Afghanistan at 11 a.m.

I think we got your video back, Chris. Can you hear us?

COL. GARVER: Hey, Jeff. We're getting cut-outs on the audio. So, if everybody could keep their questions short, then that would be great.

CAPT. DAVIS: Yeah, an old trick.

All right, sir. Over to you.

COL. GARVER: All right. Good morning, Pentagon press corps. Glad to be with you all today. We'll make some brief remarks, and then be glad to take your questions.

The coalition continues to help the Iraqi Security Forces and our various partnered forces in Syria maintain the momentum they have achieved in the campaign.

We continue to provide strikes against the breadth and depth of Daesh's formations in both Iraq and Syria, training and equipment to the ISF and our partnered forces in Syria, and advice and assistance to those forces in the fight.

First, I'd like to address the allegations of civilian casualties of the ongoing battle in Manbij, Syria. To clarify, there are two separate allegations we are looking into -- the one I described last week is from the first allegation against a strike we delivered on July 20th [sic 19th].

That credibility assessment is complete, and the result was that the information available was credible enough to warrant formal investigation, which we have initiated.

The second allegation is from July 23rd of an alleged strike in the village of Al Nawaja, which is east of Manbij. That credibility assessment is still ongoing. We will keep you informed of any changes.

Second, I'd to discuss our advise and assist operations with the ISF and the Tigris River Valley near Qayyarah. On July 20th [sic 19th], the CJTF sent a U.S. engineer team to provide advice and assistance to the 15th Iraqi Army Division soldiers in placing the floating Ribbon Bridge over the Tigris River.

The engineers of the ISF got the bridge across the river on July 15th, after an initial attempt on July 13th was halted due to enemy fire.

After the Ribbon Bridge was installed across the river, the Iraqi army unit started putting in the protective measures that better secure the bridge from threats, but ran into technical problems with the equipment.

On the 20th, the engineer advise and assist team from the Combined Joint Force Land Component Command, which we call CJ-FLCC, traveled down to the battalion headquarters nearing the -- near the bridging site, and provided advice on those protective measures to better secure the bridge.

The mission lasted over several days and is mostly completed. This mission is the first U.S. advise and assist mission at lower than division level with the Iraqi army, and demonstrates how we could selectively use this authority in future operations.

We already have been conducting advise and assist missions with the Iraqi Special Operations forces and with the Peshmerga at lower than division level, based on how those units are organized.

As you know, this is the second bridge the Iraqi army has in place during operations against Daesh. The first was during the Ramadi campaign at the end of last year.

The coalition provided significant training and logistics support to enable the ISF to accomplish these feats -- from the strategic left to bring in those bridges, to building a man-made lake at Camp Taji, so the ISF could rehearse the bridge installation tasks.

The bridge across the Tigris near Qayyarah was a significantly more difficult bridge to employ than the one in Ramadi, due to the size, speed and condition of the river and the enemy situation in the area.

COL. GARVER: The use of the bridge connecting the west and east sides of the Tigris, and connecting Qayyarah West air base and Makhmur will greatly improve maneuverability and shorten lines of communication for the ISF as they prepare for the eventual assault to liberate Mosul.

Elsewhere around Qayyarah, the ISF forces in the area, particularly elements of the 71st, 72nd, 91st, and 37th Iraqi Army Brigades are continuing clearance operations in Aswaga Garbi on the east side of Qayyarah.

Moving now to Syria and Manbij, the Syrian Arab Coalition and other members of the Syrian Democratic Forces continue to push the fight forward slowly and deliberately. As the SAC continue clearance operations toward the center of Manbij, they also gain territory west and south of the city, but those gains have been modest in the last five days.

The SAC's slow and deliberate approach has helped protect the local population and their property, while fighting an entrenched, determined enemy inside the city. The SAC has also appealed to Daesh via social media to allow civilians safe passage from the city. To date, we have not seen any action from Daesh, including indicating agreement. We have not seen an increase in civilians leaving the center of the city. This was not an offer of a cease-fire or a cessation of hostilities. This was an action SAC undertook in an attempt to protect civilians.

The coalition has conducted more than 520 strikes near Manbij in support of this operation. We have discussed before how important Manbij is to Daesh due to its strategic location and activity, and we've discussed the information we're learning from the massive amounts of intelligence materials we've gleaned from the operation.

We have learned more specifically about how Daesh received, trained, used and dispatched foreign terrorist fighters. Daesh has established multiple reception centers in Manbij, where they welcomed foreign terrorist fighters...

(AUDIO GAP)

COL. GARVER: All right. Sorry. Working on our connection here.

So Daesh established these -- Daesh established these reception centers to bring in foreign fighters, screen them and assign them their duties. We are now seeing how Daesh created an external terror attack node in Manbij

(AUDIO GAP)

COL. GARVER: ... rifles and drones, and how they send trained terrorist out into the world. And we are still sifting through those materials.

The last thing I want to leave you with is the territory that Daesh controls continues to shrink as they fail to hold ground when confronted by ISF and Syrian opposition forces. Having lost approximately half the area it once controlled at its peak, Daesh finds itself geographically squeezed by our partner forces on the ground and by Iraqi and coalition forces in the air.

While the pressure on the battlefield continues to grow, we are also increasing our pressure against Daesh with strikes against their systems, targeting their revenue, cash reserves, leaders, planners, communications, and foreign fighter facilitation networks.

Our partner forces on the ground in Iraq and Syria are demonstrating momentum against Daesh and we will continue to do what we can to maintain that momentum.

And speaking of maintaining momentum, as Jeff just mentioned, the secretary is down at Fort Bragg, North Carolina today speaking to the 18th Airborne Corps who will maintain that momentum after the mighty, mighty Third Armored Corps departs next month. So I can't talk for too long today. I don't want to step on the secretary's time.

With that, I'll be glad to take your questions.

CAPT. DAVIS: Bob Burns. Let us know if you have any problems here with the house mike. We can take the stick mike.

QUESTION: Hello, Colonel Garver. A couple of questions for you.

One is a followup on your reference to the two sets of allegations about civilian casualties in Manbij. The one on July 20th, is there a specific either number of range of numbers of civilian casualties that you found credible in that case? And can you tell us any more about the status of that?

And the second question is having to do with Mosul. When the Iraqi defense minister was here several days ago, he said that although the Peshmerga will be playing a role in supporting the mission to retake Mosul, they will not be allowed to enter the city.

I'm wondering whether the U.S. shares a concern about the problem -- of that possible problem of having the Peshmerga in Mosul?

COL. GARVER: Hey, Bob, I'm not sure if you're done talking. And so you know, we completely lost the first part of your question after allegations in Manbij. Second question I heard was about the Peshmerga's role in Mosul.

Now, what I can tell you from a coalition perspective is the Iraqi government is the one planning the operations in Mosul. And they will determine who goes where and what they do on the battlefield. We saw in Fallujah the Iraqi security forces, the plan they had delegated pieces of terrain to different elements of the forces that were involved, to include the Popular Mobilization Forces.

How the Iraqi security forces build that plan as to who will do what in Mosul, they're still working on that plan. And we're waiting for that planning result to be done. However they do it, we will provide the same type of support that we provide to those forces that are engaged in the fight. So if somebody is out in the isolation ring around the outside of the city, or somebody's entering into the city, we will provide the same

(AUDIO GAP)

COL. GARVER: All right. I'm hoping you guys can still hear me. And like I said, Bob, I missed the first part of your question, other than I know it was about the CIVCAS allegations, civilian casualties allegations in Manbij.

QUESTION: Thanks. I'll try that real briefly again. The CIVCAS question is, you referenced the July 20th strike and that it's been determined to be a credible allegation. Can you say whether there is either a specific number or a range of numbers? Can you hear me?

(AUDIO GAP)

COL. GARVER: Hey, not sure if you're done talking. Last thing we heard here was that we referenced the July 20th [sic 19th] strike, which is the first allegation we had received. That was the one that had the wildly differing sizes in the media of potentially how many civilians we had killed. I think the highest number I saw in open source reporting was 73, and then we had also seen numbers down to 10, 15 as well.

If your question was about that, then see if you can re-ask it.

QUESTION: I'll try just one more time. Are you -- did you find credible the allegation that there's 10 to 15 casualties? Is that what you found credible?

COL. GARVER: OK. So, still again, I didn't get it, but I'll -- I got enough, I think.

So what the credibility assessment does is it reviews the available evidence. And it says based on internal and external information that we have, things that we saw during the fight and things that we saw often in social media, sometimes in media reporting.

Do we have enough to warrant a formal investigation? In this case, the command doing the investigation said, yes, we think we have enough to warrant a formal investigation. And that is what has been initiated.

It's going to take some time to complete that investigation. But that is now in the formal investigation stage. For the army, we would call that a 15-6, or a commander's inquiry. But that is where we are right now.

Does that answer your question? Hopefully, it does.

CAPT. DAVIS: Good?

QUESTION: Yes, thanks.

CAPT. DAVIS: All right. Next to Courtney Kube.

QUESTION: Hi, Chris. One more on that.

How exactly is the formal investigation conducted? Does it include U.S. military officials on the ground in Manbij, or north of Manbij, where the strike occurred?

COL. GARVER: I don't have it. I just got it (inaudible) connected to -- the one you said was the right number.

All right. OK. Totally missed that last question. If you could ask that again, we'll see if we can do this. Otherwise, we're going to -- next time it cuts out, we're just going to call you guys on the phone.

QUESTION: OK. It's Courtney. I just wanted to ask one more on the July 20 investigation.

How is that conducted? Does it include U.S. military officials on the ground at the strike site?

COL. GARVER: Asking a question about July 20th [sic 19th], and then that stopped, then we lost the question.

So.

QUESTION: Chris, I'm just going to sing you a song here for a while.

(LAUGHTER)

Hey, hey, hey.

CAPT. DAVIS: (OFF-MIKE)

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

(CROSSTALK)

CAPT. DAVIS: Oh, yeah. OK, are you on, Chris? One, two, three, three, two, one? There we go (inaudible).

(CROSSTALK)

CAPT. DAVIS: We're not quite at the point where we're ready to announce a name, but that's possible. Yeah, right. It will be a senior leader from Afghanistan tomorrow morning. We'll let you know by the end of the day who.

Our apologies, again, on the delay.

OK. We see you. We don't see you. Do you hear us? Hello? Hello?

(CROSSTALK)

QUESTION: Chris, can you hear us? (inaudible) July 20 investigation.

(CROSSTALK)

CAPT. DAVIS: OK. We're seeing you again. Can you hear us? Nope.

(LAUGHTER)

Good grief. Sorry. Sorry, guys. Yeah, we may need to try this again. Hello? Hello? We've got you. We've got you visually.

COL. GARVER: (OFF-MIKE)

CAPT. DAVIS: Can you hear us? Testing one, two, three, three, two, one.

STAFF: (inaudible) is not picking up. So we can see him, but he can't hear us.

CAPT. DAVIS: He can't hear us?

STAFF: Yes, sir.

CAPT. DAVIS: Can we go -- let's either do point-to-point Skype or can we just get him on the phone? We can just move to DPO, even, if necessary.

STAFF: Skype difficulties (inaudible).

CAPT. DAVIS: Yeah, and I know that. They've got bandwidth problems today.

QUESTION: We've got WiFi (inaudible) on my phone.

CAPT. DAVIS: Yeah.

QUESTION: Facetime him.

(LAUGHTER)

(CROSSTALK)

QUESTION: Like Erdogan, Facetime the whole country.

CAPT. DAVIS: You're -- there you go, guys. How would you rate the overall quality of this call?

(LAUGHTER)

Anyone care to choose this for us?

QUESTION: Dear Skype, let me tell you...

CAPT. DAVIS: There you go.

(LAUGHTER)

(CROSSTALK)

QUESTION: Skype, that's how you all do it?

CAPT. DAVIS: That is how -- this is how we do it. All right.

QUESTION: You've got satellites, but you're...

CAPT. DAVIS: We do. We do.

QUESTION: An entire (inaudible).

CAPT. DAVIS: Yup.

QUESTION: (inaudible) I'm just saying.

CAPT. DAVIS: Not from Baghdad, I'll bet.

QUESTION: It's not a reflection ...

CAPT. DAVIS: Right.

QUESTION: It's not a reflection (inaudible).

CAPT. DAVIS: OK, guys. I know we're wasting your valuable time, here. We'll try to get to some sort of a solution.

(CROSSTALK)

(AUDIO GAP)

COL. GARVER: This is Colonel Garver. (inaudible)

QUESTION: Can you hear us, Chris?

CAPT. DAVIS: We are on phone-mode now, so Chris, can you hear us?

COL. GARVER: I can hear you fine. And if this doesn't work, I'm going to get carrier pigeons and write little answers on pieces of paper and send them your way.

CAPT. DAVIS: Over to Courtney now. Again, with apologies for the problems.

QUESTION: We've got nothing else going on.

So, one more on the July 20th investigation, Chris. How was the formal investigation conducted? Does that include U.S. military officials on the ground near Manbij where the strike occurred?

COL. GARVER: Well, most of the time most of these strikes occur in contested areas. And if a strike is in a contested area, clearly we're not on the ground doing that. The area in which the strike went into was (inaudible) at the time, and I can't even tell you today if there are any advisers down that close. I don't think the advisers are as close as that to get to the battlefield.

So they use other techniques to do the investigation. They do investigate all the materials that we have both from the public domain and our own internal materials. If the strike were in a place where we could get to it, we may be able to put U.S. investigators out there, but that isn't happening very often in this conflict.

QUESTION: The U.S. engineering team that went in on, I think you said July 20th as well, to help with the bridging issue. How many U.S. military was that? And when they -- you said they were there for several days. Where did they stay? Did they overnight at some Iraqi forward base?

COL. GARVER: It was a small team, you know, down to around 10 or less. It was not a big team of engineers. And our advise and assisting generally are kind of smaller teams like that. And no, they didn't stay on an Iraqi base. They were in and out with the unit, back to our base at Makhmor, at the (inaudible) base.

QUESTION: Breaking up when you were talking about these reception centers in Manbij ISIS has. And then you said something about sifting through materials. What did the U.S. -- what materials are you sifting through? I didn't see the connection between those two statements. I think we just missed it.

COL. GARVER: OK. So, and I'm asking this as a couple of weeks ago. In the fight -- into Manbij as we've seen the small siege to the small villages around it, as we've moved our isolation constriction ring around the city and into the center, they're then picking up materials, sensitive materials -- such as thumb drives, text books, notebooks, all sorts of materials off the battlefield.

They've gotten more than four terabytes of digital information off the battlefield as well; laptops, that sort of thing. It's that material that we're sifting through that we figured out that they ran several foreign fighter reception staging areas inside Manbij, that as a foreign fighter would enter, they would screen them, figure out what languages they speak, assign them a job and then send them down into wherever they were going to go, be it into Syria or Iraq, somewhere.

So, it was multiple reception centers inside the same city, inside the same area where they were farming these foreign fighters out as they came in.

QUESTION: And I'm sorry. Just one more, just to be clear. When you say, "we," you mean that the Syrians who were on the ground were collecting this information and providing it to the U.S., or was the U.S. actually there picking up this stuff?

COL. GARVER: Well, when I say, "we," I'm talking about the coalition is looking at this material, and it's done in conjunction with the folks that have pulled it out of the battlefield as well, that's physically taken off the battlefield.

QUESTION: OK. Thanks.

CAPT. DAVIS: Tara Coop next.

QUESTION: Hi. Thanks for hanging in there with us.

On the Manbij intel, have you seen any indications that some of the fighters that went through there were actually routed back to any of the recent Western targets that have been hit?

COL. GARVER: I don't have any specific lines of connection between, you know, a piece of information that we found on the ground and to something that has happened out, you know, in these attacks that have happened in other places.

Some of that information, if we had it, you know, we may be trying to exploit it from an intelligence perspective and we wouldn't go into great detail about that. Most of the time, if we wanted to talk about that, it would be after the intelligence has kind of dried up, and we're in a position -- we feel we're in a position to talk about it publicly.

So, we're not in a position to talk about any of that, but we wanted you to be aware of kind of what's coming off the battlefield at this time. But it's a lot of material, it's going to take a lot to go through, then start connecting the dots and trying to figure out where we can start dismantling ISIS all over from the information that we're finding up there.

QUESTION: So, a clarification, because I think we were going in an out at the time.

How many different sites were, was data collected from? And I realized you said there were four terabytes of data. Can you put that in terms of, like, how many laptops, or what, whether other type things were taken? Cameras, et cetera?

COL. GARVER: So, the total number of items that we've gathered so far has been more than 10,000.

I don't have a specific inventory number of all of those different items. Out of that 10,000, more than 10,000 items have been digital information that has come to more than four terabytes of information.

As the fight is still going on. I mean, we're still in the middle of Manbij fighting right now. But this is kind of, as they have, they encircle the city, and this is the material that they were pulling out of Manbij.

We've seen reflections, when we say "reflections," we've seen information that as we've gotten into the city, and the closer we've gotten in, several of the foreign fighters who were living in Manbij had rigged their houses as house-borne IEDs, which may have been an attempt to destroy the information that was kept inside or it may have been an attempt to kill, you know, SAC fighters, SDF fighters as they've come into the city.

But we've seen a more concentrated effort to, you know, like I said, rig houses as house-borne IEDs to try to destroy as they've lost terrain. Luckily, a lot of those have not gone off. As the fight has pushed into the city and ISIS has collapsed back in, Daesh has collapsed back into that center of the city as that fight is developing.

QUESTION: OK. And just one last one on the bridge engineering. You said this was the first time that U.S. personnel have been pushed down past the division level. What was the Iraqi security forces level they were pushed down into?

COL. GARVER: It was in, it was a battalion. They were down at the battalion headquarters level. There was a battalion that was putting in that bridge across the river.

QUESTION: Thank you.

CAPT. DAVIS: (OFF-MIKE)

COL. GARVER: It was the 72nd Iraqi Army Brigade.

QUESTION: Mine are pretty quick, Colonel. You mentioned the civilian -- the CIVCAS report being for an incident on July 20. I just want to clarify our first stories on that incident were from July 19 and the different organizations that reported it said it occurred on the 19, which was a Tuesday. You're not talking about a different incident.

Just to clarify, was it July 19 or July 20? And I have another one.

COL. GARVER: All right. Well, the -- when I was looking at the information today, it specifically said 20 but I will go back and check. I'll take that and go back and we'll clear that up.

QUESTION: And then on, you know, these fighters supported by the coalition who are gathering this data and kind of clearing it up, it's probably not like the most intuitive thing for them to -- you know, they're in the middle of very heavy fighting and it probably takes like some sort of training or special instruction to gather all these documents and know what's important and what's not.

Has the coalition like given them specific instructions or training in how to do that? And can you just kind of give some details on maybe how that worked?

COL. GARVER: Well, many of these are professional level fighters, professional level soldiers that are with the YPG, with the SDF, with the SAC, with the different organizations that are tied into this overall organization. There are some professional level fighters there.

Because of what we thought Manbij was, the advisers kind of described what we were looking for, what we wanted out of it and I think anybody can recognize a thumb drive and grab it, and if you find it, you know, (inaudible) that you've just gone into.

But they have -- but our advisers working with them said, "Hey, we think this is exactly what it is, a strategic hub where they're moving people and things in and out of Syria." So when they -- you know, working on the plan, they talked about this as a possibility, and so they were ready for this going in, looking for information.

CAPT. DAVIS: Cami McCormick.

QUESTION: Hi, Chris. It's Cami. Most of my questions have been asked already, but I just -- I'm going to do a quick follow-up here with the massive amounts of information or intel that you've gathered.

About how long do you estimate it will take to go through all of that? And even though you haven't gone through all of it, what kind of indication are you getting that this could have possibly a major impact on ISIS operations?

COL. GARVER: Hey, Cami. That's a great question.

I don't have an answer for it because it's -- like I said, it's a lot of information, a lot of different documents. They're going all the way up to textbooks. I mean, they found textbooks that have been re-written by Daesh to reflect high-end math and science problems, but the word problems are written into pro-Daesh language.

So they're going through all of this to try to understand more about Daesh. It's going to take a while. Most of it is in Arabic, if not all of it is in Arabic. And so they're going to take some time to do that. I don't really have, you know, an (inaudible).

But as I've found we're kind of alluding, we think this is a big deal in terms of the amount of information that we've gathered and what we're learning about how they ran Manbij as a strategic hub, with multiple reception centers. And anything that can connect us to external operations from Syria is a benefit to everybody. It benefits the whole global coalition that is working to counter ISIL's operations around the world.

(CROSSTALK)

QUESTION: Hi, Colonel. I wanted to ask you for a minute about Muqtada al-Sadr. He seems to have, according to the local reports, taken a more confrontational tone lately and made some remarks that might be interpreted as threats against U.S. forces. I was wondering if you could talk about that. Is that of any concern to the military leaders over there? And have you seen any kind of uptick in anti- American activity?

COL. GARVER: Well, we take force protection very seriously, as always. We are invited guests of the Iraqi security forces. We operate with the Iraqi security forces. We haven't seen anything other than the rhetoric you're referring to. We haven't seen anything physically in terms of upticks of threats against an American or any coalition. And I think some of the rhetoric has expanded out to some of our coalition partners now as well.

And really, you know, we're here fighting Daesh and helping them clear an enemy from their country. We're not -- you know, I don't know exactly why anybody would oppose that, really. So we're -- we are continuing our operations. Of course, we take all, you know, threats or potential threats seriously. We maintain force protection as we continue with operations. But as of right now, us and our Iraqi security force partners are operating as we have been. (CROSSTALK)

QUESTION: Hey, Sir. T.M. here.

Two questions, first one going back to the CIVCAS allegations. You talked about these two kind of tiers. You have the credibility assessment and the formal investigation. Just a quick question across Iraq and Syria, how many ongoing credibility assessments do you have in the CIVCAS allegations? And how many formal investigations do you have open?

And a little part of that, you know, you talk about how you don't have people on the ground assessing, for obvious reasons. Can you kind of talk about how the U.S. government of CENTCOM's procedure in looking at this is different than, say, some of the nonprofits that look into it primarily through social media and interviews with people in the area?

COL. GARVER: Again, I don't have the number of ongoing investigations, and asking Colonel Thomas down at CENTCOM may actually be faster, because they're the ones who manage that for the region. But we can take a look at that.

As we finish them, as you know, CENTCOM has released those results when we found them to be credible, and we feel we've committed -- killed -- actually killed civilians. We release that information, the results of those investigations. I don't know how many are open right now off the top of my head, and I'll go back to CENTCOM and we can check on that.

So, we have the same -- you know, it's something in social media. We have that, just as say, somebody in London has information about what's going on as well. And we -- often see that some of the nonprofits have information from people on the ground.

And often we would -- we'll ask. Hey, if somebody sends us that information, and we say, hey, we've got names of people that have been killed, put us in contact with those folks. And if we can interview them as part of the credibility assessment or part of the formal investigation, we will.

The other thing that they don't have that we do, is we know where our rounds hit. I mean, we know where we're shooting.

We go back and look at the -- you know, we have the -- you know, it's the information about where our rounds are going is all very accurate. And geospatially, you know, we know where we've shot.

Unless we have a round that goes -- you know, it has a malfunction, something happens along the way. And we know that at the time as well. We know that it -- you know, if the bomb has gone off course, we would know that at the time.

So, we have the public information, we take a look at that. But then we're also going to take a look at all our own material, and in -- and compare all of that, and see what we think we can come up with.

QUESTION: Got it. And the second part of that question, but first, if you have a ballpark for those investigations -- open investigations, that would be great.

And then the second part, going to Q-West. Do you -- is that counter-fire complex there open for business? And if so, how do you think it will affect the upcoming operations in and around Mosul?

COL. GARVER: Well -- the build out of Q-West (inaudible). The build out of Q-West is just starting.

When we have forces -- if we're going to put forces into that area, and once those forces are in, we may take them -- talk about that, just as we did at Makhmur. But there aren't those forces in place yet. And we're not going to talk about them as they're flowing in, as you know, you know, for force protection reasons, we're not going to do that.

But how that will impact, just as Makhmur did in this operation, it gives you an ability to shoot fires in support of a moving force. So, they don't have to use their artillery as they're moving forward. The stationary force can provide covering fire for them as they move.

But more importantly, what comes out of that base is the logistics hub that is set to bring the Iraqi forces in, stage them before they launch to Mosul. They do training, they do, you know, new equipping if necessary. They make sure that all their ammunition and supplies are leveled up, that they're -- they've got what they need.

They do final orders preparation, and any rehearsals that they need to do before they go.

So, just like we saw with the 15th Division as it pushed out of Makhmur, that base at Qayyarah West, will provide that life support set before they push forward.

The buyer's piece of it is a portion. It's important, but it's not the whole primacy for why we're going, it's not the whole reason we go there.

QUESTION: Got it. And just that last part about the ballpark number for open investigations and credibility assessments? I know you said you didn't have it off the top of your head, but any kind of range would be helpful.

COL. GARVER: Yeah. We have -- let me go back and (inaudible). Like I said, they manage that, and so, I don't have the exact number. I don't want to give something wrong.

So, we'll go back and check on that. And I'll get it back to the Pentagon.

CAPT. DAVIS: And next, we're over to Kevin Baron.

QUESTION: Hey, Chris. Kevin here.

Two questions, one on Manbij. What's the latest of who among the groups in the coalition are going to be taking the lead, or already are taking the lead in stability ops, once they take these areas as they keep moving in, you know, closer and closer to the center?

And is there any kind of, you know, coordinated plan for who's going to run that place when it is -- when it finally falls? If you can give us any kind of, you know, insight to that process at the top levels?

QUESTION: Second to that is preparations for after Mosul (inaudible) on the shift from -- and today's (inaudible) attacks and IEDs, you know, another large truck bomb in Syria today. What's the latest assessment of the worry about those threats? And what are you guys doing to kind of mitigate that before going into Mosul?

COL. GARVER: OK. Good questions.

The first one on Manbij, there is a council, I believe the name of it is the military -- the Manbij Military Council, but I'll go back and check to make sure that that's the right name. But they're the ones looking at stabilization beyond.

But I'll tell you right now, that is a tough fight. Nobody's looking beyond that fight right now. We've got to get through that fight, you know, we think that the SAC will be successful, but as we understand the plan, that it will be primarily the local Syrian Arabs who are running that afterward and the Syrian Arab coalition that will take the lead on that.

But let me -- before I go too far into kind of their plan, we would need to go back and make sure that we're using all the right words. So we can go back and check on that.

The stabilization of Mosul, it's on the minds of the Iraqis, it's on the mind of the NGOs and the United Nations and it's on the mind of the coalition, and so we are talking about that right now or kind of the post-Mosul stabilization. We don't want to -- if there's any planning to be done or anything we can move in in advance, we the coalition recommend that that happen before the battle of Mosul even takes place.

What comes out of that in terms of the threat level, you know, we have left to see. We've seen them shift tactics in certain areas to go more towards suicide attack, more towards the insurgent terrorist attack as opposed to militarily trying to stand up and fight against the Iraqi security forces, in which they are generally not successful when they -- when they do that.

In -- where -- you know -- and like you said, we've seen in Baghdad where those attacks have been successful and they've been able to kill civilians -- and we saw that reporting of that truck bomb up in northeastern Syria today as well. That looked pretty horrific when that bomb went off. As we know, insurgences are tough to fight and trying to prevent an individual from causing harm is a tough thing. The best thing you can is once you've cleared the area, is win the population to your side and then your information -- the population's information hopefully roots these people out of your neighborhoods -- out of the neighborhoods in which they're operating and we can go in and kind of clear those areas out.

But it is a tough fight to go -- when they -- when the enemy goes back to insurgent tactics, you know, there's -- clearly, there's -- there is advantages to insurgency when you're facing a conventional force. That's why insurgents use those tactics, because they're difficult to combat and they only have to get lucky once and we have to be right every time.

But the Iraqi army started this conventional fight. There's still conventional fight left to do in Iraq and once the conventional fight is done and they've secured all the areas and kind of pushed Daesh out of the area, then they're going to have to watch for that insurgency fight to develop afterwards.

Potentially going to take a long time and a lot work to keep it -- the population secure. As we see around the world, it takes a long time and a lot of work to keep the populations of all of our countries secure.

QUESTION: Thanks, Chris.

To follow, so have there been any changes to U.S. force composition that are the plans to bring new folks in to deal with the insurgent threat that's expected yet?

Or are you saying that that -- you earlier said that may have already been part of the -- part of the original plan? Or is there any shift -- any consideration of shifting because of Baghdad lately and because of the IEDs have kind of been on the rise?

COL. GARVER: We are still organized in our campaign to defeat Daesh militarily in Iraq and Syria. The only changes to force structure have been about maintaining that momentum of those plans, as we saw with the 560 additional folks that will come in to build-out the Qayyarah West airbase in preparation for the attack on Mosul.

Any kind of follow-on force or any kind of an agreement between the coalition and the Iraqis would come after that fight. And we are very much focused on the fight today. I'm trying to win that fight first, if that makes sense, and that's pretty far down the road, I think, to kind of be looking at that right now.

QUESTION: Thanks.

CAPT. DAVIS: And then a quick followup from Tara Copp before we sign off.

QUESTION: Just two quick followups. Can you describe for us about how much of Manbij has been recovered at this point? And then to get to the example you used on the textbooks, did it surprise you that the Islamic State has, even though it's only two years old, has been able to seep in as deeply as rewriting textbooks?

COL. GARVER: First, we think about 50 percent. I mean, the assessment we have is about 50 percent of the city has been retaken. But as -- and I've described it before, but this is how the tactics are still kind of unfolding. And unlike what we've seen before, as we saw in Fallujah where they kind of cleared out of the center, as the fighting comes in, the foreign fighters, Daesh, the bad guys, are then collapsing into the center, which continually reinforces their positions.

So as you control less terrain, you control less frontage, you can (inaudible) your fire is better. It makes the defense tougher. So as that gets into the center, that fighting has gotten tougher and that continues to develop. That's why the pace has been -- that's why the pace has been so slow, so deliberate. They're trying to do that carefully.

The enemy is fighting very hard. They're putting snipers in minarets, in mosques. They've got machine guns. They've got IEDs all over the place, as we know they do. We've seen these tactics that they're using.

The second piece is in terms of being surprised about the amount of information that they have. I don't know that we were surprised. I think it just goes to show how the self-proclaimed caliphate is not like any other organization we've dealt with before. It's not about developing textbooks on how to conduct attacks. These are textbooks on how to control the lives of everybody that's inside it and how everyone should live their life. And how if you don't live your life that way, you're an enemy of the state -- of the so-called, self-proclaimed state.

They certainly were industrious in being able to put able to put all these aspects into their governance. But I think it just gain gets back to why we have to defeat them. This is unlike any other organization that we've fought before, and with this sort of totalitarian attempt to control everything, it poses a significant threat not just to the people inside, but everybody that they want to expand out to as well.

CAPT. DAVIS: All right. And with that, we will conclude here. Thank you again, Chris, for your time, and apologies to everybody for the technical problems we had earlier.

Again, I do want to remind you at 10:40 here, we expect the Secretary live on defense.gov from Fort Bragg.

Thanks.

COL. GARVER: Thanks, everybody. Apologize for the technical issues. We'll continue to try to work it.

END

[Eds: The strike in question related to civilian casualties near Manbij, Syria, occurred on July 19th ]

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/873622/

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter July 27, 2016

Remarks by Secretary Of Defense Ash Carter in a Media Availability

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER: ... am to be back again at Fort Bragg.

Been here many times. So much that Fort Bragg does for our country, so many missions essential our security that are accomplished here at Fort Bragg. And so I -- I've been thanking the troops here, but I also want to thank the community for their support of this essential installation.

I was just speaking to troopers from the XVIII Airborne Corps, one of the elements headquartered here at Bragg, which I'm now asking - we are asking - to do two big jobs at the same time. First, to continue to be our emergency response force, our Global Response Force because we are a global country with global responsibilities, but also, today, their headquarters will take command of the important campaign to defeat and destroy ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

I have tremendous confidence in the command team that will take over the war there. Led by Lieutenant General Stephen J. Townsend. I have known him for a long time. I have complete confidence in his exceptional abilities.

And he's got a great staff that's going with him. They know the area very well. They are very well acquainted with and briefed on the steps we've taken in the campaign so far. And I am confident that they will bring us closer to what I'm confident will occur, which is the lasting defeat of ISIL.

I'll also meet with today with our Joint Special Operations Command, another critical national element located here at Fort Bragg. While I can't tell you much about what we will be discussing there, I can just say that they like the other elements here at Bragg are essential to our security. We count on them every single day in ways that not everyone can see, but everyone can feel in the protection it affords to them around the world.

Once again, I thank everyone - the folks here who have hosted while I've been here, but above all, the community for supporting this tremendous installation.

With that, let me go - Peter you...

STAFF: (off-mike). Gilbert, go ahead.

Q: Mr. Secretary, the President just got additional information from General Townsend that we need to not lessen the numbers of troops in Afghanistan and maintain a certain number there. What are other Generals telling and what are you thinking that we need to do in order to defeat ISIL? Is there anything that you've seen that will guide us to lead the role of training the Iraqi Forces to send combat units in to actually (inaudible).

SEC. CARTER: Well first of all, we talk about that everyday of every week. And I'm sure I'll be talking to General Townsend very frequently, just like I speak to General MacFarland today. Chairman Dunford and I do - General Votel is our CENTCOM Commander, and of course we talk to the President all the time about this.

And the general answer to your question is are we prepared to do more to accelerate the campaign and defeat ISIL? The answer to that is yes. And I think you have seen that over the last five months.

Just a couple of weeks ago in Baghdad, I announced an additional contingent of U.S. forces. Now with respect to what they're doing there, I'll just remind you that our overall strategic approach in Iraq and Syria, is to enable victory by capable motivated local forces, and not try to substitute for them. Because they need to make the victories stick after the victory is won, and only local forces can do that. We can help them and we are helping them, but our overall strategic approach is that.

That said, that is very difficult duty. It's a duty that only America and its coalition partners have the power and the acumen to accomplish. And it should be clear that it puts our folks in harms way. There is no doubt about it.

And there's no more important responsibility for me as secretary of defense than to put our people in harm's way.

We do that advisedly. Force protection is a very important aspect of things to us. But nobody should be in any doubt that forces that are participating in this campaign are at risk, despite the strategic approach that I said is -- is to enable local forces.

Q: (inaudible) Mr. Secretary, (inaudible) talk about your concerns about the stabilization and reconstruction effort that would follow onto any defeat of ISIL in Mosul or Raqqah. And you talked about the need for the international community to be involved in that.

But do you see a role for U.S. civilian contractors to take part in those efforts, much as they've done in the past in Iraq and Afghanistan?

SEC. CARTER: I do think that much of the reconstruction effort will be done by -- under civil authorities. That is, not Department of Defense, but other parts of the U.S. government, but very importantly, the international community and the United Nations. Much of their activity is done through contractors. Some of those are Americans, who have a lot of experience, by the way, after 15 years of -- of heavy involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the region.

That's going to be a big job. That's not a principally American job. We will play a role in it, but remember the -- the more than $2 billion that we -- in pledges that we got last week will mostly be executed through civilian agencies and frequently they'll use contractors to do that. So absolutely.

Q: Sir, one of the things that struck me about this visit and (inaudible) is almost a schizoid nature. In this very corps, we had paratroopers going into Poland for a NATO exercise, and we have the corps HQ going into the Mideast for a COIN (Inaudible) CT (inaudible).

You yourself spend (inaudible) a big chunk of your time waging war on ISIS and a big chunk with things like Third Offsets, (inaudible). They're all very great power- focused.

Is there any way to cross-pollinate these? To leverage, you know, these very experienced officers with all these years of post- 9/11 experience, for perhaps the (inaudible) or hybrid threats we see from big powers? Is there any way to leverage from this technology, like even the F-35, which (inaudible), for the so-called low end point.

SEC. CARTER: Well, first of all, you're right. We're busy, because we have the counter-ISIL campaign to win, which we will do. But in Europe, which you mentioned, we are standing with our NATO allies against aggression, both the traditional sort of aggression, and then what you called hybrid warfare, which is the "little green men" phenomenon you saw in Ukraine.

We're standing for principle and continued security in the Asia Pacific, which is where half of humanity lives and half of the economic activity of the world is. We stand tall every single day on the Korean peninsula. People forget that -- North Korea, the DMZ; with respect to Iran, and Iran's malign influence in the Gulf.

So we have lots of things that we have to do and pay attention to. And we have today and we have tomorrow. So I need to be making sure that we're successful and that I support our folks in what they have to do today, but we also have to think 10, 20 years ahead and make sure that we remain the finest fighting force the world has ever known. That means having the best technology and the best people for tomorrow.

So the answer is we've got to do the whole world and we've got to do today and tomorrow. But the -- the people you saw here in this room, they're capable of all that. When I talk about the global response force, which Steve Townsend has been and remains responsible for, that really is a global response force.

And he uses the same forces -- we do have forces that are -- that are very flexible in their capabilities, and the training of the people who are in this room is really quite broad. They're trained from high spectrum, high-end of the combat spectrum right down to what is called the lower end, but which is still dangerous counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and so forth.

And then finally, as -- it's a long answer, but it was a big question. They're also very good at enabling other militaries, and that's going to be one of their principal functions, training, advising, assisting in giving the high-end stuff to forces that don't have it and need it, like Iraqi forces that are approaching Mosul.

STAFF: Back over to you, sir.

Q: We all know now that the threat of ISIS is extending outside of the Middle East. I think the third point on your (inaudible) talking about supporting law enforcement, strengthening Homeland Security. Can you expand on that a little bit...

SEC. CARTER: Sure.

Q: ... and talk to me about what that looks like?

SEC. CARTER: Yeah, absolutely can.

Obviously, the -- the lead for protecting American people within the United States is law enforcement -- state, local and federal -- and the Department of Homeland Security and our intelligence community, but we do support them as the Department of Defense.

We support them in, for example, the air defense of the country. We support them in deploying troops to major events that could be targets for terrorist activity. We support them if and when something catastrophic happens, a natural disaster or hypothetically a major attack on the United States.

So we're -- there are lots of different ways that we support them. So we're not in the lead there as we are in a -- in a, you know, theater of war in that way. But it's very much on our mind and General Lori Robinson, who's the commander of our Northern Command, she does this every day, pays attention to the defense of North America. That's her mission in the same way that General Votel's CENT Command, Central Command, is for the Middle East.

Lori's got North America. She's got us. She's extremely capable and that's what she does every day.

STAFF: Got time for two more, sir, (inaudible).

Q: Yes, sir. Are there specific accelerant capabilities that you expect General Townsend and his troops to bring to the fight (inaudible)?

SEC. CARTER: I think the whole suite. They are cross-trained in everything. So Steve will have the air war, the cyber war, the space war, the ground war, the training, logistics, equipment, force protection, the whole deal.

SEC. CARTER: And one of the important things that we did in establishing the command that General Townsend will fill is precisely that, put everything underneath that commander. So whatever he needs, he'll get, whatever is over there, he is in charge of.

And in today's campaign against an enemy like ISIL, it runs the whole spectrum, all the way from - you know, air power to cyber.

Q: Sir, last week during the counter-ISIL meetings, there is a lot of discussion on building up the Iraqi troops specifically for retaking Mosul. If I recall correctly, that includes building up six brigades for that operation. Where are we in the process of building up those troops? Is there any kind of update as to where we are with those coalition...

SEC. CARTER: Sure, let me give you the outlines then I send you over to General MacFarland and then ultimately, General Townsend for the details.

But it is exactly as you say. There are Iraqi Army Brigades trained and equipped, and most of them have been done that - have gone through their training already but not all of them by the United States and our coalition partners. Mostly in southern Iraq.

They are in the process of relocating northern Iraq, that is where Makhmour, and Qayyarah West, and those locations that you hear about commend. They are the staging areas in the southern approaches to Mosul, that they will use for the southern most envelopment.

You did mention, and it might have, and I'm sure you know, that in addition there are Peshmerga brigades from the north. It is organized, trained by the coalition in agreement between Prime Minister Abadi and President Barzani that will make the northernmost part of this pincer movement on Mosul.

So the training and equipping of all of those forces, all of that is going on schedule. The positioning of them will go on schedule. And that will lead to the envelopment of Mosul and ultimately, to the collapse of ISIL's control over Mosul. You have got exactly what -- those are, the parts.

And of course that's been underway for quite some time.

Q: (inaudible).

SEC. CARTER: Sorry, I want to answer one other thing. And also of course the Iraqi Special Forces which have been - they will also be trained and equipped -- enable, assist, and advise them. And then also with the Iraqi government, local police forces, which are important because I was emphasizing the need for the Iraqis to be able to hold territory, keep the peace, and keep ISIL out once we've beaten them and thrown them out.

And that only they can do. And so training local police forces is a critical part of the overall mission.

Thank you. Thanks all. Thank you very much everybody for being here.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/873852/

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Trump Suggests Russia Should Hack U.S. Election Rival Clinton's E-Mail

July 27, 2016

by Mike Eckel

WASHINGTON -- Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has suggested Russia should hack the e-mails of his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, eliciting widespread disbelief and fueling further fears about the prospect of a foreign government meddling in the U.S. election.

Speaking one day after Democratic convention delegates formally chose Clinton to be their candidate, Trump also said that, if elected, he would reconsider U.S. sanctions against Russia for its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

Clinton's campaign responded to Trump's remarks about her e-mails, accusing him of encouraging Russia to spy on the United States and meddle in U.S. politics.

"I will tell you this: Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 e-mails that are missing," Trump told reporters during the televised news conference. "I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press. Let's see if that happens."

While Trump treated the matter rather flippantly, saying that he sees no problem if Russia or China hack U.S. political e-mails and leak them, his vice presidential running mate Mike Pence said it's a "serious" matter and he expects the FBI to get to the bottom of it.

"If it is Russia, and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences," Pence said.

Clinton's chief foreign policy adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Trump's invitation to Russia "has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent."

"This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue," Sullivan said.

Clinton has been under fire for months after a congressional investigation discovered that she had been using a private e-mail server to handle classified and unclassified correspondence while serving as secretary of state. She later apologized for the decision.

The "30,000" figure mentioned by Trump refers to the correspondence that Clinton said she deleted from the private server because she considered them personal.

'Extremely Careless'

The FBI has investigated whether Clinton or her aides broke any laws concerning the handling of classified secrets. Last month, the bureau's director announced that no criminal charges would be filed, but also excoriated her as being "extremely careless."

Trump's comments come in the wake of a massive leak of e-mail correspondence among party officials, released on the eve of the convention, that Democrats have suggested were caused by hackers with links to the Russian state.

The e-mails, which derided Clinton's Democratic opponent, Bernie Sanders, sparked outrage among Sanders' supporters. The party's chairwoman stepped aside after they were published by Wikileaks on July 22.

The e-mails released so far only deal with Democratic party deliberations; there is no indication that any came from Clinton's private e-mail server.

Attention has shifted in recent days to the source of the leak, with U.S. intelligence officials and private security researchers saying it was likely orchestrated by the Russian intelligence agencies.

The Democratic Party first reported last month that its servers had been breached. The alleged cyberattack that resulted in the leaked e-mails is being investigated by the FBI.

Trump suggested that there would be nothing wrong with Russia or another foreign power gaining access to the e-mails and revealing their content.

"No, it gives me no pause," the celebrity businessman said. "If Russia or China or any of those country gets those e-mails, I've got to be honest with you, I'd love to see them."

The four-day Democratic convention got off to a rocky start on July 25 when the chairwoman was forced to step aside following a massive leak of e-mail correspondence among party officials, released on the eve of the convention.

The e-mails, which derided Clinton's Democratic opponent, Bernie Sanders, sparked outrage among Sanders' supporters.Those released so far only deal with Democratic Party deliberations; there is no indication any came from Clinton's private e-mail server.

Smoking Gun?

Attention has shifted in recent days to the source of the leak, with U.S. intelligence officials and private security researchers saying it was likely orchestrated by the Russian intelligence agencies.

The hack, which was first reported by the Democratic Party last month, is being investigated by the FBI.

In a widely discussed analysis published on the legal blog Lawfare, a former lawyer for the National Security Agency said the publicly available evidence appeared to back that up.

"Paired with the technical indicators, the sum total of evidence is about as close to a smoking gun as can be expected where a sophisticated nation state is involved," the lawyer, Susan Hennessey, wrote in the post published July 25.

In an interview with NBC News July 27, President Barack Obama suggested that Russian meddling in the U.S. election was a possibility.

"What we do know is that the Russians hack our systems, not just government systems but private systems," he said.

"What the motives were in terms of the leaks, I can't say directly," he said, but "anything is possible."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on July 27 denied the allegations, telling reporters that U.S. politicians were "paranoid."

"President Putin has repeatedly said that Russia has never interfered and does not interfere in internal affairs, especially in the electoral processes of other countries," Peskov said.

Trump, who has made positive comments about Putin during the campaign, said on July 27 that Putin "has much better leadership qualities than Obama."

He has openly called for mending relations with Moscow, which have sunk to Cold War lows over Ukraine, Syria, and other issues.

During the news conference, Trump was also asked about the question of sanctions that the administration levied on Russia in 2014, after Russia annexed Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that is home to strategic Russian military base.

The Kremlin has pushed hard, in Washington and other Western capitals, to lift the sanctions, which helped push Russia's economy into recession last year, and have severely crimped growth this year.

"We'll be looking at that," Trump responded.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/u-s- trump-russia-find-clinton-s- missing-e-mails/27884748.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Root causes of Boko Haram threat in Lake Chad Basin must be tackled - UN political chief

27 July 2016  To bring an end to the Boko Haram threat in the Lake Chad Basin region, affected countries must address the root causes that contributed to the emergence of the group, including the social, economic and political grievances of marginalized communities, the top United Nations political affairs official said today.

"A military approach, while essential, will not bring end to the Boko Haram threat," Jeffrey Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told the Security Council in his briefing on peace and security in Africa.

He said the Boko Haram crisis must be addressed holistically and beyond "an exclusively security lens" and that Lake Chad Basin countries  Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria  need international support so that military operations are followed by stabilization measures and restoration of state authority.

Attacks by Boko Haram continue, mainly in north-eastern Nigeria and southern Niger, and to a lesser extent, in northern Cameroon and the Lac region of Chad, he said. Terrorists persist in targeting innocent civilians, including through suicide attacks, often using young children. Despite commendable regional efforts, the group continues to threaten regional stability, as illustrated by the 3 June attack on a military base in Bosso town, south-eastern Niger.

The regional offensive involving Chadian, Cameroonian, Nigerian and Nigerien troops operating under the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has recaptured 80 per cent of areas once under Boko Haram control, freed thousands of captives and prevented terrorist attacks.

Mr. Feltman said, however, that Lake Chad Basin countries have expressed their growing impatience over delays by international partners to support the MNJTF financially, as the Force's success depends on timely and actionable intelligence as well as specialized counter-terrorism skills and equipment, given the evolving tactics of Boko Haram.

The UN and the five countries from the Sahel  Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger  will together produce the outline of a capacity building framework for counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, including concrete regional projects, he said.

The Second Regional Security Summit for the Lake Chad Basin held on 14 May in Abuja, reaffirmed the need to address the root causes. Among the noteworthy recommendations was the need to utilize the services of community and religious leaders to discourage impressionable youth from being radicalized and to lead de-radicalization programmes.

On the human rights front, Mr. Feltman said the UN has received reports of increased incidents of sexual and gender-based violence among the displaced. States must adopt measures to protect civilians and respect due process when dealing with persons arrested for Boko Haram-related charges. Children used by Boko Haram should be treated as victims and dealt with in accordance with international standards for juvenile justice.

The Boko Haram crisis has devastated the region's economy, he went on. Economic growth dropped sharply with the decline of oil prices and other commodities. Decreasing resources affects the states' ability to deliver basic social services and to pay the salaries of security forces and civil servants.

Insecurity has disrupted trade routes between Chad and Nigeria, interrupting the supply of basic goods and producing price hikes. Youth unemployment is at a worrisome high, providing recruitment ground for Boko Haram, Mr. Feltman noted.

Also briefing the Council was Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, who stressed the need to urgently strengthen international attention on the "neglected" situation in the Lake Chad Basin, which hosts Africa's fastest growing displacement crisis.

Across the Lake Chad Basin, the UN estimates that over nine million people need humanitarian assistance, he said. About 2.8 million of these people have been displaced, fleeing violent attacks in their towns and villages. Children are particularly vulnerable, especially the 1.7 million children who have been displaced across the Lake Chad Basin.

Nigeria is bearing the brunt of the crisis, he noted. Nigeria accounts for seven million of the nine million people in need across the Lake Chad Basin. Last month, the Nigerian authorities rightly declared a nutrition emergency for Borno state. Direct reports from the field indicate that affected communities are rapidly running out of food.

"We have no time to lose: the lean season, which puts millions in this region at real risk of hunger and malnutrition each year across the Lake Chad Basin, has already started," Mr. O'Brien said. "If we do not act now, the human suffering will only get more extreme."

In Niger, one single attack by Boko Haram left over 70,000 people displaced in Bosso town in June this year, bringing the total number of displaced people in the Diffa region to over 160,000. Niger is the poorest country in the world; yet despite living on virtually nothing, families there have welcomed the displaced into their homes, and shared their meagre supplies of food and water with the newcomers.

The UN humanitarian chief also said that needs are also dire in Chad's Lac region, where there are over 60,000 registered displaced persons, and tens of thousands who have not yet been registered.

In the Far North region of Cameroon, which has been under a state of emergency and lock-down for security reasons, the number of people in need of immediate food assistance has quadrupled since June 2015, to over 200,000 today, and the total number of internally displaced persons has increased in the same period to around 190,000.

Humanitarian actors have been scaling up their assistance, despite a dangerous operating environment. It is urgent to complement their efforts with increased development assistance.

"We all know that the humanitarian response in itself is insufficient to re-establish people's lives and livelihoods," he said, stressing the need to move from delivering aid to 'ending need,' a crucial outcome for the World Humanitarian Summit. That means that, in parallel to providing life-saving assistance and protection, political actors must address the root causes of the violence, and development partners must address the drivers of vulnerability across this region.

The means to support the humanitarian response in northeast Nigeria, and throughout the Lake Chad Basin, does not match the staggering scale of need, he said, noting that the 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan for Nigeria is only 28 per cent funded, while those of Niger, Cameroon and Chad are similarly under-funded. He appealed again to Member States to increase their contributions to the ongoing humanitarian operation "rapidly, now."

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Syrian Civilian Casualty Claims Found Credible

by Carla Babb July 27, 2016

The United States military has started a formal investigation into what officials are calling credible claims of civilian casualties from a U.S.-led coalition airstrike in Manbij, Syria.

Speaking to reporters from Baghdad, Col. Chris Garver said the initial U.S. assessment of allegations into civilian casualties proved the allegations are credible enough to warrant the investigation.

Syrian rights groups have claimed a coalition airstrike in Manbij on July 19 killed civilians, with the reported death toll ranging from about 10 to several dozen.

According to the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition, the Syrian Arab Coalition, or SAC, called in an airstrike against IS buildings and vehicles after observing a convoy of armed IS fighters who appeared to be readying for a counterattack against SAC troops who were nearby. Only after the strike did the U.S.-led coalition receive reports from sources indicating there may have been civilians in the area.

Col. Garver said the formal investigation could include interviewing victims' family members or witnesses that have spoken with rights groups and comparing that information with coalition knowledge on where and when they carried out strikes.

More allegations

The military is also assessing the credibility of a second allegation of civilian casualties, this one from a July 23 strike on a village east of Manbij.

"That credibility assessment is still ongoing," Garver said. The coalition has conducted more than 520 airstrikes in support of the SAC push to reclaim Manbij from Islamic State fighters.

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NORAD, Northcom, Mexican Air Force Coordinate on Illicit-Flight Exercise

By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 27, 2016  The early morning call came through the command center here near Peterson Air Force Base today: a simulated illicit flight was heading out of the United States to Mexico.

"We have at least two individuals on a watch list, with cash and weapons destined for Merida, Mexico," the Transportation Security Administration representative at NORAD and U.S. Northern Command said on the call. "Aircraft is currently south of Corpus Christi, 10 miles heading south."

The U.S. government monitored the flight over the skies of Texas, before handing off the tracking to Mexico as the flight entered Mexican airspace.

The live-fly event was part of Amalgam Eagle 16, a tactical exercise between the United States and Mexico, aimed at strengthening information sharing and response cooperation for real-life scenarios, North American Aerospace Defense Command and Northcom officials said.

U.S., Mexico Strengthen Cooperation, Partnership

In the command center, communications in English and Spanish wafted through the air, as U.S. officials and members of the Mexican air force tracked the movement of the illicit flight.

"Two minutes until interception," according to the information coming in from Mexico in real time. And then a message later from the command center here: "Merida confirms [target of interest] landed at 1521Z."

In the afternoon, the same plane headed back from Mexico to the United States, this time with Mexico monitoring the flight and then handing off the tracking to the United States.

Cooperation Critical in Complex Exercise

Participants were in federal agency locations in the United States and in command centers here and in Mexico City. U.S. agency participants included U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The simulated real-world scenario was complex and involved many moving parts, explained Joseph Bonnet, the director of joint training and exercises for NORAD and Northcom.

"Amalgam Eagle is important because it is a mechanism to build trust and mutual confidence for the United States and Mexico," he said at the conclusion of today's events.

"It also has served to improve our partner's capacity and capabilities and broaden their participation across their interagency and whole of government," Bonnet said, adding "that makes us all stronger."

The exercise highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation, and intelligence sharing and coordination with partners in the defense of the homeland, Bonnet said. Mexico is an important partner in that mission, as is Canada, he noted.

Bonnet noted the Amalgam Eagle exercise, now in its third year, has grown each year, with Mexico taking responsibility for about half of the exercise this year.

A NORAD and Northcom official pointed out how interoperability of communications systems was key in the exercise, allowing the United States and Mexico to communicate in two languages.

Those systems are vital in exercises like this and in real-world scenarios, as those programs can be applied in a number of languages to allow for communications with other international partners, the official pointed out.

Protecting the Homeland

The exercise proved valuable experience in working with partners both in the United States and in Mexico, said Air Force Lt. Col. Chris Power, the deputy division chief of NORAD operations support.

"Mexico shares a border with the U.S., a very critical border, so it is important to us to keep up good relations with our partners to the south," Power said.

He pointed out that during this exercise, Mexico used some new communication tools for the first time. It was a great opportunity to practice information sharing, he said.

"Personally, it is good to see that our Mexican partners are just as passionate about defending the homelands as we are, as well as our partner to the north in Canada," he said.

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Turkey Closes Scores of Media Outlets, Dismisses 2,400 Soldiers, Officers

by VOA News July 27, 2016

Turkey announced the dismissal of more than 2,400 military personnel Wednesday and shut down scores of media outlets in what appeared to be a widening crackdown following the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

At least one journalist was taken into custody and arrest warrants were issued for nearly 50 former members of the editorial staff of the country's largest daily, Zaman. The U.S. State Department said such moves against news media represent a "troubling trend."

State-run and private news outlets in Turkey reported 45 daily newspapers have been ordered to shut down, along with three news agencies and 16 television companies. Arrest warrants were issued earlier for 42 individual journalists, 16 of whom are already in custody.

Wednesday's developments are likely to increase concern among rights groups and Turkey's Western allies about the extent of the purge President Erdogan has ordered in the aftermath of the coup attempt on July 15-16.

Most of the newly issued arrest warrants were targeted at journalists allegedly affiliated with the U.S.-based Muslim cleric whom the Erdogan government claims was the mastermind of the attempt to overturn failed coup earlier this month.

Zaman, which was placed under state control four months ago, had been closely connected with the movement led by U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. Since March the newspaper has taken a strongly pro-government stance in its reporting.

The crackdown on journalists comes as part of a wider purge of government officials and academic leaders following the coup, which left nearly 300 people dead.

A Turkish-American association has expressed deep concerns about events in Turkey's universities and mass suspension of faculty deans, and has urged government leaders to elevate democracy and academic freedom in the country.

In a statement posted Wednesday on its website, the Turkish-American Scientists and Scholars Association (TASSA) said it is very worried about "the long-term adverse impact that recent events might have on higher education, academic freedom, and scientific advancement in Turkey." The group said it hopes "normalcy is achieved very soon" and that "the deans are reinstated."

The scholars' reaction followed a statement by the Council of Higher Education of Turkey which said that "decisions limiting the fundamental rights and liberties are made in case of state of emergency." The Council said it agrees with rectors who asked the deans to step aside temporarily, during investigations into the coup.

"It is very likely most of the universities will be able to reinstate their deans back to their duties once the review process is completed," the statement said.

Turkish media reported last week that the country's higher education board demanded the resignations of 1,577 university deans, while the education ministry had fired 15,200 teachers across the country.

Authorities at the interior ministry dismissed nearly 9,000 employees, it has been reported, and the finance ministry fired 1,500 people. Hundreds more were fired in the religious affairs directorate, the family and social policy ministry and the prime minister's office.

In total, about 10,000 Turkish officials have been detained and another 50,000 have been suspended in less than two weeks.

Some material for this report came from AP, AFP and Reuters.

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Averett University will start an aviation program partnership with Piedmont Airlines beginning in the fall semester, the school announced Thursday.

This is such an exciting opportunity for our aviation students, Travis Williams, chief flight instructor, said in a news release. To start at Averett as freshmen, and flow all the way through to eventually becoming American Airlines pilots, is a unique opportunity for our qualifying students, and one that provides stability and job security.

The cadet program partnership will allow future pilots a guaranteed career pathway to Piedmont and its owner American Airlines. The program will allow cadets to become a cadet instructor, then eventually a Piedmont pilot, and finally a pilot with American Airlines.

Other benefits include a bonus for every 100 hours of flight time and $15,000 once students transition to Piedmont.

Our students are excited for this sort of career trajectory, and weve already had one student to interview with Piedmont, Williams said.

To complete the program, aeronautics majors will need to interview with the program after achieving their Private Pilot certificate, as well as complete 500 hours of flight time. The cadet program will provide students with both tuition reimbursement and conditional employment.

We are honored to have Averett University partner with us in our cadet program, Lyle Hogg, Piedmont president/CEO, said in a news release. This program is a great opportunity for prospective pilots because it provides selected cadets with financial assistance, career stability and growth within the airline industry.

In 2015, the aviation program began a partnership with the United States Marine Corps, which allows students to graduate as an officer after taking part in summer training exercises.

Averetts aviation program offers both an aeronautics degree and Federal Aviation Association-certified certificates for private pilots, commercial pilots, flight instructors and instrument rating. Degrees options include both concentrations in aviation business and flight operations.
Were going to purchase a portable lighting system and a digital camera. [The] camera would be for documentation of fire scenes, and both would be used for fire investigations, Kelly said.

Fires are the leading cause of property damage in the United States, and FM Global hopes to help prevent fires through its Fire Prevention Grant Program. The company awards grants to fire departments, government and community organizations worldwide that best demonstrate a need for funding, where dollars can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause, according to a news release.
CHATHAM  Pittsylvania County sheriffs deputy Truman Moore remembers hearing a loud bang hitting his patrol vehicle last September.

It wasnt an animal or an object. It was a bullet, just below the windshield on the passengers side, Moore testified. I was almost killed.

The shooter, Ronald Edward Clark Sr., 67, was sentenced to 43 years for attempted capital murder, maliciously shooting at a police vehicle and use of a firearm in commission of a felony Wednesday morning in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court.

Pittsylvania County Circuit Judge Clyde H. Purdue Jr. suspended 34 years from Clarks sentence, for an active nine year prison sentence.

On Sept. 25 at 1:30 a.m., Moore arrived at a Rocksprings Road residence to issue a protective order related to a domestic assault, according to court records.

Moore testified he announced who he was two to three times. He got into his patrol vehicle and began to drive away from the residence when no one answered.

As he began to leave, Moore heard gunfire. He was not injured during the incident.

Clark, of Ringgold, changed his original plea of not guilty to no contest on April 11.

Pittsylvania County Chief Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Nate Griffith asked Moore about his feelings after the incident.

He testified it has made me more cautious about his surroundings and he distrusted people for a while after the shooting.

Heath Sabin, Clarks defense attorney, acknowledging the severity of the situation, said to not completely judge Clark by what happened in that brief 30 minute period.

He was someone who made a bad decision  a bad judgment call.

Before and after the wake of fatal police shootings in Dallas, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Moores life matters to his family, the sheriffs office and the Pittsylvania County community, Griffith said.

Only one member of Clarks family testified at the sentencing. His son, William, said he was in shock when he heard about the incident.

What he said on the phone was he cannot believe that the car got struck, the son said.

Griffith responded that Clark knew it was a deputy who knocked on his door.

Clark, dressed in a black suit and a red tie, stood before the court before Purdue gave his verdict to say Im sorry.
New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
OMAHA, Neb.  Norfolk Southern's second-quarter profit declined 6 percent as it hauled 7 percent less freight and cut costs.

The railroad's profit narrowly beat Wall Street expectations, while revenue fell just short of forecasts. Shares slid nearly 3 percent Wednesday.

Chairman and CEO Jim Squires said the railroad remains on track to cut $200 million in expenses this year as part of a multiyear plan to eliminate $650 million in costs by 2020.

The Norfolk, Virginia-based railroad reported net income of $405 million, or $1.36 per share. That was down from $433 million, or $1.41 per share, a year ago. Its profit beat Wall Street expectations by a penny per share.

Its revenue fell to $2.45 billion from $2.71 billion a year ago.

The analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected earnings of $1.35 per share, on average, on $2.47 billion revenue.

The railroad's revenue fell 10 percent. Coal continued to lead the declines with a 25 percent drop in revenue, but most categories of freight also declined.

Coal remains a major challenge for railroads because cheap natural gas prices and environmental concerns have pushed many utilities to switch fuels. And utilities have more coal than normal on hand, further reducing demand.

Revenue from shipments of intermodal containers, which is usually a bright spot for the railroad, fell 15 percent because the railroad is restructuring its service to haul those metal containers that come in on ships.

Edward Jones analyst Logan Purk said he's more optimistic about the railroad's long-term prospects after the quarter, but the challenge will be to remain lean and limit expenses.

Norfolk Southern cut its expenses 11 percent to $1.68 billion during the quarter.

Citi analyst Christian Wetherbee said investors were keen on hearing about the potential for improvements in efficiency and profits in the second half of the year.

But Norfolk Southern executives stuck with their original target for $200 million in cuts this year, and they suggested that freight volume will likely remain weak in the near future.

Shares fell $2.59, or 2.8 percent, to sell for $90.16 Wednesday. The stock has risen roughly 10 percent since the beginning of the year, while the Standard & Poor's 500 index has risen 6 percent. The stock has climbed 12 percent in the last 12 months.

Norfolk Southern Corp. operates about 20,000 miles of track in 22 states and the District of Columbia.
Highlights:

Four exploration holes planned from two drill sites in Phase 1

Lithium X is targeting five known lithium-bearing aquifers and a lower gravel aquifer the Company believes has strong potential

Results could enable an initial Resource Estimate for the Project

VANCOUVER, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Lithium X Energy Corp. ("Lithium X", or the "Company") (TSX-V: LIX) (OTCQB: LIXXF) is pleased to announce it has mobilized a drill rig to commence the Phase 1 exploration program at its Clayton Valley North Lithium Project (the "Project") in Nevada. Clayton Valley is home to Albemarle's Silver Peak mine, the only lithium production facility in North America. Lithium X controls the largest land position in Clayton Valley, located approximately 200 miles from Tesla's Gigafactory. The first drill hole is approximately 100 metres north of the claim boundary where Albemarle's northernmost production-sized well is located.

"I am thrilled to commence exploration drilling in Clayton Valley, where the vision for Lithium X was born less than a year ago," said Brian Paes-Braga, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lithium X. "Testing the exploration potential in Nevada complements the ongoing development work at our flagship Sal de los Angeles deposit in Argentina."

Lithium X is permitted to drill four new exploration holes at two Clayton Valley drill sites, initially. The targets include the five known lithium-bearing aquifers under Clayton Valley and a lower basal gravel aquifer in the deepest area of the Valley basin. The Company believes this lower basal gravel aquifer has strong potential for positive lithium concentrations and production rates.

The Company expects to drill these holes to a depth that will intersect the gravel aquifer in the lower part of the basin, which is expected to be approximately 350 metres. Each drill site is expected to consist of two closely spaced holes (one diamond core hole and another rotary) to maximize data collection. This system helps the Company capture accurate lithological and brine samples, as well as allowing more thorough pump tests to be completed on relevant horizons. The current spacing between these drill sites is approximately 800 metres.

Following initial results, Lithium X may add a third drill site. Subject to positive results, the three drill sites could enable a maiden Resource Estimate for the Project.

"The opening of Tesla's Gigafactory here speaks to Nevada's amazing contribution to global industry, which coincidentally began with our rich history in mining," commented Mike Montandon, former mayor of North Las Vegas and an Advisor to Lithium X. "I am excited to be involved with an innovative company like Lithium X which aims to provide a responsible lithium supply for the clean energy revolution."

With over $18 million in cash on hand, Lithium X is fully funded for Phase 1 exploration in Nevada and all current planned development activities in Argentina.

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by William Randall, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101. As Vice-President Project Development of the Company, Mr. Randall is not considered independent.

About Lithium X Energy Corp.

Lithium X Energy Corp. is a lithium exploration and development company with a goal of becoming a low-cost supplier for the burgeoning lithium battery industry. Lithium X owns 50%, and has the option to acquire up to 80% of the Sal de los Angeles lithium brine project in the prolific "Lithium Triangle" in mining friendly Salta province, Argentina, a well-known salar with positive historical economics, grade and size. Lithium X is also exploring a large land package in Nevada's Clayton Valley, contiguous to the only producing lithium operation in North America  Silver Peak, owned and operated by Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer. Lithium X is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol LIX.

For additional information about Lithium X Energy Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.lithium-x.com or review the Company's documents filed on www.sedar.com. Join the Company's email list at http://lithium-x.com/subscribe.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Paul Matysek"

Paul Matysek

Executive Chairman

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.

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "believes", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are 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 by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the business of the Company and the commencement of trading in the Company's shares. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or 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 statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Lithium X Energy Corp.
Vancouver, BC / TheNewswire / July 28, 2016 - Nexus Gold Corp. ("Nexus" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NXS) is pleased to announce that it intends to complete an initial work program at the Bouboulou Gold Concession ("Bouboulou" or the "Property"), located in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

Preliminary work on the Property will consist of reviewing legacy data, data compilation, geological mapping, drill hole mapping and selection, rock and core geochemical re-sampling, ground confirmation, and sourcing of drill operator, equipment and crew. Diamond drilling is anticipated in early fall, after the completion of the rainy season in Burkina Faso. The work program will be overseen by Warren Robb, P.Geo.

Bouboulou covers an area of 38.3 square kilometers and is located approximately 100 kilometers north by northwest of the capital city of Ouagadougou. Exploration on the Property has been conducted by Boliden (1997 - 1999), Riverstone Resources (2005- 2011) and Roxgold Inc. (2011 to 2012). Past exploration has consisted of rotary air blast drilling, trenching, geological mapping, airborne EM and magnetometer and radiometrics, reverse circulation and diamond drilling.

Highlights of the previous exploration programs includes surface rock sampling and trenching returning gold grades from 1.09 to 19.16 g/t gold. Four zones of gold mineralization have been identified on the property termed Koala, Rawema, Bouboulou 2 and Pelgtanga.

Readers are cautioned that the acquisition of an interest in the Property remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. A work program cannot be completed on the Property until such time as that approval is obtained. The Company has applied to the Exchange for approval. For further information with respect to the acquisition of an interest in the Property by the Company, readers are encouraged to review the Company's news release of July 11, 2016.

About Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation located in West Africa between Ghana and Mali, the second and third largest gold producing countries on the continent. It is underlain by rocks of the same age and history as its neighbors but it is still relatively under-explored compared to its neighbors. It covers an area of roughly 274,000 square kilometres and has an estimated population of more than 16 million people. The country is pro-mining and has a favorable foreign investment stance.

The country is the fastest growing gold producer in Africa. It is ranked 4th in the continent and 23rd worldwide in Current Mineral Potential Index in the "Survey of Mining Companies 2014" conducted by The Fraser Institute of Canada. Since 2013, there are seven gold mines in production. Other mining resources include manganese, bauxite, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, and limestone/marble.

The country has excellent geological potential. The Greenstone Belts that host all of the major deposits in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire continue northward into Burkina Faso. Some of the world's most productive mines are located in West African greenstone belts. These belts cover approximately 3, 000, 000 km?, making the area's exploration potential enormous. Burkina Faso currently accounts for 21% of West Africa's greenstone belt exposure. Burkina Faso has undergone less than 15 years of modern mineral exploration, remaining under explored in comparison to neighbouring Ghana and Mali; both of which host world class gold mines in the same belts of Birimian rocks.

About the Company

Nexus Gold Corp. is a Vancouver-based mineral resource company that develops precious metal mineral assets in the world's premier mining districts. The Company is currently concentrating its efforts on the Walker Ridge Gold Project, a drill-ready, multiple-target, Carlin-type gold project located in the Independence/Jerritt Canyon Gold Trend, Nevada, USA and the Bouboulou Gold Concession, an advanced exploration project located in Burkina Faso, West Africa. For more information on these projects, please visit the Company website at www.nexusgoldcorp.com.

The technical content of this release was reviewed and approved by Warren Robb, P.Geo. a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

Nexus Gold Corp.

Peter Berdusco

President and Chief Executive Officer

604-558-1920

www.nexusgoldcorp.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 news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada / TheNewswire / July 28, 2016 - Northern Iron Corp. ("Northern Iron" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NFE) (FRANKFURT: N8I) today announced the signing of an agreement to acquire three highly prospective lithium projects; two in Arizona and one in Nevada.

Details of the agreement and properties follow below.

Basil Botha, president, said: "Lithium demand is pressuring lithium prices and the forecasted demand is set to continue to expand the market and the Company intends to play a meaningful role in meeting the needs of the lithium market. Our three highly prospective properties are in Tesla's backyard with excellent infrastructure and unlike many of the lithium projects scattered throughout the world, the projects in Nevada and Arizona can be worked year round".

NEVADA

Northern Iron Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire 140 mineral claims comprising 2,800 acres in Clark County, Nevada. The contiguous 'Jackpot Lake' claim group is located 39 miles NE of Las Vegas.

Highlights/Geology - Jackpot Lake

The USGS conducted a survey in 1976 taking 129 core samples, all of which encountered lithium with values up to 550 ppm and an average of 175 ppm.

Basil Botha noted "The geological and structural setting as well as the weathering history and brine at Jackpot Lake is highly analogous to the Clayton Valley, where Albemarle has its Silver Peak lithium-brine operation.

Albermarle has been in continuous production of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide products from Clayton Valley brines since 1967.

The property is ideally situated to take advantage of amongst other things the solar energy zone in Nevada, and right off of the highway with associated logistical and infrastructural advantages."

ARIZONA

The company has also entered into an agreement to acquire two land packages in Arizona, consisting of 1,434 acres in the Wilcox Playa Basin; a large dry lakebed in southeastern Arizona, and 289 acres in the the Little Rock Target in Yavapai County, Arizona.

Highlights/Geology - Willcox Playa

The Willcox Playa lithium brine target, as per the USGS 1976 report, consists of one of the most prospective locations for undiscovered lithium brines and most nearly like the currently exploited brine field in Clayton Valley, Nevada. Airborne electromagnetic prospecting by the USGS identified a 22-square-mile anomaly characterized by high electrical conductivity. The USGS interpreted this anomaly to be caused by a subsurface brine field hosted in sediments beneath the dry playa surface. Arizona Department of Water Resources records show that wells in the vicinity of this anomaly generally report water tables within 60 feet of the playa surface.

The combination of a gravity survey showing a closed gravity low coincident with the zone of high electrical conductivity reinforces the concept that an accumulation of brine is present

beneath Willcox Playa and that no hydrological outlet allows the accumulated brine to escape. High evaporation rates relative to precipitation in this desert environment allows any brine to become increasingly concentrated over time.

A likely source area for lithium is located to the south, up the hydrological gradient from

Willcox Playa in the felsic volcanic rocks at Three Sisters Buttes. Hot spring activity at Sulphur Springs, three miles up the hydrological gradient from the Arizona land permits, provides an ongoing mechanism for alteration and leaching of lithium-bearing felsic volcanic rocks. Subsurface drainage of this hydrothermal discharge will report directly to Willcox Playa in the vicinity of the Arizona land permits.

Highlights/Geology - Little Rock

The Little Rock target was first identified serendipitously during a helicopter-borne VTEM

electromagnetic survey conducted by in 2007 while searching for massive copper sulfide deposits. A large, highly electrically conductive body at the south end of the survey area was checked on the ground and found to be a strongly clay-altered rhyolite tuff mostly concealed by a basalt flow.

Geological mapping to the west shows a similar bimodal rhyolite-basalt volcanic association that has been dated between 12 Ma and 8.8 Ma (Late Miocene, Moyer, 1990).

Recognizing that the clay body had potential to be a lithium clay deposit, a reconnaissance

sampling campaign was done to understand the extent of the target and the presence, if any, of

lithium. Clear evidence was found of a closed, lacustrine paleoenvironment, including thinly

bedded rhyolitic claystone and ripple-marked rhyolitic sandstone.

Prior to emplacement of the capping basalt flow, hydrothermal fluid controlled by the basin bounding fault altered the rhyolitic glass to lithium-enriched clay, and then probably discharged

into a shallow lakebed. In order to capture the projected basin-bounding fault and the potential

volume of hot spring discharge into a closed basin beneath the capping basalt flow, 14 unpatented lode mining claims were staked.

The conceptual dimensions of the target are about 2500 meters along the strike of the basin-bounding fault, about 300 meters perpendicular to the fault, by about 20 meters thick.

Hectorite clay (LR-6) from an active bentonite mine located in the same late Miocene lacustrine and volcanic strata 40 kilometers to the east carries over 2700 ppm lithium.

Timothy Marsh PHD, P. Eng QP prepared the disclosures reports related to these projects.

NI-43-101 reports have not been prepared on these properties.

Nevada Terms

Pay $70,000 to the Vendor on the signing of this Agreement;

Issue $330,000 worth of Shares within five days of regulatory approval of this Agreement at a deemed value of $.015 per Share, to the Vendor or its assigns;

Pay a further $50,000 to the Vendor on or before 180 days of the signing of the Agreement;

Pay a further $100,000 to the Vendor on or before the one year anniversary of the signing of the Agreement;

File all forms and pay all fees to keep the Claims in good standing, including County Fees and BLM Maintenance Fees, as prescribed by US federal law (30 USC 28f; 43 CRF 3833.1-5) on or before September 1, 2016, the latter estimated at US$21,700;

Pay a further $100,000 to the Vendor within 18 months of the signing of the Agreement, in cash or Shares at the election of the Purchaser;

Paying a further $125,000 to the Vendor within 24 months of the signing of the Agreement, in cash or Shares at the election of the Purchaser;

Paying a further $205,000 to the Vendor within 36 months of the signing of the Agreement, in cash or Shares at the election of the Purchaser; and

Completing no less than $1,000,000 worth of Expenditures on the Claims within three years of the signing of the Agreement

Arizona Terms

Paying $20,000 on the signing of this agreement;

Issuing $270,000 worth of common shares within 5 days of regulatory approval of this agreement at a deemed value of $.015 per common share, to the Vendor or Assigns as set out in Schedule B;

Filing all forms and paying all fees to keep the claims in good standing, including County Fees and BLM Maintenance Fees, as prescribed by US federal law (30 USC 28f; 43 CRF 3833.1-5) on claims on or before September 1, 2016

Paying $50,000 on or before June 29, 2016

Paying $100,000 on or before June 8, 2017; and

Paying $300,000 in cash or shares, at the election of the Purchaser on or before June 8, 2018

The Owner shall retain a 2.5% Gross Overriding Royalty or GORR on each Property, of which 1% can be bought back for $1,000,000.





About Northern Iron Corp.

Northern Iron is the owner of five iron (magnetite) properties in the Red Lake District in the Province of Ontario. The Red Lake District is an established mining area in Ontario where Northern Iron has two near term development projects, the past producing Griffith mine and the Karas property.

Northern Iron is currently working towards the production of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI), a transportable form of direct reduced iron. HBI is complementary and a viable metallic supplement to scrap steel. Quality scrap is a critical raw material in the steel making process. With the diminishing supply of quality scrap steel and ever increasing market demand, steel producers around the world will be looking to secure alternative supplies of metallic products.

As part of the business plan, Northern Iron has acquired the past producing Griffith mine, which produced pellets and sponge iron (Direct Reduced Iron/DRI) from 1968 to 1986. The mine was owned and operated by STELCO and supplied pellets and sponge iron to the Hamilton and Nanticoke steel mills in Ontario.

Transportation infrastructure is currently in place to ship produced HBI into the North American market via rail and lake barges and into Asian markets via rail through the port of Prince Rupert. Existing infrastructure includes all weather roads, 115kV power line, natural gas line, rail bed and port facilities.

To date, Northern Iron has focused on de-risking the project by seeking out potential joint venture partners, off-take agreements or a combination thereof.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.







For further information, please contact:

Basil Botha

President & CEO

Northern Iron Corp.

Tel: 604-566-8570

Fax: 604-602-9868

Email: bbotha@northernironcorp.com

Website: www.northernironcorp.com

For up to the minute news, industry analysis and feedback follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus and YouTube.

Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Address 650 Little Bourke St Melbourne, VIC 3004 View map Opening hours Mon-Wed 7am-4pm; Thu-Fri 7am-11pm; Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-4pm Features Licensed, Vegetarian friendly Prices Moderate (mains $20-$40) Payments eftpos, Visa, Mastercard Phone 03 8899 6219

Nathan Toleman describes his cavernous powerhouse-turned-cafe at the bottom of Little Bourke Street as being like a hip hotel without the rooms  a lobby/lounge type thing with a very serious kitchen.



But with a buzzy vibe, towering brick walls and tall arched windows, Higher Ground feels more like it's part of some 19th-century train station  an upmarket one in a European capital, a Love Actually rendering of St Pancras maybe (wait  that's not in Europe any more).

The cafe extends over three levels, with seating at tables, bars, and on sofas and easy chairs ranged around coffee tables in nooks and lounge-like areas. It really would be a pleasant place to wait for a train to anywhere.



Higher Ground cafe covers three levels. Photo: Paul Jeffers

Thankfully the train station analogy ends at the pass. Chef Nate Wilkins has a squad of cooks who have been through various Melbourne kitchens working on brunch and lunch every day and a plate-based evening menu from Thursday to Saturday that features the likes of beef tartare with anchovy emulsion and salt-grass lamb with green sauce and olives.



There is a lot to like on the menu, which plays with the brunch classics, uses quality ingredients, and throws a few curve balls.

There's a peppery scramble of just-cooked eggs on a disc of chewy house-made flatbread that reminded a Glasgow-born lunch pal of a potato scone; the scramble is scattered with tasty cumin-spiced roasted cauliflower florets.

Go-to dish: Roasted mushrooms and polenta. Photo: Paul Jeffers

A curve-ball breakfast is lamb mince fried up and piled on two slices of sourdough toast with a couple of fried eggs  folk food from Little England maybe, given a Middle Eastern tang with smoked yoghurt and pomegranate.

Folk food from Little Melbourne could be a delicious dish of polenta topped with roasted and pickled mushrooms. The polenta is soft, almost porridge-like, with lovely, runny cheesy flavours, while the mushrooms have good toothy texture, and the contrasts are heightened by a generous scatter of hazelnut and sourdough crumble for lovely nutty crunch.

A lamb sausage roll with cucumber pickle is another riff on folk food, while a wagyu short-rib sandwich comes on a soft brioche-style roll, the beef super tender and moist with a pull-apart, stewy texture set against the crunch of a bahn-mi style salad of pickled carrot and daikon. Pretty straightforward, pretty tasty.

Toleman and Co know how to run a cafe show. Staff on the floor and in the theatrically lit open kitchen buzz about in workhouse-grey shirts and pinafores. The drinks menu has nine wines by the glass and stretches from Champagne to Nagambie, but also features work-day friendly cordials made by steeping fruit in vinegar and adding sugar: the kind of soft drink that an adult would actually drink, in sour-sweet flavours including pomegranate (garnished with pomegranate seeds) and tamarind (star anise).

With coffee from the group's own Square One roastery as espresso, batch and pour over brews, this is the full package, taking Melbourne cafe eating to another level, somewhere up there on, er, higher ground.



Pro Tip: Look out for breakfast degustations on weekends; coming soon.

Go-to Dish: Soft polenta with pickled and roasted mushrooms.

http://www.highergroundmelbourne.com.au/
The Cooperas hawk is adapted for flying through foliage, but one hit a lamp post and died on the Angelo State University campus this month.

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Sometimes you have to be there to understand. For example, when someone sees a dead bird and responds: "Oh, what could have killed it?"

In that person's face, you can see misunderstanding about wildlife mortality. For the experienced naturalist, wildlife death is nothing unusual. As the opening song in the popular TV comedy crime show "Monk" explains: "It's a jungle out there."

Wild animals die, more or less, from all the general causes that also affect people, together with some causes that certain groups of people have avoided or delayed. Animals die from predation, infectious disease, heart failure, starvation and accident, among other things. Notice that I did not include old age in my list.

Most animals do not and, more to the point, cannot care for their aging associates, even if they are a social species. Most animals are not social and demonstrate no obvious concern for others. So, long before they might have benefited from a walking cane or Medicare had they been human, their declining condition results in death to a predator or starvation. Nature is relentless.

One cause of injury and mortality wild animals share with us is accident. I slipped off my icy porch a few winters back and broke my upper left arm ? an accident. Probably, most of you out there have been injured by accident, even if the injury was minor.

Approximately 80 million birds die annually in the United States from flying into window glass. It happens almost daily on the Angelo State University campus, as I am sure it does across much of this city. Road kill might seem a population threat to striped skunks and porcupines that live near highways.

Whatever the consequences or not to their populations, animals are not so good in their reflexes and senses as to avoid accidental death. That was brought home to some students on campus last week. For most of this winter an adult female Cooper's hawk had been hunting white-winged and Eurasian collared-doves along Johnson Street, the thoroughfare that bisects campus. Two students using the pedestrian crosswalk were startled to see the hawk fly past them and slam fatally into a lamp post.

Probably it was in attack mode with its eye on a tasty dove. Cooper's hawks are behaviorally and physically adapted for fast aerial pursuit through branches and foliage, but clearly their adaptations are imperfect.

In another hawk incident, an observer reported the startling accidental death of a red-shouldered hawk at Brazos Bend State Park in the 1990s. The hawk was attack diving toward a snake at the edge of a lake when it smashed into a willow tree, wedging and breaking its neck in a limb fork.

Longtime San Angelo resident C.C. Wiedenfeld, now of the Kerrville area, related a bizarre accident at Big Lake in the 1970s. The famous dry lake had filled from heavy rains and attracted thousands of waterfowl and coots. Flooding of the lake basin included partial submersion of utility poles, leaving the telephone lines only a few feet above the water. A flying coot collided with a line, twirled in complete circles several times and was flung into the water. The unfortunate coot did not live to fly another day.

Although that coot's mishap has a humorous flavor to it, utility lines fatally injure probably hundreds of raptors in our nation annually. It reminds me of my last example for today's litany of bird accidents.

The only local scientific specimen in the Angelo State Natural History Collection of the secretive marsh bird called Virginia rail is one that was found near Lake Nasworthy in San Angelo. The mummified remains of the rail were found impaled on the barb of a barbed wire fence, an apparent accident that befell the night-flying rail.

Like Monk says, it's a jungle out there.

Dr. Terry Maxwell is a professor of biology at Angelo State University. Contact him at toucantoad@yahoo.com
Thibaut/TNS Thibaut's Anna French collection Marlow wallpaper has a large scale pattern in a mauvey pink ground with a pretty, metallic gold damask.

SHARE Aerin/TNS Even the interior of this blush shagreen jewelry box from Aerin is beautiful, lined in suede for your wearable treasures. iBride/TNS The whimsical Diva Ostrich wall console designed by Benoit Convers for iBride is made of high pressure laminate; pink is one of the colors available. Normann Copenhagen/TNS The Krenit salad set from Normann Copenhagen reflects the shape of traditional chopsticks. Crafted from melamine, it's shown in rose. Kate Spade New York/TNS Blush teams brilliantly as a backdrop with green, black and white, in this room designed by Kate Spade New York.

Bold designs bring the hot pastel home

By Elaine Markoutsas, Chicago Tribune (TNS)

Stop panicking: It's really just light red.

No other color gets dissed and dismissed as often as pink when it comes to home design  unless we're talking baby girls' rooms. Yet in home decor, shades of pink have circled through a number of decades, often in tandem with other colors  gray, chocolate, navy and preppy jade green.

For the past three years or so, pink has been re-emerging in Europe. More precisely, beige-y blush kept cropping up in upholstery and even cabinetry at the Maison & Objet shows in Paris. Not uncommon in Scandinavian countries, pink easily streamed into housewares as well, with whisks, salad utensil sets and peelers. Variant shades like petal, carnation and even deeper rose started inserting themselves into fabrics and cabinetry. Attractive mixable metals like rosy copper or pink-toned glass or quartz are showing up in lighting, tabletop and accessories.

"To most consumers, pink is associated with a child's room," says Ann Haagenson, divisional merchandise manager for Anthropologie. "So it has taken a while to progress into the living room and master bedroom." The retailer is selling bedding, lighting and votive holders in the color. "But blush or 'biche' (fawn in French) is the most flattering color for the home. It makes everyone and everything look pretty. It's also the most neutral color, outside of creme, so it's easy to use in a totally new room design or to integrate into an existing one. "

Stacey Senior, marketing director for fabric/wallpaper manufacturer Thibaut, says the color can make a room feel more feminine  with a surprising impact. "Blush pink/quartz is very refined," says Senior, "and instantly changes a room's mood to sophisticated and pretty. It is a complementing color to brassy gold and sharp white tones. Integrating pink into an already furnished room is easy with accessories and peek-a-boo accents like throw pillows or picture frames. As a main color, going bigger is better  like pink wallpaper or a rug."

Add some gilt, and pink can take on a luxe edge. Thibaut's Marlow damask pattern, from its Serenade collection, dials up elegance with a wallcovering that honors tradition but feels so fresh  especially with pretty blooms to match and on-trend raw quartz or coral decor accessories.

Designers at Koket, a furniture company based in New York, chose a shade of rose quartz for the sensual Besame chair. They call the hue "calming" and say it is welcoming because "it creates a relaxing and lighthearted ambience."

Designer Tobi Fairley, whose Ellison table for Woodbridge uses pink with a gold leaf border, loves blush for furniture and fabric design. "It's a fabulous barely-there pastel that combines pink with an almost taupe tone," says Fairley. "I like to mix it with navy or citron to balance the sweetness." Fairley also has placed blush leather on sleek chairs and benches for CR Laine.

Fairley and the Kate Spade brand are fond of teaming pink with bright, almost Kelly Green. Depending on the shade, Anthropologie's Haagenson says a taupe-y pink teams up well with warmer neutrals such as camel, nubuck, even orange. "If it's cooler, it's best paired with magenta, gray and navy."

She offers some tips on effortless ways to integrate the color into decorating:

Accessorize: "Small-scale linen pillows make an easy update to a sofa, bed or low living/casual areas."

On the tabletop: "I have a blush pink/stripe vintage dinnerware collection that makes me smile when I have my morning coffee."

Go large-scale: "Try an upholstered sofa in blush pink leather. It is a divine statement piece that is both soft and hard. It will be the envy of any guest."
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Comey says ISIL attacks to spread in West

By Chris Strohm, Bloomberg News (TNS)

NEW YORK  Hundreds of terrorists will fan out to infiltrate western Europe and the U.S. to carry out attacks on a wider scale as the Islamic State group, also known as ISIL or ISIS, is defeated in Syria, FBI Director James Comey warned.

"At some point there's going to be a terrorist diaspora out of Syria like we've never seen before," Comey said Wednesday in New York. "We saw the future of this threat in Brussels and Paris," he said, adding that future attacks will be on "an order of magnitude greater."

Comey's blunt warnings echo those of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has scoffed at Obama administration efforts to defeat ISIL extremists in Syria and Iraq. Nonetheless, the FBI chief's comments reflect a consensus among U.S. intelligence officials that the group inevitably will strike out abroad as it continues to lose ground militarily under attack from a U.S.-led coalition.

CIA Director John Brennan told the Senate Intelligence Committee in June that "our efforts have not reduced the group's terrorism capability and global reach." Brennan said, "as the pressure mounts on ISIL, we judge that it will intensify its global terror campaign to maintain its dominance of the global terrorism agenda."

Comey, who called violence directed or inspired by ISIL "the greatest threat to the physical safety of Americans today," said that "a lot of terrorists fled out of Afghanistan in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This is 10 times that or more."

In his remarks at the conference on cybersecurity, Comey also cited the difficulty of heading off what are often called "lone wolf" attacks acting on the group's calls for violence.

It is "increasingly hard" for counterterrorism officials to find and stop individuals inspired or directed by ISIL who use a knife or a vehicle to kill people, Comey said.

Attacks in France have left more than 230 dead since the start of last year. A mass shooting that killed 49 people at a nightclub last month in Orlando, Florida., was carried out by a man who claimed allegiance to ISIL. Less than two weeks before the Olympic Games begin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian police have rounded up a dozen people it said were possibly members of an ISIL cell.

Beyond the West, ISIL took credit for a July 23 suicide bombing at a rally in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed more than 80 people, the deadliest single attack in Afghanistan in 15 years of war.

The FBI chief also spoke Thursday of the unresolved fight over law enforcement access to encrypted communications that brought his agency into conflict with Apple Inc. earlier this year.

The debate over encryption "has dipped below public consciousness right now," Comey said.

The FBI is using that time to collect data on the negative impact that encrypted communications is having on investigations, he said. From October through March, 500 of 4,000 devices the FBI confiscated couldn't be opened due to encryption, he said.

Debate by policymakers over the issue probably will have to wait until next year, after the U.S. elections, he said.

"At some point encryption is going to figure in a major event in this country," Comey said. "We've got to have the conversation before that happens."
Chappa

SHARE Slatton

By Ngan Ho of the San Angelo Standard-Times

Lupe Martinez Chappa III, a San Angelo teen suspected in a double homicide in Temple, has been indicted on murder charges.

A Bell County grand jury on Wednesday indicted Chappa, 17, on two counts of murder, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Investigators from the Temple Police Department, the San Angelo Police Department, the Texas Rangers and the Department of Public Safety arrested Chappa on May 9 at a residence in the 2400 block of Culver Avenue in San Angelo, according to authorities.

He was released from the Tom Green County Jail to the Bell County Sheriff's Office on May 11 and is being held in lieu of $2 million bail.

Authorities are looking for a second San Angelo suspect, Justin Lane Slatton Jr., 20.

Chappa and Slatton are suspected in a shooting incident in April that resulted in the death of two men, Johnathan Hess, 26, of Temple, and Vicente Hernandez, 36, of Killeen, according to an affidavit.

About 7:38 p.m. April 13, police responded to a shots fired call at a home in the 400 block of North Seventh Street in Temple, according to a news release from Temple PD.

Officers found Hess, who had been shot several times, on the couch, according to the affidavit. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary autopsy report said he died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers found Hernandez lying on the floor inside the home with a large amount of blood around his head, the affidavit stated. He was taken to the Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, where he died of his injuries. A preliminary autopsy reported showed a single gunshot wound killed him, the affidavit stated.

A woman who witnessed the deaths told authorities she was at home with Hess and Hernandez when the three "walked outside and two unknown suspects walked up to her residence and shot Jonathan Hess and Vicente Hernandez inside the residence." The witness said one of the suspects also demanded money from her.

The witness later identified Chappa and Slatton in a photo lineup as suspects after describing them to a sketch artist, according to the affidavit.

Chappa allegedly shot and killed Hernandez, and Slatton is suspected of shooting Hess, according to the affidavit.

On May 6 the Bell County Sheriff's Office issued two warrants for Slatton's arrest on murder charges. On May 10 the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office issued a warrant for his arrest on a burglary of a building charge.

Slatton has been convicted of theft of a firearm, burglary of a building, theft and evading arrest, DPS said.

Chappa does not have any criminal history listed in Tom Green County's jail records.

DPS said Slatton has gang-related ties and is considered armed and dangerous.

Slatton was added to the DPS' Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list June 15. DPS is offering up to $7,500 for information leading to Slatton's arrest.

To submit a tip to DPS, call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-8477; text the letters "DPS"  followed by a tip  to 274637; use the web tip information system on the Texas 10 Most Wanted website or Facebook page; or use the DPS mobile app.

Temple PD is offering a $1,000 reward for information called in to 254-298-5500, and San Angelo Crime Stoppers is offering a $250 reward for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be made by calling the anonymous tip hotline at 325-658-4357 or 800-756-3434, visiting sanangelocrimestoppers.com or downloading the free mobile app P3 Tips.
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By Staff Report

Longtime local journalist Laurel Scott will speak to the San Angelo's Writer's Club at their Aug. 9 meeting. The "Elements of Feature Writing" discussion will include pointers on how to write for new media.

Scott has extensive experience in feature writing, having worked for the Austin American Statesman, San Diego Union-Tribune, San Angelo Standard-Times and Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Most recently, She has worked with Angelo State University's Communication and Marketing Office.

San Angelo Writers' Club meets at First Place, 14 E. Harris Ave., on the second Tuesday of each month. Guests are welcome at 6:30 for refreshments and networking and the program begins at 7 p.m.
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Robert Dillon, San Angelo

According to the head of the FBI, it depends on which department of the government you're serving before you could be tried for certain types of violation of the law.

I know for sure if you serve in the military you're held accountable for any violation of the military code of justice and will be tried, and if found guilty you will have some type of punishment.

It appears to me we have a double standard in our legal system. If a regular citizen lies under oath, there will be some type of punishment. This doesn't seem to apply to those in the upper echelons of those who represent us in Washington.

Another issue comes from our president himself  when a policeman kills a black person, he blames the policeman; when a black person kills anyone, he blames the gun that was used.

He seems to have several different double standards when color is involved. To me he has done more damage to race relations in this country than even Andrew Jackson.

The week of July 4, the Senate couldn't pass Kate's Law because only three Democrats supported it. It was a simple law asking to put people in the country illegally in prison for a minimum of five years if they returned after having been deported for violating our criminal laws.

It's apparent most Democrats don't care if our citizens are raped or murdered and don't think those who commit the crimes should be punished. This is what those ISIS thugs are getting away with in all parts of the world.

When are Americans going to stand up and say loud and clear enough is enough?
President Tran Dai Quang and Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Hul Phany (Source: VNA)



The leader expressed his delight at the growing bilateral ties in all fields, saying it has benefited the two peoples. Visits by high-ranking leaders and delegation exchanges were organised regularly, while cooperation in defence, security, economics, trade, investment, education and culture was expanded, he cited.

He said he believes that in any new positions, Hul Phany will fulfil his assigned tasks and continue contributing to the Vietnam-Cambodia relations.

The diplomat showed his belief in the stronger bilateral relations, especially after measures to boost the ties, particularly activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (June 14th, 1967-2017), were reached by President Quang, during his State visit to Cambodia, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

He thanked for the support of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers to help Cambodia escape from the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime on January 7th, 1979, so that it can revive and grow as it is today. No hostile forces can distort that truth, he affirmed./.
Like many elections administrators, Ginny Gelms learned most of what she does for a living through on-the-job experience. She held various posts in Iowa and Minnesota for a decade before taking over as elections manager for Hennepin County, the most populous county in Minnesota.But now Gelms is going back to school. She's going to get formal training at what's thought to be the first certification program for elections administration at a major university. The online program through the University of Minnesota connects Gelms and colleagues across the country in graduate-level seminars about the finer points of running elections.The program, which launched just last year, comes at a time when the business of running elections is becoming more technical, more complex and more scrutinized."It's a good opportunity for me to take time to step back to talk about, think about, write about the larger issues at play in our field. That's something you don't often get a chance to do in the day-to-day of your work," said Gelms.The demands on election administrators have been growing in recent years.Federal laws passed in the wake of the Florida recounts in the 2000 presidential election imposed new requirements on everything from voting equipment to provisional ballots to voter databases.States have added to the complexity, too. Some have imposed voter ID laws that require election officials to apply a new layer of scrutiny on would-be voters. Others have added to administrative duties by expanding early voting, increasing access to absentee ballots and starting Election Day registration.Meanwhile, social media and the 24-hour news cycle can easily turn a local bureaucratic snafu into a national news story -- like when voters in the Phoenix area had to wait hours to cast votes in this year's presidential primary.Sharing expertise in the field has been difficult, but Doug Chapin, the director of the University of Minnesota's election administration program, hopes they can fix that."Because elections are so localized in this country, people tend to become experts on how things work in their own jurisdiction," he said. "This program allows them to put it in a larger national and thematic context. It's the first step in creating what I like to think of as a profession of election administration."Because the program is online, it allows elections officials from across the country to connect with one another. The diversity of their experiences is important, said Gelms, because states handle various issues differently. And even in the same state, populous areas face a whole unique set of problems from spread-out rural areas.An introductory class covers broad themes, including what Chapin characterizes as the three central tensions in election administration: central control vs. local control; access to the ballot vs. integrity; and fairness vs. finality. Other courses explore law, design, communication and even transportation -- and how they affect election administration.The certificate requires 12 hours of coursework and a capstone project. Students can choose their own pace but can complete the curriculum in two years. Chapin, the program's director, said the courses are intended both for seasoned election officials and for graduate students interested in public policy. Students can take individual courses without committing to completing the certificate program.Aside from the actual coursework, the program offers election administrators a chance to talk frankly about the problems they confront, in ways they may not feel comfortable discussing with local officials or voters."Because we have to maintain an impeccable public persona, it can be a little bit difficult to have discussions that are candid about the issues with our profession and how to fix them," said Gelms. "Anything we say publicly can be taken the wrong way."
Chris Sununu's rivals for the Republican nomination for governor assailed his vote for a Planned Parenthood contract, in one of a few heated exchanges during a debate Wednesday.Sununu, an Executive Councilor, last year opposed the state entering into a family planning services contract with Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, citing an investigation into alleged sale of aborted fetus parts for research. Last month, he cast the deciding vote to approve the $550,000 contract, saying the investigation had been "debunked."State Rep. Frank Edelbut of Wilton, state Sen. Jeanie Forrester of Meredith, and Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas took turns knocking Sununu's position during the hour-long debate sponsored by New England College on WGIR-AM, "New Hampshire Today" with Jack Heath."We should not be using taxpayer money to fund abortions," Forrester said."Which we don't," Sununu countered."Prove it, Chris, prove it," Forrester replied. "I don't think you can."Sununu said the issue is about health care for women and the best interests of his constituents."At the end of the day, my job as Executive Councilor is to cast a vote, not what's in my best political interests, which is clear what my opponents would do, not where my emotions would drive me, it is about taking care of my constituents," Sununu said.Sununu said he called other health care facilities in his district and looked for other options, and none would bid on the contract.Ebelblut, who with Forrester is pro-life, challenged him on that point.Gatsas took issue with taxpayer dollars being sent to Planned Parenthood, while also objecting to the contract being retroactive.Sununu responded that the other candidates were playing politics with the issue, which prompted Gatsas to fire back."You know, Chris, you talk about political games but here you are playing political games with lives of people who are dying from this crisis of opioids," Gatsas said.The candidates then sparred again over the state's handling of the heroin and opioid epidemic.Sununu, pressed by Heath, acknowledged he has faced criticism for saying state and local leadership is lacking on the response. He repeated his assertion that there must be better local and state leadership."I've had criticism with almost everybody with this issue because there is nobody, I think, that can claim some sort of victory on this. When you have over a thousand people in this state that have died over the last two years, that's a thousand families who have been torn apart. We're on pace this year for another record number."Sununu again criticized Gatsas, citing a 2015 "state of the city" address that he said does not even mention the issue.Gatsas stood by his city's efforts, which have won praise from Manchester's police and fire chiefs. He declined to respond word-for-word to Sununu. "My father always taught me when you point a finger at somebody, you point three back at yourself," he said.Gatsas said Manchester is taking steps to help those struggling with addiction, including opening "Safe Station" May 4 that has seen 250 people visit the city's fire stations to seek help.The mayor said the additional $5 million appropriated by the Legislature for prevention and education has yet hit the street.Forrester, Senate Finance Chair and a sponsor of legislation to help local and state police crack down on substance abuse, said the state must ensure that money is going to programs that are effective.Edelblut said the state is incarcerating too many people struggling with addictions, not just those who are selling drugs. "What we really need to do is cut of the demand side of this."
A state law that capped unemployment benefits for laid off workers at 13 weeks has been found unconstitutional by the Missouri Supreme Court.In a 4-3 decision, the high court found that the Republican-led Legislature incorrectly approved the change, which slashed the maximum number of weeks of jobless benefits to one of the lowest levels in the nation.The controversial measure moved through the Republican-led House and Senate in the spring, but was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who said the reduction would be "unfair" to people who were out of work.The House overrode the governor's veto in the spring, but the Senate didn't act on the override until the September veto session.The court court said the Senate missed its constitutional window to act.Allowing the veto override to stand "would encourage the Legislature to engage in gamesmanship, delay, and dilatory conduct that would harm the people of Missouri by failing to enact legislation in a timely manner," noted the 13-page majority opinion written by Justice George Draper."The people of Missouri are entitled to the efficient, orderly conduct of legislative business during the General Assembly's session," Draper wrote.Nixon praised the decision and said the Missouri Department of Labor will work to make sure people get their jobless benefits."The judges' ruling clarifies the law limiting when the legislature may vote to override a Governor's veto and is good news for thousands of Missourians who were wrongfully denied the unemployment benefits they had earned," Nixon said.Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard slammed the decision, saying it "tramples" on the respect for a co-equal form of government."Today's Supreme Court decision is just another example of an activist judiciary overstepping its constitutional authority. The Legislature is the voice of the people of Missouri and with today's decision the Court has substituted its own voice for theirs," said Richard, R-Joplin.The measure enacted one of the nation's toughest limits for receiving unemployment benefits. It would cap benefits at 13 weeks if the statewide unemployment rate remains below 6 percent.The court's decision means the benefit cap now returns to its previously length of a maximum of 20 weeks, said attorney James Faul of the St. Louis law firm of Hartnett Gladney Hetterman."I think this is a big win for working families," Faul said.Even by restoring the cap to 20 weeks Nixon said Missouri's benefits remain among the lowest in the nation. Only eight other states pay less than the national norm of 26 weeks, while only about one third of Missourians who apply for unemployment insurance benefits actually receive them, Nixon said.House Minority Leader Jake Hummel, D-St. Louis, said the court's ruling helps repair a "gaping hole" in the state's social safety net."With today's Supreme Court decision, we hope GOP lawmakers have finally learned that claiming to be a constitutional conservative requires one to obey the constitution," Hummel said.Republicans said the shorter time period, as well as other changes included in the law, would ensure the state's unemployment benefits system is solvent in the future.Dan Mehan, president of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the ruling was disappointing."This common-sense measure was designed to protect Missouri's unemployment insurance system from economic downturns that have repeatedly thrown Missouri's fund into insolvency over the last decade," Mehan said.Joining Draper in the majority were Justices Laura Stith, Paul Wilson and Richard Teitelman.In a dissent, Justice Mary Russell said the court should not "trespass" on the proceedings of the legislative branch. Joining Russell in the dissent were Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge and Justice Zel Fischer.
A new federal rule that more than doubles the number of employees eligible for overtime pay has state and local governments scrambling. Already, governments are facing tight budgets and slow revenue growth. But the new rule, which goes into effect Dec. 1, threatens not only to increase personnel costs, but operating costs as well.The rule change, which was issued by the Department of Labor in May, affects the earnings of both public- and private-sector workers. Governments are looking now at how much it will impact payrolls. But nonprofits are warning that the rule could also result in substantially higher rates next year for governments that contract services out.The change is an update to the Fair Labor Standards Act and doubles the minimum salary that full-time white-collar workers must earn to be exempt from getting overtime pay to $913 a week, or $47,476 per year. The salary level was set at the 40th percentile of earnings of full-time salaried workers in the lowest-wage Census region, which is currently the South.David L. Thompson, vice president of public policy for the National Council of Nonprofits, said that the new rule will certainly "change the culture of nonprofits. The attitude has typically been, keep working until the mission is done," he says. "Now, in most scenarios, you're going to have nonprofits saying to governments, 'The next agreement is going to cost more money.'"That's because unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits can't submit change orders when unexpected costs arise. And since most contracts have already been signed for the year, many nonprofits will have to absorb the extra costs come December. As it stands, nonprofits already eat, on average, 20 percent of the costs incurred in their government contracts. So nonprofits, according to Thompson, will be particularly eager to make sure they build overtime costs into future agreements.The new rule would nearly quadruple the number of nonprofit employees eligible for overtime pay to 1.3 million nationwide, according to the Economic Policy Institute . While it's difficult to say how precisely this will translate to those doing work for state and local governments, there will certainly be an impact as roughly one-third of revenue for nonprofits is from government grants and contracts.Meanwhile, the policy institute estimates the number of state employees eligible for overtime pay will increase to 928,000 -- five times the current national number. For local governments, eligible employees will quadruple to 1.1 million.The new rule, however, doesn't automatically apply to all workers in every state because of an old stipulation in the labor standards act limiting it to organizations or individuals who conduct business across state lines. But it's certain to impact the 10 states and the District of Columbia that automatically link to the federal labor standards act.The Wisconsin Counties Association has been particularly outspoken about the rule change and has partnered with a diverse coalition of local governments, universities, small businesses and nonprofits to protest it. In a letter to Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, association executive director Mark O'Connell said the Labor Department did not do enough to take cost of living into consideration when setting the new salary threshold."An annual salary of $50,000 means something much different in Wisconsin," he wrote, "than it does in New York and California."For their part, according to a recent survey by the National Council of Nonprofits of its members in all 50 states, nonprofits are torn: While it serves to lift up those most in need, the new rule also increases operating costs.
After the fatal shooting of eight police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., this month, lawmakers across the country want to increase the penalties for attacking law enforcement and other first responders.In May, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a law that made Louisiana the first and only state to label certain acts of violenceagainst police a hate crime. So-called Blue Lives Matter bills -- a riff on the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality and racism -- have been proposed in at least nine other states and Congress in the past year.Supporters of such legislation argue that targeted attacks on cops are on the rise and that politicians need to take a stand against such violence. Critics counter that the bills dilute the meaning of a hate crime and detract from the more widespread issues of excessive use of force and racial discrimination by police.In general, hate crimes receive harsher punishment than other crimes. In Louisiana, getting convicted of a hate crime could mean up to five more years in prison for felonies or an extra six months for misdemeanors. The hate crimes mentioned in the new law include rape, arson, assault with a firearm and manslaughter.While the recent attacks on police have raised the visibility of Blue Lives Matter proposals, it was the deadly ambush of two cops in New York City in 2014that sparked the push for changing hate crime laws.So far, data collected by the FBI don't show an uptick in deadly assaults on police officers. Last year, 41 officers were intentionally killed in the line of duty by suspects, which was not only a decline from 2014 but also the second lowest total in 12 years.But police leaders still worry about targeted officer killings, motivated by anger over discriminatory policing. And it's possible that the FBI statistics don't capture the full story. For example, a law enforcement nonprofit released a report this week that found deadly shootings of police appear to be on the rise when comparing the first six months of 2016 to the first six months of 2015.The Fraternal Order of Police, a national union, supports the Louisiana law and wants Congress to go further by expanding the federal definition of hate crimes to add police as a protected group.Assassinations of police officers are strictly based on the bias of the gunmen, so we feel that it fits within the definition of a hate crime," said Chuck Canterbury, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. But, he said, "its not a solution. It just points out that its a problem.Maryland Del. Steven Arentz, who introduced a bill that died in committee, has similar sentiments. He said his hate crime bill, which he plans to file again next year, would serve as a public education tool.I thought it would at least bring more awareness that police are being targeted just because they are police."Civil rights groups, while condemning violence against police, think that making it a hate crime is inappropriate.The Anti-Defamation League, for example, argued that the list of personal characteristics included in hate crimes laws should remain limited to immutable characteristics, those qualities that can or should not be changed. In other words, people choose to become police and can choose to leave their jobs. That choice isnt available to groups targeted because of their race, gender or ethnicity. The league still supports the idea of increasing penalties for crimes against police, but it doesn't believe an amendment to hate crime laws is the way to do it.The Black Youth Project, a student-led research group at the University of Chicago, also opposes Louisianas Blue Lives Matter law and others like it. Jordie Davies, a writer for the Black Youth Project, called the bills political farce. Instead, she said, states should focus on getting police to avoid excessive use of force when nonviolent alternatives are possible.These laws are unnecessary, she wrote, and only serve to trump up charges against protesters and those who (rightly or wrongly) oppose police officers.According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, lawmakers in at least nine states have introduced billssimilar to Louisiana's Blue Lives Matter law: California, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and South Carolina. Most of the proposals also call for added protections for other kinds of emergency personnel, such as firefighters and paramedics. With the exception of one bill in California, they are all sponsored by Republicans.
The clock hit 2 a.m. Wednesday, and lo and behold, bartenders were still serving drinks at the Bank and Bourbon restaurant inside the swanky Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Center City."I love it!" declared Anthony Perez, 26, a New York delegate to the Democratic National Convention, as he enjoyed an Old Fashioned cocktail.Perez applauded the state's decision to extend closing time from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. for a select group of liquor-serving businesses -- mainly located in hotels -- during the convention this week.It has made for a better convention experience, said Perez, who is staying at the Loews with the rest of the New York delegation."Simple things like having more hours and more reasons for people to hang around helps the cause," he said.It also allowed him to appreciate the Philadelphia's historic architecture as he walked from place to place after convention business was finished for the night."It was eye-opening to see how amazing the city is," he said.Zellnor Myrie, 29, who just graduated from law school and is working with the New York delegation, said the added hours provides more time for networking, which is crucial for young people in politics."You have four hours to mingle with folks," he said.Around 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, conventioneers were still arriving by bus in Center City from the Wells Fargo Center.Bruce Jones, 53, a California delegate staying at the Philadelphia Marriot Downtown, said that since he's been in town, the first chance he's had to have dinner each day was at 2 a.m."So it's very convenient," Jones said of the added hours.The scene at the Marriott's Circ restaurant was a lively mix of delegates and even a group of protesters who during the day had marched on Broad Street.At one point, supporters of former presidential candidate Sanders suddenly began chanting his name in the middle of the bar, eliciting smiles from other patrons.Later, a fight almost erupted over some angry talk about police shootings of African Americans. Several police officers showed up at the bar just in case there was trouble.The two men arguing parted ways without throwing blows.
Photo for illustration

Statistics by the General Department of Vietnam Customs showed that in the first six months of the year, Vietnams commodity export turnover to Singapore was estimated to reach USD1.08 billon, a year-on-year decrease of 33.98%, while imports from the market posted USD2.57 billion, down 27.44%.

Major commodities exported to Singapore were telephone, computer, telecom products and components, machinery and devices; petrol and oil and plastic material. Of these, computer, telecom products and components earned the biggest export turnover at USD181.33, making up 16.85% of the countrys total exports to Singapore. It was followed by glass and its products at USD149.51 million (13.89%), machinery and devices at USD147.38 million (13.69%) and telephones at USD139.77 million (12.98%).

Singapore is emerging as one of Vietnams leading investors with sharp growth in both number of projects and capital. By the end of June 2016, the country is the third biggest investor in Vietnam after the Republic of Korea and Japan.

In the Jan-June period, Singapore saw newly-registered capital of USD1.13 billion in 119 projects with the main concentration on the field of waste processing and management industry and real estate. Average capital of each Singaporean project in Vietnam is USD23 million, USD13.7 million higher than that of other foreign investors./.
On Wednesday, in the afternoon, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted a luncheon in honour of Queensland architects. Guests included: Mr Malcolm Middleton OAM; Ms Lindy Atkin; Dr Robert Riddel; Ms Catherine Baudet; Mr Robert Cottee; Mr Michael Keniger; Mr Michael Kennedy; Mr Paul Owen; Mr Kelvin Walsh; and Air Commodore Mark Gower OAM.

In the evening, at 480 Queen Street, Brisbane, the Governor, coinciding with the 170th anniversary of Allens, officially opened the new Allens offices and addressed guests.
(TNS)  WATERLOO, Iowa  The city has the technology to deploy a system of public surveillance cameras.But Safety Services Director Dan Trelka said leaders need to find more money and proceed cautiously in determining where they would be placed throughout the community.Weve got a strong foundation to build off of already with our fiber optics, Trelka said. Its just going to take funding, quite frankly, so its up to those that hold the purse strings if you would like to proceed with this.Trelka was speaking Monday during a meeting of the City Councils public safety committee, which was just beginning to investigate a request from some residents to install cameras to help deter acts of violence in the community or catch those responsible.No cost estimates for cameras had been developed yet.Trelka and Police Capt. Joe Leibold visited Dubuque last week to see what Trelka described as an impressive and robust system of public surveillance cameras.The Dubuque system grew out of traffic monitoring cameras at intersections that were later utilized by law enforcement to help track crime. Most of Dubuques 924 cameras are still run by traffic engineers at intersections, but the city has started rolling out cameras at public parks and around buildings.The Waterloo Traffic Operations Department currently has 28 cameras at intersections, which are used by engineers to monitor traffic flows but have been utilized by Waterloo police to investigate crashes.Traffic Operations Superintendent Sandie Greco said the fiber optic lines and wireless system is in place to handle many more cameras if the council authorized funding to buy and install them.While some residents have urged the city to put up cameras to monitor neighborhoods with a history of shootings, Trelka suggested the city start by putting up more traffic intersection cameras.If youre going to proceed with this initiative it shouldnt be spearheaded by the police department because the perfect platform, the infrastructure, is in the hands of the traffic engineers, he said.Most of our shooters in our cities throughout Iowa are in cars, so theyll typically be able to track them to and from the shooting, Trelka added.While council members generally supported moving forward with the plans, Councilmen Jerome Amos Jr. and Patrick Morrissey said they wanted to ensure the city wasnt trampling on civil liberties.If were going to move forward with this I really think we need to make sure that peoples rights are protected, Amos said.Morrissey said hes heard concerns cameras would be placed in a discriminatory fashion targeting certain neighborhoods over others.Trelka said he shared those concerns, which is why he thought utilizing the traffic cameras was preferable to putting up neighborhood watch cameras.I dont want any municipal employees to have the ability to be prying into private areas of peoples lives, he said.Mayor Quentin Hart said said the idea of public safety cameras was only one part of a larger challenge we need to deal with to reduce violence in the community.But he said he would work with council members to set up a task force and pursue the idea.Councilman Tom Lind urged his colleagues and staff to take the next steps to get cameras in place.I think the cameras will make people feel safer, Lind said. I know theyre not going to solve all crimes.  Cameras would just be one more thing to help (the police) department do their job.
(TNS) -- The state of Michigan will spend a $17 million loan for design and construction of research facilities at the proposed autonomous and connected vehicle center in Willow Run.The Michigan Strategic Fund approved the investment today, one week after green lighting $1.2 million to purchase 311 acres at the former Willow Run bomber plant. The land and now buildings will house the American Center for Mobility.Users will include automakers, universities and government. The ACM, formed in April as a nonprofit entity, represents Michigan's effort to position itself as one of the hubs for development of cars that can drive themselves in clearly defined environments and that can communicate with other vehicles to avoid crashes and improve safety."Return on this investment is projected primarily to be generated from monthly payments by ACM,'' according to a memo describing the funding. "It is anticipated these returns will be paid over 30 years."Gov. Rick Snyder and members of the Michigan congressional delegation met last week with U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. They asked Foxx to initiate a competitive bid for what would be a nationally certified testing and validation center for autonomous vehicles.Designation as a national research center brings the possibility of federal funding. The ACM currently is not for federal funding.We are on track for federal funding, Maddox told the Michigan Economic Development Corp. board this morning. Other countries are moving very, very rapidly. He added that he met with the federal Secretary of Transportation on Friday to discuss the issue.There is some competition, there is no doubt about it, Maddox said, saying that California, Texas, Virginia and other states could pose a challenge.Other likely competing bids could come from the Center for Advanced Automotive Research at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.; the Transportation Research Center, a former Honda test track in East Liberty, Ohio, and some comparable locations in northern California.Development of automated and connected vehicles is accelerating and bringing together major players from the traditional auto industry and Silicon Valley. Google, Tesla Motors and Apple, as well as dozens of software and navigational technology are competing to attract the expertise and capital investment.The ACM is separate from and much larger than Mcity, the 32-acre simulated village and test track on the University of Michigan North Campus. Mcity, which opened a year ago, cost about $10 million, funded by U-M, $3 million from the Michigan Department of Transportation and $1 million over three years from each of 15 companies known as the Leadership Circle. An additional 32 affiliate companies are each contributing $150,000 over three years.
(TNS) -- A company seeking to build a high-speed rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities with private dollars needs more time before deciding whether to push ahead with the project."We simply need more time to collect information," said North American High Speed Rail Group's Chief Manager Wendy Meadley.Earlier this month, the rail group requested the Minnesota Department of Transportation extend the deadline for two work permits set to expire at the end of the month. MnDOT granted the request, setting a new deadline of Dec. 1 for the permits.The miscellaneous work permits allow the company to do non-invasive activities in the right-of-way along U.S. 52 and U.S. 63. Those permits enable the company to complete a preliminary study of the potential high-speed rail route. The rail group did not request an extension for a third work permit in the metro area.North American High Speed Rail Group is seeking to build the first privately financed high-speed rail line in the United States. The company has proposed building a $4.2 billion elevated rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities. Initial plans call for high-value freight to be part of the project, along with commercial development that would be tied into the line. The eventual goal would be to extend high-speed rail service to Chicago.Initially, the company had hoped to complete its preliminary study of the line by the end of the month and present a summary report to MnDOT. But Meadley said the rail group needs more time to meet with key stakeholders before making a final decision whether to push ahead with the project. One reason for the delay was discussions about a possible special legislative session this summer, which made it tough to talk with key officials."There were stakeholder meetings that we needed to have that were basically delayed because of the potential special session," she said.Meadley did emphasize that so far, no environmental or geological problems have been identified that would prevent the rail project from moving ahead. Work also continues on raising up to $50 million from U.S. investors to fund a detailed feasibility study."We do have a viable model. We do have national and international and state level financial interest in the project. There are people interested in moving this project forward," she said.Meadley has previously said the company is in talks with two countries  China and Japan  about the possibility of importing their high-speed rail technology for the project.The rail group made the request to extend the non-metro work permits via an email to MnDOT staff. MnDOT spokesperson Kevin Gutknecht said the permits were extended because "the request was reasonable and showed no reason not to extend."Critics of the high-speed rail proposal say company officials have failed to live up to their promises to keep residents informed as work on the project continues."There's been no communication. None," said Heather Arndt, co-chairwoman of Citizens Concerned About Rail Line. Arndt said residents who live along U.S. 52 continue to be concerned about the proposal. Every month, CCARL holds meetings that attract a crowd of 25 to 30 residents looking for more information about the rail proposal."There has been no information coming forward. Nobody has been contacted," Arndt said.Meadley said the rail group intends to honor its promise to hold public meetings about the rail proposal. But before that can happen, she said the company needs to put together a formal plan that it can share with residents.She added, "We're interested in having a public meeting as soon as we have a plan to share."
In most aspects of society, technology has been seen as a means of doing things better. From health care to transportation to financial services, new technologies have made our ability to work, live and play safer, easier and more cost efficient.However, too many of our government leaders look to restrain advanced technologies to perform the most critical of tasks  maintain our safety and security. For the past several years, more than 30 states have introduced legislation that would curtail or even prohibit law enforcement from using technology that helps to solve crimes and protect citizens: license plate reader (LPR) cameras and data.From the threats of a surveillance state to privacy breaches, LPR is too often depicted in a harsh and wrong light  mostly thanks to a multi-million-dollar campaign by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation that I, as a former lieutenant detective commander of the New York City Police Department, see as filled with misinformation.As a former NYPD official, LPR would have been required protocol for my team. No questions asked. It changes your investigative mind. Law enforcement agencies across the country that have adopted LPR solutions are more efficient and effective. They more efficiently enforce warrants, identify stolen vehicles and help detectives solve major crimes. In addition, license plate detections of vehicles known to be associated with threatening individuals keeps officers safe by providing awareness of their surroundings.LPR technology has helped to apprehend murderers, serial killers, drug traffickers and child abductors.All the while, LPR data contains no personally identifiable information  just a photograph of an anonymous rectangle with alphanumeric characters on it  a license plate. Every state mandates by law that license plates be mounted on vehicles and visible for identification purposes.Dont let the privacy zealots put LPR into the Edward Snowden surveillance discussion  that is a red herring.LPR cameras  stationary or mobile  are just like any modern smartphone camera. They take photographs of license plates and stamp the pictures with the date, time and location coordinates of where they were taken.LPR data generated by a law enforcement agency (LEA) is owned by that specific agency. It is up to each LEA to determine whether it wants to share its LPR data with other LEAs. In addition, LEAs can fully track and audit access to LPR data, and set and manage a wide range of data access controls. The LPR records are stored in a database that meets the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance, and can only be searched by authorized personnel.The only way to link personally identifiable information  like a name, address or face  to an anonymous LPR data record is to obtain access to a states Department of Motor Vehicle database. That access is currently restricted by the Drivers Privacy Protection Act  a strong federal law that carries stiff fines and federal prison penalties for any violation.Thanks to this legislation, the connection of an LPR data record to personal data from DMV records for malicious or abusive reasons is strictly prohibited.Privacy concerns often dominate discussions about LPR, while the truth about how LPR data is often ignored. It is time to set the record straight.While some lawmakers debate and consider an outright ban of some uses of LPR, they should learn from states that have settled this debate. North Carolina and Maryland, for instance, have taken a good hard look at the issue, examined the facts and decided on a measured approach that embraces LPR technology. Common sense tells me that the pros of this technology far outweigh the cons, and a ban on LPR simply makes no sense at all.If I were a victim of a crime, Id certainly hope law enforcement would have access to all possible crime-solving technologies. Im sure legislators would expect the same for themselves.Lets hope that our national and state federal, state and local law enforcement leaders get the message that LPR is a critical tool to making our streets safer. Communities deserve to have their law enforcement agencies equipped with the best technologies to prevent and solve crime.
Just hours after the Democratic National Convention selected Hillary Clinton as the official party nominee, a panel of experts gathered to discuss the big issues around technology and what a Clinton presidency might mean for national growth and innovation.A week prior, a similar collective of private- and public-sector experts gathered for a like discussion about Republican nominee Donald Trump. And like the talking points hammered home in the respective speeches of each candidate, the issues of immigration, education and spurring economic growth were at the heart of each panel conversation.During the July 27 panel, hosted by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Democratic members of the U.S. Congress joined with representatives from companies like Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft, all of whom touched on the need to not only educate the next wave of technology workers, but also pave the way to innovation through cohesive policy and appropriate investment in research.Look, we are only as good as the people we hire, Microsofts President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said. We are behind as a country.Much like the Republican National Convention panel, participants called for a renewed concentration in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs in U.S. schools. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., said STEM programs have shown students in her district the opportunities in the technology sectors.While education is an important part of building a technology workforce, there is a larger problem around connectivity and broadband access.In Rep. Derek Kilmers district in Washington state, there are rural communities without reliable access to broadband Internet services, whose students need to be bused to other locations to take online standardized tests.On the larger scale, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said the U.S. needs to realize that globalization has taken the competitive technology industry to the world marketplace. He said his personal focus was on the manufacturing industry and the jobs that could be returned stateside if conditions change.To adopt a Trump perspective on the global economy, not just a 1950s perspective, but a 1750s perspective on how we can improve our economy and improve jobs, is the wrong way to go, he said, but we have to persuade the American people that we will be stronger and better and tougher on trade enforcement, everything from currency manipulation to ripping off American inventions and ideas to short-circuiting some of the enforcement things that theyve signed onto, but then dont actually follow through on The panel also noted the need to involve the national community in conversations around industry drivers such as robotics and artificial intelligence, and voiced concerns that constituents and policy makers lack a larger perspective when it comes to issues around automated labor.David Zapolsky, senior vice president and general counsel for Amazon, said robotics offers new ways of doing business and new opportunities for the workforce. And concerns that robots were taking jobs, he added, should instead be viewed as a way to provide better-paying, skilled jobs around maintaining them.Its becoming accepted that robots are not going to put the American workforce out of work, in fact, they are going to make the jobs that already exist even better and better paying, he said.Similarly, panelist Rosabeth Kanter, a professor of business administration with Harvard Business School, said decision-makers need to understand their role in the larger technology environment.She pointed to the popular event South by Southwest, where a collection of mayors were offered the opportunity to ride in autonomous vehicles, driving home the fact that the technology is something their municipalities would need to consider in the near future.Its not clear that the public understands the importance of tech investment for their lives even though people are users , Kanter said. We have to do a better job of explaining the relevance not only to members of Congress, but also to local and state officials.As technology becomes more embedded in our daily infrastructure, Kanter makes the case that the jobs of the future will grow along with the investment in technology and infrastructure.And as for consumer trust, data and privacy best practices are an ongoing consideration for both companies competing in the marketplace and the government agencies in place to protect the everyday citizens. The U.S. is not the Wild West when it comes to consumer protection," said Federal Trade Commissioner Terrell McSweeny. "We have strong protections and an enforcement-based approach, and I think weve been doing a relatively good job at it so far. More work needs to be done for sure, and I definitely think we should bring this conversation to the security of the Internet of [Things] because I think that is going to be a big issue for consumers moving forward.The larger point of regulation was also a topic of discussion. DelBene pointed out that legislation like the 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the laws around warranted searches of electronic devices have not kept pace with rapidly advancing technologies.In total, the RNC and DNC panels seemed more in line with each other than not. Political ideologies, rather than brushstroke ideas, seem to be the real sticking point in the American political arena.
(TNS) -- MENLO PARK, Calif. -- The Menlo Park Fire Protection District plans to deploy a full fleet of drones within three years to do everything from instantly checking out collisions on the Dumbarton Bridge to quickly assessing whether a chemical spill is hazardous enough to warrant evacuation.The fire district last week issued a report, called "Rise of the Machines," on its burgeoning drone program. It already has a DJI Phantom drone for training a new drone team of six firefighters at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and plans to buy another drone from DJI with better capabilities. DJI is a Chinese drone maker that has been sharing its devices with the district the past two years.In all, fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman said he expects the district to be using three "large frame" drones within three years, as well as disposable handheld drones at less than $300 a pop as needed.He also wants to build an aerial port at Fire Station 77 in Belle Haven to house a roughly 80-pound drone that essentially would serve as the first responder to an emergency. For that, however, the district needs additional approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration."This is an asset that gives us incredible new capabilities," Schapelhouman said. "Essentially, I gain an air force, if you will, at a price point and an operation level with minimal effort that I never had before."Recent advances give handheld drones the capability to do such tasks as shine a light while surveying a burned-out building or analyze the air above a potential hazardous spill."Any time we have any kind of hazmat issue, even at the most minimal level, it's a two- to three-hour call ... (and) the vast majority of time, it's somebody who dumped paint or oil," Schapelhouman said. A small drone could reduce such a call to a matter of minutes.Two firefighters, Chris Dennebaum and Kevin White, head up the drone team. Dennebaum said he was already using his own DJI Phantom as a hobbyist when the district began exploring drones in 2014."When we started talking about this, it was natural I would be a part," Dennebaum said.The FAA in May gave the district permission to fly drones up to 399 feet. And since the district fields a task force through FEMA's Urban Search & Rescue program, that means it potentially could fly them anywhere in the country.At SLAC, the drone team is working in tandem with the district's annual wildfire training exercises. The current drone offers a 360-degree perspective from the air, but the new drone will also feature thermal-imaging capabilities, longer flight times, a more robust frame to allow it to operate in winds topping 30 mph, and zooming capability.Schapelhouman said he plans to share the drones with law enforcement agencies during emergency responses, to do such things as inspect a roof where a suspect could have tossed evidence or to look through windows where a suspect might be hiding.He said he would not lend out the devices or allow police to use them for surveillance.The ACLU said the district's plan to share drones with law enforcement raises serious concerns."Drones are an extremely powerful and invasive technology that are easy tools for discrimination," Nicole A. Ozer, technology and civil liberties policy director for ACLU of California, wrote in an email to The Daily News. "No agency should be buying drones ... without robust community input and thorough oversight to make sure the right questions are being asked and answered and civil rights are properly safeguarded."Schapelhouman said he has involved the community in the drone program and authorized all purchases through the district's board of directors."I think it's been an important, transparent public process vehicle that has, I think, helped us along the way," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of positive feedback, though not all of it (positive)."He added that no drone footage would be retained, other than to possibly illustrate the extent of traffic jams during responses. He also said that if the district gets FAA approval to operate the 80-pound drone remotely -- without an operator always in the line of sight, as is the current rule -- it would fly over the rail line and major roads but not residences.
(TNS)  WASHINGTON  The accusations and counter-charges flying between Russia and the United States over a massive leak of Democratic Party emails recall stranger-than-fiction episodes from the Cold War, but now the high-stakes espionage game is taking place in cyberspace and features digital malware instead of dead drops.The release by WikiLeaks of 19,252 internal emails from the Democratic National Committee sparked an FBI investigation and prompted the resignation of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz from her partys chairmanship due to alleged bias shown in the emails toward Hillary Clinton over Sen. Bernie Sanders.Senior campaign aides to Clinton, under political fire for her mishandling of emails while she was secretary of state, quickly blamed the release on two Russian cyberspook groups nicknamed Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear that are believed to have close ties to Moscows intelligence agencies and military services.The alleged motivation of Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear? The Kremlin is said to favor Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has spoken admiringly of Russian President Vladimir Putin and just last week criticized NATO, the trans-Atlantic alliance formed after World War II to counter Soviet expansion. Putin, in response, called Trump a very bright and talented man.The evidence of Putin support for Trump is at the moment merely circumstantial  the Russian president has criticized Clinton previously for what he said was her interference in Russias 2011 disputed election results, and some members of Trumps campaign staff have worked with Russia before.But the controversy at a minimum reflects the growing threat of cyberwarfare among a group of U.S. allies and adversaries that include Britain, Israel, Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. The battles remain largely unseen, except when they result in spectacular moments, such as Wasserman Schultzs abrupt resignation before the start of the Democratic National Convention.The Goverment Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, last year disclosed that there had been more than 67,000 intrusions in 2014 into computer systems belonging to 24 major federal agencies, including the Pentagon, the State Department, the Treasury, the Commerce Department, NASA and the Homeland Security Department. While it didnt tie any of the intrusions to a specific foreign government, it said China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are among the most aggressive cyberculprits.James Clapper, director of national intelligence, made a rare public admission last September that American cybertactics go beyond defensive measures.We, too, practice cyberespionage, Clapper told the Senate Armed Services Committee.That comment drew a sharp retort from the panels chairman, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., whod convened the hearing to probe Chinas alleged cybertheft from Office of Personnel Managements database of records belonging to 22 million federal employees.So its OK for (the Chinese) to steal our secrets that are most important because we live in a glass house? McCain asked.Im just saying that both nations engage in this, Clapper responded.Cybersecurity experts are divided over whether Moscow is behind the DNC email theft. The FBI is investigating, and a computer security firm, CrowdStrike, working for the DNC, has said its convinced Russia was behind it.Democratic politicians quickly weighed in, with Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, his counterpart on the Senate Intelligence Committee, demanding in a letter to President Barack Obama that any Intelligence Community assessments related to the DNC hack be made public.The office of Sen. Richard Burr, the North Carolina Republican who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said hell wait for the completion of the FBI investigation before reaching a conclusion. Public discussion about attribution and possible responses are premature, at best, an emailed statement said.Donald Vilfer, a former FBI computer-crime specialist and director of digital forensics for Califorensics, a Sacramento-based cybersecurity firm, said its too early to know for sure what took place.Vilfer knows all about Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear, which are believed to have close ties to Moscows intelligence agencies and military services. But hes not sold on the notion, floated by other analysts, that either of them stole the DNC email cache. For one, hes skeptical a state-sponsored organization would have chosen to disseminate the information via WikiLeaks, a website thats made its reputation publishing government information obtained from individuals.Youd have to ask yourself why a state-sponsored organization would give it to WikiLeaks, Vilfer told McClatchy. Is it undermining the Clinton campaign because the Russians favor Trump? It almost seems a little too crazy, but in this election year, nothings too crazy, I guess.Even if Fancy Bear or Cozy Bear turn out to be the original source of the WikiLeaks email trove, Vilfer said skilled cyberthieves normally take great care in fencing their stolen digital goods, leaving in doubt whether WikiLeaks would actually know where the data came from.There often will be multiple hops that data will take from one country to another in order to mask where the intrusion originated or where the data ultimately ended up, he said. I had one case with the FBI that took almost three years to follow through all the hops and eventually lead to Russian freelance hackers.Giovanni Masucci, president of National Digital Forensics in Raleigh, N.C., said cyberdetectives often are able to recognize the signatures of hackers in the computer code they use to infiltrate servers and networks. Most malware is custom-written, Masucci said. Youll get variations in the code thats embedded in the malware.But Masucci added that skilled cyberthieves have learned how to imitate the coding of other hackers or even a particular government agency, making detection less certain. Malware can be made to look like it came from a certain hacker group, but it was mimicked, he said.CrowdStrike, which the DNC hired in May to investigate a possible breach of its computer network, remains certain of its conclusion that Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear, also are known as APT28 and APT29, had infiltrated the DNCs digital system.When a separate hacker named Guccifer 2.0, who said he was Romanian, claimed to be the cyberthief last month, CrowdStrike took the unusual step of publicly rebuking him and dismissing his online posts as part of a Russian intelligence disinformation campaign intended to deflect blame from the Kremlin.CrowdStrike stands fully by its analysis and findings identifying two separate Russian intelligence-affiliated adversaries present in the DNC network in May 2016, Dmitri Alperoviych, a Russian-born executive with CrowdStrike, wrote in a blog.Alperovitch became famous among cybersleuths in 2011 when, while working for the McAfee security-software company, he wrote a report fingering the Chinese government for Operation Aurora, a prolonged cyberattack on two dozen American high-tech firms and defense contractors, including Google, Yahoo and Northrop Grumman.Clinton, then secretary of state, admonished China in one of the first instances of a major nation blaming another for a cyberoffensive. Operation Aurora is still considered among the most dangerous acts of cyberwarfare waged to date.In his CrowdStrike blog, Alperovitch expressed grudging admiration for Fancy Bear, which is believed to be tied to the GRU, the foreign military intelligence arm of the Russian Armed Forces, and Cozy Bear, which has been linked to civilian Russian intelligence.Weve had lots of experience with both of these actors attempting to target our customers in the past and know them well, he wrote. In fact, our team considers them some of the best adversaries out of all the numerous nation-state, criminal and hactivist/terrorist groups we encounter on a daily basis.Indeed, he wrote, another element points to Russian involvement in the DNC hack: Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear were both inside the Democratic network, but neither hacker group seemed to be aware of the others presence.While you would virtually never see Western intelligence agencies going after the same target for fear of compromising each others operations, in Russia this is not an uncommon scenario, he said, noting that Russian intelligence agencies are well known for not sharing information.Julian Assange, the Australian-born founder of WikiLeaks, has said he doesnt know the source of the emails and that there is no proof whatsoever that Moscow was the source.If were talking about the DNC, theres lots of consultants that have access, lots of programmers, Assange said.2016 McClatchy Washington BureauVisit the McClatchy Washington Bureau at www.mcclatchydc.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Max Verstappen's famous father has reportedly had an eventful few days between the Hungarian and German grands prix.

De Telegraaf, a Dutch newspaper, reports that the former Benetton and Minardi driver physically attacked his own father, Max's grandfather Frans Verstappen.

The report said the incident happened shortly after the Budapest race last Sunday, in Jos' hometown of Montford, The Netherlands.

De Telegraaf said Frans Verstappen filed a complaint with the police.

"We've seen before that Jos has loose hands but this was the limit," Frans, showing multiple wounds and bruises on his body and head, is quoted as saying.

"Jos is very bad tempered," he added.

Max and Jos' manager Raymond Vermeulen said the incident was a "private matter".

Later, Limburg broadcaster L1 reported that Frans had withdrawn the complaint because "it's just a private matter between myself and Jos.

"I want to keep it between ourselves," he added.

(GMM)
Photo: HNMO

The event was a chance for former Vietnamese volunteer cadres and soldiers to review the glorious history, feats of arms and great sacrifice of the Vietnamese people and army; and showed deep gratitude to the martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives for national liberation and protection as well as for realising international missions.

It also helped to reinforce companionship, and strengthen the Vietnam - Cambodia friendship relations.

During the inauguration ceremony, colonel Le Cuong, President of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association of former volunteer soldiers of Front 479, said that this was a unique cultural and spiritual construction to worship and pay gratitude to heroic martyrs.



It is also a destination for educating about the tradition of patriotic and international spirit of the Vietnamese nation and army, contributing to reinforcing and increasing the Vietnam - Cambodia friendship association, he said.

The construction, which was invested with VND700 million, is built on an area of 40 square metres.

Attending the ceremony were President of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association Vu Mao, Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Hun Phany, representatives from ministries and agencies, former volunteer soldiers, and Hanoians./.
James Allison left Ferrari after a falling out with new president Sergio Marchionne.

That is the claim of the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, following this week's news that the Italian team's highly rated British technical director has left.

Ferrari claimed the decision was taken "jointly" but gave no reason for the split.

Earlier this year, Allison's wife died suddenly and it has been rumoured he might want to return full-time to Britain where his children live.

Auto Motor und Sport said that since his wife's death, Allison has only been at Maranello 3.5 days a week, and rarely at races.

He is now being linked with a potential move to Renault, McLaren or Mercedes.

Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt reports: "Returning to England is certainly one of the reasons for the separation.

"But there are also claims that Marchionne could not cope with Allison, because the Briton spoke his mind and refused to be dictated unreasonable targets in contrast to his (Allison's) 25 years of motor sport experience," he added.

Ferrari has replaced Allison with engine chief Mattia Binotto, but Schmidt claims this is just an "interim" solution.

There are reports Ferrari's former technical director Ross Brawn is en route to Hockenheim.

(GMM)
In the past 11 years, it is the seventh time the mission has visited Vietnam, and the first time that three ships, including USNS MERCY (T-AH 19), Japanese Ship Shimokita (LST 4002), and Vietnam Peoples Navy ship Khanh Hoa (K-123) participated in the Da Nang mission. For the first time, Khanh Hoa hosted Vietnamese and US Navy doctors in dental and surgical cooperative health engagements alongside other Pacific Partnership medical personnel.

With nearly dozens of complex medical engagements completed, Pacific Partnership 2016 was a resounding success due to the incredible planning and the delivery of world class medical care by our Vietnamese colleagues. Working collaboratively, side-by-side, the Vietnamese and Mercy teams made significant strides in our mutual understanding and management of complex burn, spine, and orthopedic patients. The skilled providers of Vietnam, aboard Khanh Hoa, delivered medical, surgical and dental care in a shipboard environment while our doctors learned how their skills could be quickly integrated if required, said Capt. Peter Roberts, commanding officer, Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).

US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius and Rang Dong kindergarten headmaster Nguyen Thi Nhu Thuy mark

the completion of a Pacific Partnership 2016 project. (Photo: twitter.com/PacificPartner)

A disaster relief workshop, co-hosted by Vietnam National Committee for Search and Rescue and Pacific Partnership 2016 was also a new feature for this year. The workshops included disaster management organization, early warning signs and incident command system, and search and rescue efforts in disaster relief. It concluded with a search and rescue field exercise on Han river and aboard hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), the command ship for Pacific Partnership 2016.

Four separate engineering projects were completed by Vietnamese and Japanese service members, US Navy Seabees and Marine combat engineers at the Hoa Phu primary school, Chinh Gian ward medical station, Rang Dong kindergarten and Tuong Lai school. Pacific Partnership personnel from aboard Mercy and Shimokita painted the Tuong Lai school as part of a community relations project.

Besides, a nine-member component of the US Pacific Fleet Band performed at various schools and gave two public performances at Bach Dang street and Bien Dong Beach Park, and at a joint reception aboard Shimokita.

Its an opportunity for us to reach out to the people of Vietnam in a way that transcends language and culture. The audience we had at the Bach Dang Street performance was very involved and engaged, and very interested in meeting us. This is the most rewarding part of our job; interacting with the people of Da Nang, shared Chief Musician Ian Charleton, in charge of the Pacific Fleet Band Detachment aboard Mercy.

Meanwhile Capt. Takeshi Okada, commander, Landing Ship Division One, Joint Maritime Self-Defense Force, embarked aboard Shimokita stressed that the engagement between Pacific Partnership 2016 participants have improved capacity and enhanced regional partnerships and increased multilateral cooperation with Vietnamese people.

Pacific Partnership 2016 is focused on enhancing relationships and multinational-interoperability through knowledge exchange and cooperative training, ensuring partner nations are prepared to collectively and effectively respond when disaster strikes./.
President Tran Dai Quang and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn (Source: VNA)



The head of State made the remarks at a reception for Thai Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn in Hanoi on July 28th, who is in Vietnam to attend the Thai Cultural Days program marking the 40 th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (August 6th).

He used the occasion to thank Thailand for its USD100,000 aid package to support Vietnams southern localities struck by drought and saltwater intrusion.

The leader suggested the two countries step up their bilateral cooperation as well as their collaboration with other countries and international organisations to manage and use the Mekong River s water resources in a sustainable and effective manner, and in accordance with international practice, thus ensuring interests of countries at the lower reach of the river.

He underscored the need for the two sides to actively implement the joint statement of the third Vietnam-Thailand Cabinet Meeting, the plan of action realising the bilateral strategic partnership for 2014-2018, and bilateral cooperative mechanisms, with attention paid to scheduling the third meeting of the Vietnam-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation.

President Tran Dai Quang called for joint efforts to set forth specific measures to fruitfully put into place the action programme on Vietnam-Thailand trade and investment for 2015-2016, gearing towards a two-way trade value of USD20 billion in 2020.

The two countries should continue actualising their defence cooperation agreement and swiftly implement deputy ministerial-level dialogues between their defence ministries, as well as between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Thai Royal Police, he said.

The President proposed increasing the use of a hotline between the two countries naval forces to promptly settle maritime issues, including incidents relating to their fishermen, which, he said, should be resolved in the humanitarian spirit, the strategic partnership and the friendship between their people.

The Vietnamese State will create the best possible conditions for Thai investors and businesses to operate in the country and encourage Thai investments in tourism, garment-textile, food, farm produce and chemicals, he said.

He suggested the two countries continue their close coordination with Laos and Cambodia to accelerate the construction of the Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam coastal transport route and launch bus services linking Vietnam with its two neighbours of Thailand and Laos.

Regarding the East Sea issue, President Tran Dai Quang appreciated Thailands position on valuing peace, stability and sustainable development in the waters and stressing the need to fully and effectively effectuate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and work towards the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

He noted his wish that Thailand , as an important ASEAN member, will enhance its coordination with Vietnam and other ASEAN member countries to maintain the blocs common stance on the issue in order to ensure peace, stability, and maritime security and safety in the East Sea.

For his part, Tanasak Patimapragorn affirmed that Thailand stands ready to join hands with Vietnam across fields, thus contributing to strengthening ASEANs intra-bloc affiliation.

He described cultural, tourism and sport collaboration as a spotlight in the bilateral ties and stressed Thailands views to address maritime issues in the spirit of the strategic partnership and through diplomatic channels between the two countries competent agencies and the respective embassies./.
A day after news broke of a sexual harassment and corporate retaliation complaint against Bridgewater Associates, Bridgewater founder and Greenwich resident Ray Dalio issued a statement Thursday in an attempt to refute what he described as sensationalistic and inaccurate stories.

Dalio posted his statement to LinkedIn, while stating he would not comment on the cases filed by Bridgewater Associates employee Christopher Tarui and by the National Labor Relations Board. The New York Times, which first reported the story, cited seven unnamed employees and outsiders furnishing background information for its article.

Westport-based Bridgewater recently received a $22 million commitment from the state of Connecticut for renovations to its offices, with the company also having locations in Stamford and Norwalk. A Bridgewater spokeswoman did not immediately make a company executive available Thursday for an interview with Hearst.

The contretemps comes on the heels of a renewed interest in the secretive circles of high finance, via Showtimes recent miniseries Billions recounting the cat-and-mouse legal maneuvering of a New York prosecutor and a fictional Westport hedge fund; and the feature films The Big Short and The Wolf of Wall Street. While Bridgewater has long been seen as a unique case study for the industry given a manifesto Dalio published on his managerial principles, the billionaire has a prominent public perch as well via his speaking at events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

More Business Westport hedge fund employee claims sexual harassment

Bridgewater is well known for giving employees the right to speak up, especially about problems, and to make sense of things for themselves, Dalio stated on LinkedIn. Our employees typically report their business problems and ideas in real time through a public issue log and a company-wide survey that is administered quarterly. More sensitive matters are reported through an anonymous complaint line, and all employees have access to a ... team charged with being a closed, confidential outlet outside of the management chain for handling issues of a personal nature.

Dalio defended his companys practice of making audio recordings of meetings available for all to listen to who work at the firm, stating employees overwhelmingly treasure this way of operating and noting the companys past recruiting success even as many of Bridgewaters business practices are common knowledge. One LinkedIn member commented Thursday on Dalios point, noting maybe money had something to do with that success, among some two-dozen mostly supportive of Dalio as of Thursday afternoon; and a few more noting how many people have their own financial well being staked to Dalios firm, whether investors, vendors or employees.

More than 200 people identifying themselves as Bridgewater employees have posted reviews of the hedge fund on the Glassdoor jobs website, rating the firm a 3.2 on a scale of 5 in the aggregate, with 66 percent stating they approve of how Dalio runs the firm. Among other prominent financial firms locally, that compares to a 3.9 rating and 75 percent approval rating for Stamford-based Point72 Asset Management and founder Steven Cohen; and a 3.7 rating and 78 percent approval for AQR in Greenwich and firm head Cliff Asness, with the Point72 and AQR ratings taken from comparatively few survey responses.

It is the second time this year Bridgewater has found itself in the headlines for its internal practices, after the Wall Street Journal reported a conflict between Dalio and senior executive Greg Jensen. As of Thursday, Bridgewater maintained a Jensen video online commenting on the companys culture, among similar interviews with more than a dozen people that do not include the dates of recording.

I didnt know at first how much of a culture of total honesty and meritocracy was connected to an investment management, how do you beat markets (ethic), Jensen said in the edited video clip. The promise of Bridgewater, for someone who is just starting here, is the same promise that I got when I got here, which is that we would pursue meritocracy, we would be open-minded about it and that will lead wherever it leads. ... Operating that way, ... making mistakes and having those mistakes exposed by others and then talked about transparently has helped me evolve.

Bridgewater has generated returns of $1.3 billion for clients in 2016 to date, Dalio disclosed, without saying how much of that amount was attributable to its flagship Pure Alpha fund. He said in the first seven months of 2016, clients have invested $12 billion in Bridgewater funds, without stating how much money clients have pulled from Bridgewater funds for the most recent period they were able to do so.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-964-2236; www.twitter.com/casoulman
GREENWICH  Not many public school teachers get to have a reunion their former students  in Japan.

Thanks to the generosity of one Greenwich family, ESOL teacher Emilia Rivera traveled to Japan earlier this month, where she participated in a tour for educators and reunited with many Japanese students who she taught in her 18 years with Greenwich Public Schools.
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For the past two nights at the Democratic National Convention, the American people saw plenty of praise for Hillary Clinton and criticism aimed at Donald Trump.

But Vice President Joe Biden stepped things up on Wednesday in Philadelphia, and didn't mince words when it came to Trump, the GOP nominee.

"His lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up by his famous statement  one he probably is proud of  'You're fired!'" Biden began.

MORE ON TRUMP: Reddit users ask 'The Donald' anything

He went on to say Trump uses scare tactics to promote his platform, and he pointed out the Republican's lack of experience.

"He has no clue about what makes America great. Actually he has no clue period," Biden said.

In response, the delegates chanted, "Not a clue! Not a clue!"

The vice president moved on to speak about the middle class.

"He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle class? Give me a break," Biden said. "That's a bunch of malarkey." The crowd and social media promptly burst into applause and laughter.

Biden ended his speech on a patriotic note, saying: "We are America, second to none, and we own the finish line.

"C'mon! We're America!"
Either way: Theyre addictive. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Call it driving while doughnutting. Orlando resident Daniel Rushing was pulled over and subsequently arrested by two cops after they spotted an incredibly suspicious substance in his car: Possibly fresh off of binge-watching Breaking Bad for the zillionth time, the officers believed the flakes to actually be crystal meth, and say they did a couple roadside tests that came back positive for the drug. In the end, however, the substance was glaze from a Krispy Kreme doughnut. (Though the positive drug ID, if true, might help finally explain the irresistible allure of the companys doughnuts.)

To make matters worse, the Florida man had just dropped a neighbor off for chemotherapy treatment, which he says he did every Friday, before going to a 7-Eleven to give an elderly friend a ride home. Arresting officer, eight-year veteran Corporal Shelby Riggs-Hopkins, had staked out the convenience store because of complaints about drug-related activity. After pulling Rushing over for failing to come to a full stop and driving well over the speed limit, Riggs-Hopkins asked him to step out of the car and searched the vehicle. Thats when, according to the arrest report, she noticed the suspicious rock like substance, a.k.a. flakes of doughnut glaze, which she was able to identify as an illegal drug thanks to her eleven years of training and experience. To no avail, Rushing, who goes to Krispy Kreme weekly, tried to explain that hes a normal guy who just really likes doughnuts.

Following his arrest, Rushing was taken to the county jail and strip-searched  but another test several weeks later cleared him of the crime. He was held for ten hours before being released on $2,500 bond and charged with possession of methamphetamine with a firearm, an additional charge stemming from his concealed-weapons permit. Understandably not thrilled by what happened, Rushing has hired an attorney and is seeking damages from the city. The next time youre eating glazed doughnuts in your car and think its no big deal, remember this cautionary tale.
The Meizu Pro 6 is still fresh off the production lines, so it is quite early for the Pro 7. However, the rumor mill never sleeps and the alleged 2017 flagship has already been spotted in a couple of images.

But catching a quick glimpse of design is one thing, discovering the specs is a whole other challenge and one that even Meizu likely hasn't tackled for the Pro 7 yet. Still, a recent social media group chat with a company VP might just hold a few insider tips regarding Meizu's future hardware choices.

It is no secret that Meizu has a track record of creating very close counterparts to current generation Samsung flagships, often sourcing the parts from the Korean giant itself. The Meizu Pro 5 is a perfect example, with its Exynos 7420 Octa chipset. However, the current generation Pro 6 opted for a non-Samsung option, namely the Mediatek Helio X25 and the chat in question seems to hint at one possible reason for the switch.

From the looks of things, Meizu is putting a major focus on full Netcom compatibility, which means offering full support for all three major carriers in China. Samsung's current Exynos 8890 does not offer full Netcom support, but the company's roadmap allegedly includes covering said criteria with modem offers in six months or so.

What this effectively means is that the Pro 7 is unlikely to use the Exynos 8890, but might go for a future Samsung full Netcom option if one becomes available in time or another MediaTek option, as the VP also suggested the Chinese OEM won't be relying on Qualcomm chips all that much in the future.

Source
Microsoft Pix is a brand new camera app for Apple's iOS and it promises to surpass the image quality of the iPhone's default camera app. Microsoft designed the app to be very easy to use, literally settings-free.

Pix relies on artificial intelligence to recognize and enhance your images real time. It boosts exposure by recognizing faces or other important objects, removes noise, and even corrects colors if needed.

The app always shoots a burst of photos, then it saves the best one and use the rest for further image enhancements.

The app supports Live Images, too. According to Microsoft, if the app detects moving objects then it will turn the photo into a Live Image. The information is stored in the jpg file and the Photos app on Windows will play those for you by default just like it would play a Live Image taken by a Windows Phone.

Finally, the video recording option uses the same tech as in Hyperlapse to stabilize the videos, so it should do even better than Apple's app, but in exchange of even narrower field-of-view.

I am out of surprises when it comes to Microsoft's apps for competing platforms. The tech giant has proven over time it is capable of designing great apps for iOS and Android and it is really nice to watch Microsoft's expanding portfolio.

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Samsung's Gear S2 smartwatch is almost one year old at this point, so you might be wondering whether a successor will be announced soon. Well, if the latest rumor on the matter is right, then indeed it should. The new Samsung Gear S3 is apparently due to be officially presented at IFA in Berlin at the beginning of September. The new smartwatch will reportedly keep the round shape of its predecessor.

Not only that, but it too will feature a rotary bezel just like the Gear S2. The bezel can be used on the existing device to navigate through menus, greatly enhancing usability since relying on such a tiny touchscreen exclusively can be cumbersome.

No other details are known for now, but we have recently heard that the Galaxy Tab S3 family will be unveiled on September 1 - so maybe that's also the date when the Gear S3 becomes official. It would definitely make sense for Samsung to hold just one event for both its new tablets and its new smartwatch.

Source
Xiaomi announced the Redmi Pro at a special event yesterday, and this is the Chinese company's most high-end Redmi-branded device ever. One thing that stands out in its spec list is the fact that it uses an OLED display. That's not something you'd expect to see in a phone that starts at $225 - because OLED panels are notoriously more expensive than LCDs.

Yet if you do get a phone with an OLED screen, then that panel is probably made by Samsung, since the Korean company apparently holds a market share of almost 95% in the space. Well, that expectation isn't being met in the Xiaomi Redmi Pro.

This device does not use Samsung-made OLEDs, instead opting to source them from two Chinese companies: EverDisplay and BOE. According to a new report out of the country, EverDisplay is the first supplier, and in case it can't handle Xiaomi's orders, then BOE will be used.

We assume that the decision to go with Chinese suppliers for the OLED screen is one factor that has helped the Redmi Pro's price remain pretty low, at least compared to similarly-specced competitors. The phone's 5.5-inch 1080p display has a 60,000:1 contrast ratio and fully covers the NTSC color space.

Source
Romain Grosjean believes the FIA is focusing on the wrong aspects of F1 safety by not punishing Nico Rosberg for setting a best sector time under double waved yellow flags.

Rosberg took pole position in Hungary last weekend despite a spin for Fernando Alonso which caused the majority of drivers to slow greatly due to double waved yellow flags. The FIA were happy Rosberg lifted enough on approach to the sector, but many drivers want further clarification.

Grosjean was initially asked about his thoughts on the Halo which will be voted on by the Strategy Group today, to which he said he is against the device's introduction.

I dont want to stop safety in Formula One and its great, but if were racing drivers then we make a choice to come into a dangerous sport and Im not at all in favour of the Halo," Grosjean said. "I think it goes against the DNA in Formula One, against what Ive seen as a kid or since it started in 1950.

"On top of that there has been a few downsides. We dont know what its going to be like when its raining; we dont know what its going to be like on a track like Spa-Francorchamps where youre up and down; we dont know what its going to be like in Singapore with the lights and the Halo; weve already got issues with the weight; and its ugly.

"If it comes, fine. But again if I had to vote I would vote against.

When then asked for his views on the yellow flag incident for Rosberg in Budapest, Grosjean replied: Now that If we want to improve safety that is the first one to improve because setting pole position under a double yellow is a bit dodgy.

"The thing is that he didnt get anything so everyone is going to push the limit and say I backed off, look, I backed off even if its a [nothing]. I think if we want to make the safety grade we are an example for all the young drivers, that when its yellow we need to slow down.

"Were lucky in Formula One because we have the radio, we have the best cars, we have the best marshals but if theres a young guy racing Formula Renault 2.0 who sees they can do a pole position under a yellow flag then hes going to go for the same and there may be marshals or whatever on the track. That is something I think we can do better.

Chris Medland's 2016 German Grand Prix preview

FEATURE: Halo: splitting opinion in F1

Scene at the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter




Haiti - Politic : The financing of elections to the agenda of the Council of Ministers





Wednesday at the National Palace, the members of the Provisional Electoral Council took part in a major Council of Ministers co-chaired by President de facto Jocelerme Privert Enex and Prime Minister Jean-Charles.



After the major decisions of national interest relating the proper functioning of the State, the second part of the Council of Ministers concerned the progress of the electoral process and disbursement mechanisms of funds for the completion of the electoral process. Disbursement of funds without the amount concerned to be mentioned in the communication of the Government... the opportunity for Jocerlerme Privert reiterating its credo to members of the government and of the CEP "I want to reassure the Nation of the commitment made on your behalf, namely the organization of good elections to return to constitutional order."



CEP members have welcomed the government's approach to mobilize resources and put them at their disposal. Leopold Berlanger, the President of the CEP welcomed this initiative saying "Now, it will end the suspense, to the tractations making believing that the elections could not take place due to lack of financial resources [...]" also keeping to mention the amount of available financial resources...



For his part, Yves Romain Bastien, Minister of Economy and Finance made the presentation of three scenarios for the financing of elections.











HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Security : Advanced Training for PNH





The final component of the training sessions organized by the internal security service of the Embassy of France in Haiti, in favor of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), was dedicated to the fight against money laundering and seizure of assets criminals in connection with drug trafficking.



This training was provided to the Central Directorate of the Haitian Judiciary Police (DCPJ) by Police Captain Sylvie Flamand, of the Training Centre Interministerial Anti-Drug (CIFAD) of Martinique for the benefit of members of the Central Unit Information Financiers (UCREF), of the nit for the Fight against Corruption (ULCC) as well as investigators from the Office of Finance and Economic Affairs of the DCPJ.



During this training, the captain Flamand ddressed issues such as legal and legislative aspects of money laundering, the investigation of heritage and its practical aspects, procedures for seizure and confiscation oreven the Haitian legislation in this field, including the law of November 2013 on the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.



This theme was responding to a priority of the former Director General of the PNH, Godson Orelus, who had repeatedly insisted on the fact that the law enforcement had to intensify their operations against the networks involved in narcotic trafficking, money laundering and transnational crimes.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Social : Privert in Anse-a-Veau to celebrate...





On Tuesday, the de facto President of the Republic, Jocelerme Privert, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ginette Michaud Privert, of members of the government and its private cabinet, attended the Eucharistic celebration of the St. Anne Cathedral of Anse a-Veau (Nippes), on the occasion of the patronal feast of the city.



Also taking part in this solemn ceremony, parliamentarians, local elected officials, civil and political authorities, pilgrims from around...



In his homily for the occasion, the main celebrant, Mgr Pierre Andre Dumas, made the eulogize of the St. Anne, patron saint of Ansavelais. "Sainte-Anne is our grandmother, the mother of Mary The Virgin. It is the fragrance of the Lord's mercy," he preached, pleading for a society, a Haitibased on mercy and humanity. "There will be no New Haiti if we do not accept to go back to that logic..."



The Archbishop of Nippes, while welcoming the presence of Jocelerme Privert, who is always ready to celebrate with the populations of different cities of the Nippes department, his alma mater, called everyone "to live together in unity and mercy," to overcome the multiple problems of the country.



The vicar of the said Cathedral, Reverend Father Louis Merone, concluded the ceremony by thanking all those ho contributed to the success of the patronal feast of his city.



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Education : The Government is mobilizing for back to school





Wednesday, the de facto President of the Republic, Jocelerme Privert, held on the sidelines of the Council of Ministers, a meeting with State officials involved in the back to school 2016-2017 scheduled for this September 5 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18138-haiti-education-back-to-school-on-september-5.html in order to inquire about the devices already taken or underway for the full success of the school year.



With the Ministers Jean Beauvois Dorsonne, National Education and Vocational Training, Camille Edouard Jr, Justice and Public Safety, Romain Yves Bastien, Economy and Finance; Michel-Ange Gedeon, Director-General a.i. of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), and representatives of Mopad and the National School Feeding Programme (PNCS), Jocelerme Privert held talks on the projections of these respective entities of the State for the return to school.



It raised questions concerning the school grant (uniforms, textbooks, scholarships, internships, etc...), the arrears of Universal Schooling Program Free and Compulsory (PSUGO), training of teachers, new appointments for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, institutional support, the offer of school meals. The President also emphasized strategies in terms of transport and adequate road infrastructure, of significantly remediation policy across the country or security.



Also the representatives of each of the institutions have promised to make every effort for the success of Back to School activities, and the continuation of their action plans for a successful school year throughout the territory.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Ferrari star Kimi Raikkonen says that drivers opinions in Formula One meetings rarely result in actual change for the sport.

F1 rules once again came under fire in Hungary last weekend, following incidents about track limits, restrictions on radio communications, and yellow flags. Raikkonen, for his part, complained about Max Verstappens antics after clashing with the Red Bull driver.

Verstappens robust defending has been slated for discussion in the Drivers briefing at this weekends German Grand Prix. But the 2007 world champion doubts the discussions will have any meaningful impact in the end.

Theres always a lot of talk in Formula One, half the time its rumours and the other half is something else, Raikkonen said. Theres nothing wrong with meetings, when theres a purpose behind its fine, then we get somewhere.

If you guys [the media] were there in the meetings, youd see its been the same things for the last ten years. Most of the time, its about blue flags and circuit limits  stuff like that. Obviously now there will be another thing.

Sometimes it feels that if theyd listen to what we say it would probably change and fix somethings but were not the guys that make the rules.

We say our side of the story and who knows what happens with that. For sure there will be discussions, but lets see what happens.

Raikkonen also reiterated his views about what he sees as a lack of consistency in the enforcement of F1 rules.

The thing is these decisions are very different from race to race, also because we have different Stewards every time and its in the human nature that people look at the same thing in different ways.

My opinion [on the incident with Verstappen] hasnt changed. It is what it is and its fine. Ive nothing against it, but it should always be the case for similar decisions.

In all the things, not just what happened with Max and me last weekend. What happened in qualifying, with the 107 per cent rule and also with the double yellow flag rule.

Im not saying this because I want to qualify one place up because of another drivers penalty. Its purely because its not correct that certain tings should be treated always the same way and thats why we have rules.

Chris Medland's 2016 German Grand Prix preview

FEATURE: Halo: splitting opinion in F1

Scene at the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
The Rescue Paw Foundation will have an adoption event at Herrick Park on Sunday, October 23rd. The event is sponsored by London Jewelers and will be an all out dog lover's dream, but it is also going to be fun...
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Published on 2016/07/28 | Source

Updated cast and added new stills for the Korean movie "Train to Busan" (2015)

Advertisement

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho

With Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an, Kim Eui-sung, Choi Wooshik,... More

Also known as "Busan Bound"

Crank in : 2015/04/26

Crank up : 2015/08/19

Synopsis

"Train to Busan" is about the zombie appearance on a KTX headed for Busan. Produced by Yeon Sang-ho, an animation producer with a firm fan base.

Festival

Cannes 2016 Midnight Screenings

Release date in Korea : 2016/07/20
Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.

08:46, 28 OCT 2022
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American retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is facing another lawsuit over its notorious look policy, this time from a transgender former employee who claims that the company forced him to wear womens clothing and fired him when he refused to do so.



Maha Shalaby, who has lodged a federal lawsuit for US$35m (AU$47m) against his former employer, claims he was badgered to wear Abercrombie & Fitchs womens uniform despite identifying as a male, the New York Post reported.



Shalaby, who worked at the brands flagship Fifth Avenue store in Manhattan, New York, says that he had been approved to wear the mens uniform when he was hired, but was later told that under the companys look policy he would have to wear the womens uniform.



A ruling in February by the US federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over the dispute found that Shalaby was subjected to sexual discrimination, which paved the way for his lawsuit, the New York Post reported.



The lawsuit alleges that a store manager told Shalaby he could only wear a girls uniform because thats what customers want to see.



The company then allegedly offered Shalaby a night position in which he could wear a male uniform but not be seen by customers, before firing him in 2012, according to the lawsuit.



Abercrombie & Fitch, which has thousands of stores worldwide and has two offshoot brands  Abercrombie Kids and Hollister Co  has been in trouble for its look policy before.



Last year the US Supreme Court ruled against the retailer in a case which centered on the companys decision not to hire an applicant for a job  because her headscarf, worn for religious reasons, violated the stores look policy.



The company has since overhauled its look policy and stopped referring to its store associates as models.




In mid-2013, the government property development agency Places Victoria was in a time of strife. Significant financial problems saw the workforce decrease from 205 to 75 employees over the course of two years.



Caroline Monzon, HR director of Places Victoria, spoke at the National HR Summit in Melbourne today about this time of tumultuous change.



There was no clear vision, purpose or direction, she said. We had five CEOs in two years and falling confidence amongst government stakeholders and industry.



To rally the troops and bring the organisation around, Monzon pushed for a cultural reality check that ultimately boosted morale and engagement amongst staff.



Sometimes in the winds of change we find our direction, she quoted.



From 2014 to 2016, overall job satisfaction rose from 65% to 82%. In the same period of time, the number of employees who would recommend Places Victoria as a Great Place to Work increased from 52% to 79%.



To reach this level of success, Monzon created a change management strategy involving a leadership team and independent facilitator who could honestly analyse the firms present state and where it wanted to be in the future.



We brought the leadership team together to analyse the present state and ideal future state of the organisation, she said. They then agreed on three core objectives for the following twelve months and determined three or four things they had to do to achieve those objectives.



To engage employees with this strategy, she told HC it was important to replicate these activities at a divisional level.



Employees could collaborate to develop a purpose for their division  setting objectives aligned to the CEOs plan as well as to their divisions goals.



To strengthen the leadership team during these times, Monzon placed an emphasis on accountability and transparency.



There was no silver bullet, she said. It took time, resilience and commitment.




The Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia (AATA) has overturned a Comcare decision not to award compensation to a public servant traumatised after being told he would have to relocate to Canberra.



Michael Voss was working in Brisbane as a regional manager for the Department of Defence. On 19 July 2013, he was told he would have to move with his family to Canberra.



Voss alleged the announcement led to a major depressive episode of moderate severity and filed a claim for workers compensation in October 2013.



To now hear those words coming from the same person that has been reassuring us we would not be moving to Canberra was overwhelming, Voss told the AATA when describing his reaction to the announcement.



I left the meeting and was struggling with the information that I had just been informed of. It seemed like my whole life was imploding.



On 24 July 2014, a Comcare decision stated that Voss would not receive compensation as a result of the incident.



The Tribunal overturned this decision last Friday (22 July).



The reviewable decision dated 24 July 2014 is set aside and in substitution it is decided that the applicant is entitled to compensation  for the claimed condition of major depressive disorder, AATA deputy president Peter McDermott wrote in his final decision.



The meeting was not conducted in a reasonable manner, McDermott said, stating the following reasons:
(Bloomberg) Alaskas $53 billion wealth fund plans to exit all of its funds of hedge funds and will instead make investment decisions in-house. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. plans to pull all of the $2 billion it has invested in liquid assets across Crestline Investors, Mariner Investment Group and Lazard Asset Management, according to Marcus Frampton, its director of private markets. Alaska will instead rely on its own five-person alternatives team to select hedge funds.

To read this article:
Statistics Finland, she highlights, announced earlier this week that the number of births dropped to a record low of 26,517 in the first half of the year in the 99-year history of independent Finland.

The Finnish Government must wake up to the importance of family and population policy and re-consider the cost-cutting measures directed at families with children, states Sari Essayah, the chairperson of the Christian Democratic Party.

Essayah interprets the data as an indication of a baby shortage.

Statistics Finland's message is quite stupefying. The birth rate has declined for as many as five consecutive years: people are less eager to have children and postpone starting a family. Finland was a country with one of the highest birth rates in Europe at the turn of the millennium, but that is no longer the case, she writes in a blog post.

The statistical institution reported on Tuesday that despite the record-low number of births, the population grew by 6,269 to 5,493,577 between January and June  primarily as a result of immigration.

The number of immigrants was 7,022 higher than that of emigrants. [] The number of births was 753 lower than that of deaths, it wrote.

Matti Saari, a senior statistician at Statistics Finland, pointed out in an interview with YLE that decision-makers raised various family benefits after the national birth rate declined for several consecutive years in the 1970s. It remains to be seen how decision-makers react to the [current] decline, as there has yet been hardly any discussion [on the subject], he told the national broadcasting company on Tuesday.

Essayah hopes that the message will not fall on deaf ears in the Government.

It is high time to wake up to the importance of family and population policy. The age groups that are born have been too small already for decades. The long-term skewing of the population structure has created a so-called sustainability deficit in our country, she says.

She estimates that it would be populist to blame only the current regime for the unprecedented birth rate but concedes that the measures introduced to adapt to the economic slowdown have rightly attracted some criticism at a time when investments in children, young people and families are crucial.

It has thus been a major disappointment that some of the austerity measures have especially hit families with children. The Government has decided to abolish index-based increases in child benefits, is about to sharply raise the costs of daycare services and has doubled the costs of after-school activities, she lists.

Families with children, she adds, have also been hit by the decisions to cut the tax credits granted for mortgage interests and to raise vehicle tax rates.

Essayah argues that family policy should be at the core of economic policy-making as birth rate is a key factor contributing to the long-term economic outlook of Finland.

Although an increase in the birth rate reduces the dependency ratio in the short term, it is a necessary remedy for curing both the dependency ratio and sustainability deficit. The Ministry of Finance calculated in 2010 that an increase of 0.5 in the fertility rate would patch up the sustainability deficit by 1.0 percentage points  or, two billion euros  and yet our population structure has continued to become worse, she writes.

She estimates that the increases in the costs of daycare services and after-school activities, as well as the steeply progressive tax system, are a disincentive to work for parents of young children. One can only hope that the Government will call off the increases in after-school activity costs, as the new Minister of Finance [Petteri] Orpo (NCP) has tentatively implied, concludes Essayah.

Esa Iivonen, a senior expert at the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, has similarly stated that family benefits should be raised rather than cut in Finland.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Jussi Nukari  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
Many have voiced their bafflement with especially the fact that the asylum application was turned down even though the decision expounds at great length on how Isis, the terrorist organisation also known as Isil, IS and Daesh, remains a threat to many residents of Iraq, including the asylum applicant.

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has come under criticism for a text circulating on social media that is allegedly a decision given recently to an asylum seeker from Mosul, Iraq.

The decision was published by Sunniva Drake, a regional library director at the City of Espoo, with the consent of the applicant in question, according to Helsingin Sanomat.

You told that you and your mother fled the city to a refugee camp located near Erbil like many other residents of Mosul. You heard that your home, which was under construction, had been destroyed in an explosion one month after leaving the city, the decision reads. You cannot return to Mosul because you have lost everything and are afraid that you will be killed by Isis. You have not caved to the demands of Isis and so the organisation considers you an opponent who has to be killed to deter others.

Migri states in the ruling that it accepts the death threats and explosions reported by the applicant as facts. Yet, the the application was rejected on grounds that the applicant, a Sunni Muslim, can re-locate to one of the Sunni neighbourhoods of the predominantly Shiite-inhabited capital of Iraq, Baghdad.

The Immigration Service does not accept it as a fact that you face the threat of being killed by Isis due to personal reasons but rather due to the arbitrary violence that is related to funding the operations of Isis in your unsafe home region, it states.

The Immigration Service rules that an internal flight is an option for you and that for the said reason you are not in need of asylum. The Immigration Service has herein ruled that you have the option to move legally and safely to Baghdad and that there you are not under the threat of persecution or serious injury. No asylum will therefore be granted.

Migri refrains from commenting specifically on the case in question but states that it has no reason to doubt the authenticity of the published text. Drake, similarly, assures in an interview with Uusi Suomi that the text she published is authentic.

She also estimates that the negative decision is a result of the legislative change introduced in May stipulating that asylum can no longer be granted on grounds of humanitarian protection.

The applicant has lodged an appeal against the ruling.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Sabah Arar  AFP / Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
AN RTE studio supervisor claims he has been left with a constant whistling in his ears after part of a toilet roll dispenser fell on his head as he sat on the toilet at Montrose.

Christopher Bardin says he was sitting on the toilet for the disabled in the audience holding area, which adjoins Studio 4, when the toilet roll dispenser unexpectedly opened and hit him on the left side of the head.

He has sued in the High Court claiming he has been suffering from tinnitus in his left ear following the accident on May 26, 2008.

Mr Bardin, who the court heard has worked at RTE for 39 years, has also filed another personal injuries claim over an alleged incident four years later which he claims exacerbated his tinnitus condition by about 50pc.

Mr Bardin (61) of Rathmines Close, Dublin, has sued his employer, RTE, and cleaning contractors, Maybin Support Services Ireland Ltd, trading as Momentum Support, with offices at Steeven's Lane, Dublin, over the incident.

Repair

He claims there was a failure to adequately repair the toilet roll dispenser's latching device and a failure to ensure the safety of the toilet facilities.

He claims he has suffered a diminution of his enjoyment of life, together with a loss of amenity, and he has great difficulty sleeping because of the constant whistling in his left ear which causes him to be irritable and anxious during the day.

Mr Justice Bernard Barton was told liability had been admitted in this case and it was before the court for assessment of damages only.

Mr Bardin's counsel Partricia Dillon said it was a substantial apparatus and Mr Bardin had within a few days taken a photograph of the dispenser.

Where there was a circular hole for a key, a sticking type plaster had been used, counsel said.

The dispenser was later replaced.

The case continues.
A former Sinn Fein councillor and his father have been charged with falsely imprisoning, assaulting and threatening to kill another man.

Each of the three charges against Jonathan Dowdall (39) and Patrick Dowdall (59) are alleged to have taken place at Navan Road, Dublin 7 on January 15 this year.

The men, with an address at Navan Road, Dublin 7, appeared before the Special Criminal Court yesterday where they were charged with falsely imprisoning Alexander Hurley by detaining him without his consent.

They were also charged with assaulting Mr Hurley, causing him harm.

Additionally, they were charged with threatening Mr Hurley that he would be killed, intending him to believe that the threat would be carried out.

Shotgun

Last month, the Dowdalls were charged with possessing a firearm or imitation firearm, which appeared to be a sawn-off shotgun and a handgun, with the intent to falsely imprison Mr Hurley, at the same place on the same date.

Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce, of the Special Detective Unit (SDU), told State solicitor Michael O'Donovan yesterday that he met Jonathan Dowdall in the precincts of the court, where he showed him the charge sheet, read it over to him and explained it in ordinary language.

Jonathan Dowdall made no reply, the court heard.

Detective Garda Colm Finnerty, also of the SDU, told Mr O'Donovan that he met Patrick Dowdall before the sitting of the court and read him the charge, to which the accused man made no reply.

After the court's registrar read the charges to the men, Mr O'Donovan told the judges that the books of evidence were ready to be served on the accused men.

Counsel for the State, Vincent Heneghan BL, applied to the court to remand the men in custody until October.

Michael O'Higgins SC, for Jonathan Dowdall, consented to the application, saying that in the meantime the book of evidence will be considered.

Patrick Dowdall's counsel, Dean Kelly BL, also consented to the State's application.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded both men in custody until October 7, when their case is listed for mention again.
THE disabled daughter of a Dublin mother stole the spotlight at the convention of US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton after she slammed Donald Trump.

Anastasia Somoza (32), who is the daughter of Dubliner Mary Somoza, took to the stage on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

The disability activist blasted Republican candidate Trump, telling him "you don't speak for me".

Ms Somoza was invited to speak at the convention by Hillary and Bill Clinton, whom she has been friends with since 1993. She first hit the headlines when she asked then President Bill Clinton during a live TV debate why her disabled sister Alba was not able to attend the same class as her.

Anastasia has since interned for Hillary Clinton in her US Senate office.

Her mother Mary - through the website MarySomoza.com - has assisted families across the States who have children with disabilities.

Anastasia, who was born with cerebral palsy, didn't hold back in attacking Trump.

"I fear the day we elect a president who defines being an American in the narrowest possible of terms, who shouts, bullies and profits off of vulnera- ble Americans," she said.

"Donald Trump has shown us who he really he is. I honestly feel bad for anyone with that much hate in their heart.

"He's literally insulted almost every group, every person that makes up the fabric of our country," Ms Somoza added.
Missing millions in stolen gangland cash could have been the trigger for the bloody feud which has claimed seven lives so far, it has emerged.

The Herald can reveal that investigators are looking into reports that the Kinahan cartel and Hutch mob had already been in dispute about the huge cash haul for months before Gary Hutch was shot dead in Spain last September.

Expand Close Gerry Hutch, whose family has been targeted in the feud / Facebook

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Whatsapp Gerry Hutch, whose family has been targeted in the feud

Sources said that tensions between the factions reached breaking point after the Hutch organisation provided nearly 4m to the cartel to launder after one massive robbery.

"The cartel took the cash but did not give anything back to the north inner city mob.

"This is now being looked at as the origin of the feud, rather than it starting about personality issues concerning Gary," a source told this newspaper.

Tensions

"A very close older associate of Gary is suspected of approaching the Kinahan cartel to launder the money, but the information coming in is that this cash was never given back in any form.

"It is now being looked at that it was this matter that led to the tensions between the two crews and ultimately the murder of Gary, which has kicked off all the bloodshed," the source said.

"It shows just how much the Hutch mob and the Kinahan cartel trusted each other and worked together on major criminal enterprises - but clearly that relationship has been soured now," the source added.

The robbery happened less than a week after Gary Hutch had been arrested by gardai investigating his role in the gun murder of Finglas criminal Derek Duffy.

However, this did not stop him being heavily involved in the raid after his release from custody, gardai believe.

Armed gardai continue to monitor the feud, which has not directly claimed a life since May when Gareth Hutch was gunned down.

The shooting of Gary Hutch (33) had been seen as the murder that ignited the deadly feud.

He was shot by a lone gunman at the Mila Flores apartment complex in Spain in September of last year.

On February 5, David Byrne (33) was shot dead at the Regency Hotel.

Just three days later, Eddie Hutch Snr (58) - the brother of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch - was gunned down at his home in Poplar Row, Ballybough, by a four-man hit team.

The next feud-related murder happened on March 23, when Noel 'Kingsize' Duggan (55), who was a former business partner of Gerry Hutch, was shot dead outside his home in Ratoath, Co Meath.

On April 14, innocent dad-of-three Martin O'Rourke (24) became the fifth victim of the deadly feud when he was gunned down in a case of mistaken identity on Dublin's Sheriff Street.

Just over a week later, on April 25, dissident republican Michael Barr (35) was shot dead by two gunmen at the Sunset House licensed premises on Summerhill Parade in the north inner city.

The most recent victim of the feud was Gareth Hutch (35), a nephew of 'The Monk', who was shot dead by two gunmen as he got into his car at the Avondale House flats complex on north Cumberland Street.

Last month, the Herald revealed that a senior member of the Kinahan cartel had flown to France to support Ireland in the Euros.

The criminal, who is a close associate of Regency Hotel murder victim David Byrne, was spotted drinking in central Bordeaux the night before Belgium beat Ireland in a group stage match.

Murdered

It is also believed that Dublin drug dealer David 'Daithi' Douglas was murdered by associates of the Kinahan cartel but is not directly related to the feud with the Hutch gang.

Douglas was murdered in a ruthless double-cross by thugs who shot him outside his wife's shop, next door to a children's after-school club.

The dad-of-one was approached by a lone male gunman and shot in the head and chest in the Liberties area of Dublin's south inner city on July 1.
Ukraine seeks to return to talks with Russia on the price of Russian gas and the possibility of resuming supplies of Russian gas in the trilateral format with participation of the European Commission.

"The issue was raised at recent negotiations of the Ukrainian prime minister with European Commission Vice-President [Maros] Sefcovic. We hope that we will return to the trilateral format of the talks with Russians. It could have some effect," Naftogaz Ukrainy Head Andriy Kobolev said on Channel 5 TV late on Wednesday.

He recalled that Ukraine currently does not import gas from Russia, as there is no agreement with Gazprom. The supplementary contract on gas supply has not been signed. Naftogaz Ukrainy believes that it is impossible to resume imports of Russian gas without it.

Kobolev said that Ukraine is able to pump around 14.5 billion cubic meters of gas by the start of the heating season without restoration of gas supplies from Russia. However, the possibility of importing gas not only from Europe, but also from Russia via the signing of the supplementary agreement would be good for us.

"We always want to optimize the portfolio and buy gas at the lowest price," he said.

He added that at present the company uses own funds to import gas from the European Union and pumps it to underground storage facilities. In August the holding plans to start buying gas using the $300 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and in September  the $500 million loan from the World Bank.
County cross country: Hubs sweep titles, boys score a perfect 15

North Hagerstown claimed both team championships and had both individual champions, with the boys achieving the first perfect score in meet history.
Ukraine is transferring a new batch of new Oplot-T combat tanks being built at Malyshev Plant (Kharkiv) to Thailand under a contract of over $200 million signed in 2011.

The press service of Malyshev Plant reported that the acceptance certificate was signed recently by representatives of Thai Armed Forces arrived to Ukraine.

The foreign customer confirmed that all characteristics of new tanks meet the contract requirements. The batch of tanks is ready for shipping, the press service said.

The plant did not disclose the number of tanks to be delivered to the Thai customer.

Malyshev Plant has started making a new batch of Oplot tanks for the customer.

The Oplot tank has been developed by the Kharkiv-based Morozov Design and Engineering Bureau. The first two Oplot tanks entered service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in May 2009. An over $200 million contract for the delivery of 49 Oplot tanks to Thailand was signed in 2011. The Malyshev company started implementing the contract in April 2012. Investment in the tanks' serial production amounts to $30 million, according to the company management. First five tanks were shipped to Thailand early 2014, five more in December 2015 and ten tanks in spring 2016.

Sources told Interfax-Ukraine that the Thai contract could be finished by late 2016.

Experts estimate the Oplot tank has an 80% processing complexity coefficient, one of the world's highest among new combat vehicles. The tank has advanced systems of protecting communication and control gear, including an active system for countering smart weapons, as well as night vision instruments and a remote-controlled machine-gun.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) expects to get two credit tranches totaling $2.7 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program by the end of the year, NBU Governor Valeriya Gontareva has said.

"We have downgraded the forecast. Unfortunately, we don't think we have time to get the third tranche by the end of the year, so we just moved it to the next year," she said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

As reported, the four-year EFF program for Ukraine totaling SDR 12.348 billion (about $17 billion at a current exchange rates), opened by the IMF in March 2015, originally foresaw quarterly revisions of the program, as well as the issue of four tranches to Kyiv in 2015, with another four in 2016.

However, at present the country has received only the first tranche of funds for $5 billion and the second one worth $1.7 billion.

Earlier in July, Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk has said Ukraine could receive $4.3 billion by the end of this year.
The Hungarian economy lost $4 bln due to the sanctions imposed against Russia, Hungarian Ambassador to Ukraine Erno Keskeny said.

"You must understand that we are displeased by these sanctions because they are detrimental to Hungary's economy, we suffer major losses. Our economy has already lost over $4 billion. Russia is currently our fourth economic partner in terms of goods turnover volume," he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

However, the ambassador noted that Hungary supports Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity and stands for the sanctions' extension.

"Hungary believes that the consensus in the EU is vital and the consensus was represented by support of the sanctions," he said.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has no precise date of the board review for Ukraine, William Murray, the deputy spokesman of the IMF Communications Department has said.

"We don't expect the board review obviously before the recess. We expect Ukraine will be taken up by executive board by some time when the board reconvenes. But, we don't really have a precise timing for the board review of the Ukraine program. I would expect sometime after the recess," he said during a regular briefing in Washington on Thursday.

"Possibly August, September, at this moment I don't have a board date for Ukraine, but it would be sometime after the board recess. That is the guidance for you," he added.

According to him, the first two weeks of August, the board goes into recess. "So the earliest it will be the second half of August," he said.

As reported, the four-year Extended Fund Facility program for Ukraine totaling SDR 12.348 billion (about $17.11 billion at a current exchange rates), opened by the IMF in March 2015, originally foresaw quarterly revisions of the program, as well as the issue of four tranches to Kyiv in 2015, with another four in 2016.

However, at present the country has received only the first tranche of funds for $5 billion and the second one worth $1.7 billion.

Earlier in July, Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk has said Ukraine could receive $4.3 billion in three tranches by the end of this year.

The NBU in turn expects to get two tranches worth $2.7 billion by the end of the year.
The former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state on Thursday will step out of the shadows of presidents past and present for her moment to convince Americans that she is the best choice to helm a nation looking for a new era of leadership.

President Barack Obama anointed her the inheritor of his legacy Wednesday night at the Democratic convention. Delivering a passionate case for his one-time rival, Obama declared Clinton not only can defeat the "deeply pessimistic vision" of Republican Donald Trump but also realize the "promise of this great nation."

"She's been there for us, even if we haven't always noticed," he said.

Clinton appeared unannounced on the platform soon after to soak up the roar of cheering Democrats. She pointed at the man who denied her the White House eight years ago, smiled wide and gave him a hug.

Summoning his most famous line from that 2008 campaign, Obama said: "If you're serious about our democracy, you can't afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. You've got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isn't a spectator sport. America isn't about 'Yes he will.' It's about 'Yes we can.'"

Wednesday's display was the picture of diversity that Democrats have sought to frame the whole week: The first African-American president symbolically seeking to hand the weightiest baton in the free world to a woman. It culminated a parade of speeches over the last 72 hours  from men and women, gay and straight, white, black and Hispanic; young and old  hoping to cast the Republicans as out-of-touch social conservatives led by an unhinged and unscrupulous tycoon.

Reeling off his greatest hits as president, from the auto industry bailout and health care overhaul to landmark deals on climate change and Iran's nuclear program, Obama said the choice was between Trump vision of "a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world" and "the America I know."

He evoked Ronald Reagan, a move that drew criticism from Clinton when they were rivals, to contrast the Republican icon's vision of America as "shining city on a hill" with Trump's description of the U.S. as "a divided crime scene."

"America is already great. America is already strong," Obama added. "And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump."

Trump did his best to steal the spotlight Wednesday.

Following reports Russia hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said he'd like to see Moscow find the thousands of emails Clinton deleted from the account she used as secretary of state. The appearance of him encouraging Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign enraged Democrats and Republicans, even as he dismissed suggestions from Obama and other Democrats that Moscow already was intervening on his behalf.

Hours later, Trump told Fox News he was being "sarcastic" although shortly after his remarks on Wednesday, he tweeted that Russia should share the emails with the FBI.

Trump's comments fed Democrats' contentions that the billionaire businessman is unqualified to be commander in chief. He has no national security experience and has dismissed decades of U.S. foreign policy constants, like standing by NATO allies that long suffered under Russian domination. Yet in a scattershot news conference Wednesday, Trump tried to turn the table on Clinton, saying he believed it unsafe for her to receive national security briefings in light of her mishandling of classified information via email while in office.

On Thursday, Democrats continued to claim it was Trump who is a "dangerous" choice.

"It's an existential choice for the country," the Democratic vice presidential candidate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, said of the election in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Kaine was one of several heavy hitters who took the stage Wednesday night, who praised Clinton in Spanish.

"Hillary Clinton is 'lista'," he said.

In what was likely his last prime-time speech of his political life, Vice President Joe Biden delivered a roaring case for Clinton. It was a Biden special, rich with his regular-guy folksiness, misty-eyed storytelling and hard hits.

Trump's "cynicism and undoubtedly his lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up in that phrase he is most proud of making famous: 'You're fired,'" Biden said. "He is trying to tell us he cares about the middle class. Give me a break. That is a bunch of malarkey."

After a quarter-century just behind the men in charge, Clinton on Thursday gets her turn alone with the American public for what is likely the most important speech of her career. She will be tasked with winning the trust of a public deeply skeptical of her honesty, polls show.

Some Democrats still aren't convinced of her candidacy, either, a sentiment underscored by the protests of a small but boisterous set of supporters of her primary challenger Bernie Sanders.

Clinton's campaign said she will lean heavily on the "stronger together" campaign theme in her remarks. She will invoke her 1996 book "It Takes a Village" and will continue to woo moderate Republicans.

That effort was hammered home Wednesday by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who implored Americans to "elected a sane, competent person with sane, international experience."

Retired Marine General John R. Allen, who has endorsed Clinton, will be joined on stage Thursday night by a group of veterans to focus on Clinton's national security credentials. Allen was Deputy Commander of U. S. Central Command and a former commander of the NATO mission in Afghanistan.

Clinton's daughter, Chelsea Clinton, will briefly introduce her mother.
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U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a telephone conversation have called for an end to violence in Ukraine, the White House has reported.

"The president and the chancellor discussed the situation in Ukraine and reiterated the urgent importance of durably ending the violence in eastern Ukraine and of full and rapid implementation of the Minsk agreements," reads a posting on the website of the White House.

"In addition, the president expressed his condolences on behalf of the American people for the victims of recent terrorist and other violent attacks in southern Germany," reads the statement.

"The president offered Germany the U.S. government's full support as the investigations into the attacks proceed. The leaders reaffirmed the necessity of close U.S.-German counterterrorism and broader security cooperation," according to the report.

Several attacks and explosions arranged by refugees have been recorded in Bavaria in recent days.
The failed military coup in Turkey has been widely hailed as a triumph of democracy. The courage that thousands of Turks have shown to thwart an effort by a section of the armed forces to oust a democratically elected government and president is commendable. Has their protection protected the democratic values in the country? The answer is no.

Though this is not to suggest that the situation would have been better otherwise, there is hardly any doubt that the survival of the Erodogan government has led to a further deterioration democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Turkey.

About 15,200 education ministry employees, 8,000 policemen, 3,000 judges, 3,500 soldiers, and 100 generals and admirals have been sacked or detained within a few days on charges of plotting the coup.

Read | Turkey dismisses military, shuts media outlets as crackdown deepens

This swiftness suggests mala fide intentions. If the government is competent enough to identify such a large number of coup plotters within days, how did it have no idea whatsoever of their planning? Or if the government knew that these officials were planning a coup, why was no action taken to pre-empt it?

This is not the first time the Turkish government is purging officials of their positions. Over the past three years, thousands of government officials have been relieved of their duties and arrested on charges of being members or sympathisers of what the government calls a parallel state (the name it has given to the Gulen movement).

Twenty independent news websites have also been shut down in the immediate aftermath of the coup attempt. It has banned dozens of online portals, including social media websites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube many times in the past.

Read | EU didnt keep its promises on migrants influx in Turkey: Erdogan

In other words, almost all those institutions, establishments and professionals who keep a check on the power of the executive were already being targeted and their independence had long been substantially eroded.

Now with this failed coup attempt, Ankara is trying to further muzzle opposing voices.

A blanket ban on all academicians from travelling abroad has been enforced and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) has been suspended.

Following the declaration of a state of Emergency, 15 universities, 934 schools, 104 foundations, 109 dormitories, 35 hospitals, 1,125 associations and 19 unions have been shut down. The government is also mulling reintroducing the death penalty in the country.

Read | Turkey targets media in new crackdown after coup

The properties of the sympathisers of the Gulen movement have been vandalised, a school belonging to the movement has been set on fire, and many restaurants have displayed banners saying parallel state sympathisers are not allowed.

All of these are happening despite the fact that the leader of the movement, Fethullah Gulen, condemning the coup attempt and rejecting the governments accusation. The government has produced no hard evidence yet to corroborate its allegations. Gulen is a Turkish Islamic scholar living in the US since 1999.

The Turkish government started openly targeting him and his sympathisers since a huge corruption scandal implicating President Recep Tayyip Erdogans inner circle became public in 2013.

Read | Turkish forces detain nephew of preacher blamed for failed coup

The government had then accused Gulens supporters in the judiciary and police of attempting a judicial coup and now it is accusing them of attempting a military coup. However, in both the cases the governments allegations have hardly stood scrutiny.

What has survived in Turkey is a deeply authoritarian government, not democratic values.

Mohammad Behzad Fatmi is an associate fellow at Turkey Institute, London. The views expressed are personal.
My association with Jammu and Kashmir revolved around two distinct but nevertheless closely related dimensions. One was in the foreign policy context, involving our relations with Pakistan and China. The other was in the security context, involving our border infrastructure. Between 2007 and 2014, I made several visits to the Kashmir valley as well as to Ladakh, including the remote border areas, to survey the infrastructure, mainly roads, border posts, power supply and communication facilities. These visits invariably brought me into contact with senior civilian, paramilitary and military officials, and political leaders, and, in the last couple of visits, a broad spectrum of local activists, journalists and civil society activists. My last visit was as chairman of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). This experience has added a third dimension to my understanding of the challenges we confront in this sensitive state and that is the peoples dimension.

There is a deep and growing divide between those who administer the state and the people. This is encapsulated in the We versus They syndrome that is manifest in the state bureaucracy, the security forces and intelligence agencies. During one visit I was narrating to senior civilian and military officials that in interactions with civil society one had come across an acute sense of humiliation, helplessness and resentment, which the ordinary citizens felt in daily encounters with the state apparatus. It was the loss of personal dignity and self-respect, which seemed to be building up into a collective rage. The answer to this was to peremptorily reject these expressions as habitual complaints. Our team was advised that thanks to the government of India largesse, people in the Valley enjoy some of the highest living standards in the country. The intrusive nature of security operations was acknowledged but justified on grounds of Pakistan-related military and terrorist threats. There were dark hints of local involvement in the building up of such threats.

Read | Kashmir unrest: Curfew lifted from Valley except Anantnag town

As long as this disconnect exists, there is little chance of breaking the cycle of violence. There can be no healing touch if those who feel the hurt and suffer the pain can no longer get a patient hearing. Even the brief interaction the NSAB team had with civil society, where much of the anger and resentment came to the surface, there was, at the end, a certain sense of catharsis among our interlocutors as if merely being heard out was in itself a much-needed relief.

The local political processes and leadership have not been able to provide a buffer between the military and security forces, seen as representing the power of the Centre, and the ordinary citizens residing in the Valley. In fact, local political parties and leaders fail to take responsibility and instead find it convenient to blame their failures on the Centre. Each time there is a crisis, as we are witnessing now, it becomes a Centre versus the people of the Valley issue, with the state government reduced to the role of a powerless bystander.

Read | Uttarakhand to Arunachal: How China uses its troops to deliver a message

It is encouraging that despite the pervasive sense of alienation, the people of the state, including in the Valley, have turned up in successive recent elections to vote in fairly significant numbers. Why not give the popular government they have elected the responsibility of handling the political issues confronting the state, including reaching out to the separatists, addressing the causes of alienation and engaging in a process of reconciliation including the rehabilitation and resettlement of the Kashmiri Pandits? Why should the security agencies have a veto over decisions of the elected representatives?

The ugly reality is that powerful elements in the current governance structures in the state have, over the years, developed a vested interest in keeping the conflict simmering because this enables access to vast amounts of funds and privileged positions in the state hierarchy. This may not remain limited to just Jammu and Kashmir. There is a danger of this infection spreading to other parts of the country where conditions are said to be disturbed.

Read | Kashmir unrest: More autonomy for states is the only answer

There has to be an honest acknowledgement that an inability to ensure normalcy in the state is what creates opportunities for Pakistan to harm Indias interests. When relative peace and near normalcy prevailed in the state, although only in limited phases, Pakistans ability to exploit the issue diminished. Treating the situation in the Valley as a law and order issue or as a fallout of Pakistan indulging in cross-border terrorism detracts from the pressing need to engage in a long-overdue process of political reconciliation.

In the past, central governments have taken hesitant steps in this direction, like the round table experiment early on during UPA 1. There was no follow-up on this. Later, there were Centre-appointed interlocutors who undertook extensive consultations with mainstream politicians, separatists, civil society activists, academics and business representatives in the Valley. They managed to overcome some scepticism and cynicism. Their recommendations, too, did not see the light of day.

Read | Zardari rules out nuclear war between Pakistan and India

Any new healing touch exercise is likely to be that much harder to sell against this background but is probably more necessary than has been in the recent past. This is a part of India that is in the cross-hairs of both Pakistan and China. Its vulnerabilities need to be addressed through better defence preparedness. Improved border infrastructure is indispensable in this respect. We also need to engage in active diplomacy so that the Kashmir issue does not again become an international pressure point on India. But the key lies in initiating and persevering with political processes that promote peace and tranquillity in this strategically critical frontier state.

Shyam Saran, a former foreign secretary, is currently chairman, RIS, and senior fellow, CPR. The views expressed are personal.

(The opening line of the penultimate paragraph of this article has been updated to read: In the past, central governments have taken hesitant steps...)
Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) or antibiotic resistance develops when a microorganism (bacteria, fungus, virus or parasite) becomes resistant to a drug to which it was sensitive, according to the WHO. This means that standard treatments no longer work; infections are harder or impossible to control; the risk of the spread of infection to others is increased; illness and hospital stays are prolonged. The current debate around AMR has been gaining ground as the usage of anti-microbials is an essential process for fighting infections, conducting surgeries and treating serious diseases.

Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Report on Surveillance 2014, published by the WHO, is an attempt to gain a realistic understanding of the problem. The key findings of this report include high rates of resistance observed in all WHO regions among bacteria that cause common infections. In 2015, the Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy Report revealed that 58,000 babies died in 2013 due to infections their bodies were unable to fight. According to a report published by the UKs Independent Review, an estimated 10 million deaths per year can occur by 2050 if resistance is left unchecked.

Read | Careful with antibiotics, too many could lead to diabetes

The chief cause of AMR is the excessive usage of antibiotics in unregulated forms. Another important factor is that many pharmaceutical companies dont have good waste-treatment mechanisms. They dispose of effluents and byproducts into our water and river bodies, making them toxic breeding grounds for resistant bacteria. According to a report by Nordea Investments, half of bacterial infections and diseases in and around the periphery of plants producing active pharmaceutical ingredients in Patancheru and Bollaram in Andhra Pradesh, a major pharmaceutical hub, are becoming untreatable. Also there are significant losses in agricultural activities and livelihood because of discharge from plants. Lakes and rivers have dried up or have become unusable for both domestic and drinking purposes.

Read | Alarming! The growing resistance to antibiotics

Therefore, AMR demands a resolute effort by all stakeholders alike, be it health professionals, industry experts or international agencies. In 2015, the World Health Assembly endorsed a global action plan to tackle antibiotic resistance. Increased funding and investment are required for research and development in the field of antimicrobial development so that new and effective antibiotics can be produced. The challenges include poor sanitation, hygiene, cleanliness, gaps and limitations in current regulations and the need for stringent checks by central and state water pollution boards.

Read | India has one of the highest global rates of antibiotic resistance

People, too, need to use and consume antibiotics responsibly. High-quality and responsible production processes should be used to limit the quantity of antibiotics and other toxic chemicals that are released into the environment. Stronger policies to be formulated need to bring in stricter regulations. In short, concerted action is the only means to tackle a danger of this proportion.

Anurag Roy is business unit director, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals. The views expressed are personal.
On December 15, 1969, Giuseppe Pinelli, a railway worker in Milan, Italy, fell to his death from the fourth floor of a police station. He was in custody regarding a bombing three days earlier in Milan. This was a time when police corruption was a raging debate in Italy. Pinellis death sparked the revolution further: two factions came up in society  those who believed he committed suicide; and those who thought he was thrown from the window, as an act of aggression by the police.

The incident inspired playwright Dario Fos dark comedy. Accidental Death of an Anarchist premiered forty six years ago, in 1970, in Italy. And it won Fo the Nobel Prize for literature in 1997.

I read the original as a study in theatre. But when cases of police aggression and trials that follow became common in newspapers here, I decided to adapt the story, says Vipul Mahagaonkar, a playwright and theatre director. The Marathi adaptation is called Khidki (window) and will open in Mumbai on August 7.

The play progresses through the re-enactment of the events that led to an anarchist falling out of a window.

Grey matter

Mahagaonkars first step was to speak with those he knew in the Mumbai Police, to get a better understanding of the criminal justice system. Since the play is set in an interrogation room, I spoke to the police regarding the proceedings of a detention. The Indian Penal Code allows the police to make an arrest on mere suspicion. But they often face backlash for it because police interrogations can be brutal in nature, says Mahagaonkar.

The play progresses through the re-enactment of the events that led to an anarchist falling out of a window. An open-ended play, the audience gets to decide the real cause behind the anarchists death. And in the process, Khidki discusses the quandary policemen usually find themselves in: caught between the public criticism, and the necessity of containing the crime rate by any means necessary.

I have used real incidents that are relatable to the audiences in Mumbai. I have referenced the 2012 Azad Maidan riots, and the police brutality that ensued. Its ironic that the violent incident took place as a symbol of resistance against the ongoing police brutality in Assam at the time. I am also thinking of adding references to the violence by the army in Kashmir, says Mahagaonkar.

Dont miss: Khidki will open on August 7, at 4pm.

At: Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point

Call: 3989 5050

Tickets: Rs 300 onward, on bookmyshow.com/plays

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In her eight-year-long journey in the Hindi film industry so far, Anushka Sharma has tasted success with commercial hits like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, PK and the latest, Sultan -- and also faced failure with Bombay Velvet and Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. But the actress-producer says neither success nor failure affects her dedication.

Bombay Velvet was a big disaster I have faced. But the kind of person I am, I dont take success to my head or failure to my heart. I feel that is important because I feel in an industry which is so fickle, you realise that soon, said Anushka over the phone from Mumbai.

Read: The real reason why Anushka Sharma is not celebrating Sultans success

She is all of 28, but she believes she is a very aware kind of person and practical about things. When you realise that something in this industry is such a fickle thing -- you dont hold too strongly to anything. So I feel because of that, I have managed to stay above the surface. It is important to have that sense of reality (that) you will have successes and you will have failures and you will have to lie somewhere in between, she added.

Read: Heres what Anushka Sharma has to say about her secret meeting with Virat

Anushka is currently riding high on the success of her latest release Sultan, which saw her share screen space with superstar Salman Khan. Salman is the third big Khan of Bollywood that Anushka has worked with.

She had made her debut with the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and later starred with Aamir Khan in PK.

How has it been to work with the three superstars -- a feat that not many actresses achieve? I have never really thought about all these things happening to me. I never thought about Ill get to work with all the three Khans. It really wasnt something that ever occurred to me in my mind. But I feel humbled and happy... The contributions that I have had in the films is what makes it special for me, Anushka said.

Watch: Anushka, Salman in a song from Sultan

She also feels fortunate because they are huge superstars of the country and have phenomenal reach, which helps her work to get through to other people. Their reach is phenomenal and because of their reach and their fan following, my work gets through to so many other people... So I feel happy, humbled and loved by the people for the appreciation I am getting for Aarfas character (in Sultan), she said.

Anushka has also worked with some formidable directors during her career. From being a part of late legend Yash Chopras last film Jab Tak Hain Jaan to working with Karan Johar, who has directed her in her forthcoming Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, she has also worked under the direction of names like Rajkumar Hirani, Zoya Akhtar and Ali Abbas Zafar.

Watch: Anushka, Aamir in a song from PK

She says her journey has always been about her own choices -- whether it means producing a film at the age of 25 or it means not doing that many films. Somewhere in my life, I have always been a bit of risk-taker in that I have never listened to things people have told me or things that have preceded in terms of what other people have done, what are other actresses doing or what is the right way of following the career. I have not paid much attention to those things, added the actress, who turned producer with the gritty drama NH10.

Whatever she does, she follows her gut. I feel sometimes when you follow your gut and instinct and you dont feel afraid, I think god blesses you... It is said that luck follows those who follow their instincts and I have just followed my instincts.

Watch: Anushka, Shah Rukh in a song from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Coming from an army background, Anushka had absolutely no Bollywood backing. She wasnt even dreaming about being an actress when she landed a role in a Shah Rukh Khan starrer, produced by Yash Raj Films.

She also credits filmmaker Aditya Chopra for making her one of the top actresses today.

Being an outsider turned out to be an advantage for Anushka, who feels she didnt come with any pre-conceived notions about the way you have to do things.

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After acting and producing films, Dia Mirza has now donned the directors hat. She recently helmed an ad for a public service initiative called Kids For Tiger .

It is an incredible programme, which Im sure will have a huge impact on kids. It will teach them how they should respond to nature. Kids are insightful and intuitive. They understand that doing something to nature is like doing the same to ourselves, says Dia.

Read: Talent in Bollywood has no value: Dia Mirza

The actor adds that environmentalist Bittu Sahgal, who she deeply admires, asked her to direct the ad. He is my hero. I respect the work he has done, and continues to do in the field of environment. He asked me to direct this ad. Initially, I was sceptical about the idea, but then I took it up, says Dia, who shot the ad with 20 kids between the ages of 4 and 14. The group included Emraan Hashmis son Ayaan, and Zayed Khans kids Aariz and Zidaan.

Dia shot the ad with 20 kids between the ages of 4 and 14. The group included Emraan Hashmis son Ayaan, and Zayed Khans kids Aariz and Zidaan.

I think I was being ambitious when I decided to do the ad with 20 kids (laughs). But I went in with an open mind. The idea was to go with the flow. Kids have a mind of their own, which is great. No amount of prepping can prepare you for the kind of magic they bring with them, she says.

Dia says there is still some time before she directs a feature film.

Read: Dia Mirza turns to horror with new web series Shockers

Now that she has directed an ad, is a feature film the next stop? Not yet. There is still some time before that happens. I have to learn a lot. I will direct a film the day I have a story that I cant let anyone else tell, she says.
Mahesweta Devi certainly belonged to the line of writers who learnt from Tagore both in terms of their art and the taking of public political positions. But she walked a slightly different path, away from the Bengal Renaissance.

She wrote about tribal life and obscure lives. A story I particularly remember was Pterodactyl. Her stories have seemed unusual to me for their movement away from non-Brahmical concerns. Their world was not the caste-world but about the tribals own gods and goddesses.

Read | Author-activist Mahasweta Devi dies in Kolkata at 90

Unlike her activism where she fought for very real issues, her stories didnt belong to the genre we call social realism. She was interested in mythic fights, her work had the poetry and power of myths. Her storylines were, therefore, not straightforward portrayals of oppressed people, she was interested in the extraordinariness that could be found in the ordinary and among ordinary people.

Her style is almost anti-literary, and at times, even close to journalism, it was different from the lushness of Marquez. She was no magical realist.

Read | Mahasweta Devi lived like she wrote: Fearlessly and without restraint

(As told to Paramita Ghosh.)
All through my life, Ive done whatever I felt like doing  this quote aptly describes the fiercely independent-minded Mahasweta Devi, the doyen of activist-writers in India, who died on Thursday aged 90.

The Ramon Magsaysay and Jnanpith awardee Bengali novelist penned telling commentaries on the sufferings and oppression of tribals, and in a rarity for a city-bred writer, came down from the ivory tower to mingle with them.

She shared their food and huts, tried to understand their problems and fought the powers-that-be to uphold the rights and better the living condition of these backward people.

Read: Author-activist Mahasweta Devi dies in Kolkata at 90

In her six-decade literary career, she authored over 120 books, comprising 20 collections of short stories and around 100 novels and contributed innumerable articles and columns to newspapers and magazines, a large number of them woven around tribal life.

Adopting a distinctly matter-of-fact style free from sentimentality, Mahasweta vividly portrayed the sufferings the tribals endured at the hands of upper-caste landlords, money-lenders and government servants, and chronicled the stories of tribal resistance and protests.

Aranyer Adhikar (The Occupation of the Forest), dwelling on Birsa Mundas revolt against the British, fetched Mahasweta the Sahitya Akademi award in 1979. Choti Munda evam Tar Tir (Choti Munda and His Arrow), Bashai Tudu, Titu Mir are among other novels that come under the genre. Her short story collections, including Imaginary Maps and Breast Stories, Of Women, Outcasts, Peasants, and Rebels, and short stories Dhowli and Rudali also deal with tribal life.

Mahasweta Devi at her Kolkata residence in 1984. (Santosh Gupta/HT file photo)

Another famous novel published in 1975  Hajar Churashir Maa (Mother of 1084)  inspired by Maxim Gorkys Mother, has the backdrop of the Naxalite movement. It narrates a mothers efforts to understand her son, who dies as a Naxalite fighter. (It was turned into an extremely touching Hindi movie, Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma, featuring Jaya Bahaduri, in 1998)

Mahaswetas debut book in 1956 was a lucid life sketch Jhansir Rani (the Queen of Jhansi) describing the bravery and martyrdom of Laxmibai. She also wrote popular humorous pieces and stories in childrens magazines like Sandesh.

Mahasweta had deep respect for tribal life and culture, highlighting the absence of the caste, dowry systems and gender discrimination in their society  and was convinced the so-called mainstream had nothing to offer.

The tribals are more civilised than us, she would often say.

In 1978, Mahasweta championed the cause of two tribal groups  the Lodhas of the erstwhile Midnapur district and the Kheria Sabars of Purulia  who were among those notified by the British in 1871 as criminals. Though these tribes were denotified after independence, the stigma remained and they faced trouble whenever crimes were committed in their vicinity.

Purulia soon emerged as the epicentre of Mahaswetas activism and she came to be revered as The Mother of the Sabars. Simultaneously, she lent her weight to the tribal struggles in various other states.

In 1998, Mahaswetas speech at Vadodara on the plight of Indias denotified tribals influenced the formation of the Denotified and Nomadic Tribes Rights Action Group (DNT-RAG) mass organisation that now keeps vigil against such atrocities.

That protest was a second nature to the 1926-born Mahasweta, daughter of poet-novelist Manish Ghatak and writer-social activist Dharitri Devi, was amply evident through the decades. In the 1980s, moved by the miseries of women confined to Kolkata jails for years as non-criminal lunatics, Mahasweta wrote sharp and incisive articles in newspapers demanding their release, forcing the West Bengal government to free and rehabilitate them.

Mahasweta, who obtained a B.A in English from Bolpur-based Vishva-Bharati University founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, led militant protests in the first decade of the 21st century against private promoters for undertaking mindless constructions in the Khowai region  close to the university  one of the Bards favourite haunts.

Then Bolpur Lok Sabha MP Somnath Chatterjee once bitterly complained that the octogenarian Mahasweta had even kicked a foundation plaque.

Though she criticised their violent acts, Mahasweta found merit in the Maoists cause.

Mahaswetas incessant attacks against the Indian state for oppression and exploitation of its own people masked a deep love for the country. (HT file photo)

Their crime is they dared to dream...The right to dream should be the first fundamental right of people, she said during a memorable key-note address at the Jaipur Literary Fest in 2013.

Earlier, she had demanded the withdrawal of the security forces deployed in areas hit by left-wing extremism.

In the twilight years of the states erstwhile Left Front government, Mahasweta mobilised the civil society against the regimes forcible acquisition of agricultural land for setting up big industries in rural pockets like Singur and Nandigram.

Read | Mahasweta Devi: She was a commandant, leader and the loss is irreversible

She wholeheartedly backed the then opposition leader Mamata Banerjee, who became chief minister in 2011, ending the 34-year Left rule.

The two enjoyed great chemistry, but Mahasweta did not shy away from calling the Banerjee regime fascist for banning a rally and banishing anti-government newspapers from state-aided libraries.

Mahaswetas initial schooling was at her birthplace Dhaka  now in Bangladesh  before the family moved to India after the partition. She completed her MA in English from the Calcutta University.

Mahasweta Devi being given lifetime achievement award LitFest at NCPA, Mumbai. (Hemant Padalkar/HT file photo)

She had a love marriage with playwright Bijan Bhattacharya, a founder of the left-leaning Indian Peoples Theatre Association, and their only child Nabarun was born in 1948. The couple divorced in 1959, and Nabarun  a left radical who died in 2014  never quite saw eye to eye with Mahasweta.

She taught at a college for two decades and also dabbled in journalism. She subsequently quit the lecturers job in 1984, devoting all her time to the pen and activism.

Her work as an activist and writer received wide recognition. The honours showered on her included the countrys highest Jnanpith literary award (1996), the Magsaysay (1997) the Padma Shri (1986), the Padma Vibhushan (2006) and the Bangabibhushan (2011).

Read | Mahasweta Devi found extraordinariness among ordinary people: Amit Chaudhuri

Apart from Hazar Chaurasi... four of her other creations have been made into films  Sunghursh (1968), Rudaali (1993), Maati Maay (2006) and Gangor (2010).

Mahaswetas incessant attacks against the Indian state for oppression and exploitation of its own people masked a deep love for the country.

The way she eulogised India at the 2006 Frankfurt Book Fair was a case in point: ... Dil (heart) is always Hindustani (Indian)... My country, Torn, Tattered, Proud, Beautiful, Hot, Humid, Cold, Sandy, Shining India. My country.

And she was extremely satisfied with the way her life had panned out. Life has been too absorbing, she would say.
Renowned Bengali author and activist Mahasweta Devi died in a Kolkata nursing home on Thursday, leaving behind a formidable literary legacy that focused on the lives of marginalized communities.

The 90-year-old died of cardiac arrest due to multiple-organ failure. She was undergoing treatment at Belle Vue Clinic in South Kolkata under an eight-member team of doctors.

Read | Mahasweta Devi lived like she wrote: Fearlessly and without restraint

India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahasheta Di rest in peace, chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted.

Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality & justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2016

Devi was one of the most decorated writers of the country, with awards such as Sahitya Academi (1979), Padmashri (1986), Jnanpith (1996), Ramon Magsaysay (1997) and Padma Vibhushan (2006) under her belt.

Mahasweta Devi at her Calcutta residence in 1984. (Santosh Gupta/HT File Photo)

After the 2006 Singur movement lead by Mamata Banerjee, the author, over 80 years of age at the time, became an advisor to the Trinamool leader, who turned to her regularly for guidance. She was also easily the tallest figure in the group of intellectuals who stood by Mamata at the time.

The writer was the prime face on the dais during the yearly July 21 Martyrs Day programme organised by the Trinamool Congress.

Read | Mahasweta Devi found extraordinariness among ordinary people: Amit Chaudhuri

She spent years researching, writing on and campaigning for welfare activities for the tribals of Bengal, especially the Lodha and Shabar communities. Though Mahasweta Devi was a bitter critic of the Left for the past 10 years, her intellectual moorings was initially with the Left.

Arguably her most-famous book, Hajar Churashir Maa (Mother No 1084) was based on the mother of a Naxalite in the tumul

tuous 70s in Kolkata and was made into a popular Bollywood movie starring Jaya Bachchan.

She was married to Bijan Bhattacharya, a firebrand playwright deeply connected with Indian Peoples Theatre Association, an association of Leftist theatre artists. But her marriage ended in divorce in 1959.

Their son, Nabarun, was born in 1948.

Read | Mahasweta Devi: She was a commandant, leader and the loss is irreversible

Devi had to suffer the pain of her sons death on July 31, 2014. Nabarun was one of the Bengali authors who wrote about the underbelly of society and was regarded as a cult figure among a large section of the Bengali literary circuit.

Films based on her works include Sunghursh (1968), Rudaali (1993), Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998) and Maati Maay (2006).

She was admitted in the hospital for 67 days. For the past few days, she was in the critical care unit, P K Tondon, chief administrative officer of Belle Vue Clinic told HT.

Devi was declared dead at 3:16 pm on Thursday. The grandmom breathed her last at 3:16 pm today. I thank all of you for your concern and support, grandson Tathagata Bhattacharya wrote on Facebook.
Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office Nazar Kholodnytsky has informed on carrying out searches in the investigations department of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine in Shevchenkivsky district of Kyiv, during which a large amount of foreign currency was found in one of the rooms.

"Today the investigators [of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine] under the supervision of procedural prosecutors from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office have conducted searches in the offices of the investigations department of the State Fiscal Service in Shevchenkivsky district in Kyiv [former tax police]... During the searches cash amounting to about $300,000, more than EUR100,000, more than GBP30,000 and UAH 1.5 million were found in the room of one of the heads of the department, the funds have been seized," he wrote on his Facebook page.

Kholodnytsky explained the searches were carried out within criminal proceedings against the officials of this agency, during which it was established they deliberately, acting on a previous concert by a group of persons, demanded a businessman pay a bribe exceeding UAH 750,000 ($36,000) for assistance in making "correct" procedural decisions in the case, including the return of the previously confiscated property.
I first met Mahasweta Di [author Mahasweta Devi] at a literary festival in France about a decade back. She was great fun and quite unassuming as a person. She was aged, but would still dash off to places. I have a photograph with her at a beach in Saint-Marc-Sur-Mer, France, with a statue of French filmmaker Jacques Tati in the background.

When I met her for the first time, she asked me whether I had read any of her works. I apologized and said I had not. She asked me if I could read Bengali. I was a little offended and said of course I could. She was surprised. I told her I was an autodidact, but that didnt impress her. She gave me three of her books to read. I must confess that I have read only one of them  Hazaar Chaurasir Maa [that was made into a film by Govind Nihalani]. I found the language a little difficult, because it is colloquial in parts, but I was surprised by her writing. It was extremely direct, hard-hitting and very moving.

At another literary festival in Germany, which Mahasweta di was inaugurating, I remember the speech she made. While most people were being extremely politically correct in their speeches, hers was more confessional. She spoke of the theme that were close to her heart  women, tribals, the downtrodden

We had few meetings, but we would exchange mails, just the usual how are you, what are you up to kind of mails. As the years went by and she got progressively ill, the mails stopped. The last time I wrote to her must have been two years back when I had got to know that she was not well. I sent a mail asking her how she was and hoping she was better. She didnt reply to that one, obviously because she was not well enough to do it. I now wish that I had made the time to go visit her on my trips to Kolkata, the last of which was about a year back. But these trips are always so hectic and there is always so much to do that I never managed to.

When I heard of her death today, I was reminded of that stroll on the beach in France.

(Author Upmanyu Chaterjee spoke to Poulomi Banerjee)
Apple Inc.s chief executive Tim Cook has reaffirmed the iPhone-makers plans to open its own retail stores in India, which he described as one of its fastest-growing markets.

Were looking forward to opening retail stores in India down the road, and we see huge potential for that vibrant country, said Cook on Wednesday. He had visited India in May.

The increasingly saturated Chinese smartphone market has shifted the Cupertino, California-based Apples focus to India as its next source of growth.

India iPhone sales jumped 51% in the first nine months of Apples current business year.

Cook visited India in May to seek the governments approval to open local retail stores, and also launched a 4,000-employee office in Hyderabad to develop mapping products.

Apples sales in India crossed the $1 billion mark for the first time last year although it has a minuscule market share less than 2% of the countrys smartphone market.

But, in the case of Apple, India has refused to waive a condition that requires single-brand retailers to source 30% of the content locally. It has also been cold to Apples plans to sell refurbished, used iPhones in the country.

In June, commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Apple will have to reapply under new rules if it wants a waiver from the stipulation.

Under the norms changed in the same month, entities claiming to bring state-of-the-art and cutting-edge technology to single-brand retailing will get a waiver for three years with an option for a five-year extension. Hitherto, there had been no time limit for exemption from local- sourcing norms for the entities.

The 51% increase in iPhones sales in India is significant given that globally, sales of the smartphone have fallen for the last two quarters.

Read full story here
The total number of retail investors subscribing to mutual funds in India has reached a six-year high, according to latest data from the industry. This highlights the importance of equities as an investment option for most investors.

While mutual fund houses added 12.61 lakh folios in the April-June quarter, which is up 2.65% over January-March, the pace of addition has declined, statistics from the Association of Mutual Funds of India and Crisil have shown. The total number of folios now stands at 4.89 crore.

Though retail folios constitute 95% of total mutual fund folios and grew for the seventh consecutive quarter, the addition of 11.42 lakh folios was lower, compared to the preceding quarter. The total number of retail folios stood at 4.65 crore at the end of June, with equity-oriented funds continuing to find favour.

Equity-oriented funds added 5.81 lakh folios to reach 3.54 crore in April-June, less than half of the 12.57 lakh folios that were added in the previous quarter, said ratings firm Crisil, which also comes out with a periodic report on mutual funds.

The drop in folios can also be seen from the fact that investors pulled out Rs 58,185 crore and Rs 21,535 crore in May and June respectively from across mutual funds (including equity, debt, income, exchange traded funds).

Fund managers say people who typically invest lump sum amounts may have booked profits amid the market rally. Some investors would have taken advantage of the rally in equity markets and withdrawn. However, SIP (systematic investment plan) flows have remained strong, said Jimmy Patel, CEO, Quantum Asset Management.

Total SIP accounts crossed the 1 crore mark in April and the average monthly SIP flows have also risen to about Rs 3,000-3,500 compared with Rs 2,500 a year ago, according to market experts.
NEW DELHI: India, the third behind the US and UK in terms of the number of startups, wants the companies to list policy support they want from the government.

Commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to meet the heads of about 30 startups on Thursday in connection with this initiative.

The government wants to know whether the drift of the startup India is right or not and how the government can extend further support to startups, according to a source.

Among invitees to the meeting are Paytms Shivanshu Gupta, Olas Anand Subramanian, Suraj Saharan of Delhivery, Nykaa.coms Sachin Parakh, Shashank ND of Practo, Abhiraj Bhal of UrbanClap, Anu Acharya of Mapmygenome and Rivi Varghese of CustomerXPs.

Flipkart and Snapdeal are not invited: The government feels they are big companies, and can no longer be treated as start-ups.

The government does not want to be a big-daddy in policy making for start-ups. This meeting will be a platform for the government to listen and understand the needs and requirements of start-ups and how better facilitation from government can help in creating a more effective ecosystem, sources in the know told HT.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police crime branch special investigation team (SIT) porbing the AAP volunteer suicide case arrested Ramesh Bhardwaj on Wednesday.

The victim had accused Bhardwaj of torturing and harassing her for sexual favours.

Bhardwaj, the prime suspect in the case, was arrested from Sonepat in Haryana, police said. He is said to be a close associate of AAPs Narela MLA, Sharad Chauhan.

On Wednesday, the SIT questioned the Narela legislator in the case after investigators served him a notice asking him to join probe, police said.

Investigators questioned Chauhan about his alleged links with Bhardwaj and two other alleged AAP workers  Amit Kumar and Rajini Kanth  who were accused by the woman of forcing her to withdraw her complaint against Bhardwaj.

In her dying declaration video shot on a mobile phone, the AAP volunteer had named Bhardwaj, Kumar and Kanth for allegedly abetting her to take the extreme step.

The police are planning to issue a notice to AAP convener, Dilip Pandey, to record his statement in the case. Police said the woman had alleged that Pandey was among persons who had dissuaded her from filing the FIR.

FAMILY MEETS NCW

The womans family on Wednesday met National Commission for Women (NCW) officials and told them she was asked to make compromises with her body if she wanted to rise in the party.

She was told you should stop loving your body so much and compromise,  NCW chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam said.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has constituted an empowered committee to review the discrepancies in the circle rates in certain parts of the city.

Circle rates are minimum rates below which a property cannot be registered and forms the basis of stamp duty and registration charges.

The Delhi government has increased circle rates four times since 2011. The rates were revised twice in 2011 and a steep hike of about 20% was introduced in November 2012. The last revision was done during Presidents Rule in September 2014.

Officials said the government decided to review circle rates as it received several complaints against the current rates.

The revenue department came up with notice on Wednesday, seeking suggestions from public by August 16.

The empowered committee that consists of senior revenue department officials will look into the grievances as well as the suggestions. It will then submit the recommendations to the government, a Delhi government official said.

At a private function last month, a section of industrialists and traders had requested chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to review the circle rates, especially in the industrial areas. The industrialists had counted anomalies in the property rates as one of the single-biggest problem in the industrial areas as the sale purchase of properties has come to standstill. It also causes revenue loss for the government, besides hitting the realty sector.

Sources said the chief minister told the deputy chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, to look into the issue.

The realty sector in the city hit a slump after 2014. Before that the sector was on a boom. The circle rates were revised on a regular basis keeping in view the market rates. While it naturally increased the property value, the revision was primarily done to check the flow of black money, a revenue department official said.

While the circle rates were revised across all categories  A to H  the residential properties in the categories in the posh colonies felt the pinch the hardest.
NEW DELHI: Teachers from Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, IGNOU and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding withdrawal of the point system that determines their promotion. They held a protest outside the University Grants Commission (UGC) building.

The point system, called the Academic Performance Indicator (API), has been the point of contention among teachers since it was notified in 2010.

This issue resurfaced after the UGC notified the 3rd Amendment Regulation and the API was made stringent. Apart from API, teachers have been demanding withdrawal of the regulation.

For the last eight years, teachers in colleges and universities have been denied promotions because of the draconian scheme based on API which mechanically and bureaucratically quantifies teaching and research work. The system is so faulty that the UGC has been forced to amend it three times since it was first notified in 2010. This irrational and unacademic scheme has adversely affected quality of teaching and research work, said Nandita Narain, president of Federation of Central University Teachers Association (FEDCUTA).

T he protest was led by FEDCUTA and saw a large participation of teachers despite the rain in the city. Delhi University teachers have already boycotted evaluation and admission, protesting against API. The evaluation boycott was extended for almost two months. Teachers demanded that vacant posts in the university be filled immediately and declare the 7th pay commission results sooner. Lakhs of teaching posts are lying vacant in state and central universities. In DU alone, there are 4,500 seats lying vacant.

Teachers also protested against the attack on the administrative and academic autonomy of universities. They said the Choice Based Credit System has taken away the right to decide on a need-based curriculum.
INDORE/NEW DELHI: A mob slapped, punched and kicked two Muslim women on suspicion they were carrying beef in Madhya Pradesh, an incident that spurred the Opposition to attack the BJP-led government at the Centre in Parliament over increasing violence by cow vigilantes.

A veterinary test later revealed the 30kg of meat seized from the women at Mandsaur railway station on Tuesday was buffalo meat and not beef, state home minister Bhoopendra Singh said on Wednesday.

Cows are revered by Hindus and slaughtering them is illegal in most states, including in Madhya Pradesh. The state and many others also bar the sale and possession of beef.

The slaughter of buffalo and consumption of its meat are legal in MP, but sellers need a permit from the local civic body. Since the women didnt have one, they were booked but later released on bail.

On their complaint, the police registered a case of criminal assault and wrongful confinement against unidentified persons.

The incident came two weeks after four Dalit men were beaten up by gau rakshaks (cow protection activists) in Gujarat, allegedly for skinning a dead cow. It brought back memories of the mob lynching of Mohammad Ikhlaq over rumours of eating beef in Uttar Pradeshs Dadri district in December. Cows must be protected, but we are against the targeting of Dalits and Muslims in its name, Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said in Rajya Sabha as opposition parties disrupted proceedings.

His party colleague Anand Sharma asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on the attacks: He has done Chai Pe Charcha and Mann Ki Baat but why not on this issue?

BSP chief Mayawati accused the BJP of making claims of protecting the girl child and giving dignity to women while setting goons on them. She also alleged the police had done nothing to stop the mob from attacking the women.

Mayawati sought an explanation from minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi as her MPs stormed into the well of the House.

Naqvi said the government was ready for a debate but urged the Opposition to rise above politics on sensitive matters. Any incident of violence is condemnable. The MP government has taken action, he said.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi Party does not have representation in the upper House, tweeted, I again repeat  it is systematically being done by support from top BJP leadership. They will ruin this country.

A mobile phone recording of the assault showed several police personnel  who had come to arrest the women on a tip-off  watching as the two were beaten for close to half-an-hour by a crowd that shouted Gau mata ki jai (Hail holy cow).

The police are going through the footage and will identify and arrest the culprits soon, said Mandsaur superintendent of police Manoj Kumar Sharma.

Defending the attackers, BJP MLA from Mandsaur Yashpal Sisodia said, These women are criminals and it was women who beat them up. It was a reaction to an action.

Amid speculation that the mob was led by right-wing activists, Hemant Mulchandani, an office-bearer of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad who was at the scene, said, When I arrived, the police were already there. We didnt instigate anyone to thrash the women.

He said the women were beaten up by their co-passengers after a rumour spread that they were carrying beef.

SP Sharma said one of the women had been booked in four other cases, two of which had led to convictions. They are an organised gang and we have information that they regularly carry meat to Mandsaur from neighbouring areas.
NEW DELHI: An ongoing auto strike, road blocks put in place for smooth passage of kanwariyas (pilgrims) and a forecast of heavy rain could make commuting in Delhi-NCR a nightmare on Thursday.

Wednesday was no better. Traffic crawled and people spent hours on waterlogged roads as heavy showers lashed the Capital for the second day.

Public transport took a hit with auto-rickshaw and taxi unions continuing their indefinite stir in demand of a ban on app-based taxi services  which added to commuters woes by indulging in surge pricing as the demand for cabs shot up.

The Delhi government met representatives from 17 of the 20- odd striking auto unions and said it had persuaded them to call off the stir. But the claim was rejected by the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union.

The Capital has 85,000 autos and the striking taxi unions account for around 20,000 cabs. Some autos and taxis were plying on the sly but the strike was near total.

I waited half-an-hour for an auto and when I finally got one, the driver demanded Rs 100 for a 4km ride. I had no option but to pay up as I was getting late for work, Ankita Khanna said of her commute from Jangpura to East of Kailash.

Sunil Nair complained that taxi aggregators were taking advantage of the situation. Cab aggregator services have started to charge more than usual again. Finding a cab is already difficult but getting an affordable ride is even tougher.

He ended up paying Rs 375 from Saket to Connaught Place, a trip that costs him Rs 200 on a normal day.

Adding to the mess, diversions and restrictions on many arterial roads, especially in east Delhi and the NCR towns of Gurgaon and Ghaziabad, will remain in place till August 1 due to the march of the kanwariyas.

Roadside camps for the Shiva devotees  journeying to Uttarakhand and Bihar to fetch water from the Ganga  contributed to snarls. The trouble spots included national highways 8 and 24, Rani Jhansi Road, Azad Market Chowk, Khajuri Chowk and Mathura Road.

We have made arrangements to segregate the movement of kanwariyas and other road users and to minimise inconvenience to both. The devotees and commuters are advised to follow traffic rules. Violators will face on-the-spot prosecution, said joint commissioner of police (traffic) Garima Bhatnagar.

On the weather front, the Met department predicted heavy rain for the next two days. Civic authorities received complaints of waterlogging from over 50 locations in the city  including Mathura Road, Moolchand flyover, Aurobindo Marg and Okhla Mandi.
AAP legislator from Matia Mahal, Asim Ahmed Khan, alleged on Thursday that he has received death threats from Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his aides.

Me and my family members are receiving death threats from Kejriwal and his aides. If anything happens to me and my family members, he (Kejriwal) and his aides shall be responsible, said Khan.

He was a minister in the Delhi government till Kejriwal sacked him in October for allegedly demanding bribe from a builder.

Khan also said that he has appealed to lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung and Union home minister Rajnath Singh to provide police protection for him and his family.

On May 2, I complained to L-G Jung and Rajnath Singh that I was receiving death threat. I also asked them for police protection, Khan said.

He alleged that he was threatened with dire consequences for asking Kejriwal to investigate fellow AAP legislator Naresh Yadavs role in Malerkotla Quran desecration case.

I received a death threat call around 15-20 days back. I also filed an FIR at Jama Masjid police station, Khan told reporters here.

Asked why he was threatened, Khan said: I worked as a minister in Delhi government for nine months. I know many things, which would create problems for them. I have all the proof and would expose Kejriwal very soon. He will benefit from my death.

I saw a drama on television yesterday (Wednesday) where Kejriwal alleged that Prime Minister Modi would kill him. I was scared for the past few months, but the video gave me the courage to come out and expose Kejriwal who is making false allegations against the PM, Khan added.

As of now I am not leaving the Aam Admi Party, Khan said.
Some 40,800 soldiers have signed contracts with the army since the beginning of the year, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Lieutenant-Colonel Oleksiy Chernobai has said.

"Some 40,800 servicemen, of whom about 4,500 are army officers, have signed contracts with the army," he said at a briefing in Kyiv.
New Delhi

The auto and taxi strike in Delhi ended on Thursday evening, with the unions deciding to withdraw their protest against app-based cab aggregators after a meeting with the government.

The auto and taxi unions had gone on an indefinite strike on Tuesday.

Government officials said a section of the auto rickshaw unions withdrew their strike on Wednesday and the rest decided to ply after the meeting.

Sources said the government assured the unions that auto and taxis registered in other states will not be allowed to operate in the city.

Vehicles with registration series DL 1RT will operate as per fare meter. The government has also decided to do away the mandatory training session to get a light motor vehicle licence renewed, an official said.

People had a tough time commuting in the city as autos and taxis stayed off the road and app-based cabs overcharged. Some auto drivers who tried to ply were stopped by the union members.

On Thursday, the unions disrupted traffic in Rohini Sector-22, Gurgaon Expressway and Kapashera.

Read: Auto strike a nightmare for students

We stopped autos registered with Ola, Uber or PoochhO on Thursday. We do not want to cause any inconvenience to people but we want the government to have a dialogue with us, said Rajender Soni, general secretary, Delhi auto rickshaw Sangh.

Commuters, however, said the situation was better on Thursday compared to the past two days. I found an auto even though the driver overcharged, said Sumeeta Mehra, a resident of south Delhis Vasant Vihar. There were no autos on Tuesday and Wednesday. They were not ready to go even for a high fare, she said.

Soni met Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday to discuss unions demands. The minister said the state government will decide the issue. But the Kejriwal government in Delhi is not willing to speak to us, Soni said.
In order to make parents of government schools students as stakeholders of education, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia announced on Thursday a Parents-Teachers-Meeting (PTM) on July 30, which he described as first positive dialogue between parents and teachers.

The deputy chief minister has asked the parents of 16 lakh students studying in government schools to celebrate the mega PTM as a festival and said that on the lines of private schools, PTM will now be held at government schools.

Sisodia, who also holds the Education portfolio, said the PTM will be held twice a year to make parents feel proud that they are also part of the several initiatives being taken by the AAP government.

We have constituted welcoming teams in schools for the parents so that they feel proud and for this, government has set aside funds. The timing of PTM will be different in morning and evening shift schools.

It is important to communicate the initiatives of Delhi government in education, so that parents utilise these schemes properly, he said while addressing a press conference.

Sisodia said that in theory, PTMs were supposed to happen at government schools, but they werent, excluding exceptions, adding that the thought behind this mega event is to open the gates of schools for the parents of the children and leave behind closed spaces in government schools.

We want to make PTMs a regular affair to keep parents in loop. At this meet, parents can seek details of performance of their children and get updated with all activities and initiatives taken by the government, he further said.

Sisodia said government was improving quality of education in its schools everyday through policies, new infrastructure including CCTVs, classrooms and furniture.

He also said that government has directed all its senior officials of the education department including directors, deputy directors, and assistant director to hold a meeting with parents of government schools students from 12 to 1 PM on Friday every week to address their issues.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashutosh said on Thursday that the Delhi Police may arrest two more party MLAs.

Delhi Police is going to arrest two more AAP MLAs today (Thursday). Sharad Chauhan and Rakhi Bidlan in the line, Ashutosh tweeted.

Sources-Delhi police is going to arrest two more AAP MLAs today. Sharad Chauhan and Rakhi Bidlan in the line.  ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 28, 2016

Ashutosh also said that AAP legislator from Narela Sharad Chauhan was grilled by police for more than nine hours in the alleged suicide of party worker Soni and was asked to take names of any of the senior leaders or he would suffer.

Sources-Yesterday Sharad Chauhan was grilled for nine hours, was threatened to take name of any senior leader of AAP or else he will suffer  ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 28, 2016

Ashutoshs remarks came after the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police on Wednesday questioned Chauhan.

Soni, a party worker committed suicide on July 19, alleging harassment by an AAP party worker Ramesh Wadhwa. In her complaint, she also alleged that Wadhwa asked for sexual favours.

Wadhwa was arrested on Wednesday by the police.

The police had registered a case against Wadhwa on June 2 and arrested him a day after. He, however, got bail the next day and also got a court stay on his arrest.

Meanwhile, Wadhwas charge was refuted by the police.

We had questioned Chauhan on Wednesday, but we have not summoned Rakhi Bidlan for questioning, joint commissioner of police (Crime Branch) Ravindra Yadav said.

I dont know who is floating such baseless rumors, the officer said, adding, I am tired replying to this question.
Those living in RK Purams government flats and nearby colonies, shouldnt be surprised if they find a policeman at their doorsteps in the coming days. The cop has been sent to your home to update your details and verify their records.

For security reasons, Delhi police is set to begin a drive to check all government accommodations in south Delhi to ensure the flats have not been rented out. Renting out a government accommodation is not permitted, and the police said many such cases of illegal tenants have come to their knowledge recently.

The police have tied up with the RWAs of sectors 1 to 12 to make sure residents cooperate and dont turn hostile to the exercise. Each sector here has over 1,000 flats. Ashok Kumar, secretary of sector 5 RWA, said, We recently met the police to help them in the verification drive. Though such instances of renting out the accommodation are rare but we discourage the practice by holding talks and events with residents. Besides, we encourage residents to come forward to get servant verification done and also issue circulars. Kumar works with the ministry of home affairs.

After RK Puram, mostly housed by central government employees, the drive may be extended to other government colonies including Moti Bagh, Lodhi Colony, Andrews Ganj and Sarojini Nagar. This drive will also prove helpful in keeping a check on anti-social elements who may seek hideouts in these residential areas which are otherwise least suspected.

The move comes after the arrest last month of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of the Intelligence Bureau along with another person on charges of smuggling imported liquor at his sector 5 RK Puram house. The police seized liquor worth Rs 50 lakhs and Rs15.5 lakh cash from the duo. The RK Puram police had said that the liquor was being smuggled in a Mercedes car. Investigation revealed that the ASI had rented out his flat to the other accused, who was using it to stash the liquor.

A senior police officer said that they have started the drive to ascertain the number of families and bachelors staying in these colonies. The drive is aimed at preventing the government quarters from becoming safe havens for carrying illegal activities. After the recent arrest, we noticed that many allotted owners are letting out their homes to people. We found small-time businessmen and taxi drivers living at some places while at some houses people have started study centres, said the official.

The official said that the house owners are also liable for action in such cases.

A spokesperson of the ministry of urban development said, It is a violation of the rules of allotment in case a government employee sublets the accommodation. We regularly inspect the colonies and also receive tip-offs from those living there. While in a case of a confirmed violation, the original allottee has to appear before the directorate of estates, and as per rules, is liable to cancellation of allotment. However, few such instances have come to our notice.

Police sources said after conducting some of the verifications, investigators were surprised to know that the allotted owners didnt even bother to visit their houses for months and some of the tenants have been asked to deposit the rent online through NetBanking.

At times, when the officers go for verification, those living in the house claim that they are relatives of the owners, which is not found to be true on most occasions, he said. The police is taking help of RWAs to convince the allotted owners to provide their details.

Recently, the RK Puram police station SHO met the senior functionaries of the RWAs. He discussed several security related issues with them and also requested to cooperate with the police. Residents of some sectors which have flats for senior officers refuse to cooperate with us, which is why we have roped in the RWAs, the officer said.

The police have started the drive under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance of apprehended danger), ordering that no landlord shall rent out his accommodation to any person. Contravention of these orders is a punishable offence under Section 188 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code), section relating to disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant. It can amount to cancellation of allotment of the house to the owner, said the official.

What triggered the drive

The move comes after the arrest on June 28 of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) along with another person on charges of smuggling imported liquor from his sector 5 RK Puram house. The police seized liquor worth `50 lakhs and `15.5 lakh cash from the duo. The liquor was being smuggled in a Mercedes car.

n Investigation into the case revealed that the ASI had rented his government flat to the other accused, who was using it to stash the liquor. The police raided the house and seized 1,207 bottles of different brands.

n However, this is not the first time that such a case has come to light. In 2010, a self-styled godman was arrested by the police for running a prostitution racket from Khanpur near Saket. According to police, while his nexus was active in Saket and Malviya Nagar areas, he was found to be residing in a rented accommodation in one of the government accommodations in RK Puram.

Security first

The police are also running a verification drive for tenants and domestic helps in the run-up to August 15. Police personnel set up camps on Sundays where residents can get their tenants and servants verified. They also rope in RWAs to encourage people to get their servants verified, as, in most incidents of robberies and others, it is found that the helps were not verified and had a role to play in the case.

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Showers on Thursday during the evening traffic rush hour triggered traffic jams on arterial roads in the city.

The showers, however, bring respite from the muggy weather as the minimum and maximum temperatures came down a notch.

In neighbouring Gurgaon, it was another chaotic day for commuters as the roads, including the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and service lanes, were jammed till noon because of water logging and the ongoing kanwar yatra.

Waterlogging in several areas added to the misery of those stuck in traffic jams. Snarls weer reported from Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Sarita Vihar, Okhla, Dhaula Kuan and Naraina.

Residents complained that despite tall claims by the road maintenance agencies that they have cleaned the drains, there was no end to the problem of inundated roads.

Even if it rains for a few minutes, roads are blocked. All the local streets and roads in Lajpat Nagar were inundated on Thursday evening. There is no end to the monsoon chaos, said Pawan Arora, a resident of Lajpat Nagar-I.

The municipal waterlogging helpline registered 50 complaints from areas spread across the city. Some residents complained that either the calls went unanswered or they did not get help.

We tried calling up the number several times but could not get any help, said Ankita Rastogi, a resident of Uttam Nagar.

Read more: Waterlogging, traffic jams hit city after rain

Three people, including a woman, sustained minor injuries after a portion of a three-storey building collapsed in Central Delhis Karol Bagh on Thursday evening.

Police said the building was dilapidated. Due to heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday, water seeped into the structure and a portion of the fist floor collapsed. Two adjacent shops were damaged.

Three people sustained bruises and received first-aid at a hospital. We have registered a case of negligence, DCP central Paramaditya said.

The Met office has predicted rain on Friday. The skies will be partly cloudy. Moderate rain is likely to occur in several parts of the city. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover between 30 degrees and 24 degrees, respectively, the official said.

The Safdarjung observatory, the reading of which is considered the official figure for the city, recorded 14.1 mm rainfall between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Thursday.
With 12.5 gold ornaments on his body, a Rolex worth R27 lakh and latest sedans and SUVs in tow -- the kanwar yatra by Sudhir Makkar, aka Golden Baba, has become a unique feature of the annual pilgrimage.

Twenty-five personal security guards and eight bouncers guard babas booty.



Baba, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday with cakes brought by his followers, has set out on his 24th kanwar yatra this year. Besides his heavy gold ornaments, Baba has a fetish for high-end cars.

Apart from Audi, Fortuner and BMW, we also take along Hummer, Jaguar and Land Rover cars on rent for the yatra to Haridwar, said Makkar.

The Rolex is my favourite though, he said.

Talking about his gold fetish, the 54-year-old mahant said, I like gold since childhood. I remember in 1972-73 a tola (10 gm) of gold cost R250, I had nearly 2-3 tolas of gold then. Now, its 12.5 kg.

Makkar was not always an ascetic. Before he renounced the temporal for the spiritual, Makkar ran a successful cloth and property business from Delhis Gandhi Nagar market.

He was sent to a gurukul in Haridwar at the age of six and later went back to Haridwar in search of livelihood. He later sold rosary beads and sold cloth on the pavement.

Later, I returned to Delhi and opened a shop at Gandhi Nagar with the grace of baba (Lord Shiva) at the age of 20-21 years. The business flourished. I opened five more shops -- Bittu Jeans, Bittu Shirts, Bittu Jackets, etc. As I earned more, the gold deposit swelled. I also ventured into realty business and that too flourished, he said.

Some of his staunch followers said Baba left his business three years ago when the annual turnover was around R150 crore.

After renouncing his grahastha (family) life, Baba said he was trying to balance his deeds -- fair or unfair. Popular also as Shri Mahant Ji Golden Puri Babaji, Makkar said his wife, Veena, is a devotee of the Radha Swami Satsang Beas. Married for 27 years, the couple had no children.

The Baba has a collection of 21 big gold chains, 21 lockets of Hindu deities, armlets and even a gold jacket which he wears sometimes.

He said a renowned Delhi company has offered him to promote gold jewellery.

He often makes stops during his kanwar yatra and sits atop his SUV, waving to the locals who cheer him along the route. The staff at all police stations along the yatra route knows him and provide him security.

When Baba takes rest, we keep a watch on the gold. He offers gangajal at a Shiva temple in Gandhi Nagar. He visits the place since he started his life there, said Sunil Antil, a follower from Sonepat.

Read more: Godmen and their fear of guns: Baba Bullet-proof

These days journeys to several other places of pilgrimage keep him busy since he has now become a Mahant (an ashram chief), Antil said.

In the kanwar yatra of Golden Baba, there are 10-12 cars, several cooks and a truck loaded with music systems which play remixed devotional songs.

During a stopover, he bathes and spends nearly an hour to smear sandalwood and other fragrant pastes over his forehead. Baba studied till Class 8. He has opened up an ashram at Bilkeshwar Colony in Haridwar and boasts of political connections.

My life is transparent. My lord knows everything. I will continue the pilgrimage life long. Three months before I left my business and chose devotional life, I put up banners in Gandhi Nagar announcing my decision. I told people that they should get their dues from me and clear those that they owe me, Baba said.

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Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Ashutosh has alleged that Delhi Police will soon arrest two more party MLAs by Thursday evening.

Delhi Police is going to arrest two more AAP MLAs today (Thursday). Sharad Chauhan and Rakhi Bidlan in the line, Ashutosh tweeted in the morning.

Another tweet followed where he said that the AAP legislator from Narela, Sharad Chauhan, was interrogated by the police on Wednesday for more than nine hours in the alleged suicide of party worker Soni and was asked to take names of any senior leaders or he would suffer.

Delhi Police, however, denied charges of any summons being issued to the AAP MLAs.

No arrest has been made or are likely to be made. We did receive a complaint against Mangolpuri MLA Rakhi Bidlan but the charges did not amount to any criminal case, said a senior police official.

Sources-Delhi police is going to arrest two more AAP MLAs today. Sharad Chauhan and Rakhi Bidlan in the line.  ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 28, 2016

Ashutoshs remarks came after the Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Wednesday questioned Chauhan.

Soni, a party worker had committed suicide on July 19, alleging harassment by an AAP party worker Ramesh Wadhwa. In her complaint, she also alleged that Wadhwa asked for sexual favours.

Wadhwa was arrested on Wednesday by the police.

The police had registered a case against Wadhwa on June 2 and arrested him a day after. He, however, got bail the next day and also got a court stay on his arrest.

I dont know who is floating such baseless rumors, the official said.

Read: AAP to move Delhi high court over cases against MLAs
The incidents are coming thick and fast. Two Muslim women were beaten up on suspicion of transporting beef, which later turned out to be buffalo meat, which is perfectly legal in Madhya Pradesh, where the incident took place. Seven Bajrang Dal members attacked a Dalit home in Karnataka, again on the grounds that illegal cow slaughter was taking place there and in Gujarat, those attacked for skinning a dead cow were summarily discharged from a hospital although they had not recovered from their injuries. They had to be hospitalised again. Yet, the Union minister for social justice and empowerment, Thawar Chand Gehlot, says that these vigilante gau rakshaks are like any other social organisation, adding that they should verify rumours before acting. At last count, we thought that acting against any illegality was the work of the police and not of self-styled custodians of cow protection.

Read | Mandsaur: Women allege assault over beef was at Bajrang Dals behest, 4 held

The minister goes on to say that the incident in Gujarat, where people were beaten up, was based on a false rumour, but in the Dadri incident, the rumour was true. Last year a man was beaten to death in front of his family in Dadri and even if he had been guilty of some crime, nothing justifies his murder or the actions of the thugs who entered his house and on the grounds that a cow had been slaughtered in the vicinity and its meat was stored in his fridge. The ministers words can only encourage these criminal elements who are attacking people at will. Giving such people the sanction to verify rumours virtually amounts to giving them a free hand to act against those whom they think may have committed an anti-cow offence. The government and the minister concerned should have wasted no time in making it clear that anyone found acting on rumours, whether verified or not, will face the full force of the law. Similarly, when vigilante groups went around acting against people whom they thought were guilty of inter-religious marriages, something they called love jihad, the response from the government came belatedly and not forcefully enough.

Read | Dalits thrashed in Una forcibly discharged from hospital: Family, friends

This ugly trend, of people taking on policing duties and meting out justice in the name of cow protection, is really undermining the governments efforts to project India as a progressive and modern nation. We may scoff at the barbaric hounding of minorities in neighbouring Pakistan, but the gau rakshaksbehaviour hardly does any credit to our democracy. At least in enlightened self-interest, the government must crack down on these violent cow protection groups, which are springing up with alarming regularity across the country. Mr Gehlots ministry is in charge of implementing the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015. Clearly, the minister is falling down on his job.
First-ever parents-teachers meeting in Delhi government schools will be held on July 30, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Thursday.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Delhi government has decided to hold the parents-teachers meetings (PTMs) twice every year in schools run by it.

This is the first ever PTM being held in government schools, that too on such a large scale. So far, the PTMs were not held in government schools at all. But now the PTM will be held biannually in government schools, said Delhis deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.

Not revealing the amount, he said that the government sanctioned separate budget to organise PTMs in nearly 1,000 schools run by it.

Welcoming teams have been formed to look after the parents during the meeting. Separate budget allocation is also made to organise to the PTMs, he told reporters here.

Read more: Kejriwal launches mobile app for maintenance of Delhi govt schools

The focus of the PTM will be to encourage one-to-one communication between parents and teachers. The parents should celebrate the occasion as it is being held to improve the quality of education in schools, he added.

He also urged the parents to give feedback and share the grievances during the meeting.

Sisodia also announced that on every Friday between 12pm and 1pm, the education officials would be available at their offices to meet the parents and register their complaints or feedback.

During the PTM, the government will also apprise the parents about the initiatives taken by the government to improve the quality of education in its schools.
Authorities at Delhi University have instructed colleges to prepare a new merit list for admissions in undergraduate courses after students and their parents complained about a confusion over the required cutoff.

On Wednesday, colleges issued a separate list of seats that were not filled even after the release of the fifth cutoff. The application process for the list is over and admissions will take place on Thursday and Friday.

We have not received a circular but already received instructions from the university. This is for the first time that the process is online so such problems do occur. By next year everything will be fine, Suman Sharma, principal of Lady Shri Ram College for Women, said.

Many students, who had similar or higher marks than the required, said their names were not there in the merit list. At Kirori Mal College (KMC), a student with 95% marks did not have her name in the merit list but others with 93-94% score were asked to apply for admission.

Read more: DU changes rule, students can apply again without withdrawing admission

I do not know how this problem has occurred when we made an online application. Such trouble is not expected from such a big university, VK Malhotra, a parent, said. He has been running around for his daughters admission.

There were similar problems at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College and several others.

On their part, colleges said the problem occurred because of the data provided by the university and also due to the sheer number of applications.

It was a very tedious process of screening a large number of applications. For very few seats there are a large number of applications. Moreover, the university data also has several discrepancies, a teacher at KMC, who did not want to be named, said.

This year, the university also allowed students, who have already taken admission in a college, to re-apply to others without withdrawing their names.

The second merit list will be issued on Saturday. Students will have to get their documents verified and get an approval for admission under the second merit list by Tuesday.

A third merit list will be released on August 3.

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Ukrainian army positions in Donbas came under 44 militant attacks in the past 24 hours, the press center of the army operation in southeastern Ukraine said in a report posted on Facebook on Thursday morning.

Sixteen shelling incidents were observed in the Donetsk sector. Servicemen stationed in Avdiyivka were attacked by use of 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers, large-caliber machineguns and small arms. A Ukrainian reconnaissance team engaged in a shootout with hostile saboteurs at about 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, forcing the enemy to retreat. Grenade launchers were fired near Zaitseve and Novoselivka Druha, weapons of infantry combat vehicles were engaged in Novhorodske, and grenade launchers, large-caliber machineguns and sniper rifles were used against Ukrainian servicemen in Luhanske.

The militants committed ten violations of the ceasefire in the Mariupol sector: 82mm mortars shelled Ukrainian army strongholds in Starohnativka, and the hostiles used grenade launchers and large-caliber machineguns in Vodiane, a tank near Maryinka and small arms in Shyrokyne.

The militants committed 18 violations in the Luhansk sector: positions near Novozvanivka, Novo-Oleksandrivka, Bohuslavske and Krymske came under random and effective fire of 82mm mortars, and grenade launchers were used in Popasna and Lopaskyne, the report said.
As a child, Laxman Singh Rathore loved the monsoon. Being farmers from Jodhpur, his familys dependence on rain was obvious. Right from childhood, he wished he knew how to read the weather patterns, find what the weather would be like for the week, and forecast rain. There was no school in my village. I used to walk to school six kilometers away. Jodhpur is largely a desert town and receives very little rain. Rain brought us cheer and happiness.Thats how I wanted to find out more about the weather, says Rathore, director general of meteorology, India Meteorological Department.

Forecasting is all about predicting weather patterns during the day and through the week. A forecasters work involves designing new observational techniques for accurate and efficient measurement of atmospheric variables. Accurate weather forecasts can help farmers decide when the time is right to sow seeds. Timely weather updates to aircraft during landing and take off are also provided by the forecasters. Most importantly, bad weather warning in coastal areas can save many lives and enable city authorities to evacuate people to safety.

Rathores interest in weather forecasting prompted him to take up an MSc in soil sciences and agriculture chemistry from the University of Udaipur. He followed this up with a PhD in the same subject from the same institute. Later, he cleared the Union Public Service (UPSC) exam and was inducted into the Indian Meteorological Service in 1979.

He joined the Indian Meteorological Department as a trainee meteorologist in 1980 and since then there has been no looking back.

Weather influences every activity and aspect of life. So, any information about the weather is critical. It also leads to national savings and economic development, says Rathore.

Read more: All you need to know about career as Fashion designer

Weather forecasting involves observing, forecasting and communicating. All these have their challenges in terms of their accuracy, timeliness and consistency. Work is complex, often involving the observation and processing of a large amount of data. Storm watching is an interesting part of the job  it could require analysis of a short-lived thunderstorms a few kilometres in diameter that last for an hour or so or snowstorms stretching up to a thousand miles and lasting for days.

An eye for the sky (HT Photo)

The technical process of weather forecasting involves understanding current weather conditions, extrapolating the state of the atmosphere using laws of physics. The next step involves processing data by deploying different techniques of data assimilation. The final stage involves modelling, post processing, and disseminating of information.

Tools of the trade include a rain gauge, to measure the amount of rain that has fallen over a period of time. A wind sock is a conical textile tube, designed to indicate wind direction and relative wind speed. A sling psychrometer measures relative humidity, using the cooling effect of evaporation. The anemometer measures wind speed and direction. Weather satellites are used to photograph and track large-scale air movements. Then meteorologists compile and analyse the data with the help of computers.

Demand for weather forecasters exist in all sectors (HT Photo)

Our climatologists transform raw meteorological data into useful information that helps the government, industries and operators of various services make fundamental decisions. Research is the backbone for any weather forecaster to deliver effective results, says Rathore.

There is tremendous scope for weather forecasters in the field of education, research and operational fields related to atmospheric observation systems, data computation and processing and forecast generation.

Demand exists in all sectors, ie, government, academics/research and the private sector.
When Heath Ledger died in 2008, just months before the world got to see his sneering, paint smeared face in the role that would define him, the world was left in mourning. Now, 8 years after his tragic passing due to an accidental overdose or prescription drugs, Ledgers father Kim spoke about his sons struggles and the last words he said to his sister.

It was totally his fault. It was no one elses. He reached for them. He put them in his system. You cant blame anyone else in that situation, Kim told Daily Mail Australia. Thats hard to accept because I loved him so much and was so proud of him.

Ledger was found in his New York apartment after having wrapped shooting on The Dark Knight, the film that would earn him his posthumous Oscar for his performance as The Joker. He was in the middle of production on Terry Gilliams The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, the strenuous shooting schedule leaving him drained.

Read: What killed Heath Ledger? Documentary reveals chilling details

Theres so much pressure on them to perform so even though your body is telling you that its not good and needs time, its like just take these painkillers and keep going, Kim said. That was the case with Heath. He had to be back on set to finish (the next day). They were doing night shoots in the freezing cold and he had a weak chest anyway. Hed caught this (cough) and just couldnt shake it but he thought he had to because he wanted to get the movie done.

Heath Ledgers family receives his Oscar for The Dark Knight. (AP)

Read: Heath Ledger was too bright for this world: Matt Damon

Read: Heath Ledger was extraordinary: Jake Gyllenhaal pays tribute

Kim said that Ledgers sister spoke to Heath the night before and warned him not to mix drugs. He said, Katie, Katie, Im fine. I know what Im doing. He would have had no idea, said Kim.

Read: Heath Ledgers daughter will inherit his Oscar for The Dark Knight

Ledger is survived by one daughter, Matilda, with actor Michelle Williams.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh who is on the run, has failed to get any relief from the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad high court which on Thursday refused to stay his arrest order.

The court was hearing his writ petition challenging the FIR lodged against him for a sex slur against BSP chief Mayawati last week.

A bench comprising justice Ajai Lamba and justice Ravindra Nath Mishra, directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file its counter-affidavit by August 5 clarifying the need to arrest Singh in the case. The court also directed petitioners counsel to explain as to how the FIR can be quashed.

The court will finally decide the petition on August 8 after getting the state governments reply on the issue, said Singhs counsel Dilip Srivastava.

He interpreted the courts direction as favourable to his client, as it has asked the government to state reason behind the order for Singhs immediate arrest. Srivastava claimed that the entire controversy was the fallout of political rivalry.

Singh, who went underground after sparking of the controversy, filed the petition after the Lucknow police secured an arrest warrant against him from special judge of SC/ST court Om Prakash Mishra on Monday.

The FIR against Dayashankar Singh was filed at the Hazratganj police station on July 20 by Mewalal Gautam, a BSP leader after the former vice president of the BJP UP unit made derogatory comments against Mayawati.

The FIR against Singh was lodged under different sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace and for word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
About 800 pilgrims today paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre high cave of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas as heavy rains rendered the twin routes leading to the shrine slippery, forcing authorities to suspend the yatra for the time being.

On the 26th day of annual yatra, 791 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave, raising the number of pilgrims who visited the cave shrine since the commencement of the yatra to 2,08,633, an official spokesman said.

Heavy rains lashed wide parts of Kashmir Valley since wee hours, prompting authorities to suspend the yatra this morning, officials said, adding this was the result for the lowest number of pilgrims performing darshan of the naturally formed ice-shivlingam at the cave in a day after the yatra began on July 2 from the twin routes - 12-km shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district and traditional 42-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.

A fresh batch of pilgrims were allowed to move towards the cave shrine from Baltal base camp this morning but were stopped at Sangam around 9.30 AM after the rains rendered the tracks slippery, the officials said.

They said all the pilgrims, who had reached different halting stations enroute to the cave, are safe and have been directed to stay back at the designated camps till further orders.

The authorities are monitoring the weather on hourly basis and once the weather improves, the yatra will be resumed, the officials said.
Aam Aadmi Partys parliamentarian Bhagwant Mann  accused of breaching Parliament security  got two days to change his written reply to the Lok Sabha panel, which is probing his act to suggest action.

In a five-page letter to the nine-member MPs panel, Mann maintained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi be called before it for compromising national security. When Mann appeared before the panel on Thursday afternoon, chairman Kirit Somaiya slammed him for dragging the PM while tendering most humble apology for uploading a video that showed his journey from his Delhi home to Parliament.

You are damaging your case, Somaiya warned.

Mann maintained that he didnt violate any law. He questioned why broadcast vans are habitually stationed near the main gateseen in his videoand claimed the virtual House tour in Lok Sabha website also shows whats inside Parliament, after being accused of exposing the route to enter Parliament.

Shiv Senas Anandrao Adsul said in the meeting, I have spent 20 years in Parliament but never thought of doing such a video. You have come here two years ago, and did something unthinkable.

BJPs Meenakshi Lekhi asked if anyone had stopped him from filming and when did Mann come to know that he has done the wrong thing by shooting the video. The AAP MP from Sangrur, Punjab, said no body stopped him or told him that he is not doing the right thing.

BJDs Bhartruhari Mahtab didnt question Mann but AIADMK MP said Manns act was unbecoming of a parliamentarian. Mann will re-appear before the panel on Monday.

Mann had recorded an amateur video on his phone of his drive from his home in South Avenue near Parliament to inside the building, briefly detailing the security arrangements on his way and then posted it on Facebook. He has been asked to skip Parliament till the issue is not settled.

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The BJP and the Shiv Sena are heading for a showdown in Maharashtra ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) poll in February.

Ties between the two allies were strained after they parted ways on the eve of 2014 assembly election, only to join hands after polls. Though a part of the NDA at the Centre and the coalition government in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena has been taking potshots at the Modi government, the latest being its handling of the recent unrest in Kashmir. On Tuesday, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray escalated it further, saying he wont mind quitting the state government if the BJP created more hurdle.

In an angry outburst against the BJP, Thackeray said Sena wasted 25 years of its 50-year existence by having the alliance.

A day after Thackerays jibe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Rajnath Singh used Twitter to wish him on his birthday, but it is unlikely to mollify him, reason being the BJPs demand to revisit the seat-sharing agreement for 227-member BMC, which has had a Sena leader as the mayor for the last 15 years.

We want Sena and BJP to contest equal number of seats. We are bigger partner in the state assembly and there is no point in remaining its junior partner in the corporation, a BJPs leader privy to Maharashtra affairs told HT.

His threats to quit are nothing but self-defence mechanism. Its for the Sena to decide if they want to continue in alliance or not. We have set our eye on BMC, another BJP leader here said. The BJP, though, does not want to appear in a hurry to break ties.

In the 2012 BMC election, Sena fielded candidates on 135 seats and won 75. BJP got 60 seats and won 31. Remaining 32 seats were left for the third partner, the Republican Party of India (Athawale).

BJP leaders are of the view that Thackeray might not agree to their demand for equal number of seats and therefore, do not rule out the possibility of a repeat of the 2014 assembly elections when he had broken ties.

Thackeray took reins of the Sena from his father Bal Thackeray in 2004 and has struggled to expand the base of the party beyond Indias financial capital. For the Shiv Sena, the BMC elections are a matter of survival. The BJP, on the other hand, is determined to expand its presence, even if it comes at the cost of its alliance partner.

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The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that a consensus was reached during the meeting between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers held in Lahore from July 25-28.

This was a regular meeting between. It was held in Pakistan from July 25-28 in Lahore. The BSF delegation was led by (BSF) director general KK Sharma, while the Pakistan delegation was led by director general, Pakistan Rangers, Punjab, major general Umar Farooq Burki. The meeting was held in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere. Consensus was reached, MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media.

Swarup said since the last such meeting in Delhi in September 2015, there had been greater adherence to the ceasefire along the international border.

The DG BSF stressed the importance of vigilance against cross border infiltration to prevent terrorist activities and check smuggling and narcotics.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen measures to coordinate border patrolling on the respective sides of the border and address each others concerns in a time bound manner, he added.

He said the BSF director general invited the DG of Pakistan Rangers to visit India for the next round of these annual talks and the invitation was accepted.

The DG-level talks between the two sides are a bi-annual affair, but many a times these meetings have not taken place due to strain in relations.

The last such meeting between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers was held in New Delhi in September last year.

Last time, the two sides had decided not to fire heavy artillery like mortar shells and ensure that civilians living along the border were not harmed.

The two forces had also decided that their officials, right up to the level of directors-general, will exchange mobile numbers, e-mail ids and fax numbers for swift communication to resolve disputes on the border running through Indian states of Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments on Thursday with the Opposition mounting an assault on the government over the Aadhaar card being made mandatory to avail benefits such as LPG subsidy, MGNREGA payments, food subsidy and some types of pensions.

The House had to be adjourned thrice after Opposition parties, including the BJD, the Trinamool Congress, the Left and the SP, took up the issue forcefully, arguing that linking of Aadhaar to direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes was not serving the interests of the poor in the country.

The governments assertion that it would issue a clarification to make sure those without Aadhaar were not deprived of benefits cut no ice with the Opposition. MPs repeatedly stormed the Well of the House, shouting slogans against the government and asking it not to make Aadhaar mandatory.

Soon after the House assembled, TMC member Derek OBrien, SPs Naresh Agarwal and BJDs Dilip Tirkey said they had given notices under Rule 267 seeking suspension of the Question Hour but deputy chairman PJ Kurien said their motion was not allowed.

OBrien said the BJP-led government talked about cooperative federalism but states were not consulted before the decision was taken.

Yadav said the poor would be hit hard. Tirkey said the governments instructions would create problems for the poor, highlighting that 20% of Odishas population did not have Aadhaar cards.

Minister for urban development M Venkaiah Naidu said the government had taken note of the concerns raised by the members and the Aadhaar card was not compulsory to avail the benefits..

We are passing Bills, taking part in debatesbut this issue of Aadhaar card subsumes all other issues. The ministers response is unacceptable, OBrien said.

Whats wrong if the poor get the money directly into their accounts. Rajiv Gandhi had said that only 15 paisa out of Re 1 spent by the government reaches the poor. We are ensuring that the poor get Re 1 directly by weeding out the middlemen, another minister told HT.

Naidu said the government does not normally respond to issues during Zero Hour, but in this case it had and assured the House that necessary instructions would be issued. He accused the Opposition was politicising the issue.
An upper-caste shopkeeper hacked a Dalit couple to death on Thursday after they failed to clear a debt of Rs 15 in Uttar Pradeshs Mainpuri, considered the political fiefdom of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The incident comes against the backdrop of a series of attacks on lower caste people across the country and could spark a political backlash against the ruling SP in the poll-bound state where Dalits form a sizeable portion of the electorate.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, who champions the cause of lower castes, has been vitriolic in her attack on the ruling BJP at the Centre over the rising incidents of atrocities on Dalits.

Read | Cultural practices of caste-Hindus obstructing justice for Dalits

Fearing law and order trouble after the killing of the couple, the administration deployed personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in Lakhimpur village. Police quickly arrested the accused, identified as Ashok Mishra, from his house and slapped charges under the stringent the SC/ST Act.

The five children of the couple -- Bharat Nat, 45, and Mamta, 40  were placed under the custody of one of their neighbours for the time being, officials said.

Eyewitnesses said Mishra, said to be in his sixties, picked up an axe and attacked the couple who owed him Rs 15. The couple worked as daily wagers and used to buy groceries from the shop of the accused.

The heads of both of them were severed; the mans body had nine wounds and womans seven, said a police officer who visited the incident spot.

Mainpuri is represented in the Lok Sabha by Tej Pratap Yadav, the grand-nephew of Mulayam Singh.

Assembly elections are due in the state early next year and the SP faces a tough challenge from the BSP and BJP, both of which are making serious efforts to grab power in the countrys most populous state.

Mayawati, a four-time chief minister, is citing alleged atrocities on Dalit and other lower caste people to rally her voters ahead of polls.

Read | If Dalits bore you, are you a bad person?
After the Rajkot civil hospital declared fit and forcibly discharged the four Dalit victims of the Una flogging incident, they were admitted to the Ahmedabad civil hospital for treatment for depression.

All four are severely depressed. They are under observation of a psychiatrist and have been prescribed anti-psychotic drugs, Ahmedabad civil hospital superintendent Dr MM Prabhakar told HT on Thursday.

They are being treated for emesis (vomiting), body pain and weakness at the hospital, where they were admitted late on Wednesday night.

Ramesh Sarviya has vomited a couple of times in the past 12 hours. The condition of all four is stable, Dr Prabhakar said, adding that the medical team was yet to ascertain the reason for their illness. All four have also been administrated concentrated glucose for severe weakness.

The fact that they still require treatment proves that Rajkot hospital authorities discharged them against their will and before they could recover fully, Keval Rathod, a relative of one the patients, told HT.

Read | Dalits thrashed in Una forcibly discharged from hospital: Family, friends

The incident has left a deep psychological impact on the four. They are very scaredthey wake up in the middle of the night and start shivering, Rathod added.

The families of the four Dalits had to shift them to a hospital 335 km away from hometown Mota Samadhiyala in Una of Gir Somnath district after they were discharged in Rajkot. They have alleged that the four were forcibly discharged from the Rajkot hospital at the behest of a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader.

They were brought to Ahmedabad in a trust-run hospitals ambulance under police protection. The district authority was unaware of their condition or the shift.

When contacted, Rajkot Civil Hospital superintendent Dr Dharmendra Vatsraj said, All four were fit when discharged.

Read | If Dalits bore you, are you a bad person?

Congress legislative party leader Shankersinh Vaghela visited the victims in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

The assault on the four Dalit youths allegedly for skinning a dead cow triggered nationwide outrage and was even echoed in Parliament. Gujarat witnessed days of violence as angry Dalits took to the streets in protest, accusing the BJP-led state government of caste bias and discrimination.

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Software for hacker attacks on Ukrainian companies was designed in Russia and attacks were planned for at least six months, Head of the information security service of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Valentyn Petrov has said.

"This process lasted for at least six months. Not only Ukrainian energy companies (this is only the tip of the iceberg) and other large enterprises and one of the national television channels were attacked," he said in an interview with Germany's ZDF, the NSDC press service reported on Wednesday.

Petrov said that Ukrainian specialists revealed that hacker attacks at Ukrainian energy companies are tracking to Russian servers: "There are signs that Russian software designers participated in designing different types of software for this," he said.

He said that when Ukrainian criminalists analyzed the virus they determined it was likely that the virus was designed and had all settings to work with Cyrillic alphabet.

He also said that the virus prototype used against Ukrainian energy companies was actively spread by a Russian in 2007 at one of the computer forums.

"He was spreading software at the specialized forum, which later turned out to be a virus to attack Ukrainian companies. The Russian citizen created the virus," Petrov said.

The fact that temporary settings on the PC where the virus was created coincide with the Moscow and St. Petersburg time zone is evidence the virus was created in Russia, he said.

"Attacks at energy companies are a wake-up call for us, and it is more a wake-up call for European countries and countries where information technologies are developed better than in Ukraine. The Russian cyber-attack demonstrates Russians have cyber weapons which threaten the security of western countries," Petrov said.
Maharashtras dance bar owners have moved the Supreme Court against a new law that says obscenity in dance performances will invite a five-year jail term, but does not clearly define obscenity.

The law defines obscene dance as a dance designed only to arouse the prurient interest of the audience.

The petitioner also questioned a bar on tipping dancers, calling it irrational.

The Dance Bar Regulation Bill was passed by the Maharashtra assembly on April 13 and notified on April 20. It includes 26 conditions that bar owners must comply with to get licences.

Days later, an SC bench headed by justice Dipak Misra said, It is better for women to perform in dance bars than to beg on the streets or indulge in unacceptable activities.

The Maharashtra government banned dance bars in the state in 2005, rendering an estimated 150,000 people  half of them dancers  jobless. The Bombay high court struck down the government order in 2006 but the state challenged it in the Supreme Court, which allowed a stay on grant of licence. The top court upheld the high court ruling in 2013 before finally lifting the ban in October last year.

In its petition to the Supreme Court filed last week, the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association said the new law was another attempt by the state to override the SC verdict lifting the ban on dance bars. It said that despite court orders, the government was yet to renew or issue licences.

The association maintained the law violates the right to life/livelihood and the right to take up a profession of ones choice.

The top court had during a hearing in May disallowed a provision of the law that made it mandatory for bars to record dance performances and provide the live feed to the police. Have a regulatory mechanism in place, do surprise checks, send your police team. But no recording, it had told the state.

On another provision that said dance bars cannot operate within a kilometre of an educational institution, the court had pointed out that there was no such condition for granting liquor licences.

The law also stops bars from serving liquor in the performance area and from operating in residential buildings. They can function out of semi-residential buildings if they have the approval of three-fourths of the residents. It restricts bar timings between 6pm and 11.30pm, and says violations can invite fines of up to Rs 25,000.

Quoting from the state governments response to its letter, the petitioner said the number of police complaints against dance bars was negligible  18, 31 and 14 complaints in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. It also said, It appears no effort was made to verify the veracity of the complaints.

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A person cannot be prosecuted for defamation for calling a government corrupt or unfit, the Supreme Court said on Thursday, pulling up the Jayalalithaa government for filing several such cases against political opponents in Tamil Nadu.

A bench comprising justice Dipak Misra and justice RF Nariman said filing cases of defamation against legislators or bureaucrats for criticising the government created a chilling effect.

It amounts to curbing of free speech. There has to be tolerance of criticism...The defamation law cant be used as a political counter-weapon, the court observed.

India is one of the few countries in the world with both civil and criminal defamation proceedings and punishments range up to two years in prison or a fine or both.

But free-speech activists say the British-era law is often misused by influential people and politicians to crack down on dissent.

In Tamil Nadu, for example, the government filed several cases against political opponents and media houses that criticised official policy or speculated on the state of the chief ministers health.

If there are 5,000 cases registered and we find a continuous effort and deliberate design to harass then the court must step in to protect, said the bench, an apparent reference to the spike in the number of defamation cases filed by the Jayalalithaa government.

The SCs Thursday observations came on the petition of one such opponent -- DMDK chief Captain Vijayakanth  who said Jayalalithaa misused the law to stifle free speech in the state. The law empowers public prosecutors to approve defamation cases filed against government employees.

The court stayed the non-bailable warrants against DMDK leader Vijayakanth and his wife, Premalatha, issued by a trial court in Tiruppur. The Tiruppur court had issued non-bailable warrants against the couple following their non-appearance before it in a defamation case in March.

Vijayakanth alleged a prosecutor under Jayalalithaas regime acts like a post office, which it should not.

Taking note of his submissions, the court asked the Tamil Nadu government to produce within two weeks a list of defamation cases launched against government officials, including lawmakers.

Criminalising defamation in India has provoked a debate in recent months after the Supreme Court upheld the provision in May, rejecting pleas from top politicians and public intellectuals who hoped to nudge the judiciary to either abolish or water down the provision.

Justice Misra was part of the bench said the right to speech was not absolute, and that ones right to reputation was part of ones fundamental right to life. When reputation is hurt, a man is half-dead, the SC had said.

One of the petitioners then was BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who faces three criminal defamation cases in Tamil Nadu filed by the Jayalalithaa government for allegedly making defamatory comments against her.

Other petitioners in the case were Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Justice Nariman was part of a bench that struck down the controversial Section 66A of the information technology act that empowered police to arrest people for posting allegedly objectionable comments on social media.

During the hearing, Justice Misra attempted to justify his judgment to not strike down defamation laws.

Defamation provisions have to remain. But there should be no abuse of it. The law cannot be used as a political counter weapon by the parties, he told the counsel appearing for the Jayalalithaa government.

Read: Explained: Supreme Court verdict on defamation law, its implications

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Eight rhino calves from Assams Kaziranga National Park, who were swept away in the floods, have been safely rescued so far, officials said on Thursday.

A team of Assam forest department and a mobile veterinary service team from the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) have rescued eight baby rhinos aged between one month and a year in the last 2-3 days.

Rathin Barman, deputy director of the Wildlife Trust of India, which runs the CWRC, said that they had been coming across distressed calves of the famed one-horn rhinoceros in the flooded Brahmaputra every day.

Two of them were rescued during the day as field staff used boats to reach them and pull them out using ropes.

They were found separated from their mothers after being washed away in the floods. We have rescued them and they are under treatment at our veterinary centre which is 5 km away from the main gate of the park, Barman told PTI.

Wildlife officials and volunteers transport an injured baby rhino in the Sildubi area of Bagori forest range of Kaziranga. (AFP)

Led by Barman, a team of over a dozen workers, besides forest department officials, has been trying to rescue the wild animals displaced in the floods.

Some of them are in a critical condition because they were about to get drowned before we saved them. They are also suffering from severe trauma of the floods. We are hopeful that all of them will be fine very soon, he said.

Adult rhinos usually try to escape to the Karbi Anglong hills on the southern side of Kaziranga which does not get submerged during floods.

Located on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park, one of Indias UNESCO world heritage sites, is facing a major wildlife crisis this year as large portions of its area have been inundated in what are being described as the worst floods in a decade.

Indian forest officials and wildlife conservationists try to catch a baby Rhino that strayed into an adjacent village following floods at the Kaziranga National Park on Thursday. The Rhino calf was rescued and sent to a conservation centre. (AP)

The rescue team have also saved about 50 hog deer who live in the Kaziranga and nearby forests.

Some deer have already died after being hit by vehicles on the NH-37 when they tried to escape from the flooded Kaziranga, Barman said.
A resolution of the prolonged political stalemate over the goods and services tax (GST) appeared in sight on Thursday with the government and the opposition Congress reaching a broad understanding on contentious issues.

This came after two rounds of meetings between senior Congress leaders and Union finance minister Arun Jaitley.

The nitty-gritty will be sorted out in the next few days, sources involved in the process told HT.

Sources close to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi confirmed that there was progress in talks over the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill to introduce the GST.

The bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha but is struck in the Upper House where the BJP-led NDA does not have the required numbers.

The ruling dispensation plans to seek the passage of the Constitution bill in the Rajya Sabha next week.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh is said to be guiding the Congress interlocutors although he is not directly involved in the negotiation process.

The GST, a uniform nationwide tax, will subsume a host of local taxes levied on goods and services.

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet decided to drop a proposed 1% manufacturing tax, one of the three demands of the principal opposition party. The Congress has given up the second demand to cap the tax rate at 18 % in the Constitution (Amendment) bill.

It will be mentioned in the subordinate legislation, the GST bill, which is likely to be brought up for parliamentary approval in the winter session of Parliament. Asked how the two sides were resolving the issue of cap on the tax rate, the sources said they were exploring optimal option.

The opposition party is also learnt to have agreed not to press its third demand for a dispute redressal mechanism headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.

We are working out another option but its not final yet, said a source privy to the negotiations.

Jaitley held deliberations with leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and deputy leader Anand Sharma on Thursday morning. It was followed up by another meeting between the two sides in the evening. Chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian went along with Jaitley for the second meeting.

Earlier in the day, the finance minister held consultations with leaders of the CPI(M), the CPI, the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress, and the BJD. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury was learnt to have demanded to see the exact proposals of the government.
The Golden Baba shines bright, even when among hundreds of thousands of kanwars trudging along a national highway, effortlessly commanding the attention of onlookers.

Its not without reason: At any given time, this holy man is adorned with 12 kg of gold, including rings, chains and lockets, worth about Rs 4 crore. In fact, it was his infatuation with gold that earned him the sobriquet Golden Baba.

He says he wears so much gold because it is a symbol of Goddess Laxmi, and not to show off his wealth.

The Golden Baba says he wears so much gold because it is a symbol of Goddess Laxmi, and not to show off his wealth.

Nonetheless, everywhere he goes, he is able to whip up frenzy, with thousands of people flocking to catch a glimpse of him or touch his feet as he rides atop his luxurious Fortuner car during the kanwar yatra.

And, it seems, no one can escape his aura: Partapaur police station inspector Ram Kumar Yadav was among hordes jostling to get a photograph with the baba in Mohiuddinpur, on the outskirts of Meerut.

I will continue my kanwar yatra every year till my death, the baba, who is on his 24th kanwar yatra, told HT.

He claimed to have spent Rs 72 lakh on his journey from Hardwar to Delhi last year, and that he had expanded his budget to over Rs 1 crore this year. He is being accompanied by over 200 people and at least 10 bodyguards on his journey from Hardwar to his ashram in Gandhinagar, Delhi.

With all that jewellery, security is a major concern. Police have an elaborate security arrangement for the baba  a team of officers escorts his convoy as it passes through their respective areas to ensure that nobody approaches him without permission. A few policemen even get a seat on the roof of the babas vehicle to offer additional security, while personal bodyguards sit inside the car.

A few policemen even get a seat on the roof of the babas vehicle to offer additional security, while personal bodyguards sit inside the car.

He was not always the gold-loving seer he is today. The Golden Baba was once a wealthy cloth merchant before he shunned material pleasures. He embarked on his first kanwar yatra with just 5 kg in gold jewellery, and gradually added to it each year.

Where does he get all that gold?

Sab uper wala deta hai (The Almighty gives everything), he says, before explaining that it was bought with the money donated by his followers.

Most seers and priests accept eatables, but not the Golden Baba. In fact, for security reasons, he has a personal pantry follow him during the yatra. His convoy includes elaborate tent set-ups for overnight halts and to deal with any vagaries of weather. The stops are pre-planned and the schedule tight.

He is associated with the Joona Akhara, and claims to be its biggest mahant (chief priest) now.

Read | Golden Baba: Sadhu wears jewellery worth Rs 3 cr, seeks security
New Delhi has mounted last minute efforts to save Indian national Gurdip Singh, who is among 14 people set to be executed in Indonesia after midnight on Thursday.

Jakarta is going ahead with the executions despite condemnation from rights groups such as Amnesty International and appeals from the European Union and India, which sent a note verbal to the Indonesian foreign ministry requesting that all legal recourse should be exhausted before the death penalty is carried out.

In a statement, Attorney General M Prasetyo said the executions of the death row inmates would be conducted early on Friday. He said all technical and legal aspects of the executions had been fulfilled.

The Jakarta Post quoted a source in the Central Java Prosecutors Office as saying that the executions of the drug convicts will take place after midnight on Thursday.

In a tweet late on Wednesday night, Swaraj said: We are making last minute efforts to save him (Singh) from execution on 28 July. She said in another tweet Singh was facing death sentence in a drug case.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Singhs counsel Afdhal Muhammad was of the view that he could file for presidential clemency. Indian embassy officials were camping in Cilacap city, where the executions will be carried out, and have met Singh.

They are reaching out to the foreign office and the senior leadership in Indonesia. They are also in constant touch with his wife and brother in India and keeping them informed of the current situation, Swarup said.

Singh, 48, was found guilty of trying to smuggle 300 grams of heroin into Indonesia in 2004 and was sentenced to death by a state district court at Tanggerang in Banten province in February 2005.

He was given the death sentence even though prosecutors had recommended a 20-year jail term for Singh, who is also known as Vishal and belongs to Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

Singh also retracted a statement he made against Pakistani national Zulfiqar Ali, who is among the prisoners facing execution. Singh admitted he was coerced into making the false admission against Ali in return for a lenient sentence for himself.

His appeals against the death penalty were turned down by Banten high court and the Supreme Court.

Despite appeals by the EU and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein, Indonesia appeared set to go ahead with the executions. Reports in the Indonesia media said there is little chance of the 14 condemned people escaping the firing squad since the Attorney Generals Office had confirmed that all legal requirements had been fulfilled.

The executions will take place in Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, where authorities have tightened security by deploying an additional 1,500 police personnel and army and navy units. The soldiers are guarding a nearby dock and naval personnel are patrolling waters surrounding the prison island.

Seventeen ambulances, 14 of which carried coffins, arrived at the prison island on Thursday morning, The Jakarta Post reported. This was seen as a signal that the executions would be conducted soon. It has been a long-standing tradition on Nusakambangan that ambulances are readied to pick up bodies of the condemned from the prison less than 24 hours before the executions, the report said.

According to Indonesia law, each convict will be shot to death by a squad of 10 people.

Amnesty International criticised Indonesias decision to go ahead with the execution of 10 foreigners and four Indonesians, saying some of them were convicted in manifestly unfair trials and have not submitted clemency request to the President.

Among the foreigners are a Zimbabwean, a Senegalese, a South African and five Nigerians.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, will be putting his government on the wrong side of history if he proceeds with a fresh round of executions, Amnesty said in a statement.

In a report published last year, Amnesty had found 12 of the prisoners were denied access to legal counsel at the time of their arrest, and at different periods thereafter. Some claimed they were subjected to torture and other ill-treatment while in police custody, and were forced to confess to their alleged crimes. These claims have not been investigated by authorities, it said

The last executions in Indonesia  which has some of the worlds toughest anti-drug laws  were carried out in January and April 2015, when a total of 14 people were put to death by firing squad. The previous administration under Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono carried out 21 executions between 2005 and 2013.

Indonesia has a strong record of fighting for the rights of its citizens abroad on death row but that is a position the authorities do not consistently uphold at home, where President Widodo has claimed the death penalty is needed to deter drug crime, Amnesty said.

There is no evidence to support President Widodos position. The death penalty does not deter crime. Carrying out executions will not rid Indonesia of drugs. It is never the solution, and it will damage Indonesias standing in the world, said Josef Benedict, deputy director of Amnestys Southeast Asia and Pacific regional office.

Reacting to the calls for clemency, Indonesias foreign ministry asked other countries to respect its law. The death penalty is carried out by law enforcement and we reiterate that the death penalty is not contrary to international law, spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said.

Just like Indonesia which always respects the laws of other countries, we hope other countries also respect our law.

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BK Prasad, the top home ministry official who investigated the missing Ishrat Jahan papers, has a cushy job awaiting him when he finishes the probe.

The government on Thursday appointed Prasad as secretary of the National Commission for De-notified, Nomadic & Semi-nomadic Tribes for two years.

Prasads appointment is unusual since the Tamil Nadu-cadre IAS officer of the 1983 batch had turned 60 in May this year. He was on extension to let him complete the probe into the missing papers from the Ishrat files. But the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by the PM appears to have given him an extended tenure.

Shri BK Prasad, lAS (TN 83), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, as Secretary, National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-nomadic Tribes vice Shri H.K. Dash for a period of two years, the ACC order said, without mentioning if the assignment is on contract or re-employment.

Read: My stand on Ishrat Jahan vindicated, BJP created fake controversy: Chidambaram

The missing documents that Prasad was probing relate to preparation of a 2009 affidavit that did not mention Ishrats terror links and was filed by the previous Congress government in the Gujarat high court. An earlier affidavit had linked the 19-year-old Mumbai college girl and the three others to the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist outfit.

Prasad obliquely laid the blame for the five missing papers at former home minister P Chidambarams doors. In his initial report to home minister Rajnath Singh, he said the papers were removed knowingly or unknowingly or misplaced in September 2009, a period when Chidambaram was the home minister.

Later, the Congress accused the prime ministers office of running a dirty tricks department amid reports that Prasad may have manipulated the probe. Chidambaram had accused the BJP-led government of creating a fake controversy over the documents.

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Indias hopes for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council were dampened as the General Assembly decided to push further negotiations on reforms to the next session after discussions this year failed to make headway.

The assembly on Wednesday unanimously approved the decision to roll over further action and to set up an open-ended working group on Council reforms.

It is unfortunate that the 70th anniversary of the United Nations was not able to build up momentum with a view to reaching an agreement on this important item of the agenda of the General Assembly, India and its reforms allies, Brazil, Japan and Germany, said in a joint statement.

Speaking on behalf of the four nations, Brazils permanent representative Antonio Patriota told the assembly: The longer we postpone a decision on the reform of the Security Council, the greater discredit brought upon the United Nations in its core function of promoting peace and security.

The four countries jointly work for expanding the Councils permanent membership and mutually support each other for permanent seats and are known as G4.

After more than 20 years of stalling, the council reform process gained momentum last year when a negotiating text was adopted by the General Assembly overcoming sustained opposition to it from a determined small group of countries like Pakistan and Italy.

The adoption of the text was a breakthrough as meaningful negotiations could not be held without such a document.

It had been expected that the momentum would continue and the reforms would be adopted in the current year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the world body.

The negotiating text was created on the basis of a survey carried out by Courtenay Rattray of Jamaica, the previous chair of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on Council reform, and it was adopted by the assembly due to the insistence of Sam Kutesa, the president of the last session of the assembly.

Luxembourgs permanent representative Sylvie Lucas, who heads the IGN now, said the discussions held this year produced elements of convergence on two of the five issues -- the relationship between the council and the General Assembly and the size of an enlarged council and its working methods.

Most members supported increasing the total number of council members from 15 to the mid-20s and for making the councils working more transparent and involving non-member countries in its activities.

Patriota contested Lucass contention that there was no convergence on the other three issues, the most crucial of which is expanding the permanent membership.

We regret, however, that other important patterns on the remaining three clusters were not reflected as leading towards convergence, he said. It is obvious to any observer that a growing majority of Member-States supports expansion of the Security Council in both categories (of permanent and non-permanent). Yet we failed to register such an evident and quantifiable convergence in writing.

Member-States also argued that the issue of under-representation of developing countries in the current format of the Security Council should be addressed. Such a suggestion was not captured either, he added.

We would have preferred to see elements that reflected the positions of participants in a comprehensive manner.

In May, Indias permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin told the negotiations that of the 122 countries that made written submissions for Rattrays survey, 113 - or more than 90% - supported expanding both categories of council membership.

They include the 54 members of the African Union, 42 from the L.69, which is a group supporting reforms, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members, the G4 and 21 others, in addition to two permanent members, Britain and France, he said.

The 13-member group known as Uniting for Consensus (UfC), which included Pakistan and is led by Italy, is opposed to adding permanent members.

The current 15-member Council has five permanent members with veto powers and none of them are from Africa or Latin America.

The UN began in 1945 with five permanent and six elected members on Security Council when the world population was 2.35 billion and the organisation had 51 member nations.

Four more non-permanent members were added in 1965 and there has been no further changes, except for replacing Taiwan with China as a permanent member in 1971.

Meanwhile, the wave of independence that followed the collapse of colonialism took UNs membership to 193 countries. The global population is now more than 7.3 billion.
The Indonesian government on Friday said it had executed four drug traffickers, giving a reprieve of uncertain duration to 10 others it had said would also be put to death.

Deputy Attorney-General Noor Rachmad said one Indonesian and three Nigerians were executed by firing squad not long after midnight local time, reports AP.

Earlier this week, Indonesias attorney-general said 14 people, mostly foreigners, would be executed.

Among the foreigners was one Indian national Gurdip Singh who was found guilty of trying to smuggle 300 grams of heroin into Indonesia in 2004 and was sentenced to death by the state district court at Tanggerang in Banten province in February 2005.

However, confusion remained about the fate of Gurdip Singh till late on Thursday night as AFP also reported that 10 others expected to have faced the firing squad, including nationals from Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, were not put to death.

Gurdip Singhs younger sister Binder Kaur told HT that she got a call from the Indian embassy just after midnight on Thursday confirming that he was executed by a firing squad.

Singh had also rung his family on Thursday morning saying that was his last call to them.

This is my last call to you. They are going to kill me today. Now you will be able to see my body only. Take care of both children, were his words to wife Kulwinder Kaur, who was undergoing treatment at a local private health centre at the time of the call.

On Wednesday, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had also tweeted that the government was trying to save Singh.

We are making last minute efforts to save him (Singh) from execution on 28 July, said the minister.

It is the third set of executions under President Joko Jokowi Widodo who was elected in 2014 and campaigned on promises to improve human rights in Indonesia.

(With inputs from agencies)
Manipuri activist Irom Sharmilas announcement on Tuesday to end her 16-year-long hunger strike for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, has drawn mixed reactions from her supporters, many of whom are still trying to understand the reason for her decision.

While those close to the 44-year-old greeted her change of strategy to end the hunger strike, enter electoral politics and marry to start a new life, they are still trying to make sense of her decision.

Sharmila had begun her fast in November, 2000, days after Assam Rifles personnel allegedly shot dead 10 civilians at Malom village. She has been force-fed all these years through her nose at a special ward in the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal.

The news came as a surprise. I heard about it when a friend informed me over phone, said Irom Singhajit, Sharmilas elder brother. He insisted that his sister had not consulted anyone from the family before her announcement.

Singhajit, who has been supporting Sharmilas fight, feels since many others were also closely involved in the 16-year-long struggle, she should have consulted others.

Singhajit hasnt met Sharmila since she made her announcement.

She took the decision on her own without taking us or other social activists who were supporting her, into confidence. I would be able to give my views only after talking to her, he said.

Activists and close associates who have been with Sharmila in her fight to scrap the AFSPA, which gives sweeping powers to security forces and has been misused, were also in little bit of shock by her move.

My personal view is that its her choice and we should respect it. She has done more for the cause than anyone and since it wasnt working, Sharmila may have decided to change strategy, said Sadokpam Ranjeeta, research associate with Human Rights Alert.

While her decision to end the fast and contest elections has been largely welcomed, Sharmilas desire to marry her Goan-born British boyfriend Desmond Coutinho, hasnt evoked the same reactions.

Some believe Coutinho, who has been close to Sharmila for nearly seven years, may have played a role in her decision to end the fast.

He may have influenced Sharmilas decision. But as an elder brother, I support her decision to marry, Singhajit said.

Coutinho is a bit of a mystery as Sharmila doesnt discuss him even with those close to her. He was targeted by some activists two years ago when he came to Imphal to meet Sharmila.

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Ukrainians should assess the possible threat of unjustified detention in Russia when planning trips to this country, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine recommends.

"The Foreign Ministry recommends citizens of Ukraine, when planning trips to the Russian Federation, realistically assess the risks and threats that exist and the need for implementation of such trips," the ministry's consular service department stated.

In its recommendations, the ministry expressed concern over the fact of the continuing cases of unjustified detention of Ukrainian citizens in the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as due to inhuman treatment of Ukrainians by Russian law enforcement agencies, use of inappropriate methods of physical and psychological impact, including torture.
Curfew was lifted from across Kashmir on Thursday, barring Anantnag town, following improvement in situation, a day after it was re-imposed in parts of the Valley to thwart a separatist march to Kulgam district.

There is no curfew anywhere in the Valley except Anantnag town of south Kashmir, a police official said.

He said the restrictions on movement of people have been lifted in view of the improving situation.

The situation throughout the Valley remained peaceful and under control on Wednesday. There was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the Valley, the official said.

The authorities had re-imposed curfew in entire Kulgam district and Anantnag town as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

Curfew was imposed in five police station areas of Srinagar city -- Khanyar, Rainawari, Maharaj Gunj, Safa Kadal and Nowhatta -- while restrictions were imposed on assembly of four or more persons in jurisdiction of Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations.

The postpaid mobile telephone services have been restored across all networks in the Valley where 47 persons have died in violent clashes between protesters and security forces following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

The incoming facility on prepaid connections has also been restored, but the outgoing calls are barred on such numbers, the official said.

He said no decision yet has been taken on the resumption of mobile internet services in the Valley.

Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed for the 20th consecutive day in view of the stir called by the separatist camp.

Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed due to the strike while public transport remained off roads. Attendance in government offices was very thin, the official said.

Two policemen were among those killed in the violence while 5,500 people, including over 3,000 security personnel, have been injured.
The liver of a brain dead man was transported from Lucknows King Georges Medical University (KGMU) to the citys airport, some 23km away, in less than 25 minutes through a green corridor on Thursday. And the organ saved the life of a 61-year-old man admitted to Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Delhi.

Liver, kidneys and cornea of a 28-year-old accident victim, who was admitted to KGMU in the Old City, were retrieved by a team of surgeons from different departments. The resident of Kanpur was declared brain dead late on Wednesday night.

Organs of a brain dead person must be operated and transplanted within 4-6 hours.

The operation started in Lucknow at around 9.20am and the retrieved organs were transported in two ambulances that left KGMU at around 11am. The liver reached Delhi at around 1pm.

In the national capital, the liver covered the distance of 29km in 26 minutes and was received at 2pm today at the hospital, a press release by the Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals said. Delhi Police helped in transporting the organ.

The liver gave a new lease of life to a patient who had been suffering from cirrhosis since 2013

The kidneys were sent to Lucknows Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences or PGI, 12km away from KGMU, through the green corridor made on two of the citys most busy routes. The cornea was sent to an eye bank.

A team of efficient surgeons conducted the operation successfully and we got the support of the police and administration for the smooth transportation, said Dr Ved Prakash, KGMUs medical superintendent.

KGMU vice-chancellor Ravi Kant monitored the entire proceedings - from the operation theatre to the swift transportation of the organs.

Authorities in Lucknow created the green corridor on the route that sees a heavy rush of traffic during the morning. Vehicles were stopped on the entire route to allow the ambulance pass smoothly and swiftly.

The route to the Amausi airport fell on the busy areas of Hazratganj, Arjunganj, Kataipul, Ahimamau and Shaheed Path. Traffic police also had to manage the route, which sees major jams due to the construction of the Lucknow Metro in the main Hazratganj area.

On April 20, the liver of a 50-year-old female was sent to New Delhi from Lucknow after a similar green corridor was created.

KGMU has retrieved 15 livers and 22 kidneys since 2015 under its organ transplant programme.

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A mob kicked and punched two Muslim women on Tuesday on the suspicion that they were carrying beef in Mandsaur town in Madhya Pradesh, provoking outrage.

A mobile phone recording of the assault showed the two women being beaten for close to half an hour as policemen watched. The meet turned out to be that of a buffalo.

Here are 10 things to know about the incident that is set to dominate Parliament:

1. Police arrested the two women for not having a permit to carry buffalo meat. They were first booked under a 2004 anti cow-slaughter law but authorities charged them under an older 1959 law when the meat turned out to be that of a buffalo. They are out on bail.

2. On the same day, two other people, who were carrying buffalo meat, were arrested by Ratlam police. All four are from the same family and were booked under sections of the Madhya Pradesh Krishi Pashu Parirakhsan Adhiniyam 1959.

3. Cow slaughter is banned in the state. If anyone is caught slaughtering a cow, found with beef or carrying or transporting beef in Madhya Pradesh, he/she will be booked under sections of Madhya Pradesh Govansh Vadh Pratishedh Adhiniyam, 2004.

4. Slaughter of buffalo is legal but people need permission from civic bodies to set up certified slaughter houses. Under the provisions of the permission, the buffalo has to be more than 15 years old and physically incapable. The animal should also be certified by a veterinary doctor and should be disease and infection free. If anyone found slaughtering buffalo illegally (without permissions) or carrying/ transporting buffalo meat, they will be booked under sections of the Madhya Pradesh Krishi Pashu Parirakhsan Adhiniyam 1959

5. Hindu groups have focused on Mandsaur and Ratlam in recent months because of population of Muslims is more in these regions, compared to other districts.

6. Top Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders say they checked the slaughtering of cows and buffalos in Mandsaur. This has caused a spike in transportation of beef and buffalo meat from nearby Jaora, an erstwhile princely state with a Muslim-majority population.

7. Police officers say no cow slaughter happens in Ratlam and buffalo slaughter houses are run with permits. Eight people running illegal buffalo slaughter houses were booked in the past month.

8. Police say most information about cow slaughter given by vigilante groups end up being cases involving buffalo meat. But the VHP says the experts are wrong and the meat should be sent for forensic examination.

9. Hemant Moolchandani , a VHP activist and office bearer of the Mandsaur district, said the mob that beat up the Muslim women were not from the Hindu Dal and no such body existed in the district. He claimed that the mob were co-passengers in the train with the Muslim women and were enraged when they found the meat being carried.

10. The four men arrested have been booked under sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC.

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Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi spoke on the rising food prices in the Lok Sabha. This is one of the issues the Opposition is looking to corner the government on.

His party suffered a setback after the Centre and the states agreed to keep the cap on the GST rate out of the constitution (amendment) bill.

The principal opposition party has been holding up the crucial tax reform in the Rajya Sabha by demanding the rate be capped at 18% in the amendment bill and scrapping of an additional 1% tax designed to compensate manufacturing states that fear losing out on revenue.

Here are the top quotes from his speech:

- I want to remind PM Modi about a promise he made to every Indian, and now has forgotten

- PM Narendra Modi said price rise is Indias biggest concern

- Modi govt celebrates its 2nd birthday, but doesnt talk about the rise in prices of daal, aloo, tamatar

- Narendra Modi can make false claims on Startup India and Make in India but not on rising prices

- There is a difference of Rs 130 in MSP and market price of Toor Dal now. Where are these Rs 100 going?

- During our tenure the difference between the MSP and market price was only Rs 30

- Modi has not employed even one person under Make in India

- Modi should give one date to this House, when prices of potatoes, pulses will reduce
The Patna high court on Thursday struck down the election of BJP parliamentarian from Sasaram, Cheddi Paswan, for failing to mention in his poll affidavit several criminal cases against him.

Paswan, 66, said he will challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court.

Justice Kishore Kumar Mandal, who declared Paswans election null and void, said that candidates must disclose criminal cases instituted against them prior to six months of filing of nomination.

...In the circumstances for such non-compliance of relevant law the election of returned candidate is liable to held null and void, the judge said.

The judgment came on a petition filed by one Ganga Mishra of Bhabua.

With the disqualification of Paswan, the BJPs tally from Bihar in the Lok Sabha has come down to 21 and the overall tally of NDA to 30.

A three-term MP from Sasaram, Paswan has the distinction of defeating former Lok Sabha

Speaker and senior Congress leader Meira Kumar on two occasions.

Paswan, however, said non-mention of the cases in his affidavit was a slip and he had also felt the mention was not mandatory.

I have not been indicted on any of the charges. It was an oversight that I missed mentioning them, the MP said.

Meira Kumar hailed the courts decision. The court has restored the truth. Paswan erred in misleading his constituents by hiding the cases against him.

BJP leader and leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, Prem Kumar, said the party will comment only after getting full details of the case.

Paswan, a former JD-U legislator, joined the BJP ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls to register a win, raising BJPs tally in Bihar to 22. The NDAs tally increased to 31, with the LJP returning six MPs and another ally RLSP romping home with 3.

Earlier in 2011, the Patna high court had struck down the election of Mangani Lal Mandal, a JD(U) MP from Jhanjharpur for hiding facts about his first wife and her property in flagrant violation of the RPA Act.
On his maiden visit to Telangana on August 7, Prime Minster Narendra Modi will launch the states flagship Bhageeratha programme aimed at providing piped drinking water to every household.

According to a statement from the chief ministers office, the Prime Minister will participate in various programmes to be held in Gajwel, in Medak district, the assembly constituency of chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.

According a CMO statement, Modi will reach Begumpet airport of Hyderabad at 2.20 pm. He will arrive in Gajwel by a helicopter at 3 pm.

During the visit of one and a half hours to Gajwel, the Prime Minister will remotely inaugurate or lay foundation stone for various projects in different parts of the state.

He will lay the foundation stone for two additional 1,600 MW power plants by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Ramagundam in Karimnagar district. He will also lay the foundation stone for a fertiliser plant in Ramagundam.

Modi will dedicate to the nation the 1,200 MW plant of Singareni Collieries Company in Adilabad district and inaugurate Kalojinarayan Health University in Warangal.

He will also lay the foundation stone for Manoharabad-Kuttapally railway line.

The Prime Minister will address a public meeting in Gajwel before returning to Hyderabad at 4.30 p.m. He will return to Delhi at 6.40 p.m.

This will be Modis first visit to Telangana since assuming office over two years ago.

During his meeting with Modi last week in New Delhi, Chandrasekhar Rao had invited the Prime Minister to visit the state.
Rajasthan home minister Gulab Chand Kataria has said the state police would provide protection to a key witness in the Chinkara poaching case, who surfaced after Bollywood actor Salman Khan was acquitted by the high court, if he asks for it in writing.

The witness, Harish Dulani, was driving the jeep used by Khan during the alleged chinkara hunt in Jodhpur in 1998. He claimed that he had not come forward earlier due to threats to his life.

He never approached us and did not bring this issue to notice. If he gives anything in writing, arrangement for his protection would be made. If he does not come, he will be contacted by the local police, Kataria said.

Dulani was reported to be missing since 2002, and was major blow to the prosecutions case against Khan. He resurfaced two days after the actor was acquitted, sticking to his claim that the actor did in fact shoot the animal dead.

Read | Salmans driver stands by statement that Bollywood star shot chinkaras

The Rajasthan high court in its verdict had said the pellets recovered from the Chinkaras were not fired from Khans licensed gun. Khan was jailed in 2007 for nearly a week for shooting a Chinkara (gazelle), an endangered species.

While arguing the case in court, Khans lawyer contended that the actor had been falsely framed in these cases, merely on the statements of Dulani.

The lawyer argued that Dulani was never available to them for cross-examination and hence his statements could not be relied upon in the conviction of Khan.

He had also contended that both the cases have been built on circumstantial evidence and there was no eyewitness or material evidence against the actor.

Read | Five points that won the day for Salman in chinkara poaching cases
Home minister Rajnath Singh will visit Islamabad on August 3 and 4 to attend the meeting of home ministers and interior ministers of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) nations.

This will be the first visit by a top Indian political functionary to Pakistan after the January 2 Pathankot airbase attack carried out by militants believed to be from across the border.

It also comes at a time ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours are seeing a chill in the aftermath of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

Kashmir has been on the boil since the death of 22-year-old Wani on July 8 in an encounter in southern Kashmir. His death sparked violent protests in the Valley that killed more than 40 people and wounded hundreds.

Pakistani leaders have criticised India over the Kashmir unrest, and the country observed on July 20 a black day to protest against the killings. The move drew angry reaction from India, which accused Islamabad of interfering in New Delhis internal affairs and backing terrorism.

Sources said the home minister may have bilateral meetings with Pakistani politicians during the visit.

At the 13th Saarc Summit held in Dhaka in November 2005, the heads of states decided that Saarc interior/home ministers will meet annually preceded by a meeting of the interior/home secretaries to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation.

As far as the home ministers visit to Islamabad is concerned, he will leave on August 3 and come back the next day, said a home ministry official.

Singh is likely to take up with the Pakistani leadership the issue of a reciprocal visit of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to Islamabad for the Pathankot probe. A Pakistani joint investigation team visited India earlier this year, and the NIA shared the details of its investigation with it.

A week before the Pathankot attack that killed seven securitymen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a brief stopover in Lahore while returning to India from Afghanistan and Russia. Three weeks before Modis visit, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan for a conference.

BSF chief in Pakistan

Border Security Force chief KK Sharma is already on a five-day visit to Lahore for the bi-annual BSF-Pak Rangers dialogue.

The BSF chief left for Lahore on Monday and is coming back Friday after conclusion of talks with his counterpart, said a BSF spokesperson.

The last BSF-Rangers director-general level meet took place in Delhi in September last year.

(With inputs from ANI)
Union home minister Rajnath Singh will hold a bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on the sidelines of the Saarc summit in Islamabad, government sources said.

Rajnath is also likely to make a courtesy call on Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his Islamabad visit on August 3-4 to attend the meeting of home and interior ministers of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) nations, but there is no official word on this as yet.

Read | Rajnath Singh to visit Pakistan for Saarc home ministers meet in August

Rajnath Singh is coming; it is a Saarc meeting. On such occasions, there is an expectation of meetings on the sidelines, an official of the Pakistan ministry of foreign affairs told ANI. Not aware if there is any meeting between Pakistan and India on the table.

This will be the first trip by a top Indian political functionary to Pakistan after the January 2 Pathankot airbase attack by suspected Pakistani militants. A week prior to the Pathankot attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a brief stopover in Lahore to attend a marriage function hosted by PM Nawaz Sharifs family on his way back from Kabul.

When asked if the issue of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim would be discussed during the meet, a senior government functionary, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, was noncommittal. Abhi shant rahiye (keep quiet for now), he said.

Sources claim all pending issues with Pakistan are on the table.

Besides Dawood Ibrahim, the minister might also raise the issue of the slow pace of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks trial, pending reciprocal visit of the NIA in connection with the Pathankot attack, and terrorists running anti-India activities from its soil.

The ministry of external affairs, however, hasnt confirmed any bilateral meeting with the Pakistan interior minister. He is going for a multilateral event...There is no such proposal (to have bilateral meeting). He (Rajnath) is going for a multilateral Saarc event, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Rajnaths visit comes at a time when ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours are seeing a chill in the aftermath of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

Pakistani leaders have criticised India over the Kashmir unrest, and the country observed on July 20 a black day to protest against the death of protestors in the Valley.

Even Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made provocative statements on the Kashmir situation, praising Wani and saying that Kashmir will one day become Pakistan.

Sharifs comment drew a sharp reaction from external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his dream of the state becoming a part of his country will not be realised even at the end of eternity.
The Hyderabad high court on revoked the suspension of 11 lower court judges.

These judges had been suspended on disciplinary grounds following the Telangana Judges Associations agitation against the provisional allocation of judicial officers.

A senior judicial officer confirmed the development and added that these judges resumed the duty today.

Around 200 judicial officers working in various capacities in courts across Telangana had gone on a mass leave on June 28 during TJAs agitation against appointment of the judges from Andhra Pradesh to the Telangana courts.

Two days earlier, on June 26, over 100 judges, under TJAs banner, took out a procession and submitted a representation to the Governor protesting appointment of those hailing from Andhra Pradesh to the subordinate courts in Telangana.

Read: Judges protest: No love lost as AP, Telangana divide men and machinery

The Hyderabad high court, which is common to both the states post-bifurcation, then suspended 11 judges for taking part in the agitation.

The agitation was later called off after the judicial officers got an assurance from the chief justice of HC that their grievances would be looked into. P
NATO does not recognize Crimea's accession to Russia and condemns Russian military activity in the peninsula, a NATO officer has told Interfax in Brussels.

"NATO condemns the continuing large-scale building up of Russian military capacity in Crimea," the source said, noting the provisions of the Warsaw Summit press release dated July 9, 2016.

"Russia is also fully responsible for the serious deterioration of the situation with human rights in the Crimean peninsula. In particular, this includes discrimination against Crimean Tatars and other local communities," the source said.

He noted that "the allies cannot and won't recognize the continuing illegal annexation of Crimea and urge Russia to cancel it."
India is a land of believers.

Only 33,000 people declared themselves atheists in the 2011 census that puts Indias population at 1.2 billion.

Nearly half of the atheists are women. And seven out of every 10 atheists live in rural India, the data released earlier this week shows.

This is the first time in recent years that census data in public domain puts a number on atheists, people who do not believe in the existence of God. The 2001 report  the census is done every 10 years -- said only a handful few claim to be atheist.

At 9,652, Maharashtra is home to the highest number of atheists, 71% of them live in the villages. Meghalaya comes next with 9,089. Kerala  a communist stronghold in electoral politics  reported 4,896 atheists in all, six times more than West Bengals 784.

Delhi had just 541.

The findings may be an anticlimax of sorts for the non-believers, particularly after the 2012 Global Religiosity Index estimated that 3% of Indians didnt believe in God. That count appears to be way off the mark.

Atheists are a miniscule minority, barely 0.0027% of the total population.

A census official said there were many more  nearly 2.9 million or 0.24% of the population  who did not tell enumerators their religion or confused it with other identities. They are listed under the category religion not stated.

It is possible that some atheists who refused to answer the question on religion were bracketed in this category.

What I can tell you is that there were quite a few people including dignitaries holding top posts in the government who did not record their religion in the census. They felt that their faith was a personal matter and did not want their actions to be seen through the prism of their faith, he said.

The official refused to identify those public figures pointing that census information was confidential.

The census figures are also half of the 66,000 people from India who counted themselves as atheists in an online global census, each vote identified on the basis of an email address.

A former government official familiar with the decadal headcount said it also needed to be kept in mind that the census questionnaires were usually filled on the basis of information from the head of the family, and not the younger individuals who may lean towards atheism.

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As a mark of protest against the thrashing of Dalit youths at Una, Dalit writer Amrutlal Makwana on Wednesday returned an award given by the Gujarat government.

The 44-year-old writer had received the Dasi Jeevan Shreshth Dalit Sahitya Kruti Award for 2012-13 for his work Kharapat Nu Dalit Lok Sahitya.

Makwana returned the award, including Rs 25,000 cash, at Ahmedabad District Collectors office.

I have also given a short letter to the authorities saying that I am returning this award out of grief and pain due to the treatment meted out to Dalit youths in Una, he said.

The letter is addressed to Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.

Makwana, a resident of Wadhwan town of Surendranagar district, further said, Such incidents are occurring in Gujarat on a regular basis but the government is not doing enough to ensure that Dalits get justice.

What happened at Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir-Somnath district was ghastly and barbaric. Such atrocities on Dalits are condemnable and it shook me to the core. Sadly, such incidents are happening around us regularly, he said.

On July 11, some Dalit youths from Mota Samadhiyala who were skinning a dead cow were flogged by cow vigilantes, alleging that they had killed the cow.

After a video of the incident went viral, it sparked off violent protests across Gujarat.
A team of Uttarakhand officials were on a routine visit to a grazing ground in the hill states Chamoli district on July 22 when they ran into Chinese troops who asked them to go back.

The Peoples Liberation Army personnel had broken a pact by entering Barahoti, an area both countries had agreed to keep their militaries away from as there is no agreement on the border.

We also told them to go back. It went on for around half an hour, said a home ministry official on condition of anonymity.

A picture-postcard grazing ground set against the backdrop of Himalayan peaks, Barahoti forms the 80-sq km disputed zone along Chinese territory.

Six personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the force which guards the 3,488-km Sino-Indian border from Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast, accompanied the team. However, they were neither in uniform nor armed in keeping with the mutually agreed demilitarised zone norm.

These visits are undertaken only after the approval of higher authorities to show the Chinese that India perceives Barahoti as its territory, a security official said. The Chinese were not keeping their end of the bargain and were sending armed troops.

The border problem

The Sino-Indian border is not fully demarcated. But, security officials say the line of actual control, or the perceived border, in Himachal (200km), Uttarakhand (345km) and Sikkim (220km) is peaceful compared to Jammu and Kashmir (1,597km) and Arunachal (1,126km).

The government has played down the latest incursion that was followed by a brief air intrusion by a Chinese chopper three days later.

Such face-offs are almost routine in the western (Ladakh) and eastern sectors (Arunachal). Almost 400 such standoffs are reported annually.

It is not a serious breach of LAC. The Chinese also went back from the area, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said.

But China has often used its troops to deliver a message especially when ties hit a rough.

The Chamoli face-off comes weeks after China blocked Indias entry into the nuclear suppliers group that would have given New Delhi access to latest technology. The move triggered a war of words. Beijing had in May thwarted New Delhis efforts to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a terrorist by the UN.

Eyeball-to-eyeball

Most standoffs end quickly but there have been occasions when they have gone on for days. In 2013, Chinese troops took three weeks to leave Ladhakhs Daulat Beg Oldi area after setting up a camp 30km into the Indian side. India, too, had pitched tents close by.

When Chinese President Xi Jinping was visiting India in 2014, Indian and Chinese troops were eyeball to eyeball in Chumar area of Ladakh. The confrontation threatened to overshadow the historic visit. The standoff was resolved after 16 days.

China claims thousands of square kilometres of territory in Arunachal and in Kashmir where thousands of soldiers stand guard.

There have been incidents of troops pushing each other as well in Arunachal Pradesh. But, the last such incident ended when the Chinese offered chocolates to Indian troops when they went back, the home ministry official said.

Both sides will have to stock up on chocolates as the border dispute is far from being resolved.

Read| Chinese troops in Uttarakhand: Govt downplays reports of intrusion
The verdict in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case against 21 accused, including alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, who was the key handler of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is likely to be announced today.

PROSECUTION CASE May 8, 2006: Mohd Amir Shakil Ahmed arrested

Mohd Amir Shakil Ahmed arrested May 10, 2006: Mohd Juber Sayyed Anwer arrested

Mohd Juber Sayyed Anwer arrested May 10, 2006: Mohd. Muzzafar Mohd Tanveer arrested

Mohd. Muzzafar Mohd Tanveer arrested May 12, 2006: Abdul Azeem Abdul Jameel Shaikh arrested

Abdul Azeem Abdul Jameel Shaikh arrested May 13, 2006: Mustaq Ahmed Mohd Issak arrested

Mustaq Ahmed Mohd Issak arrested May 13, 2006: Javed Ahmed Abdul Majid arrested

Javed Ahmed Abdul Majid arrested May 13, 2006: Afazal Khan Nabir Khan arrested

Afazal Khan Nabir Khan arrested May 13, 2006: Riyaz Ahmed Mohd. Ramjan arrested

Riyaz Ahmed Mohd. Ramjan arrested May 14, 2006: Dr. Mohd. Sharif Shabir Ahmed arrested

Dr. Mohd. Sharif Shabir Ahmed arrested May 17, 2006: Bilal Ahmed Abdul Rajak arrested

Bilal Ahmed Abdul Rajak arrested May 20, 2006: Sayyed Aakif Sayyed Jafaruddin arrested

Sayyed Aakif Sayyed Jafaruddin arrested June 07, 2006: Khatib Imran Akhil Ahmed arrested

Khatib Imran Akhil Ahmed arrested June 07, 2006: Shaikh Vikar Mohd. Shaikh Nisar arrested

Shaikh Vikar Mohd. Shaikh Nisar arrested June 13, 2006: Afroz Khan Shahidkhan Pathan arrested

Afroz Khan Shahidkhan Pathan arrested June 27, 2006: Abdul Samad arrested

Abdul Samad arrested June 29, 2006: Mohd Akil Mohd Ismail Momin arrested

Mohd Akil Mohd Ismail Momin arrested August 8, 2006: Firoz Tajuddin Deshmukh arrested

Firoz Tajuddin Deshmukh arrested April 14, 2007: Shaikh Abdul Nayeem Nayyu arrested

Shaikh Abdul Nayeem Nayyu arrested May 5, 2007: Fisal Ataur Rehman Shaikh arrested

Fisal Ataur Rehman Shaikh arrested October 09, 2007: Mustafa Mehmood Sayyed arrested

Mustafa Mehmood Sayyed arrested October 15, 2007: Mohammed Aslam arrested

Mohammed Aslam arrested August 13, 2012: Sayyad Jabiuddin Syyed Jakiuddin arrested

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had on May 9, 2006, seized 30kg RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles, 10 packets of 40 magazines each, 10 packets containing 2,000 cartridges, 10 magazine pouches from Mohammad Amir Shakil, who was arrested with the consignment. The ATS had been chasing a Tata Sumo on Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad.

Read: Aurangabad arms haul: The soft-spoken electrician who became Abu Jundal

Shakils arrest helped the ATS unravel a larger conspiracy, in which, he confessed that the arms and ammunition was called for by Zabiuddin Ansari, according to the police. Shakil led the agency to other accused and more ammunition.

30kg RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles, 10 packets of 40 magazines each, 10 packets containing 2,000 cartridges, 10 magazine pouches were seized from Mohammad Amir Shakil. (HT File Photo)

Shakils car was accompanied by another car driven by Ansari. Police say Ansari managed to flee and drive to Malegaon. In May 2006, he escaped to Bangladesh, from where he fled to Pakistan on a fake passport obtained with the help of LeT operatives.

The agency had, on May 13, 2006, recovered another consignment from Manmad, Nashik which included an AK 47 riffle, 200 cartridges and 50 hand grenades. Ansaris car was recovered on May 14, 2006, and contained more arms. The ATS recovered five more AK 47 rifles, 1,000 cartridges, 20 magazines, and 13kg of RDX.

Read: Abu Jundal says wrongly arrested in Aurangabad arms haul case

The ATS had arrested 22 accused and seized 43kg of RDX, 50 hand grenades, 16 AK-47 rifles and over 3,200 live bullets.

The trial began only in 2013, where special public prosecutor Vaibhav Baghade examined more than 100 witnesses and more than 2,000 documents to show that the arms were found in the possession of the accused.

The prosecution has also relied on the confession statement of ten accused. However, pending the trial one of the accused Shaikh Abdul Nayeem alias Nayyu had escaped from the judicial custody while he was being transported

------------------
While pronouncing its verdict in the Aurangabad arms haul case on Thursday, the special MCOCA court observed that suspect Firoz Deshmukh, a librarian with preacher Dr Zakir Naiks Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), had allegedly been in touch with an absconding suspect before his arrest, and that the absconder had telephoned Deshmukh from Bangladesh, asking for CDs of Naiks sermons.

The court criticised the Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) for not investigating this aspect of the case. It went to acquit Deshmukh, saying the evidence against him was insufficient to hold him guilty. Deshmukh was arrested on August 3, 2006 after he was allegedly found to be touch with the absconding accused, whose identity is unclear. After Deshmukhs arrest, the ATS summoned Naik for questioning but did not record his statement.

Read:Aurangabad arms haul: The soft-spoken electrician who became Abu Jundal

Naik has been the subject of a police inquiry since it was reported that two of the terrorists who took hostages in Dhaka on July 2 had drawn inspiration from his sermons.

While the ATS maintains that Deshmukh is a former employee of IRF, Naik refuted this during a recent press conference, which he addressed via video conference from Saudi Arabia. Naik claimed Deshmukh worked at an office next to IRFs in Dongri and that he was just an acquaintance.

But KP Raghuvanshi, a former ATS chief who headed the squad in 2006, said, We had summoned Naik to question him about Deshmukh, who was employed by IRF. Though we didnt record Naiks statement, we did question him. It is not true that Deshmukh wasnt an IRF librarian.

The police said Naik was also questioned in connection with the July 11, 2006 train blasts in Mumbai as one of the accused was also an employee of his. Naik, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, has said that he will not return to India this year.

Deshmukh said on Thursday, Many allegations have been made against me. All of them have been proved wrong. His advocate, Mubin Solkar, said, Zakir Naiks name never came up in the case. We demonstrated to the court that my clients were not present in the vehicle, either as occupants or driver. It is a fabricated story. My clients have been acquitted. One witness also said that he does not know Deshmukh and that he never gave him any CDs.
The Maharashtra government on Thursday said a detailed investigation into the multi-crore Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)road scam will be conducted.

The government said it will transfer the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in case of any discrepancy in the existing probe into the repair and rebuilding of 34 roads, said Dr Ranjit Patil, minister of state for home, in the legislative council.

Read: Google Maps nailed BMC road scam accused | mumbai news

Around 200 road works are being examined to find out if the contractors built substandard roads, and if civic staff monitored the work according to the rules.

The minister said so far, contracts awarded for five road works have been investigated and major irregularities found in the inquiry conducted by a BMC committee. In view of this, it was decided that another 200 contracts will be investigated, Dr Patil said in the Upper House.

Read: Why shouldnt road scam be treated as organised crime?

He added that the existing procedures for tender estimation, awarding contracts and other procedures will be investigated and anomalies will be rectified. The state government will seek an action taken report from the BMC , he said.

The issue was raised by senior Congress leader Narayan Rane and others. Rane demanded a CBI probe and asked the government to dissolve the BMC following a number of scams. Dhananjay Munde, leader of the opposition, demanded a comptroller and auditor general of India probe into the scam.
Facing investigation in the Rs2,000-crore ephedrine haul case, beleaguered Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni remained defiant and told HT that she was not afraid of any probe and will return to the country soon.

The starlet did not reveal when she will come back from Kenya, where she has been staying since 1996.

She was named in one of the charge-sheets prepared by the Thane anti-narcotics cell, which is investigating the drug case. A red-corner notice has also been issued againt her. According to the police, Kulkarni was to be named the director of Solapur-based Avon Lifesciences Limited from where the police seized 18.5 tonnes of ephedrine in April.

The actor, who appeared in the films in the 1980s and 90s, rubbished reports that she was married to international druglord Vicky Goswami, a key accused in the drug case, and called him a well-wisher.

I have done meditation for 12 years in Dubai, and besides Hinduism, I have not accepted any religion. I went to Kenya in 1996 where I met Vicky, but he is just my well-wisher. He has never touched me. We never married each other. If the police think otherwise, then ask them to prove our marriage, Kulkarni told HT from Nairobi and added that she has turned spiritual and sought solace in meditation. She also attended the Kumbh Mela in 2013.

Hitting out at the Thane police for implicating her in the drug case, she alleged that her family has been harassed by investigating officials.

Two days ago, she got a shot in the arm as Jay Mukhi, another key conspirator, retracted his statement that he had met her in Dubai and Kenya. Mukhi has retracted his statement. I dont know him and apart from that I have never had a word with him, she said.

On the Rs2,000-crore money trail, the actor stressed she earned money from her films and not from drugs.

A colleague of Kulkarni said that she had transferred Rs2 crore to her family over a period. Mamta had bought four flats in Mumbai with her own money in 1994. She sold some of them after the real estate prices appreciated. She has nothing to do with drugs. Only police can only tell why her name is being dragged into the drug case, the colleague told HT.

Kulkarni claimed that the waste ephedrine at Solapur plant lay at the back door and the former owner of the factory did not destroy it due to financial problems. Later, the Thane police raided the plant and seized the drug, she said.

A senior police inspector from Thane commissionrate said, We dont nurse any personal grudge against the actor. We named her in the charge-sheet after a witness statement about the meetings. In addition, there is no provision for Mukhi to record his statement again. His statement was recorded under special judge and we have evidence to defend our side.

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An unruly passenger bound to Calicut from Dubai on Thursday forced an IndiGo flight to land in Mumbai.

An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the incident.

IndiGo confirms the diversion of flight 6E 89 (Dubai-Calicut) to Mumbai this morning on the grounds of unruly behavior on board, said the spokesperson, who added that a passenger seated in 5D started misbehaving with the crew. He jumped onto the forward cart  used for food and on-board merchandise  and sat on it. The crew immediately informed the captain-in-command and the lead crew. The crew politely requested the passenger to step down and he obliged. He then became violent and started physically abusing his co-passenger.

Taking precautionary measures, the captain immediately informed the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the ground security staff about the situation on-board and the flight force-landed at the Mumbai airport, where the passenger was handed over to the Central Industrial Service Force.

Despite long-pending demands from passengers forums and the airlines industry demanding stringent action against unruly passengers, the civil aviation ministry is yet to introduce such measures. Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) permitted domestic airlines crew to carry plastic handcuffs on-board for such instances. From assaulting the crew and smoking in the lavatory, to breaking armrests, cases of passenger violence on-board are frequent.

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Noted tabla player Lachchhu Maharaj of the Banaras Gharana died of a cardiac arrest at a private hospital here on Wednesday. He was admitted after he felt uneasy and complained of chest pain. A pall of gloom descended among music lovers in the city after the news of his death spread.

His younger brother Rajendra Prasad Singh said, Maharaj was 73. We rushed him to a private hospital when Maharaj complained of severe chest pain soon after feeling uneasiness. Doctors diagnosed that the cause of pain was heard attack and gave him treatment. During late night, Maharaj passed away.

Singh added, His real name was Lakshmi Narayan Singh. He started playing tabla at tender age of 10 under guidance of our father Vasudev Singh, who was also a renowned tabla player. Starting from tak dhin dhhinaa, he had learnt tabla fast and attained perfection.

He had utmost perfection in tabla playing since beginning. His unique style coupled with perfection earned him fame and Lakshmi Narayan turned into Lachchhu Maharaj. His performance drew attention of the connoisseur of performing arts and music lovers from across the country, Singh said.

Bollywood actor Govinda is his nephew.

Famous for his pure Banarasi style and affable nature, Maharaj developed spiritual and philosophical tunes which he used to play often during his practice sessions (riyaaj). His reached the zenith of his fame in 1971. Maharaj along with Sitar player Padma Shri Abdul Halim Zafar Khan and a classical dance artist, Laxmini Panigrahi, toured 27 countries for 40 days.

Singh said that the Centre decided to give him Padma Shri which he refused saying that no award was bigger than laurels from the audience. He was very close to former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar.

Read: Every Indian film should showcase classical dance, says Birju Maharaj

Rajendra Prasad Singh, brother of Lachchhu Maharaj, said the tabla maestro refused Padma Shri saying there was no award bigger than laurels from the audience. (Adarsh Gupta/HT Photo)

Maharajs student Lucky Upadhyay said, Maharajs style of playing tabla was entirely different. His tak dhin dhinna performance was extremely popular among the audience. For him, tabla was a way for spiritual elevation. Maharaj used to be so engrossed in riyaaz that it would continue for hours daily.

Read: Listen to classical music, not just hear it, says Dhrupad maestro Dagar

He was the only player whose performance had reflection of all four tabla gharanas. Several foreigners learned tabla under his tutelage. Besides, many of his students are now part of Bollywood.

Maharajs nephew, Prashant Singh, said that his wife Teena and daughter, who are in Switzerland, were informed about his death. They are likely to arrive on Friday. Thereafter, the last rites would be performed at Manikarnika Ghat. Prashant is also one of his pupils.

Several music lovers and fans of Maharaj expressed deep grief over demise of the legendary tabla player.
They are back after seven years, but for Danish hip-hop group Outlandish, the time gap only signifies that they dont make music out of compulsion. The group, comprising Waqas Ali Qadri , Lenny Martinez and Isam Bachiri, famous for songs Aicha and Guantanamo among many others, recently released their single My Old Man.

Over a conference call (Waqas was in Denmark, Lenny in Cuba and Isam in Spain), the group spoke to us about their absence, and their take on the  evolving music scene and more Excerpts:

Read: I wanted to take my time to enter Bollywood: High Heels Jaz Dhami

What did you take seven years to release a single?



We have been in the industry for almost two decades now and we have never made music because we had to. We always made music because we wanted to. Thats why, we took seven years, because we couldnt find anything inspiring enough to make music as Outlandish, you know. People have been saying that Outlandish is over, but really, we didnt go anywhere. We just wanted something that moved us enough so that we could make music around it and share it with our fans.

Whats the song My Old Man all about?



Its about the relationship between a father and his son. Funnily, Lenny, was the one who came up with the idea. But he came up with the idea of a mother and his son, since Lenny never had a father. But then, we discussed and we decided that we should probably talk about the other bond, because its not really talked about much. In popular culture, fathers dont credit as much credit as the mothers do.

Read: Song dedications to words of honour: Celeb tributes to terror attack victims

You, too, are following the trend of releasing singles than albums. Do you think thats a better choice?

For Outlandish, definitely yes. We take time in making a song. So when we make an album, we generally have to be in the studios for a long time, and that means you are missing out on a lot of whats going in the industry. Plus, music is evolving so fast, that by the time one comes up with an album, you realise that the sound is old, and people are listening to something different. Also for us, what works is the fact that we can give the kind of music that people are listening to at that point in time, and then start working on something else immediately.

In this age of piracy, musicians are the worst affected. Do you agree?

Yes! I mean, we are definitely not making a lot of money by selling albums. People download it for free. You want people to know that artists also need some kind of support to be able to make music. But, you cant blame them! At the end of the day, I want people to listen to our music, so that they can come and listen to us at the concerts. Its a tight spot that we are in. The only thing you can do as a musician is to adapt to the situation in the best way possible.

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Head of the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine (PGO) Yuriy Lutsenko has personally delivered an indictment to Viktor Shvets, a judge of the Higher Economic Court of Ukraine.

"On July 27 PGO Head Yuriy Lutsenko personally handed an indictment to Higher Economic Court Judge Viktor Shvets, who is suspected of committing acts in violation of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, namely Part 2 Article 15, Part 4 Article 190, Part 2 Article 28, Part 2 Article 383, Part 2 Article 384," the PGO's press service said.

The alleged crimes involve large-scale embezzlement with a group of individuals, providing misinformation to a court on the pretrial investigation of a crime, concocting evidence for personal gain with a group of individuals, as well as providing false testimony for personal gain.

The PGO's press service emphasized the PGO head himself informs a judge of suspicion of crimes in compliance with the Criminal Procedural Code of Ukraine.

Shvets was informed of his rights and obligations as per Article 42 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and provided guidance about the rights and obligations of a suspect.
As many as 33 candidates failed the dope test during the police recruitment rally held here on Wednesday. This is for the first time that a dope test was held during the police recruitment rallies in the state.

Dont miss: 1.5% aspirants found using addictive drugs on Day 1 of Punjab police recruitment

The candidates showed a huge enthusiasm at the police recruitment rally at the PAP complex. A total of 354 aspirants appeared for the rural police and 327 for the city police. As many as 18 aspirants, who appeared for city police, failed the dope test and 15 candidates from those who appeared for the rural police

Aspirants started coming at the PAP at around 6 am for registration for the rally.

The test was carried out at three different spots for rural boys, city boys and girls (city and rural).

Under the dope test, urine samples of the aspirants were taken which were examined by the medical team. Those who cleared the dope test were then made to undergo a physical measurement test in which height, weight and chest size were checked. Then the aspirants participated in long jump, high jump and 1,600m race.

After the physical test, the aspirants went through an interview. While rural aspirants appeared for interview before inspector general (IG) Loknath Angra, police commissioner Arpit Shukla was taking interview of city police aspirants.

Many girls were also seen performing with full dedication and spirit to clear the test. Dope test was not performed on the girls. Height of the girls was checked and then the girls also performed long jump and high jump. In 4 minutes, the girls were made to run 800 m.

11 test positive in Kapurthala

As many as 11 candidates tested positive in a dope test conducted by during the police recruitment rally here on Wednesday. Out of a total of 400 candidates, 358 appeared for a physical and dope test in the police lines.

Senior superintendent of police Rajinder Singh said that no synthetic drug symptoms were found in the test.

This was the first time that the state government has made the dope test mandatory for all candidates to wean away the possibilities of drug addicts for recruitment in the Punjab Police. Though, the state government claimed that the dope test introduced for a more partial recruitment, but mediapersons were not allowed to go near the dope test venue.

We have called the candidates to appear again for selection after treatment, the SSP added.

Four candidates fail test in Hoshiarpur

Four candidates failed the dope test during the physical screening test (PST) and physical measurement test (PMT) conducted by the Punjab Police at the police lines here on Wednesday. As many as 600 candidates were allotted to the district for pre-recruitment tests of which only 351 arrived.

By the time of filing this report, 293 had cleared the tests. Those who could not clear the tests failed to complete the 1,600 metre race in the allocated time of 6.30 minutes. Officials said one-two candidates had taken some steroids.

Apparently on the directions from the above, the police authorities insisted that the proceedings of the dope test, to be conducted on police recruits for the first time in Punjab, be attended by the media for proper coverage.

As if they were sure of favourable test results, the police sent repeated telephonic messages to reporters.
Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has termed the stand of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Capt Amarinder Singh on mass resignation of Congress MLAs in case of adverse judgment on the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal as a political gimmick.

The Congress men were distributing laddus and applauding with joy when the foundation stone of the SYL was laid, Badal said, while talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of a sangat darshan at Bhadaur constituency near hear on Wednesday.

Dont miss | Will fast unto death if SYL issue not solved: Sunil Jakhar

Why did they not announce resignations when Indira Gandhi had initiated digging of the canal? the CM questioned Amarinders move.

The Congress leaders are trying to attain martyr status by lacing their baby finger with blood. Elections are round the corner, so talking of resignations at this juncture is just meaningless, he said.

When Indira Gandhi was laying the foundation stone of the SYL, the Akali leadership was courting arrest for safeguarding interests of the state, Badal said, adding, Captain cant just run away from the onus of being hand in glove in a conspiracy to deprive the state of its water.

Criticising the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Badal said AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal hailed from Haryana so he was inclined towards safeguarding the interests of his state.

An affidavit by the Delhi government, which is headed by AAP, in the Supreme Court on SYL issue is unconstitutional and anti-national.

The Kejriwal government has submitted in the court that the stance of Punjab on SYL could disintegrate the nation, said Badal.

Kejriwal has no affection with Punjab or its people and his sole intention is to wrest political power in the state to benefit his native state, said Badal.

Not aware of scrapping of waters Act Clause 5: Sukhbir

Barnala: Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said here on Wednesday that he was not aware of the scrapping of Clause 5 of the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act (PTAA), 2004. However, chief minister Parkash Singh Badal had announced at a sangat darshan in Nakodar that the government had scrapped the clause.

Sukhbir was speaking to mediapersons after a cheque-distribution function at Aur town of SBS Nagar district.

The CM had claimed that scrapping the clause was part of the partys objective since 2007. It required Punjab to maintain the existing level of river waters supply to Haryana and Rajasthan.

On the AAPs demand for approaching the Prime Minister to withdraw Presidential reference from the Supreme Court in the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal issue, Sukhbir said the matter has now reached the court, so let it decide as it is a matter of three states.

Also read | On SYL, AAP ignorant of legal, constitutional niceties: Capt
As Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal landed here for appearance in a court in a defamation case filed by Punjab revenue minister Bikram Majithia, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders held a closed-door meeting in the evening.

There is apprehension that a large number of Aam Aadmi Party workers will converge to show solidarity with their leader on Friday, when Kejriwal and his party colleagues Sanjay Singh and Ashish Khetan will appear in the court.

Senior Akali leaders, including Majithia and chief parliamentary secretary Virsa Singh Valtoha, attended the SAD meeting. As the AAP reportedly has given a call to its activists through messages for a show of strength, the police are on their toes to avert a law-and-order situation. A number of AAP leaders from across the state reached the city on Thursday evening.

Also read | Kejriwals remarks of murder fear from PM Modi cheap tantrum: Badal

AAP convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Thursday night. (HT Photo)

Akali Dal spokesperson Virsa Singh Valtoha said, It is unfortunate that the AAP is gathering workers. Kejriwal is coming to appear in a court and not to show his strength. He said the AAP was provoking confrontation.

Kejriwal will stay for the night at the Circuit House and leave for the court hearing at 9.30am. The police are planning to restrict the entry of people judicial complex on Friday.

Also read | Akalis burnt Quran in attempt to defame AAP: Kejriwal in Malerkotla

Kejriwal did not answer media queries at the airport. This is his third visit to the city in July. On July 3, he had come to release a manifesto and on July 18, he performed sewa at the Golden Temple.

Notably, Majithia had filed a defamation suit against the three AAP leaders on May 20, alleging Kejriwal and other AAP leaders were tarnishing his image through false allegations and statements.

Also read | Navjot Sidhu likely to join AAP on I-Day eve, campaign for Punjab poll
The much-hyped Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is facing severe criticism from farmers, who are terming it as lagaan as they have to pay mandatory crop insurance premium after every six months.

The insurance scheme has many flaws but it is specially being criticised for being compulsory for farmers who have taken crop loans from any nationalised or state government-run banks.

Rs 313.61 per acre (for paddy) will be deducted after six months from the loan account of every farmer who has taken crop loan from us, said a senior officer of the State Bank of India, on the condition of anonymity.

It does not matter how many acres of the land the farmer has mortgaged with the bank. The insurance premium will be charged for the entire land he owns, he added.

Also read: Chandumajra wants revision of crop insurance norms

According to bank officials, another problem with this scheme is that the scheme does not have any provision for the tenant farmers. Even the amount of the premium will be charged from the actual owner of the land and the benefit of the scheme will also be given to him, instead of the tenant farmer.

Also, the bank officials will have to get the girdawari record of every acre from tehsildar to monitor the crop sown by the farmers.

The farmers are terming it as lagaan, a heavy tax charged from farmers during the British rule, while arguing no one can charge premium forcibly from the farmers who had never faced a crop loss due to natural calamity.

I never saw crop loss in my life due to heavy rains or floods in our area. Why should I pay to private companies for the crop insurance after every six months. This is a trick to loot farmers in the name of crop insurance, says Darshan Singh, a farmer of Ladwa.

Farmer leaders say they are ready to pay the premium for the insurance if the government fixes minimum support price (MSP) for all crops. If the farmers are forced to sell the produce below fixed price, the insurance company should compensate them, they insist.

They should also cover all the crops which do not have MSP and should cover the cost of the crop as per the market price, said Gurnam Singh Chaduni, state president of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU).

Scheme benefits private companies

He said the Centres insurance scheme seemed to have designed to benefit the private insurance companies.

Though the government claims that the farmers have to pay lowest ever premium of 2% for insurance of kharif crops and 1.5% for rabi crops, the farmers say the government has fixed the premium amount district-wise as per the crop loss record of the past seven years. Where the chances of crop loss are higher, the government is charging more for the insurance, they point out.

Also they have divided the crops district-wise. For example, the government did not pay compensation for the crop loss in cotton in Sonepat district, said Chaduni.

He demanded that the government immediately take steps to stop private insurance companies from looting the farmers.

The farmers expressed the apprehension that the government might use the insurance cover as a shield to avoid expenses on compensation for crop loss.

Official version

When contacted, Haryana agriculture department deputy director Pardeep Kumar Meel said, Yes, the crop insurance has been made mandatory for the farmers who have taken loans from state or central banks.

Asked why the farmers who never faced crop loss due to floods or waterlogging should pay for insurance, he said, Thats why the premium in these areas is very low.

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The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee has ordered the closure of two microbreweries  The Great Bear. Sector 26, and Malt and Co in Sector 22  after these were found to be functioning without clearance.

The state excise department issues a licence for a microbrewery or a brew pub that typically produce between 5,000 and 50,000 litres of beer a day. Such establishments are also supposed to get waste water disposal certificate from the pollution control board.

These are resto-bars where one can consume fresh-off-the-tap beer that has been brewed in-house. The committee has also ordered registration of case against the outlets under Sections of the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981.

Sources said the microbreweries were issued notices 15 days ago and were asked to explain why they did not obtain a no-objection certificate from the Pollution Control Board beforehand.

The estate office has been informed about the decision and asked to close down these two microbreweries.

The management of Malt and Co said that they had the relevant permissions, but were awaiting the NOC for brewery. Deb Dip Chatterjee, a representative of The Great Bear, said, We had got a notice and have replied to the administration. We are not aware about any closure notice.

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Seventeen persons out of 356 who appeared in physical efficiency test for recruitment of constables in Punjab police on Wednesday were found positive for drug abuse here.

Dont miss | 1.5% aspirants found using addictive drugs on Day 1 of Punjab police recruitment

The process for recruitment of 7,416 constables (6,252 men and 1,164 women) started across the state on Wednesday. Under the process, physical measurement and physical efficiency test of applicants will be conducted.

Of the 17, fifteen were found positive for amphetamine, while two for marijuana and opium, said Swapan Sharma, Bathinda senior superintendent of police. Those found positive for amphetamine have claimed that they were taking prescribed medicines. As per the instructions, their cases will be sent to Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot, where experts will look into the case, he added.

Over 27,000 men have applied for the recruitment and the test is being conducted at the police lines in Bathinda district.

The test is only being conducted on men.

Read more | Udta Punjab: Facts, figures and falsehoods of states drug problem

Besides, over 33,000 women from seven districts  Bathinda, Mansa, Moga, Muktsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Faridkot  have applied for the recruitment. Their tests are being conducted at Giani Zail Singh College of Engineering and Technology.

The test is being conducted by taking urine samples of the applicants. Those found positive, are being told to go to the de-addiction centres.

The test will ascertain presence of five types of drugs  morphine, benzodiazepines, marijuana, amphetamine, propoxyphene  in the applicants body. Earlier, the police had claimed to call 600 applicants for the physical test daily, but the SSP said only 400 were called on Wednesday. The number will be increased subsequently, he added.

Also read | Amritsar: Showers suspend constable recruitment midway on Day 1

18 test positive in Mansa

Mansa: The first day of the police recruitment session saw many candidates anxious in Mansa over the newly introduced dope test. Out of 400 candidates scheduled to appear on day one, 37 did not turn up at the police lines centre.

We have heard the term only in a negative sense. Only when an athlete fails the test, it hits the headlines, said Manjeet Singh, a local candidate. Out of 363 candidates, 18 failed the dope test. Out of these 18 candidates, 3 refused to undergo further test at the de-addiction centre, said SSP Mukhwinder Singh.

Manjeet added that 236 had qualified all the tests, while 127 disqualified it.

19 of 356 fail test in Moga

Moga: Nineteen of the 356 aspirants who appeared in the test here were tested positive for drug abuse on Wednesday.

129 candidates qualified all the tests  dope, measurement, race, long jump and high jump , while 226 aspirants were disqualified.

A batch of 400 aspirants was called on the first day at Guru Nanak College ground here, but 44 remained absent.

Meanwhile, one of the aspirants was in the pending list as he failed to pass urine during the dope test.

Nine cases in Faridkot

Faridkot: Of the 253 who appeared in the test till 4pm here, nine failed the test. The police had called 500 candidates on the first day, but 100 candidates remained absent from the test.

The physical test was conducted at Nehru Stadium. Though the candidates were asked to report at 5:30am, the test began at 10:00am.
A day after the murder of Balwinder Kaur, who was accused of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, it has emerged that the accused lured her by promising to take her to the Golden Temple for an apology at the Akal Takht and to pronounce her clean thereafter.

Balwinder was shot dead allegedly by Gurpreet Singh Jagowal of Amargarh in Sangrur and Nihal singh of Patiala outside Gurdwara Manji Sahib, Alamgir, on Tuesday morning.

Deputy commissioner of police, Dhruman Nimbale, said after the desecration incident, the woman was being treated as an outcast in her village, Ghawaddi. Police say main accused Jagowal is a member of Malerkotla-based Muslim-Sikh Front of Punjab. He is also the circle president of a radical political outfit.

Shehzaad Hussain, president of Muslim-Sikh Front of Punjab, said, Jagowal was not attending their sessions for 10-15 days. He had joined the organisation last year. Commissioner of police JS Aulakh said teams were out to nab the accused.

Cremation under tight security

Balwinder was consigned to flames at the cremation ground near Arora Cinema on Wednesday under tight police security. A high drama witnessed as the locals were opposed to cremation of an outsider in their area.

The police wanted to cremate the body on Tuesday evening as they feared a protest by the kin of the deceased. But the cremation couldnt take place on Tuesday as post-mortem got delayed because doctors struggled to remove the bullet that was stuck in the spinal cord.

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The City Beautiful is undoubtedly a beautiful city. Wide roads, planned infrastructure, and green expanse spell the vision of famous architect Le Corbusier. Ironically, beautiful and smart have different connotations, which were explained by a colleague through an interesting incident, recently.

His unit was training at the deserts during summers, and the brigade commander was to come on an inspection.

The commanding officer (CO), a meticulous fellow, went into each detail to ensure the commander goes back happy. Sepoy Bhure Lal, a smart fellow, was selected to be his sahayak (a soldier buddy earmarked to assist the officer in adhering to the routine). Based on the feedback that the boss has a delicate stomach, mineral water was catered for, and the bottles were handed over to the sepoy for the needful. While the operational briefing was on, the brigadier looked over his shoulder for water. Bhure Lal proudly filled a borosil glass with cool water from an earthen pitcher, carefully buried in wet sand, and served it to the exasperated VIP.

Needless to narrate the outcome of the visit!

As it got unveiled, Bhure Lal, in his exuberance to serve cool water to the VIP from the good-old-earthen-pitcher, had innocently emptied the Bisleri bottles in it.

Almost everything that the Chandigarhs founder architect envisioned is, no doubt, being adhered to. Increasing traffic needed the roads to get broadened, open spaces saw commercial places mushrooming, stretches earmarked to be developed as greenbelts are blossoming. Sadly, the mindset of beautification has failed to break the barriers of changing times.

Public transport system, e-governance, parking convenience, facilities for physically-challenged, smart education, and public health system have taken a back seat. To elaborate, information technology has entered a ripe stage in our life. Even after over two decades of exponential growth of internet, a simple thing like online payment has still not been fully fructified. We still have a crippled public transport system. We embrace rotaries and roundabouts, but crib about traffic congestion and mishaps in the same breath. Emergency, evacuation of an ill person, is fraught with uncertainty. The city struggles to find a place on the world map despite an international airport having been commissioned. A flight even to Nepal eludes its itinerary. Disaster management procedures, in case of crisis, are rusty. A massive fire in a Sector-17 government building evinced dismal responses. Chandigarh is in high seismic zone, but I am unsure if theres a viable disaster management system to tackle an earthquake or a Chennai flood-like situation. Elante mall  touted as a modern shopping destination  has is a hub of excitement, but lacks mandatory ramps and pathways for differently abled.

The administration has designed attractive websites, but they portray a vintage mindset of red tapism, and zero accountability. Complaints and advisories continue to hibernate without response by the concerned. Ethos of complimentary services continues to persist in public mind. We are wary of paying `5 for safe parking of our cars. Inadequate pay offs are discouraging potential businessmen to opt for parking contracts. There are no free lunches in life, we must pay to enjoy smart facilities.

Though selected to be a smart city, living in a halo of misplaced superiority is unlikely to take us on a smart path. You can either eulogise the good-old-earthen-pitcher, or lead Bhure Lal to a smart path of both  the mineral water and the earthen pitcher!

avnishrms59@gmail.com

(The writer is a retired army officer based out of Chandigarh)
A police inspector, deputed with the cyber wing, allegedly shot himself to death using his service revolver on Thursday morning.

Bhupinder Singh, 48, was a resident of Kanchan Colony near Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. He was fighting a legal battle in the Punjab and Haryana high court in a matter regarding promotions of officers. Bhupinder was a patient of depression.

The inspector was rushed to Deep Hospital on Mintgumri Chowk in Model Town area, where he was declared dead. Police claimed that his death was an accident. They are further investigating the case.

The incident happened at home at around 8.30am. Family members said Bhupinder was perfectly normal when he woke up in the morning.

He dropped his kids to school. After a bath, he was getting ready for office when his wife who was in the kitchen heard a shot and rushed to the bedroom to find him lying in a pool of blood.

She rushed him to hospital with the help of relatives. He was declared dead in the hospital.

Bhupinder is survived by his wife and his 16-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. The inspector was also suffering from backache for many months now.

His last rites were carried out at the cremation ground in Model Town Extension, where his family was joined by police officers from Ludhiana and other districts.

Deputy commissioner of police, Dhruman Nimbale, said he examined the spot and it was a case of accidental fire. No case was registered. He added that the police fraternity was with the family in their grief.
Vietnam has emerged the most affordable beach holiday destination and French Polynesia the most expensive, in a new ranking that breaks down how much it costs to soak in the sun at seaside destinations around the world.

After whittling down an initial list of 900 destinations, travel website TravelBird calculated the cost of spending a day at the beach at 250 coastlines around the world, looking at the average cost of sunscreen, water, beer, ice cream and lunch.

Read: For the love of beaches and all things sunny, Spain tops the list

The result is the 2016 Beach Price Index, a ranking created to serve as a budgetary guideline for holidaymakers looking at booking a beach holiday.

While the beaches of Vietnam and India dominate the lower end of the list, for example, the luxurious beaches of French Polynesia and Seychelles emerged the costliest destinations, setting sun worshippers back between $55 and $60 a day for the privilege of soaking up the tropical rays.

Because on La Plage de Maui in Tahiti, a bottle of sunscreen purchased from the resort, local pharmacy or supermarket averages about $22, a bottle of beer about $8, and lunch about $25.

That compares to Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An in Vietnam, where both sun protection and beer costs about $2, and lunch $8. The report also breaks down the daily costs of visiting what they consider to be the top surf beaches, family beaches, most romantic and most relaxing beaches for would-be visitors.

Read: Worlds best beaches 2016

For instance, surfers headed to Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica, ranked the top surfing destination, are advised to budget about $28 for the day, while a day at the top-ranked family beach, Tulum in Mexico, averages about $29.

Here are some of the results:

Top five most expensive beaches around the world

1 La Plage de Maui, Tahiti, French Polynesia

2 Mareto Plage Publique, Moorea, French Polynesia

3 Anse Vata, Noumea, New Caledonia

4 Anse Georgette, Praslin, Seychelles

5 Anse Soleil Beach, Seychelles

Top five cheapest beaches

1 Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Vietnam

2 Ho Coc Beach, Ho Coc, Vietnam

3 City Beach, Nha, Vietnam

4 Long Beach, Phu, Quoc, Vietnam

5 Varkala Beach, Kerala, India

Top five surf beaches

1 Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica

2 Watergate Bay, Newquay, UK

3 Cote des Basques, Biarritz, France

4 Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

5 Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Top five family beaches

1 Tulum Beach, Mexico

2 Phra Nang Beach, Ao Nang, Thailand

3 Coronado Beach, California, USA

4 Plaka Beach, Naxos, Greece

5 Palolem, Beach, Goa, India

Top romantic beaches

1 Whitehaven, Beach, Whitsunday Islands

2 Kailua, Hawaii, USA

3 La Plage de Maui, Tahiti, French Polynesia

4 Cayo Coco, Cuba

5 Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine has said a total of 16 militants were killed and 23 Russian soldiers were wounded in Donbas from July 25 to July 26.

The Ukrainian military intelligence said on its Facebook page that as a result of an ammunition explosion on July 25 a dozen militants were killed and 17 wounded. The militants were from the 11th Independent Motorized Regiment (based in Makiyivka).

On July 26 four more militants were killed and six more (from the same unit) were wounded as a result of artillery fire by Ukrainian government troops involved in the Anti-Terrorist Operation.

The militants were fired on in the area near Avdiyivka. The ninth Independent Marines Motorized Assault Regiment (Novoazovsk), which had fired mortars in the area of Krasnohorivka and Shyrokyne, were also targeted.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday tried to quell the furore over his call for Russia to find Hillary Clintons deleted emails, saying he was being sarcastic.

In Moscow, meanwhile, a Kremlin spokesperson pointedly told Washington to solve its own email problems.

Trump on Wednesday invited Russia to dig up tens of thousands of missing emails from Clintons time at the US State Department, prompting Democrats to accuse him of urging foreigners to spy on Americans.

Later, he dismissed concerns raised by Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook that his comments raised national security concerns.

You have to be kidding. His client, his person, deleted 33,000 e-mails illegally. You look at that. And when Im being sarcastic with something ... Trump said in a Fox News interview broadcast on Thursday.

Asked if he was indeed being sarcastic, Trump snapped, Of course Im being sarcastic. They dont even know, frankly, if its Russia. They have no idea if its Russia, if its China, if its somebody else. Who knows who it is?

But you have 33,000 (Clinton) emails deleted, and the real problem is what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee, he said, referring to hacked emails released last weekend by WikiLeaks.

The DNC emails showed party leaders favouring Clinton over her rival in the campaign for the nomination, US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The committee is supposed to be neutral.

Trumps explanation echoed those of his campaign advisers and other supporters, who immediately tried to pass his comments off as tongue-in-cheek and not serious.

But the exhortation for a US adversary to use cyber intrusions against an American political candidate drew criticism from intelligence experts and other public figures, including some Republicans.

Trump made the remark at a news conference in Miami that allowed him to steal some of the limelight from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, where Clinton on Thursday will accept her partys presidential nomination for the November 8 election.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, told reporters.

He later said on Twitter that if anyone had Clintons emails, perhaps they should share them with the FBI!

The Republican presidential nominee was referring to a private email system Clinton kept in her home in Chappaqua, New York, while secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. She handed over thousands of emails in 2015 to US officials probing that system, but did not release about 30,000 deleted emails she said were personal and not work-related.

Cyber security experts and US officials have said there was evidence that Russia engineered the release of the sensitive Democratic Party emails to influence the election.

But the Kremlin beat back those insinuations again on Thursday, saying they were driven by anti-Russian sentiment.

It is so absurd it borders on total stupidity, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The Americans needs to get to the bottom of what these emails are themselves and find out what its all about.

Although some Democrats have wondered aloud whether Trump committed a crime in his remarks directed at Russia, the prospect of any prosecution is considered nil because of the strong guarantee of speech rights in the United States.

Charging Trump for his comments about Russia would turn campaign fluff into a crime and would be laughable, said Daniel Richman, a Columbia University law professor and former US prosecutor.
Republican US presidential nominee Donald Trump during a press conference asked a female reporter to be quiet following a heated discussion.

The incident occurred during a presser in Florida on Wednesday, during which NBC News correspondent Katy Tur asked the real estate mogul whether he had any qualms about asking a foreign government, Russia, China, anybody, to interfere, to hack into a system of anybody in this country, the New York Magazine reported.

Tur pressed him, reading back one of his own quotes, to which he replied, Well, they probably have [the emails]. Id like to have them released.

Does that not give you pause? Tur asked.

Trump replied, No, it gives me no pause. If they have them they have them. Id like to have them released. As Tur continued talking, Trump said, You know what gives me more pause? That a person in our government  crooked Hillary Clinton  be quiet; I know you want to, you know, save her  that a person in our government, Katy, would delete or get rid of 33,000 emails ... now if Russia, or China, or any other country has those emails, to be honest with you Id love to see them.

WATCH: Trump tells @KatyTurNBC to "be quiet" as she presses him on his hope that Russians have Clinton's emails. https://t.co/uBqOXeob3Y  NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) July 27, 2016

The NBC News correspondent asked no further questions.

On Wednesday, Trump was at the centre of an uproar after he said that Russia should help find Clintons missing emails on the personal server that she used to conduct official business as secretary of state but deemed private and did not hand over to the State Department.
His own legacy on the line, President Barack Obama implored Americans to elect Hillary Clinton to the White House, casting her as a candidate who believes in the optimism that drives the nations democracy and warning against the deeply pessimistic vision of Republican Donald Trump.

America is already great. America is already strong, he declared to cheering delegates Wednesday night at the Democratic convention. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.

For Democrats, the night was steeped in symbolism, the passing of the baton from a barrier-breaking president to a candidate trying to make history herself. It culminated with Clinton making a surprise appearance on stage to greet Obama with a long embrace, an almost unimaginable image eight years ago when they battled for the Democratic nomination.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton joins US President Barack Obama onstage after his remarks on the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (REUTERS)

As it happened: Americas greatness doesnt depend on Donald Trump, says Obama

Obama urged Americans to summon the hopefulness of that White House campaign, before recession deepened and new terror threats shook voters sense of security. He robustly vouched for Clintons readiness to finish the job he started, saying no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits.

Earlier Wednesday, Clintons running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, introduced himself to the nation as a formidable foil to Trump in his own right. With folksy charm, he ridiculed Trumps list of promises and imitated one of the GOP candidates favorite phrases.

Believe me! he said mockingly, as the audience boomed back, No!

Obamas vigorous support for Clinton is driven in part by deep concern that Republican Trump might win in November and unravel his two terms in office. He warned repeatedly Wednesday that the billionaire businessman is unprepared for the challenges that would await him in the Oval Office.

Trump fueled more controversy Wednesday when he encouraged Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign. On the heels of reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said, Russia, if youre listening, it would be desirable to see Moscow find and publish the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state.

Wednesday nights Democratic lineup was aimed at emphasizing Clintons own national security credentials. It was a significant shift in tone after two nights spent reintroducing Clinton to voters as a champion for children and families, and relishing in her historic nomination as the first woman to lead a major political party into the general election.

The conventions third night was also a time for Democrats to celebrate Obamas legacy. Vice President Joe Biden, who decided against running for president this year after the death of his son, called it a bittersweet moment.

US President Barack Obama arrives to address Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (AFP)

Read: Hillary Clinton makes history as first woman White House nominee

A son of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden appealed directly to the working class white voters who have been drawn to Trumps populism, warning them against falling for false promises and exploitation of Americans anxieties.

This guy doesnt have a clue about the middle class, he declared.

Kaine also picked up the traditional attacking role of the presidential tickets No. 2. He tore into Trump, mocking his pledges to build a wall along the Mexican border, asking why he has not released his tax returns and slamming his business record, including the now-defunct Trump University.

Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth, Kaine said. Our nation is too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew.

Liberals, particularly those who supported Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, have grumbled about Kaine being on the ticket, particularly because of his support for fast track approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. Several delegates held up anti-TPP signs as he spoke.

In a move aimed at broadening Clintons appeal, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg  an independent who considered launching a third party bid for president  endorsed the Democratic nominee. A billionaire businessman himself, Bloomberg took aim at Trumps bankruptcies, reliance on foreign factories and other economic experience: The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy.

President Bill Clinton, filling the role of devoted political spouse, joined the crowd packed to the arena rafters in cheering the attacks on Trump.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton joins President Barack Obama after his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (REUTERS)

The core of Clintons strategy is putting back together Obamas winning White House coalition. In both his campaigns, Obama carried more than 90 percent of black voters, the overwhelming majority of Hispanics, and more than half of young people and women.

That coalition was vividly on display in the first two nights of the convention in Philadelphia. Women lawmakers were prominently featured, along with young activists, immigrants, and mothers whose black children were victims of gun violence or killed during encounters with law enforcement.

Gun violence continued as a theme Wednesday night as families of mass shooting victims took the stage. Delegates rose in an emotional standing ovation for the mother of one of the victims in last months Orlando nightclub shooting, who asked why commonsense gun policies werent in place when her son died.

I never want you to ask that question about your child, Christine Leinonen said.

Though Obama has six months left in office, his address Wednesday had the feeling of a political transition. He was emotional as he thanked Americans for sustaining him through difficult stretches.

Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me, he said. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me.
China and Russia will hold routine naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, Chinas defence ministry said on Thursday, adding that the drills were aimed at strengthening their cooperation and were not aimed at any other country.

The exercises come at a time of heightened tension in the contested waters after an arbitration court in the Hague ruled this month that China did not have historic rights to the South China Sea and criticised its environmental destruction there.

China rejected the ruling and refused to participate in the case.

This is a routine exercise between the two armed forces, aimed at strengthening the developing China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership, Chinas defense ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun told a regular monthly news conference.

The exercise is not directed against third parties.

China and Russia are veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council, and have held similar views on many major issues such as the crisis in Syria, putting them at odds with the United States and Western Europe.

Last year, they held joint military drills in the Sea of Japan and the Mediterranean.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims.

China has repeatedly blamed the United States for stoking tension in the region through its military patrols, and of taking sides in the dispute.

The United States has sought to assert its right to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea with its patrols and denies taking sides in the territorial disputes.

Russia has been a strong backer of Chinas stance on the arbitration case, that was brought by the Philippines.

Yang said China and Russia were comprehensive strategic partners and had already held many exercises this year.

These drills deepen mutual trust and expand cooperation, raise the ability to jointly deal with security threats, and benefit the maintenance of regional and global peace and stability, he said.
China said on Thursday it is verifying the authenticity of reports that its troops had transgressed into Indian territory across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Uttarakhand even as it called on New Delhi to cooperate in maintaining peace along the frontier.

The defence ministry, responding warily to the latest allegations of border incursions, said soldiers of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) always followed rules and focussed on maintaining peace and stability along the disputed border.

We still need to verify the authenticity of the report you mentioned, defence spokesman Senior Colonel Yang Yujun told a media briefing here when he was asked about the reported incursion by PLA troops in Uttarakhand.

I would like to emphasis here that Chinese border defence troops always abided by relevant agreements signed between the two countries, he said.

Read | Chinese incursion in Uttarakhand, state sends report to Centre

Yang also said the Chinese government had taken note of reports on the deployment on Indian troops in Ladakh.

I want to stress that China and India are neighbours and friends, not enemies or rivals. It's the common wish of people from both nations to maintain a peaceful Sino-India border environment, he said.

We hope the Indian government could cooperate with China to implement the consensus of our leaders on the border issue and preserve the peaceful condition of the border area.

According to reports from India, Chinese troops transgressed the border by land and air in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand earlier this month. The troops stationed themselves in a dimilitarised zone and Chinese helicopters flew in Indian airspace for more than five minutes.

Read | Chinese troops in Uttarakhand: Govt downplays reports of intrusion

The incident reportedly occurred in Barahoti area on July 19, prompting the security establishment to review security along the 350-km border with Tibet. Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat described the development as something to worry about.

Yang said Chinese soldiers have followed bilateral treaties focussing on maintaining peace at the border and stayed on the Chinese side of the frontier.

What I would like to underline is that the Chinese frontier guards have been strictly following the related bilateral treaties and agreements, conducting patrolling at the Chinese side of Sino-India border and devoted to maintain the peaceful environment of the border area, he said.

Indian and Chinese troops have engaged in tense standoffs following several transgressions along the LAC in recent years.

Read | Uttarakhand to Arunachal: How China uses its troops to deliver a message
India has made no significant incursions in the top 1% global rich despite rapid economic growth over the past two decades, according to a new study that says more super-rich are coming from emerging economies in recent years.

The study titled Who are the global top 1%? by Sudhir Anand of the University of Oxford and Paul Segal of Kings College London looks at the varying fortunes of the global rich from 1988 and 2012 and finds the representation of developing countries in the global top 1% declined until about 2002, but has risen significantly since 2005.

Indias top 0.01% is in the global top 1% in all years, but this top 0.01%, about 126,000 people in 2012, comprised about 0.2% of the global top 1% in all years  too small a share to feature in a table of top 20 countries in the global 1%, it said.

Thus a rich Indian who can enjoy the real expenditures of the global top 1% in her own country will find her spending power severely curtailed when she travels to a developed country which may be three or four times more expensive, when measured at market exchange rates, the study announced by Oxford on Thursday said.

Noting the increasing numbers of Chinese joining the global super-rich 1%, the study said that India has made no significant incursions into the global top 1%, despite rapid economic growth over the past two decades.

The study further said: The fact that both Chinas and Indias share of the worlds billionaires are much higher than their share of people with income or wealth in the global top 1% suggests that they are particularly unequal at the very top of their distributions compared with other countries.

The researchers calculated the global distributions of income based on household surveys and income tax records. They found that the US still dominates with 38% of the individuals in the global top 1% in 2012, but this is much smaller than in 1998, when Americans made up nearly half of this group.

By contrast, China's share in the global top 1% rose from 1.3% to 3.4% between 2005 and 2012. Its share of the world's billionaires is much larger  in 2016, it is 14%. Citizens of advanced economies still make up the biggest share at 79% of the global top 1% in 2012.

The researchers calculated, however, that this share is on a downward trend, and is 7-11 percentage points lower than between 1988 and 2005. The study also found that in the ranks of the global top 1% in 2012, Japan is second to the US, with a share of 8.5%; followed by Germany at 5.8%, France at 5.4%, Brazil at 5.3%, and the UK in sixth position at 4.7%.

Anand said: The turning point for the emerging economies appears to have been around 2005. That is when its citizens increasingly started to enter the ranks of the global rich. This trend was undoubtedly reinforced by the global financial crisis in 2008, which slowed growth in the advanced economies.

But developing countries were already beginning to catch up before then. As long as emerging economies continue to grow faster, which seems likely for the near future, the trend will continue with developing countries comprising an increasing share of the global top 1%.

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One of nine suspected militants killed in a police raid in Bangladesh this week was a Bangladeshi-American who was a friend of one of the gunmen who attacked a cafe on July 1 killing 22 people, police said on Thursday.

The attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery, a cafe in Dhakas diplomatic quarter, was one of the most brazen militant assaults in the countrys history.

Most of the 22 people killed were foreigners and police have been scouring the country for accomplices of the five gunmen who were all killed when police ended the siege.

On Tuesday, police raided a building in a Dhaka suburb and killed nine militants, who police said were from the same domestic group as the cafe attackers, and who had been plotting their own similar attack.

Eight of the nine were identified from their fingerprints, which are taken when national identity cards are issued, and one turned out to be a wanted Bangladeshi-American, said Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman.

Shazad Rouf, 24, was an American passport holder and had been missing for six months, Rahman told Reuters.

Roufs father had filed a missing person report for him on Feb. 6, the spokesman said, adding that Rouf had been wanted by police on suspicion of plotting a subversive act.

Also wanted in the same case was Nibras Islam, one of Roufs friends, who had been among the cafe attackers, Rahman said.

Rouf was from a well-off family in Dhaka, Rahman said, but added that he had no information on his U.S. connection.

A US embassy spokesman declined to comment.

Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the cafe attack but the government has dismissed suggestions the group has a presence in Bangladesh.

Instead, authorities have blamed the banned domestic group, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, which has pledged allegiance to Islamic State, for the cafe attack.

Police said another of the nine militants killed on Tuesday had been identified as the trainer of the cafe attackers. The man had been a religious student who had gone missing a year ago, counter-terrorism police chief Monirul Islam told a news conference.

In the past year, al Qaeda and Islamic State have made competing claims over the killings of liberals and religious minorities in the mostly Muslim nation of 160 million.

While authorities blame the violence on domestic militants, security experts say the scale and sophistication of the cafe attack suggested links to a trans-national network.

Islamic State has warned that violence would continue until Islamic law was established worldwide.


President Barack Obama on Wednesday implored Americans to help Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump, warning the 2016 race was not just about politics, but the nature of US democracy.

Speaking before a rapt Democratic convention in Philadelphia, Obama praised Clintons caliber and readiness for the White House while painting her Republican rival as a know-nothing authoritarian.

The election, Obama said, was not just a choice between parties or policies; the usual debates between left and right.

Below are the five most crucial endorsements for Clinton so far in this convention:

Most important: From Bernie Sanders, former rival

I move that the Convention suspend the procedural rules. I move that all votes, all votes cast by delegates, be reflected in the official record, he said, adding after a pause, And I move that Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States.

With that Clinton became the first woman nominated by a major US party to run for president.

Most heartfelt: Geneva Reed-Veal, mother of Sandra Bland who died in police custody.

So many of our children gone but not forgotten. Im here with Hillary Clinton because she is a leader and a mother who will say our childrens names. Hillary knows that when a young black life is cut short, its not just a personal loss. It is a national loss. It is a loss that diminishes all of us.

Most devastating: Actors Lena Dunham and America Ferrera, supporters

Here is there take down of Trump, in their own words.

Hi. Im Lena Dunham, and according to Donald Trump, my body is probably, like, a 2.

And Im America Ferrera, and according to Donald Trump, Im probably a rapist.

But America, youre not Mexican, said Dunham pointed out.

And President Obama isnt Kenyan, Lena, but that doesnt stop Donald, Ferrera shot back.

Most humanizing: Bill Clinton

She is the best darn change maker I ever met in my entire life he knows, he said, who he first saw in 1971. She had thick blond hair, big glasses, wore no makeup and she exuded this sense of strength and self-possession that I found magnetic, he said of girl he met for the first time in 1971, went on to marry.

Most substantial: President Barack Obama, her former boss

Form his speech:

Thats the Hillary I know. Thats the Hillary Ive come to admire. And thats why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America.
Pro-opposition gunmen locked in a protracted standoff with police in the Armenian capital Yerevan on Wednesday took four medical staff hostage, officials said, after a shootout left five people wounded.

Two doctors and two nurses were held after entering a police compound seized by the assailants 10 days ago to treat two gunmen injured in clashes.

The doctors who went into the captured territory to assist two members of the armed group who refused to go to hospital have been taken hostage, police spokesman Ashot Aharonyan wrote on Facebook.

The police are taking steps to free the doctors through negotiations.

A health ministry spokesperson said later on Facebook that one of the nurses had been freed.

Three other health professionals, two doctors and a nurse, are still being held, he said.

Gunmen -- supporters of fringe jailed opposition leader Zhirair Sefilyan -- stormed a police building in Yerevan on July 17, killing one officer, taking several more hostage and seizing a store of weapons.

Over the weekend they released the final four police officers being held captive but remained holed up inside the police building surrounded by law enforcement officers.

The group has demanded the resignation of the ex-Soviet nations President Serzh Sarkisian and the release of Sefilyan.

The lengthy standoff has shaken the tiny Caucasus republic and sparked clashes between police and protesters furious over the handling of the incident.

Sefilyan -- the leader of a small opposition group named the New Armenia Public Salvation Front -- and six of his supporters were arrested in June accused of preparing to seize government buildings and telecoms facilities in Yerevan.

A fierce critic of the government, he was previously arrested in 2006 over calls for a violent overthrow of the government and jailed for 18 months. He was released in 2008.

Sarkisian, a pro-Russian former military officer, has been president of the country of 2.9 million people since winning a vote in 2008 that saw clashes between police and supporters of the defeated opposition candidate in which 10 people died.
Neera Tanden, the 45-year-old CEO of a major Washington DC think tank, led a small but noticeable charge by Indian-Americans at the Democratic National Convention.

I would not be here without the policies of the Democratic Party, Tanden said in a speech on Wednesday, using her life story to highlight the partys values and seek support for party nominee Hillary Clinton.

After her father left, she said, my mother had to be on welfare. She worked hard to support me and my brother. We also had help; a lot of help. We used lunch vouchers at school and food stamps at the supermarket.

It wasn't easy, but we eventually got back on our feet because of the investment Democrats have made in struggling families, she added.

Tanden, a former Obama administration official and CEO of Centre for American Progress, is likely to land a senior position in a Clinton administration.

For Hillary, politics is about fighting for people, not when the cameras are on, but when they are off. Not when the decisions are easy, but when they are hard. She is a leader we can have faith in. She will be a president we can count on always, Tanden said.

Ami Bera, the only Indian American in US congress who took the stage later with a group of Asian-descent Democratic lawmakers, said, As the only South Asian member of congress, as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I support Hillary Clinton because she is the only candidate that understands the complexity of the world and is prepared from day one to lead America.

And, Raja Krishnamurthi, an Indian American running for the House of Representatives from Illinois, got a shout-out from a lawmaker from the same group as an emerging leader.
One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another suffered injuries in the anti-terrorist operation zone in eastern Ukraine in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Presidential Administration spokesman Andriy Lysenko said.

"One of our soldiers died and another was wounded in the hostilities over the past day," Lysenko said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday.
Indonesia rejected appeals from the UN and EU on Thursday to halt the execution of 14 drug convicts including foreigners, as speculation mounted they could face the firing squad in a matter of hours.

The group, including foreigners from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesians, have been placed in isolation on a prison island where Jakarta carries out executions.

Authorities stepped up preparations with ambulances carrying coffins seen crossing over to Nusakambangan island. Family members say they have been told the convicts will be executed on Thursday night, according to a lawyer and diplomat -- who were angry as it was earlier than they thought was allowed.

The attorney generals office, which oversees executions, could not be contacted for comment.

Indonesia last carried out executions in April 2015 when it put to death eight drug convicts, including two Australians, sparking international outrage.

But President Joko Widodo has defended the use of the death penalty to combat rising narcotics use.

UN high commissioner for human rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein on Wednesday called on Indonesia to end the unjust use of the death penalty, while the European Union urged Jakarta to stop the cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent.

Indonesian foreign ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir defended the looming executions as pure law enforcement.

I need to emphasise that all the legal processes of the convicts have been completed, all their rights have been fulfilled -- we target the drug traffickers and not users, he said.

Jakarta faced accusations of breaking its own laws by apparently planning to hold the executions on Thursday.

Diplomats and lawyers say they were given the legally required three days notice of the plan on Tuesday afternoon and believed the earliest it could happen was Friday.

I am very concerned -- this cannot happen, Ricky Gunawan, a lawyer for a Nigerian convict set to face the firing squad, told AFP.

It is clearly against the law. This execution has been completely under secrecy from the start.

Syed Zahid Raza, the deputy Pakistani ambassador in Jakarta, said the family of a Pakistani man, Zulfiqar Ali, had been informed he would be executed Thursday night.

Spokesperson Nasir said his ministry had fulfilled all their obligations by notifying foreign representatives.

Pakistan has been angered about the planned execution of Ali -- whom rights groups claim was beaten into confessing -- and summoned Indonesias ambassador in Islamabad this week to convey their concerns.
Afghanistan has accused Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, wanted by India, of overseeing attacks by Islamic State fighters in the war-torn country.

Afghan officials raised the issue during a trilateral meeting of Afghan, Pakistani and US military officials at the defence ministry in Kabul on Tuesday.

Voice of America quoted an Afghan defence ministry statement, which was issued in Dari, as saying that Afghan officials had said currently former leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hafiz Saeed, is managing activities of the IS in Afghanistan.

The Afghan director general of military operations gave details of measures taken by the government to eliminate IS and requested the Pakistan Army to take similar actions against the group.

However, there was speculation in Islamabad and Kabul that the Afghan defence ministry could have confused Hafiz Saeed, who currently heads Jamaat-ud-Dawah, with Hafiz Saeed Khan, a former Pakistani Taliban commander who heads Wilayah Khorasan, the IS branch for Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of India.

The issue also figured in the weekly news briefing at Pakistans Foreign Office on Thursday but the spokesman did not give a categorical reply.

There have been several reports that Hafiz Saeed Khan was killed in US drone strikes but news of his death has never been confirmed.

Hafiz Saeed lives openly in Lahore despite a $10 million bounty offered for him by the US. He is also wanted by India for allegedly masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.

The IS has stepped up attacks in Afghanistan. It claimed a suicide attack in Kabul on Saturday that targeted a gathering of the Hazara Shia minority and killed 80 people.
A coalition of Madhesis and Janajatis, who are opposed to Nepals new constitution, on Thursday set conditions for supporting or joining the new government to be led by Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.

A meeting of the Samuktya Loktantrik Madeshi Morcha (SLMM), an alliance of Madhes-based parties and Janajati leaders, decided not to support the new government until the Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre makes a clear commitment about addressing their demands and grievances.

Without concrete proposal from the would-be ruling coalition, we will not participate in the prime ministers election process, the alliance said. It is also looking for a political commitment to resolve the ongoing row over the boundaries of proposed states.

The popular perception in Kathmandu was that the alliance would join the new government even though it achieved little during 36 rounds of talks with the outgoing K P Oli government. A total of 59 people died in the Terai during protests against the new Constitution since last September. The alliances latest decision could lead to hard bargaining in the power-sharing game, observers said.

The alliance said the row over demarcation of boundaries should be resolved before holding local elections. It urged the Nepali Congress and the CPN-Maoist Centre to find a solution to the Terai crisis before preparing for the polls. The leaders also warned of strong protests if polls are conducted without taking the agitating parties on board.

One way of giving an assurance would be to register a joint amendment proposal in Parliament that incorporates the demands which the first amendment of the new Constitution failed to address, the leaders said.

The Sanghiya Gathabandhan, the larger alliance with Janajati groups of which the SLMM is a constituent, has demanded two provinces in the Terai plains. The CPN-UML leadership has stood firm against any changes to the existing federal structures, arguing it would spark unrest in other places. Despite insisting on the early resolution of the matter, the Nepali Congress and the CPN-Maoist Centre are yet to make specific proposals on the issue.

The meeting also demanded that the Local Body Restructuring Commission should stop its work till contentious issues in the Constitution are resolved to address the concerns of agitating groups.

We urged the commission not to carry out any activities unless the issues pertaining to the Constitution are addressed, said a statement issued by Gathabandan spokesperson Om Gurung.
A top Pakistani court has allowed officials to examine a boat used by the 10 LeT terrorists who carried out the 2008 Mumbai attacks, overturning an anti-terrorism courts verdict which it described as flawed.

The Islamabad High Court has set aside the verdict of the trial court (anti-terrorism court) in the Mumbai case for not allowing sending of a commission to Karachi for inspection of Al-Fauz boat used by Mumbai attack terrorists, said Chaudhry Azhar, the chief prosecutor in the Mumbai attacks case.

The high court described the trial courts decision flawed and not in accordance with law and allowed the examination of the boat in the port city of Karachi.

The prosecution had in May had challenged the trial courts decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat Al-Fauz, used by the Mumbai attackers, so that the vessel could be made case property.

Al-Fauz is in the custody of authorities in Karachi, from where the 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and grenades, had left for India to carry out the attacks that claimed 166 lives.

The high court, however, did not specify in its order whether it is necessary to form a commission comprising prosecution and defence lawyers to inspect the boat.

The trial court is likely to send court officials for the inspection of Al-Fauz since it has received no direction of forming a commission for the purpose, another court official said.

The trial court will nominate the official(s) for the inspection of the boat in the September 7 hearing, he said.

The trial court held a hearing in the Mumbai attacks case at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. It was informed that Pakistan had not received a reply from India about sending 24 Indian witnesses to record their statements. The court adjourned the proceedings till September 7.

Pakistans courts are observing a summer break of more than a month and only very important cases will be heard during the vacation.

According to the Federal Investigation Agency, the attackers used three boats, including Al Fauz, to reach Mumbai from Karachi. It said the security agencies had traced the shop from which the attackers bought the engine and the boat, as well as its owner, while a bank and a money exchange company used for money transactions were also traced.

The 10 militants left Karachi on November 23, 2008. En route to their destination, they hijacked another boat and killed four of its crew. They forced the vessels captain to take them close to the Indian shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached the Mumbai coast.

The Mumbai attacks case is facing inordinate delay as no proceedings have been held for more than three months. The case hearing is scheduled to be held once a week.

Alleged Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, and planning and executing the Mumbai attacks.

Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after he was released from jail on bail a year ago. The six other suspects are in Adiala Jail.

The case has been going on in Pakistan for more than six years.
A large number of tents have sprung up on the outskirts of London for a three-day event from Friday to celebrate 50 years of the British version of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), whose chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived here on Wednesday.

The event, called Sanskriti: MahaShibir 2016, marks 50 years since the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) was established in 1966. Registered as a charity with regulator Charity Commission, it is headed by Dhiraj D Shah, based in Birmingham.

Bhagwat, who arrived with senior RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale, will live in a tent at the sprawling Hertfordshire County Show ground near Luton, and address a gathering of HSS members and invitees on Sunday. He will then move to London for several engagements during his week-long stay here.

Shah said: From a very humble beginning in 1966, HSS has grown into a national organisation with over 110 shakhas. During this period, we have ventured into diverse areas across the length and breadth of society, including religious, cultural, social, educational, intellectual, student, legal and of course sewa.

HSS says it expects over 2,200 Hindus from across the UK and Europe to participate in the event, and they will have a busy schedule for three days. Organisers say Sanskriti presents the very best of Sangh, from khel and yoga to baudhik and charcha.

Topics for discussion during the event include Geopolitical situation and how Hindutva is the solution, How can we shape the next 50 years, Yoga: beyond the mat, Spirituality beyond religion and Dharmic capital.

The organisers say the open air venue in the countryside has been transformed into a fully tended township, with more than 400 tents, infrastructure built from scratch and amenities required during the three days.

According to Shah, the theme of the gathering is sanskar (value of life), sewa (selfless service) and sangathan (community spirit). Every effort was made to use recyclable materials to generate awareness of environmental sustainability, the organisers said.

The Hertfordshire County Show ground said it was delighted to welcome HSS, but added: Please note this is a private event.

With an average weekly attendance of 2,000 at more than 110 shakhas, HSS has a presence in most parts of Britain. MPs with large Hindu populations in their constituencies  such as Bob Blackman (Conservative, Harrow East) and Barry Gardiner (Labour, Brent North)  support its activities.

HSS functionaries were involved in organising the diaspora event at Wembley Stadium addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his November 2015 visit.

Several RSS pracharaks and functionaries have travelled from India over the years to work in Britain for certain periods and some organisations of the Sangh Parivar have branches in Britain, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

According to the latest annual statement filed with the Charity Commission, HSSs main objective is to advance Hinduism and educate the public in the Hindu ideals and way of life.

Its activities include setting up branches where Hindus of the UK could congregate, provide facilities for training of body and mind and develop good character, organise leadership courses and arrange lectures and discussions.

In February 2015, the Charity Commission launched a statutory inquiry after an undercover investigation showed a teacher at a camp organised by HSS for children in Herefordshire making strong remarks against Christians and Muslims.

HSS launched its own inquiry, extended full cooperation to the investigation and said it will in future take even greater care that no views are expressed from its platform that could directly or indirectly promote interfaith discord.

In the financial year ending March 2015, HSS said its income was 201,381 and expenditure 201,332. One of its largest expenditures mentioned was for Shakha  hall hiring.

HSS said in the annual return it rented part of its property in Birmingham to Sewa International, another registered charity organisation, of which HSS is the sole member.

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The second jihadist involved in a French church attack had tried to travel to Syria, prosecutors said Thursday as calls mounted for the prime minister and interior minister to resign after the latest terror attack.

The prosecutors office said that the second killer was 19-year-old Abdel Malik Petitjean, who was listed on Frances Fiche S of people posing a potential threat to national security in June after trying to reach Syria from Turkey.

Petitjean, whose face was disfigured after being gunned down by police, had been harder to identify than his accomplice Adel Kermiche, 19, and investigators confirmed his identity after a DNA match with his mother.

A picture obtained on July 27, 2016 shows Abdel Malik Petitjean, 19. (AFP)

The two young jihadists were shown pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group in a video sometime before they stormed a church in the northern town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray Tuesday and slit the 86-year-old priests throat at the altar.

The attack came as the government was already facing a firestorm of criticism over alleged security failings after the Bastille Day truck massacre that left 84 dead two weeks ago.

A brief show of political unity at a mass attended by different faiths in Paris Wednesday quickly dissolved as Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve faced fresh calls to resign.

If the government is not responsible for the wave of terrorism, it is guilty of not having done everything to stop it, said Laurent Wauqiez, the deputy leader of the right-wing Republicans party in an interview with Le Figaro newspaper.

Manuel Valls and Bernard Cazeneuve must go because they refuse to take vital measures to fight Islamism. We need a new government, determined to act.

An image grab taken from a video released on July 27, 2016 by Amaq News Agency, an online service affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group. (AFP)

The French government has assured the country that everything possible is being done to protect citizens, while warning that more terror attacks are inevitable, after three major strikes and several smaller attacks in the past 18 months.

However as it emerged both church attackers were on the radar of intelligence services, and had tried to go to Syria, more tough questions were asked over what could have been done to stop them.

- Warnings of terror strike -

Kermiche had been awaiting trial on terror charges after his second attempt to travel to Syria. He was fitted with an electronic tag -- allowing him out of the house on weekday mornings -- despite calls from the prosecutor for him not to be released.

Annie Geslin, who worked with Kermiches mother for many years, told AFP he was the youngest child and had psychological problems.

Meanwhile sources close to the investigation said Petitjean strongly resembles a man hunted by anti-terrorism police in the days before the attack over fears he was about to carry out an act of terror.

The sources said that Frances anti-terrorism police unit UCLAT sent out a note four days before the attack -- saying it had received reliable information about a person about to carry out an attack on national territory.

In a video posted on the IS news agency Amaq, two bearded men, calling themselves by the noms de guerre Abu Omar and Abu Jalil al-Hanafi, hold hands as they swear obedience to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The attack is the third in two weeks in France and Germany in which jihadists have pledged allegiance to the group, increasing jitters in Europe over young, often unstable men being lured by IS propaganda and calls to carry out attacks in their home countries.

IS also claimed that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, who ploughed a truck into a crowd in the French city of Nice on July 14, was one of their soldiers, however no direct link has been found.

burs-fb/wdb


Turkey on Wednesday deepened a crackdown on suspected followers of a US-based cleric it blames for a failed coup, dismissing nearly 1,700 military personnel and shutting 131 media outlets, moves that may spark more concern among its Western allies.

So far, tens of thousands of people - including police, judges and teachers - have been suspended or placed under investigation since the July 15-16 coup, which Turkey says was staged by a faction within the military loyal to the Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania but whose movement has a wide following in Turkey where it runs a large network of schools, has denied any involvement in the failed putsch.

Western governments and human rights groups, while condemning the abortive coup in which at least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured, have expressed concern over the extent of the crackdown, suggesting President Tayyip Erdogan may be using it to stifle dissent and tighten his grip on power.

Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possibly death on the night of the coup, denies the crackdown has wider aims and says the Gulen movement threatened democracy by attempting to build a parallel state within the military, media and civil service.

On Wednesday, the military dishonourably discharged 1,684 of its personnel, a Turkish government official said, citing their role in the failed coup. Of those, 149 were generals and admirals, said the official, who requested anonymity. Data show that would represent roughly 40 percent of all generals and admirals in Turkeys military.

Broadcaster CNN Turk has reported that more than 15,000 people, including around 10,000 soldiers had been detained so far over the coup, citing the interior minister. Of those, more than 8,000 were formally arrested pending trial, it said.

In addition, the government said in its official gazette that three news agencies, 16 television channels, 45 newspapers, 15 magazines and 29 publishers have been ordered shut down.

These moves, which follow the closure of other media outlets with suspected Gulenist ties as well as the detention of journalists will further stoke concerns among rights groups and Western governments about the scale of Erdogans post-coup purges.

The United States said on Wednesday it understood Turkeys need to hold perpetrators of the attempted coup to account, but said the detention of more journalists was part of a troubling trend.

Journalists detained

Turkey ordered another 47 journalists detained on Wednesday, singling out columnists and other staff of the now defunct Zaman newspaper, the government official said. Authorities in March shut down Zaman, widely seen as the Gulen movements flagship media organisation.

The prosecutors arent interested in what individual columnists wrote or said, said the official, who requested anonymity. At this point, the reasoning is that prominent employees of Zaman are likely to have intimate knowledge of the Gulen network and as such could benefit the investigation.

However, the list includes journalists, such as Sahin Alpay, known for their leftist activism who do not share the religious worldview of the Gulenist movement. This has fuelled the concerns that the investigation may be turning into a witch-hunt of the presidents political opponents.

The media reported on Monday that arrest warrants had been issued for 42 other journalists, 16 of whom have so far been taken into custody.

Alpay is a former official of Turkeys left-leaning, secularist main opposition CHP party. The Dogan news agency said police raided his home in Istanbul early on Wednesday and detained him after a 2-1/2-hour search of the property.

Separately, Turkeys capital markets board said it had revoked the licence of the head of research at brokerage AK Investment and called for him to face charges over a report he wrote to investors analysing the coup.

People shout slogans and wave Turkish national flags as they gather in solidarity night after night since the July 15 coup attempt in central Ankara, Turkey. (Reuters Photo)

Spirit of unity

Erdogans ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party and opposition parties, usually bitterly divided, have demonstrated a rare spirit of unity since the abortive coup and are seeking consensus on constitutional amendments partly aimed at cleansing the state apparatus of Gulenist supporters.

A senior AK Party official said on Wednesday the parties were discussing plans to increase parliamentary control of a key state body that appoints judges and prosecutors.

Also on Wednesday a government official said Turkish special forces were still hunting in the hills around the Mediterranean resort of Marmaris for a group of 11 commandos who are believed to have tried to capture or kill Erdogan on the night of the coup, when he was on holiday in the area.

In testimony provided following his detention, Major General Mehmet Disli, the brother of a prominent ruling party lawmaker, strongly denied allegations that he was involved in the coup, saying he had been forced by the plotters to mediate with the chief of the militarys General Staff on July 15.

General Staff head Hulusi Akar was held hostage for hours by the plotters, but refused to join their coup.

Erdogan, a popular but polarising figure who has dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade, will chair an annual meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) on Thursday after vowing to restructure the armed forces following the coup.

The General Staff said 35 planes, including 24 fighter jets, 37 helicopters, 74 tanks and three ships had been used by the coup plotters, NTV reported. It put the number of soldiers from the Gulenist network involved in the attempted putsch at 8,651, or about 1.5 percent of the armed forces.

In Greece, authorities on Wednesday postponed hearings for eight Turkish soldiers who sought asylum there after fleeing Turkey. The men - three majors, three captains and two sergeant majors - deny being involved in the coup, but Ankara has branded them traitors and is demanding their extradition.

Erdogan has also signalled the country might restore the death penalty in the wake of the failed coup, citing strong public support for such a move, though the European Union has made clear this would scupper Turkeys decades-old bid to join the bloc.

Pivot to Moscow

Turkish officials have complained of what they perceive as a lack of support from the EU over the coup, while European leaders have urged Ankara to show restraint and a sense of proportion in bringing those responsible to justice.

The attempted coup has also tested Turkeys ties with its NATO ally the United States, where Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile since 1999. Responding to Turkeys request for Gulens swift extradition, Washington has said Ankara must first provide clear evidence of his involvement in the coup.

Gulen lives in a secluded compound in Pennsylvanias Pocono Mountains, but Erdogan has reason to worry about the reclusive clerics reach inside Turkey. In 2013, his followers in the police and judiciary opened a corruption probe into business associates of Erdogan, then prime minister, who denounced the investigation as a foreign plot.

The strains with the EU and the United States have coincided with Turkeys renewed push to repair ties with Russia, badly hurt last November by the Turkish downing of a Russian jet involved in military operations in Syria, and Moscows subsequent imposition of trade sanctions.

On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said talks with Russian officials this week on improving bilateral relations had taken place in a very positive atmosphere.

Simsek, respected by Western investors as a safe pair of hands in guiding the Turkish economy, also said he saw no reason to downgrade Turkeys credit rating following the coup.

Standard & Poors recently revised the countrys sovereign debt outlook to negative from stable and Moodys has said it will review the rating for a possible downgrade.
Turkeys top military commanders met Thursday to replace almost half of their generals in a radical shake-up after the failed coup, as authorities shut down dozens of media outlets in a widening crackdown.

The hastily-convened meeting came after the government ordered the discharge of 149 generals -- nearly half of the armed forces entire contingent of 358 -- for alleged complicity in the putsch bid.

Separately, a total of 131 newspapers, TV channels and other media outlets were being shut down under the three-month state of emergency declared in the wake of the coup.

Read: Democracy in Turkey is under threat after failed coup

The July 15 rebellion saw plotters bomb Ankara from warplanes and wreak havoc with tanks on the streets of Istanbul in a bid to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

But it sparked a backlash affecting all aspects of Turkish life.

So far almost 16,000 people have been detained in a crackdown -- the magnitude of which had caused international alarm.

My concern has to do with the fact that the actions here are very tough and the principle of proportionality is not always central, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Berlin.

Read: After failed coup, Turkey constructs Traitors Cemetery for plotters
All set to take over as the prime minister next week, Nepali Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, or Prachanda, has one person to thank -- Nepali Congress president and former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba.

And, it cant be more ironic. For as the prime minister, Deuba had in 2001 deployed the army against the Maoists. It is also unusual that the countrys biggest party, the NC, has backed the third-largest party and ideological rival, the Maoists, and allowed them to lead the government.

Joining forces

In an exclusive interview -- his first since the process of government change started -- Deuba explained the sequence of events to Hindustan Times at his Kathmandu residence.

Prachandaji came to me and said he wanted to change the government. As the opposition party, it is obvious we would want to see the government fall. But then he said he would like to become PM. I agreed because KP Olis working style was not in national interest.

The power-sharing deal is that Prachanda will hold elections and demit office in nine months after which Deuba will take over. Till then, Deuba will be the power behind the throne, with NC expected to bag crucial portfolios in Prachandas government.

If it goes according to the script, Deuba, recently appointed the party president, will take over as the prime minister in the middle of 2017 and hold general and provincial elections.

The NC and the Maoists were partners when the peace agreement was signed in 2006. But for the last eight years, the two have been fierce rivals.

In the 2008 elections, Maoists emerged as the biggest force and tried to isolate the NC which then supported the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) against Prachanda. Five years later, the NC won and formed the government with UMLs support. The Maoists then backed UMLs Oli and the NC was pushed out.

Their coming together marks a milestone. For him, it was back to roots since the two parties had started the peace process, Prachanda had told HT earlier this week.

Timeline of the NC-Maoist relationship 2005: 12-point understanding. Both agree to fight the autocratic monarchy. Maoists accept democracy. NC comes around to idea of a republic.

12-point understanding. Both agree to fight autocratic monarchy. Maoists accept democracy. NC comes around to idea of a republic. 2006: PM and NC president Girija Koirala and Maoist leader Prachanda sign peace accord.

PM and NC president Girija Koirala and Maoist leader Prachanda sign peace accord. 2007: Maoists join NC-led interim government.

Maoists join NC-led interim government. 2008: Maoists win elections. Koirala takes four months to demit office. Maoists refuse to back him as countrys first president. Relationship breaks. NC moves to opposition benches.

Maoists win elections. Koirala takes four months to demit office. Maoists refuse to back him as countrys first president. Relationship breaks. NC moves to opposition benches. 2009: NC backs UMLs Madhav Nepal as PM to topple Prachandas government.

NC backs UMLs Madhav Nepal as PM to topple Prachandas government. 2010: Maoists back a different faction of UML, led by Jhalanath Khanal, to keep NC out.

Maoists back a different faction of UML, led by Jhalanath Khanal, to keep NC out. 2011: Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai defeats NC in parliament to become PM.

Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai defeats NC in parliament to become PM. 2013: NC emerges as the biggest force in elections. Forms government with UML support. Maoists in opposition.

NC emerges as biggest force in elections. Forms government with UML support. Maoists in opposition. 2015: UML forms government with NC support. NC now in opposition.

UML forms government with NC support. NC now in opposition. 2016: After eight years, NC and Maoists come together in the same government.

The common enemy

Talking about the weaknesses of the outgoing government, Deuba pointed to Olis use of the national budget to strengthen his party and failure in post earthquake reconstruction.

He also accused Oli of intolerance. We are the biggest party. But, the PM wanted to keep us out of everything. He recalled our ambassador to India just because he was from NC in the past.

There was also a need for a balanced foreign policy. Nepal had sought an invitation for President Bidya Bhandari to visit India and then cancelled it. This was wrong. We must have good relations with our neighbours, India and China, and not use one against the other, Deuba said.

He also claimed that UML was not committed to an independent judiciary. The judges appointed on the recommendation of the UML had in the past gone to the party office to thank leaders, the former PM said. This is a violation of democratic norms and separation of powers. The UML, he said, wanted to take over state institutions.

But his big concern, he said, was implementation of the constitution. To implement it, we need to have local elections. For local elections, we need to bring Madhesis on board, and for that we need a constitutional amendment. Oli was not doing this.

The peace process

There is another element that ties Deuba and Prachanda together -- the need to address the war-time cases and bring the peace process to a conclusion.

Complaints have been filed against Deuba in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) for rights violations by security forces under his watch, while Prachanda faces similar cases for excesses committed by his cadre.

Deuba defended his record. In 2001, Maoists attacked the Dang army barrack. I then deployed the army under constitutional provisions. We declared an emergency which was supported by other parties in parliament.

When reminded that the problem was not him deploying the army but the alleged violations by the force, Deuba said, How can we judge that right now? Let the TRC work. The army did not deliberately violate human rights. A Class 5-pass soldier has not read human rights book and theory. But all orders were not to violate human rights.

If there were heinous crimes or crimes against humanity, they could be considered. But we must remember the distinction. There werent deliberate violations. Some issues may have come up. He said Nepal must emulate the South African model of reconciliation.


WikiLeaks released audio recordings Wednesday apparently hacked from the Democratic National Committees servers, including a message from an irate Hillary Clinton supporter demanding the party stop bending over backwards for Bernie Sanders.

Links to the 29 recordings were posted on Twitter a few hours before US President Barack Obama took the stage in Philadelphia to address the partys national convention, a meeting that formally nominated Clinton as the Democratic candidate for the White House.

The confab was meant to be a show of unity, but instead has exposed the raw anger of Sanders supporters who feel disenfranchised by the primary process.

The WikiLeaks files seemed timed to embarrass the party and Clinton, although the audio recordings did not appear to contain any bombshell revelations.

They came after the anti-secrecy website on Friday leaked 19,000 emails from the accounts of several top Democratic party leaders.

At least two email messages suggested an insider effort to hobble Sanders upstart campaign against Clinton -- including by seeking to present him as an atheist in deeply religious states.

The uproar following the leak forced party chief Debbie Wasserman Schultz to abruptly announce her resignation on the eve of the convention she was meant to preside over.

In one audio recording, the angry Clinton supporter said in her minute-long voice mail that she was furious about what she perceived as party support for Sanders and giving the self-described democratic socialist too much influence.

Bernie is the worst person in the world to even be running in the Democratic Party because hes not a Democrat, said the unidentified woman, who noted she was on a fixed income and had donated $300 to Clinton.

Quit acquiescing to this person who likes to play the victim card and who also has been attacking Hillary, which gives Trump all his talking points. I will leave the Democratic Party if the Democratic Party continues to coddle Bernie Sanders, she said.

It was not known which party official the woman was trying to reach.

In another recording, a woman -- possibly the same person in the earlier call -- was upset the party was letting Sanders supporter Cornel West serve on the platform committee, calling him trash.

The audio files also provided a small glimpse of the daily inner workings of the party, with a staffer from an ambassadors office calling to make sure her boss received an invitation to a St. Patricks Day reception at the White House.

Former ambassador to Austria William Eacho left a message to get details on an invitation from Wasserman Schultz to attend a dinner with Obama.

It was not immediately clear if the audio recordings were part of the original cache of 19,000 emails and attachments released by WikiLeaks on Friday.
Africa's first completed standard gauge railway, built in collaboration with by China, opens to traffic in Nigeria on July 26, 2016. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Zhang Weiwei]

Africa's first completed standard gauge railway, built in collaboration with by China, opened to traffic in Nigeria on Tuesday.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the commercial operation of the rail service, which is 186.5 kilometers long with nine stops.

President of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Yuan Li, said at the ceremony that the railway would facilitate the economic development of Nigeria.

"It is the first Chinese standard gauge railway to be built abroad, and also the first standard gauge railway to be built in Africa. It could serve as an example for other railways being built in Africa. The construction of railways will not only promote local economic development and create more jobs, but also stimulate the export of Chinese railway products such as rail accessories, junctions, and carriages, thus pushing forward the economic cooperation between the two countries."

With a designated speed of 150 km per hour, the railway links Nigerian capital Abuja and the northwestern state of Kaduna, reducing travel time to one hour.

Some locals believe the creation of a modern railway represents a positive sign for the country's economy.

"I'm very happy today because the new line that is commissioned signals a new life, a new beginning of railroad modernization in Nigeria. Our hope is to send it to other parts of the country because we have been talking about this for a very long time. This is the only time they are able to actualize it."

The next two projects between China and Nigeria will be the Lagos-Ibadan and Lagos-Kano railways.
SYDNEY: Australia Northern Territory on Wednesday suspended the use of hoods and restraints on children as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull resisted pressure to broaden an inquiry into mistreatment in youth detention centres. Turnbull ordered the inquiry on Tuesday after national television aired video showing guards at a juvenile detention centre tear-gassing teenage aboriginal inmates and strapping a half-naked, hooded boy to a chair. The case highlights concern about the disproportionate numbers of aboriginal youth in custody, with one indigenous leader calling for politicians to deal with the wider issue of crime within the community.

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BEIJING: A southern Chinese court has handed prison terms of up to five years to four people, including at least two Hong Kong journalists, on charges of running an illegal business after they reportedly sent copies of their sensitive political magazines to mainland China. Two of those convicted published journals that often delved into high-level Communist Party power struggles.

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PHILADELPHIA: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump triggered a new controversy on Wednesday by publicly urging Russia to hack into his Democratic rival Hillary Clintons emails.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope you re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump told reporters in Florida. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.

He was referring to the more than 30,000 emails that Clintons lawyers deleted from the private server she had used for official work while secretary of state.

Russian intelligence agencies have been accused of hacking into the official email account of the Democratic party s headquarters and passing them on to WikiLeaks for release.

The emails, released on the eve of the Democratic National Convention, showed officials siding with Clinton against her rival Bernie Sanders. Trump sought to use the controversy to re-inject into public debate the controversy, but ended up bringing some mud on himself.

Critics slammed his remarks as treasonous. Leading conservative columnist Stephen Hayes asked in a tweet, How can any Republican support a candidate who openly hopes for foreign cyberattacks on a political opponent?

Republican Speaker Paul Ryans office issued a statement calling Russia a global menace led by a devious thug.
Indian-origin director Mira Nair s latest offering ,The Queen Of Katwe, will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September.

The film will be a gala presentation at the 41st edition of the premier movie event in North America. Nairs previous feature, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, also first showed at TIFF in 2012.

Described as a vibrant true story, the film tracks the unlikely path taken by 10- year-old Phiona Mutesi from the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Ugandas capital, to becoming a chess champion.

Its a really inspirational story and I think Mira was thrilled to direct a film in her native Uganda, as well, TIFFs artistic director Cameron Bailey told HT.

Also returning to the festival is actor Dev Patel, whose debut film Slumdog Millionaire played at TIFF in 2008.

He returns in another role based on a true story in Lion , a film about Saroo Brierley, who was adopted by an Australian couple after being separated from his Indian parents when just five years old, and used Google Earth a quarter century later to locate his family back in India.

Based on a true story appears to be the theme for films with an Indian connection at this years TIFF.

Actor Konkona Sen Sharmas directorial venture, A Death In The Gunj, too is from that genre, as it follows a shy young Indian student who quietly and fatefully unravels during a family road trip to McCluskiegunj .

Bailey said of the film: Its a beautiful story set in West Bengal, very powerful, very well written, highly textured drama.

New York-based Indian-American director Vikram Gandhi brings his featureBarry to TIFF. Set in 1981, it follows a young Barack Obama during a crucial year in the life of the future American president.

Highlights of this years festival also include Oliver Stones Snowden, described as a politically charged, pulse-pounding thriller on whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

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LONDON: Trade and investment dominated the first contact between Britains new Prime Minister Theresa May and Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they discussed bilateral relations on the phone on Tuesday, officials in London said.

Trade and investment featured strongly in the conversation with Prime Minister Modi who expressed his hope that the relationship would become even stronger and closer in the future, particularly given the shared values and common interest, said a spokesperson at 10, Downing Street.

May pointed out the launch next month of the first rupee-denominated bond in London was a concrete example of close and growing economic cooperation and underlined that the city remains a global hub for innovative finance, the spokesperson added.

The initiative for raising funds in London for Indias infrastructure development was taken during Modis visit to Britain in November 2015.

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WASHINGTON: John Hinckley Jr, who wounded American President Ronald Reagan and three other people in a 1981 assassination attempt prompted by his obsession with actress Jodie Foster, can be freed from a psychiatric hospital to live with his mother, a US federal judge ruled on Wednesday.

US District Judge Paul Friedman said Hinckley, 61, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a 1982 trial, no longer posed a danger to himself or others. He said Hinckley could be released from St. Elizabeths, a government psychiatric hospital in Washington, as soon as August 5, subject to nearly three dozen conditions.

Since 1983, when he last attempted suicide, he has displayed no symptoms of active mental illness, exhibited no violent behaviour, shown no interest in weapons, and demonstrated no suicidal ideation, Friedman said of Hinckley in a 103-page opinion.

In addition to Reagan, Hinckleys attack wounded presidential press secretary James Brady, a policeman and a Secret Service agent.

It helped launch the modern gun control movement, as Brady and his wife, Sarah, founded what is now known as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence after he was left permanently disabled.

The Bradys support helped the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act become law in 1993, imposing federal background checks on gun purchases and a five-day waiting period.

The Hinckley verdict also led several states to rewrite their laws making it more difficult to use the insanity defence while the US Secret Service tightened its protocols for presidential security.

Upon his admission to St. Elizabeths Hospital, doctors diagnosed Hinckley with depression and psychosis  two maladies they say have been in remission for years.

Friedman said Hinckley will be required to spend at least a year living with his mother, Jo Ann, 90, in Williamsburg, Virginia, about 210 km south of Washington, where he has been making increasingly long furlough visits for several years.

If Hinckleys treatment team approves, he may then move into his own residence by himself or with roommates, Friedman said. He also said if Hinckleys mother becomes unable to monitor him in her home, his brother or sister will be required to live there with him until the hospital determines an alternate plan.
JUBA: South Sudanese government soldiers raped dozens of ethnic Nuer women and girls last week just outside a United Nations camp where they had sought protection from renewed fighting, and at least two died from their injuries, witnesses and civilian leaders said. The rapes highlighted two persistent problems in the country: targeted ethnic violence and the reluctance by UN peacekeepers to protect civilians. At least one assault occurred as peacekeepers watched, witnesses said.

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Thoughts on History

As you read [the print] issue, you will notice a new logo appearing at the end of Code Talkers by William R. Wilson. In the future, this symbol will be used in each issue to signify that an article complementing the one to which the logo is affixed can be found on the American History home page of TheHistoryNet, Cowles History Groups site on the World Wide Web. The article written especially for our website will deal with some aspect of the subject covered in the one published in the magazine itself.

The first such article, An Ungrateful Nation, was written by George McColm, an agricultural expert who worked with the federal governments Indian Bureau after World War II, witnessing in the process the hardships endured by many Navajo veterans, including the code talkers. During conversations with Mr. McColm about this article, he pointed out to me something that I am sure would surprise most Americans as much as it did me: Despite the distinguished service of 3,600 Navajo servicemen in World War II (nearly 400 of whom gave their lives), these veterans, on returning to the United States, were not entitled to vote.

That injustice was rectified thanks in large measure to Howard Nez, a Navajo war hero who served with the U.S. Marines Carson Raiders as a code talker and a sniper. A high-school graduate, Nez did not appreciate his status as a ward of the U.S. government when he returned to the reservation after fighting his way from island to island across the Pacific. (On Guam, he kicked his way out of a body bag after beingquite erroneouslybrought in as dead.) He reasoned that the least the government could do for him when he came home was allow him to vote.

What he discovered, however, was that Reservation Indians like himself, because of their tax-exempt status, were listed by the state of Arizona along with people confined to asylums as among those to whom voting privileges were denied. Nez not only filed suit, but enlisted the aid of a photographer and newsman in order to bring the matter to public attention. The resulting picture and story informed the nation, and perhaps the president of the United States, that a war hero was being denied this basic right of citizenship.

According to Mr. McColm, there is an unconfirmed story that President Harry S. Truman became so incensed on learning of this injustice that he called the governors of Arizona and New Mexico, whose voting requirements were similar, threatening to cut off all federal funds to both states if the situation were not rectified. That call may or may not have taken place, but however it came about, Reservation Indians were permitted to vote for the first time in the elections of November 1948, seventeen years before the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed that right. Mr. Nez died last year at the age of 73, having left an important legacy to his people.

In addition to Code Talkers, this issue features Donald Lankiewiczs revelation that naval strategist and historian Alfred Thayer Mahan thoroughly disliked the sea and his shipboard responsibilities; Harold Holzers examination of the unmilitary image that printmakers bestowed on Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War; the story of Americas child actors from the 1850s through the 1940s by Diana Serra Cary, one of motion pictures first child stars; William V. Writers account of the courageous battle waged by Dr. Walter Reed and his associates at the turn of the century to find the cause of yellow fever; and the saga of how Burma-Shaves roadside jingles defied all the odds and became not only a successful advertising campaign, but beloved pieces of Americana. And we introduce a new departmentRecollectionsin which we will regularly present first-hand reminiscences about people, places, or events that figured significantly in the nations history.

Margaret Fortier is the editor of Womens History and American History magazines and a historian with extensive experience in research and writing for historic sites and museums.
LOME, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The tripartite talks bringing together Africa, China and the U.S., which in 2014 were only meant to discuss peace issues, will this year focus on maritime security and the blue economy.

Revelations in this regard were made on Tuesday by the Director for Political Affairs in Togo's Foreign Ministry, Dr. Bakayota Koffi Kpaye, during an interview with Xinhua.

The initiative by the Carter Center will be held on Wednesday and Thursday in Lome, in the run up to an extraordinary summit of the African Union (AU) on maritime security and development in Africa in October.

"There have been two editions of the tripartite talks but it is the first time they are taking place in Africa and it is good Togo was chosen to host them," Kpaye said.

He recalled that at the start, the tripartite talks initiated by the Carter Center, named after ex-U.S. President Jimmy Carter, were meant to end the war in South Sudan.

"They were meant to see how the Center could contribute through informal channels to the peace process in the country," he said, adding that the talks equally included "ways to fight epidemics such as Ebola which was spreading in parts of the African continent."

Kpaye said the Lome meeting will discuss maritime security and the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea as well as peace issues in the Sahel region.

He noted that the themes of the talks will be discussed with a view of identifying areas of collaboration between Africa and China as well as the U.S.

The Lome talks were organized in collaboration with the Togolese government and the UN Bureau for West Africa and the Sahel.

"Today, the major concerns for our sub-region and the entire continent are issues of peace and security. When we speak of peace and security, we refer to issues of terrorism, organized crime and all forms of trafficking. In this regard, Togo is in the process of preparing an ordinary session for AU presidents on maritime security and safety as well as development," he said.

Speaking of the blue economy, Kpaye noted that "our seas and oceans contain enormous resources. The whole of Africa is surrounded by oceans but Africa has not managed to reap maximum benefits from resources within its seas and oceans, and instead oceans have become sources of insecurity and channels of trafficking."

It is in this regard, he said, that Togo was planing to bring all African leaders and policy makers to reflect on how to improve security in our seas and oceans, and how the continent could reap maximum benefits from the seas and oceans for its development.

Although the director for political affairs said Africa had began fighting against ills that had negatively impacted its development, especially insecurity, he acknowledged that there was persistent insecurity and the continent had not found lasting solutions to conflicts, banditry and all forms of trafficking.

He expressed confidence that the Lome tripartite talks will help to come up with ideal solutions to the challenges facing Africa.
F ollies by nature make unusual homes, but this is one of the strangest in Britain because its staircase is not on the inside but instead curves around the outside like a helter-skelter slide.

Built as an ornamental water tower, the four-storey concrete building is topped with a copper-clad octagonal observatory with windows on all sides offering stunning views of the surrounding West Sussex countryside.

At the base of the tower is a 16ft diameter kitchen/family room, with a shower room built under the staircase.

A short climb up the staircase stands a bedroom with a Juliet balcony on the first floor, while there is an empty room on the third floor where the original water tank was sited - this could provide more accommodation, subject to consent.

Finally, on the third floor is the tower's crowning glory, the observatory, which could provide the perfect place to put a telescope and enjoy the night sky over light pollution-free countryside or just a daytime retreat with stunning naked-eye views over the North and South Downs.

This beautiful tower home is situated in a peaceful, very private, rural location a mile or so to the north of the South Downs

A single storey timber-clad cottage in the 3.25-acre grounds provides additional living accommodation and includes a sitting room, kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

The garden also includes a paddock and a pond.

The grade II-listed Water Tower in Steyning was built by Maxwell Ayrton, whose most famous work was the Empire Stadium at Wembley in 1923 for the British Empire Exhibition of 1924-25. Later renamed Wembley Stadium, it stood until 2003 when it was demolished to make way for the new stadium.

Coincidentally, the Empire Stadium was built on the site of a former folly, Watkin's Folly, an iron latticework tower meant to be Britain's answer to the Eiffel Tower at 1,175ft - beating the Paris attraction at 1,063ft and even today's Shard, at a measly 1,016ft.

However, by 1895, when the tower was just 154ft high, work stopped because of lack of money and poor foundations and it was demolished in 1907.

The Watkins Folly might have inspired Ayrton, for a few years later he embarked on the Water Tower on the Wappingthorn Estate for Sir Arthur Howard, and it was completed in 1930.

In 2002, planning consent was granted for an extension but this has since lapsed and would need to be renewed.

The Water Tower is 1.5 miles from the market town of Steyning, while Brighton is just 10 miles away, with trains to London taking less an hour.
The roaring rate of unemployment in Africa, with South Africa alone recording a stubborn increase from 24.5% to 26.7% in the first quarter of 2016, is raising an alarm over the future of the influx of graduates entering the job market every year. Companies are increasingly laying off employees due to seasonal economic fluctuations, a factor experts highly attribute to the unemployment menace in the continent.

Yet, as Africa continues to lure more visitors into its ever magnificent tourist destinations, the travel and tourism industry remains one of the most lucrative sectors requiring more workers; to meet the high demand set by the inflow of itinerants. Jumia Travel, Africa's leading online hotel booking platform, elucidates some business ideas that those intending to venture into the hospitality industry may consider.

Tour Guide

Tourists visiting new places will more often require tour guides to show them around their local hoods and major places of interest. During the just concluded UNCTAD 14 conference in Nairobi Kenya, two of my foreign friends happened to be in the country for their first time. As the host, I was more than glad to take them to various destinations of interest; and while this was only an informal guide to friends, I realized that it was easier for them to navigate their new environs with a local. Besides indulging in some Nyama Choma (Kenya's barbecued meat), I too learned something I previously had no knowledge of.

At a local artifacts (City) market in Nairobi, a lady vendor approached me with an enticing offer. For every piece of art purchased by my guest to the curio, I would get a certain percentage depending on the purchase price. Thinking about it now, these pennies in addition to your charges for tour guiding could go a long way in making a source of income. While professional guides require training to acquaint themselves with the cultural heritage, be familiar with as many destinations as possible and speak at least one foreign language; simple guides, like I was, only require a friendly attitude to freely make their guests feel at home wherever they may be visiting. To start this business idea, whether full or part time, requires little to no startup capital.

Taxi Business

Anyone in the taxi business will agree with me that the deal is great during big time events and conferences as well as in the tourism peak seasons. While some would enjoy trying out the public transport experience, most tourists prefer private means for security reasons and the taxis or shuttles work perfectly well. These are also convenient while trying to maneuver various destinations, some of which are located in remote areas. The taxis are also used in airport transfers of guests to their respective hotels, a business that is sure to reward you greatly. In the event that you do not currently own a car (to use as a taxi), you can rent one at a minimal amount at the initial stages of the business. With a proper savings plan, you will sooner or later grow your business into a fleet of taxis such as Jumia Car.

Start a Travel Blog

It is a business that has proven lucrative for travel lovers and for those with even just a little thrill into writing. Before beginning a journey, it is only expected that a traveler will search for information about the destination of choice as well as prior experiences of people who have been there. With the rise on the use of technology and availability of information at the click of a button, an entrepreneur can easily - with minimal capital - start blogging about different destinations, travel tips, top charts and experiences for travelers to access. With valuable and relevant content, the blog should manage to attract lots of traffic which should then earn you advertising opportunities. This will also increase the relevance of the blog. Good thing about this business is that once the blog has anchored, you can easily chose to travel the world while blogging and living the life of your dreams.

What About a Travel Agency

A young and ambitious Estelle Verdier is a living witness that just identifying a market niche and providing a solution to satisfy the market needs, could land you into a profitable business in the travel industry. From having to bear with frustrations in getting accommodation during one of her trips to Kenya in 2006, to co-founding Africa's largest online booking company, Jumia Travel, she is proof enough that starting a travel agency is a tried and tested business that anyone with determination can thrive in. Travel agencies, whether online or offline, provide services ranging from hotel booking, flight ticketing, providing cab or shuttle services among others. With enough research, a little start-up capital and most importantly willpower, get set and take off.

Professional Photography

It takes a few lessons to become a professional photographer, especially with the use of technologically advanced cameras/equipment. While most tourists prefer to carry along their cameras, not to mention the availability of smartphones that have cameras with the ability to capture crystal clear images; others, especially the honeymooners, do not hesitate to have each of their special moments captured professionally. All you need is a professional camera plus other crucial accompaniments such as a reflector. Strategically position yourself in places likely to attract your clientele like in hotels offering special accommodation for newlyweds and let your business lead you to success.

Open a Curio shop

While these are quite common in tourist destinations, it is also true that variety is always key for those seeking to purchase a memorable souvenir from their trip. In this business, you need to provide your customers a variety of artifacts to choose from as well as making sure not to charge exorbitant prices that are likely to drive them away to your competitors. Every piece of art has a story and if you make known to your customers the cultural value of each one of them, with a friendly smile, it will be difficult for them to resist buying from you and thus, boosting your curio business.

Language Interpretation Services

Most foreign tourists do not speak nor understand the local languages and will in most cases require someone to interpret to the language they understand. This is also very common during multi-lingual conferences which require either the consecutive or simultaneous interpretation from one language to another. This business, while seasonal, it is quite rewarding especially because most multinational companies require the services.

What you need is knowledge in one or two languages outside your native, which could be French, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, German, Portuguese among others.

If considering this business and you lack familiarity with any other language, you can opt to partner with a multilingual person or source for interpreters whenever opportunities arise.

Any business idea, however simple or out of reach it may seem, only requires a person's will power to conquer the initial fear of risk taking. And in the words of Paulo Coelho, Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa  South Africa's hotel industry is set for steady growth in the next five years driven by an increase in the number of foreign visitors into the African continent.

Pietro Calicchio, Industry leader of Hospitality & Gambling, PwC Southern Africa (www.PwC.com), says: "Although the South African economy has weakened considerably, the overall outlook for hotels in South Africa is expected to remain positive."

According to PwC's 6th edition Hotels Outlook 2016  2020, revenue from hotel room accommodation in South Africa rose 8.1% in 2015 to R14.2 billion, reflecting an increase in stay unit nights and a 6.5% rise in the average room rate. Overall, hotel room revenue is projected to expand at a 7.8% compound annual rate to R20.6 billion in 2020. PwC's report features information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya, and Tanzania.

"The devaluation of the rand and the relaxation of certain visa regulations has had a positive impact on the tourism industry in South Africa, making the country a more attractive tourism destination. This has also had a positive impact on the number of foreign visitors to South Africa over the past six months," says Calicchio.

The new visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry. After growing at an 8% compound annual rate between 2009 and 2013, the number of foreign overnight visitors rose only 0.2% in 2014 before falling 6.8% in 2015  the biggest decline in six years, according to official statistics. China had the largest decrease of 46% in 2014, while the decrease from India was 23.5%. Visits from China edged up 2.2% in 2015, but remained 45% lower than the peak in 2013, while visits from India fell an additional 8.5% in 2015 for a cumulative 30% decline over the past two years.

A key factor cited as contributing to the decline was the requirement that foreign travellers appear in person at South African embassies to have their biometric information taken. However, some countries such as India, Russia and China have very few South African visa processing centres.

In October 2015, some of these regulations were eased and the Department of Home Affairs is considering introducing further amendments.

Overall, in 2015 there was a decline in the number of foreign travellers to South Africa from every region except the Middle East and North Africa. Of non-African countries, the UK is still the largest source of visitors to South Africa at 407 486 in 2015, an increase of 1.4%. It was one of the few countries from where visitors increased in 2015, but that gain did not offset the overall 6.8% decline from 2014. Visits from the US dipped below 300 000 in 2015, down 3.9% from 2014. Germany was down 6.5% in 2015, while Australia fell 10.8%.

Of African countries, the largest numbers of foreign visitors to South Africa in 2015 came from Zimbabwe (2.1 million), followed by Lesotho (1.5 million) and Mozambique (1.3 million) but all were lower than in 2014.

On a more positive note, the number of monthly overnight tourist visitors to South Africa started picking up towards the end of 2015 and rose above the one million mark for the first time in January 2016, with international visitor numbers up by 16.8% for the months of January to April 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. Visitor numbers from Europe have increased by 13.6%, China 38.0% and North America 16.4% through to April 2016 when compared to the first four months of 2015. For 2016 as a whole, a 12.4% increase in foreign visitors is anticipated.

Hotel accommodation: South Africa  Nigeria  Mauritius  Kenya - Tanzania

The number of hotel rooms planned in Africa has increased from prior years in the wake of a number of developments across the continent.

Overall, room revenue in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania rose 6.7% in 2015, the largest gain since 2011. Tanzania had the largest increase with a 14.4% gain, the result of a large increase in the average room rate that offset a drop in stay unit nights.

"It is promising to see a growing number of new hotels that are planned for the South African market over the next five years. We are forecasting an additional 2 600 hotel rooms to be added over the next five years," says Calicchio. "We forecast that hotel room revenue will grow by 11.9% in 2016 to R15.8 billion." The interest in new hotel developments in Cape Town reflects its strong growth rates and its appeal as a tourist attraction.

Five-star hotels had the highest occupancy rates in the market at 79.5% in 2015, up from 70.7% in 2014 as stay unit nights increased by 12.5%.

The hotel sector in Mauritius experienced an increase in stay unit nights in 2015, but a drop in the average room rate that resulted in a 6.7% increase in room revenue. Nigeria's long-term prospects for the hospitality sector remain positive, though the impact of its current weaker economy is likely to reflect in near-term hotel performance. Kenya's economic growth has been strong and a number of initiatives have contributed to a recent increase in the tourism industry.

South Africa: The Outlook (2016  2020)

With occupancy rates and visitor numbers on the rise, there is renewed activity in the hotel sector. There are a number of major hotels expected to open in the next five years and several others in the planning stage. The number of available hotel rooms are projected to rise at a 0.8% compound annual rate to 63 700 in 2020 from 61 100 in 2015.

Stay unit nights are expected to increase at a 1.9% compound annual rate to 14.6 million in 2020 from 13.3 million in 2015. With stay unit nights growing faster than room supply, the occupancy rate for hotels is forecast to rise from 59.6% in 2015 to 62.6% in 2020.

Nigeria  Mauritius  Kenya Tanzania: The Outlook (2016  2020)

The hotel market in Nigeria has not fared as well as South Africa with stay unit nights dropping 12% and room revenue down by 3.6% over the past two years. There are a number of new hotels planned or under construction and we forecast an additional 4 700 rooms to be added in Nigeria during the next five years. Hotel room revenue is expected to grow to US$ 507 million in 2020 from the US$321 million achieved in 2015, due to increases in both stay unit nights and average room rates. The number of tourist arrivals to Mauritius increased by 10.9% in 2015, the largest increase during the past five years. The number of available hotel rooms is expected to increase at a 2.8% compound annual rate, rising to 15 600 in 2020 with hotel room revenue forecast to grow at a 10.6% compound annual rate to Euro 920 million in 2020 .

Kenya's hotel market is recovering, with growth being achieved for the first time in four years due to an increase in the average room rate even though stay units fell 2.8% in 2015. Revenue is projected to grow at 6.1% compounded annually to 2020. Tanzania's hotel room revenue amounted to US$222 million in 2015 and is expected to grow by 10.8% compounded annually to US$371 million in 2020.

"The hotel market in each country is affected by both the local and global economy, with some countries being more dependent on foreign visitors than others. The growth forecast is therefore dependent on how well both the local and global economy performs and grows over the next five years."

"The tourism industry continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors of Africa's economy. In spite of recent challenges, including the change in visa regulations in South Africa and the contraction of the global economy, the sector has significant potential to create jobs and uplift inclusive economic growth across the continent", concludes Calicchio.

Distributed by APO on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

About PwC US

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We"re a network of firms in 158 countries with more than 236,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

Pietro Calicchio

Industry leader of Hospitality & Gambling - PwC South Africa

+ 27 11 797 5292

PricewaterhouseCoopers
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HANOI, July 28 -- Over 1.468 million person-times of Chinese tourists are expected to visit Vietnam in the first seven months of 2016, up 54.5 percent year-on-year, said Vietnam's General Statistics Office (GSO) on Thursday.

During seven-month period, the country is likely to welcome over 5.552 million person-times of foreign tourists, up 24 percent year-on-year.

Among the figure, some 4.66 million person-times arrive in Vietnam by air, up 28.7 percent year-on-year. Other 806,400 person-times travel to Vietnam by road, up 8.2 percent year-on-year while some 86,300 person-times go to the country by sea, down 22.4 percent, said GSO on its website.

From January to July, tourists from Asian countries coming to Vietnam total at some 3.967 million person-times, up 29.5 percent year-on-year. Growth is seen in major markets including China (up 54.5 percent year-on-year), South Korea(up 37 percent), China's Taiwan (up 15.9 percent), Thailand (up 37.2 percent) among others.

Meanwhile, the number of visitors from Europe reaches 900,600 person-times, up 14.1 percent year-on-year while those from Americas and Australia are 450,800 person-times and 195,700 person-times, respectively.
In year-over-year comparisons, the country's occupancy was nearly flat (+0.2% to 79.0%). Average daily rate for the week was up 6.3% to CAD162.75. Revenue per available room grew 6.5% to CAD128.55.

The Canadian hotel industry reported positive results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 17-23 July 2016, according to data from STR.

In year-over-year comparisons, the country's occupancy was nearly flat (+0.2% to 79.0%). Average daily rate for the week was up 6.3% to CAD162.75. Revenue per available room grew 6.5% to CAD128.55.

Five of the 10 reporting provinces recorded a double-digit RevPAR increase for the week: Ontario (+14.5% to CAD127.73), Quebec (+12.4% to CAD139.05), Nova Scotia (+11.6% to CAD118.52), Newfoundland and Labrador (+10.6% to CAD136.25) and British Columbia (+10.3% to CAD181.42).

British Columbia was the only province to post a double-digit rise in ADR, up 10.0% to CAD203.41.

Newfoundland and Labrador experienced the largest increase in occupancy, up 6.9% to 84.2%.

Alberta reported the only double-digit declines in occupancy (-10.9% to 64.2%) and RevPAR (-13.2% to CAD100.83).

Saskatchewan reported the largest ADR decrease (-3.1% to CAD124.27).

About STR

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.
In year-over-year comparisons, the industry's occupancy decreased 1.1% to 78.2%. However, average daily rate was up 4.1% to US$130.83, and revenue per available room increased 2.9% to US$102.24.

The U.S. hotel industry reported mixed results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 17-23 July 2016, according to data from STR.

In year-over-year comparisons, the industry's occupancy decreased 1.1% to 78.2%. However, average daily rate was up 4.1% to US$130.83, and revenue per available room increased 2.9% to US$102.24.

Six of the Top 25 Markets recorded a double-digit RevPAR increase for the week: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-New Jersey (+20.5% to US$113.78); Denver, Colorado (+15.3% to US$141.05); Phoenix, Arizona (+14.7% to US$53.24); Chicago, Illinois (+13.0% to US$143.51); San Diego, California (+12.4% to US$205.42); and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida (+10.1% to US$85.73).

Three of those markets posted a double-digit rise in ADR: San Diego (+19.2% to US$227.80); Philadelphia (+18.6% to US$144.01); and Denver (+14.0% to US$150.37).

Overall, 19 of the Top 25 Markets reported RevPAR growth for the week. Twenty-two markets recorded an increase in ADR.

Phoenix experienced the largest lift in occupancy, up 8.4% to 61.9%.

Houston, Texas, reported the steepest declines across the three key performance metrics. Occupancy fell 11.5% to 65.5%; ADR was down 9.1% to US$99.05; and RevPAR dropped 19.5% to US$64.88.

No other Top 25 Market reported a double-digit decrease in the three key performance metrics.

View weekly U.S. hotel performance review

About STR

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.
A police officer who was present at Sandra Blands traffic stop claims that the Waller Count district attorney refused to let him testify on Blands behalf in front of a grand jury.

Former county judge DeWayne Charleston recorded a phone call with the officer, Michael Kelley. Kelley, the third officer on the scene, told him that he heard Brian Encinia, the arresting officer, turn off his mic and tell his sergeant, I have no idea what Im going to arrest her for, but well figure it out when we get to the county jail.

Bland, 28, was found dead in her cell three days later. While authorities considered her death a suicide, protestors have insisted that Bland was murdered. Kelley told Charleston that when he made clear his attentions to testify, the district attorney Elton Mathis threatened him. I wanted to testify on Sandra Blands behalf and they told me if I said anything theyre going to come after me, Kelley said.

Mathis vehemently denied these claims in a written statement to the Houston Chronicle. I unequivocally state that he never approached me, my first assistant, or any member of my staff with any such information, he wrote. His job was never threatened by me or my staff, and I barely knew who he was before he was indicted.

Recently, an ex-guard admitted to falsifying jail logs just before Blands death. Listen to Kelleys account below.

Sandra Bland
Connor Habib is a gay porn star with a difference  an ex-creative writing teacher who enjoys discussing Irish literature and cultural theory. Oh, and he loves his job.

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Set on the 52-acre, tree-lined Deer Farm, with the Galtee Mountains as a backdrop, Indiependence Music & Arts Festival is one of the finest small festivals in Europe, proving that you dont need to be big to be beautiful.

Indiependence has quickly gained a reputation as one of the countrys best music festivals: its eclectic lineup and beautiful surroundings proving a real draw.

INDIE16 on July 2931, though, will certainly be the biggest year to date, with a blockbuster bill ready to rock North Cork. As always the line-up features the cream of homegrown and international talent, with Cavans finest The Strypes, Dublin brothers Hudson Taylor, the chart-topping Walking On Cars and evergreen favourites Bell X1 and Ash taking pride of place next to visiting names including The Kooks, Editors and Idlewild.

And for those looking to explore some of the most picturesque parts of Ireland, the Mitchelstown Music Trail ensures there is no excuse not to check out Mitchelstown itself. On the Saturday, live music will be on offer across the town, with an under-18s busking competition taking place outside 16 venues. Music has always been important in this part of Cork and festivalgoers will get to see this for themselves over the weekend.

In addition, the Mitchelstown Community Forum have added lots of other activities for visitors to check out while they stroll through Mitchelstown, with heritage walks, kids activities and a host of other events on offer.

John Finn, Indiependences organiser, is thrilled to see the party vibe extend to the town.

Were just delighted to be bringing a small piece of Indie back to the streets, he says. Indiependence started on the streets of Mitchelstown, so to have some interaction back here again is great. The busking competition for Under 18s is something that we feel will work well, allowing younger people who cant attend the festival to play for festivalgoers with the opportunity of a slot at next years festival, and a day of studio time to boot.

Those sentiments are echoed by Liam ODoherty from the Mitchelstown Community Forum.

The crowd that come to the festival are fantastic and its very important to us that they interact with Mitchelstown while they are down here, he reflects. We want them to have a wonderful experience, both of Indiependence and of Mitchelstown.

With the whole town geared up for the event, and venues across Mitchelstown ready to welcome revellers, theres no doubt that this years event will be the most welcoming yet.

Whats the Buzz With Mitchelstown?

Thousands of festivalgoers make the 15-minute walk down town every year while at Indiependence to Mitchelstown  a small town with a population of under 4,000 people, but one well stocked with bars, restaurants, shops and cafes, all of which help to give festivalgoers a small break from the excitement of the site. Whether its a full Irish Breakfast in one of the many restaurants, a trip to one of the many shops for supplies, or to catch a GAA match in one of the great country pubs, Mitchelstown has lots to offer anyone heading to INDIE16.

I Did Not Know That!

1. Mitchelstown was the first planned town in Ireland so the streets run parallel and are connected at right angles. Sort of like New York.

2. Mitchelstown Castle was one of the biggest in the country with as many windows as Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately it was burnt down in 1922 by The Republican Army to prevent it from being taken by The Irish Free State Army.

3. Mitchelstown is pretty famous for cheese!

4. The Mitchelstown Caves are nine miles away and in Tipperary (weird), but are definitely worth checking out if you get the chance.

5. Five time Booker Prize nominated author William Trevor was born on Upper Cork Street, across from The Hunters Rest.

Can We Still Get a Ticket?

Saturday Day Tickets and INDIE Garden Tickets have been sold out for some time. There are a very limited number of weekend camping tickets remaining, but it looks like they will be sold out well in advance, so dont delay.

Liam ODoherty, Mitchelstown Community Forum

How has it been to watch Indiependence grow so much in the past decade?

As Chairperson of the Mitchelstown Community Forum, its been fantastic to see the festival grow over the years. The buzz around the town, not only on the weekend itself, but in the weeks leading up to it is brilliant. Theres no doubt that its a huge boost to the town financially, but I think just as important is keeping the name of Mitchelstown out there. The people that come to Indie are a great crowd and how they interact with the town is very important to us. We want them to leave feeling that they have had a wonderful experience of both Indie and Mitchelstown.

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Does music play a major part in Mitchelstown life all year round?

Mitchelstown is a great music town. Whether its one of the local musicians who regularly play in pubs around the town, great trad from the likes of The Druids in An Bodhran, or one of the contemporary acts like Frightened Rabbit, Delorentos or The Frank & Walters who have played in The Yard Bar in Walshs, theres always something going on.

How important is it to get local businesses involved in the festival?

Its critical. It probably took the first couple of years of Indie at Deer Farm for the businesses to really buy in to it, but when they did, they did in a big way. Its up there with Christmas for many businesses in terms of money spent, so to add something this year like The Mitchelstown Music Trail (supported by Cork County Council) is another great string to the bow. We want the people who come to Indiependence to interact with Mitchelstown as a whole. We want them to go away thinking, what a great town, maybe Ill come back on a weekend different to Indie and go mountain biking or climb the Galtees.

How would you recommend visitors spend their day?

Catch up on some sleep! Head in to Mitchelstown and check out the new Music Trail, theres going to be live music all over town, grab a pint, something to eat and take it all in. Most of all, enjoy Mitchelstown, enjoy what it has to offer, and have a safe and enjoyable INDIE16 weekend.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Indiependence is on from July 29-31 in Mitchelstown. Check indiependencefestival.com for more details.
A fantastic weekend of music is taking place this Saturday and Sunday, July 30 & 31

Its been over thirty years since Lisdoonvarna hosted a major musical event. So the Lisdoonvarna Folk Fest is a welcome addition to the local calendar.

The Folk Fest is the opening event of the Burren Storehouse, with a capacity of 500.

The opening night will feature the unique voice of the legendary Sean Tyrrell. Sean is a true troubadour having emigrated to the USA in the late '60s where he lived and performed in New York and San Francisco. He returned to Ireland in the latter part of the '70s, whereupon he began to work on Brian Merriman's The Midnight Court.

It begins at 6pm, Saturday, July 30 and Tyrrell will be supported by the special guests Fergus Feely, Steve Feely snd Mick McNally.

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Also on the first night, Jack Talty and John Blake, the Doolin Ceili Band and the Realtime Rockers will all be performing from 6pm.

The Fiddle Case takes place on the Sunday starring Quentin Cooper and Eoin O'Neill - who both featured on the legendary C.D. the Celtic Bandits, Adam Shapiro and Dermot Byrne, D'BIZE, the Sam Evans Band, Ceol na Mara and Out the Gap.

Get down to Co. Clare this weekend for a phenomenal feast of folk music.
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The Derry legends' first two albums are to get a vinyl re-release

My Bloody Valentine man Kevin Shields has remixed Get Over You as part of the reissue treatment the first two Undertones albums are about to receive.

Working from the original multi-track tape, Shields flight of sonic fancy will be available on 180g heavyweight red vinyl, which is a bit of a collector's wet dream.

The Derry outfits eponymous 1979 debut and its 1980 follow-up, Hypnotised, contained between them such glorious pop-punk moments as Here Comes The Summer, Jimmy Jimmy, My Perfect Cousin and Wednesday Week.

All this lovely vinyl will be dropping on October 7.
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Police are searching for a man suspected of robbing two gas stations minutes apart on the Fourth of July in southeast Houston.

The first heist happened about 4:30 a.m. in the 2000 block of Allen Genoa, according to the Houston Police Department.

The man walked into the store carrying a pizza box, went to the counter, pulled out a black handgun and demanded money. When the clerk gave him an undisclosed amount of cash, the man left, running away from the store.

About 20 minutes later, the same suspect struck again in the 7900 block of Howard Drive. The man walked int the store, again carrying a pizza box. He went to the counter, pulled out the pistol and demanded money. When he was given cash, he ran away.

The man is described as between about 25 and 30 years old. He wore a gray, hooded sweatshirt with black sleeves, black pants with white stripes and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or online at www.crime-stoppers.org. Tips may also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 and tips to CRIMES.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect or charges being filed against him.

All tipsters remain anonymous.
In the midst of a downpour, a ponytailed young girl in a blue shirt held an umbrella for a traffic police officer. The scene was photographed, posted and widely reposted by citizens in Yingkou, Liaoning province.

The officer, Zhao Lixin, explained that the incident occurred around 6 p.m. on July 21, only 20 minutes or so after he arrived at his post. It was raining heavily during rush hour, so the road was crowded and vehicles were moving very slowly. Although he was wearing a raincoat, his hat was already quite wet.

The traffic light changed and I turned around. When I looked up, a girl stood behind me, holding an umbrella. I was astonished. The concrete island in the middle of the street was really only big enough for one person to stand on. For two, it was not sufficient, Zhao recalled. I told her to leave because it was dangerous. I had a raincoat, but she still refused to leave. She said my hat was wet and she would hold an umbrella for me.

Zhao tried several times to persuade the girl to leave the island, but each time she refused. Cong Xiaoyang, Zhaos colleague, witnessed the exchange. He also came over and tried to persuade the girl to move to a safer place. Meanwhile, after holding the umbrella for more than 10 minutes, the girl was completely soaked.

Zhao was worried about the kind-hearted girl after that day. He thought about whether she might catch a cold, as the weather that day was chilly and the girl was soaked. Zhao also wanted to find the girl to say thank you.

In an effort to help him do just that, Chinese social media is currently full of posts searching for the mysterious, generous girl.
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Police are searching for a man and woman suspected of stealing a handgun worth $3,000 early this month from a sporting goods store along Interstate 10 in west Houston.

The theft occurred about 3:30 p.m. July 3 at the store in the 8900 block of the Katy Freeway near Blalock, according to the Hedwig Village Police Department.

Police said after the suspects walked into the store, the man went to the gun counter and looked at firearms. Then he signaled the woman to distract the cashier while he used a key to open the display showcase of collector's guns. He reached in and grabbed a blue steel Colt Python handgun.

The man shoved the gun into his pants waistband, covered it with his shirt and walked out of the store with his accomplice without paying for the weapon.

The pair drove away from the store in a black Nissan Murano sport utility vehicle.

The man is described as thin, between 50 and 60 years old. He wore a tan baseball cap, blue, long-sleeve shirt and dark pants with patches on the legs.

The woman is described as between 40 and 45 years old. She is about 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. She wore a white, long-sleeve shirt and black pants.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or online at www.crime-stoppers.org. Tips may also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 and tips to CRIMES.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects or charges being filed against them.

All tipsters remain anonymous.
AUSTIN - A group of Hispanic voters has filed a lawsuit challenging how Texas selects judges to its top two courts, arguing that statewide elections for the state Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals dilutes the voting strength of minorities.

The suit is the latest to allege the state's election structure violates federal rules to protect blacks and Hispanics at the ballot box - and it is the most recent legal fight over whether at-large election systems in Texas unfairly hinder minorities.

Seven Hispanic voters, including the wife of a state senator from El Paso, are contending in the lawsuit that minorities for decades have been essentially shut out of the process of electing judges to serve on Texas' two highest courts. The current system, they argue, violates the Voting Rights Act.

The Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals respectively are the final authorities in the state on civil litigation and criminal manners. Nine judges are elected to each court for six-year terms via staggered statewide elections.

Filed in federal court in Corpus Christi, the lawsuit says the "white bloc voting in support of their preferred candidates has repeatedly led to the defeat of candidates preferred by Latino voters."

The lawsuit is calling for statewide elections to select the judges to be replaced with nine single-member districts, of which at least two could be made up of majority-minority districts.

"Texas's Latino voters are politically cohesive, and elections for both courts at issue reflect a clear pattern of racially polarized voting that allows the bloc of white voters to usually defeat the Latino community's preferred candidate," according to the lawsuit.

Attorney General Ken Paxton's office declined to comment.

Across Texas, at-large elections systems are being challenged in lawsuits where the Latino population is growing and expected to expand in coming decades.

The most prominent has been in Pasadena, a Houston suburb, where the City Council approved new redistricting plans in 2013 to replace two of the city's eight single-member districts with seats elected citywide.

Richard Murray, a political scientist at the University of Houston, said Hispanics represent a huge swath of the state's population growth but have reaped few political rewards in the process, especially when it comes to elections for the state's top two courts.

"Now with a larger population and better political organization it might be a good time for an attack on the system," he said, noting the timing of the suit could be politically advantageous for the Hispanic voters suing the state.

The lawsuit points to the population rise of minorities in Texas, citing census data from 2000 to 2010 that shows the Hispanic population grew from 32 percent to nearly 38 percent, while white residents declined from 53 percent to about 45 percent.

Yet only three Hispanic judges have sat on the Supreme Court and only one on the Court of Criminal Appeals since 2002, according to the lawsuit. One member of each current court is Hispanic.

No Hispanic candidate, according to the lawsuit, has been elected to either court without first being appointed by the governor. And even in the instances when that happens, "few, if any, were the Latino community's candidate of choice," the lawsuit says.

"The system is set up right now so that the collective voting strength of the Hispanic community is eviscerated," said Rolando Rios, a San Antonio civil rights lawyer who is part of the team suing the state.

Rios also was part of a team of lawyers in a case from 1988 when the League of United Latin American Citizens sued over how Texas selects trial judges. In that case LULAC argued that county-wide elections to select district court judges diluted minority voting strength, but the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the process after years of litigation.
Jerry A. Ramsey, 62, of Houston, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

He was born March 2, 1954, in Red Bluff, Calif., son of Newton C. and Violet M. Pitman Ramsey.

He served with the Army during the 1980s.

He was a musician by trade who loved playing music with his family and friends.

He was saved and was a Christian who dearly loved his Lord and Savior.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his stepdaughter, Chelsea Richards.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers.

Survivors include five sisters; one twin brother; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Graveside services with military honors are 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com.
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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.

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South Koreas National Tax Service is conducting a tax probe into Huawei Korea, the local branch of Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies, on suspicion of offshore tax evasion, the company told the Korea Times on July 26.

Investigators from the Seoul branch of the National Tax Service are currently examining the transactions between Huawei Korea and its headquarters in Shenzhen, in south China, the report said. The audit is part of a regular tax audit to which the company submits every five years, according to the report. Companies with sales of more than 500 billion won (2.9 million yuan ) are subject to these regular audits.

The latest audit took place after Huawei and Samsung, South Koreas largest cellphone manufacturer, fired on each other over infringements on 4G-related patents in the past three months.

In May, Huawei sued Samsung Electronics in the U.S. and China, claiming that the Korean IT giant infringed on as many as 11 patents related to the industry standard for fourth-generation (4G) mobile devices.

On July 22, Samsung countersued Huawei for patent infringements through multiple courts in China, escalating the legal conflict between the smart phone rivals.

This audit is the latest case of the Chinese company being hit by the Korean government.

Last month, the prosecution raided Huawei's local unit in downtown Seoul, seizing documents related to the case of a Korean executive of the firm suspected of stealing telecommunications technology from Ericsson-LG, according to South Korean media.

Huawei shipped 108 million smartphones to destinations across the globe in 2015, a figure dwarfed only by Apple's 231.5 million iPhones and Samsungs 317.2 million phones shipped in the same period.

But Huawei has topped both Samsung and Apple in the Chinese market. According to Strategy Analytics data, in 2015, Huawei shipped 62.2 million units, making the company second only to another Chinese smart phone manufacturer, Xiaomi.

Huawei finding success on global patent battlefield

Chinese media has reported that Ren Zhengfei, or Richard Ren, founder and CEO of Huawei, predicted a war over patents between telecoms operators and terminal equipment manufacturers years ago.

Huaweis high-profile war against Samsung, the worlds number one smart phone maker, helps advertise its own brand recognition worldwide, and build a reputation as a high-tech holder (I mean it holds key, important technologies). Seeking compensation from possible patent violations is also a common practice among global high-tech companies to protect their due benefits, read one comment on Guancha, a Chinese news website.

Huawei logged $9.2 billion in R&D spending in 2015, significantly more than Apples $8.1 billion.

In recent years, Huawei has continued establishing its patent strength, whether through cross-licensing agreement or lawsuits.

In January 2016, Ericsson and Huawei agreed to extend their global patent licensing agreement, which enabled Huawei to access and implement Ericsson's standard essential patents and technologies globally.

Ren was reportedly very happy about the collaboration. He commented, Its like I got a pass to the world, according to Guancha.

On July 5, Huawei filed a lawsuit against T-Mobile U.S., claiming that T-Mobile has been using Huaweis patented 4G wireless network technology without paying for it.

For the Samsung case, Huawei's intellectual property chief indicated in an interview with the Korea Times that the company was seeking permission to use some of Samsung's technologies rather than asking for financial remuneration.

According to a report from the Guangdong Intellectual Property Office, Huawei licenced 769 patents to Apple in 2015, while the American company offered Huawei 98 patents in return. It has also been revealed that Apple currently pays patent fees to the Chinese telecommunications giant to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

Previously, Chinese smartphone manufacturers have been thwarted in their pursuit of success in the global market, due to failure in patent lawsuits.

In December 2014, a court forced Xiaomi to stop selling its phones in India after Ericsson claimed that the upstart company had infringed upon its patents.
About Webcast

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) averages roughly 3,000 audits per year. If targeted, would your organization be ready?



Can you relate to the many organizations that tend to quickly write their Affirmative Action Plans without securing time to clean the data and ensure accuracy? Then, when the audit notice arrives, there is a scramble to clean and submit the data.



If you are a federal contractor or a subcontractor, receiving an audit scheduling letter from OFCCP may be one of your biggest fears. Its easy to know enough about audits to dread them, but do you really know what an OFCCP audit would entail? To maximize your chances of successfully closing an audit with no negative findings or violations, you need to proactively resolve any potential issues well ahead of time.



Join Dr. Murray Simpson for an upcoming audit management webcast, where he will answer key questions such as:



How are organizations selected for an audit?

What are the steps involved in an OFCCP compliance audit?

What is the OFCCP really looking for during an audit?

looking for during an audit? How can I properly prepare my organization for an audit before a scheduling letter arrives?

What are some best practices that will help me submit the documents and data requested by the scheduling letter on time?

Peoplefluent specializes inAffirmative Action solutions that enable you to execute a comprehensive Affirmative Action Program with 100% technically compliant plans. Our team of industry experts can provide everything from Affirmative Action Plan development to in-depth quantitative analysis of adverse impact, OFCCP audit-support, detailed Good Faith Efforts management, and flexible options for training.

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illionaire retail tycoon who sold his loss-making chain of stores for 1 (NZ$1.87) to a serial-bankrupt has been described by UK lawmakers as ultimately responsible for the collapse of the company and the resulting 571 million (NZ$1 billion) pension-pot deficit.British Home Stores (BHS) went into administration in April, costing 11,000 jobs and leaving a gaping hole in its pension fund, just over a year after Sir Phillip Green sold the company to businessman Dominic Chappell.Green, who owned BHS for 15 years, has now been condemned by UK lawmakers who have criticised the sale of the business to Chappell - who has a history of bankruptcies and no retail experience.In a damning report, the UK Parliament's Work and Pensions and Business Committees described Greens rush to push through with the sale of BHS as being the culmination of a sorry litany of failures of corporate governance and greed".The committees said Green had a "moral duty" to find a resolution for the hole in BHSs pension pot, which will leave 20,000 pensioners facing significant cuts to their income if not filled.Green, Chappell, and assorted company directors and advisers all got richer or rich from the part they played in the failure of BHS, the committees said, with the losers being the ordinary employees and pensioners, according to a Reuters report.Green is under mounting pressure to find a solution for the deficit, which increased as the UK government said in a statement on Saturday that Greens knighthood, awarded in 2006 for services to retail, was under review.The committees will now launch new inquiries into gaps in company law and pension regulation, after the collapse of BHS raised wider questions about loopholes in the law.
keys state-run Turkish Airlines has sacked 211 employees due to nonfulfillment of performance standards, just 10 days after a failed coup by members of the Turkish military.Turkish Airlines released a statement on Monday stating that it had cancelled the contracts of the employees, effective 22 July, due to the nonfulfillment of performance standards and aligning with the necessary actions we are taking against the FETO structure and attitudes and behaviors conflicting with the interest of our country and company, Business Insider reports.FETO refers to an organisation which the Turkish government believes is behind the attempted coup which took place on 15 July and left over 265 people dead.Among those let go was a deputy chief executive responsible for the airline's financial affairs, aviation news site Airporthaber reported.Justifying the decision to terminate hundreds of its employees, the airline said in its statement: As Turkish Airlines, united with all of the heroic and honourable Turkish people, we have acknowledged our responsibility to terminate malevolent, illegal attempts.Under any circumstances, we have and will continue to fulfil our responsibility to contribute to democracy.The airline, which is 49 per cent government-owned, is Europe's fourth-biggest carrier and was named as the worlds seventh best airline earlier this month by Skytrax.In a separate development, landline operator Turk Telekom, which is 30 per cent state-owned, sacked 198 people on Friday in "cooperation with the security forces", stating that some managers had been summoned by prosecutors for testimony in connection with the coup investigation, Straits Times reported.
Canada's previous government loved to tout its economy's relative strength coming out of the Great Recession of 2008.

Data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows there's some truth to its boasts.

Canada emerged in the top half of countries when it came to real wage growth from 2007 through 2015, said a news release from the U.K.'s Trades Union Congress (TUC).

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Canadian wages have grown by 9.4 per cent, eight spots shy of top-placed Poland, whose wages grew by 23 per cent in the same period.

The TUC compiled the numbers in an effort to show that U.K.'s wages fell just as much as Greece's did  by 10.4 per cent.

Canada didn't exactly enjoy good news when it came to employment, however.

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The Great White North ranked in the bottom half of countries when it came to employment, dropping 1.7 per cent from 2007 to 2015.

It wasn't, however, anywhere near the worst. That was Greece, which saw its employment fall nine per cent, followed by Spain with 8.5 per cent and Ireland with 7.0 per cent.

Those are, of course, only two indications of how Canada's economy has performed since the Great Recession. Others have hacked away at Canada's pride in its economic results since the financial crisis.

A graph released by BMO in 2013 showed that Canada's economy only did slightly better than the U.S.'s.

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Data released by the U.S. Commerce Department at the time showed that the U.S. economy didn't plunge as deeply amid the recession as people thought.

From peak to trough, America's GDP fell by 4.3 per cent between 2008 and 2009, compared to 4.2 per cent in Canada.

The U.S. economy actually did better than Canada's in subsequent years, climbing above it in 2011 and 2012.

BMO economist Douglas Porter told The Wall Street Journal at the time he had a tough time believing those numbers.

So tough, in fact, that they helped him conclude that GDP is not a strong measure of a country's economy.

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China has become the 70th country to ratify the United Nation's Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) Convention, the global standard for international freight customs transit.

The application of the TIR system will provide China with the opportunity to unify its exports under a single, simplified transit procedure to EU countries for all modes of transport. Chinese freight containers will travel all the way to Ireland without being opened for customs checks. The international guarantee scheme is a first step toward putting the legal framework of the Belt and Road Initiative into action.

"Chinas accession to the TIR Convention will open new, efficient and faster transport opportunities and transport routes between China and Europe. It can become a real game changer for international trade and is a strong contribution to the Chinese vision for 'One Road, One Belt,'" said United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) executive secretary Christian Friis Bach.

China's accession to TIR is closely related to the country's promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, said Zhang Guihong, executive dean of the U.N. Studies Center of Fudan University, in an interview with thepaper.cn.

Delivering his keynote speech at the Boao Asia Forum on March 29, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed that the "One Belt, One Road" project is to generate over $2.5 trillion in trade within 10 years.

The average travel period for Chinese freight containers from China to Europe will be shortened from the current 28 days to just one or two weeks, said UNECE spokesperson, Jean Rodriguez.

The United Nations Secretary-General has confirmed that the TIR Convention will come into effect in China on Jan. 5, 2017.
If you thought Mick Jagger had a large family (seven kids, plus one on the way), think again! The title of Britains biggest family actually goes to the Radfords, who recently welcomed their 19th child.

Lancashire couple Sue and Noel Radford, of UKs 16 Kids and Counting fame, welcomed another baby girl on Sunday. The newest addition weighed seven pounds, 15 ounces.

We are so thrilled to announce the safe arrival of our precious baby girl Phoebe Willow Radford, the couple wrote on their blog. The children are totally besotted with the newest member of the family.

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Baby Phoebes birth comes just over a year after the couple welcomed their youngest, Hallie Alphia Beau, in June 2015.

After Hallie was born, the couple vowed that she would be their last, but that dream was short lived. In January, 41-year-old Sue revealed that the family was expecting again. And now that little Phoebe is finally here, it seems the Radfords are changing their tune.

Phoebe is so beautiful and I am happy to have her here safely for now  but never say never, the 41-year-old mom told UK newspaper The Sun.

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Last month, dad Noel, 45, revealed his similar thoughts, saying: If it happens it happens, thats how we roll.

The Radfords are now parents to 10 girls and nine boys: Chris, 27, Sophie, 22, Chloe, 21, Jack, 19, Daniel, 17, Luke, 15, Millie, 14, Katie, 13, James, 12, Ellie, 11, Aimee, ten, Josh, nine, Max, seven, Tilly, six, Oscar, four, Casper, three, Hallie, 13 months, and newborn Phoebe.

In 2014, the couple lost their son Alfie at 21 weeks.

Sue became pregnant for the first time at the age of 14. Despite her and her husbands young age, the couple decided to keep the baby. The Radfords married four years later and welcomed their second child and continued to grow their family.

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According to Mirror UK, the couple originally planned to have three kids, but they loved the experience of parenthood so much that they kept going.

Despite having such a large family  21 members in total!  the Radfords, who own a successful bakery, manage to keep their kids happy and healthy. They even make sure to take them on a holiday once a year.

The Radford family is now on par with the biggest families in the U.S. and Canada. In the States, the Duggars, from Arkansas, have 19 kids and were featured on the TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting.

In Canada, the Collins of Peterborough, Ontario, are also known for having 19 kids. While mom Beatrice Collins passed away in 2010, she and her husband had an enormous family, with more than 50 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

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It looks like flower crowns really are getting replaced, and no, not by chokers, despite what Taylor Swift says.

Mermaid crowns are now all the rage thanks to Chelsea Shiels, a 27-year-old florist from Melbourne, Australia.

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Using excess seashells from beaches and suppliers in Australia, India and Hawaii, Shiels creates ornate headpieces that are perfect for channelling your inner mermaid, according to Cosmopolitan. Smaller crowns usually use up to 20 shells, while larger versions can use up to 50. Each piece is adorned with chains, wires, strings of pearls and sometimes even Swarovski crystals, and takes a few days to make and set.

"It is perhaps a more fortunate destiny to have a taste for collecting shells, than to be a millionaire" #seashells #oceanair #sandyfeet #nature #shellcrown #mermaid #love  A photo posted by Official Chelseas Flowercrowns (@chelseasflowercrowns) on Aug 18, 2015 at 1:05am PDT

Chelsea originally started out by making and selling flower crowns, but one day decided to create a crown out of seashells instead.

"I've always wanted to be Ariel, under the sea," Shiels told Cosmopolitan.com. "I'm a real beach bum. That was where my obsession with the sea and shells came from."

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A photo posted by Official Chelseas Flowercrowns (@chelseasflowercrowns) on Jul 2, 2016 at 11:17pm PDT

At first, she was hesitant to actually sell the mermaid crowns, because she was scared people would "think it was dumb to put shells on your head," but she eventually decided to share the magical creations with the rest of the world.

Now, business is booming for Chelsea, with customers in America and Europe purchasing her pieces.

"I took a risk and it seems to have paid off," she told Cosmopolitan.

Bad news is, the mermaid crowns are sold out on Chelsea's Etsy shop, but she did say on Instagram that she will be "posting heaps more on THURSDAY and MONDAY. Then two drops a week from there on in!"

In the meantime, you can check out more of her stunning creations below and figure out which one you will be wearing.

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A photo posted by Official Chelseas Flowercrowns (@chelseasflowercrowns) on May 27, 2016 at 4:42pm PDT

A photo posted by Official Chelseas Flowercrowns (@chelseasflowercrowns) on Aug 30, 2015 at 3:24am PDT

A photo posted by Official Chelseas Flowercrowns (@chelseasflowercrowns) on Aug 31, 2015 at 1:30am PDT

A photo posted by Official Chelseas Flowercrowns (@chelseasflowercrowns) on May 9, 2016 at 1:38am PDT

A photo posted by Official Chelseas Flowercrowns (@chelseasflowercrowns) on Apr 22, 2016 at 9:06pm PDT

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A photo posted by Official Chelseas Flowercrowns (@chelseasflowercrowns) on Jul 25, 2016 at 4:15pm PDT

Gorgeous, right?

Our only question is, will Snapchat be making a mermaid crown filter? (With permission, of course.)

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A customer at a Tennessee restaurant says she was sexually assaulted by a toy used by one of the chefs.

Isabelle Lassiter, her husband James and their family were watching the cook's show at Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Monday when a chef used a peeing doll to shoot water in her face, they told WTVF.

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The toy looks like a small boy that shoots water when its pants are pulled down.

"It was a sexual-style assault on my wife," James Lassiter told the outlet.

"(It happened) in front of our minor children and grandchildren."

Isabelle called police to file an assault report, according to NewsChannel 5.

In the report, the responding officer said that James claimed a server had used a toy figure with a penis to spray his wife, and that Isabelle felt she'd been assaulted.

The cop wrote that the chef admitted he sprayed Isabelle with the toy and showed the officer how it worked.

"I observed the toy to have no penis and just a hole for the water to shoot out," wrote the cop.

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"It peed on me, basically," said Isabelle Lassiter of the toy.

But the Lassiters said in a statement obtained by NewsChannel 5 that they don't care that the doll isn't anatomically correct.

"People are missing the point. This was a sexually-oriented toy meant for adults, [used] in front of minor children," they wrote.

"If the toy was in a bar, it'd be a different situation, but this was in a family restaurant with 13 to 14 year olds at the table. If people think it's so funny, why don't people go buy that toy and squirt a cop in the face with it and see what happens."

The couple has declined to file charges, according to WTVF.

The restaurant's owner told Fox 17 that in his more than 10 years running hibachi restaurants, no one has complained about the toy. In fact, children love it.

A lot of little kids walk in and they say 'You have the pee pee boy?' "You have the pee boy?' That's the first thing they always ask, said Johnny Huang.

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However, the "pee pee boy" will only show up from now on if someone asks about it, he said.

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Regis Duvignau / Reuters Cast member Leonardo DiCaprio arrives on the red carpet for the screening of the film 'The Great Gatsby' and for the opening ceremony of the 66th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes May 15, 2013. The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 15 to May 26. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT HEADSHOT)

You can always count on the British tabloid press -- and especially the Daily Mail -- to cover the hypocrisies of preachy U.S. movie stars. We all feel a bit queasy about the notion that we should do as stars say but not as they do; it's just that, unlike our newspapers, the British press won't stand for it.

So it's no surprise the Daily Mail's online platform (the most visited English-language newspaper website in the world) recently launched a few haymakers at the vaping VIP -- Leonardo DiCaprio.

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(Note to Leo: We've noticed all those vaping devices and e-cigarettes you're often photographed using. Igniting a fluid made up in part of nicotine and propylene glycol, a petrochemical, and then deeply inhaling its gas into your lungs on purpose is NOT the best use of our precious and valuable fossil fuel reserves -- or your lungs. To be honest, it makes me question your powers of reason. Think about it.)

The occasion of the Daily Mail piece was the third annual auction gala of the not-so-modestly-named Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Last week in mega-yacht-choked Saint-Tropez, the foundation raised more than C$50 million from the likes of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and continual campaigner Bono to support Leo's mission to protect the earth from climate change and environmental crisis.

Other eco-scientific heavyweights in attendance included Mariah Carey, Jonah Hill, Chris Rock, Naomi Campbell and Real Housewives of New York star Sonja Morgan -- all of them dragged over by SUV, chopper, private jet and luxury yacht. With that level of science education surrounding him, and the amount of guilt he must feel in connection with the greenhouse gas emissions he creates in his own image, is it any wonder that Leo can't tell an apocalypse from a Chinook?

The foundation announced earlier in July its largest ever round of grant making, a $15.6 million portfolio to fund -- among other things -- "the implementation of innovative solutions to combat climate change."

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OK Leo, stay with me. If you believe fossil fuels spell the end of civilization (I for one believe the opposite -- that our fossil fuels are a vital part of our future -- but this isn't about me), then the climate doomsayers ought to identify the low-hanging fruit and deal with it.

This is not complicated, Leo, so keep up. Do you and your entourage really need an over-sized, gas-guzzling and polluting SUV to get you to your over-sized, jet-fuel-guzzling and polluting chopper to get you to your over-sized, jet-fuel-guzzling and polluting private jet? Not really. You know how I know that?

Because in the photo of the private jet you used for last week's Foundation gala, I counted roughly only a half-dozen hangers-on. Isn't it obvious that you (and they) should have taken commercial flights instead not only to save you and/ or your foundation money, but also create much less GHG emissions in the process?

Look, I don't really begrudge DiCaprio his petrochemical-derived vaping or his fossil-fuel-based cell-phone technology. Vaping, yachts, choppers, private jets, schmoozing supermodels on the phone... for the anti-industry Hollywood elite, these are the simple pleasures.

But the problem is not only that Leo's science is so bad that he literally can't differentiate between a regularly occurring winter weather phenomenon in Alberta from an apocalypse, but also that his prescription has to be followed by everyone -- except for his close personal friends.

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We know the oceanfront of Saint-Tropez is a symbol for conspicuous energy consumption around the world. We've seen the dozens and dozens of super-yachts jammed against the Quai Jean Jaures in magazine pictures, yachts representing hundreds of thousands of diesel-generated horsepower. It's understandable that you would hold your gala there.

But unless we missed it, Leo, you didn't mount much of a protest against all that gas-emitting hardware. In fact, it seems to me you more or less championed it.

So, Leo, put me down with the Daily Mail. I still don't quite get you.

Cody Battershill is a Calgary realtor and founder / spokesperson for CanadaAction.ca, a volunteer organization that supports Canadian energy development and the environmental, social and economic benefits that come with it.
File Photo

The simmering feud between Larry, the Downing Street's tabby, and Palmerston, the Foreign Office's feline, shows no sign of abating.

Larry made a triumphant return to the corridors of power this week after their latest fight.

Palmerston tried to sneak into the Prime Minister's home on Tuesday, but the cat was spotted by a security guard who quickly grabbed him and dumped him outside on the pavement.

Palmerston then came face to face with Larry and the pair had a small stand-off.

Larry has been involved in scuffles in the street with Palmerston in recent weeks. One of these fights is thought to have resulted in Larry getting an injured right front paw, which required veterinary treatment.

No 10 Downing Street, the home of British Prime Minister Theresa May, is just across the street from the UK's Foreign Office.

Larry arrived in 2011 to take care of the mouse problem at the prime minister's residence. Palmerston, however, is a newcomer, having arrived in April.
Crews work to clean up an oil spill on the North Saskatchewan river near Maidstone, Sask. on Friday July 22, 2016. Husky Energy has said between 200,000 and 250,000 litres of crude oil and other material leaked into the river on Thursday from its pipeline. (Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)

On the TV news and in newspapers, we have seen that a pipeline, property of Husky Oil, has spilled more than 200,000 litres of petroleum in the North Saskatchewan River.

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The oil slick is rapidly moving downstream, polluting the river bottom as well as the drinking water of wildlife, livestock and the citizens living in its watershed. The mayor of Prince Albert, Mr. Greg Dionne, has declared a state of emergency in his city. The city water purification plant must stop pumping water from the river because the oil slick is approaching its water intake.

This emergency is worse than a boil advisory. Boiling the water will destroy harmful bacteria (usually E. Coli), thereby making it fit to drink again. But how do you "kill" petroleum? So this is a "drinking water advisory." In other words, don't let this tainted water touch your body, don't drink it, don't cook your food in it and don't shower with it!

But animals must have drinking water, too. The citizens of North Battleford and Prince Albert could be forced to live in this unacceptable straightjacket for months. A temporary 30-kilometre water pipeline might partially solve the problem for the moment, but it would freeze during the winter if the emergency lasts more than four months!

When politicians ask that Manitobans, Ontarians, Quebecers and New Brunwickers authorize Energy East, these promoters are demanding that we should be constantly at risk of such a giant spill.

Even if Husky Oil pays for some damages, what about the financial losses of farmers and local businesses? What about the anxiety that every citizens faces as he or she tries to cope with the situation on an hour by-hour basis? And what about a sound and beautiful environment? No insurance money can totally pay for such losses.

In Quebec, we have sympathy for the plight of the people of Prince Albert. On Jan. 15, 2015, a tank containing diesel fuel contaminated the water purification plant of the south shore city of Longueuil. This left 300,000 people without access to water for three days.

Accidents like these should be a lesson for the citizens of Canada: no pipeline is totally safe. Presently, there are a number of pipelines projects that are awaiting approval by the National Energy Board (NEB). Among them, Energy East would see 1,100,000 barrels per day of diluted bitumen (dilbit) travel over 4,600 kilometres to the East Coast and cross more than 800 rivers, streams, ditches and marshlands. If built, that pipeline would carry more than 2,000 litres of heavy oil per second.

At the BAPE (Quebec's equivalent of the NEB), TransCanada admitted that if its sensors worked right, and the people in its control center reacted correctly, it could stop the flow of oil in 13 minutes. That means that if every thing goes right, "only" 1,560,000 litres of heavy oil would escape. In real life, 13 minutes between the detection of a leak and its complete stop is overly optimistic. In this case, Husky Oil needed 14 hours. And in 2010, Enbridge, in Michigan's Kalamazoo River, required 17 hours.

One must remember that the crossing of the Ottawa river between Hawkesbury and Rigaud is technically difficult from an engineering point of view. A giant spill, upstream of Montreal, would leave 3.5 million in the same situation as the people of Prince Albert and North Battleford.

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Such unfortunate incidents can become a springboard to change our way of living that depends so heavily on fossil fuels. We should be thinking along the lines of the Conference of Paris -- to keep climate change within acceptable ranges, mankind must move rapidly towards a low-carbon economy.

On the other hand, if we increase our dependence on oil, thereby producing more greenhouses gases (GHC) we will face increasingly bizarre and costly weather events such as hurricanes, heavy downpour and droughts. Giant forest fires, caused by extreme dryness, are also costly.

When politicians, such as Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, ask that Manitobans, Ontarians, Quebecers and New Brunwickers authorize Energy East, these promoters are demanding that we should be constantly at risk of such a giant spill. There are no risk-free oil technologies!

The same argument applies to British Columbians and First Nations who are opposed to the Northern Gateway and TransMountain pipelines that run towards the West Coast -- or, for that matter, to Enbridge's old Line 9B towards Montreal. Each litre of oil will contaminate one million litres of water. Oil and water don't mix.

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Last week, I was referred to a TED Talk delivered by Marwa Al-Sabouni, an architect from Homs, Syria, which reinforced the value of integrating diverse points of view in planning, architecture and design.

Reflecting on the destruction of Homs's built environment after six years of war, Ms. Al-Sabouni argued that a century of divisive urbanism encouraged classicism, bigotry, hatred and ultimately war.

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Architecture plays a key role in social cohesion, and Ms. Al-Sabouni's argument for rebuilding her home city using the principles of inclusiveness exemplifies the unique problem-solving our industry can offer when more voices, female and otherwise, are added to the conversation.

I had written previously that female leadership ties ideas to outcomes to create a path to change that aligns with the language of community. Ms. Al-Sabouni's ideas for change make me proud to be a female architect and motivated to encourage more women to join the profession.

So it's concerning when I see surveys that find one out of five women architects would not encourage another woman to start a career in architecture. Let's pause to consider that finding. One out of five women would tell a peer, maybe even a mentee, to not even begin the process of becoming a licenced architect, let alone encourage her to stay committed to a career path that takes at least ten years to be promoted into middle management.

Our world is in dire need of community builders like Ms. Al-Sabouni. It's why I promote gender equality in architecture, and advocate for a shift in gender perceptions in the industry. We need focused attention on our homes, workplaces, schools, public spaces, neighbourhoods and communities that embrace the diversity of cultures, beliefs, preferences, education and economics of an interconnected world. This stimulates pride, well-being, purpose, tolerance and prosperity. We well know a focus on money does not bring prosperity, a focus on our core values, vision, passion and open-mindedness does.

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Closer to home, this architecture of inclusiveness can be seen in the continued development of two current community initiatives. The ongoing revitalization of Toronto's Regent Park from an island of social housing to a mixed income live-learn-work-play neighbourhood, and Toronto's Alexandra Park social housing community into a mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhood.

The latter's master plan for renewal was led by late urban planner Andrea Gabor, and includes mandates that prevent current tenants and co-op housing owners from being displaced, preserving the sense of home and belonging.

I spent four years living in Shanghai as B+H's Managing Director. Sadly, there has not been much of this kind of community-building revitalization in the recent mass urbanization of Chinese cities. There, I saw endlessly repeated concrete, tall, city blocks with eight-lane roadways and tidy landscaping built in place of existing neighbourhoods that were leveled to the ground, but it appears things are changing for the better.

Recently we see market-driven demand for developments in Tier 2 cities called "urban living rooms" by Calxon Group, where new mixed-use communities are respectful of scale and density and promote live-learn-work-play communities where pedestrian and bicycle circulation are once again embraced.

While I'm not suggesting that this community-minded development is solely the domain of a woman's point of view, it does signal a paradigm shift where inclusiveness is becoming more of a top priority when we consider our built environments. It's a shift that will hopefully embrace architects like Marwa Al-Sabouni and support them as they live and work in their chosen profession in a diverse, inclusive, humane and prosperous community.

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Abdirahman Abdi, an Ottawa resident, passed away under tragic circumstances. From what we learned from some witnesses and reporters, Mr. Abdi didn't seem to have an arm, a gun or any violent object in his possession. He died in front of his building, most likely looking for some help. That help didn't come. Instead, the police beat him and handcuffed him. His family that emigrated from Somalia, presumably to flee chaos and lawlessness, found themselves with the body of their loved ones laying in a pool of blood on the ground. Law and order are not necessarily synonymous with justice and peace.

Abdirahman was black, Somali and Muslim. Many people said that he suffers from some mental health issues. All the ingredients came together to make of him the "perfect" candidate for profiling, arrest and suspicion.

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It is not a secret that there have been many incidents in Ottawa and Ontario in the past years related to the issue of race and profiling. In our strong desire to be seen as culturally different and more sensitive than the United States, we can't hastily dismiss that race is not an issue in Canada, and particularly in Ottawa. Last year, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association summarized the history of racial profiling and policing.

Police accountability has never been a strength on the federal, provincial and local levels. We are still lacking independent civil and bodies that would investigate the actions of law enforcement when such tragic incidents happen.

Despite the existence of some institutions like the Ontario Ombudsman, there is a lot to be achieved in that direction to entrench accountability in our system, especially in police forces. Even when race isn't involved, investigations about police forces are still shrouded in secrecy and the public isn't always provided with a full picture.

justice for #AbdirahmanAbdi when being black muslim and mentally ill leads to ur murder by cops #BlackLivesMatterpic.twitter.com/M0l5n93b7n -- vimto mami (@lunarnomad) July 25, 2016

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Accountability goes beyond the case of Mr. Abdi. Accountability is the glue that holds together a diverse society with democratic institutions.

The mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson, didn't attend the vigil organized by the city councillor of the area, Jeff Leiper. He was even late in issuing a statement to offer his condolences to the family. That is very disappointing.

Reasons like vacation or holidays are not understood in these emotionally charged moments. If his absence means something, it means that he implicitly sided to "protect" his police officers. This is not a sign of leadership from a politician. He should be fair and objective, but most importantly in these tragic circumstances, he should show compassion.

Community groups are not only an exotic photo opp to be taken during cultural festivals and folkloric dances in order to show the multicultural aspect of our Canadian culture. Community groups need and deserve leadership in times of sorrow and questioning.

Last fall, Ahmed Hussen was the first Canadian Somali (York South-Weston) to be elected to Parliament. That was portrayed by national and even international media as a huge symbol of integration and refugee success stories, and indeed it was.

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We also understand that the death of Abdirahman Abdi didn't happen in the riding of Mr. Hussen and that he isn't necessarily obligated to be commenting on all events about Canadian Somali community. Nevertheless, at one point he was the national president of the Canadian Somali Congress, and the death of Mr. Abdi is not just any death. In that regard, there is some moral responsibility that to our knowledge wasn't shown. Multiculturalism can't be just a static symbol, it should have real impact on people's lives, especially when some affected communities are struggling for answers and reassurance.

After the 9-11 attacks, former Prime Minister Jean Chretien went with a delegation of Canadian politicians to visit the Ottawa Main Mosque. His gesture showed leadership and sent a sign to the Muslim community that despite the difficult times, they were safe in their own country.

Alexa McDonough, leader of the New Democratic Party at that time, stood up in the House of Commons, famously saying that "Muhammad, Fatima and Osama are Canadian names" after some Muslim kids were reported being bullied in schools for having the same name as Osama bin Laden.

Of course, these were heavier and much more difficult circumstances, but the behaviour and attitudes of politicians tell more about their leadership than the events themselves.

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Arguably one of the achievements of the junior doctors' strikes has been the impact they have had on the government's contract negotiations with GPs and consultants. The new consultant contract negotiations started in October 2013 but were derailed when the junior doctors refused to roll over in the way that the Department of Health had anticipated causing the government to lose its appetite to fight the medical profession on two fronts. Hopefully, the will to resist demonstrated by the junior doctors will give the government pause for thought before it tries to steamroller a contract through on the consultants.

The junior doctor dispute has not been particularly edifying for either side. Nobody likes to see doctors on strike. Nobody likes to see a government abusing its position as a monopoly employer to worsen working conditions for employees.

Many unkind and unfair things have been said about junior doctors during this dispute, both by politicians and some branches of the media, in a relentless attempt to denigrate them. Not only have they had to suffer through the manipulation of statistics by Jeremy Hunt, but also media headlines such as the notorious 'moet medics' campaign run by the Sun which sought to reveal the obscene truth that doctors sometimes go on holiday. It seems that the consultants had better stand by for some of the same.

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The BBC was never much of an advocate for the junior doctors. It's coverage of the strikes, when it chose to cover them at all, was generally limited to fawning interviews with Jeremy Hunt (when he chose to give them), or pointing out how many operations had been cancelled as a result of the strike. Never the less, it is still surprising that, with the announcement that the consultant contract negotiations have restarted, the BBC has gone full throttle into State TV mode with a smear campaign that must have Jeremy Hunt smiling into his morning glass of virgin's blood.

Running as one of their top stories on the morning of the 27th July, the BBC reported on the money some consultants earn in overtime. The attention grabbing headline 'NHS consultant paid 375,000 in Overtime', could have read 'Skilled Professional gets Paid for Doing Extra Work'. Of course, this is an extraordinary amount of extra pay and I can only assume it arose from extraordinary circumstances. But it is just that - extraordinary. The same article informs us that the average overtime earned by a consultant is around 13,000 each year and let's not lose sight of the fact that this is money for extra work, on top of a full time job, carried out at nights or weekends.

In general, consultants will get around 150 per hour for such work. This may still sound like a lot of money but I suspect it is far less than it would cost you to get any other equivalently qualified professional, a barrister for example, to take on extra, out of hours work, and it is definitely far less than the same consultants could earn working a shift for a private healthcare provider.

In presenting the story in this way the BBC has done exactly what the government would wish it to do; it has shifted the blame from the government, who have not properly funded the health system, to the consultants who are being paid at market rates to plug holes in an understaffed and underinvested NHS.

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The days of flying and flopping on the beach are behind us it seems, at least when it comes to a honeymoon. New research from Westin Hotels found that with couples marrying later, they're often looking for something different from the holiday.

And often, that means more. The number of couples who have visited more than one destination on their honeymoon has doubled over the past five years, rising from 35% to 70%. So if you're looking to pack in more to your once-in-a-lifetime trip, here's some inspiration to get you started.

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Twin centre adventure

Try a taste of everything with a trip split between Guatemala and Belize, for culture, rainforest, wildlife and beach, not to mention volcanoes and lakes.

There's no need to miss any little luxuries (you are on honeymoon) with stylish places to stay such as a restored 17th century monastery in colonial Antigua, Guatemala, and Francis Ford Coppola's luxurious jungle lodge, along with dreamy beach resorts in Belize. Specialist Journey Latin America can tailormake trips, or try the two-week Volcanoes, Lakes & Desert Islands honeymoon.

Safari and de-stress

What could be more memorable than a safari honeymoon, seeing animals in their natural habitat? Zambia is home to one of Africa's finest wildlife sanctuaries, as well as the Victoria Falls and the chance to see game from the Zambezi River.

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Then team that with the chance to relax on the shores of Lake Malawi National Park at a gorgeous beach lodge with a difference. Robin Pope Safaris has a luxurious trip covering the highlights of Zambia and Malawi.

Take a tour

You can pack plenty in without needing to venture beyond the borders of a single country, and Vietnam is one of the most temptingly seductive destinations around. From fascinating culture to fabulous food, gorgeous scenery and colonial charm, working your way across the country will be unforgettable.

Discover stunning Halong Bay, as well as Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi, sail on the Mekong Delta and lounge on the beach with an Ultimate Vietnam trip from Experience Travel, as well as more relaxed itineraries.

City and country

One of the classic honeymoon combinations mixes some city style with the beautiful countryside - and you don't even have to leave the UK for a romantic getaway, from the buzzing cities to stunning scenery of Scotland.

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McKinlay Kidd specialises in tailormade honeymoons in Scotland and Ireland - foodies will love the Scottish Seafood Trail heading up the west coast from Glasgow, with amazing views and some great local produce. Perfect for a minimoon as well.

Take a cruise

A cruise is the perfect way to take the strain out of travel - you can see a series of places without having to rush between them, enjoying food, drink and the views of the sea instead.

Perhaps the most romantic option is a Star Clipper cruise with the billowing sails of a traditional tall ship sweeping you across the ocean. As well as new Asia itineraries added for this year, there are trips across the Caribbean, around the idyllic Greek islands and through the Panama Canal.

The romantic road trip

America might be the home of the road trip but it's far from the only option - look to New Zealand instead and you can mix vineyards with snow-capped mountains, urban exploring with adrenaline thrills and wonderful scenery galore.

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If you have time to spare, choose a route taking in both the North and South Islands, visiting the cities of Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown and Auckland, plus Rotorua and the beautiful Bay of Islands and Milford Sound. New Zealand Sky arranges self-drive honeymoons with boutique accommodation along the way too.

Desert adventure

If you fancy snorkelling and diving, canyoning in the mountains and star-gazing among the dunes, plus some five-star luxury, there's only one place to look - Oman. If you really want to get away from it all, you can even head out to the Empty Quarter in the south for a private camping experience.

At the other end of the scale, there are hotels so luxurious you'll find it hard to tear yourself away - Six Senses Zighy Bay and the Chedi Muscat stand out, and you can even paraglide into the former. The icing on the cake is that there's no jetlag. Original Travel can put together trips with as much (or little) adventure as you want.

Culture and chill

Perhaps you don't want to spend your whole honeymoon on the beach - but those palm-fringed white sands can be hard to resist. So how about combining the sights of Sri Lanka, including its ancient cities, tea plantations and wildlife of the national parks before hopping across to a private island resort in the Maldives, just a short flight away.

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Barefoot Traveller has a twin-centre honeymoon with private car and driver, luxury hotels and the option to tailor-make everything from activities to sightseeing.

For more romantic ideas visit 101 Honeymoons
On Tuesday, 26 July, the government published its long awaited plan for addressing the problem of hate crime, Action Against Hate: The UK Government's Plan for Tackling Hate Crime. And, once again, disability hate speech has been put to the back of queue.

In response to recommendations from disability rights groups, academics like myself, and the Women and Equalities Select Committee for the government to extend existing offences of stirring up hatred (on grounds of race, religion or sexual orientation) to cover disability and transgender identity, the government's new plan of action is to take no action. That is, 'Government will consider these [recommendations].'

The government has already been considering these recommendations since the Law Commission recommended against extending the stirring up offences back in 2014. Further consideration is not a bad thing per se, so long as it leads to the right action. But in the meantime the stirring up of hatred against people with disabilities carries on unabated.

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The government's action plan was published on the same day that Satoshi Uematsu, a former employee at a facility for people with disabilities in Japan, killed 19 innocent people ostensibly for no other reason than that they were disabled.

Earlier in the year Uematsu had written a letter to the government claiming that people with disabilities 'can only create misery', arguing for the legalisation of euthanasia for people with disabilities, and declaring that he would be willing and able to euthanise people himself.

Of course, the authorities in Japan acted on this threat to commit murder, based on parts of the letter, by ordering Uematsu to undergo psychological assessment. But they did not punish him for stirring up hatred against people with disabilities, based on other parts of the letter.

Setting aside words that threaten violence and words that directly incite violence or discrimination, if someone like Uematsu today writes an open letter to the government in the UK stirring up hatred against people with disabilities, using threatening language with intent to stir up hatred, but no more, he or she will face no legal action.

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Uematsu, it seems, was suffering from at least one psychological illness or disorder. Ironically, it would also be perfectly legal at present for someone to publish an article that stirs up hatred against people on grounds of mental disability.

What I am calling for is for the government to extend existing stirring up offences to cover disability. Amongst many other reasons for this extension (consistency, prevention of a climate of hatred, symbolic value), there is the reason that the legislation might help the police to tackle disability hate speech that can act either as a gateway to or as an early indicator of more violent hate crimes.

Just because the stirring up of hatred is not done by an organised 'hate group'  think of neo-Nazi groups  it does not mean it can be ignored. There can be lone wolf cases. Indeed, laws may be justified in making sure that we never again see the rise of an organised hate group committed to the involuntary euthanasia of people with disabilities, as was the case in Nazi Germany.

Nowadays, a great deal of stirring up of hatred takes place online through Internet messaging services, social networking websites, file sharing sites, Internet forums and chat rooms. One possible explanation for the rise in the number of reported incidents of hate crime, both before and after Brexit, is increased use of social media technology, which often provokes our darkest and least considered responses to events and to other people. Another is that the Internet itself has played an important in enabling disability rights groups and the police to educate people about their rights and what legal measures are available to report and seek redress for hate crimes. Disability rights groups and the Police have used the Internet to get their message across almost as adeptly as hate speech use it to circulate theirs.
Ever since the attempted coup in Turkey on 15th July where at least 208 people were killed and more than 1400 injured, I have been meaning to contribute a blog that reflects my thoughts on the dramatic events in Istanbul and Ankara as well as the still evolving situation in this important geostrategic and NATO-allied country.

However, I hesitated for almost two weeks before putting 'pen to paper' not because I had nothing to say about the topic itself but rather because I am Armenian. And it is my experience that when an Armenian - almost any Armenian, with very few exceptions - writes about Turkey, the reaction is prickly at best and virulent at worst.

Why, the more naive reader might well ask me? Well, it is simply a case of history gone sour since WWI when the Ottoman Empire committed acts of genocide against Armenians across the country. So any commentary by an Armenian - such as I - would alas be prone to close scrutiny, carping comments or dismissive asides no matter how objective or tempered the analysis. But never mind, let me plough on!

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I am long enough in the tooth to recall the early 1900's when AKP came into power and Recep Tayyip Erdogan became prime minister. For a country that had lived through so many military putsches let alone financial meltdowns, I quite quickly opined that this man might perhaps stabilise the country. Coming from a devout Muslim background, it was my belief - and of many Western pundits - that he would prove to a sceptical world that Islam and democracy could exist side-by-side. Not only so, but he would also be a positive challenge to the Arab World to get their own sordid act together. On an ethnocentric level, I genuinely thought that relations between Armenia and Turkey - therefore between Armenians and Turks - would improve considerably too.

So convinced was I of my worldview then that I made it a point to visit the Consul-General of Turkey in Jerusalem on a monthly basis in the Nineties in order to brief him on the Oslo second-track negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis that I was involved with on behalf of the Churches of Jerusalem. And when the Marmara / Izmit earthquake devastated Turkey on 17 August 1999, I used the authority of my office (then) to collect a substantial contribution toward the humanitarian efforts in the country. I recall that the Consul-General and I met at the famed American Colony for a meal one evening and I then went to the Consulate-General the following day with a delegation of 7 church hierarchs that - wait for it - included an Armenian archbishop too.

But that was then and this is now! The maxim by Lord Acton that "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" has seemingly exercised its nefarious grip on AKP and its erstwhile prime minister - now president. Over those 20 odd years, President Erdogan has veered away from his initial trajectory and has become a dictator and a sultan wrapped into one.

Doubtless he has improved many aspects of life in the country - not least a failing economy - and has given the poorer and weaker constituencies a voice. Talk to any Turk living in the rural areas and you would realise that most are loyal to him in a way that the more critical Western mind-set or the more liberal intelligentsia fail to understand fully. I recently talked to a Turkish cabbie in Germany who picked me up from the airport and it was clear to me that Erdogan was far more important for him than Ataturk.

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The attempted coup was an affront to democracy. Mind you, a lot of countries might have wished for its success, but I think this would have led to a civil war that neither Turkey nor the region could afford these days. However, Erdogan's reaction was swift and unyielding. This was no Gezi Park or Taksim Square demonstrations that were quelled with some brutish force. Rather, and according to a report by Amnesty International dated 26th July, the Turkish authorities have detained more than 10,000 people, suspended or removed 45,000 men and women from their jobs (including police, judges, prosecutors and teachers). Besides, #TurkeyPurge suggests that the rising number of critical media outlets shut down in Turkey include 45 newspapers, 29 publishing houses, 23 radio stations, 16 TV channels, 15 magazines and 3 news agencies. 42 arrest warrants have been issued against journalists and dozens had their press cards cancelled too.

Such draconian purges continue unabated across all walks of life on the assumption that they are Gulenist fifth columns or coup supporters. Furthermore, Erdogan's implicit threat that capital punishment (never applied since 1984 and abolished by law in 1992) might be reinstated if Parliament approves it is totally unacceptable to Europe.

But let me put to rest this old canard about Turkish accession to the EU. As Boris Johnson, our current FM in the UK, said albeit disingenuously during the campaign leading up to the EU Referendum, such accession will not happen soon - certainly not in my lifetime and possibly not for a long time if ever.

So what next for Turkey? The answer to this puzzling - and critical - conundrum depends somewhat on whether President Erdogan will draw the right conclusions from the latest events and correct his political pathway. Or will he catapult himself into further extremes and amass more influence, power and self-aggrandisement? In a sense, I am conscious that the European Convention of Human Rights is incorporated into the Turkish Constitution and that it cannot easily be repealed although derogatory powers can be applied too.

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In a nutshell, will Erdogan re-awaken his democratic credentials and become the inclusive father of a whole nation? Or will he become aligned to the exclusive but ever-growing retinue of leaders worldwide who pretend that they are the sole address for stability and willingly subscribe to Benito Mussolini's platform of uno duce, una voce or one leader, one voice dictatorship?
Hannu Liivaar via Getty Images

Over the next month, many of us will head to balmy destinations such as Spain or the Caribbean for a bit of fun in the sun. Some holiday resorts offer opportunities to swim or interact in other ways with dolphins, which may sound appealing, but "swim with dolphins" programmes have a dark underbelly, and many people - including me - are actively avoiding and speaking out against them.

"Swim with dolphins" or "dolphin encounters" are terms used to describe a variety of dolphin-themed activities. Besides swimming with a dolphin (or two), tourists can, for example, be pulled through the water by one (a "dorsal tow"), kissed by one or photographed with one. And while people have good intentions when they decide to get up close and personal with these astonishing animals, most are unaware of the suffering this lucrative industry inflicts on animals.

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A great many dolphins used for these activities were torn away from their ocean homes, where they lived in vast, fascinating and complex habitats. They established close, cooperative and long-standing relationships with other dolphins and lived in large, intricate social groups. They swam together in family pods and covered up to 50 miles a day.

Once in captivity, on the other hand, they are imprisoned in chlorinated tanks or tiny ocean pens, where they can do nothing but swim in endless circles, doing silly tricks in exchange for dead fish. Deprived of the opportunity to play at will, hunt, choose their own mates or engage in any of the activities that make their lives worthwhile, they become listless, unpredictable and depressed. And who can blame them?

As if being forced to live in what is, to them, the equivalent of a bathtub isn't tragic enough, these unfortunate prisoners endure the added stress of having excited tourists invade their already diminished worlds. Even when they're tired or sore, they're made to pull tourists around by their dorsal fins for hours on end or to hold still while tourists touch and fondle them. And while these attractions make unsuspecting tourists believe that the mammals in their care enjoy these interactions, the truth is that the dolphins have no choice.

The scientific evidence that dolphins suffer in captivity is irrefutable. They navigate by bouncing sonar waves off objects to determine location and distance, but in captivity, their sonar bounces back at them off the walls of the pitifully small tanks and can drive them utterly mad. Whether they're torn away from the ocean or bred in a marine abusement park, the stress of their imprisonment can be so overwhelming that they develop painful ulcers, chew on the metal bars until their teeth disintegrate or even batter themselves against their prison walls to kill themselves. Yes, you read that right: so self-aware are these animals that they understand that suicide is their only means of escape.

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And what are we teaching our children when we take them to participate in these activities? The only thing my daughter would learn from petting dolphins or any other wild animals is that they are supposedly ours to exploit and abuse at will. She would learn that selfies and photo ops are more important than an animal's life. That's not a lesson I'm OK with.

It took me years to open my eyes to this issue. My daughter has interacted with dolphins in Africa, and I participated in photo ops with dolphins as a child in Florida. At no point did we do this thinking it caused pain and suffering to the very animals we wanted to meet and show affection towards. But now we know different. Now, we are different. And we have a responsibility as parents and as compassionate citizens to educate our children and others about the truth.

Dolphins are intelligent, social and emotional beings - they are not toys, and we can no longer in good conscience keep them enslaved for our amusement. Attractions that do so stay in business only because curious tourists pay money for tickets. So when you're planning your next holiday, give animals a holiday of their own by crossing visits to any facilities that keep marine mammals or other animals captive off your to-do list.

And if you do want to see leaping dolphins, you're in luck: you can observe them in their natural habitat, right off the Irish coast.
My friends call me Jade, but my Twitter followers know me as Carly Rae. I'm 23 and I live in Manchester. I studied fashion at university and have a degree. But instead of pursuing a career in the fashion industry I've made a career choice some people find shocking. I explain why in a BBC Three documentary called Jade: Why I Chose Porn. I'm hoping people will watch it and understand the choice I've made.

Being in this documentary is important because I wanted to create a piece that truly reflects the adult industry as I see it. Usually in the media we only see the negative impact it can have on a person's life or people who got into it for the wrong reasons. We see a view of the industry that's one-sided. For me, it's not like that. I love my job and the opportunities it has given me.

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I'm not pretending it's perfect. What job is? At times it's exhausting. And I can be incredibly lazy at the best of times. There are long hours and early starts, waking up at 6am for an 8am train to London and not returning home until 11pm. But this would be the same for anyone who has to commute across the country for a living.

I could never have dreamed of spending my life travelling the world, particularly not as a model. I want people to understand that it has changed me for the better. Diving head first into the adult industry meant I had to grow up fast. It's helped me develop into a confident, well-rounded person. It's given me an understanding of life I would never have achieved by going down a different career path.

In the programme I talk about some of the complications of the industry too. Landing a boyfriend that's cool with dating a porn star is a rarity. There can be difficult moments on set, like when the film catches me in a moment of panic after a shoot. I also talk about getting injured by a well-endowed man because I didn't warm up properly. But it's very rare that I'm in situations like that. I've learned from experience. Like any female in a male dominated world, once in a while, you have to fight for your opinion to be recognised. Although we're an equal industry, at times it can be hard to get your word across. But this is rare too.

Not only has porn helped shape me as an individual, it has taught me things sex education didn't. I know the girls we see in magazines and on TV have been altered to perfection and that my body is normal. Watching pornographic films and being around other industry girls taught me that I'm not alone and that females go through the same complications as myself every day. It's bloody difficult to be flawless. I accept my body and I am confident about my image. I feel lucky that I've been financially stable since the age of 21 (a luxury for most people my age). In the film I explain that I am a feminist. I'm in control of my life, and the decisions I make along the way. I'm my own boss. I decide what shoots I do and don't undertake with no pressure from a third party. All these positives outweigh any negatives.

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When people watch the programme I want them to understand that pornographic actors don't always conform to the stereotypes people have. The negatives shown in the media and talked about by politicians aren't always correct. When people ask me about my career they ask if I actually enjoy my job, accompanied by a look. Most people are very sceptical about my chosen career. They have the impression that I've been forced to undertake roles in films, instead of believing that I could actually be passionate about the industry, and that this is what I want to do with my life.

I take negative reactions in my stride. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I understand that porn isn't for everybody. The way I think and live my life is completely liberated and not everybody has such a laid back approach. We live in an age where it's still not acceptable for women to talk about periods, so I know we have a long way to go until the majority of society thinks like me.

My ambition is to live life to the full and to keep on living by this mantra. I don't regret any of the decisions I've made up until this point. Unlike many career focused people, I don't have a five or ten year goal. As long as I'm successful and happy, then I'm hitting my target.

Jade: Why I Chose Porn is available from bbc.co.uk/bbcthree and BBC Three on iPlayer on Tuesday 2 August from 10am

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Only a few books to go and then so will I. It's been a long journey to a virtual chapel complete with stained glass windows, weeding and shelving rare books in a reading room not twenty miles from the special collection where I first learnt the library trade nearly twenty-five years ago.

And given my long experience of a library "profession" brimful of jargon, bereft of leadership and bare of jobs, I do not believe the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is able, "to encourage and develop the library workforce and especially new recruits and graduates."

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I really dislike CILIP, whose only response to being at a crossroads was to consider changing their name.

Talk about rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic, and then they didn't even do it!

Not that my library life began badly. My library course was mumbo jumbo, but my first job the extraordinary experience of manually cataloguing antiquarian monographs worth millions of pounds in a stately home.

Aspergers have a firewall between their everyday personalities and the manic nutter subroutine needed effectively to catalogue. If I joke that "cataloguers make accountants look like hippies," I'm not actually joking.

I spent three years living, breathing and stacking books in a library like a time capsule from Victorian days...

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Time and Again, by Jack Finney, defined the delicious possibility that:

"...it may be possible this summer ... for a man to walk out of that unchanged apartment and into that other summer."

Unlike physical time travel via TARDIS, psychological time travel might be possible, that if you spent enough time in a room from the past, you might find:

"...doors which let the lucky traveller, still young, walk out into a different summer and another day."

I came close to seeing that other summer and, fascinated by rare books, looked forward to telling my incredible story, hoping to be encouraged and developed.

And then I tried to get another job.

It was a torrid tale of frustration and fading hopes, my skills withering on the vine, my interest in rare books dying for lack of development and my patience shortening like a lit and burning fuse.

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Some men endure Thoreau's "lives of quiet desperation." I wasn't one of them, and in 2006 calmly and career-suicidally wrote out how I felt; reasoning that I was doomed anyway and at least I'd avoid ulcers of sheer frustration.

I called it The Gordian Knot:

"It's not often I start to write an article intending to crucify myself, commit professional suicide and probably get myself beaten up by a rampaging mob of respectable librarians into the bargain, but I'm now so disillusioned with the profession that I would rather fall on my sword than stagger through interviews mumbling tripe I don't believe about metadata, revalidation, ICT, twelve-digit Dewey numbers and all the other pseudo-professional jargon we have invented."

It sounds funny now. It didn't then. Vampires, Hollywood and authorship were parts of a future I could not know; and I truly believed I'd destroyed any chance of work by cheerfully insulting my colleagues.

However, library campaigner Tim Coates (former managing director of Waterstones) published my death wish on his Good Library Blog and I went on to slag off librarianship in Tim's blog for the next five years.

God, it was fun.

My favourite quote was:

"Senior library managers should be shot out of the USS Enterprise's shuttlebay doors in their underpants."

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It was easy to satirize twits who talked tripe about "social cohesion issues, automated tagging based on behavioral pathways, user-endorsed ratings systems and the negotiation of a reference question as opposed to the communication theory of reference interviews," and I did. An email of mine laughing at their daft drivel won letter of the month in the library journal Update in 2008.

Nor was I the only rebel.

In a 2012 issue of Post-Lib, Francis Hendrix wrote:

"In 2003, ... we commissioned Charlie Leadbeater to undertake a review entitled 'Overdue.' It is still the best in-depth look at the sector. He finished by stating that 'Unless decisive action is taken now, the decline of our public libraries could become terminal by the end of the decade. If that happened Britain could be writing off vital social and cultural assets. Public libraries used to be central to the life of many communities but they are increasingly marginalised.' The report recommended a 10 year strategy for transforming libraries. Well the 10 years is now almost up, opportunities have been lost, all-encompassing government support has gone out of the window and with it one of the mainstays of a democratic and civilised society."

Now it's 2016 and British libraries are f****d. But my satirical blogs were read by Chaplin Books' founder, which led to the achievement of my life's ambition: published authorship.

I also thought my "career" had ended in 2011 when the NHS failed, laughably and amateurishly, to give me the library assistant's post they'd offered me in writing. But in 2015 I got involved with Culter Library in South Lanarkshire - a roomful of rare books near Leadhills Miners Library, where it all began.

If public libraries should fall, maybe subscription libraries like Leadhills will rise again.

It's been a fine and satisfying time showing how my dying art's done. It's a pity my trade will pass away with me, but I can't respect a "profession" so unsupportive, indecisive and inefficient it opens a 189 million library in Birmingham in 2013 and virtually shuts it the following year.

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I place the last book on the shelf.

Time to go.

I look to the sky through the stained glass window, and step out into the light.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), speaks after listening to a work report of the PLA army during an inspection of the army's headquarters on July 27, 2016. Xi inspected on Wednesday the army's headquarters ahead of the 89th anniversary of the founding of the PLA on Aug. 1 and extended greetings to all soldiers and officers on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

BEIJING, July 27 -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for the building of strong armed forces through military reform.

Xi presided over a group study seminar of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, which focused on national defense and military reform.

He called the reform drive "a comprehensive and revolutionary change," and said obstacles and policy issues that may hold back reform measures must be addressed so as to build a strong armed forces commensurate with China's international status.

Cai Hongshuo, deputy head of the advisory team of the leading group for deepened national defense and military reform under the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivered a lecture on the issue and offered some suggestions.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee then discussed relevant issues during the study.

Xi said under the CPC's leadership, the armed forces have been constantly reformed and improved, adding that further military reform is needed to cope with the changing international situation and to develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.

After the 18th National Congress of the CPC in late 2012, Xi said, the CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to defense and military reform. After the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, the CMC established the leading group, and later drafted a reform plan.

Based on the reform plan, the general command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army, the PLA Rocket Force, and the PLA Strategic Support Force were established.

The previous seven military area commands were regrouped into five theater commands, and the four military departments -- staff, politics, logistics and armaments -- were reorganized into 15 agencies.

With those reforms, the PLA has a system in which the CMC is tasked with the overall administration of the armed forces, while theater commands focus on combat preparedness, and various armed services pursue development, Xi added.

These measures solved some deep-seated problems that many considered unsolvable, according to Xi.

The reform drive marks a historic change in the organization and structure of the PLA, he said.

By 2020, advances should be made in reforming the leadership and management system, as well as the joint battle command system, Xi said, citing the timetable outlined in the reform plan.

Significant progress should be achieved in optimizing scale and structure, improving policies and systems, and promoting the integration of military and civilian development, he said.

Xi underscored that the aim is to build a modern military with Chinese characteristics, which is able to win an informationized war and fulfill missions and tasks efficiently, while improving the socialist military institution with Chinese characteristics.

Military Party committees at various levels should fulfill their respective reform tasks to the highest standard, and military leaders, especially senior ones, should take the lead in implementing reform tasks, Xi noted.

Calling deepened national defense and military reform "a common cause for the whole Party and country," Xi called on all levels of governments and Party committees, as well as relevant parties, to support national defense and military development, to cooperate actively to fulfill reform tasks that involve multiple regions, and to integrate the adjustment of the economic layout with the improvement of national defense layout.

Moreover, Xi ordered that any military officers demobilized during the reform should be offered help and guidance to secure new jobs.
By most standards, things are pretty dire. Political divisions and racial tensions have been sparked in the UK; we face increasing polarisation of belief, and our politicians are trading in democracy for the semblance of calm. The refugee crisis is heartbreaking and unrelenting, whilst horrific acts of terror recur across the world, implying a war of culture, religion and politics. Hope seems scarce: people are angry. This was typified for me in a surreal moment when I noticed that someone had posted a video of a beheading beneath a Guardian feature on where to find the best ice-creams.

But, although it might make a catchy headline, we're not facing the end of civilisation. We must, like every generation, face these challenges head on with strong leadership, a little humanity and cause for hope. Ladies and gentlemen, Jeremy Corbyn. A few days ago I had the pleasure of attending Corbyn's Live Launch at the Lowry Theatre in Salford. There, hope, positivity and determination for a better world and a better future was palpable in the speakers' words and from the 2,000 supporters in attendance -- a fraction of the 180,000 who have shelled out 25 to vote in the contest.

I went to the Lowry with the expectation that I wouldn't understand everything the speakers said: a little waffle and political jargon is normal when MPs try to address the electorate. I was mistaken; what I heard was, rather, passion combined with a strong, positive message: quite simply that together we can build a fairer society. I have to politely disagree with Claudia Webbe that Corbyn is bringing a "political revolution": for me, it was a wake-up call in common-sense.

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A whole host of issues were raised -- discrimination, the NHS, wealth inequality, homelessness, anti-Semitism and climate change to name a few -- and simple, practical solutions for each. We could assess the effects of the budget beyond its economic impact; we could crack down on tax havens and invest in health and education; we could empower the people to truly influence politics rather than ignoring public priorities. It's strange that all this sounds too good to be true when it would simply be the result of prioritising the "many over the few" (a phrase repeated by most speakers).

When Corbyn managed to speak in the gaps between standing ovations and spontaneous applause, his speech was warm, elegant and invigorating. His message was, again, overwhelmingly positive and focused on criticising the Conservatives and paving the way forward for Labour. He alluded only once to the media's campaign of vilification against him and paid lip-service to the coup against his leadership -- although this is of course was what the newspapers seized on. Overall, his message was simply one of hope, and I strongly recommend listening to the full speech or reading a report on it.

Corbyn's one vague reference to his scandalous media presentation was a joke aimed at The Guardian, but it was one that hit home for me as a regular reader who has become increasingly disillusioned by their reaching and damning criticism of him. Those I usually love and admire, from Caitlin Moran to J. K. Rowling to even the BBC, have joined in this campaign of relentless opposition and sneering disdain.

I can see why they, and others, are turning away from Corbyn: the Labour Party is in tatters at a time when we desperately need strong and stable leadership. But let's not forget who lead the coup against him and who split the Party against the wishes of the very people it claims to represent. His mandate is indisputable from old and new supporters alike (which the Lowry's demographic certainly suggested) and, for every 'Corbyn ate my hamster' style article, there are thousands more pro-Jeremy comments beneath, from people refusing to see their glimmer of hope crushed.

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Whilst I'm well aware that such things happen, I have never before seen such a sordid and sustained attack on an individual by the media. Corbyn is a kind man. He began his speech with a tribute to the victims of the Munich attack and, as Richard Morgan pointed out at the Launch, he apologised to the people of Iraq for Blair's mistakes despite having personally campaigned against the invasion. Under his leadership, Labour has saved PIPs, stopped the forced academisation of schools and won back Thanet's Ukip seat in the recent bi-election, as well as seven others. Perhaps all of this is why the right-wing media are so terrified of him and lash out against him in any way possible.

Unlike Ed Miliband, it isn't so easy to portray Corbyn as the bumbling fool. Don't get me wrong, I was a huge fan of 'Red Ed', but he wasn't helping himself when he tripped off his own podium. When the same tactics were tried with Corbyn it was discovered that most people don't really care that he 'doesn't bow low enough' and doesn't wear a tie. So slander and silencing have been opted for instead, but that isn't working either: it's only pushing the wedge between the working-class and the establishment in deeper.

Corbyn is best equipped to heal the divisions within the UK because he understands the working-class and is prioritising fairer working conditions, stimulation of the economy and improving public services over tax-breaks for business big-wigs or scapegoating immigrants. As he said himself, "you can't cut your way to prosperity": Tory tactics aren't working and we're getting bored of the fallacy that elections must be won on centre-ground. You'd think that the constant bleating that Corbyn is 'unelectable' would be stinted by the fact that he already has been -- unlike Theresa May. He's also best placed to represent us in a time of troubled international politics as he, unlike most, is refusing to ignore the refugee crisis and the destruction of the environment.
It's late afternoon and I'm in Pretoria, South Africa. A friend has invited me to meet with friends in the city. A group of young Africans arrive and one of the women is introduced to me as a soldier. Interested I ask her what it was like for her. She looks down sadly and tells a story that I know all too well. A story of sexual harassment. 'I quit my job with the South African army because the sexual harassment was so bad,' she told me. When she tried to take one of her commanders to court after he behaved inappropriately towards her she was told by the military court judge, 'what did you expect with your complexion and your body.'

Disturbed by this blatant act of discrimination, I visited one of the military offices in Pretoria in an attempt to learn more about sexual harassment in the military. I was unable to speak with any of the female military offices but I did notice the walls were lined with a number of signs saying no to sexual harassment and discrimination. There had clearly been an issue.

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Sexual harassment. It is one of the most commonplace and accepted forms of violence around the world. Leers, inappropriate and degrading comments are a daily reality for many women around the world. Men shrug their shoulders at complaints, 'don't be so sensitive,' they say. 'You're overreacting.'

Right.

South Africa is no stranger to the problem of sexual harassment. And not just in the military. It happens in the streets and it happens in the workplace. Men leer aggressively as women walk down the street and do so with a sense of arrogance and entitlement.

'I don't go out,' said one young South African woman to me in Johannesburg. She's uncomfortable with the way men treat her in the street.

'It's a daily occurrence,' a South African friend told me. It was certainly a daily occurrence for me whilst in South Africa. Whether it was men shouting in inappropriate comments at me on the street or their sleazy looks, I was uncomfortable.

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A South African friend recounts being harassed at worked then being told she was overacting when she made a complaint. 'When your trying to walk down the street guys will catcall and they'll grab onto you when they want your attention. They're very aggressive and act as if it's obligatory that you have to talk to them. They feel entitled to women and they don't understand when you say no. It's really annoying.' Even police make sexual comments and ask girls for their phone number, she tells me.

The violence is increased with the silencing of women's voices. As in many parts of the world, taboos are placed on women using their voices. Women are expected be quiet, submissive, even in the face of violence and abuse.

When I asked one man in Pretoria why men harass women he shrugged his shoulders and said, 'this is Africa.' The problem however, is not limited to Africa. Sexual harassment is a global problem and certainly one of the most distressing, disrespectful and commonplace forms of violence that I have encountered in my global travels. The dismissive attitudes to the problem by many men and their claims to cultural entitlement to harass women add to the insult.

Silence is one of the biggest problems with sexual harassment. Too many girls think they need to accept this as the norm and too many good men do nothing to stop it. We all need to stand up against sexual harassment. This means not laughing when a girl makes a complaint, not dismissing her and not telling her she's being too sensitive or overreacting. It means taking harassment seriously and expressing disgust at the perpetrators of such violence. It means saying something when you see it happening and understanding that catcalling, aggressive staring and touching without permission is violence. It is disrespectful and it is disempowering.
"Stop telling girls that they can be anything they want when they grow up. I think it's a mistake. Not because they can't, but because it would have never occurred to them they couldn't." - Sarah Silverman

We're living in interesting times, to say the least. On one hand you wouldn't be blamed for screaming in a panicked manner about the madness everywhere. On the other, if you're like me, you're quietly excited about the genders of our leading politicians.

Theresa May is our Prime Minister. I don't agree with her politics, nor am I a Conservative, but she's articulate and I'm willing to hope she's better than the outgoing gaggle of men who were so out of touch it was actually heartbreaking. Nicola Sturgeon is the First Minister of Scotland, and listening to her during the election debates last year, and throughout the 'Brexit' debates this year, she has shown herself to be a formidable opponent to whoever she's talking with. Here in Northern Ireland the DUP are still in charge, with Arlene Foster at the helm. All three women don't necessarily speak for me personally, but all three answer questions without the idiocy of certain men, ( look up Sammy Wilson's latest take on breastfeeding, or any of the backward things he's said...it'll make you cringe. And he's not in the minority - our mostly male politicians can wax on lyrically about terrorism and divisiveness, but if 'modern' things like abortion, climate change and the sexualisation of feeding your baby come into the conversation, they lose any sense of rational thought.)

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Last night after 240 years, the good ol' US of A chose to put a women on the ticket for President. I like Hillary Clinton. I think she's educated and poised. Like the aforementioned three female politicians, Hillary is scrutinised and vilified without any sense of hypocrisy. 'Bitch' is usually the word used when I've asked why someone doesn't like her. The fact that she IS qualified, and HAS worked for decades in the political realm and STILL will keep fighting forward despite having to fend off not only warranted attacks on policy and past voting history, but by people who just don't want a woman in charge. It's nothing I and countless other women haven't encountered throughout our working lives. Many's a time I've sighed and had to just roll with the sexism because trying to explain why it's wrong to the very people I needed to work with would have taken too long, and I had shit to do. The thought of having to do that while the world was watching my every move makes me shout a massive NOPE.

These women are brave, and I hate having to say that because by now in 2016 the platform should have changed. It should be the norm to have a great number of women leaders, CEO'S, business owners and managers, but it's not. It's a frustratingly slow process. Still, for my 1 year old niece and all the girls who are youngsters today, they'll see what I didn't as they grow up. They'll see women in charge and know it's totally possible to do whatever their ambition wants. It's not good enough that the odds of succeeding in life is whether you have parents who push you forward. Not everyone has a group of cheerleaders supporting them - it takes time to get good at anything, and a lot of women have to do it alone before said outside support appears.

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People need to see themselves reflected in roles that are different from traditional ones. Diversity is gravely required everywhere, and I believe feminism is so important to take that forward. No colour or gender bias, but one world that can bring us all to be the best people we can be. To live our best lives.
After the banking collapse of 2008 we did not see a single banker in this country being prosecuted for wrecking our economy. We simply saw our economy shrink as our bankers were bailed out with their bonuses still in their hands. As my generation realised they may never own a home, we watched oligarchs turn our property market into a play-thing for profit. While the old were offered tax breaks and pension increases, the young have been handed tuitions fees so high that some will never see the day they pay it off. My generation will be the first to earn less than our parents' generation and we saw this coming. In a world increasingly unequal, we find ourselves to be the losers.

Our trust in our political class and our institutions has never been lower. Today it's not just the poorest in society who are bitter and feel cut adrift. We now find our young professionals and university graduates seeing an uneasy future ahead of them. No one can understand the rise of Jeremy Corbyn without understanding the world of the millennials. My friends have thrown support around him with a Christ-following fervour. To them he is a symbol of defiance against an 'establishment' that they feel has let them down.

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Many of Jeremy Corbyn's followers will wear their leftism proudly on their sleeve. They'll be anti-racism, anti-war, anti-poverty and anti-cuts. Yet I believe many of these supporters will end up feeling more disillusioned and disaffected in years to come. There will come a time when his followers slowly realise that no march, no rally, will be big enough to seismically shift the balance of power in our society. If you're a member of the Labour Party you understand that the way in which we change the lives of millions is through elected representation in Parliament and winning enough seats to form a government. As the most unpopular leader among the electorate this country has every known, and with a vast majority of the parliamentary party having no faith in his ability, winning an election is something Jeremy Corbyn will be be unable to achieve.

Corbyn has proved that he does not have the skills, knowledge and flexibility to run a parliamentary party. He has no experience of cabinet office or developing and implementing policies within government. His Shadow Cabinet and the majority of Labour MPs have tried to make this work with Corbyn but behind close doors ministers were repeatedly complaining about being left in the dark on the leadership's stance on certain topics. Time and time again they have faced a leader with his office door locked. His treatment of colleagues (only coming into the public now) such as Thangam Debbonaire and Conor McGinn was shambolic to the point of disgrace.

You may deeply admire the principles and convictions of Jeremy Corbyn but his actions over the last 10 months has shown a man who is unable and unwilling to learn how to communicate with, listen to and persuade people with whom he doesn't already agree. He has a great ability to connect with those who already share his world view, and this is why he has energised our Labour members with such aplomb. Yet the Labour Party can only succeed as a Parliamentary force if it is able to reach beyond its membership base and connect with voters from all tribes.

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For his shadow cabinet, those who had tried to make it work for the greater good of the Labour Party, it was the EU referendum campaign that was the final straw. Three weeks before polling day, a campaign memo from Britain Stronger In Europe showed that only about half of Labour voters realised their party was in favour of staying in the EU, with the rest thinking it was split or believing it was a party of Brexit. It also said that most Labour voters either did not know what Jeremy Corbyn thought, or believed he was for Remain but "his heart isn't in it".

Corbyn's campaigning for Remain in the EU referendum was so incoherent and halfhearted that even his shadow cabinet colleagues doubted he was voting IN. I had my doubts too. Shortly after the referendum Jeremy Corbyn called for the immediate triggering of Article 50. He did this without any discussion with the Shadow Cabinet or the Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party. The only other politician who called for the immediate triggering of Article 50 was Nigel Farage. I feel this tells you its own story. Our MPs kept hearing from our voters the same message, "but your leader wants out, doesn't he?". Our voters are often more perceptive than those who are most invested in our cause.

Our country is deeply divided, and there are 48% of us bitterly reeling from the outcome of a EU referendum marked by bigotry and mis-truths. Theresa May has now handed the Brexit negotiation to an energised Tory-Right. It is now more crucial than ever that the Labour Party is a strong, united and avidly pro-European force in British politics again. Under Corbyn, I doubt we will be able to be the Parliamentary voice for Remainers and progressives that this country deserves.

What Jeremy Corbyn has achieved is shifting the debate within the Labour Party. The one competitor for the leadership Owen Smith, is now standing on an fervently anti-austerity ticket. Corbyn made our PLP wake up to fact that we had a membership crying out for something more radical, something that drew a clear line between us and the Tories. For too long our MPs held a 'we know best' attitude to our members but finally they are listening. Our membership voted overwhelmingly for Remain and want a leader who will fight Brexit with a clear and committed stance. Owen Smith has committed Labour to fighting for a second referendum on ratifying any Brexit deal May's government strikes with the EU.

Corbyn did not lose the support of his shadow cabinet, his policy advisors and economic advisors on ideological grounds. They simply knew that under Corbyn's leadership, Labour could not be a credible parliamentary force. Slogans, gestures and fantastic rallies are simply not enough if you want your principles to be acted upon. Smith has learnt from Corbyn's mistakes and has come up with policies to back up his rhetoric and has a united parliamentary party behind him.

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Anger at injustice is not enough. Opposing capitalism for the sake of the oppressed but having no coherent plan or policies, or a way in which to connect these ideas with the electorate as a whole, will not be enough for us to see the change we want. This is not about personalities, but about making steps towards rebuilding a Labour Party that can work effectively as an opposition in Parliament. A Labour Party that understands that a 'social movement' 11 points down in the polls is nothing but a cruel joke on those whose lives are hurt most by austerity. This is why I am backing Owen Smith to be the leader of the Labour Party. Let's unite and rebuild this Party.
At our weekly Soul Space meditation in the lovely church of St Mary in South Zeal, Devon this morning, someone said 'I don't believe in miracles. Maybe they happened in Jesus' day but they don't happen now.'

They do. Please trust me, they do. Miracles happen every moment. Most of the time we don't realise that they are miracles because we don't know that without them we might have been dead, lost or compromised. These are the 'nothing happened whens something dreadful could have happened' miracles. But there are also the miracles that shine their light so brightly on issues that may mean nothing except to the person who was open to being helped.

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We have all experienced miracles. The trick is to remember, realise and appreciate them, especially if we are looking for another one. Miracles love company.

My first wedding -- a quarter of a century ago -- was in the Seychelles. This was before package weddings abroad became popular but my fiance Henry and I both worked in ITV travel documentaries and we loved adventures. Henry, wasn't interested in a church wedding and I wouldn't consider a register office. Both his parents were dead and all that was left of his family was a brother with whom it would only be polite to say he had 'issues' so, if we had been married in the UK, my side would have outnumbered his by about 100-1.

Running away to a tropical paradise seemed to be the best bet. My folks didn't mind. My Mum was agoraphobic and my Dad probably heaved a sigh of relief at how much money he would save. Before the Internet, it was all arranged via our family's travel agent. I was quite satisfied because all the wedding documents referred to a 'minister' and Henry thought it would be wonderful to be married on a beach.

Then, three weeks before we were due to leave, I discovered that 'minister' on the travel documents meant 'registrar.' This will come as no surprise to anyone who has got married abroad in the 21st century but to me it was a bombshell. As a fully paid-up Armchair Christian who subscribed to St. Augustine's prayer of 'God grant me constancy, chastity and patience -- but not yet' I wanted to be married by a priest. It was the first wedding for both of us after all so it wasn't as though I was asking too much.

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There was an alternative: we could have had a swift wedding at my family's church where my Mum still went but I didn't like the vicar and hadn't been for years apart from at Christmas time. It felt hypocritical and it would all have to be horribly rushed. Suddenly it seemed that this just wasn't going to be the wonderful, romantic wedding that I had hoped for. I was devastated.

I'd found out the disappointing news on a Friday and, by the Sunday afternoon as Henry left my house in Birmingham for a late-night shift in London, I was a complete mess. I waved him goodbye miserably and, as his car turned out of the road and I turned to go back into the house, I heard church bells tolling for Evensong.

They were the bells of St. Peter's in Harborne, just down the road and, almost without thought, I grabbed my coat and bag and got into the car to drive straight there. I wasn't even sure exactly where the church was located; I'd been there just once for my brother's wedding years before. Hah! That seemed horribly ironic, at the time, but something just made me drive me directly to that church that evening. It never occurred to me that it might be an incredibly selfish thing to do to turn up at a strange church and pray for a miracle. It didn't register that I'd been the agent for my own karma in deciding to marry far away from family and friends and choosing the un-trodden path. I just knew I had to go and I had to pray.

So I stood and sang and knelt and prayed all through Evensong at St. Peter's. I prayed for any kind of miracle that would mean that I could be married by a priest in the Seychelles in less than three weeks' time.

Just before the end of the service, the vicar, Rev. Michael Counsell, said this:

"And prayers for the Church throughout the world, particularly our sister Church St. Paul's in Mahe, Seychelles."

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At the end of the service he must have thought he'd been attacked by a wolverine. I introduced myself by saying 'You don't know me from Adam, but I'm getting married in the Seychelles in three weeks' time and I desperately need your help.'

He listened kindly as I explained the problem and invited me round for coffee the next day when he would discuss the matter with me further. He thought he could help, he said.

The next day I tumbled over myself trying to explain the miracle that had taken me to St. Peter's to hear him speak. Michael listened patiently to my inarticulate apologies for not having been to the church before and how much I wanted to be married in the sight of God even if I didn't actually go to church.

'I suppose you say those prayers every week,' I said, finally tailing off.

'No,' said Michael. 'Not at all. In fact I don't think I've ever prayed for St. Paul's in church before. It just came into my head to do it. That's why you're sitting here today. I said it for you to hear. That's how God works.'

Michael gave me the phone number of his old friend from seminary, French Chang-Him in the Seychelles.

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'You phone him and tell him that you've spoken to me and ask him if he will marry you,' he said.

I went away with my heart pounding. Oh dear God, you have given me this chance, please let the vicar in the Seychelles agree!

I telephoned the vicarage in Mahe the very next day and Rev. French Chang-Him answered the phone in a beautiful well-modulated voice with a strong French accent. He listened to my garbled story and my plea. He thought for a while and asked me a couple of pertinent questions. Then he answered:

'If my friend Michael Counsell has recommended you and, if he will give you and your fiance pre-marriage counseling, then I will marry you. Come and see me for tea on the day after you arrive in Mahe and we will arrange it.'

'Thank you so much! Where do we come?'

'The Bishop's Palace. Everyone knows where it is.'

'The Bishop's Palace? You work there?'

'Yes, didn't Michael tell you?' said French Chang-Him. 'I'm the Archbishop of the Indian Ocean.'

Three weeks later, Henry and I were married in St. Paul's Cathedral, Mahe. A year later I was a widow.

I look back now at those pictures of a happy man in a suit and a woman in the so-1990s apricot-coloured dress, wearing her grandmother's pearls and with a wreath of frangipani on her piles of tumbling hair, both posing for the photographer on the beach after our wedding. It seems a very long time ago and I am so glad and grateful that the short time we had was crowned by a miracle.

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It was the first and it wasn't the last.

It's one of the reasons that I am a priest--once the miracles start coming you have to begin to believe in something greater than you that is all love.
Little more than a year after winning what many thought was an unwinnable electoral mandate, David Cameron was swept out of power on that continual bugbear of the Conservative Party - Britain's relationship with Europe. Cameron was certainly not the first Conservative Prime Minister to fall on an issue of Foreign Policy. Theresa May should be wary because it is highly unlikely he will be the last.

The Conservative Party has had a long love-hate relationship with Europe. Naturally wary of political integration, many Conservative backbenchers are nonetheless strong supporters of the concept of European defence as enshrined in NATO. Many in the party would describe themselves as more 'Atlanticist' than 'European'.

Winston Churchill developed a model, still familiar today, of the UK sitting at the heart of the American, European and Commonwealth spheres of interest. But this did not provide him with any guarantees of success in the vexed issue of foreign affairs. His second premiership from 1951 to 1955 was marked by the decline of Britain as an imperial power, military action in Kenya and Malaya and tense Anglo-US disagreements about European defence magnified when the US refused to prop up Britain's degenerating Imperial position in Egypt. Churchill added the Foreign Office to his portfolio in 1953 and the pressure probably contributed to his stroke of that year. Following his recovery, but with his power waning, the last 18 months of Churchill's time in office were marked by further disputes over how to deal with the Soviet threat and the very nature of transatlantic politics with the USA.

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Churchill resigned in 1955 and his successor, Anthony Eden, is best remembered for the disastrous, at least in political terms, Anglo-French invasion of Suez in 1956. Eden's failure to garner sufficient US support ensured that a successful military operation did not result in a successful political outcome for Britain. The debacle highlighted Britain's decline as a key global power, undermined his position in the Conservative party and led to his resignation from office in January 1957.

Eden's successor Harold Macmillan continued to oversee the process of decolonisation but his premiership was rocked by the Profumo affair of 1963. That same year General De Gaulle blocked Britain joining the EEC. The lingering scent of scandal and ineffective European policy infused Macmillan's successor Alec Douglas-Home's year long period in office, which ended in October 1964.

The Tories were not in power again until 1970 under Edward Heath. He supported the US bombing of Hanoi, and his ministry oversaw the escalation of trouble in Northern Ireland including Bloody Sunday and the introduction of Internment. Nevertheless, he delivered a success: Britain's first foray into the Europe community with the European Communities Act. Heath's government is often associated with rising unemployment, labour disputes, power cuts and the Three Day week. But UK domestic problems were in part associated with insecurity in the Middle East, most importantly the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and resulting Oil Embargo. That allowed domestic pressure from miners strikes to create the discontent, which undermined Heath's leadership and led to the coronation of Margaret Thatcher.

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The leadership of the longest serving Prime Minister of the Twentieth Century benefitted from an existential threat, in the form of the Soviet Union, and the visible support of an ally, President Ronald Reagan. Both defined Thatcher's premiership at home and abroad. But by 1990 the Soviet Union was imploding. Without the Cold War she looked suddenly obsolete and her influential international supporter had also gone. Without those two pillars she could no longer command authority at home. Again it was disputes over Britain joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) that caused her Deputy PM, Geoffrey Howe, to resign prompting a process that would culminate in her resignation in November 1990.

Her successor, John Major, won a mandate to govern in the 1992 election, but with a Commons majority of just 21, which made his leadership vulnerable to conflicting voices within the party. The Major government was blighted by Black Wednesday (16 September 1992), when the UK government spent around 3.3 billion in a futile attempt to prop up sterling, leading to the withdrawal from the ERM. That undermined credibility with the country, an impression fuelled by party in-fighting over Maastricht and the sniping of the Eurosceptic 'bastards'. The conditions were set for the rise of New Labour and Tony Blair.

The lessons of history are clear. When Labour Prime Ministers have been forced out of office or lost elections, it has often been over poor economic performance rather than because of foreign affairs. Conservative Prime Ministers are brought down by both the general deterioration of foreign conditions, 'things happening' overseas, which influence the domestic situation, such as the 1973 Oil Embargo and its effect on Heath's premiership, or political and strategic blunders, such as Suez and Brexit. Both were self-inflicted fatal wounds to Eden and Cameron.
George Szirtes' mother was a woman who understood persecution. She'd survived two Nazi concentration camps and lost almost her whole family. When revolution came to Hungary in 1956, with a heavy heart, she and her husband took their children's hands, and snuck over the border to find somewhere safe: initially Austria and later Britain. As a result, George was able to grow into the man he is today: a multi award winning poet.

A few years later, and half a world away, another family was arriving in Britain in search of safety. This time it was Gillian Slovo - now a celebrated novelist, playwright and memoirist - her parents and sisters. They'd fled South Africa in 1964 as Gillian's parents Joe Slovo and Ruth First were pioneering South African anti-apartheid activists.

The 1970s saw Britain provide shelter to people from all over the world. Humberto had been tortured under Pinochet's brutal rule in Chile before managing to escape to Argentina with his wife Gabriella. After instability later spread to their adopted home, they fled to Britain. Humberto spent decades teaching here and Gabriella worked in social services. Both of their children work in the NHS.

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Around the same time Raju Bhatt, a teenager at the time, was being forced from his home, as the infamous dictator Idi Amin expelled Asians from Uganda. Britain offered refuge to thousands, including Raju and his family. Raju grew up here and has spent more than 30 years working in the law, developing his own legal practice and serving on the Hillsborough Independent Panel which reported in 2012.

At the end of that same decade, Linh Vu was climbing on board a tiny boat with her father, fleeing Vietnam. She was just 7 years old. Linh and her father were some of the lucky ones; they were among the small number of Vietnamese refugees who were able to find a safe haven in Britain. Linh is now an architect, a wife and a mum. With her brother, she also runs London's first Vietnamese restaurant, established by her father in the early 1980s.

Nearly ten years later, Shash Trevett's world was turned upside down when she and her family were forced out of Sri Lanka in 1987. As a well-known surgeon, her father had been repeatedly kidnapped both by the military and the Tamil Tigers, and forced to operate on their wounded. As a result, the lives of his wife and daughter were in serious danger from both sides. After living in exile in India for four years, they returned to their homeland, only to become the victims of violence once again. Desperate, they sought refuge here. Now a poet, Shash has no doubt Britain saved her life.

Closer to home, a brutal conflict ripped the Balkans apart during the 1990s. Emina fled to the UK from Sarajevo in the 1990s after being medically evacuated with her baby sister, who was born with Down's Syndrome. After completing a Masters at Oxford, she pursued a PhD in clinical psychology and now works with British army, navy, and air force veterans, assessing the support they receive when they have returned from service.

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Like Emina, twins Fabian and Fortunate Frizell were young children when they and their family were forced from their home in search of safety in 2002. They'd fled Zimbabwe following a ruthless crackdown on dissidents by Robert Mugabe's government. Favourite and Fortunate have recently completed their studies at Cambridge University.

More recent years have been marred by increasing war and instability, from conflicts in the Middle East to widespread human rights abuses and killings across parts of Africa and Central America. Millions of people have been forced from their homes.

Aziz Anzabi and his family were among them. Aziz used to be a Psychotherapy professor at the University of Tehran. He had a house, a car and money in the bank. But it was a golden cage: he wasn't free, and the authorities would repeatedly imprison him. Things became increasingly dangerous and he knew he needed to get his family to safety. He had no choice but to put their lives in smugglers hands in order to escape. He didn't know where they'd end up, but he knew they had to leave. Two months later, when the lorry doors opened, he discovered they were in Scotland. Now free to express himself, Aziz has become an award winning artist.

George, Gillian, Humberto, Gabriella, Raju, Linh, Shash, Emina, Favourite and Fortunate and Aziz's stories tell of remarkable courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable pain and loss, but they're also emblematic of a commitment the world made to refugees 65 years ago.

In the years leading up to the summer of 1951 the horrors of the Second World War were still fresh in everyone's minds, as was the knowledge that just a few years previously, amidst Europe's darkest days, western nations had shamefully turned boatloads of Jewish refugees away from safety.

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As a result, in an unremarkable room in Geneva and after weeks of legal wrangling, 26 nations, vowing to never to make those mistakes again, adopted the Refugee Convention - the Magna Carta of international refugee law.

At the same time here in Britain, the two organisations which later became the Refugee Council were founded to ensure that refugees who sought safety in Britain had somewhere to turn. Six and a half decades on, amidst a global displacement crisis of historic levels, I now head that organisation. We're still here because we're sadly still needed.

What we need now is a reaffirmation from the new British Government that we will continue to honour not just the letter, but the spirit of our commitment to offering refuge to those whose lives depend on it. The Refugee Convention isn't just a piece of paper; it's one of the most powerful ideals in the world. It's saved millions of lives; some of them right here in Britain.
Whilst recognizing the "inherent dignity" and "equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family", the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, Article 14(1) provides: "Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution". Aspirational in nature, the UDHR does not create legally binding obligations for States. However, grounded in Article 14(1) of the UDHR is the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Having set up the modern-day refugee regime following the Holocaust, Europe has a proud history in the field of refugee protection. Still, much criticism of the European approach towards refugees from Syria and Iraq is seen and heard. In a similar vein, there is debate over the terminology of reference applicable to these persons: are they to be classified as 'refugees' or 'migrants'?

Since December 2013, over 3 million persons have been displaced in Iraq, whereas since 2011, around 12 million Syrians have been displaced. While Europe comes under harsh criticism for ignoring the plight of those fleeing persecution and conflict, the fact remains that the majority of refugees have not tried to enter Europe. There are 3.5 million Syrians residing in camps in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey - a number far greater than those making their way towards Europe. In fact, out of the world's 20 million refugees, 95% seek protection in countries neighbouring the conflict zones they come from. For instance, there are over 2 million Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan and more than 500,000 Somalis in Kenya. Hence, the argument that Europe is facing an overwhelming influx of refugees is not entirely true.

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Professor Alexander Betts of Oxford University proposed an innovative approach towards addressing the refugee crisis - one that should ideally shape Europe's policy. He highlighted the success of refugee programmes, such as CIREFCA in Central America and Uganda's "self-reliance strategy", to support the contention that re-conceiving refugees as a development issue, as opposed to a humanitarian one, creates a "win-win" situation for all stakeholders involved. The reality that the conventional approach of humanitarian assistance has proved insufficient is manifest. There must be a shift from perpetuating a culture of dependency to creating an environment of opportunity.

Professor Betts' proposal provides an alternative that fosters a policy of co-operation and reciprocity, thereby enabling maximum utilization of human resources for two-tiered development: that of the refugees themselves and of the host country. In the same manner that CIREFCA was funded by the then-European Community, the European Union should allocate funds for the camps in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. Moreover, preventing refugees from entering Europe is no longer an option that can or should be discussed.

Child refugees surfacing dead on European shores is unacceptable. Although it is late, Europe still has the opportunity to rectify their disgraceful treatment and neglect of these refugees by formulating a globally-aimed sustainable model of refugee assistance. Uganda's "self-reliance strategy" has proven the benefits of allowing refugees the right to work. 21% of refugees in Kampala are engaged in entrepreneurial activities - not only providing for themselves but also contributing to the economy of their host state by creating more employment opportunities locally.

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One of the hardest things I had to come to terms with from my physical injuries after the train crash, was the scarring left after my wounds had healed. My face, hands and legs are all scarred and over the years I have come to accept them as being part of me and the person I am.

However, what if there was a possibility that scarring from injury could be a thing of the past?

What if it were possible to stop scarred people, such as myself, ever having to exist?

Well it could very well be that this dream will be a reality within a generation.

I have been a privileged and proud Ambassador of The Healing Foundation since their formation in late 1999 by the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetics Surgeons. I have been privileged to watch, work and take part with some of their world leading medical research into wound healing, scarring and the psychological effects of disfigurement.

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They are now changing and have renamed themselves The Scar Free Foundation and will henceforward devote their work to driving a global programme of research towards a medical revolution that will be 'as important as the discovery of antibiotics or the development of modern anaesthetics'.

The Problem of Scarring - some stats for you

In the UK 10,000 people survive a serious burn every year.

An estimated 30,000 people are seriously burned in the world, every day. 75% of these affect children.

6,000 people visit UK A&Es with serious facial injuries every week.

90% of all cancers will be treated or diagnosed with surgery.

25,000 mastectomies are performed in in the UK every year.

70,000 people living with Crohn's disease will need surgical repair.

A child is born with a cleft palate every three minutes.

4.8 million hospital admissions in the UK result in surgery.

100 diabetic amputations every week in the UK.

1,000 of the armed forces are estimated to have returned from Afghanistan with life-long scarring.

What the Scar Free Foundation Will Do

They are uniquely placed to, and will, bring together the power of pathway biology, stem cell research, comparative biology and human genetics together with bioengineering, physical and mathematical sciences to achieve the clinical goal - scar free healing.

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The clinical treatments that promote scar free healing are within reach and can be in use within 30 years i.e. a generation.

The Why

Scarring is very, very common. It can be caused by almost anything including burns, trauma, operations, and treatment of cancer. Scar Free healing also has the potential to lead to significant advances in other common diseases such as cirrhosis, scarring of kidneys etc.

Thus the implications of 'scar free healing' are far reaching and will have considerable impact on the lives of millions of people.

And so, that is why I am delighted to continue to work with The Scar Free Foundation and will do anything and everything I can to help them moving forward into this truly exciting new dawn.....A World Without Scarring.

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Today, as we mark 65 years of the UN Refugee Convention, more than 10,000 children are missing on our continent. Hundreds of them have disappeared here in the UK.

Ten thousand is disturbing enough - but the true number of lost unaccompanied asylum-seeking children is probably much higher. Europol's latest estimate from January is likely to be conservative - and the figure rises with every passing day.

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On Tuesday, the Lords EU Committee laid out the full horror facing children who make it alone to Europe - separated from their families, often fleeing war and persecution - and the ongoing disgraceful failure of our Government to do anything of any real substance to ease their suffering.

In its Children in Crisis report, members deplored the "continuing reluctance of the UK Government to show solidarity with its European partners in helping to relocate such children" and "the failure by EU Member States, including the United Kingdom, to take urgent action following the announcement of Europol's latest figures".

But if there was ever an issue on which our Government cannot be allowed to drag its heels, this is it. The latest census of 'the jungle' in Calais by Help Refugees reveals the number of unaccompanied children there has risen by 64% since Cameron's climbdown, reaching 608 - the youngest of whom is just eight.

These children, all eligible for resettlement here, are currently languishing in appalling conditions just 20 miles from our coast. The Mayor of Calais has said the northern part of the camp will soon be evicted. It's estimated that 425 of those children will be displaced, and the last eviction left 129 unaccompanied minors unaccounted for.

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This is the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history, and it's playing out on our doorstep. We are the fifth richest country in the world. So what is our Government doing to help?

In May - after initial refusal and only under great pressure - the Prime Minister reluctantly agreed to accept unaccompanied refugee children from Greece, Italy and France - although he refused to commit to a number.

The scheme was proposed by Lord Alf Dubs - himself a child of the Kindertransport, which brought 10,000 children fleeing Nazi persecution safely to our shores.

Since then - nothing. A Home Office spokesperson claimed this week that "more than 20 children have been accepted for transfer to the UK ... and the majority of these have already arrived". But these are children with family members in the UK, not the lone children that are the focus of the Dubs scheme. Nearly 90,000 unaccompanied children sought refuge in Europe in 2015.

The Government must explain how children in Europe are being selected for resettlement. It must tell us when the children will arrive, and how local authorities will be informed about refugees due to enter their care.

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And, crucially, it must ensure local authorities are in a position to provide the full package of care and support necessary to properly care for every unaccompanied child seeking sanctuary in this country.

Liberty has also worked with Lord Dubs on an amendment to the Children and Social Work Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, which is designed to press the Government to explain how it will implement and fund the scheme.

Promises are all very well. Soundbites generate headlines, but they don't pay for schooling, foster care, translators and counsellors. That needs action, careful planning - and money.

While the Government has committed to an enhanced daily rate of funding for each child, the Local Government Association remains concerned that it won't be enough to cover a full package of care - and the new rate is only guaranteed for a year.

Many councils stand ready and willing to help - but their resources are hugely stretched. And if councils express their inability to afford to properly care for asylum-seeking children, it could be a useful get-out for a Government that has been more than happy to go on shoulder-shrugging and buck-passing.

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Liberty and Help Refugees are calling on local councillors to sign our statement confirming their support for the Dubs scheme - and calling on central Government to deliver funding for the necessary regional infrastructure to properly provide for them.

Many more councils are likely to come forward if they feel confident that they have funds to do their duty. That means we'll be able to offer protection to more children, more quickly.

Recent weeks have seen a spike in hate crime: a dark reminder of months of dangerously divisive political rhetoric in the Mayoral race and the EU referendum campaign and years of Government efforts to make Britain a "hostile environment".

The welcome and support we give these lone, vulnerable children could bring some urgently needed compassion to bear on a society battling a rising tide of discrimination.

When the UK signed up to the Refugee Convention all those years ago, it was an affirmation and recognition of common humanity - a demonstration of our willingness to share responsibility to protect fellow humans in the most desperate need of sanctuary.

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A man mourns his mother, a victim of the earthquake, at a memorial park in Tangshan, Hebei province. Tangshan lies in ruins after the devastating earthquake in 1976. An earthquake monument stands at the edge of a pond in the rebuilt Tangshan. PHOTOS BY WANG ZHUANGFEI / CHINA DAILY AND XINHUA FILE PHOTO

Editor's note:Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Tangshan earthquake, which claimed more than 240,000 lives. China Daily talks with two people, brought together by the injuries they suffered, who have spent four decades rebuilding their lives.

Forty years ago, when Gao Zhihong had just graduated from college, the then-25-year-old returned home to visit her family. The joy of reunion didn't last long: 10 hours after Gao's arrival in Tangshan, Hebei province, the city was hit by a massive earthquake that caused more than 240,000 deaths.

That night, Gao's life was turned upside down.

She arrived in her hometown at about 6 pm on July 27. "My whole family was so happy to see me. My sister and I planned to go shopping the next day," the 65-year-old recalled, her memories not dimmed by the intervening years.

The sisters' shopping expedition never materialized. At about 4 am, a magnitude-7.8 earthquake hit Tangshan. Gao's father and sister were killed, while she and her mother were left paralyzed. Her two younger brothers were luckier, escaping with superficial injuries.

More than 240,000 of the city's 1 million urban inhabitants died in the quake, regarded as one of the most destructive in history. In addition, 160,000 people were seriously injured  more than 3,800 were paralyzed  and more than 4,200 children were orphaned.

"My mother shook me awake when the quake occurred. My father ran toward the door, and I saw a concrete beam fall from the roof and hit him. I got up and ran to him, but I was hit by another falling beam. I was wedged between two of the beams, unable to move. I saw my father die," she recalled, her voice choked with emotion.

"It was so dark. I heard my brothers shouting my name, but I couldn't move and I was too weak and in too much pain to respond."

Gao was buried under the debris of the family home for about 10 hours until one of her brothers managed to free her.
Right now, almost every day seems to bring another headline that sounds like it happened in a film.

From violent attacks on innocent civilians, to extreme political voices finding mainstream support, to a widening gap between the rich and poor playing out in anger and scapegoating - suddenly everything seems to be about extremes. Why is that?

The trend mirrors something that's been going on online for a while.

The lightning-fast growth of the internet has forced us to adapt quickly to handle a never-ending feed of information that our brains weren't designed to cope with. To survive, we've learned to filter out run-of-the-mill, inoffensive, vanilla messages and scan instead for ideas that stand out.

To the point that now, to make any impact at all, you have to say something designed to get a reaction.

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This seems to apply to almost every area of our lives. Even this research on online dating found that "people who divided opinion did far better than those who everyone agreed were cute."

Technology is disconnecting us, too. Mobiles and the internet have made it possible to reach any other human being, anywhere in the world. But they've also allowed us to distance ourselves from the ones in the same room, house, school or office.

Why meet up when you can call? Why call when you can email? Why email when you can text? Why send four different texts when you can put a picture on Facebook, and all your friends will see it?

Let's be honest. A lot of the time we're guilty of using technology to avoid dealing with other people up close. To sidestep hearing their voices, seeing their facial expressions, dealing with their inconvenient emotional reactions or opposing viewpoints. In so many ways, our new, connected status has made our world smaller than ever.

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And these technological barriers make it easy to misplace the thing that makes us, humans, extraordinary: our empathy.

Without it, we're quicker to attack, hate, and take extreme 'them and us' viewpoints. Or, as this study found, simply to say and do things on the internet that we would never say or do face to face, when we would have to witness the pain we'd caused another person.

Two of the more horrible results of our nosediving empathy levels are the growing use of social media by trolls to target people with hate speech and threats, and by extremist groups to target, recruit and radicalise new members.

So how do we get our empathy back?

For longer than we've known how to speak, human beings have been telling stories.

Sharing our experiences, person to person, has helped us to imagine and understand one another's problems, successes and feelings, and made it possible for us to learn from each another, form relationships, build communities, cultures and nations - all the things that make us different from animals living simply on their instincts.

Last weekend I saw writer and performer Inua Ellams host An Evening with an Immigrant. His aim was to "put a human face" on the immigration debate by telling his own story. Here's a tiny bit of it:

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"To support our appeal, all these people I'd worked with wrote letters to the Home Office saying 'Inua - he's alright. He's never stolen anything. Except those little blue pens from Argos, which are technically free anyway, so...'"

Inua told us about his father's exile from Nigeria after standing up to extremism, the racist abuse and violent threats his family faced in Dublin, the sale of their identities by dodgy 'immigration lawyers' when they came to the UK... and the surreal experience of being invited to meet the Queen a week after receiving a deportation notice.

His tale was brave and funny and touching and real and - like all good stories - completely, unmistakably human.

When I left the theatre, I felt better: more connected. And worse: more sad. But mostly I felt frustrated, because that little room was too small for everyone in the UK to have heard his story.

Wouldn't it be amazing if we had some way of spreading stories like that to everyone, all over the country, and even the world? I thought.

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Oh wait - we do. We're just using it for all the wrong things.
Hemera Technologies via Getty Images

Earlier this month Durban, South Africa hosted the 21st International AIDS Conference, bringing together thousands of people working to end AIDS globally. Held every two years, the conference is critical for keeping the fight against HIV on the world's agenda, and for working towards the Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS by 2030. Yet despite the high visibility that the conference generates, those working on HIV and injecting drug use were sorely disappointed by the lack of attention given to drug use issues, including harm reduction. More worryingly, this omission from the AIDS conference programme reflects the increasingly invisibility of drug use issues within the wider global HIV response.

People who inject drugs are considered a 'key population' in the global HIV response - meaning that ending AIDS among them is vital to ending AIDS everywhere. Harm reduction, which includes interventions such as needle and syringe exchange and opioid substitution therapy, is the most cost effective way to achieve this. Research recently conducted by Harm Reduction International and the Burnet Institute found that an annual investment of USD 2.5 billion until 2030 - amounting to just 2.5% of the USD 100 billion that is spent each year in the largely ineffective "war on drugs" - could cut new HIV infections among people who inject drugs by a phenomenal 80%. An investment of USD 7.5 billion would go even further - effectively ending AIDS among people who inject drugs.

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But harm reduction remains grossly underfunded. In fact, if its scale-up continues at the current pace, it will be 2026 before every country which reports injecting drug use has even one programme in place. It is therefore no surprise that the UN target to halve transmission of HIV among people who inject drugs by 2015 was not only missed, but missed by a staggering 80%. Meanwhile, the new UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, adopted just two months ago in New York, has no target at all for people who inject drugs.

This fragile commitment to harm reduction is also evident within UNAIDS. A recent report by the joint programme set up to lead the global HIV response, 'Do No Harm', suggested that just USD 1.5 billion would be enough to "fast track" the HIV response among people who inject drugs - a figure that falls far short of the HRI/Burnet estimates. This is because it covers only resources required in low- and middle-income countries, and assumes that necessary spending in upper-middle income countries will be covered by domestic funds, despite this being highly implausible in most cases. By approaching resource needs in this way, UNAIDS have excluded more than three quarters of people who inject drugs, with those left behind living in countries such as the US, Russia, Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Thailand, China, Mauritius and Belarus - all countries in which harm reduction programmes are either non-existent or severely limited. UNAIDS does not call on these governments to act - and by failing to do so, absolves them of responsibility and accountability.

Just a month ago, Harm Reduction International and two dozen other harm reduction, drug user and human rights organisations wrote to the UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe to voice our collective concern about these figures.

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This week, we have found ourselves called upon to write again, after a UNAIDS decision to cut short its funding for the UNODC HIV Programme. In doing so, they are shutting down the last dedicated expertise on the links between HIV, drugs, criminal justice and prisons in the UN system, making it impossible to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
With Hillary Clinton clinching the Democratic nomination for President, it might seem like Senator Bernie Sanders' universal healthcare plan has bitten the dust.

However, the United States may still see single-payer healthcare in the near future. Two states--Alaska and Colorado--could be the first to move away from the third-party payer system.

First, what's the difference between third-party payer and single-payer healthcare? It has to do with who pays for healthcare. In the U.S.'s third-party system, private insurance companies--think BlueCross BlueShield--or public programs, like Medicare, pay on behalf of patients. In single-payer arrangements, just one entity--the government--pays for healthcare.

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In the first scenario, consumers pay premiums for membership in a health plan, which pays a portion of their medical bills. In the second scenario, consumers typically pay higher taxes for the government to cover their medical expenses. The U.S. has the first system, and nations like Canada and the United Kingdom have the second kind of system.

Alaska and Colorado could both be the first states in the nation to move to single-payer, though their reasons are quite different. One is intentional--Colorado citizens will be able to vote on the issue this November. The other is out of necessity. Alaska is down to one commercial insurer in the under-65 individual market, creating expensive problems with the state's health system.

Let's look at both states to see how and why they might move to a single-payer system.

Alaska

Last month, the state government in Alaska passed a bill establishing a fund to stabilize and subsidize health insurance in the region.

Three insurers have left the Alaska market since 2015, and the remaining insurer--Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield--was planning a significant rate hike in order to remain in operation.

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The new fund subsidizes the cost of high-risk patients for insurers, creating a pool of money covered by a tax on carriers, to cover costs created by the most expensive patients. Without this fund, insurers would have to raise their prices dramatically to cover their costs.

Alaska's isolated region and small population make it unattractive to insurers, who need a lot of people to balance their risk pools and cover costs. Now that Alaska is down to a single carrier, that carrier has a lot of leverage to ask the state's insurance department for a big rate increases.

Colorado

Under very different circumstances, Colorado could also be the first state to do away with the third-party payer system. Unlike Alaska and many other states, Colorado's population is quite healthy. It consistently ranks in the top ten healthiest states in the country.

That could be a driving factor for why legislators in the state have proposed Amendment 69--a bill creating a single-payer health system in the state.

The estimated $38 billion proposal will be paid for through tax increases on workers and businesses. The bill will be voted on in November, and would do away with premiums in favor of higher taxes to cover all health and dental care costs.

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But a few problems could arise with Colorado's proposal. For example, what would stop sick people from other states from moving to the state just to reap the benefit of their universal healthcare? If this happened, it would raise costs in the state.

Further, the proposal is already very expensive. According to the New York Times, "the proposed health system would have a budget bigger than that of Colorado's entire state government."
Written by Anna Donnella

1504, a multimedia studio led by Tyler Jones, Nick Michael, and Mark Slagle, recently took some time to create a short documentary that explores race, urban development, and one of the largest murals in the country. Their film, America's Boulevard, follows the creation of the 42,179 square foot mural on MLK Boulevard in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

1504 chose to follow the story of this mural in Chattanooga, knowing that it would resonate with people of a broader audience. "We knew that most people could relate to living in a city with a road named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," says Tyler Jones of 1504, "and we hoped to use the mural process as a lens for telling a broader story about a community trying to preserve its memory."

We were interested in the role that public art can play in community development, especially when it encourages a dialogue about race and socioeconomic issues. Similar to the mural itself, one of our goals with the film was to explore how urban neighborhoods may retain their historical identities despite evolving with new residents.

Take a look at an abridged clip from America's Boulevard:

At the start of the project, 1504 visited the artist, Meg Saligman, at her studio in Philadelphia to get some context and background on her design work. From there, they visited Chattanooga once a month for nine months, the duration of the mural's creation. Wanting to grapple with the issues of gentrification and race in a way that offered a range of voices rather than promoted any one, they composed the video with interviews with many locals who had unique perspectives on the mural and the neighborhood. "Hopefully their voices stand out and, as a collection, provide an honest glimpse into this moment in time," says Tyler.

America's Boulevard premiered at the Chattanooga Film Festival in April, and the team at 1504 is looking forward to seeing how it will impact wider audiences and start conversations moving forward.

Be sure to check out the the full 25-minute film at americasblvd.com. And to see more work from 1504, visit 1504.co.

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Wonderful Machine is a production company with a network of over 700 photographers around the world, and we love to share their stories. Check out more cool projects on the Wonderful Machine Blog!
Tonight, Hillary Rodham Clinton will accept the nomination of the Democratic Party as the first woman to ever win the nomination from a major political party. It truly will be a historic and evocative moment, one in which many will reflect on the enormity of this day and what it means to them personally.

I will think of those who went before her, especially Senator Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME), who in 1964 became the first woman to be placed in nomination for president by a major party and was voice of conscience during the McCarthy era; and Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm (D-NY), who in 1972 boldly ran as the first African-American and first woman candidate to seek the Democratic nomination.

I will think of Jerry Emmett, the 102-year old Arizona Clinton delegate who was born before women even had the right to vote; and Dusi Mura (1918-2009), a renowned pianist who survived the Holocaust and Stalin and was gleeful as we watched the 2008 election results together.

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I will think of Frances Hughes Glendening, Maryland's former First Lady, whose office I sat in the morning after Geraldine Ferraro accepted the nomination for vice president in 1984. She was almost tearful as she impressed upon me how big a moment that was. It was true then and is true now.

I will think back to 1992, when Hillary Clinton often subbed for her husband at Washington fundraisers as he fought off primary challenges elsewhere. I recall one in particular, in which future Ambassador Cynthia Schneider, asked her if she would ever run for President. Hillary demurred and repeated the campaign line that you got two for the price of one in electing Bill Clinton. Ambassador Schneider's question was hardly a fanciful thought, but certainly not something that appeared visible in the present horizon.

I will remember being in New Hampshire in 1992, standing in a circle of young college women who listened in awe as this trailblazing woman talked with them. I will also remember the reporters who walked behind Hillary and said she was ugly within earshot of the entire group and think about all the hatred that has been directed at her - not because of her views or actions but because she dared to be a strong political woman. Like a soldier at The Somme, for two generations Hillary has endured all sorts of attacks and moved steadily forward to this moment.

I will think of my political mentor, Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI), the man who gave us Pell Grants. Pell's motto was "half a loaf could feed an army," since you build on your initial progress step-by-step. The Pell Grant program began small with only 185,249 recipients and now reaches approximately 10 million recipients each year.

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Tonight is certainly a big step forward, but we are not done. For example, we still have not ratified the Equal Rights Amendment or provided representation to the men and women of the District of Columbia.

I will think of my late mother, who raised seven kids and stood in the shadows of her husband because that is what women did back then - but not today. I also will think of my older sister Maureen, who taught me at a very early age that a women's place was wherever she wanted it to be.

And as always, I will think of my late father, a World War II veteran who proudly flew the flag at every holiday. He taught me what a great country this is and that we had to fight for it every day in upholding its ideals.
By Thomas Kennedy

While Democrats were for the most part united during the Democratic National Convention, there was no doubt that there were ripples of dissent. Standing on the upper levels of the Wells Fargo Center during the first night, impassioned Bernie Sanders supporters consistently booed every time Hillary Clinton was mentioned by one of her surrogates, the low point of the night coming when Elizabeth Warren took the stage. Her speech was overshadowed by angry shouts expressing feelings of betrayal which were not tempered until Bernie Sanders himself took the stage soon after.

Earlier in the day, a coalition of Democracy Spring and Sanders supporters had gathered at Marconi Park and walked several thousand strong down Broad Street, culminating in an effort to block the delegate entrance to the DNC leading to the arrest of 50 protesters after a showing of civil disobedience. These protesters were gathered to make a series of broad demands, from dealing with the influence of money in politics, to the ongoing deaths of people of color at the hands of police violence, to the perceived unfairness that the DNC email leaks exposed.



Demanding a More Progressive World

Although a recent PEW poll recently found that up to 90% of Bernie supporters will ultimately back Clinton, it is plain to see that the party has a problem in terms of outreach to its progressive and millennial base. Moumita Ahmed has been at the forefront of millennial involvement in the Sanders' campaign, founding the massive social media network "Millennials for Bernie Sanders" and leading marches attended by thousands of supporters and celebrity advocates such as Rosario Dawson.

Moumita has come to Philadelphia as a delegate to try to push the DNC to adopt the most progressive platform possible. As a Muslim woman she acknowledges the dangers of a Trump presidency but stopped short of giving Hillary Clinton an endorsement.

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"I feel like we have got to crush Trump no matter what, but movement building is our moral duty and I've done my part, what we need is a truly progressive movement to rebuild America."



Moumita Ahmed



A Feeling of Being Wronged

The resignation of Debbie Wasserman Schultz as chair of the DNC following a leak of emails that showed biased statements made during the primaries have calmed tensions somewhat in the convention. Sanders has endorsed Clinton's candidacy and urged his supporters to vote for her. But Erika Andiola, who handled Latino Outreach for his campaign, expressed how young voters felt disenfranchised and disillusioned by the perception that they've been cheated by the DNC.

Andiola called for a more progressive vision to unite the base.

"The DNC should adopt a platform that will get young voters engaged, it's not enough to tell people to vote because Trump is on the other side of the coin, and you actually have to empower voters to get

them on your side."





Erika Andiola



Dissent May Not Be Evidence of Disunity. But Is It A Path Forward?

Code Pink co-founder Jodie Evans, who attended both the Republican and Democratic conventions, said while there is dissent among Democrats, she said activists were ridiculed and even attacked at the GOP convention.

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What was important to her was not necessarily the elections however but how activists organize and how to build movements and people power in order to reach voters who make choices out of ignorance and fear.

Jodie Evans

One of the protesters who was arrested during the Democracy Spring sit-in was Andrea Perez from Miami, Florida. Andrea was a volunteer for the Sanders campaign and she also volunteered during President Obama's campaigns. But she said Sanders represents the progressive movement like no candidate has before and she believes Sanders was not given a fair chance among rank and file party members.

Although she is an immigrant from Colombia and is aware of Donald Trump's vehement anti-immigrant policies, she remains reluctant to support Clinton.

"I hate Donald Trump. My high school friend was deported back to Uruguay so I get the danger that our community feels if he gets the presidency, yet it's very hard for me to vote for Hillary Clinton because of her record and it's something that I will have to think about a lot until November."

Andrea Perez (r.) and a contingent of friends from Miami



A Heightened Sense of What's At Stake

On Monday night, I reflected on the words of Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona who is firm Bernie Sanders supporter. After the assassination of Robert Kennedy in 1968, he abstained from voting for the Democratic nominee and Richard Nixon ended up being elected to disastrous results to Americans and the people of Southeast Asia that suffered the intense bombing raids of the Vietnam War.

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Rep. Grijalva called for unity behind a party that fought and represented progressive ideals.

It's a cautionary tale for every person on the fence who knows that the stakes in these elections could not be any higher for communities of historical struggle. As the speeches roll on, we are seeing and hearing the vision of two Americas at display. Whoever wins will have an immense power to decide the path that our country takes moving forward. And there won't be any looking back.
wired fence with barbed wires on blue sky background

After spending more than six years at the maximum-security York Correctional Institution, I give proper respect to Orange Is the New Black showrunner Jenji Kohan for authenticity as well as being topical, since Season Four of the Netflix series rips its stories from the headlines like Law and Order.

But the new episodes distort realities of life and law in the modern women's prison, namely that the prisoners pay for not only their own mistakes, but everyone else's too.

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Here are 10 ways the show gets life in a women's prison all wrong.

1. Hands up. Don't fondle: men and pat down searches.

On the show, men manhandle and search female inmates, so much so that it seems that they are racially profiling them as they move through Litchfield's hallways. The Latina women are "pulled over" to the wall for pat downs a disproportionate number of times, almost like they're black and driving a car in the suburbs.

This isn't allowed under a federal law called the "Prison Rape Elimination Act" or PREA for short. Experts predict that a large number of inmates - both male and female - are victims of some type of trauma. Absent exigent circumstances, no male guard can search the body of a female inmate because physical searches can trigger unwanted responses to past traumas.

This isn't to say that all the guards follow all the rules all the time. I had a male officer pat me down in violation of the rule. To prove to me that he wasn't copping a feel, he used the back of his hand. I didn't feel violated by the search itself. I gave him a hand - har har - for creativity but I was still disturbed by how foolish and poorly trained he was to think that flipping his paw over wouldn't still break the rule against different sex searches.

2. It's curtains for you, sir: men in showers.

In the same vein, it's misconduct for guards to view inmates of another gender when they're undressed. The show serves the superficial with its shots of women exiting the shower in front of Officer Dixon as he stands sentinel for celebrity chef and inmate Judy King. If and when an inmate is naked in front of a correction officer, the only person who gets busted is the inmate.

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The cross-gender viewing prohibition in the Prison Rape Elimination Act prevents anyone from watching the opposite sex get in or jump out of the shower. In fact, this is such a priority that the law includes a "knock and announce" requirement that forces staff to make noise and boom: "Man in the room!" so that inmates can cover themselves up to prevent unintentional exposure.

Usually any genital viewing gets flipped on the inmate though accusations that she was exposing herself to the staff and she finds herself without any audience at all in solitary confinement. In Pennsylvania, a guard who was telling women to undress and groping them through their cell doors was fired not for those assaults, but for failing to report how she had displayed herself and victimized him.

No female inmate would have exited any shower nude unless she was looking for a new cell assignment in solitary because getting peeped on is the new flashing.

3. School work: upaid schooling.

Linda from Purchasing reveals just how evil she is when she explains why the Construction 101 course is so good for the prison: "This way we don't have to pay them their eleven cents an hour."

Unlike the course at Litchfield, I know from personal experience that inmates are paid to attend vocational and GED classes in the same way and wage they're paid to work in a prison. No one would ever enroll in correctional education if they didn't pay.

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As it is, many prisoners chose to work rather than become educated because some prison jobs pay more than others. But if the school didn't pay anything, no one could afford the prison life and still engage in the most meaningful source of rehabilitation.

4. Sit down for yourself: organizing inmates.

The standards for what constitutes a prison riot are pretty low. After Caputo makes empty promises about bringing back the GED program and getting inmates jobs that don't really exist, the Litchfield ladies start chanting his name in appreciation. That's a riot. Everyone would have been maced.

Organizing inmates in any way, something as minor as passing around a petition, can bring sanctions and other discipline, even time in the hole. Piper's meeting and "task force" would have caused guards to grab their riot gear if it happened in a real prison.

The idea that any prisoners working together is dangerous is nothing new. Almost 40 years ago, the Supreme Court of the United States held that prisoners lose their rights to free speech and free assembly when they end up on the wrong side of the razor wire. It's understandable. After all, what's a gang but a collection of organized criminals?

5. The gang's not here: tolerance of gangs.

Gang members don't socialize with the general population. Gang activity in prisons is taken seriously, except they're not called gangs; they're called "Security Risk Groups." Anything related to gang symbols or colors sends administrators into a panic. In my prison, the recreation supervisor confiscated black construction paper because black is a gang neutral - it goes with every other gang color - and most groups use it somehow to display solidarity.

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If there's even a suspicion that someone is part of a gang, that solidarity lands her in solitary confinement, at least in many states. As part of a settlement of a lawsuit, the State of California agreed not to house members of gangs or SRG's for extended periods of time in solitary, but a Texas inmate was sentenced to spend his life sentence in solitary because he's the leader of the Aryan Nation. It's best to be a colorless loner in prison.

6. #Thankyou. #Nothankyou: gifts for inmates.

When Director Caputo gives a watch to Taystee, whom he's tapped as his assistant (never), he's breaking prison rules. Anything that isn't sold or made within the prison is contraband. It's contraband-plus if it comes from someone who works there.

When a guard from the prison where I spent more than six years was arrested for sexual assault, the police report noted that he had given the inmate presents like sushi, Ice cream, and chocolate-covered cranberries. This fact alone shows the propriety of gifts to inmates: an officer memorializing this inmate's rape also thought it was necessary to inventory the presents the victim received. And I would bet that the fact that she got these luxuries pissed off more people than the fact that she was sexually abused.

The State of Rhode Island prohibits inmates from receiving gifts even from outsiders in the form of magazines, books and other publications because of the time it takes to review the them for security.

Proper gifts are freely given and freely received. It's no wonder they can't exist in a place where people lose their freedom.

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7. That's a badge, not a robe: guards deciding sentences.

While it's true that more time can be added to someone's sentence for crimes committed in prison, in general it's not that much unless it's a murder. Stealing, for instance, is usually ignored. Even escapes, unless it's a biggie like last summer's manhunt for two murderers, don't attach time to people's punishments in big amounts, so Maria Ruiz's three-year consecutive sentence - directed by Captain of the Guards Piscatella - is incredible.

It's dangerous to give guards authority over someone's length of sentence, especially in a privatized prison. A study out of the University of Wisconsin Business School last summer found that guards in private prisons write twice as many disciplinary reports than their public prison counterparts because these bad report cards cause the parole board to deny inmates who have documented history of behavioral problems. The end result is that the inmate serves more time. And earns more money for her jailer. Prisons have less to do with courtrooms than they do casinos - the house always wins.

8. Wrapped too tightly: gum wrappers in prison.

Chew on this: the wrapper isn't as much of a threat inside a prison as its contents; gum is downright dangerous inside. A wrapper is so perilous that its presence can trigger a shakedown where the source of it will be found.

Gum jams up locks and can serve as the mold to make an impression of a key. Send that home and ask someone to make a matching key, and you've got early release, albeit an illegal one.

There's a way to light things without the wrapper. Pencils are allowed in prison so women can easily get one, strip the lead out and insert it into an electrical socket. Any flame that pops out lights the toilet paper as a wick. An inmate might get charged with arson or destroying government property lighting up this way, but she'll be cleared on a minor contraband beef.

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9. Prison mixers: racial segregation.

Not all prisons house people of the same race together. The prison where I stayed, for instance, was completely integrated. If an inmate wanted to generate tension based on race, the prison was happy to accommodate her in solitary confinement where no one of any race could bother her.

A lawsuit in California forced the state's Department of Corrections to desegregate its prisons. The Sunshine State was forcing inmates of one race to lock up in their cells while inmates of other races enjoyed recreation.

Prisons function on a principle of equality; any segregation can be construed as preferential treatment. Did you think they would take away prisoners' gum and gifts to let them feel special another way?

10. Stay in your own lane: lockdowns where inmates mingle.

When Litchfield goes into lockdown after guar/hitman Farhid's body is found, inmates saunter into each other's cells and assemble en masse in the chow hall.

Part of this plot is most likely borrowed from a true story of a guard's being killed in New Jersey in 1997. The prison went into lockdown from July 30 to September 30 and prisoners were not allowed to leave their cells or have visits. A judge who decided a lawsuit later filed by the inmates found that they had, indeed, suffered torturous conditions just like solitary confinement during the locked period. Lockdown status at a correctional facility essentially turns the whole place into the hole, even for inmates who did nothing wrong.

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As the United States works to promote global economic growth and stability, it is clear that poor governance and persistent corruption around the world present serious obstacles. In a May article by former Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and retired Admiral Michael Mullen, corruption represents "a menace to development, human dignity, and global security."

As Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, I have seen firsthand how corruption can hamper efforts by local governments and the international community to promote policies that will spur economies. When resources are stolen or diverted from public investments, public confidence in government erodes. Such environments cannot serve as the basis for stable, inclusive economies that allow for the economic growth and development necessary to improve the lives of people around the world.

Moreover, in places where corruption destroys faith in government and security is lacking, violent extremism can find grounds to thrive. Recognizing the grave threat posed by corruption, Secretary Kerry remarked at the World Economic Forum earlier this year, that it is imperative that "we deepen the fight against corruption, making it a first-order, national security priority."

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One of the strategies we can use to reduce corruption is by ensuring "fiscal transparency," in other words exposing otherwise hidden budget allocations. When budgets are open and accessible and citizens can see how their governments raise revenues, allocate resources, and manage public finances, they can discover any mismanagement or wrongdoing and take the steps to hold their leaders accountable.

It is encouraging to see that fiscal transparency is increasingly recognized as a key pillar in the fight against corruption. For example, during the May 2016 Anti-Corruption Summit hosted by the United Kingdom, world leaders recognized fiscal transparency as an important tool in the international community's anti-corruption efforts, stating that "government budgets should be fair, accountable, open, and transparent to prevent and expose the theft or misuse of taxpayers' money." Through the Open Government Partnership (OGP), an initiative launched by President Obama together with seven world leaders in 2011, the United States and countries around the world have integrated fiscal transparency commitments into their national action plans. Fiscal transparency commitments made up around one third of all the commitments in the first 51 OGP action plans.

At the Department of State, we are seizing the opportunity created by the heightened global interest in anti-corruption and fiscal transparency. Today, we released the 2016 Fiscal Transparency Report. The report reviews 140 governments that receive U.S. assistance and assesses whether those governments make key budget documents available to their citizens, whether those documents are substantially complete and reliable, and whether processes for awarding natural resource extraction contracts and licenses are transparent.

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The report includes specific recommendations for governments on areas where they should increase their fiscal transparency. Through these recommendations, we seek to eliminate opportunities for corruption by encouraging greater accountability and openness between governments and their citizens.

Let's be clear: while a lack of fiscal transparency can help enable corruption, the report does not directly assess corruption. A lack of fiscal transparency, perhaps because of capacity constraints or an emergency situation, does not necessarily mean there is significant corruption in the government. Conversely, the fact that a government meets a minimum standard of fiscal transparency does not necessarily reflect a low level of corruption.

Our work does not begin and end with the report, but includes helping governments improve their fiscal transparency through targeted foreign assistance. Through the Fiscal Transparency Innovation Fund (FTIF), we support projects that help governments develop and execute comprehensive, reliable, and transparent budgets. In Chad, our assistance helped make the national budget and key fiscal information available online for the first time. In Kenya, we are funding training for government officials focused on reducing inefficiencies in public spending and improving transparency in public procurement.

FTIF projects also support the work of civil society organizations that promote fiscal transparency and advocate for citizens' ability to participate more substantively in their governments' budget processes. In Haiti, we funded a series of training sessions that taught students, media representatives, and government officials about national budget processes and their effect on local communities. Through our program in Ukraine, we encourage businesses, civil society organizations, and investigative journalists to demand greater transparency in Ukraine's energy sector. This effort also aims to facilitate more inclusive budget practices at the local level in that country.
Food Is Love

When I was 6 years old, I talked my parents into buying me a pair of moccasins so I could pretend I was an Indian warrior. Unfortunately, the moccasins offered little protection when I did my war dance over a broken Michelob bottle. I was more upset about my ruined moccasin than my cut foot.

My mother cooked up a batch of chicken noodle soup, just the way I liked it, heavy on the noodles, light on the soup.

"Have some soup, and know your mother loves you."

When I scraped my knees trying to ski down our back alley with my feet taped to strips of aluminum siding (don't ask), the pain was assuaged by Mom's spaghetti and turkey meatballs.

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"Eat this, and know your mother loves you," she cooed. By my second meatball, I had all but forgotten the boo boos.

The message was clear: Food is love.

If food was love, my stoic, WWII vet father loved himself a lot. I tried to grab a bit of tangerine off his plate one day and almost lost a finger.

He was a man of few words, but one of them was "more," which he almost always said at meal times. He had one full sentence: "Shut up, or I'll crack you one." Let's say we weren't close.

A month after my mother died, my father and I became fast friends. It was surreal to find myself hanging out with a man I'd never really known. We ate fried flounder and french fries near the ocean and talked about the sea gulls stealing everyone's food. He said entire sentences that had nothing to do with cracking anyone.

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"What a pig!" my father said throwing a french fry at the gull.

My tough-guy dad seemed to have died along with my mother. A softer, gray-haired man who loved to feed birds took his place.

But three months after my mother died, my father met Natalie at a Jewish Senior Citizens party in San Diego.

"She'd not much to look at, but she's good company," was my dad's only comment when he broke the news to my sister, brother and me.

Natalie felt threatened by the memory of my mother and so abolished all talk of her while she was around. My mother's photos were put away, as well. We figured we'd talk to my dad about mom when Natalie wasn't around, but Natalie forbid my father to be alone with any of his children. It went on like this for 15 years.

My brother's wife Dela figured out a way to warm my father's heart. She cooked for him. Matzo ball soup was his favorite. He'd make the trip from San Diego to Los Angeles just to get Dela's schnitzel or matzo ball soup. But he never came without Natalie.

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On a visit to see Dad in San Diego while Natalie was in the bathroom, my father pulled out his wallet and showed me a picture of my mother when she was young and beautiful.

"My beautiful wife. I could do no wrong in her eyes."

"Do you miss her?"

" I think about her every day."

He quickly put his wallet away when Natalie came out.

When my father was 83 years old, I told him that I wouldn't visit him anymore if he wouldn't spend time alone with me.

"I'm an old man; give me another chance."

He picked me up at my hotel, sans Natalie. We went to Anthony's on the Bay in San Diego and ate flounder.

Jews love flounder. It's a thing.

Dad admitted to me that he was unhappy with Natalie but too old and tired to do anything about it.

"It's never too late to be happy, Dad."

"I'm an old geezer. I'll just put up with it."

He put a shopping bag filled with mail on the table.

"Can you help me go through this?"

From that point on, I would fly in from New York to San Diego. We'd eat flounder, and I would help him go through his mail and pay his bills.

We went on a health kick and ordered the flounder broiled not fried with cole slaw instead of fries. It wasn't gourmet, but the fish was fresh and the bay was beautiful. Dad didn't use salt due to high blood pressure, so I squeezed lemon on his fish and dusted it with pepper.

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"Thank you," Dad said, eyes twinkling, and devoured his meal.

"Dad, every once in a while you have to chew," I said laughing. I took my napkins and wiped the cole slaw dripping down his chin.

One morning while Natalie was in a rehab center recovering from a fall, Dad fell in the shower. He couldn't find the strength to climb out of the tub, so he curled into a ball and went to sleep. He stayed like that for 24 hours before Natalie's daughter found him.

By the time he got to the hospital, he had hypothermia. I flew out from New York City and sat by his bed.

On what felt like a race against time, I tried to find out a little more about this man who shared so little of himself.

"Tell me about your childhood, Dad."

"It was okay."

"Were you happy."

"Enough."

I decided to try something new. It occurred to me that my father didn't know much about me either.

I'd become a chef and the owner of a catering company in New York City. The road to get there had been wild and rocky. Every day for the next two weeks, I sat by his bed, fed him from his hospital tray and told him about his daughter.

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"When I first started cooking women weren't welcome in the kitchen. I had to dip 3,000 strawberries in chocolate."

"Three thousand! How did you do that?"

"It took me all day."

"You're tough like your old man."

"I'm starting to think so."

"Tell me another story!" he demanded.

"The first party I catered was for 50 people, but I didn't know how to order food, so I came with enough cold cuts for 150. I made a mountain out of cold cuts."

"A whole mountain! Wow, 50 people!"

"That's nothing dad. I was catering a wedding for 150 people when I got the call about your fall. "

"Wow," he said, shaking his head wide-eyed. "One hundred and fifty people! That's a lot!"

From that point on, my father would call me every day, sometimes 10 times a day.

"How many people you cooking for today?"

"Today we have a big one, 200 people. "

"Wow! That's a lot!"

"It's okay, Dad. I have a lot of help."

I moved Dad into an assisted living home with full nursing. Over the next five years I visited him almost every other month.

Every time I walked into his room I was armed with his favorite treats: kosher hot dogs slathered in mustard and a double pile of sauerkraut (just the way he liked it) or Chinese vegetable egg rolls.

My father would cheer.

"There's my beautiful daughter who never forgets me!"

I had to start cutting the hot dogs into 4 pieces. Otherwise, he would down them in one bite. I never met anyone else who could do that.

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"Dad, please try to chew!"

Mustard and sauerkraut dripping down his chin, mouth full of hot dog goop, my father still managed to ask, "How many you cooking for now?"

"Dad, next week is a big week: two weddings and a bar mitzvah. All together, 500 people!"

"Wow!"

When a nurse walked in to check his blood pressure, dad yelled, "My daughter is cooking for 500 people. She's a big shot!"

"Just like her father," said the nurse winking at me.

"Can I have another hot dog?"

"Dad. You have to save room. I brought you your favorite dessert. Apple pie!'

"Apple pie. I love apple pie. That's my favorite."

"I know, Daddy."

As I spoon-fed him the pie, I pet his cheek, freshly shaved by the nurse. He was so happy, he was humming.
Hillary Clinton walks the Verizon picket line with CWA members in April, 2016.

The nomination of Secretary Hillary Clinton for President of the United States at the Democratic National Convention this week is a historic step forward for our nation, and the Communications Workers of America and I are proud to stand with her to build an America that works for working families.

Hillary Clinton is smart, thoughtful, and experienced. She brings decades of commitment on behalf of working families, and for economic and social justice for all.

She doesn't just talk, she delivers. Her record of public service shows a leader who stands up for workers' bargaining and organizing rights, for family and medical leave, and other programs that help working families.

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Secretary Clinton has pledged that she will "do everything in [her] power to defend American jobs and American workers. Any trade deal must meet three tests to earn my support: It must create good American jobs, raise wages, and advance our national security. I do not believe that the Trans-Pacific Partnership meets this high standard. That's why I oppose the TPP -- and that means before and after the election."

Clinton walked our picket line at Verizon. She was the first Senate sponsor of legislation to expand FMLA benefits for flight attendants. She supports comprehensive immigration reform, overturning Citizens United, and establishing a public campaign finance system. Hillary was an original sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, and she supports creating a $250 billion infrastructure investment program that would create hundreds of thousands of good jobs. She strongly supports expanding Medicare access to those between 55 and 65, and she has called for greater Wall Street accountability. She has called for expanding voting rights and ending the school to prison pipeline.

In contrast, the GOP has nominated Donald Trump, a dangerous phony who would be funny if he weren't so scary. Trump makes his money by cheating workers of overtime pay and fair wages, cheating contractors out of their fair earnings, and cheating students who signed up for "Trump University."

He talks a good game about bad trade deals, but manufactures his fancy ties and suits in China, Bangladesh, and Mexico. Trump thinks that American wages are "too high," he "loves" right to work (for less), and brags about fighting unions. "I fight the unions very hard," he told a South Carolina radio station.

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Undated photo shows a Chinese H-6K bomber patrolling islands and reefs including Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducted a combat air patrol in the South China Sea recently, which will become a "regular" practice in the future, said a military spokesperson on July 18, 2016. The PLA sent H-6K bombers and other aircraft including fighters, scouts and tankers to patrol islands and reefs including Huangyan Dao, said Shen Jinke, spokesman for the PLA Air Force. (Xinhua/Liu Rui)

BEIJING, July 27 -- China on Wednesday urged Japan, the United States and Australia to view and deal with the South China Sea issue in a right attitude.

None of the three nations are directly-concerned parties to the issue, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang in response to question on a trilateral statement issued by the three countries on Monday evening, which touched upon the South China Sea situation.

Lu said China urges relevant countries to respect the efforts of the directly-concerned parties to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, and do right things to serve peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) have already set rules in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), he said.

During the foreign ministers' meeting between China and ASEAN nations (10+1), China and the ASEAN nations issued a joint statement on full and effective implementation of the DOC, which reiterates that disputes should be resolved peacefully through negotiation between the parties directly concerned, said Lu.

Japan, the U.S. and Australia have been citing international laws for some time, but in fact they have been adopting a double standard towards international laws, which they adopt only when the international laws fit their needs, said the spokesperson.

Lu reaffirmed China's non-acceptance of the illegal and void award issued by the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration established at the unilateral request of the Philippines.

The award given by the Arbitral Tribuna is beyond the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has gravely violated the international law and the general practice of international arbitration, and it does not stand for the international law, he said.

China firmly opposes any proposition and action based on the award, Lu stressed.
Evidence continues to mount that the school-to-prison pipeline is a huge issue in our education system, contributing to the mass incarceration across United States.

Yet the vast majority of our educators lack the knowledge and training necessary to implement changes that currently contribute to juvenile justice and recidivism. If we don't properly equip our teacher, we are in turn setting up our youth to fail.

Thankfully, some educators are taking steps to resolve this lingering problem. One of the best I've heard of lately is the New England College Summer Institute for Educators, which this year has a course called A Teacher's Role in Breaking the School to Prison Pipeline.

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The summer institute has been offered since 2001, and offers courses that are developed in response to current issues, needs, and goals of schools and institutions, and which offer educators accreditation - required hours, graduate program credits, and practical tools and skills to enhance their teaching and improve learning. Other courses offered this year included Dynamics of Educational Reform and Systems Change, Social Problem Solving and Student Centered Learning.

The 4-day course on breaking the school to prison pipeline was offered with a goal of deepening the understanding of issues related to the school to prison pipeline, including inequality, systemic criminalization of youth, discipline policies, structural racism, and the prison industrial complex. The course, taught by Charles Virga, was worth 3 credits and offered at the graduate level.

While the idea of the Summer Institute is great - there are now many articles, online resources, and toolkits to help teachers and other staff realize their role on how to break the school to prison pipeline. But we need these across America if we want to educate teachers about needed reforms as well as new innovations.

Hands-on initiatives and educational opportunities like this are given, and encouraged, to our educators, teachers, and school staff, so that each person who is front of the line in the educational system can develop an awareness of the consequences of certain disciplinary actions, and how the current system embodies systemic, unequal, and racist policies.

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Through continued knowledge and action, as well as sufficient resources, we can continue to move towards a system that is increasingly equal, fair, and provides the best education for youth, while reducing incarceration rates.

And we need to make sure that teachers, who can bear the brunt of new programs and initiatives, know that they have resources and training, and are adequately supported.
Don't know exactly what triggered accumulated, deferred rage. Was it:

*The media coverage of Republican and Democratic Conventions,

*the release of DNC emails during the Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders State primary elections,

*shooting attack and killing of upon police officers in Dallas TX,

*the police killings of additional black men in Minn and Baton Rouge, LA,

*the appearance of the "Mothers of The Movement" at the Democratic National Convention to make them remember their children who had been killed by police

* the "Law and Order" rhetoric of Presidential Candidate of Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention,

*or the recent acquittal of ALL of the police officers in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while in their custody in a police van.

New York Times columnist Charles Blow best summed up my feelings about the acquittal of the police officers in Baltimore in the case of Freddie Gray. He wrote:

"Yet another black man's body broken without anyone's being called to account, another soul lingering on the other side of the grave without justice on this side of the living. No officer has been convicted in the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, John Crawford III, Tanisha Anderson, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland and dozens more. Indeed, according to Mapping Police Violence, "only 10 of the 102 cases in 2015 where an unarmed black person was killed by police resulted in officer(s) being charged with a crime, and only 2 of these deaths (Matthew Ajibade and Eric Harris) resulted in convictions of officers involved."

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Charles Blow described HIS state of mind in response to the Baltimore police officer acquittals as "Incandescent Rage."

Is there a state of mind beyond Blow's self-described rage in response to the recurring consequences of the pernicious virus of white supremacy from the institution of slavery so deeply embedded in our current body politic?

This brings me back to the the recent two party National Conventions in our nation.

There was discussion about Trade Agreements, National Security, a national minimum wage, heath care, the 2nd Amendment, our Education system, police and law and order, etc.

Why was there no platform from either the Republican or Democratic Party Conventions about our government, as nation, apologizing for the earlier institution of slavery and its companion doctrine of State enforced white supremacy on current and earlier generations of the descendants of slaves?

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The relationship between the police and African-American communities is deeply rooted in our earlier history of police being law enforcement agents for State mandated racial segregation. Even with the Civil Rights Movement's dismantling of the worst of American Apartheid, racist based law enforcement continued for decades.

There is unlikely to be any fundamental change in the estrangement between many African Americans and the police until we as nation publicly acknowledge the devastating impact and consequence of slavery and it's infection in our body politic and institutions by the virulent doctrine of white racism.

The current nationwide relationship between the police and African-Americans must be confronted, addressed and fundamentally improved. Otherwise, the national plea for "Black Lives Matter" will fall on nationwide deaf ears within white communities across our nation.

This deaf ear response is not principally because of malice, but ignorance. It reflects a failure of whites in America to have a "Come To Jesus" meeting with their souls about the generational consequences of the earlier institution of slavery and it justifying ideology of white supremacy.

The failure of either major party, assembled at their respective National Conventions, to address and discuss these issues as a basis for their party's platform recommendations is an index or measure of just how far we as nation need to come to redeem our soul.

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No "redemption" is possible without publicly acknowledging and speaking about the failure of either major party assembled in their respective National Convention to discuss these issues as a basis for a party platform recommendation to address the issue of race, racism and the police in our country today.

St. Augustine of Hippo reminds us that:

"Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are."

I am personally struggling to retain "Courage."

My current state of mind of "beyond rage", however, regrettably continues, in spite of President Obama's upbeat address at the Democratic National Convention about how much progress has occurred in America during the 21st Century.

I remain haunted by Thomas Jefferson's reflection, as an owner of slavers, about the consequences of the institution of slavery upon generations after him. He said, "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever."
The allure of the Captain Underpants series is lost on some adults. Rife with flatulence jokes, characters with puerile names like Professor Pippy P. Poopypants and starring an unlikely superhero in tighty-whities, the series topped the American Library Association's list of Most Frequently Challenged Books in both 2012 and 2013. The fact that many adults don't approve of Dav Pilkey's writing style only makes it more appealing to kids, as evidenced by the 70 million copies sold to date about the antics of fourth-grade best friends George and Harold. Pilkey says his goal is to capture the interest of children who rarely get excited about picking up a book. "I just want my readers to have a good time," he says. "I'm hoping they'll make a connection in their heads that reading is fun. Hopefully, that connection will get them started down the road to a lifetime of literacy."

Pilkey knows firsthand what it's like to struggle academically. "I was pretty miserable in school," he says. "I went to a very small parochial school that wasn't well equipped to deal with kids like me ... I was diagnosed with extreme hyperactivity (what they now call ADHD). I also have dyslexia, which posed another set of challenges that unfortunately, my teachers didn't quite know how to handle."

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Young fans often bring examples of their own stories and comics when they meet Pilkey. "I feel very honored when kids are willing to share their creative works with me," he says. Pilkey feels a special kinship with those who divulge they also have ADHD or dyslexia. "The nice thing is that many of these kids are saying this for the first time with a bit of pride in their voices," says Pilkey. "It's as if they suddenly made the connection that thinking and learning differently than almost everyone else around them is not a bad thing after all. It's good to see that spark of hope."

Pilkey's educational challenges led to poor conduct in the classroom. "I began misbehaving in order to shift the attention away from my academic challenges," he says. "Being the class clown was much better than being the kid who couldn't read very well." So egregious was Pilkey's behavior, his teacher put his desk in the hallway so he wouldn't disturb the class. "I was sent out there for hours every day," he says. "Once I'd finished my schoolwork, I spent most of my time drawing pictures. These drawings ended up becoming stories, and the stories turned into comics."

Ironically, it was during one of those disciplinary exiles from the classroom that Pilkey created the Captain Underpants character. "He started out as a regular superhero, who flew around and did heroic things," he says. "When I started making books about him as an adult, he evolved into the heroic alter-ego of an elementary school principal."



After high school, Pilkey enrolled at Kent State University where he majored in English, intending to become a teacher. Thanks to the attention of a particularly earnest English professor who noticed Pilkey's notebook crammed with cartoons and drawings, he took another path. His professor asked if he'd ever considered writing and illustrating children's books. "I'd never considered it before, but from that moment on, I thought of little else," says Pilkey. "She was the first person to ever take an interest in my writing. I doubt I'd be making books today if it weren't for her."

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Shortly thereafter, Pilkey wrote his first children's book, World War Won. He entered it into the 1987 National Written and Illustrated by... Awards Contest for Students and won first prize in his age category, a publishing contract, and a trip to Kansas City. "It was one of the greatest experiences of my life," Pilkey recalls.

However, Pilkey's excitement was short-lived. "Being recognized (and getting published) was definitely a thrill, but it wasn't the 'foot in the door' that I'd hoped it was going to be," he says. "I had imagined that publishers would be lining up to publish my next book, but the reality was quite different. I spent many years afterwards doing author visits and selling books out of the trunk of my car in order to make ends meet." Pilkey's second effort, 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving, was rejected by 23 publishers before being accepted by Orchard Books in 1989. Other books followed, including The Dumb Bunnies series and Dog Breath.

In 1996, Pilkey released The Paperboy, which earned him a Caldecott Honor. The Paperboy conveys Pilkey's favorite aspects of his own early mornings spent delivering newspapers. "I liked the independence I felt when it seemed like I was the only person in the whole world who was awake," he says. "I liked the snap of the green rubber bands I'd roll around each folded newspaper. I liked the colors, the pinks and purples and oranges that crept up from the dark horizons as I pedaled my bike."



The first Captain Underpants novel was released in 1997 and 11 more have followed. Pilkey has theories as to the series' popularity. "I think kids respond to the humor, and also to the friendship and loyalty of George and Harold," he says. "George and Harold don't have traditional superpowers. They have to rely on their imaginations and creativity to save the world. Creativity and imagination end up becoming their superpowers. I think young readers can identify with the idea that superpowers are not necessarily elements of fantasy. They can be attainable things."

Pilkey's latest series is Dog Man. "I mentioned Dog Man in the first Captain Underpants book, and by book nine, he was being featured in George and Harold's own comic books," says Pilkey. "The response I received from fans about Dog Man was overwhelming. I was having so much fun with him and his crazy world that it was a natural transition to begin making entire books about him."



Currently, Pilkey is working on book three, Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties. "Even though the Dog Man series has a very naive quality in the writing and art, I'm going to be exploring complicated ideas as the series progresses" he says. "What is the true nature of evil, for example? And are we merely products of our genetics, or does our environment also play a role in the development of our character?" Fans can follow Petey the cat on Instagram at petey_haw_haw.

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Next summer, DreamWorks Animation will release the Captain Underpants movie. The release date is set for July 2, 2017 and the timing coincides with the 20-year anniversary of the first Captain Underpants novel. Pilkey says meeting the first generation of Captain Underpants fans, now adults, is typically very rewarding. "Often they tell me that if it weren't for these books, they wouldn't be a reader today, or wouldn't have gone on to graduate from college," he says. Pilkey hopes his books will continue to make a difference in the lives of his fans and inspire them to read more. "It's really all about making that connection that reading is fun," he says. "That simple connection can lead to extraordinary places."

Photo by Karyn Carpenter Baker. Article by Melissa Fales, Story Monsters Ink magazine.
illustration of a comet flying...

We are in the midst of a clash of civilizations. Not in the Samuel Huntington sense, of East vs. West, or Muslim vs. Christian, but in the basic political philosophical sense of constitutional democracy vs. fascist authoritarianism. November 8th stands as a potential extinction-level event.

Just writing that bit of alarmist prose is an out-of-body experience. Yes, every election since 2000 has been "the most important election of our lifetime," and because of the failure of the process in 2000 we ended up with the Iraq catastrophe which has given us the Islamic State, but this is different.

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I'm sitting in the arena on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention, a convention which in many ways feels no different than the previous two of the Obama years. A highly diverse crowd, of delegates, activists and guests, looks like America, maybe a little more so than 2008. The LGBT contingent has risen to 11.5%, and the number of trans delegates has doubled since 2012. The response of most people to such statistics is, "Yawn." A room full of Latino and African Americans. Yawn. A room full of women. Yawn. The mirror of America, normal America.

That sense of normalcy is worth celebrating. It is what the struggle for civil rights is about - the opportunity to live one's life to the fullest. But today there is no time to celebrate. The sense of normalcy within is threatened by the barbarians at the gate.

I've lived my adult life in an America that was struggling with the change from the progressive '60s, manifesting with conservative takeovers of school boards, city and state legislatures, and for many years, the federal government. It wasn't pleasant, but it was representative democracy. The people, of either ideology, could organize and take control for a time, with the other side always aware that its time might come with hard work and a little luck. Which it did.

That America, which for decades did not often represent me or my interests, was still a nation where freedom was real, equality was a goal that could be steadily approached, and opportunity was available for most who were able to take advantage of the possibilities.

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The America that stands across the abyss this coming November 8th is not a land of freedom. It is not a land where equality is cherished. It is not a land of opportunity for the vast majority of the population. It is not the land promised by the Declaration nor protected by the Constitution.

It is a land that is the hellscape of Donald Trump's fevered imagination, the land he describes to his raging, bloodthirsty supporters as the America of today, but in reality is not but would be the land of Trump's America. It is a land where the lives of most Americans, difficult as they may be today, would become radically different. The land of "the divided crime scene," not "the shining city on the hill."

Trump's America would be a land run by the bullies which civil society manages to control. A land of rudeness, cruelty, and, inevitably, violence. This is not a speculation. Human history is replete with the exploits of strongmen and their legacy of destruction. Anyone conversant with just the history of the last century, knows of the development of concentration camps in Boer-run South Africa, of the slaughterhouses in the trenches of World War One and the charnel houses of the black earth of Nazi-occupied Europe. These are not exceptions in human history; these are the rule.

America has been blessed by geographic isolation but not an isolation of compassion, willing on multiple occasions to go to the rescue and support of people abroad who share our love of freedom. But that isolation has also limited our imagination, as we've been protected from an awareness of the worst that humans have been able to do to one another around the globe. Without an assertive education in world history, East as well as West, Americans are dangerously naive of the threat that is at our door.

It has often been said that "It can't happen here." Yes, it can.

Speaking of education and people who should know better -- American Jews, those who lived through the era of the Holocaust or whose parents and grandparents did, have lived for the past fifty years chanting, "Never again." While it's understandable that some Jews, particularly the more fundamentalist, would be generally conservative and these days support the Republican party because of its mindlessly unbending support of Israel, there is absolutely no excuse for any Jewish man or women to support Trump. Jews who lived under fascist demagogues in Europe and the Middle East did not thrive. Anti-Semitism has never been far from the mind of bigots who might today be anti-Latino or anti-Muslim, so there is no justification to support a man with no ethical core, a history of business criminality, and who has enabled American bigots of all stripes, including anti-Semites. This is not open to dispute.

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This is an era of anti-politics, and era where American bigots are no longer afraid to speak their minds and, on growing occasions, act on their feelings.

When former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has been, first and foremost an entrepreneur, but politically a Republican, Democrat and independent, says at a Democratic convention,

Let's elect a sane, competent person. Trump says he wants to run the nation like he's run his business. God help us.

we know we're in a universe parallel to the one which we've inhabited all our lives.

The president, when he first mentioned the name Trump, generated boos in the arena. and his response was, "Don't boo. Vote." I fear that voting for their "self-described savior" will be the response of the bigots, and not those who can't believe that bigots exist, and are a threat to our constitutional democracy.

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Obama said that "democracy is not a spectator sport," and our founding documents use the plural "we" - "We hold these truths to be self-evident . . .," and "We, the people. . . " Not "I am your voice."
"Pride slays thanksgiving, but a humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves."

- Henry Ward Beecher

Can we become kinder, more grateful individuals in a me-first age where increasing racial, ethnic and religious tensions undermine our capacity for compassion and divide the body politic?

The answer appears to be yes, according to new studies that add to evidence suggesting virtues can be nurtured.

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Two studies of college students discovered a "kindness loop" in which individuals guided to a positive state of mind put greater effort into acts of kindness, which in turn was related to higher well-being and happiness.

And in other new studies on thankfulness, individuals who relied on religion to find meaning and support were more likely to sustain attitudes of gratitude even in the face of distress.

But new research also warns that the state of narcissism and cynicism that pervades so much of our social and political culture may lead to "a vicious cycle" that diminishes our better selves.



In one study, participants rated high in materialism and envy were somewhat less likely to express gratitude over time.

Still, qualities like having an excessive sense of your own importance and a suspicion that others are only looking out for themselves may be the major "thieves of thankfulness," the study found.

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Unlocking virtue

There has been a wealth of evidence in recent years showing the positive benefits of virtues such as kindness, gratitude and humility.

Among those potential benefits: Higher levels of compassion, fewer mental health issues, lower blood pressure, a greater sense of meaning in one's life and stronger relationships.

Now a body of research investigating how these virtues can be cultivated is starting to develop.

Two recently published studies of college students found that providing exercises that placed participants in a positive state of mind resulted in greater effort and motivation to perform acts of kindness.

In one study of 233 students at the University of California, Riverside, those who began by writing letters expressing gratitude, joy or optimism were more likely to be kinder to others in the next few weeks. The control group wrote letters listing what they did in the last seven days. .

A separate study of 139 students at James Madison University found that those who wrote gratitude letters experienced a higher level of elevation - a feeling of being moved and uplifted, promoting a desire to be a better person and give back to others. That feeling predicted greater effort in helping others.

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In both cases, those who were motivated to be kind reported higher levels of well-being at the end of the studies.

Thus, even a brief positive activity can trigger a cycle of happiness and kindness where doing good and feeling good can reinforce one another, the researchers found.

But what can preserve gratitude in hard times?

New research suggests that faith brings comfort and meaning in the face of adversity.

In two studies, an online survey of 404 adults and an analysis of data from 122 Jewish adults seeking treatment for anxiety and stress, researchers found religious beliefs and practices were associated with greater gratitude.

It is easy to be grateful in good times, a team of researchers led by David Rosmarin of Harvard Medical School noted. Yet faith appears to support thanksgiving even in tough times.

"The stability of virtues during circumstances in which they are unlikely to occur may reflect their true internalization," the researchers said.

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Barriers to virtue

There is even less research on what may inhibit the development of virtue. But that field, too, is growing.

In two studies measuring gratitude, researchers found cynicism appeared to be one of the strongest inhibitors, with materialism also predicting significant decreases in gratitude over time.

However, one quality that promotes an unhealthy sense of entitlement and the illusion of self-sufficiency stood out.

"We found evidence that narcissism may have a particularly insidious impact on gratitude; narcissism may directly prevent gratitude, and it may also hinder gratitude by enhancing cynicism and materialism," researchers from Eastern Washington University and Whitworth University reported. "In this way, pathological pride may be seen as the 'master inhibitor' of gratitude."

The good news is there is a consistently hopeful finding throughout much of the research on virtue that indicates developing individual strengths and becoming more aware of weaknesses can make a difference.

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That can include something as simple as writing letters expressing thanks or more challenging efforts to treat narcissistic personality disorder.

The takeaway: Nurture can transcend the baser parts of our nature.

Or, in the words of the Dalai Lama:

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
Recently a lot of people have quoted Protestant pastor Martin Niemoller, who wrote:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--

Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--

Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--

Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.

His words were written in the context of the Holocaust, yet they are chilling today as they've become a refrain of protest to the Donald Trump campaign for U.S. President.

And even so, Trump continues to gain momentum. A USC/Los Angeles Times poll published yesterday has Trump almost seven points ahead of Hillary Clinton. Clinton would not be my first choice for president. But when I think of Donald Trump's promises to this country and the number of people who support his values, I am overcome with a feeling of darkness that was only hinted at by the Republican National Convention.

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Have you thought about the reality of Donald Trump's promises? If he gets his way--if American people give him his way--this is what will happen in our country.

'Humane' Deportation of Undocumented People

Last November, Trump said that he would create a "deportation force" that would target undocumented people and remove them from the country.

"You're going to have a deportation force, and you're going to do it humanely and you're going to bring the country -- and, frankly, the people, because you have some excellent, wonderful people, some fantastic people that have been here for a long period of time," the real-estate mogul replied.

Trump promises a "humane" approach at the outset--yet he refers to it as a force. Is this actionable? Yes: Although the U.S. Census Bureau denied it for years, in 2007 the agency was forced to admit when a statute of limitations expired that it assisted the U.S. government in identifying and rounding up Japanese Americans--legal citizens in most cases--and relocating them to internment camps. Although (undoubtedly due to national pride and denial of our country's shameful history) we remember these camps as a protective measure and not anything like what the German Nazi regime enforced, our "internment camps" were essentially the same as Nazi concentration camps. Donald Trump's roundup of so-called illegal human beings would need to place them in holding at least temporarily. Trump, given his way, would bring concentration camps to the United States of America. And anyone who is not a natural-born or naturalized citizen would be, by his terms, eligible for the roundup. Are you ready?

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Inching Even More Closely to Naziism--Really

Not satisfied with his roundup of "illegals," Trump has proposed creating a national registered database of Muslims--American or not. "I would certainly implement that, absolutely," he said in November. This proposal mimics the Nazi's method for identifying Jewish and other "problematic" people. From the New York Times:

Asked later, as he signed autographs, how such a database would be different from Jews having to register in Nazi Germany, Mr. Trump repeatedly said, "You tell me," until he stopped responding to the question.

While the standard decennial United States Census cannot by law mandate that religious affiliation be reported, "in some person or household surveys, however, the U.S. Census Bureau may collect information about religious practices, on a voluntary basis. Yet there has been a great deal of criticism that so-called voluntary Census surveys, such as the National Health Interview Survey and the American Community Survey, are conducted in such a way as to intimidate those who attempt to exercise the "voluntary" aspect and decline to participate. In such cases of harassment, the Census field workers frequently insist either that responses are required by law, or that even though they are not technically legally required, "they won't take no for an answer." Given that the Census Bureau provided its confidential findings about American people to the federal government for the sake of locating and forcing Japanese Americans out of their homes, and then lied about this for 50 years, there is no reason to assume that federal agencies would not comply with the Commander in Chief's orders to identify and round up every undocumented immigrant and every Muslim American in its records.

This could be reality.

Stop and think about this. This is your country. It is your United States of America. How many of us are willing to surf this unconscionable tsunami, assuming that we will stay afloat while others are knocked down and dragged off not to be seen again?

When Trump's uniformed men knock on your door brandishing firearms and ask you which of your neighbors you suspect of being "illegal," or of being Muslim, are you going to point out those people?

What about when they finish disposing of those unwanted people and move along to the next group. By his record, we can imagine that Mike Pence, swept up in the opportunity to eradicate those who don't fit within our newly narrowed national identity, might come for LGBT people. Are you, as I am, one of these undesirables? Are you ready to lose your home? Your rights? Maybe even your life?

If you're not Muslim, not a recent immigrant, not gay, are you going to point out those who you know are to save your hide?

Or maybe not to save your hide. Are you be so transformed by the time these events manifest that you yourself will have come to hate non-native, nonwhite, straight American people? To hate them so much that you'll be happy to help make them disappear?

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And then who is next? Because, believe it or not, once one perceived enemy is vanquished in such a mad way, there's always another around the corner--at some point it will be you or someone you love. Are you ready?

The United Soviet States of Russia and America

Donald Trump yesterday called on the Russian government--ostensibly, a bureaucratic extension of the wants and whims of Vladimir Putin, a dictator whom Donald Trump gives "an A for leadership," to hack into the United States State Department files to find dirt on Hillary Clinton and, if he gets his way, to hand Donald Trump the American presidency by way of a democratic election. Democracies have a bad habit of electing dictators. Are we that stupid as a nation? I never thought so. Now I fear we are.

Your future president has asked the Russian government to illegally hack into top-top-secret American security records. Are you ready to be Russian?

The Russian government unabashedly rejects all the values that have defined the United States of America since our founding: There is no right to free speech in Russia--dissenters disappear with alarming frequency, whether they are high-profile journalists or private citizens. There is no privacy--and even though we in the United States arguably have no individual privacy left, we have some freedom to think and say what we believe. At least for now.

If you think this sounds unlikely, recall our history with the USSR and Russia, and recognize the significance of the potential future president of the United States authorizing that country to hack into our highest-level secrets. Think about what this means. Really think about it.

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Trump's Admiration for Putin-style Leadership Could Mean the Death of Sacred American Guns

The right to bear arms that so many American people hold as their greatest sacrament is an old-fashioned American value that, should Donald Trump take control in the image of his friend Vladimir Putin, most likely would disappear along with all the brown people who trouble him so greatly. In Russia, "individuals are not allowed to carry guns acquired for self-defense."

Donald Trump gives Putin an A for leadership. Donald Trump calls on this man and his country to hack into our country's most secret and secure information for the sake of winning his campaign. Here, Trump paradoxically has exploited his very American freedom to say what he thinks, no matter the cost to anyone, as he makes a treasonous plea to the dictator of a country that suppresses speech under threat, and enforcement, of imprisonment, work camps, and death. Donald Trump assigns this type of governmental body an A. This is a man who is thisclose to becoming our next president, and who has amassed riotous, mad-dog support by half of American voters. We are standing on the precipice of a decision that could forever redefine who we are as a country, and who lives here, and possibly who lives and who dies. Donald Trump is not afraid to address death; in fact, he calls for it: as his regime systematically eliminates people who practice the Muslim faith in this country, he would be authorizing and overseeing the intentional extermination of entire families, men, women and children alike, in the Middle East. "You have to take out their families."

Anyone, anyone who believes that the Islamic State and its disparate followers are a threat to this country, just wait until Donald Trump authorizes the systematic hunting and slaughtering of their families by American military forces. People who vote for Donald Trump are willing on a war perhaps unlike anything we have recorded in our history books, and quite possibly one that would discontinue the publication of any further history books if we don't win a war against an enemy with no borders and no obvious identification.

What happens when Trump's armed, uniformed men come knocking on your door? If you're Muslim, American citizen or not, you'll be swept away. (What if Muslim people convert to Christianity to preserve their safety and their American citizenship? Would this forced conversion be good enough? How far are American people willing to foster a modern religious crusade? To the death?)

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If you've come to this country as part of the fabled huddled masses yearning to breathe free among whom almost all of us can count our ancestors who first arrived here, and you don't have papers that assign you what our Constitution calls God-given rights, then you'll be swept away, too. What if you're not one of these people? Are you satisfied with this scenario? Because it's the scenario that Donald Trump represents--in a very real way--for this country of which we have all been so proud for so long, despite our problems.

It's 2020, four years from now, and there's a little girl living next door to you.

She's quiet, but you saw her go in and haven't seen her come out. She's probably hiding, as you suspect others are. She has dark hair, dark eyes, formidable brows. When they come to your door in their boots with their guns, and your guns have been taken away by the man who promised he would not, and you tell them about the little girl next door, you guess when asked that her name might be Maria--she could be Mexican. Or she could be Mariam, a Middle Eastern girl. Her name, all things being the same, is Anne Frank, and you, as one of the participants in an unholy cultural movement, have just ended her story.

Are you ready to be part of the darkest chapter of American history? This foreboding future is dangerously close to becoming a reality.
Teacher and children playing with bubbles in kindergarten

Residents of Montclair, New Jersey, have every reason to be concerned about a new charter school being proposed in their town.

One of the school's advisors works for the nation's largest charter school network, KIPP, which operates with little transparency and has received millions of dollars from billionaires like Bill Gates and the family that founded Walmart.

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But a growing chorus of parents and public officials are more concerned about something a little closer to home: the impact the charter school would have on the rest of Montclair's public school district.

And in this way, the small township's school district is like many nationwide, even some much larger and with many more resources.

If approved by the state, the new charter school would take nearly $3 million in funding from Montclair's other public schools in the first year alone. That could mean fewer services at those neighborhood schools, like art, music, or technology classes.

If $3 million sounds like a lot of money, consider what's at stake for Los Angeles. Charter schools there are costing neighborhood schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)--which already has more charter students than any school system nationwide--$500 million a year. That's a lot of money, especially for a district in financial crisis.

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Detroit's public school system is in even worse shape. A study released earlier this month suggests that the district is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy in large part because of state policies regarding school finance and "choice"--i.e., allowing more and more charter schools--and not because of "poor decisions" by local officials.

If charter schools were held to the same standards as neighborhood schools, these crises might be easier to stomach. But charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately operated, often lack the things that make public schools public: transparency, oversight, and democratic accountability.
Dealing with North Korea brings to mind Sisyphus, the mythological Greek king condemned for eternity to roll a stone up a hill, only to watch it roll back down. Whatever the U.S. does, Kim Jong-un again will fire missiles, test nukes, and threaten to lay waste to his enemies.

Now the Obama administration has applied sanctions to him personally, though for human rights violations, not security concerns. The State Department explained that Kim was "ultimately responsible" for what it termed "North Korea's notorious abuses of human rights."

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There are many, of course. No political rights. No civil liberties. No freedom of speech. No religious liberty. Brutal detention camps. And the notorious Songbun system of social classification. The so-called Democratic People's Republic of Korea ain't a nice place for anyone other than the Kim family and friends.

Now any property owned by Kim and ten of his top officials in the U.S. will be frozen. And Americans will be prohibited from doing business with them. The administration predicted that the impact from its action would ripple around the globe, making it harder for those named to bank overseas. The sanctions might even dissuade subordinates from carrying out Kim's orders lest they, too, end up on Washington's blacklist. "Lifting the anonymity of these functionaries may make them think twice from time to time when considering a particular act of cruelty," one anonymous Obama aide told CNN.

Seriously?

The North's abuses are great and the American frustrations are real. Anyone handling DPRK policy at the State Department is entitled to have a good scream every week or so. And if there was some way to deliver the North Korean people without plunging the peninsula into war, Washington should do it. But no one has figured out how to do so.

Unfortunately, imposing penalties without impact won't turn him into a born-again humanitarian. And his subordinates more likely fear a god-king who has executed some 400 of his own officials, including his uncle, than the prospect of their name ending up on a list in Foggy Bottom.

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This is feel good policy at its worst. Which even State admits, kind of. Acting Undersecretary of State Adam Szubin said the measure demonstrated America's "determination to see" human rights abuses stopped. Targeting Kim's nonexistent investments and transactions might not stop the abuses. But doing so would demonstrate U.S. officials' "determination." Frankly, putting out the statement alone would have accomplished that.

Kim isn't the only foreign dictator who can't do business in America. Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Syria's Bashar al-Assad, and Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko also have been blacklisted. Also, unsurprisingly, to no effect. All still oppress their peoples with the assistance of abundant numbers of loyal apparatchiks.

If the principle makes sense, one wonders why the list is so short. It should start with the leaders of China and Russia. Virtually all of the ruling establishments throughout Central Asia should be targeted. Sanctions belong on the leaders of Eritrea and Ethiopia, as well as of a multitude of other African states, such as Algeria, Uganda, Angola, and Congo. The rulers of U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and Egypt should be named. Along with the Islamist leaders of Iran, with which America is attempting to improve relations. And Cuba's Castro brothers.

Sanctions can be a useful policy tool. But they should serve a purpose. They also should have a possibility of achieving their objective. Which means they should have some impact on their target. The dictator or flunky at least should be aware that he's been sanctioned. None of which apply in Kim's case.

Worse, there is a downside. It will be harder for both nations to shift course and begin a dialogue. That might seem to be an unlikely prospect, but then, few people expected Richard Nixon to ever talk with Mao Zedong.

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In the case of North Korea, there is no military solution and sanctions so far have not changed DPRK nuclear policy. With Pyongyang responding to isolation by continuing its missile and nuclear programs, a bilateral conversation at some point seems necessary and inevitable.

But that now would require the U.S.to engage a regime headed by someone under direct sanction. And Kim would have to swallow his pride and accept the appearance of being a supplicant seeking favor from those threatening him. Negotiating something useful always would be difficult without adding a new obstacle.

While targeted sanctions avoid punishing a largely helpless population in the hopes of influencing a regime which cares little about its people, they have yet to actually bring any government to heel. No reforms of note have occurred in Belarus, Syria, or Zimbabwe, despite the U.S. having named those nations' leaders. Russian billionaires linked to Vladimir Putin may be frustrated by their travel ban, but they haven't overthrown him. And Crimea remains part of Russia.

Such penalties appear to be most effective in allowing officials to satisfy critics and feel good by doing something without actually doing anything--useful, anyway. That's obviously not good policy. In fact, it actually encourages policymakers to ignore problems as they worsen.

Like North Korea. The North is steadily adding to its nuclear weapons and improving its missiles, as well as abusing its population. Current policy, essentially to isolate him, has failed. Instead of trying something new, Washington will confiscate Kim's nonexistent bank account and consider its work done.

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Policymakers must grapple with the tough issues. What should U.S. policy be toward the North as a de facto nuclear power? Why does America remain deeply involved in a conflict best managed by the prosperous and populous surrounding states? Is there any way to win greater assistance from Beijing? Is it worth negotiating with Pyongyang over issues other than denuclearization? There are no easy answers, but Washington's time would be better spent addressing these issues than in concocting fanciful punishments for the North's leader.
Jill Stein is gaining ground.

Appealing directly to the "Bernie or Bust" crowd, the Green Party's Presidential nominee is rising in the polls. She's earned the endorsements of top Bernie Sanders surrogates, including Cornel West. She's raising record sums of money for a third-party candidacy.

And she has a simple message to disaffected Bernie Sanders supporters that seems to be resonating: I represent your progressive values. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump do not.

So far, Democrats have sought to temper enthusiasm for Stein by referencing the "Nader spoiler effect," the real risk that Stein could siphon off Democratic votes and bolster Trump. While undoubtedly true, there's a much more important argument to be made against Stein.

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Jill Stein doesn't share core progressive values.

Rather than articulating a compelling progressive vision for America, Stein elevates conspiracy theories. She traffics in fear and paranoia. And she panders to the fringe.

Take Brexit. Brexit was a terrible loss for progressives. An explicitly xenophobic, dishonest campaign triumphed over international cooperation and unity. In both American and British politics, it emboldened far-right reactionary politics.

How did Stein respond to this unequivocal setback?

"The vote in Britain to exit the European Union (EU) is a victory for those who believe in the right of self-determination and who reject the pro-corporate, austerity policies of the political elites in EU," she wrote. "The vote says no to the EU's vision of a world run by and for big business. It is also a rejection of the European political elite and their contempt for ordinary people."

Her belief that Brexit was a "victory" should sound familiar. It mirrors the rhetoric of Donald Trump, who asserted that Brexit as "great" and "beautiful" victory of ordinary people over the corrupt political elites.

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After Brexit, Stein said Brexit re-affirmed the "right of self-determination." After Brexit, Trump said, "self-determination is the sacred right of all free people's and the people of the UK have exercised that right for all the world to see."

To Stein and Trump, Brexit symbolized "self-determination," not the corrosion of democracy by bigotry and fear-mongering.

"[Brexit supporters] took their country back, just like we will take America back," Trump said. Perhaps Stein could add that line to her stump speech.

Unfortunately, Brexit is not a blip. Stein deviates from progressive values across the board.

Consider pandering to the anti-vaccine fringe. Across America, epidemiologists are warning about the grave consequences of falling vaccination rates. As noted by Slate's Jordan Weissmann, Stein has pandered the anti-vax fringe even while personally recognizing the value of vaccines.

Ultimately, Stein's willingness to pander to fanatics fits with the climate deniers in the GOP, not with progressives.

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Supporters of Stein often criticize Hillary Clinton for being "dishonest" and "deceptive." Yet Stein's attempt to minimize the meaningful progressive accomplishments of President Obama is truly deceptive.

Take the President's Affordable Care Act. Thanks to the ACA, 20 million Americans have gained access to health care. The law is not perfect, but moved America towards a more egalitarian and just health care system.

Stein, unsurprisingly, disagrees. She told the New York Times that the President's actions on health care and other issues were "small time" accomplishments and "minor improvements." She added that the Obama Administration was "business as usual on steroids" and "we're certainly not more secure, more equitable, more healthy or safer internationally, with what Obama has brought."

Ask the 20 million Americans who gained health insurance if they are more "secure" or "healthy" as a result of what Obama has brought. Asks Americans with pre-existing conditions who now have insurance if the ACA is a "minor improvement." Ask poor women who now don't face gendered price discrimination in insurance markets if the ACA is "business as usual."

Finally, liberal supporters of Jill Stein often argue they are supporting her because she is "elevating the dialogue." Hardly.

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When asked whether President Obama is a "war criminal," Stein suggested he was, noting his "illegal wars" have "violated international law." She launched an ad hominem attack on Hillary Clinton's mothering skills and parroted Fox News talking points that Clinton should be prosecuted.

Are those examples of progressives elevating the dialogue?

For liberals, voting for Stein does not allow you to opt out of a crooked, two-party system. It does not boost your moral credibility. It rewards an irresponsible candidate who does not share progressive values.
The botched coup attempt in my country on Friday night demonstrates at once the resilience of our democracy to survive attacks on its very core, and the extent to which enemies of our country are prepared to go to diminish the "new Turkey" that does not bow herself to the whims and demands of its allies and neighbors as the "old Turkey" once did at the expense of her own interests. Initial autopsy results of the fracas show that Turkish army officers following the inspiration, teachings and perhaps even instructions of a cultist Islamic cleric self-exiled in the USA were behind the attempt to assassinate our democracy.

Fethullah Gulen, a one-time supporter of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reportedly communicated in recent weeks with senior officers involved in the coup, according to data and analysis extracted from our intelligence reports during last weekend. Absurd notions that our president may have planned the coup himself are debunked by such factual evidence of complicity by Gulen loyalists. Facts, they say, are stubborn things.

A brief tutorial on why Gulen, an elderly man living for the past 16 years on a farm in Pennsylvania with no seeming political ambitions left in life, could hold so much sway over his Turkish brethren in important military and government positions is necessary to understand why this rupture occurred. It all starts in the schools set up by Gulenists in the 1980s. They have long advocated a system of education which has now grown organically around the world, including 140 schools now operating in the US alone. Yet while on the surface Gulen sought to teach secularism to devout Muslims, in reality he was advocating that his followers mask their true Islamist tendencies so as to not alert the outside world to what was hidden in their hearts -- radicalism and exploitation of Islam for self interest -- until they could assume control of the levers of government.

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Gulen took responsibility for educating the smart children of many poor families including those of some of our front line officers in the military, many of whom now hold senior positions of power, who couldn't afford such education for their children at the time. These officers led the coup attempt on Friday, as far as we know. Can you imagine the loyalty they felt to Gulen, owing that their children are educated, producing members of society due to his largess? But loyalty to a cult should never be confused with loyalty to the state. Indeed, this Molotov cocktail has been brewing for nearly 20 years in our country, and our president tolerated and dealt with every single symptom knowing that it could blow up one day.

It is to Erdogan's credit that he welcomed Gulenists into his government, respecting their intellects and work product even if he knew their true Islamist mindset was cloaked in wolf-like secular clothing. But Erdogan is no sheep. And that is what drove a chasm into relations between Gulen and the president in the early 2000s. Gulenists' demands on power were purely autocratic in the early years of Erdogan's rule. He contained them, but refused as a democrat to eliminate the threat they posed. They wanted control of the treasury and military for their own narrow gains and purposes. Erdogan stopped them.

In November 2011, Gulenists attempted their first assault on Erdogan's government. The Istanbul prosecutor, a Gulen loyalist, summoned the then head of Turkish intelligence, Hakan Fidan, for questioning over his links to separatist Kurdistan Workers Party rebels. In early 2013, matters escalated when Erdogan introduced legislation that would ban specialized prep schools run by Gulenists from operating on Turkish soil in a discriminatory manner (students had to profess loyalty to Gulen's ideology to be admitted). At stake was nearly $2 billion in annual revenues from these schools that would have funded Gulen's hidden enterprise and cloaked political ambitions for a long time to come.

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In May 2013, Gulen criticized the government's law and order response to protests in Taksim Square over urbanization plans for Gezi Park, and then escalated matters later that year by influencing the judiciary to pursue a bogus corruption scandal against Erdogan's key allies in government. Even I, owing to my close relations with the president as an ally in Parliament and as his Chief Negotiator to the European Union, was a target of the Gulenists when they secretly audio and videotaped, then edited and finally leaked fake evidence implicating us in what was a badly staged corruption probe. I can personally attest that Gulenist designs on power in Turkey have no boundary limits whatsoever.

This pattern of repeated assaults on Turkish democracy from its own home-grown extremist ideology is our internal problem. It does not affect how we fight every day hand-in-hand with our allies against Islamist radicalism, whether from IS, the PKK, Al-Qaida or other terror groups. More Turks have lost lives than any other nationality on Earth due to the terrorist acts of these groups. Yet, and this is what aggravates us so deeply from all those who call our president a "Sultan" with autocratic ambitions, few can understand what it takes to manage the multilateral pressures on Turkey, both for positive good and against negative outcomes. We live in a rough neighborhood. We have to fight terrorists on our own soil and still be the loyal NATO ally taking orders from far and wide to kill terrorists beyond our borders, inflaming their hatred against us. Our Muslim traditions are criticized and impede our accession to the European Union, yet we are expected to cow-tow to the every whim and demand of leaders in Berlin, Paris and Washington.
The international torture of Greece continues. The lenders -- European and American banks, the European Commission, and America's International Monetary Fund -- demand Greece privatizes everything. This translates into selling Greece to foreigners.

China is now in charge of the country's largest port of Piraeus; Germany owns the airports; Italy the railroads. Beaches and the gorgeous coastline are also threatened by privatization.

The tragedy of the country is overwhelming. The economy is in tatters. Greek scientists and physicians are leaving the country in droves. Poverty is spreading like a cancer. Yet taxes are increasing. The lenders forced the government to set up a special agency for confiscating the homes from those who cannot pay their taxes.

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Greek politicians are the only beneficiaries of this calamity. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras demonstrated his irresponsibility with a "no borders" policy, which made Aegean islands like Lesbos and Athens camps for Moslem "refugees" and potential jihadists.

The Tsipras administration is vigorously indoctrinating Greeks to dislike Greece. It sounds crazy, but it's true. The Greeks who proudly say they love their country or praise Greek nationalism are denounced as fascists.

Children are reading state-published books with anti-Greek bias. They learn about a Greek past without heroes, gods, military victories, and the outstanding achievements of ancient Greece.

Even the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Turks is toned down to an insignificant rebellion. The Turkish genocide against the Greeks of Turkey in early twentieth century and the Turkish atrocity of 1923 against the Greek population of Smyrna are mythologized to minor unpleasant incidences. And the ceaseless Turkish interference in Thrace is ignored.

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In other words, the rulers of Greece, servants to globalization or afflicted to self-hatred, have rewritten Greek history to make Greece no different or better than Albania and Turkey. It's this doctored story that threatens the future of Greek children. They are growing up without patriotism. Their country is a borderless tourist utopia.

Another major tragedy comes out of the universities.

Universities and other technical institutes educate free of charge about 90 percent of all Lyceum graduates. However, thousands of annual graduates, technically very competent, have no place to go but work for a company or state bureaucracy. In a collapsing Greece both bureaucracy and private business are shrinking. So the tremendous investment of Greece on educating almost all of its citizens brings few positive results. The best of the university graduates leave the country.

But there's a more fundamental problem with the graduates of Greek universities. Stavroula Pantazopoulou says the graduates dream of being hired but not of hiring themselves. Pantazopoulou received her doctorate in Greece and taught at the Democritus University of Thrace. She is now a professor of civil engineering at York University in Canada. She told me "Greek universities produce excellent bureaucrats, not independent and inventive scientists with business skills. They solve intricate technical problems but cannot create start-ups."

This insight complements the other habit Greeks picked from foreigners during the urbanization of their country: distaste for hand labor.

I see this all over Greece. Here's a country with lots of sunshine and a great tradition of small family farming for self-reliance in food and rural life. And yet indebted Greece imports thousands of tons of food from all over the world. In 2011, Greece even imported olive oil from Germany. Meanwhile, coffee shops are full of unemployed young college graduates living with their parents, with little prospect of having their own families. Yet, they resist working with their hands.

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The other fact undermining Greek universities and Greece is the 1982 asylum law. This law forbids the police from entering university grounds. In 2009, Daniel Speckhard, an American diplomat reporting from Athens, described the university asylum law as "nothing more than a legal cover for hoodlums to wreak destruction with impunity.... Campuses have become havens for criminals... [and] a war zone where police are afraid to show up, administrators are afraid to stand up and students are afraid to speak up."

Speckhard is right. The trouble starts with some students being funded by political parties. Thugs join those students and the universities become houses of terror and illegal commerce. Hoodlums wear masks and beat up professors or students who express ideas inimical to the interests of those who fund them. Foreigners, some of whom may be jihadists, are also invading the classrooms and buildings of the National Polytechnic University of Athens and the University of Thessalonike without any resistance from local authorities. These foreign thugs champion Tsipras' "no borders" slogan.

I asked Stavros Anagnostopoulos, professor of civil engineering at the University of Patras, why professors fail to insist in the repealing of the asylum law. He said to me, "Many of the asylum critics remain silent for fear some of their colleagues and leftist students will denounce them."

These grave national Greek crises cause enormous damage to Greece. Foreigners probably see the asylum horror as another justification for selling Greece to non-Greeks. Universities giving hoodlums a free hand lose their legitimacy and -- and defames Greece. Without violence, education becomes the engine of innovation and economic development.

In the fifteenth book of the "Iliad" of Homer, the Greek hero Ajax shames the Argives-Greeks to fight back against the Trojans. Take the Trojans on by hand-to-hand combat, he tells them. Fight them, live or die.

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The Greeks are now fighting another war. They must overthrow both their government and the stealing of their country. This need not be a violent upheaval. A victory would honor Greek traditions, teach Greek children Greek history as it happened, and bring respect back to Greece.

An outraged Greek political movement should abolish all parties and exile the politicians who have signed the humiliating memorandums with the EU and IMF. If the EU-IMF insists on business as usual, Greece should exit the euro zone and return to its own currency.
#DumpTrump along with #TrumpThat and #WallOffTrump are some of the most common hashtags you might have seen or even used in campaigning against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

In an electoral race that positions language such as "anti-Trump" as a way to frame support for Hillary Clinton, it's also time we rally in the affirmative. It's time to be pro something. For us at the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA), we need to move beyond "Anti-Trump": we need to be pro-worker, pro-Black, pro-choice, pro-immigrant, pro-LGBT, pro-Muslims, pro-poor folks.

Last week's Republican National Convention was a clear departure from where we need to be going. In the overarching debate on safety in America, Trump's Nixon-like remarks on law-and-order criminalizes millions of people who don't fall into the category of wealthy, white man. And while Trump's demagoguery and singular rhetoric continue to obstruct our ability to have constructive conversations on the issues at hand, the platform that the GOP put forth was no better. It is an epitome of the far right.

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The 58-page platform promotes right-to-work laws and other legislation that would effectively shrink and undermine the labor movement; makes no promises of increasing the federal minimum wage despite recognizing that Americans are suffering from stagnant wages; promotes the institutionalization of anti-LGBT, anti-immigrant, and anti-Muslim discrimination in our nation's laws; and promises to loosen gun controls amid a society where gun violence and racial division is at a high.

This zealous campaign to put a Republican in the White House led by a hothead appealing to people's worst natures is in direct contrast to productive discussion on how we should be fighting for workers, our families, and the working and middle class.

So what does it mean to be anti-Trump? To some -- by default -- that means to be pro-Hillary. And while I stand with Hillary Clinton, we understand that to be pro-Hillary also means to be pro-worker.

And what it means to be pro-worker extends to all races, ethnic groups, gender and sexual orientations, socioeconomic or immigrant statuses. After all, most of our adult lives are spent at work.

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In stark contrast to the GOP platform, the Democratic National Committee's platform values the diversity that defines America. Even in its preamble, the mention of Filipino-American labor organizer and someone I call one of my Manongs, Larry Itliong, next to the historical figures like Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta reaffirms the important achievements and the vital place the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community have in American history.

Further, the DNC platform shows the Party's dedication to be pro-worker, to stand with communities of color, to welcome immigrants, to defend all forms of love. It strives to end systemic racism and condemns institutionalization of discriminatory laws; to respect our workers by increasing the federal minimum wage and promoting a living wage; to put a stop to mass incarceration and to start investing in communities over prisons; to halt bad trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, to name a few.

Together with progressive partners and allies, many in the Asian American, Pacific Islander and broader labor communities are behind Hillary Clinton because we understand that being pro-Hillary is to be pro-worker and pro-people.

Although the Hillary campaign has benefited from anti-Trump rhetoric and even launched a campaign tool that allows individuals to satirize Trump's outlandish remarks, what it really comes down to are the policies, legislation and practices that we can expect from the new commander-in-chief.
Donald Trump speaks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars conference at a campaign event in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S., July 26, 2016. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

There is a specter haunting the Western world. It isn't an ideology. It isn't a well-defined social or political agenda. It is emotion.

The fear and anger of those who feel most aggrieved by rapid, uncontrollable change are redefining the political landscape. These emotions are being exploited by politicians peddling mournful nostalgia and narratives of a lost identity. As globalization marches forward, along with seismic demographic shifts in the developed world, the seductive pull to look backward and inward will intensify, with unfortunate consequences for our politics and social order. Indeed, we are already seeing this play out in the United States and Britain.

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Twenty years ago, foreign policy writer Robert D. Kaplan warned of the social and political challenges that large numbers of bored, unemployed young men posed to social order in the Middle East. Today, in the West, one might point to the challenges that nostalgic middle-aged workers and aging retirees are posing to social cohesion in our societies.



Many are longing for a past when the country was less diverse.



At first glance, it's hard to think of nostalgia as a negative -- or even a political -- force. What's wrong with a little wistful desire to return to the comforts of yesteryear? But the politics of nostalgia generally amount to more than just missing the old neighborhood or one's late grandmother. Many are longing for a past when the country was less diverse, communities were more homogenous and self-contained and your immediate surroundings largely defined your experience of the world. This nostalgia invariably suggests a longing for a level of social cohesion that is often tied to cultural or ethnic identity. Over the same period, the fortunes of many of these communities have also declined, particularly in the Rust Belts of the world. This economic decline, coupled with ongoing demographic diversification, has made it easy for politicians to connect these unrelated dots -- particularly among less educated voters.

The politics of nostalgia and identity played an outsize role in the Brexit vote last month in Britain. The Leave campaign's rhetorical appeals to recapture the glories of the imperial past were so strong that, as British historian Philippa Levine put it, you could practically hear the strains of "Rule, Britannia!" in the background. It's not news that in certain sectors, national pride in Britain has long rested on misty-eyed memories of the imperial past, but the Leave campaign also relied on notions of an insular, narrow British identity and overt rejection of migrants.

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Nostalgia isn't the province of any one group or race, but it seems to most afflict those with a heightened sense that circumstances are changing beyond their control and often against their entrenched interests. In Britain, 61 percent of voters over the age of 65 voted to leave the European Union while 75 percent of voters under the age of 24 voted to remain. Two-thirds of voters with only a high school education voted to leave, while 71 percent of voters with advanced degrees voted to remain.



Nostalgia-driven movements are assertions of whom its followers stand against.



The fact that 81 percent of surveyed Leave voters said they saw multiculturalism as a "force for ill" highlights the strong link between nostalgia and identity. The other link, of course, is blame.

In the United States, real estate mogul Donald Trump's campaign to "make America great again" makes an even more explicit appeal to nostalgia and draws distinct, overt lines around preferred religion and race. Trump isn't selling the image of a better future as much as he is offering an illusion of what may or may not have once been. He hearkens back to a past in which white Americans largely enjoyed unchallenged economic and cultural dominance. While it isn't exactly clear what era he's nostalgic for, Trump's campaign overtly relies on rhetoric and imagery designed to appeal to white, Christian America. From blanket accusations against Mexicans, to banning Muslims and singling out Christian Americans as deserving of respect and protection, he is constantly delineating who belongs and who doesn't in his great America.

The late Russian-born novelist and playwright Svetlana Boym made a distinction between two types of nostalgia -- reflective and restorative. While the former tends to be wistful and dreamy (think of Ronald Reagan's "Morning in America"), the latter, which lies at the core of many modern national and religious revival movements, is deadly serious.

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Trump's rhetoric of restoration is clearly more focused on dealing with enemies than it is on building the intrinsic capacity of the people whose greatness he says he hopes to reclaim.



Restorative nostalgia has two essential plot lines, the first being the return to a hallowed past and the second being the conspiracies that explain why that past was lost. As such, these nostalgic movements come to be more about the pursuit of scapegoats than they are about recapturing any sort of lost era. Rather than affirming what adherents stand for, nostalgia-driven movements are generally assertions of whom its followers stand against.

Of course, Trump's politics of nostalgia certainly has a cast of villains, including Mexicans, Muslims, China and Japan. His rhetoric of restoration is clearly more focused on dealing with enemies -- both within and outside America's borders -- than it is on inspiring or building the intrinsic capacity of the people whose greatness he says he hopes to reclaim.

If the politics of nostalgia exploits fears of racial displacement in a globalizing world, the solution to it, perhaps ironically, would seem to be the creation of more robust, inclusive national identities. The mass global migration of the past two generations, combined with the globalization of the economy, has left large segments of the once unchallenged majority populations in Britain and the U.S. feeling vulnerable. And if there's one thing the rise of the politics of nostalgia should teach us, it's that while not all groups are equally powerful, we are all minorities now.

Earlier on WorldPost:
It's been more than 50 years since the last comprehensive mental health bill passed in the United States.

This fall, Congress may have the opportunity to change that.

Before summer recess, the House of Representatives approved the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016 (H.R.2646), introduced by Rep. Tim Murphy, Ph.D. (R, Pa.).

The bill was written in 2015 as a response to the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting where 20 children and six adults lost their lives.

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It would fund provisions for mental health treatment in the United States.

In June 2016, H.R.2646 received nearly unanimous support by House members.

"We were nonstop with this issue for years," Murphy, who is a psychologist by training, and works at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, told Healthline. "There is still a lot to do, but this is transformational."

The extent of mental illness

Nearly 44 million people in the United States experience mental illness in a given year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Yet millions have trouble seeking care. Only about a third of the 2 million Americans with schizophrenia receive treatment, according to NAMI.

Experts say that's because mental healthcare in the United States is a fragmented system of resources. It puts law enforcement -- rather than medical professionals -- in the role of decision makers when it comes to treating people with mental health issues.

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Supporters say H.R.2646 will address these shortcomings through a series of new proposals and programs.

They say the provisions include changes in Medicare billing that allow people with both mental health issues and other physical conditions to be treated at the same location on the same day.

The act also calls for more beds allotted for short-term hospitalization, as well as a new federal administrator position to oversee mental healthcare and create a forward-thinking lab that will delve into best practices for treatment.

The Senate currently has its own version of a mental health bill.

The Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 (S.2680) is similar to the House bill with exceptions. The hope is that the two parties can come up with a bill that satisfies each group, and bring a vote to both floors when they return to Washington this fall.

What the legislation could do

If the bill were signed into law, it would signal a long awaited improvement to the country's mental healthcare system, according to experts who spoke to Healthline.

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"I'd call it foundational," said Paul Gionfriddo, president and chief executive officer of Mental Health America (MHA). "It's a good start. It's not the end of the road, but it's the right pathway."

MHA and other mental health advocacy organizations worked with both legislative bodies to help craft the individual bills.

Gionfriddo said at its core, H.R.2646 sets out to fill in the gaps of mental health treatment that make the weblike system a challenge to navigate for those who seek care, and for those who provide care.

One of the most significant proposals is the call for a federal administrator to run the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Advocates see great promise in the newly created position -- Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders -- because it would require the administrator to hold a clinical degree.

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Whoever takes the job will be charged with developing a so-called innovation lab to disseminate the most successful mental healthcare treatments currently in practice. With an emphasis on evidence-based care, the lab would give mental health professionals around the country a one-stop-shop for effective models of treatment.

"The provision really sharpens the focus on the federal level," Andrew Sperling, director of legislative affairs for NAMI, told Healthline.

Other important components include additional beds for patients who need short-term care hospitalizations. Currently private healthcare systems are allotted a specific number of beds for mental health patients, forcing people on to waitlists or into outpatient care, according to Gionfriddo.

The bill would expand that number.

"They'd still have a cap of 15 days," he said, "but it gives them more flexibility."

H.R.2646 also takes on mental health parity, requiring more stringent congressional oversight of insurance companies that are in violation.

The bill's early interventions and education portion for children is also getting a lot of attention. It authorizes an evidence-based program that treats children with schizophrenia.

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Another program geared toward children who experience trauma in every day life would also be reauthorized.

Overall, the bill earmarks $450 million for states to serve adults and kids at community health clinics.

"All of these things are missing. [The bill] has them in there," Gionfriddo said.

Opposition to the legislation

Despite all the programs that H.R.2646 would generate, there are groups opposed to it.

The National Coalition on Mental Health Recovery lists talking points against the bill on their website, and encourages constituents to call their representative to vote "No."

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a letter earlier this year that called the legislation "outdated, biased, and inappropriate treatment of people with a mental health diagnosis," and urged congressional members to vote "No."

One of the ACLU's greatest concerns in the bill threatens the privacy of mental health patients, as set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

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H.R.2646 calls for doctors to freely provide information about a mental health patient to their family members without patient consent.

Murphy wholeheartedly rejected the ACLU's stance on his legislation.

He said the bill is asking for clarity on the HIPAA rules because when it comes to patients with serious mental illness (SMI) in particular, families need to be in the know.

"Seventy-five percent of SMI patients have at least one other chronic illness," Murphy said. "Cancer, lung disease, diabetes."

He argued that these patients usually don't maintain treatment during bouts of delirium or paranoia. When that happens, doctors should have the freedom to notify family members.

"Our bill tries to clarify that," he said.

Cara English, D.B.H., director and professor in the Cummings Graduate Institute Doctor in Behavioral Health program, said removing some of the HIPAA communication barriers would be welcomed by many who treat people with mental health issues.

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"Because of HIPAA, care providers are afraid to say anything," she said.

English supports a lot of what she sees in H.R.2646. However, she does have some questions about the bill's push to shore up integrated care.

SAMHSA calls integrated care "the systematic coordination of general behavioral healthcare," including "substance abuse and primary care services" to "produce the best outcomes and provide the most effective approach to caring for people with multiple healthcare needs."

English said in order for integrated care to truly work, medical professionals must receive training in behavioral health conditions and education about specific medications.

"Historically the AMA doesn't include behavioral health and psychopharmaceutical training," she said. "So how's that all going to play out, getting the money for training?"

Gionfriddo, who has worked in mental health for decades and speaks openly about his own son who has schizophrenia, acknowledges that H.R.2646 won't solve all the problems currently facing the country's mental healthcare system.

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Still, he's betting on the changes proposed by the bill.

"It's like we are remembering what we tried to start 50 years ago," he said.

How it used to be

More than five decades ago, the federal government shifted tactics from holding people with mental health conditions in state-run institutions to providing services through community-based resource programs.

That included outpatient treatment, housing, and job training.

By the 1980s the federal government decided to "step back" from that plan, according to Gionfriddo, and distribute block grants to states. They alone would determine where and how to spend funds on mental healthcare treatment.

That's when things changed.

"There wasn't enough money," he said, and the people who needed help didn't get it because states weren't "investing enough in community services."

The homeless population swelled, Gionfriddo added, as did the shift in treatment.

"Now courts, judges, police decide what going to happen instead of hospitals, doctors, and emergency medical technicians," he said.

Most media outlets say that there is a chance that a version of H.R.2646 will get a Senate vote, although a few say it won't receive approval. The potential for a gun control measure to be attached to the bill is the main sticking point, but discussions are still ongoing.

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Despite its tenuous status, Sperling thinks a compromise will be reached.

"Neither of these bills are perfect, but we are moving forward," he said. "We are hopeful we can get it done."

Murphy is cautiously optimistic.

"I worry about anything that delays this process," he said. "I hope the Senate will move on it. Nine hundred people a day die [due to mental illness]. Lives are at stake, and every day delayed is more death."

By Carolyn Abate
Iranian-Americans face the same conundrum all American voters have during this year's presidential election. You can either vote for Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, a third party candidate, or abstain all together. In 2012, about 30 percent of Iranian-Americans eligible to vote abstained on Election Day. Those numbers might be much higher now.

The argument why neither Clinton nor Trump are palatable for the U.S. presidency are similar across the board, but for some Iranian-Americans there seems to be added contempt directed towards Clinton's comments regarding Iranians and Iran over the years. Some have even likened a vote for Clinton as being equivalent to a Mexican voting for Trump. So what is at stake as an Iranian-American in this upcoming U.S. election?

Clinton's feelings about Iran



Fresh in the mind of Iranian-Americans was when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called "the Iranians" her enemies during the first democratic debate in October 2015. She was likely referring to the Iranian government, but her language--especially during a time of heightened Islamophobia later exasperated by her rival Donald Trump--was offensive because it could've meant anything from the Iranian Diaspora to the 80 million Iranians residing in Iran.

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Then there was Clinton's comment when she told Good Morning America during the 2008 presidential election, "I want the Iranians to know that if I'm the president, we will attack Iran." It was a reference to if Iran ever attacked Israel, which is silent knowledge when it comes to U.S. foreign policy regardless of who is president. Clinton followed up with, "That's a terrible thing to say but those people who run Iran need to understand that because that perhaps will deter them from doing something that would be reckless, foolish and tragic." Some Iranian-Americans took her statement to heart because they still have relatives in Iran and continue to travel back and forth. Clinton continues to take this stance, but not with such harsh wording.

While Clinton is a known foreign policy hawk, despite her controversial statements on Iran, it is worth noting she endorsed and continues to endorse the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), better known as the Iran Deal. Donald Trump vehemently opposes the nuclear deal to the extent it is reportedly one of the main reasons why he ran for office. Clinton likes to take credit for leading the sanctions regime on Iran and argues that was how she got Tehran to the negotiating table in the first place--depending on whom you ask.

Clinton's policies aside, the irony of abstention is Iranian-Americans saw how it played out in Iran during the 2005 presidential elections. Many Iranians boycotted the election due to disillusionment with President Mohammad Khatami's lack of reform and inability to stand up during times of tension like the 1999 student uprisings. Their actions essentially ushered in the presidency of little known hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on a wave of conservative votes. The backlash was felt in 2009 when Iranians poured out to vote for reformist candidate Mir Hussein Mousavi. The outcome of that election is another story.

Then there's the argument about how minority groups aren't voting for Donald Trump. Wrong. Not only are there some Latinos voting for Trump, some Iranian-Americans plan to as well. As one friend put it, "you really believe Crooked Hillary would be a better president than Trump?" Even though only eight percent of Iranian-Americans identify as republicans, the scales may tip this election season.

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Why vote



This isn't a plea to ask Iranian-Americans to vote for Hillary Clinton. However, when it comes to minorities, it's unclear whether we stand a chance against a man who spews vitriol and rants about bans and walls. It's also a known fact the Iranian-American vote isn't a game changer the way the Latino vote is in the U.S. presidential election. Aside from the usual spiel about not taking democratic elections for granted, there is more to voting than determining a new president. By abstaining, there's a missed opportunity to participate in legislative issues and elect representatives who take stances on policies Iranian-Americans may be in favor of or against.

If not for protecting the Iran Deal and preventing another unnecessary war, Iranian-Americans need to have a voice in the political process. The passing of H.R. 158 is a perfect example of that. In December 2015, the bill passed under most of our noses and by the time the Iranian-American community unified, it was too late. The updated Visa Waiver Program affected families and friends in the European Union (EU). The new law suddenly impacted everything from vacations, weddings, to family emergencies. EU citizens didn't even have to have blood ties to Iran. Solely by traveling to Iran for work or pleasure, EU citizens now have to obtain a visa to travel to the United States. Since the Visa Waiver Program is based off of reciprocity, the EU has expressed interest in taking a similar action against U.S. citizens, but has since been tied up with Brexit.*

If you don't know where to start, there are initiatives like the National Iranian American Council's Beshkan the Vote that are advocating the importance of the Iranian-American vote during the 2016 election. They argue, "Your vote is your voice. If we want to have a say in the political process, we must use our voice. This is our year to protect our values, prevent discrimination, and advance peace and diplomacy."

That's something we can all agree with regardless of political affiliation.
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on the third night of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 27, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young

It is the rarest of celestial conjunctions in earthly politics. Within the same ten-day period, under a blazing spotlight, the choices for leadership of the most influential country on the planet have been officially winnowed to two. Simultaneously the choices for leadership of the one global institution that purports to speak collectively for the planet have been winnowed in an unofficial vote in a back room in New York.

What makes the conjunction so rare is that, for the first time, both leadership posts are being vacated at the same time--and a departing American administration is deeply engaged in choosing the next United Nations secretary-general with whom the next United States president will have to work for at least the next four years.

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Never before has a U.S. president foisted on his successor a U.N. secretary-general with whom he himself would not have to work. And while you wouldn't know it from the NATO focus of the parties' convention rhetoric and platforms, the United Nations is surely the most consequential international organization, with the greatest impact on the largest number of people, on the planet.

By all accounts, Barack Obama wants to bequeath to his successor a new secretary-general strong enough to stand up to any rogue national leader. "It could not be a more important time to choose the best possible leader for this organization on which so much depends and so many depend," U.S. ambassador Samantha Power told reporters as she went into the U.N. Security Council's closed-door voting conclave on July 21. "We're looking for somebody with great leadership skills, great management skills, someone who has a commitment to fairness and accountability and who stays true to the founding principles of the United Nations."

Power's predecessors during the 1996 and 2006 secretary-general selections very publicly wanted someone "more of a secretary and less of a general." For Obama's team, as the multilateral affairs director at the National Security Council, Joshua Black, emphasized to delegates from the United Nations Association-USA in June, "We want someone who is a leader."

A leader is what Kofi Annan became, if ultimately to his peril. He found himself on a collision course with president George W. Bush over the U.S. invasion of Iraq, which Annan could only brand "illegal" under the U.N. Charter. As rightist circles in Washington bayed for Annan's head, Bush sent John Bolton as his envoy to torment Annan for his last two years and to ensure that a successor be incapable of challenging Washington. Ban Ki-moon, the Korean with no U.N. experience whom the Security Council ultimately agreed to nominate in 2006, would prove much more discreet.

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As Ban's time draws to a close, almost as many candidates have presented themselves as competed in this year's Republican presidential primaries in the United States. Obviously much more attention, passion, and money have been invested in the presidential race, where the power is. With just 193 electors rather than the 135 million, the secretary-general selection process can be more subdued and diplomatically correct.

As in this year's U.S. presidential election, women's groups have very publicly clamored for election of a woman to the secretary-general's office. But an even more rigid rule reigns in international organization politics, that of regional rotation, ensuring that heads of U.N. organizations would, over the years, come from every region of the world. Regional rotation has been honored at the United Nations since the 1962 selection of U Thant, and this year the East European regional group has staked its claim to providing the U.N.'s chief.

Many are privately skeptical of an East European "turn." The Cold War rationale for separating Europe into two regions, communist and non-communist, is unpersuasive when most former Soviet dependencies have joined the European Union and NATO. They cling to a separate U.N. group only to avoid competing for seats on U.N. bodies with more electorally appealing western countries. The majority of the twelve announced candidates hail, improbably, from the Balkans, epicenter of Europe's post-Soviet violent conflicts. Half are women.

The first straw poll was conducted just hours before Donald Trump assured the Republican national convention that "Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo." The top-ranked candidate, with 12 votes of "encouragement," was neither a woman nor Eastern European: Antonio Guterres, former socialist prime minister of Portugal and U.N. high commissioner for refugees. (None of the previous U.N. secretaries-general from Europe has been from its southern or "Latin" tier.) In second place, with 11 favorable votes, was Danilo Turk, former U.N. ambassador, secretariat official, and president of Slovenia, raised in communist Yugoslavia.

Tied for third place with nine encouragements each were three Balkan candidates, one of them a woman: Bulgaria's Irina Bokova, currently the head of the U.N. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Vuk Jeremic, past General Assembly president and former Serbian foreign minister; and vowel-challenged Srgjan Kerim, Macedonia's former U.N. ambassador and foreign minister.

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Donald Trump offered a new explanation this week on why he believes climate change is a hoax. Past explanations have included blaming China for making up climate change for their benefit. But that was before being nominated for President. So what's his position today?

Speaking with Bill O'Reilly on Fox News, Trump gave an updated account of why he thinks global warming is a hoax.

O'REILLY: Did you ever call climate change a hoax? TRUMP: Well, I might have because when I look at some of the things that are going on, in fact if you look at Europe where they had their big summit a couple of years ago, where people were sending out emails, scientists practically calling it a hoax and they were laughing at it. So, yeah, I probably did. I see what's going on and you see what's going on.



The Discredited ClimateGate Conspiracy Theory

Trump appears to be referring here to the illegal hacking of scientists' emails in 2009, which climate skeptics gleefully dubbed "ClimateGate." These conspiracy theories have been thoroughly debunked (see for example FactCheck.org , Union of Concerned Scientists, and Politifact). After the emails were released, every investigative report -- from the National Science Foundation Inspector General, NOAA's Inspector General, Penn State University, University of East Anglica, and the UK Parliament -- reached the same conclusion: nothing in the emails in any way altered the overwhelming scientific evidence that the world is warming due to increased levels of pollution.

Illegal Hacking Timed to Disrupt Climate Talks



Despite the thorough debunking of these attacks on scientists, the conspiracy theories gained traction in the media and, as Trump demonstrates, remain a convenient go-to point for skeptics today. The hacked emails were mysteriously dumped in 2009 on a server in Russia at an optimally timed moment as President Obama and world leaders were preparing to head to Copenhagen forge a new global climate agreement. The scientific community was instantly judged guilty in kangaroo courts led by Fox News and other media outlets who chased the story before investigating the facts. Fox News' Sean Hannity helped lead the charge, declaring:

HANNITY (2009): "it is safe to say that ClimateGate has revealed that global warming and that movement is run by hacks and frauds."

Fast forward to 2016

Today, NASA says there is a 99 percent chance that 2016 will be the hottest year on record, following the previous record set just last year. Three-quarters of Americans understand that the world is warming, which is creating a tough challenge for thoughtful Republicans who are caught between voters and a nominee who denies the problem.

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PHILADELPHIA, USA - JULY 28: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and the nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States Hillary Clinton (R) wave to Democratic Party supporters at congress hall ahead of 58th Presidential election on November 08, at Democratic Party Congress in Philadelphia, USA on July 28, 2016. Hillary Clinton is the first female Presidential nominee in U.S. history. (Photo by Volkan Furuncu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

"America is already great," President Barack Obama proclaimed to delegates at the Democratic Convention in his speech that highlighted his accomplishments in office, attacked Donald Trump, and enthusiastically endorsed Hillary Clinton to be his successor. The president's speech was brilliantly written and masterfully delivered.

Delegates welcomed the president with thunderous applause, the man who first appeared before them 12 years earlier as an Illinois State Senator. It will be the last time that he addresses delegates as president, and this may have been his best speech. "I stand before you again tonight, after almost two terms as president, to tell you I am even more optimistic about the future of America," he told delegates.

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The president highlighted his achievements in office, including guiding the country out of the worst recession in 80 years, saving the auto industry, creating 15 million new jobs, enacting the Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage to millions, the growth of clean energy, a global climate agreement, a nuclear agreement with Iran, the opening of relations with Cuba, and the death of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. He also highlighted his actions on immigration, student loans, consumer protection and marriage equality. "By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we started," the president asserted.

"I am here to tell you yes, we have more work to do," the president continued. He pointed to those still in need of jobs or a raise, paid leave, a decent retirement, and to children in poverty, and called for safer streets and a fairer criminal justice system. "That work involves a big choice this November," he said. "This is a more fundamental choice about who we are as a people."

President Obama then said, "But what we heard in Cleveland last week wasn't particularly Republican -- and it sure wasn't conservative. What we heard was a very pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn from the rest of the world." He continued, "There were no serious solutions to pressing problems -- just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate. And that's not the America I know."

The president then made a strong case for Hillary Clinton, describing her as a leader with plans to break down barriers, blast through glass ceilings, and to give opportunity to more Americans. "That's the Hillary I know. That's the Hillary I've come to admire. And that is why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill (Clinton), nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America."

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President Obama then harshly attacked Trump. "He's not really a plans guy. Not really a facts guy either," he said. "Does anyone really believe that a guy who's spent his 70 years on the earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion?" President Obama then criticized Trump for calling America's military a disaster, for suggesting America is weak, for cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin, for praising Iraq's late dictator Saddam Hussein, and telling NATO allies they will have to pay for U.S. protection.

Saying that Trump just offers slogans and fear, he countered that, "America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump." Later, he added, "Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We don't look to be ruled."

President Obama then returned to the spirit, values and character of the American people, "The American Dream is something no wall will ever contain." He said that America is about what we can achieve together, "not about what one person says he'll do for us." Then, acknowledging the "vocal and persistent" supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders, he urged delegates to vote for Democrats up and down the ticket.

Calling Hillary Clinton a fighter, a stateswoman, a patriot, he said, "That's the America she is fighting for." He concluded his speech by saying, "I am asking you to join me -- to reject cynicism, to reject fear, to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation."

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss described Obama's speech on MSNBC as the best endorsement ever given in convention history by an incumbent president for his party's nominee. The president's speech spoke to independent voters and Republicans who are uneasy with Trump. Obama was poised, confident, warm and presidential in his delivery. His speech was a rich tapestry of words and American ideals meant to unite the delegates behind their party's candidate.

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Trump, NATO and the Baltics - heed the hard-earned lessons.By: Joergen Oerstroem Moeller.For the third time since 1945 U.S. risk to be drawn into a war of its own making.Mass media reported from the republican convention that asked about Russia's threatening activities, which have unnerved the small Baltic States, Mr. Trump said that if Russia attacked them, he would decide whether to come to their aid only after reviewing if those nations have "fulfilled their obligations to us. If they fulfill their obligations to us," he added, "the answer is yes."The first observation is that the purpose of the alliance is to prevent an attack on any NATO country. The whole idea of NATO and a strong U.S. military capability are to forestall a situation where the U.S. President needs to undertake a review. Going to war is by far much more costly, not the least in human lives and sufferings, than removing any doubt in the mind of a potential aggressor that the resolve is there to respond militarily. In the case of the three Baltic States it should be added that before Mr. Trump has made the sums these small nations would have been overrun so if the decision was 'yes, they have fulfilled their obligations' the options would be either to say 'sorry, we should have defended you' or escalate into a full war to liberate them - not enviable options most people would think. Twice in the 20th century obfuscating policy statements similar to Mr. Trump's pronouncements were read by potential aggressors who drew the - as it turned out - wrong conclusion that the U.S. gave them a free hand. In both cases U.S. subsequently went to war that could and would have been avoided by clarity about U.S. intentions. 12th of January 1950 Secretary of State Dean Acheson gave a speech saying that the U.S. Pacific "defense line" or "defensive perimeter" "runs along the Aleutians to Japan and then goes back to the Ryukyus.... We hold important positions in the Ryukyu Islands, and these we will continue to hold... The defensive perimeter runs from the Ryukyus to the Philippine Islands." This statement explicitly excluded the Republic of Korea from the American defense perimeter. Six month later on June 25th 1950 North Korea attacked. We do not have firm evidence of the impact of Acheson's speech, but it is known that Stalin was reluctant to give the green light as he feared an American intervention and only consented in April 1950. Whether Acheson's speech allayed his fear or not cannot be documented, but the sequence of decision-making points in that direction.Prior to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait 2nd of August 1990 President Saddam Hussein held a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador April Glaspie. It is disputed exactly what was said, but transcripts reveal that Ambassador Glaspie voiced the opinion that "We have no opinion on your Arab-Arab conflicts" and "the Kuwait issue is not associated with America." In the January/February 2003 edition of Foreign Policy John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt conclude that Ambassador Glaspie's comment plus earlier signals from Washington that the U.S. had 'no special defense or security commitments to Kuwait' inadvertently gave Saddam Hussein the impression that the U.S. would not interfere if he invaded Kuwait.
Voter's hand holding election ballot for the U.S. Democratic Party, inserting the vote into the ballot box. Concept image of American democracy and the U.S. election process. Voters making their selection and putting in the voting ballot for the liberal Democratic Party. Photographed in horizontal format.

When Virginia Senator Tim Kaine was picked for the Democratic Party ticket, the media reported that Kaine was a centrist, and Bernie Sanders fans were disappointed. Yet according to analysis by the American Conservative Union, Kaine is actually more progressive than Sanders.

"'An establishment Wall Street Democrat like Tim Kaine...will do nothing but confirm to progressives that she's learned nothing from this primary,'" said Jordan Chariton of the pro-Bernie Sanders online talk show called the "Young Turks," in an interview with Politico Magazine, as reported by Bill Scher.

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The conservative publication Newsmax also gleefully reported that some Sanders fans are upset with Hillary Clinton's selection of Tim Kaine, "preferring a progressive," as Cathy Burke put it. She even quoted Bernie Sanders as claiming that Kaine is "more conservative."

Rather than guess at how conservative or liberal Kaine is, wouldn't it help to actually analyze his voting record?

To do this, I looked at the American Conservative Union (ACU), which looks at two-dozen of the most key votes taken in Congress. And here are the results.

In 2013 (his first year in the Senate), Kaine's ACU score was a perfect zero. That meant he was tied for the most liberal voting score in the House or Senate. It was the same story in 2014, and 2015. The ACU usually reserves their greatest scorn for such votes, calling those with zeros "the most liberal" politicians.

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And how about Sanders' record? In 2013, like Kaine, Sanders was also a zero for the ACU (perfect liberal). For 2014, the Vermont Senator tallied a four (out of 100) and a nine in 2015. His career voting record, according to the ACU, is 6.31.

Bernie Sanders is clearly a liberal. But so is Kaine, as the data shows. Arguments claiming otherwise are based on perception or conjecture, not evidence.

What about other rating agencies? Scher also reports that Kaine has a 90 percent rating from Americans for Democratic Action, a progressive organization, and a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood.

After his Wednesday speech at the DNC, Kaine tried to appeal to Sanders supporters, according to Morgan Winsor with Good Morning America.



"Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine said Donald Trump is a 'threat to everything' Bernie Sanders and his supporters stand for," Winsor wrote. "'They understand who Hillary [Clinton] is and they understand that Donald Trump is a threat to everything they care about," the Virginia senator said in an exclusive interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts on 'Good Morning America.' He added 'We got to pull it together to win.'"

Kaine may be considered a centrist in the media, which could help him woo moderates, independents and liberal Republicans. But if you look at the ACU's voting record, and that of the ADA, his strongest appeal should be to progressives who backed Sanders.
A recent study by the Bookings Institution raised questions about the extent to which students who graduate from college are actually facing the kind of crushing debt that is typically presented with anecdotal evidence by the media and politicians. The report indicates that only 7 percent of young-adult households with education debt have $50,000 or more, while 58 percent have less than $10,000 in debt, and an additional 18 percent have debts between $10,000 and $20,000. Clearly, there are still a lot of people in debt, but we should be wary of those who make broad generalizations from anecdotal evidence.

Without question, the cost of some colleges is very high. My son attends a private university and the total annual package is around $60,000/year. That's a lot of money, but we chose to send him to that particular school and are prepared to pay for it. We could have easily chosen other schools: the total cost at the university where I teach (assuming my son were to live on campus rather than at home) would be less than half of the university he attends. In fact, there are a variety of levels of cost for college in the US, some of which are quite reasonable and some of which are incredibly expensive.

If you believe in a free market being applied to everything (I don't, by the way), then you are going to get some colleges that charge absurd tuitions and fees. Why can Stanford, Harvard, Yale, etc. charge so much? Because with acceptance rates around 6%, they can. People are willing to pay pretty much whatever these schools charge. In other words, if you believe in a free market economy, don't complain that universities charge too much. They are simply doing what conservatives have encouraged everyone to do for years--let the market control everything.

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Interestingly, the 2016 GOP platform states that public policy should support affordability, innovation and transparency in technical institutions and online universities, but a "four-year degree from a brick-and-mortar institution is not the only path toward a prosperous and fulfilling career." I think this is right. Not everyone needs to attend college, nor is the traditional college experience right for everyone who pursues higher education.

However, the GOP's "solution" to the problem of high college costs and student debt is to eliminate college loans originated by the federal government in favor of only insuring private loans. In other words, the GOP wants private companies to profit from the educational needs of students while taxpayers eliminate any risk involved with providing loans.

This is not the solution to the problem. In fact, providing government originated or insured loans to pay tuition at for-profit institutions, at least, is only likely to increase costs as those institutions will be encouraged to gouge students with increased rates, since they know they will get paid regardless of how the amount of debt affects students.

Instead of the GOP's approach, which is really just intended to help banks make more money, we should change the way we deal with federal loans and also the way we fund higher education. If people want very low tuition for college, then they are going to have to pay for that through tax dollars that support public colleges and universities. With the exception of Wyoming and North Dakota, state governments have retreated dramatically from support of higher education since the 1970s. All other states have reduced their support to higher education by anywhere from 15 percent to 70 percent between fiscal 1980 and fiscal 2011. And some have argued that if trends since 1980 continue, the average public funding for higher education will be zero by 2060.

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This defunding of public higher education is one of the main reasons tuitions at state colleges and universities have risen considerably in the past decades and, therefore, is one of the primary reasons for increasing debt among college graduates.

We need to support public institutions that can provide access to higher education to all who are qualified to attend. And public institutions need to be funded well through tax dollars in order to keep tuition costs down and to provide loans that will help students do well in school without a heavy financial burden after graduation. These loans should not be provided by private businesses profiting off of those who are less financially advantaged.

We don't need to eliminate federally originated loans, but enhance them as a way of making a college education available to anyone who is qualified. How?

Federal loans should be interest-free for those students who graduate.

Students who fail to graduate from college (perhaps within a specified period of time such as six years) should be required to pay back their loans with interest to the federal government. This would help to underwrite the administrative costs to the government associated with originating loans.

To encourage high performance at public universities--all students who graduate with honors from a public college or university should have their loans forgiven. When tax dollars are used wisely, that use should be rewarded.

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Government originated loans should not be available to for-profit educational businesses, because their primary goal is making money, not educating the public. If students choose to attend a for-profit educational business, then their loans should come from banks, just as they would if they were buying a car.

Steps like these would promote high performance among students who receive loans from the federal government and improve access for lower income students who seek the learning, advancement, and opportunity available through a college education. When combined with solid state funding to public higher education (yes, tax dollars), it would make college an affordable option for lower and middle-income families and for the government.
At the recent Democratic National Convention (DNC), a group of black mothers whose sons and daughters have been killed by police violence received a standing ovation after sharing their stories. These "Mothers of the Movement," as they call themselves, explained why they chose to endorse Hillary Clinton, praising the presidential hopeful for supporting gun control policies that would curb these kinds of incidents. Their featured spot at the DNC convention is a culmination of several months of organizing a series of community and national events aimed at bringing attention to the systemic problem of police violence and brutality in the United States.

Their collective efforts to address these national issues reflect the political activities of a long line of black women, often black mothers, who have mobilized in an effort to end police violence and brutality. During the 1980s, two black women--Mary Bumpurs and Veronica Perry-- led a similar initiative in New York City; united by their similar experiences and determined to share their stories with those who would listen.

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In 1984, Mary Bumpurs's 66-year-old mother Eleanor Bumpurs was shot and killed by New York City Police while resisting eviction from her apartment. A year later, in June 1985, Veronica Perry's 17-year old son Edmund Perry was shot and killed by a plainclothes police officer who claimed that Edmund and his brother, Jonah, had attempted to rob him. A gifted young man, Perry had recently completed Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the most prestigious preparatory schools in the country, and had plans to attend Stanford University later that fall. During the 1980s, both cases drew widespread media coverage and public outcry from black leaders who demanded tangible changes in policing practice at the time.

Foreshadowing the kind of activities now organized by the "Mothers of the Movement," Mary Bumpurs and Veronica Perry joined forces to combat police brutality, appearing in a series of high-profile events together during the mid-1980s. On September 24, 1985 the two women appeared together at the Memorial Baptist Church in Harlem where they delivered rousing speeches before an audience of community members and religious leaders. "Because I am black and poor and live in Harlem," Mrs. Perry explained, "they thought my son was just another 'nigger.'" "They found out that he was not just another black boy, that he was a very special and unique individual..." Appealing to audience members to join local efforts to prevent the killings of other young black men, Mrs. Perry insisted that "we will not stand for the KKK in blue uniforms...we will not stand for it."

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Her collaborator, Mary Bumpurs followed in a moving speech, reflecting on her mother's life and her struggles to care for her children with few financial resources and support. "I don't hate [the police]," Mary explained, "But, there's a big dislike because they did take something from me that they or no one else can replace." Vowing to fight until she received justice for her mother's death, Mary expressed some optimism that "we will overcome whatever this is the system has become today."

On May 10, 1986, the two women appeared together again at a community forum at the C.A.V. building at 55 West 125th in Harlem to share their stories and call for policy changes. In an interview with the New York Amsterdam News, the coordinators for the event remarked that the "issue of police brutality has reached monumental proportions and it is critical to build a concerted community effort to combat police violence and racism." Mary Bumpurs and Veronica Perry certainly embraced this point of view and attempted to harness their collective experience and power--though limited--to reduce police violence in black communities.

In October of that year, the two women stood together at another community event, held at the House of the Lord Church on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. As they had done several times before, they called on community members to take seriously the escalating police violence in New York City. They were joined by several other black women and their relatives including Carrie Stewart whose 25-year-old son Michael Stewart had succumbed to injuries sustained in police custody.

Like the "Mothers of the Movement," these black women's lives were shattered by police violence and brutality. Like the "Mothers," these women turned their grief into political action. They fought to provide a voice for black men and women--the individuals who were far more likely then (as now) to be killed by police than their white counterparts. And like the "Mothers of the Movement," Mary Bumpurs and Veronica Perry extended a national call for unity and change, maintaining a deep sense of hope and optimism that their actions would one day result in police reform.
Since the 9/11 attacks, our nation has been engaged in a war on terrorism. The American people have understandably grown weary after 15 years of "the forever war" with the loss of thousands of lives and the expenditure of billions of dollars. Many are asking why we have not yet achieved victory.

The progress we have made is considerable but far from enough. Although we have done some things right, the bulk of our effort against ISIS, al-Qaida and other such groups has focused on defeating them militarily. There has been dramatically less emphasis on the political, ideological and economic aspects of the conflict. So long as that is the case, we will not eliminate the threat.

We have not been well-served by our political leaders in their failure to grasp the totality of this threat and in their failure to pursue a broad and multifaceted response. Their solutions, basically more force, are simple, but the real solutions are hard and complex.

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Military operations are necessary, certainly. We should continue to train and equip our like-minded partners, deny the extremists territory and take out their leaders. We have recently succeeded in weakening the armed forces of the Islamic Group, known as ISIS, and retaking territory.

But military action is not sufficient. Fundamentally, we are engaged in a war of ideas.

We must better appreciate the pervasive nature and depth of the threat presented by these groups and their appeal to many disaffected Muslims in the Middle East and in the West. Many individuals drawn to terrorist groups have serious grievances, resulting from political upheaval, insecurity and repression. These grievances, coupled with their zealous religious convictions, fuel their violent actions.

An entrenched ideology cannot be defeated easily or quickly. While we should not try to impose our values and systems of government on other countries, we must aggressively blunt our adversaries' ideological appeal and proclaim our values of the rule of law, freedom and broadly shared economic prosperity.

To succeed, we have to enlist the help of our many allies in the Muslim world and especially the support of Muslims in this country. They are the ones who will be most effective in counteracting the appeal of violent terrorism. By ourselves we cannot fix the problems of this turbulent area.

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We also need to press hard for effective governance in Iraq, Syria and other embattled regions and work to stabilize the political dynamics. And there are things we should not do. Building walls at our border, closing our borders to all Muslims, embracing Arab autocracy and casting aspersions on an entire religion will only embolden our enemies, discourage our Muslim friends and allies, and make success more elusive.

CIA Director John Brennan recently said that ISIS is resilient, capable of absorbing losses and adapting its tactics. Facing military setbacks, it has stepped up bombings in the Middle East and spread fear by directing spectacular attacks in Europe. It has inspired or attempted to take credit for horrific attacks on American soil.

These attacks are not likely to end soon. There is simply no guarantee that more surveillance, better intelligence, increased monitoring of suspicious individuals, and more robust military action will keep us safe from attacks.

The struggle to establish a legitimate political order rages in the Middle East. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper says, we should "hunker down for a protracted period of instability and violence..."

So after 15 years with only modest success, it's time to broaden our approach.
Donald Trump is lucky that the President and Vice President made such good speeches at the Democratic convention on Wednesday night, because those speeches drew attention away from Trump's most recent and most significant campaign blunder. Blunder is not the correct word, efforts to imperil national security does not have much of a ring to it, but it is a better description of what Trump did on Wednesday morning when in a typically Trumpian incoherent, meandering and self aggrandizing press conference, the GOP standard bearer said, "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press."

It is likely that was not a premeditated comment by Trump, but rather an idea that came to him while he was speaking. The provenance of that comment doesn't matter. The reality is that the Republican nominee for President urged a belligerent foreign power to meddle further in our political processes, and to more aggressively spy on American institutions and private citizens. It is also evidence that for Trump, anything including our national security, is secondary to his political ambitions.

Even before Wednesday's comment, and indeed even before the leaked DNC emails, the connection between Trump and Russia was troubling, or at least very noteworthy. Trump's top advisor, Paul Manafort has worked in the former Soviet Union, most significantly as an advisor to the former President of Ukraine, and Russian client, Viktor Yanukovych. Other Trump advisors including Carter Page also have ties to Moscow. Trump himself has described Russia's President as somebody with whom he can get along. Trump's statements about revisiting the US role in NATO, while not necessarily intended to make Russia happy, dovetail very clearly with Moscow's interests. Russian colleagues have told me that Vladimir Putin has made no secret that he would like to see Trump nominated. Having an opinion about Russia that is different than that of most of the foreign policy community, and even advisors with relationships with the Russian government, is ok. Trump is, of course, permitted his views; and elections where candidates present different views on key issues is good for democracy.

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What Trump did on Wednesday, however, went way beyond simply having a different view about US-Russia relations. It demonstrated that Trump either does not understand basic ideas about national sovereignty and national security, or more ominously, suggests a relationship between a political candidate and a foreign power that is at the very least clear and present threat to our political processes.

If we have learned anything by Donald Trump's campaign over the last 13 months or so, it is is not to be surprised by anything the real estate heir says. While yesterday's comments should be seen in that light, the relative silence from Republican leaders regarding Trump's comments is different. Some in the foreign policy community, from both sides of the aisle, have expressed their concern about Trump's statements, and but Republican elected officials have remained more or less silent on Trump's comments.

The silence by the GOP has demonstrated that the Republican Party has either been completely overtaken by Trump or that the GOP leadership sees defeating Hillary Clinton as more important than even our national security. This is particularly galling given that for decades the Republican Party has presented themselves to the American people as the party of national security. They were the ones who piously lectured Americans about the need to put national security above partisan politics, who sought to define themselves as the party of patriotism and who always told us that partisanship ended at America's borders and shoreline, more frequently than not as part of an effort to stifle dissent surrounding a controversial war or foreign policy gambit. Now, during what is the most significant campaign related national security crisis in many decades, if not ever, they are silent, preferring either to pretend their candidate did not say what he did, chalk it up to his generally erratic behavior, or ignore it because they want to beat Hillary Clinton more than anything else.

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Wouldn't you agree that the losing litigant in a trial rife with falsities and error -- from an imposter judge to undeniable anti-Semitism -- deserves an appeal? U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg does.

That's why today, July 27, at the intersection of the 500th anniversary of the formation of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice and the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, she is hearing arguments in a mock appeal in the case of Shylock, the hard-hearted moneylender from Shakespeare's controversial comedy, "The Merchant of Venice."

The original verdict in Shylock's case resulted in a forced religious conversion and the surrender of wealth and property. His appeal has been briefed and this week is being argued in his native Jewish Ghetto of Venice.

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The judicial panel hearing the arguments include Justice Ginsburg, Wake Forest Law Professor Richard Schneider and U.S. Ambassador to Italy John R. Philips.

"This is the kind of thing that only happens once," Schneider told Emily Eisert, who originally wrote this for Wake Forest Law's website.

The mock hearing, organized by Schneider at Justice Ginsburg's request, is part of a series of events hosted by Compagnia de' Colombari and Ca 'Foscari University of Venice. Other events include symposia, lectures by Shakespeare scholars Stephen Greensblatt of Harvard University and James Shapiro of Columbia University, receptions and a six-performance production of "The Merchant of Venice."

Under the direction of Karin Coonrod, an international cast will perform the work in English and other languages outdoors in the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, or the Jewish Ghetto of Venice. This marks the first time the play will be performed in its historic, famous setting.

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Shaul Bassi, who hatched the idea to celebrate the confluence of the two anniversaries and coordinated the mock hearing. Bassi is an associate professor at Ca' Foscari University and the co-founder and director of Beit Venezia: A Home for Jewish Culture, an arts and education project that promotes Venice as a center of Jewish knowledge and creativity, according to its website. Bassi is also a faculty member at Casa Artom, the Wake Forest University's Venice campus for undergraduate students.

Schneider decided to incorporate a number of old literary works into his organization of the mock hearing. Instead of applying modern human rights laws, the judges will focus on the laws and works of literature available during Shylock's original trial, such as Aristotle, Michel de Montaigne and Boccaccio.

"It's actually more interesting if we just show how, even at the time, Shylock could have been exonerated. There was a lot out there that if had been applied, could have given a much more humane outcome," Professor Schneider explained.

Nevertheless, it is up to the lawyers to determine how and on what laws and literature their arguments will be formed. Each of the three Italian attorneys prepared a 15-minute argument based on four human rights-oriented questions Professor Schneider gives them. From there, the judges will determine if Shylock prevails.

"I think this will be really an amazing opportunity for students to think about the intersections of law and literature. Because a part of law is telling a story, telling a narrative and getting people to believe it," Schneider said. "That's also the heart of literature."
by guest blogger Maya K. van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper

In March, a jury awarded $4.3 million to two Pennsylvania families that drank well water contaminated by methane. Gas wells drilled by an oil corporation leaked the methane into the water. As a result, the families suffered vomiting, dizziness and skin rashes. In April, a man in Salem, Pennsylvania, was burned in his home when a nearby natural gas pipeline exploded, destroying his house and sending him to the hospital.

What do these incidents have in common? Gas fracked from shale. And they are just a few of the many examples of people suffering at the hands of the industries drilling and transporting fracked shale gas.

From source to end use, fracked shale is harming communities. Research shows overwhelmingly that fracking contaminates our air and water. In Pennsylvania alone, there have already been more than 200 confirmed cases of drinking water contamination caused by natural gas drilling. Problems from contamination last for generations. For instance, children of mothers living within 10 miles of gas wells are 30 percent percent more likely to be born with congenital heart disease and twice as likely to have a neural tube defect.

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In a rush to get this deadly gas to market, companies are scrambling to build more pipelines, which inflict a new set of harms and scars on humans and our environments. In fact, all across the country, the fracking industry is rushing to build ever-more dangerous pipelines, cutting through private property and public lands in the process. Not only do these pipeline developments encourage increased greenhouse-gas emissions, threatening the future of our planet, but they also create tangibly hazardous threats to human health and safety.

Much of this is approved by a federal agency known as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). While FERC is tasked with reviewing and approving fracked gas pipelines to ensure orderly development that complies with the law, the agency has a long history of responding only to the needs of the fracking industry, failing to protect communities or natural resources that are fundamental to sustaining life.

FERC has used its authority to encourage and support the rapid proliferation of pipelines, compressors, and liquified natural gas facilities that export U.S. natural gas to other nations. FERC has used its legal authority to help the pipeline industry strip people of their property rights, forcing them to become unwilling hosts to dangerous pipelines that damage their property and limit their ability to use their own property. FERC has supported pipelines passing through farmland and business properties, even though some businesses have been forced to shut down and farmers have had reduced crop yields, damaging their ability to earn a living from the land, which threatens an occupation that has been a mainstay of American life. Communities that have purchased and protected public parks and forests for their enjoyment and environmental benefit have been forced to stand by as FERC-approved pipelines cut down trees and ram through creeks.

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By exposing communities to dangerous chemicals, fracking endangers our homes and schools. And by continuing to expand the use of fossil fuels and fracking infrastructure, as a society, we are telling affected communities they are less important than industry goals. We are prioritizing the business profits of the fracked-gas industries ahead of the safety of us all.

But the cost of continued dependence on fossil fuels is far too great to support any longer.

Earlier this year, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) filed multiple lawsuits against FERC, highlighting its bias, calling for change in its funding structure, and demanding accountability and responsibility in regulation. Congress is not holding FERC accountable for its abuses of law and power, so the people must--and we are seeking to do so through both our advocacy and the enforcement of the law in the courts. Hopefully, some day soon, some real congressional champions who want to advance, protect, and reform will step forward and fight with us for meangingful protection and change.

From PennEast to Atlantic Sunrise, Constitution to Leidy Southeast, new and costly pipelines are snaking through the Delaware River Basin and through our nation at large. However, we have the opportunity to stop this dangerous pattern. By demanding that our government uphold its obligations to protect the people first, enforce the environmental regulations already on the books, and stop the careless ruin of our communities and future. It's time for FERC to get the message.

Communities that want to learn more and want to reach out to their legislators to advance reform can do so at bit.ly/FERCNeedsInvestigation.

Maya K. van Rossum is the Delaware Riverkeeper, and has led the Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) since 1994. The DRN is a regional nonprofit advocacy organization that monitors the river and all of its tributaries for threats and challenges, and that advocates, educates, and litigates for protection, restoration, and change.

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Have you ever started something new, only to be met with resistance from others?

Whenever we seek change at any level, there are those who will be opposed to it. Change can be hard to accept, even if it's for the better. This applies to many aspects of our lives, whether we want to improve a part of our life or to creating something innovative for society.

Skeptics will always be around. People who refuse to let the things, people, and places around them change. People who mock something that feels novel, simply because it's easier to stay with whatever feels comfortable and familiar.

This has led me to believe that truth, and any positive change, goes through multiple stages before it's accepted. According to 19th century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, "All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

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Let's take a closer look at the 3 Stages of Truth.

The 3 Stages of Truth

The process of acknowledging a truth is broken down into three stages:

The first stage is ridicule. When a new idea or concept is brought up, it's so strange that it's completely absurd. People cannot fathom this idea and how it fits into their lives, so they simply laugh at how impossible it seems. The second stage is opposition. After a new concept hasn't made it past the first stage, people begin to worry that it's here to stay. A few might support the concept, but most will resist because they see it as a threat to everything they're familiar with. The third stage is self-evident. There is increasing evidence that supports the idea, which goes from having a few early supporters to entering the mainstream. A majority of people support the fact and come to accept it as a given.

Stage 1: Ridicule

Louis Pasteur was born in France in 1822. As a boy, he was interested in drawing and painting his surroundings in Arbois, the town where he grew up. While his teachers noted he had an eye for detail, his father did not see painting as a career and encouraged Pasteur to focus on his schoolwork instead.

He began his career in chemistry at the University of Strasbourg, where he made a ground-breaking discovery that molecules produced by living things were left-handed. His discovery was a major contribution to microbiology and helped improve the understanding of DNA.

Pasteur then moved on to studying fermentation and its causes. Since the time of Aristotle, people believed in spontaneous generation, where living organisms could grow from nonliving matter. It was commonly thought that insects such as fleas could arise from dust, or mice from bread. Louis Pasteur disproved this theory by demonstrating that micro-organisms could reproduce.

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His experiments showed how beverages, such as wine and milk, could be spoiled by the presence of bacteria. Spurred by the concept of beverage contamination, Pasteur then began his work on showing how germs led to disease in humans and animals.

Pasteur's "germ theory" wasn't taken too well by the medical community and public, though. Bechamp, a rival of his, denounced his ideas as "the greatest scientific silliness of the age", while La Presse, a French newspaper read: "I am afraid that the experiments you quote, M. Pasteur, will turn against you. The world into which you wish to take us is really too fantastic."

Louis Pasteur lived in a time when many people died from infectious diseases. Two of his own children had died from typhoid, which was caused by dirty food and water. Even though his theory on germs and disease was ridiculed then, today we know the importance of sanitation and the relationship between bacteria and sicknesses.

How to Deal With Ridicule

A new idea can seem so ridiculous that people simply laugh. Pasteur's theory disproved a previous one that had existed for thousands of years, so it's no surprise that people were shaken.

However, Pasteur had evidence that his theory made sense. He tested his theory on different subjects in various environments, which proved that his hypothesis was correct.

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If you want to be taken seriously, then you need to have evidence to back it up. Sometimes ideas are rightly ridiculed, while others are unjustly so. I suggest using the "do it, then say it" strategy to ensure your work has better chance of being accepted by others.

Stage 2: Opposition

The early stages of flight were a dangerous business. Lack of funding, lives lost, and scorn were just part of the process of aviation. The Wright Brothers, Wilbur and Orville, were not deterred.

The brothers were born and raised in Dayton, Ohio in the late 1800s to a set of parents who encouraged them to learn new things. Their father often bought them toys that helped increase their knowledge of mechanics. Together, they ran a printing shop and bicycle shop, which later proved valuable in designing and building an airplane.

They had their start in aviation when Wilbur was 32 and Orville was 28, as they began reading books on aeronautics and talking to engineers. In the process, they studied the work of other experimenters and birds in flights, which was where they came up with the concept of "wing warping."

Wing warping meant a pilot could control the plane by raising or lowering flips along the wings of a plane. They tested their idea initially with kites, then moved to gliders. The brothers chose Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, as their testing grounds due to its winds, hills, and sand.

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On December 17, 1903, they successfully flew the first free, controlled flight of a power-driven airplane for 59 seconds over 852 feet. Not all was smooth sailing (or flying), though. The press and fellow flight experts didn't believe the claims they made. Scientific American Magazine referred to them as the "Lying Brothers."

Eventually, Wilbur decided to set off for Europe in hopes of a better reception. In France, he made public flights and gave rides to journalists and officials. Orville and their sister Katherine joined them, where they became immensely popular on the continent.

They began to sell airplanes in Europe, then returned to the United States in 1909. The brothers became wealthy from their eventual success in Europe and the United States, and are known today as the "fathers of modern aviation."

How to Deal With Opposition

Have you ever considered pursuing an endeavor, only to think to yourself:

"I don't have any connections."

"I don't have the formal training necessary."

"I don't have money."

The Wright brothers had none of these. But what they did have was a determination to succeed in building a flying plane. When you face opposition, these objections can come up when people doubt your capabilities.

Think about what you can do or say when one of these lines comes up. How can you react when others disagree with you?

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Stage 3: Self-evident

Today, we know the Earth is round. There's no doubt about it. If someone tried to say otherwise, we would all laugh.

But that wasn't always the case. It took a long time for this idea to become cemented as common knowledge.

In ancient Egyptian, Mediterranean and Indian cultures, it was believed that the Earth was a flat disc surrounded by oceans. Nordic cultures believed the Earth was flat and surrounded by oceans as well, with a world tree (Yggdrasill) was in the center. Ancient China subscribed to the theory that the Earth was flat and square, while the heavens were round.

Many pre-Socratic Greek philosophers believed the Earth was flat. Some, such as Anaximander, thought the Earth was a round cylinder with a flat top. Anaximenes believed the Earth was flat and rode on the air, similar to how the Sun, Moon, and other heavenly bodies were flat and rode the air.

In sixth century BC, Greek philosopher Pythagoras claimed the Earth was round, although most philosophers remained skeptical. A few hundred years later, Aristotle studied the skies and remarked in his writings De caelo that stars were seen in Egypt and Cyprus, but not in the northerly regions. Based on this and his other observations of the stars and the Moon, he argued that the Earth was a sphere.

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By the fifth century, the idea of a spherical Earth became more accepted. There were still scholars that opposed this view, although they were in the minority.

What to Do When Your Work is Self-evident

When you succeed at proving an idea or achieving a goal, does it mean it's time to stop? Of course not.

Even though the concept of a spherical Earth was largely accepted by the medieval period, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan proved it by organizing an expedition that resulted in the first circumnavigation of the Earth centuries later, in 1519.

In the process, the voyage had numerous unintended consequences, such as the discovery of the Strait of Magellan, improved geography, and encounters with indigenous South American cultures.

The point is that reaching a truth doesn't mean it's time to stop. Keep going. There's always more to discover and explore.

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Reaching a goal is simply one stop on the journey.

Getting to the Self-Evident Stage in Life

In our personal lives, we can be met with ridicule and opposition whenever we make a choice that goes against mainstream beliefs, such as:

When we choose to study a subject that isn't trendy.

When we pursue a business idea that isn't proven yet.

When we choose to live differently from the people around us.

All of these things can lead to negative feedback and criticism. Instead of listening to everyone's opinions though, sometimes the best thing is to ignore the noise and due what works for us.

It's useful to see how some ideas that are popular today were once unorthodox. The idea of germs spreading diseases was once laughable. The personal computer was once considered unnecessary.

A viewpoint or concept that you have might not be popular today, but doesn't mean it's wrong. It could simply be that others haven't accepted it yet.

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One note of caution, though: just because something isn't widely accepted doesn't mean that it's true (similar to how hard work doesn't equate to results). There are going to be concepts that don't reach the third stage, no matter how much effort is put into proving otherwise.

But if you have done the research, put in the work, and are starting to see some positive results - then you just might be onto something.

Let's Connect

If you enjoyed reading this article, please join the newsletter. As thanks, I'll send over a copy of my popular guide, How to Get Anything You Want.

This post was originally published on JumpstartYourDreamLife.com.
Businesswoman smiling in meeting

Diversity in corporate leadership, especially among fast-growth companies, is no longer a nice-to-have, a buzz-word, or a marketing ploy. Its an economic necessity.

Research has shown that with greater diversity comes greater financial returns for our companies. That comes as no surprise since diverse teams  from leadership to entry-level positions -- help companies learn how to do business with diverse customer bases in the US and globally.

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In my industry -- venture capital and technology -- there arent many executives with my skin color and gender, and even fewer who grew up Spanish speaking in a single-parent, "working poor" family. Im a first generation college graduate with four Stanford degrees and am an emeritus trustee. I cofounded a technology startup and later was an early Google employee, then executive, who helped grow the company from $85M to $10B.

So how did someone like me end up where I am today? My story, while unique in its particulars, may serve Latinos and minority groups, as well as other leaders. Here are the three things we need to do to get more Latinas and other minorities, including women, into leadership roles in business:

We need to offer access to relevant education

The first pillar of continued diversification is education. Mine started well before Stanford: I was required to learn coding in math classes in high schools I attended on scholarship and participated in a federal HUD internship for low-income inner city kids to learn to use the first generation PC and Lotus 1-2-3. I was also exposed to real companies using such technologies.

Today, we're teaching people to read but not to write the language of the future. In America, 71 percent of all new jobs in STEM are in computing, yet only 8 percent of STEM graduates are in Computer Science, and only 1 in 4 K-12 schools teach computer programming. The American Dream will not be attainable for people like me unless we can learn to create using these new tools.

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Earlier this year, President Obama said that he wanted every student to have hands-on computer science and math classes. The Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles public school systems have made strides in this regard, but we have a long way to go without a national curriculum.

We need to showcase realistic success stories

The second step consists of positive examples for the next generation. Van Jones of Yes We Code has talked about the limited role models for success in low opportunity communities. Today we have athletes, rappers, hustlers and President Obama. Tomorrow we need business leaders because they represent a more realistic pathway to success.

We need to invest in women and minority-led companies

The third is less obvious, but perhaps the most important. We need to create a bandwagon effect among corporate leaders and investors by showing the economic value and fiduciary alignment of investing in diversity.

As a venture capitalist, I seek to replicate my success at Google in identifying diverse talent because it presents a tremendous financial opportunity. In our now majority minority country, we need business leaders to respond to the diverse wants and needs of our multifaceted population.

Minority and women-led companies need equal access to capital and consideration for the value proposition created by such firms and entrepreneurs. These companies change how we work, how we live; they impact our culture and the broader economy. If investors fail to recognize the urgency of these cultural shifts, and fail to invest in these fastest growth segments, the macroeconomic picture for all Americans will worsen.

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My firm, Ulu Ventures has among the most diverse entrepreneurs of Silicon Valley VCs. While most of our CEOs are still Caucasian males, a full 19% of our teams are led by a woman, 23% by a minority and 9% by a Latino or African American CEO. With 145 cofounders in 70 companies, we have 2 to 3 times the industry average number of women and minority CEOs and cofounders, except for Latino and African American CEOs and cofounders where we have 9 times the industry average Minorities include those of Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, African American, and Latino heritage.

Many of our initially non-diverse teams subsequently hired diverse leaders and moved on to incredible accomplishments. Ulu portfolio company SoFi was such a team. SoFi now has 6 women including 2 minority women (Asian and African-American) on its 18-person management team. SoFi recently raised $1B from Softbank, one of the top 5 venture rounds ever raised by a US company. SoFi also recently attained a Moody's AAA rating on a $380M bond offering backed by student loans, the first ever startup online lender to receive that designation. A Stanford study found that the top 10% most successful entrepreneurial companiescompanies like SoFiaccount for 80% of job creation by startups.
The Effigy // Photo by S a m u e l

The American media has a funny way of depicting the world. Between the constant inundation of celebrity gossip, political snafus and the news network's versions of current events, a well-filtered picture of the world unconsciously begins to form in your mind. Though I prided myself in avoiding frivolous and biased news in favor of more fact-based information, it was not until I was offered a press assignment in Israel that I realized how much of the media which I had so consciously attempted to avoid, had still seeped into my mind.

Two weeks before I landed in Ben-Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, I was offered by Israel's Ministry of Tourism an opportunity to embark on a press trip throughout this historical land by embedding myself within the country's counterculture. Covering music festivals is my forte, so though the trip would be centered around Midburn, Israel's regional Burning Man, I would also mingle with local artists, musicians, and activists. In hindsight, doubt should have been far from my mind, but at the time, there sat doubt, a big, heavy boulder obstructing my view of a beautiful prospect.

As honored as I was to be offered such an exciting opportunity, all of the media rigmarole that had sat quietly in my subconscious began to awaken. Thoughts of Gaza, refugees, Syria, terrorism, walls, hatred, occupation, stabbings and religious zealots began to flicker through my mind like a stock ticker. I wasn't even thinking of Israel, I was thinking of the Middle East as a whole. It was then I realized how little I knew about modern Israel other than what was presented to me through American media. Never did I ever think that a Burning Man community existed there and it was at that moment I realized I had to take this trip. I wanted to change my own opinion of the Middle East and hopefully the opinions of others in the process.

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Tel Aviv

Upon arrival, I met with a quadrilingual and vibrant guide named Ali Arad as well as two other Los Angeles-based journalists. As we were whisked off to our first event, the cyan waters of the Mediterranean dashed across the windows and the immaculate sidewalks were decorated with busy people. First stop was the Yafo Creative in Jaffa, an artist-centric hostel adorned with colorful tiles and a palpable energy that hung in the air like glitter spilled from a skyscraper. Founder and CEO, Amnon Ron, introduced us to a tight-knit circle of musicians who took turns telling us their stories and sharing their music while we sipped on cardamom spiced coffee. Tzlil Danin, Liron Meshulam, Yotam Mahler, Shye Ben Tzur, Noam Helfer and Rotem Bar-Or were among those who lent their minds to the discussion.

There was a kindness of heart and a richness of soul that each one of these musicians possessed. Though we all came from varying backgrounds, there was a oneness that was felt; a shared love of music and a similar way in which we experience life. My Israel story had just begun and it had already captivated my heart.

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Though my mind was alight with inspiration, like many stories, this one is not without peril. Just a few hours after an enlightening encounter, my first dinner in Tel Aviv was interrupted by an act of violence. As we drank beer and ate our meals, talking about writing and getting to know each other, the sounds of muffled screams began to emanate from outside. Like a flash flood, hordes of people ran by the window with expressions of fear and urgency. The restaurant workers sprung into action, locking the door as those of us seated near the window frantically moved to the back of the restaurant, leaving puddles of spilled beer and condiments in our wake. To paint an even stranger picture, "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd was blaring out of the speakers.

We caught a glimpse of a gunman flash by before he was apprehended by the police. Still unaware of what exactly had happened, the servers at the restaurant assured us that we were safe and brought us several plates of dessert as we apprehensively sat back down. The street was blinking with red and blue lights as uniformed men and women carrying various types of weaponry sauntered by. Within a half hour, news had hit the U.S. and my phone began to bubble with worried text messages from friends and of course, from my mother.

Two Palestinian men opened fire at the Sarona Market in central Tel Aviv, a popular area for shopping and dining close to Israel's defense ministry, killing four and wounding six, according to BBC News. As the story unfurled whilst we were in the midst of it, our hosts claimed that this was unusual for Tel Aviv though not unusual for Israel. Looking around the restaurant, patrons continued on with their evening, seemingly unfazed. Occurring shortly after the UCLA shooting and shortly before the Orlando shooting, I realized that violence is a part of American life as well, and though the motives are often different, the hatred is the same.

All one can do in such a scenario is feel, accept and move forward. While violence has always existed, the media's pervasiveness is now bringing it into our homes and pockets, constantly reminding us of the horrors of the world as they happen in real time. There is a delicate balance between awareness and empathy: it is important to know but not be overcome. Allowing the fear of violence to oppress us is the goal of terrorism. This one act did not sully the kindness and inspiration that I felt, nor did it speak for Israel (or Palestine) as a whole. Instead, I gained a deeper understanding of the brevity of life and how to be more present for every second of it.

Photo by Oriol Rodriguez Gomis

The bustling life of Tel Aviv was soon replaced by the serenity of the Negev Desert, an arid region that covers most of southern Israel. Two new journalists joined our crew, one from Barcelona and one from Korea. Vast expanses of golden soil stretched to vanishing points as carved canyons sloped its borders. Situated in the center of the desert is Mitzpe Ramon, a unique area populated with desert-lovers, artists, camels and ibex. In one unassuming corner of the town sits an artist's haven. Simple warehouses on the outside and bohemian caverns on the inside. Artist lofts, acro-yoga courses, artisan carpentry, organic vegan cafes, and more, lured visitors from all over the world into their walls.



From the aural culture of Jaffa to the visual culture of Mitzpe Ramon, we wandered into the studio of artist Itzu Rimmer, who displayed the many evolutions of his art. Inspired by the energy and color palettes of the Negev, he shared with us his process, history and appreciation for the land that has acted as his muse. Israel is as much a part of him as it is a part of his art.

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Our guide, Ali, led us through a grid of enigmatic warehouses until the smell of wood began to perfume the air. Tom Attias invited us into his and Arnon Korber's fine woodworking studio where we sat on beautifully carved seats as he whittled and educated us about his craft. In addition to hand-making unique pieces of furniture, Attias and Korber also create works of art with carving and burning. His love for wood comes from the idea that he is molding a living thing. The bench upon which I sat was once a seed that grew into an oxygen-emanating organism and was eventually reshaped by a human hand. Few materials can evoke that kind of connection.

As our desert odyssey moved forward through winding roads, wooden spires and conical tipis began to pierce the horizon. Midburn approached. The smell of Palo Santo mingled with the fine dust picked up by the van and I quickly forgot where I was. Upon first sighting, I realized that even 7,605 miles away, I was home.

No One's Ark // Photo by S a m u e l

The second largest regional Burning Man in the world, Midburn quickly grew into an enchanting realm, despite only being in its third year. The towering effigy displayed a man and a woman facing each other, sharing the sacrificial burn together. This year's theme was "Abracadabra," an ancient word that in Hebrew translates to "it came to pass as it was spoken." Israel is a country of the Word, and as they spoke and dreamt of having their own Burning Man, so it came to be.

While both events have a similar sensory palette, one of the main differences between Midburn and Burning Man were the art cars. Midburn's first art car was built for this year's event but when they did not receive the necessary permission, the roving pirate ship became a stationary pirate ship. Because of Israeli law, art cars are not permitted, however, the Midburn organizers are steadfast in their efforts to change that law.

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The Pirate Ship and Skateboard Wave

The people and aesthetics of the event were very diverse yet everything felt oddly familiar. All shades of skin were decorated by paint, glitter, leather, lace, tulle, or nothing at all; smiles, laughs, and lysergic-laden dates floated by ethereally. Though there were moments when I forgot where I was, I would hear a DJ speak in Hebrew, a distant guard cocking his AK-47, or the steady pulse of psy-trance, and suddenly remember that I was in Israel.

Midburn was a unique Middle Eastern microcosm that allowed all the wild, freaky, and free attendees from all over the region to shake their sacral chakras on the dancefloor without judgment. As is the intention of most countercultural gatherings, this event provides an opportunity for proud outcasts to feel at home. I felt as if I was among my strange family rather than familiar strangers.

Finishing the tour in the holy city of Jerusalem was a remarkable, albeit humbling, end to a tumultuous trip. The juxtaposition of the budding nightlife and ancient religious traditions was a stark, yet alluring, contrast. Despite my harrowing first night in Tel Aviv, which in comparison seemed so distant from the rest of my experience, the people of Israel and Palestine were kind and welcoming to visitors as well as each other.

Between the Israeli law that all men and women must serve in the military and the tension of the Palestinians under occupation, many of the people have a profound appreciation for life. From plunging down a dusty rabbit hole in the Negev to floating on the Dead Sea, the painting of Israel that had formed in my mind was now a masterpiece. No nation is perfect and even the most flawed places in the world can be works of art if you see them with the right mindset.

Check out this video playlist featuring music videos by various artists mentioned in this article.

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BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A senior United Nations (UN) official on Thursday acknowledged China's encouraging progress in combating HIV/AIDS, saying new successes have been achieved in the country.

China has made "a lot of progress," said Michel Sidibe, UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), citing the reduced rate of HIV-related deaths and the increasing number of people on treatment.

"Since 2014, we have not had any babies born with HIV in Beijing, which is very important," Sidibe told reporters during a visit to Xinhua News Agency.

He highlighted the importance of China's nationwide program on mother-to-child transmission to control the epidemic among children.

"The only challenge that we are still having is how to reach men having sex with men, how to reach sex workers, and how to make sure infections among those groups can be controlled," Sidibe said.

The UN official also applauded China's contribution to the work of UNAIDS.

"China, particularly the government, has been very helpful, supporting us to negotiate a new political declaration, which is key for the future," he said.

Key Chinese leaders have been fully committed to fighting stigma and discrimination, often with new policies that can be really helpful, Sidibe added.

During the visit, Sidibe presented the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award to Cai Mingzhao, president of Xinhua, in recognition of Cai's personal contribution to the vision of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 through exemplary leadership or a novel approach.

The award granted to Cai also recognizes the commitment of the Chinese government to combating HIV/AIDS, Sidibe said while addressing the award ceremony.

There have been encouraging results in the fight against AIDS globally, with the number of people receiving treatment increasing from 1 million or less in 2000 to 17 million today, Sidibe said, highlighting the media's contribution.

"All of that (progress) would never have happened without you, without our collective efforts, without solidarity ...We can't reach people without innovation, without news, without information, without a new way to communicate," he said.
Over the last two weeks we introduced ten storytellers from the Muslim Writers Collective. You got to know them; now we want you to get to know us (the editors), and why we care about this initiative.

* * *

My name is Gina. I work in an emergency room in Connecticut. The Muslim Writers Collective became important to me when a man named Jim Webb opened up to me about his life in rural Kentucky.

Jim grew up driven to give the Appalachian workers in his hometown better health treatments. He made it to medical school, something no one in his family had done. This failed to impress his more urban and urbane professors. They were sure people with his accent from Appalachia were stupid, products of a desolate, backwards society. Jim tried his best to talk like them and not mention home.

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He made it to graduation, then persisted through a rigorous training program in yet another city where he was a stranger to everyone. Finally, almost ten years later, Jim got his license and was able to return home.

Eager to see his old friends, now with wives and kids, Jim waited for a warm embrace in his doctor's office. But when they heard him talking about diseases and medicines without an accent, they told him he had gotten uppity. He had abandoned his roots, hanging that fancy diploma in his office, making more money and acting better than everyone else.

Jim was never accepted by the medical establishment. But by wanting to be a part of that elite, he lost acceptance from the town he came from. I imagined my Muslim South Asian friends behind him in an airport security line, and wondered whether they would be too caught up in his beer belly, crew neck haircut, and thick Kentucky accent to see their emigrant, cross-cultural common ground.

Certainly, the Muslim Writers Collective enriches Muslim identity in America and that matters to me. But more importantly, I work on it because it teaches us to unsheath identity politics. Right now both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are drawing boundaries around which Americans have been wronged. This is bogus, and it is more important than ever to rub shoulders with people different from us to remember that. The Jadeed Voices Initiative matters to me because it brings intimate understanding between two real people who would never meet: our authors and you.

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* * *

My name is Zara. I'm a writer and an educator. I believe in the Muslim Writers Collective because I understand the power of storytelling.

I grew up in a small town in the Midwest, and as a child, I didn't come across many people who resembled my appearance, or shared my culture and traditions. Because of this lack of diversity, I got used to being the only "Indian kid" at school. While this distinction helped set me apart, it also came with its drawbacks.

Growing up, I was no stranger to racial stereotypes--I was made fun of relentlessly for being brown, for my "curry-scented" skin, for my modest clothing, and my name which no one could pronounce. I pretended like the teasing didn't bother me. Instead, I laughed off these jabs and tried to "tone down" my Muslim-ness, my South Asian-ness, in the hopes that I would not be further ostracized by my peers. Their lives were such a stark contrast from my own conservative, Muslim-South Asian upbringing that I felt like the only way they could relate to me was if I tried to be more like them. While my efforts to "assimilate" seemed to help, the message I was subconsciously sending to myself was loud and clear: who I was, was not acceptable. It was not until I became an adult when I realized just how damaging--and dangerous--the effects of this racial stereotyping were to not only my community, but also to my own sense of self-worth.

When I moved to the Bay Area, I attended my first MWC open mic. At this event, I listened to performer after performer come up and bravely share their experiences of being Muslim in America. These stories spoke to me. They awakened emotions within me that had long lain dormant and gave voice to the struggles I endured growing up. For the very first time, I realized how empowering it was to hear these stories spoken aloud. Through these articulations of isolation, acceptance, confusion, reflection, fear, hope, pain, and healing, we collectively, are acknowledging our existence. We are creating a mode for survival. We are discovering our niche in the larger mosaic of the American experience, and granting ourselves--and others--the admission to accept us for who we are.

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This is the power of storytelling.

And this is the reason I believe in the vision of the Muslim Writers Collective and the Jadeed Voices Initiative.

* * *

My name is Hamdan. I'm a data scientist from Brooklyn.



I grew up hearing a story about my great grandfather. One day, he was sitting on the porch of our haveli in our ancestral village near Sialkot (in what was then British India). He was discussing the weather with one of his younger cousins, Ahmad Din.



"Ahmad Din, look at how overcast the sky is, it looks like it will rain heavily soon," said my great grandfather. "Yes, Paa Jee" responded Ahmad Din. (Paa Jee is the respectful way of addressing an older brother in Punjabi.) My great grandfather wasn't satisfied. "Ahmad Din, look at how overcast the sky is, it looks like the sun will come out soon." "Yes, Paa Jee," responded Ahmad Din. "You donkey!" said my great grandfather. "How do you say yes to two completely different things?" "Yes, Paa Jee," responded Ahmad Din.



My mother used to tell this story frequently when I was growing up. Maybe it was her way of shaking me by the shoulders, as if to say "Look! This is how much elders are revered in our tradition." Maybe she thought we would never learn these lessons in school. Maybe she wanted to preempt our feeling of knowing it all, that arrogance that sneaks in when your parents are immigrants. Maybe she had grown up hearing this story from her father and retelling it made her miss him less.



Today, we are constantly hearing stories told about us. In some stories, we're the villains. In other stories, we're on the frontlines of a war most of us want nothing to do with, tasked with "loving freedom and hating terror and helping you win."



The Jadeed Voices Initiative is our way of centering our authentic stories as expressions of our individuality and our spirit. Our stories involve pain, belonging, identity, laughter, love, and triumph. Our stories are more meaningful and resonate more deeply when we free them of the burden of having to apologize or explain or speak for us all. Our stories are more powerful when we let them be.

Gina Siddiqui, Zara Raheem, and Hamdan Azhar are the editors and visionaries behind Muslim Writers Collective: The Jadeed Voices Initiative.
As the saying goes, "Behind every man, there's a great woman." With this list, we're paying homage to the stories of the wives of real-life famous men, wives of fictional men, and wives who are famous in their own right. These books tell the stories of women who are strong, resilient, and determined to carve out their own space in the world.





The Wife by Meg Wolitzer

Joseph is one of America's preeminent novelists, and his wife, Joan, has spent forty years subjugating her own literary talents to fan the flames of his career. But Joan has finally decided to stop. This gripping novel flashes back to follow the course of the marriage that brought the couple to this breaking point.





The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Henry is a dashing, adventurous librarian who inadvertently travels through time and falls in love with Clare, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Their passionate affair captures them in an impossibly romantic trap that tests the strength of fate and the bonds of time.

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Read the review here



The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

This deeply evocative novel imagines Hadley and Ernest Hemingway as they enter the hard-drinking and free-loving life of Paris. As Ernest pours himself into writing, Hadley strives to hold on to her sense of self as her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Eventually they find themselves facing a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they've fought so hard for.

Read the review here



The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman

The Zookeeper's Wife combines extensive research and an exuberant writing style to re-create a fascinating, true-life story. After their zoo was bombed, Polish zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski managed to save more than three hundred people from the Nazis by hiding refugees in the empty animal cages.





The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel

In 1959, as America's Mercury Seven astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, television cameras focused on the brave smiles of their young wives. Together the women formed the Astronaut Wives Club, providing one another with support and friendship--a bond that would stand the test of time.

Read the review here



The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

A breathtaking multigenerational love story that spans two continents, two World Wars, and the quest of two star-crossed lovers to find each other again. The Shoemaker's Wife is a portrait of the times, the places, and the people who defined the American immigrant experience.



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The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki

Everyone knows Benedict Arnold as history's most notorious turncoat. But few know of another integral character in this traitorous and history-making plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it--Arnold's wife, Peggy Shippen Arnold.





The Wives of Los Alamos by TaraShea Nesbit

While the atomic bomb was being invented in secret labs by their husbands, this group of wives joined together in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Babies were born, friendships were forged, and children grew up, all while their families struggled with the burden of their contribution to the most destructive force in the history of mankind.

See the full list at Off the Shelf, a daily blog that connects great readers with great books.
Since the signing of the Paris Agreement at COP21, I have been invited to several global events to discuss the text and its impact on business. I have noticed that when it comes to defining the targets for business, the largest focus is generally on Article 2: "the increase in the global average temperature to below 2 C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C." A lot of discussions are based around this statement, looking at the real effect on 'such and such' measures, timing issues, the cross-implications of different measures on each other, challenging the baseline chosen to calculate the increase etc.

Some companies are even now writing a so-called 2C strategy based on the reduction of emissions compared to business as usual. As if business as usual was still possible and desirable! They rightly speak about transition, but in lengthy terms unfortunately not adapted to the urgency expressed by climate change science.

We are carbon addicts so we are discussing how to overcome our addiction, in a mature way, trying to avoid too much suffering. However we seem to refuse to see the obvious; we are facing a huge transformation of our development model, not Kaizen type progress, and, there will be winners and losers. However, the losers have immense strength and lobbying power. We are in fact in denial of the necessity of change, in denial of our own withdrawal syndrome, as if the danger of not making this deep change was not existential.

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Instead of Article 2 we should be focussing on Article 4, which states "...to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century." In plain English, getting to "net zero emissions" between 2050 and 2100.

Having led several turn-arounds, some of multi-billion companies with tens of thousand of people around the globe, I know that communicating in a clear and simple way is the first key success factor of a turn around.

We have run out of time to discuss the target, what we should agree immediately on now is its concrete implementation. The negotiators of the Paris agreement have shown the way in Article 4. It is a clear, understandable, undisputable way to "zero net emissions". We must stop losing time on refining the target and procrastinating, instead we must now go for it.

From the US Navy's KISS ('Keep It Simple, Stupid') design principle in the 1960s, simplicity is often at the centre of management theory. Zero tolerance was once used by New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and has been described as the real key to success in a much lighter challenge, so why not use this simplicity to fight for our civilisations survival?

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In our case, although there are different interpretations, everyone understands the baseline that 'net zero' aims for. This is a suitable way, within this kind of complex issue, to motivate and align internally and externally all the stakeholders around a simple but powerful idea. We need to focus on a course of action and not to come back to endless discussions about impact, measurements, why me and not another person or organisation, etc.

There is no contradiction whatsoever between striving to be below 2C and net zero emissions except one; net zero is simple and actionable, the other is a collective consequence, but not a business goal.

Organisations that see this already are those associated with the B Team for example, where the two go hand in hand; "Achieving the transition to a thriving and just Net-Zero greenhouse-gas emissions economy by 2050 is the best way to operationalize the long-term goal of maintaining the temperature under the 2C of warming threshold." This is already more ambitious and clearer than the Paris text, targeting the middle of this century, rather than somewhere in the second half.

Last year, Unilever's CEO Paul Polman, B Team member and Chair of WBCSD, called on business leaders to join in: "A target of net-zero emissions by 2050 is not only desirable but necessary. This is the time to redouble our efforts and further accelerate progress to decarbonise our economy. This is not going to be easy, but the earlier we act, the greater the economic opportunities will be."

Some organisations such as IKEA are well on their way, with a goal to be 100% renewable by 2020; producing as much renewable energy as they consume. That commitment to 100% renewable power is gaining support thanks to the RE100 initiative. Shell has now moved ahead of the curve going from a 2C scenario to a new pathway to net zero emissions. Chad Holliday Chair of Shell and former Chair of WBCSD was in Singapore two weeks ago to present this work.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 26:Bernie Sanders supporters wave signs during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Senator Bernie Sanders had two good reasons for endorsing Hillary: 1. His firm belief that the country would be considerably worse off were Donald Trump to win the presidency; 2. If his movement to push the Democratic Party in a progressive direction would had been perceived as having failed to support Hillary Clinton, it would have been blamed if Hillary were to lose in November. If that happened, it would have given progressives the kind of bad reputation consumer advocate Ralph Nader got when he failed to tell his supporters in the 2000 presidential election to not vote for him but vote for Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore in those few states where the polls indicated that the outcome might well depend on Gore getting the Nader voters. The burden of that would have crippled his movement for many years to come. After Sanders's talk appealing to his delegates to vigorously support Hillary's presidential candidacy despite the Wikileaks revelations that the Democratic Party's pro-Hillary national leadership actively sought to undermine his candidacy during the primaries, no reasonable person could blame a Trump victory in November on Bernie Sanders (although if Trump wins, you can bet some in both parties will try).

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Sadly, Senator Sanders conveyed his support in a way that undermined his integrity and disillusioned some of his most ardent supporters, reducing his credibility, thereby leaving them doubtful that the movement he had promised to create along with his campaign would be little more than a Bernie-controlled political PAC playing politics the "old-fashioned way." Bernie derived his power and appeal to millions of Americans not solely from the wisdom of his political program, but also from the widespread perception that he was a truth-telling man who refused to follow the normal rules of establishment-oriented politics. He was loved in part because he rejected the advice of all the political realists and spoke truth to power.

Monday night of the convention was his big moment to speak to tens of millions of people who had never heard him, and to explain to his supporters why he had endorsed Hillary Clinton and was urging them to do so also. Yet at that critical moment, he failed to speak truth to power, and while the mainstream media was thrilled by his suddenly reverting to the loyal Democrat he has never actually been throughout his political career, the millions who had hoped he would create a challenge to establishment politics were deeply depressed not at the fact that he had endorsed, Hillary, but in the way that he did so.

His endorsement talk could have mentioned the real arguments for supporting Hillary Clinton mentioned above. There is no question in the minds of most of his supporters and most Democrats that on issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, immigrant rights, and gun control that Hillary would be far better than Trump. But this was a moment when, having affirmed that and making clear that he was pleading with his supporters to support her election in November, Sanders would have been true to his followers if he had added the following:

We know that the pressures on Hillary, once elected, to abandon her recent agreement to support our campaign's longstanding demands will be overwhelming, just as they were on President Obama. The combined power of the 1 percent, their media, the millions who serve them and hope someday to be part of them, and their loyal supporters not only among Republicans but also among some prominent Democrats elected to the Congress and state legislatures, will insist that she drop her commitment to oppose the TPP and oppose other anti-working class and anti-environment trade agreements, to support a public option for health care, to support free college education from students coming from families with incomes less than $125,000, and to support a $15 an hour minimum wage. She has advertised herself throughout her campaign as someone who knows how to be practical and get things done in D.C. -- and this is often a way of saying that she knows how to compromise to get something passed, even if what gets passed really has little in common with the ideals that we ran this campaign to champion.

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Our task is both to get Hillary elected, and to create a force both within and outside the Democratic Party that can support her to push back against the pressure she will be facing from the large corporations, the one-tenth of one percent of the population that owns 80% of the wealth of this country, and their allies in government and corporate-owned media. For that reason, we will convene a national convention after the election and democratically create an ongoing national movement organization that will push for her to stay true to the best of what has been written in the Democratic party platform, to reform the Democratic Party so that it no longer responds more to its big donors than to its mass base of middle income people without the financial means to go to the high-cost fundraising dinners, and to be a loud counter voice to those who praise compromise where compromise means selling out the best interests of working people, the poor, people of color, the hungry, the homeless and the hopeless.

In the 2018 Congressional election we will be targeting Democrats in Congress who join in those kinds of compromises and in the 2020 presidential election we will not be backing Hillary if she fails to live up to the values that we supported in this election. This is our commitment to the American people--our new organization, which we will call "Our Revolution," will speak the truth, not blindly promote Democrats or Hillary, but will be there to support her and those Democrats who do support the kind of change we can really believe in.

We wish there had been such a force during the Obama presidency--we could have helped President Obama win a public option in health care and many other good things he originally said he stood for in the first two years when Democrats had a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. We would have pushed President Obama to insist that for every dollar his bailout money gave to the large banks, corporations and Wall Street investment companies the bailout would give ten dollars to ordinary citizens who were losing their homes and their jobs as a result of the irresponsible policies of pro-corporate forces in both parties and the criminal behavior of the large banks and investment companies. Our movement will not let that happen again. We will not only insist that the criminals on Wall Street, and the criminals who ordered and carried out torture, be prosecuted, but we also will make sure that Democrats who put the interests of the 1% ahead of the interests of the middle class lose their jobs as elected officials.

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But of course, none of this can happen unless Hillary wins in 2016--because if she doesn't, we face a political catastrophe of huge dimensions, and we cannot let that happen. So count on the overwhelming majority of Bernie Sanders supporters to do everything possible to help Hillary Clinton be elected the next president of the United States, and count us from then on to be speaking truth to power and challenging the status quo. Actually, that is the greatest strength any political movement can have in the long run--namely getting the reputation of speaking the truth to the American people. And that is what I am doing right now in explaining why I am here to endorse Hillary Clinton.

Such a speech would have given hope to the Sanders supporters that their efforts had not been in vain, and would have created an incentive for Hillary to stick with her own highest and most noble instincts rather than simply play to whatever her paid political advisors tell her is opportune at any given moment.

Bernie Sanders' failure to give this kind of talk at the moment he had the attention of the American people has undermined his greatest asset -- his reputation as a truth-talker. That, more than anything, may weaken the possibility of his movement ever regaining the enthusiasm that it engendered during his truth-speaking days in the 2016 primary season. This was a great betrayal of the millions of people who believed they had finally found a leader who would always talk the truth, even it if was not politically popular. Bernie certainly knew that what he was saying was deeply problematic and untruthful when he assured his followers that Hillary would be fighting for the very things that he and his followers had watched Hillary repudiate throughout the primary campaign and that she had momentarily embraced to ensure support from pro-Bernie Democrats. Asking them to trust her latest switch on these issues, rather than calling on his supporters to be ready to push her on them, made Bernie seem to be just another opportunistic politician.

Polls indicate that close to 90 percent of Sanders's supporters will support Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. And they can do something more: they can now create a national organization that goes beyond Bernie's politics in two ways: 1. Explaining to Americans why the problems we face are unlikely to be solved within the context of a capitalist society, so while we must struggle for major reforms inside that system we must simultaneously be advocating for a new kind of system. That vision of a new economic system should not in the discredited leftist language of the past.

So we at Tikkun magazine and our interfaith and secular-humanist-and-atheist-welcoming Network of Spiritual Progressives call for "The Caring Society--Caring for Each Other and Caring for the Earth" governed by a "New Bottom Line" that judges efficiency, productivity and rationality not by the capitalist Old Bottom Line of money and power, but rather by how much our economic system, our government policies, our education system, our legal system and our corporations, our media, and our societal arrangements maximize people's capacities to be loving and caring, kind and generous, engaged in environmentally sustainable behavior, responding to other human beings as deserving of empathy and compassion, and responding to the Earth (and the universe) with awe, wonder and radical amazement rather than simply as a "resource" to satisfy our desire for more consumption and the accumulation of material things. 2. Helping people who have not "made it" reject the capitalist ideology that where you end up in the economic hierarchy is a function of your intrinsic worth and that therefore you have no one to blame but yourself if you haven't been as successful in the struggle of all against all that you had hoped. Instead, we must reject the claim that we live in a meritocracy, with its inevitable consequence that tens of millions of people blame themselves while repeating the capitalist mantra that "you create your own reality" so blame yourself if your life is not fulfilling.

Had Senator Sanders' campaign gone beyond its economistic focus to help people reduce self-blame and to embrace the New Bottom Line and call for a world of love and generosity, it would likely have won over the extra few percentage points of voters that would have given him the presidential nomination. Progressives can create a movement with those kinds of goals right now after the election. So we at Tikkun magazine are inviting progressives, including both Bernie supporters and the many progressives who support Hillary because they feel it important to have a woman as president, or believed that a socialist-Jew from would be "unelectable" for various reasons, to a strategy conference in the SF Bay Area the weekend of Veterans' Day holiday immediately after the election, Saturday November 11th and Sunday November 12th. We will develop ideas on how best to create a national organization of progressives that can continue what was powerful about the Sanders campaign, develop the core of new ideas capable of bringing back to the progressive world many working class men and women who have defected in the past 30 years, and how best to shape the founding convention of what could be an enduring voice for progressives that would reshape public discourse in the 21st century. Doing so would be a lasting tribute to the value of the months of work and financial support given to the Sanders campaign, and a proper way to prepare ourselves for the battles ahead no matter who wins the presidency in November.

Please spread the word and come to this strategy conference. To learn more about what we are planning, please send us your name and email to staci@tikkun.org or by going here.
Anyone who is following Alabama's ongoing budget crisis knows that the state is slashing funds for basic human services to try and make ends meet. Despite borrowing $437 million in 2012 to close budget shortfalls for the ensuing three years, Gov. Robert Bentley still hasn't managed to solve Alabama's budget problems, which are having an economic ripple effect throughout the state.

Bentley has sought to close the budget gap signing tax increases that disproportionately affect low-income taxpayers in Alabama. He coupled those tax increases with cuts to Medicaid and education funding. The Medicaid cuts, in particular, threaten to trigger a health crisis in the state. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, medical providers in the state are extremely concerned:

In a joint statement on April 8, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, the Academy of Pediatrics and the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians warned that without full funding, "charity care needs could skyrocket, crippling the health care delivery system and potentially placing the burden on those with private health insurance through higher premiums and co-pays." "Alabama Medicaid is the backbone of our state, supporting the health and welfare of the young and elderly citizens that physicians have pledged to protect during their medical careers," the statement said. "Consequently, we cannot support any solution other than fully funding a program that touches so many lives."

On top of all these cuts, the state's budget crisis is preventing it from fixing its crumbling infrastructure. State transportation officials have classified 20 percent of Alabama's 15,986 bridges as either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. And, the problem is only getting worse. According to the 2015 "Report Card for Alabama's Infrastructure" prepared by the American Society of Civil Engineers, future roadway needs in Alabama are projected to cost almost $37 billion by 2035, and the funding shortfall for state roadways is projected to be between $6.5 billion and $10 billion by 2035.

Despite this bleak statewide budgetary picture, some local officials in southern Alabama have proposed a plan to build a new road and bridge to a vacation home community at a cost of $30 million to taxpayers.

The bridge would span the Intracoastal Waterway into the Gulf Coast resort communities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in Baldwin County. There are already two bridges that take traffic across the waterway to the Gulf Coast: I-59, a toll-free bridge built and maintained by the state, and a privately owned and operated toll bridge.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon has taken a hard-line approach, proposing two approaches. Either the company operating the toll bridge expands it and slashes tolls in half, or Baldwin County borrows $30 million to build its own free bridge. Cutting tolls is good politics but not likely to compel the bridge company to act; the existing toll rates of $3.50 for out-of-state drivers and $1.50 for locals is in line with peer structures and allows the bridge operator to maintain the property while making a profit on its investment. But most importantly, the existing toll bridge is currently being paid for by the people who drive on it, and a higher proportion of revenue comes from out-of-state drivers. Efforts to build another, redundant bridge to a wealthy vacation community, or to cut tolls to save rich tourists a buck as proposed by one local mayor, are utterly shortsighted. Alabama's richest already get plenty of special treatment as it is.

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It is no secret that poverty is rampant throughout Alabama. Gov. Bentley lamented this fact in a 2014 address to legislators, saying "Everyone in this room knows Alabama is one of the poorest states in America, where one in four children live in poverty. Nearly one million of our fellow Alabamians are dependent on Food Stamps."

However, Baldwin County is one of only seven counties in the state with a poverty rate below 15 percent, while boasting the sixth highest median income in the state.

At a time when Alabama's fiscal situation borders on disaster, and those who are most vulnerable are paying the price, the state's leaders should not be pushing pet projects that favor wealthy vacation communities.

This is an issue that should unite both parties. Republicans who preach fiscal responsibility and eliminating wasteful government spending should join with Democrats who don't want to see necessary public services cut in favor of a pet project that benefits the rich.

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As I watched "unity" take hold of the Democratic Party this week, the believer in me wanted to imbibe it -- bottoms up.

Michelle Obama ignited the crowd. "That is the story of this country," she said. "The story that has brought me to the stage tonight. The story of generations of people who felt the lash of bondage, the shame of servitude, the sting of segregation, who kept on striving, and hoping, and doing what needed to be done."

And the Big Party opened its arms.

"So that today, I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves."

Slaves?

Wow. I can remember when we didn't talk like this in public, especially not on a national stage. Acknowledging slavery -- at a profound level, in all its immorality -- is so much deeper than simply acknowledging racism, which can be reduced to the behavior of ignorant people. But the ownership of human bodies and human souls, total control over people's lives and the lives of their children, was inscribed in law. And such ownership was a core principle of the "greatest country on earth," embedded in the economy, embraced by the Founding Fathers with no questions asked.

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This isn't just "history." It's wrong. Indeed, the United States of America came into being with a damaged soul. That was the implication packed into Michelle Obama's words.

But no more, no more. The wild cheers she received when her speech ended seemed to acknowledge a long-, long-delayed public desire for atonement. We've become a country that can acknowledge its wrongs and right them.

And electing Hillary Clinton as president -- the message continued -- would be a further step along this journey toward full equality of all human beings. The Democratic Party has found its unity and stands for what matters.

If only . . .

I can take the infomercial aspect of all this -- the pumped fists, the roar of victory, the cliches of American greatness emanating from one speech after another, even the endless media reduction of democracy to horse-race stats -- but I am a long way from being aboard the Hillary bandwagon. And despite the lurking specter of Trumpenstein, I remain unconvinced that this year -- come on, man, this year -- the candidate of the lesser evil is the one I have to vote for.

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And I'm not even speaking as a rebellious Berniecrat.

While I remain in awe of what the Bernie Sanders campaign has accomplished in the past year, even Bernie has not articulated, and fails to embody, the fullness of the revolution that has propelled his candidacy beyond all expectation.

"It's no secret that Hillary and I disagree on a number of issues. That's what democracy is all about!" Bernie said on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, standing solidly for real political change even as he called for party unity and endorsed Hillary.

He also said: "This election is about ending gross levels of income inequality" and called for serious Wall Street reform, containment of the billionaire class, free state college tuition and the expansion of various social programs.

What he failed to call for is, at the very least, a discussion of the disastrous consequences and hemorrhaging costs of the American war machine, which is the primary cause of the nation's social impoverishment.

What I'm certain of is that the revolution Sanders has fomented is grounded, in the hearts of his supporters, in the transcendence of war as much as it is grounded in the hellish wrongs of racism and slavery. This wrong is not only part of the deep past, beginning with the conquest of and genocide against the continent's original inhabitants, but it is alive, economically entrenched and wreaking planetary havoc today. And we can't even talk about it.

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Over the past quarter century, neocons and military-industrialists have vanquished Vietnam Syndrome and the public opposition to war, achieving the solidification of endless war.

"There was significant opposition to the First Gulf War -- 22 senators and 183 reps voted against it, including Sanders -- but not enough to stop the march to war," Nicolas J.S. Davies wrote last October on Huffington Post. "The war became a model for future U.S.-led wars and served as a marketing display for a new generation of U.S. weapons. After treating the public to endless bombsight videos of 'smart bombs' making 'surgical strikes,' U.S. officials eventually admitted that such 'precision' weapons were only 7 percent of the bombs and missiles raining down on Iraq. The rest were good old-fashioned carpet-bombing, but the mass slaughter of Iraqis was not part of the marketing campaign. When the bombing stopped, U.S. pilots were ordered to fly straight from Kuwait to the Paris Air Show, and the next three years set new records for U.S. weapons exports. . . .

"Meanwhile, U.S. officials crafted new rationalizations for the use of U.S. military force to lay the ideological groundwork for future wars."

And Barack Obama's military budget is the largest ever. When you factor in all military-related spending, Davies points out, the annual cost of U.S. militarism is over a trillion dollars.

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Before the value of this spending is addressed, the fact of it has to be acknowledged. And no presidential candidate without the courage to do at least this -- open a discussion about the costs and consequences of war -- deserves my vote, or yours.

- - -

Robert Koehler is an award-winning, Chicago-based journalist and nationally syndicated writer. Contact him at koehlercw@gmail.com or visit his website at commonwonders.com.
Special force police officers stand guard at an entrance of the main train station, following a shooting rampage at the Olympia shopping mall in Munich, Germany July 22, 2016. REUTERS/Michael Dalder

After the horror filled night in Munich, Germans are trying to shake off the shock like dust from their clothes. A single attacker is terrifying, but, sadly, such a person will always exist, the gunmen on a rampage, destroying his broken life once and for all and killing others in the process. We may have to live with this kind of lunacy. And we can.

Quietly, there is an aspect of relief: Everyone was assuming -- without saying it -- that it wasn't an individual act, but an act of terror. Luckily, no one enunciated this during our night of ignorance.

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Nevertheless, Munich police practically disrupted the megacity, assuming that it could be an organized attack with possible extensions. And amidst the night of ignorance, the schism currently dividing our society came into sharp relief.

Many expected ISIS to be behind the attack. Supporters of this theory indignantly rejected all other possible suspicions, and did so without facts. Silently, some people even wished for it, in order to further escalate the brutal political divide in our country.

On the other side, practically no one mentioned any suspicion of ISIS, not even as a passing comment. No one mentioned any suspicion, every closeness or questionable phrase was denounced immediately. Everyone is relieved that the welcoming culture wasn't destroyed -- at least not that night.

It is remarkable that many foreign media outlets, especially from English speaking countries, reported more severely, and with more prejudice. They had no qualms reporting that the gunman allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar." In Germany, the media passed on this development; one wrong suspicion is like pouring gasoline on a fire. In fact, German media acted in a strangely careful and muted manner. You may appreciate that or not.

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The debate drifted to social media where it continues to unfold. To end it there seems like a pre-stage of censorship, however. That approach does not create trust. Free press and fought out conflicts are less destructive than saying nothing. People wrongly assume that you could stop a debate this way. Rather, silence only nourishes suspicion and speculative theories.

The fact that government leaders like Hollande and Obama assured Germany their solidarity shows they, too, were expecting a different outcome and they deemed it plausible.

But it also shows that Germany is split into two camps. One holds mass immigration responsible for the country's current problem, and they feel vindicated when these attacks take place, especially in relation to the recent attack in Wuerzburg.

The thinking goes: We don't know anything about the attacker. His age is unknown and so is his point of origin. These things don't seem to matter. What does matter is that despite intense attempts of integration into society and generosity, a gruesome crime occurred.

To the other camp, the rampage in Munich proves that we haven't reached the stage of defenselessness. Police acted quickly and decidedly, so there is no reason to diverge from the current laissez faire policy of openness. Secretly many view Munich as the exculpatory clause for the Wuerzburg attack. In fact, many didn't rule out a background in right-wing extremism. This, too, is an expression of the deep distrust that currently pervades our society.

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Sadly, both sides are silently watching out for the next incident.

This story hasn't ended; it's just on hold, and you don't want to be part of either side. But it shows how divided the country is, and how it has changed.

The mass shooting in Munich was like something you would expect only in the US, where rampages by gunmen happen seemingly every day. It is usually a time in which you applaud yourself in contrast to the savageness of our long-term protector, while pointing out their lax gun laws.

Now, President Obama can grant us support. It feels like revenge for too much self-assured arrogance. Now, you can see that gun laws aren't entirely to blame, but psychological conditions, in which people will always somehow get their hands on guns or turn objects into fatal weapons.

The stark political divisions on display in the US now appear in Germany as well. Germany is becoming more colorful, thus becoming more American: It is also growing more violent in its hostilities, more unforgiving. This divide will increase along the ethnic and social fault lines.

In the years of Red Army Faction (RAF) terror, the divide was similar to today's. "Clandestine joy" about the assassinations was part of the university chic of the leftist and '68ers. For a long time, the RAF was supported in circles of professors and intellectuals. Many saw their work as too dirty, but progressive nonetheless.

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Back then, Chancellor Helmut Schmidt reformed society -- introducing strong laws and upgrading the national security agencies.

This time, it won't work. The federal government is partly responsible for the loss of control: no control at borders, and still there are hundreds of thousands in cities and villages, whose identity isn't checked or even questioned -- a unique process.

Who could successfully restore the country's lost sense of security? Who can be convincing after the failure of recent years and the persistent denial of problems?

Every bang will continue to chill us to the bone and make us suspect the worst, the unspeakable.

Helmut Schmidt managed to bring the majority of society on his side. His strength and decided action, his visible vulnerability as a consequence of the burden of responsibility, was straight to the point.

Compared to his leadership, Germany appears to be going sideways. The divide is growing deeper instead of being overcome. Both sides are increasingly hateful and unforgiving.

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The opposing side of the current government policy is too big to be excluded and attempts to do so have failed. Reconciliation, instead of segregation should be the motto. But who will manage to achieve this and how? This crisis of trust is the deepest crisis that the government of Merkel and Gabriel have ever experienced.

The attitude of "we can get through this" won't suffice.
On this day exactly sixty years ago, Gamal Abdul Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal Company in Egypt, changing--forever after--the political landscape of the Arab world. The historic decision triggered the Suez War just three months later and brought an end to British influence in the region, which was quickly replaced by Americanism after Suez.

The Suez Canal opened in 1869 after ten years of work financed by the French and Egyptian governments. It was operated by the Egyptian-chartered International Company of the Suez Maritime Canal. The area surrounding the canal remained sovereign Egyptian territory and the only land bridge between Africa and Asia. It was also the shortest ocean link between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean; a vital route for trading nations, helping European powers exercise control over their colonies. Egyptians had toiled in the trenches of Suez for an entire decade, and thousands had died during the canal's construction. Tales of their suffering had been handed down from one generation to another. Six years after its official opening, Egypt sold its share to the British government to settle burdensome debts. The English were eager to buy, obtaining 44% of the Canal for less than 4 million. Following the 1882 invasion and occupation of Egypt, Great Britain took de facto control of the country as a whole, though the 1888 Convention of Constantinople proclaimed the Canal a neutral zone under British protection. The Ottoman Empire agreed to permit international shipping to pass freely through the canal in times of both war and peace. During World War I, Britain and France closed the canal to non-Allied shipping. When the German-Ottoman forces tried to storm it in February 1915, London committed 100,000 troops to the defense of Egypt for what remained of the Great War. By 1955, oil accounted for half of the canal's traffic. Two thirds of Europe's oil passed through Suez. Arab nationalists never accepted British ownership of the Canal, claiming that it ought to be returned to its rightful owners.

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Nasser's ground-breaking nationalization speech was delivered before an enthusiastic crowd in the port city of Alexandria on 26 July 1956. During the speech, he pronounced the name of Ferdiland de Lesseps, the French developer who built the canal. It was the code word for Egyptian forces to seize control of the Canal and implement national control. All of the company's assets were frozen, and Egypt announced stockholders would be paid the price of their shares according to the day's closing price on the Paris Stock Exchange. Nasser's historic decision came in response to the World Bank's refusal to provide him with financial assistance to build the Aswan High Dam. Nasser needed the High Dam to control floods, provide water for irrigation, and generate hydroelectricity. Industrialization, rather than acting as an Arab hero, was the original objective of his presidency.

British Prime Minister Anthony Eden saw Nasser as another Mussolini, and constantly drew parallels between his regime and Italian Fascism. France happened to share in Great Britain's view, and Israeli needed little encouragement to go to war against Egypt. The French were furious with Nasser for supporting the Algerian Revolution; caskets carrying bodies of French soldiers were returning to Paris daily, all killed by the Algerian Resistance. On 29 July, the French government decided that it would go to war with Egypt. The US was not included in the plan, which proved to be a fatal error on France and Great Britain's part.

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The Franco-British-Israeli war, officially named Operation Musketeer, began on 29 October 1956 with a two-day air campaign that gave the British air superiority over Egypt. The Operation also called for the capture of Alexandria. Following a sea assault on the city, British armored divisions would engage in battles north of Cairo to break the three hundred thousand-strong Egyptian army. Meanwhile, the Israelis would march on Sinai, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Gaza. On 30 October, Nasser dispatched Ibrahim el Awal, an Egyptian destroyer, to Haifa to shell the occupied city's coastal oil installations with its four 102 mn (4-inch) guns. Two Israeli destroyers, INS Eilat and INS Yaffo, followed the Egyptian ship as it sailed northwest. They effectively succeeded in destroying Ibrahim el Awal's turbo generator and anti-aircraft guns. Left without power and unable to steer, it surrendered to the Israelis. It was subsequently incorporated into the Israeli Navy and renamed INS Haifa. Nasser proclaimed it a "people's war." Guns were handed out to Egyptian civilians.

The November Soviet invasion of Hungary, intended to clamp down on a rebellion against Stalinist rule, played nicely into Nasser's hands. A revolt had broken out in Budapest that October, prompting seventeen armed Russian divisions to march into Hungary, an act vigorously condemned by the United States. Nasser reasoned that Eisenhower would not want to look like a hypocrite, turning a blind eye to the British-Israel-French invasion of Egypt while condemning the Russian invasion of Hungary. Investing in the Hungary crisis worked, and Eisenhower did in fact apply the needed pressure on Tel Aviv, London, and Paris to end the war. In Riyadh, King Saud, who had never been fond of Nasser, imposed the first Arab oil embargo, sending prices soaring throughout Europe and the US. Overnight, the man was transformed into a living legend throughout the Muslim World. In Lahore, Pakistan, more than 300,000 people took to the streets carrying pictures of Nasser, while in Karachi, a mob burned down the British High Commission.

US President Dwight Eisenhower, coming to the aid of Egypt, threatened an economic embargo on Israel. The Israelis had been receiving $100 million per year from the US since 1948, and nobody in Tel Aviv wanted to see it interrupted for the sake of France, Great Britain, or Nasser's Egypt. Eisenhower finally told Congress that he would take the issue to the American people, saying, "America has either one voice or none, and that voice is the voice of the President - whether everybody agrees with him or not."

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On 30 October, the US called for a UN Security Council meeting, submitting a draft resolution calling on Israel to immediately withdraw its armed forces. The British and the French, of course, vetoed the resolution. On 31 October, the Security Council passed Resolution 119, calling for an emergency session of the General Assembly for the very first time. The GA adopted the United States' proposal calling for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of all forces, an arms embargo, and the reopening of the Suez Canal, and establishing the first United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF).

The United States took the bold move of applying financial pressure on Great Britain to end the invasion. The Bank of England had lost $45 million between 30 October and 2 November, because London's oil supply had been severely damaged by the closing of the Canal. The British sought immediate assistance from the International Monetary Fund, but this too was denied by the United States. Eisenhower ordered Treasury Secretary George Humphrey to prepare to sell part of the US government's Sterling Bond holdings. The US government held these bonds in part to aid post-war Britain's economy, and as partial payment of Britain's enormous World War II debt to the US government, American corporations, and individuals. Unable to continue with so much pressure from Washington, Great Britain announced a unilateral ceasefire on 6 November.

The war ended with sixteen British soldiers dead, and ninety-six wounded. French casualties stood at ten dead and thirty-three wounded. The Israelis lost 231 soldiers. No less than one thousand Egyptians died in the Suez War. From a military perspective, the British and their allies had won in Suez. It had nevertheless ended in political disaster for them, and represented a major PR victory for Gamal Abdul Nasser. The political and psychological impact of the crisis's denouement had a fundamental effect on British politics. Anthony Eden was accused of misleading parliament and resigned from office in January 1957. His successor, Harold Macmillan, greatly accelerated de-colonization and sought to recapture the benevolence of the United States. Increasingly, British foreign policy turned away from acting as a great imperial power. During the 1960s there was speculation that Prime Minister Harold Wilson's continual refusals to send British troops to Vietnam, even as a token force, and despite President Lyndon B. Johnson's persistent requests, were in part due to the American opposition to the Suez war years earlier. As a direct result of the crisis, and in order to prevent further Soviet expansion in the region, early in 1957 Eisenhower asked Congress for authorization to use military force should it be requested by any Middle Eastern nation to check aggression. Secondly, he requested that they set aside $200 million for Middle Eastern countries desiring US aid. Congress granted both requests, and this policy formally became known as the Eisenhower Doctrine.
When most people think of their ideal place to live, they usually jump to big metropolises like New York or London. A few might picture rural retreats -- a sprawling French countryside or a California vineyard.

My perfect place doesn't fall into either of those categories. My dream location (and the place I've made my home) is Salt Lake City, Utah.

Believe me, I realize how strange that sounds. I didn't grow up in Utah, but I moved to SLC for undergrad simply for a scholarship and pretty campus close to the mountains. But no matter where I went after college, I had this nagging, unsettled feeling -- a feeling I never fully shook until I made it back to Salt Lake City years later. Coming back to this valley after being away felt like I was rediscovering a refuge I didn't know I'd lost. I could finally appreciate this city for what it is: a stunning, inimitable haven.

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If I could give all you readers searching for fulfillment a piece of advice, it'd be this: find a place that brings you joy, and make it a priority to go there -- or even move there if you can. Nothing feels as enlivening as waking up each morning in a city or town that you love. For me, that means splitting my days between the majestic mountain sunrises and fiery desert sunsets that only Salt Lake City can provide.

Putting the "Great" in "Great Salt Lake"

Salt Lake City is more than the gorgeous nature that surrounds it -- though that is a compelling reason to move here. Living away from Salt Lake helped me to understand that there are more reasons to move to Salt Lake than most people realize, so I want to share a bit about my city's charm and what makes it so exceptionally rare.

1. Salt Lake is a high-tech, entrepreneurial paradise. Entrepreneurship is a core part of Utah's culture, so there are a lot of fascinating people to learn from and plenty of startup companies to get involved in. That business-oriented culture has quickly turned the city into a hub for the motivated -- a magnet for creativity and innovation. Per The New Yorker, Salt Lake is one of the cities helping to turn Utah into "the next Silicon Valley" -- a trend that companies like Google Fiber have been eager to support.

2. Downtown shopping is both chic and convenient. If you need a break from the hot summer temperatures or don't feel like snowboarding all winter, you can head to City Creek -- Salt Lake's upscale mall. The heated outdoor complex, complete with water features and wonderful little fishponds, is pretty much the perfect shopping experience, and it's one you don't get in bigger, busier cities like New York.

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3. There's no shortage of sights to see or food to try. Right next to City Creek is Temple Square, a historic property owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) and a must-see for tourists. I recommend going in the late spring, when the flower displays are at their most stunning; others say it's best during the holiday season, when thousands of twinkling Christmas lights decorate the square.

As you make your way around downtown SLC and the surrounding neighborhoods, you'll also note that there's no shortage of restaurants worth visiting in Salt Lake -- my personal favorites being Aristo's, Caffe Niche, and BTG Wine Bar. And you might be surprised by the number of local coffee shops in Salt Lake, but you really can find one about every couple blocks. Personally, I can't get enough of Publik, Blue Copper, or Alchemy Coffee.

4. It's not as Mormon as you might think. Those who are unfamiliar with Salt Lake and Utah may be thinking, "What about the Mormons? Don't their beliefs dominate the state?" Don't worry -- any Mormons you meet, like most Utahns, will be extremely friendly, so you'll never feel unwelcome.

There are ways you'll notice the culture's effect on the state, like when you try to order a drink and find out that Utah's alcohol laws are a little more restrictive than you're used to. But as long as you learn what the rules are, it's not hard to plan around them.

5. SLC has LGBT pride. After some bad press around marriage equality in 2008, you might not think of Salt Lake as a city with a strong LGBT community. However, per one 2015 national survey, Salt Lake actually has the seventh-largest LGBT population in the top 50 metro areas in the U.S. The city also hosts an annual Pride festival, embracing the LGBT scene that's absent in other Utah towns.

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I think I love Salt Lake City so much because it's the perfect mix of beautiful wilderness with a bit of metropolitan infrastructure. It may sound cliche to say that Utah has changed me and taught me invaluable life lessons like choosing your home based on where brings you the most joy, but it really has. I'm not the only one, either -- Modern Family's Ty Burrell penned his own love letter to Salt Lake City, which is well worth a read if you want to further understand the appeal of this place.
A few years ago in New York, I was driving behind a black man who tossed some trash out of his window onto the road. Stupid nigger were the first words that shot through my mind, to my shock and disappointment. I hate the N-word, and the bigotry it embodies. I always have. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised, though. My uncle, with whom I spent a lot of time throughout my childhood, used the N-word to refer to all black people, and stupid as a common modifier to the word. Though I rejected his racism, it lurks somewhere within me.

Several months back, I was walking down a treelined block in Hollywood, and two large black men were walking on the sidewalk, toward me. I got a little nervous at the sight of them, and considered crossing the street, even though it was the middle of the day and there was absolutely no reason to believe these men were threatening in any way. Aside from the fact that they were black, of course, and I grew up in suburban Detroit, where we white kids learned that black men were dangerous. Especially if they're large. I know this is false and hurtful, but my hometown's racism lurks somewhere within me, too.

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I don't consider myself a racist, though I know it's in me to be one. It's in all of us white people to be one. That's a tragic reality of growing up in a country where racism is woven into all areas of society. I guarantee, even the most loving and compassionate white people on the planet still sometimes have racist thoughts, whether they intend to or not. I am committed to being as loving as I can be, and I see how my thoughts turn ugly at times, how I can make prejudicial assumptions about others. The difference between non-racists and racists is the recognition, in non-racists, that the bigoted thoughts that sometimes pollute our minds--because of years or a lifetime of conditioning--are rooted in fear and ignorance, and are untrue, hateful and dangerous. The thoughts aren't the problem. No one can control everything they think, and everyone thinks hateful things sometimes. It's how we choose to respond to these thoughts that matters.



The difference between non-racists and racists is the recognition, in non-racists, that the bigoted thoughts that sometimes pollute our minds--because of years or a lifetime of conditioning--are rooted in fear and ignorance, and are untrue, hateful and dangerous.

Do we believe our racist ideas, or do we question and refute them? If we want to live in a world that better reflects kindness, equality and love, we have to question and refute them. Every single time they present themselves. I am not my uncle's racism. Nor am I my hometown's. Nor am I my country's. I refuse to own those lies as my truth.



Our minds tell us lies all the time, distorting reality so we can feel justified in our self-righteousness, or anger, or judgment. I have too often sacrificed objectivity and kindness for the need to be right. Our fear, rarely interested in the truth, can push us to bigotry, and hatred, and separation. I'm scared of all the violence in our world, and I see how my fear tries to sell me an us versus them reality--minorities versus Whites, cops versus protesters, non-Muslims versus Muslims--in order to suggest, incorrectly, that those who are different from us are somehow a threat to our well-being. But our humanity requires us to examine our thoughts, to diffuse the ones that call for racism and separation, and to give weight to the ones that mandate compassion and acceptance. We have to honor the thoughts that remind us we are not only all equal, but also responsible for the representation of each other's equality in our country and world. These are the beliefs I'm committed to reflecting. These are the convictions that speak to my deepest truth, rather than my learned, fear-based racism.



Overcoming racist conditioning takes work, and it starts from within. If I'm not willing to look at my own prejudices honestly, how will I be able to overcome them? We can't heal what we refuse to acknowledge. If I am indeed committed to the goals of peace and equality, as I declare myself to be, it's my responsibility to make sure I challenge my racist thoughts, so they don't turn into racist words and actions.

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If I'm not willing to look at my own prejudices honestly, how will I be able to overcome them? We can't heal what we refuse to acknowledge.

I'm not writing this for the hardcore racists out there, who are committed to their hateful views of minorities. Their hatred is a tragedy, to be sure, for themselves and our world. But I write this for those of us who may not even be aware of how our actions negatively affect the call for respect and equality--of all minorities and marginalized populations. Is our conditioned bigotry seeping into our words and actions? Might we be adding to, instead of dissipating, the divisiveness that exists in our country?



That brings me to the Black Lives Matter movement, and to the frustration I feel when I see the words All Lives Matter, often in caps and with exclamation points. I've always understood Black Lives Matter to have a too at the end, and not an only at the beginning. It's a call for equality, not superiority. Why resist this notion? I think because a lot of us white people get nervous at the thought of a unified black population demanding respect, safety and equality. I'm absolutely for racial equality, and I'm excited to see protests all over the country against racial injustice. Still, along with my excitement, I've felt uneasy in moments watching hundreds of black protesters marching in the streets. I'm not proud to admit that. But when I checked in with that discomfort, I saw it was rooted in the false belief--learned in my youth and supported by politicians, media and much of society throughout my life--that black people are somehow dangerous and can't be trusted. This is racism, my racism, and I reject it. Again, we can't control all of our thoughts, but we can examine them, and control how we respond to them. Though All Lives Matter may feel good to write, and may read like a call for unity, it only serves as a banner of separation, and it undermines the important mission of bringing awareness and healing to the systemic racism against black people that exists (and has always existed) in our country. How can all lives matter if black lives still don't?

Though All Lives Matter may feel good to write, and may read like a call for unity, it only serves as a banner of separation, and it undermines the important mission of bringing awareness and healing to the systemic racism against black people that exists (and has always existed) in our country.

I watch as many try to paint Black Lives Matter as a violent, hate group, but that's not consistent with my experience of them. I've spent time on the website, I've reflected on their guiding principles, I've listened to their leaders, I've paid attention to the overwhelmingly peaceful protests, and I've understood that no movement can be held responsible for a minority of outliers who refuse to heed the call for peace. The movement does not advocate violence, and those who act violently in its name do not represent the movement. If I am certain they're a terrorist organization but haven't taken the time to understand their message and study their protests, where exactly does that certainty come from? Isn't it incumbent upon me to question my assumptions, and to get the facts? If I'm not willing to do that, the least I can do is refrain from contributing to a false narrative, one that further marginalizes Blacks in America.



I wish more of us white people would keep quiet when we don't have anything constructive to offer the Black Lives Matter conversation, or worse, when our opinions on racial injustice directly contradict the claims of the black population. We don't know what we're talking about. As a white man, I can never speak to the reality of being black. I can, however, educate myself, so that I'm able to consider the black experience with intelligence, empathy and compassion. I can learn. And if we are really interested in learning about the African-American experience in our country, then we need to do more than talk to and listen to black people. We need to believe what they're telling us. Even when it's not consistent with what we tell ourselves. We learn the most--the truth--about the realities and struggles of a culture from those who are a part of said culture. If we're open to the truth, that is.

If we are really interested in learning about the African-American experience in our country, then we need to do more than talk to and listen to black people. We need to believe what they're telling us.
On July 27, Yang Xiaohua and her bedridden husband-to-be, Yang Ping, received their marriage certificate from a government clerk at a hospital in Chongqing. They had been waiting for that moment for a very long time.

The hospital gave the couple a special present: a time capsule in which they could place a special memento and bury it underground for many years. Both Yang Xiaohua and Yang Ping agreed to bury a photo of the two of them taken on March 10, 2015. It was the last photo taken of them before Yang Ping fell ill. They plan to dig it up in 10 years.

Yang Xiaohua (center) places a photo in the time capsule.

Yang Xiaohua, 45, is a native of Chongqing. Yang Ping, 53, is from Nanchong, a city in Sichuan province. They met in a restaurant in Chengdu four years ago, and quickly started a relationship. Then, on March 15, 2015, Yang Ping became suddenly ill and was taken to a hospital where he was diagnosed with renal and respiratory failure.

In the 16 months after his diagnosis, Yang Ping went to many different hospitals to seek treatment. The various hospitals classified him as critically ill eight times in one year. Throughout the whole process, it was Yang Xiaohua who stayed with him and took care of him. She cooks him three meals a day, feeds him and helps him to bathe.

They write down the best wishes on the back of the photo.

As they received their marriage certificate, Yang Ping promised his wife that the two of them would go to many wonderful places together after his recovery.
Digital and SEO marketing is constantly changing. It's certainly not a proven science, as we continue year after year, studying and watching trends, and trying to find the right types of marketing that work. It's more important than ever to keep on top of changing trends in the Houston market. As we are exactly in the middle of 2016, let's take a look at what's trending and what's expected to boom before the year is out.

Mobile Matters

It's almost crazy to think it, but desktops and laptops are being more and more infrequently used. Over the past few years, there's been an urgent need to fundamentally revamp every website so that it's mobile-friendly. If that is something you have yet to accomplish, that is the most important thing you can do for your digital marketing.

However, Houston SEO trends are going way beyond just regular mobile usage. Users are now able to search through many of their apps, such as Facebook. Before, if you typed a name into Facebook, it would most likely bring up friends of friends, so you could find friends to network with. Now, typing a name into the Facebook search bar may offer you a news story, trending topic, or link to an outside story or ad.

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Now is the time to get involved with in-app and social searching, because this is on the verge of being the next big thing.

Houston SEO Advanced Mobile with AMP

A relatively new arena, Advanced Mobile Pages, or AMP, was originally meant for publishers only, but has extended itself to webpages. This Google project delivers static, fast content that is mobile-friendly and exceedingly easy to load. This is great for anyone who's advertising on AMP, as their target ads will load much more quickly, and advertisers can use everything from SEO to video to GIFs. This is obviously something in content management or the development arena would have to guide you through, but learning AMP and how it works is going to prove very useful in upcoming Houston SEO trends.

Voice-activated Search

For years, we've been writing SEO based on what we think a user will type in as they make a search query through an engine. Now, we need to focus on what they're going to say. Google reports that up to 20 percent of their searches are now voice-activated. Houston SEO experts need to hone in exactly on what local users are saying and how they're saying it. How these voice searches are activated is certainly going to be the wave of the future. Expect more and more voice-activated in-app searches across the board over the course of the next year.

Opt For Aggregated Content

Depending on what you're marketing and what your brand is, live, as-it-happens content is getting to be a major source of how we receive our news, advertising, and other information. Twitter is currently using an idea referred to as "Moments," where users can see other user-created information, advertising, and events as they happen. While this has a large effect on how news outlets are going to release information in the future, it also has a large impact on SEO, as users are taking over the media helm.

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When one of Africa's biggest music superstar, Kofi Olumide was recently caught on camera angrily kicking one of his female dancers at the Nairobi airport, many African women were shocked but not surprised. Violence against women in both public and private settings is common place in Africa. It is an open sore of a continent and little is being done to stamp this out by African governments. The international community doesn't seem to be too bordered about this as well. The question must be raised as to why this shameful pattern is continuing in this continent and how to break this vicious cycle.

The United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women of 1993, defined violence against women as 'any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.'

In a 2005 study, the World Health Organization (WHO) observed that domestic violence is a global problem affecting millions of women. However, African women are the worst affected by violence. For example about 51 percent of African women have been victims of violence, 11 percent suffer violence during pregnancy, 21 percent marry before the age of fifteen and 24 percent experience female genital mutilation (FGM).

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The WHO noted that FGM could lead to "bleeding and infection, urinary incontinence, difficulties with childbirth and even death." The organization estimates that 130 million girls have undergone the procedure globally and 2 million are at risk each year, despite international agreements banning the practice

African Recovery reports that violence against women in Africa goes beyond domestic violence. It includes forced marriage, dowry-related violence, marital rape, wife-beating, and sexual harassment, intimidation at work and in educational institutions, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, forced sterilization, trafficking and forced prostitution. These practices cause trauma, injuries, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and even death to many African women.



Many people have wondered why Africa has not made significant progress in protecting women against violence despite the clear commitment made in 1995 by 53 African nations with the African Union's Protocol on the Rights of African Women. Beyond the lack of political will, and the unequal power-relationship between men and women in a predominantly patriarchal Africa, there are other underlying causes of this problem.

First are cultural traditions. African rural communities are often held back by cultural practices which tolerate and legitimize violence against women like wife-beating. Wife-beating is still accepted in many African countries, only 21 African countries have laws which prevent such practices. One of the compliments I often heard people giving to my father who was the clan head and a monarch was that he never beat up my mother. In cultures where women are considered inferior to men women's rights are considered privileges from their husbands, wife beating is tolerated as a necessary evil to whip an errant wife in line with her husband's wishes and orders.

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Sexual violence is another aspect of the abuse of women's rights in Africa which is often justified through different cultural alibis. When women activists protested against the insistence in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa that young girls must undergo and pass virginal tests as qualification for educational scholarship, many people in the area claimed that this was an attack on their cultural tradition.

The same argument for tradition is what has sustained the 'hyena' practice in some rural communities in Malawi where young girls are forced against their will to have sex with the village hyena--an older man whose role is to 'open the door' of sexuality to these teenagers.

Sexual violence extends to rape which unfortunately is common in many African societies. Late last year it was reported that young girls were given to soldiers in South Sudan as 'sexual favors' which was another name for forced sex or rape. Most rape cases are never reported, investigated or tried in court except perhaps when it involves high profile men like South Africa's President, Jacob Zuma or UN peace keepers in Congo and Central African Republic. In many cases of rape, women are often blamed for 'seducing' the men or 'exposing' themselves to attack by their looks or their way of dressing.

Second, are religious traditions which are the greatest obstacles to realizing the goal of the 1995 AU protocol. As a priest, I have been to many 'healing sessions' in African churches. I have seen with horror how women are hounded, chained like animals, and severely bitten in the macabre ritual of casting out demons from them.

Women are mostly the ones accused of witchcraft, sorcery, or blamed for casting spells on people. In many cases, widows are subjected to all forms of painful purity rituals after the death of their husbands. In a few cases, these widows are ostracized if they were suspected of killing their husbands. This happens if these widows were found by an oracle of having been ritually married in their previous lives to a water god who may have killed their late husbands out of anger or jealousy.

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Many African traditional, Christian and Islamic religious groups demonize African women and frame the female body in Africa as a source of evil. Indeed, many African women's rights activists believe that the female body in Africa is often treated as either a disability or a play thing.



African women are also exposed to violence because of poverty. Poverty and diseases have a preferential option for African women and children. In a continent ravaged by refugee crisis, wars and conflicts and the dislocation of whole populations, women in Africa continue to be vulnerable and susceptible to violence, exploitation, forced labor, and sexual abuse.

Unfortunately this plight of African women is below the radar globally. African nations are failing the women population. These violent practices are entrenched and resistant to change and pressure from African women activists and a few African women in positions of leadership.

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon had declared on the international day for the elimination of violence against women that violence against women and girls has no place in any society. It is an impunity for which perpetrators must no longer be tolerated. The same sentiment was echoed by the Kenyan Youth and Gender Minister Sicily Kariuki in reaction to Olumide's now infamous kick when she said; "His conduct was an insult to Kenyans and our constitution. Violence against women and girls cannot be accepted in any shape, form or manner."
Stock photo of a vote here sign at an American voting location with American flags in the background

Over the weekend I made a quick trip to Denver. On two separate shared rides, sitting up front for 45 minutes, I had the chance to talk politics with people quite different from me. It reminded me of the value of face-to-face conversation, not making assumptions, and listening without trying to convince.

Driver #1: Seva

Seva graduated from UC-Boulder with a mechanical engineering degree. His American father met his Indian mother in New Delhi as a missionary. Seva was born in India and has lived in the US since he was 5. We first talked about India and some friends I had known: an American woman who married an Indian man and lived there for many years as missionaries. He described India as chaotic, developing, needing so many basic services, and expressed appreciation for the opportunities he has had in the US.

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After college Seva worked for a start-up. He was recently laid off when it went out of business. His father worked for GM and has also been laid off. Seva's biggest concerns with the Presidential election are about the economy and jobs. While the overall unemployment rate is low, it doesn't feel that way to his family. He's leaning towards voting for the Republican nominee because he believes that jobs should be the number one focus, and as a successful businessman, he thinks the Republican nominee will create more American jobs.

I asked him what specific Republican policies he thought would make a difference in terms of jobs for him and his father, and he said he "hadn't really seen any specific policies." I suggested that might be worth looking into before he made a final decision.

When I asked him how he felt about the statements made by the Republican nominee about immigrants, Seva said he thought "he was only talking about illegal immigration," not immigrants in general or about his own family.

We talked about the importance of voting and being engaged in the process, and he shared some personal thoughts about how much it means to him to be able to vote.

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Driver #2: Ron

Ron is currently driving part-time because he's a co-founder of a marijuana start-up. They're selling product wholesale to other dispensaries while they renovate their store, which will open in the fall. Our wide-ranging conversation covered service dogs, guns, medical marijuana, both parties and their nominees, and the importance of voting. Ron is originally from Kentucky, loves Denver, and has many friends back home who are "coming out of the woodwork" to vote for the Republican nominee. When I asked why people who hadn't voted in the last several Presidential elections were going to vote, Ron said, "Guns. They're afraid the government is going to take away their guns."

Ron himself owns multiple legal guns, for which he took gun safety classes. He doesn't carry them, but sometimes goes to the gun range to shoot. He told me that he does own an assault rifle from the 1960s, which he found in the wall of a house he was flipping in Kentucky. He's only shot it a few times. He understands the concerns about assault rifles and agrees there is a problem with mass shootings, but he doesn't feel like the government should have the right to make him surrender guns he owns legally. When I asked him if he thought it was realistic that the government would enact legislation to do that, he said no.

We discussed the seemingly contradictory positions of people we both know--gun owners to police officers--who while concerned at how much more gun violence there is are still not wanting to see more gun control measures enacted.

Ron said that "cities like Chicago have such a high murder rate, and all the criminals have guns, so it doesn't make sense to limit non-criminals having guns." I asked him whether he thought someone who wasn't trained in a stressful combat situation could have any meaningful effect in a situation like Orlando; he said that more guns in Orlando would have simply meant more people would have died, and "you're not allowed to have guns anywhere that alcohol is sold anyway."

Ron is more on the fence than Seva, he's leaning Republican presently. He hasn't seen enough specifics from that nominee about policies, and he's concerned about his temperament. He's also concerned that the Democratic nominee might be too soft militarily, or that "other countries would try to bully her and she wouldn't stand up to them."

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I suggested that it was hard to picture a Black president until we had one, and now that seems normal. I also mentioned that many other countries had had women in that role, including Germany, the UK, and India. He agreed, and he said he felt the Democratic nominee's plans and policies were much clearer. He thinks her experience is much stronger to hold that position.

We both fully agreed about the importance of voting and not taking it for granted.

In both cases, I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and I think Seva and Ron did too. I realized that I rarely talk to people who are different from me. Engaging in person, instead of virtually, helped me to realize that the stress I feel about politics has to do with me trying to influence other people to think the way that I do without actually talking to them. I'm going to try to do more talking and listening and less convincing between now and November.
The future is here it's just distributed unevenly - Silicon Valley view of tech adoption

The threat is here it's just distributed unevenly - A2/AD and the aircraft carrier

Sitting backwards in a plane with no windows, strapped in a 4-point harness, wearing a life preserver, head encased in a helmet, eyes covered by googles, your brain can't process the acceleration. As the C-2 A Greyhound is hurled off an aircraft carrier into the air via a catapult, your body thrown forward in the air, until a few seconds later, hundreds of feet above the carrier now at 150 miles per hour you yell, "Holy Shxt." And no one can hear you through the noise, helmet and ear protectors.

---

I just spent two days a hundred miles off the coast of Mexico aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson landing and taking off on the carrier deck via a small cargo plane.

Taking off and landing is a great metaphor for the carrier. It's designed to project power - and when needed, violence.

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It's hard to spend time on a carrier and not be impressed with the Navy, and the dedicated people who man the carrier and serve their country. And of course that's the purpose of the two-day tour. The Navy calls its program Outreach: America's Navy. Targeting key influencers (who they call Distinguished Visitors) the Navy hosts 900/year out to carriers off the West Coast and 500/year to carriers on the East Coast. These tours are scheduled when the carriers are offshore training, not when they are deployed on missions. I joined Pete Newell (my fellow instructor in the Hacking for Defense class) and 11 other Stanford faculty from CISAC and the Hoover Institution.

I learned quite a bit about the physical layout of a carrier, how the air crew operates and how the carrier functions in context of the other ships around it (the strike group.) But the biggest learning was the realization that disruption is not just happening to companies, it's also happening to the Navy. And that the Lean Innovation tools we've built to deal with disruption and create continuous innovation for large commercial organizations were equally relevant here.

The Carrier

U.S. aircraft carriers like the Vinson (there are 9 others) are designed to put the equivalent of an Air Force base anywhere on any ocean anywhere in the world. This means the U.S. can show the flag for deterrence (don't do this or it will be a bad day) or to control some part of the sea (to protect commercial and/or military shipping, or protect a Marine amphibious force - on the way or at a place they will land); and project power (a euphemism for striking targets with bombs and cruise missiles far from home).

On an aircraft carrier there are two groups of people - the crew needed to run the carrier, called the ship's company, and the people who fly and support the aircraft they carry, called the Air Wing. The Vinson carries ~2,800 people in the ship's company, ~2,000 in the Air Wing and ~150 staff.

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Without the Air Wing the carrier would just be another big cruise ship. The Air Wing has 72 aircraft made up of jet and propeller planes. The core of the Air Wing are the 44 F/A-18 strike fighters.

The F/A-18 strike fighters are designed to do two jobs: gain air superiority by engaging other fighter planes in the air or attack targets on the ground with bombs (that's why they have the F/A designation). Flying on missions with these strike fighters are specially modified F/A-18's - EA-18G Growlers that carry electronic warfare jammers which electronically shut down enemy radars and surface-to-air missiles to ensure that the F/A-18s get to the target without being shot down.

Another type of plane on the carrier is the propeller-driven E-2C Hawkeyes, which is an airborne early warning plane. Think of the Hawkeyes as airborne air traffic control. Hawkeyes carry a long-range radar in a dome above the fuselage, and keep the strike group and the fighters constantly aware of incoming air threats. They can send data to the fighters and to other ships in the battle group which identifies the location of potential threats. They can also detect other ships at sea.

The other planes in the carrier's Air Wing are 16 helicopters: 8 MH-60S Nighthawk helicopters for logistics support, search and rescue and special warfare support; and 8 MH-60R Seahawks to locate and attack submarines and to attack Surface targets.

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They carry sonobuoys, dipping sonar and anti-submarine torpedoes. And last but not least, there is the plane that got us on the carrier, the C2-A Greyhound - the delivery truck for the carrier.

You're not alone

Carriers like the Vinson don't go to sea by themselves. They're part of a group of ships called the "carrier strike group." A strike group consists of a carrier, two cruisers with Tomahawk cruise missiles which can attack land targets, and two destroyers and/or frigates with Aegis surface to air missiles to defend the carrier from air attack. (In the past, the strike group was assigned an attack submarine to hunt for subs trying to kill the carrier. Today the attack subs are in such demand they are assigned by national authorities on an as-needed basis.) The strike group also includes replenishment ships that carry spare ammunition, fuel, etc. (The 150 staff on the carrier include separate staff for the strike group, Air Wing, carrier, surface warfare (cruisers with tomahawk missiles) and air defense (Aegis-armed destroyers.)

The strike group also receives antisubmarine intelligence from P-3/P-8 anti-submarine aircraft and towed arrays on the destroyers, and additional situational awareness from imaging, Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and radar sensors and satellites.

Before our group flew out to the carrier, we were briefed by Vice-Admiral Mike Shoemaker. His job is aviation Type Commander (TYCOM) for all United States Navy naval aviation units (responsible for aircrew training, supply, readiness, etc.) He also wears another hat as the commander of all the Navy planes in the Pacific. It was interesting to hear that the biggest issue in keeping the airplanes ready to fight are sequestration and budget cuts. These cuts have impacted maintenance, and made spare parts hard to get. And no pay raises make it hard to retain qualified people.

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Then it was time to climb into our C-2 Greyhound for the flight out to the aircraft carrier. Just like a regular passenger plane, except you put on a life vest, goggles, ear plugs, and over all that a half helmet protecting the top and back of your head while enclosing your ears in large plastic ear muffs. Then you and 25 other passengers load the plane via the rear ramp, sit facing backwards in a plane with no windows and wait to land.

On the U.S.S. Vinson

Landing on an aircraft carrier is an equally violent act. When you make an arrested landing, a tail hook on the plane traps one of the four arresting cables stretched across the deck, and you decelerate from 105 mph to zero in two seconds. When the plane hit the arresting wire on the carrier deck, it came to a dead stop in 250 feet. There was absolutely no doubt that we had landed (and a great lesson on why you were wearing head protection, goggles and strapped into your non-reclining seat with a four-point harness). As the rear ramp lowered, we were assaulted with the visual and audio cacophony of crewmen in seven different colored shirts on the deck swarming on and around F-18s, E2Cs, helicopters, etc., all with their engines running.

Captain Doug Verissimo and his executive officer Captain Eric Anduze, welcomed us to the carrier. (One of my first problems onboard was translating Navy ranks into their Army/Air Force equivalents. For example, a navy captain equals an Air Force/Army Colonel, and a rear admiral is a brigadier general, etc.)

Then for the next two days the carrier's public affairs officer led us on the "shock and awe" tour. In four years in the Air Force I had been stationed on four fighter bases, three of them in war zones, some with over 150 planes generating lots of sorties. But I had to grudgingly admit that watching F-18s landing on a 300-foot runway 60 feet above the water, on a pitching deck moving 30 mph at sea - one a minute - at night - was pretty impressive. And having us stand on the deck less than 50 feet away from these planes as they landed trapping the arrestor wires, and launched via a catapult was a testament to the Navy's PR acumen. Most of crew on the flight deck are in their late teens and maybe early 20s. (And for me, hard to believe 4 decades ago in some other life I was doing that job.) Standing on the deck on a Navy carrier, it's impossible not to be impressed with the precision choreography of the crew and the skill of their pilots.

Our group climbed the ladders (inclined at a 68-degree angle - there are no stairs) up and down the 18 decks (floors) of the ship. We saw the hangar deck where planes were repaired, the jet engine shop, jet engine test cell, arresting cable engine room, the bridge where they steer the ship, the flag bridge (the command center for the admiral), the flight deck control and launch operations room (where the aircraft handler keeps track of all the aircraft on the flight deck and in the hangar), and the carrier air traffic control center (CATCC).

At each stop an officer or enlisted man gave us an articulate description of what equipment we were looking at and how it fit into the rest of the carrier.

(What got left out of the tour was the combat direction center (CDC), the munitions elevators, ships engines and any of the avionics maintenance shops and of course, the nuclear reactor spaces.)

During lunch and dinners, we had a chance to talk at length to the officers and enlisted men. They were smart, dedicated and proud of what they do, and frank about the obstacles they face getting their jobs done. Interestingly they all echoed Vice-Admiral Shoemaker's observation that the biggest obstacles they face are political - sequestration and budget cuts.

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Just before we left we got a briefing from the head of the Carrier Strike Group, Rear Admiral James T. Loeblein about the threats the carrier and the strike group face.

Then it was off to be catapulted back home.

It's clear that the public affairs office has a finely tuned PR machine. So if the goal was to impress me that the Navy and carriers are well run and manned - consider it done.

However, it got me thinking... new aircraft carrier's cost $11 billion. And we have a lot of them on order. Given the threats they are facing are they going to be viable for another 30 years? Or is the aircraft carrier obsolete?

Tomorrow's post will offer a few days' worth of thoughts about carriers, strike groups and how the Navy can continue to innovate with carriers and beyond.

Lessons Learned - part 1 of 2

Our carriers are a work of art run and manned by professionals

Lots more in part 2, in the next post...

Thanks to the crew of the U.S.S. Vinson, and Commander Todd Cimicata and Stanford for a real education about the Navy.
Ruki Fernando is a human rights activist based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In this interview, Mr. Fernando shares his thoughts on a range of salient issues.

Sri Lanka's former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, took the country in an ever more authoritarian direction. How much has changed since Maithripala Sirisena became president in January 2015?

Authoritarianism has lessened and there is more space across the country for free expression, free assembly and free association. This was visible when Tamil people in the country's North and East came out for the first time on May 18, 2015 -- to grieve collectively and publicly for their loved ones who had died during the civil war. There was more space and less restrictions and less intimidation for this in 2016 compared to 2015. However, there have been regular incidents of surveillance, intimidation, harassment and threats on journalists and activists -- particularly in the North and East, even though the intensity and regularity of these incidents appears to be less than it was during the Rajapaksa era.

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I feel more safe and free, and now travel to the interior of the Vanni (in the country's Northern Province). I also go home late at night on my own, using public transport -- something I never did when the Rajapaksas were in power. But even after 18 months of "good governance," I'm still under investigation by the Terrorist Investigation Department and my freedom of expression is restricted through a court order.

As a human rights activist, what issues are taking up most of your time? What projects are you currently working on?

There are too many things than I could mention! I have been trying to assist a few families of disappeared persons in their continuing struggles. I have been trying to engage critically with the proposed Office of Missing Persons (OMP). I have been monitoring and documenting recent abductions and arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). I'm continuing to work with a few communities whose lands have been expropriated by the military. I am trying to critique militarized and large, business-oriented tourism, and to promote a more community-centered, reconciliation-oriented form of tourism. I'm also spending time discussing transitional justice issues with rural Sinhalese communities, and participating in radio and TV discussions in Sinhalese. In addition, I have been trying to support exiled Sri Lankan journalists and activists to return to Sri Lanka, and to support Pakistanis and Bangladeshis fleeing their countries and seeking refuge in Sri Lanka. Lastly, I have been giving talks and interviews, and have been writing about these issues.

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In terms of the government's wide-ranging transitional justice agenda, how much has been accomplished thus far?

Some political prisoners have been released, mostly conditionally. Some lands occupied for decades by the military have been released. Last year, there were significant judgements convicting soldiers for the rape of a Tamil woman in 2010 and a massacre of Tamil civilians in 2000.

There have been arrests of military and senior police personnel in some important and high-profile cases of killings and disappearances. The new leadership of the Human Rights Commission has asserted their independence and challenged the government, though an overhaul of the institution to be fully independent and effective will take much longer.

On the other hand, the military's involvement in civilian activities in the North -- such as hotels, shops, preschools, farms and airlines, among other activities, continues. Buddhist domination with the help of the military, in the predominantly non-Buddhist (mostly Tamil) North also continues. There has been an alarming rise of abductions and arrests under the PTA in the North and East during the last few months. Impunity reigns and accountability seems far away for tens of thousands of incidents, despite the availability of compelling evidence in some cases.

The positive progress is politically symbolic and matters a lot to ordinary people in their daily lives. But overall, progress has been too little and painfully slow. And there have been too many backward steps for the few forward steps.

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How have public consultations (for the country's transitional justice mechanisms) been going? What, if anything could be done to improve the consultative process?

Six months after the appointment of the Consultation Task Force (CTF), the consultations on transitional justice have commenced. But it seems the government has not thrown its political weight behind it, championing and promoting the process amongst Sri Lankans, using its vast infrastructure and extensive outreach through the mainstream and new media. The government doesn't appear to be supporting the process financially, and it seems dependent on foreign funding from the United Nations (UN), which has resulted in delays.

In addition, the government had initiated a parallel process of drafting in secret, legislature in relation to transitional justice institutions, even before the consultation process started. There needs to be a convergence of expert drafting processes and popular consultations with ordinary people.

As it is, despite the best efforts of the CTF and subsidiary bodies, politically, the popular consultations appear to be an eyewash, designed to placate foreign governments and UN officials, and tick the box.

Do you believe that it's important for Sri Lanka's transitional justice process to include international participation? If so, why?

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The reality in Sri Lanka is that most Tamils, who are a numerical minority, who have suffered the most, and who have historical grievances that led to the civil war, don't trust a purely domestic process. Sinhalese who are the majority community, don't trust international involvement. So if the transitional justice process is about all communities, we need to negotiate a middle way, acceptable to most communities and people. But there's also a danger that the aspirations of the majority may prevail. Then there is also the issue of whether competency and experience to the extent needed is fully available in Sri Lanka.

Regarding the accountability mechanism to address alleged wartime abuses, what role (if any) would you like to see international actors play?

Personally, I believe it's important to have the participation of international judges, prosecutors, investigators and defense lawyers. Their participation should go beyond monitoring, advising and training. But being international alone will not guarantee independence and credibility. It's crucial to ensure that accountability mechanisms have the acceptance of all communities and thus, the government must play the major role in reaching out to all Sri Lankans -- in particular to the Sinhalese-Buddhist community, to stress the importance of doing what's right and principled, instead of bowing down to populist slogans. Tamil political and civil society leaders too must not get carried away with populist slogans and work towards solutions for affected people, considering the existing domestic and international political realities.
One of our most read "This Day in History" posts is about the July 29, 1910, Slocum Massacrethe racially charged murders by whites on the Black population of Slocum, Texas, and the subsequent cover-up of a community's violent history.

In the book The 1910 Slocum Massacre: An Act of Genocide in East Texas, E. R. Bills presents this little-known history and its context: white anger fueled by insecurity and envy; racist attitudes contributing to a violent mob mentality; and a history of lynchings with known participants not held accountable. In the aftermath, Bills explains, "The abandoned African American properties were absorbed or repurposed as the remaining white population saw fit. The standard Southern Anglocentric world order was restored, and this order has endured, even to the present day."

Slocum does not stand alone as an incident of racist violence in which whites, determined to thwart African American economic or political progress, employed overwhelming force to maintain the racial status quo. Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Rosewood, Florida, are prominent examples. But it may also be that the Slocum "This Day in History" post is widely read because this resonates powerfully with our own time. Even a casual observer of the recent Republican National Convention could sense the powerful undercurrent of white anxiety and fear. Slocum, Tulsa, and Rosewood stand as cautionary tales about the explosive and violent potential of people who feel on the verge of losing their privilege. And the sickening regularity of police murders of African Americans also pulls the issue of white-on-Black violence into our own time.

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Slocum is one piece of the hidden history of our past. But the Zinn Education Project also features numerous examples of solidarity across racial lines. And it's the possibility of racial justice embedded in this solidarity that helps us envision a different, better society. We need to learn from historyall of it: that which inspires horror, but also that which inspires hope.

_______________________________________________________

July 29, 1910: Slocum Massacre in Texas

By E. R. Bills

The 1910 Slocum Massacre in East Texas officially saw between eight and 22 Blacks killed, and evidence suggests African American casualties were 10 times these amounts. Yet the massacre has become a dirty Lone Star secret, remarkable more for the inattention it has received than for its remembrance.

Unlike most Texas communities in the early 20th century, the unincorporated town of Slocumlike Rosewood, Floridawas largely African American, with several Black citizens considerably propertied and a few owning stores and other businesses. This alone, in parts of the South, might have been enough to foment violence. But in the area around Slocum, roughly 100 miles east of Waco, there were other issues, according to newspaper reports and other sometimes conflicting accounts of the massacre.

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When a white man reportedly tried to collect a disputed debt from a well-regarded Black citizen, a confrontation occurred. Hard feelings lingered. When a regional road construction foreman put an African American in charge of rounding up help for local road improvements, a prominent white citizen named Jim Spurger was infuriated and became an agitator.

Rumors spread, warning of threats against Anglo citizens and plans for race riots. White malcontents manipulated the local Anglo population and, on July 29, white hysteria transmogrified into bloodshed.

Stoked and goaded by Spurger and others, a collection of white mobs made up of Slocum locals and heavily armed white residents from all over Anderson County roamed through the area in groups of six or seven or in mobs of 30 to 40 and, according to some reports, up to 200. Members of the mobs engaged in what authorities later termed a "potshot" occasion, firing on Black citizens at will. They moved from road to road and cabin to cabin, shooting down African Americans in their tracks. Survivors of the bloodshed spread the word, and African Americans began fleeing. The white mobs followed Blacks into the surrounding forests and marshes and shot many victims in the back as they fled. Several bodies were discovered with bundles of clothing and personal effects at their sides.

Every initial newspaper report on the transpiring bloodshed portrayed the African Americans as armed instigators, but these accounts were heinous mischaracterizations. Anderson County Sheriff William H. Black, of Palestine, Texas, and Special Deputy Godfrey Rees Fowler arrived in the Slocum area, and they discovered a terrified white populace, most of whom had slept overnight in churches and schoolhouses. But it was increasingly apparent that the alleged African American mob that had supposedly conspired to attack the local white community hadn't materialized.

When reporters gathered on July 31, up to two dozen murders had been reported, but local authorities had only eight bodies. Sheriff Black said it would be "difficult to find out just how many were killed" because they were "scattered all over the woods," and buzzards would find many of the victims first.

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"Men were going about killing Negroes as fast as they could find them," Sheriff Black told the New York Times. "These Negroes have done no wrong that I can discover," Black continued. "I don't know how many were in the mob, but there may have been 200 or 300. They hunted the Negroes down like sheep."

The truth is, a harrowing number of African Americans were slaughtered in the counties of Anderson and Houston in the mid-summer of 1910. Yet today it's almost never spoke of, much less widely acknowledged, sufficiently researched, or historically considered, including its omission in A Centennial History of Anderson County, Texas (1936) and History of Houston County, Texas, 1687-1979 (1979).

Context and National Response

In every month for the six months leading up to the Slocum Massacre, an African American in the East Texas region was executed by a white mob based on allegations alone. No trials, no juriessimply white verdicts. After the lynching of Allen Brooks, just four months prior to the Slocum Massacre, a photograph of his hanging body and a crowd of a hundred spectators was

that was mailed to friends and family. And these injustices weren't exceptions to the rule; rather, they were the rule under which African Americans lived and died in that part of the world.

On August 13, 1910, a group of more than 150 African American ministers from Washington, D.C., sent a letter to President Taft regarding the Slocum Massacre. In the letter, the committee implored President Taft to use the powers of his "great office to suppress lynchings, murder, and other forms of lawlessness" and to do something to "make human life more valuable and law more universally respected."

The attorney general responded on August 24 with a succinct letter stating, "The protection of life and property is generally a duty devolving up the state authorities," and continued "Your letter and petition deal with the subject of the treatment of colored persons generally and therefore furnish no facts which would warrant this Department in taking any steps to redress the wrongs complained of."

Trial and Aftermath

At the initial grand jury hearing of the suspects charged in the Slocum atrocity, nearly every remaining resident was subpoenaed; some refused to testify and were arrested. By the time the grand jury findings were reported on August 17, several hundred witnesses had been examined. Though 11 men were initially arrested, seven were indicted. The grand jury judge moved the trial to Harris County, distrusting the potential jury of peers the defendants might receive in Anderson County. The indictments received no interest or justice in Harris County. Eventually, all those charged were released, and none of the indictments were ever prosecuted.

In the meanwhile, the personal holdings of many Slocum-area Anglo citizens fortuitously increased. The abandoned African American properties were absorbed or repurposed as the now-majority white population saw fit. The standard Southern Anglocentric world order was restored.

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The community reflects effects of the event to this day. While most nearby towns have African American populations of 20 percent or more, Slocum's is just under 7 percent.

Recent Acknowledgments

On March 30, 2011, after a two-part February feature on the Slocum Massacre by Tim Madigan in the

Fort Worth Star-Telegram,

the 82nd Texas Legislature adopted House of Representatives Resolution 865, acknowledging the incident.

On January 16, 2016, a historical marker to the Slocum Massacre was unveiled. In a Washington Post article, Constance Hollie-Jawaid, who is a descendant of victims of the massacre and who applied for the historical marker, said, "This most definitely helps restore [the Slocum Massacre] to its proper place." Hollie-Jawaid continued, "It was being ignored, and by ignoring it, you're spitting in the face of those who died during that tragic event. You're basically saying either it didn't happen or it was not important, and it's very, very important."

Despite local opposition to the marker, Chris Florance, spokesperson for the Texas Historical Society, told the Washington Post, "There is difficult history in the state, and this shows there has been a lot of change." Longtime State Judge Bascom Bentley also noted, "I'm glad the marker is there. It's part of our history, an ugly part. But the purpose of history is to teach us how to do better in the present and future."

The atrocities committed in the Slocum area in 1910 should give us all pause and spur commitments to definitively establish the truth, fully acknowledge it, and honestly and constructively address it.

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Our thanks to Constance Hollie-Jawaid (formerly Constance Hollie-Ramirez), a descendant of victims of the 1910 Slocum Massacre, for sharing this story with the Zinn Education Project. Hollie-Jawaid was a Dallas Independent School District principal for many years.


World climate leaders meeting in Vienna have laid the foundation for an amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, the global treaty that phased out ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The amendment would address climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the refrigerant chemicals that replaced CFCs but that can trap heat in the atmosphere at levels a thousand times higher than carbon dioxide and that can "undo much of our progress in reducing other carbon emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement," said Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy in a blog post.

Under the current draft of the agreement, expected to be concluded in October in Kigali, Rawanda, more affluent nations would virtually eliminate HFCs by the 2030s, whereas poorer nations would do so about a decade later.

McCarthy told Bloomberg BNA that the seriousness with which countries are taking the amendment owes in part to regulatory actions that the United States has taken under its Significant New Alternatives Policy program to drive the market for HFC alternatives.

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"That's what the SNAP program does," McCarthy said. "So it has effectively driven domestic action that is putting the U.S. in a leadership position. We fully expect that with the actions we've already taken, that we'll be able to meet the reductions that the international community will be embracing [under a Montreal Protocol amendment]."

An agreement to reduce HFC use would be the biggest single measure to curb climate change since governments adopted the Paris Agreement, thereby pledging to keep global warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit that increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The HFC amendment can help avoid 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by century's end compared with business-as-usual growth, reports Climate Change News.

Speaking Friday at the conference of parties to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that the conference was as important a gathering as another he hosted on combatting the Islamic State. "What you are doing here right now," he said, "is of equal importance, because it has the ability literally to save life on this planet."

Climate Change and the U.S. Presidential Election

Last week, delegates to the Republican National Convention approved a party platform that downplayed use of renewable energy and rejected the Paris Agreement, a carbon tax, and other action on climate change. This week, delegates to the Democratic National Convention addressed climate change as a "real and urgent threat."

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In their party platform, Democrats described climate change as "too important to wait for climate deniers and defeatists in Congress to start listening to science" and said government officials must take any steps they can to reduce pollution.

"We believe the United States must lead in forging a robust global solution to the climate crisis," the party platform states. "We are committed to a national mobilization, and to leading a global effort to mobilize nations to address this threat on a scale not seen since World War II. In the first 100 days of the next administration, the President will convene a summit of the world's best engineers, climate scientists, policy experts, activists, and indigenous communities to chart a course to solve the climate crisis."

In addition to calling for a tax code that creates incentives for renewable energy, the platform aims to generate half the country's electricity from clean sources in the next decade.

Inside Climate News presents a chart illustrating just how differently the two parties view climate and energy issues.

Emissions from Commercial Jets Next Up for Regulation

The EPA on Monday proposed an "endangerment finding" under the Clean Air Act for greenhouse gas emissions from certain types of airplane engines.

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The proposal--which finds that airplane engines contribute to pollution that endangers public health and contributes to climate change--parallels the 2009 endangerment finding for motor vehicles under another section of the Clean Air Act and follows on the heels of the International Civil Aviation Organization's proposed regulations to cut carbon from aircraft.

"Addressing pollution from aircraft is an important element of U.S. efforts to address climate change," said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Janet McCabe, noting that aircraft are the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.

No timetable was set for release of a rule regulating emissions from aircraft, but The New York Times reports that it could come in early January.
Our nation passed a historic milestone when Hillary Clinton formally accepted the nomination of the Democratic Party for president.

Americans disagree about how much her gender has helped or hurt her so far in this campaign and we will continue to debate this very important topic through November and beyond.

But there is an easy way to test some of these disputes: By looking at how they would be treated in a legal case involving employment discrimination.

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As a wrongful-termination lawyer I work every day with women who have faced gender discrimination on the job. A major part of my work involves looking closely at statements made about them by their employers to determine if there is enough evidence to establish sex discrimination.

I can confidently say that if Clinton walked into my office with a list of the statements that Donald Trump has made about her over the past year and if she were applying for any job--other than president--covered by anti-discrimination statutes, I'd take her case in a heartbeat.

Of course, there is no law against saying sexist things or having sexist thoughts in a political campaign, nor should there be. Voters can punish a sexist candidate at the ballot box. But if we are debating whether Clinton has faced pure sexism on the campaign trail, it's worth looking at the objective standards that lawyers, judges, and juries consider when hearing sex discrimination cases.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII for short, makes discrimination based on sex illegal. Under this law, a company with 15 or more employees cannot apply one standard of performance to men and a different one to women. There are some state laws that apply to smaller employers, for instance the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, which is modeled after Title VII.

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If a manager of a company covered by the law were to say at a meeting that a female employee had taken a bathroom break and called it "disgusting," that would raise red flags with a judge. If an employer said a highly qualified female candidate applying for a promotion was unqualified and only playing "the woman card," that would cause a jury to look twice. If a boss said that a female employee who criticized him was just facing trouble at home with her husband, that would be Exhibit A in a case.

These kinds of comments in a civil case, both considered individually and taken as a whole, could establish that an employer was illegally making decisions based on sex.

Whether Clinton has been treated unfairly or has received improper scrutiny is something voters will have to decide for themselves in November. But the statements made about her by Trump and other political rivals would clearly be judged as sexist in most courtrooms that I've set foot in and that should give us pause.

Clinton's career over the past 40 years has followed the arc of the professional woman. A bright and, yes, ambitious graduate of Yale Law School, she followed Bill Clinton to Arkansas where she rocketed to the top her career, making partner at a prominent law firm. Yet, her career, partially by her own design, took a back seat to her husband's political career. It was during the humiliation of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and her husband's impeachment that Clinton made the decision to start her own political career by running and winning for a New York Senate seat.

Yet, despite Clinton's long tenure and clear qualifications to be president, she has been dogged by the problems faced by other women reaching the pinnacle of the political and corporate world.

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And Clinton, like other female candidates, has faced the difficulty of threading the needle of being both tough and likeable.

As noted by Washington Post correspondent Dana Milbank, when Bernie Sanders spoke forcefully, he was perceived as passionate; when Clinton did the same, she was panned by commentators as being too loud. Commentator Joe Scarborough quipped "Has nobody told her that the microphone works?"

Another phenomenon documented by TIME magazine Washington correspondent Jay Newton-Small, who wrote the book. "Broad Influence: How Women Are Changing the Way America Works," is that

'"Campaigning While Female also deprives Clinton of the ability to make lofty promises. Sanders, for example, has a $15 trillion non-starter of a health-care plan. If Clinton floated such a plan, the media would mock it as patently absurd. But Sanders gets a pass."'

"Why the double standard? 'Men are the guys who want to go out and buy the motorcycle, and women are the purse-string holders,' Newton-Small said. 'It's a very traditional role we are putting women into by making them the one saying, no, we can't do all these really fun things. This is a very stereotypical box she gets put into, which then makes it very hard for her to be inspirational."'

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This is not to blame Senator Sanders. Certainly he did not intend that Clinton be perceived in this way. He simply experienced an advantage that most men, even well-meaning ones, have in the way the public perceives women in politics and the workplace.

These are the very problems faced by working women in the U.S. Smart, driven women who find their career temporarily derailed often because of their sex.

Of course, not all of this discrimination is as bold and open as the statements that Trump and other political rivals have made against Clinton. A lot of times, it's a pervasive but subtle tendency to push women in different directions, to reward them at a lower rate and judge them by different metrics than men.

But without any doubt, this kind of bold and subtle discrimination is happening to Clinton on the campaign trail and many voters, consciously or not, have evaluated her by one standard while using another for male politicians.

Clinton's candidacy represents great promise, and peril, for working women around the nation as they struggle for equality. Hopefully she will continue to help break barriers for women in the workplace and how we treat women of any profession whether it's a presidential nominee or a CEO of a company.

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Still, while women have broken down the door into corporate and political boardrooms, they don't yet have a comfortable seat at the table.
The national political conventions are a lot like professional wrestling. Sure, we know what's going to happen, but every four years, it's fun to see who's throwing around chairs and getting slammed into the turnbuckle.

Each gathering offers up unique opportunities for mocking and scoffing and taunting purposes. And this Republican meeting on the banks of an eerie lake promises wacky zany antics o'plenty; like a Ringling Bros. Circus tent with all the poles chewed through by termites in the middle of a Nor'easter.

Yours truly has made arrangements to travel to both the land of Cleve and the delphia of Phil and looks forward to being embedded in the upper Midwest just in time for the Humidity Festival the way a crustacean awaits boiling water. And to clarify what we can expect, let him now share a list of indispensable items he's taking to the first part of this summer sojourn.

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PACKING LIST FOR THE 41st GOP NATIONAL CONVENTION IN CLEVELAND, OHIO.

White shoes and belt to blend in with the fashion style known as the Full Cleveland.

A Trump University alumni ring to flash at security checkpoints.

"Make America Grate Again" hat.

A Cleveland Browns golf towel to wipe away the tears when visiting the Lee Atwater exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The secret password to get into the Log Cabin Republicans party, which always has the best appetizers.

Noting that the last 2 GOP national conventions were shortened a day because of hurricanes- an umbrella. Also designed to protect from the deluge of partisan splooey about to descend on the 216 area code.

Two packages of Tums to follow up taste tour of local pierogi shops.

Bandanna soaked in eyewash for a walk through the protest pit.

An Anonymous ID to present to authorities when apprehended in the protest pit.

A Guy Fawkes mask.

A couple of Bill Cosby albums for Roger Ailes to play at the Fox News party to help female staffers get "in the mood."

Two stories of scaffolding and a case of hair spray in the unlikely event of being conscripted to groom The Donald's hair.

A chauffer's cap to facilitate commandeering a limo after attending one of the good parties.

A baker's dozen of Krispy Kreme donuts to assuage the ego of Chris Christie.

Snake bite serum.

A Six Wives Club t- shirt with the Donald and the Newt's pictures on it.

A DVD of "Hoosiers" to get a sense of the Mike Pence experience. Director's cut.

12 pack of Viagra for Bob Dole to sign.

Sunglasses to protect eyes from the legions of journalists and politicians who overused their white strips.

A hand mirror to occasionally hold up to the personality- challenged Mike Pence's lips to insure he's breathing.

A dowsing rod to root out the GOP donors who kept insisting that Jeb Bush was "the smart one."

A roll of dimes, which, as waitresses all over town will be able to tell you, is the traditional Republican tip.

Portable espresso machine to stash in hotel room in attempt to stay awake.

Copy of the Kama Sutra to keep track of Donald Trump's ever changing positions.

One Golden State Warriors sweatshirt in anticipation of next year's Rubber Match.
Summer is a tough time for St. Vincent de Paul, a leading charity fighting hunger in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hunger rates are high where St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati operates, well above the national and state averages according to Feeding America.

But donations go down during the summer compared to the holiday giving season. With schools closed, many needy children lose access to the free lunches they get during the academic year. Impoverished families need even more help during the summer months.

While St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati has been struggling with this summer crisis, outside the city a different problem has been taking place at Burwinkel Farms of Ross, Ohio. They are growing too much corn! Now this is better than the alternative when a farm produces too little. But it created the sad prospect that the extra corn might be wasted.

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Burwinkel Farms sweet corn being gathered from the field on a typical summer morning. (Burwinkel Farms photo)

Karen Burwinkel, the manager of the Farm, explains that the massive influx of corn was due to two weather events timed just perfectly. First, it's the hot weather that has gripped the Cincinnati area this summer. There have been many summer days over 90 degrees or high 80s. When coupled with earlier rainy spells during the planting season, this led to huge amounts of corn being produced in July.

Burwinkels is famous for its yummy corn and sells a lot of it every day. But this was much more corn than even they could sell in its normal market distribution.

Karen was determined not to let the corn go to waste. So she started calling around Cincinnati on July 18th trying to find someone who would take it. This had to happen quickly because it is a perishable food. A local author, who frequents the Burwinkels stand in Delhi Township, gave a tip to call St. Vincent de Paul.

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The connection was made. And it worked. The next morning a truck arrived at the Burwinkel headquarters in Ross and picked up over 8,000 ears of corn!





St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati picking up corn from Burwinkel Farms in Ross, Ohio. (photo credit Kate Burwinkel)

Right away the corn was transported by St. Vincent de Paul to its system of pantries and church partners throughout Cincinnati.

Getting such a huge food donation was like Christmas in July. Burwinkel Farms played the role of Santa Claus very well. A second donation followed bringing the total to over 10,000 ears of corn so far in July.

The look on the faces of St. Vincent de Paul's clients tell the story. To get such nutritious, fresh food is not easy for a pantry. But it was here. And it was awesome.

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The Burwinkel Farms corn donation arriving at the St. Vincent de Paul distribution center. (photo courtesy of Patricia Huelseman/St. Vincent de Paul - Cincinnati)

Larry Shields, the community relations director at St. Vincent de Paul, says, "Receiving nearly 8,000 ears of corn is truly a blessing and a treat for our neighbors in need. We always struggle to provide fresh fruit and vegetables year round so receiving this much corn not only feeds our neighbors, it also lifts their spirits."

Shields adds that people were smiling "ear to ear." Burwinkels plans to get more food to St. Vincent De Paul in the future when possible.



St. Vincent de Paul provides food to neighbors in need through nine parish-based food pantries, including the Edyth and Carl Lindner Choice food pantry at the Liz Carter Outreach Center and many neighborhood food closets. In this photo Burwinkels corn is featured at the food pantry where people can shop like they are in a grocery store, except there is no check out counter and the food is free. It's a helping hand made possible by donations from the community. (courtesy of Patricia Huelseman/St. Vincent de Paul - Cincinnati)

Burwinkel Farms also donates weekly to the Holy Family Pantry in Price Hill. The pantry, a member of the Freestore Foodbank network in Cincinnnati, receives corn and other food. Karen Burwinkel, who was featured by the Food Tank last year, also gave away corn to local police and fire stations and businesses who have helped host their stands.

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Karen Burwinkel (right) unloading produce to her assistant Kelly for donation to the Holy Family Food Pantry in Price Hill. (author photo)

So much can be done to fight hunger by members of the community. Burwinkel Farms is emerging as a leader in the struggle.

The key is first to be aware of the problem of hunger and then be opportunistic and responsive in finding ways to help. That is what Burwinkels has done this summer.
Media from various countries should deepen their exchange and cooperation centering around the Belt and Road Initiative, and also create a favorable environment for the construction of a green, healthy, intelligent and peaceful Silk Road, said Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Liu made his remarks on July 27 while meeting with foreign representatives participating in the 2016 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road, which was held in Beijing.

Liu said that the letter of congratulations sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping reflects the attention paid and sincere expectations attached to the initiative by the Chinese government.

The initiative has been widely lauded by the countries along the route, Liu noted, stressing that it focuses on mutually beneficial cooperation and boosting peaceful global development. In pursuit of common interests rather than exclusive benefits, China is willing to share its development opportunities with the countries along the route, Liu added.

Representatives including Ahmed El-Sayed El-Naggar, president of Al-Ahram, the most widely circulated Egyptian daily newspaper, agreed that the Belt and Road Initiative is compatible with the common interests of each party and is in line with regional and global trends for cooperation. He hopes that media organizations can strengthen their cooperation to better serve people through the initiative.

Peoples Daily President Yang Zhenwu and Chief Editor Li Baoshan also attended the meeting. More than 200 members of the media from over 100 countries participated in the 2016 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road.


'Golem' at the Lincoln Center Festival; Photo: Bernhard Mueller

By Joshua Rosenblum, ZEALnyc Contributing Writer, July 28, 2016

Beware! Technology is seductive but dangerous, warns Lincoln Center Festival's Golem, a dazzling, seamless synthesis of live performance, animation, music and theater that is difficult to describe, but amazing to behold. Certainly Golem is not the first work of art to take on this perennially relevant theme, but it is probably the only one to depict said technology as a benign-looking, vaguely human-like figure made of clay. In Jewish folklore, a golem is a lump of inanimate matter brought magically to life, intended to mindlessly obey its master. As depicted by 1927, the innovative London-based performance company behind this ingenious theater piece, the Golem looks something like a cross between the alien at the end of Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Gumby, except more massive and sturdy, and possessed of a dangling male appendage. Director/writer Suzanne Andrade and animator/designer Paul Barritt, the visionaries behind 1927, used Austrian writer's Gustav Meyrink's early twentieth-century serial novel Der Golem as a springboard for this work, but it's safe to say Meyrink never imagined anything like this.

Our protagonist, Robert Robertson, who seems about as interesting as his name, purchases a Golem from an enterprising friend. At first, the Golem is merely an obedient servant, as intended--it does Robert's tedious coding job at Binary Backup, so he doesn't have to. Inevitably, however, the Golem begins to encroach on Robert's life, learning to speak and developing autonomy. "Who controls Golem while Robert's asleep?" asks his sister meekly. Robert's family gamely tries to pretend there's nothing out of the ordinary about the Golem's naked, clay-colored presence, but all is not well. Soon the Golem is telling them where to shop, what to buy, and expressing its own preferences in all matters. When the Golem short circuits and its head morphs through a blindingly rapid (and hilarious) series of transformations, Golem version two, a decidedly more aggressive model, dutifully shows up, goading Robert into wardrobe transformation and workplace competitiveness. The inevitable Golem version three is implanted directly into one's brain, as a blazing advertisement excitedly promises us. The metaphor is unmistakable, in an era wherein dependence on our handheld devices are long since a foregone conclusion. The look, design, and sound of the show, however, are more like that of a silent movie, so the whole thing has an intriguingly timeless feel, both classic and modern.

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Technically speaking, the integration of the live actors and animation is astonishing. The most memorable recurring image is that of Robert (the gifted actress and physical comedian Shamira Turner) sauntering casually through the streets of his drab hometown, his claymation Golem in tow. Turner, however, is mime-walking in place while the animated scenery moves amiably by. (There are throwaway gags in the storefront names, such as Cod is Dead Fish 'N Chips, and Helen Back's Osteopath.) Sometimes Robert and Golem run pell-mell, or slide down precipitously inclined sidewalks. The whole thing--music, live performance, animation, lights--clearly requires military-style precision. A gag involving an animated coffee pot pouring splatteringly into Robert's wide-open mouth wouldn't have worked if Turner's positioning had been off by even an inch or two. Also memorable is a climactic, eye-popping sequence in which Robert's sister Annie (the highly amusing Esme Appleton) is relentlessly chased, lifted up into the air, and seemingly eaten by a gigantic Golem.

The entire ninety-minute show has musical underscoring. Much of it is performed live, by composer Lillian Henley at a keyboard and percussionist Will Close at a drum kit, in costume on opposite sides of the stage. It would be easy to miss the fact that Henley and Close, who seemingly play the entire time, are actually slipping unobtrusively away from their instruments and doubling as cast members. At the curtain call, it's shocking to realize that the entire cast and band consist of only five people. (When Henley and Close join the stage action, we are presumably hearing recorded music.) Henley's fetching silent movie-style score zips swingingly along, with a signature bop in a sort of fractured A minor as Robert and Golem traverse the streets. At other times it's melancholy and Satie-esque, and it effectively illustrates the encroaching technological menace with mechanistic rock. There's no actual singing, but a few song-like numbers emerge, with the lyrics spoken in rhythm. The funniest of these occurs when the newly successful Robert, egged on by the increasingly malevolent Golem Two, decides to ditch his bland girlfriend ("Joy is a frumpy 35-year-old who wants to trick you into having babies!") and participates in a sort of speed-dating via a Courting Contraption. Two female competitors (Appleton and the versatile Rose Robinson) vie for Robert's attention, spouting patter-style lyrics touting their own virtues while a succession of different cartoon bodies flash across them from the neck down. (Robert chooses both of them.) We also hear the clangorous caterwauling of Robert and Annie's would-be punk band "Annie and the Underdogs," of which we witness a few hapless rehearsals.

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The droll, slightly hangdog acting stylizations of the gifted cast and the overall cheerfully ghoulish tone remind one by turns of Edward Gorey, Roz Chast, Tim Burton, and Terry Gilliam. But various fun-to-spot influences notwithstanding, Director/writer Andrade and animator/designer Barritt are onto something genuinely original, and it would be well worth catching the ceaselessly absorbing Golem before it closes on Sunday.

___________________________

Golem. Presented by the Lincoln Center Festival July 26-31 at John Jay College's Gerald W. Lynch Theater. Created by 1927; director/writer Suzanne Andrade; film, animation & design by Paul Barritt; music Lillian Henley; associate director & design by Esme Appleton; sound design by Laurence Owen; costume design by Sarah Munro; dramaturgy by Ben Francombe; animation associate, Derek Andrade; projection screen design by James Lewis; production manager, Helen Mugridge; sound technician, Chris Prosho; Producer Jo Crowley. Cast: Esme Appleton, Lillian Henley, Rose Robinson, Shamira Turner, Will Close; voice of Golem: Ben Whitehead; additional voice over: Suzanne Andrade

Joshua Rosenblum is a Contributing Writer for ZEALnyc and writes on classical music performances, as well as theatrical events.

Want to read about other performances at the Lincoln Center Festival? Read: 'Merchant of Venice' packs a punch at Lincoln Center Festival

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Hutchinson Zoo confirms avian flu in geese in its bird rehab center

The virus was in geese being treated at the center. One animal was euthanized. The zoo's exhibit birds are being isolated indoors to protect them.
SFX Considers Legal Action Against Founder Sillerman, Top Execs

The fall of controversial SFX founder and former CEO Robert "FX" Sillerman has been as dramatic as his rise. The next chapter in his demise is likely to include a gaggle of lawyers, as the new group in control of SFX signals legal action against him.

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New documents filed in Delaware bankruptcy court this week outline a restructuring plan that would bring EDM promotion company SFX out of bankruptcy. Included in the filings is the option to seek damages for breaches of fiduciary duty by former directors and officers of the debtors, and avoidance actions, such as fraudulent transfer claims under federal and state law. The filings also refer to concerns over "insider transactions and funding issues as well as Sillerman's failed promises to take the company private.

Former SFX General Counsel Howard Tytel and Vice Chairman Mitch Slater are also believed to be among those that the new SFX management team is considering action against.

Crotch grabbing, middle finger pointing SFX founder and CEO Sillerman was controversial as the head of Clear Channel Concerts (now Live Nation) and his "screw you" attitude only become more pronounced as he rolled up the world of EDM into this now failed conglomerate.

In March, SFX announced that he would resign within 60 days as CEO, but remain Chairman of the board. The resignation was a condition of investors and bondholders who had agreed to write off more than $300 million as part of a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy petition, which has now been withdrawn.

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Major US insurance firm Allstate has further cemented its presence in the UK with the construction of their biggest office in Northern Ireland in 15 years.Joined by Minister for the Economy Simon Hamilton, the companys top executives recently laid the foundation stone at the new Belfast headquarters building on the banks of the River Lagan, News Letter reported.The insurers 1,300 employees who are based in Belfast will move into their new office by January 2018.John Healy, Allstate managing director in Belfast, said that the new office will be ground-breaking facility for the insurer.The new development increases the size of our current Belfast office and gives us the opportunity to create an inspirational working space fit for a world-class technology organisation with a commitment to innovation, imagination and building digital technology of the future, News Letter quoted Healy as saying.Technology will be at the heart of our progressive new workspace, and it will give everyone at Allstate NI the freedom to work creatively and collaboratively, he added.Allstate executive vice president Suren Gupta said that Northern Ireland is an excellent source for talent.He said local employees played a vital role in the development and growth of Allstates business in the area.Our investment in this new flagship office in Belfast demonstrates our commitment to Northern Ireland, News Letter quoted Gupta as saying.
Driver Killed in Howland Avenue Collision

A small sedan collided with the rear of a flatbed wrecker on Thursday morning, severely injuring one person. PreviousNext

Update at 5:37 p.m.: Ethan Piaggi-Cornell of Pittsfield, 23, was killed in Thursday morning's accident in Adams.



Piaggi-Cornell was driving a 2001 Hyundai Sonata north when he collided with a stopped flatbed tow truck on Howland Avenue in Adams at around 11:15 a.m.



Initial reports were that he was taken elsewhere by Life Flight but district attorney's office states he was pronounced dead at Berkshire Medical Center.



The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Holyoke, where an autopsy will be conducted.



Piaggi-Cornell was a 2012 graduate of Hoosac Valley High School. He was most recently employed as a line cook by Arizona Pizza in Pittsfield, according to his Facebook page.



The investigation is being conducted by members of the Adams Police Department, the Berkshire Detective Unit of the State Police assigned to the district attorney's office, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement sections.





ADAMS, Mass.  A motorist sustained serious injuries after his car collided with a flatbed wrecker on Howland Avenue late Thursday morning.



The northbound Sayers wrecker, with a car on the flatbed, was in the left lane to turn into Gene's Sales and Service when the small Sonata sedan collided with its rear bumper.



"It appears that the wrecker was stopped to make a lefthand turn when it was struck from the rear by the white Sonata, which was operated by a single person," said Police Richard Tarsa shortly before 1 p.m.. "Upon impact, the operator sustained severe injuries including massive head trauma."



Tarsa said the driver was taken to Berkshire Medical Center's North Adams campus and Life-Flighted from there. He was not sure at that point where the individual was taken. The driver of the wrecker was not injured.



The car suffered severe damage to its front driver's side, where it collided with the flatbed. The area was taped off and traffic was detoured over East Road between Lime Street and Hodges Cross Road for more than two hours.



The investigation is in the early stages, Tarsa said. "There are witnesses and we are gathering that information."



The state police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and members of the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force were assisting Adams Police.
Tom Cohan of Charter Communications explained the process to the Board of Selectmen on Monday.

Charter Upgrading Internet, Cable in Lanesborough

LANESBOROUGH, Mass.  High-definition cable access will be in most of Lanesborough on Aug. 2 and, a week later, high-speed internet.

As part of the merger with Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications is upgrading the systems in three Berkshire towns  Lanesborough, West Stockbridge and Hinsdale. For weeks workers have been in various parts of the town replacing wiring and bringing the new digital signal to the majority of the homes.

Tom Cohan, a government representative for Charter, told the Board of Selectmen that on Aug. 2 the new system will be turned on  requiring residents to switch cable boxes for that date  and a week later on Aug. 9, 60 to 100 megabit packages will be available for broadband access.

The system matches what the company offers in other Massachusetts towns  a federal requirement put in place in conjunction with the merger.

"Because we are upgrading everything, the boxes our customers have today need to be swapped out," Cohan said.

Those with the Charter cable boxes now will need to get a new box, which will be active on the 2nd. Cohan said the easiest way is to call the company and have the boxes with detailed installation instructions mailed. He said the company will install and deliver the boxes as well, but that option requires a fee.

What most people are waiting for, Cohan said, is broadband. That will go live on Aug. 9 and the standard package will be for 60 megabit speed. Customers can upgrade to 100 megabits. Further, Cohan said the company would be able to run fiber directly to businesses as part of the commercial offerings.

Internet has long been seen as a boost to economic and property value growth. The lack of internet access has been cited as a reason for dropping the price on a home and businesses often need access in order to operate in a given area. However, parts of Massachusetts has been lagging behind.

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute for years has been trying to make use of federal and state funding eyed to bring broadband to every corner of the state but has hit stumbling blocks in connecting what is known as the "last mile."

The middle mile has been built out and connects schools and municipal buildings to fiber internet and a "lighting up" ceremony in Otis a number of years ago highlighted the efforts. But, from there the laterals out to the residential and rural areas has hit a number of snags.

Gov. Charlie Baker put a halt to the program earlier this year to review its operations and made a number of changes to the program to help finalize the expansion.

Cohan said right now 90 percent of Lanesborough's homes are connected to the system. He said there is a "tentative agreement" with MBI to build out the remaining 10 percent.

"We have a tentative agreement with MBI," Cohan said. "They will help us fund the build-out of areas we do not serve now. That would be in 2017."

Lanesborough had been part of the WiredWest collaborative's effort to build a system for multiple towns. The collaborative of towns would operate the system.

But, with Charter's expansion that may end Lanesborough's involvement. Town Manager Paul Sieloff has been keeping an eye on the merger of Time Warner and Charter for precisely that reason.

"The key thing is Charter is very serious and installing fiber all across town," Sieloff said at a meeting earlier this month.

Sieloff has even ushered Charter through the permitting process. The Board of Selectmen fast-tracked permits earlier this month to dig into the roads on Victoria Lane and North Main Street.

"We waited 30 years so if it takes another 30 days, or three months, it is happening," Sieloff said at the time.

Cohan said the expansion isn't without its hitches. The merger comes with more than just upgrading three towns' services, which can cause some confusion with call centers and the new boxes. But, he urged residents to be patient.

In the three Berkshire County towns there are just 800 customers  a number Cohan hopes will grow  but the merger brings the total number of customers to over 10 million, he said. Further, Time Warner had call centers based out of the country and Charter is in the process of bringing those back to the United States at the same time.

"We are bringing their call centers back to the United States as well," Cohan said.
Suzy Helme and Jennifer Crowell, behind her, explain the cultural district designation to the City Council on Tuesday. PreviousNext

North Adams Council Endorses Cultural District Designation



Councilors Lisa Blackmer and Eric Buddington check city ordinances in asking that the language of the new changes be cleaned up.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The City Council on Tuesday endorsed the pursuit of a Cultural District designation for a large part of the downtown.



The work on the application began some three years but languished during a change over in staffing. Now being spearheaded by Jennifer Crowell of the Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and the city's Director of Community Events Suzy Helme, the unanimous approval of the resolution to the Massachusetts Cultural Council completes the application process.



"The MCC is encouraging us to apply for this," said Helme. "It's really just getting North Adams the recognition the city deserves and all the organizations that have been working the past few decades to build a cultural district here."



The designation will help in marketing the city and will include signage and a map detailing the cultural and historical elements of the walkable area. It's also expected to be an asset should the city seek funding for cultural needs. Two public sessions were held in May for input on the plan.



"It's a feather in our cap," said Crowell. "It's just a recognition of us being the great cultural city we know we are."



Julia Dixon of the city's Public Arts Commission, one of the partners in managing the district, said her commission was supportive of the application.



"We are so excited this is happening, not only as a marketing tool and a feather in our cap but it also will promote this city and attract other artists to relocate downtown, it will promote more public art development," she said.



The resolution as read by council President Benjamin Lamb prompted little comment and it passed easily within a few minutes.



"I think this is wonderful and I appreciate the work you've put it into it," said Councilor Kate Merrigan. "When I learned about this and I looked at the list of other communities in Massachusetts that have cultural districts, it seemed ridiculous that we're not on it. ...



"It makes so much sense that we would be because we have such a great concentration of cultural facilities."



Prior to that, the council spent nearly an hour going back and forth on restoring parking meters in the Center Street lot before voting to postpone. It will come back before council on Aug. 9.

Correction: an earlier version of this story said the ordinance was sent to you Public Safety. That idea was raised but not acted on.
Photo from Tricia Farley-Bouvier. Photo from Tricia Farley-Bouvier. Tricia Farley-Bouvier was at a breakfast when Bernie Sanders walked in and delivered a speech. Photo from Tricia Farley-Bouvier of when Elizabeth Banks spoke on the second day of the convention. Paul Mark's view from his seat in the Massachusetts delegate section. Paul Mark with Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg. Massachusetts House delegation including Paul Mark. Paul Mark with other Massachusetts delegates. State Rep. Paul Mark. PreviousNext

Berkshire Reps Have Positive Impression of VP Candidate Kaine

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine is an everyman. But an everyman with loads of government experience.

Kaine received the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday and both state Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Paul Mark got their first impressions of the Virginia senator when he delivered his address.

"I found him warm, engaging, and funny, which I like," Mark said. "It seems like he is a solid choice. It's a good balance."

Kaine is one of the few who can boast of being a mayor, a governor, and a senator. Further, he comes from a battleground state where he may serve a vital role in delivering the presidency for the Democratic Party. After accepting the nomination, Mark and Farley-Bouvier both said their first impressions of him were positive.

"He seems really approachable," Farley-Bouvier said, adding that he's the kind of person one could strike up a conversation at any time. "He's just an everyman kind of person."

Beyond that, the Pittsfield Democrat said his experience stands out because he knows how to interact with all branches and levels of government. Neither Mark nor Farley-Bouvier had known much about Kaine but both are rallying around his candidacy.

"I was really pleased with that choice because the No. 1 consideration is to pick a person who is someone who can step in to be president. Because you are a heartbeat away," Farley-Bouvier said.

Farley-Bouvier is serving as the Massachusetts whip for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the convention, ensuring all of the delegates are where they are supposed to be and when. She said it does get a little difficult in sorting out things like seats such as when a congressman shows up unexpectedly with a guest or a delegate who is supposed to be there doesn't arrive. She added her role includes making sure signs are raised at certain times, all part of the scripted and orchestrated event.

"It's all really carefully planned," she said.

On Wednesday, the intensity grew inside the Wells Fargo Center, according to Mark, who said, "the place was jam packed" when earlier in the week it hadn't been. Mark said first day was somewhat subdued, the second day increased the celebration and the forming of unity behind Clinton, and then the celebration and rallying built on day three.

The culmination is Thursday night, when Clinton accepts the nomination and delivers her speech.

"Today I am looking for somebody to really close the deal," the Peru Democrat said.

Mark hopes to see more of Clinton's personality, which he said often doesn't get portrayed. He hopes she'll show that and get the Democratic Party excited and rallied behind her.

On Thursday, Farley-Bouvier was nearly moved to tears when talking about Clinton's upcoming speech. She has been actively campaigning for Clinton since her first run 2008 and headed local efforts during the primary.

"There is nobody on the face of the earth more qualified to be president than Hillary Clinton," Farley-Bouvier said.

President Barack Obama agreed when he delivered a rallying speech on Wednesday night, saying his former secretary of state is more qualified than both himself and her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

The president was the keynote speaker, following Kaine and Vice President Joseph Biden, and outlined his interactions with Clinton from being rivals in the 2008 primary, in which he credited the candidate for never giving up and constantly storming back into the race, to bringing her onboard to serve as secretary of state.

In all, he said Clinton is the right person to take over the White House and continue the progress he's made.

"It is easy to forget and take for granted how much he actually accomplished," Mark said, citing Obama's stimulus bill as one that "saved the world's economy."

Farley-Bouvier said she was impressed with Obama's speech because he "laid out the case not only for the values of the Democratic Party and what his administration accomplished" but also the case for Clinton to be in office.

Behind the scenes, Farley-Bouvier said there is a lot of networking with fellow Massachusetts legislators. On Wednesday morning, she was at a breakfast with Massachusetts officials when "in walked Bernie Sanders. That was a big thrill for the Massachusetts delegation."

The Vermont senator has taken an active role in visiting caucuses and delegations rallying support for Clinton. His campaign fell short of the delegates to win the nomination and instead of disappearing from sight, he's using the momentum he gained during the primary to push the Democratic Party forward.

"The revolution continuing means Hillary Clinton needs to be president of the United States," Farley-Bouvier said.

Sanders is rallying support for candidates "up and down the ballot" in hopes to further his progressive agenda.

"It is the right thing to do to get together," Mark, who is attending the convention as a Sanders delegate.

Meanwhile, when the television cameras are off, the two Berkshire representatives are attending workshops and speaking events. Both said they are making strong connections with other Massachusetts officials, which they feel will make a stronger working relationship when they return to Boston.
Baku. Azerbaijan. July 28

Trend:

Armenian armed forces have 12 times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry July 28.

Armenian armed forces, stationed in Voskevan village of Armenias Noyemberyan district opened fire at positions of Azerbaijani armed forces in Qushchu Ayrim village of Gazakh district.

Armenian armed forces, stationed on the nameless heights of Armenias Berd district opened fire at positions of Azerbaijani armed forces in Munjuglu village of Tovuz district.

Azerbaijani positions also took fire from the positions located near Chilaburt village of the Tartar district, Horadiz village of the Fizuli district, Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district and positions on the nameless heights of the Goranboy district.

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.
The pop-up podcasting returns for Downtown Voices on Thursday night.

Galleries, Music Set for DownStreet Art on Thursday

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  DownStreet Art kicks off its second session on Thursday night with the openings of four new visual art exhibits, live podcasting, musical and theatrical performances, and a night market that features local food and craft vendors.



"This year's 'Meet Your Neighbors' theme spotlights not only the amazing institutional resources available to us, but also the talented artists living and working alongside us here in North Adams and the surrounding community," said Jennifer Crowell, director of the Berkshire Cultural Resource Center. The center, part of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, coordinates the summerlong event.



Part of that neighbors initiative is the return of "Downtown Voices" pop-up podcasting studio at the Night Market on Holden Street. Passers-by can step into the studio, sit down, and contribute their thoughts and impressions of the arts, the event, the city, or anything else to the new, experimental interactive station  a co-production of the BCRC and Greylock Glass, Berkshire County's largest podcast network, run by Jason Velazquez.



Up to four adults can fit comfortably inside the booth, which is equipped with a table, two benches, and a microphone. The microphone is connected to a computer app that livestreams the conversation or monologue. All on-the-spot communication will be translated as it occurs, as a form of publicly and cooperatively created vocal improvisation.



"The installation of this pop-up sound studio during DownStreet Art symbolizes exactly what 100 years of communications evolution was meant to achieve  unfiltered, instantaneous public participation in a creative narrative," explains Velazquez. "Is this an artistic experiment? Definitely. Does it make me a little nervous? Absolutely. Anything that pushes the boundaries of public expression out significantly should. That's how you know youre on to something."



Starter questions adorn the walls of the studio to provide some startup inspiration; audio contributors are encouraged to aim for five to 10-minute sessions. The studio is open to all ages.



Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art's campus will remain open until 7 p.m. and hours also will be extended for Ferrin Contemporary ("EXPOSED: Heads, Busts, and Nudes") and Cynthia-Reeves (artwork of Jaehyo Lee), independent art galleries located on the campus. Both galleries will host "meet the curators" events from 7 to 8 p.m.



John Luther Adams will perform a free, outdoor performance of "Ten Thousand Birds." Bang on A Can also will offer a recital that evening as part of its monthlong residency at Mass MoCA. And Bright Ideas Brewery will continue to host to local artist Paul Chojnowski's "Infrastructure Series," which features drawings that created by burning, scorching and sanding plywood.



On Main Street, there will be music from 5 to 8 p.m. with two performances by Dysfunkcrew, and a surprise guest artist.
We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 28

By Demir Azizov Trend:



A Science and Technology Center will be established under Uzbekenergo JSC upon Uzbek President Islam Karimovs decree.

The Science and Technology Center will be charged with working out a development strategy of the electric power industry, the decree said.

According to the decree on "Measures on further improvement of the scientific and technical activity in the electric power industry", the center, which is being established on the basis of the abolished Institute of Energy and Automation under the Uzbek Academy of Sciences, will carry out applied research development for the electric power industry, test and implement the perspective domestic development.

The center will also work out new strategies for the development of the energy sector, including medium and long term programs of modernization of energy companies to introduce ecological and renewable energy sources, the decree said.

Currently, Uzbekistans power system includes 45 power plants with a total capacity of over 12,800 megawatts.

According to Uzbekenergo, electricity production increased by 3.6 percent up to 57.6 billion kilowatt / hours in the country in 2015.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

Trend:

Some officials of SOCAR Turkey Energy company (Turkish subsidiary of Azerbaijans state oil company (SOCAR) resigned in connection with the military coup attempt in Turkey, the Turkish media reported July 28.

According to the media, among those resigned are Omer Adsiz, director of PR department at SOCAR Turkey, Ilgar Mehmetoglu, director of the companys HR department, Cetin Korkut, director of the companys IT department, as well as Fuat Ulagay, director of HR department at Star refinery.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

President Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in the country on July 20.
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Imperial Valley News Center

FTC Requires Teva to Divest Over 75 Generic Drugs to Settle Competition Concerns Related to its Acquisition of Allergans Generic Business

Washington, DC - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has agreed to sell the rights and assets related to 79 pharmaceutical products to settle FTC charges that its proposed $40.5 billion acquisition of Allergan plcs generic pharmaceutical business would be anticompetitive. The remedy requires Teva to divest the drug portfolio to eleven firms, and marks the largest drug divestiture order in an FTC pharmaceutical merger case.

The FTC order will preserve competition in U.S. pharmaceutical markets where Teva and Allergan compete now or would likely have competed in the future if not for the merger. The divested products include anesthetics, antibiotics, weight loss drugs, oral contraceptives, and treatments for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including ADHD, allergies, arthritis, cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, mental illnesses, opioid dependence, pain, Parkinsons disease, and respiratory, skin and sleep disorders.

Millions of Americans rely daily on generic drugs to treat a wide range of illnesses, said Debbie Feinstein, Director of the FTCs Bureau of Competition. The FTCs settlement safeguards the competitive availability of these medications for patients across the country who depend on them.

As explained in its Statement, the Commission also evaluated whether this transaction would have anticompetitive effects beyond those occurring in individual product markets, but concluded that the evidence showed it was unlikely to do so. Specifically, the Commission considered whether the transaction would lower incentives to develop or bring new generic drugs to market, as well as whether the combined companys ability to bundle products could have an anticompetitive effect.

The acquirers of the divested products are Mayne Pharma Group Ltd., Impax Laboratories, Inc., Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cipla Limited, Zydus Worldwide DMCC, Mikah Pharma LLC, Perrigo Pharma International D.A.C., Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc., Prasco LLC and 3M Company.

Teva and Allergan must divest the drug products no later than 10 days after the acquisition is complete, and to help ensure that the order achieves its remedial goals, they are required to provide technical assistance and other transitional services to ensure that the acquirers can independently manufacture and sell the divested products. The FTC order includes an asset maintenance order and enables the Commission to appoint two interim monitors.

In addition to the product divestitures, to address the anticompetitive effects likely to arise in markets for 15 pharmaceutical products where Teva supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients to current or future Allergan competitors, the FTC order additionally requires Teva to offer these existing API customers the option of entering into long-term API supply contracts. This option ensures that these customers have access to essential API inputs and provides them sufficient time to qualify alternative suppliers if they choose to do so.

Further details about the complaint and the proposed consent order are set forth in the analysis to aid public comment for this matter.

Israel-based Teva, a global manufacturer of generic and branded pharmaceuticals, is the largest generic pharmaceutical producer in the world. Allergan is also a global producer of generic, branded and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, and the third largest generic in the U.S.

Commission staff and the staff of antitrust agencies in the European Union, Canada, Israel, and Mexico worked cooperatively on this investigation.

The Commission votes to issue the complaint and accept the proposed consent order for public comment, and to approve the Commission Statement were both 3-0. The FTC will publish the consent agreement package in the Federal Register shortly. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, beginning today and continuing through August 29, 2016, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Comments can be filed electronically or in paper form by following the instructions in the Supplementary Information section of the Federal Register notice.
Visit of Republic of Korea (R.O.K). Deputy National Security Advisor Cho Tae-yong

Washington, DC - Deputy Secretary Antony Blinken will host First Deputy Director of the Republic of Korea (R.O.K.) National Security Office Cho Tae-yong in Washington today, for the third round of U.S.-R.O.K. strategic consultations on North Korea policy.

The two will discuss ways to enhance international resolve in holding North Korea accountable for its actions, including its destabilizing violations of UN Security Council resolutions.
Realizing the Potential of Quantum Information Science and Advancing High-Performance Computing

Washington, DC - Quantum mechanics describes the behavior and interaction of matter and energy at the scale of individual atoms or subatomic particles. We intuitively understand the collective effects of particles at much larger scales, but quantum behavior can often seem strange and counterintuitive. For example, at the most fundamental level, both matter and radiation (including visible light) behave in some ways like discrete particles and in other ways like continuous waves, resulting in surprising properties.

These quantum phenomena include superposition (in which a system simultaneously includes all possible measurement outcomes with some probability, and only has a fixed value once such a measurement takes place) and entanglement (a superposition of the states of multiple particles, in which their properties are correlated with each other). Taking advantage of such properties to process informationworking at the intersection of quantum phenomena with information scienceprovides unique and exciting opportunities in sensing, metrology, navigation, communications, fundamental physics, simulation, new paradigms in computing, and a host of other areas. These exciting prospects are summarized in a new report from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Advancing Quantum Information Science: National Challenges and Opportunities.

The NSTC report being issued today is the product of an interagency working group that was created to assess the current status of the field, coordinate activities across the relevant Federal agencies, engage stakeholders, and consider ways to address impediments and facilitate progress in quantum information science (QIS). Efforts to date have included internal discussions, agency-led and interagency workshops, and public requests for information; working group efforts will continue to include both Federal activity and outreach to the relevant research, development, and related communities in support of the broad ecosystem needed to realize the promise of quantum information science.

As a complement to the interagency report, the Department of Energy (DOE) is also publishing today the report of a recent roundtable on Quantum Sensors at the Intersections of Fundamental Science, Quantum Information Science, and Computing. The roundtable report provides a perspective from experts in the research community on promising scientific directions, needs for additional progress, and potential approaches consistent with the DOE mission. Other agencies have also held workshops and undertaken other activities reflecting the growing attention to QIS, including the recent launch of a cross-cutting National Science Foundation metaprogram on Connections in Quantum Information Science that complements and coordinates several existing programs within specific disciplines.

In addition to having strong connections to other related science and technology initiatives, there is significant synergy between the QIS effort and the National Strategic Computing Initiative (NSCI). The NSCI is a whole-of-Nation effort, created by Executive Order on July 29, 2015, to ensure continued U.S. leadership in high-performance computing (HPC) and to maximize the benefits of HPC for the economy and scientific discovery.

One key NSCI strategic objective is to establish, over the next 15 years, a viable path forward for future HPC systems. The NSCI pursues this objective through two concurrent paths: technologies that accelerate traditional digital computing after the limits of current semiconductor technologies are reached; and a range of new computing paradigmsincluding quantum computingto address problems beyond the scope of traditional high performance computing. Some promising options on both NSCI paths depend on QIS. Understanding and controlling quantum effects will be critical to further miniaturization of charge-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices, and to refining alternatives for digital computing such as spin-based CMOS or superconducting computing. Basic and applied QIS research and development is also needed to clarify the range of computational problems a potential quantum computer could address, and to resolve the many challenges to fielding a practical quantum computer.

Today, OSTP is also publishing the National Strategic Computing Initiative (NSCI) Strategic Plan, authored by the NSCI Executive Council. Realizing the vision of the NSCI will demand a fully developed HPC ecosystem that meets the needs of government, industry, and academia. This Strategic Plan (Plan) focuses on areas where government engagement is essential in creating the technological capability, computational foundations, and workforce capacity to realize the vision of the NSCI. The Plan identifies the roles assigned to Federal agencies, and highlights ongoing and prospective activities that will contribute to NSCIs goals. A combination of broad commercial drivers and government action is necessary to achieve the vision of the NSCI, but the success of the initiative depends upon deeper collaboration among the Federal Government, industry, and academia in the development, commercialization, and deployment of new HPC technologies and infrastructure. The NSCI strives to establish and support a collaborative ecosystem in strategic computing that will support scientific discovery and economic drivers for the 21st century, and that will not naturally evolve from current commercial activity.

OSTP intends to engage academia, industry, and government in the upcoming months to discuss activity in both fields, exchange views on key needs and opportunities, and consider how to maintain vibrant and robust national ecosystems for QIS research and development and for high-performance computing. These conversations will offer an opportunity to discuss mechanisms for addressing challenges in these rapidly-developing fields, including disciplinary and institutional boundaries, education and workforce training, and technology and knowledge transfer.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28



By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend:

Anar Mammadov has been appointed new director general of the Turkish Petkim petrochemical complex, Turkeys Public Disclosure Platform (Kamuoyunu Aydnlatma Platformu - KAP) said in a message posted on its website July 28.

According to the message, Sadeddin Korkut, Petkims previous director general, resigned and was later arrested on charges of being involved in Fethullah Gulens movement.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.



However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.



Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.



President Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in the country on July 20.
Secretary of State John Kerry's Meeting with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte

Manila, Philippines - The President of the Philippines hosted U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for a working lunch at his residence in Manila today.

The luncheon was an opportunity for Secretary Kerry to congratulate President Duterte for his election victory, which he said showed the strength and vibrancy of Filipino democracy.

The two discussed the full range of bilateral and regional issues that underpin U.S.-Philippines relations, including the recent decision by the arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea, security and defense cooperation, law enforcement assistance, human rights, countering violent extremism, economic development and climate change.

Secretary Kerry pledged U.S. willingness to provide continued assistance to the Philippine government as it works to address drug trafficking and violent extremism, and to deepen and strengthen bilateral relations across the board.
Under Secretary Sewall Travels to Guatemala

Washington, DC - Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall will travel to Guatemala July 27-29.

In Guatemala, Under Secretary Sewall will meet with representatives from government, the United Nations International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala, commonly known by its Spanish acronym, CICIG, and civil society to underscore U.S. support for Guatemalan efforts to ensure justice and accountability, particularly for civil war atrocities and corruption. Under Secretary Sewall will also meet with activists for human rights and womens rights, indigenous leaders, and victims of recent high-profile, wartime atrocity trials. On July 27, Under Secretary Sewall will tour a forensics lab and take questions from the press.
U.S.-Japan Bilateral Cyber Dialogue

Washington, DC - The 4th United States-Japan Bilateral Cyber Dialogue was held in Washington D.C. on July 27, 2016.

Mr. Christopher Painter, Coordinator for Cyber Issues, U.S. Department of State, led the U.S. delegation, which included representatives from the National Security Council staff, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, and other agencies. Mr. Koichi Mizushima, Japans Ambassador in charge of Cyber Policy and Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Policy Bureau, led the Japanese delegation which included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Secretariat, the National Center of Incident readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity, the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Defense.

The Cyber Dialogue reaffirmed the benefits of a whole-of-government approach between Japan and the United States on cyber policy and reinforced cooperation between the two countries on a wide range of cyber issues, including the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, capacity building, information sharing, military-to-military cyber cooperation, cybercrime, and international security issues in cyberspace. The United States and Japan also reaffirmed their commitment to support an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable cyberspace.
Recent Israeli Settlement Announcements

Washington, DC - We are deeply concerned by reports today that the Government of Israel has published tenders for 323 units in East Jerusalem settlements. This follows Mondays announcement of plans for 770 units in the settlement of Gilo.

We strongly oppose settlement activity, which is corrosive to the cause of peace. These steps by Israeli authorities are the latest examples of what appears to be a steady acceleration of settlement activity that is systematically undermining the prospects for a two- state solution.

In just the past few weeks, we have seen reports of the advancement of plans for 531 units in Maale Adumim, 19 in Har Homa, 120 in Ramot, and 30 in Pisgat Zeev; the advancement of a plan to retroactively legalize an outpost near Ramallah; and the issuance of tenders for 42 units in Kiryat Arba.

We are also concerned about recent increased demolitions of Palestinian structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which reportedly have left dozens of Palestinians homeless, including children. More than 650 Palestinian structures have been demolished this year, with more Palestinian structures demolished in the West Bank and East Jerusalem thus far than in all of 2015.

As the recent Quartet Report highlighted, this is part of an ongoing process of land seizures, settlement expansion, legalizations of outposts, and denial of Palestinian development that risk entrenching a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict. We remain troubled that Israel continues this pattern of provocative and counterproductive action, which raises serious questions about Israel's ultimate commitment to a peaceful, negotiated settlement with the Palestinians.
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In the 19th century, in a dim gas-lit seance parlour, the spirits of Titian and Correggio returned to the mortal world to guide the hand of a medium artist, Georgiana Houghton. Claiming to be under the direction of her spirit guides, Houghton drew extraordinarily vibrant and colourful expressions of spiritual abstraction unlike anything seen before in art. As Houghton herself declared, her work was without parallel in the world.

Georgiana Houghtons spirit drawings are pioneering examples of abstract art and a selection of these are now on display at the Courtauld Institute in London. The exhibition contributes to an emerging area of art historical re-evaluation of this period, which intends to change our understanding of 19th-century art.

A new spiritualism

Modern Spiritualism began as a movement in America in the 1840s, and its origin is often attributed to the Fox sisters of Hydesville. Spiritualists believed that the human spirit survives death and continues to take an active interest in the mortal world. Central to this movement were spirit mediums. A medium was someone who was perceived to have a special sensitivity to spirit communication, and through whom it was believed such communication across the two worlds was possible.

Spiritualism arrived in Britain in the early 1850s where it gained widespread popularity and caused a considerable cultural impact. This included a form of creative mediumship in which drawings and paintings were produced during seances.

Georgiana Houghton (1814-1884) was one of many artistic British mediums. At the age of 45, she first became interested in spiritualism after the death of her younger sister and began attending seances. In 1861, she developed her skills as an artistic medium and throughout the 1860s and 1870s produced hundreds of symbolic artworks.

Only 40 of these now survive and a vibrant sample have been chosen for display at the Courtauld exhibition. In 1871, Houghton also chose to exhibit her work and she rented a gallery in Old Bond Street to present her spirit drawings to a London audience. This indicated that Houghton wanted her seance work to gain merit as art in itself, but she also used the exhibition to expose spiritualist ideas to the general public.

Georgiana Houghton, Evenings at Home in Spiritual Seance, 1882

Among other British mediums who painted or drew in trance-states or during seances, reportedly under the influence of spirits, were Anna Mary Howitt, Barbara Honywood, Catherine Berry, David Duguid, Jane Stewart Smith, and William and Elizabeth Wilkinson. Importantly, these medium artists were significant contributors to a major 19th-century movement  Modern Spiritualism  which spanned across the globe from America to Australia, from Scotland to South Africa.

Their work ranged from abstract shapes to figurative forms, yet while their styles differed they were unified by the same goal, which was to use artistic mediumship to convince the viewer of the truth: that the spirit world existed and that spirits could interact with the living.

Life after death

Seance drawings and paintings were deemed to be spirit artefacts by fellow spiritualists. In order to understand both the visual language and the spiritual status of such artworks there was an emphasis on the way in which they were created. The medium would often go into a trance, during which it was believed that he or she would channel the spirit who would then author the artwork.

Experiencing the seance and watching the creation of spirit art was to allegedly witness the engagement of spirits with the mortal world, and was often deemed as evidence of life after death. Therefore, the artworks produced during seances were also thought to be evidence of spiritual interactions with mortals. These mediums works were intended to be understood by spiritualists who had sacred knowledge of the spirit world, and for those who did not have such an insight, the medium was necessary to further mediate the artworks meaning to the viewer.

Georgiana Houghton, Glory be to God (1864), watercolour. (Victorian Spiritualists' Union, Melbourne, Australia/Courtauld Gallery, London.) (Victorian Spiritualists' Union, Melbourne, Australia/Courtauld Gallery, London.)

An inscription on the back of one of Houghtons drawings explicitly makes this point. On the reverse of The Eyes of the Lord (c.1866) her caption explains the concept of her symbolism: The Trinity is represented throughout by my having always drawn three Eyes conjoined, but that will not be perceptible to those who have not seen the drawings in progress.

Houghton was aware that viewers who attended seances gained an advantage in understanding the sacred message. The verso explanations on many of Houghtons works and her daily attendance at the exhibition in 1871 were practical measures to help the viewer access the meaning of the drawings. It also ensured that the sacred knowledge of the spirit world was imparted to a wider audience, an audience whom Houghton hoped would become convinced of the teachings of spiritualism.

A forgotten art form

The collective work by medium artists is an overlooked area of 19th-century artistic output. It was forgotten by the mainstream mainly due to a lasting scepticism of the practices that produced the spiritual oeuvre. Fraudulence was often rife among mediums, and most of the British medium artists listed above attracted their share of suspicion and scandal.

The curators of the current exhibition draw attention to a 19th-century critics response to Houghtons 1871 exhibition. From a position of distrust toward spiritualism, the critic stated: We should not have called attention to this exhibition at all, did we not believe that it will disgust all sober people with the follies which it is intended to advance and promote.

Subsequently, such sceptical views contributed to the rejection of spirit art as a subject unworthy of consideration. Instead, this genre of outsider art faded into obscurity. This was irrespective of its legacy on automatic drawings practised by French symbolists, Dadaists and Surrealists.

Despite this, there have been recent attempts to re-examine the importance of these spiritualist works as innovative and pioneering for their time. One approach is to introduce new audiences to this different type of art in gallery exhibitions, including both the current exhibition of Houghtons drawings at the Courtauld Gallery and the recent exhibition on Hilma af Klimt: Painting the Unseen at the Serpentine Gallery, also in London.

Three decades after Houghton produced her spirit drawings, Hilma af Klint, a Swedish spiritualist and theosophist, produced large abstract paintings also allegedly under the influence of spiritual forces. These recent exhibitions in London have given new consideration to the colourful and abstract art forms of these medium artists, which precede Mondrian and Kandinsky.

A review of Houghtons exhibition in 1871 pronounced it to be the most astonishing exhibition in London at the present moment. If the 2016 exhibition at the Courtauld can convincingly redefine our assumptions of 19th-century art, which it is sure to do, that review is as relevant today as it was 145 years ago.

This article was first published in The Conversation. Michelle Foot is a Doctoral Researcher in History of Art, University of Aberdeen.
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Juliette Binoche is jumping from art house movie theatres and the stage to big budget blockbusters and blaming her children for the move. The actress has just completed shooting the big budget live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, alongside Scarlett Johansson.

The 52-year-old has two children, a 22-year-old son, Raphael, with professional scuba diver, Andre Halle and a 16-year-old daughter, Hana, with actor Benoit Magimel. They have got to the age where they are having a say over her career.

My children asked me to go and make Godzilla and Ghost in the Shell. Ghost was shot in New Zealand and I felt like being away for a month-and-a-half on the other side of the world was too much, especially after Id been away touring Antigone on stage, and I felt like it was too long a trip, and they couldnt come. But they gave me permission.

It was also the first time that she has got to make a sci-fi Hollywood blockbuster. Godzilla doesnt really count because her character lasted five minutes before being killed off. Its a new world, and I love having a peek into new worlds.

Ghost in the Shell is based on a Japanese manga comic. The animated stories featured a fictional counter-cyberterrorist organisation, Public Security Section 9, operating in the middle of the 21st Century in Japan. There have been several popular animated screen adaptations, and now we have the live-action version.

But Binoche hasnt forgotten her roots either. The Cannes Film Festival saw the debut of her new film, Slack Bay, which sees her reunite with French auteur Bruno Dumont, with whom she made Camille Claudel 1915 in 2013. Slack Bay is also set in the early 20th Century, 1910 to be precise, but could not be more different from the austere biopic on the French sculpture and graphic artist who suffered from schizophrenia. Slack Bay is a comedy featuring cannibalism and is about the madness of the bourgeoisie.

I know the French bourgeoisie, so I just picked up things that Ive noticed, recounts Binoche. I explored the humour of it and mocking myself as being a drama actress, or being a tragic actress, or being spiritual and going into layers and just generally laughing at yourself.

Often referred to as La Binoche, the actress is fully aware of her own iconic status. She was particularly attracted to Slack Bay because Dumont also encouraged the actors to perform like characters from early French cinema. They give big performances that were more common in the silent age. Her character, who comes in like a hurricane half way through the movie, is a performance based on Cecile Sorel, a member of the Comedie-Francaise, whose most famous film role was starring in a 1909 version of La Tosca. There was an interview with her in a program and I looked at it over and over again, and there was a lot to take from her.

Other inspirations were closer to home: My father was a mime artist, and he did shows wearing masks and I was used to imitating him. I was 10 years old and performing sketches with my friends, so it was part of me, I was more extroverted than introverted. I wanted to be in my fathers shoes and make people laugh.

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Nonetheless, her early career took her to drama. She acted for Jean-Luc Godard in Hail Mary (1985), but it was her stellar work with French enfant terrible Leos Carax that brought her international fame There was the incredible scene dancing to David Bowies Modern Love in Mauvais Sang, where she played a femme fatale, and then came the astonishing turn as a homeless woman losing her sight in les amants du Pont-neuf (1991), a film that ensured that the pedestrian bridge would become one of the most romantic spots in the world.

Away from Carax, her talent and beauty bowled over Daniel Day Lewis in the sexy adaptation of Milan Kunderas The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988). She won an Oscar in 1997 for Best Supporting Actress in The English Patient and was nominated for Best Actress in 2001 for her turn in Chocolat.

But shes always secretly been hankering to do comedy. The first films I saw were Charlie Chaplin films and they deeply imprinted on me. I could be laughing or in tears, and it made me feel alive. Maybe through time, Im not scared to be more and more ridiculous. I believe the more you live, the better you are, there are perfumes coming out of your unconscious, because of what you experience in life.

Although she says some parts of her life are as hectic as ever. Relationships? I dont think Ive made a lot of progress on that. I had a relationship for 15 years  we stopped, we came back, we stopped and we came back  somehow because of that time separating and getting back together, it helps you to be less possessive. Life went by and I learned things, but changes? I think we are always the same inside.

The actress never looks too far ahead. I dont have plans. I think the plan is already somewhere. Im just following that plan.

The actress has also had a surprising career as a dancer. In 2008 she performed a solo dance show, choreographed by Akram Khat at the National Theatre. The actress who had never danced professionally got decidedly mixed reviews for the show, IN-I. When I asked her why she would want to be judged as a dancer, she retorted, Youre English. Why do you see it like this. She then explains that as with her acting, its about taking risks. Its my need as a human being, of knowing myself, but also giving myself. We are alive, so lets be alive, lets explore, lets share, lets move, lets be.

The dance theme continues as she also stars in, Polina, dancer sa vie, about a young dancer who wants to be accepted into the Bolshoi Ballet, but who has to cope with failure. Binoche plans a dance instructor in the film that will premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

The desire to dance, make comedies and appear in sci-fi movies is probably why Binoche has always been so good in the roles she chooses, as she is not afraid to fail, or perhaps more accurately, she doesnt see her career as a being defined by success and failure. Her life is not a crescendo, where one beat leads to the next, but a beautiful form of free jazz, where the journey takes unexpected beautiful twists.

Polina, danser sa vie, plays at the Venice Film Festival. Ghost in the Shell is coming out in March 2017. Slack Bay will be screened later this year
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Matt Damon may be busy running from the government in Jason Bourne, but it a matter of months hell be fighting monsters in The Great Wall.

Directed by Zhang Yimou - best known for Hero, House of Flying Daggers, and Ju Dou - the film, which marks his first English-language feature, has received its first trailer.

The clip quickly details the films plot: that Damon, a European warrior, will team up with Game of Thrones' Pedro Pascal and Andy Laus characters to take on monsters who are attempting to breach The Great Wall of China. Also starring in the film is Willem Dafoe, Jing Tian, Luhan, and Zhang Hanyu.

Speaking to EW about the film, Yimou said: The film takes place about 1,000 years ago. At its core, it is a period piece and an action film. The fantasy element does play a major role because of the monsters. But, what makes our film unique is that these are ancient Chinese monsters.

Films to watch in 2016 Show all 30 1 /30 Films to watch in 2016 Films to watch in 2016 Hail, Caesar - 5 February The Coen brothers' latest film might be their most ambitious yet. Telling the story of a Hollywood fixer struggling to keep A-listers in line, it has a movie within a movie, an amazing cast, and, judging by the first trailer, some luxurious visuals Films to watch in 2016 Deadpool - 12 February Comic book superhero movies have been getting slowly more self-referential and self-parodic lately, and Deadpool looks to be taking itself even less seriously than Guardians of the Galaxy or Ant-Man. It looks as though fans will finally be getting the comic book-faithful, foul-mouthed version of the character they wanted, but it remains to be seen whether Deadpool will actually be funny, or just descend into toilet humour Films to watch in 2016 Zoolander No. 2 - 12 February Zoolander's return was derailed somewhat by backlash over a trans/gender fluid character played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The long-awaited sequel will no doubt do well at the box office, but I'm not sure if the fashion industry is as fertile for satire now as it was in 2001, and the trailer relies too heavily on honouring old gags rather than creating new ones Films to watch in 2016 Knight of Cups - 4 March A new film from Terrence Malick should have been a huge cause for celebration, but Knight of Cups has been swimming in post-Cannes purgatory for months now. In March it will finally get a theatrical release. Starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman, it sees a man return home from New York and get sucked into the hollow hedonism of LA, fighting to extricate himself from it Films to watch in 2016 Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - 4 March Based on journalist Kim Barkers 2011 memoir The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan, this dark comedy sees Tina Fey play a foreign correspondent reporting in the Middle East during Operation Enduring Freedom, where she develops a weird relationship with a fellow journalist played by Martin Freeman Films to watch in 2016 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - 18 March The wind seems to have gone out of the sails of the Man of Steel series in spite of the addition of a new Batman, and there's a more palpable anticipation for Suicide Squad (which arrives later in the year) Films to watch in 2016 Everybody Wants Some - 15 April Coming off the back of multi-Oscar winner Boyhood, this Richard Linklater film looks a lot like Dazed and Confused if it was set in the 80s, albeit pitched more towards comedy Films to watch in 2016 The Jungle Book - 15 April Disney is trampling on its own hallowed ground with this live action remake. Elf and Iron Man director Jon Favreau is a fairly safe pair of hands though, and Idris Elba, Ben Kingsley, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong'o, Christopher Walken, Giancarlo Esposito and Bill Murray are all on board Films to watch in 2016 Money Monster - 13 May 'Financial TV personality Lee Gates, who offers up stock advice on his hit show "Money Monster," is held hostage by a viewer, Kyle Budwell, who lost all of his money following a bad tip from Lee during his show' Films to watch in 2016 Snowden - 13 May Platoon director Oliver Stone takes on a very important and timely story. But can he make it entertaining the way The Big Short did with the financial crisis? Films to watch in 2016 X-Men Apocalypse - 27 May 2016 will see a ninth X-Men film. Ninth. Every cast member you would expect will be back to collect their paychecks, which might require a crane Films to watch in 2016 Finding Dory - 17 June The Finding Nemo sequel will focus on Ellen DeGeneres' forgetful blue tang fish. It's expected to have an anti-SeaWorld message, which should make it strike a chord with parents as well as children Films to watch in 2016 Independence Day: Resurgence - 24 June Will Smith isn't in it. Moving on Films to watch in 2016 The BFG - 1 July There's still a lot of love for Roald Dahl's stories, and this one is being adapted by none other than Steven Spielberg. There hasn't been a huge amount of buzz around it but it's early days, and Mark Rylance is an interesting casting for the titular Big Friendly Giant Films to watch in 2016 La La Land - 15 July There's a lot of expectation on director Damien Chazelle's shoulders following the success of Whiplash, one of the smallest films ever to have been nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. La La Land will certainly be different, a musical comedy-drama about a young pianist and an actor played by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone respectively Films to watch in 2016 Ghostbusters - 15 July This is something of a question mark. On one hand, it's landed a cast of incredibly funny actresses, but on the other, another reboot? Really? There's also thought to be a very meta all-male version in the works from the creators of Jump Street, set in the same universe as Men In Black no less Films to watch in 2016 Star Trek Beyond - 22 July If you thought Abrams' Star Trek films were bad, feast your eyes on the trailer for the next one from the director of the Fast & Furious franchise. Expect major face-palming from Trekkies in July. Hopefully the new TV show will offer something a bit less action-orientated and a bit more cerebral Films to watch in 2016 Untitled fifth Bourne film - 29 July The Bourne series completely went off the boil with Jeremy Renner as its lead, but now both Matt Damon and original director Paul Greengrass are back to steady the ship. This might well be Jason Bourne's last outing, so I hope they send him off in style Films to watch in 2016 Suicide Squad - 5 August Harley Quinn was one of the most popular Halloween costumes this year, despite the holiday falling months before the release of the film she's in. That says a lot about the hype over this comic book adaptation, which revels in the villains rather than the heroes for once and sees Jared Leto step into Heath Ledger's size 58 boots as the new Joker Films to watch in 2016 Sully - 9 September Friendly-looking dad named Chesley Sullenberger who saves a plane load of people? Tom Hanks is your guy. Clint Eastwood will direct this biopic, about an airline captain who was hailed as a national hero in the US after successfully executing an emergency water landing on the Hudson River off Manhattan Films to watch in 2016 Bridget Joness Baby - 16 September It's 2015 and Bridget is now pouring her soul into an iPad rather than a diary. This sequel might perfectly skewer the frustration of growing up in an increasingly youth-orientated world, or it might just serve to tarnish the originals like with Sex and the City 2 Films to watch in 2016 The Magnificent Seven - 23 September I'm not convinced there's the demand for Westerns that Hollywood seems to think there is. We'll find out in September with Antoine Fuqua's remake of 1960's The Magnificent Seven. Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke are among the gang Films to watch in 2016 Masterminds - 30 September Based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo Robbery in North Carolina, this comedy comes from the man behind Napoleon Dynamite. Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig and Jason Sudeikis form a strong cast, but there are no trailers to go on yet Films to watch in 2016 The Girl on the Train - 7 October That book everyone was reading on the commute inevitably makes it cinemas in October, with Emily Blunt playing Rachel Watson, an alcoholic whose husband left her for his mistress, and who witnesses a murder and starts to realize that she may have been involved in the crime Films to watch in 2016 Doctor Strange - 4 November Doctor Strange might not have been the most obvious character to take to the big screen, but by this point Marvel could make $1billion at the box office from a comic an exec once scrawled on a piece of toilet paper Films to watch in 2016 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - 18 November J.K. Rowling makes her screenwriting debut adapting her own book here, with a film that takes place in the Harry Potter universe but is well removed from Hogwarts Films to watch in 2016 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - 16 December Disney is releasing a Star Wars movie every year between now and 2020. This first standalone 'anthology' film centres on a Death Star heist, but may prove to just be filler while Star Wars 8 is in production Films to watch in 2016 Passengers - 21 December 'A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in one of its sleep chambers. As a result, a single passenger is awakened 60 years early. Faced with the prospect of growing old and dying alone, he eventually decides to wake up a second passenger' Films to watch in 2016 Jumanji - 25 December Is nothing sacred? Everyone is so pissed about this remake of the Robin Williams cult hit that it will be a miracle if it escapes a critical drubbing Films to watch in 2016 Silence - sometime in 2016 Martin Scorsese's next film doesn't have a mafioso or corrupt banker in sight. Liam Neeson and Andrew Garfield star, playing two Jesuit Portuguese Catholic priests who face violent persecution when they travel to Japan to seek out their mentor and spread the teachings of Christianity

Even though its a fantasy movie, we filmed it in a very realistic way. We want it to feel like the events actually happened. Other than the monster, all aspects of this film are backed by either scientific or historical research.

The Great Wall, which will hit cinemas in 2017, also marks the most expensive film ever shot entirely in China, having a budget of $135 million.
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Dozens of migrant workers at gourmet burger chain Byron Hamburgers have been arrested in an immigration raid, sparking a public backlash against the company.

The Home Office confirmed 35 people from Albania, Brazil, Nepal and Egypt had been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences at restaurants in London.

London-based Spanish language newspaper El Iberico reported that some 150 more staff were "in hiding" after the raids, which a number of employees claim took place after they were asked to attend staff health and safety training sessions that had been set up as a "trap".

Sources claimed they had been invited to attend a the session on the day of the raid, before being met by immigration officers, a claim the company has refused to respond to.

The Home Office dismissed the claims, but said the operation, carried out on 4 July, had taken place with Byron's "full co-operation".

One worker told El Iberico: "People are angry and frightened by this situation. In the years I've been in the business I had never seen anything like it."

In a statement on Facebook, an assemblage of independent groups called on the general public to boycott the company and join in protest next month over Byrons treatment of its staff.

A spokesperson said: No human being is illegal. No one is disposable."

Employees said some of the workers arrested had been part of the company for four years.

A Byron spokesperson said in a statement: We can confirm that several of Byron's London restaurants were visited by representatives of the Home Office. These visits resulted in the removal of members of staff who are suspected by the Home Office of not having the right to work in the UK, and of possessing fraudulent personal and right to work documentation that is in breach of immigration and employment regulation.

"The Home Office recognises that Byron as an employer is fully compliant with immigration and asylum law in its employment practices, and that Byron had carried out the correct right to work checks on staff members, but had been shown false/counterfeit documentation.

"At Byron we are proud of the diversity of our restaurant teams, built around people of all backgrounds and all walks of life.

"We have cooperated fully and acted upon the Home Offices requests throughout the course of the investigations leading to this action, and will continue to do so."
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The board of the French energy giant EDF has finally given its approval to the Hinkley Point nuclear project.

The board of the company - which is more than 80 per cent owned by the French state - voted in favour of proceeding with the UK's first new power station in twenty years.

But in a surprise development, the UK's Business Secretary Greg Clark has said the government will consider carefully before approving the deal, leaving open the possibility that it may yet still not go ahead.

"The UK needs a reliable and secure energy supply and the government believes that nuclear energy is an important part of the mix" Mr Clark said.

"The government will now consider carefully all the component parts of this project and make its decision in the early autumn.

The expectation was that the UK government, which has previously been an enthusiastic supporter of the agreement, would sign up without delay.

Sources said the EDF vote had been carried by 10 votes to 7 on the board.

Six union representatives on the board as well as Laurence Parisot, the former head of the French employers' organisation, are said to have opposed going ahead.

Earlier in the day, Gerard Magnin, who has a background in alternative energies, had resigned from the board saying that the 18bn project is too financially risky for EDF and will divert France away from investment in renewable energy.

Despite today's green light the resignation of Magnin and the seven other votes against reflect growing doubts about Hinkley Point and the financial capacity for EDF to deliver the plant.

The firm's chief financial officer, Thomas Piquemal, resigned in March over the project, saying it would jeopardise EDF's financial situation.

As a board member proposed by the government shareholder, I no longer want to support a strategy that I do not agree with, Magnin wrote in a letter to EDF chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy which has been seen by Reuters.

EDF is listed on the French stock exchange but the French state retains an 81 per cent stake.

When the project to build a state-of-the art European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) on the Somerset coast was originally outlined in October 2014 EDF was only supposed to take a 50 per cent stake.

The rest was supposed to be financed by Chinese state companies and another majority state-owned French-nuclear engineering firm Areva.

But Areva has subsquently stumbled financially and its nuclear unit has been absorbed by EDF. And the Chinese have said they will fund no more than a third of the project, leaving EDF to finance 66 per cent of Hinkely Point.

Since January 2015 EDF's share price has fallen by 50 per cent and its market capitalisation is just 22bn, close to the entire Hinkley Point project value.

 UK guarantees 2bn for Hinkley

The company, which has 37.4bn of debt, also needs to spend 50bn to upgrade its French nuclear plants over the next decade.

Let's hope that Hinkley Point will not drag EDF in the same abyss as Areva said Magnin in his letter.

The Hinkley Point reactor is also controversial in the UK as the UK government has agreed to buy electricity from the plant for 35 years at a price that is more than twice current market rates.

Tony Ward, head of power and utilities at the accountacy firm EY said the EDF decision was a "major vote of confidence in the UKs energy market, and in the vital role that new nuclear will play in delivering the UKs low carbon aspirations."

The project represents a significant milestone in the United Kingdoms energy future. It will play a key role in further securing and decarbonising our energy supply, putting us on the right path to a sustainable energy mix" said the CBI's deputy Director-General Josh Hardie.

But John Sauven, the executive director of Greenpeace, noted that the EDF board vote was closer than expected.

Today's decision doesnt prove the UK is open for business post Brexit - it just shows the Hinkley deal became too big to fail in the eyes of British and French politicians he said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) sold $50 million to 28 banks through an auction held by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), SOFAZ said July 28.

SOFAZ will continue selling foreign currency through auctions in 2016. The foreign currency is sold as part of SOFAZs transfers to the Azerbaijani state budget, which are envisaged to stand at 7.615 billion Azerbaijani manats in 2016.

SOFAZ was established in 1999 with assets of $271 million.

As of July 1, 2016, SOFAZs assets increased by 4.6 percent and amounted to $35.1 billion as compared to $33.57 billion in early 2016.
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A board member of the French energy giant EDF has resigned ahead of a vote to give the green light to construction of the controversial Hinkley Point nuclear power station in Somerset.

Gerard Magnin, one of 18 board members, quit today saying that the 18bn project is too financially risky for EDF and will divert France away from investment in renewable energy.

The resignation of Magnin, who has a background in alternative energy, is not expected to derail EDF's approval for the project today.

But it signals growing doubts about Hinkley Point and the financial capacity for EDF to deliver the UK's first new nuclear power station in 20 years.

The firm's chief financial officer, Thomas Piqemal, resigned in March over the project, saying it would jeopardise EDF's financial situation.

As a board member proposed by the government shareholder, I no longer want to support a strategy that I do not agree with, Magnin wrote in a letter to EDF chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy which has been seen by Reuters.

EDF is listed on the French stock exchange but the French state retains an 81 per cent stake.

When the project to build a state-of-the art European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) on the Somerset coast was originally outlined in October 2014 EDF was only supposed to take a 50 per cent stake.

The rest was supposed to be financed by Chinese state companies and another majority state-owned French-nuclear engineering firm Areva.

But Areva has subsquently stumbled financially and its nuclear unit has been absorbed by EDF. And the Chinese have said they will fund no more than a third of the project, leaving EDF to finance 66 per cent of Hinkely Point.

Since January 2015 EDF's share price has fallen by 50 per cent and its market capitalisation is just 22bn, less than the entire Hinkley Point project value.

The company, which has 37.4bn of debt, also needs to spend 50bn to upgrade its French nuclear plants over the next decade.

 UK guarantees 2bn for Hinkley

Let's hope that Hinkley Point will not drag EDF in the same abyss as Areva said Magnin in his letter.

EDF unions have six seats on the board and have suggested they might vote against the Hinkley Point investment, arguing that it could jeopardise the company's future.

The Hinkley Point reactor is also controversial in the UK as the UK government has agreed to buy electricity from the plant for 35 years at a price that is more than twice current market rates.
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The International Monetary Fund has been criticised by its own watchdog over its role in the eurozone crisis and for allowing political intervention to contaminate its technical economic analyses.

In a powerful new report the Funds Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) says the IMFs performance between 2010 and 2013 in relation to the overlapping financial crises in Greece, Ireland and Portugal has raised issues of accountability and transparency, which helped create the perception that the IMF treated Europe differently.

The IMFs handling of the single currency emergency has been the cause of major internal discontent at the Fund and the IEO verdict will be seen as a vindication of those criticisms.

The report is also a fresh embarrassment for the Funds managing director Christine Lagarde, who is currently facing trial in France in relation to a corruption case dating back to her time as Frances finance minister in 2008.

The IEO concluded the IMF had lost its characteristic agility as a crisis manager in the way it responded to the economic turmoil in the eurozone, which required unprecedented bailouts for several states shut out of the capital markets and looked like it was going to tear the single currency zone apart.

...helped create the perception that the IMF treated Europe differently <p>IEO</p>

The watchdog also faults the Fund for its overly optimistic growth projections, particularly in relation to Greece, and a failure to learn lessons from past mistakes.

Most significantly of all, in a clear indication that the watchdog thinks the Funds economic forecasts were unduly influenced by national political concerns, it recommends the IMFs executive board and management should develop procedures to minimize the room for political intervention in the IMFs technical analysis.

It said: The credibility of the IMF comes from the technical competence and independence of its staff and the Managing Director must ensure that its technical work is protected from political influence.

Ms Lagarde, who this year was appointed to a second term as IMF managing director, said she welcomed the IEO report but maintained she still saw the Funds performance in the eurozone crisis as a qualified success.

She also rejected the IEOs recommendation the IMF should act to prevent political intervention interfering with its economic analysis saying: I do not accept the premise of the recommendation, which the IEO failed to establish in its report, and thus do not see the need to develop new procedures.

Ms Lagarde also rejected the IEO recommendation that the IMF should strengthen its procedures to ensure agreed policies by its board are fully carried through on the ground, calling existing checks and balances adequate.

In July 2012 Peter Doyle, a senior and veteran IMF economist, resigned and wrote a scathing letter to the Funds board in which he complained of a European bias at the top of the Fund that had served to exacerbate the eurozone crisis and also that the leadership had suppressed internal warnings of looming problems.

After twenty years of service, I am ashamed to have had any association with the Fund at all Mr Doyle wrote at the time.

In 2010 the IMF contributed 30bn (25bn) of loans to a bailout of Greece and a further 28bn (25bn) in 2012. It channelled 22.5bn (19bn) to Ireland in 2010 and 26bn (22bn) to Portugal in 2011. The Fund also lent 1bn (0.8bn) to Cyprus in 2013.

The Fund has been severely criticised for ignoring its long-standing rule that it will not bail out countries unless they immediately restructure their unsustainable public debt piles, and where they have an ability to cushion the adjustment by depreciating their currency.

Ms Lagarde succeeded Dominique StraussKahn as head of the IMF in July 2011 when he was forced to resign over rape allegations. There have been widespread suspicions that both she and Mr Strauss-Kahn, as Europeans, did not apply the usual IMF standards of conduct when faced with a crisis on their own Continent and that they did so because this would have put pressure on powerful eurozone states such as France and Germany.

In particular with Greece, the IMF stands accused of signing off on growth projections that were widely recognised to be incredible in light of the massive spending cuts that were being mandated by the rest of the eurozone and the failure of the European Central Bank to ease monetary conditions.

Greeces GDP remains 22 per cent, below where it was on the eve of its 2010 EU/IMF bailout and unemployment is still at 23 per cent.

The IEO has a record of producing uncomfortable reports for the Fund.

In 2014 it criticised the IMF for its enthusiastic support in 2010 for a major shift across the advanced economies from stimulus to austerity budget policies while unemployment levels were still elevated in many countries.

IMF advocacy of fiscal consolidation proved to be premature for major advanced economies, as growth projections turned out to be optimistic its said at the time.

 IMF slashes UK growth outlook

Ms Lagarde said today: As we reflect upon this extraordinary time, and upon our work to restore stability and quell a potentially larger crisis, we will continue to strive to do even better and to further refine our responses as we evolve as an institution. We must constantly aspire to do better in avoiding crises, managing crises, and learning from the past.
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It was not a simple question. Was it even possible, to sum up in a single word, how somebody felt when they heard President Barack Obama speak?

On Wednesday night, Mr Obama received praise and plaudits for a soaring piece of oratory in which he endorsed Hillary Clinton and sought to expose what he called 'the absence of facts' of Donald Trump.

Mr Obamas address - sometimes moving, frequently funny - brought roars and cheers from the delegates and supporters packed inside the hall. There was barely room to stand, but people who listened to what was his final set piece address, said they would remember it for a long time.

Mr Obama speech was 'awesome', 'super' and 'inspirational (AP)

Brilliant, said Anne Ganon, from Delray Beach, Florida, when asked to sum up her feelings when she heard the president speak. Its very thoughtful. He looks out for everyone. And he always seems to want what is best for America.

Brian Lee, a Native American delegate from New Mexico, said the president had achieved a lot during his eight years in office and had stood up for everyone. Asked to sum up the emotions he felt when the president spoke, he replied: Excitement.

Mandy Norells one word was inspirational. She said Mr Obama speaks to the soul and helps us get excited about our potential. Ms Norell, from South Carolina and a delegate to the convention, said he was always looking out for other people.

Kalah Johnson said she felt 'proud' when the president spoke (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe)

Legendary, said Jennifer Delgado, when asked for a word that encapsulated what she thought on hearing Mr Obama speak. He always speaks with grace and dignity, and he has lead our country with grace and dignity.

Gurjatinder Randhawa moved to the US from Ludhiana in India and now lives in Elk Grove, California. He struggled to limit his thoughts about Mr Obama to a single word. Eventually, he settled for great.

He said that when Mr Obama came to office the country was heading on a downwards trajectory. He was the only guy to make this country great again, he said.

Dan Jackson, a psychiatrist from Boston, said the word eloquent came to mind. He crafts his speeches well, he said.

Gurjatinder Randhawa moved to the US from India (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe)

Kalah Johnson, 24, from Atlantic City, said even know she found it hard to fully explain the effect Mr Obamas election had on her as a young African American woman. She said that when she was told he was going to run for the White House, she had believed it was a joke, given the nations long history of discrimination against black people.

Even when he was running, we could not believe it, she said. When he won, she was speechless, because his victory had shown her that anything was possible and that things are moving for the better.

Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures First Lady Michelle Obama called on Democratic party members to trust in the 'steady and measured' Mrs Clinton, in a speech critics described as "show-stealing" Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures The first day of the convention was attended by a vast crowd of approximately 50,000 as the event got into full swing in Philadelphia Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Bernie Sanders delivered an impassioned speech endorsing Mrs Clinton, and asking the party to unite for their prospective candidate REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Two advocates of the former candidate Sanders were reduced to tears as details of an alleged conspiracy against his nomination were gradually revealed REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Elizabeth Warren was repeatedly heckled and booed as she endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential candidacy Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Former president Bill Clinton (left) looks pensive as the resentment against his wife's nomination appeared to grow during day one of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A Bernie Sanders supporter taped her mouth shut in protest against his perceived mistreatment at the hands of the Democratic party AFP/Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Cor Brooker called for unity within the party, saying: "We are called to be a nation of love" REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Actress Eva Longoria gave a heartfelt speech in which she called upon members to trust in Mrs Clinton as their candidate Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Al Franken was joined on stage by comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, with critics praising their double act Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Delegates danced joyously at the convention in the Wells Fargo Center as musical entertainment was provided Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Pop singer Demi Lovato told the DNC she was "living with mental illness" before performing her hit single 'Confident' Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon was another high-profile performer to entertain the crowd on day one Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Anastasia Somoza, an international disability rights advocate, also delivered remarks on the first day of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A delegate holds a sign that reads "Stronger together" as the first day of the convention drew to a close Getty Images

And the word that came to mind when she heard him speak? Proud.

Stephanie Zinnerman, a 51-year-old woman from Brooklyn, New York, also spoke of Mr Obamas achievement as the first black president. She said he was moral, insightful and measured. During his time in office there had never been a scandal, over either his administration or about his personal life, she said.

'More', said Melissa Byrne, from Philadelphia (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe)

That he could do that while confronting the barrage of racial abuse he had received, made his accomplishment all the more stunning. Awesome, she said.

Qadirah Jamal, also from New York, chose the word spectacular. Victoria Cassano, a doctor from Connecticut, opted for amazing. Melissa Byrne, from Philadelphia, selected more - we can be more progressive.

Richard Thompson, a military veteran who served in the Korean War, said he thought Mr Obamas speech was 'super' (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe)

Richard Johnson, a military veteran from Aiken, South Carolina, had sat and enjoyed listening to Mr Obama speech. As he was preparing to make his way from the convention hall on Wednesday night, he declined to give his age, but he said that he had fought in the Korean War.

That was between 1950 to 1953, he said, underscoring that while he may have been young at heart, he was getting on in years.

He said he thought Mr Obama had been a brilliant president. And while he was supporting Ms Clinton, he would have preferred, were it possible, another four years of the current incumbent. Asked to sum up how he felt when hearing the president speak, he said: Super.
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Within the space of days, Marina Joyce has gone from a relatively well-known YouTuber to the subject of an internet frenzy of intense speculation and heightened panic. In turn, the 19-year-old north London-based beauty blogger has proved there is a darker, altogether more ominous side to social media fame.

Joyce is now the subject of innumerable videos, articles, and tweets speculating about her safety and welfare. The cause of this collective hysteria all links back to a video titled Date Outfit Ideas.

While the title may sound rather anodyne, many found its contents disquieting. In the video, Joyce, who is promoting dresses, appears disorientated with bruise-like marks on the backs of her arms. The video was followed by a rapidly growing sense of panic among fans; some began to suggest she was in a hostage situation while others speculated about the state of her mind. In has been viewed 16 million times in five days.

The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Show all 10 1 /10 The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Smosh Smosh: $8.5 million Youtube The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Rosanna-Pansino Rosanna Pansino: $2.5 million The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Roman-Atwood Roman Atwood: $2.5 million Youtube The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Rhett-and-Link Rhett & Link: $4.5 million Youtube The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 PewDiePie PewDiePie: $12 million Youtube The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Michelle-Phan Michelle Phan: $3 million Youtube The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Lindsey-Stirling Lindsey Stirling: $6 million Youtube The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Michelle-Phan Michelle Phan: $3 million Youtube The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 KSI KSI: $5 million Youtube The Highest-Earning YouTubers of 2015 Fine-Brothers Fine Brothers: $8.5 million Youtube

Police have visited Joyce and found her to be safe and well and Joyce herself has repeatedly reassured fans she is fine on virtually every social media platform available to her. Yet many remain concerned.

The Independent spoke to David Giles, a psychologist who specialises in the relationship between celebrities and fans in the age of social media, about how and why this particular case has managed to garner so much attention and hysteria.

 Marina Joyce's mum assures fans she's ok in live stream and it was her saying 'help me'

Mr Giles says fans develop what they believe to be a closer relationship because influencers talk directly to their fan base about their domestic and personal lives.

The degree of intimacy which is set up by YouTubers is so much stronger than with traditional celebrities," he explains. "You get a sense of where they live, who their family are, what their pets are, you see them in their homes on a regular basis. It creates a much greater interest than you would get for a traditional celebrity who is stereotypically cordoned off in some Beverley hills mansion with security guards around them.

That fans felt compelled to inform the police they were scared for Joyces welfare is a testimony to the level of intimacy they felt towards her, he adds.

In a sense, it shows how real all of this is, he says. Traditionally followers of celebrities would not even consider getting involved with their personal problems. Even if they were very committed fans they just wouldnt really feel that degree of connection with them to call the police.

"Why would it take followers on YouTube to alert the police to something which seems to be happening in her own home? It's very much the case that people feel they know the person so well that they can see things in their behaviour that other people cant.

But the question remains: why did people jump so quickly to such bleak conclusions about Joyce in the first place? After all, some fans went so far as to speculate she was being held hostage by Isis. A conspiratorial element runs throughout the saga, with fans quickly turning into internet detectives and seeking out clues.

In a sense, it becomes a detective story where people are trawling through like forensic experts trying to pick up clues and trying to piece things together. It is triggered by genuine curiosity and an element of voyeurism but also because we have access to so much information about people nowadays.

Recommended Read more Marina Joyce and mother address scared fans in video

In an age where YouTubers record where they go, what they do and what they think, it can become easy for their followers to become emotionally invested. A quick scan of Joyces old videos shows followers going through videos with a fine toothed comb.

Most importantly, even though Joyce has repeatedly attempted to quell alarm about her welfare in repeated announcements, some fans seem unable to let go of their concerns. Youve got these conspiracy theories building up and once conspiracy theories get going its very very hard to disconfirm them".

But while it is obviously possible to see the internet spiralling into a mad panic, it is much harder to decipher who exactly these people are obsessing over Joyces well-being. As such, Mr Giles argues an important distinction needs to be made between her long-term, die-hard fans and newer followers who have jumped on the bandwagon and rode the wave of the internets storm.

There is a fan hierarchy there but this will not be visible in the media. I would guess the initial concern was probably sparked by her long-term followers who have obviously been following her every week and are guided by genuine concern.

Unlike the latecomers, the long-standing fans of Joyce are likely to be quite intimate with her and will have built up a dialogue with her over the years as she has replied to their tweets and comments on YouTube. It is this familiarity and intimacy which has led to the ensuing Marina Joyce frenzy.

Nevertheless, the mounting interest piqued by Joyce transcends fandom. As the reactions on social media show, people from all walks of life have become drawn into one of the most bizarre mysteries the internet has been privy to in a long while.
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Men in Iran are wearing hijabs in a display of solidarity with women across the country who are forced to cover their heads in public.

Wearing a headscarf is strictly enforced by so-called 'morality police' in Iran and has been since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Women who do not wear a hijab or are deemed to be wearing 'bad hijab' by having some of their hair showing face punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment.

State-funded adverts appearing on billboards in Iran present those who do not cover their hair as spoiled and dishonourable. Women are also told that by not complying, they are putting themselves at risk of unwanted sexual advances from men.

But women are leading protests against enforced hijab across the country and some have resorted to shaving their hair in order to appear in public without wearing a veil.

The countries with anti-women laws Show all 5 1 /5 The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws

Over the last week, a number of men have appeared in photos wearing a hijab with their wife or female relative next to them who have their hair uncovered.

The images come in response to a call by Masih Alinejad, an Iranian activist and journalist living in New York, who is urging men to support her campaign against enforced hijab.

Ms Alinejad runs the My Stealthy Freedom campaign and often shares pictures of women living in Iran who have enjoyed a moment of 'stealthy freedom' by taking their hijab off outside of a domestic setting. She has asked men to support her campaign with the #meninhijab hashtag and by sharing pictures with their heads covered while women pose without hijabs.

Ms Alinejad has received 30 images of men wearing a hijab since issuing her call on 22 July. She told the Independent some men are also posting their images on their Instagram accounts.

 Anti-women laws that still exist in 2016

Most of these men are living inside Iran and they have witnessed how their female relatives have been suffering at the hands of the morality police and humiliation of enforced hijab," she said.

For years, from childhood to womanhood, weve been forced to wear the compulsory headscarf and for years we have had to endure the loss of our dignity. Many men have gotten used to seeing women in compulsory hijab every day and you think that is normal. But for millions of Iranian women, this compulsory hijab is an insult to their dignity.

In our society, a womans existence and identity is justified by a mans integrity, and in many cases the teachings of a religious authority or government officials influence a mans misguided sense of ownership over women. So I thought it would be fantastic to invite men to support women's rights.

One man sent in a picture of himself [above] wearing his cousins headscarf. In the caption, he wrote: When my female cousins saw that I was wearing their headscarf, they couldn't stop laughing. I asked them, does it look so funny on me? I really love and respect my cousins. I think that one should not talk about freedom if she/he supports the idea of restricting other people's freedom. If only hijab were the only problem in our country, as the authorities would like us to believe. It is as if they have hypnotised our brains with a black piece of cloth and they only want us to believe that hijab is the most important issue in our country."

Another described how wearing his mother's niqab reminds him of the freedom he was afforded as a man that was denied to her until her death. When the Islamic Revolution took place, my mother started wearing hijab because it was compulsory. And she never believed in hijab. In Khuzestans hot summers she was forced to go out in this attire. My mother died and only her clothes are left for me as a keepsake. I sometimes put her clothes on and remember those hot summer days when she would go out shopping and when she returned, due to the heat, she didnt even have the energy to speak.

I was always ashamed for my mother and my sisters. I was against hijab and my father and brothers also felt the same way. Its very tough to go out in such clothing in the hot weather of Ahvaz - its indescribable.
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The Donald Trump campaign is still apparently sore about being caught plagiarizing last week. And now they have a great retort  better even than that My Little Pony defense:

They might have plagiarized an Obama speech last week, you see, but now an Obama is plagiarizing them!

Obama said at one point in his speech on Wednesday night, That is not the America I know. And Donald Trump Jr. used that exact same line just a week prior  albeit with a contraction: We will not accept the current state of our country because it's too hard to change. That's not the America I know.

Case closed. It's plagiarism. The media's double standard at work, yet again.

Except that, by this standard, Obama didn't plagiarise the line from Trump Jr. until Trump Jr. had already plagiarized it from him. Obama, after all, has said this phrase on several occasions. And that wasn't even its first bout of plagiarizing; none other than George W. Bush used it before Obama.

NBC News ably recapped the rampant plagiarism here:

During an economic address in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2010, for example, he said Instead of setting our sights higher, they're asking us to settle for a status quo of stagnant growth and eroding competitiveness and a shrinking middle class. Cleveland, that is not the America I know. That is not the America we believe in. ... The use of the America I know refrain was also a common phrase for former president George W. Bush. In the days after the 9/11 attacks, for example, Bush spoke about his view of the country during a visit to an Islamic center. Women who cover their heads in this country must feel comfortable going outside their homes. Moms who wear cover must be not intimidated in America, he said. That's not the America I know. That's not the America I value. But the plagiarism doesn't stop there. Before Obama re-plagiarized something Trump Jr. had plagiarized from him after Obama plagiarized it from Bush, you see, Bush plagiarized it, too.

From Walter Cronkite, in fact. Cronkite said it in 1998 in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer: This is some kind of a resurgent Puritanism that suggests that we all should live by someone else's moral standards. That shouldn't be. That's not the America that I know and love.

And Cronkite, as a titan of American journalism, should know better than to plagiarize. And yet, he took the words from civil rights activist Julian Bond, who said in 1995 of allegations of racism in the O.J. Simpson trial: Those who express surprise or horror now have been living in a dream world. That's not the America I know.

Bond, meanwhile, apparently lifted the words from another George Bush  the first one  who offered some version of the following stump speech at more than a dozen events for his 1992 reelection campaign:

Once you cut through all the patriotic posturing and all the tough talk about fighting back by closing shop and look closely: That is not the American flag they're waving; it is the white flag of surrender. And that's not the America that you and I know.

Alas, Bush is just another plagiarist American president. He got the line from a top official in the Drug Enforcement Administration, David Westrate, who said at a National Press Club speech in 1989: My conclusion from that is that that really was not the America that I know.

Westrate's use of the phrase is the oldest in LexisNexis's database. Accordingly, Trump Jr., Obama and both president Bushes all owe Mr. Westrate an apology.

Copyright: Washington Post
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The deputy editor of British Vogue has issued an ominous warning to Theresa May of what lies ahead for her as the incumbent Prime Minister.

Emily Sheffield, David Camerons sister-in-law, urged Ms May to champion the achievements of her predecessor instead of their differences and prepare for stormy waters ahead.

They will come for you, I am afraid one day, Prime Minister, like they did for Thatcher, Blair and Brown," writes Ms Sheffield in a piece for The Spectator.

You need to be emblematic of so much more than just a strong leader. So as you set out your stall for the future, in these troubled times, please loudly champion the past, set your valuation high for all  especially Westminster, as your predecessor did at his last PMQs, because thats better for our future. Thats a Britain I will vote for with or without the EU.

David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 David Cameron's premiership - in pictures David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Britain's Queen Elizabeth II greeting David Cameron at Buckingham Palace for an audience to invite him to be the next Prime Minister on 11 May 2010 PA David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha wave from the steps of Number 10 Downing Street on 11 May 2010 Getty Images David Cameron's premiership - in pictures On 12 May 2010 Prime Minister David Cameron said in a press conference with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, who was then deputy PM, they plan to "take Britain in a historic new direction" and Conservative-led coalition government would be united and provide "strong and stable" leadership Rex David Cameron's premiership - in pictures A decade ago, David Cameron visited the Arctic to witness the effects of climate change. However since coming to power in 2010, his government has gradually dropped down a succession of green policies David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime Minister David cameron told the then New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Queen had purred down the line after he told her Scotland had voted against independence in September 2014. He was forced to apologise for breaking constitutional convention Getty Images David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron greeted soldiers working on flood relief in York city centre after the river Ouse burst its banks, in northern England in December 2015 REUTERS David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Claims that David Cameron performed an obscene act with a dead pig and smoked cannabis during his studies at Oxford University spread around the world in September 2015. The extraordinary allegations were made in an unauthorised biography of the Prime Minister written by Lord Ashcroft David Hartley/REX Shutterstock David Cameron's premiership - in pictures In 2016, Mr Cameron was caught up in a worldwide scandal dubbed the Panama papers Reuters David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha with seven week old Regan as they meet her parents, first time home buyers Robert Arron and Kelly Jeffers at the Heritage Brook housing development in Chorley, Lancashire. David Cameron has joked that he wants "another baby" and said that he feels a "bit broody" every time he sees a newborn on the campaign trail David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime Minister David Cameron was criticised for branding refugees in the Calais jungle camp as a bunch of migrants in January 2016 after thousands of refugees died in their attempt to cross the Mediterranean in 2015 Sky News David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker during an EU summit meeting on 17 March 2016 at the European Union council in Brussels. Cameron was in Brussels to renegotiate deal of UK membership with other European leaders. The deal, sealed after hours of haggling at a marathon summit, paved the way for a referendum on whether Britain will stay in the EU AFP/Getty Images David Cameron's premiership - in pictures President Barack Obama shakes hands with British Prime Minister David Cameron at a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London on 22 April 2016. The President and his wife visited 10 Downing Street where he joined press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron and made his case for the UK to remain inside the European Union Getty Images David Cameron's premiership - in pictures After David returned from Brussels claiming victory in his renegotiation with European leaders, Boris Johnson announced that he will not support the Remain campaign. The prime minister said publicly he was "disappointed but Boris remains a friend" PA David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Prime Minister David Cameron makes a joint appearance with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan as they launch the Britain Stronger in Europe guarantee card at Roehampton University on 20 May 2016 in London. The 'guarantee card' lists five pledges should Britain remain in the EU, including the protection of workers' rights, full access to the single market and stability for Britain David Cameron's premiership - in pictures Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street on 24 June 2016. Cameron announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign AP

In a staunch defence of Mr Camerons premiership, Ms Sheffield praised her brother-in-law as a decent leader and a kind, forgiving friend with a sense of humour.

She also addressed the Instagram picture quickly deleted from her account of the Prime Minister having a nap next to his ministerial red box.

In my opinion, you brought down a good man," Ms Sheffield continues.

To the media and the electorate he was the Prime Minister. To me, he was also my sisters husband, who loved and protected her through truly terrible times.

A brother-in-law who didnt send me remonstrations the day my Instagram of his bare feet made national news, but instead a very funny text.
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A teenager has been charged with attempted murder following a water fight in Hyde Park which descended into violence.

Scotland Yard said Josh Clemence, 18, was charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of grievous bodily harm with intent, in relation to two stabbings in Hyde Park on 19 July.

Both male victims were taken to hospital and later discharged.

Three people, including a police officer, were stabbed during the disorder at the central London park. A second officer suffered injuries from a flying bottle as police tried to contain aggressive crowds.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA UK news in pictures 7 September 2022 Police officers stand guard after Animal Rebellion activists threw paint on the walls and road outside the Houses of Parliament in protest, in London, Britain Reuters

Mr Clemence, from west London, is also charged with possession of a knife, possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and two counts of handling stolen goods.

He is due to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Press Association
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A British High Court judge says there are reasons to be very concerned about the welfare of a 21-year-old woman who has complained of being imprisoned by her father in Saudi Arabia.

Amina Al-Jeffery  who grew up in Swansea and has dual British and Saudi Arabian nationality  says her father, academic Mohammed Al-Jeffery, locks her up because she kissed a guy.

Lawyers representing Miss Al-Jeffery have taken legal action in London in a bid to protect her. They have asked Mr Justice Holman to look at ways of helping her.

The judge is analysing the case at a public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

Mr Justice Holman described the case as very serious and said Mr Al-Jeffery, who is in his 60s, was not seeing the situation through the "right perspective".

The judge said it was possible that Miss Al-Jeffery was being manipulative but there was a "degree of admission" from her father, who had admitted locking his daughter in his flat when he went out.

Mr Al-Jeffery also admitted previously having "steel latticework" over the windows so Miss Al-Jeffery could not shout out.

"I provisionally feel that we  this state, this court  need to feel very concerned about the welfare of this British citizen," the judge said.

"These things are said. There is a degree of admission by the father.

"To take an example, that he locks her in the flat when he goes out. That he formerly had this very elaborate steel latticework over the windows so that she could not shout out through the window."

The judge said Mr Al-Jeffery was also refusing to let his daughter go to the British Consulate in Jeddah.

He added: "Provisionally there is a lot of ground for concern about her."

Mr Justice Holman has been told that Miss Al-Jeffery left Swansea and moved to Saudi Arabia with her family four years ago but that her mother and siblings are now back in South Wales.

Neither Miss Al-Jeffery nor her father are at the High Court hearing and Barristers Henry Setright QC and Michael Gration are representing Miss Al-Jeffery and outlining concerns. While Barrister Marcus Scott-Manderson QC is representing Mr Al-Jeffery.

10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty

Mr Scott-Manderson told Mr Justice Holman that Mr Al-Jeffery did not want to attend the hearing. "He doesn't want to discuss Amina's return," said Mr Scott-Manderson.

"He wants to help Amina. He says he brought her to Saudi Arabia to help her. The father says Amina was at risk in Britain. The father says the British Government did nothing to help her. This is not a criticism of the British people but he says Amina is reckless and cannot help herself."

"He does not accept the jurisdiction of the court to make orders against him," said Mr Scott-Manderson. "As head of the family it was [his] decision to bring Amina to Saudi Arabia. [He] decided to do it because Amina was not focusing on school."

Mr Scott-Manderson added: "He says this onslaught [has been] brought against him and his family, not by the court, but by the statements, that he says were untrue, made by Amina."

Mr Justice Holman told the court: "He talks about an 'onslaught' brought against him and his family. He is not seeing this situation through the right perspective quite frankly."

He went on to add: "This is a very serious situation".

PA
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijani State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) has allocated $844 million as of July 1, 2016, as part of the countrys financing the project of construction of a new oil refinery of Azerbaijans SOCAR in Turkey, SOFAZ told Trend.

In accordance with the decree of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on additional measures to support the participation of Azerbaijan in the construction of the Star refinery in Turkey, SOCAR Turkey Yatirim joint-stock company was established with the authorized capital of $1.9 billion and with 40 percent share held by the state.

Under the decree, the state share in the joint-stock company will be financed by using SOFAZ funds.

As much as $84 million has been allocated from SOFAZ for this project in H1 2016.

The total cost of the project for construction of SOCARs oil refinery in Turkey exceeds $5 billion.

The annual naphtha production volume, used by Petkim as the main raw material, will stand at 1.66 million tons at the Star refinery. Aside from naphtha, the new oil refinery will produce diesel fuel with ultra-low sulphur content in the amount of 5.95 million tons, aviation kerosene - 500,000 tons, reformate - 500,000 tons, petroleum coke - 630,000 tons, liquefied gas - 240,000 tons, mixed xylene - 415,000 tons, olefin LPG - 75,000 tons and 145,000 tons of sulfur.

The refinery will not produce gasoline and fuel oil.

The facility is planned to refine Azeri Light, Kerkuk and Urals oil.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
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The number of women killing themselves in prison has risen alarmingly, new government figures have revealed - prompting warnings from top charity leaders over unsafe jail conditions.

Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) show the total number of deaths classed as self-inflicted rose by 28 per cent over the past 12 months compared with the previous year.

Eleven women took their own lives during the same period across England and Wales, an increase of 1,100 per cent on the previous year, when one death was recorded.

Prison charity the Howard League for Penal Reform described the figures as alarmingly high, with women accounting for one in ten cases, despite making up just five per cent of the total prisoner population.

Reported incidents of self-harm in prison have increased by 27 per cent over the 12 months period leading up to March 2016  a rate of one incident every 15 minutes.

Women in Prison said the levels of self-harm were "horrifying" and called on new Justice Secretary Liz Truss to review the wellbeing of women in custody.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "We are extremely concerned about the well-being of women in prison, where there are very poor levels of physical and mental health, horrifying levels of self harm and a tragic increase of deaths."

"With very large numbers of women held in each prison with very high levels of complex needs, prison can never truly ensure the well-being and safety of those inside. We have to push forward with a different approach towards women and criminal justice; we must expand use of alternatives to custody and invest in women's community support services instead of giving prison sentences to women who pose no risk of harm to others, only themselves."

"We also hope the new Justice Secretary urgently reviews the impact the recent closure of HMP Holloway - the largest womens prison in Europe and the only women's prison in London - is having on the rest of the women's estate and the safety and well-being of those held inside."

The number of assaults on prison staff has also increased, the figures show, with almost 15 incidents recorded every day.

The MoJ deemed Bristol, Doncaster, Hewell, Isis, Liverpool and Wormwood Scrubs prisons to be of serious concern as a result of their overall performances.

The number of prisons awarded the worst possible rating has doubled since last year.

Andrew Neilson, Director of Campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: Once again, official figures spell out the urgent need for prison reform. Prisons are not only becoming more dangerous; they are becoming more dangerous more quickly.

That more prisons have been awarded the worst-possible performance rating provides further indication of how the system is failing after years of rising numbers, chronic overcrowding and deep staff cuts.

It is particularly shocking to see a dramatic increase in the number of women taking their own lives. In the past, a sharp rise in the number of women dying in prison has prompted a government review and promises of action. The high levels of violence and deaths should shame us all, and the new Secretary of State for Justice and her ministers must set out concrete plans to reduce them.
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Boris Johnson is set to meet his French counterpart for wide-ranging discussions on border controls, security and Britains bilateral relationship with France.

The Thursday meeting could be particularly tense because Jean-Marc Ayrault, the French foreign minister, recently branded Mr Johnson a liar for his role in the European Union referendum campaign.

During the campaign [Mr Johnson] lied a lot to the British people and now it is he who has his back against the wall, Mr Ayrault had told Europe 1 radio in late June.

Mr Johnson however later said that Mr Ayrault had sent him a cordial letter saying how much he looked forward to working together and deepening Anglo-French co-operation in all sorts of areas, and that is what we want to achieve.

He however joked that there would be a certain amount of plaster coming off the ceiling of the chancelleries of Europe in light of the EU referendum result.

The Foreign Secretary was jeered and booed in one of his first speeches outside the French embassy in west London.

Todays meeting will take place in Paris. Recent terrorist attacks against French targets, as well as the ongoing refugee situation in Paris, are expected to be on the agenda.

Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Show all 7 1 /7 Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson plays rugby with Japanese elementary school children in Tokyo Getty Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson bumps into a schoolchild during a Street Rugby event at Tokyo Square Gardens building EPA Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson collides with 10-year-old Toki Sekiguchi during a game of Street Rugby with a group of Tokyo children Reuters Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson falls down after colliding with 10-year-old Toki Sekiguchi during a game of Street Rugby with a group of Tokyo children Reuters Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson falls down after colliding with 10-year-old Toki Sekiguchi during a game of Street Rugby with a group of Tokyo children Reuters Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match Boris Johnson takes down boy during rugby match

The Foreign Office said its French counterpart was handling press enquiries regarding the visit. A spokesperson for the French diplomatic ministry said in a statement:

This first trip to France by the British Foreign Secretary will offer an opportunity to discuss the most important international issues of the day on which we work closely with the United Kingdom, as well as our bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of defence, counter-terrorism and border control.
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Theresa May will appeal over the head of the European Commission to the leaders of the 27 EU nations in an attempt to secure a good exit deal for the UK.

The Prime Minister will try to limit the influence of Jean-Claude Juncker, the Commissions president, and Michel Barnier, the former French Foreign Minister who will lead the Commissions negotiating team on Brexit. Both are seen as hostile to the UK, and Mr Barnier is likely to repeat the tough line he took against the City of London while he was the Internal Market Commissioner in Brussels.

Allies of Ms May say she has had a positive response in her one-to-one meetings with other EU leaders. Any attempt to sideline the Commission would anger Mr Juncker. But Ms May is convinced that the 27 presidents and prime ministers will want to decide the key elements of the UKs divorce settlement, while limiting the Commissions role to the fine print.

Ms May has already met the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and continued her charm offensive in Slovakia and Poland on Wednesday. Some of her counterparts made clear they wanted the closest possible trade links with the UK after Brexit to benefit their own economy. Some leaders acknowledged that the vote for Brexit had highlighted the need for the EU to reform itself  a view not shared by the Commission.

One Brussels insider said: There is a turf war between the Commission and the European Council [the 27 national leaders] over who will be in the driving seat on Brexit. A pivotal figure will be Donald Tusk, president of the Council, who is likely to act as a go-between for Ms May and her fellow leaders.

After talks in Slovakia, Ms May suggested that Britain would not seek to copy Norways relationship with the EU. While being outside the bloc, the country has access to the single market but accepts EU rules on the free movement of people. She said: We need to find a solution that addresses the concerns of the British people about free movement, while getting the best possible deal on trade in goods and services. We should be driven by what is in the best interests of the UK and what is going to work for the EU, not by the models that already exist.

The Prime Minister insisted: Once we have left the EU, we will continue to work with our partners across Europe, indeed Brexit is an opportunity to intensify those relationships. And just as we want Britain to succeed outside the EU, we want the EU to be strong and successful after we depart.

 Theresa May says she has an 'open mind' over Brexit negotiations

Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia which holds the EUs rotating presidency, urged Ms May to spell out her vision of future UK-EU relations before invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to start a two-year negotiation on Brexit. We hope that the UK will use this time before triggering Article 50 for redefining and also for formulating a vision of its relations with the EU, he said. We simply have to offer a new vision to our people, otherwise we will see a further fragmentation and destabilisation of European political systems.

In Slovakia and Poland, Ms May was urged to guarantee migrants from those countries living in the UK the right to remain after Brexit. She has said the only circumstances in which that would not happen would be if British citizens living in other EU states were not granted the same right.

Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Show all 12 1 /12 Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A woman poses with a home-made European Union flag as Remain supporters gather on Park Lane in London to show their support for the EU in the wake of Brexit PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Remain supporters demonstrate in Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Tens of thousands of people gathered to protest the result of the EU referendum PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A majority of people in the capital voted to remain in the European Union Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Protesters chanted: What do we want to do? Stay in the EU PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The march follows a similar rally in Trafalgar Square that was cancelled due to heavy rain  but which tens of thousands of people turned up to anyway Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London But support for the Leave campaign in urban areas and among young people was significantly lower Rex features Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Marchers gathered at Park Lane at 11am and marched towards Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Some protesters held up baguettes in a display of affection for our continental neighbours PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The disparity between different parts of the country has promoted a four million signature petition calling for a second referendum and even a renewed push for Scotland to cede from the UK PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The events organiser, Kings College graduate Kieran MacDermott, wrote: We can prevent Brexit by refusing to accept the referendum as the final say and take our finger off the self-destruct button" Reuters

Speaking in Warsaw after talks with the Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, Ms May said the 850,000 Poles living in the UK continue to be welcome and we value the contribution that they make to our country. She added: I understand that Poles currently living in the UK want to know whether they will retain their rights once the UK leaves the EU. I want and expect to be able to guarantee their rights in the UK. The only circumstances in which that would not be possible would be if the rights of British citizens living across the EU were not guaranteed.

The Prime Minister condemned the shameful and despicable attacks against Polish and other communities since the EU referendum. Hate crime of any kind, directed against any community, race or religion, has absolutely no place in British society, she said
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Jeremy Corbyn will not have to seek nominations from his MPs to proceed with his leadership bid, after a High Court judge ruled in his favour.

It comes after the wealthy Labour donor Michael Foster brought the case against Mr Corbyn. He was challenging the ruling that Mr Corbyn, as the incumbent, had the automatic right to be on the ballot paper in a leadership election, whereas any challenger would have to collect nominations from at least 50 Labour MPs or MEPs.

Mr Corbyn said he welcomed the decision by the High Court to "respect the democracy" of the Labour Party. "This has been a waste of time and resources when our party should be focused on holding the Government to account," he added.

"There should have been no question of the right of half a million Labour Party members to choose their own leader being overturned. If anything, the aim should be to expand the number of voters in this election.

"I hope all candidates and supporters will reject any attempt to prolong this process, and that we can now proceed with the election in a comradely and respectful manner."

Iain McNicol, General Secretary of the Labour Party, added that he was "delighted" with the decision by the High Court to uphold the authority of the party's governing body. We will continue with the leadership election as agreed by the NEC [National Executive Committee], he added.

Mr Foster's lawyers told Mr Justice Foskett at the High Court that the Labour Party's rules were "misapplied" when its NEC voted by a majority of 18 to 14 that Mr Corbyn should automatically go on the ballot paper without needing to obtain the backing of 20 per cent of Labour MPs and MEPs.

Owen Smith, who is running against Mr Corbyn for the Labour leadership, earlier told BBC News that he thought Mr Corbyn should always be on the ballot paper. I thought it was the right decision by the NEC to put him on the ballot. I think the mood in the party would be really angry if a judge interfered in whether Jeremy is on the ballot, he added.

However, when asked whether he would encourage other MPs in the Parliamentary Labour Party to help ensure Mr Corbyns place on the ballot paper, Mr Smith said it was "not for me to tell them what to do". He continued: I would like to contest this versus Jeremy, and I would like to win the arguments versus Jeremy so, yes, I would like Jeremy to be in the contest. But it would be for other MPs, if we got to that set or circumstances, to make their own decisions. Its not for me to tell them what to do.

Many believed it would have been difficult for Mr Corbyn to secure the nominations needed  just 40 MPs backed him while 172 voted against him in a no-confidence motion last month.

Jeremy Corbyn: Sharpening up his style Show all 6 1 /6 Jeremy Corbyn: Sharpening up his style Jeremy Corbyn: Sharpening up his style Fashion tips for the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been described as too untidy, too scruffy for the tastes of many voters Rex Jeremy Corbyn: Sharpening up his style Fashion tips for the Labour leader One of Mr Corbyn's appealing qualities is that people believe he is truthful. He should keep that central to his image and dress to suit his personality Rex Jeremy Corbyn: Sharpening up his style Fashion tips for the Labour leader Beige is not the colour to choose when trying to come across as the most powerful, assertive person in the world Rex Jeremy Corbyn: Sharpening up his style Fashion tips for the Labour leader There's no need for Jeremy Corbyn to go to Savile Row for a pinstriped suit. All thats required is a little sharpening up  from geography teacher to headteacher perhaps Rex Jeremy Corbyn: Sharpening up his style Fashion tips for the Labour leader Mr Corbyn has been described by one of his own activists as the only man who buys his clothes at the Dalston Co-Op Rex Jeremy Corbyn: Sharpening up his style Fashion tips for the Labour leader By wearing a tie Jeremy Corbyn shows he knows how to conduct himself in business meetings or dealing with foreign leaders AFP

In the judgment, Mr Justice Foskett said: I repeat as firmly and unequivocally as I can that the resolution of the narrow legal issue I have been asked to decide is wholly uninfluenced by which side will be pleased with the outcome.

Mr Henderson suggested it is possible that those responsible for the drafting of the rules never foresaw that the situation that has arisen recently might arise. It is not for me to speculate, but if he is right, it is not for the court to try to rewrite the rules to provide a solution. The responsibility for that lies elsewhere.

 Owen Smith says Jeremy Corbyn should have always been on the ballot

Speaking after the judgment, Mr Foster's QC, Gavin Millar, argued that it was clear the meaning given to the rules by the majority on the NEC on 12 July was wrong, and it was not a reasonable interpretation. But Mark Henderson, counsel for Mr McNicol, said the rules were not ambiguous or open to serious doubt, and Martin Westgate QC for Mr Corbyn argued that the NEC's conclusion was plainly right.

He added: In any case, the conclusion reached by the NEC is entitled to great respect and the court should not interfere with it. Ballot papers will now be sent out on 22 August, with the result of the leadership contest announced at a special conference in Liverpool on 24 September.
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Theresa May has spent the last few days talking to various European leaders about the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

On Thursday, the prime minister will head east where she will meet with the leaders of Slovakia and Poland Robert Fico and Beata Szydlo. It is on this leg of her European tour that May is set to face her toughest task yet.

Slovakia and Poland  like the rest of the nations in eastern Europe  are completely at odds with one of the key reasons Britain voted to leave the EU: the free movement of people.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

One of the major reasons Leave politicians and supporters cited for backing a Brexit was Britain taking back control of its borders. As things stand, EU citizens are free to migrate around the 28-nation bloc as they please.

The hope of British government is that it will be able to negotiate a Brexit deal with the EU which means it will retain access to the single market without having to sign up to the rules and obligations of the free movement agreement.

However, as leaders of eastern European nations, Fico and Szydlo are extremely unlikely to be supportive of this sort of arrangement. Their close ally, Czech Republic, has already warned that it would not back a deal which would entitle Britain to single market access without a commitment to the free movement of EU citizens.

Recommended Read more Theresa May is already disagreeing with Liam Fox over Brexit

"For the new arrangement, we will have two red lines: One, the four freedoms work together and cannot be separated," Czech Europe minister Tomas Prouza said last month. "And two, reciprocity: the same advantages for both sides."

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, has also told Britain from the start that the country would not have access to the single market without accepting freedom of movement.

"There will be no access to the internal market for those who do not accept the rules  without exception or nuance  that make up the very nature of the internal market system," Juncker said.

 Theresa May says she has an 'open mind' over Brexit negotiations

Then there is the important issue of the rights and benefits of eastern Europeans currently living in the UK.

It is estimated that 1.2 million eastern Europeans currently live in the UK, many of them coming from Slovakia and Poland, according to the Financial Times. Eastern European leaders are worried that the rights of these people could be damaged if Britain manages to pull out of the free movement agreement.

"For the Polish government," Szydlo said last month, "the most important issue will be the fate of Polish citizens who live in Great Britain. We will try to negotiate that they maintain the privileges they got on their arrival."

Fico, Szydol, and other leaders probably have every reason to be concerned, given the confusion which surrounds the future of EU nationals living in the UK at the moment. Speaking on ITV earlier this month, May refused to guarantee the rights of EU nationals to stay in the country once a Brexit is officially underway.

Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary all blocked David Cameron's attempts to curtail benefits for migrant workers during the former prime minister's efforts to renegotiate the UK's EU membership earlier this year.

The situation has not changed. Britain had a tough time finding common ground when it intended to remain in the EU, and it's going to have an even tougher time doing so now it wants to leave.

Read more:

 This chart is easy to interpret: It says we're screwed

 How Uber became the world's most valuable startup

 These 4 things could trigger the next crisis in Europe

Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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Fatal shootings by police officers have been a major political issue in the United States in recent years. From Michael Brown in Ferguson to Freddie Gray in Baltimore, such killings, often of young African Americans, regularly lead international news headlines.

One counting project found 613 people had been killed by US police so far in 2016, as of 28 July. American police routinely carry guns, and most high profile incidents are shootings.

Official figures in the United Kingdom could not paint a more different picture. Statistics released by the Home Office  Britains interior ministry  show how rare it is for the UKs police to use guns.

Recommended Read more Charges against remaining officers in Freddie Gray case dropped

In England and Wales in the 12 months to March 2016, British police discharged their firearms on just seven occasions, the statistics, released on Thursday show.

This figure is actually a record, of sorts. In the same period ending in March 2013, firearms were used only three times. In the 2015 period they were used six times. Seven uses of weapons is the highest since at least 2009.

Britains police do not routinely carry firearms; instead, specially trained firearms officers are rapidly dispatched to incidents where a threat is reported.

Heavily armed police can also be found guarding places perceived to be likely terror targets, such as airports, government buildings, and major railway stations.

There is no equivalent overall count for the number of times police used firearms in the United States; their use is considered routine.

Protests against police killings have been common in the US in recent years (REUTERS)

The Home Office notes that the statistics do not include so-called animal destruction, accidental discharge of guns, and  intriguingly  the shooting out of car tyres in police chases.

The number of police officers authorised to use firearms has also been falling in a long-term trend. In 2009 there were 6,906 such special officers in England and Wales; in March 2016 there were just 5,639, with a decline recorded in almost all intervening years.

Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Show all 10 1 /10 Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Gerald Herbert/AP Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Bryn Stole/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Bryn Stole/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Bryn Stole/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Brittany Weiss/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Brittany Weiss/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Bryn Stole/Twitter Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Alton Sterling/Facebook Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Google Maps Protests after Baton Rouge police fatally shoot Alton Sterling Family Handout

The number of times armed police were actually deployed in England and Wales in the 12 month period was 12,471  broadly flat on last year in the context of a long-term decline. But decisions on whether to open fire tend to be made through the chain of command, meaning even when police with guns arrive, a shoot-out is rare.

The United States of course has a bigger population than the UK  Britain has 64.1 million residents, the US 319 million. But on a per-capita basis, Britains rate of police gun use would translate into US police using their guns on 35 occasions in an entire year. This would be an unthinkably low number.

 Why you should care about #BlackLivesMatter

The Guardian newspaper's project, The Counted, recorded the 613 killed figure used above.

The overall picture in Britain doesnt mean police shooting incidents do not happen. The fatal shooting by police of 29-year-old Mark Duggan in 2011 prompted an inquiry and criticisms of misconduct. The shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes also provoked controversy. Campaigners have also long highlighted statistics showing a pattern of deaths in police custody.

But the scale of such killings is undoubtedly of a different order to that in the United States.
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A schoolgirl has died after she was hit on the head by a rock launched by an elephant at a zoo in Morocco.

The seven-year-old had been standing with her family beside the animal's enclosure at the zoo in the capital of Rabat when the elephant picked up the large stone with its trunk and hurled it into the air.

She was hit in the back of the head, knocked unconscious and later died in hospital.

Mobile phone footage taken by a bystander shows the aftermath of the accident.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The girl can be seen lying on the ground, surrounded by her family as she is treated by staff. The video also shows the large stone responsible for her death lying on the ground outside the enclosure.

A spokesman for the zoo offered his condolences to the girl's family but said the elephant enclosure met international standards.

"This kind of accident is rare, unpredictable and unusual," the spokesman said in a press release.

Accidents of this nature happen in international zoos, most recently in Disney World Orlando and the Cincinnati Zoo in the United States.

The accident is the first to befall the zoo since it opened in January 2012.
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Dozens of women and girls were raped by South Sudanese government soldiers near a United Nations' compound in the countrys capital Juba, with at least one assault occurring as peacekeepers watched, according to witnesses.

Civilian leaders reported that at least two women had died from their injuries.

Two armed soldiers dragged a woman away who was less than a few hundred metres from the UN camps western gate, according to the Associated Press.

A bystander estimated that 30 peacekeepers saw the incident.

'They were seeing it. Everyone was seeing it, the witness told AP. The woman was seriously screaming, quarreling and crying also, but there was no help.

A United Nations peacekeeper keeps guard outside the Bor camp for the internally displaced in Bor town Jonglei state, South Sudan (Reuters)

Shantal Persaud, a spokesperson for the UN Mission in South Sudan, said: "The mission takes very seriously allegations of peacekeepers not rendering aid to civilians in distress and the UNMISS force command is looking into these allegations in line with its established protocols."

The reported assaults took place a week after rival government forces clashed in Juba, killing hundreds of people and forcing opposition leader Riek Machar out of the city.

Approximately 30,000 civilians have taken shelter from the fighting in the UN base.

The assaults highlighted the problem of widespread sexual violence against ethnic Nuer women and girls.

Almost all of the civilians staying at the camp are ethnic Nuer, as is Mr Machar.

They fear attacks from ethnic Dinka soldiers, who are loyal to Mr Machar's rival, President Salva Kiir.

Soldiers were allowing women from the camps to leave and search for food nearby before attacking them when they returned, according to the witnesses.

Several women spoke to the Associated Press about the attacks.

"When we reached checkpoint, the soldiers come out and called the women and said, 'Stop, please, and sit down', so we stopped and sat down, and they took one woman inside a shop," one woman reported.

Four men went inside the shop and they raped the woman while we three stayed outside.

Ms Persaud said peacekeeping forces were providing protection at designated times to women when needing to go out ... to collect firewood and procure other non-food items.

She added: "The UN mission has stepped up its patrols in and around the [Protection of Civilians] sites, as well as in Juba city."

There were 1,300 reports of rape in just one of South Sudans 10 states over the course of five months in 2015, according to a UN report released in March.
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A woman from Texas told police that a urinating toy sexually assaulted her at a Tennessee restaurant.

Murfreesboro Police officers were dispatched to the Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse on a sexual assault complaint after a woman was sprayed with water by a toy that looks like a man peeing.

James Lassiter, the womans husband, told police that the toy had a penis and that he and his wife were upset because the act was done in front of their four children. However, police on the scene found that the fake-pee spraying toy did not come with a penis.

"People are missing the point. This was a sexually-oriented toy meant for adults, in front of minor children, the Lassiters said in a statement. We're not trying to make money off of this. If the toy was in a bar, it'd be a different situation, but this was in a family restaurant with 13 to 14-year-olds at the table. If people think it's so funny, why don't people go buy that toy and squirt a cop in the face with it and see what happens.

Johnny Huang, the manager of the restaurant, told reporters that the toy is a common part of the show to entertain patrons, and control flames on the grill.

The kids like it, Huang told WREG. They think its a water gun.

Police have not filed any charges in the case.
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Seven protesters were arrested after breaking into a secure zone at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia during the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

The demonstration, which included groups Black Lives Matter and Democracy Spring, became heated when some activists broke through police lines and began climbing the high fence around the convention, according to officials.

Seven people breached the perimeter about an hour and a half before former President Bill Clinton was scheduled to speak, the Secret Service reported.

About 100 Secret Service and Philadelphia police offers were on hand at the time and the intruders were immediately arrested.

Kelsey Helt, 20, who witnessed the altercation, told USA Today: "Everything was peaceful, and then you had a few people step in to cause trouble. Then there was just chaos."

In one video, a protester attempting to put out a burning American flag briefly set fire to himself.

WATCH: Protesters came running as police moved toward the fence (protesters opened it). The helicopter came very low pic.twitter.com/gMFqNvX3Jn  Natalie DiBlasio (@ndiblasio) July 28, 2016

Other protestors rushed to help him while he dropped to the ground.

The unidentified suspects, who were taken to the Philadelphia Federal Detention Center, face federal charges of entering a restricted area.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

Trend:

A meeting of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, to be held in Baku on August 8, will be a good platform to give a great impetus to the development of cooperation among the countries in the energy sector, said the article of Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani energy minister, published in the countrys official press July 28.

The minister stressed that Azerbaijan is being turned into an energy cooperation center.

"The meeting of the presidents of the three countries will be held in Baku amid the processes rapidly occurring in the world politics and their impact on the geopolitical map of the region, the article said. Azerbaijan will be again at the center of world's attention in the difficult period of the formation of a new world order, by hosting such an important meeting in a trilateral format."

According to the article, holding of the meeting, which accounted for Irans post-sanction period, in Azerbaijan, having an image of a reliable partner as a major participant in global energy and communication projects, will give an impetus to the formation of new partnership relations in the world.

The new relations, established among three countries after lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran, primarily contribute to good prospects for cooperation in the energy sector, the minister said.

"The August meeting can be a platform that will give an impetus to the development of energy cooperation through the coordination of the interests of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia, carrying out the independent energy policy in the region, the article said.

Among the projects which are being jointly implemented by the three countries, a project of uniting the electric power systems of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia and a project of constructing the corridors for the transportation of gas from Russia and other Caspian-littoral countries are significant, the minister said.

The implementation of these projects can be accelerated at the meeting in Baku due to the strong position of the countries leaders, the minister said.
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A Texas law firm filed a lawsuit against a 20-year-old woman for the heinous act of posting a negative online review.

Lan Cai briefly hired lawyers from Tuan A Khun, a Houston-area law firm, after she was struck by a drunk driver on her way home from her restaurant job. She broke two bones in her back during the crash.

Ms Cai said they ignored her emails and phone messages after she signed a contract to have them represent her  and thus decided to leave a less than favourable review of the firm on Facebook and Yelp.

Soon after, she was hit with a defamation lawsuit from the firm that could cost her between $100,000 and $200,000 in damages.

I feel like theyre trying to pull every single penny out of me, Ms Cai told the Houston Press, just because I didnt want to be their client.

Ms Cai detailed her experience with the firm in a 30 June post to Facebook, warning her friends not to visit the firm, even if they offer lower rates than other lawyers.

After 3 days they didnt tell me anything about the doctor I needed to go to, she wrote. I was in a lot of pain. Not only that, they didnt know where the hell my car was!

She added in the post that the attorneys entered her room to discuss case specifics while she was asleep and wearing only her underwear.

The ten most ridiculous lawsuits Show all 10 1 /10 The ten most ridiculous lawsuits The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188990.bin The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188988.bin GGetty The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188964.bin Getty The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188987.bin The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188986.bin Getty The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188981.bin Getty The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188985.bin Getty The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188982.bin Getty The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188983.bin Wikipedia The ten most ridiculous lawsuits 188984.bin Getty

Keith Nguyen, an attorney at Tuan A Khun, reportedly responded to her review via email.

It has come to my attention that you have posted some disparaging words on your Facebook account, the email said. If you do not remove the post from Facebook and any other social media site, my office will have no choice but to file suit.

Mr Nguyen elaborated to the Press why her review prompted the suit.

It puts us in a bad light, he said. I [told Ms Cai], You can say that, but you need to add that we were invited. And she never did. She went ahead and wrote more bad things.

In addition to her server job, Ms Cai is a nursing student at Houston Community College. However, due to her injury in the car accident, as well as the ongoing battle with finding representation, she is going to take a semester off.
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Campaigners have criticised the police's decision not to charge a man who who allegedly spat at a Muslim woman, threatened to kill her and drive her off the road with a hate crime.

Sarah Alzubi, who was wearing an Islamic head scarf, was driving in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, when she saw a truck driving beside her.

The driver, 52-year-old Michael Robinson, allegedly started spitting at her car. She accused him of following her for several miles, swerving into her lane and nearly causing her to drive off the road.

He was coming toward my vehicle; he didnt look like he was slowing down. Like he was going to hit me at full force, she told WKRN news.

Ms Alzubi, who had converted to Islam after her marriage, managed to pull over safely. The truck was still behind her, and Mr Robinson allegedly shouted profanities and called her a "f***ing terrorist".

He then got out of his truck and walked over to Ms Alzubis car, pounded his hands on her window and threatened to kill her.

Mr Robinson drove away a few minutes later.

The driver turned himself in and was charged with a misdemeanour of assault, despite local police investigating the incident in May as an aggravated assault motivated by anti-Islamic bias.

We are disappointed that an alleged hate attack on a Muslim woman has been treated as a misdemeanor and that the suspect in this troubling case was released on such low bail, said Ibrahim Hooper, national communications director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Given the allegation of a bias motive, we ask that the charge in this case be upgraded to a felony and that any sentencing be enhanced to reflect the seriousness of the alleged crime.

Paul Galloway, executive director of the American Muslim Advisory Council, said he hoped this sentencing decision would not embolden others to express their hate in the future.

Mr Robinson is due to appear in court on 9 August.
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You might think hip is a purely subjective notion, more of a feeling or a vibe than a quantifiable fact. But brother, youd be dead wrong. A new study has used raw data to identify the most hipster cities in the US  and Seattle beat out its regional rival, Portland, for the top spot.

The analytics firm Infogroup used a database of more than 15 million businesses to work out which major metropolitan areas had the most hipster-friendly hangouts, including microbreweries, record shops, tattoo parlours and bicycle dealers.

The study ranked areas with more than a million residents by how many hipster businesses it contained for every 10,000 people, and Seattle got a significant caffeine boost from its density of single-location coffee places.

A map shows the geographical spread of America's most hipster metropolitan areas (Infogroup)

The Emerald City was the birthplace of Starbucks, though Infogroup insisted in a press release that such lamestream businesses did not count towards its results. Still, some 38 per cent of Seattles hipster businesses are coffee-based, compared to 29 per cent of Portlands.

This is not the first time Seattle has narrowly outranked its southern neighbour in such a survey. In 2012, readers of Travel+Leisure magazine also voted Seattle and Portland numbers one and two in a list of Americas best cities for hipsters.

What is it about the Pacific Northwest that makes it such a bastion of hipsterdom? Is it the music? Or is it that its the only region cool enough (temperature-wise, that is) to wear long beards and lumberjack shirts year-round?

The top 10 hipster cities in the US, broken down by hipster business type (Infogroup)

San Diego, widely considered the craft beer capital of the US, came in sixth in the study thanks to its high concentration of microbreweries, serving obscure IPAs to California cool-hunters. Sacramento made the list with its wide selection of thrift shops, though there is no indication whether said thrift shops sell mostly vintage clothes, or incomplete jigsaw puzzles and the complete paperbacks of Len Deighton.

Providence, Rhode Island and Rochester, New York appear largely on the strength of their tattoo parlours, which made up more than 20 per cent of their local hipster businesses. Again, the study did not delve deep enough to measure the quality of their sleeve tattoos.
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It was not supposed to be her night. Not quite yet.

But after Barack Obama completed his soaring, 45 minute address to the convention - one of his best, according to many commentators, and certainly one of his most important - those scripting the event could not resist the powerful symbol of unity and transition of having Hillary Clinton share the stage with him. Word that she was going to be there had not leaked out on advance, and as a result the hall was both stunned and delighted.

Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me, Mr Obama asked the crowd. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me.

Mr Obama said he knew he was leaving the party in safe hands (AP)

At that point, Ms Clinton joined him on the stage, to huge cheers, where they smiled and hugged and waved. Many said on social media that the symbolism of passing on the baton after completing eight years was very clear.

There has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill Clinton - nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States, Mr Obama had said on Wednesday night to cheers at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me.

During the course of his address, Mr Obama painted a vision of a country with a shared humanity, but made of people of different races and religions. He said America was a nation of hope, despite the problems it faced.

And, essentially, he placed at the centre of his address, the idea that Americans believed in, and wanted, democracy. They did not like rulers and they rejected homegrown demagogues.

America is already great. America is already strong, he said.

And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.

For Democrats, the night was steeped in symbolism, the passing of the baton from a barrier-breaking president to a candidate trying to make history herself.

Mr Obama completed his speech with thanks to the American people for raising him up during the darkest nights, and he mentioned many of those who had sustained him over the course of two terms, as he pushed for change but sometimes found himself coming up short.

Richard Thompson, a military veteran who served in the Korean War, said he thought Mr Obamas speech was 'super' (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe)

He recalled a big-eyed green owl given to him by the parents of a 7-year-old girl killed a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, to remind him to keep fighting.

He remembered a meeting an injured solider who learned to walk again and who stepped into the Oval Office to shake the president's hand.

He talked about a small business owner from Colorado who gave up his own pay to keep from firing his employees.

 What can we expect from Hillary Clinton's convention speech

And he spoke of a Texas conservative expressing his appreciation for the president because he tries to be a good dad.

For all the time he spent mentioning what he had tried to do, he said he was leaving office with assurances the Democratic Party was in good hands.

Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures First Lady Michelle Obama called on Democratic party members to trust in the 'steady and measured' Mrs Clinton, in a speech critics described as "show-stealing" Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures The first day of the convention was attended by a vast crowd of approximately 50,000 as the event got into full swing in Philadelphia Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Bernie Sanders delivered an impassioned speech endorsing Mrs Clinton, and asking the party to unite for their prospective candidate REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Two advocates of the former candidate Sanders were reduced to tears as details of an alleged conspiracy against his nomination were gradually revealed REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Elizabeth Warren was repeatedly heckled and booed as she endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential candidacy Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Former president Bill Clinton (left) looks pensive as the resentment against his wife's nomination appeared to grow during day one of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A Bernie Sanders supporter taped her mouth shut in protest against his perceived mistreatment at the hands of the Democratic party AFP/Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Cor Brooker called for unity within the party, saying: "We are called to be a nation of love" REUTERS Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Actress Eva Longoria gave a heartfelt speech in which she called upon members to trust in Mrs Clinton as their candidate Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Senator Al Franken was joined on stage by comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, with critics praising their double act Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Delegates danced joyously at the convention in the Wells Fargo Center as musical entertainment was provided Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Pop singer Demi Lovato told the DNC she was "living with mental illness" before performing her hit single 'Confident' Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon was another high-profile performer to entertain the crowd on day one Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures Anastasia Somoza, an international disability rights advocate, also delivered remarks on the first day of the convention Getty Images Democratic National Convention 2016 in pictures A delegate holds a sign that reads "Stronger together" as the first day of the convention drew to a close Getty Images

On the convention floor, delegates and supporters said they found his words inspiring.

He talked about democracy and how we have to get involved, said Simone Williams, from Washington DC.

Richard Thompson, a military veteran who served in the Korean War, said he thought Obamas speech was super. He said he would be quite happy if Mr Obama were allowed to serve another four years.

He said: I like his ability to reach people.
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Donald Trump has tossed some fresh red meat to his Reddit faithful in an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session with supporters on the social news service. But while users were encouraged to ask him anything, the property moguls answers proved characteristically long on bombast and short on specifics.

How will he tackle the influence of money on politics, asked one. Keeping Crooked Hillary Clinton out of the White House! Mr Trump replied. What role should Nasa play in making America great again, asked another. Nasa is wonderful! The Donald shot back.

The Republican presidential nominee was on his way to a rally in Ohio as he began the AMA on Wednesday evening, and the spotty WiFi on board Trump Force One delayed the session by around 30 minutes. Soon, though, the softball questions were flying thick and fast. Are you tired of winning? went one. I am never tired of winning, Mr Trump responded.

The AMA was a coup for the pro-Trump subreddit that hosted it, /r/The_Donald, a popular online meeting place for the alleged billionaires most fervent, web-savvy supporters. With more than 180,000 subscribers (Hillary Clintons has approximately 21,000), it is currently the third-most active subreddit, according to Wired  more popular even than /r/PokemonGo.

But while Mr Trump's question-and-answer session attracted some 22,000 questions and comments, the candidate provided just eight answers during the hour-long AMA.

On specific policy issues, he was conspicuously vague. Asked what he would do for young people, he promised to create millions of new jobs, reform our education system, and work to free young Americans from the awful burden of debt.

To a Redditor who said their health costs had skyrocketed under President Obamas Affordable Care Act, Mr Trump vowed to repeal disastrous Obamacare and replace it with his amazing new plan, which sounds exactly like dusty old GOP proposals, such as allowing patients to purchase health insurance across state lines.

The presidential hopeful hit familiar notes on his immigration plans and support for the police, and reiterated his call to disillusioned Bernie Sanders supporters, describing his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton as a puppet of special interests and insisting he would fix one of Bernies biggest issues, our terrible trade deals that strip our country of its jobs and wealth.

Distrust of  and disgust for  Ms Clinton proved to be a theme, as it was at last weeks Republican convention in Cleveland, and again at Mr Trump's bizarre Wednesday morning press conference. One Redditor claimed they firmly believe Hillary will try and steal this election through vote fraud, which Mr Trump said was always a serious concern.

In fact, the rate of voter fraud in US elections is vanishingly small, though Mr Trumps ardent Reddit fans are unlikely to take a journalists word for it. The dishonest media is rigging our democracy with a radical agenda that divides Americans, wrote a user from Maryland with the Reddit handle PM-ME-UR-BEST-PHOTO.

Mr Trump agreed. I have been very concerned about media bias and the total dishonesty of the press, he responded. I think new media is a great way to get out the truth.
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Having been accused of treason after urging Russia to hack Hillary Clintons emails, Donald Trump has now claimed he was only making a joke.

The day after he stared into television cameras and said Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, the Republican presidential candidate said he was being sarcastic.

Of course I was being sarcastic, Mr Trump told Fox News. And frankly, they don't even know if it's Russia, if it's China, if its someone else. Who knows who it is.

The attempt by Mr Trump to deny that he was being serious came after he was engulfed in a barrage of criticism for appearing to urge Russia to intervene in the US election. His vice-presidential running mate and the leader of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives were among those who sought to distance themselves from his comments.

After Mr Trump spoke to reporters in Miami, a succession of speakers at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia criticised his comments and said they were unprecedented from a US presidential candidate. Former CIA Director Leon Panetta said Mr Trumps remarks called into question his loyalty to the US.

The controversy relates to the hacking of emails of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), 20,000 of which were published last week by Wikileaks, and which exposed a plot by Democratic officials to try and smear Bernie Sanders. The furore, on the eve of the Democratic convention, resulted in the resignation of the DNC chairperson.

Over the weekend, US media reported that the intelligence community believed that Russia was behind the hack. Ms Clintons spokesman said he believed that Mr Trump was somehow involved in the effort to smear the Democrats.

Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Show all 14 1 /14 Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Isis: "Some of the candidates, they went in and didnt know the air conditioner didnt work and sweated like dogs, and they didnt know the room was too big because they didnt have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?" Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On immigration: "I will build a great wall  and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Free Trade: "Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people." PAUL J. RICHARDS | AFP | Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Mexicans: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists." Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On China: "I just sold an apartment for $15 million to somebody from China. Am I supposed to dislike them?... I love China. The biggest bank in the world is from China. You know where their United States headquarters is located? In this building, in Trump Tower." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On work: "If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable." AP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On success: "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On life: "Everything in life is luck." AFP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On ambition: "You have to think anyway, so why not think big?" Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On his opponents: "Bush is totally in favour of Common Core. I don't see how he can possibly get the nomination. He's weak on immigration. He's in favour of Common Core. How the hell can you vote for this guy? You just can't do it." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Obamacare: "You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high. It's virtually useless. And remember the $5 billion web site?... I have so many web sites, I have them all over the place. I hire people, they do a web site. It costs me $3." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Barack Obama: "Obama is going to be out playing golf. He might be on one of my courses. I would invite him. I have the best courses in the world. I have one right next to the White House." PA Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On himself: "Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On America: "The American Dream is dead. But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before and we will make America great again." GETTY

Mr Trump has previously spoken favourably of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but both the Russian president and the New York tycoon have denied any involvement in the hacking of the DNC emails, or their release to Wikileaks

On Wednesday, the row took a even stranger twist when Mr Trump appeared to call on Mr Putin to dig deeper into Mr Clintons emails. He also implied that the Russian leader used the N-word when referring to President Barack Obama.

Asked whether he was concerned that he was urging a foreign nation to hack US political party, he said: If its any foreign country it shows how little respect they have for the United States.

Russia has denied that it is behind the email hacking or that it is trying to interfere with the US election. It said the allegations were nothing more than horror stories.

Moscow is at pains to avoid any words that could be interpreted as direct or indirect interference in the election process, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call, according to Reuters.

Mr Trump said had nothing to do with the email hack (AP)

Ms Clinton came under investigation for her use of a personal email server while serving as secretary of state. After turning over all correspondence about government business during her tenure at the department to the FBI, Ms Clinton revealed at a press conference last year that she had deleted about half of her emails that pertained to personal matters.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch ultimately decided not to pursue criminal charges against Ms Clinton.

Ms Clintons senior policy adviser, Jake Sullivan, said on Wednesday that Mr Trumps action were unprecedented. This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent," he said.

Thats not hyperbole. Those are just the facts. This has gone from being a matter of curiosity and a matter of politics to being a national security issue.
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Its a decision no one would want to make: if devastating floods were about to destroy the village where you lived, would you save your partner or one of your parents first?

Gao Fengshou, a decorator, was faced with the dilemma when heavy rain threatened to raise water levels to dangerous heights last week in the village of Daxian, in north east Chinas Hebei province.

He chose to put his mothers safety over that of Zhang Xiaoyan, his wife, and their two young children as floods crept closer to the family home  and Ms Zhang has now left him as a result.

Instead of helping Ms Zhang to ensure the safety of their son and daughter, Mr Gao headed straight to his mothers house in the same village, reported the Times.

After making sure his mother was safe, Mr Gao returned home, where Ms Zhang had forced the door shut to keep out the water, which had reached chest height.

His family managed to climb on to the roof of the house with his father, who was also there, but Mr Gao did not help them up  instead leaving to check on his mother a second time.

When he came home again, his family were gone, along with 2,000 yuan (228) in cash.

Large parts of central, eastern and northern China have been hit by flooding this summer, while a typhoon left a wave of destruction this month and a freak tornado killed at least 98 in the eastern province of Jiangsu in June.

According to China Daily, at least 114 people have died and 111 are missing following the torrential rain and floods which hit Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing, last week.

Following the incident, Ms Zhang has left her husband, who she had been married to for five years. She has reportedly returned to her parents home in east China with the children, according to the Mirror.

In pictures: Severe flooding hits China Show all 18 1 /18 In pictures: Severe flooding hits China In pictures: Severe flooding hits China Rescuer workers carry an injured woman through flood waters in Jiujiang EPA In pictures: Severe flooding hits China People attempt to push a car through flood waters in Jiujiang EPA In pictures: Severe flooding hits China Aerial view of submerged Binjiang East Road along the Liujiang River in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Rex Features In pictures: Severe flooding hits China A woman sheds tears at the gate of her home in Puhe Community of Qijiang District in Chongqing Rex Features In pictures: Severe flooding hits China People walking at a flooded road in Jiujiang EPA In pictures: Severe flooding hits China A driver leaving his car in the flood in Jiujiang EPA In pictures: Severe flooding hits China Rescuers evacuating victims trapped in floodwaters at a village in Poyang county AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Severe flooding hits China A rescuer grabs a rope to prevent a raft carrying residents from being flushed away as residents are evacuated from a flooded area in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province REUTERS In pictures: Severe flooding hits China A truck submerged in floodwaters at a village in Poyang county AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Severe flooding hits China An aerial view of the flooded town after a dyke along Bingtian River broke in Poyang county in central China's Jiangxi province EPA In pictures: Severe flooding hits China Rescuers evacuating victims trapped in floodwaters at a village in Poyang county AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Severe flooding hits China A village submerged by floodwaters in Poyang county AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Severe flooding hits China A resident making his way through a flooded area in a village in Poyang county, in southeast China's Jiangxi province AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Severe flooding hits China A man standing on the rood of a flood-inundated building in the flooded ancient town of Longshan county AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Severe flooding hits China Rescuers evacuating villagers trapped in a flooded village in Duchang County, Jiangxi Province EPA In pictures: Severe flooding hits China A village submerged by floodwaters in Poyang county AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Severe flooding hits China Workers trying to open a sewage well on a flooded road in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province EPA In pictures: Severe flooding hits China Residential buildings are flooded after heavy rainfall in Hengyang, Hunan Province Reuters

According to state media, more than 800 people have died and around 200 are missing in a series of natural disasters that have hit China since June  the worst casualty figures since a similar period in 2011.

I had no time. It was a huge rush. I didn't have time to make a choice between my mother and my wife, Mr Gao said, according to the Times.

The newspaper reported that users of Chinese social media had largely criticised Mr Gao for not paying enough attention to his wife.
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A man has pleaded guilty to killing his autistic son by slashing him around 100 times.

Choy Sin-hung, 61, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the High Court in Hong Kong following the death of his 15-year-old son in June 2014. He denied the original charge of murder.

According to local media, the court heard how the unemployed Choy attacked his son with two knives while he was sleeping at their home in the Yuen Long area of the city. He then called the police.

The autopsy report was said to show over 100 external wounds.

Choy worried that he was getting old and feared there would be no one to care for his son after Choy's death.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Police found a suicide note in the living room - with the court hearing that Choy had planned to kill himself. The note said: Its extremely tough for the whole family. If hes gone, the whole family would have peace.

Judge Maggie Poon Man-kay has postponed sentencing until 11 August to allow psychological and psychiatric evaluations can be carried out.

Recommended Read more Mother sentenced to life for throwing autistic son off bridge

Psychiatrist Dr Ivan Mak Wing-chit said the case highlighted the lack of support families with autistic children are given in Hong Kong.

He told the South China Morning Post caregivers can often feel really lonely or helpless.

He said: "Those suffering from serious conditions such as autism might have quite disruptive social behaviours that can cause a lot of pressure to their caregivers.

"Since they have difficulties in social interaction, it might seem like they have a lack of appreciation towards their caregivers, creating more tension and stress".
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North Korea's top diplomat for US affairs has said Washington crossed the red line and effectively declared war by putting leader Kim Jong Un on its list of sanctioned individuals.

Han Song Ryol dismissed calls for Pyongyang to defuse tensions by agreeing to abandon its nuclear program, saying they are needed to neutralize the nuclear blackmail of the United States."

In the view of cause and effect, it is the US that provided the cause of our possession of nuclear forces, he told Associated Press.

We never hide the fact, and we are very proud of the fact, that we have very strong nuclear deterrent forces not only to cope with the United States' nuclear blackmail but also to neutralize the nuclear blackmail of the United States.

The United States and South Korea regularly conduct joint military exercises south of the Demilitarized Zone, and Pyongyang typically responds to them with tough talk and threats of retaliation.

Mr Han said North Korea believes the nature of the maneuvers has become openly aggressive because they reportedly now include training designed to prepare troops for the invasion of the North's capital and decapitation strikes aimed at killing its top leadership.

He said designating Kim Jong Un himself for sanctions was the final straw.

 South Korea: Thousands protest against anti-missile system deployment

The Obama administration went so far to have the impudence to challenge the supreme dignity of the DPRK in order to get rid of its unfavorable position during the political and military showdown with the DPRK, Mr Han said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The United States has crossed the red line in our showdown, he said. We regard this thrice-cursed crime as a declaration of war.

Although North Korea had already been heavily sanctioned internationally for its nuclear weapons and long-range missile development programs, Washington's announcement on 6 July was the first time Mr Kim has been personally sanctioned.

Less than a week later, Pyongyang cut off its final official means of communications with Washington  known as the New York channel. Mr Han said Pyongyang has made it clear that everything between the two must now be dealt with under war law.

Recommended Read more Donald Trump says Japan and South Korea could have nuclear weapons

Mr Kim and 10 others were put on the list of sanctioned individuals in connection with alleged human rights abuses, documented by the United Nations Human Rights Commission, that include a network of political prisons and harsh treatment of any kind of political dissent in the authoritarian state. U.S. State Department officials said the sanctions were intended in part to highlight those responsible for the abuses and to pressure lower-ranking officials to think twice before carrying them out.

Pyongyang denies abuse claims and says the UN. report was based on fabrications gleaned from disgruntled defectors. Pointing to such things as police shootings of black Americans and poverty in even the richest democracies, it says the West has no moral high ground from which to criticize the North's domestic political situation. It also says US allies with questionable human-rights records receive less criticism.

Mr Han took strong issue with the claim that it not the US but Pyongyang's continued development of nuclear weapons and missiles that is provoking tensions.

Day by day, the US military blackmail against the DPRK and the isolation and pressure is becoming more open, Han said. It is not us, it is the United States that first developed nuclear weapons, who first deployed them and who first used them against humankind. And on the issue of missiles and rockets, which are to deliver nuclear warheads and conventional weapons warheads, it is none other than the United States who first developed it and who first used it.

He noted that US and South Korea's military exercises conducted this spring were unprecedented in scale, and that the US has deployed the USS Mississippi and USS Ohio nuclear-powered submarines to South Korean ports, deployed the B-52 strategic bomber around South Korea and is planning to set up the world's most advanced missile defense system, known by its acronym THAAD, in the South, a move that has also angered China.

Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Show all 30 1 /30 Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Farmer works in a field Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Women soldier walk on the street Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A female soldier guards railway Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of platform of Pyongyang Railway Station Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Students stage a protest against South Korea and the US in Pyongyang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Students rehearsal for celebrating the 70th birthday of Workers' Party of Korea Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone People enjoy the cool at the carriage door Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of countryside Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Korean People's Army soldier rest on the rail 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A little boy begs food on the platform in Hamhung Railway Station in Hamhung 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Children swim in a river in noon Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone People cross a railway crossing 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A boy collects corn cob beside a railway Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A customs officer is seen on the train No.100 from Moscow to Pyongyang at Tumangang railway station in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A customs officer checks a passenger's mobile device on the train to Pyongyang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A railway station in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of the railway station in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Kids pass by Tumanggang railway station in Tumanggang 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of Tumangang - a small town located at North Korea and Russia border Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A train carriage on it's way to Pyongyang is delayed for a day and half due to military transportation in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A customs officers talks to a passenger at Tumanggang railway station in Tumanggang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A little girl walks on the street in Tumanggang 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone An elderly man is seen in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Kids go to school in morning in Tumangang 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone

Echoing earlier state media reports, Han ridiculed Mark Lippert, the US ambassador to South Korea, for a flight on a US Air Force F-16 based in South Korea that he said was an action unfit for a diplomat.

We regard that as the act of a villain, who is a crazy person, Han said of the 12 July flight. All these facts show that the United States is intentionally aggravating the tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

Han warned that Pyongyang is viewing next month's planned US - South Korea exercises in this new context and will respond if they are carried out as planned.

Nobody can predict what kind of influence this kind of vicious confrontation between the DPRK and the United States will have upon the situation on the Korean Peninsula, he said. By doing these kinds of vicious and hostile acts toward the DPRK, the U.S. has already declared war against the DPRK. So it is our self-defensive right and justifiable action to respond in a very hard way.

We are all prepared for war, and we are all prepared for peace, he said. If the United States forces those kinds of large-scale exercises in August, then the situation caused by that will be the responsibility of the United States.

Last year's Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercises involved 30,000 American and 50,000 South Korean troops and followed a period of heightened animosity between the rival Koreas sparked by land mine explosions that maimed two South Korean soldiers. In the end, the exercises escalated tensions and rhetoric, but concluded with no major incidents.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
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Australian officials have confirmed data recovered from a home flight simulator owned by the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 showed someone had used the device to plot a course to the southern Indian Ocean, where the missing jet is believed to have crashed.

Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Centre , which is overseeing the search for the plane off Australia's west coast, told The Associated Press Captain Zahaire Ahmad Shah's flight simulator showed "someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean".

The plane disappeared with 239 passengers and crew in March 2014.

Speaking about the incident at the time, the pilots wife and daughter said the 53-year-old had retreated into a shell and appeared lost and disturbed.

There had been confusion over exactly what was found on the captain's flight simulator since New York Magazine reported last week that an FBI analysis of the device showed Mr Zaharie had conducted a simulated flight to the southern Indian Ocean less than a month before the plane vanished along a similar route. The magazine cited the discovery as strong evidence the disappearance was a premeditated act of mass murder-suicide at the hands of the captain.

Malaysia immediately rejected the report as false. Malaysia's national police chief, Khalid Abu Bakar said Malaysian police had never handed any document or information to any authority abroad including the FBI  a perplexing statement, given Malaysia's own transport minister confirmed two years ago that Malaysia was working with the FBI to analyze data from the simulator's hard drives.

Adding to the confusion, Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Center subsequently issued a vague statement that seemed to imply such a route had been found on Mr Zaharie's machine.

Potential passenger belongings from MH370 Show all 13 1 /13 Potential passenger belongings from MH370 Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A bag and pen Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 The sole of a shoe Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A satchel with pen Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 The inside of a bag Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A shoulder bag Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 The word Mensa, from the high-IQ organisation, on an item Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A phone case and pen Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A wash bag Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A backpack Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A camera case Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A prayer hat Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 The sole of a shoe Blaine Gibson Potential passenger belongings from MH370 A luggage bag and pen Blaine Gibson

The agency then cautioned that evidence of the route did not prove that Mr Zaharie had planned to steer the plane off course and showed only "the possibility of planning" for such an event.

The confirmation appears to directly contradict repeated assertions from Malaysian officials that no such route had been found on the captain's simulator.

On Wednesday, Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai insisted there was no evidence to prove that Mr Zaharie had plotted the same course as the doomed airliner into the machine.

 MH370: No closure for relatives after Reunion debris find

Earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull declined to offer any details on what evidence had been found on the simulator, saying it was a matter for Malaysia, which is leading the investigation into the missing plane.

"I just note that even if the simulator information does show that it is possible or very likely that the captain planned this shocking event, it does not tell us the location of the aircraft," Mr Turnbull told reporters.

Officials have been stymied in their efforts to explain why the Boeing 777 carrying 239 people veered so far off course during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on 8 March, 2014.

Theories have ranged from a deliberate murder-suicide plot by one of the pilots, to a hijacking, to a mechanical catastrophe.

Similarly, search crews have been unable to find the main wreckage of the plane despite a sweeping underwater hunt of a remote stretch of ocean off Australia's west coast.

Last week, officials from Malaysia, Australia and China announced that the underwater search will be suspended once the current search area has been completely scoured.

Crews have fewer than 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 square miles) left to scan of the 120,000-square-kilometer (46,300-square-mile) search area, and should finish their sweep of the region by the end of the year.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
Details added (first version posted on

Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

Trend:

Twenty-seven people have been dismissed from various departments at Petkim petrochemical holding (SOCARs Turkish asset) since July 27, Vagif Aliyev, head of the board of directors of Petkim, told the Anadolu Agency.

He noted that as part of the restructuring process in Turkey, SOCAR will continue to make investments in this country as before.

Aliyev noted that the companys investments in Turkey stand at $18 billion. Thus, it is the largest foreign investor in Turkey.

Moreover, former director general of Petkim petrochemical holding Sadeddin Korkut was detained over the complaint of the companys high-ranking official who was dismissed earlier, SOCAR told Trend July 28.

Sadeddin Korkut was dismissed from his post and Anar Mammadov, who is also head of SOCAR Greece (SOCARs Greek subsidiary), replaced him.

Earlier, some officials of SOCAR Turkey Energy (Turkish subsidiary of SOCAR) resigned.

Among those resigned are Omer Adsiz, director of public relations department at SOCAR Turkey, Ilgar Mehmetoglu, director of the companys human resources department, Cetin Korkut, director of the companys IT department, as well as Fuat Ulagay, director of human resources department at Star refinery.
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A third of Danish people believe their country is at war with Islam, according to a new survey.

The survey asked 1,045 adults whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement Denmark, together with the rest of the Western world, is at war with the religion of Islam and not just radicalised Muslims.

Thirty-three per cent agreed, while a further 56 per cent disagreed and 11 per cent said they did not know.

An Islam expert at the University of Copenhagen said the result was worrying .

Jrgen Bk Simonsen told broadcaster TV2: It is thought-provoking that we have now reached a point where the way we talk about one another has led to a third of the countrys population believing that we are at war with Islam.

The study found the majority of people who agreed with the statement were over age of 70 and typically only educated to high-school level.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Around 60 per cent of people who identified themselves as voters for the anti-immigration Danish Peoples Party, The Local reports.

But the partys integration spokesman, Martin Henriksen, said he did not agree with the statement.

Ozlem Cekic, a Muslim and former Socialist People's Party MP, told TV2 that more dialogue was needed between Muslims and non-Muslims in Denmark.

What we should be doing instead is supporting one another, both Muslims and non-Muslims. The terrorists win as soon as we direct our anger toward moderate Muslims instead of at the terrorists themselves, Ms Cekic said.
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Angela Merkel has rejected calls to change Germany's refugee policy, following a wave of terror attacks in the country.

She said the asylum seekers responsible for the deadly attacks in Ansbach and Reutlingen had shamed the country that welcomed them, but that those fleeing persecution and war had a right to be protected.

The Chancellor vowed not to give in to efforts by Isis supporters to frighten Germans into changing their way of life.

 Timeline: Germany rocked by week of deadly violence

The terrorists want to make us lose sight of what is important to us, break down our cohesion and sense of community, as well as inhibit our way of life, our openness and our willingness to take in people who are in need, she told a news conference after returning from holiday.

They see hatred and fear between cultures, and they see hatred and fear between religions. We stand decisively against that."

Ms Merkel said recent attacks in Germany and France aimed to spread division and suspicion.

The German government is proposing new counter-terror measures on information-sharing, web chatter, online arms sales and improving security.

She said the country takes the "challenge of integration very seriously" and is working on anti-radicalisation programmes and early warning systems during asylum proceedings.

A failed Syrian asylum seeker blew himself up in a suicide bombing that injured 15 people outside a music festival in the Bavarian town of Ansbach on 24 July.

In pictures: German train axe attack Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: German train axe attack In pictures: German train axe attack Blood stains are seen on the regional train on which a man allegedly wielding an axe attacked passengers in Wuerzburg EPA In pictures: German train axe attack A patch of blood and the remains of bandaging material lie on a sidewalk near Wuerzburg EPA In pictures: German train axe attack The body of a 17-years-old attacker is carried to a hearse in Wuerzburg AP In pictures: German train axe attack Police officers search for evidence near Wuerzburg EPA In pictures: German train axe attack Police stand by the regional train on which a man wielding an axe attacked passengers in Wuerzburg EPA In pictures: German train axe attack Firefighters stand at a road block in Wuerzburg EPA In pictures: German train axe attack Rescuers gather on a road near railtracks in Wuerzburg after a man attacked train passengers with an axe AFP/Getty Images In pictures: German train axe attack German emergency services work in the area where a man with an axe attacked passengers on a train Reuters

Mohammad Daleel, 27, had pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Isis, in a video shared by the terrorist group.

Earlier the same day, a 21-year-old Syrian refugee killed a pregnant woman with a machete and injured several others in an attack in Reutlingen. The motive for the killing was unclear.

It came after a German teenager of Iranian heritage shot nine people dead before turning the gun on himself in Munich on 22 July. Police said the incident was not terror-related.

In an attack on 18 July, a teenage Afghan asylum seeker attacked train passengers with an axe in Wurzburg after declaring allegiance to Isis. He was shot dead by police.

Thursday was Ms Merkel's second public appearance in the past week. She had faced criticism from opponents for her muted response to the four attacks.

Ms Merkel dismissed criticism, noting she will attend a memorial service in Munich on Sunday, and rejected the notion that she might personally feel any guilt about the attacks. I have the feeling that I am acting responsibly and correctly, and no other feelings, she said.

The Chancellor also repeated a phrase she first used at last summer's annual news conference, that Germany will manage the challenges of the day.

I didn't say 11 months ago that it would be an easy thing we could manage in passing, otherwise I wouldn't have had to say that sentence, she said. But I am, today as I was then, convinced that we will manage to do justice to our historic task ... we will also deal with the new challenge we now face  Islamist terror, Ms Merkel said.

The recent wave of atrocities has fuelled growing anti-migrant sentiment in Germany, where more than 1 million asylum seekers arrived last year during the continuing refugee crisis.

The German government announced that all Syrian asylum seekers would be able to remain in the country as arrivals on European shores neared their peak in August last year.

Ms Merkel hailed the policy under the slogan, "wir schaffen das!" (we can do it!), but the positive mood shifted following the sex attacks in Cologne last New Year's Eve, and anti-immigration parties are now on the rise.
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Some of Frances largest and most respected news outlets are refusing to publish the names and photos of terrorists in a campaign against glorification amid a wave of Isis-inspired attacks.

An editorial in Le Monde said debates would continue over its coverage as the fight against online radicalisation continued.

This battleconcerns all of society, particularly those that constitute our media landscape, reshaped by the digital revolution, the newspaper said.

 France: Priest killed in ISIL-linked attack on church

We (previously) decided to stop publishing images extracted from propaganda documents or Isis claims. Following the Nice attack, we will no longer publish photographs of the authors of atrocities, to avoid the eventual effects of posthumous glorification.

The decision was announced the day after the Normandy attack, where two teenage Isis supporters murdered a priest in a Catholic church where they had taken nuns and members of the congregation hostage.

The latest in a growing list of atrocities on French soil, it once again provoked debate on the radicalisation of young French Muslims and the dissemination of extremist material and propaganda.

BFMTV, Frances most-watched news network, announced a ban on photos of terrorists on Wednesday afternoon  starting with church killers Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean.

Can the medias use of images of bombers influence possible jihadists and drive them to take action? the broadcaster asked.

Normandy church attack in pictures Show all 16 1 /16 Normandy church attack in pictures Normandy church attack in pictures The victim was the 84-year-old priest at the church, Jacques Hamel. AFP/Getty Normandy church attack in pictures French police at the scene of the attack on a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, northern France, on July 26 AFP/Getty Images Normandy church attack in pictures More police at the scene BFM TV Normandy church attack in pictures French President Francois Hollande shaking hands with security personnel at the scene AP Normandy church attack in pictures French soldiers standing guard outside the scene of the attack AP Normandy church attack in pictures A policeman secures a position in front of the city hall after two assailants had taken five people hostage in the church at Saint-Etienne-du -Rouvray near Rouen in Normandy Pascal Rossignol/Reuters Normandy church attack in pictures A policeman holds a HKG36 assault rifle as he secures the position in front of the local town hall following the attack REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures French judicial inverstigating police apprehends a man during a raid after a hostage-taking in the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen in Normandy, France REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures AFP/Getty Images Normandy church attack in pictures REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures AFP/Getty Images Normandy church attack in pictures AP Normandy church attack in pictures AP Normandy church attack in pictures French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve visits the church REUTERS Normandy church attack in pictures AFP/Getty Images

Alexis Delahousse, BFMTVs deputy managing editor, said the broadcaster does not want to create a rogues gallery of terrorists but would still publish photos of suspects at the request of security services for appeals.

The Europe 1 radio network was also among prominent media outlets taking a similar stance, banning photos and names.

Multilingual news website The Local has stopped publishing suspects images, while La Croix has decided to only use first names.

But not all outlets are taking the same stance. France 24 journalist Wassim Nasr, a specialist in jihadism, told L'Express that if news sites do not publish information on terrorists we leave the space free for others to fill.

It will quickly be occupied by conspiracy theorists and Islamic State and their dangerous communications, he said, suggesting that more people could be driven directly to online propaganda and arguing that few extremists read the mainstream media.

An attack on a church in Normandy sparked renewed debate about radicalisation and the media's role (Associated Press)

A petition was launched following the Nice attack, where a Tunisian man killed 84 people by driving a lorry into crowds celebrating Bastille Day on 14 July, calling for terrorists to be anonymised in the French media.

More than 100,000 people have backed the letter to the countrys media watchdog (CSA) to stop Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel and other killers being turned into super-stars by excessive coverage.

I am launching an appeal to the national media: stop spreading the identity of terrorists! the author wrote. It does nothing other than to give authors of these massacres notoriety beyond the grave.

The growing consensus in the French media is at odds with standard procedure by security services, the judiciary and politicians, who swiftly name attackers when their identities are confirmed.

Refusal to publish the information is expected to fuel unsubstantiated right-wing conspiracy theories over supposed plots to mask the Islamist nature of some attacks.

Marion Le Pen, a politician from the far-right Front National and granddaughter of its founder, swiftly accused the media of attempting to hide the link with immigration on Wednesday.


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Norways government could give Finland a mountain as a birthday present next year to celebrate 100 years of Finnish independence from Russia.

The arctic summit of the mountain Halti is currently on the Norwegian side of the border between the two Scandinavian countries, and stands at 1,365m above sea level  around the same height as Ben Nevis.

The Norwegian Prime Minister is considering granting Finland the top of the mountain, which would become the countrys new highest peak, by moving a national boundary in that area by around 40 metres.

There are some formal challenges, and I have not at all decided if I will support this, Prime Minister Erna Solberg told Norways national broadcaster NRK.

But we are looking into it.

The unusual gesture was the brainchild of retired Norwegian Mapping Authority employee Bjrn Geirr Harsson, who had the idea decades ago while surveying the area by plane in 1972.

Mr Harsson, 76, has more recently been involved in an online campaign titled Halti as an anniversary gift, which was launched by his son last year and now has nearly 14,000 likes on Facebook.

 Finland scraps subjects in schools

Let us take finland to new heights! says the campaign's description.

While the loss of Haltis summit would not change much in mountainous Norway, which boasts nearly 300 peaks over 2,000 metres above sea level, the highest point in Finland is currently a smaller spur on the same mountain range known as Halditsohkka.

Halditsohkka is only around 40 metres shorter than the nearby summit, but the campaigners believe it would make a big difference.

My idea is that this should be a gift from the Norwegian people and I feel sure that the Finnish people would appreciate it, Mr Harsson told the Telegraph last year.

That would be very nice of you Norwegians to do, and we Finns would be very happy, wrote Lauri Jakku on the Facebook group.

The Norwegians are already very much liked, but this would boost it [...] I can imagine that our president would give big thank you speech

Norway's radioactive reindeer Show all 6 1 /6 Norway's radioactive reindeer Norway's radioactive reindeer There are more than 30,000 reindeer in Norway Although the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in Ukraine happened nearly 30 years ago and more than a thousand miles from Norway, the country's reindeer are still suffering from increased radioactivity. Amos Chapple, RFE/RL Norway's radioactive reindeer A reindeer eats lichen When the disaster happened, larger areas of were covered by clouds of radioactive dust. When it rained or snowed in Norway that dust made its way into the landscape, contaminating everything it touched. Amos Chapple, RFE/RL Norway's radioactive reindeer Semi-domestic reindeer roam freely around Norway's rugged landscape Norway's reindeer feed on lichen, mushrooms and grass. The unusually high radioactivity observed in the reindeer is thought to be linked to this years' bumper crop of mushrooms. Aina Bye Norway's radioactive reindeer Sami heard the reindeer several times a year Norway's indigenous people, the Sami, are known for their reindeer herding. The animals provide a vital source of income for them. Amos Chapple, RFE/RL Norway's radioactive reindeer Reindeer meat is widely eaten in Norway Because of the unusually high radioactivity measured in the reindeer, many are not fit for human consumption and so have been released back into the wild. Aina Bye Norway's radioactive reindeer The legacy of Chenobyl The Sami people of Norway fear that it could be many years before the reindeer return to normal levels of radioactivity. Amos Chapple, RFE/RL

A local mayor, Svein Leiros, and other Norweigan politicians in the region wrote to the government in Oslo to let them know their enthusiasm for the idea, according to the Guardian.

Whether the suggestion is even possible within the Norweigan constitution, which states the country is a free, independent, indivisible and inalienable realm, has been questioned by the foreign ministry in response to Mr Harssons idea.

But according to Oyvind Ravna, a law professor at the Norwegian Arctic University, minor border adjustments might not apply.
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More than 130 media organisations have been shut down in Turkey following the attempted coup as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tightens his grip on power.

Some 45 newspapers, 29 publishing houses, 23 radio stations, 16 TV stations, 15 magazines and three news agencies have all fallen foul of the Turkish government.

The graph made for The Independent by Statista also highlights the 47 arrest warrants issued for journalists who worked for the Zaman newspaper.

It was the biggest opposition newspaper in Turkey before it was shut down by police in March. It is not included in the figures.

The Erdogan administration claimed the newspaper supported the exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has been blamed for the attempted coup.

More than 15,000 people, including around 10,000 soldiers, have so far been arrested during the crackdown that followed the coup attempt on 15 July as Mr Erdogan moved to "cleanse" the army and state institutions of "Gulenist" influences.

Mr Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile in the US since falling out with Mr Erdogan but denies having had anything to do with the coup attempt.

At least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 people were injured in the coup attempt as a group of soldiers blockaded the airport in Istanbul and both bridges over the Bosphorous, as well as seizing control of the state broadcaster and sending tanks into the streets.

The coup unravelled after Mr Erdogans supporters responded to his call to protest in Istanbul and the capital, Ankara.

In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters

In the week following the coup, pro-government supporters have staged rallies every night after being told to "stay on the streets" by Mr Erdogan.

Western government and human rights groups have condemned the attempted coup but also raised concerns about Mr Erdogans crackdown.

When he threatened to reinstate the death penalty, the President of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker said it would be end of the countrys EU membership bid if he did so.
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Turkey's Supreme Military Council met for four hours under the Prime Minister's watch on Thursday as a purge of thousands of soldiers, police and state employees continued following a failed coup.

Two of the country's most senior generals resigned from their posts shortly before the crucial meeting after almost 1,700 military personnel were dishonourably discharged for their alleged role in the attempt to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Binali Yildirim, the Prime Minister, and defence minister Fikri Isik were present at the summit for the first time as it took place under heightened security at Mr Yildirim's residence in Ankara, in a symbol of increasing government influence.

The soldiers who traditionally guard the meeting room were replaced by intelligence officers, while the airspace above Cankaya Palace was reportedly closed.

 Turkey shakes up security forces after coup attempt

With the council holding responsibility for appointments and promotions, the meeting was expected to spearhead a major restructure of the Turkish military as efforts to eliminate suspected coup plotters and sympathisers continue.

Its decisions must be approved by President Erdogan, who pledged to overhaul the army last week amid criticism of his increasingly authoritarian style.

The cull of military personnel has so far included 149 generals and admirals, which would represents 40 per cent of all top-level Turkish military staff.

Authorities claim the failed coup on 15 July was staged by a military faction loyal to exiled Muslim cleric Fetullah Gulen, who lives in the US.

But the Gulen or Hismet movement denied involvement and the leaders of the coup said only that they wanted to ensure and restore constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms as battles ranged in Ankara.

Hundreds of soldiers armed with fighter jets, helicopters and tanks took control of key areas of the capital while Mr Erdogan was on holiday but were defeated after the President flew into Istanbul to make a defiant speech against an act of treason and rebellion.

Around 16,000 people have since been detained over suspected links to the failed uprising and tens of thousands of state employees including police, teachers and judges have been dismissed from their posts.

The former governor of Istanbul, Huseyin Avni Mutlu, and academics were among those arrested on Wednesday.

Arrest warrants were issued for 89 journalists and 131 media outlets have been shut down using powers under Turkeys state of emergency, including news agencies, television channels, newspapers, magazines and publishers.

In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters

Among those singled out were columnists and other staff of the now defunct Zaman newspaper, which was seized in March over alleged links to the Gulen movement.

The list includes journalists known for leftist activism, such as Sahin Alpay, who do not share the religious worldview of the Gulenist movement, fuelling concerns over a witch-hunt of the president's political opponents.

Western governments and human rights groups have condemned the coup attempt, in which at least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured, and also expressed concern over the extent of the crackdown tightening Mr Erdogans grip on power.

Other than giving British citizens safety advice, UK leaders have made no official comment on the situation other than to reiterate support for the elected government.

The United States said it understood Turkey's need to hold perpetrators of the attempted coup to account, but said the detention of more journalists was part of a troubling trend.

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the State Department, repeated unequivocal support for the government but added: We have urged President Erdogan to show restraint, to act within the rule of law, to avoid actions that would lead to further violence and instability.

We obviously support bringing the perpetrators of the coup to justice and we also continue to stress the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law through the process.

He said Washington was concerned about press freedom in Turkey and identified a troubling trend where official bodies ... are being used to discourage legitimate political discourse.

American officials have not publicly responded to demands from the Turkish government to hand over Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania.

Civilians climb onto tanks after taking over military rebels' position on the Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul (AFP/Getty)

Political parties led by Mr Erdogans ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) are discussing plans to increase parliamentary control of a key state body that appoints judges and prosecutors as the crackdown continues.

Schools, charities, unions and hospitals have also been closed.

Amnesty International said human rights were in peril in Turkey and condemned the swift and brutal response enabled by the three-month state of emergency declared on 21 July.

The government is allowed to bypass parliament by ruling by decree during the period, with the ability restrict rights including freedom of assembly and enhanced powers of arrest and dismissal.

Amnesty International said there is credible evidence of detainees being subjected to beatings, torture and rape.

This is the latest alarming development in what is increasingly becoming a brazen purge based on political affiliation, said Gauri van Gulik, the groups deputy director for Europe.

By rounding up journalists the government is failing to make a distinction between criminal acts and legitimate criticism.

Rather than stifling press freedom and intimidating journalists into silence it is vital that Turkish authorities allow the media to do their work and end this draconian clampdown on freedom of expression.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The Nusra Front, the powerful Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, has announced it is ending its relationship with the global jihadist network founded by Osama bin Laden.

According to the group, also known as Jabhat al-Nusra, this is to remove a pretext used by world powers to attack Syrians.

The announcement came as Russia and President Bashar al-Assad's government declared a humanitarian operation in the besieged rebel-held sector of Aleppo, opening safe corridors so people can flee Syria's most important opposition stronghold.

Washington said that appeared to be an attempt to depopulate the city and make fighters surrender. The opposition called it a euphemism for forced displacement.

In the first known video statement ever to show his face, the leader of the Nusra Front, Mohamad al-Golani, announced that the group would re-form under a new name, with no ties with any foreign party.

The move was being made to remove the excuse used by the international community  spearheaded by America and Russia  to bombard and displace Muslims in the Levant: that they are targeting the Nusra Front which is associated with al Qaeda, he said. The group would now be called Jabhat Fatah al-Sham.

An image posted on the Twitter page of Syria's al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front on Friday, 1 April 2016, shows fighters from al-Qaida's branch in Syria, the Nusra Front (AP)

Golani appeared in the video flanked by two other Nusra Front figures, in front of a new white flag for the group. Nusra Front's old flag was black, the colour used by ultra-hardline jihadist groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Earlier on Thursday, Bin Laden's successor as Al Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, gave the Nusra Front his blessing to break away. In his message, Golani thanked Zawahri for putting the interests of Syrians ahead of organisational concerns.

The move appeared to be an attempt to appeal to Syrians who have long had deep misgivings about Nusra's links with al Qaeda and the presence of foreign jihadists in its ranks. It could alter the strategic alignment on the ground if the renamed Nusra gains acceptance among other rebel groups.

But Assad and his Russian allies are unlikely to accept the rebranding as a reason to halt military operations that have put the Syrian leader in the strongest position on the battlefield for years.

The Nusra Front, one of the most powerful rebel forces in Syria's five-year, multi-sided civil war, was excluded along with Islamic State from a US and Russian-backed ceasefire this year.

Nusra is listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States and the United Nations. Assad's other opponents have long said its presence gave the government and its Russian allies a pretext to abandon the truce and launch advances under the cover of anti-terrorist operations permitted under the ceasefire.

The U.S. State Department said Nusra Front fighters remained a legitimate target for U.S. warplanes for now.

We're gonna have to wait and see, State Department spokesman John Kirby said. We judge a group by what they do, not by what they call themselves.

Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them Show all 13 1 /13 Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office

Western countries are worried that the announcement of safe corridors for people to flee Aleppo could herald a Russian-backed government assault on the city.

This would appear to be a demand for the surrender of opposition groups and the evacuation of Syrian civilians from Aleppo, Kirby said. The innocent people of Aleppo should be able to stay in their homes safely, and to receive the humanitarian access, which Russia and the regime ... in principle have agreed.

Syria's largest city before the war, Aleppo has for years been divided into rebel and government zones. Asserting full control would be the biggest victory for Assad so far, and a potential turning point in a civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands, spawned the world's worst refugee crisis and drawn in most regional and world powers.

Any assault on Aleppo would also probably wreck a diplomatic effort by Secretary of State John Kerry to negotiate military cooperation between the United States and Russia.

Reuters
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Pro-government forces have tightened their grip around the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo  where the local governor has said safe corridors have been opened for civilians to escape rebel-held areas.

A quarter of a million civilians still live in Aleppos opposition-controlled eastern neighbourhoods, effectively under siege since the army and allied militia cut off the last road into rebel districts in early July.

State television quoted the governor of Aleppo as saying three humanitarian corridors would be established and President Bashar al-Assad offered an amnesty for rebels who surrender within three months.

Russia said a fourth corridor would be set up in the north of the city for surrendering rebels, near the Castello road which the army recently seized.

Pictures of what appeared to be a leaflet dropped on Thursday showed a map of Aleppo, entitled Safe exit points from Aleppo city, with four crossing points out of the rebel areas marked as humanitarian corridors.

The Syrian army said on Wednesday it had dropped thousands of leaflets over opposition-held Aleppo districts, asking residents to cooperate with the military and calling on fighters to surrender.

Rebels and residents of Aleppo said they were deeply skeptical of the offer, and there was no immediate sign of people massing to leave the besieged parts of the city.

 Syria's War: Renewed push to start talks

Rights groups said opening safe passages to civilians trapped in eastern Aleppo city will not avert a catastrophe and does not give Syrian and Russian forces carte blanche to further blockade the opposition-controlled territory.

In a statement on Thursday, the London-based Amnesty International said providing safe routes for those civilians wishing to leave is no substitute for allowing impartial humanitarian relief for civilians who remain in opposition-held areas, many of whom will be skeptical about government and Russian promises.

Providing safe routes for those civilians who wish to flee Aleppo city will not avert a humanitarian catastrophe, said Philip Luther, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme for Amnesty.

The fact that you provide this option doesn't mean that the people who stay behind are legitimate military targets, said Nadim Houry, the deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, in comments to the Associated Press.

A week in Aleppo - witnessing the fierce battle for Syria's largest city Show all 6 1 /6 A week in Aleppo - witnessing the fierce battle for Syria's largest city A week in Aleppo - witnessing the fierce battle for Syria's largest city aleppo-woman.jpg REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic A week in Aleppo - witnessing the fierce battle for Syria's largest city aleppo-gun.jpg REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic A week in Aleppo - witnessing the fierce battle for Syria's largest city aleppo-truck.jpg REUTERS/Abdel Razzak al-Halabi A week in Aleppo - witnessing the fierce battle for Syria's largest city aleppo-body.jpg REUTERS/Abdel Razzak al-Halabi A week in Aleppo - witnessing the fierce battle for Syria's largest city aleppo-wounded.jpg REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic A week in Aleppo - witnessing the fierce battle for Syria's largest city ALEPPO-WRECKAGE.jpg REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said: On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, today, [we will] start a large-scale humanitarian operation together with the Syrian government to help civilians in Aleppo.

The UN envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said he wants to see how the United Nations could coordinate with Russia on its plan to help civilians and opposition fighters who lay down their weapons outside Aleppo, which he called de facto besieged.

In Aleppo, the situation is extremely serious, no doubt, Mr de Mistura said. There is probably  we heard  two to three weeks of supplies, and in view of the bombing of the warehouses, medical facilities, bakeries, and the need of treating wounded people when in fact medical facilities are being hit, the humanitarian situation is getting more and more concerning.

Aleppo, Syria's biggest city before the outbreak of the conflict five years ago, has been divided between government forces and rebels since the summer of 2012. Its recapture would mark Mr Assad's biggest victory so far in the civil war.

The army, backed by allied militia forces and air support from Syrian and Russian jets, has taken more ground on the northern edge of the city, around the Castello road which leads out towards Turkey.

State television said the army had advanced in the Bani Zeid district, on the southern side of the Castello road. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the pro-government forces had taken full control of the district.

A rebel source confirmed that the army had made advances. He said Kurdish forces from the nearby Sheikh Maqsoud district had also taken advantage of the fighting to advance into a housing complex in Bani Zeid.

There has been a [rebel] withdrawal, but no one has surrendered, Zakaria Malahifji of the Aleppo-based rebel group Fastaqim group told Reuters.

Reuters and Associated Press
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A Russian politician who introduced the countrys anti-gay propaganda law has said she wants to decriminalise domestic violence, calling the current punishments "absurd".

Yelena Mizulina introduced amendments which would reduce punishments for spousal or child abuse to a misdeameanour and administrative offence.

Domestic violence is currently punishable by fines of up to 40,000 rubles (457) or two years in jail, but women's rights groups point out this is rarely enforced.

Ms Mizulina introduced the 2013 law which bans the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations to minors.

The law was widely condemned and campaigners have called for a boycott of Russia during the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Since the propaganda bill was introduced, LGBT rights groups in Russia have reported a rise in the number of anti-LGBT incidents including violence.

Last year, Russian lawmakers drafted a bill that would criminalise any demonstration of ones distorted sexual preferences in public places.

The new law would make any public display of non-traditional sexual relations an offence punishable by 15 days in prison or a fine.

The pioneers of LGBT rights in 2015 Show all 6 1 /6 The pioneers of LGBT rights in 2015 The pioneers of LGBT rights in 2015 Justice Anthony Kennedy and the other Supreme Court Justices who legalised same sex marriage in the US The US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage is all 50 states of America in June, splitting 5-4 in favour. Writing the majority opinion, Justice Kennedy said gay people hope not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilizations oldest institutions. The pioneers of LGBT rights in 2015 Caitlyn Jenner After she revealed her new self in an interview and cover with Vanity Fair magazine in June, the former olympian quickly became the most famous trans person in the world. AFP/Getty The pioneers of LGBT rights in 2015 Cara Delevigne The former model said she identified as bisexual in an interview with Vogue in July. AFP/Getty The pioneers of LGBT rights in 2015 Ellen Page The openly gay actress confronted Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz at a campaign rally in Iowa in August over laws that discriminate against the LGBT community. AFP/Getty The pioneers of LGBT rights in 2015 iO Tillett Wright The artist and Instagram star began the Self Evident Truths project in 2015 to photograph everyone who doesnt identify as 100% straight. Famously it featured Johnny Depps teenage daughter Lily Rose who said she fell somewhere on the vast spectrum and singer Selena Gomez who addressed rumours she was dating Cara Delevigne. AFP/Getty The pioneers of LGBT rights in 2015 Ruby Rose Australian born Rose was one of the very first celebrities to come out as genderfluid. She was hailed for giving it a public platform a the MTV Europe Music Awards in October when she welcomed ladies and gentlemen, and everyone in-between in her introduction.

Up to one in every three Russian women suffers physical abuse at the hands of her partner, and 40 per cent of all violent crimes or murders take place in the home, according to statistics cited by the Anna centre.

The Russian governments health committee has estimated close to 14,000 women a year are killed by their husbands or partner.

But intensifying pressure on the government from campaigners calling to improve Russia's poor domestic violence record has led to some change. In 2015, the Moscow government built a 35-bedroom complex for female sufferers of domestic violence.

Last year, a petition by activist Alena Popova calling for prevention of domestic violence legislation gathered over 170,000 signatures in days.
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Its commonly reported just how tough the job market is for young people today, but one students experience could perhaps be one of the most extreme yet as he claims he has had applications rejected - for over 500 jobs.

Fine arts student Adam Bilkey, from Brisbane in Australia, told The Courier Mail his hopes for making a headstart on his career as a copywriter have been swatted away having been turned down for jobs as a cashier, waiter, and barista, all much-needed roles to help him fund his studies.

The 20-year-old said he even applied for a job as a dishwasher - but was rejected as the employer only wanted people under 19. He told the Mail: I know its competitive. A lot of my friends have the same sorts of stories, but I kind of want feedback. Id like more than a letter or nothing at all.

Having completed an internship with a local radio station as a scriptwriter - and now volunteering with an animal welfare charity writing profiles for rescued pets - the student has, at least, managed to get some experience behind him.

Bilkeys story, though, is one that is being echoed at home in UK, particularly with recent reports of how difficult students are likely to find life after university in the post-Brexit climate; half the countrys top graduate employers told a study just before the EU referendum they would be forced to reduce their recruitment intake in the case of a Brexit result.

With firms expected to hire 5,500 graduates in 2016, the research also found the sectors most at risk of downsizing are banking and finance, retail, media, technology, and law, as recruiters cite the impact on the economy and, therefore, on the volume of business, general uncertainty, and a lower talent pool of EU graduates applying for jobs as the reasons behind the slashing of roles.

Recommended Read more 6 things graduates should be doing to make their CV stand out

And, according to a recent Resolution Foundation report, todays young people have had the bad luck of entering the jobs market at a tough time, meaning their lifetime earnings could be permanently scarred. Highlighting a generational pay penalty, the findings highlighted how millennials are at risk of being the first generation to earn 8,000 less in their 20s than their predecessors, all because they have been entering into their careers in the middle of the economic downturn.

Another major report careers report published earlier this year, though, found high-flying graduates from elite universities are turning down a record number of top jobs because they are becoming increasingly choosy, leaving more than 1,000 posts unfilled.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Russias Gazprom PJSC is implementing a strategy to minimize transit risks and it should be interested in the construction of pipelines, which will ensure the delivery of Russian gas directly both to North and South Europe, such as the Turkish Stream, senior analyst of VYGON Consulting Maria Belova told Trend July 28.

Therefore, the Turkish Stream is the companys major project, and the work to coordinate its details, frozen in November 2015, will be continued, said Belova.

Russia suspended the South Stream project, designed to supply Russian gas to Europe bypassing Ukraine, in December 2014. Russia said "the EU's non-constructive position" was the reason for the project's suspension. Then it was decided to build the Turkish Stream through the territory of Turkey, instead of the South Stream.

But the project came under threat in late 2015 due to sharp deterioration of relations between Moscow and Ankara when Turkey shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber with two pilots on board. On June 27, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident. After that, the two countries relations began to improve.

Russia and Turkey have announced the resumption of negotiations on the Turkish Stream this week and the intention to create a working group on this project.

Turkey is interested in this project, according to Belova, since it will contribute to the country to become a gas hub, thanks also to the growth of transit gas flows.

The first branch of the Turkish Stream will make it possible for Russia to supply gas to Turkey under current contracts, which are now being implemented as transit through the territory of Ukraine via the Trans-Balkan pipeline.

The construction of the pipelines second branch will allow Russia to further reduce the volume of Ukrainian transit by redirecting the gas supply to the countries of Southeastern Europe (in particular, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Serbia, Italy), added the expert.

If negotiations are successful, it will mean that companies have come to a common, mutually beneficial denominator, noted Belova.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
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A mass demonstration in central London is hoping to attract tens of thousands of students and higher education staff to rally and call for free, accessible, and quality further and higher education across the country.

The National Union of Students (NUS) and the University and College Union (UCU) have confirmed the November demo will also demand an end to the marketisation of university and college education.

Along with other coordinated education action due to take place in countries around the world, the demo will also represent a call for international solidarity and opposition to all forms of racism and xenophobia. Students and lecturers in the UK, in particular, will be calling for the Tories to ensure universities and colleges remain open and inclusive following the Brexit vote.

The announcement has come following the second reading of the controversial Higher Education and Research Bill in Parliament in which MPs voted to charge on ahead with plans to increase university fees beyond 9,000 a year, making it easier for for-profit education providers to operate in the UK.

NUS National President, Malia Bouattia, described how the Government is running at pace with a deeply risky ideologically-led market experiment. She said: Students and lecturers will suffer most as a result, and this cant be allowed to happen. The Bill proposes opening up higher education to for-profit institutions, much like Trump University, and opens the door for universities to raise their fees ever higher.

Recommended Read more Students descend on Parliament to protest against university reforms

Bouattia also criticised universities for upping their tuition fee costs beyond 9,000 before the Bill was properly debated, or passed, adding: The attack on education does not end there. The further education college review process risks college closures across the country, having a particular impact on the most disadvantaged students. We simply cannot put up with this.

Students are clear that enough is enough, and will be marching for a positive alternative, United For Education.

 Student protest turns violent

Sally Hunt, UCU general secretary, echoed Bouattias comments and said staff and students are united in their defence of high-quality education over which they will be taking their message to the streets of the capital. Hunt continued: Increased university fees and the green light for all sorts of profit-driven colleges to enter UK higher education do not represent a good deal for students or staff. The Government is pursuing a restructure in our further education colleges that risks narrowing choice for students and merging colleges around the country.

At a time when we need to show the post-Brexit world that Britain remains open and welcoming to international students, we are delighted our event is happening alongside events around the world.

Barbara Ntumy, deputy president of London Met University Students Union and NUS National Executive member, said: The Tories attacks on students and education have been relentless. We are graduating with more than 40,000 worth of debt, all grants and financial support have been scrapped, and we have seen cuts on a massive scale. The Governments plans to increase tuition fees and their plans to impose huge cuts to our colleges and universities are completely unacceptable and must be defeated.

We will be mobilising to the demo and look forward to joining tens of thousands from all over Britain.

Recommended Read more Student leaders meet Jo Johnson as Government plans to raise fees

A similar protest which took place in London last November turned violent as thousands of students protested against the Governments then plans to axe maintenance grants amid rising tuition fees across England and Wales.

Organisers of that march, the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts (NCAFC), however, blamed heavy-handed policing after the peaceful march descended into chaos which saw the Metropolitan Police make a spate of arrests. Overall, though, the NCAFC said that protest had witnessed one of the biggest and most vibrant student demonstrations in recent years.

The United for Education demonstration is set for Saturday 19 November
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Portsmouth has been named as the cheapest place in the UK to be a student, according to this years NatWest Student Living Index, along with Liverpool and Newcastle.

Even though students in the port city pay slightly more rent than the UK average, they have been found to top up their term-time income by working around 25 per cent more hours in part-time jobs. Despite this, students here still have time to socialise, given they have also been ranked as one of the most sociable lot to study with.

The annual report surveyed 2,500 students across the UK to determine the most and least expensive places to study by taking into account a range of factors from how much students spend on going out to how much time they spend studying.

Edinburgh has come in last as being the most expensive city due to above average rent costs combined with significantly lower than average term-time income. Despite this, though, students in the Scottish capital spend the most on going out and spend more than the weekly average on alcohol.

The UKs most cost-effective student cities:

Portsmouth Liverpool Newcastle Belfast Exeter York Cardiff Nottingham Birmingham Dundee Manchester Norwich Leicester Brighton Reading Glasgow Leeds Bristol London Sheffield Plymouth Oxford Cambridge Southampton Edinburgh

(Student Living Index 2016/NatWest (Student Living Index 2016/NatWest)

The majority of a students income comes from loans, which, on average, are 161.14 per week, four times higher than any other source, including part-time work. After loans, money from parents is the largest source of income.

Surprisingly, students in the capital are paying below the national average for rent, while those at the prestigious Oxbridge institutions are paying the most; with the national average at 109 per week, Londoners are forking out 105.08 a week in comparison to a whopping 135.38 in Oxford, and 131.48 in Cambridge. Oxbridge students, though, have emerged as the hardest-working with students at the universities spending the most time studying each week.

Recommended Read more The 5 desperate measures students have turned to to earn extra cash

With the average weekly spend on alcohol at just 6.85 a week, students in Newcastle, Glasgow, and Reading spend the most on booze; 9.32, 8.63, and 8.50 respectively. Edinburgh (8.19), Belfast (7.84), and Newcastle (7.81) all spend the most each week on going out, with the national average for this sitting at 6.65.

Although tuition fees are now higher than ever across England and Wales, only one in 50 take fees into consideration when deciding which university to attend. Other concerns such as subject choice, university reputation, distance from home, and the cost of living were more important for 98 per cent of prospective students.

The research also found that over half of students find managing their finances stressful, with less than two in five having an assigned budget.

Dan Jones, NatWests head of student accounts, said: Making the most of university can be expensive and there is a massive difference in the costs students face depending on where they choose to study.
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Walk backwards slowly and dont make eye contact with the jaguar, is probably the most alarming thing a hotel employee has ever said to me.

The big cat in question was sitting metres away, deep in the undergrowth of the Brazilian side of the Iguacu National Park. We discovered it in the most unlikely and un-Attenborough of ways: on a nighttime, post-Martini expedition around the forest surrounding our hotel. In 11 years Ive never come across a jaguar in the wild, one of the hotels eco guides and conservationists told us before we set off into the night. A wrong turn later and our car stopped suddenly, metres away from a pair of glistening cats eyes.

As those of us with Instagram accounts recklessly disembarked, our Brazilian driver stayed put. I have a wife and children, he explained.

Iguacu Falls (Embratur)

Some 35 jaguars roam the national park, a vast tropical rainforest spanning Brazil and Argentina (where it is known as Iguazu), best known as the home of the stupendous Iguacu Falls. Among the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the world, at 80m high and 3km wide, they split the forest in two at its heart before crashing into the Parana River. Puffs of spray rise from the falls, coat the forest and keep its delicate ecosystem in balance; but only just. Human activity  including poaching  saw the big cat population dwindle to just six jaguars and 30 pumas a decade ago. Meanwhile the impact of mass tourism (the falls are one of the most visited sites in Brazil) drove a wedge between conservationists and tour operators.

This all changed with the launch of a project, Carnivores of Iguassu, with the support of the hotel group Belmond, which owns the only hotel in the Brazilian forest, Das Cataratas. Aimed at improving survival and breeding rates, researchers working on the project fitted animals with tracking devices to keep a record of their numbers, movements and behaviour. Fixed night-vision cameras were set up throughout the park to photograph the animals and track their activity; and when animals strayed into human areas, a team would come and pick them up.

Das Cataratas is the only hotel in the Brazilian side of the national park

Collecting footage from these cameras at night, armed with only a walkie-talkie, fell under our guides heart-stopping remit. After bidding goodbye to the jaguar we joined her on an eco walk down a quiet track, deeper in the forest. Perhaps because of our recent encounter with a big cat, just a few hundred metres away, it felt very much like we were being watched from the darkness. Our guide told us, reassuringly, that this was quite likely, given the jaguars recent behaviour and the time of night.

The camera we trekked to hadnt caught a jaguar, but it had managed to record a host of other creatures. The footage was reminiscent of the Blair Witch Project: creatures with huge, white eyes poked the camera suspiciously and ran away. Mission accomplished for the night, we retreated back to the hotel for another stiff Martini.

Far above the forest in a helicopter the next morning the remarkable odds of our walking straight into a jaguar became obvious. The park stretches for 457,794 acres on the Brazilian side alone; across the Iguazu River in Argentina its counterpart covers 165,760. In reality this looks like a carpet of green haze, where the spray from the falls rises like a cloud between the two sides.

As well as big cats, Iguacu and Iguazu are home to more than 2,000 plant species; toucans and parrots; giant anteaters and monkeys; as well as, less glamorously, the worlds largest rodent, the four-foot long capybara.

Iguacu's bird population includes toucans (Embratur)

Conservation projects are ongoing on both sides of the park: in Brazil an environmental school teaches children from state schools about the parks ecology, while in Argentina the the Guira Oga Animal Rehabilitation Centre rescues, treats and rehabilitates wounded animals. The hospital operates tours that take you around the park and introduces you to the patients. Its Brazilian equivalent, the Parque das Aves (Bird Park) cares for more than one thousand birds in a rioutously noisy, colourful chunk of the forest. Around half the birds have been seized by police and border control, rescued from mistreatment, trafficking and illegal possession.

Among the toucans and the trees, Iguacu feels a world away from Rios frenetic heat. In reality its a short flight away, and when the Olympics start next week it will be a haven for tourists. While my encounter with a jaguar was a lucky one, the odds of meeting a big cat in the park have soared thanks to the efforts of conservationists and a hard-won truce with the tourist industry. Just remember to back away slowly and not make eye contact.

Travel essentials

Getting there

GOL (voegol.com) and Latam Airlines (latam.com) fly direct from Rio Galeao to Foz do Iguacu.

TAP Portugal (flytap.com) flies from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Rio via Lisbon 16 times a week, from 685 return.

Staying there

Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas (00 55 45 2102 7000; belmond.com). Doubles from R$1,288 (300) icluding breakfast.

Visiting there

Helisul (00 55 45 3529 7327; helisulfoz.com.br). Tours from US$120 per person.

Parque das Aves (00 55 45 3529 8282; parquedasaves.com.br). Entry R$36.

More information

visitbrasil.com
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I run a Suicide Crisis Centre in Gloucestershire where we have achieved zero suicide  meaning that the people who arrive here in danger of taking their own lives have never actually gone through with it. We have been providing services for more than three years and have never had a suicide of a client under our care.

My reason for setting up the Centre was that I couldnt find the right kind of help when I experienced a suicidal crisis in 2012. Neither mental health services nor existing charities were providing what I needed. I had a traumatic experience in that year, developed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and attempted suicide twice. I struggled to connect with the large number of people involved in the NHS crisis team, having experienced a profound loss of trust as a result of that traumatic event.

I wanted to set up services which would be very different from anything that was currently available. My experiences showed me so clearly what was missing, and what was needed.

Initially we set up a Suicide Crisis Centre where people could come every day when in crisis. This is still the place where we support most of our clients. However, one of our first clients showed us that we needed to include additional services. He was referred to us by a psychiatric nurse who simply told us, He needs to talk to someone now.

I phoned him immediately and it was clear that he was highly distressed. Something very upsetting had happened to him five weeks previously and he was afraid to leave the home. It was vital that he received help, so I went out to his house myself.

We quickly recognised that going out to peoples houses was going to become part of the job. Its not appropriate or doable for everyone to come to a centre  for example, some of our clients are alcohol-dependent and their alcohol consumption is so high that they cant leave their homes. We also make home visits to clients who are at imminent risk of suicide: in an emergency, sometimes you have to go to the scene.

As well as providing these face-to-face services, we have an emergency line for our clients to phone when they are at imminent risk. When they phone, they get through to a team member who they know. This makes a difference. They are not calling a stranger at this point, but a person with whom they have already built a connection. There is a separate emergency night line for clients who are assessed as being at particularly high risk.

 DNC 2016: Demi Lovato speaks about mental health as she endorses Hillary Clinton

Clients often tell us that they would not have phoned an anonymous service or the NHS at that point. They called us precisely because of the connection that they had with us. One client told us: I couldnt have ended my life without talking to you first. Youve done so much for me.

We see a lot of men using our Suicide Crisis Centre, and there are a number of reasons why they say theyve contacted us. Some wouldnt have gone to their GP because they were concerned that it could affect their future job prospects if it was on their medical record. Some want more control over their treatment than they might get in the NHS, knowing that they can decide how often they come to see us, what kind of support will be best for them and how long that support and treatment lasts. We can carry on seeing our clients throughout their recovery and afterwards, or we can step back when they dont want to continue any longer.

Some of our male clients say they feel able to be supported only by one person, so our very small teams appeal to them. Theyve told us they simply couldnt bear to repeat the information to anyone else because it was hard enough to reveal everything the first time. Most other services arent able to provide this. We know, however, that there are times when we have to do it, quite simply to ensure the survival of a high risk client.

The new breed of 'recovery clinics' helping people with mental health problems put their lives back together Show all 3 1 /3 The new breed of 'recovery clinics' helping people with mental health problems put their lives back together The new breed of 'recovery clinics' helping people with mental health problems put their lives back together 3-ireland.jpg Susannah Ireland The new breed of 'recovery clinics' helping people with mental health problems put their lives back together arman2-ireland.jpg Susannah Ireland The new breed of 'recovery clinics' helping people with mental health problems put their lives back together 4-ireland.jpg Susannah Ireland

When I was under mental health services, I found that the clinical detachment I encountered just left me equally detached. I recall phoning the crisis team once, and the nurse who answered was concerned that I might make a suicide attempt that night. Im not afraid to say that I care, she said. The phrase was interesting because it implied that there was a fear among mental health professionals of appearing to care. From my work with clients at the suicide centre, I feel that it is vital that clients know this. I dont take the stance that caring for your client somehow makes you unprofessional.

In contrast, my team is tenacious in helping clients to survive. The prospect of their death is painful to us and so we want to ensure that doesnt happen. We often get told incredulously: You havent given up on me, because it seemed like every other service had. But if a person isnt engaging with a service, it means they are not providing the right kind of help for them, not that there is something in that person which means they cannot be helped.

The Samaritans most recent statistics found an unacceptably high suicide rate of 10.8 per 100,000 people, and a Commons Select Committee launched an inquiry on the 22nd July into the action needed to reduce the number of people who die by suicide. If we had a Suicide Crisis Centre in every county, it could play a major role in reducing the number of people who die by suicide in the UK every year. I hope they build that into their discussions.

Information about the charity Suicide Crisis can be found at www.suicidecrisis.co.uk

If youre affected by any of these issues, contact the Samaritans
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The Giants Club has launched a new legal guide to help ensure those who commit wildlife crimes in Uganda are more effectively punished.

The guidelines were drawn up last week in Entebbe in collaboration with the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Interpol and the Ugandan Ministry of Tourism.

The discussions were led by the Giants Clubs Director of Legal Strategy, Shamini Jayanathan, who spent a week with the officials ensuring the implementation of a robust new approach to those who trade in illegal animal parts.

This will be a practitioners guide for those involved in prosecuting wildlife crime; a tool that will provide 'at a glance' guidance to the relevant law, evidential and procedural considerations along with sample charges for all relevant offences, said Ms Jayanathan.

Reduce wildlife crime

The new guide will ensure that in future those who poach elephants, and other illegal wildlife for profit, are more effectively dealt with by the countrys legal system.

This meeting was organised to enact President Musevenis pledge at the Giants Club Summit in April, where he pledged to strengthen Ugandas wildlife crime prosecution framework.

The Giants Club-led initiative was welcomed by local officials.

It will undoubtedly quicken prosecution in wildlife cases and therefore reduce the level of crimes against wildlife and the environment, said Akankwasah Barirega, Commissioner of Wildlife Conservation at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

This meeting was an opportunity to understand how best to use the authority of the Ugandan police force, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Customs, to make sure that wildlife criminals are shown justice.

"The struggle to preserve wildlife is no longer just a national concern. It is an international issue," said Mike Chibita, Director of Public Prosecutions in Uganda. "This is because the poachers and their sponsors run an international network. To fight this network therefore requires concerted international effort. We are thankful to Space for Giants and UNODC and specifically Shamini Jayanathan for helping us to achieve this."

Giants Club delivers

The Ugandan initiative is the most recent project to launch following the inaugural Giants Club Summit Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta hosted six weeks ago. It raised more than 3.5 million for new elephant-protection projects.

At the Summit, President Kenyatta and President Khama also pledged to improve the wildlife crime prosecution framework in Kenya and Botswana respectively.

Ms Jayanathan is currently supporting the Kenya Wildlife Service in the establishment of a new in house prosecution team that will abide by national prosecution standards and a more streamlined approach to the prosecution of wildlife crime. Space for Giants is also continuing the national roll out of a prosecution toolkit across the country in collaboration with the KWS, ODPP and other NGOs.

Having assessed the legal framework in Botswana, Space for Giants is also exploring with the prosecution authorities in Botswana as to how best to shore up their capacity in the effective investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime.

The Giants Club was founded by the Presidents of Kenya, Gabon, Uganda and Botswana, and Evening Standard proprietor Evgeny Lebedev, the patron of Space for Giants and the Giants Club.

It was established to unite African governments, businesses and conservationists to find a solution to the poaching crisis and assist in the implementation of the Elephant Protection Initiative.
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Even as speaker after speaker has been reaching out to supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders in Philadelphia this week, something else has been going on. And it is becoming ever more unsubtle. The party is also dressing itself in blatant Republican garb.

It wasnt just Barack Obama evoking Ronald Reagans description of America as a shining city on a hill on Wednesday. That was usual form for him. When Mr Obama was running against Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primaries, he lauded Mr Reagan for changing the trajectory of America and said Republicans were the party of ideas for a pretty long chunk of time.

Ms Clinton gave him hell for those comments, countering that the Republican Party was the home of bad ideas that were bad for the country. You wont see her repeating the line now.

True the Democrats risk doing the splits. Salving the hurt felt by Mr Sanderss supporters is urgent. The convention has been at pains to emphasise issues vital to them, like climate change. One after another speakers on stage have paid tribute to the Senator from Vermont.

Notably amoung them is vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine, a centrist who is part of the siren call to conservatives. After labelling Mr Sanders a key ally in the push for more resources for health care and education, Senator Kaine heard cheers from the floor and went off script. We all should feel the Bern and we all should not want to get burned by the other guy!, he said.

But the party is right to sense another opportunity. With Donald Trump as their standard-bearer, the Republicans have forgotten to turn on the house alarm and left the door wide open.

How many Republicans will be queazy voting for a man who has walked away from so many basic tenets of their party and then trampled all over them? His flirting with Russia and invitation to its intelligence services to ransack Ms Clintons email archives is only the latest example.

The come-hither to those Republicans recoiling from Mr Trump was put plainly enough by Mr Obama. What we heard in Cleveland last week wasnt particularly Republican  and it sure wasnt conservative, he declared, lamenting the deeply pessimistic vision of America offered by their convention. There were no serious solutions to pressing problems, he went on, just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate.

Nor was it happenstance that Michael Bloomberg was given a coveted speaking slot just before Mr Obama on Wednesday evening, someone, you may recall, who was elected Mayor of New York as a Republican before he declared himself an independent. His job was to debunk Mr Trumps pitch that his alleged success as a billionaire business mogul makes him fit to be president.

That message was always going to be best delivered by another billionaire business mogul. Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes run his business. God help us, Bloomberg said to rapturous applause. Im a New Yorker, and New Yorkers know a con when we see one.

And they will have a surprise speaker for the last night of their convention. He is Doug Elmets, not a household name, perhaps, but one whom alumni of Mr Reagans administration will instantly recognise. He served in the Reagan White House as a press officer and the energy department. He is a life-long Republican. Or was, until Mr Trump barged into the room.

His speech will be the most undisguised attempt of the week to ask disaffected members of the Republican Party to switch allegiances, like he has, to Ms Clinton. That will notably include those Republicans who hold the partys traditional foreign policy teachings to heart  for which Mr Trump apparently has no affinity whatsoever. The ones, you know, who think NATO might be precious and a nuclear-free Japan a good idea.

Its a bitter pill, but supporting Hillary Clinton is a much better alternative to the xenophobic Donald Trump, Mr Elmets told the Sacramento Bee, his local newspaper, recently.The party is in the abyss, candidly. It is not a party that I know and not a party that I registered with 42 years ago. Donald Trump is not a candidate I could ever or would ever support.

At the podium on Thursday night, Mr Elmets was to brand Mr Trump a petulant, dangerously unbalanced TV star. And he will go full bore comparing what he sees in Mr Trump with what he knew about President Reagan.

Mr Obamas overtures to the Reagan constituency meanwhile hardly went unnoticed on Wednesday. Take about five paragraphs out of that Obama speech and it could have been a Reagan speech, tweeted former Reagan speech writer John Podhoretz. Trust me. I know.

Rich Lowry, editor of National Review, was on the same scent. American exceptionalism and greatness, shining city on hill, founding documents, etc.  they're trying to take all our stuff, he declared.

The Democrats might have persuaded one of the many Republican grandees, who conspicuously absented themselves from Cleveland, to appear on their stage instead. Maybe it will still happen. Anyone seen John McCain, Mitt Romney or Jeb Bush lurking in a Philadelphia Starbucks?

That, though, probably would have given Mr Sanders and his camp apoplexy.
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The management of the expensive burger chain Byron had a difficult customer the other day: Her Majestys Government. Faced with a demand for the company to facilitate the detention of 35 illegal workers from Albania, Brazil, Nepal and Egypt, they had a choice  comply, or tell the authorities to get lost and face the consequences. In which case the illegal workers would probably still have been arrested.

And so the company complied, apparently employing some degree of subterfuge in doing so. The unlucky staff were reportedly asked to attend health and safety training sessions; the allegation is that these had been set up deliberately as a sort of trap. The Home Office denies that claim, and there is also no suggestion that the burger chain had failed in its initial staff immigration checks. But some 35 individuals have been duly arrested; some reports suggest a further 150 are on the run.

Their fate, either way, is no laughing matter. They will be deported, in all likelihood. They were all, presumably, doing a perfectly good job of flipping these fancy burgers and, in their own small way, demonstrating the economic benefits of immigration.

Here were younger, hard-working people not on benefits, paying their taxes and helping to support the many older Britons on pensions. In losing them, the demographic profile of the UK, probably the most important determinant in achieving an affordable welfare system, has worsened a little bit. Finding replacements may not be easy, and Byrons clientele may have to pay more for their fries.

Recommended Read more Byron burgers backlash after migrants detained in immigration raids

More than that, many feel outraged by the supposedly sneaky nature of their capture, and Byrons cooperation with the authorities. Perhaps this is to do with the contrast between Byrons customers  the well-heeled in London, such as George Osborne, who once tweeted an image of himself enjoying a pre-Budget Byron snack  and the staff, who earn rather less than cabinet ministers and the like. It is a reminder that the consequences of immigration touch us all, however remote these arrests may feel to some.

And yet it is difficult to see what alternatives were available to the Byron management. If they chose to defy the authorities, they themselves would be prosecuted and fined, and the Albanians, Egyptians, Brazilians and Nepalese working for them kicked out anyway.

Whether immigration is a good thing for the economy or not, or whether it is justified on some wider social or cultural grounds, is not a question for a burger bar. It would not appear that any of these individuals are asylum seekers, and if they are then they are free to claim asylum now. The laws on immigration may be strict, even draconian, but they do not in themselves amount to an abuse of human rights. It is said that some used fraudulent personal and right to work documentation to get their jobs.

So the Ban Byron movement could probably find better targets for its anger  shops that dodge the minimum wage, restaurants that exploit staff by retaining their tips; or clothing retailers that pay disgracefully low wages to workers in poor countries. It could also campaign for a change in the law to make Brexit operate more rationally, so that economic migrants from, say, Slovakia or Romania are not automatically treated more favourably than those from Albania or Egypt simply because those countries happen to be in the EU. Something for all of us to chew on.
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Kabul set ablaze is a tragically familiar sight. But the killing of at least 80 Afghan Hazara at a protest in the capital last Saturday  the worst attack on the city for 15 years  is a considerable development for Afghanistans conflict, both because of its scale, and its intended target.

Isiss claim of responsibility for the attack was explicitly sectarian, stating that it had sent two fighters with suicide belts to a Shia gathering. This stands in stark contrast to the rhetoric of the Taliban, by some distance the countrys most deadly insurgent force, which condemned the attack as an attempt to divide the nation, and a plot to ignite civil war.

Afghanistans long war is entrenched and intractable, but it is not (unlike conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and to some extent Pakistan) characterised by a Sunni/Shia divide. If this bombing was indeed conducted by Isis, a force described as defeated by President Ashraf Ghani just four months ago, it likely indicates a conscious tactical shift towards exporting its sectarian methodology to a new theatre.

 Afghanistan attack: Mourners pay respects in Kabul

Isis and the Taliban encompass differing models of jihadism. While Isis claims to represent all Muslims in its global multi-fronted war against the Shia-Zionist-Crusader alliance, the Talibans focus is more local, seeking to establish an Islamic emirate within the borders of Afghanistan. To use a Trotskyite and Stalinist analogy, this is a distinction between jihad in one country versus global jihadism.

Isiss Afghanistan faction is largely formed of hardliners who split from the Taliban movement to declare allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, opposing apparent overtures towards peace by the Taliban. For more than a year, the two groups have directly contested for the mantle of the leadership of the Afghan jihad, both militarily and in their propaganda.

These competing claims of legitimacy are framed in almost exclusively religious language. The Taliban, in its propaganda, emphasises the deep historical roots of its current conflict against the Afghan state, including the "jihad against the British empire, Russian invasion, and current jihad against the Americans"  an implicit attack on the relative youth of Isis as a movement.

Isis meanwhile claims the Talibans "circumambulating of graves" and "wearing of amulets" constitutes shirk (idolatry), and accuse the group of irja (in essence, not being restrictive enough in whom one defines as a Muslim, including Shia), an accusation it also levels at rival jihadi groups in Syria.

But although Afghanistans conflict has not been characterised by sectarian violence, the Hazara Shia minority which comprises 10-20 per cent of Afghanistans population has long felt that it faces systemic discrimination in the country. The march that was the target of Saturdays bombing was protesting the alleged marginalisation of the group from the benefits of a major infrastructure project.

Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Show all 7 1 /7 Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Kabul attack An relative of one of the victims who was killed in a suicide bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, 19 April 2016. (EPA) EPA Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Kabul attack An injured girl is carried to safety following the blast in Kabul (EPA) EPA Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Kabul attack A man stands inside his damaged shop near the scene of a bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, 19 April 2016 (EPA) EPA Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Kabul attack Afghan quick reaction forces arrive at the site of a suicide car bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan April 19, 2016 (Reuters) Reuters Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Kabul attack Afghan security forces carry an injured security personnel after a suicide car bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan April 19, 2016. (Reuters) Reuters Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Kabul attack Afghan security forces inspect the site of a Taliban-claimed attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 19, 2016. (AP) AP Taliban attacks Kabul security compound - in pictures Kabul attack Relatives and loved ones carry the coffin of a victim killed in the April 19 Taliban truck bomb attack, at a funeral in Kabul on April 20, 2016. (AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images

Since the slaughter of thousands of Hazara during the Talibans takeover of Afghanistan, where they were accused of loyalty to neighbouring Iran, the community has faced growing violence in recent years. In 2011, the killing of 63 worshippers on the Shia festival of Ashura, was claimed by sectarian Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, in addition to the Isis-claimed abduction and killing of seven Hazara at the end of 2015. Both caused more protests on the streets of Kabul, demanding better security from the government.

Saturdays attack is an attempt to manipulate growing division and mistrust between Afghanistans Hazara community, and administration in Kabul, according to Rohullah Yacobi, associate fellow at the Human Security Centre. The tragedy of the bombing was compounded because those protesting represented a different type of politics in Afghanistan. A civil movement, making use of activism and social media, they were marching for accountability, justice and freedom; all the values that Isis opposes.

Isis apparent attempts to sectarianise the Afghanistan conflict might be exacerbated by Tehrans recruitment of thousands of Afghan Hazara, mainly taken from vulnerable migrant communities in Iran, to fight as part of a Shia foreign legion in support of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

Afghanistan has remained largely resilient to the sectarianism that increasingly characterises conflict throughout the Middle East. Compared to the Taliban, the group has had little success in ingratiating itself within communities in the country. However, Isis has a global narrative, of Sunni versus Shia, of Islam versus the rest, and will likely continue pursuing sectarian attacks such as the one in Kabul until they achieve their ultimate goal of expanding their caliphate.

They have little to lose but much to gain in the war-torn country.

Milo Comerford is an analyst for the Centre on Religion & Geopolitics at the Tony Blair Faith Foundation
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At school, I was always compared to Michelle Obama, either through compliments or literally by being cast as her in a school play. Maybe comparisons were made because I was the only African American girl in my grade and she was the only strong, black woman my white peers could ever think of. Or maybe I actually did deserve the comparisons because I have managed to replicate her humbleness, determination and spirit. Ill never really know.

Either way, my First Lady shaped my high school years, transforming me into the young adult I am today with enough confidence to believe I will change the world. I learned that dignity and decency are goals to strive for because how hard you work matters more than how much you make [and] helping others means more than just getting ahead yourself". At the United State of Women, it clicked why I was so drawn to Obama: she knew her own value. As she stated in her USOW conversation with Oprah, its the simple key to success. Her unwavering confidence is rooted in her values. Tapping into that confidence allows her to disregard haters without resorting to bitterness. I strive to achieve that admirable feat.

It was through her dedication to girls education and my advocacy for adolescent girls' rights that I had the pleasure of meeting the First Lady at the 2015 Girl Up Leadership Summit. During the few seconds I got with her, I hugged her and relayed my gratitude  it hasnt been easy for her to be a boombox for the marginalised. I distinctly remember those moments  the warmness of her hug and the sincerity in her reply: Oh youre so welcome. Sometimes we just need to hear certain words to keep us moving.

In 2009, it wasnt the first African American president who left me in awe. While I did applaud Barack Obama on that frigid January day for making history at his presidential inauguration, I was much more intrigued by his wife in her bright yellow suit with her wide smile. Her demeanor said, "I may not be the figure in the Oval Office, but I am much more than just the woman beside the man." She was a formidable force in the White House, using her platform tirelessly for good with such movements as the Lets Move campaign and Let Girls Learn initiative. Over the years, magazines such as Vogue, Essence, and Time have featured this member of American royalty on their covers.

 Michelle Obama ringing endorsement for a first female President in Hillary Clinton

Encouragingly, the interviews inside these magazines highlighted her brilliance as a two-time Ivy League graduate, an activist for accessible higher education and her magnificence as a mother. This stood in stark contrast to other press coverage which focused on attempting to tear her down over fashion choices. With confidence and ease, she has navigated a media landscape which is all too often unkind to women and even less kind to African American women.

Why anyone would attack the gorgeous and graceful Michelle Obama is beyond me, but I can speculate. Some do it because two terms of a Democratic presidency is just too much. And some do it because they are so infuriated by a black family having the title of First Family in America.

As the turbulent presidential election comes to a close and the reality of an Obama-less White House sinks in, my love for Michelle Obama continues. Hearing her Democratic National Convention speech last night touched my soul deeply. I listened and felt the Black Girl Magic swell up inside. Her legacy will continue long after she leaves Pennsylvania Avenue because it empowers me. She has made me proud to be an African American woman, and for that I have to thank her.
Denis Donaldson was outed as an IRA spy

A 74-year-old man from Scotland has been charged with withholding information in relation to the murder of IRA spy Denis Donaldson.

Patrick Gillespie, from Craigvar Street, Glasgow, appeared before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin more than 10 years on from the killing of the top Sinn Fein official.

Donaldson, 55, a close colleague of party president Gerry Adams, was shot dead at an isolated cottage near Glenties in Co Donegal in April 2006.

Gillespie, who was arrested in the county on Tuesday, was remanded in custody by the non-jury court until tomorrow at midday.

He sat in the court during the brief hearing wearing tinted glasses, a green t-shirt and a black jacket.

The three judges, Cormac Dunne, Alison Lindsay and presiding judge Paul Butler, heard Gillespie is charged with having information between bet ween April 3 2006 and July 26 2016 regarding the involvement of another person in the Donaldson murder.

Detective Sergeant Barry Doyle gave details of the arrest and said the accused made no reply when the charges were put to him.

Gillespie's lawyer, Michael Gillespie LLB, disputed the principal address in Scotland that was given for his client and said he lived at Cronashallog, Dungloe, Co Donegal.

The Det Sgt told the court: "I do not accept that. His main residence is in Glasgow.

"I accept that he makes trips to Dungloe. "

Det Sgt Boyle told the court that he met Gillespie on Main Street, Dungloe, on Tuesday July 27 and arrested him later at 10.25pm.

The court heard that the alleged offence was contrary to section nine of Ireland's Offences Against the State Act 1998.

Mr Gillespie LLB told the court his client would apply for bail, legal aid and "whatever other applications" that would be advised.

Judge Butler refused an application from the solicitor for the charge to be struck out over a procedural matter in the arrest.

Mr Donaldson had been living in a remote area of Donegal following his exposure as an MI5 agent a year before his death.

Dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murder in 2008, but the circumstances surrounding Mr Donaldson's outing as a British agent and subsequent assassination have long been shrouded in mystery.

A long-delayed inquest into the shooting has been adjourned almost 20 times.

Gardai have repeatedly urged the coroner to postpone the probe, citing concerns it might compromise their criminal investigation.

In 2014, the Garda made a mutual assistance request to a police force outside the Irish Republic in a bid to gain what it described as potentially "significant" evidential material.

That material was secured in March this year.

Gillespie was one of two men arrested on Tuesday in Donegal.

The second man, aged in his 40s, was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Aygun Badalova - Trend:

The EU, with political will in place, could block the construction of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, Chief Executive Officer of Ukraine's state gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy Andrey Kobolev told a Ukrainian TV channel.

Neither Turkey, nor Russia has deepwater building technology. They will need the help of Western companies to build the seabed section of the pipeline. Thats why, if a great political will is there, the EU, by using sanctions can stop the project, Kobolev said.

"It is a question of political will, he said.

Russia has repeatedly stated its intention to halt gas transit via Ukraine.

The Turkish Stream project, which is meant to take the Russian gas to Turkey across the Black Sea, bypassing Ukraine, was suspended due to sharp deterioration of relations between Moscow and Ankara after the incident with downed Russian air bomber on the Turkish-Syrian border in November 2015.

Earlier Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia is in talks on the Turkish Stream and other gas pipeline projects with European partners.

Meanwhile, Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said that there are political decisions on the construction of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline and it is expected that Russian and Turkish leaders will give an impetus to the project during their meeting on August 9.
Britain's new Trade Minister is pushing an agenda that could be "detrimental" to Irish trade, business leaders have said.

Liam Fox is pressurising the British Prime Minister Theresa May to break free from an agreement which ensures there are no tariffs on goods moving within European Union.

Despite the Brexit result, it was believed that the UK would remain within the 'customs union' - but Mr Fox, who was central to the 'Leave' campaign, has indicated he wants the freedom to cut all existing ties with EU.

Such a move would impact dramatically on Anglo-Irish relations, adding "significant" administrative costs and delays to trade crossing the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Prior to the referendum, the UK Treasury warned that leaving the customs union would lead to cross-border transactions being subject to "various forms of customs control and their liability to duty determined according to complex rules or origin".

Mr Fox's approach has been described by the Director of Corporate, Strategic and International Affairs at IBEC Mary Rose Burke as "madness".

"I was a bit staggered when I read it," she told the Irish Independent. "Any additional barriers, even if the tariff is set at zero, would be a hindrance. The paperwork would be very challenging."

Similarly Simon McKeever. Chief Executive of Irish Exporters' Association, said Britain leaving the tariff-free zone has "potential to get very messy for us".

Read More: Theresa May risks becoming the prisoner of her own brilliant political stratagems

"The EU is a trade unit and does negotiation on all of our behalves using just one external border. "It would be detrimental to trade crossing the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic," he said.

Mr McKeever said it would result in companies having to account for the origins of each individual piece of a product assembled in Ireland.

"I've seen estimates that an importation of border and need to comply with all the rules and regulations and the extra paperwork which could mean hiring extra staff could add about 25pc to the cost of trade."

During a visit to the United States this week, Mr Fox told the 'Wall Street Journal' staying in the custom union could limit the UK's ability to negotiate lower tariffs with other trading partners.

While members of the union do not charge each other tariffs for most goods, they do impose a common external tariff on all goods coming from outside.

"We have nothing to fear from forging our own free-trade environment and breaking out on our own," Mr Fox said.

He also set a date of 2020 for completing the Brexit negotiations.

Reports in London suggest Theresa May and chancellor Philip Hammond have yet to be convinced that the advantages of leaving the customs union would be offset by the liberty to negotiate.

A spokesperson for the Irish government said they were not concerned by his comments "because we're so early in the process here".

However, Ms Burke said it would be difficult to see how the Common Travel Area will be maintained if Mr Fox's agenda is followed. She said it "beggars belief" that the UK would abandon an EU-wide deal in order to "go chasing after potential trade with small economies".
Liam Fox is not a politician many Irish people will have paid much attention to - but he could soon be at the centre of an almighty Brexit battle.

He has scooped plenty of headlines in the English papers, not least when he was forced to resign as Secretary for Defence in 2011.

But despite that embarrassment, his ranking in the Conservative Party, which he was chairman of from 2003 until 2005, has always remained high.

A Scottish Catholic, he was raised in a council estate and went to a state school.

He studied medicine at Glasgow University where he won debating competitions and emerged as a right-wing Conservative with a rebellious streak.

He resigned from the student union after it recognised a gay and lesbian society. After college he worked in the National Health Service and as a civilian army medical officer.

He was first elected an MP in 1992. The 54-year-old contested the 2005 leadership contest that saw David Cameron take over the top spot, and got the consolation prize of being appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary.

When the Conservative Party returned to power in May 2010, Mr Cameron handed him the defence portfolio - but his time there was to be short-lived.

He allowed his best man Adam Werritty to take up an unofficial role within the ministry whereby he attended meetings without first obtaining security clearance.

Read More: Theresa May risks becoming the prisoner of her own brilliant political stratagems

However, Mr Fox did not fade away into the backbenches, but continued to hold a strong influence on the Tories. Ahead of the 2015 general election in the UK he sparked controversy by backing calls to stop voters from some Commonwealth countries from voting.

This led to a backlash from the Irish community, as it was assumed that their rights, which were similar to those of Commonwealth countries, would also be impinged upon.

Ultimately Mr Fox insisted that he was not targeting the 345,000 Irish living in Britain.

"I do agree with the reciprocal voting arrangement with Ireland, given the strong links between our two countries. However, I do not believe that there is [a] case for other foreign nationals to be able to vote on the future of the United Kingdom," he said.

Mr Fox became a central figure in the Brexit campaign, which he described as "something of a peasants' revolt" against the pro-EU establishment.

He also took a hard line in relation to his native Scotland, insisting that a 'Leave' vote would not trigger another independence referendum.

The newly appointed minister told voters there would be "risks to leaving" but there were "huge risks" to staying in.

In the wake of David Cameron's resignation, he signalled that he would run for the party leadership again. However, he backed off - leaving the way clear for Theresa May to take the keys to Downing Street. She then raised some eyebrows by appointing him to the powerful Trade ministry, which will be at the centre of the Brexit talks.
EI said Irish firms would be missing out if they opted to look away from the UK market despite the fallout from the June 23 Brexit vote. Photo: PA

Irish businesses shouldn't turn their backs on the UK despite the Brexit vote, with potential opportunities in the NHS, the water market and the Northern Powerhouse agenda, Enterprise Ireland (EI) has said.

The positive argument is in contrast to the repeated warnings about the harmful effects of a weakened pound and concerns over the health of the British economy.

EI said Irish firms would be missing out if they opted to look away from the UK market despite the fallout from the June 23 vote.

"Despite understandable concern over the UK's vote to leave the EU, our nearest neighbours will remain a natural first market for Irish exporters due to proximity, a shared language and similar business cultures," said Marina Donohoe, EI's UK and Northern Europe Director, in an update provided to the agency's client companies.

"While strategies to offset whatever consequences arise from the UK vote are advised, businesses in Ireland would be missing a trick if they discounted the UK market."

The agency pointed out seven potential opportunities, including the UK's National Infrastructure Delivery Plan, the Northern Powerhouse agenda, the Scottish government Investment Plan, the NHS's 'Five year Forward View', the water market, financial services and aerospace.

But despite the positive intervention, Irish businesses are likely to be cautious - at least in the short-term - with data released yesterday showing retail sales in the UK fell at the fastest pace in more than four years this month, signalling wariness among consumers.

The Confederation of British Industry said its monthly retail sales index dropped to minus 14, the lowest since January 2012, from 4 in June. A gauge of the outlook showed stores anticipate a similar decline next month.

"While conditions in the retail sector have weakened, we should be careful about reading too much too soon, as consumers were likely to err on the side of caution in the immediate period following a vote to leave the EU," said Rain Newton-Smith, CBI chief economist, suggesting the drop may be a short-term reaction to the vote.

Irish businesses are being urged to think long-term.

Ms Donohoe's comments are contained in a guide sent to EI client companies on strategies to adopt in the wake of the Brexit vote.

It focuses on the need to hedge, to have a business plan in place, and to focus on R&D.

The agency's chief executive, Julie Sinnamon, said EI is advising companies to look for new UK opportunities, as well as diversifying into new markets.

"But contingency plans and near-term responses to the UK vote are needed," Ms Sinnamon said.

"The legal status of contracts, currency risk management, tariffs, staffing and supply chain are among the matters exporters must consider."

In a chapter looking at the legal implications of a Brexit, Sean Ryan, a partner in Eversheds, said certain areas of business including trading laws, employment and competition laws are likely to be impacted. But to what degree remains unknown.

"There has been much talk about what the UK's future trading relationship with the EU might look like," he said.

"A bit like the end of the Rose of Tralee: will it be the Norwegian model, the Swiss model, or maybe even the WTO model? The truth is, nobody knows."
State-owned bank AIB posted a pre-tax profit of 1bn in the first half of the year, according to results released this morning.

The bank is this week to return 1.8bn to the State - 1.6bn for loan notes issued to it as part of the bailout, and 160m of a dividend - it announced.

About half the profit was driven by the bank, with the rest coming from writing back money set aside for bad loans, and a one-off gain from the sale of the bank's stake in Visa Europe.

The pre-tax profit is down from the 1.2bn figure in the same period last year, which saw a higher amount of money for bad loans written back.

Chief executive Bernard Byrne said the results "reflect the underlying strength of the financial performance of AIB and our robust capital position which allows us to continue to support the economies in which we operate".

"We are a customer focused digitally enabled bank and our financial performance, strong franchise and leading market propositions, position us well for future challenges and opportunities," he added.

Lending drawdowns were 3.9bn, up 2pc on the same period last year. Impaired loans were 11.3bn, down 1.8bn in December.

On wrongly removing tracker mortgages from customers, Mr Byrne said the bank's review had found that in some cases it was "not sufficiently clear with customers or we failed to honour contractual commitments."

"On behalf of the bank, I apologise to customers for these failures which should not have happened and which we now intend to put right. We will shortly commence engagement with individual customers affected by this review," he said.

He said he was confident the bank was well positioned to deal with any issues arising from Brexit. Mr Byrne added that the bank continues to engage with potential investors regarding its long-mooted IPO, and is ready to execute it once given approval by the Government.

The bank's net interest margin - a key measure of its health that captures the difference between what it lends out and receives in interest - rose by 0.16pc to 2.08pc, and the bank said further expansion was predicted.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Photo: Reuters

European stocks are finally breaking out of their torpor after ending little changed for four straight days.

By mid-afternoon in Dublin, the ISEQ Overall Index was up 0.45pc, or 26.28 points, to 5816.67.

The leaders on the mid-afternoon Dublin market included insurance group FBD, which increased 0.9pc to 5.62, while building materials group CRH rose 1.4pc to 27.25.

On the other side of the board, the laggards included Paddy Power Befair, which slipped 1.1pc to 101.75, while insulation group Kingspan dropped 0.9pc to 20.72.

Elsewhere, European equities are getting some direction, after the Stoxx 600's rebound stalled since the gauge hit a one-month high last week.

The index has been particularly volatile in intraday trading amid thin volume, mixed earnings reports, and speculation about central-bank stimulus.

Earnings announcements from companies including LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Telecom Italia and Banco Santander helped push the Stoxx Europe 600 Index up 0.8pc by mid-afternoon.

The moves took benchmark gauges of French, Italian and Spanish equities up more than 1.5pc, the biggest gains among western-European markets.

"The good earnings are driving us further," said Michael Woischneck from Lampe Asset Management in Dusseldorf.

"Apart from banks, European companies in the Brexit quarter seem to be doing well and that should calm things down."

The Stoxx 600 closed on Tuesday 1.5pc away from its June 23 level, the day of the UK vote on European Union membership, while equities in the US and Asia have already recovered. President Mario Draghi said last week the European Central Bank will consider increasing stimulus when it has a clearer picture of the Brexit impact.

Lenders have suffered the most since the referendum, and regulators will publish their latest health check tomorrow.

Among companies moving on corporate results LVMH jumped 7pc after the world's biggest luxury-goods maker reported stronger demand for its champagnes and cognacs.

Telecom Italia surged 11pc after posting the steepest increase in domestic quarterly earnings in seven years.

Santander rose 5.4pc after posting profit that topped expectations.

PSA Group rallied 6.9pc, leading a gauge of carmakers to the best gain among industry groups, after the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars reported a jump in first-half earnings.

Airbus Group added 5pc.
Flight crew with the Norwegian airline, which is aiming to fly from Cork to Boston under the EU Open Skies Agreement.

The failure by US authorities to issue a permit to Dublin-based Norwegian Air International to enable it to operate flights to America could damage the proposed EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the EU Transport Commissioner has warned her counterpart in Washington.

In a hard-hitting letter to US Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, Commissioner Violeta Bulc said the delay in issuing the permit Norwegian Air International requires, could have wider implications for economic relations between America and Europe.

I am also concerned, as (are) some of my colleagues, about the consequences that this matter could have, not only in our aviation relations, but in the overall economic and trade transatlantic agenda, Ms Bulc said in her letter, which has been seen by the Irish Independent.

At a time when closer bilateral ties are being put into question by many sectors of our societies, we should carefully consider the implications that this long and protracted dispute could have, for example, in the TTIP negotiations after both sides legal teams share the assessment of the case.

Ms Bulc also copied the letter to US Secretary of State John Kerry, the White House Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough, and the US Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economic Affairs, Adewale Adeyemo.

Norwegian Air International (NAI) is a unit of Norwegian Air Shuttle. It established a base in Ireland in order to benefit from rights under the EU-US Open Skies agreement. That agreement allows any EU carrier to fly from anywhere in the union to any location in the US. US airlines can fly from anywhere in the US to anywhere in the EU. Among the routes NAI wants to launch are services from Cok to Boston and New York.

But theres been fierce opposition to NAIs plans from US aviation unions. They claim that NAI is being used by Norwegian Air Shuttle to circumvent more stringent labour laws in Norway, and that grant it a permit to fly to the US would result in the eventual loss of tens of thousands of US aviation jobs. They claim that NAI would use cheap Asian staff to cut costs on its services.

Norwegian Air Shuttle has repeatedly denied all those claims, and pledged to only use US and European crew on its transatlantic flights.

The US Department of Transportation indicated in April that it intended to grant NAI its permit. But since then, the approval process has stalled. Its likely that it will be left to the next US administration to deal with, despite assurances that the matter would be concluded by now.

I find it regrettable that this is the outcome after more than two years to deliberation and despite the patience and the goodwill that the EU has shown, Ms Bulc has told Mr Foxx.

Ms Bulc has requested that the matter be brought to arbitration.

Last month, Norwegians UK unit was denied a new interim flying permit from US authorities, a move Ms Bulc said has caused serious concerns in Brussels.

The Irish government, as well as dozens of individuals, companies and organisations here, have lobbied intensively for Dublin-based NAI to be granted its permit.

Aircraft giant Boeing has previously warned that opposition by one of its unions to NAI could jeopardise jobs at the manufacturer.
Michael Noonan would be "leaving money on the table" if he sold off 75pc State-owned Permanent TSB now, according to the bank's chief executive, Jeremy Masding.

Mr Masding said if the Minister for Finance came to him looking to do a deal today he would advise against doing it.

"Let's spend the next 12-18 months on making this business as valuable as we possibly can, and if at that time Minister Noonan decides that he wants to do a transaction than so be it," he said.

"But up until then that is a distraction. A number of my team seem obsessed with it so we've had to have a "Come to Jesus" conversation", meaning he wants them to focus on the job at hand.

Mr Noonan recently told the Dail that he could not discount "the possibility that a strategic transaction could arise opportunistically at any time involving PTSB which could be in the best interests of the State".

But speaking to reporters Mr Masding said the bank has a sustainable future as a stand-alone entity.

Yesterday the bank reported its first after-tax profit since 2007 - 80m in the first half.

"By our return to profitability I believe we've settled the argument about whether we can survive.

"Now we've got to prove that we can thrive and we can build a compelling, commercial and competitive business," Mr Masding said.

"There are some real opportunities that we remain focused on, for example the Government's plan to boost housing supply," he said.

"I think the forgiveness period is over now, I think the sympathy period of fixing and rebuilding the bank is over now, and my team now need to show you and our customers and our investors that we have the capacity to build out a commercial bank and that is the next challenge.

"I believe the brand is, give or take, well respected. I believe our customers are crying out for us to do good things on digital propositions, and if we do that, I believe this business on a relative basis can deliver returns that investors will be satisfied with."

Mr Masding said he was seeing applications, approvals and payouts for mortgages increase.

But he cautioned that Ireland "continues to be a challenging environment for a bank".

"Brexit's a setback, we've made a lot of progress on strengthening the risk culture of the group but we've still got a lot more to do in this area. Scale is still an issue," he added.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 28

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan at its meeting, chaired by the countrys President Islam Karimov, discussed the situation at the countrys southern borders, Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA) reported.

The issues on ensuring security and the neutralization of threats and challenges at Uzbekistans southern borders, the strengthening of cooperation with neighboring states in the region as part of the fight against terrorism and extremism were discussed during the meeting.

Heads of government and relevant agencies participated at the meeting.

Uzbekistan is bordered by five countries: Kazakhstan to the north; Tajikistan to the southeast; Kyrgyzstan to the northeast; Afghanistan to the south; and Turkmenistan to the southwest.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary was paid a total of 3.16m last year, according to the airline's new annual report.

The figure - 26pc higher than in the previous financial year - included a base salary of just over 1m and an 855,000 bonus. He also received share-based payments of 1.25m. The base salary and bonus were almost unchanged on the previous financial year, but the share-based payments were significantly ahead of the 500,000 in such payments he received in the 2015 period.

Mr O'Leary - who has made a fortune from Ryanair through accumulated pay, share sales, and the receipt of special dividends that were also paid to other shareholders - owns just over 50m shares in the airline. They are currently worth about 584m.

"In keeping with the company's remuneration policy the ceo's total remuneration is low by comparison with ceo pay of similar-sized EU airlines or other Irish plcs," noted the annual report.

"The company does not provide the cost with any pension contributions or other benefits which is in keeping with the low-cost ethos of the airline."

Senior executives at the airline - who include chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs, chief financial officer Neil Sorahan, and chief commercial officer David O'Brien - were paid a total of 10.3m during the last financial year, according to the annual report. That's up from 9m in 2015.

The senior executive team also includes chief technology officer John Hurley, chief operations officer Michael Hickey, and chief legal and regulatory officer Juliusz Komorek.

The total basic salary and bonus figure paid to the senior executive team actually fell last year to 7m from 7.2m.

However, the amount of share-based compensation almost doubled to 3.1m.

Earlier this year, Mr Jacobs confirmed to the Irish Independent that Ryanair executives - including senior and middle management - have agreed to a 12-month pay freeze as the airline tries to keep a lid on costs. The freeze doesn't extend to bonuses, however.

Ryanair generated record results for its financial year that ended in March, with profits jumping 43pc to 1.24bn, and revenue climbing 16pc to 6.53bn. It carried 106 million passengers in the financial year, 18pc up on the previous year.

Chairman David Bonderman again waived the 100,000 fee he's entitled to for his role, according to the annual report.

In an interview with the Irish Independent last year, Mr Bonderman said he has no intention to leaving his role at the airline, describing it as "too much fun".

Mr O'Leary - who has been chief executive of Ryanair since 1994 - signed up to a five-year contract at the airline in 2014. He was previously on a rolling, 12-month contract.

Under his employment contract, he cannot compete with Ryanair within the EU for a period of two years after he leaves the airline. Ryanair employed just under 11,000 people at the end of last March.

"Over the next eight years we plan to grow traffic to more than 180 million customers per annum and this will see us create another 7,000 jobs directly in Ryanair... by 2024," said Mr O'Leary in the annual report.
Eaton's move to Ireland is one of a string of so called tax inversions that this month were blamed for distorting Irish economic data

Alleged misleading statements by Eaton Corp's top executives about the company's 'inversion' deal to move its headquarters to Ireland cost shareholders $3bn in stock value, a US trade union pension fund has charged in a class action filed in a US federal district court.

Eaton's move to Ireland is one of a string of so called tax inversions that this month were blamed for distorting Irish economic data.

The Steamfitters Local 449 Pension Plan filed the suit on July 22 in the Southern District of New York, seeking unspecified damages.

The lawsuit names Eaton Corp and Alexander Cutler, Eaton's former chairman and ceo as well as Richard Fearon, its vice chairman and chief financial officer. The union claimed they violated US securities law by making "false and misleading statements" about the company's ability to carry out a tax-free spin-off of its vehicle business after its merger with Dublin-based Cooper Industries.

Eaton makes electrical, hydraulic and mechanical equipment and has sales of $20bn.

In May 2012, it announced an $11.8bn merger with Cooper Industries under the umbrella of a new Irish holding company. The move slashed Eaton's tax bill.

Before and after the deal, Mr Cutler reassured analysts that the inversion wouldn't affect Eaton's ability to spin off its vehicle business, but later admitted the deal imposed a five-year restriction on tax-free spin-offs.

That effectively prevented the sale of Eaton's vehicle business until at least late 2017, it claimed. (Bloomberg)
Insurers have largely blamed the rising cost of injury awards in courts for fact that the average motor premium shot up by almost 40pc last year. (Stock image)

INSURANCE giant Zurich has defended the fact one of its subsidiaries was the agent here for bust Enterprise Insurance.

The Gibraltar insurer collapsed after it was said to be "hopelessly insolvent".

Zurich's subsidiary, Wrightway, marketed Enterprise policies here, which were sold through 300 brokers.

Around 14,000 drivers have been left in limbo after the insurer's collapse.

According to reports in Gibraltar, it is estimated that the motor insurance company's liabilities could exceed its assets by up to 18m (21.5m).

"It is a huge deficiency," Chief Justice Anthony Dudley told the Gibraltar Supreme Court.

Gibraltar-regulated Enterprise Insurance is to be wound up after its regulator ordered it to cease business.

A Grant Thornton executive has been appointed as provisional liquidator

It operated here under the Wrightway brand, a company owned by Zurich.

A spokesman for Wrightway defended the fact it was the master agent for Enterprise Insurance in this country.

It said Enterprise Insurance "was an insurer of 10 years standing, licensed to operate in Ireland under applicable EU rules".

Wrightway said it confirmed to its parent, Zurich, that Enterprise met Wrightway's own criteria as an insurance provider and was licensed to operate in Ireland.

Enterprise Insurance operated across a number of European markets including France, Greece, Italy, Norway and the UK.

In a statement Wrightway said: "Wrightway Underwriting is disappointed at recent developments at Enterprise Insurance and the impact this is having on affected brokers and their policyholders."

Wrightway is funding the cost of replacement cover for those affected by the collapse of Enterprise.

It said 1,300 broker calls have been received since the Sunday, when the underwriter said it would pay for the replacement policies for the affected drivers.

"Wrightway is committed to continuing to support its brokers in their dealings with policyholders," the spokesman added.

The collapse of Enterprise Insurance prompted employers' body Ibec to issue a report stating that excessive personal injury awards are feeding a culture of litigation.

Ibec called for measures to rein in what it said was the rising cost of personal injury claims, in what will be seen as an attack on the judiciary.

Insurers have largely blamed the rising cost of injury awards in courts for fact that the average motor premium shot up by almost 40pc last year.

Ibec head of infrastructure Neil Walker said that across a rage of minor injuries, compensation levels in this country were typically double those in the UK.

"Irish court judgments are often far higher than the guidelines," Dr Walker said, following the publication of an Ibec report on the impact of claims on businesses.
The machine turns urine into drinking water and scientists now plan to use it to make beer

A solar-powered machine that can create drinkable water out of urine, could now be used to make beer, according to researchers.

The researchers at the University of Ghent created a device that uses a solar-powered boiler and special membrane to separate the urine into two parts: water and fertiliser.

Having tested the method at a music festival in Ghent, where the team collected 1,000 litres of water in 10 days, it is now looking at using the water to make beer.

"We call it from sewer to brewer," Sebastiaan Derese, one of the researchers from the University of Ghent, told Reuters. "We're able to recover fertiliser and drinking water from urine using just a simple process and solar energy."

To purify the urine, the researchers first collect it in a tank and heat it using a solar-powered boiler. As the water evaporates it passes through the membrane, which separates it from nutrients found in urine and useful as a fertiliser, such as nitrogen and phosphorous.

Although the water generated by the machine is drinkable, the researchers plan to make beer out of the 1,000 litres generated at the music festival.

They plan to install more purification machines at shopping malls, sporting arenas and airports, with the ultimate goal to bring clean water to rural areas and developing countries.

Separate research has shown other innovative uses for urine. The University of the West of England created a pair of socks that can send a text message in an emergency when powered by urine.

The department in Bristol, which this week received more funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is developing a "pee power" device that uses urine to feed microbial fuel cells to generate electricity.

The researchers plan to use the clean energy to power areas with little infrastructure, such as toilets and charging stations at refugee camps, or sanitation plants in developing areas.

"This project will help people in rural areas of the world where sanitation is non-existent by providing a solution that does not require expensive plumbing infrastructure to enable each home to have a toilet - a luxury for millions around the world," said Ioannis Ieropoulos, director of the Bristol Bioenergy Cenre at UWE.

The method also generates a by-product that could be used as a fertiliser and for irrigation.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Both countries were told earlier this month that they had failed to take "effective action" in the last two years to bring their budget deficits below the EU's 3pc of GDP limit. Photo: PA

The European Commission has shied away from punishing Spain and Portugal for flouting the bloc's budget rules, in a sign austerity hawks have softened their tone following the Brexit vote.

Both countries were told earlier this month that they had failed to take "effective action" in the last two years to bring their budget deficits below the EU's 3pc of GDP limit.

EU finance ministers endorsed that analysis, legally obliging the European Commission (EC) to propose fines.

Many in the EC were in favour of a relatively small but symbolic penalty of around 0.01pc of GDP, which would have amounted to around 100m for Spain and 10m for Portugal. The maximum possible would have been 0.2pc of last year's GDP.

However, following appeals from Madrid and Lisbon, including pledges to make more budget cuts, the EU executive agreed to hold off on the fines, saying the timing wasn't right.

"Even symbolic sanctions would not have allowed us to correct what was done in the past, and would have been hard to understand," said EU economics commissioner Pierre Moscovici.

"We didn't feel a punitive effect would be the most appropriate at a time when people are questioning Europe."

The two countries have been asked to come forward with new austerity measures by October to get their deficits down, and have been given more time to meet the 3pc of GDP limit: Spain until 2018 and Portugal until the end of this year.

But they will still face financial penalties in the form of a suspension of up to 50pc of EU regional funding for 2017, which will be lifted if Spain and Portugal live up to their budget commitments. This is the sanction that could bite, as regional governments, NGOs, entrepreneurs and farmers rely heavily on EU money.

"This is an important instrument to ensure that the countries have additional incentives to comply with the new adjustment path we are proposing now," said Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis.

It indicates a change in tone following the Brexit referendum, which the Commission has predicted will knock the EU economy by between 0.1 and 0.6 percentage points between now and the end of 2017.

The Commission this week appointed Frenchman and former financial services commissioner Michel Barnier to lead the Brexit negotiations on its behalf and to "develop a new partnership with the United Kingdom after it will have left the European Union".

The negotiations can't start until the UK has made an application to leave under article 50 of the EU treaty, which British Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated is unlikely to happen before the end of the year. However, the practical effects of Brexit are already being felt, with the UK suspending payments from its EU regional funds envelope following the June 23 vote.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 28

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir held negotiations, during which the sides discussed topical issues of bilateral relations within the visit of Uzbek delegation to Jeddah, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a message July 28.

The sides also exchanged views on the upcoming meetings agenda of the OIC (the Organization of Islamic Cooperation) Foreign Ministers Council, which is to take place in October of 2016 in Tashkent.

Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir praised Uzbekistans vision and approaches with regard to the countrys priorities within its chairmanship in the OIC Foreign Ministers Council that are united in the slogan Education and enlightenment  path towards peace and creativity.

Uzbek and Saudi Arabian foreign ministers noted the two sides interest in progressive development of bilateral cooperation in various spheres and successful holding of the upcoming 43rd session of the OIC Foreign Ministers Council in Tashkent.

Uzbek Foreign Minister also participated in a meeting of senior officials of the OIC member countries, where the preparation for the upcoming OIC meeting in October in Tashkent was discussed.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation was established in September of 1969 to ensure Islamic solidarity in social, economic and political spheres. The organization has 57 member states.

Uzbekistan became an OIC member in 1996.
Defence Minister Paul Kehoe talks to members of the Defence Forces who are taking part in the 10-week pilot scheme for the unemployed, at Gormanstown Military Camp, Co Meath Picture: Defence Forces

A mixed martial arts fighter and a stand-up comedian are among the unemployed young people taking part in a new Defence Forces pilot scheme.

Seventeen young men and eight young women from North Dublin and Drogheda are participating in a 10-week live-in course at Gormanston Military Camp in Co Meath.

The Defence Force's Employment Support Scheme was set up on a pilot basis as part of the Programme for Government and White Paper on defence.

Adam Caffrey (22) from Rush, Co Dublin, has trained as a mixed martial arts fighter and hopes to become a personal trainer. "Living and working with 24 other people was a great experience," he said.

Lieutenant Grainne Keneally (28), a former secondary school teacher who is military supervisor of the course, praised the group, which has "some real leaders coming to the fore".

Teamwork, self-discipline, reliability, and presentation skills are all enhanced on the course to better equip young people in their job searches, she said. The scheme targeted 18-24-year-olds on the live register and was developed through the Defence Forces, the Department of Social Protection and Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board.

Volunteers continue to receive unemployment payments while on the scheme.

The programme provides military-orientated training at the camp and computer training and other educational courses at a centre in Baldoyle, Dublin.

First aid training, outdoor activities, communication skills, lifestyle and wellbeing, and food safety management tuition is also provided.

However, it is not a recruitment pathway into the Army.

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe and Chief of Staff Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett met the participants at Gormanston yesterday.
Matt Cooper and Claire Byrne are the official king and queen of Irish radio as thousands more listeners have started to tune into their shows.

Newlywed Claire Byrne saw her figures rise by 6,000 to 244,000 in the latest round of Joint National Radio Listenership (JNLR) figures.

Today FM's Matt Cooper saw his figures jump 7,000 to 139,000. RTE Radio One's Marian Finucane also saw listenership for her Saturday show jump by 7,000, meaning her listenership now stands at a hugely impressive 400,000.

Pat Kenny managed to convince more listeners to 'turn the dial' to Newstalk, with his audience jumping 5,000 to 131,000. Kenny's radio rival Sean O'Rourke remained stable with an audience of 326,000.

It wasn't all good news, however, with 2FM suffering several casualties.

Breakfast Republic fronted by Jennifer Zamparelli, Keith Walsh and Bernard O'Shea dropped 11,000 to 151,000. The Nicky Byrne Show has also taken a hit, losing some 7,000 listeners. This brings Byrne's figures down from 143,000 to 136,000 within a three-month period.

Morning Ireland also lost 11,000 listeners but remains the most popular programme on Irish radio with ratings of 449,000.

Head of RTE Radio One Tom McGuire believes this is due to a national feeling of "government fatigue" in the wake of the election.

"I think people got tired of that. You were going to have a natural drop post-election," he said.

Over on Today FM, broadcasters Dermot Whelan and Dave Moore saw their afternoon show drop by 3,000 - bringing their average audience to 114,000.

Anton Savage dropped 1,000 to 174,000 but Today FM's Ian Dempsey held firm at the 180,000 mark.

The Ray D'Arcy Show has lost 6,000 listeners, bringing his audience to 211,000.

'Late Late Show' host Ryan Tubridy shed 3,000 listeners to bring his figures down to 319,000.

Newstalk's Breakfast Show lost 1,000 listeners; while some 4,000 tuned out of George Hook's show to bring his ratings to 132,000.

Sean Moncrief lost 1,000 listeners but Editor-In-Chief of the station Garrett Harte was pleased with the overall figures. "We've very happy we're getting an increase in Pat's listeners over the past six months," he said.

Joe Duffy's Liveline remained popular, retaining its ratings of 391,000.
An accountant who admits misappropriating 161,000 from a charity where he acted as treasurer has agreed to repay the money back over time.

Greg Walsh (67) consented to a judgment being entered against him for the sum taken plus the legal costs of youth education charity Carline Learning Centre. The State-funded organisation, which is based in west Dublin, brought a High Court action against him earlier this month after auditors found discrepancies in its accounts.

An investigation by the auditors found Mr Walsh had used the charity's cheque book to make payments to his business and two other companies.

The cash was supposed to have been used to pay the charity's tax bills and other liabilities.

The court was told yesterday that Mr Walsh had consented to there being a judgment against him for the 161,000 that was misappropriated plus the charity's legal costs.

Barrister Eamon Marray for Carline informed Mr Justice Paul Gilligan that an agreement had been reached, but asked for liberty to apply to the court again should there be a difficulty. It is understood Mr Walsh, a low-profile accountant with past links to Fine Gael, has agreed to transfer various assets to the charity as part of the agreement.

However, it is unclear if the money owed will be repaid in full.

The High Court was previously told that when initially challenged about the discrepancies, Mr Walsh claimed there had been a mix-up.

However, after the action was taken he admitted to taking the money when his business ran into financial problems.

He pledged his life assurance policy to the charity as a token of his remorse and said his behaviour had brought "shame" and "humiliation" on his family.

Mr Walsh's total debts, including the sum owed to Carline, amount to 924,000.

This includes 375,000 owed to clients, 160,000 owed to Bank of Ireland, 16,000 owed to the Revenue Commissioners, 90,000 owed to family members and 12,000 in credit card bills.

In the affidavit, he said his office and home had been visited by gardai and his books and records taken.

He said he had been advised by his solicitor of his right to silence, but would be pleading guilty if criminal charges were brought against him.

He also said he had been made aware by his solicitor that there would be a criminal investigation by the Revenue Commissioners.

It is understood that the board of the charity is currently liaising with its funders to allay any concerns.

They have focused on ensuring the controversy does not threaten the charity's future or lead to any disruption to the educational services it provides to marginalised teenagers.

The charity receives around 500,000 a year in funding from State bodies.

Mr Walsh said in his affidavit that he got into difficulty in mid-2014.

He had promised clients returns on their investments that did not materialise.

This led him to use client funds to repay existing clients and honour financial commitments.

He revealed that he was sued for 560,000 by two clients last year. The case was settled out of court after Mr Walsh agreed to sell his family home and surrender his interest in another property.
A car thief who mounted the median on O'Connell Bridge before crashing in Temple Bar has lost a sentence appeal.

Dublin native Leonard Dumbrell (28), with an address at Clonattin Village, Gorey, Co Wexford, had pleaded guilty to car theft and two counts of dangerous driving in Dublin City Centre on January 2, 2013.

He was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for five years by Judge Mary Ellen Ring on July 30, 2015.

Dismissing Dumbrell's appeal against sentence today, Mr Justice Alan Mahon said Dumbrell had gotten into a car and drove away after the owner had left his vehicle with the engine running. There had been no confrontation.

Shortly afterwards, the stolen car was seen in Ringsend by a garda who switched on his lights and gave chase.

Dumbrell sped off, broke a red light, made illegal turns, weaved dangerously through traffic, mounted a pedestrian median on O'Connell Bridge and crashed in Temple Bar.

Mr Justice Mahon said Dumbrell, who had 108 previous convictions, ran but was arrested a short distance away.

His barrister, John Berry BL, submitted that the sentencing judge failed to adequately structure the sentence to provide for rehabilitation.

In the Court of Appeal's view, three years was lenient having regard to Dumbrell's lengthy list of relevant previous convictions.

It was clear from the moment the case initially came before the Circuit Court judge that rehabilitation was foremost in her mind, Mr Justice Mahon said.

When he pleaded guilty, sentencing was adjourned for a month and later adjourned again. Unfortunately, Mr Justice Mahon said Dumbrell's efforts to remain drug free during the second period were unsuccessful.

In June 2014, he was remanded in custody having breached bail conditions.

Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the Court of Appeal was satisfied that the suggested error did not occur.

Three years was within the sentencing judge's discretion and the leniency of the sentence more than adequately reflected the mitigating factors present in the case.

It represented a relatively short custodial term having regard to the gravity of the offence.

The appeal was therefore dismissed.
A former Sinn Fein councillor and his father have been charged with falsely imprisoning, assaulting and threatening to kill a man.

Jonathan Dowdall (39) and Patrick Dowdall (59) appeared at the Special Criminal Court yesterday.

All three charges against the men relate to offences which are alleged to have taken place at Navan Road, Dublin 7 on January 15 this year.

The men, with an address at Navan Road, Dublin 7, were charged with falsely imprisoning Alexander Hurley by detaining him without his consent. They were also charged with assaulting Mr Hurley, causing him harm.

Additionally, they were charged with threatening Mr Hurley that he would be killed, intending him to believe that the threat would be carried out.

Last month, the father and son were charged with possessing a firearm or imitation firearm, which appeared to be a sawn-off shotgun and a handgun, with the intent to falsely imprison Mr Hurley, at the same place on the same date.

Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce, of the Special Detective Unit (SDU), told State solicitor Michael O'Donovan yesterday that he met Jonathan Dowdall in the precincts of the court, where he showed him the charge sheet, read it to him and explained it in ordinary language. Jonathan Dowdall made no reply, the court heard.

Detective Garda Colm Finnerty, also of the SDU, told Mr O'Donovan that he met Patrick Dowdall before the sitting of the court and read him the charge, to which the accused man made no reply.

After the court's registrar had read the charges to the men, Mr O'Donovan told the judges that the books of evidence were ready to be served on the accused men. Det Garda Finnerty handed the books of evidence to the men.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Cormac Dunne, remanded both men in custody until October 7, when their case is listed for mention again.
A Dublin man has been given a two and a half year sentence for robbing a mobile phone from a man who lay unconscious on the ground after being attacked last April.

Lewis Smith (19) of Glenshane Grove, Tallaght, Dublin plead guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at the Fortunestown City West Luas stop on April 17 2015.

He was one of two men who attacked and robbed the bystander who was travelling home from work.

The man was tripped and fell onto the Luas tracks and was then kicked and punched unconscious. His mobile phone, worth 400, was stolen as he lay unconscious on the ground.

Garda Stephen Murray said the victim spent three days in hospital suffering from concussion. The court heard he suffered from amnesia following the attack and was unable to tell hospital staff his name.

Eilis Brennan B, prosecuting, told Judge Sarah Berkeley that the attack and robbery took place while Smith was on bail for another offence. Smith has 13 previous convictions, mainly for burglary, criminal damage and possession of knives.

The victim told gardai that he was waiting on a Luas to go home and the next thing he remembered is waking up in hospital. The court heard he still suffers nerve pain in his neck and wrist.

In his victim impact report the 38-year-old said he came to Ireland 17 years ago because his life was in danger in war-torn Liberia. He hid in a boat for 22 hours to get to the safety of this country, he wrote.

The assault had since changed his whole outlook on life and he now felt that his life could be taken at any moment and at any place. He said he went from being happy and outgoing to being very nervous and afraid.

I feel like I am in a shell. I feel violated. I'm not the same man, he wrote.

Judge Berkeley said it was an unprovoked vicious assault on a man returning home from work.

She also said she was aware Smith wrote a letter of apology to the victim and that Smiths cousin died in similar circumstances following an assault.

She sentenced Smith to two and a half years with the final six months suspended and instructed him to engage with the probation services for 12 months after his release and to follow their instructions regarding education, employment and drug treatment including urine analysis.

George Burns BL defending, said Smith was willing to engage with the probation services and addiction counselling but these services were not available to him while on remand in Cloverhill Prison.
At the Galway Races yesterday was Clodagh Mahon, from Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, with her daughter Caitlin (1) Photo: Steve Humphreys and PA

Enjoying the Galway Races at Ballybrit were sisters Gabrielle and Barbara Dunne from Oranmore, Co. Galway. Picture: Steve Humphreys

While the fun and frolics of the first two days at the Galway Races continued into yesterday, it was serious business for attendees as they prepared for the biggest prize of the festival.

All eyes were on the Galway Plate from the get-go, as curious punters clutched race cards and encircled the parade ring.

The jockeys weren't the only ones with a need for speed, as eager fans darted between the bookies, the bar and the stands.

Gigginstown House took no chances, with eight horses from the stud running in the all-important test. One of their runners, Road to Riches, won the prestigious Galway event in 2014 with jockey Shane Shortall and trainer Noel Meade.

Expand Close At the Galway Races yesterday was Vivienne Leavy, from Trim, Co Meath Photo: Steve Humphreys and PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp At the Galway Races yesterday was Vivienne Leavy, from Trim, Co Meath Photo: Steve Humphreys and PA

But it was another of their steeds, Lord Scoundrel, who raced ahead to victory with Kilkenny jockey Donagh Meyler at the reins.

Watching from the ring was the jockey's family, roaring the loudest as Donagh (20) hurtled towards a glorious finish. His mother Anne Marie struggled to maintain her composure as the Meyler family celebrated all around.

"I'm just on a high," she said. "We're thrilled for Donagh, he worked very, very hard. Ever since he was a little fella, that's all he ever wanted - to be a jockey. His hard work paid off."

Read More: Democracy reigns where politicians fear to tread - on the corpse of the tent

Expand Close At the Galway Races yesterday was Saoirse Callaghan Herrity from Letterkenny, Co Donegal Photo: Steve Humphreys and PA / Facebook

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Meanwhile, Donagh's sister Lydia explained how his passion for horseracing took root in the stables of a well-known local trainer: "He used to cycle to Eoin Doyle's, which is about three or four miles away," she said.

"He just loved Eoin's - you couldn't get him out of Eoin's."

Donagh joined President Michael D Higgins on the podium to accept the coveted Galway Plate, alongside trainer Gordon Elliott and Eddie O'Leary of Gigginstown House Stud.

President Higgins spent most of his time at the event mixing with punters inside the parade ring.

It was the first victory in the Galway Plate race, worth 220,000, for Mr Elliott.

Read More: President unveils team of jockeys for Australia challenge

"He's been a great horse," said the Meath-based trainer. "We've been placed in the hurdle a good few times, but to win this is nice."

But Mr Elliott added that he hadn't any specific projects for Lord Scoundrel yet, saying all focus for the horse had been on winning in Galway yesterday.

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"We won't worry about that tonight," he said. "There are no plans. Today was the plan."

While Lord Scoundrel made his mark on the course, there was some mischief in the parade ring earlier in the day.

Nina Carberry suffered a strong kick from her horse, Sweet Company, minutes after winning the Tote Maiden, with a prize of 15,000.

It was a dramatic end to what proved to be one of the most gripping races of the day, with a photo finish between Sweet Company and A Shin Kildare.

Meanwhile, the sun shone on the bookies' fortunes after punters won big the previous day.

Hayley O'Connor of Ladbrokes said: "It could well go down as Wonderful Wednesday for us bookmakers.

Expand Close Jockey Donagh Meyler lifts TheTote.com Galway Plate alongside his mum Annmarie and sister Lydia Photo: Steve Humphreys and PA / Facebook

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"The course was awash with the confetti of torn-up dockets and we'll be walking tall on our arrival for Ladies' Day."

However, she stressed that the festival was far from over, adding: "The punters still have time to burst our bubble, so we won't be making our way to the champers tent just yet."

While the style squad prepares for Ladies' Day this morning, there was no shortage of fashionable frocks on show yesterday.

Suzanne McGarry from Sligo won the Best Dressed competition in 2011, but wouldn't be drawn on whether she'd be an entrant this time around.

"I don't know if I'll be in the running yet," she said coyly.

However, Suzanne was already impressing passers-by with a striking floral-inspired hat, and a dress she picked up at Karen Millen in Kildare Village.

"It was a bargain," she told the Irish Independent.

"The hat was a present from my husband, I've had it for years.

"It's not too bad. It's a bit of recycling."

Also spotted at the races was former Newstalk presenter Ivan Yates.

Former Fianna Fail minister Ray McSharry and ex-Mayo manager John Maughan were also spotted around the parade ring and in the stands.

Attendance at the Galway Races over the past few days has been down on 2015 figures, with Tuesday attracting 15,030 attendees - down by over 3,000 the previous year.

The attendance yesterday was 18,048, as opposed to 18,932 in 2015.


Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28



By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



The value of Irans exports of condensates from Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ) over the first quarter of the current Iranian year (starting March 20) has increased by 94 percent.



Ahmad Pour-Heidar, the head of the PSEEZ, has said the volume of gas condensate exported from the PSEEZ in the mentioned period stood at 7.9 million tons, indicating 142 percent growth in weight year-on-year, IRNA news agency reported.



According to the official, the exported condensates valued $3.2 billion which has soared by 94 percent compared to the same period of time last year.



In the meantime the value of the exports of non-oil products from the PSEEZ increased by 74 percent reaching $4.9 billion.
Garda and military intelligence units have increased their monitoring of suspected jihadi sympathisers here in an attempt to prevent the spread of terrorism to this country.

Senior security advisers are particularly concerned at the rise in the number of 'lone wolf' strikes on the continent and have been keeping a close watch on the suspects. The stepped-up surveillance comes in the wake of a string of brutal attacks in recent weeks.

A spokesperson for Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said Ireland "cannot consider itself immune" from terrorism.

"The level of threat is kept under constant review by An Garda Siochana, particularly in the light of ongoing developments," he told the Irish Independent.

"There is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism."

However, the former head of the UK National Counter-Terrorism Security Office Chris Phillips has warned that Ireland is a "soft target".

"It isn't enough to pretend that these attacks wouldn't come here. A soft target is a soft target," he said.
The former head of the UK's National Counter Terrorism Security Office Chris Phillips has warned that Ireland is a "soft target" and that there is a danger in dismissing the threat of radical Islamic terrorism as "someone else's problem".

Chris Phillips, who is now a security consultant, said that Ireland is greatly exposed to the terror threat and is not in any way isolated or immune.

"Ireland is making the same mistakes that were made by France, Germany and Belgium more than 10 years ago," he told the Irish Independent.

"They're dismissing the threat of radical Islamic terrorism as someone else's problem.

"It's funny, when I visited France and Belgium a decade ago I was told the same thing - that 'this sort of terrorism' was something for the US and the UK to worry about. That it wasn't a major concern.

"Well, as the last 12 months have shown, this is something for the entire West to be worried about. It isn't 'someone else's problem', it's every Western government's concern.

"Ireland is walking into this blind if its Government ignores the lessons that weren't learned by France and Belgium 10 years ago."

Mr Phillips, who was previously detective chief inspector, of the counter terror organisation, said that Ireland should be well aware of the threat of terrorism and how to deal with it, given our recent history.

Read More: Garda and military intelligence step up their monitoring of jihad sympathisers

"Ireland has a history of terrorism marred in religious violence, so it should have been among the first countries in Europe to realise the threat," he said.

"It isn't enough to pretend that these attacks wouldn't come here. A soft target is a soft target. That's what these groups are looking for. It is about making a statement."

Mr Phillips was reacting to the latest string of terror attacks at the heart of Europe - in France and Germany.

He said that it is everyone's responsibility - not just the gardai, the Justice Minister or the heads of churches - to realise and take on the threat of terror.

"You can't lock up everyone under suspicion of being involved with terrorism. We've learned that that doesn't work and comes with its own problems and consequences," he said. "The kid in his room looking up how to make a bomb online can't be sent to prison for life. Eventually he's going to have to get out. What then? Constant supervision?

"What needs to be done is to empower communities to come forward and expose those within their ranks that are espousing the beliefs that are leading to these terrible atrocities.

Read More: Extremism has no faith - we should not blame religion

"The police can't be relied on all the time, as there is only so much they can do. It is up to the Muslim community to police themselves and bring to attention anyone who is threatening or promoting violence," he added.

"That's not to say it is all up to the Muslim community. The worst thing we can do is lay the blame for these attacks at their feet. They're as much victims as anyone else. Many Muslims have been killed in the recent attacks, and we can't forget about this.

"What we need to do, and this includes the Government, is to make sure that no community is left to feel isolated or abandoned."

"The first step is acknowledging that this isn't someone else's problem," he added.

"Then you've got to empower people to step forward and 'give up' those preaching hate. Stop hate before it is allowed to be given shape. That's the answer. The worst thing we can do is turn against one another."
The family of a young Irishman who was detained in error by armed police in Perth are appealing for the Australian government to release him.

Bernard Lee (26), who is originally from Greystones, Co Wicklow, has been living and working legally in Western Australia for the past seven years.

However on Monday evening he was arrested by armed police and immigration officers at the home he shares with his partner in Highgate, Perth.

Authorities claimed that he had been issued a letter refusing his application for a residents visa and cancelling his current business visa, and that he was in breach of the 20-day period to leave the country.

Bernard Lee had recently applied for an employer-sponsored residents visa before his detention.

Neither Mr Lee nor his Australian lawyer dealing with the case on his behalf had received such a letter.

He was taken away by armed police to a detention centre run by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), which is located 90km northeast of Perth, where he has since been detained.

Officers for the DIBP have admitted to Mr Lees family they made a mistake and that no such letter was ever issued to Bernard or his lawyer. However, they have not committed to any intention of releasing him.

The Wicklow mans family have said that an appeal process against the wrongful detention could take weeks or months, and are pleading with Australian officials to release him.

Bernard does not want to appeal the decision of the Department of Immigration and Border Control because we have been advised that such appeals take months or years, during which time the person is kept in detention. He just wants to come home on the flight he booked for next week, Bernards father Norman told the Irish Independent.

We have been advised that the Australian Immigration authorities regularly detain people in this facility for months without reason while they process paperwork, said his brother Robert.

My mum is seriously ill and has intense migraines from worrying about it, he added.

Ironically, Bernard had booked a flight out of Australia for next Wednesday to join his Australian girlfriend in Europe, where they plan to celebrate his brothers engagement with his family in Ireland.

The immigration lawyer has however advised that, based on his experience of Australian immigration system, it is unlikely that Bernard will be allowed to take his flight out of Australia and will instead be incarcerated for weeks or months.

The detention centre, Yongah Hill in Northam in Western Australia, is composed of four compounds.

It made international news last September when a 40 year old man doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire, after being held there for about eight months.

A 27-year-old detainee had also died there shortly beforehand, after being held for three years.

Over the last year, there has also been a focus on violent brawls involving detainees at the centre, which houses convicted criminals, asylum seekers and others.

The family are appealing for the assistance of anyone in Australia who may be able to help secure Bernards release from detention, to allow him to come home to Ireland.
All road authorities are also now obliged to make decisions on permits to install telecommunications lines below, on, or above public roads, within four months of receiving all of the information they require from the industry applicant (Stock picture)

Developers will be required to install telecommunications ducts that will allow for easy connection to broadband services on all new buildings from next year.

The move is one of a string of measures being implemented by Communications Minister Denis Naughten in a bid to speed up the nationwide roll-out of high-speed internet.

It follows the signing of a number of statutory instruments yesterday, including one which will force operators of utility networks such as electricity, gas and transport to share information about their infrastructure with broadband providers.

All road authorities are also now obliged to make decisions on permits to install telecommunications lines below, on, or above public roads, within four months of receiving all of the information they require from the industry applicant.

This does not apply to telephone exchanges or mobile masts - only to poles, wires and underground cables.

If a decision is not made within the deadline, companies will automatically be entitled to move ahead.

It comes after a new taskforce on mobile phone and broadband access was jointly chaired by Mr Naughten and Rural Development Minister Heather Humphreys for the first time yesterday.

The group, which includes representatives from OPW, Irish Countrywomen's Association and Irish Rural Link and business associations, is a response to concerns about the timeframe for the lengthy roll-out of the National Broadband Plan.

Members will look for immediate solutions to broadband/mobile phone coverage deficits in certain parts of the country.

"I am confident that the taskforce will deliver on a work programme that will see immediate solutions to the broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and alleviate some of the difficulties being felt by families, businesses and the young and elderly across rural Ireland," said Mr Naughten.

As part of its work programme, the taskforce is to engage with the telecoms industry to identify and address barriers to telecoms deployment.

It is expected to report to the Government by the end of the year with an action plan that identifies practical measures.

Ms Humphreys said: "I intend to ensure there are no unnecessary delays to the roll-out of broadband to rural communities, which is essential to their future economic prosperity."
A shipment of 20 puppies and one bitch has been seized as part of a cross-border clampdown on illegal dog sales.

They were seized at Cairnryan Ferry Port in Scotland and returned to Dublin, via Belfast, yesterday evening.

The dogs, which include breeds such as Pomeranian, Cavachons and Chihuahuas, were being brought into Northern Ireland and Scotland to be sold.

However, none of the puppies had any of the relevant vaccination records, microchips or the compulsory Pet Passports. The crime was discovered after an illegal trader advertised the sale of the puppies online.

The DCSPA now intend to pursue a prosecution, with crimes such as this carrying significant penalties, including imprisonment.

This seizure was carried out under 'Operation Delphin', a collaborative project between British and Irish SPCAs and both country's customs and tax authorities.

They are now in the care of the DSPCA and will be looking for new homes in a few weeks.
A gang of between 20 to 40 teenagers were at the grounds of Vernon Mount at the time the fire broke out, according to gardai.

As part of their ongoing investigation into the fire, gardai have identified a number of individuals, ranging in age from 15 to 17, and have called to several addresses in Cork to speak to teenagers over the last 48 hours.

Massive damage was caused to Vernon Mount House in Cork after a blaze, suspected to be caused by vandals, erupted shortly before 10pm on Sunday night.

At its height, seven units of Cork fire brigade were battling the fire which spread quickly throughout the interior of the property which has been empty for some time.

The house was the subject of an attack by vandals earlier this month and Cork County Council confirmed they had raised the incident with the property owners agent.

Repairs following that vandal attack were only completed on July 10.

Since 2012, more than 170,000 was spent in a bid to secure and protect Vernon Mount from both vandals and the ravages of the Irish weather.

The Department of Arts & Heritage provided 44,850 in support funds. Cork County Council insisted it had been assisting the owner to make urgent repairs to the property and described the fire as most unfortunate.

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The site is now being treated as a crime scene  presumably arson, the council said.

Vernon Mount was built in 1784 and was a protected structure.

The Georgian mansion was built for Cork merchant, Atwell Hayes, who named it after George Washingtons famous Virginia home as a mark of admiration for the American Revolution.

However, far from emulating the scrupulously correct General Washington, the merchants son, Sir Henry Browne-Hayes, later abducted a young heiress, Mary Pike, to secure her 20,000 dowry.

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Browne-Hayes was eventually arrested and the young woman freed though she was so traumatised she suffered from mental illness for the rest of her life.

The merchant was convicted, sentenced to death but then commuted to transportation to Australia.

Legend has it that the Cork mansion has since been haunted by the spirit of the deranged young woman and it ranks alongside Loftus Hall in Wexford as one of the most haunted structures in the country.

The Irish Georgian Society has described Vernon Mount as a neoclassical gem and an extraordinary suburban villa.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28



By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:



An Iranian trade delegation has arrived in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on a two-day visit to discuss expansion of bilateral ties.



Ali Navadad, a deputy governor general of Irans East Azerbaijan Province, is heading the 24- member provincial delegation, the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nakhchivan told the media outlets.



During the visit, the representatives of several companies from Irans East Azerbaijan Province discussed opportunities for joint production with Nakhchivan.



Upon their arrival, Irans Consul General to Nakhchivan Mansour Airom briefed the delegation about the existing infrastructure and grounds for cooperation in Nakhchivan.



Representatives from the firms involved in construction, food industry, packaging, exports and imports, transportation, glass, steel, agriculture, and building materials as well as administrative officials are among the delegation members.



The members of the delegation have also meet with Nakhchivans senior officials during the visit.



Iranian Consul General Mansour Airom described joint economic cooperation with Nakhchivan as a bridge for extensive cooperation with Azerbaijan and even with the Caucasus and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
THE wife of Hollywood star George Clooney is to be invited to appear in front of an Oireachtas committee to discuss the plight of jailed Dublin man Ibrahim Halawa.

Amal Clooneys law firm Doughty Street Chambers represents Mr Halawa, who has been locked in an Egyptian jail for more than three years.

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Members of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs committee agreed in private on Thursday to invite the firm in later this year.

The firm is expected to criticise the Governments response to the detention of Mr Halawa, who once again saw his trial postponed this month.

In a letter to the committee this week, Mr Halawas former cellmate Peter Greste said the Tallaght man is in no way a violent terrorist or a threat to any society.

Mr Greste has also claimed that Ibrahims ethnic origins have obscured the need to address the way his most basic rights as an Irish and European citizen have been denied.

Meanwhile, Committee member and Fianna Fail senator Mark Daly has criticised the Egyptian ambassador to Ireland Soha Gendi who has declined to appear in front of the committee.

It is outrageous and an affront to the Irish people and the plight of Ibrahim, Mr Daly said.
Growing numbers of people are suffering sexual abuse carried out by people they met online.

The head of clinical services at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Angela McCarthy, said the organisation may start compiling statistics on this area in the future as it is a "theme" that it has encountered.

The centre published its annual report for 2015 yesterday.

Almost 12,000 people contacted its helpline last year.

Over half of the contacts were from those calling for the first time about rape or sexual abuse.

Speaking at the launch, Ms McCarthy said the centre had recognised sexual abuse from online dates as an issue in recent times.

"It is certainly a theme but not one we have data on yet, although we could start looking into it," she said.

Ms McCarthy added that although dating sites could have positive outcomes, there could often be a danger with meeting up with strangers.

"Some people meet their partners online but unfortunately others may meet predators on such sites."

The report revealed that just 23.8pc of adults who experienced rape or sexual assault did so at the hands of a stranger.

Out of those who reported abuse, 24.4pc had been raped or assaulted by a boyfriend or partner, while in almost 40pc of cases the attack was carried out by another known person.

The centre commended third-level institutions for the work they had done in the past year in raising awareness about the issue of sexual consent.

At the launch, rape survivor Bernie Adufe D'Arcy, from Wicklow, spoke of the help she received from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

"Rape is the total destruction and invasion of a person by a person but with the right help the victim can become the victor over rape," she said.

"On arrival to the Rotunda Hospital (following the rape), I was met by a lady from the Rape Crisis Centre, which was a blessing.

"She was there for me and explained every procedure, every step. It was a long road that I strolled, but with the help of the Rape Crisis Centre I got here."

She added: "I don't call myself a victim of rape because I am now a victor."

In addition to the 24-hour national telephone line service (1800 778888), last year the centre provided face-to-face therapy to 499 people and accompanied victims of sexual violence to the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, as well as to court and Garda stations in the Dublin area.

In view of the centre's findings, its incoming CEO, Noeline Blackwell, has called for urgent enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 when the Dail resumes.

"The fact that about half of the counselling and therapeutic work of the centre is with adults who have suffered abuse as children makes our call for better protection for today's children more urgent," she said.

"The Sexual Offences Bill, tackling internet abuse - which is still not illegal in Ireland - will give today's children a much better chance of staying safe than they have right now."

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone said it was "absolutely a priority" for the Government to enact the legislation soon.

She said: "It is obviously deeply disturbing to hear of the rise in reporting. On the other hand, it is a good thing and it also represents the success of the work of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and other centres around the country.

"I want to say how vital the work is that goes on here, especially for the many volunteers who provided the services to victims of rape and sexual abuse.

"The centre has made an enormous contribution. If it weren't for them, the taboo subject of rape would not be spoken about so openly."
In 78pc of cases last year where no prosecution took place, this was down to insufficient evidence. Stock photo

More than 200 victims of crime whose cases went unprosecuted have had the issues involved explained to them by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the past eight months.

Summaries of reasons not to prosecute have been provided since an EU directive on victims' rights came into effect last November.

Although legislation has yet to be introduced in Ireland in response to the directive, the DPP has already been abiding by it.

Since then, the DPP has had 333 requests for reasons in cases where a decision was taken not to prosecute.

Reasons were given in 216 cases and refused in 68. Some 49 requests are currently under consideration.

The figures are detailed in the DPP's 2015 annual report, which was published yesterday.

The DPP, Claire Loftus, said the number of requests received was "very significant".

A communications and liaison unit was set up in July 2015 to handle obligations under the directive.

Barristers' fees

"The EU directive is a very important measure, establishing rights to assist victims who have suffered physically, emotionally and financially as a result of crime," Ms Loftus said in the foreword to the report.

There remained, however, "limited exceptions" where reasons could not be communicated to victims.

In 78pc of cases last year where no prosecution took place, this was down to insufficient evidence.

Other reasons included the use of juvenile diversion programmes or adult cautions.

Since November, there have also been 135 requests for reviews of decisions not to prosecute. None of these resulted in the original decision being overturned.

Prior to the directive being introduced, the DPP only had a policy of explaining reasons not to prosecute in fatal cases.

This meant that the number of cases was very small, with just 97 requests made between October 2008 and November 2015, of which 92 were granted.

Meanwhile, the report shows that fees paid to barristers to prosecute cases jumped by 1m in just two years - from just over 13m in 2013 to 14m last year.

Ms Loftus said this was due partly to lengthy trials and an increase in cases processed in the first full year of operation of the Court of Appeal.

The new court was established in October 2014.
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Dan O'Brien Opinion While we catastrophise about Covid, we ignore risk of running out of cash

We Irish view the world in an increasingly strange and unhealthy way. We catastrophise about Covid in a way other European countries do not. We focus on how bad the effects of the virus could get, on how many more restrictions might be imposed by Government and how helpless we are in the face of the virus.
Tuesday morning started out like any other morning for Fr Jacques Hamel. He celebrated Mass with a small group of parishioners. The Eucharist - in which Catholics believe the sacrifice of Christ is re-presented in time - was central to the life of Fr Jacques ever since his ordination in 1958. He was part of a generation of idealistic young Frenchmen who joined the priesthood following the horrors of World War II, knowing a better world was not only possible, but necessary if humanity was to have a future.

Little did he know that during that mass - mirroring Christ's Last Supper before his death - his blood would be mingled with the blood of Christ and he would be ever remembered by Catholics worldwide as a martyr.

But the greatest tribute we can pay to Fr Jacques is to ensure his death does not provoke the kind of reactionary backlash his killers wanted. The murderous events in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray have cast a dark shadow across civilised people and exposed the odious wickedness at the heart of the Islamist ideology. It has also brought the horrors of Islamist terrorism very close to home.

Unfortunately, we've become depressingly used to hearing about suicide bombings and terror attacks in Europe. But, to cross the threshold of a church - literally meaning the Lord's house - marks a horrendous escalation.

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From ancient times, places of worship have also been places of sanctuary - now Christians across Europe are asking themselves whether or not they are safe at Mass.

It's hard to think of an event more calculated to provoke a clash of civilisations: an elderly priest who has spent almost 60 years serving the needs of his people brutally slain before his congregation in the parish church he loved and where he worshipped his God.

According to an eyewitness account, the murderers forced him to kneel down before the altar before killing him and ranting through a sermon replete with their hate-filled, half-baked excuse for a theology.

People are rightly frightened and angry. Increasingly, Europe is becoming a macrocosm of the Middle East and the wider Muslim world where attacks on Christian places of worship have become commonplace. One mustn't forget, of course, that Muslims are the primary victims of militant Islam. But the bloody sectarian rivalry that tears apart Sunni and Shia Islam often spills over into attacks on Christians.

Open Doors, a group which monitors religious freedom around the world, estimates that some 100 million Christians face persecution for their faith, mostly in Muslim-majority countries.

And moderate Muslims have an urgent duty to denounce and fight extremism. But Christians and other people of goodwill in the West have an equal responsibility not to tar all Muslims with the same brush.

The antidote to bad religion is good religion, and we must strive to ensure that the clash of civilisations between Islam and the West which blasphemous death cults like Isil long for does not happen.

This is why the initiative of French President Francois Hollande in calling together religious leaders representing different traditions is so important. In standing together, Jews, Muslims and Christians can show Islamists that evil does not overcome goodwill.

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States, Pope John Paul II instinctively knew that a contrived war between Islam and the West was the worst-case scenario. Almost immediately, he called the leaders of all religions to join him in Rome and reject violence. It was a powerfully cathartic moment and offered hope to beleaguered Muslims, who had seen their faith defamed by the actions of extremists. In this centenary year of the 1916 Easter Rising, Irish people know well the spectre of extremists who, on the borrowed pride of a noble cause, sought to justify the unjustifiable during a bloody sectarian campaign in the North. But our experience in the North has also made us overly optimistic about peace processes and lulled us into a false understanding of the nature of terrorism.

Isil has no command structures, no political wing to negotiate with. Angry young men who have been taught on the internet to hate the West can strike at will.

And no amount of decommissioning can neutralise the web of hate available on the internet, but by refusing to bow to the narrow divisions the terrorists desire, we can expose the meaninglessness of the cause they seek to die for. People rush to say the assailants in France must have been out of their minds. Perhaps, but more likely, we have to face the reality of evil in the world and the fact that people choose to do wicked things. Strength does not consist in being unafraid of evil, but it rests in acknowledging our fear and doing what is right anyway.

Michael Kelly is editor of 'The Irish Catholic' newspaper
There are those who say that Americans are better than most at meaningful displays of grand emotion. I don't know about that, but anyone who watched Michelle Obama's speech to the Democratic National Convention on Monday might have come away thinking that Americans are the best at everything.

Or, as Ms Obama put it, so much more inspiringly: "Don't let anyone ever tell you this country isn't great, that somehow we need to make it great again, because this, right now, is the greatest country on earth!"

Ms Obama's speech was about courage, faith, family and - more subtly - all the ways in which Donald Trump is a big fat loser, but most of all it was about "our friend Hillary Clinton" and why she is just so damned impressive.

Clearly, I am far too old to say this, but I want Michelle Obama to be my best friend! What woman wouldn't go about her working day with a little more vim if she had a cheerleader behind her celebrating her "grace and the guts to keep coming back and put cracks in that highest and hardest glass ceiling until she finally breaks through, lifting all of us with her"? With friends like Ms Obama, we could achieve anything. Well, anything but follow that speech

There is no female equivalent to the word "bromance", but the loving admiration of one woman for another is a magnificent thing to behold or experience. If only we saw more of it in European politics. Unfortunately, it's hard to imagine Samantha Cameron standing on the steps of Number 10, with her fist in the air and a quiver in her voice, beseeching the electorate to vote for Theresa May because "as my [children] prepare to set out into the world, I want a leader who is  worthy of my girls' promise and all our kids' promise."

It's hard to imagine Samantha Cameron saying anything, really, but perhaps she has a secret Suffragette tattoo somewhere that the media never found out about.

Europe, unlike America, is not big on rousing and emotional speeches and prefers instead for powerful women to bash each other around the heads in the national press. Margaret Thatcher famously promoted only one woman to the cabinet in 11 years, and revelled in the idea that, "The feminists hate me, don't they? And I don't blame them." Few women in today's politics are so blatant, but their lack of sorority shows.

In the recent Conservative leadership election, Rachel Johnson (sister of the deposed leadership hopeful Boris) wrote a long article excoriating Michael Gove and his wife Sarah Vine.

"Yet, having said all that, and knowing them a bit, it's hard to imagine they mean any harm," she concluded. "I like them  After all, they did what they felt they had to do  What distresses me about all this is not the Lady Macbething, the betrayal, any pain they might have visited on people I love"

In turn, the most admiring thing that Sarah Vine could say about Theresa May was: "All hail the High Priestess of Grump, second only to the Queen herself in her ability to evoke thunder with a mere twitch of her nostrils" and "Theresa May, whose tractor beam glare makes Anna Wintour's seem positively Bambi-esque".

Andrea Leadsom infamously chipped in: "I don't want this to be 'Andrea has children, Theresa hasn't', because I think that would be really horrible, but" I don't see May giving it up for her girl Amber Rudd any time soon, but let's hope that she makes the level of debate in parliament a little more "woop woop" and a bit less "boo yah". After all, as Ms Obama said: "When crisis hits, we don't turn against each other, we listen to each other, we lean on each other, because we know that we are always stronger together." And as she also said: "I'm with her". ( Independent News Service)
The human impulse to recoil from horror is understandable. In the last couple of weeks we have seen families and toddlers deliberately mown down, shoppers shot dead, concert-goers blown up - and now the murder of a frail and elderly priest during Mass. Who would not wish to turn away from such barbarism?

But the spate of lone wolf attacks must be confronted. The more brutal and savage the atrocity, the more resolute and methodical we must be in rooting out the extremists. A security response commensurate to the threat is essential. That means coordination and cooperation across the globe.

It does not mean feeding into paranoia or stoking hatred and resentment, as the terrorists would wish.

But denial of the dangers, or failure to take due precautions in line with the dangers, would be a fatal error. What is unfolding in Europe is directly linked to the conflagration in the Middle East. The spiral of violence and the disintegration of entire countries is taking a massive toll. The toppling of dictators has not led to democracy, but merely fuelled a further descent into chaos. This was exacerbated by disastrous military campaigns coupled with reckless opportunism that have unleashed a whirlwind. Western leaders must meaningfully engage with this legacy of failures and misguided intervention.

Isil is thriving in the leadership vacuum; its raison d'etre is to destroy. Its agenda - to dehumanise and to turn back the clock on civilisation - is being driven by manic predators exploiting alienated and deluded footsoldiers whose heads have been turned by hatred.

It is vital that there is a realistic awareness of the scale of the threat. But this is an asymmetrical war; stepping up security is necessary, yet deepening our understanding and strengthening intelligence about what we are up against is just as important. As we learned to our cost, it is far easier to decommission weapons than mindsets.

Clinton must be bolder to win against Teflon Trump

Hillary Clinton may have put the biggest crack yet in the glass ceiling, but the final breakthrough - becoming the first female president of the United States - is by no means guaranteed.

She has deservedly garnered enormous credit by establishing herself as the first female nominee of a major party to be in contention for the Capitol Hill contest.

She has come so far by dint of distinguished service and assured statecraft, but she has still only succeeded in shattering the second-largest glass ceiling in US politics. To make it through to the top floor, she will have to get past the considerable figure of Donald Trump. The garrulous billionaire has proven to be a formidable adversary - one the far more politically savvy Ms Clinton would have been expected to have swatted away.

Doughty campaigner though she undoubtedly is, she has thus far failed to turn back the tide of populism or dismantle the campaign platform that Mr Trump has built for himself on the shakiest political ground. Where Mr Trump has clearly staked out his territory among an army of disaffected and dissatisfied Americans who no longer feel themselves in the mainstream of opportunity, Ms Clinton has clung to a more staid and measured approach.

Substance rather than charisma ought to hold sway, but in the barnstorming world of political box-office, this is not always the case. She will need to be bolder if she is to make herself heard over the decibel level from the raucous Trump bandwagon. She has pledged to take on Mr Trump with "grit and grace". Whether these are the best weapons with which to puncture The Donald's ironclad confidence remains to be seen.
Most of the commentators about Brexit have concentrated on the damage it may do to the UK. Little comment has been made about the damage that the loss of the UK markets will inflict on the EU.

We should remember the classic political sitcom 'Yes, Minister', and wily civil servant Sir Humphrey's lecture to the minister: "We have tried to have a disunited Europe for the last 500 years from the outside; now that we are in we will make a pig's breakfast of the whole thing."

New British Prime Minister Theresa May is in no hurry to start the ball rolling. I bet, as Sir Humphrey also said, that, "The Foreign Office will be terribly pleased, it will be just like old times."

The marketing people in the major European exporting countries won't experience the same joy. German experts will be wondering where they will find markets for their exports of 92bn. The same goes for the Netherland's 46bn, France's 41bn, Italy's 24bn, Spain's 20bn and of, course, our own country's 18bn of current exports to the UK. The UK is also the biggest European tourist 'exporter', representing 22pc of all tourist bed nights.

I am sure that the European market experts will have a tough job working out the number of Porsche, BMW and Mercedes cars as well as the number of cases of Champagne and Italian fashion items that Latvia, Romania, Bulgaria and Poland can absorb.

China's market for luxury goods is contracting, and as a result of Russia's escapade in the Ukraine the EU has imposed a trade. embargo on exports to Russia. The worst nightmare might still happen: should he win the US presidency, Donald Trump might succeed in reigniting Detroit as the world's leading car manufacturing city.

It is very likely that the UK's demand for restrictions of some sort on border control will be acceptable to the European exporting countries - indeed, with the emergence of 'home-grown terrorists', all countries will probably look favourably on border controls for the entire EU.

Hugh Duffy

Cleggan, Co Galway

Mollycoddling our children

Recently, there have been a number of awards made for damages relating to accidents children have had while at creches.

In my view, this is what is wrong with our society. Over-protecting our children, mollycoddling and wrapping them up in cotton wool, all serves to damage our children in the future.

Children will not know how to deal with accidents, will not know how to deal with pain and, ultimately, will not take responsibility for their actions.

We're sending the message that if you fall over as a child, it's not your fault, it's because of someone else. It's because someone did not do their job as a parent, as a childminder, as a Montessori practitioner, or as a teacher. It is not the fault of the child, who went exploring and fell off the swing, or tripped in the yard.

If we are setting this example to our children that we are not responsible for our actions, will they take responsibility when they are older?

Another point such cases highlight is our unwillingness to allow our children to explore. I'm in my early 20s and I grew up on a farm. I played in trees, fell off walls and banks, fell into streams and so on.

I have scars on my knees from the times I tripped while playing chase. I don't blame my parents for allowing me to have a childhood, for allowing me explore and get dirty.

These accidents taught me the limits of the areas I played in and what is and is not safe to play around. These experiences cannot be taught by parents or by teachers, instead we must allow our children to explore and experience life for themselves.

I believe that we as a society are neglecting our children. Neglect, in that we are not allowing our children the freedom to explore.

Yes, they should be monitored in terms of where they are playing and whether it is safe or not, but how are children going to learn that a fall is OK? That a cry to show pain is OK? That the trip or the fall is not the fault of anyone but an accident that can happen to anyone?

My final point is this: a financial settlement is not going to bring any good to our children's education in life.

Let our children have a life, and play in a tree, or let them fall without putting the blame on someone else. If they get a scar, well then, it's a battle scar, it's a scar of life, it proves they had a childhood without regrets about not sitting on that wall or climbing that branch that's three foot off the ground.

I have no regrets about my childhood because I had one that left me filled with memories and stories that one day I hope to tell my grandchildren.

Michelle Walsh

Ballina, Co Mayo

Responding to terror threats

While Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland Colm O'Gorman (Irish Independent, July 25) clearly means well, these are truly extraordinary times.

The suspected Isil recruiter recently deported was many years ago given the benefit of our relatively peaceful, pluralistic society, a chance to make a good life for himself.

Instead, he chose to join an organisation which has declared war on us and, according to it, intends to destroy Western society. An organisation which is enslaving and slaughtering people, including Irish people, in the most barbaric ways.

Any jihadist facing deportation can spin the same line about possible torture, whether it is true or not. This can be used to deter any Western government from deporting terrorists.

So should we have tried and then imprisoned the alleged Isil recruiter here, knowing that prisons often prove to be fertile grounds for further radicalisation? Should we have kept him in solitary confinement indefinitely to prevent this? No doubt that would also be against his human rights. And, if he had served his time, what then? We still couldn't deport him. So would we have to monitor him?

On Tuesday morning, a French jihadist who was electronically tagged was involved in slitting the throat of a priest in France. This is where the slippery slope to moral paralysis and inaction can lead. Any government has not just a right, but a responsibility to protect its own citizens against such threats. No one I have spoken to thinks our Government made the wrong decision.

Paul Corcoran

Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh

It seems the 'Summer of Hate' gets darker with every passing day in Europe as one atrocity surpasses the next for callousness. Undermining people's sense of safety and security is the goal of those blinded by fundamentalism. The goal for the rest of us must be not to surrender to their aim of polarising and dividing us. Europe must stand together and face these threats in a united and coordinated way, pooling intelligence and resources.

Gerrard Thomas

Killiney, Co Dublin


Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28



By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



Iran's Foreign Ministry has condemned a recent deadly attack on the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli, IRNA news agency reported.



Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Bahram Qasemi, has expressed sympathy for the victims of massive bombings that rocked Qamishli in Hassakeh province, near the border with Turkey on July 27.



Describing terrorism as a threat to regional and global security, he called for international will to tackle extremism and terrorism.



The IS terrorist group (ISIS,ISIL, Daesh) said it was behind the attack.
Lisa McGowan, who was named the g Hotel & Spa Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races . Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

Garda Ciara Murphy, from Dunboyne, winner of the g Hotel & Spa Best Hat competition for Ladies Day at t he Galway Races. Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

Lisa McGowan (right) from Tullamore, Co Offaly, was crowned Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races at Ballybrit in one of her own designs, taking home the 10,000 prize. Garda Ciara Murphy (left) from Dunboyne, Co Meath, scooped the Best Hat title. Photo: Ray Ryan

Giddy heights were reached at the festival as hundreds donned their highest heels and hats at the Galway Races Ladies Day.

But it was Lisa McGowan from Tullamore, Co. Offaly who towered above them all.

Wearing a hat by Marie Claire Millinery and a dress from Strawberry and Lime, which she designed herself.

The ensemble was completed by a handbag from Glitz, jewellery from Dessert Diamonds Ireland and shoes from Dunnes Stores.

Expand Close Lisa McGowan, who was named the g Hotel & Spa Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races . Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure / Facebook

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The stylish insurance broker took home a 10,000 voucher for the g Hotel, Galway.

Meanwhile, a garda stationed at Store Street stole the Best Hat accolade, wearing a creation from Fiona Rafter and pocketing a 2,000 prize.

Ciara Murphy from Dunboyne, Co. Meath wasnt even sure if shed get to the races at all before the morning.

I wasn't going to come to the races but I got last minute accommodation from a friend of mine putting us up, she said. I think the win is on another level. It is amazing.

While the style was impressive from the outset, the judges were tasked with selecting just 10 finalists.

Today FMs Louise Duffy and Irish Independent Fashion Editor Bairbre Power joined the panel of judges, along with Melanie Morris of Image Publications, Mandy Maher of Catwalk Models and the g Hotels Triona Barrett.

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This year's prize was sponsored by the g Hotel & Spa and judges include Today FM star Louise Duffy, Irish Independent Fashion Editor Bairbre Power, Image Magazine's Melanie Morris and Catwalk models' Mandy Maher.
Bavarian officials have presented an anti-terror plan after four attacks in Germany in a week, two of which were claimed by the Islamic State extremist group.

Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann said his state - where three of the four attacks took place - would hire 2,000 extra police officers until 2020, improve police equipment and create new offices to fight Muslim extremism and cybercrime.

He also called for tougher background checks on asylum-seekers and new strategies to deport criminal asylum-seekers more easily.

Three of the four attacks were committed by asylum-seekers.

Bavarian justice minister Winfried Bausback said at a news conference with Mr Herrmann: "The threat of Salafist terrorism has arrived in Europe, in Germany, but also in Bavaria."

The announcement of the plan was followed by the revelation that a n 18-year-old German-Iranian who killed nine people and injured 36 in Munich left a document several pages long about his psychiatric illnesses, his school situation and his neighbourhood.

Munich prosecutors and the Bavarian state criminal police office said they were still evaluating which parts of the document were fiction and which were based on reality.

The statement also said investigators were following some 1,750 tips in the case and that more than 1,000 files have been uploaded to their server.

Many bystanders shot footage on their phones as the rampage unfolded and the gunman eventually killed himself.

A uthorities also searched a room at a refugee accommodation centre in south-western Germany after a 20-year-old Syrian man allegedly boasted of having contacts with IS and said he had fought in Syria.

Prosecutors and police in Stuttgart said two mobile phones were seized in Thursday's search in the Heidenheim area and were being examined. The Syrian, who had no previous police record, was released following the search.

Authorities say there were never any indications of any possible plans for an attack.

Germany's commissioner for immigration, refugees and integration is calling on mosques across the country to be more pro-active when it comes to preventing extremism among Muslim youths.

Aydan Ozoguz said: "We need to hold mosques more responsible when it comes to prevention among teenagers."

On Wednesday night, police raided a mosque believed to be a hot spot for Islamic extremists in the city of Hildesheim. The raid did not appear to be connected to the recent attacks.

AP
Australia has confirmed that the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 had an Indian Ocean course plotted on his personal simulator (AP)

Data recovered from a home flight simulator owned by the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 showed that someone used the device to plot a course to the southern Indian Ocean, where the missing jet is believed to have crashed, Australian officials have said.

Confusion has reigned over what was found on Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah's flight simulator since New York Magazine reported last week that an FBI analysis showed he had conducted a simulated flight to the southern Indian Ocean less than a month before the plane vanished along a similar route.

Malaysia rejected the report as false, but Australia's Joint Agency Co-ordination Centre confirmed on Thursday that the captain's simulator did indeed show that "someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean".

The Boeing 777 vanished with 239 people on board after flying far off course during a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing, China, on March 8 2014.

Expand Close The sole of a shoe found by Blaine Gibson on Riake beach in Madagascar, which may or may not belong to passengers of the MH370 Malaysia Airlines flight / Facebook

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Whatsapp The sole of a shoe found by Blaine Gibson on Riake beach in Madagascar, which may or may not belong to passengers of the MH370 Malaysia Airlines flight

New York Magazine cited the discovery as strong evidence that the disappearance was a premeditated act of mass murder-suicide at the hands of the captain.

But Malaysia's national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said police had never handed any document or information to any authority abroad, including the FBI - a perplexing statement, given that Malaysia's own transport minister confirmed two years ago that Malaysia was working with the FBI to analyse data from the simulator's hard drives.

Adding to the confusion, the Joint Agency Co-ordination Centre, which is overseeing the search for the plane off Australia's west coast, subsequently issued a vague statement that seemed to imply such a route had been found on Capt Zaharie's machine.

The agency then warned that evidence of the route did not prove that he had planned to steer the plane off course and showed only "the possibility of planning" for such an event.

Pressed for clarification, the agency confirmed in an email to The Associated Press news agency on Thursday that the captain's simulator did show that "someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean".

The confirmation appears to directly contradict repeated assertions from Malaysian officials that no such route had been found on the captain's simulator. On Wednesday transport minister Liow Tiong Lai insisted there was no evidence to prove that Capt Zaharie had plotted the same course as the doomed airliner into the machine.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A relative of a passenger onboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 cries at the Beijing Capital International Airport A staff member at the Malaysian Airlines' office in Beijing's International Airport reacts to journalists in Beijing (AP) A relative of a passenger of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 speaks to journalists at a hotel in Beijing March 8, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Lee A Malaysia Airlines spokesman (C) speaks to journalists regarding information about Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, during a news conference at a hotel in Beijing March 8, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Lee Journalists take pictures and videos of a relative (C) of a passenger of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, at a hotel in Beijing March 8, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Lee The arrival board at the International Airport in Beijing shows a Malaysian airliner is delayed (AP) The chief executive of Malaysian Airlines speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Sepang, outside Kuala Lumpur (AP) Journalists wait in a conference room for a news conference regarding the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, at a hotel in Beijing March 8, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Lee A boy looks at a Malaysian Airlines plane from the viewing gallery of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, in this file picture. A Malaysia Airlines flight carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew lost contact with air traffic controllers early on March 8, 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, the airline said in a statement. REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad/Files Family members of those onboard the missing Malaysia Airlines flight walk into the waiting area at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang March 8, 2014. REUTERS/Samsul Said A relative of a passenger onboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 cries, surrounded by journalists, at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing March 8, 2014. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon A relative of a passenger onboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 cries at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing March 8, 2014. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon Family members of those onboard the missing Malaysia Airlines flight walk into the waiting area at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang March 8, 2014. REUTERS/Samsul Said A woman cries at the arrival hall of the International Airport in Beijing, China, Saturday, March 8, 2014. Relatives and friends were arriving at Beijing airport for news after a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 was reported missing on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing Saturday. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Relatives and friends, center, of passengers aboard a missing plane, are surrounded by media as they arrive at a hotel in Beijing, China Saturday, March 8, 2014. A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 carrying 239 people lost contact over the South China Sea early Saturday morning on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, and international aviation authorities still hadn't located the jetliner several hours later. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) A woman in tears is helped by airport workers to a bus waiting for relatives of the missing Malaysian airliner at the international airport in Beijing, China, Saturday, March 8, 2014. A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 carrying 239 people lost contact over the South China Sea early Saturday morning on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, and international aviation authorities still hadn't located the jetliner several hours later. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) / Facebook

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Whatsapp A relative of a passenger onboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 cries at the Beijing Capital International Airport

Earlier this week Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull declined to offer any details on what evidence had been found on the simulator, saying it was a matter for Malaysia, which is leading the investigation into the missing plane.

"I just note that even if the simulator information does show that it is possible or very likely that the captain planned this shocking event, it does not tell us the location of the aircraft," Mr Turnbull told reporters.

Officials have been stumped in their efforts to explain why the plane veered so far off course. Theories have ranged from a deliberate murder-suicide plot by one of the pilots to a hijacking and a mechanical catastrophe.

Similarly, search crews have been unable to find the main wreckage of the plane despite a sweeping underwater hunt of a remote stretch of ocean off Australia's west coast.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Stephanie Went keeps watch for any sign of debris aboard the Australian Navy ship HMAS Toowoomba as it continues the search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 Crewmen on a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion Rescue Flight 795 search for debris from the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in southern Indian Ocean, 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) northwest of Perth, Australia A crew member aboard a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft prepares to launch a smoke canister to mark the position of an object spotted in the southern Indian Ocean during the search for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 A crewman on a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion Rescue Flight 795 searches for debris from the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, in southern Indian Ocean The Bluefin 21, the Artemis autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), is hoisted back on board the Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield after a successful buoyancy test in the southern Indian Ocean as part of the continuing search for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 The Bluefin 21, the Artemis autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), is hoisted back on board the Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield after a successful buoyancy test in the southern Indian Ocean as part of the continuing search for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 A worker lowers from the Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) towed pinger locator into the ocean during operational testing in the southern Indian Ocean as part of the continuing search for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 Australian Navy ship HMAS Toowoomba crashes through a wave as it continues the search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 Australian Navy ships the HMAS Success (top) and the HMAS Toowoomba rendezvous to conduct a Replenishment at Sea evolution as they continue the search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 Australian Navy ships the HMAS Success (L) and the HMAS Toowoomba rendezvous to conduct a Replenishment at Sea evolution as they continue the search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 Tiger75, an S-70B-2 Seahawk, launches from the Australian Navy ship HMAS Toowoomba as it continues the search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 Leading Seaman Aircrewman Joel Young looks out from Tiger75, an S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter, after it launched from the Australian Navy ship the HMAS Toowoomba as it continues the search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 The Bluefin 21, the Artemis autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), is hoisted back on board the Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield after a successful buoyancy test in the southern Indian Ocean as part of the continuing search for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 The Australian navy ship Ocean Shield lies docked at naval base HMAS Stirling while being fitted with a towed pinger locator to aid in her roll in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in Perth, Australia. A Towed Pinger Locator (TPL), used to detect black box recorders, sits on the wharf at naval base HMAS Stirling in Perth, Australia, ready to be fitted to the Australian warship Ocean Shield to aid in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 Chinese relatives of passengers onboard the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 leave after a meeting at the Holiday Villa in Subang Jaya Chinese relatives of passengers onboard the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 leave after a news conference at The Holiday Villa in Subang Jaya A ground crewman guides a RAAF AP-3C Orion along the tarmac as it returns from the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in Perth, Australia Australian prime minister Tony Abbott greets leaders of international forces being used to locate Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the Indian Ocean (AP) Australian Defense ship Ocean Shield is docked at naval base HMAS Stirling while being fitted with an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and towed pinger locator to aid in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 Malaysian PM Najib Razak, centre, and Australia's PM Tony Abbott greet RAAF crew involved in the search for MH370 in Perth, Australia (AP) A Korean Air Force P3 Orion returns from the search operation for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 (AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Stephanie Went keeps watch for any sign of debris aboard the Australian Navy ship HMAS Toowoomba as it continues the search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370

Last week officials from Malaysia, Australia and China announced that the underwater search would be suspended once the current search area had been completely scoured.

Crews have fewer than 3,900 square miles left to scan of the 46,300-square-mile search area and should finish their sweep of the region by the end of the year.

AP
Australia has confirmed that the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 had an Indian Ocean course plotted on his personal simulator (AP)

Data recovered from a home flight simulator owned by the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 showed that someone used the device to plot a course to the southern Indian Ocean, where the missing jet is believed to have crashed, Australian officials have said.

Confusion has reigned over what was found on Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah's flight simulator since New York Magazine reported last week that an FBI analysis showed he had conducted a simulated flight to the southern Indian Ocean less than a month before the plane vanished along a similar route.

Malaysia rejected the report as false, but Australia's Joint Agency Co-ordination Centre confirmed on Thursday that the captain's simulator did indeed show that "someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean".

The Boeing 777 vanished with 239 people on board after flying far off course during a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing, China, on March 8 2014.

AP

New York Magazine cited the discovery as strong evidence that the disappearance was a premeditated act of mass murder-suicide at the hands of the captain.

But Malaysia's national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said police had never handed any document or information to any authority abroad, including the FBI - a perplexing statement, given that Malaysia's own transport minister confirmed two years ago that Malaysia was working with the FBI to analyse data from the simulator's hard drives.

Adding to the confusion, the Joint Agency Co-ordination Centre, which is overseeing the search for the plane off Australia's west coast, subsequently issued a vague statement that seemed to imply such a route had been found on Capt Zaharie's machine.

The agency then warned that evidence of the route did not prove that he had planned to steer the plane off course and showed only "the possibility of planning" for such an event.

Pressed for clarification, the agency confirmed in an email to The Associated Press news agency on Thursday that the captain's simulator did show that "someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean".

The confirmation appears to directly contradict repeated assertions from Malaysian officials that no such route had been found on the captain's simulator. On Wednesday transport minister Liow Tiong Lai insisted there was no evidence to prove that Capt Zaharie had plotted the same course as the doomed airliner into the machine.

Earlier this week Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull declined to offer any details on what evidence had been found on the simulator, saying it was a matter for Malaysia, which is leading the investigation into the missing plane.

"I just note that even if the simulator information does show that it is possible or very likely that the captain planned this shocking event, it does not tell us the location of the aircraft," Mr Turnbull told reporters.

Officials have been stumped in their efforts to explain why the plane veered so far off course. Theories have ranged from a deliberate murder-suicide plot by one of the pilots to a hijacking and a mechanical catastrophe.

Similarly, search crews have been unable to find the main wreckage of the plane despite a sweeping underwater hunt of a remote stretch of ocean off Australia's west coast.

Last week officials from Malaysia, Australia and China announced that the underwater search would be suspended once the current search area had been completely scoured.

Crews have fewer than 3,900 square miles left to scan of the 46,300-square-mile search area and should finish their sweep of the region by the end of the year.

AP
Actor and talk show host Gerard "Jerry" Doyle has died in Las Vegas aged 60.

Police were called at around 4pm local time on Wednesday after Doyle was found dead at his home in north-west Las Vegas. Officer Laura Meltzer said the death did not appear to be suspicious.

Clark County coroner John Fudenberg said a post-mortem examination is scheduled and it will take several weeks and toxicology tests to determine a cause of death.

As an actor, Doyle was best known as Michael Garibaldi in the 1990s sci-fi television show Babylon 5.

In recent years, his self-titled radio show aired on Talk Radio Network and, in Las Vegas, on weekday afternoons on AM radio station KDWN.

Show producer Brad Silvers said Doyle also founded the conservative-libertarian opinion blog EpicTimes.com.

AP
Pope Francis is helped by Vatican Master of Ceremonies, Mons. Guido Marini as he stumbles on the altar as he celebrates a mass in Czestochowa, Poland, Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

POPE Francis missed a step and fell to the ground as he was coming to an open-air altar to celebrate Mass at Poland's holiest shrine of Jasna Gora.

The 79-year-old Francis, walking deep in thought in his long robe, did not notice a step down and fell to the ground before the altar.

Priests around him rushed to help him up and straightened his robe.

The Mass proceeded as planned and the pope delivered a long sermon before tens of thousands of faithful gathered at the foot of the Jasna Gora monastery in the southern city of Czestochowa.

Francis, who is visiting Eastern Europe for the first time, has hailed Poland's native son St John Paul II, who was the first Polish pope, as a meek and powerful herald of mercy on his five-day visit to the country.

He also praised the countless "ordinary yet remarkable people" who held firm to their Catholic faith throughout adversity in the former Communist-ruled nation.

During the outdoor Mass before tens of thousands, Francis lavished praise on a legacy of steadfast Polish Catholic faith as he urged Poles to hold fast to their faith.

The Mass was held in celebration of the 1,050th anniversary this year of Poland's acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

The baptism of a medieval king in 966 put the nation on course to be part of the Latin-speaking world, setting it apart from Orthodox nations on its borders.

Francis is urging today's Poles to stay united, as their nation is divided over such issues as how to view refugees and migrants, especially those who are not Christians.

He prayed before tens of thousands of people that Poles would have "the desire to leave behind all past wrongs and wounds, and to build fellowship for all, without ever yielding to the temptation to withdraw or to domineer."

Francis will have his first big meeting with the young faithful in a Krakow meadow on Thursday evening.

He made an unscheduled stop at a clinic to visit and pray for comatose Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, an-89-year-old retired prelate who had been archbishop of Krakow.

Cardinal Marcharski had replaced Cardinal Karol Wojtyla in the post after the latter was elected pontiff and became John Paul II in 1978.

The Argentine pontiff earlier gazed in awe for several minutes at the Jasna Gora monastery shrine's iconic image of the so-called Black Madonna and Child.

The faces in the images are blackened by centuries of varnish and candle soot since the artwork became the object of veneration starting in the 14th century.

With John Paul a national hero as well as a beloved saint, Francis finds himself in a deeply Catholic country that is attached to Czestochowa, where the shrine is located, and where a main boulevard is named after John Paul.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticised Western countries which expressed concern over human rights after the attempted coup (AP)

Turkey has dismissed 88 employees of the foreign ministry, the latest in a series of purges of suspected supporters of a U.S.-based Muslim cleric accused of organising a failed military coup.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was speaking to broadcaster NTV on Thursday.

Cleric Fethullah Gulen denies any involvement in the coup, in which at least 246 people, excluding the plotters, were killed.

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Turkish authorities have dismissed, suspended or placed under investigation tens of thousands of people in state institutions including government ministries, the armed forces and the police over suspected links to Gulen and his movement.
John Hinckley Jr, who wounded US President Ronald Reagan and three other people in a 1981 assassination attempt prompted by his mental illness, should be freed after 35 years and released to live with his mother, a federal judge ruled yesterday.

US District Judge Paul Friedman said Hinckley (61) no longer posed a danger to himself or others and could be released from St Elizabeth's, a government psychiatric hospital in Washington, as early as August 5.

Expand Close Reagan at a hospital in Washington alongside his wife Nancy, after the assassination attempt by John Hinckley. Photo: Reuters / Facebook

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Whatsapp Reagan at a hospital in Washington alongside his wife Nancy, after the assassination attempt by John Hinckley. Photo: Reuters

Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 1982 for the attack on Reagan, which also badly wounded presidential press secretary James Brady, a policeman and a Secret Service agent.

Hinckley acted to impress actress Jodie Foster, with whom he was obsessed.

"Since 1983, when he last attempted suicide, he has displayed no symptoms of active mental illness, exhibited no violent behaviour, shown no interest in weapons, and demonstrated no suicidal ideation," Friedman said of Hinckley in a 104-page opinion.

Attack

The attack helped launch the modern gun control movement, as Brady and his wife, Sarah, founded what is now known as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence after he was left disabled. The Bradys' support helped the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act become law in 1993, imposing federal background checks on gun purchases and a five-day waiting period.

Expand Close Actress Jodie Foster. Photo: Getty / Facebook

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The Hinckley verdict also led several states to rewrite their laws making it more difficult to use the insanity defence.

Friedman said Hinckley will be required to spend at least a year living with his mother, Jo Ann (90) in Williamsburg, Virginia, about 210 km south of Washington, where he has been making visits for several years. If his treatment team approves, he may then move into his own residence by himself or with room-mates, Friedman said.

Hinckley had unsuccessfully sought jobs in Williamsburg and tried to become involved in volunteer programmes in the town, 'Washingtonian' magazine said. He eventually took a volunteer job in the library of a psychiatric facility in Williamsburg.

Friedman's order imposes nearly three dozen conditions, including a requirement that Hinckley meet his psychiatrist at least once a month and notify the Secret Service when he travels for the appointment.

He is also barred from making contact with Foster or her family, Reagan's family and relatives of the other victims.

Reagan suffered a punctured lung in the attack but recovered. Brady died as a result of his wounds in 2014; prosecutors did not charge Hinckley with his murder.
This week, Hillary Clinton will take the stage to formally accept the Democratic nomination for president of the United States.

It is a moment she has dreamed of and fought for. For the party's establishment, however, it is simply a huge relief.

For months, they had feared the same fate as that endured by their Republican rivals, who expected Jeb Bush but got Donald Trump.

Throughout the Democrat primary race, renegade voters backed Bernie Sanders, a septuagenarian senator for Vermont, whose policies seemed better suited to socialist Scandinavia than their free-market nation.

So when the balloons fall for Clinton in the convention hall, senior Democrats will party with the abandon of those who know they have had a close shave.

But there will be a hangover. Clinton may have won the battle. She has not won the war. In most American elections, candidates pander to the party base and then tack to the political centre to woo the middle ground. This time, Mrs Clinton has had to do the reverse.

She has had the nomination tied up since early June, but since then has had to offer dramatic policy concessions to the Left in order to avoid full-scale rebellion.

Behind closed doors, battles have been fought by members of the Sanders and Clinton campaigns, lasting into the small hours of the morning. Kathleen Kennedy, niece of John F Kennedy, was in the room for one of these wrangles, watching her family's party slug it out before her very eyes.

In a sign of Sanders' continuing political clout, the result is the most progressive policy platform to be adopted by a major American political party in recent memory.

Mrs Clinton may be the nominee, but she has had to adopt the Vermont senator's call for raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Her party is the first to commit to ending capital punishment. Promises to fight climate change are matched with vows to embrace the legalisation of marijuana.

For Mr Sanders, then, losing the primary race was no failure.

The Democrats are not tacking to the centre after all.

Indeed, we now have two candidates whose manifestos would be unrecognisable to their party mainstream in elections gone by.

Take Trump. The Republican nominee can be unrelenting on matters of national security.

"I have a message to every last person threatening the peace on our streets and the safety of our police: when I take the oath of office next year, I will restore law and order our country."

So far, so standard.

His nativist view of foreign affairs and economic protectionism is less usual but not unheard of.

But on social matters, he is far more liberal than many in his party and became the first Republican to invoke gay rights from the convention stage.

Despite this bucking of convention, one of these two 'fringe' candidates will now win the presidential election.

But the effect of them vacating the political centre will be felt long after they step through the White House front door.

America is already a fractious polity. President Obama is loved by Democrats and despised by Republicans. The result is that Congress is already pretty dysfunctional.

It is no surprise then that more than ever in this election, Americans want a candidate who stands for change.

The problem is that in choosing such unusual nominees, who are so divisive and unpalatable to the other side, they risk deepening the gridlock and division which so angers them. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]


Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28



By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:



The volume of trade turnover between Iran and Azerbaijan is estimated to surge by at least 80 percent over the current Iranian year (to end March 21), an Iranian trade official told Trend.



Considering the close diplomatic ties between Tehran and Baku and also existing plans for cooperation between the two neighboring countries, the level of trade turnover is expected to hit $1 billion on the medium-term, Mohammad-Ebrahim Naghizadeh, Irans commercial attache to Azerbaijan, told Trend.



Saying that the value of trade turnover between the neighboring countries increased by 66 percent over the first half of 2016, the attache added that there has been a rapid acceleration in the growth of Azerbaijans

exports to Iran.



According to Naghizadeh the boom in the growth of Azerbaijans exports to Iran came as a result of policies adopted by Azerbaijani government aimed at reforming its economic structure and the promotion of exports and production.



According to the latest statistics by Irans Custom Administration, the Islamic Republic imported worth of $15.4 million of goods from Azerbaijan over the first quarter of the current Iranian calendar year which started March 20.



The commercial attache describes this years increase in the level of Azerbaijans exports to Iran as tremendous, saying that the volume of Azerbaijans exports to the Islamic Republic over the whole last year

stood at $15.5 million.



Naghizadeh further touched upon plans for booming transportation cooperation between the two countries saying that an ongoing construction project for linking the railways of Iran and Azerbaijan is of priority.



According to the official, connecting Iran-Azerbaijan railways will contribute to the reduction of transportation costs as well as booming their volume of trade turnover.



Cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan in transportation sector will also help increasing the volume of their exports to other countries such as Russia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, he added.
Having been accused of treason after urging Russia to hack Hillary Clintons emails, Donald Trump has now claimed he was only making a joke.

The day after he stared into television cameras and said Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, the Republican presidential candidate said he was being sarcastic.

Of course I was being sarcastic, Mr Trump told Fox News. And frankly, they don't even know if it's Russia, if it's China, if its someone else. Who knows who it is.

The attempt by Mr Trump to deny that he was being serious came after he was engulfed in a barrage of criticism for appearing to urge Russia to intervene in the US election. His vice-presidential running mate and the leader of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives were among those who sought to distance themselves from his comments.

After Mr Trump spoke to reporters in Miami, a succession of speakers at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia criticised his comments and said they were unprecedented from a US presidential candidate. Former CIA Director Leon Panetta said Mr Trumps remarks called into question his loyalty to the US.

The controversy relates to the hacking of emails of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), 20,000 of which were published last week by Wikileaks, and which exposed a plot by Democratic officials to try and smear Bernie Sanders. The furore, on the eve of the Democratic convention, resulted in the resignation of the DNC chairperson.

Over the weekend, US media reported that the intelligence community believed that Russia was behind the hack. Ms Clintons spokesman said he believed that Mr Trump was somehow involved in the effort to smear the Democrats.

Mr Trump has previously spoken favourably of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but both the Russian president and the New York tycoon have denied any involvement in the hacking of the DNC emails, or their release to Wikileaks

On Wednesday, the row took a even stranger twist when Mr Trump appeared to call on Mr Putin to dig deeper into Mr Clintons emails. He also implied that the Russian leader used the N-word when referring to President Barack Obama.

Asked whether he was concerned that he was urging a foreign nation to hack US political party, he said: If its any foreign country it shows how little respect they have for the United States.

Russia has denied that it is behind the email hacking or that it is trying to interfere with the US election. It said the allegations were nothing more than horror stories.

Moscow is at pains to avoid any words that could be interpreted as direct or indirect interference in the election process, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call, according to Reuters.

Ms Clinton came under investigation for her use of a personal email server while serving as secretary of state. After turning over all correspondence about government business during her tenure at the department to the FBI, Ms Clinton revealed at a press conference last year that she had deleted about half of her emails that pertained to personal matters.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch ultimately decided not to pursue criminal charges against Ms Clinton.

Ms Clintons senior policy adviser, Jake Sullivan, said on Wednesday that Mr Trumps action were unprecedented. This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent," he said.

Thats not hyperbole. Those are just the facts. This has gone from being a matter of curiosity and a matter of politics to being a national security issue.
Police officers leave a former hotel where a 27-year-old Syrian man who had been denied asylum lived before blowing himself up in Ansbach, Germany (AP)

The Ansbach suicide bomber had fought with a jihadist group in Syria before seeking asylum in Germany, it emerged yesterday, raising fresh questions about the country's screening of migrants.

Mohammad Daleel, the 27-year-old Syrian who detonated explosives outside a music festival, had fought with al-Qa'ida affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra. It appears that Daleel later pledged allegiance to Isil.

According to Isil's weekly 'al-Nabaa' magazine, he left Syria to seek treatment after being wounded in a mortar attack. He travelled to Germany, posing as a refugee.

The report claimed that he had planned the attack, which left 15 injured, for three months and was in "constant contact" with Isil leaders on the night of the bombing.

It is not clear whether German authorities knew of his membership of the extremist groups in Syria.
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By Ron Barnett, rbarnett@greenvillenews.com

Pickens County says there are no financial irregularities involving the county museum and that money has not been diverted into the county's general fund.

The Greenville News reported Monday that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has begun a preliminary inquiry into the allegations that were made by a member of a board appointed to oversee the Pickens County Museum of Art & History.

"We were contacted by SLED last month, and we provided them with all information they requested," according to a news release issued by the county. "We also referred them to our external auditing firm for an outside perspective on the county's financial management practices, both generally and as it pertains to the museum.

"We are informed that this preliminary contact from SLED was only made to determine if sufficient information exists to warrant an actual investigation, and that this is a routine step when a citizen complaint is received."

The complaint, the county said, originated with former museum director Allen Coleman, a 20-year employee who was fired "for inappropriate conduct," according to the county's statement.

Thom Berry, SLED spokesman, confirmed Wednesday that the agency's inquiry is ongoing.

At a public session at the June 20 meeting of Pickens County Council, Pickens County Cultural Commission member Gilda Hendricks complained about "inappropriate use of funding, of which both the tourism department and then interim administrator went to great lengths to protect."

She said the commission, which was appointed by County Council, has not been receiving any financial reports from the county in recent months.

"The public and certainly the members of and donors to the museum should know that their donations and membership dollars are not going to the museum, but to other departments at the discretion of our (county) finance director," she told the council. "This is not proper, and possibly not legal."

Neither members of the council nor the administration responded to her comments.

The newspaper article Monday drew information from a financial report provided by Hendricks indicating that in the last half of 2015, a total of $78,871 was drawn out of five different museum funds, four of them designated as restricted.

Pickens County in its statement said: "There are no financial irregularities or monies transferred from designated accounts into the County's General Fund."

The county also said in its statement that finance office records show "a fund balance in the contingency account for the museum of $73,318.00 as of (July 26), with any and all revenues and expenditures accurately recorded."

The county points out that it has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for 11 consecutive years.

"As a reminder, Pickens County is audited annually by an independent external auditing firm," the statement says. "In our most recent audit, this firm noted that there were no material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or noncompliance with financial statements noted.

"It is correct that the county museum is going through a transition in leadership. But it is wildly inaccurate to suggest that the county is withdrawing support for the museum or its mission."

When contacted by The News, Helen Hockwalt, director of the county tourism department, which oversees the museum, said she was not at the meeting when Hendricks spoke and would need to see a transcript of her remarks before commenting.

Efforts to reach Hockwalt for comment after providing her with transcripts were not successful.

Hendricks said at the June 20 meeting that "the real reason" Coleman was fired was because he was raising questions about the county's practice of diverting museum money.

The minutes of the Cultural Commission meeting on Jan. 8, 2015, show that Hockwalt said "that once the Cultural Commission receives any funds, those funds become 'County Money' and the county may use those funds at their own discretion. The board, in entirety, disagreed, pointing out that those funds are the result of charitable fundraising and related revenue streams and are restricted for use within the museum or Cultural Commission projects. Helen replied that the County's Finance Director believed otherwise."

County Finance Director Ralph Guarino also could not be reached for comment.
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By Jake Grove of the Independent Mail

Look!

Up in the sky.

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's...Superman!

Or maybe that's Batman. Or it could possibly be Spider-Man. Heck, maybe all three of them are hanging out together getting ready for an afternoon of good times at the Anderson County Museum.

At least that's what they will be doing 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, when the second annual Superhero Bash returns to the Museum.

Last year, the youth group of the Anderson County Museum came up with the idea to bring kids of all ages together for an afternoon filled with superhero fun. All the favorites were there from Batman and Superman to Spider-Man and Iron Man. It was a who's who of caped crusaders and they were all ready to meet anyone who walked through the door.

The event was such a success that doing a second one was a no-brainer and Linda Loparo, the museum's education and program coordinator, worked with the youth group to make this year's bigger and better.

"It's not a big comic-con like the Anderson County Library puts on, but it's more for the younger kids," Loparo said. "They get to see the superheroes, have their pictures made and enjoy a couple hours with their favorite characters."

The museum has done this several times over the last year. They recently had a Doctor Who day that featured a large, model Tardis and also did a Walking Dead event for older kids and adult fans of the show. It's something, Loparo said, that the museum tries to do when there is a fifth Saturday in a month.

"We had a lot of requests to do this Superhero Bash again," she said. "It's a great, mellow, non-scary thing that the kids can enjoy."

Loparo said there will be a scavenger hunt through the museum that will take participants through the exhibits as well as refreshments and a photo booth to snap pics of kids with the characters they love. And everyone is encouraged to dress up like their favorite hero or just throw on a cape and come hang out.

Admission to the event is $1 in advance and $2 the day of the Superhero Bash. Loparo said events like this are great ways to showcase the museum to parents and their kids so that they might return other days for special happenings or just to learn a little more about Anderson County's history.

As for crowds, Loparo expects a healthy attendance, but nothing that will result in crazy lines. But she certainly suggests getting tickets in advance to save a buck and to get through any lines that might form a lot faster.

For more information, call the Anderson County Museum at 864-260-4737.
Over 60 people have been detained by police in Khoreantsi street and the adjacent area where an armed group has been seizing a police regiment for already 12 days, news.am reported. Five of them were taken to the Investigation Committee, police said in a statement.

According to earlier reports, members of the initiative group had been detained. Among those detained was also Canadian-Armenian actress Arsinee Khanjian.

The armed group seized the headquarters of the police and interior troops in Erebuni, Yerevan, July 17, demanding the release of the participant of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, coordinator of the opposition Armenian civil initiative Founding Parliament Zhirayr Sefilyan.
As we had reported earlier, Thala Ajith starrer 'AK 57' will go on floors in Bulgaria from the first week of August. The film will be directed by Siva and produced by Sathya Jyothi Films banner.

Now we learn that the 'AK 57' unit will be catching the flight to Bulgaria in Europe in a two or three days from now. The film's lead pair Ajith and Kajal Aggarwal will also leaving. Ajith who has been taking rest for the past six month after undergoing a surgery in November last, will be back to business and this has enthralled his fans.

Siva who has earlier directed Ajith in super hit flicks 'Veeram' and 'Vedalam' has planned a lengthy first schedule in Bulgaria. We learn that the film will be shot in Nu Boyana, the largest studio of Eastern Europe located in Bulgaria. Many Hollywood flicks including 'The Expendables' have been shot here.

'AK 57' will have the musical score of Anirudh Ravichander and cinematography will be handled by Vetri. The supporting cast of the film included Thambi Ramiah, Karunakaran and Swaminathan.

Kamal Haasan's younger daughter Akshara Haasan is likely to be roped in for another prominent female character in the film and she is expected to join the shoot later.
Both the Ullasam` heroes Ajith and Vikram are ready to start their new films AK57` and Garuda` respectively. We hear that Kajal Agarwal, who signed on to play the heroine in Garuda` has walked out of the film to join AK57`.

The reason for Kajal preferring Ajtih`s film over Vikram is cited as the delay in starting. 'Garuda` directed by Thiru was supposed to have begun a few months back, but got stalled due to unforeseen circumstances. Now when they are ready to shoot Kajal had already given her dates to Siruthai Siva and could not make any adjustments. Thiru and Vikram are on the lookout for a replacement while Kajal will soon be flying to Bulgaria to begin shooting with Ajith.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

Trend:

Those gathered in Yerevans Liberty Square in support of the armed group seizing Erebuni police station wish to march to the citys central Baghramyan Avenue, but the police announced they will ban the route, news.am reported.

The protestors are scanning Baghramyan and wish to head for the Presidential Palace in heavy rain.

Heritage Party representative Armen Martirosyan stated that they have already entered a new stage. "We have apparently entered a political stage. The demands have been clearly formulated. The numb activeness should be greater in the second stage. We must move to precise actions in this stage, Martirosyan said, urging to self-organize and start taking civil disobedience steps in all the corners of Armenia and the Diaspora.

Talking to the rally organizers, deputy chief of Yerevan policy Valery Osipyan said the march is unlawful and they are banning it, but Martirosyan noted that the march will be peaceful. The protestors are now moving to Baghramyan Avenue.
Wishing the lovely Kriti Sanon a very Happy Birthday!

While the actress usually spends her birthday with family and close childhood friends from Delhi, this year Kriti is said to be working today.

Kriti has been shooting for her upcoming film, 'Raabta'. The 'Dilwale' beauty recently completely a long schedule for it in Budapest. Today, on her birthday, Kriti has headed to Mauritius for another schedule of the film. She loves her job and so doesn't mind spending her birthday working. In fact she is happy that she will be having a working birthday.

Confirmed Kriti, "Yes, I am headed to Mauritius on my birthday this year but for the next schedule of my film. I am super excited about it. Being in front of the camera is the best part of my life right now and what better day to restart the journey? I am happy it worked out like this."

We wish the actress a super successful year ahead!


As we all know director Sundar.C's next will be a mega budget historical fantasy flick which will have leading stars and cream of Indian technicians. This is the landmark 100th production venture of Sri Thenandal Films banner and the film's budget is said to be over Rs.350 crores.

Tentatively titled as 'Sanghamithra' the film will be shot in many countries. Now a source close to the production house reveals that the team is planning to shoot the film in as many as eleven countries including USA, Denmark, Ukraine and Iran. If this is true, 'Sanghamithra' will be the Tamil film shot in most number of countries. The film is, however a multilingual project.

Oscar winning music composer A.R.Rahman, cinematographer Sudheep Chatterjee, VFX expert Kamalakannan and Art director Sabu Cyril are already part of this mammoth project. The lead cast members are yet to be finalized

It is being widely speculated that Ilayathalapahy Vijay will star in the lead role of this film after completing 'Vijay 60'. We will however have to wait for an official confirmation regarding this.
Dhanuka Agritech soars ~8% as board to consider buyback Dhanuka Agritechs stock surged as much as 8% in Fridays intraday session and touched a high of Rs742. The company stated in its filing with the exchanges that at its ensuing ge... October 28, 2022 | 2:18 pm

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PDS Limited completes acquisition of 51% stake in DBS Lifestyle; stock rises PDS Limited informed that it has completed the transaction as regards to the acquisition of a 51% stake in DBS Lifestyle India Private Limited (Erstwhile Pangram Brands Private Limited), a... October 28, 2022 | 1:34 pm

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Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

Trend:

Defense Minister of Georgia Tina Khidasheli has issued a resignation letter- requesting PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili to relieve her from the post starting August 1, the Press Service of the Georgian Defense Ministry said, RIA Novosti reported.

The Prime Minister has accepted the resignation.

Georgian minister of Reconciliation and Civil Equality Paata Zakareishvili resigned too.

The Government Administration reported that new candidates for the posts of ministers will be announced in the near future.
The Rev. Michael K. Jones, senior pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and host of Community Connection on AM1310, passed away Tuesday morning of an apparent heart attack at 52 years old. As a local advocate for humanity, he followed in the footsteps of his late father, Sam Jones, a civil rights activist and former president of the Indianapolis Urban League. Jones excelled from an early age in music and academics. After graduating from Park Tudor School, he attended Harvard University where he earned a bachelors degree in economics. Soon after, he further developed his gift of ministry with a masters degree in divinity from the Christian Theological Seminary (CTS).

As a pastor and community leader, Jones served in several social and civic capacities including: team chaplain for the Indiana Pacers, Adjunct Homiletics Professor at CTS, co-chair of the Race Relations Leadership Network, board member of the National City Community Development Corporation, special lecturer to the Baptist Ministers Alliance of Indianapolis and Vicinity and many others.

Beyond his work from the pulpit, the microphone and the classroom, Jones authored two books; Lord, Teach Me to Pray: Exposing the Power and Practice of Daily Prayer and Abundant Relationships as well as two R&B/Smooth Jazz albums titled, Loving You and Smooth Sailing.

His accolades only capture a fragment of his impact.

The community speaks on the legacy Jones left behind:

Anthony Tony Mason, President of the Indianapolis Urban League

Michael was a pillar in the Indianapolis community who epitomized servant leadership. He was also a friend, family member and supporter of the Indianapolis Urban League. Though Michael possessed a degree in economics from Harvard and a master of divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary of Indianapolis, his education never stood in the way of his ability to connect with and advocate for people from all walks of life. He believed that equality of opportunity and equity were best expressed through actions and outcomes rather than words. We will miss Michael, and we will miss his leadership, voice, and commitment to engaging and empowering everyone in our community.

Liz Faith Dixon, Community Affairs Director at Radio One Indianapolis

He was very vibrant, definitely very community-oriented. He took the responsibility of succeeding Amos very seriously. He was coming into his own. He was definitely getting his rhythm and getting ready to go further with his community efforts. He will truly be missed.

Marti Prather, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church

The thing that made Pastor Jones special was his ability to touch the lives of

everyone who came in contact with him; this includes my entire family. He made

everyone feel special. I personally saw him interact with everyone who crossed his path. When the church didnt have money to give benevolence to a member in need, Ive seen him pay the bill out of his own pocket. When he used the phrase, Love you with a Pastors heart, it was real. He knew all of our members and could tell you a story about everyone that is or was a member here.

Marya Jones, Sister

From an early age, Michael was always a very spiritual person, so it was not a surprise at all when he decided to devote his life to the ministry. Hes also one of the smartest people my brother Sam and I have ever known. He was so multi-talented with his intellectual abilities. Hes just one of those people who had it all. I think one of the biggest lessons from our parents was that we needed to always keep in mind service, service to God, our family and then others. Michael was a tremendous brother to Sam and I. In addition to being my brothers, they are two of my best friends in the world. Even though Im the oldest, when my first husband died suddenly, I became the youngest and between Sam and Michael, I was able to navigate the steps of life and keep going.

Radio One

Radio One Indianapolis mourns the loss of Michael K. Jones, the host of the Community Connection on AM 1310 The Light. His sudden death leaves a void not only in the Radio One family, but the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church family, where he pastored and the community where he served. Radio One extends its condolences to the Jones family and his church family during this time of bereavement. An articulate and educated community and people lover, Pastor Michael K. Jones, an Indianapolis native joined Radio One in February 2016. His vibrant presentation and listener engagement style made Michael the ideal host to take the helm of Community Connection.

Sam Jones, Brother

The thing people may not know about Michael, is how naturally talented and gifted an individual he was, just how many gifts he was given and his willingness to use them. I know people know him as a preacher, pastor and orator, but I dont think some people knew he was a musician since he was a child. Growing up, Marya and I had been taking lessons, and I think Michael was on the piano for all of about three to six months, and he was better than Marya and I, and we had been taking lessons for years. And his affinity just never stopped. Im not sure that theres an instrument he ever picked up that he couldnt play a little bit. He could read music. He could write music and not just simple piano music, he could write a score for all the instruments. He was one of those rare people that could hear music in his head and that was a gift he shared.

A visitation service for Pastor Michael K. Jones will be held Thursday, August 4th from 2:00pm-8:00pm at Progressive Baptist Church, 4625 W. 59th St Indianapolis, IN. The homegoing service will be held Friday, August 5th at 11:00am at Eastern Star Church, 5805 Cooper Rd, Indianapolis, IN.
In the July 28, 2016 installment of The Recorder Report we started off the show with a tribute to a fallen community voice, the Rev. Michael K. Jones.

CLICK THE AUDIO PLAYER ON THE LEFT TO LISTEN IN!

Jones, who pastored Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis for 17 years, served as the host of Community Connection  a daily talk show on AM 1310.

The team (writers Victoria Swanson, Julian Wyllie and Ebony Chappel) also discussed hot topics in this weeks Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper including:

Attempted KKK recruitment efforts in Fishers, Indiana, Michael Jordans open letter on police brutality and much more!

Rounding out the show, IMPD officers Catherine Cummings and Val Cunningham came by to discuss the upcoming NAWLEE (National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives) conference which will be held in downtown Indianapolis. Cummings and Cunningham also shared their perspectives on the need for diversity in law enforcement and the recent instances of police action shootings and retaliation across the country.

(Skip to the 1:30 mark for this interview)

Be sure to tune in every Thursday from 10AM  Noon for more of The Recorder Report!

If you have an idea for a show topic or would like to be featured, send an email to recorderreportsonline@gmail.com. Include The Recorder Report in the subject line.
The Sioux San Hospital is an Indian Health Service facility in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo by Colorado National Guard Medical Detachment / Flickr



IHS plans new hospital at Sioux San

By Ernestine Chasing HawkNative Sun News Editor

RAPID CITY  According to a letter from Great Plains Area Indian Health Service to Historic Rapid City the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service (IHS) is planning to build a new hospital facility in the central portion of the Sioux San campus.

The June 1 letter from the Great Plains Area Associate Director states that in order to comply with provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, IHS was required to consult with the South Dakota Preservation Officer who determined that the undertaking would have an adverse affect on historic properties.

A description of the undertaking would consist of the demolition of 16 buildings and structures, demolition of the water tank, demolition or removal of 5 buildings and structures, rehabilitation of 2 buildings, and rehabilitation of the contributing rock retaining wall/staircase/entrance sign features.

A new hospital facility would be constructed in the central portion of the campus.

According to the letter IHS is in the process of developing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and mitigation to avoid, minimize or mitigate the adverse effects.

As part of the process, IHS will also consult with stakeholders (Called Consulting Parties) making available opportunities to provide input into the development of the MOA and mitigation plan, the letter continues.

While the letter is an invitation to Historic Rapid City to be a consulting party, Gay Kingman, Executive Director of Great Plains Tribal Chairmans Association said three tribes jointly administer Sioux San Hospital, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: IHS plans new hospital at Sioux San

(Contact Ernestine Chasing Hawk at editor@nsweekly.com)

Copyright permission Native Sun News

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I am well acquainted with the wonders of the stage and its beaming lights. My dalliance with theatre can be dated back to my school days; performing before the entire school would sometimes give me the jitters. But, oh, how thrilling it was to face the audiences and bask in the spotlight! Since then my love for theatre hasnt diminished one bit! A theatre actor doesnt have it easy though - voice modulation, expressive hand movements, impeccable timing and effervescent energy are pre-requisites for an impactful performance. One stutter or lapse in dialogue delivery can probably hamper an entire act.

In the past decade, the film and television industry has seen an influx of exceptional theatre actors whove captivated minds across generations, both young and old. Its a known fact that theatre artists receive careful and meticulous training before each performance. Perhaps, thats why the art of theatre is passed onto many newcomers in the field; so that they can step into the shoes of their character seamlessly.

Theatre shows may not be as popular as mainstream cinema, but they arent losing their shine either. Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai is hailed as a veritable stage for veteran actors in the industry and attracts quite a few theatre-goers. The National School of Drama in Delhi has a reputation for churning out some of the best actors in the nation. Over the years, amazing theatre artists have forayed into films and have altered the landscape of Indian cinema. I have observed that theatre in India is mostly associated with the doyens of the industry, such as Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Anupam Kher and a few others. These are some of the finest actors whove emerged from theatre, but in the recent times weve also witnessed a fair share of talent from the newcomers. Here is a list of new gen actors whove carried forward their learning from theatre to the film sets.

1. Jim Sarbh

Facebook/Jim Sarbh

If youve seen the film Neerja, you'll be familiar with Jim Sarbhs prowess as an actor. He played the role of a cold-blooded terrorist to perfection and caught the attention of both critics and women. Its a little known fact that Jim has a deep connection with theatre and he is a prominent figure among Mumbai theatre artists. Soon to be seen in Konkana Sen Sharmas directorial debut Death In The Gunj, Jim Sarbh strives to do challenging roles in both theatre and films. Having performed with theatre actors like Kalki Koechlin and Rajat Kapoor, Jim Sarbh is slowly but surely making his presence felt.

2. Rajkumar Rao

Facebook/Rao Rajkumar

Rajkumar Rao never fails to mesmerise audiences with every role he takes on. Weve so many shades of Rajkumar Rao in movies like Kai Po che, Shaitan, Citylights and Queen; it is hard to pinpoint which performance is his finest! A graduate from FTII Pune, he started his journey as a theatre actor. Rajkumars portrayal of a poor farmer who relocates to Mumbai with hopes of prosperity and fulfilment in Citylights is immensely moving. In Dolly Ki Dolly, he plays the role of a Haryanvi boy and proves that quirky roles are right up his alley as well!

3. Gopal Dutt

chiloka.com

Weve seen Gopal Dutt in almost every AIB video, but do you know that he is a graduate from the illustrious National School of Drama? Gopal is currently in Bombay, juggling freelance projects with theatre and he confesses that he will never branch away from the latter to pursue his dreams in the film and television industry. The actor was seen in movies like Samrat & Co. and Filmistaan.

4. Ratnabali Bhattacharjee

Twitter

Ratnabali Bhattacharjee is a renowned theatre actor and writes cheeky scripts with the Girliyapa team and YRF for their latest comedy series, Ladies Room. The Girliyapa series and the Ladies Room videos are provocative, witty and reflect her love for satire in India. She also acted in the critically acclaimed movie Shorts in 2013. She is surely one performer to watch out for!

5. Swara Bhaskar

desimartini.com

Tanu Weds Manu, Ranjhana and the recent Prem Ratan Dhan Payo featured this hugely talented actor. Even though she is seen as a supporting actor in most projects, Swara Bhaskar displays great confidence as an actor. That can probably be marked down to her theatre days in JNU where she was pursuing her Masters in Sociology.

6. Radhika Apte

vishwagujarat.com

Radhika Apte is the industrys new-found darling! A thorough theatre actor, Apte has been connected with Marathi theatre and other well-known troupes. In the past year, she has accomplished so much in such a short span of time. 2015 saw the meteoric rise of Apte as an acclaimed actor and she has acted in several projects like Shor, Manjhi, Badlapur and Hunterr. Her performance in Sujoy Ghoshs thriller Ahilya is definitely worth a mention. Be it short movies, regional films or mainstream cinema, Apte has made a lasting impression on audiences.

7. Vicky Kaushal

dosed.in

Remembered for his superb performance in Masaan, Vicky Kaushal is yet another actor who employs theatre techniques in his roles. An engineer turned actor, Vicky assisted Anurag Kashyap on the sets of Gangs of Wasseypur before debuting in critically acclaimed Masaan. Before Masaan, he was actively involved in theatre and performed with renowned theatre artists. In the newly released Raman Raghav 2.0, Vicky plays the complex role of a cop who has fallen into drug addiction. Being an actor who is constantly looking to reinvent himself with every role, we expect great things from Vicky Kaushal.

8. Neeraj Kabi

cinemagigs.com

It would be inappropriate to say that Neeraj Kabi is new to the theatre scene. He founded his theatre group, Pravah way back in 1996. Interestingly, he has ventured into films fairly recently and delivered a great performance in the film Talvaar. He was a part of the National Award winning film, Ship of Theseus, and will be seen soon in The Field, alongside Radhika Apte. One of the oldest players in theatre, Neeraj is all set to take on challenging projects thatll come his way.
If youre someone who loves Coldplay, heres a news that will make your day. According to a Mumbai Mirror report, Coldplay is all set to come back to India in November, as promised.

Remember how Chris Martin and his gang had dropped a hint that they loved India and theyd be returning soon? Yes, its happening.

#coldplayAMAs A photo posted by Coldplay (@coldplay) on Nov 22, 2015 at 7:33pm PST

The band was in Delhi in June last year when they did an impromptu gig in a cafe and broke the hearts of many fans. They had again visited in September to shoot for their video Hymn for the Weekend.

thank you director Ben @morbros for taking us on an incredible Indian adventure; thank you Mumbai, Delhi and most especially the beautiful people of Worli Village PH #HFTW #Coldplay A photo posted by Coldplay (@coldplay) on Jan 29, 2016 at 8:57am PST

And now the team is planning to visit India again in November. If reports are to be believed, the band will perform either in Delhi or Mumbai on November 19 as part of the charity's annual fund-raising concert. Now we all are eagerly waiting for Coldplay to confirm their India tour dates soon.

However, according to creativemindset it's confirmed that Coldplay is indeed coming to India and will be performing on the 19th of November 2016 at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai.

Copenhagen is GO! R42 #ColdplayCopenhagen A photo posted by Coldplay (@coldplay) on Jul 6, 2016 at 1:04pm PDT

The wait for November has just gotten tougher, right? COME. SOON. You guys!




Pravin Dhaval, the 19-year-old who escaped from Sabarmati Central Jail at Ahmedabad dramatically surrendered before the crime branch with his mother Asha Dhaval late on Tuesday night. Crime branch sources said Ranip police had rounded up Pravin's live in partner Anjali, a resident of Odhav and through her interrogation they had come to know that Parvin was hiding at a friends' farm in Kalol district of Mehsana.

pbs.twimg

However before the cops could act on the tip off, Pravin's mother dramatically appeared at the crime branch office at about 12 am on Tuesday night.

It is noteworthy that Pravin, a murder accused had scaled the 19 feet wall with electrified fencing of about five feet and fallen on the other side of the wall near the jail staff residential quarters.

BCCL

"It is surprising that Pravin weighing about 50 kg did not get hurt even after falling from about 19 feet. He then quietly came out of the jail campus and boarded an auto" said a crime branch official.

During his primary interrogation it came to light that Pravin told the auto driver that he had forgotten money and even borrowed his cell phone to call his live in partner, Anjali.

"He then went to Odhav and took money from Anjali and straight away went to his friend's farm at Kalol. Meanwhile, Ranip Police picked up Anjali and through her they came to know that, Pravin had gone to Kalol" added a crime branch official.

BCCL/representative image

However at about 12 am on Tuesday night Pravin's mother called up the city crime branch officials and told them she is coming with her son to get him surrendered.

"Parvin's mother Asha too was an accused in the same murder case and had got bail only a few days before Pravin's jail break" said a crime branch official.

Though, the jail break has raised questions on the security arrangements in the jail and also on the effectiveness of the electrified fencing on top of the main jail wall. "The worrying factor is that the same electrified fencing is installed on some other vital installations in the state.

The state home minister Rajnikant Patel had even called a meeting to review the electric fencing on vital installations across the state" said senior Gujarat police official.
10 foreign nationals are set to be executed in Indonesia after being convicted of drug-related charges. Among them is Indian national Gurdip Singh, 48, guilty of smuggling drugs into Indonesia in 2004.

chinatopix.com

Gurdip Singh is facing death sentence in a drug case in Indonesia. /1 @NukteVivek  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 27, 2016

"Gurdip Singh is facing death sentence in a drug case in Indonesia. We are making last minute efforts to save him from execution on July 28," Ms Swaraj wrote on Twitter.

hindustantimes.com

The Punjab resident is sentenced to death by firing squad, over a year after 14 others were executed for similar drug crimes. He was sentenced to death in 2005, after an initial 20 year sentence. Singh had tried to pin blame on, and then retracted a statement against Pakistani national Zulfiqar Ali, claiming that he had tried to negotiate a lighter sentence for himself.

tmpo.co
Alleged links between mafia don Dawood Ibrahim and Jet Airways chairman and promoter Naresh Goyal have been reported as early as 2002. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) had charged dons Dawood ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel as investors in Jet Airways, and had sent a report to the Civil Aviation Ministry, sources had told Times of India.

Then Indias largest private airline, Jet officials dismissed the report as "totally baseless"

i.ytimg

In its report, IB has stated that Jet Airways and Goyal have been receiving large ''dubious'' investments from the gulf countries, and Goyals ''confirmed'' connections with the underworld dons.

Investigative journalist Josy Josephs book 'A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy' has opened a page on this alleged nexus, and he has provided notes sent to then deputy PM L.K. Advani

Outlook

Intelligence Bureau chief K.P. Singh communicated to Sangita Gairola, joint secretary at the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA), that they had confirmed information of intermittent contacts between Naresh Goyal and underworld dons, Chhota Shakeel and Dawood Ibrahim, to settle financial issues. There is strong suspicion that parts of Goyals investments may have accrued through the help of underworld groups, prominently headed by Dawood and Chhota Shakeel.

jet

In the Income Tax Department reported that they had not revealed any remittance received by Jet Airways other than through the banking channels. The airline had also been reportedly linked with outfits like Al-Qaida.
The war for and against beef is still being fought, but there might be a new meat coming to town - rabbit and hare.

Ray Bilcliff Flickr

Amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 may legalise the consumption of rabbit and hare meat, after a new category of 'Leporids' (referring to rabbits ), was recommended by a Kerala lobby to the PMO. Rabbit meat is a delicacy in Kerala.

Currently, the ovines (sheep), caprines (goat), suillines (pig) and bovines (cattle ) are permitted, and recognised as 'hygienic' or 'non-toxic' for human consumption

Fleisher

An unnamed senior FSSAI officer told Mail Today: "We believe several representations came to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) last year. They said livelihoods of at least 10-15,000 families in Kerala alone depend on rabbit farming. It's considered a delicacy there. Restaurants claim it as a specialty. Their business was also hurt. The PMO referred their case to us and we decided to put 'Leporids' or rabbits in the list."

Kerala and Goa farm rabbits for their meat, while hilly regions in J&K, Himachal, and the northeast raise rabbit for fur, sending the meat to the meat industry.

India's animal lovers, who had vocally protested against China's Yulin dog meat festival through petitions and social media posts have surprisingly been silent on the issue. However, some animal activists have spoken out, citing Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which protects Indian Hare or Black-naped Hare. However, considering that a formally recognised meat industry will only encourage rabbit husbandry, this complaint may be unfounded in fact.

We frankly do not have an opinion on this matter.
Bhumata Brigade President and women right activist, Trupti Desai yesterday claimed that she thrashed a man at Shikrapur village for allegedly raping a girl under the pretext of marriage.

BCCL

Desai who grabbed headlines after she led a woman brigade over the issue of women entering in Shani temple at Shani Shingnapur few months back also said that she also made video of her thrashing the person.

Desai also circulated video of her and one of the members of her outfit, beating the man in full public view in the village, around 60 kms from Pune.

BCCL

Later police arrested the man identified as Londhe and registered a case against him under sections of 376 (rape) and 313 (miscarriage without woman's consent) of Indian Penal Code.

"Londhe had allegedly promised the 24-year-old girl that he would marry her and had physical relationship with her between March 2014 and October 2015. He forced her to undergo abortion," a station duty officer said.

Later Desai told PTI that the concerned girl had approached the police station in the past against the man. However she didn't file a FIR as Londhe convinced her of marriage.

BCCL

"When the girl came to me with the complaint, I even met his (Londhe's) father and pressed marriage demand, however, he too refused to accept and said that they would settle the matter by giving some money to the victim.

"Since the response of the man's family angered us, we decided to catch hold of him and teach him a lesson. Today, we thrashed him in full public glare and forced police to take the complaint of the girl," Desai said.

When asked why did she take the law in her hand, she said, "Whenever there will be violence or such cases against women, I would take the law in my hand."

Desai had campaigned successfully against the age-old tradition barring women's entry in temples at Shani Shingnapur, Kolhapur and Trimbakeshwar.
Pro-government forces tightened their grip around the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo on Thursday where the local governor said safe corridors had been opened for civilians to escape rebel-held areas, Reuters reported.

A quarter of a million civilians still live in Aleppo's opposition-controlled eastern neighborhoods, effectively under siege since the army and allied militia cut off the last road into rebel districts in early July.

State television quoted the governor of Aleppo as saying three humanitarian corridors would be established and President Bashar al-Assad offered an amnesty for rebels who surrender within three months.

His ally, Russia, said a fourth corridor would be set up in the north of the city for surrendering rebels, near the Castello road which the army recently seized.

Pictures of what appeared to be a leaflet dropped on Thursday showed a map of Aleppo, entitled "Safe exit points from Aleppo city", with four crossing points out of the rebel areas marked as humanitarian corridors.

The Syrian army said on Wednesday it had dropped thousands of leaflets over opposition-held Aleppo districts, asking residents to cooperate with the military and calling on fighters to surrender.

But two rebels and aid workers contacted in besieged Aleppo said the army fired at civilians at one of the safe corridors, in the Salah al Din district.

A doctor for a medical charity that operates in Aleppo also said the army had fired artillery at families gathering near another humanitarian corridor, in the opposition-held Bustan al Qasr neighborhood.

Hael Asi Hilal, head of the Syrian Red Crescent in rebel-held areas, said no family so far had been able to leave to government-held areas via any corridor due to snipers firing at them.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said helicopters over rebel-held areas dropped baby diapers and meal packs that had Russian language labels.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said: "On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, today, (we will) start a large-scale humanitarian operation together with the Syrian government to help civilians in Aleppo."

Aleppo, Syria's biggest city before the outbreak of the conflict five years ago, has been divided between government forces and rebels since the summer of 2012. Its recapture would mark Assad's biggest victory so far in the civil war.

The army, backed by allied militia forces and air support from Syrian and Russian jets, has taken more ground on the northern edge of the city, around the Castello road which leads out toward Turkey.

State television said the army had advanced in the Bani Zeid district, on the southern side of the Castello road. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the pro-government forces had taken full control of the district.

A rebel source confirmed that the army had made advances. He said Kurdish forces from the nearby Sheikh Maqsoud district had also taken advantage of the fighting to advance into a housing complex in Bani Zeid.

"There has been a (rebel) withdrawal, but no one has surrendered," Zakaria Malahifji of the Aleppo-based rebel group Fastaqim group told Reuters.
Unidentified gunmen shot a Hindu man and injured another on Wednesday in Ghotki district of Sindh province amid communal tension following the arrest of a man from the minority community for allegedly desecrating pages of the holy Quran the previous day.

googleusercontent.com/Represenatational image

Police said two Hindu traders were shot at a tea stall by a mob in Ghotki town of Mirpur Mathelo on Wednesday ."Deewan Satish Kumar, 17, died on the spot while Avinash was taken to hospital in a critical condition," said Masood Ahmed Bangash, senior superintendent of police (SSP).

shiawisdom.com

A day earlier, police booked Amar Lal on blasphemy charges after he was caught by locals for desecrating the Islamic holy book outside a mosque in Ghotki. "The accused was shifted to an undisclosed location," Bangash said. Local Hindus claimed Lal was suffering from a mental disorder while some said he was a drug addict who had been living in the mosque after converting to Islam.

Hindu youth killed amid Pakistani communal riots Gunmen attack 2 Hindu men in Pakistan Killing of Hindu youth... https://t.co/jGkkTbBFcj  Alain Bertho (@alainbertho) July 28, 2016

Religious parties Jamiat-iUlema-i-Islam Fazlur Rehman and Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat called for a complete shutdown and demanded severe punishment for the accused. Normal life was hit in the district and both large and small towns, including Daharki, Mirpur Mathelo, Ubauro and Khan Pur Mehar, remained closed for the second day .

Protesters staged demonstrations, ransacked shops of Hindus and clashed with police. Bangash said over 150 people were arrested on rioting charges. Fearing reprisals, the local Hindu community locked themselves inside their houses and appealed for peace.
A Welsh girl with dual British and Saudi citizenship has been imprisoned in her father's house in Saudi Arabia for allegedly kissing a guy.

BBC

Amina Al-Jeffery, 16, born and brought up in the UK, was moved to Jeddah by her family when she was 16 because her father, Mohammed Al-Jeffery, was not happy with her un-Islamic, western lifestyle.

She's being held at her father's house without enough food, water and proper toilet facilities and her head has also been shaved. The High Court in London was told that she has been prevented from going to the bathroom and is being forced to urinate in a cup.

There were even metal bars in her room which are no longer there, but she still isn't allowed to move freely.

Ms Al-Jeffery's lawyers said they have taken legal action in London in order to protect her.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

Trend:

General Manager of Turkeys Petkim petrochemical complex Sadettin Korkut has been detained, Anadolu agency reported.

Sadettin Korkut and 200 others employees of various energy companies have been detained within the fight against Fethullah Gulens movement.

Turkey is expanding the fight against the supporters of Fethullah Gulens movement in the countrys energy sphere.

As part of the fight against the movement of Fethullah Gulen, who was involved in the military coup attempt in the country, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority has appealed to all energy companies of the country demanding to dismiss Gulens supporters, according to the report.

Twenty-five employees of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority were earlier dismissed over the military coup attempt in Turkey.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.
Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com.

A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets.

Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials.

If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details.
"I live close to the Olympic Stadium of Athens, which will host the second match between the two teams next Thursday. My daughter, which was born in Saint-Etienne, told me that she wants to attend this game. We have spoken a lot about the history of
A new crisis may be brewing between the All Progressives Congress-led federal government and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over Tuesdays commissioning of the Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge rail line by President Muhammadu Buhari.

While supporters of the APC are claiming the project as an achievement of the Buhari administration, the PDP insists the countrys first standard gauge rail line is its legacy.

A statement by the spokesman of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said the rail project was conceptualized by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was elected under the platform of the PDP, while the successive administrations of late President Umaru Yaradua and Goodluck Jonathan carried out 99 percent of work on the project.

The PDP lamented that the usual rhetoric of the APC has been that the 16 years of PDP in power was a colossal waste, though there are legacies to show, including the recently commissioned railway project.

The party, therefore, asked the APC-led government to explain whether the railway project was also a waste.

The truth, which history will bear us out, is that the PDP in its 16 years of rule successfully completed numerous projects that substantively changed the infrastructural landscape of Nigeria.

Every one of those 16 years was a year of great productivity with remarkable landmark achievements. This is very much unlike the APC, which has already wasted one full year without even scratching one square meter of ground anywhere in the country, Prince Adeyeye said.

He further stated that if morning truly shows the day, then we can say that Nigeria is now really in the era of waste and stagnation.
An arrest warrant has been issued by a High Court in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State against the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jide Awe, and three others, namely Faboro John Ojo, Aniramu Basiru and Falayi Busuyi for their alleged involvement in murder.

The four are accused of being responsible for the murder of Ayo Jeje and Juliana Adewumi in Erinjiyan-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on March 30, 2013.

Mr. Awe and three others are facing trial in Charge No: HIJ/1c/2015.

Justice E. B. Omotoso of the Ijero-Ekiti High Court, who granted the order on Monday, said the Ekiti APC chairman and the three other accused persons must be brought to court by the police on October 5, 2016.

The warrant of arrest dated July 27, 2016, was issued based on the prayer of Counsel to the Ekiti State Government, Yakubu Dauda, who asked the court to invoke Section 94 of the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ekiti State to compel the appearances of the accused persons before the court.

Consequently, I hereby invoke the provisions of Section 94 of the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ekiti State by ordering that Bench Warrants be issued against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants to compel their appearances before this court at the next day of adjournment and subsequently to stand for their trial.

Consequently, this matter is hereby adjourned till 5th of October, 2016 for hearing, the judge ruled.

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi, said the court order will be served on the police with immediate effect, hoping that it will be complied with strictly.

It would be recalled that Mr. Ajayi had in a July 8, 2016 letter to the IGP and copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, National Human Rights Commission and the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, decried the refusal of the police to arrest the accused persons despite several requests.

The Ekiti State has requested the Nigeria Police, Ekiti State Command to effect the arrests of these culprits but instead of effecting the arrests, the Police has refused and/or neglected to effect the arrests on the ground that such arrests should not be made except with the approval of the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, the commissioner for justice said.
Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State yesterday denied that a meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors with President Muhammadu Buhari had to do with the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

He, however, said the governors raised a committee to look into the crisis and other problems confronting the governing party.

It would be recalled that APC governors under the aegis of Progressives Governors Forum, PGF, on Tuesday met behind closed-doors with President Buhari, where they reaffirmed their loyalty and support for the governments anti-corruption war.

Abubakar said in as much as the APC governors would look into party issues in the National Assembly, they will not dabble in either any case in court or the crisis in the legislature.

Although he did not mention any names, the Bauchi governor was apparently referring to the trial of Saraki, and others for alleged forgery.

Abubakar, who expressed these views at an interactive session with reporters in Abuja Wednesday, said the APC governors would not intervene in any criminal matter.

He said: The APC is a party that has come to power and it has come to power from an opposition political party, and I must confess that we are experiencing teething problems in the APC because being in government is a new phenomenon for us.

I cannot say that things are going on smoothly and that is why yesterday we paid a visit to Mr. President and we expressed the need for governors to be called upon to delve into the problems of the party, with a view to reinvigorating the party so that it can continue performing the functions of a party in power, so we are trying to address this issue.

In response to the question how far APC governors are willing to go to wade in the trial of some principal officers of the Senate, he said: I assure you we are not going to tamper with cases that are before courts or tribunals and we are not going to delve into the issue at the moment.

We are only going to touch on the political issues pertaining to the National Assembly. As for what is before the court, those of us who are lawyers, we know that we cannot touch them and the issue is just coming up but it is not politics. As far as I am concerned, if any proof is found to the allegations, these are criminal offences so there is no way any committee of governors can delve into that, I can assure you.

To address the problems in APC, Abubakar said the APC governors have raised a committee to look into it.

He added: Mr. President has graciously allowed us yesterday and we have in fact formed a committee of the APC governors forum to address this and other issues bedeviling the ruling party.

At the state level, there are problems, I must confess, particularly with our representatives at the centre. What I always say is the most beautiful form of government is constitutional democracy, especially where the constitution is written in Nigeria. Britain practices constitutional democracy but their own constitution is not written; in our case, our constitution is written and the beauty is that at every level of government, the functions and powers of every level of government have been stipulated in the constitution

So, if we are going to abide by the functions and powers allocated to us in the constitution, there will not be any areas of friction. As I said, the APC is new to governance; it has come from many years in opposition. To attaining the position of the ruling party, we are having teething problems.

I call all these teething problems, and I assure you that we are addressing these problems; even the Bauchi State problems that are seen today in the pages of the newspapers are not insurmountable and even as I speak, there are moves to address these problems in the APC in Bauchi State.

On the recovery of looted funds by past government officials of the state, the governor said he would prefer to confirm the figures based on fact-sheet, which was not available.

He said: The question on the recovery and how much, I always feel shy of sharing out figures that I am not certain of.

All I can say is definitely that there will be revelations from the little I have seen. For example, I know of a situation of which in one day N1 billion was taken from one account of the government through several N10 million cheques, but I will not be able to put a figure on total recovery. As I said, the work of the committee is ongoing.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has set up a nine-man committee to produce a white paper on the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Army/Shiites clash in the state.

The clash in Zaria last December, resulted in the killing of hundreds of Shiite members by soldiers, who claimed to have acted in self-defense and protection of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, whose convoy allegedly came under threat from the sect.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Samuel Aruwan, in Kaduna on Wednesday, El-Rufai said that the committee would commence work immediately and submit the draft white paper within two weeks.

The committee is headed by Adamu Mansur, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.

The governor also mandated the committee to make any other recommendation that would assist government in addressing issues raised in the report.

The committee members were the permanent secretaries of the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, Works, Housing and Transport, Local Government, Cabinet Affairs and Special Services.

The other members were the permanent secretaries Ministry of Justice, Civil Service Commission, and Mr M. Aliyu of the Ministry of Justice, as well as Mr Alexander Sule of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

Trend:

Turkeys Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has expressed confidence that the US wont reject Ankaras request to extradite Fethullah Gulen, the Haber7 newspaper reported July 28.

He pointed out that Turkey and the US are strategic partners.

The prime minister said he doesnt believe that the US will support the leader of the terrorist group.

Earlier, Turkish presidential administration told Trend that Ankara will do its best to extradite Fethullah Gulen, who is considered to be the organizer of the coup attempt.

According to the administration, the coup attempt shows that Turkey was facing the threat of a terrorist attack.

"The fight against Gulens movement still remains one of Turkeys main priorities," the administration said.

The administration also stressed that if the US is a strategic partner of Turkey, it should extradite Gulen to Turkey.

The administration added that the extradition of Gulen will greatly weaken the terrorist organization, which is hostile to the interests of the Turkish people.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.
A former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), yesterday called for stiff sanctions on anyone found guilty in the unfolding budget padding scandal currently rocking the House of Representatives.

He said punishing those found wanting after investigation would serve as deterrence to others. He Spoke with reporters last night at the Health Caravan and Award ceremony at Ile Ife in Osun State. Mr. Gowon wondered why the issue had become the order of the day.

Gowon said: If that is true. If anybody is doing that (budget padding), the person should be checked and stopped to ensure that such does not occur in the future. We didnt it do it during my time. We had Chief Obafemi Awolowo in-charge of our finance during my time and he taught us to survive without borrowing. Such (budget padding) should stop, there is no point doing that.

The former military ruler and convener of Nigeria Prays, also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to firm up the ailing economy to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Advising Nigerians to cooperate with the current administration, Gowon said the federal government was doing everything possible to resolve the nations economic challenges.

He said: Let the current authority find a way out of the current economic crisis. Minister of Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has been telling us what they have been doing to get the economy strong again. She said all will be well by September. Lets wait till then.

I left government a long time ago, so I may not really know what the problem is. The current administration should do whatever they can to solve to economic challenges. They should find a way to restore confidence in the citizens and the nation at large by fixing the economy.
At last, Celestial Church of Christ, Worldwide under the leadership of His Eminence, Pastor Mobiyina Oshoffa, has issued an official statement signed by one of the top members of the church, Superior Evangelist (Prof) Bola A. Akinterinwa, fssan, Secretary, BOT, CCC Worldwide condemning the dastardly act of Francis Taiwo who chained and tortured his 9-year-old son.

Official Press Release On Prophet Francis Taiwo Saga

The attention of Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, Pastor and Spiritual Head and the Board of Trustees of the Celestial Church of Christ, has been drawn to media reports concerning the activities of one Prophet Francis Taiwo, Shepherd in Charge, Celestial Church of Christ ( C.C.C ), Key of Joy Parish, Ajiwo at Ajibawo in Ado Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State.

Prophet Francis Taiwo was reported to have chained his nine year old son and starved him of food for months, after the boy was accused of habitual stealing. The nine year old boy was eventually rescued by men of the NSCDC who stormed the church premises for that purpose. Latest reports indicate that the culprit, Prophet Francis Taiwo was later arrested by the police with the help of his church members.

This report has drawn the ire of the public and our great church has been receiving undeserved flaks therefrom. We are therefore compelled to issue this statement to correct whatever misconceptions that might have been created about the church, in the minds of the general public, by this shameful and totally unacceptable incident.

Let it be known that the Celestial Church of Christ does not condone child abuse and violence of any form. We recognise and place a high value on our youths and children as we do acknowledge them as the salt of the earth and a vital part of the future of any given stratum of society, organisation, church or nation.

Our belief is that children therefore must be raised in an atmosphere of love, Christian values and reasonable and acceptable parental discipline. The fact that the said Prophet Francis Taiwo was arrested by the Police with the help of his church members lends credence to the fact that our church abhors child abuse, domestic violence and inhumanity of any form.

We commend the NSCDC and the Nigerian Police for a job promptly well done, and wish to assure the general public that the Celestial Church of Christ is already taking a further look into the matter.

The Celestial Church of Christ avails itself of this opportunity to thank the general public for its concerns. May the good Lord be with you all, Amen.

Signed:

Superior Evangelist (Prof) Bola A. Akinterinwa, fssan

Secretary, BOT, CCC Worldwide

Source: Metro Naija
The wife of the president, Aisha Buhari, has described Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State as a coward, who is timidly hiding under the cover of immunity to avoid prosecution from several alleged criminal offences.

Her position is contained in her statement of claims filed before an FCT High Court in the defamation suit against the governor for linking her with the Halliburton bribery scandal in the United States.

Following a letter she dispatched to Mr. Fayose last month giving him five working days to retract his comment linking her with the scandal and apologise or be ready to face legal action, the governor, through his counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), stated that under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, no civil or criminal action may be brought against him while in office, advising her to wait till 2018 when his tenure would have ended.

But in the statement filed by her counsel, Ismaila Alasa and Mary Ekpere Eta, Mrs. Buhari cited criminal charges on the murder of one Tunde Omojola, diversion of N1.2bn state funds in 2004 and the invasion of the Ekiti High Court with thugs who allegedly beat up a judge in 2014 as some of the governors indiscretions.

The first defendant (Fayose) is a well-known coward who is scared of facing the consequences of his numerous indiscretions and sheer acts of criminality by timidly hiding under the cloak of immunity to want to evade prosecution, she averred.

Meanwhile, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi has approved the service of the court papers to Fayose and two of his aides  Idowu Adelusi (Chief Press Secretary) and Lere Olayinka (Special Adviser on Communication and New Media)  at the Government House, Ado Ekiti as the legal dispute proceeded in the week.

The judge directed service of the processes on the defendants by DHL courier service and publication in an online media platform.

The wife of the president, who has lined up 205 witnesses against Fayose, is seeking N5bn as damages over the statements.

Full hearing is expected to commence after the courts vacation.
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The Lagos State executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday declared their support for a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Olabode George, to be the partys national chairman.

The State Chairman of the PDP, Moshood Salvador, made the declaration at a news conference on the forthcoming national convention at the partys secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos.

The Ahmed Markafi led-Caretaker Committee had zoned the national chairmanship position to the South and the Presidency to the North.

It also fixed Aug. 11 for the National Convention.

Mr. Salvador said, The overall successes of the PDP Local Government, State, National Assembly and 2019 Presidential elections are predicated upon the perfect organisation and repositioning of the party.

One of the most important aspects of which is the proper and excellent restructuring of the partys organs; the wards, from the local government to the national level.

We support and appreciate the efforts of the Markarfi Caretaker Committee; we also appreciate the work done by the zoning committee, Salvador said.

The PDP boss said there was need to zone the office of the national chairman of the party to the South-West specifically.

We therefore, urge the Southern governors to quickly further zone the offices for the South to the various geo-political zones within the South, he said.

The PDP boss said that the zonal leaders would further zone the zonal offices to various states within the zone.

He explained that the zoning would create the right template for a complete transition process and programme for the forthcoming PDP national convention as the party could not afford crisis.

Mr. Salvador said the party dearly and importantly needed a very groomed and seasoned politician of national experience to become the national chairman.

He said, This is why the party needs a chairman with uninterrupted PDP membership since 1999 with 100 per cent loyalty.

He added that there was need for a national chairman with records of achievements in the party as well as one that knows the culture, ideologies and foundation of the party.

He added that Mr. George had all it takes to paddle the canoe of the party to administrative and electioneering success, irrespective of his age.

Mr. Salvador appealed to all other South West states to give their support to the declaration.

He also called on the remaining five geo-political zones in Nigeria to follow in their declaration to make Mr. George the National Chairman of the party.

Mr. Salvador said it was absolutely necessary to get the best and matured hand for the party.

In an interview with NAN, Mr. George said that he felt honoured to be endorsed as the national chairman of the party.

I feel okay about the declaration. It is like trying to be honoured in my hometown. With the state of the party, the party requires an experienced hand at this point to take us to the Promised Land.

This is not the time for Johnny Just Join. I look at it like we are on board a ship in a stormy water.

So we need the best hand to take us out of the storm.

To me, it is a call to service and they can tap into ones experience and by Gods grace, we will get ourselves back to the level at which the party can get back to where it was, George said.

He, therefore, urged members to be committed, dedicated and disciplined in order to achieve the main aim of going back to its past glory.

If he eventually heeds the call and throws his hat in the ring for the highly coveted seat, Mr. George will have to stave off opposition from former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and a former governorship candidate of the party in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, who have both been endorsed for the position by the PDP New Era group and PDP power brokers respectively.

(NAN)
A traditional ruler, the Atapa of Itapa Ijesa, Dr. Olapade Agoro, has threatened court action against Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West), for what he said was the senators battering of the image of the country before the rest of the world.

Agoro, a former presidential aspirant and religious leader, who was reacting to Melayes alleged verbal assault of Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC, Lagos Central) on the floor of the Senate over two weeks ago, described his action as a dent on the citizenry and the All Progressives Congress, on which platform he stood for election.

The traditional ruler spoke yesterday at his Oluyole home in Ibadan, Oyo State where he showed certified true copy of the Court of Appeal judgment in favour of his party, National Action Council and seven other political parties, deregistered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2014.

Agoro, who won in the Appeal Court case against INEC, restoring his political party and the six others, called for sanctions against Melaye.

This, he noted, would serve as deterrent to any lawmaker in the future.

He added that the measure would portray Nigerians not as dirty people, but descent and respected.

He said: No wonder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, without mincing words, told the whole world that the National Assembly is full of corrupt legislators. That was a weighty statement. When you say corruption, you are not limiting it to taking bribe. It could be immoral. By what he did on the floor of the Senate, I will say Melaye has committed immorality.

For this young man to have lost morality and commonsense on the floor of the hallowed chamber, to have threatened to beat up a woman, that was too much. You dont say you want to beat up another mans wife on the hallowed chamber; forget who the husband is.

That issue is beyond political scene. It raises the question of morality. When a man says he will beat up another mans wife and even impregnate her, it means the man has admitted to be a rapist.

By now, the police should have stepped in. Its a reckless and senseless vituperation that should be taken beyond the floor of the Senate.

The young man has been so reckless ever since he became a senator. It shows how corrupt he is. I dont know why that type of character should be allowed to continue staying in the Senate.

The APC should have by now sanctioned him to protect the name of the party, not demanding an apology from him. I could have taken him court, if not for anything, because we dont expect characters like him in the Senate. He should be made to face the music.
The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has suspended four students of the institution, who were arrested last Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N16 million Internet fraud, indefinitely.

The EFCC had arrested the affected four suspects and another from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) after intelligence gathering at an off-campus residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Two of the students  Ogundile Ademola James (23) and Akinsanmi Olusola Adeniyi (21) are both 400 level students of Agricultural Resources and Mathematics respectively while Paul Adeleke (21) and Okali Ugochukwu (21) are 300 and 200 level students of Building Technology and Urban and Regional Planning respectively.

RELATED POST: EFCC Arrests Five Undergraduates Over Internet Scam

A statement by the Head, Information and Protocol Unit of FUTA, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, said the students, whose indefinite suspension was approved by the universitys vice chancellor, are to stay away from the school until further notice.

In a letter conveying the suspension, the university said the vice chancellor approved the sanction based on the extant rules, which stipulate indefinite suspension for students arrested and being investigated for allegation of criminal activities.

This is in accordance with the provisions of the university Handbook of Information 2012-2015 Page 54, paragraph 5(i) which states that, Whenever a student is being investigated for a criminal offence by the Police or is charged with a criminal offence; whether or not connected with the university; the student shall be suspended from his studentship until he/she is cleared of the allegation/charge, the statement read.
Vanguard

SOME eminent Nigerians and employers of labour, yesterday, disagreed with Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed over President Muhammadu Buharis economic policy.

Punch

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Rotimi Akeredolu, has said the political class and not the Independent National Electoral Commission should be blamed for inconclusive elections in the country.

Thisday

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has said President Muhammadu Buhari is rattled and unsettled by Ndigbo, but that the race is divinely destined to lead in every field of nation-building.

The Sun

AS politicians in Edo State embark on war of words over the September 10 governorship election, Benin Crown Prince and Edaiken N Uselu, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, has advised the gladiators not to heat up the polity with their utterances.

Daily Times

Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government of hypocrisy, saying he (Buhari) was acquiring drones to fight the group and lying about dialogue with Niger Delta militants.

Daily Trust

The Adamawa State House of Assembly, Tuesday, passed a law reducing the tenure of local government councils chairmen from two-and-half years to two.

Leadership

The academic forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as the Shiite group has alleged that the leader of the group Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky who has been in detention since December 2015 is going blind man and slowly crippled contrary to claims by those holding him.

The Nation

113 Reps demand external probe of budget padding

Over 100 members yesterday joined the fray, calling for an external investigation with a view to finding out if our principal officers are guilty or not.
In the past week, thousands of Nigerians have raised the sum of $100,000 for the social media driven #SaveMayowa campaign.

Mayowa Ahmed, who suffers from Ovarian cancer reportedly needed the sum for a surgery to save her life and her family sought the intervention of concerned Nigerians. In curious circumstances, sources now claim that although Mayowa suffers Ovarian cancer, her condition had progressed to a stage four and that contrary to reports, doctors in LUTH did not recommend for her to be flown abroad for treatment.

Linda Ikeji Blog reports that actress, Toyin Aimakhu who got in on the campaign is currently with police officers at the LUTH premises.

Although doctors had simply advised the Ahmeds to simply take her home and prepare for the worst, they allegedly decided to cash in on the situation.
Indonesia is all set to carry out its next round of executions on Friday, 29 July, which will include several foreign nationals. A Pakistani embassy official has reportedly said that one of those is a Pakistani national.

The country, which faced international criticism after executing 14 prisoners in January and April 2015  most of whom were found guilty of drug peddling, has 16 more prisoners on its list for this year. The Friday execution will be carried out by firing squad and will include a citizen of Nigeria and one of Zimbabwe, in addition to the Pakistani prisoner.

Syed Zahid Raza, charge daffaires at the Pakistani embassy in capital Jakarta, told Reuters on Tuesday, 26 July, that the Indonesian attorney generals office invited him to meet with their officials. He was then informed about the imminent execution of Zulfikar Ali, convicted of smuggling drugs, when the fresh round of executions take place on Friday.

The diplomat, however, said that Ali will make one last attempt to escape capital punishment by appealing for clemency directly to Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Pakistan has reportedly requested Indonesia to stay Alis execution, arguing that his 2005 trial was unfair. But Indonesia is determined to crack down on drug traffickers saying the country is facing a drugs emergency and thus, they will show no mercy to the offenders.

Meanwhile, Noor Rochmad, Junior Attorney General for public crime affairs in Indonesia, was quoted by Antara News as saying on Monday (25 July) that the office would announce the date and number of inmates to be executed once those details are finalised.

The executions are due to take place at a maximum security prison on Nusakambangan Island in Central Java, Reuters reported, adding that those likely to face the death penalty this week include citizens of France, Britain and the Philippines.

Indonesias online news website Tempo reported on Tuesday that 14 death row prisoners convicted in drug trafficking cases have already been moved to an isolation cell in Batu Penitentiary in the Nusakambangan Island. They were moved in the isolation cell around 10pm local time on Monday (25 July). There are 14 people. Two from Pasir Putih Penitentiary, two from Kembang Kuning Penitentiary, one from Besi Penitentiary, and nine from Batu Penitentiary, one source in Batu Penitentiary told the news portal.

Source: Twitter
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The military coup attempt was directed against Turkeys statehood and welfare, Ismail Alper Coskun, Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan, said in an interview with Azerbaijani ITV channel July 28.

He added that Turkey will become even stronger following the military coup attempt.

While speaking about a state of emergency imposed in Turkey, the diplomat said that the decision was made according to the law.

The fact that Turkey declared a state of emergency does not mean that it is an unstable country, he added.

"The state of emergency aims to quickly and efficiently fight with the terrorist organization, whose members entered a number of structures in Turkey," the ambassador said.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

President Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in the country on July 20.
Three persons have been sentenced to death by hanging by an Ogwashi-Uku High Court sitting in Delta State for their involvement in armed robbery.

Two bus drivers, Okechukwu Mba, 30, Christian Joseph, 28, and a conductor, Ekwe Nwomah, 31, were convicted for an offence bordering on conspiracy in count 1 and armed robbery in count IV by the presiding judge, Justice A.O.Akpovi

In his statement, Prosecuting inspector, Martins Omakor had told the Court that the trio on the 13th of July, 2007 committed series of armed robbery operations at Kwale junction, Ogwashi-Uku by invading the houses of residents and disposing them of monies and valuables while armed with guns.

The prosecutor further revealed to the court that luck frowned on them when they tried to force their way into one of the houses they visited, unknown to them the occupant of the house was a Police Inspector.

The policeman opened fire on them, hitting one with bullets on the chest while the others fled thinking he was dead. He was subsequently apprehended the next day by residents and handed over to the police.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Wednesday opened up on why he agreed to a peace accord with his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, saying he would sincerely implement the resolutions of the deal brokered by the leaderships of the Police and State Security Services for the peaceful conduct of rerun elections in the state.

I was at the peace meeting because we love peace and want the state to move forward, a spokesperson, Simeon Nwakaudu, quoted the governor as saying at a rally in Degema on Wednesday.

I signed an undertaking on your behalf that we are prepared for INEC credible, free and fair elections. It is not in our position to have crisis because we are the ones losing, he said.

The rerun elections in the state were earlier scheduled for July 30 but a fresh outbreak of violence, which resulted in the burning down of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INECs office in Khana Local Government Area of the state, forced a postponement.

Wike, who has not seen eyeball-to-ball with Amaechi, his former boss, for over two years, said he willingly participated in the peace meeting convened by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and the Director General of the SSS, Lawal Daura, because of his commitment to peace and the need to make sacrifices for the development of the state.

Governor Wike is the PDP leader in Rivers State while Mr. Amaechi, current Minister of Transportation, leads the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing PDP faithful at the Rivers West Senatorial District Rally in Degema on Wednesday, Governor Wike said the people of the state must be allowed to elect representatives of their choice at the national and state assemblies.

He said the Rivers State Government would partner with security agencies to ensure peaceful elections hold in the state. He said those who want the state to burn would be disappointed.

The governor, however, lamented that some politicians were celebrating the postponement of elections in the state, saying that insistence that Rivers State should have Representatives at the National Assembly was because the people of the state had been shut out on the deliberation of the Petroleum Industry Bill and other legislations.

He, therefore, called on PDP members to remain vigilant while expecting the rerun elections.

Nigerians know, the world knows that Rivers State is PDP. So shall it be forever, the governor asserted.

He pledged to ensure development gets to all Local Government Areas of the State, pointing out that with the successes achieved in just one year, the remaining three years would witness more development.

Also speaking, Deputy Governor Ipalibo Banigo said the massive turnout was an indication that the PDP was loved by people of the state.

Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu, the Rivers West Senatorial District PDP candidate, said the reason given by INEC for the postponement of the rerun elections was not tenable as the state is peaceful.

Former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, also decried the frequency of inconclusive elections since the APC came into power.
Oracle's recently revealed plan to reboot enterprise Java for the cloud is leaving the community at large skeptical, with Java proponents glad to see the company ready to again move forward but longing for more details.

Last month, a group led by James Gosling formed the Java EE Guardians to protest what they perceived as Oracle's lack of efforts to move forward with Java EE 8. In response, Oracle last week emphasized intentions to better equip the platform for cloud deployments, microservices, containers, and multitenancy.

But Reza Rahman, a former Java EE evangelist and now a leader of Java Guardians, said he wants to see more details from Oracle.

"We have so far seen nothing other than those few paragraphs anywhere else and certainly no work to substantiate any of these statements," he said. "It's likely we need to wait until JavaOne to understand what any of this actually means in terms of feature and timeline."

Oracle's Thomas Kurian, president of product development, has indeed pledged that more details would be revealed at the JavaOne conference in San Francisco, which begins on Sept. 18.

For the time being, Java Guardians sees the situation as status quo. "If after all this we see no real activity or details after JavaOne, it will be very worrisome indeed," Rahman said. An online petition has been posted by Java EE Guardians urging Oracle to move forward with EE or turn the work over to others. As of Tuesday, the petition had more than 3,200 signatures. Java EE Guardians has pondered developing enterprise-level Java improvements on its own.

Another group also formed out of concern for enterprise Java, MicroProfile.io, already expects to release its own enterprise profile for microservices in Java. An insider with MicroProfile.io, who preferred anonymity, said the organization was OK with the technical direction laid out by Oracle.

The source also said it was time for a new process to update Java instead of using the existing Java Community Process. "The next beachhead is the licensing terms and venue for collaboration -- the JCP doesn't really cut it any more," according to the MicroProfile.io insider. "It's also a slow, heavy process that still depends on Oracle commitment. That's not a healthy sign for a project -- over-reliance on a single vendor."

Rahman doubts he will see much positive reaction about Oracle's plan so far from Java EE Guardians participants, who have become wary of Oracle. "What helps are specific technical details, open collaboration, realistic timelines, and visible work."

At the JCP itself, member Werner Keil, who has been critical of Oracle, said it was too early to judge Oracle's plan, but it seems like the right direction. "The general idea to support cloud and multitenancy makes sense," Werner said. "Even companies that may never fully embrace the public cloud should benefit by using a service-based approach rather than large, monolithic systems." He expressed concern, however, about how much proprietary technology might creep into the revamped Java EE from either Oracle or other vendors.

The Eclipse Foundation, which has specialized in development of open source tooling, was glad to finally see some movement on EE from Oracle. "We thought that it was unfortunate that a long period of silence had caused so much concern in the community and ecosystem," Eclipse Executive Director Mike Milinkovich said. "The entire controversy was almost certainly avoidable. That said, Oracle is a very large company, and strategic decisions can take time. We are very happy to see that Oracle is moving in the right direction and will have something positive to announce at JavaOne."

Moving into the cloud and container world is "a very positive move" for Oracle, with EE originally designed for on-premise IT infrastructure, Milinkovich said. "However, the devil will be in the details. A new Java EE specification for the cloud will need to meet the needs of many competing cloud vendors, not just Oracle's."

Java EE developer and blogger Peter Pilgrim, who has described EE as being in a state of "crisis," was disappointed with Oracle's response. "It's not much of a plan," he said, "because the community is still left with guesswork as to the future of Java EE 8 in general." Still, he described Oracle's intentions to invest in cloud enhancements as important, even while questioning Oracle's emphasis on multitenancy and the "hype" around microservices.

The Java EE brand needs rebuilding, and the language needs tooling for interactive, fast-paced development, Pilgrim said. "JavaScript/ Node.js has [been] sniping at Java's legs for quite a while, and people who work with Ruby, PHP, and other dynamic languages have long laughed at 250,000 lines of Java to build a digital site."

Keil said he sees a delay in the release of Java EE 8, which was due in the first half of next year, as "inevitable." In revealing Oracle's plan, Kurian was noncommittal about whether the deadline would be met. Pilgrim said he does not want to see version 8 delayed. "It is absolutely depressing, because these are technologies that can help the enterprise platform moved forward. And yet, I have bad feeling about the brand 'Java EE' now. We still are not overcoming J2EE, which has been dead since 2005. It casts a very long tail shadow over Java enterprise."
It was bound to happen. Matt Day at The Seattle Times reported this week that two lawsuits have been filed against Microsoft over the ongoing Get Windows 10 controversy. A lawsuit in Florida cites unsolicited electronic advertisement laws, as well as deceptive and unfair trade practices. The other, filed in Israel, says Microsoft installed unwanted software without users' consent.

Both lawsuits are applying for class-action status.

The Al Khafaji et al v. Microsoft Corporation case, 0:16cv61763 filed July 22 in Florida Southern District Court, has been assigned to Judge Bill Zloch, who has been on the Southern District bench for more than 30 years. The plaintiff's attorney, Richard G Chosid, is located in Boca Raton, Florida. The law firm's Facebook page lists Chosid as a real estate lawyer.

Those of you who have been following my reports on this topic since last March know that I consider the Get Windows 10 campaign to be one of the lowest points in Microsoft's history. Deceptive? Certainly. Unwanted? Obviously. Destructive for Microsoft's reputation? Deservedly.

But whether the upgrades were "forced" is largely a matter of semantics.

Those who have Windows Automatic Update turned on and have ticked the box "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them" -- both of which are default settings -- have had Windows 10 upgrades triggered automatically many times over the past 12 months. Sometimes Microsoft warned users about the sudden updating behavior, sometimes it "forgot."

But as best I can tell, the upgrades have always been accompanied by an End User License Agreement that must be accepted before the upgrade will complete. Some of those EULAs obviously warn users they're accepting an upgrade to Windows 10. Many (as seen in this screenshot taken March 13) do not.

I don't know how the lawsuit will fare in Florida, but if the one in Israel hinges on the phrase "without the user's consent," it'll be considerably more difficult to pursue.

At least one judge in the United States has already ruled that Microsoft overstepped its bounds with its Get Windows 10 campaign. Many of you may recall Teri Goldstein, the travel agent in Sausalito, California, who won a $10,000 settlement from Microsoft in small-claims court over the upgrade. She has gone on to write a book about her experience, "Winning Against Windows 10: How I Fought Microsoft and Won," which is available on Kindle.

I must hark back to the promise made by Windows honcho Terry Myerson last October: "You can specify that you no longer want to receive notifications of the Windows 10 upgrade through the Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 settings pages."

We've been through a lot of permutations of having Windows 10 rammed down our throats over the past 10 months, but we didn't get a real "off" switch until a couple weeks ago -- so much for promises.
Cocoa (CC) Tries Forming Higher Oct Low VS Sep Low Tradable Patterns - Thu Oct 27, 11:57PM CDT Cocoa (CCZ22) bounced more than 1.5% yesterday, closing back above the psychologically key 2300 whole figure level. With the near complete weekly Doji, odds are now elevated for a higher Oct low versus... CCZ22 : 2,304 (-0.43%) NIB : 24.43 (+1.67%)

Its Five OClock Somewhere Stock Market (and Sentiment Results) HedgeFundTips.com - Thu Oct 27, 7:53PM CDT While the Hang Seng plummeted, U.S. equities rallied and we wound up +1.5% on the day. How the hell that happened, Ill never understand, but its far different from the outcome I expected coming...

RFD-TV Interview: Grain and Livestock Markets Blue Line Futures - Thu Oct 27, 5:19PM CDT Will the South American weather be the catalyst, or will the US Dollar take the cake? Oliver Sloup, Vice President of Blue Line Futures, explains the grain markets to RFD TV.

Hogs Fall Triple Digits on Thursday Barchart - Thu Oct 27, 4:48PM CDT Front month lean hog futures worked lower on Thursday with Dec futures getting within 20c of a limit drop on the days low. Dec hogs ultimately closed down by $3.37, with $0.87 to $2.85 losses in the... HEZ22 : 85.125s (-3.81%) HEJ23 : 92.125s (-2.18%) KMZ22 : 95.775s (-0.98%)
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

Trend:

Thirty staff members of the Turkish Cabinet of Ministers, who are accused of having relations with Fethullah Gulens terrorist organization, involved in the military coup attempt in the country, were detained, the Turkish Kanal7 TV channel reported July 28.

Kanal7 does not disclose the detainees positions and names.

Currently, the detainees apartments are being searched, the message said.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.



However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.



Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.



President Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in the country on July 20.
Art Basel recently convened some of the most thoughtful and influential players in the arts philanthropy world to discuss the state of what they call "venture philanthropy" as it applies to the arts.

You can check out the entire hour-long discussion here. However, if you're running late for a lunch date, we've taken the liberty of synthesizing some of the key takeaways and, as an added bonus, juxtaposing them with some applicable IP coverage. So let's get right down to it.

Donors want to see a relative return on investmentAccording to moderator Scott Stover, Art Basel's President of Global Art Development, "venture philanthropists" want some sort of "measurable impact." What's more, they want to make apples-to-apples comparisons, weighing the return on giving $X to Cause A versus Cause B.

Nonprofits in the health and education sector have been ahead of the curve on this, and so Stover turned to the work of the L.A.-based Weingart Center, a provider of homeless services. The center encourages donors to invest in solving the homeless problem because it's in their moral and financial best interests. According to the center, a $10,000 donation is a net gain over the $35,000 the city of Los Angeles spends to leave someone on the streets.

Bottom line? According to Stover, the future of arts philanthropy is inextricably linked to organizations' ability to develop a framework to measure relative impact.

The measurement challenge is particularly acute as millennials ageStover corroborated an oft-cited theory here at IP: Metrics-crazed millennials aren't particularly jazzed (pun intended) about the arts. The good news is that as millennials age, organizations will have opportunities to articulate the value of the arts. What's more, who knows, maybe millennials' rigorous attachment to performance metrics will be softened as they approach the ripe old age of 40. Stranger things have happened, right?

Nonetheless, we're looking at a distinct psychographic profile compared to what we've seen in the past. Millennials, according to Stover, are "no longer convinced of the same 'ask' of the previous generation."

Donors want the arts to support a cross-over social purposeAgain, no surprise here. As we've repeatedly noted, funders are no longer content with having a painting hang on a wall (not that there's anything wrong with that). They want change. Yet while robust IP coverage has focused on the "artist as activist" to solve intractable social problems, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors President and CEO Melissa Berman suggests that donors also want the arts to support physical and mental well-being.

Examples include helping soldiers with PTSD and Alzheimer'spatients, and supporting ongoing education. (And while we're on the topic, let's mention the theraputic benefit of art in hospitals.)

Creative placemaking's popularity shows no signs of waningWhile funders including ArtPlace America, Kresge, and Surdna are keen on creative placemaking, we've devoted some time to the fact that no one can truly agree on a catch-all definition for the term. Berman provides one, and it's this: "The role of art in sustaining a healthy and thriving community." Clean, succinct, and helpful.

And so the donors Berman has been talking to are increasingly intrigued by leveraging art centers and art places where "social capital can develop."

Donors are drawn to artists who embrace an entrepreneurial spiritIf art is supposed to serve a cross-over social purpose, artists, by that very definition, need to expand their skill set. They need effectively leveragequoting Berman again"capital and financial instruments" that have traditionally been available to their non-artist small business brethren. (In a way, this expanded job description reminds us of Mellon's next-generation vision for museum curators.)

"Hybrid spaces" are becoming increasingly popularPanelist Stephen Reily, the Chair-Elect of Creative Capital, noted that the "most fertile space" for nonprofits is to push into "hybrid spaces" and "spaces traditionally held by for-profits." He points to the New York City-based New Inc. as a perfect example.

An experimental initiative of the New Museum, NEW INC is a shared workspace and professional development program that brings together more than 100 cultural practitioners and creative entrepreneurs, including anchor tenants Columbia Universitys GSAPP Incubator and Rhizome.

We could go on, but we imagine your lunch date is anxiously awaiting your arrival, killing time playing Pokemon Go over a cup of coffee that's getting more lukewarm by the minute.

So bookmark this link and check our the entire conversation in its entirety if and when time allows.
The science-based company is making the leap from chemistry to the life sciences. But the road is long and some investors have grown impatient.

Companies in American business history have as much reinvention in their DNA as E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.  and these days DuPont needs every bit of it. Today, some 212 years after its birth as a gunpowder mill on Brandywine Creek in Delaware, DuPont again confronts the need to reinvent itself. The company has struggled with this for years. In 1999, CEO Charles Holliday announced that DuPont was abandoning its slogan, Better Things for Better Living ... Through Chemistry, which after 64 years was nearly as famous as the company itself. During those six decades DuPont had introduced a variety of synthetic materials synonymous with the modern age: nylon, Orlon, Dacron, Mylar, Teflon, Kevlar, Tyvek, Corian, Stainmaster carpets  not to mention nuclear materials for the atomic bomb.

Under a long run of du Pont family leaders, DuPont became one of the preeminent proponents of growth through scientific research. In the 1950s the company was profitable and large: In the inaugural Fortune 500, in 1955, it was the tenth-largest company in the U.S.

But in the 1970s and 80s, DuPont began to labor. The company launched forays into oil and pharmaceuticals. By 2000 it had slipped to No. 42 on the Fortune 500. Its stock appreciated 59 percent between 1980 and 2000, well below its R&D-intensive industrial peers: 3M Co. at 681 percent, Monsanto Co. at 876 percent and Procter & Gamble Co. at 2,269 percent. The company was no longer run by family members; the last du Pont to serve as CEO was Lammot du Pont Copeland, who was succeeded by lawyer Irving Shapiro in 1973. Hollidays new corporate slogan  The Miracles of Science  lacked the appeal of Better Things for Better Living, but it did suggest an attempt to transform the company through R&D.

Twenty-five years and three CEOs later, this transformation remains in gestation. The stock hovers around $63, with a trailing 12-month price-earnings ratio of 17. The companys current CEO, Ellen Kullman, 58, has been in office five years. A mechanical engineer by training who worked at General Electric Co. and Westinghouse Electric Corp. before joining DuPont, Kullman has tried just about everything short of breaking up the company: layoffs, reorganizations, asset sales, reinvestment in R&D, acquisitions. In the fourth quarter of last year, the board agreed to a $5 billion share buyback program. And Kullman has stressed the value of DuPonts legacy, describing herself in Forbes last year as transformer-in-chief while trying to put current efforts at reinvention in context: The first 100 years we made explosives, the next 100 was modern chemistry, and about 20 years ago we started in biotechnology. The next 100 years is going to be about integrating the sciences.

But DuPont finds itself in a shareholder environment thats starkly different from anything that the great DuPont leaders of the past ever faced: global competition, a greater diffusion of science and technology, rapid commoditization of products and, most important, an investor base that is extremely diverse in its interests, aggressive in its demands and impatient for results.

Whether DuPont can once again reinvent itself as a dominant corporate player remains an open question. If it fails, the easy response is to blame executives like Kullman. But the issues are more complex than that in a shareholder-centric world. In a time of share buybacks and dividend increases, can a large and complex science-based company like DuPont engage in a long-term campaign to fundamentally change itself and reignite growth  or will it end up broken into pieces and sold to the highest bidder? Is the company simply too large, too complex, too old? Is it no longer imaginable that a mature company can work the edge of science?

In other words, does DuPonts DNA mean anything in 2014?

In 1802, Eleuthere Irenee du Pont, a prominent physiocrat and economic adviser to Louis XVI who had fled to America during the French Revolution, built a black-powder gunpowder mill outside Wilmington, Delaware. His company made its first fortune supplying U.S. troops during the War of 1812. A century later the company was still family-owned, and under three du Pont cousins  great-grandsons of Eleuthere, trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology  it had reinvented itself by amassing a near monopoly on munitions, only to have that business broken up by the government under the Sherman Antitrust Act.

This would be a recurrent theme in DuPonts 20th-century history. In the 1930s the companys munitions business again faced intense scrutiny: The Nye Commission charged that DuPont had profiteered in World War I. By then the company had diversified from explosives to one of the most cutting-edge of then-contemporary sciences, chemistry, producing dyes, lacquers and leather finishes, then synthetic polymers and specialty materials. One of the cousins, Pierre, had invested in General Motors Corp. He went on to become chairman of GM, and in 1920, DuPont stepped in to save the foundering carmaker; Pierre took over as GMs president. In 1962 the government forced DuPont to unload its 37 percent GM stake under the Clayton Antitrust Act.

Today the U.S. government no longer threatens DuPont. Instead, the industrial giant has more problems with its investors.

Last summer whispers circulated that activist investor Nelson Peltz, through $7 billion-in-assets Trian Partners, was amassing a stake in DuPont. Peltz normally focuses on consumer businesses, though in 2012 he persuaded Dublin-based industrial company Ingersoll-Rand to spin off some of its lower-growth units. More typical of Peltz is his PepsiCo campaign, in which he is urging the company to divest its snack business and merge it with Illinois-based Mondelez International, which manages snack brands formerly owned by Kraft Foods Group. In January, after Pepsi rejected his plan, Peltz joined Mondelezs board.

Last August, Trian disclosed to the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had snatched up nearly 6 million DuPont shares  more than $300 million of the companys roughly $58 billion market capitalization. But Peltz has said little about DuPont since then. He has declined to comment publicly on the company, including to Institutional Investor, though DuPont did alter its bylaws in mid-August to make it more difficult to nominate new directors and introduced hefty severance packages for top managers, triggered by a change of control. In October, DuPont announced it would spin off its performance chemicals unit, with products generating $7.2 billion in revenue and $1.8 billion in earnings in 2012. The problem: Competition has been intensifying, and markets like the U.S. and Europe have been weak. Although it throws off cash, the unit is not growing very fast.

DuPont executives deny that pressure from Peltz forced the spin-off, which the company hopes to complete in 18 months. But it would be surprising if activists did not camp out at DuPont. In recent years activist hedge funds have targeted chemicals companies. A year ago Quinpario Partners began agitating at both St. Louisbased materials company Zoltek and Mayfield Heights, Ohiobased Ferro Corp. In April, Jana Partners demanded that Calgary, Canada, agricultural nutrient company Agrium and specialty chemicals maker Ashland, based in Covington, Kentucky, spin off poorer-performing units. In August, Pershing Square Capital Management took a stake in Allentown, Pennsylvania, industrial gas provider Air Products and Chemicals. And in January, Third Point called for Midland, Michigans Dow Chemical Co. to separate its petrochemicals from its specialty chemicals business.

DuPonts latest reinvention has been in the works for years, testing investors patience. DuPonts biosciences foray surfaced as long ago as 1980, when CEO Shapiro announced it to BusinessWeek. Shapiros successor, Edward Jefferson, became CEO in 1981, the same year he plunged into a high-profile battle with Joseph E. Seagram & Sons for oil producer Conoco. Oil had nothing to do with bioscience, but buying Conoco ensured that DuPont would have access to reasonably priced petroleum as a feedstock. The high price of oil had been a problem in the crisis-wracked 1970s, though having a captive supplier was less compelling when prices tumbled in the 80s.

Henry Smith, chief investment officer of Haverford Trust Co., believes Conoco represented the start of DuPonts attempt at reinvention, particularly because of the presence of Seagram, the Canadian liquor company that ended up with 23 percent of DuPont and four board seats after the takeover battle. Seagram, Smith says, convinced the board of the merits of new shareholder-friendly norms and the need to pull back from traditional paternalistic practices.

At about that time, DuPont made another strategic shift, entering pharmaceuticals. DuPont had bought a small, family-run pharmaceuticals business called Endo Laboratories in 1969, and cash flow from Conoco helped fund a pharma R&D and M&A push; DuPont ballyhooed a joint venture with Merck & Co. in 1991 as a way to become a competitive force in life sciences. But in the 1990s earnings and profitability stalled as pharma consolidated, a situation exacerbated by the fact that the fibers business was facing brutal overseas competition.

In 1989, under the CEOship of Edgar Woolard Jr., DuPont began to pare expenses and restructure. Holliday took over from Woolard in 1998 and pressed that restructuring. In 2001 he unloaded DuPont Pharmaceuticals Co. to Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. for $7.8 billion. Three years later he sold DuPonts textile operation to Koch Industries for $4.2 billion. He retired in 2009; Kullman replaced him.

Today the brightest spot on the companys balance sheet, by far, is DuPonts agriculture technology businesses: seeds, crop protection, nutrition and health. DuPont started assembling the building blocks for this strategy in 1999, when Holliday acquired the countrys biggest seed producer, Pioneer Hi-Bred, for $7.7 billion. In 2011, Kullman paid $7 billion for Danisco, a Danish enzyme and food ingredients company. These investments have paid off. Pioneer, crop protection and the nutrition and health divisions now account for some 40 percent of DuPonts earnings and revenue and look to be its most promising sources of growth. The companys ag sales jumped 13 percent in 2013 over the previous year; no other business segment experienced more than 4 percent growth. DuPont devotes more than 60 percent of its $2.15 billion R&D budget to its ag and food divisions.

But although DuPont is the worlds second-largest seed company, after Monsanto, it trades at a discount to its biosciences rival, which has a trailing 12-month P/E multiple of 24. New Yorkbased BGC Partners equity analyst Mark Gulley contends that DuPonts legacy businesses still weigh it down. He says its time for DuPont to shed everything but businesses that would make what he calls an ag-tech pure play  that is, a company engaged exclusively in crop protection chemicals, seeds and biotech. He would gather the rest of DuPont  safety and protection, electronics and communication, and performance materials  call it advanced materials and form a separate company.

Gulley notes that the market has only two ag-tech pure plays to offer investors: Monsanto and Switzerland-based Syngenta. Im looking from the perspective of the shareholder and saying something very simple, the analyst explains. I think Monsantos and Syngentas very focused strategy serves their shareholders well, and there would be a real appetite for a third ag-tech, but DuPont has said no.

Gulley makes two related arguments about DuPont. Early last year he published a sum-of-the-parts analysis that set the share price at about $73. He cheers DuPonts decision to spin off performance chemicals; a year ago he recommended that move, and by early February the stock price was in the low $60s, although he believes it could go higher if DuPont got rid of more legacy operations more quickly.

His second argument goes to the heart of how DuPont has long defined itself. The company insists that although its products and business units may seem very different, theyre actually tied together by an underlying science-based R&D process  that, in short, chemistry and biology are fundamentally related. Gulley rejects that integration. He calls DuPont a conglomerate, a grab bag of unrelated businesses. These businesses have very little to do with each other, he says. Management claims they do; they simply dont. They believe in this marriage of biology and chemistry, but the marriage of biology and chemistry really has yet to pay off in terms of big dividends.

Is DuPont a conglomerate or a science-based company? Mature or simply in transition? Is the legacy a burden or a boon? Its all a matter of perspective, particularly investors. DuPont is a very big and complex organization, and reinventing it takes time. The company has 64,000 employees (down from 135,000 in 1980) and 300-plus manufacturing, processing, marketing and R&D sites in more than 90 countries. At the end of 2013, it had 24,000 active patents (and 20,000 more applications) and had earned $3.6 billion in profits on $35.7 billion in revenue. The company says that in 2012 it introduced 2,047 new products.

I think the people who want the company broken apart are probably thinking too short-term, says Dhaval Patel, a commodities and specialty chemicals analyst at $520 billion retirement system TIAA-CREF, which owns 2.6 million DuPont shares. Ag is the sexy sector in the space right now, and you have companies like Monsanto with a very high valuation, so it looks like ag isnt getting the full valuation within DuPonts structure. But DuPont is focusing on what its good at.

The purchase of Pioneer Hi-Bred signaled a shift to businesses DuPont believes will generate the most growth, thanks to what it calls megatrends based on a growing global population: the mushrooming demand for food, dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, the need to protect people and the environment.

Jim Borel, the executive vice president in charge of DuPont Pioneer, points to projections that the earth will have a population of 9 billion by 2050, up from 7 billion today. To feed people, its going to take a doubling of agricultural productivity because we dont have a lot of additional land. We have to do that in a sustainable way, and to rise to that challenge will require science. Those fundamental, secular trends provide a strong attractiveness to companies like us who are investing heavily in science and have a global position to be able to turn that science into useful products.

Seeds and food ingredients fit into this framework, but, says CFO Nick Fanandakis, so do other products, like the cellulosic ethanol DuPont is developing as an alternative fuel, lightweight plastics for cars, Kevlar bulletproof vests and Nomex fire-retardant gear.

He says the performance chemicals spin-off and the sale of performance coatings (mostly automotive paint) in 2012 to Carlyle Group for $4.9 billion were necessary because they didnt promise high-growth opportunities when viewed against the megatrends. These are businesses that dont really leverage the sciences that DuPont is going to be driving and integrating across its portfolio, he explains.

DuPont executives lay out the potential they believe exists within the companys focus on integrated science  that is, developing innovative products by cross-pollinating R&D from different areas. One example: Rynaxypyr, an insect-control product that Fanandakis says couldnt have been developed without drawing on plant genetics, particle-dispersion chemistry and materials science. In its fourth year of sales, Rynaxypyr netted more than $900 million. In 2012, he says, more than $4 billion in sales resulted from this type of integrated R&D.

In recent years DuPont has made a strategic change by focusing on consumers rather than companies. Three years ago DuPont opened its first innovation center, featuring hands-on displays meant to encourage potential customers to handle company products and sit with DuPont engineers to discuss new offerings. Chief innovation officer Thomas Connelly says one of the first centers was in Japan, where customers repeated requests for bio-derived materials to replace those based on oil convinced DuPont that it should commercialize a line of automotive applications based on renewable substances.

Will these moves help DuPont produce the kind of earnings it harvested in nylons glory days? John Kenly Smith Jr., a professor of the history of technology at Lehigh University and co-author of Science and Corporate Technology: DuPont R&D, 19021980, is skeptical. Market and structural forces make R&D increasingly difficult. Although DuPont was the top science innovator in the first half of the 20th century, competition has significantly risen since World War II as companies and research universities have moved into territory DuPont once owned. That has made it harder to hire top science and engineering talent, Smith says, given that universities now lure talent by promising to help secure venture capital funding for their innovations.

Perhaps most discouraging, Smith says, is that the shareholder governance that emerged in the 1980s has intensified. Major new discoveries require patience and time, he says. Now DuPont has been subject to corporate raiding pressure; there didnt use to be any of that. They didnt have institutional investors breathing down their neck all the time, and they didnt have corporate raiders looking for any sign of weakness.

DuPont still has shareholders that believe in the company, of course. Theyre very innovative, almost like an early-stage pharmaceutical company, says Michael Crofton, president and CEO of Philadelphia Trust Co., which owns just over a half million DuPont shares. They have lots of products in process, and we just need to see how those processes pan out to determine where they should be. I think they should keep the ag businesses and the high-growth businesses together for now and at some point perhaps spin those out. But not right away. I think those synergies are important to maintain.

Haverford CIO Smith, whose firm holds 1.8 million DuPont shares, also wants the current strategy to play out. But he believes real success will be reflected in a steady progression of dividend increases. Dividends dont lie, he says. Forget the rhetoric that comes out of the company; just look at the dividends. If you start to see something in the range of 8 to 10 percent increases on a very consistent basis, youll know DuPont is really becoming much more of a Steady Eddie type of company, as opposed to a cyclical one.?

The burden falls to CEO Kullman. By any measure, she made a major impact in her rise at DuPont  all the more impressive as a woman in a traditionally male world. Her track record within DuPont is fascinating, says Behnam Tabrizi, a consulting professor in management science and engineering at Stanford University and author of the book Rapid Transformation. Shes grown just about every business shes touched.

After working several years in marketing at General Electric, Kullman joined hometown DuPont in 1986 as a marketing manager in medical imaging. Over the next 23 years, she ran the safety and protection unit, which generated double-digit growth during her tenure; started the industrial biosciences and sustainable-solutions businesses; and headed white pigment and mineral products and a handful of other industrial units.

When Kullman assumed the CEO position in 2009, she had to let go 4,500 employees while mastering a still-giant company in the midst of a wrenching recession. She also reworked the management structure, removing one layer by eliminating a group of vice presidents and handing oversight of most operations to three managers. She consolidated 23 businesses into 13 and regionalized and localized them while boosting market interaction. And since then she has offered shareholders a blend of addition  her acquisition of Danisco was the second largest in DuPonts history  and subtraction: selling off performance coatings and, currently, performance chemicals.

Not surprisingly, Kullman insists the transformation is on track. We have been accelerating our strategy to higher growth, higher value markets where our science can deliver even greater value, she writes in an e-mail. We are well positioned to leverage our advantaged science in key markets like food, energy and advanced materials.

Tabrizi agrees Kullman has demonstrated a willingness to shake things up. Many CEOs I work with are worried about changing the status quo because of the political backlash theyll receive, he says. But Ellen has been taking bold, courageous actions.

TIAA-CREFs Patel echoes the sentiment. DuPont has consistently talked about being a science company for decades, he says. Now what youre seeing is a CEO whos actually encouraging the company to embrace that even more.

But that may suggest DuPonts real shareholder problem. Patels comments intimate that Kullmans predecessors may have been more talk than action when it came to serious change. The Conoco deal was a dead end, though a lucrative one; and the pharma buildup was sold off. Meanwhile, years passed, technologies matured, and the rhetoric of change continued to sound.

No wonder shareholders grow impatient and argue DuPont should take more-radical steps to clarify and simplify its business proposition. In DuPont terms  in Kullmans own formulation  it can take a century to unleash the commercial potential from basic science: explosives, chemicals, life sciences. Shareholders, however, measure performance in much shorter increments and have learned to fear talk of transformation. For all the chatter about scientific wonders to come, that gap between promise and profits may be DuPonts biggest reinvention problem.  
As the race for the presidency has narrowed  Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination at the GOPs convention in Cleveland last week, and Hillary Clinton took the Democratic nomination this week in Philadelphia  major hedge fund donors continue to spend more than ever supporting presidential and congressional candidates through so-called super PACs, political action committees in which contributors can make unlimited donations. Total political contributions from individuals in the hedge fund industry during this election cycle are nearing $120 million, as of July 21. This figure is already more than twice the $53 million donated in 2012  and still growing, of course  and almost six times 2008s $21 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Current and former hedge fund managers arent the only ones giving in record amounts, but they are some of the largest and most-watched donors in this years races. Clinton and Trump have both criticized hedge fund managers in tweets and speeches. But both have also benefited from hedge fund contributions.

Of the top ten individual donors in this election cycle, which began in early 2015, six have accumulated their fortunes from managing hedge funds. Two got their considerable wealth from the same firm: James Simons, founder of the East Setauket, New Yorkbased quantitative hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, and Robert Mercer, the firms co-CEO, have together donated more than $30 million over the past 18 months.

Theyre not working in concert, however. Mercer donated more than $13 million of his running total of $19.2 million to the Keep the Promise I PAC, which supported Ted Cruzs presidential campaign. After Cruz dropped from the race in early May, Mercer channeled $500,000 to the Fighting for Ohio Fund, a PAC supporting Rob Portman, the incumbent Republican Senator from Ohio. In June, Mercer gave $50,000 to the Defend Rural Arizona PAC, whose mission is to secure the U.S. border with Mexico.

Mercers former boss, the now-retired Simons, has given $7 million of his $11.5 million in donations to Priorities USA, the massive super PAC supporting Clinton. Much of the rest has gone to the Senate and House Majority PACs, both of which support Democratic congressional candidates. Adding contributions from Henry Laufer, Renaissances former vice president of research, who gave $5 million to Democratic candidates, roughly evens the scales.

Among the ten hedge fund donors who have given the most money this cycle, party lines are drawn pretty much down the middle (see chart). Despite hedge funders reputation for big spending, many of this years major donors have earmarked funds for small and often uncontested congressional races. In November, 34 of the 100 Senate seats will be up for grabs, as will all 435 seats in the House of Representatives.

Hedge Funds DividedThe top ten largest individual donors from the hedge fund industry diversify their contributions. Donors Contributions to Presidential Candidates or PACs Contributions to Congressional Candidates or PACs Undisclosed

Contributions* Total

Contributions* Thomas Steyer $5,079,082 $308,214 $26,133,836 $31,521,132 Robert Mercer $13,515,000 $1,138,700 $4,530,300 $19,184,000 Paul Singer $8,505,400 $4,399,003 $3,625,627 $16,530,030 Donald Sussman $8,100,000 $5,889,500 $1,361,280 $15,350,780 George Soros $7,000,000 $618,000 $5,351,936 $12,969,936 James Simons $7,005,400 $3,223,500 $1,313,500 $11,542,400 Ken Griffin $5,440,990 $3,691,710 $1,351,890 $10,484,590 Steven Cohen $6,000,000 $5,400 $11,709 $6,017,109 Henry Laufer $2,505,400 $1,325,239 $1,099,191 $4,929,830 Julian Robertson $1,014,559 $1,267,200 $1,919,983 $4,201,742 Donors in red signify whole or majority of their contributions given to Republican PACs/candidates.



Donors in blue signify whole or majority of their contributions given to Democratic PACs/candidates.



* Undisclosed contributions represent money given by donors where recipients were not specified or were not easily traceable, according to resources provided by the Center for Responsive Politcs.



** Figures were compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics based on data released by the Federal Elections Committee on July 21, 2016.

Its unlikely that if a Democrat wins the presidency, the Democrats would also take back control of the House, says Kyle Kondik, director of communications at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Kondik wonders about the fate of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, formed out of 2010s Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, if Republicans end up controlling the White House and Congress. In fact, much could change in financial regulation depending on the composition of a newly elected legislative branch, which may explain why many hedge fund managers are diversifying their contributions.

Paul Singer, the founder of New Yorkbased Elliott Management Corp., has spent at least $4 million supporting Republican congressional PACs like Independent Voice for Illinois, Fighting for Ohio Fund, and the Congressional Leadership Fund, in addition to bankrolling his own American Unity PAC, which backs Republican members of Congress who support pro-LGBT legislation.

In addition to donating $7 million to Priorities USA, Donald Sussman, the founder of Greenwich, Connecticutbased multistrategy hedge fund firm Paloma Partners, contributed to Women Vote!, a liberal super PAC supporting female candidates for the House and Senate. Sussmans former wife, Chellie Pingree, is a Democratic Representative from Maines 1st district.

Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth Griffin has given $350,000 to the Independent Voice for Illinois, which has yet to contribute to either incumbent Republican Senator Mark Kirk or Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth. The Chicago-based fund manager is known as Illinoiss richest person and tied for No. 1 (with Renaissances Simons) in Institutional Investors Alphas Hedge Fund Rich List this year, having earned $1.7 billion in 2015.

A number of alternatives investors, who manage millions rather than billions and dont make top ten lists, have to tread carefully. Most companies are risk-averse and looking for a plan to comply, says Michael Long, a partner at Roseland, New Jerseybased law firm Lowenstein Sandler. One concern: that their political contributions dont jeopardize their ability to attract investments from state pensions.

Some, like former hedge fund investor Tom Steyer, have moved on to other causes. Founder of the San Franciscobased hedge fund firm Farallon Capital Management, Steyer has donated most of his $31 million so far this election to the NextGen Climate Action PAC, his environmental advocacy organization focused on encouraging climate change legislation.

Follow Jen Werner on Twitter at @jenwernerr.
California voters in 1988 dramatically expanded the power of the state Department of Insurance and turned the insurance commissioner post into an elected position. The Proposition 103 initiative also gave the commissioner unprecedented authority to prescribe which specific factors private insurance companies may use in crafting rates.

The department already had the duty to monitor domestic companies financial solvency, in line with governments traditional role in insurance to make sure companies have the wherewithal to pay their claims. Without this oversight, consumers face the risk of paying premiums without getting promised benefits in return.

Current California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, a former Democratic Assemblyman who was first elected to the post in 2010, has in recent months been accused of bootstrapping that reasonable authority into something much broader and more political. Nominally toward the goal of assuring insurance-company investments are sufficiently safe to ensure the companies long-term fiscal health, Jones has called for any insurers who write business in California to divest voluntarily from the bulk of their thermal-coal investments. He further has vowed to publicize the names of companies that dont comply with this voluntary order, he noted in a January 2016 statement, so that investors, policyholders, regulators and the general public can know the extent to which insurance companies are invested in the carbon economy.

As I examine in a new policy study for the R Street Institute, Californias Climate Risk Carbon Initiative divestment request applies to direct investments  whether in the form of equity or fixed-income securities, like bonds  in companies that gain more than 30 percent of their revenues from thermal coal and to utilities that generate at least 30 percent of their energy from coal. It also requires insurance companies that do business in the state  even if they are domiciled elsewhere  to answer a variety of questions about such investments.

An obvious question is raised as to whether this prescription really is about assuring the solvency of some of the most stable and conservative companies in the nation, or whether it serves primarily as an opportunity for an ambitious politician to champion a high-profile issue for long-term political gain. Asked to reply to the charge that the divestment and disclosure calls are motivated by politics, the California Department of Insurance offered the following response:

As a responsible regulator, the Commissioners decision to ask insurance companies to divest from thermal coal and to require insurance companies to disclose investments in the carbon economy arises from his statutory responsibility to make sure that insurance companies address potential financial risks in the reserves they hold to pay future claims. Politics has nothing to do with the decision to ask insurers to divest from thermal coal.

Nevertheless, its hard to look at this policy outside the realm of politics. Theres no legitimate role for an insurance commissioner, or any regulator, to pick and choose which investments private companies should be allowed to make based solely on the latest political winds. Firms investing their own money and concerned about their own financial future tend to make better decisions than government planners with a different set of motives.

To be sure, there are risks that energy-sector assets, or any assets, might hold less value in the future than they do currently. But those risks already are best managed by credit and equity analysts doing their due diligence, and by investment officers ensuring a companys portfolio is appropriately balanced and diverse. Divesting from any given set of companies wont improve the climate and wont guarantee any kind of fiscal protection. If there are benefits to such strategies, they flow entirely to the elected officials who promote such things.

As a University of California investment committee member said of the Board of Regents recent divestment campaign: Its just symbolism without real impact and maybe gets a quick headline. Surely, such a serious potential problem deserves a more thoughtful  and less political  approach.

Topics Carriers California
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Fethullah Gulens terrorist organization intends to strike a blow against the Turkish economy, Kenan Yavuz, the former head of SOCAR Turkey Energy and the chairman of the Caspian Strategy Institute (HASEN), wrote on his Facebook page July 28.

Yavuz added that Gulens movement intends to organize the anti-Turkish campaign to hamper the process of making foreign investments in the country's economy.

He said that the activity of Gulens terrorist organization is aimed at ousting foreign investors from Turkey.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.



However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.



Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.



President Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in the country on July 20.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

Authorities say a man who was outside playing Pokemon Go helped save a burning Massachusetts building from severe damage.

Sandwich Deputy Fire Chief John Burke said the man lived nearby and was in the parking lot playing the cellphone game when he smelled smoke, heard a popping sound and called 911.

The overnight fire at a nail salon in the building was extinguished within 20 minutes of the fire departments arrival. Burke said the players quick notification helped save the rest of the building.

He said two firefighters suffered minor injuries. One was hospitalized for treatment. One person was displaced from an apartment after firefighters had to cut power.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
QBE North America has appointed Jeff Lange as senior vice president, regional executive  Midwest region. He is based in Chicago.

Lange will lead QBEs go-to-market activities in the 13-state region consisting of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

He will be accountable for the regions profitable growth across QBEs specialized insurance business portfolio, as well as the development of all agent and broker relationships in the region.

Lange has more than 20 years of experience in building and leading teams to exceed growth and profitability objectives across multiple product and customer segments in the insurance industry. He comes to the company from Hartford Financial Services Group, where he spent 14 years in leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as division executive of The Hartfords Midwest Division. Lange also has held leadership and client relationship roles at CONSECO, Channelpoint Inc., Deloitte & Touche, Hewitt Assoc. and Marsh & McLennan Inc.

QBE North America is part of QBE Insurance Group Limited.

Source: QBE North America
The city of St. Louis has been ordered to pay nearly $1.5 million in damages to a man falsely arrested 14 years ago.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the July 26 ruling by a federal judge could end a four-year legal battle in which Michael J. Banks sought damages from the Board of Police Commissioners and the city.

Banks alleged in the suit that then-officer Reginald Williams punched and robbed him of $1,100 during the arrest in 2002. Banks was later acquitted of the only charge that arose from the stop, illegal use of a weapon.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation
Adam Friedlander is a third generation insurance professional who has made his mark in safety, workplace safety that is. His New York agency, Friedlander Group, has for years developed and managed employer safety groups that have helped businesses improve workplace safety and save money on workers compensation by helping them understand why and how their injuries are happening.

I needed a competitive advantage. We created exclusive safety groups and some unique processes to help clients optimize their productivity and profits, and to keep their employees working and safe, he told Insurance Journal of his business.

His safety groups have been appealing in terms of their discounts and for paying out an average of about 30 percent dividends since 1992. The groups are for retail, wholesale, restaurants, hotels, oil dealers, home health care, residential care facilities and other industries.

Friedlander is also an author. He published his first book, How to Save Big on Workers Compensation, in 2011. As the title suggests, it focused on the sweet spot of the costs saving benefits of safety in the workplace.

Friedlander shares lessons from Alcoas Paul ONeill and insights on safety leadership, strategy and language.

While there is nothing wrong with saving money, workers safety has become about much more than that for Friedlander. His business has evolved into more of a safety consultancy as he strives to have his clients care about more than savings and understand that the benefits of safety transcended savings.

Safety, he now believes, is actually a growth strategy, a way to improve both productivity and profits. Thats why he titled his latest book, Safety and Workers Compensation Strategies to Unleash Productivity and Profits.

Thats a bit about Adam Friedlander. Now, meet Paul ONeill.

ONeill served as Treasury secretary under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2002. Earlier in his career, he served in the U.S. Veterans Administration and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. In the private sector, he made his mark from 1987 to 2000 as chairman and CEO of Alcoa Corp. where during his tenure profits and market capitalization soared to record heights. The impressive financial results under ONeil were in great measure the result of his strategy of putting one important value, in this case worker safety, at the center of everything the aluminum manufacturing company did.

ONeill converted the belief that a companys most valuable assets are its people into action and results at Alcoa. He worked relentlessly to raise the awareness and commitment of everyone at Alcoa until a people-and-safety first attitude permeated the entire corporation worldwide. He told managers not to budget for safety, that the company would spend whatever it took to become the safest workplace in America. He refused to accept that there would be a certain number of injuries or even deaths a year. He instituted tools for reviewing first-reported incidents so future accidents would be eliminated.

In his bestseller, The Power of Habits, author Charles Duhigg captured the man and his mission. He describes the day ONeill first spoke to Alcoa investors and analysts. The company had expanded into unfamiliar businesses and its profits were declining. The stakeholders were pleased the board had turned to fresh leadership in ONeill and they were expecting a pro-business talk filled with the usual buzzwords, complaints about taxes and regulations, and the usual promise to reduce costs and increase profits. Instead, Duhigg reported, ONeills first word were:

I want to talk to you about worker safety.

Much to the bewilderment of his audience, Duhigg says ONeill talked about the number of Alcoa employees injured each year laboring with 1500 degree metals and dangerous machines. He said that while Alcoas safety record was better than average, that wasnt good enough.

I intend to go for zero injuries, he told the investors.

And zero injuries became his lodestar. While at Alcoa, a company with 140,000 employees in 36 countries, he improved the safety record from 1.86 lost workday incidents per 100 employees to 0.2. He constantly strove for it to be zero.

What are the chances this international leader and consultant on workplace safety, ONeill, and a businessman who has devoted his professional life to workers compensation and safety, Friedlander, should meet someday?

While it seems like it would be inevitable, Friedlander made sure it happened.

Friedlander first heard about ONeill and his obsession with safety while reading Duhiggs The Power of Habits.

I was somewhat shocked to find chapter four was about Paul ONeill and how he led with safety and grew Alcoa by 900 percent, recalls Friedlander.

He really implemented what we had been espousing to our clients and suggesting to them for years on how to improve safety to grow their companies. When I first read that, I thought, Well, how fantastic would it be to write something specific to workers comp about Paul ONeill with Paul ONeill? but for four or five years, it just incubated, Friedlander told Insurance Journal.

Friedlander wanted to write a book that focused on growth, which he calls a bigger and better outcome than cost cutting.

He looked up ONeill and discovered he was participating in a seminar on safety in October in Pittsburgh. ONeill agreed to meet with him after the seminar, not to do the interview, but to explore the possibility.

Friedlander was impressed. Hes a phenomenal, extraordinary leader, a man of deep integrity that sincerely cares about safety and about people, and sees safety as the leading indicator for growing and organizational excellence, says the New York broker. Its the first step and hes not kidding about it. Hes very sincere about it and its very fascinating.

Needless to say, ONeill soon agreed to do the interview, which is the centerpiece of Friedlanders new book, Safety and Workers Compensation Strategies to Unleash Productivity and Profits, in which he also interviews other workers compensation and safety experts.

At that same Pittsburgh conference, Friedlander also met Bill ORourke, who implemented ONeills safety-first strategy at Alcoa Russia while he was president there, and Stephen Newell, partner with consultant ORCHSE who worked for OSHA and wrote the Blue Book on OSHA guidelines on injury and illness reporting requirements. He interviewed these two men along with the late Dave DePaolo (WorkCompCental.com founder), Brian Conner (attorney with the law firm of Weiss, Wexner and Wornow), Peggy Cook (claims vice president at the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies Service Corp.) and Jeffrey Fenster (AmTrust Financial executive and former head of the New York State Workers Compensation Board) for his book.

So what did Friedlander learn from his highly-anticipated interview with ONeill? In a recent interview Insurance Journals Andy Simpson, he answered that question and others and provided additional insights into ONeill and his own views on workplace safety.

Q&A with Adam Friedlander

Insurance Journal: What did you learn from Paul ONeill? He has argued, and some say hes demonstrated this along with Bill ORourke and the Alcoa Russia operation that you talk about, that focusing on safety can in fact lead to growth and higher profits. It sounds like youve seen this in your own work. Its been practiced over the years, but that maybe ONeill gave a different language to it? What was it about Paul ONeills way of talking about it that you found captivating and of interest to you?

Friedlander: Thats a great question. Paul ONeill has a few thoughts that were powerful to me. One was just that safetys a leading indicator of all performance at a company. That he placed human life and valued it above production. That and financial reward is not an objective. Its a consequence of safety excellence.

Were in a world where were dealing with distracted leaders who have pressures from just trying to compete and survive where they perceive safety to be an expense and a distraction and something without benefit.

Paul ONeill put a twist on it and instead of putting production over human life, he reversed it and grew Alcoa by 900 percent. I had never seen a case history that proved that. His switching around the priorities of production and human life values were fascinating to me.

Also his emphasis that putting financial objectives, seeing them as a consequence of safetyin fact he never wanted to tarnish safety or the pursuit of safety with any kind of financial objectives. He didnt want it to be about the money. He wanted to have safety because it was important and the right thing to do on a valuebased kind of leadership, rather than have a monetary objective.

[T]he other part that I find fascinating is his whole concept of zero injuries. Because safety is such a nebulous topic. When are you safe? How do you measure safety? Are you close to it? I find it too nebulous.

Zero injuries, I get. Its a definition that I understand. Even though it can be unlikely, what he would say is that if youre budgeting for three injuries per 100 people and if in December youre at one injury, no ones going to volunteer to be the other two injuries.

Thats a bit tongueincheek but the point is that zero has to be what you shoot for. I find it very compelling and its modified our approach. We always showed the benefit of having zero injuries in terms of experience modification, savings, and other benefits, but we didnt actually aim for it. Now its part of our discussion and our target.

Another point he made was that you have to change your language  that theres no such thingyou cant use the word accident. Because that has the sound of inevitability, and that its an act of God. He changed it to incident, which can be curable, that you can take responsibility and you can do something about it and engage your mind to fix it.

These little nuances, which are somewhat subtle for someone like me whos doing this all the timeit was very thrilling and eyeopening.

Insurance Journal: One of the other things it seems he demonstrated is that the culture starts at the top  that if you believe in safety, it must be reinforced regularly at the top. Do you agree with that?

Friedlander: Absolutely. What was interesting was that all of the thought leaders in the book all agreed with this. They all came to the same conclusions from differing disciplines within the workers comp industry. Some were defense attorneys, some were leaders, employers, regulators, but they all agreed with this.

Not just that it starts at the top but the culture has to be reinforced and led by the leader and that you have to walk the talk. Thats why my conclusion chapter was saying that the leader has to act as the chief caring officer. Because without the leader as the chief caring officer, its just going to fall flat. The program will not thrive.

Insurance Journal: Another thing that comes through in many, if not all, of the interviews in your book is, on the topic of fraud, not that they dismiss this, but its probably not as prevalent as generally perceived. Its not necessarily where they spend a lot of their time. Do you find that the case?

Friedlander: I do, but I think the reason why it captures the imagination of so many employers may be because they just dont want to own the fact that people get hurt and it could be for something they could have controlled.

They might want to blame it on fraud and blame it on the employee, rather than their culture or their leadership or something within their organization that could have avoided that claim. I think its just a path of least resistance.

Insurance Journal: If you have this safety culture and people see you doing the right thing by workers, its almost as if theres less motivation for people to try to jig the system because they know theyre going to be treated OK. Theyre not focused on that.

Friedlander: Right. Peggy Crook from FOJP [Service Corp.], which runs a lot of the claims for a lot of the hospitals, gave an example of a hospital where the management treated their employees as if they were gaming the system and they as a result had terrible claims experience. She had another hospital that treated their employees wonderfully and thought they were great and they had excellent claims experience. As Bill ORourke said, when you stress safety, you communicate that you care and as he says, Whats better than that?

It really does come down to that simple division. Do you care or dont you care, and do you walk the talk or do you just make insincere comments? If you make insincere comments, its really going to undermine your success.

Insurance Journal: Do you yourself see safety as a matter of ethics?

Friedlander: I do see it that way. I have to say that, since Ive had conversations and more exposure to Bill ORourke and Mr. ONeill, I see it more so that way. I have to sometimes curtail it. When we deal with clients we have to strike a balance. For Mr. ONeill, he doesnt want to tarnish safety with financial objectives. Our clients, if we dont discuss the financial advantages of safety, were not going to get their attention.

Insurance Journal: Thats the line that they understand.

Friedlander: Thats right. We do a blend because they all know its the right thing to do deep down. What they need is encouragement. They need a little education in terms of the upside of safety. They dont really know or recognize that its the path to productivity and profit.

Insurance Journal: Some of your interviews, Alcoa being one, Hilton Hotels being another concern sizable organizations. How important are these ideas for small or medium businesses? Do you talk to your smaller clients of mediumsized businesses the same way? Are they just as likely to see the rewards of the safety culture as larger corporations?

Friedlander: I think no. I think the answer is no.

The reason is I find the cutoff pointLook, first of all, if they care about others, you could do that at any size company. Where I find them more receptive to the things we talk about, and our processes is when their premium is north of a half a million dollars. At that point, they have a lot more open claims. They recognize they have a problem. Theyre uncomfortable with the regulations, and whether theyre adhering to them. They see that their HR people are scared and overwhelmed by all the claims they have.

They recognize they have to retrain and rehire. They see that its a big problem. The smaller firm, where they pay a premium, and they want the claims to go away, and they say, Hey, look, Ill pay you $10,000, but Im not dealing with the claims.

Theyre just not as ripe an opportunity for understanding and appreciating the costs and implications of a lack of safety. They just insure it away. They transfer the risk, and theyre done. The bigger employers, I find the bigger the company we work with, the more they appreciate what we do, and the more they need what we do.

Insurance Journal: Are there some best practices that come out of this book or your own experience, things that maybe get overlooked?

Friedlander: Just in general, theres not enough time spent in our industry coming up with reports that isolate patterns of injuries, especially informed by the impact on the experience mod. We do that, and I havent seen it elsewhere.

I think that Paul ONeills process of best practices is pretty state of the art. First, he establishes a philosophy that safetys a leading indicator of all performance at a company, that leaders value human life above production, and that financial reward is not an objective, which I mentioned earlier.

Then he goes into, The first step is that the leader articulates the vision of an injuryfree workplace, meaning zero injuries. That is the starting point. It comes from the leader to establish the agenda for the organization, and set the tone for the culture.

Then he changes the language to be, Incidents, not, Accidents. Then his core was that requires a root cause analysis of exactly what happened within 24 hours, and with penalties if its not done for the upper management.

When he got to work in the morning, Bill ORourke talked about how he would look at their data system from the day before to see if anyone was hurt, and want to know instantly what was done to make it never happen again.

Bill ORourke would get there early to make sure he could preempt it, so that hed have the answers for them, because he knew it was a problem. Then hed establish safety committees. Then he would communicate it companywide, which is very important, so that each part of the company learns from what happened, so they dont have to make the same mistakes. Have continuous organizational learning.

Another philosophy was there was no budget for safety, that you invest the resources in training systems and procedures, because peoples wellbeing is more important than cost.

Finally, he hired outside expertise for guidance, and to keep leaders focused. He had a plan. We essentially adhere to that plan.

Insurance Journal: Its not just a matter of learning from an actual incident or injury. There are events that can be learned from that maybe stop short of, fortunately, an injury.

Friedlander: They refer to that as a near miss. The goal there is whether it happens or not is not that material. Its just that the circumstances and environmental problems that led up to that near miss have to be eradicated so that it can never happen again. The whole idea of going to zero injuries is so powerful.

Editors Note: Friedlanders book of interviews, Safety and Workers Compensation Strategies to Unleash Productivity and Profits, is available on Amazon.com.

Topics Claims Workers' Compensation Profit Loss New York
Hundreds of terrorists will fan out to infiltrate western Europe and the U.S. to carry out attacks on a wider scale as Islamic State is defeated in Syria, FBI Director James Comey warned.

At some point theres going to be a terrorist diaspora out of Syria like weve never seen before, Comey said Wednesday in New York. We saw the future of this threat in Brussels and Paris, said the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, adding that future attacks will be on an order of magnitude greater.

Comeys blunt warnings echo those of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has scoffed at Obama administration efforts to defeat Islamic State extremists in Syria and Iraq. Nonetheless, the FBI chiefs comments reflect a consensus among U.S. intelligence officials that the group inevitably will strike out abroad as it continues to lose ground militarily under attack from a U.S.-led coalition.

CIA Director John Brennan told the Senate Intelligence Committee in June that our efforts have not reduced the groups terrorism capability and global reach. Using an acronym for Islamic State, Brennan said, as the pressure mounts on ISIL, we judge that it will intensify its global terror campaign to maintain its dominance of the global terrorism agenda.

Future attacks will be on 'an order of magnitude greater.'

Greatest Threat

Comey, who called violence directed or inspired by Islamic State the greatest threat to the physical safety of Americans today, said that a lot of terrorists fled out of

Afghanistan in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This is 10 times that or more.

In his remarks at a conference on cybersecurity, Comey also cited the difficulty of heading off what are often called lone-wolf attackers acting on the groups calls for violence.

It is increasingly hard for counterterrorism officials to find and stop individuals inspired or directed by Islamic State who use a knife or a vehicle to kill people, Comey said.

At the same time, U.S. officials have claimed increasing success in reducing Islamic States hold on the caliphate the group proclaimed across a swath of Iraq and Syria.

Kerry, Trump

We can say that the tide has turned, Secretary of State John Kerry said last week. Using an Arabic name for Islamic State, he said, Our coalition and partners on the ground have driven Daesh out of nearly 50 percent of the territory that it once controlled in Iraq and 20 percent of the territory in Syria. But he also cited the need for real-time communications between countries and other measures to counter the groups efforts to transform themselves into a global terrorist organization.

While Trump has said he would be more aggressive in attacking Islamic State if elected in November, he hasnt provided details. His response to the threat of attacks in the U.S. is a vow to introduce extreme vetting of potential immigrants from certain territories affected by terrorism.

Attacks in France have left more than 230 dead since the start of last year. A mass shooting that killed 49 people at a nightclub last month in Orlando, Florida, was carried out by a man who claimed allegiance to Islamic State. Less than two weeks before the Olympic Games begin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian police have rounded up a dozen people it said were possibly members of an Islamic State cell.

Beyond the West, Islamic State took credit for a July 23 suicide bombing at a rally in Kabul that killed more than 80 people, the deadliest single attack in Afghanistan in 15 years of war.

Encryption Debate

The FBI chief also spoke Thursday of the unresolved fight over law enforcement access to encrypted communications that brought his agency into conflict with Apple Inc. earlier this year.

The debate over encryption has dipped below public consciousness right now, Comey said.

The FBI is using that time to collect data on the negative impact that encrypted communications is having on investigations, he said. From October through March, 500 of 4,000 devices the FBI confiscated couldnt be opened due to encryption, he said.

Debate by policy makers over the issue probably will have to wait until next year, after the U.S. elections, he said.

At some point encryption is going to figure in a major event in this country, Comey said. Weve got to have the conversation before that happens.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA
Representatives of the United States and the European Union met in Brussels this week to continue their joint negotiations for a bilateral agreement on insurance and reinsurance measures.

Both sides continued to discuss in good faith matters relating to group supervision, exchange of confidential information between supervisory authorities on both sides, and reinsurance supervision, including collateral, they said in a joint statement that was similar to one issued after they talked in May.

EU and U.S. representatives exchanged concrete ideas in a constructive atmosphere, and addressed next steps towards completing negotiations in a timely manner, todays statement added.

In November 2015, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced their intention to begin negotiating a covered agreement with the EU. The talks began in February.

A covered agreement is an agreement between the U.S. and one or more foreign governments, authorities or regulatory entities regarding regulatory measures with respect to insurance or reinsurance.

European reinsurers and regulators want the U.S. to lift reinsurance collateral requirements on foreign reinsurers and treat them like U.S. reinsurers. European reinsurers and Lloyds of London syndicates complain they are disadvantaged compared to American competitors by the additional capital and collateral requirements of some states. They note that they must also now comply with new EU solvency [Solvency II) rules.

U.S. View

Michael McRaith, director of the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) within Treasury, has called negotiating a covered agreement with the European Union a critical step toward leveling the playing field for American insurers and reinsurers.

U.S. insurance groups want assurances that the EU will treat U.S. insurers fairly and recognize the U.S. regulatory scheme. Solvency II provide a process for non-EU countries to be determined to be equivalent to the Solvency II regime.

The American Insurance Association (AIA) supports a covered agreement and hopes it can be completed in the very near future because it believes U.S. insurers are not being treated fairly now.

According to Steve Simchak, director of International Affairs for AIA, since the EUs Solvency II directive, U.S. insurers have faced increasing obstacles to competing on a level playing field in Europe and the regulatory treatment of U.S. insurers and reinsurers is worsening, harming the ability of U.S. insurers to operate in Europe.

He said that a covered agreement can lower these obstacles for U.S. insurers in Europe and encourage greater cooperation between regulators in both markets as well as other regulators in the future.

The Property Casualty Insurers of America (PCI) said that one of its main objectives is U.S.-E.U. mutual recognition of each others insurance regulatory regimes. One system should not be imposed on the other and U.S. companies should not be disadvantaged in Europe, said Bob Woody, PCIs, vice president of policy for PCI.

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) has been more cautious about the covered agreement talks, expressing concerns that if other issues are allowed to be injected into the talks, any agreement could ultimately undermine the functional state regulators.

If this agreement is viewed as the first in a series of attempts to subvert the authority of state regulation through preemption, it might be seen as a dangerous precedent, Jimi Grande, senior vice president of federal and political affairs for NAMIC, said in November when Treasury announced it intended to pursue an agreement.

The U.S. has the power and influence to demand equivalency for our state-based insurance regulatory regime and NAMIC encourages our U.S. officials to use all means necessary to avoid regulatory changes and market disruptions due to self-serving pressure from abroad, Grande said.

State insurance regulators and some insurers are concerned that a covered agreement could potentially preempt state law and undermine the U.S. system of state regulation of insurance. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) believes states should continue to handle the situation through its model law process. The NAIC has a model law that eases the collateral requirements for foreign reinsurers that has been adopted by 32 states (about 66 percent of the market).

The NAIC has said it has assurances that state regulators will have direct and meaningful participation in the U.S.-EU discussions. The administration has promised it will consult with Congress and state regulators throughout the negotiation process.
Louisiana State Police say eight people have been arrested in connection with an alleged insurance fraud scheme involving staged traffic crashes in Jefferson Davis Parish.

A state police news release says the investigation began earlier this year. It found that a group of family and friends staged three crashes over five months. The scheme also involved a so-called jump-in crash, in which someone falsely claimed to have been in a vehicle at the time of a crash.

All face insurance fraud charges. Some face theft charges. Three face child desertion charges because children were involved in the staged crashes.

According to the LSP, those arrested and booked into Jefferson Davis Parish Jail are:

Devondrick Sams, age 28 of Jennings: Automobile insurance fraud (2 counts), felony theft (2 counts), filing or maintaining false public records, child desertion (2 counts)

Tamale Sonnier, age 27 of Jennings: Automobile insurance fraud (3 counts), felony theft (3 counts), child desertion (2 counts)

Saundra Pete, age 61 of Jennings: Automobile insurance fraud

Jaylin Sams, age 26 of Jennings, Automobile insurance fraud, felony theft, filing or maintaining false public records

Dawn Sonnier, age 26 of Jennings: Automobile insurance fraud (3 counts), felony theft, filing or maintaining false public records (2 counts), child desertion (3 counts)

Rhinehart Thibodeaux, age 47 of Jennings: Automobile insurance fraud, felony theft, filing or maintaining false public records

Victoria Shaw, age 39 of Mamou: Automobile insurance fraud, filing or maintaining false public records

Marlo Latasha Diggs, age 28 of Abbeville: Automobile insurance fraud and felony theft

Automobile insurance fraud is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine plus restitution, according to the LSP.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Louisiana Fraud Law Enforcement
Alleged racial harassment and retaliation at a Texas work site has led to lawsuit filed against two oilfield services companies by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced.

The EEOC says Bermuda-based oilfield services companies Nabors Industries Ltd. and C&J Energy Services Ltd. violated federal law through widespread racial harassment of African-American employees and punishing those who complained about the abuse at a site in Pleasanton, Texas.

According to EEOCs lawsuit, Nabors racially harassed black employees assigned to fracking and coiled tubing oilfield service operations in Pleasanton, Texas, since at least 2012.

The EEOCs lawsuit describes employees and managers hurling racial epithets towards African-American employees at work, including a company meeting attended by the district manager, where an employee referred to an African-American supervisor with the N-word.

After yet another hostile incident, the African-American supervisor reported the treatment to management, but was terminated while the offending employees were retained. The lawsuit also names other workers who were retaliated against for opposing discrimination, including an employee who brought the matter directly to an executive vice president of the company.

Additionally, white employees were given preference based on race over black employees in duties, compensation and job assignments, EEOC said. The lawsuit further charges that employees who reported discrimination to Nabors management and who cooperated with EEOCs investigation were subjected to reprisal actions which sometimes led to firing.

The agencys lawsuit also named C&J Energy Services as a defendant for its successor role in business operations.

EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division (EEOC v. C&J Energy Services, Inc. d/b/a Nabors Industries, Ltd., Civil Action No. 05:16-CV-758-FB) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. EEOC seeks damages for past and future pecuniary losses, past and future non-pecuniary losses, compensatory damages and punitive damages as well as injunctive relief.

Source: EEOC

Topics Lawsuits Texas
A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of bb+ of Century Casualty Company in Alpharetta, Ga. The outlook for the FSR remains stable, while the outlook for the ICR remains negative. Concurrently, A.M. Best has withdrawn the ratings as the company has requested to no longer participate in A.M. Bests interactive rating process.

The ratings reflect deterioration of Century Casualtys underwriting results, with underwriting and operating losses reported in 2013 through 2015. The weakness in underwriting performance has primarily stemmed from hotel/motel and convenience store accounts written in 2013 and 2014, as well as managements decision to strengthen case reserves on several accounts within the discontinued 40 percent quota share with Occidental Fire & Casualty Company of North Carolina (Occidental).

Century Casualty currently participates in a 15 percent quota share with Occidental, effective Sept. 1, 2014. As a result of the operating losses, Century Casualtys policyholders surplus has declined in recent years. Still, Century Casualty maintains adequate risk-adjusted capitalization driven by low underwriting leverage and a conservative investment portfolio.

The negative outlook for the ICR reflects A.M. Bests expectation of moderate underwriting losses in the near term and challenges the company faces to improve underwriting results.

Source: A.M. Best

Topics Underwriting Georgia AM Best Casualty
Peabody Energy Corp., the largest U.S. coal producer, reached a deal to cover mine clean-up liabilities while in bankruptcy with three U.S. states, court documents showed on Tuesday.

Peabody has benefited from a federal program known as self-bonding that allows the largest miners to extract coal without setting aside cash or collateral to ensure the company will restore the site to its natural setting.

The practice has come under scrutiny following bankruptcy filings by Peabody and other large coal miners because without collateral set aside for mine reclamation, taxpayers are potentially exposed to billions of dollars in cleanup costs.

Under agreements reached with Wyoming, New Mexico and Indiana, about 15 percent of Peabodys $1.2 billion in self-bonds will be secured by debtor-in-possession financing during its bankruptcy.

Wyoming can receive $127 million cash if Peabody were to walk away from reclamation in that state while in bankruptcy, New Mexico $32 million and Indiana $17 million.

The agreements are similar to bankruptcy deals reached by coal miners Arch Coal and Alpha Natural Resources in Wyoming and West Virginia.

Peabodys agreement must be approved by a federal bankruptcy judge at a hearing in August.

The deals did not specify whether Peabody must replace its self-bonds once it emerges from bankruptcy, as Alpha did this month in Wyoming.

In court filings, Peabody said that were it required to replace its self-bonded liabilities, its entire liquidity would be depleted, leaving it without enough cash to run its business.

This is a scenario regulators have said they want to avoid. If a producer walks away from its self-bonded mines, the state would be stuck with the cleanup.

There were $3.9 billion of self-bonds across the United States as of June 1, including $2.2 billion in the hands of bankrupt coal miners, according to federal mining regulator Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE).

If Peabody were to handle its own cleanups, it said the bill would be significantly less than its $1.2 billion in self-bonds. Reclamation costs are listed on its books at $450 million, it said.

Peabody has already been taking steps to reduce its environmental liabilities in Wyoming by speeding up grass planting and regulatory paperwork at former mines.

The company also has self-bonds in Illinois, which has expressed concern over the companys reclamation liabilities and was not included in the settlements. (Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Tom Hals and Marguerita Choy)

Topics USA Mining
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Azerbaijan has made significant contribution to the fight against the movement of Fethullah Gulen, the TRT Haber news channel quoted Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as saying July 28.

Azerbaijans support to fighting the Gulen movement should be an example for the brotherly countries for Turkey, according to the foreign minister.

Earlier, Turkeys Foreign Ministry appealed to a number of countries in relation to fighting the terrorist organization of Fethullah Gulen.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
President Obama has released Presidential Policy Directive/PPD 41, establishing principles to govern responses to major federal and private sector cyber attacks.

Although not specifically focused on cyber incidents at healthcare organizations, the directive does recognize the serious impact that such incidents can have on public health and safety.

While the vast majority of cyber incidents can be handled through existing policies, certain cyber incidents that have significant impacts on an entity, our national security or the broader economy require a unique approach to response efforts, according to the directive. These significant cyber incidents demand unity of effort within the Federal Government and especially close coordination between the public and private sectors.

The policy directive covers any cyber incident, establishes lead federal agencies to coordinate responses, and requires the departments of Justice and Homeland Security to maintain updated contact information for public use to report incidents. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also plays a major role in responses, according to the directive.

The document also describes a significant cyber incident or a group of related incidents as those that are likely to demonstrate harm to national security interests, foreign relations, the national economy, public confidence, civil liberties or public health and safety.

The directive spells out five guiding principles covering shared responsibility among individuals, the private sector and government; resource allocation based on risks posed by an attack; safeguarding details of an incident, privacy and civil liberties and sensitive private sector information; generally deferring to affected entities in notifying private sector entities and the general public; coordinating among government entities to achieve optimal results, and facilitating restoration and recovery.

Further, the government will conduct investigations at affected entity sites, provide technical support to protect assets and mitigate vulnerabilities, facilitate information sharing, gather and disseminate intelligence, and coordinate with affected private entities to understand potential impacts of an attack on critical private sector infrastructure.

The directive lists specific certain federal agencies as lead agencies for mitigating three effects of an attack: threat response activities (Justice, FBI and National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force), asset response activities (Homeland Security and its National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center), and intelligence support and related activities (Director of National Intelligence through the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center).

Homeland Security and Justice are tasked with disseminating a fact sheet to aid the private sector in contacting relevant federal agencies after a cyber incident. Numerous coordinating federal agencies have 180 days to implement the new national policy in cyber response exercises.

The Presidential Directive is available here. A related document, Annex to Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-41, spells out more details of federal government coordination efforts.
Even six years after the Panama Papers leaked a confidential list of offshore accounts held by the global elite, tax morality is still very much on the table.
E arrivata lufficialita, dopo una giornata di voci rincorrenti: per il triennio 2018-2021 sara lemittente Sky a godere dei diritti televisivi per trasmettere, in esclusiva assoluta, le partite non solo delle prossime edizioni dellEuropa League ma anche quelle della massima competizione continentale, la Champions. Un pacchetto da favola per il quale la tv satellitare di Rupert Murdoch avrebbe messo sul piatto unofferta giudicata piu congrua di quella presentata dalla concorrente Mediaset. A dare lannuncio dellaffare concluso e stata la stessa Sky che, in un comunicato, ha spiegato che il nuovo format sviluppato dalla UEFA ci consentira di portare ai nostri abbonati un prodotto rivoluzionario per il calcio europeo in Italia. Per la prima volta la UEFA Champions League e la UEFA Europa League saranno insieme in unesclusiva offerta integrata, che permettera agli appassionati di seguire fino a 7 squadre italiane, mai cosi tante prima dora, impegnate nelle sfide con i migliori club europei.

Sky: Rafforzata leadership

Anche il livello tecnico dellofferta sara altissimo ed e ancora lemittente a rivelare i dettagli: Continueremo a fare innovazione, trasmettendo le partite piu importanti anche in 4K HDR. Questofferta senza precedenti rafforza la posizione di Sky come leader della programmazione sportiva in Italia ed e anche un altro passo importante di sostegno al calcio italiano. Insomma, per i prossimi tre anni, sara unegemonia totale quella della satellitare sul calcio europeo, avendo mantenuto il pacchetto Europa League (gia sua esclusiva) e affiancandola a quello ancor piu appetibile della Champions League ad appannaggio Mediaset dal 2015 al 2018.

Sfida Serie A

Ora la sfida fra i due colossi delle trasmissioni sportive si spostera sui diritti televisivi della prossima Serie A, per la quale si e ancora in attesa di un nuovo bando che, come annunciato dal commissario della Lega, Carlo Tavecchio, avra le stesse caratteristiche del precedente, andato pero a vuoto: solo una delle offerte presentate per i cinque pacchetti, infatti, superava la soglia minima richiesta dalla base dasta. Niente di fatto, quindi, anche in virtu della stessa Mediaset che, in sostanza, ha disertato il bando (giudicato inaccettabile) non presentando alcuna offerta. La battaglia, anche in questo caso, sara sulle esclusive: del resto, dopo essersi vista scivolare via una componente importante come la Champions, sulla Serie A Mediaset dara sicuramente battaglia.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

One of the diplomats, an employee of Turkish consulate in Kazan, Russia, has fled to Japan, the TRT Haber news channel quoted Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as saying July 28.

That diplomat had ties to the terrorist organization of Fethullah Gulen, said the foreign minister.

He pointed out that 88 employees, including two ambassadors were dismissed from Turkeys Foreign Ministry as part of the fight against Gulen movement.

Currently, the ties of a number of Turkish ambassadors to Gulen movement are being studied, said Cavusoglu.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Noi siamo fiduciosi del fatto che la Clinton comprenda il ruolo degli Stati Uniti nel mondo, non abbiamo dubbi che lei affrontera in modo assiduo i problemi che il nostro Paese deve affrontare, e lei ha dimostrato la sua disposizione allanalisi ed al duro impegno. E un estratto delleditoriale con cui il magazine The Atlantic ha palesato il suo appoggio alla candidata democratica alle elezioni presidenziali, Hillary Clinton.

Il magazine ha deciso di dare il suo endorsment alla Clinton definendola uno dei candidati piu preparati di sempre e, inoltre, ha bollato Donald Trump come demagogo, xenofobo, sessista, uno che non sa niente ed e un bugiardo, specificandolo che lo considera il candidato piu dichiaratamente non qualificato nei 227 anni della storia della presidenza americana e che sarebbe una minaccia esistenziale per la Repubblica.

Fondata nel 1857, la prestigiosa e storica rivista solo in altre due occasioni si era apertamente schierata a favore di un candidato alla Casa Bianca: nel 1860 con Abraham Lincoln e nel 1964 con Lyndon B. Johnson. A sottolineare limportanza e leccezionalita della decisione e il direttore di The Atlantic, Scott Stossel, che paragona la scelta di sostenere la Clinton a quella fatta nel 1964 a favore di Johnson che si scontrava con il repubblicano Barry Goldwater.
Company Overview Account Minimum $0 ($10 to invest) Fees Less than $10,000: No Fee Between $10,001 - $49,999: $3 monthly fee Above $50,000: 0.35% annual fee Goal Planning Retirement, Home Available Assets Proprietary Fidelity Flex Mutual Funds Interest Paid on Cash Balances 0.01% Customizable Portfolio Yes, 14 Different Risk Levels View Portfolio before Funding Yes Customer Service Phone lines open 24/7, Live Chat M-F 8am - 6pm EST Financial Advisor Available No Cash Management Sweep Account Tax-Loss Harvesting No External Account Sync/Consolidation No Mobile App Android, iOS

Account Setup

Fidelity Go has a straightforward guided onboarding process to help you get started. The signup process kicks off by prompting you to select a savings goal of either retirement or Something Else." Next, youll answer a short series of questions asking about your investment timeline, risk tolerance, and personal financial data. Once this is complete youll find a proposed portfolio that best matches the information youve provided so far. There is also an option to select a different portfolio risk level if desired.

From here youll also choose which type of investment account to open. Fidelity Go has a limited number of options as youll choose from taxable accounts, traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Roth IRAs, rollover IRAs and health savings accounts (HSA). Youll also be prompted to choose a funding method, which includes linking your bank account, transferring cash or securities, or making a deposit via check. There is no minimum deposit needed to open your account, although there is a $10 minimum before your funds will be invested.

Goal Planning

Fidelity Go allows you to set up savings goals when your account is created. While each account can only have a single goal assigned to it, you can set up multiple accounts with different goals depending on your situation. The initial investment goals are centered around retirement, large purchases, and general investing, but other goal setting options are available through Fidelitys larger platform integrations.

This is one of the major benefits Fidelity Go offers: access to the larger Fidelity suite of financial tools and goal setting options. Fidelity Spire is a separate offering which can be integrated with Fidelity Go that offers more extensive financial planning options, including the ability to connect external financial accounts like 401(k) workplace retirement plans for more holistic goal planning. This is helpful as you can potentially view all your financial accounts in one place to evaluate financial wellness.

If youre looking for goal planning combined with human guidance, Fidelity offers a personalized planning and advice platform that provides a true hybrid money management experience. For a minimum of $25,000 invested at a 0.5% annual fee, youll have access to financial coaching, professional money management, and more dynamic financial planning.



Account Services

Fidelity Gos focus is to help you achieve your investment goals in your taxable accounts, IRAs, and HSA accounts. To that end, the deposit process includes a decisioning tool that helps you determine how to balance contributions to multiple accounts while staying on track to reach your goals. These deposits are automatically invested based on the portfolio best aligned for your timeline without placing individual trades, choosing stocks, or timing the market.

These features emphasize Fidelity Gos platform being geared towards a streamlined portfolio and planning solution to save for common, straightforward goals. As a result, there are limited investment account features on the platform. Margin, loan, credit, spend, and banking options are not available through Fidelity Go but are accessible through other platforms within Fidelity.



Cash Management

There is a cash management option available through Fidelity Go. Cash that is not invested in your account is automatically swept into the Fidelity Government Cash Reserves fund. This has the potential to offer a bit higher return compared to being swept into a bank deposit account. While there isnt a spend option through Fidelity Go, all Fidelity users have access to the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature card which offers 2% cash-back rewards. Even though this card isnt uniquely integrated to Fidelity Go, it highlights the platforms benefit of being associated with the larger suite of Fidelity products.

Portfolio Construction

Fidelity Go portfolios are built solely through different proprietary Fidelity Flex mutual funds. These zero-fee funds help ensure more of your dollars are invested on your behalf and combine to make up 14 different pre-built portfolio allocations based on your situation, goals, and timeline. Using these funds, youll invest in bonds, short term, domestic, and foreign asset classes. The most conservative allocation is 20% equity and 80% bonds while the most aggressive portfolio is 85% equity and 15% bonds.

The portfolio strategy is generally passive, attempting to match overall market growth adjusted for your investment risk preference. This approach is a solid starting point. However, the lack of other asset classes or funds outside of Fidelity misses an opportunity to build a stronger investment selection. These same portfolio constraints also impact investors seeking a socially conscious option as there is no portfolio dedicated to this strategy.


Tesla Inc. (TSLA) has grown rapidly into one of the world's largest all-electric vehicle companies through the sale of cars and pickup trucks in the U.S., China, and other countries throughout the world. It has even become the most valuable automaker in the world by market capitalization. Tesla's automotive segment accounts for the vast majority of revenue and profits at the Austin-headquartered company.

Tesla faces growing competition from other major automakers who are developing and marketing electric vehicles, including General Motors Co. (GM), China-based Nio Inc. (NIO), as well as German-based automakers Volkswagen AG (VOW3) and Daimler AG (DMLRY).

Key Takeaways Tesla makes, sells, and services all-electric vehicles in the U.S., Europe, and China. It also sells energy generation products.

The company gets the vast majority of its revenue and all of its profits from automotive sales.

Tesla is experiencing rapid growth in China.

Tesla is facing investigations from regulators in different countries concerning safety-related issues with the electric automaker's vehicles.

The company was recently sued by a California regulatory agency on allegations of racial discrimination and harassment at its factory in Fremont, CA.

Tesla Financials

Tesla announced in late January financial results for its 2021 fiscal year (FY), which ended Dec. 31, 2021. Net income attributable to the company's common shareholders rose 665.5% during the year to $5.5 billion. Revenue expanded to $53.8 billion, up 70.7% compared to the previous year. Gross profit, which Tesla uses as a profitability metric for its individual business segments, increased 105.2% to $13.6 billion.

As much as 44.5% of Tesla's revenue was generated within the U.S. during FY 2021, up 57.6% compared to FY 2020. Revenue from China more than doubled over the year and now accounts for about 25.7% of total revenue. The remaining 29.7% of annual revenue was generated in other countries throughout the world.

In its earnings release, Tesla said that its vehicle deliveries were up 87% in FY 2021. The company is looking to increase its manufacturing capacity as quickly as possible. It has begun to ramp up production at its new factories in Austin, TX, and Berlin while attempting to maximize output at its established factories in Fremont, CA, and Shanghai. However, Tesla continues to face ongoing global supply chain challenges, which are limiting its ability to operate at full capacity.

Tesla Business Segments

Tesla operates through two main business segments: automotive and energy generation and storage. The company provides revenue and gross profit metrics for each segment, as we show below and in the pie charts above.

Automotive

Tesla's automotive segment comprises the design, development, manufacturing, sales, and leasing of electric vehicles, as well as the sale of automotive regulatory credits. The segment, which accounts for 95% of total revenue and all of the company's gross profit, also includes non-warranty after-sales vehicle services, sales of used vehicles, retail merchandise, and vehicle insurance revenue. The segment posted a gross profit of $13.7 billion in FY 2021, up 107.7% compared to the previous year. Revenue rose 72.8% to $51.0 billion.

Energy generation and storage

The energy generation and storage segment, which accounts for 5% of total revenue, includes the design, manufacture, installation, sales, and leasing of solar energy generation and energy storage products and related services as well as sales of solar energy systems incentives. The segment posted a gross loss of $129 million in FY 2021, a significant deterioration from the gross profit of $18 million reported in FY 2020. Revenue for the segment rose 39.9% to $2.8 billion.

Tesla Recent Developments

On Feb. 21, 2022, a German newspaper reported that Tesla's Autopilot technology was being probed by German regulators. The safety of the technology, which functions as an automated lane-changing system in the automaker's vehicles, is being investigated by the motor transportation authorities of Germany. Tesla also faces a second probe from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after reports of "phantom braking" of the company's vehicles at high speeds, a potential malfunction where the automated braking system applies the vehicle's brakes to prevent a collision but there is nothing there with which to collide.

On Feb. 10, 2022, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, a California regulatory agency, sued Tesla for alleged racial discrimination and harassment. The allegation states that the electric automaker ignored years of complaints from Black workers at Tesla's main manufacturing plant in Fremont, CA.

On Feb. 3, 2022, Reuters reported that Tesla was recalling 817,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a malfunction of the audible seatbelt reminder alert in certain vehicle models. To address the issue, the report said that Tesla would perform an over-the-air software update.

How Tesla Reports Diversity and Inclusiveness

As part of our effort to improve the awareness of the importance of diversity in companies, we offer investors a glimpse into the transparency of Tesla and its commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and social responsibility. We examined the data Tesla releases to show you how it reports the diversity of its board and workforce to help readers make educated purchasing and investing decisions.

Below is a table of potential diversity measurements. It shows whether Tesla discloses its data about the diversity of its board of directors, C-Suite, general management, and employees overall, as is marked with a . It also shows whether Tesla breaks down those reports to reveal the diversity of itself by race, gender, ability, veteran status, and LGBTQ+ identity.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will discuss a number of important economic and political issues during the meeting in St. Petersburg Aug.9, Turkish presidential administration told Trend July 28.

Fighting the terrorist organizations in Syria is among the issues planned to be discussed during that meeting, said the presidential administration.

Moreover, the presidents are expected to discuss the joint energy projects of Russia and Turkey, such as the Turkish Stream gas pipeline and the construction of Akkuyu nuclear power plant.

The parties will also discuss the ways of further developing the relations between Ankara and Moscow, said Turkeys presidential administration.

Earlier, Turkeys Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources told Trend that Ankara can unfreeze the Turkish Stream project.

Currently, this issue is under consideration, said the ministry.

The relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated after the Su-24 bomber incident in 2015.

On June 27, Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident.

Earlier, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, commenting on the improvement of relations between Turkey and Russia, thanked Azerbaijan for its contribution to normalization of the relations.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
The Iraqi military will use a medieval tactic to keep control of Fallujah after recapturing it from the Islamic State group last month: It is digging a trench around the city.



The trench will have a single opening for residents to move in and out of the city, which is virtually empty since the offensive that defeated the IS militants, said Lt. Gen. Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, deputy commander of the counterterrorism forces that led the successful campaign.



It will be about 7 miles (11 kilometers) long and "will protect the city's residents, who have lived through many tragedies, as well as security forces deployed there," al-Saadi said in an interview with The Associated Press at his Baghdad headquarters.



Cutting off all roads but one will allow authorities to monitor the movements of residents more closely. Fallujah has been a source of car bombs used against Baghdad, which is 40 miles (65 kilometers) to the east. Restricting traffic will be one way to try to stop any explosives-laden vehicles from leaving the city.



Besides the trench, more modern security measures also will be used.











Personal details of the estimated 85,000 residents who fled during the May-June battle to liberate the city will be stored electronically, and forgery-proof ID cards will be issued, according to Mayor Issa al-Issawi. Cars owned by residents also will be issued display badges containing electronic chips.



The trenches will be about 40 feet (12.5 meters) wide and 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep.



Work has begun on the first leg, running about 4 miles (6 kilometers) on the north and northwest side of the city, al-Issawi told the AP. Digging the second leg, which runs 3 miles (5 kilometers) along the south and southeast, will begin soon, he said.



The western edge of Fallujah abuts the Euphrates River, providing a natural barrier. On the east side is the heavily patrolled main highway to Baghdad, which will be the sole entrance to Fallujah.



The two trenches run through open desert areas used in the past by militants, said Maj. Gen. Saad Harbiyah, in charge of military operations in western Baghdad.



Iraqis have used various earthworks, walls and fortifications ever since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. During the war, Saddam had trenches dug around Baghdad, filled them with oil and set them ablaze, using thick, black smoke to obscure the view for U.S. warplanes.



Since the war, Baghdad has become a city of concrete blast walls, erected to protect buildings but also to control the movement of people. During the 2006-07 sectarian violence between Shiites and Sunnis, entire neighborhoods were sealed off by blast walls to restrict and monitor access.



In January 2014, Fallujah became the first major Iraqi city to be captured by the Islamic State group. The extremists later swept through much of Anbar province, taking its capital, Ramadi, and much of the north, including Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul.



A U.S.-led coalition and Iranian-backed Shiite militia forces have helped the Iraqi army recapture territory from the Islamic State.



Security problems have plagued Iraq, especially in Fallujah. The city has been a center of Sunni opposition to Shiite-led governments in Baghdad, with Sunnis complaining of discrimination at the hands of the country's majority Shiites.



Fallujah residents have suffered under more than two years of rule by Sunni extremists of the Islamic State group. That suffering could be exacerbated if the security measures are seen by residents as too heavy-handed.



Security measures like the trench may make little difference in the long run if there is no reconciliation between Sunnis and a government many of them see as oppressive, illegitimate and a tool in the hands of Iraq's giant Shiite neighbor, Iran. Shiite hard-liners, in turn, see Sunnis as sympathetic to militants, many of whom view Shiites as infidels.



The Iraqi government also plans to dig a trench along the border between Anbar province, where Fallujah is located, and neighboring Karbala, home to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines. Work also has begun on walls and trenches around vulnerable parts of Baghdad's outer areas to guard against car bombs. In both cases, however, work has been slowed by lack of funds and corruption.



Fallujah faces its own internal differences as well. Some factions of its main tribal clans declared allegiance to IS, while others did not, prompting the extremists to kill prominent tribal members and blow up the homes of those who fled.



Iraqi authorities arrested about 21,000 Fallujah residents from among those who fled the city on suspicion of IS membership, according to al-Saadi. Following questioning, all were released except for about 2,000 who face further interrogation and possible prosecution, he added.



Tens of thousands of displaced residents will be allowed to return to Fallujah later this year, al-Saadi said.



"We must turn a new page with Fallujah. There is no other way for reconciliation," said al-Saadi, a veteran of the government's fight against militants in Anbar.



"We must punish those with blood on their hands, but not those who merely joined Daesh," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. "Revenge and mass trials will only breed more hatred and resentment."



Government spokesman Saad al-Hadithi echoed al-Saadi's view.



"We cannot judge people by their intentions. Only those who committed crimes will face justice," al-Hadithi told AP. The government intends to rely on the local police force and Sunni tribesmen to maintain security in Fallujah, he said.



But the chairman of Anbar's provincial council, Sabah al-Karhout, complained that "reconciliation efforts" were below what was needed and that much rides on how secure Fallujah residents feel when they return home.



"Marginalization must end so that calls for a federal system to disappear," he said, alluding to a growing sentiment among Iraq's Sunni Arabs for autonomy in their regions.



| Soruce: Business Insider | By S.Seal
McKenna McFadden, an Irish American film and television major at New York University, was in Dublin during summer 2016 with an NYU program.

In July 2016, the NYU Dublin group that McFadden was a part of was being led on a tour of Omey Island by the Connemara-based archaeologist Michael Gibbons.

During the tour, something caught McFadden's eye. Little did she think it would be a rare artifact from the 12th century.

Read more Ancient bones reveal Irish are not Celts after all

McFadden told IrishCentral, I had been looking at some rabbit burrows with my friend while on a tour of the island led by archaeologist Michael Gibbons. When stepping back from the burrows, I looked down and saw the back of the brooch and picked it up.

When I first looked at it, I really thought nothing of it! It was really pretty and I thought someone had possibly dropped it, she recalled, not thinking that whoever dropped it did so centuries ago.

I kept it with me until I caught up with Michael and he was very intrigued. He had me take him back to the site at which I found it. I didn't fully realize how important the find was at the time. Now, I'm amazed and surprised and I'm very happy that I was able to place it in the hands of people who would appreciate it.

The artifact called a kite brooch because of its distinctive shape, is now with the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. The brooch, which would have been used to fasten a cloak or shawl, is one of only a few examples of its kind to ever be found in Ireland.

Read more Drone operator makes incredible archaeological discovery in Clare

McFaddens adventure wasnt over there, however. News of her discovery quickly spread, and while the reactions were mostly, as you might expect, very positive and appreciative, one radio host for RTEs 2FM had a bizarrely negative take on the story.

"You find a thing that's about a thousand years old and McKenna McFadden finds it, Chris, one of the hosts of the show Breakfast Republic, complained.

"Probably wearing an auld NorthFace jacket, had probably been in Temple Bar and spent 9 on a pint of Guinness, probably only read about Ireland once in a book and watched "The Departed" and thinks they're Irish... and then comes to Ireland and finds part of our history, part of our culture!"

"Wouldn't it be better if someone from the local area found it?" his co-host, Claire asked.

McFadden, who had entrusted the brooch to the National Museum, called into the show to give her side of the story like an absolute legend. You can listen to their conversation here.

As she later told IrishCentral, she has a vested interest in Ireland. I have wanted to go to Ireland for as long as I can remember. When I got to NYU, I immediately knew that I wanted to take the Irish language courses offered and travel to Ireland. Eventually, I realized that I should put those classes to good use and pursue a minor in Irish Studies.

And shes having a great time on the trip so far. I fell in love with the west of Ireland. Connemara is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I was in complete awe the entire time. It's truly a humbling experience, she said.

After growing up in the Arizona desert and living in New York City for 2 years, I forgot how green the world could be.

Nice work, McKenna!

*Originally published in October 2016, last updated in December 2020.

Read more Irish schoolboy discovers 4,000-year-old boat in Roscommon

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A teenager has been charged with attempted murder following a water fight in Hyde Park which descended into violence.

Scotland Yard said Josh Clemence, 18, was charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of grievous bodily harm with intent, in relation to two stabbings in Hyde Park on Tuesday, July 19.
Executives try to strike all the right notes and use all the latest buzzwords, but the numbers show a disturbing trend and competitors are way ahead with real innovations that can be seen and touched.

This is now happening to Apple.

On Tuesday, Apple released its fiscal third quarter results. Revenue is 14.6% down year-on-year. Net income is down 27%.

Even Apples enormous cash pile, has decreased slightly as debt  which Apple uses to move overseas profits to the US  grew by $5bn (4.5bn).

iPhone sales are down 23.3% on the year-ago quarter  and they are the backbone of the companys revenue, still accounting for 56.8% of it.

The growth in services  18.8% year-on-year  trumpeted by chief executive officer Tim Cook during Tuesdays earning call  does little to make up for that shortfall: Apple sold almost $6bn worth of services in the latest quarter and $24bn worth of iPhones, so the scale isnt comparable.

Sales in Greater China, Apples single biggest source of growth in recent years, are down 33% year-on-year, more than in any other geographical region.

We face some challenges was how Mr Cook described this on the earnings call.

A debacle could be a better description.

Its not really caused by currency headwinds, a slowdown in the Chinese economy or any other factor beyond Apples control.

The company is losing competitiveness in both hardware and software, and its concessions to smartphone commoditisation  such as the launch of the mid-range iPhone SE, which Mr Cook called highly successful  are doing little to stem the decline.

In hardware, it is losing to Samsung, a company whose earnings have increased 17% year on year in the same quarter thanks to the strong sales of the flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S7 Edge and the Galaxy S7. Samsung struggled throughout last year, after Apple copied it by producing a large-screen phone, but then it fought back with a curved screen and better specifications. At the same time, it simplified its product lineup and cut costs.

Samsungs edge on Apple is mainly in hardware.

Its the global leader in high-end displays, and its phones use more advanced display technology than iPhones.

Apple will be buying Samsungs OLED  organic light-emitting diode  panels starting next year, but Samsung will, of course, be the first to benefit from any technology advances  for example, Samsung is working on making these displays flexible, then foldable.

Samsung and other smartphone manufacturers are working closely with Google on its plan to turn mobile phones into virtual reality and augmented reality devices.

Samsungs flagships can already be turned into VR headsets, and these capabilities will be ehnanced by VR features baked into the new version of Android, Googles mobile operating system, which will debut this fall and is already available in beta.

Lenovo has developed and will soon release an AR phone. Foldable phones with VR and AR capabilities? Dont expect them from Apple yet.

Mr Cook was asked about augmented reality on the earnings call, and his answer was vague: AR can be really great.

And we have been and continue to invest a lot in this. We are high on AR for the long run. We think there are great things for customers and a great commercial opportunity.

Googles plans are much more specific, and there are real products attached to them.

Mr Cook isnt just following the Apple tradition of not talking much about devices that havent been released yet  he doesnt have much to say.

He touts tiny improvements (beautifully redesigned apps for music, maps and news) or advances long since made by Google (machine learning enables Siri to understand words as well as the intent behind them) as if they can make a difference for his company  the way AR, VR and flexible screens surely will to the Android ecosystem.

The reason Apple has fallen behind is that for years, its research and development spending has lagged behind its rivals.

The company has stepped it up recently, but hasnt caught up. Resting on ones laurels is dangerous in any industry, but it can lead to especially ugly results in tech.

Waiting for rivals to develop new technology, suffer from growing pains and reap all the early errors before putting out a product with all the kinks ironed out may be a good strategy, and it has served Apple well.

But the rivals may be less kind to it in the future.
Agricultural Science Association (ASA) president Neil Keane made the comment when announcing that two global experts will be among the speakers at its annual conference in Kilkenny in September.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) chief economist, Dr Robert Johansson, and senior vice-president and chief communications officer at Intrexon Corporation, Jack Bobo, will address the delegates.
Second-quarter results were issued hours after a priest was killed by Islamist militants in France, adding to a spate of attacks in Europe that has knocked demand for travel and coming on top of the uncertainty created by Britains vote to leave the European Union.

There is clear pressure on France as a destination, chief financial officer Pierre-Francois Riolacci said, adding travellers from China and Japan in particular were staying away and that lower ticket prices would more than cancel out any savings from lower fuel bills this year.

EasyJet last week said it was unable to give an earnings forecast, while Germanys Lufthansa warned on profit. Low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air maintained their targets, but said they will shift capacity away from Britain after its vote to quit the EU.

Mr Riolacci said he expected unit revenues  a measure of pricing  to decline in July and August as a result of the restrained demand and overcapacity across the industry. Unit revenues fell 4.1% in the second quarter when adjusted for currency.

The Air France cabin crew strike is set to cost more than 40m. He said, however, the group had seen unit revenues fall less than rivals because it had been more constrained on the amount of capacity it offers.

Air France-KLM plans to grow capacity 1% this year. Lufthansa last week trimmed its growth plans to 5.4% from 6%.

Unfortunately, European airlines as a whole have been on a growth binge powered along by lower cost fuel. Binges tend to end badly and we see this one looks to be no exception, RBC analyst Damian Brewer said.

The Franco-Dutch group is also dealing with more strikes and its two main cabin crew unions called for a week of walkouts, starting yesterday, after talks on renewing a collective labour agreement broke down.

Still, its shares rose slightly yesterday, as lower fuel and cost-cutting efforts led to better than expected results for the second quarter. Shares in the carrier are down 25% this year.

Although revenues fell 5.2% to 6.22bn, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation EBITDA  improved to 728m from 557m last year, beating expectations for 629m. The carrier also maintained financial targets to cut unit costs by around 1% in 2016 and significantly reduce net debt.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

The servicemen, who were planning the assassination attempt on Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have fled to the Greek island of Pserimos, the Hurriyet newspaper reported July 28 citing the diplomatic sources.

Reportedly, currently, the Greek side is carrying out an operation to detain them.

The investigation and the testimony of the arrested generals involved in the coup attempt in Turkey has revealed that Ali Yazici, adviser to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stands behind the assassination attempt on the president.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Since the outcome of the June 23 vote, Government and think tanks have been reluctant to estimate in any detail the potential costs that the UK exit could impose on Irish firms.

The British market is significant for Irish firms because many firms in the agri-foods, clothing, footwear and tourism industries employ disproportionately more people than the multinationals exporting across the Irish Sea.

The Central Bank yesterday became the first institution to quantify the fallout for economic activity, bluntly saying that Brexit created a particular exposure for the Irish economy.

Chief economist Gabriel Fagan also said that under the circumstances the wisest approach for policymakers despite the huge revisions to GDP levels was to stick to current spending and budget-reduction targets.

The bank does not recommend providing special incentives to offset the effects of Brexit.

In its quarterly economics bulletin, it said Brexit would hit Irish firms  in particular by curtailing exports  and economic activity would be lowered in both the short and long-term.

The bank said Brexit would immediately shave 0.2% from Irish GDP levels this year.

That effect would be amplified, with the level of GDP next year falling by a significant 0.6% below what it should have been if the UK had voted to stay in the trading bloc.

The bank outlined the impact would first likely come from the slump in the value of sterling, amid other effects which contribute to uncertainty.

The longer it takes for Britain to strike a deal with European capitals over its new trading relationship the greater the risk for the Irish economy.

Under the most adverse scenario, where increased tariff and non-tariff barriers significantly reduce trade flows between Ireland and the UK, the level of Irish GDP could be over 3% below a no-Brexit baseline after ten years, said the bank.

Adverse exchange rate movements together with a negative shock to foreign demand will reduce Irish export growth.

"Heightened uncertainty and financial market volatility in advance of formal UK exit negotiations could weaken investor and consumer confidence, it said.

For Ireland, the best outcome would be if Britain negotiates membership of the European Economic Area, which would largely mimic its current trading relationship with the EU.

The worst outcome would be if Britain struck bilateral deals under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation where there is likely to be a marked negative impact on UK trade and investment which in turn leads to a significant negative impact on the European economy and on Ireland in particular.

Despite lowering its projections, the Central Bank still forecasts the economy will grow 4.9% this year, and expand 3.6% in 2017.

Thats because the Brexit is seen affecting exports, while consumer demand here is expected to rise at a good clip.

On the GDP revisions, the Central Bank said it will work with the group set up by the CSO to devise a new measure of economic activity for Ireland, which strips out the huge distortions created by multinationals registering in Ireland.
However, in allowing the appeal, the Supreme Court sent the case back to the High Court for reconsideration.

In 2008 Tullamaine Castle Stud secured a High Court injunction against Tipperary Raceway which owns and runs a motor racing circuit near Rosegreen, Co Tipperary.

The stud claimed noise generated by an increase in the type of activity being carried out at the track had a significant effect on its equine business.

The stud alleged there had been a breach of the 2000 Planning and Development Act due to a significant intensification of use and the amount of noise generated by the track amounted to a nuisance.

The track owner opposed the application.

The injunction was granted by Mr Justice Peter Charleton. He was satisfied the business of the plaintiffs had suffered as a result of the nuisance caused by the defendants.

He also found the defendants were bound by the 1981 planning permission to operate the racetrack only on either a Saturday or a Sunday for a maximum of three hours, plus a maximum of two hours practice during the week.

Those hours had increased over the years and the hours racing recorded in 2007 varied between 29 and 60 hours a month.

Any intensification in the use of premises may, of itself, constitute a development, which requires planning permission, the judge said, adding that in this case no such permission had been sought or granted.

The judge also rejected the defendants claim that they were entitled to carry on the activity because of long usage.

The decision was appealed by Tipperary Raceway on grounds including the High Court was wrong to conclude the breach of the planning laws, brought about by the intensification of use, was not subject to a seven-year limitation period in the same way as any other development.

The material change of use, which predated a time seven years before the commencement of the proceedings, was no longer capable of enforcement under the 2000 Act, it was submitted.

In a unanimous decision delivered yesterday, the three-judge Supreme Court, comprised of the Chief Justice Ms Justice Susan Denham, Mr Justice Frank Clarke and Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne upheld and remitted the dispute for a fresh hearing before the High Court.

Giving the courts judgment, Mr Justice Clarke said the court agreed with submissions by Tipperary Raceway, represented by Oisin Collins, that the High Courts decision could not be sustained.

Mr Justice Clarke said while he was satisfied some type of injunction was likely to be justified on planning grounds, the High Court was incorrect to disregard the seven-year planning limitation period found in the 2000 Act.

In addition, the Supreme Court was also satisfied some injunction was justified on the basis of established nuisance.

While the appeal had to be allowed, it was not possible for the court to substitute its own injunction.

Regrettably, the matter must be remitted back to the High Court to determine what form of injunction was appropriate, said the judge.

In the interim, he said the practise of drifting at the track should be restrained until the High Court had determined the matter.

The matter will return before the Supreme Court in October.
Authorities are examining Facebooks federal income tax liability for the period to the end of 2010 and are looking at whether the company understated the value of global rights for many of its intangible assets outside the US and Canada that it transferred to a subsidiary in Ireland.

While Facebook has supplied some documents to the tax authority, it hasnt provided books, records, papers, and other data demanded in seven summonses, the IRS said in an amended petition filed earlier this week at the US District Court for the Northern District of California.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 index was up after touching 6,757.96, its highest since last August.

It is up more than 16% from its post-Brexit trough, though only 12% in dollar terms because of a sharp decline in sterling.

The market also got some help from data showing Britains economy picked up during the second quarter  which concluded with the vote to leave the EU  helped by the biggest upturn in industrial production since 1999.

Basic resources stocks were the top sectoral gainers, with the UK mining index gaining 1.6% after recent losses.

ITV led the FTSE 100 index higher, gaining 8.3% at one stage, after the company forecast advertising revenues ahead of market expectations.

George Salmon, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, welcomed the companys strengthened balance sheet and lower net debt, adding its dividend was also an attraction.

Shares in Taylor Wimpey rose 4.1% after Britains third-largest housebuilder said the Brexit referendum has had no meaningful effect on its performance in the last month.

Other property-related stocks also rose.

Barratt Developments, Persimmon and Berkeley gained 3.2% to 4.6%, while mid-cap company Rightmove advanced 7% after saying it was confident in its outlook despite Brexit.

However, analysts stayed cautious on the sectors outlook.

Investors could remain shy of UK real estate shares given that risks of recession are difficult to assess in the shortest term, Ipek Ozkardeskaya, analyst at London Capital Group, said.

Uncertainties will certainly keep the UKs housing market at distressed territories until we have more clarity on Brexit-related capital and human flows.

Outsourcing group Capita fell 2.3%, the top faller in the FTSE 100, after saying it was seeing some delays in decision-making in the short term due to Brexit.

Earnings announcements from companies including LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Telecom Italia and Banco Santander helped push the Stoxx Europe 600 Index up as much as 0.8% before it pared its gain to 0.4% amid a slide in oil.
After posting a net first-half profit of 80m, PTSB said it increased its capital for the first time since the onset of the financial crisis nine years ago.

Impairment write backs of 61m and a gain of 29m from the sale of a share in Visa Europe boosted the results.

Net interest margin, a measurement of profitability, rose to 1.43% from 1.12% last year.

Ever since the Government sold an initial 25% stake last year, the timetable for the disposal by PTSB of its UK loan book, which it must sell under the terms of its restructuring plan, has been under scrutiny.

Its shares slump has also excited the possibility of a bidder emerging for the whole bank.

With the UK loan book hedged against the drop in sterling, analysts said the financial pressure to sell the UK loan book had eased.

Amid the uncertainty sparked by Brexit vote, PTSB yesterday said that it still planned to sell the UK loan book when it got the right price.

The shares gained almost 5% to 217c, close to the level on the day of the June 23 referendum.

They have, however, slumped almost 53% this year, reflecting the pressures facing PTSB as rivals slashed their standard variable mortgage rates.

Darren McKinley, analyst at Merrion Capital, said he would not rule out the possibility of an opportunistic buyer emerging for PTSB.

The broker has a buy recommendation, with a price target of 300c.

PTSB said though it faced challenges it was nonetheless better placed to focus on growing the business.

Philip OSullivan, chief economist at Investec Ireland, said PTSB was holding out to get a good price for the UK loan book, and that there may be an appetite from institutions to buy the book when the dust settles from the Brexit vote.

PTSB chief executive Jeremy Masding said the Government should be in no rush to sell up the rest of its 75% stake in the bank.

If Mr Noonan asked me today, Id say dont do a deal. There are organic opportunities in this organisation to grow intrinsic value, he told reporters.
State-owned IBRC opposes the Quinns bid to have various assets, including their family homes, other properties, certain shareholdings and their family home in Co Cavan, excluded from orders granted in 2012 which froze their accounts and assets.

Mr Quinns five adult children, along with Stephen Kelly, Niall McPartland and Karen Woods, (respectively spouses of Aoife, Ciara and Sean Quinn Jr) want to vary the orders, saying they prevent them getting mortgages to buy family homes or loans for cars or holidays, and to live normal lives.

IBRC special liquidator Kieran Wallace said it was impossible to consent to the orders being varied due to alleged demonstrable dishonesty of the Quinns themselves and of an enormous fraudulent scheme to strip up to 455m assets from the familys international property group (IPG) and put them beyond the reach of the bank and ultimately the Irish taxpayer.

IBRC still does not know the wherabouts of certain assets and estimates it has been deprived of some $95m (86m) rental income along with various valuable properties in several countries.

IBRC continues to believe extremely large amounts of money and assets have been held in offshore locations for the benefit of the Quinns, he added.

The Quinns deny any dishonesty and say they have no control over, and do not know the whereabouts of the IPG assets since the former Anglo Irish Bank, which advanced huge loans to Quinn companies, was taken over by IBRC.

They dispute IBRC has any valid security over the IPG assets and deny they have not co-operated with receivers appointed by the court over their assets.

When Ross Aylward, counsel for the Quinns, outlined the variation application to Mr Justice Robert Haughton yesterday, the judge suggested there might be another way of doing this. He was later told terms had been agreed for the matter to be adjourned to September.

The terms include the Quinns can receive child benefit and any maintenance payments into accounts excluded from the terms of the freezing orders on condition the receivers are told of the amounts and frequency of such payments.

Ciara Quinns salary from a nursing agency will be paid into an excluded account, over which the receiver will have full visibility, and she can apply to IBRC if she anticipates getting payments of more than 2,500 from other agencies.
Pre-tax profits surged by 28% to 312m in the six months to the end of June despite some headwinds.

Revenue increased 1% to 4.05 billion while the companys basic earnings per share rose 24% or 90.8c.

Against a backdrop of higher than expected input costs, more pronounced currency volatility and a greater degree of macroeconomic risk, we expect to have a good year with earnings growth for 2016, Smurfit Kappa chief executive Tony Smurfit said.

The company also recorded growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of 8% to 593m which Mr Smurfit said reflected its geographically diverse operations and integrated business model.

Its European operations delivered an improved earnings performance in H1 while the company again saw strong volume growth in the Americas despite a more challenging backdrop.

The company said pricing initiatives across the region helped offset some of the negative currency impact it experienced throughout the opening months of 2016.

It also indicated price increases in the region are set to be implemented in the second half of the year.

Davy Stockbrokers analyst Barry Dixon said he expects the balance sheet of the business to continue to improve as the year progresses.

We continue to focus on operational efficiency and expanding our geographic reach. Our leverage multiple has reduced to 2.5 times net debt to EBITDA in advance of our more cash generative second half of the year, Mr Smurfit added.
The move follows appeals from Madrid and Lisbon for leniency after the commission announced earlier this month that it was legally obliged to impose fines of up to 0.2% of GDP.

A majority of the EUs 28 commissioners yesterday decided to cancel the fines, in line with EU rules, over fears it would send the wrong message to markets and an increasingly eurosceptic public.

A symbolic penalty of 0.01% of GDP had been mooted, which would have amounted to around 100m for Spain and 10m for Portugal, but only four commissioners, from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia, were in favour.

Even symbolic sanctions would not have allowed us to correct what was done in the past and would have been hard to understand for people who have made enormous sacrifices over the last few years, EU economics chief Pierre Moscovici said.

We didnt feel that the punitive approach would be the most appropriate one at a time when people are questioning Europe.

The decision is subject to approval from EU finance ministers, who are likely to follow the commissions lead.

The commission told Spain and Portugal earlier this month that they had not taken effective action to reduce their deficits below the EUs 3% of GDP limit, despite repeated deadline extensions.

Spain now has until 2018 to do so, and Portugal hasuntil the end of 2016.

But both governments will have to make extra budget cuts to meet their new targets, or face losing up to 50% of EU regional funding for next year.

It is here the commission really intends to bite, with vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis saying he would come forward with a rigorous proposal to freeze both countries EU funding following talks with MEPs in September.

The move highlights the quandary facing the EU.

While there is little appetite to sanction already cash-strapped states, especially given the fallout from the Brexit vote, there is a need to ensure the blocs budget rules actually bite.

Brexit has had an effect on the UKs share of EU regional funding, with the British government suspending certain payments from its EU envelope following the June 23 referendum.

EU budget chief Kristalina Georgieva said yesterday it was too early to tell what impact the UK leaving will have on the EU budget.

The UK, along with several other countries, Ireland included, pays more to the EU than it gets back in grants.

Much will depend on whether the UK will have to pay to access the EUs single market.
The 344m (398m) plan for the inner-city airport in Londons former docklands had been delayed by Mr Johnsons objection to the purchase of land needed for the expansion.

Sadiq Khan, who took over as mayor after an election in May, gave approval to the project in his second week in office.

Making it easier to visit and do business in the City of London will help drive forward our economy and further strengthen the citys status as the worlds leading financial center, Mr Hammond said in a statement.

The UK government announced its decision even though parliament has already broken until September for its summer recess.

New prime minister Theresa Mays administration is due to decide after the recess whether to build an additional runway at either of Londons two main airports  Heathrow or Gatwick.

Though City Airport has increased its passenger tally by 50% in the past five years and is the closest terminal to the Londons financial centre, its a fraction of the size of Britains leading hubs and is limited in its growth prospects by its existing runway that cant take full-size jets.

As part of yesterdays announcement, London City will spend 2.6m on new rolling stock for the Docklands Light Railway, which connects the business district to the airport in under 25 minutes, and improve access by bus and taxi.

The airport was sold by its former US owners in February to a Canadian consortium of Alberta Investment Management, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan and the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System. A bidding war led to a price tag of about 2bn, people familiar said at the time.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Orkhan Guluzade - Trend:

Ankara has information about that Fethullah Gulen, who was involved in the military coup attempt in Turkey, may escape from the US to another country, the Hurriyet newspaper quoted Turkeys Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag as saying July 28.

However, the minister didnt specify the country where Gulen can flee.

Earlier, Bozdag said that there are several countries to which Gulen can flee.

The minister said that Mexico, Canada, Egypt, Austria and South Africa are among those countries.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.
The most important EU climate change policy development since 2007  that was the Teagasc verdict on last weeks proposals from Brussels for greenhouse gas reduction to be achieved from 2021 to 2030.

Already, the industrial and power sectors (ETS) are asked to reduce 2030 emissions by 43%, compared to 2005.

Now, the EU wants to reduce non-ETS emissions by 40%, compared to 1990. These sectors such as transport, agriculture, buildings, and waste produce about 60% of EU emissions.

Each member state must contribute to this overall reduction. The European Commission announced targets for each EU state.

The targets vary from state to state, largely depending on levels of wealth. The lowest targets are set for the less affluent countries of Eastern Europe, the highest for the richer Northern European countries.

Limits are assigned for each year, decreasing in a linear trajectory.

Ireland will be required to reduce emissions by 30% relative to the 2005 level.

Eleven states have higher targets. And there is some new leeway around the 30% figure, because provisions allow for the use of emissions trading, and for carbon sequestration associated with changes in land use.

This integration of land use with agriculture is one of the significant developments, says Teagasc director of research Frank OMara.

It allows carbon sequestered in forests, or soils, to be offset against emissions produced by agriculture.

This policy development provides an opportunity to develop new strategies to address the emissions challenge, but much research is needed to quantify both the rate of carbon storage in our soils and the management practices that can increase it, said Mr OMara.

Ireland will have 5.6% flexibility from land use. This is a substantially larger margin than any other EU state except Latvia.

Nevertheless, the overall 30% reduction is seen by Teagasc experts as an ambitious target. That means continuing pressure on Irish agriculture, because it is the source of 30% of total national emissions, much higher than any other EU member state.

So progress must continue in reducing the carbon footprint of Irish milk and meat, by improving farm level efficiency and adopting practices such as longer grazing seasons and better utilisation of animal manures, while using animal genetics.

Unfortunately, new technologies have little effect on enteric methane, which accounts for 59% of agricultural greenhouse gases.

In contrast, there has been a breakthrough in reducing emissions of nitrous oxide, the other main agricultural greenhouse gas. Recent Teagasc research into new fertiliser formulations and nutrient use strategies indicated nitrous oxide emissions could be reduced by as much as 20%.

The key to this is using urea fertiliser which was treated with a urease inhibitor called NBPT. Yields are not affected, ammonia gas loss is dramatically reduced, and greenhouse gas loss is lower than for CAN, the most popular nitrogen fertiliser.

The commission said it is working to keep the EU competitive while moving towards a modern and low-carbon economy set by the Paris agreement on climate change.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action, and Environment Denis Naughten said: The EU proposals will require careful study and analysis to determine the effort required of Ireland towards 2030 carbon emission reductions.

An Taisce has calculated that the reduction of 30%, relative to 2005, will effectively reduce to only 20.4% if proposed flexibilities arising from forestry and Emission Trading System allowances are fully exploited. This is almost unchanged from the 20% target previously agreed to be achieved in 2020, said Barry McMullin, representing An Taisce.

He said EU and Irish climate policy is weak and minimal.

Representing the co-ops, ICOS president Martin Keane said that our agricultural emissions have reduced by 9.7% since 1990, while other areas such as transport saw emissions increase by more than 120%.

I welcome the inclusion of land use, land use change, and forestry within the scope of the new EU climate change framework. This is a sensible approach, which broadens the tools available for Ireland to reduce GHG emissions, as forestry and permanent grassland can sequester carbon, said Mr Keane.

He said Irish agriculture is in a good position to address the twin challenges of climate change and food security, because our production model is independently verified as being among the most carbon efficient.

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, said the headline figure of a 30% reduction by 2030 on 2005 levels is higher than expected, and will be a challenge.

Senior energy policy executive Conor Minogue emphasised the new flexibility measures. The proposal to allow some member states, including Ireland, to use carbon sequestration through land use change to help meet the 2030 targets is welcome. This presents a great opportunity for Ireland and should further incentivise sustainable farming, afforestation, and good land use practices throughout the country.

The role of agriculture and forestry to curb climate change was welcomed at EU level by Copa and Cogeca, the umbrella organisations for farmers and co-ops.

Secretary general Pekka Pesonen said it welcomed the flexibility in the plans, which enable the EU agriculture and forestry sectors to fight climate change in a balanced manner.

This is particularly important given these sectors also absorb emissions from the atmosphere. The EU agriculture and forestry sectors make a big contribution to fighting climate change, helping the EU to cut its greenhouse gas emissions.

IFA president Joe Healy said agriculture can support the transport and housing sectors through greater use of indigenous bioenergy fuels for transport, and renewable fuels such as miscanthus for heating family homes.

Farmers will continue to farm sustainably, with over 87% of the measures in Irelands Rural Development Programme having climate reducing elements, he said.

The emissions intensity per calorie of food output in 2013 was approximately 14% below 2005. This figure is projected to reach 25% by 2030, based on the delivery of current policy measures. However, sustainability must also deliver an economic return for farm families.

A spokesman for the meat industry rejected any suggestions of curbing production in a country where we produce extensively, and off grass, more efficiently, and sustainably than elsewhere. He said curbing production in Ireland would simply lead to additional production in other, less efficient and higher carbon-emitting countries.

Transport accounts for a quarter of Europes greenhouse gas emissions and is a main cause of air pollution. Last weeks proposals include a low-emission strategy, with low- and zero-emission vehicles and alternative low-emissions fuels planned.

EU financial support of 70bn is available for transport, part of the 20%-plus of the EU budget which is explicitly climate related.
They have spoken to several teenage suspects over the last 48 hours and have identified two areas where the fire was set, gutting the 18th century property on Sunday.

Superintendent Charlie Barry, who is overseeing the probe, said gardai are satisfied a gang of between 20 and 40 teenagers were within the surrounds of the historic house and its grounds around the time of the fire.

He said they have identified a number of individuals, ranging in age from 15 to 17, and have called to several addresses on the southside of the city to speak to youngsters over the last 48 hours.

Gardai have taken several statements and are continuing their investigations.

Supt Barry said: We are confident that we are making significant progress in our investigation. I would urge anyone with information to come forward at this stage and talk to us. It is in their interests to come forward, sooner rather than later.

The news came as the Grange Frankfield Partnership, which has been campaigning for almost seven years to save the property, spoke out yesterday to oppose demolition of the fire-ravaged structure.

Spokesman Ger Lehane said they believe the house is an active protected structure, capable of consolidation and retention.

We strongly oppose any consideration of demolition pending a full assessment of the possibilities of stabilising the structure, he said.

We consider that we owe it to the house, to history, to our community, and to the efforts of ourselves and our supporters since we commenced our campaign over six years ago, to resist any attempts to reduce the site to Corks Ground Zero, which would only serve as an indictment of our society, and a monument to its abject failure to protect our priceless heritage.

We cannot contemplate the disappearance of an iconic landmark that has been a feature of the landscape of the southside of Cork City for over 230 years, and which would be an important element in the landscape of the Tramore Valley Park, to have its memory consigned to oblivion.

Mr Lehane said there are many examples of successful consolidation and restoration of fire-damaged structures of major architectural, cultural, and historical importance.

The pertnership plans to make a submission to Cork County Council opposing demolition. The Irish Georgian Society is expected to make a similar submission.

Mr Lehane said they have been greatly encouraged by the widespread political condemnation of the destruction caused by the fire, and by the groundswell of support from various sources.

Meanwhile, county councillor Marcia DAlton (Ind) has called on the local authority to pursue the owners of Vernon Mount for prosecution under section 58 of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Act 2000.

In her motion tabled for the next full council meeting in early September, she has asked officials to identify the details of notices served under section 59 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 on the owners since 1997, the dates when they were served, and details of any works undertaken in response to those notices.
Lawyers for John Nulty, aged 37, said that for nine years, he was compulsively taking the books and hoarding them in his home. When gardai arrived at his Dublin home in April 2013 with a search warrant, they found an Aladdins cave where Nulty was living surrounded by books.

Nulty, of Portersgate, Clonsilla, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to eight sample counts of theft from a total of 216 charges. Most of the charges relate to theft from the National Library between July 5, 2004 and April 24, 2013.

He also admitted to two counts of stealing from Brother Tom Connolly at the Allen Library, North Richmond St, between November 2003 and July 2004, when he worked there. His only other previous conviction is for a minor public order offence.

Books taken included Ernest Hemingways For Whom The Bell Tolls and books on Anglo Irish history and Celtic mythology. Some of the books were first editions and some were signed, while others were valuable because of their historical and national interest. Nulty would put the books in his bag and walk out with them.

Judge Martin Nolan said Nulty was an eccentric who became obsessed with hoarding the books and took satisfaction from having them.

He said that if Nulty had sold all the books and made a profit, a jail term would be inevitable. He noted that, given most of the books had been recovered intact, the actual loss to the library was around 5,000.

He said it would be unjust to imprison him immediately, suspending a sentence of two-and-a-half years on condition he is of good behaviour for that period.

Detective Garda Declan OBrien told Garret Baker, prosecuting, the thefts came to light when Gerard Long, an assistant keeper at the National Library, noticed that two books which were part of the Sean OCasey library were for sale online.

The books had been sold by Nulty to a seller of rare books who had in turn placed them for sale online. Nulty had kept most of the other books and stored them in his home and at an off-site storage facility.

Det Garda OBrien said the estimated value of the stolen books was 199,322.

Sean Gillane, defending, said Nulty had considered burning all the books in order to put it all behind him, but his respect and love for their value prevented him from doing this. He said Nulty felt a certain relief when he was caught. Some books were stored in conservation boxes to protect them.
TD Kevin Boxer Moran said it was brilliant news for the county, with the project at Newcastle Wood near Ballymahon expected to create 1,000 permanent jobs when opened.

There will be around 750 jobs created during construction, with a further 300 spin-off jobs in the wider community.

This investment is equivalent to an Intel or Google coming to the Midlands, said Mr Moran, TD for Longford-Westmeath.

An Bord Pleanala attached 21 conditions to the development but they will not affect the original building plans that include 470 lodges and a three-storey apartment building.

The planning authority said the project had been comprehensively considered and designed to ensure the least impact on the local environment.

It said the development would not seriously injure the character of the area or have unacceptable impacts on the ecology, water quality, landscape or traffic safety if it complied with the conditions.

The plan includes a spa, shops, restaurants and cafes, along with a glass-topped Subtropical Swimming Paradise featuring water rides.

TD Peter Burke (FG) said it was critical full advantage is taken of the once in a lifetime opportunity for Longford and the Midlands.

As the Government TD for Longford, I will be working hard to ensure Government provides maximum support for this development and all the advantages it will hopefully bring, he said.

Center Parcs chief executive Martin Dalby said when they announced plans last April to develop the forest holiday village they had been overwhelmed by the support received at both local and national level.

Paddy Mahon, chief executive of Longford County Council, said the Center Parcs management team, led by Mr Dalby, had worked to the highest professional standards.

He said an immediate challenge for Longford is to enhance other aspects of its tourism product to persuade Center Parcs visitors to extend their stay in the county.

There is work currently being carried out by the council on the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park, the Royal Canal Greenway, the literary trail, and the rebel trail, said Mr Mahon.

Mr Dalby said the forest holiday village would have capacity for up to 2,500 guests and that many of the permanent jobs are expected to be filled by people between the age of 18 and 24.

The majority of employees, he believes, are likely to live locally.

Mr Dalby said Center Parcs estimates that, when operational, the holiday village would add around 32m to Irelands economy.

Center Parcs has five villages in Britain. Prices for a week-long break next month in a two-bedroom lodge for up to four people would cost around 2,000. A weekend or midweek break in autumn for a family of four would cost between 400 to 850.
He said he was stunned by the absolute brutality of the murder, one of many recent outrages outside the normal for terrorism.

Archbishop Martin said he was pleased by messages he had received from Islamic figures here and said the attack was something that horrifies every religion.

He said evil could only be combated with goodness and said education was the key to resolution.

His comments follow calls in France for tighter security for clerics, after Tuesdays attack in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, south of Rouen.

Fr Hamel, aged 86, was forced to his knees and had his throat slit by two knife-wielding attackers. They claimed links to Islamic State.

Speaking from the Catholic World Youth Day, in Poland, which was attended by Pope Francis, last night, Dr Martin said: I think everyone is stunned by the absolute brutality of this.

Its very frightening to see the number of cases which go way outside the normal picture of terrorism, of individuals, in some cases known, in other cases not known, who carry out random, but very brutal, terrorist attempts.

Pope Francis

He told RTE News at One that he was concerned about similar attacks: There is always a danger of copycat attempts and those copycat attempts will only be heightened the more you attract attention.

Responding to the potential impact on Christian/Muslim relations here, he said: We can thank God the relations between Muslims and Christians in Ireland are good. There is an understanding and that is actually improving day by day. I was pleased by some of the [contact] I got from some of the Islamic sources in Dublin, already some messages of sympathy. This is something no religion would stand over. It horrifies everyone.

He said the only way of combating this evil is by bringing a similar force of goodness into our society.

He described as not helpful comments from US cardinal, Raymond Burke, that Islam wanted to rule the world and that the US should reassert its Christian roots.

Does Islam want to rule the world? said Dr Martin. There may be some people of the Islamic faith who do, but Islam itself has another side within it, a caring and tolerant side.

He added: Longer-term solutions will come from education, he said. Education is the basis for real tolerance, and knowledge and respect for other religions, which is an extremely important thing.

Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri

Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri, of the Islamic Centre Ireland, called on all the faithful to unite against terror and said he previously spoke about the persecution of Christians by pseudo-Muslims.

He said: Radical Islam is an enemy to not just non-Muslims, but also to the Islam which was propagated by Prophet Muhammad.
Paul Pugh, aged 56, who has an address at Clontarf Road, in Dublin has been charged under section 7 of the 2009 National Assets Management Agency (Nama) Act.

His charge states that on or about June 6 in 2012, at a location within the State he intentionally disclosed by email confidential information relating to McCabe Builders (UK) limited to a named individual at investment firm Connaught and Whitehall Capital UK Ltd.

He appeared before Judge Michael Walsh yesterday at Dublin District Court where a solicitor for the DPP explained that more time was needed to complete the book of evidence.

Defence solicitor Michael Staines said he was consenting to the case being adjourned.

Mr Pugh, who did not address the court, was remanded on continuing bail and ordered to appear again in September to be served with the book of evidence.

At a previous hearing Detective Garrett Lynch of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation gave evidence of arresting Mr Pugh by appointment at Pearse Street garda station on the morning of morning June 22.

Bail has been set in Mr Pughs own bond of 1,000.

The DPP has directed trial on indictment which means he will be returned for trial to the Circuit Court after the book of evidence has been served.

Under the terms of bail, Mr Pugh must also sign on every Monday at Clontarf garda Station between 9am and 9pm.

The offence is contrary to section 7(1) and 6 and section 202(2) of the NAMA Act. He has not yet entered a plea to the charge.
But the legal process could take months. Political and business leaders here have welcomed the European Commissions unprecedented decision to trigger arbitration because of US authorities failure to grant Norwegian Air Ireland (NAI) a permit to fly to America from Cork and Shannon.

The Dublin-based airlines application for a foreign-carrier permit has faced stiff opposition from unions on both sides of the Atlantic, which have claimed NAI will undermine wages and working conditions.

The US Department of Transportation (DoT) tentatively approved the licence in April, two years after NAIs initial application, but a decision is still awaited.

NAI, a subsidiary of low-fares giant, Norwegian, hopes to launch a Cork-Boston service this year, and a Cork-New York route next year, with plans for routes from Shannon, too.

The Commission said it believes the US DoT is in breach of Open Skies, by delaying a final decision.

A Commission spokesman expects the arbitration to formally begin within weeks. It will involve a panel of three: one designated by the EU, one by the US, and one jointly appointed by the EU and US arbitrators.

If a violation of Open Skies is found, the responsible party is required to comply, or to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement with the other party and within a timeframe.

Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune, who called last week for arbitration, welcomed the Commissions decision.

It will put enormous pressure on US authorities to make a decision on NAIs permit, she said.

Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune

The NAI application does comply with the Open Skies agreement, she said. They are a European airline flying from an Irish base to the US. The fact that the US authorities have left this file sit on a desk somewhere in the US DoT is not satisfactory and a clear breach of the Open Skies agreement.

The Commission was left with no choice in the case of Norwegian. If the US had honoured the spirit of the Open Skies agreement, we would not have had to arrive at this point. A spokesman for Norwegian said they were pleased with the move to arbitration to solve this long-overdue issue.

A final approval will lead to more new jobs on both sides of the Atlantic, more new transatlantic routes, and more affordable fares, he said.

Niall MacCarthy, the managing director of Cork Airport, also welcomed arbitration.

The continued US delay in awarding the licence to Norwegian has now gone beyond acceptable and we are pleased that the EU, with the full support of the Irish government, is now going to seek to push the button on arbitration to get this dispute finally resolved, he said.

We are hopeful that the US authorities will not draw this matter our further, once legal papers are served, and should award the long-overdue licence to NAI and avoid further damage to the Open Skies treaty and an inevitable defeat under arbitration.
David Corcoran, aged 51, with an address at Collinswood, Whitehall, in Dublin, had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Philip Fitzgerald, who suffered dental injuries during the incident at Clanwilliam Terrace in D2 on July 1 last year.

The case was struck out after Corcoran complied with a judges order to pay 3,930 in compensation and to give 2,500 to charity.

Judge Michael Walsh had said earlier that Corcorans actions were completely disproportionate.

However, he ruled that he can avoid a criminal record and a possible sentence by covering Mr Fitzgeralds medical expenses and new false teeth, and by donating money to the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, which helps people in need.

Garda Brian Cleary had told Dublin District Court that Corcoran was walking along Clanwilliam Terrace when a cyclist approached on the footpath.

Garda Cleary said that Corcoran shouldered Mr Fitzgerald off his bicycle causing him to fall to the ground. The incident happened at about 10.30am.

The businessman punched the cyclist in the face and head and got him into a headlock and kneed him while he was in a headlock. The attack was stopped when members of the public intervened and broke up the fight.

Mr Fitzgerald suffered dental injuries and his face was scratched.

He had told Judge Walsh he has recovered and the court had heard he faced 3,930 in medical expenses. Pleading for leniency, Eugene Dunne, defending, had said at an earlier hearing that his client was a senior company executive who had no prior criminal convictions.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

A special security zone has been created in Turkeys southern province of Hatay  at the countrys border with Syria, Hurriyet newspaper reported July 28.

The special security zone has been created for a period of 15 days. The reasons of its creation have not been reported.

Within the specified period, citizens wont be permitted to this territory, said the report.

Turkish province of Hatay is periodically shelled by militants of the Islamic State terrorist organization (IS, aka ISIS, ISIL or Daesh).

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Damien Quinn, aged 34, went onto the streets armed with a knife which he put to the victims throat on March 17, 2015.

Quinn, of Shanabooly Avenue, Ballynanty, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to robbing the man, who had parked his Mercedes near the city centre.

Quinn and an accomplice jumped into the victims car. Quinn, who was in the back seat, put a 7 rusty blade to the victims neck and robbed him of 70 and a wifi dongle.

In a victim impact statement, the man described how the robbery had left lasting psychological scars.

The victim wrote: Since that night, I have lost confidence, while driving late at night or while parking up.

I am always in fear of what might happen. Due to my extreme nervousness, I have changed the security system in my car: The doors lock automatically.

For weeks, afterwards, I suffered from nightmares and now I find I am constantly checking windows and doors to make sure they are locked.

Judge Tom ODonnell said Quinns behaviour on the night was premeditated and violent. It was extremely frightening for the victim. His victim impact statement underpins the psychological valley he has suffered.

A probation report stated that Quinn had a propensity for violence.

Judge ODonnell noted Quinn had suffered outrageous child abuse at the hands of others and that he has difficulties coping.

Mark Nicholas, for Quinn, previously told the court he was sent to an institution when he was 13 or 14, where certain unspeakable things happened to him. He bottled it up, didnt do much schooling, and found himself drinking and drug taking.

In June 2006, Quinn was jailed for ten years for his part in the shooting of a man outside a christening party in Limerick. At the sentencing hearing, he was described as an evil, violent criminal.
The road deaths also happened hours after road safety chiefs revealed road deaths are up 8% on this time last year.

Two young men, suspected of breaking into a bar, died when the vehicle they were travelling in collided head-on with a van outside Letterkenny in Co Donegal at about 4.45am yesterday. They had been driving on the wrong side of the main Letterkenny to Derry dual carriageway.

A cash register was found in the back seat of the car.

Earlier, there had been a burglary at Rosies bar in the nearby village of Drumkeen. It had occurred just minutes before the crash.

The men were named locally as Barney McGinley and Dermot Boyle, who were in their late teens and early 20s.

Investigating gardai have appealed for witnesses.

The men died when their grey Mitsubishi Charisma car struck a yellow Renault Master van.

The driver of the van, a 40-year-old man, who was seriously injured, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Letterkenny.

It is understood that the young men panicked when a Garda patrol made a U-turn after passing them but did not follow them.

There were also reports the men may have been spotted by another Garda car moments later but were not pursued.

The matter has been referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission. GSOC becomes involved when it appears that Garda conduct may have resulted in death or serious harm.

GSOC confirmed it received reports that there had been some interaction between gardai and the vehicle before the collision occurred.

Meanwhile, a 42-year-old man died in a two-car collision at Castlefarm, near Dunboyne, Co Meath.

The sole occupant of the car, he was seriously injured in the head-on crash that occurred around 8.50pm on Tuesday night.

He was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, where he was later pronounced dead.

The driver and four passengers in the second car were also taken to hospital but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

In another road traffic accident, a man in his 20s was killed near Baltracey, Donadea, Co Kildare.

The scene of a fatal head-on crash between a lorry and a car on the Clane to Baltracey Road in Co Kildare. Picture: Colin Keegan

The car he was driving collided with a truck on the Clane to Kilcock road, near Baltracey at around 11.30pm on Tuesday night.

The man, the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the truck was taken to Blanchardstown Hospital with what were described as minor injuries.

More than 100 people have died on Irish roads since January. The Road Safety Authority wants the Government to increase the number of gardai in the traffic corps to reduce the number of road deaths.
Children and Youth Affairs Minister Katherine Zappone made the remarks yesterday.

She likened the possibility of a female leader of Ireland to the potential US presidency of Hillary Clinton, amid continuing speculation that Leo Varadkar or Simon Coveney are the most likely contenders.

Ms Zappone was speaking to reporters after the launch of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centres 2015 annual report.

Ms Zappone said Ms Fitzgerald is absolutely the strongest advocate for the leadership of women.

Asked if she believed it would be good for this country if, when Mr Kenny steps down, he is replaced by a woman and, further, if Ms Fitzgerald is the right person for the job, Ms Zappone said her Cabinet colleague has all the attributes necessary to take up the position.

I am absolutely the strongest advocate for the leadership of women, said Ms Zappone.

I am really hoping this will happen in the country of my origin, the United States of America, and Im very heartened by the nomination of Hillary Clinton.

If, in fact, Ireland has a leadership of a woman, a woman to be leader, a taoiseach in the not too distant future, of course I would welcome that. I would rejoice in that.

I think Frances has been a tremendous parliamentarian as well as a tremendous minister in both of her ministries, so really I think she demonstrates all of the qualities that a taoiseach would need.

Children and Youth Affairs Minister Katherine Zappone

The comment is likely to reignite the debate over who is likely to replace Mr Kenny as taoiseach and Fine Gael leader when he steps down before the next general election.

Until now, Mr Coveney, the housing minister, and Mr Varadkar, the social protection minister, were widely seen as the most likely successors.

A recent Ipsos/MRBI opinion poll placed Mr Varadkar on 31% of public support, followed by Mr Coveney with 21% backing, and Ms Fitzgerald on 10%.

All three have insisted they remain fully behind Mr Kenny.

There is a belief among some Fine Gael members that Ms Fitzgerald could ultimately become a compromise candidate due to the competition between the rival campaigns.

Like Mr Coveney and Mr Varadkar, Ms Fitzgerald has said she remains fully committed to supporting Mr Kennys leadership.

In a recent interview, the Tanaiste said she is not one of these young men or young women who woke up at age 10 and said I want to be taoiseach as such a blunt position is not my style.

You do see people who say I want to be leader and become leader. And then you see other people quite unexpectedly becoming leader. I dont rule it out but, as I say, its not my style.
Mark Russell, of Block A, Smithfield Market, Smithfield, Dublin, had claimed that business partner Stephen Cronin Saleh planned to remove the throne from the country.

Russell claimed that he and Cronin Saleh had last March agreed to purchase and exploit the HBO licensed replica of the throne used in the fantasy drama TV series Game of Thrones.

The court had heard that Russell bought the throne for 15,000 from a seller in Canada. It had then been licensed to Cronin Saleh, who was granted an option to buy the throne, and both parties had agreed to a profit share arrangement.

When the matter previously came before the court, barrister Stephen Moran, counsel for Russell, said the initial agreement stated that the throne was to remain his clients property until Cronin Saleh had repaid the 15,000. The ownership of the title would then be transferred to Cronin Saleh.

Russell claimed they had also agreed to incorporate a company, Fancosmic Ltd, and that he would get 35% of its shares. He had been registered as a director of the company.

The court heard that the throne was to be displayed at events and shopping centres in Ireland and in the UK, where members of the public would be given the opportunity to sit in it and have their picture taken for a 10 to 25 fee.

Mr Moran, who appeared with McHale Muldoon solicitors, said Mr Russell also lent Cronin Saleh a further 5,000 to fund working capital.

The court heard that Cronin Saleh removed him as a director of Fancosmic Ltd last June. He had also removed his access privileges and cancelled all his permissions regarding the company.

Russell alleged that Cronin Saleh, of Hazelwood Avenue, Glanmire, Co Cork, had refused to speak to him since last May and had failed to return the throne to him. Cronin Saleh had also failed to repay the 20,000 sum.

The court heard that Russell believed that Cronin Saleh intended to remove the throne from the country and Russell had sought an injunction against him and against Fancosmic Ltd, of Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin.

The judge had last week accepted an undertaking by Cronin Saleh not to remove the throne from the country until the full hearing of the application yesterday.

Mr Moran told Circuit Court president Mr Justice Raymond Groarke that following talks between the parties, the matter had settled. Terms of the settlement include payments of money by Cronin Saleh to Russell, who will relinquish his rights to the throne.

The court heard that when the throne was displayed at the Mahon Point shopping centre in Cork last April, Fancosmic Ltd generated 7,500.
However, Mr Justice Paul Gilligan said he wants to hear more detail about the proposed alternative accommodation for the families who are living in Lynams Hotel, Upper OConnell St. The matter was raised in the Dail last week.

Last April, injunction proceedings taken by hotel operator Theresa Andreucetti, preventing Nama-appointed receiver Aidan Murphy taking possession of the premises, were settled on the basis of undertakings.
Project MinE, which is part-funded by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, discovered NEK1, believed to be the cause of the disease.

It is hoped the breakthrough will lead to the development of treatments for MND, a rapidly progressive fatal disease which can affect any adult at any time.

One person is diagnosed with MND every four days in Ireland and around 300 are affected at any one time.

The ice bucket challenge which went viral in 2014 raised 1.6m in Ireland, with more than 600,000 spent on researching the causes and potential treatments of MND.

The Project MinE research team at Trinity College Dublin, led by Prof Orla Hardiman, played a leading role in isolating three new genes with significant roles in MND.

Project MinE brought together the efforts of over 180 scientists from 17 countries, and their work has just been published in the leading journal, Nature Genetics.

The information will be shared freely with all collaborators in the initiative and made available to scientists researching drug development.

The TCD team has started examining the full DNA profile, including rare genetic variation, in 1,000 Irish people to determine all of the genetic causes of MND.

Money raised from the ice bucket challenge in Ireland also allowed the IMDA to employ a third dedicated MND nurse and to give specialist equipment to people living with MND. The IMNDA said around half a million people across Ireland deliberately drenched themselves in ice-cold water to raise funds for the association.

The organisation said it established a reserve fund of 500,000 with money raised from the ice bucket challenge to ensure it continued until the world was free from MND.

IMNDA chief executive Aisling Farrell said the latest gene discovery showed the tremendous good that had come from the ice bucket challenge. Again, we would like to say thank you to those who drenched themselves in ice water two years ago, she said.
A district court judge instructed Irish Water to carry out a full review of its waste water treatment plants, and provide a report to her by July 21, 2017.

Judge Catherine Staines decision at Portlaoise District Court came after the IFI successfully prosecuted Irish Water for the discharge of chemicals into the Clodiagh River, on August 18.

Evidence of the discharge was presented by Michael Fitzsimons, a senior fisheries environmental officer with IFI, after Irish Water entered a guilty plea.

Mr Fitzsimons said following a pollution report received from Irish Water, IFI carried out a detailed investigation on the river, a tributary of the Tullamore River.

The court heard more than 3,000 fish mortalities were estimated along a four-kilometre stretch of the river consisting predominantly of trout, and including salmon, lamprey, minnow and stoneloach.

The fish kill was as a direct result of a chemical discharge from an accident at the Irish Water plant in Clonsalee, Co Laois.

Judge Staines directed Irish Water to pay IFIs legal costs of 5,016 and to cover the full cost of the rehabilitation works to be carried out downstream of the incident area.

She did not impose a fine on the basis it would be the Irish taxpayer paying for the incident.

A development plan will be formulated by IFI in the coming weeks.

Amanda Mooney, Shannon River Basin district director with IFI described the occurrence as a serious pollution incident which will take a considerable number of years for the river to recover from.

I am pleased with the outcome and the provision for vital rehabilitation works to assist fish stocks to recover naturally, she said.

Irish Water said it was unable to comment on the incident as the case was due before the court, again, next year.
Brendan Nevin, 61, was giving evidence at Ennis District Court of the assault by his nephew, Gordon Hogan, aged 34, of Fountain, Ennis, at Lynchs Centra on Gort Rd on October 15 last.

Mr Nevin said Hogan first shouldered him into a chocolate stand and then jumped into the air and came down and hit me on the right side of my face with his head.

Mr Nevin sustained a broken tooth and required root canal work costing 900 as a result of the assault.

Mr Nevin is married to Hogans aunt. Judge Patrick Durcan said there is a war that is now engulfing the Hogan family after hearing of a disputed will in the family.

In an interview with gardai, Hogan claimed that after he went to headbutt Mr Nevin, his uncle said: Youll never prove what we did. This was denied by Mr Nevin under cross-examination.

In the Garda interview, Hogan said he was going to give Mr Nevin a shoulder because I thought this lad needs to grow up.

Hogan said he threw the headbutt in self-defence. Mr Nevin denied making contact with Hogan with his hand.

Mr Nevin told the court he had nothing to do with the dispute over the will. I am not named anywhere in the will  it is nothing to do with me. Thats not my issue.

Daragh Hassett, for Hogan, put it to Mr Nevin: You might benefit though.

Mr Nevin said: I certainly wont benefit.

Under cross-examination, Mr Nevin denied he was involved in three different aggressive episodes with Mr Hogan prior to the assault in question. Mr Hassett said: You were being aggressive and trying to a start a conflict over the will.

Hogan contested the assault charge. However, Judge Durcan said: I am satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that there was an assault by Gordon Hogan on Brendan Nevin. It was a premeditated situation.

He said: Mr Nevin was wronged.

After Hogan paid Mr Nevin the 900 in medical expenses, Judge Durcan said he doesnt intend to criminalise Hogan and if he stays out of trouble over the next 12 months, he will strike out the case next July.
The appointment comes after Fianna Fail, who are supporting the Government through their confidence and supply agreement, had pushed for a judge-led commission to examine the possibility of repealing the Eighth Amendment.

Cabinet yesterday appointed the judge  who previously presided over the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse from 19992003  as chairperson of the Citizens Assembly.

She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2013.

The Programme for Government commits to setting up a Citizens Assembly to consider the Eighth Amendment, our aging population, fixed-term parliaments, climate change and a number of other issues.

The new Citizens Assembly will be led by Justice Laffoy and 99 members of the public will be randomly selected on the basis of being representative of the Irish electorate in terms of gender, age and regional spread.

The first item which the assembly will consider will be the controversial and delicate issue of the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution with 600,000 budgeted for the assemblys work.

However, many in opposition have accused the Government of kicking the issue of repealing the Eighth down the road through the assembly.

Speaking in the Dail during a debate on the issue earlier this month Fianna Fails Jim OCallaghan said: We recognise that the impact of the Eighth Amendment is a matter that does merit discussion and consideration, however, Fianna Fail believe that because it is an issue of such sensitivity and complexity that it cannot adequately be dealt with by putting together 100 citizens in whats referred to as a Citizens Assembly.

We know the breadth of opinion on the issue in Irish society and we believe that would simply be reflected in the citizens assembly, Mr OCallaghan said.

Ruth Coppinger of the AAA-PBP group described the setting up of a Citizens Assembly as a charade that the Government felt they had to come up with.

The assembly will first make a report with recommendations on this matter of the Eighth Amendment to the Houses of the Oireachtas.

It will then be referred for consideration to an Oireachtas Committee which will in turn bring its conclusions to both the Dail and the Seanad.

Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone signalled that the position of deputy government press secretary would likely be filled in the coming days: I hope within the next couple of days were moving towards a resolution and getting it done. It would be great, very helpful to have that person.

However, she refused to provide the shortlist of candidates adding that it would be certainly somebody good.

A second liaison position between Fine Gael and the Independents is also due to be created.
Increasing large numbers of campervans and motor homes are traversing top tourist route, the Wild Atlantic Way.

But along the 2,500km route, from the Inishowen Peninsula in Co Donegal to Kinsale, Co Cork, there are too few purpose-built facilities to cater for the motorhome sector.

The warning came from Kerry county councillor Seamus Cosai Fitzgerald: There is a crying need for overnight facilites for campervans. Many caravan parks do not provide for them.

As one of the longest defined coastal drives in the world, tens of thousands of Irish, French, British and German campervan owners are flocking to the spectacular 14-stage route.

Mr Fitzgerald said with the private sector not catering for the tourists, local authorities should examine the possibility of providing stop-over infrastructure.

He said the main tourism agencies also need to get more involved.

Four of the stages take in Kerry: Kilkee to Tralee, Dingle peninsula, Ring of Kerry and Kenmare to the Beara.

But many campervan owners end up overnighting in town car parks and beaches.

Locals claim up to 30 motorhomes are to be found most mornings parked in the Dingle marina car park, the towns main facility for local shoppers and other visitors.

Theres simply nowhere for them to go, Mr Fitzgerald said.

He said specific sites where the touring tourists can avail of electricity to charge batteries, deal with waste, have access to hygiene and water, and other facilites are badly needed, he said.

There is a crying need for overnight facilites.

The view of the Atlantic from the old site of Dunlicka Castle on Loop Head Peninsula, Co Clare, part of a 60km heritage trail development which has been hailed as an example to other areas along the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW). Picture: Valerie OSullivan

He also said the local authorities need to play a lead role as private developers did not see such parks as profitable.

Kerry County Council needs to take a lead role in providing campervan sites on the Kerry coast, along the Wild Atlantic Way route, he said.

Mr Fitzgerald also suggested that Failte Ireland should identify the necessity to cater for motorhomes.

However, a spokesperson for Kerry County Council noted there are 40 licensed caravan parks in the county.

While some did provide facilities for touring campervans, some parks were at capacity with long-term paying tenants, it was pointed out.

The council said it would consider examining the matter of improved facilities.

Meanwhile, Failte Ireland said there are 13,300 caravan and camping spaces along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The agency said it was continually monitoring traffic along the route and will take account of any specific requirements.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Incirlik airbase was the think tank of plotters in Turkey, the Sabah newspaper reported July 28.

Reportedly, a day before the military coup attempt, the generals supporting Fethullah Gulen gathered at Incirlik airbase for a secret meeting.

The fact was revealed after the testimony of one of the detained Turkish generals who were involved in the military coup attempt.

Moreover, reportedly, a US lieutenant general, whose name hasnt been disclosed yet, also participated in this meeting.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.

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Bernie (last name withheld) was speaking at the launch of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centres 2015 annual report which saw her break down in tears.

Discussing the scale of rapes and sexual assaults in Ireland, a significant percentage of which go unreported, Bernie said it is vital women and men who have been attacked feel they can come forward to seek justice.

She admitted the stress of such a step is not easy and fought back tears to make her views known. From the minute I walked into the Garda station and reported my rape, I was made to feel I had done nothing wrong.

I was brought to the Rotunda Hospital by two gardai, and met by a woman from the Rape Crisis Centre which was a blessing.

For me in the [hospital] examination I switched off and literally talked about everything, but looking back it was actually like being raped again.

You do it with your eyes closed on auto-pilot and just think about everything else other than the rape.

Rape is a total invasion and destruction of a person, by a person. But the victim can become the victor over rape. It was a long road but with the help of the Rape Crisis Centre I got here.

Bernie, whose case did not lead to a conviction because of the lack of substantial physical DNA evidence of the attack, said she made one mistake  showering immediately after what happened.

She said she took the decision because I wanted to be clean, I did not want to be a dirty person anymore, but urged other women to go to hospital before doing so in order to ensure a conviction.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Noeleen Blackwell described Bernie as a powerful woman who went through an undeniable violation.

Youre a brave lady, and youre a victor over rape, she said.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centres 2015 annual report launch also heard that almost 12,000 people contacted the organisations national helpline last year.

More than half of the calls were from those contacting the group for the first time, while 3,536 appointments also took place.

Some 284 women and men were accompanied by trained volunteers to the Rotunda Hospitals sexual assault treatment unit, with 43 also taken to court or Garda stations for additional support.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre can be contacted on its national 24-hour helpline 1800 778888, at 70 Lower Leeson St, by email on rcc@indigo.ie or drcc.ie.

News: 6
Some of these related to the handling of evidence, criminal damage offences as well as children and road traffic law.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Claire Loftus points to one decision in particular, as constituting a major shift in our legal landscape. It relates to the admissibility of evidence in a court of law.

In this case, the Supreme Court came up with a new test to be applied to the inclusion or exclusion of illegally obtained evidence, including evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights.

According to the new test, evidence which is taken in deliberate and conscious violation of constitutional rights should still be excluded, except for in exceptional circumstances which are already considered in the existing legal theory.

This is a very important decision for the prosecution of crime because over the preceding 25 years, there were many cases which were submitted to this office which were the subject of a decision not to prosecute because of the inadmissibility of crucial evidence due to the very strict exclusionary rule, said Ms Loftus.

The DPPs report also lists several cases last year where the constitutionality of a piece of our law was challenged.

In one case, JF v DPP and Other, the High Court dismissed the plaintiffs constitutional challenge to the notification requirements contained in the Sex Offenders Act 2001. The court ruled the requirements placed on the plaintiff were not disproportionate because the purpose of the scheme is to protect the general public.

In relation to children in our legal system, there was one case included in the report which affects them.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Claire Loftus

In R R v DPP, the High Court held that the Circuit Court was still able to impose a sentence on a juvenile even though he had been remanded in custody for a period in excess of that provided for in section 100 of the Children Act 2001.

The High Court then noted the State had a special onus to deal with cases involving children as quickly as possible but that rare cases, such as this case, can occur, therefore allowing the court to go beyond the time limit set out in section 100.

In relation to our road traffic law, one decision regarding the inclusion of further evidence after the closure of the trial reflects a major development in the Irish legal environment.

In OKeeffe v DPP, heard in the Court of Appeal, the appellant had previously been convicted of an offence of drink driving where a district judge had allowed a prosecution witness to be recalled to give evidence after the prosecution case had closed.

The Court of Appeal affirmed that a district court judge had the discretion to allow further evidence, on technical or procedural matter, even after the prosecution had closed their case.

Key figures from DPP report
Judge Leo Malone said yesterday such behaviour was unacceptable and he jailed the culprit for three months.

Mark Turner who lives with the Simon Community in Cork had 99 previous convictions.

Inspector Fergal Foley said yesterday the 100th conviction was for engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on July 7 at Daunt Square, Cork.

The inspector said the incident occurred around 9.30pm. He said Garda Claire Sheehan and her colleagues were on duty in the area when they saw Turner.

He pulled down his trousers and exposed his buttocks to gardai. A large group of Spanish students was present at the time, said Insp Foley.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said he went through the prosecution statements with Turner and he just about remembered the exposure.

Judge Malone said it was not acceptable to behave like that, particularly when there was a group of young people from Spain present to witness it.

He imposed a three-month jail sentence on the accused.

Turner, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to a second offence of obstructing pedestrians by begging at Paul St on July 16 and being drunk and a danger.

Insp Foley said Turner was drinking from an open bottle of vodka at the time.

The judge imposed a concurrent one-month sentence for begging and fined Turner 250 for being drunk and a danger.
Yesterday, Mr Justice Donal ODonnell said she was entitled to contest an injunction preventing the couple from trespassing on Gorse Hill or interfering with a receivers right to dispose of the property to help meet the ODonnells 71m Bank of Ireland debt.

She was entitled to do so on the basis of an argument put forward on her behalf by her husband that she had a right of residence in the house, he said. This arose out of the couples claim that the Family Home Protection Act guarantees property entitlements to spouses.
It is anticipated the taskforce will help a national plan provide broadband to 900,000 homes by 2020.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten has also introduced measures to achieve co-operation on telecommunications projects and reduce costs.

I am confident that the taskforce will deliver on a work programme that will see immediate solutions to the broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and alleviate some of the difficulties being felt by families, businesses and the young and elderly across rural Ireland, said Mr Naughten.

The taskforce will examine any immediate actions that can be taken to improve broadband and phone coverage in rural areas while the national broadband plan continues.

The taskforce comprises multi-departmental groups, industry representatives, and the communications regulator.

It will report back to Government by the end of the year on ways to improve mobile reception and broadband access, as well as ways to consult with companies and the regulator on any barriers.

Mr Naughten will chair the taskforce, with members drawn from the OPW, local authorities, business and rural groups, the National Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and several departments.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten

Arts and Regional Minister Heather Humphreys, also involved in the broadband plan, said: I will be working with all of the local authorities to eliminate delay factors, such as planning and ducting, so towns and villages are broadband ready when the state contract is signed in summer 2017.

The taskforce will work with the industry to identify and address barriers to telecoms delivery and solutions that will help speed up developments, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Government has signed into law measures to speed up co-operation on communications projects with the industry and local authorities, and which will help competition, leading to lower prices in the sector.

Arts and Regional Minister Heather Humphreys

The approval by the Cabinet of an EU directive will require utility networks in sectors such as telecommunications, electricity, gas, transport, and waste water to share information about their infrastructure with providers of high-speed broadband networks and allow access to them.

Telecoms providers will also have to be given access to service ducts in apartment complexes or multi-unit developments for projects, unless there are strong reasons to deny this.

Local authorities will also have to make decisions on permits to install telecom lines below, on, or above roads, within four months or receiving all of the information required from applicants.

The communications regulator will also be appointed as a dispute settlement body if network operators cannot agree to share networks.
The latest annual financial statement by the beleaguered utility company provides fresh information about the scale of the movement to boycott water charges in its first full year of operations.

Irish Waters accounts show 111m out of 255.2m worth of bills for water charges issued last year had not been paid by the end of 2015.

It equates to just 56.5% of all water charges for domestic customers being paid.

Irish Water customers remain liable for balances due on any bills issued and Irish Water continues to accept payment and to deal with any billing queries in relation to outstanding balances, the company stated.

The company reported 64% of customers  975,000 households  had paid water charges at the end of the fourth billing quarter in 2015, compared to 44% for the first cycle.

Total fees collected from water charges in 2015 amounted to 144.2m with cash receipts peaking during the third quarter at 42.3m before dropping back to 33.4m in the final quarter.

Irish Water directors admitted there had been a decline in cash received from domestic customers since this years general election in February.

It is unclear what the impact, if any, will be on the ultimate collectability of receivables from domestic customers as at December 31, 2015, they added.

In their annual financial statement, the directors said they believed the company would continue in operation as a public utility under the Programme for Government.

Although the nine-month suspension of water charges will have a direct impact on its collections from domestic users, Irish Water said it expected that cash flows would be supported by increased short term subvention or State funding or third party borrowings.

The directors said they believed the Government had demonstrated its commitment to the continued funding of Irish Water and its 5.5 bn capital plan between now and 2021.

They also acknowledged that Irish Water had faced significant challenges in demonstrating its value and gaining public confidence in the company.

Outlining its key achievements to date, Irish Water said it had replaced 500km of pipes in 2014 and 2015, while 2,727 customer leaks were repaired under the First Fix Scheme, saving 34 million litres of water every day.

The risk of water supply contamination was removed from another 250,000 people, while 21,743 individuals were taken off a boil water notice.

Although it is one of the least loved entities in Irish corporate history, Irish Water managed to report a pre-tax profit of 17.4m last year, reversing a 138.8m loss posted in 2014.

Despite being the subject of a widespread boycott on the payment of water charges, the utility saw turnover rise by 24% to 851.1m. It included a payment of 399m from the Government as the subvention for a basic free amount of water for customers.

Any profit recorded by Irish Water is reinvested in fixing Irelands ageing water infrastructure, the company said.

The average number of employees at the company rose from 289 in 2014 to 495 last year.
The Director of Public Prosecutions directed 51 murder cases for indictment to the Central Criminal Court in 2014, compared with 27 in 2013.

These figures are in the DPPs 2015 annual report, published yesterday.

Of the 51 murder cases, eight led to convictions by a jury, there were two convictions based on a guilty plea and 31 are still for hearing. Seven led to other disposals and three ended up becoming with convictions of a lesser charge, such as manslaughter.

In relation to the next most serious crime in the Irish statute book  rape  the DPP directed 65 cases for indictment on this charge in 2014. Six of these led to a conviction by jury, eight convictions due to a guilty plea and three convictions on a lesser charge. These figures are more or less in line with 2013 statistics.

One of the largest jumps noted in the DPP report relates to European Arrest Warrants (EAW).

In 2015, the DPPs office received 106 EAW files from An Garda Siochana, which resulted in the issuing of 92 warrants.

This figure, when compared with 2014, reflects an almost doubling on the amount of warrants issued.

Compared with the 92 issued in 2015, there were 48 issued in 2014.

It should be noted that the issue of the EAW and the surrender of the person will not necessarily correspond to the year the file is received, the report noted.

The DPP said it could not identify the cause of the jump.

While it is not possible to offer a particular reason for this marked increase in 2015, it does reflect the general increase in the requirement for international cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

The statistics for EAWs from 2008 as published in the 2010 and 2012 reports show an overall upward trend in this area, a spokesperson for the DPP told the Irish Examiner

.

The Department of Justice was also queried on the matter, to ascertain whether the issuing of EAWs was in any way connected to the rise in terror attacks in Europe.

However, a spokesperson from the department said it was a matter for the DPP.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said earlier this year that no country is immune to an attack of such a nature.

In terms of the DPPs budget, the offices total expenditure in 2015 came to 37,699,205. Fees to barristers, who prosecuted cases on behalf of the office, came to 14,022,032, and staffing costs were 12,150,357 for 2015.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Claire Loftus, said despite the number of files her office received last year (14,307), and the limited resources there, staff still operated productively.

Despite the overall increase in file numbers and other demands on resources the office continued to exceed its targets for time taken to issue directions with 68% of all files being directed on within one month and nearly 90% within three months, she said.

Ms Loftus said fees given to barristers were an increase on 2014, but were due to the duration of some trials in which the DPP had been involved.

Expenditure on counsels fees rose from 13.4m to 14m, due partly to lengthy trials but also due to the significant increase in cases processed during the first full year of operation of the Court of Appeal.

Pointing to a significant change in the Irish legal landscape in 2015, the director commented on the EU directive on victims rights that came into effect in November 2015.

The EU directive is a very important measure establishing rights to assist victims who have suffered physically, emotionally and financially as a result of crime, she said.

It allows people to request responses from the DPPs office, as to why it did not direct to prosecute in certain cases.
Judge Sean O Donnabhain said yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court: This was a vicious assault with serious consequences for the victim.

The accused has pleaded guilty. There was no previous between the parties. No implement was used other than his fist. It was not pre-meditated and the accused has behaved himself since.

It was a very serious assault. He has paid 5,000 which is not much but I am told he is doing the best he can in his circumstances.

I am impressed the accused has not come to the attention of the gardai since and has behaved himself.

Dylan Scannell of 27 Fosters Haven, Cobh, Co Cork, got a two-year jail term suspended in its entirety.

Detective Garda Richard White previously described the background to the incident where Scannell got into a row with the injured party Ronan OBrien in Cobh: They were out on the night in question in February 2013. They got into a verbal argument. The defendant threw one punch to the jaw of the injured party fracturing it in two places.

Questioned subsequently Mr Scannell could not recall actually throwing the punch.

Defence barrister Donal OSullivan said the money was more an apology than real compensation in the context of ongoing surgery Mr OBrien requires. He said it all arose out of a silly argument. While Scannell threw only one blow the consequences for Mr OBrien were very serious. The barrister said the accused worked as a part-time tattoo artist.
It comes after a report on the future of the countrys 1,300 post offices published by businessman Bobby Kerr recommended immediate action to tackle serious challenges facing the network. The report found many rural and isolated post offices are not viable and must adapt to remain open in the coming years.

There were 198 closures between 2007 and 2010 and a further 24 net closures between 2011 and 2014.

However, publishing his report in January, Mr Kerr said a value needed to be put on the social contribution provided by rural offices.

The new working group, which is made up of members of the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU); An Post; the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs; Irish Rural Link; and community groups, met for the first time yesterday. Ned OHara IPU general secretary said good progress had been made at the meeting and the group will reconvene in September.

The issue that we would have is that something has to be done quickly. We are waiting for this to happen since January, he said.

He said that after Mr Kerrs report was published it was decided two working groups would be formed, one to look into the commercial side and develop a long-term plan for post offices, and the other to examine the social aspect.

While Mr Kerr continued to develop a detailed five-year strategy for the network, former Labour Minister of State for Rural Economic Development Ann Phelan was tasked with heading up the second working group to develop rural post offices as local service hubs.

Bobby Kerr

However, Mr OHara yesterday pointed out that little work has been done on this since January, because of the general election.

We are realistic, we know the world is changing, so we have to develop a plan to deal with that, said Mr OHara.

Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring yesterday said: It is my view and Government policy that An Post should remain a strong, viable company in a position to provide a high-quality postal service and maintain a national network of customer-focused post offices in the community.

The post office network plays an important role in serving the needs of business and domestic customers, alike. I believe that the roll-out of post office hubs could potentially be of considerable benefit to local communities and contribute greatly to rural rejuvenation.

Among the recommendations put forward in Mr Kerrs report is an overhaul of outdated postmaster payments and contracts.

It also outlines a number of ways of encouraging branches to increase the services they provide, including the provision of banking services such as ATM cards and direct debits.

Struggling post offices could also receive transition grants over a number of years.

The Post Office Hub Working Group will examine all aspects of the report and provide recommendations to Government before the end of the year.
As the Government broke yesterday for the summer holidays, relations between Fine Gael and Independent ministers are said to be severely strained.

The Irish Examiner understands that fears within Cabinet are high that the upcoming budget could see the Governments stability threatened.

But a series of silly communications breakdowns have soured the atmosphere between ministers in the past two weeks and several ministers have called for measures to be taken to ensure matters improve.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Independent Alliance Transport Minister Shane Ross sought to remedy the poor relations, but ministers have confirmed that severe tensions persist.

There is a lack of trust in Cabinet and small things have already blown up into major spats. But when the silly stuff happens on top of the lack of trust, trouble happens. I would fear that if we dont sort those things out, the budget could see the thing collapse, said one minister.

The budget is always the source of tension at the best of times, so the potential for trouble is considerable, so we need to see things improve, the minister added.

Independent Alliance Transport Minister Shane Ross

Mr Ross and his Independent Alliance ministerial colleagues Finian McGrath and John Halligan are known to be very wary of their Fine Gael counterparts. It is understood that they are very frustrated, with Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar coming in for severe criticism.

However, other ministers have criticised the Independent Alliance ministers for being unable to make a decision on anything, which has led to tensions at Cabinet.

It has also emerged that Communications Minister Denis Naughten last week urged Mr Kenny and Mr Ross to try and mend fences after serious infighting between the sides.

Acknowledging the tensions, Mr Naughten said a more pragmatic attitude is needed from ministers to ensure the Government works.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten

There are teething problems, and there has been a lack of communications which have caused problems. At the end of day, we all have to work together. I try and be pragmatic. Get on with the bloody thing as we all have a job to do, Mr Naughten.

I am trying to keep lines open even with the opposition, as this Government will live and die by working with people, Mr Naughten added.

Children and Youth Affairs Minister Katherine Zappone admitted yesterday there are ongoing disagreements between Government factions but said: I think whats going on is very healthy in relation to having disagreements.

Children and Youth Affairs Minister Katherine Zappone

We work through them, and I think we deeply respect each other, but we can disagree in relation to decisions we make as members of cabinet and move on.

Ms Zappone said the row over a 90,000 a year government deputy press secretary position should be resolved in the next couple of days and other issues are being addressed.

However, asked if the minority government situation is placing further pressure on Cabinet relationships as Fianna Fail has a significant amount of power despite being in opposition, the Children and Youth Affairs Minister admitted the current arrangement is not helping matters.

A minority government is a new act and its always going to be a tightrope that we are walking, she said.

Asked about tensions at Cabinet, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said that fatal foetal abnormality had been an issue at Cabinet but had been worked out. That was what it was.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed

It was inevitable there would be a bedding down period at Cabinet, he added: We are in a new space and it will take bedding down. Apart from that, I think it is working quite well.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

A relative of Turkeys former Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, Ziya Tay has been dismissed due to his links with Gulen movement, Hurriyet newspaper reported July 28.

Tay has served as the head of Turkish Health Ministrys mission in Manisa province for 14 years.

It was also reported that 150 employees of health authorities in the Manisa province were dismissed due to links with Gulen movement.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.

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Christopher Bardin says he was sitting on the toilet for the disabled in the audience holding area adjoining Studio 4 when the toilet roll dispenser unexpectdedly opened and hit him on the left side of the head.

He claims he has been suffering from tinnitus in his left ear following the accident where the cover of the toilet roll dispenser popped open hitting him on the head on May 26, 2008.

Mr Bardin who the High Court heard has worked at RTE for 39 years has also filed another personal injuries claim over an alleged incident four years later which he claims exacerbated his tinnitus condition by about 50%.

Christopher Bardin, aged 61, of Rathmines Close, Rathmines, Dublin, has sued his employer RTE and cleaning contractors Maybin Support Services Ireland Ltd trading as Momentum Support with offices at Steevens Lane Dublin over the 2008 disabled toilet incident.

He has claimed there was a failure to adequately repair the toilet roll dispensers latching device and a failure to ensure the safety of the toilet facilites. Mr Bardin futher claimed there was a failure to maintain the toilet roll dispensers latching device in order to prevent it suddently hitting him.

He claims he has suffered a diminution of his enjoyment of life, together with a loss of amenity and he has great difficulty sleeping because of the constant whistling in his left ear which causes him to be irritable and anxious during the day.

Mr Justice Bernard Barton was told libaility had been admitted in this case and it was before the court for assessment of damages only.

Mr Bardins counsel Partricia Dillon SC opening the case said that Mr Bardin was struck first on the left ear and when he turned his head was struck again.

She said it was a substantial apparatus and Mr Bardin had within a few days taken a photograph of the dispenser. She said where there was a circular hole for a key a sticking type plaster had been used. The dispenser was later replaced.

Counsel said Mr Bardin within a short time of the dispenser part hitting him heard a whistle like sound in his ear and suffered from tinnitus since.

She said he had attended the Eye and Ear Hospital, but nothing adverse was found and a hearing test and audiogram showed up as normal.

The case before Mr Justice Bernard Barton continues today.
The spend is part of Irish Waters business plan which runs until 2021 and the funds have already been allocated out of exchequer funds, Irish Water said last night.

The embattled utility is planning to spend 370m over the next decade replacing lead pipes and at least 78m treating water to stop lead contamination.

Irish Water this week published its Lead in Water Mitigation Plan, which will be available for public consultation until September 21.

In it, Irish Water is urging owners of houses built before 1980 to check internal plumbing for lead pipes and will assist in replacing them.

About 180,000 homes are served by lead pipes, Irish Water estimates, and are at risk of not meeting the EU safe drinking water standards.

According to the HSE, consumption of lead can affect brain development, with young children, bottle-fed infants, and babies in the womb deemed most at risk.

News that the funds for the plan will come out of the exchequer led some politicians to insist that no matter what mechanism is used to deal with the system, the taxpayer will foot the bill.

Speaking yesterday, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said suggestions that because Irish Water is a utility that taxpayers wont pay is wrong. No matter how we fix the problem, we will pay for it. Whether it is through general taxation or a grant. We always pay and we always have paid. The question is whether the system of payment fair or not, he said.

Managing director of Irish Water Jerry Grant said homes built before 1980 should be checked for lead.

Mr Grant said: We are now asking members of the public to look at the plan and give us their feedback on our proposed approach. In the meantime, we are also urging all property owners especially those with young children, to check for lead pipes and to have them replaced if at all possible.

He added that while full lead replacement is the best option, this has taken decades in other countries.

We have identified an option to treat the water at the treatment plant in order to reduce the risk. A food grade product called orthophosphate can be added to drinking water at our plants to coat old lead pipes in peoples homes and reduce exposure and consequent health risk until the pipes are replaced, he added.
John Prior, aged 68, molested the child on two occasions in 1985 while she was on summer holidays visiting Irish relatives in Leitrim and Dublin.

Prior, of Orchard Lane, Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin, had denied five counts of indecent assault of the victim at Hartley House, Merrion Rd, on dates between July 1 and August 31, 1985.

After a trial earlier this month, a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court convicted him of two counts but failed to reach a verdict on the three remaining charges.

On the first occasion, the girl asked to accompany her uncle to the shops to get food for guests at the bed and breakfast he owned. During the car journey to the shops, Prior began asking the victim about sex and told her that women were sluts and were like rabbits, she told the trial.

She said he became aroused and grabbed her wrist and put her hand on the outside of his trousers. Afterwards, he told her they would have a special relationship.

On another occasion, Prior was watching a programme about a girl who had been raped when the child was present. He put his hand down her underwear and rubbed her.

The now 42-year-old victim gave evidence during the trial and was cross-examined on the basis that Prior said none of these things happened. She was not present for the sentence hearing yesterday, where Seamus Clarke, prosecuting, read her victim impact report out.

She said she suffered post-traumatic stress disorder from the abuse and was hospitalised with a panic attack a year later. Detective Garda Stephen Homan told the court that Prior has no other convictions.

Judge Nolan said this was a tragic case involving assaults which have had profound effects on the victim. He said the events have led to great disharmony within the family.

The judge said that every sexual assault is a serious assault but Priors offences couldnt be deemed the most serious.

John OKelly, defending, said his client had been a very successful business man.

He said the widower had shared his success by dividing his pension among a number of charities.

Judge Nolan said that Prior was a charitable man but he had abused his position of trust and had isolated the victim.

Mr Clarke told the court that the victim was waiving her right to anonymity.
A total of 107 malicious callouts were received in the Cork City area alone in 2014.

The city service had received a total of 581 calls that year which were not real emergencies.

In the same year, 85 of the 247 false alarms to which Cork County Fire Service tasked personnel and fire engines had been hoaxes.

The figures, latest statistics show, were similar for 2015.

Of the 579 false alarms responded to by Cork City fire brigade, 100 were as a result of malicious calls while Cork county fire officers attended the scene of 215 false alarms in 2015, 65 as a result of hoax calls.

The figures were provided by Environment Minister Simon Coveney in response to a parliamentary question from Cork SouthCentral TD Michael McGrath.

The minister explained the rest of the false alarms which were responded to were as a result of good intent calls  the caller honestly thought there was an incident which required attendance, such as a fire alarm going off but where there was not actually a fire.

Cork county sub chief fire officer Kieran ODonovan said false alarms accounted for approximately 10% of all callouts.

He highlighted just how much of an impact false alarms can have on the service.

Most callouts, he said, are two-pump. That means two fire fighting crews will attend. In many cases, each area only has one fire engine.

As a result, in the event of a call being a hoax, there is unlikely to be another fire engine, also referred to as an appliance, free close by.

Furthermore, Mr ODonovan pointed out that, for example, if a call came in through the central control facility in Limerick to a road accident on a country road in Cork  which ultimately turns out to be a false alarm  the fire engines must spend time combing that area to make sure they have not missed it.

They have to satisfy themselves completely that it is a hoax call, he said.

Cork SouthCentral TD Michael McGrath

Mr ODonovan also said there was a catch-22 situation. The fire service, he said, does not want to deter people from making calls if they see something which might appear to be serious, but which ultimately turns out not to be a non-emergency.

But then we have people who just do it out of devilment, he said. It is a conscious decision which initiates the callout.

People should be aware of the implications when they initiate a malicious call. It may be in a large area where there may not be immediate cover.

Mr ODonovan said the hoax callouts tend to come from younger age groups, who may not consider the consequences.

Mr McGrath, who had sought the information from Mr Coveney, said it was incredibly difficult to understand the mindset of anyone who would deliberately send the fire service off on a wild goose chase, knowing that doing so was not only costing the State money but also putting the lives of others at risk given that the fire service may not be able to respond in a timely fashion to a genuine call.

Mr McGrath said: It is probably exceptionally difficult for the authorities to follow up on such hoax calls, but where it is possible to do so it should be done and anyone found to have engaged in this practice should be reprimanded in a serious way.
Sean Carraher, aged 55, began harassing Sergeant Conor Gilmartin because he was unhappy with the way the garda dealt with a complaint he made that his children were being physically abused.

He was convicted earlier this month of posting 58 messages on the websites Rate-Your-Solicitor and Victims of the Legal Profession, alleging, among other things, that Sgt Conor Gilmartin had withheld evidence in a previous case involving the accused. Carraher also made up to 12 harassing phone calls to Sgt Gilmartin.

Carraher, of Stradbrook Hill, Blackrock, Dublin, had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to harassing Sgt Gilmartin between March 2009 and May 2011. He was convicted by a jury after nearly six hours of deliberation.

He has one previous conviction from 2011 for harassing his wife.

Judge Patrick McCartan said he was imposing the five-year sentence to send out a message to any other that thinks of spreading information that is grossly defamatory. The maximum sentence for harassment is seven years.

He said Carraher has all the attributes of a bully who used the anonymity of one-way traffic of the internet to make the allegations of corruption despite not having one whit of evidence.

He said Carraher had not spoken one word of sorry or one word of regret since the trial began and still carried with him the obdurate view to do what he wishes.

He said it was very disturbing to read what Sgt Gilmartin was subjected to given he was a public servant and doing no more than his duty.

In a victim impact report, Sgt Gilmartin said Carrahers actions were well planned to humiliate him and his family. He said his wife feared for her safety when he was out of the house.

The trial heard the phrase Conor Gilmartin is the most corrupt garda... was one of the first results when the gardas name was searched for on Google. Most of the posts are still up, the court heard.
It really just became content for my show, the 58-year-old says of her 13-year-long crusade, which she made no secret of on her popular syndicated talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Every sequel that came out for every other movie, it was just like, Oh my God, are you kidding me? And then it just became a running joke.

After a pause, teasing, she adds: He ruined it, referring to director and Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton. My joke is over, because he did [make a sequel]. Now I have no more jokes.

But if anyone can anticipate their voice being heard, its multi-Emmy-winning DeGeneres, who has a collective total of 120 million social media followers.

Thats not always been the case, though. Before landing her hit talk show, now in its 13th season, just a few months after Finding Nemo opened in cinemas, the Louisiana-born host, comedian, actress, and writer hadnt worked in three years.

I had no job offers at the time, she recalls, quick to credit Stanton for giving her a valuable platform with Pixar  the animation studios also behind hits Inside Out, Toy Story, and WALL-E.

Finding Nemo, she says, certainly saved my life in many ways.

Far from just good timing, DeGeneres shone as the upbeat, friendly blue fish, who captured the audiences heart with her short-term memory loss and quirky lines (Just keep swimming!), and deserves to take centre sea in its 3D computer-animated follow-up.

A tale of self-acceptance, the movie catches up with Dory one year on, and finds her living happily in the reef with Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence). The tide turns, however, when she suddenly remembers she has a family, and embarks on a life-changing adventure across the ocean in a bid to find them.

Its amazing to me that Dory has resonated with people so much, muses DeGeneres of the film-makers decision to focus on Dorys past.

Dory was such a big part of Finding Nemo that it makes sense people might wonder about her journey. We want to see how it worked out for her.

And while family is a central theme, the comedian is keen to stress that the story is not limited to ancestry.

The story is the journey of, Where are her parents?, what happened to her, and how she got separated from them. Shes looking as any child would do, but its not about a mother and a father, its not about blood relations, its about who makes you feel good, and who gets you and supports you for all of who you are.

That to me is what family and what home is, concludes DeGeneres, who married her long-time girlfriend, actress Portia de Rossi, in 2008.

She is similarly reflective when it comes to the films message.I think its important that this supposed disability that she has is her strength, she enthuses. We all have to look for whatever it is about us that we feel is our disability, whether its physical or mental, and look at it as what makes us special.

Its this, she states, that makes Dory so relatable.

Shes so optimistic. She doesnt really worry about the past or try and analyse the future, and it doesnt paralyse her to make decisions.

Shes spontaneous, shes non-judgemental, and no matter what mood somebody else is in, it doesnt impact her and she doesnt take it personally.

Its what I say on my show every day: Be kind to one another. Thats what Dory does, she explains, adding that the characters Just keep swimming mantra is one shes applied in her own life too.

Stand-up comic, presenter, actress, producer, author, and designer (she launched a lifestyle brand, ED by Ellen, selling clothes and home decor, among all else, in 2015), DeGeneres certainly has her head above water when it comes to her flourishing career.

Finding Dory opens tomorrow
FEW people are better placed to tell the story of Bobby Sands than filmmaker Brendan J Byrne. A Belfast man through and through, he was a teenager in the summer of 1981, when word first came through that Sands had died after more than two months of hunger striking in a bid for better prison status and conditions.

Many more were to die before the strike was called off in what was a grim period in Irelands history. Byrnes new documentary, Bobby Sands: 66 Days, arrives in cinemas on August 5 on the back of much praise on the film festival circuit.

Its a comprehensive, balanced piece of work, coming at Sands story from every angle, often through the writings and hunger-strike diaries of Sands himself, voiced in the film by actor Martin McCann. It was a film, Byrne says, that needed to be made, even though he knew it would generate controversy.

To me, as someone who grew up in a working-class, nationalist, Republican community, at the end of the day, Bobby Sands was a picture on a wall. I knew what he did, I knew what he stood for, but I didnt understand anything about him, explains the filmmaker.

I also knew how vilified he was in different communities. I thought: Here was an important figure for what he did and the changes brought by what he did. I had made a number of politically-influenced documentaries before, primarily for TV, so it wasnt that I was unfamiliar with the territory, but I realised that this was the biggest one, and that there were many more potholes. That there would be a lot of immediate commentary.

GETTING THE BALANCE

To its credit, the film covers the Sands case from multiple angles in its analysis of a story that made global headlines.

Brendan J Byrne: Director.

I think the film is a balanced view, perhaps a sympathetic portrait of Sands, but its not a sympathetic examination of the IRA. It doesnt happen in a bubble, its not a flag-waver for the IRA. The Unionist context, the British context, is all in there.

Its totally driven as an attempt to, 30 years later, walk away from the stereotypes, take a look at it, and go: While I dont like the organisation that he worked with, who murdered people, I cant help but appreciate what he did.

Its something that I couldnt do, or anybody I know couldnt do. He wasnt just a footsoldier. He was a thinker, he was a writer.

Its about bringing a bit more understanding to a figure who is really a picture on a gable wall.

Using a blend of archive footage and contributions from a wide variety of historians and commentators, the film broadens out from the emotive circumstances of the strike itself to put what happened into historical and social context.

However, the practicalities of making the film presented a great many challenges, not least the fact there is no archive footage of Sands.

The challenges were several-fold, he agreed. I knew I had lots of archive, because it was a 30-year war, photographed by everybody around the world. While there are no moving pictures of Bobby Sands and very little inside the prison, other than the shots of the excrement on the walls, while theres a limited amount of very specific material, theres a massive array of other material which is visually explanatory about the conflict.

The challenge was to create a structure that was in that day in 1981, but also to go back in time to thread the broader context of hunger strike, to build a biography of Sands, to understand Republicanism, to look at 1916, at the medical effects of hunger strike on the body. It was the weaving in an out of the contemporary 1981 timeline, back into history. We knew it had to be that way. It took 35 weeks in the editing room to make it look seamless, but Paul Devlin, my editor, did a remarkable job.

IRA hungerstriker Bobby Sands (far right) pictured in Long Kesh Prison with Thomas Louden, Gerard Rooney and Denis Donaldson.

BELFAST MEMORIES

As a child, Byrne had to leave his home in Ardoyne, on a street that bordered a Protestant area.

We lived on Alliance Avenue, which is the final street in Ardoyne which then backs onto a working-class Protestant community. We got a brick through the window with a note on it saying: Never come back here, he said.

Byrne, who has made TV documentaries and also works as a producer, has already told stories of his hometown. His first film, The Kickhams, told a tale of identity through the GAA team that counted him among its players as a youngster.

 A number of members of the team had been killed as a result of The Troubles, one or two also who had been IRA activists, so I grew up in a way, cheek by jowl, with people who I knew as a young man who were just the guy next door, though some of these turned out to be IRA people.

While I was never going to join the IRA, I understood in some respects these people who did. Whilst I couldnt condone what they did, part of me didnt feel that they were pariahs either. They were people who were reacting to what was happening on the streets in front of them. There was a genuine sense of second-class citizenship if you grew up where I did.

He remembers the ominous atmosphere in the city during the summer of the hunger strikes, but as a 15-year-old boy, he didnt know enough to be frightened.

The stomach began to tighten around 18, 19, 20 when you turned on the radio in the morning and someone had been shot dead. Later on that day, youd be driving past the place and the police cordon would be gone, and youre thinking: This is around the corner from me, whats happening? This place is fucked up. I often felt like leaving. I was lucky enough that my own family were a great unit. I had a sense that something bad was going to happen, but nothing bad was going to happen to me.

Gerry Adams at Sands funeral in 1981.

Belfast remains his home to this day, even though he contemplated leaving at the height of the Troubles. Couldnt get the wife out of there, he says laughing.

My wifes a Protestant and a bit of a home bird. I always say that, but deep down I probably am as well. I sort of felt that I didnt want to give up on the place.

Bobby Sands: 66 Days opens in cinemas next Friday, August 5. It will also show at Triskel in Cork, Aug 7-10.
AS A gay man, I decided to write this book because up until two years ago, I had never met a trans person and knew very little about the subject.

This is not that unusual because the majority of people will never have met a transgender person, although many will have seen one featured in a TV documentary or serial drama.

Either way, most people are still relatively new to this concept and as a result there remains a lot of curiosity, ignorance, and misconceptions about the trans community.

I wanted to explore why somebody would be unhappy about their gender and seek to change it.

I wanted to speak with people who were transgender and hear their stories. I wanted to demystify the wrongful image that the media have portrayed of people having sex change operations on a whim.

Writing this book took me on an extraordinary journey.

I travelled all over the UK and Ireland interviewing trans people and listened to their life experiences first-hand. In doing so I met some of the nicest, friendliest, and honest people that I have ever met in my life.

I utilised my social worker background to help me find out why there were women and men who felt uncomfortable with their gender and sought to change it. I was assigned male at birth.

My brain tells me I am a man and that is how I live my life. How different it would be if I was assigned male but my brain was to tell me that I was female.

And thats exactly the type of situation that trans people find themselves in and seek to change through transitioning to the gender that their brain tells them they are; often discarding years of emotional agony and unhappiness once they start the coming out process and confront who they really are.

There is no easy or magical way to change gender. It is often a drawn out process of doctors appointments, life-long hormone treatments and surgery but everybody I interviewed had no regrets that they chose to transition to a new gender.

Nearly all the people I interviewed for the book noted that they had had issues with their gender identity in childhood.

Many recalled how, as boys, they dressed as girls  and vice versa  and how, as children, they played with toys designed for the opposite sex. Some of them only felt comfortable playing with children of the opposite physical sex.

These were childhoods filled with silence: how they felt about themselves was never discussed and only rarely were any of them able to confide in a family member or friend.

So great was their distress about their bodies, their pubescent years were often marked by self-harming incidents and suicide ideation.

Eventually, these issues subsided after they begun the transitioning process and had developed a greater sense of value and identity of who they were.

There are four main categories in the trans community: trans women, trans men, non-binary people and crossdressers.

Trans women, up until recently, made up the largest percentage of people who transitioned.

Many have not had an easy time because some trans women pass as women better than others. Less practice early in life means they often struggle to develop a good sense of clothes style and make-up and further problems occur for those who are naturally large-framed or tall and have big hands and feet.

Facial electrolysis may work better for some than it does for others.

Many trans women have undertaken full reassignment surgery  because the surgery is less risky than for trans men  and nearly all will have at least had breast enhancement because breasts do not necessarily grow that much whilst taking oestrogen.

Having testicles removed also ensures that the body stops producing testosterone. There are long waiting lists for surgery with many opting to travel overseas to Thailand and America.

Trans men, on the other hand, have less of a difficult time than trans women in the sense that they pass much easier in their new gender.

This is partly because taking testosterone helps to masculinise the body.

Although trans men are less likely to have full reassignment surgery that involves genital surgery, nearly all of them have chest reconstruction surgery.

Most trans men feel that their body dysphoria eases after they have had their breasts removed and this helps them present in their new gender with greater confidence.

Historically, trans men have come out as trans earlier in life than trans women, although up until the last couple of years there were fewer trans men than trans women.

That is changing, however, with recent statistics indicating that these days there are as many trans men as trans women transitioning.

Declan G Henry utilised his social worker background when writing Trans Voices

Like trans women, many trans men opt to travel abroad for private surgery although few have genital surgery because of its risks, the need for multiple surgeries and the high expense.

Non-binary people are also coming more to the forefront of the trans community.

But generally this category consists of younger trans people who do not identify as either men or women, depending on their gender assigned at birth, or those who consider they are both genders.

There are more than 20 non-binary terms/descriptions in this category to help explain gender internalisation and how this dictates the way the person presents to the world.

Many non-binary people are drawn to an androgynous state although its also quite common, for example in the case of a gender-queer person assigned male at birth, to have grown a beard and choose to wear female clothes and make-up.

Although crossdressers are recognised as being part of the wider trans community, they are mainly heterosexual men who are comfortable in the gender they were assigned at birth.

They do not endure gender dysphoria nor do they have any inclination to transition to female or adopt an androgynous state.

Since they dress in female clothing they are often regarded as trans women but its there that the resemblance ends because most are happily married and have no desire to live full-time in the opposite gender.

Life in Ireland for trans people is in some ways no different to the UK and other parts of Europe  long waiting lists and limited options for surgery on the health service, which means travelling abroad for private surgery.

This is coupled alongside misconceptions and transphobia, although physical violence appears to be rare.

However, Irish trans people have the advantage of being able to self-declare their gender, since the introduction of the Gender Recognition Act 2015.

This allows trans people to gain legal recognition without seeing a doctor or needing medical treatment. In doing so, they followed Argentina, Denmark, Malta, and Colombia in allowing trans people to self-determine outside of the medical process.

In the UK, a trans person is still required to get opinions from two medical professionals before they can start medical treatment.

There is no doubt about it, transgender people are becoming more visible in society because more and more people are coming out and transitioning earlier in life than in previous decades.

In 10 years time, it is estimated that most people will know a transgender person, just like everyone currently knows somebody who is gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

By that time, much of the current curiosity and fascination surrounding trans people will have waned because it will have become the norm for people to say they have trans relatives, friends, neighbours and work colleagues  without fear or shame.

I hope my book will open your mind to the trans community and answer many questions.

Your heart will also be opened by the people featured in the book who have had the courage to become who they really believe they are, against the many hurdles and obstacles that have hindered their journey to living the true authentic lives that were both their destiny and entitlement.
In the dim, 2am lamplight of Washington St, my fingers fumble over my shirt buttons. Anxiety penetrates through inebriation.

I know it is not safe to be outside dressed like this. On the dancefloor of Chambers, I was a show-off  here, I shrink. After a minutes struggle, my drunken digits succeed in closing the demure shirt fabric over my lurid pink crop top. Phew! Safe at last.

A mere two minutes later, a large group of lads passes, whooping their strange macho calls  an alien language. I am grateful that my fingers were not slower.

In the suburbs of Dublin, anothers fingers perform a different ritual. Anna is a trans woman.

She watches her movement in the mirror as her hands put the finishing touches to her outfit  a soft pink dress with a matching bow in her dark curls. She suppresses the rising fear in her chest  the fear that wells up every time she has to leave the house.

The alternative is to live a lie.

She takes a deep breath and puts the statistics out of her head. A trans woman is murdered every 21 hours, but they make up less than 0.2% of the global population. Her fingers reach for the door handle.

Not far from Annas house, Paddy is huffing and puffing in the corner of the kitchen, angry fists tightening on his newspaper.

Sure, what do they need to have all these BLEEDIN parades for? Isnt it enough that we gave em the equal marriage thing? Its like they want to shove it in yer face or somethin

His wife Mary rolls her eyes and continues stirring her tea.

Brian OFlynn getting ready at Dublin Pride Parade in June.

A week later, I stride down OConnell St. Im wearing my crop top again, but this time my skin doesnt prickle with fear. No eyes narrow in disgust, and no words are spat at me. Today is a day for wide eyes and yells of delight.

Today, I am not a target  I am just one pixel of pink in a kaleidoscopic aerial photograph.

Unfelt by me in the crowd, Anna too walks. She is wearing her most flamboyant, flowery, flowing dress  it is her favourite, but it is an ensemble she has not yet dared to wear outdoors. Today is different. Today, she enjoys the fearlessness of the majority. It is a comfort she rarely enjoys, but today is a special day.

Today is Pride.

Paddy watches the news at six and sees the rainbow train snaking its way through Dublins streets. A vein pulses in his forehead. Mary glares at him and changes the channel.

For Anna and me, Pride is more than a protest. It is the one day of the year when we, and all LGBT people, feel absolutely comfortable.

Pictured at the Cork LGBT Pride Family Fun Day in Fitzgerald Park on Sunday was pug Norman at the Scruffy Doo Fun Dog Show.

Its the one day when we get to escape the trauma of growing up bullied, marginalised, different; when we get to wear whatever we want and not feel frightened; when our queerness is not the exception in an Irish street, but the norm.

It is a key day set aside for normalising queer identity. It is the crucial first step towards creating a world where we feel free to express our gender identity EVERY day, and not just one day a year.

No matter how much legislating you do, you cannot change attitudes in Dail Eireann. You can only change attitudes by baring your soul to people.

That is what the LGBT community does on Pride day. It bares its soul.

Many ask why Pride is still necessary or relevant. We have achieved so much legislative recognition, and now we should be grateful and climb back into the closets we grew up in, apparently. But we refuse.

Asking to abolish Pride makes as much economic and political sense as asking to abolish St Patricks Day, or the Easter Rising celebrations.

The Twitter float at the Dublin Pride Parade last month. There were several corporate floats including from Ebay, Microsoft, and Bank of Ireland.

And it is not all about the future  it is also about the past. Pride serves a commemorative function in remembering our oppression, our struggle, our martyrs. Even if we reach the point of absolute social acceptance, there would still be a reason to keep Pride, because the present does not erase the past. There is still much to be remembered, mourned, and celebrated.

Walk into a hotel, restaurant, shop, or nightclub, tell them therell be no Pride this year, and watch the colour drain from their faces. Pride injects every host city with economic adrenaline every summer  retailers come alive with rainbow merchandise, hotels book out, and nightclubs overflow as LGBT people descend on every metropolis to rejoice.

Pride is an occasion of pure, radiant, unbridled joy. It floods every town and city with colour, happiness, and the Pink Euro to boot.

To even consider doing away with something so overwhelmingly positive reeks of begrudgery, bitterness and underlying homophobia.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Senator David Norris strongly agrees that Pride must remain.

The public witness to the acceptability of gay people in society is still very important to young people who are not yet out of the closet, says Norris.

On top of that, even when absolute full and complete equality is claimed for people in Ireland, we must continue the fight for the majority of gay people on the planet who live in regimes where they are routinely attacked, tortured, and murdered regrettably, often at the instigation of religious authorities.

Bethany Walsh, Doneraile, Molly Cotter, Rianna Mulrey, Brian Hennessy and (front) Andrew Hennessy and Andrew OReilly from Midleton attending the Cork Pride LGBT Festival parade in Cork City on Sunday 2nd August 2015

Riyadh Khalaf, the Irish Youtube sensation whose videos about gay identity have reached millions of people, tells the Irish Examiner: Pride parades fulfil many functions aside from community visibility.

"Theyre most important for young LGBT people who often feel disconnected from peers in school and college. They allow them to feel part of something, to make them aware that, although their sexuality doesnt define them, it is something to be celebrated.

Actor Eilish OCarroll of Mrs Browns Boys fame summarises it perfectly for us.

Its very important to remain visible and continue to celebrate who we are and Pride is our opportunity to do that.

I agree, Eilish, and so, I think, would Anna. Paddy is just going to have to put up with it.
It comes as CIE has this month signed off on development terms and a partnership agreement for a vital six-acre portion of its large Horgans Quay, Cork city centre rail station ground, three decades after private development terms were first considered for the high-profile, under-used waterfronting site.

Developer Owen OCallaghan had initially spotted the sites potential 21 years ago and proposed a science park for a site of three acres on Horgans Quay back in 1995, but pulled out after political accusations of a cosy cartel as it had not gone to the open market.

In the mid-2000s a deal was agreed but never delivered with Manor Park Homes, for 14 acres on Horgans Quay, to include a conference centre and 1,200 apartments, in a development valued at that peak time at 700m.

Finally, after a summer 2016 tender process via agents Lisney, CIE has now signed contracts with major Irish developers and investors, Clarendon Properties, jointly on 50:50 partnership with BAM Ireland, for a mixed use density and relatively high-rise scheme of developable scale, on 6.1 acres.

Its likely to include office blocks, possibly aimed post-Brexit at financial services/FDI-type users given Corks competitiveness on office rents relative to Dublin and other cities, as well as badly-needed, build-to-let apartments, some neighbourhood retail and leisure uses, most likely a new hotel, all on a south-facing quayside fringing the rail stations new interchange, and close to other infrastructure hubs such as the bus station.

The rail station currently handles 2m passengers a year.

The deal sees Clarendon and BAM getting a 300-year ground lease on the six acres, and CIE will get an income stream into the future, entitled to 10% of market rents, or a set annual rent, (whichever is the greater), and the joint developers now have a seven year period in which to secure planning permission and develop out the site.

CIEs deal for development is similar to how it offered and secured developer Johnny Ronan of Treasury Holdings for its Tara St Dublin rail site, where Mr Ronan proposes a 22-storey 130m office tower.

In comparison, Corks larger Horgans Quay/Railway Street site (which includes protected structures) is zoned for mixed development, with heights of four to six storeys, and up to seven storeys allowed fronting the quays.

The successful chosen development team of Clarendon and BAM is notable: BAM has built much of the past decades new office stock in Cork City and in Mahon, including One Albert Quay, and is currently building out the former Capitol cinema site for developer John Cleary, as well as being involved in the Events Centre site, jointly with Heineken.

Clarendon Properties, headed up by seasoned practitioners Cork-born Tony Leonard and Paddy McKillen, operates in Ireland, the UK, US and Continental Europe and has made a recent strong foray in Cork, acquiring the Wilton Shopping Centre, adding it to retail investment at the Savoy Centre and Queens Old Castle.

Meanwhile, a related Clarendon company has acquired the Eir site in Ballintemple, also via Lisney. Clarendon secured H&M for its College Green, Dublin former NIB building two years ago, and owns office investments in Dublin, London, Boston and Berlin.

A spokesperson for the joint developers said it was too early yet to be specific about the Cork city quaysides exact mix, or development value.

Clarendon director Tony Leonard said they would shortly start to engage with all stakeholders, with a view towards entering the pre-planning process at the earliest opportunity.

It is a strong strategic fit with our experience of developing properties and sites in high quality locations and our vision is to realise a superb, benchmark development that will showcase Cork.

"We look forward to partnering with the team at BAM Ireland, with whom we have collaborated with on a number of developments in the past few years, said Mr Leonard.

Theo Cullinane, CEO, BAM Ireland described Clarendon Properties as an experienced urban developer and said BAM looks forward to expanding its role through the rejuvenation of this important urban quarter at Horgans Quay.

Having brought the site to tender in June, agents Margaret Kelleher and Edward Hanafin of Lisney said they were very pleased with the interest shown in this unique offering, there was an extensive range of interest, locally, nationally and from overseas.

Awarding the development rights on an income sharing deal to Clarendon Properties/BAM Ireland, CIE group property manager Niall Grogan said the team have an abundance of experience, expertise and the financial strength required in the tender.

The development will be good for CIE in generating an ongoing income stream to help fund our public transport services, and will be good for Cork in providing a landmark, mixed-use development to meet the emerging needs of the local and regional economy and community.

Meanwhile, other significant office schemes are proposed in the evolving CBD area downriver of the city centre, and clustered around the 100m City Quarter, including at Andersons Quay, Albert and Kennedy Quays.

And, Port of Corks plan to sell its Custom House HQ and bonded warehouses (guiding 7m, via DTZ), located just 100m from CIEs Horgans Quay site has, according to sources, attracted some very high-calibre architecture-driven design proposals.

DETAILS: Lisney 021-4275079
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkey and Russia will restore the pre-crisis relations, Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci told the TGRT TV channel July 28.

He noted that Moscow and Ankara need to develop the relations.

Earlier, Turkish presidential administration told Trend that Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will discuss a number of important economic and political issues during the meeting in St. Petersburg Aug.9.

Fighting the terrorist organizations in Syria is among the issues planned to be discussed during that meeting, said the presidential administration.

Moreover, the presidents are expected to discuss the joint energy projects of Russia and Turkey, such as the Turkish Stream gas pipeline and the construction of Akkuyu nuclear power plant.

The parties will also discuss the ways of further developing the relations between Ankara and Moscow, said Turkeys presidential administration.

The relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated after the Su-24 bomber incident in 2015.

On June 27, Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident.

Earlier, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, commenting on the improvement of relations between Turkey and Russia, thanked Azerbaijan for its contribution to normalization of the relations.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Red Connect customers will have unlimited calls and texts back to Ireland and within the country they are visiting without being charged extra. The main draw of this tariff is likely to be the access to all your home data and international allowances, so you shouldn't have to worry about costs racking up.

Vodafone also announced the introduction of Chat Extra, which gives customers unlimited cross network calls with unlimited cross net texts and 1GB of 4G data for 20.
IF THE 2016 US presidential election is close, the future of the US may rest on the Roman Catholic vote. Catholics dont vote as a bloc, but its precisely their political diversity that underscores the role of religion on election day.

Americans typically want presidents of belief, but history shows that they dont reflexively choose candidates of their own faith.

Why, then, is the Catholic vote predictive? Because Catholics make up 22% of the electorate  a similar proportion to African-Americans and Latinos combined  and have been on the winning side of the popular vote in the last 10 presidential elections.

That calculus might have played into Hillary Clintons decision to choose a Catholic, Virginia senator, Tim Kaine, to join her on the Democratic ticket.

Barack Obama did something similar, by selecting Joe Biden, in 2008, and that helped him in states like Pennsylvania (where Biden was raised).

In 2012, Obama beat Mitt Romney by 50% to 48% in the popular vote. Obamas margin with Catholics was  wait for it  50% to 48%. Still, Catholic voters turned out in large numbers for Romney, whose Mormon faith is viewed by their Church as blasphemous and polytheistic, and un-Christian.

They were less enthusiastic in 2004, when having a Catholic atop the ticket  John Kerry  was no guarantee of carrying the Catholic vote, which President George W Bush did by five points.

Thats hardly a surprise. Some Catholics are conservative; others liberal. The swing voters are moderate, though they often opt for the more religious candidate, of whatever faith. That would favour Clinton, a Methodist.

Of course, Catholic voters have been defying their Church for 40 years by voting for Democrats who support abortion rights.

This year, the defiance of Rome is in the other party. In February, Pope Francis took the unusual step of commenting directly on a presidential candidate.

A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian, the pontiff said.

Donald Trump promptly bit back: For a religious leader to question a persons faith is disgraceful, he said.

The pope was attacking Trumps faith; not his politics. Trumps faith  hes a Presbyterian  was brought into question by none other than Trump himself, when he revealed his unfamiliarity with organised religion, by saying I drink my little wine and have my little cracker, instead of wafer, and by referring to a book of the Bible as two Corinthians, instead of Second Corinthians.

No matter. In the weeks after trading barbs with the Pope, Trumps support from Catholic Republicans increased, and there was no sign of it eroding after he selected as his running mate Indiana governor, Mike Pence, who was raised Catholic, but left the Church and became an evangelical Christian.

The nostalgia of these Catholic Trump supporters for a bygone era, when America was great, is selective.

Many seem to have forgotten the No Irish need apply signs that greeted their great-grandparents when they got off the boat from Ireland, or the dago and greaseball epithets directed against so many Italian-Americans, when the WASP majority feared dangerous and trigger-happy immigrants the way Trump supporters fear Muslims today.

Trumps plan, since downgraded to a suggestion, to bar Muslims from entering the country, offends large numbers of both Muslims and non-Muslims. But that doesnt mean he wont get any of the Muslim vote, estimated at near 7% of the electorate.

Jews, a reliably Democratic group, comprising about 2% of voters, will overwhelmingly vote Clinton.

To win, Trump must carry several recently-blue states, like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Florida  all with large Catholic populations. His best shot is to draw energised, white, working-class and middle-management Catholics to the polls.

The Democrats best bet is to ramp up turnout among Hispanics, who went 70% for Obama in 2012  75% among Hispanics who are Catholic.

While the number of Catholic Hispanics has been falling sharply in recent years, they still make up more than half of all Hispanics.

Will Trumps comments about Mexican immigrants being rapists and criminals, his bigoted insults to a federal judge, and his insistence that he will build a wall and deport 11m undocumented immigrants drive up Clintons Latino numbers? The rush toward naturalisation in many Latino communities would argue yes, though turnout will still be decisive.

Demography is not destiny in American politics. Too many variables get in the way, from the cut-and-thrust of the campaign to the math of the electoral college.

Forecasting how Catholics will break is the same. Were a long way away from the era when big city bosses like Richard J Daley, in Chicago, or Carmen DeSapio, in New York, could deliver the Catholic vote on a whim. Now, its a Rubiks Cube of complex uncertainty.

Jonathan Alter is the author of, most recently, The Center Holds: Obama And His Enemies.
It was 1985, we were in the dead centre of the last recession, the Troubles were in full fury up North, and hardly anyone I knew had ever spoken to a Northern Unionist.

That was the moment when Frank McGuinness put eight Ulster Protestants on the stage of the Peacock Theatre as they prepared to meet their end at the Battle of the Somme.

To say that it astonished us student theatre-goers of the time would be a massive understatement.

Even I, with an Ulster Presbyterian grandmother and at least one relation who drilled with Carsons UVF, thought of Ulster Unionist as aliens from outer space.

I knew I had witnessed an important moment in our history as a nation and for years I hung the poster of that first production of Observe on the walls of my dingy bed-sits.

I couldnt have put into words why Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme was important.

Im not sure I can now. But what came across to me strongly that February night in 1985 was that the 36th Ulster Division went into the Battle of the Somme fighting for the Ireland they loved.

British troops go over the top during the Battle of the Somme.

McGuinness has each man fighting for his river  his Bann, his Lagan, his Foyle  and ultimately for his Ulster. As they charge to their deaths they chant, I love my home. I love my Ulster. Ulster. Ulster. Ulster. Ulster. Ulster. Ulster. Ulster. Ulster.

The Irish Times critic of the day described the production as one of the most devastating attacks ever made on Ulster Protestantism. We all scoffed. What I had seen was the first real attempt to incorporate Orange Protestant history into mainstream Irish culture.

What unites many of us on this island is our powerful attachment to our land: Our homes, our rivers, our mountains, all painstakingly named and named again by previous generations.

On both sides of the border and on both sides of the sectarian divide, we love Ireland. McGuinness humanised his eight characters by having them fight for the Ireland they loved and it is the Ireland we share.

But as the years have gone by and the revivals have come and gone, the initial response of the Irish Times critic has gained a lot more credibility.

Critics now tend to focus on the fact that except for the narrator, Kenneth Pyper, the men are all dead before the play begins.

As Tom Herron writes in the influential journal Eire-Ireland: What does it mean for a community, a people, to be allegorised as ghosts? ... If we take seriously the plays closing moments, it is an epitaph for that community.

I dont see it that way. McGuinness, a Catholic from Buncrana, Co Donegal, whose early life would inevitably have been strongly marked by the Troubles, has said: It was an eye-opener for a Catholic Republican as I am to examine the complexity, diversity, disturbance and integrity of the other side, the Protestant people.

Observe is a sublime act of imagination which binds the Ulster Protestant tradition into traditional Irish patriotism.

Kenneth Pyper, upper class and a closet homosexual, is redeemed by love for one of his fellow soldiers and by loving his people and his place of origin.

Frank McGuinness

In some ways it is accurate to call the play an epitaph, however. The men are all only memories, casualties of a catastrophic battle.

Of course it is the Ulster Unionist tradition itself which has foregrounded the Battle of the Somme as a glorious moment in their history.

Emilie Pine makes the point in the Irish University Review that Ulster Unionism may have learned the power of martyrdom from the Irish nationalist tradition.

It is true that McGuinnesss eight know they will die, which is surely not historically accurate. But it is necessary for the drama to work because the deaths themselves cant be put on stage.

McGuinness sets the scene with what can only be called dramatic genius. There is silence before this, the final battle. And a strange smell which no one can name until a man called McIlwaine names it: It is fear.

So is this a vision of Ulster Unionism as essentially suicidal? There is that goosebumps moment at the end of act one when Pyper deliberately cuts his hand.

His eventual lover, Craig, bandages it and says, Red hand. Red sky, says Pyper. Then they both say, Ulster.

It is far too simplistic to say Observe shows the Ulster Unionist community as having a death wish. Being redeemed through blood was a theme worked by Pearse from the notions of glory which were common in that late Edwardian period.

McGuinness makes his Ulstermen fight for their homeland, a homeland shared by the playwright himself.

The smell of the Somme on July 1, 1916, is described by Pyper in painfully beautiful lines to men who will die that day, Its bringing us home. Were not in France. Were home. Were on our own territory. Were fighting for home.

Later critics and foreign critics are not seeing the stretch it was for a man from a Northern Nationalist background to celebrate that this Ulster Unionist community defined itself by its relationship to the land  land to which the Nationalist community had always claimed as only theirs.

McGuinness here both accepts and annuls the whole experience of plantation.

I honestly believe that this imaginative leap was one of the early steps in the peace process, not the first time the Abbey Theatre helped write the course of Irish history.

When the play was performed to an audience of Ulster Unionists in 2004 as an initiative in the peace process, a common theme among playgoers was that it was only history and for a view of what Ulster Unionists are like today, you have to go up the Shankill.

Of course, it is a vision of this community from the other side.

As an Irish Catholic Republican, McGuinness looks for redemption for these Ulstermen through the symbols which matter to him: The land of Ireland, its lakes, and its rivers, fair jumping with salmon, and the ancient stone carvings on Boa Island which show the faces of both man and woman.

You could certainly read into the play that McGuinness sees redemption for a province in the context of union with the rest of Ireland.

Perhaps that didnt make it on message during the early years of the peace process, but as Brexit threatens to hack the North off the body of Ireland, the words, the province has grown lonely have never rung more true.

And the healing of the final vision  the young and the old Pyper dancing together in this deserted temple of the Lord  has never been more needed.

Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme opens at the Abbey Theatre on August 6
The former secretary of state and first lady put an electrifying cap on the Democratic conventions second night, speaking by satellite video and offering this message to any little girls who might have stayed up to see the ground-breaking moment: I may become the first woman president, but one of you is next.

She earlier became the first woman in the US to be nominated for president by a major political party.

Her husband, former president Bill Clinton, later took to the convention stage in Philadelphia and described his wife as an impassioned change-maker.

Shes been worth every single year shes put into making peoples lives better, he said.

For a man more accustomed to delivering policy- packed stem-winders, Bill Clintons deeply personal address underscored the historic night for Democrats and the nation.

If she wins in November, the Clintons would also be the first married couple to each serve as president.

Hillary Clinton will take on Donald Trump, who won the Republican nomination a week ago. Trump mocked Bill Clintons speech, calling him over-rated.

At Trumps convention last week, Hillary Clinton was the target of blistering criticism of her character and judgment, a sharp contrast to the warm and passionate woman described by her husband.

Seeking to explain the vastly different perceptions of his wife, Bill Clinton said: One is real, the other is made up.

He traced his relationship with his wife back decades, recalling in great detail the first time he spotted her on a law school campus and the impact she had on pushing him into politics.

He took voters back to a time before an affair with an intern led to his impeachment  and to intense public scrutiny of the first couples marriage.

While her aides believe his past transgressions are old news to voters, they have flared up anew at times during the campaign, with Trump often leading the charge.

In an important move for party unity, Hillary Clintons primary rival, Bernie Sanders, helped make it official when the roll call got to his home state of Vermont, prompting delegates to erupt in cheers.

It was a striking parallel to the role Clinton played eight years ago when she stepped to the microphone on the convention floor in Denver in support of her former rival, Barack Obama.

This time she shattered the glass ceiling she could not crack in 2008.
A truck loaded with large quantities of explosives blew up on the western edge of the town of Qamishli, followed by an explosives-packed motorcycle a few minutes later in the same area.

The blasts caused massive damage and rescue teams have been working to recover victims from under the rubble, the SANA news agency said.

Qamishli, near the Turkish border, is mainly controlled by Kurds but Syrian government forces are present and control the towns airport.

Syrian state TV broadcast footage showing people running away from a mushroom of grey smoke rising over the town and others running amid wrecked or burnt cars.

Qamishli resident and writer Suleiman Youssef, said he heard the first explosion from few miles away.

He said the blasts levelled several buildings and many people were trapped under the rubble.

Most of the buildings at the scene of the explosion have been heavily damaged because of the strength of the blast, he said.

The Islamic State group, in a statement published by the IS-linked Aamaq news agency, said it carried out the attack in Qamishli.

The extremist group described it as a truck bombing that struck a complex of Kurdish offices.

The group has carried out several bombings in Kurdish areas in Syria in the past.

The predominantly Kurdish US-backed Syria Democratic Forces have been the main force fighting IS in northern Syria, capturing significant territory from the extremists over the past two years.

Wednesdays explosion came as US-backed Kurdish forces pressed ahead with their offensive to take the IS-held town of Manbij, also in northern Syria but further to the east of Qamishli.
Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the killing, describing the two knifemen who slit the throat of 85-year-old Fr Jacques Hamel and seriously injured an 86-year-old parishioner as its soldiers.

French President Francois Hollande  who met faith leaders and spoke with Pope Francis following the attack  said his country was at war with IS, adding: To attack a church, to kill a priest, is to profane the republic.

Speaking during a visit to Italy, Ms May called on European states to step up intelligence-sharing, which she said was one of the best ways in which we can work together to ensure that we deal with this threat, to protect our citizens, but also to ensure that the terrorists do not win.

And she added: They are trying to attack our values. They are attacking our way of life. They will not prevail.

Ms May described Fr Hamels murder as yet another brutal reminder of the threat that we all face.

Following on from the atrocities in Nice and Germany, it reinforces the need for action both in Europe and on the wider global stage, she said.

In Europe, we must increase further our intelligence co-operation and share vital information swiftly and effectively, enabling us to better protect ourselves from these terrorists who seek to destabilise us.

It emerged that one of the two attackers shot dead by police in Normandy was wearing an electronic surveillance tag at the time of the attack, having been released from prison where he was being held after twice attempting to travel to Syria.

Frances anti-terrorism prosecutor Francois Molins said 19-year-old Adel Kermiches tag was deactivated for a few hours every morning, and the attack took place while it was not operating.

Kermiche and his accomplice took five hostages at the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray after bursting in during morning mass.

One had three knives and a fake explosives belt, while the other carried a kitchen timer wrapped in aluminium foil and had fake explosives in his backpack, Mr Molins said.

They used nuns as human shields as police tried to end the hour-long siege by entering the church.

He said the attackers, who claimed allegiance to IS, cried Allahu Akbar  God is great  during the attack on the priest.

He added that a minor, believed to be a 16-year-old younger brother of somebody wanted by police for trying to go to Syria or Iraq in 2015, had been detained.
The man walked through the town of Prerov early on Monday afternoon dressed only in ankle-length black socks, talking on a mobile phone. Security camera footage of the mans naked stroll has been posted on news website, idnes.cz.

Police officers soon found the man who explained he had just popped across town to another pub to get some cash. He was allowed to complete his quest and eventually settled the bill, got his clothes back and put them on. City police said they handed the case over to state police for further investigation.

Touch down

Australia: A teenage pilot has touched down in Britain part-way through his bid to become the youngest person to fly around the world solo in a single-engine aircraft.

Lachlan Smart, 18, is now on an 11-day stopover in the UK after flying a Cirrus SR-22 plane into Biggin Hill in Kent from the Azores, in the Atlantic.

He will resume his challenge on August 6, when he will fly to Cannes in the south of France as part of his eight-week, 24,000-nautical mile record bid, titled Wings Around The World.

Lachlans UK stopover will enable his aircraft to be serviced, while he explores his familys aviation links to Britain. Both his great-grandfathers flew out of Biggin Hill during the Second World War.

He said: The journey so far has been a rollercoaster. There have been so many ups and downs. The weather is something thats been out of my control.

There have been some great times, including flying over the Grand Canyon and the Mississippi River. Im looking forward to seeing my aunts, uncles and cousins while Im here, as well as doing some touristy things like seeing Buckingham Palace.

The teenager started his adventure on July 4 from the Sunshine Coast of Queensland where he was brought up, and he hopes to return there as a record-breaker at the end of August.

Human error

Britain: Gulls are not to blame for stealing food and being aggressive  it is the fault of humans, according to scientists.

An investigation has shown that humans need to think about their impact on the environment and the way they act around gulls in a bid to curb their behaviour.

From swooping down from the sky and stealing pasties, sandwiches, ice creams, and takeaways to attacking people and small pets, gulls are fast becoming a nuisance.

Holy smokes

Romania: Border police have confiscated thousands of packets of cigarettes which apparently were dropped in a field from a powered hang glider.

The interior ministry said police discovered 10 boxes containing 5,000 packets of Chinese-produced Ashima cigarettes. Police said they were patrolling the area with heat-detecting equipment when they spotted the hang glider flying into north-east Romania and returning to Moldova. Romanian and Moldovan authorities are investigating.

Bird alert

Scotland: Animal welfare officers are warning people not to approach a family of ostriches on the loose in a village as the adult birds can be extremely aggressive.

There have been several sightings of the adult ostrich, which is believed to have young with it, in the village of Patna, East Ayrshire.

Staff at the Scottish SPCA said it is a mystery where the family of exotic birds have come from as no-one in the local area appears to have lost an ostrich.

Animal rescue officer Alistair Hill said: It is unclear where the ostrich has come from but we think it may also have young with it.

Anyone in the area who spots the ostrich or its young should call us as soon as possible so we can keep an eye on where these birds are.

We are warning members of the public not to approach the adult ostrich, and to especially avoid approaching its young as ostriches can be very protective and can become extremely aggressive.
Judge Paul Friedman ruled that John Hinckley Jr is ready to live in the community.

His ruling comes more than 35 years after the March 30, 1981, shooting outside a Washington hotel in which then-president Reagan and three others were injured.

Doctors have said for years that Hinckley, now 61, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity, is no longer plagued by the mental illness that drove him to shoot Reagan.

The court order places dozens of detailed conditions on Hinckleys full-time convalescent leave from St Elizabeths Hospital in Washington but said they can be phased out after a year to 18 months if he continues to make progress.
The incident in the Bavarian town of Zirndorf, which occurred at around 2.15pm local time, sparked jitters following the spate of violent attacks since July 18 and news of the blast spread rapidly on social media outlets.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for two of the five attacks.
The Anadolu agency said at least one journalist, former Zaman columnist Sahin Alpay, was detained yesterday.

Zaman, which was linked to cleric Fethullah Gulens religious movement, was raided by police and seized by the government in March.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Orkhan Guluzade - Trend:

Sixty-three servicemen have been detained in Sanliurfa province in Turkeys south-east as part of the fight against the movement of Fethullah Gulen who was involved in the military coup attempt in Turkey, the Haber 7 newspaper reported July 28.

No information was provided about the ranks and positions of the detainees.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.
Irom Sharmila told a court in the north-eastern state of Manipur that she will give up her fast on August 9 and stand as an independent candidate in elections early next year.

Ms Sharmila has not eaten any food voluntarily since November 5, 2000, when she began her protest against a law that suspends many human rights protections in areas of conflict.

Three days earlier, 10 civilians had been killed by paramilitary troops in Malom, a small town on the outskirts of Imphal, the Manipur state capital.

Three days after she started her hunger strike, she was arrested on charges of attempting suicide  a crime in India  and prison officials at a government hospital in Manipur have since force-fed her through a tube in her nose.

The only way to bring change is electoral process. I will stand as an independent candidate from Malom constituency, Ms Sharmila told reporters outside the court, according to a statement from Amnesty International.

She said the single issue on her agenda would be the removal of the law that allows the military to act with impunity.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in effect in Indian-ruled Kashmir and north-eastern areas dogged by separatist insurgencies.

The law says troops have the right to shoot to kill suspected rebels without fear of possible prosecution, and to arrest suspected militants without a warrant.

It also gives police wide-ranging powers of search and seizure.

It prohibits soldiers from being prosecuted for alleged rights violations unless granted express permission from the federal government. Such prosecutions are rare.

Ms Sharmila has spent most of her detention in hospital, where doctors make sure her condition is stable. She is also required to report to a local court every 15 days.

Her long hunger strike has garnered support from across the world, and Amnesty International has called her a prisoner of conscience.
Burma Border Guard Police Under Investigation for Keeping Methamphetamines

Seven border guard policemen from a post on the Burma-Bangladesh border are under investigation for not turning over nearly 300,000 methamphetamine pills.

Seven border guard policemen from a post on the Burma-Bangladesh border in Arakan States Maungdaw Township are under investigation for not turning over nearly 300,000 yaba pills, or methamphetamines.

Among the seven detainees is the head of the border police post.

Acting on a tip, a team of police led by Lt Col Tint Zaw Oo, head of the Maungdaw Township Border Guard Police Force No. 2, made the arrest on Tuesday, according to a local police officer.

The officer confirmed the drug seizure and the detention of seven border guard policemen who are currently under investigation.

According to the officer, the methamphetamines were buried under the police posts mess hall. Almost 300,000 pink-colored pills were seized, worth an estimated US$500,000.

The officer added that during the investigation, Lance Corporal Maung Maung Lay, head of the local border police post, said that he and two of his subordinates brought a bag stuffed with pills back to their post after finding it on the nearby Maungdaw-Angu Maw highway. It remains unclear why the drugs were found buried under the mess hall.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Burma Removes Hundreds of Names from Blacklist

A move pledged as part of Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Populations 100-day plan leads to the removal of 607 namesmore than 200 Burmese and 300 foreignersfrom the blacklist.

RANGOON  The names of some 600 foreign and Burmese nationals were removed from Burmas blacklist, the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population told The Irrawaddy on Thursday.

A move that was pledged by Union minister Thein Swe as part of his ministrys 100-day plan, led to the removal of 607 namesmore than 200 Burmese and 300 foreignersfrom the blacklist, according to the ministry.

The recent list of names constitutes only about 7.5 percent of a previously existing blacklist of more than 8,000, and according to local newspaper 7Day Dailys report on Monday, the recent list excluded those who were wanted by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

The ministrys department of immigration and population told The Irrawaddy that the ministry has handed the list over to other concerned ministries, such as home affairs and foreign affairs, and it would continue to remove the names of those who serve for the good merit of the country. The department refused to provide further details regarding the list of removals.

Burmas then-ruling military junta and quasi-civilian government previously blacklisted people who were deemed political threats to the countrys stability and national security.

Former President Thein Seins administration removed more than 2,000 names from a blacklist of more than 6,000 in 2012a year into his quasi-civilian rule. The names included many exiled pro-democracy activists, foreign journalists and political critics. Actress Michelle Yeoh, who played the role of Burmas then opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the film The Lady; Suu Kyis two sons; and Benedict Rogers, author of the book Unmasking Burmas Tyrantthe biography of military dictator Than Shwe, were also removed.

Dr. Sein Win, former chairman of Burmas government in exile; Aung Din of the US Campaign for Burma; Zipporah Sein, secretary of the Karen National Union; Dr. Cynthia Maung, founder and director of the Mae Tao Clinic; Bo Kyi, Tate Naing and other members of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP); Aung Moe Zaw of the Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS); and Moe Thee Zun and Dr. Naing Aung, former leaders of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), an armed group formed in the wake of the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 1988, were also removed from the list during Thein Seins administration.

Despite the reforms, some names were added again to the blacklist by the former government, according to Aung Moe Zaw of the DPNS. Although he is optimistic about the moves undertaken by the current governmentled by the President Htin Kyaw and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyihe said the government should welcome all exiled activists back during this critical period, when they can contribute to the countrys democratic transition.

The government should remove all names of those who were put on the blacklist due to their political or dissident beliefs, unconditionally, he told The Irrawaddy.

Nearly 60 representatives from some 40 civil society organizations (CSOs) based on Burmas borders sent an open letter to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday, requesting the disclosure of the names of activists who remain on the blacklist and that necessary guidelines be set to restore their original citizenship and allow them to take part in the countrys transition process.

Thwel Zin Toe, a steering committee member of the Womens League of Burma, one of the signatory CSOs, said in the letter that the activists could support and strengthen the national reconciliation process, peace building and the transition to democracy.

The department of immigration and population said that those who want to restore their original citizenship must abandon any other current citizenship first because Burma doesnt allow dual-citizenship.
Burma Chief Minister Proposes Youth Committee to Address Rangoons Challenges

To solve current problems in the commercial capital, the Rangoon divisional government will form a coordination committee with young entrepreneurs.

RANGOON  To solve current challenges in the commercial capital, the Rangoon divisional government will form a coordination committee with young entrepreneurs, said Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein.

Phyo Min Thein visited his alma mater, the National Management Degree College, on Wednesday afternoon and convened a two-hour meeting with students. He said that the first meeting with young businesspeople will take place on August 14, but did not mention a location for the event.

Once the committee is successfully formed, the Rangoon divisional government will supervise it. Committee members, Phyo Min Thein said, should have practical experience in the business sector and extensive knowledge of economics.

The chief minister admitted that the regional government is unable to solve every problem in Rangoon, identifying some of the most pressing issues as traffic congestion, growing squatter communities and poor rail transport.

The Rangoon divisional government is formed of nine ministers, but to solve all these problems with just nine people is not possible, said Phyo Min Thein We will share these duties with the younger generation, especially those who have practical business experience and knowledge. We will invite them to take on duties [depending on] how they can serve.

He continued, describing Rangoon as an attractive place for foreign business prospects, pointing out that while investors are interested in pursuing projects in the city, many complain of delayed trade flow and high daily expenses due to a lack of road infrastructure.

The logistical cost is about 30 percent of the goods value, he said of the high price of road transport.

Originally, the Rangoon divisional government decided to construct a new highway on the outskirts of the city, connecting the Hanthawaddy International Airport in Pegu Divisioncurrently under constructionwith Rangoons Thilawa Special Economic Zone. Now, the new government is also looking to upgrade water transport and rail options. Phyo Min Thein said that better utilizing inland water transport could serve as a cheaper alternative to roads.

To accelerate the countrys economy, the chief minister said that special economic zones could play an important role, even though the private industrial projects are accompanied by several challenges, including hosting a growing number of squatters who migrate to Rangoon seeking work. With comparably more infrastructure than many other states and divisions in Burma, job opportunities are perceived as more plentiful in the commercial capital. Yet housing in Rangoon is limited and can be expensive, leading many workers to set up makeshift shelters near factories where they work.

This is the right time to change current situation, Phyo Min Thein said. To relocate these people systematically, we will coordinate with the youth to solve this, he continued, referring again to the young entrepreneurs committee, adding that he hoped their coordinated action would make it possible for those now living as squatters to become valuable human beings.
Burma Hospital Upgrades Planned

Burmas new five-year health-sector plan includes upgrading all 25-bed hospitals into 50-bed ones, according to the minister of health.

NAYPYIDAW  Burmas new five-year plan for the health sector includes upgrading all 25-bed hospitals across the country into 50-bed ones, according to Dr. Myint Htwe, minister of health.

The minister announced the plan in response to lawmakers questions in Parliaments Lower House on Tuesday about hospital upgrades, rural dispensaries and insufficient medical staff.

We plan to upgrade all 25-bed hospitals into 50-bed facilities and employ 2,000 new doctors within two months, he told Parliament.

However, the minister did not specify a timeline for the upgrades.

Lawmakers stated that even the 25-bed hospitals currently lack sufficient beds and staff.

In my township, the 25-bed hospital is supposed to have four doctors according to the standard organizational structure. But, it only has 16 beds and two doctors. Employees are overstretched. Most locals are grassroots people and cant afford to go to special clinics, said Aye Naing, a Lower House lawmaker representing Rangoons South Dagon Township, who also proposed building a 100-bed hospital in his constituency.

According to the health minister, the previous government had monitored the rate of hospitalization at government-run hospitals and found it to have gradually increased between 2011 and 2015.

The proposed bed upgrades will also mean a workforce increase from 55 to 156 employees at each facility.

Myint Htwe explained that the ministry will not go further and upgrade the 25-bed hospitals into 100-bed ones because the smaller hospitals receive only about 13 inpatients and 49 outpatients each day on average.

He added that the public does not often complain about the lack of beds, but more often about a shortage of doctors.

The minister said the 50-bed hospitals will include pathology, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatric, osteoporosis, emergency, dental and anesthetic units and his ministry will ensure they are accessible to all.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 lawmakers seconded the proposal submitted in the Lower House by Dr. A Zin Latt, which urged the health ministry to expand the public health department. The minister noted the discussion and Parliament decided to monitor department works.

According to the Ministry of Health, there are a total of 1,190 hospitals in Burma as of February 2016.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma New Food Delivery System for Refugee Camps on Thai Border

A new system of food provision, using electronic cards, is being introduced at the end of this month for Burmese refugees living on the Thai-Burma border.

CHIANG MAI, Thailand  A collective of humanitarian agencies, The Border Consortium (TBC), will introduce a new system of food provision, using electronic cards, at the end of this month for Burmese refugees living on Thai-Burma border.

While it is currently common for refugees to queue for hours to receive food rations at designated stores at certain times, the new scheme envisages refugees being able to shop for food at their own chosen time, using cards pre-loaded with credit. With one card to be issued per household, the amount of credit will vary according to household size.

Small shops selling a range of goods can already be found within and nearby the refugee camps along the border. Under the scheme, shopkeepers would be given electronic devices, allowing them to receive credit from the new cards.

Saw Tu Tu, a spokesperson for the Karen Refugee Committees branch office in Mae Sariang, northern Thailand spoke to The Irrawaddy, commending the new system for providing for greater convenience for refugees.

They can buy meat, fish, eggs, vegetables or whatever they want within the credit limit. It is an improvement because people wont need to queue for a long time to receive food rations, said Saw Tu Tu.

He said the card system would first be implemented in two refugee campsNu Po in Tak Province and Tham Hin in Ratchaburi Provincefrom the end of this month, before being rolled out to the other refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border in 2017. Both shoppers and sellers will be trained in using the cards.

The cards, which will be disbursed to all heads of household, will be red in color and feature the logos of TBC, the Karen Refugee Committee and the Karenni Refugee Committee, who are all involved in the provision of basic needs to refugees along the Thai-Burma border.

Saw Tuu Tu also believed that the card system would save the annual cost of transporting stockpiles of food and other supply rations and preserving them in stores within the camps over long periods.

There are currently nine camps along Thai-Burma border hosting over 120,000 refugees from Burma. Refugees have formally received rations of rice, cooking oil, salt, beans and fish paste at certain scheduled times.

Under the new card system, some basic supplies, including charcoal, would be still delivered via the old system.

TBC comprises 10 international non-governmental organizations from eight, mostly European, countries, and has been providing food, shelter and other services for refugees escaping conflict in Burma since 1984.
Business Lawmakers Press Govt on Tax Reform

Union parliamentarians push the government to reform the tax system, so as to plug shortfalls and allocate the tax burden more fairly.

NAYPYIDAW  Lawmakers at the Union Parliament have pushed the government to reform the tax system, so as to plug shortfallsin income, commercial, customs, telecoms, and oil and gas tax revenueand allocate the tax burden more fairly.

There were calls from several lawmakers to initiate a more progressive tax system, both at an individual levelwith significantly higher rates for higher earnersand at a geographic levelwith poorer states and regions given tax breaks and allowances.

At a parliamentary session on Thursday, which included both houses, Lower House lawmaker Thet Thet Khine of Rangoons Dagon Township mentioned that Burma had the lowest tax base among Asean countries.

She suggested that the government consider collecting more tax from higher income people and enforce greater compliance.

Thet Thet Khine also encouraged the government to consider implementing different tax rates in different states and divisions of Burma, considering that some, such as Chin State, are considerably underdeveloped compared to others, such as Rangoon Division.

Upper House lawmaker Myat Nyar Na Soe said that, although the government had hit their overall tax collection target over the last fiscal year, ending in April, it was more important to increase tax revenue as a ratio of the countrys wealth.

He recommended a recalibration of commercial tax rates: products harmful to public health such as tobacco and alcohol should be taxed moreas well as natural resource-based products such as oil, gas, gems and jadewhile locally manufactured goods should be taxed less with an eye to increasing exports.

Myat Nyar Na Soe added that taking the lead of other countries with more transparent tax systems, the government should clearly outline the rates for different taxpayers at least a year before any tax is due, and aim to keep these rates stable, allowing individuals and businesses to plan accordingly.

According to the governments latest tax report, targets for income, commercial, customs, telecoms, and oil and gas tax revenue were not reached in the 2015-16 fiscal year. Lower House Lawmaker Khin San Hlaing, representing Pale Township in Sagaing Division, said the government should clearly explain why.

She added that the government should move away from a reliance on tax revenue derived from natural resource extraction and significantly expand the tax base, because these natural resources would be gone one day.

In recent years, as a means of encouraging tax compliance among the population, the Ministry of National Planning and Finance has been publishing instructions on paying tax in state-run newspapers, as well as lists of top taxpayers.

Maung Maung Win, deputy minister of National Planning and Finance, said in the parliamentary session that revenue targets for 11 tax categories had been reached during the 2015-16 fiscal year, while targets for seven other tax categories had been missed.

He said, Although income tax revenue for the first six months was higher than in the last six months of last [fiscal] year, total income tax revenue fell below the target by a small amountnetting 2.327 trillion kyats (US$1.97 billion) against a target of 2.335 billion kyats ($1.976 billion).

He attributed the failure to meet the income tax target to a tax exemption scheme on property sales approved in 2014property tax being included in Burma under income tax, among six other categories.

Tax revenue from the oil and gas sector netted 259.2 billion kyats ($219 million) during the 2015-16 fiscal year, significantly less than the 495.3 billion kyats ($419 million) netted during the 2014-15 fiscal year. The dip was attributed to the dramatic global drop in oil prices as well as new regulations from the Myanmar Investment Commission.
Burma Amnesty International Calls for Relocation of Toxic Factory

The human rights group calls on the Burmese government to relocate a sulfuric acid factory situated perilously close to a village in Sagaing Division.

London-based human rights group Amnesty International has called on the Burmese government to immediately relocate a sulfuric acid factory situated close to a village, which continues to operate despite adverse impacts reported on public health and the environment.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Amnesty said that, during fieldwork conducted last month, residents of Kankone Village in Monywa Township of Sagaing Division told of respiratory, skin and eye ailments linked to the strong-smelling factory emissions, as well as damage to crops.

Village residents said the air had become so toxic that youth had stopped attending the local school, located only 50 meters from the factory.

A 2013 examination by the government and an environmental organization identified high levels of sulphates in the soil.

[Burmas] government must intervene immediately and stop the operations of the sulfuric acid factory. The factory must be relocated to an area where it cant endanger anybodys health, said Amnesty International Business and Human Rights researcher Mark Dummett.

The Thunder Sulphuric Acid Factory was built in 2007 under Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (UMEHL), a major military-owned conglomerate in Burma.

An investigation led by then-opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2013 discovered that it had been constructed without the required permission from local authoritiesa criminal offence.

UMEHL acquired official permission to run the factory shortly afterwards, in July 2013, and faced no sanctions for illegally operating over six years.

The factory supplies two major, and controversial, copper mines located nearbyLetpadaung, and Sabetaung and Kyisintaung (S&K)run jointly by UMEHL and Wanbao Mining, a Chinese company. Letpadaung mine began producing copper in May 2016, amid sustained opposition from local farmers who claim their land was seized for the mine without adequate compensation.

Last month, municipal authorities chose not to renew the factorys annual operating license pending a health and environmental impact assessment.

However, local residents said that the factory resumed operations after little more than a month. A local official said a central government body was allowing it to run despite not receiving a renewed license.
Burma ANP Alleges Govt Wrongly Issued Citizenship in Arakan State

The Arakan National Party accuses Burmas previous government of issuing citizenship documents to over 1,000 Muslims they say are ineligible for citizen status.

RANGOON  The Arakan National Party (ANP) and several Arakanese legal experts held a press conference on Sunday alleging that Burmas previous government had wrongly issued citizenship documents to over 1,000 Muslims in Arakan States Myebon Township.

The Arakanese political and legal representatives say that the 97 individuals issued Citizenship Scrutiny Cardsor pink cards, which denote full citizenshipand 917 people granted naturalized citizenship, received these statuses in violation of Burmas controversial 1982 Citizenship Law.

Several ANP leaders said that the main purpose of the press conference was to draw attention to what they allege are similarities between the National League for Democracy (NLD) governments current practices regarding citizenship verification and those of the former military-backed administration.

The ANP is instead calling for stricter verification measures; the party has been active in lobbying to uphold the 1982 Citizenship Law, which has been condemned by the United Nations and the international community as being discriminatory against minorities, including Muslims.

As part of a citizenship verification process initiated in June 2014 by ex-president Thein Seins governmentunder the Rakhine State Action Planformer Arakan State Chief Minister Maung Maung Ohn led a team that examined 2,900 applicants who applied for citizenship in Sittwe Districts Myebon Township. These individuals largely belonged to Muslim minorities in the region, including ethnic Kaman and Rohingya.

In December of that year, Arakanese Buddhist residents of Myebon shut their houses and businesses in protest during Maung Maung Ohns visit to the township to show their dissatisfaction with the practices of the citizenship scrutiny committee. This caused the government to swiftly suspend the process, which only resumed in May this year.

Thar Pwint, a former lawyer as well as a member of the citizenship scrutiny committee, said the committee was formed of eight people, including six government officials from the township level.

At the press conference, he said that the committee had reportedly checked only the following points at the township level committee: whether the applicants had reached the age of 18, if they were mentally sound, and if they could fluently speak one of the ethnic languages of Burma.

[Although the 1982 Citizenship Law contains the latter provision, it does not list what the ethnic, or national, languages actually areneither does the 2008 Constitution.]

He acknowledged that, at the time, he was not familiar with Burmas citizenship and immigration laws, even though immigration department officials had distributed pamphlets to the committee members outlining Burmas three categories of citizenship, as outlined in the 1982 law: full, naturalized and associate.

Thar Pwint alleged that government manipulation of the law created loopholes for Bengalis, using a term employed widely throughout Arakan State and elsewhere in Burma to describe the group which self-identifies as Rohingya; Bengali implies that the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh, a claim which they reject.

At the press conference, ANP representatives, including party chairman Aye Maung, described an interpretation of the 1982 Citizenship Law focused heavily on articles 42 and 6.

Article 42 states that individuals can obtain naturalized citizenship by demonstrating evidence that they or their parents or grandparents entered Burma before 1948, the year the country gained its independence from Britain.

Article 6 states that those considered citizens at the time the 1982 law came into effect will remain as such, and their status cannot be revoked unless it is found that an individual has attained it under false representationnaturalized and associate citizenship can, however, be revoked by the central government on a range of vague pretexts, including showing disaffection or disloyalty to the State.

Kyaw Zaw Oo, an ANP lawmaker in the state legislature, argued that according to these measures, applicants for citizenship whose predecessors entered Burma after 1948 are not eligible for any form of citizenship. He pointed out that the previous governments implementation committee did, however, give pink cards [denoting full citizenship] to people who did not meet this criterion, thereby breaching procedure.

The Irrawaddy asked ANP vice chairwoman Aye Nu Sein whether the ANP had a plan to address the citizenship status of around 1 million stateless Muslims in Arakan State, approximately 130,000 of whom remain displaced after violence in 2012 and 2013. Echoing other members of the ANP leadership, she said that the only option was adherence to the 1982 Citizenship Law, which she said would provide them with basic rights and greater freedom of movement, without elaborating on how this would be carried out.

All we want is to keep implementing in line with 1982, Aye Nu Sein said in reference to the law, adding that the reporter should not make allusions.

NLD patron Tin Oo was among party members who attended the event, but he declined to comment. On Monday, both the Arakan State Chief Minister Nyi Pu and Win Lwin, the head of the Population and Immigration Department in Arakan State, could not be reached for comment.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 28

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

The relations between Ankara and Washington can deteriorate if the US doesnt extradite Fethullah Gulen who was involved in the military coup attempt in Turkey, said the article of Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu published in Al Jazeera Turk.

Cavusoglu noted that any support to Gulen movement by the US can harm friendly relations between the two countries.

Ankara expects from the US the immediate extradition of Fethullah Gulen who was involved in the military coup attempt in Turkey, said the article.

Gulen movement and his terrorist activities pose a real threat to Turkeys security, said Cavusoglu.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Burma Aung San Suu Kyi Accepts Obamas Invitation to Visit the US

State Counselor Suu Kyi has accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the US, in what would be her first trip there since Burmas 2015 general election.

Burma government leader Aung San Suu Kyi has accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the United States, the government said on Thursday, in what would be her first trip to America since she won an election in November.

Suu Kyi planned to travel at a mutually convenient time, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said. Another government source said the trip was likely to coincide with the UN General Assembly session in New York in September.

Suu Kyis party, the National League for Democracy, swept to power in a historic election in November after decades of campaigning against military rule.

It took over the running of the country after a transition from semi-civilian rule in April.

She accepted President Obamas invitation to visit the US before his presidency ends, said Aye Aye Soe, a spokeswoman at the foreign ministry, which is run by Suu Kyi.

Visiting US Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes delivered Obamas invitation during a meeting with Suu Kyi in the capital, Naypyidaw, on Wednesday.

Suu Kyi, 71, is barred from becoming president by the constitution drafted under the previous regime, because her two sons do not have Burmese citizenship.

She is instead foreign minister and has also assumed the newly created post of state counselor. She is in overall charge of running the government.

The US embassy in the city of Rangoon did not comment.

Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest during military rule, visited the United States as the leader of the opposition in September 2012.

The UN General Assembly session in New York is scheduled from Sept. 13 to Sept. 26. Obama will leave office in January after a November election.

(Reporting by Aung Hla Tun; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Burma Burma Army Claims Responsibility for Five Civilian Deaths in Northern Shan State

A lieutenant general speaks at a press conference in Rangoon, stating that the army will take action against troops who have killed civilians.

RANGOON  The Burma Army has said it will take action against troops accused of killing civilians in a rural area of northern Shan States Lashio Township in late June.

Lt-Gen Mya Tun Oo spoke at a press conference on Wednesday in Rangoon, and said that his army would punish soldiers who had violated laws.

We did an investigation, met the victims families, and even offered support to them. We found from our investigation that our troops violated laws and killed people. Therefore, we will take action against our troops, the lieutenant general said, without elaborating on what this action would entail.

Local sources have said that a total of seven people were killed in Lashio Townships Mong Yaw village on June 25: two men were reportedly shot while riding motorbikes, and five more bodies were found buried by a corn field after the individuals were detained by members of Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 362.

However, Mya Tun Oo said the investigation revealed that Burma Army troops had killed five peoplethe individuals whose bodies were found in the fieldbut said he did not know who was responsible for murdering the two men traveling by motorbike.

He told reporters at the press conference that his troops went to Mong Yaw after the Burma Armys Northeast Regional Command Center, based in Lashio, allegedly received information indicating that 200 armed rebels were attempting to recruit locals in the area.

The Northeast Regional Command Center allowed LIB 362 to go to the area; Mya Tun Oo said there was fighting between ethnic armed groups and the Burma Army near Mong Yaw village in the location where the two men were shot on their motorbikes.

They drove motorbikes through the middle of the fighting. Their motorbike fell down after they got shot, but we do not know which side shot them, he said, adding that the men had died by the time Burma Army troops reached them and buried them beside the road. He also said that two packs of amphetamines were found near the bodies.

Our troops drew the conclusion that those two persons deaths were related to illegal drugs, Mya Tun Oo said.

At the time of their death, locals told a different account of the events: the men had been traveling through a rural area and were ordered to stop by the Burma Army. They were then shot when they refused to do so.

Regarding the additional five victimsof whom four were ethnic Palaung (Taang) and one was ShanMya Tun Oo said his troops detained five people working on a corn farm. He said the soldiers allegedly found a phone on one of the detainees that held a photo of him with the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group with whom the Burma Army is engaged in active conflict.

Mya Tun Oo also said that the troops found documents stating that the farmers were members of the TNLA.

Our troops drew the conclusion that they had links to the TNLA, he added, continuing that, whether they were insurgents or not, our army needs to respect the law. We have to punish persons who violate the law.

After the civilian deaths, rights groups and community leaders in northern Shan State accused the Burma Army of involvement in the murders and called on the government to take action against the military.

We wanted the government to take action against those who violate human rights. We want this government to be a government who can protect the peoples lives and property, said Sai Wann Lern Kham, an Upper House lawmaker representing Lashio and nearby townships through the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD). If not, our locals feel that they have no security anymore.
Burma Burma Army Reveals Concerns Over Ethnic Summit

The Tatmadaw fears that a Kachin State ethnic summit could negatively impact the Union Peace Conference, which is slated to convene in late August.

RANGOON  The Tatmadaw expressed concern over the upcoming Mai Ja Yang peace summit in Kachin State during a press conference on Wednesday in Rangoon, saying that the meeting could negatively impact the Union Peace Conference, which is slated to convene in late August.

Army spokesman and chief of military security affairs Lt-Gen Mya Tun Oo reiterated the Tatmadawsthe Burmese term for the national armyintention to cooperate with the civilian-led National League for Democracy (NLD) government, but said the best results for the peace process would stem from open and honest discussion at the Union conference.

Reaching a common perspective amongst the different groups is already a challenge, he said.

In a meeting, many agreements are reached. Then restraints are imposedand making efforts to move things forward will get harder, Mya Tun Oo said, reportedly emphasizing the concerns of army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. Thus, if possible, [the Burma Army] does not want the Mai Ja Yang meeting to happen. We dont want any more territorial claims or forming of alliances, adding that, the military would

The ethnic armed groups have said that the Mai Ja Yang summit will be held next week, from July 26-29, and will serve as a plenary discussion for the upcoming Union Peace Conference, as well as a forum to identify common perspectives on federal and state constitutions, security and defense and the countrys political dialogue framework.

Padoh Kwe Htoo Win, secretary of the Karen National Union (KNU) and a vice chairman of the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) Summit Plenary Convening Committee for Mai Ja Yang, told The Irrawaddy that the summit itself is not an action that would damage the upcoming peace conference, but, rather, it will be a supportive action for peace building.

He added that he hopes there will not be any objections from the Burma Army, as the military has pledged to collaborate with the NLD government concerning the countrys peace process. Padoh Kwe Htoo Win pointed out that both the State CounselorAung San Suu Kyiand army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing were informed of the summit when they met in June with the leaders of eight signatory groups to 2015s nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).

The first EAO summit in Laiza, Kachin State, in 2013 moved the country toward the drafting of the NCA by the ethnic Nationwide Ceasefire Coordinating Team and the government, Padoh Kwe Htoo Win pointed out; the previous government had allowed for this gathering to take place. The second eight-day EAO summit was held in the KNU-controlled Law Khee Lar region of Karen State in June 2015.

The KNU was among the eight signatories of NCA last October. NCA non-signatory groups are continuing talks with the government regarding all-inclusive participation in the peace process. The senior leaders of one bloc of non-signatory armed groupsthe United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC)met with Aung San Suu Kyi on Sunday in Rangoon to discuss further collaboration toward building a federal union, as well as participation in the political dialogue framework review and the peace conference.

One demand from non-signatories to the NCA is for a unilateral ceasefire to be jointly announced by the government, the Burma Army and ethnic armed groups before resuming peace talks in Naypyidaw in August. To this end, the government and UNFC delegations met again for talks in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Wednesday.

Making unilateral ceasefires is easy, but the implementation is difficult if we do not have trust in each other and can not manage to agree on the NCA pact, said Padoh Kwe Htoo Win.
Burma Formal and Informal Justice Systems Fail Women: Report

A UN report launch explores how women in Burma lack access to justice due to an absence of awareness and a widespread use of customary practices in ethnic areas.

Women in Burma still lack access to justice due to an absence of awareness and the widespread use of customary practices in ethnic areas, according to researchers.

After a panel discussion at the United Nations Womens Access to Justice in Plural Legal Systems in Myanmar report launch in Naypyidaw last week, a lead researcher told The Irrawaddy that formal and informal justice systems in Burma do not work adequately for women.

The research for the report was conducted mainly from 2013-14 in four regions: Kachin, Chin and Mon states, and Rangoon Division. Researchers queried over 400 women and later highlighted the need for a formal institution through which women could seek justice in the case of rights abuses.

Cheery Zahau, co-researcher for the report and renowned ethnic Chin human rights activist, said the understanding of womens justice differs widely throughout Burmas various states.

For communities in ethnic regions, some people feel [there is] justice when their lives are safe and free from harassment by the military, she said, adding that in other communities, social support for education and health is perceived as representing justice.

The report showed that women in Rangoon faced particularly high incidents of domestic and sexual violence, including rape, especially in communities with large numbers of internal migrants. It can take up to three months to file a case in the courts, so victims of sexual abuse need better social and psychological support, said Cheery Zahau.

She added that in remote ethnic areas, many women do not speak Burmese and cannot travel the long distances required to reach the nearest police station to report crimes; therefore, communities continue to enforce controversial customary practices.

Often, customary laws do not allow women to participate in decision making when settling disputes. Because these systems lack space for womens voices to be heard, social harmony is often prioritized over womens rights.

Getting women involved in dispute resolution would likely have positive results, but in many cases, men still take on such roles in the name of tradition, said Cheery Zahau, adding that discrimination against women is entrenched in Burmese society. Yet because there is a widely held perception that women already experience equal rights, she pointed out that society often remains ignorant of their ongoing vulnerabilities.

Burmese womens rights groups submitted a report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) this week, which aims to establish an international framework that will promote womens equality and ensure compliance with its standards.

CEDAW is conducting Burmas review from July 4-7 in Geneva. It is the first time since 2008 that the committee has examined the countrys record for respecting and upholding womens rights.
Burma Forum Calls for Stronger Support of Women in Media, Peace Process

A Rangoon panel of journalists and civil society activists urges media to support womens involvement in peacebuilding.

RANGOON  While media coverage of women in peacebuilding has become comparatively more comprehensive than in past years, it remains a challenge to secure an interested audience on such themes, said participants of a media and civil society forum in Rangoon on Wednesday.

The forum, entitled Women, Media and Peace, highlighted the role of women in Burmas peace process as well as their presence in the media. The discussion panel included representatives from the Nyein (Shalom) Foundation, the Womens Federation for Peace, Myanmar ICT Development Organization and the Eleven Media Group.

Activists at the event urged media to support womens roles in peacebuilding, pointing to a lack of stories which highlight female voices and concerns. Rather than simply reporting on events, media trainer Myint Kyaw told The Irrawaddy that he recommends journalists strive to cover issueslike those concerning women and peacefrom more interesting and innovative angles.

Yet Nay Tun Naing, executive editor of the Eleven Media Group, said that part of the problem lies with media consumers, who continue to be more attracted to stories about women as victims, rather than as leaders.

Despite this perception, Nang Shan, coordinator of the Nyein Foundations Social Integration for Peace program, said she believes that media content focused on womens inclusion in politics has improved in recent yearsin both quantity and qualityand she hopes to this coverage continue to expand.

Womens involvement in peace would create a more sustainable peace, she said, but added that challenges remain despite womens ongoing efforts to be part of the countrys political future.

Womens groups have been demanding greater participation in the peace process since it began under the government of ex-President Thein Sein in 2012, an effort acknowledged in the countrys nationwide ceasefire pact of 2015. But a 30 percent quota of women in political leadership, which has also been floated, has yet to gain the traction that some activists had hoped for.

In Burmas upcoming Union Peace Conference, scheduled for August in Naypyidaw, a framework envisioned by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has placed social, economic, land and womens issues outside of the main agenda. The conference will focus mainly on political and military themes, with other topics reserved for a parallel forum for civil society organizations (CSOs).

Nang Shan said she will persist in fighting for greater inclusion at the historic event.

The CSOs voices in the peace conference need to be heard, and we are trying to find a way for it.

In a consultation to prepare for the upcoming peace conference, five women, from both the Alliance for Gender Inclusion in the Peace Process (AGIPP) and the Civil Society Forum for Peace (CSFoP), have been invited to give input on the issues raised by ethnic armed group leaders, but are not invited to be physically present at the peace talks.

Since Burma elected its first civilian-led government in a 2015 general election, female parliamentarians represent just 13 percent of the legislature. State Counselor Suu Kyi serves as the only woman in the Unions executive branch leadership, and women serve as just two of the chief ministers of Burmas states. At the village level, women make up only 0.2 percent of the administration.
Burma MPs Asked to Seek Approval for Civil Society Engagements

Lower House Speaker Win Myint appeals to parliamentarians to seek official approval for workshops and meetings with non-governmental and civil society organizations.

RANGOON  Lower House Speaker Win Myint has appealed to parliamentarians to inform him of workshops, meetings and trainings beforehand in order to gain official approval for such events; the request applies to sessions to which MPs have been invited by non-governmental and civil society organizations.

Arakan National Party lawmaker Pe Than published the appeal on his Facebook page on Monday, saying, Its unclear whether it is a letter of appeal or instructions.

Pe Than said that MPs had not received any explanation for the newly issued appeal. Questions were also raised when it was revealed that the letter had not been introduced to parliamentarians belonging to the Upper House.

The previous Parliament had no precedent for this, and now, the new Parliament is trying to adopt new barriers, thats why I am saying we are losing our lawmakers rights, Pe Than said, describing civil society and non-governmental organizations as our partners.

He added that generally, when representatives from civil society or non-governmental organizationsCSOs and NGOsorganize an event, they inform parliamentarians only two to three days before the workshop or seminar. This new restriction will cause detrimental delays, said Pe Than.

On Tuesday evening, the Lower House released a second statement defending the earlier letter.

It said that the parliamentary leadership was not intentionally restricting the rights of lawmakers or attempting to control the relationship between legislators and civil society organizations. However, legislators who represent one of the Lower House committees or are individually connected with outside organizations will not be permitted to use the Parliament hall for discussions, meet-and-greet sessions, or hosting outside organizations under a legislators name.

A senior official within the Lower House Office also told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that Win Myints letter was not intended to restrict the legislators rights, but to inform the Parliament about any trips or absences.

As far as I know, its just a misunderstanding [with the lawmakers], said the official, on the condition of anonymity. Actually, the purpose is not what they think.

She said that a similar announcement had been made during former Lower House Speaker Shwe Manns term, in 2011. It came in the form of a letter to the legislators reminding them to inform Shwe Mann of trips abroad. But it is unclear whether the lawmakers had to inform the Speaker of all types of invitations, including local seminars.

Parliament members are waiting to see how Lower House Speaker Win Myint will deal with legislators who disregard the appeal.

Even if we dont follow his instructions, there is no law to take action against us, Pe Than pointed out.

Dr. Khin Zaw Win, director of the Tampadipa Institute, which has provided capacity building workshops for lawmakers over the past five years, criticized the Lower House Speakers move as an attempt to control members of parliament. The Speakers main duty, he said, should be to work toward enacting or amending laws.

I really dont like it, Khin Zaw Win said of the restrictions, also expressing concern about how MPs representing parties outside of the National League for Democracy (NLD) parliamentary majority would react to what he perceived as increased NLD supervision.
Business The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (July 23, 2016)

Thai investment in energy, satellite-based air traffic control, arrival of a Japanese ramen chain, Rangoon power plant overhaul, and rising Telenor profits.

Siamgas to invest US$48 million in Mon State power plant

A Thai natural gas supplier has announced it will acquire a stake in a 230-megawatt gas-fired power plant in southern Burmas Mon State.

Siamgas and Petrochemical announced to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on July 18 that it would pay a total of US$48 million for the stake in the plant, which is located by the state capital of Moulmein.

The company expected that this investment is an opportunity to expand into other energy business. The investment in power plant in [Burma] shall resulting in higher income and returns from investment, which shall create additional value to the company [sic], the filing said.

According to a report from 2014, the plant was built by Singapore-based Asiatech Energy with finance from the United Overseas Bank, also based in Singapore. At that time, the plan was to supply power to the national grid via the Myanmar Electrical Power Enterprise. The completion of the project was scheduled for the end of last year at an estimated cost of $170 million.

Siamgas said its Singapore subsidiary Siam Gas Power would acquire a stake in the power plant over two transactions that will see it take on shares from three different companies involved in the plant, named as Asiatech Energy, the Burma-incorporated Myanmar Lighting (IPP), and Malaysia-based MSN International Limited. The document shows that after the two transactions, each worth $24 million, Siam Gas Power will hold 30 percent stakes in all three companies.

In each of the three companies, the largest other shareholder (and the 70 percent majority shareholder in the case of Asiatech Energy), is Singaporean oil trader Tang Weng Fei. Burmese individuals named as Sein Wan, Than Soe and Oak Ghar Aye are also shareholders in MSN International and Myanmar Lighting IPP.

Govt aviation agency looks at using satellites for air traffic control

Burmas Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has signed an agreement with a company based in McLean, in the American state of Virginia, to work together on the development of an air traffic system using satellites.

US company Aireon LLC this week announced the memorandum of understanding reached with the Burmese government agency, which it said would enable the countrys airports to safely receive growing numbers of visitors.

DCA will collaborate with Aireon to develop a concept of operations and benefits analysis for the deployment of Aireons space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) service, a press release said.

The release quoted Soe Paing, DCA director of air navigation safety, saying that working with Aireon would offer increased safety and visibility that exceeds the capabilities of ground-based infrastructure at a time when air traffic is growing by almost 10 percent a year.

We look forward to working with Aireon on the concept of operations. We have many challenges installing ground-based surveillance solutions, due to the remote and diverse terrain in our region, Soe Paing said.

We recognize the challenges that [Burma] faces. The Aireon service will allow DCA to utilize next-generation air traffic surveillance, in real time, without the need for large investments in ground-based infrastructure, said Cyriel Kronenburg, Aireons vice president for aviation services.

We applaud them [DCA] for focusing on improving safety to meet future air traffic demand both within [Burma] and overflying traffic.

Japanese ramen chain coming to Burma

A Burma-facing, Singapore-listed investment vehicle is set to bring Japanese ramen chain Ippudo to the country early next year in the hope of tapping into the opportunities created by the apparent growth of Burmas middle class.

Singapore Myanmar Investco Limited (SMI) told the Singapore Stock Exchange that it had entered into an agreement with Chikaranomoto Holdings Co. Ltd., the owner of Ippudo, to operate and manage restaurants under the brand in Burma.

Under the agreement, Chikaranomoto will provide training programs and on-going support to SMI to facilitate the set-up and operation of Ippudo ramen restaurants in [Burma], the statement said.

The first Ippudo ramen restaurant in [Burma] is expected to be opened in the first quarter of 2017 and SMI has plans to open more outlets in major cities across [Burma] over the next few years.

There are more than 90 Ippudo restaurants in Japan, and over 60 elsewhere, including in New York, London and Hong Kong. Originating in Fukuoka in 1985, Ippudo claims to be the most popular ramen restaurant in Japan.

We see abundant growth opportunities within the F&B retail market in [Burma] and the time is ripe for us to introduce the popular Ippudo brand and cuisine to a growing middle class in [Burma], SMIs president and CEO Mark Bedingham said in the statement.

SMI signed a long-term agreement in December to operate a large chunk of retail space at the new Rangoon International Airport, which is operated under a government concession by local conglomerate Asia World.

SMI is reportedly also going to operate the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf coffee shop chain and Crystal Jade dim sum restaurants in Burma.

Turbine firm declares winning US$8 million power plant contract

EthosEnergy, a company with offices in Houston, in the American state of Texas, and Aberdeen, Scotland, has announced that it will overhaul a power plant in Rangoon after winning a government contract worth US$8 million.

In a statement, EthosEnergy said the Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise (MEPE) had hired it to overhaul one turbine and upgrade another at the Ywama gas-fired power plant.

When awarding the contract for this project we required a provider that could meet all our expectations; the ability to restore the unit(s) to the original manufacturers performance specifications of 120MW coupled with the demanding return to service deadline, the State-run MEPE was quoted saying in the statement.

Equally we expected a proven state of the art control system to allow us accurate and efficient machine calibration, monitoring and control.

It added that the upgrades would increase output at the plant to 123 megawatts.

According to its website, EthosEnergy is a joint venture formed in May 2014 between Aberdeen-based oil and gas company Wood Groups turbines division and TurboCare, part of Germanys Siemans.

Telenor sees rising profits as subscriber base keeps growing

Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor has said it made US$72.3 million in profit in Burma during the three months of the Burmese fiscal year up to the end of June.

In a report detailing the companys global performance for the second quarter of 2016, Telenor said that it had added another 1.4 million subscribers in Burma during the period, bringing its total number of subscribers to 16.9 million. Telenor has been putting on subscribers steadily since launching in 2014, although subscriber gains have been higher in previous quarters.

Operating profits of $72.3 million in the quarter compare with $44 million the company made in the same period in 2015.

The growth in earnings was driven by the continued growth in subscription and usage, partly offset by increased costs on the back of a larger number of network sites on air, the report said.

Capital expenditure remained high in the quarter, with the continued ambition to expand network coverage across the country and enhance capacity to cater for the strong demand for voice and data, it said, adding that Telenor now has 5,831 cellphone towers on air.

Telenors rival private operator Ooredoo of Qatar no longer publishes quarterly results where it separates out its operations in Burma. In the companys annual report for 2015, the firm said it had 5.8 million customers in Burma and made an earnings loss of about $2.1 million in the year.

Ooredoo Myanmars CEO, installed last year, has said the company is taking a new approach to the Burmese marketslashing its data tariffs and focusing on improving distribution.

Meanwhile, a new CEO at Telenor Myanmar, set to take charge on Aug. 1, has vowed to keep on with the companys proven strategy.
Commentary The Lady and the Generals

To achieve peace, Aung San Suu Kyi must find common ground with army generals as well as ethnic leaders, and the events of last week have been encouraging.

It takes two to tango, say Burma-watchers trying to make sense of the relationship burgeoning between the new government and the armed forces. This last week, some intriguing gestures have passed between the two.

On July 19Burmas Martyrs Day, commemorating the assassination of independence hero Aung San and eight of his colleagues in 1947Commander-in-Chief Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing became the first armed forces commander in decades to take part in the annual ceremony at the Martyrs Mausoleum in Rangoon. This is bound to become protocol for Min Aung Hlaings successors.

There were more surprises. After delivering his salute at the mausoleum, the commander-in-chief showed up at Aung San Suu Kyis Rangoon residence for a Buddhist merit-making ceremony, switching his uniform for a traditional Burmese jacket and longyi.

Pictures of Min Aung Hlaing and Suu Kyi nodding and smiling at each other alongside prominent Buddhist monks in Suu Kyis lakeside villa were shared widely among the Burmese public and foreign observers.

Prominent former generals were also present, including Myint Swe, vice president and a protege of former dictator Than Shwe, and Shwe Mann, who was once number three in Than Shwes military junta and is now a close ally of Suu Kyi.

Relations between Shwe Mann and the military establishment have grown chilly at best; with Suu Kyi in the middle, they were forced to exchange pleasantries.

Last month, the military attempted to sue a local newspaper for a story that quoted from a speech given by Shwe Mann to graduates of the Defense Services Academy, in which he urged them to work with the countrys newly elected democratic government. The military claimed the publication of these words could destroy the unity of the military.

Tin Oo, a commander-in-chief of the military during the 1970s and now one of the senior-most leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was seen conversing with top members of the military establishment at Suu Kyis house on July 19.

The event was like a social gathering of the current bi-polar political elite in Burma, minus President Htin Kyaw. The general public reacted positively.

Min Aung Hlaing, who had turned 60 by July 19, brought his wife along; she was photographed sitting behind Suu Kyi as the monks partook of their lunch offerings. It was a demonstration of closer relations forged between Suu Kyi and the armed forces chief.

So what was the deal underlying all this?

One theory circulating among political analysts asserts that the government first proposed that President Htin Kyaw attend the ceremony at the Martyrs Mausoleum, which would have made him the first Burmese head of state to attend since before the 1988 coup.

However, this would have led to concerns that such a move would reflect badly on previous heads of statewho chose to remain aloof from a monument so closely associated with Aung San, the late father of then-opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyiand would have set a binding precedent for all succeeding presidents.

In the end, President Htin Kyaw commemorated Martyrs Day in Naypyidaw at a Buddhist merit-making ceremony, receiving little publicity. Assigning Min Aung Hlaing to the high-profile ceremony in Rangoon was part of the compromise reached, so the theory goes.

A rumor shared among political pundits several months ago was that Min Aung Hlaing was facing resistance in extending his position for another five yearson the understanding that, constitutionally, he would need the go-ahead from the president.

On Wednesday of last week, Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo addressed a press briefing in Rangoon on behalf of the military, in which he confirmed that Min Aung Hlaing and his deputy, Soe Win, would continue in their roles for the full term of the current government, ending in 2020. Under an amended defense services law, the retirement age is now pegged at 65.

Political insiders have since claimed that the NLD government had given the green light for this extension; Suu Kyi and senior NLD officials were not ready to begin relations with a new commander-in-chief.

In May, Min Aung Hlaing clarified his position at a press conference in Naypyidaw: The commander-in-chief is below the president. Contrary to what many had assumed, we are working together [with the civilian government].

Suu Kyis present goal is to achieve peace in a war torn country. For this, she must find common ground with army generals as well as ethnic leaders. Like her father, she has shown herself to be a pragmatic politician.

The events of last week, with the appearances of the commander-in-chief at the Martyrs Mausoleum and in Suu Kyis Rangoon home, signal such an attempt to reach out and build trust.

This augurs a new political dynamic in Burmaa cause for cautious optimism.
Whose Land is it Anyway?

The governments focus on resolving land disputes is welcome, but justice requires a careful approach sensitive to the complexities on the ground.

The farmers of Kyon Dayel Village were ecstatic to read in the newspaper that Ayer Shwe Wah was releasing 40,000 acres of land that the company had acquired under the military governments 1990s Lowland Development Project.

The farmers remember distinctly the day in 1999 when big machines arrived in their fields and company representatives told them the land now belonged to the project.

But, after 15 years of waiting, the farmers were dismayed to learn that the land would not be returned to them; instead, the tenant farmers who had leased the land from Ayer Shwe Wah since 1999 had applied to register this released land themselves.

According to the now defunct Parliamentary Land Investigation Committee, the military, government ministries, and private companies have released or given back over 400,000 acres to the State since 2013. This is only a fraction of the 2 million acres that the Farmers Affairs Committee in the Upper House of Parliament believes could be considered confiscated.

In reality, this returned land often doesnt reach the individuals from whom it was initially taken.

At least 25 percent of land grab or local land dispute cases handled by the network of paralegals working with Namatia legal empowerment organization focused on land rights in Burmainvolved farmers trying to access and restore their rights over land that had been released.

Rather than being fully resolved by the formal government mechanisms, historic land disputes between government ministries, the military, or companies and farmers are now transforming into local inter-communal conflicts.

A report to be released next week by Namati highlights several reasons why this happens.

Firstly, a complex history of land-related laws in Burma contributed to the development of an unofficial shadow system of land tenure and possession in the country; and laws and mechanisms for resolving land disputes remain opaque.

In many instances, official records do not reflect actual land use, limiting the evidence available for farmers to reclaim their land.

In the case of many of the Kyon Dayel farmers, land that their families had been farming for over 50 years at the time of confiscation still appears on official maps as grazing land. By the letter of the law, this would make those farmers ineligible for compensation or restitution.

Second, there is no legal definition of original farmer or guidance on how to resolve cases when there are competing claims.

Are the Kyon Dayel farmers original farmers, even though they were farming grazing land? Should the tenant farmers who benefitted frombut were not complicit inthe land confiscation be stripped of any rights to the land that has formed the basis of their livelihoods for the past 15 years?

Thirdly, farmers reclaiming seized land must present two key pieces of evidence that are difficult for many to obtain. These are: proof in the form of tax receipts or eyewitness testimony that they previously possessed the land; and specific maps and coordinates that demonstrate that the same plot of land has been released.

Such maps and coordinates are not publicly available; accessing them remains a function of whom you know. This creates opportunities for those with powerful connections to take advantage of the system.

Finally, the return of land at the local level is managed through the General Administration Department (GAD). This is where the complexities around the issue come into focus.

Evidence suggests that the military was involved directly, or indirectly through family connections, in over 50 percent of land grab cases handled by paralegals working with Namati. The militarys oversight of the GAD, via the Ministry of Home Affairs, creates a conflict of interest in the resolution of these cases.

Since January, the National League for Democracywhich now heads the governmenthas prioritized the resolution of land grab cases and to that end established the Central Committee on Confiscated Farmlands and Other Lands, tasked with monitoring state and divisional governments handling of land disputes and the return of seized land.

On July 1, Naypyidaw Council chairman Myo Aung announced the central committees aim of settling all land grab disputes within six months.

This high-level attention is great news for the country and thousands of farmers whose land was taken without due process or compensation. But, the committee would do well to take a measured approach to the resolution of these cases.

Putting in place guidelines and transparent mechanisms that are truly responsive to the complexity of these cases on the ground, and which the average citizen can understand, is important to ensuring that land disputes do not morph into inter-communal conflicts.

Burma has one shot at providing restorative justice to these farmers: getting it right should take precedent over clearing the docket quickly.

Caitlin Pierce is the Myanmar Policy Advisor for Namati, a legal empowerment organization focused on land rights in Burma.
Burma Womens Rights Groups Demand Changes to Constitution

After a UN CEDAW session, womens rights groups are encouraged by pledges of cooperation from the government, but insist on the necessity of charter change.

RANGOON  Womens rights advocates have demanded changes to the constitution to ensure womens basic rights, especially in conflict areas, at a press briefing on their experience of attending the United Nations (UN) 64th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva, Switzerland.

About two-dozen advocates for gender equality and peace shared their CEDAW shadow reports with the UN CEDAW committee, while also receiving responses from the delegation representing the Burmese government.

The reports covered issues including violence against women and impunity, rule of law and womens access to justice, human trafficking, womens participation in political leadership and the peace process, the need to allocate budgets for gender equality and the advancement of rural women.

The government delegation committed to collaborating with civil society groups, including womens groups, and pledged to work towards a national law on the Prevention of Violence against Women (PoVAW) and a National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (NSPAW).

The government delegation included officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Social Welfare, the anti-trafficking police and an upper house lawmaker.

Burmas last CEDAW report was in 2008. This years report from the government lacks data on violence against women in areas of armed conflict and makes no mention of human trafficking and womens participation in the peace processissues the womens rights groups brought up with the UN in their shadow reports.

Lway Cherry of the Taang (Palaung) Womens Organization told The Irrawaddy that she was heartened by government teams pledge of cooperation, calling it unprecedented.

However, she said constitutional change remains key because, under the 2008 Constitution, there is a clause ensuring impunity for military personnel, even if they abuse women. This has especially grave consequences in conflict areas, she said.

Ninety-two cases of sexual violence in conflict areas of Burma between 2010-2015, mostly in Shan and Kachin states, were recorded in the Women League of Burmas CEDAW shadow reportcompensating for the dearth of data on this subject in the governments report.

May Sabe Phyu, director of the Gender Equality Network, questioned the Burmese governments understanding of the articles contained in the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which it ratified in 1997.

Both the UN committee and womens rights groups have criticized Burmas 2008 Constitution and its domestic laws for falling well short of the commitments outlined in the conventionfor instance in failing to properly define and prohibit direct and indirect forms of discrimination against women, and in the incorporation of restrictive gender stereotypes in legal provisions.

May Sabe Phyu said that, despite the governments insistence that equal rights for women are enshrined in the constitution, substantive equality for women in the workplace or in education is still lacking.

The advocates also demanded that the number of women at decision-making levels should be increased, rather than a mere quantitative increase of women in the workplace.

Nga Ngai, an ethnic Kuki woman from the Womens League of Burma, said that, although the government delegation was not able to respond to the specificities of the concerns raised with them, government and civil society have strengthened their relations as a result of this engagement.

May Sabe Phyu said that, although the non-government delegation had very little time in which to present their findings, the experience of presenting directly to the UN committee marked a milestone for civil society in Burma.
The chief prosecutor of Ankara has demanded the freezing of assets of 3,049 judges and prosecutors in Turkey as part of a probe into their alleged links with the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), according to the prosecutors office, Anadolu reported.

The asset freeze includes vehicles, bank accounts, all types of claims, valuable papers, partnership interest in any firm and safe deposit boxes.

The judges and prosecutors had already been remanded in custody in connection with FETO's failed coup.

The U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen, who heads FETO according to the Turkish government, has been residing in Pennsylvania since 1999.

Turkey's government has said the deadly July 15 coup attempt was organized by followers of Gulen and FETO.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.
Interview No Project Enjoys Special Privileges: Deputy Minister of National Planning and Finance

The Irrawaddys Kyaw Hsu Mon speaks with Deputy Minister Maung Maung Win about the Ministry of National Planning and Finances challenges and responsibilities.

Recently, there has been a lot of criticism over the failures of the new government to make considerable changes in the economic sector, as well as the stagnation of businesses during the first three months of its term. Amidst such criticisms, what has the ministry done successfully?

It is difficult for a ministry to adopt new policies and make progress quickly. However, some tasks were completed during the first 100 days, and there are also some tasks to be continued after these 100 days. Tasks to be carried out within the period were announced in newspapers and they were implemented accordingly. As two ministries were merged, the number of departments has increased. Many of them are departments that have to deal with the public, and we will continue working to fulfill the publics needs.

Are there problems caused by the merging the two ministries and their staff members?

The main problem is the lack of time available. There is only one minister for the two ministries. It is very difficult to manage time as there are daily reports, and reports from other departments and meetings. The minister also has to deal with foreign guests and travel abroad, as this is important. As other functions are run by respective departments, there is no problem there.

Has recent budget allocation caused any headache for the ministry? There are complaints over budgets in Burmas states and regions. How is the ministry handling these complaints?

Budgets are allocated in line with the [2008] Constitution. States and regions are allowed to collect some taxes according to the law and add the tax money into its fund and spend it. Similarly, the Union government will also do the same with taxes it is allowed to collect by law. Although there was only one budget in the past, at present, we have the Union budget as well as state and regional budgets. So there are Union funds and state and regional funds. Under Section 230 [of the Constitution], the Union budget has to provide funds if states and regions do not have enough. Moreover, the Union government can also provide funds for special projects or issue low-interest loans to state and regional governments. This means that the Union government is responsible for providing funds when they need it and determines how much will be provided to each state or region. We study how other countries are handling such issues. Everything has to be taken into consideration so that the budget is allocated without bias and in a fair manner.

How do you know how much to give to each state or region?

No matter how much they ask for, we provide them with what they should receive. It seems that Yangon [Division] receives only a small budget but it has collected a large sum from taxes, which the regional government can spend. The Union government also provides funds to the region. Chin State also receives a small budget. The Union government provides them with what it should receive. They can work for development. States and regions that are underdeveloped have to try to make progress like the others. Developed ones can do more. The Union government wants to provide more funds to them. It has been trying to allocate budgets in a fair manner, as well as it can.

The Rangoon Chief Minister said that he found it difficult to do what he wanted for the region due to an insufficient budget. How would you respond to that?

As I have just said, the Union government does not consider the region alone. It has to take all 14 states and regions into consideration. Others also have things they want to do for their states or regions. They also need development as much as Yangon [Division] does. As Yangon receives more money from taxes, it is necessary for the regional government to decide which projects should be prioritized based on its earnings. Although the Union government wants to provide more funds to everyone, it cannot afford to do that. First priority is given to what is most important, and second priorities are something that cannot be done because there are just not enough funds.

It was said during a parliamentary session that there are differences in tax collection. How does the ministry manage this?

Tax collection varies year by year. In budgets, there are 18 types of tax with their own targets. The targets depend on the amount collected in the previous year. It is also necessary to estimate the amount for the upcoming year. According to the upcoming years tax law, tax rates and exemptions are set. Based on these, the relevant departments estimate the targets. Some targets are met while others are not; this is a phenomenon that occurs every year. Therefore, 11 tax items went beyond their targets while seven failed to meet their targets during the 2015-16 fiscal year.

During the term of the previous government, special projects required approval by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. There were accusations that those who were close to the government got approvals easily. How will the current government grant approvals without bias? How is the ministry handling this issue?

This will be done in accordance with the planning law. There are planning laws for each year. The Union government as well as state and regional governments have their own responsibilities, known as the sectoral and the regional plans. Sectoral plans are implemented by the Union government, while regional plans are materialized by state or regional governments. There are also township plans. There is no project that enjoys special privileges. These are the issues that should be settled at the planning commission.
Turkeys Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar will remain in office, according to the Supreme Military Councils decisions announced late Thursday, Anadolu reported.

In remarks made at a press briefing following a five-hour meeting of the Supreme Military Council in the capital Ankara, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Land Forces Commander Gen. Salih Zeki Colak, Air Forces Commander Gen. Abidin Unal, Naval Forces Commander Gen. Recep Bulent Bostanoglu, and Fleet Commander Admiral Veysel Kosele were also going to keep their respective posts.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Guler was appointed the new Gendarmerie Commander while Gulers previous post was given to former First Army Commander Gen. Umit Dundar.

Gen. Musa Avsever is now the new First Army Commander while Gen. Ismail Metin Temel is the Second Army Commander.

Third Army Commander Gen. Ismail Serdar Savas, and Aegean Army Commander Gen. Abdullah Recep are also keeping their posts, Kalin said.

Gen. Hasan Kucukakyuz was appointed the Commander of Combatant Air Force and Air Missile Defense Command.

General Tahir Bekiroglu was appointed the Commander of Land Forces Training and Doctrine Command.

Kalin added the council's decisions had been approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, the meetings venue was -- in the wake of the July 15 failed coup -- changed for the first time from General Staff headquarters to the prime minister's residence at the Cankaya Palace.
Samsung Electronics high-value products are one of the reasons that the company is reporting higher earnings for the second quarter of 2016. The Korean company has performed remarkably well despite the lowered demands from the world market.

Total revenue for the second quarter was reported to be more than $45 billion. First quarter revenues were more than $2 billion lower. Income from second quarter operations was approximately $7 billion, which is an improvement of around $1 billion from the first quarter, according to the Samsung Newsroom.

Mobile cellphone products such as the Galaxy 7 series and other cheaper models made substantial revenue contributions. The smartphone group reported income from operations at almost $4 billion. Other groups also reported higher revenues. Samsung sells a variety of products ranging from televisions, smartphones and various semiconductors.

Samsung Electronics officials are optimistic that the next two quarters will continue to result in an increase in revenue and profits. They expect that demand for their electronic products would stabilize in the third quarter. Samsung will also reportedly release its newest smartphone product anytime soon. The Galaxy Note phablet is expected to launch by August 2106 before Apple could even unleash their new iPhone products.

A number of Samsung investors, however, believed that the company's second quarter earnings will be the highest this year, according to Reuters. They are not optimistic that the revenues for the second half of 2016 will increase.

Industry observers pointed out that Samsung's chip making group reported less than $2.5 billion as income from its second quarter operations. This represents more than 20 percent decrease from the previous quarter. Samsung officials explained that the decreased demand for chips forced them to lower prices.

The Korean conglomerate also announced that it will buy back more than $10 billion of stocks. Dividends of around $.89 for every common stock are expected to be release.
There have been mixed reviews with the new "Jason Bourne" movie and it's not looking so good. Editing effects of the movie has been criticized since it didn't really meet the expectations of the viewers' awaiting this Bourne comeback.

The new installment in the Bourne series, entitled "Jason Bourne," is directed by Paul Greengrass who directed the "Bourne Supremacy" movie back in 2004. It has been more than a decade since Paul worked with the protagonist of the movie, Matt Damon.

The vigorous style of Paul in shooting and editing has been called out by the critics, saying it has an old-school vibe to it according to New York Times. However, it doesn't necessarily take the thrill of the movie entirely away; it just makes it somewhat passive. The role portrayed by Matt Damon as Jason Bourne was also criticized to have been passive.

ABC News reported that a certain Jason Di Rosso commented that the new "Jason Bourne" movie looked like it was "edited by two geeks in a room who haven't slept." The director, Paul, reportedly also shared credit in writing the film.

Paul's camerawork was also criticized by its quivering camerawork that allegedly became a generic action movie music that is not stopped. The plot of the story was also called out for being squeezed in, despite the complexity of the story line. Critics claim that the movie deserved better effects, better editing and a better outcome.

Despite the movie receiving many criticisms, actor Matt Damon has showcased a very good physique even at his age of 45. He is now looking more muscular compared to his last appearance in a Bourne movie, more than ten years ago. USA Today reported that Damon's trainer wanted to exhaust the former in his training to project a proper build.

Amidst the criticisms on the movie, it had average reviews and the actor was also praised for his appearance as Jason Bourne.
Australian online retailers now have access to Pitney Bowes global e-commerce Borderfree solution that opens up the world as their market.

Pitney Bowes, a global technology company that provides innovative products and solutions to power commerce, has expanded its business in Australia to provide global e-commerce solutions to retailers looking to sell their goods across international borders. Its Borderfree Retail solution allows Australian retailers to reach consumers in 220 countries and territories.

The solution helps clients identify customers, locate opportunities, enable communications, power shipping from anywhere to everywhere, and manage payments.

Australian retailers on the Borderfree Retail platform will be enabled to offer consumers in other countries a seamless, hyper-local experience, said Lila Snyder, executive vice-president, and president, Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce. Australian brands have always been popular with consumers around the world. Now, retailers can expand internationally to take advantage of growth opportunities in global markets, and provide an outstanding customer experience.

Australian retailers face challenging complexities to overcome selling to consumers in other markets. For international transactions, retailers must offer easy payment and shipping options, provide fully landed costs, and manage each order through customs. Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce solutions help clients address these complexities so that Australian retail brands can implement their international expansion plans with a localised approach for cross-border shoppers. Pitney Bowes currently offers its global end-to-end cross-border platform to 285 retailers, and will soon be launching an international presence for Sydney-based General Pants Co.

Paula Mitchell, general manager, e-commerce, General Pants Co, said, We are very excited to be able to showcase what makes us so well known in this market to the globe. Our exclusive product and brand mix that you cant get anywhere else in the country will now be one click away from a whole new audience. With Pitney Bowes technologies, consumers can now easily cross-border shop the latest trends in Australian and international fashion with confidence.

Global cross-border online B2C sales are expected to reach US$424 billion by 2021, according to Forrester data. Consumers are exploring more online global retailers as cross-border shopping becomes easier, faster and more convenient. Cross-border shoppers in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to grow in double digits over the next five years. With the Australian market positioned relatively near the emerging Asian market, Australian retailers could benefit with a cross-border e-commerce approach.

Cross-border shopping  and the Borderfree Retail experience  is not new to Australian consumers. Australians are the most likely of all global consumers (at 63%) to purchase products online from retailers outside their country. And, for the 285 US and UK retailers on the Borderfree solution, Australia ranks as a top market for product sales. Now, Australian retailers will be able to provide that same experience for consumers around the world.

The Pitney Bowes Borderfree Retail Solution is an integral part of the Pitney Bowes Commerce Cloud, a commerce enabler, providing access to solutions, analytics, and APIs across the full commerce continuum.
Thin clients are regaining popularity for security and convenience. Dell acquired leading thin client provider Wyse back in 2012 and has quietly been developing the technology for enterprise use.

Dell Wyse has released two new thin clients (7040 and 3030 LT), a thin client appliance server 2.0, Wyse Device Manager 5.7, ThinOS 8.3, ThinLinux 1.0, and Dell Data Protection Threat Defence for WES Thin Clients.

If the term thin client (or zero client) means little to you, this article wont be relevant except to say that for the most part the Internet is based around thin clients (lower powered devices) to display things done on higher powered Internet servers. Anything accessed via a browser, for example, could be likened to a thin client.

A thin client is essentially a lower powered, ultra-small form factor computer that runs an operating system (OS) like ThinOS, ThinLinux, or Windows Embedded to communicate with a higher powered server where the work is done. The client replaces a full blown PC and displays a virtualised desktop and apps (usually Windows and Office) and handles an external keyboard and monitor. The term zero client simply means that the operating system is built into the firmware  like VMWare or Citrix.

In my corporate past, I have used thin clients to great effect. They can lower the cost of ownership (of PCs and their attendant support costs), they are infinitely more secure, and for the most part, will do what a PC does  with the notable exceptions being in heavy graphics but technology now has an answer for that.

Dell Wyse is bullish about the technology, especially in high-security environments like health, finance, banking, government and larger enterprise  although it also makes sense in small environments to replace say, 20-30 PCs.

Wyse 7040 (US site)

This is the top of the range thin client running Windows Embedded, and a choice of Intel Core i5 or i7, VPro, TPM, at least 4GB of DDR4 RAM, a range of SSD or hard disks. It has a fibre network option and will support a single 4K screen or three HD screens.

It has been popular as an ultra-secure, high-performance thin client to meet the demanding needs of the Federal and other similar markets where performance and security* are paramount. Prices start from US$1202 so it is comparable in price with many desktop PCs.

* Windows Embedded OS requires security. Dell recommends Dell Data Protection | Threat Defence.

Wyse 3030 LT (Australian site)

This is a value device (mainstream is 500 series, and performance is 700 series) and can run Windows Embedded, Thin OS or ThinLinux (303 LT). It uses a dual-core Intel Celeron N2807 1.6GHz processor (many Wyse thin clients used AMD processors). It has TPM, USB, Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x DisplayPort and Wi-Fi AC dual band. It is compatible with Citrix, Windows, and VMWare virtual environments.

It is the workhorse device for hospitality, retail, finance, healthcare, and education. Prices start from US$329.

Dell Precision Appliance for Wyse V2.0 (Australian site)

It is an end-to-end ISV-certified solution that offers Dell Precision-class high-performance workstation functionality through a secure, efficient and optimised virtual desktop environment. It is based on a Dell PowerEdge R730 server and has NVIDIA M60 Tesla 3D graphics. It will typically support up to 32 thin clients.

It supports Citrix XenDesktop broker and related HDX/HDX 3D Pro protocols. VMware Horizon broker support is also included. Certification Partners include Autodesk, PTC, Siemens, and Dassault.

It supports the latest Wyse clients, including the Wyse 7040, Wyse 5212 AIO and Wyse 5010 thin client. These would be great in branch offices or workgroups requiring high levels of video and graphics support.

Wyse Device Manager 5.7 (Australian site)

It provides centralised management of Dell Wyse thin and zero clients, allowing IT teams to easily issue software images, patches, updates and add-ons from a single console. WDM is a highly scalable thin client management software solution, giving the ability to scale reliably to more than 100,000 devices based on either Windows Embedded Standard, Linux, ThinLinux, Wyse ThinOS, or PCoIP.

It has the capability to host WDM into AWS environments.

Wyse ThinOS 8.3

Wyse claims this is the most virus-resistant, thin client operating system. It now supports Citrix HDX RealTime Optimisation Pack and Skype for Business in addition to Lync 2010 and Lync 2013.

It supports updated protocol features from Citrix, VMware, Teradici, and RDP, as well as Windows 10 virtual machines. It also supports Amazon Web Services connections over PCoIP and is compatible with the latest Wyse management options, including Wyse Device Manager 5.7. It supports Imprivatas biometric fingerprint authentication solution for secure access to data.

In short, it has narrowed the functionality gap between other Thin Client OS without sacrificing security. It does not, however, support any browser.

Wyse ThinLinux 1.0

This is new thin client-optimised software based on SUSE Linux that has been further hardened and optimised by Dell for thin client environments. It features a simplified user experience and intuitive interface for easy adoption for new users. It provides a flexible thin client operating environment with broad peripheral support including a variety of monitors, including 4k displays, printers, smart cards, and fingerprint readers. It also features broad broker support including Citrix Receiver 13.1, VMware View and Amazon Workspace, and support for unified communication platforms including Skype for Business, Lync 2013 and Lync 2010. For additional security, ThinLinux also supports single sign-on and VPN. It supports browsers.

* Dell Data Protection | Threat Defence for WES Thin Clients (US Site)

Dell says its protection will stop 99% of all APTs. It is designed for Windows Embedded Thin Clients as well as Windows and macOS desktops, and Windows servers 2008+, it does not use traditional anti-virus/malware signature-based detection. As it uses the power of the cloud and its associated artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect any departure from known good behaviour, it uses very little CPU or memory making it ideal for thin clients.

This type of protection is becoming more popular as traditional AV struggles to keep up with the 390,000 new malicious programs detected daily. It also reduces the time that cyber attackers can spend undetected in the system from an average of 205 days to virtually instantaneous.

Comment

Thin clients in the right environment are set and forget  often staying in use for 5-10 years out of sight and mind. They require far lower support overheads and cut energy consumption and cooling overheads dramatically.

They are still not a 100% replacement for an Intel Core i5/i7 desktop but for the majority of users will do an equally good job. I am impressed with the Dell Wyse offerings, especially their interoperability with legacy thin clients, computers, and servers.
D-Link has appointed Andrew Trickett to the role of head of service provider business.

"Andrew brings a wealth of expertise in the service provider space, with a track record of significant customer wins throughout the region, working across key product portfolios including DSL, mobility, Powerline and other associated segments," said D-Link ANZ managing director Graeme Reardon.

"With his deep technical knowledge and understanding of the service provider market, our clients in this space can look forward to enjoying even higher levels of engagement."

Trickett previously spent 11 years at Netgear, where he most recently led the ANZ and South East Asia ISP business divisions.

He previously served as technical product manager at Netcomm Wireless.

"I'm delighted to be joining D-Link at a time when the company's ANZ business is breaking records, and as the potential for exciting technologies designed to address the requirements of the NBN, mobility and 4K content reaches new levels," said Trickett.
Check Point's new Melbourne Technical Assistance Centre (TAC) is located within Check Point Softwares new office in the Melbourne central business district and near many of its installed base of customers.

Check Point Software, a leading, global network cyber security vendor has ramped up its Australian and New Zealand commitment with the launch of its regional TAC in Melbourne.

The Melbourne TAC coincides with the opening of three other technical assistance centres across Asia Pacific, servicing China, India, and Japan. Regional TACs enable Check Point to build on the success of its global support network while providing local level support and in-time zone resolution.

Check Point continues to invest in Australia and New Zealand to maintain the highest levels of support across our broader customer and partner distribution networks. Assuming local technical support responsibility for Check Point Software customers highlights our focus on customer satisfaction and the importance of threat prevention and security, said Philip Dimitriu, regional director of systems engineering, Check Point Software.

Further commitment to the A/NZ region and its growth has been backed by the introduction of locally-based Incident Response Services. Senior security analyst, Raymond Schippers has been tasked to lead the Incident Response team for the Asia Pacific region backed by Check Point Global Security Intelligence and Incident Response services.

Check Point helps to mitigate risk with our Incident Response Service. A call to our dedicated hotline anytime a user experiences a security threat will instantly be responded to by our 24x7 experts to help contain the threat, minimise losses and return to business as usual. Our Incident Response service also helps mitigate future risks with local forensic analysis, post-incident reports, and security best practice advice, added Dimitriu.
One is Windows Information Protection (WIP), and the other is Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (WDAPT).



Microsoft says it introduced WIP as:

87% of senior managers have admitted to leaking data to unmanaged personal locations (email, cloud storage);

58% of us have sent email with business data to the wrong person;

Then there is the cost of data breaches, which totals about US$240 per record.

Importantly both are designed to work seamlessly with existing third-party layered security protection and adds additional out-of-the-box security to Windows 10 end-points.

WIP gives protection for:

Device protection  Lost and stolen devices are covered by BitLocker;

Data separation of personal and corporate data;

Data leak protection preventing corporate data from being exfiltrated via social media etc; and

Data sharing protection especially with external parties.

Windows now includes the functionality necessary to identify personal and business information, determine which apps have access to it, and provide the basic controls necessary to determine what users can do with business data (e.g.: Copy and Paste restrictions). Windows Information Protection is designed specifically to work with the Office 365 ProPlus and Azure Rights Management, which can help protect business data when it leaves the device or when it is shared with others (e.g.: print restrictions; email forwarding).

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (WDAPT) is in addition to its Windows 10 Credential Guard, Device Guard, Windows Hello, and Enterprise Data Protection.

Microsoft found that it currently takes an enterprise more than 200 days to detect a security breach and 80 days to contain it. During this time, attackers can wreak havoc on a corporate network, steal data, breach privacy, and destroy the trust of customers. These attacks are incredibly expensive, costing organisations an average of US$12 million per incident with broader impact to a companys reputation.

As the attackers approaches have evolved and become more sophisticated, so too must its approach to providing security to enterprise customers  90% of surveyed IT directors said they need a full-fledged advanced threat protection solution that identifies attacks quicker with comprehensive intelligence and provides actionable remediation.

WDAPT adds a post-breach layer of protection to the Windows 10 security stack. With a combination of client technology built into Windows 10 and a robust cloud service, it will help detect threats that have made it past other defences, provide enterprises with information to investigate the breach across endpoints, and offer response recommendations.

WDAPT is powered by a combination of Windows behavioural sensors, cloud-based security analytics, threat intelligence, and by tapping into Microsofts intelligent security graph. This immense security graph provides big data security analytics that looks across aggregate behaviours to identify anomalies  informed by anonymous information from over 1 billion Windows devices, 2.5 trillion indexed URLs on the Web, 600 million reputation lookups online, and over 1 million suspicious files detonated every day. This data is then augmented by expertise from world-class security experts and advanced threat protection hunters from across the globe, who are uniquely equipped to detect attacks.
Millions of jobs could be at risk over the next 10 years if Australia fails to create a workforce for the future, according to a newly released discussion paper suggesting that few jobs will be protected from the encroachment of automation in the workforce. However, start-ups and tech companies are expected to generate forward-looking jobs based on emerging technologies.

.The look into the future of Australias workforce  and transition of Australias economy over the next decade  comes from a discussion paper released by not-for-profit advocacy group for start-ups, StartupAUS, in partnership with LinkedIn and Sydney start-ups Expert360 and CodeCamp.

According to the paper  Economy in Transition  Startups, innovation and a workforce for the future  as many as 4.56 million Australian jobs may be at risk within the decade if Australia doesnt take steps to create a future-oriented workforce.

LinkedIn data included in the discussion paper suggests that 16 of the 20 most in-demand skills in Australia right now are technology-related, and workers with a mix of entrepreneurial, STEM, creative, and social skills will be in increasingly high demand to support the core of Australias burgeoning innovation ecosystem.

Despite this need, the discussion paper warns that Australia has a profound talent shortage within the STEM field, and to combat this the paper outlines specialised immigration as a crucial part of injecting critical skills into Australias current workforce.

Thriving innovation hubs in the nations major cities will help attract this talent from around the world, the paper suggests.

And, according to StartupAUS chief executive Alex McCauley, for every job in high-growth tech companies, as many as five tangential jobs are created.

The paper highlights the extensive economic benefits of building innovation hubs which have powerful multiplier effects. Theres a lot at stake here  if we get it right, well be able to capitalise on it, McCauley says.

The findings reveal the very real need for Australia to keep up its momentum on innovation and startup policy. This is not a niche area  its about what we need to do to help our whole economy manage its inevitable transition.

We have two new portfolio ministers who will be getting across these issues very rapidly and in a very focused way. This paper highlights the need for that urgency and focus.

McCauley says that as the tech start-up ecosystem develops, Australia must be open to importing talent from overseas, and at the same time accept that skilled Australians will move offshore. This is a natural part of the modern employment landscape for high skill workers, McCauley says.

The discussion paper shows that new business models have also created opportunities for independent workers and McCauley says studies have shown a substantial increase in contingent work both globally and in Australia.

The papers author, Colin Pohl, says in the US, approximately 34% of the workforce is already made up of independent workers. We expect this to increase significantly and for a similar trend to be reflected here in Australia. Many corporate jobs require specialised skills that are not required on a permanent basis, and infrastructure support for freelancers will facilitate an increasing number of workers operating across a portfolio of briefs based on their specialised talent.

And, Bridget Loudon, chief executive of Expert360, says the paper highlights both the growing demand for independent work and a need for increased specialisation and expertise within the freelance talent pool.

Loudon says that creating a future-ready workforce means encouraging a freelance economy across all levels of business. Platforms that enable Talent-as-a-Service (TaaS) will be key to this transition and encourage greater agility and productivity".

Nick ODonnell, APAC head of public policy for LinkedIn, cautions that a crucial factor that will influence the strength and stability of the global economy will be governments' willingness to set policy levers that encourage entrepreneurism, risk taking and innovation", and, in doing so, allowing a vibrant start-up community to flourish".
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Consumers distrust food sellers because of incidents of food poisoning. (Photo : Getty Images)

Police from Yingkou, Liaoning Province, raided seven food processing factories and shut them down for using poisonous industrial gelatin in their food products.



The 10 suspects were arrested in seven different areas in Yingkou.



According to the report of the China Food News, the police recovered 6 tons of food products and 3.6 tons of industrial gelatin and sodium nitrate. All substances are known to be hazardous to consumers' health.



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The police found out that a criminal group based in Tonghua, Jilin Province, was supplying industrial gelatin to many factories. Since 2012, the group has bought more than 10,000 tons of toxic gelatin.



These criminals would repack and mark it as if it is a material with food grade.



Many manufacturers use gelatin to cut costs in making sausages and noodles. The Chinese government banned the use of industrial gelatin in food products in May 2009 because it was found to have metal elements and harmful when consumed.



There are huge profits reaped from cutting ingredients in food and substituting them with cheaper materials. A police officer from Yingkou said that this is why it is hard to stop criminals from doing these schemes.



According to Lu Haishan, a lawyer from the Huajun Law Firm, the Criminal Law Amendment only increased fines for offenders of food safety laws and prison terms remain the same.



He also noted that the government's food and drug administration is short-staffed.



Many incidents of tainted food have been reported in the past. Based on an article by Lin Fu, visiting fellow of John L. Thornton Center, Chinese consumers are wary and sensitive over food safety issues in the country.



"Fewer instances of food safety violations and greater supply-chain transparency and product traceability would go a long way toward restoring consumer confidence in the food supply, as well as their trust in producers and regulators," he wrote.


Town sued over denied water service The town council met in executive session last week to discuss its defense after a lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court by a Jamestown homeowner who was denied permission...

Scout earns Eagle rank with boardwalk work A local Boy Scout is the latest member of Troop 1 Jamestown to lead an environmental project at a wildlife sanctuary in his mission to attain the Eagle rank. Alex...

State: Steer clear while deer breeding As deer begin mating during the rut, public safety officials are urging drivers to be cautious on the roads because herds tend to move around more frequently during this time....
Yahoo Shareholders Eager to Cash In, Uncertain Over Sale to Verizon

Last week on Monday, Verizon announced acquisition of Yahoo's core businesses. (Photo : Getty Images)

Shareholders of the Internet giant Yahoo expressed eagerness on when they can cash in their stakes and what the future holds after the sale to Verizon.



Yahoo's deal with Verizon does not include Alibaba's 15 percent stake and the joint venture with Yahoo Japan that comprises 35.5 percent.



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Yahoo Japan's stakes are now valued at $8 billion. Alibaba's stake is more than $30 billion.



These stakes have been for sale, but the Internet company failed to profit from them. Yahoo, however, tried to sell them with their advertising tools and email.



They decided to leave out the sale of the stakes after receiving notice from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that a big tax bill will have to be paid. When the sale commenced on Monday, Yahoo refused to comment on the unsold stakes.



One shareholder, Eric Jackson, managing director at SpringOwl Asset Management LLC, said, "Hopefully by the end of this year, we have some sort of transaction, preferably with Alibaba buying its stake back and Yahoo Japan buying its stake back."



Robert Willens, a corporate law tax consultant, suggested that a "cash-rich" split off can be done. This deal would involve Yahoo and Yahoo Japan exchanging shares for cash and assets.



Yahoo board member Tom McInerney, who is chairman of its strategic review committee, said that they are finding a way to sell Alibaba shares at the current taxable value.



Because of the huge value of the shares, the Internet company will have to pay $12 billion in taxes, according to Morningstar analyst Ali Mogharabi.



Mogharabi also expects that Yahoo will sell Alibaba stakes at a discount in the open market. Stockholders would also want to avoid paying taxes, and would just want to get rid of them.



However, Yahoo can also opt for an asset swap. Alibaba is the only company that can save Yahoo from the huge tax burden.



Alibaba has not released any statement.


Real estate agents sell new homes in the sidewalk in Beijing. (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinese finance minister Lou Jiwei has vowed to exert efforts to introduce the new property tax, which industry analysts believed would stabilize the country's real estate market in the long run, China Daily reported.



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Lou made the pronouncement at the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meetings in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.



According to Lou, reforms in the income tax and property tax will surely provide a more equitable distribution of income but policies to enforce it will be challenged.



"This is a challenge, and this is our next task. We will be devoted to carrying it on," Lou said.



Liu Jianwen, a professor at Peking University Law School, told China Business News that the property tax may take effect by the end of 2017.



Though it may take some time before the tax can be implemented, experts said the policy may lessen the demand and stabilize real property prices.



"Information collection, taxation capacity building and vested interests are the major challenges," Lou pointed out.



"It's difficult to say when the policy will be completed. As far as I'm concerned, the reform may need no less than three to five years," Zhang Dawei, chief analyst at Centaline Property, said.



Guo Yi, marketing director at Yahao Real Estate Selling & Consulting Solution Agency, said the taxation system has to be improved and property ownership must be thoroughly probed.



But the ability of the new tax policy to control and manage remains to be seen.



Li Yanan, an engineer working at a Beijing-based construction company, said he will still buy a house even if there are more taxes, because he needs it.



Aside from the property tax, analysts also refer to reform of the individual income tax as another factor in determining market trends.



Reform in the individual income tax will also enhance demand in real property, Guo said.


Chinese luxury hotels forced to cut prices due to over-expansion. (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinese hotel companies are now offering very cheap rates after seeing four out of 10 rooms sitting empty due to the over-expansion of accommodation companies in the country.



A report from The Wall Street Journal revealed how Chinese hotels are now experiencing a difficult time in maintaining revenue amid an overexpansion in hotel chains and the previous anti-corruption crackdown of the Xi Administration.



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According to the outlet, vulnerabilities fall on those located in the secondary cities in the country even after the supposed benefit from the domestic travel boom from China's growing middle-class citizens.



Boom in Domestic Travel



In a report posted in December, Fitch Ratings predicted an improvement in the situation of Chinese hotels after the country sees a strong travel and tourism rate during the first half of 2015.



This comes a few years after several factors such as the widespread crackdown on corrupt government and private officials under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping as well as the imbalance in the supply and demand scale.



Fitch said that Chinese tourists spent 14.5 per more in travels and tours in January to June 2015 compared to a year-on-year status, with as much as $267 billion spent on such luxuries.



Hotels also recorded a stellar increase in revenue with a hotel revenue per available room or RevPAR year-on-year growth of 0.3 percent as of the third quarter of 2015.



"With this pace of growth, it could to large extent accommodate all the new demand and drive the low occupancy rate of China hotels to a level close to developed countries," the Fitch report stated.



Empty Rooms



Despite this optimistic prediction, reality still kicks in hard as hotels are forced to offer their luxury rooms for a much lower price.



According to the WSJ, the RevPAR declined by 0.7 percent during the first half of 2016 per data they collected from STR Global.



Secondary cities such as Changsha in the central part of China are particularly vulnerable to this because of overexpansion which leads to more room "supply" than what is needed.



Because of this, many hotels are slashing their luxury room rates to nearly half.



"I went to Changsha for a friend's wedding, and the hotel there was much cheaper than what I might have to pay in Shanghai," Beijing resident Liu Yiling told the WSJ, noting that she paid 600 yuan ($90) a night in Changsa for similar accommodation that would cost about 800 yuan in Shanghai.



Despite this, hotel chains continue on their current path of overexpansion with some noting that there is a bigger picture to look at in this situation.



"Traditionally people say China's hotel market is not doing well, it's one of the worst performing markets and it has tremendous oversupply, [but] I see it as different," Pan Pacific Hotels Group CEO Bernold O. Schroder explained.






China has the biggest and most competitive smartphone market. (Photo : Getty Images)

Shenzhen-based phone manufacturer Gionee recently launched in Beijing a new line of smartphones that are designed for people engaged in business.



On Tuesday, two M flagships were shown to the public. These units have a built-in security encryption chip and dual-charging chips.



Liu Lirong, chairman and president of Gionee Communication Equipment Co Ltd, said that in the fierce competition among Chinese smartphones, "brand differentiation" is important.



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He said, "By targeting business users who prefer to use handsets with long battery life and efficient privacy protection features, we invented the new M6 and M6 Plus to meet the pain points of our consumers."



William Lu, president of Gionee India, explained that the main feature of the phones is the security encryption chip that secures personal data and encrypt calls and SMS.



The phone manufacturer promised that the M6 and the M6 Plus have a longer battery life. Aside from them being packed with a 6020mAh battery, the phones' components are all energy-efficient.



Gionee said that the new units are using energy-efficient chips and display and a smart power management system. They are running the Android Marshmallow 6.0 with Amigo OS 3.2.



The M6 will be available by Aug. 6, 2016, while the M6 Plus will be available on Aug. 13, 2016. They will be sold for 2,699 yuan and 2,999 yuan, respectively.



Gionee Communication Equipment Co. Ltd. is one of the big phone manufacturers in China. In 2012, they declared a 4.7 percent market share. They already have expanded to Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, the Philippines and Algeria.



They started designing smartphones in 2010. They launched the Gionee Elife S5.5 in 2014, which had a body only 5.5 mm thick and was called the "slimmest smartphone in the world."


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Yes, you can be charged with drunken driving on a private road, when that road is part of a Boy Scout camp generally open to visitors, the Court of Appeals ruled in confirming an Illinois man's conviction.

Back in October 2014, Robert P. Adams, 60, of Mundelein, was driving around a Kenosha County scout camp, looking for his troop's campsite, when he apparently got lost. Deputies found him parked in some brush. After he admitted being intoxicated - but insisting he hadn't imbibed once he got on camp property -- he was cited for first offense drunken driving, and having an open container of (unspecified) intoxicants.

Even though that's only a non-criminal ticket in Wisconsin, Adams fought the charge with the defense that he was not driving intoxicated on premises held out to the public for use of their motor vehicles nor on a highway as defined in Wisconsin statutes.

Last fall, a Kenosha County judge rejected the defense, after hearing from camp officials and deputies about the generally open nature of Camp Sol R. Crown. It has no gate, the sign doesn't indicate any restrictions, and parents of guests (Boy Scouts) regularly come and go.

Adams was assessed fines and court costs of $751.50, had his license revoked for six months and was ordered to use an ignition interlock for a year. All the sentences were stayed pending the outcome of his appeal.
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Markable Inc., a Madison fashion technology company, has raised $1.9 million of a proposed $2.8 million equity funding round, according to a filing with federal securities regulators.

Markable has an app that helps users instantly buy fashion items they see online or on the street. The app analyzes a photo and finds instantly a shopping site and best matches for the item.

The company was co-founded in 2014 by Joy Tang and Fiona Wang. Tang, chief executive officer, has an undergraduate degree in math and economice from MIT and was a 2002 China Math Olympic Gold Medalist. Wang, a vice president, has a graduate degree in finance from Illinois Institute of Technology. Both executives work in Chicago and Madison.
New Age Narcissism performs July 3 at the Miller Lite Oasis at Summerfest. Credit: Sam Caravana

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The screeching of a chair pulling away from a table, the shutting of a book a little too loudly, a voice louder than a whisper: You might get "the look" from other visitors if you partake in any of this unfavorable library behavior.

But Thursday, the Milwaukee Public Library is encouraging visitors to get loud.

New Age Narcissism is playing a free concert at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Avenue, to kick off the Library Loud Days series.

A street celebration with food trucks will get the party started at 5:30 p.m. with the concert starting at 6:30 p.m. Interactive workshops and performances throughout the library will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Due to the festivities, Wisconsin Avenue will be blocked off between 8th and 9th streets starting at 4:30 p.m.
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The state Department of Corrections confirmed an inmate died at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility earlier this week.

Michael Moore, 52, of Milwaukee, died Tuesday morning and the Department of Corrections "is not confirming the cause of death," an agency spokesman said Thursday in an email.

The state has begun an internal investigation and contacted Milwaukee police to conduct an outside investigation, according to the department.

Moore was serving a sentence for a felony substantial battery conviction.

A Milwaukee police spokesman said the investigation was ongoing. No further information was available Thursday.
Former President Bill Clinton speaks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Credit: Associated Press

By

Americans seem doggedly focused lately on things that matter.

Black lives matter. Blue lives matter. All lives matter.

After watching last week's GOP convention in Cleveland and the first two days of this week's Democratic convention in Philadelphia, after hearing crowds break into chants about black and blue and all lives mattering, after listening to former President Bill Clinton spend Tuesday night convincingly outline why his wife's life story matters, I'm left wondering this: Does anything matter?

I ask that because, when all the scripted passion, outrage, shouting, speechifying, symbolism, exposition, prayer, pontification, exaggeration and prevarication is over, nobody seems to think much differently.

If you hate Hillary Clinton, if you couldn't care less that she made history Tuesday by becoming America's first female major party presidential nominee, Bill Clinton's meandering love-story-as-political speech didn't do a thing to change your mind. You probably watched it and then sent out snarky tweets to Twitter followers who largely think the same way you do.

And if you view Donald Trump as a dangerous candidate, there certainly was nothing at last week's GOP convention that would change your mind. So you probably watched it and sent out snarky tweets, as I did, to Twitter followers who largely think the same way you do.

I realize political conventions never have been good at swaying people from the opposing side. Perhaps there's hope of piquing the interest of an independent or two, if such an exotic species still exists, but in an election featuring two wildly divisive candidates, kind words are largely spoken to the choirs.

So what are we doing here? Does anything matter? Are we in a place where even a master communicator like Bill Clinton can't reach people outside his ideological orbit?

I'd say yes, which is a shame. We live in a time when every point has a counterpoint.

As the words "black lives matter" were first uttered, they were met with shouts of "blue lives matter" and "all lives matter."

A television pundit praises Hillary Clinton and another is standing by to call Clinton a liar. Same with Trump; every pro met with a con, staged conflict masquerading as balance.

There's The Huffington Post for the left and the Drudge Report for the right, Fox News and MSNBC, liberal Twitter hashtags and conservative Twitter hashtags.

I can say that Bill Clinton expertly detailed the wealth of his wife's experience and showed the real woman behind what he called the "cartoon" her political foes have sketched. And people who don't like Hillary Clinton will respond by calling me a shill for the Democratic Party, or worse.

That's what happens in a world where people describe those who detail factual information as "liberal fact-checkers" or, as Trump described them during a Monday night speech in North Carolina, "these fact-checkers that are all on the very far left." As if reality bends to the whims of ideological biases.

The business of political persuasion is tough right now. I thought Bill Clinton did an admirable job making the case for Hillary Clinton. But a lot of people last week thought Trump's children did an admirable job making the case for him.

Which brings me back to my original question: When everyone thinks that what they believe  and only what they believe  matters, does anything matter at all?

Rex Huppke is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Readers may email him at rhuppke@chicagotribune.com
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No respect

In the comic strip "Curtis" on July 24, the father said, "I don't like how the boys in this neighborhood choose to dress in public. They wear their pants down to reveal their underwear."

Curtis answered, "You're not supposed to like it. It's a popular statement against authority."

To me, that is the crux of the problems in this country. Children are not taught to have respect for authority, starting with their own parents, their teachers and police. Most don't even know what the "Golden Rule" is, much less practice it. What they are learning is total disrespect for others. Not just the people in authoritative positions, but for all people.

This demonstrating in the streets and disrupting traffic shows no regard for the consequences of their actions. It seems there is never a thought that a person may be on their way home from work and have to pick up a child at a day care before that place closes, or perhaps on their way to work, or even a parent rushing a child to the emergency room.

The protesters seem to only care about taunting the police and daring the police to touch them and getting their faces on TV. What about the store owners who lose business because of these protesters? Do the protesters really believe that their actions are helping the situation? It appears to me that they are simply widening the division of our country with their complete disregard for other people.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if these people who have so much extra time would use that extra time to help one of their neighbors? How about mowing the lawn and cleaning up a yard for an elderly person or running an errand for an overworked single mother or looking after her children while she does the errands?

Maybe it would help if the media would show more of the people who do help their neighbors and less of the protesters.

Loella Adams

Waukesha



Boys should pay a penalty

I read in the July 22 paper that the three boys who were lost in the mines near Iron Ridge will not be charged ("No charges for boys lost in mine").

They are three very lucky boys, and like many others I was relieved to hear that they were found safe. They are also lucky because the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee did not press charges, and they are lucky they live in a community where a skilled rescue team was available and able to help with experts in this type of endeavor. Additionally, the boys were lucky because none of the individuals searching for them was injured or worse.

While I'm sure the horrifying experience taught them a lesson, they should in some way be held accountable for at least part of the expense incurred by the many agencies and individuals from surrounding areas who searched for them, if nothing else than to deter other adventure-seekers from endangering themselves and others.

The Iron Ridge Firemen's Picnic is coming up next month, and a local businessman suggested the boys could do some community service by volunteering for cleanup or some other needed help.

Again, these boys are very lucky. I taught some disadvantaged youths in Milwaukee only a year or so older who were incarcerated for not paying parking tickets.

Susan McKendry

Iron Ridge



Just say no

Another nightclub mass shooting in Florida ("Mom of slain teen in Florida had warned son," July 26).

This time the victims are kids. Technically it's no longer a "night club," as they lost their liquor license awhile back. And I don't even want to speculate how that happened.

The late-night party had a bathing suit theme and was attended by people from age 12 to 27. Now, as a mother who raised two daughters one generation back, I have to question how a parent would send a 12-year-old kid to a swimsuit-themed party that ended at 12:30 a.m. to a club with 27-year-old patrons.

Sometimes, as a parent you must exercise good judgment and just say "no" to something that dangerous. If your child is "mad" at you, that's O.K. At least they are safe at home with you. They will get over it.

Sue Hanrahan

Waterford



Perpetually at half staff?

With the current, seemingly never-ending acts of senseless violence in our world I fear I may never again fly my United States flag at full staff.

Dale Lutze

Menomonee Falls
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By

A Washington Post political reporter was barred from attending and patted down by police at Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence's campaign stop in Waukesha Wednesday night, the Post reports.

Pence's campaign blamed the incident on "overzealous campaign volunteers," according to the Post.
By of the

Last fall, Cole Schuler, a 26-year-old former U.S. Army Ranger from the Fox Valley, checked himself into the inpatient drug rehabilitation unit of the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs facility in Milwaukee.

He was trying to kick an addiction to opioids. Instead, 11 days into his stay, he died of a heroin overdose at the center.

"There was just a lot of shock and anger," said Schuler's older brother, Wyatt. "We thought he was somewhere safe. It was like, 'How does that even happen?'"

Questions continue to swirl over Schuler's death. The overdose is being investigated by the VA, local law enforcement and the Milwaukee County district attorney's office, according to a letter sent last month by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin to the top official at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA Office of Inspector General is also investigating Schuler's death and related procedures.

According to the Milwaukee County medical examiner's office, Schuler left his room at the VA around 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 8. He returned around 5 p.m.

Five hours later, Schuler was found slumped under a desk in his bedroom with a wound to his head and the right sleeve of his gray shirt rolled up to his elbow, the medical examiner's report said.

Schuler was pronounced dead in the early hours of Nov. 9.

A spoon and a piece of white paper with an unknown substance were found on Schuler's desk. Next to him were a pack of Marlboro Black 100's cigarettes containing seven syringes and four orange pills of buprenorphine  a drug used to help addicts quit heroin or opioids.

Schuler's death was ruled a heroin overdose.

The Baldwin letter said an Administrative Investigation Board review  released two days after Schuler's death  found the Zablocki domiciliary was unsafe for its residents and recommended 16 new measures to remedy the situation.

Both Baldwin and Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson have sought information on security problems at the facility.

Last month, Baldwin spelled out her concerns in a letter to VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald.

"If the VA cannot prevent visitors from simply walking into the facility with drugs in their pockets and delivering them to veteran patients struggling with drug addiction, then I cannot have any confidence that the VA is providing a safe and secure environment for recovery," Baldwin wrote.

In a June 21 letter to the inspector general's office, Baldwin requested the VA "open an investigation into the overall operations and management of the Zablocki VAMC Domiciliary, safety in the Inpatient Mental Health Ward of the facility, and an attempted drug diversion at the Zablocki Pharmacy."

Zablocki spokesman Gary Kunich said the facility has addressed the recommendations and implemented new security measures, including adding cameras and locks on doors. Staff also search visitors' bags.

"This is a residential open treatment center, and so we have to walk that fine line where we are protecting our veterans but yet giving them the freedom to succeed in fighting and beating those addictions," Kunich said, adding that he did not know if security checks the pockets of those entering the building.

Meanwhile, Schuler's family awaits answers.

Schuler's sister, Adrea Allgeyer, said she was told by VA officials that checking Schuler or other patients for drugs would constitute an invasion of privacy.

Allgeyer faults the policies at the center for Schuler's death. Failure to check the belongings of patients and visitors and failure to conduct hourly patient room checks may have contributed to Schuler's ability to overdose inside the VA, she said.

But had Schuler been on a closed campus or under an imposed "buddy system," Allgeyer wonders if her brother would have survived.

"(The patients) came there for help because they can't help themselves, and you have to be accountable for the people that are under your care," she said. "If you're going to say that you're a drug-treatment program, then you need to act like it."

Schuler was a patient for the second time at the Zablocki facility. His first stay, a year and a half earlier, lasted only 24 hours because Schuler felt uncomfortable undergoing detoxification among mental health patients who were being treated for different conditions, he told his family.

"It's kind of like a college dorm," Allgeyer said.

On New Year's Eve 2014, after his first stay at Zablocki, Schuler again sought treatment, this time in the Twin Cities  and for a while, he was sober.

Schuler moved to Connecticut for a job as a computer analyst in June 2015. He showed up at Allgeyer's door unexpectedly in October, again asking for help.

"To me, him coming home (and) on his own asking, that was a turning point," she said. "He really wanted to be clean because my other brother, Wyatt, got married and he wanted to be at the wedding."

Schuler immediately joined the military after graduating high school at Appleton East. He enlisted in the 309th Military Intelligence Battalion and later joined the 75th Airborne Ranger Regiment.

Schuler was medically discharged, Wyatt Schuler said. He then graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in supply chain management.

"He was driven, always trying to succeed, full of life and just always a good time," Wyatt Schuler said.

Signs of early addiction sprouted years before his death, after a car accident and subsequent knee replacement surgery led Schuler down the road of prescription opiates, the family said. During workouts with his brother, Schuler used pain from his workout as an excuse to take the medicine.

Wyatt Schuler didn't think much of it, until Schuler, making a steady salary at his new job in South Carolina, started asking his brother for "gas money."

"It really put a wedge between us. I really couldn't trust him," he said.

Wyatt Schuler last spoke with his brother on the phone a week before he died. Schuler assured Wyatt Schuler he was getting help.

"In the back of our minds, we knew that his addiction was to the point of overdosing, but if you knew Cole, he wasn't one to let a situation get the best of him," Wyatt Schuler said.

Now, eight months after his brother's death, Wyatt Schuler said he misses his brother's laugh and friendly nature.

"Everyone knew when the Schuler brothers were together, it was going to be a wild night."
Children of migrant parents wait in line for lunch in school. (Photo : Getty Images)

Wu Lizhu, a woman from Jieyang, a village south of Guangdong, put up a community library to encourage children to study and not drop out of school.



She dropped out of school in her teens and left to find a job in the city. This is true for most children in Jieyang because families had to find ways to earn.



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Most families have four to five children. Older children who are still studying are forced to stop and migrate to more urbanized areas.



These migrant workers come back and look more dignified, tempting other children to leave their homes to earn. Only half of middle-schooled children continue schooling.



However, Wu was not happy as a migrant worker. She had two jobs and earning well.



"It felt like I was one of the walking dead," she admitted.



She came back in 2007. She discovered that the people's situation was the same as when she left.



Wu said, "When I was young, it was identical; after so many years of development, they still remained the same."



In 2009, she landed a job in a non-government organization called the Migrant Workers Home in Beijing. This organization helps migrant workers' children in their education and Wu saw the need to help.



She left the organization in 2014 and went back to Jieyang. She then formed a volunteer team and set up the community library. She incurred a debt of 100,000 yuan and pursued with getting charity donations to sustain operations.



She at first encountered resistance from the community, but eventually proved that the library was good for everyone.



The community library offers illiterate mothers classes, story-reading sessions for children and traditional festivities.



People are seeing the benefits of the local library. In April this year, the library received a donation from the Chuntao Foundation amounting to 50,000 yuan.


By of the

Waukesha  Making his first solo appearance of the national campaign, Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence swooped into Wisconsin's GOP heartland to assure supporters that presidential candidate Donald Trump will bring conservative leadership to the White House.

"Having the opportunity to know this good man, I truly believe this builder, this patriot, this fighter is going to make America great again," Pence said.

The Indiana governor joked that he was a "B-List Republican celebrity." But as a social and fiscal conservative, he was dispatched to a part of Wisconsin that decisively rejected Trump during the April primary but which is key to Republican hopes of winning the state in the fall.

Pence's appearance at the Waukesha County Exposition Center came in the wake of Trump's controversial remarks urging Russia to find Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's missing emails.

"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump said during a morning news conference. "I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press."

Trump's comments drew immediate push-back from a spokesman for House Speaker Paul Ryan. Brendan Buck, a spokesman for the Janesville Republican, said: "Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug. (Vladimir) Putin should stay out of this election."

Pence issued a statement that said: "The FBI will get to the bottom of who is behind the hacking. If it is Russia and they are interfering in our elections, I can assure you both parties and the United States government will ensure there are serious consequences."

But Pence also chided Clinton and her party when he added that the Democrats are "singularly focusing on who might be behind it and not addressing the basic fact that they've been exposed as a party who not only rigs the government, but rigs elections while literally accepting cash for federal appointments is outrageous. The American people now have absolute and further proof of the corruption that exists around Hillary Clinton. It should disqualify her from office, if the media did their job."

During his remarks in Waukesha, Pence did not address the controversy. Instead, he recounted how he "answered that call in a heartbeat," when Trump asked him to join the ticket.

Pence called Trump "a leader who will grab Washington, D.C., by the lapels." Pence vowed that under a Trump administration, the military will be rebuilt and borders secured. He said that Trump would appoint able justices to the Supreme Court and be a leader on the world stage.

"It is change vs. the status quo, and I am telling you here in Waukesha when Donald Trump is elected, the change will be ... huge," Pence said.

Supporters at the rally said Pence on the ticket confirmed Trump's promises about a conservative agenda. Sammy Geraci, who supported Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and then Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the primaries, said the Pence pick brought him over to Trump.

Geraci said he has faith in the presidential nominee "now that he's started naming names" and making conservative picks.

A collection of GOP leaders praised Pence, lauding his conservative credentials.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus rallied the crowd by telling them of Trump's post-convention bump in the polls.

"The fact is, Americans have had enough of Hillary Clinton's corruption, Americans have had enough of Hillary Clinton's cronyism, Americans have had enough of her email scandal," Priebus said.

Gov. Scott Walker said Pence will be "an outstanding vice president" and added that one of the best things Trump has done in the campaign was putting the Indiana governor on the ticket.

"Donald Trump was giving us an insight into how he'll govern," Walker said, adding that he was voting "his conscience" in this election. He lauded the judges that Trump listed as potential U.S. Supreme Court justices.

"We had a pretty good convention last week, they're having a less than stellar one this week," Walker said, adding that Clinton put national security at risk by putting her emails on a private server.

The email issue has dogged Clinton, who used a private server while secretary of state. She deleted thousands of emails she said were private before turning over others to the State Department. The FBI looked into the issue and declined to bring charges.

Meanwhile, WikiLeaks published on its website last week thousands of emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee. Damaging revelations that showed the DNC favoring Clinton over her rival, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, led to the ouster of party chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. President Barack Obama has said that outside experts blamed Russia for the leak.

In a statement, Clinton campaign senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said of Trump's comments that it was probably the first time a major party presidential candidate encouraged "a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent."

"That's not hyperbole, those are just the facts," Sullivan said in a statement. "This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue."

USA TODAY and The Associated Press contributed to this report
By ,

Philadelphia  President Obama endorsed Hillary Clinton as the woman to finish the job he started eight years ago, calling on Americans to "to reject cynicism, reject fear" and to elect Clinton to "show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation."

Embracing his former rival to thunderous applause from the convention hall, Obama thus passed the Democratic party's baton to the first woman ever nominated for president by a major American political party.

"Im here to tell you that yes, we still have more work to do," Obama told delegates at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, implicitly arguing for a third term for his policies by citing unfinished work on the economy, public safety and civil rights. "My time in this office hasnt fixed everything; as much as weve done, theres still so much I want to do."

But his most important argument was on national security, and he argued that no candidate was more prepared than his former secretary of state and first lady to President Bill Clinton. "No one. Not me, not Bill, not nobody," he said.

"I know Hillary wont relent until ISIL is destroyed. Shell finish the job  and shell do it without resorting to torture, or banning entire religions from entering our country. She is fit to be the next commander in chief," Obama said.

Touting Clinton's experience and judgment, Obama's speech was a direct rebuttal to one Trump's most incisive attacks at last week's Republican convention in Cleveland. Trump said Clinton's tenure as Secretary of State was marked by "death, destruction and weakness."

You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. Until youve sat at that desk, you dont know what its like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war," Obama said. "But Hillarys been in the room. Shes been part of those decisions."

Acknowledging that the two were once bitter rivals for the 2008 Democratic nomination, Obama said he came to admire Clinton's tenacity. "No matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

Obama's enthusiastic endorsement of his former rival anchored a Wednesday night lineup that also featured Vice President Biden and his would-be successor, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine. Echoing a theme throughout the convention, they all spoke of the Hillary they know personally  as opposed to the cartoon version she's portrayed as by her Republican critics.

"Shes been caricatured by the right and by some folks on the left; accused of everything you can imagine  and some things you cant," Obama said. "But she knows thats what happens when youre under a microscope for 40 years. She knows shes made mistakes, just like I have; just like we all do."

"Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect," Obama said. Thats the Hillary I know. Thats the Hillary Ive come to admire. And thats why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America.

"Everybody knows she's smart. Everybody knows she's tough," Biden said. "But I know what she's passionate about. I know Hillary."

After walking out on the Philadelphia stage to the theme from the movie Rocky, Biden urged the crowd not to boo or cheer while he delivered an indictment ofDonald Trump. He said the GOP nominee's "cynicism is unbounded" and his commitment to the middle class was "malarkey." The crowd cheered anyway. When Biden said the billionaire Trump didn't have a clue about the middle class, the crowd chanted, "Not a clue!"

Obama's prime-time speech in Philadelphia capped a 12-year career in national politics as he attempts to pass the baton to the former first lady and senator from New York. Twelve years ago to the day, a then-unknown state senator from Illinois took to the convention stage in Boston to declare a "politics of hope," laying the groundwork for his own 2008 election to the White House.

"I was so young that first time in Boston, maybe a little nervous addressing such a big crowd," he said. "But I was filled with faith  faith in America,the generous, bighearted, hopeful country that made my story  that made all of our stories  possible."

Obama continued that hopeful tone as he returns to the Democratic National Convention podium for the fourth time, but infused it with the themes of some of his most important speeches of his career. He spoke of building "a more perfect union" and the "audacity of hope," and urged on the crowd as it chanted "Yes, we can!"

"The America I know is full of courage, and optimism, and ingenuity. The America I know is decent and generous," he said.

He even quoted Ronald Reagan, calling America "a shining city on a hill," and contrasted it with Trump's pessimism.

But Obama also acknowledged that Americans have "real anxieties" about jobs and security. "We get frustrated with political gridlock, worry about racial divisions; are shocked and saddened by the madness of Orlando or Nice," he said. "There are pockets of America that never recovered from factory closures; men who took pride in hard work and providing for their families who now feel forgotten."

Trump is not the answer to those anxieties, Obama said. "Hes not really a plans guy. Not really a facts guy, either. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women whove achieved success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated."

When the crowd booed, he repeated a line that's become a staple of his stump speeches. "Don't boo. Vote," he said.
SHARE Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald. State

By of the

Madison State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald is retiring on Aug. 5, leaving the Fitzgerald family with just one of its members in a major state office.

When Fitzgerald was appointed to his post by Gov. Scott Walker in February 2011, his sons Jeff and Scott Fitzgerald had just assumed roles as Assembly speaker and Senate majority leader, respectively. Jeff Fitzgerald left the Assembly in 2012 to run unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate and then became a lobbyist.

Scott Fitzgerald still serves as majority leader for Senate Republicans.

Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb passed over five top officials at the State Patrol in 2011 to give the job to Fitzgerald, a former Dodge County sheriff with four decades in law enforcement who also served as the U.S. marshal in the Western District of Wisconsin. Fitzgerald ran for Dodge County sheriff again in September 2010 in the Republican primary but was defeated by then- Sheriff Todd Nehls.

"On behalf of the people of Wisconsin, I congratulate Stephen Fitzgerald on a distinguished career of nearly 50 years in law enforcement. Fitzgerald has led the Wisconsin State Patrol with a steady hand for more than five years and I thank him for his service to our state," Walker said in a statement.
By of the

Philadelphia  On the same night that Donald Trump's running mate campaigned in Wisconsin, Hillary Clinton's running mate made his debut on the national stage, excoriating Trump as a con artist and hailing Clinton as "battle-tested...rock-solid, up for anything, never backing down."

"Hillary is ready. She's ready to fight, she's ready to win, and she is ready to lead," said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, who shared the spotlight on the third night of the Democratic convention with Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama, two stars of the party, who electrified the faithful here.

Kaine was the new face, barely known to many watching, there to tell his story, testify for Clinton and assail her opponent.

"Our nation, it is just too great to put in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew," Kaine said of Trump.

Not long before Kaine took the stage in this overwhelmingly blue city, his Republican counterpart, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, was rallying Republicans in Waukesha County, one of the reddest places in America.

Among the many stark contrasts the two national conventions have offered, the two vice presidential candidates personify the different electoral paths each party is charting.

Pence is someone Republicans think can help in the disproportionately white, blue collar battlegrounds of the Midwest, including states like Wisconsin that have voted Democratic for decades.

Kaine is a symbol of the Democrats' growing strength in the southeast and southwest  states such as Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Colorado  where Latinos, blacks and college-educated whites have forged a potent Democratic coalition.

"Somos Americanos todos," said Kaine Wednesday night ("We're all Americans"), drawing several times on the Spanish he learned during nine months spent with Jesuit missionaries in Honduras in his 20s. At one point, delegates responded by chanting, "Si, se puede!" ("Yes, we can!").

In a celebratory atmosphere as the convention marched toward its finale, Kaine introduced himself to delegates as a husband and father of three (including a Marine), as the son of a small family businessman who ran a "union iron-working shop," and as a former civil rights lawyer.

Kaine's political career as mayor, governor, national party chairman and senator has earned him credentials in both wings of the party, liberal and moderate.

By contrast, Trump's pick of Pence was a "base-pleaser," reassuring nervous conservatives. Wednesday's Waukesha rally was aimed squarely at the Republican core  at shoring up Trump's shaky support in Wisconsin's southeastern suburbs, a GOP hotbed where he lost badly in the state's April presidential primary.

Kaine's selection was not a base pleaser. In fact, it upset some liberals and Bernie Sanders supporters who view Kaine as too moderate, or too pro-business or too pro-trade. Some of them held anti-trade signs or chanted their dissent during Kaine's speech, though they were easily outnumbered by those cheering.

"I'm adamantly opposed," Mathew LaRonge, a Sanders delegate from Portage County, Wis., said before Kaine spoke. "If Hillary Clinton wanted to make some concessions to us, she could have picked someone more liberal. We weren't asking for someone crazy, crazy left...but Tim Kaine is more centrist, if not mildly right."

In interviews this week, some Sanders delegates said they're still learning about Kaine. Some said they can live with the pick.

"It was taken a little rough by a lot of the Bernie delegates. It was not seen as an outreach move," said state Rep. Jonathan Brostoff of Milwaukee. But "I can understand (Virginia) is an important state...and he has an impressive resume."

One rating system widely used by political scientists places Kaine to the right of a majority of Senate Democrats. But Kaine is perceived some colleagues as fairly liberal, especially for someone elected to statewide office in a southern state.

"I think people just don't know him, but if you look at his scores with labor, environmental, women's groups, they are all off the charts, as good as Bernie's scores," said Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan of Madison, vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Kaine devoted much of his speech to touting Clinton. He also praised Sanders as a "spectacular senator."

"Everybody, we all should feel the Bern, and we should all not want to get burned by the other guy," he said of Trump, who was ridiculed throughout the night as a demagogue, a charlatan, an egotist, a hustler and a danger to the republic.

"Let's elect a sane, competent person," said another featured speaker Wednesday, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, drawing gleeful cheers.

"No major party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or has ever been less prepared to deal with our national security," Biden said in his speech.

"He never tells you how he's going to do any of the things he says he'll do," Kaine said of Trump. "He just says, 'Believe me.' So here's the question...Do you really believe him?"

In the final speech of the night, Obama joined in, deriding Trump's campaign slogan by saying, "America is already great" and "I promise you our greatness does not depend on Donald Trump."

The president also drew loud cheers when he showered praise on Clinton, saying, "There has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill, nobody, more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president."

Obama said, "No matter how much people try to knock her down, she never ever quits."
'This is the right time to exhale': David Stearns ends seven-year run

The 37-year-old cited a desire to spend more time with family in stepping back to an advisory role, but the New York Mets are sure to be interested.
A plane pulls up during the Tora! Tora! Tora! air show Wednesday at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. For more photos from AirVenture, go to jsonline.com/photos . Credit: Mark Hoffman

By of the

Oshkosh  It's been almost 75 years, but you don't forget something like that.

Mitsubishi Zeros diving from the sky. Nakajima "Kate" bombers swooping low. Deadly torpedoes dropping into the water and speeding toward American sailors, some enjoying the last quiet morning of their lives.

Lou Conter, 94, was the quartermaster on duty on the deck of the USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941. Born in the tiny northern Wisconsin town of Ojibwa, Conter immediately realized the Japanese were attacking as soon as he saw the first plane.

"When I sounded general quarters, the (Arizona's) band all went to their battle stations and they all died," Conter said Wednesday at EAA AirVenture during a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

"I'm the only quartermaster who survived. Another five minutes and I would have been on the bridge," which exploded, killing numerous men including Capt. Franklin Van Valkenburgh, a Milwaukee native.

Conter and several other Pearl Harbor veterans came to Oshkosh Wednesday to see a re-creation of the attack by the Tora! Tora! Tora! air show that featured planes used in the 1970 Hollywood movie. Boeing Square at the center of the sprawling aviation convention featured an all-female swing band before an Interstate Cadet training plane, reportedly the same one flying with civilian instructor Cornelia Fort on the morning of Dec. 7, started off the air show.

Jim Hanson, 92, joined the Navy because he got kicked out of Madison East High School. Stationed at the naval air station on Ford Island, he had been up all night on standby duty for any seaplanes in distress.

He was about to head to breakfast when "I heard the sound of an airplane in a dive. After I saw this torpedo drop I thought 'Oh, man  they're after us,'" Hanson recalled.

Mark Allen is the lead pilot of Tora! Tora! Tora!, which performs in around a dozen air shows each year. This year, because of the anniversary, the group is traveling more than usual, flying American trainers painted to look like Japanese Zeros and Val dive bombers.

As the faux Japanese fighter planes and bombers passed overhead at the start of Wednesday's evening air show, pyrotechnics on the ground exploded in gigantic orange balls of fire to simulate exploding bombs and strafing attacks. Black smoke circles wafted up from the explosions as the Tora! Tora! Tora! pilots zipped close to the ground and spectators held smart phones aloft to capture the action.

"The show is extremely choreographed. It runs along four or five specific lanes and specific altitudes and lengths. Every plane has a specific job to do. It looks like chaos but it's actually very organized,"Allen said.

Despite seven-plus decades, the memory of Pearl Harbor still looms large in America's psyche. National Park Service officials who operate several sites in Pearl Harbor including the USS Arizona memorial are expecting large crowds this year for the 75th anniversary.

Two Arizona crew members who survived the attack and have died recently will be interred on the Arizona in a solemn ceremony on Dec. 7, their ashes poured into one of the funnels just as many other Arizona shipmates have chosen to do over the years.

"It's emotional. They're coming home, they're rejoining their shipmates," Daniel Martinez, the National Park Service's chief historian for Pearl Harbor, said Wednesday at AirVenture.

When Martinez started working for the Park Service in Pearl Harbor in the mid-1980s, there were more than 100 USS Arizona survivors still living. Now there are only six, including Conter, who now lives California.

Martinez has been privileged to meet many Pearl Harbor survivors and hear their stories, striking up friendships and inevitably, going to their funerals.

"Their lives didn't stop then (after Dec. 7)  they had a whole war to fight. Some of them survived Pearl Harbor but were killed in later battles," Martinez said.

Conter said Wednesday that when he dies he plans to rejoin the shipmates he lost on Dec. 7. He's arranged with Martinez for his ashes to be interred on the Arizona.

The Tora! Tora! Tora! air show will perform again Saturday afternoon at EAA AirVenture.
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By Maan News Agency |  

A Palestinian family stands amid the remains of their home after it was demolished by Israeli forces in Masafer Jenbah in an undated photo. (AFP/Hazem Bader, File)

BETHLEHEM (Maan)  Israeli authorities have demolished more Palestinian homes in the West Bank in the first six months of 2016 as they did in all of 2015, Israeli human rights group BTselem revealed in a report released on Wednesday, in a worrying confirmation of Israels ongoing crackdown on Palestinian communities in Area C of the West Bank.

The report, which was also presented by the Arab Joint List during a Knesset conference on Israels home demolition policy the same day, said that 168 homes were destroyed during the first half of 2016 for lacking hard to obtain Israeli-issued building permits, leaving 740 Palestinians homeless.

BTselems report did not include punitive demolitions enacted on the home of suspected Palestinian attackers and their families.

The BTselem tally marked a higher count than the total number of houses destroyed by Israeli each year in the past decade, with the exception of 2013, when 175 homes were demolished.

The 2016 statistics marked a drastic increase from 2015, when 125 homes were demolished, leaving 496 Palestinians without a home.

BTselem further estimated that Israel had demolished some 1,113 Palestinian homes in the West Bank alone from 2006 to June 2016, primarily targeting Palestinian communities east of Jerusalem, in the South Hebron Hills and in the Jordan Valley  where a large number of illegal Israeli settlements are located.

The group added that during that decade, at least 769 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 340 minors, saw their homes demolished more than once.

During the Knesset conference on the report, Ayman Odeh, the head of the Joint List which brings together political factions representing Palestinian citizens of Israel, said the demolitions showed that in spite of calls by Israeli right-wing groups to annex all of the West Bank, actually and practically, we know that Israel prefers to perpetuate its control in a gray area while paying lip service to the international community.

Beyond homes, BTselem highlighted the fact that Israeli authorities also demolished structures Palestinians depended on for their livelihoods, such as livestock pens, sheds, and bathroom facilities, and confiscated solar panels and water tanks.

In doing so, the Civil Administration not only leaves these residents homeless but also severely lacking basic services and the ability to earn a living, the report read.

Joint List MK Dov Khenin denounced the demolitions during the Knesset conference as a deliberate move by the Israeli government to annex parts of Area C  the 60 percent of the West Bank under full Israeli military control.

Demolishing houses, water tanks and solar panels does not happen by coincidence or by mistake, he told the Knesset. It is an organized policy that aims to change the current political condition, force Palestinians to leave the area and annex parts of Area C to prevent the two-state solution. Therefore, it is no longer a human rights case but a first-degree political case.

Natalie Grove, a representative of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also present at the Knesset, said that Israel does not fulfill the minimum of its basic commitments as an occupying power.

Israel is creating humanitarian crises, and when the international community intervenes to solve these crises, Israel increases obstacles in front of these interventions, Grove added. This policy has led to the worsening of the humanitarian crisis and created the danger of population transfer which leads to a confrontation between Israel and the international community and raises fears that Israel is not serious regarding the two-state solution.

The publication of the report came two days after some 30 Palestinian families lost their homes during demolition raids of unprecedentedly large scale in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Issawiya and Ras al-Amoud, and in the village of Qalandiya in the West Bank district of Jerusalem.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Israel only granted 33 building permits out of 2,020 applications submitted by Palestinians between 2010 and 2014.

The dismal number of permits granted by Israeli authorities has forced many Palestinians to build without permission, at the risk of seeing their homes demolished.

BTselem said Israels pretexts in demolishing so many Palestinian homes constituted a spurious claim given the absence of any real possibility for Palestinians to build legally in the area.

The Israeli authorities impose an impossible daily reality on Palestinian communities in Area C, BTselem concluded in its report. Israel acts to establish facts on the ground and to create a reality that it will be difficult to change in any future agreement.

Via IMEMC



related video:

CCTV from last month:  Israeli army razes 2 Palestinian homes
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Climate Victims  Every Second, One Person Is Displaced by Disaster

By Baher Kamal | (Inter Press Service) |  

ROME, Jul 27 2016 (IPS)  Climate change and related extreme weather events have devastated the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of most vulnerable people worldwide by far exceeding the total of all the unfortunate and unjustifiable victims of all terrorist attacks combined. However, the unstoppable climate crisis receives just a tiny fraction of mainstream media attention. See these dramatic facts.



Every second, one person is displaced by disaster, the Oslo-based Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reports. In 2015 only, more than 19.2 million people fled disasters in 113 countries. Disasters displace three to ten times more people than conflict and war worldwide.

As climate change continues, it will likely lead to more frequent and severe natural hazards; the impact will be heavy, warns this independent humanitarian organisation providing aid and assistance to people forced to flee.

On average, 26 million people are displaced by disasters such as floods and storms every year. Thats one person forced to flee every second.

Climate change is our generations greatest challenge, says Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, which counts with over 5,000 humanitarian workers across more than 25 countries.

The climate refugees and migrants add to the on-going humanitarian emergency. Not since World War II have more people needed our help, warned the secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council Jan Egeland, who held the post of UN undersecretary general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief (2003-2006).

Egeland who was one of the most active, outspoken participants in the World Humanitarian Summit (Istanbul May 23-24) also stressed that the humanitarian sector is failing to protect civilians.

I hope that world leaders can ask themselves if they can at least stop giving arms, giving money to those armed groups that are systematically violating the humanitarian law, and bombing hospitals and schools, abusing women and children, he said to IPS during the World Humanitarian Summit.

For its part, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) forecasts 200 million environmental migrants by 2050, moving either within their countries or across borders, on a permanent or temporary basis. Many of them would be coastal population.

On this, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that coastal populations are at particular risk as a global rise in temperature of between 1.1 and 3.1 degrees C would increase the mean sea level by 0.36 to 0.73 meters by 2100, adversely impacting low-lying areas with submergence, flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion.

In a recent interview with IPS Nairobi correspondent Manipadma Jena, the director general of the International Organisation for Migration, William Lacy Swing, said that coastal migration is starting already but it is very hard to be exact as there is no good data to be able to forecast accurately.

We do not know. But it is clearly going to figure heavily in the future. And its going to happen both in the low-lying islands in the Pacific and the Caribbean, and in those countries where people build houses very close to the shore and have floods every year as in Bangladesh.

It is quite clear that we will have more and more conflicts over shortages of food and water that are going to be exacerbated by climate change, Lacy Swing warned.

Political crises and natural disasters are the other major drivers of migration today, he said to IPS in the interview.

Lacy Swing confirmed the fact that climate victims now add to record 60 million people who are fleeing war and persecution.

We have never had so many complex and protracted humanitarian emergencies now happening simultaneously from West Africa all the way to Asia, with very few spots in between which do not have some issue. We have today 40 million forcibly displaced people and 20 million refugees, the greatest number of uprooted people since the Second World War.

On 25 July, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution approving an agreement to make the International Organisation for Migration part of the UN system.

Founded in the wake of the World War II to resettle refugees from Europe, OIM celebrates its 65th anniversary in December of this year.

Migration is at the heart of the new global political landscape and its social and economic dynamics. At a time of growing levels of migration within and across borders, a closer legal and working relationship between the United Nations and IOM is needed more than ever, said the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement welcoming the Assemblys decision.

IOM, which assisted an estimated 20 million migrants in 2015, is an intergovernmental organisation with more than 9,500 staff and 450 offices worldwide

We are living in a time of much tragedy and uncertainty. This agreement shows Member States commitment to more humane and orderly migration that benefits all, where we celebrate the human beings behind the numbers, IOM Director General William Lacy said.

Through the agreement, the UN recognises IOM as an indispensable actor in the field of human mobility. IOM added that this includes protection of migrants and displaced people in migration-affected communities, as well as in areas of refugee resettlement and voluntary returns, and incorporates migration in country development plans.

The agreement paves the way for the agreement to be signed by Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon and Swing at the UN Summit for refugees and migrants on 19 September, which will bring together UN member states to address large movements of refugees and migrants for more humane and coordinated approach.

Via Inter Press Service

-

Related video added by Juan Cole:

UNHRC: How Climate Change Impacts Human Displacement
Pangu has released a semi-tethered iOS Jailbreak with most Cydia apps working properly. (Photo : Getty Images for Apple/Adam Berry)

Pangu has come up with an iOS jailbreak tool covering the iOS 9.2 to iOS 9.3.3. Cydia apps and tweaks are currently being updated as owners play the trial and error game on working jailbroken apps.



A working iOS jailbreak has finally come out in the open with Pangu releasing a semi-tethered crack that is only supported via Chinese language. An English version of the crack is however expected to follow soon.



Advertisement

Regardless, the iOS Jailbreak is the closest that the Apple jailbreaking community can look up to for now though it excludes Apple devices such as the iPad Pro 9.7 and the iPod Touch 6, Forbes reported.



Aside from those two minor details, the next order of business is figuring out which Cydia apps will work with the crack. A list of working tweaks was detailed at Gotta Be Mobile, meaning that not all apps may be working flawlessly the way they did with previous jailbreaks.



This means that Apple jailbreak user will have to undergo a bit of a trial and error phase to determine which Cydia apps are working with the latest jailbreak from Pangu.



The good news is that there are over 200 jailbreak apps on the list with 100 of them Cydia apps which will work fine on iOS 9.3.3. There may be popular apps functioning properly though some issues could crop up at some point.



Among the notable apps that are reportedly good to go include YouTube ++, Untethethered HeySiri, iCleaner, Haptic Pro, Live Photos Enabler, Flex 2, Browser Chance and Activator. A complete list of the apps compatible with the iOS 9.3.3 jailbreak can be checked out via this shared spreadsheet.



While the list of apps should keep a lot of folks preoccupied, it should be worth noting that the semi-tethered crack will require some added effort on the part of users. This normally happens when the device is restarted.



Each time a device is restarted, users will have to run Cydia again to enable the jailbreak. It is not seen as something that would require much effort but a must for folks who want to use the iOS crack.



The latest iOS jailbreaking tool is not hard to use though it also comes with a few hiccups. 9to5Mac offers a complete tutorial on how to install the jailbreak using a standard Windows PC.



The video below shows how interested Apple users how to jailbreak iOS 9.2 to 9.3.3 on an iPhone.






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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Le Monde is reporting that a number of French newspapers and television channels have decided to cease printing the pictures, and sometimes even the names, of those who commit terrorist acts. Le Monde itself is adopting the same policy.

France and Belgium have seen a number of nihilist attacks in the past year and a half, which has pushed the government to institute and extend a state of emergency that seriously infringes on basic human rights. (I call these attacks nihilist rather than terrorist because they hit soft targets without an obvious immediate political goal, and are often carried out by petty criminals or the unbalanced, who nevertheless claim a relationship to Daesh (ISIL, ISIS).

The editors at these news outlets have become convinced that Daesh is successfully heroizing the attackers, and that Western news coverage is shared back in Syria and Iraq as well as among Europes Muslim community as a way of glorifying the perpetrators. Denying them that glory then becomes a form of counter-terrorism.

Not everyone agrees with this tack.

France Televisions has rejected the idea of suppressing the identities and photos of the nihilists. Michael Field, director of the channels public relations department, condemned the new policies at other press organs as a form of posturing and insisted that anonymizing the attacks would backfire. Anonymous attacks, without names or faces? Nothing could better activate roving conspiracy theories or promote social anxiety, which already suspects the media of not saying everything or of wanting to silence the truth.

Wassim Nasr, who has covered militant Muslims for France24, agreed that hiding the photos and the identities of the perpetrators would open the door to more conspiracy theories. He also thinks they do it for the organization, not for the personal glory, so it doesnt matter much if they make the newspapers or not.

Herve Beroud, of BFM-TV, says he has heard this critique but thinks there are other reasons to implement the policy. I dont think that declining to publish photos of jihadis will prevent them from acting. That would be too simple. Our choice is directed at our viewership.

Personally, Im all for the new policy. Id also put the reports on page 17 and stop making them automatic headlines.

47 people were shot in Chicago last weekend without generating headlines elsewhere in the country.

We are privileging certain kinds of violence and magnifying it through the press and social media. If the terrorism were political, aimed at accomplishing a specific political task, it might warrant being closing monitored by everyone this way. But someone who is unbalanced who shoots into a mall crowd thats virtually random. It is a tragedy but it doesnt mean anything. Why put that on the front page?

But my advice to the press is to go further. Devote Thursdays, e.g., to having some feel-good stories about Muslim contributions to society. Daesh is trying to destroy the grey zone, to drive Western Muslims into its own arms by arranging for white people of Christian heritage to be beastly to them. Hence my mantra: Daesh attacks because they want us to be afraid and to hate. The only effective counter-strategy is to refuse to be afraid and instead to show love to some Muslims.

The press can usefully avoid showing the negative images or obsessing about these acts of nihilism. Or it could do something



Related video:

France24:  France church attack: priest killed by IS terrorists devoted his entire life to church
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By Nader Habibi | (The Conversation) |  

The failed July 15 coup in Turkey has prompted a tsunami of responses by the government that is likely to have a lasting impact on all aspects of politics and society, including the economy.

The initial arrest of military personnel who were involved or suspected of participating in the coup did not come as a shock. The next phase did, however, as massive waves of arrests and suspensions in the judiciary and government bureaucracy followed, as well as a declaration of emergency presidential powers. As of July 23, nearly 45,000 government employees have been suspended and close to 10,000 people have been detained. According to Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikly, thousands more are likely to be purged in the coming weeks.

While most analysts have focused on the political and security consequences of the attempted takeover and the Erdogan governments reaction, it is equally important to examine their impact on Turkeys troubled economy. And that will depend most on how widespread the purge will be and whether any economic policies will change significantly.

In order to assess the economic impact and identify the key risks, first we must consider the backdrop: How did the coup transpire, what led to it, who is being purged and what was the state of the economy?

A coup and response

It is now clear that the coup was planned and carried out by only a small group of military officers. Officers not involved played a key role in its failure, as did Erdogans ability to get Turkish citizens into the streets.

Thus, within hours of its start, the coup was over, as citizens and police overpowered those who participated in it, and the government regained full control over the military. Media reported casualties at 300, with several thousand injured.

Immediately, Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (known as AKP) claimed that the coup was orchestrated by supporters of Islamist intellectual Fethullah Gulen, a U.S. resident who has denied any involvement. Besides jailing the officers and soldiers involved in the coup, the government began the mass arrest of military personnel perceived as loyal to Gulen. Erdogan then initiated a purge of Gulenists in ministries and shut down more than 1,600 private educational institutions due to such affiliations. More than 27,000 of their employees have also lost their work permits.

AKP and Gulen: from friends to foes

Since the coup itself failed, its harm to the economy was limited to increased political risks for investors. It is the large-scale purge of Gulenists  once allies of the president  that will have a deeper and longer-lasting effect.

When AKP won the 2002 election and formed a government for the first time, the party leadership had close relations with the Gulen movement.

Up until 2013, the AKP actively supported the social activities of the Gulen Institute and welcomed its adherents into all ranks of the government.

So who is this mysterious man who supposedly orchestrated the coup?

Gulen can best be described as an advocate of tolerant and democratic Islam and moral capitalism.

Gulen believes that Muslims have a duty to engage in business, work hard and acquire wealth so that they can serve their society by offering charity and helping others. These views have attracted millions of civil servants, intellectuals and religious businessmen to the Gulen movement in Turkey in the past two decades.

Until the feud between Erdogan and Gulen began in 2013, large numbers of Gulenists were employed in military and civil servant positions. They had no reason to hide their affiliation with the Gulen movement. In the past three years, the tensions between AKP government and Gulenists escalated. As a result the government was gradually and sporadically removing Gulen supporters from both military and civilian positions even before the coup.

Indeed some analysts believe that coup supporters were motivated by a growing fear that they were going to be arrested or expelled from the military within days under such accusations.

Before the coup, a deteriorating economy

Until 2014, Erdogan and his party had steered the Turkish economy impressively for more than a decade. Even during the global financial crisis, Turkey was one of the few G-20 countries that did not plunge into a severe recession.

But since then, economic growth has slowed. This is thanks, in part, to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals because of fears of terrorism. It is also due to disruption in trade with Russia, one of Turkeys key partners until tensions over Syria emerged. The collapse of peace talks with Kurdish separatists that led to renewed fighting in some provinces, further disrupted economic activity.

The economy was just beginning to recover this year after slowing to 2.9 percent in 2014, with growth pegged at a better-than-expected 4.8 percent in the first quarter. Concern about economic hardship was a major motivation behind Erdogans move to ease tensions with Russia, Egypt and Israel in June. He has even hinted at backing down from his demand that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must go as a precondition for peace.

While the quick suppression of the coup meant economic policy hasnt shifted, the attempted takeover and the harsh response have hurt investor confidence.

Fitch and Standard & Poors  two of the leading credit-rating agencies  downgraded their views of the Turkish economy, while Moodys has left its rating unchanged so far. The Turkish lira plunged as much as six percent in the days after the coup but has since recovered.

Key risks for the economy

Nevertheless, investors remain cautious and have adopted a wait-and-see attitude to get a better idea of how far the political purges will go and how they will affect the business community.

Here are a few of the key risks theyll be following closely to see how Erdogans response will affect the economys long-term outlook.

First, a widespread purge that reaches into the hundreds of thousands might cause a political backlash and social instability. The remarkable support of opposition parties for the AKP government after the coup might come to an end, while the forced resignation of a large number of university presidents and deans could lead to student unrest.

Second, the removal of thousands of civil servants and their eventual replacement with new employees could affect the quality of government services, which are crucial for a well-functioning economy. Normal operations in some ministries might be affected during this purge and replacement period.

Third, there are signs that the government is going after private businesses affiliated with Gulen, which could adversely affect the economy if it spreads. Some experts estimate the followers of Gulen in Turkey at three to five million, many of whom are active in the private sector. The first arrest of a businessman with alleged links to the Gulen movement took place in Gaziantep on July 20.

It also appears that some companies are proactively firing staff who might have had any affiliation with the movement. Even before the coup, the government was selectively targeting some of these private businesspeople.

It remains to be seen how far the anti-Gulen purge of the private sector will go. A Gulen-affiliated financial institution, Bank Asya, which was seized by AKP government in May, was officially shut down a few days after the failed coup.

Fourth, the economy will also be harmed by any tensions that emerge with the U.S. or the European Union. With the U.S., the main source of potential tension is over Turkeys demand for extradition of Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvanias Poconos region. Turkey has submitted the evidence against Gulen, and a diplomatic team is likely to visit soon to press for his extradition. Meanwhile, the EU is growing concerned over Turkeys post-coup violation of human rights.

Fifth, while the AKP government so far has remained committed to respecting the lifestyle and cultural values of secular citizens, after the failed coup it might come under increasing pressure (from its conservative base) to impose restrictions on secular lifestyle or favor pious AKP supporters in allocation of public sector jobs and business opportunities. If the government succumbs to such demands, it risks alienating a very valuable class of secular professionals and industrialists who have many options for migration. This could accelerate a brain drain that has been observed in recent years.

Sound economic policy is not enough

The AKP owes its electoral success in the past decade to its ability to improve Turkeys economy, particularly in the Asian region. Erdogans cabinet is very concerned about the adverse impact of the coup and its aftermath on Turkish economy. It is expected to give top priority to economic issues in coming months.

This priority has already been demonstrated by the quick and effective measures in the first three days after the coup, which prevented a financial collapse and calmed the capital markets without imposing any capital controls.

The government is preparing a major economic reform package to further improve the business environment. Also, after two years of diplomatic tensions with former economic partners (such as Russia and Egypt), Turkey is returning to a business-oriented foreign policy.

These are positive steps that will benefit Turkish economy in the long run although the terrorism risks to tourism and investor confidence that existed before the coup are likely to continue in the new environment as well. However, the government must also be very mindful of how its cultural, political and security decisions in response to the coup will affect the economy.

Nader Habibi, Professor of the Economics of the Middle East at the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, Brandeis University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.



Related video added by Juan Cole

Aljazeera English: Turkeys economy after the coup  Counting the Cost
VANCOUVER, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Lithium X Energy Corp. ("Lithium X", or the "Company") (TSX-V: LIX) (OTCQB: LIXXF) is pleased to announce it has mobilized a drill rig to commence the Phase 1 exploration program at its Clayton Valley North Lithium Project (the "Project") in Nevada. Clayton Valley is home to Albemarle's Silver Peak mine, the only lithium production facility in North America. Lithium X controls the largest land position in Clayton Valley, located approximately 200 miles from Tesla's Gigafactory. The first drill hole is approximately 100 metres north of the claim boundary where Albemarle's northernmost production-sized well is located.

"I am thrilled to commence exploration drilling in Clayton Valley, where the vision for Lithium X was born less than a year ago," said Brian Paes-Braga, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lithium X. "Testing the exploration potential in Nevada complements the ongoing development work at our flagship Sal de los Angeles deposit in Argentina."

Lithium X is permitted to drill four new exploration holes at two Clayton Valley drill sites, initially. The targets include the five known lithium-bearing aquifers under Clayton Valley and a lower basal gravel aquifer in the deepest area of the Valley basin. The Company believes this lower basal gravel aquifer has strong potential for positive lithium concentrations and production rates.

The Company expects to drill these holes to a depth that will intersect the gravel aquifer in the lower part of the basin, which is expected to be approximately 350 metres. Each drill site is expected to consist of two closely spaced holes (one diamond core hole and another rotary) to maximize data collection. This system helps the Company capture accurate lithological and brine samples, as well as allowing more thorough pump tests to be completed on relevant horizons. The current spacing between these drill sites is approximately 800 metres.

Following initial results, Lithium X may add a third drill site. Subject to positive results, the three drill sites could enable a maiden Resource Estimate for the Project.

"The opening of Tesla's Gigafactory here speaks to Nevada's amazing contribution to global industry, which coincidentally began with our rich history in mining," commented Mike Montandon, former mayor of North Las Vegas and an Advisor to Lithium X. "I am excited to be involved with an innovative company like Lithium X which aims to provide a responsible lithium supply for the clean energy revolution."

With over $18 million in cash on hand, Lithium X is fully funded for Phase 1 exploration in Nevada and all current planned development activities in Argentina.

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by William Randall, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101. As Vice-President Project Development of the Company, Mr. Randall is not considered independent.

About Lithium X Energy Corp.

Lithium X Energy Corp. is a lithium exploration and development company with a goal of becoming a low-cost supplier for the burgeoning lithium battery industry. Lithium X owns 50%, and has the option to acquire up to 80% of the Sal de los Angeles lithium brine project in the prolific "Lithium Triangle" in mining friendly Salta province, Argentina, a well-known salar with positive historical economics, grade and size. Lithium X is also exploring a large land package in Nevada's Clayton Valley, contiguous to the only producing lithium operation in North America  Silver Peak, owned and operated by Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer. Lithium X is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol LIX.

For additional information about Lithium X Energy Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.lithium-x.com or review the Company's documents filed on www.sedar.com. Join the Company's email list at http://lithium-x.com/subscribe.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Paul Matysek"

Paul Matysek

Executive Chairman

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.

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "believes", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are 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 by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the business of the Company and the commencement of trading in the Company's shares. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or 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 statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Lithium X Energy Corp.
MELBOURNE, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - OceanaGold Corporation (TSX/ASX/NZX: OGC) (the "Company") is pleased to release its financial and operational results for the quarter and half year ended 30 June 2016. Details of the consolidated financial statements and the Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") are available on the Company's website at www.oceanagold.com

Key Highlights

Continued to advance the construction of the Haile Gold Mine which remains on track for first ore in the mill at the end of 2016.

Consolidated production of 225,339 ounces of gold and 12,244 tonnes of copper in the first half of 2016 including 102,557 ounces of gold and 6,272 tonnes of copper produced in the second quarter.

Consolidated year-to-date All-In Sustaining Costs of $722 per ounce and cash costs of $456 per ounce on sales of 233,293 ounces of gold and 10,858 tonnes of copper.

per ounce and cash costs of per ounce on sales of 233,293 ounces of gold and 10,858 tonnes of copper. Revenue of $330.8 million with an EBITDA of $155.2 million and a net profit of $63.2 million in the first half of 2016.

with an EBITDA of and a net profit of in the first half of 2016. Revenue of $169.8 million with an EBITDA of $77.3 million and a net profit of $39.7 million in the second quarter.

with an EBITDA of and a net profit of in the second quarter. Increased liquidity through amendment of the revolving credit facility from $250 million to $300 million with existing multinational banking group.

to with existing multinational banking group. Exited the second quarter with $221 million in total liquidity including $104 million in cash

in total liquidity including in cash Continued exploration success at Coronation North with significant intersections.

Recorded Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate of 3.37 per million man hours worked.

Mick Wilkes, President and CEO said, "I'm pleased to announce another strong quarter of operational and financial results where we continued to deliver consistent positive results while maintaining our focus on the highest standards of safety and environment. We have bolstered our balance sheet from strong cash flows generated by our business, expanding our revolving credit facility and monetising the Haile mining equipment under a sale and lease arrangement." He added, "I am very pleased with the significant progress made at the Haile Gold Mine as we continue to advance the project towards commissioning, which we confidently expect to commence at the end of this year."

Table 1  Production and Cost Results Summary Didipio Waihi Macraes and Reefton Consolidated Second Quarter 2016 Results Q2 2016 Q1 2016 Gold Produced ounces 44,076 26,540 31,941 102,557 122,782 Copper Produced tonnes 6,272   6,272 5,972 Gold Sales ounces 44,837 26,904 44,165 115,906 117,387 Copper Sales tonnes 6,113   6,113 4,745 Cash Costs $ per ounce 8 559 900 476 436 YTD YTD YTD June 30 2016 Jun 30 2016 Jun 30 2015 Gold Produced ounces 90,887 63,523 70,929 225,339 176,999 Copper Produced tonnes 12,244   12,244 12,299 Gold Sales ounces 81,898 63,662 87,733 233,293 169,124 Copper Sales tonnes 10,858   10,858 11,683 Cash Costs $ per ounce 4 497 847 456 474 All-In Sustaining Costs $ per ounce 264 734 1,140 722 734

In the United States, construction of all major infrastructure at Haile is tracking to schedule and budget. The ROM pad retaining wall was completed in the second quarter and the crusher is well advanced. In the quarter, the SAG and Ball mills were installed with lubrication systems in place to enable pre-commissioning activities. The fine grinding circuit and CIL tanks have been constructed while flotation tanks construction commenced. Construction of the Tailings Storage Facility, a critical path item, continues to advance well and is on schedule while the first phase of the PAG cell was completed and accepting PAG material. Mining operations have transitioned to 24-hour operations and continue to mine overburden in the Mill Zone pit and have stockpiled approximately 0.19 million tonnes of oxide ore for future processing.

As at the end of the second quarter, the Company had spent approximately $246 million of the $380 million estimated capital cost while the capital spent and committed as at the end of the quarter was approximately $330 million.

At Didipio, the operation produced 90,887 ounces of gold and 12,244 tonnes of copper in the first half of the year including 44,076 ounces of gold and 6,272 tonnes of copper in the second quarter. The slight quarter-on-quarter decrease in gold production was expected and as a result of a lower head grade. Mining of Stage 5 of the open pit was completed during the quarter, ahead of schedule while development of the underground continues to advance well. Production from the underground is expected at the end of 2017.

On the North Island of New Zealand, the Waihi operation continued to track to guidance with 63,523 ounces of gold produced including 26,540 ounces in the second quarter. Quarter-on-quarter gold production decreased as a result of less ore mined from Correnso underground. The Company continues to develop access drives to Correnso Deeps and the Daybreak and Empire veins. On July 1, 2016, the Company transitioned operations to owner-mining and expects to achieve cost reductions and productivity enhancements.

On the South Island of New Zealand, the Macraes and Reefton operations produced 70,929 ounces of gold in the first of half including 31,941 ounces produced from Macraes only in the second quarter. The decrease in production at Macraes on the previous quarter was a result of a lower head grade. Sales of Reefton production from the first quarter were completed in the second quarter and the asset remains under care and maintenance with a focus on water treatment, plant maintenance and rehabilitation.

On June 7, 2016, the Company provided a comprehensive update of its exploration program with strong drill results reported. Subsequent to this announcement, extensive exploration activities have been carried out across the Company's operating regions including Coronation North where drilling has demonstrated further potential mineralisation extensions to the southeast of the previous drilling.

Table 2  Financial Summary*

$'000 Q2

Jun 30 2016 Q1

Mar 31 2016 Q2

Jun 30 2015 YTD Jun 30 2016 YTD Jun 30 2015 Revenue 169,763 161,051 125,486 330,814 254,792 Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortisation (79,642) (71,889) (72,514) (151,531) (133,199) General and administration - other (15,565) (12,368) (10,509) (27,933) (18,447) Foreign currency exchange gain/(loss) 2,543 725 (2,345) 3,268 (2,360) Other income/(expense) 187 355 (8) 541 64 Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) (excluding gain/(loss) on undesignated hedges) 77,286 77,874 40,110 155,159 100,850 Depreciation and amortisation (28,015) (33,769) (31,637) (61,784) (59,366) Net interest expense and finance costs (2,536) (2,189) (2,194) (4,724) (4,795) Earnings before income tax and gain/(loss) on undesignated hedges 46,735 41,916 6,279 88,651 36,689 Tax (expense) / benefit on earnings (5,599) (5,206) 3,866 (10,806) 4,659 Earnings/(loss) after income tax and before gain/(loss) on undesignated hedges 41,136 36,710 10,145 77,845 41,348 Gain/(loss) on fair value undesignated hedges (1,828) (18,304) (15,439) (20,132) (24,798) Tax (expense)/benefit on gain/loss on undesignated hedges 511 5,125 4,323 5,637 6,944 Share of profit/(loss) from equity accounted associates (164) - - (164) - Net Profit/(Loss) 39,655 23,531 (971) 63,186 23,494 Basic earnings per share $0.07 $0.04 ($0.00) $0.10 $0.08 Diluted earnings per share $0.06 $0.04 ($0.00) $0.10 $0.08 CASH FLOWS Cash flows from Operating Activities 91,486 31,673 42,259 123,159 85,488 Cash flows used in Investing Activities (122,496) (103,740) (38,315) (226,236) (62,122) Cash flows from /(used in) Financing Activities 12,827 2,033 (15,243) 14,860 (28,541)

*: includes results for Romarco Minerals and Waihi Gold from 1 and 30 October 2015 respectively.

Consolidated All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC") for the first half of 2016 was $722 per ounce while consolidated cash costs were $456 per ounce on sales of 233,293 ounces gold and 10,858 tonnes of copper. Second quarter cash costs were $476 per ounce on sales of 115,906 ounces of gold and 6,113 tonnes of copper.

For the first half of 2016, the Company reported revenue of $330.8 million and a net profit of $63.2 million while EBITDA was $155.2 million. In the second quarter, the Company recorded revenue of $169.8 million with a net profit of $39.7 million, which was higher than in the first quarter. The increase in earnings was a result of higher average gold price received partly offset by slightly higher mining costs and corporate costs associated with redundancies related to restructuring of the Waihi asset. Operating cash flow for the quarter was $91.5 million, which was significantly higher than in the previous quarter on account of higher gold prices and reduction in working capital following the sale of inventory build-up at Didipio in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Company expanded its revolving credit facility from $250 million to $300 million with its existing banking group and under the same competitive terms and rates. In addition, the Company received $34 million from the sale of the mining fleet at Haile under a lease back arrangement with Caterpillar. As at the end of the second quarter, the Company had immediate available liquidity of $221 million including nearly $104 million in cash and $117 million undrawn from its revolving credit facility. Total debt at the end of the quarter stood at approximately $228 million.

Mick Wilkes went on to say, "After a strong first half of the year, the Company is well positioned to achieve its production and cost guidance for the year. We will continue to operate safely while seeking to unlock the organic growth potential of our assets. As ever, we are strongly committed to working with all of our stakeholders to deliver meaningful benefits to communities and superior returns to shareholders, as we have done so in the last several years."

Second Quarter 2016 Results Webcast

The Company will host a conference call / webcast to discuss the results at 7:30am on Friday 29 July 2016 (Melbourne, Australia time) / 5:30pm on Thursday 28 July 2016 (Toronto, Canada time).

Webcast Participants

To register, please copy and paste the link below into your browser:

http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/y4nroww9

Teleconference Participants (required for those who wish to ask questions)

Local (toll free) dial in numbers are:

Canada & North America: 1 844 778 4140

United Kingdom: 0 800 028 8438

Australia: 1 800 005 989

New Zealand: 0 800 445 971

All other countries (toll): + 1 661 378 9554

Playback of Webcast

If you are unable to attend the call, a recording will be available for viewing on the Company's website a few hours after the completion of the webcast.

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold Corporation is a mid-tier, low-cost, multinational gold producer with assets located in the Philippines, New Zealand and the United States. The Company's assets encompass its flagship operation, the Didipio Gold-Copper Mine located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. On the North Island of New Zealand, the Company operates the high-grade Waihi Gold Mine while on the South Island of New Zealand, the Company operates the largest gold mine in the country at the Macraes Goldfield which is made up of a series of open pit mines and the Frasers underground mine. In the United States, the Company is currently constructing the Haile Gold Mine, a top-tier asset located in South Carolina along the Carolina Terrane. The Company expects the Haile Gold Mine to commence commercial production in early 2017. OceanaGold also has a significant pipeline of organic growth and exploration opportunities in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions.

OceanaGold has operated sustainably over the past 26 years with a proven track record for environmental management and community and social engagement. The Company has a strong social license to operate and works collaboratively with its valued stakeholders to identify and invest in social programs that are designed to build capacity and not dependency.

In 2016, the Company expects to produce 385,000 to 425,000 ounces of gold from the combined New Zealand and Didipio operations and 19,000 to 21,000 tonnes of copper from the Didipio operation at All-In Sustaining Costs of US$700 to US$750 per ounce.

Competent/Qualified Person's Statement

The exploration results were prepared in accordance with the standards set out in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' ("JORC Code") and in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). The JORC Code is the accepted reporting standard for the Australian Stock Exchange Limited ("ASX") and the New Zealand Stock Exchange Limited ("NZX").

Information relating to Macraes exploration results in this document has been verified by, is based on and fairly represents information compiled by or prepared under the supervision of Sean Doyle, a Chartered Professional with the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and an employee of Oceana Gold (New Zealand) Limited. Mr Doyle consents to the inclusion in this public release of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears. The information contained in this public release is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the named qualified and competent persons in the form and context in which it appears. Mr Doyle is a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI 43-101 and have sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a "competent person" as defined in the JORC Code.

Cautionary Statement for Public Release

Certain information contained in this public release may be deemed "forward-looking" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information relate to future performance and reflect the Company's expectations regarding the generation of free cash flow, execution of business strategy, future growth, future production, estimated costs, results of operations, business prospects and opportunities of OceanaGold Corporation and its related subsidiaries. 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) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information. They include, among others, the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and related assumptions, inherent operating risks and those risk factors identified in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form prepared and filed with securities regulators which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company's name. There are no assurances the Company can fulfil forward-looking statements and information. Such forward-looking statements and information are only predictions based on current information available to management as of the date that such predictions are made; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release is based on reasonable assumptions, readers cannot be assured that actual outcomes or results will be consistent with such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The information contained in this release is not investment or financial product advice.

SOURCE OceanaGold Corporat
Baltimore City States Attorney Marilyn Mosby [official profile] announced Wednesday that charges against the three remaining officers facing trial in connection with Freddie Grays death will be dropped [press release]. While in police custody in 2015, Gray sustained a spinal cord injury, which ultimately resulted his death. Three officers were previously acquitted in the case. Mosby proclaimed [Reuters report] that this case showed an inherent bias that is a direct result of when police police themselves.

Mosby announced [JURIST report] in the indictment of the police officers on charges including murder and manslaughter May 2015. Grays arrest and death in April of last year led to widespread protests and civil disorder in the city of Baltimore. In September Baltimore reached a tentative agreement with Grays family to pay $6.4 million in settlement [JURIST report]. In April of last year Amnesty International urged Baltimore police to exercise restraint [JURIST report] during protests, prioritize non-violent means and limit the use of force.
A judge for the US District Court for the District of Columbia [official website] on Wednesday ordered [opinion] Ronald Reagan shooter John Hinckley Jr. released from a government psychiatric hospital. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 1981 and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital where he has remained for 35 years. The release places restrictions on Hinckley, although he will be allowed to live on his own in a year. Hinckley is required to attend individual and group therapy sessions and is barred from talking to the media. There are also restrictions on how far he can travel. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation disagrees with the ruling and argues Hinckley is still a threat to others in the community.

Hinckley has lived at St. Elizabeths Medical Center [hospital website] in Washington since he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the shootings of Reagan, press secretary James Brady and two law enforcement officers. Over the last 12 years, Hinckley has gradually been granted more and more freedom to spend time at his mothers home [JURIST report] rather than in the hospital. According to Hinckleys treatment providers, he has not shown any signs of psychotic symptoms, delusional thinking or any violent tendencies.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein [official profile] on Wednesday urged Indonesia to halt the imminent executions of 14 individuals, convicted mainly for drug-related offenses. The executions are set to take place as early as Friday on Nusa Kambangan island in central Java. Zeid called for an immediate moratorium on the death penalty, expressing grave concern over Indonesias use of the practice:

The increasing use of the death penalty in Indonesia is terribly worrying, and I urge the Government to immediately end this practice which is unjust and incompatible with human rights.  I find it deeply disturbing that Indonesia has already executed 19 people since 2013, making it the most prolific executioner in South-East Asia.  The death penalty is not an effective deterrent relative to other forms of punishment nor does it protect people from drug abuse. The focus of drug-related crime prevention should involve strengthening the justice system and making it more effective.

Zeid called on the government to work with his office to devise alternate strategies to combat drug-related crime.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo [BBC profile] has remained firm in his stance that drug smugglers must face harsh penalties despite international criticism. Last year a spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) [official website] urged [JURIST report] the Indonesian government to halt all executions of people convicted of drug-related offenses. Also last year Brazil and the Netherlands recalled their ambassadors from Indonesia after an Indonesian firing squad executed six convicted drug traffickers [JURIST report], sparking international condemnation from human rights groups and foreign leaders.
An HIV-positive school teacher wins a lawsuit against a school that abruptly ended his contract. (Photo : Getty Images)

In a shocking revelation that brings to fore the sexual exploitation of young girls, an HIV-infected man has been arrested in Malawi, Africa for having sex with them as part of traditional rituals.



BBC reports that Eric Aniva, who is in his 40s, was arrested on the orders of president Peter Mutharika, after he revealed to the news organization that he did not mention his HIV status to the people who hired him for the practice. The president has also asked the police to investigate the case further and charge him with cases of defilement.



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Notably, Ed Butler of BBC had covered the story of Eric Aniva, a sex worker, who also doubled up as a 'hyena' and practiced a weird sexual 'cleansing ritual' in Malawi. The old custom is practiced in some remote southern regions of the country and it calls upon girls to have sex with a man after their first menstruation. As for "hyena," he is a person who has sex with widows and married women, who cannot fall pregnant.



When the horrible incident was revealed by the reporter, the Malawian government took note of the situation and initiated legal action against him. The Daily Mirror reports that the president has also spoken up against the backward practice and in a statement to the media, his spokesman said that while positive cultural values and positive socialization should be promoted, harmful cultural and traditional practices cannot be accepted in the country.



It also condemned the people involved in the malpractice and gave orders to hold them accountable for subjecting their innocent women and children to a despicable evil. It said that despite being practiced by a few, such horrific practices bring shame to the entire country and tarnish the image of Malawi in international circles.



It is worth mentioning here that last year the African nation had banned child marriage and raised the legal age of marriage from 15 to 18 years. The move was welcomed by activists as they hoped it would put an end to the practice of early sexual initiations.



The following video talks about the HIV-positive Malawian man, Eric:






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An Intel employee shows a chipset made in the company's plant in Chengdu. (Photo : Getty Images)

Intel Corp has upgraded its chip factory in Dalian, Liaoning Province in a bid to support the growing demand for memory chips in China amid concerns of competition from local rivals and government efforts to lessen the country's reliance on foreign technology, China Daily reported.



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The company has invested about $5.5 billion for the upgrade of the Dalian plant. The plant been improved to enable it to produce advanced memory chips such as 3D NAND chips, which is capable of storing data even without using power and can be widely used in smartphones and tablets.



According to Roger Sheng, research director at consultancy Gartner Inc, digital devices with bigger storage capacities are preferred by the growing number of consumers and the increasing demand for the supply of 3D NAND chips is currently on the decline.



"The Dalian plant will give Intel an upper hand in pouncing at the strategic opportunity," Sheng said. "Mass production of 3D NAND chips will help lower the cost and promote the development of the global semiconductor industry," he added.



According to Intel, the Dalian facility was officially set into operation ahead of schedule, in the second quarter of the year.



The plant is considered to be one of Intel's largest investments in China and also part of the company's plan to look for new sources of income with the weakening of its main PC chip business.



The plant's annual production capacity was not disclosed by the company.



Intel's decision is significant as chips have almost been considered as national strategic assets of similar importance as oil. In 2015, China consumed about $6.67 billion worth of NAND chips, or equivalent to 29 percent of the global NAND industry revenue, according to research company TrendForce.



But as China driving up efforts to encourage local chip giants, Intel will have to compete with local players soon, Fu Liang, an independent industry expert, said.



Tsinghua Unigroup Ltd, the country's largest chipmaker, had earlier announced that it is set to invest $30 billion to produce its own memory chips.


Microblogging platform and social networking website Tumblr announced that it is updating its service with a new feature that will allow its users to send instant messages to one another. (Photo : Facebook)

Tumblr users will soon see ads on their blogs in order to help keep the site afloat and to generate more ad venue as Verizon acquires its parent company Yahoo.



The free blogging site has recently announced their new advertising program which would place ads on all of their 306 million blogs across the site. One caveat is that the users will not have any profit either for the ad revenue that Tumblr will generate.



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Users who think that the ads will interfere with their content can opt out of the ad program. A revenue split is still expected between Tumblr and a blogger in the near future as the program gets tweaked and tested over time, Mashable has learned.



The news comes after Verizon was confirmed to be the bid winner for acquiring the once glorious Yahoo Inc. It has been several years since Yahoo started its decline in the Internet business as Google and Facebook picked up the pace with their superior search engine and social media network, respectively.



Tumblr said that the users who wanted to generate income from the ads will have to undergo a registration process to see whether they are eligible for the partnership, TechCrunch reported. The said program will launch later this year but a solid date has not been announced by the blog.



Users who opt out of the ads can also choose to just enable the ads on some of their blogs. This means that they will have the freedom to choose which blogs they own will display some of Tumblr's ads.



By default, the ads from Tumblr will be turned on. It will allow the company to generate some revenue without having to become a pay to blog site.



Tumblr founder David Karp said: "It's been a busy summer-a new GIF maker, live video, new messaging stuff-and there's a whole lot more on the way. Next up: getting you paid for your work."



Verizon might even have different plans for Tumblr as they acquire parent company Yahoo for $4.8 billion. The wireless company is said to be building their own digital content and ads empire to take on competitors.


There is Only One True Wolf in North America Not Three: The Gray Wolf

Gray wolf coyote hybrid (Photo : Dave Mech/UCLA)

A new study reveals how there is only one true wolf species indigenous to the Untied States, the gray wolf. Past studies reported how there are three distinct wolf species roaming America today, the gray wolf, the eastern wolf and the red wolf. Apparently, the other two species are just gray wolves that interbred with coyotes.



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Scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles just revealed new evidence how the gray wolf is the one true species across the U.S., which will be later decided this fall and more importantly, if the gray wolf would remain protected under the Endangered Species Act.



The dilemma starts when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended that this species to be removed from the list due to this error. Originally, the wolf is geographically found around the Great Lakes region including 29 eastern states however, the organization found this was incorrect as the eastern wolf which is a new species, occupied this range.



After studying DNA genome samples from these three species of North American wolves and coyotes, scientists found that they all have something in common.



According to lead author of the study, ecology and evolutionary biology professor, Robert Wayne of UCLA, this newly recognized eastern wolf is just a gray wolf and a coyote mix, where 75 percent of its genes belong to the gray wolf. There is also no evidence that the eastern wold evolved separately as a species, and it is crucial that the gray wolf should still be protected under the endangered species list.



In this new study, scientists suggest how the two wolf species mixed some hundreds of years back in the southern U.S. resulting in physically distinct appearance in wolves, but not as a unique species. Results revealed that red wolves are 25 percent gray wolf and 75 percent coyote, while the eastern wolves are 75 percent gray wolf and 25 percent coyote, when it comes to their DNA makeup.



Interbreeding among the gray wolves and coyotes may link to bounties that began in 1880s, that decimated wolf populations, leading to similar species to mate with one another. Red wolves are mostly seen in the southern U.S. region where exterminations of wolves are most prevalent, that could explain higher coyote DNA in red wolves.



This new study is published in the journal, Science Advances.


Nellis Air Force Base officials confirm the light in the sky was a meteor breaking up. (Photo : Erika Weeks/KTNV Action News/Twitter)

Just late Wednesday night, a streak of bright fiery lights zipped across the skies that was seen from Utah to California. Witnesses were quick to record videos and capture photos of this unusual event, where many were skeptical if this was an unusual meteor shower or a large comet, even a fireball or a crashing, burning satellite re-entering our atmosphere.



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This glowing, blazing trail was seen from Nevada in Utah all the way to California, however, the U.S. Strategic Command would not provide any concrete details of this event until later this morning.



According to astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, this fireball appears to be burning debris from a Chinese rocket that was launched in June 25. This is based on tracking data obtained from the Joint Space Operations Center, where the Long March 7 rocket gained re-entry around 9:40 P.M. local time over Utah.



McDowell also revealed that this rocket is a new rocket designed by the Chinese, where it was placed in lower Earth orbit for a month, and re-entered the Earth's atmosphere at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour.



For those who saw this blazing sky event, this trail of light is estimated to be above 50 miles from the surface of the planet. The main rocket body probably melted due to intense heat where metal parts burst and could have even reached the ground, he adds.



This streaky light show also occurred during the Delta Aquarid meteor shower, which peaks tonight and tomorrow night, however the American Meteorological Society says that these meteors do not appear like fireballs with distinct streaks of light, trailing the night skies.



McDowell immediately dismissed it as a meteor shower, revealing how meteors can move faster and do not bring with them debris which can appear to crackle and sparkle. He also adds that rocket re-entry is common but visibility of this event is quite rare, since most rocket debris fall into the ocean.



On the other hand, fireballs are more prevalent and can be seen almost nightly anywhere on the planet, but not around populated regions, according to NASA's Near-Earth Object Program's Don Yeomans.


"One Punch Man" Season 2 update (Photo : OPM poster)

It was just in December 2015 when the Japanese anime series "One Punch Man" ended its very successful first installment, which is is why fans of the show are excited to know what the second season has in store for them.



It is said that there is a possibility that "One Punch Man" Season 2 may air after the rerun of the first season on Adult Swim, Game N Guide has learned. It can be recalled that the anime series was acquired by the network for an English dubbed version, and with that said, rumors are loud that the second installment may also air on the same network right after the first season rerun ends this fall.



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The same publication also cited the speculations that "One Punch Man" Season 2 could air sooner than expected. The rumor sparked when the creator of the show, Yusuke Murata, somewhat hinted that the second season may air later this year. Murata even said that he is working very hard just to deliver "One Punch Man" Season 2 in the shortest possible time.



On the other note, various sources seem to have clues on what the second season will be about, Australia Network News reported. It is said that three possible villains will appear in the second outing of the anime series, namely Lord Boros, Amai Mask and Garou.



It was said that Mask might only be hiding his real intentions, and that "One Punch Man" Season 2 will finally expose who he really is. The same publication also cited that Season 2 may just only have 12 episodes; however, they did not reveal the content of these episodes.



Although various information about "One Punch Man" Season 2 are surfacing online, sources say that these details are still not confirmed. Fans will just need to wait until an official announcement will be cascaded regarding "One Punch Man" Season 2's plot and air date.


Miss Colombia World 2015 (Photo : Facebook/Elder Munoz)

China and Hong Kong have tough drug smuggling laws that foreigners caught attempting to bring illegal drugs end up in jail, whether they are beauty queens or transgenders aspiring to become a woman one day.



Just because 22-year-old Juliana Lopez Sarrazola was the Miss Colombia who scheduled to compete in the Miss World beauty pageant in December 2015 in China did not gave her immunity from arrest. The beauty queen was caught with 610 grams of cocaine hidden in her laptop at Guangzhou Airport on July 18, reported South China Morning Post.



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Because she wanted to raise funds for her travel, Lopez Sarrazola attempted to borrow money from a man whom she only knows by his first name, Sergio. He promised to pay her $2,500 if she agreed to smuggle the cocaine, reported Fox News.



Drugs smugglers caught in China are either executed or given life sentence which was the bleak future the beauty queen faced rather than the Miss World crown she aspired to wear. Fortunately for Lopez Sarrazola, the court believed in her explanation that she was forced to serve as Sergios drug mule under threat of him killing her family if she did not cooperate.



Lopez Sarrazola showed the text messages as proof which the Peoples Intermediate Court of Guangzhou believed and gave the beauty queen a 15-year sentence instead. There is a possibility that if she shows good behavior while in prison, her sentence would be reduced to seven or eight years, and after that she would be deported to Colombia, the drug capital of the world.






The homepage of KickassTorrents shows the search bar and the different categories (Photo : KickAssTorrents)

Kickass Torrents (KAT) is still down but the ongoing case could be thrown out soon as Kim Dotcom's lawyer has been chosen as The Pirate Bay (TPB) and Extra Torrent rake in more traffic.



Megaupload is set to take on the filesharing and possibly the media piracy industry as well in 2017 especially now that Kickass Torrents has been recently taken down. However, pirates need not to fear as the lawyer who successfully saved Kim Dotcom from the legal threats will also represent KAT's Artem Vaulin.



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For now, users are still flocking to the up and coming Extra Torrent and The Pirate Bay to download their much needed torrent files. Some users are already expecting pirated versions of the upcoming Suicide Squad movie and The Secret Life of Pets which is set to be released across the rest of the world in August.



Kim Dotcom's lawyer Ira Rothken will represent Vaulin in the cases against him filed by the United States authorities, Inquirer has learned. Megaupload could still have KAT as competition besides TPB and Extra Torrent if Rothken will be able to quickly throw out the case against Vaulin before 2017 even hits.



Rothken said that their defense could be focused on explaining that Kickass Torrents is nothing but a glorified set of hyperlinks to torrent files which has become as one of the The Pirate Bay alternatives over time. The Megaupload creator lawyer said that the U.S. was just trying to attack BitTorrent technology through baseless criminal laws.



Meanwhile, TPB co-founder Peter Sunde recently said that the piracy industry needs to step up in terms of innovation. Sunde said that the KAT takedown and the persistent moving of TPB proves that the torrent ecosystem relies too much on the large torrenting sites, University Herald reported.



In order to survive the ongoing onslaught against torrent sites, Sunde believes that pirates should embrace new tech such as IPFS and Zeronet. If not, The Pirate Bay and Extra Torrent could be the next to be taken down along with the recent Kickass Torrent.



KAT alternatives such as TPB and Extra Torrent are still in danger of being taken down by the authorities. Users are currently searching for other torrent sites besides The Pirate Bay and Kickass Torrents to fuel their pirating needs but the lawyer taking the case for the alleged owner could mean that the site can go back online soon.






With nine months passed with no news on the future of Cabelas since an activist investor declared its stake in the retailer, state officials say theyre focused on keeping the companys headquarters in Nebraska.

But national economic consultants say theres only so much the state can do as the Sidney-based operator of outdoors stores tussles with an out-of-town activist investor that is pushing for big changes  including a possible sale.

At stake are more than 2,000 jobs in Sidney, a town of about 6,800, and about 700 jobs in Lincoln, where the retailer runs its credit card business.

The director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development told The World-Herald that Cabelas hasnt asked for anything from the state.

Still, Courtney Dentlinger, the director, said in a statement: We are committed to assisting them with available programs or resources at our disposal.

Cabelas didnt respond to multiple requests for comment. Elliott also didnt respond.

Gov. Pete Ricketts spoke to Cabelas Chief Executive Tommy Millner in June at an event in Lincoln, a spokesman said. The spokesman didnt detail what was said.

Detlinger said state officials would continue to keep open lines of communication and stand ready to help a company she said was iconic to Nebraska. Cabelas is on Fortune Magazines list of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies; it is the only Nebraska company outside of the Omaha area on the list.

News reports over the last several months, all citing anonymous sources, have suggested a sale of Cabelas retail arm to competitor Bass Pro Shops and Goldman Sachs is imminent.

The chatter comes less than a year after ConAgra Foods, formerly based in Omaha, announced that it would relocate its headquarters to Chicago. State officials have said they were laying out an incentive package to tempt the processed foods manufacturer to stay in Nebraska just days before it announced the move.

Both companies have activist investors involved. New York hedge fund Elliott Management announced its 11 percent stake in Cabelas in October and has agitated for changes, including carving off its lucrative credit card business and real estate and selling the retail arm entirely.

Since then, reports have circulated that Bass Pro Shops and Goldman Sachs have teamed up to try to purchase the companys retail arm, while several major banks are said to be vying for the Cabelas Club Visa card, run in-house by the companys Worlds Foremost Bank in Lincoln. Bass Pro hasnt commented.

Some economic development experts say that when it comes to state incentives, the ball is in the companys court: A state has to wait before it can make a play. That was true for ConAgra, which reportedly negotiated an incentives package with Illinois months before the announcement.

There is little the state can do in this situation, especially before the company settles on its future strategy, said Ken Poole, president and chief executive of the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, a nonprofit in Arlington, Va..

Decisions about where a company headquarters should be often are based on factors the state can do little to influence  in Cabelas case, a potential acquisition. When thats the case, Poole said, states may have more success in encouraging employees at the headquarters to stay in the community and help other companies succeed, or start their own businesses.

The headquarters of companies that are acquired oftentimes close up shop, with employees consolidating in the acquirers home.

Matt Szuhaj, managing director at consulting firm Deloitte Consulting in San Francisco, agreed that its unlikely a state would get involved at this point.

It will be more of an outreach to support them. They would not ever enter into the internal workings of the company or its investors, he said of state officials.

If there is an incentives offer made, it tends to be generally initiated by the company.

Incentives could include tax benefits, assistance with development or other sweeteners tied to the number of jobs created or left remaining in the state.

Meanwhile, investors will await news on a possible sale. An update could come today when the company reports second-quarter earnings. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expect Cabelas to report earnings per share of 62 cents on revenue of $907.7 million.

Where state officials might see job losses, investors see dollar signs: They, too, are awaiting any news on Cabelas strategic review, which it announced in December after Elliott declared its stake.

If past earnings calls are any indicator, the company is unlikely to provide any updates.

I think something concrete is going to have to be in place before an update, said Andrew Burns, an analyst with D.A. Davidson Co. in Portland, Oregon.

Analyst Seth Sigman with investment bank Credit Suisse said in a note published Tuesday that he sees a 65 percent chance of the retailer being sold to Bass Pro, with its credit card operation carved out and sold to a bank. In that case, he said Cabelas stock could rise to as much as $63 a share. Shares closed at $53.83 Wednesday; theyre up more than 16 percent so far this year.

Key benefits to a sale would include cost savings in the corporate headquarters, plus new opportunities, like expanding the Cabelas Club card into Bass Pro stores, Sigman wrote.

Bass Pro has its headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.
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Turkish authorities have accused Gulen of orchestrating the attempted coup of 15 July, though he denied involvement

Egypt says it has not received any request for political asylum from Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has been accused of masterminding the failed coup attempt in Turkey earlier this month.

Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said that if Gulen submitted any such request, Egyptian authorities would consider it.

Earlier this week, an Egyptian MP demanded that the Egyptian government grant asylum to the Turkish opposition leader, who is in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999.

The cleric, once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemned the failed coup and said that he played no role in it, suggesting that the putsch may have been orchestrated by Erdogan himself.

The attempted military takeover resulted in the deaths of over 230 people and has since prompted a wide-ranging purge of state institutions that has targeted more than 60,000 persons, including soldiers, police, judges and civil servants. The arrests and suspensions have drawn fire from the European Union.

Relations between Turkey and Egypt have been strained since the 2013 ouster of Egypts Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, a close ally of Erdogan's AKP (Justice and Development Party) government. Erdogan has repeatedly slammed Morsi's removal as an "unacceptable coup."

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The Russian airliner was downed in an apparent terrorist attack, killing all 224 on board

Egyptian authorities are ready to provide Moscow with the latest information on the progress of Cairo's probe into the crash of a Russian passenger jet in Sinai last October that killed all 224 people on board, a Russian government spokesman said Wednesday

Egypt's prosecutor-general, Nabil Sadek, along with other top government officials, held talks on Wednesday with Russian prosecutor-general Yuri Chaika in Moscow where both sides signed a memorandum of cooperation between the two countries prosecution authorities.

"The prosecutor-general of the Arab Republic of Egypt expressed readiness in case of need to provide to the Russian prosecutor-general's office and other concerned departments information about the status of the investigation into the A321 plane crash in October 2015," spokesman of the Russian prosecutor-generals office Alexander Kurennoi told Russia's TASS news agency.

"The two sides also discussed various issues related to cooperation in the legal sphere and in the fight against international crime," Kurennoi added.

An Egyptian delegation consisting of the minister of civil aviation, the prosecutor-general, and the head of the committee investigating the crash flew to Moscow earlier this week to provide Russian officials with the latest findings in Cairo's investigation.

Moscow suspended all civil flights to Egypt over security concerns in the wake of the crash. The plane was en route from the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh to St Petersburg in Russia.

Egypt has said that it fulfilled 85 percent of Russias demands regarding aviation safety and is now expecting steps to be taken by the Russian side towards resuming flights.

Russia said a bomb destroyed the airliner, and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi suggested in February that the plane was downed due to "terrorism."

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A conscript was killed and three others were injured after an explosion hit a security vehicle on patrol

An army conscript was killed and three were injured in a bombing in North Sinai on Wednesday, Ahram Arabic news website reported.

According to security sources and eyewitnesses who spoke to Ahram Arabic news website, an explosive device detonated when an armoured security vehicle was sweeping the area.

The injured conscripts were transferred to El-Arish Military Hospital, while the body of the killed soldier was transferred to a military hospital in Suez governorate.

Egypt's security forces have been fighting a decade-long Islamist insurgency in parts of North Sinai that spiked following the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Hundreds of policemen and soldiers have been killed by militants. The army has also said security operations have killed hundreds of militants.

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That the stock market hit new highs in July, less than six months following one of the worst market declines in a while, was surprising to most investors. The market shook off the Brexit vote like it was just an annoying fly, and it continues to charge through discouraging economic news and increasing global strife as if they didn't matter. So, it was inevitable that we began hearing from some clients wondering why their portfolios are underperforming Standard & Poor's 500-stock index, which is up more than 18% from its February low, as of July 27.

The inconvenient truth is that diversification is the reason behind their underperformance. It's inconvenient because these are the same clients to whom we have been incessantly preaching the virtues of diversification as the absolute key to positive long-term returns. It is times like these, however, when diversification is bound to disappoint.

Why Diversification Has to Disappoint Sometimes

The challenge for diversified, all-stock portfolios is this recent stock market surge has been narrowly concentrated in domestic, blue chip stocks, as it has been with the stock market rally of the last few years. So, if your portfolio is diversified among several different stock asset classes (i.e., small cap, international, emerging market, etc.), it is not likely going to achieve S&P 500-like performance. In fact, with an optimally diversified portfolio, you are likely to be disappointed with at least a third to as much as half of your portfolio at any particular time.

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It is also times like these, however, when you need to step back and take a long view of the stock market to remind yourself what diversification has helped you achieve in the past and what it is expected to achieve in the future. It is easy to view the market in hindsight and second-guess your strategy; it's not so easy to see and plan for what lies ahead. Diversification is recognition of that uncertainty, and it liberates us from the pressure of having to always be right. Diversification allows us to be vaguely right all of the time, while never being completely wrong. When considered in the long view, and with so much at stake, that's a winning proposition.

You Can't Invest With Hindsight

Consider the performances of S&P 500 stocks and emerging-markets stocks over the past decade. Investors with a diversified stock portfolio may complain that four out of the last five years, emerging market stocks, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets index, were a serious drag on S&P 500 stocks. During that period, the MSCI index averaged a negative 4% return, while the S&P 500 averaged about 13%. However, between 2004 and 2010, S&P 500 stocks, which averaged about 6%, were an even bigger drag on emerging-markets stocks, which averaged 25%.

The reality is a diversified portfolio captured the outperformance of both markets in their best years, while smoothing out the risk and volatility of both markets in their worst years. The purpose of a broadly diversified portfolio is to capture the returns of all of the sectors over time but with less volatility at any one time. It is also important to note that, over time, passively managed portfolios of stocks have outperformed actively managed portfolios that rely on market timing and individual stock selection.

Diversification Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

The incessant noise and information overload we experience every day, which, by the way, can only impact short-term outcomes, does more to distort our reality of the long-view than provide us with any sort of advantage. When applied with discipline and patience, a thoughtfully conceived diversification strategy enables investors to ignore the noise and focus instead on their long-term objectives, which aren't impacted by what the stock market does in the first six months of the year.

By taking a step back to view your portfolio as a whole, and not by its parts, you get a much clearer investment perspective and a reminder of some of the fundamental truths of investing:

the markets are randomit's impossible to time the market with any degree of consistency;

risk and returns are relatedadding higher-risk elements to your portfolio improves long-term performance, but they are mitigated through diversification;

and over the long term, a diversified portfolio will yield higher returns while minimizing the risk of any single investment or market segment.

As an investor you need to ask yourself: Would you rather be mildly disappointed that a portion of your portfolio underperformed another, or massively disappointed that you guessed completely wrong by investing in a single market segment at the wrong time?

Craig Slayen is a principal at Cypress Partners., a financial planning and investment management firm in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Pete Woodring, a partner with Cypress Partners, contributed to this article.
When I get a massage, as I do periodically, I like to park my brain in neutral and bask in the serenity. So imagine the jolt when, a few months ago, my massage therapist wanted to spend our hour talkingabout Social Security. A divorced woman in her fifties, she had heard that she could apply for Social Security on her former husbands record. Was that true, she wanted to know, and if so, would it have any effect on her ex-spouses own Social Security benefit?

So instead of parking my brain in neutral, I had to shift into overdrive to explain the nuances of Social Security (yes, if her marriage had lasted 10 years, she could apply for benefits on her husbands record once shes 62, and no, it wouldnt affect his Social Security). So much for my peaceful massage.

A few weeks later, I sat down for my regular haircut, assuming I could zone out while my stylist snipped away. But she wanted to talkabout her retirement plan. She thought that as a self-employed person she could sock away much more than she could in a traditional IRA, but she was hesitant to raise the subject with her accountant. I confirmed that she was probably eligible for a Simplified Employee Pension or individual 401(k), and that triggered a discussion about retirement investments that lasted as long as my haircut.

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It occurred to me later that both women were in tune with the Kiplingers subscribers we surveyed earlier this year to learn more about how they invest. When we asked where they learn about personal finance, women were more likely than men to say that they talk to friends and family or ask questions of a financial adviseror, in some cases, a client who happens to be the editor of a personal finance magazine.

Thats just one of a number of ways in which men and women differ in their attitudes toward money. After we published our April cover story on the secrets of women investors, I had a lively exchange with a few of our male readers, who wondered why we write occasional stories geared toward women. After all, they pointed out, financial products are gender neutral. Let financial advice stand on its own merits, wrote Al Oxley of Kalamazoo, Mich.

I totally agree. But women often use financial products in different ways than men because they take a different approach or find themselves in different circumstances. For example, as we reported in April, women tend to trade stocks less often than menand they get better returns. In our special report on women and money in the June issue, we focused on the fact that women tend to live longer than men, which leads to worries about making their money last and paying for health care as they age.

Our reporting also turned up evidence that men and women even speak a different language when it comes to money. Annamaria Lusardi, director of the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (opens in new tab) at the George Washington University School of Business, says her research shows that jargon and technical terms are more off-putting to women. In teaching her own classes, Lusardi consciously starts with plain English and builds the language of finance.

Starting this month, were going to follow up our series of stories with a regular column that addressesin plain Englishthe financial concerns of women. But like all of our stories, this column will stand on its own merits and have practical applications for men, too. For example, men who read the special report in our June issue learned a lot about maxing out retirement savings, leaving a legacy and paying for health care in retirement. And we hope they have shared that knowledge with the women in their lives.

My mantra has always been that men and women working together make a socko combination, and we want to make sure that each partner feels comfortable with the challenge.
OceanaGold Corp. (TSX, ASX, NZX: OGC) reports an increased profit in the second quarter and says the Haile Gold Mine in South Carolina is on track for commissioning later this year. The company lists a net profit of $39.7 million, or 7 cents per share, for the April-June period, up from $23.5 million, or 8 cents, in the same quarter a year ago. Cash flow from operations rose to $91.5 million from $85.5 million a year ago. After a strong first half of the year, the company is well positioned to achieve its production and cost guidance for the year, says Mick Wilkes, president and chief executive officer. Gold production was 102,557 ounces, although this was down from 122,782 in the first quarter. Copper output of 6,272 tonnes was up from 5,972 in the prior quarter. For the year to date, OceanaGold lists all-in sustaining costs of $722 per gold ounce, down from $734 in the same period of 2015. The company adds that construction of the Haile Gold Mine remains is on schedule and on budget. I am very pleased with the significant progress made at the Haile Gold Mine as we continue to advance the project towards commissioning, which we confidently expect to commence at the end of this year, Wilkes says.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Fortuna Completes Acquisition of Goldrock Mines Corp.

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX: FVI, NYSE: FSM) and Goldrock Mines Corp. (TSXV: GRM) report that Fortuna has completed its previously announced acquisition of all of shares of Goldrock, making the latter a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortuna. Under the deal, Goldrock shareholders received 0.1331 of a common share of Fortuna for each Goldrock share held, plus outstanding warrants to purchase Goldrock shares are now exercisable for Fortuna shares based on the same exchange ratio.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

New Gold Posts 2Q Adjusted Profit, Trims 2016 Cost Guidance

New Gold Inc. (TSX, NYSE MKT: NGD) reports a rise in second-quarter adjusted earnings and also lowered its full-year cost guidance. Quarterly gold output of 99,423 ounces was up 15% year-on-year, while copper production of 25.7 million pounds rose 9%. With prices also higher and costs down, adjusted earnings rose to $13.7 million, or 3 cents per share, compared to an adjusted loss of $1.3 million, or basically zero per share, in the same quarter a year ago. The company reported a net loss of $8.8 million, or 2 cents per share, in the second quarter, compared to net earnings of $9.4 million, or 2 cents, in the prior-year period. The combination of higher production, lower costs and improved gold prices enabled us to generate a 39% increase in our cash flow. We are on track to meet our full-year gold production guidance and pleased to be in a position to lower our cost guidance, says Randall Oliphant, executive chairman. All-in sustaining costs fell to $717 from $922 in the year-ago period. New Gold now lists expected full-year all-in sustaining costs of $750 to $790 per ounce, compared to original guidance of $825 to $865. New Gold says it is positioned to meet its full-year gold production guidance of 360,000 to 400,000 ounces. Meanwhile, the company now anticipates it will exceed the high end of its full-year copper production guidance of 81 million to 93 million pounds. Oliphant adds that the Rainy River project is moving ever closer to production.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Detour Gold Reports Rise In 2Q Adjusted Earnings From Year Ago

Detour Gold Corp. (TSX: DGC) recorded higher adjusted earnings in the second quarter than a year ago. The company listed a net loss of $30.7 million, or 18 cents per share, compared to a loss of $15.4 million, or 9 cents, in the same period a year ago. However, adjusted net earnings were $3.9 million, or 2 cents, when excluding non-cash items such as the impact of foreign exchange resulting in a deferred tax recovery and change in the fair value of the company's convertible notes. Adjusted earnings were up from $500,000 in the year-ago period. Gold production rose to 139,359 ounces from 125,348 in the year-ago quarter, while the average realized price climbed to $1,230 from $1,215. All-in sustaining costs were steady at $1,030 an ounce. Production guidance revised from 540,000 to 590,000 ounces to 540,000 to 570,000 ounces of gold. "The company has accelerated its debt-reduction program by buying back $82 million of debt from cash flow in the second quarter. We are now in a position to have surplus cash to meet our debt reduction target of $300 million by year-end, well ahead of our original target of late 2017," says Paul Martin, president and chief executive officer. "To better reflect our operational expectations for the second half of 2016, we believed it was appropriate to remove the upper end of our annual production guidance."

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Teranga Gold Reports Production Record For Second Quarter

Teranga Gold Corp. (TSX, ASX: TGZ) was profitable in the second quarter as the company posted record gold production of 52,540 ounces that was up 6% from a year ago. The company lists a $6.1 million profit, although this was down from $6.7 million in the year-ago period. Earnings per share were 2 cents both times. The decrease in profit was due to higher non-controlling interest expense, Teranga says. The company reports that it remains on track to produce between 200,000 and 215,000 ounces of gold in 2016. Production and costs are on track to meet our full-year guidance and cash is building on the balance sheet, says Richard Young, president and chief executive officer. Sabodala is generating significant free cash flow, which is being deployed to fund high-return organic growth initiatives that leverage our existing asset base, like the mill optimization, advancing exploration and investing in transactions, such as the proposed Gryphon acquisition. The company says its cash balance has risen 31% since the start of the year. The average realized gold price rose to $1,261 in the quarter from $1,198 a year ago, while all-in sustaining costs increased to $968 from $948.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com
(Kitco News) - The gold market is holding its ground but unable to make new gains, despite weaker than expected labor market data.

Thursday, the Labor Department said first-time weekly jobless claims in the U.S. increased by 14,000 claims to seasonally adjusted 266,000 during the week to Saturday.

Consensus expectations compiled by various news organizations called for initial claims to be around 261,000. The government left its previous claims revised down by 1,000 claims to 252,000.

The gold market only saw muted reaction following the data; August Comex gold futures last traded at $1,342 an ounce, up 1.5% on the day.

There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims, the Labor Department said. The Labor Department pointed out that this was the 72st consecutive week that initial claims were below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average for new claims  often viewed as a more reliable measure of the labor market since it smoothens out week-to-week volatility  was down by 1,000 claims to 256,500.

Continuing jobless claims, the number of people already receiving benefits and reported with a one-week delay, rose by 7,000 to a seasonally adjusted 2.139 million during the week ending July 16, the government said.

Traders monitor jobs data closely to gauge how aggressively the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee alters monetary policy.

Avery Shenfeld, senior economist at CIBC World Markets said that despite the stronger than expected rise in weekly jobless claims, the data still point to a health labor market. He added that he doesnt expect to see much market reaction to the numbers.



By Neils Christensen of Kitco News; nchristensen@kitco.com

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By Kitsap Sun Staff

PORT ORCHARD  A 25-year-old Bremerton man was charged Wednesday with assault for stabbing his father in the leg following a fistfight the day before.

Kai Kougar Jacobson told police that he stabbed his father Tuesday during the fight in self-defense, but his father told officers Jacobson said he was going to fetch the knife and stab him, according to documents.

The wound was not considered life-threatening. The father also told police that Jacobson had stabbed him in the same leg during a fight three years before, but he had not reported that assault.

Bremerton police were called at 4 p.m. to a residence on the 1500 block of Warren Avenue as the father was being taken to the hospital.

Jacobson was located by officers hiding in a nearby house. Officers found the knife and noted in reports that Jacobson did not appear to have any injuries.

He is being held in the Kitsap County Jail on $100,000 bail.
The court has set bail for Hisham Geneina at EGP 10,000 pending appeal; the former top editor says he would try to prove innoncence

A Cairo misdemeanor court sentenced Thursday afternoon the country's former top auditor Hisham Geneina to one year in jail and an EGP 20,000 fine for spreading false news about alleged corruption in the public sector. The court also set EGP 10,000 bail pending an appeal.

After the verdict was announced, Geneina told Al-Ahram Arabic news website that he intends to post the bail and proceed with an appeal to prove his innocence of any wrongdoing.

Geneina, the former head of the Central Auditing Agency, is accused of spreading false news to disturb public order over his report claiming that theft by public officials has cost the countrys treasury EGP 600 billion since 2012.

In January, Egypt's prosecutor-general issued a gag order on the publishing of details from Geneina's report.

In March, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi dismissed Geneina from his post and appointed his deputy, Hesham Badawy, as the acting head of the Central Auditing Agency. Shortly after, Egypt's parliament confirmed Badawy as new top editor.

State Security prosecutors charged that Geneina had exaggerated the sums lost to corruption by including violations that took place prior to 2012 in his reports, and that he had abused his position as head auditor in gathering documents to make his case.

Geneina has maintained that his estimation of losses to government accrued due to corrupt practices referred to the three years after 2012.

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By Kitsap Sun Staff

PORT ORCHARD  A 36-year-old Suquamish man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child known to him has been sentenced to a minimum of about eight years in prison.

Brian Gerard Romero pleaded guilty July 18 to a count of first-degree rape of a child, a charge stemming from repeated sexual assaults on a child who was about 6 years old at the time.

He also pleaded guilty to a count of fourth-degree assault for attacking his live-in girlfriend and was sentenced to a year in custody for that charge, though that sentence will run concurrent with the rape sentence.

Romero had threatened to kill the child if she told anybody that he had been sexually assaulting her, according to court documents, and threatened to kill his girlfriend if she called police to report he had been assaulting her.

Kitsap Superior Court Judge Leila Mills sentenced Romero to 93 months in prison.
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By Kitsap Sun Staff

PORT ORCHARD  A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to being an accomplice in an armed robbery of a medical marijuana dealer in May.

Chaiss Robert Pry, of Bremerton, was accused of posing as an acquaintance of the victim to lure him to the Illahee area May 17 and then repeatedly stunning him in the neck and torso with a Taser-type weapon. As Pry was assaulting the man, another man hit the victim in the face with a pistol, according to court documents.

Pry and the other suspect made off with the man's marijuana, wallet and keys. The victim told investigators that, following the robbery, he repeatedly saw a vehicle pass in front of his house and that he believed it was the suspects attempting to burglarize his house.

Antonio Stephen Riojas, 20, the other suspect in case, is charged with first-degree robbery. He is scheduled for trial Tuesday.

Pry, who was under state Department of Corrections supervision at the time of the robbery, pleaded guilty to a count of being an accomplice to first-degree robbery. He was sentenced July 20 to 48 months in prison by Kitsap Superior Court Judge Leila Mills.
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By Clarence Page

Where's the pivot?

That's what I was wondering throughout Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's lengthy and surprisingly humorless acceptance speech Thursday at the Grand Old Party's national convention in Cleveland.

Ever since Trump won enough delegates to clinch the nomination in May, I've been waiting to see if and when Trump would make "the pivot."

That's today's fashionable term in political circles for a campaign strategy that President Richard Nixon used to describe as more of a pendulum: You swing toward your party's base to win their nomination, then swing back to the center to attract the independent voters that decide general elections.

Timing and managing your pivot as a candidate is tricky but crucial. But, with barely more than 100 days left to the November elections, Trump sounded like a guy who ain't about to pivot.

Quite the opposite, Trump sounded like he's doubling down on his efforts to rouse the conservative and largely blue-collar and middle-class base that has turned out in huge numbers, as he puts it, at his rallies.

That's quite the opposite of the outreach to minorities, women and millennials that was recommended by the Republican National Committee's post-2012 "autopsy" report.

There always has been a lower-profile but widespread grass-roots faction in the Grand Old Party that believes in doubling down instead of watering down their conservative agenda, especially in big, crucial rust-belt swing states like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and elsewhere that failed to show up for Mitt Romney in 2012.

"I have visited the laid-off factory workers, and the communities crushed by our horrible and unfair trade deals," Trump said in his convention speech. "These are the forgotten men and women of our country, and they are forgotten, but they will not be forgotten long. These are people who work hard but no longer have a voice. I am your voice."

He gave a lot of emphasis to those last four words. His me-against-the-world message seemed to reveal something important about the inner Trump. Leadership usually means sharing the struggle with those whom you wish to lead. Trump implies he can do it all himself.

"Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it," he said. "I have seen firsthand how the system is rigged against our citizens, just like it was rigged against (former Democratic candidate) Bernie Sanders." How? Trump did not say. He didn't have to. He apparently figured it was enough that he extend the olive branch to disappointed Sanders voters.

Instead of the "Morning in America" politics of optimism that Ronald Reagan perfected and Bill Clinton and Barack Obama emulated, Trump preached doomsday darkness  be afraid, very afraid.

If there was a pivot in Trump's speech, compared to what we have heard on the campaign stump, it was in his pivot toward that dark side. The world's going down the tubes, he emphasized, all because of  guess who?

"The irresponsible rhetoric of our president," he shouted, as if he did not know how microphones work, "who has used the pulpit of the presidency to divide us by race and color, has made America a more dangerous environment than, frankly, I have ever seen and anybody in this room has ever watched or seen."

He went on to claim that the Obama "administration has failed America's inner cities" and described the problems of "Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit and Ferguson" like every other self-styled expert who has spent little or no actual time in the communities he was talking about. Thanks for the thoughts, Mr. T, but where are your remedies?

The same goes for his daughter Ivanka Trump, who delivered more effectively than her dad a message of hope, particularly to women and her fellow millennials  two groups in which Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton holds double-digit leads over Trump.

Trump's speech lasted an hour and 15 minutes, the longest in more than 40 years, but for all its scary litany of problems  which have given professional fact-checkers much to debunk  Trump offered no solutions.

He promises to destroy the Islamic State and "do it quickly," he says. But how? He'll tell us after he's elected, he says. "Believe me."

He says that a lot. But as I learned long ago, when someone says "believe me" all the time, you probably should not believe them.

There's nothing new about the use of doomsday rhetoric in politics. Check out historian Richard Hofstadter's classic 1964 essay "The Paranoid Style in American Politics."

Trump apparently follows the Machiavellian view that you can win more supporters with fear than with love. But in one authoritarian regime after another, we have seen how the politics of fear often leads to more problems that people should be fearful about.
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Wendee Hewitt, Port Orchard

Join me to fight federal involvement

Amid the recent transgender directive given by the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, 25 US Senators sent a letter expressing their concerns with the departments' interpretations of Title IX.

The first sentence reads, "Every transgender person is someone's child and should be treated with respect." By signing this letter, these 25 Senators have endorsed the extreme ideology that says a life of chemical and surgical alterations is normal and respected.

Many legislators nationwide are lacking common sense and lack the will to defend morality. As a result children are suffering. Federal overreach in education has to end. With my help, US Parents Involved in Education (USPIE) plans to hold accountable those responsible for not protecting America's children, and we need your help too. Please go to uspie.org and join the movement to Stop Fed Ed and restore local control in education.

Wendee Hewitt is a researcher/advisor for the state chapter of United States Parents Involved in Education.
Stuff reported:

Government safety agency WorkSafe NZ has taken television advertisements off-air after the Advertising Standards Authority ruled they exaggerated the impact of workplace accidents. The ASA said the adverts, which were designed to draw attention to the impact of workplace accidents on families, were misleading. The embarrassing admonishment stemmed from WorkSafes claim that more than 23,000 people were severely injured or killed in New Zealand workplaces last year.

Pleased to see the ASA ruling. The definition Worksafe used as severely injured is not one that almost anyone else would think it means.

WorkSafe explained  but not in the broadcasts  that the injuries were ones that required people to have more than a week off work. WorkSafe NZ chief executive Gordon MacDonald said the government agency made no apology for challenging New Zealand to do better when it comes to keeping everyone healthy and safe at work.

WorkSafe should apologise for misleading the public. Good intentions do not justify the means. A government agency of all bodies should be concerned with accuracy.

But its advertisements, which were part funded by ACC, would be temporarily withdrawn and edited before being put back on air.

The ASA said most of the 23,000 injuries referred to by WorkSafe in the adverts were strains or cuts, while there were 44 deaths. Describing those injuries as severe created a misleading impression, the ASA said, especially given the tone and emotive imagery of the advertisements which included footage of workers returning from work and hugging their children.

Youd think 23,000 people had broke their legs or worse from the ads.

Wellington economist Ian Harrison, who brought the original complaint, said WorkSafe had been clipped around the ears and he expected it would be spewing. He had taken issue with the adverts because of a matter of principle, he said. People can advocate for what they like, but being clear about facts is absolutely essential for government departments. They shouldnt play fast and loose.

Well done Mr Harrison.

MacDonald said the complaint about the adverts had been a distraction.

Thats a disturbing view from a government chief executive. Rather than apologise, he labels the successful complaint a distraction.

The claim that generated the most controversy was read out by Griffins Foods chief executive, Alison Barrass, who has since been appointed a director of Spark. Another  read out by farmer Sir David Fagan  that New Zealands workplace death and severe injury rate was double that of Australia was also misleading, the ASA said. Harrison said that while the death rate was 60 per cent higher in New Zealand last year, that reflected the fact that its labour force was more heavily concentrated in hazardous occupations, and the injury rate was not higher.

So it was misleading in two areas.

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Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi told the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II on Thursday that all Egyptians are equal in their rights and duties in accordance with the constitution during a meeting held in the wake of recent sectarian attacks in Upper Egypt.

Last week, Muslim assailants set ablaze Christian homes in the village of Abu Yacoub in Minya over a rumour that a Christian intended to turn a kindergarten into a church.

Also last week, a Muslim mob stabbed a Christian to death in Minyas Tahna village during a street dispute.

The two incidents were the latest in a string of incidents involving attacks on Christians in Upper Egypt in the past month.

Presidency spokesman Alaa Youssef said in a statement that El-Sisi stressed during the meeting with the pope the importance of maintaining unity among all Egyptians.

The Egyptian president praised the "wise and patriotic" spirit that Egyptian Christians have displayed in dealing with challenges throughout the past few years, and warned of the danger posed by those who would use religion as a tool for division or to foster extremist ideas.

El-Sisi also praised efforts of the Egyptian Family House, a semi-official group of Muslim and Christian leaders who promote peaceful coexistence, and stressed the importance of increased cooperation between Al-Azhar and the Coptic Church.

He added that these individual incidents should not damage the good relations among Egyptians.

Following the meeting, the Coptic Orthodox Church released a statement where Pope Tawadros II expressed his gratitude to the Egyptian president for inviting him to the meeting.

According to the Church, the pope told El-Sisi that all citizens should stand together to work for the country's interests and accomplish the aspirations and hopes of the Egyptian people.

Last week, El-Sisi warned of anyone attempting to drive a wedge between Egyptians and vowed to hold violators accountable.

In May, Muslim villagers torched seven Christian homes and assaulted a Christian man's elderly mother in Minya's El-Karm village, parading her naked in public. The assault was sparked by rumours that the man was having an illicit relationship with a Muslim woman.

El-Sisi asked the mother to "not be angered" by what happened to her, promising that those responsible would be brought to justice.

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Egypt's foreign ministry said its envoy in Berlin received on Thursday an official letter from the German foreign ministry stating that an Egyptian national who died in a hospital in Germany's Essen on 22 June had attempted suicide six days earlier.

A statement by Egypt's foreign ministry said that German authorities have opened a criminal investigation to determine the reasons behind the death of 22-year-old Mohamed Abdel-Fattah.

Cairo had earlier demanded a swift probe be carried out by German authorities into the incident, saying that its envoy in Berlin requested "official clarification" on the incident following reports by local media that Abdel-Fattah was tortured to death in police custody.

The statement added that according to the German foreign ministry, initial investigations showed that the death of the Egyptian national did not result from criminal wrongdoing.

The statement comes one day after the German embassy in Cairo said that there was no evidence that the death of Abdel-Fattah was a result of a criminal act according to ongoing investigations conducted by the German prosecutor-general.

The statement by the German embassy did not specify whether Abdel-Fattah was in custody when he attempted suicide or at the time of his death, saying only that he died in a hospital in Essen.

Abdel-Fattah's family claims that their son was tortured to death by German police, and that Egyptian authorities were not informed of his arrest.

According to Egypt's consulate in Frankfurt, local German authorities said that Abdel-Fattah had previously been stopped by local police, though they did not provide dates.

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Thursday morning community leaders met at the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation office for a check presentation provided by the Grape and Sizzle Committee.

Three recipients were rewarded checks, Lincoln County CASA received 5,000 dollars to help with training more volunteers.

The director said right now they are serving only 50 percent of Lincoln County, and hope the funds will help serve 100 percent.

West Central District Health Department received 2,500 dollars to help fund their health fair on Saturday, July 30, It's open to everyone but they want to emphasize services for veterans.

RDAP received 2,500 dollars as well, the Program Director, Jeanie Gilbert, said it will provide a huge need for the community, "The funds are really important right now because we just moved to a new shelter. We have a room specially designated for children so were in need of little tables, little chairs, educational toys and curriculum things for the kids to have in their very own rooms."

The Lincoln County Cattle woman Beef Legacy Scholarship Fund will be presented with a check on Friday.

The donations to these organizations were made possible by corporate sponsors at this year's Grape and Sizzle event.
Next Urban League CEO shares plans: It's all about empowering

The community leader chats with Knox News about his priorities for the Urban League and how to continue serving the community as the next CEO.
David Cloar, left, is seen as he goes before a judge in Morristown requesting to be released from a mental institution. In July 1990, he brutally murdered his parents and threatened his siblings that when he was released that he would finish what he started. (MORRISTOWN CITIZEN TRIBUNE)

Morristown man believed Jesus commanded him to slaughter father, stepmother

By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel

A state appellate court is setting free a Morristown man deemed criminally insane because he believed Jesus commanded him to slaughter his father and stepmother.

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday ruled David Cloar should be freed from the state's only lockdown facility for the criminally insane without any mandatory plan to guarantee he will continue to take the medication that staves off his psychosis or receive treatment.

Cloar, then a 35-year-old Vietnam veteran, attacked his father, Jack Cloar, with a knife at his father's Morristown home in 1990, repeatedly plunging the weapon into his father's chest with such force it laid bare the father's organs. Cloar then chased his stepmother, June Cloar, outside, nearly decapitated her with the same knife, walked away but returned because he said Jesus told him "you need to finish the job."

Cloar stabbed the knife into her chest, took off his shoes and sat down. Police found him still sitting there in his blood-soaked clothes. A jury in 1992 deemed Cloar not guilty by reason of insanity, and he was sent to the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute in Murfreesboro.

He's been there ever since. The facility, which has only 18 beds, has been trying to free Cloar for at least 15 years, arguing his obsession with religion and other signs of psychosis are kept in check with medication.

Last year, 3rd Judicial Circuit Judge Thomas Wright again refused to free Cloar, who is represented by attorney John Eldridge. Wright acknowledged he could not forever prevent Cloar's release, particularly when officials from the mental health facility insisted Cloar's mental illness was in remission with medication. But Wright was troubled by the facility's aftercare plan, which did not require mandatory outpatient treatment or any supervision to ensure Cloar continues to take his medication.

"You know whose face is going to be on '20/20' if he goes out and puts a knife in somebody else? It's going to be his face and my face," the judge said at last year's hearing.

But in an opinion authored by Appellate Judge D. Kelly Thomas Jr., the appellate court said the Legislature, in passing the law on the requirements for freeing the criminally insane, put no such requirements of mandatory treatment after release in the law.

"The discharge plan cannot be rejected for failing to provide safeguards that the applicable statute does not require or address," Thomas wrote.

The appellate court credited Cloar's testimony that he has made plans to avail himself of psychiatric services at a Veterans Affairs medical facility, to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and to live for 90 days in a residential group home. None of that is required, nor can it be under the law, the court ruled.

"(Prosecutors) and the trial court's focus on transitioning the defendant and a plan 'which had some accountability' were misplaced," Thomas wrote. "We understand and sympathize with their concerns. However, the statutory scheme reflects the considered judgment of the state Legislature as to the proper balance between the need to protect the public from the person while at the same time protecting the person from unjustified detention."

Prosecutors have 60 days to ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to review the decision. There is no guarantee the high court would do so.
Iran's foreign ministry condemned this week's killing of a French priest, drawing a parallel with the recent decapitation of a young boy by jihadists in Syria, state media said Thursday.

"Such savage and abominable actions must be condemned regardless of the location," said ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi.

"We share the sadness of all... in the face of these inhuman, brutal and detestable actions."

Two jihadists, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, attacked a French church on Tuesday and murdered a priest by cutting his throat.

That came a week after a video emerged showing rebel fighters beheading a boy, said to be around 13, after capturing him north of Syria's second city Aleppo.

Iran gives political and military backing to the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad, and labels all rebel groups in Syria as "terrorists".

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Mountain View Youth Development Center (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL)

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By News Sentinel Staff

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services is investigating two assaults this week at the Mountain View Detention Center in Dandridge, at least one of which resulted in an inmate being injured.

According to a spokesman, guards reported two assaults at the juvenile detention center on Monday and Tuesday, one of which led to a 17-year-old inmate being taken to the hospital.

Two other inmates, aged 17 and 18, were being held at the center, said Rob Johnson, a spokesman for the department. He gave no other details.

More details as they develop online and in Friday's News Sentinel.
SHARE Brandon Scott Woodley

By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel

In a rare move, a federal judge has ordered up a new trial for an alleged gang member accused of drug-dealing after law enforcers failed to disclose recordings of a witness' account that buttressed the defense case.

Senior U.S. District Judge Leon Jordan has granted Brandon Scott Woodley, 34, an alleged member of the Gangster Disciples accused of dealing marijuana, a new trial on a charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition in an August 2015 shooting in the parking lot of InTown Suites on Gallaher View Drive in West Knoxville.

PDF: Senior U.S. District Judge Leon Jordan's ruling

It is rare for judges in either the state or federal court system to grant new trials and rarer still for the basis of that decision to rest in a 1963 landmark case by the U.S. Supreme Court known as Brady vs Maryland that barred prosecutors and police from intentionally hiding or simply failing to turn over evidence favorable to defendants.

In Woodley's case, the Knoxville Police Department had audio recordings of an interview with witness Brad Austin, whose account backed up Woodley's claim that victim Anthony Hall shot himself. Police did not turn those recordings over to U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Agent Matthew Ernst until the eve of Woodley's trial last month.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris immediately notified Woodley's attorney, Assistant Federal Defender Benjamin Sharp, but it was too late for Sharp to track down Austin and get him on the witness stand.

It's not clear, though, which law enforcement agency is at fault. KPD officers investigated the shooting the day it occurred. There is no record in the Knox County court system of KPD investigators filing charges.

Ernst wrote in an affidavit he launched his own probe after "state charges against Brandon Woodley had already been dismissed." He insisted he did not work jointly with KPD investigators.

Ernst said he discovered a witness favorable to the prosecution through an E-911 call. Records show that witness and Austin were interviewed jointly by police at the scene of the shooting. The interview was captured on an officer's body microphone.

Ernst did not submit a formal request to KPD officials for recordings until six days before Woodley's trial was to begin, and police didn't turn over those recordings until the day before trial, records show.

The judge ruled it doesn't matter who was at fault or even that Morris, the prosecutor, was entirely blameless in suppressing evidence of a witness favorable to the defense.

"The nondisclosure was by all accounts unintentional, but it was suppression nonetheless," Jordan wrote. "The prosecution both faults the defense for not discovering the recordings on its own and argues that the United States should not be blamed for the actions (or inaction) of the Knoxville Police Department. However, as noted above, the prosecution has a duty to disclose even when no request has been made by the defense."

Woodley and Hall got into an argument in the hotel parking lot where Hall had been staying with his girlfriend. Testimony showed Woodley was upset, among other things, that Hall had been talking to a rival gang member.

Hall claimed Woodley retrieved a gun from his car and shot him. Woodley claimed Hall had a gun in his waistband that went off when Hall reached for it during the pair's hand-to-hand combat. No gun was recovered. Shell casings from the shooting formed the basis of the federal case against Woodley.

If it wasn't his gun, then Morris would have a tough time convincing jurors Woodley possessed the shell casings. The witness favorable to the government put distance between the two men at the time of the shooting, backing up Hall's story. Austin said he saw the pair fighting in close quarters and believed Hall was reaching in his waistband before gunshots sounded. Neither witness saw the shooting itself.

Morris is asking Jordan to reconsider. Jordan has not yet signaled whether he will do so.
By News Sentinel Staff

KINGSTON  After three days of jury selection, testimony is expected to begin Thursday in the first-degree murder trial of former Knoxville insurance agent Shawn Smoot.

Smoot is accused of shooting Brooke Nichole Morris to death and dumping her body on a rural Roane County road on Oct. 11, 2011. Morris, 23, and Smoot, 44, had been lovers, and she at one time had worked in his Allstate Insurance office.

Their relationship had been tumultuous, authorities said, and at one point Morris had sworn out an order of protection against Smoot, alleging he had physically attacked her and made death threats. Smoot was reportedly the last person to see Morris alive.

"Chances are very good we'll get a jury today," prosecutor Bob Edwards said early Wednesday morning, the third day of the exhaustive process to select a panel.

Prospective jurors were quizzed individually and as a group. Edwards said many were released from service because they had heard about the case. Others said they would be unable to serve because the jury will be sequestered and staying in local lodging for the duration of the trial.

Presiding Criminal Court Judge Jeff Wicks has indicated the trial could last two weeks or longer.

Smoot is being represented by Knoxville attorney Bob Jolley, the fifth lawyer to be appointed to the case after his predecessors were excused for varying reasons..

The state is seeking life without the possibility of parole if Smoot is convicted.
Panelists for Wednesday's informational session on a proposed new low-level radioactive waste dump on the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Reservation were, from left, Jeff Crane, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chris Thompson, with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and DOE executive Laura Wilkerson. (BOB FOWLER/NEWS SENTINEL)

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By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel

OAK RIDGE  While the need for it is years down the road, the U.S. Department of Energy is on a tight schedule to decide where on its Oak Ridge Reservation to put a new landfill for low-level radioactive waste.

"It sounds like eight years is a long time away, but it's not that long," Sue Cange, manager of the DOE's office of environmental management, told attendees at an informational session Wednesday afternoon.

She said it will take several years to get the requisite approval from state and federal regulators and to design and build the dump, estimated to cost in the low $700 million range over the span of its 50-year life cycle.

Another option  to send the debris by truck or train to nuclear waste storage sites out West  would cost about $800 million more. Cange said that option would likely slow down the ongoing cleanup in Oak Ridge, which is still expected to take decades.

Wherever the new dump is located, it will have to be monitored "in perpetuity," Cange and fellow DOE executive Brian Henry said.

DOE officials say the new landfill is needed for the DOE's multibillion dollar cleanup of the toxic nuclear legacy from the Manhattan Project to build the first atomic bomb and the Cold War nuclear arms race.

Four sites west of the Y-12 National Security Complex, a nuclear weapons plant in Bear Creek Valley, are under consideration out of 16 possible locations that were earlier studied.

The Bear Creek Valley sites are deemed the best available on the 35,000-acre Oak Ridge Reservation and are near a haul road that was built specifically to bring debris to an existing nuke landfill.

All four options are within a mile of Oak Ridge residences. Henry said those homes are separated from the sites by a "prominent ridge that serves as an effective groundwater divide."

Still, concerns about the area's complex groundwater system and the possibility that contaminants could seep into it were expressed by Chris Thompson, with the state's Department of Environment and Conservation.

Thompson said a system of "under drains" proposed near several landfill sites could be a "direct conduit of contaminants to groundwater." An earlier city-funded study included similar worries.

Cleanup work is now centered on the former K-25 site where uranium was once enriched. That sprawling tract is now called East Tennessee Technology Park, and the cleanup there is targeted to wrap up in 2020.

The existing landfill for K-25 debris is near Y-12 and about 70 percent full. It will be capped when the K-25 work is done, officials said.

Next up: the start of what's expected to be a 20-year chore to rid Y-12  a nuclear weapons plant  and Oak Ridge National Laboratory of low-level radioactive debris as well as mercury.

That work is targeted to begin in 2024, and that cleanup should fill up the new, 2-million-cubic-foot landfill. DOE officials want to have the first two cells of a new landfill ready to use well beforehand.

Cange said the DOE hopes to recommend one of those four sites as the preferred location later this year, and Wednesday's session was a prelude to a mandatory public comment period on the DOE's choice.

A final decision on a landfill location would be made next year; the project would be in the design phase for 2018-2019; and construction of the initial two landfill cells is penciled in for 2020-2022.

Wednesday's get-together, described as a prelude to the formal public comment period, was hosted by the Energy, Technology and Environmental Business Association, a nonprofit consortium of 130 companies that are mainly DOE contractors.
Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Assistant Professor of Anatomy Zach Throckmorton.

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By MJ Slaby of the Knoxville News Sentinel

For years, the ancient foot bone stayed in a storage room at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History in South Africa, never on display to the public.

But when Zach Throckmorton, an assistant professor of anatomy at Lincoln Memorial University, saw the fossil last year, it seemed familiar.

It reminded him of the bones of donors with cancer that he used in the classroom at LMU's DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.

And that was the start for Throckmorton to be part of a research team that announced a discovery on Thursday  the oldest evidence of cancer in a human or human relative.

Scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand's Evolutionary Studies Institute and from the South African Centre for Excellence in PaleoSciences led the research team. Throckmorton is a "rising star associate" with the Evolutionary Studies Institute.

The discovery pushes the oldest date for evidence of cancer from 120,000 years ago to this fossil that is 1.7 million years old.

Cancer is something that touches the life of almost everyone in some way, Throckmorton said.

He said it's almost comforting to know that humans have shared that suffering for generations on generations.

"Cancer has been with us for a long, long time and is going to be with us for a long, long time," said Throckmorton, who returned from South Africa on Thursday.

Throckmorton said the fossil shows that cancer occurs regardless of environment or other aspects of modern life. So even if a person isn't a coal miner, doesn't smoke and lives in an area with good air quality, lung cancer is still possible, he said.

He said that he hopes scientists that do cancer research use this discovery to help decide their focus. Since cancer has been around so long and there are so many causes, it's important to focus on ways to reduce risk of cancer and ways to remove cancer early, he said.

When he first saw the fossil, Throckmorton was in South Africa as part of an international research team that announced last year the discovery of a new early human relative called Homo naledi.

Homo naledi was found in a remote chamber of Rising Star Cave, not far from Johannesburg. This foot bone fossil was found years earlier in the Swartkrans Cave, not far from Rising Star.

Both are in a region called the Cradle of Humankind, Throckmorton said.

He said discoveries usually are similar to what happened with Homo naledi  discoveries are from recent fossil finds. But that wasn't the case for this foot bone.

Throckmorton guessed it was found in the 1990s, and said it wasn't a fossil that would seem particularly interesting.

But when Throckmorton  who specializes in lower limb and especially foot anatomy, function, and evolution  saw the bone in the museum, he knew it was an opportunity to spend time in the laboratory, something he enjoys.

Plus, he said it was a chance to apply his work in the medical school to paleoanthropology, which is the reverse from usual.

And there is more research to be done, he said.
SHARE Joseph Lengyel (photo provided)

By News Sentinel Staff

Joseph Lengyel, an Air Force general and University of Tennessee alumnus, will be promoted to a four-star general and chief of the National Guard Bureau in a ceremony later this summer, according to a news release from UT.

He will also be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. According to UT, Lengyel's promotions were confirmed by the Senate on June 30.

In the new role, UT's release said Lengyel will lead roughly 453,000 soldiers and airmen from the Army National Guard and the U.S. Air National Guard.

He is currently vice chief of the National Guard Bureau.

Lengyel completed his aerospace and defense Master of Business Administration in 2011. While enrolled, he was the vice commander of First Air Force, based at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida and was reassigned to be a defense attache to Egypt and sent to Cairo.

"We're very proud of what Gen. Lengyel and all our alums are doing all over the world," said Andy White, director of UT's Aerospace and Defense Business Institute, in the release. "Our program attracts top leaders because they can attend from almost anywhere. The quality of instruction and tailored curriculum attract a lot of great leaders."

Lengyel is also a graduate of the University of North Texas, the Air Force's Air War College and the Harvard Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security.

More details as they develop online and in Friday's News Sentinel.
Jul 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Rep. Raumesh Akbari receives instructions during rehearsal before the beginning of the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-USA TODAY NETWORK

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By Joel Ebert, USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee

PHILADELPHIA  Hours before Hillary Clinton formally accepts the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party, Tennessee will be in the spotlight when a 32-year-old Memphis attorney will take the stage and stump for the former secretary of state.

State Rep. Raumesh Akbari is well aware that when she speaks Thursday night from inside the Wells Fargo Center that she will hardly have the most highly anticipated speech.

But that doesn't matter to her. She's just thrilled to be here.

Although some may wonder how she solidified the speaking slot  she's the only Tennessean speaking on stage at the Democratic National Convention and first since 2008  her colleagues are hardly surprised given her skills as a leader in the community.

"She understands that she is a public servant," Tennessee Democratic Party chairman Mary Mancini said, adding that Akbari shares several qualities with the Democratic nominee. "She's smart, kind, funny and loved by her colleagues."

Although Akbari's ties to Clinton have become closer in recent months  she introduced the former secretary of state during a Memphis tour last year and traveled with her to a few churches on a separate visit  the Memphis Democrat cites Bill Clinton's administration as an early influence, in addition to watching the nightly news with her father.

"I wanted to be an amplifier for the needs of my community," Akbari told USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee this week.

Akbari's ascent has been swift. She first entered politics in 2013, elected to fill the seat held by the late Lois DeBerry, who represented Memphis from 1973 until her death in 2013. DeBerry had an almost legendary status in Tennessee. DeBerry was active in the civil rights movement, participated in the March on Washington in 1963 before running for office and eventually becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore.

Akbari won a crowded primary election before defeating an independent candidate in a head-to-head match in the fall of 2013. In 2014, she beat a challenger in the Democratic primary and defeated a Republican opponent in the general election.

This year, no other Democrats decided to challenge Akbari but she will have a Republican opponent in November.

State Rep. Brenda Gilmore, D-Nashville, said people closely watched Akbari when she first entered office because she was replacing DeBerry.

"She stepped into some very big shoes," Gilmore said. "She's just gone beyond our wildest expectations. I think she's going to create her own legacy."

Akbari's legislative colleagues say she is dedicated to meeting the needs of her community.

"She's got a great head on her shoulders and she's certainly dedicated to the causes that we Democrats are," said House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley.

In recent years, Gilmore, who serves as chairwoman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, has worked closely with Akbari, who is the caucus' vice chair.

"She's smart, she's thoughtful and she has way of confronting issues in a very honest way without being confrontational," Gilmore said.

Gilmore said she appreciates Akbari's willingness to reach across the aisle and work with any one of her 73 Republican colleagues in the House to pass legislation. "With only 26 Democrats that's critical," Gilmore said.

Although she hasn't always lived in Memphis  Akbari attended Washington University in St. Louis for her bachelor's degree and got a law degree from St. Louis University  she's a native of the city and has been intrinsically tied to it.

Her parents, Lisa and Hooshang, have had a business in Memphis since before she was born. They started with a hair salon and now own a cosmetology school, Lisa Akbari's Cosmetology Institute, and a hair product line: Lisa Akbari's Hair Nutrition System.

A graduate of Cordova High School in Memphis, Akbari said she always wanted to be an attorney. She said she was "super inspired" by Claire Huxtable, the fictional character on "The Cosby Show."

"On career day, I would carry a briefcase and dress up as a lawyer and my sister would wear a white jacket and dress up like a doctor," she said.

Memphis is also home to her twin sister, Raumina, who is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Tennessee at Memphis, her grandmother, Clara Macklin and her two dogs, a toy poodle named Sasha Fierce Obama Akbari and a Chihuahua known as Dr. Dre Akbari.

Akbari herself lives in the Cooper-Young neighborhood in Midtown.

Macklin, who lived with the family for the first two years of the twins' lives, was especially proud when Akbari ran for office, the lawmaker said.

"She has her regional voter registration card from 1962. That was before the Voting Rights Act," Akbari said. "For her to be able to vote for me, it's amazing."

Although she would've liked to be able to bring more people to Philadelphia to see her speech in person, Akbari said she was only able to invite her mother, who was hoping to bring campaign signs and wave them inside the Wells Fargo Center during her speech.

Akbari said the main focus of her speech, scheduled for 5:30 p.m., will be an appeal those 35 and under.

"The young Democrats and a lot of the ones who are undecided," she said. "I want try to explain to them why I am a strong Clinton supporter and why I think they should work hard to get Secretary Clinton elected as President Clinton."

Akbari, who is attending her first political convention and is an alternate Clinton delegate, said being with motivated Democrats gives her an opportunity to recharge her political batteries before heading back to Tennessee, dominated by Republicans outside of the state's big cities.

Akbari is easy to spot among the Tennessee delegation, frequently found decked out in red, white and blue and wearing Clinton stickers and buttons. Since Al Gore spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2008, she is the first Tennessean who will be on stage to deliver a prime-time address.
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry

SHARE Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero (News Sentinel file photo)

By Joey Garrison, USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee

PHILADELPHIA  Nashville Mayor Megan Barry on Wednesday hailed the historical moment of this week's Democratic nomination of Hillary Clinton for president, saying it sent a powerful message to young women and girls.

It was Barry last year who accomplished a historical feat for Nashville when voters elected her the city's first woman mayor.

On Tuesday, Clinton became the first woman nominated as the presidential candidate for a major political party.

Barry, speaking before both Tennessee and Minnesota's Democratic delegations here in Philadelphia during a joint breakfast, recited how someone that same day told her "sometimes history is happening right next to us and we don't even know it."

"This is happening right now  this history of Hillary Clinton being the first woman to be nominated for president  and I am reminded how incredibly important that is," she said.

"When Hillary Clinton says to all the young women out there, 'I may be first, but you will be next,' that's really powerful."

Barry singled out other women officeholders from Tennessee in attendance at the breakfast: Davidson County Clerk Brenda Wynn, who was the first woman elected to a countywide constitutional office in Nashville, Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero.

She also recounted a story from last year's Christmas parade in Nashville when she said that someone yelled, "Here comes the mayor." Barry said she was being trailed by her security detail, which consisted of two men.

"There were four little girls sitting on a stoop and one of them said, 'Which one is he?'" Barry said. "And I got to talk over to those little girls and say, 'Actually, I'm the mayor.' And the little girl said, 'You mean a girl can be a mayor?' And I said, 'Absolutely.'

"And a woman can be the president!" Barry said.

In her remarks, Barry took a moment to discuss Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. She said she doesn't "live in the same world that Donald Trump lives in," which she said is a "world of fear and hate."

She also discussed the economic growth in Nashville, which is in the midst of a boom that predated her arrival in the mayor's office.

"I get asked all the time, 'What is the special sauce that makes Nashville so incredible?'"

She said she believes that "the special sauce is the secret for Dems across the United States," a platform that she said that is both "pro-business and progressive."

In her political career, Barry, a former councilwoman, has supported policies and civic projects that are popular with Nashville's business class and has also been a champion for social causes supported by liberals. Former Mayor Karl Dean used a similar pro-business platform during his eight years in office.

Barry also touted the "powers of cities" on the economy, including in Tennessee. She said Nashville contributes one out of every three dollars produced by the state's economy.

"That is the money that flows into our rural communities, so remembering the power of the city is critical," Barry said, adding that Clinton "gets it" in this area. She cited Clinton's support for prekindergarten, her stance on health care and support for infrastructure spending.
President Barack Obama and Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wave together during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

SHARE President Barack Obama speaks during the third day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President Barack Obama speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/John Locher)

By Joel Ebert And Joey Garrison, USA TODAY NETWORK  Tennessee

PHILADELPHIA  Tennessee Democrats raved over what could be one of President Barack Obama's final major speeches in office, one that gave a boost to the candidacy of his onetime rival Hillary Clinton and unleashed a sharp critique on her Republican opponent Donald Trump.

The 44th president used the beginning of his speech to defend his legacy before touting the experiences of Clinton, calling her a lifelong fighter and someone uniquely equipped for the White House.

"There has never been a man or woman  not me, not Bill  more qualified to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama said.

His appearance at the Democratic National Convention marked Obama's most significant effort to stump for the former secretary of state, who he defeated during a contentious primary race in 2008. It also came as polls show Trump has surged into the lead nationally following the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

"As many times as he does it, he always seems to capture the moment perfectly and says the words that are in my soul," said Rob McGuire, an attorney from Nashville and Clinton delegate. "That's what is so amazing and how lucky I feel to have witnessed that history tonight and over the last eight years."

He said the speech offered much more optimism than the message from the Republican convention, which he called "a very top-down message."

"It was America is broken and I can fix it. And I think the president made a perfect rebuttal to that tonight, which is America isn't broken  we have work to do and we are going to do it together."

State Rep. Harold Love Jr., D-Nashville, called Obama's remarks a "wonderful goodbye given by the president, but also the handing of the baton to Hillary Clinton."

"President Obama went through and talked about the experience in the White House and where the country was, and where we were able to take it. I love how he kept saying our success is not dependent on one person, but on all of us coming together."

Love said his favorite line of the speech was a call to vote following the eruption of boos from the crowd after Obama mentioned Trump.

"Don't boo," Obama said. "Vote."

Freda Player, political director of the Service Employees International Union Local 205 and Clinton delegate, said it was "the unity speech" that Democrats needed.

"It put into perspective what's going in the nation, what we've accomplished in the nation during his tenure, but also that we need to move forward and get back to our moral values," Player said. We're stronger  What our moral values are as a country.

Renda Washington, executive director of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, said Obama's words left her "speechless"

"It was so awesome. I came away with the feeling that we can do this. We can get Hillary in the White House.

She and others said Obama's speech will help energize Democrats. "His speech can help her help people get out the vote."

Tennessee House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, said the speech "was from the heart" and it relayed the things he did over the past eight years and transitioned to the party's new candidate, Clinton.

"He brought in no uncertain terms what he thought a Trump presidency would be like. I thought it was well-written and of course well-given by an outstanding man."

Ashford Hughes, an aide in Nashville Mayor Megan Barry's office and Clinton delegate, said "it was an exciting speech  he talked about what we have done."

"I thought it was a hopeful speech  talking about where we are as America  that we're not this disastrous, one day from the apocalypse country. That we are moving in a progressive manner."

Hughes said Clinton's presence really energized the audience in advance of her officially accepting the party's nomination Thursday.

"I thought it was very poignant that the president continued to talk about (how) we cannot just vote at the presidential level. Unless we get down at the local level, voting for mayor, voting for council members, voting for state seats, then we are not really making change."

Leonard Stevenson of the Wilson County Democratic Party, and a Tennessee delegate, said the speech is "right up there" with his best and that it "did the job."

"I think he was just trying to bring everyone together to let them know that all this stuff Donald Trump is talking about is not correct," he said. It's a lot of rhetoric and lies and stuff, a smear campaign and character assignation on Hillary Clinton.

Reach Joey Garrison at 615-259-8236 and on Twitter @joeygarrison. Reach Joel Ebert at 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.
Voters cast ballots on July 26, 2016, in Atlanta.(Photo: David Goldman, AP)

Somebody  probably, though not certainly, Vladimir Putins intelligence apparatus  has hacked the Democratic Committees email servers and released some of what it found via the Wikileaks site. As Harvard law professor Jack Goldsmith notes, this is something new: Although meddling in foreign elections is old stuff for intelligence agencies (including our own), this sort of email release is unprecedented.

As disruptive as the DNC email release has been, theres room for something much worse: A foreign government could hack voting machines, shut down election computers, or delete or alter voter registration information, turning Election Day into a snarled mess and calling the results into question regardless of who wins.

Worse yet, hackers are already working on this.

Voting systems rely on trust. Voters have to trust that their own vote is recorded and counted accurately; they also have to trust that the overall count is accurate, and that only eligible voters are allowed to vote. (When an ineligible voter casts a vote, it cancels out the vote of a legitimate voter every bit as much as if his or her ballot had simply been shredded.)

The problem is that electronic systems  much less the Internet-based systems that some people are talking about moving to  cant possibly provide that degree of reliability. Theyre too easy to hack, and alterations are too easy to conceal. If the powers-that-be cant protect confidential emails, or government employees security information, then they cant guarantee the sanctity of voting systems.

My own solution is a back-to-the-future one: In an age of computer hackers and, apparently, hopeless failures in data security, we should switch from computers to a superior technology. In this case, its paper ballots.

Are paper ballots really a superior technology to voting machines? Absolutely.

When you vote electronically, the only data recorded is the vote itself. Compare that to a paper ballot where you mark an "X" next to the candidates name. When you cast a paper ballot, all sorts of other information is captured along with your vote: The color of ink you used, individual variations in handwriting, even the condition of the paper youre writing on. Changing that across large numbers of ballots without being obvious is hard, and requires physical access to the ballots; doing it on a computer is a matter of a few keystrokes, and can be done from Minsk or Shanghai.

Paper ballots may seem old-fashioned, but an emphasis on computers just for technologys sake reminds me of stories about housewives in the 1950s who preferred canned vegetables to fresh ones because canned food seemed more modern. Just because a technology is newer doesnt necessarily mean its better.

The only downside of paper ballots is that they take longer to count than voting machine totals. But although cable-news operations like fast returns, thats hardly worth it when theres a risk that those returns might be fraudulent.

Voting machines, of course, generate lucrative government contracts for equipment and support that can be awarded to favored companies, while paper ballots only require a printing press. But if were really worried about foreign interference in American elections  and the evidence suggests that we ought to be  then we should be willing to make this change.

Worried about foreign hacking? Then you should support paper ballots, an idea whose time has come again. And its only three months until November.

Glenn Harlan Reynolds, a University of Tennessee law professor and the author of The New School: How the Information Age Will Save American Education from Itself, is a member of USA TODAY's Board of Contributors. Follow him on Twitter @Instapundit.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday offered an amnesty to armed rebels battling his forces if they hand themselves in, the official SANA news agency reported.

"Everyone carrying arms... and sought by justice... is excluded from full punishment if they hand themselves in and lay down their weapons," SANA said, quoting a presidential decree on the three-month amnesty offer.

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In what has become a rite of summer, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett is putting together a list of projects to fund with this year's budget surplus.

Conservative budgeting and increasing tax revenues have enabled Burchett to make distributing excess funds at the end of the fiscal year an annual affair. Burchett prudently restricts the expenditures to one-time projects so the next year's budget is not compromised.

The surplus is expected to be in the $2.25 million range, but the precise figure will not be determined until Knox County Finance Director Chris Caldwell closes the books for the 2015-16 fiscal year, which ended June 30.

The first to benefit from the windfall will be Knox County Sheriff's deputies. Burchett announced last week he would set aside $160,000 to buy 400 tactical vests that can protect deputies from rifle fire.

The heavier vests are designed to be worn over the regular uniforms of the officers. They have ceramic plates that disperse the energy from a rifle round. The vests are meant to be stored in cruisers and worn only during times that require response to an active shooter.

Burchett said the decision to fund the purchase was in part a reaction to the attacks on police in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La. that killed eight police officers earlier this month.

According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, 32 officers died in firearms-related incidents this year through July 20, an alarming increase of 78 percent over 2015.

The Washington Post reported that FBI data show an average of 25 officers have been shot and killed by the midyear point over the past 10 years.

Giving deputies potentially life-saving gear is a noble use of the surplus funds.

Burchett has not said what he would do with the remainder of the surplus, and Knox County Finance Director Chris Caldwell has suggested saving the funds. "Just because we have it, doesn't mean we'll spend it," Burchett said.

While socking away more than $2 million would seem attractive to the famously frugal mayor, the county's cash reserves remain healthy and there are needs in the community at least a portion of the money could meet.

Burchett, with approval of the Knox County Commission, spent most of last year's $4 million surplus on such items as cruisers and laptop computers for the Sheriff's Office, a grant to the Smoky Mountain Air Show, upgrades at several county-owned buildings and more.

Burchett already has set aside $200,000 for one of the county's most pressing needs, a treatment center to serve as an alternative to jail for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse issues or mental illness. He still could opt to add to that amount. Some of the money could go toward adding to the number of miles of roads to be repaved, computers for the school system, park improvements or any number of other one-time expenses.

Burchett's track record suggests he will try to meet multiple needs and keep a little in reserve, a formula that would be in the taxpayers' best interest.
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The opening night theme for the Republican National Convention, "Make America Safe Again", certainly was ironic, especially when you consider our country is flooded with assault rifles thanks to our Congress and the Tennessee Legislature. There is something wrong when our elected officials won't protect our police, kindergarteners and citizens from these assault weapons. The lobbyists for these gun manufacturers and the NRA own our Democratic system.

Jim Winston, Knoxville
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My wife and I saw the movie "Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party" recently.

I was born in 1929, graduated from high school in 1946. I was taught American history and world history in high school. My teachers discussed the founding of the Republican Party. Abraham Lincoln was murdered because he fought for the freeing of the slaves. His murderer was for slavery.

The movie discussed the beginning of the Democratic Party, its backing of the Ku Klux Klan and President Andrew Jackson, a Democrat who had many slaves he treated cruelly. It discussed the many ways in which Republicans fought against slavery, and how the Democrats won the battles for slavery. It discussed the civil rights movement in America, supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats. The film showed how blacks tried to gain their freedoms but lost to the Democrats. The film showed the slums to which blacks were sent to live in poverty, causing them to live under the rule of Democratic mayors and governors and presidents. The film showed the way American Indians were kicked off their lands and sent to live on reservations by Democrat leaders.

I have not always been a Republican. I was raised by a father who was a staunch Democrat. When I would ask him about why he was a Democrat, he accused my high school teachers of teaching lies about his party. But he hated Jews and blacks. I became a Republican when I saw the true history of the Democratic Party. It disgusted me.

I challenge every African American, every Democrat, every millennial to see the movie. I hope you will see the truth about the Democratic Party. And I hope you will see to it that Hillary Clinton, a Democrat seeking to become the next president, will be denied the position.

Duane Block, Lenoir City
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As President Barack Obama approaches the end of his regime relatively unscathed by his administration's failures and corruption, he should thank the slobbering sycophants who aided and abetted his avoidance of responsibility. One of those minions, Mark Harmon, penned a tribute enumerating those things for which we should be grateful to the president. Alas, he failed to mention some important achievements.

Thank you, Mr. President, for the "most transparent administration ever." All those accusations of stonewalling, obfuscation, destruction of documents and lying couldn't be true, since all the "journalists" from ABC, CBS, NBC, and CCN (you know, the people who should be asking hard questions and informing the people) were silent.

Thank you for telling us about the "millions" who have gained insurance through the Affordable Care Act but nothing about those who lost their insurance. Amazingly, you also didn't know how many of the people who signed up increasingly find it unaffordable. The question may be moot since members of the exchanges are dropping like dead leaves from an un-watered house plant.

Thank you, President Obama, for worsening race relations by knee-jerk reactions such as calling a cop a racist for arresting the black professor before you had any details. And thank you for undermining our constitutional protections and sullying the reputations of the IRS, FBI and the entire Justice Department.

Most importantly of all, thank you for your "historic achievement" in negotiating a treaty with Iran that is very likely to extract a high price from a future president and the world because you have enabled the world's largest state-sponsor of terrorism to acquire a nuclear-tipped missile arsenal.

D. B. "Chic" Stinson, Knoxville
Research, Technology Aid Effort to Help Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

By Shannon Collins, DOD

JULY 27, 2016 at 11:11 p.m.







A technician demonstrates how a patient with a traumatic brain injury uses the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment virtual reality to help with movement and balance at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Md. Courtesy photo



WASHINGTON  Since the Vietnam War, doctors have seen an increase in service members returning from combat with traumatic brain injuries from blasts and improvised explosive devices. At the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, a directorate of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, doctors and therapists use research and technology to help service members with TBI in their recovery.



Dr. Louis French, the centers deputy director, said NICoE uses this research and technology to study the structure and metabolic activity in the brain, how it metabolizes glucose, where the blood flow is, and the electrical activity in the brain.



All of those things we want to know go into this idea of function, and we want to visualize those better, he said. And the techniques we have developed, there are ways of better visualizing abnormalities in the brain. Once we gain better insight into what these abnormalities are, then we can find ways of targeting treatments better.





MEG



NICoE is the only clinic in the nation to have a magnetoencephalography scanner, or MEG, dedicated to the treatment of TBI, said Dr. John Hughes, a neurologist and the director of the MEG lab. Its really unprecedented that an institution can have this dedicated to one disorder, he added.



The MEG is a technique used to measure and record the brains magnetic fields during its normal activity and provide insight into how the brain is functioning, Hughes said. NICoE uses it to study the electrical oscillations in a mildly traumatic brain as well as the physiology of the cortex of the brain and the psychological issues related to it, he said, noting that there are only 40 MEG labs in the country.



The fact we have an MEG lab thats really dedicated to understanding traumatic brain injury is a wonderful opportunity for all of our active duty members and veterans to help us understand these disorders, he said. This is a pretty unique situation. Its very sophisticated instrumentation.



The MEG requires liquid helium that goes over more than 300 sensors placed just above the scalp to keep the sensors very cold.



Im thrilled to be able to apply this technology to this specific problem, Hughes said. He said the MEG is similar to the electroencephalography, or EEG, used to record the electrical component of brainwaves, but the magnetic fields require the more sophisticated instrumentation.



If we continue to study traumatic brain injury with MEG, we cant fail to make significant insights into understanding the physiological basis of symptoms of TBI, and well reap huge benefits in terms of developing therapies specific to those physiological issues we can discover with MEG, he added.





ActiGraph



Another device NICoE uses is the ActiGraph watch, used to record sleep patterns. Similar to a fitness tracker, patients can wear it instead of needing the sensors used in a traditional sleep study to be attached to their heads, said Dr. Tony Panettiere, neurology sleep medicine physician.



Most people whove had traumatic brain injury who we see often have neurological complaints such as headaches, memory dysfunction, irritability, focus attention issues and sleep issues, Panettiere said. During a sleep study, he said, the device measures brainwaves, muscle relaxation, how a patient is breathing and heart rhythm. Technicians can tell if a person has sleep apnea or a limb movement disorder.



Panettiere said the advantage of the ActiGraph is that the results are less artificial than theyd be if the patient had to sleep with all of the wires attached as they do in a traditional sleep study. Theyre back in their own bed, and we even do it a couple weeks with them wearing the watch if theres any information thats contrary to what weve found in the lab, he said.





Research, Imaging Devices



French said the research goes primarily in two directions. The first is in the characterization of patients -- understanding the symptoms they have after theyve been injured through advanced neuroimaging.



NICoE also has PET CT, CT, 3 Tesla MRI, a magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a number of other dedicated imaging devices for traumatic brain injury patients, said Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Grant Bonavia, interim chief of the research department and chief of neuroimaging and measurement devices.



We have a group of researchers who are looking at techniques and modalities that are not necessarily well described yet, but theres hope that using these advanced technologies that one could find abnormalities that may be there just below the threshold of standard neuroimaging that would be done at outside institutions, he said. So weve looked into functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, which are advanced techniques. We also have PET data from a large number of patients that were analyzing. And the MEG, which is also a very advanced device, has a lot of potential to assist in diagnosis in following the patients response to therapies.



French said he is the principal investigator on a congressionally mandated 15-year mandated longitudinal study, which will study the effects of TBI and the expression of symptoms over time. Our goal is to follow people for 15 years and find out how their symptoms change over time, how they do after having had a brain injury in a military situation, and understand how the brain injury recovery may intersect with the aging process, he said.



French said NICoE is working in partnership with the National Institutes of Health, which is giving the center access to some specialized researchers and techniques with these characterization studies.





Research, Treatment



NICoE also is exploring new treatment options, French said. Currently, he noted, NICoE offers animal-assisted therapy, assistive technology, audiology and vestibular services, a brain fitness center, driving assessment and rehabilitation, a computer-assisted rehabilitation environment, family education and art therapy.



We have treatments we provide for people here, and we see those techniques work for people, but we dont always completely understand them, French said. So we want to know a little bit more about. Why do they work for some people and not as well for other people? Is there an optimal time that you should start these treatments? Is there an optimal intensity or dosage that we do for these kinds of things?



Those are fundamental questions that have not always been asked, the doctor continued, and we want to understand more about what were doing. We want to make sure theres a firm scientific foundation for all the clinical work we do so we can conduct studies in that regard.



Some of the treatments NICoE uses are complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and art therapy.



We use a lot of [those] therapies here at NICoE that have evidence-base that also help these service members improve, said Dr. Gene Casagrande, team coordinator and primary care physician. To watch a headache improve without narcotics and to watch patients relax and sleep better with just breathing, to me, thats very important. Were doing a lot of different things here at NICoE that havent been introduced in the past at their home station.



Sleep and nutritional education play important roles in some of his patients lives, he added.





System of Care



French, whos been working with TBI care for 16 years, said the military went from being behind the curve to establishing a care system at every major troop center at every major military treatment facility today. He said Intrepid Spirit Centers are being built around the country and will share lessons learned with NICoE.



Were trying to develop a national care system thats all linked together so we can communicate about best practices, he said.



Inpatient screening and consultation services are available at Walter Reed, French said.



We continue to provide and have assets related to the long-term care of people, he said. We have some of our services over in the hospital. We have our brain fitness center, which is our computerized cognitive remediation program, which is a program that works in conjunction with the speech pathologists and the occupational therapists and the neuropsychologists to focus on trying to improve cognitive dysfunction, memory intention, language and problem solving.



French said NICoE wants to ensure patients have access to all aspects of the health care system.



NICoE is the centerpiece of our care system for traumatic brain injury, he said. But think about NICoE as a concept and a system, rather than just this building. Its way more than just this building.



Bonavia said the research and technology at NICoE is vital.



Its a clinical institute that allows clinicians as well as researchers to be under the same roof to collaborate and to take care of patients and to discuss findings, he said. We can talk about modalities that may be more effective than others for therapy and talk about the future for TBI and psychological health care going forward at one site.



The centers location on the Walter Reed campus allows access to a number of different resources, he said, and being across the street from the National Institutes of Health provides easy access to a significant presence in researching and taking care of patients with TBI and psychologic health problems.



What were doing for the patients were putting into the research side of things so were able to analyze whats working and whats not and bring that to the next person who comes a week later, a month later, a year later, Panettiere said. So were better now than we were even five years ago when I started here.





Part 4 of a five-part series.



 Part 1 - National Intrepid Center Zeroes In on Traumatic Brain Injury

 Part 2 - Art Therapy Helps Marine Heal from From Traumatic Brain Injury

 Part 3 - Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Paint, Sculpt Way to Recovery Published July 27, 2016
The Latest on developments related to the Syrian war and international effort on the crisis The governor of Syria's Aleppo province says on state TV that three crossings have opened for residents of the besieged parts of the city of Aleppo.

Mohammed Marwan Olbi says the government will offer those who leave temporary accommodation.

The TV says fliers have already been dropped on Thursday on rebel-held besieged parts of Aleppo city, urging people to take the government's offer of humanitarian corridors.

There are no signs yet that residents have converged on the crossings. The TV also aired a call from Aleppo clerics, urging armed groups to drop their weapons.

Syria's President Bashar Assad has offered an amnesty to rebels who lay down their arms and surrender to authorities over the next three months. The government completely closed the main road into the rebel-held areas on July 17, effectively besieging them and 300,000 residents

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Maeil Dairies unveils new ready-to-drink caffe lattes in three flavors: mild, chocolate and caramel macchiato.



By Lee Hyo-sik

Maeil Dairies has introduced three new ready-to-drink (RTD) caffe lattes that offer a richer flavor than existing ones, attracting keen attention from coffee lovers.

The 330-milliliter caffe latte, under the firm's Cafe Latte brand, comes in three flavors: mild, chocolate and caramel macchiato, and is priced at 1,900 won.

"Our Cafe Latte brand is the country's first RTD coffee brand, which has built a huge customer base over the years," a Maeil Dairies spokesman said. "To better serve our customers, we decided to launch new caffe lattes that provide a richer milk flavor."

The company will also ship the drinks to China, the United States and other countries to nurture its Cafe Latte brand as one of the world's major names in RTD coffee drinks, it said.

Large-size RTD coffee drinks that contain more than 300 milliliters account for only 9 percent of the market. But beverage firms are recently rushing to launch large-size coffee products to capitalize on the growing number of people consuming large quantities.

"We brew only high-quality coffee beans through a speedier process to keep their rich flavor, and add more milk to create a mild taste at the same time," the spokesman said. "We then add Belgium raw chocolate or caramel syrup to create the other varieties. Consumer response has been very positive."
[Classical Concerts]



SAC 11am Concert'

Seoul Arts Center*

Until Dec. 8





On every second Thursday of each month, an "11am Concert" will be performed at the Seoul Arts Center.

/ Courtesy of Seoul Arts Center



On every second Thursday of each month, an "11am Concert" will be performed at the Seoul Arts Center. Chong Park will host the shows with commentary, and coffee will be provided for free. With distinct soloists for each concert, the Korean Symphony Orchestra will perform at all of the concerts.

Tickets cost 20,000 to 25,000 won. For more information, visit sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300.

Curlew River'

Sejong M Theater

Until July 31

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts presents the world-renowned opera "Curlew River" at the Sejong M Theater from July 28 to 31.

Benjamin Britten's Curlew River is the first of his three Church Parables, which was composed after his tour of the Orient in the 1950s. During the trip, he was heavily inspired by different musical and theatrical worlds of Japanese Noh drama and medieval church opera, which led him to create music of extraordinary originality.

Curlew River's story begins with people gathered to mourn for a boy who died while traveling as the slave of a foreigner, displaying an emotionally resonant parable of grief and loss.

Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1783.

[Big Tickets]



Wicked'

Seoul Arts Center

Until Aug. 28

"Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz" returns to the stage with a new cast in July, following its 2013 Korean premiere.

Based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," it tells the story of two witches _ Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba is a green-skinned witch who is often alienated and Glinda is a popular blonde witch. Veteran actress Cha Ji-yeon is sharing the role of Elphaba with actress Park Hye-na, while Jeong Sun-ah will share the role of Glinda with Ivy. With its spectacular fantasy storyline, "Wicked" shows life-changing friendships while growing up.

Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.wickedthemusical.co.kr

Notre Dame de Paris'

Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall

Until Aug. 21

The French musical "Notre Dame de Paris" based on the well-known novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" will be performed at the Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall from June 16 to August 21.

With its beautiful numbers including "Le Temps des Cathedrals," "Belle" and "Vivre," the musical Notre Dame de Paris has drawn a vast number of audiences all over the world. Following the premiere in 2008, this year's Korean licensed performance will have Hong Kwang-ho, K-Will and Moon Jong-won playing Quasimodo and Yoon Gong-ju, Lina and Jeon Na-young playing Esmeralda.

Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 541-6236.

[Pop & Jazz]



Someday Festival 2016

Nanji Hangang Park

Sept. 3 to 4

This year's Someday Festival will be held at Seoul Nanji Hangang Park for two days, Sept. 3 to 4.

Launched last year, Someday Festival is a two-day outdoor event that features a variety of musical genres. The festival this year will feature: Vibe, Jeong-yeop, Kiha & The Faces, Akdong Musician, Busker Busker, Yoonha, J Rabbit, Kim Bum-soo, Jang Bum-joon, 10cm, Beenzino, Zico, Crush and Dean.

A one-day ticket costs 88,000 won and a two-day ticket costs 119,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3780-0611.

VIXX

Olympic Park

Aug. 13 to 14

Korean boy group VIXX is having concerts in Seoul, titled VIXX Live Fantasia Elysium on Aug. 13 and 14.

The upcoming concerts will feature songs released this year and the group's previous hits. VIXX Live Fantasia Elysium marks the group's third solo concert series. VIXX consists of six members: Leo, Ken, Ravi, Hongbin, Hyuk and N.

Tickets cost 99,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 371-8380.

[Plays & Musicals]



Mozart!'

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Until Aug. 7

Musical "Mozart!" will be staged at the Sejong Grand Theater from June 10 to Aug. 7.

An Austrian musical, Mozart!' was originally written in German by Michael Kunze, with the music and arrangement by Sylvester Levay. The musical revolves around the central figure Mozart, revealing his struggles as a musician and a man.

Lee Jee-hoon, Jeon Dong-suk and Cho Gyu-hyun will play the main role of Wolfgang Mozart, Sophie Kim and Nan-A will be Constanze Weber, and Shin Young-sook and Kim So-hyun will be Baronin Von Waldstatten. Min Young-ki, Kim Jun-hyun, Lee Jung-yeol and Yoon Young-seok also star.

Tickets cost 50,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit musicalmozart.co.kr or call 1577-6478.

Bare the Musical

Doosan Art Center

Until Sept. 4

"Bare the Musical" will be staged again at the Doosan Art Center following its 2015 Korean premiere.

The musical is about two teen boys, Peter and Jason, who are secretly in love with each other while attending a conservative Catholic high school. Jung Won-young, Song Seung-won and Park Kang-hyun share the role of Peter, and Kim Seung-dae, Sung Doo-seop and Seo Kyung-soo play Jason. Choi Seo-yeon and Min Kyung-ah also star as Ivy.

Tickets cost 66,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 556-5910.

Peste

LG Arts Center

Until Sept. 30

The musical "Peste" will premiere on July 20 at the LG Arts Center.

"Peste" is based on French author Albert Camus' novel "The Plague" and combined with Seo Tae-ji's legendary songs. With musical numbers from Seo, "Peste" will display tragedy among the main roles  Rieux, Rambert, Tarrou, Cottard, and Grand. Kim Da-hyun, Sohn Ho-young, and Park Eun-suk will play Rieux, and Kim Do-hyun and Yoon Hyung-ryul will play Rambert.

Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-3363.

Hamlet the Play

Chungmu Art Center

Aug. 2 to Oct. 16





One of the most famous dramas of all time, William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" will be staged at Chungmu Art Center from Aug. 2 to Oct. 16. / Courtesy of the Best Play Inc.



One of the most famous dramas of all time, William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" will be staged at Chungmu Art Center from Aug. 2 to Oct. 16.

It will follow the plot of the original work: Prince Hamlet learns that his father has died and his mother has remarried his uncle Claudius who is now the king. The ghost of Hamlet's father appears and tells his son that he was murdered by Claudius, so Hamlet vows vengeance. Hamlet the Play is planned to include a few additional characters, in order to make the tragic story of Hamlet more dreadful. Kim Kang-woo, Kim Dong-won will play the title role of Hamlet, and Lee Kahp-sun and Kim Dae-ryung will play Claudius.

Tickets cost 30,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 766-6007.

True West

Yegreen Theater

Until Aug. 28





Sam Shepard's play about brotherhood is on at Yegreen Theater until Aug. 28. / Courtesy of Aga Company



Sam Shepard's play about brotherhood is being performed at Yegreen Theater until Aug. 28.

"True West" was first performed in San Francisco, where Shepard was a resident playwright. It had its world premiere there in 1980, and first came to Korea in 2011. Since its Korean premiere, the play has accumulated a solid fandom. Austin, a Hollywood screenwriter and Lee, a drifter, are brothers. In their home, Lee threatens to obliterate everything around him, facing off against Austin. While their mother goes on a trip to Alaska, they seek freedom from each other. Bae Sung-woo, Oh Man-suk, Kim Jong-gu and Seo Hyun-woo play Austin, while Jung Moon-sung, Lee Dong-ha, Lee Hyun-wook and Kim Seon-ho play Lee.

Tickets cost 45,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 764-8760.

[Dance]



Giselle

Chungmu Art Hall

Aug. 12 to 14

Korea's Universal Ballet presents "Giselle: A Death-Defying Love Story" at Chungmu Art Hall, which will run for three days from Aug. 12 to 14.

"Giselle" is regarded as one of the best-known ballet performances, and Universal Ballet has presented this piece numerous times both in Korea and abroad. The two-act ballet covers themes of romance, vengeance and forgiveness, centering on a young peasant girl. The main performers include Um Jae-yong, Hwang Hye-min, Kang Min-woo, Kim Na-eun and Konstantin Novoselov.

Tickets cost 20,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, visit sacticket.co.kr or call (02) 2230-6601.

[Clubs]



Club Octagon

Nonhyeon

Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The club offers a stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. It is near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.

Club Globe Lounge

Itaewon

Club Globe Lounge is famous among women looking for a place to throw birthday parties or enjoy a light dinner. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., it serves as a bar, changing into a club after 10 p.m. Every Thursday, Club Globe Lounge has a Happy Hour buffet for guests. Club Globe Lounge is located near the Hamilton Hotel by exit 2 of Itaewon Station, subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 792-1127.

Club Evans

Hongik University

Club Evans is a live jazz club that has served as a platform for emerging jazz artists for a decade. It operates jazz recording studios and a jazz academy as well, producing albums for many local jazz artists. Club Evans provides jazz concerts and leads music sessions every Monday and Tuesday. Club Evans is located near exit 1 of Sangsu Station, subway line 6. It opens at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit clubevans.com or call (02) 337-8361.

Once in a Blue Moon

Apgujeong

Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best-known and well-established jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located between the Hakdong Intersection and Galleria Department Store in the posh district of Apgujeong. For more information, visit onceinabluemoon.co.kr or call (02) 549-5490.

Club Answer

Cheongdam

Club Answer, chosen as one of the five hottest clubs in Seoul by CNN, provides a spacious interior and brilliant lighting system with entertaining DJs on stage nightly. Club Answer is in the classy area of Cheongdam, a district known to lead the party culture of Seoul. It is located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311.

Club Double Eight

Sinsa

Opened in 2010, Club Double Eight takes clubbing to its heights. Located in Gangnam, it provides diverse hotel promotions and features weekend lineups with exuberant DJs. It is located near exit 1 of Sinsa Station on Line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803.


The Tunisian army killed two suspected militants on Wednesday in the northwest of the country, the Ministry of Defence said Thursday.

"Military units, reinforced by elements of the National Guard... killed two terrorists during search operations" near the town of Jendouba, the ministry said in a statement.

A soldier was wounded during the fighting, it said.

Two rifles were also seized, along with ammunition, backpacks, clothes, mobile phones and cash.

It said the army and the National Guard would continue to search for militants in the region.

Tunisia saw an uptick in militant violence following its revolution in 2011, and security forces frequently clash with extremist groups in the mountainous west of the country.

The militants have responded by launching ever more ambitious attacks.

In March 2015, militant gunmen killed 21 tourists and a policeman at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis.

The following month, 30 Britons were among 38 foreign holidaymakers killed in a gun and grenade attack on a beach resort near the Tunisian city of Sousse.

Both attacks were claimed by the Islamic State group.

Tunisia has been in a state of emergency since November 24, when a suicide bombing, also claimed by IS group, killed 12 presidential guards in central Tunis.

Several thousand Tunisians have joined extremist groups including the Islamic State group in Syria, Iraq and neighbouring Libya.

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By Park Si-soo



Nearly 200 dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Korea are arriving at shelters in the United States this week, according to USA Today.

The 171 animals are the final group of 250 dogs whose lives were secured through an agreement between a Korean dog meat farmer and Humane Society International in December.



The U.S. daily said the farmer, who lives in Wonju, Gangwon Province, reached out to Humane Society International last year and asked for help to get out of the business, according to Adam Parascandola, director of the Animal Protection and Crisis Response.












The Constitutional Court upheld the controversial anti-graft law, which subjects journalists and private school teachers along with public officials to strict guidelines in regards to gifts, paving the way for its official implementation.



The so-called Kim Young-ran Law, named after its proposer, prohibits civil servants, journalists and those hired by private schools from receiving goods and services that exceed 1 million won ($888) or 3 million won in total annually. The rules make it illegal to accept meals exceeding 30,000 won, presents in excess of 50,000 won and congratulatory or condolence money totaling over 100,000 won. The law is slated to take effect on Sept. 28.



Local journalists and their associations, as well as private school organizations, filed four separate petitions, asking the court to review the law shortly after it passed the National Assembly in March last year.



They said the new law, which was created to ensure fair performance of duty by public officials, infringes upon the freedom of press and private schools by including journalists and private teachers in rules meant for public officials.



The court, however, said the law does not put direct restriction on contact between journalists and their sources, or on their legal rights to report and to inform the public. The petition filed by private school teachers were dismissed for similar reasons.



"Educators and press have a huge impact on the country, and corruption among workers in these fields exerts long-lasting effects," the court said, explaining the legitimacy to regulate these sectors under the law.



Previously, it was difficult to punish public officials, journalists and teachers under bribery charges if a connection with their duties could not be proven. Under the new law, they can be punished regardless of whether the money or gifts were given in relation to their job or not.



Regarding a clause that mandates public officials, journalists and teachers to report their spouses if they receive any prohibited goods or money, the court said it is necessary to uphold the purpose of the law.



The justices also rejected petitioners' claim that the law failed to specify what conduct is punishable or not.



The expression "illicit request (in return for money)" has been used in diverse legal clauses and the nation's top court has accumulated enough precedents based on how it should be defined, it said.



The court, meanwhile, rejected to rule on one of the petitions filed by the Journalists Association of Korea, saying the organization cannot claim its rights will be affected by the law. (Yonhap)








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/Courtesy of Twitter

By Lee Han-soo

North Busan Police Station arrested a man, 48, on an attempted murder charge involving the "wrong" woman, Thursday.

The man allegedly broke into a house at Gupo-dong, Busan, around 10 p.m. Wednesday to strangle a person who spoke ill of him.

But he fled after realizing he was strangling the wrong person, police said.

He apologized to the woman, who was in her 50s, saying he had mistaken her for someone else, they said.

The man was arrested after a neighbor, who saw him fleeing, alerted police.

"I was trying to murder a woman who spread a rumor that got my wife to divorce me," the man told police. "But I went to the wrong house."

The man did not elaborate on the rumor.
Kim Tae-hyeon, the inaugural head of the Reconciliation and Healing Foundation, moans in pain after being hit by liquid pepper spray thrown by a protester while exiting an opening ceremony for the foundation in Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap



By Kang Seung-woo

A foundation dedicated to compensating the Korean victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery was officially launched Thursday, facing strong protests from surviving victims and activist groups.

The organization will be funded by the Japanese government to the tune of 1 billion yen ($9.54 million), but the cash has yet to be transferred to Korea.

The establishment of the Reconciliation and Healing Foundation is based on a verbal agreement between the governments of South Korea and Japan, Dec. 28, to end their dispute over the sexual enslavement of Korean women before during World War II.

There are 40 surviving former "comfort women" in Korea, but they have called for nullification of the deal, saying the governments never asked for their opinion or understanding in advance.

The foundation is headed by Kim Tae-hyeon, an honorary social welfare professor at Sungshin Women's University, and has 10 board members.

"The foundation was launched in accordance with the Korea-Japan agreement in December and in order to ensure Japan carries out its responsibilities," said a foreign ministry official.

Since the agreement was reached last year, the two nations have disagreed over the removal of the statue of a girl symbolizing a comfort woman in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. This has raised suspicions that Japan may not disburse the money unless Korea relocates the bronze statue.

However, the foundation chief rejected that speculation.

"According to the agreement, the 1 billion yen is one thing and the statue is another," Kim said in a press conference.

"It is not true that Japan will only provide the money to the foundation if the statue is relocated."

According to Japan's Kyodo News Wednesday, Tokyo plans to provide the 1 billion yen to Korea in August regardless of whether the statue is removed.

"Japan initially said the release of its contribution is contingent on the statue's removal but the sources said it is now inclined to swiftly release the money to bolster cooperation with South Korea following North Korea's nuclear test in January and subsequent test-firing of banned ballistic missiles," it said, citing anonymous sources.

If the money is transferred from Japan, the foundation plans to spend it on financial assistance for the surviving victims and commemoration for those who were forced to endure Japanese wartime sexual enslavement, according to the foreign ministry.

However, some Japanese news reports said Tokyo wants some of the money to be put toward scholarships for Korean students studying in Japan  a move to promote positive views of the country among young Koreans ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

"The purpose of the foundation is to heal the victims and recover their dignity," the foundation chief said. "We will not repurpose it."





Opening receives protests

The opening of the foundation was met with protests from a group of university students and social activists who accused Seoul of unilaterally agreeing to the settlement against the wishes of some of the surviving victims.

They claimed at least eight of the 40 surviving victims are against the foundation and its underlying agreement.

"We do not need money even if Japan gives us 10 billion yen," said Kim Bok-dong, a surviving victim, in a media interview Monday. "The Korean government toppled our 20-year fight for a sincere apology from Japan overnight."

Around 20 university students also clashed with police, delaying the press conference.

"The agreement does not satisfy everybody, but the government has done its best," Kim Tae-hyeon said, adding that she had met with 37 of the 40 survivors, many of whom supported the foundation.

Following the press conference, a male protester doused Kim's face with liquid pepper spray, causing her to go to hospital for treatment to her eyes.
Constitutional Court President Park Han-chul, center, sits with two other justices for the ruling on the constitutionality of the anti-graft law, known as the Kim Young-ran Act, at the court in Seoul, Thursday. The act was ruled constitutional and will go into effect Sept. 28, as scheduled. / Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon



Kim Young-ran Act will go into effect on Sept. 28; fierce backlash expected



By Kim Bo-eun

The Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that the anti-graft law, dubbed the Kim Young-ran Act, was constitutional, allowing the controversial law to go into effect Sept. 28 as scheduled.

The act will make 4 million public servants, journalists and private school teachers and their spouses subject to regulations that ban them from being given meals and gifts exceeding designated price limits.

The Korean Bar Association (KBA), along with the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK), private school employees and private kindergarten directors filed constitutional appeals last year, following the bill's passage in March 2015.

The parties had taken issue with four clauses of the bill, claiming they went against fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution such as the right to equality, freedom of conscience and the principal of legality.

One of the most contentious issues was whether it was fair to include journalists and private school teachers and workers as subjects of the act, which was originally aimed at deterring corruption in the public sector.

In a seven to two ruling, the court said that education and the media exert substantial influence on society and that corruption in these sectors can have considerable ripple effects, which could cause large-scale, long-term harm.

"The common good which the law could bring outweighs the infringement of journalists and private school teachers' freedom," it said.












By Kim Se-jeong

North Korea is suspected of stealing data on more than 10 million customers from a leading online shopping mall, the National Police Agency said Thursday.

The police have been investigating the data theft involving Interpark since early this month, after the company reported that a hacker group stole customer information including names, addresses and phone numbers.

The company requested a police investigation after receiving threats from the hackers that they would make public the fact that the personal data had been stolen unless they were paid a ransom.

The hackers compromised Interpark by sending emails containing malicious code to company employees. They gained access to the database through computers on which the email had been opened.

The police said the malicious code used against Interpark is similar to that used by the North before. They also said four IP addresses used in this cyber attack were connected to the North Korean post service, which had been connected to previous attacks on South Korean websites. IP addresses related to the post service appeared in cyber attacks on government offices and Cheong Wa Dae in 2009 and 2013 and the hacking of the Joongang Ilbo in 2012.
By Chung Hyun-chae

Ewha Womans University students have called the school to scrap a plan to launch a night college which they claim would damage the university's reputation as the nation's top women's university.

"Given that working class people can enter Ewha Womans University more easily than high school seniors who must have good school records or excellent scores on the university entrance exam, I am concerned that the school's competitiveness would drop," said Lee Ye-jun, 21, a sophomore at Ewha. "The problem is that all students will receive the same diploma regardless of how they entered the university."

Led by the student council, some students picketed the school's plan on the campus, Wednesday.

"We are angry at President Choi Kyung-hee because she did not discuss the school's projects with the students," the council said in a statement.

The council also plans to put up handwritten posters against the night college project and inform the alumni of the school's arbitrary decision.

Ewha was designated as an additional participant of the education ministry's project to establish night colleges specializing in lifelong education on July 16.

The ministry has pushed forward such a project to pave the way for vocational high school graduates who choose to work instead of going to a traditional college, so they continue their higher education while working.

Ewha plans to set up a college called the Light up Your Future in Ewha (LiFE) in September in which students could study new media, health and fashion industries.

"We participated in the project to help those who are deprived of an opportunity for education," an Ewha spokeswoman surnamed Lee told The Korea Times.

She stressed that the university will select students for LiFE with a separate quota, so that ordinary high school seniors who enter with regular college admission process will not face disadvantages.

Along with Ewha, Dongguk University, Changwon National University in South Gyeongsang Province, and Hanbat National University in Daejeon were also selected.
By Jun Ji-hye



South Korea and the United States have agreed to make intensive efforts in the next two to three months to cut off cash flow to North Korea in order to limit its ability to continue the development of nuclear weapons.



The agreement was made during the third round of high-level strategic consultations on North Korea policy between South Korea's Deputy Chief of the National Security Office Cho Tae-yong and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken in Washington, Wednesday.



"The two countries agreed on the need to create more effective measures to pressure the North and cut off cash flowing into the regime," Cho told reporters after the four-hour talks.



"It is difficult to speak in detail, but as there already has been a framework for implementing sanctions internationally, we agreed to make intensive efforts, based on such a framework, in the next two to three months to cut off the cash flow into Pyongyang as much as possible so as to limit its ability to continue nuclear development," he said.



The agreement came amid increasing signs that Pyongyang may conduct a fifth nuclear test very soon, given that increased nuclear-related activities at the Punggye-ri nuclear site have been detected by intelligence authorities in Seoul and Washington.



Pyongyang's Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho also threatened on Tuesday at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Laos that the North would conduct another test depending on the "U.S. attitude."



Cho said, "Seoul and Washington share the assessment that the North is technically capable of conducting an additional nuclear test at any time once its regime decides to do so."



The totalitarian state is known to have earned foreign currency in various ways, including sending workers abroad, and then using the money for the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).



According to Seoul's National Intelligence Service last month, Pyongyang has up to 60,000 construction workers and other manual laborers abroad, mostly in China and Russia, with the mission to send home foreign currency.



Cho said Seoul and Washington also shared the assessment that the allies' cooperation to isolate the North from the international community, especially in the finance and shipping, has brought some gain, but also agreed to make more effort to change the North's calculus.



If the repressive state pushes ahead with its fifth nuclear test, the allies will make full efforts to create stronger sanctions than the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2270, Cho noted.



In the wake of the North's fourth nuclear test in January, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2270 in March aimed at banning Pyongyang's international trade.



Unilaterally, the South Korean government shut down the joint inter-Korean industrial complex in the North's border city of Gaeseong as part of its efforts to cut off the North's financial resources.



Despite such sanctions, the isolated state has shown no signs of abandoning its nuclear and ballistic missile programs by repeatedly launching missiles, including Musudan intermediate-range missiles (IRBM), believed to be capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam, as well as a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).



"Though the current Resolution 2270 is a much stronger sanctions resolution than before, there are points that we need to supplement and there are areas that should be newly included in the scope of sanctions," Cho said. "During the meeting, we exchanged views on the need to put together a strong sanctions resolution in case North Korea conducts a fifth nuclear test."



On concerns that the North's long-time ally China could behave in an uncooperative manner in implementing sanctions in protest against Seoul's decision to allow the United States to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery on Korean soil next year, Cho said he believes China will fully implement the sanctions.



"China is a permanent member of the UNSC. The council resolutions are something that it decided on its own as a permanent Security Council member. China tells us it will sincerely carry out the Security Council resolution and we believe China will do so," he said



Seoul and Washington announced the deployment decision earlier this month.



Beijing is expressing opposition to the missile defense system, apparently out of concern that the weapon's AN/TPY-2 radar could spy on China's military activities and missile capabilities.



South Korea and the United States' high-level strategic consultations on North Korea policy were established during a Seoul-Washington summit in October last year. The first round of the talks took place in February in Washington, while the second was held in April in Seoul.




Shia rebels and their allies Thursday formed a 10-member "supreme council" to run Yemen, in what the government described as a blow to the already stalled UN-brokered peace talks.

The Shia Houthi rebels and the General People's Congress of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have agreed to "form a supreme political council of 10 members", according to a statement carried by a rebel-run news agency.

It did not name the council's members.

"The aim is to unify efforts to confront the aggression by Saudi Arabia and its allies," the statement said in reference to the Riyadh-led Arab coalition that launched a military campaign against the rebels in March last year in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

The job of the council will be to "manage state affairs politically, militarily, economically, administratively, socially and in security".

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi said the new move represents a "new coup" and blamed the rebels for "missing an opportunity for peace."

The rebels have "missed an opportunity for peace which the Yemeni people needed... and insisted on foiling the negotiations," Mikhlafi said on his Twitter account.

"We call on the international community to condemn the new coup against the constitutional legitimacy and hold the Houthi-Saleh alliance responsible for foiling the talks," he said.

The rebels overran Sanaa in September 2014 and expanded their control to other parts of Yemen.

In February last year, they had set up a "Supreme Revolutionary Council" to run the country after they announced the dissolution of the government and parliament.

UN-sponsored talks between the rebels and representatives of Hadi's government, which began on April 21, have failed to make headway.

The negotiations being held in Kuwait were launched after the United Nations secured an agreement on a ceasefire in the war-torn country.

The main stumbling block at the talks in Kuwait was the form of the government in the capital Sanaa.

The Hadi government backed by Saudi Arabia say that he is the legitimate head of state and that he should preside over a transitional period in the country.

But the rebels insist on forming a national unity government to oversee the transition.

More than 6,400 people have been killed in Yemen since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of Hadi's government.

Another 2.8 million people have been displaced and more than 80 percent of the population urgently needs humanitarian aid, according to UN figures.

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South Korea and the United States agreed Wednesday to make intensive efforts in the coming months to cut off cash flows into North Korea so as to limit Pyongyang's ability to develop nuclear weapons, a top South Korean official said.



The agreement was reached when South Korea's deputy national security advisor, Cho Tae-yong, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken held the third round of high-level strategic consultations on North Korea policy in Washington.



"We agreed on the need to further strengthen our efforts in order to change North Korea's calculus. In particular, we shared the view that we should come up with effective ways to cut off cash flowing into North Korea," Cho told Yonhap News Agency after the four-hour talks with Blinken.



"It's difficult to speak in detail, but as there is already a framework for implementing sanctions internationally, we agreed to make intensive efforts in the next two to three months ... to cut off cash flows into North Korea as much as possible so as to limit North Korea's ability to continue nuclear development," he said.



Wednesday's meeting came amid heightened concern that the North could carry out yet another nuclear test, which would be its fifth. Pyongyang's foreign minister, Ri Yong-ho, threatened Tuesday that the country could conduct one depending on the "U.S.' attitude."



Cho said that South Korea and the U.S. share an assessment that the North is ready to conduct a nuclear test at any time if it decides to. The two sides also agreed to put together "much more powerful sanctions" in the form of a U.N. Security Council resolution if Pyongyang conducts a nuclear test.



"Though the current U.N. Security Council Resolution 2270 is a much stronger sanctions resolution than before, there are points that we need to supplement and there are areas that should be newly included in the scope of sanctions. Today, we exchanged views on the need to put together a strong sanctions resolution in case North Korea conducts a fifth nuclear test."



North Korea carried out its fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch the following month, drawing widespread international condemnation and leading the U.N. Security Council to impose the harshest sanctions ever imposed on the regime.



Undeterred by the sanctions, Pyongyang kept on launching missiles, including the intermediate-range Musudan missile, believed to be capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam, as well as a submarine-launched ballistic missile.



Earlier this month, the North Korea-monitoring website 38 North reported that satellite imagery shows high-level activity at the North's Punggye-ri nuclear test site, raising concern the regime may be preparing for another nuclear test.



China's implementation of sanctions is considered key to pressure on the North. But concerns flared in recent weeks that Beijing might be reluctant to render full-scale cooperation in pressuring the North in anger after the U.S. and South Korea decided to deploy the THAAD missile defense system to the South.



China has strongly opposed THAAD's deployment in South Korea, saying the system, especially the powerful "X-band" radar, could be used against it, despite repeated assurances from the U.S. and the South that the battery is purely defensive and would be used only to cope with North Korean threats.



Cho said, however, that he believes China will fully implement sanctions.



"China is a permanent member of the Security Council. Security Council resolutions are something that it decided on its own as a permanent Security Council member. China tells us it will sincerely carry out the Security Council resolution and we believe China will do so," he said



Even though differences could arise over THAAD or any other issues, Cho said that it would be unreasonable for such differences to have negative effects on the handling of the North Korean nuclear issue, which is a question between the international community and North Korea. (Yonhap)




/Courtesy of Twitter



By Park Jae-hyuk

A North Korean defector has sought refuge at the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong, local newspapers reported Thursday.

The defector's identity is unclear because the reports differed. Apple Daily said the defector is linked to the North Korean Army, while the South China Morning Post said he is a member of a North Korean delegation who attended an academic competition at a Hong Kong university two weeks ago.

The South Korean consulate has strengthened security after the reports, while an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment.

In a separate case, three North Korean workers in Malta defected to South Korea, according to Yonhap News Agency Thursday.

The report said two restaurant workers disappeared last summer and one construction worker went earlier this year, presumably to defect to South Korea.

Malta's government deported about 20 North Korean workers last month after finding Pyongyang abused them by taking most of their pay. Malta is the first European Union nation to deport North Korean expat workers.
Britain has updated its "North Korean Travel Guide," warning travelers against using the country's airline. / Courtesy of Twitter



By Lee Jin-a

Britain updated its travel guide for North Korea Wednesday after a jet belonging to the North's flag carrier, Air Koryo, made an emergency landing in China on July 22.

"An incident reported in July 2016 involving an Air Koryo flight highlights the lack of official information regarding Air Koryo's safety record and standards," the government said.

It said most travelers visit the isolated country on flights operated by Air Koryo. But all its aircraft, except two Russian TU-204 planes, do not meet international safety standards.

"U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff avoid using Air Koryo unless it is operationally essential," the government said.

On Friday, an airplane operated by Air Koryo made an emergency landing in the Chinese city of Shenyang after it caught fire. Fifteen crew and 60 passengers were on board. No casualties were reported.
By Park Moo-jong

Extreme heat is engulfing the Earth this summer as the worldwide phenomenon of climate change is causing global warming.

Meteorological authorities across the world are busy issuing heat alerts day after day. Heat waves that have gripped large parts of the Middle East and the central and eastern parts of the United States since last week have reached temperatures far exceeding seasonal averages.

The blistering 54 degrees Celsius reached a week ago at Mitrabah, Kuwait, is probably the highest ever reached in the Eastern hemisphere and Asia, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

The U.N. apparatus already confirmed that "we are on course for the hottest year on record" as decades-long trends of climate change are reaching new climaxes, fuelled by the strong EL Nino.

South Korea is no exception. Yet, the problem is that we feel hotter, sweating buckets, though the mercury marks around 35 degrees Centigrade, due to dense humidity.

Adam Smith (1723-1790), a Scottish moral philosopher and pioneer of political economy, in his signature work "The Wealth of Nations," defined consumption as the "sole end and purpose of production."

For Smith, consumption is dubbed a virtue. Yet, common sense tells us that it has become excessive, while it should be sound. Advocating this basic and simple economic theory must be like teaching one's grandmother to suck eggs.

South Korea is a country with only a limited amount of natural resources and produces not a single drop of oil, the magnificent source of energy for human society.

As the unrivaled heat wave has been reaching its peak, energy consumption to lower indoor temperatures has been snowballing, threatening power supplies.

We had the bitter experience of a temporary rolling blackout on Sept. 15, 2011, due to unseasonably high temperatures that pushed up demand to what the authorities called "dangerous levels," forcing them to temporarily cut power.

Two weeks ago, Cho Hwan-ik, president of the Korea Electric Power Corp., expressed deep concern about the soaring demand for power at a breakfast meeting with some senior journalists, warning of a possible power outage coming in mid-August.

Asked how to prevent such a debacle, the head of the state-run power supplier stressed the need for the public's cooperation, not to speak of every possible effort by the government to supply power as usual.

In fact, we are living in a very convenient society today thanks to the outstanding growth of the nation over the past half century. Almost all buildings and apartments are well equipped with good air conditioning systems.

But we are too addicted to these cooling devices. Namely, we are abusing them as electricity rates are too low compared to those of other countries.

Why don't you take a short walk downtown, though it is still sweltering out there? Surprisingly, many of stores on Myeong-dong Street open their doors wide to solicit customers, especially foreign tourists. Of course, "cold" wind from state-of-the-art air conditioners, dubbed "aircon" here, welcome the guests.

There is a reason why power consumption is sharply increasing with demand expected to break the record next month, according to KEPCO officials.

Lights are not turned off in most deserted offices during lunchtime and air conditioners are left in full operation. Most computers are on all day long.

Perhaps the worst case of energy abuse can be witnessed at hundreds of lighting stores at Yongsan Electronics Market, Cheonggyechon Street, Jongno, Uljiro and elsewhere in Seoul, and also in other cities across the nation.

A "vicious" circle of energy wasting takes place, and there is no wonder why. Hundreds of various lighting fixtures, including neon signs, are kept on day and night at every store, eventually warming the display rooms. To reduce the heat from the bulbs and lamps, air conditioners have to be turned up to full capacity.

No one is allowed to intervene. "It's none of your business. It's me who pays the electricity charges," one of the shopkeepers told me, complaining that he has to do so "to compete" with the neighboring stores.

These are mere examples of energy misuse here.

I asked KEPCO CEO Cho again, "What do you think of this kind of power abuse? Have you ever discussed this matter with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy?"

It seemed that he was not able to give me a good answer. He just said that there was no legal device against such a practice, indicating that an effective option might be a hike in power charges, which are low, compared to the averages of OECD member countries.

Ten years ago, I posed similar questions to ministry officials. Nothing has changed, so far.

As is well known, South Korea imports 96 percent of its total energy resources and is ranked ninth in the world in terms of the rate of energy consumption. In petroleum spending per capita, it is first.

The sizzling heat wave will continue to grip the nation through August and power consumption will be increasing "automatically" to "dangerous" levels. The possible shortage of electricity is no longer "none of my business." Neither is the consumption of energy a virtue.

KEPCO officials say that raising indoor temperature by an average of one degree across the nation to around 26 to 28 degrees Centigrade could reduce the need for one nuclear reactor.

We already have a really good tool to beat the heat: The folding fan we can take anywhere with us.

Park Moo-jong is The Korea Times advisor. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's first English newspaper from 2004 to 2014 after working as a reporter for the daily since 1974. He can be reached at moojong@ktimes.com or emjei29@gmail.com.
Moon Dae-sung. /Korea Times file



By Park Jae-hyuk

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended former taekwondo gold medalist Moon Dae-sung's membership of the IOC Athlete's Commission, Thursday, over alleged plagiarism of his doctorate thesis.

The IOC made the decision at an urgent meeting on July 24.

It means South Korea will participate in the Rio Olympics without an IOC member. Another member, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee, has been in hospital since a heart attack in 2014.

Moon was elected to the commission in 2008. His term ends in August after the Rio Olympics.

According to a Korea Times exclusive report, Moon was accused of plagiarizing his doctorate thesis at Kookmin University in April 2012. The school found evidence of plagiarism and withdrew his degree in March 2014.

Moon filed a suit against the university but lost at the first and second trials. He is awaiting a final verdict from the Supreme Court.
The European Union and journalist associations expressed concern Thursday about a widening crackdown on media in Turkey, calling on Ankara to respect fundamental freedoms.

As a candidate nation for EU membership, Turkey "needs to aspire to the highest possible democratic standard and practices, including on the freedom of the media," said EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic.

Turkey declared a state of emergency following a failed July 15 coup attempt that left 290 people dead, and is conducting a large-scale crackdown on people suspected of ties to U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the government accuses of masterminding the coup. Gulen himself has denied any knowledge of the attempted coup.

Turkey has detained nearly 16,000 people for suspected links to the failed uprising, and about half of them were formally arrested to face trial.

In total, more than 66,000 people have been suspended or dismissed from their jobs in the wider public sector for alleged ties to the Gulen movement, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency, including in health care, education, the judiciary, ministries, municipalities and even Turkey's national airline.

"It is worrying that, following the entry into force of the state of emergency in Turkey, arrest warrants have been issued against a large number of journalists and a number of outlets have been shut down," Kocijancic told reporters in Brussels.

Kocijancic said it was "extremely important the Turkish authorities respect under any circumstances the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms."

Ankara has defended the crackdown, saying it is rooting out people affiliated with Gulen.

Authorities have issued warrants for the detention of 89 journalists. Dozens of media organizations  most of them also linked or formerly linked to Gulen  were ordered shuttered late Wednesday. They include 45 newspapers including the daily Taraf newspaper, 16 television stations, including a children's channel, 23 radio stations, 15 magazines and 29 publishing houses.

Gulen was a close ally of Erdogan until tensions between the two came to a head with corruption allegations against Erdogan's inner circle in 2013. For years, media affiliated with Gulen had been vocal supporters of Erdogan's government.

Some say many of the media affected by the current crackdown backed purges against other sectors in the past. Reporting in the Taraf newspaper was instrumental in the 2010 trial of pro-secular military officers accused of plotting against the government. The officers were later acquitted on the grounds that much of the evidence was fabricated.

But the speed and scope of the current crackdown has alarmed media rights groups.

"The situation came to a point where local media's fear of being arrested is leading to an increasing muzzlement of the press, thus infringing fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression and the public's right to know," the International Federation of Journalists said.

The IFJ said it and the European Federation of Journalists were calling on the EU "to take additional steps to hold Turkish President Erdogan accountable for press freedom breaches."

Ozgur Ogret, the Turkey representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said the latest decree not only shut down media outlets but also "grants cabinet members (the power) to shut down any other media if they deem it to be a threat to national security."

"I fear this purge may continue with other opposing media, especially the Kurdish media," Ogret said.

Whether those who have detention orders issued against them "have committed a crime or did they become wanted people due to their employer or political stance is a valid question, considering Turkey's past press freedom record," he added. "The legal process should be about evidence of wrongdoing, not political classification."

Amnesty International also voiced concerns, saying the "ongoing crackdown on civil society and the assault on media freedom has reached disturbing and unprecedented levels."

Detentions and arrests have not been limited to mainstream media, with several people in the last week having detention or arrest warrants issued against them on charges of insulting the president or praising the coup on social media, according to Anadolu.

"The Turkish government's news media shutdown shows how the State of Emergency law is being used to deny the right to free speech beyond any legitimate aim of upholding public order," Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

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The Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, Al-Nusra Front, announced Thursday it was breaking ties with the global terror network, in a video showing its leader Abu Mohamad al-Jolani for the first time.

The footage broadcast by Al-Jazeera news channel follows several days of online chatter over a split between Al-Qaeda and its Syria affiliate, a main rival of the Islamic State jihadist group from which it wants to distance itself as a target of foreign air strikes.

Appearing in public for the first time, Jolani said Al-Nusra would change its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (Front of the Conquest of Syria) and unify ranks with other mainstream fighters in Syria.

"We decided to stop operating under the banner of Al-Nusra and to set up a new front, called Jabhat Fateh al-Sham," said Jolani.

Clad in military fatigues and wearing a turban, the bearded Jolani expressed his gratitude to "the commanders of Al-Qaeda for having understood the need to break ties".

And he vowed the new group would "have no links whatsoever with foreign parties".

Analysts said Al-Nusra aims to rebrand and defend itself as it comes under increased pressure after Moscow and Washington agreed to step up joint efforts against jihadist groups.

Last week, US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov said they had agreed "concrete steps" to save a failing Syria truce and tackle jihadists like Al-Nusra and IS.

But with the amicable break from Al-Qaeda , Jolani "can now call upon a broad spectrum of armed groups in Syria to agree to unite initiatives that will by necessity be heavily influenced by Nusra itself", said analyst Charles Lister.

In the brief recording, Jolani, who was flanked by two bearded men, said the split from Al-Qaeda was aimed at "protecting the Syrian revolution".

He also pledged to unite ranks with other fighters in order to "liberate Syria from the oppressors".

"We hope to form a unified body, based on the shura (Islamic law), uniting the masses of the people of Al-Sham, liberating their lands, giving victory to their faith and upholding their testimony of faith," he said.

Lister said that one of the men sitting beside Jolani was a veteran Al-Qaeda leader he identified as Ahmed Salameh Mabrouk.

"Al-Qaeda is playing a critically important role in shaping this development and their thinking and strategizing will remain crucial for this new Jabhat Fateh al-Sham movement," he said.

"It will still oppose the most moderate of opposition groups in Syria; it will still be viciously sectarian, and it will still ultimately seek the establishment of an Islamic emirate in Syria and the potential launching of external attacks on the West."

Jihadist sympathisers and observers had been speculating online about a possible split between Al-Nusra and the network founded by Osama bin Laden to which it pledged allegiance in 2013.

Al-Qaeda prepared the ground for the announcement earlier Thursday in an online message.

"We direct the leadership of Al-Nusra Front to go ahead with what preserves the good of Islam and the Muslims, and protects the jihad of the Syrian people," Ahmed Hassan Abu al-Khayr said in an audio message released online by Al-Nusra.

"We urge them to take the appropriate steps towards this matter," said Abu al-Khayr, who was identified as a deputy of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Al-Nusra first emerged in January 2012, 10 months after Syria's conflict began with anti-government protests that were brutally repressed by President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

It is Syria's preeminent jihadist group, along with its key rival IS.

But unlike IS, which opposes all those who fail to swear allegiance, Al-Nusra has worked alongside an array of rebel groups fighting Assad's regime and has popular support.

Analyst Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, speaking ahead of Jolani's announcement, said "Al-Qaeda's central leadership endorses the idea of embedding Jabhat al-Nusra more deeply in the Syrian insurgency".

Lister said the split between Al-Nusra and Al-Qaeda had been prompted by the US-Russia agreement to coordinate efforts and target jihadists operating in Syria.

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South Korean protestors clashed with police on Thursday as they tried to disrupt the opening in Seoul of a Tokyo-funded foundation for women forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.

The plight of the so-called "comfort women" is a hugely emotional issue that has marred relations between Seoul and Japan for decades and which, for many South Koreans, symbolises the abuses of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean peninsula.

Last December, the two nations reached a "final and irreversible" agreement, under which Tokyo offered an apology and one billion yen ($8.5 million) to open the foundation for the dwindling number of comfort women who are still alive.

But the deal was condemned by some of the women and South Korean activists, who took issue with Japan's refusal to accept formal legal responsibility.

"You can't silence the victims with money!" scores of protestors chanted at Thursday's opening event, which they picketed with banners reading: "This is not what the comfort women want!"

Several college students forced their way into the venue where foundation officials were due to hold a press conference, and were forcibly removed by police.

"Listen to the voices of the victims!" one protestor shouted tearfully as police carried her and other activists out by their arms and legs.

The Reconciliation and Healing Foundation tried to play down the protests, saying opposition to the deal with Tokyo was limited to a vocal minority.

"Some victims I met expressed gratitude for reaching the deal while they are alive," the foundation's head Kim Tae-Hyun told reporters.

She said she had talked with 37 of the 40 surviving South Korean comfort women and claimed many of them supported the foundation.

"The deal is not completely satisfactory... but we shouldn't let these controversies put out this small light of hope that we managed to find," she added.

Her comments did little to mollify the protestors, one of whom threw liquid pepper spray in Kim's face as she left the venue, forcing her to go to hospital for treatment to her eyes.

Mainstream historians say up to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea but also other parts of Asia including China, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II.

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German police have searched a mosque and eight apartments in Hildesheim that are believed to be a hotbed of a radical Salafist community, the interior minister of the northern state of Lower Saxony said on Thursday.

Germany is on high alert after a spate of attacks since July 18 left 15 people dead - including four attackers - and dozens injured. Two assailants, a Syrian asylum seeker and a refugee from either Pakistan or Afghanistan, had links to Islamist militancy, officials say.

Interior Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement that up to 400 police - including mobile squads and a special forces police commando - were involved in the raids on Wednesday in the Hildesheim area, which is a short drive south of Hanover.

"The German-speaking Islamic circle (DIK) in Hildesheim is a nationwide hot-spot of the radical Salafist scene that Lower Saxony security authorities have been monitoring for a long time," the state official said.

Pistorius said the search followed months of planning and was an important step towards banning the association, which security authorities say has radicalised Muslims and encouraged them to take part in jihad in combat zones.

Numerous members of the mosque have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join Islamic State, while sermons, seminars and speeches call for "hate against non-believers," the ministry said.

Germany has seen sharp increases in the number of ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafists in recent years, with the total number of sympathisers now seen at 8,900, up from 7,000 at the end of 2014, German officials have said.

Security authorities say the DIK in Hildesheim is believed to have become the focal point of Salafist activities in Lower Saxony, the second-largest of Germany's 16 states after Bavaria.

"We will not put up with Salafist associations and their backers flouting our rules and bringing our rule of law into question and convincing young people that they want to join the so-called IS," Pistorius said.

"I'm convinced that our freedom is stronger than the inhuman ideology of the extremists," he added.

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Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged Thursday to do "everything humanly possible" to keep Germany safe following a string of attacks  including two carried out by asylum-seekers and claimed by the Islamic State group that she said mocked the country that took in the assailants.

The attacks brought Merkel fresh criticism for her decision last year to welcome refugees. More than 1 million asylum-seekers were registered in Germany in 2015, although the influx has since slowed dramatically.

Merkel said at a news conference that Germany will "stick to our principles" and give shelter to those who deserve it.

"We will manage this," she said, repeating a mantra she coined last August.

Merkel called for a better "early warning system" against signs of radicalization, faster progress on plans to create a center to help crack encrypted messages and better international intelligence cooperation, among other measures.

But she said it's too early to say in detail what more may be required beyond the tightening of asylum and security laws already undertaken in recent months.

"Wherever there are gaps, we will have to act  just as we have so far  so that it is clear that we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure security in our free, democratic state of law," Merkel said.

Two of the attacks in a weeklong period starting July 18  an ax rampage near Wuerzburg that wounded five and a suicide bombing that injured 15 outside a bar in Ansbach  were the first in Germany to be claimed by the Islamic State group. Both of the attackers, asylum-seekers who arrived over the past two years, were killed.

In two other attacks  a shooting by a German-Iranian 18-year-old in Munich that claimed 10 lives, including the attacker's, and the stabbing of a woman by a Syrian asylum-seeker at a restaurant in Reutlingen  the motive is still unclear but Islamic extremism is not suspected.

"We will do everything to clear up the barbaric acts, find the people behind them and punish them, and then we will have to decide where further measures are necessary," Merkel said. She added that Germany owes that to the victims, their relatives, its own security and also "to all the many innocent refugees."

"That two men who came to us as refugees are responsible for the acts in Wuerzburg and Ansbach mocks the country that took them in," Merkel said. "It mocks the helpers who took so much care of the refugees and it mocks the many other refugees who really seek help against violence and war."

The chancellor cut short her vacation to schedule her annual summer news conference  only her second public appearance in the past week. She had faced criticism from opponents for her muted response to the four attacks.

Merkel dismissed criticism of that, noting that she will attend a memorial service in Munich on Sunday, and rejected the notion that she might personally feel any guilt about the attacks.

"I have the feeling that I am acting responsibly and correctly, and no other feelings," she said.

Merkel repeated unbidden her insistence that Germany "will manage" the challenges of the day  a phrase she first used at last summer's annual news conference.

"I didn't say 11 months ago that it would be an easy thing we could manage in passing, otherwise I wouldn't have had to say that sentence," she said. "But I am, today as I was then, convinced that we will manage to do justice to our historic task ... we will also deal with the new challenge we now face, Islamist terror."

"I think that refusing humanitarian responsibility would have had just as many, or perhaps completely different but in any case very bad, consequences for us that I would not risk and could not recommend to Germany," Merkel said.

Earlier Thursday, officials in Bavaria  the scene of three of the four attacks, and a state whose governor has long been critical of Merkel's welcoming approach to refugees  pledged to hire hundreds of extra police officers and urged tougher background checks on asylum-seekers as they presented an anti-terror plan following the four attacks.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said his state would hire some 2,000 additional police officers by 2020, improve police officers' equipment and create new offices to fight Muslim extremism and cybercrime.

He also called for tougher background checks on asylum-seekers and new strategies to deport criminal asylum-seekers more easily.

Merkel said of the plan that "there are a lot of things on which we agree."

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French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and his British counterpart Boris Johnson called Thursday for the Syrian regime and its allies to end their "disastrous" siege on the city of Aleppo.

"The ministers solemnly called upon the Syrian regime's allies to bring an immediate end to these operations which violate the truce agreed in Munich, and international law," they said in a joint statement after a meeting in Paris.

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Egypt is close to signing a new a lending programme with the IMF, according to the government

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will visit Egypt Saturday to hold talks with the Egyptian government on financing the countrys economic reform programme, the organisation said in a statement on Thursday.

Following President Abdel El-Fattah El-Sisis meeting with the cabinet on Wednesday, the Egyptian presidency stated that Egypt was close to signing a new lending programme with the IMF.

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The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that the size of Egypt's financing program will be determined by a two-week IMF mission to Cairo starting this weekend.

IMF spokesman William Murray declined to confirm the Egyptian finance ministry's estimate of a $12 billion loan program spread over three years after it requested IMF support earlier this week.

"The scale of IMF financing will depend on the mission team's assessment during the visit of the financing needs and the strength of the authority's reform program," Murray told a regular biweekly news briefing.

He noted that Egypt's quota, or shares in the Fund, are about 2.08 billion Special Drawing Rights - the IMF's unit of account - or about $2.9 billion at current exchange rates.

Under normal access to IMF programs, member countries can borrow up to 145 percent of their quota for any 12-month period.

That would be about $4.2 billion based on Egypt's quota level. Countries with normal access can borrow 435 percent of their quotas over the life of the program, which would total about $12.6 billion in Egypt's case.

Regarding Ukraine, Murray said the Fund's executive board would not vote on a release of the next portion of the country's $17.5 billion until at least mid-August, after the board returns from a two-week break.

The Fund earlier had said that a review on unlocking the next $1.7 billion tranche was nearing completion and it could be considered in July.

Murray added that there was no change in the IMF's engagement with Zimbabwe that would allow for negotiations on a support program to begin.

Zimbabwe must first clear its arrears with the institution, Murray said, adding that he had no details of any concrete actions by Zimbabwe to do so.

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The price of LITRO gas cylinders would be further reduced in the first week of November in accordance with the

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The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

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This year's edition ran between 20 and 27 July and honoured late Egyptian director Youssef Chahine with a special section

Egyptian films Nawara, Dry Hot Summer and We Have Never Been Kids scooped up top awards at Algerias ninth Oran Arab Film Festival, which ran between 20 and 27 July.

Nawara took two main awards, the festivals top award in the Feature Films category and the Best Actress Award, which went to Egyptian star Menna Shalabi.

Dry Hot Summer (Gaf Har Sayfan) by Egyptian filmmaker Sherif El-Bendary received the main award in the Short Films category.

The documentary Abadan Lam Nakon Atfal (We Have Never Been Kids), directed by Egyptian filmmaker Mahmood Soliman, won the Special Jury Prize in the Documentary Films category.

Egyptian social drama Nawara, was directed and scripted by Hala Khalil and produced by the Red Star film production company, is set during the 2011 Revolution.

The film tells the story of a maid, the title character, who works for a wealthy family in a gated community in Cairo, and in doing so, explores the failure of a certain kind of revolutionary romanticism.

The film earned two best actress awards for star Menna Shalaby at the 12th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and at Moroccos Tetouan International Mediterranean Film Festival last April. The film also screened at the 23rd Munich Film Festival last June.

Dry Hot Summer was written by Nura El-Sheikh and co-produced by Claudia Jubeh (Germany) and Hossam El-Ouan (Egypt).

The 30-minute film captures the chance meeting of two lonely Egyptians on a bustling and hot summer day in Cairo. The day's journey disturbs the stifling routines of the two characters, taking them on an expedition of self-discovery.

The short fiction film had its world premiere at the DIFF's 12th edition in December 2015. It was also selected to open the 18th edition of the Ismailia International Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts last April.

The film won the Robert Bosch Stiftung Film Prize for International Cooperation at a gala held during Berlinale Talents, a six-day creative summit for up-and-coming filmmakers at the Berlin Film Festival last February.

We Have Never Been Kids centres on the life of an Egyptian woman dealing with divorce and raising her four children amid continuously shifting circumstances.

The film was co-produced by Egypt along with UAE, Qatar and Lebanon, premiering at the 12th edition of DIFF last December, where it won the Best Muhr non-fiction feature award.

Other films that won awards in the Feature Films category include the Moroccan film Masafat Mayl B HizaI (A Mile in My Shoes) by director Said Khallaf, which received the Special Jury Prize, and the Iraqi film Samt Al-RaI (The Silence of the Shepherd) by director Raad Mushatat, which received special recognition from the jury.

The Best Director Award went to Algerian filmmaker Lotfy Boushoushi for his film Al-Bir (The Well), the Best Screenwriter Award went to Syrian filmmaker Joud Said for his film B Intizar Al-Kharif (Waiting for Autumn), and the Best Actor Award went to Alain Saadeh for his role in the Lebanese film Kteer Kbeer (Very Big Shot).

In the short films category, the Special Jury Prize went to Algerian film Kindil El-Bahr (Jellyfish) by director Damien Ounouri, and Tunisian short Ghassra by Jamil Najjar received special recognition from the jury.

In the Documentary Films category, Algerian film Fi Rasi Dawar by director Hassan Farhani scooped up the top prize.

This year, the festival screened a variety of films, features, shorts and documentaries from filmmakers representing 17 Arab countries. Thirty-four films were listed in this years main competition, comprising 12 feature films, 12 Algerian short films, and 10 documentary works.

At the heart of this years edition was a celebration of late iconic Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine, whom the festival honoured with a section titled Youssef Chahine: A love story between Egypt and Algeria.

The section highlighted 40 years since the release of Chahines film Awdet El-Ibn El-Dal (Return of the Prodigal Son, 1976). The festivals website spotlighted the Egyptian-Algerian produced film, dubbing it as was one of the best films by the renowned Egyptian director, and among the all time top 100 films in the history of Egyptian cinema.

The festival also commemorated the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, and screened three film adaptations of the bard's plays.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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PRESS RELEASE

Is NATO Trying To Extend Its Control of Black Sea Airspace Through Bulgaria?

July 27, 2016 (EIRNS)Bulgaria, as one of the "New Europe" members of NATO, is the latest NATO member to take on the role of provocateur against Russia. Bulgarian Defense Minister Nikolay Nenchev told Bulgarian television channel Nova TV, on July 24, that Russian military aircraft had entered what he termed "Bulgarias area of responsibility" in NATO airspace, four times in the past month, with their transponders off. Bulgaria has demanded an explanation from Moscow over the violations, Nenchev said, describing the incidents as "provocations toward Bulgaria and its air forces."

At the Defense Ministry in Moscow, spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov expressed complete surprise at the Bulgarian accusations.

"First of all, we, and not only we, would like to have explanations from Mr. Minister how far away from Bulgarias air borders the imaginary zone of NATO airspace lies?"

Konashenkov asked the next day.

"The planes of Russian Aerospace Forces make planned regular flights over the Black Sea. Their flight routes lie in strict compliance with international rules of using the airspace over neutral waters. Besides, all the planes, which have made the flights recently, including in June, had their ADS-B transponders on,"

Konashenkov said.

The problem, as Konashenkov indicated, is the definition of "Bulgarias area of responsibility" in airspace with respect to NATO. As the Bulgarian government made clear, on July 26, there was no violation of Bulgarias sovereign airspace. While the Bulgarian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the ministry does not contest the right of anyone to fly in international airspace over the Black Sea, it nonetheless appears that NATO, through Bulgaria, is, in fact, trying to extend its control over airspace in the Black Sea that is not sovereign.

There appears, in fact, to be no definition in international law of "NATO airspace," though the term is thrown about frequently, especially in the Baltics and in Turkey since last Novembers shootdown of a Russian warplane in Syria by Turkish F-16s.

"What does exist is the sovereign airspace of each country separately," Andrei Kelin, head of the department of European cooperation of the Russian Foreign Ministry, told RIA News agency last February, in arguing that airspace issues between Russia and a member of NATO should be dealt with bilaterally, rather than through NATO headquarters in Brussels.
PRESS RELEASE

The Economist Issues a Threat to Erdogan

July 27, 2016 (EIRNS)The Economist has delivered a not-so-veiled threat to Turkeys President Recip Erdogan: Dont get too close to Russia, because your true friends in Europe, the United States, and NATO will not like it. The cover story of the July 23-29 issue of the City of London mouthpiece was headlined Erdogans Revenge. After detailing the bloody coup attempt-gone-sour, and documenting Erdogans move to wipe out all political and military opposition, the magazine noted that, if Turkey were first applying for NATO membership today, it would be rejected, over its crushing of democracy, its human rights violations, and corruption. The Economist warned that the United States and Europe remain Turkeys vital allies, and recent dealings with Russia will never supplant the security and economic ties to the West. Hopefully, Erdogan will realize this in time and modify his behavior accordingly.
PRESS RELEASE

Kerry Echoes Wang Yi in Meetings in ManilaBilateral Talks, Turn a New Page

July 27, 2016 (EIRNS)At a joint press conference with Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay in Manila, Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. "encourages all parties, including the Chinese and the Philippines to negotiate, to work through this diplomatically, bilaterally, multilaterally, [and] build up confidence-building measures."

Kerry referred to Wang Yis statement during their meeting in Laos this week, in which he had said that it was time to turn to a "new page" in the approach to the South China Sea, since every ASEAN nation had signed on to the communique calling for only those nations who are party to the dispute to negotiate solutions  a direct reference to the interference by the US and to the ruling of the Arbitration Court in the Hague.

The South China Morning Post wrote about Kerys comments: "While it is seen by some as a deviation from the U.S. position, a senior State Department official said Washington has never opposed direct talks between Beijing and Manila and a bilateral talk has always been an option. That official stressed [that] what the U.S. opposes is using a direct negotiation between claimants as a pre-condition"  a rather weak effort to cover for Obamas belligerent position.

Kerry added:

"Hopefully this can become a moment that we can all take advantage of, where we work out some of the modalities of how do you deal with the fishing? How do you deal with natural resources? How do you deal with the free movement of vessels and protect the rights of everybody?"

Kerry said on Tuesday that China had indicated its willingness and readiness to engage in bilateral negotiation with the Philippines, a day after Kerry had met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Philippine former senator Kit Tatad said in his column in the Manila Times Tuesday, that he had spoken to former President Fidel Ramos, whom President Duterte has called on to travel to China for negotiations, and that he said he was ready to go.
PRESS RELEASE

After Child Is Beheaded, Syrian UN Envoy Demands US-Coalition Stop Funding So-Called Rebel Moderates

July 27, 2016 (EIRNS)Syrias Ambassador to the UN, Bashar al-Jaafari, who leads the Syrian government delegation in the Geneva political talks, delivered a direct hit against the United States and its allies in the anti-ISIS coalition for funding brutal terrorists in Syria who decapitated a 12-year-old boy on video last week. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the humanitarian crisis in Syria, Amb. Al-Jaafaris strong statement occurred in the aftermath of the terrorist Nour-Eddin al-Zinki Movements video of July 20 that showed members of the group slapping around a wounded boy and then beheading him on the flatbed of a pickup truck.

Al-Jaafari described how the al-Zinki group killed the Palestinian refugee child, Abdullah Issa, in cold blood, reported the Mehr news agency, and then recounted that this very group is designated by some states on the Security Council as a moderate armed opposition group, and has been backed by the anti-Assad coalition since 2011.

Naming nine other Western-backed moderate groups that are the same as Al Zinki, Al-Jaafari asked how member states of the UN Security Council could claim that they protect human rights when they support such butchers. This support encourages the acts of killing and slaughtering, reported Mehr agency, including groups carrying out the terrorist acts in European cities.

I firmly believe that each citizen of the states recently affected by the surge of terrorism has the right to wonder why their governments overlook jihadists travelling to Syria to carry out terrorist acts against the people and government of Syria, Al Jafaari said.

When confronted about the incident at a briefing on July 20th, State Dept. spokesman Mark Toner refused to denounce the beheading. If proven, Toner said, the beheading would merely give us pause about any assistance or ... further involvement with the group.

Since Toners statement, Al Zinkis leadership has claimed that it arrested their fighters who killed the boy, and the US is sweeping the incident under the rug.
The novel is the crown jewel of culture for Cynthia Ozick, who has written novels, short stories and criticism, winning major plaudits in all forms. Now 88, she takes the temperature of our time and diagnoses its condition with the timeless insight of a sage. Ozick is a critic par excellence, and our cultural moment is lucky to have her and her new collection, Critics, Monsters, Fanatics & Other Literary Essays (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: 224 pp., $25). We spoke to her by phone; this interview has been edited for length and clarity. A longer version appears online.

It becomes apparent when reading your essays that the novel is your preferred form. What is it about fiction that intoxicates you in ways that nonfiction cant?

I should say that Ive been scolded by Edward Hoagland, a wonderful essayist, for this point of view. He also writes novels, but he reveres the essay and says it can move us as much as the novel. I suppose thats true of what we call the personal essay, but by and large the difference is that novels carry us away. Im afraid I can only answer this in cliched terms. Novels carry us away in two ways. The tritest way is that we get to inhabit other lands, other customs, other personalities. The other way can be mistaken for what we usually call poetry  although a novel that is closer to poetry than prose would be deadly, I think. But it has to do with language, and that means cadence, pacing and the magic of dialogue. Dialogue is so extraordinary because it has to sound like real life, but it never is real life; its immensely artful. So its those two things together  being carried into places we cant go ourselves and being carried by the narrative technique. (Although technique is such a mechanical word, its much more magical than that. It has to do with, as Henry James put it, the scene, and how these scenes are integrated or separated.) In other words, its the method of the language and the madness of being carried away where youve never been.

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How do you start an essay? Do you have a thesis already in your head? Do you write from that argument or toward that argument?

The thing about essays as opposed to fiction is that you have something in your hand to begin with, which is the subject. If youre going to write on, lets say, Willa Cather, you at least know that much. Or if youre going to write on coffee tables  well then, you know your subject is coffee tables. Youre so far ahead as opposed to when youre writing fiction, which can start from many points, but essentially you discover what a story is about as you move into it. In the same way, this can happen with the essay  you can discover what you think as you move into it  but most crucially you start with something concrete, you have a subject.

We have such intense access to the immediate. What gets obliterated, then, is history. To live without history is tragic.  Cynthia Ozick

You write that superior criticism  the novels ghostly twin  not only unifies and interprets a literary culture but has the power to imagine it into being. How does criticism imagine a literary culture into being?

Criticism gives us the mood and the crisis in which novels are grown. It doesnt look at each novel as a thing in itself. I think the expression I used in the book is a wolf-child brought up in the wilderness without any culture around it. Criticism connects novels to one another and to the culture. When you read a novel, although youre reading a story for its own sake, whether youre aware of it or not, youre also being marinated in an atmosphere of ideas and the noise of the culture around you. Thats true even if the novel has nothing at all to do with your society.

You talk about critics as needing an authoritative posture, or standard, or even prejudice. How would you describe your own posture as a critic?

Its odd because Ive been looking at a few of the reviews for this book, and I see words like lashing out and vulture and aggressive snootiness and other things of that kind. From the outside, I think the word would be judgmental. From the inside, its the same word, but it has a different tone entirely, for judgment is what criticism is. Youre looking at a work within a society and you make a judgment.

Your essays seem to mourn the fact that literature doesnt have the prominence it used to. What would you say to that assessment?

I see my essays as  or at least they should be  exciting and exuberant. I admit that there is an accusation that holds up, but not entirely. Everybody thinks that the time of their midpoint of life was a golden age, which is by and large delusional. Old folks remembering how it was better in the old days  look at these kids today and all that. But in certain times, at certain cultural junctures, theres a strong additional element. I would say the Gutenberg period changed the culture enormously, the Reformation too, and I think were in a moment like that now because of new technology. That new technology brings with it a sense of: the only thing that matters is the here and now, live in the moment, take your app and be hedonistic with it, live for the immediate. We have such intense access to the immediate. What gets obliterated, then, is history. To live without history is tragic. So if I mourn anything at all, or if we ought to mourn anything at all, it is the sense of history because the here and now is incomprehensible without it.

For you, are the twin capital Ls of Life and Literature enemies in a way? Youve said, Life is the anti-muse. Life interrupts. How do you see the interplay between Life and Literature, especially in relation to Henry James idea of the madness of art?

In The Middle Years, the Henry James story on that topic, he answered it for all time. The social personality is really irrelevant to what makes the writer. When youre in isolation, in quiet, often in the middle of the night, away from the exigencies of life, which you can never escape from for very long, that is when your mind is freest and most on fire. Though I think the social personality is not always fraudulent, James called it the graciousness of mere twaddle. If you think about how life is lived for everybody, not just writers, day by day, most of it is lubricated by the graciousness of mere twaddle.

In The Lastingness of Saul Bellow, you quote from one of Bellows letters, in which he wrote, it all boils down to a pair of patent-leather sandals. Your discussion of that passage is brilliant, you extrapolate much from it about the culmination of a theory of pastness and also how it describes succinctly Bellows lastingness. So if for Bellow, it all boils down to a pair of patent-leather sandals, what does it all boil down to for Cynthia Ozick?

Oh, I could say  a little green leather coat? But that would be an imitation of Bellows technique, his insight, his feeling. I think it all boils down for each person to some specific feeling. It could be a hurt; it could be a loss. Hmm  what does it all boil down to for me? A certain afternoon in a very quiet part of the Bronx, which was semi-rural, somewhere in childhood in the 1930s, when you could still see horse turds in the road, and the road was tar. The milkman still came with his horse. Those droppings in the heat of summer, you could smell them. But the smell was not unpleasant because you could smell the barn, you could smell the straw. You could even see the straw in the melting tar. It would be utterly quiet, nobody in the streets, no other kid. You would stand there and just feel the heat of summer and something mysterious about life which you could not possibly describe.

Malone is a writer and professor of English. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Scofield and a contributing editor for Literary Hub.
Airbnb sued the city of Anaheim on Thursday, challenging a new city law that imposes fines on short-term rental sites for listing homes and apartments that violate the citys rental regulations.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana, marks the second time in so many months that the popular rental site has sued a city over regulations that target online rental sites over violations committed by hosts who use the sites.

Airbnb sued its hometown of San Francisco last month over a law that called for penalties against rental websites that post properties for owners who dont have a city permit or exceed the number of nights allowed to rent.

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In the latest lawsuit, Airbnb argues that Anaheims new law unfairly make Airbnb and other rental sites responsible for making sure that the properties listed in Anaheim meet city regulations.

An Anaheim spokeswoman said the city doesnt comment on pending litigation.

The Anaheim law says hosting platforms must remove listings of rental units that dont have city permits or otherwise violate city law within 10 calendar days or face fines of $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

Short-term rentals have become popular in Anaheim in the last few years, especially among tourists visiting the Disneyland Resort or the Anaheim Convention Center.

At first, the city created a permit process and collected taxes for properties that were rented for fewer than 30 days. But when residents began to complain about noise, trash and traffic problems generated by the renters, the city temporarily stopped issuing new short-term rental permits.

The Anaheim City Council voted this month to permanently stop issuing permits for short-term rentals and gave existing permit holders 18 months to cease operations. During that period, rental hosts must abide by tough new restrictions on noise, occupancy numbers, parking, fire safety and access. The 18 months begin Aug. 11.

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The law imposes fines of up to $2,500 on the property owners for violations of such rules and notes that a hosting platform shall not otherwise facilitate the occupancy of a short-term rental if the occupancy will violate any ordinance, regulation or law of the city.

Airbnb lawyers say the law unfairly puts the responsibility of ensuring that the property owners meet the regulations on Airbnb instead of on Anaheim regulators.

We want to keep working with governments to craft rules that work, but the city of Anaheim quickly banned this economic lifeline and created regulations that violate federal law, Airbnb spokeswoman Alison Schumer said.

The lawsuit says the regulation violates constitutional rights to free speech and equal protection under the law as well as the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which prohibits states and local jurisdictions from holding Internet platforms liable for content created by users of the websites.

The lawsuit also says that the ordinance will have an impermissible chilling effect on speech because Airbnb wont know which listings are lawful and which are not and therefore will have to stop publishing all listings from Anaheim.

The lawsuit asks a federal judge to prevent Anaheim from enforcing the penalties on Airbnb and other rental sites.

Anaheim and San Francisco are not the only cities facing legal challenges over short-term rental regulations. San Clemente and Hermosa Beach were both sued in June by homeowners who say the cities failed to get approval from the California Coastal Commission before imposing restrictions on short-term rentals near the beach.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking its first step toward reining in debt collectors, releasing an early outline of rules aimed at preventing them from harassing consumers and trying to collect debts that dont exist.

The proposal, which will be discussed Thursday at a CFPB hearing in Sacramento, would require collection companies to do more to verify information about debts before contacting consumers, limit the number of times a collector can call or email consumers, and make it easier for consumers to dispute debts and put the collections process on hold.

Consumer advocacy groups have long complained about the practices of debt collectors, saying they often try to collect from the wrong people, intimidate consumers with nuisance lawsuits and harass borrowers with constant calls.

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We continue to hear about serious problems with debt collection  debiting accounts without authorization, calling at all hours of the day or night, threats of arrest or criminal prosecution, or threats of physical harm to consumers and even their pets, CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in remarks prepared for Thursdays hearing.

Consumer groups called the proposal a good first step. But, as with other CPFB proposals, they say they would like to see more stringent consumer protections.

A trade group for debt-collection firms, meanwhile, said rules that go too far could prevent some borrowers from getting loans in the first place.

If creditors are not able to collect rightfully owed debts, they will be less likely to extend credit to consumers, said Cindy Sebrell, a spokeswoman for trade group ACA International.

The proposal, released late Wednesday, is an early step in a process that could take more than a year to produce final rules. The CFPBs initial outline will be reviewed by a panel of small debt-collection businesses before more formal rules are proposed, likely sometime next year.

The early proposal calls for debt collectors and debt buyers  firms that buy delinquent debt from banks and other lenders, then try to collect from borrowers  to contact consumers no more than six times in a week.

It also calls for debt collectors to inform consumers if their debts are too old for the collector to take them to court.

In a 2013 report, the Federal Trade Commission found that while debt buyers usually, though not always, have the information they need to prove a debt exists  such as a borrowers name, the amount they owe and the name of the original lender  they often lack documents related to the debt, such as account statements or loan agreements.

Whats more, debt buyers usually dont receive any information about whether consumers have disputed a debt or if a disputed debt has been verified  information, the FTC noted, that would help determine whether a debt is legitimate.

See the most-read stories in Business this hour 

The National Consumer Law Center, which has pushed for tighter restrictions on debt collectors, said the proposal is a good first step but that it would like to see the CFPB put forward even tougher rules.

Margot Saunders, an attorney with NCLC, said the CFPBs proposal would create complicated, difficult-to-enforce rules regarding what information collectors have to verify before trying to collect.

Whats more, she said one part of the proposal could be confusing to borrowers. In most states, consumers can only be taken to court over bad debts for a certain amount of time after defaulting. The CFPBs proposal calls for debt collectors to inform consumers if their debts are too old to result in a lawsuit. But Saunders said that proposal would flummox consumers.

If you received a notice saying, Were collecting this $1,000 debt from you, were informing you that we cant sue you, but you still owe it and need to pay it, would you be confused? Saunders said. Its at best confusing and at worst useless.

She wants the CFPB to essentially ban debt-collection firms from trying to collect debts that are too old.

Most statutes of limitation are five, six, seven years. That leaves plenty of time for the debt to be collected, Saunders said.

Over the past few years, the Federal Trade Commission and the CFPB have gone after debt-collection firms and debt buyers for trying to collect debts without properly verifying them. Theyve also taken action against lenders for failing to tell debt buyers about payments the borrowers made after their debts were sold.

Scott Pearson, an attorney at Ballard Spahr who represents financial-services firms, said debt collectors know there are problems in the industry and that the CFPBs proposal could address some of those.

There have been lots and lots of consumer complaints resulting from attempts to collect by debt buyers who dont have proper documentation, he said. Most people in the industry would acknowledge this is a problem. There are situations where someone is trying to collect a debt thats already been paid. Nobody wants that.

Still, he said he expects lenders and debt collectors alike to push back on the bureaus proposal and argue, as ACA International already has, that rules that make debt collection more costly will make it harder for customers to get loans.

If debt buyers have higher costs, they might pay less for bad debts. That could push lenders to be more cautious when they lend, potentially cutting off access to credit for some consumers.

When you do this kind of thing, you make every debt obligation less valuable, Pearson said. Theres good reason to have more regulation, but anyone in the industry is going to say CFPB has gone too far.

james.koren@latimes.com

Follow me: @jrkoren

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Lifting a cloud of regulatory uncertainty hanging over the future of Uber and its competitors in China, the government on Thursday legalized app-based ride-hailing services, but announced new licensing requirements and other rules.

The new regulations, to take effect Nov. 1, require drivers to have at least three years of driving experience and no violent criminal or drunk-driving history. The ride-hailing companies and driver vehicles must be registered with authorities.

Uber called the new rules a historic starting point and hailed China for becoming the first major economy to adopt comprehensive nationwide rules on ride-sharing. The Transportation Ministry, in conjunction with six other government ministries, issued the rules.

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We welcome the new regulations, which send a clear message of support for ride-sharing and the benefits that it offers riders, drivers and cities, said Zhen Liu, senior vice president of corporate strategy for Uber China.

Uber, which has a strategic partnership with giant Chinese Internet firm Baidu, said it is already operating in more than 60 Chinese cities and aims to raise that to 100 by the years end.

The nationwide rules could save Uber from having to fight in individual markets for consistent regulation, like it did and continues to do in the U.S, where the ride-hailing industry is regulated at the state and city level, depending on the market.

The San Francisco company has grand ambitions for its Chinese expansion, and analysts have said much of its $62.5-billion valuation hinges on its potential to own swathes of market share in the worlds most populous nation. This year, Uber Chief Executive Travis Kalanick said the company was losing $1 billion a year trying to establish itself in the Chinese market.

But whether the new rules will do anything to alleviate the competitive challenges facing Uber in China is unclear. Even with Chinese regulators green-lighting Ubers business, it faces a fierce rival in Didi Chuxing, the largest ride-hailing and taxi network in China, which controls upwards of 80% of the market.

In China, Didi has one-upped Uber in fundraising, partnerships and driver subsidies. The company recently received a $1-billion investment from Apple, announced a partnership with Ubers main competitor in the U.S., Lyft, and remains bullish on its home turf.

Didi Chuxing praised Chinese regulators decision to allow ride-share platforms to set their own pricing.

As in many countries, the rise of ride-hailing services has bred confrontations with taxi drivers in China. Cabbies have complained that the unregulated services -- which allow drivers to use their personal vehicles to give rides and have offered huge initial subsidies to drivers and riders in a bid to grab market share -- are undercutting their business and operating without sufficient oversight.

The new rules empower local taxi administration authorities to manage the ride-hail licensing platforms. In a statement, Didi noted that local governments are given a certain discretion to determine operating requirements. We call for local authorities to adopt market-driven approaches that encourage innovation and new business models, the company said.

The new rules add pressure on companies like Didi to harmonize their businesses with taxi operators.

Didi promised it would invest millions of dollars to accelerate the integration of the online ride-hailing and taxi services through strategic partnerships with regulators, taxi companies and drivers.

Our shared goals are to facilitate the integration of the taxi and ride-booking industries, to help raise operating efficiency and driver income, and to provide better transportation services for Chinese passengers, Didi said.

Among the rules outlined Thursday, vehicles can seat no more than seven passengers and must be equipped with GPS systems.

Vehicles must be registered and have no more than 372,000 miles on their odometers, or be less than 8 years old, whichever comes first.

The status of part-time drivers apparently is a question mark under the new regulations. Didi said it hopes that local practices will allow for separate treatment of part-time drivers to foster  reform in the transportation industry.

The rules are similar to the way companies such as Uber are regulated in California, where drivers are expected to pass background checks, operate relatively new vehicles and, in cities such as San Francisco, register as independent contractors with the city.

The company continues to face pushback in other markets, though. In France and Spain, regulators have cracked down on UberPop -- a service known in the U.S. as UberX, in which anyone with a car can become an Uber driver -- imposing fines against the companys executives for operating an illegal taxi service.

Yingzhi Yang and Nicole Liu in The Times Beijing Bureau and Times staff writer Tracey Lien in San Francisco contributed to this report.

julie.makinen@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @JulieMakLAT.

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3:40 p.m.: This article was updated with additional reporting and context.

This article was originally published at 3:50 a.m.
Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti was 17 when she met American jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. A rising classical star, she was on her own in New York for the first time for a performance at Lincoln Center.

Kathleen Battle sang in the same concert and Elie Wiesel spoke, she recalls. Itzhak Perlman was in the front row. It was the most extraordinary day of my life. Thats when Wynton heard me play for the first time.

Marsalis was instantly impressed by Benedettis sound and skill. Fans of each others music, the two struck up a conversation that developed into a lasting friendship. More than a decade later, Benedetti says their connection is less about instrumental performance and more centered around common views about musics power and how it lies within a grander context.

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Writing for another musician allows me to learn something from them: Wynton Marsalis, seen here in 2010, (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times )

Afro-American slaves ... played fiddles, so I learned how to play fiddle tunes and improvise on them on my horn. I needed to know that language.  Wynton Marsalis

Thursday night at the Hollywood Bowl, Benedetti and the Los Angeles Philharmonic will give Marsalis Violin Concerto in D its West Coast premiere. The concerto, which Marsalis composed specifically for Benedetti, is the most tangible product of their unique musical relationship.

I always liked the violin and I liked fiddle tunes, Marsalis says. I like that tradition. I knew growing up that there were many Afro-American slaves who played fiddles, so I learned how to play fiddle tunes and improvise on them on my horn. I needed to know that language.

In conversations over the years, Benedetti encouraged Marsalis to explore his passion for the fiddle through composition. I would always say to him, If you love the violin so much, why dont you write something for it?

It took time, but Marsalis finally agreed. He says his inspiration for the piece was as much Benedetti as her instrument.

When I wrote Congo Square, he explains, it was for the great African drum master Yacub Abby. Meeting him inspired me to write that piece. Ive known Nicola for 12 years now and watching her development and the conversations weve had over the years inspired me to write this piece for her. Writing for another musician allows me to learn something from them.

When Benedetti received Marsalis first draft of the Violin Concerto in D, she asked him to rework her part to make it more challenging. She told me she needed something that would make her practice, Marsalis remembers. Thats unusual. Most the time, when I write music, people say its too hard.

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Marsalis is no stranger to virtuosic classical music. Early in his career he won a Grammy for classical soloist with an orchestra. YouTube clips of vintage videos reveal the young, tuxedo-clad Marsalis skillfully maneuvering his way through a Haydn trumpet concerto.

When he set out to compose the Violin Concerto in D, Marsalis avoided classical idioms.

Im a jazz musician, he explains. Im very comfortable with classical music, but I am not trying to prove anything in classical music. Im not interested in sounding like other people. When it comes to American music  New Orleans music, blues music, music that is in the Anglo-Celtic tradition, Afro-American music  thats what I know, thats what I love, thats where Im comfortable and thats what Im about.

Benedetti has embraced the opportunity this piece has provided her to delve into Wyntons musical world. There can be an approach from the outset to American music that is quite wrongfully segregated in regards to color and geography, she says. People tend to think fiddle music belongs to one region and one type of look and jazz music belongs to another region and type of look. What Wynton will expose you to very quickly is how integrated music was long before the country was integrated.

Nicola Benedetti performing in 2008 at Pepperdine Universitys Raitt Recital Hall (Stefano Paltera / For The Times )

I would always say to him, If you love the violin so much, why dont you write something for it?  Nicola Benedetti

Premiering this concerto is just one of the many risks Benedetti has taken as she has matured from young virtuoso to seasoned professional. Her recording projects over the years have been diverse, including standard classical repertoire, Scottish folk music and film scores. Like Marsalis, she embraces the hard work that new musical challenges demand.

I always go back to when I was around 6 years old, she says. When I heard classical melodies for the first time, I was moved to tears. It was such a visceral and instinctual connection to the music itself that has only grown throughout my life. I go to the second half of practically every concert I play. Im the happiest person in the audience because I still just cant believe Im getting to hear this incredible music.

Benedettis favorite parts of Marsalis violin concerto are numerous. She gushes about the luscious opening melodic line of the first movement. She also loves the second movement, a rondo brimming with humor and complete raucous craziness.

Thats a side of Wyntons personality I recognize in the music, she says. Its truly wild and so quintessentially him. Its not like anything else. Its really absolutely his sound and his color and his vibe.

Marsalis favorite part of his first violin concerto? Nicolas sound, he says without a moments hesitation. I just like her sound.

--------------------------------------

Wynton Marsalis Violin Concerto in D

Nicola Benedetti with the Los Angeles Philharmonic

Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles

When: 8 p.m., Thursday, July 28

Tickets: $8 to $113

Info: (323) 850-2000, www.hollywoodbowl.com

Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster.

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Netflix may have experienced slower than expected subscriber growth in the second quarter, but that wont stop it from putting money where its streaming mouth is.

During an appearance at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said the global streaming giant would continue to increase spending on original and licensed content beyond the whopping $6 billion it spent this year.

Itll go up, he said, without revealing specifics. Were hitting where we said we would last year and well have an update on that in the next few months.

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That Netflix is ponying up so much cash on content is not surprising. The service behind such shows as Orange Is the New Black and Jessica Jones is now available in 190 countries as part of an aggressive push to expand its global footprint. A steady supply of worthwhile content in each territory is key to keeping subscribers and bringing in new ones.

Sarandos kicked off his 45-minute session by once more addressing Netflix ratings  or rather the lack of Netflix ratings. The company does not disclose ratings for its shows. And Sarandos disputed the notion that some companies, such as Symphony Advanced Media and Nielsen, have figured out how many people watch its original series.

He also reiterated that ratings data is not paramount to Netflixs business because the service is not reliant on advertisers.

Subscriber growth, not ratings, drives our revenue, Sarandos said.

His statements come less than two weeks after Netflix disclosed that it missed its subscriber target for the second quarter. Netflix added 1.7 million subscribers worldwide, well below the 2.5 million subscribers the company predicted that it would add in the three-month period that ended June 30. Sarandos cited various factors that contributed to the lower results.

There were a lot of different conflicting things in the space we were trying to juggle, he said. We grew much faster than anticipated in [the first quarter], and slower than anticipated in [the second quarter.]

Sarandos also addressed the challenges of Netflixs large-scale global launch, saying it will take time before the company understands user habits in the international territories it has added.

We found out that everything we learned about Latin America wasnt helpful at all in Italy and nothing we learned in Mexico really helped us in Taiwan, he explained. But that was part of the impetus for the global launch, so that Netflix can learn from being in each of those countries.

Sarandos cited the companys 2011 launch in Latin America as a learning experience.

Latin America was a really difficult process for us, he said, acknowledging the challenge of adequate bandwidth in some communities and payments. Now its such an important part of our global business.

yvonne.villarreal@latimes.com
From the creators of Coraline, ParaNorman and The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings is Laikas next contribution to the tiny-world film industry. The fantasy is set in ancient Japan and features the voices of Charlize Theron, George Takei and Matthew McConaughey.

Laika is known for its stop-motion skills and the ability to create the tiniest of worlds with the most intricate details (Coraline transformed popcorn into the flowers of a tree orchard).

And you can watch Kubo before everyone else. The L.A. Times Hero Complex is hosting a free screening at the ArcLight Hollywood on Aug. 4.

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Following the screening, Laika President and CEO Travis Knight, who produced and directed Kubo, will lead a short conversation about the film.

Heres the official synopsis of the animated flick:

Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of Game of Thrones) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen  a magical musical instrument  Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.

Tickets will be available for free at Eventbrite at 10 a.m. Friday, July 29.

The film opens nationwide Aug. 19.

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Its almost 50 years since the death of Lenny Bruce. The groundbreaking comedian died on Aug. 3, 1966 from an overdose of morphine while his New York obscenity conviction was still on appeal. On that same day he received a foreclosure notice at his Los Angeles home.

But his death was an overdose, not a suicide. In the kitchen, a kettle of water was still boiling, and in his office, the electric typewriter was still humming. He had stopped typing in mid-word: Conspiracy to interfere with the 4th Amendment const  constitutes what, I wonder?

Lenny was a subscriber to my satirical magazine, the Realist, and in 1959 we met for the first time in his Times Square hotel. He was amazed that I got away with publishing those profane words for which other periodicals used asterisks or dashes. He had been using euphemisms and asked, Are you telling me this is legal to sell on the newsstands? I replied, The Supreme Courts definition of obscenity is that it has to be material which appeals to your prurient interest.

He magically produced an unabridged dictionary from the suitcase on his bed, and looked up the word prurient. He closed the dictionary, clenching his jaw and nodding his head in affirmation of a new discovery.

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So, he observed, its against the law to get you horny.

When we were about to leave the room, he stood in the doorway. Did you steal anything? he asked furtively. I took my watch out of my pocket since I didnt like to wear it on my wrist, and without saying a word I placed it on the bureau. Lenny laughed one loud, staccato Ha! and kissed me on the forehead.

We developed a friendship integrated with stand-up comedy. In his act Lenny had broken through traditional stereotypical jokes about airplane food, mothers-in-law, nagging wives. Instead he weaved his taboo-breaking targets  teachers low salaries versus show-business celebs, religious leaders hypocrisy, cruel abortion laws, racial injustice, the double standard between illegal and prescription drugs  into stream-of-consciousness vignettes.

In each succeeding performance, he would sculpt and re-sculpt his concept into a theatrical context, experimenting from show to show like a jazz-jargon musician. Audience laughter would turn into clapping for the creative process itself. Please dont applaud, he requested. It breaks my rhythm.

Lenny was intrigued by the implications of an item in the Realist, an actual statement by Adolf Eichmann that he would have been not only a scoundrel, but a despicable pig if he hadnt carried out Hitlers orders. Lenny wrote a piece for the Realist, Letter From a Soldiers Wife  namely, Mrs. Eichmann  pleading for compassion to spare her husbands life.

Lenny was writing an autobiography  How to Talk Dirty and Influence People  which Playboy planned to serialize, then publish as a book, and Hugh Hefner hired me as his editor. We met in Atlantic City. At a certain point he was acting paranoid and demanded that I take a lie-detector test  and I was paranoid enough to take him literally. I couldnt work with him if he didnt trust me.

We got into an argument, and I left. He sent a telegram that sounded like we were on the verge of divorce  WHY CANT IT BE THE WAY IT USED TO BE? he wrote. I agreed to try again, and in 1962 I flew to Chicago.

Lenny was performing at the Gate of Horn. He was asking the whole audience to take a lie-detector test.

He asked, Do you people think yourselves better because you burned your enemies at long distance with missiles without ever seeing what you had done to them? Hiroshima auf Wiedersehen. If we would have lost the war, they would have strung Truman up ... Jim. And Truman said theyd do it again. Thats what they should have the same day as Remember Pearl Harbor. Play them in unison.

Lenny was arrested for obscenity that night. The cops also broke open Lennys candy bars, looking for drugs. And the clubs liquor license was suspended. Since he often talked onstage about his environment, and since police cars and courtrooms had become his environment, the content of Lennys performances began to revolve more and more around the inequities of the legal system.

In the Halls of Justice, he declared, the only justice is in the halls. But he also said, I love the law. Instead of an unabridged dictionary, he now carried law books in his suitcase. His room was cluttered with tapes, transcripts. photostats, law journals, legal briefs.

In less than two years, Lenny was arrested 15 times. Club owners were afraid to book him. He couldnt get a gig in six months. On a Christmas day, he was alone in his hotel room, and I brought him a $500 bill. With a large safety pin, he attached it to his denim jacket.

On Oct. 13, 1965 (Lennys 40th birthday), instead of surrendering to the authorities in New York, he filed suit at the U.S. District Court in San Francisco to keep out of prison, and he got himself officially declared a pauper. Two months before his death in 1966, Lenny wrote to me: Im still working on the bust of the government of New York State. He included his doodle of Christ nailed to a crucifix, with a speech balloon asking, Where the hell is the ACLU?

After he died, at a seance his mother brought his old faded denim jacket. That large safety pin was still attached to it. And at the funeral his sound engineer friend dropped Lennys microphone into his grave before the dirt was piled on. Lennys problem had been that he wanted to talk on stage with the same freedom that he had in his living room. That problem doesnt happen to stand-up comedians anymore.

Paul Krassner is the author of Confessions of a Raving, Unconfined Nut: Misadventures in the Counter-Culture.

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The Internet Movie Database is one of the most popular websites for tracking the work of actors, filmmakers and others in the movie and TV world. Weve asked some actors to look at their own IMDB page and comment on some of their best-known roles.

When Christina Applegate was cast as Kelly Bundy on the now-iconic sitcom Married With Children, the actress was incredibly introspective and shy and never intended to pursue comedy. I was a dark kid, Applegate reflects. I always thought serious projects were going to be my jam. But the show really helped me to let go of being so serious all the time. Now Applegate is known for her self-assured, hilarious characters, most of whom are notably strong women.

If I look back over everything I think the through line is in strong characters with ambition, Applegate says.

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Over the last several decades, the actress has explored her comedic abilities in films like Anchorman and Vacation. Her latest project is Bad Moms, in theaters July 29, which lets Applegate don the mantle of villain  something that is unusual in her filmography. Shes attracted to these sorts of project for a very simple reason. I love a good dirty joke, the actress admits. Here Applegate remembers some of her best-known work.

Bad Moms, Gwendolyn (2016)

Im a mom. Were living in this society that puts so much pressure on us to be perfect and the whole premise of the movie is if one day you just go I cant be perfect. Its about the judgment of moms on other moms. I loved being able to play this incredibly evil woman who represents a lot things you see out there in the world from these very type-A moms who have a lot of judgment.

Vacation, Debbie Griswold (2015)

You never know how something is going to turn out when youre shooting it and when I first saw that movie I laughed harder than Id laughed in a long time. I know some people didnt like it, which is totally fine, but I really appreciated what they put together. We had the most fun in the mud. It was so fun and so gross at the same time.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Veronica Corningstone (2013)

At that time, Anchorman was my favorite job Id ever done and one of the best times Ive ever had in my life, so when we all saw each other in Atlanta  the love was so big. Veronica is such a great character and so beautifully written by Adam McKay. Oftentimes the female roles in these dude comedies arent fully realized, and he created this really interesting character and gave me the freedom to bring what I wanted to her.

Samantha Who?, Samantha (2007-2009)

I loved that show. When they canceled us I laid in bed for three days crying. I was so insanely sad. But I always tell [costar] Melissa [McCarthy], Im grateful it was canceled because the world really gets to see you now. If it was still going I dont think she would have gotten the opportunities shes gotten to have.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Veronica Corningstone (2004)

It was considered a disappointment opening weekend. We thought Oh man, darn it. But as it got out of theaters and people got ahold of the DVD it just seemed to grow this huge audience. Its now such a loveable movie and I even quote it myself sometimes. Milk was a bad choice is something that I say often.

Dont Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead, Sue Ellen Crandell (1991)

It is the most surprising thing to me that people still talk about this movie. It was the first time Id taken the lead in something. I didnt know how it was going to be received. It was a complete and utter flop. But people tell me to this day that its their favorite movie and quote it to me, like Im right on top of that, Rose.

Married With Children, Kelly Bundy (1987-1997)

We turned the table on the traditional sitcom. The third season is when we started to realize that it was gaining momentum. We were the black sheep of Fox at the time. We were left alone to our own accord to do what we wanted to do and I think thats why we were able to get away with as much as we could. Although we had one episode that we couldnt even show. It was so tame compared with whats on TV today, but we called it the Lost Episode and it never was shown.

Jaws of Satan, Kim Perry (1981)

That is a real piece of cinema, let me tell you. Its a movie about a killer snake. I dont really remember much about it and I never saw it. We were in Alabama and my mom was in it for a minute too. I got bit by the snake and thats about all I remember.
Indignation tells a very particular story, one thats bittersweet, heartbreaking and bleakly comic all at once, and it gets it right.

An impressive directing debut for James Schamus and a glowing showcase for costars Logan Lerman and Sarah Gadon, the films guiding spirit is the novelistic world of Philip Roth, and Indignations ability to capture that very specific milieu emphasizes not its particularity but how universal its concerns are.

Adapted by Schamus from the authors 2008 novel and 29th book, Indignation is a melancholy, star-crossed romance laced with Roths piercing sense of humor. Dealing with the mutual intoxication and incomprehension of young love and the inexorable way life has its pitiless way with us, its so truthfully done that the rich emotion behind its story is allowed to flower.

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Though hes never directed before, Schamus has done almost everything else in the independent film world, from producing and screenwriting (he was Oscar-nominated for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) to being for many years CEO of Focus Features.

That experience has clearly given Schamus specific ideas of what goes into a successful film, starting with spending time to nail down the storys physical setting and its psychological environment.

Indignation is set in 1951, first in the insular Jewish community of Newark, N.J., then in the WASP environs of Ohios Winesburg College, where protagonist Marcus Messner (in a journey paralleling Roths from Newark to Bucknell) experiences life as an incoming freshman.

Convincingly played by Lerman, Messner, known as Marky to his parents, is a very smart and serious young man, the nicest boy in the world, according to his mother. But, earnest and an idealist, he is fated to find the American world outside of Jewish Newark a difficult place to negotiate.

Marcus is heading off to college at an especially fraught time, the middle of the Korean War, and Indignation in fact opens with the funeral of one of his high-school classmates, a fate Marcus hopes to avoid by studying in Ohio. How will you keep kosher there? a neighbor asks, just as if Marcus was headed for the Moon.

Schamus has a fine ear for the language and intonations of this ethnic enclave and has cast actors who handle it expertly, especially Linda Emond as Marcus mother and Danny Burstein, currently starring in the Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, as his father.

Marcus has always been close to his butcher father, the Messner in Messners Meat & Poultry, but as the sons departure for college gets closer, his father begins to get unhinged, obsessively worrying about his sons fate in the wider world.

The tiniest mistake can have consequences, he ominously warns him. Just be careful.

Winesburg College (named with a nod to writer Sherwood Anderson) turns out to be a typical 1950s place where men wear white bucks, women have curfews and everyone is expected to attend chapel. Rooming in a triple with the only two Jews who dont live in the Jewish fraternity house, Marcus would love to concentrate on his studies, but then he sees Olivia Hutton.

Impeccably played by Gadon, a David Cronenberg regular, Olivia is the ultimate Gentile goddess, a poised and luminous blond, a transfer student from Mt. Holyoke no less, who is as intrigued by Marcus as he is by her.

But, very much like Marcus, Olivia turns out to be a fragile individual with her own problems. The two go out on a proper date and its after-effects so unnerve Marcus they end up turning his world, and his very life, upside down.

One of the characteristics of writer-director Schamus evocation of this universe is his attention to language. Great torrents of words pour from the characters, and never more so than in Marcus face-off against his bete noir, the colleges meddlesome Dean of Men (Tracy Letts), a confrontation that took up a full 14 pages of the script.

Very much a character-driven film, Indignation focuses on its young protagonists as they movingly attempt to determine who they are both as individuals and as a possible couple.

They also must finally confront the reality of, as Roth pointedly writes in the novels conclusion, the terrible, the incomprehensible way ones most banal, incidental, even comical choices achieve the most disproportionate result. Life, so it turns out, has a tendency to demand a price from us we are unprepared to pay.

MPAA rating: R, for sexual content and some language.

Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.

Playing: Arclight, Hollywood, Landmark, West Los Angeles.

Critics Choice. Indignation. Adapted by director James Schamus from the Philip Roth novel and starring Logan Lerman and Sarah Gadon, this is a melancholy, star-crossed romance laced with Roths piercing sense of humor. - Kenneth Turan
Films focused on visual artists are a staple of the documentary world, but Dont Blink  Robert Frank does things a little differently. Rather than being a film about an artist, its an attempt to show us what its like to actually be an artist.

Swiss-born Frank has, at age 91, been called the most influential photographer alive. If Americans designated people as living cultural treasures the way the Japanese do, he would be at the top of the list.

Frank is best known for the enormously influential The Americans, a 1958 book that resulted from a nine-month trip the artist, financed by a Guggenheim grant, took to 30 states that resulted in 27,000 photographs, which he culled to a stunning 83 images.

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But though theyre less well known, Frank also directed a number of independent/experimental films, starting with his Jack Kerouac-narrated Pull My Daisy (1959) and including a controversial 1979 Rolling Stones documentary with an unprintable title that a lawsuit by the group has made difficult to see even now.

Dont Blink is directed by Laura Israel, Franks film editor for more than 20 years, and includes generous selections from those works. Having a filmmaker that Frank is comfortable with in charge means that the photographer lets his guard down here more than he might have with a relative stranger.

I hate to be photographed. I cant stand to be pinned in front of a camera. I do that to people, I dont like it done to me.  Robert Frank

More free-form than straight ahead, Dont Blink, photographed by Lisa Rinzler, is an idiosyncratic look at an idiosyncratic man. It mixes nuggets of traditional biographical information with time spent just hanging out with Frank, situations where the artists restlessness, his unwillingness to settle for the expected, are in full view.

In addition to getting a glimpse of Franks cluttered New York residence, we see him at his second home in remote Mabou on Nova Scotias Cape Breton Island. Its cold, you have to slow down, its the opposite of New York, he says. I wouldnt say its hard, its impossible.

Dont Blink also has access to earlier footage of Frank, and it makes especially good use of a 1985 interview that shows the artist at his most irascible and acerbic.

I do it my way, I dont want to make compromises, the man says, revealing as well I hate to be photographed. I cant stand to be pinned in front of a camera. I do that to people, I dont like it done to me.

The documentary also emphasizes Franks affinity for boundary-pushing individuals, not only Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and the entire Beat Generation crew but also Stewart Brand, editor of the Whole Earth Catalog, and the eccentric musicologist Harry Smith. I prefer to work on the edge, not the middle of the road, Frank says. I am looking for chaos.

Dont Blink also offers glimpses of the photographers personal life, including the tragic early deaths of both of his children. And time is spent with his wife, fellow artist June Leaf, who says her first impressions of Frank was as both arrogant and sweet.

Though what he says is always direct and to the point, as when he says of himself, I am a hunter, I hunt for pictures, Frank insists Im not a verbal man. I have nothing to reveal. Its all in the work, I hope. Honoring that sentiment is what this very personal film is all about.
One of 2016s most eagerly anticipated autobiographies is getting an audio companion. Bruce Springsteens soon-to-be-published autobiography, Born to Run, will arrive accompanied by an 18-track set called Chapter and Verse, the boss announced Thursday via his website.

Springsteen quietly started writing his book in 2009 and signed on to issue it with Simon & Schuster. In an excerpt published in February, Springsteen wrote, Writing about yourself is a funny business. But in a project like this, the writer has made one promise, to show the reader his mind. In these pages, Ive tried to do this.

For Chapter and Verse, Springsteen will try to show the listener his ear. The music will arrive Sept. 23 through Springsteens longtime label, Columbia, four days before his books Sept. 27 publication. In announcing the news, Springsteen included the trailer below:

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While poring through the 500-page book, those readers who can simultaneously focus on lyrics and prose can use as a soundtrack both previously unreleased and classic recordings spanning five decades.

Track listing for Chapter and Verse.

1. Baby I  The Castiles (recorded May 2, 1966, at Mr. Music, Bricktown, N.J.; written by Bruce Springsteen and George Theiss; previously unreleased)

2. You Cant Judge a Book by the Cover  The Castiles (recorded Sept. 16, 1967, at the Left Foot, Freehold, N.J.; written by Willie Dixon; previously unreleased)

3. Hes Guilty (The Judge Song)  Steel Mill (recorded Feb. 22, 1970, at Pacific Recording Studio, San Mateo, Calif.; previously unreleased)

4. Ballad of Jesse James  The Bruce Springsteen Band (recorded March 14, 1972, at Challenger Eastern Surfboards, Highland, N.J.; previously unreleased)

5. Henry Boy (recorded June 1972, at Mediasound Studios, New York, N.Y.; previously unreleased)

6. Growin Up (recorded May 3, 1972, at Columbia Records Recordings Studios, New York, N.Y.; previously appeared on Tracks)

7. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) (1973, The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle)

8. Born to Run (1975, Born to Run)

9. Badlands (1977, Darkness on the Edge of Town)

10. The River (1980, The River)

11. My Fathers House (1982, Nebraska)

12. Born in the U.S.A. (1984, Born in the U.S.A.)

13. Brilliant Disguise (1987, Tunnel of Love)

14. Living Proof (1992, Lucky Town)

15. The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995, The Ghost of Tom Joad)

16. The Rising (2002, The Rising)

17. Long Time Comin (2005, Devils & Dust)

18. Wrecking Ball (2012, Wrecking Ball)

Theres a lot of terrible music out there. For tips on the stuff thats not, follow Randall Roberts on Twitter: @liledit

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Fans of The Colbert Report were ecstatic over the return of Stephen Colbert, the blowhard pundit, last week on CBS The Late Show.

But as quotation-mark-free Colbert explained Wednesday night, one group is not so pleased: namely, corporate lawyers at another unnamed company, who objected to the use of a character they believe is their intellectual property.

The claim was surprising because I never considered that guy much of an intellectual, Colbert joked. Left with no choice, he announced that the character Stephen Colbert, host of The Colbert Report, would never be seen again.

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The Colbert Report aired on Comedy Central, a cable channel owned by Viacom. Both CBS and Viacom are controlled by media mogul Sumner Redstone. Comedy Central declined to comment.

What can I do? The lawyers have spoken, Colbert said over audience boos. I cannot reasonably argue I own my face or name.

But evidently it takes more than a cease and desist letter to intimidate Colbert. In a twist ripped straight out of The Patty Duke Show, he then welcomed Stephen Colberts identical twin cousin, Stephen Colbert, live via satellite from Philadelphia.

Just to keep the in-house counsel at CBS extra busy this summer, Colbert introduced a new segment called The Werd, in which he riffed on voters dislike of both presidential candidates and poked fun at Scott Baio.

Behold the legal acrobatics in the clip above.

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12:35 p.m.: Story was updated with a no comment from Comedy Central.

This story was originally published at 12 p.m.
On Tuesday night, former President Bill Clinton spent more than 40 minutes, and covered four decades, attempting to humanize his wife, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

A day later, President Obama did it in three seconds, with a hug that will go down in history.

Addressing the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Obama spoke at great length about Clintons admirable qualities, saying, among other things, that she was the most qualified presidential candidate ever.

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But it was the after-hug that, well, clinched it.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times )

As the president basked in the highly emotional response from Democratic delegates to what may have been his last big speech to the nation, the candidate made a surprise appearance onstage. First pointing at each other in mutual admiration, the two stepped together. Clinton looked up into the presidents face  at 6-feet-1, hes got at least six inches on her  and smiled, saying a few words, no doubt of gratitude.

More columns by Mary McNamara 

 What you missed on the third day of the Democratic National Convention. More coverage at latimes.com/trailguide. See other Democratic roundups here and catch up on the Republian convention here.

Then they each stepped into a long and full-torso embrace, after which Clinton briefly rested her head on Obamas chest. The crowd went wild, in the arena and online.

Although undoubtedly staged to provide a front-page photo-op, The Hug quickly became a collegial version of Klimts The Kiss, except the complexity of the context and relationships involved made it a far riskier move.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times )

Warm hugs  the charm of Frozens Olaf notwithstanding  are notoriously tough to pull off on television. Too little physical contact for too short a time and the gesture looks awkward, a sign of emotional ambivalence or even sublimated loathing. Too tight or too long and onlookers tend to get uncomfortable and shout things like get a room.

And while Obama is something of a hugger  just ask Chris Christie!  Hillary Clinton is not known for her public cuddliness. Indeed, the emotional distance of her public persona has long been at odds with the warm and generous woman described by those who know her well.

It makes sense, of course; women in power have long had to fight any sign or symbol that might suggest weakness  why do you think power suits and shoulder pads were invented?

Never mind the personal peculiarities of Clinton; for the first woman with a real shot at the White House to nestle, even for a moment, on any mans chest, particularly the one who, just eight years ago, dismissed her in debate as being likeable enough, well, as social media reflected in its frenzied reaction, the moment spoke volumes.

Reddit may have tried to wreck it with obligatory attempts at sexualization, but it was a lovely visual amid two weeks of scorched-earth anger, conflict and seemingly unbreachable division. Mere hours before, Donald Trump called on Russia to cyberattack the Democratic Party.

Obviously the context was political. Obama was there to pass the baton, and he needs Clinton to win for personal and professional reasons. As the president made very clear, he believes that a Trump presidency would spell utter disaster for this country. It would most certainly be a stinging repudiation of his administration, and a real part of his legacy.

Full convention coverage 

(Susan Walsh / Associated Press )

Clinton, too, knows the importance of visibly respecting, and courting, her predecessor; Al Gores decision to immediately and markedly distance himself from Bill Clinton most certainly contributed to Gores defeat.

Obamas speech did exactly what it set out to do; with his signature oratorical skill, Obama anointed Clinton, condemned Trump and offered an optimistic view of the world to counter the Republicans. Like First Lady Michelle Obama, he was there to unite the Democrats, to offer respect to the still-grumbling Bernie Sanders supporters and ask the American people, in very direct language, to rally for Clinton the way they rallied for him.

But The Hug, that was something else. A physical exclamation point to the conventions theme of unity, yes. But the embrace was so obviously an act of mutual admiration, fueled by encouragement on his part, gratitude on hers, that for just a few minutes, politics did not go on as usual. It paused and considered the complexities of professional friendship.

And frankly, only Barack Obama could have pulled it off. If Bill Clinton was, famously, our first black president, Obama is, in many ways, our first female president.

He is tall and physically graceful and has never been shy about using those attributes to full advantage; during early debates, he often leaned against stools or chairs where others sat, used his hands when speaking. Although he did appear this year to hike and eat bear-chewed salmon with Bear Grylls, hes never embraced the horse-riding, brush-clearing, deer-hunting shorthand of other presidents. He has rarely been photographed holding a gun.

Though many wished he would, Obama never lost his temper; though many wished he wouldnt, Obama almost always chose a path of cooperation and compromise.

From the moment he took office, he spoke often and openly about his children, insisted on making it home for dinner, often putting them to bed. His relationship with his vice president is total unabashed BFF; hes not afraid to cry in public, or, for that matter, to sing.

Fighting, consciously or not, against stereotype, Hillary Clinton may not be at ease with public displays of affection or emotion, but Obama certainly is. As the video that played before his speech made clear, he is possibly our most physical president, here reaching out to brush the cheek of a child, there letting a boy touch his hair. He hugs often and fully, but more than that, he is often seen in physical connection, leaning shoulder to shoulder with Joe Biden or automatically pulling people closer when he shakes their hand.

So The Hug wasnt just about him passing the baton or her expressing gratitude. It was one president saying to a possible other: You got this, girl.

mary.mcnamara@latimes.com

Twitter: @marymacTV

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Gucci: not just for grown-ups anymore. Mommy-and-me dressing was taken to new heights by Beyonce  who else?  and her daughter Blue Ivy when the superstar posted photos to her personal web site showing a rather chic approach to matching mother-daughter attire. Pictured in Paris, with the Eiffel Tower every-so-casually peeking out in the background, the photos show Beyonce and Blue Ivy in coordinating floral-printed turquoise Guccidresses.

It seems Gucci might be a favorite of young Blue Ivy; her aunt, Solange, posted a photo to Instagram of her niece in a bright pink Gucci dress, writing Gucci campaigns cant even touch her w a pinky toe. If Alessandro Michele is looking for a new campaign face, it looks like Solange has cast her vote.

Beyonce was in the French capital on a break from her worldwide Formation World Tour. Throughout the course of the tour shes worn Balmain. Of dressing the star for her tour, Balmains Olivier Rousteing told WWD, Beyonce is the symbol of freedom, the power of women and the confidence of extraordinary talent. The Balmain army becomes the Beyonce army. I love it when my couture meets music. She wore a custom Julien Macdonald bodysuit to perform at the BET Awards in June, and while accepting the Fashion Icon Award at the 2016 CFDAs, she was in a Givenchy suit.

This is not Beyonces first brush with Gucci; earlier this year, amid all the Lemonade drama, she appeared in a Gucci dress in her Formation video, which was worn by rumored Becky with the good hair Rita Ora days later. Oh, the drama!
For decades, the FICO score has been the dominant metric for deciding whether a borrower is creditworthy. When applying for a mortgage, a car loan or a credit card, chances are that a FICO score is one of the first things a lender looks at.

But over the last few years, a new breed of online lenders and credit scoring firms have started developing their own methods of judging whether a borrower is a good bet.

Some are focused on consumers who dont have enough financial track record to have a FICO score. Others simply believe that they have a better method.

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Earlier this year, for instance, San Francisco lender Social Finance said it had dropped FICO from its underwriting process in favor of its own system, which takes into account such factors as what a borrower does for a living or studied in college. Other firms look at even more unorthodox criteria, including Web search queries.

William Lansing, chief executive of San Joses Fair Isaac Corp., the company behind the FICO score, said some of these new ideas might prove out, but others wont  and some are likely to face opposition from federal regulators.

Lansing spoke with the Los Angeles Times about the new world of credit scoring and why hes not worried that the FICO score will fall out of fashion. Heres an edited excerpt of that conversation:

Theres been lots of talk over the last few years about scoring people based on social media data. Is that something youve looked at?

Along with credit scores, we also do predictive analytic software that lenders use to do [lending] and detect fraud. And we can incorporate anything the customer wants. For example, what about a Facebook profile? Is there anything there thats useful? It probably has more value than zero, but not a lot more. If you did a search for wasted in a persons profile, would that have predictive value? It might, but there are so many other things that would have more predictive value.

Is that something customers have actually asked you for, using social media data?

We have that conversation. No customer has asked us to do it after a conversation about how little utility it would have.

What is predictive then? What are the factors that lenders ought to look at?

What we find is, anything that reflects personal responsibility tends to be highly correlated to your FICO score. If youre a good student, a good driver. Those things tend to be correlated to being a good credit risk. One thing we dont do: FICO doesnt look at your income. Its not focused on how wealthy you are.

Wouldnt it make sense to look at how much someone makes if youre planning on lending them money?

Of course you want to know they have the money to pay you back. You need capacity and you need intent to repay. If you focus on capacity exclusively, thats a recipe for problems. You could have a high income and blow it all on coke and Ferraris.

So what do you look at?

The FICO score is designed to predict a consumers propensity to repay debt. A great thing to look at is what a consumers payment history has been in the past. If theyve been a good payer in the past, its likely theyll be a good payer in the future.

Credit card repayment history is a big factor for FICO, but what about people who dont have credit cards?

There are high school graduates, immigrants, other people about whom less is known. What we do there is we ask, Are there other data sets that provide a window into whether this person is creditworthy or not? We designed our FICO XD score specifically for the purpose of scoring people who were previously unscorable.

What other data do you look at for FICO XD?

Are you paying utility bills on time? Thats predictive. Are you paying your phone bill on time? Thats predictive.

What do you make of firms using things like where you went to college or what you studied? Is that stuff predictive?

Theres a whole category of things that seem intuitive but dont really help you. Lets say Stanford graduates are a good credit risk  they get good jobs at a higher rate than others, theyve done things that demonstrate good behavior. But does that scale? Even if you use that to look at thousands and thousands of students at prestige schools, its still a small number of people. The idea works, but its only useful for a tiny population. With FICO, you cover a lot of people.

Between FICO and FICO XD, how many American adults have some kind of credit score?

Youre in the 200 million range.

This month Hollywood company ZestFinance signed a deal to build credit scores for Chinese consumers based on their queries to leading Chinese search engine Baidu. Im not sure that would fly in the U.S., but do you think that information could be useful?

What you use the money for is a little bit predictive as to whether youll repay. If you have knowledge of what the transaction is for, that can have some value. And if, through search results, you can have a deeper understanding of a consumer, its conceivable you could make a better credit decision.

The FICO score has been around for a long time and people understand it pretty well. Is that an advantage you have over some these new scoring systems?

When people say, How do I improve my FICO? the answer is, Pay your bills on time. Thats the lions share. This is an area where alternative lenders are going to run into issues. Regulators are going to say you have to be transparent with your consumers.

james.koren@latimes.com

Follow me: @jrkoren

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We are everywhere: This California delegate drove to Philadelphia to talk about drug addiction and recovery

Ryan Hampton, 35, stood before his fellow California delegates at their morning breakfast Thursday to introduce himself.

I have not used drugs or alcohol in 18 months, and I have to tell you, a year and a half ago I didnt know if I was going to live or die, Hampton said. Here I am today, not only a person recovering from heroin, but a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and I think that shows that we are everywhere.

Opioid addiction and recovery is being highlighted more frequently in the presidential campaign: On Monday, the Democratic Party dedicated about an hour to the topic. And on Tuesday, Hampton spoke on a panel with House and Senate members working to get more funding for a massive bill to expand addiction treatment programs that President Obama recently signed into law.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids  primarily prescription pain relievers and heroin  were involved in 28,647 deaths in 2014, or about 78 people a day.

Hampton said he decided to become a delegate because the recovery community in Pasadena wanted to focus more attention on the scope of the problem. Hamptons fellow recovering addicts campaigned for him and scraped together the money to get him to Philadelphia.

Hampton left his home at Angels Way Sober Living in Pasadena two weeks ago and drove the 2,500 miles to Philadelphia in an RV.

Along the way, Hampton stopped at recovery centers and prisons to interview other addicts and their families about life with addiction and how access to treatment is different depending on where you live. His documentary is available in parts online at the Huffington Post.

People in recovery are everywhere. We are your brothers, and we are your fathers and mothers and sons. We are your CEOs of major corporations, we your employees, your neighbors. We are in your living rooms and we are in your backyards, Hampton said. It became apparent to me that how can we ever affect change if America doesnt know us?

While he was on his way to Philadelphia, Hampton got a call from the White House asking if he could stop in to the West Wing to talk with the presidents domestic policy advisors, so of course he did. They told him they think more people who are recovering from addiction should speak out.

Once people identify what the issue is and that it is in their backyard, then they will be able to understand and treat this epidemic with compassion and we can get to a solution, he said.

Hampton said in an interview that hes grateful Clinton has made opioid addiction treatment programs part of her platform, but he plans to hold her to it.

Im a Hillary delegate, I love her to death, but when she is president, I am going to hold her accountable on behalf of my community for this issue. I expect action from the party when they win in November.

Hampton said he has added an extra weeks worth of stops on the drive back home.

People are listening, I think the DNC is listening, I think the White House is listening, I think Donald Trump is listening. I just hope that change is made, he said.
Aug. 25, 2016, 10:40 a.m. Reporting from imperial beach, Calif.

We made it, Oregon to Mexico, along an 1,100-mile beach The drive began at the Oregon border. It ended five weeks later at the Mexican border. Where I almost got arrested. OK, thats an exaggeration. When photographer Allen Schaben and I got to the border of Tijuana and Imperial Beach, the party was much better on the Mexican side. Families were in the water and on the sand, a Mariachi band played, and the whole scene was rather festive compared with two people strolling quietly on the Imperial Beach side. I thought briefly about defecting. One man stood at the fence on the Tijuana side, so I walked up to say hello. I asked why he wasnt swimming and he said he didnt have a bathing suit, then he stuck his hand through the fence to shake my hand. A Border Patrol agent sped toward me in an SUV and yelled for me to stand back from the fence. I hesitated, because what was the big deal? But then I noticed a sign warning against contact or the passing of narcotics through the fence, etc. So I stepped back from the fence because I didnt know if Id be able to write my last road trip columns from a jail cell. Im going to wrap up the series on Sunday, but that wont be the end of my coverage of the California Coastal Commission on the 40th anniversary of the Coastal Act. Theres lots to keep an eye on. Legislation to ban private meetings between commissioners and developers could move forward later today. A vote has been delayed on the controversial proposal for a desalination plant in Huntington Beach, a project that doesnt make a lot of sense in my opinion but has big money backing it. The ever-controversial Newport Banning Ranch project -- a massive hotel/housing development on the last undeveloped plot of privately owned coastal property in Southern California -- will be up for a vote in early September. And the City Council election in Pismo Beach has gotten very interesting because Erik Howell, a councilman and coastal commissioner who ticked off Pismo residents by supporting a development that will block ocean views, now has challengers in his reelection campaign. Howell, if youve forgotten, accepted a $1,000 campaign donation from the domestic partner and business colleague of the lobbyist who represents the Pismo development. If he loses his council seat, he loses his Coastal Commission seat too. So stay tuned. The Coastal Commission will have a new director soon, a new chair and at least two new commissioners, and we need to watch closely because whats at stake is the greatest 1,100-mile coast in the world.



10:25 A.M. reporting from san diego

Lawmaker who led 72 coastal preservation bike ride from San Francisco to San Diego still has Schwinn that delivered win Former senator James Mills, 89, stands with the bike he rode from Sacramento to San Diego in 1972 to promote Prop 20, which created the Coastal Commission and led to the Coastal Act. The photo was taken overlooking the San Diego skyline from Mills Coronado apartment Wednesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The bike. I wanted to see the bike, and meet its owner. Arriving in San Diego meant our coastal trek from Oregon to Mexico was coming to an end, and it meant that it was finally time to pay a visit to Jim Mills. Mills, a state legislator from 1962 to 1981, was Senate president pro tempore in 1972 when he decided to support Proposition 20, the coastal preservation act. Without it, conservationists feared, coastal development would run amok, Highway 1 would be widened, and a string of nuclear power plants would spring up on some of the greatest beach fronts in the world. But there wasnt much money to fight Prop. 20s foes, said Mills, who had grown up wading in La Jolla Cove and has a deep appreciation of the states greatest natural resource. So in September 1972, he hopped aboard his canary yellow Schwinn Super Sport and led a bike rally from San Francisco to San Diego. The number of riders swelled at times, Mills said, and bikers were greeted each evening by locals serving plenty of carbs. We ate a lot of weenies and beans, and spaghetti too, he said. He recalled PG&E executives following the cyclists in a chauffeur-driven Cadillac, doing their own spin on Prop. 20. The bike rally drew lots of publicity, Mills said, and whether it made the difference is anyones guess. But Prop. 20 won 55% of the vote and led in 1976 to the Coastal Act that to this day protects the coast for the benefit of fragile marine and land habitats and the enjoyment of everyone. Mills was 45 when he rode down the coast, and 89 now. He greeted me and photographer Allen Schaben at his Coronado condo and said he hasnt done any riding lately, but hes doing a lot of writing. Mills has written several books and is working on another. He leads us down to the basement, and there it is. The dusty, canary yellow Schwinn that Mills rode in 1972, and for many years after the Prop. 20 campaign. He was an avid cyclist. Mills also kept the helmet he wore in 1972. We took the bike upstairs, where Mills put on his helmet and posed next to the bike that is a piece of California history. The Coastal Act has done a great deal of good over the years, Mills said, and the cause is no less important now than it was when he rode south from San Francisco. We need to preserve the coast for the benefit of future generations, he said, and I thank him for his contribution.



Aug. 21, 2016, 10:50 p.m. Reporting from the Mexican border

Steve Lopez reflects back on his 1,100 mile trek down the California coast

6:57 P.M. Sometimes the sausage is good enough to eat Two things will happen soon. The last column from my 1,100 mile road trip down the California coast will be done. And the reform bill banning private communications between California Coastal Commissioners and developers, as well as others, could finally emerge from the factory. As Ive been saying, Hannah-Beth Jacksons bill sailed through the Senate and should have done the same in the Assembly, but it got pushed off into a dark corner after a very fishy report claimed that reform costs money. The thing has come back to life, though, with amendments that arent as bad as the original amendments. I dont see why we need the amendments at all, or why the wrangling has to take place behind closed doors and out of public view. While I was thinking about that, a reader emailed me a clever idea about how to keep coastal commissioners honest -- make them strap on body cameras, like cops. I like it, and why not do the same with legislators, so we can all see whats going on? Having said all this, though, Im hearing from supporters of Jacksons bill that they think theres actually a chance the legislation is going to be OK, once all the cooks are done tweaking the recipe. Sausage is full of awful stuff, but just about all of it is good on the grill. So as much fun as Ive had telling you to ping Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, @Rendon63rd, and Appropriations Chair Lorena Gonzalez, @LorenaAD80, and ask what gives, maybe we should try another approach. Im told that Rendon, Gonzalez and other Assembly leaders have done some decent work rescuing this much-needed bill from the trash. So go ahead and tweet them again, and tell them youre encouraged, and still watching -- to the extent thats possible -- and counting on them to do whats necessary to get the bill to Gov. Jerry Brown, which is when the real fun will begin.

8:46 A.M. When it comes to coastal protection, why does state Assembly have such a problem with transparency? The need to clean up the way the California Coastal Commission operates was obvious. Commissioners meet privately with developers more than with any other group, by far. They have repeatedly failed to fully explain the nature of those meetings, and have even failed to report them on occasion. State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) penned a bill to ban such meetings. It cleared the Senate and bounced over to the Assembly, which nearly killed it, but finally decided this week to merely beat it to a pulp. The toothless mess that emerged from the Assembly Appropriations Committee this week would allow private meetings to continue under certain circumstances, and now Sen. Jackson has the task of trying to put some punch back into her bill. And heres the irony: We dont know which Assembly members, or higher powers, conspired to water down Jacksons bill because there is no transparency in the process. You cant peer through a window into the sausage factory. These amendments were hammered out privately. One can guess that the development lobby and labor groups did not like Jacksons reform bill because it would get in the way of a process that gives an advantage to those who want to build on the coast. One can even guess that the Brown administration shares their view. But we dont know, because a bill to shine a light on important decision-making got pummeled in a dark room, and the perps left no fingerprints. See Dan Weikels story at latimes.com. Ive sent in a request for an explanation to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). He has appointing authority for four coastal commissioners and itd be nice to hear what he thinks about the handiwork by his Appropriations Committee. If youd like to ping him or Appropriations Chair Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) to ask what happened, try @Rendon63rd and @LorenaAD80. Or you can drop a line to The Silent One @JerryBrownGov, but Ive tried, and despite months of turmoil and controversy on the 40th anniversary of the Coastal Act he signed into law, the governor doesnt want to be disturbed.



7:36 A.M. Summer is in the rear-view mirror, end of journey just down the road The tide splashes up on the beach at sunset on a warm summer evening at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Carlsbad. Leucadia. Encinitas. Cardiff. Solana. Del Mar. Summer is disappearing in my rear-view mirror. Week Five of my trip from Oregon to Mexico will be over in just a few days, 1,100 miles after it began. Photographer Allen Schaben is farther down the road, waiting for me in San Diego. Soon well stand at the Mexican border and reflect on a deeper love of the California coast, a greater appreciation of the Coastal Act on the 40-year anniversary of protections that became law. Ill wish Id had a week to spend in places where I only had an hour or two. Ill thank the people we met along the way, and tell others well take up their offer the next time through. Californians are passionate about their coast. Theyre closely watching those in public office whose job is to protect fisheries and dunes, to limit development and maximize access. Ive got one eye on Sacramento myself. On legislative reforms that would serve all Californians. On coastal commissioners, some of whom seem to have forgotten their purpose. Im pulling into San Diego, where the air is warm, the water blue, Mexico in the near distance.



4:14 P.M. La Jolla The palm fronds of a palapa reveal a surfer, a couple and children taking in a warm summer sunset at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)



1:07 P.M. newport beach

Watts in a name? Find Amp-le answers in Newport Beach On Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. (Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times) Im driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway and spot the sign. The boat name of the week, it says, is Watt A Man. Thats not a mistake. This is the headquarters for Duffy, which makes the electric boats that are part of the culture in the Newport harbor. Many years ago, I wrote a column about a day of hobnobbing and bar-hopping, by boat, with local residents. I also wrote, at the time, about boat owners trying to out-do each other with clever names for the battery-powered boats. One of my favorites was Salt n Battery. So what are some of the newer ones? I walk into the office, and salesman Jim Drayton says one of the best ones this summer was Amp-ly Endowed. Not bad. Tyler Duffield, of the Duffy family, shows me a list with a few more recent winners. Your name here. (Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times) Its a Ohm Run. Watt the Hey. Watta Yacht. Going back through the years, some of the better names include: Current Affair. Carry Us Ohm Watts the Hurry. Shock Cousteau. Ohmer Simpson. Knots and Volts. I could go on, but why dont you, instead? Send me your best names. Its not as easy as it looks, Duffield said. Its usually the hardest part, he says. Someone comes in and orders a boat, and they get the colors and everything figured out, and the last thing to do is come up with a name before the boat leaves the factory. Yeah, Its a Duff Life out here, where people are Ohm on the Watter, but It Is Watt It Is.



9:13 A.M. Going under in Laguna Beach A snorkeler looks for fish at Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Garibaldi swim and feed on rocks at Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

2:41 P.M. Catching waves in Huntington Beach



10:53 A.M. On our way toward Mexico A view of the beach through a telescope at Pacific City, a new 31-acre mixed-use development in Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City U.S.A. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The site of the proposed Banning Ranch development now before the California Coastal Commission. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The tide rolls in at twilight at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station located on the border of San Diego County and San Clemente. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

4:52 P.M. Laguna Beach

4:45 P.M. Laguna Beach



12:51 P.M. Dana Point A pod of dolphins leaps out of the water with a view of south Laguna Beach in the background on Aug. 12, 2016. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

10:37 P.M. sacramento

Profiles in courage: Legislators soften Coastal Commission reform, leave no fingerprints A perfectly sensible bill to clean up the way California coastal commissioners do business has been getting the waterboard treatment. First, Santa Barbara Sen. Hannah-Beth Jacksons SB 1190 was submerged by a ludicrous report claiming it would cost too much money to prohibit private conversations between developers and commissioners. Then it was tossed overboard and dragged like chum. Then on Thursday, legislators pulled SB 1190 back into the boat so badly decomposed its barely recognizable. As my colleague Dan Weikel reports at latimes.com, five amendments gutted the good intentions. The most egregious one allows commissioners to meet privately with developers during on-site visits. This comes just weeks after reports that Coastal Commission Chairman Steve Kinsey met twice with developers of the massive Newport Banning Ranch development and failed to properly report those confabs. Environmental groups, however, would not be able to have such meetings in the bills current form. On my best day, I could not have come up with a more Alice in Wonderland outcome. Details were still emerging, and it wasnt clear which legislators were responsible for the hatchet job, or whether they caved in to political, development or union pressure, or all three. No fingerprints on the body, in other words. Three environmentalists I checked with were livid, and understandably so. Stay tuned for updates on the autopsy, and dont stop letting @JerryBrownGov know how you feel about whats happening to coastal preservation on his watch. #SaveYourCoast



7:46 A.M. Sunset at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages Children run along the beach at twilight near the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The sun sets over the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Isabella, 9, and Holden, 7, roast marshmallows over a beach fire with their parents, Steve and Amy Knuff, of Aliso Viejo at twilight at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Incoming tide rolls onto the beach at twilight at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)



1:29 P.M. Column: Fighting for the California coast from a tiny office in her kitchen nook Susan Jordan, who created and runs the California Coastal Protection Network, is seen in her Santa Barbara office. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) If you were a coastal conservation activist in California, with 1,100 miles of shoreline to look after, how would you even decide where to begin? Theres always a battle somewhere, and let me give you just a couple of examples from one tiny section of the coast. Moss Landing is in the news again this week as the Surfrider Foundation and other activists try to stop Cemex, an international sand mining company, from trucking away the beach as it has done for decades, causing erosion that has begun to set off lots of alarms. Read more



8:49 A.M. Hermosa Beach

Remember when you could spend a night at a California beach motel for less than a weeks pay? A third-generation motel owner in this seaside town tells me he gets an offer, about every other day, from someone who wants to buy his property, bulldoze it and rebuild. But hes hanging on because three generations of families have been staying at his low-budget, no-frills motel since the 1960s, and he doesnt want to end those summer vacation traditions. Elsewhere on the California coast, motels and hotels have been bought out by chains and developers, driving up the cost of affordable family vacations. Look for my column on the Hermosa Beach motel in the coming days. And if you know of good low-budget beach lodging, or if youve seen your motel go from cheap to chic, drop me a line at steve.lopez@latimes.com Over the next two days, photographer Allen Schaben and I will be in Hermosa and Huntington Beach, reporting on the proposed desalination plant there. And, by the way, we should find out in the next day or two whether legislation banning private meetings between coastal commissioners and developers is released from legislative prison and put up for a vote in the state Assembly. Theres still time to weigh in at #SaveYourCoast and be sure to give a poke to @JerryBrownGov and Assemblywoman, Lorena Gonzalez @LorenaAD80. Read more
For years, parents in the nations second largest school district have faced disarray when trying to find the best place for their kids to learn.

There are about 10 types of public schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, many with their own admissions processes and schedules.

To address that problem, the school district has discussed creating a unified enrollment system, a one-stop-shopping experience for choosing between district schools.

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Initially, the plan only included district schools and not independent charters  the publicly funded but privately run alternatives that are often accused of draining money and enrollment from L.A. Unified.

But as the district tries  in the words of its superintendent Michelle King  to change the narrative about the rivalry, that might change. After a forum designed to help charter and district school teachers learn from each other on Saturday, King signaled she is open to the idea of including charters on the enrollment menu.

Its part of the conversation in terms of them [charters] wanting to be included, maybe we start off with a pilot, maybe a few, King said in an interview Saturday. Were open to the possibility.

But would charter schools participate?

Yvette King-Berg, the executive director of Youth Policy Institute Charter Schools, a network of three independent charters in Los Angeles, said she would need more details about how the unified system would work before signing her schools up.

Charter schools with more applicants than available spots must have a lottery  King-Berg, who attended Saturdays summit held at the Sonia Sotomayor Learning Academies campus in Glassell Park, isnt sure how that would work in a unified enrollment system.

Cristina de Jesus, the chief executive of Green Dot Public Schools California, a network of 18 charter schools in the L.A. area, agreed. We just need a little bit more information about the enrollment system, she said.

King said she has not spoken to any charter school leaders about including them in the system. Theres currently no timeline for its launch.

Its a bit like a middle school dance right now, said Jason Mandell, spokesman for the California Charter Schools Association. Each side seems to be waiting for the other to take the first step and ask the other one to dance. If the district is interested in inviting charters to be part of the unified enrollment process, the charter community is definitely interested in having those discussions.

Its too early to know if all charter schools would want to be involved, Mandell said.

And despite the spirit of unity the event on Saturday tried to promote and which charter leaders said they appreciated, there is an unchanging reality.

There isnt enough enrollment to go around, Ref Rodriguez, a school board member and charter school founder, said during Saturdays panel with King. Weve got to sort of come to terms with that.

Beyond the issue of declining enrollment in L.A. schools, which is also a result of demographic shifts in the area  there are fewer young people than there were a decade ago  some district leaders still have problems with charter schools.

LAUSD Board President Steve Zimmer spoke at the forum in support of Kings call to change the narrative of negative relationships between charters and district schools, noting that the devastating effects of poverty and racial and economic segregation affect kids in LAUSD schools and they affect kids and families in charter schools.

But during a June board meeting, Zimmer called Proposition 39, the law that allows charter schools to take space on district school campuses, a bad law, and admonished the charter schools association for suing the district. At the same meeting, board member George McKenna resisted creating a committee to improve colocation practices between charters and district schools: I do not believe it is our job to make it comfortable for charter schools to co-exist with us, he said.

Reach Sonali Kohli at Sonali.Kohli@latimes.com or on Twitter @Sonali_Kohli.
Robert Bresnick got into his car and began to make his way down a driveway, the flames of the Sand fire bearing down on him.

Moments before, a fire captain with a crew yelled for the 67-year-old to come toward him, said Los Angeles County Sheriffs Lt. Joe Mendoza.

Mr. Bresnick yelled something back which they couldnt hear, he said. Then he walked away out of view.

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Inside his car, Bresnick apparently was overtaken Saturday by the fire, becoming the only known casualty of the largest fire in the county this year.

Firefighters were able to rescue Bresnicks longtime companion, Donna Fink, 73, from the property in the 26700 block of Iron Canyon Road in Santa Clarita and take her to safety when the fire swept through, Mendoza said.

Authorities said Bresnick and Fink had been keeping an eye on the fire, which has now burned more than 38,000 acres and destroyed at least 18 homes. The blaze is 40% contained.

Fink told investigators that Bresnick had gone to get the car while she went to get their pets, Mendoza said.

Their initial plan was that they were going to load up in the car and come down the hill, Mendoza said. However, that fire overtook that place in minutes. ... It was just too dangerous up there.

Fink was rescued about 5:30 p.m. by firefighters near the front of her home, Mendoza said.

Around the same time, another fire crew on the other side of the property, toward the rear of the house, spotted Bresnick, with the fire captain calling for Bresnick, Mendoza said.

Bresnick entered his vehicle and began to make his way down a long driveway. But he didnt make it far.

According to Donna, it could have been that he was waiting to see if shes coming, then the fire started coming over and thats when he decided to go, not knowing that that fire was going to run through so fast and take over that road, Mendoza said.

Mendoza said that there was a propane tank on the property and that fire investigators believe it caused the fire to accelerate although it did not explode.

That definitely I think was a contributing factor to that fire overtaking that road because you have a lot of fuel in a small amount of space, he said.

Immediately after Bresnicks death, stories swirled among residents on the street that Bresnick had stayed behind to rescue the pets.

However, the narrative Fink gave investigators echoed the one she shared with neighbor Sterling Nelson, who has lived in a home next door for about three years.

They were just a really wonderful, sweet couple, Nelson said. Its just a tragedy that this happened.

Nelson said the dogs the two owned were the couples babies and that they just adored them. He said Bresnick, who he called Bob, was a peace-loving man, who enjoyed being out in nature.

They were a great couple that complemented each other really well, he said. Theres not words that can describe how devastated she is.

For more California news, follow @brittny_mejia on Twitter

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One person was killed and 11 others were injured Wednesday night when a fleeing driver crashed into a Harbor Gateway home where a prayer group was meeting.

The worshippers, who ranged in age from 40s to 80s, had gathered at the small blue house in the 14800 block of South Orchard, as they often did, when a car hopped the curb, smashed into a neighbors for sale sign and plowed into the living room, where photos of the Virgin Mary hung on the walls.

After slamming into the home at 8:03 p.m., the woman driving the 1999 maroon Buick Regal got out of the car and ran away, said Officer Jane Kim, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

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When fire officials arrived to treat the injured, they found the Buick still jammed into the front of the house.

They worked to free some of the men and women who were trapped in the wreckage.

At least five people suffered serious injury, according to Brian Humphrey, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman. One of the victims dead at an hospital.

Ana Cristobal was sitting in her SUV before leaving for the market with two friends when she saw the car speeding down the road.

It went straight and landed and crashed into the wall, Cristobal, 58, recalled.

Cristobal ran across the street with her two friends and heard a group of women, many of them elderly, screaming and crying for help. Some were stuck between the car and the living room wall, she said. Some were bleeding.

We were trying to move them, but we couldnt, she said.

The woman who lives in the home, Cristobal said, is a devout Catholic who hosted prayer groups for neighbors and friends. The woman is retired lives alone, she said.

I was scared to go inside, she said. I tried to pull the car out.

On Thursday morning, a gaping hole from the crash remained visible.

The homes wooden beams stood exposed; pillows, drywall and couch cushions were strewn on the floor.

Amanda Escobar stood in her garden with her two dogs Thursday and surveyed the damage from across her home two doors down.

Escobar had been watching President Obama speak on TV at the Democratic National Convention when she heard a loud boom. At first, she thought someone had crashed into her car on the street.

When she looked outside, she saw a car smashed into her neighbors home, police and a crowd of people. She watched as authorities pulled a body out of the house.

I couldnt sleep, she said.

Escobar, 79, said she remembers when the owner moved into her home six or seven years ago.

When she was interested in the house, she asked about the neighborhood, Escobar said.

Later, after she moved in, the woman threw a housewarming party and invited a priest to bless her home.

Police think the driver  described as being in her 40s and having red hair  lives in the neighborhood, Kim said.

Detectives are looking for the driver, and anyone details about her whereabouts is urged to call LAPDs South Traffic Division at (323) 421-2500.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

UPDATES:

9:40 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from neighbors

This article was originally published at 7:45 a.m.
The family of a mentally disabled man who was shot and killed by Long Beach police last year filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the city.

The lawsuit contends Long Beach officers violated Mharloun Saycons civil rights by using excessive force and wrongfully killing him. The suit identifies Vuong Nguyen as the officer who shot and killed the 39-year-old.

These officers need to be held accountable for this unprovoked and despicable attack on an innocent man, attorney Dan Stormer, who is representing the family, said in a statement. We believe that Officer Nguyen has so far faced no discipline for this horrific killing.

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A Long Beach police spokesman, Sgt. Brad Johnson, said Nguyen is a 15-year veteran officer and is on active duty with the department. He deferred any other statement about the lawsuit to the Long Beach city attorneys office. City Atty. Charles Parkin said the agency has yet to review the lawsuit.

Johnson declined to say whether Nguyen had been involved in other shootings, saying The Times would have to submit a formal request under the states records law for the information.

Saycon was shot Dec. 4 when two officers responded to a report of a knife-wielding man at Looffs Lite-A-Line, a gaming parlor, and saw Saycon holding a weapon.

What led to the officer-involved shooting is in dispute.

Long Beach police said Saycon ignored several orders to drop the knife. The officers used a Taser and batons but were unable to subdue Saycon before one of the officers opened fire, the department said after the shooting.

The federal lawsuit alleges the officers were told Saycon suffered from a mental disability but failed to de-escalate the encounter. Instead, the officers entered the building with their weapons drawn as they approached Saycon, who was sitting alone in the front of the arcade casino, watching television with a pocketknife closed on his lap, according to the suit.

They came into Looffs aggressively, prepared to attack and kill, the suit claimed. Nguyen killed Mharloun even though neither officer was in danger and even though clear alternatives were present to avoid the use of lethal force.

Saycon was shot in the chest, arm and abdomen and died at the casino. The incident lasted less than a minute after the officers entered the building, according to the suit.

Saycon immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines in 1985. He was an athlete and honor student at Santa Monica High School and attended Santa Monica College before he was diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia in his early 20s, according to Saycons family.

They said Saycon lived in Carson with his parents and was attending a Compton clinic for people who have mental disabilities.

There was no reason this had to happen, Khanly Saycon, Mharlouns father, said in a statement. We are bringing this suit to bring some changes to the police force. We want to see justice, for Mharloun and all of the mentally disabled who dont deserve to die just because they are confused.

ruben.vives@latimes.com

For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter.

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Man shot and killed by sheriffs SWAT team in Compton

Chinatown rec center basketball coach charged with molesting teen player

Double shooting in Hermosa Beach investigated as murder-suicide, authorities say

UPDATES:

4:20 p.m.: This article was updated to add a brief comment from the police department and a no comment from the city attorneys office.

This article was originally published at 11:55 a.m.
Three of Michael Jacksons nephews sued Radar Online on Wednesday, alleging the tabloid humiliated and defamed them by suggesting their famous uncle sexually abused and later bribed them in an effort to quash a criminal investigation.

In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Taj, TJ and Taryll Jackson contend that Radar maligned them by claiming the late King of Pop used lewd photos of his nephews to excite young boys.

The nephews sought a correction from Radar, but the publication declined to issue one, according to the suit, which seeks $100 million in damages.

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The nephews were not formally named in Radars reports, but the outlet referred to them as members of the band 3T, according to the suit. Taj, TJ and Taryll Jackson -- all sons of Jacksons brother Tito -- are members of the music group and therefore recognizable to the public, court papers state.

Radars stories were false and defamatory, according to the 10-page suit filed by attorney Bert Fields. As a direct and proximate result of the publication of Radars libelous stories, each of [the Jackson nephews] has been damaged personally and professionally.

The suit arises from reports published in late June about the raid on Jacksons Neverland Ranch during a 2003 sexual abuse investigation.

Radar published what appeared to be case documents as well as pornographic images that were purportedly among items Jackson used to lure children. Radar also relied on an anonymous private investigator who was described as having knowledge of the raids on Jacksons sprawling compound in Los Olivos, Calif.

The raids led to criminal charges filed against Jackson in Santa Barbara County, where prosecutors alleged he sexually abused a then-13-year old cancer patient. But after seven days of deliberations, a jury acquitted Jackson in 2005 of all charges.

Jackson, who was dogged by allegations of child sexual abuse throughout his career, died in 2009 from a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol, just before his highly publicized comeback tour, This Is It.

A spokesperson for American Media Inc., which owns Radar, issued a statement to The Times and denied that their reporting accused Jackson of molesting his nephews.

The Radar article clearly states that detectives reported that Michael Jackson may have used photos of his nephews to excite young boys,  the spokesperson said. This theory was, in fact, presented by the prosecution during Michael Jacksons 2005 criminal trial. Radar looks forward to correcting plaintiffs misstatements in a court of law.

In their lawsuit, Jacksons nephews claim that the purportedly sexy photos of them were from an album cover photo shoot, and they denied that their uncle used photos of any of his family to arouse young boys. The family members also disputed that they accepted compensation to keep quiet about Jacksons alleged misdeeds, denying that any of the nephews received a brand new car to shut them up, according to court papers.

Jacksons nephews allege in the suit that the damage wrought by Radar was compounded by the fact that their reporting was immediately picked up and repeated by media all over the world, citing articles published by outlets in New York and Britain.

The nephews sought a correction of Radars stories in a July 5 letter, according to the suit. In a reply issued days later, Radar refused to correct its stories, according to the lawsuit.

For more news in California, follow @MattHjourno.
Residents of about 200 homes in Palos Verdes Estates were advised not to drink or cook with tap water from Monday night until Wednesday midday after maintenance workers discovered the locks had been broken on a remote water storage tank.

Although initial testing revealed no abnormalities, California Water Service told residents to avoid consuming water until a fresh supply was introduced into the distribution system. They sent notices door-to-door and also contacted individuals via e-mail and phone numbers on record.

Cal Water flushed hydrants and brought in fresh water. The advisory was lifted Wednesday after testing confirmed the water was safe.

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We issued this do-not-drink advisory out of an abundance of caution because protecting our customers health and safety is our highest priority, the private utility said in a statement posted on its website.

Rumors of fecal matter in the water supply were false, the statement said.

The security breach was discovered during a routine maintenance check of the 50,000-gallon tank, said Yvonne Kingman, corporate communications manager at Cal Water.

Some storage sites are only required to be checked weekly, but inspectors had visited the tank in question less than a week before the broken locks were discovered. Kingman said that the environment looked freshly disturbed, indicating the breach happened shortly before the discovery.

The State Division of Drinking Water and local law enforcement are investigating the incident.

We did have layers of security in place already, Kingman said. But were going to take a look at what additional security measures we need to put in place to ensure this doesnt happen again.

Cal Water is also working to calculate the monetary costs of the incident.

The storage tank has been isolated from the system and is still not in use, said Andrew DiLuccia, public information officer at the State Water Resources Control Board.

Residents were told they can be reimbursed for bottled water purchased during the advisory period by sending receipts to Cal Waters customer center, 263 West 237th Street, Torrance, CA 90505.
The parents of a 19-year-old college student who fatally overdosed on drugs at a rave at the Los Angeles County fairgrounds last August have filed a lawsuit against the event organizer, Live Nation, and the venue operator, the Los Angeles County Fair Assn.

Filed by Mark and Pamela Dix, the parents of Cal State Channel Islands student Katie Dix, the lawsuit accuses Live Nation and the Fair Assn. of negligence. It alleges that they should have known that the Hard Summer rave would promote widespread illegal and illicit activity, such as the use of banned drugs like Ecstasy.

The lawsuit, filed last Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, said the defendants breached their duties to protect rave attendees from people distributing or consuming illegal drugs.

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The lawsuit also named Los Angeles County, which owns most of the fairgrounds, and the city of Pomona, as defendants. The suit accused them of negligence in creating, or allowing others to create, a dangerous condition of its public property.

The suit also alleges that the raves are a public nuisance and harmful to public health. County officials have said 49 people were taken by ambulance from the fairgrounds to seven emergency rooms across the region, which one official called an unusually high number of transports for a single event.

According to the Los Angeles County coroner, Dix died of multiple drug intoxication after she was found unresponsive. The lawsuit described Dix, a graduate of Coronado High School in San Diego County, as a lively and vivacious student about to enter her second year of college.

Dix collapsed after ingesting a drug she thought to be pure Molly at the event, the lawsuit said, referring to another name for the drug Ecstasy. The suit alleges that the rave was overcrowded and understaffed and that the medical response to Dix was delayed by half an hour, during which she fell into cardiac arrest.

By the time she arrived at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, she was non-verbal, with saliva bubbling at the corners of her mouth, the lawsuit said. The suit contends that Dix could have been saved with timely medical treatment.

Representatives of Live Nation, the Fair Assn. and Los Angeles County declined to comment. A call to the Pomona city attorneys office was not returned. A manager for a fifth defendant, Huntington Beach-based Staff Pro, which was named in the lawsuit as providing event staffing and security, declined to comment.

There have been at least 24 confirmed drug-related deaths nationwide since 2006 among people who went to raves organized by Los Angeles-area companies. Twelve have died in Southern California  four in San Bernardino County and eight in Los Angeles County  and five in the Las Vegas area.

Emergency room doctors have identified a couple of reasons why Ecstasy use at large raves can lead to severe illness, coma and death. One big problem is that Ecstasy can cause body temperatures to shoot up as high as 109 degrees, causing organ failure.

While dehydration can pose a problem, so can drinking too much water, causing sodium levels to crash and triggering seizures that block oxygen to the brain.

Another woman, 18-year-old UCLA student Tracy Nguyen of West Covina, also died after attending the same rave. Nguyens death was caused by an Ecstasy overdose, the coroner said in February.

Following the deaths of Dix and Nguyen, the Fair Assn. said it had no plans to host any raves at the site in 2016.

Hard Summer is set for Saturday and Sunday at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, which is in San Bernardino County.

ron.lin@latimes.com

Twitter: @ronlin

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With its picturesque vistas in the hillsides near Santa Clarita, the quiet and sprawling Sable Ranch has long been a backdrop for western films, reality television shows and music videos.

But this weekend, the popular 450-acre movie ranch off Sand Canyon Road  where shows such as The A-Team, and 24 and the 1993 movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights have been filmed  was the scene of real-life destruction, starring the Sand fire and a cast of employees who tried their best to save it from the flames.

Most of the property was destroyed. The Old West town set is an unrecognizable pile of ash. The hillsides are charred. The stables are gone. So is the water tower.

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Its devastating, said Kevin Whitney, the ranch manager whos worked there for 13 years. This was my second home.

1 / 7 Cal Fire firefighters meet near the massive movie set of Ultimate Beastmaster, a Netflix series, that survived the Sand fire, which tore through Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 7 Derek Hunt, the owner of Sable Ranch, sits in an old car that was splattered with pink fire retardant as fire crews battled the Sand fire on the movie ranch. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 7 A building and an old car were sprayed with pink fire retardant at the Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita as fire crews battled the Sand fire. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 7 Dan Holloway, left, a safety officer with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department, and Kevin Whitney, Sable Ranchs manager, talk about the ferocity of flames that struck movie sets when the Sand fire tore through Sable Ranch. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 7 A vintage truck sits covered in pink fire retardant at the movie ranch in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 7 The set of Utopia, a reality show that aired on Fox in 2014, was destroyed when the Sand fire tore through Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 7 Cows mill about parts of the Sable Ranch that survived the Sand fire. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Fire crews on Wednesday continued to gain the upper hand on the massive Sand fire, which erupted Friday along the 14 Freeway near Sand Canyon Road and has been blamed for one mans death and the destruction of at least 18 structures.

The fire had burned 38,346 acres in and around the Angeles National Forest as of Wednesday afternoon and was 40% contained.

Meanwhile, the Soberanes fire continued to rage along Californias scenic Central Coast north of Big Sur, killing a heavy equipment operator and triggering hiker rescues and the closure of state parks in the area. That blaze, which also started Friday, had burned 23,568 acres and was only 10% contained.

At Sable Ranch, the exhausted staff is still trying to process the devastation.

Derek Hunt, the owner, grew up on the ranch, which his grandfather, who owned a camera shop, purchased decades ago. For him, the Hollywood memories come easy.

Hunt smiles at mental images of actor Rodney Dangerfield driving a tractor across the property and actor Billy Bob Thornton walking through it. And he excitedly ticks off some of the many shows that have been filmed there: Airwolf, Sons of Anarchy, Bones, Wipeout.

Hunt and his staff were working Friday when the Sand fire started nearby. They sprayed buildings down using their own water trucks, made some fire breaks and stayed up all night on fire watch, just to be safe.

But on Saturday, the fire exploded.

Before you knew it, we were surrounded by fire, Hunt said.

Hunt didnt leave. His workers fought back the flames in the triple-digit heat even before the firefighters arrived. No one complained.

Nobody wanted to leave because when you come to work at a place like this, outside in nature, around all this beautiful stuff, it grows on you, he said. Places like this are in your blood and in your heart and in your soul.

Whitney, the ranch manager, was with his kids Saturday when the flames got close. He tried to get onto the property and was devastated when authorities stopped him, saying it was too dangerous.

It was killing me, he said. I couldnt sleep all Saturday night.

When he finally got there Sunday, Whitney hopped into a water truck and rushed to a cabin in the rear of the property, trying to salvage it. As he sprayed it down, the blaze plowed toward him.

You could hear it, he said. You could hear the trees crackling. You could feel the heat. But you couldnt see the fire. So we pulled the fire hose out, ran it through the cabin, started squirting it and within 10 seconds  you could actually see the flames. It was just a wall coming down toward us.

Whitney sped away as the fire hurtled down the hill. Hours later, he learned his efforts had worked. The cabin was spared.

Driving an all-terrain vehicle through the ranch Wednesday, Whitney passed a small wooden sign, shaped like an arrow, affixed to a light post that read: Happiness. It pointed toward the blackened hillsides.

Whitney clutched a big cup of iced coffee. He usually doesnt drink the stuff  but having your workplace burn down will change things. He said he has tried to scrub the smell of smoke off his body, but he cant get rid of it.

1 / 76 Aurora Harris Heller, 62, left, comforts the owner of a home destroyed in the Sand fire in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 76 The charred remains of a statue stand on a drive on North Iron Canyon Road, where two homes were destroyed in the Sand fire in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 76 Firefighters battle a spot fire along Soledad Canyon Road near Agua Dulce on Tuesday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 76 Firefighters are enveloped in thick smoke while working along Soledad Canyon Road near Agua Dulce on Tuesday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 76 Two charred vehicles can be seen on Iron Canyon Road, near where a person died when the Sand fire swept through Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 76 One of two homes destroyed by the Sand fire is reduced to rubble and ash on Iron Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 76 Aurora Harris Heller is distraught over the death of her neighbor, who was killed when the Sand fire tore through Iron Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 76 Riverside firefighter Mark Powell douses a smoldering structure on Iron Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 76 Robert Heller walks back with his neighbors horses after evacuation orders were lifted for the residents of Iron Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 76 Heat from flames pushes firefighters back as they monitor a flare-up along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 76 A helicopter drops fire retardant on a ridge above Placerita Canyon Road in Santa Clarita as firefighters work to gain the upper hand on the Sand fire on Monday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 76 Los Angeles County firefighters Kevin Bowers, left, and Pat Hanrahan are watchful as a plume of smoke builds in the mountains along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 76 A firefighting jumbo jet drops fire retardant on a ridgeline above Placerita Canyon Road in Santa Clarita on Monday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 76 A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy checks identification of residents returning to their homes on Sand Canyon Road on Monday after evacuations were lifted. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 76 A burned-out machine shop destroyed in the Sand fire sits below a plume of smoke along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 76 Smoke blocks out the sun as flames consume dry brush near Soledad Canyon Road in the mountains near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 76 Burned-out vehicles are left behind on Oak Springs Canyon Road in Canyon Country. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 76 Los Angeles County firefighter Ralph Solis of Engine 127 sprays foam onto a tree still smoldering along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 76 Stephanie Spalter looks at the remnants of a machine shop that was destroyed in the Sand fire near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 76 Fire flares up in brush along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 76 Los Angeles County firefighter engineer Pat Hanrahan from Engine 208 works to put out a smoldering fire burning in equipment behind a home along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 76 Los Angeles County firefighter Roman Legaspi from Engine 208 works to douse hot spots behind buildings along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 76 The husks of mailboxes litter the charred ground on Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 76 U.S. Forest Service firefighters Edward Perez, left, Jovanny Cruz and Derek Meyers work to douse hot spots. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 76 Los Angeles County fire crews put out hot spots in a storage building that burned along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Monday. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 76 An intense fire left behind burned remnants along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 76 Nearly 3,000 firefighters converge on Golden Valley High School, the Sand fire command center, for deployment orders in Santa Clarita on Monday morning. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 76 Smoke from the Sand fire obscures the view in Santa Clarita on Monday morning. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 76 A helicopter makes a water drop on the Sand fire along Placerita Canyon Road near Santa Clarita on Sunday night. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 76 Firefighters remove brush as they battle the Sand fire along Placerita Canyon Road near Santa Clarita on Sunday night. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 76 Firefighters battle the Sand fire along Placerita Canyon Road near Santa Clarita on Sunday night. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 76 Onlookers gather at a shopping mall along Golden Valley Road in Santa Clarita to watch the Sand fire burn in the hills above the city on Sunday night. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 76 Evacuated residents watch as the Sand fire burns through the San Gabriel Mountains on Sunday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 76 A pall of smoke from the Sand fire hangs over the desert mountains as the sun sets near Acton. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 76 An L.A. County helicopter makes a water drop along Placerita Canyon Road as the Sand fire burns in the San Gabriel Mountains on Sunday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 76 Traffic from a shopping mall along Golden Valley Road in Santa Clarita is diverted away from the flames of the Sand fire as it burns in the hills above the city Sunday night. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 76 A firefighter keeps watch on the path of the Sand fire as it burns out of control along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 76 A firefighter sets a backfire as the Sand fire burns out of control along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 76 The Sand fire burns along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton, threatening homes and other structures in its way. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 76 The Sand fire burns along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 76 The wildfire in the Santa Clarita Valley area has grown to more than 22,000 acres, prompting new evacuations. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 76 A firefighter keeps watch on the path of the Sand fire as it burns out of control along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 76 The brush fire in the Santa Clarita Valley area has burned 18 homes. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 76 A firetruck is parked in front of a home in the Santa Clarita Valley. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 76 A firefighting helicopter drops water on the Sand fire as it burns out of control along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 76 Firefighters battle the Sand fire along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 76 Ryan Alaniz, 6, waits for his parents to load the family car and evacuate the KOA Campground along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 76 A firefighter sets backfires along a ridge as the Sand fire burns out of control along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 76 A firefighting helicopter hovers close to the flames from the Sand fire as it burns out of control along Soledad Canyon Road near Acton on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 76 The husk of a burned-out residence sits along Little Tujunga Canyon Road. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 76 Vehicles and other objects consumed by the Sand Fire litter Little Tujunga Canyon Road. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 76 Sand Canyon evacuees wait to be allowed back to their homes. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) 53 / 76 Firefighters put out hot spots at Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita after the Sand fire swept through the area on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 54 / 76 Firefighters chop down burned vegetation and put out hot spots at Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 76 A charred tree stands over the ruins of a home along Little Tujunga Canyon Road near Santa Clarita. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 76 A burned-out shell is all that remains of a home along Little Tujunga Canyon Road near Santa Clarita after the Sand fire swept through the area on Sunday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 57 / 76 A smoldering home sits off the 26700 block of Iron Canyon Road on Sunday morning. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 76 Los Angeles County firefighter Anders Heinstedt mops up hot spots at Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita on Sunday. The ranch is used for movie and TV production. Several of the sets, including one for Foxs Utopia, were destroyed by the Sand fire. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 76 Buildings and cars are drenched in Phos-Chek, a pink fire retardant, at Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 60 / 76 Rob Chauvie says he was helping his sister evacuate during the Sand fire when he was doused with Phos-Chek, a fire-retardant, in Santa Clarita. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 61 / 76 Sand fire evacuees pass the time at Hart High School in Newhall on Sunday. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) 62 / 76 A house burns along Little Tujunga Canyon Road as the Sand fire rages near Santa Clarita. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 63 / 76 AJ Moberg, 15, waters down the roof of his familys house Saturday as a plane dumping fire retardant flies overhead. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 64 / 76 A burned van and trailer sit along Little Tujunga Canyon Road. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 65 / 76 A truck and a house burn along Little Tujunga Canyon Road. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 76 Seth Moberg, 16, gathers belongings from his familys house on Sand Canyon Road as the Sand fire approaches in Santa Clarita. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 67 / 76 AJ Moberg, 15, waters down the roof of his familys house on Sanf Canyon Road as the Sand fire approaches in Santa Clarita on Saturday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 68 / 76 A view of the massive cloud from the Sand fire, as seen from Alameda and 6th streets in Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/ Los Angeles Times ) 69 / 76 Women evacuate horses along Sand Canyon Road as the Sand fire approaches in Santa Clarita. Hundreds of other animals also were evacuated. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 70 / 76 Flames from the Sand fire burn a hillside near Little Tujunga Canyon on Saturday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 71 / 76 AJ Moberg, 15, waters down the roof of his familys house on Sand Canyon Road. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 72 / 76 Charlie Erasmo takes pictures of water-dropping helicopters as they come in for water to battle the Sand fire in Santa Clarita on Saturday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 73 / 76 A water-dropping helicopter makes a run as the Sand fire burns in Santa Clarita on Saturday morning. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 74 / 76 L.A. County firefighter Joshua Miramontes with Engine 82 works the fast-growing brush fire east of Santa Clarita. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 75 / 76 A helicopter drops water on the fast-growing brush fire east of Santa Clarita. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 76 / 76 The Santa Clarita wildfire is visible from the Top of Topanga Overlook. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Whitneys tires kicked up ash as he drove. Antique cars and horseshoes were splashed with bright-pink fire retardant.

Whitney pointed to a spot on the charred ground and laughed: Thats where the stuntman Steve-O strapped himself into a portable toilet that was catapulted through the air with a crane in the movie Jackass 3D.

Whitney pulled up to what was once the set of the Fox reality series Utopia, where contestants tried to live off the land, with no electricity and no plumbing. There used to be a roughly 3,000-square-foot building where the contestants stayed  but on Wednesday, all that was left were nails poking through the ash on the ground. Whitney heard the whole thing burned down in about eight minutes.

Still, the staff is trying to stay positive. They managed to save houses on the property, including Hunts home and the adobe hacienda where the 1980 movie Motel Hell was filmed.

And the set for Netflixs new competition series Ultimate Beastmaster  featuring a gigantic metal beast showing its teeth  survived. Even the flames, Hunt joked, couldnt kill the beast, and curious sheriffs deputies and firefighters have stopped in all week to pose for pictures with it.

Were going to make everything OK, Hunt said. Were going to fix it and prepare it and get it all back together.

hailey.branson@latimes.com

Twitter: @haileybranson

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A streak of light seen bursting across the night sky late Wednesday was a Chinese rocket that reentered the atmosphere near California, the U.S. Strategic Command confirmed.

The visual streak was the remnants from a Chinese CZ-7 rocket, which reentered the atmosphere over Northern America near California at 9:36 Pacific time, said department spokesman Lt. Colonel Martin L. ODonnell. So far, there have been no reports of damage.

The rocket was one of 16,000 man-made objects that the Joint Space Operations Center tracks in Earths orbit, he said.

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The objects usually die off in the atmosphere, which ODonnell said would explain the glowing trail seen by many. In instances when an object does land, its usually over water, he said.

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The rocket, he said, did not pose a threat.

From witness accounts, the streak was spotted in Nevada, Utah and across California -- and perhaps elsewhere.

Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Mass., told The Times that the Chinese rocket launched June 25.

The launch of the Long March 7 rocket last month heralded a new era in Chinese rocketry, McDowell said.

After a month in low orbit, it reentered the atmosphere and was probably traveling about 18,000 mph, he said.

When those on the ground spotted the trail of light, it was probably about 50 miles overhead, he added.

The main body probably melted, but he said a few small pieces of metal may eventually reach the ground.

The streak of light coincides with the Delta Aquarid meteor shower, which usually peaks about July 28 or 29.

The light show recalled an incident in late December 2015, when debris from a Russian rocket that was returning into Earths atmosphere lit up the skies across the Western U.S.

Fireball events occur almost nightly somewhere on Earth, but they are not usually seen over populated areas, according to Don Yeomans, manager of NASAs Near-Earth Object Program Office.

McDowell agreed that although reentry is common, such dramatic visibility is not.

Something this big enters in an uncontrolled way probably once a month, McDowell said, although he later clarified that it probably occurs once per year.

Across social media platforms, witnesses eagerly documented the unusual sight:

Nellis Air Force Base officials confirm the light in the sky was a meteor breaking up. Photo: Erika Weeks. pic.twitter.com/zIg83IN54Z  KTNV Action News (@KTNV) July 28, 2016

"@mholt6: Full video of meteor-like event @BadAstronomer pic.twitter.com/hJn0a6YnBn" -- It's a Chinese rocket body NORAD's been tracking  Clint Peterson (@Clintonite33) July 28, 2016

Reports of lights in the #Utah sky. Investigating what it was. Great video from @shakenjason https://t.co/t4G7ElBn2d  sherylrockin (@sherylrockin) July 28, 2016

#California #meteor viewed from the space station prior to breaking apart. pic.twitter.com/riRt3YGfV2  Storm and Sky (@thestormandsky) July 28, 2016

For more news in California, follow @MattHjourno.

Click here for a Spanish version of this story

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UPDATES:

July 28, 6:15 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from U.S. Strategic Command.

July 27, 11:10 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Jonathan McDowell.

This article was originally published at 10:30 p.m.
A longtime representative of South Dakotas Lakota people, Chief David Beautiful Bald Eagle Jr., has died on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. He was 97.

Bald Eagle died at home Friday and a traditional four-day wake began in his home Monday.

Bald Eagle was born in a tepee in 1919 and for decades he was the face of the Lakota people in state tourism promotions.

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Charlie Rooks with Rooks Funeral Home in Eagle Butte said Bald Eagles funeral is scheduled for Friday at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.

He served in the Army during World War II and was wounded after parachuting into Normandy during D-Day, the Rapid City Journal reported. He later became a champion Lakota dancer, rodeo cowboy and chief of the Minicoujou band. He also appeared in movies, including the Oscar-winning Dances with Wolves.

Bald Eagles grandfather was Chief White Bull, a relative of Sitting Bull, who fought in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.

Bald Eagle had been asked to address indigenous people worldwide, and tribal leaders from South Dakota reservations sought counsel from him, the newspaper reported.

I was born in a tepee at Cherry Creek, the first Indian village there ever was, Bald Eagle told the Journal in 2013. I know we cant go back there, back to where we were. But we can tell the young ones how it was and they can remember, and they can bring it back. They can return.
As waves of protesters gathered in Atlanta night after night to condemn the fatal police shootings of African American men, civil rights veteran Andrew Young stepped in to provide some encouragement  not to activists, but to police officers.

Those are some unlovable little brats out there, the 84-year-old former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador said of protesters at a recent pep talk at a police precinct. Theyre showing off. And not even with a clear message.

Though he later apologized, Youngs remarks underscored the widening generational divide in the social justice fight.

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Here, in the hometown of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a younger corps of activists is running up against stalwarts of the civil rights era. Elders have chided millennials for their attitudes, tactics and lack of concrete demands.

Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, who was beaten by Alabama state troopers on the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, drew heat when he tweeted: I was beaten bloody by police officers. But I never hated them. I said, Thank you for your service.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also lectured protesters, invoking King as he urged the activists not to block the highway. Dr. King would never take a freeway, Reed told reporters.

Protesters take to Lake Shore Drive on Dec. 11, 2015, in Chicago. (Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

Younger activists have reacted with defiance, saying they no longer look to the old guard for leadership or inspiration, whether its Young and Lewis in Atlanta, or the Rev. Jesse Jackson in Chicago.

What does Andrew Young do for black people in Atlanta? said 18-year-old Aurelia Williams with a shrug, a spokesperson for Atlanta Black Lives Matter, standing outside a transit station as protesters gathered for another rally. A lot of people look to Andrew Young for guidance  or they did. Now hes just another person were fighting in the trenches.

While the protests spurred by fatal shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana follow some traditions of the 1950s and 60s, there are distinct differences. Both share a goal of racial justice and equality, yet the newer generation is more raw and spontaneous, focusing on personal emotions and therapeutic ideas of healing more than political debate and policy proposals.

Stop telling us to have a plan, goals and a solution for black folks, Avery Jackson, an Atlanta student organizer, tweeted. Realize that it is dismissive and disrespectful to ask black people why they are taking the streets, affirming their lives and healing.

For some traditional activists and long-term observers of the civil rights movement, the lack of an agreed-upon game plan can be baffling.

The fundamental, ongoing problem here is apparently that the vast majority of protesters dont have any specific agenda that theyre arguing for, said David J. Garrow, professor of history and law at the University of Pittsburgh and author of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on the civil rights era.

Nor, he added, do they seem to know much about civil rights history.

For millennials, the police shootings hit hard, said Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science at Emory University.

Protesters, wearing t-shirts reading Unlovable Brats, at the old city hall building in Atlanta on July 18, 2016. (Bob Andres / AP)

A lot of those folks were tweens and teenagers when Barack Obama was elected president and everyone proclaimed a post-racial America. And now theyre older and realizing that whole post-racial dream  that race doesnt matter  was not true. Theyre having their reckoning.

At times, theres a sense the old guard gave up the fight long ago, said Nekima Levy-Pounds, 40, president of the Minneapolis chapter of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People and a past spokeswoman for Black Lives Matter.

After King was assassinated in 1968, the baton was basically dropped on the street, she said. For the younger generation, theres not much we can point to since Kings assassination thats been accomplished, so those folks are not necessarily in a position to tell young activists what to do.

Some older civil rights groups such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which came into existence in an era when black people were excluded from public office, have struggled to maintain relevance as a wave of African Americans became mayors, police chiefs, city council members, senators and congressmen. As movement leaders took on mainstream political positions, some activists say they became part of the establishment they once fought.

For younger protesters, the tactics and ideology of traditional groups fall short. Some are more influenced by the tenets of black pride popularized by Malcolm X and the more militant 1960s and 70s groups, such as the Black Panthers. Others draw on more modern ideas of social justice and identity politics, from intersectionality to safe spaces.

Almost all see Black Lives Matter as correcting the blind spots of those who came before, providing an umbrella for all black people, including the most marginalized  women, the homeless, the LGBT community, sex workers, those with criminal records.

Its, like, a very fluid thing. We dont want to sit here and tie it down... Why isnt it enough to just stand for black people?  Aurelia Williams, 18, Atlanta Black Lives Matter spokesperson

Yet division is not strictly along generational lines. During the recent volley of protests, some traditional civil rights groups, from the NAACP to Al Sharptons National Action Network, have swiftly organized their own demonstrations and meetings and several older figureheads have been quick to defend younger protesters. After Youngs admonishment, NAACP President Francys Johnson suggested that the veteran civil rights warrior should go quickly and quietly into a well-deserved retirement.

Still, younger Atlanta activists feel a disconnect with the old champions of social justice.

After Michael Brown was fatally shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014, student Aurielle Marie, 21, said she and fellow activists called all the civil rights groups they could think of, including the SCLC, the NAACP and the National Action Network.

We called all the people who we were taught were the leaders, she said. Why would we want to reinvent the wheel when people are alive who know how this goes? But we couldnt get meetings. Word came down to us that right now is not the right time. We needed to wait on the investigation.

And so they forged ahead on their own. The groups that coalesce around Black Lives Matter favor a looser structure, working on the principle that no one person or group of individuals should speak for all.

Organizers say their demands are not that complicated: Stop killing black people, Williams said. Were going to keep marching until you stop killing us.

Williams, who met with Atlantas mayor and police chief recently during a sit-in outside the governors mansion, declined to list protesters demands, saying they were still working on goals before a formal meeting.

Its, like, a very fluid thing, she said. At the end of our day, at our core, we are a group of people who came together who were upset by things we saw. We dont want to sit here and tie it down... Why isnt it enough to just stand for black people?

Marie, meanwhile, pushed back against the idea that the movement lacks clear goals, rattling off several demands protesters made to the police chief and mayor  including releasing the name of a local police officer involved in a fatal shooting of a black man and ending Operation Whiplash, an Atlanta police initiative that aims to combat gun violence by assigning more patrol officers in high-crime areas.

Ultimately, many of the young protesters have little patience for those who question or try to debate their tactics.

You can either be for civil rights and social justice, or be against it, said Marie. In the movement, we do not believe theres a fence.

Michael Murphy yells out during a rally against police brutality on July 11, 2016, in downtown Chicago. Black Lives Matter Chicago, the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and Trinity United Church of Christ were among the organizations participating in the rally. (Brandon Chew / Chicago Tribune)

Jarvie is a special Los Angeles Times correspondent
Its been six years since former Gov. Rod Blagojevich had his bizarre turn on Donald Trumps show Celebrity Apprentice while awaiting trial on sweeping corruption charges.

Now, Blagojevich is about to be on TV once again  albeit under much different circumstances.

When he is resentenced in two weeks, Blagojevich will appear in a Chicago courtroom via a closed-circuit television feed instead of being brought from federal prison in suburban Denver, where hes been serving a 14-year sentence.

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The move was the recommendation of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, which said the logistics of moving Blagojevich through the system  including a stop at the prison systems hub in Oklahoma City  would be difficult and mean long days in transit, according to Leonard Goodman, Blagojevichs lawyer.

He wouldve come on what they call Con Air, Goodman told reporters Wednesday after a brief status hearing before U.S. District Judge James Zagel. They said it couldve taken two weeks to get him here.

Goodman said Blagojevichs preference was to appear before Zagel in person for his Aug. 9 resentencing. In fact, he asked to be furloughed by the Bureau of Prisons so he could make his own arrangements to get to Chicago, but the warden denied the request.

A Bureau of Prisons spokesman declined to comment specifically on the Blagojevich case but said decisions on furloughs are made on a case-by-case basis by prison wardens.

In court Wednesday, Zagel approved the teleconference arrangement. The judge also asked whether the notoriously gregarious Blagojevich would have anything to say at the hearing.

Im sure that he will wish to speak, said Goodman, who added that he also was considering calling relatives to testify.

Now 59, Blagojevich has not been seen by the public since he turned to wave to a horde of media outside the Littleton, Colo., facility in March 2012 and walked through the front gates.

The abrupt disappearance from the spotlight by Blagojevich, known for his well-coiffed mane of dark hair, led to rampant speculation about his changing appearance.

Shortly after he reported to prison, his longtime barber told the Tribune that Blagojevich had been coloring his hair for years and would quickly go gray in prison, where inmates are banned from using dyes of any kind.

Last year, a tabloid news outlet published photographs purporting to show a white-haired Blagojevich relaxing at a desk in the prison wearing glasses and tattered sweat pants.

Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 of misusing his powers as governor in an array of wrongdoing. At this point, he is not scheduled to be released from prison until May 2024.

A federal appeals court last year dismissed five counts against the former governor, but that still left him convicted on 13 counts. The three-judge panel ordered a resentencing but called the evidence against Blagojevich overwhelming and made it clear that Zagels original sentence was not out of bounds. In March, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Blagojevichs appeal.

Goodman has asked Zagel to resentence Blagojevich to as little as five years, a move that could have him released from custody almost immediately.

He wrote in a court filing earlier this week that prosecutors have failed to acknowledge that the appellate court threw out some of the more serious charges in Blagojevichs case  including the centerpiece allegations he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama after his election as president in 2008.

Goodman also said the ex-governors record as an exemplary inmate should be considered.

Prosecutors have recommended that Zagel give Blagojevich the same 14-year sentence.

Opinion: Blagojevichs Senate ploy 

Earlier this month, Goodman submitted nearly 150 letters from Blagojevichs fellow inmates describing his busy schedule, which includes exercising, working in the law library and teaching history to inmates seeking high school equivalency diplomas.

Blagojevich also formed a prison band called the Jailhouse Rockers that played 21 songs at a GED graduation ceremony and a Fourth of July celebration a few years ago before breaking up because their lead guitarist was released, according to Goodman.

On Wednesday, Goodman was asked about the bands repertoire. He said they played some Elvis, of course. But their favorite tune?

Bad Moon Rising, he said.

Meisner writes for the Chicago Tribune

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At the request of prosecutors, a judge has dismissed the case against the man convicted of killing Chandra Levy, the Washington intern whose disappearance touched off years of speculation and led to the downfall of a California congressman.

Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin in Washington issued the order to dismiss without prejudice the case against Ingmar Guandique on Thursday.

The U.S. attorneys office said that in light of new information about the case, they would not seek a retrial because they could no longer prove the murder case against Mr. Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt. Guandiques conviction was based largely on the testimony of a witness whose veracity has seen been called into doubt.

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At the time of his arrest, Guandique was living in the country illegally. He will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and faces deportation to El Salvador.

Levy was a 24-year-old intern for the Federal Bureau of Prisons when she disappeared in May 2001. She had finished graduate studies and was planning to return to her home in Modesto.

The case attracted widespread media attention when news broke that Levy was romantically linked with then-Rep. Gary Condit, a Democrat from the Central Valley who was married at the time. He denied any involvement with her.

Her remains were found in Rock Creek Park in 2002, about a year after her disappearance.

The circumstances surrounding Levys death remained unclear for eight years, until Washington authorities turned their attention to Guandique.

But the Levy case proved difficult from the start. Prosecutors lacked forensic evidence linking Guandique to the crime scene. They had no murder weapon, no eyewitnesses and no definitive ruling from the medical examiner on what killed Levy.

Despite the challenges, prosecutors presented a compelling argument of how Levy died. They gave the jury testimony from a former cellmate who said Guandique had confessed to two previous attacks on other women in the park.

The jurys verdict came after three days of deliberation.

Guandique was sentenced to 60 years in prison on two counts of first-degree felony murder, one related to Levys kidnapping and the other to attempted robbery.

Guandique, who was already serving a 10-year sentence for attacking the two women, needed headphones to listen to a Spanish translation of the verdict.

Levys mother, Susan Levy, said at the time that the verdict brought little closure.

The result of the verdict may be guilty, but I have a lifetime sentence of a lost limb missing from my family tree, she said. Im not sure if its a sense of peace, but I can certainly tell you it aint closure.

During one court hearing, Guandique addressed Levys parents, saying: Im very sorry for what happened to your daughter. But I had nothing to do with it. I am innocent.

The case against Guandique eventually fell apart after authorities decided that the onetime cellmate who had testified gave false or misleading information.

During the murder trial, prosecutors called Condit to the stand. He refused to answer questions about his relationship with Levy, even as prosecutors said theyd found his DNA on clothes in her apartment. He was ruled out as a suspect.

After news of their affair broke out, Condit was ousted in a primary by a former office aide. He later moved to Arizona, where he operated a Baskin-Robbins for a time.

alexia.fernandez@latimes.com

Twitter: @alexiafedz

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As waves of protesters gathered in Atlanta night after night to condemn the fatal police shootings of African American men, civil rights veteran Andrew Young stepped in to provide some encouragement  not to activists, but to police officers.

Those are some unlovable little brats out there, the 84-year-old former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador said of protesters at a recent pep talk at a police precinct. Theyre showing off. And not even with a clear message.

Though he later apologized, Youngs remarks underscored the widening generational divide in the social justice fight.

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Here, in the hometown of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a younger corps of activists is running up against stalwarts of the civil rights era. Elders have chided millennials for their attitudes, tactics and lack of concrete demands.

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who was beaten by Alabama state troopers on the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, drew heat when he tweeted: I was beaten bloody by police officers. But I never hated them. I said, Thank you for your service.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also lectured protesters, invoking King as he urged the activists not to block the highway. Dr. King would never take a freeway, Reed told reporters.

Younger activists have reacted with defiance, saying they no longer look to the old guard for leadership or inspiration.

What does Andrew Young do for black people in Atlanta? said 18-year-old Aurelia Williams with a shrug, a spokesman for Atlanta Black Lives Matter, standing outside a transit station as protesters gathered for another rally. A lot of people look to Andrew Young for guidance  or they did. Now hes just another person were fighting in the trenches.

While the protests spurred by fatal shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana follow some traditions of the 1950s and 60s, there are distinct differences. Both share a goal of racial justice and equality, yet the newer generation is more raw and spontaneous, focusing on personal emotions and therapeutic ideas of healing more than political debate and policy proposals.

NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj 

Stop telling us to have a plan, goals and a solution for black folks, Avery Jackson, an Atlanta student organizer, tweeted. Realize that it is dismissive and disrespectful to ask black people why they are taking the streets, affirming their lives and healing.

For some traditional activists and long-term observers of the civil rights movement, the lack of an agreed-upon game plan can be baffling.

The fundamental, ongoing problem here is apparently that the vast majority of protesters dont have any specific agenda that theyre arguing for, said David J. Garrow, professor of history and law at the University of Pittsburgh and author of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on the civil rights era.

Nor, he added, do they seem to know much about civil rights history.

For millennials, the police shootings hit hard, said Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science at Emory University.

Protesters march in downtown Atlanta in response to fatal police shootings of African American men in Minnesota and Louisiana. (Mike Stewart / Associated Press)

A lot of those folks were tweens and teenagers when Barack Obama was elected president and everyone proclaimed a post-racial America. And now theyre older and realizing that whole post-racial dream  that race doesnt matter  was not true. Theyre having their reckoning.

At times, theres a sense the old guard gave up the fight long ago, said Nekima Levy-Pounds, 40, president of the Minneapolis chapter of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People and a past spokeswoman for Black Lives Matter.

After King was assassinated in 1968, the baton was basically dropped on the street, she said. For the younger generation, theres not much we can point to since Kings assassination thats been accomplished, so those folks are not necessarily in a position to tell young activists what to do.

Some older civil rights groups such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which came into existence in an era when black people were excluded from public office, have struggled to maintain relevance as a wave of African Americans became mayors, police chiefs, city council members, senators and congressmen. As movement leaders took on mainstream political positions, some activists say they became part of the establishment they once fought.

You can either be for civil rights and social justice, or be against it.  Aurielle Marie

For younger protesters, the tactics and ideology of traditional groups fall short. Some are more influenced by the tenets of black pride popularized by Malcolm X and the more militant 1960s and 70s groups, such as the Black Panthers. Others draw on more modern ideas of social justice and identity politics, from intersectionality to safe spaces.

Almost all see Black Lives Matter as correcting the blind spots of those who came before, providing an umbrella for all black people, including the most marginalized  women, the homeless, the LGBT community, sex workers, those with criminal records.

Yet division is not strictly along generational lines. During the recent volley of protests, some traditional civil rights groups, from the NAACP to Al Sharptons National Action Network, have swiftly organized their own demonstrations and meetings and several older figureheads have been quick to defend younger protesters. After Youngs admonishment, NAACP President Francys Johnson suggested that the veteran civil rights warrior should go quickly and quietly into a well-deserved retirement.

Still, younger Atlanta activists feel a disconnect with the old champions of social justice.

After Michael Brown was fatally shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014, student Aurielle Marie, 21, said she and fellow activists called all the civil rights groups they could think of, including the SCLC, the NAACP and the National Action Network.

We called all the people who we were taught were the leaders, she said. Why would we want to reinvent the wheel when people are alive who know how this goes? But we couldnt get meetings. Word came down to us that right now is not the right time. We needed to wait on the investigation.

And so they forged ahead on their own. The groups that coalesce around Black Lives Matter favor a looser structure, working on the principle that no one person or group of individuals should speak for all.

Organizers say their demands are not that complicated: Stop killing black people, Williams said. Were going to keep marching until you stop killing us.

Williams, who met with Atlantas mayor and police chief recently during a sit-in outside the governors mansion, declined to list protesters demands, saying they were still working on goals before a formal meeting.

Its, like, a very fluid thing, she said. At the end of our day, at our core, we are a group of people who came together who were upset by things we saw. We dont want to sit here and tie it down... Why isnt it enough to just stand for black people?

See the most-read stories this hour 

Marie, meanwhile, pushed back against the idea that the movement lacks clear goals, rattling off several demands protesters made to the police chief and mayor  including releasing the name of a local police officer involved in a fatal shooting of a black man and ending Operation Whiplash, an Atlanta police initiative that aims to combat gun violence by assigning more patrol officers in high-crime areas.

Ultimately, many of the young protesters have little patience for those who question or try to debate their tactics.

You can either be for civil rights and social justice, or be against it, said Marie. In the movement, we do not believe theres a fence.

Jarvie is a special correspondent

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Prosecutors say they will not retry a man convicted of killing Washington intern Chandra Levy.

The U.S. Attorneys office said in a statement Thursday that the office has moved to dismiss the case charging Ingmar Guandique with Levys 2001 murder.

According to the statement, prosecutors concluded they could not convict Guandique based on recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week. The statement does not elaborate.

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Levys 2001 disappearance created a national sensation after the Modesto, Calif., native was romantically linked with then-Congressman Gary Condit. The California Democrat was married at the time, and was not forthcoming with police about the circumstances of the tryst. He was never formally identified as a suspect.

Levys remains were found in Washingtons Rock Creek Park in 2002. Prosecutors argued her death fit a pattern of attacks Guandique committed on female joggers. He was found guilty in 2010 of Levys murder but granted a new trial last year.

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What President Obama says scares him about Trump

President Obama says it isnt just the idea of Donald Trumps finger on the nuclear button that he finds scary.

I set aside the nuclear codes, he said in an interview broadcast on NBCs Today Show on Wednesday. What I think is scary is a president who doesnt know their stuff and doesnt seem to have an interest in learning what they dont know.

As Obama prepares to address the Democratic National Convention tonight, he warned in the interview that Trump could win in November.

Ive seen all kinds of crazy stuff happen, he said, expressing concerns that voters might get complacent.

Obama also offered his thoughts about the FBI investigation into Hillary Clintons email server and talked about why Democrats are projecting a theme of optimism at their convention.

Anybody who goes into campaigns not running scared can end up losing, Obama said. So my advice to Democrats-- I dont have to give this advice to Hillary Clinton, because she already knows it -- is you stay worried until all those votes are cast and counted because you know, one of the dangers in an election like this is that people dont take the challenge seriously. They stay home. And we end up getting the unexpected.

Obama, a skilled campaigner who has proven particularly effective at prodding Trump, offered his assessment of why the prospect of him on the Oval Office should frighten Americans. If you listen to any press conference hes given, or listen to any of those debates, basic knowledge about the world or what a nuclear triad is or where various countries are or, you know, the difference between Sunni and Shia in the Muslim world -- those are things that he doesnt know and hasnt seemed to spend a lot of time trying to find out about.

On Clintons email troubles, Obama said FBI director James Comey was comprehensive, unusually so, about how they arrived at their decision to advise against an indictment. He said Clinton had acknowledged she made mistakes and that demands she be put in jail are irrational.

Folks are rough on Hillary Clinton in ways that even as somebody who, Ive had my share of, you know, getting whacked in the public eye, Im surprised by sometimes. And I dont think its fair, he said.

In his speech Wednesday night, Obama said, he will strike an optimistic note, even as he acknowledged his plan to change the political tenor of Washington had come up short.

Watch the interview below >>
Since the first surge, two years ago, of unaccompanied minors and mothers with children fleeing violence in Central America, the Obama administration has struggled to find ways to dissuade people from taking the dangerous overland journey through Mexico to cross the border illegally in Texas.

It disseminated information in the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador about the hazards of such a trip. It persuaded Mexico to beef up enforcement at its own southern border. And it launched the Central American Minors program, through which parents from Northern Triangle countries who are lawfully in the U.S. could win permission for their at-risk children (under age 21) to come to this country legally, without risking their lives on a perilous trek through the hot desert to the border.

Central American Minors

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As a result, the surge slowed last year but then ramped back up this summer in part because of the amount of time  about eight months  it takes to process applications, which includes DNA testing paid for by the families. Parents with children facing grave threats from street gangs apparently decided they couldnt wait, and again turned to coyotes to smuggle the kids north.

On Tuesday, the Obama administration acknowledged that the system created an insufficient pathway for those fleeing danger and said it will expand the eligibility pool so that children who seek to come to the United States may also bring their siblings older than 21, parents and other relatives who act as caregivers. The government also will establish referral programs in the home countries to process refugee applications and will work with international refugee agencies to temporarily house up to 200 endangered people at a time in Costa Rica while the vetting takes place. The announcements came just days after the U.S. and Mexican governments pledged to work together to expand that countrys asylum-granting system.

These are largely prudent, humanitarian moves that some refugee advocates say reflect a fuller recognition by the Obama administration of the need for more capacity in dealing with a thorny refugee crisis. Granted, the scope of the problem pales in comparison with some of the wars and other crises that have displaced an astounding 65 million people worldwide, but uncontrolled street violence tied to gangs (many with U.S. roots) has made the Northern Triangle exceedingly dangerous, especially for young men targeted by gangs and young women at risk of sexual violence. Adults face extortion demands with murder and rape as the enforcement mechanisms.

Last year, El Salvador  the most violent of the three countries, and among the most violent nations in the world  endured nearly 6,700 homicides, which translates to a rate of about 116 per 100,000 people (the U.S. rate is 4.5 per 100,000), and a 70% increase over 2014. Salvadoran gangs that formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s then returned home account for most of the carnage.

It might be tempting for some Americans to shrug and say that its up to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala to resolve their own issues, but the problem affects a wider region, including the main destination country, the United States. So it makes sense for the solution to be regional. The U.S budgeted $750 million this year for programs aimed at stabilizing neighborhoods and improving governance and accountability in the countries, where corruption is rampant. Measures have been introduced by Democrats in the House and the Senate that would authorize an additional $1 billion in related spending next year, but the fate of that effort is uncertain.

The deterioration of conditions in the Northern Triangle developed over a long period of time, and enacting solutions will neither be swift nor easy. But working with other nations in the region and with international refugee organizations are prudent steps in trying to fix the problem where it is occurring, instead of just waiting to catch refugees at the U.S. border.
Thirty-five years after shooting President Ronald Reagan, John W. Hinckley Jr. is a free man, having been released from a mental institution by a federal judge who concluded that Hinckley no longer suffers from the mental disorder that led him to attempt the assassination in 1981. In recent years Hinckley has been able to leave St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., to visit his family. Now he will be able to live full time with his mother in Williamsburg, Va.

But while this may mark the end of Hinckleys legal case, American law continues to be influenced by public outrage over his acquittal by reason of insanity  and not for the good. The outcry over that verdict, stoked by opportunistic politicians, led to a weakening of the insanity defense and undermined the principle that a defendant shouldnt be held criminally responsible when his crime is the result of mental illness.

Hinckley was 25 when he shot Reagan with the deranged expectation that attacking the president would impress film star Jodie Foster. Reagan recovered, but another of Hinckleys four victims, White House press secretary James Brady, suffered lasting brain damage and partial paralysis. (Brady died in 2014.)

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A jury acquitted Hinckley after concluding that he satisfied the definition of legal insanity in use in Washington, D.C., at the time: that, because of a mental disease or defect, the defendant either lacked substantial capacity to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law or lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct.

Even though Hinckley faced many years in a mental institution, his insanity acquittal caused an uproar, one that politicians were eager to inflame. Jurors in the trial were called before a Senate subcommittee and interrogated about whether they understood the judges instructions. Congress passed a law narrowing the federal definition of legal insanity and shifting the burden of proof on the question of mental disease to the defendant. State legislatures did likewise, and some adopted a verdict of guilty but mentally ill  a concept that is hard to square with the principle that an insane person cant be criminally responsible for his act.

In the outcry over the Hinckley acquittal, two realities were obscured. One was that the insanity defense was seldom asserted and rarely successful. The other was that defendants acquitted by reason of insanity, far from being set free, were often confined (albeit in a mental institution where they could receive treatment) for longer than they would have been imprisoned if they had been convicted. In Hinckleys case, its possible that, had he been convicted, he would have been released on parole years ago.

Hinckleys attack on Reagan was a shocking act of violence. But the reaction to it weakened an important legal principle without increasing public safety.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Eight years ago, at the dawn of the Obama era, pundits seriously debated whether the election of the nations first black president would mark an end to the countrys long history of racial inequality. Weeks after Obama was elected, Forbes Magazine jubilantly published an editorial headlined Racism in America is Over. While few others went quite so far, seven out of 10 Americans did believe that race relations would improve as a result of the Obama presidency.

What happened? How did we get from the optimism of the Obama presidential run to the eruption of a protest movement calling itself Black Lives Matter? Perhaps the optimism itself is to blame, or rather the contrast between Obamas promise and the reality of his tenure.

There were sky-high expectations for Obama when he became president. This was especially true of young black people who gave Obama an unprecedentedly high share of their vote, twice. Expectations were also high because the conditions were so poor. The Obama Generation had come of age in the shadow of Hurricane Katrina, a decade of never-ending war in Iraq, and the instability of economic crisis, home foreclosures and growing student debt. In 2006, 52% of black youth aged 18 to 25 described the U.S. government as unresponsive to black needs, while 61% said they experienced discrimination when looking for work.

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But instead of championing government initiatives that could attend to the crises of poverty and under-resourced institutions in black communities, the president maintained that he was the president of the United States, not the president of Black America. When Obama did intervene, it was to champion a measly public-private partnership known as My Brothers Keeper that focused on poor and working-class black boys while ignoring the plight of their girl peers. More important, MBK was not public policy, but a program based on the generosity of other nonprofits and corporations.

With each passing year, it became more obvious that Obama could not live up to the promises of change that animated his presidential campaign. Indeed, by the summer of 2012, in the heat of Obamas reelection campaign, black unemployment had risen to more than 14%, and 38% of black children were living in poverty.

Nor did Obama move to reform the criminal justice system. Almost two years in to his administration, legal scholar Michelle Alexander published her best-selling book The New Jim Crow, which provided a language to capture the devastating effects of mass incarceration on the African American population. Obama didnt run with it.

Indeed, two moments highlighted Obamas paralysis on this subject: his lackluster response to the Troy Davis campaign, and to the George Zimmerman trial.

Obama did not run on yes, we can (if I have a Congress to my liking) or hope and change (if the 2010 midterm elections go my way).

Davis, a black man, was convicted in 1991 for the 1989 murder of a police officer and sentenced to death. But Davis maintained his innocence and many believed him. Leading up to his September 2011 lethal injection date, an international group of luminaries, including the pope, the head of the European Union and a former director of the FBI, pleaded for a retrial or clemency. Black college students in Washington, D.C., marched on the White House and the Supreme Court. But Obama never even made a statement regarding Davis. Instead he left it to his spokespeople to say that he had no jurisdiction over the matter. Davis was executed.

In the summer of 2013, when Zimmerman was acquitted in the murder of Trayvon Martin, Obama was less quiet, but equally disappointing. Young black activists hoped Obama would use his position to elevate their concerns about inequality in policing and the judicial system more broadly. Instead Obama reminded the American people that we are a nation of laws, ignoring how the laws do not always apply to everyone equally.

Nearing the end of Obamas historic presidency, what can honestly be said to have changed in the lives of young, working-class and poor African American youth? Unemployment and rates of poverty remain high, wages remain low and police violence and abuse continue unabated. When the political establishment and the political institutions of our society fail to improve peoples lives, they begin to lose their legitimacy and people either tune out of politics and society altogether or they find other means to compel the changes they seek. Often this is through political activism.

Thus we arrive at the most recent eruption of demonstrations against police violence in the aftermath of the highly publicized killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Although activists have met with federal officials, including the president himself, Obamas apparent inability to rein in brutal police while repeatedly lauding their supposed heroism reinforces the perception that the only way to transform these conditions is to vigorously protest them.

We can, of course, debate whether it is realistic or fair to expect a president to effect real change in a scant eight years. But Obama did not run on yes, we can (if I have a Congress to my liking) or hope and change (if the 2010 midterm elections go my way). And if it was unrealistic or unfair to expect Obama to succeed, then surely its worth asking why it was so important to elect him in the first place. Rarely will African Americans publicly criticize the nations first black president, but their frustration with the status quo can be measured by the intensity of the protest in his final days in office.

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor is author of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation and professor of African American Studies at Princeton University.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Naming anything after a living politician is usually a bad idea, but this summer, we can make an exception. Now that Americans will be spending much of their vacations waiting in security lines at airports, we should honor the public servants responsible. At the entrance to the checkpoint at LAX, lets install a bronze plaque proclaiming it the Sen. Dianne Feinstein Line. Similar monuments can be installed at JFK for Hillary Clinton, at the Phoenix airport for John McCain, and at the home airports of all the other senators who voted to create the Transportation Security Administration.

Even by D.C. standards, the creation of the TSA was a blunder of colossal proportions. Citing the lapse in security on Sept. 11, politicos claimed that a new federal agency was needed to replace the private security companies that had been screening passengers for airlines. Never mind that the screeners were innocent of blame for the terrorist attacks.

It was the federal government, not the private screeners, that set the policy allowing small knives and box cutters to be brought onto planes. Federal guidelines also prevented airlines from arming pilots and reinforcing cockpit doors.

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Instead of learning from those mistakes, the Senate voted 99 to 0 to turn airport screening into a federal monopoly. The only intelligent deliberation occurred in the House, where Republicans actually listened to experts from countries with considerable experience in aviation terrorism. Israel and European nations had learned the hard way that good security requires a division of responsibility. An independent watchdog is essential to ensure that screeners are doing their job, and the obvious candidate for that role is the federal government. But that means that someone else has to do the screening. The watchdog cant watch itself.

House Republicans heeded the experts advice, and they passed a bill to establish a system modeled on the one used in Israel, Canada and Europe: Each airport would run its own screening system, and the feds would have wide authority to set standards and mandate improvements. When it came time to reconcile the competing bills, however, Senate Democrats stood firm, and they denounced the House Republicans for putting ideology above national security.

One of the loudest critics was New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, who was such an ardent cheerleader for the TSA that he deserves to have the line at Newark airport named after him. The rights fanatical distrust of government is the central fact of American politics, even in a time of terror, Krugman wrote. Exploiting the public affection for firefighters after Sept. 11, Krugman argued that the Republicans anti-TSA ideology would logically call for the elimination of the New York City Fire Department because fire protection should be a purely private responsibility.

This was nonsensical on several levels. None of those evil Republicans claimed that aviation security was a purely private responsibility. Besides, just because something is a public responsibility doesnt mean that all the work must be done by public employees.

Acknowledging a government role, moreover, certainly doesnt mean that the work must be done by a federal monopoly. One reason that Americans respect firefighters more than postal workers is that theyre not working for a one-size-fits-all bureaucracy in Washington. Theyre free to adapt to local conditions.

Last year, ABC News reported that federal investigators had successfully sneaked contraband past TSA screeners on 67 of 70 attempts.

But such logic was ignored in the frenzy to do something after Sept. 11. The Bush White House caved to public pressure and promised to sign whatever bill emerged from Congress, even if it was the Democrats version. The Republicans won a few concessions  the TSA wouldnt be unionized, and a few airports could experiment with their own screening systems  but the Democrats prevailed in creating another federal bureaucracy.

Soon travelers were referring to the TSA as Thousands Standing Around, and the agency has made headlines ever since for incompetence. The three-hour lines this summer are just the latest failures of a top-heavy bureaucracy (one administrator for every three screeners) and a workforce that has gotten even more unmanageable since it was unionized in 2011. (Because President Obama undid the original no-union policy, he deserves to have his name on the line at OHare.) Last year, ABC News reported that federal investigators had successfully sneaked contraband past TSA screeners on 67 of 70 attempts.

Predictably, the TSA blames its failures on lack of funding. But its already spending way too much, as demonstrated in a congressional study comparing TSA screeners in Los Angeles with non-TSA screeners in San Francisco, one of the few airports allowed to run its own system. If LAX switched to the San Francisco model, the study concluded, it could cut its screening costs by more than 40%.

The San Francisco private companys screeners received the same salary and benefits as TSA screeners, but they were so much better trained and deployed that each one processed 65% more passengers than a TSA screener in Los Angeles. And in tests by federal investigators, they were three times better at detecting contraband.

Those results, as well as other research showing that private screeners get better ratings from passengers and airport managers, inspired congressional Republicans to pass legislation giving more airports the option of switching to private contractors. But its not easy to get rid of a federal monopoly, especially now that unionized screeners can intimidate local politicians  as they did in blocking an attempt to replace them at Sacramentos airport.

Despite this formidable obstacle, the TSA has inspired so much anger that officials in Atlanta and other cities are finally considering a switch to private contractors. That change would be a boon to future travelers, but it wont come soon enough to make any difference this summer to the huddled masses at TSA checkpoints. The best we can do for them is to erect monuments honoring the politicians who created this mess.

John Tierney is a contributing editor at the Manhattan Institutes City Journal and coauthor of Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. This essay was adapted from the summer issue of City Journal.

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In his speech Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, vice presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine spoke powerfully about his Catholic faith.

I went to a Jesuit boys high school  Rockhurst High School, Kaine recalled. Now we had a motto in our school: Men for Others. And it was there that my faith became vital, my North Star for orienting my life. And when I left high school I knew that I wanted to battle for social justice. . . . That is why I took a year off law school to volunteer with Jesuit missionaries in Honduras.

But even before Kaine spoke, some Catholics were pouncing on him for his supposedly un-Catholic support of legal abortion.

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One priest tweeted this message to Kaine: Do us both a favor. Dont show up in my communion line. I take Canon 915 seriously. Itd be embarrassing for you & for me.

Canon 915 in the churchs Code of Canon Law says that people who have been excommunicated or who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

Catholic bishops in the U.S. long have been divided over whether Catholic politicians who support legal abortion  even if they are personally opposed to the procedure  should be denied Holy Communion.

The foremost American proponent of the no Communion position is Cardinal Raymond Burke, the former archbishop of St. Louis who was removed from a position in the Vatican by Pope Francis. In 2004 Burke made it known that he would deny Holy Communion to Sen. John Kerry, then the Democratic presidential nominee, because he supported legal abortion.

At the other pole are churchmen such as Cardinal Roger Mahony, the retired archbishop of Los Angeles, and Donald Wuerl, the archbishop of Washington. It isnt for us to guess at whats on someones conscience, Mahony said in 2011.

At least one bishop already has joined in the criticism of Kaine. The Providence Journal reported that Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of that city had written on his Facebook page that, while Kaine described himself as a Catholic, it is also reported that he publicly supports freedom of choice for abortion, same-sex marriage, gay adoptions, and the ordination of women as priests. All of these positions are clearly contrary to well-established Catholic teaching; all of them have been opposed by Pope Francis as well. Sen. Kaine has said, My faith is central to everything I do. But apparently, and unfortunately, his faith isnt central to his public, political life.

Kaine can probably shrug off the criticism from conservative priests and prelates, just as other Catholic politicians who support legal abortion have done. But he also must reckon with criticism by the Jesuit magazine America, usually regarded as a voice of liberal Catholicism. In an editorial this week the journal said:

As he accepted the vice presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention, Mr. Kaine spoke  to great cheers  about coming alive to the mission of social justice and concern for the marginalized as a result of his Jesuit education. The editors of this journal were among many Catholics heartened by these remarks, and we applaud his work for the poor and forgotten. But as long as Mr. Kaine refuses to recognize the unborn among the marginalized and to include them among the children for whom he promises to fight, he has not yet fully embraced the mission of social justice.

The editorial also raised the issue of Kaines position on the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding of abortion except in cases of incest or rape or to save the life of the woman or girl. This years Democratic platform says: We will continue to oppose  and seek to overturn  federal and state laws and policies that impede a womans access to abortion, including by repealing the Hyde Amendment.

Asked earlier this month about the platform provision, Kaine said: I have traditionally been a supporter of the Hyde Amendment, but Ill check it out. According to Clintons campaign manager, Robby Mook, Kaine has said that he will stand with Secretary Clinton to defend a womans right to choose, to repeal the Hyde Amendment. But on Wednesday a campaign aide told the Wall Street Journal that Kaine is not personally for repeal of the Hyde Amendment but is nevertheless committed to carrying out Secretary Clintons agenda. Thats a nice  some might say jesuitical  distinction.

If you take the strictly conservative Catholic view that supporting legal abortion is the moral equivalent of procuring one, it doesnt much matter whether you take the additional step of supporting public funding of abortions. Still, the Hyde Amendment has long been seen  and not just by Catholic members of Congress  as a way to thread a political needle: supporting the legal status of abortion but not requiring taxpayers to subsidize it. (It also arguably reduces the number of abortions.)

If Kaine shifts his position on the Hyde Amendment, he can expect criticism from some Catholics who otherwise would have given him a pass.

One way to avoid the controversy, of course, is for Kaine to stop talking about his faith. If you dont portray yourself as a Catholic candidate, youre less likely to have your claims to that identity challenged on Twitter or at the Communion rail. The problem is that Kaine  and the Democratic Party  seem to believe that his religion is not only an essential part of his identity but also a political asset.
When Hillary Clinton named Tim Kaine as her running mate, the questions came immediately: Was he too mild, too bland, too moderate  in short, too nice to wage a ferocious campaign against the likes of Donald Trump?

The answer, based on Kaines acceptance speech Wednesday night, turns out to be: almost.

Kaine sounded like a folksy, jokey Midwestern uncle. The adjective Trump would use  will use  is low energy. He stepped on some of his own biggest lines.

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But he was just partisan enough  and just riled enough  to tear a strip off the Republican nominee.

Trump never tells you how hes going to do any of the things he says hes going to do. He just says, Believe me. Only Kaine delivered the last two words in a bad-but-still-funny Trump impression: Buh-leeeve me.

Retirees and families in Florida believed Donald Trump when he said hed build them condos, Kaine said. They paid their deposits, but the condos were never built. They lost tens of thousands of dollars, all because they believed Donald Trump.

He says, Believe me. Well, his creditors, his contractors, his laid-off employees, his ripped-off students did just that. Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth, Kaine said. Our nation is too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew.

The delegates in the convention hall, roaring, leaped to their feet.

You could almost hear Hillary Clintons staff exhale. Tim Kaine is no red-meat attack dog. But with a target as big as Donald Trump, maybe a low-key, affable but stubborn pushback will do just fine.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
To the editor: This story implies that school districts have responsibility for diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (ADHD is now classified as a specific disability under federal civil rights law, July 26)

This is not true. ADHD is a medical condition that can only be formally diagnosed by a physician. For teachers or any school personnel to use this term when discussing a student with a parent would be tantamount to practicing medicine without a license. Teachers must address the issue with great care when suggesting to a parent that a student needs help.

I am a retired special education teacher. Many of my colleagues and I were pretty good at recognizing this disorder. But convincing a parent to accept help for the child is another issue, and parent permission is necessary for the student to receive appropriate services.

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This aspect of the situation should not have been omitted from your story.

Norma Stewart, Arcadia

..

To the editor: Before I retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District, we teachers were told that we were not doctors. We were not to mention hyperactivity, distraction or medication.

Although I had firsthand knowledge of ADHD as my son was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and was on medication with an individualized education plan, I was not allowed to speak to parents about their childrens behavior. It was quite frustrating knowing that an evaluation could help a child.

I violated the districts rule very quietly quite a few times and am not sorry I did. Kudos to the U.S. Department of Education for issuing its new guidelines on ADHD.

Rosa Carrillo-Coronado, Panorama City

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
To the editor: I hope you receive countless letters about Mollie Lowery and the amazing work she did for homeless people in Los Angeles. (Mollie Lowery, to the end, was a saint to those living on the streets, July 25)

When I first met Lowery, she was working to eradicate a different kind of homelessness by providing shelter, safety, counseling and support services for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

In the late 1970s, staff at the Ocean Park Community Center, under the leadership of Ariana Manov and Lowery, launched the second shelter for battered women in Los Angeles County. Their Sojourn Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children was so successful that it became a model shelter, providing technical assistance as others started responding to the desperate need for safe and supportive housing for victims of domestic violence.

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Lowerys can-do spirit and sensitivity were cornerstones of the project as well as great lessons she gifted to those of us who worked with her.

Karen Hilfman, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: I have not cried for years, but I write this letter with tears in my eyes after reading of Lowerys passing.

I am a news photographer and homeless advocate who has been assisting skid row residents for more than 40 years. Many years ago I was introduced to Lowery.

I instantly admired her humble but assertive demeanor when it came to the down and out. She was never into herself or self-promotion, unlike many other so-called skid row advocates, never seeking anything in return for her deeds other than getting others involved.

Because of the inspiration of people like Lowery, to this day I volunteer and regularly make my rounds on the streets of downtown L.A. If there are are true goddesses or angels on skid row, Lowery and Alice Callaghan would surely be among them because of their selfless devotion to the well-being of the less fortunate.

Henk Friezer, Eagle Rock

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
To the editor: I have no truck with conspiracy theories, yet I firmly believe that, given a choice between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, Vladimir Putin would choose Trump for president. (Trumps opposition research firm: Russias intelligence agencies, Opinion, July 25)

This is not because Trump would be a good president  quite the opposite.

Russian President Putin has done his best to resurrect the ghost of Soviet superpower. Would he prefer his opponent in this process to be a woman with experience, knowledge of the structure of the post-World War II balance of power and an even temperament, or an experience-free know-nothing? Putin would love nothing better than for us to elect a leader who is a foreign-policy toddler.

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Whether Putin is trying to influence this election or not, his choice is clear. That should give pause to those of us who dont think Putins presidency in Russia is a good thing.

Branden Frankel, Encino

..

To the editor: The Times editorial board calmly cautions readers not to hastily link Trump to Russia. (Democrats see a silver lining in an email release, editorial, July 26)

Good suggestion, but its too late: In an op-ed article on the same day, Max Boot did exactly that.

How many Russian links do we need to prove a connection? Two leaders in the Trump campaign, manager Paul Manafort and foreign policy advisor Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, have Putin links so strong they seem beyond dispute. And, if Boot is right, American banks now refuse to lend to Trump, who instead has received backing from Russian investors.

As a reader who devours everything on your editorial pages, I respectfully offer a suggestion: The Times editorial board should read the papers own op-ed page.

Maralys Wills, Santa Ana

..

To the editor: The GOP continues to turn a blind eye to Trumps expressed admiration of the malevolent Russian leader.

If Clinton had received loans from Russian investors and surrounded herself with political advisors who have questionable ties to Russian politicians, as Trump has, many Republicans would probably accuse her of treason. Instead, they ignore Trumps lack of good judgment even though it could threaten the well-being of our country.

Phyllis Landis, Oceanside

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Donald Trump has gotten a significant boost from his partys nominating convention last week; now, Hillary Clinton will try for her own.

Clinton and her supporters wont know for several days how much Thursdays acceptance speech will improve her standing with voters  polls lag behind the events they measure because gathering accurate data takes time.

In Trumps case, the post-convention bounce started to show up in a significant way on Sunday in the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Daybreak tracking poll of the presidential race. The boost continued to build for several days and Trump now holds a 7-percentage-point lead, 47% to 40%.

That represents a significant convention bounce  not a record, as Trump recently claimed, but a larger boost than candidates have averaged recently. Bill Clintons 1992 convention holds the record for the biggest bounce, as much as 14 points in some polls.

Already, Trumps increase in the poll has leveled off, but the full impact of the Democratic convention wont show up in the poll for days. Thats because the Daybreak tracking poll presents a seven-day rolling average of responses. Four days of the current week took place before the Democratic convention started.

Regardless of how voters ultimately respond to the Democratic gathering, Trumps success in the poll so far provides a cautionary note about convention analysis.

The GOP convention, particularly its first couple of days, got widely panned. Big-name speakers were absent, divisions within the party were on full display and ratings were tepid. In the end, however, the poll indicates that little of that mattered to voters  most of whom watch only snippets of either convention.

What may have mattered more was Trumps own speech, in which he laid out a powerful, if pessimistic, assessment of a country headed in the wrong direction and asserted, I alone can fix it.

That message appears to have connected with Trumps main voters, consolidating his support among groups that have favored him for months.

Trump has gained significant ground among voters older than 65 and those without a college education.

Compared with his standing before the convention started, Trump has gained significant ground among voters older than 65 and those without a college education  two groups that have been at the core of his support and among whom he holds double-digit leads.

By contrast, even with the post-convention bounce, Trump has not gained ground this week among college-educated voters.

Among blue-collar white voters, those without a college degree, Trump holds a 59%-24% advantage, but among white, college-educated voters  a group the GOP has carried in every election since World War II, even Democratic landslides  Clinton is running even with him.

Nor has Trump improved his standing among voters in their 30s, 40s and 50s in the last week.

He improved his standing among white voters, but not with African Americans or Latinos, among whom he continues to trail badly.

That leaves a significant opening for Clinton  if she can take advantage of it.

Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Sign up for the newsletter

Clintons speech tonight follows generally well-reviewed appearances by Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, President Obama, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and others.

Those speeches have generated strong attention from Americans: Ratings for the first two nights of the Democratic convention have substantially surpassed those for the equivalent nights of last weeks GOP gathering and are also running ahead of the levels from Democrats 2012 convention.

Democratic strategists believe the convention has been largely successful so far at conveying their intended messages  a positive one about what they see as Clintons lifelong commitment to improving conditions for children and families and a negative one that portrays Trump as unsteady and lacking the temperament or knowledge to be president.

The convention has unified the party to a great degree and has created a permission structure for potential new voters who have been pondering whether to step onto the Clinton train, said David Axelrod, a former senior advisor to Obama.

In a few more days, well start to learn how many of those voters have accepted the Democrats invitation to come aboard.

David.Lauter@latimes.com

For more on Politics and Policy, follow me @DavidLauter

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UPDATES:

2:50 p.m.: The story was updated with poll results about blue-collar voters.

The story was originally published at 1:30 p.m.
Larry Green, 51, Houston city councilman

Larry Green. (Chris Megerian / Los Angeles Times) (Test)

"Immigration reform. It's important because it's something we have to address. Currently we skirt around the issue."

Sandra Falwell, 67, a nurse from Clinton, Md.

Sandra Falwell. (Chris Megerian / Los Angeles Times) (Test)

"The Affordable Care Act is not what it needs to be. We need single-payer."

Bobbie Singh-Allen, president of Elk Grove school board in Sacramento County, Calif.

Bobbie Singh-Allen. (Colleen Shalby / Los Angeles Times) (Test)

"I'm a Sikh American. Our community faced a lot of backlash in a post-9/11 world. We need to do more to educate."

Chinyere Nnodim-Jack, small-business owner from Patterson, Calif.

Chinyere Nnodim-Jack. (Colleen Shalby / Los Angeles Times) (Test)

"The issue of healthcare is something we need to talk about  people shouldn't be afraid of going to the hospital."

Caitlin Lister, 31, chief of staff to the Idaho Senates minority caucus

Caitlin Lister. (Sarah D. Wire / Los Angeles Times) (Test)

Guantanamo Bay. Honestly, I don't think it should be open anymore. I believe when President Obama ran for office that was something he wanted to get done in the first 100 days, and it has not happened yet. I would have liked to see that."

Chris Babbidge, retired teacher from Kennebunk, Maine

Chris Babbidge. (Colleen Shalby / Los Angeles Times) (Test)

I think the biggest problem has been an obstructionist Congress. There's a lot of unfinished business, but part of it is because Obama entered the presidency in crisis.
After a day that demonstrated weaknesses in both presidential candidates, a series of high-powered surrogates for Hillary Clinton impugned Donald Trump from the Democratic convention stage Wednesday, aiming at the voters she will need for victory in November.

President Obama leaned toward a young generation that helped secure his two terms. Vice President Joe Biden appealed to blue-collar Americans. Former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg implored independents. Clintons running mate, Tim Kaine, reached out to Republicans who feel abandoned by their party.

It is a strategy that the Clinton campaign will have to employ for months if she is to win in November.

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Clinton enters the general election sprint as a woefully unpopular politician. One of the best things she has going for her is that her opponent, Republican nominee Trump, is in precisely the same position  but with far less in the way of backup.

Transferring popularity is a difficult, sometimes impossible, task, though in Clintons case it cant hurt that Obamas standing has rebounded significantly as the contest to replace him has heated up. And Biden, now in the final months of a four-decade-plus political career, has always been popular among the working-class Americans with whom he grew up.

They and the others played on their connections to Clintons benefit Wednesday.

Obama asked Americans to reject the cynicism that he said Trump represents and spoke to the optimism he said he sees in America.

I see a younger generation full of energy and new ideas, not constrained by what is, ready to seize what ought to be, he said, generating a roar from Democratic delegates, many of them youthful.

Biden, with sardonic Irish sass, called Trump a man who has no clue, period.

Hes trying to tell us he cares about the middle class? Biden shouted. Give me a break! Thats a bunch of malarkey!

Kaine, making his debut as the official vice presidential nominee, spoke of his Republican father-in-law, also a former governor of Virginia as well as a civil rights champion, who feels his party has become unmoored.

If any of you are looking for that party of Lincoln, weve got a home for you right here in the Democratic Party, the Virginia senator said.

Bloomberg, a former Democrat-turned-Republican who is now unaligned, asked voters to set aside party loyalty.

I say to my fellow independents: Your votes matter now, he said. Your vote will determine the future of your job, your business, and our future together as a country. To me, this election is not a choice between a Democrat and a Republican. Its a choice about who is better to lead our country right now.

Clinton and Trump both need character witnesses because they each have inflicted so much damage upon themselves.

Wednesday provided an example.

In an extraordinary news conference in Doral, Fla., Trump invited Russia to hack into more than 32,000 emails that Clinton had deleted from the private server she used while secretary of State. Clinton said those emails were private; she turned over an additional 30,000 to government officials investigating her use of the server.

Experts believe that Russian agents are behind the hacking and release of another trove of emails from the Democratic National Committee, which spurred controversy when it showed internal support for Clinton among the ostensibly neutral committees staff.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump said on Wednesday. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.

Asked repeatedly if he had any pause about seeming to suggest that a foreign adversary hack into the emails of a high-ranking U.S. official, Trump said he did not.

Now, if Russia or China or any other country has those emails, I mean, to be honest with you, Id love to see them, he said.

His comments drew angry responses from Democrats and national security officials. Republicans, including Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, warned Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, to stay out of the U.S. elections.

Yet Trumps stumble was only possible because of Clintons decision to use the personal server in the first place.

That has proved to be one of her most damaging moves, haunting her throughout the primaries and now into the general election. Her decision to make speeches to Wall Street interests for hundreds of thousands of dollars each has posed a similar problem.

Both have contributed to the biggest knock on Clinton in this campaign: the belief that she is untrustworthy and plays by her own rules. Her primary opponent, Bernie Sanders, used Clintons actions to craft an argument against her that Trump has now lifted for his purposes.

That is where her army of surrogates in the ranks of elected officials, activists and celebrities may be beneficial. And Trump has no corollary, since he has been shunned by well-known members of the Republican Party even as he has taken over as its leader.

The surrogates took on Trump with relentless scorn. But they also, to a person, embraced an optimistic vision of a country that, as Obama said, Trump casts as a crime-ridden chasm.

We are not a fragile people; were not a frightful people, Obama said. Our power doesnt come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way. We dont look to be ruled.

For more on politics 

He also echoed the call for hope that marked his campaigns.

That may be a difficult concept to graft onto Clinton, who inspires not the soaring poetry of Obama, but a more workmanlike prose.

It may have been Bloomberg who struck the proper note in his remarks, when he spoke of the low expectations that many in the nation have for a race that features two candidates untouched by universal acclaim.

Together, he said, lets elect a sane, competent person.

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

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The last time Gov. Jerry Brown was onstage at a Democratic convention, he was fighting for a chance to speak despite his presidential primary defeat by then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton in 1992.

On Wednesday, he returned as Californias elder statesman, vouching for the steadiness and dedication that Hillary Clinton has pledged to bring to the White House and contrasting it with the inexperience of Republican nominee Donald Trump.

While Trump talks and talks and talks, Hillary does stuff, said Brown, 78, who is serving his fourth and final term in office. She fights for us on the big issues.

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His speech served as an unlikely bookend to his insurgent presidential candidacy a quarter-century ago. But his fiery rivalry with the Clintons has mellowed over the years, culminating in his endorsement of Clinton before the California primary last month.

I trust the Clintons, given their experience, in ways that I would never trust Trump, Brown said in an interview in Philadelphia.

And Brown, who has made environmental issues a central part of his legacy, has been pleased by Clintons commitment to fighting global warming.

From her first day in office, President Hillary Clinton will do whats needed to combat climate change and lead the clean energy revolution, he said on the convention stage.

Brown once dreamed of a moment when others would be onstage talking about what a President Jerry Brown would do in the White House.

He ran three times, never making it past the primary.

I definitely like running for president, Brown said this week in Philadelphia during an event organized by the Washington Post.

The 1976 campaign was a lot of fun, but that was a little late because he didnt start his campaign until March, and 1980 was kind of nothing, fizzling without gaining much momentum.

The final race in 1992, Brown said, was exciting. During that campaign, Brown and Bill Clinton fought a famously rancorous primary and engaged in a finger-pointing debate where Brown accused Clinton of funneling state business to his wifes law firm.

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You ought to be ashamed of yourself for jumping on my wife, Clinton responded. Youre not worth being on the same platform as my wife.

In some ways, Browns campaign previewed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders underdog candidacy this year, and not just because they campaigned against a Clinton.

Although Sanders notably solicited small contributions online, Brown limited donors to $100 each and raised money with a toll-free phone number. Like Sanders, he supported higher wages for workers and opposed free-trade agreements.

Bernies campaign stands on the shoulders of Jerrys campaign, said Jodie Evans, who worked for Brown.

When Evans introduced Brown at the 1992 convention in New York, she painted him in terms used to describe Sanders nearly a quarter-century later.

He is leading a revolution for the change this country needs, to break the stranglehold of the corporate interests, she said.

Much as Sanders has said his political revolution will continue despite his primary loss, Brown called on his followers to keep fighting for their goals.

I intend to fight for this party, its ideals, tonight, tomorrow, this year and every year until together we overcome, Brown said. He didnt endorse Clinton.

Although Browns political future was far from over  he went on to serve as Oakland mayor and state attorney general before returning to the governors office  he wasnt able to keep his movement going.

During his campaign, Brown circulated an alternative to the official Democratic Party platform called the Platform in Progress, but he wryly conceded this week that it has been rarely quoted and even more rarely read.

Brown joked Tuesday that he wished his 1992 campaign had lasted longer. But when he endorsed Hillary Clinton in June, Brown said, This is no time for Democrats to keep fighting each other.

Evans, who went on to co-found Code Pink, a liberal protest group, said she cringed at the endorsement.

To be a politician takes a lot of contortions, I guess, Evans said.

Brown said Clinton will have to walk a fine line while campaigning in a year when voters have been skeptical of the value of governing experience.

Thats the question, he said. She has to embrace the elements of anti-establishment while providing the dignity and leadership of a presidential candidate.

Its unclear whether Brown will campaign for Clinton. He joked that flying from Sacramento to Los Angeles is about the longest trip he can handle these days.

I will definitely think twice before traveling east, Brown said.

An aide leaned in to prompt a different answer.

If asked , she said.

Brown nodded and said he was open to the idea, if asked.

chris.megerian@latimes.com

Twitter: @chrismegerian

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Inside the convention hall and on the steamy streets of Philadelphia, an incensed progressive insurgency is protesting the political power of corporations and billionaires  but the message doesnt appear to be getting through at the citys A-list eateries and nightclubs.

High-rolling donors, lobbyists and lawmakers have all converged on the city to conduct business as usual, imbibing at private concerts, making deals over canapes, and swapping invites to intimate corporate events at fancy venues. The choices that lawmakers have for partying with lobbyists seem almost limitless, with each dignitary given a dizzying spreadsheet of their options on any given day this week.



For the record: An earlier version of this article said a Comcast executive was heading up fundraising for the Democratic National Convention. He is a special advisor for fundraising.

The convention in Philadelphia  like the Republican event in Cleveland before it  is an unabashed display of the coziness between those who write big checks, and those who run, or want to run, the government. It is particularly conspicuous this year in Philadelphia, when lobbyists are betting Democrats will keep control of the White House. Democrats are not even trying to put on the show of restraint they did in their last two conventions, when they imposed a ban, albeit a porous one, on funding from corporations.

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Whatever happened to the candidates being all about the people? asked John Klein, 33, of Philadelphia, a supporter of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, seeking refuge from the crush of convention activity on a shady patch of grass near Philadelphias Center City. Its all about corporate sponsorship.

Before the Democrats even gaveled in the convention, the disclosure of thousands of internal party emails by WikiLeaks shed new light on the nakedly transactional and at times seedy process of trolling for mega-contributions from big spenders who wanted to be part of the insider crowd here. In the emails, donors and fundraisers discussed how to time their checks to get them the most access.

Party officials plotted how to get one firm, Honeywell, which receives billions of dollars in government contracts, to kick in $60,000. Not enough to secure a hotel room for the event, but an exception was made. This gesture would definitely help our relationships with them for later in the election cycle and for years to come, an email from a party fundraiser said.

Corporate logos are emblazoned on most big-ticket events at the convention in the same fashion they are at major-league sporting contests.

The logo of hometown cable giant Comcast is stamped on the lanyard that convention-goers wear  the firms executive vice president is helping raise money for the convention. Anheuser-Busch was the premier sponsor of the Latino Leaders Network lunch at the Crystal Tea Room, where the featured speaker was Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, who had been on the shortlist to be Clintons vice president.

Facebook invited lawmakers and lobbyists to come together at Philadelphias trendy Buddakan restaurant, with its giant gold Buddha and techno vibe, for the most exclusive party of the week, which it hosted with comedy website Funny or Die. Google will host a much-talked-about party later.

A Monday cocktail party honoring female leaders at an ornate bank building refashioned as a hip restaurant featured clams, shrimp and prosciutto  and a speech from an executive at a wireless communications firm, a co-sponsor of the event, promoting the firms cutting-edge technology. In a ballroom at a boutique hotel, lawmakers were invited by drug giant Johnson & Johnson to mingle with actors promoting its campaign to teach kids the safe use of prescription medications.

For the Hollywood types, showing up at both the Republican and Democratic conventions was a chance to push one of their own causes  protecting money for arts education.

Same zoo, different animals, said actor Tim Daly, president of the Creative Coalition. We learn a lot at both places.

The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, featuring a priceless collection of Impressionist art, was opened after hours exclusively for the guests of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who would be treated to a private concert by Janelle Monae. The cost for a pair of tickets was a mere $33,400. The events organizers got agitated when a reporter started talking to guests outside. A security guard arrived promptly, and ordered the reporter to leave the parking lot. Then another showed up and declared the sidewalk was off-limits, too.

Donors themselves were less skittish. Mary McCartin of Princeton, N.J., said she is a socialist who happens to have money and is giving some to Democrats because I believe the rich should pay more taxes. As for why she picked Pelosis event, she said it was recommended by former Democratic Party Chairman Ed Rendell, who had told a friend of hers, This is the one to be at because there will be a lot of movie stars.

But the biggest donors at the convention this week wrote checks that dwarfed McCartins. Who are they? The fundraisers have decided it is none of your business right now, even beating back a lawsuit that tried to pry open the list. As with the GOP convention in Cleveland, they will disclose the donors 60 days after the event.

They almost certainly will include huge corporations, even though federal law says they arent supposed to pay for conventions. Organizers get around that prohibition by steering checks to nonprofits technically not linked to the parties. Those nonprofits now foot most of the convention bills.

The [Federal Election Commission] has really made this into a free-for-all, said Brendan Fischer, associate counsel of the Campaign Legal Center.

A spokeswoman for the Philadelphia host committee blamed the system for the secrecy and for the fundraising methods: We are required to work within the parameters of the structure that currently exists, said Anna Adams-Sarthou.

A solicitation the party used to entice those with big bank accounts to open their checkbooks  part of the Wikileaks disclosures  reads like a vacation brochure. The high-end Rittenhouse Square package, named after the tony Philadelphia neighborhood and offered to people who give $467,600, came with booking at a top hotel, VIP passes to parties and lounges and the chance to get your picture taken at the convention lectern.

It also includes floor passes to the convention, where donors who attended Monday night could have heard Sanders speak. Ironically, among his lines that drew the most applause were the ones in which he railed the loudest against money in politics.

It should be an embarrassment, he said the next morning, of the special interest frenzy convention week has become. Then he looked around the posh neoclassical conference room where he was breakfasting with reporters. Who is sponsoring this?

Moderator Al Hunt of Bloomberg Politics started to joke but then thought better of it. We dont have any outside funder, Hunt said.

Hillary Clintons campaign responded to questions about the excess in Philadelphia by pointing out that the nominee is all for campaign finance reform, calling to overturn the Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case that has helped so much political cash to flow unfettered.

But what did Clinton think of what a reporter at the Sanders breakfast termed the special-interest orgy going on this week?

I havent spoken to her about that, Clinton spokeswoman Karen Finney said. So I really couldnt answer that question.

evan.halper@latimes.com

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

Twitter: @evanhalper, @jtanfani

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He was serious. He was funny. He was sarcastic.

And he was definitely having a good time.

Wednesday night in Philadelphia, President Obama proved once again that he is one of the best orators to take the political stage, as he extolled his accomplishments, accused Republican Donald Trump of being unfit for the presidency and argued that Hillary Clinton -- not me, not Bill, nobody -- is the most qualified person ever to seek the White House.

I hope you dont mind, Bill, Obama said, looking up at former President Clinton in the audience, but Im just telling the truth, man.

Obama came to Philadelphia to praise his former secretary of State, whom he described as tough and resilient, as someone who never, ever quits  no matter how much people try to knock her down, as someone who, like Ginger Rogers, did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in heels when they ran against each other in 2008.

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Keeping with perhaps his most enduring theme, Obama offered a relentlessly positive view of America.

 President Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention.

While this nation has been tested by war and recession, he said, I stand before you again tonight, after almost two terms as your president, to tell you I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before.

This, of course, was the perfect way to tee up his critique of Trump.

Like former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who endorsed Clinton earlier in the evening, Obama seemed to be having tremendous fun at Trumps expense.

More columns 

I have to say this, the president said, people outside the United States do not understand whats going on in this election, they really dont.

He challenged the vow Trump made last week in Cleveland, I alone can fix it, implying that the Republican nominees egotism is somehow un-American.

Our power doesnt come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order, Obama said. We dont look to be ruled. Our power comes from those immortal declarations first put to paper right here in Philadelphia all those years ago: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that together, we the people, can form a more perfect union.

He also took on Trumps main calling card, his career. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women whove achieved success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated.

The president gave a nod to both the partisan criticism that has dogged his former rival, and her legitimate failings.

Look, Hillarys got her share of critics, he said. Shes been caricatured by the right and by some folks on the left; accused of everything you can imagine  and some things you cannot. But she knows thats what happens when youre under a microscope for 40 years. She knows shes made mistakes, just like I have, just like we all do. Thats what happens when we try.

Full convention coverage 

Obama made a point of appealing to the supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clintons tough primary competitor, telling them, If youre serious about our democracy, you cant afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. Youve got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isnt a spectator sport.

Thats right, he ad-libbed, feel the Bern.

His speech had the feel, as well, of a presidential swan song and echoed the early themes of his political ascent.

Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me. Because youre who I was talking about 12 years ago when I talked about hope -- its been you whove fueled my dogged faith in our future, even when the odds are great, even when the road is long. Hope in the face of difficulty; hope in the face of uncertainty; the audacity of hope!

robin.abcarian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AbcarianLAT

ALSO

Full convention coverage

Read the transcript

Michelle Obamas stunning convention speech

Bill Clintons poetic tribute to his wife

In Trump family tradition, Ivanka uses spotlight to hawk her wares
Im Christina Bellantoni, here with your Essential Politics guide to the Democratic National Convention. Its the final day of conventions, which means its off to the races until the general election 102 days from today.

Tonights theme is Stronger Together, but the phrase isnt new. Its been a common refrain all week from the podium.

Now its up to Hillary Clinton to seal the deal at the end of a four-day Democratic confab thats seen rowdy protests, glimmers of party unity and fierce denunciations of Republican nominee Donald Trump. It will be her biggest opportunity yet to set the stage for the choice voters will make on Nov. 8.

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Once all the balloons are cleared, shell start a three-day bus tour that will take her to western Pennsylvania and Ohio.

 What you missed on the third day of the Democratic National Convention. More coverage at latimes.com/trailguide. See other Democratic roundups here and catch up on the Republian convention here.

Day 3 was about passing the torch and high-profile attacks on Trump, along with giving a whole bunch of Californians time on the stage. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti gets his turn tonight.

(Even former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, made a brief cameo. Seema Mehta explains the backstory.)

Below is our quick look at what happened yesterday. Or check out the video version. Well have you covered for the final day, with a gavel-to-gavel livestream that will go live here at 1:30 p.m. Pacific. and robust live coverage round-the-clock on Trail Guide. Dont miss a moment.

Ill present the best of the rest with a series of headlines.

YOUR GUIDE TO CONVENTION NEWS

 I didnt dream that this would happen: California women prepare to watch Clinton break through glass ceiling

 What political revolution? Inside the parties for lawmakers and special interests at the Democratic convention

 Hillarys been in the room, Obama says in vouching for Clintons White House credentials

 For Joe Biden, the bittersweet reality of the end

 Introducing himself as vice presidential pick, Tim Kaine steps easily into attack-dog role at Democratic convention

 Civil rights figures highlight Wednesdays Democratic National Convention

 Voices of Democratic delegates: What has President Obama left unfinished?

 Not just the headliners: Here are some of the moments well remember from Wednesdays DNC

 Homespun, blunt and direct: The Democrats architecture of unity

 Donald Trump invites Russia to hack into Clintons emails, an extraordinary step for a presidential nominee

 WikiLeaks releases 29 voicemails from DNC staffers

 Mike Pence jokes he is a B-list Republican celebrity in first solo appearance

 No dissent allowed in Trumps Ask Me Anything

 Hillary Clinton gives first post-nomination TV interview to Fox News Sunday

 Watch the Obama legacy in 10 minutes as presented at the Democratic convention

 Some Republicans take to Twitter to voice frustration after President Obamas hopeful speech

 These are the videos the Democrats have been showing to scare delegates about Trump

YOUR GUIDE TO CONVENTION SPEECHES

 Transcript of Obamas remarks or watch the full speech

 Watch Biden go after Donald Trump

 Tim Kaines full speech

 One billionaire takes on another: Bloomberg on Trumps business record

 7 California lawmakers spoke at the DNC. Heres what they said

YOUR CONVENTION PROTEST GUIDE

 What great America are they talking about? Reporter Matt Pearces journal from outside the Democratic convention

 7 people arrested outside the DNC

JERRY BROWN: HIS FIRST CONVENTION IN DECADES

Bernie Sanders shocked the political system with his insurgent campaign this year, but he was walking a path already plowed by Jerry Brown nearly a quarter century ago. The governor ran (and lost) against Bill Clinton in the bitterly contested 1992 primary. On Wednesday, he was back on stage at a Democratic convention for the first time since then, representing California as an elder statesman vouching for Clintons experienced leadership. Watch the full speech.

As for his push to extend landmark climate change legislation next month in the Legislatures final weeks? Im not telling you my whole plan. Im still working on it. Im committed, and I will do everything I can to make it happen, he said in Philadelphia.

A new PPIC statewide poll released Wednesday found strong support not only for Californias existing climate change law, but also an effort to extend and expand the effort thats now pending in the Legislature.

Browns Wednesday prime-time convention speech offered a sharp jab at Trump. I say Trump is a fraud, thundered the governor in his five-minute address focusing on the climate change record of Republicans as compared to Clinton.

For news about California politics and policy, keep an eye on our Essential Politics news feed.

NEWSOM SAYS CALIFORNIA GOOD, TRUMP BAD

After a minute of extolling Californias virtues, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom used most of his five minutes on the convention stage to rip into Trump and his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Newsom said that Trumps dystopian view of America was strangling the sunny optimism of Ronald Reagan. He accused Pence of supporting dangerous, discriminatory policies  akin to torture  against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Watch the full speech.

YOUR CONVENTION BINGO CARD

From lock her up chants to making America great, we have you covered.

JOIN US TONIGHT!

Join me, Sacramento bureau chief John Myers and columnist Robin Abcarian at a free convention watch party tonight in downtown Los Angeles. The free event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Pacific, and we will be playing bingo. Theres still time to RSVP.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

 Californias Republican voters seem to be taking a pass on the U.S. Senate race, according to the PPIC poll.

 A Carlsbad businessman has launched a referendum drive aimed at overturning a law signed last week that would require anyone building homemade firearms to obtain a serial number for the gun and undergo a background check.

 Who will win the November election? Give our Electoral College map a spin.

LOGISTICS

Miss yesterdays newsletter? Here you go. Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox daily. And keep an eye on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics?

Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.
How many species of wolves live in America? A new study suggests there is just one.

The new work, published Wednesday in Science Advances, finds that the gray wolf is the one true wolf in the United States. The red wolf, which lives in the Southern U.S., and the eastern wolf, now found primarily in central Ontario, are in fact coyote and gray wolf hybrids, the authors say.

We found that the red wolves are about 75% coyote ancestry, and the eastern wolf has more gray wolf ancestry, about 75%, said Robert Wayne, an evolutionary biologist at UCLA and senior author on the study.

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The distinction is not purely academic. Wayne said the findings could inform whether gray wolves continue to be protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.

In August of 2000 a group of Canadian researchers published a paper arguing that the eastern wolf, long considered a subspecies of the gray wolf, was in fact its own species. Subsequent papers suggested that the eastern wolfs traditional range included the Great Lakes region and the 29 Eastern states.

This posed a problem for the gray wolves, who have been protected by the Endangered Species Act since the early 1970s.

See the most-read stories in Science this hour 

 This animation describes the mixed genetic history of North American wolves.

When gray wolves were first protected, their historic geographic range was listed as including some of the same parts of the country that some scientists were saying had been occupied by the eastern wolf.

If in fact those areas had been the eastern wolfs range, the historical mistake could be enough to get the gray wolf bumped off the list of protected animals.

It is written into the Endangered Species Act that if a taxonomic mistake is uncovered you can revoke the protection, Wayne said. Its all dependent on taxonomy.

And so Wayne and his team set to work on determining once and for all the true origin of the eastern wolf, and the red wolf, while they were at it.

The group analyzed the genomes of 12 pure gray wolves from areas with no coyotes, three coyotes from areas where there were no gray wolves, as well as six eastern wolves and three red wolves. They were looking for any mysterious genetic material that was not gray wolf or coyote, and could be uniquely considered red wolf or eastern wolf.

In humans from Eurasia you can pick up 1-4% Neanderthal DNA  in the red and eastern wolves we thought we might find 20-30% of genes that would be Neanderthal-like, Wayne said.

Instead, he said, the group found almost nothing that could not be explained as coming from coyotes or gray wolves.

There is no evidence for distinct eastern or red wolf species, he said. So the idea that the eastern wolf historically inhabited the Great Lakes area is wrong.

Wayne said it wasnt until the 1920s that coyotes even reached the Great Lakes area and began to interbreed with a dwindling gray wolf population  resulting in the hybrid animal known as the eastern wolf.

A similar process happened in the American South hundreds of years earlier, resulting in the red wolf.

Wayne hopes his teams findings will ensure that the gray wolf can continue to be protected under the Endangered Species Act. He said a decision on that from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could come as early as this fall.

deborah.netburn@latimes.com

Do you love science? I do! Follow me @DeborahNetburn and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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The Burbank Public Information Office did more than inform the public about the state of the city in 2015  it earned itself an Emmy.

The Burbank Channel, the citys government channel, won its fourth Emmy Award during the 68th Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards on Saturday at the Television Academys Saban Media Center in North Hollywood.

Drawing Power of Burbank, the 2015 State of the City address given by then Mayor Bob Frutos, won the Emmy in the Information Segment category. Burbank was up against KCET and LA CityView 35, Los Angeles government channel.

Burbanks 15-minute video highlighted various topics in the city, such as economic development, innovation at Burbank Water and Power, the status of the Empire Avenue interchange along the Golden State (5) Freeway and the impact Warner Bros. Studios has had on the regions economy, said city spokesman Drew Sugars, who produced the video.

Sugars, who has been with the city for the past four years, said that each mayor has a different way of presenting the State of the City. Former Mayor Dave Golonski had a PowerPoint presentation, Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy decided to make a question-and-answer video and Councilman David Gordon presented a video about workforce training, which won a Golden Mike Award from the Radio & Television News Assn. in February.

However, Frutos wanted to showcase Warner Bros. and even interact with a cartoon character during the video.

I said, OK. Not sure how were going to do that, but let me look into it, Sugars said.

Frutos said that he was pessimistic about the studio helping them with the video, but much to the surprise of himself and Sugars, Warner Bros. officials agreed to lend their assistance.

Burbank was able to use footage from a 1940s animated short with Daffy Duck talking with Porky Pig, but Sugars staff edited out Porky Pig and put Frutos in his place. The city was also able to retain one of the voice actors who portrays Daffy Duck to interact with the council member in the video.

We were able to pull off what [Frutos] wanted without having to create something new, Sugars said. With the technology that exists now, it really wasnt that hard.

As a retired Los Angeles police officer and now a Burbank council member, Frutos said that winning an Emmy never crossed his mind of what he would accomplish.

The film exceeded my expectations of the directions that I gave city staff, Frutos said.
The hum of traffic and the noises of her neighbors getting high on the darkened streets of Newport Beach formed the soundtrack that for years kept Toni Horn from a good nights sleep.

Now, when darkness falls on the 61-year-olds Lake Forest apartment, the hum of the motor on her boxy General Electric refrigerator keeps her awake at night. For Horn, who had spent the past nine years on the streets, its taking awhile to get accustomed to the routine sounds of apartment living.

It made me become a night person, she said of her time as a member of Orange Countys homeless population, which data show has been on the rise since 2013. I wasnt street smart, but you learn things being out there.

For the mother of three grown children, debt, troubled relationships and other hardships paved the path to homelessness.

Nearly a decade without a place to call home made her more alert, more savvy about where it was safe to sleep  under a light at the bus depot on Avocado Avenue or beside a church  and how to keep clean without a place to shower.

Toni Horn stands at the door of her one-bedroom, one-bath apartment in Lake Forest. Part of her Social Security check will cover the $260 monthly rent for the apartment, which normally would cost around $1,800. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

The worst part about being homeless, she said, isnt the lack of traditional comforts  its the lack of hope for something better.

When youre out there, you have no control over your life, she said. You feel like less of a person.

Now, Horn has a future to look forward to.

With help from a Newport Beach police officer and Orange County Continuum of Care  a collaborative of nonprofit groups that provide services to homeless people  Horn last week moved into a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment on the second story of a Lake Forest complex.

She is one of 91 homeless people in Orange County who have been housed through a Continuum of Care program that matches at-risk homeless people with permanent housing. The program, which officially kicked off in August, is funded by a $2.5-million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The goal is to end homelessness, said Newport police Officer Tony Yim, who assists with homeless outreach in addition to policing the Balboa Peninsula. I dont know if its possible, but we have a much better shot if we can get people into homes.

Nine outreach teams scour Orange County cities to find and survey homeless people who are most at risk of dying on the streets. The people are then ranked on a scale to determine how quickly they need to be put into permanent housing. Those with the highest scores, who are considered the most at risk, are placed at the top of the list. Then, as housing becomes available, the group matches them with homes.

The outreach teams consist of volunteers from various walks of life  police officers, city managers, community advocates and more.

Of the 388 homeless people who have been assessed since the programs inception, 143 have been linked to housing, data show.

The program is part of a nationwide model that has been successfully tested on the East Coast, said Karen Williams, president and chief executive of the nonprofit 2-1-1 Orange County.

What they found is that if they could get people rapidly rehoused and surround them with wraparound services, then in six to nine months, most individuals could get on their feet, she said.

Transitional housing programs have been in place in Orange County for years, but often, homeless people would have to meet a series of standards to qualify for housing, which left a portion of them unserved.

*

Survey shows O.C. homelessness increasing

Orange County communities are grappling with a rising homeless population.

A survey completed last year by several groups including the Orange County Commission to End Homelessness identified 4,452 people as homeless, an uptick of 5% from a survey completed in 2013. Los Angeles County also saw an increase, while counties such as Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura showed declines.

I think we can house these people, Williams said. Its not insurmountable.

Williams said the increase in Orange County stems in part from rising rents that force people from their homes. Often, people dont know about options for food stamps, cost reductions for utilities and other programs that could help them stay in their homes by calling 211, Williams said.

Yim has been working to help the homeless population in Newport Beach for about two years. In his time with the Police Department, he has witnessed an improvement in how law enforcement and city governments address homelessness, he said.

Its not about telling them to get up and move along anymore, he said. Its more labor-intensive now, but its the right thing to do.

His hope is that Newport Beach will be able to dedicate more resources to homeless outreach in coming years.

In his job as an officer on the peninsula, Yim started coming in contact with homeless people several years ago as they camped at the base of the Newport Pier. He eventually branched out to other areas of the city, such as the bus depot near the Civic Center. Thats where he met Horn.

*

Life on the street

Horn spent most of her days in Newport, sometimes catching a bus to a grocery store to get food, other times to wash her clothes at a coin laundry, visit church or go to Starbucks every night to get hot water to clean up in the public restroom.

Before she moved into her Lake Forest apartment last week, Toni Horn had spent the past nine years homeless and living on the streets. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

If her budget would permit, Horn would take a bus to Los Angeles to visit the storage unit that holds the possessions from her life before she became homeless. She hopes to take some of those items to her new apartment.

The streets werent always kind, Horn said. People would spit on her, call her names, soak her with soft drinks as they walked by. One person hit her with a skateboard.

But often she was overwhelmed by the kindness of the smartly dressed professionals in the high-rises of Newport Center who would offer words of encouragement and ask her if she had enough to eat. Yim was one of the people who showed her kindness, she said.

*

A new place to call home

Yim and Horn developed a rapport after their initial meeting, and he eventually was able to get her on the list for a home.

But when the offer for an apartment rolled in, Horn was initially apprehensive about the security of the complex and the fact that it isnt considered senior housing.

At first I thought it wasnt right, she said. But I thought and prayed about it and decided maybe it was [Gods] plan for me to end up here. You have to have an open mind.

Its not uncommon for a person without many resources to turn down housing, according to Williams. Often its because its not in a convenient location, she said.

People think that, Well, they shouldnt be picky, but they have to remember that if you dont have a car, trying to get around this county can be tough, Williams said.

After nine days, Horn accepted the apartment. A portion of her Social Security check will cover the $260 monthly rent for the apartment, which normally would rent for upward of $1,800.

Horn is still getting settled into her new life. On a recent afternoon, two medium-size boxes full of donated kitchen supplies sat on bar stools waiting to be unpacked.

A sleeping bag and blankets she used on the street are concealed from view behind two mirrored closet doors. A worn blue tarp that she used every night sits folded neatly on the wood coffee table, no longer needed to protect Horn from the elements.

Horns usually stoic expression softens as she considers what comes next. She wants to get a job helping others  maybe in social work  and buy a car.

She smiles at the thought.

Being here is serenity, she said. Theres hope.
The Corona del Mar location of Avilas El Ranchito celebrated the Mexican restaurant groups 50th anniversary with a Summer Fiesta on July 21.

The event featured drinks, mariachi music, souvenirs, raffles and, of course, food.

The first Avilas opened in 1966 in Huntington Park, and the brand now has 13 restaurants in Southern California  12 of them in Orange County.

Founders Salvador and Margarita Mama" Avila live in Corona del Mar.

The anniversary party in Corona del Mar was the latest in a series being held at all Avilas El Ranchito locations this summer.

The restaurant at 2800 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach, established in 1975, will host one Aug. 11.
Newport Beach leaders took a step forward Tuesday on a charter amendment proposed for Novembers ballot that aims to tighten controls over tax increases and debt issuance.

The measure would ask local voters to consider whether the city charter should require at least five of the seven City Council members to vote in favor of a general tax increase before an increase could be placed on the ballot for voter consideration. Currently, four council members votes are required.

Voters also would be asked whether they want to require voter approval before the city can use a certificate of participation, a financial instrument for issuing bonds to fund capital improvements. A COP was used in funding part of the Civic Center project.

The City Council voted 4-3 on Tuesday night to direct staff to craft the proposed charter amendment, known as the Newport Beach Taxpayer Protection Act, for placement on the Nov. 8 ballot. Council members Ed Selich, Tony Petros and Keith Curry dissented.

The council signed off last year on one aspect of the measure, requiring a supermajority council vote to approve tax increases, which Curry spearheaded.

However, on Tuesday, Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon asked his colleagues to also consider adding the restriction on capital improvement bonds.

In this case, hypothetically, the Civic Center would not exist unless a majority of the people of Newport Beach said they wanted to do a certificate of participation, Muldoon said. It is meant to put the power back in the hands of our voters.

Councilman Scott Peotter, who in June floated a similar proposal to restrict bond debt, supported Muldoons idea.

Certificates of participation are a common way that municipalities finance the acquisition of land and public infrastructure. COPs are paid for from a governments existing revenue stream, unlike general obligation bonds, which result in tax increases and therefore require a public vote, according to city Finance Director Dan Matusiewicz.

Curry strongly opposed adding Muldoons proposal to the Taxpayer Protection Act.

Three out of four cities in California have the provision that I proposed as law already; not a single California jurisdiction has the proposal that Mr. Muldoon has as part of their law, Curry said.

Matusiewicz cautioned against Muldoons proposal during the council meeting, saying it would be an extremely bad idea to cut off that avenue of funding.

Muldoon said he wasnt proposing to remove COPs altogether, and he accused Matusiewicz of being biased.

Im going to cut it there, because I see your bias and I understand, Muldoon said. The opposition does not want the voters to decide.

Matusiewicz said Wednesday that requiring all COP plans to become ballot initiatives would add uncertainty to financial planning, as well as time and costs associated with ballot measures.

Managing finances by ballot initiative ... can hinder objectivity in financial decisions, Matusiewicz said. Ballot initiatives all too often become politically charged and unpredictable.

We have a highly educated constituency, but they generally dont have the time or interest to get into the minutia of mundane public infrastructure projects. Instead, people tend to rely too heavily on less-objective fliers on a given subject.

The draft measure will go before the City Council on Aug. 9 for final consideration in an effort to make the Aug. 12 deadline to place it on the ballot.
The Newport Beach Arts Commission on Sunday will present the Hollywood Stones, a Rolling Stones tribute band, for the first in a series of four free summer concerts on the Civic Center lawn.

Dick Swagger, along with band members Keef Riffoff, Rick Taylor, Will Hyman and Harley Watts, have worked closely together for over a dozen years and performed at the Hollywood Palladium, House of Blues and a host of other venues throughout the country, a concert announcement states.

Sundays show will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30.

The other concerts in the series are:

Aug. 14: Pacific Symphony (Musical Playground activities for children at 5:30 p.m. and the concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m.)

Aug. 21: Rumours (Fleetwood Mac tribute), 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11: The Springsteen Experience (Bruce Springsteen tribute), 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Concert-goers are allowed to bring a picnic, blankets and low-slung beach chairs. Food trucks also will be serving. Alcohol is prohibited.
After more than two years of planning and garnering widespread support, a tract of stately homes in Glendales Verdugo Woodlands neighborhood is nearing the finish line toward becoming officially historic.

On Tuesday, the City Council introduced an ordinance that would establish 32 houses, most along Niodrara Drive, into a city-designated historic district, a distinction that aims to preserve the areas appearance and historic character.

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The council is scheduled to make its final consideration about the proposed district on April 26. If approved, Niodrara will be Glendales seventh historic district created since 2006. The citys Historic Preservation and Planning commissions recommended the designation earlier this year.

Property owners in Glendales historic districts, which also include Cottage Grove and Brockmont Park, face city review and required approval before making alterations to their homes, such as new siding, exterior finishes, doors, windows, roofs or porches.

Most of the proposed districts homes  which also include houses on Fernbrook Place, Wabasso Way as well as Hillside and Colina drives  were built between 1909 and 1962, which city officials consider to be the historically significant period of the tracts development.

The Glendale City Council is looking to establish a historic district along the 1800-2000 block of Niodrara Drive in Glendale. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

The houses were built in a variety of styles, including Spanish Colonial Revival, Prairie Foursquare, Ranch and Modern. Mature oak and sycamore trees line the streets and yards.

City staff noted that Niodrara once had a natural stream running through it. However, the stream has since dried up. Remnants of it include ponds, creek channels and footbridges.

Glendale Historical Society Vice President and Niodrara Drive resident Catherine Jurca, who organized the effort to establish the district, called her neighborhood truly unique within Glendale. Many who dont live there enjoy walking or biking through it, she said.

It truly is a community resource, Jurca said. Our neighborhood really is a wonderful place to live.

Mirna Stanley, president of the Verdugo Woodlands West Homeowners Assn., noted that the name Niodrara has Native-American roots and means running water.

Our board is so enthusiastic in supporting this, Stanley said.

Councilman Zareh Sinanyan said considering Niodraras Native-American name, it really gives the concept of historic a whole new dimension.

You dont see the streams today, but we know they [were] there, Councilman Vartan Gharpetian added.

Niodraras stream, which traveled from Wabasso to Verdugo Park, went dry in 1986, according to the Los Angeles Times, which reported residents suspected the cause of the water cutoff to be the citys increased pumping from nearby water wells.

City officials, at the time, contended it was because of a drought and new sewer systems that replaced septic systems that had been returning water into the ground.

Niodrara resident Lorene Simon told the Times in 1991 that she remembered the stream as clear and clean and cold. We had crawdads, ducks and geese. It was a beautiful, pristine place.

--

Bradley Zint, bradley.zint@latimes.com

Twitter: @BradleyZint

--

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Rent control may not be the right way to tackle rising apartment lease costs in Glendale some City Council members said Tuesday, but they added that other possibilities, such as creating more affordable housing units, might be a better option.

More than 60% of local residents are renters and 57% of them are cost-burdened because they spend at least a third of their monthly income on rent, according to a city staff report.

In Glendale, the median monthly rental rate was $1,309 in 2014, while it was $1,433 in neighboring Burbank and $1,410 in Pasadena, the report stated.

The local rental market is currently unregulated by the city, and landlords are allowed to raise monthly prices whenever they like as opposed to the city of Los Angeles, which enacted rent control in 1978.

But even with the annual schedule of increases in L.A., rents there have jumped by around 60% compared to Glendales 54%, Philip Lanzafame, the citys community development director, told council members.

While apartment owners in Los Angeles are not allowed to implement large rent hikes such as those in Glendale, the prices do eventually catch up, he said.

Rent control doesnt necessarily keep the rent down or make it more affordable, Lanzafame said.

More than a dozen landlords were at the meeting and most said theyve had some tenants for decades because they havent been egregiously raising rents.

Others said that artificially setting rents could cut a landlords income to the point where they cant afford repairs or other administrative costs.

Rather than putting this burden on the landlords and property owners, lets see if theres a mechanism that you can find to spread the burden over everybody, said Greg Astorian, president of the Glendale Assn. of Realtors. Were in this all together, and I think that might be more fair.

Councilman Vartan Gharpetian said he hears from residents regularly about fast-rising rents and gave an example of a woman whose monthly rent went from $950 to $1,450 in one increase.

He called the practice of people buying apartment buildings and immediately raising rents predatory because its extremely difficult for most people to adjust their income level in the course of a month or two.

While he didnt specifically support rent control, Gharpetiandid say he thinks everybody would calm down if there was an environment where people would know how much their rents would be in two years.

He said the issue is ultimately going to come down to a balance between escalating rents and the landlords who raise them.

Lanzafame presented eight scenarios that council members said they want to review more closely.

The first would be to place an impact fee on developers and use that revenue source to pay for new affordable housing, according to a city staff report. A similar program currently exists where impact fees go toward local parks.

Another would be to place a measure on a ballot to add 1,200 affordable housing units by initiating a new bond, which would cost a single-family homeowner $100 a year and the average renter $2.

Whats also being explored is initiating mandatory building inspections when a landlord raises rents to ensure tenants live in safe and sanitary housing. That effort would be funded through a new business registration or license fee, according to the staff report.

Councilwoman Laura Friedman spoke against rent control, saying its good for the people who are around for the first round of it, but once someone moves out, the landlord can immediately raise the rent to the market rate.

If youre young or a new family or new resident moving to the area, then you pay a much higher rent to live in that community, she said. I dont think thats going to get us to long-term, stabilized housing for residents.

Mayor Paula Devine also said she doesnt think rent control is the answer, and the solution may lie in creating more affordable housing.

City staff members are expected to write a more detailed report outlining the eight options to tackle rent affordability at the council meeting Aug. 16.
The South Korean city of Boeun-gun in the countrys Chungbuk Province was named Glendales eighth sister city by the City Council on Tuesday.

With a 5-0 vote, council members elevated the friendly city relationship theyve had since 2012.

There have been exchange students between the two cities already, with students from South Korea attending Rosemont Middle School to learn about American culture, while local students headed to the Asian nation learn about society there.

Sister-city relations will move forward with additional cultural visits and exchanges.

Four local council members have already visited Boeun-gun, with Mayor Paula Devine being the most recent one this past summer. Councilman Zareh Sinanyan has also been there.

"[Boeun-gun] is a wonderful place. Its agricultural and, at the same time, its very modern, Sinanyan said. The schools there are very impressive and Mayor Jung is a great leader for that region. I think its a wonderful idea to have full blown sister-city relations with them.

The sister-city relationship will be made official on Tuesday when Boeun-guns Mayor Sang Hyuck Jung will visit Glendale to sign an agreement.

There would be no better gift to welcome [Jung] than with a sister-city agreement signing, said Dan Bell, community relations coordinator with the city.

Boeun-gun is Glendales third sister city in South Korea  the other two are Goseong and Gimpo.

Glendale also has sister cities in Japan, Mexico, Armenia and the Dominican Republic.
The USC-Verdugo Hills Hospital Womens Council made a $50,000 donation to the hospital foundation during its recent installation luncheon.

A delighted Keith Hobbs, hospital chief executive, was there to receive the check, which will go to establishing a neonatal intensive-care unit at the Verdugo Hills facility, said Ruth McNevin, chair of the Womens Council for 2015-16.

The luncheon was attended by Terry Walker, a La Canada Flintridge City Council member, Womens Council members, foundation members and hospital management and staff.

The recent financial contribution brings the Womens Councils total hospital donations made this year to more than $75,000. Also during the luncheon, the incoming board of directors of the Womens Council was installed. The chair is Purnima Panchell.

Others serving are Co-Chairs-Elect Tiffany Ajaryan and Toni Williamson, Recording Secretary Tiffany Ajaryan, Treasurer Cindy Sawyer, Fundraising Co-Chairs Angela Mandujano and Gloria Cotton, Membership Co-Chairs Wanda Sellers and Becky Happach, Program Co-Chairs Kate Kaneko and Teri Rice, Corresponding Co-Secretaries Gloria Cotton and Lisa Redmond, Publicity/Historian McNevin and Sawyer, Parliamentarian Pauline Hendricks and Nominating and Resource Chair McNevin.

Kiwanis Clubs guest survived capture by Taliban

A story of extreme bravery and an unfaltering will to survive awaits those who attend the Glendale Kiwanis Club meeting beginning at noon on Friday at the Glendale Elks Lodge, 120 E. Colorado St.

Shahbaz Taseer, son of assassinated Pakistani governor Salman Taseer, will speak to Kiwanis members about his kidnapping by Pakistans Taliban and his ordeal of being held captive for 41/2 years.

Taseer was abducted on his way to work on Aug. 26, 2011, in Lahore, Pakistan. On March 9, 2016, Taseer was finally found alive in Kuchlak, Balochistan, Pakistan, after nearly 1,825 days in captivity.

He survived years of torture and uncertainty, but has told reporters in many interviews it did not stand in the way of his belief that one day he would experience the joy of freedom.

No one can imprison you except yourself, he has been quoted as saying.

Now outside of his home country for the first time since his kidnapping, Taseer is eager to tell his story.

For reservations to attend, contact Irshad Haque at lghaque@gmail.com.

Ministry marks 25th year

Glendale Adventist Medical Centers Chaplains Department and the Healthcare Foundation will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Beyond Loss Bereavement Ministry with a gala fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 18 at La Canada Presbyterian Church.

Receiving special recognition will be founder the Rev. Alice Zulli and the many volunteer facilitators who have helped the grieving community heal over the years.

The event will feature a gourmet dinner, live auction and a talk by guest speaker La Crescenta chiropractor Mark Karl Anthony, author of Accelerate Your Life: Get What You Want Faster!

Proceeds will help expand the ministry, which has helped the grieving community to learn healthy lifestyles and coping strategies, not just to get over a loss of a loved one, but to go beyond the loss.

Adventist Chaplain Zulli created and started the ministry in 1990. She also created the bereavement facilitator training courses that provide certified education and training to professionals and individuals on sensitive topics, including the complexities of suicide and loss from trauma.

Rev. Alice Zulli provides compassionate and spiritual care to a multitude of patients and their families while in the hospital, said Bruce Nelson, director of community services at Glendale Adventist. She has also trained many chaplain volunteers and interns on the concepts and lessons of bereavement and grief.

Tickets are $100 each. Sponsorships/program-book advertisements are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (818) 409-8008.

Bingo promises big bucks

American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614 are working together to raise funds for local veterans at the fifth annual Community Bingo Night on Aug. 19.

Each bingo game touts a prize of $100 or more during the evening inside Healy Hall at Holy Redeemer Church, 2361 Del Mar Road, Montrose.

Food service and check-in will begin at 6 p.m., and the first game will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, and there are 20 chances to win $100.

--

JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.
Eight months after opening its doors, Pacific City has a new ownership arrangement.

DJM Capital Partners, which announced its ownership in 2012  three years before the retail and dining center opened  will now partner with TIAA Global Asset Management.

TIAA has acquired a 70% stake in the 190,900-square-foot, $135-million center at First Street and Pacific Coast Highway, which was first discussed more than a decade ago.

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DJM, which also operates the Bella Terra center in Huntington Beach, will continue to own 30% of Pacific City and be in charge of property management, marketing, events programming, leasing, tenant improvements and construction at Pacific City.

The joint venture is designed to successfully own, operate and evolve Pacific City for many years to come, said Linda Berman, chief marketing officer for DJM.

While the partnership might raise questions about the financial stability of Pacific City, Berman said the center is exceeding expectations and projections in sales performance to date.

We are very happy with the trajectory of Pacific City, and our visitors and customers seem thrilled with each new store that opens, she said. Things will only get better as we add new tenants and enrich the overall Pacific City experience as we mature.

Pasea, a luxury hotel, opened earlier this year at the center. A 516-unit residential complex is expected to open in January at Pacific City, with one-bedroom units starting at $3,360 a month.

It is common with this type of development to have different investors on board during various phases of the project, said Eric Sahn, senior vice president and chief financial officer for DJM. TIAA referred questions to DJM representatives.

DJM is the fourth of six developers to be involved with the Pacific City project. The company came onboard in December 2012 after it bought 11 of the 31 acres owned by developer Crescent Heights.

The project initially was in the hands of Makar Properties and was later transferred to Farallon Capital Management, which sold the site to Crescent Heights in September 2011.

In July 2013, DJM partnered with developer R.D. Olson on the Pasea Hotel project.

Crescent Heights sold its remaining portion of the site to apartment developer UDR in February 2014.

Many patrons attest to the popularity of Pacific City. On most summer days or any weekend, its hard to get a table at one of its many restaurants without waiting at least an hour, said resident Kim Kramer, the founder of the Facebook group HB Citizens for a Better Downtown. He said hell visit the center at least once or twice a week to eat.

Since opening in November, Pacific City has brought in 27 retailers including Lush, Free People, Irenes Story, Sephora and H&M, as well as eight full-service restaurants. These include Saint Marc, Lemonade and Ola Mexican Kitchen.

Lot 579 opened this summer. Its a fast-food establishment that features a dozen eateries like Pie-Not, Popbar and Hans Homemade Ice Cream.

Susan Welfringer, manager of the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District, said she doesnt see the center as a threat to the downtown area businesses, since it brings in more tourists and customers, who also spend their money on Main Street.

She said one negative might be the businesses on Main Street and at Pacific City competing for the best employees.

Pacific City brings so many more jobs to downtown, and I still see help wanted signs on some stores, Welfringer said.

Resident Jonathan Johnson said he sees Pacific City as a good alternative to Main Street, which he described as riddled with rough element.

I think Pacific City is a nice alternative for families and people of a decent social conscience to go to, said Johnson, who moved to the Brookhurst Street and Pacific Coast Highway area three years ago from Chicago.

The downtown area has become increasingly prohibitive for a local to want to frequent. I dont mind homeless or even tourists, but there seem to be a lot of people down there looking for trouble. Pacific City seems to be targeted to a more middle- to upper-middle-class clientele that seem to be law-abiding citizens.

Indeed, downtown Huntington Beach has seen more homeless people in recent years, but Police Chief Robert Handy does not attribute that to Pacific City. He said the only issues Pacific City brings to the area are minor, like parking and occasional calls for service.

But others arent so keen on the new center.

Many have complained about high parking costs and prices at shops that seem to cater to tourists.

It seems odd to me building giant commercial mall on prime ocean view land with no advantage made of the views or beach location, said resident John Briscoe in an email. Mall business models take a geometry protractor and draw circles radiating from the mall to estimate potential business. NEWS FLASH the fishes in the sea do not buy much, and HALF of the radius circle is filled with non-shopping ocean water. The only way Pacific City will make a successful go of it is if they attract DOUBLE the consumers from the other half of the shopping radius map.

Amber McConnell, who recently moved to Huntington Beach, said she finds the amenities to be more upscale than what she is used to seeing downtown.

Regarding the residential complex being built, city resident Kyle Cook said, I have been to the leasing offices and viewed what they have to offer. It will be interesting to see if they can fill the units. If they do, will it be with families or will they be renting to corporations?
July 21

Forgery, counterfeit check/forged signatures: 1327 Foothill Blvd. A La Canada City Hall employee contacted the Crescenta Valley Sheriffs Station to report receiving an email from the citys bank alerting him about a possible fraudulent or unauthorized transaction on the citys account.

Deputies looked at the email and saw a check had been fraudulently made and contained two forged signatures. While the check contained the citys correct routing and account number, it was not adorned with a city seal or any other official authorization, according to the sheriffs report.

The name of the payee listed on the check was not a city employee or anyone who had contact with the actual persons named on the check. The employee who made the report said he does not believe any other employees gave out the bank information to the suspect. Because of the fraud alert, the transaction was not completed by the bank.

July 22

Theft by access card: 1600 block of Fairmount Avenue. A woman who runs a business with her mother out of her own home reported that the day before, while balancing the companys checking account, she noticed three suspicious withdrawals had been made on July 18.

When she contacted Bank of America, a representative told her someone had made the transactions online using the companys account information. One of the transactions involved money routed to a third account. She terminated the account and told deputies she was desirous of prosecution.

July 23

Burglary, vehicle: 4400 block of Cornishon Avenue. A woman was dropping her son off at school at around 9:10 a.m. She got out of her 2015 GMC Denali and locked it, returning 13 minutes later. While in her vehicle on the way to work, the woman got a text from American Express indicating several purchases had been made using her card. Once she got to work, she reached for her purse behind the drivers seat and realized it had been stolen. The purple Louis Vuitton bag contained the victims drivers license and an orange Hermes wallet with a gold buckle. Also stolen was a brown Louis Vuitton credit card holder containing six credit cards, a bank card and other account cards. The woman, a Glendale resident, reported the incident to Glendale Police and was referred to the Crescenta Valley Sheriffs Station. Deputies there looked at the vehicle but observed no signs of forced entry.

Compiled by Sara Cardine
As temperatures last week climbed toward triple digits, local kids enrolled in vacation Bible school at La Canadas Lutheran Church in the Foothills kept cool by invoking the cultures, customs and climate of Norway in a weeklong Expedition Norway.

Participants spent the week learning more about the Scandinavian country, making Norwegian-inspired snacks and crafts. A group of more than 40 campers, most of them young children, decorated windows with snowflakes and posters reflecting scenes of modern life in Norway.

I liked learning about the food and what games they played, said 10-year-old camper Rena Jeoung. They talked about reindeer, and theres a lot of snow  I really want to go there.

On Friday, two female members of the local Edvard Grieg Lodge 6-074 of the Sons of Norway, a brotherhood that celebrates Scandinavian heritage, showed the children native clothing, called bunad. They talked about the Vikings and the poverty that caused citizens to immigrate to places like America.

What do we know about the Vikings  were they good or bad people? Jo Ness, past lodge president asked the children. Maybe they were both. Only 3% of the land in Norway is arable, so many of the Vikings, in order to survive, went trading and raiding.

Afterward, Ness and Judith Gabriel Vinje invited the group to join them onstage for a bit of Norwegian dancing, which involved a hop-skip-step move set to violin music.

As a way to help campers learn about the importance of helping others, organizers helped the kids raise a combined $543 donations in support of United Cerebral Palsy.

Campers also made videos of themselves dancing for an online video campaign called Dare to Dance in support of Finley Smallwood, a 3-year-old Corona resident with cerebral palsy whose adoptive parents are raising funds for a life-saving operation. A website, doyoudaretodance.com, is chronicling the response with some help from KTLA-5 News.

Its a way for them to give back to the greater community, said Lisa Jenks, a lifelong member of the church who serves as its childrens ministry coordinator.

The purpose of Expedition Norway is to expose children to a cultural heritage they may not otherwise learn about, according to Gabriel Vinje. Though she herself has Norwegian roots, members of her family didnt participate in the traditions of their elders, so it was up to her to bring them back to life.

We werent raised in it. It was considered old-fashioned, Gabriel Vinje said. I was able to resurrect the roots I never knew I had.

Gabriel Vinje said she hopes what the campers saw and did inspires a curiosity about their own heritage and those of others they might meet.

For 11-year-old camper Kate Saeva, that certainly was the case. The Glendale resident admitted knowing nothing much about Norway on Monday when vacation Bible school began. By Friday, that knowledge had grown.

I learned about the Vikings and the Norwegian foods, Saeva said, recommending a soup she tried. They were really cool.

Does she think she might want to visit the country some day in the future?

Definitely, she said.
Six state parks in the Big Sur area have been closed temporarily because of the Soberanes fire raging along Californias Central Coast. California State Parks says campgrounds at two of the parks will remain closed until at least Aug. 13.

Campers with reservations during the closure are being contacted by phone and email by our reservation vendor, Reserve America, and are receiving refunds, state parks spokesman Dennis Weber writes in an email.

Parks were shut Tuesday. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, about 26 miles south of Carmel, has 120 campsites that will now remain closed. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has just two reservable campsites. They will be closed until Aug. 13. Also, no reopening date has been set for the walk-in campground at Andrew Molera State Park.

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Andrew Molera State Park has a back-country campground available on a first-come, first-served basis. That will remain closed until the park reopens.

Some hiking trails in the area as well as in Los Padres National Forests Monterey Ranger District have been closed too.

If you have camping reservations after Aug. 13 and are worried about the fire, you may cancel up to 48 hours before your arrival date to receive a refund (though you wont get the service fee back).

Day-use parks  Garrapata State Park, Point Lobos State Reserve, Andrew Molera State Park and Point Sur State Historic Park  also are closed because of the fire that broke out July 22. Twenty homes have been destroyed, and the blaze has grown to 23,568 acres as of Wednesday afternoon. It also claimed the life of a heavy equipment operator fighting the fire.

State parks will wait for firefighters to gain control of the fire before making decisions about closures beyond Aug. 13. The fire was 10% contained as of Wednesday.

Before you visit the Big Sur area, check the Cal Fire Incident Information website for trail, road and park closures.

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UPDATES:

12:05 p.m. July 29: This article has been updated with news that the state park campground reservations in the Big Sur area would be closed until Aug. 13.

This article was originally published at 8:20 a.m. July 28.
Three words, no coincidence: Well manage it.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her first substantive response to a string of violent episodes over the last 10 days, on Thursday repeated the same utterance she made famous last year as the nation opened its borders to an enormous flood of refugees and migrants.

Merkels calm insistence that German society could absorb large numbers of newcomers from war-torn countries  despite safety fears and rising criticism of her migrant policies  carried echoes of the passionate debate over immigration that is roiling the U.S. presidential campaign.

Whereas Republican nominee Donald Trump has threatened to deny Muslims entry and build a wall to keep out Mexicans, the party of his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, has painted diversity and openness as crucial elements of the American experiment.

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In her annual summer news conference, the German chancellor announced new measures aimed at helping authorities pinpoint and act on security threats, but at the same time made it clear that she believed that too heavy-handed a reaction to recent events would play into the hands of militant groups.

Merkel is determined to stay the course on welcoming migrants into Germany, which has become increasingly controversial  thats obviously the bottom line.  Christopher Chivvis, associate director of Rand Corp.as International Security and Defense Policy Center

They want to damage our way of life, our openness and, yes, our ability to take in people in distress, the German leader said. She called the absorption of migrants and refugees, more than 1 million of whom entered Germany in 2015, a historic task.

Merkels calculated repetition of last summers signature phrase Wir schaffen das  Well manage it  was widely interpreted as a deliberate signal that she harbored no qualms over the decision to throw wide the gates to those fleeing violence and persecution.

The number of arrivals this year has dropped off dramatically as a result of a European agreement with Turkey to stem the flow of migrants across a narrow stretch of the Aegean to Greece, but the issue remains a lightning rod for debate.

Merkel is determined to stay the course on welcoming migrants into Germany, which has become increasingly controversial  thats obviously the bottom line, said Christopher Chivvis, the associate director of Rand Corp.s International Security and Defense Policy Center.

In the southern German state of Bavaria, where three of four recent episodes of bloodshed took place, officials said Thursday that they would add an additional 2,000 police officers in the next three years and set up special divisions to monitor Islamic extremists and fight cybercrime.

Germanys European neighbors, too, are caught up in tangled questions of assimilation, national identity and public safety in the face of recent traumatic events.

In France  where Islamic State claimed responsibility for a Bastille Day truck rampage on a Riviera promenade that killed 84 and for this weeks knife slaughter of an elderly Roman Catholic priest in Normandy  authorities on Thursday disclosed that the second of the two slain church assailants, like the first, had managed to carry out the attack despite being on a security watch list.

Residents gather at a makeshift memorial in front of the church where priest Jacques Hamel was killed July 26 in St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France. (Francois Mori / Associated Press )

The government of President Francois Hollande, already under pressure over perceived security lapses before the July 14 truck rampage in Nice, came under sharp new pressure over the disclosures that the second of two young church attackers, whose identity was disclosed Thursday, had also aspired to join Islamic State on the battlefield in Syria.

Analysts said it was important not to conflate the differing circumstances of a drumbeat of attacks on European soil this month.

Islamic State took responsibility for two strikes in Germany: a July 18 knife-and-ax rampage aboard a commuter train outside a Bavarian town by an Afghan teenager, and six days later, a suicide bombing outside an open-air concert, also in southern Germany, by a Syrian man facing deportation. The train attack injured four passengers and a female passerby; the suicide bomber killed only himself, but injured 15 bystanders.

They were the first attacks claimed by Islamic State in Germany.

But German officials were markedly careful not to jump to conclusions during a gunmans deadly rampage on July 22 in Munich, Bavarias capital, and a lockdown that shut down the countrys third-largest city for hours. That caution was warranted: The assailant turned out to be a German teenager of Iranian descent described by authorities as fascinated by mass murderers, but with no known ties to extremist groups.

Bavarias interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, told journalists Thursday that the Munich shooter apparently thought it was auspicious that his birthday, April 20, was the same as Adolf Hitlers.

Another episode the same day as the suicide bombing, in which a Syrian man hacked a female co-worker to death with a meat cleaver, unsettled many Germans despite what authorities said was a lack of any political overtones associated with the attack.

Merkel and her allies have stressed that the vast majority of those seeking shelter in Germany pose no threat. But the chancellors once-invincible popularity has been significantly eroded by the social upheaval that has accompanied the refugee flood.

And the crucial accord with Turkey could be imperiled by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans increasingly bellicose stance toward Europe and the West in the aftermath of a failed coup against him.

Germany, like France, is scrambling to decode online forensic evidence that could point to attackers methods, motives and potential accomplices.

More details emerged Thursday about the Syrian suicide bomber, Mohammed Daleel; Herrmann said the man had been in touch via an online chat with someone in an unidentified Middle East country shortly before blowing himself up.

Merkel, whose upbringing in the former East Germany is seen as having strongly marked her views on the responsibility to take in those needing a safe haven, urged compatriots to not let anxiety cause them to lose sight of democratic values.

The fact that the events caused great insecurity isnt in question, she said. But fear cant be a good counsel for political actions.

laura.king@latimes.com

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The Kremlin has sharply denied the claims of U.S. officials and security experts that Moscow may have been involved in the hacking of Democratic National Committee emails, and said Thursday that it was absurd that Russia had infiltrated Hillary Clintons private server.

Russian officials portrayed the accusations of cyber-spying as a Cold War-style effort by a presidential hopeful to score political points by portraying Moscow as an arch-villain.

We dont work with hackers, have never been involved in this kind of operation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told reporters in response to a question about Republican nominee Donald Trumps plea to Russia to find and turn over emails that Clinton deleted from a private server she used while she was secretary of State.

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Russia, if youre listening, I hope youll be able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Trump had said Wednesday, prompting strong criticism that he was, in effect, inviting a foreign power to spy on a rival. He later said he merely wanted the Russians to turn over the emails to the FBI if they had them.

Peskov used rhetoric that bordered on the Trump-like in dismissing the notion that Russia had hacked Clintons server.

As to some direct or indirect accusations of the Kremlin or Russia in general in some involvement in cyberattacks, then this is absolutely absurd and a vivid example of the use of Russophobia for the election purposes in the U.S. And this is absurd that borders on total stupidity.

As to the massive [hacks], this is not our problem, this is not our headache, he added. Americans will have to sort out what are those massive [hacks] and what they are about and what problems the publication of these massive hacks brings about.

People stand outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., in June. (Paul Holston / Associated Press )

Earlier in the week, the Russians had dismissed allegations that they had a hand in the release of Democratic National Committee emails that suggested party favoritism for Clinton, its eventual nominee, in her primary fight with Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Interfax news agency Tuesday that he did not want to use the four-letter English curse word to comment on the claims.

Lavrov, known for his macabre humor, reportedly used the f-word in 2008 in a conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband when the two discussed Russias war with the former Soviet republic of Georgia.

The hacking and a subsequent leaking of some 20,000 DNC emails to WikiLeaks, an anti-secrecy group, was an embarrassment for Clintons campaign. The scandal broke on Friday, just three days before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

One Russian analyst claimed that Clintons advisers have deliberately concocted the Russian trail to distract attention from the content of the emails.

Vladimir Vasilyev of the government-affiliated Institute for U.S. and Canadian Studies told the RIA Novosti news agency that there was no way to prove who had hacked the DNC. These days, any hackers can do it from anywhere in the world, he said. That is why such claims about Russian hackers are absolutely unfounded and unprovable.

Western officials, intelligence and cyber-security companies have repeatedly accused Russia of trying to hack the computer networks of U.S. government agencies and defense contractors, as well as the servers of NATO, Ukraine and Estonia.

CrowdStrike, a cyber security company, said in mid-June that it stands fully by its claims that two Russian intelligence-affiliated adversaries were present in the Democratic National Committee network in May.

Some Russian officials, perhaps nostalgic about the Cold War era, have hailed the hack as confirmation of Russias resurgent political might.

It looks like, after all, President Obama and the Democrats consider Russia the only superpower in the world, lawmaker Andrey Klishas told RIA Novosti.

Mirovalev is a special correspondent.
A large trove of captured Islamic State records and computer files has provided new details of the extremist groups efforts to send terrorists into Europe, according to senior U.S. intelligence officials.

The material  an estimated 10,000 documents and several terabytes of data  was recovered in recent weeks by Arab and Kurdish forces fighting to retake Manbij, a strategic border town that Islamic State uses to move fighters and supplies in and out of Syria.

The Pentagon trumpeted the intelligence haul as a positive development after a deadly series of terrorist attacks in France and Germany this month raised fears and rattled nerves around the globe.

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It also comes after the government in Turkey jailed dozens of military officers, including some who had worked closely with the U.S. in the war against Islamic State, for their alleged role in a failed coup.

Gen. Joseph Votel, who heads U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, said Thursday that the intelligence haul was extraordinarily important.

U.S. officials have gained better understanding of how [Islamic State militants] orchestrate things like foreign fighters, how they are communicating among themselves, how they are managing their resources, he said at a security forum in Aspen, Colo.

Votel said the material includes digital files and communications, paper documents, videos, photos and personnel files of individual fighters.

The initial analysis has provided insights into the location of some Islamic State leaders, the groups network of operatives overseas, and its finances, officials said.

Col. Christopher Garver, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition in Baghdad, told reporters by teleconference Wednesday that the documents also offer a glimpse into how the militants organize new recruits.

They would screen them, figure out what languages they speak, assign them a job and send them down into wherever they were going to go, be it into Syria or Iraq, he said.

He said the haul included textbooks used to propagate Islamic State ideology within the groups self-declared caliphate.

These are textbooks on how to control the lives of everybody thats inside it, how everyone should live their lives, and how if you dont live your life that way, youre an enemy of the so-called, self-proclaimed state, Garver said.

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, made up of mostly Kurdish fighters, have reached the outskirts of Manbij but now face dug-in Islamic State fighters.

See the most-read stories this hour >>

U.S. officials believe the Islamic State terrorists who carried out recent deadly attacks in Paris and Brussels moved through Manbij on their way to Europe.

MORE WORLD NEWS

Syrias Assad offers amnesty to rebels, who call it meaningless

U.S. military says it has killed more than 120 Islamic State leaders

Islamic State says its behind attack that killed 44 in northern Syria

Bennett reported from Aspen and Hennigan from Washington.
Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlels name and face were all over the French and international news media hours after he plowed his truck through the Bastille Day crowds in Nice, killing 84 and injuring hundreds more  just as the Islamic State follower knew it would be.

Why else leave his identity papers in the truck?

Amedy Coulibaly, who killed four hostages in an attack on a Jewish supermarket in Paris in January 2015, left a long, rambling video justifying his actions, and he shot a second selfie film shortly before shooting his victims.

Others have ensured their place in the annals of terrorisms gruesome history by sending videos pledging their allegiance to Islamic State before carrying out attacks.

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Now, several French news outlets have decided to rob Islamic terrorists of the posthumous glory they appear to seek.

Daily newspapers Le Monde and La Croix and news television station BFM-TV have announced they will no longer publish the photographs of those blamed for terrorist killings. Europe 1 radio said it would no longer broadcast their names, and global news broadcasters RFI and France 24 have enacted photo blackouts.

In an editorial headlined Resisting the strategy of hate, Le Monde said the battle against terrorism concerned all elements of society. It said its aim was to avoid posthumous glorification of terrorists.

These reflections, these debates, these adaptations to the behavior of an enemy that uses all the tools of modern life against us, are necessary if we wish to smash the strategy of hate, if we wish to triumph while being true to ourselves, it wrote in an editorial.

Jerome Fenoglio, the editor of Le Monde, told the Agence-France Presse agency that after the Nice attack we were very uncomfortable with photographs showing the killer flexing his muscles.

In a letter to journalists he detailed the restriction:

This instruction covers mainly images taken from their daily life, of those, often taken by themselves, just before carrying out their act, Fenoglio wrote.

Herve Beroud, the editorial director of French television station BFM-TV, told AFP that his organization had been thinking about the ban for some time.

The decision was speeded up by what happened in Nice, by the repeated tragedies, he said, adding that he was concerned the reproduction of photographs tends to put the terrorist and the victims on the same level.

The question of whether publishing the photographs and names of terrorists glorifies them and plays into the hands of terrorists has divided opinion in France.

The debate comes after two Islamic State followers slit the throat of a Catholic priest as he celebrated morning mass at a church at Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Normandy.

Mourners stands outside a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray after attackers killed an elderly priest. (Charly Triballeau /Getty Images )

One of the attackers knew he would be quickly identified because he had told friends well in advance that he planned to attack a church, and his accomplice left behind his identification papers in a home where they were easily found by authorities.

Michel Field, executive news director at France Televisions, the state-run broadcast company, took a different view, however, saying in a statement that it is the medias duty to inform and not indulge in self-censorship and grand declarations of intention.

Johan Hufnagel, editor-in-chief of Liberation, said his newspaper would not impose a blackout. Publishing photographs of terrorists and glorifying them is not the same thing, he told AFP.

Matthew Fraser, professor of communications at the American University of Paris, said it was an issue he confronted after 9/11, when he was editor-in-chief of the National Post in Canada. He felt the image ban was justified.

In countries like the United States and Britain, there is an Anglo-Protestant culture that emphasizes shame as a form of control. Shaming Islamic radicals doesnt work because these terrorists want to die as martyrs. You cant shame someone after they are dead. Even those who are apprehended are impervious to shame. Their goal is glory. They want their horrific acts to go viral on the web.

By imposing a blackout on the dissemination of names and photos, they are suffocating the fame-and-glory motivation. The problem is, however, that social media is much more powerful than a boycott by Le Monde or a French television network. Traditional media outlets are no longer gatekeepers. Their reactions are a thumb in the dike.

Writing in Le Monde, Patrick Eveno, president of the Observatory for the Ethics of Information, declared the ban counterproductive.

Society needs to understand why these things take place, what motivated the killers and how they arrived there. In the age of social media it [the ban] is also an illusion, and the media will quickly be accused of manipulation, conspiracy or bowing to the powers that be.

Eveno said, however, that editors and journalists must collectively think about the treatment of information related to terrorism.

He added that the public interest in being informed free of any political or ideological interference was paramount.

Willsher is a special correspondent

ALSO

Syrias Assad offers amnesty to rebels, who call it meaningless

The migrant crisis, as seen through the eyes of a human smuggler in Turkey

Intelligence trove provides details of Islamic State recruitment drive
Syrian President Bashar Assad issued a general amnesty to rebels willing to lay down their arms on Thursday, state media said, but few, if any, were expected to accept the offer, which was widely seen as a ruse.

At about the same time, Russia, Syrias staunchest ally, announced the creation of safe corridors to allow civilians to leave besieged areas of Aleppo city.

Whoever bore arms and had escaped from justice is pardoned from all punishment when they surrender themselves and their weapons to authorities within three months, read the amnesty decree, whose text was published by Syrian state news service SANA.

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The edict also offered pardons for anyone ensuring the release of kidnapped and missing people. Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, thousands have been kidnapped and detained, mostly by forces loyal to Assad but also by the opposition pitted against him.

It specifically included a provision, however, that said private citizens retain their right to sue, presumably meaning that rebel forces could be sued for damages or deaths they caused.

A spokesman for Ahrar al Sham, a hardline Islamist faction, used one word to describe the offer: Meaningless, he said in an interview on social media. He did not give his full name for reasons of security.

No one will even consider it, he added.

The amnesty comes as the government declared its complete encirclement of rebel-held areas of Aleppo, Syrias largest city and one-time industrial powerhouse. Rebel factions have held sway over Aleppos eastern neighborhoods since 2012, but the government controls its western areas.

Until recently, the opposition also controlled large swaths of Aleppo countryside areas, allowing aid groups and merchants to ferry supplies from Turkey to the some 300,000 people living in rebel-held parts of the city. It also granted rebel factions a vital passageway to transport men and materiel, and mount attacks on government forces.

But a wide-scale, Russian-backed government campaign has locked down the area. On Wednesday, pro-government forces completed a pincer maneuver northwest and southwest of the city, tightening a siege that has been effectively in place since earlier this month despite repeated counter-offensives by the rebels.

Ali Haydari, Syrias minister of reconciliation, who is responsible for bringing rebels back to the bosom of the government, hailed Assads decree as the most complete amnesty to date.

This has been the clearest and most comprehensive pardon we have seen yet.  Ali Haydari, Syriaas minister of reconciliation

This has been the clearest and most comprehensive pardon we have seen yet, and it involves kidnappers, which wasnt the case in previous amnesties, he said in a phone interview from Damascus, the capital, on Thursday. There have been nine such amnesties offered since the beginning of the crisis.

As long as they are willing to lay down their arms, they are welcome to stay where they are, he said.

Some read in the past that these decrees were a sign of weakness [from the government], Haydari said, but as we see now, they come before a backdrop of victories by the army in Aleppo, and they open the door wide for forgiveness from a position of strength.

Three opposition groups inside Aleppo had already begun negotiating their surrender, he said. There was no confirmation of that from the opposition.

Many on the oppositions side, however, believe the reconciliations are little more than a ruse to have them surrender so the government can continue punishing them out of sight.

They claim that those who have taken the governments past offers have been disappeared and tortured for their participation in the fight against Assads rule.

Haidari dismissed those concerns.

If those people who reconciled had been pursued and arrested, then there would have been no more reconciliations. But we have seen hundreds enroll in this process, he said.

To the contrary, trust in this has increased.

Yet the same suspicion extended to statements made by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who announced on Thursday that Russia, in cooperation with Syrian authorities, would open three humanitarian corridors so as to assist civilians taken hostages by the terrorists, as well as militants who chose to lay down their weapons.

A fourth corridor in the northeast, Shoigu added, would be open to militants who refused to stop fighting. As was the case in similar arrangements forged in the central province of Homs and elsewhere, these militants would be allowed to exit the area with their personal weapons.

I want to emphasize that we are taking this step, first and foremost, to ensure the safety of Aleppo residents, said Shoigu, according to Russian broadcaster Russia Today.

Government and opposition activists on social media circulated images of a map indicating the location of the safe passages, and Syrian state TV announced three of them were already open and were ready to receive those fleeing the violence in temporary housing centers equipped with all necessary services. It added that the Nusra Front, Al Qaedas affiliate in Syria, had prevented people from leaving rebel-held areas.

Yet opposition-aligned community pages on Facebook said that one of the specified corridors, in the Saif al Dawlah neighborhood of the city, had been the target of an airstrike they said had killed one person and wounded others.

The strikes occurred even as other planes delivered aid drops containing tea bags, sugar, crackers and packets of what was said to be ketchup on the besieged eastern neighborhoods, according to pictures of the packages circulated on social media.

The packets included material with Cyrillic writing, suggesting they were from Russia, although an activist, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said they were dropped by Syrian government helicopters.

Meanwhile, Usama Taljo, a member of the oppositions Aleppo City Council, denied any passage had been open.

Another activist, Maher Thalji, said the location of the corridors proved the government was not to be trusted.

All these passageways lead to sections under regime control. Had they really cared about civilians well-being, they would open up to all areas and let people choose, he said in an interview on social media on Thursday.

He also cast doubt that any rebels would choose surrender.

If civilians arent even thinking of handing themselves over, how would any rebel do so and give up their arms? They know it would inevitably lead to their end, he said.

His words were echoed by the Ahrar al Sham spokesman:Its a long war. The regime has been trying to besiege Aleppo for three years. But the battle has not finished yet.

Bulos is a special correspondent.

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The Chinese government has outlawed original news reporting over the Internet as it stretches its rule over the country's web and information industries.

The Cyberspace Administration imposed ban also handcuffs such major online providers as Sina Corp. and Tencent Holdings Ltd.

The agency has put mobile and online news services on notice that they are to immediately dismantle "current-affairs news" operations. With that, news providers are only allowed to carry reports provided by government-controlled print or online media.

Government Decides What's News

The widespread changes give the government near absolute authority over what news is disseminated, particularly in the area of politics. President Xi Jinping is on record in asserting that Chinese media must serve the interests of the ruling Communist Party.

Meanwhile, regulations forbidding enterprise reporting have long been the rule of the day and the latest moves are seen as a broad attempt by the government to dramatically silence all of its critics.

Violaters Face Fines

Operators and sites found in violation of the new measures face financial penalties imposed by the government.

Recently, Chinese authorities commenced holding discussions with Internet providers about a pilot project that would allow the government to start taking board seats and financially investing in those companies. In return, they would be granted a license to provide news on a consistent schedule.

Though they are technically not allowed to hire editors or reporters, some local news outlets have recently published investigative stories on official corruption cases and covered such sensitive social issues as human rights demonstrations

The change in the guidelines on original reporting also comes just weeks after the country replaced its chief Internet regulator. Xu Lin, a former Shanghai propaganda chief who worked briefly with Xi during his half-year stint as Shanghai party boss in 2007.

Thousands of Chinese so-called cyber-police keep track of the Internet and social media, looking out for and monitoring material flagged as politically and socially critical of the government.
North Korea exported ballistic missiles on more than 500 occasions between 1987 and 2009, according to a report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service. The figure was cited by Joshua Pollack, a consultant to the U.S. government, at a seminar hosted by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

A total of 420 cases of ballistic missiles export were reported between 1987 and 1993, 30 cases between 1994 and 2000, and 60 from 2001 to 2009. Pollack said North Korea exported missiles to Syria, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, Libya, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

He said North Korea is an important source of the missile trade, because it acquires technology from various sources, develops its own missiles, and exports them to other nations. He called it the most important supplier of ballistic missiles for Iran and Syria. The North is also suspected of selling missiles to Burma.

A South Korean government official said, "We believe that North Korea has earned a huge amount of money from exporting missiles, with scud missiles costing at least US$1 million each."
There are about 10,000 people working on missiles in North Korea, three times more than in the South, a high-ranking South Korean military officer said Monday. He added they have "considerable research skills."

North Korea started developing ballistic missiles in the mid-1970s. It produced Scud-Bs with a range of 300 km and Scud-Cs with a range of 500 km and deployed them along the frontline in the 1980s.

The South Korean military estimates that North Korea has spent US$3.1 billion on developing and testing long-range ballistic missiles so far.

The rocket North Korea plans to launch this month is likely to cost $850 million which, according to a South Korean official, is equivalent to a years food supply for 19 million people in the impoverished country. The South Korean military believes that even more money was spent on training missile specialists.

In contrast, South Korea has about 2,000 rocket propulsion experts in the civilian and public sectors excluding the military, some 200 of them at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. A defense industry insider said, "Even counting the military workforce, the total capacity for missile research is far behind from North Korea's with a mere 3,000 experts."
High temperatures took a toll as Allentown fire crews battled a smoky blaze Thursday in the basement of a city church.

Firefighters were called a little before 11:30 a.m. to the church at 1109 W. Linden St., near North Poplar Street. The building houses the Islamic Education Center of PA.

Fire Capt. John Christopher said the bulk of the fire was in the building's basement, and it took crews about 45 minutes to get it under control. Officials were still trying to assess if anyone was injured.

Initially it was called as a two-alarm fire, but went to three alarms because of the heat, Christopher said.

"We're going through guys pretty quick," he said. "We're trying to get the smoke cleared out so we can get in there" and investigate.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Eugenio Torres mug

Eugenio Torres was 21 when he tortured and killed 3-year-old Eugenio Torres in Wilson Borough. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

The mother of Eugenio Torres, an abused boy himself who went on to torture and kill 3-year-old Elijah Strickland in 2008 in Wilson Borough, is running for New York Senate, according to published reports.

Elijah Strickland, 3, was tortured and murdered July 8, 2008, in Wilson Borough by Eugenio Torres. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

Debbie Medina admits through her campaign that she repeatedly beat Torres when he was a child, a history presented as a mitigating factor in a bid to save his own life at trial in Northampton County.

A jury deadlocked in November 2010 over capital punishment and sentenced Torres instead to life in prison. He is serving a separate sentence of nine to 18 years handed down in July 2010 for slashing child rapist Shaun Austin, a fellow inmate at Northampton County Prison.

"It's true: I hit my son," said Medina, of Brooklyn, according to the New York Post. "I hit him with a belt, because I was desperate, because I did not know what else to do to turn him from the path he was on.

"And, of course, it didn't work," Medina continues in a statement on her website. "Hitting children does not work. Violence just creates more violence."

Medina, 52, is a mother of four and grandmother of six, according to The Nation and a lifelong resident of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. She is running for state senator for the 18th District of New York, against seven-term state Sen. Martin Dilan.

Ive lived in Brooklyn my entire life. Never have I been so angry to see our communities sold out by dirty politicians.... Posted by Debbie Medina on Monday, July 25, 2016

Torres was 21 when he beat and tortured Elijah in 2008 after a night of drinking, when Torres couldn't quiet him. A forensic pathologist testified at trial the young child suffered more than 90 bruises and cuts to his body, as well as burns to his buttocks.

Torres claimed he was playing with the boy in the tub, dunking their heads under water, when the boy swallowed some water and stopped breathing. Torres said he scrambled to lift the boy out of the bath when Elijah slipped from his grasp and knocked his head and torso against the tub.

Terry Houck, first assistant district attorney for Northampton County, reacted to the Post when told of Medina's run for office: "What?! Are you kidding me?!"

Houck continued, telling the newspaper Torres was "a thug, a punk, a wannabe gangster. What he did to that child was unspeakable."

After Torres' conviction, and during the penalty phase of his trial, a mitigation specialist told the jury he had grown up with a lifetime of corporal punishment, including being repeatedly punished with a belt by his strict parents.

When Torres failed out of the fourth grade, his mother made him stay in the bathroom all summer to read and better himself, testified the specialist, Louisa Luck; Torres could only leave to go to bed at night.

Luck also described a history of the family's involvement with the child protective services division in Brooklyn.

Medina is running with a priority of "housing, housing, housing," stronger rent stabilization and rent control, The Nation reports.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
An inmate was arraigned Wednesday on an escape charge after leaving the Northampton County Community Corrections facility to seek employment and not returning, court records say.

Nicole Elizabeth Zettlemoyer, charged with escaping from Northampton County's work-release facility on Union Street in Easton. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Nicole E. Zettlemoyer, 35, whose previous address was in the 1600 block of Lindberg Road in Bethlehem Township, left the Easton facility to go to work at 12:30 p.m. July 10 and was scheduled to return by 11 that night, court records said.

At 7 p.m. July 10, the employer contacted the Department of Corrections saying Zettlemoyer left her job at 2:20 p.m. and never returned, according to court records. She was last seen in the Easton/Bethlehem area and her employer was in Phillipsburg, the department said.

The department called Zettlemoyer on her cellphone and received no answer. A field officer at the 135 S. Union St. facility then notified police. Zettlemoyer was reported missing at 11:30 p.m. via the facility's hotline, records say.

Wilson Borough police later picked Zettlemoyer up at Easton Hospital and she was returned to the facility at 10:17 p.m. Tuesday.

Zettlemoyer was sentenced in March to six months' incarceration for civil contempt in a domestic relations matter, according to records. She left the facility in May to seek employment and returned; Zettlemoyer gained employment on July 6 and initially returned at her designated times, records indicate.

Zettlemoyer was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge Antonia Grifo, ordered her held in lieu of $15,000 bail at Northampton County Prison.

The judge allowed 10 percent of $15,000 bail if approved by Northampton County Pretrial Services.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday identified the woman who had accused Kang Jung-ho of the Pittsburgh Pirates of sexual assault as a 23-year-old Caucasian.

The newspaper cited the police report as saying the incident happened in a hotel in Chicago on June 17, and the woman did not go to a hospital until two days later.

"While being treated... [the victim] refused info for report at that time... she did not initially cooperate," the report read.

The woman did file a formal complaint on June 29, 12 days after the incident. According to police, she claimed to have remembered that Kang sexually assaulted her while she was drifting in and out of consciousness. She regained full conscious in a taxi.
There was a large attendance at mass at St. Eustace's Church at Newbridge College recently for Fr Ronan Connolly's first mass since his ordination.

The 36-year-old former pharmacist and Newbridge native was joined by family, friends, neighbours and local residents who came together for the momentous occasion on Monday, July 11.

A large contingent of priests were also present as well as Bishop Denis Nulty and Deacon, David Vard.

Fr Connolly (OP) was one of eight people to be ordained by the Irish Dominicans on Saturday July 9 at Saint Saviours Dominican church, Dominick Street in Dublin.

The order remarked that it was an unusually high number in the present climate and featured people with varied backgrounds.

Archbishop Robert Rivas (OP) was the ordaining prelate. A native of Trinidad, Robert Rivas joined the Irish Province of the Dominican Order in 1964, being ordained priest in 1971. A range of ministries in Trinidad and Tobago followed. He was consecrated first Bishop of Kingstown in St Vincent in 1990, and appointed Archbishop of Castries (St Lucia) in 2007. He came over especially for the ordinations, which took place in the year when the Dominican Order worldwide is celebrating the eighth centenary of being granted papala approval.

It's understood Fr Ronan will be working in Cork. Newbridge parish wished him well in the latest News and Views magazine.

This is a major event in the life of the Church in Newbridge and we wish Fr Ronan every blessing in his ministry, it said.
If you didnt know any better you might assume that one of the lakes on the Ballymore side of Naas had been converted into a sort of Lough Derg over the last few weeks.

Alas no. The small, white-coloured water craft that floated in the body of water nearest Naas Hospital is a replica of a craft used by the explorer Ernest Shackleton.

One hundred years ago an epic survival story was unfolding in the frozen Antarctic Ocean. Shackletons ship Endurance had been crushed and sank.

The disaster left the crew of 28 to drift helplessly on the floating ice.

But Shackleton was no ordinary leader and he led the crew through overwhelming obstacles and ensured that in the midst of the inhospitable environment, they all got home safely.

A central piece of the survival story was the 800 mile (1,200 kilometres) voyage of the ships lifeboat James Caird across the wild South Atlantic Ocean to organise the rescue of the remaining crew members.

The James Caird carried a crew of six and three were Irish - Shackleton from Co Kildare, Kerryman Tom Crean and Tim McCarthy from Co Cork.

The boat which was on the Naas lakes is the James Caird 100 and is to two thirds scale. It commemorates one of the greatest feats of seafaring and the Irish connection.

It also brings the achievements of Shackleton to life. Theres no direct connection with Naas. But the boat and the information provided on poles around the lakes brings part of the store of Shackleton to a wider audience. Its been attracting attention including from the visiting Spanish students, said local councillor Seamie Moore at the time of its installation.

The boat was last week moved to Goresbridge for a time, but may reappear in Naas before the year is out, say organisers.

For more information on the project see www.jamescaird100.org.
It might well be that the United Kingdom, or its successor rump state of England and Wales, will be relying on the skills of the New Zealands trade negotiators to help shape the Brexit agreement with the EU. Amusingly, these might be the same people who are also representing New Zealand and Australia in areas where those two countries collaborate to reach common terms with the post-EU British / English-Welsh state.

Thats a mouthful of a paragraph because its a mind-blowing idea, or should be.

But it would unlikely to have become reality had it been thought about before the Brexit referendum.

Unfortunately, we have somehow got it into our heads that referenda are binary, yes / no questions.

But they neednt be.

And we could have learned that lesson from New Zealand before forcing many people to choose between the status quo and an option that was, really, many options, none even remotely defined.

Last year and this, New Zealanders voted in two referenda designed to address one issue: to keep the current flag or replace it with a different design.

In developing the question to be put to the electorate, prime Minister John Key, his advisors and the parliamentary committee tasked with establishing the rules under which the referendum would happen realised that a simple yes / no option along the lines of would you like to replace the current flag of New Zealand with a new design? might well have resulted in a yes vote. There would then have followed a lengthy period of bitter argument about what the resulting flag should look like, at the end of which a significant percentage of the population who had voted for change might well have ended up wishing after seeing the new flag that they had voted, instead, to keep the current one.

Thus, in late 2015 a first referendum asked voters to choose between various possible designs for a new flag. The winning design then went up against the existing flag in a second referendum, which asked voters to choose not between an existing reality and hypothetical future but between the status quo and a specific alternative.

And so the government is left, at best, trying to negotiate an exit that is guaranteed to be opposed by more than 50 percent of those who voted in the referendum [the assumption here, of course, is that Remain voters would have chosen that option regardless of the proposed alternativelikely a safe bet].

There is lots of talk / vitriolic shouting about democracy at the moment. Much of it is valid. But democracy that works seldom works as a series of binary yes / no choices. Sure, there are occasions when matters are that simple, but usually some element of nuance is required to make an informed decision.

As the Liberal Democrats continue to develop what is rapidly becoming the most coherent, principled and thoughtful response to the Brexit vote, perhaps the party should also take on board a commitment to a referendum process that uses a two-step mechanism to ensure voters are clear about what they are voting on and in which they have been involved in the process of refining the alternatives.

And, yes, it does need to be a two-step referendum. And, yes, those questions need to be asked separately.

On November 6, 2012 Puerto Ricos residents got to try their hand at making sense of a two-part question that just about guaranteed no one could understand the outcome. Residents were asked on the same ballot whether Puerto Rico should retain its current status with respect to the United States, a majority (54 percent) voted No. Part two asked voters to choose between statehood, free association with the United States, and independence, a set of choices that ignored the status quo option. The statehood option got 61.6 percent of the vote , but, and here is the crucial point, a large majority of the people who voted for no change in status simply left the second question blank. After all, their choice was not an option in the second part. Given the split in the choices among those who had voted for change, the blank ballots on part two were the second largest number of ballots and, if counted, would have meant that no option got 50 percent of the popular vote.

In this case, the design of the referendum meant that while plenty of choices were available it was all but guaranteed that no one option would emerge as a winning position and that almost no one would find the result persuasive.

Its not that we should try to complicate politics unnecessarily, but sometimes two choices are not enough, and three or more in one go cant possibly work.

Think of a two-step referendum as something akin to preferential voting and it makes a lot of sense.

* Chris Fauske, an Essex-native, is now is a resident of Massachusetts.
The son of disgraced former president Chun Doo-hwan, imprisoned in a workhouse in Seoul for failing to pay tax-evasion fines, has been transferred to a prison in Wonju, Gangwon Province.

The Justice Ministry on Wednesday said the Seoul prison was not equipped with facilities to accommodate inmates with long-term labor sentences like Chun Jae-yong.

He was moved on July 11. He is apparently cleaning sewers and picking up trash eight hours a day.

If he fails to pay the remainder of the fines he must work more than 900 days before he is freed.

Chun was taken to court on charges of tax evasion after reporting that he sold real estate he owned in Gyeonggi Province for W32.5 billion when the actual price was W44.5 billion (US$1=W1,137).

The Supreme Court last year gave Chun a four-year suspended sentence and a W4 billion fine, but he coughed up only around W140 million.


So says Owen Bennett of HuffPost Politics:

On June 23, the UK was divided into three groups: Leavers, Remainers and non-voters.

Now, we are all in one group: Waiters.

We are all waiting to see what the three Brexiteers  Liam Fox, David Davis and Boris Johnson  do next.

We are all waiting to see if the UK gets access to the Single Market.

We are all waiting to see if freedom of movement into the UK is scrapped.

We are all waiting to see if those trade deals we were promised will materialise.

But one person is not waiting, and that is Nick Clegg.



Remember him? The former deputy prime minister who helped prop up David Cameron as Prime Minister for five years in what became a near-fatal act for his own party?

After the 2015 General Election, Clegg laid low. When new Lib Dem leader Tim Farron dished out shadow portfolios, his predecessor was notably absent from the rostra.



But as of last week he is back in front line politics as the Lib Dems Brexit spokesman  and thank goodness he is too.

Whether you voted Leave or Remain on June 23, you should be pleased Clegg has taken on this role. His knowledge of the intricacies of Brussels is second-to-none. Before becoming an MEP in 1999, Clegg worked as European Commission trade negotiator. Thanks to his five years at the heart of Government, he knows how Whitehall operates. He knows how things are done abroad and at home.

At a briefing with journalists today, he released the first of a series of briefing notes on the various dilemmas facing the Brexiteers.

Todays was focused on the UKs access to the Single Market.

Does the Government distinguish between access to the Single Market and membership?

If we are outside the Single Market, will the UK mimic the harmonised rules to make it easier to export to the EU?

Would the Government be prepared to pay in some money to the EU budget to get access to the Single Market, as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland do?

These were just some of the questions he flagged up.
LEAMY House in Hartstonge Street has been purchased by a well-known Limerick businessman.

But the Frank McCourt Museum is to remain in place, its curator Una Heaton has confirmed.

It is understood the sale of the property went ahead early this week.

And speaking yesterday, Una said: The good news is the Frank McCourt Museum will stay.

Another tenant of the property  which was formerly the school of the Pulitzer Prize winning Angelas Ashes author  tailor Joe Clancy will also remain in place.

Acclaimed artist Una added: I am absolutely delighted. I am just over the moon. The phoenix is rising from the ashes.

And she said there are some exciting plans for the museums future, including a massive eight foot by five foot picture montage of Frank McCourt to be erected on the ceiling of the museum.

We have quadrupled our number of visitors this year. We are well known, and the fact the museum is remaining open is great for the future of Limerick. We are enhancing the museum. We are going to be making some improvements in the coming weeks  watch this space, she told the Limerick Leader.

Una said yesterday she was heading up to the Galway Races.

But my winner has come in already, she smiled, referring to the fact the Frank McCourt Museum  opened in 2012  will remain open.

It is the third time in recent years Leamy House was put on the market.

In 2014, the building was put up for sale through Murphy Gubbins Auctioneers for 325,000.

This April, it was put up for sale at an Allsop auction in Dublin for a reduced guide price of 140,000.

This was due to a number of infrastructural issues with the building.

On top of the museum, around 10,000 square feet of office space is available in the Georgian style building.

Leamy House was built in 1843 out of the proceeds of a trust set up by William Leamy.

It closed as a school in 1952.
WHILE the horses may be restricted to the simple ponytail or plait, its all about cascading curls and bouncy blow-drys for the fillies off the course at this weeks Galway Races.

The seven-day racing festival has triggered a style stampede for fancy hairdos, bespoke headpieces, brightly coloured dresses and comfy jumpsuits.

And it wasnt today or yesterday that the ladies started prepping.

According to Kay Mulcaire, owner of Isobel boutique and The K Boutique in Adare, ladies turned their attention to the festival as early as last March.

There has been a lot of colour bought for the races - bright yellows, and pink and yellow mixed - its a very vibrant palette. The Limerick ladies are going all out with colour, Kay explained.

While dresses are always en vogue, jumpsuits are proving to be a real fashion hit for ladies hoping to put their best foot forward at the meeting which features both jumps and flat racing.

We have sold a lot of dresses but people are very much looking for jumpsuits.

They are looking for comfort as well as style and elegance. Im here in London now planning for next year and theres an amount of wide leg trousers on show.

I think the fit and flare dresses are going out as well - they are either going for the jumpsuit look or a fitted, sexy look - more structured.

While floral is huge this season ladies are going with the clever option by splurging on plain fabrics which they can get much more wear out of by changing their accessories.

For the ultimate glamorous look, ladies are opting for cascading curls or bouncy blow-drys to look their best.

Limerick ladies are well known for their style so we will see a lot of beautiful fascinators or head pieces worn on elegant, softer up-styles kept low on the neck or worn to the side which is very popular among our clients, explained Annissa Simmons of the Hugh Campbell Hair Group which has a number of salons across Limerick.

You always have the option to softly half pin back for better hold through the day. To feel those summer vibes, consider working a plait or braid into your style. I love the understated simplicity of a sleek low ponytail.
A FESTIVAL which mixes Canadian tunes with local melodies will return to Limerick for the 23rd year in a row.

Summer Music on the Shannon kicks off this Bank Holiday Monday, with two free concerts in the city.

The first is a 1pm recital at King Johns Castle, with a second being the festivals Meet the Musicians launch which takes place at 8pm in LITs Millennium Theatre.

Organiser Bob Creech, who hails from Vancouver Island in Canada, has even invited the high profile Canadian ambassador Kevin Vickers down to witness the festival.

The ambassador  who gained fame for stopping a suspected terrorist in his tracks in Ontario, and also apprehended a protestor at a 1916 memorial parade in Dublin  will attend the LIT Millennium Theatre, which has been set up as the base for Summer Music on the Shannon (SMS) on Tuesday, August 2.

Here, he will witness the SMS youth opera theatres performance of the Adventures of Jonah.

The following day, Mr Vickers will enjoy a free lunchtime event at the Hunt Museum, before travelling to the Star of the Sea Church in Quilty, to enjoy one of the off-site events.

Mr Creech says one of the aims of SMS is to bring together Canadian and European musicians.

When I first moved here 23 years ago, I wanted to organise a festival which brought Canadian and European musicians together. This is the whole ethos of Summer Music on the Shannon. We are trying to provide financial assistance to encourage people to come. But other than that, it is to bring international students and visitors together, he explained.

He is delighted Mr Vickers has taken up the invite to attend, adding: I have been trying to get him down for a long time, so I am just really pleased. I think it is important for him to recognise we are doing something in Ireland to accommodate the Canadian community. More information at 065-7087566.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said the 61-year-old Hinckley is no longer a threat to himself and others and will be allowed to live with his mother in Williamsburg, Virginia as early as Aug. 5.

John Hinckley, the man who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan 35 years ago, will be released soon from a government psychiatric hospital in Washington.

Hinckley's new living arrangement will be subject to many monitoring and psychiatric treatment conditions that could be phased out over the next year or so.

He has been confined to Saint Elizabeth's hospital and allowed extended monthly supervised visits at his mother's home.

The judge's order requires authorities to return Hinckley to Saint Elizabeth's if he violates the terms of his release.

Hinckley's case brought nationwide attention to the criminal justice system's handling of gun violence and mental illness.

In addition to wounding Reagan, Hinckley shot press secretary James Brady, a U.S. Secret Service agent and a local police officer. The shooting victims survived but Brady was paralyzed due to a gunshot to the head.

Brady, who died in 2014, spent the rest of his life pushing for more stringent gun control laws.
May 4, 2021, 2 AM

Beatrix Potter was honored on a stamp for second-class mail issued by Great Britain in 2006.

By Michael Baadke

July 28 marks the 150th birth anniversary of famed childrens author and artist Beatrix Potter, who in 1866 was born on that date in South Kensington, London, England.

Potters many famous animal characters include Peter Rabbit, Jemimah Puddle-Duck, Squirrel Nutkin and others. Great Britain has already issued a number of stamps honoring Potter by depicting her appealing characters, including the frog Mr. Jeremy Fisher on a second-class stamp issued in 2006 (Scott 2334).

The characters populating Potters little books are often based on pets she had as a youngster, when she first began displaying her talent for art.

Her animal tales evolved out of letters she wrote to young friends, and in 1901 she privately printed her illustrated story The Tale of Peter Rabbit. A commercial edition was published the following year, and the success of the little book led to a series of follow-up volumes that remain popular today.

To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary, Great Britains Royal Mail is issuing a set of six new stamps on July 28, with each stamp showing one of Potters beloved characters.
Jul 27, 2016, 12 PM

Swiss Post issued a stamp July 27 saluting the first round-the-world flight in a solar-powered aircraft. Piloted by Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, Solar Impulse 2 took off from Abu Dhabi in March 2015 and returned July 26.

By Denise McCarty

One day after the completion of the first round-the-world trip in a solar-powered aircraft, Swiss Post issued a stamp paying tribute to the pilots.

The 1-franc stamp, issued July 27, shows the aircraft, Solar Impulse 2. Powered only by the sun, it is as large as a Boeing 747, but weighing about the same as a car.

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The two Swiss pilots, Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, began the journey of more than 26,000 miles on March 9, 2015, taking off from Abu Dhabi. With 16 stopovers along the way, including six in the United States, Solar Impulse 2 landed in Abu Dhabi July 26.

In announcing this stamp, Swiss Post said, Theyve done it! Two Swiss pilots, Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, have completed an unprecedented round-the-world trip in a solar-powered aircraft  without any fuel, powered only by the sun.

Such an adventure was only made possible by a keen pioneering spirit. This exceptional feat deserves appropriate recognition! Swiss Post is issuing a special stamp to commemorate the pilots achievement.

In addition to being the first solar-powered aircraft to fly around the world, Solar Impulse 2 and its pilots broke several other records.

But, according to Piccard, that wasnt the point.

He is quoted in an article by Susan Misicka on the Swiss news website:   We want to demonstrate the importance of the pioneering spirit, to encourage people to question what theyve always taken for granted. The world needs to find new ways of improving the quality of human life. Clean technologies and renewable forms of energy are part of the solution.

Beat Leuenberger and Jurg Glauser designed the stamp. It is sold in panes of eight. The stamp may be ordered from Swiss Posts online shop.
Jul 28, 2016, 9 AM

Some of the characteristics of the 2-penny stamp from plate 5, printed in April 1851, are evenly spaced and regular undulating lines in the spandrels, and the pearl in the fan replaces the previous three-part ornament.

The 2-penny stamps from plate 4 are distinguished by a double-lined bale and a small circle at the center of each corner star.

More stamps were printed from plate 3 than from any other plate for the 2-penny stamp.

The principal characteristic of the 2-penny stamp from plate 1 is the shading of the spandrels that consists of vertical interlaced lines. The words SIGILLUM. NOV. CAMB. AUST. are in serifed Roman capitals, with each word followed by a dot.

By Sergio Sismondo

What follows is the second part of a two-part series on the Sydney Views stamp of New South Wales, the worlds first pictorial postage stamp.

Read the first part: Learning about the worlds first pictorial postage stamps.

Under the leadership of James Raymond, postmaster general of New South Wales from 1829 to 1851, the postal service progressed from a largely improvised service organized and funded under a temporary act to a fully organized service with 79 permanent post offices serving a population of 150,000 persons dispersed over an area of more than 310,000 square miles, and growing rapidly.

Rates of postage varied according to distance traveled. In 1832, rates between towns for single-weight letters ranged from 3 pence (Parramatta to Liverpool) to 12 pence (Moreton Bay to Wollongong, for instance).

In 1835, rates became much more complicated. Distance charges were calculated on the basis of measurements made on maps  as the crow flies. Some of these did not correspond to real distances on existing roads. Some measurements were vastly different from the reality on the ground. In addition, charges were made for weight, which previously had not been particularly well defined. The new weight measures applied were:

Single weight: under  ounce

Double weight: between  ounce and  ounce

Triple weight: between  ounce and 1 ounce

Quadruple weight: between 1 ounce and 1 ounces; and so forth.

Postage rate charts became increasingly complicated, combining distance and weight, and postage for letters remained very expensive for the public.

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With keen awareness that city mail could be handled and delivered at a much lower cost than internal colonial mail, in 1838 Postmaster James Raymond introduced pre-paid letter sheets, or stamped envelopes, for the Sydney city post. Initially, the embossed covers were denominated 2d, but before a year had gone by, the city rate was reduced to 1d. The system began to flourish.

The number of letter carriers for the city was increased, and three daily deliveries were instituted. Thus, people and businesses of Sydney acquired an inexpensive and extremely efficient express service. It predated Sir Rowland Hills radical postal reform of 1840, and as such, with prepaid stationery and a uniform 2d rate, was the first of its kind to be instituted in the world. Whether it was profitable or not for the post office may be debated. But it was certainly very useful for the businesses, and became a first and fundamental step toward postal reform.

Further comments on the design of the Sydney Views

Circa 1820, a book written by a Mr. Martin describing many aspects of colonial New South Wales in that period, and an example of which may be found in the British Museum, contains a lovely steel engraving entitled simply SYDNEY.

In this panoramic sketch, the principal elements of the seal of the colony appear. At left is a steep hill, with houses all along its profile, and a church, as well as a profile of Fort Mackenzie. On the hills slopes are trees; people walking may be seen; a man on horseback crosses the scene in front; and on center-right are some men possibly discussing, one of them resting on the ground.

The evolution of the colonial seals design goes further back. Josiah Wedgwood, the great pottery maker of Staffordshire, sketched a seal with the principal themes of New South Wales for one of his productions. It has been described as follows: It represents a figure of Hope, addressing three emblematic figures  Peace, Art and Labour  on the shore of Sydney Cove with a ship, a few houses and a church in the background. Underneath is the word Etruria, the well-known name of Wedgwoods Pottery in Staffordshire, and the date 1789.

In Collins Account of the English Colony in New South Wales, written in 1804, is another description, perhaps more to the point: A representation of convicts landing at Botany Bay, received by Industry, who, surrounded by her attributes  a bale of merchandise, a beehive, a pickax, and a shovel  is releasing them from their fetters, and pointing to oxen ploughing and a town rising on the summit on a hill with a fort for its protection. Masts of a ship are seen in the bay. In the margin are the words Sigillum, Nov. Camb, Aust., (abbreviated Latin for Seal of New Cambria in Australia) and for a motto Sic Fortis Etruria crevit [and thus Etruria grew strong].

Postal reform

Finally, after consultations with the General Post Office in London, including trips to and from the distant colony, and with the blessing of postal authorities, postal reform arrived at New South Wales in 1849. Enabling legislation was the New South Wales Postal Act of 1849. Its chief elements were:

Optional prepayment, but unpaid letters paid double postage.

Sydney town post remained at the reduced rate of 1d.

Franking privileges were abolished. Government departments were to pay postage.

Newspaper postage was 1d if mailed within nine days of publication.

Introduction of postage stamps denominated 1d for city postage and newspapers, 2d for internal colonial postage, and 3d for the post offices share of ship letter postage.

All this was to go into effect on Jan. 1, 1850. That gave Postmaster General Raymond 10 weeks in which to prepare for all new rates and procedures, and for the all-important task of designing and producing postage stamps.

As I wrote last month, given the extremely short time available, the engraving task was distributed to three engravers, all residents of Sydney. There were a few essays made and some preliminary proofs, some of which, perhaps because of their coarse appearance, were rejected by a committee established to oversee preparation and production of postage stamps.

The committee became known as the Inspectors of Stamps, and set up their working office in the Stamp Room on the second floor of the General Post Office on George Street. The three engravers and their tasks were:

Robert Clayton, 1d, plate of 25 subjects; John Carmichael, 2d, plate of 24 subjects; and Henry C. Jervis, 3d, plate of 25 subjects.

Note that the initial contracts were written for plates of 50 images each. However, again due to tight timing, the engravings were reduced to 25 images for each denomination, except for the 2d plate, which had only 24 images.

Detailed study of the stamps reveals that plate wear differed substantially between the plates. The causes of that result are multiple and not fully understood. Such wear explains the extensive work undertaken by the engravers retouching, repairing, and replacing the original plates. In all, it is generally recognized that nine plates of Sydney Views were made, and their general characteristics are discussed in the following paragraphs.

The 1d stamp

Plate 1. The original 1d plate, known simply as plate 1, was engraved by Robert Clayton. It consisted of 25 images in the almost square arrangement of five rows of five stamps each, engraved on a copper plate. Its most obvious distinguishing characteristic is the absence of clouds in the sky above the cityscape. This gives the impression of emptiness in part of the design, which is nevertheless charming in other respects.

The stamps were printed in shades of red and on two types of paper (Scott 1 to 1e in the Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940). Each position in the plate was engraved manually, and thus each position differs from the others. However, in this original plate there were no significant errors and thus no notable varieties. It was recorded in postal archives that 190,000 stamps were printed. If that figure is accurate, it means that the plate was struck on paper about 9,600 times. Copper is a soft surface to work with, probably easier to etch than other metals, but also less durable.

For Japans first issues, nine plates of copper were used, similarly etched as those for New South Wales first issues, and with similar results. The average number of strikes for the Japanese plates was 11,200. (This is my calculation based on stamp sales data, the numbers-printed data not being readily available.)

It is interesting to contrast these results with those obtained from hardened steel plates by Perkins, Bacon, & Co. in London for Great Britains Penny Red stamps with plate numbers, which ranged from about 200,000 to 557,000 sheets struck for each plate.

For the 1d Sydney View, after 9,600 prints, it was judged that a new plate was necessary.

Plate 2. The task of re-engraving for plate 2 was entrusted to H.C. Jervis. The work was done in mid-July 1850. The principal difference was that the sky over Sydney Harbour showed clouds (in 24 of 25 positions). The frames were strengthened, cut deep into the plate, especially at right and left. While deepening the design, three varieties appeared. No trees on hill was in position R2/2 (row 2, stamp 2). Hill unshaded was in position R2/3, and without clouds appeared in position R3/5. Soon philatelists gave stamps from these positions the title of errors, and most catalogs listed and numbered them. (Scott 2 to 2s). Again, there were various shades of red, and three types of paper were used. In addition, this re-engraved plate wore greatly. In the July 2016 Unveiling Classic Stamps column, I included pictures of 1d Sydney Views for plates 1 and 2.

It was recorded that 477,000 stamps were printed from plate 2, which means the plate was struck about 17,880 times. Some authors have doubted the veracity of these figures, but in my opinion, having seen stamps from very worn states in which most of the design is missing, I would say that the printing figures given are indeed realistic.

The very worn printings resemble in character the last impressions of Barnards 1859 1d stamps of Mauritius. Perhaps a listing of a very worn impression of the 1d is in order.

It has also been written that 1d stamps from plate 2 found in collections and in the market are not as abundant as those of the 2d from various plates, buttressing the argument that the printing figure of 477,000 is too high and must represent a mistake. Again, I disagree.

Stamps that were principally used for printed-matter postage tend to be underrepresented in collections for the simple reason that few newspapers were kept for posterity, in comparison with the retention of personal and business letters. Thus, I would expect 1d stamps to have a lower survival rate than 2d stamps, which paid the postage rate for simple letters.

The 2d stamp

Plate 1. The 2d stamp is certainly the most abundant of the first issue of New South Wales  most examples paid the letter rate for mail internal to the colony.

As I have written elsewhere, of all the Sydney Views, the finest and most perfect engraving was that by John Carmichael of the first plate of the 2d stamp. M.P. Castle in Notes on the First Issue of New South Wales begins his description of this plate with the words incontestably the handsomest and most artistic of the Sydney Views.  The plate consisted of 24 images arranged in two horizontal rows of 12.

Shown with this column is a 2d stamp from plate 1. Its principal characteristic, which differentiates it from stamps of the other four plates, is that the shading of the spandrels consists of vertical interlaced wavy lines. Also, the words SIGILLUM. NOV. CAMB. AUST. are in serifed Roman capitals with each word followed by a dot.

The 2d stamps from all the other plates have sans-serif capitals, and the dots after the words are missing. I would add that the early impressions of stamps from plate I show unmistakable three-dimensionality, which is generally lacking in all other Sydney Views stamps. Early impressions are very scarce and rightfully command substantial premiums.

The stamps from plate 1 were printed in deep blue or gray blue. Prints on bluish or yellowish wove paper exist. Laid paper was not used for prints from this plate. Only two varieties of the engraving are recognized:

In position 19 (row 2/7) the lines in the bale are doubled.

Ten loops in the engine turning on each side instead of the usual nine loops occurs in four positions (R1/9, R1/10, R1/11 and R2/7).

Stamps from these positions are quite scarce.

The very fine nature of the engraving led to fairly obvious plate wear. Three stages are generally recognized and may be distinguished at first by the state of wear of the clouds in the sky. They are: early impressions, intermediate impressions, and late impressions. In late impressions, the clouds are mostly absent, and in extreme cases, the entire vignette is hard to detect (Scott 3 to 3f).

Records kept show that 71,000 stamps were printed from plate 1. Only about 10,000 stamps were printed before wear began to set in. Thus, early impressions are quite scarce. Only about 295 sheets printed may qualify for this classification.

Plate 1, retouched. The lower row of 12 stamps wore faster than the upper row. Its basic contour lines were failing. All 12 stamps from the lower row were retouched, in January or February 1850, by strengthening the colored horizontal line over TWO PENCE. The line was rendered either much thicker, or in some impressions doubled. The retouched stamps also show extreme wear of the vignette.

Clearly, this repair was done as a temporary expedient rather than an attempt to replace the printing plate with a new version. The printing of retouched impressions was 68,000 stamps (Scott 4, 4a).

Plate 2. Henry C. Jervis was given the task of producing a re-engraved plate of 2d stamps. He executed the work toward the end of August 1850. Plate 2 stamps may be distinguished by the following characteristics:

Shading of the spandrels is now made by broadly undulating horizontal lines.

The fan at bottom is heavily shaded.

There is a dot at the center of each corner star.

The bale is dated, but not as clearly as in early impressions of plate 1.

The engraving lacks finesse but is reasonably successful. In fact, more 2d stamps were printed from this plate than from any other plate. A total of 169,000 stamps were thus printed, according to the official records. Both yellowish and bluish wove paper was used. Laid paper was not used for printings from this plate.

The stamps were printed in a wide variety of shades, including gray-blue, bright blue, indigo-blue and lilac-blue, denoting the series of printings (Scott 5 to 5p). Lilac-blue is by far the scarcest of the colors. The worn impressions and retouched impressions from plate 2, instead, are found in dull blue, and a fairly lively and attractive Prussian blue on blue paper. Shown with this column is a 2d stamp from plate 2.

Plate wear progressed through the printings. Four stages may be recognized:

(i) Early: clouds and all details well defined.

(ii) Intermediate: vignette fairly distinct, except clouds barely visible.

(iii) Worn: vignette worn, frames worn, and clouds barely visible.

(iv) Latest: traces only of the design left; in the extreme, the design is not visible.

In all stages the following four engraving varieties can be found: CREVIT omitted (R2/1); pick and shovel omitted (R1/10); no whip (R1/4, R1/8, R2/8); 10 loops in the engine turning on each side (R1/9, R1/10, R1/11 and R2/7).

Again, the plate wore unevenly. Between stages 3 and 4, retouches became necessary (July to August 1850). The 12 stamps of the bottom row were strengthened; the lower spandrels were filled with dots and dashes; and the vignette and its inscriptions remained weak (Scott 5f to 5q).

Plate 3. Plate wear of Plate 2 had gone beyond acceptability. Jervis again was given the task of producing a new re-engraved plate. Stamps printed from plate 3 can be distinguished by the following characteristics:

Corner stars without dots in center.

Fan has seven well-delineated segments (six segments in the stamp of row 2/8) and with a tiny unshaded three-part central element.

Bale is single-lined and not dated, but three positions have double-lined bale.

Shown with this column is a 2d stamp from plate 3. The total number of stamps printed from plate 3 was 144,000, according to official records (Scott 6 to 6d). It was a successful plate from this point of view; more stamps were printed from this plate than from any other before repairs or retouches. Like in the previous cases, the plate was allowed to run until very worn. Various stages of wear may be defined. Extremely worn impressions are often encountered. The total number of number of sheet impressions was 6,000.

Stamps were printed in ultramarine or deep blue. The paper was white wove. There were 10 stamps with varieties, sometimes known as errors: double-lined bale (positions R1/7, R1/10 and R1/12); whip (or staff) missing (R2/3 and R2/7); fan with six segments (mentioned above, R2/8); and 10 loops in the engine turning on each side (R1/9, R1/10, R1/11 and R2/7).

Plate 4. Again, plate wear of plate 3 had reached unacceptable levels. For a third time Jervis was contracted to produce a new totally re-engraved plate, now known as plate 4. Stamps printed from plate 4 may be distinguished by the following characteristics: double-lined bale and a small circle at the center of each corner star.

Shown nearby is a 2d stamp from plate 4. The total number of stamps printed from plate 4 (Scott 7 to 7n) was 131,000, according to official records. The printing was made between December 1850 and January 1851. It was also a successful plate, with about 5,460 sheet impressions.

As in the previous cases, the plate was allowed to run until very worn. Various stages of wear may be defined, mostly by studying the vignette. Stamps were printed in ultramarine, bright blue, and Prussian blue. White wove paper was used in about equal proportion of white vertically laid paper. The laid paper is occasionally found with papermakers watermark in large double-lined capital letters.

There were 11 stamps with varieties, sometimes known as errors: hill not shaded (R1/12); fan with six segments (R2/8); no clouds (R2/10); no waves (R1/9, R2/5); PENOE, appears only on worn impressions on laid paper (R1/10, R2/12); 10 loops in the engine turning on each side (R1/9, R1/10, R1/11 and R2/7); and left-margin retouch of position 13 (R2/1).

Plate 5. The fifth and final re-engraved plate for the 2d stamps was commissioned once more to Henry C. Jarvis, who completed his work in April 1850. There were 140,000 stamps printed from this plate. Its use lasted until July 1851, at which time it was replaced by John Carmichaels artful Laureated Queen stamps. Stamps printed from plate 5 may be distinguished by the following characteristics:

Evenly spaced and regular undulating lines in the spandrels.

Pearl in the fan replacing the previous three-part ornament. An additional single vertical line was added from the pearl to the peak of the central fan segment.

Shown nearby is a 2d stamp from plate 5 (Scott 8 to 8f). The total number of stamps printed from plate 5 was 140,000. The printing took place in April 1851. It was also a successful plate, with about 5,834 sheet impressions. The plate was allowed to run until it was worn, but not to the extreme level of wear of the previous four plates.

Stamps were printed in ultramarine and dull blue. White wove paper was mostly used. There are also impressions of plate 5 on laid paper, and they are scarce. There were six stamps with varieties: pick and shovel omitted (R2/5); fan with six segments (R2/8); and 10 loops in the engine turning on each side (R1/9, R1/10, R1/11 and R2/7).

All these varieties exist on both wove and laid paper.

The fact that the 10 loops varieties occur on all five plates, and in the same positions, is sufficient proof that the re-engraving work was undertaken by modification of the original plate, and subsequently each time revising parts of the previous design. Simply stated, only one copper plate was used, revised time and time again, for printing 725,736 examples of the 2d stamp.

The 3d stamp

The plate for the 3d Sydney View stamp was engraved by Jervis. Only one plate of 25 subjects  five rows of five stamps  was made, and it produced 288,600 stamps, which means there were 11,544 sheet impressions.

The stamps were printed in a variety of shades of green, yellow-green, myrtle green, emerald green, bright green, and variations within each of these categories. It should be kept in mind while examining colors, however, that inks are fugitive and are subject to change by a large number of possible interactions with environmental chemicals, including the simple element oxygen and the most complex acids, solvents and other compounds that are sometimes present in the air around us.

The 3d stamps were printed on three distinct types of paper. At first, beginning January 1, 1850, the paper was soft yellowish wove. Starting in July 1850, the paper stock changed to a harder, grayish or bluish wove paper. And in a third stage from January 1851 on, vertically laid paper with various hues. A bright green shade is often found on the laid paper stamps.

The 3d plate is the plate that shows the least amount of wear, although it produced more stamps than almost any other Sydney View plate. Only plate 2 of the 1d produced more stamps. Why that should be is not known. Engraving experts have suggested the basic material for the plate must have been different from the copper sheets used for the 1d and 2d plates.

Two engraving varieties are found in this plate, affecting three stamps: whip (staff) absent (R4/3 and R4/4), and SIGIIIUM for SIGILLUM (R5/3).

In my previous column on the Sydney Views stamp, I included an illustration of a Sydney Views 3d stamp.

Postmaster General James Raymond died on May 29, 1851. And, as often happens to inventors and innovators, he never saw the full extent of his influence or of his creations.

I humbly dedicate these two little reviews to his memory.

Information for the two columns was derived from Notes on the First Issue of New South Wales by M.P. Castle and In The Postage Stamps, Envelopes, Wrappers, Post Cards and Telegraph Stamps of New South Wales by A.F. Basset Hull (editor) and published by the Royal Philatelic Society London, 1911.

The five illustrations are from the splendid mint collection of Mr. Robert Jenkins.
Security has been beefed up around the South Korean Consulate in Hong Kong after a former North Korean military officer sought refuge in the mission recently, media reports said Wednesday.

The consulate asked police there for extra protection due to concerns over retaliation from North Korea.

The local Apple Daily reported that armed police are providing around-the-clock security while other security personnel in civilian clothes have been deployed in the building housing the mission to monitor visitors.
Using plastic instead of glass as the panel board enables the production of curved screens that can be used in foldable smartphones and other flexible devices.

LG currently makes only large OLED monitors for TVs. The company said Wednesday it will invest W1.99 trillion in a plastic OLED manufacturing line at its plant in Paju north of Seoul. Production will start in the second half of 2018 with monthly output reaching 15,000 units.

LG Display will invest almost W2 trillion to produce organic light-emitting diode screens for smartphones, encroaching on the territory of rival Samsung (US$1=W1,136).

LG is currently building another plastic OLED manufacturing line at its plan in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province with an investment of W1.36 trillion. The line will be capable of rolling out 15,000 units a month as well, bringing total monthly production capacity to 30,000.

The massive investment is motivated by huge growth in sales of smartphones with plastic OLED screens.

They are more expensive than conventional screens and were used until recently only in premium smartphones, but Chinese makers like Vivo are now using them for low- to mid-priced phones, and Apple also plans to use them for its devices from next year.

"Demand for plastic OLED screens will grow further when foldable smartphones hit the market," an LG Display staffer said.

Market researcher IHS forecasts that smartphones and smart watches with plastic OLED screens will proliferate from 59 million units this year to 416 million in 2020.

Samsung Display controls around 90 percent of the global market.


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South Korean soldiers discovered dozens of plastic bags carrying North Korea's propaganda leaflets down the Han River last Friday, the Joint Chiefs of Staff here said Wednesday.

This was the first time the regime has used the river as a conduit for propaganda.

The bags were picked up near Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province and contained about 20 crudely printed propaganda leaflets each.

They ramble about North Korea's "victory" in the Korean War and threaten to attack South Korea with Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missiles, a JCS spokesman said.

The leaflets read "We won the three-year war" under the heading "63rd anniversary of the war victory." A three-frame cartoon then depicts a missile hitting a target written with the wording "the hostile policy against [North] Korea."

The spokesman said the North probably resorted to water-borne leaflets because balloons cannot float against the prevailing southeasterly or southwesterly winds.

"We made the incident public because of the further possibility of the regime floating plastic bags carrying toxic substances down the river," the spokesman added.


North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has squandered the equivalent of W110 billion in South Korean money on test-firing 31 ballistic missiles over the five years since he took power (US$1=W1,136).

They were 16 Scud missiles with a range of 300-1,000 km, six Rodong with a range of 1,300 km, six Hwasong-10 with a range of 3,500 km, and three submarine-launched missiles, the Defense Ministry here said Wednesday.

That is nearly double the 16 ballistic missiles his father Kim Jong-il fired in his entire 18 years at the helm.

Scud and Rodong missiles cost W1-2 billion each if measured by their export prices for Middle Eastern countries. The regime has fired a total of 22 such missiles, meaning their total cost is W22-44 billion.

Each Hwasong-10, formerly known as Musudan, is estimated at W3-6 billion, three times as much as the Scud missile, which means the regime has wasted W18-36 billion firing six.

The SLBMs the regime is developing cost an estimated W5-10 billion each.

With that money the regime could have purchased enough grain to feed the entire population for a month or two.

The regime has about 1,000 mid- and short-range ballistic missiles, military authorities here speculate.


The common loon has a black-and-white checkered back in the summer. Its plumage turns gray in the winter.

Loons are swimming and diving birds. They have very distinctive bodies: long and low-slung with spear-like beaks and blood-red eyes. In addition to their unusual bodies, they have an eerie, haunting call that some consider a characteristic sound of early summer.

Common loons are the most widespread and well-known species of loon in North America. There are four other species: red-throated loon, Pacific loon, Arctic loon and yellow-billed loon. A scruffy common loon is featured as a character in the animated movie "Finding Dory."

Description

Loons walk clumsily on land; that's how they got their name, according to National Geographic. They are unable to walk easily on land because their legs are located far to the rear of their bodies, according to the Audubon Society. That position also makes them powerful swimmers, however.

Common loons are larger than the other loon species, according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW). Adults are 28 to 35 inches (70 to 90 centimeters) long with a wingspan of 60 inches (152 cm). Their weight ranges from 3.5 to 17.6 lbs. (1.6 to 8 kilograms).

In the summer, adults have a black-and-white checkered back. Their heads are an iridescent black and they have a prominent white "necklace," according to the Loon Preservation Committee. In the winter, a loon's plumage turns gray above with a white breast, belly and wing linings.

Habitat

Loons are migratory. This means they live in one place and fly to another place to breed. They also stay close to large bodies of water, no matter where they are.

The common loon breeds in forested lakes and large ponds found in Greenland, Iceland and northern North America. In the winter, they live along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, Iceland and Europe, according to National Geographic (opens in new tab).

Habits

Common loons are not social birds. You can usually find them by themselves during the day. At night, though, they sometimes stick together in groups called flocks while they sleep. When they migrate, they typically fly alone, though some like to group up during the journey.

In one way, loons are like airplanes: they need a runway to take off. Loons will flap their wings and run about 30 yards across the surface of the water in order to gain enough speed for liftoff, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

In another way, loons are like submarines: they can dive below the water. Common loons spend a lot of time sticking their heads below water to look for fish, and then suddenly diving after their prey. Loons have solid bones, unlike other birds. This makes them less buoyant and better at diving. They quickly expel air from their lungs and flatten their feathers to remove air from within their plumage so they can dive deep and swim quickly.

Cry of the loon

According to the Loon Preservation Committee, researchers have identified four distinct calls used by loons: tremolo, wail, yodel and hoot. These vocalizations are used in courtship and territorial disputes, communication between pairs and offspring, and among flock members, and to signal alarm, according to the ADW.

Diet

Common loons are carnivores, which means they eat meat. Typically, common loons will make meals of fish and crayfish, shrimp and leeches they find around their home. As they dive to catch their prey, most of what they catch is immediately eaten before they surface.

Loon chicks often ride on their mothers' backs. (Image credit: Brian Lasenby Shutterstock )

Offspring

Loons are monogamous, according to the Cornell Lab. Pairs typically bond for about five years. When common loons get to their breeding area and mate, the females lay their eggs beside bodies of water or in shallow water. The nest is usually built by both the male and female on the ground. The female will then sit on the eggs for 27 to 30 days before they hatch.

Hatchlings are covered in dark downy feathers and have white bellies, according to the Loon Preservation Committee. Chicks sometime ride on their parents backs, usually for the first seven to 10 days. They can, however, swim and dive after just two to three days, and by 12 weeks they are able to fly on their own. Chicks become independent when they learn to fly, leaving their parents. At 2 to 3 years old the young will be mature enough to mate.

No one knows exactly how long common loons live in the wild. Some, such as the Animal Diversity Web, report that 9 years is as long as they live while others, like National Geographic, report 30 years.

A loon has to flap its wings and run across the water in order to gain enough speed to take off. (Image credit: Elliotte Rusty Harold Shutterstock)

Classification/taxonomy

Here is the classification of loons, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System:

Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Bilateria Infrakingdom: Deuterostomia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Infraphylum: Gnathostomata Superclass: Tetrapoda Class: Aves Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae Genus: Gavia Species:

Gavia immer (common loon)

Gavia stellata (red-throated loon)

Gavia pacifica (Pacific Loon)

Gavia arctica (Arctic loon)

Gavia adamsii (yellow-billed loon)

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List classifies the common loon as least concern, which means it isnt endangered and is not close to being endangered.

This may change, though. By 2080, the common loon may lose 56 percent of its current summer range and 75 percent of its current winter range due to global warming, according to a climate model created by the Audubon Society. Loss of range can mean a decrease in population, which can eventually lead to extinction.

The yellow-billed loon is on the Red List as near threatened. While accurate data is lacking, it is suspected that populations are declining rapidly.

Other facts

The Inuit tribe legally hunts over 4,500 common loons a year for food, according to National Geographic. They are also a food source for the Cree tribe of Canada.

The U.S. Geological Survey found that a loon traveled 670 miles (1,078 kilometers) within a 24-hour period.

Additional Resources
Ancient Egypt in North Africa was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in the region for over 3,000 years, from around 3100 B.C to 30 B.C. It left behind numerous monuments, documents and works of art that continue to be studied by scholars today.

However Egyptian civilization existed long before this period, and it has survived and flourished since. While the civilization's rulers, language, writing, climate, religion and borders have changed many times over the millennia, Egypt still exists as a modern-day country.

Ancient Egypt was closely connected with other parts of the world, bringing in and exporting goods, religions, food, people and ideas. At times ancient Egypt ruled territory outside the modern-day country's border, controlling territory in what is now Sudan, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Palestine.

The country was also occupied by other powers in ancient times  the Persians, Nubians , Greeks and Romans all conquered Egypt at different points.

A number of names were used for Egypt. A popular ancient name for Egypt was "Kemet," which means the "black land." Scholars generally believe that this name derived from the fertile soil that was left over when the Nile flood receded in August.

The Nile flooded between June and August each year, and the fertile soil it created was vital to ancient Egypt's survival, with fertility playing an important role in Egyptian religion. The burial of Tutankhamun  in which his penis was mummified  is but one example of how important fertility was in the rituals and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

The country's ancient rulers are referred to today as "pharaohs," although in ancient times they each used a series of names as part of a royal titular, wrote Ronald Leprohon, an Egyptology professor at the University of Toronto, in his book " The Great Name: Ancient Egyptian Royal Titulary (opens in new tab)" (Society of Biblical Literature, 2013). The word pharaoh originates from the Egyptian term "per-aa," which means "the Great House," Leprohon wrote. The term was first incorporated into a royal title during the rule of Thutmose III (reign circa. 1479 to 1425 B.C.), Leprohon wrote.

Prehistory

(Image credit: John Zada / Alamy )

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When exactly early hominids first arrived in Egypt is unclear. The earliest migration of hominids out of Africa took place almost 2 million years ago, with modern humans dispersing out of Africa about 100,000 years ago. Egypt may have been used to reach Asia in some of these migrations.

Villages dependent on agriculture began to appear in Egypt about 7,000 years ago. The civilization's earliest written inscriptions date back about 5,200 years and reveal information about the early rulers of Egypt, Live Science previously reported . These early rulers include Iry-Hor, who, according to the inscriptions, founded Memphis, a city that served as Egypt's capital for much of its history. The inscriptions also document a queen named Neith-Hotep, who ruled as a regent for a young pharaoh named Djer. sometime In the late predynastic period.

How and when ancient Egypt was united into one kingdom is a matter of debate among archaeologists and historians. One possibility is that a number of smaller states coalesced into two kingdoms  Upper and Lower Egypt  and then these two kingdoms united. After Egypt was united pharaohs were often depicted wearing two crowns  one for Lower Egypt and another for Upper Egypt.

Egypt's climate was much wetter in prehistoric times than it is today, and some areas that are now barren desert were once fertile. One famous archaeological site where this can be seen is at the "cave of swimmers," as it is called today, on the Gilf Kebir plateau in southwest Egypt. The cave is now surrounded by miles of barren desert; however, it has rock art showing what some scholars interpret as people swimming. The exact date of the rock art is unclear, although scholars think that it was created in prehistoric times.

Here, one of the papyri in the ancient logbook, which documented the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. (Image credit: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities)

Egypt's 30 dynasties

Ancient Egypt's history has traditionally been divided into 30 (or sometimes 31) dynasties. This tradition started with the Egyptian priest Manetho, who lived during the third century B.C. His accounts of ancient Egyptian history were preserved by ancient Greek writers and, until hieroglyphic writing was deciphered in the 19th century, were among the few historical accounts that scholars could read.

Modern-day scholars often group these dynasties into several periods. Dynasties one and two date back around 5,000 years and are often called the "Early Dynastic" or "Archaic" period. The first pharaoh of the first dynasty was a ruler named Menes (or Narmer, as he is called in Greek). He lived over 5,000 years ago, and while ancient writers sometimes credited him as being the first pharaoh of a united Egypt, however archaeological research suggests that this is not true. Recently found inscriptions tell of rulers  such as Djer and Iry-Hor  who appear to have ruled earlier and other finds have been made which suggest that there were pharaohs before Menes who ruled a united Egypt, Live Science previously reported . Scholars sometimes refer to these pre-Menes rulers as being part of a "dynasty zero."

A Bedouin on a camel by the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure at the Giza Necropolis in Egypt. (Image credit: Adrian Pope)

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Dynasties three to six date from roughly 2650 to 2150 B.C. and are often grouped together into a time period called the "Old Kingdom" by modern-day scholars. During this time pyramid-building techniques were developed and the pyramids of Giza were built. Papyri that are still being deciphered suggest that groups of professional workers  sometimes translated as "work gangs"  played a major role in the construction of the pyramids, as well as other structures.

From 2150 to 2030 B.C. (a time period that encompassed dynasties seven to 10 and part of 11) the central government in Egypt was weak and the country was often controlled by different regional leaders. Why the Old Kingdom collapsed is a matter of debate among scholars, with research indicating that drought and climate change played a significant role. During this time, cities and civilizations in the Middle East also collapsed, with evidence at archaeological sites indicating that a period of drought and arid climate hit sites across the region.

The 12th, 13th and part of the 11th dynasties are often called the "Middle Kingdom" by scholars and lasted from around 2030 to1640 B.C. At the start of this dynasty, a ruler named Mentuhotep II (who reigned until about 2000 B.C.) regained control of the whole country. Pyramid building resumed in Egypt, and a sizable number of texts of literature and science were created. Among the surviving texts is a document now known as the Edwin Smith surgical papyrus, which records a variety of medical treatments that modern-day medical doctors have hailed as being advanced for their time.

Dynasties 14 to 17 are often grouped together as the "Second Intermediate Period" by modern-day scholars. During this time, the central government again collapsed in Egypt, and a group called the "Hyksos" rose to power, controlling much of northern Egypt. While the Hyksos may have originally been from the Levant (an area that encompasses modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria), research indicates that they were already in Egypt at the time the government collapsed. One gruesome find from this time period is a series of severed hands, which were found at a palace at the city of Avaris, the capital of Hyksos-controlled Egypt. The severed hands may have been presented by soldiers to a ruler in exchange for gold.

Scholars often refer to dynasties 18 to 20 as encompassing the "New Kingdom," a period that lasted around 1550 to 1070 B.C. This period took place after the Hyksos had been defeated by a series of Egyptian rulers and the country reunited. Perhaps the most famous archaeological site from the New Kingdom is the Valley of the Kings , which holds the burial sites of many Egyptian rulers from this period, including Tutankhamun (reign circa 1336 to 1327 B.C.), whose rich tomb was found intact in1922. The pharaohs stopped building pyramids during the New Kingdom for a variety of reasons  one of which was to provide better security against tomb robbers.

The 21st to 24th dynasties (a period from around 1070 to 713 B.C.) are often called the "Third Intermediate Period" by modern-day scholars. The central government was sometimes weak during this time period, and the country was not always united. During this time cities and civilizations across the Middle East had been destroyed by people from the Aegean, whom modern-day scholars sometimes call the "Sea Peoples." While Egyptian rulers claimed to have defeated the Sea Peoples in battle, it didn't prevent Egyptian civilization from collapsing. The loss of trade routes and revenue may have played a role in the weakening of Egypt's central government.

(Image credit: Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

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Dynasties 25 to 31 (from around 712 to 332 B.C.) are often referred to as the "Late Period" by scholars. Egypt was sometimes under the control of foreign powers during this time. The rulers of the 25th dynasty were from Nubia, an area located in modern-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan. The Persians and Assyrians also controlled Egypt at different times during the Late Period.

In 332 B.C. Alexander the Great drove the Persians out of Egypt and incorporated the country into the Macedonian Empire. After Alexander the Great's death, a line of rulers descended from Ptolemy Soter, one of Alexander's generals, came to power. The last of these "Ptolemaic" rulers (as scholars often call them) was Cleopatra VII , who died by suicide in 30 B.C after the defeat of her forces by Octavian, who would later be named the Roman emperor Augustus, at the Battle of Actium . After her death, Egypt was incorporated into the Roman Empire .

Although the Roman emperors were based in Rome, the Egyptians treated them as pharaohs. One excavated carving shows the emperor Claudius (reign A.D. 41 to 54) dressed as a pharaoh, Live Science reported . The carving has hieroglyphic inscriptions saying that Claudius is the "Son of Ra, Lord of the Crowns," and "King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Lord of the Two Lands."

Neither the Ptolemaic or Roman rulers are considered to be part of a numbered dynasty.

Religion

An entire avenue of ram-headed statues connected Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple. (Image credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

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Throughout much of Egypt's ancient history its people followed a polytheistic religion in which a vast number of gods and goddesses were venerated. One of the most important was Osiris, god of the underworld. Abydos was an important cult center for him, and numerous temples and shrines were constructed at the site in his honor.

Amun-Ra  a god associated with the sun  became particularly important during the New Kingdom and was associated with the city of Luxor (ancient Thebes). The Karnak Temple complex was built near Luxor in honor of this god.

Navigating the underworld was vital to the ancient Egyptians, who believed that the dead could reach a paradise of sorts, where they could live forever. Egyptian dead were sometimes mummified, preserving the body, and were sometimes buried with spells to aid them in navigating the underworld. These spells included excerpts from what are sometimes called the "Book of the Dead"  a 13 foot-long (4 meters) copy of which was recently found in an ancient burial shaft, Live Science reported .

In ancient Egyptian mythology, one of the first steps in navigating the underworld was to weigh a person's deeds against the feather of Maat, who was a god associated with truth, justice and order. If the person had committed a great deal of wrong, the person's heart would be heavier than the feather and the person's soul would be obliterated. On the other hand, if their deeds were generally good, they passed forward and had the opportunity to successfully navigate the underworld.

Figurines called shabti were often buried with the deceased. Their purpose was to do the deceased's work in the afterlife for them.

Egyptian religion did not remain static but changed over time. One major change occurred during the reign of the pharaoh Akhenaten (circa 1353 to 1335 B.C.), a ruler who unleashed a religious revolution that saw Egyptian religion become focused around the worship of "Aten" the sun disk. Akhenaten built an entirely new capital in the desert at Amarna and ordered the names of some of Egypt's deities to be defaced. After Akhenaten's death his son, Tutankhamun, denounced him and returned ancient Egypt to its previous polytheistic religion.

When Egypt came under Greek and Roman rule, the new rulers' gods and goddesses were incorporated into Egyptian religion. Another major change occurred after the first century A.D. when Christianity spread throughout Egypt. At this time Gnosticism, a religion that incorporated some Christian beliefs, also spread throughout Egypt, and a large corpus of Gnostic texts were discovered in 1945 in southern Egypt near the city of Nag Hammadi.

Islam spread throughout the country after A.D. 641, when the country was captured by a Muslim army. Today, Islam is practiced by the majority of Egypt's inhabitants, while a minority are Christian, many being part of the Coptic Church.

Egyptian writing

The earliest inscriptions date back about 5,200 years and were written in a hieroglyphic script.

"Ancient Egyptian was a living oral language, and most hieroglyphs represent the sounds of consonants and certain emphatically expressed vowels," wrote Barry Kemp, a professor of Egyptology at the University of Cambridge, England, in his book " 100 Hieroglyphs: Think Like an Egyptian (opens in new tab)" (Granta Books, 2005). Kemp noted that the ancient Egyptians also developed "an abbreviated 'long hand' form of writing which we call 'hieratic.'" During the first millennium A.D. this abbreviated hieratic script was supplanted by a new form of short-form writing called "Demotic."

Egyptian language changed over the millennia, with scholars often subdividing the surviving writings into categories such as "Old Egyptian," "Middle Egyptian" and "Late Egyptian."

The Greek language became widely used in the time after Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great. In the late 19th century, archaeologists excavated half a million papyri fragments, most of which were written in Greek, at the ancient Egyptian town of Oxyrhynchus in southern Egypt, dating to the early centuries A.D.

Coptic, an Egyptian language that uses the Greek alphabet, was widely used after Christianity spread throughout Egypt. As Greek and Coptic grew in popularity, the use of the hieroglyphic writing style declined and became extinct during the fifth century A.D. After A.D. 641 the Arabic language spread in Egypt and is widely used in the country today.

Additional resources
The tallest men in the world live in the Netherlands, and the tallest women call Latvia home, according to the largest study ever done on people's heights.

The vast project included data from more than 1,400 previous studies that had the heights of more than 18.6 million people in 200 countries. These studies included the heights of people who were 18 during every year between 1914 and 2014, allowing the researchers of the new study to track changes in average heights over time.

They found, for instance, that South Korean women and Iranian men showed the largest increases in average height over the past 100 years, with South Korean women gaining an average of 8 inches (20.2 cm) between 1916 and 2014, and Iranian men growing an average of 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) taller. [Know Your Roots? Human Evolution Quiz]

Men and women in the United States also experienced a growth spurt, but to a lesser degree. In 1914, U.S. men were the third tallest in the world, and U.S. women were the fourth tallest. But despite increases in height of 2.2 inches and 2 inches (6 cm and 5 cm), respectively, U.S. men are now ranked 37th and women are ranked 42nd, the study found.

Humans in most parts of the world are now taller, on average, than their counterparts were 100 years ago. (Image credit: Purch Creative Ops)

In the United Kingdom, both men and women have gained about 4.3 inches (11 cm) over the past 100 years, jumping from 57th to 38th place (for women) and 36th to 31th place (for men). In China, the stature of men and women has increased about 4.3 and 3.9 inches (11 cm and 10 cm), respectively, from 1914 to 2014.

In the modern world, the top 10 tallest nations are all in Europe, and none of them are English-speaking nations, the researchers found.

Roller-coaster trends

This color-coded map shows where the tallest and shortest women lived in 1914 and 2014. (Image credit: NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC))

Some countries hit plateaus over the past 30 to 40 years, although they showed increases in height during the first half of the century, the researchers found.

For instance, the United States plateaued, as did the United Kingdom, Finland and Japan. However, other countries, such as Spain, Italy and several Latin American and East Asian countries, are still increasing in height, they found.

In contrast, other countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, have actually seen declines in height over the past 30 to 40 years.

In these countries, the stagnation or decreases in height could be due to a mix of the wealthy people already receiving the maximum amount of nourishment and health care, and lower-class people getting subpar nutrition, especially during pregnancy, study co-author James Bentham, a research associate at the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, told Live Science.

Why height matters

People's height is partly determined by genetics, but nutrition and environmental factors also play a role, the researchers said. Because conditions such as childhood illness and poor nutrition during pregnancy and childhood can stunt growth, the average height of people can serve as a proxy for how healthy their nation is, the researchers said.

This color-coded map shows where the tallest and shortest men lived in 1914 and 2014. (Image credit: NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC))

Moreover, being taller is associated with longevity, higher education and better earnings, the researchers wrote in the study. Tall people are also less likely to experience heart disease and stroke, and taller women and their children are less likely to have complications before and after childbirth, they said. [Blossoming Body: 8 Odd Changes That Occur During Pregnancy]

But it's not all rosy for tall people. Research shows that tall people are more likely to get some cancers, including colorectal, breast and ovarian cancers, and possibly pancreatic and prostate cancers, they said.

"This study gives us a picture of the health of nations over the past century, and reveals the average height of some nations may even be shrinking while others continue to grow taller," study lead researcher Majid Ezzati, a professor at the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said in a statement. "This confirms we urgently need to address children and adolescents' environment and nutrition on a global scale, and ensure were giving the world's children the best possible start in life."

Ezzati added that the English-speaking world, especially the United States, "is falling behind other high-income nations in Europe and Asia Pacific." These differences in height, when combined with reports about increased obesity, could be a red flag about people's health, and emphasizes the need for better nutrition throughout life, he said.

The study was published online July 26 in the journal eLife.

Quick facts

The average height of 18-year-old men has dropped by as much as 2 inches (5 cm) over the past 40 years in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Sierra Leon, Uganda and Rwanda.

Australia was the only non-European country to be in the top 25 in 2014; its men ranked No. 18 and its women ranked No. 15.

In East Asia, South Korean and Chinese men are now taller than Japanese men.

Adults in the South Asian countries of Bangladesh and India have heights that are plateauing, at about 2 to 4 inches (5 cm to 10 cm) shorter than adults in Japan and South Korea.

The smallest men in 1914 lived in Laos, with an average height of 5 feet (153 cm), which is similar to the height of a well-nourished 12-year-old boy today.

In 1914, the shortest women lived in Guatemala, with an average height of 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm), the same height as a well-nourished 10-year-old girl today.

The nations with the tallest men in 2014 (with their 1914 rankings given in brackets):

Netherlands (12) Belgium (33) Estonia (4) Latvia (13) Denmark (9) Bosnia and Herzegovina (19) Croatia (22) Serbia (30) Iceland (6) Czech Republic (24)

The nations with the tallest women in 2014 (1914 ranking in brackets):

Latvia (28) Netherlands (38) Estonia (16) Czech Republic (69) Serbia (93) Slovakia (26) Denmark (11) Lithuania (41) Belarus (42) Ukraine (43)

Original article on Live Science.
Geographically speaking, Norway is an especially tricky place for motorists. With more than 1,100 fjords  the deep glacial water inlets that divide land masses  driving from point A to point B typically requires points C through Z, several bridges, and a couple of ferry rides.

To remedy the problem, Norway is undertaking an ambitious project to build a fully submerged floating traffic tunnel beneath the waves of the Sognefjord, a troublesome body of water that runs 3,000 feet wide and 4,000 feet deep.

RELATED: World's Longest Rail Tunnel Opens

According to planners, the tunnel would be attached to massive pontoons floating on the surface of the water, and further stabilized by trusses connecting dual tubes. The side-by-side cylinders would enable uninterrupted traffic in both directions, and would hang around 70 to 100 feet under the surface of the water.

(Image credit: The Norwegian Public Roads Administration)

The tunnel would be the first of its kind in the world, and it solves a number of problems that have otherwise stymied public planners. For one thing, certain geographical features around the Sognefjord make suspension bridges or even traditional floating bridges impractical. Bridges are also subject to damage from Norway's famously rough weather.

Underwater tunnels also have the distinct advantage of keeping the waterway clear for commercial ships and  particularly important on the Sognefjord  Navy vessels. The depth of the fjord prohibits conventional tunnels, but a suspended underwater passageway would split the difference nicely.

RELATED: World-Record Bridges, Tunnels Defy All Logic

This is no pipe dream, either. (Well, it is.) Norway has already committed $25 billion in funds toward the project. If all goes according to plan, the Sognefjord tunnels will be completed by 2035.

(Image credit: The Norwegian Public Roads Administration)

Then, depending on the success of the initial structure, additional floating tunnels will be considered for other problem areas within Norway's unique road grid. Planners say that if the long-term models and computer simulations hold up, underwater floating tunnels could cut north-south cross-country drive time in half, from 22 hours to 11 hours.

H/T Inhabitat and Wired

Originally published on Discovery News.
Releases

In this section of the Lockheed Martin Newsroom, you'll find our news releases. The releases are listed in chronological order and are archived by year.
He was just an honest, true gentleman.

These were the words of former county councillor Barney Steele this week as he led tributes to his long time friend and colleague Jimmy Coyle who passed away on Tuesday, July 19.

Mr Coyle, a Fianna Fail Councillor for over three decades boasted an unblemished political record of emerging victorious in every local election he stood in.

He was my mentor, said Mr Steele. If you ever wanted advice and many times I picked up that phone for that advice, Jimmy was always the man I would ring.

Mr Coyle, of Cranley, Mostrim, was first elected to Longford County Council in 1974.

A farmer by trade, the father-of-seven was widely regarded by his fellow peers as one of the county's more adept, though understated, political performers.

That critique was probably best summed up during an interview Mr Coyle conducted with the Leader ahead of the 1979 local elections.

Asked about his long term political aspirations, Mr Coyle replied simply: I went into politics in 1974 to be a good representative for local people - I've no further ambitions.

Everything Jimmy did he excelled at, added Mr Steele. Edgeworthstown was his town and he delivered plenty for it.

The arrival of animal feed manufacturer Paul & Vincent to the town was one such accomplishment, according to Mr Steele. Other achivements, from the upgrading of Edgeworthstown Fire Station to the construction of a new sewage scheme were just as notable.

A devout farming campaigner, many credited his strong working relationship with former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds as one of the reasons Reynolds set up C&D in Edgeworthstown.

Offering his condolences to Rosemary Coyle and her family, former Fianna Fail TD Peter Kelly said that it was a pleasure and an honour to serve on the County Council with Jimmy Coyle and to work with him politically throughout his career.

"He was a straight, honest decent and loyal colleague and he was a man of impeccable character," Mr Kelly said. "He was very cool and calm and he was always a politician with great common sense."

Mr Coyle stepped down from local politics ahead of the 2009 local elections, paving the way for his eldest son, John to run in 2014. However the new boundary did not suit John and he failed to secure the seat.

Jimmy Coyle was fiercely proud of his familys roots in Fianna Fail.

The whole family were all very active members of the Fianna Fail party right back into its foundation, said long time party colleague Benny Reid.

Mr Reid spoke of Mr Coyle's close political relationship with Albert Reynolds and the deep devotion he had for his family.

A lot of us would often say different things to Albert and he would say 'Yeah, yeah, sure, but was anyone talking to Coyle'.

That was the esteem in which he was held.

Offering his sympathies to Jimmy Coyle's loyal and loving family, Fianna Fail TD for Longford Westmeath, Robert Troy added; He was certainly someone that a young politician could look up to for his work ethic, his dedication to public service and his integrity in the manner he carried out his public duties.

Jimmy Coyle is survived by his wife Rosemary, his children John, Seamus, Anna, Eithne, Fintan, Monica and Martin, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

His Funeral Mass was held on Sunday in St Mary's Church, Edgeworthstown with burial afterwards in Aughafin Cemetery.
Killashee hit the national headlines this week when it emerged that Tim Kaine, whom Hillary Clinton has chosen her nomination for Vice-President in the forthcoming Presidential election, has strong local connections.

Local people found themselves guiding TV crews through the area while national newspapers reported on Kaines strong Longford connection. The news has caused considerable excitement in the parish, with some people joking that a Tim Kaine Plaza, similar to the Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall, could soon become a reality.

The Longford Leader first featured Tim Kaine in 2006 when he visited the county with his family.

His great grandfather PJ Farrell was born in Derryadd and emigrated to the US with his family when he was just four years old.

When he visited the site of his homeplace in Derryadd, Killashee in 2006 with his wife Anne and children, Nat, Woody and Annella, he found a hayshed on the spot where his ancestral home used to be. Just two walls of the old homestead remain.

The Longford Leaders Declan Shanley recalls the visit very well. A native of Derryadd, he brought the Kaines to the site and even had the family in for tea and apple tart in his home afterwards.

He was a lovely man, very proud of his Irish roots, Declan recalls.

He remembers the one thing that struck the teenage Kaine children when they visited his house.

I had a basket of turf beside the stove and they were amazed when they seen it because they had never seen turf before!

The Kaines arrived with an armed security team decked out in long coats and sunglasses travelling in cars with tinted windows.

It was, he admits, an incongruous sight in the heart of rural Longford.

They wouldnt come into the house for tea, they just stayed outside, he explained, adding that they let Mr Kaine walk down the mucky fields to the old house on his own as well.

They didnt chance the fields either!

Mr Kaine's ties to the county are very close indeed. His great great grandfather was Patrick Farrell from Killashee and he married Mary Milnamoe from Templemichael in Longford town.

His great grandfather, and son of Patrick, was PJ Farrell who was born in Derryadd and emigrated to the US at the age of 4.

Accompanied by some of his brothers and sisters, the family settled in Illinois and later in Kansas.

PJ married and went on to have eleven children, Mr Kaine explained to the Leader during his visit to Killashee in 2006.

The second youngest Annella, was my paternal grandmother.

Annella passed away before Mr Kaine was born but his daughter Annella - who is now 20 years old - is named after her great-grandmother.

The Farrells settled in another Longford - Longford, Kansas which is situated in the centre of the United States and heavily focused on agriculture.

In a way it makes sense that people from Longford ended up here [Kansas], he added back in 2006. My mom and dad came back to Killashee in the mid 1990s to see the old home and since then I too wanted to visit.

When he arrived almost 10 years ago now, he announced this is something I have wanted to do for a long time.

Hugh Farrell of the Farrell Clan said these latest developments in the United States were very important for Co Longford.

Longford will be in the public eye and we are all happy about that, he smiled.

We would all be hoping that this situation will strengthen ties between the families and with Longford.

Its a long time since Longford had links to the White House, so lets hope they win now!
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events

By Long Island News & PR Published: July 28 2016

Residents who use tobacco encouraged to obtain help through Suffolk County's Learn to Be Tobacco Free program.

The classes are free to Suffolk County residents, though there is a nominal fee for medication for medically eligible participants.

Suffolk County, NY - July 26, 2016 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Health Commissioner James Tomarken, MD, encourage residents who use tobacco to obtain help in breaking their addiction through Suffolk Countys Learn to Be Tobacco Free program.

We are promoting good health to all residents in Suffolk County, said County Executive Bellone. For those who are addicted to tobacco or nicotine products, we urge them to get the support they need to prevent illnesses that are caused by tobacco.

Breaking an addiction to nicotine can be very difficult, said Dr. Tomarken. Studies have shown that smokers who try to quit smoking using a combination of behavioral support and medicine are three times more likely to be successful than those who try to stop smoking without support.

The classes are free to Suffolk County residents, though there is a nominal fee for medication for medically eligible participants. Classes are as follows:

Riverhead

Peconic Bay Medical Center

1300 Roanoke Ave

Riverhead, NY 11901

Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, September 6, 2016

Reunion: September 27, 2016

Contact: 631-548-6827

Nesconset

Nesconset Public Library

148 Smithtown Blvd.

Nesconset, NY 11767

Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, August 11, 18, 25, September 1, 8, 15, 2016

Reunion: October 6, 2016

Contact: 631-360-2480 x235

Learn more about the Tobacco Free program, by going to the Program Website
Pets & Animal, Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: July 28 2016

Recent missions carried out by ECOs include case of illegal shark parts and joint enforcement for sea scallops in Suffolk County.

Suffolk County, NY - July 27, 2016 - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) enforce the 71 Chapters of NY Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.

In 2015, the 268 ECOs based across the state responded to 25,000 calls and issued 22,000 tickets for crimes ranging from deer poaching to corporate toxic dumping to illegal mining, black market pet trade and excessive emissions violations.

"From Montauk Point to Mount Marcy, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, the ECOs who patrol our state are the first line of defense in protecting New York's environment and our natural resources, ensuring that they exist for future generations of New Yorkers," said Commissioner Basil Seggos. "They labor through long and arduous hours, often deep in our remote wildernesses or in the tight confines of our urban landscapes, and without much public fanfare. But their work centers around the most important things we do at the DEC."

Recent missions carried out by ECOs include:

Illegal Shark Parts - Suffolk County

On July 6, ECOs Jeff Hull, Kevin Holzle and Ron Gross performed fish market inspections throughout the towns of Smithtown and Islip. They were finishing up their day when one of the officers observed a large styrofoam container with shellfish stacked on top. Inspection of the container led to the discovery of a thresher shark tail, a mako shark tail and multiple shark fins. The owner was quick to make excuses for why he had the shark fins in his shop. He was issued a summons for Illegal Possession of Shark Fins without the Carcass.



ECOs counting the illegal scallop catch. Photo Credit: NYS DEC.

Joint Enforcement For Sea Scallops - Suffolk County

On July 6, ECOs Jordan Doroski and Landon Simmons were patrolling the fish docks at Shinnecock Inlet from an unmarked vehicle. As the Officers watched vessels returning to the inlet, a commercial sea scallop boat caught their attention when four crew members climbed onto the cabin roof and appeared to be looking closely around the area. The ECOs also observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot, occupied by a middle aged man on his cell phone. Officers have encountered "scouts" being used in the Shinnecock Inlet area in the past to alert fishing vessels with illegal harvests to the presence of law enforcement. ECOs Doroski and Simmons determined that particular boat would be appropriate to be inspected for compliance with federal sea scallop regulations. The ECOs met the vessel at the dock. The captain agreed to offload the entire catch while the ECOs called National Marine Fisheries Service Special Agent Todd Smith to assist in counting the catch. The total catch was 109 bushels of whole sea scallops and one small bag of sea scallop meat, putting the vessel more than 35 bushels over federal regulation limits. The case was turned over to Special Agent Smith for further investigation and enforcement.

If you witness an environmental crime or believe a violation of environmental law occurred please call the DEC Division of Law Enforcement hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267).
Pets & Animal, Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: July 28 2016

Lee Hughes to remain in custody until sentencing.

Mineola, NY - July 27, 2016 - Today July 27, 2016 Nassau County SPCA Detectives escorted Lee Hughes into Judge Angelo A. Delligatti Courtroom where Judge Delligatti remanded Lee Hughes to remain in custody until sentencing. The Nassau County SPCA will advice court advocacy members of the sentencing date.

Miss Harper was found in September 2013, when she was just a puppy, with her back leg and both her ears cut off. Lee Hughes was scheduled to be sentenced today Monday July 11, 2016 9:30 am, Lee Hughes pleaded guilty to his part in the in the horrendous act of cruelty to Miss Harper. Lee Hughes did not show up for sentencing and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The Nassau County SPCA is eternally grateful to the advocacy members who continue to show their support in our quest for justice for Miss Harper.

The Nassau County SPCA Court Advocacy members will be present at all proceeding to convey a strong message to the defendant, the judge, and all other interested parties in the criminal justice system: this community cares about the outcome of these animal abuse cases.
Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: July 28 2016

Nearly four kilograms of heroin and fentanyl have been seized and 24 people arrested on drug possession and conspiracy charges.

Suffolk County, NY - July 27, 2016 - Nearly four kilograms of heroin and fentanyl have been seized and 24 people arrested on drug possession and conspiracy charges as a result of an investigation into ten fatal overdoses in Suffolk and Nassau Counties and nine drug overdoses in which individuals were revived with Narcan, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota announced today.

DA Spota, joined by Kevin Larkin, Assistant Special Agent in Charge - Long Island Office of the DEA, Suffolk County Police Chief of Detectives, Gerard Gigante, SCPD Inspector Armando Valencia, Detective Lieutenant Timothy Dillon, the Commanding Officer of the Suffolk County Police Narcotics Section, and Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Kate Wagner of the SCDA Narcotics Bureau, estimated the heroin/fentanyl distribution network brought more than 3,000 bags of heroin-fentanyl and pure fentanyl into Long Island communities from New York City drug mills every week.

They cut the heroin with fentanyl more than most drug dealers; sometimes up to 50 %, but they also sold pure fentanyl in individual glassine bags to drug users for whom heroin no longer provided the euphoric high they were looking for, District Attorney Spota said, adding that law enforcement believes the fentanyl sold by members of the network is manufactured in illicit labs in Mexico and China.

Because of the potency of the 50-50 heroin-fentanyl mixture, and the pure fentanyl doses, the distribution ring has been tied to 10 fatal overdoses - eight in Suffolk County and two in Nassau County. There have been nine non-fatal overdoses; seven in Suffolk and two in Nassau in which the drug users were revived with NARCAN. The overdoses occurred between September of 2015 to May of this year.

The District Attorney said that first responders cognizant of the increased presence of fentanyl at overdose scenes are now wearing masks and gloves to protect themselves from its effects and police officers executing search warrants related to heroin sales carry NARCAN in case of exposure to fentanyl.

Among those arrested is a 29 year old Mastic Beach man, Roxy A. Headley Jr., alleged to be to one of the major suppliers of fentanyl and heroin in the metropolitan area. Headley is charged with operating as a major trafficker, conspiracy in the second degree, and weapons charges. Headley is a prior felony offender and believed to be an active member of the Bloods street gang.

During the course of the investigation law enforcement learned Headleys primary source of supply for heroin and fentanyl was Carlos Torres, 34, of Wyandanch. Torres, arrested July 18, is incarcerated in the county jail and charged with operating as a major trafficker and conspiracy in the second degree. A total of six defendants are charged with the A-1 felony operating as a major trafficker charge. The maximum sentence for operating as a major trafficker is 25 years to life. (Names of the defendants and their criminal charges below).

DEA Special Agent in Charge James Hunt stated, "One overdose is one too many; and every day, more than 120 people die from an opiate related overdose in the U.S. The heroin trafficking organizations, like the Headley drug crew, are reaping blood money off the sale of heroin and fentanyl. DEA, along with our state and local law enforcement counterparts, are committed to working together to disrupt and dismantle heroin trafficking organizations in every community."

The Commissioner of the Nassau Police Department, Thomas Krumpter, said This recent arrest for heroin, fentanyl and illegal firearms possession is another example of how the Nassau/Suffolk Heroin Task Force has been working in conjunction with federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure that we are doing our very best to put a stop to this epidemic. These arrests should also serve as a reminder and send a strong message to these drug dealers that this criminal behavior will not be tolerated.

Chief of Detectives Gerard Gigante of the Suffolk County Police Department said the Suffolk-Nassau Heroin Task Force is focusing on overdose incidents and targeting the dealers who cause them. Chief Gigante said that to date, counting one fatal heroin overdose last night, there have been 188 fatal overdoses in Suffolk County this year, about one every 30 hours.

Our message is consistent and clear: if you peddle this poison in our communities, the Suffolk County Police Department is coming after you, Chief Gigante said.

Fentanyl/Heroin Investigation 7-27-2016 - Defendant List

Roxy Headley Jr.

Mastic Beach, NY

Operating as a Major Trafficker

Conspiracy 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd

Arrest Date: 7/19/16

Defense Attorney: Harry Tilis

Guillermo Torres

Massapequa, NY

Operating as a Major Trafficker

Conspiracy 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/18/16

Defense Attorney: Christopher Gioe

Edward Gonzalez

Bronx, NY

Operating as a Major Trafficker

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/19/16

Defense Attorney: David Levine

Melquisedec Puello

Middle Village, NY

Operating as a Major Trafficker

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/18/16

Defense Attorney: John Scarpa

Keidy Rodriguez Nunez aka Anthony Nunez

Ozone Park, NY

Operating as a Major Trafficker

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/19/16

Defense Attorney: Telesforo Del Valle Jr.

Carlos Torres

Wyandanch, NY

Operating as a Major Trafficker

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/18/16

Defense Attorney: Christopher Cassar

Paul Colletti

Deer Park, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Weapon 3rd

Arrest Date: 7/19/16

Defense Attorney: George Harmel

Wayne Dunkley

Brentwood, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/19/16

Defense Attorney: Chauncey Henry

Berline Francois

Wyandanch, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/18/16

Defense Attorney: Christopher Cassar

Bonita Genao

Middle Village, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/18/16

Defense Attorney: Warren Silverman

Roxy Headley Sr.

Mastic, NY

Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th

Arrest Date: 7/16/16

Defense Attorney: Mary Beth Abbate

Ryan Jones

Deer Park, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/16/16

Defense Attorney: Paul Barahal

Thomas Leahey

Ronkonkoma, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/19/16

Defense Attorney: Eric Besso



Monte McCall

Deer Park, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/16/16

Defense Attorney: Channing Kury

Jacqueline Pabon

Brentwood, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/21/16

Defense Attorney: Robert Flink

Vincent Puleo

Deer Park, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/19/16

Defense Attorney: Legal Aid Society



Elizabeth Rasmussen

Massapequa, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd

Arrest Date: 7/18/16

Defense Attorney: Steve Fondulis

Emmitt Smith

West Babylon, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd

Arrest Date: 7/16/16

Defense Attorney: Michael Jin

Jose Torres

Undomiciled

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/20/16

Defense Attorney: William Sammis



Tramont Ware

Wyandanch, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/21/16

Defense Attorney: Robert Macedonio

Yusuf Williams

Deer Park, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Arrest Date: 7/21/16

Defense Attorney: Robert Curran

Justin Zmitrovis

Deer Park, NY

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd

Arrest Date: 7/18/16

Defense Attorney: Harry Tilis

Mark Zmitrovis

Deer Park, NY

Conspiracy 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd

Arrest Date: 7/19/16

Defense Attorney: Ian Fitzgerald

Each defendant has entered a plea of not guilty.
Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com

Columnists Press Releases
Iranian media reported on July 27 that senior military commander Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Naghdi visited Quneitra in southwestern Golan Heights in Syria by the border of the occupied territories, or the Israeli-controlled part. Naghdi is the head of the paramilitary Organization for the Mobilization of the Oppressed, also known as the Basij, which falls under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The media did not reveal the precise date of the visit, only that it was recent. Two photos of Naghdi were published.

Senior Iranian military commanders are known to operate in the Quneitra area. In January 2015, Israeli helicopter missile strikes killed several high value targets including IRGC Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Allahdadi, Hezbollah field commander Mohammad Issa, and Jihad Mughniyeh, son of slain Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh. Israel and Hezbollah almost found themselves at war, with heightened Hezbollah and Iranian rhetoric, coupled by a Hezbollah strike on an Israeli military patrol, which was then followed by bellicose Israeli statements.

Hezbollahs al-Manar TV said the convoy was struck while inspecting positions in the village of Mazraat Amal, which is an area where the Lebanese group was giving crucial help to pro-government forces fighting rebels from al Nusra Front, al Qaedas Syrian affiliate.

There has been increased fighting between pro-regime forces and Syrian rebels in the past several weeks in Quneitra. In addition, there have been cross-border incidents in the past month between the Israeli and the Syrian side involving stray mortar fires and a drone briefly crossing into Israel. No casualties have been reported from the Israel-Syria flares.

Amir Toumaj is a independent analyst and contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The Iraqi government has officially incorporated the Iranian-supported Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as an independent military formation in Iraqs security forces. The move, which was approved by Iraqs prime minister in February, is disturbing as it establishes the PMF as a parallel security organization akin to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Influential PMF commanders have openly expressed their affinity for Irans supreme leader and the head of IRGCs Qods Force.

The establishment of the Popular Mobilization Forces, or Hashid al Shaabi, as a permanent and separate security entity was codified by Prime Minister Haidar al Abadi on Feb. 22, 2016, according to an official government document published by Al Arabiya. The existence of the document, known as Office Order 91, was disclosed by Ahmed al Asadi, the spokesman for the PMF.

The PMF was established in June 2014 after the Iraqi military and police forces were overwhelmed by the Islamic State in northern, central, and western Iraq. Clerics put out the call for Iraq to support the collapsing security forces. Established militias that are supported by Iran and have openly fought US and British troops during the occupation answered the call and dominate the PMF. They were organized under the aegis of the PMF.

According to Office Order 91, the PMF will be an independent military formation and a part of the Iraqi armed forces, and linked to the general commander of the armed forces. The commander of Iraqs armed forces is its prime minister.

The PMF will act in a manner comparable to the current (counterterrorism apparatus), in terms of organization and affiliation. Iraqs counterterrorism force, known as the Golden Division, skirts the military chain of command and reports directly to Iraqs prime minister. The Golden Division is know to run secret prisons and has conducted extrajudicial killings.

Order 91 notes that the new official military formation will be manned by the PMFs staff, brigades, and members. This means that individuals such as Abu Mahdi al Muhandis, who serves as the operations leader of the PMF, will retain a top leadership position with the approval of the government. Muhandis was listed by the US government as a specially designated global terrorist in July 2009 and was described as an advisor to Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani. He also leads the Hezbollah Brigades, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization that is one of several Iranian-backed militias that operates in Iraq.

While Order 91 claims that the PMF will be cut from all political, party and social frameworks, and political work will be prohibited in its ranks, this is highly unlikely given the nature of the militias that are included. For instance, Muqtada al Sadrs so-called Peace Brigades is an armed militia of his political party. The same is true for militias such as the Badr Brigades. The Iranian-backed Iraqi militias will retain and expand the network infrastructure that has been organized and funded by the IRGC since the fall of Saddam in 2003. The PMF claims that it is not a sectarian organization, but its brigades have been accused of razing Sunni towns and have even threatened Christians in Baghdad.

Iraqs IRGC

The Iraqi Prime Ministers order will establish Iraqs own IRGC, institutionalizing Tehrans influence in the country. Although not all PMF forces answer to Tehran and there are units that follow Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the network backed by IRGC has the most sizable, experienced, strongest, organized, trained, and funded militias. The experiences of the IRGC in Iran and and Hezbollah in Lebanon serve as precedents for how this Iraqi network can expand its influence.

The IRGC was established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, in the early days of the 1979 Islamic Revolution as a conglomeration of pro-Khomeini militias to consolidate clerical rule in Iran based on Khomeinis theory of the velayat-e faghih (guardianship of the jurisprudence). Khomeini envisioned exporting the revolution and rallying the Islamic world under its banner, though the message of a Persian Shia cleric did not appeal to Sunni Arabs. The IRGCs purpose and identity is based upon two principles: absolute obedience to the Leader of the Revolution, also known as the Supreme Leader, and defending Khomeinis revolution.

The IRGC teaches and reinforces these ideological principles among its proxies. Proxy building aims to materialize the Guards mission of exporting the revolution abroad. The Qods Force and its Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani are tasked with executing this strategy.

The IRGC has functioned in parallel to the regular Iranian Army, distrusted by the clerics due to its ties to the ancien regime. By the end of the Iran-Iraq War, the Guard evolved from a military organization into a classic military organization, though it still follows asymmetric and revolutionary warfare. The IRGC interprets the mission to defend the revolution broadly: it is active beyond the military and security realm and has significant presence in politics and economy. The Guard is now the most powerful institution in Iran.

IRGC has successfully replicated itself in Lebanon, helping to establish Hezbollah in the 1980s. This is the crown jewel of the Guards proxy model in Arab lands. Hezbollah has become the dominant force in Lebanon. Hezbollah openly swears allegiance to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. So do the IRGC-backed Iraqi Shia militia leaders, who have been carefully vetted by Guard commanders.

The IRGC, Hezbollah, and Iraqi Shia militias stoke instability and sectarian tension in the Middle East to advance Tehrans interests. Their violent activities feed into Sunni jihadist propaganda and recruitment, creating a vicious cycle of sectarianism in the Middle East. They perpetuate a state of regional chaos while projecting themselves as the only forces capable of defending the faithful against external threats. These groups tighten their grip on their communities through force, intimidation, and politically outmaneuvering their opponents. Members of society that oppose their radical ideology defer to their authority for security. Propaganda is not intended to necessarily convince most of the population, just enough to provide a base of committed recruits. Expanding organizational capabilities help put down internal rebellion, as the IRGC brutally crushed the 2009 post-election protests in Iran. A dedicated minority with monopoly on violence can rule the majority for decades. The IRGCs proxy model has succeeded in establishing and consolidating itself during wars and instability.

Hezbollah gained prestige in the Lebanese Shia community by fighting Israel and forcing it to withdraw from south Lebanon, and now says it is the only group that is keeping jihadists at bay in Syria. Iraqi Shia militias similarly fought against the US occupation and al Qaeda, and are now fighting against the Islamic State, which has committed numerous atrocities against Shias. The Iraqi and Lebanese Shia minorities have been historically oppressed, and these experiences have been seared into the communities collective consciousness. Militias give the communities a sense of empowerment.

In the past, the IRGC portrayed itself as the preeminent force capable of defending Iran against Saddams Iraq and the perceived threat of US military invasion, and now keeping the country safe as an island of stability in a region embroiled in turmoil  which is unstable thanks in large part to its own activities. Khameneis weekly publication, The Line of Hezbollah, ran in mid-July a front page with Soleimanis picture among combatants with the headline, Why does Iran enjoy the blessing of stability in a regional full of crisis: it owes the Haj Qassems.

Pro-IRGC propaganda is crystallized in the Axis of Resistance, the alliance of state and non-state actors led by Tehran against the US and its regional allies including Israel and Saudi Arabia. The goal is to resist and overturn the status quo in the Middle East. The axis is primarily comprised by Iran, Syria, Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraqi Shia militias. It has expanded to include Afghan and Pakistani Shia militias and supports the Houthi movement in Yemen. The formation of Iraqi IRGC bolsters the axis led by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Full text of Office Order 91

Pursuant to the Provisions of Article (78) of the Constitution,

And based upon the requirements of public interests, and for the purpose of restructuring and reorganizing the Hashid al Shaabi organization and the forces belonging to it. We have decided on the following:  1. The Hashid al Shaabi will be an independent military formation and a part of the Iraqi armed forces, and linked to the general commander of the armed forces. 2. This formation will act in a manner comparable to the current (counterterrorism apparatus), in terms of organization and affiliation. 3. The formation will be comprised of a leadership, a General Staff , and fighting formations and brigades. 4. This formation and its members will be subject to military regulations [laws] that issue forth from all entities. 5. The assignment of the members, officials and commanders of this formation will be done according to military procedures, concerning its hierarchy, salaries, provisions, and its rights and duties general. 6. The connection of the members of the Hashid al Shaabi organization will be cut from all political, party and social frameworks, and political work will be prohibited in its ranks. 7. The military formation will be formed from the organization of the Hashid al Shaabi, from among its staff, brigades, and members who will adhere to what has been set forth in the description of this organization, and within three months. 8. The concerned parties/agencies will be tasked with carrying out its provisions. Haidar al-Abadi

Prime Minister

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces

February 22, 2016 Facsimile Copy to:

 The Defense Ministry  General Secretariat

 The Interior Ministry  Ministers Office

 The National Security Council

 The Iraqi National Intelligence Apparatus

 The Counterterrorism Apparatus

 Hashid al Shaabi

 The Joint Operations Command

 [Last line is illegible]

David Daoud contributed to this article.

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Lifestyle / Alcohol

The worlds largest wine trade fair has released more information on Vinexpo Japans second run, slated to be held in November.

Jul 28, 2016 | By Luxuo

The last we left Vinexpo, it was in Hong Kong, where the wine trade event revealed Singapores favorite wine and made some interesting observations about Japan. Later this year, Vinexpo returns to Japan, the first return visit since its debut in 2014.

It is no surprise that Japan was chosen as the destination, with the nation being the number one Asian market for spirit imports, as well as the second largest for imported wines. In fact, wine imports last year climbed to a value of 1.41 billion euros, which is a nearly four percent increase relative to 2014. With wine consumption on the rise in Japan, it is forecasted in a previously published Vinexpo market study (linked above) that by 2017, Japanese consumers will drink 37 million cases (or a total of almost 445 million bottles!), another four percent increase from 2013 to 2017.

With the Japanese audiences strong appetite for wine, Vinexpo Tokyo is expected to attract 4,500 trade visitors. Should you wish to contribute to that number, Vinexpo Japan will take place November 15 to 16 at Prince Park Tower Hotel.

This story is also available in Bahasa Indonesia. Read it here: Vinexpo Jepang Kembali Digelar
Inside the Bintan Villa Priced at US $10,000 A Night

"Seems like a lot to pay for one night, I know, said The Sanchaya's estate manager Anshuman Narayan. But when money is no object, and you're shopping for a memory to last a lifetime, the cost may very well turn out to be a bigger bargain than you'd thought."So what does one get for $10,000 per night?A four-bedroom beachfront presidential suite, the Vanda Villa, to start. The luxe accommodation comes with an around-the-clock butler, a dedicated chef in its kitchen, private infinity pool and a separate guest house.The Sanchaya is located 45 minutes from Singapore by ferry, on a secluded stretch of beach whose powder white sands rival those made famous by The Maldives. All of that beach is but a few steps from the Vanda Villa's sprawling terrace.Spanning a total of 1045 square metres, The Vanda Villa has already played host to royal families from the Middle East, celebrities from around the world, private wedding parties and major product launches.The villa is bedecked with neutral, crisp and earthy tones, polished parquet floors, Chinese-style cabinets, and rare pieces of art and furnishings that open windows on Singapore's history and culture. Other exquisite touches include customized Luzern bone china designs and table glassware from Austria's House of Riedel.Named for Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim' orchid, the hotel's premier accommodation draws inspiration from the Lion City's black and white houses, tropical beauty and architectural heritage.Each of the two-storey villa's four bedrooms boasts king size beds and customised encaustic tiled bathrooms with separate Lefroy Brooks clawfoot baths and showers.The clawfoot baths anchor The Sanchaya's 'romantic bath ritual', Featuring chocolate strawberries and champagne, or cheese and port, or canapes and single malt or wine. Candlelight and customized bath salts round out the ritual.Other luxuries on offer include wine and cheese tastings with the estate's sommelier, in-villa massages with your choice of customized chakras oils, and private sessions with the yoga instructor.Plush Singaporean Ploh bed and bath linen and a pillow menu offering an array of European neck, body and reading pillows amplify the comfort levels.The Vanda's technological charms include a Bang & Olufsen TV and sound systems, iPads with a broad spectrum of pre-loaded movies and Apple TV.On the 9.6 hectare Sanchaya estate, the facilities include a croquet lawn, Olympic-size infinity pool, two restaurants and The Bar, replete with vintage prints, antique telescopes, porter chairs and other trappings of a 19th Century Explorer's Club.Housing birdcage chandeliers, pith helmets, large brown tufted lounges and a vast selection of handpicked books, The Salon and Library is The Sanchaya's wine, cheese and cigar lounge. An adjacent glass-walled space, called Decanter, stocks hundreds of wine labels.For more information visitor call +62 770 692200.
Summertime Family Fun at New York's Sherry-Netherland Hotel

The iconic hotel at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street is inviting guests young and old to explore the city that never sleeps by bookingmaking for one luxurious family slumber party.Families who book this two-night stay receive a $50 gift card to the Apple Store located just one block south of the hotel, children receive memorable NYC keepsakes, and four $10 MetroCard's, good for travel on the NYC public transit system along with a beautiful map of Central Park that allows guests to explore this magnificent landmark just across the street. Known as New York City's "backyard" and just steps from the hotel, Central Park offers a picture-perfect setting, from lounging on the Great Lawn, boating on the Lake, or taking in a horse and carriage ride. In addition, two rollaway beds can be added to the room at no additional charge.The Sherry's NYC keepsakes for childrenRecently named the #1 Top Hotel in the United States in 2016 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for Hotels, The Sherry-Netherland is a timeless New York City classic offering world-class accommodations and European-style service. With a total of 164 residential units, 50 of which are dedicated hotel rooms and suites, each is individually decorated and maintain original architectural details including decorative fireplaces, crown moldings and high ceilings, and some offer views of Central Park. Additionally, a few of the stunning marble bathrooms still feature the original pedestal sinks with nickel plated faucets from the 1920s.Rates for The Sherry-Netherland's "The Family Getaway" featuring an interior suite start at $1,199.00 per night and requires a two-night minimum stay. All guests of The Sherry enjoy complimentary WiFi, daily newspaper, sodas and mineral waters from in-room refrigerators, coffee and tea, fresh flowers in each room, Louis Sherry chocolates gift box, local calls, shoe shine, L'Occitane amenities, and use of the hotel's Fitness Center and Business Center. In addition, all guests of The Sherry Netherland receive a 20% discount when dining at the Harry Cipriani restaurant.For more information or to make a reservation, call 877.743.7710 or visit
Daylife is an easy-to-use, secure journal for Mac with advanced editing features for all occasions with rich text formatting, unlimited photos, and more.

The idea of committing each days events to a diaryor as Greg Heffley repeatedly reminds us in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, its a journalfeels a bit out of place in our fast-paced, social networking world. But that hasnt stopped developers from thriving with apps like Day One ($30 on the Mac App Store), which succeeds at modernizing this once-popular ritual in digital form.

Search the Mac App Store and youll find nearly 100 titles capable of collecting such memoirs. The latest is made by Chronos, a publisher best known for OS X productivity tools such as Greeting Card Shop, iScrapbook, and PrintLife, who has proven they have the programming chops to create good software.

Theres a lot to like about Daylife, which features a slick user interface that makes it easy to keep a diary or journal of each days activities.

Theyve certainly done so again with Daylife ($40), but unlike the companys previous creations that work great as self-contained applications, this one feels strangely disconnected from todays mobile, socially-minded world.

Whats your story?

With all due respect to Mr. Heffley, Daylife is the digital equivalent of a diary used to record daily entries in for future rediscovery, which can be embellished with rich text formatting, photos, and location data. Like other Chronos software, Daylife offers a polished user interface thats slick and easy to use.

You dont even have to open Daylife to make an entryjust start typing in the quick entry window from the menu bar.

Its also eerily reminiscent of Day One, my current go-to journaling software. The window is split across three panes, with weather and calendar dashboards above the list of journals on a dark sidebar along the left edge and a list of entries at center; the currently selected entry takes up the remainder of the space.

While the basic premise is similar, I prefer some of Daylifes UI choices, including the sidebar (which can also be used to stack journals into subcategories) and the bolder, cleaner look of entry headers, which display the date along with buttons for importing photos, adding tags or location, and marking favorites.

Both apps offer a background helper accessible from the menu bar. Its a fast, easy way to add new entries, although Day One has the upper hand with its ability to also tag entries from the same place. The tables turn back in Daylifes favor when it comes to the number of journals you can create, and how many photos can be added to each one. Day One imposes a strict maximum of 10 in both cases, while Daylife allows an unlimited number of each.

You can change the date and location of existing entries, but theres no way to manually override the time when it was created or edited.

Mobile dilemma

Daylife is also better at displaying multiple images as square thumbnails in a scrolling horizontal grid for a cleaner layout, but youre out of luck if you want to take a closer looktheres no way to Quick Look or view images larger. The app also cant add or edit the entry time, and ignores GPS information embedded with imported photos, instead geotagging the current location of your computer. In the latest update, the location can be manually updated on a per-entry basis from a searchable map.

The biggest hurdle facing Daylife is mobility. Unless a MacBook is your constant companion, theres no way to pen entries on the go from an iOS app, or easily sync journals between multiple Macs, since the database is buried deep inside the users Home folder. This shouldnt be surprising, since Chronos offers little in regards to mobile, or cloud sync for that matter. (The companys lone iOS app, NoteLife ($5 in the iTunes Store](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/notelife/id332331369)), hasnt been updated in nearly three years.)

Daylife is also largely an island unto itself. Users can import or export text data, but theres no way to share entries other than to print or save as PDF files, which omit images and maps. Although real-world diaries tend to be private, the fun of having a digital version is the ability to selectively share entries, something you cant do here.

Since theres no cloud sync or mobile connectivity, Daylife is great for privacy, and all journals are protected with AES-256 encryption.

On the plus side, Daylife is well-suited to privacy advocates, because journal entries are secured with AES-256 encryption. Chronos is pushing out frequent updates, so Im hopeful there will be improvements on some of my concerns. In the meantime, theres a 30-day trial version available from the companys website, so Id recommend giving it a spin before committing to purchase.

Bottom line

Daylife has a lot of potential with a great look and feel, but is quite limited in its present form compared to rivals like Day One.
Apple announced on Wednesday that the company has sold 1 billion iPhones. Thats a huge milestone, but its timing is strangely awkward. Tim Cook told employees in Cupertino that the billionth iPhone was sold last week, but this announcement comes just one day after Apples Q3 2016 saw disappointing iPhone sales, declining to 40.4 million units sold, from 47.5 million in the year-ago quarter.

Last week we passed another major milestone when we sold the billionth iPhone, Cook said in a press release. We never set out to make the most, but weve always set out to make the best products that make a difference. Thank you to everyone at Apple for helping change the world every day.

The next iPhone revision is expected in September, but rumors suggest Apple isnt significantly altering its design to be much different than the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. A bigger redesign is allegedly on track for 2017, which means that this coming year might be another crappy year for iPhone sales. Especially if Apple cant figure out how to convince people that theyre better off without a headphone jack.

We never set out to make the most, but weve always set out to make the best.

Still, even if it does turn out that iPhone sales have peaked, Apple isnt about to give up on its most popular product of all time. After revitalizing the lineup with the switch to bigger screen sizes in 2014, the company even doubled back in early 2016 with the iPhone SE, a 4-inch phone for people who werent interested in a larger model.

And Apple knows that new growth is going to happen outside the United States, hence its recent emphasis on opening more stores in China as well as expanding to India. Tim Cook remained optimistic during Tuesdays earnings call about iPhone growth in those markets, as well as the iPhone SE. I really like what Ive seen with the iPhone SE, and the fact that its opening the door to customers that we werent reaching before, and likely convincing some people to upgrade that wanted a smaller form factor, he said.

One billion iPhones is no small feat. But its not the end of the story. The reaction to this falls iPhone, as well as the big switch to OLED screens rumored for 2017, will be telling. Apple cant reinvent the iPhone every year, but incremental adjustments to the best-selling phone might not be enough to keep it on top.
Another big traffic sign just appeared, pointing straight the Apple Car: Longtime Apple executive Bob Mansfield is reportedly now in charge of Project Titan, which is the code-name for the Apple Car. Thats great news if you are eager to see this thing really happen, although the rumor does come along with a new ship estimation of 2021. Hopefully this wont be one of those things thats always five years down the road.

Elsewhere, Yahoo was sold to Verizon, and we have opinions. Lots of security stories popped up this week, and Glenn can unpack them all so you stay informed but not panicked. And the Apple Watch helped save Chuck La Tournouss life during a recent cardiac episode. Happily, hes fully recovered and wrote about his experiences for Macworldas well as how the watch is helping him stay heart-healthy to avoid future problems. (Knock wood and eat kale.)

Show notes

You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review! right here in iTunes. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/58576458-macworld/tracks

To find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on Soundcloud.
Mumbai: A Kozhikode bound Indigo-airlines flight from Dubai made an emergency landing at Mumbai airport after a passenger started a brawl with the co passengers and cabin crew. The man, suspected to be mentally unstable also raised slogans against Islamic State when the plane was in mid air.

After turning violent, he was overpowered by the fellow passengers and handed over to the CISF when the plane touched Mumbai.

The police said that he had not raised any IS slogan as initially reported. Meanwhile, the identity of the man was not revealed. After off-loading the passenger, the flight took off and reached Kozhikode three hours late.
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Coastal Aviation - The Flying Safari Company - is an airline which has been operating out of Dar es Salaam since 1988. Coastal's management has extensive experience in air charter in East Africa and its experienced team of pilots and engineers have been selected among the best in the region. Coastal developed the Scheduled Flying Safari to offer small parties and single persons the opportunity to join into an adventure which would otherwise have prohibitive costs. Coastal's operations cover Tanzania, as well as nearby countries and occasionally South Africa.

Interview with Julian Edmunds, Managing Director at Coastal Aviation

Coastal has now been operating for 29 years. What changes have you seen in the role of your industry since then?

A huge, massive growth. We started in 1988 with one Cessna 206, which is a five-passenger seat aircraft, and now Coastal has 20 Cessna Grand Caravans, with 13 seats, and four Pilatus PC12, which are pressurized nine-seat commuter aircrafts. Still, we are adding two more in order to have a fleet of 26 aircrafts. Back in those days, there were three more companies of aviation services, and now there are probably 12 similar companies, in varied sizes. The second biggest company now has 13 Caravans. Each one of these airplanes is worth US$ 2,6 million, so it is quite a feasible investment. We were the first company to bring a Cessna Grand Caravan to Tanzania, in the late nineties. There are now 70 of them in the country. So there was big growth, in some ways, too much of it. At the moment, the supply of seats is probably outstripping the demand for tours, so there is quite a lot of overcapacity, what is causing little price wars. But the scenario is pretty good. The big problem is that it is a very seasonal activity. In July and August we are frantic, but in other times of the year companies often got lot of capital, equipment and pilots sitting on the ground. And you still got to pay them through the year.

Do you think that TTB (Tanzania Tourist Board) should focus on diversifying the industry by expanding different geographical options and tourist attractions to meet the expectations of a broader range of tourists?

Tanzania is in the middle of Africa. It is a diverse country, with lots of different people. To a degree, we do represent the soul of Africa.

It is a difficult question. To a certain extent, I am a little bit skeptical about it. I feel we are almost going backwards. Tourism in Tanzania is becoming more polarized between the wildebeest migrations and the beaches of Zanzibar. Slightly less popular parks are now getting fewer visitations. As Serengeti and Ngorongoro get busier, places like Katavi seem to be getting a lot quieter. I think more needs to be done to encourage people to experience the other parks of Tanzania. We have had some negative publicity in places like the Selous Game Reserve and in Ruaha National Park, and that is having a negative effect. So, while we are seeing a huge growth in Serengeti, there are declining businesses in the Selous Game Reserve. We need to concentrate in destination marketing of those areas. We need to get a balance, because otherwise we are going to damage our product in the long term. At the moment, a lot of people cant see it. They just look at Serengeti and see how busy it is. What they are not seeing is that everywhere else is not as busy as should or could be.

Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park

Is Tanzania doing enough to properly market itself to the world?

I feel very sorry for those who work at the government tourism boards, because they are never going to please everybody. They have quite a small budget and have to please their political masters, so they will often carry out strategies that have more to do with ego than with effectiveness. I think the Tanzania Tourist Board tries very hard, but it is an open-ended question if they are always effective. The Soul of Africa [Tanzanias official tourism motto], though, is a good line. We had the interesting challenge of trying to get a new motto. It used to be The Land of Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Zanzibar, but that was a bit mouthful. Then they tried to change it into something very disappointing and we managed to avoid it. Tanzania is in the middle of Africa. It is a diverse country, with lots of different people. To a degree, we do represent the soul of Africa.

How can we compare Tanzanias efforts with Kenyas and Ugandas in terms of generating tourism employment?

Tourism employment in Uganda is largely driven by tourist demand. The one thing Tanzania has is a perception of stability. Very fortunately, we dont have security issues as Kenya, so it gives us a very good platform to build actions. But there is no doubt that Kenyas tourism board is much more dynamic. They had to be, because of their needs for dynamic leadership and creativity. In Kenya, all competitors come together in times of crisis. They work very effectively and put their arms around each other to go out as the brand Kenya. When Kenya is busy, everyone is well. It is quite entertaining when you see them in travel conventions around the world. You can always tell when Kenya is in trouble, because they are all being nice to each other, working well and brand Kenya is very much on display. They are coming through it, not necessarily finding it easy with the government in terms of taxation, but the government is finally listening. They have dropped VAT [Value Added Tax] on tourism services in certain times of year and for certain age groups, created visa-free travel spots, given free landing access to charter airlines flying to Mombasa. So they are trying hard. Uganda has other issues, like terrorism in the North, so they tend to yo-yo a little bit as well. But they are fighting hard and they are doing well. When they get together, brand Uganda is really strong.

Does Tanzania stand to be a net beneficiary of negative events in these countries?

I passionately believe that we need a strong Kenya. Kenyans would say they have invented the safari. Due to films like Out of Africa, Kenya certainly put safari tourism on the map. We need a strong Kenya, Tanzania feeds of Kenya. The number of dual opportunities is growing, we see a lot of people doing the Masai Mara and Serengeti in the same holiday, and that is very much a growing scenario. Political violence in Kenya or security issues that cause travel warnings are a downturn for East Africa. We are competing but, together, Kenya and Tanzania are competing against Southern Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe or Zambia. And Zambia has some good news, such as the lifting of the travel ban and the fact that tourists no longer need yellow fever vaccine to go there. There is a lot of opportunity in South Africa, as the rand becomes an affordable currency. Collectively, we compete with the Far East. We are competing for the tourists time.

Why are safari tours so much more expensive in Tanzania than in Kenya?

To some extent, due to taxation: we have just increased VAT to 18%. We dont know whether it will really have a long term effect. I think the government probably has a point, and they have already said it will have a limited negative effect and will be a short-term solution that everyone will forget about. On the other hand, they claim that we have a low-volume, high yield business. Within our own business we have a top end, a middle end and a budget independent traveler end. That middle bracket, that represents a significant volume of tourists, will be affected. They are much more price-conscious; they buy through companies as Leopard Tours and Ranger Safaris, which have big fleets of vehicles. They are much more susceptible to that VAT issue.

Do you think the government should do more to promote and market low cost tours and regions which are currently not visited by mainstream tours?

Yes, always. As a businessman in Tanzania, I think that if we can get free marketing from the government, we are all for it. Any kind of growth in tourism here or in Coastal aviation will naturally benefit us.

How much more investment is necessary in infrastructure, like in airports?

Unfortunately it almost always comes too late, but it is good and we welcome it. If you go to Terminal 2 at Julius Nyerere International Airport in the afternoon, you will see hell, because South African Airways arrives at ten to three, Qatar Airways at three oclock and Emirates at ten past three. That terminal has outlived its designed life. Now, a very smart new Terminal 3 is being built, which will, undoubtedly, alleviate these issues. But in Terminal 1, where we are based, due to the growth of our industry, there is nowhere to park our airplanes. We have a critical issue with infrastructure, particularly in key areas. They are addressing it, but five years too late. The benefits will come, but we will endure some pain until it gets better.

A Coastal Aviation aircraft

Do you think upscale hotel chains are capturing too much of the gains of tourism?

Having brands such as Hyatt, Hilton, Ramada and Radisson drive the standards up for other players in the industry. It is good that Tanzania is seen as an attractive place for those hotels, but lets be realistic. Those brands are largely hotel management companies which are actually managing hotels owned by Tanzanian corporations or foreign investors. We have seen the benefits: we can no longer accept a low quality standard product; there is an international standard that has to be met now. When I first came here, in 2003, there were very few hotels, and certainly none offering the quality level of Hyatt Regency. Now there are a lot of hotels offering that quality.

Can quality services be delivered by local agents?

Regarding our agents, we see that big hotels and online distribution enable people to book services, such as flights, directly. That is no problem at all. But the local tour operator is feeling threatened. It means they have to improve their services. It is not about competing for prices. It is actually saying: you need to book through us because well make sure youll have the best time. People can book hotels, safaris and Coastal aviation flights online, but do you know there is a really funky place to have dinner? We do and we can take you there. The agents have to reinvent themselves to add that value rather than just complaining. No one has the divine right to be in the value chain.

How can Tanzania contain or control negative environmental and social effects to be successful in the tourism industry?

Communication. We need to talk within the industry and we also need strong private sector tourism bodies. We need to embrace the environmental lobby and work with them, talk to them. We need to work with government departments. In certain areas, regulation is good, but in others it is definitely restrictive or has a negative impact. The classic example, at the moment, is the uranium mining in heritage Selous Game Reserve. The country needs foreign investment and to earn foreign currency from its natural resources, but tourism is also a natural resource, and its an export, because it brings foreign currency. One needs to get the overall balance correctly and pay attention to the message it sends to the rest of the world. If you redraw the boundaries of the Selous Game Reserve just so you can accommodate a uranium mine and hopefully keep its World Heritage status, it might not be sending the correct message. I am not saying it is wrong or right, but we need to understand that there is a potential negative impact. We dont want to find that the world says we dont want to go to Tanzania any longer because they dont really care and they are not managing what theyve got. Its all about communication, working together and trusting people. If we can do that, well win.
The Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) was established in 1988. It was initiated with the support of the Tanzanian Government to strengthen the private sector. The establishment of the TCCIA was an important step in moving on from a centralized, planned economy towards a more open, mixed economy giving full scope to privately owned enterprises and farms. TCCIA has opened regional offices in all 21 regions of mainland Tanzania and over 90 district centres, which are autonomous in their operational activities.

Interview with Magdalene Mkocha, Acting Executive Director of Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA)

To what extent does the private sector have a role to play in ensuring that there is a proper mechanism for reporting and monitoring NTBs (non-tariff barriers), and in effectively collaborating with the government to eliminate those that are reported by SMS?

We as the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture host the monitoring office and the system itself. The NTB Coordinator sits within our organisation, but the Chamber also participates in the forum where the private sector and the public sector meet to keep informed of reported NTBs, as well as urging the relevant organisations, ministries, departments or agencies causing these NTBs to eliminate those in question. This is called the 'National NTB Monitoring Committee'. As one of its members, we take part in both its national and regional forums. But there is equally a regional NTB Monitoring Committee at the East African level, in which we also take part. Reporting is therefore carried out, monitored and brought up at these forums by the private sector.

There have been several initiatives on this issue, but it obviously remains a problem, in as far as it effects the system, involves unfair practices, collusion, etc. Is it fair to say that the NTBs remain a significant challenge, particularly with regard to cross-border trade in and around the EAC region?

The elimination or reduction of NTBs is still a challenge, given that new NTBs evolve from time to time, and as such is something that requires continuous effort. Even in cases where we have seen a reduction in some NTBs, albeit not their total elimination, we see new NTBs springing up, being reported through the system and then resolved.

How has the Tanzanian government performed in terms of implementing the infrastructure components of their medium-term development plan, which runs from 2015?

I would say that it is in the process of being implemented. The government's recently-launched 5-year development plan seeks to prioritise issues related to infrastructure and energy, among others, but the issue of industrialisation is equally being addressed. In this year's budgetary allocation, you will find that energy and infrastructure have been the country's priority sectors. Therefore, my assessment is that it is still in the process of being implemented.

They have big plans. Gas has now been found off-shore, and the government wants to set up refineries, perhaps LNG (Liquid Natural Gas), they're looking to build new power stations, and they want Tanzania to become a major transhipment hub, for energy and the broader region. But obviously, these things are very expensive, as they involve huge capital projects and may take decades to come to fruition.

True, although these are not government projects per se. The government is giving energy priority in its plans, but is also seeking to attract investment both from inside and outside to come and invest in these areas, such as gas exploration, energy distribution, etc.

Will the TCCIA have an increasingly important role to play?

Of course, because we also coordinate incoming business delegations. We recently received the Austrian business delegation. Yesterday, we hosted the India-Tanzania Business Forum, and whenever we meet with them, we also draw their attention to the country's investment opportunities. As such, we have a significant role to play, but also in terms of motivating domestic investors to enter into partnerships wherever necessary. When business delegations arrive, we seek to link them up with these local partners for B2B meetings. These are designed to bring together local and foreign investors, in the context of facilitation by the TCCIA.

I understand that bilateral trade with India is really flourishing?

It is indeed flourishing. India has actually been one of the country's long term business partners.

How does the TCCIA assist businesses in settling disputes, without legal recourse, in terms of arbitration issues? What kind of mediational support do you offer under the ICC?

As yet, we have not very formally established the mediation and arbitration desk, but we are in the process of doing so. In spite of this, we have already been carrying out some mediation with the assistance of foreign chambers, as a member of the ICC. When a dispute arises between a Tanzanian company and a foreign company, we take collaborative measures through the ICC: we inform the chamber of the country in question, in order to assist the local company in resolving the dispute.

When business delegations arrive, we seek to link them up with local partners for B2B meetings. These are designed to bring together local and foreign investors, in the context of facilitation by the TCCIA.

This has happened several times. For instance, one of our members had dispute with a company in the Middle East, where the local company was importing tarmac and paid the Middle Eastern company in full for the supply, but that company vanished after shipping just one consignment. Through our ICC membership, we linked up the Tanzanian company with a chamber in the Middle East, which sought out the company in question and met with them, which led to the dispute's resolution. In fact, they returned the local businessman's money.

The TCCIA now has a strategic plan in place for 2015-2020. How did the principle incorporated therein align with Tanzania's overall commitment as part of the UN Global Compact?

Under the UN Global Compact, there are also issues concerning Corporate Social Responsibility, for which we launched a Tanzanian chapter, and to which we now belong. We have motivated various companies, including our President's company, to subscribe to CSR. But also in terms of the issue of dispute resolution. For instance, we are in cooperation with Canada to establish a desk for mediation and dispute resolution.

Agriculture and tourism are the two sectors that are very much seen as the country's 'sleeping' giants, which really need to be tapped, in accordance with the EAC Common Market Protocol. This in particular would create a myriad of opportunities for young people, and for the business community more widely in Tanzania. What other sectors of business activity do you think could potentially present a further range of opportunities for your country?

Besides tourism and agriculture?

Those are certainly the mainstays, with 75% of the population still employed in the agricultural sectors. But what other sectors are you looking to tap into and develop?

Industrialisation is one such sector, but equally the need to link both those sectors. You see, agriculture supplies the tourism sector, including hotels and other related activities, as well as being the source of raw material for industry. Therefore, we strive to link these sectors through a number of initiatives, so as to enable them to support each other.

When it comes to industrialisation in Tanzania, the first step is the development of low-end food and agro-processing. Developing agriculture therefore means industrialisation becomes easier, rather than depending on imported raw material to supply our industry. The other sector would be energy, which is also an important sector, because it supports industry. Without a reliable and adequate supply of energy, you cannot easily industrialise.

And I understand that the energy supply has become much more reliable, with many enhancements?

For a long time, it was simply the Tanzania National Electric Supply Company carrying out the supply, transmission, etc. But this has now been liberalised, thus ensuring any company able to generate energy, and others able to supply it, may become involved; as well as cases where companies may undertake both the transmission and supply of energy, in what is now a liberalised market.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has launched Laura B, the final vessel in a series of four Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class terminal and escort tugs built for Bay-Houston Towing Co. The Laura B is scheduled to deliver in 2016.

The launch ceremony was on July 1, 2016 at the builders Nelson Street facility and hosted by Patrick DIsernia, Project Manager at Eastern, with employees and guests in attendance. Deacon Tim Warner of St. Johns Catholic Church of Panama City, Fla. blessed the vessel, and Kingsley Reeves, daughter of ESG Project Manager, England Reeves, christened the vessel.

Laura B characteristics:

ESG Hull #: H254  4th Vessel in the Series of 4

Dimensions (Overall): 80-0x 38-3x 15-9

Total Horsepower: 5,150 HP at 1,600 RPM

Main Engines: (2) Caterpillar 3516C (B rating) Tier 3 marine propulsion diesel engines

Main Propulsion: (2) Schottel Model SRP 1215FP in Nozzles Z-Drives

Main Generators: (2) John Deere 4045AFM85 Tier 3, 99kW 480V at 1,800 RPM marine diesel generator sets

Hawser Winch: (1) Markey Machinery Fairleader 50HP Electric

Hawser Winch, Model DEPCF-48S, 36 wide Drum Mid-drum brake holding capacity 300,000 lbs

Classification: ABS +A1, Towing Vessel, AMS and Escort Service

ABS Loadline (SoC), Statement of Compliance

Flag: United States of America
Owners anchoring ships rather than fix at low rates. W. Australia-China capesize rates hit over two-month low.



Freight rates for large capesize dry cargo ships on key Asian routes are likely to hold steady as ship owners resist charterers' attempts to push rates lower amid a dearth of cargo, ship brokers said.



"We are reaching a floor, particularly in the Pacific. It's got to the point where owners just won't fix their ships," a Singapore-based capesize broker said on Thursday.



"Charterers are seeing a bit of resistance - owners are anchoring ships," the broker added.



That came as spot charter freight rates for an 180,000-deadweight tonne capesize vessel slipped below $4 per tonne for a voyage from Western Australia to China on Wednesday. That is the lowest since mid-May.



"Rates are moving down slowly. The market is very quiet and cool," a Shanghai capesize broker said on Thursday.



"There are very few fixtures - I think it will last the same way for a while," the broker said.



There were 18 reported capesize spot fixtures in the week to July 26, according to data on the Reuters Eikon terminal, compared with 20-25 in previous weeks.



"There are so many ships and not enough cargo volume," the Singapore broker said.



Only Rio Tinto was active among the Big Three Australian miners this week, brokers said.



Daily time charter equivalent earnings have fallen to about $3,500 for a voyage from Australia to China and about $5,500 from Brazil to China, brokers said.



That compared with daily operating costs of around $7,300, according to accountancy firm Moore Stephens.



Higher daily earnings from Brazil have encouraged owners to sail vessels empty on the expectation rates with be stronger when ships arrive off the South American coast in August and September, the Singapore broker said.



Capesize charter rates for Western Australia-China fell to $3.95 per tonne on Wednesday, down from $4.20 a tonne a week earlier, the lowest since May 13. Brokers said rates were trending lower at $3.85 per tonne on Thursday.



Freight rates from Brazil to China dropped to $8.73 per tonne on Wednesday against $9.04 per tonne the same day last week.



Charter rates for smaller panamax vessels for a North Pacific round-trip voyage were down to $6,120 per day on Wednesday, from $6,938 per day last Wednesday, the lowest since July 12.



North Pacific panamax rates are set to drop further as charter rates on other panamax routes also slide, Norwegian ship broker Fearnley said in a note on Wednesday.



Charter rates for supramax vessels, which hit $8,000 per day last week for coal cargos to India and China are cooling as owners prefer to keep ships in the Atlantic, brokers Fearnley and Banchero Costa said.



The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell to 679 on Wednesday, from 736 last week.





Reporting by Keith Wallis
A ceremony will be held July 29 at Cenac Marine Services headquarters in, Houma, La. To commemorate the christening of its newest vessel, M/V Quincey Cenac, as well as the companys donation of a spud barge to Terrebonne Parish.

The newest addition to Cenacs growing fleet, M/V Quincey Cenac is the 24th and final vessel in its most recent series. Cenac Marine Services said a new series of vessels is in development for the near future.

The donated spud barge will be utilized by the parish to transport equipment for levee conservation and upkeep. The barge features a gate, spuds and hydraulic units needed to haul and secure such equipment to and from each location.

Arlen Benny Cenac, philanthropist and owner of Cenac Marine Services, has had a passion for coastal preservation for many years. Trying to preserve our heritage and our way of living has always occupied a special place in my heart, Cenac said. Our donation of this barge is just one more way to show Cenacs commitment to protecting our parish.

We will continue to look for ways to partner with government to ensure the future of this area is bright, he added.

Reggie Dupre Jr., Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District Director, has expressed excitement about the new barge in a statement released this week: This barge will allow us to transfer heavy equipment, replacement parts and personnel to our multiple island levees that are only accessible by water. This generous donation will save us significant money on rental equipment and allow us to expedite repairs and maintenance on our own schedule.

Terrebonne Parish President, Gordon E. Dove, recently stated, Levee protection and coastal restoration are my highest priorities for Terrebonne Parish. Benny Cenac and Cenac Towing are showing what can be accomplished with private/public partnerships.
Facing a gradually deteriorating market, Sweden based tanker shipping company Concordia Maritime said it was able to post a profit in Q2 2016 based on high vessel employment and successful chartering, though still coming in under its Q2 2015 results largely due to an arbitration settlement and lower daily income for its vessels.



The company reported a profit before tax of SEK 12.4 (44) million for the second quarter 2016, with operating cash flow (EBITDA) of SEK 57.2 (105.2) million, corresponding to USD 7 (13.1) million.



During the second quarter, the tanker market in general was affected by a seasonal decline, which was relatively strong this year, particularly in the heavy products segment, said Concordia Maritime CEO, Kim Ullman. Despite this, the utilization rate and income for our vessels were still good.



The company said it continued to optimize fleet disposition during the quarter, with six of its 10 65,200 dwt P-MAX tankers contracted out, including a one year extension for Stena Polaris from May 2016. Three of the companys P-MAX tankers are employed on consecutive voyage charters in the Far East, while the other three are employed on pure time charter contracts, which were signed at the beginning of the first quarter.



With these arrangements, we are able to ensure continuous employment for the vessels. Time charter contracts also generate good solid income for the vessel during the period in question, while we balance our exposure to the spot market, Ullman said.



Income for the product tanker fleet (spot and TC) was USD 19,500 (20,700) per day, while income for the suezmax tanker Stena Supreme averaged USD 33,300 (39,500) per day for the quarter  both beating Clarksons theoretical index.



Also during the second quarter, Concordia Maritime reached an agreement to pay USD 9.25 million to settle a dispute that arose in connection with Stena Primorsks grounding in the Hudson River in December 2012, the cost of which was largely offset by a completed USD hedge position and additional USD 5 million nonrecurring income related to IMOIIMAX vessels.



In the long term, we expect the low price of oil and ongoing changes in the global refinery infrastructure to continue contributing to underlying stable demand for transportation of both oil and refined oil products, Ullman said. In a shorter perspective, we believe that the combination of continuing high inventory levels and an increasing number of deliveries of new ships will have a continuing negative effect, which we have already begun to see. Looking at 2016 as a whole, we expect generally lower levels than in 2015, but higher than in 2014.

Interim report January 1  June 30, 2016

Total income, Q2: SEK 280.8 (285.6) million, 6 months: SEK 544.4 (546.6) million

EBITDA, Q2: SEK 57.2 (105.2) million, 6 months: SEK 160.6 (192.5) million

Result before tax, Q2: SEK 12.4 (44.0) million, 6 months: SEK 45.8 (72.2) million

Result per share after tax, Q2: SEK 0.26 (0.92), 6 months: SEK 0.96 (1.51)

P-MAX vessel Stena Polaris chartered out. The contract is for one year and runs from May 2016.

Agreement reached on settlement of the arbitration dispute. Cost and payment of USD 9.25 million during the second quarter.

IMOIIMAX-related additional payment of USD 5 million received during the second quarter.

Positive earnings effect and payment of SEK 23 million from completed USD hedge position during the second quarter.



Key ratios

Total income, SEK million 544.4 (546.6)

EBITDA, SEK million 160.6 (192.5)

EBITDA, USD million 19.3 (23.1)

Operating result, SEK million 45.1 (91.4)

Result after tax, SEK million 45.8 (72.2)

Equity ratio, 44% (42)

Return on equity, 8% (2)

Available liquid funds, including unutilised credit facilities, SEK million 385.9 (229.5)

Result per share after tax, SEK 0.96 (1.51)

Equity per share, SEK 39.83 (36.34)
Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) has completed its third deployment into the Black Sea under the command of Captain Ramazan Kesgin, Turkish Navy. SNMCMG2 started its deployment on July 8 in support of NATOs assurance measures regarding Alliance resolve and commitment to collective defense, and to enhance maritime security in the region.

SNMCMG2 included the flagship TCG CEZAYIRLI GAZI HASAN PASA (Turkey) and the mine counter-measures vessels TCG EDINCIK (Turkey), ESPS TURIA (Spain) and the ROS SLT. ALEXANDRU AXENTE (Romania).

While in the Black Sea, SNMCMG2 participated in the Bulgarian lead exercise BREEZE 2016 in vicinity of Burgas, Bulgaria and Bulgarian territorial waters. BREEZE is an exercise based on a Crisis Response Operation scenario and builds interoperability among the NATO units. Units and personnel from Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Turkey, the United States joined Bulgarian Navy during the exercise.

This exercise has permitted increased mutual knowledge of allied nations and enhances the interoperability among participants units of diverse characteristics. The exercise covered a variety of areas such as maneuvering, asymmetric threat, damage control and mine warfare, said Lieutenant-Commander Enrique Garcia Morera (Spanish Navy), Commanding Officer of ESPS TURIA. In the particular case of the SNMCMG2, the exercise has allowed improve group cohesion, whereas the units get training in mine countermeasures operations an asymmetric threat environment.

SNMCMG2s second planned activity was exercise SEA SHIELD 2016 in vicinity of Constanta, Romania in Romanian territorial and international waters in the Black Sea. SEA SHIELD is a Romanian Navy led maritime antisubmarine exercise also based on a Crisis Response Operation scenario and open to NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations. Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 units from Canada and Poland also participated in this exercise. NATO units were joined by Bulgarian and Ukrainian units in support to this Romanian Navy exercise.

Im very honored to spend almost a month in the Black Sea, in order to contribute to peace and to enhance NATOs presence in these waters, said Lieutenant Erhan Ege, commanding officer of TCG EDINCIK. Im confident to think that conducting exercises in various Black Sea countries in such a cooperative, professional and multinational manner, will lead to strengthen our ability to preserve maritime security.

Both exercises contributed to increased interoperability levels and mutual understanding among the allied countries which have contributed to these exercises.

The exercises provided opportunities for the planners and first-rate training for the crews of all NATO participating units including Bulgaria and Romania as host nations. The SNMCMG2 deployment was conducted in full transparency and full compliance with international regulation and specifically the Montreux Convention.

According with Captain Ramazan Kesgin, By conducting these exercises and the deployment, SNMCMG2 showed its eagerness to carry on strong message to Bulgarian and Romanian people and to all Allied Nations regarding NATO`s resolve and commitment to collective defense. Captain Kesgin concluded adding that During our Black Sea deployment, we, as always remained fully prepared to undertake any mission that might be required for NATO to meet its obligations for collective defense.
The emerging trend of marrying the design of an articulated tug and barge (ATB) to a particular propulsion system to maximize efficiencies of that system has, of late, been taking hold in workboat markets. For example, one recent project involving a dynamic partnership between Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc, Guarino & Cox, LLC (GCL) naval architects, Nautican Research & Development Ltd., integrated propulsion unit manufacturers, and VT Halter Marine shipbuilders, aptly demonstrates the concept in practice. What the collaboration produced, is even more important.

Bouchard and ATBs: both top notch

New York-based Bouchard Transportation recently launched and put into service two ATBs that operate in the U.S. Gulf and East Coasts. The additions bring Bouchards ATB tug fleet to 20, making it one of the largest and most experienced ATB operators under U.S. flag. The M/V Kim M. Bouchard is paired with the B. No. 270 and was delivered in July of 2015. The M/V Donna J. Bouchard is paired with the B. No. 272 and was delivered in February of 2016.

Notably, the tugs are first in their class designed to be double-hulled for superior environmental protection, and both barges have cargo capacity of 255,000 barrels of petroleum products. Additionally, each tug and barge is equipped with the most up-to-date Hyde ballast water treatment system, which treats all ballast water upon taking ballast in, and discharging ballast out. Come time, this will be an important regulated design factor for all Jones Act Tugs and Barges, says Jon Shaw, Bouchards Maintenance and Repair Manager.

Both vessels are constructed with 20 cylinder EMD Tier 3 engines (producing 5,000 HP each) that meet all EPA standards. The design decision behind the hull and bulbous bow was made to help increase speed and maneuverability, while also ensuring fuel-efficiency. Extensive model tank testing with all simulated weather conditions was also an important part of the design phase to help ensure that the factors from weather or sea conditions would never affect the vessels maneuverability, speed, and safety. In addition, the robust Intercontinental electrohydraulic 64-inch coupling system allows the tug to stay coupled with the barge during all types of weather conditions.

Initially, Bouchard hired GCL (based in Louisiana) to develop the bid package for both tugs and barges  the two companies have a long-standing relationship going back to the 1970s. GCL has been concentrating on ATB design for the past 15 years and is also known for their OSV designs as well as yachts and standard tugs. The contract was awarded to VT Halter Marine who then subcontracted to GCL to do the detailed function design for the tug while they performed the detailed functional design for the barges in-house.

Design for Propulsion Efficiencies

GCL consulted Canadian-headquartered Nautican on their propulsion system before going ahead with the design phase. While Nautican is no stranger to ATB jobs, this was their first project with Bouchard. We gave them (GCL) the propeller/nozzle performance curve so they could design the hull to fully take advantage of that, says Elizabeth Reynolds Boyd, Nauticans President. Our propeller and nozzle system is very effective at the high speeds that an ATB can achieve, and Guarino & Cox fully utilized that capacity when they did model tests to see what to change on the hull.

GCL had oversight of the model test program that was carried out at Oceanic Consulting Corporation in St. Johns Newfoundland. A scale model of the tug and barge were built  the hull form  including rudders, propellers, nozzles and shafts, explains GCLs Greg Cox. It was towed through the water to measure resistance at various speeds in a controlled environment in a towing tank. The data could then be scaled up to predict the resistance and power required to go at any given speed for the actual vessel. Prior to model testing, CFD analysis was also carried out on the ATB unit to try to optimize some of the hull form and the interface between tug and barge.

The model test confirmed the efficacy of the barges blended skeg stern developed by GCL. The aft body of the barge differs considerably from the conventional notched stern rake design used by many. It has a much deeper notch resulting in a very shallow angle of run for the vestigial rake providing a larger shadow for the tug and cleaner flow of water to the tugs propellers.

Hydrodynamically, the tug and barge unit then more closely resemble a single ship-like unit with a significant reduction of resistance. The need for towing the barge is virtually non-existent, but if ever necessary, the tapered deep notch sides and the drag of the notch face will provide sufficient course stability to obviate the need for appended skegs further reducing resistance.

Below the waterline the bow of the tug is shaped to take advantage of the barges aft body characteristics with the minimum separation of the units required due to the tugs motions relative to the barge. Cox states, Fortunately, the Intercon system restrains movement of the tug to pitch about the coupler location without roll and heave. With the old wire connections the motions in rough seas would threaten to damage tug and barge, requiring the tug to leave the notch and tow with a hawser. If delayed too long, the act of disengaging could get dicey.

Guarino adds, The design of the barges bow has been developed to not only reduce resistance but also to minimize degradation of speed in rough weather. In lieu of the blunt barrel stems or scow type rakes these barges are more ship-shaped with finer waterlines and Ushape fore body sections. A bow has a relatively large bulb intended to improve seakeeping and add volume lost using the finer fore body sections.

Nautican Efficiency: at any speed

The tugs are fitted with two 148-inch stainless steel wheels in Nauticans triple flap on kort nozzles for more efficient propulsion and more efficient maneuverability. One of the reasons we like the Nautican nozzles is historically other systems were only good up to a speed of eight or nine knots, says Guarino. After that, they would start contributing to the resistance instead of helping. With the Nautican design nozzle, theyre effective at much higher speed.

During the sea trials carried out last June on the Kim J. Bouchard without the barge, the tug reached just over 17 knots, reports Wayne C. Wingate, Nauticans Propulsion Technical Director, who was aboard at the time. He says several of the captains  a Halter captain and three captains from Bouchard  were impressed with how the tug steered and accomplished different manoeuvers. They found that the vessel was tracking easily, with less effort required to keep a straight line course. As the team progressed throughout the day, they began doing turning circle and zig zag maneuvers.

I had not been on a vessel of this type on a zig zag maneuver, adds Wingate. The buzz around the decks was that most of these guys had typically see rather harsh heel conditions when zig zagging. Some people found a secure spot to hang on or went inside to prepare for a severe heel or rollover but everyone was shocked when that didnt happen. There was an initial heel to about 17 degrees, then the vessel quickly steadied out at a lesser heel angle (approximately eight to 10 degrees). The actual radiuses and maneuverability was super tight but it was still easy to steer the boat.

Pre-Swirl Stators reduce the rotational losses incurred by the propeller and further increase the performance of the nozzle system. By directing the flow to swirl in the opposite direction of propeller rotation, the energy that is normally lost in wake rotation is recovered. This increases thrust by an additional four to six percent.

The stators are integrated into a hub which is the structural support for the shaft which replaces typical struts, says Reynolds Boyd. The stators have both structural and hydrodynamic benefits. And behind each propeller there is a set of three high-aspect ratio rudders that are very tall and skinny, which provide a tremendous turning force so the maneuverability of these things is remarkably different than a traditional arrangement. Theyre also built into a head box, combining the nozzles and rudders, to make shipyard installation easy.

Full Steam Ahead

The tugs meet SOLAS requirements and have a fuel capacity of 600 cubic meters which requires the hull to be double hulled. Most have a fuel capacity of less than 600 cubic meters, but these particular tugs have a higher fuel capacity for a greater range, says Cox. They also have an ABS notation called ACCU, which makes for a higher level of automation and monitoring, with a central control room to monitor the engine room and machinery from.

Typically when ATBs are going at full speed in open water, its relatively easy to have a rudder that does the job. But when youre coming in and out of a port, youre using significantly lower speed and yet you need to do much more turning and handling and maneuvering than in ocean transit, says Reynolds Boyd. Thats where the triple rudders are really outstanding. According to our testing, they provide 70 percent of bollard in side force. These boats were a significant step for us in terms of actually getting the speed out of the system that its capable of getting. Both the hull and the propulsion system have to be designed for it. Weve seen a tremendous surge in interest for our system on ATBs because those boats are performing so well.

The ability to stay connected to the barge at all times continues to prove to be the safest, most reliable and efficient way for Bouchard to transport petroleum products. These are high end rudders that prove to produce the most efficient control for vessels of this capacity, says Bouchards Shaw. Both ATB units have been exceeding all performance expectations, and consistently deliver at maximum efficiencies. Their design continues to prove to be a reliable and safe transporter for both our customers and their crew.

It shouldnt be a surprise that one of the nations biggest and most experienced operators of ATBs, also has become one of the most efficient, and environmentally correct, as well. But, any operator can put together this enviable team to create similar performing vessels. That said; Bouchard did it first.





The Author

Kathy A. Smith is a Victoria, BC-based maritime writer who has penned more than 100 published trade articles.
China and Russia will hold "routine" naval drills in the South China Sea in September, China's defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a news conference on Thursday.



The drills come at a time of heightened tension in the contested waters after an arbitration court in the Hague ruled this month that China did not have historic rights to the South China Sea and criticised its environmental destruction there. China rejected the ruling and refused to participate in the case.





Reporting by Ben Blanchard
USA-Monaco based bulk carrier Scorpio Bulkers has reported a loss of $24.7 million in its second quarter of 2016, pushing the carrier's deficit up to $ 83 million.

The New York-listed dry bulk ocean shipper posted revenue of $17.4 million in the period.

However, the liner's second quarter red ink not as dark as analysts had forecast. The results topped Wall Street expectations, says AP.

The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of 54 cents per share. The company said it had a loss of 48 cents per share.

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company raised net proceeds of approximately $67.5 million through the issuance of 23 million shares of common stock at $3.05 per share. Scorpio Services Holding Limited purchased an aggregate of 5,250,000 common shares at the public offering price.

Scorpio Bulkers Inc. is a provider of marine transportation of dry bulk commodities. Scorpio Bulkers Inc. currently owns 38 vessels, consisting of 14 Kamsarmax vessels and 24 Ultramax vessels.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of India for the ongoing fiscal under which targets agreed are in line with aggressive growth plans of the public sector firm.

"CSL has signed a MoU with the Government of India for the financial year 2016-17," Ministry of Shipping said in a statement.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Shri Rajive Kumar, Secretary Shipping and Shri Madhu S Nair, Chairman & Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited, at New Delhi.

The MoU broadly consists of the performance evaluation parameters and targets for Cochin Shipyard for the ensuing year. The MoU will be reviewed by the Ministry on a regular basis and the performance of PSU would be evaluated and ratings awarded at the end of the financial year.

The targets agreed in the MoU are in line with the aggressive growth plans of CSL in line with the Ministry of Shippings ambitious plans and the Government of Indias Make in India policies.

CSL has posted an excellent performance during the last financial year, despite very difficult market conditions. In the year ended 31st March 2016, CSL has posted a record turnover of Rs.1995 crores (provisional) surpassing the MoU target for the year

In 2015-16, CSL has won new building contracts for building 5 vessels. The contracts for two 1200 pax cum 1000 T Cargo Vessels and two 500 pax cum 150 T Cargo Vessels for the A&N Administration and one Technology Demonstration Vessel for Defence Research & Development Organisation are worth about 1675 Crores.

CSL is proceeding with two major expansion projects at a total cost of Rs.2800 Crores. An International Ship Repair Facility based on a 6000T shiplift and allied transfer facilities in approx 42 acres of land leased from Cochin Port Trust in Kochi is being setup.

When commissioned, this facility will help the yard substantially increase its ship repair capacities and position Kochi as a major ship repair hub.

A new Large Dry Dock of 310x 75/60 m size will be constructed within CSLs premises in Kochi, which will provide the yard the capability to build large modern vessels like LNG vessels, large aircraft carriers etc in addition to undertaking repairs/ construction of jack up rigs, semi submersibles etc. Government approval has been accorded for both the projects.
'Store' from online novel brought to life

From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-07-28 17:52

Wushanju, a replica of an antique store featured in the novel Grave Robbers' Chronicles, is opened in Beijing. [Photos by Feng Yonbin/ hina Daily]

A fictional antique store called Wushanju featured in the hit online novel Grave Robbers' Chronicles was brought to life in Beijing's Panjiayuan antique market on Tuesday.

The store, nestled in a commercial building in the market, features copies of props  from weird-looking weapons to tomb-robbing devices  that are used in the upcoming film, Time Raider, which is based on the novel.

Wang Jingchun, who stars the owner of Wushanju in the film, attended the opening ceremony of the "store".

Speaking about the "store", Wang says that it is like a mini-sized museum meant to satisfy the curiosity of fans.

In the novel, Wushanju is run by the protagonist's uncle, also a veteran tomb raider.

Meanwhile, fans, who discuss the "store" online, have also paid visits to West Lake in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, where the store is said to be located in the novel.

The heavy-effects movie, starring Jing Boran and Lu Han, will open in Chinese mainland theaters on Aug 5.

Related:

'Skiptrace' tops Chinese box office

Big-budget project set to cement ties with Australia
Longtime waterjet propulsion equipment provider NAMJet introduces key advancements for the workboat sector.



Back in 2011, when boat builder Birdon went looking for a propulsion system that they could utilize in the bid phases of a multi-boat contract with the U.S. Army, they landed on NAMJet propulsion systems and its TRAKTOR Jet line of high-thrust marine jets. Subsequent to that, and because their Army Bridge Erection boat (BEB) concept, powered by NAMJet, performed so well, Birdon went ahead and purchased the company. Since then, NAMJet has gone on to blaze its own trail for propulsion solutions over a wide range of workboats.



Denver-based NAMJet provides waterjet technology designed for a wide variety of commercial, military and workboat applications, fully customizable to meet the standards of the worlds most demanding operators. Today NAMJet offers propulsion systems for engines in the 150850-horsepower range, and stands ready to deliver the next generation of advanced marine propulsion with its newly developed RAPTORJet range with both electric and hydraulic options.



RAPTORJet & iNAV Unveiled

Last month, NAMJet introduced a new range of RAPTORJet waterjets. These feature  and NAMJet says it is the first time ever for this type of propulsion  iNAV electric actuation which eliminates the need for hydraulic tanks, valves, oil, hoses, maintenance and potential oil leaks. In world where the EPAs VGP keeps vessel operators up at night, this feature alone will make potential customers sit up and take notice.



In a nutshell, iNAV is a comprehensive set of electronic controls spanning conventional throttle and joystick control, all the way through to glass helm operations. Beyond this, says NAMjet president Ian Ramsey, the iNAV system can provide remote updates and upgrades with predictive maintenance and data logging capability. The firms recently produced 10 meter demonstration workboat features two of the newly designed RAPTORJets, and made its debut at Seawork 2016. There, potential customers were able to witness firsthand the power and improved thrust of the jets. The demonstration boat was built by sister company Birdon America and eventually will be based at a NAMJet facility in the U.K. and used for various exhibitions around Europe.



On that boat, the innovative RAPTORJet RJ431e propulsion system is matched with a Cummins 6.7-liter QSB engine rated at 480hp and a ZF 301-1c transmission. Ramsey characterizes the new equipment as a sea change in waterjet technology, adding, The demo boat RAPTOR achieved 39 knots at altitude in fresh water. We expect it will do 42 knots at sea level and have a bollard pull of at least 4.2 tons, which is massive.



According to NAMJet, RAPTORJet is the first waterjet worldwide to provide the option of electric actuation, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps, oil tanks, filters, plumbing, ongoing hydraulic maintenance and potential oil leaks. Raptorjet has been specifically designed to accommodate electric actuation, however a hydraulic option is also available. The introduction of the Intelligent Navigation & Control System (iNAV) is a fully integrated electronic control system, compatible with most navigational hardware and sensors. It can be configured as a basic system to control engine throttles, transmission, jet bucket and steering up to the iNAV-iN5 system providing joystick control, an intuitive user interface for navigation and full vessel control on a touch screen glass helm. The control features station keeping and dynamic positioning capability, as well as multi-vessel positioning control from a single vessel.



The main control box is located in the helm and handles all of the high level commands such as GPS headings and sonar. There is also a jet controller located near the waterjets which handles all the lower level commands for steering and bucket control. Notably, there are no bundles of cables running down the boat between the waterjets and the helm control panel. It is simply connected via an Ethernet Cat 5 cable so installation or refit for boat builders is much easier than running streams of cables.



NAMJet describes their waterjet design as a smooth riding, instantaneous response with no chatter. Ramsey explains simply, Hydraulic systems, whilst being very reliable if well maintained, do have a slight delay and slop in the command signals from the steering and bucket control system. Simply put; the electric actuation system is instantaneous which allows for smooth quiet ramping. Beyond this, the RAPTORJet produces massive thrust at 700-110 RPMs, whereas the competition needs 3,000 RPMs to duplicate the same performance.



Our waterjets are of mass axial flow design, which relies on the volume of water passing through the intake. The impeller rotates at a very low speed between 700  1,150 rpms which is highly efficient in producing enormous thrust and little to no cavitation from idle up to 35 knots, said Ramsey. The feature potentially allows customers to use smaller engines, which might be incorporated into an EPA tier buster propulsion scenario. Ramsey adds, Generally, our waterjets operate a lot more efficiently and can produce significantly higher thrust than high speed jets, which allows for the use of small power plants (on some occasions).



Value Added to Target Markets

NAMJet, like so many other marine operators and OEM providers, is also on board with the world of big data. A data logging feature  essentially a black box feature which records numerous real time operating parameters  provides fundamental data including accident investigation and is also useful as a training tool. The system can also be fitted with a predictive maintenance capability which potentially increases uptime for vessels and can avoid equipment issues before they happen.



As wind power develops offshore and finally gets its sea legs here in the U.S., NAMJets newest entry to the workboat propulsion market is positioned to compete. Ian Ramsey explains, NAMJets higher thrust capability and little-to-zero cavitation provides wind farm crew transfer vessels with a much higher transfer limit window which means the CTVs can stay engaged longer with the wind farm towers in greater sea state conditions, adding, There is a growing trend with windfarm operators that the need for greater speeds and larger power plants to drive larger jets is not necessarily the best possible solution for these type of operations. Our studies have proven that by going to a quad waterjet solution has many advantages over larger twin waterjet operations. Quad waterjets provides full redundancy and given NAMJets higher thrust capability, it is possible through the use of the iNAV control system, to power cycle the jets to maximize fuel economy and reduce wear and tear whilst connected to a wind farm tower.



Track Record: Looking Back, Thrusting Forward



No stranger to the competitive bid process, Birdons successful route to build U.S. Army BEBs went through 600 hours of extensive testing at Aberdeen. In November of 2013, it was announced that Birdon America  the American subsidiary of Birdon Australia  had in fact won the competition and was being awarded the contract. Those boats included two Traktor Jet 381s  NAMJets smallest jet, commercial off-the-shelf units. In the end, the Army decided that NAMJet was the only propulsion system that could satisfy both speed and thrust requirements for this type of project.



The very nature of the work required of the new generation BEB also involves toiling in riverine, sometimes highly turbid and muddy, debris choked waters. That means that the propulsion systems for these shallow draft craft must not only be durable, theyve got to be able sustain prolonged service in unfriendly waters. According to NAMJet, thats exactly why they were chosen.



NAMJets Ramsey told Marine News in June, The industry has seen very little innovation and change in recent years [beyond electronic control systems for throttle, helm and joystick controls]. We see the introduction of electric actuation and the capability for autonomous vessel control as the beginning of a profound transformation in technology that will deliver improved thrust and performance; a more cost effective and value for money proposition for vessel owners.





(As published in the July 2016 edition of Marine News)
Zero Percent Mortgages Debut Setting up the Next Stage for this Stock Market Bull

Although gold dust is precious, when it gets in your eyes it obstructs your vision.

Hsi-Tang

Economists stated that main trigger for the financial crisis of 2008 was the issuance of mortgages that did not require down payments. The ease at which one could get mortgages in the past is what drove housing prices to unsustainable levels. Post-crisis all banks vowed to end the practice forever, or that is what they wanted everyone to believe. When the credit markets froze, we openly stated that the 1st sign that banks were getting ready to lower the bar again would come in the form of Zero percent balance transfer offers that had all but vanished after 2008. A few years after 2008, banks started to mail these offers out, and now everywhere you look you can find 0 % balance transfer offers ranging from 12 months to 18 months. The next step after that would be for banks to lower the 20% down payment required to something much lower. Currently, Bank of America and a few other banks are offering 3% down mortgages.

Now Barclays Bank has become the first British bank to turn back the hands of time; it has started to issue 0% down Mortgages under a program called family springboard. There is, however, one small difference. In this instance, a parent would put 10% of the down payment into an account. If payments are made in a timely fashion, this amount is returned in three years with interest.

In the US we like to do things bigger and better than everyone so, it is just a matter of time before this type of mortgage debuts here. As we have stated many times in the past, every bull market ends on a Euphoric note; to get to this level the small player also needs to have easy access to hot money. So far this access has been restricted to the large corporations and the very rich. However, we feel that it is just a matter of time before the spigots will be opened to the small players. The 1st sign of this will be the debut of the 0% mortgage.

The supply of housing is already quite tight in the in U.S. U.S existing home inventory stands at 2.12 million, down from 2.14 Million last month and down almost 130K year over year. At the current sales pace, there is roughly a five-month supply of homes on the market. A 6 month supply is viewed as a healthy balance between demand and supply. Home prices have been slowly rising over the past few years, and the average home price is projected to rise by 5% in 2016%.

Home prices are already rising without the debut of the Zero percent down mortgage, so one can only imagine how much more they will rise when these mortgages become available in the US. Higher home prices have the tendency to make home owners feel better off as they view the paper profits as real money. This leads them to take on more risk, and one of the best places to do this is the stock market.

We believe that lending standards for mortgages and personal loans will be lowered significantly in the months and years to come, setting up the bedrock for the next stock market bubble. Until the masses embrace this bull market, it is going to run a lot higher than the most ardent of naysayers could ever dream off. Over the course of the next few years, we expect both housing and the stock market to trend higher. This bull will run into a brick wall one day but that day is not here yet.

Conclusion

Our main point here is to illustrate that the hot money spigots will be opened even more and that the supply of hot money is not going to end anytime soon. In fact, the Fed is already looking at ways to increase it significantly, after all, that is the only thing that has been powering this economy; end that and the illusion comes to a grinding halt. For now, it is the big corporations and the very wealthy that have had access to this cheap money. When the small guy finally gets his hands on this cheap money, he will do what he always does, start to speculate and hope he strikes it big. Furthermore, rising home prices will create the illusion of wealth, and when people feel they have money, they tend to take on more risk. After all, thats what they did before the markets collapsed in 2008.

While we spent most of the time on talking about the housing market, the point to keep in mind is that this bull market will probably run a lot higher, because it is still one of the most hated bull markets in history. No bull market has ever ended on a negative note, and the cards are lining up to provide this market with the ingredients it needs to take it to the bubble level. The masses will embrace this market just as the corporate world has done for the past eight years once and they do this market is going to soar even higher.

Hasten slowly and ye shall soon arrive.

Milarepa

by Sol Palha

www.tacticalinvestor.com

Sol Palha is a market analyst and educator who uses Mass Psychology, Technical Analysis and Esoteric Cycles to keep you on the right side of the market. He and his partners are on the web at www.tacticalinvestor.com.

 2016 Copyright Sol Palha- 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.

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




On the Italian and Eurozone Doomsday Scenario

On June 23rd, the voters in the United Kingdom (UK) turned a collective thumbs-down on the European Union (EU). The Brexit advocates  the ones who had had enough of the EUs mandates and regulations  won the day. But, this is only the first step on a long and winding exit road. To formally begin its withdrawal from the EU, the UK must trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, and the new British Prime Minister, Theresa May, wont do that before the end of 2016. Once triggered, the UK has two years to negotiate its exit from the EU.



The Brexit vote was a surprise that temporarily rocked the markets, sent the pound to a 32 year low, and sent the chattering classes chattering. It also poured fuel on a simmering Italian fire  a fire that could result in an Italian, as well as a Eurozone, doomsday scenario.





In anticipation of poor results from the Italian banks stress tests (which will be reported on July 29th), Italys Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, has indicated that his government will unilaterally pump billions of euros into Italys troubled banks to recapitalize them. There is a problem with this approach: it is not allowed under new EU rules. These rules require that bank bondholders take losses (a bail-in) before government bailout money can be deployed. But, in Italy, a big chunk of bank debt (bonds) is held by retail investors. These retail investors vote in large numbers. So, the EU bail-in regulation, if invoked, will certainly put Renzis neck on the chopping block. And that will come sooner rather than later because the Prime Minister has called for a referendum on Italys constitution in October and stated that hell resign if the referendum is voted down.If, following the stress tests, holders of Italian bank debt are required to bail-in banks, there will most certainly be a strong backlash that will not only kill Renzis referendum but also his government. That would most likely put the Five Star Movement in the saddle. The Movement is already surging, winning control of important local governments in Rome and Turin. This populist-left movement wants to exit the Eurozone. If you think Brexit was big, such a scenario would not only spell doomsday for Renzi but also probably for the euro.Lets take a closer look at the Italian economy and its banks. That requires a model of economic activity. The monetary approach posits that changes in the money supply, broadly determined, cause changes in nominal national income and the price level (as well as relative prices  like asset prices). Sure enough, the growth of broad money and nominal GDP are closely linked. Indeed, the data in the following chart speak loudly.

Italys money supply (M3) growth rate since 2010 has been well below its trend rate (6.53 percent) for most of the period (see the accompanying chart). Not surprisingly, Italys nominal GDP growth rate during the 2010-2015 period was only 0.4 percent per year.

As weak as the money supply growth rate has been in Italy, it has been stronger than the Eurozones average in recent years (see the following table). Indeed, Italys money supply growth has been slightly stronger than Frances or Spains.

If we break down the contribution to the money supply growth, only 17 percent of Italys M3 is accounted for by State money produced by the European Central Bank (ECB). The remaining 87 percent is Bank money produced by commercial banks through deposit creation. So, Italys banks are an important contributor to the money supply and, ultimately, the economy. Recently, they have been contributing significantly to Italys money supply growth. That said, both the money supply and growth in credit to the private sector have been growing below their trend rates. So, anything that would cause banks to contract their loan books  which would cause the money supply and credit to the private sector in Italy to slow down  would plunge Italy into a recession.



Its no surprise that Renzi has his eye on banks. Its also easy to see why he is worried and ready to pull the trigger on a state-sponsored bank bailout. The accompanying chart on non-performing loans should be cause for concern.

To put the non-performing loans into perspective, there is nothing better than the Texas Ratio (TR). The TR is the book value of all non-performing assets divided by equity capital plus loan loss reserves. Only tangible equity capital is included in the denominator. Intangible capital  like goodwill  is excluded.



So, the denominator is the defense against bad loans wiping the bank out, forcing it into insolvency. A TR over 100 percent means that a bank is skating on thin ice. Indeed, if the non-performing loans were written off, a bank with a TR in excess of 100 percent would be wiped out. All of the five big Italian banks in the accompanying table  including the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (BMPS), the worlds oldest bank  fall into this ignominious category.

They need to be recapitalized. This could be done by issuing new shares on the market. But, all these banks shares are trading well below their book values. BMPS price is only about 10 percent of its book value, and Intesa Sanpaolo (the best of the lot) is only about 66 percent. In consequence, any new shares issued on the market would dilute existing shareholders and be unattractive. This is why an Italian state rescue is the most attractive source for the recapitalization.



Renzi holds the right cards. If the EU continues to refuse to let Renzi play them, the Italian banks will be bailed-in by the bondholders, who will receive a close haircut. Renzis constitutional changes will probably go down in flames, and with them Renzis government. With that, the Five Star Movement will form a government and Italy will exit the Eurozone. So, if the EU does not bend and allow one of the loopholes in its rules to be used, the Boys in Brussels could set a doomsday machine into motion.

By Steve H. Hanke

www.cato.org/people/hanke.html

Twitter: @Steve_Hanke

Steve H. Hanke is a Professor of Applied Economics and Co-Director of the Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health, and the Study of Business Enterprise at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Prof. Hanke is also a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C.; a Distinguished Professor at the Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia; a Senior Advisor at the Renmin University of Chinas International Monetary Research Institute in Beijing; a Special Counselor to the Center for Financial Stability in New York; a member of the National Bank of Kuwaits International Advisory Board (chaired by Sir John Major); a member of the Financial Advisory Council of the United Arab Emirates; and a contributing editor at Globe Asia Magazine.

Copyright  2016 Steve H. Hanke - 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.

Steve H. Hanke Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Ministry honors culture of Changsha

From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-07-28 17:52

Changsha, the capital of Central China's Hunan province, has been selected as the "2017 Culture City of East Asia", after a final round of meetings held by the Ministry of Culture in Beijing on July 25.

The other two finalists were Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province and Sanya in Hainan province.

The "East Asia City of Culture" is an annual cultural event, which was first proposed by China, Japan and South Korea in 2013.

Every year, one city from each country will be chosen as the "East Asia City of Culture", which will hold a series of cultural and economic exchanges programs.

Since 2013, Quanzhou in Fujian province, Qingdao in Shandong province and Ningbo in Zhejiang province were chosen as "Culture City of East Asia" by China.

In 2016, Nara-ken of Japan and Jeju of South Korea were given the title.

According to Ding Wei, vice-minister of culture, the candidate cities were judged by an 11-member committee of experts in the fields of cultural exchange, cultural service system construction and intangible cultural heritage protection and inheritance.

"Cultural exchanges are important to develop the ties of our countries. Selecting the cities not only boosts their development but also deepens the communication among people of the cities," says Ding.

Yu Dan, an expert on the judging committee, says that Changsha won because of its long history and cultural diversity.

With the title of "Culture City of East Asia", Changsha will launch a variety of cultural activities in 2017 to deepen exchanges with Japan and South Korea as well as the world and to reinvent itself as an international city with unique cultural appeal in East Asia.

Related:

Changsha selected 2017 Culture City of East Asia

Super heroines enjoy treetops adventure in Central China
A longtime Richmond Times-Dispatch editor is leaving the newspaper to write a book about the 2007 Virginia Tech mass shootings.

Tom Kapsidelis, who has been the newspapers metro editor since March 2015, leaves Aug. 19 to accept a fellowship with the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities in Charlottesville to work on a book examining issues related to the aftermath of the campus shootings that left 33 people dead and 25 injured.

Kapsidelis, 59, has worked at The Times-Dispatch for 28 years. He started as a state desk reporter and editor, and has served as associate state editor, suburban editor, Virginia editor, Sunday editor, deputy news editor for Richmond and breaking news editor.

Replacing him will be Reed Williams, a former Roanoke Times reporter who has supervised the night news operations since August. As metro editor, Williams will oversee a team of reporters who cover local government and education.

In another change, John Hoke will become the newspapers assistant managing editor and, in his new role, he will oversee the primary news-gathering teams  metro, politics, business, enterprise and breaking news.

Hoke, 63, will be the newsrooms third-ranking editor, behind Paige Mudd, vice president and executive editor; and Brice Anderson, managing editor. The change will be effective Aug. 15.

Hoke most recently served as The Times-Dispatchs enterprise desk editor, overseeing a team of reporters tasked with pursuing in-depth investigative and enterprise projects.

Kim Chapman, currently a deputy news editor, will oversee the newspapers night news operations that Williams has handled.
The Chinese government will develop policies that encourage more financial support to small and micro businesses, including more diversified financing channels, more loan discretion to local banks and better developed credit rating system across the country, and making sure these loans are extended.

The measures were approved at the State Council executive meeting on July 27, chaired by Premier Li Keqiang.

We must tackle financing difficulties for small and micro businesses as part of our effort to encourage financial support to the real economy, Premier Li said. Such efforts will further unleash economic potential and create more jobs.

The new measures are part of an update on the countrys document about encouraging support for small and micro businesses published in 2013.

It has been decided that local banks with due prudence will have discretion on financing local small and micro businesses with flexible terms. Finance institutions are not allowed to withhold financing for small and micro businesses eligible for renewing loans, and small and micro business fees will be eliminated from their financing channels.

Also, more social funds are encouraged to support the development of small and micro businesses, as well as financial innovation, according to the new plan.

Financing difficulty for small and micro businesses is a challenge that must be met, Premier Li said at the meeting. It is not risk-free. Yet we should not stop our efforts just because of such risks. What must be done must be done.

Such measures are being carried out now, but Chinas private business growth momentum has yet to pick up. Private business investments, which are mostly small and micro businesses, contribute more than 60 percent of Chinas fixed assets investment, and private business provides more than 80 percent of the countrys workforce. Yet growth in the sector slowed down during the first half of this year due to a variety of reasons, including volatility in the international market.

For the first six months, Chinas private investment grew by 2.8 percent, triggering concerns from the central government. The government undertook a nationwide review of the reasons for such a decline. It was found that the most common reason is that small and micro businesses face increasing difficulties in financing, while financing cost is also a major issue.

The new measures aim to foster confidence in private investors and support its growth.

Generally speaking, financing costs for small and micro businesses have come down, the Premier said. Yet there are some backlashes in the context of downward economic pressure. Policies, both existing and new, must be fully implemented.

One official from the China Association of Small and Medium-sized Business complained that even though the central government has made tremendous efforts to support small and micro businesses, difficulties in financing remains the top challenge, and has become the biggest constraint for small and micro businesses development in China.

Adequate financing for small and micro business is a common challenge globally, Premier Li said. All government departments concerned should take concrete measures to support the healthy development of small and micro businesses. This is, in turn, an effective way to protect the finance sector from such risks.

The new plan also calls for, among other things, building more comprehensive credit insurance and credit rating systems across the country.
SPRINGFIELD -- Real estate firm NAI Plotkin will move into the MassLive Building downtown office tower it manages, according to a news release issued Thursday.

Evan Plotkin

NAI Plotkin, a third-generation family business, will occupy 5,884 square feet on the 14th floor.

NAI Plotkin sold the building where it is currently located, the former Duryea building at 41-43 Taylor St., to dentist Dr. David I. Peck in 2014. Peck renovated the upper floors into a new home for his dental practice, now called Taylor Street Dental.

At the MassLive Building, the space is currently being renovated to best suit the contemporary property management team, company President Evan Plotkin said.

He continued in a prepared statement:

"As we continue to grow our business in and around the Springfield market, we needed to put down roots in a new space that will grow with us. We're excited to start this new chapter of our company's history."

NAI Plotkin has sold, leased and managed commercial real estate throughout Western Massachusetts for more than 50 years, according to the news release.

At 230 feet tall and with 17 floors, the MassLive Building is the fifth tallest building in Springfield. It was built in 1983. The building is headquarters for MassLive.

The MassLive building is known for its first, third and ninth floor galleries, which use art to activate the space, according to the release.

NAI Plotkin spokeswoman Jenn Kiley said the move should be completed by Aug. 15. NAI Plotkin is moving 25 employees.
Blake Law Center

Blake Law Center at Western New England University .

(Western New England University Photo )

SPRINGFIELD -- The Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking legal assistance for the fall 2016 semester, according to a news release.

Under faculty supervision, law students assist clients with legal issues including choice of entity, employment policies, contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property issues relating to trademark applications and copyright. This is a free service available to local businesses that would not otherwise have the resources to obtain these types of services.

The Small Business Clinic at Western New England School of Law has assisted more than 300 small businesses. "The Clinic is a great resource for entrepreneurs who lack the finances to retain an attorney. By using the Clinic's services, businesses can avoid problems by getting legal issues addressed early and correctly. It also provides students with a great opportunity to get real world experience."

The Small Business Legal Clinic asks small business owners to submit their applications by August 15, 2016. Applications received after that date will be considered if additional resources are available. Students will begin providing services in September. For more information, call the Legal Clinic at 413-782-1469 or email mfletcher@law.wne.edu.

The Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic was established to provide law students with an opportunity to provide practical consultation to entrepreneurs starting new and building existing small businesses in the community. This initiative strengthens alliances within the community by using the resources of the University to foster new business development. For more information, visit http://www1.wne.edu/cie/.
LYA Grant family.jpg

(Left to right) Hyman Rabonovitz, Randall Bernstein, Bernyce Grant, Rabbi Noach Kosofsky, LYA principal, and Esther Kosofsky at LYA's Generations of Goodness. LYA presented Randall Bernstein and Bernyce Grant with a sterling silver mezuzah case and scroll.

(Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy)

LONGMEADOW -- Several members of the local Jewish community were recognized by Longmeadow's Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy during a ceremony this month at the school.

The Generations of Goodness Scholarship Reception was held at Congregation B'nai Torah and attended by community members, LYA supporters, board members, parents, LYA staff members and family and friends of the honorees. State Senator Eric Lesser also was in attendance, giving special citations to the honorees.

Honorees this year included Carol Engelson, a board member and former president of the LYA Board of Directors, and Bernyce Grant and Randall Bernstein of the Grant Family and Sons of Israel Synagogue/Cemetery.

About 150 people who attended the Generations of Goodness Scholarship Reception heard about the honorees and their commitment to LYA and its community.

In addition to her work at LYA, Engelson has served as Treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Western Mass. and is a faculty member of the science department at Hebrew High School of New England in West Hartford, Connecticut.

"Under Carol's leadership LYA became a NEASC accredited school and a Leader in Me School," an LYA statement says. "Currently LYA is experiencing increased enrollment and expansion of programming."

(Left to right) Susan Goldman, president of the Jewish Federation of Western MA, Carol Engelson, Esther Kosofsky and Pam Cohen at LYA's Generations of Goodness. LYA presented Carol Engelson with a framed blessing for the home.

Jewish Federation of Western Mass. President Susan Goldman said at the ceremony that Goldman has remained a vital member of the Jewish community over the years.

"Carol continues to be an active leader and member of the community which is great evidence of her life-long commitment to what is important," Goldman said.

When Grant and Bernstein accepted the honor on behalf of their family, Bernstein noted his late uncles' commitment to contributing to causes including education in the local Jewish community.

"We would not be here without the leadership and planning of Bernie and Gerry's dedication to our community," Bernstein said. "They were very dedicated to the cemetery and they loved their faith, family, traditions and community."
James K.JPG

James K., who was imprisoned for being unable to pay a fine to resolve drug-related charges, testifies before members of a Senate committee on July 28, 2016. (SHIRA SCHOENBERG / THE REPUBLICAN)

In 2007, when he was 19 and living in Charlton, James K. was arrested for dealing drugs, then skipped his court hearing.

Later that year, James was arrested for bank robbery. He spent four years in jail for the robbery and assaulting a corrections officer. When he returned to court in 2012 to face the drug charges, a judge imposed a $1,100 fine. James ignored the fine and moved to Kentucky.

In 2015, James was working as a roofer. He could not get a driver's license because of an outstanding warrant and his criminal history. He returned to Massachusetts to clear up the fine. At the time, James said, he was homeless and indigent.

In a minute-long appearance before a judge, of which an audio recording was played before a state Senate committee on Thursday, James tells the Dudley District Court judge, "I'm poor." Without inquiring further or offering him a lawyer, the judge orders James incarcerated for as long as it takes to pay off the fine, at a rate of $30 a day.

"I made that very clear if I had the money I'd give the money," James said Thursday. "I'm pretty sure they could have set up some alternative like community service instead of warehousing me."

In jail, James learned his situation is not unusual. "It was common enough other prisoners called it 'fine time.' When you're doing time simply because you owe a debt to the state," James said.

James, who asked that his last name not be used because of employment reasons, testified before the Massachusetts Senate's Committee on Post Audit and Oversight at a hearing on fees and fines in the state's criminal justice system.

Committee Chairman Sen. Michael Barrett, D-Lexington, called the hearing to begin examining the fees and fines assessed against often poor criminal defendants, and what those fees mean for defendants' ability to rejoin society.

Barrett said there is no data on how many people are incarcerated because they cannot afford to pay a fine.

"What we do know is monetary penalties of one kind or another have a seriously regressive impact if you're poor, have a disproportionate impact on members of minority groups in the U.S. and constitute a very significant barrier to the possibility of fruitful re-entry into American society," Barrett said.

Barrett said he hopes to raise the question of "whether Massachusetts state government has become alarmingly dependent on extracting money from people who have no money in order to keep significant parts of the state government operating."

Under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, a person cannot be incarcerated for failing to pay a fine -- unless the court inquires as to the reason for nonpayment, finds that the person "willfully" refused to pay, and alternative measures are not adequate to meet the state's interests in punishment and deterrence. The person has a right to representation by a lawyer.

Massachusetts District Court Chief Justice Paul Dawley said typically, before a judge incarcerates someone for nonpayment of a fine, the judge must appoint legal counsel, determine that the person has the ability to pay and find that their failure to pay was purposeful.

Dawley acknowledged that based on the tape of James' hearing, those procedures did not appear to be followed. Dawley said James's case appears to be "an unfortunate situation" and an "extreme" one.

"I intend to look into the matter," Dawley said. Dawley said he will review James' case to see if there is information that can be used to educate other judges.

In general, Dawley said he believes judges "do an excellent job throughout the state in balancing the rights of defendants and probationers versus the obligation judges have to impose and enforce court orders relating to fees and fines."

An audit released by state Auditor Suzanne Bump in January found that judges have been inconsistent and repeatedly made errors in collecting monthly probation supervision fees. Dawley said in response to the audit, the District Court distributed a memo reminding judges of their obligations.

Dawley suggested that lawmakers can make some statutory changes to make the system fairer.

He suggested creating a single legal standard regarding indigence and the waiver of fines and fees. Currently, there are different standards for different types of fees. He suggested that having a single probation supervision fee, instead of the current structure where someone being closely supervised pays $65 a month and someone who is being monitored administratively, for example to ensure compliance with restitution payments, pays $50.

Dawley also suggested eliminating the probation fee for people who were just released from prison. "Probation supervision fees can become obstacles to successful reintegration and re-entry into the community," Dawley said. "These people are trying to find housing, employment, and these fees have serious bearing on their ability to do that."

Massachusetts Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan said he agrees with some of the concerns raised by Barrett.

"We're mindful that criminal justice-related debt can significantly interfere with a person's effort to gain traction in efforts at rehabilitation and behavior change," Dolan said. He added that he worries about probationers facing fines damaging their credit, missing child support payments, returning to harmful behaviors or pressuring family members for money.

In addition, Dolan said, "When probation officers donate time to fee collection instead of public safety and rehabilitation, it draws away their time and attention for the core work they do."

The imposition of fees and fines, Dolan said, is "one of those things that seemed like a good idea at the time, but as thinking has evolved nationally and locally, we're seeing how criminal justice system-related debt trips people up."
paysnick.jpg.JPG

David Paysnick,36, of Rainbow Harvest Farm in Greenfield, called the current drought "the worst drought I have ever seen."

(Anne-Gerard Flynn photo)

Western Massachusetts farmers like Richard P. Wysk, 51, of Hadley, are calling the summer of 2016 "the worst year" that they have known for their business.

Rainfall has averaged about an inch a month, they say, instead of the needed inch weekly. Wysk's corn has not ripened at his River Bend farm, his melons have yet to appear on their vines and some of his peppers have aborted.

A drought advisory was issued for the Connecticut River Valley by the state's energy and environmental secretary at the beginning of July as the result of "four continuous months of unusually dry weather."

Most of Massachusetts is under a moderate or severe drought.

Richard Wysk, of River Bend Farm in Hadley, and Betty Kopec, his aunt, at the Farmers' Market at Forest Park. Wysk, 51, a long-time vendor at the market, has been absence in recent weeks as severe drought conditions in his area of the state have impacted his harvest.

"It's the worst year on record for dryness. You can dig down five to six inches and not find water. You can't weed and you can't pull plants up because there is nothing behind them," said Wysk as he served long-time customers, like Laura B. Joubert of East Longmeadow, Tuesday at the Farmers' Market at Forest Park in Springfield.

Wysk has been a regular participant at the market since its inception at another location nearly 20 years ago, but not so much this summer when lack of rain has meant for him, and other area farmers, "slim picking for four or five weeks."

David Paysnick has operated Rainbow Harvest Farm, in Greenfield, since 2009. The thirty-six-year-old farmer said that, since he has had "no water source on his property for irrigation," he has "years that challenged, but not like this."

"This is the worst drought I have ever seen," Paysnick said.

"It has made some crops late, some have died and others have slowed down because of the length of this drought. It has been impossible to keep everything watered. It has been a couple of months. We haven't even got an inch a month. Adequate is about an inch of rain a week. We normally average about four inches in June, a little bit less in July, and we have had a total of about two inches since May, if that."

Paysnick has built a water trailer so, when he is "not at market," he can pump two trailer loads of water a day onto his two acres. The effort has kept him supplied with an array of produce to sell at farmers' markets like Forest Park, but he added that it is far from adequate and that the lack of rain makes it hard to grow vegetables like potatoes and "to keep lettuce in good shape."

"We need a good day of long steady rain to get us into a pretty good place for going into fall. We are used to having July and August being very dry some years, but we are not used to going into that with a very dry June," Paysnick said.

Ryan Voiland, of Red Fire Farm in Granby and Montague, agreed this year's drought conditions are "causing a lot of trouble" for farmers.

Ryan Voiland, owner of Red Fire Farm in Granby and Montague, readies his stand with corn at the Farmers' Market at Forest Park. Voiland did not supply CSA members with shares this week as drought conditions forced his farm laborers to focus on irrigating his 100 acres. Voiland said the current drought is the worst he has experienced in his more than 20 years of farming.

"It is the worst drought I can remember in my entire life," said Voiland who has farmed for more than 20 years.

Crops, ranging from blueberries to melons to corn, were plentiful inside his busy organic produce stand at the Forest Park market, but he attributed that to the result of "heroic efforts to irrigate" at least 90 percent of his 100 acres and "keep most of our crops alive." He said the effort came at a price as there was not enough produce harvested this week to distribute shares to some 1,000 CSA - community supported agriculture - members. CSA members buy shares in return for a portion of a farm's produce.

"We spent most of our effort doing pipe and irrigation equipment so we could water every day and we got very behind on our weeding and cultivating community projects that usually take a lot of our time," Voiland said.

"We took a lot of the staff that we would have devoted to CSA harvesting to catch up on weeding and trying to water and put the pipe down to save our later summer crops. It is the first time we ever had to do something like that and I hope it was the right decision."

Belle-Rita Novak, manager of the Forest Park market, said that attendance at the Tuesday market, which is open from 12:30 to 6 p.m. near Cyr Arena, has remained high, even if some produce has been less plentiful so far this season.

Customers did seem to be in evidence at the lineup of vendors, including at River Bend where Laura Joubert was looking at the selection of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and beets, and anticipating buying Wysk's corn when it was ready.

"He's my favorite stand," Joubert said. "His vegetables are affordable and good, and his corn is sweet and crisp."
IMG_0875 (2).JPG

John J. Fitzgerald

(Buffy Spencer)

SPRINGFIELD -- After 41 years and nine months working in court, Hampden Superior Court Assistant Clerk John J. Fitzgerald has his last day today.

Fitzgerald, known for his easygoing manner and efficient work, is retiring just short of his 66th birthday. He began with the courts as a courtroom probation officer, becoming a Hampden Superior Court assistant clerk in 1993.

A Springfield native, Fitzgerald is a graduate of Cathedral High School and Holy Cross College and has a master's degree in criminal justice from American International College. In addition to his court duties, Fitzgerald is longtime chairman of the Springfield Board of Public Works. He also has served on the city Planning Board.

Hampden Superior Court Clerk Laura Gentile said Fitzgerald was there when she started as an assistant clerk in 1996.

"He was the type of person who welcomes you, offers help," Gentile said. "He taught me a lot."

Gentile said Fitzgerald is known for being very laid back and willing to do what he can to assist the office.

"He gets along with everybody," Gentile said. Just as the people in the courthouse will miss him, Fitzgerald said he will miss the people he saw in his job.

Gentile said Fitzgerald "has a dry, dry sense of humor. We're really going to miss him."

Fitzgerald said he plans to spend time with his five -- soon to be six -- grandchildren, which will include some travel. He is married to retired Springfield schoolteacher Christine Connery Fitzgerald. The children are John Fitzgerald of New Jersey, Casey Connelly of Wakefield and Brendan Fitzgerald of Longmeadow.
An update to this story was posted at 4:06 p.m.

CHICOPEE -- Police are on the scene of a reported robbery at the TD Bank branch on Meadow Street.

Police were notified just after 1 p.m. by a panic alarm call from the bank, and immediately dispatched officers, according to department spokesman Michael Wilk. Officers arrived on scene to find the suspect had already fled.

Bank employees told police the suspect claimed to have a weapon. He fled the the bank and was last seen driving away in red vehicle. The only description provided by police was he was wearing dark clothing.

The same bank branch was robbed July 6 (see photos above). A suspect in that robbery, Joseph Richey, 35, was was apprehended July 13 in Enfield, Connecticut.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes known.
This is an update of a story posted at 1:49 p.m.

CHICOPEE -- The suspect involved in a Thursday afternoon bank robbery at the TD Bank branch on Meadow Street is believed to have fled the scene in a red car with New York plates, police said.

Police released a photo of the suspect taken by surveillance cameras in the bank. It shows a man in a floppy hat and sunglasses at the counter of the bank.

Police spokesman Michael Wilk said the man is believed to be dark-skinned, roughly 5 feet 11 inches tall, and with a muscular build.

The man approached the counter and indicated he had a gun, but no weapon was apparently shown. Wilk said the man made off with an undetermined amount of cash and fled the bank.

When last seen he was driving red sedan, possibly a Nissan, and it had New York license plates, he said.

The robbery was reported just after 1 p.m. when police were notified by a panic alarm call from the bank. Officers were immediately dispatched to the bank but arrived on scene to find the suspect had already fled.

Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to contact the Chicopee police Detective Bureau at 413-594-1730, or Text a Tip starting to 274637.

The same bank branch was robbed July 6 . A suspect in that robbery, Joseph Richey, 35, was was apprehended July 13 in Enfield, Connecticut.
GRANBY, Conn. -- Police are warning of a highly aggressive fox in the Silver Brook Lane area that, among other incidents, attacked a resident on the deck of his home Wednesday afternoon.

Several hours later, the fox charged a person mowing a lawn and then jumped into a pool occupied by small children, according to police. The fox got out of the pool without coming into contact with anybody.

There were two sightings of the fox Thursday morning.

The person who was attacked on his deck received medical treatment and is being treated for potential exposure to rabies.

Animal control officers have set traps and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has been notified.

Those who see the fox are urge to call police at 860-844-5335.
Harley Davidson of Southampton staff

Staff at Harley Davidson of Southampton seen here in a 2012 file photo. Dealership owner Aaron Patrick in July of 2016 purchased the property at 17 College Highway for $2.05 million.

(Republican File)

SOUTHAMPTON -- The owner of Harley Davidson of Southampton recently purchased the 17 College Highway building where he has run his motorcycle dealership for nearly a decade.

Patrick Properties LLC acquired the 27,000-square-foot dealership building and a separate warehouse on 6.8 acres on July 7 for $2.05 million from MCC Project 4, a foreign limited liability company headquartered in the Virgin Islands, records show.

In simple terms, business owner Aaron Patrick bought the real estate from Connie Lemco, the widow of Patrick's former business partner Ed Lemco, explained Samantha Patrick, officer manager at the dealership and Aaron Patrick's daughter. Ed Lemco passed away in 2011, she said.

"It's really good news for us," she said. "We'll no longer be paying rent to somebody else."

The Route 10 commercial property last changed hands in 2007 when Ed Lemco of MCC Project 4 paid $2.5 million to Henry and Betty LeMay. That's when Patrick started the Harley Davidson dealership at the site. The building itself was constructed in 1998.

The dealership offers service, sales, parts, accessories and storage in a 7,000-square-foot heated warehouse. Patrick in 2012 told MassLive a person enters a Harley dealership an average of 21 times before buying a motorcycle. "Our goal is to help them along the way," he said.

Patrick also owns Yankee Harley in Bristol, Connecticut.

Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com.
If youre a biologist who studies lichen, its not often that The New York Times, The Atlantic and the Washington Post come calling in the same week. But thats what happened to University of Montana researcher Toby Spribille, whose latest discovery will rewrite basic biology textbooks. It all started with specimens of yellow lichen collected in Pattee Canyon in 2011.

"Theyre sort of the stars of the show," says John McCutcheon, the UM professor whose lab hosted the experiments.

By Kate Whittle

Full Story: http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/lichen-the-results/Content?oid=3027157
Le Board of Racing Stewards, compose de S. de Chalain (Chairman), H. Maigrot, P. Kalleechurn, A. Rousset et Ms J. Keevy, a rendu public le Racing Stewards Report de la sixieme journee hippique de 2020.

stipes report du 25 07 20



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Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
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by Richard Whitman , Columnist, July 27, 2016

Say what you will about the new Ghostbusters movie. It's sort of like the Clinton Trump thing; no one's in the middle and everyone has a vehemently-cemented, one-sided stance. But this isn't a Ghostbuster movie review. Nope. This is to tell you that Paul Feig, director of Ghostbusters, will produce a new movie about a photo shoot gone wrong.

The movie, Supermodel Snowpocalypse, is based on an Elle article by Mickey Rapkin about a 1977 Nieman Marcus catalog photo shoot gone wrong. Apparently, a group of models, photographers and ad execs were stranded at a Chilean resort during a blizzard.

The group, including the now famous Jerry Hall, was stranded for eight days, almost backed off a cliff in an SUV, had no contact with the outside world and ultimately had to climb out of a second story window as snowdrifts had covered the entire first floor level.

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But all was not lost and, most importantly, the photo shoot (sort of) went on albeit with some modifications. The resorts nightclub was repurposed into a runway and the models put on a faux fashion show while the rest of the resort's guests did what all humans would do in a situation like this: hooked up and did a lot of cocaine.

The movie will be told from the perspective of two sisters who headed the organization of the photo shoot for the agency as well as one sister's boyfriend who came up with the idea to travel to the Andes for the shoot.

I'm guessing this is going to be a bit like Zoolander with some 1970's cheesiness thrown in. Will it be as good as Dudley's Moore's 1990 epic Crazy People? Or maybe a comedy version of Mad Men?
by Thom Forbes @tforbes, July 28, 2016

Whole Foods is not only facing an uphill battle in its quixotic quest to trademark itself as the Worlds Healthiest Grocery Store, it has a lot more local competitors to deal with who are offering highly competitive prices for organic and natural products.

"Sales at the company's stores open a year or more declined for the fourth consecutive quarter, according [to 3Q] results released Wednesday afternoon, Patrick Gillespie reports for CNN Money, adding that profits were down 22% from a year ago to $120 million.

It's same store sales were down 2.6%, which was worse than the 2.4% analysts anticipated, and the stock to declined about 5% in after-hours trading.

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On the positive side, overall sales rose 2% to $3.7 billion, which was a record for the quarter, Gillespie writes, but still a far cry from the company's double-digit sales growth just two years ago. And co-CEO Walter Robb said in a statement that the chain is continuing to make measurable progress on fundamentally evolving our business, about which, more later.

Consumers have more options than ever before, Robb told investors on an earnings call transcribed by Seeking Alpha. And the other co-CEO, co-founder John Mackey, named some names: People may not be driving as frequently or as a far as they used to because they can stop by a Krogers or a HEB or a Wegmans.

The grocer has slashed prices, offered discounts, and launched a pilot loyalty program that is one of the hallmarks of traditional grocers, writes Heather Haddon for the Wall Street Journal. But the increased competition is continuing to undercut the Austin, Texas-based food grocers dominance in natural foods and it has offered lower prices to try to compete.

It is also fighting back with a nine-point plan unveiled last November. Among other things, it called for the launch of a new line of smaller, value-driven stores, 365 by Whole Foods Market, reports Claudia Grisales for the Austin American-Statesman. It has since opened two locations of the new store brand to positive reviews: A first store opened in the Los Angeles suburb of Silver Lake May 25 followed by a second store in the Portland suburb of Lake Oswego July 14. A third location is slated to open in Bellevue, Wash. outside Seattle on Sept. 14.

Asserting that the smaller and more-affordable 365s deliver a fresh new format to the marketplace, Mackey said on yesterdays call that they are firsts for us in so many ways, from a streamlined operating model, to centralized buying, to auto-replenishment of inventory. We are already taking advantage of our many learnings to shape and evolve not just future 365 stores but Whole Foods Market stores as well.

Mackay also elaborated on the retailers back to basics plan, which will mean refocusing on the customer experience, among other initiatives, Grisales reports.

Everything has to do with upgrading the customer experience, from signage to the way we communicate, Mackay said. Im not going to say Whole Foods neglected that. I dont think weve neglected it, but I think we need to up our game.

And lower its prices.

Wellness has gone mass, and it is not coming back, never again to be relegated to niche specialty retailers serving price-insensitive, early adopters, Goldman analyst Stephen Tanal wrote in a research note earlier in the week that is cited by Forbes Maggie McGrath.

Tanal noted that part of the problem is geography: he and his team found that 54% of Whole Foods stores have one or more Kroger within five miles; a whopping 75% have one or more Trader Joes within five miles and 84% have one more Costco within 10 miles, McGrath reports, pointing out that Goldman had downgraded the stock from neutral to sell.

Mackey has said the company remains committed to reducing annual expenses by $300 million by the end of fiscal 2017 and will invest the savings in better pricing. The company has trimmed about 2,000 jobs as part of the cost-cutting effort, Bloombergs Craig Giammona writes.

And separately, he reports, Macklowe Properties and Whole Foods announced yesterday that it is the first commercial tenant to sign on in the residential redevelopment of One Wall Street, which will open in 2018. Whole Foods Market will occupy 44,000 square feet over three floors; two of them will be for shopping.

It will be 16-minute stroll from the Goldman Sachs Tower on West St., the better for analysts to get a feel for how that qualitative customer experience stuff is working out.
by Tobi Elkin @tobielkin, July 28, 2016

Prohaska Consulting added two industry veterans to its leadership team. The consulting firm, which works with ad-tech and publisher clients, named Laura Gaffney, VP, global publisher & business development, and Michael Stoeckel, VP, global tech strategy & publisher operations.

Gaffney will head Prohaska Consultings global publisher development team which is focused on growing sell-side solutions for clients. Shell also work on business development across Prohaska Consultings six client verticals.

Michael Stoeckel will manage the organizations work with ad tech and marketing tech companies on strategy, positioning, and development. In addition, hell direct yield optimization projects and other technology services to help them increase revenue for global publishing clients.

Gaffney previously worked with ad-tech firms including Smaato, Unruly, and NetShelter Technology leading supply, media acquisition, planning, and operations. Stoeckel has been a technology strategist on both the buy side and sell side for companies such as Turner, Fox, JP Morgan Chase, and the New York Times Co.
by Chase Martin , July 28, 2016

Retailers may soon be adding the Internet of Things to their outdoor leisure marketing in the form of new wearables and trackers.

Vodafone just developed a set of proof-of-concept designs for products that could sense UV light exposure, monitor wandering children and track lost luggage.

The Smart Summer suite of concept designs incorporates IoT sensors in mens and womens swimwear, a child's sunhat and travel luggage and the data from them is aggregated in a smartphone app.

In the swimwear, a sensor measures sun exposure, which is displayed on a graph in the app. When potentially harmful UV levels are reached, the user gets a notification on their smartphone.

Almost half (48%) of European consumers say they have forgotten to apply sunscreen while on vacation, according to research conducted by YouGov for Vodafone.

The research, comprising a survey of more than 8,000 adults across Europe, also found that three-quarters (76%) of consumers say receiving an alert about harmful sun exposure would increase their likelihood of covering up.

In addition, YouGov found that almost a third (30%) of consumers say they have lost their luggage while traveling.

Vodafones connected luggage design is equipped with tracking sensors that use Bluetooth, GPS and cellular connections to pin-point its location.

Similarly, the sunhat also incorporates these tracking sensors.

The hat, intended for young children, can be located by using the app. As the hat-wearing child moves closer or farther away from the smartphone-holding parent, the app shows a hotter or colder icon.

These designs are another example of ways in which IoT will benefit consumers lives, according to Erik Brenneis, group director of IoT at Vodafone.

The Vodafone Smart Summer concept illustrates how the Internet of Things has the potential to reshape every aspect of our daily lives, Brenneis said.

Companies in every industry are already embracing IoT technologies and see these as critical to their future.
by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, July 28, 2016

Working Together was the theme of day three at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. What a night it was.

From former New York City mayor and staunch Independent Michael Bloomberg to Lenny Kravitz, to the oratory power of our President and Vice President, delegates and attendees were presented with an inspiring show of unity and eloquence.

Many of the political speakers also took aim at Donald Trump with blistering attacks.

Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine termed Trump a one-man wrecking crew. He quoted the co-author of Trumps autobiography who said of Trump: Lying is second nature to him.

Vice President Joe Biden presented a positive picture of the country and had a powerful message about the steadfastness of the American people and of their belief in U.S. exceptionalism.

Biden addressed the fear-mongering tactics of the Republican Party, which has been uniquely central to the campaign of Donald Trump: Americans have never let their country down  We do not scare easy.

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Bloomberg took a more methodical approach to Donald Trump, addressing his poor business decisions and fraudulent activities scattered throughout his business career. I know a con when I see one, said the former New York mayor and successful publishing magnate. Donald Trump wants to run this country like his businesses. If thats the case, God help us.

The real prime-time event of the evening was a celebration of President Barack Obamas presidency in the form of a comprehensive video of his time in office, complete with an address from the President himself.

He made strong arguments against Donald Trump and put Hillary Clintons tenure as his Secretary of State in a positive light. Obama notably spoke of Secretary Clintons involvement in the decision to go after Osama Bin Laden.

Most importantly, President Obama argued for Clinton as his authentic political heir.

Trying to address the range of factions in the Democratic Party, Obama made his plea: Shes been there for us -- even if we havent always noticed -- and if youre serious about our democracy, you cant afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue.

Clinton also made a surprise appearance on stage following the Presidents speech.

Other speakers in the evening included former Democratic presidential nominee Martin OMalley, Chicago mayor and Obamas first chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and former Secretary of Defense and CIA director Leon Panetta.

Tonight is the big event. Chelsea Clinton will introduce her mother and we will hear Hillarys maiden speech to the DNC as the first female nominee of a major party.
USA Today, Thursday, July 28, 2016 11:56 AM

In a positive sign that the DNC has been exciting voters, Google searches for the term voter registration spiked 190% on Wednesday evening. The searches were at the highest level since the primary cycle. On Facebook, 12 million users had 44.4 million interactions over the past 24-hours period related to DNC.

Read the whole story at USA Today 
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, July 28, 2016

Dont let the heat fool you: The back-to-school shopping season is in full swing, and a new report from Deloitte says college bound kids are eager to up their own investment in everything from chic sheets to new smartphones.

The survey finds 57% of students plan to pay for more than half of their shopping (even if only 16% of parents believe them.) Either way, its big money for retailers, with parents in the study projecting spending this year of $1,345 on necessities, while their offspring expect the total to be more like $1,082.

While all tech is top of their radar, computers are the biggest category, with Deloitte reporting that parents anticipate spending $673, and students $473.

"College-aged students are taking on more financial responsibility and have a larger say in purchasing decisions during back-to-school shopping, says Rod Sides, vice chairman of Deloittes retail and distribution practice leader, in the report. They're even willing to contribute more to the budget than parents expect."

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The earliest shoppers are also likely to be the biggest spenders. Bookstores and college stores are still the top-spending destination (71% will shop there). But students are being especially thrifty this year, with 83% planning to buy used books, and 79% looking to buy from online retailers with free shipping. And 45% of the survey, based on responses from 750 parents and 1,200 college-age students, say they will use social media to help.

Last week, the National Retail Federation released its college forecast, with lower spending predictions than Deloitte: $888.71 per student, down a smidge from $899.18 last year. (But with more kids heading to college this year, total back-to-college spending is likely to rise to $48.5 billion compared with $43.1 billion.) The Washington D.C.-based trade association says thats likely to include $11.54 billion on electronics, $7.49 billion on clothing, $6.23 billion on dorm furnishings, and $5.78 billion on food.

Separately, online retailer Wayfair has released its best-decorated dorms list, a ranking compiled by the number of Wayfair furniture, decor and lighting purchases made from university IP addresses, as well as shipping zip codes. Three of the top five are located in New York, led by Columbia University, New York City; Purdue University in Indiana; New York University; Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and the University of Missouri in Columbia. The biggest sellers? Splatter lamps, convertible sofas and hammock chairs.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, July 28, 2016

Tiffany & Co. is stepping up its Snapchat skills, and became the first luxury brand to buy a Snapchat lens.

The effort, with the #LoveNotLike Snapchat lens, is running live 24 hours on July 28 in both the U.S. and Australia, and the following day in Italy. Were certain that you will #LoveNotLike the surprise we have in store for you at #Snapchat, it teased its Twitter followers. And on Instagram, it gives viewers a preview of the lens, with Tiffany-blue hearts streaming from the mouths and eyes of a crowd of young women.

Its a modern twist on social media that would no doubt impress Holly Golightly. The company launched it Snapchat presence, Tiffanyofficial, back in April. That was timed around the companys Blue Book Gala, with celebrity Snapchat takeovers by Eve Hewson and Reese Witherspoon, a spokesperson tells Marketing Daily. She says the geofilter will be in all 93 U.S. stores, and that the brand will also have a Snapchat advertising presence on a variety of channels within the Discover section on July 28.

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Snapchat continues to be the youngest social media platform, with 47% of users between the ages of 18 and 24, according to the American Marketing Association.

The company also announced that it hired fashion guru Grace Coddington to collaborate on the new fall campaign, including print ads running in fashion, travel and lifestyle publications, as well as a black-and-white video version that it expects to run digitally. (Coddington spent decades as creative director at Vogue, and this is her first-ever brand advertising campaign since leaving the magazine to become creative director-at-large.)

Tiffany has been struggling with declining revenues, with sales falling 7% to $891 million in its most recent quarter, and 9% on a comparable store basis, pressured by declining foreign tourist spending in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.
by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, July 28, 2016

The United States Olympics Committee appears to be gearing up for a showdown over ads on Twitter, Facebook and other Web platforms.

The organization recently told advertisers that sponsor athletes, but don't also pay multi-millions to sponsor the USOC or International Olympic Committee, to refrain from using hashtags connected to the Olympics.

"Commercial entities may not post about the Trials or Games on their corporate social media accounts," USOC chief marketing officer Lisa Baird wrote, according to ESPN. "This restriction includes the use of USOC's trademarks in hashtags such as #Rio2016 or #TeamUSA."

Whether the Olympic Committee can enforce its demands is another matter -- one that may turn out to be surprisingly complicated.

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To a large extent, questions about trademark infringement on Twitter may hinge on unresolved questions about when tweets are actually ads -- according to Santa Clara University law professor Eric Goldman.

Some tweets are obvious ads, but others exist in a gray area. Consider, two years ago drugstore chain Duane Reade landed in court after boasting on Twitter that actress Katherine Heigl shopped at the store. The company posted a photo of Heigl walking on a street while carrying large shopping bags with the store's logo on them, along with the now-deleted tweet: Love a quick #DuaneReade run? Even @KatieHeigl can't resist shopping #NYC's favorite drugstore.

That tweet prompted the Knocked Up star to sue the drugstore for turning her into an unpaid endorser. Experts weighed in on both sides of the dispute, but it was settled before any judges ruled on the matter.

But even if a brand posts something that's clearly an ad, and uses a hashtag like #TeamUSA, the advertiser hasn't automatically infringed trademark, according to Goldman.

Instead, judges look at questions such as whether the post duped consumers into believing the brand was affiliated with the trademark owners, Goldman says. Even if the answer is yes, brands can still argue that they have a free speech right to use hashtags that describe an event like the Olympics games.

There's no good way to predict whether advertisers or the USOC would prevail on those questions, if disputes end up in litigation. But the USOC may not need to go that far. If the organization believes its trademarks are being violated, it can always complain directly to Twitter -- which may then make its own decisions about removing the posts. And Twitter, unlike the U.S. government, is always free to censor tweets regardless of how legitimate they are.
A new study finds that you do not have to use marijuana to experience its negative health implications; inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke for just 1 minute may temporarily impair blood vessel function.

Share on Pinterest Researchers found exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke for just 1 minute impaired rats blood vessel function.

What is more, researchers found that it may take three times as long for blood vessel function to recover after inhalation of secondhand marijuana smoke, compared with inhalation of secondhand tobacco smoke.

Senior author Matthew Springer, Ph.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the University of California-San Francisco, and colleagues report their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The harms of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke are well established, and these include immediate damage to the heart and blood vessels.

But according to the research team, little is known about the harms that may arise as a result of exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke.

To find out, Springer and colleagues exposed rats to either secondhand tobacco or marijuana smoke for 1 minute.

The team assessed the blood vessel function of the rodents before and after exposure to each form of smoke. Specifically, they looked at how the smoke impacted the blood vessels ability to transport blood, and if impairment occurred, how long it lasted.
In the summer of 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge took the world by storm; social media was teeming with videos of celebrities and members of the general public tipping buckets of ice water over their heads, in order to raise money for research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Now, it seems the charity campaign has paid off; it has enabled the discovery of a gene that contributes to development of the neurodegenerative disease.

Share on Pinterest Researchers have discovered a new gene that contributes to ALS, thanks to money raised by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

In a study published in the journal Nature Genetics, co-lead investigator John Landers, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and his team reveal how mutations in a gene called NEK1 increase susceptibility to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The researchers say their study  which was funded by the ALS Association through donations raised by the Ice Bucket Challenge  represents a major step toward eradicating the disease once and for all.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, is a condition triggered by death or degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that are responsible for muscle control.

According to the ALS Association, around 15 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each day, and as many as 30,000 Americans are currently living with the condition.

Around 90-95 percent of ALS cases are sporadic, while around 5-10 percent of cases are familial, caused by inherited mutations in one or more genes.

Early symptoms of ALS include muscle twitching, tightness, and stiffness, muscle weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech, and problems chewing or swallowing.

As the disease progresses, muscle weakness spreads to other parts of the body, making everyday tasks  such as buttoning a shirt or turning a key  challenging. Eventually, the condition causes paralysis, and in the later stages, the breathing muscles may be affected.

The prognosis for ALS patients is poor; the average life expectancy after an ALS diagnosis is 2-5 years, highlighting a crucial need to identify a cure for the disease. The novel gene discovery from Dr. Landers and colleagues may have brought us closer to finding one.
Despite societal perceptions that older adults' love lives are ancient history, many seniors are anything but retired from sex, a new study suggests.

Many seniors consider sexual activity essential to their well-being, happiness and quality of life. And some of these vivacious seniors are finding their golden years to be an optimal time for exploring new dimensions of their sexuality, said researcher Liza Berdychevsky, a professor of recreation, sport and tourism at the University of Illinois.

Berdychevsky and co-author Galit Nimrod of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, examined the importance of and constraints on sexuality in older adulthood - as well as people's strategies for staying sexually active throughout their later years. The researchers analyzed a full year of conversations about sex that occurred on 14 leading online communities that target people age 50 and over. The study sample included English-speaking websites based in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

Older adults' discussions of their experiences and perspectives about sexual matters were wide-ranging and diverse. While some seniors were content with retiring from sex, many others emphasized that they "remained sexually able, interested and active," the researchers found.

"Although some older adults reported abstaining from sexual activity due to health conditions or loss of interest, others refused to renounce sexual activity. Their health problems or society's ageist stereotypes that portray seniors as asexual were not going to become excuses to give up on life - or sex," Berdychevsky said.

A sense of impending mortality inspired some older adults to cast aside sexual inhibitions or stereotypes that constrained their behavior when they were younger and to begin exploring new activities or aspects of their sexuality, according to the study.

Rather than diminishing with age, some seniors' libidos caught fire and sexual activity took on greater importance with their abundance of leisure time in later life. For these seniors, their sexual explorations affirmed their ongoing engagement with life and continuing personal growth, Berdychevsky said.

While people may have greater opportunity and perceived freedom to explore their sexuality later in life and might benefit the most from it, they also are confronted with numerous cultural, social, psychological and biological constraints, Berdychevsky said.

"But not everybody perceived these constraints as verdicts. Many seniors were willing to negotiate these constraints, resist them and find various cognitive and behavioral strategies to continue having sex," Berdychevsky said.

Ageist stereotypes that older adults are - or should be - asexual frequently encroached on seniors' sex lives. In the online forums, some seniors recounted incidents of health care workers dismissing their concerns about their sexual health or functioning. Likewise, some seniors reported that their lifestyles elicited disapproval from their adult children or staff members in their living facilities, Berdychevsky said.

How to continue enjoying one's sexuality after the loss of a spouse or partner and the risks associated with dating and sexual relationships in later life were popular discussion topics. While some seniors swapped advice about finding new partners and trying new sexual activities such as sex toys, less progressive older adults wrote that embarrassment and fear of social stigma prevented them from trying these activities.

Although health conditions sometimes constrained older adults' physical abilities, their willingness to reappraise and adapt their sexual activities - rather than surrender to their physical limitations - determined whether they continued to enjoy fulfilling sex lives, the researchers concluded in the paper, published in the journal Leisure Sciences.

Learning to appreciate what they had - whether it was enjoying foreplay in lieu of intercourse, focusing on quality instead of quantity, or finding mental richness and life experience as arousing as a youthful physique - enabled some older adults to adjust their sexual expectations to the realities of aging and their health conditions, Berdychevsky said.

Like other leisure pursuits, sexual activity served as an important adjustment strategy, helping some seniors cope with life transitions such as ending their careers and moving into retirement communities or health care facilities, the researchers wrote.

Other seniors, however, indicated they were happy to forgo sex, the researchers found. Youth-oriented depictions of "positive" or "successful" aging that implied ongoing sexual activity, which are used frequently in marketing sex-enhancement products, were distressing to these seniors and perceived as sensationalistic.

"These stereotypes caused performance anxiety in some older men, and some older women believed that both partners should have a say in whether sex enhancement drugs are prescribed," Berdychevsky said.

Sexual education programming that addresses the variety of physical and psychosocial risks that sexually active older adults face is much needed, according to the researchers. Likewise, health care providers and residential facility staff members must be encouraged to shed ageist stereotypes about older adults' sexuality, respect their rights to privacy and sexual activity, and be sensitive to their concerns.

Article: Sex as Leisure in Later life: A Netnographic Approach, Liza Berdychevsky & Galit Nimrod, Leisure Sciences, doi: 10.1080/01490400.2016.1189368, published online 6 July 2016.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study compared outcomes of leukemia patients receiving bone marrow transplants from 2009-2014, finding that three years post transplant, the incidence of severe chronic graft-versus-host disease was 44 percent in patients who had received transplants from matched, unrelated donors (MUD) and 8 percent in patients who had received umbilical cord blood transplants (CBT). Patients who received CBT were also more likely to no longer need immunosuppression and less likely to experience late infections and hospitalizations. There was no difference in overall survival between these two techniques. Results are published in the journal Bone Marrow Transplant.

"When you do an allogeneic transplant - when someone else is the donor - the new blood system has the potential to attack the patient. This is graft-versus-host disease, which can be debilitating and even fatal. Our results show that, long term, receiving a cord blood transplant is less likely than receiving a transplant from an unrelated, matched donor to result in graft-versus-host disease," says Jonathan Gutman, MD, investigator at the CU Cancer Center and Clinical Director of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation at University of Colorado Hospital.

Share on Pinterest University of Colorado Cancer Center study shows reduced chronic graft-versus-host disease with cord blood, compared with blood from unrelated matched donor, three years after bone marrow transplant

Image Credit: University of Colorado Cancer Center

A common treatment for blood cancers is to erase a patient's leukemic blood system and then regrow a new blood system using donor blood stem cells. There are four possible sources of donor cells: a matched, related donor (commonly a close family member), a matched, unrelated donor (from a database of 25 million people who have agreed to donate), umbilical cord blood (from a bank of stored samples), and haploidentical transplant (a promising technique requiring only a half match with a related donor). The closer the match between donor cells and a patient's blood system, the less chance the new blood system will attack the patient's tissues, i.e. the less chance of graft-versus-host disease.

A matched, related donor is the accepted first choice. Genetics dictate that siblings have a 25 percent chance of matching. Those without a matched, related donor have 70 percent chance for Caucasians or only 10 percent chance for other or mixed ethnicities of finding a matched, unrelated donor in databases of people who have agreed to give if needed. Cord blood is immature and thus does not need to be as closely matched to be acceptable as a donor source. (Haploidenical transplant is beyond the scope of this article.)

"Historically, doctors have reserved cord blood for patients without a match," Gutman says.

However, this flow of preference is increasingly questioned as data including the current study demonstrate that cord blood may be equal to or better than transplant from a matched, unrelated donor.

"A lot of centers reserved cord blood transplants for their worst cases, and so it got an early reputation for being less successful. It also costs a bit more - it takes cord blood cells a little longer to get going and so patients need to be supported a little longer. However, when you look past the first 100 days - a point at which many centers stop collecting data - there is clear evidence that cord blood outperforms cells from matched, unrelated donors," Gutman says.

Gutman also points out that bone marrow transplants require art as well as science. Centers like University of Colorado Hospital that are especially experienced with cord blood transplant have evolved systems to best support patients and optimize all transplant related issues, potentially leading to better outcomes than less experienced centers using similar treatment.

The current study, specifically, compared 51 consecutive patients receiving CBT with 57 consecutive patients receiving MUD. At 3 years post transplant, in addition to he above difference in severe chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), overall rates of cGVHD were 68 percent following MUD and 32 percent following CBT. Again at 3 years, patients receiving CBT had been off immunosuppression since a median 268 days from transplant; patients receiving MUD had not ceased immunosuppression to a degree that allowed researchers to determine the median.

"As a result, we have chosen to use cord blood as our first choice in cases where a matched, related donor is unavailable," Gutman says.
Neurovance, Inc. has announced that its Phase 2b trial of centanafadine SR (CTN), a non-stimulant for the treatment of adults with ADHD, met both the primary and secondary endpoints. The trial showed that CTN at 400 mg demonstrated an effect size of 0.6, within the range of the pivotal trials of approved stimulants, the most frequently prescribed drugs in the US for ADHD. The 400 mg dose was generally well tolerated with rates of insomnia and loss of appetite less than typically seen with stimulants. This trial lays the groundwork for future phase 3 trials.

"We believe that CTN is among the first of a new generation of triple reuptake inhibitors in advanced development for ADHD and these study results are critical to establishing the dose range and regulatory path forward for centanafadine", said Anthony A. McKinney, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Neurovance. "Based on previous data we have shown, CTN had an efficacy profile approaching that of stimulants yet with human trial results suggesting less risk of abuse. We will use the data from this trial to support an FDA regulatory package with the goal of initiating phase 3 trials in early 2017."

Specifically, this was a 3-week placebo-controlled crossover Phase 2b trial in 85 adult ADHD patients conducted at 4 US sites and designed to provide efficacy and safety data for CTN given twice daily. Patients receiving CTN 400 mg had a -15.1 point change from baseline in the primary endpoint vs. a -8.1 point change observed with placebo, resulting in a statistically significant difference of -7.0 (p<0.001) and an effect size of 0.6. Effect size is a well-accepted statistical method to enable comparisons with medications across trials. Stimulants generally have effect sizes higher than non-stimulants.

"The results of CTN potentially presents a medicine with effect size and late-day symptom coverage with a low rate of insomnia - a chronic side effect of many ADHD treatments," said Timothy Wilens, MD, an ADHD researcher from Massachusetts General Hospital. "If these data are replicated in future Phase 3 trials, CTN may present a new path to further the way ADHD is treated in both adult and pediatric patients."

The results of this Phase 2b efficacy trial followed the results of a human imaging study presented recently at the ASCP national meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, showing CTN had relevant brain norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin transporter occupancy versus standard comparators. The imaging results are consistent with the strong efficacy signal observed in the completed ADHD trials.

"Based on my knowledge of this market from my ADHD experience at Johnson and Johnson, I was very impressed with the CTN SR results," said, Jeff Bailey, Executive Chairman of Neurovance. "If approved, CTN has the potential to be the go-to drug for payers and doctors when patients do not respond well to first-line stimulants."

CTN modulates the activity of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), three neurotransmitters believed to be involved in the disorder. A total of 7 human trials have been conducted with centanafadine, five Phase 1 studies and two Phase 2 ADHD trials.

ADHD is unique among the mature US pharmaceutical markets with $12 billion in annual sales with overall prescriptions growing at 6%, which demonstrates the strong underlying demand for ADHD treatments. According to IMS, in 2015 approximately 67 million prescriptions were written for ADHD with 37 million prescriptions written for adults and 30 million written for children and adolescents. Adults are the fastest growing segment with prescriptions growing at an estimated rate of 9% per year. Over 90% of ADHD prescriptions are for stimulants such as amphetamines (mixed amphetamine salts, d-amphetamine or lisdexamfetamine) or methylphenidates, which, though effective, can have major side effects and potential for abuse and diversion.
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He further added, "However, about 20% of patients have a poor response to Imatinib, and until now we haven't fully understood why. Unfortunately, this means that one-in-five patients could be receiving treatment that ultimately is not benefitting them, losing response to therapy and reducing their chances of survival."The research team based in the Cancer Theme at the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine - have developed a new test that they believe could be adopted by doctors worldwide.The study basically looked at the role of a a protein that pumps many drugs including Imatinib out of leukemia cells that is called P-glycoprotein. The team found that some patients had higher levels of P-glycoprotein in their leukemic cells after just a few weeks of starting therapy and these patients were much more likely to develop resistance to treatment with Glivec and similar drugs.The research team concludes that if the patient's levels of the P-glycoprotein is assessed soon after they start Imatinib treatment for long term response to the drug can be predicted."This new test, developed in our laboratory, may provide an opportunity for doctors around the world to change treatment strategies for those patients most at risk of doing poorly on Imatinib before they actually lose response to the therapy," Dr Eadie says.Dr Eadie is also the recipient of a 2016 Fulbright South Australia Postdoctoral Scholarship. Next month, she will travel to the United States to continue research into leukemia, based at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee.This work will continue her focus on the effectiveness of leukemia treatments and the mechanisms of resistance in patients."I hope that by better understanding the key drivers of response and resistance in patients, these research findings will help to inform clinical practice and ensure the best possible chance of patient survival," she says.The American Cancer Society's estimates for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the United States are that about of the 8,220 new cases that will be diagnosed with CML in the year 2016, 1,070 people of will die of the condition.About 1 person in 555 in United States will get CML in their lifetime and about 10% of all new cases of leukemia are chronic myeloid leukemia. The average age at diagnosis of CML is around 64 years. Almost half of cases are diagnosed in people 65 and older. This type of leukemia mainly affects adults, and is only rarely seen in children.This path breaking research publication in the field of chronic myeloid leukemia treatment will give hope to many patients with the cancer and improve their chances of survival.Source: Medindia
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IL-6 (>15.4pg/ml) and Endometrial PGP 9.5 - sensitivity 1.0 and specificity 0.93.

Vaginal examination and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) - sensitivity 0.96 and specificity 0.98.

Multiplication of urine vitamin-D-binding protein (VDBP) and serum CA-125 (>2755) - Sensitivity 0.74 and Specificity 0.97.

Serum CA-125 (>35U/ml), the length of the menses and endometrial leukocytes - Sensitivity 0.61 and Specificity 0.95.

TVUS and Serum CA-125 (greater than equal to 25U/ml) or CA 19.9 (greater than equal to 12U/ml) - Sensitivity 0.79 and Specificity 0.97.

TVUS and Serum CA 19.9 (greater than equal to 12U/ml) - Sensitivity 0.54 and Specificity 0.97.

TVUS and Serum CA-125 (greater than equal to 20U/ml or 25U/ml) - Sensitivity 0.69 and 0.96.

TVUS and Serum CA-125 (greater than equal to 35U/ml) - Sensitivity 0.52 and Specificity 0.97.

Vaginal examination and TUVS - Sensitivity 0.87 and Specificity 0.98.

Vaginal Examination and TUVS - Sensitivity 0.82 and Specificity 0.99.

Vaginal Examination and TUVS - Sensitivity 0.88 and Specificity 0.99.

Nisenblat, V., et al., Combination of the non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2016. 7: p. Cd012281. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/basics/definition/con-20013968?p=1 Hsu, A. L., Khachikyan, I., & Stratton, P. (2010). Invasive and non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 53(2), 413-419. http://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181db7ce8

The diagnosis of endometriosis is made based on the history, physical examination, pelvic examination, vaginal ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), serum markers, endometrial markers, urinary markers and diagnostic laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is an invasive method that diagnoses endometriosis with great accuracy. Researchers tried to find out if a combination of non-invasive tests could replace the need for laparoscopy while providing the same degree of accuracy.The study reviewed eleven studies, which included 1339 women in the reproductive age group who were suspected to have ovarian, peritoneal or deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE). Three authors collected the data and performed a quality assessment using the QUADAS-2 tool. To find the combined estimates of sensitivity and specificity of the different combinations of various non-invasive tests, the bivariate model was used. The possibility of the non-surgical tests replacing laparoscopy was based on the sensitivity and specificity of the tests.The following combinations met the criteria for being replacement tests in diagnosing endometriosis:The following combinations meet the criteria for SpIN (in case of positive result the test rules in the diagnosis with accuracy) triage test in diagnosing the following types of endometriosis:Pelvic Endometriosis:Endometrioma:The studies included in the review had a poor methodological quality. Hence, the results of this review are not reliable. Finally, there is no strong evidence to prove the benefit of the combinations of multiple non-invasive tests in clinical practice over the gold standard laparoscopy in endometriosis. To find the importance of non-invasive tests or their combinations in the diagnosis of endometriosis, high-quality research studies are essential.Source: Medindia
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In the review published in thesuggest thatThere are innumerable cosmetic goods available today in the market which not only includes make-up products but also personal care products such as creams, lotions, perfumes, sunscreens, hair care and nail care products. Each of these products comprise a number of unique individual ingredients and these can range from fragrances, preservatives, antioxidants, humectants, emollients, vehicles, emulsifiers, hair dyes, ultraviolet absorbers, acrylates, nail polish components, and others.The inclusion of these can proportionately increase our risk of our skin's sensitivity leading to adverse reactions.Besides commonly known allergic substances such as nickel sulfate, neomycin, Balsam of Peru, fragrance mix, thimerosal, gold sodium thiosulfate, quaternium-15, formaldehyde, bacitracin, cobalt chloride and benzalkonium chloride, there are numerous incriminating preservatives including formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRP) that are capable of causing contact dermatitis.Ascreening study by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) involving "patch testing" and the European analysis of 5911 cosmetic-allergic patients for allergic products indicate that. This is becoming increasingly more challenging with the discovery of newly emerging allergens being used in multiple cosmetic products.You know you are sensitive to formaldehyde if you are allergic to certain foods such as coffee, cod fish, caviar, smoked ham, shiitake mushrooms, maple syrup, and aspartame to name a few.The tools used to evaluate for fragrance allergy include a blend of fragrances such as fragrance mix I (FMI) comprising amyl cinnamic and cinnamic alcohol, eugenol, cinnamic aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, geraniol, isoeugenol, oak moss absolute and sorbitan sesquioleate, while fragrance mix II (FMII) incorporates hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, citral, farnesol, coumarin, citronellol and hexyl cinnamal.Balsam of Peru (BOP) is an aromatic fluid obtained from the bark of the tree Myroxylon balsamum native of El Salvador that is also used in the cosmetic industry and is a complex mixture of many unknown allergenic substances.The "Fair Packaging and Labeling Act" prevents the listing of many unique fragrances as they are kept under wraps as trade secrets. It is prudent not to forget that many cosmetic preparations which are supposedly 'unscented' or free of fragrances besides being 'hypoallergenic' may contain concealed fragrances and as such, are not rendered completely safe for hypersensitive individuals. These include many of the herbal preparations available in the market.Source: Medindia
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She won the Cancer Council Victoria Arts Award for outstanding writing for her story 'Ode to a Patient' in 2008 and Nossal Global Health Prize for writing in 2012.A truly Global citizen, having studied in India, The United States, The United Kingdom and Australia, Dr Ranjana has the ideal balance of East and West. She won the Fulbright scholarship that took her from Bihar, where she grew up, to The University of Chicago, United States. She lives in Australia with her husband and three young children.Here are excerpts of the interview with Dr Ranjana with Medindia.I think it's impossible to work as a clinician and not be deeply influenced by one's patients. My first book,is a collection of encounters from the bedside. My patients have impacted me in many ways: they have prompted me to keep learning the science of medicine but also to finesse the art. Patients want a doctor who is well-informed and whose knowledge they can trust, but also somebody they can trust with their thoughts, aspirations and fears.I think we all need to recognise the burden that doctors experience in caring for the chronically unwell, sick and dying. This is a stressful situation but like other skills in medicine, doctors can learn ways to find equanimity and perspective. Ultimately, medicine is a wonderful and rewarding vocation and it's a privilege to be let into the lives of patients.I find catharsis in writing and also in maintaining relationships with a range of people, inside and outside of medicine. I am proud to still be in contact with some of my friends from primary school in Bihar - I met one this week and our children played together!Many of my patients have advanced cancer and will die within a year or two of seeing me. It is always difficult to disclose the poor prognosis but patients have a right to know their prognosis and plan for their future. There is growing evidence that most patients are unaware of their prognosis, which leads them to seek aggressive, futile and highly expensive care towards the end of life.The conversation about prognosis and mortality is always difficult and one that patients and oncologists would rather not have to deal with but the truth is that we have to.Over the past decade I have experimented with different ways of disclosing information, made mistakes and learnt from my mistakes. But many patients are very grateful to know the truth because it helps them prepare for the future - and then, I am reminded of the vital importance of honest and empathetic conversations that tell the truth but still give people hope that they will not be abandoned.Dying for a Chat is about taking the time to talk to patients so we can ascertain their hopes and aspirations. Without agreeing on the goals of care, doctors can keep treating patients without meaningful gain. This small book discusses the unfortunate journey of one elderly patient and how her prolonged death could have been avoided through better conversations with her and those she loved.To deal with this challenge, doctors need to consider such conversations an integral part of medical care and prepare for them with the same skill and knowledge that they would when performing a procedure. I try to keep in mind to treat the patient as I'd like to be treated myself.Survival rates in cancer are rising - 2/3 of patients diagnosed with cancer today will be alive in 5 years.Many cancer patients feel lost once they have finished treatment because they suddenly have less contact with their providers.Patients suffer physical and emotional consequences that are not well recognised or adequately addressed - as a result, the trauma of a cancer diagnosis can last long after the cancer is said to have gone. After Cancer is a guide to help patients navigate the important aftermath of cancer treatment.I am grateful to have benefited from being a global citizen although to be honest, I didn't really like moving so much when I was a child because I had to leave my friends behind.But all the moves made me more resilient, more appreciative of difference, discrimination and also a wide world of opportunity. I now have friends and colleagues all over the world and my life feels enriched with perspective.I am genuinely grateful to be in all these roles and I try to fulfil them to the best of my ability so that I don't look back in too much regret.Motherhood comes with endless guilt, regardless of what other things one does. A long time ago someone told me about the 'good enough' mother - as in, I didn't have to be perfect, just 'good enough' because the kids would survive and probably do well if I didn't obsess over every detail. This is probably true for many other things in life.In my career, I obviously try to be the most complete doctor I can be but I recognize that I cannot know everything and never hesitate to seek advice - if it helps my patient, I am all for saying I need help.As a writer and in the media, I seek to present myself with integrity. I ask myself two questions: will I be able to hold my head high in front of my colleagues and will my actions hurt my patients? If I am satisfied with these two answers, it seems safe to proceed.I am not one to give advice to other women because I think we instinctively do what works for our circumstances. We do ourselves a disservice by always comparing our achievements and feeling like we come up short.All of us present an edited version of ourselves to the public - and I don't want anyone to think that I accomplish things single-handedly. I have a supportive husband, involved parents, good friends, healthy children and generally kind circumstances. Sure, hard work plays a role in any success but as I have grown older I have learnt to acknowledge the role of luck.I think that my Fulbright year spent doing an ethics fellowship at the University of Chicago was a transformative year in my life. I spent a year unable to practice medicine with an Australian license but able to observe the interactions between other doctors and their patients, which in turn gave me food for thought as to what kind of doctor I'd like to be.This is harder to think about when you are immersed in the job. That year I met doctor-writers who strengthened my resolve to write a book, something I had dreamt about for a long time. I was sceptical about my Fulbright year at the time but it took a decade to realise its enormous impact. Now, I am back in Chicago as a visiting faculty, teaching a course on the art of medicine.I think the other momentous event in my life has been becoming a parent, something that has broadened my horizons and deepened my empathy. I think I am a better doctor and a more considered person for it although I would hasten to add that it is possible to be both without having children. But for me, children have added an unexpected dimension, for which I am grateful.Q)I have fond and strong connections with India. I have volunteered in India and would very much like to make a larger contribution. I hope to do this at the end of the year when I come to deliver a talk on the role of humanity in medicine.About Dr Ranjana Srivastava - http://www.ranjanasrivastava.com/Books Written by Dr Ranjana Srivastava - https://www.penguin.com.au/contributors/6347/dr-ranjana-srivastavaSource: Medindia
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Speaking passionately for the cause, Mr. Malvinder Mohan Singh, Executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare said that the objective of this campaign is to create widespread awareness and encourage more and more people to register as organ donors as each one of us has the power to give and save lives.Mr. Bhavdeep Singh, CEO, Fortis Healthcare mentioned that the demand for organ transplant has greatly increased over the years due to higher instances of organ failure in patients on the one hand and improvement in transplant outcomes on the other. But there is a deep chasm between demand and supply due to lack of knowledge and priority given to it.Dr. Avnish Seth, Director, Fortis Organ Retrieval & Transplant, Fortis Healthcare shared that, the current situation sees a serious organ shortage with patients dying while waiting for transplants. For instance, only 15000 kidney transplants are carried out against the demand of nearly 2, 20,000 and only 2000 liver transplants are carried out in India whereas over 100,000 patients die due to fatal liver diseases. This unique campaign aims to take the lead to further the cause of organ donation with public and stakeholder support.Half a million people die for not receiving organs at the right time. There is a need to create organ donation awareness and the government should take efforts by coming up with a large scale campaign. Brain-dead entity should be recognised in hospitals and license should be provided to all the states said K.R. Balakrishnan, Director, Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospital.The health experts expressed their apprehensions on lack of proper knowledge about organ donation and myths surrounding it that is affecting the initiative. The cause of organ donation does not enjoy a prominent place in the minds of Indians. Each year thousands of people die while waiting for a transplant, because no suitable donor can be found in time for them.The Fortis More to Give campaign aims to address the existing negative perceptions and a general lack of actionable concerns that are the biggest challenges in the way of increasing donor numbers. It will activate the nation's conscience by sharing stories of disabled war veterans who have actually pledged to donate organs.By enlisting war veterans into the cause of organ donation and making them the ambassadors for this cause, the campaign will motivate more citizens to register for organ donation.Source: Medindia


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Its back to business as usual today with this look I wore to speak at a conference in Nashville a couple weeks ago. In the intense Tennessee heat and humidity, a light silk blouse and culottes were the perfect pieces to look professional, while keeping cool. I also thought this emerald shade of green was really pretty and quite unusual! With navy and white accents, it paired perfectly with my favorite pair of ivory culottes and go-to navy pumps.

BLOUSE: Rag & Bone (also HERE) | CULOTTES: old, similar HERE and HERE | HEELS: Jimmy Choo (similar HERE (on sale!), HERE and HERE) | BAG: 3.1 Phillip Lim (similar HERE) | EARRINGS: Juliet & Company | LIPS: Nars (Bansar)
In his July 15, 2016 column in the Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Yawm, in the wake of the Nice terror attack, Muhammad Amin wrote that terrorism is a creation of the U.S. and the U.K. and averred that the U.S. is using the Islamic State (ISIS) to fight proxy wars. Amin, who is also the newspaper's newly appointed Board of Trustees chairman,[1] suggested that the U.S. had used ISIS to carry out the Bastille Day attack in Nice so as to punish France for its support of Egypt. Throughout his piece, he alludes to Britain's "harboring" of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB); like many pro-regime Egyptian commentators, Amin considers the MB terrorists as well.

Following are translated excerpts from the article:



Egyptian columnist Muhammad Amin

"They Gave Him A Truck And Told Him: We'll See You In Paradise, Hero"

"The terrorist Mohamed Bouhlel imagined that he would enter Paradise and that he would be a martyr. They gave him a truck and told him: We'll see you in Paradise, hero. He went and ran over everyone he encountered in Nice, killing and injuring more than 100 people. So, how will he enter Paradise? Who said that [the terrorists] would enter Paradise by killing, bloodshed, and running people over? The one who ran over the French on their holiday did not just run over them, he ran over the entire world, under the wheels of his insane truck. He is not a human and he is not a Muslim, and savages and murderers will not enter Paradise!...

"The saddening thing is that there are those who celebrated this massacre and congratulated themselves, and perhaps even performed two prostrations in prayer after the attack. What are you happy about? Why are you praying? Why France, and not Britain? Every time there is a new terror incident - who plots them? Who funds them? In particular, what is the relation between America and England and what happened in Nice?"

"In The Past America Created, Trained, And Funded Al-Qaeda - And Now It Has Created ISIS"

"Don't say that Washington is far removed from what happened in Nice. Don't say that the CIA is far removed from it. ISIS is entirely a creation of American intelligence [apparatuses], a dirty wing that it employs when necessary, and over whose victims it then sheds crocodile tears, condemns what occurred, announces that it is offering humanitarian and security aid, and launches attacks on ISIS positions in which no one is killed.

"Don't say that Britain is far removed [from the Nice attack]. Britain harbored the [MB] terrorist organization itself, and then spread it throughout Europe...

"No one is unaware of the history of America. Britain holds the patent on the invention of [Hasan] Al-Banna's [Muslim] Brotherhood. In the past, America created, trained, and funded Al-Qaeda, and now it has created ISIS. It turns them wherever it wants them to go. The Pentagon decided that it and its soldiers would not themselves fight, [so] it uses suicide bombers who imagine themselves to be martyrs and who want to enter Paradise. America emerges unscathed, the killers are Muslims...

"What happened [in Nice] was in no way a coincidence; the truck incident was not an accidental one, and the truck was not an out-of-control vehicle driven by a drunk driver. The attack was directed and plotted, and the timing was important, as multitudes were celebrating the national holiday [Bastille Day]. If this Tunisian [Mohamed Bouhlel] had failed, another truck would have been there to carry out the same mission. The other truck has already been recovered near his house, and it was booby-trapped as well, and ready to carry out the mission. The meaning of this is that Nice was targeted for a truck war, and this was a very high-impact operation!"

"Why Does America Manufacture Terrorists, Why Does England Harbor Them, And Why Do They Strike France?"

"No, tears alone are of no avail, though they are important. Declaring days of mourning is of no avail either, it will not spare us more terror. It is important that we act to prevent the loss of human life, and it is likewise important that we ask: Why does America manufacture terrorists, why does England harbor them, and why do they strike France? When will we understand that terrorism is a means to punish renegade regimes like Egypt and France? Egypt rejected the American plan [for the Middle East], and [the terrorists] punished it; France supported Egypt's position and supplied it with arms, and [the terrorists] punished and 'educated' it as well!

"For the past quarter century, Egypt has demanded the convening of an international conference on terrorism. Washington has not accepted. It neither hears nor sees; nor does Britain, which harbors the terrorist [MB] organization. If an international conference were convened, the world would discover that [America and Britain] are countries that sponsor terrorism..."[2]

Endnotes:
Last year, Chris Martin, Coldplays frontman was in the country as part of the Global Poverty project for which he is the brand ambassador. Then, one fine evening, he headed down to New Delhis popular Summer House Cafe and did an impromptu gig, much to the surprise of the onlookers, and the bafflement of those who missed it. Speaking of missing things, I have a knack for doing that!

 Pitchfork

Anyway, there is a slight smidge of a chance that maybe, just maybe, Coldplayyes, the bandcould (repeat: could) perform in India this November. Okay now, try not to squeal, utter unbelievable cuss words because of the level of your amazement. Notice how I said the words chance, smidge and could.

But, trust me, if that happens, get ready for an Adventure of A Lifetime!
True love has no bounds; weve all heard that while some of us have been fortunate enough to witness its magic. But one question is legit. What is love without the hardships? Is love supposed to leave you feeling empty with a void thats hard to fill? Does true love find its way through all the adversities its faced with? Does love have to pass the test of time? Does it survive?

Every love story is unique and every love story works out quite differently from the other. Just like this beautiful tale of love that, like many others, was faced with unexpected hardships and ssmisfortune. But this story proved that when two people are destined to be with each other, life inevitably brings them together. This beautiful story of Arkajyoti and Mahajabeen, who were separated by religion and were brought together by destiny, was posted by Humans Of Bombay and is a story that will make you want to hold on to your love till the end of time.

Heres the full text of the post:

We met in 1975 on a modelling assignment and started seeing each other a few weeks later. The next few years were greatI was madly in love with him, but as life would have it, Im Muslim, hes Hindu and his parents werent okay with us getting married. In 1979, they started showing him girls for arranged marriage. One day, when we were supposed to meet, he didnt turn up and it was only after I spoke to him on the phone the next day, that I realised that it was because he had agreed to get engaged to someone else  he said that he was tired of fighting with his entire family. I felt awfulI wanted to kill him, but I maintained my dignity and walked away with grace. That was the year we both got married to different peopleand I thought that was the last of it.

Years passed by  I had two children and an entirely different life. Even though I had so many mutual friends with him, I never saw him  we both wanted to respect each others new lives and happiness. Ofcouse we thought of each other, there are times when you cant help but think because there was so much love at one point, but none of us ever did anything about it  all I knew this entire time was that Id never truly stopped loving him.

As fate would have it, both our marriages didnt work out and after 7 years we met at a common friends party. Even though we were both alone, we both just assumed that our partners were travelling or couldnt make it. But destiny has a funny way of bringing whats meant to be together  we both bumped into each other at the family court  her hearing was at 12, mine was at 12:30 and we were both appointed the same judge and counsellor. We saw each other and asked a very stupid question  what are you doing here? but thats how it all began again. We picked up exactly where we left off  none of were bothered about the past, whos fault it was, what the reason for our divorces were  we were only concerned with the futureour future. I wasnt going to let her go the second time around, so one day when we had gone out for a walk at Turf Club, at the age of 37 I asked her to marry meand she said yes!

We got married in 1991 and had our son in 1992 and ever since then the five of us have been one, big happy family. I guess our life together was written, and no amount of time or distance apart could have changed that.
Last Thursday, the Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority (EVSWA) decided to help the Town of Vaughn with its defunct landfill, asbestos pile, and accompanying fines from May.

Since asbestos is a hazardous substance, its waste must be disposed of in designated (Asbestos Containing Material) landfills where the area is prepped for asbestos waste in an effort to limit environmental exposures. The waste is then sealed to prevent human exposure.

I think its a great combination to offer asbestos and construction-and-demolition debris. People can sort their loads and take advantage of the lower fee. I think a lot of the buildings that are being demolished are at that age where they have asbestos, said EVSWA Manager Andy Miller.

In May, Vaughn was fined $214k by the New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) as a result of an asbestos pile and defunct landfill. Since EVSWA has now stabilized the pile, the fine will go away.

Forcing us to pay this put us in a financial bind. It will kill a little municipality, stated Vaughn Mayor Roman Garcia at the meeting.

Also at the meeting, a few memorandums of understanding (MOU) were approved. They included EVSWA applying to NMED for a construction, demolition, and asbestos monofill landfill permit to be issued to Vaughn and that EVSWA will operate the landfill.

The other MOUs were for scrap tire transportation and processing in Mountainair, as well as scrap tire processing in San Juan County. The county is willing to transport scrap tires to the EVSWA regional landfill that will process and dispose of the tires.

In fact, New Mexico is home to six natural asbestos deposits due to its unique geology. Four of the deposits are chrysotile and two from amphibole minerals.

Two power plants with asbestos are also located in the state. The Four Corners Power Plant and the San Juan Powerhouse are where workers have been at an elevated risk for asbestos exposure.

In 2003, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) was named a defendant in 20 asbestos complaints and had been sued over a case of secondary exposure right before that.

Studies have shown 3% of power plant workers who die of work-related causes are those who have contracted mesothelioma cancer. Because the dangerous substance is flame-and electrical-resistant, it was used in power plants for over 50 years.

Well see how busy it is. This year will be a good test, said Miller.
We welcome the EUs adoption of a package of measures for Jordan (Jordan Compact), which, among other things, provides for the rebuilding of refugee reception communities, the gathering and provision of capital, and more favorable regulations for EU-Jordan trade relations.



As one of the neighbouring countries of Syria that continue to host a significant number of refugees, Jordan is shouldering an unwieldy burden for its population and its economy, exhibiting a sense of political responsibility and humanism.



Greece highlighted in a timely manner  as early as January 2015  that one of the main pillars for dealing the refugee flows should be strong support for countries neighbouring on Syria. To this end, Greece firmly supported the adoption of a bundle of measures in favor of Jordan; measures that constitute an exceptional regulation of limited duration for confronting the refugee crisis.
The police released Ramachandra Bharati, Nanda Kumar and Simhayaji Swamy following the order by the Anti-Corruption Bureau Court judge.
The Department of Environmental Quality's Office of the Great Lakes developed the strategy. The portion announced Wednesday says that there should be an increased focus on sustainable expansion of water recreation and water-based business.

The focus includes renewing waterfronts and improving the state's commercial and recreational harbors.

Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Director Jon Allan says in a statement that: "Care for our natural resources and investment in sustainable water-based industries will benefit Michigan citizens and play a key role in moving the state forward."

The initial phase announced in June includes educating citizens about the importance of healthy waters while nurturing and restoring aquatic ecosystems.
The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission is scheduled to meet Wednesday morning in the office of state Attorney General Bill Schuette.

The meeting is expected to feature representatives of the Firekeepers Casino and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi. They will talk about their efforts to curb human trafficking.

Also on the agenda is discussion about a conference scheduled for Sept. 29 in Ann Arbor. It aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and highlight efforts to stop it.

Schuette worked with the state Legislature to form the commission in 2013. It includes lawmakers, state leaders, activists and law enforcement officials.
The school struck a deal with Jennifer Dibbern before a June trial and after a judge dismissed many claims. She had accused the university of retaliating against her for union activity and efforts to change the campus anti-harassment policy.

The university denied any retaliation and said Dibbern wasn't making progress toward a degree after four years, among other problems.

Dibbern's lawyers will get $83,000, half the settlement, for their fees and expenses. Details were released to The Associated Press under a public records request.

U-M says it settled after 3  years to stop costly litigation.
Despite Flipping in Surf 4 Times in a Year, Marines Say New ACV Is the Future of Amphibious Warfare

Some Marine veterans familiar with the vehicle and its operations have worried about the reliability of the ACV.
It was fitting, said retired Marine Col. Harvey Barnum, that the ceremony to name an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in his honor be held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.

Barnum, 76, said he was one of only two recipients of the Medal of Honor -- the highest award for combat valor -- to be denied a ceremony at the White House amid widespread public disapproval of the Vietnam War.

"The administration at that time did not want any more publicity about the war," Barnum explained. "So I'm told that [then-Marine Corps Commandant] Gen. [Wallace] Greene said, 'He earned it, it's been approved, and if you won't decorate him, I will.' So I received the Medal of Honor in the [Sousa] Band Hall."

The DDG-124, to be built by General Dynamics Corp. at its Bath Iron Works facility in Maine, will be Barnum's namesake.

He received the Medal of Honor for heroism while on temporary assignment as a first lieutenant in Vietnam in 1965, an artillery forward observer with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. Trapped by an onslaught of accurate enemy fire on an isolated hill, Barnum was forced to take the lead after his company commander was grievously wounded and his radio operator was killed.

He took the radio and assumed command of the company under fire, mounting a successful counterattack and assisting with the evacuation of wounded and dead troops from the position.

"An O-2 on [temporary active duty] had, in a few hours, done more and showed more courage and selflessness than most of us do in a lifetime," said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus as he announced the naming of the destroyer.

Traditional naming conventions state that Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are supposed to be named for deceased members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. In his tenure as secretary of the Navy, Mabus has received attention for defying this tradition with regularity.

The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will be the eighth ship Mabus has named for a living person, of less than two dozen total Navy ships named for living individuals.

Mabus told Military.com on Thursday that he does not see himself as defying tradition by naming ships after living people, but noted that he does see value in the practice.

"I think it's ... important, when we can, to honor people who are still with us and thank them for what they did," Mabus said. "In a tangible way, they can be part of that spirit for that ship that will be there long after all of us are gone."

Mabus said Barnum served in the military during a difficult period in American history and continued to serve following his military career, as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs, as principal director for Drug Enforcement Policy at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and as president of the Congressional Medal of Honor society, among other posts.

"It's important for Americans today to recognize people like Barney Barnum and everything he represents," Mabus said.

Barnum said he hoped to visit his namesake ship while it was under construction and to ride aboard her after she entered service. He plans to make himself available to future crews of the Barnum to answer their questions and talk about his own experiences.

"So it's an opportunity to influence a warfighter, a warfighting ship, and it's got great capacity and capabilities," he said. "I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to mentor and show support."

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
At least five U.S. troops were wounded this week by small-arms fire and shrapnel while fighting alongside Afghan forces to expel ISIS from strongholds in eastern Nangarhar province, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan said Thursday.

Two of the wounded troops quickly returned to duty after treatment, and three others were medically evacuated from the country.

"We expect a full recovery" for all five troops, said Army Gen. John Nicholson, commander of Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan.

The wounded troops were believed to be the first U.S. casualties in Afghanistan in fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria offshoot, called Islamic State-Khorasan Province, or IS-K.

In a video briefing from Kabul to the Pentagon, Nicholson said the U.S. casualties occurred during an ongoing offensive by the Afghan National Defense Security Forces to rout ISIS from Nangarhar. He said ISIS' areas of control in the province had been reduced from 10 districts to three while inflicting heavy casualties on the terror group.

"We have killed many Daesh commanders and soldiers," Nicholson said, using an Arabic acronym for ISIS, and "Daesh fighters are retreating south" into the mountains on the Pakistani border.

He said ISIS' force had been reduced from an estimated 3,000 fighters to about 1,500.

Nicholson said the U.S. casualties occurred "in recent days," but the Pentagon later put out a clarifying statement. One was wounded on July 24 and the other four were wounded in a separate engagement on July 25, the statement said. "I characterize it as a clearing operation," Nicholson said of the effort in Nangarhar called Operation Shafak (Dawn).

In June 2015, when reports emerged of an ISIS presence in Nangarhar, U.S. military officials said that the group appeared to consist of disaffected members of the Taliban who were "self-branding."

However, Nicholson said that IS-Khorasan Province (a reference to a historical region including parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan) now had direct financial and communications links with the self-proclaimed "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria.

Nicholson told the Associated Press earlier this week, "They have applied for membership, they have been accepted, they had to meet certain tests, they have been publicized in Dabiq," the ISIS magazine. The ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan included members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or Pakistani Taliban, and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Nicholson said.

He said that planning for the offensive in Nangarhar, which is home to the U.S. base in Jalalabad, began before the suicide bombings claimed by ISIS in Kabul last Saturday that killed at least 80 -- the worst terror attack in the capital since 2001. "The fact that they could conduct a high-profile attack should not be perceived as a sign of growing strength," Nicholson said.

In January, President Obama authorized the U.S. military to launch airstrikes against ISIS in Afghanistan. Airstrikes had previously been limited to supporting U.S. troops or Afghan forces who were in danger of being overrun. In June, Obama loosened the rules of engagement again to allow airstrikes against the Taliban.

"I've been using those [new] authorities daily," Nicholson said in his first briefing to the Pentagon as Afghan commander since taking over from the now-retired Army Gen. John Campbell in March.

Since January, the U.S. has conducted a total 470 airstrikes in Afghanistan, with about 180 of those defined as "counter-terrorism" missions, Nicholson said. Since June, about 40 of the counter-terror airstrikes have targeted the ISIS affiliate, he said.

Nicholson was also using the new rules to boost the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan past the authorized level of 9,800. The additional troops were being deployed for counter-terror missions on a short-term basis, Nicholson told The Wall Street Journal.

"If I need to, I can bring in additional assets, and this could be reconnaissance, it could be air assets, it could even be ground assets," Nicholson said. "We brought in additional assets this time" for the offensive in Nangarhar, "and we'll do it again as needed to defeat" ISIS. He did not specify how many U.S. troops were in Nangarhar.

Previous U.S. commanders in Afghanistan have pointed to progress in the campaign against the Taliban and improvements in the capabilities of the Afghan forces only to have the Taliban prove their resilience with more attacks, but Nicholson echoed the same theme.

"Our mission in Afghanistan is on a positive trajectory," Nicholson said, and "We're cautiously optimistic the Afghan security forces are on a positive trajectory" despite mounting casualties. He said that fatalities for the Afghan forces were up 20 percent in the first six months of 2016, compared to the estimated 20,000 killed in 2015.

The Afghan forces conducted successful operations north of Kunduz to prevent another attack on the city, which was briefly overrun by the Taliban last year, Nicholson said. He also said a revitalized Afghan 215th Corps was having success in southwestern Helmand province, where the Taliban gained territory last year in Afghanistan's biggest poppy-producing areas.

The Afghan forces, backed by U.S. advisers now embedded with them, were operating under what Nicholson called a new "sustainable security strategy."

"The idea is that the Afghans will focus their efforts in certain areas and mainly it's the key population centers, the ring road, major economic arteries in the country," Nicholson said. "So these areas are generally designated as areas they will hold or will fight for."

"So if it's a hold or fight area, the Afghan security forces will immediately act to interdict [or] defeat any enemy effort to gain ground in those areas," he said. "There are other areas of the country where they will disrupt enemy operations, but they're not seeking to hold or fight for those areas."

President Obama recently changed course on the number of U.S. troops to remain in Afghanistan next year. Rather than reducing the troop level from 9,800 to 5,550 as originally planned, Obama said he was authorizing about 8,400 U.S. troops for Afghanistan in 2017.

In recent remarks to reporters in Kabul, Nicholson gave more exact figures and outlined the missions for the troops.

He said that 8,448 U.S. troops had been approved by the White House for deployment in Afghanistan in 2017. Of that number, about 2,150 would be involved in counter-terror missions, another 3,000 would serve as advisers to the Afghan forces, and the remaining troops would provide support missions, Nicholson said.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

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Emirates airlines is eager to work with local carriers and travel agents when it starts Myanmar operations in August. There are regulatory and technical hurdles to commercial cooperation, but also signs some barriers will be broken down.





The gulf carrier is scheduled to land in Myanmar for the first time on August 3, and will fly daily from Dubai to Yangon and onward to Hanoi.

The airline joins competitor Qatar Airways in servicing Myanmar from the Middle East, and is part of a profusion of international airlines expanding their Myanmar operations.

Emirates is keen to collaborate with local airlines and agents, but there are challenges to overcome, said Mohammad Sarhan, country manager for Thailand and Myanmar.

These stem mainly from Myanmars isolation from global travel systems and organisations.

One example is the worldwide payment system for travel and sales agents provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The system  known as a Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP)  means that airlines do not have to deal with individual travel agents, and receive all payments from agents in one electronic settlement.

But Myanmar is not using a BSP yet, said Mr Sarhan, adding that this also requires direct connection between a local travel agent and Emirates.





Operating outside of a BSP means a travel agent has to provide a guarantee of payment to an airline, whereas within the BSP it is the IATA that covers the risk of non-payment, he added.

Albert Tjoeng, a communications director for the IATA in Singapore, said the IATA is conducting a feasibility study on setting up a BSP in Myanmar.

The reliability of the banking infrastructure, and support from local airlines and travel agents will be crucial, he said.

Emirates is also eager to collaborate with local airlines and form agreements that would allow passengers to fly with Emirates from Dubai to Yangon and then onward to internal Myanmar destinations with a local carrier, Mr Sarhan said.

The use of a BSP would help smooth such collaboration but there are other potential problems.

One issue is that Emirates requires its local airline partners to pass the IATA Operational Safety Audit.

The only Myanmar airline to be IATA-certified is Myanmar Airways International, which does not operate internal Myanmar routes.

On the commercial side, another problem is that few local Myanmar carriers use a global distribution system (GDS)  a computer network linking airlines to travel agencies.

A travel agent in Europe or the Middle East could only book a customer a flight from Dubai to Yangon with Emirates and Yangon to a smaller internal airport such as Bagan with a local carrier if both the airlines providing the flights are on a GDS.

System integration is the most important thing, said Mr Sarhan.

We need those local airlines to be available on a GDS. Usually, this is the first obstacle [to collaboration].

Most domestic airlines instead use cheaper Web-based systems, said U Zaw Min Aung, chief operating officer at local carrier Air Mandalay. In addition to Web-based systems being cheaper and easier for staff to use, slow internet connections in Myanmar would make moving to a GDS challenging, he said.

Another IATA service is its central clearing house, which collaborating airlines use to settle accounts.

The clearing house processed US$54 billion in transactions in 2015, according to the IATA, and interline cooperation is made easier if local airlines join the clearing house, Mr Sarhan said.

The only Myanmar carriers that are active members of the clearing house are the two international airlines  Myanmar National Airlines and MAI.

Another option for local collaboration is for visa processing. Emirates would like to find a third-party firm with which it can connect UAE nationals that need a Myanmar visa, Mr Sarhan said.

The airline already connects UAE nationals flying to other countries with third-party companies that can help with visa applications, he added.

The easiest way to fly to Yangon from Dubai with Emirates in the past was to fly direct to Bangkok, where UAE nationals are able to secure a Myanmar visa within a day, and take a connecting flight to Yangon.

But there is no Myanmar embassy in the UAE, meaning potential travellers flying direct to Yangon will likely use the Myanmar embassies in Saudi Arabia or Qatar, Mr Sarhan said.
Yangon Region government aims to overhaul the citys chaotic bus lines by allowing companies to form public private partnerships. These new joint ventures will also be allowed to open petrol stations to help them stay profitable, Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein (NLD) said.





The government set up the citys first public-private joint venture last year to operate a service called BRT Lite. These air-conditioned buses only run along two routes, however, and reforms have barely scratched the surface of Yangons chaotic bus system, where more than 350 privately owned lines compete for passengers.

Drivers are paid according to how many people they pick up, which encourages reckless driving as each bus races to overtake the competition, often in dilapidated and dirty vehicles. U Phyo Min Thein said the citys public transport has deteriorated and needs to be upgraded with new buses and better-organised routes.

To achieve this, the government will encourage private companies to come together and form PPPs, he said. Addressing concerns by many bus line owners that such ventures would result in losses, he said that the government would help by awarding petrol distribution licences to PPPs.

If the current bus lines become PPPs they will surely lose some profit, he said. At that time, we need to allocate profits across bus lines systematically. We also plan to support the bus companies by allowing them to open petrol stations and to distribute fuel as a subsidiary business, which can cover their losses.

The current government has not yet awarded any new permits for private companies to open petrol stations, he said. In the past, fuel distribution licences were reserved for companies with the best connections.

The Yangon Region government is also preparing to improve the citys streets, and hopes to make money for this through selling adverts at bus stops.





If Yangon City Development Committee gives up its rights to the advertising sector we can upgrade the bus stops without using the state budget. We can run this operation through advertisements. To sustainably develop the PPP system the government must act as provider and investor where necessary so the companies can stand firmly, he said.

Five companies have applied to invest through the PPP model, but still need permission from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration, said U Maung Aung, secretary of the governments Public Transportation Authority Group.

We will give licences to public private joint ventures as much as we can, but some companies need to wait for permission from DICA. We hope that seven or eight PPP companies will want to start within this year, and we will also include bus lines operated by Ma Hta Tha, he said, using the Myanmar acronym for the Yangon Region Supervisory Committee for Motor Vehicles.

Eventually the government plans to phase out privately run bus routes from the city centre, replacing them with PPP lines which will be coordinated by their joint public partner, the Public Transportation Authority Group.

Most private operators say they are keen to get involved in the scheme, which would offer them financial certainty. Once they have signed up, they will be encouraged to sell their old vehicles for use in other states and regions, and will be connected with local commercial banks to buy new buses under a hire-purchase scheme.

If owners of existing bus lines want to be involved in PPPs they must change their buses, said U Maung Aung. In the past the government did not allow buses with Kha licence plates to be sold to other regions or states, but now this is allowed.

Companies can put the money raised from selling their old buses toward buying new buses, and banks can provide the rest, he said.

We have already discussed this with the banks. If bus owners can put up a K3 million or K4 million down payment, the banks can loan them the rest through instalments.

All buses run under the PPP system must use a standardised ticketing system so the government can easily calculate how much it needs to invest in case one line is losing money, he added.

Ten percent of Myanmars population is living in Yangon, which is our countrys main business town and an important place, he said.

Most foreign investment is concentrated in Yangon. If transportation charges are high, it will block the flow of capital. Most people are wasting time in traffic on Yangons roads, to the detriment of the entire country. Transportation in Yangon is a crucial problem to solve.

Private bus owners who are unwilling or unable to join the PPP scheme will eventually find their routes limited to the citys outskirts and away from main roads.
You can travel the 180 miles (300 kilometres) to Pyay, Bago Region  about six hours by car  to marvel at its pagodas and drink in its history, which extends back to the fabled 1000-year Pyu era.





Or you can go there to eat.

Fried snacks, Pyay rice salad, paper-thin crisp pancakes of rice batter, hooligan snacks and chicken soup (Mon-style) can all be had in the Kyat Taut San shop near the famous Nawaday Bridge.

Even in Yangon, you may have come across Pyay-style Daw U rice salad. But if you want the real thing, locals recommend the night market under the statue of Bogyoke Aung San in downtown Pyay.





Pyay resident U Ann Kaut said, Shops in the night market are open until midnight or 1am. The food is inexpensive. You can get a salad with cooked oil, pea flour, and add tofu, beans, mango and onions. All the shops are different, with various flavours and ingredients.

A rice salad with fried egg costs K700, and goes with meat or fish curry.

Next morning, breakfast can consist of fried snacks and hot oiled rice. Crispy fritters of onion or vegetables, shrimp or gourd melt in the mouth.

Pyay residents swear by their trademark paper-thin crisp pancakes of rice batter, which are available everywhere in town. They admit you can buy it elsewhere in the country, but say thats only because it was spread out from Pyay by itinerant pagoda festivals. In the Ne Win era, the generals ordered Pyay pancake chefs to cook for their receptions, said U Ann Kaut. Or so they say. Anyway, the sight of a pancake seller pouring a ladle of batter into a hot pan and rocking it from side to side before tossing in green peas and onion tops is very common here.

For lunch, fried chicken, small fish fritters, chicken soup and chicken curry can be had at the shops near the Nawaday Bridge. The soup, with chicken, green chilli pepper, tamarind, eggplant, lemon grass, ginger, garlic and fish paste, is a poem in spice.

In the evening, you can walk along Strand Road sampling more fritters on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River.

If people know youve been to Pyay, they will expect souvenirs. Buy your cream, bean sticks and homemade, chemical-free fruit jam on a Saturday or Sunday to be sure of getting them, because they sell out fast. Most aficionados go to the teacher home shop near behind Santaw Kyo Pagoda for something that cannot be mistaken for a commercial jam.

As resident Ko Kyaw Tun Khine says, Nothing can compare with the food of Pyay.

Translation by Khant Lin Oo
Im most certainly not a virtuous person, but I still feel a deep sense of shame and embarrassment when Western tourists come to Southeast Asia and treat it as their personal playground, behaving in a way that they never would back in their home countries because their relative purchasing power gives them the trappings of status. I also take a great satisfaction in seeing people cross the threshold of tolerated behaviour that they didnt realise existed and having to suffer the punishment of public humiliation as a result.





Chances are, you probably do too. Theres a whole cottage industry chronicling the travails of white people behaving badly in Southeast Asia, and the audience for news stories about foreigners being busted for bad behaviour usually dwarfs that of all other news stories. (Case in point: With less than a fortnight until the referendum that will perhaps facilitate the end of military rule in Thailand, the most shared story on Coconuts Bangkok was a young couple forced to apologise after they were caught having oral sex outside a guesthouse on Ko Phi Phi.)

For a long time, I thought the Bintang singlet was the most obnoxious symbol of white entitlement in Southeast Asia. Its hard to think of a piece of apparel that better sums up the kind of Western journeyman who comes to this part of the world with a complete disregard for local custom or cultural mores. To this class of traveller, this region is the sum total of cheap cocktails, expansive beaches and full-moon parties, along with a half-day of cheap shopping along Sukhumvit Road on the way back to regular life.

But as egregious as this is, theres at least a kind of simple honesty to that experience. They might be unpleasant but theyre just here to blow all the money from their call-centre job and hopefully win the affections of a Swedish backpacker along the way, and they dont claim otherwise. Pay that at least some begrudging respect: At the end of the day, its less obnoxious than the tourists who ostentatiously pretend to pay respect to local culture, but retreat into their white privilege bubble at the first sign of threat or challenge. For that class of tourist in this part of the world, the Eastern religion tattoo is such a common motif that the uninitiated would probably mistake it for a coat of arms.

Last week, a Spanish national joined a long and ignominious list of foreign travellers to be frogmarched out of an Asian country for sporting a tattoo of the Buddha on his leg. In this case, his tattoo was spotted by monks as he was wearing shorts. Presumably, he was in a public place. And, because there is absolutely nothing else to do in Bagan, we can also conclude he was on his way to or from any one of the thousands of Buddhist temples open for public exploration.

We can only conclude that this was a man who considered himself enough of a kindred spirit of Buddhist precepts to get a Buddhist tattoo. A man who not only defied cultural prohibitions to get an image of the Buddha inked on his leg, but somehow remained oblivious to culturally acceptable standards of dress in Buddhist religious monuments outlined in every tourist guidebook and travel forum. We can debate whether the severity of the punishment was warranted, but we cant deny that was a dumb as hell thing to do  especially when, over the past two years, at least three other people have been deported from various Asian countries for the same reason.

The Spanish tourist should at least be commended for not making public comment on the case  others subjected to the same treatment who have spoken their mind have never done themselves a favour.

Booted out of Myanmar in 2014 for the same reason was Canadian Jason Polley, who claimed to be a practising Mahayana Buddhist and who told reporters the incident was a result of the more doctrinaire attitude of Theravada Buddhism practiced here. The fact that Tibetan Buddhists have the same cultural taboos relating to feet make his claim ridiculous, and perhaps he realised it when he told the South China Morning Post that he would spend the equivalent of US$1500 to cover over the tattoo.





In that heady climate of 2014, when Buddhist nationalists helped to sponsor a number of religious offence criminal prosecutions, Polley was lucky to get spirited out of the country instead of winding up in jail. Only a few months later, New Zealand expat Philip Blackwood and two others were handed a two-and-a-half-year sentence for wounding religious feeling after the online publication of the notorious psychedelic Buddha promotional flyer for a new nightclub.

Thats not to suggest any comparison between the two cases: By all accounts Blackwood was considerate and respectful of local culture, had a debatable level of culpability in the whole mess and apologised unreservedly in response to the resulting public outrage. Cultural misunderstandings undergird the experience of a foreign culture, but theres a difference between Blackwoods misfortune and indelibly marking your skin with the iconography of a foreign culture without considering the potential consequences when you embark on an adventure in that culture.

You can understand why a Western tourist would be enamoured of religion in Asia, especially if, in their home societies, religion is no longer a central organising principle of society. But its not an attachment to a value system or a way of being  how many Westerners agree with the subservient role to which Buddhism relegates women? Instead, its an attachment to an aesthetic, along with a selective interpretation of Buddhisms precepts that shuns any responsibility to respect its traditions.

Theres no universal prohibition on Buddhist tattoos in Southeast Asian countries. I used to work with a Cambodian guy whose body was inked with Buddhist iconography from the neck down. He got those tattoos when he was fighting in the jungle as a child soldier during his countrys civil war, because he was told it would deflect bullets. Would anyone suggest that a white guy getting a Buddha tattoo is performing a similar ritual of devotion? That incorporating it into their flesh and making it part of the identity they broadcast to the world is a genuine embrace of a foreign culture, and not an act of narcissism? I think Siddartha had some answers to those questions.

Something on your mind? Talk it out this Weekend! Write to us at [email protected]
The well-dressed father of two earns good money. He speaks English and works for an international NGO that combats HIV/AIDS. He used to be a sex worker, a man who has sex with other men, and then became a government informer, reporting back to the police on other sex workers who were then arrested. He resorted to drink and drugs because of his shame and isolation. And now he wants to talk about it.





The root cause of all his problems, says Ko Kyaw Zayyar Swe, 38, is poverty. He was forced out of school at 15 because his soldier father could not afford the tuition fees. He worked as a waiter at a Chinese restaurant, but the owner cut his already low wages after giving him a dumpling for lunch instead of money. He quit.

Because he never made it to 10th standard, he could not find a good job, and money was always short. When he married at the age of 17, making ends meet became almost impossible.

I was working in a shop in Bogyoke Market. One day, two foreigners Id seen before in the market bought me jeans and shirts. Nobody had ever given me anything before, he said.

The men invited him for drinks, then brought him back to their hotel room and asked for sex.

I was shocked. But I needed money urgently for my family so I agreed to do it, he said.

More contacts were made, and more money came in. He became a regular sex worker, offering services for gay men. Since foreigners paid much better than local men, Ko Kyaw Zayyar Swe decided to learn English.

He came to know many other male sex-workers like himself, working around Bogyoke and Theingyi Zay markets and Sule Pagoda Road, and even further afield.





In 2003 he was arrested under a law banning inappropriate sex, along with a friend and two foreigners, and spent two-and-a-half years in Insein Prison. The law is also used against transgender people.

This was the first time his parents and his wife became aware of his secret life.

When he was released, the Ministry of Home Affairs asked him to turn informer against the male prostitutes of Yangon. As his friends went to prison, he got paid. I received K10,000 a day for some years. That was a lot of money. I didnt want to destroy other peoples lives because I knew what it was like to be in that position. In the end, I stopped informing and went back to being a sex worker myself, he said.

All the other sex workers did what they did because they were poor, he said, and saw no other way out. We didnt dream of this profession. But with no education and no work but odd jobs, how can you support a family? We didnt want to be rich. We just wanted enough to get by for a family life.

Conditions for sex workers changed with the advance of the internet. Now they dont have to hang around on the street, but make contact online through dedicated websites. At one time, you could see up to 50 sex workers around the markets at night, chatting to customers. There is a thriving market for male sex-workers among gay men, with more male than female customers.

Though the money is the best they have ever made, male sex-workers feel disgusted, lonely and depressed. They feel nobody stands up for their rights, and everybody looks down on them.

This way of life makes us angry. We cant share our feelings with family or friends. Its a big problem for society too, said Ko Kyaw Zayyar Swe.

Many drink to forget, he said, and then go on to take drugs.

One day, a man from Bangladesh involved in promoting health awareness for male sex-workers asked him to take a part-time job at his NGO, which was gathering information about prostitution and developing training programs for public health professionals.

Ko Kyaw Zayyar Swe said sex workers needed both physical and mental support, as well as job opportunities, to be provided by the government, NGOs and INGOs.

I never even knew how to use a condom with customers. Luckily, I didnt get HIV. Knowledge is very important and we need that, he said, adding that courses in leadership skills, empowerment and capacity building would also help to raise self-confidence.

Dr Aung Myo Min, director of Equality Myanmar Human Rights Group, said male sex workers were hard to reach because they isolated themselves. Too much isolation, he warned, could turn them into drug addicts, or even susceptible to becoming terrorists.

They are ashamed of what they do. They only do it for the money. Even within the group, there are problems of competition for customers, he said.

They are not even particularly high-profile. Most of the small counselling groups set up by NGOs in Myanmar for HIV and health awareness cater to female and transgender prostitutes because most of them suffer exploitation, discrimination and even torture. Male sex-workers are seen as being in the profession mainly for the money.

Even their customers can find them difficult to deal with because of their lack of self-esteem and feelings of indignity. There has to be a way of allowing them to change their profession, said Dr Aung Myo Min.

A doctor who provides health support for people living with HIV and AIDS said male sex-workers are particularly difficult to contact. Both sex-workers and customers have to be aware of sexual health issues. Now there are many drop-in centres, including day-care centres for HIV-positive patients, where they can express their feelings and receive support, said the doctor.

According to 2013 figures from the UN agency UNAIDS, there are an estimated 70,000 sex workers in Myanmar. About 8 percent of them are living with HIV.
Sopheak, a young woman employed at one of Cambodias many garment factories, is sitting on her bed, crying. She has just learned she is pregnant  and her boyfriend left her the minute he heard the news.





No boyfriend, no husband, no money, nothing but a baby coming, she says as her friends try to console her. She is adamant shell go to one of those secret places, where they can take the baby out. Looking up at her friends, she adds, I should have never told you.

While this scene is from a video series produced by the NGO Care, the drama that unfolds on screen is a reality for many Cambodian garment workers.

The garment industry is the linchpin of Cambodias economy, and the single biggest employer of women. Some 500 factories hire almost 500,000 female workers, many of whom are young and have migrated to the city from the countryside.

Away from their homes and support networks, and with low levels of education and income, these women are particularly vulnerable and may be inhibited from accessing healthcare information and services, including abortion, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Although Cambodian law allows women to terminate a pregnancy up to 12 weeks, studies suggest that many garment workers are not aware the procedure is legal. As a result, they do not know how to access safe abortion services and predominantly choose expensive and potentially unsafe services from the private sector.

A 2014 survey published by Partnering to Save Lives  a collaboration of three NGOs  found more than 90 percent of women working in garment factories didnt know abortion was legal. It also found that out of 900 garment workers interviewed for the study, 18pc said they had had an abortion. The national average at the time was 5pc. Almost 75pc of women couldnt indicate where to seek a safe abortion.





Dr Chok Chanda, a manager of 13 years at a small Phnom Penh clinic run by Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia, a non-profit, says she has treated many patients, including garment workers, who went to unsafe places.

Most patients with post-abortion complications visiting the clinic have incomplete abortions, from incorrectly taking the medical abortion pill or the Chinese pill  a traditional medication, she says. They buy the pill at the pharmacy and take it at home but they dont know how to use it  that they need to take it twice and come for a medical check-up.

Many women, Chanda says, go to private clinics, some of which are unlicensed or charge high fees, or to pharmacies, because they dont know where to seek abortion services or because these facilities are closer to where they work.

Women who are unmarried  the notion of pre-marital sex is still frowned upon  Chanda says, choose to travel long distances to terminate their pregnancy to avoid the shame. They go to unsafe places, and afterwards they come to us with complications, she says.

In 2008, the World Health Organization estimated that each year unsafe abortions account for 47,000 deaths globally and leave millions of women temporarily or permanently disabled.

Julia Battle, the sexual reproductive maternal health and rights adviser at Care, acknowledges that there is a lot of confusion around abortion. This is one of the reasons why, she says, her organisation trains female garment workers in 16 factories in the capital and in Kandal province to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive rights.

Aside from screening an educational mini-drama series, which can be shared on smartphones and has been well received by workers, according to Battle, the training sessions move from discussion of sex, modern contraception and emergency contraception to safe abortion.

There is evidence the training is raising the level of knowledge at the factories  the mid-term review this year showed that almost 45pc of workers knew at least one place to obtain safe abortion, compared with 27pc two years ago.

However, with the number of factories in the country, Battle acknowledges that many women are likely to fall through the cracks. There are hundreds of factories. I do think that those we are not reaching probably are less aware of how to prevent unplanned pregnancy and how and where to access safe abortion, she says.

Asked what the government was doing to facilitate access to safe abortion, a Ministry of Health spokesperson referred the request to professor Tung Rathavy, director of the National Maternal and Child Health Centre, who declined to comment.

 The Guardian
It was a tough job, but someone had to do it. This week, The Myanmar Times team scoured the streets in search of the citys choicest concoctions. Here are some of our favourites:





Pina colada

Winner: Rau Ram

Through a series of events involving personals columns and what was meant to be a clandestine rendezvous at a bar called OMalleys, I recently learned that my own lovely lady and I share an affinity for pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.

So it was that we sallied forth at the height of monsoon in search of a little taste of seaside tropical paradise in a cocktail glass.

Ko San, located in the clutches of the 19th Street beer-and-barbeque ghetto, advertises its K1200 pina coladas as rich and fresh. What we got was a witchs brew of ice, Mandalay Rum and some sort of lumpy, acidic fluid. The only beach this mixture evoked was a rocky coastline awash with the spilled guts of a wrecked oil tanker.

Fathers Office restored a slight glimmer of sunshine to our rain-sodden quest, but the use of boxed pineapple juice ensured that the drink fell short of the genuine deal. It was the cocktail equivalent of Chaungtha Beach  a bit dodgy and not very pretty, but it would do the trick in a pinch.

Water Library was a big step up, made with white rum, fresh pineapple juice and dollop of coconut cream  a delectable effort that had us dreaming of golden sunsets at Ngwe Saung.





At Union Bar and Grill, the addition of fresh lime perked up the already sunny flavour, and we could practically taste the salty tang on the palm-rustling breeze at the likes of Ngapali Beach.

Flavour-wise, Rau Rams pina colada as not a great departure from Unions. It lost points for being served in a kitschy coconut-shaped cup  only to regain them with the addition of a fetching rodent-sized paper umbrella garnish. The main difference, though, was eschewing ice cubes in favour of crushed ice, which appended a refreshingly slushy dimension to the cocktail. Five pina coladas into our search, with our respective half-brains barely intact, we had arrived at our own private yoga-free Eden nestled among the dunes of the cape.  Douglas Long

Martini

Winner: Undeclared

Alas, the jury is still out on this one.

While the Martini may have gained widespread popularity in prohibition America, when bootleg gin was relatively cheap and easy to produce, thats no excuse for making it these days with the kind of alcohol so caustic it could make a grown gangster cry.

And even when top-quality gin is in scant supply, ice surely should not be? Yet my search for the perfect Martini in Yangon has been blighted by the kind of tepid offerings that makes one wonder if the citys licensing authorities have outdone even their own outlandish regulations and sought to restrict access to frozen water in bars frequented by expats.

Theres not much excuse for messing with the classic Martini and, anyhow, Ive lost my nerve.

I once tried to go dirty in this city but as I choked in horror on the briney effluence that filled my glass  later revealed to have been the result of an erroneous belief by the barman that the drink involved stirring in two parts olive brine to one part gin  I vowed to keep my Martini dry henceforth.

And, I live in hope Yangon might yet deliver what Im looking for.

Thankfully a few City bars have a growing selection of decent gins on offer. Union in particular deserves a nod for their fine variety, allowing connoisseurs of this most classic of cocktails to find something to suit their personal taste in botanicals.

For now though, Ill be relying on the oft-overlooked Monsoon to meet my Martini cravings. Its colonial surrounds makes the ideal setting for a drink which has its heyday in that era and the setting is reflected in the way they make their cocktails  no flashy twists, just classic style, which sums up a decent Martini really.  Fiona MacGregor

Mojito

Winner: Gekko

The making of a perfect mojito is more science than art, a tricky balancing act of five deceptively simple ingredients (rum, mint, lime, soda and simple syrup) to yield a perfectly complementary cocktail. Even a mediocre mojito is fairly tolerable, making it something of the indecisive cocktail drinkers resort. But in its ideal form, the mojito is a potent alchemy of citrus, sweetness and a kick to the seat of the pants. I should know, as one of those insufferable dogmatists who thinks theyve got the recipe all figured out. Sadly, most of Yangons bars do not.

Despite the visual appeal of an extra shot of dark rum, 7th Joints highly-touted iteration is not much more than a leafy mouthful, while Monsoons mojito leans too heavily toward lime. AJs was too sweet, though the homemade mint syrup is a nice touch as too many to count taste like sour mix or upscale lime juice. Mojos, meanwhile, is proudly Myanmar, whatever that means (are they really claiming native origin of Havanas favoured highball?)  unless its a cunning marketing ploy to defend the use of Mandalay Rum, which is poured in enough quantity to knock you off your barstool (and it better be, to justify a K6000 price tag).

Only Gekko seems to get it just right. Skip the shiso mojito (with sweet potato sochu, green chartreuse, shiso, US$8) and stick with the classic (K4500, K3500 on Mondays), which is assertive but utterly refreshing, the kind of perfectly executed drink that makes you want to recreate it at home. Honourable mention goes to The Lab (K5500), whose mojito nights made it a Yangon nightlife destination. Lets hope the police keep looking the other way.

 Eli Meixler

Gimlet

Winner: Union Bar

They told me it couldnt be done. And they told me I had to do it.

My assignment was to make a round of the cocktail bars of Yangon to find the perfect gimlet. The kind of gimlet that might have been served at the Spearmint Bullock, the hangout of Tough Eddie Htoo Htoo in Southwest New City.

He doesnt exist, of course. But of all the gin joints, in all the townships in Yangon, these were the best ones I walked into.

First I tried the Vista Rooftop Bar, on Shwegonedaing at Old Yay Tar Shay. Theres a clue in the name. Youre looking right down at Shwedagon Pagoda. Behind the bar, Htun Htun knows what to do, and offers you sugar water on the side, to sweeten the sour fresh-squeezed limejuice. His gimlet is a steal at K4000.

For old times sake, my next stop was Monsoon, at 85-87 Thein Pyu Road. Theres always a warm welcome there, though I had to ask them to put my gimlet back in the shaker with more ice, and bring it back to me in a cocktail glass, not a highball glass. No matter. The sugary water comes in a little phial, like something Dr Jekyll would drink to become Mr Hyde.

The night was still young when I got to the Union Bar and Grill, at 42 Strand Road, Botahtaung township. The joint was neither full nor empty. The bluesy music in the background, something with a harmonica, was not intrusive. Soe the barman is friendly and businesslike, and knows his gimlets. It tasted fine: smooth, astringent with a touch of sweetness, properly chilled. It wasnt made with Roses Lime Juice, but it got my vote.  Ye Mon Chan Dala

White Russian

Winner: The Crystal Lounge at Alfa Hotel

Dairy-parched Yangon is a rough place for the White Russian. I tried to bootleg one at Monsoon, ordering their Black Russian, which contains just the vodka and Kahlua, and asking them to add the milk.

Ah, we have no milk, sir.

This aggression will not stand.

Scarcity meant the qualifications for entry were low. The bar had to show up on the first page of a Google search for Yangon White Russian or be recommended by a friend and fall within a half-hours walk of my apartment. White Russians are meant for those in the runnin for laziest person alive.

At Fahrenheit, I sat alone, watching the bartender add a splash of hazelnut and then pour from a purple box labelled Full Cream Milk. Was the K5500 Hazel Fahrenheit, as they call it, complex, impressive, coffee-heavy? Yes. But, combined with the immaculate lighting, it felt a tad upscale for the alcoholics milkshake. In short, it was very un-Dude.

The Facebook page for Orianna 24 advertises its version with the caption Volka+Kahlua+? = White Russia. That question mark seemed appropriately mysterious, so I rolled west and found a darker space, indoor and outdoor, playing reggae music. The volka turned out to be Smirnoff and the question mark turned out to be milk.

Life can be elusive but sometimes, if youre lucky, you get an answer to one of its mysteries. And sometimes the answer is milk. At K3000, it was the cheapest. It was the stiffest. The vibe was easiest. But a warm breeze pushed me onward.

The Crystal Lounge, on the ground floor of the Alfa Hotel, was completely empty on a Saturday night but, when I pushed the doors, they opened. Bebop jazz played in the dim lighting. Empty red couches really tied the room together. Two men popped up from behind the bar and I ordered my K4000 drink, an elegant addition to the popular lowball mix, as the menu called it, describing perfectly it and me.

If an empty bowling alley bar is unavailable, an empty hotel bar is the next best option for a White Russian drinker. Crystals take was sweet and creamy. I drank it alone in the dark. The Dude abides.  Dave Simpson

Margarita

Winner: Tin Tin

With a large number of Mexican-style restaurants popping up in Yangon over the past few years, its no surprise you can find a margarita downtown  but as for an excellent one, competition is a bit thin on the ground.

Most of the margaritas I sampled seemed a little lean, and even left a tinny aftertaste. Tin Tins variety wins because it was rounder and fuller than others. It was salted well and got better with each sip. Points were also awarded for portion size and presentation  the drinks came with free chips and salsa, much appreciated by those drinking on an empty stomach.

As a traditionalist I went with the classic, although the other flavours on offer include jalapeno and passion fruit. Go on Mondays for half-price drinks, with margaritas K3500 instead of the usual K7000.  Catherine Trautwein

Bespoke

Winner: Gekko

My father used to say that when God was giving out the brains, I was last in the queue. Id say my ingenious choice of libation is evidence quite the contrary. While my fellow colleagues trudged the streets in search of gimlets, clutched their stomachs in coconut-cream induced agony, and choked on dirty, dirty martinis, I spent the week chortling smugly over some of the best bespoke cocktails this fine city has to offer.

The award for value must surely go to forgotten favourite Monsoon, with cocktails starting from K2000 during happy hour (5-7pm every day). Most of their bespoke creations are tooth-achingly sweet, but there are a few gems, such as the Monsoon Night  a whisky-based, lemongrass-infused cocktail that wouldnt be out of place somewhere far fancier.

Water Library scores points for ingenuity: Glass potion bottles filled with wizardly elixirs line the bar, making for such spellbinding concoctions as the BTS (Better Than Sex) brewed with homemade M&M infused vodka (US$8.50), and the Gummy Bear (US$8) an eccentric, pyramid-shaped vial of gummy bear-infused gin. Despite the sorcery that goes into making them, however, the flavours are far from betwitching: the homemade infusions, though a nice touch, are barely gustable through the various fruit purees.

Sadly, The Blind Tiger didnt fare any better  mainly because it was closed when I visited on a Friday night. I strolled around the corner to Gekko instead, which was fortunate, since it was here that I discovered my winning libations. Behind the bar, charming mixologist Puia (Im not the best, but Im really, really good! he says), will fix you up his own smoky twist on a classic Old Fashioned (K9000). Wonderful though it is, it is narrowly bested by the Horses Neck  a lightly spiced, fresh cocktail of scotch, fresh lemon, homemade ginger beer and bitters (K8000, 5-7pm daily, K4000).

Its the same homemade ginger beer that makes Union Bar and Grill a close contender for first place: The clove-scented Ginger Collins (K8000)  scotch, becherovka, ginger beer and cloves  is simple yet delightful. And, if the words blood orange tea infused dark rum arent enough to tempt you to the Salted Caramel Sour (K7000), then youre doomed to a life drinking watery mojitos, my fellow inebriate.  Charlotte Rose

Did we miss your favourite? Let us know at [email protected] or tweet us @TheMyanmarTimes
Hypothesised state divisions that should make up the federal Union yesterday dominated discussions at the second day of the Mai Ja Yang summit, a major gathering of ethnic armed groups in Kachin State.





Participants seemed to agree that state lines should be demarcated by major ethnic groupings.

For example, in Shan State, Shan are the dominant and largest population. So the state should be regarded as the Shan National State, said U Oo Hla Saw, who is attending the Mai Ja Yang summit as a representative of the Nationalities Brotherhood Federation, an alliance of ethnic political parties.

While the countrys current seven states  Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan  should be kept unchanged as states of specific nationals, the other seven regions should be changed so they are also states of nationalities, according to the participants.

The assumption is that in Ayeyarwady Region, ethnic Kayin, Mon, Bamar and Rakhine comprised the largest share of the population. So the region should be regarded as a national state because we cannot rank it as a Mon or a Shan or a Rakhine State alone, said Daw Saw Mra Razar Lin, a central executive committee of the Arakan Liberation Party. This is the kind of outlook that should be underlying the future federal Union, she said.

Concerning the Bamar majority, Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, general secretary of the Karen National Union, said there should be a Bamar state. One suggestion was that two regions, Tanintharyi and Ayeyarwady, could become the Bamar states.

For example, in Tanintharyi, there is no majority ethnic group in the region. There are Dawei, Bamar, Mon and Kayin. Since there are many ethnic groups, the state should be called Tanintharyi State of Nationalities, said Naing Han Thar, deputy leader of the United Nationalities Federal Council and a senior official of the New Mon State Party.





Participants said the current mix-up of some states and some regions was confusing, and so the federal Union, much promised by Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, should be a more uniform collection of states.

The eight-state principle  dubbed as such for the plan to divide the country into eight states based on the Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan ethnicities  springs from Bogyoke Aung Sans promise to ethnic leaders of frontier areas while he was trying to unify the countrys ethnic groups ahead of independence.

To secure the assistance of the ethnic leaders, Bogyoke Aung San once famously said, If a Bamar receives one kyat, you will also receive one kyat.

Political commentators viewed the idea put forward yesterday as quite impractical.

U Oo Hla Saw said some participants expressed their concerns and dissent on the idea, saying the discussions were just considerations for the future.

The summit participants also discussed characteristics they see as essential for a future federal Union, including sovereignty, equality, self-determination, protection of ethnic minority groups rights, democratic and human rights, and gender equality.

Many participants agreed that the state legislatures should be given absolute autonomy, according to Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win.

Many people agreed that states should have their own constitutions. They should also have the right to determine their path for themselves. States should be granted the independence to enact laws suitable for them, he said.

Speaking yesterday, Pado Naw Zipporah Sein, Karen National Union vice chair, said a draft of the form of a federal Union had been drawn up for submission and review. We can exchange views and reach consensus on the basic federal principles for the future building of a federal democratic Union drawn up by the Federal Constitution Drafting and Coordinating Committee [FCDCC] and the proposals made by the United Nationalities Federal Council in 2015, she said.

She also said that some armed ethnic organisations goals of signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement and attending the political dialogue had not been met. Contrary to the principles set forth at the Laiza and Law Khee Lar summits, the previous government discriminated against some ethnic armed organisations and fighting has persisted, she said.

The delay hampered the ethnic armed organisations strides toward unity, she said. Despite the armed groups position that all groups should be allowed to join the NCA, only 15 groups were invited to the signing last year, excluding some groups actually fighting the Tatmadaw.

Ethnic armed groups who had signed last Octobers NCA, as well as those that did not sign, are attending the Mai Ja Yang summit, along with civil society organisations and political parties. The aim of the meeting is to prepare for the 21st-century Panglong Conference and to find common ground for a future federal Union. The summit will run through July 29.
President U Htin Kyaw yesterday appointed a former regime defender to the diplomatic corps, selecting U Htin Lynn as Myanmars permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva.





Previously the director general of the International Organisations and Economic Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U Htin Lynn earned ire on the international stage in May of last year during an emergency regional summit in Bangkok to address a then-incipient boat refugee crisis.

In addition to blaming neighbouring Bangladesh as the root cause of the crisis  which saw record numbers of refugees and migrants crowding onto smugglers boats and at least 370 die along the route  U Htin Lynn actively blocked any mention of the term Rohingya during the discussions. The former Union Solidarity and Development Party-led government refused to acknowledge the term Rohingya and instead used the term Bengali.

Preceding the summit of 17 nations, tens of thousands of self-identifying Rohingya Muslims took to boats fleeing persecution in Rakhine State, where most of the stateless minority face ongoing restrictions on movement and access to healthcare and education. A Thai crackdown on regional human trafficking syndicates last year led many traffickers to abandon their human cargo at sea, with thousands stranded or washing up on the shores of other Southeast Asian countries.

At the May 2015 summit, U Htin Lynn, serving as Myanmars special representative, rejected suggestions from a UN refugee agency official, who said easing restrictions on movement and guaranteeing other basic freedoms in Rakhine State might lead to fewer refugee departures.

U Htin Lynn pushed back, criticising the refugee envoy for singling out Myanmar and saying those who hold such views need to be more informed.

Part of the testiness stemmed from the fact that the fleet of abandoned boats also included Bangladeshi migrants, playing into the complex and volatile identity politics of Rakhine State, which borders Bangladesh.





Buddhist nationalists have whipped up a frenzy in recent months over use of the term Rohingya, forcing the National League for Democracy government to attempt to chart a middle course: It has asked that neither Rohingya nor Bengali  the latter term preferred by both nationalists and the previous government  be used to describe Muslims in Rakhine State.

U Htin Lynns appointment is likely to fuel further questioning of the administrations commitment to improving the lives of the Rohingya, more than 100,000 of whom continue to live in squalid displacement camps four years after violence tore through Rakhine State in 2012.

U Ye Htun, a former lower house MP and political columnist, said U Htin Lynns selection was likely made to send a signal to Geneva that the new government does not intend to reverse course on its nomenclature policy for Rakhine State.

U Htin Lynn always objected to the term Rohingya in UN meetings. So it can be guessed that the policy on the Rohingya is [going to remain], he said.

The United Nations, and in particular its special rapporteur on human right in Myanmar Yanghee Lee and her predecessor, have been among the most persistent critics of the governments treatment of the Rohingya.

David Mathieson, a Myanmar researcher for Human Rights Watch (HRW), said the appointment is tantamount to declaring perpetual discrimination toward Rohingya Muslims, and a tepid commitment at best to promoting human rights in Burma and globally.

Htin Lynn should be publicly committing to upholding human rights for all people in his new position, and disavow his previously deplorable defence of the Thein Sein administrations discriminatory policies and racist denialism of Rohingya identity, he told The Myanmar Times.

U Htin Lynns appointment is not the first to stir controversy since the NLD took power earlier this year.

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyis pick to head her newly created Ministry for the State Counsellor was U Kyaw Tint Swe, who served as permanent representative to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a period during which he defended the former military regimes abysmal human rights record on multiple occasions.

Myanmar has long been a victim of a systematic disinformation campaign launched by anti-government elements, generously funded by their foreign supporters, he wrote in a 2007 report to the UN secretary general.

Thura U Aung Ko, a former member of the USDP who now serves as the religious and cultural affairs minister, came in for criticism in April after he implied in an interview with Voice of America that Muslims and Hindus are not entitled to full citizenship. He said that unlike Buddhists and Christians, members of those religions deserved only associate citizenship rather than full citizenship.

U Thein Swe, a fellow former USDP member now serving as the immigration minister, said last week that the government has no plans to change the 1982 Citizenship Law, a controversial piece of legislation criticised by HRW as discriminatory and oppressive.

U Htin Lynn succeeds U Maung Wai as Myanmars permanent representative to the UN in Geneva.

Additional reporting by Ye Mon Tun
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been invited to visit North Korea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday.





An official from the ministry told The Myanmar Times that the government had not yet replied to the invitation of the communist pariah state, known officially as the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, and that the state counsellor was fielding similar overtures from many countries in her first few months as Myanmars de facto leader.

France and Germany also invited her but she hasnt yet decided where to go first. China and US trips [are planned] too, the official said yesterday.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi told reporters at the Myanmar embassy in Vientiane, Laos, on July 26 that she would have to confer with other members of her government before committing to a visit. She added that the invitation was delivered personally by North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho on July 25 during an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in the Laotian capital.

The Daily Eleven newspaper reported that the state counsellor, who also serves as foreign minister, met with her North Korean counterpart bilaterally but she declined to reveal what was discussed.

U Ye Tun, a former lower house MP and political columnist, advised the state counsellor against the visit, citing the likely negative impact it would have on Myanmars bilateral relations with rival South Korea.

Our country wont get any benefit from a North Korea trip. South Korea is invested in our country. So, our leader shouldnt go there, he said.

The state counsellor had also planned to visit Malaysia in the coming month but Union Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population U Thein Swe said her increasingly packed schedule may not permit it in the near term.





There are a lot of trips to take. Although she may not visit Malaysia [soon], I need to go there for [Myanmar] migrant workers, he told The Myanmar Times.

Under the former military regime, allegations frequently surfaced of ties between Myanmar and North Korea that included efforts by the junta to acquire nuclear weapons technology. Those accusations subsided as Myanmar began its transition to quasi-civilian rule in 2011, but that did not stop a New York Times reporter from asking Daw Aung San Suu Kyi about it at a press conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Nay Pyi Taw in May.

Do you believe you had a [nuclear weapons] program at one point, or the government, the previous government, had a program? he asked.

Well, if they did, they havent said anything about that to me. The previous government was not in the habit of informing me of what they were doing, she replied, to laughter.
Tatmadaw officers and civilian brokers who recruit or otherwise procure child soldiers in violation of international law should face imprisonment, a United States government report has recommended. Instead, they say, it is the children themselves who can face jail for deserting from their forced service.





At a meeting held yesterday in the capital, partially to address the US State Departments annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, anti-human trafficking officials reviewed the agenda for the governments third five-year plan, covering 2017-21.

The TIP report, which was released in June, offers 14 recommendations arising from the second five-year plan to combat trafficking in persons, covering 2012 to 2016. These include a recommendation to stop recruiting more child soldiers and  allow existing child soldiers to resign.

In 2015, three children who left the Tatmadaws ranks were arrested and sent to jail, says the report.

Other recommendations include the need to check the age of recruits, to refrain from arresting people who have been trafficked, and to take legal action against military officers and civilian brokers on charges of forced labour and recruiting child labour, with severe punishments meted out, including imprisonment.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Thet Naung, national head of Myanmars Anti-Human Trafficking Team, told The Myanmar Times yesterday, We dont have any comment on these recommendations because this is a matter for the Ministry of Defence.

The report also revealed front-line forced labour. It said that though the defence ministry had penalised officers, the punishment was insufficient. No action had been taken under laws to prevent human trafficking law, and no action was taken against civilian officials or private brokers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already sent a response to the United States government on this matter, said Pol Lt Col Thet Naung.





Another workshop will also be held today to specifically discuss child soldiers.

The US has also recommended trying to stop child soldier recruitment and the forced labour of ethnic armed groups as a priority in the peace talks.

Translation by Thiri Min Htun
Police in Malaysia have released 15 Myanmar migrant workers who were detained earlier this month as suspects in the grisly murder of four of their compatriots in Penang during an apparent botched robbery attempt, according to a statement from the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur.





Police are still investigating the homicides, which took place outside the house where the four men were slain, and where the 15 suspects also live.

The 15 Myanmar nationals were questioned, deemed innocent and released on July 25, with the help of the embassy and the Darna Kuthala Free Funeral Service (FFS) organisation based in Penang, an embassy official told The Myanmar Times yesterday.

Malaysian police have not been able to arrest anyone of suspicion using the CCTV records, said Ko Ye Min Tun, a chair of Darna Kuthala FFS. They are still investigating. My organisation and our embassy will keep a watch and make sure the police arrest the real murderers.

Embassy officials are keeping the migrants at a secure place with the help of their employers and the Darna Kuthala FFS. At the request of the migrants, the embassy plans to send them back to Myanmar.

All of the released migrants want to go back home, said Ko Ye Min Tun. They do not want to live here any more because the cruel murder case happened in front of them and they lost their friends. The frightening case has affected them. All of their relatives in Myanmar want them to come back home.

On the morning of July 11, Ko Kyaw Shwe, 30, was robbed in front of his house by a group of motorbike riders. Ko Naing Win, Ko Kyaw Moe and Ko Mya Tun, who lived in the same compound, shouted at the assailants, attempting to prevent the robbery. They were all stabbed to death by the unidentified group. Ko Mya Tun died at the hospital. The other three men died at the scene, the embassys statement said.
A plan to repatriate over 700 additional Myanmar workers from Malaysia has been cancelled due to lack of funding, according to an embassy statement.





State media announced on July 25 that around 700 migrants who were trapped in detention centres would be sent home within the month.

Yesterday, the Myanmar embassy in Malaysia said the plan had to be scrapped after the donor withdrew financial backing.

The embassy cannot implement the repatriation plan for nearly 700 detained Myanmar migrant workers as previously arranged, the statement released yesterday said.

The embassy added that it had planned on repatriating the workers by August 3 after U Soe Moe Naing, managing director of Phoe La Min trading Co Ltd, proposed providing the repatriation costs. However, the businessman rescinded the offer, and the embassy said it could not afford the plan on its own.

The statement did not add any reason for the financiers change in plans.

The Myanmar Times could not contact the alleged business owner, nor identify a business with the same name yesterday.

Seemingly unaware of the embassys debacle, however, Labour Minister U Thein Swe yesterday announced that the ministry would be very soon welcoming home almost 3000 Myanmar migrant workers currently detained in Malaysia.





According to the labour ministry, the repatriation process for those detained workers will be coordinated by the individual workers and the relevant ministries, but does not involve the government or the embassy.

U Thein Win, a senior official from the labour and immigration ministry, confirmed the plan to repatriate workers next month is still going ahead, and added that 10 charter flights have been arranged.

The plan will start very soon and we will repatriate over 100 detained workers on each trip, he said.

I dont know why the embassy said it had cancelled a plan to repatriate over 700 workers. It may be a separate plan led by the embassy, but I am not sure, he added.
To help combat malnutrition in children, the government will strengthen early childhood care and development services. U Aung Kyaw Moe, director of the Department of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement told The Myanmar Times on July 26 that a training program had been developed for that purpose.





U Aung Kyaw Moe was addressing a workshop on Early Childhood Care and Development Services.

The UN and international and national NGOs have provided technical assistance.

Social work organisations will also provide the necessary educational and other support, he said.

Dr Win Myat Aye, Union minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement, told participants that technology and financing for private preschools in villages, training in childhood care and development, training upgrading courses based on home-based early childhood care and development in villages have already been implemented.

Director U Aung Kyaw Moe said the ministry had supported schemes to improve nutrition and provide K350 per child at preschools.

Maternal groups have been developed in the villages to ensure better care and nutrition for children in surrounding villages with a preschool, he said.

U Aung Kyaw Moe said the ministrys services had provided effective assistance for the children, adding, But we have to improve services further. There are only about 2000 maternal groups, and we have to increase the number in villages without a pre-school.





Ministry officials conduct parent education discussion programs every three months by inviting parents to the pre-schools.

We discuss how to take care of children, how children should develop, what nutrition is required. Parents receive education in childrens healthcare, in wards and villages across the nation, said U Aung Kyaw Moe.

Township medical officers had been working with the health ministry on education programs to try to reduce widespread child malnutrition, he said, adding, Our department prioritises child development and protection.

The ministry is also considering establishing a diploma and degree in Early Childhood Care and Development, he added.

Translation by San Layy
A Sagaing Region court is expected today to rule on an appeal filing from three activists charged by a mining company with trespassing, intimidation and obstructing.





In May, the three defendants were convicted and sentenced to 52 days in prison and fined K5000 each. But they appealed the case at the district court, allegedly that they had only been on the Chinese mining companys property to try to meet with authorities who had been ignoring them.

[Defendant] Ko Tin Aung Soe had tried regularly to meet with the company representatives by submitting appointment requests, but the company kept declining. Ko Tint Aung Soe thought that the company would accept a request to meet if he made that request face-to-face. Clearly, as even the plaintiffs witnesses have testified, there has been a misunderstanding, lawyer Ko Win Min Aung told The Myanmar Times.

The three activists, including Ko Tint Aung Soe, a representative of the Myanmar Alliance for Transparency and Accountability (MATA), said they were trying to press Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Ltd about its involvement in mining activities in Sagaing Region.

A subsidiary of Chinese firm Wanbao Mining, which operates the hotly contested Letpadaung mine in Monywa, Myanmar Yang Tse operates the nearby Sabetaung and Kyisintaung mine.

The Sabetaung and Kyisintaung mine was developed by Canadian firm Ivanhoe Mines in cooperation with the government, but sold to Wanbao.

After locals filed complaints about the mine related to environmental damage, the lack of compensation for land and the blockage of roads last year, the activists tried to meet with Myanmar Yang Tse officials. According to the lawyer, the topics of discussion including asking them to use a drip mine mechanism instead of spraying acid, and to create a village development fund.





Witness from the plaintiff included officials from the Salingyi township administration and members of the mining companys staff.

Ten witnesses from our side spoke in defence. The case has taken a long time because the lawyers have been busy going on trips. The Yinmar Pin District Court will decide the appeal on July 28 [today], said defendant Ko Tin Aung Soe from MATA.

The activists have been charged sections 447, 341 and 147 of the penal code, and could have faced a combined sentence of a maximum of two years and four months in prison.

Translation by Khant Lin Oo
A 17-year-old from Gabon has said he is "overwhelmed" after the Canadian pop star Celine Dion shared online a video of him performing one of her hits.

The video of the boy, Samuel, singing The Power of Love while sitting on a staircase in Libreville, has attracted millions of views on Facebook.

"Samuel, your talent is as big as your voice," Dion wrote. "I hope we have the chance to meet one day."

The song, originally by Jennifer Rush, was a hit for Dion in 1993.

The video of Samuel was first picked up by a popular Gabonese blogger before Dion reposted it on her Facebook page, propelling it to nearly 2.5 million views.

"I'm touched my songs have travelled all the way to you and hope we have the chance to meet one day," she wrote.

"May all your dreams come true. Keep singing like you do. When music comes from the heart, it knows no borders!"

Samuel told AFP he was "overwhelmed and very surprised" by the message from the superstar.

"I wasn't expecting that," he said. "I haven't got a phone or a Facebook account, it was my brother who told me Celine had shared my video.

"I just hope that one day I can meet her for real."

He said he has been approached by producers from TV singing contests in France and Ivory Coast.

"I'm not used to this [success]," he said. "I feel good when I sing in the staircase, and now people recognise me in the street."
Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL.
Dakar (AFP) - A new initiative by Senegal to get child beggars off the streets was hailed Thursday by rights organisations, who also called for a legal crackdown on those who exploit the young.

The government's action to remove children from the streets, "including those forced to beg by their Koranic teachers... is an important step in reforming a deeply entrenched system of exploitation," Human Rights Watch and a coalition of 40 Senegalese children's rights groups said in a statement.

The children are from a mix of poor or homeless families. Many are "talibes" -- boys enrolled at Koranic schools who are sent out to beg by their tutors.

During the first half of this year, at least five children living in Koranic schools died, allegedly from beatings by their teachers or in traffic accidents while out begging, the groups said.

They noted a pattern of beatings and sexual abuse against the talibes, typically boys between five and 15.

"Talibes have suffered abuses and dangers that no child should ever have to face," said Corinne Dufka, HRW's West Africa director.

"While the government's recent actions are commendable, removing talibes from the streets will not lead to long-term change unless Koranic schools are regulated and offending teachers are held accountable," she added.

On June 30, Senegalese President Mack Sall ordered the sweep of children begging in the streets, sending them to transit centres before being returned to their parents.

By mid-July authorities had removed more than 300 children, including many talibes, from the streets of Dakar, the rights groups noted.

And while there has been a slight increase this year in the arrests of alleged abusive teachers at the Koranic schools, there have been few prosecutions and none over forced begging, the groups added.

"Senegal should prioritize adoption of the currently stalled draft law to regulate Koranic schools, which would impose universal standards and eliminate begging," the groups' statement said.

However, the head of the national federation of Koranic schools, Mustapha Lo, has protested that the street sweep was taken without consulting Muslim educators and downplayed the concerns relayed by children's charities.

"The majority of us manage our Koranic schools without making the children beg on the streets. Some Koranic teachers do that because they lack any other financial means," Lo said.

In the Dakar region there are 1,006 Koranic schools with nearly 55,000 talibes, including more than 30,000 who beg, according to an official inquiry in 2014.
SAP Africa Ecosystem in partnership with Rhema Systems have empowered over 60 delegates in local businesses of all sizes in Ghana, to discover new ways of optimizing their business processes and engage with their customers and employees through a simplified technological experience.

At a forum held at Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Tuesday July 26,2016,the delegates comprising of potential and existing customers, and SAP Africa Ecosystem partners also had the opportunity to create business links that would enable them to invest and grow their businesses.

The Managing Director of SAP West Africa, Kudzai Danha, in his address to the audience noted that Despite the economic impact of challenging commodity and oil prices, there is no doubt that Ghanaian businesses are ready to seize the opportunities in this digital economy.

In fact, Ghanas real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is projected to rebound to 5.2% in 2016 from 3.4% in 2015 (statistics by the World Bank), clearly indicating the positive impact of a more stable energy supply and increased contribution from the oil and gas and agriculture industries. In addition, the World Bank also predicts that the energy supply is set to improve, aiding business and, ultimately, GDP growth.

Touching on the rapid growth of technology, Mr. Danha said Compelling market forces and breakthrough technologies have given rise to a powerful digital economy and to be competitive in this environment, businesses need to re-imagine traditional practices for a new world of digital business

He added that In todays complex world, simplicity is key for business to innovate, grow and win.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rhema Systems, Jonathan Anne, in an interview with the media, expressed how technology formed a critical component of the worlds economy and the need for businesses to adopt and implement it to ensure efficiency in their outputs.

We live in an era where our world has been overtaken by technology. We need to embrace and work with it to optimize productivity. Growth of businesses may become stagnant if we lose sight on the relevance of simple digital technologies and stick to the traditional and manual means of rendering products and services. Africas economy is driven by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and these businesses can survive and become profitable if we adopt technology as the underlying principle and foundation, he added.

Mr. Anne called on businesses to patronize software from authorized producers to add value to their products and services and ensure efficiency to boost finances and contribute to the national economy.

Rhema Systems is a Ghanaian owned highly experienced technology firm now engaged in a strategic partnership with Novabase in Portugal and have set their sights on becoming the leading SAP ERP solutions reseller in Ghana and West Africa.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
The Supreme Court's action against errant Montie FM presenters and management has generated needless controversy that we must end now. I have abstained from commenting on the event because to me, what is understood doesn't have to be explained. Now that a closure has been found to the matter, I am positioned to comment on it.

I will first say here that the 4-month imprisonment and the heavy fine imposed on the presenters and the management of Montie FM may be regarded as heavy-handed; but once there is no clearly defined scope, the discretion lies with the Court; and that is exactly what has been cited to anger the defence counsel and the NDC that have regarded it as too harsh (See http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Montie-3-case-Shocked-NDC-condemns-harsh-4-month-sentence-458525 ).

There are some complications here, though. I wonder why the NDC machinery should wade into this matter the way it has done. The victims are known NDC operatives; but can they be said to be making those life-threatening utterances at the command of the NDC? I don't think so. Why, then, the vitriolic reaction from Kofi Portuphy (National Chair of the NDC) to create a misleading impression as if the presenters were mandated by the NDC to say what they said? Was it the NDC that sponsored them to go the way they did? What did the NDC seek to gain from such waywardness? To perpetuate the sordid impression of it (as spread by its political opponents) as a violent and murderous party?

Can't Portuphy use his office to clean the NDC all the more (recalling here the former NDC Chair, Dr. Kwabena Adjei's threatening utterance against the judges that There are many ways to kill a cat)? Do these NDC people ever learn any lesson to improve their strategies for political mobilization? In our kind of democracy when people are constantly complaining about hardships, there is need for better ways to appeal top them for political capital. What new item is Portuphy bringing to get the NDC the support that it needs to retain President Mahama in office? Certainly, this problem with the Supreme Court on the basis of the Montie FM fiasco is a disaster and must be kicked away as soon as reality dawns. And that reality dawned long ago!!

As a trained journalist, I find it difficult to accept the position of the NDC on this matter. The victims went on air to comment on issues before the court and got carried away to make life-threatening utterances for which they were held accountable. In any human situation, once a threat is made to life, there should be room for concern. And in this particular case where the judges are involved (and with hindsight about the sad fate of those three High Court judges who were abducted, murdered, and burnt in 1982), which judge won't be scared by life-threatening utterances of the sort made by the convicts? And why won't the legal point of reference be cited to rope in the culprits as has been done?

Folks, let's be clear on this score. The utterances made by the presenters, using the auspices of the Montie FM channel, were despicable and should be understood as such. Once we understand what it is, there should be no room for dissension, arguments, and needless politicization of the matter. That is Understanding Number One to deal with, self-explanatory as it stands.

Having read news reports on the reaction of judicial and political interests to the outcome of the trial, I can say that those condemning the Supreme Court judges are lost. And they are mostly NDC sympathizers agreeing with the conduct of the convicts. I find this stance to be reprehensible and I condemn it in no uncertain terms. Every wrong is a wrong and must be punished for what it is. Our democracy doesn't need this kind of evil journalism or misguided freedom of speech. Anybody faulting the Supreme Court judges as such should bow his/her head in shame.

Freedom of speech is not absolute nor does it allow any individual to use any means of communication threaten the life of another. We are all guaranteed freedom of existence and expression under the Constitution. But we must be guided by the parameters set by our democracy: that once a case is before court and those equipped with the acumen to deal with it are handling it, no derogatory comment should be made, let alone one that threatens the lives of those dealing with the matter. Democracy allows freedom of speech but doesn't encourage savagery!!

Those in the NPP celebrating the verdicrt5 also need to be reminded that the matter transcends mere and porous political divides. Our records show that characters in the NPP have made worse utterances but escaped punishment, even if such misguided utterances aren't helping their political cause (Bring in here Akufo-Addo's infamous All-die-be-die nonsense and Kennedy Agyapong's clarion call to Asantes to kill the Gas and Ewers ion their midst). Fortunately for such vivisecting political comedians, their utterances had nothing to do with any matter being heard by any court. That explains why they got away with it, even if it continues to cost them in diverse ways.

As the matter stands now, those seeing the convicts as NDC activists are unhappy and cursing the Supreme Court judges, citing previous instances of contempt of court to support their vituperation. I disagree with them. Any comparison of this matter with any other is pointless. It is bootless as well because the gravity of each offence must be considered within the context of what is at stake, the allowances and limitations, and how not to offend the law of the land.

Those claiming that a less heavy penalty was exacted on Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, Samuel Awuku, and Hopeson Adorye when they were convicted of contempt against the Supreme Court during the hearing of Akufo-Addo's useless petition after losing Election 2012 and wondering why the Montie FM squad should be so heavily punished have no foundation in truth to guide them. The discretion lies with the Supreme Court, even if one wonders why such discretion is limitless. Probably, the existing law could be refined to prescribe specifics. But then, once the operational word is discretion, the clout still remains with the Court to wield.

But in terms of other things, I may have my qualms. When I saw how much fine was imposed on the contemnors, I wondered why it should be so high. But that's up to the judges to decide, according to the operational word, discretion, again. Once this monster dogs whatever happens on the judicial road, anybody walking there should be circumspect. How that fine will factor into the financial status of the judiciary is another matter. How are all these fines used, anyway? To improve conditions in the judiciary or to be added to the national coffers?

We are not done yet. Those condemning the judges for being too high-handed or for turning the matter into a political game are wrong. I don't know what the political persuasion of those judges are but I am tempt6ed to believe that they acted within the confines of the law that put them where they are and that will shape their future. That is why the panel chair (Sophia Akuffo) could say that the judges were so independent that not even the President of Ghana can control or dictate to them. That's a powerful statement to make on the occasion to assert a kind of judicial independence. But it opens up a hole: Who appoints the judges? And what criteria warrant their being chosen for the appointment? More conundrum for our kind of democracy!

Folks, we have been exploring the idea that whatever is understood in life needs no explanation. The particular matter at issue is one. What is understood is that the presenters made utterances that went beyond mere comments on issues; they were life-threatening as well as undermining the integrity of the Supreme Court hearing the suit regarding the voters register and what the plaintiffs (Abu Ramadan and another) were seeking. The utterances purportedly infringed a principal tenet of journalism as far as matters before courts for jurisdiction are concerned.

Any journalist or anybody conversant with the legal ramifications of public comments on matters being heard by a court of competent jurisdiction knows that the sub judice element forbids any prejudicial comment on the matter. It is simple. The understanding is that once the matter is being adjudicated, any open/public comment on it in the public domain (which will be available to the judges) shouldn't be countenanced. Once that understanding is accepted, whatever happened on Montie FM has no legal justification. That explains why the panel of Supreme Court judges didn't hesitate in finding the panelists and the management of Montie FM guilty of contempt.

Understanding Number Two is that the presenters and the management of Montie FM admitted wrongdoing and apologized, seeking to mitigate their offence with reasons that anybody caught up in such a mess will advance. Nothing like kpokpogligli (a ball of nauseating nonsense!!) or whatever else will succeed in toning down the enormity of the offence. No democracy that allows subterfuge or abuse of the media for hooliganism of this sort can survive. In our particular case in Ghana when our democracy seems to be perpetuating the mantra of might over right, we must be careful how we go about issues. What is legally repugnant must be faced up to and tackled so we can smooth the rough edges to move forward. That's how governance can be improved to solve existential problems.

Folks, I have said much to prove that I don't support the misuse of the so-called freedom of speech and to argue that those who fail to read between the lines and tread where angels fear to go should be punished. As such, I consider what has happened to the Montie FM presenters as a useful lesson to be learnt by all. No one should think that the system is open enough to be abused. Any democracy seeking to grow must be nurtured with discipline behaviour at all levels. I hope that when the dust settles, common sense will rule in our democracy.

PS: I have been monitoring all that is happening at the congresses of the Republican Party and the Democratic Party in the United States and can say that they offer a lot of useful lessons in discipline, decorum, and pur5posefulness for others elsewhere in the world. One must be accountable for one's comments, especially if such comments injure the reputation of established institutions of democracy. That's an impetus for democratic growth. No more!!

I shall return
The General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), David Agbanu, has cautioned against conflating the judgment against the Montie FM trio with an attack on the media and free speech.

The Supreme Court did not go after the Montie three because they did something that is lawful. The charges were read to them, they contested the charges and they were finally jailed. We must be careful not to confuse that with a media attack, he explained on Eyewitness News.

Mr. Agbanu's comments followed the four-month sentence given the host of the Pampaso political show on Montie FM, Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe, and the two panelists, Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, after they were found guilty of contempt.

The two panelists had threatened to kill judges of the Supreme Court during one of the discussions on the show.

The GJA General Secretary stated that, the trio were punished simply because they fell foul of the laws of the land and not because their freedom of free speech was being stifled.

The laws are supposed to be obeyed by everyone. No one is above the law and we do know that when you do things that infringe the laws of the country, it is the law courts that deal with it.

I am not sure the law courts were dealing with them because they are media practitioners. They were dealing with them because they were in contempt of court.

Mr. Agbanu noted that we must be careful not to criminalise speech and we must also be reminded of the fight that the media waged to get the kind of freedom that they have.

However, he maintained that, the Montie three played into the hands of the Judiciary and the Judiciary exacted its pound of flesh We shouldn't have gotten to this position at all. It was unnecessary, it was uncalled for.

What the judges said in their verdict

According to Citi News Fred Djabanor, the Presiding judge, Sophia Akuffo, reading the sentences said the two panelists wilfully attacked the Chief Justice and lowered the authority of the court by insisting that they will not accept its judgment on a controversial matter of the voters register.

She also said they also callously reminded the court of the gruesome murder of three High Court judges more than 30 years ago.

She pointed out that there is an element of criminality in their utterances which the Attorney-General should have noticed and acted upon.

Justice Akuffo asserted that the court is deserving of utmost respect if the country's democracy is to be safeguarded, and that any conduct that seeks to interfere with the judiciary is an act against the community.

According to the Judge, for a very long time, the judiciary has been attacked verbally and viciously, but they remained quiet. She explained that it was not their intent to be punishing people anyhow, but they just want to use this as a caution.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Lawyers for the host of Montie FM's 'Pampaso' political show, Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe, and two panelists, Alistair Nelson, and Godwin Ako Gunn, who were handed a four-month prison sentence say they have no plans of seeking a review of the case.

The three were sentenced on Wednesday by the Supreme Court for threatening the lives of judges on a live radio show.

Speaking to Citi News one of their lawyers, Godwin Edudzi Tamaklo said the ruling cannot be challenged since it was not an action that flowed from the Judges' exclusive jurisdiction.

This particular position came under the inherent powers of the court. It is not an action that you will say flowed from their exclusive or original jurisdiction under Article 2 or a matter that came so it is an inherent matter that they dealt with so are we now going to invoke the jurisdiction over the inherent powers of the court. These are grey areas of the law but like I indicated earlier we want to have a copy of the judgement and once we have it what we need to do as Counsel is we will advise our clients going forward.

Sentencing minimum

Meanwhile a Former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Sam Okudjeto, has opined that the trio should have been handed a minimum of six month prison sentence.

He argued that the four-month prison sentence is not enough to serve as a deterrent to others.

If I were there, I would have given them more than that because I am so worried about what I call irresponsibility that has almost crept into political arena whereby people use the television and radio as a platform for vulgar abuse, threats.That is not what the media is meant for and I think that a lot of characters that are appearing on television should not be allowed. The station itself should have been punished heavier for them to put down rules, the rules which says that when you come here no abuse, no insult.

I would have preferred to have given them at least six months and then ban them for a year or two to be of good behavior.

Lawyer Sam Okudjeto also said it was immaterial that the three had apologized, saying the apology could not have undone the harm their utterances would have caused.

Reactions

The sentencing has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders.

While some believe it was a step in the right direction, others say the Judges were to harsh on the trio.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a statement released on Tuesday said the judgement sends an unfortunate impression about Ghana, its judiciary and severely dents our enviable reputation as a beacon of democracy on the African continent and beyond.

It further stated that the judgement also may undermine our position among countries with the freest media in the world.



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @EfeAnsah
The James Town Police in Accra have arrested two women for allegedly stealing a one-month-old baby boy from his mother in the area.

The suspects are Joyce Asheley, 30 years-old and Lamley Mills, 34.

They are said to have on July 8, 2016 taken the baby from the side of his mother while she was fast asleep.

The baby was later found at Odorkor Official Town, a suburb of Accra, in the custody of Lamley Mills.

Narrating the arrest to Daily Guide, ASP Effia Tenge, Accra Regional police spokeswoman, said the James Town police received information of the missing child on July 8, 2016 and began investigations.

According to the mother of the baby, Joyce Oblitey Commey, she went to bed on July 7 with her baby and that at midnight when she woke up to breastfeed the child, she could not find him.

Baby Exchanged For E460.00

According to ASP Effia Tenge, while the police were investigating the matter, they learnt that Joyce Asheley took the child after claiming that Madam Oblitey (the mother) owed her E60.00

According to information, Joyce Asheley, who is the girlfriend of the father of the complainant, paid the medical bill of E60.00 before the child's mother was discharged from the hospital on June 8, 2016 when the child was born.

Later, when Joyce went to the house for her money, the complainant purportedly refused to pay it and this reportedly resulted in this exchange of words and in the process, Joyce threatened to take the baby in exchange for the money.

ASP Tenge said when the police first invited Joyce for questioning, she denied the allegation and added that she did not know the whereabouts of the child.

On July 26, 2016, police had information that the child was with a woman at Odorkor Official Town and proceeded to the location.

Lamley Mills was found with the baby and was arrested.

Upon interrogations, she mentioned Joyce as the one who brought the child to her for safekeeping.

The child, according to ASP Tenge, was in good health, but a police medical form was issued for him (baby) to be sent to the hospital for proper medical attention.

The child has since been given back to the mother but the two suspects are still in custody assisting in investigations.
Jornt van der Wiel, Security Researcher at Global Research and Analysis Team, Kaspersky Lab

28.07.2016 LISTEN

The Dutch National Police, Europol, Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab (www.Kaspersky.co.za) have joined forces to launch an initiative called No More Ransom, a new step in the cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector to fight ransomware together. No More Ransom ( www.NoMoreRansom.org ) is a new online portal aimed at informing the public about the dangers of ransomware and helping victims to recover their data without having to pay ransom to the cybercriminals.

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks the victims computer or encrypts their data, demanding them to pay a ransom in order to regain control over the affected device or files. Ransomware is a top threat for EU law enforcement: almost two-thirds of EU Member States are conducting investigations into this form of malware attack. While the target is often individual users devices, corporate and even government networks are affected as well. The number of victims is growing at an alarming rate: according to Kaspersky Lab, the number of users attacked by crypto-ransomware rose by 550%, from 131 000 in 2014-2015 to 718 000 in 2015-2016.

NoMoreRansom.org

The aim of the online portal www.NoMoreRansom.org is to provide a helpful online resource for victims of ransomware. Users can find information on what ransomware is, how it works and, most importantly, how to protect themselves. Awareness is key as there are no decryption tools for all existing types of malware available to this day. If you are infected, the chances are high that the data will be lost forever. Exercising a conscious internet use following a set of simple cyber security tips can help avoid the infection in the first place.

The project provides users with tools that may help them recover their data once it has been locked by criminals. In its initial stage, the portal contains four decryption tools for different types of malware, the latest developed in June 2016 for the Shade variant.

Shade is a ransomware-type Trojan that emerged in late 2014. The malware is spread via malicious websites and infected email attachments. After getting into the users system, Shade encrypts files stored on the machine and creates a .txt file containing the ransom note and instructions from cybercriminals on what to do to get users personal files back. Shade use strong decryption algorithm for each encrypted file, with two random 256-bit AES keys generated: one is used to encrypt the files contents, while the other is used to encrypt the file name.

Since 2014, Kaspersky Lab and Intel Security prevented more than 27 000 attempts to attack users with Shade Trojan. Most of the infections occurred in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Austria and Kazakhstan. Shade activity was also registered in France, Czech Republic, Italy, and the US.

By working closely together and sharing information between different parties, the Shade command and control server used by criminals to store keys for decryption was seized, and the keys were shared with Kaspersky Lab and Intel Security. That helped to create a special tool which victims can download from the No More Ransom portal to retrieve their data without paying the criminals. The tool contains more than 160.000 keys.

Public  private cooperation

The project has been envisioned as a non-commercial initiative aimed at bringing public and private institutions under the same umbrella. Due to the changing nature of ransomware, with cybercriminals developing new variants on a regular basis, this portal is open to new partners cooperation.

Wilbert Paulissen, Director of the National Criminal Investigation Division of National Police of the Netherlands: We, the Dutch police, cannot fight against cybercrime and ransomware in particular, alone. This is a joint responsibility of the police, the justice department, Europol, and ICT companies, and requires a joint effort. This is why I am very happy about the police's collaboration with Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab. Together we will do everything in our power to disturb criminals' money making schemes and return files to their rightful owners without the latter having to pay loads of money.

The biggest problem with crypto-ransomware today is that when users have precious data locked down, they readily pay criminals to get it back. That boosts the underground economy, and we are facing an increase in the number of new players and the number of attacks as a result. We can only change the situation if we coordinate our efforts to fight against ransomware. The appearance of decryption tools is just the first step on this road. We expect this project to be extended, and soon there will be many more companies and law enforcement agencies from other countries and regions fighting ransomware together, says Jornt van der Wiel, Security Researcher at Global Research and Analysis Team, Kaspersky Lab.

This initiative shows the value of public-private cooperation in taking serious action in the fight against cybercrime, says Raj Samani, EMEA CTO for Intel Security. This collaboration goes beyond intelligence sharing, consumer education, and takedowns to actually help repair the damage inflicted upon victims. By restoring access to their systems, we empower users by showing them they can take action and avoid rewarding criminals with a ransom payment.

Wil van Gemert, Europol Deputy Director Operations, finally: For a few years now ransomware has become a dominant concern for EU law enforcement. It is a problem affecting citizens and business alike, computers and mobile devices, with criminals developing more sophisticated techniques to cause the highest impact on the victims data. Initiatives like the No More Ransom project shows that linking expertise and joining forces is the way to go in the successful fight against cybercrime. We expect to help many people to recover control over their files, while raising awareness and educating the population on how to maintain their devices clean from malware.

Always report

Reporting ransomware to law enforcement is very important to help authorities get an overall clearer picture and thereby a greater capacity to mitigate the threat. The No More Ransom website offers to the victims the possibility to report a crime, directly connecting with Europols overview of national reporting mechanisms (http://APO.af/57Z0FA).

If you have somehow become a victim of ransomware, we advise you not to pay the ransom. By making the payment you will be supporting the cybercriminals business. Plus, there is no guarantee that paying the fine will give you back the access to the encrypted data.
The introduction of e-wristband for the use of Nigerian pilgrims during the 2016 Hajj is a novelty project that is expected to protect the pilgrims throughout the period of their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims can also use it as wrist watch after returning from Hajj. This project became very necessary for many reasons. And it is going to be peculiar for Nigerians, unlike the one to be provided by the Saudi government for all pilgrims from across the world.

Nigeria is not the only country deploying this device, only that it is a pilot scheme. Other countries would deploy it in the forthcoming Hajj. Simply, that of Saudi will be to identify pilgrims countries while that of NAHCON will be more complicated as it will carry all data of each pilgrim and link it with the control room that will be in place in NAHCON offices in the Kingdom.

However, the Saudi Arabia plan on this is not yet clear because no official communication has reached the NAHCON, few weeks to the commencement of Saudi-bound airlift operations for 2016 Hajj. Even if that will be a reality, Nigerian Hajj officials will not have access to the Saudi data gathering, monitoring and management. That is an additional fact why Nigeria needs to have its own. Nigerias plan was mentioned to the Saudi Arabia authorities during a meeting and they did not object. The Hajj management in Nigeria, therefore, must take this precautionary measure to safeguard the Nigerian pilgrims.

The NAHCON wristband will also guarantee enough security and guidance for the pilgrims who can communicate with the control room at any time to report any uncomfortable circumstance. It has been observed that pilgrims who lose their ways from their accommodation or from the Holy Mosque often fall into the hands of unscrupulous elements who dupe by taking them to secluded areas. Such pilgrims, once lost, can contact the control room for immediate response. NAHCON would also involve other Saudi security and guide agencies for prompt rescue. This is a very unique innovation that should be trusted and supported.

We are all aware of the twin tragedy of 11th and 24th September, 2015 during Hajj when many Nigerians lost their ways or could not be identified by mere names due to similarities with other West Africans. Up till date, many countries are still recording missing pilgrims because the Saudi Arabian government has not ascertained and issued their death certificates. So while Saudi device will only be used to identify pilgrims in times of mishap, Nigerias will be for the protection, guide and easy monitoring of our pilgrims  simply put it, safety and emergency response purpose.

The process of procuring the device was, as normal, transparent. NAHCON advertised for a stipulated period as provided by the procurement regulations. Four slots were advertized for northwest; for north-central and northeast; for southwest, southeast and southsouth; and for the international pilgrims. At least 13 companies applied for each slot.

The bid was opened on May 23, 2016 in the presence of all bidders most of who came with their documents on the closing date to the venue. Also present at the bid opening were representatives of Chartered Institute purchasing and supply management of Nigeria, Center for Transparency Watch, amongst others. The pricing was competitive but very affordable. Companies that won the contracts were Emerging Platform Limited, ADS Communications Link Limited, Center Base Limited and Trans-Secure Limited for each slot respectively.

The prequalified companies have been given deadline to produce and supply the e-wristbands according to specifications. Owing to the fact that a large number of the pilgrims is often from the rural areas, the biggest task is to educate them on its usage. NAHCON is working out effective strategy together with the states and tour operator companies on that.

It is envisaged that this device will add to the smooth Hajj operations which NAHCON has sustained for nearly a decade. The Saudi government has been giving wristbands to all pilgrims of the world for a very long time but the devise has no electronic mechanism for the pilgrims safety and direct communication during emergency. It will be recalled that the commission over the years captures the data of all intending pilgrims for the issuance of Hajj visa through State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions.



Muhammad Ajah lives in Abuja. E-mail [email protected]
History and antiquity have taught us many valuable lessons. For example, in Roman history, the ides of March marked the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BC. Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator was stabbed to death in Roman senate by 60 conspirators led by Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus.

The death of Caesar ended the Roman Republic. In his famous play, Julius Caesar, Williams Shakespeare popularized the ides of March in which a soothsayer warned Caesar to be careful on March 15 (the ides of March) even so the tyrant ignored the spiritual guidelines with calamitous implications. The purpose of this article is to reconcile our history as Africans with our present national discourse and look at the dangers associated with Ghanas ides of March (mistrusting electoral commission).

As Marcus Garvey observed: A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. Besides, the British political theorist and philosopher, Edmund Burke (1729-1797), asserted that: people will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors. As Ghanaians and for that reason Africans, we are the products of the most egregious holocausts in the world and that is colonization and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Europe, after coming out of the Crusades and one of the most notorious phony charades of human history, became very much interested in nationalism. Nationalism in Europe was a motivating factor behind colonization just as African nationalism did away with colonization.

I think colonialism is not entirely over. For example, Baffour Ankomah, editor of New African, a pan-African magazine reported what Stan Mudenge, a Zimbabwean diplomat told him about Robin Cook, a former British foreign secretary. The reputable pan African journalist revealed what Mudenge claimed were the words of Robin Cook: you guys must get rid of Bob (President Mugabe), and Stan said he had told Cook back. For the same reason that you guys want him out, we want him in. We need to think through our history and the atrocities bequeathed to our ancestors and see ourselves as one people with a common destiny.

We have soon forgotten that during slavery, and colonialism, Africa and its people were inflicted with depopulation, cultural usurpation and inhuman treatment. It is quite unfortunate that there is no memorial observance to this event any place in all the globe. The Africans on the continent of Africa have not thought of properly memorializing their loss while Africans in dispersion, the major victims of slavery and colonization, have not mounted edifices or monument to remind the posterity about African holocaust. This is notwithstanding the existence of the pan African festivals. What is particularly lamentable is that history as a subject is gradually diminishing in schools at Africa. The ancestors of Africa are angry, for those who believe in the powers of the ancestors, the proof of their anger is obvious. For those who do not believe in ancestors, the proof of their anger is given another name (Mazrui, 1986).

One of the negative implications of European colonization in Africa was the usurpation of Africans own legitimate royal institutions and frameworks of authority. As colonization and acculturation gathered momentum, Africans native institutions started to emaciate, though not always completely. Indeed, one of those institutions- from Ashanti to Buganda, from Morocco to Swaziland-managed to find the resilience to survive the cultural and political corrosive power of European colonization (Mazrui, 1986).

As Ghanaians, we must look at our position on the globe as the beacon of Africas democracy and eschew electoral conflicts. The purpose of governance is to correct social and economic uncertainties in a country. We have a common heritage as people. We are bothered by three Francophone countries and the ocean which, I think must change our perception about electoral violence.

If we allow the institutions to work, peace will always prevail. During the independence celebration of the Republic of South Africa, Professor Ali Mazrui, reminded the South Africans to be mindful of the four Vs (victim, victor, vanguard and villain). Our citadels of the past namely: Cape Coast, Elmina and Christiansburg castles as well as fort Prinzenstein at Keta definitely attest to our status as victims of slavery. Our political independence through the efforts of our founding fathers, Joseph Peter Brown, Jacob Sey, John Mensah Sabah, J. E Casely Hayford, and the big six plunged us under exhilaration of victory. Ghana is one of the vanguards of African democracy. Nevertheless, we must be careful with the last v villain.

We cannot afford to destroy what we have built over the years. This years elections must focus on issues rather than acrimony and character assassination. Our ides of March we must be careful about is the mistrust of state institutions, such as the electoral commission. Certitude is not the test of certainty. We have been cocksure of many things that were not so (Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr). We must also look the other ides of March in future (Winner takes all and the excessive powers of the President). We can avoid conflict by trusting our state institutions. God bless our homeland Ghana.

Feedbacks must be directed to [email protected]

Nana Yaw Osei (Padigo), PhD Candidate, USA
South Africas hotel industry is set for steady growth in the next five years driven by an increase in the number of foreign visitors into the African continent.

Pietro Calicchio, Industry leader of Hospitality & Gambling, PwC Southern Africa (www.PwC.com), says: Although the South African economy has weakened considerably, the overall outlook for hotels in South Africa is expected to remain positive.

According to PwCs 6th edition Hotels Outlook 2016  2020, revenue from hotel room accommodation in South Africa rose 8.1% in 2015 to R14.2 billion, reflecting an increase in stay unit nights and a 6.5% rise in the average room rate. Overall, hotel room revenue is projected to expand at a 7.8% compound annual rate to R20.6 billion in 2020. PwCs report features information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya, and Tanzania.

The devaluation of the rand and the relaxation of certain visa regulations has had a positive impact on the tourism industry in South Africa, making the country a more attractive tourism destination. This has also had a positive impact on the number of foreign visitors to South Africa over the past six months, says Calicchio.

The new visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry. After growing at an 8% compound annual rate between 2009 and 2013, the number of foreign overnight visitors rose only 0.2% in 2014 before falling 6.8% in 2015  the biggest decline in six years, according to official statistics. China had the largest decrease of 46% in 2014, while the decrease from India was 23.5%. Visits from China edged up 2.2% in 2015, but remained 45% lower than the peak in 2013, while visits from India fell an additional 8.5% in 2015 for a cumulative 30% decline over the past two years.

A key factor cited as contributing to the decline was the requirement that foreign travellers appear in person at South African embassies to have their biometric information taken. However, some countries such as India, Russia and China have very few South African visa processing centres.

In October 2015, some of these regulations were eased and the Department of Home Affairs is considering introducing further amendments.

Overall, in 2015 there was a decline in the number of foreign travellers to South Africa from every region except the Middle East and North Africa. Of non-African countries, the UK is still the largest source of visitors to South Africa at 407 486 in 2015, an increase of 1.4%. It was one of the few countries from where visitors increased in 2015, but that gain did not offset the overall 6.8% decline from 2014. Visits from the US dipped below 300 000 in 2015, down 3.9% from 2014. Germany was down 6.5% in 2015, while Australia fell 10.8%.

Of African countries, the largest numbers of foreign visitors to South Africa in 2015 came from Zimbabwe (2.1 million), followed by Lesotho (1.5 million) and Mozambique (1.3 million) but all were lower than in 2014.

On a more positive note, the number of monthly overnight tourist visitors to South Africa started picking up towards the end of 2015 and rose above the one million mark for the first time in January 2016, with international visitor numbers up by 16.8% for the months of January to April 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. Visitor numbers from Europe have increased by 13.6%, China 38.0% and North America 16.4% through to April 2016 when compared to the first four months of 2015. For 2016 as a whole, a 12.4% increase in foreign visitors is anticipated.

Hotel accommodation: South Africa  Nigeria  Mauritius  Kenya - Tanzania

The number of hotel rooms planned in Africa has increased from prior years in the wake of a number of developments across the continent.

Overall, room revenue in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania rose 6.7% in 2015, the largest gain since 2011. Tanzania had the largest increase with a 14.4% gain, the result of a large increase in the average room rate that offset a drop in stay unit nights.

It is promising to see a growing number of new hotels that are planned for the South African market over the next five years. We are forecasting an additional 2 600 hotel rooms to be added over the next five years, says Calicchio. We forecast that hotel room revenue will grow by 11.9% in 2016 to R15.8 billion. The interest in new hotel developments in Cape Town reflects its strong growth rates and its appeal as a tourist attraction.

Five-star hotels had the highest occupancy rates in the market at 79.5% in 2015, up from 70.7% in 2014 as stay unit nights increased by 12.5%.

The hotel sector in Mauritius experienced an increase in stay unit nights in 2015, but a drop in the average room rate that resulted in a 6.7% increase in room revenue. Nigerias long-term prospects for the hospitality sector remain positive, though the impact of its current weaker economy is likely to reflect in near-term hotel performance. Kenyas economic growth has been strong and a number of initiatives have contributed to a recent increase in the tourism industry.

South Africa: The Outlook (2016  2020)

With occupancy rates and visitor numbers on the rise, there is renewed activity in the hotel sector. There are a number of major hotels expected to open in the next five years and several others in the planning stage. The number of available hotel rooms are projected to rise at a 0.8% compound annual rate to 63 700 in 2020 from 61 100 in 2015.

Stay unit nights are expected to increase at a 1.9% compound annual rate to 14.6 million in 2020 from 13.3 million in 2015. With stay unit nights growing faster than room supply, the occupancy rate for hotels is forecast to rise from 59.6% in 2015 to 62.6% in 2020.

Nigeria  Mauritius  Kenya Tanzania: The Outlook (2016  2020)

The hotel market in Nigeria has not fared as well as South Africa with stay unit nights dropping 12% and room revenue down by 3.6% over the past two years. There are a number of new hotels planned or under construction and we forecast an additional 4 700 rooms to be added in Nigeria during the next five years. Hotel room revenue is expected to grow to US$ 507 million in 2020 from the US$321 million achieved in 2015, due to increases in both stay unit nights and average room rates. The number of tourist arrivals to Mauritius increased by 10.9% in 2015, the largest increase during the past five years. The number of available hotel rooms is expected to increase at a 2.8% compound annual rate, rising to 15 600 in 2020 with hotel room revenue forecast to grow at a 10.6% compound annual rate to Euro 920 million in 2020 .

Kenyas hotel market is recovering, with growth being achieved for the first time in four years due to an increase in the average room rate even though stay units fell 2.8% in 2015. Revenue is projected to grow at 6.1% compounded annually to 2020. Tanzanias hotel room revenue amounted to US$222 million in 2015 and is expected to grow by 10.8% compounded annually to US$371 million in 2020.

The hotel market in each country is affected by both the local and global economy, with some countries being more dependent on foreign visitors than others. The growth forecast is therefore dependent on how well both the local and global economy performs and grows over the next five years.

The tourism industry continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors of Africas economy. In spite of recent challenges, including the change in visa regulations in South Africa and the contraction of the global economy, the sector has significant potential to create jobs and uplift inclusive economic growth across the continent, concludes Calicchio.
A Security Analyst, Adib Saani has said that Ghana's security will improve with the incarceration of the Montie trio.

Reacting to the court ruling that saw the Supreme Court hand a four-month prison sentence to the Host of the 'Pampaso' political show on Accra-based Montie FM, Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe, and the two panelists, Alistair Nelson, and Godwin Ako Gunn, for threatening to kill judges of the Supreme Court during a radio discussion, he noted that the sentence will effectively deal with the culture of impunity affecting the Ghanaian society, hence improve our security in the run up to the December election.

Saani indicated that it should be a matter of an urgent national security to check the trend because unsavory and reckless remarks have the potential of causing chaos during this year's election if unchecked.

He added that, such remarks create an atmosphere of fear and hate like it happened in Rwanda, Kenya and Ivory Coast. He quoted Malcolm x as saying that The medias the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and thats power. Because they control the minds of the masses.

Saani described radio stations such as Montie and other radio stations as treading the same path as Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines (RTLMC), which stoked the 1994 Rwandan genocide that resulted in the deaths of nearly a million Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

In the end, according to estimates in a study by a Harvard University Researcher, 9.9% of the participation in the genocidal violence was due to the broadcasts. The estimate of the study suggests that approximately 51,000 deaths were caused by the stations broadcasts Saani noted.

Saani cited the Media Foundation for West Africa's (MFWA) report which showed that since the beginning of a campaign dubbed Language Monitoring Project this year Montie FM has recorded a total of 40 incidents of indecent expressions, the highest among all the stations being monitored.

In its findings for the period April 18-30, 2016, the report identified one Mugabe Massie, host of Montie FM's Pampaso programme to have made a remark endorsing violence on the April 29, 2016 edition of the programme while discussing an alleged bussing of people to Dome Kwabenya. In the same report, it identified 22 cases of unsavory remarks on Montie FM and 15 on Oman FM.

He also bemoaned the practice where people besiege court premises to support wrongdoers, describing their actions as unpatriotic and not good for Ghana's democracy.

It beats my imagination to see some Ghanaians invading court premises, chant war songs and attack journalists in the name of supporting their own, when these guys have pleaded guilty, meaning they accept that they indeed did wrong, Saani lamented.

Saani blamed it on the politicization of almost all national issues that has invariably polarized the country.

He called on key stakeholders to asses issues of national interest from a neutral perspective, rather than with political lenses because it has nothing to do with NDC or NPP, but our democracy.

Saani also called for the amendment of the laws to criminalize hate speech in the country, saying security agencies would have to engender the trust of the people by carrying out their duties without fear or favor and should act and be seen as neutral players. Ghana deserves better and we can't afford to compromise our peace and security before, during and after the election. The world is looking to us, he said. Owners of media organizations should also employ professionals rather foot soldiers.



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The 4-month jail sentence handed down to the three Montie FM contemnors by the Supreme Court of Ghana will go a long way toward sanitising the political system ahead of this years elections, Dr Edward Mahama, flagbearer of the Peoples National Convention (PNC) has said.

Montie FM Presenter Salifu Maase, aka, Mugabe and two panellists on his Pampaso political programme, Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, were found guilty of contempt for threatening to kill judges of the Supreme Court.

Apart from the jail sentence, each of the three contemnors has been fined a sum of GHS10,000. The owners of the station including Mr Harry Zakkour, who is also the second vice chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress, as well as Mr Edward Addo, Ato Ahwoi, and Kwesi Kyei Atuah, have been fined GHS30,000 each. They are to pay the fine by the end of Thursday July 28 or risk a months jail term. The owners have also been asked by the Supreme Court to submit policy documents spelling out how to forestall similar happenings in the future. They have also been asked to ensure that none of their media outlets will be used to scandalise the court or bring it into disrepute.

But speaking in an interview with Class News Regina Borley Bortey, after the apex courts sentencing, Dr Mahama said: We are trying to build a society where there is freedom of speech. With every freedom, there are some privileges that go with it and with those privileges, responsibilities go with them.

I thought at the time they made the threat, it was very unfortunate. If we threatened one another and live in fear, then we are no more a free society and it was unfortunate only because they did it at an inopportune time, inappropriate time around the celebration of the Martyrs Day, which reminds us of the incident that happened in the 1980s where judges including a nursing mother were murdered. So, I think it is a lesson for all of us that we should not threaten one another. Any threat should always be taken seriously. I think it is an eye-opener for other people and I think we should all be mindful when we get on those radio stations, the five-time flagbearer said.

According to him, this election is already charged as it is without threats, so for me, I think it is a lesson for other people to take note of and behave. It is one of the things that will sanitise [the system]. We all say things on radio and we must be mindful of what we say.
Mrs Mawuena Trebarh was appointed CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), by the President of Ghana, John Mahama in 2013.

The GIPC is the institution mandated with the registration of all investments into the country; both domestic and foreign.

Mrs Mawuena Trebarh holds a B.Sc. in Geology & Mining from the University of Jos, Nigeria and an MBA from Bentley College's McCallum Graduate School of Business, in Massachusetts, USA.

In this interview, Mrs Trebarh explains to Citi Business News the performance of investments in the country and addresses some concerns raised over the security of investments.

She also highlights the GIPC's role in the granting of tax concessions to businesses making huge investments in the Ghanaian economy.

Citi Business News: How is Ghana doing so far as an investment destination?

Mawuena Trebah: Well I think obviously when you are talking about investment promotion you have to situate it in the global context first. And as you know, in general, FDI inflows across the board have declined by about 16% as of 2015. Having said that however, we also need to look at what we have been targeting as a country and I think the first measure of accessing our performance will probably be the Africa competitiveness report of 2015. On that score, Ghana ranked 111 versus our coast compatriots from Ivory Coast 115, versus Nigeria which had 127. So comparatively if you look within the West African context, we are trying to ensure that within the continental scope, Ghana is still seen as an interesting place to do business and on average over the last four year period, we have been in excess of USD4 billion per annum.

I think that what accounts for sustaining the level of FDI's are two things. First of all our ability to attract interest from the domestic community because those are the people who are the true ambassadors of investment opportunities in the country.

As a centre it's been very important for us to reach out to the Ghanaian business community and know about the investment opportunities, be aware of the services that we can offer and that of course then allows us to attract interest from the international business communities.

Institutes like the Miklin Institute for accessing global opportunity have ranked Ghana as 77, versus Ivory Coast which is 116, versus Nigeria which is 118. So again looking within that context we do look good and of course we have other things going for us, peace and political stability which remain number one for every investor and especially because Africa has become such an exciting growth pole. It's important that we showcase the things that differentiate Ghana from other countries. So yes, that is very exciting and obviously we are pleased to continue to see that progress. But it is important to still look further at other areas in which we can create more efficiency and sustain continued interest in investing.

Citi Business News: It is interesting you spoke about the peace and stability which we use to tout our achievements and also push the investment destination agenda for Ghana. Recently we had two GITMO prisoners coming into Ghana and a lot of people said that may affect our investment agenda because it wouldn't push the safety agenda properly, don't you think that move will affect our investment agenda?

Mawuena Trebah: We always have to look at the statistics and be very dispassionate when we are assessing any decision, whether it is political or non political. For us at GIPC, we only have the numbers that tell us about the quality of inbound delegation that are coming into the country. It is important to highlight here that when you find inbound delegations, about average 25 business people, what that indicates is that a great deal of work has been done for people to purchase tickets and fly all the way to this side of the Atlantic to come and look at specific investment opportunities.

Delegation after delegation, we have hosted the French, the Turks, we have had delegation coming from England back to back. That is because we were able to showcase specific investment opportunities.

Statistically like I said, we have registered about 39projects in the first quarter of this year and they are estimated at about USD248million. If you think about that also in the context of initial capital that has already been put into those investments, so we are talking about 411.4million. Those sorts of increases demonstrate that there is continued interest in investing in Ghana. The business community, both domestic and international still sees this country as a safe place to do business and so it is the statistics that inform the rest of the things that we have to do. So yes of course there are various decisions that government will take but we look at it in the context of the numbers and that suggests to us that Ghana is still seen as a very safe place to do business.

Citi Business News: Recently, there have been a lot of talks about Ghana and the Ivory Coast. There have also been reports that quite a number of companies including local and foreign companies are relocating to Ivory Coast because of the economic challenges in Ghana, the tax regime, etc.

Now you have the statistics, you know who is going out and who is coming in, in terms of investments. What are the statistics saying, are people actually relocating to Ivory Coast be it local or foreign because of these challenges?

Mawuena Trebah: Let me explain in the legislation; every business that sets up in the country is required by law to register with the GIPC. But beyond the registration there is the monitoring and evaluation team. They are required to follow through with the investors so it's not just a matter of registering and then you go off and do something else.

So it is the statistics from our monitoring and evaluation team including what the business communities sends to us again by law. Every quarter they are required to report to us on how they are progressing with their investments. None of our statistics show that any of the companies' that we registered have relocated or have left the country.

Obviously the benefit of having monitoring and evaluation institutionalized in our operations is that we are able to track carefully the issues that companies are facing and we are able to be very hands on in working with them through the challenges and that is not to discount the reality that there are challenges.

Everybody agrees we have had issues with power, we have had issues with access to utilityand therehave been a number of challenges with land access. But these are not new issues. Our job as a center is to make sure that we can facilitate the process and make it easier and work very closely with our sister institutions. So you will see that institutions like the Registrar General's Department, the Ghana Revenue Authority and various investment promoting related agencies are all introducing new technologies to try and create more efficiency. We as a center are also trying to work very hard on setting up our one stop shop so that it makes things easier for the business community.

Even as they are challenged to deal with some of the issues that have prevailed not just within the Ghanaian context but globally. So our records haven't shown anything of that sort but I think we are also quick to recognize that there is a tremendous amount of work that goes into monitoring and evaluating to ensure that even if people do have issues, we are able to support them to overcome them.

Citi Business News: The Trade Minister, Dr Ekow Spio Garbrah recently announced, that a number of Chinese companies have been in talks with government into relocating to Ghana because they feel they will have much better access to raw materials, etc but there are two schools of thought over this development. One saying that it is not a good idea for us because the Chinese are really taking over. The other say that well this is a great idea we need to take advantage of it. What is in place to ensure that local companies take advantage of this development?

Mawuena Trebah: There are two things we will think about. First and foremost is obviously what factors into our national development agenda and therefore in attracting investment whether they are Chinese, American, etc how will those investments support us to create more jobs to introduce new technologies. If the Chinese happens to be best in class in a particular area, obviously like everyone else, they would be expected to abide by the laws that govern investments. So the first thing we will do is to showcase the opportunities not just to the Chinese investment company but also to the Ghanaian investment committee.

One of the things we have been very big on this year and last year as well was encouraging the domestic business community to prepare for opportunities for Joint venture partnerships. So taking advantage of the interest that the ancient business community and I always hasten to say it is not just the Chinese because like I told you we are taking a very strategic view of how we should target investments.

We don't want every kind of investor and I'm very sincere and open about this. There are investors that his Excellency President Mahama calls cowboy investors, they kick up a lot of dust, they make a lot of noise but nothing actually happens. We are looking at people for instance if you are talking about ports facilities. Everybody knows that the Singaporeans' have exceptional expertise in an area. They are from the Asian continent so we would target them and the result has been that is, Singapore opening up office here in Ghana so that Singaporean businesses can come into the country and look at some of the opportunities.

The trade ministry through the minister would have targeted the Chinese business community for some specific investment opportunities. Everyone knows that they have had great success in the manufacturing space. Now we are obviously interested in supporting investment in the manufacturing space because it creates a quality set of jobs for our young people. So the idea and the premise is to look at sustainable impact investment and obviously it is very much a team effort so our role would be to look at the Ghanaian business community, invite them to interact with the Chinese business community if there is attention on the possibility on some Joint venture partnerships. I think we can also leverage the strength frankly in our legislation so you don't get to do whatever you want.

Inevitably, we have the opportunity to demonstrate Ghana's strength in compliance with our legislations. So you will see some of the repercussions that have occurred for non-compliance and it is not just the Chinese and that is why I say for the investment promotion schedule officer, the focus is on who is best in class and what sort of development indicators can we see achieved and obviously we will continue to leverage that.

We work closely with various ministries and othergovernment agencies, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Free Zones Board are particularly important in partnering when such investments are being attracted into the country and obviously our various businesses and associations. I think it's quite exciting to see the level of competition if you will from different parts of the world for some of the investment opportunities in the country. What we need to do is to ensure that they understand what the laws say are required of them, they understand the implications for non-compliance and they also understand that there are actually exceptional Ghanaian business men and business women who they can potentially partner with and those are the opportunities that I believe as an investment promotion centre we will continue to support.

Citi Business News: Let's look at the challenges or the difficulties we are likely to encounter when the Chinese relocate here?

Mawuena Trebah: Arming the Chinese business community with the reality that yes we do want strategic investments, but we expect that those investments will create jobs, will give us the opportunity for more auxiliary jobs. Making that clear in the beginning is extremely important and I think being able to demonstrate that there are a number of success stories. Companies that have come in that have registered properly, that are compliant from an environmental perspective. Which is why if you look at some of the processes around our approvals for licensing and permitting for strategic investors status, all of the different agencies, the EPA, the tax policy unit at the Ministry of Finance, the various permitting agencies within the GRA and customs, they all come together, work with us on reviewing applications.

So just because an investor comes to us and says we would like to invest 50million dollars and above, the money is not enough. We have to look at the environmental impact; we need to be sure that all of the permitting requirements have been met. We want to ensure that they are commercially viable, but if we want the investment to be sustainable, we have to ensure that it also has an economic import and so I think making sure that the business community, both international and domestic because lets also not forget that many times some international business players will have the tendency of being inclined to consider noncompliance only because they have a Ghanaian partner who has given them the impression that there are no repercussions. So sometimes it's not just the foreign investor who comes here thinking they can do what they want, unfortunately, there has been several instances in various sectors where you have Ghanaians who don't support adherence to compliance. So I think it is a two way street, making sure that we educate and arm our own business community with enough information so as they are approaching people for business, they also understand we know the opportunities, we are interested in taking advantage of the opportunities but we also know that this is what Ghana expects and I don't think that we need to be reserved or shy as a country about speaking to that requirement for development. I also think we will find a healthy balance as we continue to consolidate all of the different interventions that are required so there will be different controls, if you will. There will be different systems and processes and procedures by which the international investor will find that well if I for instance want an immigration status, I will have to come to the GIPC because the immigration service at GIPC has a partnership and a collaboration.

We communicate electronically so there is compliance on that score. If you are a Chinese investor you already know that you have to register with the GIPC and you can't go and do anything that is not compliant with the immigration service because of that partnership and collaboration. I think that those working relationships are becoming stronger, as I said, so when it comes to issues around companies taking advantage or international investors taking advantage, I have always said the law will evolve and more and more controls will come in place to suite our economic paradigm. So the question is not really on whether or not there is corruption or whether or not people will do the wrong thing. Of course they will but overtime as we have seen in other dispensations, the laws and the controls will become stronger and more robust. I'm sure no one will doubt the reality that we have one of the most prolific and vibrant parliament within the sub region and there is constant discourse about ways in which we can reinforce and strengthen our legislation and obviously the compliance that is required. So from an investment standpoint, we are interested in attracting the right sort of investor but we make it clear what is required of you in terms of compliance and obviously our monitoring function will also help to ensure that where there are difficulties, people can be set on the right path or handed over to the relevant authorities if they choose a path of non-compliance.

Citi Business News: Some indigenous companies are not happy with the GIPC over the control of foreigners in certain areas in business. For example in the retail markets, what would you say to such persons about ensuring that we don't see foreign businesses at places meant for Ghanaians?

Mawuena Trebah: Well I think we have been very clear several times. We will always take the side of the law and the law does not permit foreign entities to operate within our retail space. I think there are a number of administrative challenges quite honestly we have to address to create additional clarity because the issues have always been with what constitutes the market space, that retail space. There are lists that have come from some of the ministries; there are some that have come from the metro assemblies. That clarity needs to be reinforced so that when it comes to compliance, it is easy to say, just because a Ghanaian is operating in this space doesn't necessarily make it a market. These are the areas that have been designated as retail spaces for Ghanaians exclusively. That is a challenge we as Ghanaians will have to resolve. Having said that, I think that when you look at what we are trying to achieve by supporting the smaller and micro businesses to grow, develop and support the smaller economies that are so fundamental to our economic growth, it is important that we also give them context so they understand that we really are interested and engaged. So as a center, if we receive any queries, issues, concerns, recently we received some concerns that came from the Association of fishing gear distributors at Cow-lane so immediately the monitoring team went out and we formally communicated back to them our findings.

There were a few companies that we found were not compliant in terms of reregistration with the GIPC but they had the right number of Ghanaians hired, the right number of expatriates that had been allocated. The issue again was with whether or not the areas they were operating had actually been properly defined by the Metro Assemblies and backed up by our policies. So we have communicated back to them and obviously shared that input with the trade ministry who will lead with oversight for a team of task force that are regularly called upon to investigate issues.

Having said that there is also the reality that we do have some Ghanaians who unfortunately will front for someone who is not Ghanaian and operating in that space and that is also an issue that we need to address with our business associations.

I am very confident that as the law continues to evolve, we as GIPC will continue to look at our legislation that allows us to take more stringent measures against non-compliance of our legislation. So we have approached the Attorney General's office and asked for support to put in place some clauses that will low us to prosecute for non-compliance in certain areas of our law that will also support the domestic business communities that have issues with the retail trade. But I will always maintain and I think as a center we have recognized a huge team effort. We really need the support of the retail industry to bring to our attention areas or issues of concern. But we also must make sure that there are areas that we can clearly state this is non-compliance with our legislation and so perhaps coming together collectively with direction and support perhaps from the Ministry of Trade and Industry will come to a place where some of these issues will already be entrenched in the legislation and become a thing of the past. But clearly the retail industry is one that I think will continue to thrive. We will probably get the equation right when researching about what constitutes a market space and that is a collective decision.

Citi Business News: So when do you intend to be done with the Attorney General's bit and start cracking the whip?

Mawuena Trebah: Well it is a process and the Attorney General's office is going to communicate it back to us some of the next steps we will have to take. Probably not looking at anything earlier than the first quarter of 2017 at best because there is so much consultation that has to take place and there are several issues that have to be clarified, particularly with the Metropolitan Assembly so that when action is being taken, it is action that we can defend, it is also action that doesn't cause us to contravene various international trade agreements that we have signed up to as a country so there are quite a number of things to take into consideration. But the legal team is working pretty hard around the clock to make sure that we can add a little bit more strength to what we do.

Citi Business News: Let's go to issues of taxes. Local businesses say there are so many tax exemptions for foreign companies. They get all the exemptions and they get basically nothing. Most people say that these tax exemptions have done really nothing for us. We have just given out to the foreigners and in the end we are not benefitting as much as we should. First of all, how well have these tax incentives helped the country in terms of investments and returns in value?

Mawuena Trebah: I think for the subject of tax in general, we should look at what we are trying to achieve as a country. First and foremost I will immediately clarify that whatever exemptions, incentives, guarantees are available to the international business community are also available to the Ghanaian business community. That is why I hastened to say one of the big aspect of our work in the last twenty four months has been going around educating the domestic business community because they really are as we found, do not know that they are entitled to those exemptions. You register with the GIPC, you are a legitimate operating company. Of course if you put in applications, you are entitled to support to enjoy exemptions that will help to advance your business. So that point needs to be made quite clear right from the beginning.

The second thing to keep in mind is that exemptions in and of themselves are not bad, how we choose to implement them as a country perhaps is where we want to put more focus. The reality is that when you look at the kinds of strategic projects that we have brought into the country overtime, whether they are agricultural related. Movenpik Ambassador Hotel, West Hills mall, the Octagon, there are Ghanaian companies like Effah pharmaceuticals and all of these companies have taken advantage of the exemptions regime that is offered within the GIPC legislation.

I think what we must take a look at is centralizing the frame work and this is a conversation that we have had with the Ministry of Finance. I believe the IMF raised some of these conversations; some studies have also been done. It is our ability to centralize the process by which exemptions are given so that the Finance Minister rightly is able to track all exemptions and justify appropriately what is accruing back to the country as a result of offering those exemptions.

The reality is that right now, there are quite a number of different agencies and institutions that are offering exemptions and I'm not sure of the process by which every single institution arrive at a decision to recommend exemptions. I can tell you about what happens at the GIPC. It is intense and it is rigorous. You put in an application for exemptions of any kind. The first thing is to refer you back to the existing tax code because there are quite a number benefits that are available within our existing tax legislation. If however you find that what is there is inadequate, you have a big investment, it's going to be over in an extended period of time, you are at liberty to put in an application. That application will come to the GIPC. Then you've got about eleven entities that will sit not just GIPC alone and look at the substance of the application; is it going to create jobs, is it going to allow us to introduce new technology, what are the social implications of that investment? So you've got the Ministry of Finance, you've got the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, Ports and Harbors Authority, the Registrar General's Department, and the list goes on and on so it's just not a GIPC decision, it's very much a collective decision that we have accessed this investment proposal and we are clear. We have the tax policy unit at the Ministry of Finance plus the GRA come and do an assessment. If we waive these taxes at this time and this company immediately kicks into profitability, how much are we going to be receiving back as a country?

It makes sense to offer these exemptions to these companies. And that is a premise on which a lot of these infrastructure that I mentioned earlier in pharmaceuticals and tourism and so on,have come to stay and it is serving the country well.

As I said, the position that has been taken and I think it is the right position by the Ministry of Finance is that we need to ensure that we can account for every exemption that is offered. What is coming back into the country, we are very much a part of that discourse. I certainly think that as we continue to see the benefits of the investments that we need in tourism, if we are going to make tourism a major contributor to our economic growth, most certainly the infrastructure will acquire certain kinds of exemptions. The rigor with which we look at it and the dedication with which not just that committee of technical experts, it then comes to our GIPC board where you have again policy and then private sector representation also accessing it before they make concurrent recommendations to the presidency and to the Finance Ministry before it gets its final approval.

I think that is a level of rigor that every Ghanaian should be confident will allow us to deliver investments that have come with certain exemptions but in the medium to long term benefit the country and these are some of the things that we have to look at holistically as we take decisions about our exemptions regime.

So yes of course I mean there are all sorts of conversations about the taxes and the number of taxes and we don't shy away from that. I am certain that the Ministry of Finance is looking at ways in which they can continue to broaden the tax net so that there is more equity in distribution of the various tax obligations that companies at all levels of the economy are required to commit to but at the same time we don't discourage and push away big institutional investors who have the potential to partner with us as a country and I think there will be a lot of circumspection in whatever the final decision is but I think everyone sees the benefit of having exemptions.

Citi Business News: But do you share in the IMF's view that we need to cut majority of the exemptions because they are not serving us anything?

Mawuena Trebah: I think that our position is clear. It is not exemptions in and of themselves, it is how the exemptions are been offered, whom they are being offered to and our ability to demonstrate and prove that for every single exemption that is being offered, we know what is accrued back to the country. Our statistics are there. Every time we offer exemptions to any company of any kind, the Ministry of Finance is aware of it they are able to track it, customs have their own system so you've got GCNet as well. So there are a number of reporting controls so you can see for yourself we offered this company five year tax exemptions, they are now generating 'X' billion in revenue which are accruing back to the state in the form of tax obligation so there is the proof right there.

I think that the Ministry of Finance and quite rightly government and Ghanaians in general want to be sure that that level of rigor applies in every single instant. We don't think that as GIPC, getting rid of exemptions is the right solution because the reality is that it remains a very powerful tool. We have talked about the competitiveness within the West African and maybe African context but as we slowly progress towards regional integration, actually, the exemptions regime are going to be very important for the choices that the business community will make both domestic and international and that will probably be the tipping point as has often been the case in other dispensations if you look at places like Malaysia and Singapore. It is just the reality but they have been successful because they are able to track carefully what is offered to the business community and therefore what is coming back.

So the issue is not with exemptions, they are not bad but we must make sure they work for us just as they have worked for other places in the world. I think that is something that as I said, under the direction of the Ministry of Finance we are part of that conversation to agree on the appropriate framework to centralize issuance of exemptions.

Citi Business News: Still on the issue of taxes, to the extent that we recently saw parliament approve a tax waver of eight hundred and ninety two million dollars I believe out of a project that will cost 1.5 billion dollars, that's the Tema Port expansion project.

They gave a tax waver of about 892 million cedis to Meridian ports and services. People say of course we going to get 1,500 jobs created, in the end we will have the facility, the infrastructure but why should we give a waiver of almost two thirds of that project to a single entity? They are not happy about how or the amount of waivers that we give.

Mawuena Trebah: Again I think you have to take all of the statistical evidence into account before you take a decision whether that is excessive or not. I can't say that I am readily aware of all the data analysis that was done in concluding that that level of exemption was appropriate. I can however say that when you look at infrastructure like port facilities and you look at the potential that Ghana has, perhaps we need to do that analysis to be fully aware from the perspective of the GRA who are quite strict about generating revenues from taxes. What would have informed that recommendation to the Ministry of Finance? I can only propose that if you juxtapose what we are trying to achieve positioning ourselves as a hub into West Africa, one of the smart things to do is to speed up the process with which you create efficiencies within your port systems.

There is tremendous pressure on the existing port facilities in Tema. If you think about it in the maintenance facilities for ports, if you think about it in the context of goods and services coming into the country and then reaching out to the sub region, there are areas in which significant taxes could be generated from a very highly efficient finely tuned well operated port facility and that probably would have informed the decision that those exemptions were appropriate.

I'm pretty sure just looking at the agency in question and knowing our experience with GRA that they would have done quite a number of careful analysis and it's not just projections that are for the next eighteen months or even twenty four months. As I said investment promotion is about five, ten, fifteen, twenty years from now, where do we want to be? Where do we want to see Ghana's port facilities and where do we want them to be positioned in the rest of the continental and global context?

So the investment that is being made now which is Ghana's investment in offering those exemptions is because of what we are trying to achieve from a long term development standpoint. I'm juxtaposing and making projections because as I said, I can't say I have all of the information but for those who are concerned about things like that I think the GRA is quite an open organization, we as GIPC ae also quite open if there are genuine concerns and I think they are genuine concerns, we are always available to do the analysis and share some more of the statistics.



By: Citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
The United Kingdom made a manifesto commitment in 2015 to stand up for human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

In practical terms this has led us to:

Support 360,000 vulnerable people with cash transfers following the El Nino induced drought

Help reduce maternal deaths from 960 per 100,000 in 2010 to 651 per 100,000 in 2015

Deliver school improvement grants to over 6,000 schools in 2015

It means that we continue to invest in civil society programmes that aim to improve transparency, advocacy and human rights. It means that Zimbabwe remains one of the 30 UK Human Rights Priority Countries, where we monitor and report regularly on Human Rights abuses, and support programmes designed to make abuses less likely. And it means engaging in meaningful political dialogue with the incumbent government in order to encourage policy which is consistent with these goals.

The economic challenges that now face Zimbabwe are both significant and urgent. As we have said repeatedly, it is vital that necessary economic reforms are driven forward with determination, taking into account the advice of the international financial institutions in order to prevent the population of Zimbabwe suffering severe levels of hardship. This requires difficult decisions to be made and a demonstrable commitment to implementation from the government of Zimbabwe.

As we have repeatedly stated, economic reforms, whilst necessary, are not in themselves sufficient. The government of Zimbabwe is responsible for upholding the rule of law and human rights, as defined both by the Zimbabwean constitution and Zimbabwes obligations as a member of the international community. In their submissions at Lima and Lusaka, the government of Zimbabwe has reiterated its commitment to this task.

Nevertheless, in recent weeks we have seen the emergence of concerning videos of police brutality, and attacks by the government on apparently peaceful social media based movements. When combined with the ongoing failure of the police to enforce court orders around illegal land invasions, this paints a worrying picture.

The UK continues to reiterate to the government of Zimbabwe the importance of substantial improvement in these areas. We look forward to hearing how the government intends to address these issues, and to deliver positive outcomes for the people of Zimbabwe.

No UK taxpayers money has been or will be used to fund the government of Zimbabwe. Any decision on future UK support for a multi-year IMF programme will be based on the considerations described above.

The British Embassy in Harare will continue to meet with members of the executive, legislature, judiciary and civil society, from across the political spectrum. Meetings do not imply agreement with any particular policy position. The UK does not have a vote in any future Zimbabwean election.

Accordingly we do not and will not support any particular candidate, faction or party. We will however continue to encourage Zimbabweans of all political persuasions to exercise their democratic rights, under the protection of the 2013 Constitution and international human rights law.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a suit challenging the legality of a government agreement with a Turkish company to provide 250megawatts power ship.

Although the court deferred to give reasons for its judgment later, it was unanimous that the Karpower deal did not need parliamentary approval.

The Member of Parliament for Juaben South, Mark Assibey Yeboah, filed the petition praying the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of Attorney-General's position that the deal with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) did not need parliamentary approval.

Per the agreement, Karpowership was to build an emergency power barge for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to ease the power challenges in the country.

MP for Effutu, Mr Afenyo-Markin was reported on June 23 to have filed the suit along with the Juaben South MP. They explained they took the action after all efforts to get the government to send the Karpower agreement to parliament for scrutiny had failed.

Markins noted that the agreement smacked of some 'underhand dealings' and that the nation was not in a position to throw more of taxpayers' money into the drain.

Afenyo-Markin, who is also a member of the Finance Committee of Parliament, had persistently raised the issue on the floor of the House in respect of Article 181 (Clause 5) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that every international financial agreement by government must be brought to parliament for approval.

Upon such persistence, the Speaker of parliament ordered the Minister of Finance to bring the Karpower agreement to the House but since March when the order was given, the minister had failed to produce the agreement.

It compelled the speaker to allow the Effutu MP to resort to the courts for determination of the case.

The Minority in Parliament insisted that government sought parliamentary approval before proceeding with the deal but government argued otherwise.

More to follow....

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|
28.07.2016 LISTEN

By Mohammed Awal [[email protected]]

The Supreme Court yesterday slapped a four-month prison sentence on each of the three infamous Montie FM panellists and the host, who issued threats to judges of the highest court of the land.

This was after the Court, last week, found Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, the two political commentators and Salifu Maase, aka Mugabe, host of the programme, on which the said threats were issued for disrespecting the Supreme Court.

The decision by the Supreme Court to impose a four month custodial sentence on what has become known as 'Montie 3' has sent strong signal to media practitioners and non-practitioners invited to contribute to political discussions on radio that, it is no more going to tolerate hate speeches and attacks on the judiciary.

The Directors of the Accra based radio station; Edward Addo, Harry Zakhour, Ato Ahwoi and Kwesi Kyei Atua, however, escaped custodial sentence, but were also slapped with heavy fines of GH30,000 for being irresponsible and careless.

The court, presided over by Justice Sophia Akuffo, further added that the conduct of the 'Montie 3' defied and lowered the authority of the court, thus bringing it into disrepute.

Some weeks ago, Alistar Nelson and his co-panellist, Godwin Ako Gunn threw caution to the wind and made frightening statements against members of the bench, such as:

Today you want to sit there and use your left hands to point at things to destroy this nation, we know your homes. Mugabe, the High Court judges, I can stand at one junction and tell you where all of them live, or most of the influential ones live.

Following the threat, a Ghanaian citizen, Richard Asante Yeboah, instituted the contempt proceedings against the duo and the host of the programme.

The proceedings were expected to start on the 12th of July, but because they were not served on time, the case was adjourned to July 18, 2016.

The three, supposedly brave men, expressed remorse and pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy. The court adjourned the case to July 27, after the contemnors had been found guilty of scandalizing the court, defying and lowering the authority of the court and bringing the authority of the court into disrepute.

Mugabe, who many thought was ready for prison sentence after claiming he was no better than the likes of Tsatsu Tsikata, who had been there before, when he was summoned, said he regretted his comments and consequently rendered an apology to the judges.

Although doubtful, he explained that his producer on the day of the programme was ill, which meant that there was no one in the studio of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) platform, to put him on his toes.

Despite all the pleas from counsel of the contemnors to prevent the tape from being played due to its shameful and embarrassing contents, it was done in the interest of justice, as posited by the presiding judge.

Counsel for the host of the programme was Nana Agyei Ampofo, while that of Alistair and Godwin Gunn was George Loh. The owners of the station, Harry Zakour, Edward Addo, Kwasi Attuah and Kwakye Bram Larbi, who were also cited for contempt, were represented by Nana Ato Dadzie.

Affail Monney, President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) expressed hope the news of the four months sentencing of the Montie three would serve as a lesson to journalists and media commentators.

He told Joy FM's Midday news that: We pray that none of our members again will fall victim of the lawso that we all join forces to confront what is facing us in election 2016.

We pray that the media landscape will continue to be freethis is not to say that we are not free. In fact, we are free. But we all know that as we excise freedomwe should actualize its responsibilities, added Affail Monney.

He said journalism is a profession that rests on two main pillars that is Freedom and Responsibility  and that practitioners must be mindful of them.

This is the message we continue to preach to our people, he said, advising officialdom and law enforcement agencies not to do anything to haunt any journalist as it would have serious implications on media freedom. Freedom is a very essence of our profession and nothing should be done to shackle us, he added.
28.07.2016 LISTEN

The Supreme Court bared its teeth yesterday. At a packed courtroom in Accra, the highest court in the land, sentenced three radio personalities to four months in jail each after being found guilty of contempt.

It followed a death threat on judges aired on June 29, 2016, incidentally on the eve of the 34th anniversary of the abduction and cold-blooded murder of three high court judges and an army officer.

Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, the two penalists and their host, Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe, of Montie FM, an Accra-based radio station aligned to the ruling National Democratic Congress, were immediately whisked away to begin their sentence.

In addition, the jailed personalities were fined GHc10,000 each in lieu of which they would serve additional month each in jail. Mr. Harry Zakour, who owns the frequency was also slapped with a GHc30,000 fine.

Other owners of the station, listed as Edward Addo, Harry Zakour, Ato Ahwoi and Kwesi Kyei Attah, all known officials of the ruling party, were ordered to pay a collective fine of GHc30,000. They have up to the end of today to redeem the fine.

The high profile case, seen from the view of politics, was adjourned from July 18 for sentencing after all three accused persons had pleaded guilty to the charge of contempt. At yesterday's sitting Mrs. Justice Sophia Akufo, who read out the sentences on behalf of the court, said the panelists were at the radio station that fateful day, to attack judges with venom.

It is unfortunate that we should come to this after the Criminal Libel Law was expunged from the rule books in 2001, to free newsmen especially, from going to jail for merely expressing their views on matters pertaining to state officials.

The reckless use of the microphone especially and several unsubstantiated attacks on individuals have necessitated that the rule book is thrown at people misusing the opportunity to use the microphone especially.

The Chronicle hopes that the sentences would discourage other panelists from reckless use of the microphone. With election in the air, some radio stations, especially Montie FM, appears to have specialized in spewing insults at political opponents. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Ptresidential Candidate of the NPP, for instance, has become a canon-fodder for the Montie station and its panelists.

The contempt charge at the Supreme Court had become a test case that has left a number of state institutions bruised and battered. Officials of the Bureau of National Investigations, for instance, must have rotten eggs all over their faces. When the story first broke out, the BNI demonstrated why the ordinary Ghanaian should lose sleep over the independence of the bureau.

State-run Daily Graphic published a statement purported to have been issued by the BNI, stating emphatically, that those who threatened the lives of our judges on radio, were not capable of carrying out their threat.

Obviously, that statement was deliberately put out there to ameliorate their offence before the judges of the Supreme Court. The pronouncement of their guilt and sentencing yesterday, leaves a huge credibility gap for the BNI to fill.

The Attorney-General's Department cannot escape blame for the inability to prosecute the Montie trio on a criminal charge of threatening to kill the judges. Threat to kill, is a crime punishable under the country's criminal code.

The Chronicle would like to emphasize that the criminal aspect of the pronouncement on Montie Radio, might have escaped the security services, particularly the Bureau iof National Investigation and the Criminal Investigations of the Police, because the personalities involved are all aligned to the ruling NDC.

Had any of them traced his political leaning to the opposition New Patriotic Party especially, we would like to submit, Ghanaians would not have been treated to the 'no show' stance of these security agents.

It is unfortunate, but this society is so polarized that perception is growing that justice is beginning to wear a political colour. That is one reason why the iron hands exhibited by our Supreme Court judges yesterday, should resonate in various newsrooms in both the electronic and print media.

It should also dawn on our political elites that the tendency to get away with murder as a result of the political persuasion of erring personalities, is being dealt a serious blow at the Supreme Court.

The sentencing should also inform owners of the electronic medium especially, that it pays to employ professionals. Cheap donkeys, says a Wala proverb, do not climb hills.

In other words, professionalism is key in avoiding the tendency to go at those perceived to be political opponents without any basis. Let the Supreme Court verdict cleanse the media landscape as we meander towards the December 7 poll.
On Monday 25 July 2016, the High Commissioner to South Africa Dame Judith Macgregor held an Investiture Ceremony at her residence in Pretoria. During the ceremony Bronwen Jones, founder and director of Children of Fire International, was presented with the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to young survivors of burn injuries in South Africa.

Speaking at the occasion Dame Judith Macgregor said:

It is in recognition of these valuable services that Her Majesty The Queen has conferred upon you a British >Empire Medal. It is with great pleasure that I present you with your Medal. Many congratulations.

Eight children were also presented with medals for outstanding achievement in various areas such as academic performance, hardworking and great humour.

Bronwen started her work thirty years ago after giving up a career in journalism. She has since dedicated her life to children in Africa that have been severely injured in fires. She founded the organisation after she took on the challenge to help Dora Mokoena (now Jones). Dora is believed to be the most badly burnt child in the world to survive a shack fire when she was 7 months old. Bronwen challenged herself to obtain funding for reconstructive surgery to save Doras eyes and rebuild her face. She has since adopted Dora and Sizwe, another burn survivor.

Children of Fire International now educates marginalised communities on fire prevention and how to attend to burn injuries. It promotes the tolerance of physical disfigurement through media campaigns and educational talks. Where possible they try to arrange surgery through state systems and the private sector. The organisation also funds equipment and provides an extensive range of post traumatic care for burns survivors including psychological counselling to deal with trauma and distress.

The organisation has seen 350 children through complicated surgery to date.

View some pictures taken during the Investiture Ceremony. (http://APO.af/mvHMpZ)
Scores of angry National Democratic Congress supporters have besieged the party's head quarters in Accra demanding a release of the host and two panelists of political program on Montie FM.

Swearing, chanting and cursing the supporters want the NDC executives to act by appealing to the president to invoke his powers of clemency to free Salifu Maase, Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako-Gunn all of whom have begun serving time in jail for contemptuous comments they made against Supreme Court judges.

The three were on Wednesday sentenced to a four month jail term and a fine of 10,000 cedis each for threatening to kill judges who sat on a case involving the Electoral Commission and PNC youth organiser Abu Ramadan.

The directors and owners of the station were also fined 30,000 cedis each for same and were to pay it by close of day today or risk going into jail.

The NDC in a statement vehemently condemned the sentences describing it as harsh and an assault on free speech.

One of the lawyers of the contemnors George Loh told Joy News "speech cannot be criminalised."

He said no matter how irresponsible the contemptuous comments were, the judges went overboard by giving custodial sentences to the contemnors.

"The sentence was too harsh...our brothers were severely punished," he pointed out.

The NDC lawyers have therefore petitioned the president to invoke Article 72, his executive power, by giving clemency to the three convicts.

"The president must intervene," he told Joy News in an interview, Thursday.

Buoyed by the position of the party and the actions and comments by the NDC lawyers, tens of angry youth stormed the party's head quarters demanding the release of the host Salifu Maase popularly known as Mugabe.

"We are working for Mahama. We will not sit down for Mugabe to be in prison. We want Mugabe back, if not what we will do here, they will not find it easy," one of them said.

They hissed, puffed and chanted in songs and curses demanding the release of their heroes who dared to take the lives of judges.

Meanwhile, some lawyers say any attempt by the president to pardon the Montie 3, will not only be an attack on the judiciary but will be a political suicide for the governing party.

Yaw Oppong, a Law Lecturer with the Central Univerity said for many floating voters who vote on principles and on issues, any attempt by the president to free the three contemnors will have implications to the party at the polls.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
A group of United Nations human rights experts* today expressed deep concern about the on-going pattern of extrajudicial executions in Kenya. They urged the Government to put an end to police violence and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.

The experts call comes as four police officers are charged with the murder of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda, and their driver, Joseph Muiruri, in the latest high-profile case in a long list of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.

The recent murder of a well-known lawyer and human rights defender is having a dramatic and detrimental impact on civil society, especially on those active in the field of human rights, the experts noted. It is urgent for the Government of Kenya to address the apparent structural and systemic motives behind police brutality.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights documented a pattern of widespread and systematic human rights violations which include extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, as well as arbitrary arrests, extortion, arbitrary detention and torture, in a 2015 preliminary report about alleged human rights violations by police and other security agencies in relation to counter-terrorism measures.

The murder of Mr. Kimani, who was renowned for his work with the International Justice Mission, which fights police abuse of power, among many other rights violations, is a dramatic loss for the human rights community in Kenya. This heinous human rights violation should prompt the authorities to take concrete measures to put an end to police impunity, the experts underscored, stressing that this should include, but not be limited to, providing adequate support and capacity to the Independent Police Oversight Authority.

Mr. Kimani had been representing Mr. Mwenda, who filed a complaint with Kenyas Independent Policing Oversight Authority when a police officer shot at him at a traffic stop following an incident in April 2015. Mr. Mwenda was later accused of various offenses, which his lawyers believe have been fabricated charges to silence him. On 1 July 2016, Mr. Kimani, Mr. Mwenda and Mr. Muiruri were found in a river in Ol-Donyo Sabuk, Machakos county, with apparent signs of torture, one week after they had been abducted by unidentified persons.

The fact that Mr. Kimani had been working on a police brutality case around the days he was killed is deeply troubling, they said. We are gravely concerned that the disappearance, torture and executions of the three men are directly related to Mr. Kimanis legitimate work, as a lawyer and human rights defender, in the defence of Mr. Mwendas rights as a victim of excessive use of force by the police.

It is vital for human rights defenders to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms free from intimidation or fear of reprisals; and for the society as a whole to live in a country respectful of the rule of law, the UN independent experts concluded.
28.07.2016 LISTEN

Azuwera is a community in the Bawku west District of the Upper East Region with a population far less from the population of my village. You may ask what sent me there and you will not cause any nuisance.

In the pursuit of my academic journey to obtaining a bachelor degree in BSc. Computing-with- Accounting, I had to pass through a program called Third Trimester Field Practical Program which students sarcastically refers to as Travel to Face Proper Punishment. In fact, a nice program by one of the best universities in Ghana but it takes a student who is a student to pass through the program successfully. A program that can make a student draw a line of similarity between the length of a week to that of a year. Azuwera is a small community with majority of her indigenes being peasant farmers. The most dominant ethnic group in the community is the Kusaasi ethnic group with their route of migration from Burkina Faso as we were told.

A stressful journey on a bumpy road of potholes to the community will welcome you with graves in front of almost every house mostly covered with clay pots that are turn turtle. A community of rocky land making the indigenes to place unmeasurable amount of premium on Bullocks over tractors for Agricultural purposes. A highly religious community with faiths and beliefs distributed among the three main religions; Christianity, African Traditional Religion and Islamic Religion with subscription in terms of followership according to the arrangement.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Customs and traditions which are revered by the people and worth more than black diamonds are worth sharing with folks. Performing funeral rites and marriage is very expensive in that land of few. The performance of the funeral rites of an elderly person calls for the contribution of goats by every living soul in the house for onward slaughter. It is not unusual to see them in jubilant and dancing mood singing dirges and traditional songs at funeral grounds.

Dancing as an exercise the people also know, always make provision for the replacement of loss water with calabash of pito like the way Accountants make provisions for bad debts. A clever way of providing for dehydration, isnt it? As a young bachelor who had a dream to end his singlehood and find a soul mate who will land him into eternal prison was shattered because of what the people use in the payment of dowry. Money as having the intrinsic value it has and Schnapps as having the pleasant taste it has in the mouth of a drunkard do not entice the people in the payment of dowry, but cows do. You have to present four or five cows to parents before a greenlight can be given for marriage.

Put in ratio terms, four cows is to one Woman (4:1). Cows are very expensive, arent they? to further weaken your domestic economy that will culminate in the call for a bail out from the International Monetary Fund is the probably desire for the addition of goats, sheep, guinea fowl, and pito for refreshment at the knocking ceremony. Marriage can be very difficult than getting an A+ mark in Real Analysis in Azuwera and expensive than the acquisition of United States Visa. The festival celebrated by the people is the annual samanpid festival at Bawku by the whole Kusaasi kingdom normally around December to give thanks to God for a bumper harvest.

THE DEBT OWED BY THE POLITICIAN.

Azuwera is disconnected from Ghana, nonetheless, trust me it gets connected on general election days. I am sorry to say that staying in Azuwera is tantamount to living in darkness. Over there, you will know that some citizens of Britain participated in a referendum for a nonmember status of the European union without understanding the implications neither you will know that Akuffo Addo has promised to reduce drastically utility tariffs in 2017 should he win power nor you will know that President Mahama has promised to put money into peoples pockets in his second term because his first term was for the stabilization of the economy or even Abu Ramadan and his trilogy. All you will know is 7th November 2016, thanks to the politician. How often do you see your member of parliament? I asked. we do not see him unless election days he answered. His voice was a balanced mixture of anger and disappointment.

The member of parliament for the area is a long serving member in the Ghanaian legislature and a fine brain in the Ghanaian political landscape, nevertheless, the debt owed by him to the people of Azuwera is heavier than Ghanas public debt to Gross Domestic Product Ratio.

The debt is such a humongous one! I know he might have done something for the people yet there is still much debt to be cleared because to whom political power is given, tackling development challenges head-on is expected. It is important to place on record that the community is connected to the national grid through the Ghana Rural Electrification Project by the ministry of energy and petroleum. The community lacks inadequate classroom block to the extent that primary three pupils are housed in a seed storage facility that were funded by the European Union to prevent post-harvest losses thanks to the brainy ideas of the Headmaster.

A structure meant for the storage of excess harvest is now used for the storage of school pupils but who is to be blamed? Your guess is as good as mine. Not to be rude, but do not expect me to write about the computer literacy of the pupils which is now a major necessity in this 21st century when there is no adequate infrastructure for the students. If the second lady, Her ladyship Madam Matilda Armissah Arthur, will be patient to ply a road of potholes with her fuel consuming v8 to donate computers to the school, the headmaster would have been exceedingly gay not to even request dusters from her not to talk of chalk.

The politician(s) and the ilk owes the people of Azuwera their fair share of the national cake because the name of the community is sitting boldly in the register of the electoral commission and they also pay the tax the ordinary Ghanaian cannot default, the indirect tax. My heart bleeds profusely for the huge development gap but will jump when the gap is closed. How I wish rapid development could reach the place like the way mightylele by my favorite dancehall artist Stonebwoy travels all the way from the studios in Accra to the nook and cranny of the country? Only the politician and the duty bearer knows.

CONCLUSION.

Third trimester field practical program may carry the same odium as any other stressful program yet it has something to be learned from. Students are exposed to tools used in research work, working with a team of different people, the tolerance of divergent views, living with people of different backgrounds, appreciating the plight of our rural inhabitants which may become a guiding principle to lead with compassion and serve wholeheartedly should you become a leader in the future and so on.

Passing through the program may be a herculean task, nonetheless, it brings some experiences and lectures which otherwise would not have been thought in a lecture hall. Of course, I would not debate with you relative to the hardships the program brings because I am not a good debater but we must be careful not to cut our nose to spite our face. In fact, my heart appreciates the grievous concerns of my colleague students but my soul is against the scrapping of the program. I am not for the scooping of the program, nay, to talk of scrapping it. All in all, UDS and TTFPP thought me a lot and I have learned a lot. I may be a struggling undergraduate Computing-with-Accounting toddler yet it still denies me not the right to suggest that the program go through restructuring ranging from the problem of accommodation to the duration of weeks on the field.

To the community, through University for Development Studies, group 403 has written for you a development intervention base on your core problem. We fervently hope and pray that it does not gather dust on the shelves at the District Assembly in Zebilla. I will forever miss Azuwera! It brings back into memory how I used to use your tasty water from the borehole to push one of your dish called five fingers down my throat. We are grateful for your masterful show of hospitality especially Mr. Akolgo for the warm reception he and the family gave us, we owe you a great debt of gratitude.

To my group, we met as a family knowing not one another. The arguments and the counter arguments at meetings where TTFPP always emerges the victor and not the vanquished is what I will miss. I hope we meet somewhere someday in life again.

Alhassan A. Alhassan, 2016;

(Minority Chief Whip, UDS Navrongo campus students parliament).
The contemptuous comments made against judges of the Supreme Court by some persons on Montie FM for which they have been jailed, should be blamed on some leading lights of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abuakwa South Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Akyea has said.

Ghanas highest court on July 27 jailed for four months each, Montie FM presenter Salifu Maase, aka Mugabe, and two panellists on his Pampaso political programme, Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, for threatening to kill judges of the Supreme Court.

Apart from the jail sentence, each of the three contemnors has been fined a sum of GHS10000. The owners of the station including Mr Harry Zakkour, who is also the second vice- chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress, as well as Mr Edward Addo, Ato Ahwoi, and Kwesi Kyei Atuah, have been fined GHS30000 each. They are to pay the fine by the end of Thursday July 28 or risk a months jail term. The owners have also been asked by the Supreme Court to submit policy documents spelling out how to forestall similar happenings in the future. They have also been asked to ensure that none of their media outlets will be used to scandalise the court or bring it into disrepute.

Critics of the judgement have said the sentence was harsh, gagged free speech, and was vindictive of the NDC, a view Mr Atta Akyea dismissed.

In an interview with Chief Jerry Forson on Accra100.5FM on Ghana Yensom on Thursday July 28, the legislator said the comments of the convicted persons were serious and needed to be viewed in that light.

This matter is no light issue. It is foolhardiness and a manifestation of bad upbringing on the airwaves, the appropriate punishment was what was handed [to them]. So, they deserved what they got.

To him, the blame should be laid firmly at the feet of some high-ranking officials of the NDC, who had set up the station to get at their political opponents, using presenters and panellists as attack dogs

I blame the cowardly NDC leaders hiding behind Montie FM to malign people and make serious unsubstantiated allegations... he added. Mr Zakkour of the NDC has openly stated that he set up the station to counter the work of pro-NPP Oman FM in Accra.

But in the MPs view, instead of calls for the matter to be swept under the carpet because it involved the NDC, people had to be minded by the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, fanned by reckless radio broadcasts and realise that such unguarded statements could compromise the sanity of the nation and rule of law.

He urged some supporters of the NDC accusing justices of the Supreme Court of picking on persons sympathetic to the cause of the NDC to stop the vain propaganda, hypocrisy and double standards saying Ghanas highest court was a two-edged sword which was impartial in its punishment of misconduct by either NPP or NDC members who fell foul of its laws.

He wondered why supporters of the party did not question the court when it ruled in its favour during the 2013 election petition.
By George-Ramsey Benamba, GNA

Tema, July 28, GNA - President John Dramani would on Thursday spend a day in the Tema Port inspecting the progress of on-going projects and also inaugurate the completed ones.

Apart from addressing the fisherfolk at the fishing harbour, President Mahama would also inaugurate a reconstructed net mending wharf, inspect expansion works at the port and address the staff and port users.

He would also inaugurate new marine crafts, unveil a plaque at the new bulk cargo handling jetty and cut a tape to commission four new mobile harbour cranes.

He would later in the day unveil a plaque at the new revenue centre, address workers and customers of the port, unveil a plaque and inspect a new reefer terminal before returning to Accra.

He would be accompanied by Ministers of state, Heads of various organisations at the Port and other business partners in the expansion programme.

GNA
By Josephine Nyarkoh/Fawzia Seidu, GNA

Kumasi, July 28, GNA - A farmer caught with 10,940 grams of marijuana has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by a Kumasi Circuit Court.

Kwame Adu alias 'Father' was charged with possessing narcotic drug without lawful authority and he pleaded not guilty.

The Court, presided over by Mrs. Mary Nsenkyire, ordered that the dried leaves should be destroyed.

The convict was arrested on October 10, last year, at Esaase, a community in the Bosome-Freho District by the Police Drug Law Enforcement Unit.

Police Superintendent Emmanuel Akunnor told the court that the officers acted upon a tip off.

He said a search conducted in his room uncovered the stuff concealed five cement bags and two mini fertilizer sacks and that Adu admitted ownership.

Samples sent for forensic laboratory test confirmed that it was marijuana, he added.

GNA
28.07.2016 LISTEN

Many of us today are always optimistic about the future and make worthy pronouncements about our lives forgetting the implications or the consequences of the actions and decisions we are taking today.

The exasperating and the astounding part is when we are wishing ourselves well but throw the manners that will aid us actualize those wishes to the gutters. Realizing your dreams comes with a lot of responsibilities.

You dont just sit idle and be fantasizing magnificent things for yourself. You have to get up and start making steps towards the realization or actualization of those dreams. Do not wait until you realize that things are falling apart.

There is a saying that goes like Life begins at 40. Many of us use this adage erroneously to our own advantage. Today, most of us live numerous outrageous behaviors hoping that we have enough time ahead of us to make things right and prosper.

The saying Life begins at 40 does not actually mean, that is the time you have to get serious about life and start leaving a fully responsible life.

Before writing this script, I decided to surf the internet for some peoples definition of the adage. A writer in explaining life begins at 40 said it implies By the time you are forty, you have enough experience and skill to do what you want to do with your life. The writer continued to explain that the maxim is Often said as an encouragement to those reaching middle age. It means the maxim is used to inspire folks at Middle Age who obviously might be getting fed up with life despite all efforts to progress in life. This also implies that the adage is often used wrongly and it ends up polluting a lot of people.

ALSO READ: WHY FOLLOWING THE CROWD IS A THREAT TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

With emphasis on middle age; I ask, how long will you continue to deceive yourself with this adage?

Will you continue to waste your youthful days and be hoping to start your life at forty (40)?

You know your age. You know very well you are not getting any younger yet you keep reassuring yourself that life begins at forty (40). You refused to organize things that will secure your future and make it bright. In my opinion Life begins at 40; do not in any way expound that you wait till you hit 40 years before you start struggling to make something meaningful out of your life.

The maxim actually implies by forty (40) years, you should be able to work things out and have almost everything in place. For instance, have a good job, be married with kids, work hard and acquire some assets for yourself etc. There are a lot of meaningful things you can do with your life before hitting forty (40) years. Now, when you have all these by forty 40, what is there to suffer or struggle for? This is the time to enjoy your life with your family and that is where the life begins in comfort.

You have to bear in mind that your youthful days are not only meant for pleasure as most of us considered it to be, it is rather the time for us to work hard to secure the future.

Do not also forget that everyone is working on their time zone. Do not also ever compare yourselves to people who begun a successful life at forty 40. Yes! Some people can be that lucky. That never means that you will equally be that lucky. Life really begin at forty 40 years when you have almost everything or almost all the necessities you need in life not when you absolutely have nothing and hoping to start life at forty 40.

I believe by now, you know the myth and the truth about Life begins at 40. It is time you shun ensuing the adage thoughtlessly and hope for a better life by forty 40 years and not starting life by forty (40).

The time is now!

Felix Kwaku-Dua/ www.felixkwakudua.com

Email: www.felixkwakudua.com
Health care forms an integral part of human lives as it help keep the body in good condition to serve other purposes of life. The World Health Organization (W.H.O, 1948) defines Health as the state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing of an individual and not merely the absence of diseases or infirmity, and so theattitudes displayed by health care practitioners in carrying out their functions may affect the state of health of individuals positively or negatively. The commonest attitude is seen with Orthodox and Herbal medicine as the two are the main forms of health care practices in Ghana.

The misunderstanding that exists between Orthodox and Herbal practitioners is so intense that the former believes the latter is unprofessional and several medical complications arise from its actions, whiles the latter believes the former kills people through medications and are incompetent as they sometimes treat cases the latter finds difficult to attend to/manage. This claim of superiority by both Orthodox and Herbal medicine practices has fueled lots of wrong attitudes both in the training of these practitioners and in their practices.

The first of such wrong attitudes is seen with patient consultation and diagnosis. Consultation and diagnosis is an important component of healthcare delivery as it offers patients the opportunity to open up to practitioners on issues requiring medical attention and in turn help practitioners arrive at concrete diagnosis. The orthodox medical training offers the best means of diagnostic procedures and includes history taking, physical examination, investigations (e.g labs). Professional herbal medicine practice by Medical Herbalist trained at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) borrows this aspect of orthodox medicine in offering their services.

History taking for instance is characterized with; Demographics, Presenting complains (PC), history of presenting complains (HPC), On-direct questioning (ODQ), Past medical history (PMH), drug and allergy history (DH), family history (FH), Social and Occupational history, and last menstrual period(LMP) for female patients. The demographics as part of history taking is made up of vital information about the patient such as Name, Age, Sex, Occupation, Residence, Marital status, etc. The symptoms the patient has, becomes the Presenting complains (PC) and the medical summary of the PC becomes the History of presenting complains (HPC). The PC or noted symptoms may be related to more than one body system therefore series of questions is asked by the physician or Medical Herbalist to rule out some suspected conditions or systems and this is called On-direct Questioning(ODQ).

At this stage the physician still has some differentials in mind and so he/she will proceed to the patients past medical history (PMH), drug history (DH), family history (FH), to arrive at a diagnosis. General examination of the body is then performed as part of the Physical examination and when the need arises, systemic examination. The major steps in physical examination include: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion and Auscultation which simply denotes looking with the eyes, touching with the arm, kicking with the middle finger, and listening with the stethoscope. The physician or Medical Herbalist may come to a diagnosis after physical examination or request for investigations such as imaging, labs, etc to confirm a diagnosis after which medications are then prescribed.

Whiles Physicians or Medical herbalists sometimes do not make time to conduct proper consultations; others find it difficult to utilize components of patients history taking like Drug and allergies history. Drug history (DH) informs the Physician or Medical herbalist about the medicines (prescribed or not) a patient for instance has been on since the onset of his/her symptoms/illness.

The medical training in Ghana does not cover knowledge on herbal medicines and so Medical doctors/physicians struggle in the case where patients have drug histories of herbal medicine usage (prescribed or not). Some consult appropriate sources for help, whiles others rather blame the existing medical condition in these patients on the herbal medicines used or being used. Medical doctors and others like nurses have feelings like every other human beings and since most of the complications associated with the wrong attitudes of patients like delay in seeking medical care early, self-medication among other, come to them directly, they are made to believe that herbal medicine use in general are the causes of these complications in the case where the patient involved had drug history of self-medication with herbal medicines (like herbs, herbal material, and herbal preparations) purchased from buses, market places or he/she had visited a herbal centre who failed to either refer or monitor the referred patient to specialists at the secondary and tertiary levels of medical care.

These experiences influence patient counseling most a times by nurses at the Out Patient Departments (OPD) who tend to condemn herbal medicine use in general instead of condemning herbal medicines like decoctions, herbs, and herbal products not sourced from appropriate licensed centres like herbal clinics/hospitals, herbal shops and pharmacies. This misinformation on herbal medicines has led to herbal medicines being listed as causes of some disease conditions in the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) used by medical doctors and other practitioners of orthodox medicine. Self-medication (With both pharmaceuticals and herbals) especially when diagnosis isnt known is dangerous and may cause health complications in general.

This results in declining health states as consumers take wrong medications for the right conditions although the medications may treat some associated symptoms experienced and as such the underlining disease takes over the body and with time other complications arise. Biological variation exist with the use of medicines, that is why it is advisable to seek medical care if no improvement is seen with the use of any certified medicine/drug after a period time (usually after 48hrs for analgesics or antimalarial) as stipulated by the manufacturers therefore there is no need to look down on any medicine (be it herbal or pharmaceuticals) in cases where they do not work in some people. Forms of herbal medicines like herbs, herbal preparations and herbal materials are well utilized in places like herbal clinics/hospitals, and in some instances licensed herbal shops, so when they fall in wrong hands, the health states of people may be affected.

People who sell them in vehicles tend to convince travellers by way of testimonies from people they claim have had success stories using their herbs, herbal materials or preparations instead of using FDA registration and certification details as basis for marketing. Even with FDA certification, means like buses is not the right place to sell medicines but rather licensed herbal shops, chemical shops and pharmacies. In an attempt to make profit, these people end up mentioning lots of symptoms and diseases that at least someone on board in the vehicle or at the market center may be experiencing. The plants used may have been proven to be safe and effective but the standard operating procedures may not have been observed by the manufacturer/producer and since they are not registered the safety of their medicines isnt guaranteed.

People are however cautioned that conditions like High blood pressure, Diabetes mellitus, Stroke, and other chronic conditions require close monitoring by qualified health care providers and so herbal or orthodox medicines for such conditions should not be purchased anyhow both at authorized and unauthorized places irrespective of their Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) endorsement. Same said about Medical doctors and nurses earlier can also be said about Medical herbalists with weak foundation in orthodox medicines/pharmaceuticals in a different context. Patients on orthodox medicines especially for chronic conditions sometimes visit herbal clinics or hospitals when they feel they have not seen significant improvements in their health states, therefore careful attention is to be paid on the drug history which some medical herbalists take for granted. Herbal medicines prescribed to such patients for instance may be well spaced to prevent systemic overdose.

They should not interact with/prevent the orthodox medicines the patient is already on from working. Previous history of such patient/medical records, periodic review, among others is required in instances where patients already on pharmaceuticals/ orthodox medicines are to be totally taken off those medications by medical herbalists or other practitioners of herbal medicine. Other practitioners of herbal medicine trained by way of apprenticeship most of the time totally have no knowledge about orthodox medicines/pharmaceuticals which is not the best. Their training does not involve knowledge on the orthodox practice/medicine and so to some of such practitioners, pharmaceuticals are poisons manufactured to kill people.

Again, while some people who only have licenses to manufacture/produce herbal products take advantage of the system to operate herbal clinics or pose as herbal doctors (Medical Herbalists), Others with license to operate herbal hospitals/clinics most of the times do not employ professionals like Medical Herbalists, to oversee medical aspects like diagnosis in addition to the usual herbal medicine roles. They rather prefer to work themselves (Even though they lack the medical training) and in addition employ few professionals like Sonographers, Medical Laboratory technicians to oversee the ultrasound, and lab respectively.

These practitioners find it difficult interpreting X-rays, Lab results, Ultrasound results etc, they sometimes even find it difficult understanding the medical reports and investigations of already diagnosed patients that visit their facilities seeking for alternative care in the case where these patients themselves are not well informed about their conditions, all because they fail to employ trained people/medical professionals like Medical Herbalists. These practitioners are most of the time successful in treating patients due to the nature of well-prepared herbal medicines in general despite their shortcomings. Here a plant or groups of plants for example may treat more than one respiratory tract infections as now backed with scientific findings/researches and so the plants are generally indicated for respiratory infections at particular herbal centres, same with nervous system, reproductive systems etc, so if the practitioner mistakes a disease relating to a particular body system for another, the formular/formulation used may treat the conditions with very reduced side effects unlike in orthodox medicine where the medicines are very specific to a disease/condition with a more severe side effects compared to herbal medicines. This explains why people with potent herbal medicines trained by way of apprenticeship go ahead to establish herbal clinics with the feeling that no Medical Herbalists/professionals are needed.

Another wrong attitude put up by both orthodox and herbal medicine practitioners is with patient referrals and collaborative treatments. Referrals are transfers of patient care by primary health care physicians (PCP) to secondary or tertiary health care practitioners. For instance a patient treated with skin conditions repeatedly may be referred to a dermatologist (secondary/tertiary care) for a specialist skin care or to a plastic surgeon (tertiary care) for a more specialized care. Practitioners of herbal medicine fall within the primary healthcare practitioners although they can work with specialists at the secondary and tertiary level of medical care.

In ideal situations, a medical doctor/physician may recommend alternative medical care by way of herbal medicine for a recurring fibroid in a patient after surgery by a general surgeon. The physician is then supposed to work with the herbal clinic/hospital in provision of quality healthcare by making sure the herbal medicines are either able to completely treat the fibroid or prevent it from increasing to a size that will require surgery again, this is collaborative care. In the same way an emergency room doctor may through the hospital work with herbal centers with specialties in certain areas of care like bone settings for accident victims instead of always recommending amputations to be carried out by orthopedic surgeons. There is however a bad relationship in terms of referrals between the two health care practices and this has affected the quality of lives of many people. Complications sometimes result from the actions of herbal medicine and orthodox practitioners as they fail to respect their limits of healthcare due to over confidence and greed.

Lastly another wrong attitude seen with healthcare practitioners is with natural mineral/food supplements. Influx of these supplements into the Ghanaian market is on the rise in recent times. These natural products/supplements most of the time is sold to people through network marketing with nice financial benefits and other attractive packages for individuals involved as long as the people registered continue to register new clients. For some companies, a registered client is required to directly register four to five members under him/her. He/she is then task with helping each member register additional five clients to continue the network chain, with the preceding clients enjoying a percentage of the profit from the activities of the succeeding clients.

Registered clients in some instances are required to purchase products from the company involved on monthly basis to make profits from the company in addition to the individual profits made on the sale of each product purchased from the company. Other companies only require people to purchase a package of their product usually at a huge cost to become registered, after which monthly purchases of products becomes optional provided persons involved continue to register new clients to climb up the success ladder set by the company to earn more money and packages like holiday trips around the world, cars, etc. Network marketing although currently the best method for marketing goods and services, has influenced healthcare providers attitudes negatively in recent times. Medical doctors and Medical Herbalists in attempts to make more money and enjoy other flashy benefits quickly are now overburdening patients with natural supplement products (which usually come at high costs) which are not included in the essential list of medicines to be prescribed to patients even when their use is not necessary. This often causes people to self-medicate as they prefer not to seek medical care as a result of the high cost of supplements (due to dollar exchange rates) prescribed instead of the required medicines for their illnesses. This attitude has shifted the priority from patients care to quick wealth and now put peoples health at risk.

Emmanuel Bentil Asare Adusei

BSC HERBAL MEDICINE, KNUST

C.E.O, ADUBEN HERBAL CONSULT

[email protected]

+233546678401
Accra, GHANA  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Health Service launched the refreshed Good Life, Live it Well campaign on July 28 at the National Theatre. The Good Life, Live It Well campaign will serve as the overarching Ghana Health Service brand and will promote positive health behaviors through television, radio, social media, and print materials. President John Dramani Mahama, U.S. Ambassador Robert P. Jackson, government of Ghana officials, and members of the public were present at the launch event.

The Good Life, Live it Well campaign was first launched in partnership with USAID in 2010. The new, refreshed campaign will promote improved health behaviors in family planning; maternal, newborn and child health; malaria prevention and treatment; and water, sanitation and hygiene. USAID is providing $10 million towards the mass media and print campaigns, as well as technical support in the development of the campaigns messages.

By focusing on the health behaviors involved in each stage of life, the refreshed campaign will resonate with Ghanaians from all walks of life and encourage them to adopt healthy behaviors, said Ambassador Jackson at the launch event. A healthy population is one of the most important enablers of economic growth. Healthy children are attentive students. They grow into healthy, educated adults who can create and fill the jobs that will propel the Ghanaian economy forward.

The Good Life, Live It Well campaign furthers the goals of USAIDs integrated Health, Population, and Nutrition Program, which works to improve the health and well-being of the population in Ghana. USAID partners with the government of Ghana to achieve these goals, build leadership, improve governance, and build capacity in the health sector.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Health Service launched the refreshed Good Life, Live it Well campaign on July 28 at the National Theatre. The Good Life, Live It Well campaign will serve as the overarching Ghana Health Service brand and will promote positive health behaviors through television, radio, social media, and print materials. President John Dramani Mahama, U.S. Ambassador Robert P. Jackson, government of Ghana officials, and members of the public were present at the launch event.

The Good Life, Live it Well campaign was first launched in partnership with USAID in 2010. The new, refreshed campaign will promote improved health behaviors in family planning; maternal, newborn and child health; malaria prevention and treatment; and water, sanitation and hygiene. USAID is providing $10 million towards the mass media and print campaigns, as well as technical support in the development of the campaigns messages.

By focusing on the health behaviors involved in each stage of life, the refreshed campaign will resonate with Ghanaians from all walks of life and encourage them to adopt healthy behaviors, said Ambassador Jackson at the launch event. A healthy population is one of the most important enablers of economic growth. Healthy children are attentive students. They grow into healthy, educated adults who can create and fill the jobs that will propel the Ghanaian economy forward.

The Good Life, Live It Well campaign furthers the goals of USAIDs integrated Health, Population, and Nutrition Program, which works to improve the health and well-being of the population in Ghana. USAID partners with the government of Ghana to achieve these goals, build leadership, improve governance, and build capacity in the health sector.
On 15th May 1979, a group of disgruntled junior army officers led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings failed in their insurrection against General Fred Akuffos regime, which culminated in the arrest and trial of Rawlings.

Nevertheless, a group of army officers who happened to be Rawlingss apologists revolted on 4th June 1979.

The rebellious officers subsequently broke jail and released Rawlings and his cohorts.

After successfully deposing General Akuffo and his Supreme Military Council (SMC)government, the mutinous officers went ahead and formed their own government, which they called as the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and appointed Flt. Rawlings as their chairman.

Rawlings and his conspiratorial plotters vowed to lustrate the country of the rampant sleaze, corruption and social injustices which instigated their coup detat. So in their attempt to purge the country of the perceived injustices, they carried out what they termed house cleaning exercise,--they dealt with perceived offenders arbitrarily.

The cabals proceeded with their intentions and callously murdered prominent people including General Fred Akuffo, General Kutu Acheampong, General Akwasi Afrifa and many others.

After getting rid of those they saw as threat to their hidden agenda, they decided to conduct general elections for political parties in the same year-1979.

Following the successful conduction of general elections, Dr Hilla Limann and his Peoples National Party (PNP) won the day in 1979.

Nevertheless, Rawlings and his cohorts did not give Dr Liman the opportunity to carry out his mandated responsibility. For Rawlings and his conspiratorial plotters unfairly kept criticising Dr Limanns administration for what they perceived as economic mismanagement, until he, Rawlings, decided to depose Dr Limann.

And to fulfil his lifetime ambition of becoming the head of state, J.J Rawlings and some obstreperous army officers took arms and succeeded in overthrowing the constitutionally elected government of Dr Hilla Limann on 31st December 1981.

Interestingly, according to one of his accomplices, just before mounting the 31st December 1981 coup detat, RAWLINGS brought out a bulletproof vest to wear. When one of the soldiers asked why he alone was protected, he argued that he has only one in his possession and it cannot be shared amongst them.

More so, he was the leader and if he died, so many things would go wrong.

To cheer them up he said, gentlemen, from now on you guys are going to prosper.

Rawlings subsequently formed a government which he called the Provisional national Defence Council (PNDC) and appointed himself as the chairman.

Although the PNDC government boasted some seasoned politicians, the vast majority of the military personnel who headed the core Ministries were novices in the political terrain.

Unsurprisingly, therefore, the PNDC regime back then, adopted a seemingly disastrous Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), which was introduced under the auspices of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In a way, the apparent unfavourable Economic Recovery Programme culminated in a catalogue of hardships. And on top of the harsh policies which threatened the economic fundamentals, the population had to clutch itself for food shortages, a situation which the world press somehow ignored in favour of the concurrent Ethiopian famine that resulted in millions of deaths.

But then again, perhaps, the 1983 famine was comparable to that of the Ethiopian famine back then. Nevertheless, Ghanas famine was not hyperbolised by the global media.

In a way, both Ghana and Ethiopia were back then ruled by uncompliant military dictatorships that looked on cluelessly and somehow unperturbed whilst the citizens endured widespread hunger.

And, as food shortages escalated in Ghana, some traders started creating artificial shortages of goods by hoarding them so as to charge exorbitant prices at a later time.

And in his weird attempt to get rid of sleaze and corruption, many Ghanaians were unjustifiably murdered or tortured mercilessly for apparent infinitesimal offences.

Regrettably, however, some market women were stripped naked in the public and whipped for either hauling their products or selling on high prices. While their male counterparts were shaved with broken bottles and whipped for offences that would not even warrant a Police caution in a civilized society.

As if that was not enough, three eminent high court judges and a prominent army officer were barbarically murdered by PNDC apple-polishers on 30th June 1982 for carrying out their constitutionally mandated duties.

The PNDC apologists savagely murdered the three eminent high court judges because their judgement did not go in their favour. How cruel some people could be?

Ironically, when Rawlings bamboozled onto the scene, he vowed to get rid of corruption and challenged Ghanaians to shoot him if he failed. Nevertheless, Rawlings did not even get rid of the rampant corruption within his erratic government let alone the entire nation.

Even though Rawlings supplanted power under the pretext of acting as a peripheral Panacea, he cunningly spent a little over eleven years and bettered his life and that of his family before lifting the ban on political parties in 1992.

As a matter of fact, Rawlings succumbed to the internal and external political pressures for him to step down and allow multi-party democracy.

Subsequently, he lifted the ban on political parties in 1992 and resigned from the military simultaneously to allow him to put himself forward for election.

Following his retirement from the military, Rawlings went ahead and formed a political party, which he named as the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a progeny of PNDC.

Ironically, Rawlings and his cohorts cunningly dropped the letter (P) in the PNDC and maintained NDC,--an illustrative case of a wolf in a sheep clothing.

Indeed, NDC party was born out of violence. So one must not be surprised to see the national executives of the party needlessly defending the three Montie contemnors who happen to be members of the NDC.

Kudos to the eminent Supreme Court judges for putting the three boisterous and homicidal brats behind bars. For the good meaning Ghanaians do not want to witness another 30th June 1982 barbaric incident.

Violence is thy family name, NDC.

K. Badu, UK.
The Police have begun investigations into what has been described by bankers and security personnel as one of the biggest ATM scams in the history of Ghana.

Citi Business News has learnt the police will soon offload the investigations to Ghana's Financial Intelligence Centre due to its serious nature.

The move follows the arrest of six Nigerian nationals believed to be members of a syndicate group which has been making huge withdrawals at VISA ATM machines in the country with over 150 ATM cards belonging to bank account holders of different banks mostly in Nigeria.

Click below to listen to the full audio report.



By: Citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
28.07.2016 LISTEN

Former Ashanti Regional Minister and currently, a Presidential staffer, Hon.Peter Anarfi Mensah has urged National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters to rally behind the partys campaign team for victory 2016.

I am ready to kill myself to serve my party and nation We have to come together to ensure a resounding victory for JM [John Mahama].I will be more comfortable to see President Mahama and NDC as victors in the coming polls.

The Minister recounted some atrocities meted out to him and some NDC communicators in the region when they lost power to the NPP in 2000 expressing readiness to work harder for the party to retain power.

I cannot lay idle to see my party going back-never!I am a living witness to these atrocities.

The Minister is currently in the region ensuring supporters of the party whose name have been expunged from the electoral roll are re-registered to enable them vote for President John Mahama and the NDC parliamentary candidate in the Ahafo Ano North Constituency.

Hon. Anarfi-Mensah dismissed media reports he is among other applicants seeking to become Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).

In fact, for KMA, Im not in contention for that position. From ministerial level to Chief Executive, even the Presidency will not belittle me in that respect, he refuted the reports in a whatsapp message chat to rawgist.coms Kwabena Danso-Dapaah.
Yaw Boateng Gyan

28.07.2016 LISTEN

Immediate past National Organizer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Yaw Boateng Gyan has stated that the sentence of the Montie trio to four (4) months imprisonment was too harsh.

The NDC stalwart speaking with Kwabena Obeng Akrofi on Ark FM today said comments made by the contemnors was derisive but the apex court should have been a bit flexible in their judgment after they apologized.

Mr. Yaw Boateng Gyan asserted that many people have made pillorying comments against the President and other state officials without being punished. He was however quick to add that such cases cannot be linked as contempt but a lay person may mistaken it as contemptuous.

He cited similar instance whereby Former Secretary of NPP, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John) was only fined for making contemptuous comments against some judges of the Supreme Court during the hearing of the 2012 election petition.

Sir Johns comment during the hearing of the 2012 election petition is almost in line with what Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn saidbut he was just fined. People will accuse the court for being partial if we do not speak on this matter.

The former NDC National Organizer queried whether our judiciary is turning political. He wondered why some media outlets are not punished for doing same as what happened at Montie Fm.

He further advised Ghanaians to be careful with their utterances as the country gears up for the 2016 general elections.
By Kodjo Adams/Anthony Brukum, GNA

Accra, July 28, GNA - Mr Robert Jackson, the Ambassador of the United States of America, has called for coordinated engagement between anti-trafficking civil society organisations and community members to give timely information to the police to fight human trafficking.

The Ambassador said the collaboration was critical because it would give freedom to more than 100,000 people that were suffering in forced labour and sexual slavery.

Mr Jackson made the call on Thursday at a national symposium to end child trafficking in the country organised by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in partnership with the Free the Slaves and the Right to be Free, a Non-Governmental Organisation.

He said each sector must play an active role in addressing the issue and that through complementary action the country could maximise resources and make a stand against the traffickers.

The Ambassador was of the view that, due to the enormous scale of the human trafficking in the country, it was imperative that members of the public play an active role in the fight against the traffickers.

'We need to improve awareness of the ploys traffickers use to lure and capture their victims and that the level of impunity for traffickers both in the country and across the world was not encouraging enough,' he said.

He said survivors of child labour and slavery deserve justice and one way to achieve that was to prosecute the traffickers.

'Justice for victims of trafficking means ensuring that they are provided the comprehensive and compassionate care required. They need assistance to reintegrate into their communities and find a pathway to educational, vocational and economic opportunities,' he said.

He urged government to work with civil society to dedicate resources to build new shelters and improve the care given at the shelters that currently exist.

Mr Eric Peasah, the Executive Director of Right to be Free, said desperate parents sent their children away with traffickers when they saw no viable option to care for them at home, in exchange for up-front payment.

He said government signed a Child Protection Compact Partnership with United States to facilitate an investment of five million dollars to aid government and civil society organisations to reduce child trafficking and slavery.

Mr Peasah said the NGO had established a campaign dubbed: 'Growing up Free' that focused on children enslaved in the Volta, Greater Accra and Central regions.

He said the initiative facilitate the formation and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated plan for prevention, rescue, prosecution, rehabilitation and the development of market-based livelihoods for vulnerable families.

GNA
By Alice Tettey, GNA

Cape Coast, July 28, GNA - The Central Regional Directorate of Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA) has given unlicensed packed-water producers in the region an ultimatum to register with the Authority or face the full rigours of the law.

The Authority said it had information that some water producers carried out their activities only at night, weekends and public holidays to outwit the FDA and had urged such producers to regularize their operations by mid-August to avoid arrest and prosecution.

Mr Kingsley Nsiah-Poku, Regional Head of the FDA, said this at a workshop in Cape Coast saying from next month the Authority would 'separate the men from the boys'.

The four-day workshop organised by the Authority for a total of 200 managers and supervisors from 100 packed-water companies across the region is aimed among others at educating the producers on the Public Health, 2012 (Act 851).

Other topics for the workshop include 'good hygienic practices, good management practices, pest management and documentation'.

Mr Nsiah-Poku said the Authority will not countenance the activities of any unlicensed producer and urged the public to be vigilant and report suspected unlicensed water producers to help safeguard public health and gave the assurance that the identity of informants would be protected.

He said having a Ghana Standards Authority logo on products does not mean it has been registered and warned those who pirate the manufacturing rolls of popular packed-waterbrands to stop the practice because the FDA was going all out to get them.

Mr Nsiah-Poku said before a product is registered, the manufacturer's premises must be inspected and licensed by the Authority, whilst the product must go through laboratory tests among other documentation processes.

He urged the public to be mindful of what they consume and also guard against unwholesome products to protect their health.

Expired food and drug products purchased must not be returned to shop but sent to the FDA offices for such items to be used as evidence against the owners of shops who put the health of unsuspecting consumers at risk and the possible refund of their monies.

He said the FDA would continue to undertake its routine, unannounced and emergency checks to rid unwholesome products from the market and called for the support of all to make the exercise worthwhile.

GNA
business Fosun Pharma best fit due to global presence, size: Gland Pharma Fosun Pharma complements the injectables platform created by Gland Pharma and provides scope to expand into front-end marketing, said Gland's Vice Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Penmetsa.
business JSPL likely to sell 15% stake to Japan's Yamato A big deal is brewing in the steel sector: CNBC-TV18 learns through sources that debt-saddled Jindal Steel & Power may sell minority stake to Japan's Yamato.
you are here:
business Liquidity can take mkt to new highs; pharma a dark horse: Ambit Though liquidity can take markets to new highs, it is better to stay away from Indian market due to lack of fundamental support from valuations point of view and risks to the downside still remain, says Pramod Gubbi of Ambit Singapore.
Why Metro Brands may be a good buy if you want to shop for value | Ideas For Profit
July 28, 2016

Abu Ghraib Torture Company Re-Hired For Syria - How ISIS Will Benefit

During the occupation of Iraq U.S. intelligence and military services contracted CACI International Inc, a U.S. company in Virginia, to provide "intelligence services" in Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad. CACI employees were directly involved in torturing Iraqi prisoners.

The U.S. army recently contracted CACI for "intelligence analysis services" in Syria. The Syrian government has not invited or otherwise allowed U.S. military or its contractors to enter the country. Any such activities infringe on Syria's sovereignty and are thereby in violation of international law.

The re-engagement of such a controversial company for services in the area boosts the recruitment appeal of the Islamic State.

A recent U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Press Announcement (Release No: CR-143-16, July 27, 2016) lists under the rubric "Army":

"Six3 Intelligence Solutions Inc., McLean, Virginia, was awarded a $ 9,578,964 modification (P00001) to contract W564KV-16-C-0058 for intelligence analysis services. Work will be performed in Germany, Italy, and Syria, with an estimated completion date of June 29, 2017."

CACI does business under the name Six3 Systems and Six3 Intelligence Solutions. The web-domain six3systems.com reroutes directly to www.CACI.com.



bigger

The announcement was found by Micah Zenko.

As of 2014 CACI, aka Six3 Systems, was still accused of direct involvement in torture and interrogations in Abu Ghraib:

A federal appeals court has revived a lawsuit against CACI International Inc by four former Iraqi detainees who claimed the U.S. defense contractor's employees directed their torture at the Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad.

...

Writing for a unanimous three-judge 4th Circuit panel, Circuit Judge Barbara Milano Keenan also said Congress has a "distinct interest" in not turning the United States into a "safe harbor" for torturers.

...

The lawsuit accused CACI employees who conducted interrogation and other services at Abu Ghraib of directing or encouraging torture, in part to "soften up" detainees for questioning, while managers were accused of covering it up. Photos depicting abuse of Abu Ghraib detainees emerged in 2004. Some detainees claimed they endured physical and sexual abuse, infliction of electric shocks, and mock executions.

The re-hiring of this company for services to U.S. forces against Syria and ISIS is of great propaganda benefit for the Islamic State. Some of those who endured treatment by CACI employees will join ISIS to take revenge for their suffering. Relatives of those who were tortured and humiliated by CACI personnal will feel urged to use this chance for retaliation. Islamists in other countries will find motivation in this repeat of "western" denigration of their (religious) honor.

Many leading figures of the Islamic State are former prisoners of U.S. military and intelligence in Iraq. Al-Jawlani, the head of al-Qaeda in Syria aka Jabhat al Nusra, is also a former U.S. prisoner in Iraq. Will these people meet familiar faces when they come into contact with CACI employees in Syria?

The question is not theoretical.

Islamic State media just released video from inside a camp in Jordan which shows U.S. personnal providing military and intelligence training to anti-Syrian-government "rebels".



(via Anna Ahronheim)

Such training seems to include ideological indoctrination.



(via Hassan Ridha)

Publishing this video is a great Public Relation success for the Islamic State. It is another example of the direct benefit to IS from U.S. military and intelligence activities in and around Syria.

The publishing of the video suggests that the Islamic State penetrated -one way or another- a U.S. training camp in Jordan. Will the "intelligence services" provided by CACI in Syria likewise be open to Islamic State infiltration?

---

Sidenote:

*The contract series W564KV is handled by the 409th Contracting Support Brigade of the U.S. Army Contracting Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Other contracts in the series seem to relate to general facility management, probably for U.S. bases in Syria. A somewhat similar numbered contract (W564KV-12-C-0058) as the CACI one above was announced in 2012:

Lenoir City, Tenn., was awarded a $17,172,085 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the top secret security guard services. Work will be performed in Germany, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2017.

Posted by b on July 28, 2016 at 6:30 UTC | Permalink

Comments
Hundreds of families were caught by surprise July 26 when they received email notification that Morgan Hill-based Silicon Valley Flex Academy was closing its doors less than three weeks before the start of the new school year.

Those parentsa majority whose children have special needsare now scrambling to find new schools for their children.

It was like being sucker-punched, said single father Chris McKie, whose 13-year-old son who suffers from dyslexia was expecting to start the eighth grade at Flex as a first-year student. It just knocked the wind out of our sails.

But the school has a history of financial unsteadiness going back several months. County education officials have questioned Flexs operational viability after discovering the academy had been submitting late and inconsistent financial statements and was regularly delinquent in its payment of county oversight fees and CALSTRS retirement payments.

McKie, however, met with the Flex principal and special education staff earlier in the summer before deciding on enrolling his son there and it seemed to be a perfect match, he said.

Flex, a free public charter school authorized through the Santa Clara County Office of Education beginning in 2011, was granted a five-year renewal from the county board back in November 2015. The 6th through 12th grade secondary school, located at 610 Jarvis Drive, boasted a blended learning model by combining an online K12, Inc. curriculum with offline lessons and small-sized breakout sessions.

However, in the July 27 email authored by Flex Board President Mark Kushner, parents were notified that the school was closing. Kushner blamed the schools service provider K12 for terminating its service contract with Flex on July 1.

While the Board disagrees with K12s grounds to terminate the service contract, it cannot operate the school without K12s financial support, and does not have alternative funding for the school, Kushner wrote. Silicon Valley Flex has served its students and families well for the past five years, and our sincere hope was to find a way to ensure it could continue to do so. Sadly, in the past week it became clear that we are simply out of options and can wait no longer.

For the past five years, K12 provided all of its products and services, including on-site staff to Flex, at no fee for each upcoming year, according to Mike Kraft, Vice President of Communications for K12.

However, even with this, the schools budget could not support the schools operations. In the past, although not contractually obligated to do so, K12 had advanced the school additional funding to cover this structural deficit, Kraft explained. The company was not, however, able to do so going forward and made the board aware of this in the Fall of 2015.

Flex is the only K12 school in California that is closing, Kraft said.

Parents surprised

Kushners message came as a complete shock to parent Mary Joy, whose 12-year-old son with Aspergers syndrome was planning to enter his second year at Flex as a seventh grader.

Im definitely frustrated because apparently theyve known since the first of July. I understand they were trying to pull out all the stops in trying to figure out a way to stay open, Joy said. But it definitely would have been useful to get this information to families at that time.

Joy explained that Flex was a really good fit for her son with flexible scheduling and small class sizes. Now, with the 2016-17 school year only weeks away, there are very limited options in Morgan Hill for her son and it would be difficult to home-school since she and her husband both work.

McKie said hes already been in contact with staff at Morgan Hill Unified School District and is considering Britton Middle School for his son, but is still looking for other options.

Two and half weeks before the start of school is a huge surprise. I cant even guess what all the other families who are affected are going through, McKie said. It must be a mad scramble.

In March, the Times published a story about the countys concerns over Flexs operations and the possibility of revoking its charter if they were not fixed. County staff claimed significant discrepancies with Flexs finances and enrollment numbers. However, then head of school Caroline Wood brushed off any concerns as minor, claimed to have a great working relationship with county staff and even slammed the Times report in a rebuttal letter to the editor.

Ultimately, I dont think this is going to slow the school down, said Wood in March. She claimed then that Flex had 314 students enrolled for the 2016-17 school year with even more expected to commit prior to the start of school.

County board member Claudia Rossi, of Morgan Hill, originally voted in favor of the five-year renewal back in November that passed by a 5-2 margin, but became increasingly wary of Flex since then.

Its not unexpected. We are not surprised, said Rossi when contacted Wednesday morning. At the time, our board did everything it could to be as supportive as possible. They fell under their own weight.

Rossi said county staff was constantly dealing with issue after issue regarding Flex but it is their role as authorizers to be supportive and work with them to remedy any shortcomings. In the November renewal hearing, Rossi said Flex officials told the county board that enrollment was up, staffing was fine, funding was not a problem and they were being creative to make the school viable.

The parent community was asking us to give them a chance to succeed, said Rossi, who added that MHUSD was made aware of Flexs situation and has been in contact with local families.

Kushner explained in his email on behalf of the entire Flex board that this late notice is very unfortunate, but they did not want to put families in an even worse situation by closing mid-year.

Our first and highest priority is always the wellbeing of the students, said County Superintendent Jon Gundry, who has been in contact with MHUSD Superintendent Steve Betando to ensure students and families will have options and opportunities following this decision by the Silicon Valley Flex Academy board.

K12, the schools service provider that pulled the funding, has been under fire by state officials, recently agreeing to a multi-million dollar settlement in a case brought by the California Attorney Generals Office. A story on the settlement and the AGs accusations can be viewed at morganhilltimes.com.

Morgan Hill Unified School District will host an Open House exclusively for Flex families at 7 p.m. August 4 inside the Ann Sobrato High School Theatre. School counselors, administrators, and Special Education staff will be onsite to answer questions, describe the options available and to assist with transfers as necessary.
The Crown Corporations chief economist and a team of local analysts were on hand to discuss the latest Housing Market Assessment Report. These are three main stories to emerge from that call.



The countrys hottest real estate market?

At least in the GTA CMA  which, in itself, is considered one of the busiest areas in the country  Durham region is starting to boil.



Durham, or particularly Oshawa CMA, is the hottest market right now in terms of sales-to-new-listings ratio. Were looking at over 75%. Its one of those markets that continually tends to attract a lot of first-time buyers and just buyers overall looking for larger homes, Dana Senagama, principal market analyst for the GTA at CMHC, told reporters on the call Tuesday. And the price point is about 50% or somewhat lower than the average house price in Toronto. So its one of the hottest markets and there is a lot of activity taking place in Durham.



Vancouvers multi-family market boiling over

Skyrocketing prices for single-family homes is nothing new in Vancouver, but that trend is increasingly carrying over to the multi-family sector.



In terms of the overheating indicators that this is the first quarter that we showed moderate evidence. And that is simply that we have been waiting for a couple of quarters of evidence to be able to make that call, Robyn Adamache, principal, market analysis in British Columbia at CMHC, told reporters. Part of what contributed to making that call this quarter was that we have started to see the multi-family sector, including both town homes and apartments, also moving into overheated conditions in terms to sales-to-new-listings ratio, whereas before it had been mostly on the single-family side.



Torontos influence on Hamilton

Anecdotal evidence  and, indeed, informed speculation  may suggest Torontos housing prices are pushing buyers west to Hamilton, thereby inflating the Hammers own prices.



However, CMHC isnt sure that is the case.



In terms of the impact from Toronto, unfortunately, we have a little bit of a data gap. We dont have specific data that points to that, Abdul Kargbo, senior market analyst for Hamilton and Brantford at CMHC, told reporters. But if we look back at, say, 2013 migration pattern, we did see that Hamilton, for the most part, is attracting some buyers that are priced out of Toronto into Hamilton because Hamilton is relatively affordable.


In a memo issued on Tuesday (July 26), the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) required Canadas standardized banks to double-check the impact of a hypothetical 50 per cent drop in residential real estate prices in Greater Vancouver, as well as a 40 per cent decline in Greater Toronto.In addition, the banks were urged to stress-test a 30 per cent drop in home prices for the rest of the country, as reported by Barbara Shecter for the Financial Post.The OSFI memo covers Laurentian and other smaller deposit-taking institutions, and they are required to report the results to OSFI by the end of the year. An OSFI official confirmed that the tests do not include HSBC Canada or the countrys six largest banks.Earlier this month, OSFI Superintendent Jeremy Rudin wrote to Canadas banks about tightening mortgage lending practices with new requirements like income verification.The risks are getting larger, Rudin warned. OSFI wants to see sound mortgage underwriting procedures in place that adapt to the ever-changing circumstances in this area.Moodys Investors Service analyst Jason Mercer said that the tests should come as no surprise, given the recent concerns on housing and household debt.Mercer, who recently estimated that Canadas biggest banks and mortgage insurers would lose more than US$17 billion in a U.S.-style crash, added that the tests will determine the smaller banks resilience against the possible impacts of changes to the CET1 capital level and total ratios as well as authorized leverage ratios.In theory, a bank could beat the stress [test on capital] by assuming it starts insuring the remainder of its mortgage portfolio, he said. The leverage ratio would then pick this up [and could fall below the required threshold even if capital did not].
All-time high for prices says RealtyTrac

The median sales price of homes has reached a new high, surpassing the 2005 peak by 1 per cent.



Data from RealtyTrac shows that single family homes and condos sold for a median price of $231,000 in June 2016, up 6 per cent from the previous month and up 9 per cent from a year ago. That price is a new all-time record, beating the $228,000 recorded in June 2005.



Median sales prices increased nationwide for the 52nd consecutive month in June and 30 per cent of metros recorded all-time highs.



The all-time home price highs nationwide an in many local markets are being enabled by historically low mortgage rates  which are falling once again this year, said Daren Blomquist, senior vice president at ATTOM Data Solutions (the new parent company for RealtyTrac.)



Southern states lead housing market improvement

Two more Southern states are nearing their historic benchmark levels of housing market activity according to data from Freddie Mac.



The corporations Multi-Indicator Market Index shows that Mississippi and Maryland join 32 other states and DC in being within range of benchmark levels. Hawaii (97.8), Oregon (97.1), Utah (96.9), Montana (96.6) and Colorado (96.4) are the closest to achieving their historic levels of 100.



"Nationally, MiMi in May registered 85, a 7.3 percent year-over-year increase and the 49th consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Many of the Western markets continue to see strong home sales. However, it's the Southern states where MiMi continues to register some of the strongest gains buoyed by an improving employment picture, said Freddies deputy chief economist Len Kiefer.



Seventy-five per cent of metros are also returning to their historic benchmarks led by Honolulu, HI (99.8), Salt Lake City, UT (100.2), Los Angeles, CA (99.6), Nashville, TN (101.5), and Portland, Oregon (98.4).



Americans still rank owning a home as a priority

Owning a home is still very much part of the American Dream with 4 out of 5 respondents telling the National Association of Home Builders that its a priority.



The survey shows that most Americans believe that owning a home remains an integral part of the American Dream and that policymakers need to take active steps to encourage and protect homeownership, said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady, a home builder and developer from Bloomington, Ill.



A home was rated a good or excellent investment by 82 per cent of respondents and young Americans still consider home ownership to be important with 81 per cent wanting to buy a home.



More than a third of respondents want to buy within 3 years and 46 per cent say now is a good time to buy, twice the number who say it is not.


LA GRULLA, Texas (AP)  Law enforcement officers have saved nearly 40 immigrants from the blistering South Texas heat but found another man dead.

Border Patrol officials on Wednesday announced two separate rescues of people believed to be in the U.S. illegally. Supervisory Agent Marlene Castro says the 39 immigrants, located Sunday and Monday, were not hurt and all were being processed.
DALLAS (AP)  Toxic levels of lead have been found in drinking water at state-funded homes for disabled Texans, but their residents went untested for lead poisoning until a month after the lead was found.

Lead levels in blood usually drop by at least half after two to four weeks and by as much as 75 percent if pure water is substituted, The Dallas Morning News (http://bit.ly/2aeo5fA ) reported. Residents at the state homes have been drinking bottled water since early May, the newspaper reported.

Of the 548 state home residents tested for lead exposure, 96 percent fell below two micrograms of lead per deciliter, or one-10th of a liter, of blood. However, 14 residents showed between two and four micrograms per deciliter and seven had between five and 10 micrograms per deciliter, the newspaper reported. A lead level of five micrograms or more per deciliter of blood is regarded as elevated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

If a lead level in blood was five micrograms per deciliter when the switch was made to bottled water, it could be as low as 1.25 micrograms per deciliter a month later, said Marc Edwards, a Virginia Tech civil and environmental engineering professor who led a research team that studied the drinking water in Flint, Michigan, where lead contamination was widespread.

"The general idea of measuring everyone's blood from a month to a year after the harmful exposure has occurred is, unfortunately, a fairly standard practice employed by government agencies to downplay lead exposures occurring in public places. Claiming or implying that good blood-lead results a month after the last exposure could have occurred means that no one was hurt? That is just false," he told the newspaper.

Officials with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, which operates the state homes, are "confident that the results of the blood tests are accurate," agency spokeswoman Cecilia Cavuto told the newspaper.

The newspaper reported in May that the water at state-supported Living Centers in Brenham, El Paso and San Angelo contained high lead levels. The state agency began providing residents with bottled water a week later for drinking, cooking and brushing their teeth.

Extended exposure to high lead levels can cause brain damage, kidney and nervous system failure, and death. The National Toxicology Program in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reported that lead levels in blood of less than five micrograms per deciliter "are associated with adverse health effects in children and adults."

___

Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP)  Nearly a dozen people have been arrested in an alleged South Texas human smuggling ring operating since March.

Federal prosecutors in Brownsville on Thursday announced the suspects are charged with conspiracy and harboring immigrants.
Its been nearly 15 years since their lives were thrust together for a few chaotic moments outside the Pentagon on 9/11.

Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell of Granbury never got to thank the man who held his leaky IV line and tried to keep him conscious as he lay on a gurney, parts of his body and half his face burned beyond recognition. Col. Rob Maness never knew if the severely wounded man hed helped had survived.

That is, until last week, when their paths crossed again.

In 2001, Birdwell worked for the Army and, on the morning of Sept. 11, was in an office with two colleagues watching the live footage of the Twin Towers burning. At 9:35 a.m. he stepped out to go to the bathroom, telling his co-workers hed be right back. It was the last time he ever spoke to them.

Less than 10 minutes later, as Birdwell left the bathroom, American Airlines Flight 77 barreled into the side of the building, the nose of the aircraft less than 20 yards from where Birdwell stood. He was engulfed in flames, parts of his polyester Army pants melted to his skin, his arms were skinned, and he collapsed with blood and black soot caked to his charred body. He lay there in the burning hall thinking of his wife and his teenage son and their goodbyes that morning. He tried to accept that he was dying.

Yet, minutes later, he was being carried out of the building and a medic on site quickly hooked him up to an IV. Thats when Maness, who worked for the Air Force, showed up and was instructed to hold Birdwells IV line, which was leaking, and to try to keep the fading man awake. Maness asked his first name. They prayed together.

Maness told him hed be OK, though it was a promise that he didnt know for years that hed actually kept.

I hadnt forgotten about that guy, Maness said in an interview. I never knew if he lived or not, but I prayed for him every day.

Birdwell was eventually taken to the hospital where hed spend 26 days in intensive care. More than 60 percent of his body was severely burned, and hed have 39 operations during his excruciating recovery, which took about four years, he said. In December 2001, The Washington Post profiled Birdwell, one of seven burn victims from the Pentagon who were treated at Washington Hospital Center.

Maness spent the rest of Sept. 11 surrounded by the blood and carnage, helping the wounded get to the triage area or to a spot where they could be transported to a hospital. He remembers seeing a cab driver run into the building to try and pull people out. People from all backgrounds showed up to help, he said. He was just one of them.

Both men are in politics now, Birdwell a state senator in Texas and Maness a candidate for the open U.S. Senate seat in Louisiana. They were both in Cleveland last week for the Republican National Convention.

Maness requested a meeting with former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to ask advice for running in a statewide election. Perry wanted to introduce him to another veteran turned public official who had also been in the Pentagon on 9/11. He had his aides track down Birdwell.

Within minutes of trading stories from that terrible day, the men realized who the other was. They were describing the same location, the same injuries, the same broken IV line. And Maness, who days after the attack wrote an after-action report about what he had observed, had mentioned in it an Army officer named Brian who was badly burned, in shock and in need of a working IV.

We figured it out in a couple minutes of talking to each other, Maness said. I started crying. It was a very positive emotional release for me.

Birdwell said he never could have picked Maness out of a lineup, but he remembers distinctly the instructions Maness was given to hold his IV to keep it from leaking as he lay there still unsure whether he would live through the day.

We had a really big hug that had the gravity and emotion of two comrades in arms, Birdwell said. This wasnt just someone in the building, this was someone who the Lord had as close to me 15 years ago as he was standing next to me in the room there with Gov. Perry.

Birdwell started a nonprofit, Face the Fire Ministries, that supports burn victims and wounded service men and women. Maness helped found an advocacy organization to prevent veteran suicides. Both say their shared politics, passions and past will ensure they now stay in each others lives.

Many people ensured Birdwell survived that day. That he got to attend his sons high school and college graduations, and wedding last year. Not a day goes by that Birdwell doesnt feel blessed that he was there for those major life moments.

Rob played a part in me being able to do those things and thats pretty special, Birdwell said. Its a whale of a fraternity with one hell of an initiation.
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP)  Investigators say an off-duty North Texas police officer has shot a robbery suspect holding a box cutter.

Fort Worth police say the suspect was hospitalized in critical condition following the shooting early Thursday.

The Fort Worth officer and an off-duty Tarrant County sheriff's deputy were working security at some apartments when one heard a police call about a person robbed at a gas station. The call included a description of a suspect.

Police Sgt. Marc Povero says the officers responded and saw a man holding what looked like a silver handgun. The officers yelled for the man to stop.

Povero says the man refused to drop the silver object, pointed it toward the deputy and then the police officer opened fire.

Investigators later determined the suspect had a box cutter.
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Some government officials and politicians are ...
Businesses pay fines, but continue to pollute Hau River

VietNamNet Bridge - Many businesses would rather pay fines for illegally discharging waste water directly into the Hau River than install required waste water treatment systems.

Many businesses would rather pay fines for illegally discharging waste water directly into the Hau River than install required waste water treatment systems.



The development of Lee & Mans paper project has become a burning issue as it is feared to cause serious pollution to the Hau River. However, experts have warned that the river has been poisoned by many other plants on the riverbank as well.Businesses, big and small, foreign and Vietnamese, have been discharging untreated waste water directly into the river to avoid spending money on waste water treatment systems.The Huy Viet  Tay Do Production & Trade Company has been found discharging untreated waste water to the environment for years.Huy Viet, an industrial chemical producer, headquartered in Can Tho City, was first found violating the environment laws in 2011 when the surface water sample taken from the company exceeded the permitted level by 16,000 times. For this, the company was imposed a fine of VND370 million.In 2013, the company discharged 3,500 cubic meters of untreated waste water to the Hau River. In 2016, it was forced to pay a fine of VND800 million.Nguyen Van Hong, director of the Can Tho City Planning and Investment Department, said in principle, before the licensing, local departments of natural resources and the environment have to examine the investors reports on possible environmental impacts and their waste water treatment systems.Meanwhile, deputy director of the Can Tho City Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Nguyen Minh The, said it was the responsibility of the environment police to examine and supervise enterprises.All enterprises have waste water treatment systems, but they dont run the systems, The said.Only the environment police have necessary conditions and capability to discover the tricks played by enterprises, he explained.An Do Duong Company Ltd has also been found violating the laws repeatedly. In 2008, it was given a fine of VND45 million. And in June 2015, it had to pay a fine of VND312 million.Meanwhile, Ecotech Can Tho, a company that treats non-hazardous waste, was fined VND904 million and Hong Linh Company Ltd VND1.3 billion.Experts said that businesses would rather pay fines than observe the current laws on environmental protection as the fines were too low.Le Anh Tuan, deputy head of the Climate Change Research Institute, an arm of the Can Tho University, noted that small businesses dont have money and land to install costly waste water treatment systems, and would rather pay the fines.

Dat Viet




Exiting Mother Lode Fairground CEO Stacey Dodge (right) Board member Maren Paris View Photos

View Video

Sonora, CA  Tempers flared at Wednesday nights Mother Lode Fairgrounds Board meeting as it erupted with charges of lying, separate agendas, arrogance, dysfunction and a lack of leadership. Those harsh words came from supporters of exiting Fairgrounds CEO Stacey Dodge and were directed at the boards President Dan Brown and members, Jan Costa and Peggy Lee, along with calls for them to resign.

It is sad to me that arrogance has exceeded intelligence in this matter and is standing in the way of progress, argued Tuolumne resident and member of the Mother Lode Fairs Livestock Auction Committee, Ron Hamilton. He went on to criticize, This board, or should I say members of it, are ruining a program because members have failed to listen, have hidden agendas and they have forgotten about what is important  the community. He called Dodge a class act and went as far as to tell Dodge that you do not deserve the crap that youve been shoveled in.

As previously reported, the controversy primarily stems from confrontations between Dodge and board members, Peggy Lee and Jan Costa, and accusations from both sides regarding poor money management and monkey business, which eventually led to Dodge and another staff member filing harassment complaints against Costa and Lee to the California Department of Human Resources. Dodge resigned at the May board meeting amidst gasps from the crowd, while she tearfully stated that she did not want to be part of the problem.

Dodges last day as CEO is Friday. At Wednesdays meeting, after thanking her supporters, she did not hold back, stating, I resigned due to the lack of any kind of action taken from Jan Costa and Peggy Lees slanderous and bullying behavior. She scolded, I continue to be amazed at the lack of respect and interest our state agency and certain members of the fair board have given to this situation. Ive given my heart to the fairgrounds and I truly pray for its success. With regards to that, it was noted at the meeting that this years fair earnings surpassed last years.

Members of the audience repeatedly called for the Board to ask Dodge to stay. In the crowd were Sonora Mayor Connie Williams, and Tuolumne County Supervisors Sherri Brennan and John Gray. Gray questioned the board as to whether Dodges resignation had been officially accepted, which it was determined was not needed as Dodge had stated her resignation in public. Additionally, when questioned, Dodge acknowledged that she did not want the job if Brown, Lee and Costa remained on the board.

Things really got heated after a vote was taken to keep Dodge as the interim CEO ended in a tie, with board members Brown, Lee, Costa and Tom Miller voting no. There was no tie breaking vote as board member Marge Kiriluk was absent. (Video of the discussion and vote can be viewed here.) Instead, an Ad Hoc committee, made up of board members Lee and Micki Rucker, will meet to come up with recommendations on hiring an interim CEO and report back at a newly scheduled Monday, August 8 meeting. It will be held at the fairgrounds beginning at 5:30 p.m. and limited to discussing that issue only, according to Brown. One name mentioned by audience members for the interim position was Forrest White, who has held the position in the past. Meanwhile, Brown will be the liaison between the board and staff until Kiriluk returns and can be asked to take that position as several board members objected to Brown. With regards to the fairground employees, board members Rucker and Albert Barreno made it a point to publicly ask them to stay on the job. Which when Clarke Broadcasting asked Office Manager Michelle Keefe her plans, she stated, So far Im staying because I love our fairgrounds and am very passionate about it. Board member Lee also told the crowd to keep coming to the meetings and input is welcome. She also indicated to Clarke Broadcasting now that this was settled she is ready for the board to move forward. (Click here for video of Lee discussing the Interim CEO position)

Also of note, during the meeting President Brown and FFA Advisor from Summerville High School Rachel Castongia got into a heated exchange over why there was a need for a House Rules For Board Conduct. Their sparing can be viewed here.
Soulsbyville Elementary School Falcons logo View Photos

Soulsbyville, CA  With school starting up again in just a few short weeks on Aug. 23, the Soulsbyville School District is still shuffling seats within its administration.

As reported here, Soulsbyville Superintendent Jeff Winfield, who had previously split his services between Soulsbyville and Twain Harte school districts, has formally shed his responsibilities with the latter. Thursday afternoon, in a special 4 p.m. closed session meeting, Twain Harte district officials anticipate finalizing a contract for half-time superintendent services with Rick Hennes, a retired educator who has locally worked for Curtis Creek School District.

As Winfield explains, It was that the level of service that my home district  Soulsbyville  wanted to increase some more of my time on-campusso we originally had an MOU that would go forward for possible approval that included a little less time for Twain Harte. Obviously [Twain Harte officials] are probably feeling and thinking the same thing  that they are wanting more service and not less. So this is a good way to handle that  bring on somebody else just for Twain Harte that is a part-time person, who would just be servicing the Twain Harte District.

Taylor Transitions To 5th Grade Teacher

Longtime Soulsbyville Principal Bart Taylor is also transitioning into a new role within a teaching classification. He will become a fifth grade educator, according to Winfield, who further admits a fondness for teaching that grade level. Still in the process of filling the vacancy created by Taylors desire to move into another role, Winfield says the district is not sweating over it.

In fact, he confides, What we may have the luxury of doing  we do have a couple of staff members who either have their administrative credential or are going into an intern program  so we have, already in-house, people that we will probably look to for this first year, since it is so late.

Winfield recalls that, when budgets suddenly became tighter several years back, while still serving as superintendent, he and Taylor initiated sharing duties as principal; Taylor additionally served as the districts main operations-transportation manager. We just did not use those titles because they are confusing to people, Winfield chuckles. From his own experience, he considers teaching a wonderful wonderful job. He adds, with a slightly wistful tinge, If I could make as much money I would likely teach to do that, but to do the harder administrative work, you get paid a little bit more.
As the new school year begins, safety is a top priority for Central Florida school districts.

School districts monitoring social media posts for threats

Software like Digital Fly can only track public posts

Districts can search keywords and phrases

"Social media monitoring is in its infancy," said Mike Richez, executive vice president with OSC World, the maker of Digital Fly, which is a social media awareness software designed for school districts.

Richez said many school districts are looking into similar software that could help them identify a threat on social media before it's too late.

The growing trend was discussed at the 11th annual National School Safety Conference, which is being held in Osceola County.

Richez said more school districts are considering using social media awareness software to scan and monitor sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in real time for bullying and potential threats.

"Then filtered terms are plugged in," Richez said. "It could be related to drugs, it could be related to self-harm, it could be related to violence. If I put down something like, 'I hate my teacher, I'm going to kill her,' we can put in phrases that match exactly that."

An instant alert then comes through if there's a match.

Meanwhile, awareness is something safety advocates said is often necessary in today's society.

"It's no longer considered a safe haven," said Curt Lavarello, executive director of School Safety Advocacy Council. "A school is as vulnerable as any other aspect of the community, and so technology is playing an increasingly important role in the day-to-day care for our students and our teachers in our schools."

Programs like Digital Fly do have limitations, though. They can only monitor social media posts that are public. Therefore, protected accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram wouldn't show up. Snapchat also wouldn't show up in programs like Digital Fly.

"If it's something as drastic as a potential threat, then the police department would have to be notified by the school district," Richez said.
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It might be a good time for Bernard Batista, maternity manager at Vista Grande Dairy, to consider buying a few lottery tickets.

After all, he beat some extremely long odds Monday night by attending a rare triple birth. Depending on where you took, the odds of a momma dairy cow delivering three live calves is somewhere between 1 in 105,000 and 1 in 770,000.

It is very very rare to have triplets, explains Bernadette Mulliken of Vista Grande. We had two heifers and one bull born. The cow and calves all look great.

The calves were born over a space of about 5 minutes, beginning about 6 p.m. Monday.

Ive been doing this since I was a child, and this is only the second time Ive seen triplets born, Batista adds. The only other time was about 30 years ago, when I pulled triple calves at a dairy in Roswell, New Mexico.

Batista said that during calving season the dairy expects to have about 400 calves born. This year, during the past month the dairy has had about 450 calves delivered.

We normally see 12 sets a twins born during a given month, Batista said, but triplets hardly ever happen. In fact, this is the first set of triplets born at Vista Grande in the 13 years hes been associated with the dairy located southeast of Plainview.

The Holstein mother cow is 4 or 5 years old and a second-time mother, Batista said. She was artificially inseminated.

It was a simple birth, Batista recalls. I started watching her about 6 a.m. because she wasnt acting like the other cows - things like just not eating and staying off by herself. I figured her time was getting close.

About 5 p.m. Monday, he looked in at her again and then about 6 p.m., as his normal shift was ending, he moved the expectant mother cow into a separate pen.

It happened pretty quickly after that, he said. After the first calf, the other two were born in less than 5 minutes. It was real fast, probably because the calves werent that big - about 70 pounds each, and the momma is a very big cow. No one realized that the mamma cow was expecting triplets before she began delivering her calves.

Due to their small size, Batista kept the calves and their mother in the nursery longer than the customary 24 hours.

Theyre still with their mom, he said late Wednesday morning. She stayed with them all night and everyone is doing real well. Although all three calves were nursing, Batista said they are getting supplemental milk because of their small birth weight. We left them with their mommy so she could comfort them and stuff like that.

The female calves likely will be kept with their mother for another day before being moved into a separate pen. Over the course of about 55 days, they will be weaned and begin eating grain and other solid field.

After two years, the heifer calves will be ready to starting having their own baby calves and be moved into the milking barn.

The bull calves spend must less time at the dairy. They normally are picked up a day or two after birth and taken to Clovis for processing.
July 28, 1946: S1c Carl E. Kelly of Plainview, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Kelly, was discharged from the Navy at San Pedro, Calif., on July 16. He has the Asiatic-Pacific and American theater ribbons and Victory Medal. He is a PHS graduate.

--F1c Vernis Joe Teague, Plainview, was discharged from the Navy at Norman, Okla., on July 15. He served eight months in the Pacific and was last stationed on the USS Turner.

--Thomas R. Dykes Jr. of Olton Route, Plainview, was discharged July 18 at Terminal Island, San Pedro, Calif., after 18 months in the Navy. He served 13 months in the Pacific.

July 28, 1956: Jess West, owner of Wests Pharmacy, has been named Texas Pharmacist of the Year by the Texas Pharmaceutical Association, meeting in Houston. It was the first such award to be given by the 77-year-old organization. Nine people were nominated for the honor.

--Hugh Hale Insurance and B.B. Howle Real Estate have moved across the street to new quarters. They are now located at 921 Broadway, just north of the Plainview Production Credit Associations new building.

--Jeff Hendon, assistant manager for Frontier Theaters, Inc., in Plainview, is to leave Saturday for Hobbs, N.M., where he will be working with the same theater association. He has been in Plainview for the past 16 years with the theaters, except for one year in Canadian with the same concern.

July 28, 1966: Newly selected officers of the Newcomers Club include Mrs. Donald Pope, president; Mrs. Delbert Hess, vice president; Mrs. Woodrow Allen, secretary; and Mrs. Frank Wyatt, treasurer.

--Two Plainview lawyers have been appointed to committees of the State Bar of Texas by President W.O. Shafer of Odessa. Richard F. Stovall will serve on the Legislative Committee and Harold M. LaFont will serve on the group studying the Code of Criminal Procedure.

--Gene McCarthy, son of Dr. Eugene McCarthy of Plainview, is performing with the Dr. Evil Spook Show making a tour of theaters in the Southwest. They will have a dozen performances before ending the tour Aug. 6.

July 28, 1986: Norma West, who works in the Medicare insurance area of Central Plains Regional Hospitals Business Office, is the hospitals Employee of the Month for July. She began working at Nichols Hospital in 1977 and has been at CRRH since Feb. 1, 1985.

--Doc Cross, Plainview Rodeo Association president, spent Sunday in the hospital recovering from injuries received Saturday night while attempting to ride a bull during the KKYN-Bar None Rodeo. He and Ed Stone of KKYN were matched in a challenge bull ride at the conclusion of the rodeo. Cross was injured when he was thrown from the bull and it stepped on the side of his neck.

--Ronnie Birdsong, formerly of Plainview, has been named to the new post of director of continuing education at West Texas State University. She has been a marketing instructor since 1982 and will continue teaching part time.

Compiled by Doug McDonough
SOUTHINGTON  Since she received the crown and title of Mrs. Connecticut back in April, Allyson Genovese-Naughton has been working hard to prepare herself for the Mrs. America pageant in Las Vegas later this month.



Practicing her interview skills, keeping in shape, being involved in fundraisers, and getting her state costume and gowns ready have been keeping Genovese-Naughton of Southington busy.



Everything that I have been doing has been absolutely so much fun, Genovese-Naughton said.



The national pageant, with women representing all 50 states, will take place at the Westgate Las Vegas on Aug. 27.



This year, the third time was a charm for Genovese-Naughton after being named first runner-up the past two years at the Mrs. Connecticut pageant.



Genovese -Naughton competed in the Mrs. Connecticut America pageant for the past two years as Mrs. Plantsville and was first runner-up both times. In 2014, she and one of her best friends, Kim Beaudoin, of Southington, competed together and Beaudoin took home the title, with Genovese -Naughton as first-runner up.



With hesitations about competing for the 2016 title, Elaine Paolo convinced Genovese-Naughton to last minute.



She is the hardest working woman I have ever met. I tell her that every day, said Paolo, the state director for the Mrs. Connecticut pageant. She works so hard on her many, many organizations and fundraising. Shes an amazing mother, wife, and I could not have asked for a better title (holder) to send to the Mrs. America pageant.



Genovese-Naughton is working with a couture designer out of Hartford where shes having her gowns made.



Shes also working on a state costume because each woman must have a unique costume representing something about their state.



Her costume will represent the childrens state flower, the Four OClock flowers, which was named in honor of Michaela Petit, an 11-year-old girl who was killed in 2007 in a home invasion in Cheshire.



Genovese-Naughton has been working closely with Michaelas father, William Petit, and his wife to create the costume and is feeling humbled to represent his family on stage.



I love the fact they are as involved with this as I am, said Genovese-Naughton. To have his input and his approval and him being excited over this opportunity makes it that much better for me



Members of the community are hosting a send-off party Aug. 6 at the Grand Oak Villa in Oakville at from 6-9 p.m. People will get to vote on what gown they would like to see her wear at the competition. Genovese-Naughton leaves for Las Vegas Aug. 19.



Until the 19th, Paolo said she speaks with Genovese-Naughton often, almost daily, giving her advice and helping her with the process.



As with other pageants, she will also have to compete in formal wear, bikini wear and interviews with judges.



I just tell her that she just needs to continue to be herself because shes the real person, said Paolo. She thinks of everyone else first. She helps everyone else whether theyre the competition or not.



Genovese-Naughtons platform is her nonprofit organization, Ally Gs Everyday Angels Foundation, which raises money and awareness for those in need in the community. Shes passionate and determined to help anyone she can and make a difference in the community and she hopes that during the interview the judges will see that.



Im hoping that they take away Im real, genuine, and Im a go-getter, said Genovese-Naughton. Being in a pageant isnt just putting on a pretty dress and having your hair and makeup done, its about who you are off of the stage. Im not afraid to put my hair in a ponytail and get my hands dirty



fduffany@record-journal.com 203-317-2212 Twitter: @FollowingFarrah






MERIDEN  The family of the man who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan over three decades ago and is set to be released from a mental hospital has roots in Meriden.



John Hinckley Jr., 61, was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting, which occurred on March 30, 1981 outside a Washington hotel. Reagan and three others were wounded. A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Hinckley  who tried to assassinate Reagan in an effort to impress actress Jodie Foster  will be allowed to leave a Washington mental hospital and live with his mother in Virginia. He has already been spending time outside the hospital in the past decade, and now lives 17 days a month at his mothers home.



Two days after the shooting, the Record-Journal reported that Hinckley Jr. had ties to Meriden. His grandmother, Katherine Warnock, grew up in a socially prominent family and graduated as class beauty from Meriden High School in 1910. She lived at 212 Colony St., one of the most prestigious sections of town at the time, according to an April 1, 1981 Record-Journal story. The house still stands. It was built in 1900 and is owned by Avery Watson, according to city records.



Katherine Warnock married Percy Hinckley around 1919. He was not from Meriden, according to archives. Percy Hinckley worked at Connecticut Telephone & Equipment and later at Foster Merriam & Co.



City records show that Percy Hinckley moved to North Carolina in 1923. An obituary for John Hinckley Sr., father of Hinckley Jr., shows he was born in Gaston County, North Carolina in June 1925. He died in 2008.



Katherine later remarried an oil millionaire named John Brooks and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Katherine Warnocks father, John Hinckley Jr.s great grandfather, owned property between 54 and 64 W. Main St. in Meriden, what was known as the William G. Warnock block.



The Warnock home on Colony Street was bought by the American Legion, and was later sold in 1949 to the Meriden Public Health and Visiting Nurse Association. The property was sold again in 1971 to a ceramics business, according to Record-Journal archives.



Hinckley Jr.s mother, Joann, is 90 years old. His father founded a small oil and gas company in Texas in the early 1970s. The company, Vanderbilt Energy Corporation, nearly went bankrupt in its first few years but posted about $5 million in revenue in 1980, according to Record-Journal archives. Hinckley Sr. moved the company to Colorado in the mid-1970s, where it began to thrive.



In the days after the assassination attempt, Hinckley Sr. decided to give up his day-to-day management of the company, according to an April 4, 1981 New York Times story. He reported receiving bomb threats and threatening calls. Armed guards were stationed at the companys downtown Denver headquarters. At the time, the company operated 82 oil wells in six states and Canada.



According to the New York Times story, Hinckley Sr. and his family were firmly religious and active in the Episcopal Church.



aragali@record-journal.com 203-317-2224 Twitter: @Andyragz






MERIDEN  A two-year, $3 million project to make the historic building at 290 Pratt St. run more efficiently was capped off Wednesday with the public unveiling of a large solar array on the roof.



The 215-kilowatt array, which takes up a significant portion of the roof on the 132-year-old building, will power 30 to 40 percent of the building, according to Michael Webb, project manager.



Thats a big upgrade from a decade ago, when the building was literally so inefficient, there were areas of the building where you could not shut the lights out, described Steven Ancona, who leads the company that purchased the 435,000-square-foot building.



We found that there were lots of inefficient energy systems, lots of inefficient heating and cooling systems, and one of the things we wanted to attack in dealing with a big old historic mill building was making it modern and efficient for modern day businesses, and to help it operate in a more cost-effective way, Ancona said Wednesday.



Through the Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy program, Ancona was able to obtain financing to move forward with a two-phase project to install more than $3 million worth of energy-efficient equipment. The program is offered through the quasi-public Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority.



The program, commonly referred to as C-PACE, was established about five years ago through legislation to help finance capital projects that involve energy upgrades. Through a secure lending structure, the program is able to easily obtain financing for energy projects, creating a state green bank.



Connecticut Green Bank, established in July 2011, is the nations first full-scale green bank. It leverages public and private funds for renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency projects in the state.



Before a company can apply for funding, however, the municipality where its located must first opt into the C-PACE program. About 100 municipalities across the state have done this, and Meriden was one of the first through a City Council resolution in 2013.



At 290 Pratt St., work started with the energy-efficiency branch of Lockheed Martin performing an energy audit, which determined the measures that should be taken. They followed through with the updates in the intervening years. The solar array was installed in a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Middletown-based Greenskies Renewable Energy LLC.



Brian Garcia, CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, said Wednesday, Its cool to see all the pieces working together. This is one of the largest energy-efficiency projects in the state.



Webb said the array is expected to save building owners $5.5 million in energy costs over the next 20 years  savings they can pass on to the buildings dozens of tenants, as well as use toward paying off the loan and its interest.



We believe the improvements we made to the building benefit those companies in it, Ancona said.



While the solar array is the most striking component of the efficiency overhaul, there are updates throughout the building.



Glass windows were replaced with insulated fiberglass panes. The semi-transparent white windows allow light to come into the building but reduce heat intake from sunlight. This makes the building easier to cool in the summer. The windows are also airtight, preventing heat from escaping in the winter.



In addition, 22 new washing machine-sized cooling units were installed on the buildings roof, as well as individualized thermostats for each tenant.



City Economic Development Director Juliet Burdelski said Wednesday, Its such a model project. I talk to businesses about what the opportunities are for brownfield remediation, economic development, repurposing old buildings into new, modernizing buildings using all the different state programs; this is the model project.



Ancona, too, noted the buildings transformation over the past few years.



This is a brownfield project; an old historic building with some history of ... contamination and weve been in the process of cleaning it up over the past number of years, and well keep going until its done. So were literally going from brown to green in this building and were very proud of that.



mcallahan@record-journal.com 203-317-2279 Twitter: @MollCal






MERIDEN  Police responded to a report of shots fired on Bee Street Tuesday night.



Police were sent to the area of 10 Bee St. around 10:32 p.m. for a report of shots fired, according to the departments website. The call was open until 2 a.m. Wednesday, the website indicates. When reached on Wednesday morning, police didnt provide any details about the call.



On Tuesday afternoon, police responded to reports of shots fired in the area of South Avenue and North First Street. The call was open for about 45 minutes. No information has been released by police regarding the call.






Members of the Connecticut delegation at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia said Wednesday that the partys platform will both unite a divided party and give voters hope for the future.



State Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, said the partys support for pay equality and definition of Social Security as a benefit, not an entitlement, show a progressive path to economic growth.



Those are not entitlements; those are economic-growth strategies, he said of the platform adopted at the Democratic National Convention on Monday. He criticized Republicans for including strong opposition to homosexuality and same-sex marriages in the platform they adopted last week.



Some of attention during the first two days of the convention has been on protests and complaints  both inside and outside Wells Fargo Arena  from supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders who continue to voice opposition to Hillary Clintons presidential nomination.



Marty Dunleavy, clerk of Connecticuts House of Representatives, said he was a Sanders supporter but has accepted Clinton as the nominee and believes the vast majority of delegates have, too. He said much of the opposition is from other attendees and protesters outside the venue.



He attributes much of the divide, though, to the fact that Sanders appealed to many people not previously familiar with the partys nomination process, something he said also likely led to lingering friction between pro-establishment Republicans and Donald J. Trump supporters.



Many delegates and convention attendees, though, are starting to see they agree on most issues, Dunleavy said, allowing the party to show it can air grievances and still unify.



To the public, its our ability to make our best case, said Dunleavy, of New Haven.



Tong also said that even Democrats who would prefer Sanders are rallying around the need to defeat Donald Trump and the Republican platform. Republicans officially nominated Trump as their presidential candidate last week.



Dunleavy agreed, saying the Democratic convention shows its the big tent party, while Trumps convention was Schindlers B-list, filled with appearances by right-wing cooks.



Democrats have so far tried to position themselves as the more optimistic of the two parties, continuing their attack that Republicans last week laid out a platform that relies on hate and fear.



State GOP Chairman J.R. Romano said warnings voiced by Republicans last week were necessary because of what has happened since President Barack Obama was elected in 2008.



The Democrats are in a fantasy land if theyre going to report that somehow the United States is in a better condition than it was when Barack Obama took over, he said.



He said the nations slow economic growth, terrorist attacks in Europe, and increasing healthcare costs demonstrate that Democrats talk about a future that wont exist under liberal policies.



Romano also referenced some of the controversies surrounding the convention, including prominent roles for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Virginia Gov. Terry McAullife, who are both involved in federal campaign finance investigations, and the leak of emails that led to Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigning as chairwoman.



The emails indicated party officials favored Hillary Clinton, but Romano also said language toward some minority groups should call into question whether Democrats truly stand for those constituencies.



Tong said the leaked emails are not a story because they are really irrelevant to the challenges facing the country. He also said the Republican platform provides no vision for the future and is just a lot of anger.



Dunleavy, meanwhile, said the Democratic platform was pulled to the left by both Sanders supporters and by constant political activity by groups like Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter.



msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino



Obama touts Clinton, a foe turned friend, while Trump fuels some more controversy. A6






Contract driller Pioneer Energy Services again landed in the red in the second quarter with a loss of $30 million, or 46 cents a share, but still beat Wall Streets estimates that projected an even tougher quarter.

Demand for San Antonio-based firms services, which include drilling and well maintenance, have fallen alongside crude oil during an extended oil bust.

It was the drilling companys seventh consecutive quarterly loss; its last profit came in late 2014. But the second-quarter results werent as bad as the loss of $77.3 million, or $1.20 a share, during the same quarter last year.

It generated $62.3 million in revenue, down from $135 million during the same quarter last year. Pioneer announced its results before the markets opened Thursday.

Company executives say the darkest times of the oil bust for service companies happened during the second quarter of this year, but conditions are improving, with more projects going out for bid and clients more optimistic about the rest of the year. Just 11 of its 31 drilling rigs are working, though Pioneer expects that to increase to 13 in September.

From an activity perspective, even with the recent pullback in oil prices, I do think that the second quarter is the bottom, Pioneer Energy Services CEO Stacy Locke told analysts Thursday morning.

Excluding one-time items, the adjusted net loss for the first quarter of 2016 was $20 million, or 31 cents per share, compared with an adjusted loss of $11 million, or 17 cents per share, in the year-earlier period.

Analysts had projected that Pioneer Energy would lose 32 cents a share, according to the average estimate of 11 analysts polled by Thomson Financial Network.

Pioneer Energy restructured its debt in June and has sold its older drilling rigs to navigate through the downturn. It also benefited in one odd way from the oil price crash  things have been so dismal that clients have paid it to not drill wells. Pioneer has received $62.8 million since late 2014 in early termination fees, including $7.1 million in the first quarter and $4.4 million during second quarter.

Whats helped us more than anything are the early termination contracts on our drilling rigs. Our contracts were ironclad, Locke said in an interview Thursday. All of that just comes to the bottom line.

That has kept it from having to pursue stock sales to raise cash  a tool many energy firm have used this year. However, the cash flow from those canceled contracts is coming to an end. Pioneer will receive the final $1.8 million during the third quarter of 2016. After that, it needs the market to rebound.

Were on our own. Fortunately, we do see the recovery, Locke said.

Pioneer, like others in the energy industry, shed workers to survive the downturn. It had 3,925 workers at the top of the market, and its workforce has dipped as low as 1,325. Its at around 1,350 employees now.

Service companies and contract drillers provide the overwhelming bulk of workaday crews and supplies in the oil patch, but their business depends on the plans of exploration and production companies, which have dramatically curtailed spending due to low oil prices. Crude oil peaked at $107 per barrel in June 2014 and fell as low as $26 per barrel early this year. Oil closed at $41.14 Thursday.

In a note to clients, Goldman Sachs on Wednesday said it expects oil prices in the $45 to $50 range through the middle of next year.

Locke said Thursday that any firming up of oil prices around the mid-$40 level would be positive for Pioneer.

A June report from RigData and Bloomberg Intelligence said Pioneers market share in the Permian Basin  the most active oil field in the U.S.  had seen an uptick, driven by two private companies that added Pioneer rigs late in the first quarter and early in the second quarter.

Pioneer has moved rigs from the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas and the Bakken field in North Dakota to the Permian Basin to try to capture the wave of interest in the West Texas field, considered a bright spot in U.S. drilling. It has six rigs working in the Permian, up from three, Locke said..

Pioneers stock fell to $3.12 Thursday, down 12 percent for the day. It started the year at $2.19, though, and is up about 42 percent for 2016.

jhiller@express-news.net

Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller
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Four gang members were under arrest and a fifth was being sought in the brazen daytime killing of a 24-year-old man gunned down this month while sitting in his vehicle in East Oakland, police said Thursday.

All of the suspects in the slaying of Anthony Stevens are part of a violent street gang known as the Five Finger Mafia, officials said. Four of them were arrested on July 21 after police executed warrants around the Bay Area as part of the investigation, said Oakland police Lt. Roland Holmgren, head of the departments homicide unit

An arrest warrant has also been issued for the fifth suspect, identified as 23-year-old Berkeley resident Tyrone Terrell Jr., who remains at large.

Without any care, these individuals came into our community and opened fire, Holmgren said at a news conference announcing the arrests and murder charges.

Holmgren was flanked by members of the departments homicide unit, the Alameda County district attorneys office and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.

The killing happened July 9 around 10:30 a.m. on the 1400 block of 92nd Avenue. Stevens was sitting in his car when the five men rolled up on him and at least three opened fire, police said.

The men took off, leaving Stevens to die at the scene.

Detectives later received tips from the community leading them to Vallejo resident Anthony Wilson, 25, Berkeley residents Aoderi Samad, 23, and Derrick McFadden, 20, along with 20-year-old Kermit Tanner of Richmond.

Samad, Wilson and Tanner were all arrested in Vallejo, while police picked up McFadden in Berkeley. All four are being held in jail in Alameda County without bail.

Schaaf praised the police Thursday, calling the arrests a critical piece in bringing closure and justice to the families that are affected by this violence.

She added that she was so grateful to the men and women of the Oakland Police Department who have remained laser focused in these trying times.

Schaaf was referring to a sexual misconduct probe involving a woman in her teens that has shaken the department and prompted three chiefs to step down.

I remain deeply sorry for recent events that have damaged community trust, the mayor said. But charging these four murder cases is significant. It represents our ability to solve crimes.

Tanner is accused of driving the group to the scene, while Samad, Wilson and McFadden are suspected of shooting and killing Stevens, according to charging documents filed by the Alameda County district attorneys office.

All four men were charged with murder. Prosecutors slapped Wilson, Samad and McFadden with enhancements of intentionally discharging a firearm, causing great bodily injury.

Two of the suspects are known Bay Area criminals. Wilson was convicted of second-degree robbery in Alameda County in 2010 and Samad was convicted of second-degree commercial burglary in San Francisco in 2012.

Whats more, Samad was convicted a year later of unlawful firearm activity in Alameda County, prosecutors said.

The Five Finger Mafia is an infamous Berkeley street gang that also operates in North Oakland and West Oakland and is known for street robberies, Holmgren said.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
A San Francisco police officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he manufactured and possessed a prohibited AR-15 style assault rifle, officials said.

Thomas Abrahamsen, 50, of Berkeley appeared in court to enter pleas on felony counts of manufacturing an assault weapon and possessing an assault weapon, according to the district attorneys office.

An investigation into Abrahamsen began in the summer of 2015 after other members of the department tipped off officials. The probe found the officer manufactured and owned a prohibited assault rifle along with AR-15 receiver components, police said.

Abrahamsen, an 18-year veteran, surrendered Tuesday, authorities said. He was on unpaid administrative leave, police said.

The department on Wednesday could not immediately offer additional details on the case, said Officer Giselle Talkoff, a San Francisco Police Department spokeswoman.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
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With classes set to start in less than three weeks, San Francisco school officials suddenly find themselves looking for a new leader.

Superintendent Richard Carranza took the city by surprise, announcing plans Wednesday to leave the district within the next month to take the top job in Houston. He spoke soon after Houstons public school board unanimously chose him as the sole finalist for the job. By law, the board must now wait 21 days before taking a final vote on the hire.

But barring unforeseen circumstances, Im planning on moving to Houston, Carranza told The Chronicle.

The San Francisco school board, which has been closely watching the developments in Texas, has already selected an interim superintendent from the districts top ranks. Myong Leigh, deputy superintendent for policy and operations, will lead the district during a search for a permanent replacement.

Leigh is expected to take over Sept. 1, said board President Matt Haney.

Leigh is committed to the district, Haney said, adding that Leigh received a standing ovation from staff when announced as the interim boss. Hes a team player.

But Leigh, whos been with the district 16 years, said he has no interest in the permanent position.

That was a pretty explicit part of my conversation with the board, he said. I dont see myself as a candidate for the role, but I definitely see the need in the meantime. Im stepping up because I feel this is how I can be of most value and service to the district.

Search to begin soon

The details of Leighs interim contract have yet to be ironed out. His current annual salary is $242,480, while Carranza makes $310,000.

The board is expected to initiate a search process for a new superintendent soon, Haney said.

This will be a top priority until we get it done, he said. We want to hear from our community, from our educators, from our stakeholders about the type of leader they want to see. It should take some time because its one of, if not the most, consequential decisions we make for our students.

The new superintendent could face budget deficits if a ballot measure to extend the Proposition 30 income tax increase on the wealthy fails in November. In addition, the next superintendent will likely oversee the revamping of the controversial process for assigning students to campuses.

Carranza, 49, has been San Franciscos superintendent for four years and has worked in the district for nearly eight. Prior to that, he held leadership roles in the Tucson and Las Vegas school districts.

His time in San Francisco has largely been free of controversy. During his tenure, city schools have focused on reducing suspensions and providing extra resources in communities with more disadvantaged students. The board adopted an ethnic studies program in high schools as well as courses and curriculum dedicated to LGBT issues.

Carranza led those efforts while also remaining committed to San Franciscos sanctuary city policies, which protect immigrants in the community and the schools from potential consequences related to their legal status, Haney said.

I hope to hear about Houston dramatically reducing school suspensions, introducing LGBT studies and becoming a sanctuary school district, Haney said. For us, these are our values, this is what has been important in San Francisco, and Richard has reflected that.

Change of heart

Carranza, with a blue-collar background and fluency in Spanish, has been a sought-after superintendent nationally. In January, he was among the finalists for the job in Los Angeles before withdrawing from the selection process.

At the time, he said there was still work to do in San Francisco, including overseeing changes to the student assignment process. But Carranza apparently had a change of heart when Houston called.

There are many similarities on a bigger scale to San Francisco, he said. I am from the Southwest, theres that way of life that feels homey to me.

The Houston school district is about four times the size of San Franciscos district, and is also focused on bettering language programs and increasing opportunity for disadvantaged students.

Carranza said, like the song, he will leave his heart in San Francisco and miss the school community.

The honest truth is, there is never a good time to make a transition, he said. But SFUSD is on really solid ground. You can point in every direction and see solid structures and systems and strategies in place to ensure kids are being taken care of in the city.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @jilltucker
SAN ANTONIO  The Fiesta San Antonio Commission revealed the 10 posters that are being considered for the official 2017 Fiesta artwork on Thursday.

The Official Fiesta Poster Contest finalists had their artwork displayed at One Ten Broadway Building, 110 Broadway Street, from 5 - 7 p.m. for a public preview (tickets are $20) and the winner will be announced November 2 at an event at the Witte Museum, according to a news release.
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Draft Station

Address: 700 E. Sonterra Blvd.

Hours: Noon-2 a.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday

Phone: 210-908-9354

Web: draftstationsa.com

Cost/noise: Medium/medium

Snapshot: Like The Lion and Rose pub that once occupied this Stone Oak location, Draft Stations decor has some British accents. In most ways, though, the neighborhood bar is an all-American enterprise, with beer, burgers and arcade games galore. Its the kind of place you might stop after work for a drink and wind up staying for a couple of hours.

Who goes there: Everyone from lawyers to service-industry employees, millennials to baby boomers can be found at this spot, which is sociable, not snooty. Not too long after the bar opened, an owner was greeting regulars by name.

Behind the bar: There are 24 beers on tap, both mainstream and craft brands, including Texas beers such as Resignation Brewerys KCCO White Wheat. A menu of 12 railway-themed cocktails includes the Railyard, a blend of Tequila, Licor 43, chocolate and orange bitters; and the Conductor, a rum drink with ginger beer, strawberry syrup and lime juice.

Munchies: Nachos are fine for snacking on, but the burgers are really good  worth a trip on their own. The Station, a bacon and cheeseburger, was fat and flavorful; only the bold will go for the plus-size version, the 1-pound A Train.

Fun and games: While Draft Station isnt the citys first barcade, its collection of vintage video games (a jumbo Pac-Man, Millipede) and pinball machines, including a 1978 Star Trek model, will score high with anyone who hung out at arcades in the 80s.

The skinny: Pokemon is for kids. Go play  and drink  here.

Jim Kiest
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Earlier this month, reports of a "Wolf of Wall Street"-style bash at a lux rental home in the Hamptons that hosted revelers who allegedly broke property rules and prompted threats of a $1-million lawsuit against the host flooded the internet.

Now, the host, Brett Barna, a 31-year-old hedge fund manager who ultimately lost his position at Louis Bacon's Moore Capital Management when allegations arose claiming he and his guests of the Sprayathon event "trashed" the $20 million Hamptons mansion, is offering his side of the story, according to The New York Times.

RELATED: Instagram reveals 'Wolf of Wall Street-style' party that 'trashed' $20-million Hamptons mansion

After the July 3 party, the disgruntled owner of the estate spoke to The New York Post's Page Six under conditions of anonymity. This week, Barna spoke with The New York Times to tell his side of the story  one that names the man as Omar Amanat, arrested for alleged fraud days after the party.

According to The New York Times follow up, transactions between the two men began on Friday, July 1. Recommended by a real estate contact, Barna worked out a deal to host Sprayathon at the home under a 5-day rental for $27,000. The owner asked for the money to be paid in cash, immediately, Barna told the Times.

The following day, he arrived to find the property had been double-booked for the weekend and a separate party was occupying the inside of the home, but Barna went forward with the deal, he said.

Before the party took place, Barna told the site he received "repeated texts and calls" from Amanat asking for an additional $13,000.

In his statement to Page Six, Amanat claimed costumed dwarfs and attendees left the home awash in champagne showers, collapsed the side of a pool, broke into the house and stole art. However, Barna told the Times he took precautionary measures including hiring a "former police chief and eight security guards to keep the crowd outside and maintain order, and had eight portable seats set up" from noon until 6 p.m.

RELATED: Lake Travis boat parties flood social media as 2016 summer revelers take over

He insisted none of his party entered the home and has photos to prove "no visible damage." Barna also said his event was "good clean fun" which raised $100,000 to benefit Last Chance Animal Rescue by 500 guests, not "a thousand of them" as originally purported by Amanat.

"We raised money for charity," Barna continued in his New York Times interview. "Nothing illegal happened, and no one complained."

On the other hand, Amanat has allegedly been participating in illegal fraudulent activity, according to The New York Times.

Amanat, a 43-year-old who "is a co-founding investor and partner in more than 36 different media, finance and technology companies" according to his website, was arrested on July 13 by Federal Bureau of Investigations agents in New Jersey under charges unrelated to the Hamptons party, the Times reported.

He faces four counts of fraud for conspiring to defraud investors of Kit Digital, a technology startup, Bloomberg reported. Former Chief Financial Officer Robin Smyth pleaded guilty to fraud in March and the former CEO Kaleil Isaza Tuzman is awaiting extradition to the U.S. in Columbia.

Amanat's arrest was also covered by Page Six in an additional article, which made no mention of his situation with Barna despite initial coverage of the "Wolf of Wall Street" style party. The July 14 piece reported "Amanat can't afford to make bail."

RELATED: The rich kids of Instagram take Spring Break 2016

According to the site, Prosecutor Andrea Griswold challenged Amanat's claims of having only $2,700 in the bank, saying he resides in a $4.75 million rental home. His bond was set at $2.5 million, requiring three signers and "secured by $250,000 in cash or property."

The court ordered Amanat to be released under home confinement and electronic monitoring, due to government arguments that he is a flight risk, according to Page Six.

Amanat, who the Times reported has a "long list of disputes," was released from custody on July 26 and has declined to comment.

The suspect transaction made sense to Barna following the arrest  he told The New York times he presumes Amanat was pressuring him for extra cash to pay the bail of his impending legal troubles and demands were not satisfied, the media investor took his story to Page Six.

RELATED: Outrageous Austin mansion party, #ATXSpillover, was not 'expected or allowed,' venue owners say

"Omar knew exactly what he was doing when he planted this story," Barna told the New York Times. "His goal was to cream me in the press to pressure him into giving him more money."

Barna shared text messages with the site from Amanat's phone number illustrating aforementioned threats.

"I'll keep my cool for another 24 hours, then I'll handle things another way," one message said, followed by another stating "When you least expect it one night, something so unspeakably bad is going to happen to you (maybe it's karmic law, maybe it's a friend of me who heard what you did to me). Personally I won't do a thing to you."

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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Troy

David Campos, the Troy man who stabbed his estranged wife, Denise Gely, to death in front of their children and then fled to New Jersey, was sentenced Thursday to 20 years to life in prison.

The 46-year-old Campos apologized in Rensselaer County Court before being sentenced by County Judge Andrew Ceresia.

"I want to apologize to the court. I want to apologize to the city of Troy. I want to apologize to my wife's family for putting them through this," said Campos, who spent most of the proceeding looking down.

Gely's family members traveled from Puerto Rico, North Carolina and Florida for the sentencing.

Assistant District Attorney Alaina Finan told the court the family members opted not to speak at the sentencing.

Outside the courtroom, the family stood shoulder to shoulder to speak to the media.

"We're still happy justice is working in the United States," said Nelly Figueroa of Florida, Gely's aunt.

"Denise was a very, very strong woman. She was the best," Figueroa said.

"We agree with the sentence," said Gely's brother Juan Gely of North Carolina.

Figuerora promised the case is not over. She said the family would return in 20 years to ensure Campos is not paroled.

In June, Campos pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, admitting he carried two knives to Gely's home and attacked her in a hallway on Nov. 23, 2015. Two of their children and a neighbor witnessed the attack, prosecutors said.

"This was a brutal and vicious attack on an innocent victim," District Attorney Joel Abelove said in a statement. "The defendant should spend the rest of his life paying for his crime and the emotional pain he has inflicted upon his children."

Campos killed Gely on the same day he was to be in family court in a case connected to her.

He was wanted for questioning in the slaying when he was apprehended in Secaucus, N.J., after a police chase on the Palisades Parkway.

One of the couple's children called police to report the attack. Figuerora said two of their three children live locally and the other is in Mississippi.

kcrowe@timesunion.com  518-454-5084  @KennethCrowe
Albany

The state Office of General Services on Wednesday offered a webinar for those who might want to bid on 27 acres of vacant land on the Harriman Campus in uptown Albany adjacent to the University at Albany.

Interested parties were invited to email questions, which eventually will be posted online, with answers, according to OGS, which oversees state property.

State officials hope development on the site will augment the employment that now exists at the Rockefeller-era office campus. The state expects the number of jobs at Harriman to grow from the current level of 8,000 to 12,000 by 2020.

That's thanks in part to a new technology center, dubbed the Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurism Complex, planned by UAlbany, and ongoing consolidation of state office space into state-owned buildings.

The minimum bid for the land is set at $5.1 million, with bids due by 3 p.m. Sept. 13. Plans can include development of office, laboratory, retail, space as well as medical offices but no residential space.

The bid process consists of two stages.

After the initial bids come in, the top three bidders will then compete in a second round.

The state will be looking for coherence of design and how it fits in with the rest of the campus, as well as financial strength of the developers.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  518-454-5758
1 Presidential library : President Obamas presidential library will be built in a park on Chicagos South Side along the shores of Lake Michigan and a short walk from the university where Obama once taught, a person familiar with the selection process said on Wednesday. The Barack Obama Foundation decided to build the library at Jackson Park near the University of Chicago, according to a person briefed on the selection. The library is expected to be a boon to the citys South Side, providing jobs to communities that have long struggled with gang violence and high unemployment.

2 Oil trains: Spokane, Wash., is considering civil fines for companies that ship crude oil or coal through its downtown core. This week, the City Council decided 6-0 to ask voters in November whether the city should prohibit crude oil or coal shipments. The eastern Washington city is certain to face a steep uphill legal battle, but some say the risks of oil trains are too great. Spokane is the latest community attempting to assert its local authority in the fight over fossil fuels. Cities such as Oakland; South Portland, Maine; and Vancouver, Wash., have also passed rules to block crude oil or coal projects. Spokanes November ballot measure, if approved, would make rail shipments of crude oil or coal a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $261 per rail car.
The cannabis industry is growing as rapidly as the appetite of someone who just took a massive hit of Purple Kush. As an increasing number of states legalize both medical and recreational marijuana, the industry could approach $9 billion by the end of this year.

Kush Bottles is at the forefront of this Snoop Dogg-approved trend. Founded in 2010, the company is a one-stop shop for businesses looking to get going in the legal weed trade. Using its first-mover advantage, the SoCal-based startup provides cannabis companies with market expertise, branding and packaging that satisfies the strict requirements of the law -- all without incurring bummer-inducing legal fees. Nick Kovacevich, the companys 31-year-old co-founder and CEO, breaks down five keys for busting into what can truly be described as a growth industry.

Related: 8 Celebrities Getting (Financially) High Off of the Budding Legal Marijuana Industry

1. Embrace what youre selling, man.

Its starting to go away, especially in the more progressive states, but there is still a stigma against marijuana. You go back to a state like Missouri, where I went to college, and people think Im in the heroin business! Theres a lot of education that needs to be done, because theres a lot of misinformation out there. The same people who are against cannabis dont have any problems with Advil running national ads during the Super Bowl. All these opioid prescriptions that doctors are giving out are really getting people addicted, ruining lives and even killing people, like Prince.

"Cannabis treats a lot of those same symptoms with none of the negative effects  and its a natural plant. It just doesnt make sense why it has such a bad rep, so we decided we were going to be the ones who were really involved in this industry, specifically focusing on it. Thats why Kush Bottles is the name because obviously, Kush is a potent strain of cannabis. Were embracing it.

2. Youre a dope if you dont know the laws in every state.

Our niche is knowing the regulations in each state, and having a product portfolio that matches those regulations. Its different in every state, and cannabis laws are changing constantly, so you have to be super in-tune to whats happening. For example, Washington State requires glass jars for their flower, because glass jars are reusable and you can see through them. In Colorado, however, the lawmakers have said, We dont want any transparent packaging -- everything has to be opaque. So a clear glass bottle wouldnt work. So now, if Im doing business in Colorado and Washington, I cant unify my packaging unless we get creative. You always have to look ahead, see whats on upcoming ballots.

Related: 5 Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Toke on from Tommy Chong

3. Dont trip on the industrys rapidly changing trends.

When we started the company in 2010, it was 80 to 90 percent cannabis flower that was being sold. Now, fast forward six years, and its only about 55 percent. You have a lot more concentrates, extracts, waxes and all the oils for vaping. Newer users want to eat edibles or do transdermal patches or Listerine strips. They dont want to smoke.

"Vaping is discreet, so its more for the professional smoker who doesnt want to be known as a stoner. You know, the guy at the job can have it in his shirt pocket. If he needs to medicate on a lunch break or something, nobody is going to know. Hes not going to come back to the office smelling like he just smoked a joint in his car. They say as you become more professionalized, so does the consumption that happens.

4. The blunt truth: Funding will be a challenge.

Its impossible to get traditional funding from banks -- no banks will lend to the industry. Since Kush Bottles concentrates on packaging, were a little bit better off than some of the cannabis companies, but were still fighting an uphill battle. People are looking at our financial history, and then they are looking at the industry, and theyre giving us a risk assessment and theyre usually coming back saying, Hey, we cant do it right now. Weve been able to raise $2 million from private, accredited investors.

"No institutional money has come into our company yet; we were able to go public without raising any institutional dollars. Wed like to get institutions involved, and wed like to get our company uplifted onto a more credible exchange, so that we can show the rest of the world that cannabis is an industry just like any other. People dont realize that in five years its going to be one of the biggest industries in the country, operating along the lines of alcohol. Somebody needs to break the barrier, and thats one thing Im focused on doing.

Related: The 411 on 4 Smoking Hot Marijuana Startups

5. Lose the Willie Nelson braids.

I look like an entrepreneur. I try to dress like an entrepreneur. I dont want to be associated with a traditional cannabis-stoner business owner, because that is all that the mainstream public has seen. When they put people on TV who are operating the cannabis business, its usually Tommy Chong or Willie Nelson. Thats great -- I mean, those guys have been passionate about the plant for a long time -- but I think it reinforces that stereotype with the rest of America that thinks: Oh, cannabis is just stoner business. And so if somebody can come out there and be like, Hey, Im a CEO that looks just like the CEO of a Silicon Valley tech company, but Im operating the cannabis industry. Then people can go, Oh wow, this business is actually changing.

Related:

5 Tips for Breaking Into the 'Budding' Marijuana Industry

Richard Branson: Just Say Yes to Smoking Pot With Your Kids

Fund-raising in Cannabis, Initially Slow, Is Going Higher and Higher



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
WESTPORT  Standing in the living room feels like standing on a boat.

While the floors dont rock with the waves, the view is of nothing but water as the Saugatuck River meets the Long Island Sound and kayakers, rowers and paddle boarders float past.

We love our house, said owner Ann Sheffer. But its meant to sort of fade away so that what you concentrate on is outside.

The one-of-a-kind view, preserved in a custom built home at 17 Stony Point Road in Westport, is now listed for sale for $7 million through Leslie Clarke at William Raveis Real Estate.

Sheffer and her husband built the home in 2008 after they inherited the property from her father, who originally purchased it in 1973. Sheffer had previously lived next door at 19 Stony Point, also an iconic Saugatuck home.

And while the house is new, the property still comes with an engaging role in Saugatucks history. The Stony Point Association, which makes up the entire peninsula situated between Burrit Cove and the Saugatuck River, was once a single estate.

This used to be one estate and it was owned by spinster sisters from New York, Sheffer said. And they used to come up here on a steam boat from the city because you could dock your boat here, and then in 1959 or so the estate was purchased ... and subdivided into 20 properties.

Sheffer said when the property was owned by the sisters, whose names she didnt know, the railroad company purchased part of the land in the 1840s to build the Saugatuck train station and, as part of the agreement, built the brick wall that still stands as the entrance to the Stony Point Association.

Its just been an interesting street for years, Sheffer said. My parents purchased 17 Stony Point because my mother always wanted to live on the water. My father lived here until he died in 2006, and by then Bill and I were living next door, which was a really cool house built by the guy who invented Polaroid color processing, so it had a dark room ... its just one of those areas with a lot of history.

When Sheffer and her husband decided to move to 17 Stony Point, they kept the footprint of her fathers home  which, thanks to old zoning regulations, allowed them to be closer to the water than if theyd built the home today  and commissioned Westport architect Michael Greenberg to design and build the home. Greenbergs father had been the architect to develop the property after it was subdivided in 1959.

Taking full advantage of its water front location, the Sheffers asked that every window be as large as possible. Additionally, they took inspiration from camp homes in the Adirondacks and built a wraparound covered porch to capitalize on the views.

They were wooden houses with what they call drinking porches, Sheffer said. Its wide enough that you can sit there in the rain and watch the rain and drink. We wanted that also so that when you sit outside here, youre really sheltered, no matter what the weather.

Designed in two wings, Sheffer said they made a real effort to keep the home open and bright. The living, dining and kitchen areas offer ample space for entertaining  Sheffer said shes hosted cocktail parties for as many as 150 people at the house  and upstairs, every bedroom has a balcony with a view.

Custom features like a seven car garage, library and temperature controlled storage studio for artwork were built specifically with the Sheffers needs in mind, but could be utilized by any homeowner. The home also comes with a private deep water dock and the ability to use the associations dock across the street. The home was built using cherry and mahogany woods throughout, and is also solar powered and geothermal, which drastically reduce heating and cooling costs.

The house is divided into two wings, which allowed the Sheffers and their six children to live comfortably in the home. The childrens wing was designed with the notion that one day, grandchildren would be running through the home, and contains a separate kitchenette and play area.

Its hard for us to leave it, but were spending most of the winter in Palm Springs which we also really like, Sheffer said. All our kids our grown, and theres some grandchildren, and they do come and visit but not enough to keep a great big house.

Clarke said there are very few homes in the $7 million price range with waterfront views. Additionally, she said although the home was custom built, it is adaptable to any lifestyle.

When Ive shown it so far, the response has been that this house works perfectly for a lot of family situations, Clarke said. Also, its not typical in that theres no basement because were on a peninsula, but you have the water and the yard and a pool. Its very livable.

KKrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt
The Treefort Music Fest began in 2012 as some music fans' passion project. It's since grown into a massive community event that celebrates Boise-grown technology, yoga, beer, food, comedy and film. Cofounder Lori Shandro Outen (who is also owner of local insurance agency the Shandro Group) explains what makes it so special.

What makes Boise a great place to be an entrepreneur?

The spirit of the people. The size of the community. The ability to effect change. I grew up in large cities, and I never felt there was anything I could do to effect change.

A lot of things aren't perfect here, but there are enough of us who love what it is, and if we keep participating and doing what we love, I believe it will get even better.

That's not really the stereotype of Boise.

I think people expect boredom and small minds and a lack of much to do. And instead, it's green and lush and vibrant. There are plentiful things for everyone to do, and it's full of really nice people to do them with.

Treefort began by attracting bands en route to the Pacific Northwest after performing at South by Southwest in Austin. How did it come to include so many other disciplines?

We kept meeting people who felt the same way as we did about Boise and creativity, except about a different aspect -- yoga, film, technology, story. It was easy to fold them into our infrastructure and let them do and curate what they love. My favorite thing about Treefort is the collaboration across the disciplines. There is so much more crossover than we realize.

How has the festival changed Boise?

It's legitimized the creative class here. My father-in-law says that Idaho is for the doers. That's meant in the traditional sense -- people who can produce material, money-worthy things. But the creative class adds so much. Typically, creative people here have to work a real job before they can be creative. So now the question is, Can we provide opportunities for the creative class to earn a living year-round?

Related: Entrepreneur Magazine's 50 Best Cities for Entrepreneurs

Related:



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
The Michigan All-Stars Math Teams A1 team came in eighth place nationally out of 140 teams in the American Regions Math League (ARML) team competition.

The All-Stars were recruited from the top students in the Michigan Math Prize Competition, a statewide high school contest sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), Michigan Section.
New York

Even as police departments across the country embraced Taser stun guns over the past 15 years, the New York Police Department kept them out of the hands of almost all officers. Only some sergeants and members of a specially trained unit were issued the handgun-shaped weapons, and regulations required many of them to keep the devices in the trunks of patrol cars.

The restrictions were rooted in the department's troubled history with an earlier generation of stun guns, most notably an episode 30 years ago in which officers in a Queens precinct tortured prisoners with one. More recently, in 2008, an officer with the elite Emergency Services Unit fired a Taser at an emotionally disturbed man on a ledge in Brooklyn. The man fell 10 feet to his death, and the lieutenant who had given the order to fire the Taser committed suicide eight days later.

Now the Police Department, under different leadership and amid national anger over police killings of unarmed black men, is easing its limits on Tasers, which shoot electrified barbs. Over the last year, the Police Department has trained 4,000 officers to use the devices, bringing the number of Taser-trained officers to nearly 10,000 on a force of about 36,000. In all, 1,710 Tasers are in circulation, nearly triple the number in 2015. A decade ago, 160 Tasers were in use.

The expansion has occurred as Taser has lobbied in New York to market its products, which include not only stun guns, but also body cameras for police officers. Since 2013, the company has spent more than $300,000 lobbying the Police Department and other city agencies, according to city records.

The Police Department hopes the wider availability of Tasers will reduce police shootings by providing officers a less dangerous fallback.

"The idea is there is a buffer before you have to use a firearm," said Inspector Raymond Caroli, the department's chief firearms trainer.

But some police watchdog groups and civil rights lawyers argue that with wider access to the weapons, officers may use Tasers even when they face little danger. In one 2014 episode in the Bronx, for instance, police fired a Taser at a mute autistic man after he had flailed his arms and was uncooperative, according to hospital records.

The man's mother, Ana Baltazar, cried as she recalled the episode, which occurred after she had sought the police's help in finding her son, Miguel, who had run away.

The Civilian Complaint Review Board, a city agency that investigates police misconduct, has found that when New York police officers fire Tasers it is usually to subdue unarmed people or those already in police custody, not to stop someone who has put the life of an officer or someone else in peril, according to a draft report obtained by The New York Times.

"Tasers are being used in response to unruly or obstinate behavior," it says.

In a few instances in which people died after Tasers were used, civil rights lawyers litigating the episodes said police had withheld crucial facts. In one case, the Taser appears to have even added a new element of peril: An officer stunned another officer with the Taser during a confrontation with a mentally ill man, setting off dangerous confusion among the officers on the scene.

"When it comes to the NYPD and its use of force, we're in the dark," said Christopher Dunn, the associate legal director of the New York Civil Liberties Union. "There is no systematic reporting about force, and details about individual incidents are often withheld or distorted."

The Police Department's decision to equip more officers with Tasers came amid the outcry in 2014 when Eric Garner died after an officer placed him in a chokehold while arresting him for selling untaxed cigarettes on Staten Island.

Garner's death prompted the police commissioner, William J. Bratton, to review the department's use-of-force policies, an undertaking that gained urgency as police killings in Ferguson, Mo; Cleveland; South Carolina; and elsewhere led to demands for greater accountability of officers.

While Bratton's predecessor, Raymond W. Kelly, had been skeptical of Tasers, Bratton saw a tool that could lead to fewer shootings by police in New York, which are already at historic lows.

"Sometimes the NYPD is at the forefront of technological innovation and sometimes we're bringing up the rear," Matthew Pontillo, an assistant chief in the department, said, adding that Bratton saw "the value in having yet another option in police officers' hands that can be very, very effective."
SAN ANTONIO  Three vehicles belonging to deputies were shot outside the Bexar County Sheriffs Office early Thursday morning, and investigators working to determine whether the agency was being targeted.

Bexar County spokeswoman Rosanne Hughes said in an interview with mySA.com that no one was injured in the shooting, but three vehicles belonging to employees were damaged by gunshots outside the Bexar County Sheriffs Office and jail in the early morning hours of Thursday.
San Antonio Express-News file photo

One of the biggest emitters of an air pollutant in the San Antonio area must pay a $1.69 million fine and install new equipment, according to federal regulators.

Cement manufacturer Cemex Inc. will have to add $10 million worth of pollution control equipment at its New Braunfels plant and four others across the country, according to an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice. Thats in addition to the penalty.
In other news that might make your stomach turn: sightings of copperhead snake congregations are on the rise as the venomous reptiles are looking for their favorite seasonal snack this summer cicadas.

Snake expert Andy Gluesenkamp penned a piece for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine this month explaining that copperhead snakes tend to congregate in the summer to eat cicadas "for the same reason we eat fast food: It's cheap and easy."
The prospect of building high-speed passenger rail through Texas has inched closer to reality.

The Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration released a draft environmental study showing 10 possible service and route options for high-speed train service that would run 850 miles from South Texas to Oklahoma City. In the San Antonio area, possible routes parallel I-35 and Interstate 37. Possible routes in South Texas could include Laredo, McAllen, Harlingen and Brownsville.

The study is available for public review and comment until Aug. 29.

TxDOT will host three public meetings about the possible routes in Laredo, Austin and Arlington next month. In Austin, the meeting will be Aug. 10 at the TxDOT district office at 7901 North I-35. An open house will begin at 5:30 p.m. and a presentation will start at 6 p.m.

kblunt@express-news.net
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A San Antonio law firms case runner admitted his role in a scheme that swindled personal injury clients out of settlement money, pleading guilty Thursday to federal fraud and tax charges.

The series of thefts added up to more than $1.6 million taken from proceeds collected as lawsuit settlements or earmarked for doctors and therapists who treated the plaintiffs involved.

Elpidio Pete Gongora Jr., 47, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, tax evasion and bankruptcy fraud. He admitted conspiring with three others who are charged in the alleged scheme: his bookkeeper, Rosa Ramirez, 48; a relative of Ramirez, Juan Rodriguez, 47; and former lawyer Ronald Ray Higgins, 53, who now lives in Sugar Land.

Several other charges, including identity theft, will be dismissed at sentencing, tentatively set for Oct. 21 before U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, said Gongoras lawyer, Scott McCrum.

McCrum said Gongora had agreements with certain lawyers to find clients for them since about 2003. Business was brisk, he said, but things went downhill in the wake of Texas tort reforms, changes to the law that let insurance companies deny more claims. The fraud occurred between 2009 and early 2015, according to the plea deal.

When he was living good, everyone was getting paid, including the clients, McCrum said of Gongora. It started getting bad (with tort reform) and the money stopped coming in.

The FBI said that, during the height of his alleged schemes, Gongora lived large, moving from a $550,000 house on the far West Side to an $850,000 home in the exclusive Dominion subdivision. He also bought a $600,000 house on the Texas coast, putting it in his daughters name.

Gongora acquired a $118,000 Ferrari, a $185,000 Lamborghini, a $28,000 Mercedes-Benz and an $85,000 boat and trailer  and registered them in others names.

He even spent $26,000 on his daughters quinceanera at The Club at Sonterra but disguised the expense as an immigration seminar/workshop, according to an FBI affidavit. Even as he went through bankruptcy proceedings in 2013 and 2014, he dropped more than $28,650 on Spurs tickets.

Through 2014, Gongora, who is not a lawyer, operated the law offices of Higgins, Charles Ken Harrell and Patrick E. Clarke, his plea deal said. Higgins and Clarke gave up their law licenses after the State Bar went after them for alleged misconduct with clients cases, records show. No public disciplinary history is listed for Harrell.

The indictment accuses Higgins of accepting money in return for allowing Gongora and Ramirez, his bookeeper, to utilize his law license with impunity. The indictment says Higgins exercised a complete and total lack of oversight.

The indictment said Rodriguez would pay workers of insurance and tow truck companies to relay information about people involved in accidents. Then, Gongora and Ramirez fraudulently endorsed personal injury settlement checks and kept the money, the indictment said. They hid what they were doing from at least two of the attorneys they worked for.

Gongora admitted that he and his wife reported substantial amounts of income on their tax returns between 2003 to 2013 but that Gongora failed to pay his full tax obligations. The IRS says Gongora owes more than $1.6 million in taxes.

Gongora and his wife filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013, and as part of his plea deal, he admitted he failed to include a number of things in the required disclosures.

The mail fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. Bankruptcy fraud and tax evasion are each punishable by up to five years in prison.

His co-defendants await trial.
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A McAllen Police Department officer accused earlier this year of repeatedly kicking a handcuffed man, causing him serious injuries, was fired this week. A second officer involved in the incident, which was captured on video, resigned amid an investigation into the man's claims of excessive force, the department announced Wednesday.

Officers Ulysses Bautista and Luis Zuniga, who worked for the McAllen Police Department since 2009, conducted a traffic stop in the early hours of May 13 that landed a 23-year-old man in the hospital.

Following the man's complaint with the department and an investigation, Bautista was fired on July 20, while Zuniga submitted a letter of resignation effective Sept. 9.

Aaron Soto, the man who was hospitalized following the traffic stop, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting arrest and harassment of a public servant. Soto told authorities under oath that he sustained injuries including "intracranial bleeding," and "possible major fractures on (his) left cheekbone," an affidavit said.

RELATED: Lawsuit: Austin police used excessive force during arrest of San Antonians suspected of jaywalking

Zuniga pulled Soto over around 1 a.m. on suspicion of drunk driving  he was allegedly driving the wrong way on a one way street  and asked Soto to complete field sobriety tests, a preliminary report said.

Soto, however, denied Zuniga's request and instead submitted to a breathalyzer test, which he failed with a .207 BAC, an affidavit said.

Zuniga called for backup prior to placing Soto under arrest and Bautista arrived at the scene to assist Zuniga.

As Zuniga attempted to place Soto into the back of his patrol car, Soto spit in Zuniga's face, prompting Zuniga to pull him out of the back of the patrol car and throw him to the ground, the affidavit said.

After, Bautista repeatedly kicked Soto, who was handcuffed with his face down.

Zuniga's preliminary report filed after his shift ended on May 13 states he feared Soto had "communicable diseases." Additionally, the report said he "safely placed him on the ground," while Bautista's suspension letter, written by McAllen PD Chief Victor Rodriguez, states Soto was "thrown."

RELATED: Texas officer who put woman in chokehold while she filmed arrest has new job as bailiff

Zuniga mentioned in his preliminary report that Soto was "very vulgar" during the arrest, stating that Soto was told him he was "bald headed and ugly," asking "do you even have a girlfriend, what's your girlfriend's name?"

The officer's preliminary report said he called an ambulance for Soto, but he refused treatment and paramedics left as his injuries appeared to be minor.

In Soto's complaint against Zuniga and Bautista, he said he arrived at the McAllen Police Department and was informed by several officers that he needed medical attention and was taken to a clinic in Mission, then transferred to University Hospital in San Antonio.

During a 5-day meeting with investigators that began July 15, Bautista told investigators he kicked Soto because he thought Soto "lunged at" Zuniga, Bautista's letter of suspension said. Bautista also told investigators he now understands it wasn't the appropriate response, but that "there's nothing (he) can do to change it, it happened," the letter of suspension said.

RELATED: 66-year-old woman 'tased' by Bandera officer after refusing to ID herself

In addition to the use of excessive force, Bautista was also cited for failing to submit a complete report of Soto's arrest.

The City of McAllen self-reported the incident to the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office, however, it's unclear if Soto plans on suing the ex-officers or the city.

Dash cam footage of the arrest has been requested from the McAllen Police Department under Texas open records laws, however, the footage was posted to LiveLeak.com Wednesday evening.

MMedina@mySA.com

Twitter: @MariahMedinaaa
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The South Texas school police chief who was placed on administrative leave for allegedly smoking marijuana from a bong in a photo that surfaced in early July, was back at school at his job Monday, with a $4,000 raise to boot, according to his attorney.

The Rio Hondo ISD superintendent and attorney have not responded to multiple requests for comment from mySA.com and other news outlets.

A photo of Rio Hondo ISD Police Chief Nick Garza, reportedly taken over the Fourth of July weekend, was sent anonymously to local media outlets with an email message questioning Garza's place as a role model for children, the Valley Morning Star reported. Garza was placed on leave the same day district officials saw the photo.

Garza filed a grievance complaint July 12 saying his "reputation and good name has been tarnished by the actions and improper information release by my employer regarding my employment status to the news media."

RELATED: South Texas police chief fighting suspension after photo purportedly shows him smoking bong

Garza said the item in photo, supposedly a bong, contained alcohol, not marijuana.

John Shergold, one of Garza's attorneys, told mySA.com Tuesday the police chief was "reinstated as full-time Monday."

RELATED: Inside the North Texas 'pot party' held hours after Donald Trump's rally in Fort Worth

"He also got a $4,000 pay increase," the attorney said. "The superintendent told him on Monday."

Shergold said the district told Garza he was exonerated Friday, July 22 and was "elated" by the news.

"He stood up for his constitutional rights," Shergold said.

RELATED: 11 arrested, 700 machines seized as authorities raid 9 underground casinos in South Texas

The attorney said he will continue to work at trying to find out who sent in the image of Garza.

"Mr. Nick Garza did nothing wrong," Shergold said. "My client is another victim of the Facebook generation."

Garza has been working for the district for three years, and before worked for the U.S. Department of Public Safety and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, according to Valley Morning Star.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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SAN ANTONIO  A 41-year-old man believed to be an undocumented immigrant was arrested Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl on the Northeast Side Monday, according to arrest documents.

Carlos Esparza, who is suspected of being in the country illegally, was arrested on a first-degree felony charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child and is currently being held at the Bexar County Jail on a $75,000 bond, according to online records.

RELATED: Police: San Antonio man plays 'game' with 7-year-old boy involving sex

The alleged sex assault occurred at the Harlow Apartments in the 7500 block of Harlow Drive on the Northeast Side, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by mySA.com.

The victims mother noticed the girl was walking funny as if she was in pain, to which the girl said Esparza had hurt her, the affidavit said.

The girl told investigators her mother put her to bed but she and her other siblings went downstairs to watch TV. Esparza was allegedly on the couch under a blanket when he grabbed her and put her on his lap. He then allegedly took off the girls underwear and his clothes, and sexually assaulted the girl in several ways, the arrest affidavit said.

RELATED: One of state's most-wanted sex offenders arrested in Houston

The victim also said he told her not to tell anyone about the activity, as he would not come over anymore otherwise.

The defendants (Esparza) sexual conduct was harmful to the childs mental and emotional welfare, the affidavit said.

RELATED: Attorney: Texas police chief reinstated with $4k raise after photo allegedly shows him smoking bong

Officers learned he is believed to be in the country illegally and could easily leave the country if his alleged acts were made known to law enforcement, according to the affidavit.

Esparza has previously been arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and narcotics charges, the report said.

If convicted, Esparza faces five to 99 years in prison.

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
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A former hitman for the Texas Mexican Mafia pleaded guilty Thursday to 10 counts related to five killings of other gang members, including Balcones Heights police officer Julian Pesina  whose death was recorded by video surveillance equipment, prosecutors revealed.

In a pre-trial hearing last year, investigators said Ruben Menace Reyes Jr. went to San Antonio police after his own gang tried to kill him, admitting that he killed 16 people as part of the gangs efforts to control the drug market here through extortion and violence.

He was charged only in connection to five killings. But without a plea deal that would offer him something in return, Reyes, 36, now faces up to 10 life terms, one for each count. Hell be sentenced in September.

The charges included violent crimes in aid of racketeering (murder) and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

A 22-page factual basis filed after Reyes pleaded guilty identifies the five victims as Pesina  who was a heavily-tattooed cop for the small city of Balcones Heights while secretly a Mexican Mafia member  and Ulysses Farias, Carlos Worm Chapa, Mark Anthony Lefty Bernal, and Johnny Smiley Solis.

We charged him with the five we could absolutely prove, said Assistant U.S. Attorney David Shearer. Prosecutors note Reyes is likely to get the same sentence  life in federal prison without parole  for five or 16 slayings.

The factual basis stated that the FBI had surveillance video that recorded the slayings of Pesina and the Oct. 12, 2013, killing of Farias, who was shot for violating gang rules.

Besides Reyes, three other purported Texas Mexican Mafia members  Jerry Spook Idrogo, 34, Alfredo Freddy Low Cardona, 36, and Jesse Jay Santibanez, 26, are charged in connection with the death of Pesina, who was shot outside his tattoo shop near Balcones Heights on May 4, 2014. They await trial.

Before Pesina was killed, the FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety suspected he was dealing drugs and had been secretly recording him with a pole-mounted video camera outside the shop, called Notorious Ink.

The factual basis said Pesina, while an officer, was involved with the gang and reported to Idrogo, the gang sergeant over San Antonios North Side quadrant. Other gang members didnt know Pesina was a cop until a drug dealer told Idrogo, who confirmed the tip and told Reyes about it, the document states. Reyes passed it along to other gang leaders, who ordered him to kill Pesina, and Reyes delegated that duty to Idrogo, Cardona and Santibanez, the document states. The pole-mounted camera, and Pesinas own surveillance system in his shop, recorded the killing.

The factual basis also said that in January 2013, Reyes and another gang member shot and buried Chapa, a gang general; Bernal, a gang captain, and Solis, lieutenant of lieutenants, because other leaders believed they mishandled $60,000 of the dime, a street tax they were responsible for collecting, and were making poor decisions.

After those killings, Reyes was given Solis post of lieutenant of lieutenants, but later sought protection from police after he was shot on Nov. 9, 2014, in an apparent hit ordered by imprisoned gang leaders. He confessed to the SAPD and the FBI about a list of killings and helped investigators locate the bodies of Chapa, Bernal and Solis at their makeshift graves in Pearsall.

gcontreras@express-news.net
PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said today hell decide in a matter of months whether to mount a campaign to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018.

Im not in a hurry to run for another office just to run, but Ill take a look at it, Castro said, speaking to reporters at the Democratic National Convention on the day he is scheduled for an evening speech on the main stage.
SAN ANTONIO  The Castro twins are the latest newsmakers to be satirized by the Onion, as they continue to get national attention this week at the Democratic National Convention.



A story published Thursday imagines Joaquin Castro tied up at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia while his older-by-one-minute brother Julian takes his place on the floor.

Housing Secretary Julian Castro, who arguably gets more attention than his brother, is barred from speaking at the convention under specific orders from the White House to the members of the president's cabinet. But in the Onion's story, Julian Castro found a way around that order.
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The bare-bottomed, topless and scantily clad of the North will come together next Wednesday at the Rock Creek Lodge in Clinton, Montana for the annual Testicle Festival.

If you miss the event, the website says, "you're nuts."

The festival, which is "neither about balls or breasts," but about having a good time has been in existence since 1989 and is held during the first week of August.

RELATED: West Texas country music festival Crude Fest leads to drunk man stabbed in butt

This year, the festival with no specific mission aside from fun, will kick off Aug. 3 and end Aug. 6.

With live music, two wet T-shirt contests, a biggest balls contest, a ball-eating contest and the undie 500, the festival draws crowds up to 3,000.

Most contests are self explanatory, meanwhile, others require a description. Attendees can participate in the following contests, according to their website:

Best Tattoo : The contest determines who has the best tattoos at TestyFest. The winner is determined by a crowd vote.

: The contest determines who has the best tattoos at TestyFest. The winner is determined by a crowd vote. Wet T-Shirt: The contest judges who looks the best in a wet t-shirt and is held once on Friday and Saturday.

The contest judges who looks the best in a wet t-shirt and is held once on Friday and Saturday. Big Balls: According to the website, men drop their pants to have their testicles inspected and judged by female judges.

According to the website, men drop their pants to have their testicles inspected and judged by female judges. Ball Eating: Contestants have four minutes to eat as many bull balls as possible.

Contestants have four minutes to eat as many bull balls as possible. Undie 500: Men and women will strip down to their underwear to complete a tricycle race.

Men and women will strip down to their underwear to complete a tricycle race. Miss TestyFest: Women "can win on personality & looks - without removing (their) clothes" in the Miss TestyFest contest.

Those manning the Facebook page for the annual event have upped their post frequency, including a poll on what people would rather see  naked men, naked women or if everyone should just keep their clothes on.

RELATED: Float Fest delivered weekend of tubing, music and dancing

Event planners are still in search of "hot ladies" to emcee contests.

See photos from previous Testicle Festivals in the slideshow above.

MMedina@mySA.com



Twitter: @MariahMedinaaa
Reaber D. Neal was the kind of mother who for 20 years volunteered in family services at Lackland AFB, helping to take care of service members and their households.

What I most admire about my mother was her ability to give and her ability to love, daughter Reaber Bryant said of her mother, who died at home on Sunday surrounded by family. She was 81.

Neal, a pastor's daughter, was born in Ruston, Louisiana.

They didn't have a lot, but they had love, her daughter said.

Staying close to her roots, she married the Rev. John Henry Neal, in 1967, an airman at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana.

The couple had a hard time having children, but soon their daughter was born and they showered her with love.

Even though I was an only child, kids wanted to be at our house because my dad was the cool dad, Bryant said. Her mother was a stay-at-home mom who was very much involved with her education. I started school overseas in Turkey, and mom would come up every day to have lunch with me at school.

Stationed at Karamursel AFB in Turkey, they shared many adventures. The family traveled throughout the country.

We went to many biblical places, Bryant remembered. These are times that my mother and father cherished.

More Information Reaber D. Neal Born: April 29, 1935, Ruston, Louisiana Died: July 24, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Husband John Henry Neal Survived by: Daughter Reaber Bryant and son-in-law Ricky; brothers Robert Lewis and Leon Lewis; sister Helen McCain; grandsons Jon-Luc Bryant and Dondre Bryant; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services:11 a.m. Aug. 4 at Porter Loring North Chapel. Burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. See More Collapse

Years later, the family got orders to return stateside to Kelly AFB. Neals husband retired as a staff sergeant after 28 years of service. He worked for the Veterans Administration until his death in 1980.

She never stoped volunteering and working in the community. Neal received many awards for her work in family services at Lackland. Dedicated to helping others, she took meals to those who needed them, drove people to appointments and helped out wherever she could, her daughter said.

As a deaconess of 20 years at Westridge Park Baptist Church, Neal helped with fundraisers, praying for people going through hard times, singing in the choir and volunteering to do anything to support the church.

On the Sundays she was assigned deaconess duties, she would sit in the front row dressed in white from head to toe, ready to minister to those who needed her. On Wednesday nights, the bible study group met at the church and they would go out into the community to minister.

Neal believed that through God anything was possible.

What changed the course of my life was my mothers example. She taught me to stay close to God and when that happened everything else will fall into place, Bryant said of her mother, who lived with her in her last years.

iwilgen@express-news.net
Re: A big middle finger to the entire convention, front page, July 21:

Ted Cruz embarrassed the Republican National Convention as well as Texas with his speech. When an elected official signs his name to a pledge, he needs to honor that pledge. Since Cruz did not honor his signed pledge to endorse the Republican nominee for president, this says volumes about his integrity.

Cruz is going to look back to this time in two years and wonder why he will not be re-elected. I personally will vote for whoever runs against Ted Cruz, so Texas can be proud of the senator who represents us.

Gary Kennedy

Plan backfired

Re: A big middle finger to the entire convention, front page, July 21:

Ted Cruz may think he stuck it to Donald Trump, but he destroyed his own political career in Texas.

Terry OConnor

The Teflon party

Re: HUD secretary wont be punished for Hatch Act violation, Page 2, July 20:

Well, what do you know! Teflon and Democrat are synonymous. All Julian Castro had to do is say, Im sorry and I wont do it again.

Pat Miller

Clinton a disaster

Re: Whom do you trust, Your Turn, July 20:

The letter writer is lavish in his praise of Hillary Clinton. He is a man of many words. Unfortunately, many of his words were far from true, as she did not serve admirably as first lady, senator and, least of all, secretary of state. If she wasnt a Clinton, she would have been prosecuted for her actions as secretary of state.

The letter writer left out some of her most obvious traits and activities, including unrepentant liar, pandering to Wall Street, and accepting money from Middle Eastern countries that suppress womens rights while she pretends to advocate for those rights.

The Clintons should not be above the law, but they seem to be. Most of the media, including the Express-News, fawn over the liberal left and not so subtly denigrate the conservative right.

Another four years like the last 7 will be a disaster for our wonderful country.

Brad Fairchild

Help for uninsured

Re: Texans paying for ACA ripple effects; Consumers facing higher premiums, fewer options, Business, July 17:

Its worth remembering why Obamacare is important to Texas. We have the highest rate of uninsured of any state. Moreover, our complicated county-by-county approach creates unnecessary bureaucracy and tax inequity. Urban counties such as Bexar, Dallas and Harris shoulder the cost of surrounding counties uninsured through higher property taxes.

In the above story, a young Wilson County family blames Obamacare for its higher insurance premiums. No mention is made of the lower taxes Wilson County residents enjoy by not having an effective uninsured program for their residents  or the corresponding tax burden on Bexar County when its uninsured seek care here.

Similarly, insurers must be truthful as well. They already charge employers for the uninsured because doctors and hospitals have demanded payments high enough to offset charity costs.

But here is the thing. Texas has refused to expand Medicaid under Obamacare for the neediest Texans, including a working family of three earning less than $27,775 per year. Because Medicaid is unavailable, some low-income families seek health care in the private insurance market. As designed by Obamacare, these low-income families  a substantial number  should be in Medicaid.

Implementing Medicaid under Obamacare or a Texas version of it will give immediate relief to the private insurance market, a practical solution that leaves no one behind and protects our local taxpayers.

George B. Hernandez Jr., president/CEO, University Health System

Big courthouse loss

Re: Judge fired from crucial mental health job, Gilbert Garcia, July 20:

I read this column, alarmed and concerned because of the huge gap Judge Oscar Kazens absence will leave in the court system when dealing with clients with possible mental health conditions. Kazen has been a very bright light in advocating for those with mental health conditions, looking to ensure that their medical needs are met, knowing that their condition may have contributed to their being before the bench in the first place.

I have no doubt Oscar Kazen has saved many lives in his 10-year tenure. I strongly urge Judge Kelly Cross to fill this position with another passionate, caring judge if she cant see her way to reversing this decision.

We need more people with his caring heart and vision on the bench if we are to move Texas from the bottom of mental care services. Bexar County and the state need people in the justice system like Oscar Kazen. Thank you for your service to date.

George Patrin

Supporting SAPD

I would like to say, in the wake of the police officer shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge, that we hail our San Antonio Police Department for a job a well done in its daily efforts to keep us safe and secure. We do not want our police officers to feel they have little support from the community, leaving them with low morale and a feeling of whats the use?

We do support you and do not want you to feel unappreciated. Keep up the good work. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Richard and Dorothy Perez

Ease police burden

Re If you must, open carry responsibly, editorial, Express-News, July 21:

My personal rule is: Dont carry open or concealed weapons in areas where the police will be providing lots of on-scene security. That means going unarmed to such events as marches and demonstrations.

The cops have enough to do without having to figure out which person in the crowd is the good guy with a gun and which one is the bad guy.

David H. Plylar
From 2:30 am to 4:00 am, customers can walk through a separate lane and order meals.

UNITED KINGDOM  Paul Pomroy, CEO of McDonalds U.K., said in a statement this week that the company is creating more than 5,000 new jobs in the United Kingdom by the end of 2017.

As a major U.K. employer, we have added more than 15,000 people to our workforce during the last five years as a result of our sustained business growth and long-term investment in recruitment and training, Pomroy said. Growth has been driven by investment and innovation in the restaurant experience, new restaurants and extended opening hours[more than] half of our stores are now open 24/7 throughout the week.

Features such as table service, where customers place their order via digital kiosks and have their food brought to their table, are proving to be a popular feature and are now available at more than 350 McDonalds across the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, a McDonalds in North Wales has opened a walk-thru window to serve hungry pedestrians leaving a nearby nightclub. Open from 2:30 am to 4:00 am, a McDonalds spokeswoman told The Sun that the walk-thru was initiated by the manager of the restaurant to invite locals to enjoy a meal after a night out at a newly reopened nightclub.

As the restaurant is in the process of securing a 24-hour license, customers can only use the drive-thru to order food at night, so the walk-thru is just a play on how customers can come and enjoy a nice meal, later in the evening, the spokesperson said.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

It is with relief that we turn from last weeks Democrat narrative  that Trump is a fascist  to this weeks narrative[1]: That the DNC email hack is proof that Trump is a Russian agent of influence.[2] Heres Clintons campaign manager, Robby Mook, making the accusation:

Hillary Clintons campaign manager is alleging that Russian hackers are leaking Democratic National Committee emails critical of Bernie Sanders in an effort to help Donald Trump win the election in November. It comes on the heels of changes to the Republican platform to make it more pro-Russian, Robby Mook told CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union Sunday. I dont think its coincidental that these emails were released on the eve of our convention here, and I think thats disturbing, he said.

Mooks Russians under the bed gaslighting is useful on a number of fronts: Ginning up war fever for an October surprise; setting up a later McCarthy-ite purge of Trump supporters, Clinton skeptics, or even those prematurely anti-Trump; and if were truly blessed, a real shooting war; some damned thing in the Baltic or the Black Sea, or wherever the Kagan clan points to on the map in the war room. And its always useful to be able to convert ones opponents to enemies by accusing them of treason, especially in an election year.

However, in this short post I want to focus on a much narrower question: Can we ever know who hacked the DNC email? Because if we cant, then clearly we cant know the Russians did. And so I want to hoist this by alert reader JacobiteInTraining from comments:

Yup, as a former server admin it is patently absurd to attribute a hack to anyone in particular until a substantial amount of forensic work has been done. (read, poring over multiple internal log filesgathering yet more log files of yet more internal devices, poring over them, then  once the request hops out of your org  requesting logfiles from remote entities, poring over *those* log files, requesting further log files from yet more upstream entities, wash rinse repeat ad infinitum)> For example, at its simplest, I would expect a middling-competency hacker to find an open wifi hub across town to connect to, then VPN to server in, say, Tonga, then VPN from there to another box in Sweden, then connect to a PC previously compromised in Iowa, then VPN to yet another anonymous cloud server in Latvia, and (assuming the mountain dew is running low, gotta get cracking) then RDP to the target server and grab as many docs as possible. RAR those up and encrypt them, FTP them to a compromised media server in South Korea, email them from there to someones gmail account previously hacked, xfer them to a P2P file sharing app, and then finally access them later from a completely different set of servers. In many cases where I did this sort of analysis I still ended up with a complete dead end: some sysadmins at remote companies or orgs would be sympathetic and give me actual related log files. Others would be sympathetic but would not give files, and instead do their own analysis to give me tips. Many never responded, and most IPs ended up at unknown (compromised) personal PCs, or devices where the owner could not be found anyway. If the hacker was sloppy and left other types of circumstantial evidence you might get lucky  but that demographic mostly points back to script kiddies and/or criminal dweebs  i.e., rather then just surreptitiously exfiltrating the goods they instead left messages or altered things that seemed to indicate their own backgrounds or prejudices, or left a message that was more easily traced. If, of course, you took that evidence at face value and it was not itself an attempt at obfuscation. Short of a state actor such as an NSA who captures it ALL anyway, and/or can access any log files at any public or private network at its own whim  its completely silly to attribute a hack to anyone at this point. So, I guess I am reduced to LOL OMG WTF its fer the LULZ!!!!!

And:

Just to clarify on the If the hacker was sloppy and left other types of circumstantial evidence  this is basically what I have seen reported as evidence pointing to Russia: the Cyrillic keyboard signature, the appeared to cease work on Russian holidays stuff, and the association with known Russian hacking groups. Thats great and all, but in past work I am sure my own research could easily have gotten me associated with known hacking groups. Presumably various sophisticated methods and tools get you closer to possible suspectsbut that kind of stuff is cycled and recycled throughout the community worldwide  as soon as anything like that is known and published, any reasonably competent hacker (or org of hackers) is learning how to do the same thing and incorporating such things into their own methods. (imitation being the sincerest form of flattery) I guess I have a lot more respect for the kinds of people I expect to be getting a paycheck from foreign Intelligence agencies then to believe that they would leave such obvious clues behind accidentally. But if we are going to be starting wars over this stuff w/Russia, or China, I guess I would hope the adults in the room dont go all apesh*t and start chanting COMMIES, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING!, etc. before the ink is dry on the crime.

The whole episode reminds me of the Sony hack, for which Obama also blamed a demonized foreign power. Interestingly  to beg the question here  the blaming was also based on a foreign character set in the data (though Hangul, not Korean). Look! A clue!

JacobiteInTrainings methodology also reminds me of NCs coverage of Grexit. Symbol manipulators  like those in the Democrat-leaning creative class  often believe that real economy systems are as easy to manipulate as symbol systems are. In Greece, for example, it really was a difficult technical challenge for Greece to reintroduce the drachma, especially given the time-frame, as contributor Clive remorselessly showed. Similarly, its really not credible to hire a consultant and get a hacking report with a turnaround time of less than a week, even leaving aside the idea that the DNC just might have hired a consultant that would give them the result they wanted (because who among us, etc.) What JacobiteInTraining shows us is that computer forensics is laborious, takes time, and is very unlikely to yield results suitable for framing in the narratives proffered by the political class. Of course, that does confirm all my priors!

Readers, thoughts?

Update Addition by Yves:

Another reader, Hacker, observed (emphasis original):

There is a problem with those who argue that these are sophisticated Nation State attackers and then point to the most basic circumstantial evidence to support their case. Id bet that, among others, the Israelis have hacked some Russian servers to launch attacks from and have some of their workers on a Russian holiday schedule. Those things have been written about in attack analysis so much over the last 15-20 years that theyd be stupid not to. Now, Im not saying the Israelis did it. Im saying that the evidence provided so far by those arguing it is Russia is so flaky as to prove that the Russia accusers are blinded or corrupted by their own political agenda.

Update [Yves, courtesy Richard Smith] 7:45 AM. Another Medium piece by Jeffrey Carr, Can Facts Slow The DNC Breach Runaway Train? who has been fact-checking this story and comes away Not Happy. For instance:

Thomas Rid wrote: One of the strongest pieces of evidence linking GRU to the DNC hack is the equivalent of identical fingerprints found in two burglarized buildings: a reused command-and-control address  176.31.112[.]10  that was hard codedin a piece of malware found both in the German parliament as well as on the DNCs servers. Russian military intelligence was identified by the German domestic security agency BfV as the actor responsible for the Bundestag breach. The infrastructure behind the fake MIS Department domain was also linked to the Berlin intrusion through at least one other element, a shared SSL certificate. This paragraph sounds quite damning if you take it at face value, but if you invest a little time into checking the source material, its carefully constructed narrative falls apart. Problem #1: The IP address 176.31.112[.]10 used in the Bundestag breach as a Command and Control server has never been connected to the Russian intelligence services. In fact, Claudio Guarnieri, a highly regarded security researcher, whose technical analysis was referenced by Rid, stated that no evidence allows to tie the attacks to governments of any particular country.

Mind you, he has two additional problems with that claim alone. This piece is a must read if you want to dig further into this topic.

NOTES

[1] More than a talking point but, really, less than a narrative. Its like we need a new word for these bite-sized, meme-ready, disposable, throw em against the wall and see if they stick stories; mini-narrative, or narrativelette, perhaps. All the crunch of a real narrative, but none of the nutrition!

[2] This post is not about todays Trump moral panic, where the political class is frothing and stamping about The Donalds humorous (or ballbusting, take your pick) statement that he hoped the Russians had hacked the 30,000 emails that Clinton supposedly deleted from the email server she privatized in her public capacity as Secretary of State before handing the whole flaming and steaming mess over to investigators. First, who cares? Those emails are all about yoga lessons and Chelseas wedding. Right? Second, Clinton didnt secure the server for three months. What did she expect? Third, Trumps suggestion is just dumb; the NSA has to have that data, so why not just ask them? Finally, to be fair, Trump shouldnt have uttered the word Russia. He should have said Liechtenstein, or Tonga, because its hard to believe that theres a country too small to hack as fat a target as Clinton presented; Trump was being inflammatory. Points off. Bad show.
Clever koalas learn to cross the road safely BBC

Olympics Committee Says Non-Sponsors Are Banned From Tweeting About the Olympics Gizmodo (Dan K)

Boeing Considers Ending Production of 747 Wall Street Journal. Oh, I love 747s! But even by the standards of jets, they guzzle fuel.

Antibiotic resistance: Snot wars study yields new class of drugs BBC

Hours activity offsets sedentary day BBC (furzy)

Is the Present Worse Than Any Fictional, Futuristic Dystopia? Vulture

Oxfam in call for crackdown to combat money launderers using Scottish shell firms Herald Scotland. Our Richard Smith has a byline! And some related stories: Mystery as dissolved Scottish firm Childwall Systems provides armed guards in Ukrainian war zone and Fuerteventura Inter: Scots firm at centre of organised crime probe into weapons deal

Brexit

Immigration and Brexi t. Jeremy Grantham (vlade) Important. Also a reminder that inequality is why the US has so rapidly become a low-trust society.

UK joins Greece at bottom of wage growth league Guardian

France church attack: Second suspect in priest killing named BBC

The end of Germanys golden age Politico

Commission decides against fining Portugal, Spain for budget breaches Politico (paywalled). Mind you, this was Schaubles doing. From the e-mail summary:

Commissioners yesterday decided not to fine Spain and Portugal for breaching EU budget rules. President Juncker had been pushing for fines in recent days but was in the minority  a rare defeat of presidential wishes. Sources told POLITICO that Wolfgang Schauble, the normally hardline German finance minister, had been ringing commissioners asking them to decide against fining the two countries.

Catalonia Parliament Approves Independence Path in Defiance of Constitutional Court Michael Shedlock

China?

Syraqistan

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Trade Traitors

2016

Booing and Nothingness Corey Robin (martha r)

Danny Glover in support of Nina Turner at the DNC Media Tent YouTube (Phil U)

Nina Turner Allies Hold Press Event to Defend Prominent Sanders Surrogate Common Dreams

Rosario Dawson And Shailene Woodley On The Young Turks To Discuss #ImWithNina YouTube. Phil U:

She wasnt de-credentialed, she was supposed to be the one that nominated Sanders and Clinton people nixed her speech. The had a press conference with a lot of the A list Celebs that backed sanders and Yahne of #BernieOrBust, the I dont give a fuck about Trump lady, and a Muslim women Bernie Delegate who was very upset when Clinton won the nomination, Clinton Camp said what a great picture to exploit and tweeted it with a misleading caption to make it look like she was thrilled and for Clinton. (they did take it down eventually) Nina decided against talking at the conference.Worth watching,

Coalition of 57 Speaks in Solidarity Effort to Achieve Democratic Unity (martha r). By the group that organized the walkout.

Joe Biden: Moral Bernie Supporters Will Vote for Hillary Daily Beast (resilc)

A Metaphoric Short Circuit: On Michelle Obamas Speech at the DNC Counterpunch (margarita)

After Lying Low, Deep-Pocketed Clinton Donors Return to the Fore New York Times (TF). Quelle surprise!

The Real Paranoia-Inducing Purpose Of Russian Hacks New Yorker. Dan K: Clickbait title oversells the conclusion, the synthesis is so-so IMO, but good sourcing (links in live article). The author has written some interesting stuff (considering his class context).

Trump Has A Point On Russia Hack American Conservative (reslc). Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Mr. Trump said, staring directly into the cameras. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.' This was a joke yet the media decided to treat it seriously to feed the Trump-Putin myth. You can watch what he said here. So now we see the MSM playing up something as reality based as the Obama birth certificate scandal.

Why These Union Members and Lifelong Democrats Are Voting Trump Daily Beast (resilc)
'It just flipped': Busch details final season with Joe Gibbs Racing in 'Race for the Championship' In the latest episode of USA Network's "Race for the Championship," Busch describes the change at JGR and is introduced with a new team.
Arch Capital Corp.'s mortgage insurance business saw its second-quarter underwriting income increase 128% when compared with the prior year, to $37.8 million from $16.6 million, as it is gaining more business from banks and mortgage bankers.

This segment includes both Arch U.S. MI as well as the company's mortgage reinsurance line.

Net premiums written increased 81% year-over-year to $111.5 million. While two-thirds of that is due to an increase from the Australian mortgage reinsurance business, much of the rest comes from growth in the U.S. flow mortgage insurance business. This line item also benefited from government-sponsored enterprise risk-sharing deals receiving insurance treatment for accounting purposes.

Arch U.S. MI had $6.4 billion of new insurance written for the quarter, up from $2.7 billion one year prior. Over three-quarters of the business came from bank and nonbank mortgage lenders, up from 50% in the second quarter of 2015. When Arch Capital acquired CMG Mortgage Insurance from PMI Group and CUNA Mutual, all of its NIW came from credit unions.
Quarterly profit at CIT Group plunged after the in Livingston, N.J., company recorded $167 million in charges tied to its discontinued reverse-mortgage servicing unit.

The $66.7 billion-asset company said in a press release Thursday that it earned $14.1 million, which was a significant decline from the $115.3 million it reported a year earlier. Earnings per share of 90 cents were 13 cents higher than the average estimate of analysts polled by Bloomberg.

The big charge stemmed from ongoing issues with CIT's Financial Freedom business, which the company inherited from its purchase of OneWest Bank in Pasadena, Calif. CIT bought OneWest last August.

CIT earlier this year disclosed material weaknesses with the accounting in its reverse-mortgage business, causing it a delay in the filing of its annual report. The inspector general for the Department of Housing and Urban Development is investigating the unit, CIT said.

Ellen Alemany, CIT's chairman and chief executive, said in the release that she was "disappointed" by the Financial Freedom charges.

Net interest income was $212.8 million, compared to $18.6 million last year. The loan-loss provision rose 52%, to $28.1 million. The net finance margin expanded by 32 basis points, to 3.65%.

Fee income rose by 13%, to $673.6 million, on gains from the sale of leasing equipment and gains on derivatives.

Noninterest expenses rose 31%, to $582.9 million, on higher salary expenses and professional fees.
#stocks Seoul shares fall on lackluster tech earnings, Fed policy uncertainties South Korean stocks snapped a two-day gaining streak to close lower Friday, as investor sentiment was hurt by lackluster earnings and dim guidance from major U.S. tech companies, a...

#Son Ye-jin Actress Son Ye-jin expecting baby in December South Korean actress Son Ye-jin is expecting a son in December, her management agency MSteam Entertainment said Friday. The 40-year-old tied the knot with actor Hyun Bin in Mar...
(NaturalNews) Illinois came one step closer to forcing its pro-life medical community to choose between violating state law and violating deeply held religious conscience Wednesday, as the state's House approved Senate Bill 1564 and set the legislation on the governor's desk.(Article by Jay Hobbs, republished from www.lifenews.com The bill, which would introduce decisive changes to Illinois' Health Care Right of Conscience Act, passed by a 61-54 margin and now awaits the signature of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.Originally put forward in the summer of 2015, the legislation would require pro-life medical providers, including 51 Illinois nonprofit pregnancy centers offering free services including ultrasound and STI testing, to take action the bill's opponents say amounts to participating in an abortion.[CONTACT ILLINOIS GOV. RAUNER AND URGE A VETO ON SB 1564][1]Particularly at issue is the bill's requirement that every Illinois pro-life medical provider of any kind who chooses not to perform a procedure such as abortion or a prescription for birth control has one of three options: Either they must "refer the patient" to another provider, "transfer the patient" to another provider, or provide a list of "other health care providers who they reasonably believe may offer the health care service."One way or another, the law would compel pro-life medical providers in Illinois to participate in abortions.Stripping pro-life medical providers of their freedom to hold to life-affirming beliefs and refuse to participate in abortion would have a far-reaching effect on Illinois women, Matt Bowman, senior legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), said."This Amendment takes away the rights of Illinois women to be treated by a pro-life doctor, because it would force medical facilities and physicians who conscientiously object to performing abortions (and other procedures) to refer for, make arrangements for someone else to perform, or arrange referral information that lists willing providers, for abortions," Bowman said."By violating the pro-life principles of pro-life physicians and medical organizations, the Amendment would deprive Illinois women of their choice of a medical provider that does not refer for arrange for abortions in any way."Bowman, who urged the pro-life community to contact Gov. Rauner's office immediately (click here to contact Gov. Rauner)[2] and ask him to veto the legislation, has helped spearhead the opposition to SB 1564 since 2015, drafting a letter to the state Senate, in which he stated ADF's intention to oppose the law in court, if needed.Co-signatories on the letter included pregnancy help organization affiliate organizations Heartbeat International and Care Net, as well as American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, six Illinois physiciansfour of whom are OB/GYNsand 11 Illinois pregnancy medical centers.Wednesday's vote in the Illinois House comes just two days after Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer vowed to enforce California's so-called "Reproductive FACT Act,[3]" which Bowman and ADF are currently scheduled to challenge at a June 14 hearing in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals."We're seeing a renewed sense of vigor and vitriol directed at life-affirming professionals, practices and pregnancy centers," Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International, said. "No woman should ever be compelled by her state to consider abortion as her only option in an unexpected pregnancy, and that is exactly who will suffer because of this legislation."While pregnancy help organizations counsel clients and patients on such facts as the baby's development, and the physical and psychological dangers of abortion, the proposed legislation's inclusion of a requirement to counsel on the "benefits" of abortion has also raised concern among pro-life opponents to the bill.Although the bill requires pro-life healthcare providers and organizations to participate in abortion, it does not include stipulations that healthcare professionals, institutions, or organizations counsel patients on alternatives to abortion such as parenting or placing for adoption.Similar government-sponsored speech for pregnancy centers has been struck down as unconstitutional in Austin (TX), Baltimore and Montgomery County (MD) and New York City."We have over 100 pregnancy help centers for women in Illinois that are supported by private donations and run by people who selflessly give their time to help women in an unplanned pregnancy," Emily Zender, executive director of Illinois Right to Life, said. "This bill would destroy the pregnancy centers forcing them to violate their own mission and jeopardize women's health. We strongly urge the Governor to veto this bill."In addition to contacting the governor's office directly, Illinois Right to Life is building a petition at ProtectMyConscience.org[4]Read more at: www.lifenews.com Sources:[1] http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactus/Pages/default.aspx [2] http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactus/Pages/default.aspx [3] http://www.lifenews.com [4] www.ProtectMyConscience.org
Poor federal oversight and inconsistent state regulations

EPA needs to do more

(NaturalNews) Most of us want to think of our homes and schools as safe places where families can pass time with minimal exposure to danger. Unfortunately, some residents and school students in Irvine, Kentucky, have suddenly found themselves in an environment more akin to Chernobyl than Appalachian Kentucky.Denny and Vivian Smith live in the idyllic Estill County town situated near the Kentucky River on property that has belonged to their ancestors since the 1800s. Last August, the area was descended upon by a convoy of trucks that were transporting concentrated fracking waste from northern West Virginia to the Blue Ridge Landfill.The trucks brought 400 tons of low-level radioactive waste to the facility, which is not permitted to accept this type of waste.The landfill's other neighbors? Estill County Middle School and Estill County High School, which have a combined enrollment of 1,200 public school students.Neighbors and parents are outraged, and the community is demanding to know how this could have happened. State agencies are also asking a lot of questions.One big part of the problem is the poor and inconsistent federal oversight and mess of state regulations governing this kind of waste. There is no single government agency completely responsible for radioactive waste from horizontal oil and gas operations, leading the Center for Public Integrity to call it "orphan waste."Therefore, each state must figure out how to deal with. It. New York, for example, has banned fracking , but it does still allow waste disposal with very weak overnight. Meanwhile, Ohio has not formalized waste rules at all.Hydraulic fracturing produces wastewater that measures in the hundreds of thousands of tons in the Ohio Valley area. The drilling process concentrates the radioactive materials that naturally occur deep inside the earth, and this waste is hazardous not only to the environment, but also public health.A number of state agencies are now investigating the landfill for accepting this waste . Although it is not quite as hazardous as nuclear power plant waste, the Environmental Protection Agency admits that the radioactive materials that are found in drilling waste do pose risks.The radioactive leachate can contaminate groundwater over time, and the radioactive dust carries its own set of problems . Worst of all, radioactive waste is known to last centuries, outliving the engineered lifespan of liners found in many landfills.Vivian Smith said: "We are getting older and we feel like we're kind of vulnerable to illnesses with what's going on at the landfill."Like many people in the area, she is disheartened that this type of act was able to take place and wonders what could happen to the children attending the nearby schools."Knowing that there was nothing going on to protect us, I think it's like the henhouse was not guarded and the fox got in," she added.This is just the latest example of how the inconsistency in state regulations ends up causing mistakes and general confusion.The EPA did recently take a step in the right direction by banning the disposal of fracking waste water at any publicly owned treatment works. This measure is aimed at preventing the contaminants contained in this waste, such as chemical additives and heavy metals, from entering public water systems.However, this may not have a noticeable impact in places like Pennsylvania, where most energy companies have found other disposal methods following a call by former governor Tom Corbett to end the practice. Nevertheless, it should help deter new efforts to dispose of the waste at public plants during the future gas rushes that the state is bracing for.Many western Pennsylvanian residents living along the Monongahela River still remember having to use bottled drinking water in 2008 and 2009 after fracking waste that was not properly treated was pumped into the Mon by municipal sewage plants when the natural gas boom first hit the area.The Pennsylvania Director of environmental group Clean Water Action, Myron Arnowitt, said: "We are pleased to see EPA set clear rules to stop this practice. Pennsylvania residents have learned the hard way that when the oil and gas industry is allowed to use sewage plants as their dumping sites our water becomes undrinkable." However, much more needs to be done to deal with the problem.With so many potential sources of water contamination out there, many people are rightfully concerned about whether their own drinking water is truly safe for consumption. In light of this, Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, is leading an effort to test water samples from around the country for free. He has tested more than 200 samples so far, and instructions for submitting samples can be found on the EPA Watch website . The test results of the first hundred samples are published in the Natural Science Journal.


Glyphosate's been lingering in feminine hygiene products for a long time ...

The glyphosate-spraying loophole that makes it possible for the chemical to end up virtually everywhere

No matter how low the levels, glyphosate is bad  plain and simple

(NaturalNews) Over 3,000 boxes of cotton-based panty liners have been pulled off the shelves in Canada and France, after findings that they contained glyphosate , the active  and cancer-causing  ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup . Italian manufacturer Corman made the decision to pull the Organyc brand upon the discovery that the chemical was detected in five of 11 feminine hygiene products that were analyzed. The decision to remove items from shelves also involved Organyc brand tampons as well.Corman maintains that the decision was a "precaution," adding that although only approximately, "25 nanogrammes per gramme" of glyphosate was found, it's still a matter of concern. "These traces should not be present in organic cotton," the manufacturer said. A spokeswoman for Corman stated, "We don't think it is dangerous, it's simply a precautionary measure, because our priority is the safety and health of our consumers."Of the notion that it's not dangerous, we beg to differ. It's our thought that ANY amount of glyphosate  or anything known to be harmful to the human body  presents a danger and should be avoided.Interestingly, Health Ranger Mike Adams reported on this issue many months ago, reminding readers that 85 percent of women are using feminine hygiene products that contain glyphosate. In his article, the title of which asks, "Are you putting Monsanto in your vagina?" he raises some disturbing points, including the fact that in the late 1970s and early 1980s, women were killed after using tampons.He wrote, "Although the FDA and the feminine hygiene industry have gone to tremendous lengths to try to memory hole this true history (and label it just a 'rumor'), tampons made from certain non-natural fibers were found to harbor deadly bacteria and release a sufficient quantity of chemicals to kill or injure over a thousand women."Think about it: It's acceptable for non-GMO crops to be sprayed with glyphosate. Yes, you read correctly. As long as the spraying is done before planting or prior to harvest, it's A-okay to do. Basically, that's how the toxic chemical ends up in everything from your children's oat-based cereal to those "natural" panty liners and other feminine hygiene products.Health-conscious writer Meghan Telpner states, "I say heck no to sticking toxic cotton up into my nethers." She refers to tampons as "death sticks," and informs people that 84 million pounds of pesticides are sprayed on 14.4 million acres of conventional cotton that's grown in the United States on an annual basis.Unfortunately, there isn't even a feeling of safety inherent in the term "cotton-based" anymore. Monsanto's got its hands everywhere , even in instances you'd assume they wouldn't.But Mike Adams is quick to call the greedy folks at Monsanto out, indicating that even low levels of the chemical are dangerous. "Glyphosate has even been found to promote cancer at parts per trillion concentrations," he explains, "meaning that even low-level exposure from tampons might lead to deadly cancers in women. (The GMO industry says women who are concerned about GMOs are 'anti-science' and too stupid to understand technology.)"He goes on to say that, "It is inarguable that the human vagina readily absorbs chemicals found in tampons. When those tampons are made from GMO cotton -- the vast majority of cotton that's commercially grown -- they almost always contain glyphosate that gets absorbed through vaginal walls and enters the bloodstream."Other feminine hygiene brands that have come under scrutiny in this same regard involve Procter & Gamble's Always sanitary pads and Tampax tampons, as well as Johnson & Johnson's o.b. and Nett tampons.Is anyone safe from glyphosate anymore?
Bernie supporters flabbergasted by party's decision to back fracking

Flashback on fracking views

Philanthropy not allowed at the DNC

Democrats actively working against GMO-labeling

(NaturalNews) Supporters of the Democratic Party have been abandoned, forgotten and left in the dust, as their purported representatives endorse policies that best serve theirinterests, while completely ignoring the wants and desires of their constituents.This was best illustrated at the Democratic National Convention, when the party made clear their decision to back the environmentally destructive practice known as fracking , giving full-fledged support to Big Oil and Gas.Historically, Democrats have a reputation for at least pretending to care about the environment , promising to "protect America's natural resources," to regulate industry's biggest polluters to ensure people have clean water, soil and air, and to do whatever it takes to label GMOs.But when it comes time to take action, the party falls flat, selling their souls to the very industries citizens are begging to be protected from.Not only are Bernie Sanders' supporters (who supported their candidate based mainly on his anti-establishment rhetoric) supposed to now back establishment queen Hillary Clinton, but they're supposed to get behind fracking, too.Thousands of protesters braved the scorching heat on Sunday as they marched through the streets of Philadelphia calling for an end to fracking  a process involving high-pressure injection of millions of gallons of water mixed with chemical additives into deep underground rock formations, releasing oil and gas reserves.Multiple studies have linked fracking to water contamination, air pollution and potential changes in our atmospheric chemistry, creating genuine cause for concern, which seemed to be shared by the Democratic Party  that is until recently.Both Clinton and Sanders publicly vowed to at least limit fracking, regulating the industry to ensure clean air and water. Sanders, in fact, unequivocally supported an outright ban on fracking, endorsing the "keep it in the ground" campaign, while vowing to stop future drilling on federal land."Some of the differences between the Clinton and Sanders camps are more on strategy than on substance: Both candidates believe in climate change and have said they want to work toward deploying renewable energy," reported in June.It's now apparent that this does not include a ban on fracking."During a 9-hour meeting in St. Louis, Missouri on Friday, members of the DNC's platform drafting committee voted down a number of measures proposed by Bernie Sanders surrogates that would have come out against the contentious Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), fracking, and the Israeli occupation of Palestine," according to Common Dreams The panel rejected "a national moratorium on fracking as well as new fossil fuel drilling leases on federal lands and waters.""[W]e are here today to tell the Democratic Party that their base wants to put an end to fossil fuels and to ban fracking," Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, said while attending the weekend march."We're demanding a ban on fracking and an end to fossil fuel infrastructure and to keep it in the ground. It's time to really demand what we want and not half-measures."Fracking isn't the only issue Democrats flip back and forth on. The party that claims to care deeply about helping the poor, essentially refused to recycle leftover food at a welcome party for delegates at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.One of the delegates, who reportedly "went to bed hungry many a night," grew angry after the caterer told him that donating the food to the poor "wasn't allowed," according to reports Democrats also betrayed their followers on the important issue of GMO-labeling. The promises began with Obama, who vowed to label GMOs during his campaign for presidency. But instead, he appointed Monsanto executives to the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.The party again blocked GMO-labeling this summer, voting in favor of a bill that forces consumers to rely on QR codes obtained from their smart phones.The legislation falls hugely short even for consumers who go the extra mile and check QR codes, because the decision about which GMOs will be labeled falls on the future secretary of the USDA, who will be appointed by the next president.(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A body of a dead man was found in a burned sedan parked in Santa Clarita, a town north of Los Angeles, The Guardian reported.

The wildfire has been causing trouble in the town since last week.

Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Rob Hahnlein told ABC News that the body was found on Saturday in Iron Canyon Road, an area that was ordered to be evacuated because of wildfire threat.

A resident of Santa Clarita told KTLA 5 News that the man was separated from his significant other and that their home already burned down.

In a statement, Hahnlein said they are already conducting investigation to figure out whether the body was a wildfire casualty or a victim of homicide.

According to reports, two wildfires have been raging across California since Friday. A so-called "Sand Fire" burned 34 square miles near the city of Santa Clarita, while the other spread 16 square miles across the Big Sur region. At least 18 homes had been destroyed and thousands more are threatened.

As soaring high temperatures and erratic winds continued, the Sand Fire has tripled in size on Monday, extending beyond 33,000 acres. Only 10 percent of it was controlled.

A recent report by NBC News said as of now, about 20,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes as 3,000 firefighting personnel fight to control the blazing fire.

Drought-stricken California has been battling with wildfires since May. Droughts can last for a decade or more. Due to climate change, the risk of having droughts is doubled today.

Succeeding big wildfires in June officially marked the start of an intense wildfire spread for this year in California. It was the same month when a raging wildfire in Central California has killed two elderly people. Their bodies were found inside their burned house.

Officers said California may see more burned bodies as fire continues to devour the dry bushes of the state.
The existence of life in the universe has always been shrouded in mystery. But now, a team of scientists has proposed a closer look on LUCA, which is possibly the oldest ancestor of living things, through genetics.

According to a study published in the journal Nature Biology, the paper aims to fill the void of information about LUCA, or the last universal common ancestor of all cells, which acts as a link between the first microbial life on Earth to the planet's abiotic phase.

To get a clearer picture of LUCA, the researchers investigated the phylogenetic trees of 6.1 million protein coding genes. From the pool, they identified 355 genes that may have been in LUCA.

The scientists reveal that the 355 genes showed that the organism (LUCA) lived in deep sea volcanoes, where magma erupts through the ocean floors. Because of its living conditions, some LUCA's genes contain a heat-dwelling enzyme, called gyrase. It can also metabolize hydrogen.

"I was flabbergasted at the result, I couldnt believe it," William F. Martin of Heinrich Heine in the University in Dusseldorf and the study leader, told the The New York Times.

Martin and his team also found out that LUCA was an anaerobe that lived in an oxygen-less environment and consumed minerals.

"When we look at the inferred metabolism of LUCA, we are looking at the dominant and most successful kind of metabolism on the planet before the Bacteria and Archaea diverged," said biologist James McInerney.

He added, "This new study provides us with a very intriguing insight into life four billion years ago.

James Lake, an evolutionary biologist from the University of California, explained to Science that genes from LUCA could still be scattered in living things today, particularly in modern microbes like clostridium, a genus of anaerobic bacteria, and methanogens, a group of H2-eating archaea.

To learn more about LUCA, the oldest ancestor of living things, check out the video below.
New Zealand is waging an all-out war against rats, possums and stoats to make the country predator-free by 2050.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key made the announcement earlier this week via a press release, saying that predators have been one of the major threats in New Zealand's wildlife apart from poaching and deforestation. Rats, stoats and possums have also been reported to cost the economy a huge setback of around $3.3 billion a year.

Rats, possums and stoats kill 25 million of our native birds every year, and prey on other native species such as lizards and, along with the rest of our environment, we must do more to protect them," Key said.

Key said they will set up a new venture company called Predator Free New Zealand Limited, which will work with the private sector to achieve the country's goal of a predator-free New Zealand by 2050.

Key said the government will be investing $28 million to the said project along with the its pest control funding of around $60 to $80 million.

"This ambitious project is the latest step in the National-led Governments commitment to protecting our environment," Key said. "We are committed to its sustainable management and our track record speaks for itself."

An extreme challenge

However, CBS News reported that scientists are a bit iffy about the goal, saying that it will be extremely hard to achieve considering the geographical size of New Zealand.

Jacqueline Beggs, an ecologist, said it will require a lot of hard work and will "stretch boundaries" as the pest eradication is now at a bigger scale.

Still, Key is positive that through the cooperation of New Zealanders, their goal of a predator-free country will be possible.

He said, "We know we can do it because we have shown time and again what can be achieved when New Zealanders come together with the ambition, willpower and wherewithal to make things happen.
The iconic Solar Impulse 2 successfully landed into history.

On Tuesday, the world's first solar-powered aircraft has completed its around the world trip.

The plane, powered by only renewable energy, wrapped up its 17-stage journey after landing at the Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi from the Egyptian capital Cairo. It took the plance 48 hours and 37 minutes.

"The future is clean. The future is you. The future is now. Let's take it further," said Bertrand Piccard, who manned the Swiss-engineered aircraft for its finale stage, as he arrived in Abu Dhabi.

The quest which began its expedition on March 9, 2015, covered some 42,000 kilometers, taking in four continents, three seas and two oceans, BBC reported.

Swiss aircraft project Solar Impulse is a dynasty project plotted to promote the use of energy efficient solutions and to show the world that clean technologies can achieve impossible goals. It is geared towards scientific development while upholding protection of the environment.

Solar Impulse 2 is the brainchild of Piccard and Bertrand Borschberg, a Swiss engineer and businessman. Solar aviation began in the 1970s but it wasn't until the next decade that human flights took off.

The Solar Impulse is a single-seater aircraft so the two men have shared the flying by taking different legs of the journey. <CNNdescribes the plane as a lightweight aircraft that weighs the same as an SUV, but has the wingspan of a Boeing 747. The wings carry more than 17,000 solar cells.

During the trip, there were a total of 19 official aviation records set. Among those are the record-breaking solo flight of 5 days and 5 nights without fuel from Nagoya to Hawaii, courtesy of Borschberg, and being the first plane to cross the Atlantic without a single drop of fuel, manned by Piccard.

In an interview with The Guardian, Piccard said the world should celebrate the milestone not only because it is the first the history of aviation, but also because it is a first in the history of energy.
With the explorations done by NASA, and the 2030 expedition set in stone, is living on planet Mars a possibility? Now, NASA reports that long-term living on the red planet could be really possible. Has Matt Damon's "The Martian" film provided a pre-sight into the future of life on Mars?

In a full technical paper by NASA entitled "Frontier In-Situ Resource Utilization for Enabling Sustained Human Presence on Mars," long-term colonization by humans on planet Mars is highly feasible. There is however a catch, pioneers of the red planet have to "live off the land."

"There are massive resources on Mars obtainable from the atmosphere and extracted from the regolith which are capable of supporting human colonization," state the authors.

Existing technologies could provide fuel, oxygen, water, as well as building materials. The report adds that NASA should be able to match ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization) with frontier technologies such as 3D printing and autonomy, nanotechnology, machine intelligence, synthetic biology, and robotics.

"These technologies, combined with the vast natural resources, should enable serious, pre- and post-human arrival ISRU to greatly increase reliability and safety and reduce cost for human colonization of Mars," explains NASA.

NASA's technical report that life on Mars is feasible adds to earlier studies and reports. In 2010, planetary scientists Robert Zubrin and Christopher McKay discussed and proposed visual concepts about how Mars could offer a "friendly" atmosphere for creatures of the Earth. Terraforming Mars is a thousand-year project for the two scientists.

Now, the thousand-year project proposed by the scientists is clearly a possibility. NASA already has the Curiosity rover and has other tech amalgams on the red planet. For their space mission in 2020, the next rover with more advanced technology is set to join. On the other hand, astronauts for the 2030 Mars expedition have gone under sea as well in preparation for their mission.
Dwarf planet Ceres dumbfounded scientists when different images of it proved its craters were missing.

Could ice volcanoes explain Ceres' missing craters? https://t.co/EAvMuTZnhJ  Dwarf Planet Ceres (@CeresToday) July 27, 2016

The Dawn spacecraft is tasked to capture images of Ceres and it started the mission last year. Ceres, a dwarf planet near-Earth and was currently a subject of study and debate due to its disappearing and massive craters.

Ceres is located at the biggest asteroid belt, which means most bodies in the region should have marks from impacts. But as the Dawn spacecraft flyby data arrived, the results came as a surprise as there are no huge craters visible from the images, only small ones not bigger than 15-mile wide.

Based on the computer-simulated impacts, it was confirmed that Ceres is missing craters that should be present on its surface. The study was conducted by the Southwest Research Institute and due to Ceres' strategic location between Mars and Jupiter, there should be impact-caused remnants on its surface about 10 to 15 that are 250 miles across. But the Dawn photos showed there are none of the huge craters on Ceres. The findings were published in the journal of Nature Communications according to LA Times.

"Ceres is thought to have formed at the dawn of the solar system, some one to ten million years or so after the onset of formation," Simone Marchi said in an interview with the Guardian. "Thus, Ceres is a witness to the tumultuous early days where collisions were much more frequent and violent than today."

According to the research, the icy interiors of the dwarf planet could have caused the disappearance of the craters since the interiors have a tendency to move. The ground freshens itself after long periods of times. But there are other theories that might explain why they aren't many craters on Ceres, one is that the dwarf planet may have "cryovolcanoes" in the ancient times spewing water and ice erasing the craters in the surface.

Studies are currently ongoing to further understand the mystery of missing craters on Ceres. But its rarity has won over the attention of scientists around the world, thanks to the discovery of NASA's Dawn spacecraft.
A group of researchers from the Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences are growing a special kind of dandelion native from Kazakhstan to be used as a sustainable source of rubber in the United States.

The said dandelion is known by its scientific name Taraxacum kok-saghyz, but the researchers decided to call it Buckeye Gold. Unlike other wild dandelions growing in the United States, Buckeye Gold is capable of producing rubber that has nearly identical quality and performance as those produced from Hevea rubber trees grown in South East Asia.

According to a press release from American Chemical Society, the roots of Buckeye Gold contains 10 to 15 percent natural rubber. Liquid latex rubber and rubber solids were extracted from the roots of Buckeye Gold in a processing plant using water.

Dandelions have great potential to be a sustainable source of rubber in the U.S. Unlike rubber trees that are growing in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, Buckeye Gold does not take years to grow. Because rubber trees takes a long time to mature, producers are having a hard time adapting to the increasing demands of rubber.

However, researchers noted that it will take some time before dandelion can be used as an alternative source of rubber. Researchers are trying to find a way to modify Buckeye Gold to increase its rubber content. They also want to synthesize the weed to be able to withstand weed and pest control measures and resist diseases and cross-pollination with native plants.

Researchers also need to show to farmers that they could profit in planting dandelions. Additional uses for other parts of the dandelion are also being studied to reduce waste being produced by rubber production.

"There are embedded interests in the crops we already grow," Katrina Cornish, a researchers at Ohio State University and leading the study on dandelion rubber, told Chemical and Engineering News. "Without farmers growing it, there are not farmers lobbying for it."


Solar Impulse 2 has touched down in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of its historic fuel-free trip around the world.

The solar-powered plane landed at the Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday after a 48-hour flight from Cairo, with pilot Bertrand Piccard at the controls. The Cairo-Abu Dhabi flight was the 17th and final leg of the plane's global journey, which began in March 2015 when the plane flew from Abu Dhabi to Oman.

Solar Impulse 2 has traveled 26,744 miles since taking off from Abu Dhabi at the beginning of the journey, and spent up to 558 hours of flight time, FoxNews.com reports.

"The future is clean. The future is you. The future is now. Let's take it further," Piccard said amidst applause in Abu Dhabi.

Solar Impulse chairman Piccard was also behind the controls when Solar Impulse 2 became the first solar-powered plane to cross the Atlantic during the 15th leg of its journey, a flight that took 71 hours. He had taken turns with fellow Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg in flying the single-seater sun-powered plane around the world.

Solar Impulse 2 has over 17,000 solar cells built into its wings. The solar cells provide the plane with renewable energy through four motors. The energy is stored in the plane's lithium polymer batteries, which provide power for flying during nighttime.

The 17-leg journey covered about 42,000 km, crossing four continents, two oceans and three seas, BBC reports.

The longest leg of the journey was the 8,924-km flight from Nagoya, Japan to Hawaii, U.S., which lasted nearly 118 hours. Borschberg was at the controls during this leg, and he broke the world record for longest (time duration) uninterrupted solo flight.

According to the Solar Impulse team, the final journey was one of the most challenging, as the plane flew through the Middle Eastern heat, and the high temperatures in the region put the plane's motors to test and caused turbulence.
Legislation authored by a South San Francisco state legislator requiring car dealers to install vehicle license plates instead of paper tags on newly bought vehicles was signed into law by the governor earlier this week.

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which oversees Bay Area regional transportation planning and financing, supported Assembly Bill 516 from Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin, D-San Francisco, saying it would help catch toll evaders and other lawbreakers.

The bill, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday after getting approved by the Legislature last month, requires the state Department of Motor Vehicles to develop a system by 2019 to allow dealers to electronically report the sale of a vehicle and provide a temporary paper license plate identifying the vehicle.

The MTC estimates that the Bay Area loses roughly $9 million annually in uncollected tolls, while toll roads and express lanes in Southern California lose about $10 million per year.

"Not only will the bill provide critical information to law enforcement agencies to help solve crimes, it will also return millions of dollars in revenue to Californians," Mullin said in a statement.
California Gov. Jerry Brown called for unity at this week's Democratic National Convention, but a couple of California delegates remember when it was his supporters who were disrupting the convention.

In 1992, Brown ran against Bill Clinton and the DNC initally denied him the podium. Brown's supporters began chanting "Let him speak."

"It was electric, all of the signs were up, people were screaming for the alternates and the honored guests down to the floor," said Mona Pasquil of Walnut Grove, who was an alternate supporting Bill Clinton.

Mary Ellen Early of Sherman Oaks was an unpledged super delegate who voted for Brown.

"But the very next day I was wearing a Bill Clinton button," Early said.

Both Early and Pasquil are delegates at this year's DNC and they see similarities between the passion of that '92 convention and the current one.

This time, Bernie Sanders supporters walked out during Tuesday's roll call and California delegates booed Sanders at a breakfast meeting.

But on Wednesday morning as Sanders addressed the Texas delegates, he received applause instead of boos as he urged support for Clinton.

"It's going to take some time, but I do believe that we share the common goal of not electing Donald Trump," Pasquil said.

NBC Bay Area attempted to reach out to the Never Hillary delegates at the convention without success.
The defense and prosecution traded last minute jabs in final arguments Wednesday before the jury began deliberating the pipeline safety and obstruction charges against PG&E.

The company stands accused of a dozen charges, 11 pipeline safety violations and single count of obstructing the federal probe into the 2010 gas explosion in San Bruno that left eight dead.

All Im asking you today, PG&Es lawyer Steve Bauer told the jury in his final argument, is one thing for PG&E and its employees  fair and equal justice under the law.

Bauer reminded the jury that it has an awesome responsibilitybut I know you can do it.

He stressed to the jury that its just not fair to label somebody, a corporation, a criminal based on decisions made by intentioned engineers struggling with historic records issues and complicated regulations.

Its easy, he said, to prosecute a logo with a slogan.

Prosecutors, Bauer said, had sunk to using such slogans as profits over safety that offered no context, no interpretation -- just slapping around sound bites.

You really should not have a trial on a sound bite  it really doesnt carry the governments burden of proving allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, he said.

He portrayed the companys engineers as well-intentioned professionals who were grappling with flawed and contradictory rules.

In her final argument, Assistant U.S. Attorney Hartley West called on the jury to carefully examine all the evidence over the last six weeks.

The right verdict is guilty on all counts, she said.

In summing up the case, West said the fundamental question is what the companys engineers did with the limited information they had about the gas pipelines.

This case isnt about whether these are good people or bad people or whether they were good engineers or bad engineers, West said, or even whether PG&E is a good company or a bad company.

At the heart of the case, she said, is the evidence that PG&Es had knowledge that it was obligated to perform costly pipeline inspections under the government regulations.

There is ample evidence that PG&E knew what the code required, West said, yet its engineers intentionally or voluntarily did not do what the code required.

West pointed to documents related to dozens of apparent instances where PG&E failed to earmark pipelines it considered at-risk for costly inspections that regulations call for should pressure surge above allowed levels.

The regulations, she said, call on operators to pump high pressure water to check for damage following such surges.

Instead, PG&E put a policy on paper to avoid such inspections and carried it out by not inspecting. She said that one engineer testified that the company had opted to wait and thus not earmark or prioritize those lines for proper inspection.

Thats what they prioritized  waiting.

She scoffed on the suggestion that the engineers were somehow confused by what was called for under the regulations. She said it is clear that over means over and that any amount of pressure surge on at-risk line must trigger the costly inspections.

They werent confused  they were only confused for litigation purposes, she said, noting that the companys representatives never sought guidance from regulators about the regulations either before or after the San Bruno gas explosion.

While the regulations dictated costly tests, West said, PG&E stuck to its largely ineffective but cheaper method to check for pipeline corrosion, known as external corrosion direct assessment or ECDA.

What did they chose? ECDA. ECDA every time, West said.

The method cannot inspect for damage inflicted during pressure surges, she said  only high pressure water or automated devices that verify lines are not damaged by pressure surges.

When federal regulators started asking questions after the San Bruno blast and the company faced an audit, she said, PG&E disavowed its policy of only inspecting lines following gas pressure surges of ten percent beyond allowable levels.

They got their lawyers to write a letter asserting that the very document they had just provided to investigators was an unapproved draft.

Was that misleading? Yes that was misleading, West declared, saying there was ample evidence to support the fact that the company had been giving itself a 10 percent buffer.

The prosecutor scoffed at the idea that engineers were somehow making calls on the companys most at-risk lines based on data and science.

These were business decisions, these were business decisions, she said.

Jury deliberations will resume Thursday morning.
The United States Navy will be naming one of their ships after gay rights icon and San Francisco politician Harvey Milk, according to a report by the U.S. Naval Institute, which cites a Congressional notice obtained by USNI News.

The July 14 notice, which was signed by Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, indicates that he plans to name a planned Military Sealift Command fleet oiler, USNS Harvey Milk, according to USNI.

The ship is reportedly being built by General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, California.

A Department of the Navy spokesman did not have a comment on the report.

Milk, who moved from New York to settle in San Francisco in the seventies, was elected to the SF Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California. In 1972, he and his partner Scott Smith  portrayed by James Franco in the film Milk  opened Castro Camera on 575 Castro Street, which he operated until his assassination in 1978. His involvement in San Franciscos gay rights movement earned him the name Mayor of Castro Street.

He joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and served on the submarine rescue ship USS Kittiwake (ASR-13) as a diving officer in San Diego. Milk came from a Navy family. He was honorably discharged from service as a lieutenant junior grade, according to USNI.

On Nov. 27, 1978, Milk was shot inside San Francisco City Hall. He was wearing his U.S. Navy divers belt buckle at the time, according to the report.

Ever since the 2011 repeal of the Department of Defenses Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy, California lawmakers have pushed to name a ship after Milk.

This action by the U.S. Secretary of the Navy will further send a green light to all the brave men and women who serve our nation that honesty, acceptance and authenticity are held up among the highest ideals of our military, Milks nephew Stuart Milk told the San Diego LGBT Weekly in 2012.

On Thursday, San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener, who signed a resolution urging the Navy to name a ship after Milk, applauded the Navy's apparent decision.

This is an incredible day for the LGBT community and for our country. As a gay man and a San Franciscan, I'm incredibly proud that the Navy is honoring Harvey Milk  and the entire LGBT community  by naming a ship after him," Weiner said.

"This momentous decision sends a powerful message around the world about who we are as a country and the values we hold," he said. "When Harvey Milk served in the military, he couldn't tell anyone who he truly was. Now our country is telling the men and women who serve, and the entire world, that we honor and support people for who they are. Harvey Milk's strength continues to reverberate throughout our city, our country, and the world.
The search continues for the owner of a pit bull who attacked a 6-year-old boy in Antioch earlier this month.

Police said the dog is dangerous and still on the loose.

The July 14 attack occurred in the Antioch Marina. Police said a woman and her grandson were walking in the area when out of nowhere the dog attacked the child.

"The grandmother fought the dog off," said Acting Lt. Tarra Nissen with the Antioch Police Department.

The dog left several wounds to the boy's groin and upper legs. The boy is expected to survive.

The pit bull and its owner, who authorities said is a transient, got away after the attack.

Police said the marina at the time was packed with more than 150 Pokemon Go players. Still, authorities have few witnesses or leads.

"It is obviously an aggressive animal," Nissen said. "It attacked a young boy unprovoked. It's a danger to the public."

Antioch-resident Ashley Roja said the attack is part of a larger issue of some dog owners being irresponsible.

"Why is a dog attacking somebody, especially at random? No provoking, nothing," Roja said.

Animal Control officers in Antioch said there was another dog attack last week, when two pit bulls attacked another dog.
Firefighters are bracing for hotter weather and lower humidity in the area near Big Sur where a wildfire has destroyed 34 homes and killed a bulldozer driver working to contain the massive blaze.

Cooler temperatures gave the more than 3,000 fire crews working around the clock a brief respite Wednesday but forecasters say Thursday and Friday will bring temperatures in the upper 80s with light winds and low humidity.

Another 10 outbuildings also have been razed by the blaze that has charred 37 square miles (93 sq. kilometers). The blaze is 10 percent contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

On Tuesday, the operator of a bulldozer was killed when it rolled over during the fight against the blaze.

Another operator escaped injury when a second bulldozer rolled over and sustained minor damage, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The name and age of the operator who was killed was not immediately available.

Battalion Chief Robert Fish said the operator was working in steep and difficult-to-access terrain when the accident occurred. Fish did not have further details about the incident but said 60 bulldozers were being used in the fight against the fire.

The death occurred as firefighters worked around the clock against the blaze near a scenic stretch of the California coast, where smoke and the threat of flames forced the closure of state parks near Big Sur, a popular tourist area.

At least 2,000 structures were threatened.

Pacific Coast Highway remained open Wednesday, but its signature views were marred by a dark haze.

Just in - #SoberanesFire in Monterey County is 14,897 acres - 5% contained. Firefighters battling tough conditions. pic.twitter.com/Tl4frqMGav  CAL FIRE PIO Berlant (@CALFIRE_PIO) July 25, 2016

#SobranesFire -- the sky was ablaze this afternoon out by the Santa Lucia Preserve. Surreal. To my wall you go. pic.twitter.com/0mxGnI6FQH  boutcher (@boutcher) July 25, 2016

#SobranesFire -- the sky was ablaze this afternoon out by the Santa Lucia Preserve. Surreal. To my wall you go. pic.twitter.com/0mxGnI6FQH  boutcher (@boutcher) July 25, 2016

View from Carmel Mid-Valley last night watching the fire.. Should have gone for longer exposure. #SobranesFire pic.twitter.com/Yp4dUXXU8i  boutcher (@boutcher) July 25, 2016

Impressive operations by #calfire today near Santa Lucia Reserve battling #SobranesFire. Sky glowing @ noon. Wow... pic.twitter.com/992fn7ETte  boutcher (@boutcher) July 25, 2016

View of #SobranesFire from #GlenDevenRanch late Saturday morning, our hearts are with those affected by this fire pic.twitter.com/3KTCd6TqZC  Big Sur Land Trust (@BigSurLandTrust) July 24, 2016

Just In - #SoberanesFire south of Carmel (Monterey Co) is now 6,500 acres & 5% contained. Fire remains very active. pic.twitter.com/n28Gdi6kOG  CAL FIRE PIO Berlant (@CALFIRE_PIO) July 24, 2016

Beautiful and terrifying all at once, from Garrapata Ridge. Photo of #SoberanesFire by Jessica Neafsey. pic.twitter.com/bCgkKb90wB  Sara Rubin (@SaraHayleyRubin) July 23, 2016

"We wanted to see more of the ocean,'' said Phoenix-area tourist Jim Newby, who drove along the highway with his family Tuesday. ``We didn't see a whole lot of it unfortunately, and it's a beautiful, beautiful stretch.''

The blaze could crest a ridge and make a run toward campgrounds, lodges and redwoods closer to the shore, officials said.

To the south, firefighters made progress containing a huge blaze in mountains outside Los Angeles, allowing authorities to let most of 20,000 people evacuated over the weekend return home.

The fire has destroyed 18 homes since it started and authorities found the burned body of 67-year-old Robert Bresnick on Saturday in a car and said he had refused to be evacuated.

The fire in rugged wilderness between the northern edge of Los Angeles and the suburban city of Santa Clarita grew slightly to nearly 60 square miles (154 square kilometers). It was 40 percent contained.

U.S. Forest Service spokesman Justin Correll said the 40 percent containment figure was good news but ``that means there's still 60 percent of containment left to get. And that's a lot.''

There was also high potential for "fire runs'' up slopes still choked with unburned brush, he said.
A 65-year-old Bristol, Connecticut, woman working at a local business was abducted, blindfolded, held hostage and terrorized for two hours while her captor robbed a bank on Wednesday, police said.

Robert Du Perry, 51, is accused of walking into a Bristol cemetery chapel with a BB gun before tying up and blindfolding the only employee there, Bristol police said.

According to court documents, Du Perry told police in a sworn statement that he left his home around 11:45 a.m., drove to the package store on Broad Street and had three beers. He said he went to the chapel to check out the architecture, according to the documents. Du Perry said that was when he came across a female employee who said something that made him angry, but he could not recall what she said.

Du Perry demanded the womans keys, duct taped her wrists, covered her eyes, and placed the woman in her own car, documents said. He used her cell phone to make false bombing threats to Hartford police, saying several municipal buildings were in danger, police said. The victim told officers that Du Perry told her several times that he had bombs with him.

After driving around, Du Perry pulled into the drive-thru of the TD Bank at 414 Broad Street with his gun aimed at the victim's head and told the teller that if she did not hand over money, he would kill his hostage, police said.

According to court documents, Du Perry told police he chose the TD Bank because the bank had charged him fees in the past.

The teller handed over $3,000, according to officials.

Police located a car that matched the description of the victim's car and Du Perry led officers on a pursuit into Wolcott, police said. At one point, he slowed down and ordered the victim out of the car. Eventually, Du Perry abandoned the vehicle and ran off, police said.

The hostage sustained minor scrapes and bruises.

Bristol, Wolcott and Southington officers were able to locate Du Perry in a heavily wooded area and took him into custody. No bombs or materials used to make bombs were found.

Du Perry was evaluated at the hospital for injuries and possible heat exhaustion. After he was released, police took him to the police department.

TD Bank released a statement about what happened.

"The safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our number one priority and we are grateful no one was hurt. We are cooperating with law enforcement on their investigation and therefore, we are unable to comment further," TD Bank spokesperson, Judy Schmidt, said in a statement.

Du Perry was charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree larceny, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, assault of victim over 60, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a pistol without a permit, first-degree burglary, first-degree threatening, engaging an officer in a pursuit and reckless driving.

He appeared in court on Thursday, where a public defender was appointed and bond was set at $1.3 million.

He is due back in court on Aug. 11.

Police said the charges do not include the bomb threat allegations.
Seeking to bridge deep Democratic divides, Bernie Sanders robustly embraced his former rival Hillary Clinton Monday night as a champion for the same economic causes that enlivened his supporters, signaling it was time for them, too, to rally behind her in the campaign against Republican Donald Trump.

"Any objective observer will conclude that  based on her ideas and her leadership  Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States," he declared in a headlining address on the opening night of the Democratic convention.

Sanders joined a high-wattage lineup of speakers, including first lady Michelle Obama who made a forceful, impassioned case for the Democratic nominee. Mrs. Obama's address all but wiped away earlier tumult in the convention hall that had exposed lingering tensions between Clinton and Sanders supporters.

Mrs. Obama, who has spent nearly eight years in the White House avoiding political fights, took numerous swipes at Trump, all while avoiding mentioning him by name.

"This election and every election is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives," she said. "There is only one person I trust with that responsibility, only one person I believe is truly qualified to be president of the United States, and that is Hillary Clinton."

While Sanders had endorsed Clinton previously, his remarks Monday marked his most vigorous and detailed praise of her qualifications for the presidency. It came at a crucial moment for Clinton's campaign, on the heels of leaked emails suggesting the party had favored the former secretary of state through the primaries despite a vow of neutrality.

Sanders scored the resignation of party chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a nemesis in the primaries, but that wasn't enough to quell the anger of supporters. As the convention opened, they still erupted in chants of "Bernie" and booed Clinton the first several times her name was mentioned. Outside the convention hall, several hundred marched down Philadelphia's sweltering streets with signs carrying messages such as "Never Hillary."

Behind the scenes, Sanders and Clinton aides joined forces to try to ease tensions. Clinton's campaign quickly added more Sanders' supporters to the speakers lineup. Sanders sent urgent messages to supporters asking them not to protest.

By the time Sanders took the stage for the night's closing address, much of the anger had been overshadowed by speeches promoting party unity. Sanders did his part, imploring his supporters to consider a country under Trump's leadership.

"If you don't believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country," he said.

President Bill Clinton, watching from the audience, leapt to his feet and applauded, as did most of the delegates filling the convention arena.

ATTACKS ON TRUMP

Sanders spoke just after Massachusetts. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a favorite of liberals who has emerged as one of the Democrats' toughest critics of Trump.

"Donald Trump has no real plans for jobs, for college kids, for seniors," she said in the keynote address. "No plans to make anything great for anyone except rich guys like Donald Trump."

Mrs. Obama was one of the night's standouts. While she has often avoided overt politics during her nearly eight years in the White House, her frustration with Trump's rise was evident. She warned that the White House couldn't be in the hands of someone with "a thin skin or a tendency to lash out" or someone who tells voters the country can be great again.

"This right now, is the greatest country on earth," she said.

Clinton's campaign hoped the nighttime line-up would overshadow a tumultuous start to the four-day convention. The hacked DNC emails fed the suspicion of Sanders' supporters and sapped Clinton's campaign of some of its energy following a well-received rollout Saturday of her running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

Campaigning in North Carolina, Trump seemed to revel in the Democrats' commotion, telling supporters that Clinton made a mistake by not choosing a more liberal running mate to appease Sanders' base. "Crazy Bernie's going crazy right now," he said.

But in Philadelphia, Delegates waved "Love Trumps Hate" signs and cheered as immigration supporters, gay rights advocates, and labor leaders took the stage.

Comedian-turned-Sen. Al Franken, a Clinton supporter, and actress Sarah Silverman, a Sanders supporter, made a joint appearance to promote party unity.

"I am proud to be part of Bernie's movement," Silverman said as the crowd roared. "And a vital part of that movement is making absolutely sure Hillary Clinton is our next president of the United States."

Trump was a frequent target throughout the night, though the jabs were often more mocking than mean. The tone was a sharp contrast to the Republican convention, where the attacks against Clinton was bitingly personal, including chants of "Lock her up."

Wasserman Schultz had planned to be among those taking the stage, despite the email hacking controversy. But she stepped aside, bowing to pressure from Democrats who feared the mere sight of her on stage would prompt strong opposition.

The outgoing chairwoman did watch the gathering from a private suite at the arena.

BREAKFAST PROTESTS

A breakfast for California's delegates Monday morning faced protesters, with speakers including California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, interrupted with boos by Sanders supporters each time they spoke about Clinton.

Pelosi said on stage she didnt take offense to the protests and spoke of the need to unite to defeat Trump. But for many of the Sanders delegates, simply voting for Clinton to defeat Trump would not suffice.

We want to make our voices heard for a real Democratic alternative,  said 41-year-old California delegate Joey Aszterbaum. Its not enough for the platform and the speakers to mention Trump all the time. Whats important is for us to stand for what we believe in.

Many supporters in the crowd spoke about their discontent with Clintons willingness to change her stance on issues like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and fracking and called her a "liar.

My voters do not want Hillary, my voters are very angry at how Bernie was treated through the primary, said 23-year-old California delegate Natalie Higley.

Higley said shes felt denigrated by Clinton supporters since arriving in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Sanders' delegates were waiting to see whether the Vermont senator frees them to vote for Hillary Clinton in Tuesday's roll call.

Nebraska delegate Jeff Leanna said the topic was a top discussion item at a breakfast meeting involving his state, Colorado and Nevada. He said regional members of the Clinton campaign were reaching out to some delegates to see if they would be willing to switch. He added he's willing to cross over if Sanders agrees to release them during a private meeting with delegates Monday.

Louise Edington of Utah said most in her delegation also were discussing but not revealing what they might do. Sanders won that state with nearly 80 percent of the vote.

Sanders won 1,846 pledged delegates from primaries and caucuses.

NBC's Kate Guarino and Associated Press writers Kathleen Hennessey, Catherine Lucey, Kathleen Ronayne, Lisa Lerer and Jeff Karoub contributed to this report..
FactCheck.org is a non-partisan non-profit organization that will hold candidates and key figures accountable during the 2016 presidential campaign. FactCheck.org will check facts of of speeches, advertisements and more for NBC.

Donald Trump falsely claims that Tim Kaine signed a letter recently asking to bring in even more Syrian refugees to the U.S. than Hillary Clinton has proposed. But Kaine recently only asked President Obama to honor his commitment to bring in 10,000 Syrian refugees.

Trump made his claim at the VFW National Convention on the night before Kaine is scheduled to accept the vice presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Trump, July 26: Hillary Clinton wants to bring in, if you can believe this, 550 percent more [Syrian refugees] than President Obama. More. And Tim Kaine wrote a letter very recently asking for more than even Hillary wants.

Trump frequently notes that Clinton wants to increase the number of Syrian refugees  above what Obama has authorized  by 550 percent. Clinton has said that she would admit as many as 65,000 refugees from Syria, which is a 550 percent increase from the 10,000 Syrian refugees that Obama said that he would authorize for admission in fiscal year 2016.

But did Kaine recently pen a letter seeking to admit even more Syrian refugees than Clinton called for? We reached out to the Trump campaign for support for the claim, but we did not hear back. And we could find no evidence of a letter that backs up Trumps claim.

On May 18, Kaine was one of 26 senators who signed a letter to Obama calling on him to honor his pledge to resettle at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in the U.S. this fiscal year. In the first seven months of the fiscal year so far, they noted, only 1,736 Syrians had been admitted to the U.S.

Letter to Obama, May 18: "Last September you announced a plan to resettle at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States during fiscal year 2016. We appreciate your recent affirmation that 'we can hit those marks before the end of the year.'

Nonetheless, we are deeply concerned about the slow pace of admissions for Syrian refugees in the first seven months of the fiscal year. During this timeframe only 1,736 Syrian refugees were admitted to the United States. By contrast, more than 6,000 refugees have been admitted from Burma, more than 5,000 refugees have been admitted from both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia, and more than 4,000 refugees have been admitted from Iraq. To fulfill the commitment you announced last year, at least 8,264 Syrian refugees would need to be admitted during the remaining five months of the fiscal year. We would appreciate an update on specific measures your Administration plans to take to fulfill its stated commitment to resettle the additional Syrian refugees by the end of September 2016."

Kaines figure on the number of Syrian refugees accepted in the first seven months of the fiscal year was correct, but we note that in the two months since then, the U.S. accepted an additional 3,475 refugees from Syria, bringing the total for the first nine months to 5,211 as of the end of June. The letter makes the case for the need for the U.S. to open its doors to Syrian refugees, but does not place a figure on an appropriate number, let alone call for more than Clinton has.

Kaine has long made the case that the U.S. has a moral responsibility to take in more Syrian refugees.

In April 2015, Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Sens. Dick Durbin, Lindsey Graham and John McCain, sent a letter calling on Obama to create and enforce humanitarian safe zones to protect Syrian refugees.

The following month, on May 21, 2015, Kaine was among 14 senators who wrote to Obama, urging him to significantly increase the number of Syrian refugees allowed to resettle in the United States.

The letter asks Obama to accept at least 50 percent of Syrian refugees whom UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] is seeking to resettle. The UNHCR was seeking to resettle 130,000 Syrian refugees over the next two years  so that comes to 65,000 refugees, the same number that Clinton proposed accepting.

Letter to Obama, May 14, 2015: "Indeed, we cannot expect countries hosting Syrian refugees to continue shouldering such a disproportionate burden if the United States and other industrialized countries do not begin resettling many more Syrian refugees. UNHCR is seeking to resettle 130,000 Syrian refugees over the next two years and has thus far submitted more than 12,000 resettlement cases to the United States for consideration. 

Following the international communitys tragic failure to shelter Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi genocide, the United States played a leadership role in establishing the international legal regime for the protection of refugees. Since that time, the American people have generously welcomed millions of refugees fleeing war and totalitarian regimes. In keeping with this history, we urge your Administration to work to accept at least 50 percent of Syrian refugees whom UNHCR is seeking to resettle, consistent with our nations traditional practice under both Republican and Democratic Presidents."

After the ISIS attacks in Paris, Kaine also warned that those attacks should not discourage the U.S. from accepting Syrian refugees.

Kaine, Nov. 18, 2015: "And of course we must have the toughest screening process possible in terms of refugees coming here. But I worry that calls to end or pause our refugee resettlement program are misguided. The fact is that refugees are currently subject to the absolute highest level of security checks of any category of traveler coming to the U.S.  with special criteria in place for those coming from Syria on top of the normal procedures. Getting admitted as a refugee generally takes more than a year and a half and involves signoff from numerous agencies including the National Counterterrorism Center, the CIA, the FBI, Homeland Security, the State Department and the Department of Defense.

Bottom line  its not easy to come into our country as a refugee, at all. But the notion of no Syrian can ever come here is antithetical to our values  especially when the innocent civilians and families seeking refuge in our country are fleeing the very violence and terror we saw in France and Lebanon that they experience every day in Syria."

So Kaine has a well-documented history of advocating the U.S. take in Syrian refugees. But we couldnt find any evidence that he supports bringing in more than Clinton has proposed, nor that he wrote a recent letter to that effect.
Forrest E. Mars Jr., the billionaire scion of the Mars Inc., died Tuesday at the age of 84, the company confirmed in a statement Wednesday.

Mars is survived by his wife, four children, eleven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

He inherited the business together with his brother and sister and grew it into a confectionery empire.

"Forrest was a great inspiration to all of us at Mars, Incorporated," said Grant F. Reid, CEO and Office of the President for Mars, Incorporated. "He was instrumental in building our business, while remaining committed to the founding principles of the Company. Forrest will be sorely missed, but his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind at Mars will be long-lasting."

Mars began his career in 1955 as a certified public accountant, working as an auditor for Price Waterhouse after serving in the United States Army for two years. He joined Mars, Incorporated - then, a business of less than $100 million in revenue - as a Financial Staff Officer for M&M's Candies in 1959.

Two years later, Mars was appointed General Manager of a new confectionery factory  now one of the largest chocolate factories in the world  in Veghel, Netherlands. Over the next two decades Mars exploded expanding Mars presence globally.

According to Forbes magazine, the Mars family, with an estimated worth of $78 billion, is the third-richest in the United States, behind only the Waltons of Walmart and the Kochs of Koch Industries.
What to Know The man previously convicted of killing congressional intern Chandra Levy likely will be released, prosecutors say.

Ingmar Guandique was convicted in Nov. 2010 of killing the 24-year-old. In June 2015, a judge granted him a new trial.

Murder charges against Guandique will be dropped "based on recent unforeseen developments."

The man previously convicted of killing D.C. intern Chandra Levy in a case that shocked the nation will be released after prosecutors dropped all charges against him on Thursday.

Ingmar Guandique was convicted in 2010 in Levy's death but later was granted a new trial, which was expected to begin this fall. But the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia said in a statement Thursday that prosecutors have moved to dismiss the case charging Guandique with Levy's 2001 murder. Those charges were formally dropped later in the day.

The move to throw out the charges was based on "recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week," a statement released Thursday afternoon said.

Prosecutors did not elaborate on the developments immediately, but said they concluded they could no longer prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

A spokeswoman for Guandique's lawyers said Thursday that the informant who reported that Guandique confessed to the crime was found to have lied.

"It is now clear that the jailhouse informant, who was central to the governments case, was a perjurer who too easily manipulated the prosecutors," Laura E. Hankins said in a statement.

Levy, a 24-year-old California native, was living in Northwest D.C. when she vanished on May 1, 2001. Her disappearance made national headlines after she was romantically linked to then-U.S. Rep. Gary Condit, also from California.

Her remains were found in Rock Creek Park a year after her disappearance.

Federal murder charges in the 2001 death of 24-year-old intern Chandra Levy have been dropped against Ingmar Guandique. News4s Chris Gordon reports.

Condit, a California Democrat, was ruled out as a suspect, and authorities turned their focus to Guandique, who was accused of attacking Levy while she jogged in the park.

Levy's mother, Susan Levy, attended Guandique's initial murder trial every day. She said at her home in California on Thursday that she was upset to hear Guandique would be released.

"I hope that we find the right person, that if it was Guandique, that he doesn't go on and do anything else to other people," she said.

Prosecutors argued Levy's death fit a pattern of attacks Guandique committed on female joggers. At the time, he was serving 10 years in prison for attacking two other women in Rock Creek Park.

But prosecutors lacked hard evidence against him, presenting neither eyewitnesses nor DNA evidence. The prosecution admitted evidence was mishandled as the early investigation focused on Condit.

A jury found Guandique guilty in November 2010 on two charges of felony murder in Levy's death.

Guandique was sentenced to 60 years, when he was 29.

"I only have one thing to say," he said at his sentencing, through an interpreter. "I feel sorry for what happened to Chandra Levy, but I had nothing to do with it." He had his head bowed and was crying.

He was granted a new trial in 2015 after his attorneys argued a key witness gave false or misleading testimony.

Guandique's conviction was based primarily on the testimony of Guandique's former cellmate Armando Morales, who said Guandique told him he was responsible for Levy's death. Guandique's defense lawyers argued Morales' testimony was unreliable and that there was no physical evidence linking Guandique to the the murder.

The retrial had been scheduled to begin in October.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

Guandique's lawyers said on Thursday that prosecutors should have been required to provide "critical documents" to the defense, plus Morales' identity.

"Justice would have been better and more timely served had the government provided open file discovery to the defense before the trial and if the government had fully investigated its own witnesses," Hankins' statement said.

Former prosecutor Glenn Ivy called the developments on Thursday a major setback to efforts to close the case with a conviction.

"I don't know that this case will ever be resolved in court," said Ivy, who is now a criminal defense lawyer in private practice.

Guandique will be released into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he faces deportation, the statement from prosecutors said. Guandique, who is from El Salvador, was in United States illegally.

Levy's brother, Adam Levy, said Thursday afternoon that his family was not ready to comment on the case.

Levy's parents spoke on NBC's "TODAY" show in May, 15 years after their daughter was killed.

"No matter what, we don't get our daughter back," Susan Levy said.

Check back for more on this developing story.
The passage of the Olympic torch through a southeastern Brazilian city was cut short Wednesday as police clashed with protesters who oppose the spending of federal funds on the Rio Games.

Residents in the coastal town of Angra dos Reis, outraged over cuts to public services and delayed salary payments to federal workers, took to the streets in the Japuiba borough and blocked the torch relay route, according to Brasil's TV OGlobo. [[377968171, C]]

Protesters carried signs and shouted slogans as they confronted law enforcement officials escorting the torch, Rio's local news agency EXTRA reported. Some of demonstrators began throwing rocks at police, who responded with rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray, according to EXTRA. At least one child was hospitalized, but her condition was unknown, OGlobo reported.

Videos posted on social media purport to show the torch extinguished as the runner carrying the Olympic symbol is escorted to safety by riot police. [[388591302, C]]

In recent months, Angra dos Reis has endured funding cuts that forced a local hospital to close in March and suspended the municipality's public transportation system, leaving residents without cars stranded.

One of the demonstrators wrote on social media that residents were not "revolting against the torch, but with the government that has done nothing in four years, yet made over the city in three days," Sidney Pinheiro wrote on Facebook, EXTRA reported.

On Thursday, the torch will travel through the northwest municipalities of Ilha Grande and Volta Redonda in Rio de Janeiro.
The president headlined the nights speeches, and a few of his boasts of his record headline our fact-checking report:

President Barack Obama claimed that under his administration,  we finally began to wean ourselves off foreign oil,  but dependency on imported oil had begun to drop years before he took office.

 but dependency on imported oil had begun to drop years before he took office. The president repeated a frequent boast that the U.S. doubled our production of clean energy during his tenure. Monthly renewable energy production has gone up 40 percent.

Obama said deficits have come down under his administration. Thats true, but they are expected to rise again soon under his proposed budget.

Vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine falsely referred to economist Mark Zandi as John McCains chief economic adviser during the 08 race, in touting an estimate of job loss under Donald Trumps proposals. In fact, Zandi is a Democrat.

Rev. Jesse Jackson wrongly said we have not lost a single job, a single month since Obama became president, and he was also off in saying the U.S. trades more with Mexico than we do with China.

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta falsely claimed that Trump says he gets his foreign policy experience from  running the Miss Universe pageant. Trump didnt say that was his foreign policy experience.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid claimed that the GOP ticket wanted to gamble Social Security in the stock market. But Trumps campaign has called for making no changes to Social Security.

Kaine claimed that Trump said he wants to abandon our NATO allies. Trump has said that he doesnt want the U.S. to leave NATO, but has suggested he would not automatically defend NATO allies that do not pay their share of defense costs.

Note to Readers This story was written with the help of the entire staff, including some of those based in Philadelphia who are at the convention site. As we did for the Republican National Convention, we intend to vet the major speeches at the Democratic National Convention for factual accuracy, applying the same standards to both.

Foreign Oil Dependency

President Obama made a misstep when he said, After decades of talk, we finally began to wean ourselves off foreign oil under his administration.

Actually, U.S. dependency on imported oil had already begun to decline years before Obama first took office.

According to official figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, dependency peaked in 2005, when the nation imported 60.3 percent of the crude oil it consumed. But that percentage dropped to 57 percent in 2008, the year before Obama was sworn in.

Its true that U.S. dependency had continued to drop during Obamas time  down to 24 percent last year.

But the fact is the decline began well before Obama entered the White House. Also, dependency has now begun to rise again due to low oil prices and reduced U.S. drilling. The U.S. imported 26.6 percent of its crude oil in the first half of 2016.

And Clean Energy Growth

Obama also repeated his frequent, and inflated, boast that during his time in office the U.S. doubled our production of clean energy.

Monthly renewable energy production has increased by about 40 percent from January 2009 to April 2016, far from the 100 percent increase Obama claimed. While it is true that wind and solar power have more than doubled since 2008 (theyve nearly quadrupled, in fact), they represent only part of the renewable energy picture. Less than a third of renewable energy consumption in April came from wind and solar.

As we wrote back in 2012 when Obama made a similar claim, the largest category of renewable energy is biomass, such as ethanol that is blended in gasoline. And the second-biggest category is hydropower  electricity generated from dams. Together, hydroelectric power and biomass accounted for nearly 70 percent of renewable energy consumption in April.

Deficits to Rise Again

Boasting of his post-recession record, President Obama said that weve seen deficits come down. They have, but deficits will soon begin to rise again under the presidents proposed budget unless his successor cuts revenues or increases taxes, or both.

Its true that annual federal deficits have declined since peaking at $1.4 trillion in fiscal year 2009  a deficit Obama largely inherited from a budget signed into law by his predecessor, George W. Bush. The decline was slow at first with deficits stubbornly remaining above the $1 trillion mark for four straight years.

Since then, the yearly deficits have declined markedly. In fiscal year 2015, which ended last Sept. 30, the deficit was $438 billion, a drop of 69 percent from FY 2009.

In an analysis of Obamas fiscal year 2017 budget, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects deficits will continue to fall for two more years. But it also warned about the return of growing deficits in the 10-year period covered by the analysis.

CBO, March: Under the Presidents proposals, CBO estimates, the deficit would total $529 billion in 2016. It would fall to $433 billion in 2017, fall further to $383 billion in 2018, and then increase in most subsequent years, eventually growing to $972 billion in 2026.

In its analysis of the presidential budget proposal, the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said the plan would stabilize the debt as a share of the economy, but it does not go far enough to reduce the debt from its current record-high levels.

The CBO analysis showed that federal debt owed to the public was 73.6 percent of GDP in 2015, and will creep up under the budget plan to 77.4 percent by 2026.

Kaine Wrong on McCain Adviser

Vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine repeated a shopworn Democratic falsehood when he referred to economist Mark Zandi as John McCains chief economic adviser.

Kaine: John McCains chief economic adviser during the 08 race  estimates that Trumps promises would cause America to lose 3.5 million jobs.



Its true that Moodys Analytics, where Zandi is chief economist, issued a report last month concluding that the combined effects of Trumps policy proposals on taxes, government spending, immigration and international trade  if fully implemented  would cause a decline of 3.4 million jobs during the four years of a Trump presidency.

Zandi was lead author of that study, and hes a well-respected business economist. But he wasnt the 2008 GOP nominees chief economic adviser. Hes not even a Republican. Kaine and other Democrats have adopted the bad habit of referring to him that way in the hope that it will give added weight to whatever Zandi says thats critical of Republican policy.

Kaine is a serial offender in this bit of petty deceit. Nearly six years ago, in September 2010, Kaine described Zandi that way in a Sunday talk show, when Kaine was chairman of the Democratic National Committee. What we wrote then still goes:

FactCheck.org, Sept. 7, 2010: Kaine got it wrong when he called economist Mark Zandi John McCains chief economics adviser.  Its true that Zandi was one of those who offered advice to McCains 2008 presidential campaign. But as weve reported before, he says hes a registered Democrat, and he was just one of several economists who advised McCain. His chief economic adviser was Douglas Holtz-Eakin.

What we reported prior to that was that Zandi said in a 2009 interview: Im a registered Democrat. Zandi said in that same 2009 Washington Post interview that he had agreed to advise McCain at the request of an old friend, McCains chief economic adviser, Douglas Holtz-Eakin. Zandi also advises Democrats.

And last year, Zandi gave $2,700  the legal maximum  to Hillary Clintons primary campaign.

Jesse Jackson, Off-Script

Rev. Jesse Jackson  departing from his prepared remarks  made two false claims, about trade and about Obamas record on jobs.

Jobs: Jackson said: He came in office, we lost 800,000 jobs. We have not lost a single job, a single month since Barack has been president.

Thats off by a mile.

Its true that the U.S. was losing jobs at the rate of hundreds of thousands per month at the time Obama first took office, but that hemorrhaging continued for months afterward as well.

The loss in total nonfarm employment, officially measured by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 769,000 in November 2008, 695,000 in December and 791,000 in January 2009.

Every month of Obamas first year in office showed losses, and there were five months in 2010 that also showed losses. In all, the U.S. lost close to 4.4 million jobs in the months before Obama took office, but it lost a little more than 4.3 million more in the opening months of Obamas term  not hitting bottom until February 2010.

Trade: Jackson said, We trade more with Mexico than we do with China and Japan every day.

Not so. Its true that the U.S. trades more with Mexico than with Japan  but not more than it trades with China.



Total trade in goods (the value of all exports plus the value of all imports) between Mexico and the U.S. was $214 billion in the first five months of this year, according to the U.S Census Bureau. Thats a bit less than the $216 billion total trade with China.



And thats been true for years. Trade in goods with China has exceeded that with Mexico for all of 2015, and for all of 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 as well. We had to go back more than a decade, to 2005, to find a year in which trade with Mexico exceeded that with China.

Foreign Policy and Pageants

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta falsely claimed that Donald Trump says he gets his foreign policy experience from  running the Miss Universe pageant.

Panetta was referring to a Trump interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier in May. As weve written before, Baier asked Trump whether he had talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump refused to answer, and went on to say that I know Russia well because I had a major event in Russia two or three years ago, referring to the 2013 pageant.

But Trump didnt go so far as to say that the pageant was an example of his foreign-policy experience, and Baier never asked him that question.

Hillary Clinton has made similar claims, saying that Trump says hes qualified to be commander in chief because he took Miss Universe to Moscow.

Reids Outdated Social Security Claim

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid dredged up an old Democratic talking point in claiming that, Donald Trump and Mike Pence want to gamble with your retirement benefits in the stock market. But Trump has said he wants to leave [Social Security] the way it is.

Pence supported a plan more than a decade ago that would have allowed younger workers to voluntarily invest part of their Social Security taxes in private mutual funds. Trump advocated something like that 16 years ago, but not now.

Weve seen Reids claim over and over again, and it usually refers to a lawmakers support for President George W. Bushs 2005 proposal for private accounts. And, in fact, Pence, then a congressman, did back Bushs plan. But that called for voluntary private accounts and limiting how much workers could put into them  plus the accounts would have been government-approved mutual funds. The plan wouldnt have forced anyone to have their Social Security taxes gamble[d] on the stock market.

Trump, however, hasnt called for any such thing in this campaign. In fact, he said in a March GOP debate, I will do everything within my power not to touch Social Security, to leave it the way it is. And in response to an AARP request for information on his stance, Trump said, The key to preserving Social Security and other programs that benefit AARP members is to have an economy that is robust and growing. He went on to talk about tax reform and immigration reform. He didnt outline any changes to Social Security.

Back in 2000, Trump did advocate private Social Security accounts, writing in his book The America We Deserve: The solution to the Great Social Security Crisis couldnt be more obvious: Allow every American to dedicate some portion of their payroll taxes to a personal Social Security account that they could own and invest in stocks and bonds.

But 16 years later, thats not a plan he has pushed on the campaign trail.

Abandonment Issues

Kaine said that Trump said he wants to abandon our NATO allies. Trump has said that he doesnt want the U.S. to leave the international security alliance. However, he has recently suggested that he would not automatically defend NATO allies that do not pay their share of defense costs.

Kaine: I want to start off thanking my wife, Anne, and my three beautiful children, Nat, Woody and Annella.  You know, my son, Nat, deployed with his Marine battalion just two days ago. He deployed overseas to protect and defend the very NATO allies that Donald Trump says he now wants to abandon.

Trumps most recent comments on NATO came during a July interview with David E. Sanger and Maggie Haberman of the New York Times. Trump said that he would be willing to defend fellow NATO members, if they fulfill their obligations to us.

Sanger, July 21: My point here is, Can the members of NATO, including the new members in the Baltics, count on the United States to come to their military aid if they were attacked by Russia? And count on us fulfilling our obligations. Trump: Have they fulfilled their obligations to us? If they fulfill their obligations to us, the answer is yes. Haberman: And if not? Trump: Well, Im not saying if not. Im saying, right now there are many countries that have not fulfilled their obligations to us.

Throughout his campaign, Trump has been critical of NATO, which was established in 1949 by the U.S., Canada and 10 Western European nations to defend against the former Soviet Union. One of Trumps main criticisms of NATO, which now has 28 member nations, is that it is too costly to the U.S., which pays about 22 percent of direct spending by NATO, and an even larger share of indirect costs, according to budget information. In addition, only five member nations, including the U.S., spend the 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense called for by NATO guidelines, according to a CNN Money analysis.

But Trump didnt actually tell the Times reporters that he wants to abandon allies that dont make the required payments. He declined to say what he would do if countries had not fulfilled their financial obligations.

And as we wrote in May, Trump, despite his criticisms of NATO, has said that he doesnt want the U.S. to leave the NATO alliance. Although, he also said that he would certainly look at doing so. But in his more recent interview with the Times, Trump at least suggested that hes open to not defending those nations that dont pay more.

 Eugene Kiely, with Brooks Jackson, Lori Robertson, Robert Farley, DAngelo Gore and Zachary Gross

Sources

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Congressional Budget Office. An Analysis of the Presidents 2017 Budget. Mar 2016.

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Analysis of the Presidents FY 2017 Budget. 9 Feb 2016.

DNCC Announces Third Night Program for Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Press release. Democratic National Convention Committee. 27 Jul 2016.

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Board Members. Undated, accessed 28 Jul 2016.

Zandi, Mark and Chris Lafakis, Dan White and Adam Ozimek. The Macroeconomic Consequences of Mr. Trumps Economic Policies. Moodys Analytics. 20 Jun 2016.

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New York Times. Transcript: Donald Trump Expounds on His Foreign Policy Views. 26 Mar 2016.
Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman nearly killed in a 2011 shooting, told the Democratic National Convention Wednesday that she believes Hillary Clinton will reform gun laws in the U.S.

"Speaking is difficult for me. But come January, I want to say these two words: Madam President," Giffords said.

Joining Giffords on the convention stage was her husband, Mark Kelly, as they talked about the need to challenge the gun lobby and place new restrictions on firearms.

Giffords called Hillary Clinton  the Democratic nominee for president  "tough" and "courageous," and Giffords said Clinton, as president, will "stand up to the gun lobby."

Giffords was shot in the head at a campaign rally. She has a language disorder known as aphasia and speaks in short phrases or words, but she has nevertheless gone skydiving and hiked the Grand Canyon after the shooting. She's also supported gun reform legislation.

Her remarks at the DNC received a standing ovation.

Her speech came after Democrats paid tribute to the victims of the June attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and the 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

The National Rifle Association plans to begin airing a 30-second ad on Thursday saying Americans' "right to own a gun for self-defense is at risk in this election," and that Clinton will take away gun owners' rights.
Promising Americans a steady hand, Hillary Clinton cast herself Thursday night as a unifier for divided times, steeled for a volatile world by decades in politics that have left some Americans skeptical of her character.

"I will be a president for Democrats, Republicans, independents, for the struggling, the striving and the successful. For those who vote for me and those who don't," Clinton said as she accepted the Democratic nomination, becoming the first woman to lead a major U.S. political party.

She drew a sharp contrast with her general election rival Donald Trump, calling the Republican supremely unqualified for the White House.

"Imagine him in the Oval Office facing a real crisis," she said. "A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons," she said.

She acknowledged those concerns briefly, saying "I get it that some people just don't know what to make of me." But her primary focus was persuading anxious Americans to stick with a Democrat for a third term and put aside their frustration with those who have been entrenched in the political system.

Clinton's four-day convention began with efforts to shore up liberals who backed Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary and it ended with an outstretched hand to Republicans and independents unnerved by Trump. A parade of military leaders, law enforcement officials and Republicans took the stage ahead of Clinton to endorse her in the general election contest with Trump.

"This is the moment, this is the opportunity for our future," said retired Marine Gen. John R. Allen, a former commander in Afghanistan. "We must seize this moment to elect Hillary Clinton as president of the United States of America."

American flags waved in the stands of the packed convention hall and the crowd broke into chants of "U-S-A!" drowning out scattered calls of "No more war."

The Sanders campaign urged calm among its 1,900 delegates before Clinton's speech, saying in a text message to them it would be a "courtesy to Bernie" if they show respect to Clinton when she gives her speech accepting the party's nomination for president.

Calling the military a "national treasure" that shouldn't be commanded by a novice, Clinton laid out her strategy for dealing with ISIS and pledged to stand by the country's allies, including NATO.

"We are clear-eyed about what our country is up against," she said. "But we are not afraid."

The Democratic nomination now officially hers, Clinton has just over three months to persuade Americans Trump is unfit for the Oval Office and overcome the visceral connection he has with some voters in a way the Democratic nominee does not.

She embraced her reputation as a studious wonk, a politician more comfortable with policy proposals than rhetorical flourishes. "I sweat the details of policy," she said.

Campaigning in Iowa Thursday, Trump said there were "a lot of lies being told" at Clinton's convention. Later, he tweeted that Clinton's vision is "a borderless world where working people have no power, no jobs, no safety."

Clinton came into the convention facing deep voter concerns with her honesty and trustworthiness, stemming in part from her controversial use of a private internet server at the State Department. A separate pre-convention controversy over hacked Democratic Party emails showing favoritism for Clinton in the primary threatens to deepen the perception that Clinton prefers to play by her own rules.

Through four nights of polished convention pageantry, Democratic heavyweights told a different story about Clinton. The most powerful validation came Wednesday night from President Barack Obama, her victorious primary rival in 2008. Obama declared Clinton not only can defeat Trump's "deeply pessimistic vision" but also realize the "promise of this great nation."

Seeking to offset possible weariness with a politician who has been in the spotlight for decades, he said of Clinton: "She's been there for us, even if we haven't always noticed."

Clinton was introduced by her daughter, Chelsea, who spoke warmly of her mother as a woman "driven by compassion, by faith, by kindness, a fierce sense of justice, and a heart full of love."

A parade of speakers  gay and straight, young and old, white, black and Hispanic  cast Trump as out-of-touch with a diverse and fast-changing nation.

She leaned heavily on her "stronger together" campaign theme, invoking her 1996 book "It Takes a Village."

"None of us can raise a family, build a business, heal a community or lift a country totally alone. America needs every one of us to lend our energy, our talents, our ambition to making our nation better and stronger," she said, explaining what the phrase means.

Khizr Khan, an American Muslim whose son was killed in military service, emotionally implored voters to stop Trump, who has called for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration.

"Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with their future," Khan said. "Let me ask you, have you even read the United States Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy."

The program paid tribute to law enforcement officers killed on duty, including five who died in Dallas earlier this month in retaliation for officer-involved shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana.

"Violence is not the answer," Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez said. "Yelling, screaming and calling each other names is not going to do it."

On the convention's closing night, Clinton sought to reach beyond the Democratic base, particularly to moderate Republicans unnerved by Trump.

Former Reagan administration official Doug Elmets announced he was casting his first vote for a Democrat in November, and urged other Republicans who "believe loyalty to our country is more important than loyalty to party" to do the same.

Following reports Russia hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said he'd like to see Moscow find the thousands of emails Clinton deleted from the account she used as secretary of state. Hours later, Trump told Fox News he was being "sarcastic" although shortly after his remarks on Wednesday, he tweeted that Russia should share the emails with the FBI.

AP writers Catherine Lucey, Kathleen Hennessey and Lisa Lerer contributed to this report.
A 16-year-old girl died of an asthma attack after witnessing a shooting at a block party in Chicagos Back of the Yards neighborhood that also left two others dead and two wounded, police said.

Police say a group of people were gathered near West 50th Place and South Halsted Street just after midnight Thursday when an argument broke out and someone started shooting.

A 33-year-old woman and 25-year-old man were both killed by gunfire, according to authorities. Police say both are documented gang members.

Jacarra Reeves, 21, of Harvey, was among the other two wounded. She was hit by two bullets in the hand and transported to Saint Bernard Hospital, police said. A 25-year-old woman was also injured after being shot twice in the back.

The 16-year-old girl who witnessed the shooting managed to escape the gunfire but suffered an asthama attack shortly after, police said. She was pronounced dead after being rushed to Saint Bernard Hospital.
A North Side Chicago building and the surrounding area was evacuated Thursday due to a suspicious object.

Just after 8 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 6000 block of N. Kedzie in Chicagos West Ridge neighborhood on reports of a suspicious package discovered, police said.

Upon arrival, an office building was evacuated as a precaution, police said, as the Chicago Police Department Bomb and Arson Unit was dispatched to the scene to investigate.

By 11 a.m., the streets surrounding where the object were also evacuated and blocked off by police.
What is better than listening to your favorite artists on the radio? Seeing them up close and personal at Chicagos biggest music festival!

The 25th annual Lollapalooza returns with a four-day lineup to Chicago from July 28-31 at Grant Park. The fete spans across the entire park located at East Randolph Drive with shows running from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

General admission tickets have sold out. VIP and platinum tickets are available for purchase. Prices range from $650 for a day pass to $2,200-$4,200 for four day tickets. The lineup consists of artists such as J. Cole, Future, Major Lazer, LCD Soundystem and more, according to the Lollapalooza website.

There is something for everyone outside of the performances including Chow Town, Around The Park, Art Market, Lolla Cares and Kidzapalooza.

Music fans can keep up with all things Lolla, by downloading the official app for schedules, giveaways, maps, emergency information and updates.

Further information can be found on the Lollapalooza website and Twitter.
Rep. Tammy Duckworths workplace retaliation suit is, once again, set for trial, after the cases plaintiffs refused to accept a settlement offer, the Daily Herald reports.

The lawsuit, which stems from Duckworth's time as director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, was settled last month. Nevertheless, the plaintiffs, Denise Goins and Christine Butler, were reportedly offended by the Duckworth campaigns response to the settlement. Deputy campaign manager Matt McGrath issued a statement calling the 8-year-old lawsuit a frivolous workplace case.

According to the Daily Herald, within an hour of leaving the courthouse, Goins and Butler contacted their attorney to let him know that they wanted to go to trial. The trial is set to begin Aug. 15 in downstate Jonesboro.

The lawsuit against Duckworth alleges ethics violations and workplace retaliation, although the congresswoman denies treating the employees unfairly.

Duckworth, who is slated to speak at the Democratic National Convention Thursday, is locked in one of the nations most hotly-contested Senate race, against incumbent Republican Mark Kirk.

Kirk's campaign was using the case as a component of their strategy against Duckworth, even sending "save the date" postcards to remind voters of the trial. The campaign has also tried to link Duckworth to imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who appointed Duckworth as the director of the IDVA in 2006.

The senator's campaign issued a statement Thursday, claiming that the case is indicative of Duckworths character.

The fact that Duckworth continued to bully and attack these whistleblowers even during settlement discussions is a window into her true character, Kirk spokesman Kevin Artl said in a statement. Now that the trial is set, it is finally time for Duckworth to truthfully account for her actions."

Both women say they werent pressured by the Kirk campaign to reject the settlement offer.

Meanwhile, Duckworth slammed Kirk while addressing the Illinois delegation at the DNC Wednesday morning, claiming she is running for Senate to help Mark Kirk retire.

The Duckworth campaign directed questions to the Illinois Attorney Generals office. The AGs office did not immediately respond to Ward Rooms request for comment.
According to a new We Ask America poll released this week, nearly half of likely Democratic voters in Illinois chose Sen. Dick Durbin as their gubernatorial pick for 2018.

The poll, which surveyed 1,128 likely Democratic voters, offered a list of possible candidates and asked respondents which candidates they would most likely vote for if they do run for Illinois governor.

Durbin received 48.87 percent of the votes. Durbin has repeatedly said he will wait until after the November election to decide whether he will take on Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018.

Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn received 9.91 percent of the vote, while businessman Chris Kennedy, who is the son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, grabbed 4.5 percent.

Kennedy slammed Rauner during a speech to the Illinois delegation at the DNC Tuesday, stoking further speculation about a possible gubernatorial bid.

Reps. Cheri Bustos and Robin Kelly garnered 4.88 percent and 3.63 percent, respectively. State Sens. Heather Steans and Kwame Raoul received .63 percent and 1.46 percent, respectively.

Raoul threw his hat in the gubernatorial ring this week at the DNC, claiming he would be open to running for governor.

Additionally, 18.90 percent of the polls respondents remained undecided and 7.21 percent said they would prefer someone else.
A United Airlines flight was diverted to O'Hare International Airport on Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed.

Flight 1696 from Newark, New Jersey, to Seattle, Washington, landed at O'Hare around 8 p.m. due to a "non-credible threat," according to a spokesperson for United Airlines.

The flight was diverted "out of an abundance of caution," according to United. The passengers and crew were safely taken off the plane, according to the Chicago Police Department, who continue to investigate the incident.

United was working to get customers to Seattle Wednesday night.

Further details about the threat were not immediately available.
A Chicago man is facing charges after allegedly stabbing a man multiple times as he left North Avenue Beach, according to police and the victim's Facebook page.

On July 17 at approximately 9:28 p.m., a 46-year-old man was in the 2000 block of N Lincoln Park when another man approached him and threw "a liquid substance" on him, according to the Chicago Police Department.

When the victim asked why the man did that, the offender stabbed him multiple times before fleeing, authorities said.

Responding officers found and arrested the man, who was then positively identified by the victim. Police said 27-year-old Michael Curry, of the 0-100 of S. Kedzie Ave in Chicago, is charged with one felony count of aggravated battery and use of a deadly weapon.

The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released, police said. In a Facebook status posted to Reddit over the weekend, the victim allegedly said he was stabbed five times and two days later, couldn't lift his left arm.

"I would like to let everyone know to be careful even in the seemingly very safe area around the beach," he wrote. "I hope to be back playing in a few weeks I know it is generally a very safe area but even so, anyone who walks away from there alone may want to rethink that, especially the women."
One night before Hillary Clinton was set to address the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, a lineup of political heavy-hitters made the case for her to be the next president.

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Vice Presidential nominee Tom Kaine and Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg headlined Day 3 of the convention.

Obama called Clinton the most qualified candidate ever. Kaine introduced himself to the country before questioning Republican Donald Trump's trustworthiness. Biden and Bloomberg both hammered Trump's judgment, temperament and qualifications for the job.

On social media, reaction was swift.
The old state house in Hartford has already shut it doors due to budget cuts and now the memorabilia inside might be removed.

Since 1796 the building on Main Street has been a historical pillar in Connecticut's past. But just months ago the decision was made to transfer ownership of the building from the Office of Legislative Management to the DEEP.

"We were totally surprised by the action in the budget to give us responsibility for the building," said DEEP Communications Director Dennis Schain.

DEEP officials said in order to afford to keep the actual building afloat, the memorabilia inside, like the paintings, furniture and other artifacts must be removed. The building already has been shut down for weeks to the average 20,000 visitors a year because of budget cuts.

"$800-$900,000 is what we believe is the all in cost to operate the building. They transferred the building to us with $400,000, even with that 400,000, our budget for this year was down more than $9 million" said Schain.

Historical experts said maintaining the artifacts worth tens of millions isn't cheap.

"Some of these materials are highly fragile because of their age and the material they are constructed with. It's beyond just locking the doors and shutting down the lights. Museums across the country maintain standards for temperatures, humidity, and security, and those standards are in place to prolong the life of the objects," said Connecticut Historical Society CEO Jody Blankship.

When the ownership change is finalized the artifacts will return to historical societies around Connecticut which own them, according to DEEP Officials. Private businesses and organizations move to the building to help fund the cost of the building, according to DEEP officials.
Granby police are warning residents to be on the lookout for a highly aggressive fox that remains on the loose after attacking a man on his deck.

Police said Wednesday afternoon they received a report that a fox had attacked a resident of Silver Brook Lane.

In an exclusive interview with NBC Connecticut the victim described the attack.

"It had this kind of vicious little snarl and it just lunged at me - it just kept coming at me," said Larry Coxon.

Coxon said the fox was relentless.

"I kicked it with my right foot a couple times as he came back after me," said Coxon.

Coxon said he's getting several shots because authorities are unsure if the animal has rabies.

Police said a few hours after the attack, someone moving a lawn on nearby Silver Street was charged by a fox. Police also received a report that a fox jumped into a pool with small children in it on Silver Brook Lane. The fox did not make direct human contact in those incidents.

Until the fox is caught neighbors said they're staying indoors. Neighbor Christopher Kempf said his mother called him to warn him.

"They told her there's a dangerous fox in the area get back inside!" Kempf said.

Police said Animal Control officers have set traps for the animal and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has been informed. Two more sightings were reported on the Silver Brook Lane Thursday morning.

Anyone who sees this animal should report it to police immediately by calling (860) 844-5335.
The man suspected of abducting a woman from a Bristol business, blindfolding her and holding her hostage while robbing a bank on Wednesday is also accused of calling fake bomb threats into Hartford police and NBC Connecticut has obtained the 911 calls.

Police said Robert Du Perry, 51, used the victims cell phone to call 911.

Bombs in buildings all over city. Put them on the phone now. This is ISIS calling. We are in your house, he said.

Then the dispatcher responded.

Oh, youre in my house? she asked.

This is not a prank. Stop trying to get the location of the phone, the caller responded. You have 11 bombs in your Gold Building on Main Street. There are four bombs in the post office. You have three bombs in the police station. You have until 5 oclock to evacuate the buildings and then they will be detonated.

When the dispatcher asked the caller for his name, he hung up the phone.

The suspect has been identified as 51-year-old Robert Du Perry and police took him into custody on Wednesday.

The victim told police that Du Perry told her several times that he had bombs with him, but officers did not find any bombs or bomb-making material.

Du Perry has been charged in connection with the Bristol violations, but not for the alleged bomb threats.

Duperry was charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree larceny, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, assault of victim over 60, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a pistol without a permit, first-degree burglary, first-degree threatening, engaging an officer in a pursuit and reckless driving.

Source: Man Takes Woman Hostage Before Robbing Bristol Bank: Police | NBC Connecticut http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/1-in-Custody-After-Robbery-Turned-Hostage-Situation-Sources-388476572.html?abc=1233#ixzz4Fiu4kD9u

Follow us: @nbcconnecticut on Twitter | NBCConnecticut on Faceboo

Bristol police charged him with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree larceny, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, assault of victim over 60, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a pistol without a permit, first-degree burglary, first-degree threatening, engaging an officer in a pursuit and reckless driving.

Du Perry appeared in court on Thursday, where bond was set at $1.3 million.

A public defender is representing him and he's due back in court on Aug. 11.
Many people are probably ready for it to cool down some as Connecticut hits day seven in the heat wave.

But some businesses are benefitting from the heat.

Praline's Ice Cream, based out of Wallingford, manufactures ice cream for their 11 stores throughout the state. They've been in business since 1984.

Lately, people have been flocking to get ice cream because it has been so hot outside.

On a normal day, they make about 250 to 300 tubs of ice cream, but owner Donna Torre said the heat wave has brought in extra business.

Anywhere on a daily basis probably between 400 to [500] depending on our room depending on we have some stores that are averaging 100 tubs a delivery," Said Torre.

From adding the base, to the cream, to the fruit they're the ingredients for happy customers and a happy business.

Then those tubs get delivered to Pralines stores throughout the state.

Just a steady line of customers coming in and theyre thankful to have something cold and creamy to eat," Said Michelle Caramanello, General Manager of the Wallingford Pralines Ice Cream shop.

For Sarah Heimbach of Meriden, a scoop of ice cream does just the trick.

And just eating ice cream after a hot day is just like it cools you down.

Torre says shes glad theyre getting the extra business, which compensates for the slower months in the winter time.
Are humpback whales returning to Long Island Sound?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said it believes several humpbacks are feeding on small fish close to shore.

Harvey Thompson from Ansonia has forty years of boating experience off the Connecticut Coast.

Ive seen porpoises out here, he said, there are seals in the wintertime, but never a whale.

Even though hes never seen a whale, Thompson knows, you can watch them, but dont harass them its against the law to get too near them.

Recently, there have been several sightings of humpbacks in the western stretch of Long Island Sound.

These humpback whales are fascinating, said Curt Johnson, the executive director of Connecticut Fund for the Environments Save the Sound. What they do is they dive under a school they blow bubbles and pull them up then they open up their mouths to like 12 feet wide and gobble up a huge amount.

Investments by the state to clean up the water are setting the table for the return of whales searching for food, Johnson said.

Now the sound is starting to be able to support these tens of thousands of additional fish, he added.

While humpbacks are not harmful, harming them is a federal offense. Boaters should never chase them, Johnson said.

Keep 150 feet away, cut your motor, stop and enjoy one of the true miracles of living on this great earth of ours, he said.

Next time Thompson goes for a ride in the sound, hell be watching for whales.

They are a beautiful thing to look at, he said.

If you spot a whale or see someone harassing one of these majestic marine mammals, the NOAA would like to hear from you.

For sightings call, 866-755-NOAA (6622). For harassment complaints, call at 800-853-1964.
An unlicensed massage therapist in Shelton already facing sexual assault charges after two customers reported he touched them inappropriately has been charged again after more customers came forward.

Police originally arrested Kim Hyung, 53, of Fresh Meadows, New York, on July 5, after an investigation prompted by two customers who reported he touched and spoke to them inappropriately during services at Coco Spa at 704 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton. Police said after that arrest, four more women came forward with similar complaints.

Hyung turned himself in on four separate arrest warrants Tuesday, police said. He is charged with fourth-degree sexual assault and practicing massage therapy without a license on each warrant.

He was arraigned and released on a $20,000 bond.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with a similar experience is encouraged to report it to Shelton police at (203) 924-1544.
Suffields interim police chief has been removed of his title after failing to obtain certification to be a police officer in Connecticut, but he is still leading the police department.

Anthony Riello had a year to take 17 courses to become certified, but did not meet the deadline, according to the Police Officer Standards Training Council.

State officials have informed to Riello and the police commission that the interim chief was no longer eligible to hold the title as of July 23.

He worked in Pittsfield and Falmouth, Massachusetts for decades and was hired in Suffield in July 2015 on a temporary basis after the former chief retired following a situation in which a dispatcher allegedly showed up to work drunk several times.

Riello, who was provided a department-issued gun, a badge and an unmarked car, told the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters that he has never been a police enforcement officer for the town.

I wasnt hired to be a police officer and Im not in any way discounting their requirements in being a police officer. I think it makes perfect sense, but thats not why I was hired. Im leading the department and there will be an end to thing in just a few months, Riello said.

Riello was also informed that he is not authorized to discharge the duties and responsibilities of a police officer in the state.

"Thats correct, absolutely and I dont, quite frankly. I havent and Ill certainly respect that, but in terms of the agreement I have with the town of Suffield, Im not sure how theyll handle that and theyll go forward with it, and if Im not called the chief, thats OK. Im still leading the department, he said.

Kevin Armata, chairman of the Suffield Police Commission, said Riello didnt feel he needed to complete the 17 courses because he had a one-year extension and was only going to be in Suffield for six months.

So to complete those 17 courses would have taken longer than he was here for, Armata said.

When asked about adhering to state regulations, Armata said the commission looks for a leader, not for the chief to apprehend suspects and criminals.

The police commission and First Selectwoman Melissa Mack will be meeting on Friday and looking at the options, but Mack called this a technicality they take seriously and said they might ask for an extension.

Armata and Riello both said morale is much better within the department than it was last year, they've made great strides moving the force forward and have several new systems in place.

Riello's $45,000 contract extension is up at the end of December and town officials said they are activity pursing a permanent replacement.
What to Know The flight to Seattle landed safely Wednesday night at D/FW Intl. Airport

American Airlines said the problem involved a compressor

Customers are being rebooked on other flights

An American Airlines flight landed safely back at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport late Wednesday after sparks were seen shooting from one of its engines.

American Airlines Flight 438 had taken off for Seattle at about 11 p.m. Wednesday when it experienced a mechanical issue with an engine compressor, according to an AA spokesperson.

Cellphone video from one of the 139 passengers on board the flight shows heavy sparks coming from what appears to the wing on the left side of the Airbus 321.

The engine was not on fire, an AA spokesperson emphasized in a statement to NBC DFW.

However, Lynn Lunsford, of the Federal Aviation Administration, appeared to indicate otherwise in a separate statement.

The pilot reported an engine problem that was causing compressor stalls, which would shoot flames out the back of the engine and definitely be visible, Lunsford said.

Matty Hops was a passenger on Flight 438, who tweeted multiple times during and after the ordeal.

Flight to Seattle just had catastrophic engine failure. So, love you guys, Hops tweeted.

Its just a big concerning when there is an explosion on takeoff and then you see the one of the plane engines on fire. Not the best look, Hops tweeted minutes later, once on the ground.

A statement from American Airlines, and subsequent tweets from the airlines official account, indicated that the airline was rebooking passengers on other flights.

We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience, and we are working to get them to Seattle as soon as possible, the statement noted.
The pilot's union at American Airlines Thursday said company managers are eroding safety margins by manipulating rules to "keep an operation under duress from coming apart at the seams."

In an unusually strongly-worded letter to fellow pilots, the president of the Allied Pilots Association, Capt. Dan Carey, said the airline is ordering increased airspeeds "nearing aircraft limitations" and faster taxi times "from what would normally be considered rational."

"These last-minute manipulations are used to make a flight appear legal when in reality its not or is, at best, on the ragged edge," Carey wrote. "During this critical summer travel period and integration phase, I am alarmed by the incidences of pilot pushing that are occurring at American Airlines.

The airline released the following statement a few hours after the union president's letter was made public:

"Safety and regulatory compliance are always the first and foremost consideration in every decision and in every facet of our company -- and we are fortunate that our pilots are the best in the business. Our integration and associated changes are complex and we remain committed to working together with all employee groups to ensure that this ongoing process is thoughtful, smooth and orderly."

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was aware of the pilots' letter and is in daily contact with airlines to ensure safety.

"The agency will not hesitate to act if it determines safety may have been compromised," the FAA said.

A Dallas attorney who specializes in aviation safety said the letter may simply be posturing between the union and airline and should not alarm passengers.

"At the end of the day, the real answer is the airline can't ask any of its captains or pilots to do anything illegal," said attorney William Angelley. "So regardless of what may be put out in the letter, it's always the pilot in command's decision, and they're not going to do anything completely unsafe, or unsafe at all."

APA represents 15,000 pilots at American Airlines and passed a five-year contract in January 2015.

Carey took office July 1, according to the association's website.

Relations between the company and union have been heated at times -- before and after its merger with U.S. Airways.

In March, APA directors sent a letter to American CEO Doug Parker.

"Candidly, the new American Airlines product is outright embarrassing and we're tired of apologizing to our passengers," the letter said. "The pilots ... will not remain silent as we witness the rebirth of the toxic culture we fought so hard to eradicate."
A memorial for slain Navy Seal and "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle has been unveiled in the West Texas city where he was born in 1974.

Ceremonies were held Thursday in Odessa to unveil the granite-and-limestone Chris Kyle Memorial Plaza, which also includes a bronze statue of Kyle. It is a privately funded memorial.

Several trees from ex-President George W. Bush's ranch near Crawford were purchased by memorial organizers and moved to the site earlier this year.

Kyle and friend Chad Littlefield were killed in 2013 at a Texas shooting range. A former Marine was convicted in their deaths and sentenced to life in prison.

Kyle's autobiography was the basis for the 2014 film "American Sniper," starring Bradley Cooper.
More than 4,000 people packed Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth on Wednesday to hear some of the biggest names in country music as they raised more than $145,000 for a Dallas police charity.

The artists included stars like Tanya Tucker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kelly Lang and T.G. Sheppard.

Sheppard hosted the event, which was called "Stars Behind the Stars."

"I can only tell you that all the artists on the show tonight came without any questions asked," Sheppard told NBC 5. "They're dear friends and I'm honored to share the stage with all of them."

All the money raised will go to a Dallas Police Association foundation called "Assist the Officer."

"You know we're living in very turbulent times," Sheppard said. "It's very sad. It hurts me in my heart. I think it affects every one of us in this country because we are a loving nation and we all just have to stick together in times like this."
As investigators look into a hack of Democratic National Committee emails, and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump seemed to issue a challenge to the hackers Wednesday, a North Texas cybersecurity expert said there is reason for concern on both fronts.

"This is very worrying," said Bhavani Thuraisingham, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Texas at Dallas. "It looks like we are living in this fantasy world, but no, it's very real."

Thuraisingham said when Donald Trump asked on Wednesday, "Russia, are you listening?" and suggested if the country had hacked DNC emails, maybe it had Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's missing emails, he was inviting other potential attacks.

"Because they will be emboldened," Thuraisingham explained. "And it's not just the Russians who will be emboldened. They will get some of these hackers who think, 'OK, I can do it also.'"

Thuraisingham said the DNC could likely have prevented the hack with better security measures.

"I don't want to be political," Thuraisingham said. "The DNC should have been more cautious."

Thuraisingham pointed out some terrorist groups use more caution in their email communications. "They are sending encrypted emails that law enforcement  FBI and the CIA  can't read," she said. "And yet the DNC is sending some ridiculous emails that the whole world can read."

She said anyone can use encrypted email, and should if they want to keep a private email, private.

"It's not that difficult," Thuraisingham assured.
Police said they safely located a 24-year-old man who went missing in Dallas late Tuesday night. [[388515202,C]]

Dallas police said Methodist Charlton Medical Center police found Jhovanny Renteria Perez safe at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

Perez had last been seen on the 4800 block of Nuevo Laredo Court at about 11:45 p.m.

Further details have not been released.
Two Fort Worth police officers are being hailed as heroes after pulling an unconscious robbery suspect from a burning vehicle earlier this month.

Fort Worth police released body cam video Thursday showing the officers running up to the damaged car and trying to open the crushed passenger door while a fire grew in the engine compartment.

As the passenger in the car regained consciousness, the officers began to pull him through the open window.

Once he was on the ground, the officers made sure the man was OK before moving him to a safe location and taking him into custody.

The rescued man's name and his condition following the crash have not yet been released.

Police said Thursday the driver of the car crashed during a chase with officers that reached speeds of 100 mph. The driver was being pursued because the vehicle matched the description of a getaway car used by three people who robbed a homeowner at gunpoint only moments before.

The robbery victim told police he'd arrived at his home on the 7400 block of Avington Way to find three people exiting the residence with his property. One of the three pointed a 9mm handgun at the victim and told him to stay back. The trio then got into a silver Dodge Avenger and sped away.

Officers spotted the vehicle a short time later on Sycamore School Road and tried to get the driver to pull over. The driver refused and the chase was on.

The chase ended when the driver collided with a Chevrolet pickup truck at the intersection of California Parkway and James Avenue.

Officers can be heard on the video saying one of the occupants ran from the scene, leaving his trapped friend behind. That person, as well as two others, were eventually caught by Fort Worth police.

NBC 5's Scott Gordon contributed to this report.
A North Texas man must serve 10 years in federal prison after a child sex investigation led to more than two dozen homemade bombs.

Mark Duesterberg of Royse City was sentenced Thursday in Houston.

The 34-year-old Duesterberg, who formerly lived in Spring, earlier pleaded guilty to enticing a minor and to unlawful making of weapons.

Prosecutors say Duesterberg last year communicated online with some he thought was a girl and tried to entice her into a sexual relationship.

Duesterberg arranged to meet the person, who turned out to be an undercover agent, and was arrested at the scene.

Authorities found seven pipe bombs in his vehicle.

A search of Duesterberg's home led to more than two dozen homemade bombs and items for making explosives.

Agents also found an unregistered machine gun.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump walked back remarks he made on Wednesday that encouraged Russia to uncover and make public hacked emails that might damage Hillary Clinton.

"Of course I'm being sarcastic," Trump said Thursday on Fox News' "Fox and Friends," a day after his remarks at a news conference ignited fierce debate over hacking and his urging of a global adversary to meddle in American politics. "You have 33,000 emails deleted; and the real problem was what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee."

"You have 33,000 emails deleted; and the real problem was what was said on those emails from the Democratic National Committee."

Trump's stunning comments on Wednesday raised the specter of whether he was condoning foreign government hacking of U.S. computers and the public release of information stolen from political adversaries  actions that are at least publicly frowned upon across the globe.

"I will tell you this. Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump said in a news conference in Florida.

He was referring to emails on Clinton's private email server that she deleted because she said they were private before she turned other messages over to the State Department. The FBI declined to prosecute Clinton over her email practices but its director said she had been "extremely careless" handling classified materials.

Trump's insistence that his invitation to Russia wasn't serious was backed up by his campaign chairman. "He was making a sarcastic point," Paul Manafort said Wednesday on Fox News' "The Kelly File."

Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, said in a statement Wednesday there should be "serious consequences" if Russia is found to be interfering in the U.S. electoral process. But on Thursday, he echoed Trump's explanation.

He went on using in a statement laced with sarcasm to point out that there are 33,000 missing emails according to the FBI that Hillary Clinton deleted or did not make available in the course of that investigation, Pence said in a a radio interview with Laura Ingraham on Thursday morning.

Trump also told "Fox & Friends" that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is "doing a better job" than President Obama.

I said hes a better leader than Obama because Obamas not a leader, Trump said. "Hes certainly doing a better job than Obama is, thats all.

Trump said when he's president, the U.S. will have better relations with Russia.

Now look, you have to understand, Putin  if we could get along with Russia, I think that would be a good thing, not a bad thing. We dont get along with Russia. We practically dont get along with too many.

Trump blamed Obama for tensions with Russia, pointing out Russian aircraft flying by U.S. military ships.

You know why they do that? he asked. "They have no respect for our leader. They have zero respect for our leader. Thats why they do that.

I dont think theyd be doing that, Trump added. "I dont think theyd be doing that for one minute.

The Clinton campaign called Trump's statement on the emails the "first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against a political opponent."

At a press conference in Florida, after Trump's initial remarks, he was asked whether he had any pause about asking a foreign government to hack into computers in the United States. Trump did not directly respond except to say, "That's up to the president. Let the president talk to them."

He later added: "If Russia or China or any other country has those emails, I mean, to be honest with you, I'd love to see them."

House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, was among those who distanced himself from his party's presidential nominee's remarks.

"Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug," said his spokesman Brenan Buck. "Putin should stay out of this election."

Retired U.S. Air Force general Michael Hayden, director of the NSA and CIA under president George W. Bush, also criticized Trump's comments.

"If he is talking about the State Department e-mails on her server, he is inviting a foreign intelligence service to steal sensitive American government information," Hayden said in an interview with Bloomberg View. "If he is talking about the allegedly private e-mails that she destroyed, he is inviting a foreign intelligence service to violate the privacy of an individual protected by the Fourth Amendment to the American Constitution."

"Perhaps he doesn't know what he's talking about. Just a theory," Hayden said.

President Barack Obama identified Russia as almost certainly responsible for hacking the Democratic National Committee. WikiLeaks published on its website last week more than 19,000 internal emails stolen from the DNC earlier this year. The emails showed DNC staffers actively supporting Clinton when they were publicly promising to remain neutral during the primary elections between Clinton and rival candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders.

The head of the DNC, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, resigned over the disclosures, which disrupted this week's convention.

Trump cast doubt on whether Russia was behind that hack. He said blaming Russia was deflecting attention from the embarrassing material in the emails.

"Russia has no respect for our country, if it is Russia," Trump said. "It could be China. It could be someone sitting in his bedroom. It's probably not Russia. Nobody knows if it's Russia."

Obama told NBC News on Tuesday that outside experts have blamed Russia for the leak. Obama also appeared to embrace the notion that Putin might have been responsible because of what he described as Trump's affinity for Putin. Trump said he has no relationship to Putin.

In Moscow on Wednesday, Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Russia would never interfere in another country's election.

"What the motives were in terms of the leaks, all that, I can't say directly," Obama said. "What I do know is that Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin."

Obama said he was basing his assessment on Trump's own comments and the fact that Trump has "gotten pretty favorable coverage back in Russia." He added that the U.S. knows that "Russians hack our systems  not just government systems, but private systems."
President Barack Obama excoriated Donald Trump's vision of America Wednesday night as he endorsed Hillary Clinton, telling Democrats Trump was betting he could get win in November by scaring enough people into voting for him.

"That is another bet that Donald Trump will lose," Obama said. "Because he's selling the American people short."

Here are the top moments of Obama's speech and of the rest of the third day of the Democratic National Convention, inside the convention hall and out.

"We Don't Look to Be Ruled"

There has never been a man or a woman  not me, not Bill, nobody  more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America, said President Barack Obama at the DNC on its third day, July 27, 2016.

Obama told the DNC he was ready to pass the baton to Clinton and asked his audience to reject cynicism and fear and summon what was best in the country.

"Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me," he said. "I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me. Because you're who I was talking about 12 years ago, when I talked about hope. It's been you who've fueled my dogged faith in our future, even when the odds are great, even when the road is long."

This election was not a typical one between Democrats and Republicans, he said. Republicans at their convention last week had presented a deeply pessimistic vision of a country turning against each other and away from the rest of the world.

"And that is not the America I know," he said. "The America I know is full of courage, and optimism and ingenuity. The America I know is decent and generous."

[NATL] DNC Attendees Show What They Think of the Candidates

The United States does not depend on any one person, Obama said. It has never been about what one person says he will do but about what the country can achieve together, he said.

"We don't look to be ruled," he said. "Our power comes from those immortal declarations first put to paper right here in Philadelphia all those years ago. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that together, We, the People, can form a more perfect union."

There had never been a man or woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president, he said, not him, not Bill Clinton.

He acknowledged that Clinton had critics and had made mistakes, but compared her to the kind of citizen Teddy Roosevelt had once described  not timid souls on the sidelines but in the arena.

"Hillary Clinton is that woman in the arena," he said. "She's been there for us - even if we haven't always noticed. And if you're serious about our democracy, you can't afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. You've got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isn't a spectator sport. America isn't about 'Yes he will.' It's about 'Yes we can.'"

"Lying Is Second Nature to Him"

Tim Kaine, Hillary Clintons official running mate, did an impression of one of Donald Trumps common phrases. Trump is a guy who promises a lot but you might have noticed, he has a way of saying the same two words every time he makes his biggest, hugest promises: Believe me. 

Vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine of Virginia, a U.S. senator and the state's former governor, mocked Trump's credibility and his repeated use of the phrase "believe me."

"Believe me?" Kaine asked. "Believe me?"

Trump's ghostwriter on "The Art of the Deal" has said that lying was second nature to him, Kaine said. U.S. Sen. John McCain's former economic adviser said that Trump's policies would result in the loss of 3.5 million jobs. His tax plan would leave the country $30 trillion debt, according to an independent assessment, he said. Charity after charity believed Trump when he said he would contribute to them, he said.

[NATL] Standout Style at the Democratic National Convention

"Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth," he said as the audience chanted "Not one word."

"Our nation is too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting one-man wrecking crew," he said.

Bloomberg: "Im a New Yorker and I Know a Con When I See One"

Former Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, spoke on Day 3 of the DNC in Philly, calling out Donald Trumps business practices. I understand the appeal of a businessman president, he said. But Trumps business plan is a disaster in the making. The bottom line is: Trump is a risky, reckless and radical choice and we cant afford to...

Vice President Joseph Biden and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, another billionaire businessman from New York, went on the attack, calling Trump in succession a man of unbounded cynicism and a hypocrite.

His lack of compassion and empathy can be summed up in one of Trump's favorite phrases, Biden said: "Youre fired."

"He's trying to tell us he cares about the middle-class," Biden said. "Give me a break. That's a bunch of malarkey."

Vice President Joe Biden, speaking at the DNC, questioned Donald Trumps claims that he is working for the middle class. How can there be pleasure in saying, Youre Fired? Biden asked.

America is strong and has held together because of its middle class, Biden said. When the middle class does well, the rich do very well and the poor has hope, he said.

"This guy doesnt have a clue about the middle class, not a clue," Biden said.

"He has no clue period," he added and the phrase quickly became a refrain on the convention floor.

Trump is appealing to fear, but Americans never bow, never bend and never break, Biden said.

"We are America, second to none, and we own the finish line," he said.

Bloomberg spoke to the convention as an independent. He was there, he said, to urge other independents to unite around the candidate who could defeat a dangerous demagogue.

"I built a business, and I didn't start it with a million-dollar check from my father," he said.

Bloomberg belittled Trump's business experience, calling attention to his bankruptcies, the lawsuits brought against him and the contractors who said he had cheated them.

[NATL] A Look Inside the 2016 Democratic National Convention

He said he watched Clinton work with Republicans in Congress to get the money New York City needed to recover from the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. He did not always agree with her, but she always listened, he said.

"Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy," he said. "He wants you to believe that we can solve our biggest problems by deporting Mexicans and shutting out Muslims. He wants you to believe that erecting trade barriers will bring back good jobs. He's wrong on both counts."

"Russia, If You're Listening"

Far from the Democratic National Convention, Donald Trump caused a stir on Wednesday when - at a time Russia is suspected of trying to interfere in the U.S. presidential election - he appeared to ask Russia to hack into Hillary Clinton's emails.

"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump said during a news conference in Florida. "I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press."

His comments immediately drew condemnation, with the Clinton campaign accusing Trump of encouraging a foreign power to conduct espionage against his opponent.

"This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue," Jake Sullivan, a Clinton spokesman, said.

Paul Ryan, the Republican speaker of the House, called Putin a "devious thug" who should stay out of the U.S. election.

[NATL] Wildest Moments in Convention History

Trump has said he doubted Russia was behind the hacking of the Democratic National Committee computer servers, but U.S. intelligence believe it was.

Clinton has said she deleted 30,000 emails from her personal email server, received while she was secretary of state, before turning others over to the U.S. State Department. FBI Director James Comey criticized Clinton's use of a private email server but recommended against her prosecution.

"Strong Women Get Things Done"

Gabby Giffords, a former Congresswoman from Arizona who was shot in 2011, walked out on her own power at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, shot in the head when a man opened fire at a constituent meeting five years ago, walked onto the stage on the convention's third night to endorse Clinton as the candidate who would be able to stand up to the gun lobby.

"Speaking is difficult for me, but come January I want to say these two words: 'Madame President,'" she said.

She described Clinton as a tough and courageous woman who would fight to make families safer.

"In Congress I learned a powerful lesson: Strong women get things done," she said.

Giffords was among those touched by gun violence to speak  survivors or the relatives of whose who had been killed. They demanded what they called common-sense gun legislation, expanded background checks and other similar measures.

Giffords' husband, former astronaut U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, said Clinton would work to close loopholes governing who could buy weapons. Clinton is ready to take on one of the country's greatest moral failings at home -- the gun violence that is tearing up so many communities, Kelly said.

[NATL-PHI] Scenes From the Democratic Convention in Philly

Erica Smeglieski, the daughter of the Sandy Hook Elementary School principal who was shot to death with five other staff members and 20 schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut, said she did not want to be addressing the convention. She wanted to be at home watching the convention with her mother, Dawn Hochsprung, with whom she had planned her wedding, she said.

"My mom was murdered so I'm here," she said. "I'm here for the mothers and daughters who are planning weddings so you get to watch your daughter walk down the aisle."

Felicia Sanders and Polly Sheppard, survived the shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, during Bible studies. Sanders said her sons last words were, "We mean you no harm." Two days later she forgave the shooter, she said.

Sheppard said the shooter, like those in Orlando and Dallas, had hate in his heart.

"Love never fails and so I choose love," she said.

Christine Leinonen's son was killed in the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. It takes five minutes for a church bell to ring 49 times for the victims but only a minute to fire 30 rounds with the weapon used to shoot her son, she said.

When she went into labor with her son, said Leinonen, who was then a Michigan state trooper, her weapon was placed in a safe. She did not object because she knew common sense gun policy saves lives, she said.

"Where was that common sense the day that he died," she asked.

Emilie Plesset contributed information to this article.
Muslim activists are suing the Los Angeles Police Department for withholding records about a long-stalled Muslim mapping plan that was "postponed indefinitely" due to public concerns over religious profiling.

Muslim Advocates, a nonprofit legal advocacy group, alleges in a lawsuit filed this week that the LAPD has offered "evolving justifications" for its refusal to produce the records.

First officials said they didn't exist, then they produced a handful of emails from a time well after the program ended, court documents said. Then LAPD officials said that the search for records would be too burdensome.

"The LAPD's arguments are not credible," court records said. "Indeed, they are contradicted by documents and statements authored by the LAPD itself, as well as by reliable press reports."

Muslim Advocates said that after repeated requests to refine the records request, officials at the LAPD have ceased responding, thus necessitating a lawsuit.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, which voiced strong opposition to the program but is not a party to the lawsuit, said the government should be transparent.

"Any singling out of people of any faith, including the Muslim faith, for increased government scrutiny would violate the equal protection and freedom of religion guarantees of the U.S. Constitution," said Ahilan Arulanantham, the legal director of the ACLU of Southern California. "The government should be transparent about the processes that led it to initiate this misguided program and then to rescind it."

LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera, a department spokeswoman, said she couldn't comment on pending litigation.

Then-LAPD Deputy Chief Michael P. Downing, who headed up the counterterrorism bureau at the time, talked about the "Community Mapping" plan in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

He said it would "give our officers increased awareness of our local Muslim communities" and identify Muslim enclaves to determine which might be likely to become isolated and susceptible to "violent, ideologically based extremism."

Shortly after the announcement the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and other Muslim rights activists, sent an open letter to the LAPD opposing the plan.

"There was a clear message from the Muslim community that they were not comfortable with it. So we listened," said Mary Grady, an LAPD spokeswoman told The Associated Press at the time.
A mysterious light that streaked across the sky Wednesday night, igniting a social media firestorm from California to Nevada and Utah, was a Chinese rocket re-entering Earth's atmosphere, according to U.S. Strategic Command.

Videos and photos from across Southern California poured into NBCLA's Twitter feed after the light went streaking across the sky. The light was seen in skies around 9:30 p.m. PST over the Inland Empire, Ventura County, Orange County and beyond. Social media users also reported seeing it in Nevada and Utah.

Matt Holt, a Bay Area resident, shot video in San Jose of a large cluster of lights shooting across the sky to the bemusement of a large crowd.

Matt Holt

U.S. Strategic Command spokeswoman Julie Ziegenhorn wouldn't say if the Chinese CZ-7 rocket ever posed danger to people on the ground. She said the command often sees re-entries.

Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, told the Los Angeles Times the Chinese rocket launched on June 25.

"Anytime you have a report of a luminous object, it's a fair bet it's a natural event," said Ed Krupp, Griffith Observatory's director of 45 years. "It's likely space debris or a meteor produced by interplanetary debris."

Krupp said it wasn't so much what the object was composed of that caused the light, but what the atmosphere around it was doing.

"Typically a small pebble that enters the Earth's atmosphere at that high altitude and is heated up by the friction that it encounters will become so hot that it will in fact cause the air around it to glow -- kind of a tube of glowing air -- maybe as much as 10 miles in diameter."

Confirmed by @SpaceTrackOrg @JointSpaceOps that the CZ-7 rocket, object 41628, reentered 0436 UTC over 119W 37N heading E over Nevada, Utah  Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) July 28, 2016

@NBCLA What looks like a meteor over la?! pic.twitter.com/2ML3KjX7J3  Run MegaNova (@Agent_Avocado) July 28, 2016
The Rialto Fire and Police departments took to the skies to fight illegal fireworks this Fourth of July. This year they added a drone to their effort to stop illegal displays.

Firefighter Ryan Cathy was the pilot. He said the anti-fireworks taskforce decided to use the drone as an experiment.

"We wanted to use it as a test to see how it would work," Cathy said. "[Illegal fireworks] are a big problem for us here."

The night of July Fourth, they launched the drone and sent it into neighborhoods that were calling in reports of illegal fireworks. Cathy navigated the drone, looking for the source of the illegal launches.

"I tried to fly it over the rooftops to stay away from the aerials," he said. "Usually they launch them from the street or the backyard."

Cathy pinpointed locations for the fireworks and let the ground crews know where to go.

The operation was not without its limitations  the drone could only stay in the air for 28 minutes before it needed to recharge.

"I launched it about five times that night," Cathy said. "We only have one [drone] so our resources were taxed pretty quickly."

The Rialto Fire Department is hoping to obtain five more drones, Cathy said. They're also applying for an exemption from the FAA so that more firefighters can become certified drone pilots.

This Fourth of July, Rialto firefighters confiscated more than 500 packages of illegal fireworks weighing more than 1,000 pounds altogether, the department said. Firefighters and police wrote more than 80 citations for illegal fireworks, a 400 percent increase from 2014, when they started issuing citations.

With more resources, Cathy said they plan to use the drone for active shooter situations and fires.

"We would use the drone to take a shot of a fire from above," he said, "to see where the air conditioning units are, where the windows are and where the flames are, so firefighters can go in knowing more about the situation."
A 27-year-old woman from San Ysidro, California, was arrested July 18 at Los Angeles International Airport after authorities found $160,000 worth of crystal meth hidden in the lining of her suitcase, customs officials said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers noticed the woman's nervous behavior and conducted a secondary search of her suitcase, where they found 11.24 pounds of crystal meth in tape-wrapped packages, officials said.

The meth was confiscated, and the woman, who was arriving from Guadalajara, was arrested and turned over to the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents for further investigation.

"Once again, the training, expertise and commitment of our LAX CBP Officers prevented dangerous narcotics from entering and harming our community," said Mitchell Merriam, port director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at LAX.
Chelsea Clinton on Thursday said she has had a "front-row seat" to watch how Hillary Clinton serves.

In a speech at the Democratic National Convention, Chelsea Clinton described her mom as a diligent public servant who looks for solutions and dives into policy.

Chelsea Clinton said she has seen her mom surrounded by "stack of memos and reports" to review policy.

And she's seen her promise struggling mothers she'd do all she could to help them.

Chelsea Clinton says she's learned this from her mom: "Public service is about service."

She said her mother always made her feel "valued and loved," adding Hillary Clinton wants that for every child.

The younger Clinton calls that desire "the calling of her life."

Chelsea Clinton notes that her parents "expected me to have opinions"  and that they taught her "to back them up with facts."

Later, the presidential nominee reflected on her daughter's growth.

"I'm so proud of being your mother, and proud of the woman you've become," Hillary Clinton said at the start of her remarks.

Earlier, Chelsea Clinton said in an interview that "this election is so important to me, because I'm now a mom. And as proud as I am of my mom, this election to me is fundamentally about my children, about Charlotte and Aidan," the former first daughter told NBC's "Today" show in an interview that aired Thursday morning.

"And I couldn't imagine a better president for them. I couldn't imagine a better grandmother for them, either. And so I think just standing there, thinking about my children and looking at my mom, I think it's going to be overwhelming."

Chelsea Clinton's appearance comes after her father, ex-President Bill Clinton, gave a deeply personal address about his wife Tuesday night.

It's part of a campaign effort to show the softer side of the former first lady, senator and secretary of state.

"I just hope that people understand even a little more when I'm done than when I started about why I love her so much and admire her so much," she told "Today's" Matt Lauer of her speech.

It's hardly a new role for 36-year-old Chelsea, who works for the Clinton Foundation and recently gave birth to her second child. She has been active in the campaign, as with her mother's past campaigns. She was at the convention Tuesday, as her father called her birth "the greatest moment of my life." Hillary Clinton talks about her too, often telling a story about toddler Chelsea asking her to stop singing lullabies.

Of course, Chelsea Clinton is not the only prominent daughter during this presidential campaign. Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka, is a leading surrogate for her father and gave an emotional speech for him last week, pledging that the two will work on issues like pay equity and affordable childcare.

The two women, New Yorkers of similar ages with high-profile parents, have been friendly in the past. Chelsea Clinton praised Ivanka Trump in a Vogue magazine story last year, saying "There's nothing skin-deep about Ivanka." While the contest between their parents has become acrimonious, Ivanka Trump said in an interview with People Magazine this week that the two were "friendly." Still, she added, "There's certainly tremendous intensity around both of our lives right now."

Chelsea Clinton commented on Ivanka Trump's convention speech during an interview on Facebook Live hosted by Glamour this week. Asked what she would say to Ivanka Trump about her comments that her father would fight for equal pay for equal work and affordable child care, Chelsea Clinton said: "How would your father do that? It's not something he has spoken about. There are no policies on any of those fronts that you mentioned."

Chelsea Clinton told "Today" she still considers Ivanka a friend.

"And yet clearly, Ivanka and I have very different views about who we think should be our president, who we think best represents our country," she said.

"I think it's clear that Mr. Trump is running his campaign and saying what he thinks is important in this election," Clinton said. "I think what we're seeing here in Philadelphia is a very strong contrast to that. And my mother's not engaging in divisive, bigoted rhetoric."

Politics is the family business, so Chelsea Clinton has spent most of her life in the public eye, moving to the White House at the age of 12 after her father was elected in 1992 and heading to Stanford University with a security detail in tow. Perhaps her most high-profile moment came in 1998, when, at age 18 and during the height of her parents' marital troubles, the three were photographed walking together, with Chelsea Clinton holding both parents' hands.

Because she's lived so long in public, many voters feel they already know her, like Cynthia Doty, 65, a Clinton supporter from New York City, who said, "I think she's grown up into a really remarkable woman."

After spending time as a management consultant and as a correspondent for NBC, Chelsea Clinton now works for the Clinton Foundation and recently wrote a book for middle-school aged kids.

With husband Mark Mezvinsky, a hedge-fund manager whose parents both served in Congress, she has two children under the age of 2: Charlotte and Aidan.

Katie White, 18, of San Antonio, Texas, said she was looking forward to the speech: "I think Ivanka did a lot to help Donald Trump. It will be interesting to see what Chelsea can do."

But some Democrats are less interested.

"There's nothing relatable about her," said Quinn Symonds, 34, of Mason City, Iowa. "She's not one of us, the 99 percent."

Emma Schmit, 22, of Rockwell City, Iowa, agreed: "She's part of the one percent."
Donald Trump made several false and misleading statements in an hour-long press conference  on Bernie Sanders, Vladimir Putin, Hillary Clintons emails and more.

The Republican presidential candidate wrongly said that Sen. Bernie Sanders had lied in saying Trump supported a minimum wage below $7.25. In fact, Trump told NBC News in May that he didnt support a federal floor and would leave it up to the states. Sanders got it right.

Trump insisted again that Vladimir Putin called him a genius, even though Putin clarified just last month that he called Trump flamboyant.

We found no evidence to corroborate Trumps claim that Putin mentioned the N-word one time. Two experts on Russia told us they had no idea what Trump was talking about.

Trump claimed with no evidence that Hillary Clinton deleted emails from her private server after she gets a subpoena from Congress.

Theres also no evidence for Trumps repeated claim that many people saw or knew about bombs lying all over the floor of the San Bernardino shooters home and didnt report it.

Trump said Blue Cross Blue Shield in Texas had announced a 60 percent increase in health insurance premiums. Thats a proposed increase for 2017 that has yet to be approved by regulators for certain plans purchased by those buying their own insurance.

In the press conference, Trump was right about one top Democrat, Vice President Joe Biden. Trump pointed out that Biden was wrong to say that Trump wanted to carpet-bomb in the Middle East to fight the Islamic State. Sen. Ted Cruz said that.

Minimum Wage: Sanders Was Right

Trump claimed that Sanders lied in saying that Trump wants the minimum wage to go below $7. But Sanders got his facts right. He said Trump believes that states should actually have the right to lower the minimum wage below $7.25. And thats what Trump said.

Today, Trump said the minimum wage should go up to at least $10, the first time we could find that he has said that.

First, heres Trump today at his press conference:

Trump, July 27: The minimum wage has to go up.  At least $10 but it has to go up. But I think that states  I think that states should really call the shots.  But it has to go up. Now, Bernie Sanders lied. Bernie Sanders said in his speech the other day that Donald Trump wants the minimum wage to go below $7. I said, where did he come up with that one?

Trump went on to say, In fact he was criticized by people that fact check for saying it because I never said it. We at FactCheck.org did not criticize Sanders on this point. In fact, Trump did say he was in favor of having no federal minimum wage. He was asked by NBC News Chuck Todd on Meet the Press on May 8, should the federal government set a floor? And he responded: No, Id rather have the states go out and do what they have to do.

Heres Sanders Monday night at the Democratic National Convention:

Sanders, July 25: He does not support raising the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, a starvation wage. While Trump believes in huge tax breaks, huge tax breaks for billionaires, he believes that states should actually have the right to lower the minimum wage below $7.25.

It may be difficult to follow Trumps shifting position on the minimum wage: As Todd noted in that NBC News interview, Trump said in one of the debates that he was against raising it  I hate to say it, but we have to leave it the way it is, he said in November  and then months later said he would be open to raising it.

He even told Todd in May that he would like to see an increase of some magnitude, but added that Id rather leave it to the states. However, there is no doubt that he said in that interview that the federal government should not set a floor, leaving states, as Sanders said, the right to lower the minimum wage below $7.25.

Heres the full exchange from that May 8 NBC News interview:

NBC News Chuck Todd: Minimum wage. Minimum wage. At a debate, you know. You remember what you said. You thought you didnt want to touch it. Now youre open to it. What changed? Trump: Let me just tell you, Ive been traveling the country for many months. Since June 16th. Im all over. Today Im in the state of Washington, where the arena right behind me, you probably hear, is packed with thousands and thousands of people. Im doing that right after I finish you. I have seen whats going on. And I dont know how people make it on $7.25 an hour. Now, with that being said, I would like to see an increase of some magnitude. But Id rather leave it to the states. Let the states decide. Because dont forget, the states have to compete with each other. So you may have a governor  Todd: Right. You want the fed but should the federal government set a floor, and then you let the states Trump: No, Id rather have the states go out and do what they have to do. And the states compete with each other, not only other countries, but they compete with each other, Chuck. So I like the idea of let the states decide. But I think people should get more. I think theyre out there. Theyre working. It is a very low number. You know, with whats happened to the economy, with whats happened to the cost. I mean, its just I dont know how you live on $7.25 an hour. But I would say let the states decide.

Putin Still Didnt Call Trump a Genius

Trump continues to insist that Vladimir Putin called him a genius, even though Russian language experts told us Putin merely called Trump colorful or bright  depending on the translation  and even after Putin clarified just last month that he never called Trump a genius.

Trump, July 27: I never met Putin, I dont know who Putin is. He said one nice thing about me. He said Im a genius.

Trump frequently claims that Putin called him a genius, but as we wrote on June 17, that relies on a faulty translation of the Russian presidents faint praise for Trump during a press scrum in December, after Putin was asked what he thought about the Republican candidate.

According to a translation by Russia Insider, which uploaded the video, Putin responded, Hes a very colorful person. Talented, without any doubt. But its not our affair to determine his worthiness  thats up to the United States voters. But he is absolutely the leader in the presidential race. He wants to move to a different level of relations, to more solid, deeper relations with Russia. And how can Russia not welcome that  we welcome that. As for his internal political issues and the turn of speech which he uses to raise his popularity, I repeat, its not our affair to evaluate them.

Its the word colorful in the first sentence of that translation that is at issue here. We reached out to several Russian language experts, and there was some disagreement about the precise meaning of Putins phrase, with some translating it as colorful, others bold or bright. But they all agreed that Trump was inflating Putins rather guarded praise, and that Putin most certainly did not go so far as to call Trump a genius.

In a speech in St. Petersburg, Russia, on June 17, Putin set the record straight, explaining that he had only described Trump as flamboyant. According to Reuters, Putin added, with a smile, He is, isnt he? I did not give any other assessment of him.

Putin Used the N-Word?

We could find no evidence to corroborate Trumps claim that Putin mentioned the N-word one time, in a sign of a total lack of respect for President Obama.

Trump: Putin has said things over the last year that are really bad things. OK? He mentioned the N-word one time. I was shocked to hear him mention the N-word. You know what the N word is, right? He mentioned it. I was shocked. He has a total lack of respect for President Obama. Number one, he doesnt like him. And number two, he doesnt respect him. I think hes going to respect your president if Im elected. And I hope he likes me.

We scoured the internet and published reports archived by Lexis-Nexis and could not find where Putin ever used that racial epithet. Neither could the Washington Post or CNN, which wrote, There are no published reports to back up Trumps allegation about Putins use of the racially derogatory term, however.

Two experts on Russia told us via email that they had never heard of Putin using that term.

In Russian, the N-word does not begin with N  and Putins English is pretty rudimentary, said Stephen Sestanovich, an expert on Russia and the former Soviet Union at the Council on Foreign Relations.

I have no idea what [Trump] is talking about, added Fiona Hill, an expert on Russian affairs and director of the Center on the United States and Europe and a senior fellow in the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution. Putin doesnt really speak English. So perhaps Trump is referring to some speech in Russianbut again I have no idea what he is referring to.

Hill, who co-authored the second edition of Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin, added, If it were something in Russian, then the word negr is used widely by Russians who grew up in the Soviet era. It is the literal translation of Negro. When I was a student in the USSR in the late 1980s I heard it many times, used by teachers and students at my institute when talking about Africans and oppressed black Americans, and it was written in textbooks. I have heard it used by Russians of Putins generation since, including a couple of Russian officials in conversations. It does sound pretty similar to the N word to an English speaker, so it would certainly be shocking out of context.

We did come across an article posted by the Conservative Tribune, which carried the headline While Talking ISIS Strategy, Putin Just Dropped The N Word This Could Change EVERYTHING. But as the article quickly makes clear, the N-word in question there was nuclear.

Conservative Tribune: Russian President Vladimir Putin has not ruled out the possibility of deploying nuclear warheads when dealing with the Islamic State group, but he hoped it would never come that.

But the context of Trumps comment makes clear that thats not the N-word to which Trump was referring.

Clintons Emails

Trump claimed that Hillary Clinton deleted 33,000 emails from the private server she used as secretary of state after she received a congressional subpoena requesting her emails. But there is no evidence to support his claim. In fact, an FBI investigation found no evidence of a cover-up.

Trump: That a person in our government, Katy, would delete or get rid of 33,000 emails. That gives me a big problem. After she gets a subpoena. She gets subpoenaed, and she gets rid of 33,000 emails? That gives me a problem.

Trump, of course, is referring to Clintons use of a personal email system for government businesses. As we have written in A Guide to Clintons Emails, the State Department asked her in the summer of 2014 to turn over any work-related emails that she had in her possession after she had already left the department in February 2013. Her lawyers went through the emails stored on her server, and they identified 30,490 work-related emails and 31,830 private emails.

In December 2014, Clinton gave the State Department the work-related emails, and the others were deleted. But when did she delete them? We dont know  and neither does Trump.

Clinton received a subpoena from the House Select Committee on Benghazi on March 4, 2015. The committee requested any and all documents and communications in your possession. The request came two days after the New York Times broke the story that she had been using a private email account exclusively for government business.

Six days after receiving a subpoena, Clinton held a press conference on March 10, 2015, to answer questions raised by the Times article. At that press conference, she first disclosed that she deleted her personal emails. I didnt see any reason to keep them, she said.

Trump is assuming that the emails were deleted after March 4, when Clinton was subpoenaed, and perhaps before March 10, when she held her press conference. But her campaign told us for a previous article that the emails were deleted before March 4, although it did not provide us with a date.

FBI Director Jim Comey at a July 5 press conference announced the results of the agencys investigation into whether Clinton or anyone on her staff violated federal law in the handling of classified information on a private server. He criticized Clinton and her staff for being extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information, but cleared them of any criminal wrongdoing.

In his press conference, Comey said the FBI discovered several thousand work-related e-mails that were not in the group of 30,000 that were returned by Secretary Clinton to the State Department. He also said Clintons lawyers cleaned her server in such a way as to preclude complete forensic recovery, but he also said the FBI found no evidence that any of the additional work-related emails were intentionally deleted in an effort to conceal them.

Health Insurance Premiums

Trump said Blue Cross Blue Shield in Texas had announced a 60 percent increase in health insurance premiums under Obamacare. To be clear, thats a proposed increase for 2017  it has to be approved by regulators  for certain plans purchased by those buying their own insurance.

Trump:In Texas, going through BlueCross/BlueShield they just announced a 60 percent increase. On November 1st, youre going to have new numbers come out for Obamacare, having to do with increases. President Obama is trying to get it moved to December. Because it is election-defying. It is going to be a massive number, the biggest number ever in our countrys history for health care.

Trump has cherry-picked high rate increases for some plans on the Affordable Care Acts insurance marketplaces before. As we wrote in April on this issue, there was wide variation in premium changes for plans that individuals purchase on the marketplaces  ranging from the high increases Trump has touted to double-digit decreases.

In this case, Blue Cross Blue Shield in Texas has requested rate increases of 57 percent and 59 percent. Any increase above 10 percent has to be submitted and approved by government regulators. A 60 percent jump could well be an outlier. The nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation analyzed preliminary rates and estimated a 10 percent rise on average for the second-lowest-cost silver plan in 14 major metropolitan areas.

Thats double what KFF found actually happened in those metro areas  a 5 percent increase  for 2016. Experts have said the marketplace premiums initially came in lower than expected, in 2014, and now are being adjusted based on insurers actual experience with consumers. The Urban Institute wrote in November 2015 that it could take a few years before premiums stabilize.

Consumers can switch plans, and many do: The Department of Health and Human Services found 43 percent of returning customers chose a different plan for 2016. And 85 percent of customers qualified for tax credits, insulating them from higher rate hikes.

We cant predict whether the final increases for the 2017 marketplace plans will be the biggest number ever in our countrys history, as Trump claims. But well note that increases on the individual market before the ACA was passed topped 10 percent on average.

Those buying plans on the marketplaces totaled nearly 13 million in 2016. In contrast, more than 154 million people get health insurance through their employers. Those premiums rose an average of 4 percent for family plans in 2015, according to the latest employer survey by KFF.

San Bernardino Shooting

Trump repeated his claim that many people saw or knew there were bombs lying all over the floor of the San Bernardino shooters home and didnt report it. Theres no evidence of that.

Trump: I think that the people in the community know whats going on. Whether its in a mosque or whether its in the community and they have to report these people. When you look at San Bernardino, people knew  many people knew what was going on. They had bombs lying all over the floor.  I mean, this isnt  you walk into somebodys house, there are bombs lying on the floor  I think theres a problem there. You got to report it.

Trump made a similar claim in mid-June about Muslims being complicit in the Dec. 2, 2015, shooting in San Bernardino, California. He said that many people, including neighbors of the shooters, saw bombs all over the floor of the couples apartment, but declined to report it because of concerns about racial profiling. As we wrote then, one friend of a neighbor said the neighbor noticed a lot of packages arriving at the house, and that the couple had been doing a lot of work in their garage  and the neighbor didnt report it due to racial profiling concerns.

During the fifth Republican debate in December, Trump accused the mother of the shooter of having advance knowledge of the attack. The FBI was investigating the matter, but officials have not brought any charges or made any accusation against the mother, whose lawyer says that his client didnt know what her son was planning.

Trump Right About Biden

Trump said that Biden lied when Biden said Trump stated that he wanted to carpet-bomb in the Middle East to fight the Islamic State. Biden was incorrect. Sen. Ted Cruz, not Trump, said that the U.S. should use carpet-bombing as a strategy against the terrorist organization known as ISIS.

Trump: Joe Biden lied today. He said that Donald Trump wants to carpet-bomb  he was on television  he said, Donald Trump wants to carpet-bomb the enemy in the Middle East. Now, that was Ted Cruz that said that. That was not Donald Trump.

Heres what Biden said about Trump during an interview on MSNBCs Morning Joe on July 27 (at 7:10 in the video):

Biden, July 27: And some of the things he says. Like, for example, I know hes trying to be tough, but hes gonna go out and carpet-bomb. You want to go out and make friends and influence people in the Middle East? Youre gonna go carpet-bomb innocent people and bad people at the same time and thats going to help us fight against ISIS and Daesh?

We cant say whether Biden lied, as Trump said. That would mean that Biden knew what he was saying was false. But Biden did get it wrong.

It was Cruz, the Texas senator and former Republican candidate for president, who talked about carpet-bombing ISIS.

We will have a president who will make clear we will utterly destroy ISIS. We will carpet-bomb them into oblivion. I dont know if sand can glow in the dark, but were going to find out, Cruz said during a campaign event in Iowa on Dec. 5, 2015.

Carpet-bombing, generally, involves dropping many bombs over an area without a specific target. Such a tactic could result in unintended casualties since some ISIS fighters are embedded among civilian populations. Thats one of the reasons that former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that Cruzs plan would not work.

I think most rhetoric about carpet-bombing, about making the sand glow, about bombing them to death and so on is frankly just unrealistic, Gates said in an interview on Fox Business Network in January.

Gates added: Its not going to accomplish the military objective  it takes no account of civilian casualties. Its a simplistic answer to whats a complex and long term problem.

For his part, Trump has said multiple times that he would use bombs against ISIS. But he has said that he would specifically target oil fields that ISIS controls in Iraq, Syria and other areas.

On June 17, 2015, a day after he announced that he was running for president, Trump told ABC News George Stephanopoulos that I would bomb the hell out of them. Id bomb the fields.

Nearly a month later, he told CNNs Anderson Cooper the same thing. If I win, I would attack those oil sites that are controlled  by ISIS, Trump said.

In mid-November, the Trump campaign released a radio ad in which Trump says, in a voice-over, Yes, I will quickly and decisively bomb the hell out of ISIS. That was after Trump, at a campaign rally in Iowa, on Nov. 12, said this:

Trump, Nov. 12, 2015: ISIS is making a tremendous amount of money because they have certain oil camps, right? They have certain areas of oil that they took away. They have some in Syria, some in Iraq. I would bomb the s out of them. I would just bomb those suckers. And thats right, Id blow up the pipes. Id blow up the refinery. Id blow up every single inch. There would be nothing left.

So, Trump has called for specifically targeting ISIS-controlled oil fields. A strategy that some in the military have criticized. But thats different from carpet-bombing, which is what Biden wrongly said Trump wants to do.
Angry and disaffected Bernie Sanders' backers have a new rallying cry: "Jill not Hill."

That's Green Party candidate Jill Stein, whose liberal agenda of tuition-free college, $15-per-hour minimum wage and a renewable energy economy by 2030 offers a home to Sanders' supporters disillusioned by the two-party political system and unwilling to back Democrat Hillary Clinton.

"We are standing up together, we are supporting the Bernie delegates who liberated themselves tonight from the Democratic Party," Stein belted through a megaphone to cheering supporters outside the Democratic convention Tuesday night.

Stein is a 66-year-old doctor and political activist from Massachusetts who, like Clinton, was born in Illinois and raised in a Chicago suburb. She is poised to become the Green Party's 2016 presidential nominee early next month, a title she won in 2012.

Then, Stein failed to crack even half a million votes. This year, detractors warn she could become a Ralph Nader-like candidate, taking enough votes from Clinton to deliver Republican nominee Donald Trump a victory in November.

Nader, the Green Party's nominee in 2000, captured nearly 3 million votes. Many Democrats argue it was Nader who kept Democrat Al Gore from winning the White House over Republican George W. Bush.

Jason Sherry, a Sanders' delegate from Colorado, warned about helping Trump.

"If you're in a battleground state," he said. "You've got to suck it up and vote for Hillary."

Clinton's campaign is monitoring many of Sanders supporters who, for now, seem unwilling to get behind her as the nominee despite the senator's pleas.

With voters expressing discontent at both major party nominees, pollsters are watching third-party candidates like Stein and Gary Johnson, the Libertarian party's nominee. But a July Associated Press-GfK poll found both Stein and Johnson remain virtual unknowns among Americans, with 76 percent saying they don't know enough about Johnson to have a favorable or unfavorable opinion and 82 percent saying the same about Stein.

Stein first ran for elected office with the Green Party in 2002, challenging Mitt Romney for the Massachusetts' governorship but winning just a fraction of the votes. Stein, who graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1979, promises to wipe out student debt entirely and favors universal health care provided by a single public entity.

"I've been working my butt off for Bernie for a year, but I know a good deal about Jill Stein," said Stacy Bucek of Winter Park, Florida. "A lot of my beliefs line up with how she stands."

Stein is working aggressively to win over Sanders supporters, appearing at rallies in downtown Philadelphia during the week of the convention as protesting delegates shout "Jill not Hill!" And she's taking the fight directly to Clinton, accusing the Democratic Party of engaging in an "intimidation campaign that is trying to get you to vote for some lesser evil."

"Hillary cannot stand up to Donald Trump because it's the policies of the Clintons that have created the economic misery that has given rise to the right-wing extremism that supports Donald Trump," Stein said.

Danny Keating, a steelworker from Lowell, Massachusetts, says he'll vote for Stein "because the two-party system is corrupt, it's becoming more evident by the rigged primaries and everything else, I'm here to fight for a party for the 99% and working people."
An 18-year-old Florida man was arrested Wednesday night in New York City after police found a fully loaded gun in his bag and a witness heard him making threats to kill officers.

Hunter Lee Taylor, who lives north of Orlando, was reportedly smoking marijuana inside the citys Port Authority bus terminal with a man when Taylor reportedly said Lets off some cops, according to affiliate WNBC-TV.

After Taylor then opened his bag to show off the weapon, the witness walked away and located an officer nearby. Police searched Taylors bad and made an arrest.

The witness, who lives in a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, was interviewed and released. Taylor was transferred to a Manhattan jail early Thursday morning.

NYPD officials say the investigation is ongoing, but they believe it was an isolated incident and no commuters were ever in danger.
A South Florida man is facing charges after police say he beat and kidnapped his pregnant girlfriend then forced her to have sex with him.

Jorge Michel Pizano, 31, was arrested July 20 on charges of aggravated battery of a pregnant victim, attempted sexual battery and armed kidnapping, according to a Miami-Dade Police arrest report.

Pizano remained behind bars without bond Wednesday, jail records showed. It's unknown if he's hired an attorney.

According to the arrest report, Pizano and the victim, who is six weeks pregnant, live together and have a 2-year-old child in common. On July 11, they were in a car when they got into an argument over the woman having sex with another man, the report said.

The woman told police Pizano drove to an unknown location where he bound her hands and covered her mouth with packing tape then punched her in the face with a closed fist until she passed out, the report said.

Pizano drove back to their home where he forced the woman to stay in a room for several days, the report said. On July 19, he forced her to have sex multiple times against her will, according to the report.

At one point, Pizano punched his girlfriend in the stomach and said "I want you to lose this child," the report said.
A Miami-Dade woman is facing child abuse charges after a baby girl was hospitalized with multiple broken bones.

Ileana Haro, 41, was arrested Wednesday night on two counts of aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm, according to a police report.

Haro, of Florida City, was booked into jail early Thursday and was being held on $10,000 bond, records showed. It's unknown if she's hired an attorney.

According to the report, Haro was the 9-month-old girl's primary caregiver for about six days back in May. On May 15, the girl was admitted to the hospital with multiple broken bones, including both of her upper and lower arm bones, both upper thigh bones, both lower legs and a couple of ribs, the report said.

The child is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
A Southwest Ranches man is facing multiple charges of possession of child pornography after posting pornographic images of children on Twitter, police said.

Bruce Muehlfelder, 62, was arrested Thursday by the Davie Police special response team, detectives and members of the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Davie Police said.

Muehlfelder was booked into the Broward main jail. No attorney information was immediately available.

According to police, they received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that the images were being posted on Twitter between August 2015 and April 2016.

When a search warrant was executed at Muehlfelder's home on Southwest 61st Street, numerous boxes of evidence containing hundreds of printed images, CDs, computers and thumb drives were collected, police said. One of the thumb drives was marked "Pre-teen," police said.

Authorities also found boxes of children's clothing, including children's undergarments, despite there being no children in the house and Muehlfelder has no children, officials said.

Police said a lot of the evidence was found in an office in the home, and Muehlfelder's wife told detectives she never went in the office.

At the home Thursday, Muehlfelder's wife declined to speak with reporters.

"One of the detectives described it to me, a closet floor to ceiling filled with boxes and boxes of child pornography. They even found some of the child pornography framed in what you'd put a nice family photo in in the office also," Davie Police Sgt. Mark Leone said. "The arrestee was distributing this child pornography over numerous Twitter accounts, once it was realized that there was child pornography going over the Twitter accounts, Twitter alerted law enforcement and those twitter accounts have been shut down."

Police said the investigation is ongoing and it's unknown if there are any known victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Davie Police at 954-693-8200.
Vice Presidential candidate Tim Kaine is the latest high profile politician to stop by unannounced at the Florida delegation gathering.

Kaine, a Senator from Virginia and the former Governor of the commonwealth, tried to win over the crowd from the Sunshine State Wednesday morning before taking the main stage Wednesday night.

"Do you know it was not an accident that the rollout of the ticket was in Florida, that was no accident," Kaine told the delegates. "Were any of you at that event in Miami? Wasn't that a great event? We had so much fun, so much fun, but we started there on Saturday because we know how critical Florida is going to be this cycle and I have a feeling we are coming soon to a theater near you."

Many Bernie Sanders supporters have said they are not thrilled Hillary Clinton put him on the ticket.

"He wouldn't be our first choice but we would have preferred Elizabeth Warren or someone more progressive," Florida delegate Rick Neuhoff said.

Former Republican Florida Governor and now Democratic Congressional candidate Charlie Crist says Kaine is a good man to have in the No. 2 slot.

"He is tremendous, we were governors at the same time so I have known him for a long time," Crist said. "He is a great man, he is the real deal, he will be great on the ticket."
Katy Perry sparkled in a slinky, silver dress Thursday as she belted her new song "Rise" and her signature "Roar" for an audience of Democratic delegates waving their glowing cellphones.

Perry urged the TV audience beyond the Democratic National Convention floor to vote and donate to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

"You'll be just as powerful as any NRA lobbyist. You'll have as much say as any billionaire, or you'll cancel out your weird cousin's vote, if you like," said Perry, who has stumped for Clinton and jokingly offered to lend new donors some of her outfits.

The star power on the final day of the convention wasn't just on the stage. "Scandal" star Tony Goldwyn, who appeared in a video and earlier spoke, watched Perry with fellow actors Sophia Bush, Connie Britton and Orlando Bloom, talk show host Chelsea Handler and TV hit maker Shonda Rhimes.

Perry followed actress Mary Steenburgen, a friend of Clinton for 38 years. She was accompanied by her husband, Ted Danson, and described her pal as a "world-class listener" who's all guts.

Clinton, she said, "loves to laugh, especially at herself." When she "gets knocked down seven times, she will get up eight," said Steenburgen, the daughter of an Arkansas train conductor.

The legendary Carole King got delegates on their feet, swaying and singing along to her classic "You've Got a Friend" as they held hands.

"Hello, Idaho," she began, a shoutout for the state where she bought a ranch years ago. "Everybody, everybody sing with me."

Accompanied by a group of backup singers, King concluded, "Hillary's got so many friends, and Bernie, too, and all of us together, yeahhhh."

Longtime Prince collaborator Sheila E. took to the drums for some upbeat Latin jazz, accompanied by her famous father, Pete Escovedo, and her brother, Peter. And 19-year-old actress Chloe Grace Moretz urged her fellow millennials not to sit out the election in November.

Across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey, earlier Thursday, Lady Gaga performed a jazzy version of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," followed by Neil Young's "Old Man."

She was introduced by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who spoke at the convention earlier in the week. He called Gaga a star who is not afraid to speak out about sexual violence and mental health.

Lenny Kravitz, who performed in the DNC hall Wednesday night, played a set at the Camden event, shouting: "We, the people. We, the people. We, the people." DJ Jazzy Jeff spun tunes between sets.

The show gave Camden, one of the country's most impoverished cities, time in the convention spotlight.

Earlier Thursday, Rhimes, who created "Grey's Anatomy," ''Scandal" and "How to Get Away with Murder," addressed the Democratic women's caucus, describing Clinton as a "badass" she knows as a person as well as a politician.

"She's a mother who talks about her kid a little too much and like us, she personally worries too much," Rhimes said, according to BuzzFeed. "She's real and human and flawed, and funny, and dorky and interesting. She's a thousand times smarter than anyone you've met, but she's just like us."

Having spent personal time with Clinton, Rhimes heartily endorsed her: "Hillary gets it done. Hillary is squad goals, people."
Lifeguards pulled an 8-year-old boy out of a swimming pool at a Jewish Community Center in New Jersey Thursday afternoon when he began to experience a medical problem, authorities said.

The boy, who was reportedly drowning, was given CPR by lifeguards and the police and rushed to Englewood Hospital.

The boy was wading in the shallow end of an outdoor pool at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, center officials said.

He was later transferred to Hackensack Hospital. Information about his condition wasn't available.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as we all hope for a full recovery," JCC said.

The pool was closed for the day after the 3:30 p.m. incident.
A 27-year-old man has been charged with attempted rape after authorities said someone broke into an 8-year-old East Harlem girl's room and tried to sexually assault her.

Juan Barreto, 27, is also facing charges of burglary and child endangerment in the July 7 attack.

That's when authorities said a man allegedly broke into a girl's home on East 108th Street and First Avenue and tried to rape the girl, who was sleeping while her father and siblings were in the next room.

When the girl awoke, the man ran away through a bedroom window and a back fire escape, according to police, probably the same way he got inside.

The girl wasn't physically hurt.

Parents in the neighborhood were horrified to learn of the attack.

Attorney information for Barreto wasn't immediately available.
A 68-year-old man is hospitalized in a coma after a confrontation with a driver over a fender-bender in Queens.

Chun Tse was involved in a minor car accident last week as he drove to the Self-Help Benjamin Rosenthal senior center in Flushing, where he has volunteered as a cook, his family told NBC 4 New York on Thursday.

Tse got out of his car to check the damage as did the driver of the other vehicle, 44-year-old Cleaman Anderson.

Audio recorded by a dashboard camera captured the two men arguing over who caused the accident. Moments later, police say, Anderson assaulted Tse.

Anderson's sister, an NYPD school safety agent, was in the car at the time of the assault and allegedly told investigators that Tse was hurt in a fall. She has been suspended by the NYPD for the attempted cover up, authorities said.

Tse is comatose and doctors told NBC 4 New York that should he regain consciousness he likely will be paralyzed.

There was no information as to whether Anderson has obtained a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.
A man smoking marijuana with an acquaintance at the Port Authority bus terminal allegedly said, "Let's off some cops" and showed the friend a gun inside his bag, law enforcement sources say.

The two men were smoking and talking inside the bus terminal Wednesday night when the 18-year-old suspect allegedly uttered the menacing phrase as Port Authority police officers walked by.

The acquaintance, a homeless man, became startled and made an excuse to walk away. He then went to find some Port Authority officers, the sources said.

The officers took Hunter Lee Taylor, who is from Florida, into custody and found a revolver loaded with five hollow-point bullets inside his bag. He was transferred to Manhattan Central Booking on Thursday morning.

The man who turned in Taylor lives at Samaritan Village, a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, sources say. He was interviewed by police and released.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office in Florida told NBC 4 New York that Taylor has been wanted for questioning in connection with a drive-by shooting.

Taylor pleaded not guilty Thursday night at his arraignment. He was remanded to jail in lieu of $250,000 bail. There was no information about whether he had obtained a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.
What to Know A woman was showering at a home on Staten Island when a man broke in and tried to rape her earlier this week, police say

The man groped her and then threw her to the ground and began punching her. She was able to escape and sought help from passersby

Police are looking for 30-year-old Miguel Felipe, who they say is a suspect

A man broke into a bathroom on Staten Island earlier this week and then tried to rape a woman in a shower before choking her, police say.

The 22-year-old woman was in a home near Ebbitts Street and Hett Avenue in Oakwood on Tuesday morning when the man managed to break into the locked bathroom.

Once inside the bathroom, the man went into the shower and touched the womans privates, according to police. When she tried to fight him off, the suspect threw her to the floor and began choking her.

When the man let go of her, the woman was able to convince him to let her walk out of the bathroom. Once they were in a nearby hallway, she dashed out of the apartment and into a street, where she ran up to passersby for help. By that time, the man was gone.

The woman was treated for her physical injuries at a nearby hospital and released.

Police have identified 30-year-old Miguel Felipe as a suspect. Police said Felipe goes by the names Tino and Constantino.

The NYPD asks anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
A teen died on a North Philadelphia street overnight and a man, bleeding profusely, dipped into a house after gunfire rang out.

The 18-year-old and 37-year-old were shot right outside their homes along N Darien Street near Lehigh Avenue around 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, said Philadelphia Police.

Medics pronounced the teen  who was shot in the head  dead at the scene. Others medics rushed the man  who had darted into a home after being shot  to Temple University Hospital in stable condition with two gunshot wounds to his stomach.

It appeared the gunman targeted his victims, shooting the teen three times at point blank range said police.

No word yet on suspects in this shooting.

Another man died along Pike Street in the citys Nicetown section overnight. Officers found the man dead under a pickup truck, said police. It appeared he had gone about 75 feet as he tried to escape the shooting.

Anyone with information on either homicide is asked to contact Philadelphia Police.
Before Hillary Clinton could take the stage Thursday night in Philadelphia to give a historic speech, a Wilmington, Delaware, native made some history of her own when she stood at the podium and said, "My name is Sarah McBride, and I am a proud transgender American."

McBride became the first openly transgender person to address a major political party convention. The American University graduate came out as transgender four years ago while serving as student body president. Today she is the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, and says that a lot of work remains on behalf of the transgender community.

"Will we be a nation where there's only one way to love, only one way to look, and only one way to live?" McBride said on stage Thursday night. "Or, will we be a nation where everyone has the freedom to live openly and equally; a nation that's 'Stronger Together?' That's the question in this election."

McBride said the struggle for equality became more urgent for her when she learned that her future husband, a transgender man named Andy, was battling cancer.

"Even in the face of his terminal illness  this 28-year-old  he never wavered in his commitment to our cause and his belief that this country can change," McBride said.

The couple married in 2014, and Andy passed away just five days later.

"Knowing Andy left me profoundly changed," she said. "But more than anything else, his passing taught me that every day matters when it comes to building a world where every person can live their life to the fullest."

McBride has been a champion for transgender rights. After coming out in her colleges student-run newspaper, The Eagle, she later became the first out trans woman to work at the White House when she interned in the Office of Public Engagement. Several months ago she took a viral selfie inside a womens restroom in North Carolina, where a controversial law enacted in the state bans transgender people from using government building bathrooms in line with their gender identities.

The spotlight continued to shine on McBride Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention, and she used the attention to continue to work for her cause.

"Today in America, LGBTQ people are still targeted by hate that lives in both laws and in hearts, she said. "Many still struggle just to get by. But I believe tomorrow can be different. Tomorrow, we can be respected and protected -- especially if Hillary Clinton is our president. And that's why I'm proud to stand here and say that I'm with her."
Two of Congress' youngest members joined millennials in Center City Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon to talk Uber, the student debt crisis and other issues affecting the country's youngest generation of voters.

Philadelphia's own U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., spoke on a panel as part of a caucus hosted by the Millennial Action Project, a nonprofit that aims to encourage political cooperation through leadership by millennials. Boyle and Moulton answered questions from Millennial Action Project Co-Founder and President Steven Olikara and people in the audience, and talked about why millennial participation in politics is vital to the country's future.

"The focus on millennial issues is not something you hear about. Most people respond where voters are, so seniors get the most attention because they vote most," Boyle, 39, told NBC10 after the panel. "But issues in the millennial generation matter. It is easy to be apathetic and cynical, but difficult to believe in something and pour your heart and soul into it ... but to create change, you have to bother to show up."

Topics of discussion tailored to millennials included a bill Moulton sponsored to allow the federal government to fund ride-sharing, like Uber and Lyft, as well as legislation Boyle is working on to create better refinancing options for student debt.

"Millennial Action Project aims to answer how this new generation will govern America in an era of polarization and gridlock. It feels like we cant get things done any more in our country at the national level. So, we activate millennial policy makers the first of our generation to be elected to office, congress, and state ligatures to foster bi-partisan participation," Olikara said in an interview with NBC10 ahead of Wednesday's caucus.

Steven Olikara, president and co-founder of the Millennial Action Project, explains how his group plans on making young adults voices heard in the 2016 presidential election and for years to come.

Perhaps the oldest person who came to the event, held on the 45th floor of the Comcast Center, was Sherry Blumenthal, 70, of Springfield Township, Montgomery County. Blumenthal, a recently retired doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, said she's an avid Hillary Clinton supporter and received an email about the event, so she decided to attend.

"This is the generation coming up that is going to run this country," Blumenthal said. "And I think it's really important to understand them and support them."

The panel drew people from around the country who are in town for the Democratic National Convention to discuss that new generation and its issues and politics.

"Millennials are powerful in this life, and it is time for millennials to assume leadership. Seeing them gives me so much hope that they make progress on the issues that matter," Justin Fairfax, a candidate for lieutenant governor of Virginia, said before the panel. "They are hopeful, optimistic, and daring. Our country is in need of people like them right now."
Jason Walters will always remember working this week's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia -- and not just because he's detailed to Center City during the event for his job as a Transit Police officer.

Walters, who's been on SEPTA's police force about eight years, spent the week meeting other law-enforcement officers from agencies far and wide to exchange police "challenge coins" commemorating each department and unit's work on the national convention.

"It adds a little recreation to police work," Walters, a K-9 officer, told NBC10.

Check out photos of some of the DNC coins Walters collected this week:

Police Working DNC Swap Commemorative Challenge Coins

Walters said he's already collected about a dozen different challenge coins during the DNC, from agencies including the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, Federal Air Marshals, and specialized units like his own, and the Philadelphia Police Department's Marine Unit, Counter-Terrorism Operations, Highway Patrol and 22nd Police District.

Walters has always been a collector, and has an extensive collection of various police challenge coins from across the nation. He said officers will trade coins. He had 150 made up for SEPTA Police's K-9 unit for the DNC, and he was down to about 15 left on Wednesday. He showed off his collection to NBC10 on Tuesday night.

Police challenge coins also popped up during the Papal Visit. Walters said they've long been a tradition in police departments in cities like New York and Los Angeles, but they're fairly new to local officers.

"I actually started out with [police] patches. The challenge coins became huge," Walters said. "It wasn't really that big in this area until right before the Pope came."

Joseph Kaczmarek | NBC10

Walters said it's usually just one officer in a certain unit or department who decides to have challenge coins made that gets everyone involved. He said he's talked to officers from about a dozen different agencies during the DNC to swap coins.

"It creates a brotherhood, talking to all these different people from different agencies," he said. "It brings forth conversation as well as brotherhood."
Family, friends and fellow firefighters will say goodbye to Gabriel Lee next week. Funeral arranagements are set now for Lee, a veteran firefighter of 17 years who died on the job Saturday.

The first viewing is Monday, August 1 at Deliverance Evangelistic Church from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The church is located at 2001 W. Lehigh Avenue in Philadelphia. A second viewing takes place Tuesday morning at 9, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial is immediately following the service at Ivy Hill Cemetery on Easton Road.

A great firefighter who always gave his all & a great friend who always had your back. #DedicationAndService pic.twitter.com/76j1khU00X  Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) July 24, 2016

Lee died while working night shift at the North Philadelphia firehouse, officials said. He was found unresponsive in the basement of the firehouse, on Cambria Street between 13th and Broad, overnight and taken to Temple University Hospital. Doctors pronounced him dead there.

"Firefighter Lee was very well-respected, and the best way to say that is around 1 o'clock in the morning, at Temple [Hospital], we had more than 100 firefighters there, the mayor was there, on-duty, off-duty, to say goodbye," Thiel said.

Lee's cause of death is under investigation.

The Philadelphia Fire Department on Sunday tweeted a photo of Lee's boots, uniform and hat marking his red locker in the firehouse. Several police and firefighters tweeted tributes to the fallen firefighter.

The Philadelphia Fire Department has confirmed that Gabriel Lee passed away while on the job Saturday night. Sources say Lee was found unresponsive and was transported to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney visited Temple University Hospital to pay his respects to Lee Saturday night. The Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol escorted Lee's body from the hospital to the Medical Examiner's Office.
Sharron Cooks is visible.

Its not just her tall, slender stature. When the proud transgender woman from Philadelphia walks onto the royal blue floor of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, the entire party sees her and her community.

"I think visibility is very important. People need to see themselves reflected, she said Thursday, hours before Hillary Clinton was set to accept the partys nomination for president and the first openly trans person, Sarah McBride, addressed the convention.

Cooks, 38, is the only black trans woman delegate at the convention. There are 27 other transgender delegates serving this year  the most in the partys history.

"I think it is important that people are given a voice to share the issues and grievances that affect trans women of color."

The increased strength provides an opportunity, Cooks said, to break down stereotypes so that acceptance in society is expanded.

"I urge other members of the trans community to get involved," she said. "It will help lift a lot of misconceptions that people have about our community."

Cooks transitioned when she was 17 and considers herself lucky to be alive. The average life expectancy for trans women is 35 years old, due to poor access to health care, unemployment and violence, she said. Even with increased awareness about hardships and more social services, she said enough is not being done.

"If we had programs based on education, we could develop leaders who are executives and in roles of leadership," Cooks said. "It is up to us as trans people to create a better quality of life."

So when Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Sims called her one day this May asking her to serve as a delegate, the longtime advocate felt compelled to oblige.

Cooks cast her ballot for Clinton on Tuesday. She believes the first woman president will bring a unique perspective to government and the Oval Office.

"All leadership is important and a lot of the resources are dominated by white cis-males," she said, using a term that describes a person who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth. "It is refreshing to give opportunities to other people they see striving for excellence."
Several protesters briefly broke through a security gate outside of the Wells Fargo Center just before President Barack Obama addressed Democratic National Convention attendees inside the arena.

Philadelphia Police said they detained seven people who breached the fence at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. The Secret Service arrested the seven and said they faced felony charges for entering a restricted area. The protesters didn't enter the Wells Fargo Center, said authorities.

Police Commissioner Richard Ross said protesters were warned repeatedly not to breach the area.

"For whatever reason, they chose to do it anyway with multiple officers sitting there waiting for them, so it was over before it started," Ross said, explaining the situation never got tense for the officers, who were still in "soft" clothes rather than protective gear. "We're just not gonna let anything get out of hand," Ross said, adding that 99-percent of the people were not an issue, only a handful of instigators.

Officers secured the fence and the crowd calmed down.

Separately, a woman was injured while trying to put out a flag that was set on fire, according to NBC News. She was treated at the scene for burns on her leg.

One police officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries trying to stop someone from cutting into a fence at Broad and Geary streets -- slightly north of the arena, said Philadelphia Police.

Protesters Try to Push Through DNC Gate

Philadelphia Police turned the arrested protesters over to the Secret Service who took them to the city's Federal Detention Center for arraignment, said the Secret Service.

Most of the people protesting outside the Democratic Convention have remained peaceful but some protesters allegedly broke the law when they breached a fence Wednesday night.
Former Philadelphia police commissioner Charles Ramsey called for more commonsense measures to address gun violence to protect both police officers and the public at large Wednesday night on stage at the Democratic National Convention.

"I'm here to say we need more than grieving to protect our law enforcement officers and to serve the memory of those heroes who have fallen, Ramsey told the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center. We need commonsense measures to reduce gun violence. Police need these commonsense measures and a leader who will fight for them."

Ramsey told a story about growing up in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, and how both a family friend and a police officer were shot dead just 50 yards from his home just a few years apart. His brothers best friend was killed for refusing to join a gang, he said, while the officer was filling out a police report in his patrol car when he was murdered by three gang members.

"Gun violence isn't unique to Englewood. It continues to visit neighborhoods across the United States, Ramsey said. "During my years in policing, I've seen the crime scenes. I've seen the grieving families, including families of police officers that were killed. I've seen the costs of gun violence. Now more than ever, we need a strong and steady leader to stop the bloodshed, a leader that'll protect our officers from being outgunned by weapons of war, and to rebuild the bonds between police and communities. That's why I'm with Hillary Clinton."

Last week Philadelphias Fraternal Order of Police slammed Clinton over the lineup for the DNC, saying in a statement that they didnt see any widows or family members of slain police officers on the initial itinerary for planned speakers at the DNC. However, when asked officials with the Democratic National Convention Committee told NBC10 that Ramsey as well as Joe Sweeney, a detective with the NYPD who dug through the rubble of the World Trade Center to search for survivors on September 11, 2001, were scheduled to speak at the convention.

Sweeney spoke Tuesday about 9/11 first responders and their fight for health benefits.

Ramsey was credited for a drop in violent crime in Philadelphia during his tenure, during which he emphasized community policing strategies. He was tapped by President Barack Obama in 2014 to lead a task force on 21st century policing. The task force looks at police-community relations.

"The bonds between law enforcement and communities are frayed, Ramsey said Wednesday night at the DNC. "But we can't play to America's worst fears. We need to champion our greatest hopes. Hillary will. She'll bring police and communities closer together. She'll support those who feel forgotten in challenged areas like the South Side of Chicago, Southeast D.C., and North Philadelphia. And she'll support dedicated police officers working to improve their communities.

"Important as ever, Hillary Clinton will build bridges between communities and police, he said. "And ladies and gentleman, that's better than building walls."
Don't let the sunshine Thursday morning fool you, you will ilkey need an umbrella because parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware could get a soaking of 2 or more inches of rain in an hour.



"You'll need sunglasses this morning and umbrella this afternoon," said NBC10 First Alert weather meteorologist Bill Henley



The National Weather Service Issued a Flash Flood Watch into Friday evening for all of South Jersey, all of Delaware and Philadelphia and the immediate suburbs in Pennsylvania.



Forecasters are still unsure of the track, but they say periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected from Thursday night into Friday.



Rain could already start falling around noon in points south of Philly.



"The greatest threat is to the south: for Delaware, South Jersey... this is where we are most likely to see severe storms take shape this afternoon," said Bill. "The farther north you go, the less likely they are. But there are still going to be showers and thunderstorms around even if they are not severe.



Thursday afternoon and evening -- during the evening commute -- could be when the heaviest rain hits, said Bill.



The storms have the potential to knock down trees and knock out power, said Bill.



Temps pushing into the 90s should fuel the storms.



"One of the keys to the storms really strengthening this after is the warm-up that happens before they move in," said Bill.

People are urged to not drive or walk through floodwater. [[388523141, C]]

"Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation," said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. "Whether youre driving, walking or riding, we urge you to stay clear of potentially flooded roadways and seek shelter during heavy rains."



Keep checking back with NBC10 for the latest First Alert Neighborhood Weather forecast.
The weekend is just around the corner, but Thursday is the new Friday, right? The Wailers kick off the first of three sold-out nights at the Belly Up, and the Music Box gets a taste of New Orleans with Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Personally, I'm going to have to choose between Soda Bar and Casbah. At Soda Bar, LA's Nite Jewel returns on the heels of her latest release, "Liquid Cool," while Magic Giant celebrate a recent signing to Washington Square. Their Friday night show at the Troubadour is sold out, and with all the LA buzz they're receiving, and an upcoming tour with Beats Antique and Eric Hutchinson, we might not see them in small venues for long.

Thursday, July 28:

Nite Jewel, Harriet Brown, Gravyyard @ Soda Bar

Magic Giant, Jesse LaMonaca & the Dime Novels, Quel Bordel @ Casbah

Mozzy @ The Observatory North Park

The Wailers performing "Legend," Dubbest @ Belly Up (SOLD OUT)

Dirty Dozen Brass Band, New Breed Brass Band @ Music Box

Miss Lana Rebel & Kevin Michael Mayfield, Matt Strachota, Pall Jenkins @ The Black Cat

Chris Botti @ Embarcadero Marina Park South

The Dapper Bandits, Fistfights with Wolves @ Pour House (Oceanside)

Peacock @ Sycamore Den

Rude Dog '80s Night: All '80s jams, all vinyl @ The Merrow

Rob Bondurant, Jesus Gonzalez, Jenna Pekny @ Lestat's

5QUAD, Loren Gray, DuhItzMark, Flamingeos @ House of Blues

The Mice @ The Bancroft

Curtis Taylor Quartet @ LJ Athenaeum

Francois Sims & Groove Squad @ Humphreys Backstage Live

Karaoke With Goldilox @ Tower Bar

Slow Hollows, Moaning, PHF, Roidz @ Che Cafe

Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9 p.m.)

Modern Day Moonshine @ Winston's

La Diabla, Cumbia Machin, Dj Viejo Lowbo@ Til-Two Club

DJ Savi and Lookas @ Omnia

Rock Out Karaoke @ Tin Roof

Vamp @ Whistle Stop

The Loosen Up with AIDA, DJ Mane, Kid Wonder

Road Warriors (Youtopia) @ Kava Lounge

Nathan James @ Tio Leo's

Liquid Courage Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club

Rosemary Bystrak is the publicist for the Casbah, the content manager for DoSD, and writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.
A high school music teacher in San Diego was arrested Wednesday, accused of having a sexual relationship with a male student five years ago  when that student was a teenager.

The Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD), said Jason Mangan-Magabilin, 38, was taken into custody and booked into county jail on suspicion of nine counts of oral copulation with a minor under 18 and four other counts of sex with a minor.

Police said Mangan-Magabilin is a music teacher at Bonita Vista High School. The Sweetwater Union High School District is fully cooperating with the police investigation, the CVPD said Thursday. The school district is also conducting its own internal personnel investigation on the case.

Mangan-Magabilin referred NBC 7 San Diego to his lawyer for a statement, who said they are not ready to talk about the case yet.

CVPD Capt. Lon Turner said the teachers alleged relationship happened five years ago with a former student, when that student was between 15 and 17 years old.

The victim recently reported the incident to police because of mandatory reporting at job training.

Police told NBC 7 San Diego they have physical evidence in the case, but would not specify what physical evidence they have.

Further details were not immediately released.

The Sweetwater Union High School District released this statement Thursday concerning the case:

"We appreciate that the public has many questions regarding the recent arrests in the District pertaining to alleged inappropriate contacts between students and staff. The District is currently actively working with law enforcement on each of these matters. The District is committed to assisting law enforcement and conducting thorough personnel investigations in each matter, so we are not able to provide further comment at this time."

"We appreciate your understanding and respect of the Districts commitment to protect the integrity of all pending investigations during these challenging circumstances. We ask that you allow our staff to focus their attention during these trying times on the learning environment of our students," the statement continued.

A website for the Club Blue Instrumental Music Program at Bonita Vista High School includes a short biography on Mangan-Magabilin. The bio says he has been with the school for 10 years, and also conducts the Crusader Girls Chorus at Bonita Vista Middle School.

Hes an alumnus of the University of Southern California, where he performed as a member of the Trojan Marching Band. He also earned a masters degree in conduction from the American Band College of Sam Houston State in 2013.
A federal court judge has ruled in favor of the family of Fridoon Nehad, an unarmed man shot to death by a San Diego police officer in the Midway District last year, ordering the city to provide all records on deadly or serious injury officer-involved shootings between 2013 and present.

Nehad's family is suing the City of San Diego over the shooting, claiming the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has a pattern of poorly investigating cases and covering up officer misconduct.

The San Diego County District Attorneys office previously found the shooting was justified and did not to file charges. The Department of Justice cleared the officer of violating any federal criminal civil rights statutes in shooting of Nehad, NBC 7 San Diego learned Wednesday.

In a letter to SDPD Officer Neal Browder, released exclusively to NBC7, the DOJ says it is closing its investigation after careful consideration of the evidence.

Federal Judge Nita Stormes ruled earlier this month that the Nehad family will not have to pay the requested $12,000 the City Attorney's office says it would cost to copy all the documents. The requested documents include internal affairs investigations and DVDs containing surveillance video and body camera footage of the shootings.

The city claimed releasing such information would cause an undue burden, because the search would yield dozens of investigations, thousands of pages of documents and that to review such investigations would require thousands of man hours to copy, sift through, redact etc.

City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said the discovery dispute is not uncommon in large civil lawsuits.

"The role of the judge is to decide what is the scope of this case," Goldsmith said. "Is this only about what happened in the alley that night? Or is it broader? Our position was the case is about what happened that evening in the alley where (Nehad) was shot."

Federal Judge Stormes upheld a prior ruling that the discovery request was not unduly burdensome on the city. Stormes ruled the city provided no persuasive reason why they did not previously present specific information on the costs of assembling approximately 15,000 pages of documents, 403 compact discs and about 217 DVDs for the 31 officer-involved-shootings since 2013.

Goldsmith said ultimately the cost of providing the discovery will fall to the taxpayers. He estimated the total cost would be upwards of $40,000.

"The city is a deep pocket," Goldsmith explained. "When there's a discovery demand on the city and it's broad, we have to put people on overtime and it's huge costs all around."

The judges ruling also denied the citys request to narrow the scope of the request to shootings between April 2013 and April 2015. Nehads family contends that, because the police department has not changed any policies since Nehads shooting, the discovery is relevant to their case.

The ruling leaves open the possibility that the citys discovery will include body camera footage of the shooting of Thongsoune Vilasane, shot 22 times by police in Encanto in May 2016.

Police fired 40 rounds at Vilasane, with some of the officers reloading their weapons during the shooting. The officers said Vilasane tried to ram his car into them.

The civil rights case brought by Nehad's family is sealed, meaning all records released to the plaintiffs are under a protective order. They will not likely be released to the general public, unless the order is lifted or they are obtained by other means.

After being cleared of wrongdoing for shooting Nehad, SDPD officer Neal Browder, a 27-year veteran of the department, accidentally fired his weapon during a February 2016 foot chase and the stray bullet hit a babys crib in Oak Park.

No one was injured in the accidental discharge, which prompted a SDPD administrative investigation.
An unruly man attending a concert at Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista died Wednesday night while in police custody, officials confirmed.

According to the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD), security officers at the concert venue told police the man began acting disruptively around 7:30 p.m. during the Dead & Company show. The man  described as heavy-set and in his late 50s  appeared to be intoxicated and was moving from seat to seat, the CVPD said.

Security officers asked to see the mans concert ticket.

When he couldnt show them his ticket, the officers escorted him toward the exit. The CVPD said thats when the man tried to flee, leading to a brief struggle with security officers.

CVPD officers were also at the venue and were called to the scene of the struggle. According to investigators, the man was screaming incoherently and acting irrationally.

Police officers handcuffed the man and took his to a security office at the venue. Again, police said the man tried to run away and another brief struggle with authorities ensued.

He was detained once more and evaluated by medical personnel at the scene. The CVPD said that, at that point, the man did not show signs of any serious injuries.

The man was arrested for public intoxication. As CVPD officers completed paperwork on the suspect, he sat upright in a chair and fell asleep, snoring.

At 8:40 p.m., the CVPD said an officer noticed the man had stopped snoring. When the officer checked on the suspect, the man was unresponsive, police said.

Medical personnel were called to the office, but the man was pronounced dead at 9:15 p.m., the CVPD said.

Several law enforcement units are now investigating the deadly incident. The San Diego County Medical Examiners (ME) office will conduct an examination to determine the man cause and manner of death.

Meanwhile, per standard operating procedure in cases involving deaths that occur while a person is in police custody, the CVPDs Crimes of Violence Unit is also investigating the case.

The CVPD said the San Diego County District Attorneys Office was also notified of the mans death, per protocol, and a DA investigator was called to the concert venue Wednesday night.

The CVPD said members of the departments Professional Standards Unit are also conducting an independent investigation, per standard procedure.

On Thursday, CVPD Lt. Fritz Reber told NBC 7 the ME had completed the autopsy on the suspect. The man is 58 years old, Reber said, and his name will be released at a later time.

Reber said the investigation is ongoing, and police are also looking at surveillance video from the venue and footage recorded on body cameras worn by CVPD officers.

No further details were immediately released.

This is the second time Sleep Train Amphitheatre has made headlines this month.

In the early hours of July 16, two women were involved in a deadly crash as they headed home from the Chula Vista concert venue after a Dixie Chicks show. In that case, the driver was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol. Her passenger, Kendra Carpenter, 39, died in the suspected DUI crash.

The concert venue, owned and operated by Live Nation, is located in San Diegos South Bay, about 16 miles south of downtown San Diego.

NBC 7 has reached out to Live Nation for comment on this case. We are awaiting a response.
A large portion of the Terminal 2 parking lot at the San Diego International Airport will soon be closed as construction crews begin work on a new, large-scale project designed to enhance parking around the busy terminal.

According to the San Diego Airport Authority, the current lot at Terminal 2 at Lindbergh Field will be closed beginning Aug. 6. For the time being, travelers who use Terminal 2 can access limited parking near the terminal via McCain Road or use alternate lots.

During this closure, crews will begin construction of the airports new $127.8 million Parking Plaza, an area that will eventually include 2,901 close-in parking spaces  spots that are within walking distance to Terminal 2 when the parking structure opens to the public in summer 2018.

At a news conference Wednesday, Bob Bolton, director of airport design and construction, said the Parking Plaza will span 1 million square feet across three levels. It will increase the net parking in the area by about 1,800 stalls. Of the 3,000 spaces, 1,740 will be covered parking  the first time Lindbergh Field has had covered spaces.

Bolton said the features of the Parking Plaza will be unique  and itll be more than just a parking structure. This will include safe pathways for pedestrians, as well as crosswalks that will take travelers directly from the plaza to Terminal 2.

Light wells will allow lots of natural light into the structure, too.

The building is very inviting, very open, Bolton explained.

The plaza will also include seven glass-back elevators so riders can see out of the cab and people can see in, creating a safer experience for those taking the elevator.

Bolton said public art may also be installed inside the Parking Plaza. A portion of the plaza will boast a view of the harbor and downtown San Diego skyline, creating a fun photo opportunity for travelers looking to take a quick break and snap a selfie.

The Parking Plaza is also expected to have environmental benefits by reducing air emissions caused by cars that are circulating and idling while searching for an available parking space.

Bolton said construction of the Parking Plaza will last approximately 21 months.

During this time, technology experts will also be developing a smartphone app that will eventually help customers who park in the plaza reserve, locate and pay for parking spaces via their mobile devices.

Bolton said that by 2035, the airport will need 7,000 close-in spaces within walking distance to the terminals. This Parking Plaza will create at least half of those. He said the new parking area will have minimal impact on traffic around the airport.

For now, while Terminal 2 parking area is shut down, Bolton said travelers should use the Airports new website, UpgradeYourParking, to reserve parking spots prior to heading to Lindbergh Field.

He said the Airport Authority plans to keep the public informed on parking during construction via the website, and with plenty of signage around the airport indicating how to get to the temporary parking areas. The website also includes a map of the airport parking lot and renderings of the Parking Plaza.

For now, alternate parking areas at the airport include:

 Terminal 1 and 2 valet service with curbside drop-off ($40 per day)

 Terminal 1 lot ($32 per day)

 Terminal 2 limited parking off McCain Road ($32 per day)

 Long-term Lot at 3015 N. Harbor Dr. ($20 per day)

 Economy Lot at 3302 Pacific Highway and Washington Street ($13 per day)
The San Diego County Sheriff responded to the San Diego Police Departments Running Man Challenge in a big, over-the-top way.

Sheriff Bill Gore posted his departments own response to the challenge on social media on Thursday, showing off his deputies sweet dance moves.

You might remember that San Diego Police took on its counterparts at the sheriffs department to the challenge last month.

The challenge, in case you havent seen the craze on the internet, entails a dance to the Ghost Town DJs song My Boo that incorporates the Running Man dance move of the 1990s.

In their Running Man video, sheriffs employees took to the crime lab, the San Diego County Fair and the beach and even included their police tracking dogs and mounted patrol in the jig.

At one point in the 6-minute video, sheriffs deputies even blow up an abandoned car. Way to go big!

At the end of the clip, Sheriff Gore challenges residents to dig down in your pockets and give to your charity of your choice. He said he plans to donate to Alzheimers San Diego in honor of former sheriff, Bill Kolender, who passed away last fall.
The trial for a Mexican millionaire facing federal charges in a San Diego campaign finance scandal started Wednesday.

Jose Susumo Azano Matsura, 48, is accused of funneling $600,000 of dollars into San Diego campaigns.

According to unsealed documents, Azano is one of several accused of hiding the source of campaign donations or concealing a donation altogether in records with the San Diego City Clerk, the Federal Election Commission, or the California Secretary of State.

Azano, referred to as "Mr. Lambo" in the indictment, is accused of making more than $600,000 in illegal contributions to former Mayor Bob Filner, failed mayoral candidate Bonnie Dumanis, and other candidates.

As the trial unfolds, 61 witnesses are expected to testify, including several high-profile witnesses like Sheriff Bill Gore and former councilman and current radio host Carl DeMaio.

Prosecutors list 20 instances in which campaign finance records were falsified to send money from Azano to three candidates in local elections.

It is illegal for a foreign national to donate to a U.S. political campaign.

His motive, according to court documents, was to develop San Diego's waterfront into a Miami-of-the-West, with condos and a high-end hotel.

Azano has also been charged with illegally possessing a firearm, a black Sig Sauer P225 semi-automatic pistol.

Three other defendants, including Azano's son, are on trial. They are accused of getting the money to where it needed to go.
The United Kingdom plans to open an office in San Diego as part of an expansion intended to boost its investment opportunities and trade with the United States.

The San Diego location will be among three new offices in U.S. cities chosen because of their economic productivity and well-established research and development institutions, according to a news release from the British government. The other cities receiving new offices are Minneapolis and Raleigh, N.C.

Liam Fox, the UKs secretary of state for international trade and president of its Board of Trade, announced the plan Tuesday in Chicago.

I am delighted that we are opening a new office in San Diego, Fox said. Given its importance as a hub of research, life sciences, military and other key industries, it makes sense for the UK to strengthen our ties and work even more closely on trade and investment opportunities.

Each of the offices is to be staffed by a single officer recruited in the United States. Besides promoting UK business and economic ties with the United States, they are intended to boost the two countries political relationship, according to the news release.

The offices will be ideally placed to build relationships with key companies, politicians and educational (centers) and to support wider goals on economic reform, market access, innovation and climate change, the release stated.

Other cities in which the UK has similar offices are Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

According to the UK government, its Seattle office has supported about 8 million ($10.5 million) in investment during the past year, as well as 1,000 UK jobs.

Additional stories from the San Diego Business Journal are available here. Sign up for their free daily email newsletter.
What to Know Jonathan Wienke was found with weapons by security officers at Homeland Security headquarters in June.

A search of his West Virginia home found multiple illegal weapons, according to court documents.

Authorities arrested Wienke in Pennsylvania Friday in relation to the search warrant on his house.

A Department of Homeland Security employee accused of taking weapons to work pleaded not guilty to gun charges Wednesday.

Federal government analyst Jonathan Leigh Wienke, 45, is charged with illegally building a silencer on an unregistered pistol and having materials to build more silencers, according to the seven-count grand jury indictment unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The charges carry up to a 10-year prison term.

Wienke had no comment for News4 Wednesday.

He was found with the gun by security officers while he was on the job at agency headquarters on Nebraska Avenue in northwest D.C., according to court filings obtained by the News4 I-Team.

A federal agent and security officers also found Wienke had a knife, pepper spray, thermal imaging equipment and radio devices, according to a request for court permission to raid Wienkes Martinsburg home.

Authorities arrested Wienke in Pennsylvania Friday in relation to a search warrant last month on his house in Martinsburg, about 75 miles from Washington.

Though the newly filed federal criminal charges do not specify if evidence was seized during a raid of Wienkes home, the court filings said Wienke possessed multiple illegal firearms. The court filings from prosecutors said the firearms do not display serial numbers or manufacturing markings. Prosecutors said Wienke was also found with cylindrical devices capable of silencing the firing of a gun.

The federal charges do not reference Wienkes arrest at DHS headquarters. D.C. prosecutors said they are awaiting the decision of a grand jury before further action is taken in that case. Wienke previously pleaded not guilty in the D.C. case.

The feds said in the court filing that Wienke was found in his workspace, which is in close proximity to a meeting of senior agency officials the day of his arrest, and that Wienke was aware of the meeting.

In the same court filing, the agent said there was probable cause to believe Jonathan Wienke was conspiring with another to commit workplace violence, and more particularly may have been conspiring or planning to commit violence against the senior DHS officials in the building.

But this month, the department's chief security officer, Richard McComb, told a House homeland security subcommittee that there is "no indication" Wienke was "planning or conspiring to commit workplace violence."

According to the court filing, Wienke was chosen for a random security screening when he arrived at agency headquarters about 7:30 a.m. June 9. The feds, in their filing, said security officers found the knife, pepper spray, thermal imaging equipment and radio devices during the screening and seized them.

But he was allowed to proceed to his office by agency security, according to their court filing.

About 90 minutes later, before the meeting of the senior DHS officials near Wienkes work area, security went to Wienke and asked him to undergo another screening, according to the court filing. During that screening, the feds found the loaded gun and the five hollow-point bullets, the filing said.

According to the court record, Wienke had a top-secret clearance inside DHS headquarters, a building which has 3,000 employees.

Initially he was charged with carrying a pistol without a license. He was placed on administrative leave from his job after his initial arrest, and a judge barred him from entering DHS headquarters while the investigation continues.

On July 11, another DHS employee was caught with a gun at headquarters. Thomas Pressley, a contractor who works in IT for the agency, pleaded not guilty.
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is praising Hillary Clinton and denouncing Donald Trump at the Democratic National Convention.

O'Malley, who ended his bid for the party's presidential nomination in February, spoke at the convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

He says Clinton will fight for people as president, while Trump won't. O'Malley says the Republican nominee for president ``feeds off of economic fears and failures.''

O'Malley told the convention hall ``to hell with Trump's American nightmare. We believe in the American dream.''

O'Malley dropped out of the race midway through vote-counting in the Iowa caucuses, after his campaign failed to gain traction against Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
A man was shot and killed Wednesday morning in an apartment building in District Heights, Maryland.

Desean Michael Chapman, 28, died after he was shot on the 3200 block of Walters Lane, a representative of the Prince George's County Police Department said.

Multiple shots rang out about 7 a.m. in a hallway of an apartment building near the Centre at Forestville mall.

Neighbors said they heard screams.

"I heard a gunshot and there was a dead body on the floor," Rob Mejia said.

A woman and her two young children live in a nearby apartment, neighbors said.

Police believe Chapman, of Upper Marlboro was targeted. No information on a suspect or motive was released.

"Its shocking because here its just real quiet," Mejia said.

Stay with News4 for more details on this developing story.
The Pennsylvania man who was shot by the Secret Service as he walked towards the White House holding a gun is now facing a federal charge, according to court documents.

Federal prosecutors have charged Jesse Olivieri, 31, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, with resisting or impeding certain officers or employees with a dangerous weapon, a federal offense carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The charge supersedes a police complaint.

Surveillance footage from May 20 shows Olivieri walking towards the south entrance of the White House with a gun on his right side. Officers ordered him to stop, but Olivieri ignored those commands.

A Secret Service special officer shot Olivieri and his gun  identified in an affidavit as a loaded .22-caliber semiautomatic  was kicked away from him. Officers surrounded him with their guns drawn, then begin rendering medical aid.

Before Olivieri was taken to George Washington University Hospital, a Secret Service officer asked him why he went to the White House. "I came here to shoot people," he replied, according to court documents.

A spent .22-caliber shell casing was found near a Camry on Constitution Avenue, and more ammunition was found in the car.

The incident occurred within view of tourists outside the White House, near sidewalks crowded with families, school groups and government workers.

The White House was on lockdown for about an hour after the incident. President Barack Obama was not at the White House at the time, but Vice President Joe Biden was inside the building, administration officials said.
University of Maryland Police arrested a suspect in three robberies of students playing "Pokemon Go" on the College Park campus one night two weeks ago, according to police.

Three separate robberies involving four victims were reported July 12 between 9 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. outside Tydings, Tawes and Queen Anne's halls.

The suspect, who was wearing black clothing, showed a black handgun in two of the incidents and took the victims' cellphones.

Police charged 22-year-old Javon Dominique Walker of Clinton, Maryland, with four counts each of armed robbery, robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and theft less than $1,000.

The victims were not injured.
A Virginia restaurant has fired two employees who refused to serve a uniformed police officer, the restaurant said in a statement.

When one of the cooks at Noodles and Company on Duke Street in Alexandria saw an Alexandria officer waiting in line for dinner, he left the kitchen and approached the cashier, according to Alexandria Committee of Police Vice President Peter Feltham.

The cook pointed to the officer and allegedly told the cashier, "I ain't serving that."

"Discrimination of any kind is never tolerated at Noodles & Company," the company said in a statement Thursday, adding that the restaurant fired the employees involved after an investigation. "The views and actions of these individuals are in no way reflective of the company or team at our Alexandria location."

Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook said he was angry when he first learned of the interaction, but such incidents are rare for officers in his department.

"I must say we have tremendous support from the Alexandria business community, so this is an anomaly for one of my officers to walk into a business and run into this type of attitude," Cook told News4 Wednesday.

Noodles & Company representatives apologized to the officer involved and issued an apology to the department in its statement.

"We want to extend our apologies to the entire Alexandria Police Department for the comments made by our team members," the company said. "We have the utmost respect for law enforcement officials and value the relationship we have built with the local Alexandria Police Department over the years."
Craig Provost is accused of breaking derby rules by entering a friends fish for $13,500 in prize money.

The fisherman denied a felony charge of false pretenses, after police accused him of tricking a non-profit tournament into paying him prize money he didn't earn.

Provost, 44, of Plattsburgh, New York, participated in the Lake Champlain International (LCI) Father's Day fishing tournament in June 2015, and reported a record-smashing 10.26-pound walleye. He collected more than $13,500 in prize money.

However, police in Colchester, Vermont, where LCI is based, now call that trophy a fish fraud. They say Provost broke tournament rules because he didn't even catch the fish, adding that a buddy actually landed it.

In court paperwork, the investigating officer, the appropriately-named Det. Sgt. Michael Fish, wrote that Provost's friend was not eligible for the tourney's top bonus payouts, which require add-ons to entry fees.

Provost was eligible for those bonus prizes, Sgt. Fish noted. The officer stated in an affidavit that Provost pressured two others on the boat into lying about who landed the walleye, to cash in and split the pot.

Police said when the money was split, Provost took a larger share, supposedly to cover the payment of income taxes.

The friends have not been charged. They have cooperated with the investigation, according to the police affidavit.

The alleged crime came to light following conversations among members of the fishing community, LCI said.

Sgt. Fish wrote in the affidavit that Provost admitted he entered his buddy's catch in order to benefit from the tournament's bonuses.

However, Provost's attorney entered a not guilty plea for his client Thursday morning.

Before entering the not guilty plea, defense attorney Leroy Yoder implied his client has been railroaded by "Deflategate-style hype."

"Oh, I thought it was Tom Brady for a moment, your honor," Yoder joked as he introduced Provost to the judge.

As he left the courtroom on conditions including that he attend future court dates, necn asked Provost if the police description of the scheme was true. Provost claimed it was not.

"If he's found guilty, he doesn't deserve the prize," said fisherman Bill McSweeney of Milton, the runner-up in the walleye category of the LCI tournament last year.

Pending the outcome of the court case, McSweeney could be considered the real winner of the 2015 walleye category for his 9.6-pound catch. "He could possibly be owed thousands of dollars," LCI said.

"I'm not saying he's guilty," McSweeney told necn. "It's not for me to judge. But if he is, yeah, I hope I get what I've got coming."

McSweeney said he and his wife would use the additional prize money to take a vacation, if it is awarded to him.

James Ehlers, the executive director of Lake Champlain International, said he would like to see restitution so that McSweeney and other top-placing anglers in the walleye category can receive prize money they earned.

"This is serious," Ehlers said. "Everyone jokes about fishermen and fisherwomen telling lies and exaggerating their catch. Actually doing it for money is not something I'm accustomed to. But, apparently, it happens, and allegedly, that's the case here."

Craig Provost told necn he still enjoys fishing, and sticks by his not guilty plea. A conviction on the false pretenses charge could bring prison time and fines.

Necn asked Provost if he is still friends with the men he fished with the day of the 2015 LCI tournament. He did not answer the question.
State police say an armed man who barricaded himself inside a Massachusetts store on Wednesday was arrested and charged after being released from the hospital.

Patrick S. Perkins, 41, of Falmouth was arrested at Falmouth Hospital Thursday after being released and was taken to Mashpee's police department, where he is facing multiple charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm while intoxicated and disorderly conduct.

There's no word on when he'll be arraigned or if he has an attorney.

The standoff at Audio Video Solutions Inc. off of Route 28 in Mashpee started just after noon Wednesday, and ended more than seven hours later.

A SWAT team and crisis negotiators were brought in to assist.

It's not clear how the standoff started, but police say that at one point, Perkins fired off a round inside the store, and told police he was armed with an AR-15 rifle with more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Gerardo Elenilson Portillo, of Lynn, Massachusetts, is now in custody after he allegedly attempted to kidnap and rape a woman approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 25, 2016.

The 26-year-old man allegedly followed the victim, who was walking down Revere Street, in a grey Honda Civic. According to police, after he pulled out in front of her and asked her to join him, the victim kept walking and told the suspect she was not interested.

The suspect then allegedly followed the victim on foot and proceeded to attack her after she refused to get into the car. After the victim started screaming, the suspect fled.

Detectives from Winthrop police, assisted by Revere, Lynn and Somerville police, tracked down the suspect at his workplace in Somerville, Mass.

Portillo will be charged with Assault with the Intent to Rape, Attempted Kidnapping, Indecent A&B, Strangulation and Child Endangerment. Those who may have been similarly approached or assaulted are encouraged to contact the local police department.
Police in Hingham, Massachusetts are warning people about the dangers of edible marijuana after two teenagers went to the hospital when they ingested marijuana laced candy.

Hingham Police Sgt. Steven Dearth said the teens called 911 last Thursday after ingesting the edible marijuana and reported having a bad reaction.

"These teenagers did the right thing by calling for help," said Dearth. "Under the good Samaritan law, if you call in good faith for help from someone suffering from the effects of drugs or a possible overdose, anyone there as well as the person suffering from the effects is immune from prosecution for any drugs that are found."

Dearth told necn that the teenagers were treated and released but he wants parents to know that the drug laced candy exists and comes in many gummy forms.

"You want to also have a discussion," said Dearth.

The packaging the edible marijuana came in was also very vague. There were no listed ingredients or warnings, police said.

"It's a problem both that they aren't labeling it properly, but also that the kids had easy access to it," said one man.

"If somebody had it and it was accessible to a younger child, and they ate it like it was regular candy, that could potentially be harmful," said Brittany Reid of Hingham.

The edible marijuana is sold at medical dispensaries but the teenagers who ate it allegedly admitted to police that they did not have a prescription and got it through a second hand source. Because they were seeking help, they will not face charges.
A pedestrian was rushed to a Massachusetts hospital Wednesday evening after police in Abington said she was struck by an alleged drunk driver.

Police responded to an area on Green Street at about 7 p.m. where the woman was suffering from serious injuries. She was taken by medical helicopter to Tufts Medical Center.

Authorities said an alleged drunk driver had struck the woman and continued down the street, then somehow missed the curb and overturned his car, landing Brockton Avenue and Mill Street.

The driver, who was not identified, was taken to Brockton Hospital where his condition is unknown.

No further details have been made available.
Authorities are searching for the driver behind a fatal hit-and-run of a bicyclist in New Hampshire.

Police in Conway are trying to determine whether the deadly crash was a crime or an accident.

"The body was between myself and the bike," said Conway resident Ted Ferry.

The image of the dead body on his road is something he can't get out of his head.

"It was tough," Ferry said. "Tossing and turning all night last night."

Ferry lives on West Main Street, right near the spot where police say a man was hit by a truck and killed while riding his bike Wednesday evening.

Police Lt. George Walker says the driver took off, leaving 36-year-old Jesse Fulcher critically injured. Fulcher, police say, was a Conway resident known to ride his bike around town almost every day.

"He's been here in town for quite some time," Walker said. "An avid cyclist."

Because of all the construction on West Main Street, Ferry says a lot of bicyclists are forced to ride closer to the center line. There were no eyewitnesses, so it's taking police a bit longer to figure out exactly what happened, but they have an idea.

Walker says Fulcher was hit by a tractor trailer that had finished making deliveries in northern New Hampshire and was driving back to Londonderry.

"The transportation company is cooperating fully with us," Lt. Walker said.

Police are reviewing surveillance video and say there's a chance this hit-and-run wasn't a malicious crime, but an honest accident.

"We have to explore all options and we're doing that but it's entirely possible," Walker said.

"The fact there are no skid marks or anything on the side of the road  I can't imagine it's anything other than an accident," Ferry said hopefully. "If it was a big tractor trailer, he might not have even known."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Conway Police.
Police officers across Massachusetts are planning to protest after the mayor of Somerville refused to remove a Black Lives Matter banner from city hall.

The Somerville Police Employees Association and other police unions are scheduled to rally Thursday evening outside Somerville City Hall.

Boston.com reports the officers say they're protesting the banner's "disrespectful" message.

A statement from the Somerville police union says protesters will "demonstrate the solidarity of police organizations in Massachusetts to the exclusionary message that the banner sends."

The sign above the city hall's main entrance has been in place for nearly a year.

Last week, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone denied a request from the officers to remove the banner, saying his "unwavering support" for police doesn't pre-empt a commitment to "addressing systemic racism in our nation."
A Stamford man accused of making online threats had been indicted on federal charges, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Officials say Kendall J. Sullivan, 50, faces three counts of making threatening communications online.

The indictment alleges that Sullivan posted threatening, Anti-Semitic messages on internet forum Metrothrone.net on three separate occasions.

According to the indictment, on May 29 Sullivan posted Israel, God and Synagogues. I will kill them. I have a few Houses of Satan in my Town If these Jews truly believe in their god Satan, I will upset their world. I will slaughter them and burn their Synagogue to the ground . . . kids, goldfish, old folks Shove money down their throats. These Jews of 2016. They think they are safe.

The indictment alleges that on June 10 Sullivan threatened another user with the following message: I am going after YOU..Your Family, Wife, kids, Grandkids, Gold Fish . . . I am warning YOU, I will go after YOU. As I get older, I just dont give a damn . . . I will meet you in Westport at the Carvel! And then I will shoot or run over you . . . it is not just YOU, but your fellow Satanists I want to track down and kill.. I will use YOU to find othersAnd Kill them . . . You are a [expletive] JEW! . . I want to kill you . . . If only that . . . Name a place . . . You are Satanic and must be destroyed. Wifes [sic], kids, Dogs, Cats, Goldfish . . . . All destroyed.

The indictment also claims that on July 5 Sullivan allegedly wrote [I] Am prepared to shoot YOU on sight! And shove Money down your dead [expletives]Hole. Humans who define their entire existence thru that price tag  They are not human beings but Demons and must be destroyedI am looking forward to my death thru Jesus Christ. I will be Free. I will be understood. Afterall, I am a Warrior of Jesus Christ and want to be his Soldier.

US Attorneys Office officials said that on July 15 the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Stamford Police executed a search warrant and a state risk warrant at Sullivans residence. They found more than two dozen firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and other firearm components, officials said.

Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, said she believes investigators may have prevented a "horrific hate crime" from happening.

Sullivan was charged in state court for unlawful possession of unregistered high capacity magazines and has been in custody since, according to officials.

Sending threatening communications in interstate of foreign commerce by phone, email, text, mobile messaging or other online communication is against federal law. Sullivan faces five years in prison on each count if convicted.
A third former student of a prestigious boarding school in Lakeville has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging he was sexually assaulted by two teachers and a headmaster while he was enrolled in the 1980s and school officials were aware but did nothing to stop it.

The man who filed the suit says he was abused by staff members of at Indian Mountain School from 1980 to 1983 when, he was 12 to 15, according to the law firm representing him.

NBC Connecticut is not identifying the victim because of the sexual abuse allegations.

This is the third suit accusing the school -- for children in kindergarten through grade 9 -- of failing to stop teachers and the headmaster from predatory sexual assaults and pedophilia inflicted on minor boys, including fellatio, anal sex, sodomy, voyeurism, fondling and forced masturbation, according to attorneys for the plaintiff.

The monstrous sexual abuse perpetrated by the school and its nest of child molesters inflicted torture and suffering on (name deleted) that began when he was a defenseless, innocent little boy, and that continues to this day, said the mans attorney, Antonio Ponvert III of Bridgeport-based Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder. Like other Plaintiffs who filed complaints against the school last year, (name deleted) was subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation by the very adults who had pledged to protect him.

The lawsuit accuses a former English teacher of sexually abusing, assaulting and exploiting dozens of boys at the school for more than a decade, taking photographs of the boys to blackmail them into silence and giving them marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine and LSD.

The man who filed the suit fears photos that show him naked or partially dressed have been or will be published on kiddie porn sites and viewed by pedophiles around the world, according to the law firm.

The suit also claims the then-headmaster and several staff members knew what was happening and found hardcore child pornography in the English teachers possession. It also claims staff witnessed boys entering the teachers apartment after lights out and they saw him visiting dormitories late at night.

Not one staff member, including the Headmaster, the Assistant Headmaster, the schools staff psychiatrist, the schools registered nurse, members of the schools Board of Trustees, and even the schools lawyer  ever complied with mandatory child sexual abuse reporting laws, Ponvert said in a statement. Nor did anyone ever report Simonds possession of child pornography to the authorities, even though it clearly was against the law.

The lawsuit also accuses the then-headmaster of rubbing cream all over the victims penis, claiming it was to treat jock itch, frequenting the boys showers and commenting on their penises and pubic hair.

The lawsuit accuses the then-French teacher of assaulting boys as well.

Indian Mountain was charged with the wellbeing of its students in their parents absence, Ponvert said in a statement. These were vulnerable children who, instead of being protected by the adults they relied on, were subjected to unfathomable abuse. Not one adult at this institution came to their rescue.

NBC Connecticut has reached out to the school.

When the last lawsuit was filed in January 2015, Indian Mountain School's headmaster at the time, Mark A. Devey, responded with a statement promising to support its former students.

"Recently we notified our school community that we were conducting an investigation in order to identify any alumni who may have been victimized while a student at Indian Mountain School in the past. We believe that it is best for both the school and its alumni to deal with these issues now," Devey said in a statement. "It is heart wrenching to hear these allegations, and we are saddened by them. We will take the allegations very seriously, and we will support our alumni."
Three people were shot on Thursday morning in Massachusetts, police confirm.

Lynn Police say officers responded to a shooting that took place at Forest and Bullfinch streets around 3:40 a.m.

One man, described as in his early 20s, was found in the middle of the street with a with life threatening injuries to his head and was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

"I just rolled down to the floor and prayed for the best until it stopped," neighbor Tara Whelan said.

Another neighbor, Roger Melendez, said, "It's not the first time I've heard gun shots in this area, but last night I heard it really close...I looked out the window and I was like I'm not coming out."

Minutes later, police received a call to Union Hospital, where two shooting victims with non-life threatening injuries had been taken.

Mike Barry

The caller reported four shots were fired.

Authorities say the shooting is under investigation, adding that it's not clear if these two incidents are releated even though the calls came in minutes apart.

No arrests have been made, and a suspect description was not available.
A medieval Anglican church in a tiny hamlet in South Norfolk has won a national award and a 10,000 boost.

A medieval Anglican church in a tiny hamlet in South Norfolk has won a national award and a 10,000 boost.

Dereham churches help people to help themselves A group of churches in Dereham have launched an ambitious project which aims to meet needs in the town, including the provision of food and skills training. Read more

Executive assistant and nursery manager jobs SOUL Church is a vibrant, welcoming and growing church in Norwich. They are seeking an organised and versatile Executive Assistant to provide key support to the churchs Senior Pastors, as well as a qualified Nursery Manager to head up SOUL Nursery. Read more

Halloween light in Gorleston church On Halloween this year, St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston will be preparing to welcome around 200 families to experience their Light on a Dark Night event. Read more

An opportunity for Norwich to pray for the nation Rev Nigel Fox, who has served as a Methodist Minister for 15 years in Norwich, shares an open invitation to pray for the nation at a crucial moment. Read more

Norwich church seeks musicians Kingdom Ambassadors International Church is appealing for instrumentlists, keyboardists and guitarists to be part of their worship experience. Read more

Please keep Rishi in your prayers Andy Bryant urges us to pray for our political leaders, especially the new Prime Minister, and avoid unhelpful judgementalism. Read more

Emilys art boosts growing Yarmouth foodbank A pupil at a primary school in Bradwell has been selling her pictures in order to raise money for the Yarmouth and Magdalen Foodbank, which is expanding its capacity and is seeking more volunteers. Read more

Patrick Regan helps Norwich to bounce forwards On Saturday St Stephens in Norwich hosted Bouncing Forwards as part of a national tour by the mental health charity Kintsugi Hope. Read more

Painting and biblical feasting in Overstrand There will be opportunities to improve your painting skills and indulge in some biblical feasting next month at the Pleasaunce in Overstrand in North Norfolk. Read more

Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more

National award for Dereham Christian bookshop The Green Pastures Christian bookshop in Dereham has won a national award for providing boxes of Christian books to 21 local schools. Read more

Norma's care home jigsaw challenge complete A resident at Norwich-based care home Corton House has completed an incredible 70 jigsaw puzzles in celebration of the homes 70th anniversary this year. Read more

Norwich charity's appeal to support Palestinian students A Norwich educational charity, set up in memory of a Norwich Anglican priest, to support students from a Palestinian refugee camp, is inviting people to support its Christmas appeal  to be launched on November 29. Read more

Norfolk drug and alcohol charity pays tribute to its founder Andy Sexton, CEO of the Matthew Project, introduces a series of tributes from the charity to its founder, Peter Farley. Read more

Cliff look alike at Cromer Church breakfast Cliff Richard tribute performer Will Chandler will be the speaker at a special Mens Breakfast at Cromer Parish Hall next month, and all men are welcome to come along. Read more

Heartsease Lane Methodist church to close As part of a reorganisation of the Norwich Methodist Circuit, Heartsease Lane Methodist Church will be closing towards the end of the year. Read more

Free Julian of Norwich reflection and prayer day The Friends of Julian of Norwich present a free Quiet Half-Day with Robert Fruehwirth, author and former Priest Director of the Julian Centre, on Saturday November 12, 10.30am-2pm. Read more


East Anglian pilgrims join millions at World Youth Day East Anglian pilgrims join millions at World Youth Day

An 80-strong pilgrim group from the Diocese of East Anglia is taking part in World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, this week and will be joined by an estimated two million other young Catholics along with Pope Francis.



The East Anglia group includes dozens of young people from across Norfolk along with Bishop Alan Hopes and a number of local priests.



They spent last week in the Zakopane region of Poland visiting local churches and shrines, meeting local Catholics and walking in the Tetra mountains, following in the footsteps of former Polish Pope, Saint John Paul II.



Sarah Mawe, 26, a teaching assistant from Reepham, and a member of the Diocesan Youth Councils, has been reporting back on the groups progress, contributing to a daily blog at www.rcdea.org.uk .



She also spoke to Radio Norfolk live from Poland: I heard Pope Francis speak at the last World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and he talks in an amazing way, direct to you in language that you can really understand. I can really connect with him and am looking forward to hearing him speak at this years event.



Hear Sara Mawe interviewed on BBC Radio Norfolk about World Youth Day in Krakow, Rio and Madrid, live from Poland. Start at 2:45:30 hrs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p040grtl



You can see young East Anglia pilgrims at the World Youth Day Opening Mass in Krakow in the video below by Paul Spellman.





Pope Francis will be welcomed to World Youth Day today and culminates with an overnight vigil on Saturday night and a Mass with the Pope on Sunday.



Follow the East Anglia groups progress on social media atand

See a full picture gallery of the East Anglia group's trip below.



Pictured above, Pope Francis arrives in Poland yesterday on his way to World Youth Day.  Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Hachette Book GroupTyrese wants hip-hop artists, including DJ Khaled, Jay Z and Future, to talk publicly about police killings of black males in America. In a recent deleted Instagram post, captured by Global Grind, the recording artist questions why the stars of the "I Got the Keys" music video have not made any public statements regarding recent events.

"They scheduled a video.....I hope they've scheduled other meetings about the state of black men and WHAT we need to do to change the s*** that's going on........," he writes. "I'm scared for our future I'm especially scared of the most powerful black men and influential black men of our generation NOT finding time to take what's really going on more serious and align our minds and powers to directly affect change......I pretty much know everyone IN this pic so this ain't no sneak diss I don't need the attention trust me I'm good...... ."

After the post was deleted, the entertainer stated that he was not dissing the hip-hop artists, but that his call-to-action message was written to wake up all black people, famous or not. TMZ says that Tyrese plans to reach out to Jay Z "to come up with some kind of plan to help save black men from killing each other and winding up in jail."

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Westinghouse switches on to big potential in China Updated: 2016-07-28 07:59 By Lyu Chang(China Daily)

US-based Westinghouse Electric Co expects to begin fuel loading at the world's first AP1000 nuclear plant in November, as the facility in Sanmen, Zhejiang province, edges closer to becoming operational early next year, the company's executives said on Wednesday.

Despite being several years behind schedule, Gavin Liu, president in Asia for Westinghouse, said the move will pay the way for more opportunities in a booming nuclear market with more than 100 new nuclear power plants planned in coming decades.

"We plan for further expansion and investment here, as we will play a strong role in the market," he told China Daily during a four-day international nuclear event in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

He said that Asia accounts for less than 25 percent of the company's overall business, but the figure is expected to rise to 35 percent to 40 percent in the next five to 10 years, driven by growth in countries such as China.

Prior to the fuel loading, the company has already completed cold hydro testing at the plant in Sanmen, and the hot functional test will be held in several days.

Liu said Westinghouse's investment will cover a wide range of businesses, including new nuclear projects, innovation, maintenance service, fuel supply and decommissioning.

The AP1000, a pressurized water reactor, is the latest technology that the Pennsylvania-based nuclear giant is pushing worldwide. It has eight under construction, four of which are in China, and the others in the United States.

China, the world's largest market for nuclear power plants under construction, is planning to build more than 100 new nuclear reactors. Not all of them will go to Westinghouse, experts said, but that number means any nuclear company in the world would want a piece of the pie.

"We will leave that (the number of AP1000s) to the Chinese government and our customers, but we are very confident that the role of AP1000 in the future expansion of nuclear energy is well-established," said Jeffrey Benjamin, senior vice-president of new plants and major projects at Westinghouse.

When asked about competition with the CAP1400, a scaled-up version of the AP1000 from State Nuclear Power Technology Corp, its longstanding partner in China, he said: "I don't necessarily see it as a head-to-head competition. There are certain markets that would require good applications like that, and I think it is a much larger reactor design."
Spare Change: Hard-working farmer Louis Escobar was one of a kind

Louie performed the kind of job most try to avoid. And he did it with little, if any, complaint.
LeEco to buy TV producer Vizio for $2b Updated: 2016-07-28 08:52 By Lia Zhu and Ma Si

Move forms part of the firm's 'big bang plan' to enter the market in the United States

LeEco Global Ltd announced on Tuesday that it will acquire Vizio Inc, a major TV manufacturer in the United States, for $2 billion in cash as it expands globally.

It took the two companies three years to reach the agreement, under which Vizio's hardware and software businesses will be operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of LeEco Holdings Ltd, while the data business, Inscape, will operate as a separate, privately owned company. LeEco Global will own a 49 percent stake of Inscape, and William Wang, founder and CEO of Vizio, will own a 51 percent stake.

With the acquisition, LeEco is expected to have more than 20 million big-screen users, which will provide a solid foundation for the Beijing-based company to expand its presence in the US and realize its global strategy, Jia Yueting, founder and CEO of LeEco, said at a news conference in Hollywood.

LeEco will retain all current Vizio employees and enter into a 10-year licensing agreement with Inscape. The Vizio brand and its products will continue to be sold through their existing distribution channels.

The transaction, which is expected to close in six months or so, will be subject to regulatory approval. It highlights LeEco's ambition to take on Apple Inc and Tesla Motors Inc in these international giants' home turf.

Vizio, based in Irvine, California, is the second-largest smart TV vendor in the US. Known for its affordable flat-screen TVs, Vizio has factories in Mexico and China.

After the acquisition, Vizio will provide LeEco with approximately 8 million newly installed internet-connected TVs annually as well as access to major North American retail channels. LeEco will support Vizio with its internet, technology, content and cloud services.

Winston Cheng, LeEco senior vice-president, global head of corporate finance and development, said the two companies had combined revenue of more than $4 billion in the first half of 2016, and the group expects double-digit revenue growth over the next few years.

LeEco has set its sights on the US market in recent months. In April, it opened a North American headquarters in San Jose, California, with the objective of tapping into Silicon Valley's talent and innovation. The facility houses the company's autonomous driving research centerthe LeFuture AI Institute, in partnership with Faraday Future.

LeEco recently completed the acquisition of Yahoo Inc's nearly 20-hectare development site in Santa Clara, California, with a payment of $250 million, according to a report by Silicon Valley Business Journal last month.

"Within three months, LeEco will formally enter into the US," said Jia, who called it a "big bang plan".
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 62F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 37F. Winds light and variable.
Reporter

Noelle McGee is a Danville-based reporter at The News-Gazette. Her email is nmcgee@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@n_mcgee).
VAT transition lowers taxes, leads the world Updated: 2016-07-28 09:57 (Xinhua)

BEIJING - Zhou Haibin, a restaurant owner in East China's Shandong province, is more than happy with his 41 percent tax cut, thanks to a policy rolled out across the country.

He used to pay 28,800 yuan ($4,320) a month for business tax (BT), which was five percent of his revenue, but since VAT was adopted he now only pays 16,800 yuan (three percent).

Since China's transition from the BT system to VAT, which started in May, Zhou qualifies as a "small-scale taxpayer."

"We can either reinvest the 12,000 yuan we saved from tax cuts, or use it to improve our services," said Zhou.

Nationwide, the country expects the transition from BT to VAT to save businesses 500 billion yuan ($74.9 billion) in 2016, the State Administration of Taxation estimated.

China has made lowering the costs of doing business a priority to shore up its economy against continued downward pressure.

GDP grew 6.7 percent year on year from April through June, the lowest quarterly growth since the global financial crisis.

"The transition to VAT could play a significant role in lowering tax burdens to help businesses through these difficult times," said Hu Yijian, a professor at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

The VAT transition follows four years of experiments in designated sectors and areas, starting with transportation and certain service industries in Shanghai in 2012, and gradually expanding to cover more sectors and areas.

The taxation authorities said 5.92 million taxpayers were involved in the experiments through the end of 2015, with taxes reduced by 641.2 billion yuan compared with the BT system.

Beginning on May 1, the remaining four sectors -- construction, real estate, finance and lifestyle services -- switched over to VAT.

BT was calculated on businesses' gross revenue, while VAT allows taxpayers to deduct goods and services they purchase.

The main VAT rates in China -- 6 percent, 11 percent and 17 percent -- compare favorably with the average rate among OECD countries of 19.1 percent, according to a report by the accounting firm KPMG.

In particular, the VAT system benefits small-scale taxpayers like Zhou who are eligible for the three percent rate, who under the BT system had to pay five percent.

Global implications

Many multinational companies in China will welcome the changes, given that the adoption of a broad-based VAT system is in line with indirect tax systems in approximately 160 countries around the world, said the KPMG report.

But China is among the first countries in the world to expand the VAT to all industries, including the financial services sector.

"To the best of our knowledge, there are only one or two relatively small economies in the world that have even tried this," said Lachlan Wolfers, KPMG China's head of indirect taxes.

Under the new tax system, every time a bank charges interest on a loan to a customer, or there is a gain made from trading in financial products such as stocks, bonds or foreign exchange transactions, or an insurance premium is levied on a customer, VAT applies.

"The European Union has spent years studying whether VAT could be applied to financial services, and have not been able to implement it. However, in applying VAT to financial services in China, it shows that it is possible. It would not be a surprise to see other countries follow suit if the Chinese do it successfully." said Wolfers.

China's expansion of the VAT system will be carefully watched around the world, said Li Junsheng, deputy dean of Central University of Finance and Economics, adding that global attention comes from not only an interest in the program's feasibility, but also the angle of tax competition.

As the world's second-largest economy reforms its tax system, the competitiveness of companies that pay taxes in China, as well as the tax burden of doing business in China, will be affected, therefore, it will be of interest to other economies wanting to attract business, Li said.
In a paper published today in a special physical activity series of The Lancet, the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program developed by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) was identified as an excellent example of an evidence-based physical activity intervention that has been successfully scaled up to affect population health.

The school-based physical activity and nutrition education program was included in a paper co-written by Deborah Salvo, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow at the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at UTHealth School of Public Health in Austin. Salvo's paper was one of four published in the series, which convened worldwide experts in the field to present the latest science in physical activity and public health. Salvo's paper focused on scaling up physical activity promotion strategies worldwide.

Salvo defined a successfully scaled-up physical activity intervention as one that not only reaches a large number of people, but also becomes embedded in a system and continues to operate, grow and have an impact on people's health even after the research funding for translation and dissemination has ended.

CATCH is designed to promote a healthy school environment through five modules: physical education, child nutrition services, classroom health promotion, families and communities and, most recently, sun protection. Over 10,000 sites across the world have adopted CATCH, mostly in the United States. In Texas, researchers led dissemination efforts by engaging health and education authorities and subsidizing the training of teachers and distribution of materials for schools. A substantial body of evidence shows that CATCH is effective at increasing physical activity in school-age children, according to the paper.

"This article highlights the importance of taking research findings and putting them into practice in real life applications, using our CATCH program as an example. The successful dissemination of CATCH has been due to outstanding investigators and staff, community partners, and ongoing investments from many philanthropic groups, as well as a continued relationship with UTHealth School of Public Health," said Deanna Hoelscher, Ph.D., R.D., John P. McGovern Professor in Health Promotion and director of the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at UTHealth School of Public Health in Austin.

In addition to successfully scaled-up, evidence-based interventions such as CATCH, which are more common in developed countries like the United States, Salvo and the team of researchers identified examples of practice-based, scaled-up physical activity interventions in low- and middle-income countries. These included examples such as bus rapid transit systems and sports-for-development programs. While these interventions were not built on evidence-based practices, they were efficient at scaling up quickly and at becoming embedded in a system, according to Salvo.

Bus rapid transit systems are typically found in middle-income countries and involve high-speed, mass public transport using buses running on separate lanes from cars and stopping at modern, elevated stations spaced farther apart than traditional stops. While the main goal of these transit systems is not to increase physical activity, they have been shown to effectively promote active transit, making them a good example of practice-based evidence.

"The majority of the things that influence physical activity do not have to do with health. They come from social interactions, education, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, urban design or equity promotion. Physical activity becomes a co-benefit," said Salvo, who is also an adjunct researcher and faculty member at the National Institute of Public Health of Mexico.

Researchers at the School of Public Health have been examining the impact on physical activity of scaling up public transit systems through the Houston TRAIN Study. Bill Kohl, Ph.D., and Casey Durand, Ph.D., are studying how the expansion of Houston's light rail system will affect the physical activity levels of the city's residents. Salvo is also part of the investigative team of the Houston TRAIN Study.

In the paper, Salvo concluded that researchers should shift their focus from conducting small-scale, controlled behavior change studies, which are not always scalable, to understanding the processes and steps needed to successfully scale up physical activity interventions. She says researchers could learn from the interventions of low- and middle-income countries, where physical activity promotion strategies have scaled up quickly, often without substantial evidence on their effectiveness for health.

"This is a call to action to the research community, funding agencies, government organizations, civil society, public health agencies, and multiple sectors including health, education, transportation, urban planning, recreation, culture and environment to start integrating physical activity into every policy," said Salvo.
As the eyes of the world turn to Rio de Janiero for the 2016 Summer Olympics, the spread of the Zika virus in Brazil is a growing concern  but Zika is not the only disease that mosquitoes can spread to humans.

"Mosquitoes in the Aedes family can transmit not only the Zika virus, but also dengue and chikungunya," says dermatologist Jose Dario Martinez, MD, an American Academy of Dermatology International Fellow and chief of the internal medicine clinic at the university hospital of the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon. "All three diseases are a potential health threat to anyone traveling to regions where these insects thrive."

According to Dr. Martinez, Aedes mosquitoes are prevalent in Mexico, South and Central America, and some regions of Asia and Africa. In the U.S., he says, these insects have been found in states along the Mexican border, as well as some parts of Florida and Puerto Rico. Since other types of mosquitoes can't carry dengue, chikungunya and Zika, he says, the risk of these conditions among U.S. residents is mainly limited to those traveling to affected areas.

All three diseases are characterized by a high fever, rash and joint pain, Dr. Martinez says, although most of those infected don't experience any symptoms. Although these conditions are similar, each has its own unique characteristics.

Dengue has been around for many years, Dr. Martinez says, while chikungunya and Zika emerged more recently. Each disease carries the risk of different complications, he says: Dengue can cause severe bleeding, which may lead to shock; chikungunya can cause severe joint pain and chronic arthritis; and Zika may lead to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves.

Unlike dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted through mosquito bites, Zika can be transmitted from an infected person to another person via sexual intercourse and blood transfusions, Dr. Martinez says. Moreover, he says, Zika infections in pregnant women may spread to the fetus, resulting in birth defects like microcephaly, a condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head; women may pass the disease to an unborn child after contracting it from an infected mosquito or via unprotected sex with a person who has the virus.

"Zika may be the most dangerous of the conditions transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes," Dr. Martinez says. "However, all three diseases are serious threats to public health, particularly because many of those infected won't experience any symptoms and therefore won't know they're carrying the virus."

There are no U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved vaccines for these conditions, he says, and the only available treatment option is acetaminophen to control pain and fever. According to Dr. Martinez, the best way to fight these diseases is prevention. He says those traveling to regions where dengue, chikungunya and Zika are prevalent should protect themselves from mosquito bites by avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using an insect repellant that contains the active ingredient DEET.

Dr. Martinez also recommends that pregnant women avoid traveling to Zika-infected countries and suggests that travelers returning from these countries get tested for Zika before donating blood. Additionally, anyone who develops a high fever, rash or joint pain after returning from countries affected by any of these conditions should see a doctor as soon as possible, he says.

"It's important to be vigilant when traveling to areas where you could be bitten by a mosquito carrying dengue, chikungunya or Zika," Dr. Martinez says. "By taking preventive measures and monitoring your health when you return, you can protect yourself and help limit the spread of Zika to others."
A study led by researchers at The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) suggests that maternal HIV infection influences the microbiome of their HIV-uninfected infants. Their findings, reported online in the journal Science Translational Medicine on July 27, may account for some of the immunological and survival differences seen these children.

Worldwide, more than a million infants are born annually to HIV-infected mothers. The vast majority of these children escape HIV infection, but do not escape harm. These HIV exposed, uninfected children experience nearly twice the mortality of children born to women without HIV, though the reasons have remained unclear.

Breastfeeding conveys health benefits to both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected infants. So breastfeeding - in combination with maternal antiretroviral therapy - is the recommended form of feeding for HIV-positive mothers in low resource settings.

The CHLA scientists and their colleagues hypothesized that the changes in both the microbiome and breast milk human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) composition in HIV-infected mothers may be affecting their infants. HMOs are the third largest constituent of human milk, but they are not digested; rather HMOs appear to provide nutrition to the infant's microbiome, in turn conditioning the child's developing immune system.

As establishment of a healthy microbiome in infants greatly influences the development of a healthy infant metabolism and immunity, it may be that the altered microbiome of uninfected but HIV-exposed infants accounts for their increased morbidity and mortality rates.

To test this theory, the scientists enrolled 50 mother-and-infant pairs from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, evenly split between HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers, and looked broadly at the microbiomes of sample sites from each pair.

"In contrast to the mostly consistent microbial communities identified in all of the mothers, the microbiomes of HIV-exposed, uninfected infants were strikingly different from infants born to HIV-negative women in the same community." said first author Jeffrey M. Bender, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. He added that the bacterial composition of infant stool was the most altered on the basis of the mother's HIV status.

The researchers observed that the bacterial communities of mothers with and without HIV infection in the cohort were relatively similar. Therefore the dysbiosis, or unhealthy change in the normal bacterial ecology of the gut seen in their infants, was not completely explained by the maternal-to-infant transfer. Instead, it appears that changes found in the HMO content of the HIV-affected mothers' milk may have had dramatic downstream effects on the establishment of the infants' microbiome.

"As a result, the relatively immature and dysbiotic microbiome could potentially compromise development of the infant's immune system," said Bender.

The researchers propose that it may be the combination of slight disturbances in the HIV-infected mothers' own microbiome and differences in the HMO composition of breast milk that may explain changes in their infants' microbiome.

Providing infants with important beneficial bacterial (probiotics) or potentially specific milk oligosaccharides (called prebiotics) could potentially improve long-term outcomes according to the scientists, though this remains to be investigated.
A research project at the University of Illinois is examining the use of mindfulness therapy in preventing drug abuse relapse among marginalized young adults.

Jordan Davis, a doctoral student in social work at the U. of I., has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the National Institute on Drug Abuse to study the effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention at helping young adults stay sober after substance use treatment. The institute is a unit within the National Institutes of Health.

Modeled after the mindfulness based cognitive therapy used to treat depression, MBRP is a group-based treatment that targets the negative emotions and cravings that often lead to relapse, including the physiologic and behavioral symptoms of chronic stress. The treatment protocol teaches participants to recognize thought patterns and physical symptoms that typically lead to relapse, fostering greater tolerance of these various states and reducing the need to engage in substance use to alleviate discomfort.

Davis' research project is the first study to investigate MBRP's efficacy with young adults, although a handful of clinical trials have been conducted with adults, Davis said.

The study focuses on marginalized populations, particularly people who experienced early childhood trauma and have been dually diagnosed with mental health and substance use problems.

About 80 percent of the participants are involved with the criminal justice system and about 90 percent live below the federal poverty line, Davis said.

"This is a population of individuals who face extraordinary challenges throughout their lives and in their efforts to stay sober after treatment ends," Davis said. "Many have experienced severe trauma such as neglect, abuse and sexual trauma as children. These experiences, coupled with a substance use disorder, make it very difficult to remain abstinent. We are investigating whether MBRP impacts both physiological and behavioral measures of chronic stress, and if it works equally well for individuals who have experienced significant early childhood trauma."

"Mr. Davis' project brings to bear cutting-edge science to help an underserved population and address one of the most intractable problems in treatment - how to keep people well once they have started the path to recovery," said psychology professor Brent Roberts, one of Davis' advisors and the principal investigator on the project. "This grant is a direct reflection of Mr. Davis' insights, hard work and already remarkably prolific research career as a doctoral student. He represents the type of social scientist we aspire to produce at the University of Illinois."

A native of Cumberland, Maryland, Davis earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Auburn University and a master's degree in clinical social work from Syracuse University before entering the doctoral program in social work at Illinois.

While at Illinois, Davis has been a co-author on several research papers, including studies that examined the efficacy of treating withdrawal symptoms among cannabis users, links between bully victimization and substance use, and the use of motivational interviewing and normative feedback in treating adolescents with alcohol use problems.
An international team of researchers led by scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand's Evolutionary Studies Institute and the South African Centre for Excellence in PalaeoSciences today announced in two papers, published in the South African Journal of Science, the discovery of the most ancient evidence for cancer and bony tumours yet described in the human fossil record.

The discovery of a foot bone dated to approximately 1.7 million years ago from the site of Swartkrans with definitive evidence of malignant cancer, pushes the oldest date for this disease back from recent times into deep prehistory. Although the exact species to which the foot bone belongs is unknown, it is clearly that of a hominin, or bipedal human relative.

In an accompanying paper appearing in the same journal, a collaborating team of scientists identify the oldest tumour ever found in the human fossil record, a benign neoplasm found in the vertebrae of the well-known Australopithecus sediba child, Karabo from the site of Malapa, and dated to almost two million years in age. The oldest previously demonstrated possible hominin tumour was found in the rib of a Neanderthal and dated to around 120,000 years old.

Edward Odes, a Wits doctoral candidate and lead author of the cancer paper, and co-author on the tumour paper, notes "Modern medicine tends to assume that cancers and tumours in humans are diseases caused by modern lifestyles and environments. Our studies show the origins of these diseases occurred in our ancient relatives millions of years before modern industrial societies existed".

The cancer in a foot bone, a metatarsal, was identified as an osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer which usually affects younger individuals in modern humans, and, if untreated typically results in early death. "Due to its preservation, we don't know whether the single cancerous foot bone belongs to an adult or child, nor whether the cancer caused the death of this individual, but we can tell this would have affected the individuals' ability to walk or run," says Dr Bernhard Zipfel, a Wits scientist and an expert on the foot and locomotion of early human relatives. "In short, it would have been painful."

Lead author of the tumour paper and co-author of the cancer paper, Dr Patrick Randolph-Quinney of Wits University and the University of Central Lancashire in the UK, suggests "The presence of a benign tumour in Australopithecus sediba is fascinating not only because it is found in the back, an extremely rare place for such a disease to manifest in modern humans, but also because it is found in a child. This, in fact, is the first evidence of such a disease in a young individual in the whole of the fossil human record".

Prof. Lee Berger, an author on both papers and leader of the Malapa project where the fossil vertebra was found adds "not only has there been an assumption that these sorts of cancers and tumours are diseases of modernity, which these fossils clearly demonstrate they are not, but that we as modern humans exhibit them as a consequence of living longer, yet this rare tumour is found in a young child. The history of these types of tumours and cancers is clearly more complex than previously thought".

Both incidences of disease were diagnosed using state of the art imaging technologies including those at the European Synchrotron Research Facility in Grenoble, France, medical CT at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg, and the micro-CT facility at the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa at Pelindaba.

"Researchers in South Africa are at the forefront of using various X-Ray modalities to discover new and interesting facts about ancient human relatives," notes Dr Jacqueline Smilg, a radiologist based at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, who is an author on both papers and was involved in the clinical diagnoses. "This is another good example of how the modern clinical sciences and the science of palaeoanthropology are working together in South Africa and with international collaborators to advance our understanding of diseases in both the past and the present."
Scientists of Tomsk State University are working on changing physicochemical properties of zeolites using thermal and mechanical treatment. Based on the results of this research the scientists will be able to create a new material for a portable device for hemodialysis.

The scientists examined synthetic zeolite powder manufactured by SAPO-34 and natural zeolite of Tokay deposits (Hungary)

Synthetic powder was processed in a ball mill. Spin rate was 150 rotations per minute, processing time varied between 1 and 96 hours. Prior and after the processing the powder underwent thermal treatment. As a result material's specific surface area shrank from 506 m2/g to 102 m2/g (after 96-hour-long mechanical activation and a 1000Co annealing).

Natural zeolite of Tokay deposits underwent mechanical activation in a ball mill during 1-600 minutes. As a result of the activation mineral composition of zeolite changed: smectite, clinoptilolite, calcite, and cristobalite contents decreased several times while quartz and orthoclase contents increased. Specific surface area increased.

Natural zeolites are hard alumosilicates, that is why finding the most appropriate chopping technology is important to increase specific surface area, -says Alexander Buzimov, M.A. student in the faculty of Physics and Engineering. -Changing the specific surface area using mechanical treatment is aimed at changing properties of zeolites.

When they will have learnt to control zeolite's properties, the scientists plan to combine the mineral with nanoceramics which is manufactured by the scientists of the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences and Tomsk State University, and thus produce a new gradient material. Thus, manufactured composite sieve will become the main part of the portable device for hemodialysis.

High-porous ceramics with desired pore size ranging from nano to macro is already produced by the scientists of Tomsk State University, Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Fraunhofer ICT (Germany), and University of Miskolc (Hungary). With these universities TSU has long-term agreements. The team includes both experienced scientists and students, - says Sergey Kulkov, professor of TSU.

Zeolite with high specific surface area provides effective moisture absorption. The device will be connected to a shunt, which is implanted under the skin of the patient. The blood will circulate through the composite sieve and will be cleaned.

The scientists hope to get the new material in a year, whereas the first device will be created in two years.

"Main advantage of this device is its portability. Nowadays, some analogs of traditional devices for hemodialysis are available, but all of them require the procedure to be performed in a hospital, so people are bound to their place of residence. With the new device, patients will be able to go even on a long journey. Hemodialysis can be then done at home and in an emergency situation," said Alexander Buzimov.
Reports new study in Biological Psychiatry

A new study in Biological Psychiatry reports that smoking-related deficits in brain dopamine, a chemical implicated in reward and addiction, return to normal three months after quitting. The normalization of dopamine systems suggests smoking-related deficits are a consequence of chronic smoking, rather than a risk factor. These findings raise the possibility that treatments might be developed that normalize the dopamine system in smokers.

According to first author Dr. Lena Rademacher, postdoctoral fellow at the University of Lubeck in Germany, a major challenge in understanding substance-related disorders lies in uncovering why only some individuals become addicted.

Researchers think some people could possess a trait that predisposes them to addiction, and suspect that brain circuits involving dopamine may be involved. Drugs of abuse release dopamine, and addiction to nicotine is associated with abnormalities in the dopamine system. But researchers are uncertain if smoking induces those abnormalities or if they already exist and contribute to risk of nicotine addiction.

Senior author Dr. Ingo Vernaleken, Professor at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, led a team of researchers examining dopamine function in chronic smokers before and after long-term cessation. The researchers used a brain imaging technique called positron emission tomography to measure an index of the capacity for dopamine production in 30 men who were nicotine-dependent smokers and 15 nonsmokers. After performing an initial scan on all participants, 15 smokers who successfully quit were scanned again after three months of abstinence from smoking and nicotine replacement.

The initial scan revealed a 15-20% reduction in the capacity for dopamine production in smokers compared with nonsmokers. The researchers expected this impairment to persist even after quitting, which would suggest it could be a marker of vulnerability for nicotine addiction. "Surprisingly, the alterations in dopamine synthesis capacity normalized through abstinence," said Rademacher.

The role of dopamine in vulnerability toward nicotine addiction cannot be excluded, but the findings suggest that altered dopamine function of smokers is a consequence of nicotine consumption rather than the cause.

Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry, noted the implications of these findings for developing better ways to help smokers trying to quit. "This study suggests that the first three months after one stops smoking may be a particularly vulnerable time for relapse, in part, because of persisting dopamine deficits. This observation raises the possibility that one might target these deficits with new treatments."
University of Leicester research explores ethnic differences in physical activity.

People's ethnicity impacts their physical activity following a kidney transplant, according to research carried out by the University of Leicester.

Transplant operations improve health and quality of life for patients with kidney failure, but cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the largest cause of mortality with people with the condition, particularly among South Asians.

A study explored ethnic differences in physical activity and functional capacity among kidney patients and showed that South Asians have significantly lower physical function compared to white British people.

NIHR-supported researchers from the Leicester Kidney Exercise Team carried out the research, which was partly funded by Kidney Research UK via a bursary which was awarded to a medical student who carried out some of the work.

Lead author Dr Alice Smith who is a Senior NHS Researcher and Team Leader for the Leicester Kidney Exercise Team, John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: "Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of CVD, but we are finding that not many patients who have undergone the transplant operation are being advised to get active.

Dr Smith, who is also from the University of Leicester Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, said: "People with a South Asian origin unfortunately appear to spend more time sitting down and have lower physical capacity than those with a white background.

"Our research has shown that we need to focus on appropriate strategies to engage South Asian kidney patients in exercise to improve physical function and reduce cardiovascular risk in this particularly vulnerable population."

A total of 271 transplant patients took part in the study and they were asked to complete a physical activity questionnaire to describe their attitude towards exercise.

They were also asked how willing they were to change their physical activity behaviour.

Some participants were also asked to carry out a number of tests to measure their physical capabilities.

They took part in tests to measure their walking ability and the strength of their legs getting up from a chair. They also had their heart output and body fat measured.

Neerja Jain, Health Improvement Project Manager for Kidney Research UK, said: "This study is a prime example of evidence gaps which need to be urgently addressed so that we can understand why some people face worse health outcomes than others.

"Kidney Research UK runs a range of programmes addressing health inequalities so we can help people from communities at greater risk. Great research like this by the team at Leicester will continue to inform our work."

Researchers are now calling on healthcare professionals to adopt new ways of encouraging kidney transplant patients from the South Asian community to exercise in a bid to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Changes to HER2 testing guidelines for breast cancer in 2013 significantly increased the number of patients who test HER2-positive, according to a new study by Mayo Clinic researchers published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Cancers that have an excess of HER2 protein or extra copies of the HER2 gene are called HER2-positive and can be treated with drugs like Herceptin that target HER2. HER2 stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.

Mayo Clinic researchers found that the number of HER2-positive breast cancers doubled after testing guidelines were changed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) in 2013. "The new guidelines were established to reduce the number of equivocal cases, where HER2 status is uncertain, but we found that they did just the opposite," says senior study author Robert Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Professor of Individualized Medicine Research and Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic. "The number of equivocal cases went up, resulting in additional testing and a much larger number of women with cancers ultimately labeled as HER2-positive.

According to Breastcancer.org, more than 10 percent of women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. In the U.S. alone, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 246,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed this year, along with 61,000 new cases of noninvasive breast cancer. All newly diagnosed breast cancers are tested for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a molecule that promotes the growth of cancer cells. HER2-positive cancers tend to be more aggressive and spread more quickly than other breast cancers.

Dr. Jenkins says the development of drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) and lapatinib (Tykerb) that target HER2 have greatly improved the prognosis of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, but it is not clear what level of HER2 is needed on cancer cells for these targeted therapies to be effective. Therefore, he says, it is critical that clinicians accurately determine the HER2 status of a particular cancer. HER2 testing is performed using two methods: immunohistochemistry, which detects how much of the HER2 protein is present on cancer cells, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), which measures how many copies of the HER2 gene are inside each cell.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first HER2 testing guidelines for determining eligibility for HER2-directed therapy for breast cancer in 1998. The American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists published a new set of guidelines in 2007 (AC2007), which were updated in 2013 (AC2013). The latest guidelines changed the cut-off for equivocal and positive cases.

Dr. Jenkins and his colleagues hypothesized that the new criteria outlined in AC2013 would lead to an increase in the number of breast cancers that test HER2-positive. They analyzed FISH results for 2,851 breast cancer cases referred to the Mayo Clinic Cytogenetics Laboratory for FISH testing between November 2013 and October 2014, and then compared the prevalence of HER2 FISH amplification using the three guidelines.

In their analysis, the researchers found a near doubling in the proportion of HER2 FISH-positive cases interpreted using AC2013 (23.6 percent), compared to the FDA criteria (13.1 percent) or AC2007 (11 percent). The Mayo researchers previously reported a 13 percent HER2-positivity rate using the FDA criteria in their clinical practice in 2000, and that rate had remained constant until the implementation of AC2013. Since the implementation of AC2013, an additional 10-15 percent of women with breast cancer are considered eligible for HER2-directed therapies, even though it is unknown if they would benefit from addition of HER2-directed treatments.

"Women who receive false positive results are not only exposed to the risks of HER2-directed therapies, but they also miss out on the treatments that could be effective against their cancer. That is counter to the goal of personalized medicine, which is to give the right drug to the right patient at the right time," says Dr. Jenkins. "Given the medical, financial and psychosocial aspects of these targeted therapies, it is prudent that we prospectively identify the most optimal candidates for treatment."

Dr. Jenkins says that the recent National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-47 trial could provide insight into whether the additional patients labeled as HER2-positive by AC2013 actually will benefit from HER2-directed therapies. Ultimately, he says, the decision to use such targeted therapies should be taken only after carefully considering the risks and benefits by patients and their physicians, as well as any additional information that can be gleaned from other HER2 tests results, including immunohistochemistry.
Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality & justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2016

A powerful voice against injustice & inequality.Mahasweta Devi's words will continue to inspire &educate.Heartfelt condolences on her demise  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 28, 2016

Deeply saddened by the demise of eminent litterateur and social activist Mahasweta Devi. Heartfelt condolences to her family & followers.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 28, 2016

Rest in peace Mahasweta Devi pic.twitter.com/vMWjn8dz9f  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 28, 2016

India has lost a great daughter. Eminent litterateur &social activist Mahasweta Devi passed away today.Condolences to her family & relatives  Vinit Goenka (@vinitgoenka) July 28, 2016

Saddened by the demise of #MahaswetaDevi, the acclaimed author-activist. Her death is an irreparable loss to Indian literature & society.  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) July 28, 2016

India today has lost an eminent litterateur and a powerful voice of weaker sections. Deeply pained by Mahasweta Devi ji's demise  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 28, 2016

#Mahasweta Devi JI,lived life of commitment,dedication to social causes,.Her literary contribution is exemplary.Shall miss both of these.  Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) July 28, 2016

RIP Mahasweta Devi. A terrible loss for literature. A great writer and extraordinary activist; a woman with a warm, generous heart.  Amitav Ghosh (@GhoshAmitav) July 28, 2016

Saddened by demise of noted litterateur, social activist Mahasweta Devi. Irreparable loss for Indian literature. RIP pic.twitter.com/YzyHX9xAXQ  Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 28, 2016

Deeply saddened by demise of Mahasweta Devi ji. Her extraordinary contributions as a writer & social activist will be eternally remembered.  Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) July 28, 2016

I offer my condolences to the family of noted author & eminent social activist Mahashweta Devi ji. May the departed soul rest in peace.  Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) July 28, 2016

To work among tribals and scheduled castes, I found reading Mahashweta Devi and Ashapurna Devi is a must  Tarun Vijay (@Tarunvijay) July 28, 2016

PM Shri @narendramodi condoles the demise of Indian social activist and writer Smt. Mahashweta Devi:https://t.co/VN1lH5Vii7  MIB India (@MIB_India) July 28, 2016

#RIP Deeply saddened by death of social activist & writer #MahaShwetaDevi Ji.Her contribution wl always inspire us. pic.twitter.com/YvFznN5pqr  C R Paatil (@CRPaatil) July 28, 2016

RIP #MahashwetaDevi Her pen was more powerful than thousand revolutionaries

-I always believed that real history is made by ordinary people  Tarun Vijay (@Tarunvijay) July 28, 2016

Mahasweta Devi died. Stood by me during my bad times. The socially committed writer was later involved with TMC & wanted to see Mamta as PM.  taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) July 28, 2016

Noted author, political activist and Magsaysay award winner Mahasweta Devi passed away at the age of 90 . The celebrated author was on a ventilator support at a private hospital in Kolkata where she was admitted due to age-related ailments in the beginning of July.Known for her tireless work for upliftment of tribals across the country, Mahasweta Devi was also said to be suffering from blood-related diseases along urinary tract infection. She had suffered a cardiac stroke late Wednesday night. The author breathed her last on Thursday afternoon.Political leaders and intellectuals across the nation have expressed their grief at her passing and everyone from the Prime Minister to Rahul Gandhi to Mamata Banerjee has tweeted their condolences.
New Delhi: More than 70,000 autos and black-yellow taxis continue to be off Delhi's streets on day three of the strike.



Seventeen taxi and auto-rickshaw unions decided to call off their strike on Wednesday. Out of 90,000, nearly 20,000 auto-rickshaws will ply in Delhi from Thursday.



However, more than 20 auto-rickshaw and taxi unions are still protesting outside Delhi Chief Minister's residence Arvind Kejriwal against app-based taxi services.



The strike has hit commuters hard, with many being stranded in several places including railway stations, airports and bus stops.
New Delhi: The incident regarding Chinese troops entering the border district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand is that of "transgression" and not "incursion", the government said on Thursday.



Responding to queries from the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the border has not been demarcated and the two sides have a "different perception" about it.



He said on July 22, two PLA soldiers entered 200 metres in Barholi area of Uttarakhand inside the Indian territory and the villagers warned them.



"The Line of Actual Control (LAC) has not been formally demarcated. So there is different perception about this of both the sides," he said, adding that there are mechanisms like flag meetings by both the sides to resolve such issues.



"During such meetings, we have made our protests to the Chinese side. There was no incursion, only transgression," Parrikar said.



The Minister said every year, there are about 400-500 incidents of transgression, but this year it has come down.



Parrikar also noted that it is the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under the Ministry of Home Affairs that takes care of the LAC and not the Defence Ministry.



The debate also saw a bonhomie between the Congress and the BJD. The Congress members were aggressive over the issue and asked Parrikar to respond.



When the Minister said the boundary has not been demarcated, Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD) strongly objected to it.



At this point, Congress President Sonia Gandhi intervened and lauded Mahtab for raising the point.
Vadodara: In a bid to increase green cover, Gujarat Forest Department will plant 10 crore trees during the ongoing 'Van Mahotsav', state cabinet minister Mangubhai Patel

said on Thursday.



The 67th Van Mahotsav started on Wednesday at Verakhadi in Anand district, about 60 kms from Vadodara.



"Gujarat Chief Minister Anadiben Patel commenced the 67th Van Mahotsav on Wednesday. The Mahisagar Van will be developed as an eco-tourism spot," Patel, state minister for Forest and Environment Development, told PTI.



"We will be planting 10 crore trees during the mahotsav across the state. We have already planted over 4,000 trees and another 85,000 saplings will be planted at the Mahisagar Van,"

he said.



The Chief Minister has announced that on August 7, trees will be planted across Gujarat, he said. "Tree plantation drive will also be carried at Kaprada village in Valsad district on July 30, Mota village in Surat district on August 4 and Bhuchar-Moti village in Jamnagar on August 24," he added.
Twelve people including Lashkar-e-Toiba operative Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal were on Thursday convicted by the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) Court in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case.



While holding them guilty, the MCOCA court said the larger conspiracy behind the case was to instil fear as well as attack the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia to avenge the Godhra riots.



Apart from 12 convicted, 8 have been acquitted, one is absconding and one has turned an approver. The court also dropped MCOCA charges in the case, in which 22 people were arrested.







The case pertains to the May 8, 2006 operation by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad in which three terror suspects travelling in a car were nabbed on the Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad.



The ATS had recovered 30 kg RDX, 10 AK-47 army assault rifles, 3,200 rounds of ammunition and other things, which were reportedly intended for carrying out terror strikes in the country.



The Indica, allegedly driven by Jundal, managed to give police the slip. Jundal, who hails from Beed district of Maharashtra, drove to Malegaon and a few days later he escaped to Bangladesh from where he fled to Pakistan.



After Abu Jundal was nabbed and deported to India from Saudi Arabia in 2012, he informed the ATS about another hideout from where they recovered 13 kg RDX, 1200 cartridges, 50 hand grenades, 22 magazine rounds.



The trial, which had resumed in 2013 after Abu Jundal's arrest, had concluded in March this year.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that government was making last minute efforts to save an Indian man facing execution on Thursday in Indonesia in a drug related case.



Gurdip Singh (48) was found guilty by Indonesian authorities of trying to smuggle drugs into the country.



"Gurdip Singh is facing death sentence in a drug case in Indonesia.



"We are making last minute efforts to save him from execution on July 28," Swaraj said in a series of tweets.



Singh was reportedly given death sentence by a district court in Indonesia's Tanggerang Banten province.



Singh, who hails from Jalandhar in Punjab, is among 14 people who are facing execution after the authorities decided to resume implementing death penalties. The decision was criticised by human rights organisations.
Imagine your entire family suddenly gets a notice to prove your citizenship. Your parents are proven bonafide citizens of the country.You are illiterate and live below the poverty line. Your lawyer tells you, since your parents have proved they are Indian, you don't have to worry.You make that one mistake, you stop worrying. The Foreigners Tribunal declares you an illegal immigrant. You get no respite from the High Court. You dont have the means to approach Supreme Court. So for years you end up languishing in a detention centre.Finally, on the intervention of civil rights group MYs-FACTS, the family moves Supreme Court. The apex court orders a re-trial in the tribunal. But not before you have spent years in jail.This is the story of Moinal Mollah, a Bengali Muslim from Barpetta. In 1998, the Superintendent of Police, Barpeta made three reference cases to the then Illegal Migrants (Determination) Tribunals, Barpeta.On 06.11.03 the IMDT Tribunal, Barpeta declared that the father and mother of Moinal Mollah are Indian citizens.The IMDT Tribunal did not take up Moinal Mollahs case. But later, IMDT Act got scrapped due to the PIL filed by the current Chief Minister of Assam and then AASU ( All Assam Students Union) president Sarbananda Sonowal.The reference case of 'D-Voter' Moinal Mollah was then automatically transferred to Foreigners Tribunal, Barpeta.He appeared before the Tribunal on several occasions. His current lawyer says Moinal had earlier received wrong legal advice. The advice given was that as his parents has already been declared Indian citizens by earlier Tribunal he need not worry and didnt have to appear before the Foreign Tribunal.An illiterate Moinal saw no reason to not believe his counsel and never appeared before the tribunal again. The Foreigners Tribunal, on 16/02/2010 held that he was a foreigner.Moinal realised his mistake and immediately filed a complaint against his counsel with Bar Council and also made him a party in the High Court. But the High Court dismissed the writ petition and ordered that Moinal be deported. In September 2013 he was arrested by the police and lodged in Goalpara detention camp."Moinal Mollahs ancestors are citizen of India. His great grandfather, grandfather and father have been voting since Independence and their names feature in all voter lists. His grandfather even has a land document in his name from before Independence. These facts were placed before the High Court, they were not considered," his lawyer said.That's when Aman Wadud, a city-based lawyer, and a Guwahati-based organization MY-FACTS came to their help. They collected money through public donation and moved Supreme Court. Finally in the second week of July, the apex court gave Moinal Mollah a second chance. He was asked to be present before the Tribunal within four weeks.Aman said it was a big victory, adding that like Moinal, there were many poor and illiterate people who have been "wrongly" declared foreigners by the Tribunal.More than 52,000 people have been declared foreigners by the Tribunals. While many of them are illegal immigrants, Aman argues that some had their citizenship stripped off over technical lapses.The current government has shown a renewed resolve to make Assam free of illegal immigrants. The onus is now on them to ensure that many do not suffer, just because they share the same ethnicity as those held as illegal immigrants.
Rishikesh: Twelve domesticated elephants are likely to be relocated soon from Karnataka to Uttarakhand's Corbett Tiger Reserve to beef up security of big cats along the southern boundary of the sanctuary which is porous.



The permission for relocating the elephants to Corbett has been obtained from Karnataka Government, the Zoo Authority of India and the Forest and Environment Ministry, CTR Director Samir Sinha said.



Normal vehicular patrolling is sometimes not adequate to ensure safety of tigers at CTR especially its southern boundary. These elephants are going to be of immense help in the exercise, Sinha said.



With the relocation of 12 elephants currently kept at different camps in Karnataka, the number of domesticated and tamed pachyderms at Corbett will rise to 18, which will boost efforts by the reserve administration to strengthen safety of tigers along the park's sensitive southern boundary, he said.
Obama, Merkel stress anti-terror cooperation following attacks Updated: 2016-07-28 13:34 (Agencies)

A photo taken in June 2013 shows US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel gesturing during a news conference at the Chancellery in Berlin. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that she regrets the deterioration of the trust between the US and Germany, amid a row with the US over spying. [Photo/AFP]

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday reaffirmed the necessity of close US-German counterterrorism and broader security cooperation.

In a telephone talk, Obama expressed condolences over the attacks in southern Germany, the White House said, adding that the US government offered its full support to Germany as the investigations into the recent violent attacks proceeded.

Germany was shocked by four violent attacks within last week in the southern part of the country.

On Sunday, a 27-year-old Syrian blew himself up and wounded 15 people outside a music festival in Ansbach, a city in the state of Bavaria.

It happened just hours after a 21-year-old Syrian refugee killed a pregnant Polish woman and injured two people with a machete in Reutlingen, a city in Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Over the phone, Obama and Merkel also discussed the situation in Ukraine and reiterated the urgent importance of durably ending the violence in eastern Ukraine by rapid implementing the Minsk agreements.
A lucky Australian man has won his own remote Pacific island resort in a raffle, after shelling out just US$49 for the winning ticket to claim the paradise property. The man, identified as Joshua, won the 16-room Micronesian resort in a draw organised by the Australian owners, who were looking to hand over the lodge to someone like-minded.



Ahead of the draw, co-owner Doug Beitz said he was hoping the winner would be "someone who likes warm weather, likes meeting new people from around the world, is adventurous".

A video posted on Facebook revealed the winning number, drawn on Tuesday evening by a computer, to be ticket 44,980. But Doug's efforts to reach the new owner by phone and inform him of his life-changing win were not immediately successful.



He eventually tracked the lucky winner down and gave him the good news. "His name is Joshua and he's from Australia," Doug said, adding that he lived in New South Wales state.

The man's full identity was not immediately revealed until news of winning the Kosrae Nautilus Resort on the Micronesian island of Kosrae, which lies west of Hawaii and north of the Solomon Islands, had sunk in.



Joshua will take ownership of a resort, which is debt-free, profitable and has more than 20 years left on its lease.



Doug and Sally Beitz, who built the resort in 1994, have lived in Micronesia for more than two decades but said they felt it was time to return to Australia. They were going to sell the property in the traditional way until one of their sons came up with the idea of the raffle.



"We will do financially well out of it," Doug said ahead of the draw, for which tens of thousands of tickets were sold around the world. If nothing else, it afforded some people an opportunity to dream of life on a tropical paradise.



"Thanks for the awesome dream," wrote one ticket-buyer on Facebook. Another said: "Congrats Joshua, have a good life there."


Mumbai: Actor Arshad Warsi has shot down rumours of leaving the promotions of forthcoming film The Legend Of Michael Mishra in the lurch. He says he is "not the kind of actor who backs out of his commitment".



There were reports that now that the Aditi Rao Hydari, Arshad and Boman Irani-starrer film is ready to release two years after being completed, the cast is "in no mood to promote it". But the stars have a different story to narrate.



"I am not the kind of actor who backs out of his commitment. 'Michael Mishra...' is my film... Why would I refrain from promoting it? I have had to request the producer of 'Bhaiyyaji Superhit' to push my dates so that I could promote 'Michael Mishra'," Arshad said in a statement to clear the air around the "baseless information".



Despite having prior commitments, the actors are promoting the film, which is releasing on August 5.



Manish Jha, who has directed the film, also shared that the "promotions of the film have just kicked in and I am in constant touch with my cast and crew".



He said: "They all are extremely excited about the project and you will see them promoting the film at various promotional events. The rumours doing the rounds in the media about their unavailability for the film is utterly baseless and will be proved wrong in the coming days."



The Legend of Michael Mishra is a complete Patna-Bihar romance-comedy. Arshad plays a Patna-based gangster Michael who falls in love with Varsha (Aditi). Varsha wants Michael to change his lifestyle and thus, he decides to live a clean life which is not easy as his past keeps haunting him.






New Delhi: Actor Tahir Raj Bhasin, who is gearing up for his second release "Force 2, says it's a very action heavy film.



The actor says Force 2, which also features actors John Abraham and Sonakshi Sinha, is a very physically demanding film.



Asked if he will be seen doing action-packed scenes in the film, Tahir told IANS: "Yes, it's a very action heavy film. It's a very physically intensive part. What kind of action I wouldn't want to describe... But it has been a very physically demanding part."



The 29-year-old actor says he underwent training for a few months for the role.



"There is a celebrity trainer, someone who John put me in touch with... So there is functional training involved and mixed martial arts... So it has been a whole new adventure for me," he added.



Tahir will again be seen playing a negative character in Force 2. The actor was seen playing an antagonist in his debut film Mardaani, starring superstar Rani Mukerji in 2014.






The police themselves said that they were tapping Wani's phone for 3 days. The CM is a liar. She has rewarded those involved in the encounter with Rs. 10 lakh. When she was not CM she used to go to the funerals of these militants," Mattoo added.

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said that the Army and the Police that gunned down Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani did not know about his presence in the raid conducted by security forces on July 8 or else the situation could have been handled better."The Army and police officials told me that they just had information that three militants were hiding inside that house. If we had known earlier, the situation could have be handled better and a second chance could have been given," Mufti told reporters.NC leader Junaid Mattoo slammed Mufti for her remarks and said that militant Burhan Wani's killing is full of contradictions.Reacting to Mufti's remarks, BJP leader Hina Bhat said, "A militant's biodata is not needed to carry out the operation."BJP leader Ravinder Rana too expressed surprise at Mufti's remarks and said that the army knew very well that Wani was in the house."Before shooting Wani, security forces had asked him to surrender. But he shot back. I don't know why the CM is saying this now," Rana said.Intelligence sources in Delhi claim that the police came to know about it four hours later.It is likely to have a far reaching political consequences in the state.It is also being seen as an attempt to save the state police and government which are now being blamed for his death by the separatists.
New Delhi: The government seemed to achieved a breakthrough in the Goods and Service Tax Bill on Thursday with most opposition parties barring the Congress satisfied with two key changes made by the government.



Sources said the Bill will be brought in the Rajya Sabha early next week with the leaders of Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Left parties meeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and expressing their approval.



This comes a day after the Union Cabinet approved two key changes to the GST Bill that addressed the concerns of state governments and the opposition parties.



The Cabinet removed from the Bill the contentious provision for a 1% additional tax levy by manufacturing states and also introduced a guarantee of 100% to states for five years to compensate for any revenue loss incurred by them due to the introduction of GST.



As the GST is a Constitution Amendment Bill, it requires a 2/3rd of the House - which is 162 members- present and voting.



The business advisory committee of the House is set to meet later in the day to decide when the Bill should be taken up.







Here is the present break-up in the Upper House where the government is not in a majority.



House strength Rajya Sabha : 245

Net House strength : 243



Parties in support of GST:

NDA: 69

Independents - 4

Nominated - 4

Total : 77



Other parties supporting GST is 68

NCP - 5

SP -19

JDU - 10

RJD - 3

TMC - 12

BJD - 8

TRS - 3

PDP - 2

Independents- 1

IUML - 1

JMM-1

Kerala Congress - 1

JDS - 1

YSRCP - 1
Seoul: Solid sales of its flagship smartphone and an aggressive cost-cutting drive saw Samsung Electronics on Thursday post a better-than-expected gain in net profit for the second quarter.



The giant South Korean conglomerate said its key mobile division enjoyed "substantial earnings improvement" in the April-June period led by expanded sales of its high-end Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge phones.



Industry trackers estimate that the world's largest smartphone maker has sold about 26 million units of the S7 since it hit stores in March ahead of launches by competitors, including arch-rival Apple.



The mobile division accounts for the lion's share of Samsung's business, but it has been increasingly squeezed by competition both from Apple's iPhone and by lower-end devices from Chinese rivals such as Huawei.



Samsung's overall net profit for the second quarter stood at 5.85 trillion won ($5.2 billion), up 1.7 per cent from the previous year and slightly above analyst estimates.



Marketing costs down



Operating profit was up nearly 18 per cent at 8.1 trillion won, Samsung said in an earnings statement, reflecting a sizeable cut in mobile marketing costs -- partly due to the underwhelming performance of the iPhone.



The Samsung earnings came two days after Apple announced a 27 per cent second quarter profit slump on a sharp drop in sales of its iconic handset.



Television and component sales were also strong in the April-June period, Samsung said, with increased profits among premium product ranges.



"Looking ahead to the second half of 2016, the company expects its solid performance to continue... mainly driven by earnings increase in the component business due to sales growth in high value-added products," the statement said.



It also flagged a likely rise in mobile division marketing costs with the launch of its latest outsized Galaxy Note smartphone next week.



The Note series has never had as much of a sales impact as the S-series smartphone, and there will be increased competition with a new iPhone set for release later in the year.



Currency concerns



Greg Roh, an analyst at HMC Investment, said a steady strengthening of the South Korean currency could also eat into profit margins.



"It will be harder for Samsung in the third quarter because of the stronger won and an increase in marketing costs," Roh said.



"The key point will be whether components -- like semiconductors -- will be able to make up for the loss in profits from finished products," he added.



Sustained profit gains from the company's cheaper smartphones, such as the J series, also helped to boost Samsung's mobile earnings in the second quarter.



Operating profit at the mobile unit rose to 4.32 trillion won from 2.76 trillion won a year ago.



Operating income at the semiconductor unit was 2.64 trillion won, compared with 3.40 trillion won a year earlier, as weaker demand pressured component prices.



The chip unit had helped buttress Samsung's profit margins when the mobile business went into a protracted slump from late 2014.



The world's number-two chipmaker has dominated production of faster, larger-capacity chips using a technology called 3D NAND.



Samsung was the first to mass produce chips using the technology and is producing the high-margin chips -- used in mobile gadgets and hard drives for servers -- at its factories at home and in China.
Islamabad: A top Pakistani court has allowed the examination of a boat used by the 10 LeT terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack, overturning an anti-terrorism court verdict which it termed as "flawed".



"The Islamabad High Court has set aside the verdict of trial court (Anti-Terrorism Court) in Mumbai case for not allowing sending of a commission to Karachi for inspection of Al-Fauz boat used by Mumbai attack terrorists," Chaudhry Azhar, prosecution chief in the Mumbai attack case, said.



He said the High Court termed the trial court decision "flawed and not in accordance with law" and allowed examination of the boat in the port city of Karachi.



The prosecution in May had challenged the trial court's decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat 'Al-Fauz' used by Mumbai attack terrorists so that the vessel could be made "case property".



Al-Fauz is in the custody of Pakistani authorities in Karachi, from where the armed 10 terrorists had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack that claimed 166 lives.



The High Court, however, has not specified in its order whether it is necessary to form a commission comprising prosecution and defence lawyers for the inspection of the boat.



"The trial court is likely to send court officials for the inspection of Al-Fauz since it has received no direction of forming a commission for the purpose," another court official said.



"The trial court will nominate the official(s) for the inspection of the boat in the September 7 hearing," he said. The trial court had on Wednesday held a hearing in the Mumbai attack case in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.



It was informed that Pakistan had not received a reply from India about sending its 24 witnesses to record their statements in the case. The court adjourned the proceedings in the case till September 7.



The courts are observing an over a month-long summer holidays and only the cases of very important nature will be heard during the vacation period.



According to the Federal Investigation Agency, the attackers used three boats, including Al Fauz, to reach Mumbai from Karachi.



It said the security agencies had also traced the shop and its owner from where the culprits bought the engine and the boat while a bank and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money.



The 10 LeT terrorists had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008.



En route to their destination, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew.



They forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the Indian shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast.



The Mumbai attack case is facing inordinate delay as no proceedings practically have been held for more than three months.



The Mumbai case hearing is scheduled to be held once a week.



Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack.



Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after he got released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.



The case has been going on in the country for more than six years.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is up in arms after elections held on July 21 were allegedly rigged in favour of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League. The rigged polls made PML-N the clear winner with them securing 32 out of 41 seats.



Major PoK towns like Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari and Mirpur witnessed protests after members of the PML (N) allegedly killed a supporter of the Muslim Conference (MC) in Muzaffarabad. The protestors burnt tyres, blocked traffic and clashed with police. Several cases of injuries were reported as the PoK administration moved to clamp down on press reporting.



"After rigging elections, the PML (N) is now indulging in widespread propaganda and killing. They have killed our friend. If the authorities fail to take any action, they will be responsible for any future incident," a Muslim Conference leader said.







The Human Rights Groups in PoK have confirmed allegations of money and muscle power being used to win elections. Some protesters claimed genuine voters were not allowed to cast their votes and Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence rigged the polls in favour of PML (N).



"There was rigging in the elections and huge money was distributed to buy the votes. In the Mirpur area, there were many such cases of buying of votes," former PoK PM and Muslim Conference leader Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary said.



Locals allege that elections in PoK are always fixed in favour of the ruling party in Pakistan, in current instance, for the PML-N.



"In 2011, PPP formed government in PoK because it was ruling at that time. It is a joke with the people who exercise their right to vote. If people think elections will bring change then they are living in fool's paradise," a Muzaffarabad resident said.
A city man was sentenced Thursday to serve more than 20 years in prison after he was convicted on a felony murder charge stemming from the death of his ex-girlfriends infant son earlier this year.

Anthony Michael Sexton, 34, entered an Alford plea in Lynchburg Circuit Court on one count each of felony murder, child abuse or neglect causing serious injury and child endangerment. A grand jury indicted him on June 6 on the charges, which prosecutors have said stemmed from the death of 5-month-old Graysen Lee Foster.

Sextons Alford plea accepts that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him without admitting guilt. He was scheduled for a jury trial in September.

In her description of evidence that would have been presented at the trial, Lynchburgs Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Bethany Harrison said Sexton was watching Graysen on March 2 while the boys mother, 21-year-old Taylor Lynn Foster, ran errands.

When Foster left her son that night, Harrison said the boy had only a few scratches he received from his fingernails. She returned to Sextons home at 802 McCausland St. to find Graysen unresponsive.

He was pronounced dead at 9:50 p.m. at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Harrison said examinations showed Graysen had injuries consistent with a high-speed car wreck, including 25 bruises and hemorrhages in both eyes.

As Harrison described the boys injuries in court Thursday, Foster and several family members sobbed quietly. Their silence broke when Harrison played a video recording of an interview Sexton had with Lynchburg Police Department investigators in which he demonstrated on a toy baby how he struck the boy.

Judge F. Patrick Yeatts accepted Sextons plea and sentenced him to serve 20 years with five suspended on the murder charge, 10 years with four suspended on the neglect charge and four years with two and a half suspended on the endangerment charge. He also ordered Sexton be placed on supervised probation for 36 months after his release, repay $2,200 to the Foster family for Graysens burial expenses, have no contact with the Fosters and be on good behavior for 50 years.

The Foster family declined to comment after the hearing Thursday.

Harrison said Sextons accounts of what transpired that night changed significantly and multiple times.

Sexton admitted to leaving Graysen in a car seat in a bedroom and playing video games in a different room. He returned to the bedroom and found the boy face-down on the floor, apparently having rolled out of the car seat.

Harrison said Sexton returned Graysen to the car seat, this time with a bottle propped up in his mouth. He went back to his video games in the other room and eventually heard Graysen making choking noises, though Harrison said Sexton waited two to three minutes before checking on him.

Sexton initially told investigators he found the boy unresponsive and covered in vomit. Harrison said Sexton claimed he blew into Graysens mouth and hit him before the boy started choking up.

But Harrison said Sexton later changed his story, saying Graysen was awake when he re-entered the room, though he had thrown up on himself. Sexton said he went to change the boy and tripped on a phone cord, dropping Graysen on his head on the carpeted floor.

According to Harrison, the boy made a shape with his mouth that concerned Sexton, prompting him to put a finger in Graysens mouth. Harrison said the boy bit down and Sexton struck him in the head three times.

Adam Stanley, one of Sextons attorneys, said the incident was not a form of child abuse and was purely accidental, though he said the Alford plea would spare his client a jury trial.

Yeatts said Harrisons evidence negates any claim of innocence before accepting Sextons plea.

He sealed the case exhibits at the request of Aaron Boone, Sextons other attorney.
GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us.
Why Marvel Comics' Daredevil: Born Again may be difficult to adapt to the MCU

Frank Miller's original comic book storyline will likely see significant changes for Marvel Studios Disney Plus version
Bridging the TT/Jamaica gap

This is according to Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has accepted Prime Minister Dr Keiths Rowleys invitation to visit TT in the near future. It is expected that the framework agreement - currently under consideration - will be signed during Holness visit.

As leaders we agreed to work towards a better and more stable environment for businesses to thrive, to increase investment flow between our countries and to develop mechanisms to facilitate closer trade cooperation and the resolution of trade issues, Holness said.

Speaking at the end of Rowleys five-day official visit to Jamaica on July 21 at the Office of the Prime Minister, Kingston, Jamaica, Holness said that both countries discussed ways, such as, the restoration of trade desks in their ministries of trade and commerce to navigate around structural impediments.

Things like that will help to ensure the ease of trade and not just trade in goods, but hassle free travel across the region, he said.

Talks also included the movement of all factors of productions - free movement of goods, finance, capital and labour.

Free movement does not mean free for all movement but structured movement governed by rules, he said, and in this regard the Jamaican Government has undertaken to explain to the Jamaican public the rules that apply given complaints about being hassled at TT ports of entry.

On the outcome of his talks with business leaders, Rowley said, there were some misunderstandings but nothing that could not be cleared up by frank and clear discussions.

They want assurance that there were no non-tariff barriers to trade and that genuine efforts were made to allow public servants - the administrators of the treaties - to understand what we have signed on to, and to execute in a way that is in the letter and spirit of the treaties and regulations, he said.

Meanwhile, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Dr William Mahfood, President of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) Metry Seaga and President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Warren McDonald expressed a willingness to work with the respective governments to remove blockages to trade and to work in the TT market.

They spoke with the media on July 19 at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica, following a meeting of Jamaicas leaders in business and commerce with Rowley and the TT delegation.

McDonald said the JCC was pleased that Rowley gave the undertaking to work with Jamaica to try and work out most of the challenges and concerns. He said, We were optimistic in areas such as standards for the region, rules of origin, subsidies, things of that nature, which were matters of concern, and we can now devote our energies to solving them. Meanwhile Seaga said the issues Jamaican manufacturers faced on the TT market were mainly administrative. He agreed with Rowley that CARICOM countries do not accept each others standards and that needs to be rectified.

The issue of trade imbalance was still to be discussed in terms of closing the gap in non-oil trade imbalance, he said. That is some work we have to do here in Jamaica and we intend to. Seaga said that TT has oil and there was always going to be a trade imbalance because of that.

Rowleys visit to Jamaica was undertaken at a time when relations on the ground were strained due to reports of Jamaican nationals being turned away from the Piarco International Airport and treated without dignity, as well as a reported call for a boycott of TT products on the Jamaica market.

Mahfood who was widely reported as calling for a boycott of TT goods said, he never called for a boycott and that the media took his comments out of context. Claiming that he loves TT and has many Trinidadian friends, he said the reality was that the business communities in both countries share common problems.

The Jamaican private sector, he said, has had many years of dialogue with the private sector in TT and in other CARICOM countries, but we have not embodied the essence and intent of what the CARICOM Single Market and Economy was meant to be. TT and Jamaica as leaders in the region, he said, have to ensure that CARICOM implements the CSME.

Rowley noted that because of the stagnation in the implementation of the CSME, that the TT Government has placed it back on the CARICOM agenda.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that Jamaica has established a commission to assess the benefits of its participation in CARICOM. Former Jamaican prime minister Bruce Golding heads the commission
DEADLY HAMMER BLOWS

She horn meh. This was revealed by police sources yesterday in giving a report to Newsday on the murder of mother of two Carlene Grant .

Grant, 45, who was employed as security guard with the National Maintenance Training and Security Company Limited (MTS) was attacked while on duty at the Waterloo Community Centre. She lived at John Elie Road in Chase Village, Chaguanas .

Reports are the man drove from the crime scene to the Chaguanas Police Station where he parked his car outside the station and approached three police officers of the Criminal Investigations Department .

The man told the officers, I doh want to waste allyuh time .

I just take a hammer and killed meh girlfriend. The Devil was in meh. She horn meh, a senior Central Division source told Newsday. The man, a construction worker from Lamont Street in Enterprise, Chaguanas was questioned and cautioned. He led officers to his parked car and showed them a hammer which was covered in blood and bone fragments. The hammer was on the backseat in the car .

Officers were told that at about 7.45 pm, Grant and a male co-worker were on duty at the Waterloo Community Centre when the male co-worker heard loud screams. He made a check and found Grant with multiple injuries to her head. The suspect was seen walking to his car which he entered and drove off. Meanwhile, Grant was rushed to the Couva Health Facility where she was pronounced dead on arrival .

An autopsy done yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James revealed that Grant was struck at least three blows to her head with the hammer .

The force of the blows was so great that the hammer easily smashed through the womans skull and penetrated her brain .

Sources who witnessed the autopsy described Grants death as brutal. Brain matter, they added, leaked out of the wounds and there was no way she could have survived such an attack .

One of Grants relatives who were at the Centre awaiting the autopsy report and death certificate, while not wanting to speak on the record, told Newsday, You does read about these kinds of things in the newspapers but you really dont know how it feels in your heart until it reaches you or your loved ones. Carlene did not deserve this. Police sources said that based on interviews with relatives and friends of the dead woman, she had ended a stormy relationship with the suspect. At Grants home, both her brother and sister described her murder as gruesome and said the suspect had been abusive towards her over over the years. A sister told Newsday that she had warned Grant about the man after he beat her (Grant) with a cutlass, sometime ago .

The grieving sister said that despite the fact that she had another woman, the suspect would constantly harass Grant. Police sources said that it was about 8. 20 pm on Tuesday when the suspect walked into the police station and spoke to Sgt Rampersad, PC Samaroo and WPC Joseph .

Up to yesterday the suspect remained in police custody and detectives of the Homicide Investigations Bureau (Region III) are continuing investigations .

Since news of the murder broke, scores of friends and relatives have taken to social media, mainly Facebook, to express shock, outrage and to extend condolences to the bereaved family .

One Facebook user, identified as Denelle Pelchier posted at 11.41 pm on Tuesday: What I saw tonight was not my cousin.. .

words cant explain...just cant explain. Another user identified as Dwayne Andrews posted: She will be greatly miss by her MTS family.
US: We See

No Signs

Putin Will

Use Dirty Bomb
(Newser)  Irom Sharmila hasn't eaten in 16 years. Since November 2000, the 44-year-old activist from Manipur, India, has been force-fed through a tube in her nose in a hospital prison cell as she protests the country's Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives security forces freedom to kill suspects in the northeast and Kashmir. But on Aug. 9, what is believed to be the world's longest hunger strike will come to an end. Sharmilaknown as the Iron Lady of Manipursays she will give up the fast, marry her fiance, and enter politics to "get our voices heard," reports the Indian Express. "The government has not been listening to our voices and has been suppressing our movement," she says. State assembly elections will take place in February, reports Quartz. It is believed Sharmila will run as an independent candidate.

NGO Human Rights Alert claims 1,528 people were executed in Manipur from 1979 to 2012 under AFSPA, which also gives the military power to conduct searches and arrests without warrants. On July 8, India's Supreme Court called for more information on the cases, noting security forces could be prosecuted. The AFSPA is "unsettling and demoralizing, particularly in a constitutional democracy like ours," the court said, per the Economic Times. "No one can act with impunity particularly when there is a loss of an innocent life." It isnt clear when Sharmila might be released from custody. She's being held in a secure section of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for "attempt to commit suicide," but as prisoners can't be held for more than a year without a trial, she is periodically released and rearrested. (Read more India stories.)
(Newser)  The co-owner of a bridal shop has been charged with indecent exposure after three women reported him standing naked next to mannequins in the store's display window, the AP reports. Authorities said the three women saw 54-year-old Peter Scolieri on July 20 at One Enchanted Evening in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, which offers bridal, prom, and pageant fashions. One woman took a cellphone photo. Scolieri was charged with open lewdness and disorderly conduct. Police said he smelled of alcohol, and Scolieri told them he consumed two drinks. (Read more lewd conduct stories.)
(Newser)  That crazy Florida senate race just got crazier, with high-ranking Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer calling on Rep. Alan Grayson to drop out. Schumer tells Politico that Graysonone of the Democrats currently in a primary fight to run against Marco Rubio in Novemberhas "shown himself not to be worthy of being a US senator." Grayson's ex-wife recently accused him of abusing her multiple times over 20 years, the Miami Herald reports. Video of Grayson responding angrily to questions about the allegations spread online Tuesday. He ought to do the right thing and drop out," Schumer tells Politico. While Grayson is still in the race, his staffers may see the writing is on the wall: four quit his campaign on Wednesday. (Read more Alan Grayson stories.)
(Newser)  Tim Kaine introduced himself to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, telling the crowd he "humbly" accepted the VP nomination and giving his life story before launching some fierce attacks on Donald Trump. There were big cheers whenever the former Virginia governor switched to speaking Spanish, the Guardian reports. "Hillary Clinton and I are companeros de alma, he said. We share this belief: Do all the good you can. Serve one another. Thats what Im about. Thats what youre about." Kaine, whose son is a Marine, said Americans should trust Clinton, and "on a personal level, as hes serving our nation abroad, I trust Hillary Clinton with our son's life."

"Donald Trump has a passion," Kaine told the crowd. "It's himself." Kaine slammed Trump for business failures, broken promises, and his refusal to release his tax returns, the AP reports. "Most people, when they run for president, they don't just say 'believe me.' They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done," he said, doing a Trump impression and saying "believe me" over and over again. "Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth," Kaine said. "Our nation is too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew." He finished with the line: "Hillary is ready. Ready to fight, ready to win, ready to lead." (Read more Tim Kaine stories.)
(Newser)  Former secretary of defense Leon Panetta says he's worked with nine presidents from both parties and Hillary Clinton is more prepared than any of them to keep America safe and prosperous. "She is smart, she is principled, she is tough, and she is ready," Panetta told the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night. As secretary of state, Clinton was one of the firmest voices for going after Osama bin Laden, he said. He said Clinton made it clear that "no one attacks the United States of America and gets away with it." Panetta said Clinton is just as determined to go after ISIS and others who threaten American safety today.

At the same time, Panetta slammed Donald Trump for praising dictators and getting his foreign policy experience from the Miss Universe pageant. "This is no time to gamble with our future," he said. "In an unstable world, we cannot afford unstable leadership." He said Trump asking for Russian hackers to interfere with an American election is proof of his unfitness to be president. "It is inconceivable to me that any presidential candidate would be that irresponsible." (Read more Democratic National Convention stories.)
(Newser)  Vice President Joe Biden fired up the Democratic National Convention crowd on Wednesday, delivering a rousing, patriotic endorsement of Hillary Clinton and condemnation of Donald Trump. He praised the "unbreakable spirit of the people of America" and insisted that "it's never, never, never been a good bet to bet against America." Biden said Donald Trump, like others before him, will fail by appealing to fear. "We do not scare easily," he said. Biden said Trump's cynicism and lack of empathy are evident in his most famous phrase. "How can there be pleasure in saying, 'You're fired?'" he asked, calling the idea that Trump cares about the middle class "malarkey."

Biden said that after 30 years of knowing Clinton, he knows "what she's passionate about," and that includes easing the costs of healthcare and college for American families. He said Clinton's life story has been about helping those who need helping. "That's not Donald Trump's story," Biden said. "He has no clue what makes America great. Actually, he has no clue, period." But "Hillary gets it." "We are America, second to none," Biden reiterated to a cheering crowd. (Read more Joe Biden stories.)
(Newser)  Guardian columnist and feminist writer Jessica Valenti is off social media for awhileafter a death and rape threat was directed toward her 5-year-old daughter. Valenti says the vile threat she woke up to on Wednesday has forced her online exit, at least temporarily, the New York Daily News reports. "That this is part of my work life is unacceptable," she wrote in a series of eight tweets explaining her exit, adding that she "should not have to wade through horror to get through the day," nor "fear for my kid's safety because I write about feminism." "I am sick of this s--t. Sick of saying over and over how scary this is, sick of being told to suck it up," Valenti tweeted. "Law enforcement needs to get their s--t together on online threats," as do social media companies, she added.

Last year, Valenti told the Washington Post that if she were starting over as a feminist writer, she would probably remain anonymous. It's "not just the physical safety concerns but the emotional ramifications" of constant online abuse, she said. While Valenti's tweets received hundreds of sympathetic replies, there were also several tweets in this vein: "What makes you so special? One 'death threat'that's it?" A post at Slate says this "is a reminder that plenty of women live in fear for their and their families safety as they wait for Twitter to do better in this regard." (Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones returned to Twitter last week after the site promised to do more to protect users from harassment.)
(Newser)  Perhaps in an effort to fight fire with fire, the Democratic National Convention welcomed its own New York billionaire to the stage Wednesday night. As a former Republican and current Independent, former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg came out against parts of the Democratic platform but fully against Donald Trump, Fortune reports. Trump says he wants to run the nation like hes run his business," Bloomberg said. "God help us. Im a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one. He brought up Trump's history of lawsuits and bankruptcies. The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy," Bloomberg said.

Advisers tell CNN that Bloomberg was using his speech to reach out to "independents, moderates, and swing voters." I look at the candidate, not the party label," he said. And while he doesn't support everything Hillary Clinton does, Bloomberg said she's far and away better than the alternative. We must unite around the candidate who can defeat a dangerous demagogue," he said. (Read more Michael Bloomberg stories.)
(Newser)  After John Hinckley Jr. received a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity for shooting Ronald Reagan more than three decades ago, Reagan daughter Patti Davis recalls Dan Rather explaining on CBS News that Hinckley could well become a free man some day. Well, "some day" has arrivedHinckley will be allowed to leave his mental hospital and live full-time with his motherand Davis is not in a forgiving mood toward the man who almost killed her father. "I remember getting chilled when I heard Rathers commentary all those years ago," writes Davis in the Washington Post. "Something in me knew he was right even though everything in me hoped he was wrong. Im not surprised by this latest development, but my heart is sickened."

Hinckley and his legal team essentially wore down the system over time, writes Davis, working to get his freedom incrementally increased through the years. If public outcry arose, they backed off, waited it out, and tried again. Now Hinckley is about to go free. But this is still the same man, she writes, who shot an American president and three others, tried to correspond with Charles Manson and Ted Bundy while hospitalized, and had girlfriends including Leslie deVeau, who murdered her own daughter. Davis recalls his attorney, Barry Levine, telling her years ago that she should forgive Hinckley: "The pope forgave the man who shot him," he said. Her response: "That's why he's the pope and I'm not." Click to read her full opinion. (Read more John Hinckley stories.)
(Newser)  A resettled former Guantanamo prisoner who disappeared last month in Uruguay, setting off alarm bells in neighboring countries and recriminations in Washington, has reappeared in Venezuela, the Uruguayan government says. Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa tells the AP that Syrian native Abu Wa'el Dhiab showed up at Uruguay's consulate in Caracas. The ministry said in a statement that Dhiab told the consulate that he wants to move to Turkey or another country where he can reunite with his family. "He expressed clearly that in no case was he interested in returning to Uruguay, but required the assistance of our country for his proposal," the statement said. There are no charges against Dhiab, and Uruguayan officials have said he has the right to leave the country.

Dhiab, one of six former Gitmo prisoners resettled in Uruguay after being released by US authorities in 2014, previously accused the government of breaking its commitment to bring his family. He was held without charge for 12 yearsfive of them after he was cleared for releaseand was at the center of a court battle over force-feeding hunger strikers. Jon Eisenberg, a US lawyer who represented Dhiab while he was detained at Guantanamo, says he last heard from the former prisoner in June. Eisenberg says Dhiab was very concerned about his wife and three children, who fled the Syrian civil war for Turkey but then had to return to their homeland for financial reasons. They were in a Syrian village that was bombed by government forces in November 2015. (When the former detainees first complained about life in Uruguay, then-President Jose Mujica said they wouldn't have problems if they were "humble sons of the desert.")
(Newser)  Australian officials have confirmed that data recovered from a home flight simulator owned by the captain of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 showed that someone used the device to plot a course to the southern Indian Ocean, where the missing jet is believed to have crashed, the AP reports. There has been confusion over what was found on Capt. Zaharie Ahmad Shah's flight simulator since New York magazine reported last week that an FBI analysis showed Zaharie had conducted a simulated flight to the region less than a month before the plane vanished along a similar route. Malaysia rejected the report as false. But Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Center confirmed on Thursday that the captain's simulator did indeed show that "someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean."

"The MH370 captain's flight simulator showed someone had plotted a course to the southern Indian Ocean," JACC said in an email to Reuters. But "the simulator information shows only the possibility of planning. It does not reveal what happened on the night of the aircraft's disappearance, nor where the aircraft is located," the agency said in another email. New York notes that Zaharie has long been considered a prime suspect in the plane's disappearance, though officials from Australia and other countries have been more suspicious than Malaysian investigators. Malaysia, Australia, and China have decided to suspend the search for the plane when the current search area has been fully checked, which should happen by the end of this year. (Read more MH370 stories.)
(Newser)  A fireball in the sky Wednesday night led to a firestorm online and over the phone lines, CBS Los Angeles reports, with California residents up and down the coastas well as in Las Vegas and as far away as Utahreporting the odd celestial phenomenon. The light flashes, captured on home videos that started popping up on social media, were said to have lasted about 30 seconds, and speculation ran the gamut from a meteorthe Delta Aquarid meteor showers are set to peak Thursday and Friday, per KTLAto a UFO.

The National Weather Service told CBS the strange sightings weren't linked to the weather, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, outside of Lompoc, Calif., said it hadn't had any launches Wednesday evening. But in the early hours Thursday, the NWS' Salt Lake City branch tweeted it was a "piece of 'space junk'" that had caused the temporary hubbub, and KTLA notes a tweet from a Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics astronomer suggests it was debris from a Chinese rocket that had launched last month. "Something's re-entering," a man exclaims as the bright lights streak across the sky in a video he uploaded to YouTube. (A dashcam captured a meteor over Maine in May.)
(Newser)  A 21-year-old Welsh woman says that, because she "kissed a guy," her father shaved her head and locked her up, putting metal bars on her bedroom door and preventing her from using the phone and internetor even the bathroom, instead forcing her to urinate in a cup. Amina Al-Jeffery grew up in Wales and has dual British and Saudi Arabian citizenship, and says her father Mohammed Al-Jeffery, a 60-something academic, took her to Saudi Arabia four years ago, where he has kept her imprisoned and physically abused her, the Independent reports. Lawyers representing her are now in London asking a court to help her. It's not clear how they learned of her, though the BBC reports that she alerted the British Consulate in Jeddah to her situation. Her lawyers say it has been difficult to communicate with her.

"Her treatment has extended to depriving her of food and water, depriving her of toilet facilities, physical assault, and control of her ability to marry who she wishes and creating a situation in which she feels compelled to marry as a means of escape," one of her lawyers said, per the Telegraph. Mohammed Al-Jeffery disputes his daughter's claims; he says he took her to Saudi Arabia to "save her life," and that he "fear[s] she will go back to her old destructive lifestyle" if she is returned to the UK. That lifestyle involved taking drugs, not focusing on her education, and "going to clubs and spending time with older men," his lawyer says. Mohammed Al-Jeffery also says Amina shaved her own head. The judge is considering whether he has the power to make an order relating to someone living abroad, and suggested Amina request sanctuary at the British Consulate. (Police say an autistic woman was kept outdoors in a crate.)
(Newser)  North Korea has apparently kicked off a new propaganda war ahead of planned war games between the US and South Korea next month. South Korea says its military found hundreds of propaganda leaflets floating down a river near the border last week, boasting that the North won the Korean War and threatening missile attacks, reports the AP. Some 200 flag-shaped lapel pins featuring a photo of Kim Jong Il were also discovered in a hotel flowerbed near Incheon International Airport on Thursday, reports Stars and Stripes. These are no ordinary pins: As Atlas Obscura explains, they're a patriotic symbol distributed by North Korea's Workers' Party to be worn by all adults on the left side of the chest. Some say Kim Jong Un's wife disappeared after failing to wear one in public.

Other versions feature Kim Il Sung, and a rare few show both former leaders. These are only given to high-ranking government officials and military leaders, though ordinary citizens can get a knock-off version from China on the black market. North Koreans were even using the pins in place of cash before the Workers' Party made it illegal. Police are investigating how the pins got into the flowerbed as possession of such items is illegal in South Korea, but say they may have arrived via a propaganda balloon. Meanwhile, Pyongyang accuses the South of releasing snakes across the border "as part of a 'cunning scheme' to challenge our unity," reports the Guardian. A diplomat also promises action if the war games go ahead as planned, noting the US "crossed the red line" when putting Kim on a sanctions list. (Read more North Korea stories.)
(Newser)  It wasn't just controversial photos that led to Qandeel Baloch's murder. The mother of "Pakistan's Kim Kardashian" claims her son killed her 26-year-old daughter only after he was taunted by friends. "They would infuriate him and tell him she is bringing you dishonor," she tells AFP. Authorities say Muhammad Waseem drugged Baloch before strangling her on July 15, while a cousin, Haq Nawaz, held her hands, per Pakistan Today. Baloch's sister, arrested Wednesday, is accused of being in on the plan based on cellphone data. Baloch's mother now says she doesn't know how the family will survive, since Baloch supported a dozen family members and paid for their three-room house in Multan. "I shall not forgive," Baloch's father, Muhammad Azeem, tells CNN. "It is my desire to take revenge."

Family members typically choose the punishment for a person guilty of an "honor killing" and Azeemwho says he was proud of his daughterwants his son "shot on sight," per the Independent. In this case, however, the state has named itself as a complainant against Waseem, meaning it will have the final decision. The government has promised to change the law so that family members can't pardon killers in the future, per the Times of India, but Azeem still fears his son will walk free. "There should be God's wrath on him," he says. "The culprits should be arrested and punished." Waseem, meanwhile, says he's "proud" of what he did. "Girls are born to stay at home and follow traditions," he says. "Now everybody will remember me with honor." (Click for more on the case.)
(Newser)  Hillary Clinton already can be congratulated on accomplishing a major feat: She's made it clear that a woman can be president, writes Dilbert creator Scott Adams on his blog. That glass ceiling is gone, whether she wins or loses in November, and "that's a big, big deal." But Adams thinks Clinton risks a big strategic mistake related to the concept of "selling past the close." It's the idea that "once the sale is made, you need to stop selling, because you have no chance of making things better, but you might give the buyer a reason to change her mind." She's already won this argument and thus there's no need to keep hammering away at it. And yet she keeps doing so, which could alienate undecided male voters in a big way.

Adams contrasts the situation to President Obama's eight years ago. Generally speaking, once the public was sold on the idea that a black man could be president, he moved on to topics other than race. Clinton, on the other hand, "keeps selling," he writes. "And thats an enormous persuasion mistake." Adams makes the scientific case that the testosterone levels of men watching the convention are surely droppingliterally. The festivities are likely making them unhappy, even if they're unsure why, and eventually they'll make the association. After all, they're observing a celebration of their "permanently diminished" role in society. All of which leaves him "wondering if this will be the first time in history that we see a candidates poll numbers plunge after a convention." Click for the full post. (Read more Hillary Clinton 2016 stories.)
(Newser)  A letter of thanks has been left at the New York state grave of suffragette Susan B. Anthony following Hillary Clinton's historic nomination, New York Upstate reports. The sign was left by Lovely Warren, the currentand first femalemayor of Rochester, according to WHEC. Anthony, who was from Rochester, led the fight to get women the vote. The letter, which visitors to the grave are invited to sign, reads: "Dear Susan B: We thought you might like to know that for the first time in history, a woman is running for President representing a major party. 144 years ago your illegal vote got you arrested. It took another 48 years for women to finally gain the right to vote. Thank you for paving the way. (Read more Susan B Anthony stories.)
(Newser)  Stephen Colbertas in the conservative character played by Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Reportrecently debuted on the Late Show, which is, of course, hosted by the real Stephen Colbert. And very quickly thereafter, lawyers from a certain unnamed network (presumably Comedy Central) got in touch with lawyers for CBS, the network that carries the Late Show, to argue that the character of Stephen Colbert is Comedy Central's intellectual property, Colbert revealed Wednesday night on the Late Show. "So, it is with a heavy heart that I announce that, thanks to corporate lawyers, the character of Stephen Colbert, host of the Colbert Report, will never be seen again," Colbert said.

"What can I do?" he continued. "The lawyers have spoken. I cannot reasonably argue I own my face or name. And as much as I'd like to have that guy on again, I can't. So instead, joining me now, live via satellite from Philadelphia, please welcome Stephen Colbert's identical twin cousin, Stephen Colbert." Colbertthe Late Show host, not the identical twin cousin of that other Colbertmade it sound as if the new Stephen Colbert will continue to appear on the Late Show. He then went on to debut "The Werd," an ever-so-slightly-modified version of a popular segment from the Colbert Report, "The Word." (Video here.) Meanwhile, for those interested in going deeper, the Hollywood Reporter delves into whether Viacom, Comedy Central's parent company, can actually stop Colbert from playing Colbert. (Read more Stephen Colbert stories.)
(Newser)  Prosecutors announced Thursday that they will not retry a man convicted of killing Washington intern Chandra Levy, saying they can no longer prove their case in the 15-year-old slaying that thrust former congressman Gary Condit into the national spotlight. The US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia issued a statement saying it has moved to dismiss the case charging Ingmar Guandique with Levy's 2001 slaying. The AP reports prosecutors concluded they can no longer prove the murder case against Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt, "based on recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week."

Levy's 2001 disappearance created a national sensation after the California native was romantically linked with then-Rep. Gary Condit. The California Democrat was at one point a prime suspect in the investigation. Police eventually cleared him, but Guandique's lawyers tried to raise doubts about Condit at his 2010 trial. Levy's remains were found in a park in 2002. Prosecutors argued her death fit a pattern of attacks Guandique committed on female joggers. He was found guilty in 2010 and sentenced to 60 years in prison. But Guandique was granted a new trial last year after doubts were raised about a jailhouse snitch and key witness. Prosecutors say that as a result of their action Guandique, who is from El Salvador, will be released to the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and faces deportation. (Read more Chandra Levy stories.)
New Delhi:

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is expected to mount a scathing attack on the government in the Lok Sabha today on the issue of rising prices of essential commodities. Party sources today said that the House is expected to take up a short duration discussion on the issue.



With the prices of pulses and some other commodities skyrocketing in recent months, the main opposition party has launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi dispensation for hitting hard the common man.



Last week, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had targeted the government on the issue of price rise and asked party MPs to be aggressive and hold the government and its ministers accountable for it.



Picking holes in the governments claims of economic growth, she said when it comes to growth and GDP figures that they tout, questions on their veracity are raised even by their own party leaders. BJP blocked every important FDI initiative of the UPA government. Yet now it has put in place a free-for-all policy even in sensitive areas like defence.

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Philadelphia:

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump infuriated the Clinton campaign today when at a press conference he asked Russia to find the 30,000 missing emails of his Democratic rival when she was the secretary of state in the first term of the Obama Administration.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 e-mails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press. Lets see if that happens, Trump said in yet another controversial remarks, which he has been known for during his entire election cycle.

Immediately, the Clinton campaign went furious.

This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent, said Jake Sullivan, a senior policy advisor to Hillary for America.

Thats not hyperbole, those are just the facts. This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue, Sullivan said in a statement.

Responding to questions, Trump said that the Russians probably have Clintons missing 30,000 emails.

They probably have her 33,000 e-mails. I hope they do. They probably have her 33,000 e-mails that she lost and deleted because youd see some beauties there. So lets see, he claimed.





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Kranchi:

Two Hindu teenagers were shot in Pakistan's Sindh province over allegations of Quran desecration, on Wednesday, while another was arrested for blasphemy. One of the victims, 17-year-old Dewan Sateesh Kumar, succumbed to his injuries while his friend Avinash is in a critical condition, Dawn reported.

Tension ran high in Mehran Samejo village in Ghotki district after a Hindu man, Amar Lal, who was said to be mentally unstable, allegedly desecrated a holy book.According to reports, Amar, who has been arrested, was a drug addict and was living in a mosque after converting to Islam a few months ago.

After the incident, local religious leaders along with several agitated people took to streets.

During a protest, some men riding on motorbikes fired at two Hindu youths who were sitting outside a tea stall in Mirpur Mathelo area.

In the attack, one of the youths, Dewan Sateesh Kumar, 17, was killed while another was critically injured, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Masood Ahmed Bangash said.

Sateesh was a businessman.

Local leaders of the Hindu community have demanded the protection of their lives and properties in the wake of the tensions.

Bangash said that police with the help of Rangers are trying to diffuse the tense situation.

According to reports, all towns of the Ghotki district remained closed today.

Leaders of local religious parties have demanded severe punishment for Amar, who has been booked for blasphemy and shifted to an undisclosed location by police.

Sindh has the biggest population of Hindus in Pakistan.





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Mumbai:

Reliance Industries' Chairman Mukesh Ambanis sweet abode Antilia is the 12th most expensive building in the world with a worth of $2 billion, according to a report by Fly Abu Dhabi.

The building is located in South Mumbai and is maintained by a staff of 600. Antilia is deemed the worlds second most expensive residential property after the Buckingham Palace.

Click next to check out the infographic revealing the 20 most expensive buildings in the world:

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New Delhi :

In first visit by an Indian leader since the Pathankot terror attack, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Pakistan for SAARC Interior and Home Ministers conference on August 3.

During the visit, apart from attending the SAARC conference, Singh is likely to have bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other SAARC member-countries, including Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

Home Minister will be accompanied by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and several other senior officers of his Ministry.

Key issues like fight against terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms and how to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat such menace will figure in the forthcoming meeting.

Singhs visit to Pakistan also assumes significance in the backdrop of violence and tension in Kashmir after Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wanis death. India has blamed Pakistan for trying to create unrest in the Valley.

The three-tier meeting will begin at the joint secretary-level and then move on to Secretary and Home Minister-level meetings.

The meeting will also focus on strengthening networking among police authorities of SAARC member-countries and also enhance information-sharing among law enforcement agencies.

The last meeting of SAARC Interior/Home Ministers' conference was held in Kathmandu in 2014 when the Home Minister had said that member-nations of the group were facing common challenges and they should cooperate with each other to address them.

Singh had said that India was committed to reviving the grouping as a major forum to promote active regional collaboration.

The Home Minister had also voiced concern over the new threats of terrorism and violence to South Asia especially and asked SAARC countries to chalk out strategies to check radical groups and extremist ideologies.

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New Delhi:

India has signed a $1-billion deal with the US defence and aerospace giant Boeing for four P-8I submarine hunter planes, sources have said.



India has already bought eight P-8l planes in a $2.1 billion deal and the new contract is a follow-on order. The new fleet will improve the anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities of Indian Navy.



The P-8I is a military derivative of Boeings 737-800 commercial aircraft and a replacement for the Soviet-era Tu-142 fleet. Apart from strategic blue water and littoral undersea warfare capabilities, the planes will provide armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the Indian navy.

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New Delhi:

Twitter has a blue and white colour scheme which has long been hard on the eyes for users when reading through Twitter especially at night. To sort out this issue, Twitter has now rolled out a night mode feature for the Android version of the social media application.



Users would now be able to read through Twitter with much ease. Twitter announced the arrival of the new feature with a GIF to show how night mode looks like. Also, the feature is now listed on the FAQ section of the Twitter for Android support page.



To activate the night mode, users will have to access the slide-out drawer of the application. Near the bottom of the drawer, right above the Settings option, is a toggle for the night mode feature and sliding it will activate or deactivate night mode for the Android app.



Android users can easily activate the feature as they have to first remove the app from the devices recently opened apps section then reload it. Subsequently, the feature will get added on. Twitters night mode uses the darker colour scheme with a dark blue background. The text changes from black to white.



The new feature is available only for the Android users as of now. The iOS version of the Twitter app is likely to get access to the night mode soon.
Mumbai:

Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal and others have been found guilty in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case by the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court today.

The 22 arrested accused in the case include Lashkar-e-Toiba operative and key plotter of the 26/11 terror attack case Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal.

"The court has completed the hearing of final arguments and is likely to give judgement tomorrow," a police officer said.

On May 8, 2006, a Maharashtra ATS team chased a Tata Sumo and an Indica car on Chandwad-Manmad highway near Aurangabad and arrested three terror suspects and seized 30kg of RDX, 10 AK-47 assault rifles and 3,200 bullets.

The Indica, allegedly driven by Jundal, managed to give police the slip. Jundal, who hails from Beed district of Maharashtra, drove to Malegaon and a few days later he escaped to Bangladesh from where he fled to Pakistan, according to the state police.

He was deported to India from Saudi Arabia in 2012.

The special court here framed charges against the 22 arrested accused in August 2013. During the trial, the prosecution examined 100 witnesses while defence lawyers examined 16.

The trial was stayed by the Supreme Court for a while after one of the accused challenged constitutional validity of certain provisions of MCOCA.

The stay was vacated in 2009.

In August last year, the Bombay high court directed the lower court to expedite the trial.

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Panaji:

Chennai-bound Oman Air flight from Muscat today made an emergency landing at Goa International airport in Dabolim after a woman passenger was taken ill.

There was (an) emergency landing due to a medical reason at 7 AM today. Oman Airways flight that was flying to Chennai from Muscat had a woman passenger who reported sick mid-air, Dabolim Airport director, Bhupesh Negi told PTI.

The passenger was later declared dead by doctors, he said.

Goa Police, which lodged a case in this regard, said the woman passenger was referred to government-run Cottage Hospital at Chicalim, near the airport. She was declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital, a police official said.

The flight later took off to its scheduled journey. Details of the passenger were awaited.

In another emergency landing today, Dubai-bound IndiGo flight made an emergency landing at the Mumbai airport this morning following alleged unruly behaviour of a passenger.

An IndiGo flight from Dubai to Kozhikode made an emergency landing at Mumbai airport at 0915 hrs due to unruly behaviour of a passenger, a Mumbai airport official said. After offloading them, the flight took off to its scheduled destination at 1050 hrs.

The airport police said one passenger has been detained for questioning.

However, the official denied reports that the passenger raised pro-ISIS slogans.

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Mandsaur:

The two Muslim women who were thrashed at Mandsaur railway station on the suspicion of carrying beef today alleged that they were beaten at the behest of Bajrang Dal workers, even as the GRP arrested four persons in this connection.

When we were coming to Mandsaur, few Bajrang Dal activists stopped us and enquired about what we were carrying. We told them that it was Paade ke meat (buffalo calf meat) they did not listen to us and said that it was beef, Salma, one of the victims, told PTI today.

Later, when we told them that get it examined from a doctor (veterinarian), they did not agree to it and asked the other women with them to beat us, she alleged.The woman further alleged that they (activists) also threatened policemen when the latter tried to protect them.

The victims, Salma Mevati (35) and Shamim Akthar Hussain (30), both local residents were allegedly thrashed by self-appointed cow vigilantes. Later, police arrested the duo on suspicion of carrying beef.

However, after medical examination when it was found that it was buffalo meat, police dropped the charges against them of carrying beef. Subsequently, a local court last evening granted bail to the two women.

Salma demanded that those who attacked them and took law into their hands should be arrested soon.

The case was initially registered by Mandsaur Police and later transferred to the Government Railway Police (GRP) as the incident took place on the railway platform.

GRP Ratlams Deputy Superintendent of Police D R S Chauhan said that four persons, identified as Govind Rao Chouhan, Dilip Devda, Swadesh Chanal and Vikas Ahir, were arrested today in connection with the incident.

They were identified on the basis of a video footage.Regarding women involved in the incident, the DSP saidthat after their identification they too would be arrested, and added that efforts are on to trace them.

The four men arrested have been booked under sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC, Chauhan added.The incident came close on the heels of the attack on Dalit youths in Gujarat by cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow, drawing outrage and triggering a slugfest between BJP and its rivals.

The opposition BSP and Congress had yesterday created uproar in Rajya Sabha over the issue.

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New Delhi:

The controversial Goods and Services Tax (GST) is expected to be presented next week for the approval of Rajya Sabha. Amid this buzz, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday reached out to the leaders of Congress and other Opposition parties and held a series of meetings with them.

Congress has been blocking the bill, which was cleared by the Lok Sabha last year. Jaitley, who has also met Left leaders and parties like the BJD and the Samajwadi Party, is likely to hold an all-party meet to discuss GST soon.

According to sources, Jaitley separately met leaders of Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party and JD(U) and discussed with them provisions of the GST Bill.



The sources said Jaitley met Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the Central Hall of Parliament. He also met the deputy leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma. Besides, Jaitley met SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held discussions with Yadav when the Rajya Sabha was adjourned briefly during the Question Hour. Modi remained seated in the House during the brief adjournment and spoke to Yadav and another SP member Neeraj Shekhar.



The Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha will meet at 4 PM to discuss the agenda for the coming week.



The government is working to address the concerns raised by opposition parties, including Congress, on the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, known as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill.



The Bill seeks to introduce a system for uniform taxation across the country and has been pending for a long time.



(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi :

AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan was today granted bail by a Delhi court who was held for allegedly threatening a woman after she visited his residence to raise the issue of power cuts. The court asked the law maker to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of like amount.

Additional Sessions Judge Raj Kumar Tripathi gave the relief to the Okhla MLA noting that he was not required for investigation and no purpose would be served by keeping him in jail.

The woman has already got adequate police protection so there is no possibility of tampering with prosecution evidence or influencing evidences... The accused is directed to join investigation as and when called by the investigation officer, the judge said.

Khan had moved the session court seeking bail after a magisterial court sent him to 14-day judicial custody on the ground that he might influence witnesses and hamper investigation, if released.

Khan was first detained for questioning and then arrested on July 24, a day after he alleged in a press conference that the woman was pressurised by the police into giving a false statement against him.

According to the police, on July 22, the woman had recorded her statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC alleging that when she was returning from the MLAs residence, a vehicle, in which Khan was sitting, tried mowing her down.

She also claimed that a motorcycle tried to run over her when she was on her way to the court to record the statement.

Prior to that, she had on July 19 filed a complaint with police alleging that at the AAP MLAs residence in Jamia Nagar, a youth had on July 10 abused her and threatened that she would be killed if she did not stop politicising the matter.

The woman, a resident of Jasola, had said that she had telephoned Khan on July 10 and later went to his Batla House residence to raise the issue of power cuts with him after which she was allegedly threatened by the youth.

An FIR was subsequently registered in this regard under sections 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC.

After her statement to the magistrate, Section 308 (Attempt to commit culpable homicide) of IPC was added to the FIR. Khan had, however, said he did not even know if the woman came to his residence.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Even after several inputs and leads regarding floating objects found, no concrete evidence have been located in search operation of missing AN-32 IAF plane, said Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in Lok Sabha on Thursday.



Making a suo motu statement on the disappearance of the plane on July 22, he said the search efforts are focused on the surface as well as the underwater domain to look for survivors and debris.



Giving details of the incident, Parrikar said the search for the missing plane is being supplemented by the use of indigenous satellites such as CARTOSAT 2A and 2B which have the ability to cover areas of the swath of 27x27 km and have a resolution of 0.8 metres.



Several inputs and leads on floating objects and possible transmissions have been picked up from satellite imagery and air surveillance efforts. Each of these has been thoroughly investigated by ships and aircraft. However, no concrete evidence with respect to AN-32 has emerged, so far, he said.



The Minister said all next of kin of the crew and passengers on board have been informed and regular updates on the search operations are being given to them by nominated officials. Officers from the closest units have gone and personally met the next of kin, he added.



13 ships of Navy and 4 ships of the Coast Guard and one submarine have been deployed in the search area, he said, adding all merchant vessels passing through the area have been asked to report any sighting.



Based on inputs from all sources, areas of three oil slicks, five transmission intercepts and 22 floating objects have been thoroughly investigated by ships and aircraft, without any concrete evidence emerging with respect to the missing IAF AN-32 till date, Parrikar said.



The 22 floating objects recovered have been determined as not related to the missing aircraft, he said.



An Indian Navy submarine is also currently undertaking search in the designated area, he added.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

A three-storey building has reportedly collapsed on Arya Samaj Road in Karol Bagh area of the national capital.



Many people are feared trapped under the debris. As per latest information, three people have been rescued so far.



The injured have been rush to a nearby hospital.



(More details are awaited)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday urged people of Kashmir to shun the path of confrontation and embrace peace. She also expressed anguish over the loss of 47 lives in violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the valley.

After the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, the valley has seen violent clashes since July 8.

While expressing anguish over the loss of lives and grievous injuries caused to people, Gandhi appealed the people to shun the path of confrontation and maintain calm, a Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman said here.

Sonia made the statement during a meeting with JKPCC chief G A Mir, who had called on her at her residence in Delhi today, the spokesman said in a statement.

Kashmir remains fragile, though curfew was today lifted in the state, barring Anantnag town, as the situation improved. Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed while public transport vehicles remained off roads.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended full support to Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism in the wake of several terror attacks in that country. Modi conveyed this when Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan called on him here.

The Prime Minister reiterated Indias commitment to support Bangladesh in fighting against terrorism, an official release said. Khan briefed the Prime Minister on the situation in Bangladesh and thanked him for Indias support and solidarity.

The Prime Minister condoled the loss of lives in the recent terrorist attacks in Bangladesh. Altogether 22 people, including an Indian girl, were killed in a terror attack at a cafe in Dhaka on July 1.

A Bangladeshi-American was among the nine suspected Islamists killed in a raid in Dhaka by police which claimed yesterday to have foiled a mass terror attack bid.

The Bangladesh Home Minister later met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a delegation level talks where both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on anti-terror efforts with Dhaka saying that New Delhi will be side-by-side with it in fighting terrorists.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi :

In order to become self-sufficient in minerals, India must start mining in the asteroid belt, scientists said here today. Earth's resources are finite and there is a shortage of minerals. The next best opportunity is to trap resources lying in the objects near the earth, eminent nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar told reporters here.

Besides we can take steps to tap some asteroids in the outer space for mining, he added. Even the moon is rich in minerals, said Kakodkar, Chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC).

He also mentioned that a US-based private company is already planning to send the first commercial space mission to exploit such resources.

In the next 10 to 15 years, we expect that outer space would be exploited for mineral wealth and India should not lag behind, Ranjan said on the sidelines of a function of the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute here.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
GettyImages 583828954

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg stung Donald Trump on Wednesday night with a brutal critique in front of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, during which he repeatedly skewered the Republican presidential nominee's business practices.

The former New York City mayor, ranked by Forbes as the eighth-richest man in the world, began his address by acknowledging that he was an "outsider" who would be delivering an "unconventional convention speech."

"I've been a Democrat. I've been a Republican. And I eventually became an independent because I don't believe either party has a monopoly on good ideas or good leadership," he said at the start of his speech, earning some boos shortly after for offering minor critiques of Democrats.

Bloomberg quickly, however, focused his attention on Trump, whom he called a "dangerous demagogue."

Bloomberg: We must unite around Clinton "who can defeat a dangerous demagogue" #DemsInPhilly https://t.co/TAG0SqRvbP https://t.co/fzaaT4JInp  CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 28, 2016

"I built a business, and I didn't start it with a million-dollar check from my father," the billionaire said, referring to the money Trump's father loaned him to start his first business.

Bloomberg, who like Trump is a New York businessman and who almost threw his hat in the ring for the presidency in 2016, slammed Trump's business practices and argued that they would be dangerous to the US economy.

"Trump says he wants to run our nation like he runs his business? God help us," Bloomberg said to thunderous agreement from the crowd. "I'm a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one."

He added: "The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy."

Bloomberg said he understood the "appeal of a businessman" as president, but he contended that Trump would "make it harder for small businesses to compete" and would "do damage to our economy."

Story continues

"Trump is a risky, reckless, and radical choice, and we can't afford to make that choice," he said.

Bloomberg didn't quite offer Clinton a ringing endorsement, acknowledging that he disagreed with her on numerous issues, but he said she was the "responsible choice in this election" and a "sane," "competent" candidate.

"Hillary Clinton understands this isn't reality television  this is reality," he said. "She understands the job of president. It involves finding solutions, not pointing fingers."

NOW WATCH: Watch Joe Biden tear down Trump's favorite phrase





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DANBURY  More than four years after pleading guilty to the negligent homicide of a trespasser, landlord Joseph DaSilva Jr. has asked the courts for an early end to his probation.

DaSilva, the largest property owner in downtown Danbury, served 18 months in prison for killing Luis Encalada, an undocumented Ecuadoran immigrant he caught trespassing in one of his buildings in November 2009. When the prison sentence was completed, he was to serve five years probation.

DaSilva had completed about half the probation last fall, when he first requested early termination of his case, but Judge Kevin Russo denied the request. DaSilva refiled the request in February, but the matter has been delayed several times, most recently on Tuesday, and is not scheduled to come back before Russo until next month.

About two years of probation remain.

Eugene Riccio, an attorney representing DaSilva, said his client has been compliant with all the terms and conditions of his probation during the past three years.

We are asking the courts to use their discretion and terminate the probation, he said.

Police said at the time of Encaladas death that DaSilva had become embroiled in an argument with him and two other men in a vacant apartment in a building on Town Hill Avenue known locally as the barracks. DaSilva tried to throw the men out of the building, and during the dispute kicked Encalada down the stairs.

Encalada, who had been drinking heavily, suffered a lacerated liver and died later that day at Danbury Hospital.

DaSilva was originally charged with manslaughter and other charges. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.

Riccio said during the March 2012 sentencing that DaSilva was upset because he had been dealing with squatters at his various properties for years. He added that Encalada and the others were able to get into the building because DaSilva kept it open for the benefit of a longtime tenant -- an elderly disabled man who lived on the first floor.

Relatives of Encalada have not filed any objections to DaSilvas request.
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DANBURY -- "No person is above the law ... and no person is beneath the law."

With those words, Superior Court Judge John Blawie on Wednesday sentenced one of the area's most prominent residents, multi-millionaire landlord Joseph DaSilva Jr., to an 18-month prison sentence for causing the death of Luis Encalada, an impoverished, undocumented immigrant from Ecuador.

Standing before the judge in a courtroom packed with family members, friends and associates who proclaimed his good works and contributions to the community, the 52-year-old DaSilva apologized for his actions and expressed regret over Encalada's death.

"I regret my actions of that day, and I'm very sorry for this," DaSilva said. "I have tried during my life to do positive things for Danbury ... I'm very sorry for my actions that day."

He pleaded guilty in January to charges of criminally negligent homicide, second-degree assault and third-degree assault for kicking Encalada and two companions down a steep staircase at DaSilva's Town Hill Avenue, Danbury apartment building on Nov. 6, 2009, after finding them trespassing in what was supposed to be a vacant second-floor apartment.

Encalada sustained a lacerated liver and died later that day at Danbury Hospital.

While acknowledging that DaSilva appeared genuinely remorseful and never intended to kill the 42-year-old victim, Blawie turned aside defense attorney Eugene Riccio's plea for a sentence of probation with no term of incarceration.

More Information The sentence Second-degree assault: Five years, suspended after 18 months served Criminally negligent homicide: One year Assault 3: Six months (All sentences to run concurrently) Five years of probation 250 hours of community service Anger-management counseling See More Collapse

If this had been a simple case of assault, Blawie said, he would have no problem complying with the defense request.

"But a man is dead here," the judge said. "After a term of incarceration, Mr. DaSilva will be going home to his family and friends. Mr. Encalada will not."

While admitting he was impressed by the volume of letters he received seeking leniency for the defendant, and the statements of those who spoke on DaSilva's behalf in court, Blawie said that DaSilva should spend some time behind bars.

Also a factor, Blawie said, was that DaSilva lied to police who interviewed him at his home on the evening that Encalada died. DaSilva claimed he hadn't been at the Town Hill apartment house that day.

"That's an aggravating factor, and a very heavy counterweight when placed at the end of the scale," the judge said.

The term Blawie imposed was less than the two-year sentence sought by Assistant State's Attorney Sharmese Hodge, who said DaSilva could have called police when he found Encalada and two other men, Jaime Tenezaca and Rolando Macias, also illegal immigrants from Ecuador, in the apartment where they'd spent the previous night.

The men were there with several other friends, Hodge said, "drinking, dancing and having a good time."

"In this situation, (DaSilva) chose to do the wrong thing," Hodge said. "He made a conscious choice that day. Unfortunately, the choice led to a death."

Riccio said, however, that it was inaccurate to depict the three men as harmless party-goers.

"They had no right whatsoever to be in that apartment ... They were drinking to the point of oblivion," he said.

The three, along with their friends, were also smoking and cooking in the apartment, and in their highly intoxicated condition, were creating a potentially dangerous situation for others, Riccio said.

Stressing that he was not saying Encalada deserved to die because he was trespassing, Riccio said his client was upset because he had been dealing with the problems of squatters at his various properties for years.

Encalada and the others were able to get into the building because DaSilva kept it open for the benefit of a longtime tenant -- an elderly, disabled man who lived on the first floor, Riccio said.

The other six apartments were vacant, he said, and DaSilva lost money on the property every month, he said.

"He always gave people second chances," said longtime friend and former employee Rich McKean, recalling how DaSilva would rent to people who other landlords would automatically reject, many of them single mothers without jobs.

"I never understood why he would rent to them when they couldn't afford to pay," McKean said. "The guy's got a big heart."

Andrea Gartner, executive director of CityCenter Danbury, praised DaSilva for his work on downtown revitalization, including his efforts to restore the Palace Theatre, and to allow it to be used for FirstNight Danbury, free of charge.

When Encalada died, he was sending money back to Ecuador to support his wife, a common-law wife and their combined 11 children, said Danbury attorney Greg Klein, who represented the victim's family.

Even Klein said DaSilva "stepped up'' to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of the family, taking part in a 14-hour mediation hearing and reaching into his own pocket to pay damages to Tenezaca for the injuries he sustained. The amounts of the settlements, reached before DaSilva agreed to the plea bargain two months ago, remain undisclosed because the parties have signed confidentiality agreements.

Encalada's family took no position on whether DaSilva should be sent to prison, and only asked that the criminal case be resolved without favor because of the defendant's position and influence, Klein said.

"It's fair to say justice was done," Klein said after DaSilva was sentenced. "We congratulate the state on its prosecution and we are thankful to the defendant for his expression of regret."

As Blawie was pronouncing sentence, judicial marshals snapped handcuffs on DaSilva. At the conclusion of the hearing, he was taken to a basement holding cell and transported to Bridgeport Correctional Center, where he will be processed while the state Department of Correction determines where he will serve his sentence, Riccio said.

jpirro@newstimes.com; 203-731-3342
Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture named the official Post-Secondary Education Partner of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Ontario

TORONTO, July 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Two pillars of the agricultural community have come together to support the ongoing education of Ontario youth and teachers in the science behind modern agriculture and career opportunities available in this growing industry.

Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture, which has been educating students in the science of modern agriculture for more than a century, has been named the official Post-Secondary Education Partner of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Together, The Royal and Dalhousie will address educational pathways and career opportunities in agriculture and food with high school students, teachers and guidance counselors.

"We welcome the opportunity to challenge people's understanding of modern-day agriculture," explained Dr. David Gray, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Principal, Dalhousie Agricultural Campus. "Agriculture is grounded in developing and sustaining life at a fundamental level, but also developing communities around our agricultural activities and responding to the health and wellbeing of such communities, locally, nationally and internationally," he added. "We look forward to partnering with The Royal on this endeavor."

"Agricultural education has been a cornerstone of The Royal's mandate for the past 94 years," said Charlie Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. "With our Dalhousie partnership, we can take our focus on education to a whole new level and in the process, help our urban visitors better understand the opportunity that agriculture represents."

The Royal welcomes more than 300,000 visits annually, including more than 20,000 students and teachers - and thousands more parents and children.

Among many other educational-related initiatives scheduled for the 2016 Fair in November, Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture will be the presenting sponsor of a guidance counselor symposium, in association with the Ontario School Counsellors' Association. Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture will also host a series of fast-paced, activity-based learning seminars about food and agriculture during The Fair for high school teachers and their students.

Look for more details on royalfair.org this Fall.

About The Royal:

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world's largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, The 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November, 4-13, 2016 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For more information, please visit www.royalfair.org

About Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture:

Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture and the beautiful Agricultural Campus cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of our world. Visit www.dal.ca/agriculture.

SOURCE Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Image with caption: "Charlie Johnstone, CEO of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Dr. David Gray, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, announce Post-Secondary Education Partnership. (CNW Group/Royal Agricultural Winter Fair)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160726_C4566_PHOTO_EN_741131.jpg

For further information: Ginger Shewell, Media Profile, [email protected] / 416-342-1802
BURLINGTON, ON, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - EcoSynthetix Inc. (TSX: ECO) ("EcoSynthetix" or the "Company"), today announced that it will release its 2016 second quarter results on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, after 5:00 pm ET. The Company will subsequently hold a conference call on Thursday, August 11, 2016, at 8:30 AM Eastern Time hosted by Mr. Jeff MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Rob Haire, Chief Financial Officer. A question and answer session will follow the corporate update.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS DATE: Thursday, August 11, 2016 TIME: 8:30 AM Eastern Time DIAL IN NUMBER: (647) 427-7450 or (888) 231-8191 TAPED REPLAY: (416) 849-0833 or (855) 859-2056 REFERENCE NUMBER: 52970828

A link to the live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations Events page on the Company's website at www.ecosynthetix.com as well as at www.newswire.ca. The presentation will be accompanied by slides, which will be available on the webcast and via the Company's website. Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be required to hear the webcast.

About EcoSynthetix Inc. (www.ecosynthetix.com)

EcoSynthetix offers a range of engineered biopolymers that replace non-renewable chemicals used to manufacture many products, such as paper and packaging, and wood composites. The Company's flagship products, EcoSphere biolatex and DuraBindTM biopolymers, provide customers with a sustainable alternative that reduces the use of hazardous chemicals, improves performance and delivers economic benefits. The Company is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (T:ECO).

SOURCE EcoSynthetix Inc.

For further information: EcoSynthetix Inc., Steve Snyder, Phone: (289) 245-4017, E-mail: [email protected]; Investor Relations, Ross Marshall, Phone: (416) 526-1563, E-mail: [email protected]
OTTAWA, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - For too many Canadians, rising costs have made post-secondary education less affordable. Fewer are able to save for education, and those who receive financial assistance often find it difficult to repay their loans. Increases to Canada Student Grants and changes to the Repayment Assistance Plan offer real help to Canada's middle-class and those working hard to join it.

Beginning August 1, Canada Student Grant amounts will increase by 50 percent in time for the 201617 school year, helping over 350,000 students. The grants will increase from $2,000 to $3,000 per year for full-time students from low-income families; from $800 to $1,200 per year for students from middle-income families; and from $1,200 to $1,800 per year for part-time students from low-income families. This will allow students to focus on their education while working to fulfill their greatest potential without having to worry about taking on even more debt.

Additionally, beginning November 1, the Government of Canada will ease the rules on its Repayment Assistance Plan by ensuring that no borrower will be required to make any repayment until he or she is earning at least $25,000 per year. This will allow students to complete their studies with the confidence of knowing that debt repayments will not become an overwhelming burden.

Further enhancements to student financial assistance are also in store for the 201718 school year.

Quote

"The future prosperity of our country depends on young Canadians getting the education and training needed to succeed in the job market. As a result of these new measures, post-secondary education will be more affordable, and students will be better positioned to transition into the workforce after graduation."

 The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

Quick Facts

The increase to Canada Student Grants will provide assistance of $1.53 billion over five years.

over five years. The increase to the Repayment Assistance Plan eligibility thresholds will provide assistance of $131.4 million over five years.

over five years. The regulatory proposal to Increase Canada Student Grants and Repayment Assistance Plan Eligibility Thresholds was published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on July 13, 2016 .

Associated Links

Budget 2016

Canada Gazette website

__________________________________________________________________



Backgrounder

__________________________________________________________________

BUDGET 2016  Making Post-Secondary Education More Affordable

Enhancing Canada Student Grants

Canada Student Grants (CSGs) provide up-front, non-repayable financial assistance to low- and middle-income students and students with permanent disabilities or dependents. Eligibility is assessed at the time the student applies for student loans.

Budget 2016 proposed to increase CSG amounts by 50 percent:

from $2,000 to $3,000 per year for full-time students from low-income families;

per year for full-time students from low-income families; from $800 to $1,200 per year for full-time students from middle-income families; and

per year for full-time students from middle-income families; and from $1,200 to $1,800 per year for part-time students from low-income families.

Increasing the CSGs would benefit over 350,000 students: approximately 247,000 low-income students; 100,000 middle-income students; and 16,000 part-time students per year. This measure will provide assistance of $1.53 billion over five years, starting in 201617.

Budget 2016 also proposed to expand eligibility for CSGs to help even more students receive non-repayable assistance through an investment of $790 million over four years. The new eligibility thresholds are expected to be in place for the 201718 academic year, following consultations with provinces and territories. Under the new model, the existing low- and middle-income thresholds will be replaced with a single progressive threshold under which grant amounts will gradually decline based on income and family size.

Making student debt more manageable

For Canada Student Loan borrowers having difficulty making their payments following their studies, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) can offer help. The RAP makes it easier for borrowers to manage their student loans by paying back what they can reasonably afford, based on their family income and size. Students must apply for the RAP in order to receive this support.

Budget 2016 proposed to increase the loan repayment threshold under the Canada Student Loans Program's Repayment Assistance Plan to ensure that no borrower who applies will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. Students earning more than this amount may also be eligible for reduced payments. Students who think they may face difficulties repaying their loans should contact the National Student Loans Service Centre to learn more: https://csnpe-nslsc.cibletudes-canlearn.ca. This measure will provide assistance of $131.4 million over five years, starting in 201617.

Introducing a flat-rate student contribution

Budget 2016 proposed to introduce a flat-rate student contribution to determine eligibility for Canada Student Loans and Grants to replace the current system of assessing student income and financial assets.

This change will allow students to work and gain valuable labour market experience without having to worry about a reduction in their level of financial assistance. It will also benefit adult learners, many of whom may work while studying or have significant financial assets. This measure will provide assistance of $267.7 million over four years, starting in 201718, and $73 million per year thereafter.

The Government will work collaboratively with provinces and territories to finalize the flat-rate contribution model in time for implementation in the 201718 academic year.

The Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP) promotes accessibility to post-secondary education for students who demonstrate financial need. The CSLP reduces financial barriers through the provision of Canada Student Loans and Canada Student Grants, as well as for borrowers in repayment with the Repayment Assistance Plan. The Program ensures that Canadians have an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required for successful participation in the economy and society.

Budget 2016 proposed a package of reforms to the CSLP that will make post-secondary education more affordable for students from low- and middle-income families and ensure that student debt loads are manageable. These measures will also simplify the application process for student financial assistance, making the Canada Student Loans Program more transparent and predictable.

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: John O'Leary, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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MELBOURNE, July 29, 2016 /CNW/ - OceanaGold Corporation (TSX/ASX/NZX: OGC) (the "Company") regrets to inform that an underground mining operator was fatally injured following an incident in the early evening of Thursday July 28, 2016 local time.

The accident is currently under investigation and the Company is fully cooperating with Police authorities and WorkSafe New Zealand to determine the cause.

"We are all deeply saddened by this tragic event," said Mick Wilkes, President and CEO. "It is a sobering reminder that the health and safety of our workforce is paramount each and every day. On behalf of all employees at OceanaGold, I offer our deepest prayers and condolences to the family of the worker and employees of the mine."

The Waihi operation has been suspended while the investigation is conducted.

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold Corporation is a mid-tier, low-cost, multinational gold producer with assets located in the Philippines, New Zealand and the United States. The Company's assets encompass its flagship operation, the Didipio Gold-Copper Mine located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. On the north island of New Zealand, the Company operates the high-grade Waihi Gold Mine while on the south island of New Zealand, the Company operates the largest gold mine in the country at the Macraes Goldfield which is made up of a series of open pit mines and the Frasers underground mine. In the United States, the Company is currently constructing the Haile Gold Mine, a top-tier asset located in South Carolina along the Carolina Terrane. The Company expects the Haile Gold Mine to commence commercial production in early 2017. OceanaGold also has a significant pipeline of organic growth and exploration opportunities in the Australasia and Americas regions.

OceanaGold has operated sustainably over the past 25 years with a proven track record for environmental management and community and social engagement. The Company has a strong social license to operate and works collaboratively with its valued stakeholders to identify and invest in social programs that are designed to build capacity and not dependency.

In 2016, the Company expects to produce 385,000 to 425,000 ounces of gold from the combined New Zealand and Didipio operations and 19,000 to 21,000 tonnes of copper from the Didipio operation at All-In Sustaining Costs of US$700 to US$750 per ounce.

SOURCE OceanaGold Corporation

For further information: Sam Pazuki (Corporate media contact), Tel: +1 416 499 6602, Kit Wilson (Waihi media contact), Tel: + 64 27 451 3407, [email protected] | www.oceanagold.com | Twitter: @OceanaGold
TORONTO, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) will release its second quarter 2016 financial results on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, after markets close. The Company will hold its earnings conference call and audio webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET the following day.

Date: Thursday, August 11, 2016

Time: 10:00 a.m. ET

To listen to the live webcast and view the presentation slides, visit www.sunlife.com/QuarterlyReports 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation. An archive will be available on the website following the event.

To listen via telephone, please call 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time as follows:

Participant Dial In (Toll Free): 1-877-201-0168

Participant Dial In (International): 647-788-4901

A replay of the conference call will be available from Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. ET until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 25, 2016 by calling 404-537-3406 or 1-855-859-2056 (toll free within North America) using conference ID: 39520138.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $861 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.

For further information:

Media Relations Contact:

Gannon Loftus

Manager, Media & PR

Corporate Communications

T. 416-979-6345

[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

Greg Dilworth

Vice-President

Investor Relations

T. 416-979-6230

[email protected]


Government of Canada committed to doing more for Veterans

CHARLOTTETOWN, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, joined Veterans and their families in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, today to announce that the previously closed Veterans Affairs Canada office will reopen in November, 2016.

The new Charlottetown office will be located at 1st floor, 191 Great George Street, Charlottetown, PE, and once opened, will employ approximately 10 staff who will serve approximately 2,000 Veterans. Staff at the Charlottetown office will answer questions about VAC services and benefits; arrange pension medical examinations; and, assist Veterans to complete and submit applications and receipts. Case-managed Veterans will also be able to meet with their case manager.

The Department is continuing to hire up to 400 new employees to help ensure that Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP personnel, and their families are provided with the best possible services when and where they need them. Hiring new employees will permit the Department to reduce case managers' caseloads to a maximum of 25 Veterans.

As part of today's announcement, Minister Hehr reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to do more for Veterans. Budget 2016 committed $5.6 billion to improve Veterans' benefits and services, including increased payments under the Disability Award and the Earnings Loss Benefit, and expanded access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance. Veterans Affairs Canada has also expanded its Commemorative Partnership Program to allow funding the building of new war memorials, and increased the survivor estate cash exemption under the Funeral and Burial Program.

Quote

"I am extremely proud to be reopening doors that were previously closed to Veterans and their families here in Charlottetown. They selflessly answered the call to serve our country, and now we are answering their call by enhancing financial benefits, restoring and expanding access to critical services, and hiring more frontline staff. This was part of our commitment to Canadians, and we stand by this promise."

The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

Reopening the nine Veterans Affairs offices that closed is a top priority in the Minister of Veterans Affairs' mandate letter.

The office in Charlottetown will reopen November, 2016 at 1 st floor, 191 Great George Street, Charlottetown, PE .

will reopen November, 2016 at 1 floor, 191 Great George Street, . Until the Charlottetown office is opened, Veterans and other clients can receive in-person services at the Service Canada location at the Jean Canfield Building, 191 Great George Street, and at the Charlottetown Access Center in the Daniel J. MacDonald building, 161 Grafton Street.

office is opened, Veterans and other clients can receive in-person services at the Service Canada location at the Jean Canfield Building, 191 Great George Street, and at the Charlottetown Access Center in the Daniel J. building, 161 Grafton Street. The Veterans Affairs Office in Corner Brook reopened to Veterans on July 5, 2016 .

reopened to Veterans on . By May 2017 , offices will reopen in Charlottetown, PE ; Sydney, NS ; Windsor and Thunder Bay, ON ; Saskatoon, SK ; Brandon, MB ; and, Prince George and Kelowna, BC . A tenth office will open in Surrey, BC , and outreach will be expanded to Veterans in the territories.

, offices will reopen in ; ; and ; ; ; and, and . A tenth office will open in , and outreach will be expanded to Veterans in the territories. As of May 2016 , more than 250 new frontline employees have been hired.

Associated Links

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, Office: 902-626-2484, Cell: 902-314-1166; Sarah McMaster, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649
Former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin has insisted that he will never apologise to the...

Former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin has insisted that he will never apologise to the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara over allegations of the padded 2016 budget.In a series of tweets reacting to the Speakers statements issued, Jibrin wrote, I will not and will never apologise to a shameless fraud in high office who has glaringly abused public trust like speaker Dogara and 3 others.The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara had in a statement gave Jibrin a seven-day ultimatum to tender an unreserved apology to him and retract all allegations made against him or face legal action. The Kano Lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the National assembly described the legal action threats by Speaker Dogara as quite predicable.Jibrin wrote through his verified twitter account, @AbdulAbmJ: I know he will rush to court in order to invoke the house rules that matter in court cannot be heard on the floor. Jibrin, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker who accused Dogara and 3 others of allocating projects worth N40bn to themselves in the 2016 budget continued, I have responded to their allegations rather than respond to mine, he is rushing to court. I stand by my allegations and will not withdraw them. Mr Jibrin noted, He failed to realize that the law is not intended to protect corrupt people.It is such a shame.The unperturbed Kano Lawmaker also announced that his lawyers have approached the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.  I am happy to announce that my lawyers have officially approached the EFCC and the ICPC towards working out a date for me to personally submit my petition against Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, Whip Alhassan Doguwa and Minority Leo Ogor.I believe once a date is agreed with the anti- corruption agencies, we would have begun the process of making these characters pay for abusing their office. Jibrin, had demanded the immediate resignation of Dogara and the three other principal officers for allocating N40bn to themselves out of N100bn earmarked for the constituency projects of all lawmakers.
The governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has said that any states that do not pay their workers salary do not worth to exist.





The governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has said that any states that do not pay their workers salary do not worth to exist.Amosun made this known at a delegates conference organized by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria held in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.The governor further said that Ogun state has been able to pay workers their June salary and is currently not owing any workers in the state both the local governments and the civil servants. Amosun said; A state that is not able to pay their workers salaries is having a problem and does not worth existing.The governor however, solicits support and understanding of the civil servants , saying, without their support, he cannot achieve anything.While delivering his welcome address, the National President, association of senior civil servants of Nigeria and also the president, Trade union congress of Nigeria, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama said that the association might wage a solidarity war against the states that are unable to pay workers salaries in the coming weeks.The president further demanded that the federal government should kick start the process of paying workers at the federal level all their owned entitlements.He also called on the federal government to set up the negotiating platform that will negotiate a new national minimum wage in line with the recommendation of the palliative committee.
Veteran actor Pete Edochie has reacted to the recent demands for the resignation of Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

Veteran actor Pete Edochie has reacted to the recent demands for the resignation of Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.The renowed actor lambasted the Muhammadu Buhari led government and his party, the All Progressives Congress, over their insistence on removal of Chief Ike Ekweremadu as the Deputy Senate President.The APC leadership, including some governors elected under the partys platform have repeatedly said the plan to remove Ekweremadu was a task that must be accomplished.Reacting to the squabble, the respected actor in a post on his Facebook wall entitled: Pete Edochie Quotes slammed the Buhari led government for chasing shadows while the situation in the country worsened.He wrote: If Ekweremadus removal will help stabilize the economy, then, they should do all within their power to remove him.If Ekweremadus removal will stop Nigerians from losing their jobs, then,it is a task that must be done.If Ekweremadus removal will curtail Fulani Herdsmen from killing of helpless Nigerians, then, Ekweremadu should vacate both his office and the senate immediately.If Ekweremadus removal will stabilize the prices of food and common commodities in the market, then, I am joining them in asking Ekweremadu to vacate the senate.If Ekweremadus removal will make Buhari to abandon his 97% and 5% policy, stop Buhari from seeking to turn Nigeria to a fiefdom where the only capable hands are only people from a certain part of the country, then, Ekweremadus immediate constituency should recall him from the senate.But , where the reverse is true, All the APC Governors seeking Ekweremadus removal should tender their resignation letters and handover notes. God bless Us and God bless Nigeria.
A lawyer and rights activist, Chief Malcom Omirhobo, on Thursday asked the Federal High Court, Lagos to declare as unlawful the Federal G...

A lawyer and rights activist, Chief Malcom Omirhobo, on Thursday asked the Federal High Court, Lagos to declare as unlawful the Federal Governments ban on the sale of petrol in jerry cans.The applicant is suing for himself and on behalf of the people of Nigeria.Joined as respondents in the suit are the Attorney-General (AG) of the Federation, Minister of State for Petroleum, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).In suit number FHC/L/CS/1024/2016 Omirhobo is seeking a declaration that the directive of the second and third respondents to filling station owners, not to sell petroleum products to Nigerians in jerry cans is discriminatory.In an affidavit deposed to by the applicant, he averred that in January, he approached several filling stations with a jerry can to purchase fuel for his generator set, but was denied sale.Omirhobo said upon enquiry, he was informed by all the filling station operators that there was a directive from the respondents not to sell fuel to Nigerians in jerry cans, gallons or keg.He claimed that this refusal led him as well as many Nigerians, to resort to buying fuel from the black market at exorbitant prices.Omirhobo averred that as long as power supply had yet to improve in the country, Nigerians will continue to rely on generator sets, and also, purchase fuel in kegs to power them.He is seeking a declaration that the governments directive to filing station operators nationwide not to sell petrol to Nigerians in gallons, except those with vehicles, was inhumane and unlawful.Furthermore he wants an order directing the respondents to order the sale of petrol to every Nigerian in jerry cans for personal consumption and to facilitate their source of livelihood.
A federal high court in Abuja has granted the application filed by the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to s...

A federal high court in Abuja has granted the application filed by the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop the convention scheduled to be organised on August 19 by the Ahmed Makarfi caretaker committee.The plaintiffs are Sheriff; Wale Oladapo, national secretary; Dennis Alonge-Niyi, deputy national youth leader; Bashir Maidugu, deputy national legal adviser; Hanatu Ulam, deputy national women leader; Lawal Dutsima, Anchi deputy national auditor; Okey Nnadozie, deputy national organising secretary and Olisa Metuh, national publicity secretary.Ferdinand Obi, counsel to the Ahmed Makarfi faction of party, challenged the court that it did not have jurisdiction to hear the motion seeking to stop the convention from holding. He further sought to disqualify Okon Abang, the judge.He argued that Bashir Maidugu, the erstwhile deputy national legal adviser of the PDP, could not be plaintiff and a second defendant in the same suit.Obi also told the court that a federal high court in Port Harcourt recognises him as the counsel representing the PDP.He urged the court to recognise his appearance for the PDP based on a judgement by a high court in Port Harcourt.In opposition to Obis submission, Akintola counsel to the Ali Modu Sheriff faction referred the court to a ruling of June 30, which recognised him as the lawyer representing the PDP.In one breath, he wants your lordship disqualified from the proceedings and in another breath he is challenging the jurisdiction, he said.According to him, the motion to disqualify the judge did not exist as they have only been served with the application to disqualify the court.Falokun, counsel to the plaintiffs explained that the judgement from the Port Harcourt cannot override a judgement that has already recognised him as the representative of the PDP.In his ruling, Abang held that the caretaker committee was illegal based on the the Ikeja division of the federal high court and cannot take decisions on behalf of the PDP.While dismissing Ferdinands applications, he said the counsel to Makarfi would not be recognised as a representation of the PDP.
There seems to be no let up to the 2016 budget scandal rocking the House of Representatives. Over 100 members yesterday joined the fray...

There seems to be no let up to the 2016 budget scandal rocking the House of Representatives.Over 100 members yesterday joined the fray, calling for an external investigation with a view to finding out if our principal officers are guilty or not.They did not state if the probe should be by auditors or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).Also yesterday, former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon called for stiff penalty for anyone found guilty of the padding.Former Appropriations Committee chairman Abdulmumin Jibrin blew the lid on the scandal following his removal last week by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.He accused Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuff Lasun, Chief Whip Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor of appropriating to themselves N40 billion of the N100 billion meant for the 360-member House.Dogara yesterday asked Jibrin to withdraw the allegation against him.He threatened to sue for defamation, if Jibrin failed to withdraw the claim.Jibrin vowed not to retract the claim, daring Dogara to go to court.Last Monday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the scandal has vindicated his claim that the National Assembly stinks.Briefing reporters in Abuja, the 113 representatives known as Transparency Group distanced themselves from Dogara and Jibrin.The group asked Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa and Ogor to respond to the allegations against them as individuals.Its spokesman Musa Soba (APC, Kaduna) said it was wrong for the Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas to have claimed that the House was behind the Speaker on the issue.According to Soba, who was joined by Abubakar Chika (APC, Niger), Baballe Bashir (APC, Kano), Bala Ikora (APC, Kaduna) and Lawal Yahaha (APC,Bauchi), the group had earlier complained about Dogaras indifference to its earlier demand at plenary to sack Jibrin who it accused of personalising the budget.The group wondered why the Speaker was shielding Jibrin before now.Claiming that about 113 signatures were collected from lawmakers from the six geopolitical zones and across party lines before the last Sallah break, Soba said the intention was to compel the Speaker to explain the discrepancies in the budget.He said: We call for an external investigation into the matter with a view of finding out if our principal officers are guilty or not. For this group, we say the budget was padded and as such, the budget being a document that belongs to all Nigerians, it is no longer an internal affair. We urge the leadership of the House of Representatives to stop presenting the 2016 budget padding allegations as the problem of the entire House . Let those at the centre of the controversy answer to all the allegations made against them individually and collectively in line with legal practice and our criminal justice system.While we do not hold brief for Hon. Jibrin and we do not claim to be speaking for the entire House, we are of the view that Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas has no mandate of the Honourable House to speak on its behalf on the allegations made by Hon. Jibrin against some principal officers and presiding officers of the House (Speaker and Deputy speaker). The allegations against the officers mentioned were not allegations against the entire House but against the mentioned officers of the House in their individual capacity and as such, they can only speak for themselves through their respective spokespersons not through the spokesman of the entire House. Accordingly, we hereby dissociate ourselves from all statements made by Hon. Namdas in respect of the budget padding controversy.The history of the 2016 budget padding is not new because we have at different times raised this issue to alert Nigerians on the move by our presiding officers and some principal officers of the House to insert unnecessary and illegal projects into the Appropriation Bill with a view to taking advantage of their respective positions against the collective national interests. If Hon. Jibrin could be sacrificed as the Appropriation committee chairman due to complaints and allegations against him by the Honourable members of the house, it is hypocritical for anybody to insinuate that the presiding officers and principal officers are immune to such complaints, allegations and subsequent investigations. We condemn the 2016 budget padding and consider it as an abuse of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as it relates to chapter 2 under the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.It is also an abuse of legislative ethics and privileges by the very individuals that are supposed to be the custodians of the laws of the land. Let those at the centre of the controversy answer to all the allegations made against them individually and collectively in line with legislative practice and our criminal justice system.In a letter written by his lawyer, Dogara claimed that Jibrin defamed him with his allegation.The letter reads: By the said publication and without putting to the public any shred of evidence, our client is portrayed as a criminal, corrupt, dishonest, fraudulent, dishonourable and unfit to hold the position of Speaker of House of Representatives.Our clients reputation has further been brought down in the estimation of right thinking members of the society and he has been thrown into public opprobrium, odium, scorn and ridicule. Consequently, we consider your publication on the matter as not only libellous but made in bad faith; an act of vendetta owing to your recent removal as the Chairman of House Committee on Appropriation. The said publication is also aimed at causing disaffection between Nigerians and members of the House of Representatives.Sequel to the above, we have to request you to submit immediately to us a clear and unqualified apology and retraction of the publication in an equally conspicuous position in all the print and electronic media where the publication appeared.Take notice that in the event of your failure/refusal to comply with the above mentioned demands within seven (7) days of your receipt of this letter, we have further instructions to institute a suit against you in a court of law. If we have to pursue this course, we shall be claiming aggravated and exemplary damages.Responding to the Speakers threat via twitter, Jibrin described the speakers action as predictable.Saying he anticipated the Speakers reaction, Jibrin vowed not to retract the allegations nor apologise.He said he was set to submit his petition to the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) on the issue.Jibrins Twitter handle reads: Speaker Dogara has threatened legal action against me. Quite predicable. I know he will rush to court in order to invoke the House rules that matters in court cannot be heard on the floor. He failed to realise that the law is not intended to protect corrupt people. It is such a shame. I have responded to their allegations rather than respond to mine,he is rushing to court. I stand by my allegations and I will not withdraw them!I am happy to announce that my lawyers have officially approached the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) towards working out a date for me to personally submit my petition against Speaker Dogara, Deputy Speaker Lasun, Whip Doguwa and Minority Leader Ogor.I believe once a date is agreed with the anti-corruption agencies we would have begun the process of making these characters pay for abusing their office.
An Ekiti State High Court has ordered the arrest of All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairman, Jide Awe, over their alleged involveme...

An Ekiti State High Court has ordered the arrest of All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairman, Jide Awe, over their alleged involvement in a murder case.To be arrested alongside Awe, Faboro John Ojo, Aniramu Basiru and Falayi Busuyi have also been implicated in the murders of Ayo Murphy Jeje and Julianah Adewumi in Erinjiyan-Ekiti on March 30,2013.The warrant of arrest, dated July 27, was issued by Yakubu Dauda, who ordered that the accused appear in court after defying several previous orders.Consequently, I hereby invoke the provisions of Section 94 of the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ekiti State by ordering that Bench Warrants be issued against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants to compel their appearances before this court at the next day of adjournment and subsequently to stand for their trial. This matter is hereby adjourned till 5th of October, 2016 for hearing, the judge ruled.
State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Wednesday, lamented that Delta state was the worst hit by present activities of the Niger Delta...

State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Wednesday, lamented that Delta state was the worst hit by present activities of the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, and other militants. Okowa stated this when he played host to the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, who led top officers of the multi-service task force to pay him a courtesy call in Asaba.He prayed that pipeline bombings by militants should stop to enable the state maintain its oil production without breaches as our revenue has dropped drastically. The governor, who also acknowledged the adverse effect of the attacks on revenue accruing to the Federation Accounts, told the commander that the best way to tackle security issues in the Niger Delta was by sharing of intelligence and combination of personnel to achieve desired results.Noting that sea piracy has reduced, he said the state still has some issues with kidnapping and advised the need for close collaboration among security agencies to nip it in the bud before it assumes another dimension. He asserted that unless government tackles security threats, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other vices, investors would be skeptical about doing business in the country. Governor Okowa, however, lauded the commander of the Operation Delta Safe for going beyond his areas of jurisdiction to collaborate with other security agencies to tackle security issues.Rear Admiral Okojie had told the governor and top government functionaries who witnessed the event that they had the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari to secure the waterways in the Niger Delta region, covering part of Ondo, Edo, and the entire Delta, Bayelsa; Rivers as well as part of Akwa Ibom states against security and economic threats. He assured that Operation Delta Safe was prepared to tackle any criminal action within the Nigerian maritime area and urged criminal elements within the region to have a rethink.
Chief Raymond Dokpesi has accused the government of the All Progressives Congress, APC of marginalizing the peoples of the South East. ...

Chief Raymond Dokpesi has accused the government of the All Progressives Congress, APC of marginalizing the peoples of the South East.He stated this during his meeting with delegates from Abia state ahead of the partys National Convention, billed for August 17, 2016, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.Dokpesi noted that the APC has relegated the Igbos since it assumed office over 15 months, adding that it is against the visions of the founding fathers of Nigeria as well as against the spirit and character of the constitution which advocated equality, federal character in appointments.Prior to the 2015 general election, they called PDP and our presidential candidate many names but today, do they have any clue of governance? The cost of kerosene, diesel, tomatoes, garri, rice and others are at all-time high, he said amidst applause from the delegates.While soliciting for the support of the delegates ahead of the national convention, he said he has the asset, the goodwill and the experience to transform PDP and reposition it for 2019 election so that power will return to Nigerians as envisaged by the founding fathers.
The Kogi State Command of the Department of State Services on Wednesday said it had arrested, at least, 10 suspected kidnappers terrori...

The Kogi State Command of the Department of State Services on Wednesday said it had arrested, at least, 10 suspected kidnappers terrorising the state in the last few weeks.Four of those arrested in full military uniform were paraded on Wednesday at the Commands office in Lokoja while six have already been arraigned in court.The state Director of the command, Mr. Joseph Okpo, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lokoja, said the command arrested four out of a six-man gang that had been operating along Abuja-Lokoja highway last weekAccording to him, the arrested suspects were Haruna Saleh, Kabiru Shuaibu, Mumuni Adamu and Tukur Shuaibu, adding that the people specialised in robbery and kidnapping along major roads.He said the arrested suspected kidnappers had all confessed to being involved in some operations on Maraba-Jos road, Malufashi on Zaria-Kaduna and Jaji-Zaria road all in full military uniform.He explained that the suspects were apprehended on their way from the Kaduna axis to link up with some people in Obajana, where they planned to engage in fresh operations.Okpo, however, said the suspects were already giving useful information on the sources of their uniforms, adding that the command was already collaborating with the state Command of the Nigeria Police to investigate the source of the military uniforms.He added that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to have been involved in six operations between the Ramadan period and the day they were arrested.According to the DSS director, investigation had revealed that most of the kidnappers operating in the state were from outside Kogi, lamenting that the people were taking advantage of the geographical location and the route structure of the state.
Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, yesterday, said the Federal Government is considering a law that will make it compulsory for eve...





Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, yesterday, said the Federal Government is considering a law that will make it compulsory for every girl child to attain at least secondary school education.Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of Managements, NIM, Women-in-Management and Leadership Conference in Abuja, Aisha Buhari, who was represented by the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor, Mrs. Mairo Al-Makura, disclosed that the Bill which would receive inputs from women nationwide and put forward to the National Assembly, would be facilitated by the Federal Government through the free education policy.This, according to her, is because of the fact that education is the key to liberation and empowerment of the girl child. She said, Education changes the outlook of a person and drives away poverty of the mind and the pocket. An educationally empowered girl child of today is the women professional of tomorrow.
Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti has warned voters in Ondo not to vote for the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming governorship ele...

Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti has warned voters in Ondo not to vote for the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming governorship election, insisting the party was not a good option for people of the state.He advised the people to ensure the ruling Peoples Democratic Party retain the governorship seat after Governor Olusegun Mimiko.Fayose who spoke on a radio programme in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, said the APC government had failed the people of Nigeria in the last one year of its rule.He advised voters in the state not to support any candidate presented by the APC.He said, Dont let me deceive you my people in Ondo State, dont allow the APC to take over this state, if you allowed them, your condition would be worse than what you are passing through now, their government would be a disaster for you.They have nothing to offer, all they know is propaganda, you can see what is happening in Nigeria now, if you vote for them what they are doing at the national level is what they would be doing here. You can see what is happening in all the states they are controlling.Look at our condition in Nigeria, our condition is getting worse on daily basis, they have no solution to the economic problem facing the nation currently, yet they say they want to take over your state, I enjoined you, dont allow them, they have nothing to offer. The governor said he would not stop crticising the government until Nigerians enjoy the expected dividend of democracy from the Muhammadu Buhari-administration.If I stop talking Nigerian masses will suffer, a government without an opposition will not do anything, they want to shut me up, but I will not stop talking, let them continue to abuse me, I dont mind.I am not attacking the President, I dont hate the President but what I have been saying is truth and they too know I am saying the truth. I am saying the truth so that the President can do things that will benefit the people of this country. All of us cannot keep quite. 
Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State, yesterday, gave insight on how his predecessor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, allegedly withdrew N1 bill...

Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State, yesterday, gave insight on how his predecessor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, allegedly withdrew N1 billion from the state governments account in one day, accusing him of squandering N2 billion ecological fund.Abubakar, who spoke during an interface with journalists in Abuja, claimed the ecological fund was allegedly advanced to governors of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the administration of former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.While he said a probe panel he instituted to review the eight-year tenure of his predecessor would soon submit its report, the governor claimed Yuguda received so much from the federation account during the oil boom period with nothing to show for it. He said: For that reason, it is incumbent to ask questions.The EFCC have been knocking at my door, asking questions about the past and so I cannot keep quiet. When I took over on May 29, 2015, the state was owing civil servants four months salaries; a state where civil servants and pensioners were owed N14.5 billion gratuity; a state where other loans comprising commercial and contractual liabilities amounted to over N100 billion.
Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, says he believes in an open government where the identities of looters are revealed.

Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, says he believes in an open government where the identities of looters are revealed.Speaking in Abuja during a stakeholders meeting on the London summit on anti-corruption and the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Amaechi said such system would prevent corrupt persons from contesting elections in future.He challenged Nigerians to hold government accountable by asking relevant questions and demanding satisfactory answers.I believe in name and shame and an open government. What name and shame does is to prevent such people for vying for public office, he said.However, Amaechi said it is disservice to any public official when people to make unsubstantiated allegations of corruption against them.Zainab Ahmed, minister of state for budget and national planning, described Nigerias confirmation by the OGP as a participating country as a milestone.Ahmed said Nigerias admittance into the OGP was instructive, particularly as the current administration is committed to transparency and accountability in governance.She said her ministry was working towards ensuring an open budgeting and planning process in the country.We are committed to ensuring that the budget process from the preparation to the implementation and the monitoring and evaluation is open, participatory and inclusive, she said.In his remarks, Simon Shercliff, deputy high commissioner, British High commission, noted that corruption is the cancer at the heart of so many of the worlds problems.No country is immune from corruption and so governments need to work together to tackle it successfully, Shercliff said.He said the problem of corruption needed to be faced with all sincerity and not mere lip service.The meeting is aimed at bringing together public and private sector, and civil society organisations.This is to enable them to work with the ministry of justice in ensuring that the commitments to end corruption are turned into actionable plans.
US-based Chierika Ukogu will be making history at the 2016 Olympics Games, being the first female rower to represent Nigeria. Born on Oc...

US-based Chierika Ukogu will be making history at the 2016 Olympics Games, being the first female rower to represent Nigeria. Born on October 1992, Okogu, who is a graduate of Stanford University, said in a recent interview that the sport had been challenging but she will put in her best, adding that her training with members of the U.S. team at the Vesper Boathouse at Schuylkill, Philadelphia had helped develop her skills.said Ukogu
Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, said on Wednesday that the All Progressive Congress (APC) governors meeting with President Muh...

Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, said on Wednesday that the All Progressive Congress (APC) governors meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari was not designed to intervene in the ongoing trial of Senate president, Bukola Saraki; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and others over alleged forgery of Senate Standing Rules.Abubakar also said the APC governors have raised a committee to look into the crisis and other problems confronting the party.He said while the governors will look into party issues in the National Assembly, they will not dabble into either the case in court or the present crisis in the legislature.Although he was silent on names, it was obvious that he was referring to the ongoing trial of Saraki and others for forgery of Senate rules.Abubakar, who made the submissions at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, said the APC Governors will not intervene in any criminal matter.He said: The APC is a party that has come to power recently and it has come to power from an opposition political party and I must confess that we are experiencing teething problems in the APC because being in government is a new phenomenon for us.I cannot say that things are going on smoothly and that is why yesterday (Tuesday) we paid a visit to Mr. President and we expressed the need for governors to be called upon to delve into the problems of the party with a view to reinvigorating the party so that it can continue performing the functions of a party in power. So we are trying to address this issue.Asked on the extent to which the APC governors will intervene in the trial of some National Assembly leaders.Abubakar said: The question of what aspect of the National Assembly matter we are delving into as APC governors, I assure you that we are not going to tamper with cases that are before courts or tribunals and we are not going to delve into the current issue at the moment.
The Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday maintained that deployment of military to Niger Delta would not quell militanc...

The Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday maintained that deployment of military to Niger Delta would not quell militancy in the region.The military had threatened to use force if dialogue with the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and other militant groups in the region fail to yield the desired results.But speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Dickson said the only way out of the crisis is dialogue and negotiations.The governor said the terrain and history of the Niger Delta region had shown the futility of any military invasion.He said: I have said that on the issues in the Niger Delta, the terrain, the historic nature of the issues and challenges are such that military solution may not be the way forward. For us who are products of political system and who are at this level, we have a duty to mobilise communal and local leadership. We also have a duty to support the work the intelligence and security agencies are doing and we have a duty to ensure that issues are better appreciated and we fill the communication gap.And where there are issues those issues need be addressed. It is also our duty to network like Im doing to ensure that problems that are identified as the main cause of some of these challenges are looked into.The military solutions as I have always maintained is not the right option. We are hopeful that the ongoing discussions will yield the desired result. I have always been in support of negotiations and dialogue as the sustainable way forward.Dialogue will bring out the issues and then we will all unite around these common issues to move our country forward.
Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the federal house of representatives, has vowed to exposing Yakubu Dogara, the speaker, until he is remov...

Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the federal house of representatives, has vowed to exposing Yakubu Dogara, the speaker, until he is removed.Jibrin started slamming allegations of corruption against Dogara and other members of the house leadership when he was removed as the chairman of the appropriations committee last week.On Wednesday, Dogara had given him seven days to apologise for the allegations or face a lawsuit, but the legislator vowed not apologise to Dogara, instead calling the speaker a shameless fraud.Continuing on Thursday, Jibrin accused Dogara of diverting a federal government project to his farm in Nasarawa."Allegation no21 to MrSpeaker:why did you fraudulently divert a Fed Govt water project to your farm in Nasarawa&how are you funding the farm? Abdulmumin Jibrin (@AbdulAbmJ) July 28, 2016Good morning fellow Nigerians. Every day, I will give additional allegation against Mr Speaker and the three others until the law catches up with them, he said.Allegation No 21 to Mr Speaker: Why did you fraudulently divert a federal government water project to your farm in Nasarawa and how are you funding the farm?When a new speaker emerges and the other principal officers replaced, I will write to the presiding officers of both chambers to commence a radical internal reform in the entire national assembly beyond budget to cover performance assessment, running cost and allowances, investigations etcIf the reform so done on the national assembly is not made public latest by December, I will shall take it up and lay before the general public even if I am alone.The idea is to do a clean up, flush out corruption and corrupt members so that in 2019 only corrupt-free people who want to serve will come in.
The Federal Government will commence its National Home Grown School Feeding Programme in September with 5.5 million school pupils across...

The Federal Government will commence its National Home Grown School Feeding Programme in September with 5.5 million school pupils across the country.The National Programme Manager for the scheme, Mrs. Abimbola Adesanmi, who stated this at a stakeholders workshop on the Ogun State Home Grown School Feeding Programme, held in Abeokuta, the state capital, Wednesday, said the project would accommodate pupils in primary one to three at the take  off stage.Abimbola said while states, depending on readiness, would define their respective model based on cost effectiveness and sustainability, the federal government will provide oversight and technical support.The FG is providing oversight and also supporting the states with technical assistance to strengthen the structure that exists in the states. They federal government is providing funds to feed pupils in primary 1-3 as a start -up.For this year, it is beginning with 5.5 million pupils and with increase in enrolment, we may go beyond that. But that is what we plan for now.There are a lot of factors involved, we have to know how many pupils are in school and that is the first determinant. This workshop would assist us in determining that, she said.
How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct.  Benjamin Disraeli, one-time British Prime Minister.

How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct.  Benjamin Disraeli, one-time British Prime Minister.When your success hovers from one person to the other, it will definitely get to someone who will regard it as failure.  Michael Bassey Johnson, an uncommon Nigerian penman.In a publication titled, Those Calling for Okonjo-Iwealas Sack Are Detractors, The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Transparency in Governance, described those calling for the sack of the former Minister as people who did not want the economic good of the country.From what I see, they are not just detractors; they are popularity seekers.Since Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, left office over a year ago, her name remains visible across local and international media. While Nigerians and the world still celebrate her, these arm-chair critics seeing that stories about her generate huge readership devised a means to gain cheap publicity. They now earn a conspicuous mention in the media by constantly linking her name to every known allegation, even those that have little or nothing to do with her, just to earn cheap popularity in the media.The chief accuser of course is a group with a name almost homophonic to Sarah; in fact, for the purpose of this article I would refer to them by that name.These unrepentant detractors  Sarah and the gang  disguised as accountability and transparency advocates, flooded the media with press releases, interviews and stories which were nothing but a hodgepodge of lies, false allegations, defamations and sentiments.Beneath their unending drama, of course, lies their motive.From dragging Okonjo-Iweala to court, calling on the President to probe her, they escalated their drama to asking her to apologize, requesting for documents which she no longer has access to, and even accusing her of no answers, no apology. Sarah and the gang have achieved their Number One goal; they have become popular.Sarahs misguided missing N30 trillion allegation, and other closely related, but certainly unfounded, accusations have made them one of the popular groups in the country today. Certainly, their like-minded and myopic followers have increased. Maybe they are even up for some potential grants  there is always that possibility.In this day and age where every group, organization or setup must do everything to stay ahead, it appears that Sarah may have struck gold by using the age-old gimmick of defamation. It is somewhat ironic that trying to make someone unpopular should make you popular, but that is the nature of things.Whatever their gains though, they seem to have picked on the wrong person. Despite their best and most desperate attempts at ruining her name, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala always rises out of the ashes of their lies and slander like a phoenix.Uzoma Ngozi is an entrepreneur and a social commentator who resides in Lagos. Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/uzoma.ngozi.52
Governor Adams Oshiomhole says the Peoples Cemocratic Party is an anti-worker party which purged the public service of over 7,000 workers...

Governor Adams Oshiomhole says the Peoples Cemocratic Party is an anti-worker party which purged the public service of over 7,000 workers in one fell swoop, without paying their pensions and gratuities.Also, the Governor has assured the workers in Egor Local Government which was omitted from the recent bailout for other Local Governments in the state that their arrears will be paid this week. Speaking at a gubernatorial rally of the All Progressives Congress at the Olua Primary School in Egor Local Government Area, Wednesday, Oshiomhole said the PDP has a deep-seated hatred for workers and teachers as they were shabbily treated in the ten years they were in the saddle. According to him, the choice is between two political parties, one which in seven and half years has redefined governance and another which in ten years treated workers shabbily.When Nigeria was doing well and PDP was in government in Edo State, dont forget, the first thing PDP did with Ize-Iyamu as Secretary to Government was to dismiss about 7,000 civil servants.They sacked them, because according to them, they wanted to reduce labour cost, when actually they wanted to take the money and privatise it.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday asked Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, to stop threatening the partys governorship c...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday asked Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, to stop threatening the partys governorship candidate in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).Describing the threat as preposterous, the party said Oshiomhole is nervous and unsettled by the PDPs moving train, which it said will uproot the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the state.In a statement issued by its caretaker committee spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party asked how it became the governors duty to dictate to the EFCC, wondering when Oshiomhole become an operative of the anti-corruption agency.The statement said, We have observed in recent times the utterances of the Governor of Edo State during the APCs gubernatorial campaigns ahead of the September 10, 2016 election in the state.We wish to remind the Governor that he should maintain the sanctity of his office as an executive Governor of the state instead of directing the EFCC on who to arrest or prosecute.The PDP further stated that Governor Oshiomholes threat confirmed the belief and the opinion of perceptible Nigerians that the anti-corruption war of the present administration is nothing but a partisan political agenda to intimidate, suppress and silence the PDP.Governor Adams Oshiomhole is desperate to hang on to power through his imposed stooge, despite the fact that he has lost the trust and confidence of the people of Edo State, the statement added.The party lampooned what it described as the despicable and uncouth language deployed by the governor against the person of Pastor Ize-Iyamu, which it said, was clearly unbecoming of the holder of the high office of Governor of a state.
John Hinckley Jr, the man who tried to assassinate ex- United States President, Ronald Reagan, is to be released from a psychiatric hosp...

John Hinckley Jr, the man who tried to assassinate ex- United States President, Ronald Reagan, is to be released from a psychiatric hospital next month after 35 years.Mr. Reagan and three others were injured in the shooting outside a hotel in Washington in March 1981, the BBC reports.Mr. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity but was sent for treatment at a Washington hospital.He has been spending 17 days a month at his mothers home in Virginia under strict conditions.
The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday admitted that the Abuja-Kaduna rail project was partially executed by the Goodluck J...

The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday admitted that the Abuja-Kaduna rail project was partially executed by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.He, however, added that the President Buharis government was responsible for executing the final stages of the project.The commissioning of the project by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday had generated a lot of comments from both the supporters of Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan.Supporters of Buhari, who said he had scored another major developmental achievement barely a year in office, and admirers of Jonathan, who said the former leader completed the project before leaving office in May 2015.Amaechi took to his Twitter handle to weigh in on the matter, saying the project was, in fact, conceived by President Olusegun Obasanjo, who left office nine years ago, and received contributions from successive governments.The rail contract was awarded by President Obasanjo, partially executed by President Jonathan and completed by President Buhari, Amaechi said.The project was reportedly initiated by the past administration of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.Some of the people present at the ceremony include Senate President, Bukola Saraki and other chieftains of the All Progressive Congress.
''A traditional ruler, the Atapa of Itapa Ijesa, Dr. Olapade Agoro, has threatened court action against a senator representing Kog...

''A traditional ruler, the Atapa of Itapa Ijesa, Dr. Olapade Agoro, has threatened court action against a senator representing Kogi State, Dino Melaye, for damaging the reputation of the citizenry in the eyes of the world.Agoro, a politician and religious leader, described Melayes action against Senator Remi Tinubu on the floor of the Senate as a dent on the citizenry and the party on which he stood for election.The traditional spoke yesterday at his Oluyole home in Ibadan, where he showed copy of Court of Appeal judgment in favour of his party and seven other political parties which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) de-registered in 2014.Agoro, who won in the Appeal Court case against INEC, restoring his political party, the National Action Council (NAC) and six others, called for sanction against Melaye.This, he noted, would prevent any lawmaker from such shameful and graceful conduct.He added that it would portray Nigerians not as dirty people, but descent and respected.He said: No wonder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, without mincing words, told the whole world that the National Assembly is full of corrupt legislators. That was a weighty statement. When you say corruption, you are not limiting it to taking bribe. It could be immoral. By what he did on the floor of the Senate, I will say Melaye has committed immorality.For this young man to have lost morality and commonsense on the floor of the hallowed chamber, to have threatened to beat up a woman, that was too much. You dont say you want to beat up another mans wife on the hallowed chamber; forget who the husband is.That issue is beyond political scene. It raises the question of morality. When a man says he will beat up another mans wife and even impregnate her, it means the man has admitted to be a rapist.By now, the police should have stepped in. Its a reckless and senseless vituperation that should be taken beyond the floor of the Senate.The young man has been so reckless ever since he became a senator. It shows how corrupt he is. I dont know why that type of character should be allowed to continue staying in the Senate.The APC should have by now sanctioned him to protect the name of the party, not demanding an apology from him. I could have taken him court, if not for anything, because we dont expect characters like him in the Senate. He should be made to face the music.
A 47-year-old Chinese national, Zhen Zhen, attempted to kill her lover, Leo Feng, 41, when she set Ernest Hotel in the Ikeja area of Lagos...

A 47-year-old Chinese national, Zhen Zhen, attempted to kill her lover, Leo Feng, 41, when she set Ernest Hotel in the Ikeja area of Lagos on fire.The hotel attendant, Emeka Nwaegbo, said this at the resumed hearing of the case at the Ebute-Meta Magistrates court.Nwaegbo told the court that Zhen accused Feng of sleeping with her without giving her food, which informed her decision.She said that the lovers were customers at the hotel, adding that Feng, who was indebted to the hotel, dropped his personal effects, including passport, to assure the management that he would pay his outstanding debts.I was conducting a routine check round the hotel when I discovered that the frontage of their room was littered with cigarette stubs and broken plates.When I asked the female suspect what happened, she said the man starved her for two days and that was why she wanted to burn him in the room. She said, Two days, I no chop. I wan make e die.Some minutes later, Feng came downstairs saying he wanted to collect what he dropped at the reception. I gave him everything, except his passport.The attendant said as Feng was stepping out, someone raised the alarm about fire, adding that he discovered that the fire started from the suspects room.Zhen, who spoke through an interpreter, denied the allegation, saying the fire started from a television in the room.The defendants were ordered to be remanded in prison until they perfected their bail conditions.The case was adjourned till August 9, 2016.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State said on Wednesday he attended the peace meeting organised by the Acting Inspector General of Police,...

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State said on Wednesday he attended the peace meeting organised by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, because of his commitment to peace and development of the state.The IGP had on Tuesday in Abuja organised a peace meeting between Wike and the former governor of Rivers State, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.Amaechi is the current Minister of Transportation.The Independent National Electoral Commission had announced the postponement of the legislative rerun in the state earlier slated for Saturday following the burning of its office in Khana LGA.Wike told PDP supporters at the Rivers West Senatorial District rally in Degema LGA that his administration would implement the resolutions of the peace meeting.Wike said the people must be allowed to elect representatives of their choice into the State and National Assemblies.I was at the peace meeting because we love peace and want the state to move forward. I signed an undertaking on your behalf that we are prepared for INEC credible, free and fair elections.It is not in our position to have crisis because we are the ones losing, the governor addedHe pledged that the state government would partner with security agencies to ensure that peaceful elections were held in the state, adding that anybody who wanted the state to be set ablaze would be disappointed.Wike expressed regret that some politicians were celebrating that the elections were postponed.He pointed out that his commitment that Rivers State should have representatives at the National Assembly was because the people of the state had been shut out on the deliberation of the Petroleum Industry Bill and other legislation.The governor, however, called on the PDP members to remain vigilant while expecting the rerun elections.According to him, Nigerians know, the world knows that Rivers State is the PDP. So shall it be forever.He pledged to ensure that development would spread across all local government areas of the state, adding that with the successes achieved in just one year, the remaining three years would witness more development.Earlier, Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the massive turnout at the rally was an indication that the people would always vote the PDP candidates.The peace meeting was brokered by the Police and the Department of State Services for the peaceful conduct of the rerun elections in Rivers State.
Dr Musa Obadiah, the Director, Taraba HIV Programme Implementation Unit, has identified self-medication as a major course of kidney failu...

Dr Musa Obadiah, the Director, Taraba HIV Programme Implementation Unit, has identified self-medication as a major course of kidney failure among Nigerians.Obadiah made this assertion when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Jalingo.He said that this was so because drug consumption without prescription often put organs of the body at risk.The director also identified traditional medicine concoctions and the toxins in food preservatives as other causes of rampant cases of kidney failure among the people.Many people today go for self-medication and some of these drugs are injurious to the kidney, which is the cleaning engine of the body.Traditional medicine, toxic preservatives are other causes of kidney failure.Nigerians need to know that when there is too much pressure on the kidney, which is supposed to clear the toxic waste in the body, it causes the kidney to fail.Obadiah urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of proper and frequent medical diagnoses and prescription before taking drugs.I want to urge Nigerians to reduce the intake of preserved foods and go for fresh food, to reduce the risk of kidney disease.Obadiah also advised Nigerian farmers to use organic fertilizers, noting that they are natural and have no negative health implication.He added that the consumption of organic foods would curb the upsurge in cases of kidney failure and cancer diseases.
Niger Avengers, NDA, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari was free to step up oil exploration in the North East, but should forget a...

Niger Avengers, NDA, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari was free to step up oil exploration in the North East, but should forget about export of a drop of crude oil from the Niger Delta.Spokesperson of the militant group, self-styled Brig Gen Mudoch, in a statement, entitled, Your drones wont stop us alleged that the federal government was preparing for a military offensive in the region and using dialogue as a subterfuge. Also note that you will not be able to export one litre of crude in the Niger Delta, just intensify the oil exploration in the North East. As for the ones in the Niger Delta, forget about it because the Nigeria government wont export a drop from our land, it said.The statement read: The NDA intelligence agency gathered that the said peace talk or dialogue by the federal government is a delay tactic employed by the federal government to enable their purchased drones that are said to arrive latest end of August from the United State. This whole thing makes us to wonder what kind of country is this. We can all see that President Buhari- led government is a fraud.They are not serious about any dialogue and made it seem the Niger Delta Avengers are the ones not ready for dialogue. Mr. President you can purchase all the drones in Europe and Untied State.It will not stop the Niger Delta Avengers from bringing the countrys economy to zero. The worse you can do is to kill poor innocent people which the military is good at, but know the Nigeria Economy will suffer, the group added.
PARAMUS - The beleaguered owners of Just Pups pet store is planning to auction more than 450 dogs and puppies in Missouri next week.

The "Just Pups Total Kennel Dispersal" will be held Aug. 6 at the Sullivan County Fairgrounds in Milan, Mo., according to Southwest Auction Service, which advertised the sale on its website.

Mother dogs and their pups will be auctioned together, and the dogs were "hand selected for superior quality and no genetic faults," according to Bob and Chadd Hughes of Southwest Auction Service.

A petition to stop the auction created by an East Brunswick woman had collected nearly 200 signatures as of Thursday morning.

In April, Just Pups owners Vincent LoSacco, 50, and his brother Leonard LoSacco, 51, were accused of animal cruelty after police said they found more than 60 puppies left unattended in small crates inside a cold van at the Route 17 pet store in Paramus.

LoSacco runs a puppy farm in Missouri.

Earlier this month, Acting Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and officials with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs filed an action in Bergen County Superior Court against Just Pups and Vincent LoSacco seeking to permanently bar LoSacco and his associates from selling animals in New Jersey.

The agency accuses Vincent LoSacco and his associates of misleading customers about the health of puppies sold from stores in East Brunswick, East Hanover, Emerson and Paramus.

State officials allege he refused to reimburse customers for puppies that died or required veterinary care, and committed dozens of other consumer protection violations.

LoSacco denies the allegations.

A woman who answered the phone at Southwest Auction Service said the service is aware of the charges pending against the LoSacco brothers in New Jersey, but deferred questions to her supervisors, who were not immediately available.

LoSacco's attorney, Tony Arturi of Rochelle Park, did not immediately return a call seeking comment on Thursday. In an interview July 20, Arturi said out of the four Just Pups stores in New Jersey, only the East Hanover business remains open.

A spokesman with the New Jersey Attorney General's Office was not immediately available to comment Thursday.
FAIR LAWN -- Gov. Chris Christie resumed a statewide tour promoting his proposed school funding overhaul Thursday, telling residents of Fair Lawn they are "getting shafted every year, over and over again."

In a public forum at the Fair Lawn Senior Center, the governor said his proposed Fairness Formula would give Fair Lawn an 814 percent increase in school aid, enough that the borough could lower the average property tax bill by $2,223 over three years.

"You deserve better than what you are getting," Christie said. "I want folks in Fair Lawn who want to stay in Fair Lawn to be able to afford to stay in Fair Lawn."

Currently, New Jersey's $9.1 billion in direct school aid is allocated primarily through a formula that gives districts extra money for students from low-income families, students learning to speak English and special education students.

The existing formula also considers each community's ability to raise revenue for its schools through property taxes and expects wealthier communities to a pay a higher percentage of school costs with their own tax dollars.

Christie's plan would end the extra funding for students who typically need extra services, with the exception of special education costs, and give each district the same funding per student, $6,599, regardless of the community's ability to raise revenue thorough property taxes.

The proposal, which Christie has said is unlikely to gain support from Democratic lawmakers, would achieve property tax relief for 75 percent of school districts, he said.

But the the other 25 percent, mostly urban and low-income districts, would see reductions in state funding that could force major budgets cuts and school closures.

Christie reiterated his criticism Thursday that many of those districts have overspent and underperformed.

Asbury Park spends about $33,000 per student and has a 66 percent school graduation rate, Christie said. Fair Lawn, on the other hand, spends about $20,000 per student and graduates 95 percent of its students, he said.

The governor asked Fair Lawn residents to press their Democratic state lawmaker to support his plan, saying Sen. Robert Gordon (D-Bergen) is too "timid and frightened" to cross the state's teachers union, which opposes Christie's proposal.

Gordon dismissed Christie's claim.

"His proposal offers a false promise because it will never be enacted, and he knows that," Gordon said in a statement. "It would violate the basic standards of fairness and equality in education and it is blatantly unconstitutional."

The forum was Christie's first since his speech at the Republican National Convention last week. Christie was originally scheduled to speak in Fair Lawn earlier this month but canceled the event to campaign for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

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Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- Two former executives of a New Jersey engineering firm, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the government in connection with overbilling on reconstruction contracts in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries, now face a civil claim in the same matter.

The U.S. Justice Department Thursday said it filed a False Claims Act complaint against Derish M. Wolff and Salvatore J. Pepe, the respective former CEO and CFO of Louis Berger Group, of East Orange.

Derish Wolff, former chairman of the Louis Berger Group Inc. in a 2003 file photo. (Scott Litchi | The Star-Ledger)

The government's complaint alleges that Wolff and Pepe set up accounting schemes to bill the Army, Air Force and the U.S. Agency for International Development at inflated rates.

According to the department, for example, Wolff and Pepe shifted portions of salaries of LBG executives and accounting personnel from contracts paid for by foreign and state governments and private entities to contracts paid for by the United States. Wolff and Pepe allegedly certified the false rates and submitted them to the government in annual financial reports, it said in a statement.

The United States resolved criminal and civil claims against LBG in 2010 with a payment of $50.6 million and the signing of a deferred prosecution agreement, it said.

Pepe pleaded guilty at that time to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the government and was sentenced to one year of probation, it said. An assistant controller, Precy Pellettieri, also pleaded guilty to a similar charge, court papers say.

Wolff pleaded guilty to the same charge in 2014, and was sentenced to a year of home confinement and fined $4.5 million, the statement said.

The government filed its complaint in a lawsuit originally brought under a whistleblower complaint filed by a former LBG accountant, Harold Salomon, it said.

The False Claims Act allows private citizens to sue on behalf of the federal government and share in any recovery. It said it also allows the government to intervene in the lawsuit, which it did in this case.

"Those who do business with the U.S. government should expect appropriate consequences if they do not deal fairly," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. "As this case demonstrates, the government will hold both corporate entities and individuals accountable if they misuse taxpayer funds."

According to the department, the matter is being handled by the Civil Division's Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Maryland, with support from the FBI, USAID's Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.

Tim Darragh may be reached at tdarragh@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @timdarragh. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
New Jersey hospitals - like many around the nation - received some harsh marks from a new government Medicare website that judges them on quality of care.

Of the 64 New Jersey hospitals rated by the federal government, just eight received four stars, the second-highest rating. None were among the 102 nationwide to get five stars by Medicare's "Hospital Compare" website.

Six hospitals here received just one star.

The ratings include a component that reflects patient satisfaction, causing hospitals to argue that they could get a bad rating because someone didn't like the food.

The hospital industry has also complained that the ratings don't take into account the difficulty of the cases each hospital typically sees. Hospitals that specialize in tough medical cases have higher mortality rates, while hospitals in urban areas typically see patients who have multiple chronic illnesses.

Although Medicare appears to have graded on a tough curve, New Jersey hospitals fared worse than the national average, with the most frequent rating being two stars. By constrast, nearly half of all hospitals nationwide received three stars.

The star ratings "raise more questions than answers, and create confusion rather than clarity," said Steven G. Littleson, chief operating officer of Hackensack Meridian Health.

Hackensack University Medical Center routinely does well in commercially produced ratings such as those by U.S. News & World Reports, as well as in nationally recognized safety ratings, yet received only two stars from Medicare.

"The rating system unfairly penalizes large academic medical centers and those serving high numbers of the underserved," Littleson said.

Eight hospitals were give four-star ratings: CentraState Medical Center, Deborah Heart & Lung, Holy Name Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center and Virtua-Berlin.

At Holy Name Medical Center, president Mike Maron expressed pride his facility was among the state's top performers in the federal ratings, and said consumers would find the information useful.

"These recently released rankings will provide consumers with important metrics on quality, cost and safety, allowing them to make more educated decisions about their healthcare choices," he said.

The ratings look at whether the hospital provides timely and effective care; whether it manages to avoid complications; its rates for readmission and deaths; its use of medical imaging; and the value of care for three common procedures.

Patients who want to see why the hospital got its rating can poke through the data to see everything from death rates to how quiet it is at night.

Several of the state's marquee hospitals, including Hackensack University Medical Center and Saint Barnabas Medical Center, received two stars.

"Our overall safety records are very strong and our quality care team and staff are continually working to strengthen and improve outcomes," said Barnabas' chief medical officer John E. Bonamo, who noted the hospital's rating was in line with the New Jersey ratings as a whole.

Also coming in on the low end were three of the four Level I Trauma Centers, where accident victims are taken in an emergency. Morristown Medical Center received four stars, while the others (Cooper University Hospital, University Hospital, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital) received two stars.

Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) had opposed release of the ratings, and had requested they be postponed. With their release Wednesday, his spokesman said the stars received by New Jersey hospitals had raised eyebrows.

"Since the ratings left out imperative and influential factors, they may stand as unfair or even inaccurate," the spokesman said.

In response to complaints from the hospital industry, the Center for Medicare Services, which put together the star rating system, said it had received support from patient advocates for such data.

"We have received numerous letters from national patient and consumer advocacy groups supporting the release of these ratings because it improves the transparency and accessibility of hospital quality information. In addition, researchers found that hospitals with more stars on the Hospital Compare website have tended to have lower death and readmission rates," the agency's website states.

Kathleen O'Brien may be reached at kobrien@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @OBrienLedger. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- A dead whale that surfaced in the Hudson River earlier this week just off Caven Point in Jersey City will be towed out to sea for disposal, the Army Corps of Engineers said.

The carcass, which the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said is a "30-foot long fin whale," was too big for a drift collection vessel to remove, ACOE Chief of Public Affairs for the New York District Ken Wells said.

To keep the whale from posing a hazard to ships in the meantime, ACOE tied the whale to a debris barge while waiting for the stranding center to determine the next step, Wells said.

Michael Embrich, an ACOE spokesman, told The Jersey Journal early this afternoon that a final decision has since been made to dispose of the whale by towing it out to sea.

Details about when the disposal will happen weren't immediately available.

As for ensuring the carcass doesn't float back to the coastline, Embrich said one method that might be used is towing the whale far off into the ocean and chaining weights to it so it sinks.

On Monday at 5:44 p.m., the Coast Guard received a report of a whale on the "bulbous bow" -- a protruding bulb at the front of a ship just below the waterline -- of a commercial vessel bound for Port Elizabeth, Coast Guard spokesman Charles Rowe said.

However, when the ship was tied up at a pier, the whale could no longer be seen on the bow, according to Rowe.

Rowe said a pilot boat discovered the carcass of a whale, believed to be the same one from Monday, floating in the same general area on Tuesday.

Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
KEARNY -- The Environmental Protection Agency has announced an $11 million plan to clean contaminated land at the long-closed Standard Chlorine Chemical Company Superfund site.

The site was used by multiple chemical manufacturing companies for nearly a century and is contaminated with hazardous wastes, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxin, both which are linked to cancer. The site has been closed since 1993.

Added as a Superfund site in 2007, the companies responsible for the contamination -- including Apogent Transition Corp., Beazer East, Inc., Cooper Industries and LLC, Occidental Chemical Corp. and Tierra Solutions, Inc. participated on behalf of Occidental Chemical Corp. -- have paid for the cleanup.

Dioxins and asbestos have already been removed from the site, 25 acres between the Belleville Turnpike and the Hackensack River. Several of the contaminated buildings have been demolished and two contaminated lagoons have been cleaned, the EPA said.

As part of the proposed plan, the EPA plans to cap the remaining uncovered areas of contaminated land to prevent the hazardous waste from continuing to spread; and five more buildings would be demolished. Additionally, construction of residential buildings on the land would not be allowed.

The New Jersey Sierra Club released a statement opposing the plan, saying the planned cap is only a temporary fix.

"To leave a toxic plume underneath a river is a disaster waiting to happen," said Jeff Tittel, director of the organization. "A cap will further spread these contaminates in the groundwater, adding insult to injury. We are even more concerned that since the area is prone to flooding, when the cap fails it will contaminate homes and basements when it floods."

Tittel is calling for the complete removal of the contaminated soil.

Kearny Mayor Al Santos said the town and county has been working with Tierra Solutions for several years to formulate a plan that would "remove the worst spots" that are contaminated.

He added a full remediation is "cost prohibitive" and could take decades to perform. Once cleaned, the land would be used for warehouse space, rather than any residential or retail space because of the chemicals, he said.

"I think that's a better and practical solution to the issue than have something that remains an open wound for decades," Santos said of the EPA's proposed plan for the site.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Albio Sires, who represents Kearny, said he will be sending a letter to the EPA to articulate some of his concerns about the plan.

"I am encouraged to see the EPA taking much-needed action to address the toxic pollution at the Standard Chlorine Superfund site, however, I have concerns that this plan will not adequately remediate the contaminated waterway," Sires said in a statement.

A public meeting is scheduled for Kearny Town Hall on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. Comments on the proposed plan can also be submitted in writing by emailing hess.alison@epa.gov or by mail to Alison Hess, Remedial Project Manager U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 290 Broadway, 19th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007.
Hudson County Freeholders 2015

Hudson County Freeholder Kenneth Kopacz in 2015.

(Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal)

BAYONNE -- Hudson County Freeholder Kenneth Kopacz will take over for outgoing Assistant Schools Superintendent of Personnel Robert C. Craig in September, the city school board decided yesterday.

The change in position for Kopacz, who since last July has been Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, will not come with an increase to his annual salary, which was $158,746 as of June.

The school board's reshuffling of administrators came just days after news broke of Craig's plan to retire on Sept. 1.

Craig, who joined the Bayonne school system in 1970, is the city's highest paid public official excluding police and fire personnel, making $198,740 a year. He said he is retiring to spend time with family.

Board trustees voted unanimously last night to appoint Kopacz, who first joined the district in 2003, to Craig's position, effective Sept. 1.

Board vice president Denis Wilbeck was absent from the meeting.

They voted 7-1 immediately afterward to appoint Administrator of Assessment/Title I/Curriculum Dennis Degnan to Kopacz's position, effective the same date, with trustee Christopher Munoz objecting.

"The person that's named on this resolution, Dr. Degnan, is fully capable and he has my full support. But unfortunately at this time, while the teachers do not have a contract, I will not vote for any resolution that creates any more administration," he said.

Teachers in Bayonne have gone without a new contract since last July.

Munoz told The Jersey Journal he voted for Kopacz's appointment but against Degnan's because he considers Degnan's appointment a promotion while Kopacz's is a lateral shift in responsibility.

Degnan's promotion will not be accompanied by an increase in his annual salary, which was $170,594 as of June. The board will be advertising the position being vacated by Degnan, board secretary Gary Maita said.

Before Kopacz became an assistant superintendent last July, he was a principal at Washington Community School.

Will Lawson, the board president at the time, said Kopacz's promotion from principal to assistant superintendent had nothing to do with Kopacz's elected position as a freeholder.

Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
In what has been a rough year for European financial services stocks and a banner year for gold miners shares, some traders might be looking to make contrarian bets. Direxion, the second-largest issuer of inverse and leveraged exchange-traded funds, is there to oblige with two new ETFs targeting the aforementioned market segments.

Beautiful EUFL

The Direxion Daily European Financials Bull 2X Shares (NYSE: EUFL) will attempt to deliver twice the daily returns of the MSCI Daily TR Europe Net Financials USD Index. That index features exposure to U.K. and Swiss banks as well as Eurozone exposure via, France, German and Italy, among others.

Related Link: Gold Consolidation Continues Ahead Of Fed Meeting

Italy is widely seen as trouble spot among European bank stocks. As non-performing loans (NPLs) creep higher, investors mulling a stake in Italy ETFs or other Italy vehicles are pondering when reforms aimed at righting the banking sector there will be implemented and how long it will take those reforms to have a noticeable, positive impact.

Italy's most recent NPL plan is not reminiscent of TARP during the financial crisis in that the country isn't looking to sell bad loans. However, complexities surrounding Italy's efforts to deal with its NPL crisis could limit participation by some of the banks residing in EUFL's index.

Getting Down With DUST, JDST And MELT

For traders looking to make bearish bets on gold miners without the leveraged associated with ETFs such as the Direxion Daily Gold Miners 3X Bear Shares (Direxion Shares Exchange Traded Fund Trust (NYSE: DUST)) and the Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners 3X Bear Shares (Direxion Shares Exchange Traded Fund Trust (NYSE: JDST)), Direxion has a solution in the form of the non-leveraged Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 1x Shares (NYSE: MELT).

MELT attempts to deliver the daily inverse performance of the NYSE Gold Miners TR Index.

MELT is the eleventh member of Direxion's inverse-though-not-leveraged ETFs. The issuers other ETFs in that category offer bearish exposure to bonds, Chinese stocks and the S&P 500, among other asset classes.

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JonesGosa

Steven J. Jones, on left, and co-defendant Christopher A. Gosa appear in court in Jersey City today, July 28, 2016.

(Michaelangelo Conte | The Jersey Journal)

JERSEY CITY -- Police have charged a local man with weapons offenses related to a handgun and his co-defendant with drug counts after arresting them both Wednesday.

Steven J. Jones, of Emory Street in Jersey City, was arrested yesterday and charged with weapons offenses including possession of hollow-point bullets and possession of a weapon by a felon, the criminal complaint states.

His co-defendant -- Christopher A. Gosa, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania -- was also arrested in Jersey City yesterday and charged with marijuana-related offenses including possession of 20 bags with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of School 40 on Gates Avenue and within 500 feet of a public housing complex on the Jersey City/Bayonne border, according to the complaint.

Gosa was also was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia -- Ziploc bags, the complaint says.

Jones' bail was set at $50,000 cash or bond and Gosa's at $10,000 with a 10 percent cash option when they appeared in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City today via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny.

There is also a warrant for Jones' arrest out of Fairfield Township on a marijuana charge with a bail of $100.
SECAUCUS -- Cities and towns across the country will come together Tuesday to celebrate Night Out, the annual event aimed at strengthened the bond between police officers and the communities they serve.

The Secaucus Police Department will once again mark the occasion with a night of family-oriented fun at Buchmuller Park.

The town's festivities kick off at 5 p.m. in the park near Town Plaza with various games and rides for children, as well as free food and refreshments.

Residents who attend will also get to enjoy a public showing of the latest episode of the "Star Wars" saga -- "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

During last year's event, residents and children got to interact with police and other emergency service personnel in the town, while also enjoying meals fresh off the grill.

The community-police awareness-raising event has been observed in the United States and Canada since 1984. It was established with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and is currently sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.

This year's celebrations will be an opportunity for police and residents to come together after the recent attacks on officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as well as the police shootings of black men in Minnesota, Louisiana, and Miami. Thousands of communities are expected to take part in the festivities this year.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Recreation Center at 1200 Koelle Blvd.
The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all.
Community

Its now easier than ever to connect and chat with others in your local area. You can connect with your community by asking general questions, give area updates and recommendations and even let your community know about local events that are taking place.
The Roosters have temporarily moved into second place on the Holden Cup ladder following a 38-24 win over a spirited Brisbane Broncos side on Thursday night.

Jackson Hastings once again played a starring role for the Tricolours, helping set up three tries and slotting five goals with the boot to make it four straight wins for the home side.

Brisbane looked to be in control of the contest, but a try just before half-time swung momentum the Roosters' way to put a huge dent in the Broncos' finals hopes.

An incredible late offload from Roosters fullback Kiah Cooper looked to have sent Ben Thomas over after eight minutes, only for the referee to pull the play back for obstruction.

They wouldn't be stopped five minutes later as winger Sitili Tupouniua raced through to ground a perfectly-weighted grubber from Grant Garvey to give the Tricolours a well-deserved lead.

It didn't take long for the Broncos to hit back with a slick backline movement ending up with Corey Allan falling on a cheeky side kick from David Fauid.

All the momentum was suddenly with the visitors, and after a huge break by Jamayne Isaako, the Broncos extended their lead when Allan turned provider to send Gehamat Shibasaki over untouched.

With barely a minute left in the first half - and somewhat against the run of play - Jarrett Boland crashed onto a short ball from Jackson Hastings to make it 12-10 at the break to give the Roosters a much-needed lift heading into sheds.

It was the confidence boost they needed with the Tricolours reclaiming the lead two minutes into the second stanza with Hastings setting up another try, this time for backrower Ryan King.

The procession continued shortly after as Grant Garvey spun his way over from close range before the Roosters No.9 set up Poasa Faamausili with a crash-ball from a metre out to make it 26-12.

Another touch of class from Hastings helped push his side further in front with the five-eighth chipping ahead for Cooper to regather, before some quick hands sent Jarred Anderson over next to the posts.

The Broncos pegged one back when in-form hooker Kalolo Saitaua barged over, and the No.9 should have had a double minutes later but couldn't handle a tough pass close to the line.

A fightback looked on the cards when Sam Smith crashed over in the right corner to cut the gap to 8 points, but a late try to Ben Thomas ensured there would be no miracle at Allianz Stadium, with the Roosters hanging on to move up to second.

Roosters 38 (Sitili Tupouniua, Jarrett Boland, Ryan King, Grant Garvey, Poasa Faamausili, Jarred Anderson, Ben Thomas tries; Jackson Hastings 5 goals) defeated Broncos 24 (Corey Allan, Gehamat Shibasaki, Kalolo Saitaua, Sam Smith tries; Jamayne Isaako 4 goals) at Allianz Stadium. Half-time: 12-10 Broncos.
The Lake County Council and Highland Town Council have come out against the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, and the city of Chicago might too.

Both Highland and the Lake County Council have passed resolutions calling upon Indiana congressional representatives to oppose the 12-nation TPP and any similar trade deals if they fail to restructure the misguided and failed policies of the past.

Chicago Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza of the 10th Ward right across the state border sponsored a similar resolution in the Chicago City Council urging the Illinois congressional delegation to also reject the TPP.

The trade deal, which is opposed by the Calumet Regions labor unions, has become a hot-button issue in the presidential race. Both Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump oppose the trade deal, which has been negotiated for the last seven years.

The Obama administration touts the trade deal as a way to prevent China from dictating international trade rules and says it will increase exports of American goods. Critics say it would empower multinational companies to send factory jobs abroad to countries with low wages and few protections for the environment or workers.

The County Council of Lake County, Indiana calls upon our Congressional delegation to support new trade policy that truly promotes economic growth; avoids favoring foreign companies over domestic ones; promotes high standards of protection for workplaces, products, and natural resources; supports the creation and retention of jobs, the Lake County resolution reads.

The resolution was approved last week and sent to U.S. Sens. Daniel Coats, R-Ind., Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., and U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville.

The council highlighted the hundreds of recent layoffs in Northwest Indianas steel industry, due largely to an unprecedented flood of cheap imports.

At the urging of the United Steelworkers union, Highland also passed a nearly identically worded resolution, noting the towns unemployment rate was 6.1 percent, higher than both the state and nation.
HAMMOND  The Northwest Indiana World Trade Alliance, a local group that seeks to promote international commerce, will host a meeting next week to explain the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

The trade deal, often referred to as TPP, is opposed by labor groups and has become a heated issue in the presidential campaigns. The nominees of both major parties have come out against the TPP, which critics say will let companies ship manufacturing jobs abroad.

The Obama administration has said the deal would let the United States, and not China, dictate the terms of international trade going forward.

A U.S. Department of Commerce official will explain the trade agreement by video conference at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Purdue University Northwests Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center, 7150 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond.

U.S. Department of Commerces Indianapolis director, Mark Cooper, and Foreign Targets Inc. President Andrew Reinke also will discuss the deal.

Anyone interested in the free event should RSVP by Monday by calling (219) 252-2031 or emailing info@nwiworldtradealliance.org. For more information, visit nwiworldtradealliance.org.
CROWN POINT  An alleged member of the Latin Counts street gang fired his attorney Wednesday and tried to back out of his plea agreement that called for him to serve 37 years in prison.

Martin Hurtado, 22, of Hammond, pleaded guilty last month in three separate shootings to two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of battery with a deadly weapon and two counts of attempted battery with a deadly weapon.

The first shooting happened June 6, 2013, in the 5400 block of Molesberger Place in Hammond. Hurtado admitted that he fired several shots at a Latin King member who was on the porch of his home. The man was shot in his stomach and groin area.

On Oct. 30, 2014, Hurtado walked up to a woman who was sitting on her porch in the 400 block of Waltham Street in Hammond and began shooting at her, according to the agreement. The woman underwent four surgeries because of the shooting.

That shooting happened days after Hurtados father, Martin Hurtado, was mistakenly shot to death. The woman reputedly was considered a mother figure to a Latin King member.

On Nov. 15, 2014, Hurtado admitted to driving up to a vehicle in the 900 block of Carroll Street in Hammond and asking people inside the vehicle if they were Latin Kings. According to the agreement, someone in the vehicle told Hurtado they werent affiliated with the gang.

Hurtado fired into the car, wounding a man in the back and a woman in her buttocks.

During Wednesdays hearing, Hurtado told Lake Criminal Court Judge Diane Boswell that he wanted defense attorney Mark Gruenhagen removed from the case, and he wanted to get out of his plea agreement.

Hurtado said he didnt have time to discuss the agreement with his mother who had been out of the country. He also said he wouldnt have signed the agreement if he knew that he couldnt later petition the court to modify his sentence.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Jatkiewicz argued Hurtado had buyers remorse and was trying to manipulate the court. Jatkiewicz said she had screenshots of messages Hurtado sent to his sister indicating he had time to discuss the agreement with his family.

Boswell denied Hurtados motion, saying she wasnt convinced he didnt understand the terms of what he was signing.

The sentencing was briefly put on hold after Gruenhagen said Hurtado told him he was fired.

Boswell said she would ask someone from the public defenders office to step in before continuing the hearing. Defense attorney Casey McCloskey stepped in to go over the probations report with Hurtado.

After the delay, Hurtado said he didnt have anything else to say about the cases besides what he had previously told the probation department.

Boswell then sentenced Hurtado to 37 years in prison.
HAMMOND  A 26-year-old East Chicago man was sentenced Wednesday to 37 months in prison for possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

Antonio Perkins also faces three years of supervised release following his sentence, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indianas office.

Perkins is accused of distributing at least between 20 and 40 grams of heroin on or about Aug. 18, 2015.

His initial indictment hit him with two other counts  being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm to further a drug trafficking crime. Perkins pleaded guilty to the drug possession with intent to distribute charge in March.
GARY  The parents of a 3-month-old boy who died earlier this month of malnutrition were arrested.

Katherine Holmes, 27, turned herself in about 5 p.m. Tuesday to the Lake County Sheriffs Department. Jarod T. McMillan, 31, was arrested late Wednesday by the Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force.

Both face eight counts of neglect of a dependent, according to court records. McMillan was being held without bail in Lake County Jail. Holmes was being held on $100,000 bail.

Police were called July 5 to the couples home in the 800 block of East 36th Avenue in Gary for an unresponsive child. Their son, Kannon McMillan, was taken to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy determined the infant died of dehydration and malnutrition, according to court records. There was no food present in his stomach and he did not have any body fat. Officials believe Kannon could have died 12 hours before he was pronounced dead.

McMillan told police he fed his son the morning of July 5. According to the affidavit, Holmes couldnt remember if she had any contact with her son from July 1 to July 4.
SCHERERVILLE  Police said Wednesday alcohol use by a pedestrian may have been a factor in a crash Tuesday night on U.S. 30 that sent him to a hospital.

A vehicle was traveling in the right lane of westbound U.S. 30 near Fountain Park Drive about 9 p.m. when it struck the pedestrian, who was crossing from south to north, Patrol Cmdr. Brian Neyhart said.

The area is just west of the busy U.S. 30 and U.S. 41 intersection. Police shut down two westbound lanes of the highway during an investigation.

The pedestrian was taken to Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Crown Point. Police did not have information about his condition as of Wednesday morning, Neyhart said.

Police are not releasing the identity of the pedestrian until a crash report is completed, he said.
EAST CHICAGO  Police are investigating after three people, including two teenagers, were shot Tuesday night.

In the first incident, East Chicago police responded about 8:20 p.m. to the 3700 block of Fir Street for reports of a gunfight between two men. A 16-year-old and 17-year-old  both East Chicago residents  were shot.

The 16-year-old, whose condition is unknown, remains in the hospital, and the 17-year-old has been treated and released, East Chicago police Lt. Marguerite Wilder said in an email.

In the second incident, police responded about 11:30 p.m. to the 3900 block of Elm Street for reports of multiple gunshots. Patrol units were led to an apartment, where they discovered an East Chicago man with an apparent gunshot wound to his lower extremities.

He was transported to St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, where he was treated and released.

Its unknown if the two incidents are related, Wilder said. The shootings occurred within two blocks of each other and three hours apart.

The incidents are under investigation awaiting cooperation from the three victims or the community, Wilder said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Miguel Pena at (219) 391-8318 or email MPena@eastchicago.com.
CROWN POINT  Hammond and Hobart city officials resigned Wednesday after a Lake County judge upheld the states nepotism law.

An East Chicago councilman has yet to decide whether to appeal the unfavorable decision or choose between his elective office and his job as a city police officer.

Lake Superior Court Judge William E. Davis made public Wednesday his final order against Lake officials who sued to overturn a 2012 law forbidding elected officials from also being employees of the same government agency.

Its a sad day for my 5th District, Hammond City Councilman Michael Opinker said Wednesday.

Opinker, Hammond City Councilman Scott Rakos, Hobart City Councilman Matthew D. Claussen, New Chicago Town Councilwoman Susan Pelfrey and East Chicago City Councilman Juda Parks filed challenges in both federal and state courts, arguing the law violated their right to be involved in elective politics.

A federal judge ruled against them last year.

Davis ruled this week that the Indiana General Assembly has the authority to regulate conflicts of interest involving a persons governmental employment.

He wrote that the nepotism law only forbids them from holding an elective office that gives them improper financial and policy-making authority over the government agency employing them.

Opinker and Claussen are resigning their city council seats.

Pelfrey resigned July 14 in anticipation of an unfavorable ruling. Scott Rakos resigned last year as an assistant Hammond fire chief to make a successful run for Hammond City Council.

East Chicago Councilman Juda Parks declined comment, saying he will take the weekend to decide.

Opinker wont appeal, but said he remains bitter over the Indiana General Assemblys making him a second class citizen.

Ive been a councilman for more than six and a half years and a firefighter more than 22 years. Its been a great honor to do both. My taxpayers and constituents interact with me on a daily basis. Who knows the citizens best than fire and police? We work these neighborhoods on a daily basis.

Opinker said he couldnt afford to lose tens of thousands of dollars he earns as an assistant Hammond fire chief to remain on the council and a salary of $30,000.

Pelfrey said, I cant live on the $8,000 a year I get as councilwoman. Both Opinker and Pelfrey said they will remain active politically as Democratic precinct committee members in their communities.

Their resignations set in motion back room moves to fill the vacancies in their community.

Pelfrey said the caucus to replace her already is scheduled to be held Thursday, and her daughter, Tara Pelfrey, is the only candidate.

David Woerpel, Hammonds Democratic city chairman, said Wednesday he will run for his friend Opinkers seat after learning of the decision from Opinker. Woerpel said he retired this month from the U.S. Postal service.

No caucus has been scheduled yet for Opinkers or Claussens seats, but must be held within a month of their resignations.
Justin Edlen is hoping one day the memory of hitting and killing a bicyclist completely fades from his memory.

Drew Schimdt, 30, of Valparaiso, was killed Tuesday night on U.S. 421 near the Purdue University Northwest campus.

Edlen, 23, of Michigan City, said he was driving home from his job at UPS in Westville when the bicyclist suddenly appeared in front of him.

I cannot get this image out of my head ... Its the worst thing you can ever imagine, Edlen said.

According to LaPorte County police, Edlen was traveling north just after 9 p.m. in his personal vehicle on U.S 421 near County Road 200 South, a few miles north of Westville.

He struck Schmidt, who was pedaling in the same direction.

Were confident, unfortunately, that Mr. Schmidt was in the middle of the northbound lane of that roadway, LaPorte County police Capt. Mike Kellems said.

Kellems said there are no lights on whats a very dark stretch of highway.

Schmidt also was not wearing any reflective clothing and had no lights or reflectors on the bicycle, he said.

Kellems said the investigation shows that Schmidt was possibly riding to his girlfriends residence in New Carlisle.

We dont know why, why that time of night or why that route of travel. That would not be the most direct route to New Carlisle from Valparaiso, Kellems said.

Edlen said hes had trouble sleeping, and that even though it wasnt his fault, he said what happened is weighing heavily on him.

It was just a really difficult night for me and its going to be a difficult rest of my life knowing that I took someone elses life, even though it was a complete accident and it was unavoidable. Its just something Im going to have to live with, he said.
As concerns over police shootings of African-Americans remain a focal point in the country and the presidential campaign, one family wants to make sure their case isn't forgotten. NY1 Criminal Justice Reporter Dean Meminger takes a look at the controversial death of a young Brooklyn teen from more than 20 years ago.

"Justice for who?

Nicholas Heyward."

It was a heartbreaking case 22 years ago. 13-year-old Nicholas Heyward was shot dead by a Housing Officer as he played cops and robbers at the Gowanus Houses with a toy gun.

His family and supporters are still demanding the case be prosecuted.

"They claim they are still interviewing witnesses," said former-councilman and Assemblyman Charles Barron. "But, you know what we say, nice talk, keep the pressure on."

The former Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes didn't bring any charges in the case saying officer Brian George accidentally killed the teen in a dimly lit housing hallway. The officer recently retired. The current DA, Ken Thompson did re-opened the case last year.

But, Nicholas Heyward Sr. says the DA's offices cut off communications after the family became critical about the police shooting death of Akai Gurley and DA Thompson recommending community service for former housing officer Peter Liang.

"I had faith in this office under Ken Thompson until that Akai Gurley statement that he had made in recommending no jail time," said Heyward Sr.

Several families that have had loved ones killed by police rallied with Heyward outside the DA's office.

After his thirteen year old son was killed in 1994, there was a big push to ban toy guns. But the family's attorney now says the prosecution and police back then falsely reported the toy gun looked realistic.

"This is a replica of the gun that was turned over to the police, to the district attorney's office, this was the gun," said attorney Roger Wareham. "This was not the gun that was put on the table when there was announcement that there was not going to be any prosecution. That in itself was clear evidence of a cover-up."

If the DA brings a case all these years later, it would have to be for the top charge of murder, because the statute of limitations has run out for any other charges.

A spokesperson for the DA says the office will work closely with Mr. Heyward to complete a thorough and fair investigation.
PHILADELPHIA -- His own legacy on the line, President Barack Obama implored Americans to elect Hillary Clinton to the White House, casting her as a candidate who believes in the optimism that fuels the nation's democracy and warning against the "deeply pessimistic vision" of Republican Donald Trump.

"America is already great. America is already strong," he declared to cheering delegates Wednesday night at the Democratic convention. "And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump."

For Democrats, the night was steeped in symbolism, the passing of the baton from a barrier-breaking president to a candidate trying to make history herself.

FULL COVERAGE: 2016 Democratic National Convention

Kaine Gets Nod | Russia and E-mails | Delegate Fashion Photos | Protesters Lose Steam

Obama urged Americans to summon the hopefulness of his first White House campaign eight years ago, before recession deepened and new terror threats shook voters' sense of security. He robustly vouched for Clinton's readiness to finish the job he started, saying "no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

Earlier Wednesday, Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, introduced himself to the nation as a formidable foil to Trump in his own right. With folksy charm, he ridiculed Trump's list of promises and imitated one of the GOP candidate's favorite phrases.

"Believe me!" he said mockingly, as the audience boomed back, "No!"

Obama's vigorous support for Clinton is driven in part by deep concern that Republican Trump might win in November and unravel his two terms in office. He warned repeatedly Wednesday that the billionaire businessman is unprepared for the challenges that would await him in the Oval Office.

Trump fueled more controversy Wednesday when he encouraged Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign. On the heels of reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said, "Russia, if you're listening," it would be desirable to see Moscow find and publish the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state.

Wednesday night's Democratic lineup was aimed at emphasizing Clinton's own national security credentials. It was a significant shift in tone after two nights spent reintroducing Clinton to voters as a champion for children and families, and relishing in her historic nomination as the first woman to lead a major political party into the general election.

The convention's third night was also a time for Democrats to celebrate Obama's legacy. Vice President Joe Biden, who decided against running for president this year after the death of his son, called it a "bittersweet moment."

A son of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden appealed directly to the working class white voters who have been drawn to Trump's populism, warning them against falling for false promises and exploitation of Americans' anxieties.

"This guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class," he declared.

Kaine also picked up the traditional attacking role of the presidential ticket's No. 2. He tore into Trump, mocking his pledges to build a wall along the Mexican border, asking why he has not released his tax returns and slamming his business record, including the now-defunct Trump University.

"Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth," Kaine said. "Our nation is too great to put it in the hands of slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew."

Liberals, particularly those who supported Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, have grumbled about Kaine being on the ticket, particularly because of his support for "fast track" approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. Several delegates held up anti-TPP signs as he spoke.

In a move aimed at broadening Clinton's appeal, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg  an independent who considered launching a third party bid for president  endorsed the Democratic nominee. A billionaire businessman himself, Bloomberg took aim at Trump's bankruptcies, reliance on foreign factories and other economic experience: "The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy."

President Bill Clinton, filling the role of devoted political spouse, joined the crowd packed to the arena rafters in cheering the attacks on Trump.

The core of Clinton's strategy is putting back together Obama's winning White House coalition. In both his campaigns, Obama carried more than 90 percent of black voters, the overwhelming majority of Hispanics, and more than half of young people and women.

That coalition was vividly on display in the first two nights of the convention in Philadelphia. Women lawmakers were prominently featured, along with young activists, immigrants, and mothers whose black children were victims of gun violence or killed during encounters with law enforcement.

Gun violence continued as a theme Wednesday night as families of mass shooting victims took the stage. Delegates rose in an emotional standing ovation for the mother of one of the victims in last month's Orlando nightclub shooting, who asked why "commonsense" gun policies weren't in place when her son died.

"I never want you to ask that question about your child," Christine Leinonen said.

Clinton's convention has been awash in history, with energized delegates celebrating her formal nomination as the first woman to ever lead a major political party in the general election. Some supporters of Sanders, her primary opponent, continued to voice their displeasure.

But Sanders, meeting with New England delegates, said, "As of yesterday, I guess, officially our campaign ended."
The third night of the Democratic National Convention was headlined by Barack Obama, the man Hillary Clinton is running to replace, with both of them briefly sharing the stage. Courtney Gross filed the following report.



The baton was all but handed off at the Democratic National Convention on Philadelphia on Wednesday, with Hillary Clinton embracing President Barack Obama after he praised her in a 45-minute speech.



It's a night typically headlined by the vice presidential candidate, but it was Obama who took the stage last, ticking off the accomplishments of his legacy and presidency.

"I stand before you again tonight, after two terms as your president, to tell you, tell you I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before," he said.



Perhaps, he said, because has a worthy successor waiting in the wings.



"I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman, not me, not Bill, nobody, more qualified to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama said.

The president proved to be a forceful and loyal surrogate for his former secretary of state, painting a gloomy picture of what Republicans and Donald Trump have to offer.



"Does anyone really believe that a guy who spent 70 years on this earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion, your voice?" Obama said.



That feeling was repeated by others on the stage. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent who contemplated running for president earlier this year, cast November's contest as only he knew how.



"Trump says he wants to run the nation, like he's running his business? God help us," Bloomberg said.

"I am a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one," he added.



The events overshadowed Clinton's vice presidential pick, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. His remarks made an appeal to key voters like Latinos.

"Hillary Clinton and I are companeros de alma," Kaine said.



And he played the typical running mate attack dog, summing up his remarks by saying, "You cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth."


The city is looking to put its rat problem on ice by testing some new techniques.



The Health Department is using dry ice to combat the rodent issue.

Workers are pumping dry ice into a burrow where rats live and covering the top with dirt. The dry ice takes the oxygen out of the space.

Officials say a six-month pilot program at Columbus Park in Chinatown has reduced the number of active rat burrows from 250 to one single hole.



"A burrow system may be two to three burrows. And if you close all those areas where they enter, where they escape, their secondary holes, in a very short amount of time, they just suffocate in the burrows, and that's it. You eliminate them," said Rick Simeone, director of pest control services for the New York City Department of Health.



Officials say blasting rat burrows with dry ice won't harm other wildlife or pets.

Plans are underway to expand the dry ice program to other chronically infested areas of the city.



Officials also say 25 solar trash bins in Columbus Park is also helping in the fight against rats since they're rodent-proof.


Hillary Clinton makes history on the final night of the Democratic National Convention. Lollapalooza celebrates its 25th anniversary with four days of concerts. And in Mustang, five sisters in rural Turkey try to break the rules meant to hold them back.

Whats on TV

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION 5 p.m. on MSNBC; 6 p.m. on Fox Business and Fox News; 7 p.m. on CNN and C-Span; 8 p.m. on PBS; 10 p.m. on ABC, CBS and NBC. Hillary Clinton will become the first woman to accept a presidential nomination on the conventions final night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Chelsea Clinton will introduce her mother. Late-night dispatches include The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, at 11 on Comedy Central; The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, at 11:35 on CBS; and Real Time With Bill Maher, at 11 on HBO.

Whats Streaming

LOLLAPALOOZA 7 p.m. on Red Bull TV. This festival in Chicago celebrates its 25th anniversary with a lineup including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, LCD Soundsystem, Future, Major Lazer, Janes Addiction, Flume, G-Eazy, M83, Two Door Cinema Club and Leon Bridges. Live coverage and replays continue through Monday.
The debt collection proposal is the third major initiative to come out of the consumer bureau this year. In May, it proposed a rule to prohibit mandatory arbitration clauses and to restore customers rights to bring class-action lawsuits against companies. Last month, it released a draft of tighter rules covering payday lending that are aimed at keeping low-income people out of an endless cycle of ballooning debt.

The bureau receives far more complaints about debt collection than any other issue  more than 7,000 a month, on average  and 40 percent of them are about collection attempts on debts the customers say they do not owe.

Susan Macharia, 39, an administrative worker who lives in Buena Park, Calif., said she was blindsided in January when she got a call from a collector saying that her wages would be garnished unless she paid off a $10,000 credit card debt that she allegedly ran up in 2003.

A debt so old would normally be beyond the statute of limitations, and legally uncollectable, but the company had a copy of a 2006 default judgment that was entered against her when she failed to respond to a collection lawsuit.

But Ms. Macharia, who opened her first credit card account just three years ago, had no recollection of being notified of a lawsuit, and she was living in Atlanta when the papers were said to have been served on her in California. Fraudulent service is a problem so common it has a name  sewer service  derived from the way process servers metaphorically toss the papers they are supposed to deliver into a sewer instead.

While Ms. Macharia tried to figure out how to contest the debt, the collector began garnishing nearly $800 a month from her paychecks.
In Philadelphia, each of the Democratic speeches had its own distinct aim: Fire up the base (Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and the mothers whose unarmed sons were slain by police), attack Mr. Trump (Senator Elizabeth Warren and the actresses Lena Dunham and America Ferrera), unify the party (Bernie Sanders and Bernie Sanders), rally independents (Michael Bloomberg), fill out the nominees biography (Bill Clinton).

The acts and speeches were choreographed down to the minute so that not a precious second of prime time would go to waste. The tight production continued right into the thunderous final night, with fiery speeches by the activist preacher Rev. William Barber II and John Allen, a retired four-star general; Chelsea Clintons daughterly testimonial; and, finally, Mrs. Clintons big acceptance  which was met with some unplanned protest in the hall that did not, however, derail her address.

It might have been a less notable contrast if Mr. Trumps show had not been such a break from the tightly scripted performance that has come to typify these conventions. In Cleveland, an important endorser, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, started speaking after the broadcast networks had already moved on to local news (Republican Party officials argued Thursday that they should have shown her instead); Mr. Trump called in to The OReilly Factor while Patricia Smith was speaking emotionally onstage about her sons death in the Benghazi attack; and one nights program ended prematurely, leaving precious prime-time minutes unused.

Asked about the differences, Mr. Trump said he could not speak to them with much specificity, because I didnt produce our show  I just showed up for the final speech on Thursday. (He acknowledged that he made other appearances while the convention was going on, including on OReilly, but said they werent a distraction from the convention because they were unannounced and nobody even knew he would be appearing.)
She is credited with having done more perhaps than any other woman in the state to obtain suffrage for the women of Montana, The Times said in a news article. Then, practically in the next breath, the article continued:

 Miss Rankin is a very feminine woman, one young woman who had known her here and who is now a reporter on a New York evening paper said yesterday. She dances well and makes her own hats, and sews, and has won genuine fame among her friends with the wonderful lemon meringue pie that she makes when she hasnt enough other things to do to keep her busy. 

Not until two weeks after her election did Ms. Rankin get a profile in The Times, by Louis Levine, an economics professor at the University of Montana, that took her seriously as the skilled politician she obviously was. It appeared below the fold, under an article about debutantes. Nonetheless, Mr. Levine predicted:

There is a great surprise in store for the members of the new Congress when they convene in Washington next year and meet their first woman colleague, The Lady from Montana. They will have to throw overboard a lot of mental baggage which they may have valued very highly for many years. They will find in their midst not that impulsive, irrational, sentimental, capriciously thinking and obstinately feeling being which many imagine woman to be, but a strong and well-balanced personality, scientifically trained, accustomed to strict reasoning, well versed in the art of politics, inspired by high social ideals, tempered by wide experience.

Image An editorial in October 1916 suggested that Ms. Rankins chief contribution to Congress would be to improve that body aesthetically with her wealth of red hair. (Among the objections to the piece was the fact that her hair was not red.)

Before members of the new Congress had the chance to be tested on their own account, however, they faced a fateful resolution declaring the United States to be at war with Germany.

How Times reporters cover politics. We rely on our journalists to be independent observers. So while Times staff members may vote, they are not allowed to endorse or campaign for candidates or political causes. This includes participating in marches or rallies in support of a movement or giving money to, or raising money for, any political candidate or election cause. Learn more about our process.

Ms. Rankin was one of 50 representatives who opposed the resolution. Around 3 a.m. on April 6, 1917, just days after first taking her seat, Ms. Rankin rose to address the House, against custom and ever so briefly, in a shaking voice that penetrated every corner of the big chamber, according to The Times.

I want to stand by my country, she said, but I cannot vote for war.

Pressed by the chief clerk whether she intended by that to vote no, Ms. Rankin nodded in a tired sort of way and sank back into her seat. Then she pressed her hands to her eyes, threw her head far back and sobbed.

This account was immediately disputed by Harriet Burton Laidlaw, an ally of Ms. Rankin, who had watched from the gallery. It is not true that Miss Rankin wept, fainted or had to be carried from her seat, Mrs. Laidlaw said. She was perfectly composed.

She had been asked by so many of her friends to vote for the resolution, Mrs. Laidlaw explained, at the same time, she was gripped by a desire to express a womans horror of war and her principles against it.

Besides, asked Carrie Chapman Catt, head of the national suffrage association, Does it occur to you that it was no more a sign of weakness for Miss Rankin to weep, if she did, than it was for Congressman Kitchin to weep? (Claude Kitchin of North Carolina, the House majority leader, was among the 16 Democrats who voted against the war.)

In 1918, certain she would not win re-election from the newly drawn western Congressional district of Montana, Ms. Rankin unsuccessfully sought a Senate seat. She did not return to the House until 1941, another fateful year. This time, she was the lone member of Congress to oppose war with Japan. That ended her career in national elected office, though not on the national stage. Ms. Rankin was a prominent opponent of the Vietnam War in the 1960s.
Clockwise from top left: Sarah Silverman at the Democratic National Convention on Monday; a Bernie-or-Bust rally there on Tuesday; Julian Assange in London in February.

Credit... J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press; Hilary Swift for The New YorkTimes; Carl Court, via Getty Images
Campaigning during the Pennsylvania primary, she bemoaned lousy trade deals  including the North American Free Trade Agreement, a signature accomplishment of Bill Clintons presidency. She vowed to bring manufacturing jobs back to Pennsylvania. She trash-talked China. And she condemned Obama for his offhand clinging-to-their-guns-and-religion remark as well as for his fidelity to the controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright. Clinton knew what all of this would get her. In an interview with USA Today that spring, she pointed to data showing that Senator Obamas support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states  meaning Ohio and Pennsylvania  who had not completed college were supporting me. In the end, she beat Obama by nine points in the primary. And in so doing, she unintentionally provided a blueprint for how Trump may be able to beat her in November.

Recent history suggests that Clinton has nothing to worry about in Pennsylvania, which a Republican presidential candidate has not won since 1988. Thats been largely because the majority of the states votes come from Philadelphia and the surrounding three suburban collar counties, which are all heavily Democratic. (Obama carried the state in 2012 by 300,000 votes, almost entirely because of the 600,000-vote edge he received in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.) But the Harrisburg-based G.O.P. pollster James Lee insists that this year could be different. The Democrats have 900,000 more voters in this state than Republicans, Lee says. Despite that, in the primaries only 89,000 more Democrats than Republicans turned out to vote. Now, some of that is because the Clinton-Sanders race wasnt as energizing. But because both Trump and Clinton have such high unfavorable ratings, there are indications that the overall turnout in Pennsylvania this November could be far lower than it was the past two cycles. And that means fewer minority and college-age voters in Philadelphia and the collar counties.

Lee points out that in the last low-turnout presidential year, 2004, John Kerry beat George W. Bush in Pennsylvania by only 140,000 votes. At this stage, Lee says, Trump is significantly outperforming Bush in the states 16 or so bellwether counties  populated in part by unionized miners and steelworkers, in addition to other lifelong Democrats who are nonetheless socially conservative. In Cambria County, hes on track to win by twice the margin Bush did, Lee says. The point being, if this happens in most of the swing counties, its not hard to come up with the 140,000 votes Bush lost by in 2004.

What these counties have in common is a predominance of white, non-college-educated voters. That demographic currently provides Trump with his greatest advantage over Clinton: 53 percent to 28 percent, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll. Exit polls in the 2008 Pennsylvania primary showed that white male voters favored Clinton over Obama, 57 to 43. While many of those voters might have been indisposed to cast their ballots for an African-American candidate, it remains a fact that they are, or were, registered Democrats  and thus are, or were, within Hillary Clintons reach.

This is almost duplicative of 1980, when middle-income working-class voters in Pennsylvania became Reagan Democrats, says former Harrisburg mayor Stephen R. Reed, a Democrat who supported Clinton in 2008. Hillary had a very strong appeal to those voters in 2008. If the election were held today, a lot of those voters would be inclined to vote for Trump. I think theyre gettable, but there has to be additional focus by her campaign to reverse the inroads that Trump has made with them. The focus in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio has to be on the economy  creating jobs, raising the minimum wage. Id leave the other issues to the side, frankly.
It is not uncommon for older people like Mr. McLellan to slip through the cracks and become vulnerable to fraud and abuse from caretakers, experts say. According to a 2011 study, 141 out of 1,000 older New York State residents have experienced an elder-abuse event since turning age 60, but only a small portion of these cases are brought to the attention of local authorities.

In 2010, the police in the village of Highland Falls received a call from a local bank employee who suspected that a man was posing as Mr. McLellans relative. The police referred the bank employee to the countys Adult Protective Services agency, the police chief, Kenneth Scott, said.

In April 2012, the department received a complaint that Mr. Coniglio had thrown a burning piece of paper into Mr. McLellans window. When officers responded to the call, Mr. McLellan told them the situation was a misunderstanding, Chief Scott said. About two weeks later, Adult Protective Services requested that the police perform a welfare check on Mr. McLellan. Officers found nothing to report, the chief said.

It was a drug investigation by the police from the Town of Highlands, a neighboring jurisdiction, that eventually led investigators to Mr. McLellan. (The towns police station is just steps from the motel, but the motel sits just across the town-village border, and the town police never received any reports related to Mr. McLellan while he was living at the motel, Detective Cornetta said.)

But according to people who live at the motel, the troubles were no secret to those in earshot. For years, they had heard constant screaming between the two men.

You felt that something was just not right, said Carmine Bloise, who lived two doors down from Mr. McLellan and Mr. Coniglio for about two years. But fearing he would be kicked out for attracting the attention of law enforcement, Mr. Bloise said he did not report the suspicious relationship to the police.
LAKEWOOD, Pa.  In the woods here on Tuesday, campers stood in a line holding quails, feeling their warm bodies and beating hearts in their hands.

Guys, do not bond with your birds, Hillie Ackerman, 16, a camper from Brooklyn, warned his friends.

The birds were about to be slaughtered.

One by one, the boys handed the quails to a shochet, a Jewish slaughterer, who took a knife, its sharpness tested earlier against his own fingernail, and sliced the birds necks.

For a second, each quail shuddered, then went limp. The slaughterer tossed it into a plastic tub that quickly become splattered with blood.
For Mayor Bill de Blasio, it could have been a much bigger moment: a high-profile chance to champion his own accomplishments in New York City and the liberal agenda he favors, while positioning himself as a national leader of the left.

Instead, the mayor spoke for just seven minutes at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday, well before prime time, in front of a half-empty hall, sticking to a script praising Hillary Clinton and bashing Donald J. Trump, with no mention of his own achievements in New York.

Mr. de Blasio dithered for months before endorsing Mrs. Clinton over her primary rival, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, testing the patience of Mrs. Clinton and her aides. He tried to organize a candidate forum in Iowa that was conceived as a chance to question the candidates on liberal issues and raise Mr. de Blasios profile outside New York. The forum fell through amid criticism of the mayor for appearing more interested in playing national politics than in running the city.

Then he embarrassed Mrs. Clinton during a stage skit at a charity dinner in New York by involving her in a bit that included a joke that some people viewed as racist, or at least in questionable taste.
2. Mr. Trump said his call for Russia to hack into Mrs. Clintons email was meant as sarcasm.

But he also added to his previous praise for Vladimir Putin, saying the Russian president was a better leader than Obama. Above, a short video looking at the history of the Trump-Putin relationship.

Mr. Trumps comments have been criticized by former government officials of both major parties, as well as many foreign policy experts.

Some say the security briefings he is now entitled to should be curtailed, while he counters that Mrs. Clintons email troubles prove she should not be trusted with the briefings.
Among all voters, Garin argued, a majority has come to the conclusion that Trump is unfit for the job and that he would represent a significant risk as president. Polling and focus group testing, Garin said, have shown that one ad produced by Priorities, Grace, has been highly effective. It shows Grace, who was born with spina bifida, her parents, Chris and Lauren Glaros, and a clip of Trump ridiculing a disabled New York Times reporter.

The ad concludes with the father on camera:

When I saw Donald Trump mock someone with a disability, it showed me his soul. It showed me his heart. And I didnt like what I saw.

I asked Garin, along with other strategists and political observers, how they would respond to a long list of Trumps rambling, theatrical promises, which he would, in fact, be unable to keep. Just a partial list of these includes refusing to defend Americas NATO allies, returning 11 million undocumented immigrants to their home countries, saving $300 billion annually on a prescription drug program that spends only $78 billion a year, nationalizing concealed weapons permits and vowing that If I become president, were gonna be saying Merry Christmas at every store ... You can leave Happy Holidays at the corner.

Should Democrats, I inquired, point to the infeasibility of Trumps proposals and the damaging results of any attempts on his part to follow through? That approach would not work, Garin said, because voters, including many of Trumps supporters, dont really believe he will build a wall, or get Mexico to pay for a wall  they have already discounted many of Trumps over-the-top assertions as hyperbole.

The real case has more to do with his character and temperament, Garin said. The biggest concern is that he is temperamentally unsuited to lead the country.

Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster unaffiliated with the Clinton campaign, argued in an email that there were risks in attacking specific Trump proposals as unrealistic:

To argue you cant do it just makes you part of the status quo and the problem in Washington. Voters will feel if you say you cant do some of these things or something in these arenas, we will hire someone who can.

In an interesting warning to Democrats, Arthur Lupia, a professor of political science at the University of Michigan, wrote me:

Responding directly to Trumps claims often requires repeating them, which gives them extra oxygen. There is a growing literature on attempts to correct misinformation. A common theme in this literature is that if a person repeats misinformation or otherwise draws attention to it in an attempt to counter the misinformation, the original claim can be reinforced, rather than diminished, in peoples memories.

Making a related argument, a Democratic strategist who sought anonymity in order to protect his relationship with the Clinton campaign, wrote me:

The problem for Democrats is that in quarreling with the Trump program, they are getting tangled up with specifics, and as a result, they may be seen to be oblivious or insensitive to the underlying message: about illegal immigration or crime or terrorism or loss of local control or American responsibility for world affairs that seems endless and pursued at the expense of concentration on domestic concerns.

This strategist cited the futility of accusing Trump of hyping crime:

This seems counterproductive: Voters are not judging a 10-year performance on crime if they are worried about an experienced or feared increase now. The effect of a defense of this nature may be perceived as belittling or minimizing the concern.

Democrats have to negotiate a tricky path in communicating their candidates identification with the main concerns of many of Trumps voters on such issues as immigration, the strategist argued. This empathy has to be

thematic and not programmatic identification: we plainly cannot agree with regressive changes in the tax code, or canceling the Paris agreement, or deporting 11 million people.

Robert Borosage, co-director of the Campaign for Americas Future, a liberal advocacy group, described the problem of attempting to refute Trump point-by-point:

Democratic think tanks and surrogates and experts will dissect his proposals and show how they fail, but that wont mean much. Hes an attitude, a direction, not a policy agenda.

Clintons task, in Borosages view, is not an easy one for a politician who has been in the national spotlight for more than a quarter of a century: H.R.C.s challenge is to claim the future  one that is different than the past, Borosage wrote.
The next question is whether Russia was also behind the release of the stolen emails to WikiLeaks. Someone using the name Guccifer 2.0 claimed to be behind the hack, denied Russian involvement and claimed to be Romanian  but wrote Romanian badly. ThreatConnect, a private security firm, issued a meticulous report showing that Guccifer used a Russia-based VPN (virtual private network) service and displayed other heavy traces of Russian activity.

Guccifer 2.0 is a Russian propaganda effort, ThreatConnect concluded.

After talking to experts, I have the sense that theres considerable confidence that Russia is the culprit, but more doubt about whether Putin gave the order and about whether the aim was to benefit Trump or simply to create havoc.

I think the most likely explanation is that someone in Russian intelligence, probably very high up, decided to help Donald Trump, said Benjamin Wittes, a security expert at the Brookings Institution, but he added that theres no solid evidence for this.

One reason for caution is that history shows that intelligence community is sometimes an oxymoron. In the 1980s, the United States accused Russia of conducting chemical warfare in Southeast Asia, citing yellow rain in jungles there. Years later, it turned out that this yellow rain may have actually been bee excrement.

Democrats should be particularly wary of hinting that Trump is some sort of conscious pawn of the Russians, or is controlled by Moscow through financial investments. Its true that his son Donald Trump Jr. said in 2008 that we see a lot of money pouring in from Russia. But do you really think that if Trump were an agent he would have exaggerated his ties, as he did last year, saying of Putin, I got to know him very well? In fact, Trump acknowledged Wednesday, he has never even met Putin.

The reason Moscow favors Trump isnt some conspiracy. Its simply that Putin dislikes Clinton, while Trumps combination of international ignorance and catastrophic policies would benefit Putin. In particular, Trumps public doubts about NATO renounce more than half a century of bipartisan orthodoxy on how to deal with Russia, and undermine the Western alliance that checks Putin.
The only simple truth after our week of horrors is that there is no simple truth. And yet it will clearly alter Germanys collective self-perception. We have joined the ranks of the victims of international terrorism. The shell that seemed to protect Germany from the horrors experienced by others  by the United States and by so many countries in Europe, the Arab world and Asia  is broken, if it ever existed. In an odd way, its like a coming of age, a shedding of a childs illusion of being inviolable.

But perhaps more so in Germany than any other country in Europe, the fear of terrorism isnt limited to the possible attacks themselves; it is about what our bete noire, the German far right, will do with it. We have already seen the political risks of xenophobia; the right-wing sentiments of the Munich attacker raise the possibility that xenophobic violence will escalate further.

What it all adds up to, though, is a fear that the attacks will change the character of Germany itself, destroying the tolerant, cosmopolitan identity that we have assiduously built over decades, and that we cultivate as if it were a prize flower. Given our history, we have always been aware of its fragility; but in recent decades we have been more confident about our relatively new selves  even, dare we say, proud of what Germany is today.

Since the attacks, leaders from the centrist parties have been offering detailed suggestions for policy changes to counter terrorism, a desperate attempt to prove the ability of mainstream politics to respond. But however sensible their suggestions, none of them can compete with easy populist slogans like No asylum for Muslims or Shut the borders.

Rebuilding trust and fighting the rise of the new far right starts with blunt honesty, investigating the backgrounds of all attacks without political bias, whether they are Islamist or xenophobic. It also means being realistic: The only way to truly prevent such attacks is to renounce the freedom and openness that make modern Germany worth defending. Accepting that premise without accepting its conclusion is the greatest challenge facing us, and the West.
PHILADELPHIA  Now, everybody wears the pants in the family.

While the Democrats have been celebrating the nomination of Hillary Clinton, Ive been thinking about all the American women, from the 1600s through World War II, who got arrested for wearing trousers in public. Youd like to imagine them out there somewhere watching those Clinton pantsuits, exchanging high-fives. Ditto all the women who supported the deeply uncomfortable bloomer movement, in the name of a feminist future.

The idea of the first-woman-major-party-nominee is a political event, but its also a historical marker. Once everyone leaves here and goes home, we probably wont have much chance to talk about that angle. Really, theres going to be a lot of other stuff on the agenda. The Democrats hadnt even gotten to Clintons acceptance speech before everyone was distracted by Donald Trump encouraging the Russians to spy on his opponent.

Its also becoming clear that the campaign is so fixated on those ever-elusive white males that many Democrats would prefer to forget Susan B. Anthony and talk about Babe Ruth. Thats political life. But just give us a little more time to dwell.
President Obamas speech before the Democratic convention in Philadelphia Wednesday night was, of course, an occasion to celebrate the candidacy of Hillary Clinton, his former secretary of state and the first woman to receive the presidential nomination of a major political party.

His presence on the podium was also a valedictory for an exceptional man and president who will be remembered for eloquently defending the founding precepts of the country  even as he used those precepts to expand the mandate of inclusiveness and broaden the definition of what it means to be an American.

From that standpoint, the Obama presidency has been transformative  perhaps even miraculous. But the very idea of a black man in the White House was too much to bear for white supremacists, birthers and the antigovernment militia groups that have only grown more savage over time. The Republican nominee, Donald Trump, traded openly on these impulses, amping up the racism, xenophobia and religious bigotry that have poisoned public discourse in this nation.



Wednesday nights beautiful and emotional speech came 12 years after Mr. Obama, then a Senate candidate from Illinois, delivered the keynote address at the Democratic convention in Boston that brought him into the national spotlight. As he did then, Mr. Obama laid out his personal history, the son of a black Kenyan and a white American, and sounded the theme that has been common to his orations ever since: that the progress of American history is toward the creation of one people  out of many, one.
Bather Trunk Company, a three-year-old mens swim line, could easily be mistaken for a Southern California brand  so its a surprise to learn its true origins. Aside from our office and manufacturing facility being in Toronto, there isnt really anything about the brand that screams Canada, says Kyle Kaminsky, 31, who started Bather because he wanted to offer quality, tailored trunks for under $100. I was traveling and had a really hard time finding a reasonably priced bathing suit that I was excited to wear, he says. He also didnt want anything too small, like a Speedo, or too baggy, like board shorts. Bather represents the in-between, he says, adding that its a product you can wear surfing or at the pool that doesnt feel far off from your favorite pair of shorts.

When it came to design, its no surprise that Kaminsky looked to sunny California. As a person who loves to spend free time on the West Coast, I think its safe to say thats where a lot of the design inspiration comes from, he says. But Bather  which just opened a pop-up shop in Toronto and has collaborated with the Ace Hotel  brings an increased streetwear sensibility to the beach, with a collection of trunks in vaguely tropical prints with a retro-skater edge. Influenced by architecture, art, interior design and vintage fabrics, Kaminsky takes a studied approach to his print designs, focusing on pattern and color in a way that is simultaneously playful and masculine. From riffs on camouflage to digitally manipulated watercolor prints, Bathers swim trunks are meant to stand out  and to be easy to wear when youre not on the beach. First and foremost, we want to be recognized for our swim and surf trunks, says Kaminsky, but adds that his goal is to make swimsuits that could be worn all day, whether on or off the beach, without feeling like an elephant in the room.
New Jersey Repertory Companys production of Butler was first performed in 2014. Following are excerpts from Ken Jaworowskis review, which appeared in The New York Times on June 29, 2014; the full text is here.. The play opened Wednesday night at the 59E59 Theaters, 59 East 59th Street, 212-279-4200, 59e59.org.

Its hard to categorize Butler. The play is part comedy, part historical drama and part biography, often all at once, and sometimes none of those. Yet its easy enough to review. Just call it splendid.

Set early in the Civil War, the story was inspired by real-life characters and focuses on Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler of the Union Army. Hes arrived to take command of Fort Monroe, an outpost in Virginia, a state that hours ago seceded. He soon has another problem: Three escaped slaves are seeking sanctuary.

Despite the conflict between the states, Butler, a former lawyer, is required to return the slaves. Im sworn to uphold the law, he insists. I cannot break the law, even if I disagree with the law. One of those slaves, Shepard Mallory, pleads his side, setting in motion a debate over what is right versus what is legal, and raising questions of ethics and duty.
A Florida judge on Wednesday dismissed a manslaughter charge against a deputy sheriff who invoked the states so-called Stand Your Ground law as a defense in the fatal shooting of a man who turned out to be carrying an air rifle.

The ruling appears to be the first in which the 2005 law was successfully used in the defense of an on-duty law enforcement officers lethal use of a firearm, according to the officers lawyer and Mary Anne Franks, a law professor at the University of Miami.

In his ruling, Judge Michael Usan of Circuit Court in Broward County called the fatal shooting of Jermaine McBean, 33, a tragedy and acknowledged the passionate national debate over how law enforcement officers interact with minority groups. But, he said, those controversies had little to do with the charges brought against the officer who shot Mr. McBean, Peter A. Peraza, a county deputy sheriff.

This case involves the tragic death of one man and the liberty of another, Judge Usan said. To allow the conflicting agenda of supporters of either side to invade this legal process would be a far greater injustice.
Clintons been around. And maybe thats O.K.

Bill Clinton took pains this week to cast his wife as a change maker. You will not hear Mrs. Clinton object.

But under the brightest spotlight of an election brimming with outsider fervor  powering Donald J. Trump to the Republican nomination and Mr. Sanders to unexpected success  Mrs. Clinton presented herself as something different. She is a creature of the system and unapologetic about her resume.

Sometimes the people at this podium are new to the national stage, she said, preparing to tick off her many titles. I am not one of those people.

It is a gambit premised in part on her atypical Republican opponent  and a hope that promises of incremental change might sound more palatable when the alternative is viewed as truly dangerous.
PHILADELPHIA  Follow along with our coverage of the Democratic National Convention.

For all the noise, demonstrations, walkouts and silent protests, the divisions on display here as Democrats nominated Hillary Clinton for president do not appear to present a major threat to her candidacy, paling in contrast to intramural battles that have doomed nominees in the past and that threaten Donald J. Trump today.

Even as Mr. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has sought to take advantage of the acrimony by appealing directly to the supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Mrs. Clintons campaign has methodically used the first three days of this convention to win over those supporters.

Almost on the hour, the lights in the convention hall have dimmed to present Trump in His Own Words, a series of short video clips that show Mr. Trump offering contentious views on, for example, women and pregnancy in the workplace, advertisements clearly aimed at Sanders backers at the gathering.
The presidents contempt for Mr. Trump took on a personal dimension as well when he recalled his grandparents from Kansas and said, I dont know if they had their birth certificates  a reference to Mr. Trumps leadership of the so-called birther movement that raised questions about Mr. Obamas citizenship.

Wednesday signaled a transition for the party. Emotion suffused the convention hall: Some delegates, in tears, were not ready to say goodbye to Mr. Obama yet, and others  particularly some liberals and young Democrats  were not ready to accept Mrs. Clinton as their new leader. As she prepares to give her nomination acceptance speech on Thursday night, the left wing of the party still remains divided, while many Republicans appear ready to fall in line behind Mr. Trump.

Mr. Obamas speech, a passionate defense of Mrs. Clintons vision and character, did not itself herald the start of new political era. Mrs. Clinton has wrapped herself in the cloth of the Obama presidency rather than break with him and offer a new path, like Vice President George Bushs promise of a kinder, gentler nation in 1988 after the Reagan years.

Instead, the lineup on Wednesday reflected a party attempting to rally its own partisans and attract Republicans with blunt warnings that, whatever they may think about the new Democratic standard-bearer, they must all do their duty to thwart Mr. Trump.
PHILADELPHIA  Follow along with our coverage of the Democratic National Convention.

After treating gun control as political poison for two decades, Democrats led by Hillary Clinton are again vigorously championing new gun restrictions as a central element of their campaigns.

It is a pronounced shift. Stung by the loss of the House in 1994 after they enacted an assault rifle ban, and wary of the proven influence of the National Rifle Association, many Democrats have shied away from gun control proposals for fear of provoking an electoral backlash with little to show for it. Democrats couldnt race away from a discussion of gun laws fast enough.

But a string of mass shootings involving high-powered weapons, rising anxiety about domestic terrorism, and killings of and by police officers have emboldened Democrats. They say the shootings are intensifying support for gun control, elevating weapons policy to a top-tier issue, with particularly strong appeal to suburban female voters.

Citing polls showing strong support for new restrictions even among gun owners, gun control advocates believe the public is open to expanded background checks, new limits on gun purchases and more scrutiny of gun manufacturers and dealers. They intend to enthusiastically press the case in races across the country.
If the crowd was not entirely raucous throughout, Mr. Kaine seemed to reach a rhythm about 20 minutes into the speech, when he moved in and out of his Trump impression.

Do you really believe him? Mr. Kaine asked the crowd, before describing Mr. Trumps failure to pay contractors. Donald Trumps whole career says you better not.

Mr. Kaine went on.

Our nation, he said, it is just too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting one-man wrecking crew.

As Mr. Kaine took the stage, Mr. Trump had made his own pitch to Sanders voters: His campaign sent an email to reporters titled, Kaine Is Out of Step With Bernie Sanderss Priorities, noting the senators past support for trade pacts. While Mr. Kaine spoke, some delegates from California lodged a silent protest, holding signs opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Mostly, though, there were cheers.

Mr. Kaine flashed a penchant for call-and-response with his crowd: Can I be honest with you about something? he asked at one point.

Can I tell you a funny thing about the Senate? he said at another.

And he stirred the delegates by asking pointedly what Mr. Trump was hiding in his tax returns.

Mr. Kaine was dealt a difficult hand on Wednesday evening, given the other speakers on the schedule. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. spoke not long before him, holding forth with trademark folksiness and a poignant remembrance of his son Beau, who died last year of brain cancer. Former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York made the independent voters case against Mr. Trump, suggesting that the Republican nominee was neither sane nor competent.
HERAT, Afghanistan  One woman here in the western Afghan city of Herat said she had begged her son not to go fight in the Syrian war, but he charged off anyway, leaving a wife and three children behind. A man overhearing her story came over to say that his son had left two months ago, and since then the family has been desperate for news about him.

Another woman, Khadija, whose son Hassan had joined Afghan brigades fighting alongside the Syrian government, said he had been pulled into the vicious conflict for the same reasons most of the young men in the neighborhood had decided to go: He could not find work, she said.

A teenager standing on the edge of the group, listening to the parents, said those were hardly isolated stories among the Afghan Shiites of Herat. The neighborhood, he said, is full of them.

Afghanistan has been hollowed out as its citizens have fled poverty and war, many seeking work in Pakistan, Iran or Persian Gulf nations, or risking the perilous trail to Europe. But this specific emigration pattern  of thousands of young men flowing into neighboring Iran and then on to fight alongside the Syrian government and its allies  has provoked extraordinary anguish for families here and for Afghanistans government, particularly over the past year.
The Mothers of the Movement, a group of black mothers who lost their children to gun violence, endorsed Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday.

As seven mothers walked across the stage to discuss their childrens deaths, several at the hands of police, chants of black lives matter! erupted in south Philadelphias Wells Fargo Center.

Earlier that day, demonstrators took to the streets of Philadelphia to protest police brutality.

Well-known companies like Google and Facebook, as well as individuals like President Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Lin-Manuel Miranda, have spoken out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Meanwhile, others decry the movement with their own all lives matter mantra.

Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell, whos biracial, says he is rallying behind Black Lives Matter, which was created in 2012 after George Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder for shooting and killing an unarmed 17-year-old named Trayvon Martin.

Black Lives Matter is not a symptom of whats wrong with this country, Gladwell told Yahoo Finance at the Ozy Fusion Fest in New York City. Thats a symptom of whats right with this country. Thats not things falling apart, thats things coming together.

He says the movement, which describes itself as a call to action and a response to the virulent anti-black racism that permeates our society, is the most positive thing thats come along in a very, very long time. Gladwell believes that this indignation, often manifested in marches and protests, has been brewing within the American populace for 200 years.

We are finally saying, Wait a minute, that shouldnt happen. We have finally evolved to the point where we think its an outrage and want to talk about it. People who think this is part of some conflicted, disintegrated fabric of American society, have it totally backwards. This is about the restoration of the American ideal  that we are all created equal.

Story continues

Its imperative to differentiate the Black Lives Matter movement from the general sentiment of unrest and discontentment in the US, says Gladwell. Earlier this month, five police officers were killed by a lone attacker at a Black Lives Matter rally in Dallas.

There are other angry, unhappy people doing all kinds of things. I dont lump the BLM stuff with any of that, Gladwell says. To me, that is something beautiful and pure, and anger directed in the appropriate direction which is in restoring fundamental American ideals of justice.

Despite his rhetoric supporting Black Lives Matter, Gladwell is often criticized for being an armchair analyst, pontificating on issues like capitalization (the measure of how well America is making use of its human potential), the exorbitant cost of higher education, and misguided philanthropy. He often makes compelling arguments through his writing and podcast, Revisionist History, but readers may wonder how exactly he is affecting change.

He told Yahoo Finance that though he may not be hitting the streets (Im too old, he says in jest), he still considers himself an activist. I think everybody has a different role to play. I have a platform through my writing and my podcast that I have built over the past 20 years. I think that I am most useful to the world if I speak out through those kinds of platforms.

In fact, he says he views his primary role as illuminating issues like police brutality in an intellectual manner. My role is to be the one providing people with arguments, with data, with exhorting them to various forms of action. I absolutely think of myself as being part of these social movements but there are many ways to participate in social movements beyond marching in the streets.

When asked whether he plans to vote for Clinton, Gladwell said, Well, Im a Canadian. I cant vote. Hypothetically, I suppose I would vote for her.

Melody Hahm is a reporter at Yahoo Finance. Read more from her:

Malcolm Gladwell sees one good thing about a Trump presidency

Gillette should be nervous about Unilevers billion-dollar bet on Dollar Shave Club

Free income is a great idea  unfortunately, it sort of doesnt work
DHAKA, Bangladesh  The police in Bangladesh have identified seven of nine militants killed in a raid in Dhaka on Tuesday, including a Bangladeshi-born American citizen connected to the men who carried out the July 1 attack on the Holey Artisan bakery, a popular restaurant, in which 22 people died.

The American, Shazad Rouf, was a student at North South University in Dhaka. The authorities learned of Mr. Rouf in early February when they raided a hide-out belonging to a group of men who, they said, were planning a terrorist attack. They arrested three of the men, who told them that Mr. Rouf and other men had fled, said Masudur Rahman, a spokesman for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

Mr. Roufs father filed a missing-person report for his son with the police on Feb. 6, said Mr. Rahman, who identified the son as an American citizen who was born in Bangladesh. It was unclear how long he had been living here.

The other man who escaped from the February raid, Nibras Islam, resurfaced on July 1 as one of five attackers on the Holey Artisan bakery in Dhaka. Mr. Islam was killed by the army after that attack.
Three top executives have left Christies: Paul R. Provost, the senior vice president and director of trusts, estates & appraisals; Nicholas Hall, international head of old master paintings and 19th Century Art; and Cathy Elkies, head of Christies 20th and 21st Century design.

It was unclear whether they were dismissed or left of their own accord; the three did not respond to emails seeking comment.

When asked to comment on the departures, Christies issued a statement: As a private company, we dont comment on speculation around our employees. However, like any business, we continue to review the deployment of resources and focus investment on areas of growth so as to best to serve our clients.

Last week, Christies announced that sales for the first half of 2016 had dropped to $3 billion from $4.5 billion for the same period the year before. Sales volumes were down 29 percent, due largely to a drop in consignments above about $26 million at auction.
For my generation of American gay men, the AIDS epidemic was a second Vietnam War. It reached us as a rumor and soon revealed itself as a killing field. Just as the war had divided the country, so did AIDS. From initial public reports in 1981, through the end of the Reagan presidency in 1989, many people at risk saw the threat as threefold: from the disease itself, from rampant homophobia and from a government that simultaneously withheld help and initiated campaigns of fear.

In those years, combating the enemy was a D.I.Y. mix of community organizing, medical volunteerism and direct action. Art was very much in the picture, because artists were hard hit by the epidemic, but also because art is (or can be) strategically useful. It can broadcast or insinuate messages into the larger culture, embody complex truths, absorb fear, preserve memory.

Given the volume, quality and variety of art made in response to AIDS over 36 years, it seems inexplicable that no mainstream museum ever attempted a historical survey. Now one has. Art AIDS America is a show at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and it coincides with a cluster of smaller Manhattan shows, two of which more imaginatively address the same history.
The Italian word contrapposto in art refers to an uneven pose used in Greek classical sculpture to make standing figures appear more dynamic.

Bruce Nauman explored this concept with his 1968 video work, Walk With Contrapposto, in which he moves slowly and deliberately down a narrow corridor of his own design.

Using that piece as his point of departure, Mr. Nauman has created seven large-scale video projections with sound in a new work that will be presented in September at the Sperone Westwater gallery in Manhattan and, in slightly different form, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

In the new work, Contrapposto Studies, I through VII (the New York gallery lowercases the title), Mr. Nauman is seen from the front and side walking backward or forward in contrapposto, rendered in both positive and negative images.
The basic ideals are the Four Freedoms defined by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941  freedom of speech and worship, freedom from want and from fear  and illustrated by Norman Rockwell in paintings that became posters for war bonds two years later. Copies of the posters are in the show, surrounded with less confidently utopian material by politically minded contemporary artists, some familiar (Trevor Paglen, Dread Scott, Mickalene Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems), others with still-building careers (Nina Chanel Abney, Wyatt Gallery, Coby Kennedy, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Michele Pred, Will Steacy).

Both Shainman spaces have been set up as a combination of office and workshop. On certain days those present include an artist in residence (Ahron D. Weiner, designer of the super PACs advertising campaign) and a scholar in residence (Domingo Borges, a former prison inmate, who gives presentations on the criminal justice system). A schedule of activities is at forfreedoms.org.

Although the leftward political leanings of this particular super PAC are unmistakable, the goal set by Mr. Gottesman and Mr. Thomas is general: demonstrate that art can be introduced into the mechanism of mainstream politics, and argue that activism in art is an end in itself, beyond partisanship. The results here take many forms.

Text posters by Ms. Rasheed cut Rockwellian romanticism with street-smart humor. A painting by Pablo Helguera, which consists of the words All proceeds from the sale of this art work will go to the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, seamlessly unites message and medium. A banner by Mr. Scott emblazoned with the phrase A Man Was Lynched by Police Yesterday brings together history (a similar banner, without the words by police, appeared outside the offices of the N.A.A.C.P. in Manhattan in the 1930s) and current topical politics.

When Mr. Scott placed the banner outside Shainmans 20th Street space in the days after the fatal shootings of Philando Castile, Alton B. Sterling, and five police officers in Dallas, the gallery was the target of protests. The banner, which now hangs in the gallery window rather than over the street, is solid evidence that, if its message is strong and the timing is right, art in the public sphere can cause a stir. For Freedoms is bent on widening that sphere and extending the stir.

HOLLAND COTTER
A public appeal to raise 10 million pounds, or $13.1 million, to buy the Armada Portrait  one of the best-known depictions of Queen Elizabeth I  has been successful, the Art Fund, a national fund-raising group, announced on Friday in London.

The portrait, painted around 1590 by an unknown artist, celebrates the British navys unlikely 1588 victory over the Spanish fleet and is a staple in Britains school textbooks. Unusual in its time for its large size and horizontal format, it depicts the queen, bejeweled and regal in front of two seascapes, her right hand resting on a globe.

The painting in question, one of three versions of the portrait, was first owned by Sir Francis Drake, one of the commanders of the British fleet, and subsequently remained in the hands of his descendants, who recently decided to sell the work.

The money resulting from the public appeal will meet the cost of the painting as well as vital conservation and an extensive national programme to engage audiences around the country with the painting, a spokeswoman for the Art Fund, Madeline Adeane, said in an email. It will also prevent the portrait from being sold to an international collector.
To hear Stephen Colbert tell it, his famous Stephen Colbert character is dead and never coming back. Now please give a warm welcome to his new TV persona, Stephen Colbert.

Mr. Colbert, the comedian and host of The Late Show on CBS, made the head-spinning announcement early Thursday morning during a live broadcast of the program that followed the third night of the Democratic National Convention.

Now lets try to unpack what he meant.

For more than a decade, during the 10-season run of his Comedy Central program The Colbert Report and on The Daily Show, Mr. Colbert had played the role of a character called Stephen Colbert, a fatuous, self-obsessed conservative political commentator.

Last year, when Mr. Colbert became the new host of The Late Show (succeeding David Letterman), he dropped the facade and has been hosting this program as himself, an all-around entertainer who still enjoys a good political wisecrack.
LONDON  Credit Suisse on Thursday reported a surprise profit for the second quarter, bolstering its chief executive, Tidjane Thiam, as he tries to turn the Swiss bank around during a period of challenging financial markets and after losses in recent quarters.

Mr. Thiam, who left the British insurer Prudential to take the role at Credit Suisse last summer, is in the middle of an extensive overhaul of the lender, shrinking its investment bank and placing greater emphasis on its wealth-management business, particularly in Asia and other emerging markets.

But the turnaround at the second-largest bank in Switzerland, behind UBS, has not been as smooth as Mr. Thiam might have hoped. Since joining Credit Suisse, he has had to contend with continued turmoil in the financial markets that has cut into the confidence of clients, a stock price that has declined more than 50 percent and tension within the bank over his strategy shift.

On Thursday, the bank  which has large operations in New York and London  reported a profit of 170 million Swiss francs, or about $171 million, for the three months ended June 30. That compared with a profit of 1.05 billion francs in the second quarter of 2015.
Bridgewater Associates, the worlds largest hedge fund, released a statement on Thursday taking issue with what it called significant mischaracterizations and a distortion of some of its business practices and culture that were described in an article in The New York Times.

Ray Dalio, the founder and chairman of Bridgewater, said in a statement that the article intentionally strung together a series of misleading facts in order to create the most sensationalistic story.

The Times article reported on the culture at Bridgewater as detailed in a sexual harassment complaint and a National Labor Relations Board filing, as well as in interviews with seven former employees or people who have done work for the firm. The article described how the firms policy of recording meetings and surveillance had a chilling effect on employees bringing grievances or complaints, according to those people.

In the complaint, filed in January with a Connecticut state agency, the employee, Christopher Tarui, outlined the impact that the policy of recording all meetings had on his coming forward.
The new money will help the four-year-old Peek build its employee ranks. The site operates in the same way as the restaurant reservation site OpenTable, but it focuses on offering deals on events and tourist activities in various cities. The company gives activities operators an online marketplace and the ability to process payments and schedules online.

As part of the announcement on Thursday, the company added that it was beginning a partnership with Yelp, in which companies that use Peek can add a book now button on their Yelp page.

Image Ruzwana Bashir, a co-founder of Peek. Credit... Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Since its founding by Ruzwana Bashir and Oskar Bruening, Peek has shown considerable growth. Ms. Bashir said that the company had quadrupled its revenue since the beginning of the year, to hundreds of millions of dollars, though she declined to provide specifics.

Peeks impressive growth, combined with its best-in-class technology, attracted me to invest and join the board, Mr. Flint said in a statement. I see lots of similarities with Peek and Trulia, as both companies empower small businesses and are laser-focused on providing the best possible experience for their customers, and there are compelling network effects.
The green light may nevertheless kindle hopes that the project, known as Hinkley Point C, and other large infrastructure plans on the drawing board, like a 53 billion high-speed rail line from London to major cities farther north, will help offset some of the negative effects of the Brexit decision.

Added to that is the actual electricity it will generate  enough to power six million homes, or about 7 percent of Britains energy needs. That would help bolster the global nuclear industry, which has found little appetite for building new power stations in the West since the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan.

It is encouraging that the investment isnt being scrapped because of the result of last months referendum, Paul Hollingsworth of Capital Economics, a London research firm, wrote in an email.

The power station is to be built on a headland overlooking the Bristol Channel in southwest England and will include two enormous French-designed reactors. It will be constructed and operated by EDF Energy, which owns and operates most of Britains nuclear power stations, including a 50-year-old plant known as Hinkley Point B in the same area.

The approval of Hinkley Point C provides a welcome tonic for the ailing nuclear power industry in France, Europes leader in the business. The industrys reputation has been dented by long delays and huge cost overruns on stations of the same design under construction at Flamanville in France, as well as in Finland.
HONG KONG  Ride-hailing services in China have attracted billions of dollars in investments. They have pulled in money from some of the worlds largest tech companies, like Apple and Alibaba. They have become a crucial road test for one of Americas best-known start-ups, Uber.

On Thursday, they finally became legal.

In a new law announced by several regulators, Chinas government gave the thumbs-up for ride-hailing companies like Uber and its Chinese rival, Didi Chuxing, to operate in the country. The law clears up regulatory uncertainty and lays out a new framework under which ride-hailing companies can operate in the country.

Uber and Didi have upended Chinas taxi industry by allowing drivers to take passengers in private vehicles with the help of hugely popular apps. Despite investments in technology, marketing and subsidies, both companies had operated in a legal gray zone, with drivers occasionally being detained by the police.

Strict government rules have repeatedly tripped up local and foreign internet companies in China. Yet in the fast-moving Chinese tech industry, an invest first, get approval later model has prevailed. For Uber and Didi, it appears that ethos has paid off.
The New York Times Company posted a net loss for the second consecutive quarter, in part because of severance costs related to the closing of the companys editing and prepress operations in Paris.

The company had strong growth in digital subscriptions, it said on Thursday, but digital advertising revenue, which has been a bright spot in the past, declined.

In its earnings release, the company said that it had added 51,000 net digital-only subscriptions in the quarter for its news products and 16,000 net crossword product subscriptions. The Times now has about 1.2 million digital-only subscriptions for its news products and more than 1.4 million total digital-only subscriptions, an increase of more than 25 percent compared with the same time a year ago.

During an earnings call with investors, Mark Thompson, the companys chief executive, struck an optimistic tone. It was an excellent quarter for audience growth, engagement and our digital subscription business, he said, adding that The Times drew 126 million unique users in June, and that engagement for nonsubscribers increased 20 percent year-over-year.
Vox Media is often considered one of the upstart companies, with the likes of BuzzFeed and Vice, upending the established ways that older news media organizations operate. But on Thursday, Vox Media took another step in its evolution from start-up to mature business and embraced a more traditional executive role.

The company, with a stable of sites including Vox, the Verge, Recode and SB Nation, named Melissa Bell, its vice president for growth, as its publisher. Vox Media briefly had a group publisher in 2013, but no one has occupied the position since January 2014.

We thought about the publisher title, and in different industries and at different times, its meant different things, said Jim Bankoff, the chief executive of Vox Media. Melissas job is going to be focused on continuing to grow our brands.

In her new role, Ms. Bell, who left The Washington Post in early 2014 to help start Vox.com with Ezra Klein, will help develop the companys brands and identify opportunities to build its audience on its sites and across different platforms, such as Snapchat and Facebook. She will work not only with the companys sales and product teams, but also with its editorial team.
The latest film from the meticulous, provocative Austrian director Nikolaus Geyrhalter could be described as an environmental documentary. Its form is as simple as death. A stationary camera takes in, one after the other, a single image of a space constructed (or simply scarred) by humankind, and subsequently abandoned. In the first minutes of Homo Sapiens, we see railroad tracks, a bicycle rack and the rudiments of a train station.

No image repeats or magnifies; while a series of shots may be clustered in the same general area, each image is discrete and none are subject to further examination. Although the films credits include a foley artist and a rerecording technician, its soundtrack comes across as entirely verite; the wind whispers, birds chirp and the people who built the settings were seeing are far, far away, if theyre even around at all. The first section of the movie has vending machines with Japanese characters on them. While Mr. Geyrhalter did not, as it happens, bring cameras to the vicinity of Fukushima, where an earthquake and tsunami led to a nuclear disaster that precipitated mass evacuations in 2011, its probable he wishes the viewer to make a connection. Next stop is an abandoned shopping mall in Ohio.

In a way, the images are reminiscent of the empty, haunted spaces associated with the art cinema of Andrei Tarkovsky and Bela Tarr. But Mr. Geyrhalters method is more austere, and the effect produced is subtly different. Each individual shot creates a frisson of desolation that resonates far beyond the facile irony suggested by the movies title.
Indignation captures with an uncanny realism a moment of innocence and caution in a post-World War II era, when an oppressive, puritanical conformism dominated white America. Adapted from Philip Roths 2008 novel, which was inspired by his college years and set in 1951, it evokes the drabness of a time when living standards were much lower than today; anti-Semitism was pervasive; and the fear of Communism was epidemic. Teenage culture had yet to flower. The early murmurings of rock n roll were distant stirrings on black R&B radio, and racial segregation held sway. The tone of everyday life was circumspect and grimly proper.

This first feature directed by the screenwriter James Schamus (who has written and produced several of Ang Lees films) stars Logan Lerman (the Percy Jackson films, Fury) as Marcus Messner, the only son of Max (Danny Burstein), a kosher butcher in Newark, and his wife, Esther (Linda Emond). To avoid being drafted into the Korean War, Marcus attends the fictional Winesburg College in Ohio, where he is housed with two other Jewish students whom he dislikes. He turns down an invitation to join a Jewish fraternity.

Marcus, strong-willed, rebellious and a self-proclaimed atheist, is intellectually arrogant. He expresses himself in precise sentences and paragraphs that sound so carefully formed that it is almost as if he were reading an essay. At the same time, you can feel the tension behind his thought process.
Beyond New York City, the searing vocal talents of Sharon Jones might not be too well known. But Barbara Kopples latest documentary, Miss Sharon Jones!, could change that: Once youve seen this tiny firecracker perform, shimmying and prancing in a flame-red flapper dress, you wont soon forget her.

Performance, though, is not the primary focus of this moving, no-nonsense profile, which opens in 2013 as Ms. Jones, then 57, faces a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The timing could not have been worse. Having finally achieved success after years of struggle and odd jobs, she and her band, the Dap-Kings, had built a solid audience for their groovy brand of 1960s-style soul. But the feisty spirit that had rebelled against a music industry that once judged Ms. Jones too fat, too black, too short and too old would prove invaluable when her grueling treatment placed all their careers in limbo.

Adopting a comfortably old-fashioned structure of unadorned interviews, fly-on-the-wall observation and electrifying concert footage, Ms. Kopple accompanies her subject through chemotherapy, recovery and a musical rebirth. A trip to Ms. Joness hometown in South Carolina dredges up painful memories of segregation, giving insight into a personality toughened too young and still burdened by the financial needs of too many.
To the Editor:

Re Obamas Support for Erdogan Is Stark Reminder of Turkeys Value to U.S. (news article, July 21):

The United States needs a Plan B for fighting the Islamic State, given volatility in Turkey and the mass arrests of Turkish military officers.

The need to diversify air operations beyond Incirlik Air Force Base in southeast Turkey became apparent after the coup attempt, when Turkey closed the base, cut off electricity and arrested its commander for allegedly participating in the putsch.

Plan B would involve diversified air combat operations using British bases in Cyprus: Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Bombing raids against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria could also be launched from the Erbil base in Iraqi Kurdistan, which is currently used for surveillance.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists that Turkey has sealed its border with Syria. International monitors should be deployed along the border to make sure that no fighters or weapons are getting through.
Santo subito. The Italian words mean make him a saint now. This was the cry of the crowds at the funeral of Pope John Paul II  a demand swiftly acted upon by the church authorities in Rome. The words are echoing around the world again now. This time, the call comes from Catholics shocked at the death of the Rev. Jacques Hamel, the priest whose throat was cut as he officiated at morning prayers on Tuesday in a small French town near Rouen.

The demand to put the slain French priest on the fast track for sainthood was made by a prominent Italian politician, Roberto Maroni, the president of the Lombardy region. It spread swiftly across the globe on social media as Catholics, and others, expressed their shock at the slaying of the priest. Father Jacques is a martyr of faith, Mr. Maroni proclaimed, and the pope should immediately proclaim him St. Jacques. The sentiment was echoed by a senior official in the Vatican press office who hailed the 85-year-old priest as a modern-day martyr.

Such calls to canonize the murdered priest are ill advised. They will only play into the hands of the extremists.

The reaction articulates a new level of revulsion at this latest act of terrorism, which the Islamic State has claimed as the work of two of its soldiers. The militant group has repeatedly shown a perverse determination to find new ways to shock. With the death of a priest at the altar of a church, it plumbed what one cardinal this week called another layer of depravity.
Mr. Lagman says the bill is designed to help women, especially the poor ones, who are trapped in unhappy, sometimes abusive, relations: It is meant to provide a merciful liberation of the hapless wife from a long-dead marriage. Yet Manny Pacquiao, the world-famous boxer cum rookie senator and a devout Christian, objected, among others, saying, Divorce? Isnt divorce just like annulment? Wont you get the same result by having an annulment?

Well, no, you dont get the same result with divorce and annulment. (Or with legal separation: Formally separated couples arent allowed to marry again, and if the spouses have another partner, they risk being charged with having an extramarital affair, which is a crime.) Secular annulment, the only legally binding way to end a marriage in the Philippines, is nearly impossible to obtain and very expensive.

Neither infidelity nor physical abuse will do. Annulment generally requires a finding that one partner was psychologically incapacitated from the outset of the marriage  a standard so stringent that petitioners often pay psychologists or psychiatrists, lawyers and judges to manufacture the needed diagnoses. This torturous, often farcical, process can take several years and can cost more than $4,000, well beyond the reach of most people.

Now a majority of Filipinos say they want divorce to be legal. Some 60 percent are in favor of allowing couples with irreconcilable differences to divorce, according to a SWS survey released in 2015. Thats up from 50 percent of respondents in a similar poll taken in March 2011, and from 43 percent in a May 2005 poll (in which 45 percent said they were against divorce).

Legislators like Mr. Lagman hope the shift in public opinion, along with the election in May of the firebrand Rodrigo Duterte as president, will finally defeat the clergy-driven opposition to divorce in the Philippines.
A free concert performance of a musical version of The Prince of Egypt has been canceled after objections that the cast was not sufficiently diverse.

The Bay Street Theater, a nonprofit in Sag Harbor, N.Y., announced the cancellation in a short Facebook post Thursday morning. The post said, in its entirety: DreamWorks and Bay Street today announced that the planned free concert reading of The Prince of Egypt has been canceled. We regret any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause the audience that was planning to attend this free one-night community event.

The musical, with songs by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Wicked), is in the early stages of development; there was a reading of the first act at a Bay Street gala last year and a private reading of both acts in New York this year. The concert next month in Sag Harbor was to be the first public presentation of both acts.

The musical, set in ancient Egypt, is an adaptation of the 1998 animated film, and is about the life of Moses as described in the Book of Exodus. Some theater artists and fans had expressed concern on social media about how the developing musical was being cast; although the theater had made no long-term casting commitments, about two-thirds of the performers for the one-night staged reading were white, according to Bay Street.
As a drunken and possibly lunatic millionaire, Santino Fontana gives a performance of ineffable sweetness in Kurt Vonneguts God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, an odd duck of a musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken thats being presented as the final entry in City Center Encores! Off-Center summer season. As he bumbles through the thickets of picaresque plot in this doggedly weird satire, Mr. Fontana maintains an air of almost saintly purity, portraying a man seeking purpose and finding it in a most un-American pursuit: giving away all of his millions.

Briefly seen Off Broadway in 1979, the musical was the first collaboration between Ashman (who died in 1991) and Mr. Menken, who would find success with their next show, Little Shop of Horrors, and go on to become the songwriters who helped resurrect the Disney animated movie with their scores for Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.

The Disney brand is a far cry from the punchy, at times punch-drunk, zaniness of Mr. Rosewater, which savagely sends up American capitalism as it is regularly practiced and preached. Still, you can hear hints of the melodic sweetness that marks Mr. Menkens music throughout this early show. And while Ashman, who wrote the book and lyrics, channels the giddy lunacy of Vonnegut throughout, his lyrics have a boisterous wit that would resurface in Little Shop and, tempered and tamed, even in those blockbuster movies. (Dennis Green is credited for additional lyrics.)

Mr. Fontana plays the central character, the softhearted Eliot Rosewater, around whom swirls the decidedly unwieldy plot. Hes the head of the familys charitable foundation, whose many causes are described in the Gilbert and Sullivanesque choral number at the top of the show: Weve just handed Norman Mailer 50 thou to vent his spleen, sings one of the executives of the foundation.
Citing unforeseen developments that they would not describe, prosecutors said Thursday that they were dropping charges against the man they had long accused of killing a young intern in a Washington park more than 15 years ago. The surprise decision means that the death of the intern, Chandra Levy, remains one of the nations most notorious unsolved crimes.

An undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, Ingmar Guandique, was convicted in 2010 of killing Ms. Levy in Rock Creek Park and sentenced to 60 years in prison. But he was granted a new trial last year after prosecutors acknowledged that they had withheld evidence that cast doubt on the credibility of their main witness.

On Thursday, the United States attorneys office in Washington issued a brief statement that said in part: Today, in the interests of justice and based on recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week, the office moved to dismiss the case charging Ingmar Guandique with the May 2001 murder of Chandra Levy. The office has concluded that it can no longer prove the murder case against Mr. Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt.

A spokesman for the office, William Miller, said he could not elaborate.

I dont have any additional information to provide at this time, he said. Were not planning on any additional statements outside of court.
SOUNDBITE (English) Chief Deputy Michael Schatzow, Prosecutor: The judge as a judge found with regard to every single count that we presented in trial including the ones that were focused on seatbelts, that there was sufficient evidence for a rational juror to find proof beyond a reasonable doubt and convict. Now, the same judge sitting as a jury didnt find that the evidence was sufficient for him to convict and that was his right to do that, but its not a situation where there was no evidence. There was sufficient evidence for a rational juror to convict based on the judges findings, but the judge sitting as a jury simply didnt credit all that evidence and thats his right to do and thats how the system works. SOUNDBITE (English) Chief Deputy Michael Schatzow, Prosecutor: I do think its fair to point out that in the state of Maryland it is up to the defendant and the defendant alone. If you walk across the street and youre in the federal courthouse, the prosecutor and the judge both have to agree before a jury trial could be weighed. We know if we credit the reports in the newspaper, we know that some jurors were persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime had been committed, others were not, so whether the result would had been different or not, your guess is as good as mine, but its certainly a possibility. SOUNDBITE (English) Chief Deputy Michael Schatzow, Prosecutor: We believed in these cases and we were fighting very hard for these cases and we would have been pleased to continue to fight very hard for these cases but, at some point, Mrs. Mosby correctly determined that we had to face the reality of that defendants would select judge trials and that this judge would try the cases and that this judge made determinations and that he had seen the significant portions of the evidence that he was going to see. And if this was his view, and Im not questioning the propriety of his view I disagree with his views obviously, we think there should have been guilty verdicts but he had every right to find the verdicts that he found and he found them, and we have to accept that as the reality.
WASHINGTON  Donald J. Trump and Hillary Clinton have each described the other as unfit to be trusted with classified information. But as is customary for the official nominees of both parties, the two candidates will get their first intelligence briefings as early as next week.

American intelligence officials will soon contact the two campaigns to schedule a wide-ranging briefing for each on global conflicts, the status of Americas military campaigns overseas and the latest maneuverings by foreign governments, both friend and foe.

This quadrennial rite of passage for presidential candidates usually takes place while few people pay attention. Not now. Recent statements on the campaign trail, and barbed accusations by both candidates about their opponents ability to handle classified information, have focused attention on the intelligence briefings and raised questions about how much, or how little, the spies will share with the candidates.

The subject came up again on Wednesday after Mr. Trumps comments at a news conference, where he said he hoped the Russians had hacked Mrs. Clintons computer server and then encouraged them to publish whatever they had stolen. This drew outrage from current and former government officials, both Republicans and Democrats, who said a presidential candidate had for the first time invited a foreign power to carry out espionage on American soil. Some former senior intelligence officials said Mr. Trumps comments bordered on treason.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  Facing a torrent of criticism over his comments seeming to condone the hacking of Hillary Clintons emails by Russian intelligence services, Donald J. Trump and his allies on Thursday sought to tamp down his remarks, with Mr. Trump saying he was simply being sarcastic.

In public interviews and private conversations on Thursday, Mr. Trump; his running mate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana; and campaign staff members contended that Mr. Trump was being facetious when, during a news conference on Wednesday, he said he hoped Russia would be able to find Mrs. Clintons missing emails.

Of course Im being sarcastic, Mr. Trump told Fox and Friends Thursday morning as his aides accused the news media of misconstruing his remarks.

And in an interview Thursday with the conservative radio host Laura Ingraham, Mr. Pence repeatedly said that Mr. Trump was merely joking.
I think were past that, said Alan Patricof, a longtime donor to Mrs. Clinton, when asked about the need to lie low during the primaries.

In Philadelphia, donors were handed preferred suites at the Ritz-Carlton and Friends and Family packages created for longtime Clinton hands  some of them also longtime benefactors. Some were granted time backstage or in the Clinton family box with former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. Blackstone, the private equity giant, scheduled a reception at the Barnes Foundation on Thursday with its president, Hamilton E. James, one of the leading Wall Street contenders for an economic policy post in a future Clinton administration.

The Philadelphia convention offered other symbolic contrasts to the partys last two gatherings, when President Obama sought, with mixed success, to restrict his party from raising money to pay for the conventions from lobbyists or political action funds. Those shackles were thrown off this year, waving a green flag to Washingtons influence industry. Lobbyists and corporate representatives flooded the city, where much of the Democratic Partys elite  and potential senior members of a future presidential administration  had gathered.

The railway giant CSX brought in old railroad cars for a reception led by Rodney E. Slater, the former United States transportation secretary turned lobbyist, who also headlined a panel on transportation policy in a future Clinton administration. At the Loews Hotel bar on Tuesday night, old Clinton hands, some now working as lobbyists, caught up with Gov. Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, a longtime family friend and one of the partys most prolific fund-raisers.

At a private luncheon on Wednesday at El Vez, a Mexican restaurant, over a dozen Democratic governors mingled with representatives from a host of labor unions and companies, among them the Apollo Education Group, an operator of for-profit colleges that has faced a series of state and federal investigations into allegations of shady recruiting, deceptive advertising and questionable financial aid practices.
PHILADELPHIA  For years President Obama has been a boogeyman to Republicans, uniting them in opposition to a Democrat they feel has taken the country in the wrong direction and failed to lead.

But after a stirring speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, many conservatives who cannot bring themselves to support their partys nominee, Donald J. Trump, credited the presidents speech for being a strong one and expressed regret that Democrats appeared to be appropriating themes that were once the bedrock of their party.

Rich Lowry, editor of the conservative National Review magazine, called the speech very effective and noted that the Democrats were using classic Republicanisms.
PHILADELPHIA  One of the first super PACs formed to back Donald J. Trump is moving forward with plans to air ads in battleground states featuring some of his key supporters, and to try to augment his organization in places like Ohio and Florida.

The group, the Great America PAC, said it now had ads starring Rudolph W. Giuliani, who has emerged as Mr. Trumps main defender. The group suffered a setback during the Republican National Convention last week when Paul Manafort, Mr. Trumps campaign manager, gave a tacit blessing to a different group, Rebuilding America PAC.

The existence of the Giuliani ad was revealed just after the convention.

Obviously there was a lot of competition early on  Trump himself basically didnt want to endorse a super PAC, said Edward J. Rollins, an adviser to Great America. And I think we survived.

He added: Trump needs all the resources he can get. Were going to stay in this thing.

Eric Beach, one of the groups founders, said it was in talks with another pro-Trump super PAC to join forces, although he would not name the group, and Mr. Rollins said they were trying to avoid any duplication of efforts. Initially, he said, they are focusing their efforts on Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA  Follow along with our coverage of the Democratic National Convention.

Donald J. Trumps apparent endorsement on Wednesday of Russian cyberspying against Hillary Clinton has pulled President Vladimir V. Putin fully into the American political fray. But Mr. Putins relationship with Mrs. Clinton has been tense at least since 2011, when, as secretary of state, she accused him of rigging an election and he accused her of meddling in Russian politics.

Mr. Putin  who was then the prime minister, plotting his return to the presidency  said her words were a signal to protesters, encouraging them to take to the streets, which they did in large numbers. Her remarks also annoyed the White House, which at that time still clung to the hope that President Obamas policy of resetting relations with Russia could be salvaged.

That episode, late in Mrs. Clintons tenure as secretary of state, is important to understanding why Mr. Putins government could have a motive for hacking into the Democratic National Committees computers and leaking emails to damage her electoral prospects against Mr. Trump.
PHILADELPHIA  Senator Tim Kaine stepped to the microphone, a bit haltingly, setting off on his national introduction in Miami with the full complement of awkward-dad flourishes.

He waved with both hands. He let fly a hearty fist pump. A thumbs-up was quickly aborted.

But as he ticked off his thank-yous last Saturday  to the crowd, to the city, to the university hosting him  a sudden calm seemed to arrive. He paused, nodding, and dropped his shoulders, opening his palms with a check-me-out cool.

Bienvenidos a todos! he cried.

Welcome to all. And to the general election debut of a cherished political trope: the conspicuous speaking of Spanish by eager white people.

When Hillary Clinton considered Mr. Kaine as her Democratic running mate, his bilingualism was central to the choice, a skill invoked repeatedly when skeptics wondered about elevating another white male politician in a party that prides itself on its diversity.
SCRANTON, Pa.  Scranton is Hillary Clinton country, where she spent childhood summers. And Scranton is Joseph R. Biden Jr. country, the city of his birth and boyhood.

Now Donald J. Trump wants to make Scranton his country, too. He is hoping to make deep inroads in a Democratic stronghold with an anti-free trade, America-first message, which across the Rust Belt has energized the blue-collar voters who represent his best prospect of taking up residence in the White House.

Hours before Mr. Biden addressed the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Mr. Trump pulled a bit of campaign mischief on Wednesday by swooping into Scranton and dismissing Mrs. Clintons chances of winning Pennsylvania.

I cant believe she has many fans here, he said of Mrs. Clinton in the city where her father was born and where she spent summers in a family cottage on Lake Winola.
BEIJING  Who am I? Its a question people sometimes ask in moments of self-doubt, or after a wild night out.

Now the Chinese Communist Party has its own heart-tugging answer.

In a slick, new television ad marking 95 years since the party was founded, the question is used to promote it as a community of humble do-gooders who quietly hold China together.

Who am I? What kind of person? a gravelly, brooding voice asks at the start of the ad, as a man stands on a beach watching the sun rise.

Piano music swells. Perhaps youve never thought about it, the voice says. It might seem like the start of a drama, or a moody romance.
BEIJING  Retired and dead Chinese Communist Party leaders who join the official pantheon are usually feted with the publication of their collected works. Generally, the fat volumes of speeches and writings are rarely read by anyone except the occasional scholar and party members ordered to study them.

But that honor has been denied to Zhao Ziyang, the party leader ousted in 1989, when Deng Xiaoping, his powerful elder, sided with conservatives who blamed Mr. Zhao for letting student protesters get out of control. Mr. Zhao died in 2005, still an official pariah under house arrest, and even now his name is rarely mentioned in the party-run news media, and his speeches and writings are hard to track down in China, where their circulation was banned after his fall.

Now, however, an unnamed group of Mr. Zhaos former associates, in cooperation with his family, has published Collected Works, a four-volume set of his speeches and writings from the 1980s, when he helped steer Chinas economic overhauls and increasingly clashed with conservatives who opposed his ideas for a measure of political liberalization.

Even though the compilers left out Mr. Zhaos historic speeches during the upheavals of 1989, readers in mainland China will have a hard time getting their hands on the books. They have been published by the Chinese University Press in Hong Kong, a self-governed city that remains beyond the direct reach of party censors.
NEW DELHI  The chief minister of Delhi on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of starting a harassment campaign against him, even suggesting that Mr. Modi could have him killed.

They can go to any limit, said the minister, Arvind Kejriwal, in a video posted on Facebook. They can even get me killed. They can do anything.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Kejriwal, who both work in the national capital, have never been cordial rivals.

Mr. Kejriwal, a former tax examiner who gained prominence as a crusader against corruption and refashioned himself as a defender of the poor, won a surprising landslide victory in Delhi State elections early last year. It was a crushing blow for Mr. Modis Bharatiya Janata Party.

Mr. Kejriwal, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, has lashed out at Mr. Modi before. But observers said Wednesdays video reached new levels of acrimony.
JAKARTA, Indonesia  Indonesia on Friday executed three foreigners and an Indonesian convicted of drug crimes, an official said, as the country resumed a war on drugs that drew international condemnation last year after two mass executions of foreign drug convicts.

The official, Deputy Attorney General Noor Rachmad, said that the Indonesian convict, two Nigerians and a Senegalese were executed by firing squad shortly after midnight.

Mr. Rachmad said a decision had not yet been made about when 10 others convicted of drug crimes and sentenced to death, mostly foreigners, would be executed.

News agencies previously reported that the three foreigners executed Friday were all Nigerians.

The list of the 10 still facing execution includes prisoners from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India and Pakistan. Three other Indonesians, including one woman, are also scheduled to die, said the Community Legal Aid Institute, an Indonesian organization representing some of the convicts.
SEOUL, South Korea  The South Korean police said on Thursday that the Norths main intelligence agency had stolen the personal data of more than 10 million customers of an online shopping mall in the South, in what they said was an attempt to obtain foreign currency.

The online mall, Interpark, was subjected in May to an online attack on a server that contained customers names, email addresses, telephone numbers and other personal data, the National Police Agency said.

Interpark did not learn about the breach until July 11, when it received an anonymous message threatening to publicize the leak of personal data unless it paid the equivalent of $2.6 billion in South Koreas currency, the won. After the attack was reported, thousands of Interpark customers threatened to sue for damages. Most of the customers whose data was stolen were South Koreans.
SYDNEY, Australia  Cardinal George Pell, the de facto Vatican treasurer and Australias most senior Catholic cleric, is being investigated in connection with multiple allegations of child sexual assault that date back four decades, a top police official said on Thursday.

The official, Graham Ashton, chief police commissioner of the Australian state of Victoria, confirmed a report by the government-run Australian Broadcasting Corporation that detectives were investigating and had submitted an account of the allegations to Victorias Director of Public Prosecutions.

We investigated and are still investigating, Mr. Ashton said in an interview with the radio station 3AW in Melbourne, when asked about an inquiry.

The Victoria police have established a task force that is looking into such allegations in both religious and nongovernmental organizations.
LONDON  Paul Flynn, an independent-minded left-winger, has served as a member of Parliament for nearly three decades, but until recently he had not held a leadership job in the Labour Party since the late 1980s. Staying on the backbenches was not just his choice, he said, but also the choice of the past five leaders.

It is a sign of the disarray in the opposition Labour Party that Mr. Flynn, 81, found himself given not just one senior position a few weeks ago, but two. With most of the partys lawmakers seeking to unseat their polarizing leader, Jeremy Corbyn, there is such a shortage of members of Parliament willing to serve under him that he has been having trouble simply keeping his team filled out.

More than at any time since the height of the Thatcher era in the 1980s, Labour is divided, demoralized and searching for an identity. Responsible for some of Britains biggest postwar social advances, including the creation of a free health care system, Labour won elections in the 1960s and 1970s and then held power for 13 years up to 2010. But since then, it has seen its representation in Parliament dwindle and is now embroiled in a fierce struggle between centrists and those who want to drive the party in a more ideological direction.

Mr. Corbyn, an unyielding leftist who came to power on an anti-austerity platform, has won the loyalty of grass-roots party activists much as Senator Bernie Sanders did during the Democratic presidential primaries in the United States. Critics say that, like Mr. Sanders, Mr. Corbyn and his supporters often seem more comfortable fighting losing battles over principle than in compromising in the service of incremental progress. Many elected Labour legislators view Mr. Corbyn as unelectable in a general election, leading to a bitter leadership challenge that has all but paralyzed the party and sparked speculation that it could split.
BERLIN  Chancellor Angela Merkel doubled down on Thursday on her pledge that Germany would achieve what she called the historic task of integrating hundreds of thousands of migrants, while defending freedom and democracy against the hate sown by terrorists.

Today, as in the past, I am convinced that we can do it  to live up to our historic task, which is a historic test in the age of globalization, she said, in an attempt to reassure the nation after three recent violent attacks, two of them linked to the Islamic State. We can do this.

Ms. Merkel, who had been on vacation in her summer home in the lake district north of Berlin, returned to the capital to give her annual summer news conference and laid out a nine-point plan that she said would strike the right balance between security and freedom.

She deplored two recent attacks by men who had claimed allegiance to the Islamic State: an ax and knife attack in Wurzburg by a 17-year-old refugee who said he was from Afghanistan, and a suicide bombing in Ansbach by a 27-year-old Syrian who had sought asylum in Germany. The two attacks mock the country that took them in, the chancellor said.
KRAKOW, Poland  Pope Francis celebrated Mass on Thursday at one of Polands most renowned shrines, urging Catholics to embrace the humble love that brings freedom and to shun the lust for wealth and power.

To be attracted by power, by grandeur, by appearances, is tragically human, Francis said at the 14th-century monastery of Jasna Gora, a pilgrimage site in the city of Czestochowa known for its painting of the Virgin Mary. It is a great temptation that tries to insinuate itself everywhere. But to give oneself to others, eliminating distances, dwelling in littleness and living the reality of ones everyday life: This is exquisitely divine.

Later in the day, before an international crowd of 600,000 gathered in Krakow for the World Youth Day celebration, the pope urged people to welcome migrants and refugees, a stance resisted by the Polish government.

A merciful heart is able to be a place of refuge for those who are without a home or have lost their home, Francis said. It is able to build a home and a family for those forced to emigrate; it knows the meaning of tenderness and compassion. A merciful heart can share its bread with the hungry and welcome refugees and migrants.
WASHINGTON  After all the ways that this years presidential election has made history, Donald J. Trump found a new line to cross on Wednesday, when he said at a news conference that Russia should hack his opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, Mr. Trump said, in reference to the private email server Mrs. Clinton used while she was secretary of state. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.

There is simply no precedent for this: A presidential candidate publicly appealing to a foreign adversary to intervene in the election on his behalf.
ISTANBUL  As a rebel faction of Turkeys military began a violent attempt to topple the elected government, the countrys top officer, Gen. Hulusi Akar, was held at gunpoint in his office in the capital and told for the first time about what was happening.

Sir, the operation is starting, a coup-plotting officer said, according to General Akar in testimony that was leaked to the Turkish news media and verified by a senior Turkish official as authentic. We will round up people, battalions. Brigades are on their way. You will see a bit later.

General Akar replied: What the hell are you saying? What operation? Are you a maniac? Never!

The plotters hoped to secure General Akars participation in the conspiracy, but his refusal was decisive in ensuring this coup attempt would fail  unlike those in Turkey in 1971 and 1980, which were supported up and down the chain of command.

Now, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wages a widespread purge, jailing and suspending tens of thousands of state employees, the military, which has long served as a unifying force for the country, is deeply divided, diminished and discredited. Nearly half of the top generals and admirals have been jailed or dismissed and thousands of foot soldiers charged. More than 1,500 officers were dishonorably discharged this week in advance of a meeting of the Supreme Military Council in Ankara on Thursday, where leaders were expected to consider a broader restructuring of the military.
JERUSALEM  The State Department sharply criticized Israel on Wednesday for taking steps to build hundreds of housing units in Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem.

The rebuke returned the settlement issue to the spotlight four weeks after the United States and other nations criticized Israel for continuing to build in occupied territory.

John Kirby, the State Department spokesman, described the activities in a statement as corrosive to the cause of peace.

These steps by Israeli authorities are the latest examples of what appears to be a steady acceleration of settlement activity that is systematically undermining the prospects for a two-state solution, Mr. Kirby said.
But many Syrians, Western diplomats and international aid groups doubted the sincerity of what Russia termed a large-scale humanitarian operation, contending that Russia had previously shown little concern for the plight of civilians in rebel-held areas and that the Syrian government had frequently employed brutal siege tactics against its foes.

The United Nations, which has tried to broker talks between the warring sides and facilitate aid delivery, was not consulted about the plan and so was unsure whether it could be considered a humanitarian move, said Staffan de Mistura, the global bodys envoy for Syria. He said that Russian, and perhaps American, military officials were heading to Geneva to discuss the plan.

Few residents of eastern Aleppo said they expected good treatment if they accepted the governments offer.

Farida, a doctor in an Aleppo hospital who gave only her first name for safety reasons, noted that all the passages would take civilians to government-controlled areas. She said she feared that surrendering to government forces could mean either death or imprisonment.

She acknowledged, however, that some civilians want to leave.

Aid groups have been warning of an impending siege, and with it a humanitarian crisis, after government forces cut the last road connecting Aleppos eastern districts to rebel-held areas to the north.

Zaher Azzaher, an activist in Aleppo, said that residents had begun to feel the pinch; one of his neighbors had acquired two barrels of fuel and scores of people had lined up to get a share, he said.

People are fighting over two bags of eggplants, he said. I dont know how these eggplants managed to find their way here.
How far would you go to show your religious faith? Some families in rural India  both Hindus and Muslims  are willing to let their babies be tossed off the roof of a shrine, to be caught in a stretched bedsheet about 30 feet below.

The ritual, long popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka States, dates back almost 700 years, to a time when infant mortality was high, medical knowledge was scant and families had few places to turn for help.

Legend has it that a saint advised people whose babies were dying to build a shrine and drop the ailing infants from the roof to show their trust in the almighty. When they did so, the story goes, the babies were miraculously cradled to safety in a hammock-like sheet that appeared in midair.

From then on, prayers for the birth of a healthy baby in the region have included a promise to toss the baby as an offering to the god who granted the prayers. Villagers believe that the ritual brings the child long life and good luck, and maintain that it does no harm.
I heard you got military training for Troilus.

We had this two-day boot camp, where this special operator came in and had us march and hold guns and clear rooms. And then there was military-style exercise three times a week, lots of pull-ups and push-ups and squats.

Do you think about contemporary parallels to the show?

Its not necessarily the most compelling thing for a liberal like myself, to be making an impassioned plea for the divine rights of kings, and for observing the hierarchy of order, of class and authority. There are definitely some things I say that, in my own head, are about things that are going on in the world. And yet there is something really fun about being the bad guy.

How did you come up with your voice for Cafe Society?

Woody threw me for a little bit of a loop, because when he offered me the role, the one thing he said was, I dont want you to have any sort of accent, just talk in your normal voice. I thought, O.K., thats a little strange, I dont really think I talk like a 30s gangster. And then the first day on set, he was like, well, you need some sort of accent. I just winged it, but luckily I had been watching a lot of gangster movies.

What was it like to shoot on location for Girls?

We had this one scene right in Times Square, and I thought, were gonna make this big scene, kissing with this guy [a boyfriend played by Andrew Rannells], but people didnt care. Because it was just Times Square  there was a Naked Cowboy over there, and then theres like a drunk Pokemon.

Youve now been killed off on a show and been a killer in another one  which is harder to play?

On The Strain, they have these blind child vampires that we have to kill, and that is difficult. I really dont mind the gore and the blood but like, beating small stuntmen who are dressed as children, its a little disturbing.
The Nikolaihof was my favorite of these wines. Hefeabzug indicates that the wine was aged on its lees, the remnants of yeast that remain after fermentation, in the manner of Champagne or good Muscadet. The effect is to give this wine a richness that belies its slender level of 11 percent alcohol.

On the palate, the wine was bright and refreshing, with peppery, citrus flavors, that crunchy green-bean quality and a delicious thread of minerality. This wine was not only great with pan-fried chicken, but it also went beautifully with a summery pasta dish with fresh tomatoes and arugula.

By contrast, the Hirsch seemed a little simpler to me. Its dominant flavor was lemon, with a tinge of green beans and a floral note. It did not seem as incisive as the Nikolaihof, nor was there apparent minerality. I liked it well enough on its own, but a side-by-side comparison was not flattering.

The Knoll, from the Kreutles vineyard, was labeled federspiel, a designation indicating that the grapes had been picked at a medium level of ripeness, as opposed to the very ripe designation of smaragd. This system of labeling is used only in the Wachau region, and not always there, as the Nikolaihof, which most likely was the equivalent of a federspiel, did not use the term.

I found the Knoll tart and deliciously green and crunchy, with a note of iodine that reminded me of nothing so much as single-malt whisky. (This is maybe the first time Ive ever said that about a wine.) It was indeed idiosyncratic yet crisp and refreshing.
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Like most physicians, Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith was used to receiving the occasional negative online review about her practice. But a biting post from several years ago was so wrenching that it nearly drove the Houston ob.gyn. out of medicine for good.

The patient blasted Dr. Hardwick-Smith on a popular review site about her care during a delivery and accused the doctor of attempting to force an unnecessary C-section. The account was inaccurate, but privacy laws prevented Dr. Hardwick-Smith from defending herself online or sharing details of the actual encounter, she said.

Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

She wrote this very detailed account of what a terrible doctor I was, and in my version of reality, I had saved her babys life, said Dr. Hardwick-Smith. I felt extremely powerless. I lost a lot of sleep over it, and I was considering giving up delivering babies. It was a real turning point for me.

Rather than hanging up her white coat, Dr. Hardwick-Smith began working with an online reputation company  eMerit  that works to dilute negative reviews by soliciting a greater number of reviews from patients. The offensive post is now buried under hundreds of other reviews that are primarily positive, she said.

Hiring a reputation management company is one strategy for coping with negative online reviews. But cyberlaw experts stress that removing negative posts altogether is no easy feat. The best move to take often depends on the post, the patient, and the circumstance.

By now, its no secret that negative online reviews can significantly impact a medical practice, from influencing patient recruitment to affecting practice revenue to ruining a reputation. A 2015 survey of 2,354 consumers by search marketing firm BrightLocal found that 92% of consumers read online reviews  up from 67% in 2010  and 40% of consumers had formed an opinion by reading just one to three reviews. Of 2,137 patients who viewed online reviews, 35% selected a physician based on positive reviews, while 37% avoided doctors with negative reviews, according to a 2014 study in JAMA (doi:10.1001/jama.2013.283194).

Peter Yelkovac

Reviews have become a strong force in the health care industry, said Peter Yelkovac, an online defamation attorney in Northern Indiana.

Online reviews have really replaced the common word of mouth that used to be the primary source for doctors referrals, Mr. Yelkovac said in an interview. Now, [patients] go online. Anyone can type anything they want, whether its truthful, untruthful, positive, indifferent, or negative.

Doctor vs. website

In some cases, contacting a website administrator and requesting a review be removed can end the dilemma, said Michael J. Sacopulos, a medical malpractice defense attorney based in Terre Haute, Ind.

Rating sites generally have terms of use, and posts that violate the terms usually will be taken down by site administrators with some nudging, Mr. Sacopulos said in an interview. Other sites have strike policies, where a reviewee can request that one or two negative reviews be removed.

Michael J. Sacopulos

Still other sites are not as accommodating. Amazon, for instance, has immunity against content posted on the site, Mr. Sacopulos said. Under the Communications Decency Act, interactive computer services, such as a consumer review website, cannot be liable for content independently created or developed by third-party users. Such sites are hardly motivated to remove negative comments when racy posts can drive traffic to the site, he said.

Eric M. Joseph, MD, a facial plastic surgeon in West Orange, N.J., learned this lesson firsthand when he attempted to have a video removed from YouTube. A poster had uploaded copyright-protected before and after photos from Dr. Josephs practice onto YouTube and made disparaging comments about the patients in a video that went viral. Dr. Joseph and the patient both flagged the video for removal, but to no avail.

It was impossible to [talk to] a human being at Google, Dr, Joseph said. It almost didnt come down, and we were in conversations about suing Google. It took months and a cyberattorney who specializes in copyright infringement.

Dr. Eric M. Joseph

The video finally was removed, but not before Dr. Joseph spent $6,000 in legal fees and experienced significant distress from the incident. Although most reviews about his practice are positive, he said, its difficult not to be affected by negative posts.

From a psychological standpoint, it stings, he said. The burn of a negative review outweighs the sweetness of a positive review 100 times.

Reputation companies to the rescue?

Like Dr. Hardwick-Smith, Dr. Joseph has utilized the online reputation management company eMerit to improve his online presence. The company gathers reviews from patients at the point of service and posts them to dominate review sites.
SANTA ANA  Surveyed Santa Ana Unified School District staff and parents said they wanted someone from the community as the new superintendent  and that is who was selected after a nationwide search.

Stefanie Phillips, the districts deputy superintendent of business and operations for the past three years, was appointed as the new superintendent by the school board on Tuesday.

Phillips, 47, assumes her new role Monday, replacing retiring superintendent Rick Miller who brought a tremendous amount of systematic changes, she said, including digital resources for students and a longer instructional day. Miller served three school years.

Now I just want to pick up the mantel and begin to align community resources and school district efforts, go further and faster with a laser focus on connecting those dots, Phillips said.

During her tenure as chief business official, Phillips said, the district faced a $43 million structural deficit. She was able to avoid teaching and administrative layoffs by paring down expenses and securing outside grants.

School board president John Palacio said Phillips stood out among candidates and brings a wealth of experience in addition to being familiar with the district.

As the districts chief financial officer, her strong stewardship afforded the district with an opportunity to have a fiscally balanced and prudent budget while providing our employees and students with the resources they needed, Palacio said in a statement.

Prior to joining the district in 2013, Phillips served as deputy superintendent for the Clayton County School District in Georgia.

Phillips said shes lived in many places in her 16 years in educational leadership and has found Santa Ana Unified  the sixth largest school district in the state, with about 53,000 students  to be a very special place. The inner-city Oakland native said she comes from a similar background.

The kids, theyre so smart, theyre so eager, theyre bright, theyre brilliant, but many times because of their social background  things that they havent had in the past based on their familys ability  they just havent had the opportunity to shine, she said. And that inspired me.

Phillips has a doctorate in educational leadership from USC and a masters degree in business administration with a focus in finance and marketing from UC Davis. She received an education specialist certificate from the University of West Georgia.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7762 or jkwong@ocregister.com or on Twitter: @JessicaGKwong
PHILADELPHIA   The black and white video at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday showed Americas shame  heartbreaking headlines about the Chinese Exclusion Act and Japanese internment camps of World War II.

Then the lights came up and about a dozen Asian and Pacific Islanders walked on stage, smiled and waved while the crowd cheered.

They were led by U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park, the first Chinese woman to be elected to Congress. Others included U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Los Angeles and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Richmond, Va., the first Filipino elected to Congress.

And then U.S. Rep Grace Meng, D-New York, laid out in stark language the problem Asian-American voters pose for Republicans in November.

We are the swing vote in swing states, Meng said. Organize, campaign and vote so we will be the margin of victory in 2016 and beyond.

Exit polls from 2012, as well as more recent studies and polling, show Republican candidates face a steep climb in getting minority voters to support the GOP. While the Latino vote gets a lot of attention, the Asian and Pacific Islander population is the fastest growing group in America, according 2012 Census data. Asians and Pacific Islanders are outpacing Hispanics at a growth rate of 2.9 percent verses 2.1 percent.

Chu said three states  Nevada, Virginia and Pennsylvania  will be critical for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton to defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump. The Asian and Pacific Islander population is more than 9 percent of Nevada and more than 6.5 percent in Virginia; its 3.5 percent in Pennsylvania.

In 2012, President Barack Obama won Nevada by just under 7 points, Virginia by 3 points and Pennsylvania by 5 points.

We have gone from being marginalized to being the margin of victory in swing states, Chu said.

A 2016 report from Asian Americans Advancing Justice reflected the GOPs problems in drawing voters from this group. It showed that since 2012, the number of Asian Americans who have registered as Democrats has jumped by 12 percent, while the total number of voters has grown from about 2 million to just under 4 million. The report also says Asian and Pacific Islander voters will account for 5 percent of the vote by 2025, and that they already account for more than 10 percent of all potential voters in six states, including California.

Trump got into hot water when he told Time magazine that he couldnt say for sure if hed have supported putting Japanese in internment camps during World War II. It came as Trump had pressed to ban Muslims from coming into America amid terrorism concerns. He later said in an interview with ABC that hed rule out internment and that he hated the concept.

Chu noted that U.S. Reps Mike Honda, D-San Jose, and Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, were in the camps.

Donald Trump doesnt seem to have a problem with this part of our history, Chu said.

Each speaker took a turn at the microphone to highlight a key issue. Lieu, who is an Air Force reservists, mentioned care for veterans. Scott tackled debt-free college. Chu spoke about immigration reform.

So many of our parents and grandparents sacrificed to come to the United States because they wanted their children to get a better education and live the American dream, Chu said.

She gets it.
DAMASCUS, Syria  At least 67 people were killed and 185 wounded Wednesday in an attack claimed by Islamic State in the northeastern Syrian town of Qamishli, medical sources in the Kurdish-controlled town said.

Rescue teams are still searching for victims under the rubble of the buildings hit by the attack, the sources added.

Earlier reports said that 55 people were killed and more than 160 wounded in what activists said was a powerful blast that rocked Qamishli, which is near the Turkish border.

The number keeps increasing as lots of victims are still buried under the debris. Many of the injured are listed in critical condition, Qamishli National Hospital Director Omar al-Qaqoub said.

Kurdish news agency Rudaw said the explosion was the result of a double attack. The first was caused by a truck loaded with explosives that targeted a center run by the Kurdish police force.

A second blast hit a street in the east of the town that is home to the local defense administration, Rudaw said.

Rami Abdel-Rahman, the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said the resulting blast was the worst seen in Qamishli.

Syrian state television meanwhile aired footage showing huge damage reportedly from the area where the blast took place.

In the footage, panicking people are seen rushing to help those trapped under the rubble. Women are also seen running and shouting for help.

Hospitals across Qamishli have put out urgent calls for the donation of all blood types in the wake of the attack.

Qamishli, which is predominantly inhabited by Kurds, has been targeted by recent bombings, many claimed by Islamic State.

The al-Qaida splinter group also said it was behind Wednesdays attack.

An Islamic State fighter managed to reach a number of buildings of the Kurds via his explosives-laden truck, blowing himself up among them . destroying their buildings . killing over 100 and injuring dozens, according to an alleged online statement by the militant group.

It added that the attack was to avenge the killing of men, women and children in Islamic State-controlled Minbij city in northern Syria.

The authenticity of the statement could not be verified by dpa.

In May, Kurdish-led Syrian forces, backed by U.S.-led airstrikes, started a major attack to dislodge Islamic State from Minbij and have since gained ground against the radical group.

The Minbij onslaught is aimed at cutting Islamic States last link with the outside world and isolating its de facto capital in Syria, al-Raqqa, which lies south-east of Minbij.



2016 Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH (Hamburg, Germany)

Visit Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH (Hamburg, Germany) at www.dpa.de/English.82.0.html

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.



GRAPHIC (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): 20160727 Syria attack
It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks. Thats if the dog is super-soldier former CIA agent Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), and the trainer is director Paul Greengrass, who helmed Bournes Supremacy and Ultimatum. After the misfire that was The Bourne Legacy, a misguided attempt to pass off the franchise to Jeremy Renner, Damon and Greengrass ably right the ship, delivering a Bourne film that looks and feels like the kind that weve always loved.

Jason Bourne delivers everything that we expect from this franchise. We want Damon making swift, brutal work of his enemies, landing heavy punches and turning mundane household items into deadly weapons. We want him burning rubber on narrow European streets, burning out the clutches on any motorized vehicle he can hijack. We want CIA bigwigs, illuminated by the glow of computer screens shouting enhance! at surveillance footage and exclaiming in awe: Its Bourne. All of that is here, gloriously.

This time around, the plot concerns a hacking. Its worse than Snowden, Agent Jeffers (Ato Essandoh) barks at his boss, CIA director Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones). The missing files contain information about all of their Black Operations, including Treadstone, the recruitment program that turned David Webb into Jason Bourne, and Iron Hand, their plans for total, invasive national surveillance.

Deweys been making inroads in Silicon Valley to that end, particularly with social media company founder and tech rock star Aaron Kalloor (Riz Ahmed), who would like to keep his deals with the government secret. Everything is almost startlingly timely, in a ripped-from-the-headlines way  from the debate over digital privacy, to the culminating showdown at a Vegas tech conference, where a rogue CIA asset (Vincent Cassel) seeking revenge on Bourne for his imprisonment in Syria, plows a SWAT vehicle through traffic.

Its a breath of fresh air to see Damon back in this role, one that draws on his innate strengths. His All-American star persona allows us to understand that though Bourne is a lone ranger who doesnt hesitate to use violence, we innately trust his moral compass. Thats because we know Bourne, but also because of the patriotic, good guy qualities that Damon effortlessly expresses.

Greengrass camera is anxious, unsettled, constantly shifting on its feet, and he and editor Christopher Rouse keep an antsy trigger finger on the rapid-fire editing. An early action set piece of a motorcycle chase during a Greek political protest demonstrates the best thing that Greengrass brings to the Bourne films  a tightly controlled sense of chaos that rides the line of anarchy, presented at eye-level, on a human-size scale.

That scale allows the filmmakers to wrestle with global issues within the scope of individual actors, who are rooted in their own histories, with their competing goals, making their own choices. Bournes always had an issue with his own motivation, frantically searching through his past muddied by government programming for a slice of identity. He needs his history so he knows what hes fighting for, and this film offers another puzzle piece.
Public trust in government withers when even the appearance of malfeasance rears its ugly head. In Brea, the role of former City Manager Tim ODonnell as a paid board member of nonprofit water company California Domestic Water Co. and its for-profit subsidiary Cadway Inc., during a time when city investments in Cal Domestic ballooned from $400,000 in 2003 to $39 million as of January, justifiably raises concerns.

Though there is nothing unusual about city officials in Brea serving on the board of Cal Domestic, which serves the city, Mr. ODonnell, who retired last year after 25 years in city government, failed to disclose more than $108,000 he received from the company since 2009. Some of those payments included small monthly stipends from the non-profit side of the water company, while most of it came from the for-profit subsidiary.

The Orange County District Attorneys Office has already decided not to pursue legal action against Mr. ODonnell after reviewing potential disclosure or conflict of interest charges, but the matter is now under review by the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Naturally, any judgment of Mr. ODonnell must be reserved until any investigations are concluded.

Still, it isnt unreasonable to suspect connections between things which may ultimately not be connected, particularly when it appears City Attorney Jim Markman himself expressed some concerns in a 2004 letter to Mr. ODonnell regarding the city managers income from Cal Domestic. (A)t first blush you would have a conflict of interest because you would be a director of a business entity, wrote Mr. Markman.

If anything is to be learned at this point, wed hope government officials remind themselves of their responsibility to the public and do all they can to serve openly, ethically and responsibly.
In the flurry surrounding the end of the Supreme Courts term, too little attention was paid to an important case that will make it far harder to prosecute government corruption. In McDonnell v. United States, the Supreme Court redefined what is misconduct by elected officials sufficient to violate federal law. From the earliest days of law school, I have taught my students that just because the Supreme Court decides something doesnt mean it is right, even if the court is unanimous. I think the court got it wrong in McDonnell.

Robert McDonnell was the governor of Virginia. He and his wife, Maureen, received more than $175,000 in gifts and loans from Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams. Williams took Maureen McDonnell on a shopping trip and bought her $20,000 of designer clothes, Williams gave the McDonnells $15,000 for their daughters wedding and Williams gave the McDonnells $70,000 in loans.

Williams, of course, had a reason for doing all of this. Williams was the CEO of Star Scientific, a Virginia-based company that developed and marketed Anatabloc, a nutritional supplement. Star Scientific wanted to obtain Food and Drug Administration approval of Anatabloc as an anti-inflammatory drug. A crucial step in securing that approval was independent research studies on the health benefits of Anatabloc. Williams and Star Scientific hoped Virginias public universities would undertake such studies, pursuant to a grant from Virginias Tobacco Commission.

McDonnell introduced Williams to key state officials and hosted dinners with Williams and Virginia policymakers in attendance. McDonnell met with the Virginia secretary of administration and the director of the Department of Human Resource Management and told them that he was taking Anatabloc, saying that the pills were working well for him and would be good for state employees.

McDonnell was convicted under federal anti-corruption laws, and the federal court of appeals affirmed the conviction. It seems obvious that he used his government position for his own personal gain. But the Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion on June 27, reversed the convictions. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion for the court. The court said that federal law is violated only if a government official commits an official act. The court concluded that official act requires a decision or an action; it must involve a formal exercise of governmental power.

The court concluded that McDonnell did not engage in any official act because all he did was introduce Williams to government officials and set up meetings.

Although the justices were unanimous, I believe that the court interpreted official act far too narrowly. Making introductions and arranging meetings and providing endorsements are all, by definition, actions taken as a government official. McDonnell could and did take these actions entirely because he was governor and in that role could do so. The conduct was done in exchange for a substantial amount of money. Government officials should not be using their positions for their own personal gain. Period. The federal anti-corruption laws were intentionally broadly written and meant to be broadly interpreted.

If I were to get $10,000 or a Rolex watch (something else that McDonnell received from Williams) in exchange for recommending a student for admission to UC Irvine Law School or personally introducing the student to the Law School admissions dean, I surely would have taken an official action. I do not have the authority to admit a student to UC Irvine Law School and never once have been involved in any admission decision. But I likely have influence with the admissions dean who reports to me and with my colleagues on the admissions committee. That influence never should be for sale. Using my influence in exchange for money should be illegal, whether or not the student was actually accepted for admission, or would have been accepted regardless. Government officials have influence even when there is not a formal decision, and their actions never should be in exchange for money or things of value.

The Supreme Courts decision in McDonnell v. United States will make it harder for the government to prosecute and convict those who misuse their official power for their personal gain. I dont care if it was unanimous. The court was wrong.

Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law.
LOS ANGELES  Health officials in Southern California are urging high-risk gay and bisexual men to get the meningitis vaccine after observing an increase in cases of invasive meningococcal disease, a potentially deadly infection.

The Daily News reports Tuesdays alert broadens a previous recommendation earlier this month.

The newspaper says 19 people have contracted the disease this year in Los Angeles County, including six from Long Beach. About half of them identify as gay or bisexual. Orange County has had four cases  including one death.

Meningococcal disease can develop rapidly and is fatal in about one in 10 patients. All 11 diagnosed have survived.

Health departments are advising men who regularly have close or intimate contact with multiple partners as well as those who share cigarettes or use illegal drugs to get the meningitis vaccine.
Randgold Resources CEO Mark Bristow speaks during a news conference at Tongon Gold Mine in the Korhogo region, Ivory Coast, April 24, 2016. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon

BAMAKO (Reuters) - Randgold Resources' (RRS.L) Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex in Mali is currently on track to beat its 2016 production guidance, CEO Mark Bristow told reporters late on Wednesday.

Loulo-Gounkoto, the company's flagship operation in the West African nation, was targeting output of 670,000 oz of gold this year, according to the company's website, up from 630,167 oz last year.

"Loulo-Gounkoto complex is currently on track to beat its 2016 production guidance and continue to produce more than 600,000 ounces of gold annually for the next 10 years with a life of mine which well exceeds that horizon," Bristow said.

Speaking in the capital Bamako, he said that while Morila, Randgold's other gold mine in Mali, was approaching the end of its lifespan, it would continue to remain profitable for the next three years.

Mali is Africa's third-largest gold producer after South Africa and Ghana. Randgold's operations constitute between 7 and 11 percent of its gross domestic product, Bristow said.

(Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by James Dalgleish)
In the midst of a presidential election year, Americans rightly expect to hear debates on almost every relevant topic. However, there is one topic that seems to be missing from the debate, even when it seems compellingly relevant: The war on drugs.

When we talk about Mexican and Central American immigration, we ignore the fact that many immigrants are unaccompanied children, refugees fleeing drug war violence, while drug warriors claim to be concerned about the children. And when the violence follows the refugees, we blame them, not the drug war.

When we talk about the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, we ignore the fact that the opium poppy crop is a major source of their funding, and Western suppression of these crops is a major source of conflict with the poorest people in a very poor country.

Italy is considering marijuana legalization, because they say the black market is a major source of funding for both the Mafia and terrorists, which has been obvious for years  and not just in Italy.

Similarly, when Americans talk about needing more security, we dont talk about the enormous waste of police resources spent on hundreds of thousands of arrests every year for small amounts of marijuana.

Civil rights advocates frequently cite statistics that show that blacks are far more likely to be arrested, and more severely punished for drug crimes than whites, even though use rates are very similar. But that has been blatantly obvious for decades. Would it be less unjust if we arrested more whites and punished them more severely?

Black Lives Matter protests that police violence against blacks is a systemic problem, but marijuana prohibition is the major source of interaction between the police and young black men  and yet even they dont mention the drug war.

And public health is naturally a major issue in the election, except for the drug war. Absurdly, drug overdose deaths now exceed both those killed in traffic accidents and gun violence. In 2014, approximately 13,000 Americans were killed by guns, and approximately 32,675 were killed in traffic accidents, but there were 47,055 drug overdose deaths  but zero marijuana overdose deaths.

We know how difficult it is to reduce gun and traffic deaths, but in October of 2014, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported, States with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate  compared with states without medical cannabis laws. Examination of the association between medical cannabis laws and opioid analgesic overdose mortality in each year after implementation of the law showed that such laws were associated with a lower rate of overdose mortality that generally strengthened over time.

And that is just the beginning of the cost of suppressing research on the medical use of cannabis. For decades the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Drug Enforcement Administration have made it almost impossible to do any research on any possible benefits from cannabis. But of course they would always say that we needed more research before we could stop arresting sick people. Even now the Obama administration is delaying a decision on rescheduling marijuana. Officially, it still has no medical value. But dont mention the drug war.

The urgency of these widely varied problems with the drug war seems obvious, so why cant we even mention the war on drugs?

Richard Cowan is chairman of the Board of FreedomLeaf inc. and former Executive Director of NORML.
Spain is in the midst of a passionate love affair with a cocktail: the gin and tonic (or gin-tonic, as they call it there). In Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Granada, San Sebastian and other cities with a contingent of younger, upscale drinkers, many bars are devoted almost obsessively to the concoction. Its the perfect drink for Spains warm springs and hot summers. Its also grandly theatrical in appearance and presentation, which fits the countrys forward-looking culinary persona.

I can hear the doubters already. How could anyone make an art form out of the most boring cocktail in the world? Simple: by caring about the ingredients.

American bars traditionally have treated the G&T with little respect: A shot of Gordons, a spritz of cheap, sweet tonic from the gun and a stale lime were its usual ingredients.

But the rebirth of the gin and tonic was practically guaranteed by the resurgence of gin. That noble spirit was relegated to grandpa status when vodka made its aggressive push into the American market more than half a century ago, and there are still a lot of gin haters out there.

But in the past decade, gin has been riding the mixology wave like many other formerly scorned liquors, and now your average booze store offers a dizzying array of foreign and domestic gin choices (though thankfully theyre still mostly under $35 a bottle  gin isnt aged, so it shouldnt be expensive).

Those familiar with cocktail history will undoubtedly know about the drinks purportedly medicinal qualities.

It was invented by the British East India Co. to combat malaria in the far-flung outposts of the empire. Quinine could be used to prevent the disease, but it tasted bitter. The Brits discovered that adding a mixture of water, sugar, lime and gin to the quinine made a delicious cocktail. (That old toast to your health makes much more sense now, doesnt it?)

A Spanish gin-tonic bears about as much resemblance to the traditional American version as a Picasso does to a velvet Elvis portrait.

Its served in huge stemmed balloons, with a mountain of ice (or, in the classier bars, a single spherical ice cube). Some of these monsters are large enough to hold an entire bottle of wine, but dont worry: In the U.S., the standard G&T has 2 ounces of gin per drink and 6-8 ounces of tonic water. (The balloon is important, though  swirling your gin and tonic in it releases pungent and seductive scents.)

At many places in Spain, the server will bring everything to your table on a tray and start by pouring the gin directly over the ice. A small bottle of top-quality tonic water  Schwepps, made in a formula less sweet and more citrusy in Spain, usually Fever Tree, Q or Fentimans in the U.S., is left for you to add to the gin yourself. (Dont cheap out on the tonic; the lesser ones use high fructose corn syrup, which is a real flavor killer.) A touch of bitters is recommended by some bartenders  one or two drops at most.

Then comes the fun part: botanicals.

Spain has made an art form of dried add-ins: star anise, cloves, pink peppercorns, strawberries, raspberries, juniper, cardamom pods, hibiscus flower, cinnamon sticks. The list is ever-growing, and yes, they do make a difference, especially if you swirl them around a bit and let them percolate. They add delicious depth to the nose of the cocktail, and over time they seep subtly into the taste.

Fresh fruits such as grapes, apples or strawberries might be added  one fruit. The cardinal rule of add-ins: Let them complement the gin. And dont over-complicate things. Many purists think the G&T is best expressed simply by the juniper of a classic London dry counterbalancing a bitter tonic with a hint of citrus. Many of the modern gins are less juniper-heavy.

Taste the gin by itself, determine its botanical profile and decide what add-in might amp it. Then add one or two at most. Think of it as a new drinking game  one thats ideal for warm summer afternoons by the pool.

BEST GINS FOR YOUR COCKTAIL

Gins distinctively crisp and astringent character is achieved by infusing a neutral spirit with juniper berries. A wide variety of flavorings called botanicals  herbs, flowers, fruits and roots  are added, each of which gives gin its signature taste profile.

Three go-to gins in Southern California are appropriate for a gin and tonic: Bombay Sapphire ($20), the first gin to achieve widespread premium status in American bars, is strongly juniper-flavored. Hendricks ($33), introduced in 1999, is more lightly floral, a touch cucumber-ish, and slightly sweet. Nolets Silver ($45) is the most rewarding and complex of the three, with peach and raspberry hints and almost no pine or juniper notes. The finish is noticeably longer and more multilayered than the others.

Here are other excellent gins to consider (prices are lowest online):

Barr Hill Gin: Vermonts Barr Hill has a corn base and locally sourced juniper; raw honey is added after distillation. Its very smooth with a delicate floral character. Its pale yellow color varies from year to year depending on the flower bloom, honey harvest and other factors. $37

Beefeater Burroughs Reserve Oak Rested Gin: This straw-colored gin has an unctuous, velvety mouth feel and strong floral notes as well as a big dose of juniper and citrus. Thats followed by a warm finish of vanilla and spice that might remind you of a high-quality whiskey. $66

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin: A boldly floral gin, with healthy overtones of apple, menthol, honey, coconut and, underneath it all, a little peat bog. Its not surprising this gin comes from Islay, which produces some memorable whiskeys. Its flavors are assertive; even the finish is huge, fading slowly into a pleasant, licorice-tinged ending. $30

Plymouth: Produced since 1793 by Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, U.K., its a deeply flavorful gin whose earthiness is counterbalanced by lingering sweetness. Youll get coriander and cardamom on the nose, and its finish is zesty, long and dry. $33

Sipsmith: This popular London dry gin has a floral nose followed by mellow, rounded juniper and fresh citrus notes. In the mouth, dry juniper is joined by growing sweetness and an orange marmalade flavor, transforming into even bolder juniper. Finishes dry. $30

Contact the writer: 714-796-7979 or phodgins@ocregister.com
In case you missed it, the billionaire Koch brothers are among those steering clear of Donald Trumps campaign.

The week before the GOP primary, Charles Koch was asked by Fortune magazine if he would vote for Trump or Hillary Clinton.

If I had to vote for cancer or heart attack, why would I vote for either? he quipped.

He had earlier complainted to the Associated Press that the primary and general elections had become a battle of, Youre the enemy, youre evil or youre stupid, or whatever ad hominem attacks on each other, rather than trying to find common ground  and find better solutions.

The libertarian-leaning conservatives have said they planned to raise $880 million for this election cycle, but are focusing their efforts on congressional races and an End the Divide campaign.

Its time to remove the barriers, to end the divide, to replace winner-take-all with a system where we can all win, says the narrator in an Koch-funded television ad, that complains about a rigged economy that leaves behind the poor.

The Koch campaign is promoting policies for education and regulatory reform, reducing poverty and reducing incarceration levels.

When the Koch brothers held a semi-annual retreat in Dana Point last August, Trump mocked the five GOP presidential candidates then in the race who spoke at the event.

I wish good luck to all of the Republican candidates that traveled to California to beg for money etc. from the Koch Brothers, Trump tweeted. Puppets?

But last month, as Trump began scanning the landscape for donors, representatives from his campaign arranged a meeting with Koch aides.

Then came the cancer or heart attack comment, indicating that Trumps charm may have its limits.
Re: America welcomes law abiding [Letters, July 25]: Ed Bjork raised several points in his response to Sal Rodriguez, but none of them are reasonable.

First, he dislikes the politically correct term undocumented immigrant, but there is a good reason for using this term. No one is denying that these immigrants entered the country illegally, but labeling them as illegal ignores the fact that they are indeed law-abiding residents. This is the point Mr. Rodriguez made  undocumented immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes. It is not hard to see why, as undocumented immigrants cannot afford the cost of breaking the law, which is deportation. The example of undocumented immigrants burning American flags is misleading. Its unfair to characterize an entire population based on isolated instances.

He also mentions that undocumented immigrants are draining the welfare system. This again ignores Mr. Rodriguez argument that undocumented immigrants are not eligible for most welfare benefits. Contrary to popular belief, studies actually show that most pay taxes. If these people are productive and law-abiding residents, why is there a need to perceive them as a threat or burden? Thats why were not getting the immigration reform we need from the GOP.

Yi Zhang

Long Beach

Unconventional

Regarding the recent Republican and ongoing Democratic National Convention, the appearance is one of disgrace to the American public. With the resignation of the DNC chair over email disclosures, Bernie Sanders joining with Hillary, his avowed enemy during his campaign, Donald Trump winning the GOP nomination, Ted Cruz opposing and refusing to endorse, these preliminary campaigns have been sadly constructed and woefully mismanaged. The muck racking abounds. Can we expect more of the same? I would expect so  they will escalate, become personally vilifying, mean in nature and counter-productive to the issues that face the American public as well as the crises that confront the global community.

The world is on the edge of monumental, cataclysmic, perhaps catastrophic political unrest. We are entering a new genre of political intrigue, machinations, media hoopla and outright fraud by the candidates. We deserve better than this slate of national candidates.

William Lewis

Irvine
The leader of an 81-year-old ice cream and burger chain has been tapped to run Southern Californias nostalgic brand Johnny Rockets.

John Maguire, chief executive at the parent company of Friendlys, was named chief executive of the Lake Forest-based burger chain. Johnny Rockets declined to say what happened to outgoing CEO Charles Bruce, who earlier this year announced plans to rebrand the chain by removing many of its old-fashioned characteristics.

The leadership change comes three years after Johnny Rockets was bought by Sun Capital Partners, a private equity company with a major stake in FIC Restaurants, the parent company of Friendlys.

Though Massachusetts-based Friendlys and Johnny Rockets both will be led by Maguire, each brand will remain independent, the companies said.

Johnny Rockets mission is in line with what were doing at Friendlys, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead another iconic restaurant brand, Maguire said in a statement. The international reach of the Johnny Rockets brand, the passion and enthusiasm of its franchisees, and the unique outlets in which it serves guests on a daily basis present exciting opportunities for growth.

In April, then-CEO Bruce stunned Johnny Rockets fans and industry watchers when he announced plans to scrap traditional decor and atmosphere at the 30-year-old chain founded in Los Angeles, including dancing servers in white paper caps, jukeboxes, red-vinyl booths and stainless-steel counters.

The new Johnny Rockets look was unveiled in April at a new restaurant in Syracuse, N.Y. It featured wooden finishes, pendant lighting and a self-serve ordering kiosk for to-go orders.

We were showing our age. We were looking a little old, a little tired, Bruce told the Register at the time.

Last week, the chain debuted its new Johnny Rockets Express concept in Albuquerque, N.M. The fast-food version of the restaurant is part of the chains overall 2.0 refresh. The Express restaurants sport the chains new logo and uniforms.

Its unclear if Maguire will stick to the chains rebranding strategy. He was not immediately available for comment Thursday.

Friendlys was founded as an ice cream business in 1935 in Springfield, Mass. It eventually grew into a full-service restaurant company, selling burgers, fries and grilled sandwiches along with its famed ice cream-based desserts. It now has 260 locations in the United States.

In late June, FIC sold its retail ice cream manufacturing business to Dallas-based Dean Foods Co. in a deal valued at $155 million.

Contact the writer: nluna@scng.com
CAMP PENDLETON  The change of command ceremony Wednesday was filled with flags, ceremonial cannon fire and a parade of some of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Forces finest units.

But in the end there was something more.

Call it the passing of the baton from one infantryman with combat experience to another. Call it a ceremony of mutual respect.

Lt.Gen. David H. Berger passed the command of the 1 Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to Lt. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, who most recently served as commanding general of Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.

Like many change of command ceremonies at this base, there was a public reading of the orders. In this case, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, who usually just signs the orders, was there.

Its great to be back here, lots of memories said Neller, the Marine Corps highest ranking officer. I was the company commander in this division and this MEF, I was battalion commander in this division and this MEF, I went to war in 2006 to Iraq with this MEF like many of you. This has been, is and will continue to be a great organization.

The 1st Marine Corps Expeditionary Force is the largest of the three active Marine Expeditionary Forces. It is Camp Pendletons largest tenant and the Marine Corps premier crisis response force, with some 50,000 Marines and sailors.

Neller lauded Berger for his two years of leadership and for helping transition the fighting force from a focus on counterinsurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan to the modern threats  insurgencies, terrorism and national and non-national forces such as the Islamic State. Fighting such threats requires forces that are, among other things, self-reliant  a traditional strength of the Marine Corps, he said.

Dave Berger did that, hes the one that asked all the hard questions, Neller said. He made the Marine Corps a better war-fighting organization, which in the end is what were all about.

Berger took command of Camp Pendletons fighting force in July 2014 and oversaw the deployment of the Marine Corps first crisis response Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force into the Middle East; the training and maritime deployment of several West Coast Marine Expeditionary Units; the designation of the worlds second operational F-35B squadron; humanitarian relief in Nepal and Japan; and a continued rotational force presence in Japan and Australia.

He was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the new Commanding General of Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Fleet Marine Force Pacific in Oahu, Hawaii. He will replace Lt. Gen. John Toolan, who retires in September. Berger took the command of the 1 Marine Expeditionary Force from Toolan two years ago.

Their paths crossed before that, too. In 2005, Berger led Marines during some of the most deadly fighting during the Iraq war in the second battle of Fallujah. He took over the command from Toolan, who had led Marines in the first battle of Fallujah the year before.

During the ceremony, Berger took time to thank a number of organizations in surrounding communities that take care of the expeditionary force.

They do things behind the scenes and they dont want any recognition, he said. But they take care of our families, at night on the weekends and they dont ask for anything in return other than just, whos the next one that needs help.

Berger pointed out one couple, Gold Star parents Carla and Jim Hogan from San Clemente.

The Hogans founded Socks For Heroes after the death of their son, Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan, in Afghanistan in 2009. The group, which works to improve the lives of Marines deployed in harsh environments, has sent 444,000 socks to Marines.

When some families face adversity they tuck back into their shells, Berger said. For me, its been watching the Hogan family, they turn up the volume.

I am humbled just watching. I wish I could be half the people they are.

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@ocregister.com or on Twitter:@lagunaini
BEIRUT  Al-Qaidas branch in Syria is considering splitting ties with the global terror group, members say.

A Nusra Front official told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the groups leader plans to announce a disassociation with al-Qaida soon. Speaking via text message from northern Syria, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the issue, said Nusra will merge with other insurgent groups.

If it does, that could throw a wrench in talks between the U.S. and Russia on a military partnership in Syria, complicating efforts to separate the militant fighters from other moderate rebel factions.

Heres a look at the Nusra Front and what the move would mean.

A POWERFUL FORCE

The Nusra Front, led by Syrian militant Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is al-Qaidas affiliate in Syria and is the second strongest extremist group in the country after its rival, the Islamic State group. Its fighters have been among the strongest in battling the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his allies like Lebanons Hezbollah guerrillas. Nusra is among rebels holding territory in northern, western and southern Syria.

While made up of Islamic extremists and some foreign jihadis, the Nusra Front has presented its priority as ousting Assad rather than immediately pressing al-Qaidas global goals. That has enabled it to work alongside other Syrian factions, including moderate ones, to fight both the Syrian military and the Islamic State group. Those factions value its battlefield prowess: A Nusra-led coalition called the Army of Conquest has succeeded in rolling back Assads forces in northwest Idlib province.

But its closeness to other rebels has complicated efforts at a ceasefire. The last ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and Russia did not cover Nusra or IS, so Russian warplanes and Assads forces continued to battle them, often hitting moderate groups that were part of the truce, including ones backed by Washington and its Arab allies. That was one factor leading to the cease-fires collapse.

WHY SPLIT?

Those in Nusra who want to split hope that breaking with al-Qaida would remove the international stigma from their shoulders. The group could present itself as a local Syrian rebel group and allow it to work even closer with more opposition factions, perhaps giving it some protection from the international campaign against it.

There have been rumors in the past of a split, but it never happened. Last year, al-Golani repeated his allegiance to al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri. But talk has become louder again. This week, a senior Nusra fighter based in northern Syria told The Associated Press that many senior officials in the group support splitting. Militant websites and social media have been full of claims the move would come soon, with some supporters claiming it would change its name to the Front to Conquer the Levant.

Still, the move is not certain, given it also has downsides for Nusra.

IMPACT FOR THE U.S.

A split would complicate things for Washington, which is likely Nusras intention.

The U.S. and Russia are trying to hammer out an agreement on a new military partnership in Syria. One leaked U.S. proposal would call for a sharing of intelligence and targeting for strikes against IS and Nusra on the condition Russia commits to convince its ally Assad to ground Syrias bombers and start a political transition process.

But that would be more difficult if Nusra becomes even closer to other rebels. Washington and its allies have long pressed mainstream opposition groups to de-couple from front lines where Nusra is present, with little success.

If Nusra Front was to sever its ties to al-Qaeda, opposition groups will in no way ever consider such de-coupling, said Charles Lister, senior fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Institute. Consequently, any future intervention against Nusra will be perceived by opposition Syrians as a de facto move in support of the Assad regime, he said.

DOWNSIDES FOR NUSRA

If it quits al-Qaida, the Nusra Front loses the brand name that drew many of its fighters to its ranks. That could drive away members.

Foreign fighters in particular could become disillusioned since many of them were drawn by the al-Qaida link and see their participation in the Syria war in more universal terms of global jihad rather than as simply a campaign to oust Assad, said Sam Heller, a Beirut-based analyst who writes about the Syria war.

A Syrian opposition figure said some hard-line Nusra leaders who oppose a move believe foreign fighters would switch over to other extremist factions like the Jund al-Aqsa militant group or the Turkistan Islamic Party. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment on the subject.

ONCE AL-QAIDA, ALWAYS AL-QAIDA?

Even if it breaks with the al-Qaida franchise, the groups Islamic militant ideology is not likely to change. Whatever it might then name itself, (it) will still be much the same organization, said Lister.

And the U.S. is not going to start looking on it any more favorably.

Washington believes that Nusras fundamental nature is that its al-Qaida in Syria, said U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau when asked Tuesday about talk of a possible split.
Oakley continues to downsize its Orange County base, with a reduction in its staff expected as several key operations shift to join parent company Luxottica Group in Ohio, New York and Italy.

The company  founded 41 years ago by Jim Jannard and known for its sport sunglasses and goggles  has been steadily shrinking over the past year as Luxottica, based in Milan, prepares to integrate several Oakley divisions outside of California.

Luxottica, which bought Oakley for $2.1 billion in 2007, plans to move Oakleys retail operation to its offices in Mason, Ohio, by the end of the year, the company said. The groups New York office will manage all wholesale operations, and the Milan office will be in charge of marketing.

Oakleys research and development, design, engineering and manufacturing departments will remain in Foothill Ranch, along with a number of administrative positions.

Oakley said Wednesday that 15-20 percent of its Foothill Ranch workforce would be affected. Afterward, the company will employ roughly 2,000 people in the county and at an Encinitas office.

Last year, we announced the further integration of Oakley into Luxottica, allowing the brand to better leverage Luxotticas resources, distribution channels, and manufacturing and market power, a Luxottica spokesperson said in a statement. This final stage of the integration will line Oakley up with the rest of Luxottica in terms of channels, functions and geographies, simplifying everything from decision-making to execution.

Oakleys apparel, footwear and accessories products will be simplified, the company said in the earnings call.

Sales have been struggling, the company stated, leading to a decrease in wholesale revenue of 1.6 percent in North America in the first half of the year compared with the same period a year ago.

Oakley in February laid off 76 people in Foothill Ranch. Last summer it cut 159 jobs there and eight in Encinitas, according to filings with the state.

The company also is closing its distribution operation in Ontario. A new distribution center will be built in Atlanta, Luxottica said.

Luxottica also owns Ray-Ban, Vogue Eyewear, Persol, Oliver Peoples and Alain Mikli and has licenses with Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Bulgari, Chanel, Dolce&Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co. and more.

Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com Twitter: @HannahMadans
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (AP)  Cambodias self-exiled opposition leader was fined Thursday for defaming a senior member of the countrys ruling party, adding to legal woes hurting his partys ability to operate.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Sam Rainsy, head of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, of defaming Heng Samrin, a legislator and senior member of the Cambodian Peoples Party.

The court ordered Sam Rainsy to pay 150 million riel ($37,500) compensation to Heng Samrin and a 10 million riel ($2,500) fine. He had claimed that Heng Samrin, while Cambodias president from 1979 to 1992, had accused the countrys then-royal leader, Norodom Sihanouk, of being a traitor.

Sam Rainsy has been abroad since mid-November, when an order for his arrest was issued on an old conviction for defaming former foreign minister Hor Namhong.

It had been generally assumed that the conviction, carrying a two-year prison sentence, had been lifted by a 2013 pardon. At that time, Sam Rainsy said in a Facebook posting that the Cambodian authorities use a well-oiled machinery of justice for political purposes.

Prime Minister Hun Sens government last year began cracking down on the opposition through the court system, which is considered a tool of the ruling party.

In another legal action in late November, a summons was issued for Sam Rainsy to hear charges of falsifying public documents, using fake documents and inciting social unrest. It apparently related to Facebook postings by a fellow member of his Cambodia National Rescue Party of mistranslated documents about the border with Vietnam. Allegations that the government is sympathetic to Vietnam, Cambodias traditional enemy, are a volatile political issue.

Deputy opposition leader Kem Sokha is also facing several legal actions that make him vulnerable to arrest, and he has been holed up at his partys headquarters for weeks. Both he and Sam Rainsy alleged that the charges against them are specious and politically motivated.

Other party members and non-governmental workers also have come under legal and even physical attack.

The opposition posed a stronger than expected challenge against Hun Sens ruling party in the 2013 general election, and the moves against it are seen as preparation for local elections next year and the next general election in 2018.
IRVINE  Police officers, African Americans, Christians, Muslims, Mormons, Sikhs and Jews. On Wednesday morning, they all sat down at Christ Our Redeemer African American Episcopal Church to talk to about the issues that concern them the most today  race, religion, fair policing and implicit bias.

This was the fourth meeting of the Orange County Sheriff Departments Interfaith Advisory Council, which was formed in January to mobilize diverse faith communities and engage with the Sheriff to have an impact on policy, improve mutual understanding and develop relationships in the community.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said the Council  a key project of the OC Human Relations Commission represented by 51 members and 16 religions and denominations  has accomplished much during its brief existence.

Weve forged relationships, we understand each others faith better and we know that there is much more that unites us than divides us, she said. Were powerful enough to deal with whatever happens.

On Aug. 13, the members of the Council led by Christ Our Redeemer and its pastor, the Rev. Mark Whitlock, will hold a Solidarity March at the Irvine Spectrum featuring Black Lives Matter, police, faith leaders and community organizations. The march will be followed by a summit at the church.

Whitlock said the event is Orange Countys response to the recent police shootings of African Americans around the country and the killing of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

Until we begin to hear black people, things are not going to change, Whitlock said. The question is: Do you hear us? Do you hear how we interpret situations based on our experiences?

The police officers in the room responded with their observation that all humans have implicit bias. Hutchens said she was at the receiving end of such bias as a female police officer in the 1970s.

She talked about being mistaken for a secretary once and obsessing about driving extremely cautiously for fear of hearing the words: Women cant drive.

And just as officers hold biases, so does the public, she said.

Gary Meza, a 31-year veteran of the Huntington Beach Police Department who now trains young police officers, emphasized the need to incorporate cultural and racial sensitivity into police training.

What I tell officers is that its so important for them to make contact with the public on a regular basis and get to know them, he said. When you do that then you can have a relationship and you can have a dialogue.

Hutchens said she recognizes the importance of proactive policing, but added that it should be done fairly and smartly. She said the negative contact a police officer makes with one member of the community could change that persons view of law enforcement for life.

We all want to get to the truth, she said. But we need to recognize that theres a lot of anger particularly in disenfranchised communities. And as the face of the government, police officers get some of that anger.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7909 or dbharath@ocregister.com
WARSAW  Polands constitutional court on Wednesday upheld a 2015 law that significantly limits the rights of people whose property in Warsaw was seized during or after World War II, and their descendants, to apply for restitution.

The decision effectively removes the ability of former owners who missed a December 1988 deadline, set by the former communist government, to file claims. And for those who met the deadline  but whose cases have languished, in some cases, for decades  the law sets up hurdles that may be nearly impossible to clear.

This is a very unjust decision, said Gideon Taylor, chairman of operations at the World Jewish Restitution Organization, which is based in Jerusalem.

In a statement, he added: This decision highlights the need for Poland, at long last, to do what all other countries in the former Soviet bloc have done: establish a national program to provide all Jewish and non-Jewish former owners, and their families, the opportunity to claim restitution or compensation for their property confiscated during the Holocaust or by the communist authorities.

Advocates of restitution objected to three provisions of the law that was upheld Wednesday.

First, the law does not allow claims by property owners and their relatives who missed the 1988 deadline, even if they had fled abroad to escape anti-Semitic violence or communist persecution. Second, in pre-1988 cases that have languished, the law gives former property owners or their families only six months  from the date the law takes effect  to assert their claims and another three months to prove their claims, a threshold that could be impossible for many claimants to meet. Finally, the law removes the right of ex-owners to seek the return of large categories of properties, including those used by the government.

The mayor of Warsaw, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, who helped craft the legislation, defended it as a transitional solution to a national problem.

The biggest sin of the Polish state is that it hasnt passed a law that would resolve the issue of restitution once and for all, she recently told the broadcaster TVN24.

Under Polish law, former owners can bring private restitution claims in Polish courts; some Jewish claimants have been awarded compensation. But the process is difficult, time-consuming and expensive, and few claims have been successful.

The city of Warsaw has long had the practice of appointing a trustee to represent the anonymous heirs of unclaimed property  even if the rightful heirs are all deceased. The practice was costly, and in some cases, property developers abused the legal uncertainty to acquire buildings.

The tribunal ruled that if someone didnt file a restitution claim for 70 years, then it is fair to assume that they have agreed that the ownership of a given property should be passed onto the city of Warsaw, Bartosz Milczarczyk, a spokesman for the mayors office, said in a phone interview on Wednesday. He added: There are numerous buildings in Warsaw that have not been claimed by anyone and they deteriorated. We needed a legal way to prevent that.

Advocates of restitution opposed the law, though they agreed with Gronkiewicz-Waltz that a national solution was required.

We want a national program that would enable rightful property owners to file claims which would be examined in a public and transparent process, Taylor said. The process should end with restitution where possible or with compensation where not possible.

He said the issue was a moral, not a legal, one. Only by dealing with the past will Poland be able to move forward, he said.

A 1945 decree transferred ownership of properties within the citys prewar boundaries to the city government. It allowed former owners of those properties to assert ownership rights, but the communist government rejected or failed to review most of those claims, according to the World Jewish Restitution Organization. Thousands of cases remain open.

Norman Trysk-Frajman, 86, a Holocaust survivor, is among those affected by the courts ruling. Trysk-Frajmans grandparents owned two apartment buildings in Warsaw; he said that he has the property deeds, and that he and three cousins in France are the only rightful heirs. He never filed a restitution claim because he did not know he had the right to do so.

Our forefathers, who were slaughtered during the war, left it to us, Trysk-Frajman, speaking by phone from his home in Florida, said of the properties. It is rightfully ours and I cannot imagine that anyone in the world would disagree with this under normal circumstances.

Trysk-Frajman added: Our lives took a drastic turn during the war when practically all of my family were murdered. Yet, it is decades later and I still have to worry how I will survive the next day, though this time it is because of my familys desperate financial situation. Often we have to choose whether to pay for medication or food. This is not right; we should not have to endure such hardship after everything we have been through.

The case was referred to the court by Bronislaw Komorowski, who was Polands president until August, and raised concerns about its legality.

The conservative Law and Justice Party, which swept to power in October, has taken a hard-line view, declaring that restitution legislation is not necessary because the past is the past.
Bob Hurley pointed behind him toward the Huntington Beach Pier.

Its where he learned to surf, and where he and brother Bill must have logged 10,000 hours of surf time as kids, he said. And its where he met his wife 45 years ago.

The town is where he launched his career as a surfboard maker, and though he later became known for building a global surf apparel brand that bears his name  hell always be a Huntington guy, he said.

I always took great pride in being one of the Huntington guys, said Hurley, who recently retired as CEO of surf-wear brand Hurley. I wasnt one of the cool ones, but I was one of them.

Hurley, honored for his contributions to surf culture, was just one of the of icons inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame on Thursday in front of Jacks Surfboards at the corner of Main and Pacific Coast Highway, which was shut down for the ceremony. Other honorees who got their names in granite included local hero Timmy Turner, surf pioneers Lorrin Whitey Harrison and Joey Cabell, woman of the year Mary Lou McGinnis Drummy and surf champion CJ Hobgood.

The event kicked off with an honor roll induction for the Womens International Surfing Association, known as WISA, a group which paved the way for womens surfing.

Terry Eselun spoke on behalf of the group, which was founded in 1975. Most of the early members first started surfing in the 60s.

If you were lucky enough to see another female in the water, you probably knew her. Surfing was a mans world, and we werent always welcome in the environment, she said. It took a strong, independent woman with a lot of passion to ride those waves, in order to jump in the cold water with no wetsuit, no leashes and to paddle out into the line up to buck the status quo.

Drummy had a long reign as the head of WISA, which merged with the Western Surfing Association in 1993, where she still serves as director. Announcer Peter PT Townend called Drummy a pioneer.

It was a total surprise, I almost thought someone was joking around with me, said Drummy, who called surfing the love of her life.

Harrison started surfing at 12 in 1925, and was surfing Dana Point in the 30s, far before there was a harbor, and would stow away on cruise ships headed toward Hawaii. He died about 20 years ago.

His mantra was lets go, said his grandson J.P. Van Swae.

Lets go diving, lets go surfing. Its just who he was, he said. It showed his never-ending love for the sea.

Turner was honored as local hero, and thanked customers at Sugar Shack, the family-owned restaurant where hes worked since he was a kid. He also thanked his parents, wife and five children, and his brother Ryan, who is being inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame on Friday.

Filmmaker Bruce Brown showed up to introduce Cabell, of Hawaii, who was honored for his influence on surfing.

Hes one of my great heroes, said Brown.

Cabell, who grew up shining shoes and making coconut hats in Hawaii in the 40s, gave words of wisdom to the crowd.

Nobody wants you to catch a wave unless youve earned respect in the water, he said. Take your time to learn how to give respect and give it back.

Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com
LOS ANGELES  Trayce Thompson began swinging off a tee Wednesday, and the Dodgers injured outfielder believes hell be ready to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment sometime next week.

After trying to push through tightness in his lower back, Thompson was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 11. He hasnt appeared in a game since the All-Star break, though he was active when the Dodgers began the second half July 16 in Phoenix.

I was active, running around, but they told me not to swing, Thompson said.

Since then, progress has been slow. Thompson said running is his greatest source of discomfort, followed by throwing from a distance. But he played catch from about 100 feet Wednesday and felt strong enough on dry swings to begin hitting off a tee.

Thompson described his swings as very intense.

The Dodgers fly to Denver for a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies next Tuesday. Thats when Thompson believes he might be ready to head out on rehab.

The timing of Thompsons progress is interesting. Monday is the trade deadline and the Dodgers have been linked to Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce and Oakland As outfielder Josh Reddick. If Thompson is close to playing minor league games, it could signal to the Dodgers  or some other team  that help is on the way soon.

Despite having played only 80 games this season, Thompsons 13 home runs rank fourth on a Dodgers squad starved for power. Their .397 slugging percentage ranks 12th in the 15-team National League.

PUIG, LIBERATORE ON MEND

Outfielder Yasiel Puig and pitcher Adam Liberatore did not appear in the Tampa Bay series. Puig is dealing with a sore right hamstring and Liberatore with a swollen right knee, but it appears neither player will need the disabled list at this point.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Puig was available to pinch hit in each game, but not to start and play a full nine innings. Puig hasnt played since he suffered the injury Friday in St. Louis.

Liberatore, whos emerged as a key set-up man to Kenley Jansen, wasnt available in either game. He suffered the injury covering first base Sunday in St. Louis.

ALSO

Brett Anderson is scheduled to pitch three innings for Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday, his first appearance in a game at any level this season. Anderson had surgery on a bulging disc in his back in March.  Kike Hernandez was scheduled to join Double-A Tulsa after finishing his rehab stint with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday. Hernandez is on the 15-day disabled list with left rib cage inflammation.  Casey Fien, on the 15-day DL with left elbow tendinitis, played catch on flat ground from approximately 100 feet.

Contact the writer: JHoornstra@scng.com
Radiation health advocates, hoping to stop or slow the FCCs drive for 5G wireless, have launched a campaign that includes a 38-minute video. Advocates also want Hillary Clinton to change her pro-5G tune.

Josh del Sol, producer of Take Back Your Power, a 2013 documentary charging that wireless smart utility meters are damaging to health, violate privacy and are costlier, has created a 38-minute video that charges the Federal Communications Commission with suppressing free speech by not allowing a debate on the new 5G wireless technology that would require many more transmitters.

Smartgridawareness says high-frequency 5G signals travel much faster but over shorter distances and cannot easily penetrate walls. That means thousandsperhaps millionsof mini cell towers, or small cells would be needed on top of every lamp post, every building, inside every home and potentially every room, it says.

Hillary Clintons support of 5G has drawn the ire of Wi-Fi health advocates who say she ignores radiations health effects.

Her position paper says: Hillary will accelerate this progress and help foster the evolution to 5G, small cell solutions, and other next-generation systems that can deliver faster wireless connections. Widely deployed 5G networks, and new unlicensed and shared spectrum technologies, are essential platforms that will support the Internet of Things, smart factories, driverless cars, and much moredevelopments with enormous potential to create jobs and improve peoples lives.

Devastating to Health

The proposed 5G Spectrum Frontiers is a boon to industry and a devastation to our health, says Parents for Safe Technology under the headline, Take action against 5G now!

The Maine Coalition to Stop Smart Meters says the FCCs fast track approval of 5G July 15 says no to free speech and ignores health and environmental effects.

Kit Weaver of Skyvision Solutions has provided excerpts to the FCC proceeding that passed the 5G resolution. Retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service researcher Al Manvilles has provided a summary on RFR effects to wildlife.

Josh del Sols features himself, Kevin Mottus, EMF health advocate who is running for Congress from Los Angeles, and Dafna Tachover, who helped Haifa, Israels third largest city, to shut down Wi-Fi in all its schools.

A sequence beginning at 33 minutes provides with materials from the Environmental Health Trust showing recognition and warnings from various telecoms and related industries of possible financial risks from EMF/RFR litigation, particularly as causation relationships are further recognized.
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Omaha is rich with Thai food. From downtown to South Omaha to midtown and back, diners have no shortage of neighborhood spots to find a good version of pad thai or drunken noodles.

Southwest Omaha can add one to the list with Mercy Thai, which opened in March and is serving a mostly tasty array of Thai favorites.

Owners Bablue and Lily Taddy have been in Omaha since 2005, and it has been their dream since they got married in 2011 to open a restaurant. They both grew up in Thailand and worked in restaurants there, so they know the cuisine, Bablue Taddy said. This is their first foray into restaurant ownership.

Aside from the straw tiki hut structure that covers the cash register area, the restaurant is a standard strip mall spot geared to takeout. There are a handful of tables and an area at the front for the many people who contribute to its brisk takeout business. If I lived near the restaurant I can guarantee Id be waiting for my dinner on that bench.

Most of the entrees we tried  all but one, in fact  were good, though some could have used more spice, and the curries could have used a wider array of vegetables.

I liked the green curry, rich with the flavor of coconut and spices, better than the version of panang, which is usually my favorite because of its signature Thai lime leaf flavor. Though the lime leaf tang was there, it wasnt strong enough for my taste, and my bowl consisted of mostly sauce with just a few pieces of tofu. As for vegetables, all the dish had were thinly sliced red and green peppers.

I skipped ordering tofu in the green curry and instead got chicken, and the dish had a much larger amount of protein. Bright with spice and flavor  I learned my lesson and ordered this one hotter; more on that in a second  the dish had tender meat, peppers and chunks of cooked zucchini.

Mercy Thai falls squarely on the conservative side of its 1-10 spice scale. A lot of Thai places in Omaha tend toward the hot when it comes to choosing a number, but thats not the case at Mercy. In fact, when I started with my usual 4 spicy, it was too mild. On my next visits I ordered my food between 6 and 8, and it was closer to a 5 when compared with other Omaha Thai restaurant scales. So, order accordingly.

Taddy said his spice scale is pretty mild, though he assured me that if guests ask for their food to be spicy, it will be.

Potato samosas, which appear on the menu as so-moo-swa, were good, filled with a richly fragranced curried potato filling and a crisp fried exterior. They came with a standard sweet and sour dipping sauce.

I liked Mercys version of Thai iced tea, milky and sweet but with a base strong enough that the taste of the tea came through. The restaurant doesnt have a liquor license.

Maybe my favorite of the dishes we tried on the fried dish list was also the most difficult to eat. Pla tot prik, a whole fried tilapia, had wonderfully flaky, sweet meat but it was full of bones. I picked through it carefully, but a couple made it into my mouth. Still, the fish, topped with a blend of tomatoes, cilantro and peppers, had some of the best traditional sweet-sour-spicy Thai flavors we encountered at Mercy.

Other Thai favorites of mine were good, too. Drunken noodles arrived with a strong, seasonal basil flavor, and a pleasantly salty oyster sauce coated the nicely cooked wide rice noodles. We got ours combination style; I saw lots of chicken and beef but only a couple of shrimp. Egg, broccoli and carrots finished the dish.

Pad thai here is more salty than sweet, and our plate at spice level 7 was about perfect. We got ours with chicken, and otherwise the dish was pretty standard takeout. Id order it again.

Pad ped, spiked with ginger, lemon grass and chili paste, was a surprise hit, flavorwise, though next time Id order a different protein because the pork had a too-dry texture.

Taddy said so far business has been somewhat slow at Mercy, but I anticipate that it might pick up. Most of what its serving is solid takeout Thai food worth sampling, especially if you live in the neighborhood.

Mercy Thai

Address: 4741 S. 96th St.

Phone: 402-614-1929

Hours: Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.; closed Sundays

Hits: a spicy, coconutty green curry; a whole fish with a flaky, flavorful texture; and a pad thai more salty than sweet

Misses: Panang curry lacked the kick we expected, and aside from the protein we chose, the only vegetables in the dish were red and green pepper slices.

Drinks: soft drinks and Thai iced tea

Service: quick and efficient

Prices: affordable; every entree we tried came in under $10

Noise level: quiet
JoAnn Robinson, 14, has big dreams. She enjoys studying math, engineering and robotics at North High School  but her real passion is lights, cameras and action.

I want to be a director, she says  like her inspiration, director and producer Kenny Ortega, the guiding force behind some of her favorite movies, including Disneys High School Musical trilogy. He has a lot of fun with his work. Its just amazing. I want to be a part of that.

With a life-changing assist from Partnership 4 Kids (P4K) and its summer program series, P4K University, JoAnn is steadily collecting the skills  and the fearlessness  Hollywood will require.

Im learning that Im good in a team more than I thought, says the soon-to-be 10th grader.

Shes also learning that she is a natural leader. Thats a new thing for me, she says. I used to be so shy. Now, Im confident.

Those qualities  cooperation, confidence and leadership  were cultivated with fun intensity during P4K Universitys Amazing Race, a workshop sponsored in part by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. Throughout the week, JoAnn and her fellow racers navigated a series of challenges that required communication, problem-solving and teamwork  everything from setting up a tent together to various trust-building exercises that culminated in Outward Bounds high ropes course on the Northstar campus. A wrist injury kept JoAnn on the ground but didnt dampen her enthusiasm for the total Amazing Race experience.

Some of it is a review of what Ive learned in school about teamwork and how to always be ready and focused, but its better here because you have new, different tasks. We all work together, she says. This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about yourself and make friends.

Additional P4K University sessions include STEM-focused P4K Blast, an arts workshop, and a mini-medical and dental school in partnership with Creighton University. JoAnn, who started with P4K in the fifth grade, is taking part in all of the sessions.

More than a P4K advocate, she embodies what the organization is working to accomplish.

They are always motivating me to do great in school, she says. That was a big confidence boost to know that someone believed in me. It opened my eyes to know that I am important and that I have expectations. It just pushed me to work harder in life  not just school.

For P4K, thats what its all about  wrapping children in hope and expectation to break Omahas cycle of poverty. With the help of nearly 400 volunteer mentors, P4K serves 5,200 disadvantaged students in 23 Omaha Public Schools, inspiring them to set and achieve goals, graduate from high school and pursue some type of post-secondary education. The organization even provides college scholarships to those who complete the program. JoAnn, with her directors chair dreams, knows she is on the right path.

I feel like Ive gotten support and love. Ive also gotten stronger, mentally and physically. I have a lot of hope and confidence in myself just for being with P4K.

P4Ks Lori Lundholm says JoAnns newfound fearless attitude is proof of the programs effectiveness.

Its a confirmation that what were doing and working on every day is making a difference. There is curriculum behind it; there is legitimacy and its doing what its supposed to do, Lundholm says.

I feel positive about my future, JoAnn says. I feel hopeful.

Faces of Fearless is a storytelling series in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraskas Live Fearless campaign celebrating people living their very best lives and inspiring others to do the same.
Bre Walker was flunking out of college. She had received letters threatening to yank her financial aid if she didnt improve her grades.

The 21-year-old who bounced from one foster home to another growing up wanted to learn  but negative thoughts crept in: I cant do this. Whats the point? Nobody cares anyway.

Everyone always said I wouldnt succeed because I was a piece of (expletive), Walker said. I believed them.

One day in early January, Walker walked into a bike and coffee shop in the saucer- shaped building at 19th and Dodge Streets. She learned of the Omaha shops apprenticeship for former foster kids. It paid $10 an hour.

Walker applied.

Nearly eight months later, Walker is still a student at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha. Her financial aid is intact. Her grades have improved  she even earned her first A last semester.

And Walker has found something she never thought shed have: a reason to try.

Walker is one of four young adults who have jobs at The Bike Union Bike Shop & Coffee House through its mentoring program. The program is aimed at kids who have aged out of Nebraskas foster care system.

They are bike mechanics and baristas, learning how to repair a blown tire, whip up a latte and interact with customers. But its more than job training. They also learn life skills  and that someone cares enough about their future to help them succeed.

Executive Director Miah Sommer, 43, launched the project in October, when the store opened.

We all know how hard it is to transition into adulthood, even with the best family situation, said Sommer, who is married and has two sons. I want to make sure we can create some sort of village so we dont fail these kids.

There are about 4,300 foster children in Nebraska and 4,700 in Iowa, according to state officials. On average, about 300 age out of the Nebraska system each year. In Iowa, the number is about 600.

Both states offer limited financial assistance to those who age out. There are also social workers and independent groups that can point them toward local resources for help filling out college applications or applying for job training.

But former foster kids often need more guidance than that to avoid some of the problems they face, officials say.

National studies have shown higher rates of drug use, unplanned pregnancies and arrests among foster kids who age out. Theyre less likely to go to college. And in Nebraska, about one in four will be homeless, according to the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.

Thats why programs like the one at The Bike Union are so important, said Brenda Weyers, a spokeswoman for the foundation. There are gaps in the system that mentoring programs can fill, she said, but locally, there are few options that officials are aware of.

How hard must it be to be 19 and have no connections at all? Weyers said.

Walker entered the foster care system when she was 5 years old, frequently in and out of abusive homes. She often wears long-sleeved shirts to hide the scars from cigarette burns and belt lashings. A girl at a group home once cut her with a broken light bulb.

Walker was homeless for 18 months after she aged out.

Now, the three-person staff at The Bike Union are the closest thing she has to parents.

On a Friday afternoon this summer, Walker donned a black apron as she and program manager Curtis Wilson got to work repairing a bicycle tire. She hollered a cheery hello to a guy who came in to pick up his bike and made an iced coffee for another patron.

Before The Bike Union, she had never run a cash register, done mechanical work or interacted with the public in a professional setting  skills she has learned during the apprenticeship.

They push me here and get me to work hard, Walker said. They encourage me.

The four mentees work 20 hours a week.

In addition to job training, they learn discipline and work closely with volunteers from different fields to pick up other skills. A retired teacher helps with reading comprehension, a former banker teaches personal finance, and a retired hospital executive helps with GED preparation.

As kids might talk with a parent, the four confide in The Bike Union staff and make plans for the future.

Walker wants to work in information technology.

Another mentee, Desiree Ramirez, wants to get married and have children of her own.

A third, David Moody, wants to buy a big house with a garage full of luxury cars.

Im the ghost of Christmas Future, said Wilson, the program manager. I am here to warn them that none of that stuff will happen if they are blazed out of their minds or not doing their work.

The mentoring program is funded primarily by foundations, including the Sherwood Foundation, and corporate and private donors, according to Sommer. He said revenue at the shop makes up about a quarter of the budget right now, but he hopes that share will increase in time.

Sommer draws on his love of bicycles and his own upbringing to run the program. His parents relationship was volatile, he said, and he didnt receive the support he craved. He knows how important that support is.

Sommer works with two community groups to identify kids who might benefit from a 12-month mentorship.

Moody, 20, spent his childhood moving around with his meth-addicted mom after his folks split up. He said he lived with other relatives after she lost her parental rights to him and started fighting at school. He eventually dropped out but got his GED.

He said before the mentorship, he was smoking a lot of marijuana and had little respect for authority  he was six hours late for his interview at The Bike Union.

Sommer and his staff have been working with him to address his challenges. Now he has an apartment and a car and is popular with customers.

And, I show up 10 minutes early, Moody said. This place motivates me to want to do better.

Bike Union staff will also consider foster children who have been adopted but still need additional support. That was the case with 18-year-old Ramirez, whose biological parents were addicts.

She was placed in a foster home at age 5 and then adopted when she was 10 years old.

You want to be with your parents, and you dont understand what is right and what is wrong, so it messes with your head, Ramirez said. I was a wreck.

She found The Bike Union last year and said it has helped her adjust and accept who is she and where she came from.

The Omaha youths progress isnt in a straight line. One got into a fight; police were called. Another has spent time with someone staff consider a bad influence.

But things are looking up. Walker got her A, has an apartment and got her drivers license. Moody recently registered for classes at Metro. And Ramirezs experience at The Bike Union led her to a full-time job as a certified nursing assistant at Creighton University Medical Center. She started in May.

Sommer hopes that by the end of the yearlong mentorship program all of the kids have the confidence and the tools to pursue an education or a career that they once thought was out of reach.

All the terrible things that have happened in their past will always be a part of their stories. No matter how hard they try, it will not go away, Sommer said. But they can still use it as a positive force in their lives.

Contact the writer: 402-444-3100, maggie.obrien@owh.com
SABMiller has suspended work on integrating the brewers operations with that of suitor Anheuser-Busch InBev, according to a person familiar with the matter, potentially throwing the industrys biggest deal ever into disarray.

SABMiller management sent the order to employees, said the person. Representatives for AB InBev and SABMiller declined to comment.

The revelation came a day after AB InBev nudged its cash bid for the British brewer up to 79 billion pounds ($103.6 billion) to account for the pounds plunge in the wake of U.K.s vote last month to leave the EU. That followed pressure from investors who said the deal was unacceptable because stockholders werent being treated equally. The acquisition is in the home stretch, receiving regulatory clearance from South Africa and the U.S. in recent weeks, and now risks becoming an unintended casualty of Brexit.

SABMillers board is still reviewing AB InBevs improved offer and has not decided to walk away from the deal, different people familiar with the matter said. Advisers to the two brewing companies are still working on the transaction, the people said.
The bus stops here: Omaha and Lincoln will be the first stop this fall on a half-million-dollar startup tour and contest organized by a venture-capital firm led by Steve Case, the co-founder of America Online.

The Rise of the Rest, bus tour will visit Omaha/Lincoln, Denver, Salt Lake City/Provo, Albuquerque and Phoenix, from Oct. 3 through Oct. 7, and invest a total of $500,000  $100,000 to a startup company at each of the five locations.

Eight to 10 startups will be pre-selected to participate in the five pitch contests, said Case, who founded his Washington, D.C.-based investment firm, Revolution LLC, in 2005.

Area startups can submit an application online for the pitch contest now through Sept. 7 at: f6s.com/riseofrest.

The winner will receive a $100,000 investment from Revolution, which is led by Case, who started AOL in 1985. Case, along with local leaders and people from the startup scene, will judge the contest.

For Omaha and Lincoln, where the tour will stop Oct. 3, its the opportunity to shine on the national stage, members of the local startup community said.

Technology allows people to build amazing companies anywhere, said Dusty Davidson, co-founder of Flywheel, an Omaha technology startup. A lot of interesting and impressive things are happening in the Omaha and Lincoln area.

Flywheel helps companies build and manage websites built on the Wordpress platform. In April, the company announced that it had raised $4 million in a recent round of funding; at the time, Davidson said he hoped to grow from 35 employees to 80 by the end of the year.

Erin Dyer of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce said the Rise of the Rest stop is a great testament to the growing entrepreneurial scene being cultivated in our region.

Startup founders are quietly building amazing companies right here that are often overlooked by those on the coasts, said Dyer, the chambers coordinator of entrepreneurship and innovation. This is an opportunity to showcase to the rest of the country all the exciting things we have to be proud of.

The startup tour first took to the road in 2014 with the goal of bringing together local entrepreneurs, investors and local government and business leaders and shining a light on startups across the country, Case said.

Its the first time Rise of the Rest has visited the five locations, including Omaha/Lincoln. The five stops were chosen from hundreds of nominations and crowdsourced online.

We opened it up for communities to nominate themselves, Case told The World-Herald on Thursday. Omaha and Lincolns startup community made an impressive push to be on the bus route, he said.

Case said he expects to receive about 100 applications from local startups. He and his partners at Revolution will narrow it down to eight to 10 contestants. Case said he has not yet selected the contest venue.

In each city, Case said he plans to write a $100,000 check to a local entrepreneur, visit fast-growing startups, meet with elected officials, host a big celebration-of-entrepreneurs party and shine a spotlight on the startup community.

He said hed be joined by partners from Google for Entrepreneurs, Salesforce for Startups, Engine, Startup Grind, Tech.co and Village Capital.

Davidson, of Flywheel, described a $100,000 investment amount as hitting the sweet spot because its enough money for people to quit their jobs and focus on something full time, but not enough to be wasteful. Its just enough to get to the next level.

Mark Hasebroock, who founded venture-capital firm Dundee Capital in 2010, said a $100,000 investment could make the difference between making one or two key hires that can really ramp up a company. Hasebroock was a founder of Omaha-based Hayneedle.com, an e-commerce firm that sold earlier this year to Jet.com.

Case said winning the pitch contest often is accompanied by the kind of visibility that can lead to another round of financing.

Its a signal, he said. This is an interesting company.

And, in some cases, even companies that didnt win have found funding, Case said.

Since 2014, Case and partners have visited 19 cities, including Buffalo, New York; Detroit; and Atlanta, and invested more than $2 million in 20 startups, including Solomo, an event-marketing analytics firm based in Madison, Wisconsin; Pop Biotechnologies, a Buffalo-based life sciences company; and Partpic, an Atlanta firm that locates replacement parts using visual recognition technology.

The fall itinerary will bring the total number of cities or regions visited by the bus tour to 24.

The five Western regions selected for this falls tour are leading the charge in a new era of technological revitalization, Case said.

Rise of the Rest refers to cities and regions with flourishing startup communities outside the Silicon Valley, New York and Boston regions.

The rest is rising and I am excited to hit the road once again on a quest to find the best entrepreneurs all across America, Case said.

The tour will cover more than 2,100 miles through the Western U.S. After the Omaha/Lincoln stop on Oct. 3, it will make stops in Denver, Oct. 4; Salt Lake City/Provo, Oct. 5; Albuquerque, Oct. 6; and Phoenix, Oct. 7.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1142, janice.podsada@owh.com
Bellevue City Administrator Dan Berlowitz has pleaded not guilty to three misdemeanor charges that stem from an altercation in a dentists office.

Berlowitz entered his not guilty plea in Sarpy County Court and requested a jury trial through his attorney James Schaefer on Tuesday. Berlowitz did not appear in court. His next hearing is on Sept. 9. Berlowitz has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Berlowitz went to Bellevue Family Practice Dentistry, 1004 Lincoln Road in Bellevue, on June 21, according to court documents. Dr. Allan Smith has said Berlowitz pushed, poked and shouted at him after showing up uninvited at the office.

Officials have said Berlowitz did not leave the premises when asked several times.

Prosecutors charged Berlowitz with third-degree assault, second-degree criminal trespassing and disturbing the peace.

Schaefer said Berlowitz has filed a report with the Sarpy County Sheriffs Office accusing Smith of assaulting him during the disturbance.

That report has been forwarded to the Sarpy County attorney. Court records showed that no charges had been filed against Smith as of Wednesday afternoon.

Schaefer said Berlowitz felt threatened during the encounter to the point that he needed to put his arms up to defend himself. The attorney also said Berlowitz never assaulted the dentist.

As far as were concerned, if we wouldve called 911 first the dentist would have been arrested, Schaefer said.

When reached on Wednesday, Smith denied assaulting Berlowitz.

That didnt happen, Smith said. There were four witnesses. I never touched the guy. And its on camera.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1192, emily.nitcher@owh.com
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a new voice.

Teresa Paulsen, 50, was named the schools chief communication and marketing officer, according to a Thursday press release from the university.

Paulsen succeeds Meg Lauerman, who directed the schools public relations and communication efforts for 15 years.

A former vice president for communication and external relations at ConAgra, Paulsen will lead the office of university communications, the schools central public voice, according to the release.

Her annual compensation will be $225,000.

Paulsen, who lives in Omaha, earned a bachelors degree in journalism from UNL and a masters degree in communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

We are delighted to have her at the helm of our communication enterprise, Chancellor Ronnie Green said in the release. UNLs brand is in great hands.
Construction workers in Council Bluffs discovered human bones Thursday while moving dirt. The remains are at least 100 years old and will be turned over to the Office of the State Archaeologist at the University of Iowa.

The workers were moving dirt at 19th Street and Veterans Memorial Highway near Lake Manawa about 11 a.m. when they discovered the bones, according to the Council Bluffs Police Department.

Police officers and crime scene investigators worked with the Pottawattamie County and State of Iowa medical examiners offices and determined the bones were ancient remains, or at least a century old.
LINCOLN  A new accredited, independent and full-service crime lab should be built at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, according to a new legislative report.

The report by a special legislative committee also suggests repurposing existing lab space without creating any increase in taxes to Douglas County taxpayers. It doesnt commit state funds to the proposed regional lab.

The committee studying options for merging Omaha and Douglas County crime labs released the report Thursday.

Right now its an idea, and we like the idea, and we want to encourage that idea to happen, said State Sen. Bob Hilkemann of Omaha, who chairs the committee.

The committee says it made its conclusions based on three factors: independence, the availability of a full-service lab in a single location and accreditation.

The report recommends that the Legislature encourage the City of Omaha, Douglas County, UNMC and other stakeholders to work out differences so that a regional crime lab is built at UNMC.

The committees primary goal was to study what involvement the state should have in the proposal. The report doesnt specify appropriating any state funds to a regional lab.

Hilkemann said thats because there are too many unknowns, including the labs cost, and its up to the parties directly involved to work together and come up with a plan.

We really dont know what theyre going to need, he said.

Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, also a member of the legislative committee, said a regional lab was a viable idea, but the state isnt in a position financially to consider appropriating money to the lab.

Nebraskas revenue shortfall is estimated at $113.7 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, officials from the Legislative Fiscal Office said earlier this week.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and County Attorney Don Kleine support a full-service UNMC crime lab concept.

I feel like (the committees) conclusion just reinforces the direction we have been wanting to move toward since the very beginning because we absolutely see the benefit of doing a regional crime lab, Stothert said Thursday.

Those benefits include more efficiency and the ability to provide a training ground at UNMC for forensic scientists. Housing a lab at UNMC would also allow officials to partner with the Nebraska Organ Recovery System, the Lions Eye Bank, the Douglas County Coroners Office and others, Stothert said.

Douglas County Sheriff Tim Dunning and others have said the county already has a regional crime lab that can do the same job as a new UNMC lab at less cost to taxpayers.

The county and Omaha have been discussing the possibility of merging their crime labs for about a decade. The matter became more urgent after former Douglas County crime lab director David Kofoed in 2010 was convicted of planting evidence in a murder case. Questions about problems with the citys in-house crime analysis have also been raised.

The merger talks again gained momentum this year because of the proposal to house a new, independent, merged lab at UNMC.

Dunning said hes still concerned about the cost of a new lab at UNMC and how the county would absorb it.

The county has spent $4.5 million in drug-forfeiture money to renovate the former Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home near 156th Street and West Maple Road for the country crime lab. Dunning has said the county could have to pay back the money if the crime lab moves.

Extra space inside the countys current crime lab  a whole floor is unused  could be used for some new services, Dunning said. The lab is set to be accredited by the end of the year.

I dont know why we couldnt have two facilities, he said.

Dunning said he was pleased the report recommends using existing space, saying that option is more responsible to the taxpayers.

But Stothert said the county would only have to pay a third of the $4.5 million in forfeiture funds if the current county crime lab space was not repurposed and used for law enforcement purposes.

Kleine said hes still seeking clarification as to what law enforcement uses would allow the county to keep the money.

Schmaderer said he believes the countys financial concerns can be overcome.

Its in the best interest of our community, he said of a regional lab. Its in the best interest of law enforcement and how we go toward public safety and how we go about our business.

Several options to construct and operate the building are being explored, Stothert said. UNMC has identified two areas on campus where the lab could be built, she said.

Options include UNMC building the facility and groups paying rent, or a private developer building the lab and leasing space to groups. If a private developer built a lab, the city could offer tax-increment financing, she said.

The Omaha-Douglas Public Building Commission could also build the city and countys portion, she said.

Stothert said she thinks a state appropriation is something thats still a possibility in the future.

We arent looking for the state to pay for the whole thing, she said. Were looking at multiple different options.

Stothert prefers to run the lab through an inter-agency agreement, with the labs employees being employees of UNMC. A governmental board and advisory board would include representatives from the government agencies involved, she said.

A regional crime lab would not be a money-making project, she said.

We are talking about providing a critical service for the community, she said. We cannot prosecute the criminals that we have and go into the future and do it rapidly and make sure that the results are accurate and consistently accurate with what we have now.

Contact the writer: 402-473-9581, emily.nohr@owh.com
* Rajoy accepts mandate from King Felipe

* But leaves date open for confidence vote in parliament

* No support emerges for plans for PP-led government

* Sept budget deadline may raise pressure on parties (Recasts with Rajoy comments)

By Julien Toyer and Carlos Ruano

MADRID, July 28 (Reuters) - Spain's acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Thursday he had accepted a mandate from the King to form a government although he warned he might fail and left open the date for a potential confidence vote in parliament.

Rajoy said he would now open a round of talks with other parties to try to convince them to vote for his conservative People's Party.

Most of them declined to support plans for a conservative-led government in talks with the King on Thursday and earlier this week, however, leaving the PP with just 137 votes in parliament when 176 are needed to secure a majority.

"Spain needs a government now, this government should be headed by the PP and there is no alternative to this," Rajoy told a news conference after meeting with King Felipe.

"I will try to form this government but not everything depends on me."

National elections in December and June both resulted in hung parliaments, forcing the parties to try to negotiate their way to a viable coalition -- so far without success, despite four rounds of formal consultations with the king.

Insiders were hoping a deadline to pass a budget for 2017 by the end of September will concentrate minds.

But the left-leaning parties, the second-placed Socialists and Unidos Podemos ("Together We Can"), reiterated after the talks with the King that they would oppose Rajoy.

Liberal party Ciudadanos ("Citizens"), which came fourth in the June 26 election, said it would abstain in a confidence vote.

"We want to change Rajoy's government and this is why we will vote 'no' in a confidence vote," Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez told journalists.

Without backing or at least an abstention from the Socialists, Rajoy would find it almost impossible to secure a majority for a second term in office.

Story continues

The conservative PP was the only one of the four main parties to win more seats in June than in December and Rajoy said that if he failed to win a stable majority, he would seek to run a minority government.

This would require other parties to initially abstain in a confidence vote and then each law would have to be negotiated on a case by case basis, starting with next year's budget, which must be passed in time for an EU deadline in October.

"This period should not drag on in such a way that we would not be able to fulfil our European commitments, such as the spending limit, the deficit target and the budget," Rajoy said.

"Before mid-October, this should be sent to Europe," (Additional reporting by Sarah White; Editing by Catherine Evans)
A Bellevue apartment building is unsafe for inhabitants following a two-alarm fire, an official with the citys fire department said Wednesday.

The building is totally sealed off, Assistant Fire Chief Steve Betts said of the Gateway Park Apartments. Nobody is going to be able to occupy that building.

The three-story building in the 300 block of Fort Crook Road South has 24 apartments. The fire was reported Tuesday just after 4 p.m.

Betts said it will be up to the apartment buildings owner and its insurance carrier whether to make repairs or raze the building and rebuild. A message seeking comment from the management company was not immediately returned.

Four people, including Bellevue Firefighter Kevin Ohri, 30, were taken to hospitals as crews battled the blaze. Betts said it appears Ohri sprained his back.

The other three patients were taken to the hospital due to medical conditions, Betts said. Kevin Ohri is resting comfortably at home and is in good spirits.

Officials made arrangements for tenants to get back into the building and collect some of their possessions Wednesday, Betts said. He estimated that more than 50 percent of the structure was destroyed.

The third floor, though, is partially collapsed, Betts said. We dont want to risk anyones life trying to get their stuff so well have to see whether its possible to go up there.

Thursday, Bellevue fire officials said the estimated loss to the building was $1 million and the estimated loss to contents in the building was $250,000.

Red Cross workers were on the scene Tuesday to help residents from 22 apartments with immediate basic needs, said spokeswoman Jill Norton. Food, shelter and counseling were made available.

This was the second fire in less than a week at the Gateway Park Apartments. Authorities were working under the theory that this fire started on the second floor.

On Friday, a fire ignited on a third-floor balcony of the same building, but caused much less damage. Both fires are under investigation by the State Fire Marshals Office.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1272, kevin.cole@owh.com
When a real estate agent found a grenade Tuesday while cleaning out a property near Hamburg, Iowa, he thought it was a dummy.

But one of his family members said it looked real. Turns out, the family member was right.

The State Fire Marshal Division destroyed the grenade, according to a press release from the Fremont County Sheriffs Office.

Members of the family that had owned the property told deputies the grenade came from an uncle who was in the Korean War.

The Sheriffs Office advised anybody who comes upon such an item to contact their local law enforcement office.
A teenage boy was shot late Wednesday in a residential section of north-central Omaha, police said.

Cardell Connor, 16, was shot in the lower body and was taken in an ambulance to the Nebraska Medical Center. The shooting occurred about 10:50 p.m. near 69th Street and Parkview Lane.

The injury was not considered life-threatening.

Police had not announced an arrest.

A homeowner in the area reported that her house was damaged by gunfire.

Police were told that Connor was sitting in a vehicle when he was shot, but officers said the vehicle was not at the scene when police arrived.
As natural gas filled a Benson home for two days, a voicemail waited on Clara Bender-Rineharts work cellphone alerting her to the potential danger.

Her relatives and friends may never know whether she heard that message.

The property inspector was killed midday Monday when the gas ignited, exploding as she stood in the kitchen. Officials have concluded that her death was the result of an accident.

Natural gas leaking from the gas line of a disconnected clothes dryer was the cause of the blast that occurred about 12:15 p.m. Monday, Omaha fire officials announced Wednesday.

The explosion leveled the home at 3858 N. 65th St. and caused severe damage to others.

Bender-Rinehart, 30, an employee of Certified Property Management, had been inspecting her fourth home Monday.

The Omaha Fire Department completed its investigation Wednesday and released a time line that started with an evicted tenant moving out and ended with the explosion.

On Saturday, Kiwana Toussaint moved out of the house with help from friends, fire officials said in a press release. A clothes dryer was one of the last items removed, investigators said.

The dryer was disconnected from the gas line, but the gas line was not shut off, allowing gas to leak into the home.

Later Saturday, two friends of Toussaints went back to the home to grab a couple of items and told Toussaint that they had smelled natural gas.

Toussaint then left a voicemail on Bender-Rineharts work cellphone late Saturday, but investigators dont know if Bender-Rinehart heard it.

Fire investigators found Bender-Rineharts phone and Omaha police listened to Toussaints voicemail, said Fire Battalion Chief Tim McCaw.

Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney Brenda Beadle said that because authorities ruled the explosion to be an accident, no charges would be filed.

Mark McDonald, president of NatGas Consulting in Boston, which investigates natural gas explosions, said those removing the dryer most likely would have known the gas was leaking.

Once you disconnect the gas line, youre going to know it, McDonald said. Its going to smell, its going to make a hissing sound.

McDonald is not directly involved in the investigation and offered analysis based on dozens of gas explosion cases his company has investigated.

He said residents should hire a licensed professional to handle appliances connected to gas lines and install a methane detector that would sound even with small amounts of natural gas present.

Likewise, Bender-Rinehart ought to have been able to smell the gas, he said. The air should still have smelled of natural gas if the gas was odorized properly.

The gas would have reached an explosive level, McDonald said.

Omaha fire officials couldnt pinpoint the exact ignition source, but McDonald said it could be anything  a cellphone call, light switch, static electricity or something else.

He said residents should always call the utility company any time they smell gas.

Metropolitan Utilities District officials could have prevented the explosion even if they had been notified Monday, after two days of natural gas leaking, McDonald said, although it would have been difficult.

You basically have a bomb sitting there, he said.

Jeremy Aspen, the president of the management company, said he and another co-worker are sure that Bender-Rinehart knew to call MUD if she smelled gas.

Instructions to leave the property and then call MUD if people smell gas are on the maintenance work order, inspection sheet and property lease, Aspen said.

He said there have been gas problems at properties in the past and that those problems were handled correctly.

Aspen said it would have been preferable if Toussaints call to Bender-Rineharts work cellphone had instead gone through the companys customer service line. That way a call log would have been established and a customer service representative would have handed off the call to MUD.

Aspen believes Bender-Rinehart gave out her personal work number to Toussaint as a way of expediting the process.

Toussaint couldnt be reached for comment Wednesday night.

She was evicted June 22, and Bender-Rinehart unlocked the home Saturday so Toussaint could gather her things.

Toussaint rented the house June 15, 2015, signing a lease for $825 a month, according to Douglas County Court records. She started missing rent payments in December, according to eviction notices filed by Certified Property Management.

The company filed notices in February, citing $2,001 owed; in April, citing $921 owed; and on June 1, citing $623 owed.

The first two filings were dropped, apparently after Toussaint paid the back rent. After the third, the house was locked on June 22.

Aspen said he doesnt have a record of repairs at the house, other than a problem with the garage door in December.

Natural gas fueled the homes furnace, water heater, stove and clothes dryer.

He said the house was rented without a washer or dryer, which means any washer or dryer in the house probably belonged to the tenant.

We didnt have a dryer there, Aspen said.

In the past months, the City of Omaha got involved with the property. Jason Lee, who lives four houses south of the blast site, said the grass would get calf-height and the city would mow it. A code violation sign was also on the door for several weeks to months, he said.

Last weekend, Lee, who had never met Toussaint, said he saw moving trucks at the house.

Aspen said that although disconnecting the gas line from the dryer was the catalyst that led to the blast, he recognizes that there was no malice involved.

To assign blame for an accident probably isnt going to get us any closer to having this resolved in our minds, and of course it doesnt bring Clara back, he said.

Bender-Rineharts husband, Jake Rinehart, expressed a similar sentiment.

This was an accident and our family is not angry and we dont blame anybody for this situation, as tragic as it is, he told the news media Wednesday. It just happens. I only hope that we can all learn from this going forward, not only being more cautious in daily routines but also in the procedures and steps taken to ensure the safety of employees and people we serve.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1068, alia.conley@owh.com

* * *

Click on the pins for more on what neighbors saw, heard and felt as a house exploded at 3858 N. 65th St. on Monday.
PHILADELPHIA  The Associated Press and Washington Post examined claims made by speakers at the Democratic National Convention and how they compare with the facts:

Hillary Clinton: We will not ban a religion.

Facts: Donald Trump never proposed banning Islam in the U.S., as Clinton seems to suggest. He proposed a freeze on the entry of all foreign Muslims into the U.S., then adapted the idea with several iterations. Recently, he said hed stop immigration from any country compromised by terrorism, or impose extreme vetting on people coming from places with a history of terrorism. Hes also spoken in support of surveillance on mosques in the U.S. As contentious as his thinking has been on the subject, it hasnt extended it to outlawing a religion.

Democratic convention video, narrated by Morgan Freeman: She (Clinton) could have joined a big law firm, been a corporate bigwig. Instead she chose the Childrens Defense Fund. There, she went door to door gathering stories to help children with disabilities over denied schooling.

Facts: She had a bigwig path in her legal career, too.

Although Clinton did devote her early career years to the Childrens Defense Fund, she also worked at the Rose Law Firm, a prestigious Little Rock, Arkansas, firm and the third oldest in the United States. Clinton became its first female partner when her husband, Bill, was the state attorney general and then governor. Among the firms clients were Tyson Foods, Walmart and several brokerage houses. It became widely known during the Whitewater scandal, when investigators probed real estate deals between the Clintons and a Rose client, Jim McDougal.

President Barack Obama: After a century of trying, we declared that health care in America is not a privilege for a few, but a right for everybody.

Facts: Obamas health care overhaul does guarantee that people with pre-existing medical conditions can no longer be denied health insurance, but it also made coverage an obligation for everybody. People must have coverage or face fines from the IRS. That mandate remains highly unpopular.

The law provides subsidies to help low- to middle-income people purchase a private plan. But even so, some find their premiums too high. And nearly 29 million remain uninsured, according to government estimates. Health care as a right for everybody may better describe Bernie Sanders idea of a government-run system for all. That system also entails obligations: the higher taxes that would be collected to pay for it.

Obama: By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we started.

Facts: That progress doesnt include much of an increase in household income, the yardstick people generally consider their most important measure of prosperity. The typical household now makes $57,206 a year, according to Sentier Research. Thats 2 percent higher than in June 2009, when the recession ended and six months into Obamas term. (All figures are adjusted for inflation.) But it has barely budged since it was $57,147 in December 2007.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Clintons running mate: You can go to HillaryClinton.com right now and find out exactly how shell make the biggest investment in new jobs in generations.

Facts: Its the biggest in generations only if you dont count Obamas $814 billion 2009 stimulus, a curious omission for a Democrat. Clinton promises to spend $275 billion over five years on roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Kaine: I want to tell you why I trust Hillary Clinton. First, shes consistent.

Facts: Not always  not on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, for example. She promoted the deal as the gold standard of trade agreements when she was secretary of state, then turned against it as a candidate who was facing a stiff contest from a primary rival who fiercely and consistently opposed the deal  Sanders.

Clinton hasnt been consistent in her explanations of why she had her own email server as secretary of state, changing her story as investigations revealed more about her email practices. That issue has contributed to public distrust of Clinton, a problem that Kaine was trying to address.

Vice President Joe Biden, on Trump, the GOP nominee: I know hes trying to be tough, but hes going to go out and carpet bomb. You want to make friends and influence people in the Middle East? So youre going to go carpet bomb innocent people and bad people at the same time, and thats going to help us fight against ISIS?  on MSNBC.

Trump: I never said I wanted to carpet bomb. That was Ted Cruz.

Facts: Trump is right. It was Cruz who said repeatedly he would carpet bomb Islamic State targets. Trump has indeed talked tough about the Islamic State, vowing to bomb the hell out of the group and level the oil facilities it controls. But he did not call for carpet bombing.

Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America: About one in three American women have abortions by the age of 45.

Facts: Advocates of abortion rights use this statistic frequently, but it is outdated and has received criticism.

Reproductive health research organization Guttmacher Institute came up with the statistic based on 2008 abortion rates. If the 2008 abortion rate prevailed, the estimate would still be applicable today. But that rate did not prevail; the abortion rate for women ages 15 to 44 dropped by 13 percent between 2008 and 2011.
PHILADELPHIA  Sen. Tim Kaine took the stage Wednesday night for the first time as his partys nominee for vice president.

I humbly accept my partys nomination for vice president, the Virginia Democrat said as the delegates in the convention hall rose to their feet.

Kaine devoted much of his speech to introducing himself to the country, focusing on his personal story.

He talked about his time as a missionary in Honduras, his ironworker father and his Catholic faith.

Still, almost immediately after taking the stage, he took a jab a Donald Trump for seeking to abandon the NATO allies that Kaines Marine son recently deployed to defend.

Kaine also tore into Trump as a guy who promises a lot but always follows up with the words believe me.

Most people, when they run for president, they dont just say believe me. They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done, Kaine said.

Kaine said Trump has asked Americans to believe hell build a wall on the Mexican border and destroy the Islamic State so fast. So heres the question: Do you really believe him? Donald Trumps whole career says youd better not.

Kaine spoke about his work on the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees and promoted his lengthy government experience.

He detailed his rise from a member of the Richmond City Council to the citys mayor, to Virginias lieutenant governor to governor.

Kaine said that if hes good at his work, its because he started at the local level, listening to people, learning about their lives and trying to get results.

Kaine told the convention that he formally accepted the partys nomination on behalf of his wife, Anne, and every strong woman in this country, their three children and everyone in the military.

My journey has convinced me that God has created a rich tapestry in this country, said Kaine, a devout Catholic. An incredible cultural diversity that succeeds when we embrace everyone in love and battle against the dark forces of division.

Were all neighbors and we must love our neighbors as ourselves.

This report includes material from the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times.

* * *

Voter Voices & viewpoints

In presidential politics, the views of voters are often drowned out by the bluster and fury of national campaigns. The World-Herald would like to give Midlands voters a chance to be heard in this election, whether you support Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton or neither of them. Were looking for people who are willing to answer a few questions about what theyre looking for in a candidate and what they have found. If interested, send an email and tell us a little bit about yourself, such as name, age, occupation and hometown. Send to: Leia.Mendoza@owh.com.
Patty Judge says she has nothing against hunting. She also supports the Second Amendment, saying Americans have the right to own firearms.

But the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa says the time has come to take aim at assault rifles.

Judge, who is trying to unseat Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, told Iowans Thursday that she would support some form of gun control. "When you can go into a night club or movie theater and murder a dozen, three dozen people? Weve got to stop it," said Judge, the former lieutenant governor and Iowa secretary of agriculture.

Judge drew a few amused smiles Thursday morning when she noted that she planned to attend an upcoming Democratic fundraiser known as the Wing Ding. She then urged people to stop and share a veggie.

"I think Ill be there early. So, if anyone wants to stop by and have a beer or a couple of carrots," Judge said.

 Robynn Tysver

* * * * *

Pioneering Delegate

Brandi Bosier, 52, of Hastings is making her own history this week.

Shes the first transgender delegate from Nebraska to the Democratic National Convention.

The Bernie Sanders delegate said the LGBT communitys political muscle has been growing.

"We have a voice now, were at the table," she said. "Were trying to make it a more respectable world for everybody."

She said its notable that she didnt get elected as a delegate from the metropolitan centers of Omaha or Lincoln, but rather Nebraskas deeply-Republican 3rd District.

Bosiers not just interested in LGBT issues. She talks about the need to tackle climate change and health care as well.

She said being the first is exciting  and a little scary.

"I feel like Im a pioneer," she said.

 Joseph Morton

* * * * *

A different kind of crisis

Nebraska delegate Aaron Ratigan, 22, took issue with suggestions in news coverage that the Democratic National Convention has been only about hope while the Republican National Convention was about an America in crisis.

The UNL mechanical engineering student, who backed Bernie Sanders, said the idea of an existing crisis and hope are not mutually exclusive.

"We have acknowledged that the American people are facing incredibly difficult and serious issues that threaten their livelihoods and their health and their childrens health," Ratigan said.

He cited Nebraskans who are homeless or live without health insurance and said the difference between the two parties in the presidential campaign is how they would approach those issues.

"Instead of relying on one man who can supposedly solve all the problems, we have to rely on each other," he said. "And we have to stand with our friends and our neighbors."

 Joseph Morton

* * * * *

Wesley Clark is really, really sorry he skipped Iowa

Wesley Clark says he made a big mistake in his 2004 failed presidential bid when he decided to skip the Iowa caucuses and start his campaign in New Hampshire.

The retired Army general says he listened to his advisors, who said he didnt have either the time or money to mount an effective campaign in Iowa.

"It was a strategic mistake," Clark told the Iowa delegation Thursday.

Clark then urged the Democratic delegates to not make their own strategic mistake in this election by allowing Republican Donald Trump to win the White House. Clark has endorsed Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee.

"We cannot let a demagogue take over the leadership of this country. Americas security doesnt depend on one person," said Clark, referring to remarks that Trump has made in the past saying he will keep America safe.

Critics, such as President Barack Obama, have said such remarks underscore Trumps "strongman" tendencies and his disregard for how democracy works.

 Robynn Tysver

* * * * *

Nordquist on Ashford's race: 'Were the ones theyre going after first'

Rep. Brad Ashford, D-Neb., took a pass on this years Democratic National Convention, but his chief of staff Jeremy Nordquist has been here throughout the week.

On Thursday morning he provided a state-of-the-race briefing to the Nebraska delegation and asked them if they wanted the bad news or the good news first.

They asked for the bad.

"Its the second-most Republican district held by a Democrat in the House of Representatives," Nordquist said. "We are the tip of the spear. We are the ones that the Republicans, if theyre going to knock off any incumbent Democrats in the entire country, were the ones theyre going after first."

The good news, he said, includes polling that shows Ashford with good job approval ratings and a financial advantage  Ashford has a $1 million advantage in cash on hand over GOP challenger Don Bacon. He also noted close cooperation between the Ashford campaign and Hillary Clintons presidential campaign.

 Joseph Morton

* * * * *

Christie Vilsack says it's time to get personal

Former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack urged Iowans Thursday to tell their personal stories about Hillary Clinton.

Vilsack noted that because Iowa holds the first-in-the-nation caucuses, many of the states citizens have met Clinton personally. Those stories need to be told, Vilsack said, so that people get a better understanding of the Democratic presidential nominee.

Vilsack then told her own Clinton story, which centered around a trip she and her husband, former Gov. Tom Vilsack, took to Africa in 2008 with Bill and Chelsea Clinton. Vilsack said she was talking to a high-ranking official in Liberia and bemoaning the fact that America had never elected a female president. (At the time, Liberia had already had a female president.)

The Liberian official, a woman, took issue with that. You Americans think its all about you. Hillary Clinton doesnt belong to you. Maybe shell be president, maybe she wont. But shes already done a lot for the women of this world," Vilsack recalled her saying.

The Vilsacks and Clintons have been friends for decades. Christie Vilsacks brother worked with Hillary Clinton in Washington, D.C., in the 1970s when Clinton, then 27 years old, was a staff attorney for the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate investigation.

 Robynn Tysver

* * * * *

Vilsack accuses Trump of siding with Russia over U.S.

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is adding his voice to the chorus of critics who say Donald Trump crossed a line by appearing to ask Russia to investigate his Democratic opponent.

"He invited a foreign country, in which we have an adversarial relationship, to inject itself into our politics," Vilsack told the Iowa delegates Thursday morning.

"Donald Trump sided with Russia and not with us. He is not fit to be president," added Vilsack, who was the surprise guest at the Iowa breakfast.

Trump sparked outrage among members of the foreign affairs community and others when he said he hoped Russian intelligence services had hacked Democrat Hillary Clintons emails and encouraged them to make them public. His remarks came as speculation grew that Russia was behind the recent hacking of emails at the Democratic National Committee.

Trump has since said he was only being sarcastic.

Vilsack is the current U.S. secretary of agriculture. He was considered a possible vice presidential pick for Clinton, but lost the job to S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

Vilsack graciously noted today that Kaine gave a great speech Wednesday night.

 Robynn Tysver

* * * * *

Fight for floor space

Nebraska Democratic Party Chairman Vince Powers warned the states delegation today to make sure they go to their seats on time tonight.

The crush of elected officials, guests and media on the relatively small arena floor means that security has been closing down access. And nobody wants to miss the big speeches on the final night of the convention.

He also suggested that with all the people jostling for space, the Nebraska delegates should be a little more firm about one thing.

"We are Nebraska nice but we want to be careful about letting delegates from other states sit in our seats," Powers said. "It just creates issues. ... So well be Nebraska law and order."

 Joseph Morton
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro says Hillary Clinton has what it takes to keep America safe, whether its at home or abroad.

In contrast, the Texas congressman said, Donald Trump has no experience in foreign policy and would pose a risk to America security.

"We know that allowing Donald Trump into the Oval Office would be dangerous at this time," Castro said.

Castros brother, Julian, also spoke to the Iowa delegation.

He praised Clintons rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, for bringing many new faces into the Democratic Party, adding that the party is committed to expanding opportunities for everybody.

"It has been so amazing watching this convention  to stand and to see how diverse this Democratic Party is," said Julian Castro, who is the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

 Robynn Tysver

* * *

Cory Booker says Sanders made Clinton a better candidate

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, the rising Democratic star from New Jersey, says he was sitting with former President Bill Clinton in a private box on the night Bernie Sanders addressed the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

He said he looked over at Clinton at one point, and he was clapping loud and long for his wifes former rival.

"He was just cheering away like crazy for Bernie Sanders," Booker told the Iowa delegation.

"Its a testimony to (Sanders) that he changed the national conversation and changed our platform and made Hillary better," said Booker.

 Robynn Tysver

* * * * *

Iowa's Sanders supporters get personal apology from DNC

The push is on to try to heal any hard feelings still lingering with Bernie Sanders supporters over the Democratic Partys recent email controversy.

R.T. Rybak, who is a vice chair with the Democratic National Committee, told Iowans Wednesday that mistakes were made. He was referring to the leaked emails that showed some people within the national party favored Hillary Clinton over Sanders during this years primary contests.

"We betrayed your trust and on behalf of all of our vice chairs, were sorry," said Rybak.

"Thank you," one Sanders supporter said.

 Robynn Tysver

* * * * *

VP nominee Tim Kaine admits to wearing spandex

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., says a key question being asked of voters in this election is a question about time.

Do voters want to go forward, Kaine asked, or do they want to turn the clock back to a time when it was OK to make fun of people with disabilities or to openly treat women with disrespect?

Kaine, who was clearly referring to controversial remarks made by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, was the surprise guest at Wednesdays Iowa breakfast. He is scheduled to speak at the convention Wednesday night to formally accept his nomination as Hillary Clintons running mate.

Kaine told the Iowans that back in 1996 he rode in the states premier bicycle tour, RAGBRAI.

"I am so happy none of the pictures survived," Kaine said. "Me and spandex is not something I want on the Internet."

 Robynn Tysver

* * * * *

16-year-old environmental activist speaks to Nebraska delegates

Nebraska delegates heard Wednesday from Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, a 16-year-old environmental activist who is not old enough to vote but has spoken at the United Nations.

Martinez talked about the threat of climate change, citing intense wildfires and flooding in his home state of Colorado. He said its important to protect the environment for the next generation, and that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump threatens progress in that area.

But Martinez also said that keeping Trump out of the White House cant be the only goal in supporting Hillary Clinton now.

"What we must realize is that the political revolution that (Bernie Sanders) created was never just about winning the presidency," he said. "We cant just vote for Hillary so that Donald Trump doesnt become elected. We must hold her accountable to follow through, to pursue the progressive platform and reach the standard that Bernie has set."

 Joseph Morton

* * * * *

Iowa gets the VIP treatment in Philadelphia

Its nice to be a swing state at a national political convention. Just ask the Iowans in Philadelphia.

Each morning, the Iowa delegation receives some of the Democratic conventions biggest stars, while other delegations have to make do with lower-level politicians or party officials.

For example, on Tuesday Bernie Sanders popped into the Iowa breakfast. Wednesday, vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine stopped by, followed by rising Democratic stars Julian and Joaquin Castro.

 Robynn Tysver
The writer, author of Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon, wrote this for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

I know the Democratic nominee has a lot on her mind as she prepares to accept her partys coronation. But as she hones her theme for the Clinton-for-president general election campaign, I suggest she look for inspiration from the White House bid of half a century ago by a Democrat she says she adores.

In the mid-1960s, America was undergoing social and political upheaval that seems eerily familiar today. An old politics dominated by big-city machines and labor unions was yielding to a new one whose touchstones were television and a distrust of anything old.

The Cold War and New Deal seemed archaic to the generation of the Thaw and the New Left. Race riots ignited the cities, and Vietnam widened the split between parents and their college-age kids  like Hillary Clinton.

There was no national consensus anymore  but there also was no figure in American politics more able and determined to build bridges between the alienated and the mainstream than Robert F. Kennedy.

He sensed the shifting zeitgeist early on, and that velocity propelled him forward, even as he gave it voice and direction.

He had one foot in the old order, the other in the new, ever adjusting to the rocky terrain.

The journalist who best captured that push-pull wasnt a political writer or a columnist but cartoonist Jules Feiffer, who saw Bobby Kennedys constellation of contradictions not as old versus new but as good versus bad.

Feiffer called his schizophrenic senator the Bobby twins, explaining that the Good Bobby sent federal troops down South to enforce civil rights.

The Bad Bobby appointed racist judges down South. The Good Bobby is a fervent civil libertarian. The Bad Bobby is a fervent wiretapper. The Good Bobby is ill at ease with liberals. The Bad Bobby is ill at ease with grown-ups.

Feiffer could pen a nearly identical cartoon today about Hillary Clinton.

Is she the Good Hillary, who wants to shake up Wall Street and hike the minimum wage, or the Bad Hillary, who pockets quarter-million-dollar speaking fees from Wall Streets biggest banks, then conceals it? The Good Hillary crashes through glass ceilings and reaches out to minorities. The Bad Hillary reshapes her message to fit whomever shes talking to.

I urge Hillary to take a lesson from Bobby.

By the end of his 1968 crusade for the White House, RFK had reconciled his warring halves and yielded to his better instincts in a manner that could be a better model for Clinton than any high-priced adviser. He was changing in deeper and more authentic ways than politicians generally did, which laid bare his inconsistencies and regrets. There was less moralism and more morality.

Yes, early on, Bobby worked for the witch-hunting Sen. Joseph McCarthy, but he had harnessed his savage skills to causes such as ending apartheid and remaking ghettos. Hed laid claim to a rare piece of political ground as a pragmatic idealist.

While some remained skeptical, others  including the rhinoceros-hided political reporters covering his campaign  were dazzled by the possibilities of a standard-bearer with that blend of tenaciousness and gentleness.

The new Bobby was a proud man, but a humble one, said Harrison Salisbury, an editor overseeing the New York Times political coverage. Gone was the smart aleck. Gone was the political trickster. Gone was the shallow sureness. . . . I could hardly wait until November. I had not the slightest doubt that Robert F. Kennedy would win.

When he first jumped into the campaign, Bobby hadnt decided whether he was running as Joes son, Jacks brother or Lyndon Johnsons avowed enemy. He retained a piece of each, but he also found a voice and two uncomplicated motivations of his own: To end the war and end poverty.

By the end, Bobby Kennedy offered more promise than even his boosters realized. This man, who grew up mingling with queens, popes and Hollywood idols, forged bonds not just with blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans, but also with the firemen and bricklayers that a later generation would call Reagan Democrats.

Half Che Guevara, half Niccolo Machiavelli, Bobby was a shaker-upper dedicated to the art of the possible.

That he could change so substantially and convincingly over his brief public life helped restore a changing Americas faith in redemption.

Its not too late for Hillary to do the same. The timing is ideal, and whats needed is clear-cut: She needs to get off her high horse and let the public see that soft core and keen intelligence that her closest friends keep talking about.

Define her loyalties. Own up to past mistakes, on everything from emails to Benghazi. Offer an answer to the schizophrenic America reflected in the dueling forces of the Good Bernie and the Bad Donald.
Kings words misinterpreted

The July 21 column by The World-Heralds Matthew Hansen, Historians rebut Rep. Kings view of history, provided a lopsided interpretation unwarranted by Iowa U.S. Rep. Steve Kings actual words.

The historians set up a silly caricature of King which they could then ridicule. One called Kings remarks white supremacist language.

However, King used the phrase Western civilization, not white people. The phrase Christianitys footprint was another clue his remarks were about the special contribution of Western civilizations social values rather than genetics and race.

In fairness to World-Herald readers and King, Mr. Hansen should also report on this more reasonable interpretation of Kings remarks. Our society benefits a lot more from journalism that looks objectively at both sides of a story.

Frank Mitchell, Bellevue

Crawford a great ambassador for Omaha

The City of Omaha and the Terence Crawford camp should partner up and promote one another (Nebraskas ring bearer, July 25 World-Herald). A campaign about Omaha from Crawford and vice versa.

Omaha has so many wonderful things to promote  why not promote our own world champion? He is a wonderful son of Omaha and a fantastic representative for our city and state.

Crawford always promotes Omaha and Nebraska when on TV or after a fight and always thanks his fans. Lets thank him back.

Chris Kudlacz, Ralston

Rules for Zorinsky trail

July 23 Public Pulse writer Laure Grant provides some guidance for Zorinsky Lake trail users. As a longtime user of those and other area trails, Id like to offer additional input.

 People should unplug their earbuds and headphones. Youre creating a real danger to others using the trails.

Now that Pokemon Go is the rage, many more people are out, looking disconnected from reality as they swerve and stumble about.

My acronym for distracted drivers I see when Im riding is ABD (Anything But Driving), so trail wanderers must be afflicted with a variation of that, ABR, Anything But Reality.

 Dog walkers, keep Fido on your side of the trail, especially when using those leashes with invisible trip wires.

 Trails are for movement, not standing around yakking in groups, especially at blind spots and bridges. Step onto the grass to hold your stationary conversations.

 It also seems that children on bikes lock their eyes on me when Im coming toward them. That causes them to ride toward me instead of away. Parents, teach your children to look where they want to go instead of at what or who they need to avoid.

 Finally, Grant should understand that what she considers a race pace is to another cyclist his or her normal cruising speed. So just keep to the right and, if riding or walking in pairs or groups, never cause the passing cyclist to have to run the gauntlet between your group.

Scott Yahnke, Omaha

Were surrounded by good folks

To the well-intentioned July 20 Public Pulse letter writer who, after seeing an African-American family with children placing flowers on the grave of Kerrie Orozco, found it a sign of hope: There are African-Americans all over this country who are raising their children to be strong, prayerful and empathetic people. Please get to know your neighbors, and scenes like this will not surprise you

Mathia Sanders, Omaha

School discipline should be color blind

I thought Val Oasans July 25 Public Pulse letter, Were losing teachers to poor morale, was great. The race or sex of students should not be taken into consideration when being disciplined. If they do not behave in school, then they should be disciplined.

Being PC does not do our society any good. If you do the crime, you do the time.

More teachers need to speak up. Thanks, Val.

Bob Cole, Omaha

Some details would be nice

I want to say the Republican National Convention was the most entertaining show I have ever seen. It reminded me of Comedy Central. The speakers did not stick to the subjects, like making America great again.

I wonder what is wrong with people. Do we know what is going on? No one is making any sense. How are people supposed to vote when the candidates dont tell us what direction they want to take the country?

Judy Peters, Valley

Good Samaritans really exist

Last week, I left my purse in a shopping cart at a local grocery store after loading groceries in my car. I got home and realized that my purse was gone. I raced back to the store.

I checked with customer service at the store, and no purse had been turned in. I canceled my debit card and credit cards and had to get a temporary drivers license the next day.

A few days later I got a call from our building manager who asked if I had lost my purse. She said that a resident turned in my purse to her office. It had been found in a bag in our foyer. Nothing was missing.

My faith in mankind has been restored.

Kathryn Allen, Omaha
Karnataka to survey all Arabic schools to check if on same page as state board

Bengaluru police busts international house theft gang

Bengaluru

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Bengaluru, July 28: A 31-year old Tanzanian man was arrested by the police from the Bengaluru Central Division, bringing an end to a notorious gang of robbers. The gang came to the limelight after they committed theft at the house of a former MLA, Mr Venkatashiva Reddy, in Sadashivanagar on June 12 when the entire family went of a trip.

The gang stole gold ornaments and cash prize worth Rs 45-50 lakhs.

A resident of Muninanjappa Layout in Kothanur, Paul Cole is the prime accused in the gang, while the police is still on the lookout for four others- Francine Ivelis Brain, Subrino, Tebol and Pedro- who are suspected to be from Brazil or Mexico.

Cole, also a student of BCA in St Hopkin's College in Bannerghatta Road, is alleged to have used fake umber plates while committing the crime. The gang is known to target empty houses.

MLA Reddy and his family had gone out of the city when the incident happened. On returning late on Sunday night, the family found that the house was ransacked. The gang is also said to print fake credit and debit cards. In fact, card-making machines have also been found in Cole's house.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 10:17 [IST]
Karnataka to survey all Arabic schools to check if on same page as state board

Mahadayi row: Arson and violence in North Karnataka districts

Bengaluru

oi-Shreyas

By H S Shreyas

Bengaluru, July 28: Farmers' associations and pro-Kannada organisations have brought much of North Karnataka, especially Hubli-Dharwad and Gadag districts, to a halt as incidents of arson and violence have been reported since Thursday morning, following a bandh call over the Mahadayi river water dispute verdict on Wednesday that went in favour of Goa and Maharashtra.

The Deputy Commissioners of both the districts declared holiday to schools and colleges, while shops and transport did not operate. Other parts of North Karnataka functioned as usual but protestors held symbolic demonstration to mark dissent over the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal verdict.

Mahadayi river tribunal verdict goes against Karnataka; favours Goa & Maharashtra

Incidents of stone pelting and setting fire to tires were reported from many parts of Gadag district, mainly in the epicentre of farmers' movement, Nargund. However, apart from minor incidents of stone pelting, the situation is under control informed Deputy Commissioner N Prasanna Kumar to OneIndia.

"I have declared holiday to schools and colleges on Wednesday itself keeping in view the gravity of the situation in the district,'' said Prasanna.

In Gadag, some miscreants tried to ransack a major vegetable market in Gadag city in the morning. But the police thwarted the effort and detained five members. The situation in the district is still tense and vigilance is kept on every protest occurring across the district, he added.

PHOTOS: Kalasa Banduri Project : Widespread Protest In North Karnataka

Hubli-Dharwad too announced holiday to schools and colleges. In Navalgund, another sensitive town, a few incidents of stone pelting have been reported. In major circles of the district, agitators held peaceful demonstration. Here too tension prevailed and the police are hoping it would ease after 4.00pm. The shops and transport did not function.

DCP (law and order) Jinendra Khanagavi said some pro-Kannada activists attempted to enter primises of MP Prahlad Joshi's office but the cops succeeded in stopping them. As many as 3000 people gathered at Kittur Rani Chennamma Cirlcle, Hubli and burnt the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prahlad Joshi, he told.

Belagavi also witnessed partial Bandh like situation, with incidents of stone pelting occurred in the region.

Other parts of North Karnataka, like Kalburgi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot and Bidar did not see bandh and schools and colleges functioned as normal. Shops have started business. There were some symbolic protests and no incidents of violence have been reported so far.

OneIndia News
Karnataka to survey all Arabic schools to check if on same page as state board

Mahadayi row: K'taka to hold all party meeting next week

Bengaluru

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, July 28: An all party meeting has been scheduled for next week to decide on the next course of action following the tribunal's verdict on the Mahadayi water dispute.

Legal advisor to the Government of Karnataka, Brijesh Kalappa informed OneIndia that all decisions relating to water and borders are decided in all party meetings.

Mahadayi row: Arson and violence in North Karnataka districts

Karnataka's interim petition to use 7.65 TMC of water was rejected by the tribunal on Wednesday. Karnataka had sought to use water from the Mahadayi basin to the Malaprabha river.

The Tribunal observed that other states are also presenting their case seeking water. Under such circumstances it was not possible to admit Karnataka's plea.

Kalappa said that while an all party meet would take a decision on whether to file a special leave petition it would be preferable if there is a political resolution to the issue.

PHOTOS: Kalasa Banduri Project : Widespread Protest In North Karnataka

These are issues that need to be studied and analysed. An analysis on whether to file SLP or go in for a political resolution will be done.

When asked to comment on the verdict, Kalappa said that it needs to be studied. He also added that senior counsel Fali S Nariman appearing for Karnataka had said that he will not file this petition. However he was persuaded by the all party meeting to do so.

OneIndia News
Solar eclipse to be sighted in Bengaluru for 45 minutes: Report

Karnataka gets Rs 7 crore grant from Centre for 2 forensic labs

Raising anti-RSS slogans, three men attack Hindu youth with stones in Shivamogga

Karnataka to survey all Arabic schools to check if on same page as state board

Siddaramaiah flies to Belgium as son rumoured to be critical

Bengaluru

oi-Shreyas

By H S Shreyas

Bengaluru,July 28: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah left for Belgium at 4.00 am on Thursday morning following the news of his son's illness.

Siddaramaiah's son Rakesh passes away in Belgium

Siddaramaiah's son Rakesh fell ill while he was on tour in Belgium. However, officials have maintained secrecy regarding his illness.

Son unwell, but no sympathy for Karnataka CM on twitter

As soon as Siddaramaiah's family knew of Rakesh's illness, CM's wife Parvatamma rushed to Belgium along with a doctor.

Siddaramaiah had on Thursday appealed to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and sought her help to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Belgium in order to provide the best medical treatment to his son.

Sources close to Siddaramaiah told OneIndia that Rakesh has developed a liver-related issue and might be critical.

OneIndia News
Karnataka to survey all Arabic schools to check if on same page as state board

Unrest in Gadag district over Mahadayi tribunal verdict

Bengaluru

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Gadag (Karnataka), July 28: Karnataka is disappointed by the verdict of the Mahadayi tribunal, which went in favour of Goa and Maharashtra. While a state-wide bandh has been declared on Saturday, July 30, various parts of the state are under fire.

Gadag district, for instance, witnessed a major unrest as protesters set a BSNL office and a municipality office on fire. Government property and vehicles were also destroyed and set on fire.

Meanwhile, two students are reported to have attempted committing suicide and have been admitted to the KIMS hospital in Hubbali. Four people have been arrested in Naragund.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 15:38 [IST]
TN moves SC for review of verdict in CBI probed cases

Chennai

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Chennai, July 28: The Tamil Nadu government has moved the Supreme Court for a review of its verdict of December 2 last year holding that for remission of sentence and release of a convict in a case probed by the CBI, consultation with the Centre meant concurrence.

A five-judge Constitution Bench by its verdict on December 2, 2015, had said that "consultation" with the Centre meant "concurrence" for the grant of remission of the sentence of the convicts in the cases investigated by the CBI.

The top court had pronounced this while answering in affirmative the question "Whether the expression 'Consultation' stipulated in Section 435(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure implies 'Concurrence'?"

The issue arose after the Centre challenged the Tamil Nadu government's decision to grant remission of sentence and release of V. Sriharan alias Murugan, A.G. Perarivalan alias Arivu and T. Suthendraraja alias Santhan who were convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination conspiracy case.

The Tamil Nadu government decided to grant remission of sentence and release V. Sriharan alias Murugan, A.G. Perarivalan alias Arivu and T. Suthendraraja alias Santhan after the top court by its February 18, 2014, verdict commuted their death sentence to life imprisonment on the grounds of inordinate delay of 11 years in deciding their mercy plea by the President.

The court said that delay of 11 years was unreasonable and de-humanizing.

The others who were sought to be released included Jayakumar, Nalini and Ravichandran.

The day after the apex court verdict, the Tamil Nadu government in a suo motu decision on February 19, 2014, wrote a letter to the Centre proposing to remit the sentence of convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination conspiracy case.

The decision of the Tamil Nadu government to grant remission and release the convicts was contested by the Centre, which said the state government could not release the convicts in cases investigated by the CBI without its nod.

The three-judge bench headed by then Chief Justice P. Sathasivan (now Governor of Kerala) referred to the Constitution Bench the seven questions, including whether "consultation" with the Centre meant "concurrence" if the State government wants to grant remission of sentence and release the convict in a case investigated by CBI.

IANS

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 12:15 [IST]
7th Pay Commission: Centre seeks states comments on pay hike to IAS,IPS

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jul 28: All states have been asked to send their comments on the proposed recommendations by Seventh Central Pay Commission related to hike in salaries of IAS and IPS officers.

7th Pay Commission: Govt says no increment for non-performers

In a letter to chief secretaries of all state governments, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said that the central government has accepted the pay panel's recommendations. They have been requested to furnish the comments of the state government on the proposed recommendations immediately and positively by August 3, 2016 through fax, it said.

"If no reply is received by this time, it would be presumed that the state government concurs with the said proposals relating to the revision of pay scales of all India services (AIS) officers," the DoPT said. There are three all India services--Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS).

The pay panel has recommended a starting salary of Rs 56,100 per month at entry level for these and officers of Group A services like Indian Revenue Service. The Finance Ministry had on Monday issued an order notifying implementation of almost all the recommendations of the panel.

In that, the DoPT has been authorised to take action regarding pay and related issues concerning IAS, IPS and IFoS officers. The three-member Seventh Central Pay Commission, which had submitted its report on November 19, 2015, was divided over the issue of financial and career-related edge given to IAS officers as against those belonging to the other services.

IAS officers presently get a two-year edge over other services for getting empanelled to come on deputation at the Centre.

Besides, they also get two additional increments at the rate of 3 per cent over their basic pay at three promotion stages i.e., promotion to the Senior Time Scale (STS), to the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) and to the Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) after putting in about four, eight and 13 years of service, respectively.

A confederation representing thousands of officers of 20 civil services, including the IPS, have been demanding pay parity and other benefits enjoyed by IAS officers.

"Regarding pay and related issues concerning all India services, appropriate action will be taken by Department of Personnel and Training to give effect to the decisions on these matters as may be applicable to them," the Finance Ministry's notification said.

PTI
Indian prime time needs a ceasefire

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, July 28: Two of the biggest stars of Indian News TV -- Barkha Dutt and Arnab Goswami -- are now fighting in full public glare. The gloves are off. And how!

That this would happen -- sooner or later -- was inevitable. The signs were there for anyone who cared to see. And not many viewers of prime time news were oblivious to these almost impossible-to-miss the signals.

These were the not-so-subtle innuendos, the in-your-face suggestions, mocking not just the style of journalism and presentation of the other, but also questioning each other's motives and ideology. Prime time news became an obsession with a section of the English elite. It became a heady cocktail which combined pain and pleasure, ecstasy and agony in equal measure.

News became secondary. So did the debates. As star anchors became gladiators, the viewers began to behave more like spectators in a Roman arena; baying for blood and constantly looking for their evening fix of adrenaline rather than reasoned, well-articulated arguments.

So the writing was on the wall. But that the cookie would crumble in this manner, with such viciousness, I, at least, did not anticipate.

But more on that later. Let's get the background out of the way first.

It all began with the second term of the United Progressive Alliance government (UPA-II). Times Now was climbing the ratings charts on the back of its coverage of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. And then -- out of nowhere -- came the Radia Tapes. In the controversy that followed, Barkha Dutt's credibility took a hit. She has never fully recovered from the episode.

Those were difficult times for her. The more she tried to defend herself, the more she tied herself in knots. She argued well, with an equal measure of logic and emotion. But she lost out on public perception and there's no fighting that.

And here's my disclaimer. As somebody who has been a reporter/editor for a better part of his career, I will admit that if my phone was being thus tapped one could have also chanced upon conversations with some politician friends that could have been misconstrued without knowing the proper context. By the way, there is a conversation in those tapes where Niira Radia is criticising me for being a "show off and a loud mouth".

Meanwhile, Arnab was emerging as the knight in shining armour in the collective consciousness of Indian chattering classes. Raising issues of corruption in UPA-II, he was unsparing and clearly partisan. But he was riding on the common man's disgust with the government, was on the right side of public perception and soon created an almost embarrassing gap between himself and others in the ratings game.

He did not always follow journalism ethics and enjoyed tossing out -- from the NewsHour windows -- rules of fair play and balance. Others in the TV news genre either followed him or did not change. Both sets fell by the wayside as the Arnab juggernaut rolled on, ruthless, remorseless and relentless.

Already smarting under the Radia Tapes controversy, Barkha also lost out because she was -- and rightly so -- seen as an apologist for status quo, i.e. UPA. Not so much because she supported the Congress and the UPA but because she was seen as a die-hard Modi critic, an enemy in the eyes of Modi bhakts. To be fair (or am I being unfair here) Barkha never did hide her opposition to Modi.

On the other hand and largely thanks to his anti-establishment image and his relentless campaign against the UPA -- which interestingly continued even after the Congress lost the 2014 elections -- Arnab is now perceived as a supporter of the Modi government.

The Barkha-Arnab slugfest is now not just about clashing egos and contrasting styles, it's about who is on which side of our sharply polarised polity. Both are free to choose which side they want to battle for, but as someone who has genuine admiration for both of them -- one may agree or disagree with them on different issues but there's no denying their success and spunk -- is it too much to ask for some restraint from both these fellow journalists? For a majority of our young journalists, these two are role models.

So Arnab, please stop calling journalists names on your show. We are still a democracy. Allow them the freedom to tell a story as they want to. And Barkha, the shoe may be on someone else's foot today but it does not behove you to call anyone a "chamcha". You have been called different names at different times and while you have shown remarkable strength of character in fighting back, you know it hurts.

At a time when this country is losing faith in most institutions, including journalism, it's the responsibility of both of you -- idolised and hero worshipped by so many -- to uphold the dignity of our profession.

IANS


5-year-old dies after being attacked by pack of dogs in MP

MP: Uproar in Assembly over Digvijay SIngh's tweets to his partymen

India

oi-PTI

Bhopal, Jul 28: Madhya Pradesh Assembly was adjourned for half an hour amid uproar over senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh's appeal to his party MLAs to raise the issue of 'corruption' during the Kumbh Mela in the House.

The former Chief Minister had tweeted a link of news report captioned, "Congress mum on Simhastha-Kumbh, Bala Bachchan accused of fixing".

In another tweet, Singh asked the Congress Legislature Party to raise the issue of corruption in the Kumbh. The state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narottam Mishra today objected to Singh's tweets, saying an "outsider" is directing the (acting) leader of opposition Bala Bachchan to raise certain issues, and this was interference in the proceedings of the House.

Mishra said Singh's tweets amounted to contempt of Assembly and disrespect to Bala Bachchan, who is a Dalit. Some Ministers and BJP members backed Mishra. Speaker Sitasharan Sharma reserved his ruling on the point of order raised by Mishra.

Senior Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat said Singh had not given any direction in his tweets. Mishra raised the issue as a part of a conspiracy to create uproar and thwart opposition's attempt to raise the issue of corruption in the Kumbh at Ujjain (which ended in May), Rawat alleged.

PTI
Man booked for rape of 12-year-old after video of injured girl surfaces on internet

Himachal Pradesh: Four including three minors nabbed for Israeli woman's rape

India

oi-PTI

Shimla, Jul 28: A 21-year-old man was arrested and three minors were detained in collection with the alleged rape of a Israeli woman, police said.

Khem Raj (21) was arrested and two minors were detained from various places in Kullu today, SP of Kullu Padam Chand said, adding police had detained another minor boy yesterday from Manali.

Khem Raj would be produced in the court tomorrow while the three minors would be produced in juvenile court, police said.

Israeli woman gangraped in Manali; Police detain 2 for questioning

Two of the six accused were arrested on Monday and the vehicle suspected to have been used in the crime was also recovered from Kullu.

One of the minor is from Nepal. All the accused are between 16 years to 24 years of age and suspected to be under influence of liquor at the time of crime. Their medical report is awaited, police said.

The 25-year-old woman had in a police complaint alleged the accused offered her lift in their car while she was waiting for a cab to reach Lahaul to reunite with friends who had already left for the nearby town, they said.

She said there were six persons in the car and two of them allegedly raped her in the wee hours of Sunday, police said.

PTI
Flight diverted after man allegedly raises pro-ISIS slogans

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, July 28: A passenger allegedly shouting pro ISIS slogans forced a Dubai-Calicut flight to be diverted. The person onboard the Indigo flight is alleged to have raised pro-ISIS slogans which in turn forced the pilot to divert the flight to Mumbai.

The person is said to have raised slogans mid-air which caused a scare, following which the flight was diverted. The aircraft landed in Mumbai at 9.15 AM following which the man was handed over to the police.

Another person too who was with this person was handed over to the police. The police charged both people with unruly behaviour and are currently questioning both of them.

Sources say that questioning is underway and they are trying to ascertain why such slogans were raised.

Whether they did it for publicity or had any association with the outfit is under investigation. The Airport police however, said that the passengers had complained that two men were fighting. "We are still not able to confirm if ISIS slogans were raised," the officer also stated.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 12:01 [IST]
90 Percent of Indias Online Skill Gaming Industry Says 28 Percent GST over GGV Will Be Catastrophic

Government considering industry suggestions for ideal GST Bill: CBEC official

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, July 28 The government is carefully considering the suggestions made by the trade and industry on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, a top CBEC official said here on Thursday.

"We have been receiving a large number of representations from trade and industry. This is a very healthy exercise and all these suggestions and views will go into making an ideal GST," Mahender Singh, Director General (GST), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), said.

He was speaking at a national conference on draft GST law organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

"It (suggestions on GST) is considered, discussed and various aspects are taken into consideration and once the final decision is taken then that will be incorporated in the final GST law," Mahender Singh said.

He said some sections of the trade and industry have apprehensions that their views may not be taken into consideration.

It is understandable, he said, for people to have such apprehensions in a large country with a wide variety of trade practices.

"Being part of the exercise in the CBEC, I can assure you each and every representation received from trade and industry is discussed and deliberated upon," Mahender Singh said.

He said the model GST law was put in public domain on June 14, 2016 after taking into consideration the doubts, apprehensions and suggestions of the state governments as well as the trade and industry.

"Even after that, a large number of representations and suggestions have been pouring in which is a very very healthy sign."

IANS
Government tries to save Indian from being executed in Indonesia

News

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Today Indonesia is preparing its firing squad again to execute 14 prisoners on death row. One of those who is to face firing squad is an Indian, Gurdip Singh. He was found guilty of trying to smuggle 300-gram heroin into Indonesia in 2004.

We have a revision on the execution list. This is the right one. There are 10 foreign nationals and 4 Indonesians. pic.twitter.com/Ff11o7yJ2j  LBH Masyarakat (@LBHMasyarakat) July 26, 2016

All the 14 prisoners have been moved to isolation holding cells on Nusa Kambangan. It is the same where last year two rounds of executions were held.

For Gurdip Singh initially 20-year sentence was recommended. Singh had withdrawn an initial statement he had made against Zulfiqar Ali a Pakistani national. Singh had initially said that he was coerced into making a false admission against Ali in return for a lenient sentence. Ali too is to be executed today.

Lawyers in Indonesia are trying to lodge a last minute clemency appeal with President Joko Widodo. UN human rights officials have also expressed concerns over the executions planned by Indonesia and the officials have appealed Indonesia to put an end to capital punishment.

Indonesia is one among few countries in the world that have toughest drug laws. The country had last year executed 14 drug convicts last year of which most were

foreigners.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 12:12 [IST]
Lok Sabha passes Benami transactions amendment, members seek stricter measures

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, July 27 Taking a crucial step towards checking black money, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Benami Transactions Amendment Bill with the new legislation having provisions for confiscating 'benami' (proxy) assets.

During the debate, members favoured stringent measures including capital punishment to counter such transactions, while Communist Party of India-Marxist member Sankar Prasad Dutta said there is need to completely ban benami transactions in the country.

Piloting the bill, which mustered general unanimity in principle as members rising above party affiliations gave it a push, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the purpose of the bill is to "discourage" this activity.

During the four-hour-long debate, Ravindra Babu of Telugu Desam Party said people who make black money are anti-nationals and should be hanged. Calling for a "comprehensive" law, he said the present bill is well-intended but it should be integrated with other Acts dealing with hawala and drugs.

He was also supported Dutta, who said there is need to completely ban benami transactions and lamented that even political leaders are allegedly involved in them.

Replying to host of queries raised on the bill by members like Sushmita Dev (Congress), Conrad Sangma (National People's Party), Saugata Roy (Trinamool Congress) and Prem Singh Chandumajra (Akali Dal), Jaitley said: "Section 58 of the new bill clearly states that charitable or religious organisation properties can be exempted by the government."

However, answering to clarification sought on the issue by N.K. Premchandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party, Jaitley said that did not mean any person "fraudulently" launching a religious organisation for routing black money can be exempted.

He said the new law is predominately an "anti-black money measure" and its purpose is to seize benami property and prosecute those indulging in such activities.

In a jovial vein, he told opposition members, especially Premchandran, that "exemption cannot be pretext for tax evasion. If you make any illegal business out of it... if you create a fake religious sect and start keeping benami property, then government won't exempt it, so please don't do that".

Jaitley also defended provisions in the bill that empowers central government to "confiscate" benami properties and not the states, saying this has been done because the prosecutions will essentially be under clauses of a central law.

The offences under this law has been kept as "non-cognizable offence" as essentially this is only a tax law violation, he said, adding: "Because we do not want multiple agencies to come and start harassing people."

"The object is not to harass them; the object is that there must be prosecution if a person has violated this particular law."

Responding to queries of members on why the government has not come out with a new law in place of the 1988 Act, the Finance Minister said such a move would have given "immunity" to persons who acquired benami properties from 1988 to 2016.

While the 1988 Act had nine sections, the amended new law would have 71 sections, Jaitley pointed out, but has other exceptions also like relating to Hindu Undivided Family and trusts owning properties.

The punishment clauses too have been strengthened. While the existing law provides for up to three years of imprisonment or fine or both for benami transactions, the amended legislation would provide for seven years imprisonment and fine.

Jaitley also informed members that the government has accepted the Parliamentary Standing Committee's suggestion to change the words in the Bill from "known sources of income" to "known sources" with a view to further strengthen the provisions as sometimes individuals may get loans or other kind of borrowings for some properties.

Under the new legislation, there is also a provision for filing an appeal against an order within 45 days.

As S.P. Muddahanume Gowda (Congress) said the bill does not provide any protection to the whistle blower in connection with benami property, Jaitley said there is no such provision under this act but a separate law on whistle blowers does ensure protection.

The present Bill as passed by Lok Sabha was brought by the Modi government in 2015 and it was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. An amendment billwas introduced by the UPA government in 2011 but it lapsed when the term of the previous Lok Sabha ended in 2014.

IANS
Mahadayi Row: Jagadish Shettar slams K'taka govts demand seeking Modis intervention

India

oi-Shreyas

By H S Shreyas

Bengaluru, July 28: Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Jagadish Shettar has blamed the Siddaramaiah led-Congress government for the Mahadayi river verdict.

"There were flaws in the interim petition filed by the state before Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal," alleged the former CM in a brief telephonic conversation with OneIndia.

"The Congress is hell bent on seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention into the matter but how can a prime minister interfere in a matter that was heard by the Tribunal," he says. He also blamed the Karnataka government for not convincing the Congress party in Goa to arrange a meeting between CM Siddaramaiah and Goa CM Laxmikant Parsekar.

"If now Congress is demanding Modi's intervention to resolve the problem in favour of Karnataka, why didn't Manmohan Singh solve the problem, facilitating the diversion of 7.56 TMC of water from Mahadayi basin," Shettar questioned.

He alleged that the interim petition filed by the state government had flaws and this resulted in the failure. Shettar also said that the argument made before the Tribunal by the counsel for the state was feeble.

Shettar held the government responsible for the bandh and disruption in the State that was followed by the verdict and said: "Government has to instill confidence among people. It needs to inform the public about the next course of action in order to avoid untoward incidents."

Shettar added that since the issue has been dealt legally, the state has to mull on future legal course and not demand for Modi's intervention. "For Congress it has become a habit to drag Modi in all issues. By doing so they want to give a political colour to the problem and seek mileage from the same."

BJP will stress on the government to opt for a legal course to resolve the problem.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 16:17 [IST]
Mahasweta Devi wielded the pen to complement her activism

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Kolkata, July 28: "All through my life, I've done whatever I felt like doing" -- this quote aptly describes the fiercely independent-minded Mahasweta Devi, the doyen of activist-writers in India, who died on Thursday aged 90.

The Ramon Magsaysay and Jnanpith awardee Bengali novelist penned telling commentaries on the sufferings and oppression of tribals, and in a rarity for a city-bred writer, came down from the ivory tower to mingle with them.

She shared their food and huts, tried to understand their problems and fought the powers-that-be to uphold the rights and better the living condition of these backward people.

In her six-decade literary career, she authored over 120 books, comprising 20 collections of short stories and around 100 novels and contributed innumerable articles and columns to newspapers and magazines, a large number of them woven around tribal life.

Kolkata: Eminent writer Mahasweta Devi passes away at 90

Adopting a distinctly matter-of-fact style free from sentimentality, Mahasweta vividly portrayed the sufferings the tribals endured at the hands of upper-caste landlords, money-lenders and government servants, and chronicled the stories of tribal resistance and protests.

"Aranyer Adhikar" (The Occupation of the Forest), dwelling on Birsa Munda's revolt against the British, fetched Mahasweta the Sahitya Akademi award in 1979. "Choti Munda evam Tar Tir" (Choti Munda and His Arrow), "Bashai Tudu" , "Titu Mir" are among other novels that come under the genre. Her short story collections, including "Imaginary Maps" and "Breast Stories", "Of Women, Outcasts, Peasants, and Rebels", and short stories "Dhowli" and "Rudali" also deal with tribal life.

Another famous novel published in 1975 -- "Hajar Churashir Maa" (Mother of 1084) -- inspired by Maxim Gorky's "Mother", has the backdrop of the Naxalite movement. It narrates a mother's efforts to understand her son, who dies as a Naxalite fighter.

(It was turned into an extremely touching Hindi movie, "Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma", featuring Jaya Bahaduri, in 1998)

Mahasweta's debut book in 1956 was a lucid life sketch "Jhansir Rani" (the Queen of Jhansi) describing the bravery and martyrdom of Laxmibai. She also wrote popular humorous pieces and stories in children's magazines like Sandesh.

Mahasweta had deep respect for tribal life and culture, highlighting the absence of the caste, dowry systems and gender discrimination in their society -- and was convinced the "so-called mainstream" had nothing to offer.

"The tribals are more civilised than us," she would often say.

In 1978, Mahasweta championed the cause of two tribal groups -- the Lodhas of the erstwhile Midnapur district and the Kheria Sabars of Purulia -- who were among those notified by the British in 1871 as "criminals". Though these tribes were denotified after independence, the stigma remained and they faced trouble whenever crimes were committed in their vicinity.

Purulia soon emerged as the epicentre of Mahasweta's activism and she came to be revered as "The Mother of the Sabars". Simultaneously, she lent her weight to the tribal struggles in various other states.

In 1998, Mahasweta's speech at Vadodara on the plight of India's denotified tribals influenced the formation of the Denotified and Nomadic Tribes' Rights Action Group (DNT-RAG) mass organisation that now keeps vigil against such atrocities.

That protest was a second nature to the 1926-born Mahasweta, daughter of poet-novelist Manish Ghatak and writer-social activist Dharitri Devi, was amply evident through the decades. In the 1980s, moved by the miseries of women confined to Kolkata jails for years as non-criminal lunatics, Mahasweta wrote sharp and incisive articles in newspapers demanding their release, forcing the West Bengal government to free and rehabilitate them.

Mahasweta, who obtained a B.A in English from Bolpur-based Vishva-Bharati University founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, led militant protests in the first decade of the 21st century against private promoters for undertaking "mindless constructions" in the Khowai region -- close to the university -- one of the Bard's favourite haunts.

Then Bolpur Lok Sabha MP Somnath Chatterjee once bitterly complained that the octogenarian Mahasweta had even kicked a foundation plaque.

Though she criticised their violent acts, Mahasweta found merit in the Maoists' cause.

"Their crime is they dared to dream...The right to dream should be the first fundamental right of people," she said during a memorable key-note address at the Jaipur Literary Fest in 2013.

Earlier, she had demanded the withdrawal of the security forces deployed in areas hit by left-wing extremism.

In the twilight years of the state's erstwhile Left Front government, Mahasweta mobilised the civil society against the regime's "forcible" acquisition of agricultural land for setting up big industries in rural pockets like Singur and Nandigram.

She wholeheartedly backed the then opposition leader Mamata Banerjee, who became chief minister in 2011, ending the 34-year Left rule.

The two enjoyed great chemistry, but Mahasweta did not shy away from calling the Banerjee regime "fascist" for banning a rally and banishing anti-government newspapers from state-aided libraries.

Mahasweta's initial schooling was at her birthplace Dhaka -- now in Bangladesh -- before the family moved to India after the partition. She completed her MA in English from the Calcutta University.

She had a love marriage with playwright Bijan Bhattacharya, a founder of the left-leaning Indian People's Theatre Association, and their only child Nabarun was born in 1948. The couple divorced in 1959, and Nabarun -- a left radical who died in 2014 -- never quite saw eye to eye with Mahasweta.

She taught at a college for two decades and also dabbled in journalism. She subsequently quit the lecturer's job in 1984, devoting all her time to the pen and activism.

Her work as an activist and writer received wide recognition. The honours showered on her included the country's highest Jnanpith literary award (1996), the Magsaysay (1997) the Padma Shri (1986), the Padma Vibhushan (2006) and the Bangabibhushan (2011).

Apart from "Hazar Chaurasi..." four of her other creations have been made into films -- "Sunghursh" (1968), "Rudaali" (1993), "Maati Maay" (2006) and "Gangor" (2010).

Mahasweta's incessant attacks against the Indian state for oppression and exploitation of its own people masked a deep love for the country.

The way she eulogised India at the 2006 Frankfurt Book Fair was a case in point: "... Dil (heart) is always Hindustani (Indian)... My country, Torn, Tattered, Proud, Beautiful, Hot, Humid, Cold, Sandy, Shining India. My country."

And she was extremely satisfied with the way her life had panned out. "Life has been too absorbing," she would say.

IANS
Modi to make maiden visit to Telangana on August 7

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Hyderabad, July 28: On his maiden visit to Telangana on August 7, Prime Minster Narendra Modi will launch the state's flagship Bhageeratha programme aimed at providing piped drinking water to every household.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the Prime Minister will participate in various programmes to be held in Gajwel, in Medak district, the assembly constituency of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

According a CMO statement, Modi will reach Begumpet airport of Hyderabad at 2.20 pm. He will arrive in Gajwel by a helicopter at 3 pm.

During the visit of one and a half hours to Gajwel, the Prime Minister will remotely inaugurate or lay foundation stone for various projects in different parts of the state.

He will lay the foundation stone for two additional 1,600 MW power plants by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Ramagundam in Karimnagar district. He will also lay the foundation stone for a fertiliser plant in Ramagundam.

Modi will dedicate to the nation the 1,200 MW plant of Singareni Collieries Company in Adilabad district and inaugurate Kalojinarayan Health University in Warangal.

He will also lay the foundation stone for Manoharabad-Kuttapally railway line.

The Prime Minister will address a public meeting in Gajwel before returning to Hyderabad at 4.30 p.m. He will return to Delhi at 6.40 p.m.

This will be Modi's first visit to Telangana since assuming office over two years ago.

During his meeting with Modi last week in New Delhi, Chandrasekhar Rao had invited the Prime Minister to visit the state.

IANS


Central Vista to be unveiled by PM Modi today | 7 things to know

Parliament passes Lokpal amendment bill

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, July 28: A bill to amend the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, was passed by parliament on Thursday doing away with the time limit for public servants to furnish details of their assets and liabilities, which as per the original act was July 31 every year.

The Lokpal and Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, was passed by the upper house on Thursday.

It allows extension of the time given to public servants and trustees and board members of NGOs, receiving government funds of more than Rs 1 crore or foreign funding of more than Rs 10 lakh, to declare their assets and those of their spouses.

Speaking on the bill, Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said the government had no intention to dilute the Lokpal bill.

"We have no intention to dilute or to deviate from the Lokpal bill. Government stands by Lokpal Act and is committed to implement it in letter and spirit," he said.

"The message should also not go out that members have joined together to get away from provision of stating their assets. It is also a fact under the Representation of People Act what we are declaring is much more than any other class or section of society," the minister said.

He added that the amendment is needed as the deadline for declaration was just two days away.

Congress leader Anand Sharma, participating in the short-duration debate on the bill, urged the government to fulfill the task of appointing Lokpal.

"This bill is being passed to have time to reach clarity and there is no intent to dilute the bill. It is important for the entire house to bear in mind this country has seen enough turbulence. There was agitation, there was demand and then this bill was brought. It is incumbent on the present government to complete the process and appoint Lokpal, so the purpose of law is achieved," Sharma said.

The Left parties refused to support the bill.

"The CPI-M and Left do not support the bill. Lokpal should be made more stringent," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader T.K. Rangarajan said.

"Normally, the corrupt people put their money on (in the name of)their wife and their children. They have two-three wives... We cannot support all these corrupt people," he said.

The bill was later passed with voice vote.

--IANS

ao/rn/vt
Are you awake?: EAM Jaishankar recalls when he got a call from PM Modi at midnight

Several Afghans on Germany's evacuation list have died

13th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan delivered by India

Afghanistan: 18 militants killed in raid on Taliban hideouts

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Kabul, July 28: At least 18 militants were killed and 17 others injured when security forces raided Taliban positions in Afghanistan's Dasht-e-Archi district, an official said on Thursday.

According to the official, the security forces backed by aircraft attacked Taliban hideouts on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Over 20 militants were also arrested in Sari Pul province, the official added.

IANS
Democratic National Convention: Highlights of President Obama's speech

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Philadelphia, July 28: President Barack Obama stood up for former senator and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on the penultimate day of the Democratic National Convention here on Wednesday (July 27).

Here are some of the high points of Obama's speech which he delivered while endorsing Hillary, his rival of the 2008 presidential election [Read full speech here]

Michelle hasn't aged a day

"You met my two little girls, Malia and Sasha - now two amazing young women who just fill me with pride. You fell for my brilliant wife and partner Michelle, who's made me a better father and a better man; who's gone on to inspire our nation as First Lady; and who somehow hasn't aged a day. I know the same can't be said for me. My girls remind me all the time. Wow, you've changed so much, daddy."

"A lot's happened over the years. And while this nation has been tested by war and recession and all manner of challenge - I stand before you again tonight, after almost two terms as your President, to tell you I am even more optimistic about the future of America."

"How could I not be - after all we've achieved together?"

America stronger and more prosperous today: Obama

"By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we started.

And through every victory and every setback, I've insisted that change is never easy, and never quick; that we wouldn't meet all of our challenges in one term, or one presidency, or even in one lifetime."

Taking on Republican camp's "deeply pessimistic" view of the US

"...Fair to say, this is not your typical election. It's not just a choice between parties or policies; the usual debates between left and right. This is a more fundamental choice - about who we are as a people, and whether we stay true to this great American experiment in self-government. Look, we Democrats have always had plenty of differences with the Republican Party, and there's nothing wrong with that; it's precisely this contest of ideas that pushes our country forward. But what we heard in Cleveland last week wasn't particularly Republican - and it sure wasn't conservative. What we heard was a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world. There were no serious solutions to pressing problems - just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate."

"And that is not the America I know."

"...there is only one candidate in this race who believes in that future, and has devoted her life to it; a mother and grandmother who'd do anything to help our children thrive; a leader with real plans to break down barriers, blast through glass ceilings, and widen the circle of opportunity to every single American - the next President of the United States, Hillary Clinton."

Obama calls Hillary Clinton "tough"

"Now, eight years ago, Hillary and I were rivals for the Democratic nomination. We battled for a year and a half. Let me tell you, it was tough, because Hillary's tough. Every time I thought I might have that race won, Hillary just came back stronger."

"Hillary's still got the tenacity she had as a young woman working at the Children's Defense Fund, going door to door to ultimately make sure kids with disabilities could get a quality education.

She's still got the heart she showed as our First Lady, working with Congress to help push through a Children's Health Insurance Program that to this day protects millions of kids."

"She's still seared with the memory of every American she met who lost loved ones on 9/11, which is why, as a Senator from New York, she fought so hard for funding to help first responders; why, as Secretary of State, she sat with me in the Situation Room and forcefully argued in favor of the mission that took out bin Laden."

Hillary knows what's at stake in decisions US govt makes, says Obama

"...nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. Until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis, or send young people to war. But Hillary's been in the room; she's been part of those decisions. She knows what's at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran. Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect. And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

"...I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America."

"And, by the way, in case you were wondering about her judgment, look at her choice of running mate. Tim Kaine is as good a man, as humble and committed a public servant, as anyone I know. He will be a great Vice President, and he'll make Hillary a better President. Just like my dear friend and brother Joe Biden has made me a better President."

Obama slams Donald Trump, says he is neither a "plans" or "facts" guy

"...there's Donald Trump. He's not really a plans guy. Not really a facts guy, either. He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women who've achieved success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated."

"Does anyone really believe that a guy who's spent his 70 years on this Earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion? Your voice? If so, you should vote for him. But if you're someone who's truly concerned about paying your bills, and seeing the economy grow, and creating more opportunity for everybody, then the choice isn't even close. If you want someone with a lifelong track record of fighting for higher wages, better benefits, a fairer tax code, a bigger voice for workers, and stronger regulations on Wall Street, then you should vote for Hillary Clinton."

"Hillary won't relent until IS is destroyed"

"And if you're concerned about who's going to keep you and your family safe in a dangerous world - well, the choice is even clearer. Hillary Clinton is respected around the world not just by leaders, but by the people they serve. She's worked closely with our intelligence teams, our diplomats, our military. And she has the judgment, the experience, and the temperament to meet the threat from terrorism. It's not new to her. Our troops have pounded ISIL without mercy, taking out leaders, taking back territory. I know Hillary won't relent until ISIL is destroyed. She'll finish the job - and she'll do it without resorting to torture, or banning entire religions from entering our country. She is fit to be the next Commander-in-Chief."

"...Donald Trump calls our military a disaster. Apparently, he doesn't know the men and women who make up the strongest fighting force the world has ever known. He suggests America is weak. He must not hear the billions of men, women, and children, from the Baltics to Burma, who still look to America to be the light of freedom, dignity, and human rights. He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, and tells the NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection."

America stronger and respected more today than it was 8 years ago

"Well, America's promises do not come with a price tag. We meet our commitments. And that's one reason why almost every country on Earth sees America as stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago."

"America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump. In fact, it doesn't depend on any one person. And that, in the end, may be the biggest difference in this election - the meaning of our democracy."

"Ronald Reagan called America "a shining city on a hill." Donald Trump calls it "a divided crime scene" that only he can fix. It doesn't matter to him that illegal immigration and the crime rate are as low as they've been in decades, because he's not offering any real solutions to those issues. He's just offering slogans, and he's offering fear. He's betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election."

"That is another bet that Donald Trump will lose. Because he's selling the American people short. We are not a fragile or frightful people. Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We don't look to be ruled. Our power comes from those immortal declarations first put to paper right here in Philadelphia all those years ago; We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that together, We, the People, can form a more perfect union."

On gun violence

"If you want to protect our kids and our cops from gun violence, we've got to get the vast majority of Americans, including gun owners, who agree on background checks to be just as vocal and determined as the gun lobby that blocks change through every funeral we hold. That's how change will happen."

"Hillary Clinton...been there for us - even if we haven't always noticed. And if you're serious about our democracy, you can't afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. You've got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isn't a spectator sport. America isn't about "yes he will." It's about "yes we can." And we're going to carry Hillary to victory this fall, because that's what the moment demands."

"America has changed over the years. But these values my grandparents taught me - they haven't gone anywhere. They're as strong as ever; still cherished by people of every party, every race, and every faith. They live on in each of us. What makes us American, what makes us patriots, is what's in here."

When the crowd booed at mention of Trump's name, Obama said "Don't boo. Vote"

"That's what matters. That's why we can take the food and music and holidays and styles of other countries, and blend it into something uniquely our own. That's why we can attract strivers and entrepreneurs from around the globe to build new factories and create new industries here. That's why our military can look the way it does, every shade of humanity, forged into common service. That's why anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end."

"That's America. Those bonds of affection; that common creed. We don't fear the future; we shape it, embrace it, as one people, stronger together than we are on our own. That's what Hillary Clinton understands - this fighter, this stateswoman, this mother and grandmother, this public servant, this patriot - that's the America she's fighting for."

"Democratic Party is in good hands"

"And that's why I have confidence, as I leave this stage tonight, that the Democratic Party is in good hands. My time in this office hasn't fixed everything; as much as we've done, there's still so much I want to do. But for all the tough lessons I've had to learn; for all the places I've fallen short; I've told Hillary, and I'll tell you what's picked me back up, every single time."

"It's been you. The American people."

Oneindia News
Pro-govt Turkish daily accuses US of having organised coup attempt; targets former US general

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Ankara, July 28: US President Barack Obama assured last week that his country had no role to play in the failed coup attempt in Turkey on July 15 and even called up his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan over it, but it seems the media in Turkey is not convinced, reported IntelNews---a specialised intelligence website.

On July 25, a popular Turkish daily called Yeni Safak brought charges that the failed coup attempt had been backed by the US government, monetarily and otherwise. The Istanbul-based newspaper is known for its close links with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of President Erdogan and politically conservative stand.

The daily said in its leading article on Monday that "senior government officials" claimed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the foreign intelligence agency of the US, had organised those in the military who were behind the July 15 coup attempt, the report said. It also alleged that retired US army general John F Campbell was the principal intermediary between the CIA and the plotters, it added.

Campbell, 59, had served as the US Army's vice chief of staff before taking over as the commander of all US forces in Afghanistan in 2014. He retired this year as the last commander of the International Security Assistance Force in the war-ravaged country.

Yeni Safak's July 25 front-page headline read: "This man led the coup", next to a photograph of the veteran armyman. The article accused general Campbell of having "organized and managed the soldiers" for the coup and having handled "at least $2 billion" in CIA funds, which he allegedly distributed to the coup plotters via the Nigeria-based United Bank for Africa, the IntelNews report said.

The bank, however, denied the charges on Tuesday (July 26) saying it had no connection with the coup initiative.

General Campbell, on his part, also dismissed the charges saying they were "absolutely ridiculous" and "don't even warrant a response", the intelligence report said.

Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford also described the Turkish newspaper's article as "absurd", the report said.

The pro-government media in Turkey has repeatedly held the US responsible for the coup attempt but Yeni Safak named a foreign individual to have plotted the coup---something which has happened for the first time.

Turkish authorities have previously held Fethullah Gulen---a religious figure who leads a movement against the AKP regime---from his exile in Pennsylvania in the US, as the main culprit behind the coup design though the latter denied all charges.

Turkey has also intended to seek Gulen's formal extradition from the US though the latter said it would do so only after gathering sufficient evidence.

Oneindia News

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 12:57 [IST]
Protests in PoK: ISI desperate as majority want accession to India

International

oi-Vicky

On Wednesday, Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) witnessed massive protests after it was alleged that the ISI had rigged the election. Rigging elections in PoK to ensure that a pro Indian party does not come to power has been a regular occurrence PoK, but this year around, the ISI did go an extra mile.

Since the past year there have been several incidents in PoK where several thousands of people have taken to the streets and sought for an accession to India. Despite being suppressed by the ISI, the Pakistan army and their cronies in the Lashkar-e-Taiba which runs 42 camps in the region, the voice against Pakistan has grown extremely strong since the past year.

Pak-held Kashmir, a region terrorised by ISI-Military

In fact last year a massive protest took place and went unreported due to a gag order on the media over there. An officer with the intelligence says that the protest was massive in nature in which thousands of people came to streets demanding that the region be under India.

What is worrying the ISI?

The ISI would always ensure that the same party ruling Pakistan is in power in PoK as well. Indian officials say that this time when elections were held on July 21, had the process been a fair one, there would be no way that the PML-N would have won.

Although the Pakistan government does have the power to dismiss any government in PoK without reason, the win by an opposition party which tows the Indian line would have been embarrassing and also a defeat.

The polls this time were rigged to such an extent that people were not allowed to vote. Only a handful of people leaning towards the PML-N were permitted to vote with a view of making it seem like a fair process.

In the areas such as Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari and Mirpur no local was permitted to vote and this was evident in the manner in which the protests had erupted. In fact matters turned worse when a PML-N member killed a supporter of the Muslim Conference.

Indian officials closely monitoring the situation in PoK say that the ISI is getting desperate as the voice of the publica in favour of India is getting stronger.

In this context it would also be pertinent to note what the Chairman of the Anjuman Mihaj-e-Raasool, Moulana Syed Athar Hussain Dehlavi has to say on PoK. After touring the region he said that people of this region want to be part of India.

"The people are completely distressed with the growing extremism in Pakistan and want to lead a peaceful life. Given the opportunity they would want a referendum so that they could vote to join India back," he also said.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 11:41 [IST]
Will hold exercises with Russia in South China Sea: Beijing

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Beijing, July 28: China and Russia are set to hold "routine" naval exercises in the South China Sea in Septmeber, Chinese sources said on Thursday (July 28).

They also said the drills will be held to strengthen their cooperation and not to target any other country.

The joint exercises will be held at a time when a verdict by an international court that China did not possess rights to the sea has created tension in the region. China was also criticised in the July 12 ruling for its environmental destruction in the region. Beijing refused to abide by the ruling. [US to continue military operations in South China Sea, reports Reuters]

"This is a routine exercise between the two armed forces, aimed at strengthening the developing China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a news conference.

Russia has also backed the Chinese rejecting the Philippines' move to bring the South China Sea case before the international arbitration body in the Hague and held that states without any direct claim to territory should act impartially. The target was the US, which asked China to abide by the ruling and shares quite a disturbed equation with the latter over issues---both strategic and economic.

China also held live-firing exercises in the wake of the verdict and hinted at launching regular air patrolling over the South China Sea while continuing to set up artificial islands.

Oneindia News
I am a Pakistani, I came here to kill Indians: Captured terrorist tells NIA

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, JuIy 28: "I am from Pakistan and I had come here to kill Indians". This is what Saifulla Bahadur Ali, the terrorist who was captured on Wednesday, told the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Like all the other Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, he too was launched into India from Muzzaffarabad.

The NIA which has been grilling Ali has learnt that he along with two others had taken the help of a local guide and entered India.

"I along with Saad Bai and Darda Bai entered India with the help of a local guide. Our aim was carry out a series of strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and we had been trained specifically for that. We felt that this was the right time to enter India since there are protests in the state and infiltration would be easier," Ali further tells the NIA.

I am from Pakistan

The NIA confronted him several times about his nationality and what he was doing in Kupwara at the time of the arrest. He said, "I am a Pakistani. I belong to the Raiwind area in Lahore. I had joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba a few years back and trained with them at their camp at Muzzafarabad," he also said.

He said that Saad and Darda had entered along with him. Both were however killed in an encounter a few days back by the security forces. I decided to carry on with the mission. I was just awaiting orders and the Lashkar-e-Taiba told me that they would send two more persons in order to complete the task. We were asked to target the police and the security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir," he further told the NIA.

"I was subject to Daur-e-Khas and Daur-e-Aman. While on one hand I was told how to use weapons and carry out attacks, there were a series of classes that I underwent where I was told about atrocities in Kashmir.

All through my training programme they made me read through scripts relating to the atrocities in Kashmir and I was further told that I should be avenging it," Ali, who is now in the custody of the NIA in Delhi, also said.

OneIndia News
Aurangabad arms case: MCOCA court says there was plan to eliminate Modi

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, July 28: Stating that there was a conspiracy to eliminate Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, a special MCOCA court on Thursday held Abu Jundal and others guilty in the Aurangabad arms haul case.

Abu Jundal who was deported to India from Saudi Arabia on the charge that he had given Hindi tuitions to the terrorists who attacked Mumbai on 26/11 was also charged in the Aurangabad arms haul case.

After hearing the matterat length, the court had reserved its order against 22 accused persons. The prosecution had argued that Jundal and others had in 2006 procured a huge amount of arms to eliminate leaders such as Modi and Praveen Togadia in order to take revenge for the Gujarat riots.

However, their plans were foiled in 2008 when the Maharashtra ATS based on a tip off arrested several persons on May 8, 2006 near Aurangabad.

The ATS also seized a huge cache of arms which were being transported in a Tata Sumo and Indica. One of the vehicles was being driven by Jundal alias Zabiuddin Ansari. The ATS was however, not able to arrest Jundal as he managed to escape.

Jundal is said to have escaped to Bangladesh from where he left for Pakistan. He rose in the ranks of the Lashkar-e-Taiba at an astronomical pace.

He was roped in to give the ten terrorists Hindi tuitions so that they would look like locals when they enter Mumbai to stage the attack. He was finally deported from Saudi Arabia to India two years after the attacks of 26/11.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 12:42 [IST]
Chinese at Barahoti: A face off that lasted 30 minutes

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, July 28: The face off along the international border at Uttarakhand between India and China lasted for 30 minutes on July 22. The Chinese were not armed and were in civil clothes, a senior official told OneIndia. It is not a major incursion and was a minor breach that was sorted out immediately, the officer also informed.

On Wednesday, Uttarakhand state government had sent a report on the Chinese incursions along the Barahoti stretch to the union government. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand had confirmed that Chinese troops had been spotted in the area while adding that this is a matter of serious concern. He also said that the state has asked the centre to increase vigil.

The centre however maintained that the mutually agreed norm was not violated. The Chinese were in plain clothes and did not carry any arms.

In the year 1958 a Chinese delegation had visited India. It was decided that both countries will not send troops into this area. It was also agreed upon that only shepherds would be allowed into this area. However, a final settlement on this dispute is still awaited.

According to officials, the face off lasted for 30 minutes. Six personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police which mans the Indo-China border accompanied officials to the region.

The Chinese then told the team to return. Both teams returned and the issue was sorted out.

On such incursions, the ITBP has sent reports to the home ministry. At a Chief Minister's conference it was stated that the Chinese had entered this territory at least 37 times between 2007 and 2012.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 10:38 [IST]
Defamation cases cannot be slapped if someone calls govt unfit or corrupt: SC to TN govt

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, July 28: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday stayed the non-bailable warrant issued against DMDK leader, Vijaykanth and his wife in connection with a defamation case.

The SC also sought to know from the Tamil Nadu government as to how many defamation cases it has filed in the state. The Court observed that criticism of a government does not mandate that a defamation case be filed. It also said that if someone terms the government unfit or corrupt, it does not automatically make a case for defamation.

A defamation case had been filed by the Tamil Nadu government against Vijaykanth following the remarks he had made against the government. The Supreme Court on earlier occasions too had some harsh words for the Tamil Nadu government on the number of defamation cases it had been filing.

The court had taken a note of the large number of defamation cases filed by Tamil Nadu and said that the Public Prosecutor (PP) must apply his mind. The PP is not a post office, the court also observed.

The counsel for Vijaykanth had argued in court and submitted that aspirations and sometimes desperation of the people are expressed through such criticism.

"The citizen's right to criticise cannot be atrophied by constant launching of criminal prosecution for defamation on each and every issue to silence the critics," he had also stated.

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Story first published: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 12:27 [IST]
Tamil Nadu assembly witnessed chaos and uproar on Wednesday and one reason was AIDMK MLA Karunas' speech in the assembly. Actor Karunas criticized DMK member Palanivel Thiaga Rajan for delivering his speech in English on July 25. The actor said he could not follow the speech since he did not know English. Objecting to this, Leader of Opposition MK Stalin said Rajan delivered part of his speech in English because he could not comfortably explain the economical issues in Tamil.
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AIR Niugini will begin operations to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in September, chief executive officer Simon Foo says.He said this would coincide with a meeting of Pacific leaders organised by the South Pacific Forum.Foo said this yesterday following a meeting last week with FSMs civil aviation assistant secretary Massey Halbert.Foo said Air Niugini would start initially with three flights to Chuuk and Pohnpei, two of the four states in FSM.These flights are scheduled to operate on Sep 1, 7 and 10. We will commence flying test tourism flights and following the evaluation of results, Air Niugini plans to inaugurate twice weekly regular scheduled flights from Port Moresby to Chuuk and Pohnpei, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Foo said.These flights will also enable passengers between the Pacific, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and FSM to connect through Port Moresby, saving them considerable time and opening the possibility of stop over tourism within PNG. The direct PNG to FSM flights will also foster closer trade links between industries, including fishing and tourism. FSM is located in Northwestern Pacific. It is one of the most remote and beautiful tourism destinations. It is made up of over 600 islands with Chuuk and Pohnpei, the two most populated states.


Global Cafe

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The cafe was very crowded, so I do forgive myself for my unintentional eavesdropping on the conversation at the next table. Like much of the social media-verse, the women were discussing the upsetting video of a mother beating her 16-year-old daughter for a. posting suggestive photos on Facebook b. having sex in their home (not!) and c. having sex.

"How can behavior that would put you in jail adult-on-adult be acceptable to do to a minor?" asked Hannah. "Why haven't they charged the mother?"

"It's Georgia," said Mary Sue, "Corporal punishment isn't against the law in many states."

"That wasn't corporal punishment, that was assault and battery," Sandra interrupted. "Punches, repeated blows to the head, face, and abdomen. That could kill you, or cause brain damage."

"Research has shown that children in the United States who were spanked had lower IQs four years later than those who were not spanked. Worldwide, too," added Shari. "We have to encourage and promote new parenting approaches."

"That's not an easy sell in some environments," said Jonelle. "But, we don't want children and families to equate violence with love."

"All good points," I popped in, pulling over my chair. "Don't mind me, I'm just opinionated."

"But?" said Sandra.

"But, that's only half the issue."

"You mean the feminist part?" suggested Jonelle, "That women are held up as the gatekeepers for sex, the 'responsible' ones--and not men."

"Not exactly," I said. "You're right about that--all that--but that's the problem. That SEX itself is a problem--and it shouldn't be."

"You're not saying that 16 year olds should be out there having sex, are you?" Hannah asked.

"Actually, that's the legal age to do so in England--and New Jersey. But, no, I'm saying that 16 year olds WILL have sex. In 2011--2013, among unmarried 15--19-year-olds, 44% of females and 49% of males had had sexual intercourse. Sex is a natural, human, biological function. The drive to have sex is strong for all animals, including us apes, after puberty, especially in adolescence. Our biology, our hormones, encourage us to start reproducing at much younger ages than our society today 'allows'."

"So parents--or society--should stand by while teens hook up and get STDs--or pregnant?" scoffed Shari.

"Of course not. Teens need time to learn and grow, to study, finish school, mature, and stay healthy. An unplanned pregnancy can derail a teen's goals for the future." I sighed. "But negative outcomes can be prevented--IF we revisit our basic understanding about and perspectives about sex." I pointed to a page I'd pulled up on my smart phone. "Look at these data: Sweden, where sex education and birth control are readily available, 5.9 teen pregnancies per thousand. In the US, where we hide condoms and promote 'abstinence', 34.2 teen pregnancies per thousand."

"So the first step is to provide solid education to pre-teens and teens about their bodies, about sex, and about birth control. Which, by the way is 99.9% effective," Shari said.

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Rising Demand In The Blood Drawing Procedure Is Anticipated To Fuel The Vein Illuminator Market Rapidly Till 2024: Grand View Research, Inc.

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/vein-illuminator-market

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/vein-illuminator-market

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/vein-illuminator-market/request

The global vein illuminator market() is expected to reach USD 358.5 million by 2024, according to a new report published by Grand View Research, Inc. The vein illuminator market is anticipated to witness a lucrative growth during the period 2016 to 2024. The factors contributing towards the growth of the market are the growing aging population and the efforts channelized towards improving patient satisfaction. Additionally, factors, such as the demand for technologically advanced medical equipment and the rising research and practical applications are expected to be opportunistic for the industry growth. However, the prevalence of traditional methods owing to the high costs of the vein illuminator devices is likely to hinder the growth of the market in the near future.The vein illuminator market is segmented on the basis of technology, application, end-user, and region. Based on technology, the market is further categorized into transillumination, infrared technology, and ultrasound. The near-infrared illumination technology is estimated to be the largest shareholder due to its ability to penetrate deep into the tissue, which makes it possible to visualize the vessels clearly.On the basis of application, the market is segmented into intravenous access and blood draw. The end-user segment comprises hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, blood donation camps, and academic institutions. The market for hospitals is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period due to a surge in the demand for technologically advanced medical equipment. The market is also categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.Browse full research report on Global Vein Illuminator Market:Further key findings from the study suggest: In terms of market share, the North America vein illuminator market is expected to hold majority of the share in 2016. Factors resulting in the growth of this industry are the steady preference for highly-advanced medical devices by hospitals as well as the presence of several medical device manufacturing companies in the region. The infrared illumination technology is estimated to lead the industry due to its deep penetration capability into thick tissues tohighlight the presence of vessels with increased clarity. Based on application, the segment for intravenous access is estimated to be the largest shareholder, followed by the blood draw segment. The vein illuminator industry comprises several local as well as global players. Some prominent players in this industry include Accuvein, Inc., Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., Infrared Imaging Systems, Inc., Translite, LLC, and Venoscope, LLC,among others. In order to hold a major share in the industry, the companies are adopting both organic as well as inorganic strategies. The major strategies adopted by the companies are new product development, mergers, collaborations, partnerships, geographical expansions, and acquisitions. The companies are also focusing on research and development activities in order to enhance their product portfolio. For instance, in September 2015, Accuvein, Inc., declared its 26th patent, which was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark office for their vein visualization system.Read detailed report or request for sample of this research report:Grand View Research has segmented the vein illuminator market on the basis of technology, application, and end-user application:Vein Illuminator Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Transillumination Infrared technology OthersVein Illuminator Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Intravenous access Blood draw OthersVein Illuminator End-user Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Hospitals Blood donation camps Academic institutions OthersVein Illuminator Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America MEAAbout Grand View ResearchGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com
Increasing Demand For Protective Coating From The Oil & Gas And Mining Sectors Is Projected To Drive Polyurea Coating Market Growth Till 2024: Grand View Research, Inc.

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polyurea-coatings-market)is

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polyurea-coatings-market

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polyurea-coatings-market/request

Global polyurea coating market (expected to reach USD 1.48 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Polyurea coating have numerous advantages over conventional coating products, namely, epoxy, fiberglass, and paints. Its properties such as faster setting time, resistance to atmospheric conditions, and high mechanical strength are expected to drive the demand over the next eight years. Polyurea coating offer high standards of corrosion protection, waterproofing, and chemical & structural enhancement. Moreover, these exhibit superior characteristics in spray applications such as improved mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance, short curing and setting time and high durability as compared to its substitutes.Increased resistance to crack allows it to be utilized in a host of applications. Rising demand for coating in automotive, buildings & construction, marine, oil & gas, metallurgy & metal forming, aerospace, and mining is expected to propel growth over the forecast period. Extensive R&D is being undertaken by manufacturers to develop innovative technologies for coating manufacturing and development of superior quality products.Browse full research report on Global Polyurea Coating Market:Further key findings from the report suggest: Polyurea coating use in industrial application is expected to witness growth at a CAGR of over 12.0% from 2016 to 2024 on account of rising manufacturing sectors in emerging economies. Numerous companies have been expanding production capacities in order to tap potential markets which are expected to propel demand. Increasing demand for protective coating from the oil & gas and mining sectors is projected to have a positive impact on market growth over the next eight years. Aromatic isocyanate-based coating are expected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% from 2016 to 2024 on account of properties such as excellent UV resistance leading to increasing application scope in the automotive industry. However, the increased price of these products is expected to hinder growth over the forecast period. North America dominated the market in 2015 on account of the presence of a substantial number of market players in the region. The U.S. market for polyurea coating was valued at over USD 150 million in 2015. Supportive regulations and rising investments in Asia Pacific automotive industry is expected to accelerate growth. In March 2014, Bayer Material Science opened a coating, Adhesives, and Specialties Laboratory in Dubai, to enhance its services by providing customized technical support to the customers in the Middle East & Africa. In February 2012, Alberts Spray Solutions LLC opened a new manufacturing site for polyurea liners in Ohio to cater to the demand from Utica Shale Region of Eastern Ohio and Southwest Pennsylvania. New product development, R&D investments, and expansion strategies are being adopted by the market players to expand their global footprint.Read detailed report or request for sample of this research report:Grand View Research has segmented the global polyurea market on the basis of raw material, product, technology, application and region:Global Polyurea coating Raw Material Outlook (Volume, Thousand Liters; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Aromatic Isocyanate-Based Aliphatic Isocyanate-BasedGlobal Polyurea coating Product Outlook (Volume, Thousand Liters; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Pure Polyurea Hybrid PolyureaGlobal Polyurea coating Technology Outlook (Volume, Thousand Liters; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Spraying Pouring Hand MixingGlobal Polyurea coating Application Outlook (Volume, Thousand Liters; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Building & Construction Transportation Industrial OthersGlobal Polyurea coating Regional Outlook (Volume, Thousand Liters; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) North Americao U.S. Europeo Germany Asia Pacifico Chinao India Latin Americao Brazil Middle East & AfricaAbout Grand View ResearchGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com
Silicon Wafer Reclaim Market Is Expected To Witness Significant Growth Owing To Growing Demand For The End-Use Industries Including Solar Cell And Consumer Electronics Till 2024: Grand View Research, Inc.

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/silicon-wafer-reclaim-market

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/silicon-wafer-reclaim-market

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/silicon-wafer-reclaim-market/request

The global silicon wafer reclaim market() size is expected to reach USD 577.3 million by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing raw material prices for manufacturing virgin silicon wafers are likely to compel manufacturers to adopt reclaim technologies. Rising demand for the product as test wafers for testing, controlling and monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes is expected to be a key driver for the industry growth. Rising consumer awareness coupled with government focus on renewable energy sector is expected to drive demand for solar PVs, which in turn is expected to have a positive impact on the market over the projected period.Technological advancements in the reclaiming process to increase yield, improve quality, cut reclaim cycle time and reduce cost is expected to open new avenues for the industry growth. The rapid growth of end-use industries including solar photovoltaic and consumer electronics is likely to propel demand for the product and impact the reclaim industry on a positive note. Competitive pricing trends in the consumer electronics industry have resulted in increased demand for low-cost raw materials, which is likely to open new avenues for the market over the next eight years.300 mm reclaimed silicon wafers dominated the industry and are projected to grow at a significant share owing to its rising demand for solar cell manufacturing. Higher efficiencies offered by 300 mm wafers than its counterparts including 200 mm and 150 mm wafers are anticipated to offer a competitive advantage for the product market over the forecast period. Solar cell manufacturing is expected to be major application segment for the industry owing to increasing solar PV installations across various parts of the world.Browse full research report on Global Silicon Wafer Reclaim Market:Further key findings from the report suggest: 200 mm reclaimed wafer is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 3.5% owing to its application in integrated circuits used in electronic devices such as smartphones, personal computers, and memory devices. In addition, the growing use of the reclaimed wafer for MEMS circuits and detectors is expected to spiral growth over the forecast period. North America market was valued at over USD 75 million in 2015 owing to increasing demand from the solar energy generation industry. In addition, growing demand for economical silicon wafers for use as a base in the semiconductor industry is expected to drive the market growth in the region. Furthermore, substantial planned solar PV installations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada is expected to drive the demand for reclaimed and virgin silicon wafers. Latin America is expected to witness a restrained growth of 3.0% owing to a moderate demand for the product owing to a less established semiconductor industry. However, the demand is expected to be fueled by growing installation of solar power generation equipment due to increasing demand for renewable energy sources. Key participants include Nano silicon Inc., Advantec Co. Ltd, KST World Corp, Noel Technologies, Pure Wafer PLC, Rockwood Wafer Reclaim SAS, Silicon Materials Inc, RS Technologies, KEMI Silicon Inc., and Shinryo Corporation. Companies are focused on increasing their footprint by backward integrated to the production of wafers and providing the used wafers for reclaim. For instance, Pure Wafer PLC, an America based company deals in the production and sales of test and virgin wafers and is also a provider of the silicon wafer reclaim services.Read detailed report or request for sample of this research report:Grand View Research has segmented the global silicon wafer reclaim market on the basis of product, application and region:Product Outlook (Volume, 000 Wafers; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) 150mm 200mm 300mm OthersApplication Outlook (Volume, 000 Wafers; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) Integrated Circuits Solar Cell OthersRegional Outlook (Volume, 000 Wafers; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024) North Americao U.S.o Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo UK Asia Pacifico Taiwano Chinao Japano South Korea Latin Americao Brazil Middle East & AfricaAbout Grand View ResearchGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com
3D Printing Materials Market to cross USD 1400 million by 2020 - by Market Research Engine

3D Printing Materials Market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/3d-printing-materials-market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/

New York, July 26: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as 3D Printing Materials Market by Type (Plastics, Metals, Ceramics, and Others), Form (Filament, Powder and Liquid), Application, and by Region - Global Forecasts to 2021The 3D printing is a digital printing with the use of different forms of materials. There are various advantages of the use of 3 D printing such as good surface finish and excellent resolution hence there is a growing demand for the 3D printing technology from end use industries such as aerospace & defense and medical & dental. The 3 D printers are available at a cheaper rates which is one of the major factor of market penetration.North America is expected to account for the largest share of the 3D printing market. Major industrial manufacturing, aerospace & defense, and healthcare companies, in U.S are increasingly using the 3D printing technology.Browse Full Report:The global 3 D Printing Materials Market, in terms of value, is projected to reach USD 1400 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 20 % till 2021.The major driving factors of 3 D Printing Materials Market are as follows: 3D printing evolving from developing prototypes to end-user products. Enables Mass customization. Helps in the Production of complex parts. Government investments in 3D printing projects. The manufacturing efficiency has improved.The restraints factors of 3 D Printing Materials Market are as follows: High production cost to individual users Expensive 3D printing software Lack of channel partner assistance Lack of skilled laborsThe 3 D Printing Materials Market is segmented based on material type, form and application. The 3 D Printing Materials Market is segmented based on material type as Plastics, Metals, Ceramics, Others. The 3 D Printing Materials Market is segmented based on form as Filament, Powder, Liquid. The 3 D Printing Materials Market is segmented based on application as Aerospace & defense, Medical & dental, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Others.The 3 D Printing Materials Market geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global 3 D Printing Materials Market and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for 3 D Printing Materials Market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of 3 D Printing Materials Market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include 3D Systems Corporation (U.S.), Arcam AB (Sweden), Arkema S.A. (France), Royal DSM N.V. (Netherlands), and Stratasys Ltd. (U.S.) Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Market Segmentation of 3 D Printing Materials Market:By Material Type: Plastics Metals Ceramics OthersBy Form: Filament Powder LiquidBy Application: Aerospace & defense Medical & dental Automotive Consumer Goods OthersBy Geographic Region: North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the WorldReasons to buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all active and planned 3 D Printing Materials Market globally.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of 3 D Printing Materials Market industry and unit capacity data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Magnesium Oxide NanoPowder Market will be Worth USD 4 Billion by 2021 - by Market Research Engine

Magnesium Oxide NanoPowder Market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/magnesium-oxide-nanopowder-market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/

New York, July 26: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Magnesium Oxide Nanopowder Market for Furnaces & Boilers, Paints & Coatings, Electronics, Electrical, Construction, and Other End-users - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023Magnesium oxide nanopowder is the final product of processed magnesium ore. It is widely used in flame resistant paints and coatings. It is mainly known for its use as refractory lining inside the boilers and furnace. Owing to its outstanding insulating properties it is extensively used in electrical and electronic devices.Browse Full Report:Global magnesium oxide nanopowder market is anticipated to exceed more than USD 4 billion by 2021. The revenue of this market is projected to increase at CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. Europe is a dominant market owing to high demand of magnesium oxide nanopowder in aerospace industry.Increasing demand for refractory lining in furnaces and boilers is a major driving factor. Furnaces and boilers account the largest share for magnesium oxide nanopowder market. Growing demand in paints & coating industry is one of the driving factors.The global magnesium oxide nanopowder market according to its end-users is segmented as furnaces and boilers, paints and coatings, electronics, electrical, construction and others (including textile, etc.). The market segments in terms of geographical regions include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (ROW).This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for magnesium oxide nanopowder and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for magnesium oxide nanopowder market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of coatings with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market.Key players profiled in the report include: American Elements US Research Nanomaterials Inc. Stream Chemical Inc. Eprui Nanoparticles & Microspheres Co. Ltd Sigma Aldrich Corporation Inframat Corporation Reinste Nano Ventures Pvt. Ltd. NaBond Technologies Co. Limited Nanostructured & Amorphous Materials Inc. SkySpring Nanomaterials Inc.Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Magnesium Oxide Nanopowder Market has been segmented as below:by End-Users Furnaces and boilers Paints and coatings Electronics Electrical Construction Others (Including textile and etc.)by Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World (RoW)Reasons to buy this Report:1) Obtains the most up to date information available on all active and planned magnesium oxide nanopowder industry globally.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of magnesium oxide nanopowder industry and unit capacity data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:
Optical Imaging System Market Will Witness Growth Rapidly Based On Rising R&D Efforts By Pharmaceutical And Biotechnological Companies Requiring The Use Of Optical Imaging Systems Till 2024: Grand View Research, Inc.

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/optical-imaging-system-market-analysis

http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/optical-imaging-system-market-analysis/request

The global optical imaging system market is expected to reach USD 3.0 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Technological advancements and rising preference for noninvasive technology are anticipated to be the preliminary market catalyst.Rising R&D efforts by pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies requiring the use of optical imaging systems are encouraging the market growth. Additionally, veterinary hospitals and educational institutions are utilizing this technology in research and diagnostics, due to its noninvasive nature.North America and Europe together accounted for the largest market share that was over 60.0% in 2015. Well-developed research infrastructure, availability of skilled professionals, and faster adoption rates of technically advanced devices within the region are certain factors promoting growth. Furthermore, supportive government initiatives in this region are propelling the growth in this sector. The government of Canada invested around USD 750,000 in the Canadian Imaging Research Center to promote research and commercialization opportunities in the imaging sector.Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period owing to the easy availability of resources. Favorable environment is encouraging research activities as government funding for R&D is increasing in emerging nations, such as India and China. For instance, Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT), an initiative by the Indian government, promotes R&D in imaging and other technology sectors. This is expected to attract market players to this region, thereby facilitating higher penetration and expansion.Browse full research report on Global Optical Imaging System Market:Further Key Findings From the Study Suggest: The optical coherence tomography segment is the largest segment over the forecast period. The largest share was attributed to the extensive application in small animal imaging and research projects. North America captured the largest market share of around 35.0% in 2015. The market is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Technologically advanced research infrastructure and increasing use in medical testing for chronic conditions are some of the factors supporting the growth in this region. Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness a significant growth rate from 2016 to 2024 owing to the government initiatives in this region. For instance, the Asia-Pacific Optical Sensors Conference held every year by the Optical Society helps showcase new products to consumer, thereby increasing awareness regarding the market and its developments. Some key players are PerkinElmer, Inc., St. Jude Medical, Inc., Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Topcon Corporation, and Koninklijke Philips N.V. In order to curb the competition, key industry players are meticulously involved in the development of new systems that facilitate easy diagnosis. For instance, the Dragonfly Catheter series by St. Jude Medical, Inc. provides data sampling of around 100 MB per second.Read detailed report or request for sample of this research report:Grand View Research has segmented optical imaging system market on the basis of technology, product, application, end-use therapeutic area, and region.Global Optical Imaging Systems Market by Technology (USD Million), 2013 - 2024 Photoacoustic Tomography Optical Coherence Tomography Hyperspectral Imaging Near-infrared SpectroscopyGlobal Optical Imaging Systems Market by Product (USD Million), 2013 - 2024 Imaging Systemso Optical Imaging Systemso Spectral Imaging Systems Optical Imaging Software Cameras Illumination Systems Lenses Other Optical Imaging ProductsGlobal Optical Imaging Systems Market by Application (USD Million), 2013 - 2024 Pathological Imaging Intraoperative ImagingGlobal Optical Imaging Systems Market by End-Use (USD Million), 2013 - 2024 Research Laboratories Hospitals & Clinics Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology CompaniesGlobal Optical Imaging Systems Market by Therapeutic Areas (USD Million), 2013 - 2024 Ophthalmology Cardiology Oncology Dermatology NeurologyOptical Imaging Systems Market by Region (USD Million), 2013 - 2024 North Americao U.S.o Canada Europeo UKo Germany Asia Pacifico Japano China Latin Americao Brazilo Mexico MEAo South Africao Saudi ArabiaAbout Grand View ResearchGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com
Global Dental Microscopes Market 2016 Industry Research, Sales, Analysis & Growth 2021

Dental Microscopes

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The market study on the "Global Dental Microscopes Market 2016" across the world, this is a detailed report scrutinising statistical data related to the global market. Furthermore, the factors on which the companies compete in the market have been evaluated in the report. The report offers a close summary of the key segments within the market. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, marketing channels, industry development trend and proposals.The Dental Microscopes market report analysed the worlds main region market size, share, trends, conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilisation, supply, demand and industry growth rate. Industry predictions along with the statistical nuances presented in the report render an insightful view of the Dental Microscopes market.The past price of 2013-2016 and future price of 2016-2021 are analyzed according to the supply-demand relation, as well as perspectives and forecasts.Read Full Report With TOC @Global Dental Microscopes industry 2016 report has Forecasted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in % value for particular period, that will help user to take decision based on futuristic chart. Report also includes key players in global Dental Microscopes industry. The Dental Microscopes market size is estimated in terms of revenue (US$) and production volume in this report.The import, export, stock size and relevant data of Major GDP regions such as EU, US, Japan and China are listed in the report. As a global report, in addition to above-mentioned Major GDP regions, we provide breakdown data of Germany, UK, and France of the EU, and data of other countries such as India, South Korea, Brazil and Australia.Besides production and sales data, the report provides data on deals (distributors) and Buyers, giving readers an insight into the supply chain and sales details of Dental Microscopes.Access Sample Report @Other factors such as government plans and policies impacting the development trend of the market are also evaluated by the report. For an in-depth analysis, the report evaluates the strengths, weakness, and opportunities exhibited by the Dental Microscopes market using industry leading analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters Five Force analysis.About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales (@) qyresearchgroup (dot) com
Neurovascular Stent Retriever Technology  Industry Innovations and Globally Advancements

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According to WHO, there are 15 million people across the globe suffering from stroke each year. The incidence of obesity and diabetes has increased over the years and is responsible for the rising prevalence of strokes. Neurovascular stent retriever technology finds application in medical equipment used for the treatment of strokes. The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recommend the use of neurovascular stent retrievers for the treatment of strokes. This is driving the global neurovascular stent retriever technology market.The global neurovascular stent retriever technology market is expected to witness a significant growth in the coming years owing to their use in the treatment of even the most serious cases of stroke with thromboembolic occlusion. The report segments the global neurovascular stent retriever technology market on the basis of technology, geography, and product. The major technologies studied in the report are embolization and coiling, neurothrombectomy, carotid artery angioplasty and stenting, and supporting technologies. The segmentation of the market is done so as to enable a detailed understanding of the performance of each segment of the global neurovascular stent retriever technology market.The report is compiled through extensive primary research, including surveys, interviews, and observations of expert analysts. Secondary research methods that make use of trade journals, industry databases, and paid sources are also used. The report includes details about the competitive landscape of the global neurovascular stent retriever technology market and profiles key players operating in the market.Download Complete Healthcare Analytical Brochure:Overview of the Neurovascular Stent Retriever Technology MarketTechnological innovations and advancements in neurovascular stent retriever technology are driving the market. Advancements in neurovascular stent retriever technology are encouraged by various governments, especially in developed countries. This is because there has been a notable improvement in patients owing to the use of neurovascular stent retrievers, thus gaining government support. Moreover, the sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits of people worldwide are also boosting the global neurovascular stent retriever technology market. However, a dearth of skilled neurosurgeons, coupled with the high level of complexity involved with neurological surgeries, is hampering the growth of the market.The global neurovascular stent retriever technology market is segmented on the basis of product into snares, suction and aspiration devices, flow diversion devices, embolic coils, clot retrievers, microcatheters, cerebral balloon angioplasty and stenting systems, support devices, embolic protection systems, and carotid artery stents.By geography, North America leads in the global neurovascular stent retriever technology market owing to the easy accessibility to advanced healthcare options in the region. Favorable reimbursement policies and a strong presence of neurovascular stent retriever device manufacturers in North America are boosting the growth of the market in the region. Significant investments in research and development activities are also helping the markets growth. Europe and Asia Pacific are the second and the third largest regional segments in the market. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow in the coming years due to the dynamic economies of India and China and the rising cases of strokes in the region. The increasing ability of the consumers in the region to afford advanced medical treatment methods is also behind the growth of the region in the neurovascular stent retriever technology market.Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe report profiles the key players operating in the global neurovascular stent retriever technology market. The business and financial overviews of each of the companies are given. The challenges faced by the companies and the strategies adopted by them to stay at the forefront of the market are also given in the report. By offering details such as a companys recent developments and product history, the report attempts to enlighten readers, helping them gain a competitive edge. The key players in the market are: Stryker, Meril Life Science Pvt .Ltd., Nitinol Devices & Components, Inc., Advent Devices Pvt. Ltd, Medtronic Plc, Norman Noble, INC., Hobbs Medical IN, STI Laser Industries, Ltd., and Akron Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office ContactTransparency Market ResearchTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gold Nanoparticles Market - Increasing investment in R&D activities pharmaceutical industry

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According to WHO, there are 15 million people across the globe suffering from stroke each year. The incidence of obesity and diabetes has increased over the years and is responsible for the rising prevalence of strokes. Neurovascular stent retriever technology finds application in medical equipment used for the treatment of strokes. The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recommend the use of neurovascular stent retrievers for the treatment of strokes. This is driving the global neurovascular stent retriever technology market.According to the American Nano Society, nanotechnology is a field of science which deals with the study of nano size. In medical field, gold nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and calcium phosphate are majorly utilized nanoparticles. These particles collectively accounted for a market share of over 30%.However, of these gold nanoparticles have witnessed the significant growth due to their ease of preparation, low toxicity , and ability to attach to specific biological molecules for diagnosis or treatment. Furthermore, there are majorly four types of gold nanoparticles available such as gold nanorods, gold-silica nanoshells, gold colloid, and gold-gold sulphide nanoparticles. Advent of new technology enabled the ability of nanoparticles to pass through the blood vessels and detect the tumor location or deliver drug at the targeted site. Gold nanoparticles are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, fungal infections, cancer, heart diseases, various infections, and tumors.The color scattered by gold nanoparticles helps in biological imaging.Get Free Sample Research Report:Increasing investment in R&D activities, growth of gold nanomaterials in countries such as China, Taiwan, and South Korea, demand for compact devices, and superior conduction and optical properties of gold nanoparticles are key factors expected to drive the global gold nanoparticles market in the future. Additionally, increasing acceptance of gold nanoparticles to treat cancer due to their higher efficacy is anticipated to show positive impact on the gold nanoparticles market. Presently, nanotechnology is in infancy stage however, owing to anticipated launch of gold nanoparticles in the future is anticipated to pull the market growth. Currently, several nanodrugs are under clinical trials such as Aurimmune and Auroshell. Aurimmune (Cytimmune Sciences, Rockville, MD) is a gold nanoparticle attached to a recombinant human tumor necrosis factor  (TNF-). rhTNF-  has the ability to accumulate in the tumor and exert its antitumor activity. Similarly, Auroshell is under advance clinical trial for the treatment of head and neck cancer. However, biocompatibility of gold nanoparticles is a major issue which is expected to challenge the market growth. Thus, to overcome the restrain, companies like nanoComposix developed an ecofriendly method for biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles.Gold nanoparticles market can be majorly segmented based on application and end users. Depending on the application of gold nanoparticlesin the medical field they could be further segmented into drug delivery or therapeutics, biomarkers, contrast agent, DNA delivery, and radiotherapy. By end users gold nanoparticles market is segmented into pharmaceuticles, cosmetics, and biomedical industry. Geographically, gold nanoparticles market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and rest of the world. Gold nanoparticles used in drug delivery or in therapeutics application segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2013. In geography segment, North America dominated the glod nanoparticles market in 2013 by accounting more than 30% share due to increasing R&D expenditures by the companies and universities, and expanding medical diagnostic field. Europe was identified as the second largest market in 2013, accounting for over 20% of the total market revenues. In addition, Europe gold nanoparticles market is anticipated to expand at a stable rate in the near future due to increasing demand of nanoparticles. Asia - Pacific is anticipated as the fastest growing market for gold nanoparticles in the future due to increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer, and HIV, technological advancements, and increasing awareness of physicians about the nanoparticles.Some of the key players operating in the gold nanoparticles market include BBI Solutions, NanoSphere, Inc., Nanostellar, Inc., Sigma Aldrich Corporation, and Cytodiagnostics, Inc. In addition, other emerging companies include Metalor Technologies SA, and Johnson Matthey.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office ContactTransparency Market ResearchTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Biopharmaceutical Outsourcing Market Trends and Continues to Grow from 2019

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Biopharmaceutical industry is one of the major contributors in global economic progress. Due to globalization, outsourcing of the biopharmaceutical processes has increased to great extent. Complexity of processes and technology oriented industry companies started finding it feasible for outsourcing processes to experts. Outsourcing also helped corporate in cost reduction and better focus on core business segments. Once considered as a cost saving alternative, outsourcing of biopharmaceutical business is now a strategic decision.Biopharmaceutical market is very competitive and global players occupying majority of market share operate in same geographies. Although advent of generics is an opportunity for small pharma companies, it is major threat to branded drug manufacturers. It forces companies to invent new sources for revenue generation. Rising cost of drug discovery, regulatory policies and drug recalls have added to worries. Under such circumstances, biopharmaceutical companies have started outsourcing their non-core and some core businesses to externs. Due to complex nature of biopharmaceutical business, various outsourcing opportunities have been created across the value chain.One of the major problems that companies face in the era of globalization is the trade barriers to enter in a new market. Outsourcing can prove to be an important factor in overcoming the trade barriers and gain entry into to a foreign market. By outsourcing business, companies also gain access to new technology, with reduced investment cost. This dictates better operational and financial efficiency.Get Report Sample and Customization:Major outsourcing opportunities exist in drug discovery, clinical trial management and logistics, manufacturing, and distribution. Owing to global reach clinical trial management is one of the fastest growing outsourcing businesses in biopharmaceutical industry. Various companies have expertise in clinical trial logistics; some of them include Parexel, World Courier, DHL, Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC, B&C Group, and Fisher Clinical Services. Outsourcing of research and development activities has also reduced the time-to-market time. Thus companies can launch new products at a shorter time span, thus developing competitive edge. With increasing trend in outsourcing manufacturing, original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business is growing rapidly. IT and packaging are also major areas where biopharmaceutical companies prefer outsourcing business. Rapidly developing technology and lack of expertise has given rise to services such as molecular imaging, companion diagnostics, construction of antibody library, cell line and biomarker development, and genomic testing. Various companies are taking the strategic decision for better business management. In 2011, Pfizer signed an agreement with Parexel for clinical development services; Astra Zeneca also signed a deal with IBM for IT outsourcing in 2013. Outsourcing also allows better resource utilization for maximum productivity.Geographically Asia-Pacific is expected to be the major point of focus for biopharmaceutical outsourcing market. India and China are the most preferred destinations for outsourcing, where large pool of skilled labor is available at lower cost. High costs in western countries have also a factor contributing to flow of biopharmaceutical outsourcing to Asia-Pacific region.Biopharmaceutical outsourcing market also faces certain drawbacks. Outsourcing business comes with its own risk of credibility. In 2013, GlaxoSmithKline filed a lawsuit against Hospira, for not complying with quality standards. Hospira may pay USD 25 million to compensate the damage. Other factors restraining market growth are lack of control and coordination in processes, and real time process updates. To overcome these drawbacks proactive risk management and effective process control must be considered as prerequisites for outsourcing business.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office ContactTransparency Market ResearchTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Next Generation Sequencers (NGS) New Market Research Report Announced; Global Industry Analysis 2019

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Biopharmaceutical industry is one of the major contributors in global economic progress. Due to globalization, outsourcing of the biopharmaceutical processes has increased to great extent. Complexity of processes and technology oriented industry companies started finding it feasible for outsourcing processes to experts. Outsourcing also helped corporate in cost reduction and better focus on core business segments. Once considered as a cost saving alternative, outsourcing of biopharmaceutical business is now a strategic decision.Next generation sequencers are used inthe sequencing technologies which massively parallelize the DNA sequencing process rather than being limited to single or few fragments of DNA. The next generation sequencing (NGS) technology enables rapid sequencing and produce thousands and millions of sequences in single run with the use of next generation sequencers. Such technologies have been rapidly developing owing to continuous demand for high-throughput (next generation) sequencers which tend to lower the cost of DNA sequencing.The global next generation sequencers market is categorized on the basis of technologies segmented as single-molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT), ion semiconductor sequencing, pyrosequencing, sequencing by synthesis, sequencing by ligation and chain termination. All these technologies are proprietary and protected through intellectual property rights. The NGS technologies have overcome the limitations of capillary electrophoresis -based Sanger Sequencing with respect to throughput, scalability, speed and resolution and therefore highly preferred these days.Request a Free Brochure:Geographically, the global market for next generation sequencers is segmented into four major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and rest of the world. The funding from federal government and agencies in the U.S. and Canada makes the North American region, the largest market for next generation sequencers. The European and Asian market are also expected to grow substantially due to encouragement by government to use NGS technology.The major driving factorsfor the global next generation sequencers market are the low cost and speed for DNA sequencing. Other market drivers include the rapid adoption of technology by researchers and academicians, utility for varied application in sequencing and its usability as a substitute for microarray technology.Reduction in the research expenditures by government and university are temporarily impeding the market growth, however the scenario is expected to change once the global economy revives. There is a huge opportunity for NGS technology in the field of biological drug discovery, personalized medicine, agricultural & animal research.Some of the market players in this industry segment are Agilent Technologies, Inc.,Illumina, Inc., BGI (Beijing Genomics Institute), Biomatters, Ltd., Pacific Biosciences, Dnastar, Inc., Oxford Nanorpore Technologies, Ltd., EMC Corporation, Life Technologies Corporation, Genomatix Software GMBH, Partek Incorporated, Macrogen, Inc., OcimumBiosolutions, Ltd., Perkinelmer, Inc., Qiagen N.V., GATC biotech AG and Knome, Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office ContactTransparency Market ResearchTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
At A CAGR Of 6.84% Global Immunoglobulin Products Market Will Grow During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Immunoglobulin Products Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are proteins that help neutralize foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses. They help recognize and bind to particular antigens. Based on the difference in the amino acid sequence in the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of the antibody heavy chain, they can be categorized into the following isotypes: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. In 1952, immunoglobulin products were used for the first time to treat immune deficiency. They can be administered by either the intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) route. Immunoglobulin products given intravenously usually contain IgG. Immunoglobulin products are used to treat primary antibody deficiency, complex immune deficiency disorders, and life threatening infections. Immunoglobulin therapeutic products help prevent infections, improving the quality of life and increasing life expectancy.Technavios analysts forecast the global immunoglobulin products market to grow at a CAGR of 6.84% during the period 2016-2020.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global immunoglobulin products market for the period 2015-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers revenue generated from the sales of immunoglobulin products used to treat various autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEANew report, Global Immunoglobulin Products Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsBaxaltaBiotest Pharmaceuticals Corp.CSL Ltd.Grifols SAKedrion SpAOctapharmaOther prominent vendorsAbeona TherapeuticsAdmabiologicsAntheraBeijing Tiantan Biological Products (China)Bharat Serums and Vaccines (India)Bio Products LaboratoryChina Biologic Products (China)Emergent BiosolutionsGliknikGreencrossHansamedicalHualan Biological Engineering (China)ImmunomedicsInnate PharmaIntegrated BiotherapeuticsJanssen PharmaceuticalsKamadaLFB Group (France)Mitsubishi Tanabe PharmaMomenta PharmaPatrysShanghai RAAS Blood Products (China)Sichuan Yuanda Shuyang Pharmaceutical (China)Sorrento TherapeuticsMarket driverGrowing aging populationFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeHigh cost of therapyFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendPatient assistance programsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market in the field of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and pharmacology

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Drug discovery is a process of inventing a new medication in the field of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and pharmacology. Drug discovery is a complex, lengthycomplicated and expensive process. This process is carried out in four stages namely, target identification, target validation, high-speed screening and lead optimization. Though advanced technologies are available, success rate of drug discovery is very low and the time involved is relatively high.The final stage of drug discovery involves obtaining a patent and running clinical trials. Most of the drugs entering into clinical trials fail and obsolete from the trials thus leading to waste of time, cost and efforts. Generally, small pharmaceutical companies develop new drug molecules and sell patent rights to big companies that can afford to conduct clinical trials. In order to focus on core competencies such as manufacturing, marketing and product labeling many companies outsource their drug discovery processes.Outsourcing of drug discovery saves time, cost and efforts of the pharmaceutical and biological companies. On the other hand companies providing outsourced services for drug discovery are equipped with developed infrastructure, highly developed technological front and skilled expertise. Rapidly progressing technologies, reduced turn-around time, increasing strategic partnerships and development of biosimilars, biologics and orphan drugs are some of the driving forces for the growth of the global drug discovery outsourcing market.Though the market scope for drug discovery outsourcing market is vast, increase in clinical research organizations (CROs), regional expansion, niche CROs and public-private partnerships is leading to increased competition that is restraining growth of this market.Download Free exclusive Sample of this report:The market of drug discovery outsourcing is segmented depending on various types of services offered such as:Biological servicesChemical servicesLead Identification and screeningLead optimizationGeographically, the global drug discovery outsourcing market can be categorized into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and rest of the world regions.North America currently leads this market and is followed by Europe due to existence and early adoption of highly developed technologies and supportive economy. Asia-Pacific is a promising market for drug discovery outsourcing and is expected to undergo rapid market growth. Especially countries like China and India are promising regions, reason being many small biopharmaceutical companies prefer outsourcing their drug discovery activities to CROs in China and India. Apart from nations in Asia-Pacific, countries such as Russia and Ukraine will also show growth progress in the future.Some of the market players in this industry segment are Galapagos NV, WIL Research Laboratories LLC, Albany Molecular Research, Inc. and Domainex, Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office ContactTransparency Market ResearchTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Middle East Residential Water Treatment Devices Market worth US$ 855 Mn by 2025

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Future Market Insights (FMI) recently announced the release of its report titled Residential Water Treatment Devices: Middle East Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025. According to the report, the middle east residential water treatment devices market was valued at US$ 414.1 Mn in 2014 and is anticipated to reach US$ 855.3 Mn by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% throughout the forecast period.Total population of Middle East & Africa stood at approximately 346 million in 2015 and is expected to grow at the rate of 2% per annum. The Middle East & Africa is also witnessing mass migration of people to urban centers, thereby leading to increased demand for water purifiers in these centers. Economies of North Africa, on the other hand, have also been registering healthy growth rates over the last few years, which in turn is expected to fuel growth of the residential water treatment devices market in the overall MEA region. Due to large scale industrialization, quality of water in the GCC and Levant countries has deteriorated during the recent years. Water availability in these regions is estimated to be merely 1,200 m3/person/year, which is substantially lower than the global average of 7,000 m3/person/year. These factors are also prompting urban masses in Middle East countries to opt for water purifiers. Furthermore, the GCC region is witnessing entry of globally established water purifier brands, which has resulted into increased competition in the market. Increased competition, in turn, ensures marginal decline in prices of residential water treatment devices in the retail market in these regions. However, price decline has been largely reported on the reverse osmosis-based water purification devices only, the sales of which have witnessed an upsurge in recent years.Around 44% of the Middle East & Africa population lives in rural area and is not aware about the necessity and techniques to purify and filter water. Penetrating these markets may be a challenging task for the concerned market participants as most of the vendors would have to begin by creating awareness regarding water purifier and filters and the importance of these products.Request Free Report Sample@Combination water purification system employs two different treatment technologies in one system. Players such as AquaPro and Kent have started offering RO+UV-based combination water purifiers in the GCC and Levant countries.Geography-wise, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dominated the GCC residential water treatment devices market in terms of value in 2014, accounting for more than one-third value share of the GCC residential water treatment devices market. On the other hand, Turkey dominated the Levant residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than 40% value share of the overall market in the region. Furthermore, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is foreseen to expand at a relatively high CAGR during the forecast period and is expected to maintain its revenue share dominance till 2025 end. The governments in the Levant and GCC regions are investing and opening up to Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and promoting industrialization, which has been leading to an increase in the per capita income of the residing population in countries such as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan are expected to register significant Y-o-Y growth during the forecast period. Besides, these countries are projected to bestow more focus on their non-oil and manufacturing sectors in the coming years, which in turn is expected to encourage the water purifier and water filter manufacturers in these countries to go in for domestic production and enhance sales. Countries such as Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine and Syria are currently witnessing moderate growth in demand for residential water treatment devices, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period as well.On the basis of filtration devices, the filtration faucet segment dominated the Middle East residential water treatment devices market in 2014 in terms of revenue, and is foreseen to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the water tap faucet segment dominated the Middle East residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than half volume share of the overall market.Request For TOC@On the basis of purification devices, the reverse osmosis segment dominated the Middle East residential water treatment devices market in 2014 in terms of revenue, and is foreseen to expand at a relatively high CAGR during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the gravity segment purification devices dominated the Middle East residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than 40% volume share of the overall market.Key market players covered in the report include KENT RO Systems Ltd., Eureka Forbes, Britannic Water Treatment Company W.L.L., Panasonic Corporation, LG Electronics, Pure It LLC, Waterlife, Coolpex Pure Water System, Ultra Tec Water Treatment LLC and AQUA PRO UAE. Most players in the market are engaged in various activities, such as mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments in technological and product developments, geographical expansion and brand building via strong marketing strategies, in order to sustain their position in the competitive market.Browse Full "Residential Water Treatment Devices: Middle East Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" Report atABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trendsCONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Service Laboratory Market To Increase at Steady Growth Rate

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Service laboratory is defined as an organizational unit established by any service firm to find the faults and defects in any products. Similar to old natural science laboratory, service laboratory is responsible to embark experiments and innovations as per demand of the market. Service laboratory process has been used by several industries in order to improve their product quality. The equipment used by service laboratory helps in finding out the root cause of failure of any system, device or any end product & suggest the corrective plan for the same. The main focus of service laboratory is to fulfill customers demand, service laboratory is bit different from a technical laboratory where experiments perform to find out different possibilities in controlled closed environment where as in service laboratory field experiments are being performed & more concern about market possibilities as new service is sellable or not.The idea behind the establishment of service laboratory was to establish an organizational unit that can execute innovation management means to ensure that systematic innovation with creativity is being performed by the organization. In 2015, global service laboratory market size is estimated to be in billions and is expected to grow with decent CAGR at the end of forecasting period.Request Free Report Sample@Service Laboratory: Market DynamicsSince last a few years, growing interest of service laboratory vendors in Nano technology has been coming out as a trend in service laboratory market. The key growth drivers of global service laboratory market are increased investment in R&D by different vendors in order to come up with advanced technology for example: Recently, a latest technology evolved out in the field of service laboratory named super resolution technique, along with that the increasing demand from growing economies is one also a key factor responsible for the growth of global system laboratory market. On the other hand some of macroeconomic factors such as high excise duty and high custom duty are becoming the key restraints hindering the growth of global service laboratory market.Service Laboratory: SegmentationSegmentation of global service laboratory market are segmented on the basis of product type, laboratory, application & Geography. On the basis of product type, global service laboratory market is segmented as; Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) & Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). These segments further be segmented into their respective sub segments as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is sub segmented into Dual Beam FIB-SEM & FEG-SEM. Sub segments of Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) are STEM & FE-TEM. By laboratory, global service laboratory market is segmented into two segments which are; Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) market & service market.Request For TOC@On the basis of application, global service laboratory market is segmented into industrial, bio-science, material science & electronics market. These segments also have their respective sub segments which are given as; industrial application is again sub segmented into metal & mining, automotive, construction, chemical, power generation & energy, oil & gas, renewable energy, steel, aerospace, machinery tools and others. Bioscience segments is sub segmented into structural biology, neuroscience, cellular biology & biomedical engineering. Electronic market is sub segmented into microelectronics & MEMS, semiconductor manufacturing & thin film production. Material science market is further sub segmented into ceramic & glass, Nano fabrication & paper & fiber material.Geographically, service laboratory is segmented into seven regions which are ; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Among all the regions North America is the highest contributor in term of revenue in global service laboratory market and is expected to retain its position during forecast period.Service Laboratory: Key PlayersThe key players of global service laboratory market are Exponent, Inc., Nanolab Technologies, Chipworks, Inc., Insight Analytical Labs, Inc., Ce Labs/Cable Electronics, Ce Labs/Cable Electronics, ISE Labs, Cerium Labs, MuAnalysis Inc., Materials Analysis Technology Inc., SAGE Labs, Inc. & others.Browse Full Report@ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trendsCONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Spoil Detection Based Smart Label Market Analysis, Trends, Forecast, 2016-2026

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1162

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1162

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/spoil-detection-based-smart-label-market

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Spoil detection based smart labels are used for detecting the quality of food material. These labels are stick on the package of the packages or on the surface of food materials for detecting its freshness. Spoil detection based smart labels are used for detecting temperature, growth of micro-organism, moisture etc. various factors of food materialsSpoil Detection Based Smart Label Market: Drivers and RestraintGlobal spoil detection based smart label market is expected to grow rapidly over the forecast period. Factors which are driving the growth of the global spoil detection based smart label market are increasing awareness, increasing adoption of smart packaging and high demand from food & beverages sector. In addition, increasing demand of packaged and process food further fuels the growth of the global spoil detection based smart label market. There are various agencies all over the world which monitors the food safety standards which encourages adoption of these spoil detection based smart labels.On the other hand, factors which are restraining the growth of the global spoil detection based smart label market are high product cost, low awareness in developing countries.Request Free Report Sample@However, increasing adoption of sensing labels in healthcare industry, rapidly expanding supermarket chains in developing countries, innovation by key market players is expected to create great opportunity for the spoil detection based smart label market in future.Spoil Detection Based Smart Label Market: SegmentationGlobal spoil detection based smart label market can be segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. On the basis of type, the global spoil detection based smart label market can be further sub segmented into time temperature indicator, oxygen indicator, carbon-dioxide indicator, pathogen indicators and others. Time temperature indicator is expected to witness great growth opportunity over the forecast periodSpoil detection based smart labels are used if detecting the spoilage of various food products such as vegetables, fish, dairy products, and meat etc. These labels are also used in supply chain management for food & beverages industry as these helps in handling the inventory in a smarter way by integrating these label with wireless communication system.Request For TOC@Spoil Detection Based Smart Label Market: Region wise outlookOn the basis of region, the global spoil detection based smart label market can be segmented into seven regions which includes, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Eastern Europe, Japan and Middle East & Africa region. Further the market is sub-segmented as per the major countries of each region in order to provide better regional analysis of the spoil detection based smart label market. Currently, North America and Western Europe dominated the global spoil detection based smart label market due to high technological advancement and awareness. However, APAC region is expected to witness significant growth over the period of forecast. It is due to growing retail chain, increasing consumer awareness and increasing demand of packaged food in the region.Spoil Detection Based Smart Label Market: Key PlayersKey players in global Spoil Detection Based Smart Label Market are Sato Holdings AG, Zebra Technologies, Thin Film Electronics ASA, Invengo Information Technology Co., Ltd., Smartrac N.V., Muhlbauer Holding AG & Co. KGAA. Key market players are focusing on product innovation in order to be competitive in the market. They are also focusing on offering application specific unique products in order to meet specific need of each application. High product innovation is expected by key market players which leads to increase in the revenue by global spoil detection label marketBrowse Full Report@ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trendsCONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Market Intelligence Report Drug Delivery Technology, 2016-2026

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1166

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1166

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/drug-delivery-technology-market

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Drug delivery system is the process of administering therapeutic substance through common route of administration to achieve a therapeutic effect in humans or animals. Drugs release the active ingredients in the target area so that in the period of time it controls though its formulation. The most important driving factor for drug delivery technology market is the increasing demand for effective delivery mechanisms of novel biopharmaceuticals.Recently, AstraZeneca signed a licensing agreement with Starpharma for the use of its DEP drug delivery technology aiming to enhancing the dosing and efficacy characteristics of pharmaceuticals. AstraZeneca agreed to fund all development and commercialization costs, including ongoing and future collaborative work conducted with Starpharma.Drug Delivery Technology Market: Drivers & RestraintsGrowing incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, technological advancement, innovation, the growing focus on pediatric and geriatric patients, change in lifestyle due to growing urbanization, the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, are the most important driving factors in drug delivery technology market. Since growth of biopharmaceutical market is fast, the demand for drug delivery technology market has increased.Request Free Report Sample@With so many advantages and splendid features of drug delivery technology, it has few disadvantages too. Side-effects related to drugs, patents expiry and regulatory hurdles are acting as key barrier for drug delivery technology.Drug Delivery Technology Market: SegmentationDrug delivery technology market is broadly classified on the basis of the following segments By Route of Administration :Oral RouteParenteral RouteIntramuscularIntravenousIntra-arterialSubcutaneous routeTransdermal RouteInhalation RouteNasal Drug DeliveryBy End User:HospitalsClinicsDiagnostic CentresHome care settingsOthersDrug Delivery Technology Market: OverviewThe drug delivery technology market has grown substantially at a healthy CAGR due to growing incidence of chronic diseases and change in lifestyle. With rapid technological advancement and innovation, drug delivery technology market is expected to grow globally. North America is the largest market for drug delivery technology and Asia Pacific would be the fastest growing market in the forecast period.Request For TOC@Drug Delivery Technology Market: Region-wise OutlookThe drug delivery technology market is expected to register a double-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, drug delivery technology is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the largest market for drug delivery technology market and is contributing the most as compare to other regions. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the forecast period.Drug Delivery Technology Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in drug delivery technology market are Johnson and Johnson Pvt Ltd, 3M, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc, Glaxosmithkline PLC, Merck & Co., Inc, Antares Pharma, Generex Biotechnology, pSivida Corppration, Alkermes, Aradigm Corp., Vectura Group plc, NanoPass Technologies Ltd.Browse Full Report@ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trendsCONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
July 28, 2016 Ahmedabad, India: Ahmedabad Based e-Shabda to Provide an Armor of DRM Solution to eBasta, a Digital India Initiative Project by CDAC

Ahmedabad based eBooks and ePublishing Solution providers eShadba is a venture by Cygnet Infotech to utilize the digital revolution in encouraging Indians across the globe to come closer to their mother tongue and empower independent authors as well as publishers to reach a wider audience to facilitate the same.Having its vision aligned with Government of Indias Digital India Initiative, e-Shabda is proud to announce that it is now officially a Digital Rights Management (DRM) providers to eBasta; a framework by CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) to make school books accessible in digital format in the form of e-books so as to have the students read and use these books on tablets and laptops. This project shall ensure easy access to interactive and dynamic content.We at e-Shabda are humbled and excited at the same time to be a part of eBasta as their DRM providers where we shall be working with publishers extensively to secure their digital content for a controlled distribution and targeted access to relevant audiences. Along with aiding the publishers and eBasta to facilitate easy and 24x7 access to learning material, this secured method to do so by integrating DRM into their system, the students shall understand the value of righteous sharing and copyright.Digital Rights Management:DRM for short, Digital Rights Management is a solution that regulates and controls the access to digital content files, successfully restricting copying, sharing and printing of digital content. Think of it as an integrated lock, the unique key to which is the only access! It is one of the most salient and also the most underused facet of technologyAbout e-Shabda:A Cygnet Infotech venture, e-Shabda is an effort to bring the benefits of digital publishing to Indian language publishers and authors. While the global publishing industry is making the most of e-publishing, authors and publishers of regional languages do not have a set, stronger way of reaching out to the massive online audience of Indian readers. Through e-Shabda, we aim to: Empower authors and publishers to reach a wider audience Encourage the youth to read books and magazines in regional languages Leverage the digital revolution to popularize regional languages booksTo achieve these goals, we offer end-to-end e-publishing solutions: right from converting a book to the proper eBook format to distributing, marketing and securing it, we take care of all the stages in the cycle. To further these efforts, we have set up Indian-Ebooks.com, an open platform where all associated publishers can sell books, and from where any reader can purchase books.By using the internationally accepted standard UNICODE fonts and creating eBooks in the standard formats, we ensure that readers can read Indian language books on most e-readers, mobile phones and tablets.Cygnet Infotech Pvt. Ltd.16-Swastik Society, Nr. AMCO Bank,Stadium Circle, Navrangpura,Ahmedabad 380009Gujarat, IndiaCall: +91-79-67124000
The Best Way to Get Your Spreadsheets Updated By Leaving the Manual Workload for the Administration

http://www.josoftech.com

Josoft Technologies (Josoftech), IndiaIn this competitive era, giving your priceless time for getting the part time work done is liked by most of the persons. Even, the entrepreneurs and professionals love to hire the employees to work from home either offline or online data entry.The one who has an interest in earning the money by staying at home only s/he can take up these part time online jobs. This option is best suited for the students i.e. it is the perfect choice if you want to earn even while you are studying. This way, you get the flexibility to work as per your own schedule. For the professionals and retired persons, it acts as an extra income and become financially independent.At Josoft, with the preferred processes, we dont give the part-time workers any guarantees that they will get the project as per their time. If there is Josoft Technologies Consumer Complaints, we are always here to assist you at any time. If you have any queries or doubts regarding the payment and work, you can kindly visit our website and Josoft technologies reviews posted by the clients.We include the most importantly best of the sort processes and data entry jobs from home, take on the competitive technology and then invest in the good quality services to confirm satisfaction of customers to the maximum. The companies help the clients in lessening the effective costs and more importantly they always focus on their main capabilities.Josoft is always very creative and it has opened up multiple industry trends, for example, the third party BPO operations as well as the forum for the best business model in India. We have evolved from the best contributor of conservative BPO services to every supplier of the next-generation business services. Their seasoned experts have always been in providing the clients with a fundamental solution which mainly uses the Information Technology to reduce the turnaround time and make it into practice. The solution to the complex problems makes the end user happy. Josoft is one of the leading services providers that are renowned for delivering the ultimate solutions for each of your business requirements.Contact:E-mail us at: info@josoftech.comCall or reach us at: +91-9026209005Website:Just by registering yourself you can get the data entry work on the online portal from home. We, at Josoft offer data entry jobs from home which is the main requirement of numerous multinational companies and banks. Generally, they do work on large scale and get this backend work on par time.1-B Nanak Arcade 85-A Hind NagarL.D.A Colony, Opposite Shivalik School,Lucknow - 226012
Microbial Identification Market: Dynamics, Segments, Size and Demand to 2020

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3223

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3223

Microbial identification is scientific method of precise and definitive detection of microorganisms, such as bacteria, pathogen, and viruses. Microbial identification method is widely adopted in heath care and treatment such as disease diagnosis, infection treatments and identification of disease epidemic related with microbial infections. Some of the other applications of bacterial identification include microbial forensics, food safety, potable water safety, crime detection and investigations, bioterrorism identification and various other environmental studies such as soil pollution and air pollution.Use For sample: Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample:Microbial identification is used extensively by governments or private institute, food manufactures, water treatment plants, beverages manufactures and other research laboratories.Microbial identification is performed by two techniques namely phenotypic method and genotypic method. On the basis of various application of microbial identification the global microbial identification market can be broadly categorize in four broad segments namely, diagnostic application (human disease diagnosis and animal disease diagnosis), food and beverage testing, pharmaceuticals application, and environment application.On the basis of products categories the global microbial identification market can be broadly classified in consumables (such as kits, plates and channel), instruments and software (such as precision microscopes and spectrometer, microarray, and digital microbial identification instruments), and services (such as microbe detection). Consumable segment grasped the highest market share in 2013, attributed mainly to the user friendly working principal of conventional microbial identification methods.The ongoing technical advancements in precise accuracy and speed of microbial identification equipments coupled growing number of diseases due to harmful microorganism and stiff food safety regulation are some of the dominant driver for the global microbial identification market. Moreover initiative from policymakers, and rising healthcare expenditure is expected to boost global microbial identification market in upcoming years.Rigid and complicated regulatory frameworks in many parts of the world, coupled with high price of microbial identification instruments are putting the challenge for overall growth of global microbial identification market.North America is the largest market for global microbial identification market followed by Europe and Asia Pacific and rest of the world (RoW). Asia Pacific is exhibiting the highest growth over the past few years attributed mainly to the rising consumers concern towards health and food safety. Moreover government initiative regarding food and water contamination has also helped the market over the years.Use For to: Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Some of the leading companies operating in global microbial identification market include, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Biomerieux SA, Bruker Corporation, Siemens Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scintific, Inc., Biolog Inc., Charles River Laboratories Inc., MIDI Inc., Qiagen N.V., Shimadzu Corporation, and Sigma-Aldrich CorporationAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Hydraulic Cylinder Market: Segmentation, Industry trends and Developments 2015 - 2021

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4713

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4713

A Hydraulic cylinder is also called a linear hydraulic motor. It is a mechanical actuator which is used to provide a unidirectional force by a unidirectional stroke. It has several applications, primarily in construction equipment, manufacturing machinery and civil engineering equipments.Use For sample: Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample:The demand for hydraulic cylinders is primarily driven by the growing demand for hydraulic cylinder based equipment which are used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, mining, agriculture, aerospace and defense. Moreover, growing demand from the OEMs owing to rising level of industrial production and growing global trade contributes toward the hydraulic cylinder market growth. The market is developing steadily and it is majorly driven by the emerging economies. There has been a stable growth in the economy of the major countries of Asia such as China and India post-global economic recession. This has lined the way for the appearance of numerous low-cost and small-scale construction and manufacturing companies. Many companies in the Americas and the EMEA region are contiuously outsourcing their manufacturing needs to several countries to achieve low labor costs for example, India and China. Moreover, multiple global organizations are establishing their manufacturing base in emerging economies to get the benefit of the low-cost manufacturing capability and the availability of substantially skilled labor. This move assists companies to develop their market presence. Hence, the market is experiencing a rise in the investments from both domestic and international vendor. European and North American markets have reached the saturation stage. Although, the mature markets have given an immense opportunity for the emerging markets, through outsourcing their manufacturing needs to the emerging markets.High adoption of material handling equipments globally offers growth opportunity for the market. At present, material handling equipment such as level luffing cranes, stackers and electronic overhead travelling cranes are extensively used by multiple industries such as Food and Beverage, Power and Energy, Retail and Oil Refineries other than construction and engineering sectors. This stimulates the adoption of material handling equipment and thus helps the growth of the hydraulic cylinders market.The market is segmented by hydraulic cylinder types, function, specification, design and application. Hydraulic cylinder function includes double acting hydraulic cylinders and single acting hydraulic cylinders. Single acting hydraulic cylinders apply the hydraulic pressure in only one direction, primarily to extend the cylinder. Double acting cylinders have two ports, one for the intake and other for outtake of hydraulic fluids. The force from the liquid can be used in both directions for expanding and retracting the piston. It can be fixed in any way for pushing, pulling and lifting operations.Specification includes Telescopic Cylinders, Hydraulic Jacks and Mill Type Hydraulic Cylinder. By design it can be segmented as Welded Cylinders and Tie Rod Cylinders. Applications includes material handling, automotive, oil and gas, aerospace and defense, agriculture, mining, transportation, marine and shipyard industry, manufacturing, waste management, pulp and paper industry and earthmoving equipment.Use For to: Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Key players in the market include Actuant Corp., Aggressive Hydraulics, Best Metal Products, Bailey International LLC, Burnside Group, Burnside Eurocyl Ltd., Burnside Autocyl (tullow) Ltd., Bosch Rexroth A.G., Bucher Hydraulics Gmbh, Burnside Hydracyl (ballymoon) Ltd., Chapel Group, Dongyang Mechatronics Corp., Douce Hydro, Changzhou Sunde Hydraulic Equipment Co. Ltd. and Eaton Corp. among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Global Telemedicine Technologies And Services Market (Component - Hardware, Software, And Services; End-User - Telehospital And Telehome) Analysis And Forecast 2015 - 2023

http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/718457

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Telemedicine is the union of health care and telecommunication/information technology aimed at providing assistance to individuals in remote areas, inaccessible to health care centers in times of need. Critical care and emergency situations are the primary areas for which telemedicine evolved in practice. The healthcare industry has always been one of the most lucrative, yet steadily growing, industries in the global market. The requirement of healthcare is termed as critical and crucial to the sustenance of life, hence considered an important industry. The overall telemedicine technology has already created a positive impact in the developed regions. However, regional governments in the developing nations have expressed their approval and support to the technology that helps save lives and uplift the global standard of health.This report provides in-depth analysis of the global telemedicine technologies and services market. The stakeholders for this report include companies involved in the manufacture of telemedicine component, provide telemedicine services to the hospitals and homes, suppliers and new entrants planning to invest in this market. For providing a snapshot of this market to the stakeholders, executive summary section is included in this report, which summarizes the market size, trends and competition for different telemedicine component and services in five major regions.View Full Report atThe market overview section of this report analyzes market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and opportunities that influence the telemedicine technologies and services market in the current and future scenario. Heat map among the market players is analyzed to signify the presence of market players in the relevant (hardware, software, service) segment of the market. All these factors will help the market players to decide about the business strategies and plans to be incurred in future for strengthening their position in the global market.The telemedicine technologies and services market by component has been segmented as hardware, software and services. Telemedicine hardware involves collection of physical parts and assemble into a proper telemedicine system. The hardware segment has been categorized into videoconferencing unit, imaging unit, vital signs unit, ECG, and others. Integrated and stand alone are the type of software in the telemedicine technologies and services market. The global telemedicine services market has been segmented as interactive, store and transfer and chronic care. Based on end-user, the global telemedicine technologies and services market has been segmented into telehospital/teleclinic and telehomes.Geographically, the telemedicine technologies and services market has been differentiated into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. Moreover, analysis for the major countries comprising U.S. Canada, Germany, France, Japan China, India, Australia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia have also been provided in the report.The report provides market estimation of telemedicine technologies and services in terms of revenue (US$ Mn) for all the segments and sub segments with CAGR % for period 2015 to 2023, considering 2014 as the base year. The report also provides heat map analysis of the key players operating in the market on basis of their products and services offered globally. The report also provide market attractiveness analysis by geography that depicts the most attractive regions in the global market during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023.This report also includes recommendations section that will assist new companies in establishing their presence and market players in expanding their market share in the telemedicine technologies and services market. The report concludes with the company profile section which includes company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies and recent developments for market players. The major players that are profiled in the report include Aerotel Medical Systems Ltd., AMD Global Telemedicine, Inc., General Electric Company, Honeywell International, Inc. and LifeWatch AGDownload Sample Copy of this Report atThe global telemedicine technologies and services is segmented into the following categories:Global Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market, by ComponentHardwareVideoconferencing UnitImaging UnitVital Sign UnitECGOthersSoftwareIntegratedStandaloneServiceInteractiveStore and TransferChronic Care ManagementGlobal Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market, by End-UserTelehospitalTelehomeGlobal Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaAustraliaRest of APACLatin AmericaBrazilRest of LATAMMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaRest of MEAMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Wood Pellets Market, By Application (Power Plants And Heating) Forecast 2015 - 2023

http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/330089

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http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/

The research study is designed to analyze the global wood pellets market. The market is calculated in terms of volume (Million Tons) and revenue (USD Million) based on the consumption of wood pellets. The market for wood pellets has been segmented on the basis of application and geography. The global wood pellets market, based on application, has been segmented into power plants and heating.View Full Report atThe regional segments included in this study are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Central and South America. These regional segments are further divided into country-wise sub-segments. The report provides a detailed growth forecast for the 2015-2023 period, considering 2014 as the base year. Projections have been provided for both volume (Million Tons) and revenue (USD Million), considering the consumption of wood pellets.The report includes the key market dynamics affecting the demand for wood pellets. As a part of our market dynamics analysis, we have analyzed the market drivers, market restraints, and market opportunities. A comprehensive competitive landscape, which includes market attractiveness analysis, has also been provided in this report. The report also provides a detailed industry analysis of the global wood pellets market with the help of Porters Five Forces model. The Porters Five Forces analysis aids in understanding the five major forces that affect the industry structure and profitability of the global wood pellets market. The forces analyzed are the bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of competition.The study also includes the value chain of the global wood pellets market which provides a glimpse of key suppliers, manufacturers, distribution channel as well as interaction of suppliers and buyers with end-users. The market attractiveness analysis involves benchmarking and ranking each application and region on the basis of numerous parameters. The parameters selected are likely to have a pronounced effect on the demand for each application in the current scenario as well as in the near future.Download Sample Copy of this Report atKey participants in the global wood pellets market include Andritz AG, Drax Group plc, Enito Singpellet Pte Ltd, Enviva LP, F.E. Wood & Sons, German Pellets GmbH, Georgia Biomass, LLC, Allance Pellet Machinery, The Westervelt Company, Pinnacle Renewable Energy Group, Rentech, Inc., Energex, and Wood Pellet Energy (UK) LTD. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial revenues, business strategies, and recent developments.The global wood pellets market has been segmented as follows:Global Wood Pellets Market: Application Segment AnalysisPower PlantsHeatingGlobal Wood Pellets Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeU.K.ItalySwedenDenmarkGermanyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanSouth KoreaRest of Asia PacificMiddle East and Africa (MEA)South AfricaRest of MEACentral and South America (CSA)BrazilRest of CSAMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
High Strength Steel Market Projected to Reach 21.17 Billion USD by 2021

High Strength Steel Market

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/high-strength-steel-market-4627428.html

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=4627428

http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical

The report "High Strength Steel Market by Type (High Strength Low Alloy Steels, Dual Phase Steels, Bake Hardenable Steels, Carbon Manganese Steels, and Others), by End User (Automotive, Construction, and Others), by Region - Global Forecast to 2021", The global high strength steel market was valued at USD 14.27 Billion in 2015 and is projected to reach USD 21.17 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2016 to 2021.Rapid industrialization in the emerging economies, along with the increased demand of high strength steels in the automotive and construction industries, is driving the growth of the global high strength steels market.Browse 88 market data Tables and 57 Figures spread through 140 Pages and in-depth TOC on "High Strength Steel Market - Global Forecast to 2021"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.High strength low alloy steels (HSLA) segment is leading the global high strength steel market on the basis of typeThe HSLA type segment accounted for the largest share of the global high strength steels market, in terms of volume. This large share is primarily attributed to the better mechanical properties exhibited by HSLA as compared to other types of high strength steels. In sheet or plate form, HSLA steels have low carbon content and provide improved weldability as well as good resistance and formability.The automotive end-use industry will lead the global high strength steel market by 2021The automotive segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the global high strength steels market during the forecast period. Due to the increasing demand for high quality automotive components, various new grades of high strength steel are being developed. These new grades of high strength steels offer superior performance in comparison to conventional and low strength steels.Download PDF Brochure:Asia- Pacific led the global high strength steels marketAsia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region in the global high strength steels market. Rapid industrialization and infrastructure development offer lucrative growth opportunities to players operating in the high strength steels market. The increasing middle class population, which has led to urbanization and rise in the manufacturing sector, drives the demand of high strength steels in this region. The Asia-Pacific high strength steels market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2021. Economic growth in countries such as China, India, and Taiwan are further propelling the growth of the high strength steels market in the Asia-Pacific region.Some of the key players operating in the global high strength steel market include Arcelor Mittal (Luxembourg), United States Steel Corporation (U.S.), Voestalpine AG (Austria), SSAB (Sweden), Shandong Iron and Steel Group (China), Baosteel Group Corporation (China), Severstal JSC (Russia), and ThyssenKrupp AG (Germany), among others.About MarketsandMarketsMarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. 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.M&Ms flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" 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. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.Contact:Mr. RohanMarkets and MarketsUNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZMagarpatta city, HadapsarPune, Maharashtra 411013, India.Tel: +1-888-600-6441Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.comVisit MarketsandMarkets Blog @Visit MarketsandMarkets @ marketsandmarkets.comMarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year.Markets and MarketsUNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZMagarpatta city, HadapsarPune, Maharashtra 411013, India.
GNOSIS Student Budhimati Rout Felicitated By District Administration on World Skill Day

www.ghspl.com

www.gnosis.ind.in

Success Story of an AchieverGNOSIS Student Budhimati Rout Felicitated By District Administration on World Skill DayKeonjhar, July 16, 2016: It is possible to have a success story in modern India. Budhimati Rout proved this on World Skill Day when she received felicitations and award money of Rs. 10,000/- from the district administration of Keonjhar. The award was given to her by the honorable minister Mr. Badrinarayan Patra in the presence of the District Collector Dr. Tirumala Naidu and other district employment officers.Coming from a poor, rural family Budhimati dreamt of being the backbone of her family of five after her father passed away. Armed with her matriculation completion certificate she enrolled in the Bed Side Assistant course run by GNOSIS and its training partner OSEMS. Currently, she is employed with NIGHTINGALE, Hyderabad as a Bed Side Assistant earning a salary of Rs. 15,200/- per month.GNOSIS takes pride in being part of this determined girls journey to self-reliance and success.GNOSIS, a whole owned subsidiary of Glocal Healthcare Systems Pvt. Ltd. originated from a simple idea of identifying, enrooting, empowering and endowing rural and urban youths in India with much needed education, skills and employment. In a midst of a challenging economy like our nation, GNOSIS is an education and skilling company which believes in evolving the capabilities of our people by expanding its skill-based activities across the country to train youth for employment, empowerment, entrepreneurship and national enterprise. Supported in this initiative, GNOSIS is empanelled under National Skill Development Corporation for implementation of Skill Development Initiatives across the country in the Healthcare sector. In tandem with classroom sessions, and on-the-job training for developing excellent scientific and healthcare skills, GNOSIS graduates have been groomed into well grounded professionals, by involving them into team projects, developing presentation and communication skills, and actively participating in extracurricular activities.gnosis_web_historyGlocal Knowledge and Skills Integration Systems Private Limited (GNOSIS) is a skilling and training company, headquartered in Kolkata, leveraging the nation with education & employment in the healthcare space. Presently, Team GNOSIS is spread out in the Northern Provinces of the country with Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and in Eastern India at Odisha and West Bengal. Of late it has set up its new division at Bihar.With about 60 training centers connecting skills & education, to the cadre of bright minds across the country, GNOSIS & its high quality healthcare trainers are making a difference in the lives of thousands thereby encouraging, skilling and employing the vibrant Indian youth.Realizing the healthcare hiatus, GNOSIS, a subsidiary of Glocal Healthcare Systems Pvt. Ltd () which is the fastest emerging group of hospital chains in India, builds and establishes the platform where India is skilled, and the youth is empowered and employed, in the much needed healthcare space.Today, GNOSIS is the one-point solution in healthcare domain where hundreds and thousands of youths are being trained, tutored and taken to achieve their dream jobs at various healthcare hubs across the nation.GNOSIS has so far trained more than 80,000 youths and still aim to skill about 2 million by 2020.Glocal Knowledge and Skills Integration Systems Pvt LtdL: (033)-66081000 M: 86977127413A - 202, Ecospace Business Park, New Town,Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal - 700 160
MoBiTec to Attend The EMBO Meeting 2016  Advancing the Life Science, 10-13 September in Mannheim

http://www.the-embo-meeting.org/

The EMBO Meeting offers a European forum for scientific exchange. Topics cover the entire range of life sciences, encouraging participants to look beyond the boundaries of their own fields."There has never been a more exciting time in cell biology, and The EMBO Meeting 2016 will provide the opportunity to be brought up to date on the latest methods and theories of cell organization by the world's leading investigators. The meeting should also provide a great opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the fostering of new collaborations."(Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz, Section Chief of the Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch, NICHD, NIH and NIH Distinguished Investigator, Bethesda, US. Jennifer will give the opening lecture on Saturday 10 September.)An industrial exhibition (10-13 September) is an integral part of The EMBO Meeting 2016.MoBiTec is honored to annouce that its partner companySumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd.'s S-BIO Business Division will join in and be represented at its booth by:Mr. Hideyuki Shimaoka, Manager, Application Scientist of the Marketing & Sales Department.S-BIO Business Division ProductsGlycan Analysis Related Products BlotGlyco Glycan Purification and Labeling kit BlotGlyco O-Glycan Sample Preparation Kit Glycan ArrayThree-dimensional Cell Culture Products Low Cell Adhesion Products: PrimeSurfaceLow Protein Adsorption Products PROTEOSAVECryogenic Vials Cryogenic Vials Cryogenic Vials Rack Lock StandCome meet us at our booth n 3A-010For more details on this event, please visit the conference website:About MoBiTec GmbHMoBiTec GmbH (Goettingen, Germany) is a privately held company (founded in 1987) that offers research tools for molecular and cell biology. Products include DNA vectors for cloning and expression, cell transfection reagents and cell culture tools, immobilized and soluble enzymes, products for genomics and proteomics research, numerous antibodies and recombinant proteins, superior fluorescence reagents and kits, affinity chromatography products, as well as general laboratory equipment.In parallel to its own product lines, MoBiTec distributes products from international companies in Germany. MoBiTec products are distributed worldwide, in Germany from their home office, in other countries by distributors.MoBiTec GmbHArne SchulzLotzestr. 22a, 37083 GoettingenGermany
Why did Hillary Clinton reward Debbie Wasserman Schultz after WikiLeaks published emails that exposed how the supposedly neutral DNC Chair helped undermine Bernie Sanders and abused her office? Clinton elevated the disgraced operative to Honorary Co-Chair of her campaign, further enraging Bernies army of supporters.

What could enrage them more? Maybe choosing a moderate, rather than a progressive, to be her running mate? Oh wait, Clinton did that, too. She picked Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who is not popular with the Sanders-Warren set.

Related: Kaines $160,000 Gift Controversy: More Bad Optics for the Democrats

There are two possible explanations for the boneheaded Schultz decision. Either Schultz was working during the primary season on orders from Clinton, and thus had to be rewarded for taking the fall. (WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has promised that he will be releasing more emails; perhaps some of those will reveal communications between Clinton and Schultz operatives.) Or else Hillary is confident that Bernies supporters will turn out for her because she sees Donald Trump as so especially loathsome.

If the latter is true, Hillary Clinton is in trouble. Not just because her political instincts are truly terrible, but because of this: almost nobody wants Clinton to be elected president. Well, other than Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and maybe Chelsea. She faces a profound enthusiasm gap, which has only widened in recent months.

A mere 33 percent of Democrats in a recent poll said they were very enthusiastic about voting for Clinton. Only 79 percent of Democrat voters say they will definitely vote in the upcoming election, compared to 86 percent of Republicans  a serious disadvantage for the former First Lady. Only 72 percent of Independents vow to come out on Election Day, and only 33 percent of that group say theyll vote for Clinton; 40 percent expect to cast a ballot for Trump. Thats what you get for so many lies and for promising four more years  a campaign slogan as riveting as a live reading of the Encyclopedia Brittanica.

Story continues

Related: Democrats Create Their Own Brand of Convention Chaos

The leaders of the divided Democratic Party are counting on antipathy to Donald Trump to unite their party. Heaping scorn on the GOP nominee is the underlying theme of their convention, not lauding Hillary Clinton. Michele Obama, the most popular speaker at the opening night of the Democrat gathering in Philadelphia, praised the presumptive nominee saying, What I admire most about Hillary is that she never buckles under pressure. She never takes the easy way out. And Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in her life.

Not exactly warm and fuzzy, Micheles words conjure up Hillary Clinton stoically gutting it out before the Benghazi Committee or facing down journalists questioning her use of a private email server  not the image you might want voters to recall. Bernie Sanders called on his supporters to vote for Hillary, because of her ideas and her leadership. Thats about the most tepid endorsement imaginable, but, really, what could Bernie have said? Vote for Clinton because shes an honorable, principled standard-bearer who will fight to keep the promises made during the campaign? He knows better and so does his supporters.

They know that Hillary adopted Sanders push for a $15 minimum wage and joined his opposition to Obamas TPP trade pact to win the primary contest; they also know she didnt mean it. The selection of Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her running mate confirmed what the Sanders camp suspected -- Hillary really is the Secretary of the Status Quo.

Thats why the Democratic convention in Philadelphia got off to a rough start. Its tough to rally behind a negative  opposition to Donald Trump -- but thats what the leadership is trying to do. Its what they have to do.

Related: Trump Pulls Nearly Even with Clinton after Republican Convention

En route to the convention, Democrats saw their candidate clobbered by the worst polling in her career. A recent CBS poll showed that 67 percent of the country thinks Hillary Clinton is dishonest. Think about that. More than two-thirds of the country, not just of Republicans, think Clinton is deceitful. That survey shows Clinton and Trump in a dead heat, even though Trump has raised only $67 million to Clintons $335 million. (Sanders supporters are highly skeptical that Hillary wants to get big money out of politics, and they should be.) Even though Trump has supposedly offended nearly every slice of the population that Democrats have carved out, still, they are tied.

CNNs most recent poll shows Clintons favorables are down to 39 percent -- the lowest according to that organization since April 1992 when she haughtily (and ham-fistedly) pushed for a government takeover of our healthcare system. Gallup concurs, with a 38 percent favorable number, the worst of her 24-year public career.

Towards the end of the primary season, 52 percent of Democrats or those who lean towards the Left had a net favorable opinion of Bernie Sanders. Only 39 percent felt that way about Clinton.

Related: Sanders Cant Promise to Rein In His Angry Supporters

So, what Clinton wants to do in the next several months is convince voters (and especially Democrats) that she is honest and that she will abide by the pledges to Bernie Sanders supporters made during the primary season. Thats not going to happen. Instead, she needs to make sure that supporters will come out and vote. To do that, she needs to make Donald Trump into a monster. This, she will strive to do, aided by her stalwart allies in the media.

Will she prevail? Maybe. She has a lot of guns trained on Trump, and firepower to spare. She will have money to burn and a host of enablers. Obama and Michele will hit the campaign trail on her behalf, as will husband Bill and daughter Chelsea and a host of other Democrats eager to keep the party rolling. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren will do their part, relying on Donald Trump to offend the liberal base.

And yet, Republicans and many Independents dislike Clinton as energetically as liberals hate Trump. How many voters turn out to deny each candidate a win will determine this race. Hillary Clinton could well win that contest.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Skin Toner Market : Facts, Figures and Analytical Insights 2014 to 2020

Skin Toner Market

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3041

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3041

Skin toners remove the grease, dirt, oil and makeup collected in the pores of the skin by interacting with the moisture barrier in the skins surface and altering the skins pH levels. It also helps in skin refreshments, preparation and conditioning, reduction in irritation and inflammation, hydration, controlling access oil and anti aging nourishment. It can be applied on face as a cream, cleanser, or as part of a lotion. Toner usually comes in liquid form, even though some toners are formulated as gels or mists also. A toner can be applied on its own or as a part of skin care routine as a step in between washing the face and applying facial moisturizers.Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample:Normal healthy skin preserves a little acidic pH. Restoring the skin to its standard pH reduces stress and raises its ability to receive nourishment from moisturizers and skin healing products. In the pH stability skin toners, the bi-phase technology (bi-phase technology is combination of two dissimilar states of material collectively, such as a liquid and a powder) suspends oil gripping mineral powders to give an instant lusterless finish. pH balancing skin toners are alcohol free and uses ingredients such as witch hazel and strawberry extract to tone and refine the skin. The other uses of pH labeler skin toner include post shaving treatment, sun burn treatment and treatment in case of bug-bytes. Other benefit associated with some of the other skin toners having vitamins and antioxidants include refreshment of skin and removal of flakes of dead skin. Constituent in a skin toner such as aloe and witch hazel also squeeze the skin to improve overall look.Some of the Major ingredient in skin toner includes water, butylene glycol, sophora angustifolia root extract, alcohol denat, betaine, hydrogenated castor oil, caprylyl glycol, mentha piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, symphytum officinale leaf extract, sodium oleth-8 Phosphate, Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract, triethanolamine, polysorbate 80, disodium EDTA and fragrance.Asia Pacific is largest skin toner market followed by North America and Europe. BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) is the fasted growing region for skin toner with double digit growth expected to increase further in the coming years. The vast population of young consumer in countries such as India and China is expected to increase the Asia Pacific market share. According to United Nation, China and India together accounts for 37% of global population out of which 704 million people of India and 497 million population of china are below the age of 35. With such high concentration of young population and their rising income overall facial care market is grooming in these countries.The major drivers for the skin toner market includes growing aspiration to look young and beautiful, rising income levels in the developing countries and evolution of alcohol free skin toners. Major challenge for skin toner industry is the potential side effect of the chemical ingredients used in skin toners.The brand loyalty among consumers is very high in this industry and this is helping big players to retain majority of market share with help of their establish brands identity. Over the past few years, with evolution of herbal skin toner some herbal product based companies such as Himalaya Drug Co. have entered the market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Major companies operating in skin toner market include L'Oreal S.A., Kose Corporation, Kao Corporation, Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Shiseido Co. Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company, The Unilever Plc., Lotus Herbals Ltd., Burts & Bees, LUMENE, Sea Breeze, Himalaya Drug Co., Herbaline, Zymo Cosmetics, Debon Herbal private Limited, and Ban Labs Limited.Key points covered in the reportReport segments the market on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc (as applicable)The report covers geographic segmentationNorth AmericaEuropeAsiaRoWThe report provides the market size and forecast for the different segments and geographies for the period of 2010 to 2020The report provides company profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the marketThe report also provides porters five forces analysis of the market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: +1 800-961-0353
Fitness Equipments Market : Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020

Fitness Equipments Market

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3069

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3069

Fitness equipments helps consumer in weight management, overall physical fitness, enhancing physical stamina and muscle strength of the body. Rising health concern, hectic life style, changing eating habits coupled with growing inspiration to look fit and young has boosted the overall demand of different fitness equipments for both domestic and commercial application in past few decades. It has found a significant space in day to day life of consumers of all age groups and gender around the globe.Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample:Some of the major fitness equipments products include treadmills, stair climbers, stationary bikes, rowing machines, weightlifting machines, elliptical cross-trainers, and traditional weightlifting equipment such as free weights and benches.On the basis of end user application of the fitness equipment the overall market can be segmented in two broad categories namely domestic and institutional (such as fitness gym, health clubs, and community centers).On the basis of the product segment the overall market of fitness equipment can be segmented into four broad categories namely cardiovascular (treadmills, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, elliptical machines, and cross-country ski simulators), resistance (band or pulley-type system to lift weights), free weight and others (such as passive exercise machines). Among these Cardiovascular holds the majority of market share in global fitness equipment market. Treadmills are one of the most commonly found fitness equipment preferred by joggers and runners of all age group who wants to experience outdoor workouts in their home interiors. Treadmills hold single largest market share among all type of fitness equipments.Increasing life style diseases, increasing obese population, escalating health care costs and aging population in Europe and North America is driving the market for fitness equipment in western countries. Whereas escalating urbanization, westernization, changing lifestyle and increasing disposable income of middle class in developing countries of Asia Pacific and Middle East has kept the growth comparatively high over the years.Moreover rising numbers of fitness clubs, innovation in the field of user friendly equipment, such as development of modern equipment to support additional fitness modalities are expected to boost the global fitness equipment market in upcoming years. However, high cost of raw materials and high dependency over distributors are acting as major challenges for the industry.North America is the largest market for fitness equipment market followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Increased domestic fitness equipments such as treadmills in North America and Europe are driving the overall growth of the fitness equipment market in this region. Whereas increasing number of institutional heath care center, gyms and health club is driving the market in Asia Pacific region.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The major companies operating in global fitness equipment market include Cybex International Inc, Nautilus Inc, Precor incorporated, ICON Health & Fitness Inc, Brunswick Corporation (Life Fitness), Johnson Health Tech. Co., Ltd, Nautilus, Inc.Key points covered in the reportReport segments the market on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc (as applicable)The report covers geographic segmentationNorth AmericaEuropeAsiaRoWThe report provides the market size and forecast for the different segments and geographies for the period of 2010 to 2020The report provides company profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the marketThe report also provides porters five forces analysis of the market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: +1 800-961-0353
Cold Chain Market (3PL service provider) : Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020

Cold Chain Market

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3177

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3177

Cold chain involves proper logistic planning of temperature sensitive products through thermal and refrigerated packaging methods. The application of cold chain is mainly applied to chilled and frozen foods to increase their self-life and maintain quality standard for long duration of time. Cold chain specifically helps in maintaining the bio-chemical and physical properties of the frozen foods and regulating market price in off-season. It also helps to prevent the product from loss and reduce the waste, which ultimately increases the overall income of manufacturer or producer.Thinking about report: Please observe the beneath the hyperlinks to satisfy your necessities; Request for the Report sample:After economic slowdown in 2010, many big players increased the investment on frozen food industry, which leads to directly impacted overall cold chain market. Use of cold chain involves in many industries such as fruits & vegetables, bakery, confectionery, dairy, frozen desserts, fish, meat and seafood. In order to maintain these food fresh for long run, there need a proper cold chain logistics system. This leads to helps in the growth of cold chain market across the globe.The global cold chain market is growing with a high potential. North America is the largest market for cold chain. The growth in demand of frozen chilled and frozen foods in western counties triggered the cold chain market in North America. Increasing demand of daily products, vegetables and fruits heading towards more export form one reason to another. This has also led to boost the cold chain market. Various initiatives taken by the government affect the cold chain market in Asia Pacific region. Indian government has decided to open mega food parks, which require temperature controlled vehicles and temperature-controlled warehouses. Government also allowed 100% FDI in cold chain industry. This leads boost to cold chain market in Asia Pacific. . In Europe, Germany is one of the largest markets due to the increased consumption of frozen foods.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Major companies operating in global frozen bakery market include, Americold Logistics, Burris Logistics, Cloverleaf Cold Storage, Conestoga Cold Storage, Congebec Inc., Dev Bhumi Cold Chain Limited, Fresh And Healthy Enterprises Ltd, Gati Kwe Ltd, Hanson Logistics, Henningsen Cold Storage Co, Interstate Cold Storage Inc., Snowman Logistics Ltd and Trenton Cold Storage Inc.Key points covered in the reportReport segments the market on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc (as applicable)The report covers geographic segmentationNorth AmericaEuropeAsiaRoWThe report provides the market size and forecast for the different segments and geographies for the period of 2010 to 2020The report provides company profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the marketThe report also provides porters five forces analysis of the market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: +1 800-961-0353
SPOOKY, SCARY SPOOKY, SCARY  Neighborhoods in Orchard Park are more than ready for Halloween. In the top photo, at a house at the corner of Orchard Hill Drive and Briar Hill...

Bremer finds seven residential lots storing items on town property Thanks to a new property-line shot by the Engineering Department, Building Inspector Steve Bremer was able to identify seven residential lots near Highmark Stadium that were placing all sorts of...

Highway Department receiving number of calls on dying ash trees Highway Superintendent Andrew Slotman warned in the spring that the ash tree population in Orchard Park would soon dwindle to zero due to the presence of the emerald ash borer....
UPDATE: Woodland triple homicide suspect won't face death penalty, prosecutors say

A man accused of shooting four people, killing three of them, earlier this month in Clark County could face the death penalty.

Brent Ward Luyster, 35, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday on three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and other charges, according to court records filed Wednesday. He was previously facing first-degree murder charges, but records show the charges were amended.

In Washington, a conviction for aggravated first-degree murder carries a sentence of death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Columbian, which first reported the news Wednesday evening, said prosecutors haven't decided whether they'll seek Luyster's execution.

Only two people have been put to death in Washington since the turn of the century, most recently in 2010, and a moratorium on executions issued by Gov. Jay Inslee has been in effect since 2014.

Luyster is accused of fatally shooting Joseph Lamar, Zachary Thompson and Janell Knight at 4006 N.W. 417th St. in Woodland on July 15. He was arrested less than 24 hours later, and is being held without bail in the Clark County Jail.

Investigators have not disclosed what might have motivated the attack or spelled out Luyster's connection to the shooting victims.

His girlfriend, Andrea Danielle Sibley, was arrested Thursday and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday on a first-degree rendering criminal assistance charge, records show. She's being held in the Clark County Jail on $400,000 bail, according to jail records.

The shootings triggered a manhunt for Luyster, who was arrested while camping near Abernathy Creek Road in Cowlitz County with Sibley and their toddler son, according to records.

Sibley, 27, told investigators in an interview that the camping trip was unplanned and that she didn't know what happened the day of the killings. She told them, though, that she was pretty sure bad things happened, according to records.

Breanne Leigh, who was shot in the face, told investigators that Sibley was at the Woodland property at the time of the shooting, as were Luyster's 12-year-old son and the couple's toddler.

Leigh said the toddler had been sleeping in Sibley's SUV, the 12-year-old boy had been inside, and Sibley had been outside. She told investigators they and the SUV were gone when she came to.

Investigators seized Sibley's clothes and purse after the interview. The tread of her shoes appeared to be stained with blood, according to records. There was gun paraphernalia inside her storage unit, records show, and her SUV's inside, driver's door handle appeared to be stained with blood.

Records show the driver's door window of her SUV was shattered, and the glass appeared to be the same as fragments found at Lamar and Thompson's feet.

Luyster also is facing attempted murder and weapons charges, records show.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

Maxine Bernstein of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report
On a Wednesday evening at Park Kitchen, chef David Sapp rests a slice of hard-grilled pork terrine in a bowl of sushi rice and leek kimchi. Sapp, wearing a midnight-blue apron with tweezers emerging from the front pocket, looks out at the quiet dining room, then carries the finished plate to a table of guests himself.

That simple act of delivering a plate signals a major shift in the way we eat. Earlier this month, Park Kitchen joined the dozens of restaurants across the country that have ditched the traditional end to most diners' evenings: calculating the tip. To help streamline the change, the Northwest Portland restaurant cross-trained employees on a new hybrid service model, removing traditional "back-" and "front-of-house" roles.

Restaurant owners say the change, which comes as Oregon and other states prepare to raise the minimum wage, attempts to address the income disparity between servers, who receive tips, and cooks, who do not.

Tipless dining, common throughout the world, quietly took hold in the United States through pop-ups, tasting-menu counters and fine-dining restaurants, many of which sell tickets for their meals with the tip already included. But until this year, the mainstream impact has been limited.

Though Portland isn't at the front of the trend, at least a half-dozen local restaurants have incorporated gratuities into the price of the meal. Some have adopted similar "One House" models to Park Kitchen. Many, including Park Kitchen, Le Pigeon, Farm Spirit and Navarre, have agreed to sport a "gratuity free" logo in their windows, alerting customers that tips are not needed.

The bottom line

Which Portland restaurants are going tip-less?

For now, there are three Portland restaurants that currently do not accept tips:

Park Kitchen

,

Le Pigeon

and

Farm Spirit

.

Little Bird Bistro

,

Navarre

and

Luce

have announced they are planning on adopting a gratuity-free dining model in the coming months.

The first major domino fell last October, when New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer announced he would eliminate tipping at all of his restaurants, including The Modern, Gramercy Tavern and global hamburger chain Shake Shack. For Meyer, the move was about supporting equal wages between front- and back-of-house staff, and preemptively addressing New York's rising minimum wage. In the months that followed, chefs across the country have watched to see what would happen.

Chef Aaron Adams opened Southeast Portland's Farm Spirit last summer, selling all-inclusive tickets with no expectation of a tip. Its salaried chefs, who double as the restaurant's servers, painstakingly arrange vegetable dishes then hand them across a long counter to guests.

"Everyone is looking to the future of $15 minimum wage," Adams said, chef and owner of Farm Spirit. "Nobody wants to get caught with their pants down. It's going to take a lot of people in the industry who own multiple restaurants, like Danny Meyer, to see the writing on the wall."

Starting this summer, Oregon's minimum wage will begin rising across the state, settling at $14.75 in the Portland area by 2022. After 2022, minimum wage will increase depending on cost of living, pushing it among the highest in the nation.

In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit complicated things further, ruling that front-of-house staff such as servers and busboys, could not be required to share their tips with cooks or dishwashers. Many restaurants had used the practice, known as a tip pool, to raise back-of-house pay, and to ease their bottom lines. Eliminating tipping is a way for restaurant owners operating on thin margins to raise back-of-house pay.

In many states, tips are used to supplement a lower minimum wage for servers, a practice known as a "tip credit." Oregon has no tip-credit law. Servers here earn a base pay of $9.75 an hour, before tips. At fine-dining restaurants, where tips can rise to three figures, that number can grow much higher.

Some reservations

Not everyone has found the new model so painless.

Joe's Crab Shack, a national seafood chain with one metro area location, experimented with ditching tipping at some of its restaurants, but rolled back the policy after customers said they didn't like losing the incentivising control of tipping, and didn't trust management to fairly distribute the funds. In Northwest Portland, Park Kitchen sister restaurant The Bent Brick closed over the Fourth of July weekend, just as it was planning to eliminate tipping. Owner Scott Dolich said the closure was unrelated to the change.

Southeast Portland beer hall The Loyal Legion opened with a tip-free, cash-only model, with the entire staff earning $18 an hour. After a few months, the bar reversed course.

"About three to four months in, I'm at the bar watching every single client trying to leave a tip," said co-owner Kurt Huffman. "I put in place about the dumbest business model you could ever come up with. I figured out a more expensive way to have people make less money."

Though $18 an hour is a good rate for kitchen staff who normally earn at or slightly above minimum wage, it represented a significant pay cut for bartenders.

"They're still making a lot of money compared to the kitchen, but to go from making $300 a night to $180, that's a big difference," Huffman said. "The reason why people will hesitate to put in auto-gratuity is because, in every scenario, servers will make significantly less."

And Park Kitchen's transition hasn't been entirely smooth. After announcing the "One House, Gratuity Free" model, much of the service staff left, save for a pair of managers and Dylan Kiewel.

Kiewel, a longtime restaurant industry worker who joined Park Kitchen last year as a bartender, says he's watched the pay difference between front- and back-of-house staff steadily grow. He stayed on at Park Kitchen because he has young kids, and because his new gig -- running the restaurant's private dining -- offered more stable hours.

"I've always seen the fundamental unfairness of the way money is distributed in restaurants," Kiewel said. "It's not that servers make way too much, it's that cooks make way too little."

He still picks up service shifts in the dining room, but he understands why his colleagues walked. "They built their lives around trying to make the money quickly in part time hours," he said.

Ethical dining

For many in the restaurant industry, the move is as much about fairness as it is accounting.

In March, Le Pigeon co-owner Andy Fortgang said ditching tipping was "the future of fine dining."

"It's time for Americans to give up the fallacy that they're their server's boss and that their tip is actually influencing service," Fortgang said. "The server doesn't know what your standard is, so if you're a 20 percent tipper and you give 15, they don't know that you're trying to send them a message."

Before the Southeast Portland restaurant went tipless in June, Fortgang estimated server pay would go from about $42.50 an hour to $38.30, a 10 percent cut. At the same time, back-of-house wages were expected to increase by about 13 percent.

For Fortgang, eliminating tipping was a way to streamline the experience for both customers and staff. It's also a way to cut out a potentially fraught final step in what might be a once-a-year meal.

"Cooks work super hard, they work long hours, they traditionally don't get paid a lot," Dolich said. "They're [paid] close to minimum wage and they feel like they don't get a lot of respect."

Chef Sapp said at many restaurants, even those that share a portion with cooks and dishwashers, tips are often "whisked away into someone's pocket."

"I've seen kitchens where there is a lot of that disparity and anger -- 'All you are is a pretty face and we're back here sweating and toiling,'" he said. "For me, that wasn't as big a deal. Work hard, keep my head down, maybe I'll get a raise."

When Ox chefs Greg and Gabi Denton opened their second restaurant, SuperBite, the couple wanted to establish a tipping system that would benefit servers, cooks and diners. Though the restaurant has a full front-of-house staff, there are a handful of what the Denton's call "cook-servers," who in addition to helping in the kitchen, polish silverware, run food and spend one shift a week bussing tables.

"We wanted to attract the best of the best and to do that you have to pay people more money than a normal cook budget might ask for," Gabi said. "Just getting a small amount of the additional tips really becomes a situation where an entry level cook will make a livable wage."

The tipless recipe

Park Kitchen switched to their "One House, Gratuity Free" model on July 1.

Under the new format, nearly all servers and cooks have been cross-trained on all kitchen and floor stations, with dishwashers starting at $12 an hour and cook-servers at $15. All full-time employees qualify for medical benefits. Now, servers may spend three days waiting tables and two days working in the kitchen. Eventually, interested cooks might find a bartending shift on their weekly schedule. Managers, bartenders, prep cooks, porters and the head chef have maintained their current positions.

The entire staff at Park Kitchen also wear the same denim apron, a nod to the idea that the restaurant is "one house," sharing in the work and pay equitably across the board, regardless of where they're working that night. The apron allows seamless movement from the back to the front of house, depending on who needs help.

"We call it a 'pressure release valve,'" chef Sapp said. "If we're getting stopped up in the front, anybody can go anywhere and allow that ease. The idea is that we're stressed and busy but the guests have no idea."

Most restaurants that planned to eliminate tipping have increased their prices to offset the cost of paying their employees more. Some, like Park Kitchen and Le Pigeon, have raised prices by around 18-20 percent across the board. For anyone who normally tips 18 percent or higher, the out-of-pocket expense is roughly the same.

Positive change

So far, the only question Dolich had is why he didn't make the change sooner.

"The feedback has still been overwhelmingly positive," Dolich said. "The only real complications that we've run into, and it's not really a complication, is when people want to tip above and beyond."

On a recent Tuesday at Park Kitchen, three faculty from Pacific Northwest College of Art sipped brews on the breezy patio. Tracey Cockrell, the school's Chief Academic Officer, said she had spotted the "gratuity free" sticker in the window, but hadn't realized what it meant until asked for her opinion by a reporter.

A play on the percentage symbol, the "gratuity free" sticker was created by a New York restaurateur as a way for restaurants to communicate to guests that tips are included in their bill.

Cockrell, who said she had been coming to Park Kitchen "on-and-off for years," said she approved of the change.

"I put myself through school waiting tables," Cockrell said. "I'm happy to hear it."

-- Samantha Bakall

sbakall@oregonian.com

Follow @sambakall
photo[18].JPG

Wim Wiewel, Portland State University president, announced Wednesday he will step down next year. After nine years on the job, it was time, he said.

(LC- Jeff Manning)

Marinus "Wim" Wiewel will step down as president of Portland State University, the school announced Wednesday, after nine years marked by independence from the old state system and near-constant financial challenge.

His resignation surprised even some university trustees. Wiewel, 66, had signed a new three-year contract 13 months ago. But in an interview Wednesday, he said after nine years on the job, it was time to go.

"Someone told me when I started here that this is not a job, it's a life," Wiewel said. "It's just been an amazing experience. But it's an exhausting position."

Wiewel, eager for PSU to leave behind its commuter-college roots, oversaw rapid enrollment growth and aggressive expansion of the university's physical footprint. His proudest accomplishment, he said, was the achievement of Portland State's independence from the state of Oregon.

While the University of Oregon initially took the lead in fighting for independence, when it came time to negotiate the fine points with state lawmakers, Wiewel was at the forefront, said Tom Imeson, an executive at Northwest Natural and a PSU trustee.

"From the public's perspective and a good-governance perspective, independence is a great thing," Wiewel said.

Wiewel assembled Imeson, Peter Nickerson and other prominent business executives to serve as PSU trustees on an independent board.

"If you look at the full nine years of Wim being there, Portland State is in a totally different space than it was," said Sandra McDonough, of the Portland Business Alliance. "It's much stronger. And Wim made it happen."

McDonough's business group clashed with Wiewel after he proposed a payroll tax on Metro-area businesses that would raise as much as $40 million a year for Portland State. The controversial plan earned plenty of criticism and it was withdrawn before it made it to the ballot.

"When you talk about any leader who's been successful, that doesn't come without trials and tribulations," said Rick Miller, a Portland entrepreneur and member of the PSU board of trustees. "I think he realized it was either the wrong thing or the wrong time. In the end, he made the right decision to back away from it."

Miller and Imeson agreed with Wiewel that the payroll tax debacle played no role in his decision to resign.

Wiewel assumed PSU's helm in 2008, just as the depth of the economic recession was becoming clear. As the recession sapped the economy, state tax revenue plunged, as did spending on higher education.

To make up for sagging state support, PSU repeatedly raised tuition, which Wiewel admits was particularly painful for a student body that is more diverse and less able to afford price hikes than those at other universities.

An upside of the recession, though, is that Oregonians went to college in record numbers. Enrollment at PSU surged from 23,000 to 29,000, making it the second-largest four-year university in the state.

The school had to make room for that 26 percent jump. During Wiewel's tenure, Portland State spent $571.8 million building or renovating more than 1.8 million square feet of space.

Wiewel will remain as president through the next academic year. Until he's replaced, he will continue to collect annual compensation of $539,000 and stay in the university's $2.1 million "presidential residence" in the Dunthorpe neighborhood..

He then plans to go on sabbatical for a year and eventually return to campus with a faculty appointment in the College of Urban and Public Affairs.

-- Jeff Manning

503-294-7606, jmanning@oregonian.com
Hatfield U.S. Courthouse.jpg

The manager for a Gresham eye clinic admitted to a federal judge on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 that he and his father stole more than $2.5 million in a fraud scheme.

(Bryan Denson/The Oregonian)

The manager of a Gresham ophthalmology clinic has pleaded guilty to health care and Internal Revenue Service fraud schemes in which he collected more than $2.5 million over seven years, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Anthony Curtis Neal, 40, told a federal judge Tuesday that he and his now-deceased father, Dr. Dean Neal, defrauded Medicaid and other health care plans and conspired to defraud the IRS while working at Eye Care Services Inc.

Neal and his father, who was the clinic's primary doctor, managed the clinic. To increase their income, Neal's father gave patients medically unnecessary tests and Neal submitted the claims to Medicaid and other insurers for reimbursement, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Oregon said in a news release.

Neal also claimed that the clinic was entitled to a higher reimbursement rate than it actually was and double-billed health insurance plans for tests, officials said.

Neal and his father stole $1,702,568 from the government and private insurers using the schemes, officials said.

Neal also defrauded the IRS of $817,379 by not reporting the clinic's income on his taxes between 2006 and 2013, the government said.

Prosecutors will seek an unspecified prison sentence for Neal as well as restitution to Medicare, other health insurers and the IRS. Neal's sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 4.

-- Samantha Matsumoto

smatsumoto@oregonian.com, @SMatsumoto55

503-294-4001
A conference call today with officials from The Dow Chemical Co. covered a range of topics from the presidential election to polyethylene futures, with many comments related to a planned historic merger of Dow and Delaware-based DuPont Co.

Andrew Liveris, Dow chairman and chief executive officer, pointed to the companys relentless and disciplined execution when it came to its second quarter goals, including the transaction close of the Dow Corning acquisition on June 1.

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF DOW CORNING

The Dow Corning transaction was completed ahead of schedule, Liveris said during the conference call, and he described the integration as having been implemented seamlessly.

Howard Ungerleider, Dows chief financial officer and the newly appointed chairman of Dow Corning, said the acquisition will unlock significant value for Dow shareholders.

As we worked together more closely with the Dow Corning team, we discovered even more opportunities to streamline, Ungerleider said.

Those opportunities produced an additional $100 million in cost synergies, for a total of $500 million in combined run rate annual synergies related to the transaction.

The acquisition of Dow Corning and the resulting synergies are expected to produce $1 billion in additional annual earnings before certain factors, at full run-rate. Dow is expecting $410 to $460 million in costs related to asset impairments, severance and other costs related to this announcement through the second half of 2016.

DOWDUPONT MERGER ON SCHEDULE

The combined company known as DowDuPont was brought up numerous times during the conference call.

When asked about possible agriculture concessions made for European Union regulators, Liveris said he cant disclose that information but that the company is deep in the regulatory process and confident of closing the merger by year-end.

We are working pedal to the medal to get those metrics in place, the milestones in place, the board reviews, Liveris said.

Ungerleider touched on the share buyback program currently being synchronized between Dow and DuPont.

We do intend fully to buy back stock but within the volume limits we have, Ungerleider said, adding that volume in the summer months tends to be light. We intend to buy as much as we can, in sync with DuPont and in line with the volume.

The share buyback program is just one step in the process. Another accomplishment was made July 20, when shareholders from Dow and DuPont met and voted to approve the merger agreement.

According to Jim Fitterling, Dows chief operating officer, significant progress is being made and officials are focusing on preparations for day one of DowDuPont. Those preparations include driving the regulatory approval process, and accompanying financial issues.

All in all, the merger is on track and Dow is firing on all cylinders to make it happen, Liveris said.

TRADE AND OTHER ISSUES

During the question-and-answer session of the conference call, Liveris was asked if he was concerned about the impact of the presidential election on trade.

Im not particularly concerned about the rhetoric thats going on right now, Liveris replied.

He said he plans to engage the next administration on all things that matter to the company and pointed out that the United States has put in very few trade agreements in the past years.

Were on the ground pretty much everywhere else, Liveris said, adding that Dow operates physical facilities in 37 countries. We have local market access under all sorts of trade environments. We benefit from all of those.

There was also an update on Enlist Duo, a combination of glyphosate and 2,4-D created by Dow AgroSciences that had its registration revoked by the Environmental Protection Agency in November.

We believe we are ready to receive the approval, Ungerleider said.

Company officials are also anticipating commercial operation in the third quarter for Sadara Chemical Company, Dows joint venture with Saudi Aramco, which according to its website is expected to be a Fortune 500 company within its first year of full operation.

Sadara is located in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, and is anticipated to produce more than three million tons of products every year.

It is the first chemical complex of its kind to be built in a single phase, Fitterling noted, and positions both Dow and Saudi Aramco to capture growth where growth exists.

Were in a ramp and start-up activity right now, Fitterling said, as construction schedules are met for completion by the end of 2016. We are happy with the results to date.

Read about Dows 2016 second quarter earnings report here: http://bit.ly/2axfmcH
A new collaboration between Saginaw County Schools and The Greater Michigan Construction Academy will begin for the 2016-17 school year, providing interested district students an early start on apprenticeships into skilled trades.

We will be starting with the electrical and carpentry trades and see where the interest is from there. said GMCA Vice President Stephanie Davis.

GMCA has been offering the program in the Midland school district for two years with great success. We are excited to be able to offer this type of training in Saginaw, not only as a classroom environment, but also as a hands-on training opportunity for a variety of trades, Davis said. Those entering the program as juniors will earn two years of the required four year equivalency to become an apprentice in selected skilled trade careers by the time they graduate as seniors. The best part is there is no cost to the student.

Students will convene at the Mackinaw High School, Monday through Friday, for two class hours of their regular school day receiving instruction and hands-on training in various disciplines related to skilled trades. As the students move through the skilled trades content, they will receive certification of each level completed through NCCER. No additional cost will be required from the students to participate.

There is opportunity for students who want this type of work. The jobs are there  the employers definitely need skilled workers. Through this program, students will get a head start on obtaining the skills they need to begin their careers, Davis said.

Students who complete the program will have the opportunity to continue their training through GMCA for full certification credentials.

For more information contact Bridget Sadenwater, director of education, at (989) 832-8879, bsadenwater@gmca.edu or you can visit our web site at www.gmca.edu
The Cargo Deployment Function is always ready to support any operation at any time, near and far, at a moments notice.



Kadenas CDF is the middle man for all cargo leaving the 18th Wing in support of operations around the world.



We support Kadena's mission of counter air, air refueling, command and control, and combat search and rescue capabilities by processing deployment cargo, said MSgt. Charles Smilinich, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron cargo deployment function superintendent. We are responsible for everything from receiving, check-in, inspection, marshalling, load planning, manifest, and supervising cargo loading.



The Airmen at the CDF have to be ready for anything, as they can be called into action with very little notice.



Depending on the priority of the mission, we can execute 18th Wing requirements with as little as 20 minutes notification or as much as months in advance, said Smilinich.



The vast majority of the cargo the CDF handles is related to launching jets from downrange locations. Though, they do handle other special mission cargo.



They also frequently handle equipment such as off road vehicles, watercraft, air defense artillery equipment, and humanitarian relief aid.



Like the CDF, the Personnel Deployment Function tends to the people aspect of a deployment.



The PDF works directly with military members only, traveling on organic aircraft, said Tech. Sgt. James Anderson, 18th LRS passenger travel NCO in charge.



Organic aircraft, usually a C-17, is any military-owned aircraft the Air Force has purchased for a specific movement.



On the day of departure, a five-member teams stands up the PDF line at the Passenger Terminal. The team checks passengers in to the flight, verifies identification and copies of orders. The PDF also accounts for the weight of the people and any carry-on items. This makes the process almost the same as traveling commercially.

After, the PDF accounts for the weight of the people and any carry-on items.



The last portion of the PDF line is baggage check. They palletize all bags onto an air pallet, strap the items down with nettings and account for the weight.



After the count has been completed, we will manifest all passengers into our Cargo Movement Operations System, which when released, will send a digital signature to U. S. Transportation Command, said Anderson. From there USTRANSCOM can monitor the flight, from point A to Point B,



Both the CDF and the PDF work hard to ensure that people and cargo get to their destination.



Although it is a small piece of the puzzle that is Team Kadena, it's an integral part of being a strategic forward base and allows the United States military the ability to facilitate bilateral and multilateral engagements where and when its needed, said Smilinich.
NEW OPENINGS

Bad Moms

101 min.; R (sexual material, full frontal nudity, language throughout, drug/ alcohol content)

Three overworked moms leave their families for an odyssey into no-holds-barred freedom.

Captain Fantastic

118 min.; R (language, brief graphic nudity)

A father takes his children on a road trip to New Mexico to attend their mother's funeral.

Jason Bourne

123 min.; PG-13 (intense violence/action, brief strong language)

Jason Bourne, now remembering who he truly is, tries to uncover hidden truths about his past.

ONGOING

Finding Dory

103 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG (mild thematic elements)

The forgetful blue tang fish crosses an ocean with Nemo and Martin to find her family.

Ghostbusters

116 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG-13 (supernatural action, crude humor)

When ghosts invade Manhattan, a team of female parapsychologists unites to stop a powerful demon known as Rowan.

Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party

100 min.; PG-13 (violence, thematic elements, smoking)

Anti-liberal Dinesh D'Souza takes on the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton.

Ice Age: Collision Course

94 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG (mild rude humor, action/peril)

Manny, Diego and Sid join up with Buck to fend off a meteor strike that would destroy the world.

Lights Out

81 min.; PG-13 (terror throughout, violence, disturbing images, thematic material, drug content)

A young woman is worried that her kid brother is being stalked by a spirit visible only in the dark.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

98 min.; R (crude sexual content, language throughout, drug use, graphic nudity)

Two brothers place an online ad to find dates for a wedding and the ad goes viral.

Nerve

96 min.; PG-13 (dangerous/risky behavior, sexual content, language, drug content, nudity  all involving teens)

A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of "truth or dare."

The Secret Life of Pets

90 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG (action, rude humor)

Two pet dogs unite against a cunning bunny building an army of abandoned pets.

Star Trek Beyond

120 min.; 2-D/3-D; PG-13 (sci-fi action/violence)

The USS Enterprise crew is stranded on an unknown planet with no apparent means of rescue.

AT THE NORMAL

Note: The Normal Theater is closed for renovations through July 31.

Modern Times

87 min.; unrated

Charlie Chaplin's Tramp struggles to live in modern industrial society with the help of a young homeless woman. (Aug. 2)
BLOOMINGTON  A Colfax man was sentenced to seven years in prison Wednesday for sexually abusing two girls who reported his sexual attacks on them to authorities last year.

Dennis Farney pleaded guilty in May to aggravated criminal sexual abuse of two minors who are now adults in exchange for dismissal of one count of predatory criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

In his remarks to Judge Robert Freitag before the sentence was imposed, the 55-year-old sex offender turned to the two victims in the courtroom and apologized.

"I truly want to apologize for what has happened," said Farney.

Freitag said the accusations that surfaced more than a decade after they were committed "illustrates very clearly that this a very private crime, a very secret crime."

The evidence also shows that Farney's victims "are still suffering greatly from his selfish, despicable behavior," said the judge.

Farney also received a seven-year concurrent term on a second count of sexual abuse.

Assistant State's Attorney Jacob Harlow asked for 10 years for Farney on one count and a concurrent seven years on the second charge, arguing that the single incident of abuse reported by one of the victims and the years of molestation of a second minor girl traumatized the victims in ways that left them emotionally scarred and in need of counseling.

"This is not behind them. This is not past them," Harlow said of the abuse.

Defense lawyer Carey Luckman sought a term of probation for Farney. Luckman argued that Farney is unlikely to commit a similar offense and has been a respected member of the community before the criminal charges were filed.

In a July 7 hearing related to Farney's sentencing, both victims testified about the trauma they have suffered as a result of the abuse from the sex offender with whom they were acquainted.

"I will never, ever forgive you. I wanted you dead. Now I want you to suffer," one of the women told Farney through heavy sobs.

Anger and depression came after years of sexual abuse starting when she was about 10 years old, the second victim told the judge.

"I don't believe he should be out living his life while we're trying to get by, day by day ... it's people like him that make the world unsafe," said the woman.

Three witnesses testified on Farney's behalf.

Brandan Bose, who worked with Farney at a Colfax grain company, called Farney "the kind of guy you look up to. I trust him as far as anyone could trust another person."

Dallas Bose, who served on the local fire department with Farney, called the defendant "number one."

When asked about the charges against Farney, Bose said, "I'm surprised at that part, but I still feel the same way I always have about him."

Such testimonials expressing disbelief at unacceptable conduct are not uncommon in sex cases, noted the judge.
NORMAL  Illinois State University Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said visiting the White House and getting a first-hand briefing from President Barack Obama on policing practices was an experience he wont forget.

It was nice, it was definitely interesting and when you get an invitation to go to the White House, its an opportunity you cant pass up, he said.

Woodruff was one of about 60 law enforcement officials from around the country chosen to participate in the briefing on policing best practices on July 22.

The briefing was based on the final report of the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing and focused on improving relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

The 116-page report is available on-line and suggests trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is essential to the stability of our communities and the integrity of our criminal justice system.

It covered issues such as building trust within the community, law enforcement policy and oversight, the use of technology and social media, community policing and crime reduction, officer training and education, and officer wellness and safety, Woodruff said.

Obama spoke to the officials for just over 10 minutes, Woodruff said.

He thanked us for what we do every day and told us that all Americans appreciated our sacrifice, he said. The President has talked about these issues quite a bit lately and he expressed his concerns on all sides, not just representing law enforcement or Black Lives Matter. He is trying to help the country improve and heal and have these dialogues and conversations in a productive means rather than through rhetoric and the media.

A video of the briefing is available on the White House website at: www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2016/07/22/advancing-21st-century-policing-briefing.

Following the briefing, Obama shook hands with some of the participants.

I missed out on that, Woodruff said. I wasnt in the first two rows.

In addition to the briefing, the group met with other law enforcement leaders to discuss the issues the law enforcement community is facing.

Woodruff said that it was a special honor to go this year, particularly when tensions between police officers in other communities has been high.

The Illinois State University Police Department places a high value on building trust within the campus and local communities, he said. Ongoing training and education for our officers is a top priority. Thats important at any time, but especially so when police and community relations have been in the spotlight in the wake of high-profile incidents in states across the nation.
NORMAL  Normal Mayor Chris Koos will seek a fourth full term in office.

Koos, who has been mayor since 2003, will file paperwork to run for that position in the April 4 consolidated election, he announced Thursday morning.

"I have always felt that if you are doing something without the fire in the belly for it, you should move on to something else. As I stand here today, I will tell you that I still have that passion," he said. "Together we can continue to make this strong, vibrant community even more secure and special."

Koos, 68, said he no longer has a specific finish line in mind for his time as mayor. He said previously his third full term would be his last.

"I won't get put in that trap again," he said with a laugh. "I feel like I still have a lot to offer."

Koos added he has no specific successor in mind. Mentoring Normal City Council members is a longstanding goal of his.

Koos has been elected three times since succeeding Kent Karraker, who resigned before the end of his term due to health reasons. Koos was elected to council in 2001.

During Koos' tenure, the town has overhauled uptown, including building Uptown Station, the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center and the Hyatt Place hotel, and improved its relationship with Illinois State University. He said those things were possible because of a dedicated staff and council.

"I am quite frankly amazed at the progress, the innovation and the unique sense of place that has become today's Normal," he said. "Normal is now nationally recognized as a progressive and unique community."

Koos said he hopes to expand collaboration among Bloomington-Normal agencies and improve outreach. The town's long-term plans also include expanding uptown to the south with a pedestrian underpass near the train station, a new Normal Public Library and commercial, residential and retail space.

"The council and I share the thought that we have much opportunity to build on this success," Koos said. "There are challenges to the community as well, and I think my experience will be beneficial to the town in addressing and overcoming these challenges."

Koos is still active in business as owner of Vitesse Cycle Shop and Often Running, a running and jogging shop. Both are adjacent to uptown at 206 S. Linden St.

Three council members could also seek re-election in April: Cheryl Gaines, Kevin McCarthy and Scott Preston. McCarthy confirmed he'll seek a second term.

Im leaning toward running for re-election but am not ready to make a formal announcement, said Preston, who was elected to his first term in 2013.

Gaines could not be reached for comment Thursday. She's served on the council since 1993.

Petition circulation for nonpartisan municipal candidates begins on Aug. 30; the the filing period is Nov. 2128; and the primary election, if needed, is Feb. 28.
There has been an increasing trend in homeschooling today, where parents are opting to homeschool their children rather than send them to various public and private schools across the United States. As a matter of fact, more than two million children are homeschooled in all 50 states nationwide.

Even though homeschooling is currently on the rise, the stereotypes and homeschooling myths continue to persist. What's more surprising is the fact that some homeschooling parents also believed those misrepresentations.

Homeschooling Myths Parents Believe

According to About Education, there are three homeschooling myths that parents believed. These are - "homeschooled children are weird," "homeschooled kids are unsocialized" and "all homeschoolers are child prodigies."

Homeschooling expert Kris Bales, however, stressed that homeschooling parents should not allow these myths to spark "unnecessary conflict" in their homeschool. Bales said that parents should help children understand how to deal with social situations and not think of their kids as weird or anti-social.

"Homeschooled children do need opportunities to socialize with their peers, but that doesn't mean that you have to enroll them in every single activity available," Bales wrote. "And, you certainly don't have to do so to prove to your child, yourself, your nosy neighbor or well-meaning relative that your kids are socialized."

Society's Perception On Homeschooling

In the article, Bales also highlighted the society's perception on homeschooling, which homeschooling parents also believed. According to Bales, homeschooled kids can either be "academically hamstrung students who will never be able to make it in the real world or child prodigies who excel academically."

"Both extremes seem to have infiltrated the minds of many homeschooled parents, causing undo stress on parents and their children," Bales said. "This child-prodigy mindset can cause parents to place excessive academic pressure on their children and fail to recognize a student's unique gifts and talents."

Why Parents Should Stop Believing Homeschooling Myths

Although parents have denied the aforementioned homeschooling myths, those beliefs have already infiltrated the minds of many homeschooling parents. But Bales said parents should not let these myths, stereotypes, even doubts and fears invade their homeschool rather believe that their kids are unique individuals who are allowed to follow their passions while dealing with their weaknesses.

Parent's Guide To Homeschooling

Speaking of homeschooling, Adequate Man has published an article, "A Normal Parent's Guide To Homeschooling." In the articles, Miranda Wulff Altschuler explained the ins and outs of homeschooling as well as detailed the effective ways for parents to handle homeschooling.

Meanwhile, there are so many reasons why many parents are now opting homeschooling than traditional schools. As Parent Herald previously reported, it may be due to insufficient public schools or variations on educational philosophies and religious beliefs.

What are your thoughts on homeschooling? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
"The Catch" was added to ABC's roster of shows during the mid-season and received a surprise renewal despite its shaky start. Mirielle Enos, the star of the show who plays Alice Vaughan, the owner of a successful private investigation firm in L.A., revealed that the upcoming season is going to focus on learning the characters' background. T.R. Knight also joins the series in a multi-episode arc.

'The Catch' Season 2: Mireille Enos Teases Backstories, Shorter Episodes

Mireille Enos spoke on eTalk during her visit to Canada recently and stated that they have yet to begin with work on "The Catch" Season 2. However, she is aware that next season will be filled with backstories about the characters - Alice, Ben (Peter Krause), Valerie (Rose Rollins), Danny (Jay Hayden), Sophie (Elvy Yost) and Margot (Sonya Walger).

Mireille Enos guessed that her character, with Alice's beautiful house and office, and fashionable clothes, might have been picking car locks before she became a sought-after private investigator with rich clients. She describes the appeal of the show as somewhat akin to "Romeo and Juliet" meets "James Bond."

The actress also unofficially confirmed that "The Catch" Season 2 could have shorter episodes as opposed to the standard 22-24 episodes on network television. Mireille Enos believes this is a better model for shows to be able to tell a straight-forward and tighter storyline. "The Catch" Season 1 had only 10 episodes.

'The Catch' Season 2: T.R. Knight Casting

Meanwhile, former "Grey's Anatomy" star T.R. Knight is joining "The Catch" Season 2 and executive producer Shonda Rhimes confirmed his addition via TV Line. "This has been a thrilling secret to keep!" said Rhimes, who is also the executive producer on "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," "How To Get Away With Murder" and the cancelled series "Private Practice" on the same network.

Both Knight and Rhimes are happy to be working together again after so many years. "I am heartened to be returning to Shondaland and excited to work with this exceptional cast," T.R. Knight said in the TV Line statement.

It's still unknown what role the actor will play on "The Catch" Season 2, but perhaps he's going to be part of one of the character's family or backstory. Could the actor play Peter Krause's brother in the show?

"The Catch" Season 2 is scheduled for a mid-season return on ABC. First time to learn about the show? Watch the video below.
There's a serial killer on the loose in Port Charles, and nobody knows who's going to be his next victim. A promo video teases that he is going to strike again and one dead body is going to be found by the end of this week. Any idea who's playing Dexter in the daytime soap?

Valerie Says Franco Is The Killer

Spoilers from Celeb Dirty Laundry, the serial killer has taken out a middle-aged woman, and Amy (Risa Dorkin) is going to find the body when she went to check the patient. Valerie Spencer (Brytni Sarpy) would believe that the culprit is Franco (Roger Howarth) and would tell Dr. Griffin Munro (Matt Cohen) so. But maybe Franco is just in the wrong place and at the wrong time. It's also possible that Valerie is looking in the too obvious that's why she would miss the real clues.

According to CDL, another suspect is Hamilton Finn (Michael Easton). Fortunately for him, he wasn't anywhere near the scene when the crime happened. All clues for now points to Franco, and Jordan Ashford (Vinessa Antoine) would ask him some questions, must to his dislike.

Sam Is Pregnant With Jason's Baby?

Elsewhere in "General Hospital," Sam Morgan (Kelly Monaco) passed out in Cassadine Island. It may be just because of dehydration. But another possibility is that she is pregnant. CDL said that would be good news for her and Jason Morgan (Billy Miller) to give them something fresh to start with as they get back together with their son Danny. But while that could turn out to be true, there's another emerging issue. GH fans will soon meet a little girl, Athena (Jazmyn Skye Vale), who is possible Jason's daughter with Helena Cassadine.

What do you think about the upcoming events in "General Hospital"? Share us your thoughts by leaving your comments below!

"General Hospital" airs Mondays to Fridays on ABC at 2 p.m.
A mom from Georgia was appalled to see her daughter's sexy photo post on Facebook. She also learned that her 16-year-old is already sexually active. So, to teach the young girl a lesson, mommy beat her up and showed everything that went on via Facebook Live.

Shanavia Miller slapped, punched and hit her daughter with an object in the video. She also shouted and berated her for being a THOT, which translates to "that hoe over there," per CNN. The controversial video, which goes for more than four minutes, has gone viral on social media since its posting. It has received different reactions from netizens.

Some understood the mother's frustration, rationalizing that Shanavia Miller could've only been trying to save her daughter from "the nasty world." But majority agree that the act was disturbing, and more so because it was broadcast live on Facebook.

She taught her daughter a hard lesson on social media about social media. Deal with it! #niagreen https://t.co/EIy590LLBj  Nails On The Cheap (@NailsOnTheCheap) July 26, 2016

The video of #NiaGreen seriously hurt my heart. That was not discipline it was physical/emotional abuse. Plus, why post it online? Smh.  poetic indigo (@ShaneRain_) July 25, 2016



The Sun reports that the mother's rage was sparked by a photo her daughter shared on her Facebook with her boyfriend, and the girl only had a towel on. Perhaps seeing red, Shanavia Miller consciously decided to video tape the beating so that it will go viral and teach her daughter a valuable lesson.

The Washington Post reports that after the video has spread on the internet, the daughter acknowledged her mistake. She said she was sorry for embarrassing her mother. "I was gonna open up and tell her that I was having sex," the girl said. "I understand why she did what she did."

Meanwhile, Shanavia Miller said that she loves her daughter despite what happened and this was her way of disciplining her. She wants the 16-year-old to grow up not disrespecting anyone, including her mom and herself. Authorities are now looking into the case further. But so far, there has been no charges filed against Shanavia Miller, per CBS News.

Watch the viral video below. Please be warned that it is violent. What are your thoughts on this controversy? Do you believe the mom was out of line or was her disciplining her daughter warranted?
Many conflicting reports surrounds Lindsay Lohan nowdays after she went on an Instagram and Twitter rant claiming that her fiance Egor Tarabasov is cheating on her. Now, her father, Michael Lohan revealed that the actress told him that she is pregnant but was recently spotted smoking a cigarette.

Michael recently talked to Us Weekly and he said that Lohan told him she is pregnant so he believes her. The 56-year-old's latest statement comes after he said that he has sent threatening text messages to Tarabasov. The reports also came after she took to Twitter to post a link from her 2009 movie "Labor Pains" showing her wearing a fake baby bump and wrote alongside it, "I am pregnant."

Lindsay Lohan Expecting First Child With Egor Tarabasov who Threatened to Kill Her

If the reports are true about Lindsay being pregnant, it is an addition to the ongoing headlines surrounding them. Since last week, Lindsay accused Tarabasov of cheating on her then surfaced a video online apparently showing the actress and her fiance arguing at the balcony of their London apartment.

In the video, Lindsay was heard saying that Tarabasov threatened to kill her and that he has been strangling her numerous times. Police officials were eventually called to their apartment.

Days later, Lindsay took to Instagram to say that she is good and well and that she is taking some time for herself with her good friends. She added, "I am sorry that I've exposed certain private matters recently. I was acting out of fear and sadness...." She continued to say that people all make mistakes and that it is sad that hers are always made public.
The United States Department of Justice has issued new federal guidelines to help homeless students across the country. The new guidelines, which will take effect on October 1, 2016, are part of the federal legislation called Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2015.

Federal data from the 2013-14 school year found that there are around 1.3 million homeless students enrolled in U.S. public schools, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Education. Past studies found that homeless students face academic, social, and socio-emotional issues due to their condition. Being homeless lowered these youngsters' educational attainment and raised their chances of dropping out of school.

Department Of Education's Partnership With State & Local Partners

According to the Department of Education's press release, the new guidelines will work side-by-side with the school districts in the Washington state and across America to provide the important tools and resources homeless students need from preschool to higher education. These groups aim to give a stable and safe education and environment to homeless students.

They will do this by assigning and training school liaisons within each U.S. school district. The guidelines will also seek the assistance of different groups such as law enforcement, juvenile and family courts, public housing agencies, and mental health organizations.

Homeless children tend to move around a lot while their parents look for work in various places. As a result, these families end up in streets or homeless shelters, with the kids' academic performance dropping significantly with each location transfer they go through. Thanks to the new guidelines, older students who frequently moved from one area to the next will be given partial credit for what they've completed in their previous schools.

Homeless Students In America

Around 12 percent of homeless children in the U.S. are not enrolled in school and 45 percent do not go to school regularly, The Philadelphia Tribune reported. In Oklahoma, for instance, the number of homeless students has increased by 55 percent in just four years.

Oklahoma Sen. Kay Floyd said the state "absolutely" has a big homeless youth problem, according to HPPR. As of now, there are around nearly 28,000 homeless students recorded in the state, with some of them living in unsheltered areas like parks, cars, and abandoned buildings.

Homeless students may not say the exact status of their living conditions, but it can be determined just by studying their appearances and school performances. They often have poor health, wear the same clothes repeatedly, have increased absences, and have low school-work quality.
A baby website, using findings from experts, is encouraging parents to keep their babies' nurseries in shades of monochrome for the baby's first few months in this world. Parents are given tips on the use of color in their babies nursery corresponding their age.

Essential Baby said previous research has found that for their first few months of life, newborn babies can only see primarily in shades of black, gray and white. "For this reason, a monochrome colour scheme filled with contrasting patterns and shapes provides a newborn with the best form of visual stimulation."

Forget pink and blue: Experts reveal why your baby's nursery should be black and white until they're three months.https://t.co/KRrX3HeWOl  Bravado Designs (@bravado_uk) July 27, 2016

Introducing More Color As Baby Grows

Daily Mail also reported on the baby website's guide for parents. For babies aged three to six months, the report said that three months is when babies can actually see colors. Giving the nursery some "vibrancy" is said to be important for the baby's continuous development even as matching colors to a monochrome room would not be difficult.

For babies six to 12 months, it was recommended to place simple art, toys, books and furniture in the nursery. While nurseries of babies from one to two years old, who are learning to speak and learning to differentiate between colors were recommended to be one with wall prints and cushions to usher in more colors.

Helping Your Children Identify Colors

According to a report from The Sun who also discussed the baby website's advice to parents, babies who are three to four years old are usually already capable of naming basic colors. Parents are advised to place bean bags, lamps and rugs to add "accents of color" in the nursery.

It was said that playing recognition games like eye-spy is also said to aid children's language and communication skills. The eye-spy will use colors of different objects in the nursery as opposed to letter. Essential Baby named Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute in San Francisco and the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute as sources in their article on baby nurseries and color.
A new fertility product for women in the form of a fertility tracking bracelet revealing one's fertile days has been launched. The Ava bracelet is worn by women at night and its sensors are said to measure the breathing rate, heart rate variability, pulse rate, sleep quality and temperature, among others.

"Timing intercourse around ovulation is critical for conceiving, but the current options for doing so are inadequate. We're long overdue for a device like Ava that detects the fertile window precisely and easily," said Prof. Brigitte Leeners, as per an Ava press release posted in PR News Wire. Leeners led the clinical study for the bracelet.

Meet Ava, the wearable that helps couples get pregnant https://t.co/KVvoK1GXO0 pic.twitter.com/QIpHrdPvGV  CNET (@CNET) July 26, 2016

Fertility Bracelet Comes With App

Digital Trends reported that the Ava fertility bracelet is meant to be synced with an app during the morning. The information on the woman's body that the bracelet collected throughout the night will then be transmitted to the app.

According to CNET, the app will display the collected physiological information data through several graphs. The Ava app reportedly also features a timeline of the woman's menstrual cycle which points out her most fertile days.

Ava Fertility Bracelet Said To Be 89 Percent Accurate

According to Ava's press release, the Ava fertility bracelet recorded an 89 percent accuracy of detecting an average of 5.3 fertile days per menstruation cycle. The clinical study to test the bracelet was conducted at the University Hospital of Zurich in Switzerland.

"Even if you're tracking your periods to try to optimize your timing for conception, only about 30 percent of women have fertile windows that fall entirely within the time that clinical guidelines predict," said Ava Science CEO and co-founder Lea von Bidder in the press release. Bidder claimed that the Ava fertility bracelet can "can cut the time it takes to get pregnant in half."
What Prince William did during Her Majesty's birthday was apparently a breach of protocol. But what most, including the Queen herself, did not really see was that his simple gesture to his child reinforces his stately appearance both as a father and duke.

According to parenting experts, Duke William of Cambridge readily championed a new type of parenting, which goes against the royal standards, as cited on GH. Crouching down to talk to his toddler son while making sure eye-contact is made shows William's 21st parenting technique. The close proximity between William and his child, as he attends to his son, guarantees a lifetime bond. Whether it is during a visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo or in front of the US President, William adopts this parenting style more often when addressing his boy.

Experts call this parenting style as an active listening technique as cited in the Mirror. This parenting technique happens when an individual deliberately pays attention to what is being said as well as to how it is being said. In addition, this parenting style is much about being aware of voice inflection, body language and overall attitude.

William's parenting technique is particularly commended both by behavioral experts and child psychologists. They strongly believe that such parenting style will definitely make children feel utterly valued and understood.

On her blog 'Crouching Parent, Talking Child', Teresa Newmark comprehensively writes about the benefits of being on your child's level. On active listening, Newmark thinks that short is actually good. Short enables your kids to carefully read your face as well as to look at your mouth as you talk. "They can see all those articulators, like your lips, teeth and tongue, moving to form words. They learn how to form words themselves. They can hear you better. You can hear them better," Newmark explained. "They are better able to focus on what you are saying. You are not distracted so they know what you are saying is important and they take it more seriously," she added further.

So with this kind of parenting technique, we can surely praise Duke Wills for a great parenting job.


Parents who homeschool their children in one California county have been informed that homeschooling their children instead of sending them to school is illegal. The parents received a letter from the San Benito Unified School District.

"Under California Law, a home school is not a private school, nor is it a lawful alternative to public school ..." the school district told the parents, according to an article written by Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) President Mike Smith. Smith said that they wrote a letter back to the school district "explaining that homeschooling is indeed a legal exemption to public school attendance pursuant to the private-school exemption."

School district tries 'homeschooling illegal' ploy Read more: https://t.co/L8AFtR3xLH  Dr. Jake Baker (@DrJakeBaker) July 27, 2016

Homeschooling Had Been Permitted Before

This notification came even as there had already been a previous court ruling allowing homeschooling which came eight years ago, reported WND. In that instance, the report said that a senior level court in the state of California made the decision that state law allowed parents to homeschool their children as homeschooling is "a species of private education."

The court ruling allowing homeschooling California reportedly came after the court first ruled the homeschooling cannot be permitted under state law. WND said that after they broke the story on the ruling unfavorable to homeschooling, homeschool advocates asked the court to reconsider their decision and the court heeded their plea.

Homeschooling Issue In France

One News Now reported that parents in France who homeschool their children are not happy about new homeschooling restrictions in the country. The homeschooling issue pertains to an amendment in the Education Code of France adopted by the National Assembly.

"While an annual inspection of homeschooled students was previously required, Article L. 131 of the Education Code now specifies that families no longer have a say in the location or manner of the inspection," HSLDA Director of Global Outreach Mike Donnelly was quoted as saying. Donnelly said that different homeschooling groups in France have come together and made petitions against the amendment to the Education Code.
"Prison Break" had definitely taken a really long break. It is returning to television after six long years. The series will return in 2017 and it was given a go signal from Wentworth Miller. The announcement was made at the San Diego Comic-Con 2016.

What will feature in the "Prison Break" revival? Many fans are very eager to know what the plot line can be. What will happen to Sarah and Michael's love story? Will they be together?

It was revealed by Dominic Purcell that it was Wentworth Miller who brought the idea to the table that the series can be revived. "Prison Break" had united both the actors as brothers on the show. On-screen they shared a very unique bond and the brothers were united when Purcell joined "Legends of Tomorrow."

"We got on set and it was just like we hadn't been apart for all these years and we started talking about 'Prison Break' and we started mulling through the idea of, 'Let's revisit this,'" said Purcell.

This Prison Break interview with Wentworth Miller is one of my favorites I've done. So fun: https://t.co/CyOTpDdYgL pic.twitter.com/39xvjPrZ5V  Brian Altano (@agentbizzle) July 26, 2016

The actors, who are the main protagonists of the show, then approached the producers for the revival of the show. Miller praised the plot line suggested by the executive producer Paul Scheuring. The series, "Prison Break," will remain rooted to the main theme that it ran on but at the same time will provide a new angle to the veiwers. The idea would be radical and fresh, reported Independent.

In the trailer for "Prison Break, Miller is seen inside a Moroccan prison. He is seen chatting with an inmate and this is from where he will make his next "Prison Break." In the new trailer, it is shown how a stick of gum sets the whole ball rolling and ensures that Michael is on the other side of the wall, reported Hall Of Fame.

Has Sarah Has Moved On?

Michael leaves behind a wife and a son when he presumably dies at the end of the last season of the series. Sarah had to move on for the sake of her son. In the new season of "Prison Break," we might see that Sarah has moved on and probably fallen out of love for Michael.

The "Prison Break" revival will see Sara Tancredi having a new life, which will include a stepfather. Will things change when she knows that Michael is actually alive?

"Prison Break" will return in 2017 on Fox for a limited run.
It has been a year when Kristen Stewart and Alicia Cargile started dating and through those days, they have been in an on and off relationship. But now the two are officially back and Kristen finally announced how much she is in love with Cargile.

In the latest issue of Elle U.K., Stewart finally revealed how much dating Alicia Cargile changed her than when she was still dating Robert Pattinson. "When I was dating a guy I was hiding everything that I did because everything personal felt like it was immediately trivialized, so I didn't like it," Stewart said.

Still talking about Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart admitted that while she was with Pattinson, she felt that fans placed them into a fantasy like comic book that although it was her relationship, it felt like it was not. "I didn't like that. But then it changed when I started dating a girl."

Kristen Stewart also discussed how dating Alicia Cargile is so different when she was dating Robert Pattinson because now she feels there is no reason to hide her relationship, according to E! News. "Actually, to hide this provides the implication that I'm not down with it or ashamed of it, so I had to alter how I approached being in public. It opened my life up and I'm so much happier," Steward concluded.

Kristen Stewart and Alicia Cargile have also been in an on and off relationship as the last time they broke up, Stewart dated French musician Soko. However, things went out bad between the two since Soko confirmed that Kristen Stewart cheated on her and went back to Alicia Cargile.

True enough, Kristen admitted now that she is very much happier and in love with Alicia Cargile than anyone she has been. She even admitted, that now she can feel again because of Cargile.
Sony Playstation Plus free game offerings for August bring fresh titles for Playstation 3, Playstation 4 and PS Vita. While August offerings include fresh titles as "Tricky Towers" and "Rebel Galaxy," Sony Playstation Plus does bring known titles as "Yakuza 5."

Noticeably, Sony Playstation Plus does not have major titles offered for free this August. Playstation.Blog highlights new WeirdBeard Games title "Tricky Towers" at the top of the Sony Playstation Plus free games.

"Tricky Towers" is available for local and online play and is a multiplayer title on Playstation 4. The Sony Playstation Plus free game for August calls for lightning speed stacking of one's tower while casting spells to disrupt everyone else's stacks.

Game Rant likens "Tricky Towers" to a Playstation 4 version of "Tetris" with a twist. Playstation.Blog also highlights Double Damage game "Rebel Galaxy" in the month's Sony Playstation Plus free games offering.

Game Rant points out that as a space combat game, "Rebel Galaxy" is essentially similar to the space version of Sims. The media outlet reports that "Rebel Galaxy" is growing in following despite a rough launch in October 2015.

Tricky Towers and Rebel Galaxy lead the PlayStation Plus free games lineup for next month: https://t.co/ZH7atxAd9R pic.twitter.com/0gDipawFzF  PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 28, 2016

"Yakuza 5" on PS3 comes to the Sony Playstation Plus free game offering for August despite being a relatively recent release in North America. Game Rant proposes that the addition of "Yakuza 5" to the Sony Playstation Plus free game offerings for August comes as a preparation for "Yakuza 0."

Playstation 4 confirmed the western release of "Yakuza 0." According to Game Rant, the inclusion in the Sony Playstation Plus free game offering of "Yakuza 5" may be a marketing move.

The full list of Sony Playstation Plus free games for August include the following:

Tricky Towers (PS4)

Rebel Galaxy (PS4)

Yakuza 5 (PS3)

Retro/Grade (PS3)

Patapon 3 (PS Vita)

Ultratron (PS Vita, PS3, PS4)

Which game were you looking for in the list of Sony Playstation Plus free games for August? Do you agree with the "Yakuza 5" speculation for the Sony Playstation Plus free games?
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Samsung Electronics officially stated earlier today that it had shipped about 90 million handsets in the April-June period with smartphones making up more than 80 percent of the total. Samsung's second-quarter smartphone shipments are estimated at about 72 million units, almost doubling its archrival Apple's iPhone shipments of 40.4 million units during the same period.

Thursday's forecast-beating earnings results were the best in two years after being crushed by Apple's iPhone 6 mania sales period that introduced their first phablet the iPhone 7 Plus.

The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge smartphones drove the profit gain. The company launched the latest versions of its flagship smartphones in March, several weeks sooner than it did last year. Early launches helped Samsung report strong sales during the first quarter, and the latest results dispelled doubts it could sustain the momentum during the second quarter, since consumers continued to snap up new phones in the spring. For in-depth statistics on their quarter, see the full Samsung press release here.





To keep the momentum going, Samsung will be releasing the new Note 7 next Tuesday in a special event in New York City where it's widely believed they will introduce an iris scanner which recognizes 266 traits versus a fingerprint which recognizes 40 traits. Samsung filed for 'Galaxy Iris' and 'Galaxy Eyeprint' trademark is June of this year.

HP will be introducing an iris scanner on their new Windows 10 smartphone at the end of August.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments.
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Patna: Thumbing their nose at the present law and order machinery in Bihar, criminals in Patna on Wednesday night shot and killed a woman owner of a roadside restaurant under the Rajendra Nagar Bridge under Kankarbagh police station.

The incident occurred around 11:00 pm when 45-year old Savitri Devi was in the serving the last few customers in the restaurant.

According to eyewitness reports, three criminals riding on motorcycles arrived at the restaurant. One of them put a gun to her head and pulled the trigger. The other two criminals also stuck their guns to her mouth and the back of her head and shot her killing her on the spot.

The criminals then escaped in the cover of darkness.

Savitri Devi is survived by her husband Bundi Chowdhary, two daughters and three sons.

Based on the husband's account, police identified the criminals as Patrakar Nagar resident Deena Raut, Kankarbagh resident Balwant Raut, and Patna City resident Mannu Chowdhary.

A team of police from three different police stations including Kadam Kuan, Kankarbagh, and Patrakar Nagar raided a house in Patrakar Nagar and arrested Deena Raut. Attempts were being made to apprehend the other two gunmen, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj said.

The victim's husband told the police that about six months ago, his wife ran into some health problems so she let Deena Raut to run the restaurant. However, when she became better, she wanted to come back to run the restaurant only to be bullied by Deena Raut who said that now he owned the restaurant and if she wanted to have it back, she would have to pay him Rs. 4 lakh.

This led to several altercations between them. Savitri Devi even sought police help in getting the matter resolved but things only got worse after that. Deena and his goons continued to threaten her of dire consequences and on Wednesday night they carried out the threat in defiance of the administration's claim of better law and order situation under Nitish administration.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Real Target of Tehran's Demand for Apple to Open Office in Iran is US Sanctions

07/28/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Tehrans recent ultimatum to Apple, the US tech giant, to open up an office in Iran or face a ban on Apple products in the country, was presented as a bid to end the loss of tax revenue from millions of iPhones smuggled into Iran, but its real goal is to break through the wall of US sanctions still blocking investment in Iran.



Shop in Tehran selling Apple products



If [Apple] does not register an official representative office in Iran, all phones produced by this company will be confiscated from stores, said Abbas Nakhaei, head of the Anti-Smuggling Task Force, in an interview with the hardline Tasnim News Agency on July 17, 2016.

Bringing Apple officially into the country would be a huge victory for Iran, which has argued that the benefits of signing the nuclear deal and the easing of international sanctions have not brought the expected foreign investment into the country.

While Iran can now sell its oil, and non-US companies can set up shop in Iran, US companies-some of which are much sought after-are still effectively prevented from entering Iran due to remaining US sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

The pretext for the current Iranian demand is a legitimate desire to end the massive smuggling of IPhones into the country, which deprives Tehran of needed tax revenue. The iPhone is popular among Iranians, with an estimated six million active users according to a July 20, 2016 report in Irans Donya-e-Eghtesad newspaper. But these phones are brought largely via Dubai, depriving Iran of the tax income.

The bigger goal is to break through the barriers preventing US companies from entering Iran. If Apple resolves the technical and legal issues preventing US investment in Iran and comes, Tehran knows others will follow. By putting pressure on Apple to comply or risk losing its Iranian business, the Islamic Republic is trying to force their hand and open the door for other US companies to enter the Iranian market.

Apple may be unlikely to comply, at least in the near term; it would be surprising if they were to risk the legal and financial repercussions of US sanctions violations before any compliance concerns were thoroughly allayed.

The US government has argued any difficulties Iran is having attracting foreign business are of its own making, due to the countrys obsolete banking sector and opaque business environment. But continued US sanctions against the Islamic Republic related to human rights, terrorism, and Irans ballistic missile program, as well as restrictions on US commerce with Iran and dollar-denominated trade, has chilled the foreign investment climate in Iran.

In addition to the ultimatum to Apple, Irans Anti-Smuggling Task Force said all iPhone users in Iran must register their phones within the next few weeks. Every mobile phone has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. If iPhone owners do not register that number by September 22, 2016, the authorities said they would cut service to their phones. Retailers are also being required to register all new iPhones.

Retail stores are not permitted to sell any brand that has not been registered with the Industries, Mines and Trade Ministry, [if they sell unregistered phones] they will be dealt with, said Karimi Khorasani, chairman of the Telecommunication Retailers Union, on July 21, 2016.

However, there is clear disagreement in Iran regarding the viability of this plan between those making policy and those charged with its technical implementation.

On July 23, 2016, the Head of the Communication Ministrys Public Relations and Information department announced a delay in registering cell phones due to a lack of preparation of its prerequisites. But on July 25 Ghassem Khorshidi, the spokesperson for Irans Anti Smuggling Headquarters announced its trial start. According to Mr. Khorshidi, beginning on July 24, all cellular phone service providers will be implementing this project on 100 of their cell phone numbers on a two-month trial basis.

The government attempted to require all mobile phone owners to register their phones in 2006 to combat smuggling, but it did not succeed because mobile operators refused to cooperate, said Alireza Golestani, the deputy head of the c, on October 30, 2015.

An Apple retailer in Tehran who asked not to be identified told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that since the announcement against Apple, the price of iPhones being sold in his store have increased by about 10 percent even though the products future is shrouded in a cloud.
Iran's Intelligence Ministry Interferes in Case of Imprisoned Christian

07/28/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Case Exposes Judiciarys Lack of Independence



Maryam (Nasim) Naghash Zargaran



Irans Intelligence Ministry has directly interfered in the case of imprisoned Christian convert Maryam (Nasim) Naghash Zargaran-who has been on hunger strike to persuade the authorities to consider her for early release-in another example of the Judiciarys lack of independence.

An official from the Intelligence Ministry met my daughter in prison and said her request for early release will be reviewed in the next 10 days, Zargarans mother, Zahra Pour-Nouhi Langroudi, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran on July 21, 2016. Of course, her request might be rejected, but she has served a third of her sentence and was well-behaved in prison and legally she should be qualified for early release.

Under Iranian law, the Intelligence Ministry can only play a role in a case under direct authorization by the Judiciary.

According to Irans current laws, police and security forces can only enter a case during the investigative stage and they can only act as enforcement agents for the Judiciary based upon written orders of the case judge. Only in this case can they carry out a specific part of the investigation as determined by the judge; under his supervision and according to his instructions with activities such as inspection of work places or residences. After the investigations end, the case must become inaccessible to those officers, said Norway-based human rights lawyer, Mahnaz Parakand.

In cases [involving political prisoners], all branches of government and intelligence and non-intelligence organizations unite and collectively trample the laws, the lawyer added.

Langroudi expressed deep concern about her daughter, who has been on hunger strike for three weeks, in an interview with the Campaign on July 25: My daughters physical and psychological conditions are deteriorating every day. She has been transferred to the prison infirmary twice, but she has only been hooked up to an IV. She specifically needs to be seen by a specialist outside the prison for her heart condition.Langroudi added that her daughter was rushed to Evin Prisons infirmary on July 20 and connected to an IV after suffering from dizziness and a drop in blood pressure.

Nasim is in really bad shape... I begged her to stop her hunger strike but she refused and said she will go on as long as she is not freed, Langroudi told the Campaign on July 21.

Zargaran, a childrens music teacher who was imprisoned for her alleged Christian missionary activities, is demanding to be considered for early release based on Irans New Islamic Penal Code, which allows prisoners to apply for conditional release after serving a third of their sentence.

Since March 2011, Zargaran was regularly summoned and interrogated by security police about her alleged Christian missionary activities. She was eventually arrested on November 5, 2012 and accused of seeking property in northern Iran for an orphanage along with converted Christian pastor Saeed Abedini before he was also imprisoned for his religious beliefs in 2013.

Abedini, an Iranian-American dual national, spent eight years in prison on proselytization charges until he was released in January 2016 along with several other Iranian-Americans following a prisoner swap deal between Iran and the United Sates.In 2013 during a trial in which she had no access to legal counsel, Zargaran was sentenced to four years in prison by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court presided by Judge Mohammad Moghisseh for assembly and collusion against national security. The Appeals Court upheld her sentence.

Zargaran has been suffering from various health problems. She takes medication for heart disease that predates her incarceration, but problems with her digestive tract and spine, as well as arthritis of the neck and hands, have developed during her imprisonment, according to her mother.

On June 6, 2016, while she was on hunger strike, Zargaran was granted a five-day furlough (temporary leave) that was extended until June 27. Immediately after she was returned to prison she began another hunger strike to convince the Judiciary to consider her for early release.
Yemen: An Opportunity for Iran-Saudi Dialogue?

07/28/16

By Dina Esfandiary and Ariane Tabatabai (source: LobeLog)

The news out of Yemen continues to be grim. Week after week the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that committed troops to the Saudi-led Operation Restore Hope-previously dubbed Operation Decisive Storm-see body bags return home. And they arent getting any closer to their goal of a decisive victory against Iran and what they see as Tehrans proxy, the Houthis.

Instead, Yemens central authority collapsed, further paving the way for terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic State (ISIS or IS) to gain ground. In the ensuing humanitarian crisis, thousands have died.

While the GCC pays a heavy price for an increasingly elusive victory, Tehran sits back and watches the Saudis play into its hands. In order to resolve this crisis and pave the way for the resolution of other crises in the region, Iran and Saudi Arabia must negotiate over Yemen.

Operation Decisive Storm began in 2015, as it became clear that Iran would reach a nuclear deal with the world powers. The GCC interpreted the emerging deal as another step in Washingtons abandonment of the Gulf Arabs, a fear that began with the Arab Spring. At the time, the Obama administration accepted the Saudi policy in Yemen as an effort to get the GCC onboard with the nuclear deal.

The GCC pursues several intertwined goals in Yemen. First, it aims to check Iran-and where better then Yemen? The country is in the GCCs own backyard, and it represents an easier fight than Iraq or Syria, where Tehran has an advantage. Second, the GCC wants to limit the influence of the Houthis, perceived as one of Irans proxies. Without its intervention, the GCC feared, the Houthis would become a Yemeni Hezbollah, giving Iran more influence in the Arab world-and in the GCCs own backyard.

Meanwhile, Iran watched events unfold in Yemen. Although it certainly provided the Houthis with weapons, financial support, and training-both directly and indirectly via Hezbollah-the extent of Iranian involvement in Yemen is greatly exaggerated.

As months passed, neither GCC goal in Yemen was met, and the decisive victory it hoped for was nowhere in sight.

As a result, the focus of the fight changed, at least on paper, and a number of disagreements began to emerge. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a major contributor to military efforts in Yemen, witnessed a greater number of body bags returning home and for no good reason. Abu Dhabi also became increasingly aware of the limits to its own strength and capabilities. The Qataris too were becoming resentful of the campaign, despite their lesser involvement. Whats more, with the nuclear deal under its belt, Iran began to look for business opportunities, and Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE were well positioned to reap the benefits of Irans economic reintegration.

Today, with the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the civil war in Syria, the continued presence of IS in Iraq and Syria and the international communitys inability to defeat the group, and now the coup in Turkey, the Middle East is more volatile than it was when Operation Decisive Storm started over a year ago. And the lack of dialogue between the two key players in the region, Riyadh and Tehran-who severed diplomatic ties in January 2016 when Iranian hardliners sacked the Saudi embassy in response to the execution of a Shia cleric-has only entrenched the stalemate in the region. But the key to unlocking regional security could lie in Sanaa.

Yemen is a high priority for Riyadh, and a low priority for Tehran. This makes it the lowest hanging fruit for a new and meaningful regional security dialogue. Although Saudi Arabia opposes the idea of talking about Arab affairs with Iran, sooner or later it will have to face the reality that the prolongation of its campaign in Yemen is creating tensions and divisions within the GCC and draining its resources at a time of economic difficulty. The campaign also comes with a heavy price for Saudi credibility and image. For its part, although Iran doesnt directly suffer from the developments in Yemen, it sees the worsening of the broader regional situation and growing instability as a threat.

Far from controlling four Arab capitals-as Iranian hardliners claim and Gulf Arabs repeat-Iran has varying degrees of influence in each of them, with the least influence in Sanaa. But Iran loses all influence if those capitals collapse entirely. To prevent a power vacuum, Riyadh must abandon its zero-sum approach to regional security, and Tehran must help alleviate Saudi concerns. In order to do that, the two countries should begin by discussing Yemen.



About the authors: Dina Esfandiary (@DEsfandiary) is a MacArthur Fellow in the Department of War Studies, Kings College London. Before joining War Studies, she spent five years at IISS, where she was a Research Associate. Ariane Tabatabai (@ArianeTabatabai) is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Security Studies Program, at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Before joining the Security Studies Program, she was a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow (2013-14) and an Associate (2014-15) at the Harvard Kennedy Schools Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.



This article is drawn from a piece the authors published in the summer 2016 issue of Washington Quarterly. Photo: house in Sanaa destroyed by airstrike.
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Microsoft is rolling out a change in minimum hardware requirements for Windows 10 PCs and mobile devices, and expects hardware makers to comply in order to make their devices more secure.

Starting Thursday, PC makers should include a hardware-based security feature called TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 in Windows 10 PCs, smartphones and tablets.

The TPM 2.0 feature will be beneficial for users as it will do a better job of protecting sensitive information on a PC. A TPM 2.0 security layerwhich can be in the form of a chip or firmwarecan safeguard user data by managing and storing cryptographic keys in a trusted container.

Killing the password

Microsoft wants to kill passwords with a biometric authentication feature called Windows Hello, in which users can log into a PC via fingerprint, face or iris recognition. A TPM 2.0 chip is important to Windows Hello as it generates and stores the authentication keys in a secure area.

TPM 2.0 could also make two-factor authentication via Microsoft Passportwhich could use biometric and pin-based authenticationa common feature in Windows 10 PCs. The Passport feature could be used to log into websites, applications and other services.

Microsoft has said TPM isnt needed for Windows Hello, but recommends the security layer to protect biometric login data. TPM chips can be hard to hack, and do a better job protecting sensitive information than the software-based mechanisms that would otherwise be used to protect Windows Hello login data.

TPM definitely provides a security improvement in laptops, and is an excellent protection for encryption keys and other critically important data needed for authentication on the PC, said Kevin Murphy, vice president of operations at security company IOActive.

Since it is hardware based rather than software based, the keys are not exposed to the PC memory. PC memory is a common venue for attackers to scrape intellectual property resident in the memory, which is usually the main purpose of the attack, Murphy said.

However, using the TPM does not protect the encryption keys from being manipulated by an attacker. If an attacker owns the machinefor example by spoofing an authorized userthe TPM will answer any request as it normally would to the legitimate user.

It will not know the difference. The advantage in this scenario is that the attack is limited to the current attack and cannot steal the keys for a future attack, Murphy said.

It is possible to break TPM chips, but it would be a difficult attack, likely requiring a tremendous amount of skill, equipment, time, and investment, Murphy said.

Disk encryption system BitLocker already uses TPM to secure encryption keys. TPM is also used for secure software updates, to protect virtual machines and to authenticate smart cards. Intels vPro remote management service relies on TPM for authentication ahead of remote PC repairs.

Building TPM into everything

TPM 2.0 will be a minimum requirement on all Windows 10 devices except for developer boards like Raspberry Pi 3, which runs the lightweight Windows 10 IoT Core.

The security feature isnt new; in fact its been available for years, mostly in business PCs. Many new PCs already have TPM 2.0, with an exception being low-cost PCs. Some Windows laptops have the older TPM 1.2 standard. But PC makers will now be expected to comply with Microsofts new hardware requirements and include TPM 2.0.

HPs Elite X3 Windows 10 smartphonebased on Qualcomms latest Snapdragon 820 processoralready has TPM 2.0. The feature isnt listed in Acers Liquid Jade Primo or Nokia Lumia models, which have older components.

Microsoft has been trying to drive hardware and software changes in PCs, some of which have been controversial. Upcoming PCs based on Intels Kaby Lake chipswhich could be released in the third quarterwill support only Windows 10, not prior versions of the OS.

The software company earlier this year said it would support Windows 7 and 8.1 on Skylake devices until July 17, 2017, but extended that for one year after attracting criticism for trying to force an OS upgrade to Windows 10 on users.

Microsoft has been working with hardware partners to implement TPM 2.0 across devices, a spokesperson said. TPM 2.0 maximizes security capabilities for Windows Hello, Passport, and helps secure 4K streaming video using DRM, she said.

In the future, more key features will rely on it, the spokesperson said.

TPM 2.0, a specification from Trusted Computing Group, was approved as an international standard by ISO/IEC (the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission) in June last year.
Microsoft is facing two more lawsuits over the companys questionable Windows 10 upgrade tactics. Both suits are seeking class-action status.

The first suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Florida. It alleges that Microsofts Windows 10 upgrade prompts violated laws governing unsolicited electronic advertisements, as reported by The Seattle Times. The suit also says Microsofts tactics are against the Federal Trade Commissions rules on deceptive and unfair practices.

The second suit was filed in June in Haifa, Israel alleging that Microsoft installed Windows 10 on users computers without consent. Microsoft already paid out a $10,000 award in a previous U.S. suit over similar circumstances.

Microsoft told the Seattle Times it believes the suits wont succeed. The Times also reports that Microsoft said Windows 10 upgrades (the Times report called them updates) are a choice, not a requirement.

The story behind the story: Thats quite a disingenuous statement considering that Microsoft violated the known behavior of the Windows interface to essentially trick people into upgrading.

The forced upgrade saga

For a time, clicking the X in the upper right corner of the Windows 10 upgrade prompt window was interpreted as consent to upgrade to the new operating system. The typical expectation for all users is that clicking the X ends the program, and in fact, doing so was the only way to reject the free upgrade offer for most of the pop-ups notifications existence. The same prompt could upgrade your system to Windows 10 without explicit consent if you left you computer on for an extended period, as well. PCWorld received hundreds of reader complaints about forced Windows 10 after Microsoft began using those tactics.

Although Microsoft used aggressive upgrade tactics for several months, more recent upgrade offers have been significantly dialed back. In late June Microsoft revamped the upgrade pop-up that offers Windows 7 and 8.1 users a free bump to Windows 10. The expected behavior of the X returned, and Microsoft offered clearer options to stop receiving the free upgrade offer altogether.

Microsofts free upgrade period for Windows 10 closes July 29.
Google is using third parties to make its productivity apps more useful on Android. The company announced Thursday that its now possible to bring functionality from apps like Scanbot, DocuSign, and ProsperWorks into Docs and Sheets on its mobile operating system.

The third-party add-ons will let users do things like access CRM data, start to electronically sign a document, and create mobile apps based on data they have stored in a spreadsheet. The new add-ons are aimed at making it easier for people to get work done within Google Docs and Sheets while theyre on the go.

Google is in tight competition with Microsoft to attract users to its productivity suite, and both companies are working to bring the power of third-party applications into the apps people already use to get things done.

A small set of add-ons is available now from a hand-picked set of Google partners. In the future, developers will be able to build their own add-ons, and submit them to Google for review. If the company deems them worthy, itll allow them to integrate with Docs and Sheets.

The functionality builds on existing partner integrations available for Googles productivity software on the web. Those existing integrations have been available for users accessing the services from their computers.

Users can find the add-ons in the add-ons sections of the Google Docs and Sheets apps, as well as in special collections inside the Google Play Store.

Its not yet clear what the future holds for add-ons beyond Android. Google said that it is considering bringing the functionality to iOS, as well as to its Slides presentation software, but didnt offer any detail beyond that.
Alphabets recent partnership with Fiat Chrysler to build self-driving car technology into a Chrysler mini van will be the first of many such deals, the Google parent company said Thursday.

The Fiat Chrysler deal, announced in May, will see around 100 of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans outfitted with self-driving technology for use in tests by Alphabet. The first cars are expected to hit public streets later this year and will more than double Alphabets current fleet of self-driving test vehicles.

Alphabets current fleet consists of 24 Lexus SUVs outfitted with sensors, scanners and cameras, and 34 prototype vehicles that were custom built for Alphabet with the technology integrated inside.

Fiat Chrysler Google and Fiat Chrysler will integrate Googles self-driving car technology into the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan.

The Fiat Chrysler deal is the first that sees Alphabet working directly with an auto maker, but wont be the last, said Ruth Porat, chief financial officer of Google and parent company Alphabet, in a conference call with investors on Thursday.

Were pleased to be working with FCA, more than doubling the number of cars were having, she said. We do expect well work with many partners in this area.

Porat stopped short of disclosing when additional deals are expected.

Self-driving cars are one of Alphabets biggest moonshot betsinvestments in promising new areas of technology that might be years away from commercialization but could fundamentally transform industries if successful.

Were solving a really big need, said Portat of the self-driving research.

In the last quarter, Alphabet recorded losses of $859 million in pursing such gambles, much of it on investment in the Google Fiber high-speed internet project. The losses were easily covered by operating profits of $7 billion at Alphabets Google division.

Martyn Williams A Google self-driving car navigates streets near the companys headquarters in Mountain View, California, on June 29, 2015.

Alphabet is now testing self-driving cars in four U.S. cities: around its headquarters in Mountain View, California; in Phoenix, Arizona; in Kirkland, Washington; and in Austin, Texas.

The cars have covered more than 1.7 million miles (2.8 million kilometers) in autonomous mode since the project began in 2009.
A second citizen initiative to allow medical marijuana dispensaries in San Bernardino has a good chance of appearing on the ballot in November after supporters turned in more than 7,000 signatures Monday  nearly double the number required.

The petitions will have to be checked to verify that they come from registered voters in the city. They were turned in early enough that the measure  the San Bernardino Medical Cannabis Restrictions and Limitations Act  can qualify for the ballot in November, said City Clerk Gigi Hanna.

Earlier this month, the City Council reluctantly put another marijuana measure  the San Bernardino Regulate Marijuana Act of 2016, led by Upland-based California Cannabis Coalition  on the ballot, noting that the law allowed them only to either do that or to adopt the act.

RELATED: 6,000 signatures submitted in June for pot measure

And City Attorney Gary Saenzs office is continuing to work on a countermeasure that would regulate marijuana on terms city officials consider more favorable.

If more than one of the measures receive more yes than no votes in November, the measure that received the most yes votes will become law.

Depending on the specifics of the citys proposal, the group that submitted signatures Monday might wind up supporting it, said Randall Longwith, the Fullerton attorney and advocate behind the act.

In Costa Mesa, we have an initiative on the ballot, Longwith said. We actually worked with the city to write their own that competes with ours. Weve now dropped our support for ours, and were now campaigning for the citys initiative.  I think (San Bernardino officials) can come up with a good ordinance themselves, if what they come up with gives dignified access.

Longwith said he submitted his 21-page act despite the other initiative already moving forward because he thinks it will better provide access across the city along with security measures.

RELATED: City working to counter citizen pot measure with its own

The initiative would allow up to 20 dispensaries in the city  a city should have about one for every 10,000 to 15,000 residents, Longwith said  but not within 600 feet of schools or 250 feet of churches, or in strictly residential zones.

Whats happening in San Bernardino and cities in general is when theyre not regulated, thats when the crime and the nuisance comes in, he said. When you have unregulated  we call them rogue  dispensaries, you have those nuisances. Once you ensure that these individuals must have permits and if they violate it they lose their permit, weve seen very little crime.

Craig Beresh, leader of the California Cannabis Coalition, said that after briefly reviewing the new initiative he thinks his would be better from a job and revenue standpoint  he contends it would generate millions of dollars per year in revenue and 1,000 jobs.

But the multiple initiatives are a good sign, he said.

Were excited to hear that another initiative has been submitted, Beresh said. The fact that another citizens initiative gathered so many signatures under such time constraints further demonstrates the citizens desire to reform the current cannabis laws in San Bernardino.

Contact the writer: ryan.hagen@langnews.com; @rmhagen
Robert Moon has met Hillary Clinton. But hes not sure the general public really has.

Now the mayor of Palm Springs, Moon, 66, said he first met Clinton when her husband was Arkansas attorney general in the late 1970s; his sister later managed then-Gov. Bill Clintons security detail. Moon said he also spoke with Hillary Clinton at length during a party at a friends house in New York about 12 years ago.

If you meet Hillary Clinton personally and spend more time with her  shes funny, smart and vivacious. She has an infectious laugh, Moon said. Shes just a really great person. That part of her personality has not come through.

RELATED: Why Clintons character will be central issue

Moon is one of 551 delegates from California who will be in Philadelphia this week for the Democratic National Convention. Clinton, a former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, will become the first woman in American history to accept a major partys presidential nomination during the four-day convention, which starts Monday, July 25.

Unlike the states GOP convention delegates, all of whom went to Donald Trump, the California Democratic delegation includes delegates for Clinton and Bernie Sanders, who finished second to Clinton in the hard-fought June 7 California primary. The states Democratic primary awards delegates proportionally, based on the number of votes each candidate receives.

Of the 317 district-level delegates awarded by congressional district, 170 went to Clinton and 147 went to Sanders. Clinton won 56 at-large delegates compared to 49 for Sanders.

District-level delegates were chosen in a series of statewide caucus meetings earlier this year. Delegate slots are broken down by gender per Democratic Party rules.

Rounding out the delegation are 53 party leaders and elected officials and 76 unpledged delegates.

PRAISE FOR CLINTON

Angelov Farooq, 31, a Riverside Unified School District board member, is a delegate from Californias 41st Congressional District, which is represented by Riverside Democrat Mark Takano. Farooq is a partner in a Southern California-based sustainable development firm.

Riverside, Farooq said, has shown its political significance by hosting visits by Clinton and Sanders  they held rallies there on the same day  before the primary. The fact that the candidates came (here), that speaks to something very significant happening in our area, he said.

Like Moon, Farooq called Clinton one of the most qualified and experienced presidential candidates in U.S. history. That experience is essential to address the growing complexities of domestic and foreign issues, Farooq said.

Its the second Democratic National Convention  the first was in 2012  for 44-year-old Mike Saifie of Redlands. (Clinton) is not one of those candidates who always talks about division, said Saifie, a Riverside County administrative services supervisor who is running for Redlands City Council.

SANDERS PUSHBACK

For Sanders delegates, the convention is about fighting for the progressive changes they want to see in the Democratic Party platform and the nation.

While hes pleased with some aspects of the platform, Sanders delegate Joey Aszterbaum of Hemet said theres still been pushback on issues like getting money out of politics and opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.

It just kind of confirms some of the frustrations that brought us into the process in the first place, said Aszterbaum, 41. I still think that we can wrest the grip that Wall Street has on the party. Were not going anywhere.

Sanders delegate Mary Aleece DePuey of Jurupa Valley said shell proudly cast my vote for Bernie, as I was elected to do.

I know for myself, watching the two platform meetings take place where critical issues included the TPP, fracking, and single-payer healthcare, it is clear Mrs. Clinton paid lip service while campaigning and debating these causes, said DePuey, 49.

DePuey warned Democrats not to alienate progressives, who have an alternative in Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein.

It would be a shame to fracture the Democratic Party, she said. But if leadership is not listening to you and dismissing you, some people feel they have no choice but to look for a new home that actually represents human beings and not corporate interests.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9547 or jhorseman@pressenterprise.com
Police arrested a 32-year-old probationer from San Diego County early Tuesday, July 26, in an area of Murrieta after discovering burglary tools and a stolen license plate in the car he was driving, officials said.

Michael Owen Head of El Cajon was arrested about 1 a.m. on suspicion of possessing burglary tools, receiving known stolen property and driving on a suspended license.

He was booked into the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley and released on a citation the same day, online jail records show.

Murrieta police officers were conducting an extra patrol in the area of Jefferson Avenue and Elm Street when they stopped the vehicle Head was in, officials say.

Police say they discovered that Head was on probation and that he had bolt cutters, a high-powered blow torch and more than 20 shaved keys that are commonly used in burglaries of vehicles and buildings. They also say he had a license plate that had been reported stolen out of San Diego County. Head was then arrested.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9693, agroves@pressenterprise.com or @AlexDGroves on Twitter.
Witnesses to a Tuesday morning shooting in Hemet werent cooperating with the investigation into its source Wednesday, July 27.

Hemet police Lt. Eddie Pust said he wasnt sure of the 38-year-old victims condition Wednesday afternoon, but that her wound was initially determined to be superficial.

The shooting, reported about 12:05 a.m. in the 200 block of Elk Street, took place in a large crowd gathered in an alleyway.

The crowd became angry when police arrived about a minute after the initial report, said Lt. Eric Dickson, hindering efforts to help the woman.

Pust said Wednesday that its still not clear why the crowd got in the way especially when were responding to help somebody.

Hemet officers called deputies from the Riverside County Sheriffs Department and officers with the California Highway Patrol for assistance keeping the crowd out of the scene, Pust said.

A day later, those who made up the crowd were no more helpful in determining who shot the woman or why.

Police have no suspects, Pust said, and are still looking for help from the public. Anyone with information can reach Investigator Doug Klinzing at 951-765-2423.

Chief Dave Brown called the incident appalling at a City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

That is happening every day on the streets of this city, Brown added.

The Council voted 4-1 to put a general tax on the November ballot that would increase police and fire services in the city in exchange for a 1 percent tax increase.
Memorial plans are being made for Hemet Highs much-loved and respected vocal music teacher Bonnie Pumphrey, who lived life allegro.

Allegro is the musical term for brisk tempo. It described her, too.

The diminutive woman  who died died Friday, July 22, at age 68 after a lengthy battle with cancer  powerfully directed choirs to perfection with robust toe taps, arms swings and head bobs, nearly dancing her way through performances.

She moved just as fast in class to make sure she could fit as much training as possible into a period.

She exhibited her high-energy style of teaching in the San Jacinto Valley from her 1992 start at Whittier and Valle Vista elementary schools through her final 2014-2015 academic year at Hemet High.

In between, she taught vocal music from 1994 at Dartmouth Middle School until she shifted to Hemet High in 1999.

At Christmas, she led her high school students in performances of carols at service clubs, the Hemet Valley Mall, nursing homes, parties and residences of popular teachers like her friend, 79-year-old Betty Hill.

Shannon Eaton, a 2002 Hemet High grad, first sang with Pumphrey at Dartmouth Middle School and later was prodded into the Hemet High choir by the music teacher even though she lacked the time in her schedule.

She said Pumphrey allowed her to attend part of a lunch class to develop as a vocalist and then taught her a lot while she was in the choir as a junior and senior.

Eaton now uses those lessons while directing a childrens choir at Cornerstone Church in Hemet. She appreciated how Pumphrey kept track of her after high school and listened to her childrens choir perform.

The biggest lesson, Eaton said, was learning how to prod kids into working hard when they tire.

She was such a motivator, she said. She always had more energy than we did.

Dan Boulton, band instructor at Hemet High, said she worked hard and quickly to teach her students to sing beautifully.

She was full of energy, all the time, always working fast, Boulton said. She knew there wasnt a lot of time with her students in a period. She had fun with them.

Pumphrey also taught in Illinois and at Mt. San Jacinto College during her 40-year career as a music instructor. Her retired surviving husband, Doug Pumphrey, was a highly regarded U.S. Forest Service district ranger in Idyllwild. He was known for his focus on the forest and the people who loved to be in the woods.

His wife was the same way. Her focus was on kids and teaching them life lessons through the hard work of producing quality music.

Pumphrey first attempted to retire in 2007 but she returned as a substitute and was convinced in 2013 to again teach fulltime.

Boulton said his conversations with Pumphrey typically began on busy days with attention-grabbing yells through the wall that separated their offices. Their talks that followed tended to center around ways to inspire kids to achieve high levels in musical performance.

He said her involvement in musical plays was typical of her, even when she was ill.

Not only did she prepare her students to sing, she stepped into the orchestra pit to play piano during performances.

She did double duty, he said.

That was her allegro way.
TORONTO  Adam Rosales hit a two-run home run, Alex Dickerson and Brett Wallace each hit solo shots and the San Diego Padres beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 8-4, on Wednesday to avoid a three-game sweep.

San Diego extended its club-record streak of games with at least one home run to 25. Its the longest home run streak since the 2002 Texas Rangers set a major league record by homering in 27 straight.

Luis Perdomo (5-4) allowed four runs and six hits in 52/3 innings to win back-to-back starts.

Wallace reached base three times. He was hit by a pitch and scored on Rosales homer in the third, connected off R.A. Dickey in the fifth and singled to drive in a run off Joe Biagini in the sixth.

Dickerson homered for the fourth time in four games when he connected off Franklin Morales in the eighth. He is the first Padres rookie to homer in four straight games.

Our lineup has a lot of talent, Dickerson said. Every single guy is a threat to take you deep.

Dickey (7-12) allowed seven runs, six earned, and four hits in 52/3 innings, starting on three days rest after the Blue Jays adjusted their rotation for a weekend series against Baltimore.

The knuckleballer is winless in three starts and has allowed six home runs in that span.

Dickey has surrendered 26 home runs this season, tying him with Kansas Citys Ian Kennedy and Chris Young for most in the majors.

Melvin Upton Jr. made his first start for Toronto after being acquired from San Diego on Tuesday. He went 1-for-4 with a single.
Inspired by the idea of a tiny house village for the homeless, Julie Kiler of Menifee has helped form a new coalition in Southwest Riverside County that aims to develop fresh approaches to serve the areas homeless population.

The first gathering of the coalition, held last month at The Salvation Army of Murrieta Corps church, included officials from Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and Temecula; Murrieta Councilman Harry Ramos and the leaders of area nonprofits that work with the homeless, such as Menifees Project Touch and Community Mission of Hope in Temecula.

A second meeting, which is intended to help focus the groups efforts, is scheduled for Friday afternoon at the same venue.

We really need to maintain momentum, said Kiler, an Indonesian immigrant who moved to the U.S. in the early 2000s.

There are a number of legal and logistical hurdles to clear before the village of tiny houses  generally defined as freestanding structures between 100 to 400 square feet in size  can move from the idea phase into a concrete proposal but Kiler is encouraged by the initial response from the various nonprofits and city officials.

Kiler said a third meeting may be held in August in Wildomar. After that, the group could get to work looking for a potential site for the village and addressing some of the technical details, such as how many houses would be built and the rules that would govern the community.

As her idea stands right now, Kiler said shed like for the homeless selected to receive a tiny house to take ownership of the structure, provided they have met established requirements.

Thats the empowerment part, she said.

Nicole Dailey, a management analyst for the city of Lake Elsinore, attended the first meeting and came away impressed with the idea of taking a regional approach to the issue, which, for years, has found cities employing different strategies to service their respective homeless populations.

I think its great that regionally were coming together to explore and learn about the resources that are available, she said.

At this early stage of the process, the group hasnt come up with a set solution or fleshed out some of the trickier aspects of the village concept, but there has been a lot of constructive dialogue.

Kiler, an instructor who teaches medical assistants, said helping the homeless has been a passion of hers for the last five or six years, a calling that started with a chance encounter with a man named Nick, who was digging through a trash can near her house looking for something to eat.

I tried not to look at his eyes so I could go home in peace, she recalled.

But she did. And she ended up driving to an ATM to pull out $100 for him, even though she was worried it would be spent on drugs or alcohol.

She ended up developing a friendship with that man and helped him find a small place on his aunts property.

Jerry Esqueda, an officer with The Salvation Army, said the goals of his organization dovetail with the aims of Kiler and the others who are participating in the coalition.

And he credited Kiler with bringing everyone together.

Shes the anchor of all this that has taken place, he said.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9698 or aclaverie@pressenterprise.com

Would you like to see a tiny house village for the homeless built somewhere in Southwest Riverside County?  PE_Claverie (@PE_Claverie) July 27, 2016

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Painter to demonstrate techniques

LOMA LINDA  Michael Situ, a painter who works in the California Impressionist style, will be the featured guest at the Aug. 7 meeting of the Loma Linda Cultural Arts Association. An event notice says he will demonstrate his painting techniques and talk about his passion for California landscapes.

The meeting is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Loma Linda Senior Center, 25541 Barton Road. Admission is free for association members and students of Loma Linda University and $5 for all others.

 Staff report

Family band, Edgar, visits pediatric patients

LOMA LINDA  Edgar, a family band competing on TVs Americas Got Talent, played for and visited with patients at Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital on Tuesday, July 26. The band consists of Nikki Leonti-Edgar, a native of Corona who now lives in Los Angeles, her husband, Ryan, and daughter Jaslyn.

A toy guitar in hand, patient Franco Gonzalez Bucio, 2, of San Bernardino, got to play with the band, a video of which is available on the hospitals Facebook page. A news release says he loves music.

This was Nikki Leonti-Edgars first time at the hospital since her brother died from cancer when she was young. The news release says she wanted to give back to the hospital that took care of her brother.

 Staff report

Presentation on hospice care scheduled

REDLANDS  Judy Lewis from Redlands Community Hospital will talk about hospice care Monday, Aug. 1 as part of the Redlands Senior Centers Dessert and Dialogue series. The free event is at noon.

The senior center is at 111 W. Lugonia Ave.

Information: 909-798-7579

 Staff report

Send items for possible inclusion in Community Notes to community@pressenterprise.com.
John Moramarco, a decorated winemaker who helped establish the Temecula Valley as a viable winemaking region and won the praise of Queen Elizabeth, died this week.

He was 93.

Moramarco  a Los Angeles native born into an Italian family with a long tradition of winemaking  was recruited in the late 1960s by the owners of Brookside Winery to plant 1,000 acres of grapes in the Temecula Valley, which, up until that point, had largely been used as grazing land for cattle and sheep.

He was later hired by textiles magnate Ely Callaway to help set up the vineyards for his namesake winery, which is still perched on the hillside near the Rancho California Road entrance to Wine Country.

He was instrumental in developing the Temecula area. He basically created (the template for) a viable wine business that continues today, said his son, Jon Moramarco, managing partner of BW166, a consulting firm named for a winery his grandfather acquired during Prohibition.

Moramarco said traits that helped his father succeed in Temecula  which was a dusty blank slate in the late 1960s  included his knowledge, his tenacity and his willingness to try new things.

He was very comfortable stepping outside of his comfort zone, he said.

That manifested itself in details such as when grapes were harvested  Moramarco used lights that enabled his crews to pick at night  and how the vineyards were trained on a trellis.

In his later years, Moramarco was viewed as a sort of father figure for the area and he worked with, and lobbied, politicians to help preserve the regions agricultural roots, which, he felt, were in danger of being yanked out by encroaching development.

I think John was one of the key spokesmen for the valley, said grower Ben Drake, a member of the Rancho California Water Districts board of directors. Especially getting across what we were trying to do in preserving the wine country.

Without his input we wouldnt have the wine country we have today.

One of the most famous stories involving Moramarco features Queen Elizabeth, who reportedly requested a second glass of a Callaway white riesling during a visit to New York in 1976.

We assumed she must have liked it, Moramarco said, according to published reports.

That second glass, which was was big news in the wine world, helped establish the area as a legitimate winemaking region.

Jon Moramarco said his father traveled the world as a consultant, helping plant the seeds for wineries in China and Russia. And he made multiple trips to his ancestral homeland of Italy.

When he wasnt traveling, his father enjoyed a good glass of wine with family and friends.

I think he enjoyed people. I think he enjoyed life, he said.

Moramarco is survived by his wife Bev Moramarco; two sons, a daughter; a stepson and stepdaughter and numerous grandchildren. The family plans to hold a private remembrance sometime in August.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9698 or aclaverie@pressenterprise.com
Whats really going on at the Democratic National C convention? Several Inland delegates in Philadelphia are writing diaries about their experiences. Diaries have been edited for space and clarity.

Angelov Farooq, 31, Riverside; Hillary Clinton delegate:

The morning began with Sen. Barbara Boxer speaking to the California delegation, who provided an emotional farewell on her impending retirement, and reiterated the necessity of electing Hillary Clinton as president.

Our local congressman, Mark Takano, got an opportunity to briefly address the Democratic National Convention as a member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander congressional caucus. The themes of national defense and foreign policy were prominently featured today. However, the overall consistent thread through all three days has been expressing a positive perspective on how the country has advanced from the Great Recession that President Obama inherited in his first term. Michael Bloomberg was highly credible in his speech as he was uniquely positioned as a former Mayor of Trumps own New York community, a highly successful businessman and independent of any political party.

There is a visible teleprompter from the audience vantage point and Vice President Joe Biden went off script when he referred to Trump as malarkey and that he has no clue on everything. For many Americans, tonight marked the first chance they had had to learn about vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine. He deftly incorporated Spanish in his speech and the highlight was his impersonation of Trump.

President Barack Obama will conclude the day with a first hand insight on his understanding of Secretary Clintons experience to lead the country without a learning curve. He will also refute the dark state of our country by Trump and reinforce the promise of possibilities together
The Inland Empire scored a couple of big victories last week:

 The president signed a bill that will enable Ontario to pay $120 million in airport fees to Los Angeles, a key to L.A. handing over control of Ontario International Airport.

 The Public Utilities Commission rejected a gas pipeline that would have disrupted major streets and quiet neighborhoods from San Bernardino through Reche Canyon.

These were David and Goliath fights I sometimes despaired that the region could win.

The airport legislation enables Ontario International Airport to transfer passenger fees collected at ONT to Los Angeles World Airports. Normally, such fees can only be used on the airport where theyre collected.

Without the legislation, the long, drawn-out battle for local control of ONT could have been for naught. How would Ontario pay L.A. to reimburse what LAWA spent on ONT?

Now, LAWA can keep $50 million in ONT passenger fees it already has collected, and ONT can forward LAWA $70 million in fees to be collected over the next 10 years.

Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, introduced the legislation back in January. But like many bills in our deadlocked Congress, it looked like it might die before the session ended this summer.

Calvert and Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona, smartly folded the bill into the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, a must-pass for Congress to prevent FAA funding from running out and the nations air traffic control system from shutting down.

Congress passed the FAA reauthorization Wednesday and President Barack Obama signed it into law late Friday.

Before that victory lap was taken, the California Public Utilities Commission killed a massive pipeline project that sparked outcry from the San Bernardino Mountains to the valley floor.

So Cal Gas and San Diego Gas & Electric claimed they needed the 63-mile pipeline from Adelanto to Moreno Valley to ensure natural gas supplies for Riverside County, San Diego and Imperial County.

The proposed route cut through the National Forest, across the San Andreas Fault, through San Bernardinos most heavily traveled corridors and most affluent neighborhood, requiring an 8-foot trench and months of disruption.

The plan upset environmentalists, industrialists and just plain folk who live and drive along the proposed route down the Cajon Pass, along Kendall Avenue by Cal State San Bernardino, across the 40th Street shopping corridor, down Valencia Avenue (the citys last affluent neighborhood), zigzag south to rural commute route Reche Canyon Road and across land planned for World Logistics Center in Moreno Valley.

The current plan will disrupt the primary bus corridor between San Bernardino and Loma Linda and will make for extremely hazardous driving and pedestrian (conditions), wrote Verdemont resident Mike Cohen.

You are running this line between the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults, Cohen wrote, raising the specter of a gas explosion like the 2010 San Bruno disaster.

Another resident, Larry Conley, wrote: My concern is that the pipeline under 1100 psi is being buried under (residential neighborhoods) when it could have been routed through unpopulated areas and be much safer.

The route had the greatest impact on the human environment, San Bernardino Community Development Director Marc Persico wrote.

At public meetings, gas company officials seemed to brush off the concerns, people who attended told me.

For example, they rejected a route along a flood control channel and couldnt say why the San Andreas Fault didnt concern them but a small fault near the channel did, San Bernardino Councilman Jim Mulvihill said.

There was a lack of any kind of understanding of the areas theyre going through, said Mulvihill, citing the Kendall/University Parkway intersection used by 20,000 CSUSB students and neighbors daily.

The very same route was torn up for construction of a bus rapid transit line from Cal State to Loma Linda. This would have torn the streets up again.

After the multiyear bus project, municipal bankruptcy and the Dec. 2 mass shooting, hasnt San Bernardino suffered enough?

In the end, it wasnt the neighborhood disruption or traffic concerns that killed the project. It was simple economics. There are cheaper ways to accomplish the stated goal: making sure theres enough natural gas for customers in case of an unforeseen event.

The utilities have relied on contracts with El Paso Natural Gas for 50 years a cost of less than $20 million a year, with no disruptions, Commissioner Mike Florio said. The proposed pipeline would have required $120 million annually from SoCalGas and SDG&E customers.

Theres a long history here of adequate service, Florio said. So it simply doesnt seem sensible to me that at a time when were looking at decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, including natural gas, that we would spend $620 million on a pipeline system that just moves gas around and doesnt increase the supply.

He and the other commissioners want to take a broader view of how to ensure natural gas supplies, not approve one pipeline at a time.

So Cal Gas wouldnt say whether it plans to appeal the decision or propose a new route for the pipeline, releasing a statement that the company remains concerned about supply reliability and believes new infrastructure is the best solution.

The CPUC has been under fire lately for its handling of the San Bruno disaster and the Aliso Canyon leak. But its decision in this case served the Inland communities well.

Its just fantastic, Mulvihill said. Im not sure the protests we made here made any difference, but the outcome was good. San Bernardino dodged a big bullet.

North End Neighborhood Association President John Hillman said the community is hugely relieved.

The people that Ive talked to are really happy about this thing being shut down, Hillman said, adding, Finally, something worked for the area. Amen.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9470 or cmacduff@pressenterprise.com
Students from Landmark Middle School in Moreno Valley proved their musical abilities when they traveled to Vancouver, B. C., for the Heritage Music Festival and came home with a gold for the jazz and concert bands and a silver for the concert choir.

Band and choir director Michael Weeks said his students are hard workers, and their willingness to go above and beyond has made them successful.

Im very excited about what I do, Weeks said. People tell me thats contagious.

The band has also been recognized locally, as they received a unanimous superior rating in March from the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association. Additionally, Moreno Valley Unified School District was recognized in January by the National Association of Music Merchants as having one of the best music education programs in the United States.

Greg Solomon, the districts coordinator of visual and performing arts, said the Moreno Valley Unified School District is strongly supportive of the arts and believes involvement in music helps students flourish. He said the opportunity to perform competitively  as the Landmark students did in the May Heritage festival  encourages them to sharpen their skills.

Theres the performance aspect of performing in front of judges at an event like that that students take seriously, Solomon said. I think the trip itself is an opportunity for kids to experience something that they wouldnt be able to (otherwise).

Eighth-grader Ashley Barrera, a trumpet player in both the Landmark Middle School concert and jazz bands, said performing and traveling was a great experience. She said her favorite part of the trip was spending time with the other students, many of whom feel like family.

It was honestly one of the most fun things Ive ever done, and it was one of those things Ill remember for the rest of my life, Ashley said.

Joshua Ocharan, a seventh- grade percussionist in concert band, said his favorite parts of the trip were going to the awards ceremony and spending time with his friends. He said he believes the ability to travel provides a unique learning opportunity.

When you just stay in the band room, you dont get to experience the feeling firsthand, Joshua said. You cant really learn more if you dont experience it.

Bertha Renguul, a sixth- grade choir student, said the best part of the trip was performing on stage surrounded by her friends, which she said made the group even closer.

It gives us a better experience in singing and performing and also gives us more confidence, she said.

Choir member and eighth- grade student Theo Renguul said he thinks the experience and confidence Weeks has instilled in the musicians has been advantageous.

We have a wonderful teacher, he said. Doing all of the things we did when I was in middle school choir really helped me.

As for the future of Landmarks music program, Weeks hopes to continue traveling and anticipates a trip to New York next year.

Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com
An arrest has been made in a shooting that killed a man in his 30s in Riverside on Wednesday, police said Thursday.

Jesus Ramon Cabrera Jr., 37, was arrested at his home in Grand Terrace, police said in a written statement. The statement didnt say what led police to suspect Cabrera in the shooting.

The man who was shot Wednesday in the 7200 block of Evans Street was identified as Victor Aguilar, 35. He died at a hospital. Police said in a news release he had a gunshot wound to the upper body.

The Wednesday shooting is not believed to be related to another shooting from earlier in the week, police said Thursday.

Officers believe it started with an exchange of gunfire, though it wasnt clear whether the victim himself fired a gun.

A shooting injured a man Monday night in the 3600 block of Ramona Drive  across from Riverside City College. In that incident, officers found the man in full arrest when they arrived and administered CPR to stabilize him, Railsback said in an email. The victim was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

There were no witnesses to that incident.

Railsback said the shootings dont immediately seem related, but detectives will make a final determination about whether they are.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.
One day when Gerard Stagnato was home sick with the flu, his wife asked him what she could get for him at the store. He requested a small paint set; that was enough to jumpstart his artistic side, which he has been tapping into for more than 40 years.

Now a resident at Ramona Rehabilitation and Post Acute Care Center in Hemet, Stagnato spends time each day in a well-lit art studio that the facility has set up for him.

Monique Zamora, recreation activity and leisure director, said when residents arrive at the center, they discuss their interests.

They are all of different cognitive levels and different backgrounds, said Zamora, who has worked at the 104-bed facility for eight years.

When she learned that Stagnato had an interest in art, the facilitys team set up a space for him to paint.

I feel gratified, said Stagnato, 82, who lives at the facility because of multiple issues, including an equilibrium problem that requires he use a wheelchair.

I still can do things. Thats what gets you better  keeping your mind active.

Raised on the Lower East Side of New York City, Stagnato would hang out at bars with neighborhood friends and one day was told to go behind the bar so he could be taught how to mix drinks. That led to a career as one of the best bartenders in New York.

Hes been a fan of the Yankees ever since his nephew, Mike Pagliarulo, played for the team.

He has lived in California for about 35 years but visits New York regularly. One of his largest paintings is a remembrance of the twin towers.

Stagnato has been at Ramona Rehabilitation for about a year but has spent a few years in other facilities.

He usually spends one to four hours a day in his art studio. He said the only thing that restricts him is having to paint sitting down.

I used to always paint standing up  I got a better perspective that way, Stagnato said.

Since its been set up, the art room has become a popular gathering place while Stagnato works.

Zamora said that peer support  having someone from their same circle and in a similar situation  helps make residents feel part of something.

Its a great social experience for all of them, she said, adding that Stagnato has been able to inspire residents by showing them that even if they dont have the same physical capabilities they once had, they can still live life.

Having Gerry here is really inspirational  not just for the residents but for the staff and visitors, too, Zamora said.

Seeing his work fills people with hope. Just because something gets you down or you are aging, there is no need to stop doing what you love to do.

Contact the writer: dianerhodes.writer@gmail.com
On Tuesday, the city councils of Hemet and Temecula voted to put 1-percent sales taxes on the November ballot. Under the guise of public outreach and education, both cities have worked hard over the past year to build support for a tax hike, paying out tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars each to consultants to get to this point.

This marks the second time this year that Hemet will seek a tax increase. In June, voters rejected Measure E, a sales tax which would have allocated all of its revenues toward police and fire services. Known as a special tax because it allocates funds to specific services, Measure E required a two-thirds vote for passage, and failed to meet that threshold.

As happened last time, the council voted 4-1, with Councilwoman Shellie Milne opposed, to place another tax on the ballot, seemingly having learned nothing from the failure of the last effort.

In January, the Bureau of the State Auditor received approval from a state legislative panel to conduct an audit of Hemets finances, over the objections of Hemet officials. The following month, the council rushed to put Measure E on the ballot. Nothing has changed since the failure of Measure E except the City Council is now calling for a general sales tax. Unlike the special tax, a general tax could be used for anything in the city and only requires a majority vote.

The council majority says it will use the money for public safety. If true, they should have gone with another special tax, preferably after the results of the audit are released in August, and after having a discussion about whether taxpayers are getting their moneys worth, with the city police and fire department.

Unlike Hemet, which has run consecutive budget deficits since the Great Recession, Temecula has generally been in better shape. However, soaring contract rates for public safety, coupled with growing city spending in general, are anticipated to create budget deficits in Temecula starting in the next fiscal year.

Temecula has been aware of this possibility for some time, and last year hired Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, a consulting firm also retained by Hemet, to help strategize for a tax hike. On Tuesday, the council heard a presentation from the consultant, who explained how positive messaging could persuade Temecula residents to support a tax. The council unanimously approved going ahead with it.

While open to being persuaded, we remain skeptical of the long, narrow focus of both cities on a tax increase, especially general sales taxes.
A 36-year-old Riverside man died after being shot in front of a house in the citys Casa Blanca neighborhood, according to police and coroners officials.

Victor Aguilar died at a hospital about an hour after the 4:45 p.m. gunfire Wednesday, July 27, in the 7200 block of Evans Street.

Shortly before the shooting, there was an exchange of gunfire on the street, said Officer Ryan Railsback. It was unclear whether the victim had been firing a gun or if he had been a bystander. Railsback said detectives were looking into it.

UPDATE: Killing not believed to be related to downtown shooting

The shooter remained at large, Railsback said. Police were actively searching for him in the neighborhood, and had Evans Street blocked off.

Initial 911 calls indicated that four people had been shot, Railsback said. When police arrived, they found only one victim.

Railsback said officers were investigating the possibility that other people were shot and left the scene, but he said so far no one has shown up at local hospitals.

Police ask with information about the shooting to call Detective Jim Simons at 951-353-7138 or Detective Adrian Tillett at 951-353-7105.
Watching local educators pay out of pocket for school supplies inspired a Beaumont teen to take action.

Adrian Quintana, 16, is collecting materials to help fill classrooms at Yucaipa High School in time for the start of the 2016-17 school year Aug. 10.

I just wanted to help the community, said the incoming Yucaipa High senior. Teachers are really underappreciated for all the money they spend on supplies.

Notebooks, colored pencils and graph paper are just a few of the items sought.

For those looking to spend a bit more, graphing calculators, cameras, backpacks and cleaning supplies are other options.

Supplies are coming in slowly, but Adrian is hopeful more people would want to donate as word spreads.

His mom, Monica Quintana, agreed.

I see a lot of people shopping for back-to-school items already, she said. Im hoping (shoppers) will put one little extra item in their cart and donate it to the cause.

Supplies can be donated from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapels Yucaipa offices, 35208 Yucaipa Blvd., and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral homes Redlands location, 703 Brookside Ave.

Adrian wants to donate as much as he can to the cause.

The Quintana family hopes to keep the project going for years to come.

While Adrian will be off to college next year  he hopes to attend the University of Arizona in Phoenix and study biomedical engineering  his younger brother, Andres, 15, plans to take up the cause, Monica Quintana said.

The world is not in such a great place, so why not teach them how to care about one another, she said.

For more information, call Monica Quintana at 909-522-6807.

Contact the writer: kristina.hernandez@langnews.com, @TheFactsKris
The Government would ensure that Ghanaians get a better deal under the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA), Mr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (MoTI) has stated.



He said the fact that negotiations towards the final signing of the EPA had dragged on for years showed that the Government had the welfare of Ghanaians at heart.



The EPA is a reciprocal trade arrangement between the EU and the sub-regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).



Its interim agreement was endorsed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS on July 10, 2014 in Accra.



The EPA would entail the gradual removal of tariffs on a substantial number of imports coming into Ghana from the EU in 20 years with five years moratorium from its implementation.



In return, the EU would continue to offer duty-free access to the EU market as well as a 6.5 billion Euro development programme.



Mr Mohammed, who was speaking on Tuesday at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting in Accra, said although there were gains under the EPA, it also came with a cost and Ghanaians must prepare themselves towards how they would benefit from it.



The programme was on the theme: The EPA and Its Implications for Businesses in Ghana.



He said Parliament was there to scrutinise every international agreement that government signed to ensure that it was for the benefit of the people.



Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, the Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited, said the breakfast meeting was to stimulate discussions and help shape policies in Ghana.



He said Ghanaians had a stake in the solution of Ghana's problems and in this election year decisions made should inform the leaders where to go.



Mr Alhassan Andani, the Managing Director of Standbic Bank Ghana Limited, said the result of the debate would go a long way to help ease any tension that may arise between the EU and ECOWAS over the EPA.



Panelists comprise Dr Yaw Graham, the Executive Director of Third World Network, Nana Osei Bonsu, the Chief Executive Officer of Private Enterprises Federation and Mr Anthony K. Nyame-Baafi, the Director of Multilateral, Regional and Bilateral Trade, MoTI.



The meeting was chaired by Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso, the Director of Academic Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.



Majority of the panelists were of the view that EPA was good for Ghana but called for its review to make it a win-win situation for both the EU and Ghana.



However, Dr Graham, who held a dissenting view, urged Ghana to pull out of the EPA.



Nana Osei Bonsu said the private sector was not against the EPA and that it would prefer better negotiation in order to ensure a win-win situation for both the EU and ECOWAS.



Mr Nyame-Baafi said Ghanas exports to the EU market had been increasing because of the interim EPA.



Dr Antwi-Danso said the EPA is killing regional integration and wondered why the EU lumped the East Africa Community and the Southern Africa Development Community into one bloc.

Source: GNA









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Ghana risk losing a total of 40,000 jobs over the next 10 years if the country goes ahead to sign the EPA in its current state, the Coordinator of the Third World Network, Dr Yao Graham, has said.



The job losses will result from a crumbling of the light industrial sector in the economy, which promises to create more jobs in the very near future, Dr Graham said at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting in Accra.



He was making a case against the signing of the EPA, which grants unrestricted access to Ghana's exports into the EU market. The market comprise 18 economies and is currently a key destination for exports.



Beyond the job losses, Dr Graham said estimates by the Network showed that the country would lose a sizeable amount of its important tariffs, as a result of the removal of importance duties on selected imports from the EU.



Those estimates put the figure at $126 million, he said.



As a result he said Ghana needed to ensure that the agreement is renegotiated to fit into its economic development agenda.



"One key thing about trade agreements is that they must fit coherently into a country's development agenda," he said, admitting that they always lowered and gained in such deals.



He, however, explained that such losers needed to be motivated on the part of Ghana hence the need for a re-look at the agreement.

Source: Daily Graphic









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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.
Ghanas health sector has retrogressed due to the poor governance by the Mahama-led administration, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has said.



Our health system is really not a system because it is not working, Nana Konadu asserted as an indictment of governments management of Ghanas health care system.





Diseases that have been eradicate from our country have resurfaced; yellow fever, typhoid, yaws, scabies all due to poor sanitation and incompetent governance.



Nana Konadu, a former First Lady, made these remarks on the health care system at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Conversation Series.



She lamented that there wasnt a single family, as in extended family, regardless of financial status that has not lost a family member to an illness or disease that could have been treated if timely proper care had been administered.



Nana Konadu further bemoaned the predicament of health care professionals who she said are frustrated due to their inability to help save their patients as a result of ill-equipped hospitals and a bureaucracy that stifles their dedication.



We need to create a system that supports our dedicated healthcare service men and women whilst weeding out those who are guilty of malpractice, she stated.



How can a nation that prides itself on peace and stability shaken by outbreaks of typhoid and cholera; diseases easily avoidable if our health and sanitation systems worked effectively.

Source: citifmonline.com









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Personnel of Ghana Police Service are hunting for people who broke into the classrooms of Krabokese (D/A) Primary and Senior High School and defecated there .



Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Ahiamele told the Ghana News Agency that the action of the unknown people is strange since the town has a toilet facility.



He said the culprits left behinds butts of cigarettes, substances suspected to be marijuana and condoms. There was also a chamber-pot filled with urine placed on the teachers table.



DSP Ahiamale, said the practice had gone on for the past three years.



In a related development a youth leader of the community(Mmrantehene of Krabokese) has been arrested for threatening the life of a female teacher and would be arraigned.

Source: GNA









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The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and president of First Ladies on the African continent, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, has donated some surgical and medical equipment to the War Memorial Hospital in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality and the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital.



The equipment include beds for the sick, plastic bondage, waste disposable units, strings and needles, gauze and many more others.



The donation forms part of the Lordina Foundation which is resolved to improve upon healthcare delivery in the country, including supporting in the reduction of the spread of HIV/AIDS, especially mother-to-child transmission, advocating against child marriage, supporting the orphanage and other vulnerable in the deprived communities, among others.



In her speech at the handing over ceremony in Navrongo of the Upper East Region, she said she was committed to aiding to reduce the health ills confronting the underprivileged in the society.



She said, the medical equipment would undoubtedly streamline healthcare delivery in the beneficiary hospitals in all the regions and pledged to expand the support to other health centres in the country anytime soon.



Mrs. Mahama touted the health personnel in the various hospitals and health centres in the region for their relentless commitment in providing quality healthcare, in spite of the limited equipment and other logistics at their disposal and charged them to sustain the status quo.



"I appreciate the efforts of the doctors, nurses and other health professionals for their commitment in providing quality healthcare to the residents of Navrongo and its environs.This will help achieve governments social obligation of protecting the health of our citizens", she praised.



Turning the spotlight on child marriage, Mrs. Mahama poohpoohed parents who engaged in giving out their female wards for early marriage, describing the act as 'obnoxious and illegal'.



She explained the act could deprive them (the female children) of their good future and warned parents and guardians to prioritise their wards' education since that could help them to garner high academic laurels to wield the mantle of leadership in the nation in future.



She stressed, "I think the launch of the End Child Marriage campaign by the ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is very laudable. In fact, child marriage is an obnoxious tradition that has no place in our enlightening 21st century world and cannot be mitigated by any cultural justification.



"These girls deserve a better future and I plead with you to help them to become responsible citizens".



The Upper East Regional Minister, Albert Abongo, praised Dr/Mrs. Mahama for her unrelenting support accorded orphans in the country, adding her contribution to health care delivery had out-scored all First Ladies in Africa.



According to him, Mrs. Mahama's philanthropic gesture in the areas of health and child protection had greatly affected the region.



For his part, the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Kofi Issah, acknowledged the Lordina Foundation for its immense contribution in reducing HIV/AIDS endemic in the region.



He said HIV/AIDS prevalence had witnessed a considerable reduction in the Bolgatanga Municipality as the percentage dropped from 2.5 in 2014 to 1.4 in 2015.

Source: Francis Dabre Dabang/ email: [email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Two Accra based radio stations owned by the Network Broadcasting Company, have temporarily shut down in solidarity with the three contemnors who were handed four months jail sentences on Wednesday morning by the Supreme Court.



Radio Gold (90.5fm) and Montie FM (100.1fm) went off air around 3:10 pm on Wednesday.



Our reporters were monitoring the two radio stations when it was noticed that they simultaneously went off air without any information to listeners.



Checks from sources at the station however indicated that they went off air in solidarity with the trio, who have been jailed four months each by the Supreme Court.



The directors of the mother company of the two stations, Network Broadcasting have also been sentenced to a fine of Ghc30, 000 by the Supreme Court.



If the directors fail to pay the fine by close of work on Thursday July 28, 2016, they will be held liable to a prison term.



The court however did not indicate the prison term they will have to serve.



Mr. Ato Ahwoi,a director of Network Broadcasting Company and a former presidential advisor was in court for the first time on Wednesday and was also found guilty of criminal contempt. The other directors were convicted together with the trio, Salifu Maase alias Mugabe and his two panelists Alistair Tairo Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn last week.





Mr. Ahwoi who was making his first appearance in court on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 since he was absent at the first two sittings pleaded he was liable with explanation and was subsequently convicted and sentenced.The three convicts, radio presenter Salifu Maase alias Mugabe and his two panelists Alistair Tairo Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn were convicted for making contemptious statements about the Court.

The two political commentators threatened the lives of judges of the superior court on Accra-based radio station, Montie FM.



They made the statements on a programme known as 'Bia Gya' [Open Fire] and hosted by Mugabe.



The Supreme Court presided over by Ms Justice Sophia Akufo apart from putting them in prison also fined the three Ghc10,000 each. If they fail to pay the fine by close of work on Thursday July 28, 2016, they will each serve an additional one-month term in prison.



In addition to the Ghc30, 000 fine to be paid by the owners of the Montie FM, Mr. Harry Zakkours company, Zeze which owns the Montie FM frequency 100.1fm, is also to pay a Ghc30, 000 fine.



If the two companies fail to pay the fine by close of work on Thursday, July 28, 2016, all their directors would be held liable to a prison term.



The court, however, did not indicate the prison term, the directors would have to serve,



It is not clear when the managers of the two stations intend to bring back their programmes on air.

Source: Graphic.com.gh









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday stated that Ghana is a fledgling economy that is ready to partner others to achieve her development goals in the coming years



He said although government had had a number of agreements with her development partners in the international arena, it t would continue to pursue others that would make the country a fertile ground for investment.



President Mahama said this when he received three envoys at the Flagstaff House, Kanda.



The envoys; Laura Carpini, Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Hans Doctar, Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, and Jeeva Sagar, Indian Ambassador to Ghana were at the presidency to announce the end of their duty tour to Ghana and subsequent departure to their respective countries.



On Italy, President Mahama said Ghana was partnering the country in the seven billion dollar ENI gas production that would help to relieve the energy needs of Ghanaians and subsequently make her a net exporter of the commodity by the end of 2017.



"We are assured that the project, when completed, will produce 1,000 megawatts of power per day and will make Ghana self-sufficient by 2017," he said.



President Mahama commended the Italian Government for supporting Ghana after the June 3, 2015 floods and fire disasters adding that that support leveraged the relations between the two countries.



He said Ghana and Italy had signed some agreements which would be pursued to ensure that they achieved the needed goals in the partnership.



On the Netherlands, President Mahama said although Ghana was constructing a number of liquid waste plants in Ashaiman and Korle-Gonno in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana would partner them to find lasting solutions to their waste management.



"The Netherlands' expertise in water and sanitation has been phenomenal and Ghana will partner them to ensure that our liquid waste problems are effectively solved in the coming years," he said.



President Mahama said Ghana would also partner the Netherlands in the area of nutrition to check stunted growth among Ghanaian children since they were experts in nutrition.



President Mahama said the collaboration between Ghana and the Netherlands on the Tuberculosis Project was on course and government would continue to put in place all necessary measures that would help in its development.



On India, President Mahama said Ghana would collaborate with the country to achieve her Information and Communication Technology goals on account of India's development prowess in that area.



He said apart from the partnership in the Komenda Sugar Factory and the Kofi Annan Information Centre in Accra, government would also partner them in the health sector to construct and equip district and regional hospitals with polyclinics at other centres.



Ambassador Laura Carpini of Italy, who has completed her four-year duty tour of Ghana, said visits by President Mahama to Italy in the past few years had leveraged the relations between the two countries.



She said Italy had been a huge investor in Ghana and the current healthier relations would further step up their level of investment in Ghana.



Hans Doctar, out-going Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, promised to step up relations with Ghana in the areas of water and sanitation.



He commended Ghana for her relentless efforts in placing the economy on the right pedestal irrespective of the economic turbulence she had gone through over the years.



Mr Jeeva Sagar, out-going Indian Ambassador to Ghana, commended President Mahama for his efficient management of the Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The presidential nominee of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings has repeated her criticism of the Mahama led government and insisted that many eradicated diseases were returning to Ghana as a result of mismanagement.



Speaking at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) organised encounter with the political parties ahead of this years elections on Wednesday night, Nana Agyemang Rawlings claimed the health sector was collapsing.



As a result, she said diseases that had long been eradicated from the country such as Yaws - [A chronic disfiguring and debilitating childhood infectious skin disease] was returning.



She said economic times were tough for most Ghanaians as a result of high taxes on goods and services and added that the gap between the rich and poor continues to increase.



I refuse to sit back and say things are getting better particularly as we all can see that things are not getting any better. Infact, things are getting worse for us as a nation, neither is it just for a government to take up four years of our time, of our lives and reward us with economic mismanagement, its unacceptable. In a response to a question on what an NDP government would do about the menace of illegal mining [galamsey] she accused government officials of encouraging the menance.



She said government officials were actively recruiting Chinese nationals to engage in illegal mining in Ghana and insisted that was an indication the nations development was on a wrong path and needs to be halted.



She said government has been irresponsible in the management of the country and we dont need an irresponsible government. About two years ago I had a discussion with a very senior policeman and he said do you know how many times we have arrested these galamsey people, the Chinese people, it is your government people who are bringing the Chinese people to come and dig for them.



So when you arrest them they call, they [government officials] call you to release them. When you have a government that is irresponsible, its very difficult to deal with galamsey, she said.





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.

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The National Organiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams, has described the jailing of radio host Salifu Maase, aka, Mugabe, and two radio panellists: Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, as a dent on Ghanas political journey since the criminal libel law was repealed some 15 years ago.



The apex court on Wednesday July 27 sentenced Mugabe, Nelson and Gunn, to a four-month jail term for threatening to kill justices of the court on a radio show called Pampaso. They were found guilty of contempt.



This ruling is a dent on our record. Tomorrow [Friday July 29] marks our 15th anniversary of the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law. The ruling yesterday has in a way become another dent in our political journey and democratic dispensation, Mr Adams said on 12 Live on Class 91.3FM on Thursday July 28.



He stressed that the NDC, as a party, found the ruling strange and if it is intended to stifle free speech, I think that Ghana has gone very far.



The NDC has said the sentence was harsh and shocking. Lawyers for the three, Nana Ato Dadzie and George Loh, have also described the sentence as harsh and excessive. Foreign Affairs Minister Hanna Tetteh has also expressed similar sentiments while supporters of the NDC have picketed at the partys headquarters and have called on President John Mahama to grant the convicts pardon.

Source: Classfmonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ablekuma West MP, Ursula Owusu Ekuful has counseled President John Dramani Mahama not to heed calls for him to pardon the convicted Montie contemnors.



The contemnors were sentenced to four months imprisonment each with a fine of GHC 10000 for contempt of court.



Owners of the radio station were also fined GHC 30000 in the contempt suit.



Following the verdict by the Supreme Court, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vehemently condemned the jailing of the contemnors, stressing in a statement that "while respecting the verdict of the court and reiterating our condemnation of the utterances and comments made by the three, the party is extremely disappointed and saddened by the severity and harshness of the punishments imposed on them."



A private legal practitioner has also called on President John Mahama to exercise his powers under Article 72 and grant the convicts clemency.



Article 72 gives the President the mandate "in consultation with the Council of State" to "grant to a person convicted of an offence a pardon either free or subject to lawful conditions."



Commenting on Peace FM's Kokrokoo, Ursula Owusu stated that should the President exercise such powers, it will feed into the notion that no matter the crime that an NDC member commits; he will use his discretionary power to pardon them.



She noted that the Montie FM staff and two panelists practiced "media terrorism" and have been stung by their own actions.



If they are NDC members, no matter the crime they commit; the President will use his power of pardon to set them freeI know he is a bigger person than that and will think in the interest of the nation, and the dangerous journey these Montie contemnors were embarking on to plunge the country into chaos before he makes any such attempt.



She said the convicts felt they were untouchable but "unfortunately, they are not. They were practicing media terrorism and it has come to bite them. I hope we will pick a cue from it and desist from going down that line.



Whiles the learned lawyer indicted various institutions and civil society for allowing the "excesses" to go unchecked, she however believed the court's ruling will serve as a deterrent to any individual who wants to demean the judiciary; that, it is a higher power that must not be toyed with.



What lesson are we teaching the younger ones coming up? I blame all of us and the institutions set up to check these excesses. The time when they started to set up this station and when they started to denigrate their political opponents, especially Nana Akufo Addo; where were they? Peace Council and Media Commission!"

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi /Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Audio Attachment: Listen to Dela Edem on Peace Fm's 'kokrokoo'

Dela Edem, member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team, has condemned the hypocrisy of Ghanaians.



Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' regarding the sentencing of the three Montie FM contemnors, Dela Edem stated emphatically that Ghana is not "progressing because of the double standard nature of all of us; Hypocrisy!



He lambasted Ghanaians for failing to project their voices against any attempts by the Supreme Court to pronounce a custodial sentence on the convicts.



Dela Edem noted that the contemnors had expressed regrets over their comments and further showed a sense of shame, which to him, should have led to lesser judgment.



He added that the contemnors had also apologized before the court and all these actions should have been taken in good faith by the court.



He further alluded to the Supreme Court ruling on some Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, former General Secretary and Sammy Awuku, incumbent National Organizer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) who equally made contemptible remarks about the court and wondered why the court pardoned them.



To him, the court should have showed the Montie FM staff and two panelists the same heart.



Maxwell Kofi Jumah went to the polling station  Electoral Commission  and tore it into pieces. He was arraigned before court and he was fined 1400 cedis. He, as a former Minister, former KMA Boss; a senior official was fined 1400. Now, Ako Gunn (from hand to mouth) like myself arraigned before court and is sentenced to 4 months imprisonment, and further fined GHC 100 million (10000 in the new currency). And this morning we are saying this is too harsh.



Dela Edem further had a message for persons who have dissented to views that President John Dramani Mahama should exercise his powers under Article 72 to grant the convicts pardon



"Those saying it will be early. Let them be jailed awhile because if you do that, you have abused the day. There is a time youre supposed to do that. Who says so? Who said that there is a provision in the constitution that there is a time where you should exercise that prerogative? Who says so?

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Weve all felt it. Lost somewhere in a European dream world, the pull of home has struck us all. You cant really escape it, but then again you dont really want to. Its part of who you are; part of your makeup; of your soul. Sure, we all do a decent job of assimilating into other countries. We all love being immersed in a different culture. But every so often, just once in a while, the call of Straya flares up, and we need a little taste of home.

Previously, this meant finding some tiny, weird little Australian-themed bar, or sitting up till all hours watching old episodes of Who Dares Wins on YouTube. And that was ok, sort of. Sure, the decor at the pub leans a little too heavily on the weird, creepy mid-20th century Australiana for their decorations (lord knows how they managed to find one Skippy melamine plate for the walls, let alone half a dozen) and the Coopers they have in the fridge is the export version with the roo sticker on the neck which doesnt travel particularly well. And sure, the video quality on the YouTube vids leaves a lot to be desired, but at least whoever uploaded it left all the ads in to complete the full 1997 Prime 7 experience.

But fear not, dear travellers! Theres a new method to get a quick and easy hit of home while you are abroad. Travel Insurance Direct has just launched the Homesick Hotline; a nifty little 1800 number that directs you to a bunch of sort sounds from back home.

The hotline, which is literally 1800 STRAYA, has a whole bunch of sound samples of the quintessential Australian experience. Theres everything in there, from classics like the roar of the crowd at the MCG, and waves crashing at Bondi Beach, to things like being on hold with Centrelink indefinitely, and your neighbour filling his wheelie bin with empties.

Hell, theres even a sly dig at Sydneys much-loathed lockout laws as well. Because it wouldnt be an Australian hotline without mercilessly taking the piss out of something.

The best part is you dont have to be overseas to get involved; the number is open to everyone. Give it a dial now, why dont ya. Its just 1800 STRAYA (or 1800 787 292).

*sniff* It its BEAUTIFUL.

Source: Travel Insurance Direct.

Photo: James D. Morgan/Getty.
The M/V Chugach launched in 1925 and remained in service until 2015. The historic 62-foot long, 14 1/2-foot wide vessel spent many years operating out of Petersburg.

In 1925, the M/V Chugach launched in Seattle and it ended up being the last wooden ranger boat used in the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) fleet. The vessel faithfully remained in service until 2015, transporting scientists, government officials, supplies, and guests throughout Southcentral and Southeast Alaska.

Up until 1953, the historic ranger boat was based out of Cordova then it was relocated to Petersburg. The vessel is currently out of the water in Wrangell for scheduled repairs. The Chugach is growing accustomed to repairs in its old age and the USFS is working on limited funding so regular transportation of personnel on the vessel any longer is not an option. The USFS is seeking proposals from the public to lease, adaptively re-use and preserve the vessel, and the first 30-day comment period ended this week.

"What we're seeing right now are not really fleshed out proposals, but more like ideas," said Keri Hicks, Heritage Program Leader Forest Service Alaska Region.

The Chugach was part of a ranger boat fleet that once numbered 11 strong, and worked along 12,000 miles of Alaska coastline. By 2005, the majority of the other ranger boats were in private ownership. The Chugach is 62-feet long and she's just over 14-feet wide. It is listed on the National Historic Register of Places, and in conjunction with the National Historic Preservation Act the agency is required to take certain steps to ask the public what could be done with the vessel.

"The public is going to have really good out-of-the-box ideas that we ourselves may not have come up with on our own," Hicks said. "We're hoping that, in this case, that it has the potential to be kind of an economic development opportunity for someone in a community."

People proposing their idea for the future of the vessel were asked for a brief proposal with an alternative use idea or feasibility plan. All lease proposals would be considered, and particular consideration will be given to proposals that best preserve the boat's historic integrity.

Hicks said the chance of an additional comment period is likely, with less than 10 already received. The plan is honing proposals and narrowing them down to two or three. The finalists will be presented to USFS leadership and for a decision on how to continue. Hicks is currently working on a feasibility study with an architectural historian to explore what really could be possible, she said.

"It's so significant to the history of the Forest Service here in Alaska," Hicks said of the vessel. "It's the last, so it's a little bit different than maybe the other ranger boats vessels that have been previously removed from the fleet."

The importance of the vessel's character and integrity is key from a USFS stance. The vessel is scheduled to wrap up repairs soon, but there's no rush to get it back in the water, Hicks said.

"It's also kind of sad that it's going out of service, so it's kind of mixed emotions," Hicks said. "And I've only been familiar with it for the past year. There are folks in this region who have taken numerous trips on it and are very passionate about it."

One of those people fortunate enough to spend time aboard the old wooden vessel is Rachel Myron, USFS archeologist in Juneau. She's been off and on with the USFS since the late-1980s. Myron used the Chugach and another ranger vessel the M/V Sitka in Heritage Program trips to visit and inspect archeological and historical properties. A lot of the work is on the ground and labor intensive, so having a good skipper was a huge perk.

"Whether it was the Chugach Ranger or Sitka Ranger, you could work with a competent skipper, which we so often had," Myron said. "We were able to shuttle ashore and then come back at night to a nice cabin-like environment, where actually, the skipper would generally prepare meals for us as well."

Most trips lasted 10 days and the ranger boats made it possible to conduct work in remote places and along tough shoreline. They also allowed native tribal members to come on extended trips to work closely with USFS staff. The collaborations usually lasted three days, and the time was valuable and maximized an efficient transfer of local knowledge. Myron calls the days aboard ranger boats "a gift." Unfortunately, Myron said USFS analysis of ranger boats don't consider the emotional attachment the vessels conjure.

"I just miss those boats," she said.

She still thinks about trips taken with Petersburg mariner and Chugach captain Chuck Thynes.
Blake Miller shows off the 16-foot boat he traveled in from Washington to Southeast Alaska, while moored in North Harbor last week. He kept the boat loaded with provisions and plenty of warm clothes.

When a person is rowing a freshly licensed, hand-constructed 16-foot boat from Washington to Juneau, bad days are bound to happen. One happened right before Blake Miller of Missoula, Montana, rowed into North Harbor early one morning last week.

After being about 3/16 inch on his map, he ended up on a massive mud flat. So his options were, get up at 1 a.m. and be on the water by 2 a.m., or roll the boat over a couple hundred yards of rock and mud. He also had the option of waiting until 11 a.m. to launch, but he got up early and the reward was a flat Frederick Sound all to himself.

"I watched the moon set and watched the sun starting to rise," Miller says. "I had at least two humpbacks that I could hear coming up to breathe and the water was glassy calm."

Five days prior, Miller was in Ketchikan being a "dutiful tourist," watching the lumberjack show, checking out coffee shops and searching for a good cheese burger and fries. When he stopped in Wrangell, he arrived mid-afternoon on a Saturday, just in time to grab a cheese burger and watch the town shut down. He's been eating a lot of soup and instant rice lately so when a town is coming up Miller's motivation becomes a good burger and soft bed.

After deciding to attempt this journey in January, he built a boat from a kit which cut into his planning and preparation time. He found out doing epoxy work during a cold Montana winter is a "really bad idea." Miller says the boat definitely has some manufacturing defects, but also points out it was his first time tackling a wood-working project. Miller launched from his parent's house where he grew up in Tulalip, Washington over two months ago on May 20.

"I wanted to do a big adventure, and I wanted to see if I could do a really long trip," Miller says. "And I've always wanted to build a boat, for a trip, so it was like, 'Why don't I just build a row boat and row it from Washington to Alaska?'"

Miller likes the day to day challenges of a solo trip. He will read a guide book and search for details about a good place to camp, but he intentionally stays away from reading accounts of other adventure seekers.

"Ultimately, I'm out there and it's my call," he says. "I don't want anybody else's account of their adventure to influence my perception of what I'm going through out here."

Miller ended his journey in Juneau earlier this week, and he said the last portion of his trip was by far the best part yet. He rowed next to glacier ice, encountered more humpback whales, with one coming within 50 feet of his small craft. He also got pinned down for two days in a storm, but all he needs is a tarp to lie under and Alaska to look at.

"There's almost always something worth looking at, either a whale swimming by or some eagles hanging out," he says.

Miller very slowly worked his way up the coast, and he rowed or sailed the entire way, except for a ferry ride from Port Hardy to Bella Bella. By the time he arrived in Ketchikan a ferry ride home started sounding good. The number of rest days needed at the end of his extended trip increased, because he was exerting more energy than he could consume. In Petersburg, Miller was tempted by the prospect of hopping on a ferry, but he pushed on and overcame.

For Miller, there are a couple reasons for making the journey, and building the boat was a huge lesson in empathy. He teaches math at one of the colleges in Missoula, and deals with a lot of math-averse students. So he likes trying new things he has no experience with and to feel what it's like to start from scratch. He also took ballroom dancing lessons once, but Miller doesn't remember much of the venture other than the fact it was "absolutely terrifying."

Jess Field / Petersburg Pilot Miller's only security system for his dry bags and other goods too bulky to transport to and from his hotel room was pulling the sail over the items.

"It helps me empathize, because I do lose empathy, and I kind of need to remind myself what it's like to really go into something intimidating, not knowing anything about it," he says.

Almost 10 years ago, the adventurer in Miller, 27 at the time, increased after hearing about the possibility of adult complications from a heart defect he had surgically corrected at birth. His heart essentially functions as well as someone who's had a major heart attack.

"I've spent most of my life out of the medical system, which I've been very grateful for because nobody ever said to me, 'Oh no, you can't do that, you have a heart condition,'" Miller says.

He goes on bigger adventures every other year or so. He's completed multiple winter trips down the Grand Canyon and been on the verge of hypothermia in the Yukon, but this year's trip might be his limit. It's not a bad thing, however, because he's already thinking about rowing back to Alaska.
Sally and Al Dwyer talk with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski before she spoke Tuesday night at the Sons of Norway Hall. Murkowski, who is seeking re-election, stopped in Petersburg on a meet and greet.

Around 35 locals turned out to hear U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski speak Tuesday night at the Sons of Norway Hall. The meet and greet hosted at the local landmark lasted two hours, and gave the Senator, who is seeking re-election, the opportunity to field questions.

Glo Wollen introduced Murkowski and took a moment to thank her for the years spent fighting with the Board of Engineers to set aside funding for less populated places, like Alaska, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. The money will help a select few projects.

"She fought long and hard, and a lot of us were back there behind her, supporting this program called Section 107, of which, they set aside between $20 and $30 million for international dredge projects in these small places," Wollen said. "North Harbor qualified for the second dredge project in the entire country."

Multiple residents thanked Murkowski for her service, but the introduction received the loudest ovation of the night. Murkowski said moments like that don't get a lot of media attention, but they are what makes her job so fabulous.

"At the end of the day so much of what I do to represent you in Washington is the things that don't make national news," she said. "In fact, they might not make the Alaska Dispatch."

Murkowski spent the majority of the event speaking about issues facing Southeast Alaska, and the difficulty of advocating for issues specific to the region like marine transportation funding.

"Far too many Alaskans, of the 720,000 Alaskans, that call this place home now, have ever been to Southeast," Murkowski said. "Have no idea what the Alaska Marine Highway system is. They don't, when they talk about ferries they think it's pixie dust. They don't know."

She also answered a question about "Frankenfish," that's the term Murkowski used to set up her reply on a question about genetically engineered salmon. Proponents say genetically engineered fish could result in U.S. jobs added, but Murkowski quickly pointed out the eggs come out of Nova Scotia and they are raised in Panama. Murkowski also mentioned people saying there's no need to be worried about fish escaping or any negative impacts to breeding because they are sterile.

"It makes it sound acceptable because, you know, we are in such a high tech world," she said.

Murkowski brought up the topic of drugs in Petersburg, and mentioned the House recently passing a bill to fight opioid addiction. Later in the event, Murkowski took the opportunity for local Police Chief Kelly Swihart to speak to the crowd. Murkowski looked a little stunned by the figures Swihart used and wanted to schedule a sit-down to discuss the situation.

Other issues discussed during the night were resource development and regulation, fire borrowing, hydro power, health care and the NOAA observer program. Murkowski was scheduled to speak in Wrangell on Wednesday.
Bill Overdorff died suddenly on July 22, 2016 in Brownsville, OR, one week short of his 84th birthday. William Roy Overdorff, Jr. was born to Jessie (Olson) and William Roy Overdorff, Sr. in

Washington D.C. on July 30, 1932; he was an only child. They moved while he was quite young to Grand Island,

Nebraska, which was where he grew up. After he graduated from high school, he attended the University of Montana in Missoula, earning a Forestry Degree.

He moved up to Juneau, Alaska to work for the U.S. Forest Service, and there he met Delores (Dodie) Bennett. They married in 1957 and moved to

Petersburg, Alaska, where a year later, their first child, KrieAnn, was born, and then he was transferred back to Juneau where Eric, and then Jodie completed their family. They all enjoyed the Alaskan lifestyle of boating and camping and fishing, and Bill also enjoyed hunting trips every fall. After a brief transfer to Anchorage in 1965, they returned to Juneau for several years, and then back to Petersburg, where he finished out his 30 year career with the Forest Service, retiring at the age of 52.

He and Dodie had divorced in 1977, and the next year he met and married Helen Wills Montgomery. They lived in Juneau for some time until she became ill, and they moved to Silverton, Oregon. They were married for 17 years until her death in 1995.

Bill remained in Oregon, and some years later, while living in Sweet Home, he met Elaine Darling; they were married on Valentine's Day in 2001, when he was 69. They moved to Pacific City and lived there for several years until they relocated to Lincoln City in 2011. Bill did some travelling in the early years after he retired, but as he grew older, he enjoyed staying home with a good book and a cozy fire. He always denied being a good cook, but he did like to putter in the kitchen, and we all looked forward to his corned beef dinner. He was a man with a dry sense of humor and a gruff exterior which hid his soft heart. He loved well and was well loved, and he will be dearly missed.

Bill is survived by his wife Elaine Darling-Overdorff, his ex-wife Dodie Overdorff, and his children: KrieAnn Kudar (Lincoln City), Eric and Kelly

Overdorff (Petersburg, Alaska), and Jodie and Peter Brandt (Joseph, Oregon). He had 6 grandchildren  Adam Kudar, Collins Kudar, Ashley (and Randy) Bocchi, Rachel Kvernvik, Erica (and Scott) O'Neil, and Taylor Overdorff, and 4 great-grandchildren  Aspynn and Trinton Bocchi and Gavin and Olivia O'Neil. No service will be held, according to his wishes, and his ashes will be laid to rest in the Petersburg

Memorial Cemetery in Alaska.
Second Hand Drugs shuns mainstream with 'regressive rock'

Michigan band Second Hand Drugs aims to make a splash by doing things its own do-it-yourself, back-to-the-future way  from the regressive rock it creates to the way it markets and distributes its 
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PDVSA CEO says company will swap short-term debt







Venezuela bonds rally as PDVSA swap bets ease default concern. Eulogio Del Pino, PDVSA CEO

CARACAS

Petroleumworld.com 07 28 2016

The head of Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA, Eulogio Del Pino, said a debt swap plan was ready and will be announced soon, as the cash-strapped company seeks financial respite.

"We have a plan that we'll be announcing shortly for exchanging our debt," Del Pino told local media late on Tuesday after a meeting.

"Only in what remains of the year, we have amortizations of $3.5 billion. That (swap) plan was already announced by a group not authorized to do so, but as soon as it came out in the media, we saw our country risk declining."

The Caracas-based company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

PDVSA bonds were up across the board on Wednesday. Its $3 billion 2017 bond maturing in April was up 2.2 points to a bid price of 67.40. The 2017N bond, which has a $2 billion amortization payment coming due in November, was up 1.97 points to bid 76.22.

Del Pino had said earlier this year PDVSA [PDVSA.UL] was in talks with international banks over refinancing.

Financial advisory firm Rothschild is approaching PDVSA bondholders in a bid to form a creditor group and draft a proposal for a voluntary swap of about $8 billion of the company's short-term debt for notes with later maturities, IFR reported earlier this month, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

A debt swap could be a complex and potentially costly operation for PDVSA. The company would have to offer sweetened terms to bondholders to convince them of a swap amid a severe economic crisis that is devastating the OPEC country.

Del Pino said the debt proposal was "attractive," adding that it was "very easy" to offer a debt swap.

The opposition-led National Assembly has warned President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government it will not recognize public credit operations it has not authorized, potentially spooking bondholders who think the unpopular Maduro may be removed via a referendum.

OUTPUT WOES

Venezuela, which has the world's biggest crude reserves, has also struggled with falling oil production this year, amid a cash crunch, shortages of spare parts and equipment, an energy crisis, and a brain drain.

"The fall of 220,000 barrels per day was a temporary issue due to electric problems and a problem with one of the upgraders, but that issue has been overcome," he said, without offering specifics.

Del Pino also said the company was selling about $200 million to $250 million a month at the DICOM foreign exchange rate, which is currently about 640 bolivars per dollar.

PDVSA is also selling some $500 million to $600 million a month at the DIPRO rate of 10 bolivars per dollar, he said.






Three people were killed in separate incidents from Wednesday through Thursday morning in the city's Nicetown, Fairhill and West Oak Lane neighborhoods, Philadelphia police said Thursday.

About 4:30 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a report of a man down on the 3900 block of North 16th Street in Nicetown. There, they found a 26-year-old man facedown on the street, his body partly under a pickup truck.

The man had been shot in his upper right back, and was pronounced dead by medics at the scene. His name was not released pending family notification.

Earlier, about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a report of a person with a gun on the 2700 block of North Darien Street in the Fairhill section of North Philadelphia and found two victims, one dead.

Joel Montanez, 18, who lives on that block, was found on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds, police said. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Officers found the second shooting victim, a 37-year-old man, inside a home. He had been shot in his abdomen and was taken by medics to Temple University Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

The first homicide in the string of shootings was reported about 8:10 p.m. Wednesday. Police responded to a shooting on the 2000 block of Haines Street in West Oak Lane, where they were told that the victim, later identified as Khalid Harris, 39, of the 1800 block of East Pastorius Street, also in West Oak Lane, had been taken by private vehicle to Einstein Medical Center.

Harris, who was shot multiple times, was pronounced dead at the hospital at 9:30 that night.

According to surveillance video, Harris had been walking to his black pickup truck on Haines Street when two men approached him, one with a gun. One of the men shot Harris, and both drove off in the truck, police said.

No arrests have been made in any of the shootings, and no other details were available.

shawj@phillynews.com

215-854-2592 @julieshawphilly
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Taipei, July 28 (CNA) The Export Processing Zone Administration (EPZA) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Thursday issued the greenlight to four enterprises to invest in local export processing parks, and the presence of the four is expected to bring in about NT$400 million (US$12.5 million) in new funds and create 130 new job openings.
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In what is likely to be a memorable moment on Wednesday night, President Barack Obama will take the stage at the Democratic National Convention and defend his legacy as president and urge voters to reject Donald Trump in November.

While Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton  the two biggest and most effective speakers of the convention thus far  didnt mention Trump by name, Obama will reportedly name check him several times.

And, why not? Since his takedown of Trump at the 2011 Correspondence Dinner, Obama has been one of the most effective weapons against the spray-tanned buffoon.

Five years later, though, there is much more at stake for the president and the country.

There is no question that history will judge Obamas tenure as a success  even now, an increasing number of Americans approve of his presidency. But who succeeds him in the Oval Office is likely to be decisive in determining whether his successes are temporary achievements or long-term transformations.

His administrations stimulus package  still a point of attack for Republicans, but what isnt these days?  halted the economic free fall and laid the foundation for 15 million new private-sector jobs and 76 straight months of job growth. It also made unprecedented investments in clean energy that have the potential to pay dividends for decades to come.

A Trump presidency would usher in an updated version of the trickle-down economic policies that have failed this country whenever implemented. And when it comes to investing in clean energy and taking on climate change, Trump doesnt even believe its a problem that needs to be tackled.

President Obamas Affordable Care Act provided millions more Americans with health insurance and advanced the notion that, in the United States of America, health coverage shouldnt just be for the healthy and the wealthy  it should be for every single man, woman, and child.

Donald Trump, of course, promises to completely repeal the law, kicking millions off their coverage and handing the reins back over to the insurance companies. His campaign co-chair even said that not everybody needs to have health insurance.

On immigration, the president has taken executive actions to protect millions of undocumented immigrants from the threat of deportation. These are people that may be here illegally but still pay billions of dollars in taxes each year and are working to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Obama has repeatedly called for comprehensive immigration reform that will put these people on a path to citizenship  something that a majority of Americans want to see accomplished.

Donald Trump, of course, promises to build a giant wall on the southern border and enlist a deportation force to ship millions of people out of this country. He believes Mexican immigrants are criminals and rapists.

On these issues and many more, the gains we have made over the past eight years will either be erased or severely chipped away by a Republican presidency. The GOP has already been working tirelessly to do this with Obama still in office; just imagine what they would do if they have complete control.

Wednesday night will give President Obama a chance to urge Americans not to choose that path.

Instead, he will urge Democrats and Americans to rally behind Hillary Clinton not just to secure his legacy, but to protect the United States of America from the clear and present danger that a Donald Trump presidency poses.
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Ever since a 2011 shooting in Tuscon, Arizona left her with life-altering injuries, Gabby Giffords has had difficulty speaking. On Wednesday nights gun violence portion of the Democratic National Convention, the former congresswoman had no trouble at all.

With her husband Mark Kelly by her side, Giffords took the stage to a standing ovation and declared her enthusiastic support for Hillary Clinton.

Video:

Come January, I want to say these two words: Madam President.' https://t.co/J54RiATgwT https://t.co/SuUYIqB2jh  CBS News (@CBSNews) July 28, 2016

Giffords said, Hillary is tough. Hillary is courageous. She will fight to make our families safer. In the White House, she will stand up to the gun lobby. Thats why Im voting for Hillary. Speaking if difficult for me, but come January I want to say these two words: Madam President.

It was another special moment at a DNC that has been full of them.
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Joe Biden slammed Donald Trump on Wednesday in an interview on MSNBCs Morning Joe, saying the Republican nominee knows nothing about foreign policy.

The vice presidents comments come on a day when Trump essentially asked Russia to commit espionage against the United States.

Video:

Biden said, The truth is Donald Trump knows nothing about foreign policy, nor should he based on his background. The thing that bothers me is that I dont see any attempt for him to go out and get people that really know on the Republican side.

Referring to Trumps recent comments that he might not defend Americas NATO allies if they were under attack, Biden said the GOP nominee is playing directly into the hands of a guy (Putin) who says his overarching goal is to break up NATO and fracture Europe.

If Trump kept his promise not to defend these allies, he would be violating the most critical section of the North Atlantic Treaty (the agreement that established NATO), Article V, which commits each member state to defend the other members in the event of an attack.

I dont think [Trump] knows what Article 5 is, Biden went on to say in the interview. But if youre gonna be president of the United States of America, you better know.

Trumps repeated comments about Russia would be puzzling but inconsequential if he was still hosting a reality show or driving casinos into the ground. The fact that he is running to be commander-in-chief make them reckless and irresponsible.

And, if you werent already terrified, Trump is just days away from receiving top-secret intelligent briefings.

Another day, another opportunity for Donald Trump to show his complete ineptitude when it comes to foreign policy  and, boy, did he seize it.
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President Obama used his bully pulpit and completely destroyed everything about Donald Trump at the Democratic convention.

Obama began by recalling his historic keynote at the 2004 Democratic convention, and talked how his daughters have grown up, and his wife hasnt aged a day.

The president said that the nation had been tested, but he is more optimistic about the future of America than ever. Obama said that what Trump talked about in Cleveland was the fanning of blame, resentment, anger and hate. Obama talked about the decent and generous America that he knows.

The President rejected Trumps view of America, The America I know is full of courage, and optimism, and ingenuity. The America I know is decent and generous. Sure, we have real anxieties  about paying the bills, protecting our kids, caring for a sick parent. We get frustrated with political gridlock, worry about racial divisions; are shocked and saddened by the madness of Orlando or Nice. There are pockets of America that never recovered from factory closures; men who took pride in hard work and providing for their families who now feel forgotten. Parents who wonder whether their kids will have the same opportunities we have.

In contrast, the President said that Hillary Clinton is in this for people who need a champion. Obama reminded everyone that Clinton argued for the mission that took out Bin Laden.

Obama said that there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton.

The President said:

Does anyone really believe that a guy whos spent his 70 years on this Earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion? Your voice? If so, you should vote for him. But if youre someone whos truly concerned about paying your bills, and seeing the economy grow, and creating more opportunity for everybody, then the choice isnt even close. If you want someone with a lifelong track record of fighting for higher wages, better benefits, a fairer tax code, a bigger voice for workers, and stronger regulations on Wall Street, then you should vote for Hillary Clinton.

And if youre concerned about whos going to keep you and your family safe in a dangerous world  well, the choice is even clearer. Hillary Clinton is respected around the world not just by leaders, but by the people they serve. Shes worked closely with our intelligence teams, our diplomats, our military. And she has the judgment, the experience, and the temperament to meet the threat from terrorism. Its not new to her. Our troops have pounded ISIL without mercy, taking out leaders, taking back territory. I know Hillary wont relent until ISIL is destroyed. Shell finish the job  and shell do it without resorting to torture, or banning entire religions from entering our country. She is fit to be the next Commander-in-Chief.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump calls our military a disaster. Apparently, he doesnt know the men and women who make up the strongest fighting force the world has ever known. He suggests America is weak. He must not hear the billions of men, women, and children, from the Baltics to Burma, who still look to America to be the light of freedom, dignity, and human rights. He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, and tells the NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection. Well, Americas promises do not come with a price tag. We meet our commitments. And thats one reason why almost every country on Earth sees America as stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago.

America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.

By the time Obama was done, there was nothing left of Trump, but bad hair, and a horrible fake tan.
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Tim Kaine accepted the vice presidential nomination in Philadelphia on Wednesday night in a speech where he introduced himself to the country, welcomed disaffected Republicans to join the team, and did an impressive and devastating Donald Trump impersonation.

Video:

WATCH: Crowd laughs as VP nominee Tim Kaine mocks Donald Trump in #DNCinPHL speech: Believe me! Believe me! https://t.co/RDzmea9H7K  NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) July 28, 2016

Kaine, one of only a handful of people in history to serve as a mayor, governor, and senator, also outlined his past accomplishments and explained why Hillary Clinton has the character to be president.

Shes consistent. She has battled to put kids and families first since she was a teenager  in good times and bad, in victory and defeat, in or out of office, Kaine said.

Kaine reminded voters of Clintons passion and history of helping children and families. He also revealed what drives Donald Trump.

Trump has a passion, too, Kaine said. Himself.

Kaine also went out of his way to take a shot at Trumps refusal to make his tax returns public  something every presidential candidate in modern history has done.

Video:

Tim Kaine: Trump ought to release his tax returns just like every other presidential candidate in modern history. https://t.co/c8AeBpLjuq  ABC News (@ABC) July 28, 2016

It was a great debut for the Spanish-speaking, down-to-earth vice presidential nominee.
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Sen. Tim Kaine uttered one sentence in his acceptance speech that was capable of triggering a landslide for Hillary Clinton.

Tim Kaine drew an immediate contrast with Trump and talked about the bright future that we will build together while accepting the nomination for vice president.

Kaine said he never expected to be here. A few Nebraska delegates and a slew of California and Maine delegates held up no TPP signs.

Sen. Kaine talked about his first-hand look at a dictatorship in Honduras. Kaine made a direct appeal to Republicans who are looking for the Party of Lincoln and told them that they have a home in the Democratic Party.

Sen. Kaine with his Virginia appeal, faith, and soft voice may be the kind of moderate-sounding voice that Republicans who are turned off by Trump have been looking for.

Listening to Kaine speak, his selection makes total sense.

While Donald Trump is fumbling around with a foolish pursuit of Bernie Sanders supporters, Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine have been targeting voters of the left, right, and middle who have been turned off by Trumps extremism.

The strategy is clear, and if it is effective, Clinton/Kaine may win by a landslide.
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As Trump invites another cyber attack from Russia to help him win an election to an office he is clearly not qualified to occupy, Cruz surrogate Frank Gaffney of the oxymoronic Center for Security Policy, says it is the Democrats who are aligned with our enemies and not with America and will doom all of us if they have their way.

Take a listen courtesy of Right Wing Watch:

The bigger question, which I think more and more of us are tumbling to watching this spectacle is not just the ignoring of that reality, it is the aligning with our enemies. You talked earlier about Tim Kaine having done a lot of that with the Muslim Brotherhood. Hes not alone. There are whole bunches of them in the progressive movement. Look at the Palestinian flags. Look at people burning Israels flag and burning the American flag. These people are on the wrong side. Im sorry for Democrats, I used to be one myself, who are now being completely disenfranchised by a party that is aligned with our enemies and not with America. They will doom all of us if they have their way.

Yes. Hes sorry for the Democrats, not for the Republicans who have a nominee inviting enemies to attack us for his personal gain. It is hardly a surprise that a former Cruz adviser would have such a skewed view of reality. You can be sure he remains convinced that Obama, not Trump, hates America.

Gaffney, despite his poor taste in candidates, once made the Southern Poverty Law Centers Thirty key leaders of the American radical right. He is a professional Islamophobe and has gone so far as to suggest that Black Lives Matter is working hand in hand with Islamic terrorists to incite revolution.

It is not a big step, therefore, to completely ignore Trumps conspiracy with Putin to target Democrats. After all, this claim is no more fantastic than any of his previous claims.
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Dear Dave: I have a hard time admitting my mistakes. I can tell my boss and my colleagues are aware of things I do wrong, but I just can't admit I messed up. I pride myself on doing great work, and that may be part of the problem  my pride gets in the way. I want to maintain credibility with my coworkers. What can I do?  T

Dear T: First, let me say, you are being quite responsible by trying to own up to your mistakes. When people try to cover up their errors and sweep them under the rug, this is when problems occur. Small errors in aggregate become big problems if not acknowledged and corrected early and completely.

All of us - no matter how hard we try  likely will disappoint our manager or coworkers at some point. We are human after all, and we all make mistakes. This does not mean we should carelessly and sloppily do our work, but we should realize not everything is going to be perfect. So, instead of hiding things and creating more damage, we should fess up to our errors and just take care of business  address the problems right away.

I think it is best to tell your boss, or coworkers, what happened, take responsibility for it and tell them how you'll ensure it doesn't happen again. Basically, if you don't admit your wrongdoing and take responsibility, you will leave your boss and coworkers wondering if they can trust that similar mistakes won't happen again. And worse, that you did not learn anything from your mistakes.

If you proactively show that you get it and realize what happened, your credibility will be increased and people will trust your judgment more. But, if you instead act like your mistake wasn't a big deal or just get defensive about it, you actually can increase the damage and lose your coworkers' trust.

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As long as you don't repeat the same blunders time and again, how you handle them will be what matters most. I know fully accepting a mistake, making necessary repairs and avoiding repetition of the same mistakes is extremely difficult. But, it is best to show others you can learn from failure and face difficult and even embarrassing things head-on.

Responsibility tips

OK, we know things happen, so how do you handle it well when you've botched something?

First, come clean and tell your boss, or coworkers what happened, immediately. Don't put it off out of fear of repercussion. I think they'll be more upset if you put it off, and delaying the news sends the message you value your own comfort over the needs of the team and organization. You will look more trustworthy if you are transparent and honest about the errors.

Please, don't look for cop-outs and don't put the blame on others. Sincerely, acknowledge you messed up and you are sorry. You can simply say, "I made a mistake, and I fully realize what happened." In fact, the more genuinely concerned you seem, the less irritated they will be. I believe if you proactively show you understand what happened, there's no need for them to rub it in your face.

Do some investigation and analysis of what transpired, causing the mistake to happen. If you don't understand how it happened, you're not going to keep it from happening again. You should be able to clearly state what went awry and how you can fix it  and how you can avoid it in the future. This knowledge and these actions will bolster your self-confidence and your credibility.

Finally, accept the consequences  whatever they may be. I know it's hard and it may be a blow to your ego, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet and take your lumps. I think we all tend to overplay the punishment we will receive for our infractions. Get it over with and move on.
A bit of "glam" is on the way for Rochester's Peace Plaza .

Katie Marie Kirckof, a well-known local makeup artist, is ready to add some color to the heart of downtown with her new BB Makeup Cosmetic Bar .

"There is definitely a calling for makeup downtown," she said. "If I don't bring it, somebody else will, and I think I'm the right person to do it."

Kirckof, who previously managed Rochester's About Face makeup boutique, has been thinking about opening her own shop for quite a while. She previously was planning on opening a makeup and jewelry store with her father, "Diamond" Don Kirckof of Rochester Lapidary Jewelers . Unfortunately, he died unexpectedly before they could make that dream a reality.

Now she and her husband, Tommy Speer, have lined up 900 square feet of space at 16 First St. SW to launch this new franchise. It will fill about half of the former the Southeastern Minnesota Visual Artistsspace on the Peace Plaza. Darci Fenskeof Paramark Real Estatebrokered the lease deal.

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The shop will exclusively carry the full line of BB cosmetics, skin care and hair-care products. Hudson, Wis.-based BB also offers eyelash extensions and unique eyebrow treatments. Kirckof also plans to offer a lot of services aimed at the local wedding market.

It will be staffed by a team of five, including Kirckof. She hopes to be able to open in late August.

"I'd like to be open for at least one Thursdays on First day," Kirckof said.

A complete makeover of the space is underway. Expect a bright front door with glitter wallpaper and chandeliers.

"It's going to be very glam," she said. "It's going to a happy place."  Jeff Kiger
Son Roger had wanted a Nissan 350Z since before getting his license.

A junior at Mayo High School, his last 12 months working at Menards really paid off. In late February, he found a well-kept and well-appointed 2004 Grand Touring model in Los Angeles by way of Auto Trader. He had just enough saved. A phone call later confirmed the condition and quality hoped for, and a deal was made.

The owner, David McBride, was very understanding of this young man's quest for his dream "Z" and agreed to take his down payment with Roger's paying the balance upon arrival in Los Angeles. David further agreed to hold the car for five weeks, until April 2, when spring break began and we could then travel. This was good for David, too, as his Z's replacement (a new Tesla) wouldn't arrive for a few more weeks.

I am always up for a road trip, and with frequent flyer miles we scheduled two one-way tickets to L.A. for April 2, with the goal of driving home by way of Historic Route 66 as much as possible.

Changing of the guard

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We made it to David's house, and there it was, ready for the changing of the guard. Roger couldn't have bought the car from a nicer person. Wanting Roger to have a memorable trip, David had installed new tires on the rear, a new battery, changed the oil, and filled the car with Hi-Test. David showed Roger everything about the car's operation, and we were on our way, along with Route 66 maps and a new radar detector to boot.

We drove to Victorville to stay the night, and after eating real California burritos at Roberto's (you don't get these in the Midwest), we turned in early so as not to waste any sunshine the next day. Route 66 is not a bed of roses. There are tough spots and even some gravel and dirt along the way. It breaks and jig-jags, disappears, and puts you on the interstate here and there, and can be quite difficult to follow at times. Good Route 66 maps and a navigation system (the Z has it) are a must.

Victorville to Needles, Calif., was one of the roughest stretches, with a lot of potholes and turned-up asphalt, but the mountains were scenic and the desert has its own beauty. The desert had recently received a lot of rain, so we were lucky to see desert flowers in bloom. A rare sight indeed!

Next we made our way to Oatman, Ariz., to see the wild burros that roam the streets looking for tourists to feed them "wild burro food," which can be purchased quite cheaply. They really are cute, but Oatman seemed like a Third World country, with a market, old trailers and shacks and animals running loose. Leaving Oatman was interesting as we navigated switchbacks and hairpin curves through the mountains, necessitating a maximum speed of 10 mph to 15 mph at times.

Beautiful wrecks

About 50 miles east of Kingman and coming up a grade out of Peach Springs, one can catch a glimpse of the Grand Canyon, but you have to look hard and close. You don't have to look too hard to see the Burma Shave signs and messages below Peach Springs and Seligman. A great tribute to days past.

Western Arizona and Route 66 showed us lots of old cars, wreckers, junkyards, abandoned gas stations, diners and motels from the '40, '50s and '60s. Coming into Flagstaff, we drive through the beautiful Kaibab National Forest. Stopping at Bellemont, we took pictures of the Old Pine Breeze Inn, where Captain America and Bill were turned away in the film "Easy Rider." We stayed the night in Flagstaff and enjoyed our dinner at Carl's Jr. The good stuff!

Meteor Crater (a must-see) was next, where Roger got the junior rate and I the the senior rate, saving us $11. Moving east, we made our way to Winslow for a photo opp. It was 1970 all over again. The rest of the way to our stay in Albuquerque was uneventful except for seeing a lot of cool old cars and lots of "private junkyards," where people just keep stashing their old, worn-out cars in their backyards and side yards through the decades. If you are a prissy sort, they may be an eyesore, but if you are an old car person, you would think you are driving through heaven. We turned in at sundown and treated ourselves to Jack-in-the-Box crisp tacos for supper. How we wished we had them in Minnesota.

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We got our kicks

The Deep Blue Hole in Santa Rosa was our first sight to see on Day 3, and it was a must-see. It is a beautiful 81-foot-deep artesian spring in the desert. Don't miss it. Tucumcari was our next destination. Think of the movie "Cars," and the town that got bypassed by the interstate. It is full of abandoned gas stations, motels and roadhouses of days gone by, and a lot of pictures to take. Prior to Tucumcari and Interchange No. 321, Route 66 travels under the interstate by way of a tight tunnel. No oversize vehicles here!

Sixty miles into Texas past mile 60 south of the interstate is the Cadillac Ranch, and 50 miles east of that is Texas' leasing tower of Groom. Farther east, in Alanreed, sits a beautiful and artistic abandoned Texaco station that made me dream of days past, and in the Shamrock sits a gorgeous restored art deco Conoco station built in 1936. It is a true masterpiece!

There is a lot to see on the Route 66 trip, but you can't see it or do it all in five days, so sometimes you have to make judgment calls as to what to see and what to pass up. But if you like old cars, gas stations, diners and motoring memories from the early days of travel, this is a trip you should take.

We finally made our way to Rolla, Mo., where we steered north to Rochester on U.S. 63. We drove through all of the Route 66 states except Illinois, and what a trip it was. It was was tough coming down from this one.

P.S. In appreciation of David's kindness, we sent him a box of Nut Goodies and some Surly beer when we got home. The good stuff that you can't get in California!
WINONA  The man who allegedly shot and killed one man and injured another outside a bar in Winona on Wednesday was charged with murder today.

Ricky Darnell Waiters, 49, faces charges of second-degree murder, second-degree assault, and drive-by shooting, all felonies, in connection with a shooting in the 700 block of West 5th Street, outside of EB's Corner Bar.

Robert Charles Johnson, 53, of Winona was shot in the torso, and Sean Patrick O'Brien, 27, of Winona, was shot in the leg. Both victims were transported to Winona Health. Johnson died from his injuries.

When Winona police arrived at the scene of the shooting around 1 a.m. Wednesday, one of the officers saw a man on the ground outside the back of the bar. A witness was trying to apply pressure to man's chest, later telling officers the man had a gunshot wound to the chest.

The witness said that he was standing outside the bar's back door when an older model blue Geo Tracker drove into the parking lot and parked, according to the records. The witness said the driver was the only occupant inside the vehicle.

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Later, the suspect drove out of the parking lot and fired six shots from a handgun inside the car at the witness and his friends.

A friend pulled the witness into the bar. When they returned outside, one of the victims was found on the ground. He described the shooting suspect as a large black male, six feet or taller, with a stocky build.

Two witnesses told police that the driver shouted something to the effect of "Don't f----with Angel." There had been no altercations in the bar that evening, the witnesses did not know the driver, and had not seen him before, according to the criminal complaint.

One of the officers assisted the second shooting victim, who was reported to have several bullet wounds to the lower half of his body. The victim told police that the weapon "looked like a handgun" and believed there was only one person in the car.

Dispatch informed law enforcement that Waiters owned a car similar to the one described by witnesses. Around 1:58 a.m. police went to Waiters' last known residence in the 100 block of West Third Street to see if the vehicle was there. At the time, officers didn't see the car. Officers returned to the residence at 3:50 a.m. and saw a blue Geo Tracker parked outside.

When officers looked through the car window, they saw two spent shell casings, according to the complaint. One shell casing was found on the floor of the driver's side, and a second near the center console. The casings were consistent with a handgun, the complaint said.

Police also found a black handgun holster on the floor of the car, the complain said. A weapon was not seen at that time. Waiters was walking out of his apartment when he was arrested. Two search warrants were executed for the apartment and car.

During the search, police found a .40 caliber handgun inside the apartment, the complaint said. Six spent shell casings for a .40 caliber firearm were discovered in the car.
A 33-year-old Rochester man was sentenced to two years of probation and 20 days in jail for three separate incidents since March that have included indecent exposure and masturbating in public.

Taylor Robert Gehrking plead guilty to one count of indecent exposure, a gross misdemeanor. Other charges for disorderly conduct were dismissed. He was also sentenced to 20 days in the Olmsted County jail, which he had already served.

Dodge Fillmore Olmsted Community Corrections will monitor Gehrking; he was placed under conditions that include a psychological-sexual evaluation. He was also sentenced to 90 hours of community service over an 18-month period, in lieu of a $900 fine.

The charges stem from three incidents, the first of which was in March and the last in June. Gehrking has a long history of similar behavior and has been named in more than 20 criminal cases.

According to the criminal complaint, Gehrking was taken into custody in June after a man called police to report a naked male was publicly masturbating in the 2400 block of 11th Avenue Southeast. Gehrking was dressed when officers arrived, Police Capt. John Sherwin said.

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In May 2010, Olmsted District Judge Robert Birnbaum ordered Gehrking to be committed for up to six months of chemical dependency treatment. The judge said at the time that Gehrking has been hospitalized many times and participated in outpatient mental health services to treat a mental health disorder.

Gehrking also had entered several treatment programs, with limited success, to address substance use, identified primarily as crack cocaine, marijuana and alcohol. Birnbaum said Gehrking's cognitive impairment as a result of his mental illness has made successful completion of these programs difficult.

More recently, Gehrking was arrested twice in March, the last time when Rochester police were dispatched to Kmart, 201 Ninth St. SE, after employees called law enforcement. They were worried about a man  later identified as Gehrking  who had been in a dressing room for 90 minutes.

He'd been in the store the day before, as well, the report says, and spent a long time in the dressing room. An employee who checked on him said Gehrking was naked on the floor of the room. They "made contact with him, to make sure he was OK," Sherwin said at the time.

Gehrking left soon after, but when he returned the next day, police were called. An officer found him naked on the floor of the dressing room, masturbating, Sherwin said. He was arrested without incident.

Despite multiple charges against Gehrking, court records show, he has just three convictions. The remainder of the cases were resolved either by dismissal of the charges or acquittals because of mental illness.

Gehrking was arrested March 1 after a woman who was walking her dog about 6:15 p.m. reported seeing a man lying on his back with his pants down and his legs spread. He was charged with indecent exposure.
something something religion of peaceThe pace and scope of the killing are dizzying. Some 300 members of families blown apart by bombs as they celebrated the end of Ramadan in Baghdad. Forty-nine dead at the Istanbul airport, 40 more in Afghanistan. Nine Italians, seven Japanese, three students at American universities and one local woman brutalized in the diplomatic quarter of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The bodies piled up on a bus in Somalia, at a mosque and video club in Cameroon, at a shrine in Saudi Arabia.All that carnage was in a single week  a single week of summer in what feels like an endless stream of terror attacks. Orlando and Beirut. Paris and Nice and St. Etienne-du-Rouvray, France. Germany and Japan and Egypt. Each bomb or bullet tearing holes in homes and communities.We stopped the clock on two weeks in March when there were high-profile attacks that commanded headlines  and attacks in places where they have become almost routine. In that period, we counted 247 men, women and children cut down by Islamist extremists in mass killings carried out at soft targets in six countries.Eight couples were slain together, doing the things couples do.Muhammad and Shawana Naveed, wed three months before, went for a Sunday stroll in a Pakistan park.more
A development proposal for a new apartment building is aiming to upgrade downtown living in Rochester.

The Riverwalk Downtown City Apartments is a redevelopment of four residential properties on East Center Street, on the north side of the block at the entrance to Mayo Field.

North Rock Real Estate is handling the development on behalf of an ownership group that controls the properties.

The design currently shows about 160 apartment units in a six-story building, said Mike Zirbes, of North Rock. The architect is Momentum Design Group of St. Paul.

The project proposes an abundance of amenities for residents, something Zirbes said is not common to competitive apartment developments North Rock has reviewed. The building would include a rooftop sky deck, a pool and exercise room, community rooms and about 200 stalls of underground parking.

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"The idea is more of a walking-friendly project where very likely the majority of the residents would work downtown and have the ability to park in the underground parking garage and walk downtown," Zirbes said.

The units would be priced at market-rate rents, Zirbes said.

The project team has had a pre-development meeting with city of Rochester staff, as well as meetings with the city's planning department, parks department and public works department.

The developers also met with a neighborhood association and the city's Committee on Urban Design and Environment.

Mike LaPlante, Eastside Pioneers Neighborhood Association president, said neighbors voiced some concerns with the developers at a meeting last week. Those concerns included the density of the project and its setback from a single-family home to the east of the project site.

"There's plenty more meetings planned between the developer and the neighborhood," LaPlante said.

Zirbes said the project design is still conceptual and the development team would continue to seek and consider input from community groups and individuals.

"We're taking feedback into consideration as much as we can. We don't just brush things off and run through as quickly as possible. We're definitely respectful of the process," Zirbes said.

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Jesse Welsh and other members of Imagine Kutzky also met with the developer. Welsh said the conversation focused on the building's entryway design and making it a focal point, as well as the scale of the building and strategies to downplay its size.

"I think it's a great gateway toward Eastside; it would be nice to see mixed use there as you transition," Welsh said. "That area is going to develop more, so this would be the beginning of, probably, a lot of development in that core."

Zirbes did not have a timeline for the project to move into the application and formal review process. The next steps, he said, included forming a detailed landscaping plan that could include a reworking of the Mayo Field entrance.

Honkers General Manger Dan Litzinger said he and the developers would "need to sit down and think about it."
TORONTO  A Mayo Clinic scientist received a prestigious international award Monday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference that's being hosted in Canada.

Dr. Guojun Bu, a neuroscientist at Mayo's Florida campus, received the 2016 MetLife Foundation Major Award for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease, which is given annually to the top scientist in this field of study.

Bu and his research lab have produced more than 220 peer-reviewed articles on Alzheimer's over the past 20 years that have been cited more than 10,000 times. That work is widely recognized as being some of the most significant in the field.

Of particular note is Bu's breakthrough discoveries focused on the cell surface receptor called LRP1, which helped identify risk factors and pathology of Alzheimer's and related dementia.

"It is a tremendous honor, and I'm truly grateful to receive the MetLife Award," Dr. Bu said in a news release. "This recognition also affirms the tremendous work by my lab colleagues who have worked diligently with me over the years to find new ways to understand and treat this deadly disease."

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Dr. Bu is the Mary Lowell Leary Professor at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center on Mayo's Florida campus. He's the fifth Mayo doctor to receive the prestigious MetLife Award, which carries a $100,000 institutional grant and a personal prize of $25,000.

"We are very proud of Dr. Bu and his outstanding research team," said Gianrico Farrugia, CEO of Mayo's Florida campus. "At Mayo Clinic, we are grounded in research, so that we can continually advance the science of healing. Our world-class physicians and scientists strive every day to work toward solving the most complex and deadly health issues, such as Alzheimer's and other dementias."
PHILADELPHIA  His own legacy on the line, President Barack Obama implored Americans to elect Hillary Clinton to the White House, casting her as a candidate who believes in the optimism that drives the nation's democracy and warning against the "deeply pessimistic vision" of Republican Donald Trump.

"America is already great. America is already strong," he declared to cheering delegates Wednesday night at the Democratic convention. "And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump."

For Democrats, the night was steeped in symbolism, the passing of the baton from a barrier-breaking president to a candidate trying to make history herself. It culminated with Clinton making a surprise appearance on stage to greet Obama with a long embrace, an almost unimaginable image eight years ago when they battled for the Democratic nomination.

Obama urged Americans to summon the hopefulness of that White House campaign, before recession deepened and new terror threats shook voters' sense of security. He robustly vouched for Clinton's readiness to finish the job he started, saying "no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."

Earlier Wednesday, Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, introduced himself to the nation as a formidable foil to Trump in his own right. With folksy charm, he ridiculed Trump's list of promises and imitated one of the GOP candidate's favorite phrases.

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"Believe me!" he said mockingly, as the audience boomed back, "No!"

Obama's vigorous support for Clinton is driven in part by deep concern that Republican Trump might win in November and unravel his two terms in office. He warned repeatedly Wednesday that the billionaire businessman is unprepared for the challenges that would await him in the Oval Office.

Trump fueled more controversy Wednesday when he encouraged Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign. On the heels of reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said, "Russia, if you're listening," it would be desirable to see Moscow find and publish the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state.

Wednesday night's Democratic lineup was aimed at emphasizing Clinton's own national security credentials. It was a significant shift in tone after two nights spent reintroducing Clinton to voters as a champion for children and families, and relishing in her historic nomination as the first woman to lead a major political party into the general election.

The convention's third night was also a time for Democrats to celebrate Obama's legacy. Vice President Joe Biden, who decided against running for president this year after the death of his son, called it a "bittersweet moment."

A son of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden appealed directly to the working class white voters who have been drawn to Trump's populism, warning them against falling for false promises and exploitation of Americans' anxieties.

"This guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class," he declared.

Kaine also picked up the traditional attacking role of the presidential ticket's No. 2. He tore into Trump, mocking his pledges to build a wall along the Mexican border, asking why he has not released his tax returns and slamming his business record, including the now-defunct Trump University.

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"Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth," Kaine said. "Our nation is too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew."

Liberals, particularly those who supported Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, have grumbled about Kaine being on the ticket, particularly because of his support for "fast track" approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. Several delegates held up anti-TPP signs as he spoke.

In a move aimed at broadening Clinton's appeal, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg  an independent who considered launching a third party bid for president  endorsed the Democratic nominee. A billionaire businessman himself, Bloomberg took aim at Trump's bankruptcies, reliance on foreign factories and other economic experience: "The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy."

President Bill Clinton, filling the role of devoted political spouse, joined the crowd packed to the arena rafters in cheering the attacks on Trump.

The core of Clinton's strategy is putting back together Obama's winning White House coalition. In both his campaigns, Obama carried more than 90 percent of black voters, the overwhelming majority of Hispanics, and more than half of young people and women.

That coalition was vividly on display in the first two nights of the convention in Philadelphia. Women lawmakers were prominently featured, along with young activists, immigrants, and mothers whose black children were victims of gun violence or killed during encounters with law enforcement.

Gun violence continued as a theme Wednesday night as families of mass shooting victims took the stage. Delegates rose in an emotional standing ovation for the mother of one of the victims in last month's Orlando nightclub shooting, who asked why "common sense" gun policies weren't in place when her son died.

"I never want you to ask that question about your child," Christine Leinonen said.

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Though Obama has six months left in office, his address Wednesday had the feeling of a political transition. He was emotional as he thanked Americans for sustaining him through difficult stretches.

"Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me," he said. "I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me."
Magnus LLC, a bronze foundry facility situated at the corner of Bell and Morningside streets in Fremont, continues it endeavor to limit its environmental footprint.

In a recent public notice, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) proposed approval of a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for the Voluntary Cleanup Program for which the local metal manufacturing company applied.

The company has operated as a bronze foundry facility since 1982 under the name Magnus LLC. Prior to that  from 1961 to 1982  it went by the name N.L. Industries, and Magnus President John Macklin emphasized the companys primary goal to remain a good corporate neighbor in the city.

Im happy that Magnus is working with the state in the Voluntary Cleanup Program, Macklin said and explained that the company continues to work closely with the NDEQ to make improvements in the soil on the companys property.

According to the public notice, various metals that include lead, zinc, copper and antimony have contaminated the soil at the site, all originating due to historical activities. The level of lead contamination of on-site locations exceeds remediation goals established by the NDEQ as part of the Voluntary Cleanup Program, which Magnus applied to join in 2014. A fact sheet on the NDEQ website states that lead is the only contaminant found to be above the remediation goal for direct contact exposures in an industrial/commercial setting, which is the current and future use of the property.

Magnus collected soil and groundwater samples from both on-site and nearby residential yards. Both the company and NDEQ underscored that residential areas and nearby water wells showed no contaminants above the threshold levels.

The primary concern of course, is lead, said Tom Buell, unit supervisor for the Superfund and Voluntary Cleanup Program with the NDEQ.

Buell further specified for the Tribune that residential samples taken by Magnus showed lead levels below the regulated threshold of 400 parts per million (ppm).

However, he said samples acquired by Magnus from the companys own property reached between 2,000 ppm and 3,000 ppm. Buell explained, samples taken from commercial and industrial sites must conform to a 750 ppm for lead levels.

There are some sites on the ground that have been impacted, Macklin said, regarding areas on his companys property.

However, Buell and NDEQ documents affirmed that the most likely cause of the contamination resulted from historical air emissions occurring prior to the more stringent environmental regulations that exist today.

Magnus currently possesses the best available technology in terms of air emission controls, Buell added.

Magnus submitted a RAP to the NDEQ outlining the steps to amelioration of the contaminated areas. The RAP is part of the Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program. Established by the 1995 Remedial Action Plan Monitoring Act, the program represents a fee-based cleanup program for any company or other entity interested in recuperating contaminated properties. An applicant of a RAP (in this case Magnus) pays fees that cover expenses related to the review, approval and oversight by the NDEQ. Submitted plans are then reviewed by members of Superfund to be approved for remedial actions.

The improvements Magnus plans to implement consists of what the NDEQ calls a cap. Initially, the site will undergo preliminary grading of surface soil. Next, a bright-colored barrier will be placed across the surface to serve as visual identification to anyone choosing to dig in the area. The barrier is then covered by about 12 inches of clean soil that is seeded with vegetation to reduce erosion.

After the physical improvements to the area are completed, a long-term restrictive environmental covenant will be established for the property. The covenant restricts the future use of land to commercial or industrial, monitors the maintenance of the physical cap, regulates construction on the site and institutes an Operations and Maintenance Plan that outlines requirements to maintain integrity of the cap.

Currently, the Magnus RAP awaits final approval and resides in the public notice phase until such approval on Aug. 18. The Voluntary Cleanup Program requires Magnus to initiate cleanup within six months after RAP approval.

Our next step is to get some contractors in to look at it, Macklin said. But the good news is we havent had runoff from our property and the underground water tested to be in good state.

Buell alleviated concerns for community health risks, reaffirming that lead levels were below the 400 ppm threshold in neighboring residential areas and that spread of contaminants to those areas was highly unlikely.

Lead is fairly stable and does not leach into ground water, so thats not a concern here, Buell said. As far as risk, the reason for implementation of the cap is to eliminate the risk due to direct exposure to contaminated soil.

Jim Borovich, a geologist with the NDEQ, explained that the work to establish a cap is not complicated, requiring about two months to complete depending on the site. He further stated that the site activity drives the pace of the RAP.

Its contingent on being able to get equipment in to the site, Borovich said, adding that traditionally a company will contract the work out to an environmental engineering firm.

Traditionally, we prefer the Voluntary Cleanup Program because its a more streamlined program but still follows all state and federal regulations, Buell said.